Chapter 3

I glanced at Timothy's message and let out a cold laugh. My fingers tapped rapidly on the screen. "Mary narrowly escaped a deadly snake bite while you were enjoying a happy vacation in Arngueuil Isles with Jennifer. She shattered the only antidote serum, and you still defended her. Now you ask me why I want a divorce? You'd better ask yourself what you have done to me and to Mary.

After I sent the message, Timothy's call quickly came through again.

I directly blocked his number this time.

I then blocked Jennifer and every member of the Rossi family.

I dragged my suitcase and disappeared after removing all traces.

For the next few days, I mostly stayed at the hospital.

Though I disliked that place, I felt at ease staying with Mary.

The only visitors were the kind neighbors, Mary's friends from church, and me.

Timothy didn't show up.

I arranged for Mary to be transferred to another hospital and told her that I was getting a divorce.

Mom held my hand and gazed at me gently. "You seem calm."

Of course, I was calm. While Timothy was kissing Jennifer at sea, Mary was screaming in pain. My love for him died back then.

My phone vibrated in my pocket.

It was from an unfamiliar number. I hesitated before answering.

"Elisa, thank God. You finally answer my call." Timothy's voice came through with a hint of forced urgency. "Where are you? Why did you block me? I've called you so many times but couldn't get through."

I leaned against the wall and said coldly, "I'm at the hospital and taking care of Mary."

Timothy's voice suddenly rose. "Mary's hospitalized? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I told you when she needed the serum to save her life."

He was silent for a few seconds and then said in a softened tone, "You hung up, and I thought you were just upset..."

"Enough! Stop acting, Timothy." I felt nauseated and continued, "You're still in Arngueuil Isles, aren't you?"

He didn't respond, and I just heard the faint sound of waves.

"Answer me!" My voice became serious.

After a long while, Timothy stammered, "I... I haven't finished my itinerary. It is a good place to relax here..."

Before he could finish, Jennifer's coquettish laughter suddenly came through the phone. I heard her clearly as she said, "Timothy, stop talking to her so much. Aren't we going snorkeling?"

"Timothy, is she there with you?"

"Eliza, don't be so sarcastic." Timothy instantly became impatient. "Jennifer already feels guilty. She didn't want to get Mary hurt. Can't you be more understanding?"

I sneered, "Was she feeling guilty while kissing you on the yacht or while posing in a bikini for Instagram?"

Timothy was momentarily lost for words. Then he changed his tone and said, "Jennifer said she'd cover all of Mary's medical expenses. So you'd better not ask for too much."

I looked at Mary sleeping soundly on the hospital bed and suddenly asked, "Timothy, did you ever love me?"

Timothy paused before saying in a hesitant voice, "Of course. You're my wife. How can I not love you?"

"But you were vacationing, taking photos, and flaunting your happiness on social media while my mom was in critical condition." I laughed with self-mockery and said, "Timothy, let's have a divorce. Don't call me again."

Without waiting for his response, I hung up and blocked this number as well.

A few days ago, I hired a detective to investigate what happened when Mary was bitten by the snake.

Within a few days, the detective sent me a file containing copies of several purchase orders.

I flipped through them and found the dates from three months ago, a month ago, and two weeks ago. They were all about "Special King Cobra Antivenom Serum," with the delivery address at Jennifer's home.

I was stunned. Did Jennifer buy three batches of king cobra serum in just three months?

Why did she need so much of it?

But she only had one vial left?

Was she deceiving me, or were there multiple incidents involving the same pet snake?

I continued to look through the documents, and suddenly my eyes fixed on the "Recipient" column. It was Timothy Rossi.

A chill ran up my spine.

So Timothy knew all along. He knew Jennifer's pet snake wasn't properly trained and was dangerously aggressive.