Chapter 2 : The Bug Reveals

"You’re amazing! Baby, I love you!"

"Baby, louder, I love hearing you scream..."

Arthur''s every word, dripping with intimacy, exploded in my ears like a bucket of ice water, chilling me to the bone. Then, I heard a woman''s moans through the headphones. They praised each other, their words indecent, the intensity of their actions unmistakable.

I covered my mouth to stifle my sobs, but the tears flowed uncontrollably. Every word, every breath from Arthur was like a knife to my heart, the pillow beneath me soaked with tears. Unable to listen any longer, I took off the headphones, hugged my legs, and curled up into a ball.

Despite the summer heat, I shivered uncontrollably, unable to find warmth even under the covers. That night, I lost count of how many tears I shed, unable to sleep at all.

I still didn''t believe there was a woman in the study because there was nowhere to hide anyone. The only possibility was that he was video chatting with someone. What was the truth?

I regretted only installing a bug; I should have placed a hidden camera. After a night of shock and eventual calm, I decided to search the study for clues.

The next morning, after Arthur left for work, I didn''t get up right away. Or rather, I didn''t have the courage to get up. I wanted to find clues but feared the truth might be too much to bear.

It was past ten when I finally got out of bed, my body feeling light from a sleepless night. Step by step, I approached the study door, my nerves on edge, heart pounding as I recalled everything I had heard the night before.

What awaited me?

Just as I grabbed the doorknob and was about to turn it, I heard the front door lock click. Arthur had unexpectedly returned. Panicking, I pulled my hand back, pretending to walk past the study door and sat on the living room sofa. I nervously picked up the remote and turned on the TV, pressing the button several times before it finally came on.

Arthur walked over and looked at me for a moment. I feared he might notice something, especially since I had cried all night. Fortunately, he didn''t ask any questions, only saying he had taken time off and wanted to take me on a trip.

Arthur was a workaholic; we had even skipped our honeymoon. Taking time off for a trip was completely out of character. He said he wanted to spend more time with me because he had neglected me due to work.

Because of what I discovered last night, his words felt insincere. I looked straight into his eyes, hoping to see through to his soul. But he seemed calm, as if he had nothing to hide, making me feel like I was the one being paranoid.

I pretended everything was normal, packed a simple bag, and went downstairs with him.

At 26, I was no longer impulsive like a teenager. I decided not to alert him until I uncovered the truth. I thought knowing his secret and choosing to wait gave me the upper hand, but I was wrong.

I had the composure of my age but lacked the foresight. In the end, I fell into his trap, allowing him to push me into hell.