Chapter 11: The Mysterious Withdrawals

Damian Cole sat at his desk in his home office, looking over financial statements that made no sense. Something was just not adding up. For a few months now, he had noticed some very peculiar accounts and unexplained expenses. At first he felt they were just some errors, but now they screamed impossible to ignore.

Damian leaned back in the chair, rubbing his temples. He trusted Elsie with everything-she was his wife, the woman he chose for her innocence and purity. But looking back over the documents, the item that kept nagging at him, could she be involved in this? He shook his head. Just refusing to contemplate it. Elsie was different from all women in his past. She wouldn't betray him.

Later that evening, Damian met at a quiet restaurant with his best buddy and business partner, Jonas Akande. Jonas had been the rock of Damian's life for years, and according to him, there was no opinion that counted more than that of Jonas. While they enjoyed their food, Damian brought up the suspicious finances, expecting Jonas to throw in some light on the matter.

Jonas had taken it all in, his face growing graver with every delivery. "Damian," he said finally, "I've also been seeing some irregularities. I didn't want to say anything without facts, but I think you're going to want to take another look at Elsie."

Damian's heart fell. "Elsie? Are you saying she's involved?"

Jonas looked hesitant for a second before he nodded. "Aren't saying she is guilty; rather, you should be open to that: she has access to your accounts, and she spent a whole lot of it lately. And I've seen her in the company of some questionable young men, who don't seem to be associated with any business," he said.

Damian felt his fists clench as he tried hard to keep his control. "Elsie wouldn't do that. She is not like the others."

Jonas sighed. "I hope so, Damian. But I'm sure you're careful. If someone's trying to play you, they're doing an excellent job."

Damian Confronted Elsie

"Tonight," said Damian, "I have to confront Elsie." His voice shook with anger and fear running through him. "Elsie, I want to ask you something. Have you withdrawn unauthorized amounts of money from our accounts?"

Her eyes went wide with shock, and for a moment, Damian thought he was actually seeing a flash of guilt. Then she suddenly broke into sobs, her whole body shaking. "How could you accuse me of such a thing?" she cried. "I have done nothing but try to be a good wife to you. If you don't trust me, maybe I should just leave!"

Hearts broke at those words. He drew her into his arms, feeling like a monster for doubting her. "I'm sorry, Elsie," he whispered. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I just... I don't know what's going on."

Elsie clung to him, soaking his shirt with tears. But while the face was buried in his chest, a small triumphant grin played at the edges of her lips. She had won this round.

Elsie, a manipulator par excellence

The following days, Elsie spared no effort to build up Damian's trust in her. She became tenfold sweeter, more caring, and more loving, showering him with unending affection and assurances. She even suggested that they should go on a weekend vacation to their countryside estate which was such a paradise to Damian in peace and tranquility.

Hand in hand, they walked through the beautiful gardens, while Elsie looked up into her husband's face with wide, innocent eyes: "Damian, I know that things have been a bit stressful lately, but I want you to understand that I am here for you. I love you, and I would do anything not to hurt you."

Everything in Damian's heart ballooned with love and guilt. How could he have doubted her? She was all he wanted - pure and innocent and devoted. He pulled her into a fathomless embrace, his voice swelling with suppressed emotion. "I'm sorry, Elsie. I should have trusted you. I don't know what I was thinking."

The heartbeat of Elsie raced with relief as she saw the result of her successful job--gaslighting, turning suspicions into guilt. But deep inside her, she knew that cracks were beginning to show. And it was only a matter of time before everything came crashing down.

Elsie nodded slowly, her resolve hardening. Her mother's words were like a mantra, repeating in her mind. Take control. Take more.