The bright hall seemed to freeze as Clara's words echoed off the tall walls. Andrew turned to face Victoria, his tall frame towering over her. The heavy silence between them was suffocating. Victoria backed away until her shoulders hit the grand wooden front door frame.
Andrew: Is this true, Victoria? Did you lock my wife away so you could marry into my family estate?
Victoria: She is lying! She is a crazy woman! Andrew, you have to believe me! I love you!
Andrew: You don't love me! You loved my company, my mansion, and my money!
Andrew reached into his inner tuxedo pocket and pulled out his phone with a swift, angry motion. He dialed a number on speed dial, pressing the speakerphone button so his sharp voice filled the room.
Andrew: Marcus, bring the security team and my legal counsel to the main house immediately. Call the local police department as well. We have an attempted kidnapping and fraud case to report.
Victoria: Andrew, no! Please! Think about the scandal! Think about what the news will say about the Sterling company!
Andrew: I do not care about the news or the company! You tried to steal my children's mother away from them forever!
Victoria turned around quickly, trying to dash out the open doors toward her sports car parked in the driveway. But before she could take three steps, two tall security guards in black suits walked through the entry doors, blocking her path entirely. They stepped forward and held her firmly by the arms.
Victoria: Let go of me! Do you know how much this dress costs?! You cannot touch me!
Marcus: Stand still, ma'am. The police are already on their way up the driveway.
Victoria struggled against the guards, her expensive blue dress getting wrinkled as she kicked her heels on the driveway stones outside. She screamed curses and insults, but no one in the foyer gave her another glance. The front doors were pulled shut, cutting off her screams and restoring peace to the sunlit mansion.
Andrew walked back over to Clara and the twin boys. He knelt down once more, looking at his wife's beautiful, tired face. He reached out and touched the simple cotton material of her apron, his heart breaking over the hardship she must have faced while working as a humble servant in her own home.
Andrew: Why didn't you come straight to me when your memory returned, Clara? Why did you hire on as a maid?
Clara: I was scared, Andrew. I woke up with my memories three weeks ago, but when I looked online, I saw news of your grand engagement to Victoria. I thought you had moved on, and I was afraid the boys wouldn't remember me.
Sam: We never forgot you, Mommy! We kept your picture under our pillows every night!