Victoria: Be careful. Wash my foot properly.
Sarah: The water is cold.
Victoria: Then you should have fetched warmer water. Stop complaining.
Sarah stared down at the silver basin. Her hands trembled as she held the sponge.
Victoria: You missed a spot on my heel. Scrub harder.
Sarah: I am trying, Victoria.
Victoria: Do not use my first name in front of the guests. You are a servant tonight.
Sarah: I am your sister-in-law.
Victoria: Not for long. Look at you. You are a pathetic mess.
Sarah touched the dark, purple bruise forming on her left cheek. It throbbed with every heartbeat.
Sarah: Everyone is staring at us.
Victoria: Let them stare. I want them to see what happens when someone disrespects this family.
Across the luxury hall, Richard stood by the grand piano. He wore a crisp black tuxedo and held a crystal champagne flute.
Guest: Richard, is that your wife on the floor?
Richard: Unfortunately, yes.
Guest: Why is she washing your sister's feet in the middle of a charity gala?
Richard: My wife needs to learn respect. This is a traditional lesson in humility.
Guest: She looks injured. Did she fall?
Richard: She tripped in the kitchen. She is incredibly clumsy.
Sarah heard his voice echoing across the marble floor. The lie made her stomach turn.
Sarah: He hit me.
Victoria: Keep your voice down, you liar. Richard would never touch you.
Sarah: You saw him do it, Victoria. You were standing right there in the study.
Victoria: I saw you trip over the rug while trying to steal from the family safe.
Sarah: I wasn't stealing. I was looking for my father's original estate documents.
Victoria: Your father is dead. His estate belongs to us now.
Sarah: That isn't true. I know he left a second will.
Victoria: Delusional. Wash my other foot now. The guests are taking pictures.
Sarah looked at the dark water in the basin. She felt her phone buzz twice in the pocket of her beige dress.
She knew exactly who was texting her. The trap was finally set.