Mark stood up straight and held his daughter's small hand as they walked downstairs together.
He walked directly into the brightly lit modern kitchen with white walls and sleek cabinets.
Brenda was standing near the sparkling marble island, pouring a cold glass of fresh juice.
She turned around with a sudden startled look when she saw Mark standing in the doorway.
Brenda: Mark! You came home early today! I was not expecting you until six.
Mark: Why was my daughter's bedroom door bolted shut from the outside hallway, Brenda?
Brenda placed her glass on the marble counter and crossed her arms in immediate defense.
Brenda: She was disobeying me, Mark! She needs strict discipline around this house!
Mark: You do not lock a seven year old child in a room under any circumstances!
Brenda: I am trying to raise her properly while you spend all day at work!
Lily: She took my mother's silver locket from my nightstand drawer yesterday too, Daddy!
Mark looked down at his crying daughter before turning his fierce glare back onto Brenda.
Mark: Did you take her mother's silver necklace from her private bedroom drawer, Brenda?
Brenda: That old trinket is far too valuable for a little child to keep lying around!
Mark: That necklace belonged to my late wife and was meant specifically for Lily!
Brenda stepped forward with a harsh, angry glare, stepping right up to Mark's chest area.
Brenda: You are letting this child dictate how our brand new marriage is going to work!
Mark: My daughter comes before everything else in this world, and you knew that fully!
Brenda: She is a spoiled little girl who needs to learn how to obey me!
Mark stepped firmly between his daughter and Brenda, shielding Lily with his entire body.
Mark: Get your personal things out of my house immediately before I call the authorities!
Brenda gasped loudly, her cheeks turning bright red with extreme anger and total shock.
Brenda: You cannot throw me out of this house! We are legally married now, Mark!
Mark: I will file for an emergency annulment first thing tomorrow morning at dawn!
Brenda slammed her hand down on the marble counter with a loud, resounding thud.
Brenda: You will regret making this decision, Mark! I promise you that right now!