The bright afternoon sun poured through the high arching glass windows of the grand estate.
Seven year old Lily stood near the edge of the polished marble floor with a quiet heart.
Her father Mark had gone to the city office to sign important legal documents for his business.
She was left alone in the giant house with her stepmother, a sharp woman named Victoria.
Victoria wore a long silk gown that swished against the white floor with every quick step.
She looked down at Lily with cold blue eyes that showed no warmth or soft emotion.
Victoria: You should not be playing in the main hallway while I have guests coming later.
Lily: I am just waiting for my daddy to come home from his long business meeting.
Victoria: Your father will be busy all evening, so go upstairs to your small room immediately.
Lily clutched her tiny stuffed rabbit close against her chest and shook her head slowly.
Lily: Daddy told me to wait right here so we could read books together today.
Victoria took two fast steps forward and pointed her long red fingernail toward the stairs.
Victoria: I run this house when he is gone, and you will obey my direct orders!
Lily felt a cold shiver run down her back as Victoria grabbed her arm roughly.
Lily: You are hurting my arm, please let go of me right now, Victoria!
Victoria: You need to learn who is really in charge around this big luxury mansion now.
The young girl tried to pull her arm back, but Victoria held her grip firm and tight.
Victoria: Your father signed over the management of this estate to me just this morning!
Lily: That is not true, because my daddy loves this house and would never do that!
Victoria laughed softly, a dry and mean sound that echoed off the high plaster ceilings.
Victoria: You are just a child who understands nothing about legal papers or real money matters.
She pulled Lily toward the side hallway where the smaller staff rooms were located inside.
Lily: Stop dragging me away from the door, I want my daddy to come home now!
Victoria: You will stay locked in the pantry until the evening party is completely finished tonight!
Lily cried out loudly as her small shoes slipped across the slippery white marble tiles.
Lily: Somebody help me, please open the door and help me get away from her!
Her soft voice echoed through the vast open spaces of the empty silent mansion hall.
Victoria only narrowed her dark eyes and pulled the terrified child further into the back hallway.
She believed nobody was nearby to stop her from taking total control over the household.
She did not notice the heavy dark shadow standing near the tall glass side entrance doors.