Mark rushed through the tall glass doors of his Dallas home with heavy steps.
The air inside the massive foyer felt cold despite the summer heat outside.
A sharp cry broke the quiet house from the top of the grand marble staircase.
Mark dropped his leather briefcase onto the dark floor without thinking twice.
He looked up to see his seven-year-old daughter Lily standing near the top banister.
Tears were running down her pale cheeks as she clutched her small pink dress.
Her little hands shook while she pointed toward the slippery top steps.
Mark sprinted across the polished floor to reach his terrified child immediately.
His dress shoes slid against the smooth white stone as he made his turn.
He caught his balance near the bottom step and took three stairs at a time.
Lily let out a loud sob and reached out her arms toward her father.
Mark gathered her tiny frame into his arms and held her tight against his chest.
The young girl buried her face into his shoulder while trembling completely.
Mark: I have got you, sweetheart. You are safe now.
Lily: She slipped! It was not an accident!
Mark: Ssh, quiet now. Nobody is going to hurt you while I am here.
Mark rubbed her back in gentle circles to slow her fast breathing.
He felt her warm tears soaking right through his beige suit jacket.
Something felt very wrong inside the silent mansion on that quiet afternoon.
Mark stood up carefully while keeping his arms wrapped tight around Lily.
He turned his gaze toward the upper balcony near the formal hallway doors.
His new wife Victoria stood near the top railing with her arms crossed tight.
She wore an elegant dark blue velvet dress and held a calm face.
Her cold expression showed no concern for the crying child down below.
Mark felt a wave of deep anger rise up inside his chest instantly.
He adjusted his grip on Lily and carried her up the marble steps.