Chapter 2 - The Dining Room
Lunch was a mandatory affair when Eleanor was in residence.
The cavernous formal dining room featured a massive mahogany table that could seat thirty, but today it was set only for two. The vast distance between their chairs was entirely intentional.
Chloe carefully eased herself into the specialized orthopedic maternity chair William had ordered from Switzerland. The thick padding offered temporary relief to her screaming lower back.
Eleanor sat at the absolute head of the table, her posture rigid, her designer silk dress unwrinkled.
"Your posture is atrocious,"
Eleanor remarked casually, slicing a piece of poached salmon.
"I am in pain, Eleanor,"
Chloe replied softly, her hand resting on her swollen stomach.
"Women in our family do not complain about biological obligations,"
Eleanor sneered, taking a delicate sip from her crystal goblet.
"You are carrying a Sterling. Act like it, instead of acting like a fragile, common liability."
Chloe took a deep breath, trying to steady her fraying nerves.
"I am doing my best,"
Chloe whispered.
May you like
"Your best is an embarrassment,"
Eleanor hissed, her eyes flashing with sudden, unprovoked venom as she stood up from her chair and marched toward Chloe.
