“Mrs. Carter, the liquid you provided contains a sedative—a potent one at that. It’s not something you’d find in over-the-counter products. This kind of substance, if ingested regularly, could have long-term cognitive effects, including memory loss and disorientation.”
The room seemed to spin, the doctor’s words echoing in my head. My mind raced back to the nights of deep, dreamless sleep, the mornings of fog and confusion I had blamed on age. Ethan’s insistence on my nightly drink, his constant care, and the way he hovered over me had all seemed like love. But now, a darker possibility loomed.
Why would Ethan do this? Was it my money after all? Did he want to keep me docile and dependent? I couldn’t reconcile the man who lovingly massaged my feet, who remembered my favorite songs, with someone capable of such betrayal.
