Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 3

After a sleepless night, I pretended to wake up feeling utterly drained, leaning against my bed. I knew it was time for my medication, and it wouldn't be long before Zora showed up to administer it.

When Zora opened the door, she paused, then gave me a gentle smile. "Madam, you're looking good today! Quite lively, I must say. I'm pleasantly surprised."-

I forced a chuckle, all the while watching her closely.

While we talked, she quickly drew back the curtains and kindly draped a shawl around me. "Let's get some fresh air in here."

Feeling quite listless, I responded, "I'm a bit hungry."

"Well, that's excellent news! I'll fetch your breakfast right away! It's been a while since you said you were hungry!" With a beaming smile, she briskly walked out of the room, saying, "Just a moment!"

As she passed by my bedside, a faint whiff of perfume filled the air. I had always been sensitive to smells, so I immediately recognized it as my favorite perfume, Chanel Chance.

I clenched my fists, struggling to breathe.

I thought about all those news stories about husbands and mistresses conspiring against wives. But that seemed far-fetched.

A while later, the door opened, and my husband Jaylan came in, carrying my medicine.

His face was full of concern, and his smile was warm and gentle. As he approached me, bathed in the sunlight streaming in from the window, he looked radiant and comforting. Thinking about the question he had said last night - "Did she take the medicine?" - my heart sank.

"Honey, you're looking good today! Zora told me you were hungry?"

He placed the medicine on the bedside table, took my hand, and looked at me with a tender gaze. "What would you like to eat, honey? I can cook it for you."

"Never mind. I can't eat much anyway. Don't trouble yourself," I replied, trying to keep my emotions in check. "What time did you get home last night? I didn't even notice. Are you busy at work?"

"Well, it's the season for product orders, so it's quite busy. Lots of customers asking for quotes. I got home after Zora had given you your medicine. I checked on you, then worked in my study until late. I slept there," he replied, yawning.

Seeing his weary face, I felt a sudden pang of guilt. He wasn't lying. Every year during the product orders season, he would have a pile of quote requests. He was still working hard for our family. How could I suspect him?

The problem must be Zora.

He picked up the medicine bowl, tasted it, and said, "It's not hot. Just right. Come, you should get this medicine down before breakfast."

I pretended to be impatient and said in my usual coquettish voice, "It's not helping. I've taken so much of it, but I don't see any improvement. I feel nauseous. Can I skip it, honey?"

"Sweetheart, you need to take your medicine regularly. Look, you're feeling better today. You haven't felt hungry in a while, but you said you were hungry just now. This medicine seems to be working. The doctor adjusted the dosage the day before yesterday. Stay positive!" His voice was steady, and he didn't miss a beat. He was still the loving husband who always put me first.

Looking at his oblivious face, I felt torn. If I took the medicine, I would fall into a deep sleep. I wouldn't be able to find any evidence or expose the person behind all this.

"I don't want to take it!" I said, leaning into him, my mind racing for a way to distract him.

He patted my back with one hand and held the medicine up to my mouth with the other. "Good girl, take your medicine. We have to keep fighting."

I felt desperate. There was no way out.

"I can do it myself." I took the bowl from him reluctantly, my heart pounding.

I was sure that if I took the medicine now, I'd be asleep within half an hour.

But Jaylan was watching me, his eyes full of affection, the picture of a devoted husband. But his insistence made me suspicious. Why was he so adamant that I take the medicine?

If it had been any other time, I would have been charmed by his loving gaze. But now, I saw a sharp dagger behind that smile.

And that dagger was inching closer to me, not out of concern, but to force me into submission.

Feeling frantic and unable to voice my fears, I was worried that losing my temper would alert him. I had no choice but to pick up the medicine bowl…