Mark rushed forward across the shiny marble floor.
His face showed intense anger and protectiveness.
He shoved past two shocked guests in his path.
He pulled Clara away from his crying daughter.
Clara stumbled back slightly but kept her balance.
Mark dropped down on his knees immediately.
He pulled Lily tightly into his strong arms.
Pink icing smeared across his dark shirt front.
He wiped the sweet frosting from Lily's eyes.
Lily sobbed softly against her father's shoulder.
Mark looked up at Clara with burning rage.
He accused Clara of hurting his young child.
Clara smoothed down her white designer dress calmly.
She smirked at the angry crowd watching her.
She shrugged her shoulders with total carelessness.
Clara: It was only a harmless little joke.
Mark stood up slowly from the marble floor.
His hands curled into tight fists by his side.
He stared at his future sister in law.
Clara raised her chin up with proud arrogance.
She claimed the child was taking all attention away.
She said her wedding announcement mattered much more.
Sarah ran up to comfort her frightened daughter.
Sarah glared at Clara with deep tearful eyes.
Sarah: How could you treat my daughter like this?
Clara: She was standing in my spot for photos!
Mark could not hold back his anger any longer.
He stepped closer toward the arrogant woman.
He told Clara that her behavior was unacceptable.
Clara rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
She laughed quietly at his serious angry face.
The surrounding guests whispered among themselves nervously.
No one stepped in to defend Clara's actions.
Mark looked down at the ruined birthday cake.
Then he looked back at Clara's dismissive face.
He made a firm decision right then.
He moved forward with quick decisive strength.