The morning sun poured through the high arch windows of the coastal estate.
Mark sat at the long mahogany dining table while checking his morning emails.
He was a successful corporate attorney who worked long hours in the city.
His young son, Leo, played quietly on the soft rug nearby with plastic blocks.
Victoria walked gracefully into the room while wearing an expensive rose-pink satin gown.
She poured herself a glass of fresh juice without looking at the toddler.
Mark smiled as he looked up from his tablet screen to greet his wife.
He truly believed he had built a perfect life for his small family.
Elena walked in quietly with a tray of fresh coffee and warm toast.
She had worked as a live-in housekeeper for over two years now.
Her soft brown eyes carefully watched the way Victoria avoided the young boy.
Elena knew a deep secret about the dynamic inside this wealthy household.
Whenever Mark left for his downtown office, Victoria changed into a completely different person.
She had no patience for the innocent child who needed gentle love and care.
Mark gathered his leather briefcase and stood up from the heavy wooden chair.
He leaned down to kiss Victoria lightly on her pale, manicured cheek.
Mark: I have a very long court meeting today, my love.
Victoria: Take all the time you need, sweetie.
Mark: Make sure Leo gets his afternoon nap on time.
Victoria: Of course, I always handle everything perfectly.
Mark squeezed his son gently before heading toward the front glass double doors.
Elena watched him leave with a heavy knot of worry tightening in her stomach.
She wanted to say something, but she lacked concrete proof to back up her claims.
The heavy iron front door clicked shut as Mark's expensive sedan pulled away.
The atmosphere inside the spacious mansion shifted almost instantly into something cold and uncomfortable.