The night air felt unusually cold around the large luxury home.
Mark set his phone down on the wooden kitchen counter.
He had spent the entire afternoon reviewing documents for his business.
His young daughter Lily was playing quietly nearby with her toys.
The house was silent except for the faint sound of music.
His new wife Elena walked into the room wearing a bright dress.
She smiled at Mark as she poured herself a cold drink.
Mark felt a strange knot form in his stomach right then.
He noticed that Elena had been distant for several days.
She avoided looking him directly in the eyes during dinner.
Elena: Are you almost finished with your work tonight?
Mark: I have a few more emails to answer first.
Elena: Do not stay up too late downstairs.
Mark nodded slowly as he turned back to his laptop screen.
Elena walked toward the back patio doors leading to the pool.
Little Lily followed behind her stepmother with a small doll.
Mark assumed Elena was keeping a close eye on the child.
He picked up a blue folder filled with financial papers.
Suddenly a sharp sound echoed from the dark backyard area.
It was a child's voice screaming in total terror.
Lily: Daddy!
Mark dropped his papers onto the floor in an instant.
His heart started pounding heavily inside his chest right away.
He sprinted across the polished floor toward the open glass door.
The clear pool water sparkled under the dim outdoor lights.
He heard a loud heavy splash echoing across the yard.
The surface of the deep pool water rippled violently outdoor.
Mark did not hesitate for even a single second now.
He ran past the outdoor chairs at full speed ahead.
He leaped into the cold water with a massive splash.