The morning sun hit the marble floor of the grand foyer, casting long shadows across the white tiles. In the center of the spacious room, six-months-pregnant Emma cowered on the cold ground, clutching her swollen stomach while crying in pain. Her mother-in-law, Eleanor, stood over her with a cold, ruthless sneer on her face.
Eleanor: Get up off the floor and stop drama-acting, Emma! You think a pregnancy gives you a free pass to disrespect me in my own son's home?
Emma: Please, Eleanor... stop! I told you, I'm feeling dizzy today! I can't carry those heavy luggage boxes up the stairs right now!
Eleanor: You lazy little brat. My son works hard to afford this mansion, and you lie around doing nothing all day!
Eleanor raised her foot, stomping down hard onto Emma's side as the younger woman curled into a tight ball, sobbing hysterically and trying desperately to protect her belly.
Emma: Ow! Please, stop! You're going to hurt the baby!
Eleanor: I don't care about your excuses! You will do as I say, or I will make sure Marcus kicks you out onto the street without a single cent!
The heavy front glass door swung open with a sudden burst of wind. Marcus stepped inside, his briefcase in hand, having returned early from his corporate flight. He froze in place, his face turning pale before shifting into pure, unbridled rage as he saw his mother stomping on his pregnant wife.
Marcus: WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
Marcus dropped his briefcase onto the marble, rushing across the foyer with terrifying speed. He grabbed Eleanor by the shoulder, forcefully shoving her away from Emma, and brought his hand around in a swift motion, slapping his mother hard across the face with a loud crack.
Eleanor: Ah!
Eleanor stumbled backward into a plush armchair, clutching her stinging cheek in absolute shock and disbelief.
Eleanor: HOW DARE YOU!
Marcus knelt down quickly beside his crying wife, wrapping his arms around her trembling body and holding her tight against his chest while glaring up at his mother with pure fury.
Marcus: NEVER TOUCH MY WIFE AGAIN!
Emma: Marcus... Marcus, you came back... our baby, please check the baby...
Marcus: I've got you, baby. I've got you. You're safe now. Shh, take a deep breath.
Marcus raised his head, pointing a single, shaking finger directly toward the open front door, his voice echoing off the high ceilings.
Marcus: GET OUT OF MY HOUSE NOW!
Eleanor scrambled to her feet, her face flushing red with rage as she grabbed her rolling suitcase, storming out of the mansion as Marcus held his sobbing wife on the cold floor.