Outside the front gates, a sleek black sedan pulled into the long circular gravel driveway.
David stepped out of the vehicle holding his leather briefcase and a bright blue gift box.
He had cut his executive trip short by two days just to surprise his young daughter.
A warm smile touched his face as he thought about seeing Lily's happy reaction to the gift.
He walked up the grand stone steps and unlocked the tall mahogany front entrance doors quietly.
As he stepped into the foyer, the cold sound of harsh scolding echoed down the hallway.
David froze in place near the coat rack and listened carefully to the unfamiliar sound.
Evelyn: Stop crying right now or you will stay in your room all evening!
Lily: My hands hurt so bad from scrubbing all day!
Evelyn: I do not care about your excuses, just finish the job!
David dropped his heavy briefcase to the floor with a loud, dull thud that echoed loudly.
He rushed down the grand hallway toward the main living hall with wide, panicked eyes.
What he saw standing in the bright center of the room made his blood run cold.
His precious daughter was kneeling in dirty water while Evelyn stood over her with anger.
David: Hey, I got you! What is happening here?!
David dropped to his knees and pulled Lily instantly into his arms, holding her tightly.
The little girl sobbed uncontrollably into his jacket, trembling from head to toe in shock.
Lily: Daddy! You came back home!
David: Shh, sweetie, you are safe now. I am right here with you.
David looked closely at his daughter's red, sore hands and felt deep anger rise within him.
He looked up slowly at his wife, his eyes filled with disbelief and overwhelming fury.
Evelyn took a small step backward, her face turning pale as she tried to compose herself.
Evelyn: David, darling, it is not what it looks like at all.
David: Do not lie to me while my daughter is crying in my arms!