Mark adjusted his tie as the heavy iron gates opened.
He had just returned from a long business trip overseas.
His heart raced with excitement to see his little girl.
Three-year-old Lily was his absolute entire world.
Ever since his late wife passed away, Lily was everything.
Six months ago, Mark married a woman named Victoria.
Victoria seemed like a kind and caring person at first.
She promised to treat Lily like her own child.
Mark trusted her completely with the care of his home.
He bought her fine clothes and luxury sports cars.
He placed full trust in her hands while away.
As Mark stepped out of his car, the house felt silent.
The sun shone brightly over the grand stone entrance.
Yet a strange feeling settled deep inside his chest.
He walked toward the garage door to park his sedan.
He heard a faint sound coming from inside the garage.
It sounded like a child crying softly behind the door.
Mark quickened his pace and opened the side entrance.
The air smelled of harsh chemical cleaner and dirt.
His eyes adjusted to the dim light of the space.
He saw a sight that made his blood run cold.
Victoria stood near her shiny black SUV with a plate.
The plate was full of warm delicious food and fruit.
Little Lily was kneeling on the cold marble floor.
She held a dirty yellow cloth in her small hands.
Her pink dress was covered in grease and dust.
Tears rolled down her pale smudge-covered cheeks.
Toddler: Please, I'm hungry!
Victoria: Then clean faster.
Mark froze in absolute disbelief at what he heard.
The woman he loved was standing there without mercy.
She held food right out of the child's reach.
Lily wiped the tire rims with her tiny hands.
Her hands trembled from pure weakness and cold.
Mark felt a wave of anger build inside him.
He took a step forward into the garage area.
His shoes made a sharp sound against the tile.
Victoria turned around and dropped her arrogant smile.
Lily looked up and saw her father standing there.
The little girl let out a loud hysterical sob.
She dropped the dirty cloth onto the floor tiles.
She ran toward him as fast as she could.
Her small feet slipped slightly on the slippery floor.
Mark rushed forward and dropped straight to his knees.