Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

I opened the door and searched the living room and bedroom for a while but couldn't find Scruffy.

Since bringing Scruffy home, I hadn't restricted its movements. It still had some stray cat habits, often disappearing for days. Today, it seemed I wouldn't be able to take it with me. Just then, I heard a strange noise from the study. I stared at the study door, feeling there was a secret I hadn't uncovered, possibly the reason Arthur dropped his facade.

Step by step, I approached the study. Opening the door felt like it took all my strength.

The study was dark and empty, with the curtains gently blowing. I turned on the light and walked in, finding a book on the floor in front of the bookshelf. It must have fallen just now.

Hearing a car downstairs, I looked out the window and saw Arthur's car. I quickly left the study.

The elevator light was on, meaning it had arrived. Not wanting to meet him, I hid in the dim hallway.

Soon, the elevator chimed, and I heard Arthur's footsteps. I instinctively covered my mouth, afraid he'd find me.

He opened the door, and I heard his footsteps pause at the entrance, making me extremely nervous.

The suitcase usually by the door was now by my leg. He must have realized I had been back.

'Will he come out?' I wondered until I heard his footsteps fade away. I finally breathed a sigh of relief, my back soaked with cold sweat. Coming out of the hallway, I glanced at the door and heard sounds inside. My heartbeat quickened, and curiosity drew me closer. Pressing my ear against the door, I heard a woman's voice. I almost screamed. 'How could there be another woman in my house?'

Reason stopped me from rushing in. I had just escaped death and couldn't fight anyone inside.

"Arthur, is her child really gone?" The woman's excited voice was the same as the one I had heard through the eavesdropping device.

The voice sounded familiar, but I couldn't immediately identify who it was.

"Yes, now you should believe me, right?" Arthur's voice was gentle, a tone he never used with me.

Tears came uncontrollably. I felt so stupid and defeated. Even though I had found clues in the study, I still preferred to deceive myself for the sake of superficial harmony.

But it was absurd. 'Is she invisible, or am I blind? I must be blind. How could I have only seen Arthur's true colors today?'

"When have I ever not believed you? I just can't wait to be with you openly." The woman's coquettish voice made me feel nauseous.

One moment, Arthur was cruel to me, and the next, he was flirting with another woman.

Inside was a celebration of victory, while I, the defeated, dragged my wounded body and soul away from the place I once thought was home.

Outside the community, cars came and went. I sat helplessly by the roadside, feeling abandoned by the world.

Turning on my phone, I saw two text messages from Arthur. He must have called after realizing I was gone.

In the past, his calls brought me joy. Now, just seeing his name made me tremble.