Richard didn’t sleep.
Not for one second.
He sat beside Sophie’s bed staring at the bruises on her arm while anger slowly replaced confusion.
Vanessa had said Sophie was clumsy.
Vanessa had said Sophie had behavior problems.
Vanessa had said children exaggerated things.
Richard believed her.
Now he hated himself for it.
Morning came.
Vanessa walked downstairs smiling as usual.
“Richard, are you okay? You look tired.”
He looked at her and smiled back.
For the first time—
He lied.
“I’m fine.”
Hours later, when Vanessa left for a spa appointment, Richard began searching the mansion.
At first he found nothing.
Then, on the third floor, behind a locked storage room—
He found it.
A tiny hidden room.
Inside was a small mattress.
Children’s books.
A plastic water bottle.
And security cameras.
Richard felt cold.
Very cold.
Then he saw Sophie standing behind him in the doorway.
Tears filled her eyes.
“Daddy…” she whispered.
Richard slowly turned toward her.
“Sophie…”
Her lip trembled.
“That’s where she puts me when you’re gone.”
Silence.
Then Richard heard something downstairs.
The front door opening.
Vanessa was home.
Much earlier than expected.
And her voice echoed through the mansion:
“Richard…? Sophie…?”
Richard looked toward the hallway.
Then at his daughter.
Then back at the door.
This time—
He wasn’t afraid anymore.
