The bright afternoon sun warmed the stone patio outside the grand estate.
Seven-year-old Leo adjusted his tiny beige suit jacket proudly.
He held a silver plate with a fresh cherry pie tightly in his small hands.
His father had spent hours helping him bake it for the big family gathering.
Leo smiled brightly as he looked at the red lattice crust.
Suddenly, a heavy heel struck the edge of the polished tray.
The pie launched into the air before crashing loudly onto the hard stone floor.
Red filling splattered across the white marble tile.
Leo gasped as tears filled his large brown eyes immediately.
He knelt down in distress and looked at the ruined cake.
He picked up a small clean piece of crust and put it in his mouth while crying softly.
Leo: Daddy, they ruined our favorite dessert!
Mark heard the terrible crash from across the lush garden lawn.
He dropped his glass of water onto the table instantly.
He sprinted fast across the grass in his dark blue designer suit.
His shoes clicked heavily against the stone patio steps.
He slid down onto his knees right beside his weeping son.
Mark: What happened, Leo?
Leo: She kicked it, Daddy!
Mark wrapped his arms around the boy's shaking shoulders tight.
He wiped a tear from the boy's pale cheek gently.
He pulled the child close against his warm jacket chest.
He turned his head slowly to see who would do such a cruel thing.
Standing just a few feet away was Victoria in a shimmering gold gown.
She held a glass of champagne in her manicured hand.
Her lips curled up into a cold smile as she looked down at the child.
Victoria: He deserved worse than that.
Mark felt a wave of absolute fury wash over his entire body.
He stood up slowly, his fists clenching hard at his sides.
The air on the patio turned ice cold within seconds.