Betrayal on Wheels: A Mother's Decision

Using an alternative account, I secretly join a cycling group chat that my husband, Liam Johnson, is in.

One day, an announcement is made in the group chat. "We'll be organizing a weekend mountain biking activity with an overnight stay, with two people sharing a room. To add some excitement, we'll be drawing lots for room assignments."

I can't really understand it. Curious, I ask, "What if a man and a woman end up drawing the same room?"

Someone immediately responded to my text.

"LOL! You must be new, aren't you, miss?"

"If that's the case, we'll have to congratulate the pair, then!"

"Isn't that kind of excitement the whole point of joining this event?"

The conversation in the group chat grew wilder, and they even started to describe the details of their last event.

"Back then, our friend Wind Breaker even broke his condom and had to knock on my door to borrow one. I was amazed by how vigorous they were moving about then!"

"Oh, I'm jealous of you guys who drew rooms with the opposite gender. I had to share with another guy, and all I could do was lie there, listening to the moans coming from the rooms on either side. Oh, that itch in my heart… I'll definitely pray for a lucky strike before I draw lots this time!"

"Admin, I suggest we split men and women while we draw lots this time to ensure every room has one of each. After all, that's what everyone is really here for…"

However, I paled when I read the texts, my hand trembling as I gripped my phone.

My husband, Liam Johnson, had also participated in the last event. When he came home, he was even telling me vividly how well-organized the event was and how friendly his cycling friends were.

No wonder he was so eager to participate again. It turned out their "friendliness" had gone this far.

At that moment, Liam tagged someone called "Sweet Kitten" and asked, "Are you joining this time?"

He followed up with a shy emoticon sticker, clearly expressing his anticipation.

Sweet Kitten immediately replied, "Oh, don't even get me started. My husband insists on doing some kind of family bonding and dragged me to hike with our son. I just don't get it—my son is already eight years old, so why should my personal time still be taken up?"

I was about to reply to her for being an irresponsible parent when Liam quickly comforted her. "Poor thing! A woman should be more than just a mother—she should be her own person, too."

Sweet Kitten immediately responded with a crying emoticon sticker.

Seeing Liam's sudden considerate act, I laughed in exasperation.

Just a moment ago, we were still arguing over who should take our daughter, Emily Johnson, to her extracurricular class.

It all started because Gina Keyes, my best friend who had been away for several years, finally came back. I wanted to catch up with her over a meal.

However, Liam was displeased. "Is a meal more important than Emily's studies? You're already a mother. Why are you still acting like a young maiden, gossiping with your best friend all day? Can't you put your responsibilities first?"

Back then, I retorted, "You're her father. Why can't you take her, just this once?"

Liam looked at me in disbelief. "Are you crazy? I'm a man—how could I send Emily to her dance class? There are a bunch of moms there. What would people think of me?"

My eyes were burning with rage, seeing the double standards he was imposing.

At that moment, the group chat launched into an event sign-up frenzy. Liam responded quickly.

Sweet Kitten even tagged him and sent a coy emoticon sticker. "You're so heartless, Mr. Johnson! Didn't you say you hoped you'd draw me again? So, how come you're still so eager even when I'm not going?"

Liam sent a kissy face emoticon sticker back. "Don't be upset, little kitten. We'll go out when you have time—just the two of us."

Their interaction set off more teasing in the group chat.

"Oh my, Kitten. It looks like Sir Johnson really left you satisfied the last time!"

Looking at the conversation in the group chat, I struggled to keep my tears at bay and steadied my breath. With a trembling hand, I added my name to the sign-up list.