THE 365-DAYS WIFE

Chapter 11: The Safe

The mansion was quiet.

Too quiet.

Damian had left for a board meeting at 7am. His driver said he wouldn’t be back until late.

That gave Zara 9 hours.

Her hands shook as she stood in front of his study door. Day 4. And she was already breaking rule #1 of the contract: _Do not enter private areas without permission._

But after what Bola said... _“The last wife died on Day 90. Accident.”_ ...rules didn’t matter anymore.

She tried the handle. Locked.

Of course it was.

Zara looked around. The housekeeper, Mama Nkechi, was downstairs. No cameras in the hallway. Damian thought he owned everything.

She remembered the spare key Bola mentioned. _“Check the third book on the left. The one that’s never been read.”_

Heart pounding, Zara pulled out _The Art of War_. A small silver key fell into her palm.

Click.

The study smelled like Damian. Expensive cologne, leather, and something cold. His desk was clean. Too clean.

Zara started opening drawers. Contracts. Pens. Nothing.

Until the last drawer. It was locked too.

Her breath caught. Behind a painting of a dark ocean was a small wall safe. Digital.

She almost laughed. How was she supposed to—

The key from the book fit.

The safe beeped and opened.

Inside: a stack of cash, a passport, and a black leather diary.

Amina’s diary.

Zara’s hands trembled as she opened it. The first page: _“Day 1. He says it’s just a contract.”_

She flipped faster. _Day 30. He looked at me like he loved me._ _Day 60. I think I’m in danger._

And then her blood ran cold.

Tucked between the last pages were 10 photos.

Of HER.

Zara sleeping on the couch yesterday.

Zara in the kitchen this morning.

Zara at the hospital with her mom 3 weeks ago... _before she ever met Damian._

A note in Damian’s handwriting was paperclipped to them:

_“Subject Z. Monitor closely. Day 90 protocol.”_

The door downstairs creaked open.

A deep voice called out: “Zara?”

Damian was home early.

And she was standing in his study... holding proof.