Chapter 2 - The Shattered Illusion
Eleanor did not flinch.
She adjusted the cuffs of her teal blazer with chilling precision.
"Don't be ridiculous, Mark," she said smoothly.
"Sarah had a terrible fall on the stairs at the estate."
Mark stared at his mother.
He had spent his entire life believing her immaculate lies.
He looked back at the horrific bruising on Sarah's fragile legs.
No simple fall could create such distinct, overlapping marks.
"A fall?" Mark echoed.
His voice was dangerously low.
He stepped between his mother and his wife's hospital bed.
"These look like defensive wounds."
Eleanor's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
"The private physicians agree she is mentally unstable," Eleanor stated coldly.
"We have the psychiatric evaluation right here."
She tapped the heavy clipboard against her side.
"For the safety of the newborn,
I am assuming temporary custody."
Sarah let out a heartbreaking sob.
She gripped the edge of Mark's sleeve with trembling fingers.
"She locked me in the east wing, Mark," Sarah cried.
"She told me you agreed I was an unfit mother."
Mark felt the floor drop out from under him.
The confusing pieces of the last few months suddenly slammed together.
He remembered the missed calls while he was away on business.
He remembered the sudden isolation Sarah faced.
He remembered the whispered conversations his mother had with the estate staff.
He gently placed his hand over Sarah's trembling fingers.
"I never agreed to anything," Mark said firmly.
He slowly turned his back to the window to fully face his mother.
The lifelong respect he had held for her shattered in a single instant.
"Get out," Mark commanded.
Eleanor stood her ground, her posture stiffening.
"You are making a grave mistake, darling," she warned.
"I said get out!" Mark roared.
His booming voice echoed off the cold hospital walls.
Eleanor's lips pressed into a thin, furious line.
She turned on her heel and marched toward the door.
"The lawyers will be here in an hour," she threw over her shoulder.
The heavy wooden door clicked shut behind her.
Mark exhaled a shaky breath and sat on the edge of the bed.
He pulled Sarah into a protective embrace.
"I am so sorry I didn't see it sooner," he whispered into her hair.
"Where is our baby?" Sarah asked through her tears.
May you like
Mark wiped his own eyes and stood up with renewed determination.
"I am going to find out right now."
