643: 14.39

14.39

"Oh, I went to Clarke's office today. I asked whether he wanted to eat the lunch boxes you made, and he said he didn't want to eat them. So he gave it to me."1

"He… he gave the lunchboxes to you? He doesn't want to eat it?" Gaius asked, trying to make sure that he didn't mishear it. Because he just heard something so ridiculous and unbelievable. 

"Yeah, he said that he doesn't want to eat it. He'll buy something from the nearest restaurant instead," Reed replied nonchalantly. "What is it, brother-in-law? You seem… shocked."

Well, of course, Gaius was shocked because it was truly unexpected. 

His husband, Clarke Gaist, gave the lunch boxes he made for him with all his heart just because he didn't want to eat them?

Why?

"W—What do you think about that lunch boxes? Is it good?" Gaius asked, asking for support, and Reed answered with an expected reply. 

"It's great! Brother-in-law, I didn't know that you have such talent in making lunch boxes. I really should've asked you to make more for me! I eat both of them this morning, haha!"

…

Gaius really thought he had lost his touch on cooking, so his husband didn't even want to eat the lunch box he made with all his heart. He even had to wake up early morning so he could make it beautiful.

Yet, all that effort had gone to waste when he gave it to someone else.

"W—Why do you think Clarke gave it to you?" Gaius asked. He still didn't want to believe his beloved husband would ditch it just like that. It might be just a lunch box, but… but that was what Gaius could offer aside from emotional support at home.

He wanted Clarke to taste that heartfelt food he made. Maybe it would ease his worry in the office.

But apparently, it was worthless, so he just gave it to another person instead. 

[That scum! I woke up at 4 in the morning and prepared everything for him. I cooked the best I could so he would have a nice breakfast and lunch even though he was swamped!]

[But he doesn't even appreciate me!]

[Ding! Bai Yunyu's Fatemeter to Clarke Gaist decreases to -100%!]

[Pupa:… You're making that fake announcement again.]

[Pupa: Besides, why are you so worked up over lunch boxes?]

[You don't understand, Pupa. I MADE that lunch boxes. I made it with all of my heart because I really appreciate him working for the family.]

[Pupa: He's not the male lead.]

[It has nothing to do with being the male lead or not! He is the father of my child, and he works hard for us, despite his temperament last night.]

[Pupa:… are you angry at Clarke now?]

[DUH! He doesn't even know how to appreciate his wife's food! What is this bullshit?]

Gaius was heartbroken. He couldn't even breathe properly as he thought about the possibility. 

"Why do I think Clarke gave the food? Maybe he just wants variety? Though, from what I see inside the lunch box, you have a lot of variety in your cooking, brother-in-law," Reed said. He grinned and took advantage of the shocked and heartbroken Gaius by pulling him closer until there was no gap between them.

"Or maybe…" Reed grinned. His eyes were like a predator looking at a delicious meal in his grasp. He just had to drop the last sentence, and the seed of doubt and grief would be planted inside Gaius' heart. 

"Maybe he has someone else in mind? A man like Clarke, he's Superbman, he's so handsome and well-loved by everyone. I suppose he also has plenty of fangirls from young to old, right?"

…

Gaius didn't answer, but both of them already knew the answer well. 

Clarke was always popular as Superbman. Because he was handsome and charismatic. Gaius was often saddened when he saw Clarke being hugged or kissed by young women or even mature ones in the News. They were all crazy for him. You could call Clarke a celebrity superhero. 

Yet, Gaius was always the jealous one. He complained that Clarke had way too many fangirls. So Clarke understandingly avoided starring in superhero movies made for himself because he knew the consequences following the life of a celebrity.

He said that his love for Gaius was the most important. He would do anything as long as they had a happy life together. 

But that was years ago when Gaius and Clarke were still dating. Now years had passed, his appearance had faltered because of age, but Clarke was still the same handsome superhero. He was even better with his mature charm. Gaius was no match. 

Gaius swallowed his saliva, he started having many thoughts about his relationship with Clarke, and none of those thoughts were good ones. 

But he didn't want to be an annoying wife. He shook his head and denied, "No, Clarke loves me only. He said it himself."

"Ahahaha! Brother-in-law, a man's word cannot be trusted completely. They're fickle. Even I often lie to get what I want. I suppose my big brother also has similar qualities to mine. We're brothers, after all. I was a big playboy before I decided to give up that lifestyle," Reed said. He saw the doubt in Gaius' face. His trick to plant that permanent seed of doubt in Gaius' heart had succeeded. 

Gaius might be denying it right now, but that seed of doubt wouldn't leave his heart forever. He would always be suspicious to Clarke, and that was the easiest time for him to strike.

He could manipulate both parties easily, and he had plenty of scenarios running in his head. 

All of them would be fun, though.

"Well, that's just my take. Don't take me seriously, brother-in-law. You see, I had my time as a big playboy in my youth, and Clarke never had one, right? He told me that he never cheated on you after you two were dating and then got married."

"So I was just thinking about the possibility."

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