- Familiar Stranger
He stood up unsteadily, his legs shaking.
“Liam, son,” Catherine said softly, stepping forward. “You’re not well. I will find Sanjana for you. You need rest.” Liam tried to resist. Catherine discreetly handed something to the nurse. The next moment, Liam collapsed.
Chaos erupted around the bed. The nurse rushed forward, calling for help, while Kabir stood frozen, terror clawing at his chest.
Catherine, however, did not react.
She slowly straightened, smoothing her dress with practiced calm. A faint smile—brief, cold, and deeply satisfied—touched her lips, as if something that had slipped out of her grasp long ago had finally fallen back into place.