The grand chandelier of the Sterling estate cast a blinding light over the marble foyer. High-society guests held champagne glasses, their expensive suits and designer gowns glistening under the warm lights. Near the top of the grand marble staircase stood Evelyn Sterling, her crimson gown trailing on the polished stone floor. Across from her stood Maya, trembling in a modest purple dress, her hands resting over her seven-month pregnant belly.
Evelyn: You don't belong in this family, Maya. You never did.
Maya: Please, Evelyn... I just want to wait for Julian. He went to get my jacket.
Evelyn: Julian isn't coming back to save you. My stepson belongs with someone from our own class.
Maya: We're married, Evelyn. I'm carrying his baby, your grandchild!
Evelyn: A bastard child from a poor girl will never touch a single dime of the Sterling trust fund.
Maya: Please, no!
Evelyn placed both hands directly onto Maya's stomach and shoved her with cruel force. A sharp gasp echoed through the air as Maya lost her balance, her feet slipping off the top step. Gasps of absolute horror erupted from the crowd on the ground floor as Maya tumbled helplessly down the steep marble staircase, her body crashing against the sharp stone edges all the way to the bottom.
Guest A: Oh my God! Someone call an ambulance!
Guest B: Did she just push that pregnant girl?
Maya lay motionless at the bottom of the stairs, tears streaming down her soot-stained skin, clutching her side as soft cries escaped her lips. At the edge of the crowd, an older gentleman with a mustache dropped his glass, his jaw hanging open in sheer shock. Suddenly, Julian burst through the double doors, his face turning deathly pale as he saw his wife bleeding on the floor.
Julian: Maya! Maya, no!
Julian pushed past the stunned guests, dropping to his knees beside Maya. His hands shook violently as he cradled her head, pulling her fragile body against his chest.
Julian: I'm here, baby. Stay awake! Please, stay awake for me!
Maya: Julian... it hurts so bad... don't let them leave...
Julian raised his eyes toward the top of the staircase. Standing beside her son Richard, Evelyn smoothed her red gown and smiled coldly down at the bloody scene below. Julian's heart turned to ice, a roar of pure rage rising from his throat as he glared at his stepmother.