Mark walked through the front doors of his massive white marble house.
The afternoon sun poured through the high glass windows along the quiet grand entrance.
He set his heavy black briefcase down on the shiny checkered floor.
Everything in the grand hallway looked clean and perfectly placed as usual.
Yet a strange and uncomfortable chill hung inside the silent air today.
Mark had built a successful real estate business over the last ten years.
His wealth allowed him to buy this stunning estate in a quiet American suburb.
However, his greatest joy in life was his little two-year-old son, Leo.
Leo was a happy child who always filled the bright halls with cheerful laughter.
Ever since Mark lost his wife, he worked hard to keep his child safe.
Six months ago, a beautiful socialite named Elena entered his life.
Elena brought excitement and elegance back into the spacious empty house.
Mark believed that Elena loved little Leo just as much as he did.
He hoped she would soon become a loving stepmother to his precious boy.
Mark called out into the quiet hallway as he loosened his silk tie.
Mark: Elena, I came home early from the office today!
No one answered his call from the upper floors of the house.
The complete silence made Mark feel slightly uneasy for some unknown reason.
He stepped forward on the checkered tile toward the large living space.
Suddenly, he heard rapid footstep sounds coming from around the corner.
A loyal housekeeper named Maria ran quickly toward the main front entrance.
Maria had worked for Mark's family for more than five whole years.
Her apron was messy and her face showed deep worry and sadness.
Mark stopped in his tracks as he looked at her nervous expression.
Mark: Maria, what is wrong with you today?
Maria: Oh, Mr. Mark, I did not expect you back so soon!
Mark: Where is my son, and where is Elena right now?
Maria opened her mouth to speak, but her body trembled with fear.
She kept looking back toward the long hallway leading to the kitchen.
It looked like she wanted to reveal a heavy secret right away.
Before Maria could speak, sharp footsteps echoed against the stone walls.
Elena emerged from the bright corridor dressed in an expensive pink silk gown.
She held a golden mug in her hand and smiled very coldly.
Mark felt a strange knot form tightly inside his upset stomach.