The Narcissist begins spending every day at M.’s place. After a few weeks, he asks if he can move in. She hesitates, suggesting he keep his own place for a few months, just in case.
The ex reappears despite their agreement, leaving M. feeling mad and upset. She discusses it with the Narcissist, but strangely, he seems unaffected and quickly changes the subject, bringing up the idea of moving in together again. Embarrassed by the conversation about her ex, M. feels unable to refuse his request. She doesn’t think that by agreeing, she’s contradicting what she’d already told him – that he should keep his apartment for a while, just in case, which was still the sensible thing to do.
He moves his things in.
On the first night, M. feels overwhelmed and asks if he could sleep at his place. She then learns he’s already given up his apartment. He has nowhere else to go. They’re officially living together.
Unsettling Discoveries
One day, while scrolling through reels on his phone, she notices that Uber Girl – the one he kissed early on – is the first suggestion on his Instagram. He dismisses it, saying it’s just the algorithm. Reluctantly, she lets it go.
Ignoring Boundaries
Living together proves challenging. Within weeks, the Narcissist invites friends to stay over without consulting her. When she voices her discomfort, he brushes it off, saying he would invite friends over even if he had a roommate. Wanting him to be happy, she allows it but reminds him that everything is moving too fast.
During the friend’s stay, she notices another notification from Uber Girl. He insists she only sends reels occasionally and that he never replies. M. believes him – for now.
The Family Visit
A month later, his family plans a visit. M. feels overwhelmed, as it seems too soon to have them over. The Narcissist acknowledges her concerns but insists that his family is going through a tough time, and he wants to support them.
Trying her best, M. incorporates their culture into the holiday, cooking meals after their daily tours despite her growing anxiety. Yet again, she sees a notification from Uber Girl. This time, he claims she’s bothering him, and he doesn’t respond nor react to her messages at all.
But he’s gone one step too far. This time, she doesn’t believe him.
The New Year
His family leaves, and a new year begins.