27. Confrontation

Lilian cut a red rose from the garden rose bush and gave it to Katie, "This is for you."

Katie's smile was as bright and beautiful as the sunset she loved so much. She was such a wonderful girl, always so cheerful in the sunshine. "Thanks, Aunty Lilian. I love it." She put the flower into her hair, which fell in perfect ringlets down her back.

Katherine was enjoying the afternoon breeze on the veranda when she heard Katie giggling happily, she looked in that direction to see who was with Katie. Her eyes blazed with anger when she saw Lillian.

Katherine bit her lower lip angrily and stormed towards Lillian and Katie in the garden. Lillian was caught off guard by her sister's sudden approach, and instinctively pulled Katie closer, shielding her from Katherine's advancing figure.

"What do you think you're doing, Lillian?" Katherine's voice was sharp and accusing. "You have no right to be playing with Katie. She's my daughter, not yours."

Lillian stood her ground, her expression a mix