Natalia returned home with a heavy heart, dreading the familiar tension that always greeted her—the endless complaints of her overbearing mother-in-law and the constant needs of her supposedly disabled husband, Victor.
But this evening would change everything.
She barely stepped through the front door when she heard voices drifting from the living room. Curious and cautious, Natalia moved toward the slightly ajar door and paused to listen. What she heard made her skin crawl.
“We can’t keep this going, Mom,” Victor was saying. “She’s starting to get suspicious.”
His words landed like a blow. “I needed her to sell the story that I was disabled,” he admitted. Natalia’s mind reeled. Her world tilted. The years she had devoted to caring for him, putting aside her job, her friendships, her freedom, had all been built on a deception.
Then came the chilling part.
“The money’s nearly gone,” Victor continued. “We need to access the Swiss account before Egor brings us down.”
Lidia, his mother, responded with unnerving composure
“Egor won’t be a problem. I took care of him last week. He had… an unfortunate accident.”
Victor’s voice turned hesitant. “What about Natalia? I think she suspects something.”
Lidia’s reply was cold and calculated. “That would be a shame. I’ve perfected the tea recipe. This time, it’ll leave no trace.”
Natalia’s heart pounded. A creak beneath her foot betrayed her presence.
“Natalia? Is that you?” Victor called.
She forced herself to sound calm.
“Yes, dear. I just got back from the store. Want something to drink?”
In the kitchen, Natalia’s hands trembled as she prepared the tea, desperately trying to keep her nerves in check. Lidia soon joined her, offering to help. Natalia declined with a gentle smile. “Don’t worry, Mom. I picked up some special honey. It’s in my bag in the hallway.”
That moment gave her just enough time to secretly send a message to a contact Egor had once urged her to call in case of danger. Returning to the living room, she carefully switched the teacups while Lidia was distracted.
Once both Victor and Lidia had drifted into a deep sleep, Natalia sprang into action.
She hurried to the study and pushed aside a painting, revealing a hidden safe. Inside were documents, a journal, and a folder of fake passports. She grabbed everything.
Just as she reached the front door, she froze. Standing there was Egor—wounded, but very much alive.
“You got my message?” she whispered.
“I did,” he nodded. “I came as fast as I could. Do you have the evidence?”
Natalia held up her bag.
Egor confirmed her worst fear: “Lidia tried to kill me last week. But I survived. The police already have what they need.”
With Victor and Lidia now exposed, and Egor by her side, Natalia saw a future open up at last—one free from lies, betrayal, and fear.
