Chapter 2: The Accusation
Chapter 2: The Accusation
The mansion erupted into chaos. The heavy silence of the dining room was replaced by the frantic shuffling of feet. Guests in formal attire rushed toward the grand staircase, their faces pale with shock. Maidservants stood frozen in the doorways, silver trays clattering against stone floors.
At the bottom of the stairs, Emily sat huddled, gasping for air. Large tears finally spilled over her eyelashes, tracking down her pale cheeks. Inside her womb, a sharp, frantic flutter occurred. The baby kicked.
Alive. Safe. For now.
"Oh dear, please watch your step," a smooth, melodic voice chimed from above.
Emily stiffened. She slowly turned her head, looking up. Standing three steps higher than where Emily had just stumbled was her sister-in-law, Victoria Reynolds.
Victoria was a vision of aristocratic perfection. Not a single strand of her immaculate blonde hair was out of place. Her smile was symmetrical, practiced, and entirely devoid of warmth. Her timing was flawless.
Emily stared up at her, the shock in her veins turning into pure, unadulterated fire. "No," Emily whispered, her voice cutting through the rising murmurs of the crowd.
The room fell dead silent.
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"Excuse me?" Victoria’s perfect smile faltered slightly, replaced by a mask of polite confusion.
Emily forced herself to her feet, her hands still shaking. "Someone pushed me."
