Chapter 5 - The Grand Reveal
Exactly forty-five minutes later, the front doorbell rang with a cheerful chime.
I smoothed down the fabric of my designer dress and checked my reflection in the hallway mirror.
I looked absolutely immaculate and composed.
I looked exactly like a powerful woman who was entirely in control of her own destiny.
I opened the heavy front door with a bright, convincingly welcoming smile.
Beatrice immediately pushed her way inside, dripping slightly from the rain but wearing her best, most flashy jewelry.
Clara followed very closely behind her mother, her eyes already greedily scanning the room for brightly wrapped presents.
Beatrice loudly gushed about our happy anniversary, kissing the empty air near my cheeks.
Clara laughed loudly and asked where the lucky birthday boy was hiding.
Beatrice greedily demanded to know where this fabulous surprise was located.
I kept my voice incredibly light and cheerful as I answered them.
I told them that Julian was patiently waiting for us upstairs in the master suite.
I explained that I wanted to give him a truly unforgettable and unique gift this year.
I said I felt it was only right that his beloved family was here to share the special moment.
Beatrice aggressively clapped her hands together in sheer delight.
She loudly declared that I was simply the best daughter-in-law in the entire world.
I gracefully led them up the grand, sweeping staircase.
With every single step we took, I could hear Julian's muffled, desperate pleas growing slightly clearer.
Beatrice frowned deeply as we finally reached the upstairs landing.
She looked confused and asked if that was Julian shouting from inside the room.
Clara's greedy smile faltered as she nervously asked if her brother was alright.
I replied smoothly that he was just completely overwhelmed with deep emotion.
I stopped dramatically in front of the locked master bathroom door.
The heavy pounding from inside the humid room was absolutely desperate now.
Julian screamed through the thick wood, asking if his mother and sister were out there.
He wailed loudly that his crazy wife had locked them inside the bathroom.
Beatrice loudly gasped, looking at me with wide, completely horrified eyes.
She aggressively demanded to know the meaning of this bizarre situation.
She yelled at me, asking why her precious son was locked in a bathroom.
Clara's voice trembled violently as she asked who exactly Julian meant by the word us.
I slowly pulled my smartphone out of my pocket and opened the smart lock application.
I whispered a very cold, quiet happy anniversary to the wooden door.
I firmly pressed the digital unlock button on my screen.
The heavy oak door loudly clicked and slowly swung open, instantly revealing the steaming, incredibly humid room.
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Beatrice and Clara stepped forward together, peering cautiously into the bright, misty light.
The horrified screams that suddenly tore from their throats were exactly the beautiful gift I had wanted all along.
