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."

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 was nothing-no movement at all. Just her imagination, she told herself. After all these years, she'd consulted every specialist she could find, both at home and abroad,

she could do now

back to work. I'll come visit again

reluctant glance back,

to the office, Curtis

she greeted him with easy familiarity, not noticing the look of distress

dove into her work. A moment later, a

expecting it was from Curtis's assistant.

is there something you need?” Her tone was calm, almost indifferent; the fact that her boss

the question clearly weighing

hesitation. Her honesty

you were single," he admitted, unable to

off. Curtis's reaction was a little too personal for

I've been married

Curtis

if he'd just

glass. If

six years?