The Papers on the Table
Chapter 03 - The Papers on the Table
The documents Ethan wanted Sophia to sign were spread across the library table.
One transferred her voting rights to him during pregnancy.
Another declared that stress had made her temporarily incapable of managing financial decisions.
A third authorized Helena to make medical choices during the birth.
Sophia had discovered them the night before.
Her signature already appeared on two pages.
It was forged.
The forensic accountant examined the ink and pressure marks.
“The signature was mechanically reproduced from a property document signed last year.”
Ethan looked toward his mother.
Helena remained silent.
Sophia remembered the morning differently now. Helena insisted she drink a vitamin tonic. Minutes later, Sophia felt dizzy. Ethan brought the folder and said signing would “protect the baby.”
When she refused, the argument moved into the foyer.
The wine glass fell.
Ethan grabbed her arm.
She stumbled.
Then he removed his belt, not to strike her yet, but to create fear.
It had worked before.
The threat allowed him to call the result consent.
Victor listened without interrupting.
When Sophia finished, he asked one question.
“Was this the first time?”
Ethan answered before she could.
“She is exaggerating.”
Sophia looked at her father.
“No.”
May you like
Victor closed his eyes once.
The word altered the room.
