Arthur stood near the large bay window inside his quiet suburban living room.
The morning light bounced off the marble floors of his vast home.
He adjusted his silk necktie while thinking about his demanding executive schedule for the week.
Ever since his late wife passed away, he tried hard to build stability.
His young daughter Lily was only three years old and needed constant maternal affection.
His ten-year-old son Leo had become distant and quiet over the past year.
Arthur believed that marrying Victoria would bring back warmth to their lonely residence.
Victoria was an ambitious real estate manager who always wore designer gold dresses.
She smiled softly whenever Arthur entered the room to look like a loving mother.
However, her attitude shifted dramatically whenever Arthur stepped outside for business meetings.
Victoria: Why are those dirty toys sitting in the middle of my clean hallway?
Leo: Lily was just playing with her wooden blocks before her morning nap.
Victoria: Pick them up immediately or I will throw them into the trash bin.
Leo picked up the blocks while keeping his angry eyes fixed on the floor.
He did not trust Victoria because he saw how cold her eyes became.
Arthur walked into the hallway with his leather briefcase tucked under his arm.
Arthur: Is everything going smoothly with the children this lovely morning my dear?
Victoria: Everything is absolutely wonderful because your children are total sweethearts to me.
She kissed Arthur on the cheek while giving Leo a stern warning glance.
Arthur smiled happily, feeling completely confident that his home was finally peaceful again.
He trusted Victoria to manage the entire estate while he managed his growing firm.
Arthur: I will return late evening after the financial trust fund papers are finalized.
Victoria: Do not worry about a single detail because I will guard them.
Arthur stepped outside and closed the heavy front door behind his tall figure.
The mansion instantly returned to a heavy tension that made Leo feel uneasy.
Leo decided to retreat quietly up the staircase to monitor his younger sister.
He carried his small digital tablet inside his backpack wherever he walked around.
The boy knew that something was deeply wrong with his stepmother's fake kindness.
He promised himself that he would protect his little sister from any potential harm.