Chapter 2 – Dinner at the Perfect Table
Ryan stepped into the kitchen wearing the same easy smile he showed everyone else.
"There you two are," he said casually. "Dinner's getting cold."
Emily immediately wiped away her tears and stepped back.
Carol watched the transformation happen in seconds.
Her daughter's shoulders stiffened.
Her eyes dropped to the floor.
She whispered, "I'm coming."
Ryan looked directly at Carol.
"Everything okay?"
"No," Carol answered evenly.
A flicker crossed his face before the smile returned.
"Pregnancy hormones," Patricia called from the dining room. "Emily gets emotional over the smallest things."
Carol followed them to the table.
The dining room looked like something from a magazine—crystal glasses, polished silverware, expensive china.
Everything appeared perfect.
Everything except Emily.
While everyone else ate, Emily stood to refill drinks, collect empty plates, and fetch more bread.
Not once did Ryan tell her to sit.
Not once did Patricia offer to help.
At one point Emily winced as she bent to pick up a serving bowl.
Patricia clicked her tongue.
"A mother has to stay active."
Ryan chuckled.
"The doctor said walking is good exercise."
Carol finally set down her fork.
"Walking," she said quietly, "is different from waiting on five healthy adults."
Silence settled across the table.
Patricia smiled.
"In our family, everyone contributes."
Carol met her eyes.
"My daughter is carrying your grandchild."
Patricia's smile grew colder.
"Then perhaps she should learn sacrifice before motherhood."
Ryan reached beneath the table and squeezed Emily's knee.
She flinched.
Only Carol noticed.
And in that instant she realized something terrifying.
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Ryan wasn't afraid of controlling Emily.
He was comfortable doing it in front of witnesses.
