Mark walked through the front doors of the massive white mansion.
The sun was shining brightly through the high glass windows in the atrium.
He heard loud shouting coming from the upper balcony above him.
Mark looked up and saw his young daughter Lily wearing her favorite yellow dress.
His new wife Victoria was standing right behind the little blonde girl.
Victoria looked furious as she glared down at the marble floor below.
Lily was crying hysterically and pulling away from Victoria's cold hands.
Before Mark could scream, the little girl slipped off the upper railing.
Lily screamed loudly as she fell straight down through the open air.
Mark did not hesitate for a single second when he saw her fall.
He dove across the slick floor with his arms stretched out wide.
Mark caught Lily safely in his arms just inches above the ground.
He landed hard on the cold marble floor but kept her safe.
The heavy impact echoed all through the massive empty entrance hall.
Mark held his little girl tightly against his chest while his heart pounded.
Lily wrapped her small arms around his neck and sobbed uncontrollably.
Tears rolled down Mark's face as he gently patted her hair.
He checked her arms and legs to make sure she was not hurt.
Mark: Shh... I've got you. You're safe now.
Lily: Daddy, she pushed me!
Mark froze as he heard those terrifying words from his daughter.
He looked up toward the upper balcony with tears in his eyes.
Victoria was staring down at them with wide and shocked eyes.
She gasped loudly when she saw that Mark had caught the girl.
Mark stood up slowly while holding Lily securely in his arms.
His body trembled with pure anger as he faced his cruel wife.
Mark: You monster! You will pay for this!
Victoria stepped back into the shadows of the upper hallway.
Mark held his crying child and swore to protect her forever.