I ‘woke’ after a sleepless night, utterly exhausted, and slumped against the headboard, feeling sickly. I knew it was time for my medicine, which meant Zhen Jie would be here any moment. After all, I had to take it ‘on schedule’. The moment Zhen Jie pushed the door open, she froze for a split second before her face broke into a warm smile. “Mrs. Deng, you’re looking well today! So much energy. I’m honestly a little surprised!” I forced a weak smile, my eyes studying her intently. She chattered on as she deftly pulled back the curtains, thoughtfully draping a shawl over my shoulders. “Let’s get some fresh air in here, clear things out.” I remained slumped against the pillows, deliberately murmuring, “I’m a little hungry.” “Oh, that’s wonderful news! I’ll go get your breakfast right away! It’s been so long since I’ve heard you say you’re hungry!” Her face lit up as she hurried toward the door. “Just a moment, I’ll be right back!” As she bustled past the bed, the air she disturbed carried a faint, almost imperceptible scent of perfume. I’ve always been sensitive to smells; I can pick up on the slightest trace. She was wearing my favorite, Chanel Chance Eau Tendre. The only reason I loved that perfume was because Deng Jiazhe loved it. He said it was subtle and evocative. My fist clenched, a tightness seizing my chest. For a moment, my mind flashed to those tabloid stories—the ones where a husband and his mistress plot to murder the wife. But just as quickly, I dismissed it as absurd. A short while later, the door opened again. I instinctively looked up, only to see Deng Jiazhe walking in, carrying the bowl of medicine. His face was etched with concern, his eyes crinkling kindly as he smiled. Bathed in the morning light streaming through the window, he looked radiant and warm. And then, for some godforsaken reason, his words from last night echoed in my mind: *‘Did she drink the medicine?’* My heart plummeted. “Honey, you’re looking much better today! Zhen Jie said you have an appetite?” He placed the bowl on the nightstand and took my hand, the familiar warmth of his palm spreading through mine. His gaze was tender, full of affection, as he murmured, “What are you craving? I’ll make it for you. Anything at all.” “Don’t. It’s not like I can eat much anyway. Don’t go to the trouble,” I said, struggling to keep my voice even. I feigned concern. “What time did you get back last night? I didn’t even hear you. Was work that busy?” “It’s the peak of the ordering season, so yes, it’s chaos. So many clients need quotes. When I got home, Zhen Jie said she’d just given you your medicine. I checked in, then worked in the study until late and just slept there.” He let out an involuntary yawn as he spoke. Seeing how exhausted he looked, a wave of guilt washed over me. He wasn’t lying; he was telling the truth. The ordering season was always like this, a mountain of quotes to get through. He was still working himself to the bone for our family. How could I possibly suspect my own husband? It must be Zhen Jie. He reached for the medicine bowl, even tasting a bit himself. “It’s not hot, the temperature is just right. Come on, drink this first, then you can have a nice breakfast.” I put on a show of annoyance, knitting my brow and using the playfully defiant tone I always used with him. “What’s the point? I drink so much of this stuff and nothing seems to work. It just makes me nauseous. Can’t I skip it, honey?” “Be a good girl, now. You have to take your medicine on schedule. See? You’re clearly improving today. How long has it been since you said you were hungry? Doctor Qi adjusted the prescription the day before yesterday, and it seems to be working! Don’t lose hope.” His voice was perfectly calm, not a single crack in his facade. He was still the same doting husband whose world revolved around me. Seeing his oblivious expression, I was trapped. If I drank this medicine, I’d fall back into that deep sleep. I would never be able to find any proof, never be able to unmask the person behind this. “I don’t want to drink it,” I said, leaning into his embrace, my mind racing for a way to get him out of the room. He patted my back soothingly with one hand while holding the bowl to my lips with the other. “Come on, be good. Just drink it down. We have to keep up the momentum.” Panic surged through me. It seemed I couldn’t escape this. “I’ll do it myself,” I said, reluctantly taking the bowl, my heart hammering against my ribs. I knew with certainty that if I drank this now, I’d be unconscious within half an hour. But Deng Jiazhe watched me, his face a mask of concern, his eyes brimming with adoration—the very picture of the perfect, protective husband. And yet, his persistence felt wrong, raising my suspicions again. Why was he so insistent that I drink it? In the past, I would have melted under that tender gaze and done whatever he asked. But now, behind his smile, I could almost see the glint of a sharp dagger. And that dagger was inching closer, not with affection, but with the cold pressure to submit. Anxiety gnawed at me, but I couldn't say anything. I wanted to throw a tantrum, but I was afraid of tipping my hand. I had no choice but to lift the bowl to my lips.