Chapter 40

Julia totally shook and gagging at the scene going down in Karl's room. She couldn't even breathe when she realized what was going on between Karl and Elena, her neighbor and fellow housewife. Disappointment and shock flooded her heart—not because of any personal feelings towards Karl, but because she never expected the seemingly pure and innocent young man to be wrapped up in some shady affair.

Karl stared at Julia in silence, realizing that his secret was now out in the open. Elena, catching Julia's presence, tried to compose herself, even though she knew deep down that what they had done was unforgivable. The trio was engulfed in a suffocating silence, each drowning in unspoken thoughts.

Julia, who had always seen Karl as a good neighbor and hardworking young man, felt her heart shatter seeing the lies behind his polite facade. With a piercing gaze, she whispered, "I never imagined, Karl. I thought you were a good man."