The sound of the slap rang out like a thunderclap.
Reuben's palm struck Mira's cheek with such force that her head whipped sideways, her body collapsing onto the mattress like a broken doll. She lay there, unmoving for a moment—exposed, stunned, and breathless—her dignity torn as thoroughly as her dress.
"Get out, all of you, Out!" Reuben roared.
The crowd gathered near the door shrank back instantly, murmurs swallowed in silence as they scattered. The heavy door slammed shut behind them.
Reuben turned his back on Mira and began dressing with slow, deliberate movements, his silence more cutting than any words. Mira scrambled upright, clutching the shredded fabric around her. Her dress gaped open, revealing too much—shoulders, chest, part of her thighs—an image of disgrace she couldn't cover fast enough.
