Chapter 5 - The Warning
"Treat my daughter like an animal again," Mark rasped, every syllable dropped like a heavy stone on the floor.
"And you'll NEVER come near her!"
Vanessa’s lips parted, but no sound escaped her throat.
The color drained completely from her cheeks, leaving her face a flat, waxy white under the kitchen downlights.
Lily pulled her face back from Mark’s shoulder just half an inch.
Her wet, red-rimmed eyes looked down at the burnt muffin tin resting on the counter.
Her small thumb traced the silver buttons on Mark’s suit sleeve.
"Daddy?" Lily whispered, her small voice breaking through the heavy tension.
Mark didn't break eye contact with Vanessa, but his tone softened instantly when he answered his daughter.
"Yes, my sweet girl?"
"The lady has a mean heart," Lily murmured, her child-logic simple and ruthless.
"It smells like the burnt sugar in the pan."
Vanessa flinched as if the toddler had struck her across the face with a iron rod.
May you like
She spun on her heel, her black trousers rustling loudly as she fled down the dark hallway.
---
