Hidden Desires - Family Secrets-Chapter 251 What was going on?

The air was thick with the musky scent of semen, a vivid reminder of Michael’s recent climax inside Betty.

I could almost see the scene in my mind’s eye: Betty’s body releasing the evidence of their intimacy.

Sure enough, near the couch, in the trash can, were several wads of tissue, the source of the smell.

The tissues, bloated with traces of semen, spoke volumes of Michael’s virility.

I shook my head, trying to dispel the tormenting thoughts that choked my breath away.

I placed my house keys on the shoe cabinet next to the couch, mere inches from where their bodies had intertwined.

Alongside the keys, I left the deed to the house, the car’s title, and all other documents of ownership pulled from my briefcase, including copies of my ID.

With these, a broker could easily transfer all my assets to Betty.

I left my bank card too; Betty knew the PIN.

I was walking away with nothing, leaving everything to Betty.

This was my final act of dignity and generosity as a man, preferring to be betrayed by the world than to betray it myself.

When Michael and Betty would come to the courtyard, they’d find everything arranged.

This way, everything was explained, and they would know that I was aware of this place, showing them I was no fool.

As I slowly walked out of the courtyard and locked the gate, I looked back one last time, realizing I had no more ties to this world, as if I were settling my affairs before departing from it forever.

Standing at the gate, my thoughts turned to Luna, the woman who loved me deeply and whom I had deeply wronged.

She had given so much for me, and I had given so little in return.

"I’m sorry, Luna," I thought, "I owe you a debt in another life."

The world seemed too vast yet devoid of a place for me.

It was time to return to where I came from.

Born in the deep mountains, I decided to return there.

Perhaps the old cabin no longer existed, but I could rebuild it on the same spot, replicating its original form.

I would place my parents’ memorial tablet there, isolate myself from the world, and live a primitive, self-sufficient life, severing all ties with my past.

In that solitude, no one would disturb me, nor find me.

There, I would spend the rest of my days.

With these thoughts, I decided to drive back to my hometown.

As I started the car and pressed the clutch, a car suddenly darted out from beside a van, blocking my way...

It was dark, and I couldn’t see the license plate due to the angle.

Could it be Michael’s car? Impossible, he should be home with Betty by now, which was once my home.

But the person who emerged from the car gave me the answer.

The passenger door opened quickly, and Betty ran out, tears streaking her face, rushing to my car door, trying to open it.

Despite my van’s dilapidated state and lack of automatic locks—modified for my reporting needs to lock automatically and with exceptionally sturdy windows—she couldn’t get in.

"Honey, come out, listen to me, it’s not what you think..." Betty pleaded, banging on the window, her voice filled with urgency.

Michael also got out and stood in front of my car, looking down and lighting a cigarette, a stark contrast to his earlier bravado.

It wasn’t what I imagined?

I had seen everything on the surveillance video; what was there left to explain?

Seeing Betty and Michael together made my heart race with irritation.

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I revved the engine, a loud warning for them to leave.

But Michael stood his ground, and Betty, hearing the engine, stopped banging on the door and joined him at the front of the van, arms spread wide, a determined look on her face.

Why not reverse if they block my way forward?

I slammed the van into reverse and surged backward, causing Betty to urgently push Michael, who quickly jumped into his car to chase after me.

Neighbors had already gathered outside, peering from their doorways, curious about the commotion.

People always seem to revel in the spectacle of others’ distress, a trait I’ve always despised.

A car chase unfolded in the narrow alleys of the bungalow district.

My van wasn’t as fast as Michael’s sleek sedan, but my driving skills, honed by years of field reporting, gave me the edge.

I managed to shake Michael off and exited the neighborhood first, pushing my van to its limits as I headed into the distance.

How had they found the courtyard?

Did Michael bring Betty there as a misguided attempt at consolation?

Whatever their reasons, it seemed fate had played its hand in our encounter.

Having lost Michael in the bungalow district, I now drove with ease, planning never to return from the mountains, to cut myself off from the world completely.

Perhaps isolation would help me forget everything.

If possible, I’d even consider becoming a monk.

The image of Betty and Michael blocking my path weighed heavily on me, especially seeing them together, so well-matched, making me feel like the outsider.

My own son, my flesh and blood, had destroyed everything I held dear.

Was this divine punishment?

If so, it felt unduly harsh.

Aside from Laura, I had wronged no one.

Betrayed by my son and my wife, the only family I had, I decided to let them go.

As I drove, the pain in my heart intensified, and despite my attempts at acceptance, who could truly reach such a state?

Exhaustion and headache clouded my mind.

I shook my head, trying to stay alert, gripping the steering wheel tightly as night fell.

Hours ticked by, and after about four, I finally reached my hometown.

I had no desire to take in the familiar landscapes or notice any changes.

I drove straight up the mountain, where the road wound around its contours.

Navigating the treacherous mountain road in the darkness, I kept my speed low, heading for where my family’s cabin once stood.

Just then, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw lights behind me.

More than one vehicle.

What was going on?

Who else would be on the mountain this late?

Or had I attracted the attention of criminals?

Could it be Michael following me?

There seemed to be at least three vehicles, quite a distance back, their lights faint.

Perhaps they had been tailing me for a while, unnoticed on the busy highway.

Now, on this secluded mountain road, their presence was unmistakable.

Whether they were criminals or not, I was alone and penniless.

Even if they were after my life, I had nothing left to fear.