Page 122 of My Husband’s New Fiancée

A wave of cold air escapes as I open the compartment.

My eyes move across the storage racks.

Dozens of perfectly labeled samples.

But only one draws my attention instantly.

NRX-889.

Hundreds of chemical reactions.

Countless failures.

And finally...

The beginning of a result.

I carefully remove the sample before returning to the workstation.

“This is what they’re after.”

Louane studies the transparent vial while I explain.

“In some patients, NRX-889 reactivates neural regions considered permanently lost.”

Her gaze snaps back to mine.

“Strokes. Brain trauma. Early-stage neurodegenerative diseases...”

I see the exact moment she understands.

“Patients who could no longer speak started communicating again. Some regained lost motor functions.”

Genuine shock flashes across her face.

“My God... Now I understand why people are willing to kill for this molecule.”

I nod.

“But it isn’t ready. In its current form, the formula works... but it causes neural overload far too often.”

Louane holds her breath.

“Convulsions. Cerebral hemorrhaging. Neuronal death.”

Silence crashes down between us.

Then she asks quietly,

“What avenues are you exploring to improve it?”

“I’m still thinking.”

I prepare a sample slide and place it beneath the microscope.

The molecular structure gradually appears on the main monitor.

Louane steps closer immediately.