Clara stood by the glowing waters of the backyard swimming pool while holding her breath quietly.
The afternoon sun hit the marble tiles of the rich estate, making everything look bright and shiny.
She placed her trembling hand gently over her stomach, feeling the tiny life growing inside her.
Her mother-in-law Margaret stepped out onto the wide stone patio with a cold smile on her face.
Margaret: You should not be standing so close to the edge today, Clara.
Clara: I just needed some fresh air after our long discussion inside, Margaret.
Margaret: Fresh air will not change the simple reality of your financial situation here.
Clara turned around slowly to face the elderly woman who ruled this modern mansion with fear.
Clara: My husband promised me that we would solve our family debt issues together.
Margaret: My son Daniel promises many things when he wants to keep the peace.
Daniel walked out from the glass sliding doors, wearing a simple beige polo shirt and dark pants.
He refused to look his young wife in the eyes as he stood beside his stern mother.
Clara: Daniel, please tell your mother that you love me and our unborn child.
Daniel: You know as well as I do that this entire marriage was a huge mistake.
Clara felt her heart drop into her stomach as those cruel words echoed across the empty patio.
Clara: How can you stand there and say such a terrible thing to me right now?
Daniel: I never truly wanted this baby, Clara, and I never wanted this life.
Elena, the house maid, quickly ran out from the side kitchen entrance carrying a heavy stack of towels.
She stopped in her tracks when she heard the harsh tone of Daniel's cold voice.
Elena: Mr. Daniel, please think about what you are saying to your poor wife!
Margaret: Mind your own business, Elena, and go back to your kitchen duties immediately!
Elena: I have worked for this family for ten years, but this cruelty is far too much!
Clara stepped backward in shock, her silk blue gown fluttering in the soft afternoon breeze.
Her high heel caught the slippery lip of the outdoor swimming pool behind her feet.
She lost her balance for a terrifying second and let out a loud, sudden scream for help.
Clara: Somebody help me! I am losing my balance right here!
Elena dropped her white towels onto the hard ground and sprinted forward toward the poolside.
She reached out her strong hands and grabbed Clara's arms before she could drop into the water.
Elena: I have you! Hold on tight to my hands, Clara!
Margaret folded her arms tight across her navy suit jacket without moving a single muscle.
Margaret: Let her fall! Let her go right now, Elena!
Elena: Daniel, do something! She is carrying your own baby!
Daniel turned his back on them both and stared blankly at the glass doors of the mansion.
Daniel: She means nothing to me anymore, so do whatever you want, mother.
Elena pulled with all her strength and safely dragged Clara away from the edge of the pool.
Clara collapsed onto a poolside lounge chair, sobbing heavily into her wet hands while shaking violently.
Clara: You monster... I gave you everything I owned in this world!
Margaret: You gave us access to your family trust, which is all we ever needed from you.
Daniel: Pack your bags and leave this property before the sun goes down tonight.