Arthur stood inside the grand foyer of his large estate while looking over several financial documents.
He was a hardworking businessman who spent long hours securing his family's financial future every day.
His young daughter Lily was playing quietly with her doll near the base of the white staircase.
Lily was a sweet girl who loved drawing pictures and spending quiet afternoons with her father.
Arthur had married Gwen two years ago after meeting her at an executive business gala downtown.
Gwen was much younger and often felt overwhelmed by the duties of managing a huge household.
She wanted a life of endless luxury, expensive jewelry, and high status in the city.
However, Gwen struggled to build a loving relationship with little Lily over those two years.
She often complained that Arthur spent too much money and attention on his young daughter.
Arthur always tried his best to keep the peace between his new wife and his child.
He believed that time and patience would eventually bring his family together as a team.
The sun was shining brightly through the large skylight high above the marble living room floor.
It was supposed to be a calm Sunday afternoon for everyone living inside the quiet home.
Arthur adjusted his grey suit jacket before preparing to leave for an important afternoon meeting.
He placed his leather briefcase on the wooden table located near the front main entrance.
Lily looked up from her small toys and smiled warmly at her father from across the room.
"Will you be home early today, Daddy?" Lily asked softly as she held her favorite toy doll.
"I will be back before dinner time, sweetheart," Arthur replied with a gentle smile on his face.
Gwen walked down the upper hallway while wearing an oversized white shirt and dark pants.
She looked tired and annoyed as she listened to the conversation happening downstairs in the foyer.
Gwen did not like the close bond that Arthur shared with his young daughter every single day.
She wanted Arthur to focus entirely on her needs, her credit cards, and her social life.
Arthur turned toward the door without knowing the dark tension growing upstairs on the balcony landing.