The white marble walls of the grand hall reflected the bright daylight streaming through the massive glass windows. Under the large American flag hanging near the center entrance, Victoria stood tall in her elaborate lace wedding gown. She held her head high with arrogant pride, looking down at Clara, who was kneeling on the cold floor in her grey maid uniform. Clara was six months pregnant, resting one hand softly on her belly to protect her unborn baby while tears streamed down her soft cheeks.
Victoria picked up a heavy crystal bowl filled with clear water from the nearby table and slammed it down beside Clara on the marble. The loud clatter echoed through the room, making the surrounding guests hush instantly. Deep inside the crystal bowl rested a stunning emerald engagement ring, glowing brightly under the sunlight. Victoria shoved Clara's shoulder roughly, forcing the pregnant woman to lean further down toward the floor in front of everyone.
Victoria: A servant should not touch what is mine!
Clara: He gave that to me...
Clara whispered through her quiet tears, her breath trembling as she looked at the green stone shimmering under the clear water. Her voice was barely audible over the soft whispers of the crowd gathered inside the grand hall. She tried to reach out with a shaking hand, but Victoria swatted her wrist away with a sharp snap of her manicured fingers.
Victoria: Shut your mouth! You are nothing but a hired maid in this estate, and you have no right to look at luxury items!
The guests watched in awkward silence, none of them daring to speak up against the woman who claimed she was about to marry into the famous Sterling family estate. Victoria adjusted her diamond necklace, smirking happily as she watched Clara struggle to keep her balance on her knees. Clara felt a terrible pain in her lower back from kneeling on the hard marble, but her heart hurt even worse. She kept her eyes fixed on the emerald ring at the bottom of the crystal bowl, remembering the exact evening it had been placed on her own finger in private months ago.
Victoria: Everyone look at this thief! She thought she could hide it in her uniform pocket during the wedding preparations!
Clara sobbed softly, holding her baby bump tighter to comfort herself against the cold cruelty filling the bright morning room. She looked around at the wealthy people in fine clothes, but every single face turned away or watched with cold curiosity. Nobody stepped forward to offer a hand or ask for an explanation. Clara lowered her head, accepting the humiliation while waiting for the one person who could clear her name.