We were marking our anniversary when I noticed my husband slip something into my drink. Without a word, I quietly switched my glass with his sisterβsβshe never liked me anyway. I waited for her reaction. But half an hour later, it was James who turned pale and collapsed to the floor.
It was supposed to be our 20th anniversary dinner. I sat across from James, but his smile looked forced, never touching his cold, sharp eyes. The air between us was heavy, filled with things unsaid. I excused myself and went to the restroom.
When I came back, I stopped behind a column, and thatβs when I saw it.
James, sure no one was looking, poured the contents of a tiny packet into my wine glass. The move was quick, too smooth, like he had done it before. My husband⦠was trying to drug me.
My chest tightened. My legs felt weak. Fear gripped meβbut so did survival. I knew what I had to do. I would return to the table as if nothing happened. I would smile, act natural, and when the chance came, Iβd trade glasses. Mine for his sister Samanthaβs.
It wasnβt about punishing her. It was instinct. A fight to stay alive.
I sat back down. James asked, βEverything alright, darling?β
βOf course,β I replied.
Samantha gave me a thin smile. βEmily, you look a bit unwell. Maybe you should go home.β Her words werenβt kindβthey were dismissive. She wanted me gone.
The waiter arrived with our meals. As everyone focused on their plates, I made the switch. Fast, unnoticed.
Samantha lifted the glassβmy glass. βA toast to the happy couple!β she said, raising it high before taking a long sip.
The next thirty minutes crawled by. Then it happened.
Mid-sentence, Samantha froze. Her fork stopped halfway to her mouth. Her eyes widened, and she grabbed at her chest. Red blotches crept across her throat and face. Her fork dropped with a loud clink. βIβ¦ canβtβ¦ breathe,β she gasped, before collapsing sideways in her chair.
The room exploded in panic. People shouted. Chairs scraped back. James rushed to her side, yelling for someone to call an ambulance. His face was twisted with fearβwas it for her? Or was it because his plan had failed?
I sat perfectly still, my heart pounding, but my face unreadable. Inside, one thought screamed: What have I done?
And yet, another question burned even louder: What was he trying to do to me?
I stared at the white tablecloth, now spotted with spilled wine and scattered food. They thought I was weak, easy to crush. But they were wrong. Tonight, everything had changed… Watch: [in comment] – Made with AI
