Chapter 4 - The Unsuspecting Guests
Saturday passed in a blur of chilling domestic deception.
Mark spent the afternoon in his home study, whistling cheerfully as he reviewed what he thought were the finalized trust liquidation forms.
Whenever I walked past the door, he quickly minimized his browser windows, smiling warmly and asking if I needed help carrying groceries.
I played my role to perfection, asking him about wine pairings and reminding him to wear the blue button-down shirt that Jenna had once remarked looked handsome on him.
Meanwhile, three miles away, Jenna was spending the day at an upscale day spa on Daniel's credit card.
Daniel had texted her that morning with simulated affection:
“Take the whole day to pamper yourself, baby. You’ve been working so hard lately, and I want you looking radiant for Mom and Dad’s dinner tomorrow night.”
Jenna had replied with four heart emojis and a selfie from the massage lounge:
“Thank you, my sweet husband! I love you so much! Can’t wait for tomorrow!”
Daniel had forwarded the screenshot directly to our shared legal folder without typing a single word in response.
By Sunday at four in the afternoon, the dining room of our four-bedroom suburban home was set for four.
The crystal chandeliers sparkled against the polished mahogany table, casting dancing prisms across our finest Noritake china and antique silverware.
In the center of the table rested a vase of fresh white hydrangeas and four leather-bound presentation folders that I had picked up from Arthur Miller's office at noon.
At five-fifteen, the doorbell chimed.
Mark hurried from the living room with a broad, welcoming grin, opening the door to reveal Daniel and Jenna standing on the porch.
Jenna looked breathtaking in a form-fitting emerald silk dress, her blonde hair swept up into an elegant chignon, holding a bottle of chilled champagne.
Daniel stood beside her in a sharp navy blazer, his arm wrapped loosely around her shoulders, playing the devoted newlywed with chilling precision.
"Welcome! Welcome, kids!" Mark boomed, stepping forward to pull Jenna into an enthusiastic embrace that lingered two seconds too long.
I watched from the kitchen doorway as Mark’s hand brushed the small of her back before pulling back to shake Daniel’s hand.
"Daniel, my boy! You look great! Not working the night shift tonight, I hope?"
"No, Dad," Daniel said with an easy, pleasant smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"I traded my shift with Dr. Stevens. I wouldn't miss tonight for the world."
Jenna walked into the dining room, admiring the table settings with a delicate, rehearsed clap of her hands.
"Oh, Carol! This is gorgeous! You always set the most elegant table!"
"Thank you, Jenna," I replied sweetly, stepping out of the kitchen with a platter of rosemary roasted potatoes.
"We wanted to make sure tonight felt completely unforgettable. After all, three months of marriage is quite a milestone."
Mark poured the expensive Bordeaux into four crystal goblets, raising his glass high under the warm chandelier light.
"To family," Mark announced proudly, his chest puffed out with unearned vanity.
"To loyalty, to new beginnings, and to the enduring strength of the Miller legacy."
Daniel and I raised our glasses, touching the rims against theirs with a crystalline clink that sounded like the cocking of a hammer.
May you like
"To family," Daniel echoed softly, his eyes locking onto his father's face.
"And to everything that comes out in the light."
