The crystal chandelier in the grand ballroom of the estate gleamed under the bright natural daylight pouring through the massive glass walls. It was supposed to be the most perfect wedding day, a flawless union of two powerful families, but the peaceful morning shattered in an instant. A sudden splash of cold water hit the young maid directly in the face, soaking her simple black uniform. Before she could even wipe her eyes, a heavy hand came down, slapping her hard across the cheek. The sharp sound echoed off the high, evenly lit white walls of the venue.
Victoria: Watch where you're going, you careless little servant!
The young maid stumbled back, water dripping from her wet hair onto the polished, reflective floor. She clutched her burning, reddened cheek, looking down at the ground as tears streamed mixed with the water. The pain was nothing compared to the intense humiliation, but she didn't dare look up at the furious woman standing over her in a silver glitter gown.
Elena: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.
Victoria: Your apologies don't fix my dress! You are completely incompetent!
A few feet away, Emma stood frozen in her white lace wedding gown. She had been adjusting her veil when the commotion started. Her eyes traveled from her mother's angry face down to the reflective floor, where a discarded polaroid photo had fallen from the maid's pocket during the struggle. Emma stepped forward, her heart thudding against her ribs as she recognized the faded colors of the old picture. She reached down, her manicured fingers trembling as she picked it up from the floor. The image made her breath catch completely in her throat, changing everything she thought she knew about her family.
Emma: Who gave you this?