Chapter 6 - Vanessa’s Reckoning
While Robert and Marjorie scrambled to contain the legal fallout, Vanessa’s newly minted marriage was disintegrating faster than a sandcastle in high tide.
Vanessa had married Bradley Vance, the heir to a prominent local shipping fortune. Bradley had been smitten by Vanessa’s polished exterior, her designer wardrobe, and the illusion that she was the crown princess of Mercer Island society.
That illusion lasted exactly forty-eight hours.
On Tuesday afternoon, Bradley walked into his penthouse apartment in downtown Seattle to find Vanessa screaming into her phone, hurling porcelain decorative plates against the hardwood floor because The Seattle Times online edition had just published a brief blurb detailing her mother’s criminal assault charge and the scandalous church cancellation.
“What is wrong with you?!” Bradley shouted, dodging a flying saucer that clipped the edge of the living room sofa.
“My life is ruined!” Vanessa shrieked, her mascara running down her cheeks in black streaks. “Everyone is laughing at us! My friends are unfollowing me on Instagram! Your mother didn't even send a wedding gift because she read about the police report!”
Bradley stared at his wife with cold, disbelieving eyes. He hadn't known the half of it. During their brief courtship, Vanessa had painted her family as elite philanthropists who commanded universal respect. Now, he was discovering that his new in-laws were toxic narcissists facing felony charges and financial ruin.
“Your mother assaulted a recovering woman in a hospital room on our wedding day,” Bradley said slowly, his voice dropping into a dangerous, chilling register. “And you’re crying about your Instagram followers?”
“She didn't assault anyone! It was Clara’s fault!” Vanessa sobbed hysterically, stomping her foot like a spoiled toddler. “Clara planned the whole thing! You have to defend me, Bradley! Call your father’s PR firm! Make them issue a statement!”
Bradley walked over to the entryway, picked up his briefcase, and unzipped his garment bag from the closet.
“What are you doing?” Vanessa gasped, stopping her tantrum mid-stride.
“I’m filing for an annulment,” Bradley said flatly, zipping his bag shut. “I married a lady, Vanessa. Not a lunatic.”
May you like
He walked out the penthouse door, slamming it behind him with a finality that echoed through Vanessa’s hollow, glittering world.
She was completely alone. Her mother was consumed by her own legal defense, her father was drowning in corporate lawsuits, and her husband had abandoned her before they had even unpacked their wedding gifts.
