One Access Card, One Big Secret

Howie was a new intern at Susanna's workplace. I'd even met him once at the last company gathering. The guy looked young and kept treating me like an older brother, being extra courteous and respectful.

I put Susanna's phone back in its place, acting as if nothing had happened. When she came out of her shower, I brought up Howie as if almost as an afterthought.

She didn't show the slightest trace of guilt. She lavished Howie with praise, saying he had made rapid progress last month and that she had rewarded him with a watch.

That eased half of my doubts. She did have the habit of buying things to reward her subordinates.

The next day, as soon as I got to the office, I opened my phone and connected to the spare security camera at home. I had installed this camera six months ago to keep an eye on the cat we'd adopted. It was hidden in a corner, tucked behind a row of books on the living room bookshelf, facing the couch and the entryway.

Later on, we ended up sending the cat to my parents' place instead, and I hadn't turned the camera on since. Susanna had long forgotten about its existence.

Last night, while she was asleep, I quietly plugged the camera in and connected it to the network.

The live feed showed that the apartment was now completely quiet. Nothing seemed unusual. I ended up watching the feed for three days, and not once did I find anything suspicious.

Was I just being too sensitive about everything? Did Susanna really get that watch simply to reward Howie for doing a good job as her subordinate?

Deep down inside, I still didn't want to believe the woman I'd been with for seven years now was cheating on me.

On Friday afternoon, I had to go on a last-minute business trip to the neighboring city of Lakewich. I left work two hours early to go home and pack my things.

When I opened the door, I found Susanna in the bathroom, taking a shower. She usually only showered at night before bed, so this was out of the norm for her.

"Honey? Why are you home so early?"

Susanna stepped out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel. Her eyes flickered with panic when she saw me, but she soon schooled her expression back into normalcy.

"I have to leave on a last-minute business trip, so I came back to grab a few clothes," I said as I walked into the bathroom.

I picked up the razor from the bathroom counter—only to spot two tiny hairs on it. I would've missed it if I hadn't taken a closer look.

As it was, I was a bit of a clean freak when it came to personal items like this. Every time I used the razor, I cleaned it thoroughly.

I wanted to convince myself that those were my hairs—that I'd simply been careless the last time I cleaned the razor, but I just couldn't shake off the unsettled feeling in my chest.

However, without asking any questions, I silently packed my bag for the trip.

As I was leaving, Susanna seemed unusually attentive. "I'm sad you have to work over the weekend, honey. I'll walk you to the car."

She even carried my briefcase for me with a caring smile on her face, acting like a truly devoted wife.

By the time I arrived at the hotel in Lakewich, it was already 9:00 pm. Without bothering to wash up first, I checked the feed from the camera.

Susanna was sitting on the couch alone, using her phone. She looked bored out of her mind. I stared at the screen for over ten minutes. Just as I was about to close the feed and go to sleep, a sound came from the apartment door.

I heard a soft beep. The smart lock had been unlocked, and the door opened.

A man dressed in trendy, branded clothes sauntered into the apartment like he owned the place.