Mark rushed through the heavy double doors into the bright checkered hallway.
His heavy running footsteps echoed loudly against the tall, arched ceilings.
He saw Victoria standing arrogantly in her floor-length red gown.
Little Leo was whimpering on the cold marble floor near her feet.
Mark dropped his briefcase and sprinted directly toward his crying child.
He scooped Leo up into his strong arms without a single delay.
He checked the baby gently, cradling the tiny head against his chest.
Leo buried his small face into his father's soft suit coat collar.
Mark breathed a heavy sigh of relief as he held his son safely.
Then he looked down and saw Clara kneeling on the hard marble.
She was weeping uncontrollably, tears dripping down her bruised face.
Mark felt a sudden surge of dark confusion and rising anger inside.
He asked Clara what had happened to her swollen cheek bone area.
Clara pointed a trembling finger directly up at Victoria's calm face.
She revealed that Victoria mistreated the baby every single time Mark left.
Clara explained how she was struck while trying to protect the child.
Victoria laughed softly and claimed the maid was lying for money.
She told Mark that Clara was simply clumsy and had fallen down.
Mark looked closely at the distinct mark on Clara's pale skin.
It was clearly the fresh shape of a cruel hand slap print.
Mark's face twisted into a fierce, terrifying expression of pure rage.
He realized his entire marriage had been built on fake, sweet promises.
The woman he had brought into his home was a complete stranger.
He gripped his infant son tightly, promising to keep him safe forever.