Clara sat on the edge of the bed in her small apartment.
She placed both hands over her belly and felt a soft kicking motion.
The sunlight poured through the sheer curtains and lit up the modest room.
Mark entered with two cups of warm tea and sat beside her.
He placed his hand over hers with a gentle smile.
They had been married for six short months after a whirlwind romance.
Mark had left his family fortune behind to build a quiet life with her.
His mother, Evelyn Vance, controlled a massive real estate empire worth millions.
She had never accepted Clara, who worked as a public high school teacher.
Evelyn believed Clara was only after the family inheritance and trust fund.
Mark tried to keep the peace between his mother and his new wife.
He had taken a regular job at an architecture firm in town.
He wanted to prove to everyone that he could support his family independently.
Clara pulled Mark closer and leaned her head against his shoulder.
She knew that Evelyn was organizing a massive family gathering that afternoon.
Evelyn had invited all the town elites to her grand suburban mansion.
She claimed she wanted to make peace and discuss family business.
Clara felt a pit of anxiety growing deep in her stomach.
Mark kissed her forehead softly to ease her growing worries.
He promised her that nothing bad would happen at the mansion.
He swore he would protect her and their unborn child no matter what.
They packed their small car and drove toward the wealthy district.
The large iron gates opened as Mark drove up the curved driveway.
Evelyn's estate was famous for its grand marble hall and giant flags.
Clara took a deep breath as Mark parked near the front steps.
She opened the heavy double doors and walked into the grand home.