The grand ballroom was filled with soft music and warm light.
Mark stood near the head table in his sharp dark suit.
He felt truly blessed to start this new chapter today.
His young daughter Lily was sitting quiet at her table.
She was wearing a sweet white dress with a pink ribbon.
Mark had raised Lily alone after his first wife passed away.
The bond between the father and daughter was very strong.
Then Victoria walked over to Lily with a wide smile.
Victoria leaned down real close to the little girl's ear.
Her fake sweet smile hid the nasty words she whispered.
Right after this wedding, you are going straight to an orphanage.
Lily gasped as her small face turned pale and cold.
Tears flooded her big bright eyes in an instant.
Victoria just stood up straight and giggled very softly.
She adjusted her delicate lace veil with total calm.
Lily could not hold back her loud bitter crying.
She scrambled off her chair and ran across the room.
Her shiny dark shoes clicked fast against the polished floor.
She threw her arms around her father's waist tightly.
Mark immediately dropped to one knee to hug his child.
Sweetheart, what is wrong?
Why are you crying so hard?
Lily was shaking from head to toe in pure terror.
Victoria said I have to go away forever!
She said I am going to an orphanage today!
Mark felt a sudden jolt of anger hit his chest.
He looked up slowly at his bride across the floor.
Victoria was already walking toward them with smooth grace.
Oh Mark, sweetie, please do not listen to her.
She has a huge imagination and loves making up stories.
I was only telling her how pretty her dress looked.
Mark narrowed his eyes as he held Lily very close.
Lily does not lie about scary things like this, Victoria.
Victoria shook her head with a light tired sigh.
Weddings are stressful for young children, my love.
She is probably just afraid of sharing your attention now.
Mark wanted to believe his bride on this special day.
Yet something deep in his gut felt completely wrong.
He wiped away the wet tears on Lily's soft cheeks.
Nobody is taking you anywhere, Lily.
You are staying right here with me forever.
Lily buried her small face into his suit jacket.
Victoria kept her polite smile perfectly fixed on her face.
Underneath that smile, her cold gaze stayed on Lily.
Mark noticed the slight stiffness in Victoria's shoulder posture.
The loud chatter of wedding guests buzzed all around.
Nobody else had heard the cruel words Victoria spoke.
Mark knew he had to keep a close eye out.
He promised himself to protect his precious little girl.
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