Chapter 2: Shattered Glass
The polishedwhite marble floor of the banquet hall reflected the glittering crystal chandeliers above, illuminating rows of velvet chairs and extravagant floral aisle arrangements.The moment Maya stepped through the grand double doors, a hush fell over the assembled crowd of elite onlookers. Brandon, resplendent in a sharp black tuxedo and bow tie, froze mid-conversation, his classically handsome face twisting instantly from festivecheer into blind, elitist rage. Before Maya could utter a single word of explanation, Brandon crossed the distance between them with dangerousspeed and violently shoved her backward onto the unforgiving marble floor. The sudden impact knocked the breath from her lungs, sendingshockwaves through the room.
Before Maya could regain her footing, Chloe swept forward in her elaborate white wedding gown, herdiamond tiara glinting maliciously as she delivered a vicious kick to Maya's outstretched arm.
“Shebroke in! She’s trying to steal my family's heirloom diamond ring!” Chloe shrieked, manufacturing a theatrical panicdesigned to poison the room against the fallen woman.
Near the front row, an older guest dressed in a pristine tuxedodropped his champagne glass in sheer astonishment. The crystal shattered violently upon the marble, spraying shards and amber liquid near Maya's side, punctuating the chaotic accusations with a sharp, ringing crash. Murpsurs rippled through the velvet chairs as high-society judgment settled heavily over the scene, while Brandon towered above her, his eyes devoid of any lingering affection orreason.
