The quiet suburb of Oak Ridge was filled with warm sunshine on Saturday afternoon.
Mark stood in front of his bedroom mirror while fixing his silk navy suit.
He was preparing for the annual community foundation event hosted in his grand home.
His six-year-old daughter Lily sat on her bed looking at her new pink dress.
She smiled softly because today was a very special celebration for her whole family.
Her birth mother had passed away three years ago from a heavy heart illness.
Mark had raised his daughter alone with endless love and great personal devotion.
Six months ago Mark married Evelyn to give Lily a complete and caring home.
Evelyn was a stylish woman who cared deeply about high status and fine wealth.
She always wanted to be the main center of attention at every big party.
Lily picked up her custom embroidered silk ribbon that matched her silk pink dress.
Lily: Look Daddy, I am getting ready for the big gathering downstairs!
Mark: You look absolutely beautiful today, my tiny little princess.
Lily: Do you think everyone will like my nice new party outfit?
Mark: Everyone will love you because you have such a kind sweet heart.
Mark kissed his daughter on her forehead before leaving her bedroom with a smile.
He walked down the stairs to check on the catering crew in the kitchen.
Evelyn was standing in the hall in her floor-length satin gown holding wine.
She looked down at her polished nails with an icy expression on her face.
She had spent thousands of dollars on her dress for this major community event.
She wanted every guest to talk only about her beauty and grand luxury style.
When she saw Lily walking down the hall, her green eyes narrowed with anger.
Lily looked so sweet and delicate that all the early guests smiled at her.
Evelyn felt a sudden wave of sharp jealousy rise inside her cold chest.
She could not stand the thought of a child stealing her precious social spotlight.
She waited until Mark walked into the kitchen to meet the main event caterers.
Then Evelyn stepped into the grand foyer and called out to small Lily quietly.
Evelyn: Come over here right now, you little spoiled child.
Lily: Is something wrong with my dress, Stepmother Evelyn?
Evelyn: You think you are prettier than me in front of these guests?
Lily stopped walking and looked up at Evelyn with confusion in her eyes.
She did not understand why her stepmother was speaking with such harsh cruelty.