Chapter 3 - A Wife Who Could Not Be Trusted
Daniel returned that evening carrying white roses.
He found Elena reading a magazine while the sealed envelope rested beneath her pillow.
“You look better,” he said.
“I feel stronger.”
“That’s wonderful.”
He kissed her cheek and placed the roses on the table.
Then he studied her face.
“Did anyone visit?”
Elena forced herself not to look away. “A physical therapist.”
“No one else?”
“No.”
Daniel smiled, but his eyes remained cold.
He opened the cabinet and searched through it.
“What are you looking for?”
“Your charger.”
“It’s beside the bed.”
He stopped.
For one quiet moment, neither of them moved.
Then Daniel laughed.
“Of course it is. I must be exhausted.”
He sat beside her and took her hand.
“My mother and I have been discussing your recovery. We think you should spend a few months at the Mercer house after discharge.”
“I want to recover at my own home.”
“Our home is being renovated.”
Elena had not approved any renovation.
“What kind of work?”
“Nothing you need to worry about.”
He squeezed her fingers.
“The important thing is that you avoid stress. Nathan Brooks has been bothering you with unnecessary legal matters for years.”
Elena felt her heart quicken.
“I didn’t mention Nathan.”
Daniel’s thumb stopped moving over her hand.
Then he smiled.
“You talk in your sleep.”
The lie was effortless.
That night, Elena pretended to swallow her sleeping medication. After Daniel left, she placed the tablet inside a tissue.
At eleven thirty, Margaret entered the room.
She moved quietly through the darkness, checking Elena’s bag, drawers, and coat pockets.
Elena kept her breathing slow.
Margaret approached the bed and reached beneath Elena’s pillow.
Elena opened her eyes.
Margaret jumped back.
“What are you doing?” Elena asked.
“You were restless. I was adjusting your pillow.”
“With your hand under it?”
Margaret’s pleasant expression vanished.
“You need to be careful, Elena. People are beginning to notice how suspicious you’ve become.”
“Which people?”
“Doctors. Nurses. Your husband.”
Margaret leaned closer.
“Daniel is trying to save you from humiliating yourself.”
Elena met her eyes.
May you like
“And what are you trying to save?”
For the first time, Margaret looked frightened.
