Monica almost smiled.
Almost.
Then she thought of Grace Williams.
No destination.
No address.
Just:
MOVED.
The story was no longer about Monica.
It never had been.
Three days later, Katherine decided humiliation behind closed doors was not enough.
Four wealthy friends came for lunch.
Champagne.
Imported cheese.
Jewelry worth more than some homes.
Katherine rang the service bell.
Monica appeared.
“Come here.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Katherine introduced her like an animal.
“This is the girl.”
One woman laughed.
Katherine looked at Monica.
“Tell them what you were doing in my office.”
“Dusting.”
The women laughed.
Katherine’s smile disappeared.
“Kneel.”
Monica obeyed.
“Stay there.”
Twenty minutes passed.
Then thirty.
The women ate.
Talked about vacations.
Discussed summer houses.
Compared renovations.
Monica remained on the marble floor.
Finally, Katherine stood.
She lifted a glass of red wine.
“Do you know what your problem is?”
Monica said nothing.
“You still don’t understand your place.”
