Chapter 4

One camera faced the back door, another pointed at the center of the garden, and a third was aimed at the corner where Benjamin and Nikita had been spending a lot of time lately.

The last one was hidden under the eaves of the second-floor balcony, giving a full view of the entire backyard.

After the installer left, Benjamin grinned at me. "Well, looks like our feathered friends are about to become celebrities."

I just smiled and kept quiet.

Yeah, they were about to be famous. Benjamin and Nikita were about to be the stars of my surprise show.

Everything was ready, just waiting for the spark. And that spark was our wedding anniversary.

As our anniversary approached, Benjamin and Nikita started spending more and more time together.

They figured I was too out of it to notice, so most of the time, they barely bothered to pretend anymore.

One night, I woke up and realized Benjamin wasn't beside me.

I quietly slipped out of bed and crept to the door of the study. Inside, I could hear heavy breathing and hushed voices.

It was Benjamin and Nikita on a video call.

"Baby, just hang in there a little longer. After Wednesday, we can finally be together without hiding," Benjamin said.

"Oh, stop it! Who's your baby? Your wife is your real baby," Nikita teased, her voice playful and seductive.

Benjamin murmured, "Her? She's just someone who's about to die. Nikita, I miss you so much..."

I clung to the cold wall, trying not to collapse.

I went back to bed and just stared at the ceiling, wide awake until dawn.

*****

The next day, I called my lawyer, Calum Nelson. Calum was my dad's best friend and the one person I trusted most.

I didn't tell him about my secret ability to understand birds. I just said I suspected Benjamin and Nikita were having an affair and might be plotting to take my money.

I also told him I hadn't been feeling well lately, and I couldn't shake this sense of dread.

Calum's tone instantly turned serious. "Anya, don't be scared. Get over to my office right away. We need to talk face-to-face."

I made up a reason to go out and had Benjamin drop me off downtown.

At Calum's office, I told him every little sign I'd picked up, like how they were after my insurance money, and the suspicious conversations I'd "accidentally" overheard.

Of course, I played it off as just my "gut feeling" and "hunches."

I also handed him the recorder where Tracy mimicked Nikita's voice.

Calum's expression darkened as he listened.

"Anya, this isn't just a simple inheritance dispute anymore. This could be premeditated murder," he said.

I nodded. "Mr. Nelson, I know. That's why I need your help."

We spent the whole afternoon scheming, laying out a detailed revenge plan.

First, I signed a brand new will right in front of Calum and a notary.

The will was simple. All my assets, including my parents' inheritance, insurance payout, property, and savings, would go straight to the Animal Protection Association after I was gone.

Calum was officially named as the executor.

I also added one more thing. If my death turned out to be anything but natural, Calum would have full authority to represent the Animal Protection Association, team up with the police, dig up the truth, and make sure everyone involved paid for it.

Once it was all done, I finally felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my chest.

They thought they could take my money. No way. I would not give them a single dime.

They would get nothing, and they would pay dearly for their greed and viciousness.

After leaving Calum's office, I called Benjamin and asked him to pick me up.

There was a rare hint of cheerfulness in my voice. "Hey Benjamin, our anniversary's coming up. What surprise are you planning for me?"

Benjamin hesitated for a moment, then laughed. "Come on, you know I can't spoil the surprise! Just be patient and wait for it."

I smiled and said, "Alright, I'll wait."

I got a big surprise for Nikita and him, too. I hoped they would like it.

*****

Our anniversary came right on schedule.

Benjamin headed out to the office early, saying he needed to wrap up his work first. So tonight, we could have a perfect evening just for the two of us.

Nikita came over, acting like the perfect bestie.

She gave me a flawless makeover and chose my favorite long white dress.

In the mirror, my face looked less ghostly, with a hint of color, almost lively for once.

Nikita admired her work, clearly pleased. "Anya, you look gorgeous today. Just like the first time we met."

I smiled at her. "Is that so? You're just as beautiful."

She also looked stunning, like a prisoner about to meet her fate on the gallows.

Later that afternoon, Benjamin came home. He was holding a huge bouquet of fiery red roses and knelt on one knee in front of me.

"Honey, happy fifth anniversary," he said.