22: Collision of Hearts

Lily was still taken aback by the raw emotion in Catherine's voice, and so she added with a sincerity that surprised even herself. "Catherine, believe me. This was never a game. My marriage to Michael... it's complicated. Love wasn't the reason we ended up together." Catherine's expression softened momentarily, but her eyes still held a flicker of suspicion. "Complicated? You make it sound like you had no choice. But we all have choices, Lily. Why didn't you choose to walk away?" Lily sighed, a weary look crossing her face. "Not all choices are simple, Catherine. Sometimes they're about lesser evils, about survival. Michael and I... our union was never about love or desire. It was about necessity." As they spoke, nurses and doctors from the nearby hospital passed by, mostly to get some food before change of rounds. They casted curious glances at the two women locked in a tense conversation. Catherine's demeanor shifted from confrontational to reflective. "I've loved Michael