Chapter 2: The Truth Behind the Gates
Chapter 2: The Truth Behind the Gates
The garden fell into complete silence.
Every guest watched as Daniel Ashford walked across the lawn, still holding the crystal champagne bottle.
His expensive suit was wrinkled from travel.
His eyes never left Sarah.
She was still kneeling.
Hair scattered across the grass.
One trembling hand protecting their unborn child.
Daniel stopped beside her.
Very carefully...
He set the champagne bottle back onto the table.
Then he removed his suit jacket and draped it over Sarah's shoulders.
Only after helping her to her feet did he finally turn toward his mother.
"What happened?"
No one answered.
Eleanor forced a smile.
"Daniel, sweetheart, this is just a misunderstanding."
Sarah quietly shook her head.
"It's alright."
Daniel looked at the uneven strands of her hair.
Then at the silver garden shears still clutched in Eleanor's hand.
His voice became frighteningly calm.
"Did you cut her hair?"
Eleanor laughed nervously.
"It was only a lesson."
"She needs to learn her place."
Daniel stared at her for several long seconds.
Then he asked one simple question.
"My place..."
May you like
"...or yours?"
The smile disappeared from Eleanor's face.
