The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

Chapter 68

If it weren't for the faint rise and fall of her chest and the occasional flutter of her eyelids, you'd almost think the woman in the bed was already gone.

"How has my aunt's recovery been lately?" Victoria asked the private nurse she'd hired, but she didn't expect a miracle and didn't get one either.

Emily-her mother's younger sister, and the only family Victoria had left in the world-had been in a coma ever since the year her mother died, when a devastating car accident left her in a persistent vegetative state.

Emily had barely survived. Victoria had begged McNeil to arrange for her aunt to stay here, in this quiet room, cared for by professionals. It was probably the only time in her life she'd ever asked McNeil for anything.

"Ms. Turner is the same as always," the nurse replied gently. "No response to anything."

"I see."

Victoria wasn't surprised. Everyone told her that Emily would likely never wake up again, that it would be kinder to let her go than to keep her tethered to this half- life. Victoria understood, but her heart wouldn't let her give up. As long as she could sit here beside her aunt, it almost felt like her mother was still in the world.

"Aunt Emily, I went to see my father-" She hesitated, correcting herself. "I mean, I went to see Simms."

Victoria recounted the recent events, speaking softly into the quiet room.

"He's getting married. To Yulia. They've been together for a long time, apparently."

stung as she looked at Emily's unmoving face. For a moment, Victoria could have sworn she saw her aunt's eyes flicker, as if they shifted ever so slightly. But when she leaned in and looked closer, there

do now was wait

I need to get back to work.

a reluctant glance back, Victoria finally

the office, Curtis

the look of distress

Victoria opened her laptop and dove into her work. A moment later, a steaming cup of coffee appeared on her

you," she said automatically, expecting it was from Curtis's assistant. But when she

need?” Her tone was calm, almost indifferent; the fact that her boss had brought her coffee didn't

the question

hesitation. Her honesty seemed to

you were single," he admitted, unable to keep his

was a little too personal for a boss talking to his

married for

Curtis

if he'd just bitten down maybe

If she'd

years? He was