CHAPTER TWO: SHADOWS BEHIND THE GLASS

Sam Hartman never liked grand entrances. The mansion was his home, yet he chose to slip inside quietly, his steps muffled against the marble floor. The stillness of the hall was broken only by the sudden click of a pistol.

“Who are you, and why are you sneaking into my house?” a deep voice growled.

Sam froze, then turned slowly only to break into a grin. “Dad,” he said, throwing his arms around the tall figure. “Stop playing games with Grandpa’s antique pistol.”

Richard Hartman, still holding the old revolver, smirked. “One of these days, Samuel, this little habit of yours is going to get you shot.”

“And one of these days, pointing that thing at people will get you arrested,” Sam replied, tugging his scarf loose.

Richard lowered the weapon with a chuckle. “Why weren’t you at the airport? I sent two cars to pick you up.”

“I took a lift from someone,” Sam said lightly.

His father’s brow arched. “A girl, no doubt. Who was she?”

Sam only smiled. “You’ll hear about it later.”

Richard studied his son, but he knew better than to press. Instead, he leaned back, his tone casual. “I searched your bag.”

Sam paused mid-step. “You what?”

“Nothing interesting,” Richard continued.

Sam smirked. “What if you’d found something you weren’t supposed to?”

Richard laughed, a deep, knowing laugh. “You’re not at the age where you could hide something from me.”

“You underestimate me,” Sam murmured, slipping a hand into his pocket. He pulled out a bar of chocolate and handed it to his father. “Here. But only one piece, Dad. Nothing more.”

Richard shook his head, laughing again as he accepted it.

Far across town, another house was alive with its own brand of drama.

Diana Westwood returned to her mansion to find it transformed for the evening’s birthday celebration. “Beautiful,” she murmured, her sharp eyes scanning every detail. Turning to Kelvin, her loyal aide, she said, “Keep Ralph by your side when doing things like this.”

Kelvin bowed his head. “He is always with me, madam.”

Just then, his wife Cecline hurried over, carrying a dress in her hands. “Diana, look I bought it from Zara. Isn’t it perfect for tonight?” She handed Diana a glass of water, scratching at her hair as she spoke.

Diana’s gaze narrowed. “Why are you scratching like that?”

Cecline flushed. “Everyone said I looked beautiful, so I bought a new hair cream to make my hair silkier. But I think I’m allergic to it.”

Kelvin scolded her. “And you hand madam water with that same hand? What if she becomes sick? And it is not polite to scratch yourself in front of people.”

Diana’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Cecline, you will not attend the party tonight.”

Cecline’s face crumbled, hurt filling her eyes, but before she could protest, Kelvin gently took her arm. “Come with me. I’ll explain everything.”

Diana turned to Ralph. “Is Rose here?”

Her grandmother’s voice drifted in. “She will be back. After all, it’s her birthday.”

“Where exactly did she go?” Diana pressed.

Neither Ralph nor Grandmother could give an answer.

Meanwhile, Rose was running through the dark halls of the NGO, her voice echoing. “Lily? Where are you? Children, answer me!”

The lights flicked on. Streamers, balloons, and a cake decorated the room. The children burst into song Happy Birthday!

Rose’s hands flew to her mouth. “All of this… for me?” Tears shimmered in her eyes as she saw the cake. It was the first time in years she had felt truly celebrated.

Back at the Westwood mansion, the guests were already gathering. “Everything looks beautiful,” one lady told Diana before pausing. “But… where is your daughter?”

Another guest, after praising the decorations, leaned in. “And the jewelry launch? Is it true your daughter will unveil it tonight? Then where is she?”

The questions pricked Diana like needles. She turned sharply to Ralph. “Where is Rose?”

But again, there was no answer.

The party ended late, and the mansion emptied, but Diana was far from satisfied. In the silence of the grand hall, she threw vases and books to the floor in fury. The door opened. Rose staggered in, drunk.

“So you speak to me now, Mother?” she slurred bitterly. “Is it because I came home drunk? Maybe I should do this more often if it gets your attention.”

“Enough!” Diana snapped. “Do you know how much I’ve lost tonight because of your irresponsibility?”

Rose turned to Ralph, her voice breaking. “All those birthday gifts she bought me every year? They’re useless. Maybe we should give them back and call it even.”

Her gaze shifted back to Diana. “And uncles why don’t you stop following her around like shadows? Go to sleep for once.”

Tears welled in her eyes as she whispered, “All I ever wanted… was you, Mother. Not your gifts, not your money. Just your love and your time. That’s all.”

Diana’s face hardened. “Emotions won’t put food on the table. Emotions won’t build an empire. I have given you everything so we are not on the streets.”

“I don’t need anything,” Rose cried. “Take it all back! I just want you.”

The words hung heavy in the air until Diana’s hand struck her daughter’s cheek. The slap echoed through the hall. Without another word, she turned and walked away.

Grandmother rose slowly. “Enough for tonight. Go to bed, all of you.”

Rose touched her cheek, whispering, “At least… I felt her touch even if it was a slap. Now my birthday is over.”

Grandmother pulled her into her arms. “Pouring alcohol on yourself won’t fool me, child. Everything will be fine.” But in her heart, she prayed: Lord, send someone into their lives who will end this rift once and for all.

Far away, at the Hartman mansion, Richard and Sam were locked in another quiet debate.

“Come on, Dad,” Sam said, leaning forward. “You know she’s my choice.”

Richard’s expression darkened. “And you know how your mother feels about such girls.”

As if on cue, Samantha Hartman entered the room. “What girls?” she demanded, suspicion written all over her face.

Richard quickly pointed at the treadmill in the corner. “This is what he brought home.”

Sam grinned. “A running machine, Mom. For Dad. To keep those muscles moving. He’s not getting younger.”

Samantha sighed in relief. “Oh. I thought you were talking about a girl.”

Sam laughed, pulling her into a hug. “Never. You’re the best woman in the world. Why would I need anyone else?”The Hartmans laughed together.

At breakfast the next morning in the Westwood mansion, Rose and Grandmother sat together while Cecline swept into the room dressed like a model.

“Where are you going, dolled up like that?” Grandmother asked.

“One must always look pretty,” Cecline replied, tossing her hair.

But midway through breakfast, she clutched her stomach and bolted for the restroom. Rose and Grandmother burst out laughing.

“There goes your aunt,”Grandmother chuckled.

Moments later, Diana entered with Kelvin and Ralph. Everyone stiffened. Diana accepted her seat at the table and ordered, “Give Rose some water,it will help her hangover.”

Instead, Rose lifted a glass of wine and smirked. “Cheers, Mother.”

The room froze. Everyone knew what was coming another storm, another clash between mother and daughter and they feared it so much.