Chapter 3 — Secrets Behind the Bedroom Door
# The Stepmother's Lie
## Chapter 3 — Secrets Behind the Bedroom Door
The footsteps grew louder.
Victoria immediately composed herself.
Within seconds, the cruel expression vanished from her face.
She adjusted her blouse.
Smoothed her hair.
Even forced a gentle smile.
Lily watched silently.
It amazed her how quickly Victoria could transform.
The bedroom door opened.
Daniel stepped inside carrying a leather briefcase.
His meeting had ended much earlier than expected.
He smiled.
"There you both are."
Neither answered.
Daniel immediately noticed the tension.
"Is everything okay?"
Victoria answered first.
"Of course."
"Lily was just feeling emotional."
Daniel looked toward his daughter.
Only then did he notice the red handprint across her cheek.
His smile disappeared.
"Lily..."
"What happened?"
Victoria spoke before Lily could answer.
"She slipped."
"She ran into the door."
Daniel frowned.
"A door?"
Victoria nodded confidently.
"I told her to be more careful."
Daniel slowly walked toward Lily.
He gently touched her cheek.
His face hardened.
"Lily..."
"Look at me."
She looked into his eyes.
He had known his daughter her entire life.
She had never been able to hide the truth from him.
Quietly, he asked,
"Did someone hit you?"
Lily glanced toward Victoria.
Victoria stared back coldly.
A silent warning.
Don't say a word.
Lily lowered her eyes.
"...No."
Daniel wasn't convinced.
Not even for a second.
