Author's Preface
“What?” Francis frowned
“Francis, don’t believe her — please, none of this is true!” Nicole defended herself
“You’re a criminal! You killed Francis Malvar’s wife!”
“You have no proof! Call the police and lock this woman up!” Nicole shouted
“That’s enough, Madame L. Stop this. My wife is alive and well,” Francis said.
“Are you sure? Then where is she?” Madame L asked
Francis fell silent for a moment before speaking
“She’s on vacation — yes, that’s right, she’s on vacation.”
“On vacation? Or are you the one who had her killed, Mr. Malvar?” Madame L said firmly
“That’s not true! I love Samantha!”
“Love? That’s all you keep saying. Admit it — the two of you killed your wife!” Madame L’s words spread like wildfire through the office
“I could sue you for saying that,” Francis warned
“Sue me? Really?” Madame L replied.
“Yes, I will — because…” Francis started, but was cut off as five police officers entered the room.
“May we speak with Mr. Malvar?” one of them said
“Officers, what are you doing here? What do you want from me?” Francis asked
“We’d like to ask you a few questions,” the officer said
“About what?”
“Do you recognize this victim?” He showed Francis a photo. It was Samantha — his wife
Nicole saw it too, and her face filled with unease
“That’s my wife. Why? What happened to her?” Francis asked
“Didn’t you know she’s been missing for a week?” the officer replied. “And just now, we received a report of a body found floating in the sea. The face is too damaged to be recognized easily.”
Hearing this, Francis felt his strength leave him
“What?” He sank back into his chair, staring blankly. “My wife… my wife… Samantha!” He broke down crying. “Officer, is this true? She was pregnant!”
“The autopsy confirms it’s your wife, Samantha Malvar,” the officer said
“Oh no…” Francis sobbed
Nicole felt a pang of guilt
“Who would do this to her?” Francis cried
“I know who it might be,” Madame L said, clasping her hands together and rocking slightly
“What do you mean?” the officer asked her
“Hmm… I mean, someone might have killed her — and that person could be right here,” Madame L said
“Be quiet, Madame L! You don’t know what you’re talking about!” Nicole shouted
“Nicole, why are you reacting like that? I didn’t say anything wrong — I just said the person might be here,” Madame L replied sharply. She smiled deliberately at Nicole, trying to get under her skin
Feeling embarrassed, Nicole quickly tried to comfort Francis by patting his back
“Francis, are you okay?” she asked
“No, I’m not okay, Nicole — that’s my wife,” Francis said, tears welling up again
“Just let her go. You can always find another,” Nicole said, acting casual
Francis froze. He stood up suddenly and held her face firmly
“What did you say?”
“F-Francis…” Nicole stammered, scared
“Mr. Malvar, let her go,” the officer warned
“She has no respect for my wife!” Francis snapped
“I understand, but please let her go. Calm down — we still have a lot to ask you,” the officer said
Slowly, Francis let go
Nicole let out a breath of relief
“Mr. Malvar, calm down,” the officer repeated
“Calm down? How can I be calm when my wife is hurt and I couldn’t even protect her?” Francis shouted, slamming his fist lightly on the desk
“Do you know who was the last person to see your wife?” the officer asked
Francis slowly turned his gaze toward Nicole
Fear began to creep into Nicole’s eyes.
“You… you were the last one with Sam,” Francis said steadily
“Me? No!” Nicole denied. “I don’t know anything about that! We’re always together, remember?”
“No — I asked you if you could go with Samantha on her trip while I was busy with work,” Francis shot back. Nicole fell silent
“Francis, are you accusing me?” Nicole asked
“He’s not accusing you — he just said you were the last person with her,” Madame L cut in, forcing a smile just to irritate Nicole further
“Madame L, the way you speak makes it sound like I’m the suspect!” Nicole defended herself
“Nicole, I’m not saying anything like that. You’re just being too defensive,” Madame L emphasized
“Enough! Francis, believe me — I wasn’t with Samantha, and I don’t know anything about this!” Nicole pleaded
“If that’s the case, then where is my wife? Who was with her, then? Have you investigated thoroughly, Officer?” Francis asked
“Yes, Mr. Malvar. We found a piece of her clothing from the day she disappeared — here,” the officer said, showing a small piece of fabric inside a plastic evidence bag
Francis took it and cried harder
“Oh God… my wife… she was pregnant…”
“Officer, do you have any other evidence?” Madame L asked
“Not yet, Ma’am — we’re still checking CCTV footage,” the officer replied
“CCTV footage?” Nicole repeated, looking nervous
“Yes, Ma’am — to help trace Samantha Malvar’s disappearance.”
Nicole began to panic
“I have something,” Madame L spoke up
“What do you mean?” Nicole asked
“I have evidence,” Madame L said
“What kind of evidence?” the officer asked
“Evidence that shows where the crime happened,” Madame L said with a knowing smile
Nicole looked like she was about to lose her composure.