David pushed open the heavy white double doors of the mansion foyer with violent force.
The massive wooden doors swung open wide against the tall foyer walls with a loud bang.
David stepped over the threshold into the bright grand hallway of his home.
The sound of heavy sobbing echoed off the expensive polished white marble floors.
It was a high-pitched child's voice crying out in severe distress and pain.
Lilly: Please, I'm hungry!
David felt a sharp wave of cold horror wash over his entire body.
He recognized his little daughter's voice echoing through the long hallway.
He looked down the long corridor toward the open living area past the flag display.
Near the middle of the white marble hallway sat a heart-breaking scene.
Little Lilly was sitting directly on the cold marble floor in her favorite dress.
Her small hands were placed inside a silver metal pet food bowl filled with dry kibble.
Tears were streaming down her soft fair cheeks, wetting her bright ribbon hairbows.
A few yards away, Victoria sat calmly on a plush velvet armchair near the window.
She was wearing an elegant gold silk dress and holding a crystal bowl of green grapes.
Elena stood against the wall with tears running down her red uniform apron.
When the heavy doors swung open, Victoria turned her head in total shock.
She accidentally dropped a fresh grape from her fingers onto the shiny floor.
Her dark eyes widened in sheer panic as she realized David had returned early.
Victoria: David! You are home early!
David: What is the meaning of this?
Lilly turned her tear-stained face toward the sound of her father's familiar voice.
Lilly: Daddy!
The sight of his small daughter kneeling beside a dog bowl filled David with fury.
He began sprinting rapidly down the long marble hallway toward them.
His heavy shoes clattered loudly against the stone as he rushed forward.
Victoria quickly rose from her armchair, extending her hands out nervously in defense.
Victoria: I can explain, no please!
Victoria: She was misbehaving, David!
David did not listen to a single word coming out of Victoria's mouth.
He stepped directly between Victoria and his crying child on the floor.
He firmly pushed Victoria back away from Lilly so she could not come closer.
Victoria lost her balance slightly on her tall heels and fell back onto the velvet sofa.
David immediately dropped down to his knees on the cold marble beside his daughter.
He scooped up the tiny trembling girl into his strong arms instantly.
He held her tightly against his chest, feeling her fast heart beating with terror.
David: It's okay, sweetie.
David: I've got you now.
Lilly wrapped her tiny arms around her father's neck and sobbed uncontrollably.
She buried her face in his warm dress shirt, shaking from head to toe.
David stood up slowly while keeping his daughter secured tightly in his arms.
He turned around slowly to face Victoria with an intense, furious expression in his eyes.
His sharp gaze locked onto Victoria, who was now trembling slightly on the sofa.
David: Don't touch my daughter ever again!