Chapter 4 - The Severed Lock
The foyer was crowded with the city's wealthiest elites. As Elara stepped onto the white marble, her foot caught on an imperceptible bump in the rug—or perhaps it was the sly placement of a stiletto. She stumbled. The tray tipped, and two crystal flutes shattered on the floor, splashing expensive champagne onto the hem of Victoria’s gown.
Silence dropped over the room like a heavy curtain. The music seemed to stop.
"You clumsy, pathetic creature!" Victoria shrieked. Before Elara could apologize, Victoria grabbed her by the shoulder and forced her down to her knees among the broken glass. A shard grazed Elara's forehead, sending a warm trickle of blood down her pale skin.
Elara cradled her pregnant belly, sobbing silently as the humiliation washed over her. The guests stared, whispering, but no one stepped forward. Victoria, trembling with rage, reached into a decorative sewing kit on a nearby console table and pulled out a pair of silver shears.
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"You need to be reminded of your place," Victoria hissed. She grabbed a handful of Elara's dark brunette hair and brutally snipped it off. She held the severed lock up for the crowd to see. "Now you look more appropriate for the help. There, much better."
She tossed the hair disdainfully at Elara’s face.
