Chapter 3 Who Was the Mastermind?
720 Words
After a sleepless night, I pretended to "wake" up, feeling exhausted. I knew it was time for my medication, and Cathy would show up soon to make sure I took it.
When Cathy opened the door, she paused for a moment before giving me a warm smile. "Mrs. Davis, you look much better today! I'm surprised to see you so energetic!"
I forced a smile, watching her closely.
She pulled open the curtains and thoughtfully draped a robe over my shoulders. "Let's get some fresh air in here," she said as she opened the window.
I slumped against the headboard, deliberately responding, "I'm a bit hungry."
"Oh, that's a good sign! I'll get you some breakfast right away! It's been a while since you said you were hungry!" She beamed and hurried out of the room, her excitement palpable.
As she walked by, I caught a faint whiff of perfume. My sense of smell had always been sharp, and I recognized it immediately. It was my favorite Chanel Chance, the one Aidan liked because it had a subtle, alluring scent.
I clenched my fists, feeling short of breath.
I couldn't help but recall those news stories about husbands conspiring with their mistresses to harm their wives. But it seemed too far-fetched.
A moment later, the door opened again, and Aidan walked in, carrying my medication.
He looked concerned, his warm smile making him appear radiant in the sunlight. Yet somehow, I recalled his icy words from last night, and my heart sank.
"Honey, you look great today! Cathy said you felt hungry."
He placed the medicine on the bedside table and took my hand, his warmth familiar. His gaze was tender as he asked, "What do you want to eat? I'll make it for you."
"No, I can't eat much anyway. Don't worry about it!" I tried to keep my emotions in check, feigning concern. "When did you come home last night? I didn't notice. Busy with work?"
"It's the ordering season, so yes, it's been hectic. Many clients need quotes. When I got home, Cathy said she had just given you your medicine. I checked on you and then worked in the study until late and ended up sleeping there." He yawned, looking genuinely tired.
Seeing his exhausted state, I felt a pang of guilt. He hadn't lied; he was telling the truth. Every year during the ordering season, he was swamped with quote sheets. He was working hard for our family. How could I suspect my own husband?
It had to be Cathy.
He picked up the bowl of medication. "Come on, take your medicine first before having breakfast."
I feigned impatience, using my usual playful tone. "What's the point? I've taken so much, and it's not helping. It just makes me nauseous. Can I skip it, please?"
"Sweetheart, you have to take it on time. Look, you're feeling better today. You haven't felt hungry in ages. Dr. Antler adjusted the prescription the other day, and it seems to be working. Don't lose hope!" His tone was steady, showing no cracks in his façade. He was still the perfect, caring husband.
Seeing his obliviousness, I felt torn. If I took the medicine, I'd fall asleep, making it impossible to find any evidence or uncover the mastermind.
"I don't want to drink it!" I said, then I leaned into his arms; my mind raced for a way to get rid of him.
He patted my back with one hand, holding the bowl with the other. "Come on, be good and drink it! We need to keep trying."
Feeling anxious, I knew I was running out of options.
"I'll do it myself!" I said, reluctantly taking the bowl, my heart pounding.
I knew that if I drank it, I'd be asleep in half an hour.
Aidan's concerned gaze was full of love, and it seemed he truly was a perfect husband. But his insistence made me suspicious. Why was he so adamant about me taking the medicine?
In the past, his affectionate looks would have won me over. But now, behind his smile, I saw a sharp knife inching closer, not offering love but coercing compliance.
Desperation surged through me, but I couldn't express it. I wanted to lash out but feared alarming him. Reluctantly, I picked up the bowl...
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