The polished white marble floor of the luxury mansion reflected the bright morning daylight, but the high-ceilinged hallway felt as cold as ice. Three-year-old Lily lay on the stone, her tiny body trembling with fear. Bruises and red scrapes marked her delicate arms and face, her blonde hair tangled as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Lily: Please, no! Don't do it again!
Evelyn: Quiet down right now, you ungrateful brat. You will learn how to behave in this house!
Lily: It hurts! I want my daddy!
Evelyn: Your father is at work, and I am in charge of this estate. Now stop whining before I drag you back to your room!
Lily tried to pull herself up, but her weak little knees buckled against the glossy marble floor. Dragging herself inch by inch toward the heavy double front doors, she cried out into the empty foyer, hoping someone—anyone—would hear her desperate whimpers.
Behind her, the high-pitched click of designer heels echoed off the white walls. Evelyn walked forward with absolute calm, her porcelain skin smooth under perfect makeup. In her right hand, she held a dark chain leash attached to a leather collar, the metal links scraping against the marble floor with a harsh, chilling sound.
Lily: Daddy! Please come home!
Evelyn: He can't hear you, Lily. Nobody is coming to help you today.
Evelyn pulled the chain tight, staring down at the bruised child with a completely expressionless face. But as she stepped toward the front doors, the massive mahogany entrances swung open. Stand at the end of the grand foyer was Richard Sterling, holding his leather briefcase, his face turning pale as he absorbed the horrifying scene unfolding right before his eyes.
Richard: Evelyn... what on earth are you doing to my daughter?!
Evelyn: Richard! You're home early...
Richard: Step away from her right now!
Richard dropped his briefcase onto the floor and sprinted down the long white hallway, his heart pounding in his chest as he saw the leash and his bruised daughter crawling on the marble floor. Was he in time to save his little girl from a monster?