Yet, I can’t bring myself to pick up my phone.
Herminia:You’ll be happy to know that I’ve spoken to The Web and they have the perfect solution for your situation. Instead of using a traditional poison, you’ll use one that, when ingested, incites an allergic reaction.
Ivy:Don’t you think that’s a bit risky if he’s never had an allergic reaction before?
Herminia:You’ll serve it with an exotic dish and no one will suspect a thing.
Feeling sick, I take off my headset and sit back in my chair, wondering why I feel as though my heart was just ripped clean out of my chest.
I’ve known Ivy’s nature even before we were married, yet hearing her talk so casually about my demise is like a gut punch.
I put my headset back on, hoping that maybe I misheard my wife, and that she’s not plotting against me.
Ivy:It would be stupid to plan such a thing in front of so many. Someone could see.
Herminia:No one would suspect the beautiful pregnant wife of Mateo Rossi to poison him in front of an audience. Besides, they won’t even know it’s poison.
Ivy:But what if there is no such event?
Herminia:They’re Italian, and their family has been known to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries at Sorellina. They shut down the whole restaurant for them. It’s all but guaranteed they’ll have a congratulatory dinner for you there.
Ivy:Wouldn’t an accident be better?
Herminia:Before, I would have said yes, given his age, but The Web has spoken. He’s to die by this vial, and it has to be soon.
Again, I take off my headset, unable to listen to my wife’s plans for me.
A part of me feels betrayed, but that’s silly. This was always her intention, just as it was my intention to have her thrown in jail.
But things have changed. At least they have for me.
I meant what I said when I told her she was mine, and now that she’s carrying my child, there’s no way I can let her go.
It’s dangerous. Reckless. Fucking wild.
But I’m addicted to my wife, and I’m going to love making her pay.
SEVENTEEN
Ivy
“My little girlis going to go down as a legend,” Mother says pridefully. “I know I gave you a hard time for going so young, but damn—you could become a Sacred Mother after only one mark.”
Sacred Mothers are revered in The Web, holding positions of power and making decisions regarding the future of the Sisterhood.
It’s always been my mother’s dream to attain such rank, but it’s never been mine.
“I don’t believe I’ll be staying in The Web,” I tell her.
“That’s what you say now,” Mother scoffs.
She doesn’t understand me, and she never will. I’ve never wanted this life, but there’s never been a way out of it.
Until now.
All I have to do is murder my husband. It should be a simple thing to do. I have the perfect poison, designed to look like something else entirely.
And yet I can’t bear the thought of killing Mateo.
