Bride: I said, you are NOT leaving!
Sophia darted across the marble floor like lightning, her long white train whipping behind her as she cut off Victoria's path near the grand entrance.
She grabbed Victoria hard by the shoulder, spinning her around with brute force.
Victoria: Let go of me, you crazy—
SLAP!
The sound echoed off the high ceilings like a gunshot.
Sophia's open palm landed squarely across Victoria's face, snapping her head back violently.
Victoria stumbled backward, losing her balance on her heels, clutching her reddening cheek in pure, unadulterated horror.
Victoria: You... you hit me!
Bride: That was for Clara.
Victoria: You hit me in front of all these people!
Bride: You slapped an innocent girl in my home on my wedding day. You're lucky I only gave you one.
Victoria: I'll sue you for millions! I'll take this house, I'll take your dress, I'll take everything!
Bride: Good luck finding a lawyer who will represent an active thief caught on camera.
Sophia stepped forward, pointing her finger sternly at the giant carved mahogany front doors.
Bride: GET OUT OF MY WEDDING!
Victoria: You can't throw me out! My name is on the guest list!
Liam: Security! Escort Miss Victoria off the premises immediately!
Two massive men in dark suits stepped forward from the hallway, grabbing Victoria firmly by both arms.
Victoria: Get your hands off me! Do you know who I am?!
Security Guard: Ma'am, come with us peacefully or we will restrain you on the floor until the police arrive.
Victoria: Mom! Do something! Help me!
Aunt Eleanor: I... I can't help you anymore, Victoria. You brought this on yourself.
Victoria: Traitor! You're all traitors!
The security guards dragged Victoria backward out the front doors as she kicked and screamed like a child.
The doors slammed shut with a heavy thud, leaving the room in a heavy, breathless quiet.
Sophia took a deep breath, adjusted her wedding veil, and smoothed out her dress.
Bride: Clara, come here please.
Clara stood up slowly, still holding the ice towel to her cheek.
Clara: Yes, Miss Sophia?
Bride: I am so sorry you had to go through that terrible experience today.
Clara: It's not your fault, ma'am. You saved me.
Bride: Today, you're not a servant here. I want you to take off that apron and sit down as our honored guest.
Clara: Oh no... I couldn't possibly! I'm on duty!
Liam: Consider your shift over for today—with full pay, plus a special bonus for the trouble you went through.
Clara: I don't know what to say... thank you so much, Mr. Liam.
Bride: Let's get you a seat at the front table next to my family.