Chapter 2 - The Golden Bowl
It was Friday evening, the night of Arthur’s highly anticipated dinner party.
Despite his failing health, Arthur insisted on hosting.
He wanted to prove to his investors that he was still capable.
The grand dining room was a spectacular display of wealth.
Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow over the long mahogany table.
A dozen of the city's most influential elites sat around it.
Laughter echoed, crystal glasses clinked, and expensive wine flowed freely.
At the head of the table sat Arthur, looking pale and exhausted.
He forced a smile, nodding along to a conversation he could barely follow.
His vision was slightly blurred.
The fog in his mind was thicker tonight than ever before.
Evelyn sat to his right, radiant in a ruby-red gown.
She commanded the room with effortless charm.
"And now," Evelyn announced, her voice chiming like a bell.
"A special treat. The chef has prepared Arthur’s favorite."
"Wild mushroom truffle soup."
The kitchen doors swung open.
Servers in crisp white uniforms filed in, carrying steaming porcelain bowls.
Maria, Lily's mother, gently placed the golden-rimmed bowl in front of Arthur.
Evelyn leaned over, her perfume suffocatingly sweet.
"Eat up, darling," she cooed, her hand resting on his trembling arm.
"It will give you strength."
Arthur picked up his silver spoon.
His hand shook.
He lowered the spoon toward the rich, dark broth.
Suddenly, a small figure darted out from the shadows of the hallway.
It was Lily.
She wore a simple cotton dress, her eyes wide with desperate panic.
She shoved past a startled waiter.
May you like
She marched straight up to the head of the table.
And she stood directly between Arthur and his golden bowl of soup.
