Eight year old Leo stood near the grand hallway window inside the massive estate.
He gripped the small silver picture frame tightly against his pounding chest.
The photo inside showed his late mother smiling happily on a sunny summer beach.
It was the only physical memory he had left of her warm gentleness.
His father Arthur was a wealthy corporate CEO who worked constantly in the city.
Ever since Leo's mother passed away, Arthur buried his grief in endless business deals.
He thought providing a luxurious life was the best way to care for his son.
However, the giant house felt cold and silent without real motherly affection.
Six months ago, Arthur met a sharp woman named Victoria at a charity gala.
Victoria appeared polite, sweet, and soft spoken whenever Arthur was nearby.
She wore expensive plum silk dresses and smiled with bright polished teeth.
Arthur believed she would bring happiness back into his grieving boy's quiet life.
They married quickly in a quiet private ceremony at a historic countryside chapel.
Arthur: She will take great care of you while I work, Leo.
Leo: She doesn't like me when you leave the house, Dad.
Arthur: You are just adapting to change, son. Give her time.
Arthur kissed his head and stepped into his black luxury car every morning.
The moment the heavy iron gates closed, Victoria completely changed her sweet attitude.
Her smiles vanished instantly, replaced by cold glares and cruel demands.
She hated the boy because he reminded everyone of Arthur's former wife.
Furthermore, she wanted her own future children to inherit the entire family estate.
Every morning became a terrifying challenge for young Leo inside his own home.
Victoria took away his favorite toys and locked his playroom tight.
She complained bitterly about his presence to anyone who would listen nearby.
Only one person in the large staff noticed the cruel emotional treatment.
Elena was a quiet house maid who had worked there for ten years.
She knew how much the young boy missed his sweet, loving mother.
Elena always brought him warm soup and tucked him into bed late at night.
Elena: Do not cry, little one. Your mother still watches over you.
Leo: Why does Victoria hate me so much, Elena?
Elena: Some people have dark hearts that love money more than people.
Leo wiped his tears and held his mother's picture even tighter today.
He could hear Victoria's heavy high heels clicking sharply across the marble floor.
She was walking briskly straight toward the library where Leo was hiding quietly.
His heart raced wildly as the shadow darkened the long hallway carpet.