Chapter 1 - The Outcry
"I want Anna." The little girl's voice cut through the banquet hall louder than the orchestra. Sophie stood in the center of the marble floor, her small hands clenched, her eyes wet but stubborn. Around her, guests in evening gowns and dark suits had gone silent. At the front of the hall, Anna, a young waitress in a black uniform and white apron, stood frozen with one hand over her mouth. Sophie pointed at her. "I want Anna." Her father, Julian West, rushed toward her, his face dark with shock and embarrassment. "Sophie, do you know what you are saying?" The little girl did not step back. "Yes." Behind Julian, his fiancée, Vivian, stood in a gold dress with a smile that had already vanished. The engagement banquet had been arranged to show the city that the West family was whole again. A perfect father. A perfect daughter. A perfect new bride. But Sophie had ruined the picture in front of everyone. Anna shook her head, tears gathering in her eyes. "Sweetheart, please... go back to your dad." Sophie ran to her and grabbed her wrist with both hands. "No. She's the only one who actually holds me." The room went still. Julian's anger faltered. "What does that mean?" Sophie looked up at Anna, her face trembling. "When I cried at night..." Her voice broke. "Mommy." Anna's tears fell instantly.
