CHAPTER 4: The Chandelier Goes Silent

Margaret stepped closer, close enough for Elena to smell champagne and expensive gardenia perfume.
"You are embarrassing yourself," Margaret said.
Elena looked at her evenly. "No. You are doing that."
The words landed so softly that several guests leaned forward to make sure they had heard correctly.
Sophia's face tightened. She was beautiful in the way magazine covers are beautiful, polished from a distance and empty up close when kindness is required.
"Mom, make her leave," Sophia said.
"Gladly," Margaret replied.
She lifted one hand as if summoning a manager.
No one came.
The ballroom staff remained still along the walls. The servers in white gloves held trays without moving. The captain near the fireplace looked at Elena, not Margaret, and waited.
That was the first crack Margaret noticed.
Not fear.
Recognition.
Elena turned slightly, and half the staff straightened without being told.
Sophia saw it too.
For the first time, the bride looked uncertain in her own wedding room.