It’s never the final straw that breaks the camel’s back, but every single one that came before.
And Ralph’s arrival was the heaviest of them all.
A junior from Lauren’s literary circle, Ralph was a boy with delicate features and a tongue sweeter than honey. Under the guise of “study and exchange,” he soon became a regular visitor in our small home.
On his first visit, he unceremoniously took my spot on the couch and smiled. “Anthony, you’re such a good house-husband—taking such good care of Lauren. I’m thanking you on her behalf.”
*Wow, this junior is so considerate, immediately acknowledging the male lead’s efforts.*
*Now the male lead has a helper; they can take care of Lauren together from now on.*
The comment section buzzed with approval.
But in his earnest eyes, I caught a flicker of barely concealed disdain.
From that day on, my life grew more crowded. More suffocating.
Ralph always found an excuse to drop by. Sometimes to discuss a literary concept; other times with a dessert he’d “just happened to pass” and pick up. And Lauren was always all smiles for him.
“Junior, that idea is brilliant! Pure inspiration!”
“Ralph, you’re too kind, bringing me cake. Please, sit.”
That kind of gentleness, that patience—in five years, I’d never received it.
The real torture was Ralph’s constant, subtle provocations.
“Anthony, did you over-salt this soup?” He’d take a deliberate sip of the chicken broth I’d spent hours making, frown, and continue right in front of Lauren. “Her stomach is sensitive—she can’t handle much salt.”
And Lauren would immediately put down her spoon. “Anthony, how many times have I told you? Keep it light.”
I had no way to defend myself. I’d tasted that soup. The seasoning was perfect.
“Anthony, this coat looks a bit worn out, doesn’t it? It doesn’t really suit Lauren’s style.” He’d point at the new coat I’d bought, offering his critique with feigned innocence.
Lauren’s gaze would turn critical. The next day, the coat would end up in the donation bin.
*This junior really worries about Lauren every second—true love!*
*The male lead really needs to up his taste; he can’t keep holding Lauren back.*
The comment section hummed in harmony.
I felt like a man trapped under a glass bell jar, screaming my lungs out while everyone outside saw only perfect peace.
Then came the day I caught a bad cold. My head was splitting; I could barely get out of bed. I texted Lauren, hoping she’d come home early with some medicine.
Instead, I waited until late at night. Feverish, drifting in and out of consciousness, I finally heard her return—laughing and chatting with Ralph.
From the living room came the sounds of gaming, cheers, and Ralph’s exaggerated laughter. “You’re amazing, Lauren!”
Struggling up for water, I heard Lauren say to him, impatiently, “Ignore him. He’s a grown man—it’s just a cold. He won’t die. He always makes a big deal out of nothing and ruins my mood.”
Leaning against the doorframe, I felt a chill seep into my bones.
For the first time, the comment feed in my vision fell silent.
Then, one trembling line floated up.
*…Lauren, isn’t that a bit too much?*
It was quickly drowned out.
*Harsh words, soft heart! She probably said that so the junior wouldn’t worry!*
*Exactly! She’ll take care of him secretly later—that’s just her tsundere side!*
Looking at those self-deceiving words, I suddenly found it all laughable.
So it wasn’t only me who had been brainwashed.
