Betrayal Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 13 The Ingenious Container

I heard the men leave shortly, and soon after, Cathy walked in holding Alex in one arm and a bowl of medicine in the other. She set the bowl down and said, "Drink your medicine now. I'll come back for the bowl later."

Then, she hurried out without watching me take the medicine.

I stared at the bowl, thinking hard. I needed to get the medicine ready and send it to Hailey in case I didn't get another chance.

So, I jumped out of bed, rummaging through drawers and cupboards. However, I couldn't find a suitable container.

I glanced at my various cosmetic bottles, but even if I emptied them, any residue might contaminate the sample, affecting the test results. Plus, if Cathy noticed anything missing, it would raise suspicions.

Given the perfume she wore, I could guess that she was very familiar with my cosmetics.

Panicking, I realized Cathy could come back any minute. If she found the medicine untouched, I'd be forced to drink it.

Just as I was about to pour it out and rethink my strategy, an idea struck me. I beamed and smacked my forehead. Then, I quickly opened the small drawer beside the bed and pulled out a box.

I took out a condom and hurried to the bathroom with the bowl. Carefully, I poured the medicine into the condom, tied the end securely, and voilà - a warm, medicine-filled sausage.

Perfect!

I hid the makeshift container and returned to bed, trying to calm my racing heart.

I took a bite of breakfast and, feigning exhaustion, told Cathy, "I'm going back to sleep. Don't let anyone disturb me. It's been noisy all morning!"

Having not slept all night, I didn't need to fake my weariness.

Back in my room, I eagerly pulled the covers over myself and turned on my phone, connecting to WiFi. Hailey's profile picture was the only one in my contacts, indicating this was a new number.

Just in case, I muted my phone and sent Hailey a message asking why she hadn't come today.

Hailey replied immediately with a voice message. Keeping the volume low, I pressed the phone to my ear and heard her furious voice. "Don't even get me started. I went yesterday, but that maid wouldn't let me in. She said Aiden had taken you abroad for treatment and hadn't returned! I tried visiting before, but she always brushed me off, and I foolishly believed her. I couldn't reach you. Your phone was always off or never answered when it was on! If you hadn't called yesterday, I would have kept believing her lies, thinking you were abroad and didn't want to disturb your recovery!"

Tears of relief welled up as I whispered back, "I thought you didn't understand what I said yesterday! I didn't realize you arranged for the maintenance crew."

Hearing this, Hailey, ever the quick-tempered, immediately video-called me. Panicking, I clutched the phone and listened for any sounds outside. It was quiet, so I answered the call.

When Hailey saw my face, her expression was one of shock and disbelief. She stared at the screen for a long moment before exclaiming, "Nina! What happened to you...?"

I knew my gaunt appearance had startled her. Seeing her reaction, I broke down in tears, unable to speak.

Hailey furiously shouted, "Call the police, Nina! Call them now! What are you waiting for?"

I wiped my face and shook my head. "Not yet. I need evidence before I can call the police."

"We can't let those bastards get away with this!" Hailey was livid. "That despicable man... You're not still trying to protect him, are you? Nina, he's imprisoning you! What are you waiting for? You could die if you wait any longer! I know that scumbag. Without you, he wouldn't be where he is today. At best, he'd be a well-known hairstylist. What does he have? Nothing! If he hadn't had you, he wouldn't have this facade. I'm telling you, you should never have let go of your company... Nina, don't get mad at me for saying this!"

"That's why I need to know what Aidan is planning. I need the truth. Why are they doing this to me?" I choked back a sob, whispering through gritted teeth. "I won't let this go. I'll make them regret it. I'll make their lives a living hell!"