Chapter 15 - Cassandra’s version of Ellen
Cassandra gave a recorded statement in the assault case.
She said Ellen had undermined her for years.
Examples:
Criticized the guest list.
Questioned dress cost.
Corrected Michael in front of her.
Refused the townhouse transfer.
Suggested postponing the wedding once she learned of debt.
All true except one detail.
Ellen did not suggest postponement.
She asked Michael privately:
“Would postponing help financially?”
Cassandra heard:
Your mother thinks I’m not worth marrying.
That interpretation became central to her resentment.
She said:
“Ellen looked at me like I was marrying above myself.”
Ellen was horrified when she read that.
“I never thought that.”
Maybe not.
But Ellen had made status-coded comments.
“Cassandra has expensive taste.”
“Her family seems comfortable spending.”
“Michael is trying to keep up.”
I reminded her.
Ellen looked ashamed.
“Did I make her feel poor?”
“Maybe.”
“That doesn’t excuse—”
“No.”
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Important.
People can wound each other socially without earning physical violence.
