Chapter 4 — Family Tensions

Mia Lawson

The dining room was a tableau of pristine elegance, just as Mia expected. The long mahogany table gleamed under the soft, calculated glow of the chandelier, each plate perfectly aligned on the polished surface. The faint scent of lemon polish lingered in the air, mingling with the subtle fragrance of lilies arranged in a centerpiece that was almost unnervingly symmetrical. The space exuded a sense of control, every detail curated to project an image of refinement. Yet, to Mia, it felt sterile, devoid of warmth—more stage set than home.