The summer heat in Dallas was brutal, but inside the foyer of the grand estate, the air conditioning kept the marble floors cool. Victoria adjusted her red satin dress in the hallway mirror. She checked her lipstick twice and wiped a tiny speck of dust off her golden designer purse. Today was supposed to be the best day of her life. Her wealthy fiance, Daniel, had finally brought her to his family estate to sign their prenuptial agreement.
Victoria believed she was destined for a life of pure luxury. She grew up wanting luxury cars, private jets, and a high status in society. Now, she was standing inside a thirty-million-dollar estate with high ceilings and white marble floors. A massive framed American flag hung proudly on the wall near the grand staircase. Victoria looked around the grand room and smiled to herself. She felt like the queen of the world.
However, her mood changed instantly when she saw a woman in a black-and-white maid uniform scrubbing the baseboards. The woman was older, wearing simple glasses, and carefully wiping down the expensive wood panels near the entrance. Victoria scoffed and rolled her eyes. She walked over, her red high heels clicking loudly on the hard marble floor.
Victoria: Hey! Why are you in my way?
Clara: Good morning, ma'am. I am just finishing up the floor near the entrance.
Victoria: I don't care what you are doing. Move your buckets right now.
Clara: I only need two more minutes, ma'am. Mr. Daniel asked me to make sure this entry was spotless.
Victoria felt her blood boil. She hated when staff members spoke back to her or failed to obey instantly. In her mind, hired help were lower-class people who did not deserve respect. She looked down at the plastic bucket filled with soapy water sitting near Clara's knee.
Victoria: You don't tell me to wait. Do you know who I am?
Clara: You are Daniel's guest, ma'am. I respect that, but I am doing my job.
Victoria: You don't belong in this neighborhood, peasant!
Without another word, Victoria grabbed the heavy bucket of water with both hands. She lifted it up and dumped the cold soapy water directly onto Clara. The water splashed loudly across the white marble floor, soaking Clara from head to toe. Clara's uniform was completely drenched, her hair was plastered to her face, and water dripped off her wet glasses.
Victoria: Oops. Look at that. Now you have a reason to leave.
Clara sat still on the wet floor for a second. She did not scream, and she did not cry out in panic. She slowly wiped the soapy water from her eyes. She looked up at Victoria with a calm, steady gaze that made Victoria feel slightly uncomfortable.
Victoria: What are you staring at? Get out of my sight before I have Daniel fire you without pay.
Clara: You shouldn't have done that, Victoria. You really shouldn't have.
Victoria: I do whatever I want in this house! This mansion will be mine by the end of the week!