After Losing Him, They Went Mad

An anthology of stories, with groveling, heartbreak, and deliciously melodramatic angst.

Everyone in the world thinks he's beneath them, as if even his breathing is an eyesore.

If they are rare, dazzling jewels, then he's the grime that accidentally got on them.

As if only by wiping him away can they shine even brighter.

They've grown so used to his presence that they think he means nothing to them.

Then one day, he leaves. Only gradually do they realize how they truly feel, and start losing their minds in earnest.

So they turn red-eyed and grab him by the waist, like domineering CEOs: "Get back here!"

"Sorry, I rolled too far away."

Some people's love is like a spring rain, quietly nourishing parched earth.

It isn't passionate, so you often don't notice it's there.

Only after losing it do you understand: their tenderness is like air. Without it, you die.

First story: C-rank male insect × stern general

All the insects say that Wesley, a C-rank male insect, is lucky enough to marry General Adrian, the Empire's brightest star. It's the kind of luck you only get once in eight lifetimes.

Even if he's just a replacement, he has no reason to be dissatisfied.

Because every insect knows that the Third Prince, the Empire's darling, is the white moonlight in General Adrian's heart.

Wesley is nothing but a fake.

Wesley truly doesn't care what the other insects say. Not because he's vain, but because he trusts Adrian.

Adrian tells him that what the others say isn't true, so Wesley believes him.

From then on, he puts on an apron and quietly takes care of Adrian as a househusband. Their peaceful life goes on for three years.

But one day, he and the Empire's darling are kidnapped by space pirates and taken hostage.

The guards arrive, and after negotiations, the kidnappers agree to release one male insect first.

The beloved General Adrian, the one Wesley loves, reflexively tells the kidnappers, "Release the Third Highness first."

As soon as the words leave his mouth, both Adrian and Wesley freeze.

Wesley returns home injured and sits quietly all night.

The next day, he leaves behind a divorce agreement and walks away with his suitcase from the "home" he had worked so hard to maintain for three years.

Fine. I'm done catering to you!

So why the hell are you going crazy now?

Why are you crying? Why are you kneeling?

Are you really the Empire's brightest star, famous for your calm and strength?

You think pointing a gun at yourself will make me turn back?

If you want to die, go do it somewhere else. Don't sully my doorstep!

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(Fictional setting, unrelated to reality. Please don't conflate it with real life.)

Theme: A rich life should not be defined by love alone