But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t feel happy.
"Alli, come over here. I’ve already peeled this for you. Try it and tell me how it tastes," Brian called out warmly.
I sat down and took a bite, but the taste made my stomach churn, and I couldn’t stop myself from retching.
Instead of being annoyed, he looked genuinely concerned. Gently, he wiped my mouth and, seeing how uncomfortable I was, he began massaging my shoulders.
"Don’t force yourself if you don’t want to eat. Let me help you relax," he said patiently.
Just as he was focused on easing my discomfort, the door swung open, and Sarah walked in.
I hadn’t expected it. Somehow, she even knew the code to our door.
Brian glanced at me awkwardly. "Alli, it’s my fault. I forgot to lock the door."
He didn’t know that I had locked it.
Pulling Sarah aside, he whispered harshly, "Why are you suddenly at my house? I told you I’m spending the day with my wife. What are you trying to do, start trouble?"
Sarah’s eyes gleamed as she stared at him. "I missed you. Why shouldn’t I come by? You didn’t show up at the lab today."
"Shut up!" he hissed.
Then, turning toward me, she spoke with a mocking smile. "Allison, the next round of experiments starts tomorrow. I came over to ask Brian for advice. You don’t mind, do you?"
Brian looked at me, as if waiting for my permission.
I granted his wish. "Sure."
Her smug expression deepened as she grabbed his arm and led him to the study room.
Standing outside the study door, I heard the sound of the lock clicking into place.
"Sarah, you’re pushing your luck showing up here! If my wife finds out, you’re finished," Brian scolded her in a low voice.
But she silenced him with a kiss. "Don’t be mad. I didn’t get pregnant last time. Let’s try again, shall we?"
Despite his initial anger, he kissed her back.
For half an hour, their muffled voices and movements filled the study. I stood outside the entire time, my heart aching, my disappointment growing.
The study, once a sanctuary filled with books I treasured, was now tainted. My nausea and disgust surged. The thought of leaving Brian solidified further.
Eventually, I heard him speak. "Enough, Sarah. We’ve messed up my wife’s books. I need to clean up and head out."
But Sarah clung to him. "She won’t find out. I already said I'd be staying over to ask you something. As long as we keep quiet, it’s fine."
Her words swayed him, and he stayed.
I returned to the bedroom, the sounds of their escalating activity piercing through the silence. Desperate to block it out, I put in earplugs and lay down on the bed.
It wasn’t until eleven in the evening that Brian finally came to bed.
From behind, he wrapped his arms around me. "Why are you wearing earplugs?"
"Too noisy," I replied curtly.
There was a long pause before he responded, tightening his grip on my arm. "The neighbors upstairs must’ve been loud."
Then, as if relieved, he released my arm and chuckled lightly. "Well, it’s quiet now. Let’s get some rest, Alli."
As he leaned closer, a pungent, fishy scent hit me. I pushed him away.
"Don’t hold me. It’s too hot."
He stroked my hair gently and murmured, "Goodnight, my wife," before turning away.
The next morning, he woke up Sarah, who had stayed in the guest room, and they left for the lab together.
I prepared my gear, including a gas mask. Fully suited up, my voice was altered, and no one could recognize me.
Before heading out, I received a message from the chief advisor.
[Comrade Allison, stay safe. I’ll be ready to assist.]
I replied and made my way to the lab.
As soon as I arrived, the symbol on my uniform made it clear to everyone—I was the advisor.
