Chapter 2 - The Sound That Shattered the Room
A few minutes later, the clinking of silverware and polite conversation masked the nervous energy pulsing through the room. Lily reached out blindly for her porcelain cup of juice, her small sleeve catching on the edge of a heavy, antique crystal vase filled with imported white lilies.
The vase tipped, hovered for a fraction of a second on the edge of the mahogany table, and then crashed onto the hardwood floor with an explosive shatter.
Water splashed across the Persian rug. Shards of crystal scattered in every direction.
The entire dining room gasped.
Lily froze in absolute terror. Big tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over her lashes as she looked down at the broken glass. “I’m sorry, Grandma,” she whimpered, her voice trembling.
Evelyn stood up so violently her heavy velvet chair scraped backward across the floor with a harsh screech. Before anyone could react, she crossed the room with surprising speed, her face contorted with raw fury.
She raised her hand and slapped Lily across the cheek.
The sound was sharp, loud, and sickening. It echoed off the vaulted ceilings like a gunshot, making my stomach drop into a bottomless abyss.
Lily stumbled sideways against the heavy table edge and screamed, clutching her reddening cheek.
I reacted before logic could stop me. I dropped to my knees, gathering my crying daughter into my arms, shielding her small body against my chest. I glared up at Evelyn, fire surging through my veins.
“What is WRONG with you?!” I shouted, the sound ripping from my throat.
May you like
Daniel jumped out of his chair, knocking his napkin to the floor. “Mom!” he roared, his voice shaking with disbelief.
Evelyn didn’t flinch. She pointed a trembling, manicured finger directly at my terrified daughter. “That child destroys everything she touches! Just like her bloodline!”
