Natalia returned dwelling with a heavy coronary heart, dreading the acquainted pressure that at all times greeted her—the countless complaints of her overbearing mother-in-law and the fixed wants of her supposedly disabled husband, Victor.
However this night would change every little thing.
She barely stepped via the entrance door when she heard voices drifting from the lounge. Curious and cautious, Natalia moved towards the marginally ajar door and paused to hear. What she heard made her pores and skin crawl.
“We will’t preserve this going, Mother,” Victor was saying. “She’s beginning to get suspicious.”
His phrases landed like a blow. “I wanted her to promote the story that I used to be disabled,” he admitted. Natalia’s thoughts reeled. Her world tilted. The years she had dedicated to caring for him, placing apart her job, her friendships, her freedom, had all been constructed on a deception.
Then got here the chilling half.
“The cash’s practically gone,” Victor continued. “We have to entry the Swiss account earlier than Egor brings us down.”
Lidia, his mom, responded with unnerving composure
“Egor received’t be an issue. I took care of him final week. He had… an unlucky accident.”
Victor’s voice turned hesitant. “What about Natalia? I feel she suspects one thing.”
Lidia’s reply was chilly and calculated. “That will be a disgrace. I’ve perfected the tea recipe. This time, it’ll depart no hint.”
Natalia’s coronary heart pounded. A creak beneath her foot betrayed her presence.
“Natalia? Is that you simply?” Victor known as.
She compelled herself to sound calm.
“Sure, pricey. I simply received again from the shop. Need one thing to drink?”
Within the kitchen, Natalia’s palms trembled as she ready the tea, desperately attempting to maintain her nerves in test. Lidia quickly joined her, providing to assist. Natalia declined with a mild smile. “Don’t fear, Mother. I picked up some particular honey. It’s in my bag within the hallway.”
That second gave her simply sufficient time to secretly ship a message to a contact Egor had as soon as urged her to name in case of hazard. Returning to the lounge, she fastidiously switched the teacups whereas Lidia was distracted.
As soon as each Victor and Lidia had drifted right into a deep sleep, Natalia sprang into motion.
She hurried to the research and pushed apart a portray, revealing a hidden protected. Inside had been paperwork, a journal, and a folder of faux passports. She grabbed every little thing.
Simply as she reached the entrance door, she froze. Standing there was Egor—wounded, however very a lot alive.
“You bought my message?” she whispered.
“I did,” he nodded. “I got here as quick as I may. Do you could have the proof?”
Natalia held up her bag.
Egor confirmed her worst concern: “Lidia tried to kill me final week. However I survived. The police have already got what they want.”
With Victor and Lidia now uncovered, and Egor by her aspect, Natalia noticed a future open up ultimately—one free from lies, betrayal, and concern.
