"Celine... actually, you weren't the cause of our mother's death," Mary said. She looked at Celine with reddened eyes, filled with profound regret.
"What do you mean?" Celine asked, her tone bewildered. She turned toward Leo, searching for a denial, but Leo only gave a weak nod and a blink that confirmed his sister's words. Celine looked back at Mary, her heart beginning to race with a sense of foreboding.
"Mama was taken to the hospital immediately after the incident. Her condition at the time actually wasn't that severe. The doctor said she could still be saved," Mary said. Suddenly, Mary's throat felt constricted. She was forced to take several short breaths to gather the strength to continue her story.
"She even... Mama even left a message for me and Leo. She begged us to save you from Father's plan to kill you that night." Mary slid from her chair and knelt before Celine. She held Celine's hands gently, but her grip was cold and trembling.
