Arthur’s hand jerked in shock at Emily’s sudden panic, and the heavy glass slipped from his fingers. It crashed down onto the hardwood oak floor, shattering into dozens of sharp, shiny pieces as bright orange juice splashed across the floorboards and onto the hem of Clara’s red dress.
Clara: What are you doing?! Have you lost your mind, Emily?!
Clara screamed out in total surprise and anger, clutching her dress away from the spill while glaring fiercely at Emily.
Arthur: Emily, what is the matter with you? Why did you just knock my drink out of my hand like that?
Emily: Look at this video right now, Arthur! Look at what she just did to your juice while your back was turned!
Emily pulled her phone from her pocket and held it directly in front of Arthur’s face, tapping the play button on the recorded camera feed. The clear HD video showed Clara opening the paper packet and discreetly pouring the white powder into the glass before stirring it with the silver spoon.
Arthur stared at the bright screen, his face turning pale white as his eyes widened in utter disbelief and horror. The warm smile completely disappeared from his face, replaced by a cold, sickening realization.
Arthur: She... she poisoned my drink?!
Clara: No! Arthur, please! It is not what it looks like at all! Let me explain to you what happened!
Clara’s voice cracked with sudden panic as she saw the sheer terror and rage in Arthur’s eyes. She backed away toward the hallway, her hands shaking as she realized her plan had completely failed in front of everyone.
Arthur: Get back here! You are not running away from this!
Clara turned on her high heels and tried to sprint down the long hallway toward the front door, but Arthur was far too fast. He lunged forward, fast-tracking down the corridor and grabbing her upper arm in a tight, firm grip that stopped her instantly.
He spun her around to face him, his face contorted with deep pain, betrayal, and absolute rage.
Arthur: You tried to kill me! On the day before our wedding!
A sharp slap echoed through the quiet hallway as Arthur struck Clara across the cheek, the force of his hand stopping her right in her tracks. Clara gasped loudly, stumbling back against the decorative wall mirror and clutching her reddened cheek in total shock and defeat.
Clara: Arthur... please... I was desperate... they forced me to do it!
Arthur: Do not lie to me anymore! I trusted you with my heart, my house, and my entire future!
Arthur stepped closer to her, pointing his finger sternly as Clara backed away against the wooden dining chair, sliding down slightly in total defeat and terror. Tears of rage filled Arthur’s eyes as he looked down at the woman he had loved more than life itself.
Emily: I called the police ten minutes ago, Arthur. They are pulling up outside right now.
The loud, wailing sounds of police sirens began to echo down the peaceful suburban street, getting closer and closer to the house every second.