CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL.

Leon returned home, his demeanor somber and distant. Elena, sensing his unease, questioned him that evening.

"What's troubling you?" she asked, her eyes searching his.

Forcing a smile, he replied, "It's nothing, love. Just work stress." To divert her concern, he kissed her tenderly, leading her to the bedroom.

They made love, and he promised, "Tomorrow, I'll take you shopping. We'll have a wonderful day together."

The following morning, I contacted Leon to set our plan into motion. He met me with reluctance, his voice strained.

"What is it this time?" he inquired.

Handing him an outfit identical to one I owned, I instructed, "Give this to Elena. Ensure she wears it today. I'll be at the shopping mall, dressed the same. Be there with her before 3 PM."

He nodded, the weight of betrayal evident in his eyes. As I walked away, a sinister satisfaction washed over me.

Upon returning home, Elena's curiosity was piqued.

"Where did you go this morning? Are you hiding something from me?" she probed.

Producing the dress, Leon feigned excitement. "Surprise! I got this gown for you. I want you to look stunning for me, my beautiful wife."

Her face lit up with joy. "You're the best... and the most mischievous husband," she teased, embracing him.

Later, they ventured out, indulging in shopping and savoring each other's company. Yet, beneath Leon's forced smiles, his heart pounded with dread, knowing the treachery that loomed.

After several purchases, Leon paused, his voice tight. "Elena, I need to use the restroom. Wait here; I'll be right back."

She waved him off playfully. "Don't take too long, my love."

Leon hurried to meet me, whispering urgently, "She's all yours."

I smirked. "Good. Now, head to the police and meet us outside the mall near the garden."

As Leon dashed to the station, I stealthily approached Elena. Seizing her from behind, I clamped a hand over her mouth, dragging her toward the exit. Her muffled screams and frantic struggles were futile against my grip.

"Make a sound, and it will be your last," I hissed into her ear.

Meanwhile, Leon burst into the police station, his face pale. "Help! My wife is in danger. The serial killer is alive and has her doppelgänger. You must hurry!"

Officers sprang into action, following him back to the mall. Outside, near the garden, Leon arrived just as I released Elena.

Feigning confusion, he shouted, "What's happening here?"

Elena, enraged, pointed at me. "It's her! My double! I knew she existed. I'll kill you!"

The police, arriving moments later, were stunned by the sight of two identical women. One officer demanded, "Who's the real Elena? Who's the serial killer?"

Leon, maintaining his act, suggested, "Officer, there's one way to determine the truth." He handed both of us unloaded guns. "Shoot me. My wife would never harm me."

Elena, desperate and confused, aimed at Leon, pulling the trigger repeatedly. Click. Click. Nothing. I, on the other hand, feigned terror, dropping the weapon and collapsing in tears.

Leon pointed at me. "This is my wife."

Elena screamed, "No! He's lying! I'm his wife! Leon, can't you see? It's me!"

The officers restrained her. "You're under arrest for the murders of Maria, Brown, and others."

As they led her away, Elena's eyes pleaded with Leon. But he turned away, his face a mask of feigned indifference.

I embraced him, whispering, "Well done." Together, we watched as the real Elena was taken into custody, our plan executed flawlessly.

Yet, beneath the veneer of success, a gnawing emptiness lingered. In our quest for vengeance, we had crossed lines that could never be uncrossed. And as the shadows lengthened, the weight of our actions pressed heavily upon our souls.