Husband Cheats on His Sick Wife with Her Therapist, She Pays Him Back in the Harshest Way — Story of the Day

"Why can't she die already? I can't wait to bury my stupid wife...her entire fortune will be ours, babe!" bragged Harvey as he kissed his ill wife Carol's therapist. Their plan to make Carol's death look natural was foolproof, or so they thought. Fate, however, had a cruel twist in store for them.

"Pick up… please, pick up, honey," Carol mumbled, her thumb hovering over her husband's number. Each unanswered ring gnawed at the knot of worry tightening in her stomach. "Pick up, Harvey. Please. Where are you? Why aren't you home yet?"

The wind howled outside, rattling the windowpanes like an insistent child. Rain lashed against the glass, blurring the cityscape beyond. Carol pulled the throw tighter around her shoulders, the familiar chill of her illness seeping deeper.

The doorknob rattled, then gave way with a bang. Harvey stormed in, a whirlwind of damp air and suppressed rage. His briefcase slapped against the console table with a jarring thud, the phone clutched in his other hand.

"Carol!" he barked. "What the hell is wrong with you?! How often do I have to tell you not to—"

Carol flinched. "Harvey, you're home! I... I was just worried."

He crossed the room in three impatient strides, his face a mask of thunder. "Worried? It's not even ten yet! What kind of world-ending emergency called for thirty-two missed calls?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Carol fumbled with the phone, the screen going dark as she placed it down. "It's the weather, honey. It's been awful, and you were so late and I was—"

"Late?" he scoffed, tossing his jacket on a nearby chair. The leather scraped against the wood with a sound that mirrored the raw scrape of her nerves. "Look, I know you're sick, Carol, but that doesn't mean you have to turn into a nag the second I walk out the door."

His words stung. She wasn't nagging, just… worried. Exhausted by the illness, she'd found herself relying on Harvey more than usual. But the accusation in his voice pushed a familiar knot of panic into her throat.

"You're exhausted, aren't you?" Carol asked, her voice softer than she intended. "Maybe you shouldn't be working so hard. We have enough, Harvey, more than enough to keep us happy."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

He stopped halfway to the kitchen, his eyes narrowing. A sardonic smile played on his lips.

The air crackled with unspoken hurt. Carol stared at him, a cold dread pooling in her stomach. "It's not like that, Harvey. This is our home, our money. Whatever's mine is yours."

"Oh, really?" he laughed. "Funny, I never felt like it was mine. I built my own way, always have. Don't worry about me, Carol. I can handle a little overtime."

His smile was devoid of warmth, a stranger's courtesy in a familiar face. Carol felt a tear roll down her cheek, hot and silent against the chill in the room.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

A flicker of something that might have been a smile flitted across Harvey's face for a fleeting moment. Carol caught it, and a fragile hope bloomed in her chest.

"See?" she said, her voice brighter than it had been all evening. "You must be starving. Go change, and I'll have dinner ready in a jiffy."

The hope died just as quickly. "Dinner?" Harvey scoffed. "Actually, I'm not really hungry. I dined out."

Disappointment washed over Carol, bitter and cold. "But Harvey," she protested, "I made your favorite... well, one of your favorites." She trailed off, unsure if mentioning his favorites was a good idea lately.

It seemed like nothing brought back the man she used to know. Harvey found fault with her for almost everything.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"Lasagna, right?" he guessed, his voice devoid of warmth. "Yeah, not tonight. Maybe another time."

Carol felt a prickle of irritation. "Harvey," she said, "I spent all evening making it. Couldn't we just… try to have a nice dinner together?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

His words cut deep. "Interrogation session?" she stammered, her eyes welling up. "I was just worried, Harvey. It's late, and the storm..."

"The storm's an excuse, Carol," he interrupted, his voice sharp. "And frankly, you're starting to wear on me. The constant need for attention, the worry..."

He mimicked her voice, a high-pitched caricature: "'Why are you late? Oh, I cooked! Oh, you're hungry!' It's like a broken record, Carol. Don't you see how you're acting?"

Tears welled up in Carol's eyes, blurring his face. Shame burned in her throat. Was Harvey right? Was she turning into some clingy, needy invalid? She fought back the tears, blinking rapidly.

"I... I just want things to be normal again," she whispered.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Harvey's gaze flicked to the side table where her pill dispenser sat. A frown creased his brow. He picked it up, his fingers brushing against the untouched pills. "Are you not taking your pills?"

Carol flinched. "I..."

"This is why you've been so on edge, isn't it?" he said, his voice a low rumble. "The missed calls, the tears... you haven't been taking your meds, have you?"

"Harvey, they make me feel awful," Carol protested. "Dizzy, sluggish... like I can barely think straight after taking them."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"Carol," he frowned. "For the past three months, I've been trying everything to help us. We saw Dr. Hart, the expensive therapist I practically begged you to see. And you can't even take the medication she prescribed?"

Carol flinched at the reminder. Dr. Hart. The endless sessions, the probing questions, the feeling of being dissected on a sterile table. "But Harvey, they just..."

Carol met his gaze, searching for a flicker of understanding, of concern. But there was nothing. Just a cold indifference that sent a fresh wave of hurt crashing over her.

Harvey held the pill dispenser out to her, the plastic glinting accusingly under the lamplight. Carol reached out, her hand trembling slightly, and took a single pill. It felt heavy in her palm, a tiny symbol of a battle she was clearly losing.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"Maybe these just aren't working for me, Harvey," she mumbled. "But if that's what you want..." She trailed off. "Can't we ask Dr. Hart for something different? Something milder?"

Harvey slammed the glass of water down on the table, the sound echoing in the tense silence.

The words were a slap, a cruel reminder of the distance that had grown between them. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring his face. But this time, Carol wouldn't give Harvey the satisfaction of seeing them fall.

Blinking back the tears, she swallowed the pill dry. A metallic taste flooded her mouth, and a wave of nausea washed over her. "I... I think I need to lie down," she mumbled, pushing herself out of the couch.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Harvey watched her go, a strange smile playing on his lips. As Carol stumbled towards the bedroom upstairs, her vision blurring at the edges, he reached for his phone, his movements smooth and practiced.

A woman's voice, smooth and sultry, purred back. "Don't worry, honey. She's got an appointment tomorrow. I'll make sure she gets a double dose of that 'slow death.'"

Harvey chuckled, a dark, humorless sound. He hung up the phone and hurried to the bedroom. Carol was already asleep on the bed, her breathing shallow and uneven. A single tear escaped her closed eyelids, tracing a glistening track down her pale cheek.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

The following afternoon, Carol sat beside Harvey in Dr. Hart's office. The air hung heavy with a mixture of antiseptic and unspoken tension.

"Dr. Hart," Harvey began, his voice smooth and practiced, "it's been a very difficult week. Just yesterday, I discovered that Carol hasn't been taking her medication as prescribed." He shot Carol a pointed look.

"Her condition seems to be worsening," he continued, his voice laced with a manufactured concern. "She's snapping at me for no reason, becoming increasingly withdrawn. Frankly, I'm at my wit's end. I don't know what to do anymore... or how to handle her."

Carol opened her mouth to protest, but Harvey cut her off with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Carol," his voice dripped with condescension, "you don't seem to be aware of what's at stake here. Are you really not interested in saving our marriage?"

Panic surged through Carol. "No, Harvey, honey... I love you," she nervously blurted out. "I want to save this marriage," she said, her teary eyes searching his face for a flicker of understanding.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Dr. Hart cleared her throat, the sound sharp and intrusive. "Mrs. Lewis," she said, her voice as smooth as polished marble, "is it true you haven't been taking your medication as prescribed?"

Carol felt a knot tighten in her stomach. "Well, I..." she stammered, her eyes darting between her therapist and Harvey. "They make me feel awful, Dr. Hart. Dizzy, sick... like I can barely think straight after taking them."

She stole a glance at Harvey, hoping for some kind of understanding. But his face remained cold and stony.

"Last night, though," she continued, "I took one, just like Harvey said. But this morning... I woke up feeling even worse, so tired and nauseous..."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Dr. Hart's smile remained fixed, but her eyebrows dipped in a frown. "Interesting," she murmured, her gaze flickering to Harvey for a fleeting moment. "Because, Mrs. Lewis, you look positively radiant today. Much more energetic and clear-eyed than when you first came in three months ago."

Carol's head snapped up. The doctor's words, unexpected and laced with a strange emphasis, sent a jolt through her. She glanced at her reflection in the polished chrome surface of a nearby end table. "Do I really look radiant?" she whispered.

"You do look lovely, Carol," Harvey chimed in. "Much better than you have in weeks. Only if you could stop all that nagging, it would be much better."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

A shy smile touched Carol's lips. Flattery, even from Harvey, felt good after weeks of his cold indifference. Her gaze drifted around the office, landing on a small silver brooch pinned to Dr. Hart's dress.

It was a delicate metallic lizard, its scales catching the light with an almost hypnotic shimmer.

"That's a really pretty brooch, Dr. Hart," Carol blurted out, surprised by the sudden urge to speak.

Dr. Hart's smile faltered for a split second, then returned, a shade too eager this time. "Oh, thank you! It's nothing special, just a little something a friend gave me." She reached up and brushed her fingers across the brooch, a fleeting, almost nervous gesture.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Clearing her throat, Dr. Hart turned back to them. "Well, based on today's evaluation and the results of the latest tests," she began, her voice adopting a professional tone, "I'm happy to report that Mrs. Lewis seems to be responding very well to the treatment. In fact, I'd say her condition has improved significantly."

Carol felt a flicker of confusion. Improved? But the medication made me feel awful. She opened her mouth to speak, but Dr. Hart's voice cut her off.

"Therefore," the therapist continued, her smile widening unnaturally, "I'm going to recommend a slight increase in dosage. To ensure continued progress, of course."

She reached across the desk and placed a new pill dispenser in front of Carol.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Carol stared at it, the plastic glinting accusingly under the harsh fluorescent lights. Harvey leaned forward, his smile devoid of warmth. "There you go, honey," he murmured. "Double dose for double the recovery, right, Dr. Hart?"

Dr. Hart's smile deepened, a cold glint flashing in her eyes for a fleeting moment. Carol reached for the pill dispenser, her hand trembling. This didn't feel right, but what choice did she have?

Carol stared down at the new dispenser, the pills a stark white against the bright yellow plastic. Double the dose? Her stomach lurched.

"Dr. Hart," she began, "is there... any chance of trying a different medication? Maybe something with fewer side effects?"

Dr. Hart leaned back in her chair, her smile turning cool and professional. "Mrs. Lewis," she grinned, "I'm considered one of the leading therapists in the city. People travel from all over to get an appointment with me. Are you questioning my treatment plan?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Shame burned in Carol's cheeks. "No, of course not, Dr. Hart," she stammered. "I trust you. It's just..."

"Good," Dr. Hart interrupted, her smile returning, a touch too wide this time. "Excellent. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have another appointment running a bit late."

Harvey rose from his chair, smiling. "Thank you, Dr. Hart. We appreciate your time." He extended a hand, and Dr. Hart took it, her fingers lingering a beat too long in his grasp.

Carol fumbled with the new pill dispenser, shoving it into her purse. She was oblivious to the quick, almost conspiratorial, wink Dr. Hart darted towards Harvey as they walked out of the office.

"See you next week, Mr. Lewis," Dr. Hart called after them. "Make sure Mrs. Lewis keeps up with her new dosage, and please, keep me updated on any changes in her condition."

Harvey flashed her a reassuring smile. "Absolutely, Dr. Hart. We'll be in touch."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

The elevator doors slid shut, muffling their voices. Carol stood awkwardly outside, the fluorescent lights of the building lobby casting a harsh glare.

Harvey stepped out, a frown creasing his brow. "Hold on, Carol," he called out. "I think I left my phone in Dr. Hart's office. Wait for me in the car. I'll be right back."

Carol nodded numbly, watching as the elevator doors closed again. She wandered towards the exit, her mind a jumble of confusion. The double dose, Harvey's strange behavior lately... it all felt off.

Carol felt a pang of unease, a prickle of suspicion that she couldn't quite place. But before she could voice it, Harvey was already in Dr. Hart's office.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"You forgot something, didn't you, darling?" Dr. Hart purred, her voice silky smooth. She reached up and removed her glasses, her eyes glittering with a predatory gleam.

Harvey chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "Maybe," he said in a husky whisper. "Maybe I did forget something really sweet!"

He took a step closer, and Dr. Hart met him halfway. She threw her arms around his neck, and they collided in a passionate kiss.

Harvey's kiss trailed down Dr. Hart's neck, sending shivers down her spine. His hand skimmed her back, igniting a spark that threatened to consume them both.

"Right here, right now, Gwen!" he murmured, his voice husky. "Wouldn't that be a little risky? But I don't care. I'm too high to stop myself now. C'mon babe. Let's do it right here."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Dr. Hart, or Gwen as Harvey now called her, pulled back, her eyes gleaming with a steamy desire. "Patience, darling," she purred, her voice a silken caress. "The reward will be all the sweeter."

A frown creased Harvey's brow. What's up, babe? You sound disappointed."

"Disappointed?" Gwen echoed, a hint of steel creeping into her voice. "Let's just say I'm surprised at your lack of… attentiveness, shall we say?"

Harvey scoffed. "Attentiveness? I've been following your instructions."

"Following?" Gwen snapped, her voice rising slightly. "Have you been monitoring her like I asked? Making sure she swallows those pills? Because frankly, Mr. Lewis, you're starting to test my patience."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Harvey ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "Look, I've been busy, okay? Work, dealing with presentations and meetings..."

Harvey reached out and cupped her face. "Don't worry, Gwen," he assured her, his voice low and soothing.

"From now on, I'll make sure she takes every single pill. You won't have to worry about a thing."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Dr. Hart leaned into his touch, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "Good," she murmured. "Because if she keeps taking those new ones, that 'illness' of hers will have her bedridden in a few months. Then, buried six feet under!"

A dark chuckle escaped Harvey's lips. "Slow and steady, that's the key, right?"

"Precisely," Dr. Hart grinned. "It's a very potent medication, Harvey. Enough to ensure a… peaceful passing. No mess, no fuss."

"Brilliant plan!" Harvey laughed, his eyes gleaming with avarice as he kissed Dr. Hart.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Dr. Hart reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Oh, Harvey," she breathed, her words laced with a dangerous mix of passion and greed. "I can't wait for that day."

"The day is coming sooner than you think!" Harvey chuckled.

Their heated conversation was abruptly interrupted by the shrill ring of Harvey's phone. He glanced down at the screen, his face contorting in disgust. "Damn it," he muttered, seeing Carol's name flashing on the display.

He leaned away from Dr. Hart, his voice laced with annoyance. "Looks like duty calls," he sighed. He pressed a quick kiss to her nose. "I'll be waiting for you at my place in an hour. Gotta drop my stupid wife at church first."

Dr. Hart giggled. "Can't wait to explore some new ways with you tonight, darling," Harvey purred, his eyes sparkling with a predatory gleam. "Besides, with Carol at church, she won't be back for at least a couple of hours."

Dr. Hart winked. "Exactly," she said, her voice dripping with desire. "I'll be at your house, in your arms. I can't wait."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Harvey left Dr. Hart's office, a triumphant smirk plastered on his face. Little did Carol know, the clock was ticking, and the noose around her neck was tightening with each passing moment.

***

Two days passed.

The bathroom echoed with the harsh sounds of Carol throwing up. Her face was pale and clammy, her eyes rimmed with red. Each violent expulsion left her gasping for breath, her body wracked with tremors.

The bathroom door slammed open, and Harvey barged in. "Carol! What the hell is taking so long? My boss is going to be here any minute!"

Carol slumped against the sink, her eyes fluttering closed. A wave of nausea washed over her, and she clung to the cool porcelain for dear life.

"Harvey, honey..." she croaked. "I... I don't feel well..."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Harvey's nostrils flared. He took a step closer, scrutinizing her with a cold, calculating gaze. "Don't feel well?" he echoed. "You mean you haven't gotten yourself ready yet?"

Carol forced her eyes open, meeting his stare. The anger in his gaze sent a fresh wave of nausea churning in her stomach. "I... I can't," she stammered, her voice weak and raspy.

Harvey clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. For a fleeting moment, a monstrous urge to slam Carol's face into the mirror behind her, to watch it shatter and reflect her groaning face, threatened to consume him. But he forced it down, controlling himself. He couldn't afford any slip-ups, not now.

This had to be clean... perfectly executed.

With a forced smile that didn't reach his eyes, he leaned down, his voice deceptively gentle. "Carol, honey, you need to take your pills. Dr. Hart specifically said they would help you feel better."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"But they make me sick, Harvey," she pleaded. "So sick that I'm not even able to—"

"That's just the initial side effects," he lied smoothly. "Dr. Hart said your condition is improving, remember? She told you looked so much more energetic after taking these pills."

Carol let out a humorless scoff. "Energetic?" she echoed, her voice laced with disbelief. "Honey, can't you see how awful I feel? I can barely stand...and—"

"Are you questioning Dr. Hart's expertise?" Harvey snapped. "She's one of the most respected therapists in the city. People practically beg for appointments with her."

Carol opened her mouth to protest, but Harvey cut her off with a dismissive wave of his hand. "No arguments. My boss will be here any minute. Take your pills, set the table, get yourself ready. We need to make a good impression."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Carol stared at him, a flicker of defiance sparking in her eyes. "Maybe," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, "maybe we should see someone else. Another therapist..."

Harvey's face contorted in fury. "Another therapist?" he roared. "Are you out of your mind? Dr. Hart is the best there is! You don't just throw away an opportunity like this!"

Tears welled up in Carol's eyes, blurring her vision. She felt trapped, a fly caught in a web of Harvey's deceit and Dr. Hart's malice.

With a trembling hand, Carol reached for the pill dispenser, but then stopped. Staring down at the tiny white capsules, she squeezed her eyes shut.

"There has to be another way, Harvey," she pleaded. "There has to be something else we can do."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Harvey threw his hands up in annoyance. "Another way?" he bellowed. "Carol, there is no other way! Dr. Hart is the best, and these medications are what you need to get better."

He grabbed a glass from the counter, his movements sharp and angry. Filling it with water, he shoved it into Carol's hand. His voice dropped to a dangerous growl.

Carol stared at the glass, the water swirling treacherously inside. A single tear escaped her eye and traced a glistening path down her cheek. With a shaky hand, she reached for the pill dispenser and picked out a single pill.

Harvey watched her, his jaw clenched tight. "This conversation," he gritted out, his voice laced with frustration, "we've had it a hundred times already. Can't you, for once, just listen without complaining?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Carol looked at him, her eyes filled with a deep sadness. There was no point in arguing anymore. She raised the pill to her lips, her hand trembling violently. With a grimace, she swallowed it dry, then chased it down with a gulp of water.

A satisfied smile spread across Harvey's face. He reached out and patted her shoulder condescendingly. "Good girl," he murmured.

Just then, his phone buzzed insistently in his pocket. He pulled it out, his smile widening as he saw his boss's name flashing on the screen.

"Looks like Mrs. Hill's here," he said, tucking his phone back into his pocket. "You get yourself cleaned up, set the table, and behave yourself. This is a very important dinner, Carol. Do you understand?"

Carol nodded numbly, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. "Yes, honey," she said. "I understand."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

He cast her one last glance then strode out of the bathroom. Carol sank down onto the edge of the sink, the tile cold and unforgiving beneath her touch.

With shaking hands, she splashed water on her face, trying to wash away the nausea and the fatigue that clung to her like a shroud. Looking into the mirror, she barely recognized the pale, drawn woman staring back at her.

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to straighten her clothes and apply a fresh coat of nude lipstick.

Outside, she could hear Harvey's voice, smooth and ingratiating, as he greeted his guests. A wave of dizziness washed over her, and she had to lean against the wall for support.

Tonight was going to be a long night.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Laughter filled the air, a jarring contrast to the turmoil churning in Carol's stomach. Harvey, on the other hand, was a picture of charm. He basked in the glow of Mrs. Hill's praise, his smile wide and genuine. Each compliment was like a shot of adrenaline, propelling him higher and higher into a state of euphoria.

"Harvey," Mrs. Hill purred, raising her glass of champagne, "you truly are the star of the team. This project wouldn't be a success without your brilliance."

The clinking of glasses filled the room. "Thank you, Mrs. Hill," Harvey said, his voice dripping with pride. "It was a team effort, of course, but I appreciate the recognition."

Carol forced a smile, picking at her food with a disinterested air. The nausea was a constant companion now, a dull ache that threatened to erupt at any moment.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Mrs. Hill set her glass down. "Speaking of brilliance," she said, leaning forward conspiratorially, "there's this new project I'm considering... a potential goldmine in Tokyo. Investors with deep pockets and an eye for innovation."

A jolt of excitement shot through Harvey. "Tokyo?" This was exactly the kind of opportunity he craved, a chance to break onto the international stage.

"It's a long trip, mind you," Mrs. Hill continued, "but the rewards could be staggering. Millions, Harvey. Millions."

Harvey's breath hitched. He could practically taste the success, the prestige. This was it, the key to everything he'd ever dreamed of.

"Would you be interested in accompanying me, Harvey?" Mrs. Hill asked. "Your expertise would be invaluable."

Without a second thought, Harvey blurted out, "Absolutely! I wouldn't miss it for the world."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

A satisfied smile spread across Mrs. Hill's face. "Excellent," she declared. "The flight leaves tomorrow night. Be ready."

Carol, who had been struggling to keep her food down, leaned closer to Harvey. "Honey," she murmured, "how long will this trip be?"

Harvey, caught up in his own elation, barely registered her question. "What's wrong?" he asked, a frown creasing his brow. "Nervous again?"

Carol shook her head, her voice weak. "No, just—"

Harvey reached into his pocket and pulled out the pill dispenser, a cruel glint in his eyes. "Just make sure you take these faithfully while I'm gone," he said. "Another double dose tonight. Don't want you backsliding, do we?"

Carol stared at the tiny white capsules, her stomach churning in revolt. She knew what was at stake. Harvey's promotion, their future... or so he made it seem.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

With a trembling hand, she picked out a pill, her fingers brushing against Harvey's as she brought it to her lips. He watched her with a predatory smile, his eyes filled with a chilling satisfaction.

As she swallowed the pill dry, a single tear rolled down her cheek. Moments later, a sharp spike of pain lanced through Carol's head, splitting her vision in two. A moan escaped her lips, drawing the attention of the entire table.

"Are you alright, Mrs. Lewis?" Mrs. Hill asked, her voice laced with concern.

Harvey waved a dismissive hand. "Nothing serious," he interjected, a touch too quickly. "She's been under the weather lately."

Carol's vision swam, the room tilting at a precarious angle. "I... I don't feel well," she stammered, her voice weak and raspy.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Mrs. Hill rose from her chair, her brow furrowed. "Perhaps she should lie down, Harvey."

"Excellent idea," Harvey said, forcing a smile as he turned to Carol. "Honey, why don't you go upstairs and get some rest? We'll be done here soon."

Carol nodded numbly, pushing herself out of her chair. The world spun around her, and she clung to the back of the chair for support. As she brushed past Harvey, a hand clamped onto hers, startling her.

"Do you need help, sweetheart?" Harvey murmured, his voice deceptively gentle.

Carol fought back a wave of nausea. "No, no," she croaked, managing a weak smile. "I'm fine. Just need some air."

She stumbled towards the stairs, her legs threatening to give way beneath her. Reaching the first step, she turned back to offer one last apology.

"Excuse me," she said. "I don't mean to disrupt the evening."

Harvey flashed her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it, honey. Get yourself some rest."

Carol turned and disappeared up the stairs, the weight of exhaustion and a growing sense of dread pressing down on her.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Reaching her bedroom, she fumbled with the doorknob, finally collapsing onto the bed once inside. Distant laughter and the murmur of conversation filtered up from below, Harvey's voice intermingling with Mr. and Mrs. Hill's. The sound was strangely distorted, like a radio tuned to a dying station.

A wave of dizziness washed over Carol, and she squeezed her eyes shut. The throbbing in her head intensified, a relentless drumbeat that threatened to shatter her skull.

Unconsciously, her hand reached beneath the pillow, searching for something, anything, to ground her. Her fingers brushed against a cold, metallic object. With a jolt, she grabbed it, pulling it out into the dim light.

It was a brooch. A gasp escaped Carol's lips. It was the same brooch she'd seen glinting on Dr. Hart's lapel during their last session.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Panic surged through Carol, a cold sweat breaking out on her skin. Her eyes darted to the nightstand where the pill dispenser sat innocently. With trembling hands, she reached for it, ripping off the label.

And then she saw it. Beneath the familiar label, another one peeked out, the stark black print screaming at her: "Warning: Lethal Dose - Overconsumption Can Be Fatal"

The truth hit her with the force of a tidal wave. Harvey and Dr. Hart... they were in it together. They were trying to kill her.

Tears streamed down Carol's face, a torrent of betrayal and heartbreak. The world spun around her, the room shrinking to the confines of the bed. Her sobs wracked her body, a silent scream lost in the hollow vastness of her despair.

Through the haze of tears, a single, choked question echoed in her mind.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

The next day...

The door of Dr. Hart's office slammed open, the bang echoing through the sterile waiting room. Carol stormed in, her face flushed with anger and desperation.

Dr. Hart, startled, looked up from her paperwork. "Mrs. Lewis?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with annoyance. "You can't just barge in here like that. Don't you know you need an appointment?"

Carol ignored her, her eyes blazing with fury. "I need to talk about Harvey," she spat out, her voice trembling slightly.

"Harvey?" Dr. Hart gasped. "What about him?"

The blood drained from Dr. Hart's face, leaving her pale and clammy. She straightened in her chair. "Cheating?" she asked. "Mrs. Lewis, where on earth did you get that ridiculous idea?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Carol met her gaze unflinchingly. "I saw the messages. Saw my husband with her... that blondie, his boss, Rhonda. That rotten homewrecker."

A bead of sweat trickled down Dr. Hart's temple. She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Carol with a mixture of suspicion and fear. "Messages?" she sputtered. "What messages?"

"Flirty texts, nudes..." Carol lied, embellishing the truth. "And then I saw them together. Holding hands, stealing glances... kissing each other."

Dr. Hart's heart hammered against her ribs. "Where?" she forced out.

"At that new Italian place downtown," Carol fabricated, racking her brain for a believable location. "She was all over him, practically sitting on his lap."

"And now," Carol continued, "he's leaving for some 'business trip' with her today. To Tokyo, of all places. What kind of business trip requires a vacation, Dr. Hart?"

Carol watched with satisfaction as Dr. Hart's composure crumbled.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"Did you ask Harvey about it?" Dr. Hart finally managed, her voice strained.

Dr. Hart shifted uncomfortably in her chair. She shot up, her face twisted in fury and confusion. "Please, just...leave!" she screamed, pointing to the door "Just...leave my office right now!"

Carol blinked, taken aback by the sudden outburst. A ghost of a smile played on her lips.

Dr. Hart couldn't answer. The carefully constructed image of the calm, collected therapist was shattered, replaced by a woman on the verge of a breakdown.

"Just get out!" she shrieked.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Carol took a step back, her smile widening. She had achieved what she came for — planting a seed of doubt in Dr. Hart's mind. The therapist's reaction spoke volumes.

"Fine," Carol said as Dr. Hart slammed the door shut behind her. "Sorry for bothering you... have a nice day!"

She turned and walked out of the office, leaving her therapist alone with her churning thoughts. Dr. Hart sank back into her chair, the fight drained out of her.

The air crackled with a tense silence, broken only by the ragged sound of her own breathing. She reached for her phone, her finger hovering over Harvey's name. She needed to talk to him, now.

The phone rang once, twice, then went to voicemail. A wave of frustration washed over her. She slammed the phone down on the desk, the sound echoing through the empty office.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

She dialed his number again, her heart pounding in her chest. This time, he picked up after the first ring.

"Hey, beautiful," he said, his voice smooth and charming. "Just finishing up a few loose ends before my flight."

"Flight?" Dr. Hart echoed, her voice sharp. "What flight, Harvey?"

"Didn't I tell you? Oh, I forgot. Sorry, babe! Tokyo. Important business trip. Be gone for a week."

Dr. Hart's stomach lurched. Tokyo? The blonde? Carol's words echoed in her mind.

"Can't you cancel it?" she pleaded. "We need to talk. About Carol..."

Harvey let out a frustrated sigh. "Honey, I wish I could," he said, his voice firm. "But this is huge. A potential goldmine for the company. I can't afford to miss it."

Dr. Hart gripped the phone tighter, her knuckles turning white. "But Harvey..."

"Look," he interrupted, "I gotta go. Running a bit late. I'll call you when I land, okay?"

Before she could protest, he blew a kiss down the phone and hung up. Dr. Hart stared at the dead phone, a cold dread settling in her gut.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Fury surged through her, a white-hot fire that threatened to consume her. She slammed the phone down on the desk, the sound barely registering over the roar of her anger.

With a primal scream, she lunged for the nearest object, a crystal paperweight, and hurled it across the room. It shattered against the wall, sending a spray of glittering shards cascading down.

Dr. Hart sank to her knees, tears stinging her eyes. Betrayal. Deceit. The very things she indulged in were now staring her back in the face.

She reached for her phone again, her fingers trembling. This time, she wasn't calling Harvey. She had another number in mind. A number that could change everything.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

At the airport that night...

Harvey scanned the bustling airport terminal, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple. He finally reached Mrs. Hill, who was engrossed in conversation on her phone. He cleared his throat, and she turned, a smile lighting up her face.

"Harvey!" she exclaimed, snapping her phone shut. "There you are. I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost."

"Almost," Harvey chuckled. His heart was pounding against his ribs. He'd been trying to get Dr. Hart on the phone, but she hadn't picked up.

"Everything alright?" Mrs. Hill asked, her brow furrowing slightly.

Harvey swallowed hard. "Yeah, all good! I'm really excited about this trip!"

Just then, the phone buzzed in his hand. An incoming call. Relief flooded him as he saw Dr. Hart's name on the screen.

"Hey," he answered, his voice strained. "Why weren't you answering my calls? I was just about to board the flight and—"

"You're not going anywhere, Harvey," Dr. Hart cut him off, her voice cold and grave. A shiver ran down Harvey's spine.

"What do you mean?" he stammered.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"You shouldn't have poisoned your wife, Harvey," Dr. Hart continued, her voice dripping with venom. "And I shouldn't have reported it to the police!"

Harvey's blood ran cold. "Reported to the police? What... what are you even talking about?" he stammered, his brain struggling to keep up.

The line went dead. Harvey stared at the phone, his face drained of color. His breath hitched in his throat, a cold dread slithering down his spine.

Suddenly, a firm hand tapped his shoulder. He spun around to see two police officers standing behind him, their faces grim.

Mrs. Hill was stunned. Harvey opened his mouth to protest, but no sound came out. The handcuffs snapped around his wrists, cold and unforgiving.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

He was led away, a bewildered Mrs. Hill trailing behind him like a lost puppy. As they disappeared down the corridor, a figure emerged from behind a nearby pillar. Dr. Hart, her face a mask of grim satisfaction.

Just then, another hand tapped her shoulder. She whirled around, her heart leaping into her throat.

It was Carol, a sly smile playing on her lips. She held up the silver lizard brooch, catching the light with a glint of mischief.

"Beautiful brooch, isn't it, Dr. Hart?" Carol ironically said.

"What are you doing here?" Dr. Hart stammered, her eyes shuttling between Carol and the brooch she held.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Before Dr. Hart could react, two other police officers materialized beside Carol. They took Dr. Hart by the arms, their movements swift and efficient.

"You have the right to remain silent," one of the officers said, snapping handcuffs around her wrists.

Dr. Hart watched in numb disbelief as they led her away, the image of Carol's triumphant smile forever etched in her memory.

The woman she and Harvey had betrayed, the woman they had underestimated, had turned the tables on them in a stunning display of cunning resilience.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

Harry constantly mocked his wife, Sara, saying she was doing nothing at home. She raised their two kids, cooked, and did all the household work, but Harry was never satisfied. After another heated argument one day, he returned to an empty home and found a chilling note from Sara. Here's the full story.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone's life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.