The bright daylight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Sterling family dining hall, making the white marble floors shine like glass.
Clara: You worthless girl! Look at what you did!
Elena: I'm so sorry, ma'am! The cup was hot—
Clara: YOU HAVE ONE JOB!
Clara's face twisted with rage as she grabbed the silver teapot. Without a second thought, she poured the steaming hot water directly over nineteen-year-old Elena's bare hands.
Elena: I'M SORRY, MA'AM!
Elena squeezed her eyes shut, crying in pain as the hot water scalded her skin. Her hands shook violently against her cotton apron.
At the head of the long table, Gabriel Sterling sat frozen in his tailored dark suit. He slowly looked up, his jaw tight as he watched his bride-to-be scowl at the young girl.
Clara: Clean up this mess right now, or I'll have you thrown out on the street!
Gabriel reached down to his hand. He slowly unclasped his heavy diamond engagement ring, his face turning completely cold.
Gabriel: THIS IS NOT THE WOMAN I AM MARRYING.
Clara turned her head fast, her eyes widening as she took a step back from the table.
Clara: GABRIEL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
Gabriel stood up so fast his heavy chair slid backward on the marble floor. His chest heaved with fury as he marched around the table straight toward her.
Gabriel: You dare do that in my home?
Before Clara could open her mouth to lie, Gabriel swung his hand across her face, the loud impact echoing through the vast dining room.
Clara: Ah!
The force sent Clara crashing hard onto the polished marble floor, her satin robe pooling around her legs as she clutched her red cheek in utter shock.
Gabriel: YOU HURT HER?! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE RIGHT NOW!
Clara looked up from the floor, her voice trembling as she tried to make sense of the nightmare unfolding around her.