Even in nature, male birds help build nests with their partners, but Arthur couldn't manage that.
When it came to Aria, even for something as simple as installing a wardrobe, Arthur insisted on overseeing every detail as if it were some grand project.
I opened my phone and scrolled through Aria's Instagram.
Although the figures were intentionally blurred, I recognized Arthur instantly.
He was wearing the suit I bought at the airport in April while attending an overseas conference.
It was a four-day event that took me across three countries and four cities.
I didn't buy anything for myself; I only brought back a gift for him.
And now, here he was, wearing the suit I bought, busy helping out at Aria's place.
His sharp suit looked so out of place among the workers.
Aria captioned the photo: [It's good you're here.]
I casually liked the post and turned off my screen.
I was getting ready for bed when Arthur came home.
He hugged me from behind, and I stiffened as a sweet, cloying scent washed over me. Instinctively, I took a couple of deep breaths.
He turned me to face him and explained, "I got dusty moving furniture, so I just washed up quickly at Aria's. Don't overthink it.
"Also, Aria's the type who posts everything on Instagram. She's pretty sentimental," he added, trying to justify Aria's recent post.
I loved posting, too.
For those of us who studied languages, self-expression was second nature.
"You people just love baring your souls on social media. Don't you think it's kind of invasive?" he remarked.
After that, I never forgot Arthur's words before posting anything, and eventually, I just stopped altogether.
Arthur pulled me close, pressing my face against his chest.
I shoved him away forcefully.
He looked surprised.
"What's wrong now?
"Look, I'm exhausted, but I rushed home to be with you. I'm not asking for sympathy, but at least don't give me grief when I'm this tired."
"If it was such a hassle, why didn't you just stay there? It would've been more convenient to look after things," I retorted.
"Charlotte! That's going too far! Aria's not that kind of woman, and we're not in that kind of relationship!"
Arthur's expression turned cold, his earlier gentleness wholly gone.
The next day, Arthur left on a business trip.
I got the news from Aria.
Thanks to her urge to overshare, I spotted a road sign from the neighboring city on her Instagram.