Crisis.

Veronica made her way downstairs, her empty water jug in hand, when the sharp sound of raised voices stopped her in her tracks. She instinctively clutched the jug tighter, her brows furrowing as she strained to listen.

Her father, Stephen Smith, was shouting, his voice filled with rare fury, while Lily's choked sobs echoed through the hallway.

 Veronica stood frozen, shock washing over her. This was only the second time in all these years that she had witnessed a fight between them.

Her father was not the type of man to lose his temper over household matters. He was a composed and sophisticated businessman, always detached from domestic disputes.

 No matter what happened, he usually let Lily handle things and gave in to her whims. Yet today, he had slapped Lily and was furiously berating her. Veronica couldn't believe her eyes. What was happening? What could have possibly pushed him to this point?