Gemotions

The grand ballroom, once alive with laughter, was now eerily silent, the only sound the rustle of the lawyer's papers. Her brother, Michael, stood tall and proud, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. The lawyer began. “Michael inherits the family’s chain of luxury hotels.” A wave of relief washed over Michael’s face, a barely concealed grin breaking through.

"And Cassandra," the lawyer intoned, turning to her with a faint expression of pity, "You receive the family's collection of porcelain figurines.” Cassandra's vision blurred. Porcelain figurines. Her breath caught in her throat. A cold dread swept over her. She felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to scream. She stood frozen, unable to move, unable to breathe, while Michael beamed at his newfound wealth. She thought she might faint.