Chapter 2 - The Lift
The heavy oak door of the kitchen burst open with a sharp, echoing crack.
Julian’s navy suit jacket whipped behind him as he crossed the twelve feet of marble in two strides.
"Vanessa!"
His voice struck the high ceilings like a physical blow.
Before Vanessa’s hand could slip away, Julian’s large arm swept down under Lily’s armpits.
He scooped the small girl up into his chest with a sudden, violent pull.
Lily’s tiny legs swung through the air, her pink dress rustling against his crisp white shirt.
Vanessa stumbled backward on her knees, her cream silk blouse shifting over her shoulders.
Julian pulled Lily tight against his neck, his thumb instantly cupping the back of her head.
The little girl buried her face into his collar, her whole body convulsing with wet, breathless gasps.
"Daddy..." she sobbed, her words broken into tiny shards.
"Daddy... she said that's all I can eat..."
Julian’s jaw tightened until the skin over his jawbone turned stark white.
His breathing came in ragged, heavy thuds against Lily’s ribs.
On the floor, the silver bowl lay undisturbed, its shadow stretching long across the white floor.
Vanessa rose to her feet, her beige trousers unwrinkling as she straightened her back.
She smoothed the front of her cream blouse with two quick, precise strokes of her hands.
May you like
Her eyes remained cold, sharp, and entirely unblinking.
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