Plans In Secret

The air in the room was stifling, heavy with the weight of Bruno's cruel decision. 

My chest tightened as I watched the broken maid being escorted out, her sobs echoing faintly even as the doors closed behind her. 

The sound clawed at my heart, refusing to let go. I stood frozen, staring at the remnants of her presence: the shattered glass, the spilled wine, and the oppressive silence that had fallen over everyone. 

"Maria," Bruno said, his voice cutting through the silence. 

He was seated again, sampling a small plate of hors d'oeuvres, as if nothing had happened. 

His casual demeanor lit a fire inside me. 

I approached him cautiously but with purpose, my hands clenched at my sides. 

"Bruno, we need to talk about what just happened," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the storm raging within me. 

He didn't look up. Instead, he picked up a tiny canapé, inspecting it like it was the most important thing in the world.