On a sunny morning, Julian returned home earlier than expected.
He parked his car in the long driveway outside the mansion.
Inside, Victoria was standing on the upper balcony near the stairs.
She wore an elegant gold gown that swept along the floor.
Little Lily was standing near the steep edge of the railing.
The marble floor near the stairs had just been waxed bright.
Victoria: Walk over to the very edge, Lily.
Lily: I do not want to go near the edge!
Victoria: Do not disobey me when I give an order.
Victoria grabbed the child's small arm very carelessly near the steps.
She deliberately released her hand as Lily lost her balance slightly.
Lily's tiny shoes slipped on the smooth marble floor.
The little girl screamed loudly as she stumbled toward the steps.
At that exact moment, Julian opened the heavy front door below.
He heard his daughter's sharp cry ring through the foyer.
Julian looked up and saw Lily stumbling near the top step.
His heart skipped a beat as pure panic gripped his soul.
Julian sprinted across the polished floor with incredible speed.
He leaped up the first few steps without taking a breath.
Julian: I have got you, Lily!
Julian caught his falling daughter right at the top landing safely.
He pulled her tightly into his arms before she hit the steps.
The impact knocked Julian onto his knees on the landing floor.
He held the crying girl close against his fast-beating chest.
Julian: Shh, you are safe now! Daddy has got you!
Lily: Daddy! She let go of my hand on purpose!
Julian looked up from the floor with burning anger in his eyes.
Victoria stood on the balcony above, staring down in complete shock.
Her face had turned pale as her plan failed completely.
Julian: How could you let go of her hand near these steps?
Victoria: It was just a terrible accident, Julian!
Julian: I saw exactly what happened with my own eyes.
Julian handed Lily carefully to the worried housekeeper standing nearby.
He stood up on the marble floor with extreme authority and rage.
He marched directly up the stairs toward his terrified wife.