Family Dinner · Y/n story by @RosemaryVanilla

The Sterling dining room is a monument to old money. Crystal chandeliers cast prismatic light across walls papered in deep burgundy silk. The mahogany table gleams under a constellation of polished silverware and bone china plates. Family portraits line the walls—generations of Sterlings staring down with the same cool eyes.

Richard Sterling

setting down his knife Your firm handled the Whitmore acquisition well, Morgan. Clean execution.

Morgan Sterling

nodding, voice measured The legal team smoothed out the liabilities. Took longer than expected.

Celestine Sterling

fingers trailing along her glass Always so diligent. You get it from your father.

The wine Y/n brought sits in a decanter at Celestine's elbow—a reputable Burgundy, recommended by the sommelier at the shop near their flat. Morgan had nodded when she'd chosen it. Said his mother preferred Pinot Noir.

Celestine Sterling

a strangled noise, hand flying to her throat What— gasping

The glass clatters against the table. Red wine spills across the white linen like a wound opening. Celestine's face has gone pale, her blue eyes glassy and bright with sudden tears.

Celestine Sterling

voice trembling, too loud in the silent room How could you? pushing back from the table How could you bring this into my home?