The afternoon sun poured through the tall glass windows of the grand Dallas mansion.
Vivian smoothed down the front of her light blue dress and rested a hand on her baby bump.
She had agreed to attend her half-sister's rehearsal dinner despite feeling completely unwelcomed by the family.
Her stepmother, Eleanor, stood near the grand staircase in a dark blue lace gown.
Eleanor looked at Vivian with cold contempt as guests mingled in the foyer.
The air was thick with quiet murmurs and the clinking of expensive crystal glasses.
Suddenly, a sharp gasp echoed across the white marble floor, cutting through the music.
Eleanor pointed a heavy diamond-encrusted finger straight at Vivian's pale face.
"How dare you!" Eleanor shouted, her voice echoing loudly off the high ceiling.
Vivian stepped back in shock, clutching her unborn child protectively.
"What are you talking about?" Vivian asked, her voice trembling slightly in front of everyone.
The bride, Chloe, rushed over in her silk dress, looking completely outraged.
"My heirloom diamond band is missing from my dressing table!" Chloe cried out loud.
"She was the only person who walked past that room in the last hour!" Eleanor claimed wildly.
Vivian shook her head rapidly as tears began to sting her eyes.
"I never went into your room, Chloe," Vivian pleaded, holding back her tears.
"She stole my ring!" Chloe yelled out, causing every guest in the room to freeze instantly.
The groom, Julian, stood nearby in his black tuxedo, looking thoroughly uncomfortable with the scene.
"Just let them search your bag, Vivian," Chloe said coldly, stepping closer to her.
"Clear your name right now so we can move on with our party," Chloe added smoothly.
Before Vivian could reply, Eleanor grabbed Vivian's leather purse directly from her shoulder.
Eleanor unzipped the bag and dumped its contents straight onto the hard marble floor.
Car keys, lipstick, a small wallet, and personal items scattered everywhere across the foyer.
The humiliating sound of metal and plastic hitting the polished floor echoed in the room.
Vivian closed her eyes tightly, tears streaming down her pale cheeks as guests stared in silence.