In the living room, Ruth sat on the couch with her legs crossed, scrolling through her phone.
A smack played on her lips. When she heard Amara walking past, she called out sweetly, “Am stopped.”
Yes, ma. Come and sit with me, Ruth said calmly. I want to talk to you.
Amara hesitated, but she obeyed. She sat at the edge of the sofa, hands folded neatly on her lap.
Ruth smiled like a kind person, like a sister. Tell me something, Ruth said gently.
Do you want to further your education? Amore looked surprised. Yes, ma. I would love to go to the university.
It has always been my dream. Ruth leaned closer. How would you feel if I helped you travel abroad for your education?
Amara gasped. Really? You would do that for me? Of course, Ruth said with a fake smile.
You’ll attend a good public school there. Life will be better for you. You deserve more than cleaning this big house everyday.
Amore’s heart jumped with hope. Thank you, Ma. But may I ask, why are you saying all this?
Ruth’s smile slowly disappeared. Her eyes turned serious. Her voice dropped low. I need you to do something for me.
Amara blinked. What is it, Ma? Ruth looked around, then opened her handbag. She pulled out a small white packet and placed it gently into Amara’s palm.
Put this in my husband’s food. Amara stared at the packet, then looked up, confused.
Ma, what is this? Rof leaned back. It’s just something to help him get better.
He needs to relax more. I’m trying to help him. Amarus swallowed. Then why don’t you give it to him yourself, Ma?
Ruth’s face changed instantly. The sweetness vanished. Her voice turned sharp. Don’t be foolish. My husband doesn’t like taking medicine.
He’ll throw it away if he sees it. Can’t you get that, you dumb village girl?
Amara’s mouth opened slightly. The insult hit her like a slap. I I’m sorry, Ma.
She whispered. But I can’t take this. I can’t do it. Ruth stood up fast, anger flashing in her eyes.
You have no choice. Amara stood too, her hands trembling. Please, Ma, don’t make me do this.
Ruth stepped closer until her face was near Mars. Her voice became cold and dangerous.
“If you don’t do what I say, I will make you disappear. And if you tell my husband anything, I swear you are gone.”
Amara stepped back slowly, fearfilling her entire body. “I I’ll think about it, Ma,” she said in a shaky voice.
Ruth’s lips curled again, slow and evil, like a snake. “That’s more like it. Amara hurried back to her room.
She shut the door and dropped to the floor like her legs had given up.
Her hands was shaking. The small white packet sat in her palm like a curse.
Tez filled her eyes. “What do I do now?” She whispered. “If I tell the truth, she might hurt me.
If I stay silent, I’ll be part of something evil.” She squeezed the packet tightly in her fist.
“I need to think,” she whispered. “I need to be smart. That night, Amora did not sleep.
She sat on the edge of a small bed, staring at the table where the white packet lay.
It felt like it was watching her, waiting. Ruth’s words kept repeating in her head.
If you don’t do it, I will make you disappear. If you tell my husband, you are gone.
Amara wrapped her arms around herself. She was not cold, but she was shaking with fa.
Slowly, she stood up and walked to the small mirror in her room. She stared at her reflection.
Her eyes looked tired. Her face looked older than her ears. Her heart felt heavy.
“God, please help me,” she whispered. “I don’t want to hurt anyone, but I’m scared.”
Then, suddenly, an idea came to her. The next morning, she carefully wrapped the packet in a tissue.
She placed it inside a small envelope and hid it deep inside her handbag. Then she went about her chores as usual, sweeping, cleaning, acting normal, pretending nothing was wrong.
When she brought Michael his breakfast, she placed the tray down and stood quietly by the door.
Michael looked up at her. “Is everything all right, Amara?” She opened her mouth, then quickly closed it.
He raised an eyebrow. You’re not your usual self today. She forced a small smile.
I’m okay. So he stuttered her face for a moment, then spoke gently. You can talk to me, Amora.
I told you you’re not just a maid in this house. Her lips trembled. So can we go to the garden later?
He nodded. Of course. After breakfast, she wheeled him outside. The morning sun was soft and the air felt calm and peaceful.
She parked the wheelchair near a bench and sat beside him, staring straight ahead. There’s something I need to tell you,” she said quietly.
Michael turned to her. Go on. “But I’m scared,” she added. He reached for her hand and held it firmly.
“Nothing will happen to you. I promise. I’m here.” Amora took a deep breath. Yesterday, your wife called me into the living room,” she began.
She asked if I wanted to travel abroad to study. “She said she could help me go to school.”
Michael listened closely, his face unreadable. Then she gave me something, Amara continued. A small packet.
She said I should put it in your food. Michael’s face darkened. What? She said it would help you feel better.
When I asked why she couldn’t give it to you herself, she insulted me, called me dumb.
Then she threatened me. She said, “If I didn’t do it, or if I told you, I would disobey.”
Michael’s hands slowly curled into fists on his lap. Amara quickly pulled the envelope from her bag and handed it to him.
“This is it.” He opened it. Inside was the packet, still sealed. She said it was medicine, Amara whispered.
But I was scared. I didn’t want to do something wrong. I couldn’t hurt you, sir.
I just couldn’t. Michael stared at the packet, his chest rising and falling slowly. Thank you, he said quietly.
Thank you for telling me. Amara looked down. I didn’t know what else to do.
You did the right thing, Michael said firmly. And now it’s my turn. He looked away, pain filling his eyes.
This isn’t just betrayal, he said slowly. This is evil. I’m sorry, Amora whispered. No, he replied.
Don’t be. Later that day, Michael called his lawyer. I want the divorce papers ready, he said firmly.
I’m done playing games. He also sent the packet to a laboratory through his personal assistant requesting urgent results.
By evening, the report came back. It was not medicine. It was a slow poison, something designed to weaken his organs over time without raising suspicion.
Michael’s blood ran cold. Still, he did not call Ruth. He did not scream. He did not confront her.
He sat quietly thinking. The next morning, he spoke to Amara. I need you to be careful, he said.
Ruth may suspect something. Act normal. Say nothing. I’ll handle this. Amara nodded though her heart was racing.
