The bright morning sun shone through the tall windows of the grand dining room.
Evelyn sat near the edge of the long wooden table while feeding her daughter.
Little Clara was only two years old and had a soft smile on her face.
She adjusted Clara's lavender dress while the child reached for a small piece of bread.
Across the high table sat Martha, who owned the large suburban estate.
Martha wore her usual navy blue shirt and stared down with a heavy frown.
She had never accepted Evelyn since the day David brought her into the family.
Martha: You are letting that child make a mess on my polished table again.
Evelyn: She is only two years old and learning how to feed herself, Martha.
Martha: That is no excuse for lack of discipline in a proper house.
Evelyn took a deep breath and tried to stay quiet for her husband's sake.
She knew that arguing with Martha always led to unnecessary trouble.
David came walking into the room with his eyes glued to his smartphone.
He sat down near his mother without giving his wife a warm greeting.
David: Mom, did you finish looking over those legal papers from yesterday?
Martha: I did, but your wife seems distracted by minor things today.
Evelyn: I am focused on taking care of our young daughter, David.
David: Just keep the noise down because I have an important call soon.
Evelyn looked at her husband with a feeling of deep sadness in her heart.
He always sided with his mother whenever tension filled the house.
Clara giggled softly while reaching for another slice of soft white bread.
Martha suddenly slammed her hand hard against the wooden tray of the high chair.
The loud bang made the small child jump back in sudden terror.
Clara began to cry loudly as her tiny hands trembled with fear.
Evelyn: What is wrong with you for scolding a baby like that!
Martha: She needs to learn respect before she ruins my quiet morning!
Evelyn immediately stood up from her chair with her face turning red.
She rushed over to scoop Clara up into her protective arms.
Evelyn: Don't you ever yell at my child or scare her again!
Martha: I will do whatever I want in my own luxury home!
Evelyn gripped her baby tightly while standing tall against the older woman.
The silence in the room became extremely heavy and full of anger.
David looked up from his phone with a annoyed look on his face.
He did not seem concerned about his frightened little daughter at all.
Instead, he glared at Evelyn as if she was the one causing trouble.
David: Calm down, Evelyn, you are overreacting over absolute nonsense right now.
Evelyn: Your mother just frightened our innocent child for no reason!
David: She is just setting proper boundaries in her own residence.
Evelyn could not believe the words coming out of her husband's mouth.
She realized then that she was completely alone in this cold home.