CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 2 - THE WOMAN ON THE OTHER SIDE
Five hours earlier, Sabrina had been standing alone in a hotel ballroom, holding a glass of sparkling water nobody had poured for her.
The event was for the launch of Haven & Hart, one of the most successful beauty brands in America. Every wall carried the face of its founder, Celeste Hart: thirty-six, blonde, flawless, smiling under expensive lights.
Celeste was Sabrina’s daughter.
At least, she had been.
For seven years, Celeste had told the world she built Haven & Hart from nothing. She gave interviews about sleeping on friends’ couches, mixing skincare formulas in a tiny kitchen, and proving everyone wrong.
Sabrina watched those interviews from her apartment, never correcting her.
Because mothers make excuses for daughters longer than they should.
But that night, Sabrina saw the new campaign projected across the ballroom wall.
“Legacy belongs to the women brave enough to claim it.”
Under the slogan was Celeste’s face.
Beside her stood Victor Hart, Sabrina’s ex-husband, clapping like a proud father.
Sabrina’s stomach tightened.
Victor had not built anything. He had taken things. Money. Credit. Years. And finally, her daughter’s loyalty.
When Celeste saw Sabrina near the back of the ballroom, her smile froze.
Victor reached her first.
“You shouldn’t be here,” he said.
Sabrina looked past him at the campaign wall. “That was my line.”
His face hardened. “Lower your voice.”
“I haven’t raised it.”
Celeste walked over, stiff and beautiful in a white satin dress.
“Mom,” she said quietly, “please don’t make this embarrassing.”
Sabrina felt the sentence land in the oldest place inside her.
Not Mom, I’m glad you came.
May you like
Not Mom, are you okay?
Just please don’t embarrass me.
