Richard sat in his quiet home office while the morning sunlight poured through the wide windows.
He looked at a framed photograph of his late wife and felt a familiar tightness in his chest.
His little daughter Maya was only two years old and needed a caring mother in her life.
When Clara came into his world six months ago, she seemed like the perfect gentle partner.
She was soft-spoken, kind to the house staff, and always smiled when Maya walked into the room.
They got married quickly in a small private civil ceremony downtown.
Richard gave Clara access to his luxury mansion and his unlimited bank accounts without asking any questions.
He believed that a fresh family start would heal the lingering grief in his quiet heart.
However, small changes began to appear as soon as the legal marriage papers were fully signed.
Clara stopped visiting Maya's nursery during the quiet afternoon play hours.
She complained about the small child crying during her late morning rest time.
One afternoon, the nanny named Sarah pulled Richard aside near the bright front entryway.
Sarah: Sir, I am worried about how Mrs. Clara speaks to little Maya when you leave.
Richard: What do you mean, Sarah?
Sarah: She looks at the child with cold anger whenever you turn your back.
Richard felt a cold chill run down his spine, but he tried to stay completely calm.
Richard: Clara is just adjusting to being a full-time stepmother in a big home.
Sarah: Please just watch her carefully when you are home today, sir.
Richard nodded slowly and promised himself that he would keep a very sharp eye on everything.
He loved his little girl more than his own life and money combined.
He walked upstairs toward the wide nursery room with light footsteps on the soft runner rug.
He heard Clara speaking in a harsh voice inside the brightly lit room.
Clara: Stop crying, you little spoiled brat!
Richard opened the wooden door quickly and stood right in the open doorway.
Richard: Clara, why are you shouting at my tiny baby like that?
Clara turned around instantly, and her cold face changed into a warm sweet smile in a second.
Clara: Oh darling, I was just playing a funny silly game with sweet Maya!
Richard did not smile back at all as he looked into her wide, nervous eyes.
The seeds of deep suspicion were planted firmly in his mind right then and there.