CHAPTER 2: Voices from the Bug

"You're amazing, baby! I'm crazy about you!"

"Come on, babe, louder—I love hearing you scream…"

Daniel's flirtatious, lustful words burst through my earphones like ice-cold water dumped over my head. A chill spread through my body, making me feel frozen to the bone. Then I heard a woman's voice, moaning and praising him in response. Their voices mingled, each comment dirtier than the last, the "battle" growing more intense by the second.

I clamped my hand over my mouth, trying to stifle my sobs, but the tears wouldn't stop. Every word he spoke, every breath, was like a knife stabbing into my heart. I hurt so much that my pillow was soaked with tears. I couldn't listen anymore. I yanked out the earphones and hugged my knees, curling up into a ball.

It was the height of summer, yet I was shivering uncontrollably, as if no amount of blankets could warm me. I lost track of how many tears I shed that night. I didn't sleep a wink.

Despite everything, I still couldn't believe there was a woman physically in the study, as there was simply nowhere for anyone to hide. The only explanation that made sense was that he was... doing it over video.

What was the real truth?

I regretted only installing a listening device. I should have planted a hidden camera. I spent the entire night thinking it over, moving from shock to a cold resolve. I decided to search his study again, hoping to find some evidence, some clue I had missed.

The next morning, after Daniel left for work, I couldn't bring myself to get up right away. Part of me dreaded what I might find. By the time I'd gathered the courage, it was already past ten. Exhausted and still reeling from a sleepless night, I finally forced myself up and walked, step by step, toward the study door.

What awaited me on the other side?

I reached for the doorknob, but just as I was about to turn it, I heard the sound of keys in the front door—Daniel had come back. I quickly withdrew my hand, pretending to casually stroll past the study door and into the living room. I picked up the remote and, feigning calm, clicked the TV on. My nerves were so frayed it took several tries before I managed to turn it on.

Daniel walked over and looked at me for a moment. I was terrified he'd see through me—after all, I'd been crying all night. Thankfully, he didn't question me. Instead, he announced he'd taken time off work and wanted to take me on a trip.

This was completely out of character. Daniel is a workaholic; he hadn't even taken a honeymoon when we got married. Now, out of nowhere, he wanted to go on vacation? He said he wanted to make up for neglecting me because of his job.

After what I had heard the night before, his words felt hollow. I looked straight into his eyes, hoping to see some sign of guilt, some hint of the truth. But he appeared calm and untroubled, like he had nothing to hide. I started to wonder if I was overthinking everything.

Trying to keep my expression neutral, I packed a simple bag and followed him downstairs. I may be twenty-six, but I'm not a naive teenager. I decided that until I had concrete proof, I wouldn't tip him off.

I thought knowing his secret would give me an advantage, but I was wrong. I may have gained some maturity with age, but I was still no match for his deceit.

In the end, I walked right into his trap, and he dragged me down into hell.

The place we went was about a two-hour drive from the city, a small tourist town called Misty Valley. The accommodations in Misty Valley were charming, rustic cottages nestled in the countryside. Daniel chose one that was set against a hillside, in a quiet, secluded area.

As we unpacked the car, I noticed a surgical kit among our things. I shot him a questioning look.

Daniel explained, "Since you're pregnant, it's risky to be out here. I brought it just in case there's an emergency."

After unpacking, we toured a few of Misty Valley's scenic spots. I walked slowly because of my pregnancy, and Daniel matched my pace, holding my hand as we climbed the hills. He acted every bit the attentive husband, and I started wondering if I had been imagining things about the study. Maybe he was just looking for some kind of thrill on video calls.

We reached a pavilion halfway up the hill, and I sat down to rest. Daniel pointed to some vibrant lilac blooms along the mountainside and suggested we take a few pictures.

I stood next to the lilacs, and he said the angle wasn't quite right. Under his guidance, I backed up several steps, and then suddenly, my foot slipped. I tumbled down the hillside, rolling head over heels.

With our child in my mind, my survival instincts kicked in. I managed to grab hold of a tree after rolling a few times. Though I'd saved myself, intense pain radiated from my stomach. Cold sweat beaded on my forehead, but I didn't dare let go.

A horrible feeling gripped me, telling me that my baby might be in danger.

Within minutes, a crowd of tourists and park staff gathered around me in alarm.

"I'm her husband and an obstetrician," Daniel called out, pushing his way through the crowd. He picked me up and rushed down the hill.

Clutching his shirt, I whispered, barely able to breathe, "Please… save our baby."

He was running fast and didn't look at me. He just grunted, "Mhm."

But in the end, we lost the baby. The situation was critical, and Daniel had to perform the procedure himself.

When I woke up, it was nighttime. Daniel wasn't by my side.

Checking my phone, I saw it was past ten. Where could he be at this hour?

I got out of bed, intending to look for him. But as I reached the door, I heard voices outside.

"She got lucky this time. But don't worry; the baby's gone," Daniel's voice said.

The words hit me like a bolt of lightning. I froze.

I didn't want to believe it. I couldn't believe it. Stumbling back, I pressed against the wall for support as tears streamed down my face.

So it was all a trap. The man I'd lived with for two years, who'd played the role of a kind, caring doctor, was actually a monster.

I was wrong, so wrong, to let myself be fooled.

Terrified, I returned to bed and pretended to be asleep.

Soon after, Daniel came back in. He walked over to check on me, made sure I was asleep, and then left the room again. As soon as I heard the door close, I jumped out of bed and rushed to the window.

I watched as Daniel disappeared into the darkness, a black plastic bag swinging from his hand.

An ominous feeling urged me to follow him...