The bright crystal chandeliers of the grand banquet hall reflected off the polished white tables, casting a blinding glare across the room. Wealthy guests in expensive suits and designer gowns clinked their glasses, laughing quietly.
Clara: Pick up that dropped napkin right now, you slow girl!
Maya: I am so sorry, ma'am... my hands are slipping.
Clara: You're useless! Move out of my sight!
Clara's face twisted with unbridled rage as she raised her right hand, her heavy diamond ring catching the golden light. With a brutal, sharp swing, her palm crashed across nineteen-year-old Maya's cheek. The impact echoed through the high-ceilinged room.
Maya stumbled back, her knees buckling as her hands clutched her red, burning skin.
Clara: STAY AWAY FROM MY HUSBAND!
Maya: Please, ma'am... I wasn't doing anything wrong!
Clara: Don't speak back to me, you pathetic little maid!
Tears spilled over Maya's lashes, running down her trembling face as she looked past Clara toward the head table. Sitting there in a sharp dark suit was Arthur Sterling, the prominent CEO of Sterling Enterprises.
Maya: SIR, PLEASE... I HAVE TO SHOW YOU SOMETHING!
Arthur: What is going on over there?
Clara: Nothing, Arthur! Just a messy servant who needs to be fired immediately!
Maya reached into the deep pocket of her black apron with shaking fingers. She pulled out an old, faded photograph with bent corners. Her body trembled violently as she leaned forward, placing the picture onto the white tablecloth right in front of Arthur before her legs gave out completely. She collapsed onto her knees on the cold floor.
Clara: Security! Throw this girl out on the street!
Arthur: Wait. Don't touch her.
Arthur slowly picked up the paper, his eyes locking onto the image. It was a vintage photograph of his late first wife holding a tiny baby girl with bright green eyes. Arthur looked up at Maya, his face turning pale as snow. He realized the truth that would destroy his second marriage forever.