Crystal Hearts

Chapter 12. Meeting Her

Lily arrived at the café, her heart pounding as she spotted Crystal sitting at a table with Ashter. The sight caught her off guard, sending waves of anxiety through her. She paused for a moment, her gaze locked on the two of them, struggling to process what she was seeing.

Crystal noticed Lily's hesitation and immediately stood up, her face a mix of concern and relief. "I'm sorry, Lily. Are you okay?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine worry.

Lily's hands trembled slightly as she tried to steady herself. "Yeah, I'm fine. Are you? Your hands are shaking."

Crystal nodded, though her expression revealed her own anxiety. "Yeah, me too. It's just a minor panic attack. It's nothing."

They shared a moment of uncomfortable silence as Ashter, sensing the emotional tension, stood up and excused himself to give them some privacy.

"I don't know what to say," Crystal finally admitted, her voice breaking the silence.

Lily took a deep breath, trying to
compose herself. "How did you find out about this? About... us?" She said.

"I saw you with dad," Crystal explained, her eyes reflecting a mix of pain and confusion. "When I asked Ashter's grandmother about it, she revealed everything to me."

Lily's gaze dropped to her lap, her voice trembling.

"Where do you live now?" Crystal asked.

"At his house," Lily replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of resignation.

"Does he... does he hit you?" Lily asked. The question seemed to hang in the air, heavy with unspoken fears. Crystal nodded slowly, her eyes filling with unshed tears.

Lily's expression softened, a flicker of sympathy crossing her features. "What about our mother? I don't even know if she is our mother or just yours."

"It's our mother," Crystal said quietly. "We were born as twins, but you were two minutes early, Lily."

Lily's eyes widened with shock. "How do you know that?"

"I was told you had died," Crystal replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I had no idea you were alive."

A heavy silence enveloped them as they both absorbed the gravity of the revelation. Lily's gaze was distant, as if lost in thought.

"He came to visit me occasionally, but he never mentioned you," Crystal said, her voice tinged with sadness.

Crystal's curiosity got the better of her. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

"Yes," Lily answered, a hint of a smile touching her lips.

"Thank God," Crystal said with relief. "Because Ashter is mine." She smiled, though it was a sweet expression.

"I knew it when I saw you in his office. That day, I did something reckless that I should apologize for. His threats always pushed me to do things I didn't want to."

"I understand," Crystal said, her voice filled with empathy. "I developed PTSD because of this. What will you do next?"

"I don't know," Lily admitted. "I'm planning to go back home."

Crystal's expression grew more determined. "You need to move out of that house. But for now, spend tonight with your boyfriend. I wish I could invite you for a sister's night out, but... what if he showed up?"

Lily nodded, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "Thanks for not hating me. I always wondered if we were together, we'd be a family... but sometimes I think you might hate me for having Dad."

He isolated me in a house and showed up only occasionally," Crystal said softly, her voice breaking slightly.

"Sometimes with gifts, sometimes just to take his frustration out. And why would I hate you? You live in fear almost every day. For me, it's only occasional. I just feel bad for both of us." A tear slipped down her cheek.

Lily reached out, gently touching Crystal's arm. "I'm so sorry for everything."

"Me too." Crystal said.

Ashter, who had been waiting patiently nearby, finally returned to find the two sisters in an emotional embrace.

Seeing their bond, he gave them a moment of privacy before gently guiding Crystal away from the café.

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