Chapter 4 - The Unraveling
As dusk settled, a sudden chill swept through the yard. Elena's body shook violently with uncontrollable tremors. Her legs had gone completely numb hours ago, and hypothermia was creeping in despite the humid air.
Michael returned outside carrying a metal shovel and a plastic water pitcher. He crouched beside her head, his face illuminated only by the porch light.
"Last chance, Elena. The notary is coming tomorrow morning. You sign the transfer papers, and I dig you out right now. We tell everyone you were resting in bed due to pregnancy complications."
"Never," Elena breathed, staring directly into his eyes. "You will go to prison for this."
May you like
Michael's jaw tightened. "Prison? Who will they believe? A dedicated husband caring for a psychotic wife, backed by my mother and sister? Or a woman who has a medical record full of 'postpartum depression' notes I spent the last three months planting with our family doctor?"
He raised the shovel, scooping up another heavy clod of dirt and positioning it directly above her face. "If you won't cooperate, perhaps an unfortunate accident during a midnight episode of sleepwalking in the garden will settle the estate just as cleanly."
