Chapter 4: The Calm Before the Storm
The heavy silence in the chandelier-lit hall was finally broken by Julian’s nervous, dismissive laughter. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to play to the crowd.
"Vivian, stop being dramatic," Julian hissed, stepping closer but still not offering his jacket to cover her shivering shoulders. "Who did you even call? Your father lives on a farm upstate. What is he going to do, drive his tractor into the city? Just apologize to Eleanor and let security handle the search."
Vivian didn’t look at him. She carefully pulled the heavy satin fabric of her dress back up, securing the zipper as best as she could with shaking hands. A sudden, sharp kick against her ribs made her gasp softly—her baby. It was a grounding reminder. She wasn't just defending her own dignity anymore; she was protecting her child from this toxic world Julian was so desperate to be part of.
Eleanor scoffed loudly, swirling the champagne in her glass. "Let her wait. It just proves her guilt. The police are already on their way, young lady. You picked the wrong family to steal from."
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"I didn't take anything," Vivian said, her voice steadying. The trembling had entirely stopped. She stood tall, her posture radiating a quiet, newfound strength. "And you will deeply regret what you just did."
Sarah, the bride, rolled her eyes and turned back to her bridesmaids, whispering frantically about how her perfect night was ruined. The guests murmured among themselves, casting judgmental glances at the pregnant woman standing isolated in the center of the marble floor. But Vivian simply closed her eyes, took a slow, deep breath, and waited. She knew her father. If he said he was on his way, the earth would move to make it happen.
