Mark adjusted his silk tie as he pulled his luxury sedan into the long driveway.
He carried a large bouquet of fresh pink roses on his front passenger seat.
Today was his young daughter Lily's ninth birthday celebration at their private estate.
He had spent weeks planning every detail to make sure she felt completely cherished.
Ever since his late wife passed away, Mark worked hard to protect Lily's happiness.
Six months ago, Mark married Veronica, hoping she would bring warmth back home.
Veronica was a former high-society model who loved expensive clothes and grand galas.
She always wore rich emerald green velvet dresses to prove her high financial status.
Mark believed Veronica loved his daughter just as much as he did every day.
However, small signs of silent jealousy had started appearing over the past few weeks.
Veronica resented how much money Mark spent on Lily's upcoming birthday party celebration.
She believed the grand family inheritance should belong solely to her future children.
Mark stepped out of his car while holding the heavy bundle of blooming flowers.
He smiled widely as he walked toward the double wooden doors of the entrance.
He expected to hear cheerful music and laughter ringing through the grand foyer.
Instead, total silence hung over the heavy hallway as he unlocked the main door.
Mark walked inside quietly while holding his gift close to his tailored jacket.
Suddenly, a harsh voice echoed down from the upstairs dressing room corridor sharply.
Mark froze near the base of the winding marble staircase and listened intently.
Veronica: You think you deserve this dress for your silly party tonight?
Mark frowned deeply because he recognized the sharp tone in his wife's voice.
He hurried upstairs quietly, taking two steps at a time to check the room.
Lily: Please, Veronica! That dress was handmade for my special birthday party!
Mark reached the hallway just in time to see through the slightly open door.
Veronica stood over the vanity holding a heavy pair of heavy steel scissors.
She was slashing aggressively at the bright pink dress sitting on the table.
The sharp blades made a loud snip sound as fabric tore apart instantly.
Veronica: Your father wastes too much money on a spoiled child like you!
Lily stood in the corner with tears streaming down her pale young face.
Mark dropped his bouquet of flowers onto the hardwood floor in total shock.
The sudden thud echoed through the hallway and alerted Veronica to his presence.
He rushed into the dressing room with his eyes wide from pure disbelief.
Mark: What the hell are you doing to my daughter's birthday gift?!
Veronica spun around quickly while trying to hide the heavy scissors behind her.