ushernet Chapter 131 My back was slick with perspiration
Chapter 131 My back was slick with perspiration
Betty might be shocked, maybe even guilty, but I wasn't sure if there'd be any surprises waiting for me.
After all, it was our anniversary, and I was back.
As I pondered, the driver's voice broke through my thoughts, announcing we had arrived home.
I hurried towards Building 1, found the familiar Unit 2, and looked up at our apartment floor.
I saw Michael's room, its windows glowing a deep red.
I checked the time; it was already 8:30 PM.
Could Michael have already gone to sleep?
Perhaps Betty was asleep too.
I paid the driver and suppressed the urge to sneak around to the back to peek through Betty's window.
Reaching the front of the unit, I pulled out my keys and unlocked the door.
The familiar smells of the street greeted me, along with the cluttered staircase lined with bicycles, motorcycles, and various items, just as they were before I left.
Everything was the same, yet everything had changed...
Standing at the foot of the stairs, I hesitated, unsure of what awaited me at home.
What if Betty and Michael were still engaged in their passionate lovemaking, as I had seen in the video?
Would my return home shatter everything?
How should I confront a frenzied Betty and Michael?
Should I explode in anger, throwing things around, or physically confront them in their naked betrayal?
I truly didn't know how to face this situation.
I took out my phone and stared at the first call record in my contacts—it was Betty's from our conversation last night.
After a long hesitation, I dialed her number again.
The busy tone beeped, and my heart raced with nervous anticipation.
What would I say when she answered?
Should I tell her I was already downstairs?
Regret washed over me for calling without deciding what to say first, anxiety building inside me.
I pressed harder against the door, trying to discern any noise—was the house truly quiet, or was the door's insulation too effective?
A small relief crept through me; no sound was better than the confirmation of my worst fears.
I stepped back, lost in indecision at the threshold.
To knock or to use my key?
My real struggle seemed not with the method of entry but with the decision to enter at all.
It might be best if Betty inadvertently revealed herself by opening the door.
After what felt like an eternity, I glanced at my watch, pulled out my keys, and noticed the ring box and the official appointment letter in my pocket.
I inserted the key into the lock, my movements delicate and nearly silent.
Why was I so cautious?
Was I afraid of disturbing something—or someone?
I gently rotated the key, its metal softly clicking as it turned in the lock.
My heart thudded in my chest, sweat beading on my forehead despite the cool weather.
My back was slick with perspiration, my throat parched.
With a soft "click," the key turned fully, the lock disengaging.
The sound of the bolt retracting from the frame echoed slightly in the quiet hall.
I hesitated, not immediately pushing the door open; even the slightest noise seemed thunderous in the silence.
Had Betty or Michael heard the click?
Was Betty straightening up the living room?
Was Michael lounging with the TV on, or was Betty in his room, perhaps helping him with his homework?
Or were they entwined in a passionate embrace in one of their bedrooms?
I remained motionless, fearful of alerting the two inside.
I waited, listening for any movement that might indicate I had disturbed the occupants.
The silence stretched on.
Finally, I allowed myself a deep breath of relief.
After a moment to gather my courage, I slowly turned the handle, easing the door open inch by inch...