The soapy water sloshed over the edge of the copper basin, soaking directly into the Persian rug.
Eight months pregnant, Claire trembled on her bare knees against the cold hardwood.
Her mother-in-law, Evelyn, sat back in the velvet armchair, wearing a gold silk pajama suit.
Evelyn's manicured fingers tightened violently in Claire's brown hair, yanking her head backward.
Evelyn: Wash faster! Don't you dare stop until I tell you you're finished!
Claire: Please, my stomach hurts so much...
Evelyn: You think carrying my son's baby makes you royalty in this house? Scrub the calluses off my heels!
Claire: I can't breathe properly in this position, Evelyn! Please, let me sit on a stool!
Evelyn: You will sit on the floor where you belong, orphan girl! You brought zero dollars to our family business!
Claire: I love Austin! I never asked for a dime of your estate!
Evelyn: You trapped him with a pregnancy to steal his inheritance!
Evelyn jerked Claire's hair again, forcing her face inches from the dirty wash water.
Claire: Ah! Stop! The contractions are starting again!
Evelyn: Don't play dramatic games with me! You will finish polishing my toes before lunch!
Heavy boots suddenly echoed down the front portico, moving fast.
The heavy carved double entrance doors banged open against the wall.
Austin stood in the doorway in his black denim jacket, his eyes wide with pure, disbelieving horror.
Austin: Claire! What is going on here?
Evelyn did not even release her grip on the weeping girl's hair.
Evelyn: Your clumsy wife spilled foot lotion, Austin. I am teaching her household manners.
Austin crossed the room in four massive strides, his heart tearing open as he dropped to his knees.
He wrapped both arms around Claire's shivering shoulders, pulling her against his chest.
Austin: My pregnant wife was on her knees begging for mercy while you degrade her! You monster!
Austin: You have 10 minutes to get out of my house forever!
Austin stood up and slapped Evelyn hard across the face, the crack echoing like a gunshot through the room.
Evelyn crashed against the armchair, completely unaware of the envelope Austin had brought from downtown.