Chapter 1 - The Sissing Iron
A violent hiss of scalding white steam sliced through the quiet living room.
The hot soleplate of the white iron hovered less than an inch from Clara’s cream-colored dress.
Beneath the thin fabric, her seven-month pregnancy bump trembled with her fast, terrified breathing.
Clara’s knuckles turned bone-white as her nails dug into the armrest of the beige tufted chair behind her.
"Maybe this teaches you to give me a grandson!"
Eleanor’s voice was dry, sharp, and laced with absolute venom.
Her short gray hair caught the harsh afternoon sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
With a flick of her wrist, Eleanor hurled the heavy appliance backward.
THUMP.
The hot iron landed heavily on the tufted cushion of the armchair, burning a small dark circle into the fabric.
A thin trail of smoke curled toward the high ceiling.
Clara gasped, wrapping both arms instinctively around the curve of her belly, shielding her baby.
Eleanor stepped closer, the dark red silk of her shirt rustling loudly in the quiet room.
May you like
Her wrinkled fingers coiled into tight, claw-like fists at her sides.
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