Mark carried Lily up the sweeping staircase into her colorful, bright bedroom on the second floor.
He gently set her down on her soft bed and pulled the plush blanket over her.
He fetched a wet washcloth from the bathroom and wiped the red wine from her hair.
Lily's sobs slowly quieted down into soft whimpers as her father held her small hand.
Mark: Did she hurt you before I came home, sweetie?
Lily looked at the doorway fearfully before speaking to her father in a quiet whisper.
Lily: She said I took your love away from her, Daddy.
Lily: She said I ruined her life in this big house.
Mark felt a wave of deep guilt wash over his entire heart at that moment.
He had married Victoria six months ago thinking she would be a wonderful stepmother.
Victoria was a beautiful woman who claimed to love simple family life and children.
Now he realized that her sweet gentle attitude was just a fake act all along.
Mark kissed his daughter's forehead and promised her that she was completely safe now.
He locked her bedroom door gently from the outside to keep her safe while he handled Victoria.
He walked slowly down the carpeted stairs back toward the grand checkerboard foyer.
Victoria was standing near the fireplace in the living room, sipping a glass of water.
Her beige sequin gown was dirty from the floor, but her gaze remained defensive.
Victoria: You had no right to shove me like that in our home, Mark!
Mark: You poured wine over my innocent six-year-old child's head!
Victoria: It was a mistake, and she is a lying little brat!
Mark: Do not speak about my daughter like that ever again!
Victoria laughed coldly and tossed her long dark hair back over her bare shoulders.
Victoria: You care more about that kid than you care about your own wife!
Mark: You are not my wife anymore after what you did today.
Victoria's face turned pale as Mark mentioned the end of their quick marriage.
She had married Mark for his massive family trust fund and high social standing.
If Mark filed for a divorce now, she would lose access to his wealth.
Victoria: You cannot just kick me out without giving me my fair share!
Mark: Watch me call my lawyer right now and cancel your credit cards.
Mark reached into his suit jacket and pulled out his sleek black smartphone immediately.
Victoria rushed forward and tried to grab the phone directly out of Mark's hands.
Mark stepped back easily, dodging her frantic grab as he dialed his attorney's number.
Mark: Arthur, I need you at my house immediately with legal papers.
Victoria backed away, her hands shaking with sudden anxiety and growing desperation now.
She realized that her entire lavish lifestyle was slipping through her fingers right now.
Mark stared at her with total disgust as he waited for his legal team to arrive.