The crystal chandeliers cast a bright light across the marble floor of the high-end wedding ballroom.
Chloe stood in her lace gown, her chest rising and falling as she confronted her mother-in-law, Eleanor.
Chloe: Give me the keys! Ethan, is this truly what you want?
Ethan looked away, shifting uncomfortably in his black tuxedo.
Ethan: Chloe, please... let's not make a big scene right now.
Chloe: A scene? She just took the keys to our new home directly out of your jacket pocket!
Eleanor smoothed down the front of her navy dress, holding a tight, condescending smile.
Eleanor: It's best for everyone...
Chloe took a step forward, her face contorted with anger as she bared her teeth.
Chloe: ...that you leave!
Eleanor: Excuse me? You don't talk to me like that in front of our family.
Chloe: I am speaking to you exactly how you deserve!
A loud crack echoed across the quiet ballroom as Chloe's hand struck Eleanor's cheek.
Eleanor stumbled back slightly, holding her bright red cheek in utter shock.
Eleanor: How dare you slap me!
Chloe: Do not ever speak to me or Ethan again!
Ethan: Chloe! What did you just do?!
Chloe: I stood up for us, Ethan! Which is what you should have done six months ago!
Eleanor: You're insane! Ethan, call security and get this woman out of my sight!
Suddenly, the heavy double doors at the back of the room swung open with a deep thud.
An older man in a tailored dark suit stepped inside, carrying a thick leather briefcase under his arm.
The entire room fell completely silent as his polished shoes clicked across the polished marble floor.
Ethan: Who is that? Did you invite someone else?
Chloe: He's not my guest, Ethan.
Arthur: I am here because she asked me to come.
Ethan and Eleanor turned toward the entrance, their eyes wide with disbelief as the man approached the head table.
Eleanor: Arthur?! What are you doing here?
Arthur: I brought the true copies of your husband's last will, Eleanor. And the deed to this entire property.
Chloe wiped a tear from her eye, holding her head high as Eleanor's face drained of all color.