A thin sheen of sweat covered Clara's forehead as she gripped my hand. Her breathing was shallow, her pulse weak under my fingertips.
"He's coming," I assured her. "Your brother will be here soon."
Clara's eyes fluttered. "Thank you," she whispered. "I never thought it would end like this."
"Don't talk that way," I said firmly. "This isn't the end."
Her lips curved into a sad smile. "You don't understand. I made a terrible mistake."
She motioned me closer, her voice dropping to barely a whisper. "Two years ago, when I married Robert, my brother begged me to keep my inheritance secret. Just for two years, to test Robert's character."
I frowned, pieces clicking into place as I glanced at her husband, who paced nearby like a caged animal.
"I thought it was unnecessary," Clara continued, her voice breaking. "I loved Robert. I trusted him completely."
"And now?" I asked gently.
