THE VISITOR
302 Words
The silence of the mansion shattered as Leah and Isabella descended the stairs together. Isabella walked with poise, her head held high, a subtle but undeniable air of authority about her. Leah followed closely, her expression a mixture of calm and defiance.
As they reached the grand foyer, Cindy appeared from the parlor, her sharp gaze narrowing at the sight of Isabella. Jane was right behind her, her features twisting in irritation. Their father emerged last, his face carefully neutral but his clenched fists betraying his anger.
“And who is this?” Cindy asked, her voice saccharine but laced with venom.
“Isabella,” Leah said plainly. “She’s my guest.”
“Guest?” Jane repeated, her voice incredulous. “Leah, since when do you have guests? You barely belong here yourself.”
Isabella stepped forward, her voice smooth and composed. “I’m here to support Leah. She invited me, and I accepted. Is that a problem?”
Cindy forced a tight smile. “We simply weren’t expecting company. You see, this is a private family matter.”
“I understand,” Isabella replied, her gaze steady. “But Leah is also family, isn’t she?”
The words hit their mark. Cindy’s smile faltered, and Jane’s jaw tightened.
Their father finally spoke, his voice cold and commanding. “Leah, we’ll speak in private. Your… guest can wait elsewhere.”
Leah crossed her arms. “Anything you have to say to me, you can say in front of Isabella.”
A tense silence fell over the room. Cindy’s painted nails tapped against the glass of her wine goblet, while Jane glared daggers at Leah. Their father’s eyes flicked between Leah and Isabella before he turned sharply and walked toward his study.
“Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
- Writer
