My Husband's Revenge

Isabella's POV The soft murmur of the café filled my ears, a pleasant hum I usually found comforting while I sipped the bittersweet dark liquid in my cup. My thoughts danced around for a bit as I pondered what to gift Ethan, my husband, for his upcoming birthday. My cheeks reddened at the thought of him, and I placed a hand over my mouth to stifle the embarrassing grin that followed. Even in his absence, Ethan had the power to make me blush like a kid. I loved him dearly for that. Maybe a new watch? I thought, stirring my coffee absentmindedly. The soft whispers of the café soon turned into a rising mumble as the TV volume increased. I tried to tune it out—background noise rarely caught my attention—but a familiar name broke through my thoughts like a c***k of thunder. My head shot up. My eyes fixed on the screen across the room, the coffee in my hands forgotten. TV Show Prompt: “The Man Who Cures” Breaking News Segment The camera zoomed in on a sharp-eyed journalist standing in front of a building that tugged at the edge of my memory. Her face was tense as sirens blared in the background. The headline flashing across the screen made my stomach drop: “Pharmaceutical Tycoon Arrested: Dr. Richard Montgomery Faces Multiple Charges” “Dad?” The word slipped out, barely audible, as my heart pounded like a drum. The journalist spoke, her voice cutting through the café noise like a blade. “Good afternoon. Today on ABC News, in a shocking turn of events, Dr. Richard Montgomery, the billionaire CEO of Montgomery Pharmaceuticals, has been arrested this afternoon on charges that could change the landscape of the medical industry forever.” The scene shifted to a live shot of my father being led away by law enforcement. His face was stoic, but his eyes—those same eyes that had always looked so steady—flickered with unease. “what?…” I blinked rapidly, half expecting the image to dissolve like a bad dream. My hands trembled as I slowly rose to my feet, trying to ground myself in reality. The journalist continued in a voice over, her words hitting me like a blow over and over. “For years, Montgomery Pharmaceuticals was hailed as a leader in modern medicine, celebrated for its life-saving treatments. But today, revelations suggest its success may not rest solely on innovation. Federal agents have uncovered a massive criminal operation involving illegal human experimentation, bribery, and an elaborate cover-up that has spanned decades.” “No, no… this can’t be happening,” I whispered, clutching the edge of the table for support. My breaths grew shallow, each one harder to take than the last. The camera panned over images of Dad’s office, familiar corners now crawling with investigators. My mind raced, grasping at anything that could explain what I was seeing. He wouldn’t. Dad wouldn’t do this… The journalist voice broke through the TV again. “Montgomery Pharmaceuticals conducted dangerous, unapproved trials, leading to at least six deaths and hundreds of harmed patients. Evidence shows Montgomery silenced whistleblowers and bribed officials to cover up the atrocities. Investigators have also linked him to multiple murders, corrupt dealings, and the destruction of evidence to protect his empire, revealing a legacy of deception and brutality.” Images of Dad smiling at public events flashed on screen, the warm, reassuring man I thought I knew. My stomach churned, bile rising in my throat. “No. No! He wouldn’t… Dad wouldn’t…” My voice cracked as I gasped for air. My knees buckled, but I forced myself to stay standing, clutching my aching stomach. The world felt like it was tilting beneath me, the walls closing in. The Journalist continued, “As of now, Dr. Montgomery is facing a long list of charges, including illegal experimentation, bribery, conspiracy, and first-degree murder. With his arrest, many are now questioning how a man who was once hailed as a hero could fall so far. And as the investigation continues, more shocking details are expected to emerge.” The screen returned to the grim-faced reporter, but I couldn’t watch anymore. My mind screamed for clarity, for answers, but the chaos inside me offered none. This has to be wrong. It has to be. Dad… my dad… he was the man who taught me to be kind, to care about others. He couldn’t be this monster they were describing. The reporter continued, her words like a haunting shadow that loomed over me but I couldn’t dare to continue. With trembling hands, I grabbed my bag and bolted for the café door. All eyes followed me as I stumbled out, tears streaming down my face. Sliding into the driver’s seat, I gripped the wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. My heart pounded like a drum, each beat threatening to shatter me completely. “Alexa, call Ethan,” I ordered, my voice shaking. “Calling Ethan.” The phone rang, each unanswered beep twisting the knife deeper. “Pick up… please pick up…” I whispered desperately. When he didn’t, I slammed my foot on the gas, throwing all caution to the wind. The road blurred around me as I sped toward the company building, ignoring the traffic laws I usually obeyed so religiously. Pulling up to the towering headquarters, my worst fears came to life. The entrance was a chaotic sea of flashing cameras, shouting journalists, and police cars. I parked haphazardly and jumped out, my legs barely able to carry me forward. The sight of uniformed officers swarming the building, escorting people made my stomach knot again. My world was crashing down around me, and all I could think was: Dad… what have you done?