Who’s Using My Stuff

My husband and I turned the entire house upside down looking for that new little toy wed bought.
It was nowhere to be found.
My live stream was about to start, so I had to give up and head to my studio.
But no sooner had I walked through the door than my phone buzzed with a notification from the toys app: Rolling Heatwave Mode has been activated.
Did Ethan find it? I wondered.
I shot him a video call, but he was still half-asleep, mumbling drowsily from our bed.
I was too embarrassed to ask, so I just told myself it was probably a glitch with the toy.
Shaking it off, I started my stream.
But right when I was deep in a chat with my followers, my phone lit up again. Same app. Passion Burst Mode has been activated.
My mind went into overdrive.
I was here. My husband was asleep at home.
So who was it? Who was using my things?!

1
A chill shot up my spine. My phone buzzed one last time: Your Wicked Wanda is operating at high intensity. Battery level is critical at 7%.
My mind flashed through all the blush-worthy pre-set modes. Was this a system bug, or
I ended the stream right then and there, floored the gas, and raced home.
Was I really about to become the subject of the kind of gossip I usually just read about online?
I burst into the bedroom. It was pitch black, and Ethan was still snoring peacefully.
I immediately checked the entry log on our smart lock.
No one had entered or left. My frayed nerves eased slightly.
On the drive home, Id already decided: if he had cheated on me, Id kick him out on the spot. I calmed myself down and checked the toys app again. It showed the device was active within a six-foot radius of my phone.
Six feet?!
But I searched every inch of that area and found nothing.
And there was no sign of anyone else having been in the house.
I was so frustrated I wanted to smash my phone.
I couldnt sleep all night. The toy had been active just moments ago, so how could it have just vanished into thin air?
The incident left me deeply unsettled.
A few days later, I decided to surprise Ethan by coming home during my usual streaming time. He wasn't there.
I video-called him. He rejected it.
A moment later, a text came through.
Almost home, babe. I have a surprise for you.
Sitting in the living room, my mind couldn't help but replay that strange night. Anger simmered in my gut. When he got here, I was going to demand some answers.
He walked in, saw me on the couch, and wrapped his arms around me.
Babe, what are you doing home so early?
I didnt return the hug. Where were you? I asked, my voice flat.
He chuckled and pulled a small card from his pocket with a flourish.
Surprise, honey! Happy?
In his hand was an autographed photo of my all-time favorite basketball player, Jaden Cross.
Id been so busy lately that Id completely forgotten his team was in town for an exhibition game. Id also forgotten it was my birthday.
Seeing the signature, most of my anger melted away. I couldn't believe he'd gone all the way to the game just for this.
The tension broke, and my eyes instantly welled up with tears. I felt a pang of guilt for ever doubting him.
I hugged him tightly, apologizing for my cold attitude.
He stroked my hair. A husband should always be there for his wife, support her career, and even stand in line for autographs for her.
A wave of pure joy washed over me. How could a man who loved me this much ever betray me?

2.
The next few days were peaceful.
But just in case, I set up a small security camera in the living room, telling Ethan it was to keep an eye on our dog, Mochi.
Today, the broadcast of the game was released, and I posted a picture of the autographed photo on my social media.
Finally got my idols autograph! A dream come true! So happy!
The post drew a lot of comments and likes from basketball fans.
Then, one comment was pushed to the top.
Youre a fake fan. You bought that on eBay.
I replied instantly: I did not! And Im not a fake fan!
I even posted photos of my ticket stubs from games Id attended over the past ten years.
The comment section turned into a warzone between my defenders and those accusing me of clout-chasing.
A few minutes later, the same account posted a screenshot of a redacted eBay transaction, hammering the final nail in my coffin.
The autograph sold by that eBay seller was identical to the one I was holding.
Even the little doodle on the corner of the card was in the exact same spot.
Suddenly, a horrible thought struck me. My heart sank.
I immediately opened eBay, found the original seller, and messaged them for details.
Ethan had bought it.
And it wasn't from the game that day. It was from a game in another city, an autograph the seller had gotten months ago.
My anger flared.
Why would Ethan lie to me?
He never went to the game. So where was he that day? And who was he with?
My followers were demanding an explanation. Fuming, I promised them I would get to the bottom of it.
That evening, when Ethan came home, I confronted him, my face a grim mask.
Are you hiding something from me?
He looked at me with a weary expression. You found out, huh? Its about the autograph, isnt it? Look, I bought it as a backup. Ive been so swamped with work, I was afraid I wouldnt make it to the pre-game signing. So I made a Plan B, and its a good thing I did, because I didnt make it in time.
You were busy until midnight?
The game ended at midnight. I didn't believe he was working that late.
Ethan pulled me into a hug, nuzzling my neck. Thankfully, I made it for the second half.
He even showed me a video of himself at the arena with his friends.
Were trying for a baby, remember? Im just trying to work extra hard to save up for formula and diapers.
Seeing him so motivated for our future family, my expression softened.
You could have just told me the truth, honey. When I posted the photo, my fans accused me of being a fake. I could barely defend myself.
Ethan promised immediately, It wont happen again! I swear, babe.
He held me close and kissed me twice. Just then, Mochi trotted over, rubbing against my legs.
But around his neck was a new bandana Id never seen before.
I stared at it, certain I hadn't bought it.
Where did Mochi get this new bandana? I havent bought him one recently.
My tone was serious, and Ethan waved a dismissive hand.
Oh, probably a freebie from the groomer. I didnt even notice.
His expression was perfectly natural. He yawned, said he was exhausted from overtime, and went to take a shower.
I nodded, my face a placid mask.
As he walked into the bedroom, the knot in my stomach tightened.
Id been taking Mochi to the same groomer for years. They never gave out free bandanas.
And more importantly, caught in the fabric of this one was a single, long, reddish-brown curl.
I touched my own short, dark hair. It definitely wasnt mine.
And in all the years wed lived here, no one with reddish-brown hair had ever set foot in our apartment.
There were too many strange things about Ethan lately. My intuition was screaming at me.
He was lying.

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