David pulled his black luxury sedan into the long gravel driveway of his family mansion.
He had spent two whole weeks traveling across the country for a major business deal.
His heart beat fast because he wanted to see his seven-year-old daughter Lily.
David had lost his wife three years ago to a sudden illness.
He later married Eleanor, believing she would be a gentle mother to his little girl.
Eleanor had a grown brother named Julian who lived in the guest house.
David trusted his new family to protect his daughter while he worked late hours.
He stepped out of the car and grabbed his heavy leather briefcase.
The afternoon sun lit up the massive marble pillars of the front porch.
David noticed the grand front doors were slightly standing open.
He walked inside and heard a soft sound echoing down the long hallway.
It sounded like a child weeping near the back dining room.
David set his bag on the table and quickened his pace across the room.
The mansion felt colder and stranger than it usually did today.
He pushed open the heavy wooden doors that led into the formal parlor.
The bright light showed a sight that made his blood run cold.
Lily was kneeling on the cold floor in her small pink dress.
A shiny metal dog bowl sat directly in front of her face.
Eleanor stood over the little girl with her arms crossed tightly.
Julian stood nearby, laughing softly while holding a silver glass.
David stopped in his tracks and stared at his crying child.
He could not believe what was happening inside his own home.