Under the table, hidden from plain sight, Vanessa’s hand was tightly entwined with Julian’s. Their fingers were locked together intimately, their knuckles white from holding on so hard. Julian’s thumb was stroking the back of Vanessa’s hand, right over her diamond wedding ring.
Marcus stared at the betrayal for five agonizing seconds. The world seemed to stop spinning, and the sound of his blood pounding in his ears grew deafening.
Julian: ...and so the board agreed to the initial merger terms without any fuss!
Vanessa: That’s just amazing, Julian! Marcus, isn't that wonderful news?
Marcus let the tablecloth drop back into place. He slowly straightened his spine, his knuckles turning pale as he gripped his cloth napkin.
Marcus: Yes. Truly amazing.
Vanessa: Honey, are you alright? You look pale all of a sudden.
Julian: Marcus? Is something wrong with the steak?
Marcus stood up abruptly, his heavy dining chair scraping violently against the polished white marble floor with a screech that echoed through the room. His face was flushed crimson, his eyes wild with pure rage.
Vanessa: MARCUS, PLEASE! IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!
Marcus: Shut your mouth!
Julian: Marcus, brother, calm down! What’s going on?
Marcus: Don't you dare call me brother!
Lily scrambled out of her seat and ran behind her father, clutching his pant leg with her teddy bear held tight.
Marcus: Lily, step back. Go stand by Mrs. Gable in the kitchen right now.
Lily: Daddy, I'm scared...
Marcus: Go, sweetie. Now.
The head housekeeper rushed forward, gently taking Lily’s hand and leading the crying child away from the dining room. Once the kitchen doors closed, Marcus reached inside his navy suit jacket. He pulled out a thick, sealed brown envelope and slammed it onto the white tablecloth right in front of Vanessa.
Vanessa: What... what is this envelope?
Marcus: Open it.
Julian: Marcus, let's take a breath and talk about this like adults.
Marcus stepped forward before Julian could finish his sentence. With a sharp, forceful swing, Marcus delivered a heavy slap across Vanessa’s face. The impact cracked through the silent dining room like a gunshot, sending Vanessa stumbling sideways into her chair as she clutched her red, burning cheek.
Vanessa: Ah! You hit me!
Marcus: DINNER IS OVER! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE AND SIGN THESE PAPERS!