Chapter 2 - THE GRIP OF BETRAYAL
Mark’s knuckles turned white as he wrenched the heavy wooden baseball bat away from Elena’s trembling grip.
The sharp sound of splintering wood echoed against the high vaulted ceilings of the grand mansion foyer.
"Get away from them—now!" Mark roared, his voice vibrating with a lethal, controlled fury.
Elena stumbled backward in her emerald green wrap dress, her dark eyes flashing with sudden, calculated panic.
The three children huddled closer to their father’s charcoal grey suit pants, sobbing softly into the fabric.
"Mark, you don't understand... the children were playing near the restricted east wing!" Elena stammered defensively.
Mark ignored her pathetic excuse, his gaze locked onto the terrified expression of his eight-year-old daughter, Lily.
The framed American flag hanging on the foyer wall caught the dim evening light as tension filled the air.
"You're not our mother," Lily whispered again, her small hands clutching the lapel of Mark’s suit jacket.
Elena’s face contorted into an ugly scowl, dropping the polished facade of the loving suburban stepmother instantly.
"You fool, Mark... you have no idea what is locked behind that oak door," Elena hissed venomously.
May you like
Mark stepped forward, shielding his family with his broad shoulders as the grandfather clock ticked loudly in the corner.
***
