The bright afternoon sun filtered through the high arched windows of the grand Dallas home.
Soft light washed across the marble floor of the broad front hallway.
Little Lily sat at a small wooden table dressed in her favorite party outfit.
A decorated cake rested right in the middle of the dark shiny wood table.
The white frosting featured small sugar flowers and beautiful pink candles.
It was supposed to be a double celebration for the entire family.
They were marking Lily fourth birthday and the upcoming wedding anniversary.
Victoria stood near the table holding a silver dessert server in her right hand.
Her crisp white dress looked completely spotless in the clear daylight.
She gave a cold look toward the small girl sitting in the chair.
Lily held a tiny white plate close to her small dress.
A giant piece of layered cake sat right on the middle of her plate.
Frosting smeared across her soft cheeks as she looked up with wide eyes.
Lily: Why did you push my cake down like that?
Victoria: You need to learn how to clean up after yourself.
Victoria swept her arm across the polished wood table with sudden speed.
The remaining half of the birthday cake slid directly onto the bright floor.
Frosting splashed across the edge of the carpet and the nearby white walls.
The porcelain plate shattered into three pieces against the hard surface.
Lily pulled her legs up to her chest as tears formed in her eyes.
Lily: You ruined my whole birthday cake!
Victoria: It was just a silly joke, so stop making so much noise.
Victoria leaned down over the small child with a harsh stare.
She lifted the small paper hat off the head of the little girl.
She tossed the blue party hat right into the pile of ruined frosting.
Lily began to sob loudly as she hugged her small knees tight.
Her father Mark had gone to the airport to pick up important papers.
He was not supposed to return home for another hour.
Victoria turned her back on the crying toddler and walked toward the stairs.
She adjusted her silver bracelet while looking into the wall mirror.
Her calm face showed no regret for what she had just done.
Lily: I want my daddy to come home right now!
Victoria: Your father is busy, so keep quiet until he gets back.
The sound of heavy tires pulled up onto the concrete driveway outside.
A vehicle door slammed shut near the front entrance of the mansion.
Victoria turned around quickly as her eyes widened in slight surprise.
She had not expected her fiance to come back so soon.
She quickly tried to wipe a speck of frosting off her sleeve.
The thick brass door handle began to turn from the outside.