Hidden Scientist, Betrayed Wife's Revenge

king that up to hurt me, aren't you? Always the victim. Always manipulating." He scoffed, stepping back.

kin. "You know, Keeley was right. You're nothing but a fraud." He shoved me towards the wall, my head slammi

cepted by Nature! I'm going to be famous!" She practically skipped into the room, oblivious to my crumpled form on the floor. "Oh, and you know, my PR

yes, for a fleeting second, held a flicker of something resembling concern. "Elise? Are yo

being dramatic. Again. You know how she gets. Probably faking it for sympathy. She's jus

istent stare and my bruised face. "She does look a li

r, darling. She'll snap out of it when she realizes no one's paying attention." She tugge

ead him out of the room. As they left, he cast one last, cold glance at me. "Stay here,

. The pain in my head throbbed in rhythm with my aching body. My

was in a small, cozy guest bedroom, sunlight streaming through lace curtains. A glass

is movements stiff. "Elise," he said, his voice softer than it had been in days. "You're awake

seemed genuine, for a moment. But then I remembered Keeley's voice, his d

d, pushing the tray away.

ttered. I ordered you a new one, of course. It'll arrive tomorrow." He reached out, his han

rough me. His touch felt like a violation. "My data, Gr

gress on the gene therapy. We're on track for human trials by next quarter." He smiled, a self-satisfied smirk. "It's all thanks

e. He had been a scapegoat, anoth

we can finally start thinking about our future. A real future. A family." He reached for my han

child as a figment of my imagination? After he had stood

e's so arrogant. Thinks he knows everything. Doesn't realize the real brains are wo

ho had covered for my true identity, allowing me to work in secret while I pursued the cure for Graham.

nto his cure. My identity, my family, my future – all put on hold for him. And he

ated, my voice flat, holl

research project. I bought you a new phone! It's better than your old one anyway." He pulled a sleek,

thought material possessions could placate me. I took the phone, m

ve a party to get ready for tonight. A celebration of Keeley's success. It's a very

or Keeley?" The bitterness i

pport her. And you, my dear, need to be by my side. It's important for appearances." He paused, his eyes narrow

avy in my hand. A cold, hard resolve solidified in my heart. A united fro

away in the back. Inside, a simple, elegant black dress. It was a classic, timeless piece, not flashy, but impeccably tailored. It was the dress

something appropriate. Something elegant." I smiled,

own. "Here, Elise," he said, his voice bright. "I picked this

widened, cold and dangerous. "No, thank you

ple black dress. "That? But it's so... plain. This is

, my voice sweet as poiso

understated elegance can be charming. It will certainly make Keeley stand out even more." He patted my head. "You always were so stubborn. But it's good, shows

e thought he had broken me. H