Elena adjusted her grey uniform apron as she walked through the bright marble foyer.
The morning sunlight streamed through the high glass windows of the grand estate.
It looked like a peaceful home from the outside.
Yet Elena knew that danger lurked in every corner of this mansion.
Her employer Arthur had hired her three months ago to care for little Lily.
Lily was only two years old and had lost her mother a year prior.
Arthur had recently married Clara, a wealthy woman who wore expensive silk dresses.
Clara always acted soft and kind whenever Arthur was standing in the room.
However, the moment Arthur left for his office, Clara showed her true face.
She resented the little girl because Lily was the sole heir to the family fortune.
Elena had noticed how Clara looked at the small child with deep coldness.
On this warm Tuesday morning, Arthur had stepped out early for an urgent board meeting.
Elena was downstairs polishing the grand oak banister near the front entrance.
Suddenly, she heard high heels clicking fast along the upper balcony floor.
She looked up and saw Clara standing near the edge of the second-story railing.
Clara was holding small Lily near the open ledge in a dangerous way.
The little girl was whimpering quietly while reaching for her favorite stuffed bear.
Clara: You do not belong in this family, you little pest.
Elena froze in absolute terror as she watched Clara loosen her grip.
Elena: Ma'am, please step back from the edge right now!
Clara gave a dark grin and let go of the child's tiny hand.
Elena did not think twice about her own personal safety.
She sprinted across the polished marble floor with all her speed.
Her heart pounded like a hammer inside her tight chest.
She dove across the hard floor just as the child tumbled downward.
Elena caught little Lily safely in her arms right before impact.
They slid across the smooth tile floor together in a tight roll.
Lily began to cry hysterically from the sudden shock of the drop.
Elena held the child firmly against her chest while checking for injuries.
Elena: I've got you sweetie, you're completely safe now.
Tears rolled down Elena's bruised cheek as she rocked the little girl.
She could hear Clara rushing down the grand staircase toward them.
Clara's silk dress rustled loudly with every rapid step she took.
Elena held Lily tighter and prepared to fight for the child's life.