The morning sun cut through the heavy linen curtains of the Sterling family mansion.
Elena adjusted her white apron while walking quietly down the long hallway.
She had worked for the family for over ten years.
She knew every squeaky floorboard in the entire house.
She loved little Lily like her own daughter.
The quiet morning shattered when a strange noise came from the upper balcony.
Elena stopped in her tracks near the grand staircase.
She looked up toward the second floor railing.
Victoria stood near the edge in a bright blue gown.
Her face looked pale and strangely cold.
She held a white bundle close to her chest.
Elena felt a sudden chill run down her spine.
Victoria did not hear Elena walking on the soft rug below.
The stepmother leaned further over the shiny marble ledge.
Elena took a slow step forward into the foyer.
Elena: Mrs. Victoria?
Victoria flinched and looked down with wide eyes.
Her hands suddenly opened near the smooth wooden railing.
The soft white bundle slipped right out of her hands.
A terrifying cry rang through the high ceilings of the house.
Elena did not think for a single second.
She sprinted across the slick marble floor instantly.
Her knees hit the hard tiles with a sharp thud.
She slid directly under the falling white blanket.
Her arms extended right before impact.
She caught little Lily securely against her chest.
The infant continued to cry loudly in her arms.
Elena held the baby tight while shaking on the floor.
Tears flooded her eyes as she checked the infant for injuries.
She looked up at the high balcony immediately.
Victoria put both hands over her open mouth.
Her expression shifted into exaggerated fake horror.
Victoria: Oh my goodness!
Victoria: My hands just slipped!
Elena: You let her go!
Victoria: Do not speak to me like that!
Elena: I saw what you did with your hands!
Victoria: It was a horrible accident!
The heavy front doors swung open with a loud bang.
Arthur Sterling walked into the grand marble entryway.
He carried a dark leather briefcase in his right hand.
He froze when he saw Elena weeping on the floor.
Arthur: What is going on in here?
Elena: Sir, thank God you are back home!
Arthur: Why is Lily crying on the floor?
Elena: She tried to drop her!
Arthur dropped his briefcase onto the hard tile floor.
He stared up at his wife on the high balcony.
Victoria's hands trembled as she pulled back from the rail.
Arthur took the grand stairs three steps at a time.
His heavy dress shoes echoed off the wooden steps.
Elena rocked the crying baby softly in her lap.
She knew the peaceful life in this home was over.