The bright chandeliers in the grand mansion ballroom cast a warm glitter across the crowded room.
Wealthy guests walked across the light marble floors while holding crystal glasses filled with punch.
Arthur stood near the high glass doors while talking with his long-time business partners.
He was a kind father who loved his young daughter Mia more than anything else.
His wife had passed away three years ago, leaving him to raise Mia alone.
Six months ago, Arthur had married Victoria, believing she would be a tender stepmother.
Victoria always acted charming and gentle Whenever Arthur was standing nearby in the house.
She wore expensive magenta designer gowns and smiled warmly at all the city high society guests.
However, behind closed doors, Victoria felt deep jealousy toward young eight-year-old Mia.
She disliked how much Arthur cherished his daughter and honored his late wife's memory.
Mia wore a simple pink sequined dress that her mother had given her years ago.
The little girl stayed near the pastry table, enjoying a small slice of chocolate cake.
Victoria watched the young child from across the room with a cold and bitter look.
She felt that Mia was stealing attention away from her at this important charity event.
Victoria adjusted her diamond necklace and began walking slowly toward the quiet side hallway.
She caught Mia's arm gently at first and guided her away from the busy ballroom.
Victoria: Come with me into the gallery right now, young lady.
Mia: But Stepmom, I am watching the guests with my friends.
Victoria: You need to stop making so much noise in front of our guests.
Mia felt her heart beat faster as she followed Victoria into the empty grand hallway.
The bright white walls of the hallway made the silence feel heavy and scary.
Victoria closed the double wooden doors behind them to block out the party sounds.
Mia clutched the fabric of her pink dress tightly with both of her small hands.
Mia: Did I do something wrong, Stepmom?
Victoria: You are always trying to act special in front of Arthur.
Mia took a small step backward toward the antique wooden cabinet against the wall.
Victoria stepped closer and towered over the frightened young girl with anger.
Victoria: Look at this old dress you insist on wearing to my party.
Mia: My mother gave me this dress before she went to heaven.
Victoria: It is tacky and it ruins the high class image of this estate.
Victoria reached out and grabbed the delicate silk ribbon attached to the pink dress.
Mia: Please let go of it!
Victoria: I am going to throw this old trash away right now.
Mia began to cry softly as she pulled back with all her small strength.
Victoria raised her hand in anger and yanked the ribbon off the dress completely.
The delicate fabric tore with a harsh sound that echoed down the quiet hallway.
Mia covered her face with her hands and sobbed openly in the empty room.
Victoria looked down at the crying child without showing a single bit of pity.