Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

I was anxious, waiting for Zora to go out so I could make my move. Jaylan wasn't home, and I figured I could handle Zora on my own.

To pass the time, I pulled out my phone and sorted through the information I'd gathered from Jaylan's phone the night before. I sent the useful bits to my close friend, Catherine, for further investigation. Catherine is the daughter of my father's good friend, we've been thick as thieves since we were kids, and we both ended up in Goldenvale Town for college. She studied journalism at a different university, but we've always stayed in touch.

Catherine is a single, career-oriented woman, a real go-getter in her field at Goldenvale Media. She's outgoing and friendly, with an impressive network of contacts. She always teased me about how I've become a docile 'house-cat' since I married Jaylan.

Whenever she saw me, she tutted and shook her head, lamenting, "Such a talented business partner, off the market just like that! Women really shouldn't get married. Men are like sandpaper, they smooth out all your edges until you're round and dull, devoid of personality. You're the perfect example."

I always brushed off her comments, replying, "What's wrong with being rounded? I enjoy my current life, right?"

"Ha! More like you've been trained into a housewife by Jaylan, that man's a bona fide ladykiller. Look at you, he's practically killing you!"

Her words were eerily prophetic, as it turns out Jaylan really did want me dead. But Catherine remained my steadfast supporter.

After I briefed Catherine on the points she needed to investigate, I took a short rest. I hadn't slept well the night before, my mind was a whirl of thoughts, and I was feeling drained. I needed to conserve my strength.

I barely ate lunch, and to watch Zora's movements, I didn't even go upstairs, choosing to lie down on the living room couch instead.

Carl sat beside me, playing with his toys, while Zora patiently fed him his lunch.

I was getting impatient, but Zora seemed to be in no hurry to leave. She was interacting harmoniously with Carl as if I wasn't there at all. Seeing that Jaylan wasn't home, she probably didn't feel the need to go to the market. I had to give her a reason to leave the house.

I casually said to her, "Zora, could you buy some shrimp later? I want some for dinner."

"We have some at home, how do you want them prepared?" she asked, glancing at me.

"I want fresh ones, not frozen. Also, get a durian," I added, knowing that this would force her to go out since Jaylan hated its smell and we rarely had it at home. But both Zora and I loved durian. She agreed readily, "Alright, I'll go buy them later."

I grabbed a blanket and pretended to sleep on the couch, planning my next moves in my head.

Once Carl was asleep, Zora left the house. I immediately turned off the surveillance, got up to rummage through the medicine cabinet, and found exactly what I was looking for - a tranquilizing hypnotic. I chose Midazolam, a quick-acting and potentially addictive drug, fitting punishment for Zora.

After putting everything back in its place, I returned to the couch to figure out how to slip it to Zora unnoticed.

I was actually asleep on the couch when Zora returned, and was rudely awakened by Carl slapping my face. His little hand slapped hard on me. He giggled at my shocked expression.

Still groggy, I playfully swatted his bottom, "You little rascal!"

He immediately looked towards the kitchen, and I followed his gaze to catch a fleeting glimpse of Zora.

It seemed she had spoiled him rotten.

But this made me realize a problem - what would happen to Carl if Zora was put to sleep?

It would be too late if I waited for Carl to fall asleep.

And the drug only lasted 4-6 hours. If Zora woke up early and found a stranger looking after Carl, our cover would be blown. If I took Carl out, he might inadvertently spill the beans, which would be dangerous. I looked at Carl, torn between options.