The bright sun shone brightly through the large windows of the luxury mansion.
Every corner of the dining room sparkled with expensive silver and crystal glassware.
Margarethe sat at the head of the table like a queen resting on her throne.
She was celebrating her birthday surrounded by wealthy friends and distant family members.
Laughter filled the air as servers brought out course after course of gourmet food.
Mark sat beside his young wife, Clara, who held their small baby in a soft carrier.
Clara felt very uncomfortable under the sharp stares of the wealthy guests around her.
She came from a humble working family and never owned expensive designer clothes.
Margarethe never approved of Mark marrying a simple woman without a large inheritance.
She constantly made small comments about Clara's clothes and background during family events.
Mark tried to protect Clara by holding her hand under the long white tablecloth.
He knew his mother had a cruel streak when she wanted to humiliate someone.
Mark: Are you feeling okay, sweetie?
Clara: I am fine, Mark, but your mother keeps looking at me like I do not belong here.
Mark: Ignore her, because you are the most important person in my life.
Clara smiled weakly, but the tension in her neck remained very tight.
She watched the staff clear empty plates while guests talked about expensive real estate investments.
Margarethe cleared her throat loudly to gain the attention of everyone seated nearby.
Margarethe: It is so hard to find good help these days, don't you think, everyone?
The guests nodded quickly, trying to stay on the good side of the rich host.
Mark lowered his head, sensing that a terrible argument was coming very soon.
He wished he had never forced Clara to attend this fancy birthday party today.
The baby shifted gently in the carrier, making a small, soft sound.
Clara reached down to comfort the child, hoping to stay completely invisible for the afternoon.
She just wanted to survive the party and return safely home.