“The florist needs another $10,000 for the imported white orchids by the end of today,” Eleanor announced, her manicured acrylic nails sharply tapping against a stack of invoices. “And the caterer won’t secure the date without a 75% deposit for the upgraded lobster and Wagyu beef menu.
We need to settle this immediately.”
A dull, throbbing exhaustion settled deep into my chest. I looked down at the numbers, feeling my baby kick softly, and felt a wave of pure resentment.
“Eleanor, I’ve already paid $80,000 toward this wedding,” I said, keeping my voice as measured as possible. “The venue, the dress, the initial catering—I have covered all of it. Julian hasn’t put in a single dollar, and my business cannot absorb another massive, unbudgeted luxury expense right now.”
Eleanor’s face instantly hardened, her polite facade evaporating. “Julian is building an empire,” she snapped. “He shouldn’t be distracted by petty bills. If you want a wedding that reflects the status of this family, you will pay it. Hand over your business ATM card. I know you keep it in your wallet, and I will handle the vendors myself.”
The Ambush
I stood up, pulling my purse over my shoulder. “Absolutely not. I am leaving.”
Before I could take two steps toward the hallway, Julian moved with a terrifying speed I had never seen from him before. He blocked the front door, turned the deadbolt, and slid the security chain into place. My heart dropped into my stomach.
“Julian, move away from the door,” I said, my voice trembling but firm.
Instead of moving, he stepped closer. From behind me, Eleanor grabbed my arm, her grip shockingly tight, and aggressively shoved me backward until my spine hit the hallway wall. I gasped, instinctively wrapping one arm around my four-month-pregnant belly.
“Hand over the card, or the wedding is off,” Eleanor hissed, leaning into my face so close I could smell her perfume. She looked down at my stomach with utter contempt. “Who else is going to want a pregnant woman like you? You think you’re so smart with your little business, but without my son, you’re nothing but a single mother.”
