The bright morning sun streamed through the tall glass windows of the grand estate dining room.
Golden light hit the polished hardwood floors and made the crystal chandelier glitter overhead.
Sarah sat quietly at the heavy mahogany table with a glass of orange juice in front of her.
She placed her hand gently over her growing baby bump and smiled to herself.
Her life had been filled with immense joy ever since she married David six months ago.
Yet, an uncomfortable silence hung heavily over the luxurious room this morning.
Victoria sat across the table wearing an oversized bright blue shirt and a bitter scowl.
She glared at Sarah with deep resentment that she barely tried to hide anymore.
David entered the room wearing his dark navy suit and sat right beside his lovely wife.
He reached out and gently squeezed Sarah's hand under the morning sunlight.
David: How are you feeling this morning, my sweet love?
Sarah: I feel wonderful and the baby is very active today.
David: That makes me so happy to hear right now.
Victoria scoffed loudly from across the table and pushed her silver plate away in disgust.
Victoria: Must we listen to this pathetic display during our morning meal?
David: You should learn to keep your rude comments to yourself, Victoria.
Victoria: I am tired of seeing her pretend to belong in this grand mansion.
Sarah took a slow breath and tried to stay calm for her baby's sake.
She knew Victoria had always hated her because she came from a humble working background.
Victoria believed that only old wealth deserved to sit at the family table.
Sarah: I have only ever shown you kindness and respect, Victoria.
Victoria: Respect means nothing when you are just taking our family money!
David: That is completely untrue and you know it very well!
David stood up from his chair with a stern look across his handsome face.
He looked directly at his sister with anger flashing in his dark eyes.
David: Sarah has never asked for a single cent from our trust fund.
Victoria: She does not need to ask when you buy her everything!
The heavy double doors of the dining room opened with a soft creak.
Evelyn walked in wearing her elegant champagne gown with delicate pearls around her neck.
She looked between her two adult children with deep worry etched across her face.
Evelyn: Why must every morning turn into an argument between you two?
Victoria: Ask your son why he brought a stranger into our home!
David: Sarah is my wife and she is carrying your grand-child, Mother.
Evelyn walked closer to the table and rested her soft hand on Sarah's shoulder.
Evelyn: Sarah is family now, Victoria, and you must accept that fact.
Victoria narrowed her eyes as she stood up from her chair with sudden speed.
She pointed a long fingernail directly at Sarah with pure hatred in her voice.
Victoria: She will destroy this family before the year is even over!
David: Leave the room right now before I lose my temper with you!
Victoria turned on her heel and marched out, slamming the heavy wooden door shut behind her.
The loud echo reverberated through the grand room, leaving everyone in uneasy silence.
Sarah wiped a lone tear from her cheek as David knelt beside her chair.
David: Do not let her get to you, my darling Sarah.
Sarah: I just wish she would give me a fair chance, David.
David: I will protect you and our baby no matter what happens.
Yet, behind Victoria's anger was a dark scheme that was about to unfold very soon.