Chapter 1 - SILK AND VELVET
The sunlit foyer smelled of expensive furniture wax and faint lavender.
Polished wooden floors stretched toward a massive mahogany front door with frosted glass panels.
A small white cushion flew through the air, striking Clara directly across her shoulder.
She winced, stepping back until her spine hit the cool drywall.
Clara’s light blue long-sleeve shirt stretched tight over her swollen, six-month pregnant belly.
On her left cheek, a raw red mark throbbed against her pale skin.
In front of her stood Eleanor.
Her grey hair was coiffed into flawless, rigid waves.
Her dark purple skirt suit was tailored without a single wrinkle, a heavy string of pearls gleaming at her throat.
Eleanor lifted her hand, pointing a long, manicured finger straight at Clara’s face.
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"Stop pretending he needs you!" Eleanor snapped.
Her voice wasn't loud, but it cut through the quiet house like a newly sharpened blade.
