On our anniversary, I saw my husband spike my drink—so I switched it with his sister’s…

I love you too, mom. I hung up and looked at Chloe. She didn’t believe me.

And I don’t blame her. I didn’t even believe myself. What matters is you bought yourself time, Chloe said.

Now let’s figure out what comes next. We went back to the kitchen, made some tea, though neither of us was hungry or even thirsty. We just needed something to do with our hands.

If James really tried to poison you, Chloe said, thinking aloud, he must have had a serious reason. Money, another woman, or something else we haven’t figured out yet. I’ve been thinking about it all day, I said, and I still can’t wrap my head around it.

Sure, our marriage hasn’t been perfect lately. We’ve grown apart. But going that far, what if it’s tied to his business? Chloe suggested, what if he’s in trouble, debts, threats? Maybe he’s involved in something illegal.

I paused, thinking. James had always been ambitious. His business took off quickly, especially in the early years.

But I’d never really questioned how he managed to rise so fast. I just assumed he was talented, and lucky. But what if there was something else behind it? I don’t know, I admitted.

He never involved me in the details of his work. He used to say he didn’t want to worry me, that it was men’s business. What about your father-in-law? Is he involved in James’ business? He used to be.

He helped James get started, gave him the money for his first restaurant. But once things took off, James bought out his share. My father-in-law’s retired now.

At least, officially. And unofficially. I don’t know.

He and James would sometimes lock themselves in the office and talk for hours. But I never asked what about. So why did your father-in-law warn you? Why tell you to get out of the house? That’s the strangest part of this whole thing.

We were never that close. He was always polite to me, unlike my mother-in-law and Samantha, but that was it. Why would he suddenly try to protect me? Maybe he knows something you don’t.

Maybe. But what? And why not just tell me directly? Our conversation was interrupted by a call on Chloe’s phone. She looked at the screen.

It’s Mark. My friend in the police. I’m going to take this, she said, and stepped out of the kitchen, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I thought about James. About how we met, how we fell in love, how happy I’d been in the early years of our marriage. When had it all started to unravel? When did he stop being the loving husband and become the man who could put something in my drink? Chloe came back a few minutes later, and I could tell from her face that the news wasn’t good.

What? I asked, my heart starting to race. They found a strong tranquilizer in Samantha’s system. A very high dose.

Mixed with alcohol, it could have been fatal. If they hadn’t gotten to her in time, she could have died. I felt the blood drain from my face.

So James really… He wanted to kill me. It looks that way, Chloe said quietly. Mark told me the police are treating this as a possible attempted poisoning.

They’re interviewing everyone, waiters, other guests. Looking for witnesses. They’re reviewing the surveillance footage.

Cameras, I whispered. If they see me switching the glasses… Yeah, that’s a problem. But from what Mark said, they don’t have a clear suspect yet.

They’re checking everyone, James included. And you. Me? Yeah.

You were there. You had access to Samantha’s glass. And, let’s be honest, you had reasons not to like her.

I shook my head. But I never… I would never do something like that. Not on my own.

I know that. But the police don’t. They’re keeping all possibilities open.

I buried my face in my hands. What am I supposed to do, Chloe? If they find proof I swapped the glasses, they’ll arrest me. But if I confess that I saw James putting something in mine and switched them because of that, no one’s going to believe me.

I have no proof. There’s one more thing, Chloe said, her voice even more serious now. Mark said your husband has been asking around about you.

He’s come by the station multiple times, asking if anyone’s seen you. Told them he’s really worried because you disappeared after what happened to his sister. He’s looking for me, I said, not as a question, but a fact.

Yes. And from what it sounds like, he’s being very deliberate about it. Mark said your husband looks genuinely worried.

But… She paused. But what? But Mark also said it seemed like James was more concerned about where you were and what you might have told the police than about your actual well-being. We both fell silent, letting that sink in.

A chill ran down my spine. James was looking for me, not just because he was worried, but because he was afraid. Afraid I might talk.

Mark also said the police requested the restaurant’s surveillance footage, Chloe continued. They’ll be reviewing it soon. If it shows you switching the glasses… Then I’m in serious trouble, I finished for her.

I know. But what am I supposed to do? Go to the police and confess. Say I saw James put something in my drink and swapped glasses because of it.

With no proof, it’ll just look like a desperate move to protect myself. What about your father-in-law? Chloe asked suddenly. He warned you.

Maybe he knows something. Maybe he could back you up. I thought for a moment.

Maybe. But I don’t know if I could trust him. What if it was a trap? What if he warned me on James’s orders, just to find out where I’d go? Then why tell you to leave the house? If they wanted to find you, it would’ve been easier if you stayed put.

You’re right, I admit it. But then why all the secrecy? Why not just tell me what’s going on? Maybe he doesn’t know everything himself. Or maybe he’s afraid to say too much on the phone.

You could meet him, in a public place. I shook my head. Too risky.

If James is looking for me, he could be watching Robert too. I can’t take that chance. So what now? Are you going to keep hiding here, hoping it all blows over? No, I said firmly.

I can’t live like this. On the run, scared. I need to face this.

I need to understand what’s really going on. Just then, my phone rang again. The screen lit up with Robert’s name.

It’s him, I told Chloe. My father-in-law. Answer, she said after a brief pause.

But be careful. Don’t tell him where you are. I took a deep breath and picked up.

Hello. Emily, Robert’s voice was tight, tense. Are you safe? Yes, I replied.

I’m with friends. Good. Listen, I need to speak with you.

In person. It’s important. I’m not sure that’s a good idea, I said cautiously.

James is looking for me. He might be watching you too. I know.

That’s why I’m suggesting a neutral location. The New York Public Library, rare books section. It’s usually quiet, especially in the evening.

I’ll be there tomorrow at 6pm. Come if you can. There’s something I need to tell you.

And show you. Show me what? Not over the phone, Emily. Just come, if you want the truth.

It’s not just about you anymore. It’s about Catherine too. The mention of my daughter made me tense.

What about Catherine? Is she in danger? No, not yet. But, just come. And be careful.

Don’t tell anyone where you’re going. Not even your friends. He hung up, leaving me stunned.

I looked at Chloe, who was sitting next to me. From her expression, I could tell she’d heard everything. Are you going to go? She asked.

I don’t know, I admitted honestly. On one hand, I need to know what’s happening. On the other, it could be a trap.

It’s a library, a public place. There will be people, cameras. If it is a trap, it’s not a very well-planned one.

You’re right. But he told me not to tell anyone. Not even you.

Why all this secrecy? Maybe he doesn’t want anyone else to get caught in the crossfire. If what he knows is really dangerous, maybe he’s trying to protect you, and the people around you. I paused, thinking.

It sounded reasonable. But something still didn’t sit right. Something in his voice, in the way he said it.

He mentioned Catherine, I said. He said this involves her. What did he mean by that? I don’t know, Chloe replied.

But if your daughter could be in danger, you have to find out why. I nodded. You’re right.

I’ll go. But I’ll be extremely careful. I can go with you, Chloe offered.

I’ll keep my distance, but I’ll be close enough in case something goes wrong. No, I shook my head. He told me to come alone.

If he sees you, he might not say what he planned to. And I need to know the truth. All of it.

We spent the rest of the evening planning the meeting. I decided to take a taxi to the library so my car wouldn’t be spotted. I’d get there early, scope out the area.

If anything felt off, I’d leave immediately. Chloe would wait for my call. If she didn’t hear from me within an hour after the scheduled meeting, she’d contact the police.

The night passed restlessly. I barely slept, tossing and turning, replaying the last few days in my mind. In the morning, we reviewed the plan again.

I tried calling the hospital to check on Samantha’s condition, but they said they could only release information to immediate family. The day dragged. I was too anxious to read or watch anything.

I tried helping Chloe around the house, but she could see how distracted I was and sent me to rest. Finally, it was time to go. I changed into something nondescript, dark jeans, a gray sweater, and a black jacket Chloe lent me.

I tied my hair into a bun and put on sunglasses, even though the sky was overcast. Not exactly the perfect disguise, but better than nothing. Keep your phone on, Chloe said as she walked me to the cab.

And remember, if anything feels off, leave immediately. I promise, I said, hugging her before getting into the car. On the way to the library, I kept a close eye out the window, watching for any signs I was being followed.

But the streets were full of typical evening traffic, and nothing seemed out of place. The driver dropped me off a block from the library, just like I’d asked. I walked the rest of the way, scanning the sidewalks and alleyways as I went.

The old stone building towered at the end of the street, its facade worn but dignified, like it held a thousand secrets. One of them, maybe, was mine. I climbed the wide steps and entered through the main doors.

Inside, it was quiet and cool. A few readers sat scattered around the main hall, bent over books or laptops. The librarian behind the counter didn’t even glance up as I passed, heading toward the staircase.

The rare book section was on the third floor. I walked up slowly, my footsteps careful on the marble. The hallway was empty.

I reached the doors to the rare books room and peeked inside. It was a large room with high ceilings and tall windows facing west. The sun was setting, casting everything in a soft golden glow.

Shelves created a maze of narrow paths, easy to get lost in. In the far corner, I saw him, my father-in-law. He was sitting at a table, back to the window, his face mostly in shadow.

A folder sat open in front of him. I took a deep breath and walked in. He looked up when he heard my steps, his expression a mix of relief and worry.

Emily, he said quietly. You came. Yes, I replied, sitting across from him.

I want the truth. All of it. He glanced around the room, as if making sure we were alone, then pushed the folder toward me.

Here. Look at this. I opened the folder and saw photos.

Dozens of them. James was in every one, always with the same woman. They were having lunch at a restaurant, walking through Central Park, entering a hotel.

In some pictures, they were holding hands, in others, they were kissing. What is this? I asked, even though the answer was obvious. James has been cheating on you, my father-in-law said.

For over a year. Her name is Ashley Montgomery. She works at one of his nightclubs.

But that’s not all. He flipped the page, revealing documents, financial reports, bank statements, contracts. James’ business is collapsing, he continued.

The last two years have been a disaster. Three restaurants have already closed, two nightclubs are on the verge of bankruptcy. He’s deep in debt.

Serious debt. And some of the people he owes aren’t the type to wait patiently. I flipped through the documents, trying to process it all.

The numbers, the charts, it was all pointing to the same thing. James was on the brink of financial ruin. But what does that have to do with me? Or Catherine? He sighed and pulled another document from inside his blazer pocket.

This, he said. Your life insurance policy. James increased the payout six months ago.

Three million dollars. And he’s the sole beneficiary. I took the document with shaking hands.

The increase was real, and I remembered signing something. James had told me it was just standard inflation adjustment. I hadn’t thought twice.

He wanted to kill me for the insurance money. My voice trembled. But three million won’t save his business if the debts are that bad.

It’s not just about the business, my father-in-law said softly. There’s something else. The house you live in, on paper, it belongs to both of you.

But there’s a catch. If anything happens to you, your share doesn’t go to James. It goes to Catherine.

James has been trying to get you to update your will, remember? I nodded slowly. Yes, he’s brought it up a few times over the past year. Said the paperwork needed to be updated.

Routine stuff. I kept putting it off, I was busy. And two weeks ago, he continued, James convinced Catherine to sign a power of attorney.

It gives him control over her assets, including any inheritance she might receive. What? I stared at him, stunned. Yes.

He told her it was for her own protection, that he’d keep her assets safe from taxes and other issues. She believed him. Of course she did, she always trusted her father.

I felt nausea rising in my throat. So if I, if I died, my share of the house would go to Catherine, and with that power of attorney, James could control it. Sell it.

Mortgage it. Exactly, he said with a grim nod. Add that to the insurance payout and your personal savings, which would also go to Catherine, and therefore to him, it’s more than enough to settle his most dangerous debts.

And give him a clean slate. A new beginning. With a new woman.

And no burdensome wife. I stared at the documents in front of me, and only one thought kept pounding in my head. He wanted to kill me.

My husband wanted to kill me. But why are you helping me? I asked, lifting my eyes to my father-in-law. You’ve always been on his side.

He gave me a sad smile. I love my son, Emily. But I can’t let him become a murderer.

And I can’t let him ruin Catherine’s life. She’s my granddaughter, and I love her just as much as I love him. And Samantha? Did she know about his plan? He nodded.

Yes. She always knew all his secrets. And she supported him.

She never liked you, thought you weren’t good enough for this family. When James told her about his financial problems, she gave him the solution. Get rid of you and collect the money.

I remembered that conversation I had overheard months ago. You need to deal with this, James. How long are you going to drag it out? Back then, I thought they were talking about business.

Now I realized, they were talking about me. I was the problem that needed to be dealt with. What about Elizabeth? Does she know? No, he shook his head.

Elizabeth has no idea. Not about the financial trouble, not about James’s plan. She thinks you two are just going through a typical rough patch in your marriage, nothing more.

So what now? I asked. What am I supposed to do with all of this? You have to protect yourself, he said firmly. And Catherine? I know a good attorney.

He can help you sort out the paperwork, revoke the power of attorney Catherine gave James. Secure your assets. You need to go to the police.

But I don’t have any proof he put something in my glass. Yes, you do. The restaurant surveillance footage.

I’ve seen it. It clearly shows James putting something into your drink. You saw the footage.

How? I have contacts at the restaurant. I asked for the footage, told them I was checking to see if a waiter had picked up an expensive pair of cufflinks I’d lost, that night. They gave it to me.

And what I saw? What was on it? What exactly did it show? James adds something to your wine glass while you’re in the ladies’ room. Then you come back, sit down. And a little later, you switch your glass with Samantha’s.

I froze. You saw that. And you didn’t give the footage to the police? No.

I made a copy, but I haven’t handed it over. Not yet. I wanted to talk to you first.

Why? Because I need to understand what really happened. Why did you switch the glasses? Did you know James had put something in yours? I nodded. Yes.

I saw him. I was standing by the column when I saw him pour something into my glass. And I didn’t know what to do.

I decided to switch glasses. I didn’t want to hurt Samantha, I swear. I just wanted to protect myself.

My father-in-law looked at me for a long moment, then slowly nodded. I believe you. And I think the police will too, especially once they see the footage.

But they could accuse me of attempting to poison Samantha. I knew there was something in the glass, and I still switched it. It was self-defense, Emily.

You didn’t know what was in the glass. You were reacting to a threat. Anyone in your place would’ve done the same.

I wasn’t sure it was that simple, but I nodded anyway. So what now? Should I go to the police? Yes, he said firmly. And the sooner, the better.

James won’t stop trying to find you. And when he does, I don’t know what he might do. He’s desperate.

And desperate people do terrible things. I gathered the documents and placed them back into the folder. Thank you.

For everything. He gave a sad smile. Don’t thank me.

I’m just doing what I should’ve done earlier. Even if it hurts to see what my son has become. We left the library together but exited through different doors.

He gave me the contact information for the lawyer and urged me once more to go to the police as soon as possible. I promised I would. On the way back to Chloe’s, I tried to process everything.

It was too much, too painful. My husband, the father of my child, the man I’d spent 20 years of my life with, had planned to kill me. For money.

For another woman. To start a new life without me. Chloe opened the door as soon as I rang the bell.

One look at my face and she knew the news wasn’t good. What happened? What did he say? I stepped into the living room, collapsed onto the couch, and told her everything. She listened without interrupting, occasionally nodding or shaking her head in disbelief.

Oh my god, em, she said when I finished. That’s, that’s horrific. I can’t believe James could do something like that.

I couldn’t either. But the documents, the photos, everything Robert told me, it all lines up. So what are you going to do now? I’m going to do what he advised.

Go to the police. Tell them everything. Show them the proof.

And then, we’ll see what happens. What about Catherine? Are you going to tell her? I paused. Catherine adored her father.

She’d always been a daddy’s girl. How would she handle learning that the man she trusted tried to kill her mother? That he used her, manipulated her into signing over control of everything? I don’t know, I said honestly. Not yet.

Maybe not all at once. First, I need to deal with the police, the legal stuff. Make sure she’s protected.

Then, we’ll talk. When are you going to the police? Tomorrow morning. Robert said there’s a detective I can trust.

Captain Ryan. I need to ask for him specifically. Good, Chloe nodded.

And I’m coming with you. Don’t argue, she added when she saw I was about to protest. You shouldn’t be alone for this.

I squeezed her hand, grateful beyond words. Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

We went to bed early, but once again, I couldn’t sleep. My mind wouldn’t stop racing. I kept replaying my marriage to James, all the good moments, the happy days.

I searched for signs I might’ve missed, clues that he had changed, that he could become someone capable of such betrayal. But I found nothing. Or maybe I didn’t want to find anything.

In the morning, Chloe and I had a quick breakfast, got dressed, and headed to the police station. I brought the folder of documents Robert had given me. We were just about to walk out the door when my phone rang.

Catherine’s name lit up the screen. It’s my daughter, I said to Chloe. I have to take this.

She nodded and stepped aside to give me some privacy. Hi, sweetheart, I said, trying to sound calm. How are you? Mom, Catherine’s voice was tight, scared.

Mom, where are you? I’m with a friend. I told you. What’s going on? Mom, you have to come.

Now. Aunt Sam, she woke up. She’s talking.

She’s saying strange things. About you. About dad.

I felt my heart stop. What is she saying? She said she saw you switch glasses. That you tried to poison her.

But then she’s also saying all these crazy things about dad. Like he was trying to… Mom, what is going on? The police are here. They’re taking her statement.

They asked about you. Mom, please come. I looked over at Chloe, who had turned around, concern all over her face as she heard the shift in my voice.