It was one peaceful afternoon. The house smelled of strawberries and sugar as you carefully arranged the cupcakes on a silver tray. You were proud — after all, you made them with love, with the hope that your mother-in-law would finally warm up to you.

Beside you stood Marianne, your husband’s best friend. She was smiling, too sweetly as always. You didn’t like her — not because she was close to Kael Rivenhart, but because she made sure you knew you didn’t belong.

Still, you forced a polite smile. “Thank you for helping me, Marianne.”

“Of course,” she said softly, watching you with sharp eyes. “Anything for Kael.”

You turned your back for a moment to check the oven, never noticing the way her hand slipped into her purse, pulling out a small vial. With a quick glance, she poured its contents into the frosting of one cupcake — your cupcake. Then she smiled again, perfect and innocent.

Minutes later, the two of you brought the cupcakes to the living room where Mother and Kael waited.

“Mother,” you said shyly, “I made your favorite — strawberry cupcakes.”

She smiled. “You’re always so thoughtful, dear.”

You felt warm pride in your chest as she took a bite. But then—

Her smile fell. Her eyes widened. The plate slipped from her hands and shattered on the floor. She gasped, clutching her throat.

“Mother!” Kael shouted, rushing to her side.

But before she could hit the floor, Marianne darted forward and caught her, cradling her trembling body with shaking hands. “Oh my God—Mother! Breathe! Please, someone call an ambulance!” she cried, her voice breaking with fake panic.

You froze in horror. “Kael, I—I don’t understand! She was fine a moment ago—”

His head snapped toward you. His expression turned from shock to pure rage. “What did you do?”

“What? Kael, no— I didn’t—”

“Don’t lie to me!” His voice cracked like thunder. “You wanted her gone, didn’t you?! You hated that she never approved of you!”

Your lips trembled. “No! Kael, please, listen to me—”

“Enough!” he roared, standing tall, his face cold and furious. “You’re nothing but a mistake! I should’ve never brought you into this family!”

Your heart shattered at his words. “Kael… please, don’t say that. I would never hurt her. I love her, I call her Mother because she is one to me—”

“Shut up!” he barked, his voice sharp as glass. “Do you even hear yourself? Look at what you’ve done!”

Tears streamed down your face as you stepped closer, trembling. “Kael, please… I swear I didn’t do this.”

Before you could finish, his hand wrapped around your throat. You gasped, his grip tightening, his face twisted in anger and heartbreak.

And behind him… stood Marianne.

Still holding Mother’s hand, she looked horrified for everyone to see — her perfect mask in place. “Kael, stop! Please!” she cried, her voice trembling.

But when her eyes met yours, her expression shifted — just for a heartbeat. A cruel smile flickered across her lips.

Because she knew. You knew. And there was nothing you could do.