The morning sun filtered through the massive arched windows of the grand foyer.
Mark sat at his polished oak desk inside his private home office.
He was a successful businessman who built a fortune through hard work.
His six-year-old daughter Lily was the absolute light of his life.
Ever since his first wife passed away, Mark protected Lily with everything.
Six months ago, Mark married Victoria after a fast and quiet romance.
Victoria moved into the estate with high hopes and expensive tastes.
She loved the social status that came with being Mark's new wife.
However, Victoria secretly resented the deep bond between Mark and little Lily.
Mark frequently left the trust fund documents on his private desk room.
The terms stated that Lily was the primary heir to his entire estate.
Victoria felt that this arrangement was unfair to her own future security.
She wanted to ensure her position as the sole beneficiary of the family fortune.
That morning, Victoria walked into the marble hallway wearing a bright dress.
She called little Lily over to the edge of the upper balcony railing.
The foyer below had hard marble floors and a grand sweeping staircase.
Victoria pointed toward the tall American flag hanging in the main entry.
Victoria: Look down there, Lily, at the big bright flag.
Lily: It is very high up, Victoria.
Victoria: Step a little closer so you can see the top star.
Lily leaned forward innocent and trusting as her stepmother stood right behind.
Victoria checked the hallway to make sure no staff members were watching.
She placed her hand firmly against the little girl's small shoulder blades.
With a sudden hard thrust, Victoria nudged the helpless child forward.
Lily lost her balance completely and tumbled over the wooden balcony railing.
A sharp scream echoed through the high ceilings of the spacious mansion.
Mark heard the sound from his downstairs office and sprinted out fast.
He looked up just in time to see his precious child falling down.
Without thinking twice, Mark threw his body across the shiny marble floor.
He caught Lily firmly in his strong arms right before she hit floor.
They slid together across the cold stone, gasping for air in pure shock.
Mark held his daughter tightly against his racing chest with heavy breaths.
Mark: You are safe now, sweetheart, I have got you.