The Morrison estate stood proudly on the outskirts of Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by towering oak trees, manicured gardens, and elegant white stone walkways. Inside the mansion, decorators hurried from room to room putting the finishing touches on an extravagant engagement celebration.
Guests would begin arriving within the hour.
Thirty-eight-year-old Ethan Morrison adjusted his white suit jacket while reviewing the evening's schedule with the event planner.
Everything was running perfectly.
Until he heard a tiny voice echo through the grand foyer.
"Daddy!"
The frightened cry froze him in place.
It came from outside.
Without hesitation, Ethan sprinted across the marble floor toward the enormous glass doors overlooking the front patio.
Standing outside in the chilly evening air was his seven-year-old daughter, Chloe.
She was crying uncontrollably.
Her small hands banged against the locked glass.
"Daddy!"
Ethan grabbed the door handle.
Locked.
His hands fumbled desperately with the security latch before finally forcing it open.
The moment the doors swung wide, Chloe threw herself into his arms.
She was trembling.
Her cheeks were wet with tears.
Ethan wrapped his arms tightly around her.
"It's okay."
"Daddy's here."
As he comforted his daughter, he noticed someone standing calmly behind him.
His fiancée.
Vanessa.
Still wearing her elegant white satin dress.
She didn't look concerned.
She looked annoyed.