Mark walked through the large front doors of his quiet mansion after a long drive back from his office.
The air inside the dark hallway felt strangely cold despite the bright sun outside the tall windows.
He carried his heavy leather briefcase and took off his long coat near the front table.
A quiet crying sound came from the living room near the back of the house.
Mark dropped his briefcase onto the soft rug and walked quickly toward the sound.
He found the maid sitting on her knees near the floor with tears running down her cheeks.
The small baby was sitting on a soft blanket next to her with red cheeks.
Mark gasped when he saw the dark marks on the young maid's tired face.
He knelt down right away and picked up his small crying son into his arms.
Mark: Oh no, hey buddy, I got you!
He held the baby close to his chest and patted the boy's back gently.
Mark: Shh, daddy's here, you're safe!
The maid looked up at Mark with dark spots around her swollen brown eyes.
Maid: She hurts the child every time you leave!
Mark's body went stiff as he listened to the maid's shaky voice.
His face grew pale and his hands began to tremble with deep anger.
He turned his eyes toward the grand fireplace across the large room.
His new wife Victoria stood near the warm fire wearing an expensive golden dress.
She held a tall glass of juice and looked away from Mark's angry face.
Mark: Why are you treating my child like this?!
Victoria took a slow breath and placed her glass down on the wooden shelf.
Victoria: She is lying to you because she made a mistake today!
Maid: I am telling the whole truth, sir!
Mark stepped closer to Victoria while holding his son firmly in his arms.
The air in the room felt heavy and nobody moved for a long moment.