Hidden Desires - Family Secrets

Chapter 201 Reality wouldn't change by my avoiding it Part2

After countless attempts, I finally gave up; the surveillance system was clearly malfunctioning due to lack of use and maintenance.

My mind was even more agitated now.

Without seeing what had happened at home while I was away, I had a nagging feeling that things between the two of them weren't as calm as I imagined.

Michael was nearly an adult, at the peak of his sexual desires, and Betty was no different.

They had a past together, having enjoyed each other's bodies.

Alone together, could sparks not have flown?

I quickly sought out the seller of the surveillance system, hoping it could still be repaired and the saved videos restored.

But when I opened QQ, which I hadn't used in a long time, I found the seller's avatar had turned gray, and the QQ age was now zero years, indicating the account had likely been recycled.

Yes, engaging in such secretive activities, who could guarantee everything would go smoothly?

I had completely lost contact with him.

Unable to reach the surveillance video seller, I was utterly disappointed and slumped back in my chair.

After a day's work, I barely made it to quitting time, my mind filled with wild thoughts.

I made a decision to install a new surveillance system at home.

Without the previous seller, I had to search online for a new one, but with stricter laws these past two years, it was a long and uncertain search.

When I got home, Betty had already prepared dinner, and Michael was sitting on the couch watching TV.

Observing their normal expressions, I even doubted myself.

Maybe the underwear incident was just an unintentional coincidence.

Just a misunderstanding.

"Dad, I'll be leaving in about a week..." Michael suddenly said to me at the dinner table.

Hearing his words, I quickly looked up at him, then at Betty.

Betty showed no surprise, apparently already aware of this news.

But when I looked at Betty, she avoided my gaze and kept her head down, eating her meal.

Her reaction was expected, yet I felt something was off, but I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.

"Planning to go back to Singapore to continue your studies?" I asked Michael.

Hearing this news, I felt unexpectedly relieved, lacking the sense of loss I had anticipated.

I left the office and hailed a taxi, heading home.

On the ride, I agonized over what I would do once I got there and what excuse I could possibly make for my sudden return.

Caught up in my turmoil, I arrived at my neighborhood.

Looking up at the familiar house, I hesitated; my own home now seemed like a daunting place, as if entering it required more courage than I had.

I took a deep breath and slowly opened the front door, stepping inside and making my way upstairs.

Each step on the stairs echoed like a hammer striking my chest, making it hard to breathe.

I finally reached the front door of my apartment.

It was closed tightly, and I found myself lacking the courage to open it.

I steadied my breathing and tried to calm my racing heart.

The atmosphere was eerily quiet.

I listened for any sound through the door but heard nothing.

Finally, I pressed my ear against the door, but still, silence.

Could it be that they weren't home?

If they had gone out to buy clothes, they should have been back by now, probably having lunch.

Or were they engaged in a different kind of "lunch," one without words?

I wanted to use my key to open the door, but I found myself paralyzed.

What if I was confronted with the very scene I dreaded most?

Could I continue to maintain the familial and romantic relationships I had fought so hard for?

The pain from past betrayals was unforgettable, and I didn't want to experience it a second time.

Yet, as time passed, my anxiety to know the truth made it hard to breathe steadily.

I glanced at my watch; it was 12:20 PM.

Time was running out before I needed to clock back in at work.

I knew I had to make a decision soon, with no time left to dwell here.

I took out my keys, ready to insert them into the lock.

But before I could insert the key, I heard the sound of the downstairs door opening and then the laughter of a man and a woman.

It was no one else but my beloved wife, Betty, and my son, Michael.