Mark bent down and lifted his small daughter into his arms.
Lily held onto his jacket tightly and buried her wet face.
Lily: Daddy, I was just really hungry today.
Mark held her close to his chest and patted her back.
Mark: I know, baby, Daddy is right here with you now.
He turned his gaze back toward his wife with deep anger.
Victoria stood up from her chair and adjusted her bright dress.
She did not look sorry or ashamed of her terrible actions.
Victoria: You are spoiling her just like you always do, Mark.
Mark: She is a child, not a worker in your house!
Victoria folded her arms and smirked at her angry husband slowly.
She felt powerful because her family owned the big house estate.
Victoria: I run this house while you are away working late.
Mark: Not anymore you don't, Victoria!
He carried Lily over to the soft sofa in the room.
He set her down gently and gave her a clean napkin.
Mark: Stay right here, sweetie, Daddy will bring real food.
Mark walked quickly into the kitchen to grab fresh warm soup.
He brought a bowl back out and sat next to Lily.
Victoria stood by the table and watched them with deep disgust.
Victoria: You are undermining my authority in front of her.
Mark: You have no authority when you act like a monster.
Victoria gasped at his harsh words and took a step back.
She was used to getting whatever she wanted without any pushback.
Victoria: How dare you speak to me like that in here!
Mark: I am speaking the truth and you know it well.
Lily ate the warm soup slowly with her small silver spoon.
Mark kept his hand gently on her tiny shoulder the whole time.
He looked around the massive house he had worked to build.
It felt less like a real home and more like a cage.
He remembered how sweet Victoria used to be years ago before.
Money and status had changed her into a completely different person.
Mark: We are going to have a serious talk tonight, Victoria.
Victoria: There is nothing to talk about, Mark.
She turned around and started walking up the large grand staircase.
Mark watched her go with a heavy heart full of determination.
He knew he could not let his daughter grow up here.
Something had to change before it was far too late for them.