Maria had been cooped up in the hospital for a week, and today she finally had the chance to stretch her legs with a walk around the artificial lake. Her body felt stiff from lying down for so long, and the cool breeze against her skin was a welcome relief from the heat. Herman walked beside her and asked, "Are you thirsty?"

"A little," Maria replied.

"Wait here, I'll grab some water," he said, turning to leave.

"Okay." Maria smiled, watching him walk away before turning her attention back to the lake. The hospital grounds, usually weighed down by an oppressive atmosphere, seemed lighter with people around, many of whom were also enjoying the fresh air. "Ha, what a two-faced woman," a snide voice suddenly interrupted her peace.

Maria turned to see Diana standing a short distance away, glaring at her with hostility.

"Are you talking about yourself?" Maria asked, blinking innocently. "That's quite an interesting self-reflection."

"I'm talking about you!" Diana snapped, storming closer. "You already have a boyfriend, so why are you trying to seduce Sidney? Does he even know you're stringing along two men at once?"

Maria watched her for a moment, amused by her self-righteous attitude.

"And who exactly do you think you are?" she asked coolly.

"Did you just insult

a smirk. "Oh, I'm just getting started. If you say one more

bold demeanor, combined with the cold gleam in her eyes, made

to steady herself, Diana said, "I came here to warn

to go after

Maria slapped Diana across the face, not bothering to

you think my warning was just background noise?" Maria said calmly, watching Diana's shocked

a little out of breath from the effort-clearly, her body still hadn't fully

hand, ready to strike back. "How dare you slap me, you bitch!

Diana could land

fell but caught herself, looking up to see Sidney standing next to Maria, his eyes

across her face.

heard everything," Sidney said, his voice icy. "And tell me,

not sparing her even

her lip. "But you were always so kind to

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