The bright summer sun beat down on the marble patio, turning the turquoise water of the infinity pool into a shimmering blanket of light.
Ten-year-old Leo sat in his black wheelchair near the edge, his hands clutching the wheels tightly as he looked up at his stepmother.
Victoria: You think you can just sit there and look innocent?
Leo: I wasn't doing anything, Victoria. I was just waiting for my dad.
Victoria: Don't call him your dad like you're his real son.
Leo: He is my dad!
A loud, sharp slap echoed off the marble walls, spinning Leo's head to the side.
Victoria: I AM NOT YOUR MOTHER, LEO!
Leo held his red cheek, his eyes wide with terror as tears instantly filled his eyes.
Victoria leaned down close to his face, her teeth gritted with pure hatred.
Victoria: AND YOU WILL NOT GET A SINGLE CENT OF MY INHERITANCE!
Leo: Please... don't hurt me...
Victoria placed both hands on the back of the wheelchair and shoved it forward with all her strength.
The heavy metal chair tipped over the edge, sending Leo crashing into the deep end of the pool with a massive splash.
The cold water swallowed him instantly, his arms flailing desperately as he fought to reach the surface, gasping for air.
Leo: HELP! DADDY, HELP ME!
From the top of the stone stairs, Mark came sprinting down in his blue suit, throwing his phone aside.
Mark: LEO! I'M COMING!
Mark plunged into the deep water without hesitation, his broad arms cutting through the pool to grab his drowning son.
He hauled the shivering boy out onto the marble ledge, pulling him close against his chest as the house maid rushed over with towels.
Mark: ARE YOU OKAY?! WHAT HAPPENED?!
Victoria stepped forward, covering her mouth with her hands in fake, panicked horror.
Victoria: OH MY GOD! HE SLIPPED AND FELL IN BY ACCIDENT!
Leo pointed his shaking finger straight at her face, his voice cracking through his tears.
Leo: DADDY, SHE IS LYING! SHE SLAPPED ME AND PUSHED ME IN!