Chapter 2: The Betrayal
"Search her!" Eleanor's voice echoed off the high ceilings, sharp and accusatory. "Honest people have nothing to hide!"
Before Vivian could process the accusation, Eleanor stepped behind her. Without warning, the older woman grabbed the top of Vivian’s gown and violently yanked the zipper down.
A collective gasp sucked the air out of the room. The cold air hit Vivian’s bare back as the heavy satin dress immediately began to slip. Shock paralyzed her for a split second before absolute panic set in. She gasped, desperately clutching the fabric to her chest with trembling hands to keep herself from being completely exposed in front of two hundred strangers.
"What are you doing?!" Vivian cried out, her eyes darting frantically toward Julian. She needed him. She needed him to step in, to shout, to throw his coat over her, to be a man.
Julian stepped forward, but his face was devoid of anger or protection. Instead, he looked exasperated, embarrassed by the scene she was supposedly causing.
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"Vivian, please," Julian said coldly, keeping his distance. "Just let them search your things. We'll sort this out afterward."
The words felt like a physical blow to her stomach. He wasn't going to protect her. He was standing with them. Vivian stood frozen, trembling violently, clutching her dress against her pregnant belly, surrounded by a sea of staring, judging faces. She had never felt so entirely, utterly alone.
