Chapter 16

The GPS devicechirps when it finally arrives at the restaurant. A few moments go by before I hear my wife greet her mother.

They engage in idle chatter with Herminia going into grave detail about the dilapidated conditions she’s kept in. Ivy laughs, and I find myself charmed by the sound of it.

So much of my wife beguiles me, twisting my mind in ways that are downright dangerous.

Yet, I can’t help but feel enchanted by her presence. Even knowing she wants to kill me, I yearn for her, which is a goddamn tragedy.

Herminia: I didn’t expect your husband to play such tricks.

Ivy: There were no tricks. He just…wanted to get away so that we could focus on securing his inheritance.

Herminia: So am I to be a grandmother?

Ivy: You are.

Herminia: Finally. We’ll have to start preparations.

Ivy: But we’ll need a spare.

Herminia: We can’t risk it. Not after the stunt your husband pulled.

Ivy: Stunt? He was taking me away from the distractions of?—

Herminia: Stop being so defiant! I know what you’re going through. I was terrified when I was planning your father’s…situation, and I had even fewer tools to work with than you do.

Ivy: Fewer tools? Poison detection back then was nearly nonexistent.

My heart all but stops as my wife confirms my greatest fear. That Lance was indeed right, and she’s out to kill me.

I should call the cops now. Even if the evidence I have is inadmissible in court, I have enough power to steer things in my favor.

Yet, I can’t bring myself to pick up my phone.

Herminia: You’ll be happy to know that I’ve spoken to The Web and they have the perfect solution for your situation. Instead of using a traditional poison, you’ll use one that, when ingested, incites an allergic reaction.

Ivy: Don’t you think that’s a bit risky if he’s never had an allergic reaction before?

Herminia: You’ll serve it with an exotic dish and no one will suspect a thing.

Feeling sick, I take off my headset and sit back in my chair, wondering why I feel as though my heart was just ripped clean out of my chest.

I’ve known Ivy’s nature even before we were married, yet hearing her talk so casually about my demise is like a gut punch.

I put my headset back on, hoping that maybe I misheard my wife, and that she’s not plotting against me.

Ivy: It would be stupid to plan such a thing in front of so many. Someone could see.

Herminia: No one would suspect the beautiful pregnant wife of Mateo Rossi to poison him in front of an audience. Besides, they won’t even know it’s poison.

Ivy: But what if there is no such event?

Herminia: They’re Italian, and their family has been known to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries at Sorellina. They shut down the whole restaurant for them. It’s all but guaranteed they’ll have a congratulatory dinner for you there.

Ivy: Wouldn’t an accident be better?

Herminia: Before, I would have said yes, given his age, but The Web has spoken. He’s to die by this vial, and it has to be soon.

Again, I take off my headset, unable to listen to my wife’s plans for me.

A part of me feels betrayed, but that’s silly. This was always her intention, just as it was my intention to have her thrown in jail.

But things have changed. At least they have for me.

I meant what I said when I told her she was mine, and now that she’s carrying my child, there’s no way I can let her go.

It’s dangerous. Reckless. Fucking wild.

But I’m addicted to my wife, and I’m going to love making her pay.