The crystal chandeliers of the Vance estate reception hall cast a glittering glow across the three hundred guests gathered for the wedding of the century. Evelyn smoothed the layered lace of her custom ballgown, her breath catching as the upbeat music echoed through the towering room. She took her husband's hands, letting Julian spin her near the massive seven-tier champagne glass tower that anchored the center of the marble dance floor.
Evelyn: Julian, look at everyone cheering for us. I can't believe this day is finally here.
Julian: You look beautiful, Evelyn. Everything turned out exactly as we planned.
Evelyn: I just wish my father could have made it in time for the opening dance.
Julian: Don't worry about your father's flight delay. We have the rest of the evening to celebrate our marriage.
The crowd applauded wildly as Julian dipped her gracefully near the sparkling crystal pyramid. But as Evelyn stepped back, a shadow rushed up behind her. Veronica, wearing a bright green gown and a cold smile, stepped out from the inner crowd and shoved Evelyn hard with both hands.
Evelyn: What are you—
Evelyn lost her balance completely, her heavy gown dragging her down as she crashed face-first into the champagne glass pyramid. Hundreds of flutes shattered at once, sending a cascading waterfall of sticky liquid and dangerous glass shards spraying across the marble floor.
Julian: Woah! Watch out!
Veronica: Oh my goodness! Julian, hold on to me! I'm so terrified of all this flying glass!
Instead of reaching down to pull his new wife out of the sharp mess, Julian immediately wrapped his arm around Veronica's waist, pulling her close under the large American flag hanging from the grand hallway wall.
Julian: Don't be scared, Veronica. I'm right here. You're safe with me.
Evelyn: Julian... help me... please, my hands are cut!
Evelyn lay on her hands and knees in the pooling alcohol and sharp glass, her face stained with dark grime from the floor. She lifted a wet, dirty hand to cover her face, weeping hysterically while her husband shielded another woman in front of three hundred horrified onlookers. But as the tears streamed down her filthy cheeks, the desperate crying stopped. Evelyn lowered her hand, her tear-stained face hardening into sheer, icy rage.