Guests turned their heads to watch. It was Vivian\u2019s extravagant birthday gala in the Hamptons\u2014politicians, businessmen, socialites\u2014people who smiled with their teeth but never their hearts.<\/p>\n
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Vivian leaned in close, her sharp perfume invading the air. \u201cDon\u2019t call me Mom,\u201d she hissed, her voice low enough only Lena could hear. \u201cYou\u2019re embarrassing me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lena was only six. Her legs had been paralyzed since the yacht accident that took her real mother. She felt so small, invisible, trapped.<\/p>\n
A laugh rang out from the crowd.<\/p>\n
\u201cPoor thing,\u201d Vivian\u2019s sister Clara muttered under her breath. \u201cShe\u2019s such a burden.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lena swallowed, her throat tight. She hadn\u2019t meant to cause trouble. All she had wanted was some water. But her wheelchair had caught on the edge of a tablecloth. That was when Vivian grabbed the ladle. On purpose.<\/p>\n
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