Marcus stood inside the high entry room of his large home.
He looked up toward the top of the grand staircase.
His new wife Victoria stood near the upper railing in a green dress.
His seven-year-old daughter Lily was standing right beside her.
Lily looked small and nervous as she pulled on her yellow sweater.
Marcus felt a strange coldness in his chest as he watched them.
He had married Victoria only six months ago after a brief romance.
She had promised to be a loving mother to little Lily.
But lately Victoria seemed annoyed whenever the child was nearby.
Marcus noticed how Victoria grabbed Lily by her narrow shoulder.
Marcus: Victoria, what are you doing up there near the edge?
Victoria: We are just having a private chat about proper manners.
Lily: Daddy, she is hurting my arm very badly!
Victoria: Be quiet, you ungrateful little brat!
Victoria gave the young girl a harsh shove toward the stairs.
Lily lost her balance completely on the polished wooden step.
She cried out loudly as she stumbled backward into open air.
Marcus felt his heart stop instantly in pure terror.
He moved his feet faster than he ever had in his entire life.
He dove across the wide marble floor with open arms.
He slid hard onto his knees right at the base of the staircase.
He caught the terrified girl safely against his chest.
The impact knocked the breath straight out of his lungs.
He held her tight while his knees throbbed against the hard floor.
Lily buried her small face into his gray suit jacket.
Marcus: I have got you now, sweetheart.
Marcus: You are safe in my arms.
Lily: She pushed me because she hates me!
Marcus: It is okay now, Daddy is right here with you.
Marcus looked up slowly toward the landing above.
Victoria stood frozen near a massive display flag on the wall.
Her hand rested on her pale cheek in complete disbelief.
Marcus felt a hot wave of anger surge through his body.
Marcus: Get out of my home right now!