The tension in the grand foyer was thick enough to cut.
Victoria stood tall in her sparkling green diamond evening gown.
She truly believed Arthur would forgive her after she explained herself.
She reached out to touch his arm with a soft smile.
Victoria: Let us put this foolish drama behind us right now.
Arthur stepped back violently, avoiding her touch entirely in public.
Arthur: Do not lay a single finger on me ever again.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
Inside was the massive diamond ring he had given her earlier.
He pointed toward the heavy ring resting on her left hand.
Arthur: Take that ring off your finger this very second.
Victoria's eyes went wide with sudden shock and deep panic.
Victoria: What? Arthur, you cannot break off our whole engagement!
Victoria: We have a massive wedding planned for next month!
Arthur: The wedding is canceled. Our entire relationship is completely over.
Victoria stepped closer, her soft demeanor vanishing into pure rage.
Victoria: You are throwing away our future for an old maid?
Arthur: I am throwing away a bully who abuses innocent people.
Victoria pulled the expensive diamond ring off her trembling finger.
She threw it angrily at his chest, letting it bounce away.
The small ring clinked softly against the shiny hardwood floor.
Victoria: My family has high status! You will regret doing this!
Arthur: My family built its status on honor and decency, Victoria.
Arthur: You have neither of those things inside your heart.
Clara returned with a glass of cool water for Martha.
Martha sat quietly, watching the dramatic confrontation unfold before her.
She felt a huge wave of relief wash over her heart.
Arthur looked at Victoria with absolute disgust in his dark eyes.
Arthur: You are done in this house, Victoria. Completely done.
Victoria raised her voice, her face twisted in bitter anger.
Victoria: You will be the laughingstock of the whole city!
Arthur: I do not care what anyone in high society thinks.
He pointed directly toward the grand double doors of the mansion.
Arthur: Get out of my house forever!