The bright sun shone brightly over the grand estate on a warm Tuesday morning.
David looked out the high office window while holding a warm cup of black coffee.
He had spent five long years raising his small daughter Lily all by himself.
His late wife had passed away when Lily was just a tiny baby.
Now he wanted to give his growing child a complete and happy family again.
Two months ago David had married a polished socialite named Victoria at a grand ceremony.
Victoria brought along her cold mother Eleanor to live in the spacious white mansion.
David believed both women would bring warmth and traditional family values to his home.
However young Lily felt an eerie chill whenever Victoria walked into the sunny room.
The young girl missed the peaceful days when it was just her and her loving dad.
Victoria always smiled sweetly whenever David was standing nearby in the large room.
She bought Lily expensive stuffed animals and shiny dresses to show her apparent affection.
Victoria: Here is another pretty dress for my sweet little princess today.
Lily: Thank you Victoria but I prefer my comfortable old jeans.
Victoria: You will address me as mother from now on little girl.
Lily shrank back in fear as Victoria narrowed her painted dark eyes.
The sweet nanny Maria observed this tense exchange from across the long carpeted hallway.
Maria had worked for the wealthy family for more than ten long years.
She knew that Victoria was only pretending to care about the young child.
Whenever David left for his downtown corporate office Victoria changed her calm behavior completely.
She snapped at the loyal house staff and ordered Lily to scrub her shoes.
Eleanor joined in on the harsh verbal abuse with a sharp cold voice.
Eleanor: That girl is far too spoiled and needs strict military discipline.
Victoria: Do not worry mother I will break her stubborn spirit very soon.
Lily spent most of her quiet afternoons hiding in the lush green backyard gardens.
She talked to the colorful red butterflies and dug small holes in the dirt.
The outdoors was the only place where she felt safe from Victoria's harsh gaze.
David worked long extra hours to fund his new wife's lavish shopping habits.
He noticed that his young daughter was growing unusually quiet and sad at night.
David: Is everything going well with your new mother while I work?
Lily: She is very strict daddy and she does not like my playing.
David: She just wants the best for your future sweet little girl.
David gently kissed her forehead without realizing the growing danger inside his home.
He trusted his new wife completely and believed she was a good mother.
That big mistake would cost him his daughter's trust very soon.