Chapter 13: The Poison
Emma could not face the shame of Charles discovering her debts and her affairs. She decided that the only escape from her suffering was death. She went to Homais's pharmacy and took a bottle of arsenic while no one was watching.
Emma returned home and swallowed the poison. The effects were immediate and terrible. She experienced terrible pain, her body convulsing as the poison spread through her system. Despite her suffering, she did not call for help, accepting her fate.
Charles returned home to find Emma in terrible condition. He was shocked and confused, not understanding what was happening to his wife. A doctor was called, but it was too late—the poison had already done its damage.
Emma lingered for hours in agony, her mind wandering between memories of her romantic dreams and the reality of her situation. Charles stayed by her side, holding her hand and crying, completely unaware of the truth about her affairs and debts.