Mark rushed across the hallway as fast as his feet could move.
He looked up and saw Victoria holding Lily near the tall balcony railing.
The young girl was wearing her favorite bright green dress.
She was crying softly and trying to pull away from Victoria's strong grip.
Mark shouted at the top of his lungs to stop the terrible tragedy.
Victoria let go of the girl's arms with a cold expression on her face.
Lily slipped off the upper step and tumbled down toward the hard floor.
Mark dove forward across the final two stairs without thinking twice.
He caught his small daughter in his arms just before she struck the ground.
The heavy thud echoed through the silent high-ceilinged entrance hall.
Mark rolled onto his back and cradled Lily tightly against his chest.
Lily buried her small face into her father's suit jacket while sobbing hysterically.
Mark checked her arms and legs quickly to ensure she was not bleeding.
She was shaking from head to toe after the terrifying drop.
Victoria stood above them on the balcony looking down with cold eyes.
She did not offer to help or ask if the young child was hurt.
Mark felt a wave of absolute fury wash over his entire body.