A Night of Tensions and Betrayals
The big ballroom of the Sebastian Estate shined under the lights, filled with the soft sounds of rich people talking. The party was held to remember Malcom Sebastian, aiming to honor his life-a night to think back and respect a man who built a great business.
But beneath the fancy dresses, sharp suits, and sparkling champagne glasses, there was a lot of tension. Everyone knew that the Sebastians were falling apart, and tonight, the family's problems were clear.
Victoria stood at one side of the room, keeping her back straight and her face calm. She wore a simple black dress and had her hair in a low bun. She tried to ignore the whispers and looks that followed her everywhere. Even though she focused on remembering Malcolm, she felt that something bad was about to happen.
On the other side, Daniella watched her with cold eyes. Since Malcom had died, Daniella's anger towards Victoria had been growing, ready to explode. The tension between them was almost too much, and Daniella, filled with grief and anger, didn't want to pretend anymore.
Victoria's grip on her champagne glass tightened as she saw Louis talking to a board member. He had been trying to keep things calm all night, but she could see the worry on his face from far away. She had tried to comfort him earlier, saying everything would be okay, but deep down, she wasn't sure.
Then, she felt it. The sudden change in the air, the heavy gaze on her. She turned slowly to see Daniella coming toward her, her face filled with rage.
"Well, well," Daniella said loudly, interrupting the crowd's chatter. "Look who showed up. The woman who ruined my family."
Victoria's heart raced as she stood tall, trying to stay calm. The room went silent, and all eyes were on them.
"Daniella, this isn't the right time or place," Victoria said softly, her voice steady despite her fear.
Daniella's laugh was cold. "Isn't it? This party is about family, and everyone should know what you've done to mine."
Victoria's heart raced, and she looked around at the curious faces. This was no longer a private fight-it was a public scene.
"Daniella, please," Victoria said, her voice low but strong. "Let's talk later."
"Later?" Daniella shouted, stepping closer, her eyes blazing. "There is no 'later' with you. Ever since you married Louis, you've torn this family apart. My father is dead because of you. And you think you can stand here pretending to care about him?"
Victoria felt the sting of her words. "I never wanted this," she whispered. "I loved Malcolm. I tried to-"
"You tried to what?" Daniella snapped. "Save him? You couldn't even save yourself from this mess. Look at what you've done."
Victoria opened her mouth to reply, but before she could, Daniella shoved her, making her stumble back into a table. Gasps filled the room as champagne glasses fell and spilled.
"Daniella, stop!" Victoria cried, her voice shaking. "You're grieving. I understand, but this isn't the way-"
"You don't understand anything!" Daniella yelled, her voice shaking with anger. "You're the reason my father is dead! You're ruining my family. I won't let you get away with this!"
Before Victoria could react, Daniella lunged at her, grabbing her shoulders and pushing her against the wall. Victoria's head hit the wall hard, and chaos erupted in the room. People shouted and rushed forward, but Daniella didn't stop, her nails digging into Victoria's skin as she screamed, her face twisted with rage.
"Get off me!" Victoria cried, trying to push Daniella away, but Daniella was too strong, her anger giving her a frightening power.
"You don't belong in this family," Daniella hissed, full of hatred. "You never have. I'll make sure everyone knows it."
Victoria struggled against her, terrified. She tried to shove Daniella off, but she felt weak, pain radiating through her head.
The crowd was frantic, some trying to pull Daniella away, others frozen in shock. Then, through the chaos, Victoria saw Louis pushing through the crowd, his face pale with fear.
"Daniella!" Louis shouted, rushing toward them. "Stop! Get away from her!"
But it was too late.
Daniella, filled with months of anger, pushed Victoria to the ground with great force. Victoria hit the cold marble floor hard. The room spun around her as pain shot through her body, her vision going blurry.
"Louis!" Victoria cried, her voice weak and scared.
Louis was there quickly, kneeling beside her, shaking as he reached for her. "Victoria, I'm here," he whispered, filled with emotion.
"I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I wasn't there sooner."
Victoria winced, the pain in her head overwhelming, but it was the emotional hurt that weighed heavier. Daniella's words echoed in her mind, the hatred and blame cutting through her. She felt broken, not just physically, but emotionally in a way she hadn't expected.
"I tried to stop her," Victoria whispered, tears streaming down her face. "But she wouldn't listen. She hates me, Louis."
Louis's heart broke seeing her so fragile and hurt. He looked at Daniella, who stood still, her chest heaving with anger. The fire in her eyes had faded, replaced by a cold stare.
"You've gone too far, Daniella," Louis said quietly, his voice filled with anger as he helped Victoria to her feet. "You crossed a line."
Daniella sneered, her voice shaking with rage. "You've always picked her over me, Louis. I'm your sister. Your family. But you let her destroy us."
Louis's eyes burned with anger as he wrapped his arm around Victoria, pulling her close. "This isn't about sides anymore, Daniella.
It's about what's right. What you did tonight... it can't be forgiven."
Victoria leaned against Louis, trembling as she fought back tears. The room was spinning, and she felt like everything was falling apart. She never imagined the hatred between her and Daniella would lead to this-violence, public humiliation, and a deep pain in her heart that seemed impossible to heal.
"I think you should leave," Louis said quietly, his voice firm.
Daniella's eyes widened. "You're kicking me out? Me?"
Louis nodded, his voice steady but filled with sadness. "You need to go. We'll deal with this later. But tonight, you're done."
Daniella opened her mouth to argue, but the look in Louis's eyes silenced her. She shot Victoria a disgusted look before turning and storming out, the crowd parting for her.
As the door slammed shut, silence filled the room. Guests, unsure of what to do, began to leave, whispering about what they had just seen.
Louis held Victoria close, his heart racing. He could feel her shaking, her breath coming in quick gasps.
"Victoria," he whispered guilt in his voice. "I'm so sorry. I should have protected you."
Victoria shook her head, tears flowing down her cheeks. "It's not your fault, Louis. None of this is your fault."
But even as she said that the weight of the night pressed down on her, making it hard to breathe. Daniella's words, her anger, her attack-it all left Victoria feeling hurt in a way she wasn't ready for.
As Louis held her, she wondered if the damage was too deep this time-if the pain from tonight would ever truly heal.