CHAPTER 3 — THE SHOCKING VIDEO
For three days Marcus followed the same routine.
Every morning he left for work.
Every afternoon his car disappeared through the front gate.
But he never actually left.
Instead, he watched everything from the mansion's hidden security room.
New cameras had been installed inside the kitchen, playroom, upstairs hallway, and Lily's bedroom door.
No one knew.
Especially Cassandra.
The first day revealed insults.
The second day revealed threats.
On the third day...
Marcus watched the woman he planned to marry become someone he no longer recognized.
Cassandra stood over Lily with folded arms.
"No dessert."
"No toys."
"No talking unless I ask."
Lily nodded silently.
Then Cassandra pointed toward the dog bowl.
"You know the rules."
The little girl hesitated.
Cassandra leaned closer.
"If you tell your father..."
"I'll make sure he sends you away."
Lily's eyes filled with tears.
"I don't want Daddy to stop loving me."
Marcus slammed his fist onto the security desk.
His entire body shook with rage.
The cameras kept recording.
Cassandra laughed.
A cold...
Heartless laugh.
She took Lily's favorite stuffed rabbit.
Cut it apart with scissors.
Then whispered,
"See?"
"Nobody protects little girls forever."
Marcus couldn't watch another second.
He stormed upstairs.
Security guards followed behind him.
The front door burst open.
Cassandra spun around in shock.
"Marcus?"
Without saying a word, Marcus walked to the television.
Connected the security footage.
Pressed play.
The room filled with silence.
Every lie.
Every threat.
Every cruel word.
Every moment of abuse.
Recorded.
Impossible to deny.
Cassandra's face turned white.
"It isn't what it looks like—"
"Stop."
Marcus's voice was calm.
Too calm.
"You've spoken enough."
Security officers stepped forward.
One quietly informed Cassandra that the police had already been called.
She tried to run.
She never reached the front door.
Lily stood frozen.
Marcus knelt before her.
For the first time in months...
She didn't flinch.
She ran into his arms.
"I'm sorry, Daddy."
May you like
Marcus held her tightly.
"You never have to apologize again."
