It was a bright Tuesday afternoon when Julian called to say his flight was delayed.
Victoria smiled coldly, knowing she had hours left alone inside the grand luxury house.
She dressed up in a stylish red satin gown and walked down the hall arrogantly.
In her hand, she held a harsh makeshift strap tied to little crawling baby Leo.
She dragged the child along the cold black-and-white checkered marble floor without care.
The baby wept softly, his tiny hands slipping on the slick polished marble floor.
Clara stepped out of the laundry room and gasped loudly in total horror at once.
She forgot her fear of losing her job and ran frantically toward the scene.
Her heart pounded against her ribs like a loud heavy drum in the hallway.
She dropped straight to her knees before Victoria, tears filling her bruised, pale face.
Clara: Please stop! Leave the poor baby alone!
Victoria: Move out of my way right now, you foolish girl.
Clara: He is just an innocent child, you cannot do this!
Victoria: I run this house, and you will obey my rules without question.
Victoria pushed Clara away roughly, sending the poor maid down to the hard marble floor.
Clara wept uncontrollably on the ground, holding her bruised cheek tightly in her hand.
The sound of heavy leather shoes echoed suddenly through the massive front entryway door.
Julian had canceled his late meeting early to surprise his beloved family at home.
He walked inside and froze dead in his tracks at the shocking scene before him.
His handsome face turned completely pale as he saw his precious baby on the floor.
Victoria gasped softly, quickly trying to hide the red strap behind her silk dress.
Julian did not hesitate for a single second as panic filled his beating heart.
He charged down the checkered hallway like a protective father ready for war.
Julian: What on earth is happening right here in my house?!
Victoria: Julian, darling, it is not what it looks like at all!
Julian: Step away from my son immediately, Victoria!
Julian scooped up little Leo into his strong arms and held him very close.
The baby buried his tear-stained face into his father's warm dark navy tailored suit.
Julian: Shh, I've got you, my precious baby...
Clara looked up from the cold floor, pointing a trembling finger at Victoria's face.
Clara: She abuses the baby every single time you leave!
Victoria: She is lying to you, Julian! She is just a crazy maid!
Clara: Look at my cheek, sir, and look at the baby's wrists!
Julian looked down at his baby's red marks, and his dark eyes burned red-hot.