Dear Wife, I Hate You (by Josephine Mbanefo) novel Chapter 28

Lilith’s Pov

There was no time to waste.

Zoey and I left the house without telling anyone. Not Killian. Not Nolan. No one.

The driver didn’t ask questions. He just took us to the nearest pharmacy.

When we got there, we asked for strong sleeping pills. The kind that knocks a person out fast.

The pharmacist raised an eyebrow. “How fast?”

“Two minutes,” Zoey said.

The pharmacist looked at both of us for a moment before speaking. “You only need a drop. Just one. It’ll work fast. But don’t go beyond the dose. It can be dangerous.”

Then he paused. “May I ask… what do you need it for?”

Zoey gave a short laugh. “No, you may not. But we’re not killing anyone. We just have sleepless nights. That’s all.”

He looked unsure but nodded. “Be careful. A drop. That’s it.”

We thanked him and left.

When we got back to the house, Zoey turned to me.

“I need to go get something,” she said. “A dress. Something that’ll fit the plan.”

I looked at her, confused. “A dress?”

She nodded. “Yeah. One that’ll grab his attention. Just wait for me, okay? I won’t take long.”

And just like that, she left again.

I went to my room and sat on the bed, waiting for her.

Minutes passed slowly.

I stared at the door, then at the clock.

Was I doing the right thing?

Maybe I should tell Killian. But no… Zoey trusted me. This was her secret. Her pain. If I told him, she might never forgive me.

I took a deep breath.

I’d help her. Just this once.

Nothing would go wrong. Right?

It didn’t take long before Zoey returned.

She walked into my room holding a shopping bag.

She pulled out a small dress and showed it to me.

I blinked. “Isn’t that too short?”

She grinned. “Exactly. That’s what he’ll like.”

I shook my head, a small laugh escaping my lips. “You’re something else.”

Then we started planning.

She explained everything again–slowly this time.

“I’ll go in first,” she said. “You come in right after. Leave the door slightly open. Be calm. Be confident. Act like you know what you’re doing, even if you don’t.”

I nodded.

“He always drinks before he does anything,” she continued. “So when he pours the drink, distract him. Let him look at you. That’s all it takes. Then slip the drop in.”

It sounded simple. But it wasn’t.

I could feel my stomach twist.

Could I really do this?

She noticed my silence. “Lilith… I can back out. I can pay the ransom if I really want to. But he’s extorting me. Over and over. He’ll never stop.”

I looked at her. Really looked.

“I can do it,” I whispered. “Let’s just get this over with.”

There were only a few hours left.

We went downstairs to eat. Barely touched the food. Then came back to my room.

We lay down on the bed, side by side. Silent.

Our eyes stared at the ceiling. Both of us lost in thought.

I reached out and took her hand.

“I’m here for you, Zoey. Just breathe. Everything will go as planned. He won’t hurt you again.”

She looked at me, her eyes soft.

“I hope so,” she said quietly. “Thank you, Lilith. Really.”

It was finally time.

Zoey had finished preparing me–light makeup, loose hair, a short, tight dress that barely covered anything.

I looked like a slut. Like a whore.

But that was the point.

It was exactly what would attract a man like him.

Zoey stood back and looked at me. “Perfect,” she said. “Now remember, it’s just one drop. One.”

I nodded, even though my heart was hammering against my ribs.

“You’re going to go in an Uber,” she added. “Not the driver. I’ll be behind you in the car.”

“Okay,” I said quietly.

We walked downstairs, and as Zoey opened the door, we looked around.

The house was empty.

No Killian. No maids. No Walkers washing clothes outside. No one.

Perfect.

They’d all be back later tonight.

If anyone asked, it was just a girls‘ night out.

Nothing suspicious.

We stepped out. Zoey drove me to the gate.

“Book the Uber from here,” she said. “I’ll follow right after.”

I nodded again and stepped out, pretending my legs weren’t shaking.

I booked the ride, and while I waited, I texted the man.

Almost there. Are you around?

He replied almost immediately.

Yes. I’m here. Waiting.

My heart was pounding, but I forced myself to breathe.

I needed to calm my mind.

By the time the Uber arrived, I had swallowed down my fear.

Almost.

The ride was silent. Just me and my thoughts.

When I finally arrived at the spot, I stepped down and looked around.

I remembered the picture Zoey showed me. His face was still clear in my mind.

Then I saw him.

Not too tall. Not too short. Not ugly either.

He looked up and smiled when I walked over.

“Are you the one I’m supposed to meet?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said, forcing a smile. “It’s me. Nina.”

Lying about my name felt strange. But necessary.

He smirked. “Damn. You’re beautiful. No wonder you refused to send me your picture. You wanted me to be shocked in person.”

“Maybe,” I said, playing along.

Flirty. Confident. That was the plan.

“I can’t wait to spank that ass on the bed,” he said, licking his lips.

I laughed, fake and forced. “Can’t wait for you to do that,” I replied.

Everything in me screamed.

But I followed him.

We walked into the hotel together. No one asked questions.

When we reached the room, he opened the door. I slipped off my shoes outside, pretending it was normal.

But really, I wanted an excuse to step out later.

We stepped in.

He sat on the bed, watching me like prey.

“You look so damn good,” he said. “I can barely wait.”

I gave him another forced smile. “I can’t wait too. Oh–I left my shoes outside. Let me get them.”

“Hurry up,” he said, eyes scanning my body like I was on display.

I stepped out and glanced around.

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