David looked out the window of his grand estate while the sun rose over the hills.
He was a successful businessman who worked hard to build a peaceful life for his daughter.
His eight-year-old girl, Lily, had lost her biological mother when she was just a small baby.
Ever since that quiet day, David had promised to protect his child from any pain.
Today was supposed to be the happiest day of his adult life.
He was marrying Vanessa, a beautiful woman from a high-society family in town.
Vanessa always wore bright designer clothes and talked about major charity events.
David truly believed she would be a wonderful stepmother to his sweet young girl.
Downstairs in the large living room, workers were placing white roses on every table.
The air smelled like fresh flowers and expensive vanilla candles.
Lily walked into the hallway wearing a bright pink dress with a matching hair ribbon.
Lily: Look at my dress, Daddy!
David turned around with a soft smile and knelt down on the marble floor.
David: You look like a real princess today, sweetie.
Lily: Do you think Vanessa will like it?
David: She is going to love it very much.
David reached out and fixed the silk bow sitting in her soft brown hair.
He wanted this morning to be simple and full of calm joy.
However, behind the closed dressing room door, Vanessa was not feeling calm at all.
She was standing in front of a mirror while three tailors adjusted her expensive gown.
Her mother, Eleanor, stood nearby holding a silver cup of warm tea.
Eleanor: Make sure this marriage goes through without any messy problems.
Vanessa: I know what I am doing, Mother.
Eleanor: That little girl is always standing right beside him.
Vanessa: She will not be a problem after today.
Vanessa pulled her veil down and stared coldly at her own image in the mirror.
She did not care about raising a young child in a family home.
She only cared about David's fortune and the massive mansion he owned.
David walked down the main corridor to check on the catering crew.
He saw his close friend Marcus standing near the dark oak front door.
Marcus: Everything is ready for the guests to arrive in an hour.
David: Thank you for helping me keep everything smooth today.
Marcus: You deserve a good future after all these quiet years.
David nodded slowly, though an odd feeling hovered deep inside his chest.
He went back up the stairs to check on his daughter one more time.
Lily was sitting on a small bench near the top of the grand staircase.
She held a little drawing of three figures holding hands under a blue sun.
Lily: I drew a picture of our new home together.
David: Keep it safe for us until the ceremony is over.
David patted her head and headed toward his private office to grab his jacket.
He did not notice Vanessa stepping out of her room into the quiet hallway.
Her white lace gown trailed behind her as her sharp heels clicked loudly.
She walked directly toward the little girl sitting near the marble stairs.