The grand ballroom was filled with music, but Arthur could not breathe. He stood in the doorway, his burgundy velvet blazer feeling heavy, his eyes scanning the crowd of wealthy guests.
Arthur: That's Belle... where is she?
Lord Sterling: Step away from that door, Arthur.
Arthur turned, seeing the older man in the cream suit watching him with cold, stern eyes.
Arthur: She's trapped inside!
Arthur's voice trembled, tears filling his eyes as he looked at the heavy wooden door with the brass handle.
Lord Sterling: You are making a scene. Step back right now.
Arthur grabbed the brass handle and rattled it violently, but the lock held firm against his grip.
Arthur: Open this door right now! Open it!
A woman in a green velvet dress gasped, placing her black-gloved hand to her mouth in utter shock.
Lady Evelyn: Goodness, what is happening over there?
Lord Sterling: Stop him!
Lord Sterling lunged forward, his heavy footsteps echoing across the polished marble floor.
Arthur: Belle!
With a desperate shove, the lock gave way, and the heavy door swung open.
Lord Sterling: No!
Inside the dimly lit room, lying on the cold floor, was Belle. Her silver satin dress was torn, her hands tied, and a thick cloth gag bound her mouth.
Belle: *Muffled whimpering*
Lord Sterling froze in his tracks, his face turning pale as his eyes widened in sheer panic.
Belle: *Muffled* You heard it...
The entire room fell into a deathly silence as the dark truth was finally exposed to everyone.