The morning sun rose over the quiet suburb, casting bright light across the massive white home.
Mark sat inside his quiet home office, looking over a stack of old financial documents.
His heart felt heavy as he remembered his late wife, who had passed away three years ago.
He had tried his best to keep the family happy and stable for his two young children.
His eight-year-old son Tommy loved playing with miniature cars in the wide living room.
His six-year-old daughter Lily spent most of her time drawing pictures at the kitchen table.
Everything had changed six months ago when Mark decided to marry his new wife, Evelyn.
Evelyn was a stylish woman who always wore expensive clothes and talked about high social status.
She seemed friendly and caring while they were dating during their short courtship period.
Mark believed that she would bring warmth and maternal comfort back into his quiet household.
However, the mood inside the grand mansion slowly turned cold shortly after the lavish wedding.
Evelyn grew demanding about the family trust fund and the large inheritance left for the kids.
She often complained that the children were too loud and ruined her expensive home decorations.
Mark tried to balance his demanding job as a corporate attorney with his duties at home.
He trusted his new wife to manage the household while he spent long hours in court.
Yet, he noticed small changes in his children whenever he walked through the front door.
Tommy stopped running to greet him with his usual big smile and energetic hug.
Lily often hid behind the living room curtains whenever she heard adult footsteps approaching.
Mark asked his children several times if anything was wrong during their quiet dinners together.
Both kids would simply lower their eyes and stare down at their full dinner plates.
Evelyn would quickly step in with a sweet smile and offer a quick explanation.
Evelyn: They are just tired from their long school schedule, sweetie.
Mark wanted to believe her because he desperately wished for a peaceful and loving family.
He blamed himself for working too hard and missing out on their daily emotional needs.
He decided that he would pay closer attention to what was happening inside his home.
The tension grew thicker each passing day, like a storm gathering over the bright house.