The morning sun shone brightly over the grand estate in Dallas Texas.
Valet drivers parked expensive cars along the long curved driveway.
Inside the white marble dining hall caterers set up silver platters.
Guests walked through the front doors wearing fine evening suits and elegant dresses.
A giant framed American flag hung on the polished main wall.
Everything looked perfect for the high society wedding celebration.
Yet behind the shiny glass doors tension was quietly growing.
Julian stood near the wide window adjusting his dark silk tie.
He was the groom and owner of the technology firm downtown.
Today was supposed to be the happiest day of his life.
However his mother Victoria had been acting distant all morning.
Victoria walked into the hall wearing a sharp beige designer suit.
She held a leather envelope tightly under her left arm.
Her sharp eyes scanned the room looking for her youngest son Toby.
Toby was only ten years old and sat quietly at a side table.
He wore a neat little navy jacket that matched Julian's tux.
Toby held a small silver key tightly inside his pocket.
Victoria marched straight toward the boy with a cold expression.
Victoria: Hand over that key right now Toby.
Toby: Julian told me to keep it safe in my pocket.
Victoria: Do not argue with me in front of these important guests.
Toby: You cannot take the estate papers away from Julian.
Victoria raised her voice louder as her face turned red.
Victoria: Get away from this table right now!
She reached out aggressively and pulled the boy's jacket sleeve.
Toby stumbled backward against the marble table leg in fear.
His small shoes slipped on the slick white floor tile.
He fell down onto the hard surface with a loud thud.
Gasps echoed across the grand dining hall from shocked visitors.
Toby looked up with tears forming in his young eyes.
Julian heard the commotion from across the huge hall.
He turned around quickly and saw his little brother on the ground.
Anger rushed through Julian as he dropped his champagne glass.
He ran past the standing guests toward the head table.
Julian: Stop right there Mother!
He knelt down quickly on the smooth floor beside Toby.
Julian: Are you okay Toby?
Toby: I took the blame meant for you Julian.
Julian helped the trembling boy stand back up on his feet.
He turned around to face his mother with blazing eyes.
Leave a Comment