The torn pink ribbon fell onto the polished marble floor between Victoria and Mia.
Mia dropped to her knees and tried to pick up the piece of torn silk.
Tears wet her cheeks as she held the delicate piece of pink fabric tightly.
Mia: Why are you so mean to me when Daddy is not around?
Victoria: Because you remind him of a woman who is no longer here.
Victoria reached down and grabbed Mia by her pink shoulder strap to pull her up.
The young girl gasped and tried to slip away from her stepmother's tight grip.
Mia: You are hurting my arm, please let me go!
Victoria: Do you think you are prettier than me in this old house?
Mia shook her head quickly while crying as hard as she possibly could.
She had never seen Victoria look so scary and furious in her entire life.
Victoria picked up a pair of crafting scissors resting on the side hall table.
She held the shiny metal blades near the hem of Mia's favorite pink dress.
Victoria: I will make sure you never wear this dress ever again.
Mia: No, please don't cut my dress!
Mia screamed as loud as her small lungs would allow into the grand space.
Her sharp cry echoed through the heavy wooden doors and out toward the ballroom.
Victoria gasped in surprise and tried to cover the child's mouth with her hand.
Victoria: Keep quiet right now or things will get much worse for you!
Mia ducked under Victoria's arm and ran toward the hallway doors with all her speed.
She pushed the heavy wooden doors open and spilled out into the bright foyer.
Several guests in tuxedoes and formal gowns turned around in total surprise and confusion.
They saw the young girl sobbing hysterically with a torn dress and red cheeks.
Victoria walked out into the foyer right behind Mia with a fake concerned smile.
Victoria: Mia darling, please stop throwing a tantrum in front of our guests!
Mia: She ruined my mother's dress on purpose!
The guests began to whisper among themselves as they noticed the torn pink ribbon.
Victoria put her hands on her hips and shook her head with forced sadness.
Victoria: The poor child is confused and making up silly stories again tonight.
Mia held her chest while gasping for air near the bottom of the stairs.
She wished her father would come out of his study to help her out.
Victoria stepped closer to Mia again to grab her arm and drag her upstairs.
Victoria: Come up to your room right now before you embarrass us further.
Mia: Get away from me!
The guests gasped as Victoria forcefully grabbed Mia's wrist near the grand archway.