Chapter 14
Abigail
+25 BONUS
Marcy’s expression didn’t falter, and for a moment, I wondered if Liliana had promised her something.
Liliana sighed like the drama queen she was turning out to be. “This is a misunderstanding, I’m sure. Why don’t we calm down and figure out where the jewelry is?”
“Don’t patronize me,” I snapped. “This isn’t a misunderstanding. It’s manipulation.”
“Abigail,” Conrad said, his voice low, “let’s not escalate this.”
I rounded on him. “Are you seriously questioning me right now? After everything?”
“I just “He hesitated, running a hand through his hair.
“You’re right to hesitate,” I said sharply. “Because if you sile with them, Conrad, I will not forgive you.”
I leveled a mocking glance at Liliana. She stood there as if this entire charade wasn’t her doing. The anger in the chest begged for release, and I let it fist my words with venom. “Is this what you wanted, Liliana?” I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “To embarrass me like this? Tell me, was this little performance Susanna’s idea or yours?”
Liliana’s smile faltered for just a fraction of a second before she composed herself. “Abigail, let’s not make this personal. We’re just trying to get to the bottom of things.”
Before I could retort, Conrad’s irritated voice cut through the room. “What does Susanna have to do with this?” He turned to me, his tone barely controlled. “For God’s sake, why must you drag her into everything?‘
My jaw tightened. It was always the same with him. Defend Susanna at all costs, even at the expense of reason. Before I could respond, a maid rushed into the room, her face pale and frazzled.
“Sir, Madam,” she stammered breathlessly, “there are policemen at the door.” ”
I frowned. “Policemen?” I asked aloud, my stomach twisting uneasily. “What are they doing here?”
Liliana stepped forward, her voice calm and composed. “I called them,” she said smoothly. “We needed to resolve this situation quickly. It’s better to let the authorities handle it.”
I stared at her, incredulous. She’d planned this. The realization hit me like a slap. Conrad didn’t say a word, his silence cutting deeper than any accusation. He didn’t say even a word at this announcement. He simply stood there. My mind immediately flashed back to that day, not long ago, when I’d wanted to call the police myself- when Susanna had first claimed her precious jewelry was missing. Conrad had shut me down then. Yet here he was, standing mutely.
“Let them in,” Liliana instructed the maid, her tone as light as if she were inviting the neighbors over for tea. Moments later, the police officers were led into my room, their polite greetings doing little to ease the tension. Susanna, always the damsel in distress, stepped forward, with a coy smile. “Since Abigail insists she never asked Marcy to take the jewelry, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if the police searched her room. Just to clear everything up.”
It took everything in me not to snarl at her. “This is ridiculous,” I snapped. “You’re turning my home into a circus.”
“If you have nothing to hide, Abigail, then there’s no issue, Liliana said sweetly, her smile almost predatory.
Chapter 14
+25 BONUS
Every nerve in my body screamed at me to refuse. This reeled of a setup. But I knew better. If I protested, It would only make me look guilty. I knew how it would look if I saldo. And more than anything, I wanted Conrad to ser proof of my innocence when the police found nothing.
I swallowed my pride and nodded stiffly. “Fine. Search.” My voice was cold, but inside, my heart pounded wildly. Go ahead.”
I stepped aside, arms folded tightly across my chest as the officers began their methodical search. They started with my drawers, then moved to the wardrobe, carefully combing through my belongings. The way they sifted through my belongings made my skin crawl. I stood there, refusing to look at anyone, my gaze fixed on the far wall. I wasn’t guilty. They wouldn’t find anything
They’d carelessly pulled my things out and scattered them everywhere. My luggage was a mess. Even my underwear was on display, thanks to Liliana. Then, one of the officers held up a familiar velvet case.
“Is this it?” the officer asked, holding up the case.
Liliana gasped, stepping forward with wide eyes. “Yes! That’s the one.”
The officer opened it, revealing the sparkling jewels inside My stomach dropped, my mind racing
“That’s not mine,” I said immediately, my voice shaking. didn’t put that there.”
The officers didn’t even glance my way. One of them turned to Liliana. “Can you confirm the value of the jewelry, ma’am? And would the victim like to seek accountability?”
Before Liliana could respond, Conrad finally spoke.
“It’s not necessary,” he said dismissively. “This is just a matter of the caregiver stealing and trying to frame someone else. Take Marcy and let the matter end there.”
Marcy, who had been standing silently in the corner, suddenly began to cry. Her sobs filled the room, but no one paid her any attention as the officers moved to escort her out.
Liliana’s voice cut through my shock, saccharine sweet. “Abigail, this must simply be a misunderstanding. Let’s not turn it into a bigger issue than it is. We’re family, after all.”
Family. The word felt like poison on my tongue.
I turned to Liliana, my exhaustion giving way to cold fury. “If this is what family looks like, then I want no part of it.”
I stormed to the bed, grabbing my suitcase with more force than necessary. The weight of the betrayal, the lies, the manipulation–it all tried to suffocate me as I headed for the door.
But before I could leave, Conrad yanked my arm, spinning me around to face him. His grip was firm, his expression dark.
“How long are you going to make a scene?” he demanded, his voice low and forceful. “I’ve covered for you, and you’re still not satisfied?” 1
His words were the final blow that shattered my sanity, cutting me deep. After so long together, even my own husband didn’t believe in my innocence.
I wanted to respond but my throat felt tight. Before I could say a word, another voice rang out
“What do you think you’re doing?”
We both turned to see Marceline, Conrad’s mother, standing in the doorway. Her gaze was fixed on Conrad, her
Chapter 11
expression one of ley disapproval.
“What is this nonsense?” she demanded, stepping into the room.
Conrad let go of my arm, straightening under her scrutiny. Mother, this isn’t-”
“Don’t you ‘Mother‘ me,” she snapped. “I heard everything Do you think I’m blind to what’s been happening in this house?”
