Mark pulled his blue sedan into the wide circular driveway of his Dallas estate.
The afternoon sun reflected brightly off the tall polished windows of the mansion.
He gripped the steering wheel tight while looking up at the grand front entrance.
Things had been strange at home ever since he married Elena six months ago.
His young daughter Sarah had grown quieter with every passing week.
Mark stepped out of the warm Texas heat and unlocked the double front doors.
The heavy oak doors swung open into the bright and spacious front foyer.
An American flag framed in dark wood hung proudly on the tall main wall.
He heard loud frantic voices echoing down the hallway toward the private study.
Mark dropped his leather briefcase onto the floor and rushed down the corridor.
His heart beat fast against his ribs as he reached the living area.
Sarah was sitting on the floor with tears running down her red cheeks.
Elena stood directly over her wearing a deep red dress with pressed sleeves.
She held a small white cup and turned around quickly with a gasp.
Elena: Mark, you came home early from the office today!
Mark: What is going on in this room right now?
Sarah: Daddy, she locked me in here and grabbed my arm!
Mark stepped forward immediately to put himself between Elena and his child.
His eyes burned with anger as he stared down at his new wife.
Mark: Stay away from my daughter! Get out now!
Elena backed away toward the fireplace while shaking her head in panic.
Elena: You have to listen to me! It's for your own good!
Mark: Do not speak another word to her today!
He dropped down to his knees on the marble floor next to Sarah.
His hands trembled slightly as he wrapped his arm around her small shoulders.
Mark: Daddy's here, baby, you're safe.
He lifted Sarah up off the floor and pulled her into a hug.
Sarah buried her face into his jacket and sobbed without stopping.
Mark turned around slowly while holding his daughter safe in his arms.
Elena stood frozen near the burning fireplace with a shocked look on her face.