Chapter 13 - The Empty HouseThe next morning, the estate felt different.
Not happier.
Not yet.
Just quieter.
Sunlight poured through the windows.
No shouting.
No footsteps outside Lily's bedroom.
No locked doors.
No whispered threats.
Mark walked into the bathroom.
The flat iron had been removed.
The marble counter had been cleaned.
But he could still remember Lily's scream.
He stood there alone.
For the first time, he allowed himself to cry.
Sarah found him.
“You don't have to be strong every minute.”
Mark looked at her.
“I failed my daughter.”
“You were deceived.”
“I should have seen it.”
Sarah shook her head.
“Sometimes monsters look exactly like the people we trust.”
May you like
Mark looked toward Lily's bedroom.
“Then I'm going to make sure she never has to live like this again.”
Related Stories
Chapter 14 - Clara's LegacyMonths passed.
Chapter 15 - Sarah's RewardSarah expected to lose her job.
Chapter 16 - A New MorningThree months later, the mansion was transformed.
Chapter 17 - JusticeVictoria's trial finally began.
Chapter 18 - The PhotographOne peaceful evening, Mark stood before Clara's photograph.
Chapter 19 - The LetterOne year later, life had become peaceful.
