The sunny afternoon began like any other quiet weekend at the mansion.
Richard was downstairs sitting at his large wooden desk reviewing legal contracts.
He was reading through an update regarding Lily's inheritance trust fund account.
Suddenly, a terrifying scream echoed down the grand double staircase.
Richard dropped his pen and stood up instantly from his office chair.
He rushed out into the vast open foyer with white marble floors.
He looked up toward the second-floor balcony railing near the ceiling.
Victoria stood at the top edge wearing her long green silk dress.
Little Lily in a bright yellow dress was tumbling over the high wooden railing.
The young girl screamed in sheer terror as she plunged toward the floor.
Time seemed to freeze as Richard saw his child fall through the air.
His heart hit his chest with incredible force as panic took over.
He sprinted across the polished floor without thinking about his own body.
Richard threw himself forward and slid on his knees across the hard marble surface.
The friction burned right through his grey suit pants as he reached out.
He opened his arms wide just as Lily dropped toward the floor.
He caught her firmly against his chest, absorbing the entire impact violently.
They slid together across the cold stone floor before coming to a stop.
The noise of the landing hit the silent foyer like a sharp clap of thunder.
Richard held the small child tightly against his shaking frame.
Lily was sobbing uncontrollably, clutching her hands into his suit jacket.
Richard: I've got you! You're safe now!
Tears rolled down the businessman's red face as he caught his breath.
Richard: It's alright, sweetheart... Daddy's right here.
Lily pressed her wet face into his shoulder, trembling with heavy fear.
Richard checked her arms and legs quickly to ensure no bones were broken.
By some miracle, his quick slide had saved her from striking the marble directly.
He stood up slowly, lifting the weeping girl carefully into his arms.
Then he turned his head back toward the high second-floor railing.
Victoria stood atop the grand marble stairs in front of the American flag.
Her hand was resting against her pale cheek with a shocked expression.
She had not run down the stairs to check on the child at all.
She simply stood there, looking down at the safe child in silence.
Richard felt a wave of cold realization rush through his entire body.
He looked into his wife's wide eyes and saw no real worry there.
The air in the foyer turned icy cold as Richard lifted his loud voice.
Richard: Get out of my house right now!