Inside that bottle were the pills William had been giving me every day.
I snapped a photo of it and slipped one pill into a sealed bag.
Back in the bedroom, a small drop of liquid William had failed to wipe clean still stained the desk.
Beside his computer stood Sophia’s photo.
William and I were both twenty-five, while Sophia was a few years older. In a few months, she’d turn thirty.
I loved William deeply.
Even though I knew Sophia held a special place in his heart, they had never been together despite knowing each other for so many years.
When William and I first met, he pursued me passionately.
We had been married for three years now and were preparing for a child.
I believed William truly loved me.
With that thought, I quietly wiped the desk with a tissue.
As I tossed the tissue into the trash, I noticed a sheet of paper on the floor—covered in Spanish writing.
William and Sophia had once studied abroad in Spain.
Lately, handwritten Spanish notes kept appearing around the house.
When I asked about them, he simply said they were part of his studio’s research project.
I picked up the page and neatly placed it back on his desk.
After my shower, William came home, having soothed Sophia to sleep.
He held me tenderly.
“How did I get so lucky to marry such a caring wife?”
As he spoke, his hands began to wander.
I frowned.
“But it isn’t even my ovulation period today.”
He muttered something about not caring, then carried me to bed.
That night was unusually intense.
The next morning, my body ached. William had seemed especially spirited, unusually satisfied.
I wanted to ask him about the pills, but he was still asleep.
So I got up, washed, and went to work.
I worked in the sales department of a pharmaceutical company. I handed that pill to a colleague in the testing lab, asking her to check its ingredients.
She took it and said,
“Come back in three days for the results.”
Embarrassed, I smiled:
“No need for heavy equipment. It’s just a supplement my husband bought for me, probably full of nutrients.”
She gave me a knowing look and teased:
“Your husband is really thoughtful. Any child born into your family will be blessed. He’s sure to be a great father. Come back tomorrow—I’ll have the results ready.”
I thanked her and left.
The next day, I ran into her at the time clock. Her face was grim.
“Anna, did your husband really give you that pill?”
Puzzled, I nodded.
“Of course. Why? What is it—some rare herb worth a fortune?”
She hesitated, then said,
“The composition is complicated. Maybe you should come back in a week for the final report.”
“Your… your husband…”
I thanked her again, brushing off her tone.
“My husband is really generous. I’ll treat you to dinner when the results come out.”
That evening, William called:
“Honey, Sophia is holding her birthday party earlier this year. I’ll pick you up after work.”
Although I was reluctant, all his old friends would be there.
As his wife, not showing up would look bad.
I replied:
“Alright, I just got off work. Come pick me up now.”
By the time we arrived, everyone else was already seated.
Seeing me, Sophia stood warmly and said:
“Anna’s here—come sit next to me.”
