Three weeks went by as tension grew stronger inside the large house.
Victoria placed new rules on Lily every single morning after breakfast.
The young girl was not allowed in the primary living room anymore.
She had to stay in her upstairs bedroom for most of the day.
Lily: Can I please go outside to play on the grass swing?
Victoria: No, you will stay upstairs where you belong, Lily.
Lily: But Daddy said I could play in the yard today.
Victoria: Your father is not here to save you right now.
Victoria grabbed Lily firmly by the arm and pulled her toward the stairs.
Lily tried not to cry as her arm felt tight pressure from Victoria.
She walked up the steps quietly while holding the wooden handrail.
Victoria followed right behind her, watching every single step she took.
Later that evening, Marcus returned home early from a business trip.
He carried a large wrapped present for his daughter's upcoming birthday.
He found Victoria sitting on the sofa reading a leather magazine.
Marcus: Where is Lily tonight, Victoria? Is she already sleeping soundly?
Victoria: She was very rude to me today, so she went upstairs early.
Marcus: Lily is usually very polite and calm with everyone.
Victoria: She is hiding her true behavior whenever you are around us.
Marcus felt a strange knot form tightly inside his stomach.
He put the colorful present down on the glass coffee table nearby.
He walked up the grand staircase to check on his quiet daughter.
He opened the bedroom door softly and saw Lily sitting near her bed.
Marcus: Hey sweetie, are you feeling okay tonight?
Lily: I missed you today, Daddy, I stayed upstairs like I was told.
Marcus: Did you have a disagreement with Victoria earlier today, Lily?
Lily: She told me I cannot play downstairs when you are gone.
Marcus rubbed his forehead as confusion began to cloud his mind.
He did not want to believe his new wife was being unkind.
He thought Victoria was just trying to establish strict family rules.
He hugged Lily gently and pulled the soft blanket over her shoulders.
Marcus: Everything will be okay, sweetie, I am right here now.
Lily: Please do not leave me alone with her tomorrow, Daddy.
Marcus kissed her forehead and promised to stay home the next day.
Downstairs, Victoria stood in the hallway, listening to every single word spoken.
She realized the little girl was turning Marcus against her slowly.
Her anger burned brighter as her carefully crafted plan faced danger.
She knew she needed to act faster before Marcus discovered her secrets.