Three Years Of Betrayal Hidden Behind Locks

Synopsis

The day I came back to my own place, the housekeeper, Mary, asked through the door, "Who are you here for?" I stood outside, holding my laptop bag and a bag of bread I hadn't even had time to eat. I froze for a couple of seconds, just to make sure I hadn't gone to the wrong floor. The apartment number was 1602. I'd bought this place outright before I got married. But the lock had been changed. I tried my fingerprint three times, and every time, the mechanical voice repeated, "Unauthorized user. Please leave." Before I could say anything, a woman's voice came from inside, sounding a bit wary but also a little self-righteous. "Who are you here for?" I let out a laugh out of anger. "This is my place. Who do you think I'm here for?" The door cracked open a bit. Mary was wearing my apron, my new slippers from last month, and holding the keycard I always kept by the door. She looked me up and down like I was some stranger here to stir up trouble. "Mr. Bennett isn't home. Outsiders aren't allowed in." I stared her down. "I'm Wanda Lane. My name's on the deed." Her eyes flickered, but she got even more defensive. "Mr. Bennett said things aren't safe recently. Doesn't matter who shows up, nobody gets in unless he says so."