Hubby made me a cup of coffee which had a very strange smell.…

Don’t you want to try the coffee I made especially for you, honey? My husband James asked with an odd smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. I was sitting at my sister-in-law Nina’s elegant dining table in her Nashville home, where we gathered for our monthly family brunch. The coffee cup in front of me had a strange, almost metallic smell that made my stomach turn.

My name is Christina, and at 29 I never imagined I’d be questioning whether my own husband was trying to poison me. But after three years of marriage and countless incidents of accidental food poisoning, I had learned to be cautious, especially around Nina. She had a way of orchestrating situations that left me sick or humiliated, always with that same innocent smile James was wearing now.

How thoughtful of you, I replied, forcing a smile while my mind raced. The aroma wafting from the cup was unlike any coffee I’d smelled before. It reminded me of the time last month when I’d ended up in urgent care after drinking tea at Nina’s house.

The doctors couldn’t explain my symptoms, and Nina had insisted she’d made the tea exactly the same way she made her own. Nina watched me intently from across the table, absently stirring her own untouched coffee. James has become quite the barista lately, she said with a smirk.

He’s been practicing different brewing methods just for you. The way she emphasized for you sent chills down my spine. I had noticed James spending more time at Nina’s house lately, claiming they were planning a surprise for our upcoming anniversary.

But something felt off. The whispered conversations that stopped when I entered the room, the strange texts I’d glimpsed on his phone, and now this coffee with its peculiar scent. I lifted the cup, pretending to take a sip while studying their expressions.

James and Nina exchanged a quick glance that confirmed my suspicions. Making a show of checking my phone, I stood up abruptly. Oh, would you look at that! I need to make a quick call for work.

Nina, would you mind if I use your study? As I walked past Nina’s place setting, I deliberately stumbled, quickly switching our coffee cups in the confusion of steadying myself. I’m so sorry! I exclaimed, straightening up. I’m such a klutz sometimes! Nina waved off my apology with a tight smile….