21: The Unexpected Encounter

Lily, visiting the hospital for her own prenatal checkup, didn't anticipate a chance encounter with Catherine Trevon, Michael's admirer, whose presence always seemed to stir up tension. As always, Catherine exuded an air of superiority, her demeanor sharp and dismissive. Just after Lily received her checkup, she noticed Catherine in the waiting area. Deciding to avoid confrontation, she turned to leave, but Catherine, quick to react, approached her with a challenging tone. "Lily, is your conscience that troubled? Why flee at the sight of me?" Catherine asked with a sneer as she came to rest in front of Lily. Lily sighed, feeling cornered, but hiding her apprehension with a haughty look of her own. "It's not about conscience, Catherine. I simply prefer to steer clear of unnecessary drama. And as you're well aware, there's no love lost between us." Catherine's eyes narrowed, but she quickly masked it with a veneer of politeness. "Since fate has brought us together, let's shar