Mark sat in his quiet corner office while looking out at the vast estate he built.
His six-year-old daughter Lily was the most important person in his entire life.
Ever since his late wife passed away, Mark had devoted every single day to raising Lily.
Then he met Claire, a elegant woman who promised to bring warmth back into their home.
They planned a massive wedding at the estate to celebrate their new blended family.
The entire house was filled with flowers and caterers preparing for the big evening event.
Yet deep down inside, Lily had grown unusually quiet over the past few weeks.
Mark assumed it was just normal pre-wedding nerves about accepting a brand new stepmother.
He walked down the long hallway carrying a small gift box for his young daughter.
As he approached the bridal suite, he heard strange sounds coming from inside the room.
The heavy oak door was slightly open, letting soft voices drift out into the corridor.
Mark stopped walking as a sudden cold feeling settled deep in his stomach.
He looked through the narrow gap and saw Claire standing near the large vanity table.
Claire held a pair of sharp steel scissors while whispering harsh words to the child.
Lily sat completely frozen in a chair with tears streaming down her pale cheeks.
The maid stood near the corner of the room looking extremely nervous and uncomfortable.
Claire gripped a lock of the girl's soft hair with a cruel smile on her face.
Claire: Stop crying right now, or I will make your hair even shorter!
Lily: Please stop, you are hurting my head!
Claire: You need to look presentable, not like a spoiled little brat!
Mark felt his heart pounding wildly against his chest as total fury overtook his senses.
He pushed the heavy door open so hard that it slammed against the painted wall.