The large estate in Dallas stood cold and quiet on a rainy morning.
Mark sat at his heavy oak desk while looking over financial reports.
His daughter Lily sat near the window in her manual wheelchair.
She watched the rain stream down the glass with quiet eyes.
Her mother had passed away two years ago after a long illness.
Mark had married Victoria six months later to bring stability home.
Victoria always wore designer clothes and kept her blonde hair perfect.
She pretended to be a loving stepmother whenever Mark was around.
Victoria: Mark, sweetie, the lawyer called about your late wife's trust fund today.
Mark: What did he say about Lily's portion?
Victoria: He said the paperwork needs my signature as her legal guardian.
Mark: I thought my late wife left everything directly to Lily.
Victoria: The law requires an adult manager until she turns eighteen.
Mark frowned as he closed the blue folder on his desk.
He loved his daughter more than anything else in the world.
Lily had lost the use of her legs during an accident years ago.
She was gentle and sweet, with pale skin and light freckles.
Elena, the house maid, walked into the office carrying fresh tea.
She had served Mark's family for over fifteen years now.
Elena noticed how Victoria glared at little Lily when Mark turned away.
Elena: Here is your tea, Mr. Mark.
Mark: Thank you, Elena. Is Lily's schedule ready for today?
Elena: Yes, sir. Her physical therapist arrives at two o'clock.
Victoria: I can handle her schedule today, Elena.
Elena: I already prepared her room, Mrs. Victoria.
Victoria gave Elena a sharp look that meant she should leave.
Elena set the tray down and stepped back toward the hallway.
She worried constantly about how Victoria treated the young child.
Whenever Mark went on business trips, Victoria changed her sweet tone.
She spoke sharply to Lily and locked her in her room early.
Lily never complained to her father because she felt afraid.
Victoria had warned the child that speaking up would ruin everything.
Mark stood up from his chair and checked his gold watch.
Mark: I have an urgent meeting downtown with our investors.
Victoria: Don't worry about a thing, darling.
Mark: Please make sure Lily takes her afternoon medicine on time.
Victoria: I will personally see to it right away.
Mark kissed Lily on her forehead before grabbing his black jacket.
Mark: Be good for Victoria, my sweet girl.
Lily: I will, Dad. Safe drive.
Mark walked out the front door into the heavy Texas rain.
The moment the heavy door clicked shut, Victoria turned around.
Her smile disappeared completely as she looked down at Lily.
Victoria: Roll yourself into the bathroom right now, Lily.
Lily: But I want to finish reading my book first.
Victoria: You do what I say without asking questions.
Elena watched from the kitchen corner with a worried heart.
She knew Victoria was planning something bad for the helpless child.
The quiet mansion felt colder than it ever had before.