The dark velvet curtains hung heavy in the high archways of the grand estate.
Mark held his breath as he stepped quietly down the long hallway.
He carried a silver tray with warm tea meant for his aging father.
The mansion had felt colder ever since Victoria married into the family.
She watched everyone like a hawk looking for its next prey.
Mark reached the top of the grand staircase near the second floor balcony.
He heard low voices arguing behind the carved mahogany doors.
His stepmother stood on the marble balcony holding a tiny yellow bundle.
Mark froze in place when he recognized the yellow blanket.
It was his newborn son sleeping inside that soft cotton cloth.
Victoria turned around with a cold smile resting on her painted lips.
Her eyes lacked any trace of warmth or grandmotherly love.
Victoria: You thought you could secure your father's fortune with a boy.
Mark: Give me my son right now, Victoria!
Victoria: You don't belong in this house, and neither does he.
Mark set the heavy silver tray down on a side table.
His hands trembled with a sudden burst of sheer terror.
The white marble railing looked dangerously low against the open foyer below.
Victoria leaned back against the smooth stone with a mocking grin.
Victoria: One little slip and the entire estate stays with my side.
Mark: Step away from the edge immediately!
She raised her chin and lifted the baby near the vast opening.
The wind blew gently through the open balcony doors into the hall.
Mark took a slow step forward on the slippery floor.
He tried to keep his voice completely calm and low.
Mark: We can talk about the will and the property later.
Victoria: There is nothing left to talk about, Mark.
She shoved her hands outward over the marble railing without warning.
The tiny yellow bundle slipped out of her grip instantly.
Mark let out a terrifying scream that echoed off the high ceiling.
The baby's sharp cry rang out as he fell through the air.
Mark did not hesitate for even a fraction of a second.
He sprinted directly toward the open edge with total devotion.
The world seemed to slow down around his pounding footsteps.
He launched himself forward into the wide open atrium foyer.
His body soared across the grand space below the flying American flag.
He extended both arms with every ounce of power he possessed.
The yellow blanket descended fast toward the hard floor below.
Mark reached out into the empty space to save his child.
His fingers brushed against the soft fabric near the bottom floor.
He scooped the newborn tightly into his navy suit jacket.
His body slammed onto the cold white marble with a heavy thud.
He slid several feet across the polished floor on his knees.
He cradled the tiny baby protectively against his strong chest.
The infant whimpered softly against his warm shirt.
Mark squeezed his eyes shut as warm tears spilled down his face.
Mark: Are you okay, little one? Daddy's got you.
The infant let out a small breath and went quiet in his arms.
Mark kissed the top of the soft yellow blanket over and over.
He checked the baby's arms and legs to ensure safety.
The child was unharmed thanks to his desperate diving catch.
High above them, quick footsteps rattled down the grand marble staircase.
Victoria was rushing down the steps with her hands raised defensively.
Her face looked pale and twisted with sudden overwhelming panic.
She realized what she had just done in front of witnesses.
Victoria: Please, listen to me! I didn't mean to do it!
Mark stood up slowly from the hard stone floor.
His navy suit was scuffed, but his gaze was sharp like steel.
He held the baby firmly against his beating chest with one hand.
Victoria stumbled on the bottom step and ran toward him.
Victoria: It was an accident, I swear to God!
Mark turned around with fierce anger burning in his chest.
He did not speak a single word of forgiveness to her.
He struck her hard across the face with his open palm.
The loud slap echoed loudly through the silent mansion foyer.
Victoria tumbled backward onto the marble floor with a sharp cry.
She clutched her red cheek in utter shock and panic.
Mark stepped closer and pointed his finger straight at her face.
Mark: Don't you dare touch my child again! Get out!