CHAPTER 1: THE SILENCE BEFORE THE STORM
No one dared to speak.
The ticking of the grandfather clock echoed loudly across the marble hall, each second stretching into unbearable tension.
“Explain,” the father said at last—his voice low, controlled, but trembling with restrained fury.
The stepmother straightened, forcing elegance into her posture. “She insisted on helping the staff,” she replied lightly. “You know how stubborn children can be.”
The girl flinched.
Her father noticed.
That single movement shattered whatever patience he had left.
“Look at me,” he said softly to his daughter.
She hesitated.
Then slowly raised her eyes.
What he saw there—fear, pain, and something worse… acceptance—cut deeper than any blade.
“Who did this to you?” he asked.
Her lips trembled.
She didn’t answer.
May you like
Because she didn’t need to.
The truth was already standing across the room, clutching a wine glass that now rattled audibly in her shaking hand.
