Chapter 5 005: The Perfect Wife's Performance

Elena's POV

The orderlies wheeled Marcus' body down the corridor, and I followed behind them like the grieving widow I was supposed to be. Inside, my heart was racing with excitement, but on the outside, I maintained the perfect mask of sorrow that everyone expected.

"Ma'am, are you sure you want to come with us?" one of the orderlies asked with a gentle voice. "Most families prefer to say their goodbyes in the room."

"I need to see where he'll be," I whispered, dabbing at my eyes with a tissue. "I need to know he's... comfortable."

The man nodded sympathetically. "Of course, Mrs. Martinez. We understand."

They wheeled Marcus into one of the refrigerated compartments, and I watched as they slid his body inside like he was nothing more than a piece of meat.

"He'll be safe here," the other orderly assured me. I could only imagine the panic Marcus would be going through if he could hear and feel everything that was happening around him and I laughed inwardly.

As the first orderly walked out the door, I lightly tapped the second one to wait a minute. "Actually, I change my mind. I have a proposition for you."

He looked obviously confused as he wondered what I was talking about.

"You see, I have a secret. He is not dead. He is just pretending, and I want to teach him a lesson about that.

I reached into my bag and brought out the drug that Dr. Parker used to make him appear dead and gave it to the orderly. I swiped the drug from Dr. Parker's office before leaving for the crematorium. "Inject this into him every 12 hours to prevent him from waking up. I want to see how his fake death plans unfold while he's still in this condition."

"But Ma'am...I could get fired...I could loose my job..."

I then got out a huge envelope and gave it to him. "For your cooperation and your troubles. Keep him somewhere warm so he remains comfortable. I'll come by to bring more supplies so he doesn't die of starvation in his comatose state."

He stared at the envelope with widened eyes for a few moments and then he smiled. "Consider it done Ma'am."

I smiled a wicked smile and turned to look at Marcus' body again. I took slow deliberate steps towards him and I saw his forehead twitch slightly.

"Are you okay Ma'am? Do you need something?"

"No, I'll be fine," I said, taking one last look at Marcus's peaceful face. "I just needed this moment with him."

I leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, whispering just loud enough for the orderly to hear, "Sleep well, my love. I'll see you soon."

Then I pulled the sheet back over his face.

"Goodnight, Marcus," I whispered, my hand lingering on the edge of the stretcher. "Sweet dreams."

I immediately returned to the grieving wife character before we left the room to prevent any suspicions and called Dr Parker. I needed to be sure the next phase of my plans were set in perfect motion.

He picked up on the first ring and I could hear the tension in his voice. "Mrs. Martinez! Oh thank goodness. Where are you? Isabella has been so worried."

Worried? Of course.

She must be scared I may have gone to burn Marcus privately without their knowledge. I made sure to loose them in traffic on the way to the morgue to make sure they didn't follow me.

"Hi Dr. Parker," my voice was very calm and collected. "I just put him in the morgue now. I told Isabella we would have a funeral instead. Why on earth is she worried? He is dead anyway."

"Why didn't you just bring him back to the hospital? We have an amazing morgue here! His voice was raised.

He obviously wanted me to bring Marcus back so they would complete their original plans.

NEVER!

"Well, he's safe and sound where he is."

"What morgue is that!?" I heard Isabella scream from the other end of the phone.

My guess was right they would be together trying to figure out how to save their plan.

"Relax Izzy, He's well taken care of. I have given strict instructions on how they should care for him, while we arrange for the funeral. But you can definitely see him if you want to. I'll text you the address immediately."

"Don't you dare harm my brother!" She screamed again on the other end.

"There you go again Isabella!" I raised my voice back at her. "How can I harm someone who is already dead? Unless you're saying there is foul play here and Marcus is alive.

"Is Marcus alive Dr. Parker?"

"Oh no no no, I can assure you that Marcus is very dead. Don't mind Isabella. She is still in shock and denial. I'll make sure she gets the help she needs to process what has happened."

"That's alright doctor. I really appreciate it. Isabella, if you don't mind coming by the house tomorrow so we can begin the arrangements for the funeral. I will prefer it happens as soon as possible."

"Oh I agree with you. I'll definitely be there Elena." Isabella replied.

I hung up the phone and smiled a very wicked smile. Everything was going exactly according to plan.