The two guards moved forward and took Vanessa firmly by her arms.
Vanessa: Get your hands off me, I can walk myself!
The guards led her quickly toward the wide open front double doors.
Vanessa struggled against their grip as she was pulled along.
She looked back at Mark with pure anger in her eyes.
Vanessa: You will regret treating me like this, Mark!
Mark: The only regret I have is letting you inside my house.
The guards escorted her right out into the bright morning sunlight.
They set her outside on the wide stone steps of the mansion.
The massive front doors swung shut with a heavy, final thud.
The entire house became peaceful and quiet once again.
Mark picked up the discarded diamond ring from the smooth floor.
He walked back over to where Lily was sitting with her blanket.
He sat down beside her on the grand bottom staircase step.
Mark: She will never ever come back here again, Lily.
Lily: Promise me, Daddy?
Mark: I promise you with all my heart, my sweet girl.
Mark hugged his daughter tightly as she smiled through her tears.
He knew that protecting his family was his most important duty.