Chapter 3 - Broken PorcelainJulian fell to his knees beside the stainless-steel bowl, the impact bruising his shins against the unyielding stone, but he felt no physical pain. His eyes took in the horrific detail: smear marks of coarse porridge around the bowl and on Lily’s soft cheeks. Her blond hair was woven into two neat braids that dangled near the mess.
"Lily... baby, stop," Julian gasped, his voice cracking with emotion.
He wrapped his strong arms under her armpits and lifted her gently off the cold floor. The little girl gave a faint, terrified squeak and tried to shrink away, pulling her hands up to her head as if expecting a blow. The instinctual terror in her gesture cut through Julian like a serrated blade.
"It's Daddy. It's Daddy, sweetheart. I'm here," he sobbed, pulling her tightly against his chest.
Lily sobbed, a frail, heartbreaking sound that rattled her tiny frame. Her fingers clutched tightly at the lapels of his midnight-blue suit, burying her face into his neck. He could feel her rapid heart beating like a trapped bird against his ribcage. Tears rolled unchecked down Julian’s face, smearing against her soft cheek as he held her tight, rubbing her back in frantic, desperate circles.
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Over Lily's shivering shoulder, Julian turned his head slowly to look up at Victoria. His tears did not soften the fiery rage rising in his dark eyes.
Victoria stood frozen, her eyes wide with terror, her hands pressed over her mouth. Her carefully cultivated facade had completely crumbled, exposing the frantic, cornered predator beneath.
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