Embers of Betrayal

Chapter 17: outwitting the enemy

The next morning, Bernadette awoke to another troubling scenario. Maxim, seemingly back to his overly attentive self, again prepared breakfast for her. As he set out the meal, he carefully poured a glass of milk, mixing something into it with a furtive glance around the kitchen.

Maxim (cheerfully, trying to mask his intentions): "Here's your breakfast, Bernadette. I prepare this before going to work...I've made sure it's all fresh and healthy."

Bernadette (forcing a smile, her mind racing): "Thank you, Maxim. It looks delicious."

As Maxim left for work, Bernadette wasted no time. She rose from her seat, her movements deliberate and cautious. Heading straight to the kitchen, she retrieved the glass of milk Maxim had prepared. Her heart pounded as she covered the glass with a lid, ensuring that no one could tamper with it.

Bernadette (muttering to herself, her voice tense): "I need to get this to Dr. Alexander. He has to know what's happening."

She quickly grabbed her phone and dialed Dr. Alexander's number.

Dr. Alexander (answering on the second ring): "Hello, Bernadette? Is everything alright?"

Bernadette (voice urgent): "Dr. Alexander, it's me. Maxim is at it again. He mixed something into my glass of milk this morning. I'm afraid it's another attempt to poison me."

Dr. Alexander (concerned): "What? Are you sure? Do you have the milk with you?"

Bernadette: "Yes, I've covered the glass. I need you to come over as soon as possible and examine it. I don't trust anyone else with this."

Dr. Alexander (reassuringly): "I'll be there right away. Stay safe and keep the glass of sight. I'll handle the rest."

After ending the call, Bernadette took a deep breath and placed the covered glass in a secure spot, away from prying eyes. Her mind raced with worry and determination. Maxim's manipulative behavior had escalated to a point where she knew she had to act decisively.

As she waited for Dr. Alexander to arrive, Bernadette felt a mix of dread and resolve. She was determined to uncover the truth and put an end to the dangerous charade that had taken over her life.

Dr. Alexander and Bernadette arrived at the crime lab, their concern evident in their hurried steps. The atmosphere in the lab was sterile and clinical, a stark contrast to the turmoil swirling inside Bernadette's mind.

Dr. Alexander (to the lab technician, his voice urgent): "We need this milk tested immediately. It's crucial."

Lab Technician (nodding, taking the glass carefully): "Understood. We'll get it tested as quickly as possible. Please wait in the observation room."

As they waited, Dr. Alexander tried to offer comfort, but the tension was palpable.

Dr. Alexander (gently): "Bernadette, we're doing everything we can. Just hang in there."

Bernadette (nodding, her voice shaky): "Thank you, Alexander. I'm so scared. I never thought it would come to this."

After what felt like an eternity, the lab technician returned with the results.

Lab Technician (holding a report): "We've completed the analysis. The milk contained a drug known as scopolamine. It's used to affect memory and cognition. In high doses, it can lead to severe health complications and even death if not treated promptly."

Dr. Alexander (shocked): "Scopolamine? That's a dangerous drug. Bernadette, this confirms our worst fears."

Bernadette (voice trembling): "So, Maxim was trying to poison me slowly..."

Lab Technician (sympathetically): "Yes, it appears so. I would advise seeking immediate medical attention and taking this evidence to the authorities."

Dr. Alexander (to Bernadette): "We need to act quickly. I can help you file a report and get you medical care. This needs to be stopped before it's too late."

Bernadette (with resolve): "Thank you, Alexander. But please, let's wait for the right time."

As they left the lab, Bernadette felt a mix of fear and determination. 

At their house, Bernadette's strategy of pretending to be forgetful began to unfold as she approached Maxim with a carefully crafted façade.

Bernadette (casually, with a feigned air of confusion): "Maxim, I'm sorry, but I think I've already had breakfast. I don't remember eating, but it feels like I've had something."

Maxim (initially frowning, his irritation evident): "What do you mean you've already had breakfast? I specifically prepared it for you this morning."

Bernadette (shrugging nonchalantly): "I'm not sure. Maybe I just forgot. I've been feeling a bit off lately."

Maxim's expression shifted from frustration to a calculating smile as he considered the possibility that the poison might be having its intended effect.

Maxim (smirking, trying to mask his satisfaction): "Oh, is that so? Well, it's just as well. If you're not hungry, I suppose it's no trouble."

He tried to keep his demeanor calm, though his eyes betrayed a glimmer of relief.

Bernadette (playing along, with a hint of concern): "I hope I'm just imagining things. I've been so forgetful lately. Maybe it's stress or something."

Maxim (forcing a reassuring tone): "You should rest and take it easy. I'm sure it's nothing serious."

As Maxim walked away, his smile widened, convinced that the poison was starting to take its toll. Meanwhile, Bernadette's heart raced with the knowledge that her plan was working. She had to stay vigilant and maintain her act while she gathered more evidence to confront him.

The days ahead would be crucial, but with each passing moment, Bernadette felt more empowered by her ability to outwit her unfaithful husband and protect herself from his malicious intentions.

As the morning sun filtered into the kitchen, Maxim prepared Bernadette's breakfast with meticulous care. He had added a new dose of the poison to the milk, confident that today would be the day his plan would take effect.

Maxim (cheerfully, setting the glass of milk in front of Bernadette): "Here you go, Bernadette. I made your favorite breakfast today. Please, enjoy."

Bernadette (forcing a smile as she reached for the glass of milk): "Thank you, Maxim. It looks wonderful."

As Bernadette reached for the milk, she intentionally let it slip from her hand, the glass shattering on the floor. Milk spilled everywhere.

Bernadette (feigning distress, looking at the mess): "Oh no! I'm so sorry, Maxim. I don't know how I managed to drop it. My hands are just trembling this morning."

She carefully avoided looking directly at Maxim.

Maxim (his smile widening as he approached her): "It's alright, Bernadette. Don't worry about it. Accidents happen."

His voice carried a note of false reassurance as he glanced at the spilled milk with hidden satisfaction.

Bernadette (acting as though she was struggling to regain her composure): "I don't know what's wrong with me today. I've been so clumsy."

Maxim (suppressing his triumph, gently patting her shoulder): "It's okay. Just sit down and relax. I'll clean this up."

Maxim moved to clean up the mess, his face betraying a smirk of victory. He was convinced that the poison was starting to take its toll on Bernadette's mind.

Bernadette (softly, to herself as Maxim cleaned up): "This is just the beginning. I have to stay one step ahead, olutwitting the enemy."

She watched him carefully, her mind racing with thoughts of how to outwit him further. As she maintained her act, she knew she had to be patient and strategic to ensure her ultimate plan would succeed.