One bright Tuesday morning, Mark prepared his leather briefcase for a major corporate meeting across town.
He kissed Lily on the forehead as she sat quietly by the breakfast table.
Mark: Be a good girl for Victoria today, sweetie.
Lily: I will try, Daddy.
Mark smiled and adjusted his blue suit before heading out toward his luxury car.
As soon as the front door closed, Victoria turned toward the maid with a cold look.
Victoria: Take your break in the back house and stay there until I call you.
sensitivity filled the hallway as the maid bowed her head and quickly walked away.
Victoria walked slowly toward the dining area, her high heels clicking loudly against the marble floor.
Lily shrank back slightly in her wheelchair, holding onto her favorite stuffed bear.
Victoria: Look at you, sitting there taking up space while your father works himself to death.
Lily: I did not do anything wrong, Victoria.
Victoria: You exist, and that is wrong enough for me.
Victoria leaned in close, her eyes narrowing as she looked at the young girl.
Victoria: You know your mother would still be alive if you were not so weak and helpless.
Lily felt tears sting her eyes, but she tried her best not to cry out loud.
Lily: That is not true, Daddy said Mommy loved me.
Victoria: Your daddy lies to make you feel better, but I know the real truth.
Victoria reached over and snatched the stuffed bear right out of Lily's small hands.
She tossed the toy onto a high shelf where the little girl could not possibly reach it.
Lily reached out her small arms, her lower lip trembling uncontrollably.
Lily: Please give it back, that was a gift from my mom!
Victoria: You will get it back when you learn to respect your future stepmother.
Victoria laughed softly as she turned away, walking toward the grand staircase.
Lily sat alone in the large foyer, silently weeping as she stared up at her lost toy.
She wished with all her heart that her father would come back home early.
She felt completely helpless in the giant mansion that used to feel so safe.