Chapter 3: The Exposure
The ambient chatter of the ballroom peaked. Caroline stepped behind Valerie, feigning a sisterly gesture to adjust her gown.
With a sudden, deliberate movement, Caroline grabbed the thick blue velvet draping Valerie's shoulders and yanked it downward. The fabric fell, instantly exposing Valerie’s bare back to the crowded room. The thick, jagged surgical scars—brutal souvenirs of her survival—were laid bare under the bright chandelier lights.
A stunned silence rippled through the immediate circle of guests. Caroline stepped back, a smug, satisfied smirk plastered across her face.
Richard pushed through the crowd, clutching a crystal tumbler of scotch. His face was flushed with embarrassment and raw anger. He glared at his daughter's scarred back, then met her eyes.
"You came here like this?" he hissed, his voice laced with harsh venom.
May you like
Valerie turned her profile to him. A single tear rolled down her cheek, betraying her vulnerability. Yet, she clutched the front of her dress, her posture rigid and proud.
"I came as myself," she replied, her voice trembling but fiercely strong.
