The Wife He Tried To Erase Chapter 04
Outside the phone booth, Emilia steadied herself against the slick glass door and stepped out.
Blood mixed with rainwater at her feet, but she moved as if she couldn’t feel the pain. She raised a hand and flagged down a taxi.
“To the Gallagher’s residence.”
The driver caught her reflection in the rearview mirror. He looked like he wanted to ask something, but in the end, he stayed silent.
When they reached the villa, Emilia pushed the door open and walked inside.
“Mrs. Gallagher, Mr. Gallagher is waiting for you in the study.”
She didn’t respond. The study door was slightly ajar. She pushed it open.
Nicholas sat behind the large desk, turning the recovered pink diamond ring between his fingers.
He looked up when he heard her.
“So you came back.”
Emilia walked to the desk. Her eyes fell on the ring in his hand.
He smiled faintly and slid it toward her. “It was dirty. I had it cleaned. Put it on.”
It was an order.
Emilia didn’t move.
Nicholas didn’t rush her. He leaned back in his chair, fingers interlaced over his knee. “I can overlook what happened tonight. But Tina was frightened. She needs reassurance.”
He paused, watching her expression.
“She’s holding a solo exhibition next month, and she’s missing three centerpiece works. I’m giving you half a month to paint them for her.”
Emilia’s fingers trembled.
“No.”
Her voice was hoarse, but clear.
Nicholas seemed unsurprised. A faint smile tugged at his lips. “Tina has fame. You have technique. Lay down the base for her, and she’ll finish the details. The signature will be hers.”
His tone was gentle, but every word cut. “Sammy, think of it as rehabilitation. It’ll be proof that you’ve really… recovered.”
“Rehabilitation?”
She suddenly laughed, eyes reddening.
“Nicholas, you want me to ghost-paint for the person who stole my work?”
“Watch your wording.” His smile vanished. His gaze turned cold.
“Those paintings are Tina’s. They always have been. What? Is your delusion acting up again? Do I need to arrange the 101st Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy session?”
Emilia’s body stiffened. The memory of electric shock pain flooded back, and she trembled uncontrollably.
She clenched her teeth and drew a deep breath. “I refuse.”
Nicholas watched her silently for a few seconds, then picked up the desk phone and dialed a number.
“Dr. Chapman. Nicholas speaking. Starting tomorrow, stop all premium care and imported medication for Rachel Barnett. Move her to a standard ward.”
As he spoke that, his eyes never left Emilia’s face. “Yes. Until further notice.”
Emilia’s face went completely pale.
She stared at him, unable to believe he would use Rachel against her.
“Nicholas… you know my mother has end-stage heart disease! She’s been kept alive by medication and machines for three years! You’ll kill her!”
He hung up and walked around the desk. Then, he grabbed her chin and forced her to look up.
“Emmy, you still don’t understand your position. Everything you have, including your mother’s life and the house you live in, is a gift from me. If I can give it, I can take it back.”
His thumb brushed her chin gently, but his eyes were ice cold.
“Either deliver three paintings Tina likes the day after tomorrow, or prepare to see your mother in the morgue.”
Nicholas released her, pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, and calmly wiped his fingers. “Choose.”
Emilia stood there, trembling.
It wasn’t from fear, but from hatred, humiliation, and the uncontrollable tremor left by the shocks.
After a long silence, she heard her own voice, barely audible. “I’ll paint.”