Marcus had finished his morning board meeting nearly two full hours ahead of schedule.
He had wanted to surprise Clara with lunch at her favorite downtown garden bistro.
As he parked his black sedan in the circular driveway, he heard shouting inside.
The sound of heavy glass shattering echoed clearly through the open front parlor window.
Marcus threw his car door open and sprinted up the wide marble front steps.
He shoved the heavy grand double doors open with a massive, booming slam.
His tailored black tuxedo jacket caught the wind as he rushed into the foyer.
Marcus: Clara! Clara, where are you? What is happening in here?
He charged across the polished floor, his heart hammering wildly against his ribs.
He skidded to a halt at the living room entrance, taking in the scene.
Glass shards littered the entire floor around the center of the spacious room.
Clara was standing near the fireplace, pale and trembling in her simple dress.
Victoria was kneeling on the carpet near the broken vase, sobbing very loudly.
Her glittering light-blue beaded gown was torn dramatically near the left shoulder seam.
She looked up at Marcus with wide, tear-filled eyes, playing the innocent victim.
Victoria: Marcus! Thank God you are home! She attacked me out of nowhere!
Marcus stood completely frozen, his eyes darting between his wife and his cousin.
Victoria: I came to drop off the holiday party invitations like you asked!
Victoria: She flew into a rage because I asked her about the household budget!
Victoria: She threw the heavy vase at my head and smashed everything in sight!
Victoria rocked back and forth, clutching her shoulder as if in deep pain.
Clara opened her mouth to speak, but her voice choked in her throat.
She felt completely overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of Victoria's shameless lie.
Clara: Marcus... that is not what happened at all... I swear to you...
Victoria: Look at my dress, Marcus! Look at the mess she made in your house!
Victoria: She is unstable and dangerous! You need to file for divorce today!
Marcus took two slow, heavy steps forward into the damaged living room area.
His face was completely pale, but his sharp eyes were unusually calm and focused.
He looked down at the broken glass, then up at his trembling, quiet wife.
He had known Clara for four years before they ever decided to get married.
He knew she was incapable of throwing a vicious, unprovoked attack at anyone.
He also knew the deep, long-standing jealousy that Victoria had harbored for years.
Marcus slowly turned his gaze toward Victoria, his jaw clenching with immense anger.
Marcus: Are you entirely sure about your story, Victoria? Think very carefully now.
Victoria: Of course I am sure! She tried to harm me without any reason!