ushernet Chapter 039 When did she come by?
Chapter 039 When did she come by?
First thing in the morning, I headed straight to the bathroom to retrieve the memory card I had missed yesterday. After watching all the surveillance footage last night, the only thing I hadn't seen was the video from the bathroom.
Today, I finally had the time to see what exactly went down between Betty and Michael in there that night. It was just a brief few seconds, but something in that footage had changed the look in Betty's eyes dramatically.
After removing all the temporary cameras around the house, I pulled out all the memory cards and loaded the videos onto my laptop.
Since the cameras and memory cards were company property, I needed to return them to the equipment room. Once I had erased any trace of the old devices, I began installing new surveillance equipment around the house.
This gear was among the most advanced and professional on the market, pricey, but not company-owned; I had bought it myself a while back for personal use. I never thought I'd end up using it at home, but I didn't feel like it was a waste.
With this new setup, I could monitor everything happening at home anytime from my computer or smartphone, as long as I had internet access.
The system also had a video storage feature. I installed cameras in every nook and cranny—my home was now covered 360 degrees without a blind spot. These devices were incredibly discreet; light switches, power strips, even the digital clock in the bathroom could all be fitted with spy gear, though it required some serious tech skills to install.
It took nearly three hours to get everything set up. By the time I finished, it was almost noon. I had charged my phone earlier but hadn't turned it on until I was about to leave the house. After erasing any signs of my work, I grabbed my stuff and headed out.
Driving, I kept glancing at my phone, hoping Betty would call, worried about me. But by the time I got to the office, it hadn't rung once. I felt a pang of disappointment, maybe even a bit of despair.
As I arrived at the office, I ran into a colleague who's always had my back. "Dude, where've you been? I tried calling, but your phone was off..." He pulled me into the office as soon as I walked in, looking concerned.
"What's up? Any issues? My phone died, just turned it back on..." I replied, a bit puzzled.
"Did you and your lady have a fight?" he asked cautiously.
"No, why? You guys hoping for some drama?" I was already annoyed about the whole situation, and his question didn't help.
The other was to not go home and wait for Betty to call me back first. This might be about maintaining some false sense of pride as a man, but it was a passive approach.
In the past, I would have chosen the first option without hesitation. After all, a man should be broad-minded and responsible.
But after watching last night's videos, thinking of Michael kissing Betty and her tender care for him, I felt uncomfortable, like there was a fire inside me.
My view of Betty and Michael had completely changed since last night. What used to seem like mother-son interactions now looked more like flirtatious banter between lovers.
I admit the main mistake yesterday was mine; I shouldn't have doubted Betty. But after watching the videos, my perspective shifted. I was at fault, but so was Betty. She shouldn't have been so indulgent and doting towards Michael. Maybe my thoughts are a bit extreme, but Betty's care for Michael has far surpassed the attention she gives me.
But the frustration building inside me needed an outlet. If I kept it bottled up, I might end up depressed.
I've realized that ever since Michael came into our home, my tolerance seems to have shrunk, becoming more petty and narrow-minded.
I shook my head. Since I couldn't vent this frustration, I decided not to go home tonight. It would give both Betty and me some time to cool off and better manage our emotions. It would also test if Betty would take the initiative to call me.
After work, I grabbed my briefcase and laptop and headed out.
I could have stayed at the office, but it's not as comfortable as home.
After dinner, I checked into a hotel to enjoy a comfortable night's sleep. Our financial situation allowed for a stay at a star-rated hotel without any issue.
Once settled in the hotel, I busied myself with work while keeping an eye on the time on my computer.
Normally, I'd be home in about ten minutes. I also kept checking my phone to see if Betty would call...