The Stranger In My Slippers

The guy from the mountains the Ronald family sponsored finally made it into graduate school.

He was ecstatic, sharing his rags-to-riches story on social mediathe journey from his small town to the city.

He included a photo of himself looking up at Julia, and a caption that hit me like a physical blow: [My patron saint, my cornerstone, the most unique presence in my life~]

The comments were a chorus of adoration.

[Seriously, youre so inspiring! Im taking notes!]

[Those eyes aren't exactly professional, are they? Ship it! Im officially a shipper!] (Liked by the original poster)

[OMG, invite me to the wedding, I'll put my entire savings into the red envelope!] (Liked by the original poster)

[Isn't that Crestwood U's youngest Masters supervisor? Being the academic workhorse for your saviorthat's one hell of a way to repay a debt!]

...

Jasper Cole pinned his own comment: [Thanks for all the well wishes! Hoping to pick up a second certificate (a marriage license) after graduation~.jpg]

I stared at the screen, then scrolled to his most recent update.

It was a few screenshots of Jaspers thesis and the full Acknowledgments section.

Every line mentioned Julias all-nighters, her patient guidance, and her encouragement.

I lingered over the images. I recognized the content.

Id seen those exact drafts on Julias laptop. Shed told me the paper was critically important to her work.

I had run a high fever, staying up late to help her review it, only to find out I was dressing up a borrowed bride.

In that instant, I finally understood that even the most meticulously engineered lifethe most solid marriagecould develop a fatal fissure.

When I walked into the house, I froze.

A guy in a tank top, wearing my personalized house slippers, was busy chopping fruit in the kitchen.

When he saw me, a flicker of irritation at being interrupted crossed his eyes, quickly masked.

Ezra? Ive seen your picture. Youre even handsomer in person.

He came out, holding the fruit bowl. He was completely at ease, as if he owned the place.

Julia was sitting on the sun-drenched balcony, absorbed in her laptop, so focused she hadn't even registered my arrival.

The academic exchange I was on wasn't supposed to end until two days from now, but my section was complete, so Id flown home early.

Im Jasper, Ezra. Gen must have mentioned me.

He set the bowl down and then lifted his gaze to Julia with an intensely devoted look.

Ive been writing my thesis these past few days. My dorm was so loud, I just couldnt sleep, so Gen invited me to stay here for a bit.

Dont worry, Ezra. I can handle all the chores. You just focus on your job. Ill take care of Gen.

My brow furrowed instinctively.

Because his dorm was too loud, Julia brought him home?

That was a difficult justification to swallow.

Julia and I grew up together. She wasnt the kind of person to abandon basic boundaries out of simple pity.

The reason I agreed to marry her in the first place was that we knew each other's blueprint. We were intellectual equals, a formidable pair.

Even if we couldn't be a passionately romantic couple, we certainly wouldn't become bitter enemies.

Besides, in many marriages, a perfect fit matters more than mere feeling.

Julia was devastatingly smart, gorgeous, came from old money, and had no bad habits.

The Kane and Ronald families were long-time business partners. It wasnt a dramatic corporate merger, but it was a clear symbiosis.

As a marriage partner, there was no better choice.

But more than that.

We did like each other, fiercely, beyond all the careful calculations.

To this day, the memory of her believing I was going on a blind dateflying across two continents from an academic conference to appear on my doorstepcould still make my chest ache.

Julia Ronald, always so composed and aloof, had been a beautiful mess that day.

Her hair was wind-bitten, her clothes were wrinkled from a night of anxiety, and her red-rimmed eyes showed the strain of sleepless nights.

Ezra Kane, if you want to get married, will you marry me?

I stood in the doorway, holding two heavy bags of trash, completely stunned.

Julia was a pure scientist.

She wasn't good at expressing emotion; shed never once told me she loved me.

Even her attempts at comfort were awkward.

When I lost the top spot in a class competition, she poked my head and mocked, "You're pathetic. Try to catch up next time.

Then she'd grab my test paper and dissect all my mistakes.

She never once considered missing a question just to make me feel better.

We married naturally, becoming everyones definition of the 'Perfect Equation.'

I remember the night before I left for my overseas fellowship. After we made love, she tucked her head into my chest, a rare moment of vulnerability.

Ezra, lets have a baby.

I softly agreed.

Barring any unforeseen event, we were supposed to be endgame.

But now, it seemed complicated.

My face set into a hard mask, and I walked straight past Jasper, my leather soles hitting the freshly polished wood floor.

Wait, Ezra, I just mopped this morning! Couldnt you change your shoes?

Jasper gasped in alarm, which finally drew Julias attention.

I gave him a cold look. Slippers are personal items. I dont like wearing what other people have worn.

The guest slippers in our house are completely different from that pair.

More importantly, Julia and I wear matching couples slippers. They were clearly visible by the door.

Jasper froze.

He had assumed I would endure his presence, given that the Ronalds sponsored him and Julia brought him here. He thought Id be forced to swallow my anger.

But I didnt care about those politics.

He quickly peeled off the slippers and put them in front of me, sounding flustered. IIm so sorry. Where I grew up, a lot of people share one pair of slippers. I didnt realize you had so many rules and Ive never seen slippers this nice.

Julia came in from the balcony with her water glass. Jasper glanced up at her, his eyes full of unspoken appeal for rescue.

The woman he saw as his savior didn't immediately take the bait.

When Julia saw me, the coolness in her eyes softened.

You finished early? Why didnt you tell me so I could pick you up?

I tossed my carry-on bag onto the sofa, about to speak, but Jaspers choked voice cut me off.

Gen, Im so sorry. I think I made Ezra mad. I truly didnt know I couldnt wear his slippers Ill buy you a new pair to replace them

Julia looked at him, then shifted her gaze back to me.

This is Jasper Cole. I mentioned him to youhe just started grad school. His dorm situation is pretty bad, so hes staying here for a few days.

I knew the Ronald family sponsored numerous students.

Jasper Cole was one of them.

He had four sisters and a younger brother. Jasper was the eldest.

Without the Ronalds, he likely would have ended up like his three sisters, married off right after turning eighteen.

I knew of him.

But I hadn't known that, in the single month I was away, he had moved into my home, wearing my footwear.

Ezra, Im just a small-town guy. I dont know any better. Please dont hold it against me. Now that well be living together, maybe you can teach me the house rules

Small-town guy?

Living together?

I gave a harsh laugh.

What about the watch on your wrist? And the cologne youre wearing? I keep those in the master bathroom, next to the shower. We may not have house rules, but didn't your school teach you not to take what isn't yours?

I scoffed, picked up my slippers, and tossed them straight into the trash can.

There were four pairs of perfectly clean guest slippers in the rack by the door. He deliberately chose Julias and my couples set.

Julia frowned slightly, looking exasperated. Well go out and buy a new pair after dinner. Its just a pair of slippers, Ezra.

I rejected the idea flatly. Ive been awake for fifteen hours. I dont have the time or the energy to go out just to replace a pair of slippers.

Julia opened her mouth but said nothing.

The pressure in the room was suffocating.

Jasper tugged at his pants, looking miserable, and meekly apologized. Im sorry, Ezra. Ill mop the floor until its spotless. And Ill buy the slippers.

We have a robot vacuum. Dont put on a performance of unnecessary suffering in front of me.

I walked straight back to the bedroom. Behind me, I heard a stifled, humiliated gasp.

By the time Id washed up and come out, Jasper Cole had already packed his bags and left.

Julia was leaned against the sofa, her eyes lowered. Her profile was soft yet cool, her eyelashes thick and dark.

Youre angry. What is the reason for the anger?

We had agreed when we married that clear communication was paramount.

Say what you mean directly; it saves time wasted on speculation and second-guessing.

We werent going to test our relationship with the silent treatment.

Professor Ronald, bringing a grown man to live in our home? Thats not a choice you would make.

I was blunt.

She covered her mouth and let out a light laugh, her eyes shining with warmth. Are you jealous, Ezra? I thought you didnt care about me anymore.

I paused. The flattery was tempting

But it was clearly not the answer I was looking for.

Hes just a student sponsored by the Ronalds. He needs a temporary place to stay because of the dorm environment and social issues.

The apartments my parents offered were either too far or needed to be cleaned

I smirked. Julia, without the Ronald family, without you, would those difficulties even register as problems?

The complaints about not being used to dorm life, or being scared to talk to roommates?

Those are not the words of a young man from an impoverished background.

And hes twenty-seven, not seventeen.

He spent two years retaking the college entrance exam and three years trying for grad school.

Julia might believe his flimsy excuses, but I wouldn't.

Didnt those constantly updated videos and commented replies speak volumes about his intentions?

You didnt need a mans intuition to see it; anyone with eyes could tell.

I know. Thats why I told him to go back.

She sat next to me and rested her head on my shoulder. Ive been so exhausted lately. I cant even sleep soundly when youre not here

Julia Ronald can live without anyone, but she cant live without Ezra Kane.

You have to trust me.

I thought for a moment, then nodded.

If twenty-plus years of friendship and marriage could be shaken this easily, what did my absolute commitment to Julia mean?

I still believed she was fundamentally a good person. Even if we lacked fiery romance, she wouldn't do anything dishonorable.

The next morning, I drove to the lab in Julias car as usual.

She still brewed my herbal tea before dawn, preparing my days vitamins and fruit with meticulous care.

Nothing seemed to have changed.

During my lunch break, I checked my phone. The algorithm immediately served up Jaspers latest plog: [I must fly like a bird toward my mountain. Thank you to my Goddess!]

The first picture in the album was of my favorite book.

When Julia and I first got married, I used to hold her and ask her to read it to me every night.

But the copy she gave to Jasper? It had the authors signature.

My hand felt stiff as I scrolled down. Below the book was a screenshot of her chat history with him.

Gen: [Don't dwell on such small matters.]

Gen: [If you're upset, go to the lab. You shouldn't waste your energy on something like slippers.]

Worlds Cutest Stud: [Well, why can someone else waste theirs?]

Gen: [I can't control others. I don't allow you to waste yours.]

Worlds Cutest Stud: [Hehe, I'm honored~ Yes, maam! Salute.jpg]

I slid through the comments, feeling the blood drain from my entire body.

[OMG, what kind of angelic supervisor is this? She is so protective!] (Liked by the original poster)

[The domineering CEO-style mentor. And her face is absolutely right for the role.] (Liked by the original poster)

[Im obsessed. Is it too late to go back and get a grad degree?]

[Dont be delusional, commenter above. The supervisors we get are like mine: three sentences, and two of them are about how bad my paper is. Must be original content.]

[Keep the updates coming! I love shipping you two in my free time!] (Liked by the original poster)

Distracted, I took the list a colleague handed me.

Ezra, this is the list of students Crestwood U selected for the project. Want to take a look?

I nodded, signing my name without looking.

This was a joint project between our lab and CU. The CU contact hoped we could give their students some exposure.

Our project team agreed to let them send resumes for screening.

We planned to keep about ten students.

I drove home that night. Julia had already cooked dinner.

I changed into the new slippers she had bought for me and put my phone in front of her. Why didnt you bring back a signed copy of that book for me?

She didnt like social media; she preferred phone calls for communication.

I needed to make her see how Jasper interpreted her every action.

And how everyone else perceived their relationship.

Her frown deepened, and she put the phone down, her voice tight. I understand.

Julia explained the signed book was a gift she asked a contact to bring back for a group of her students, not just Jasper.

I didnt get one because, she claimed, I preferred the content to the celebrity.

As for Jasper, she said she would handle it.

I looked at her and gave a slow nod. Okay. I trust you.

One last time.

Life resumed its routine. The lab project got underway.

Just as I was preparing to pull an all-nighter, Julia called.

Professor Ronald, who usually preferred home-cooked meals, was actually taking me out on a dinner date.

I looked at the empty lab and readily agreed.

It was the familiar old restaurant, one Julia and I had frequented since high school.

They made the best smoked and cured meats in the city.

Just as we sat down, a familiar figure appeared nearby.

It was Jasper Cole.

He was carrying a tray, pouring water and taking orders for a newly arrived table.

When he saw usno, when he saw Juliahis eyes immediately brimmed with tears.

He lowered his head, trying to hide his distress, his hand gripping the order pad so tightly his knuckles turned white.

I swirled the drink in my glass, watching him in silence.

Julia looked at him, a flicker of concern crossing her features. Did the Ronald family stop your funding?

Jasper took a deep breath, trying to control his voice, but it still trembled. Im grateful to Mr. Ronald and to you for your help and care. But I think I should rely on myself and work my way through school now.

He stole a cautious glance at me, adding pointedly, That way, I wont upset Professor Kane anymore.

I lifted my head, my gaze piercing. You want to work? With your masters degree, you could tutor privately or teach at an agency. There are plenty of options.

But you chose to work as a server at a restaurant we frequent. I wonder what your intentions are.

Jasper reacted as if Id stepped on his tail, quickly defending himself. It was just a coincidence. Gen brought me here once before, and I saw the Help Wanted sign. I just want to earn more money

I smiled faintly.

Earn money?

What part-time job pays less than waiting tables for a Crestwood University graduate student?

A student should look and act like a student. Id prefer to see clear stupidity in your eyes than so much obvious calculation.

He suddenly stopped moving, his voice choked. Mr. Kane, not everyone is as articulate and bold as you are.

I came from a small town. Im slow-witted. I didnt even know you couldnt share a pair of slippers, and Im terrified of dealing with powerful people. All I know is that all work is the same. You earn money in your glamorous lab, and I earn money serving here.

I know you look down on me, but you cant repeatedly humiliate me!

Julia turned her head, her gaze resting lightly on me. Ezra, don't push a young man when hes already down.

Jasper stood next to Julia, his eyes red and his posture trembling.

He gave me a sincere bow. Professor Kane, Im sorry. I shouldnt have shown off the little kindness Gen gave me, and I shouldnt have made you unhappy. I formally apologize. Ill delete all the videos.

And please, stop making things difficult for me!

How have I made things difficult for you?

Jasper looked mournfully at Julia, then bit his lip and spoke in a repressed, heavy tone.

The lab project youre running I applied for that, too

I know you dont like me, but I worked so, so hard. Why would you deny me that opportunity?

It suddenly dawned on me. Ah, so this little performance was all for this.

A few days ago, the selected CU students started reporting to our lab.

As fate would have it, three of the four students in Jaspers dorm room were selected.

When they returned to school, they couldnt stop talking about our lab.

The most heavily funded lab in the state! Mom and Dad, I finally made you proud!

Turns out, being a workhorse depends on where youre workinga golden cage is better than a doghouse, and this is like a diamond mansion

The cafeteria food is amazing, and its free!

Highlight of my resume. I hear the husband of one of our professors works there!

Our supervisor, Professor Kane, is incredible. Young and brilliant. I love him almost as much as I love Brad Pitt!

I had reviewed the resumes of every accepted student, but Jaspers had never reached my desk.

I immediately messaged the colleague in charge of selection, asking for Jaspers resume. I opened it and glanced at the contents.

Before asking others why, ask yourself why not.

Julia stared at me silently, her eyes devoid of any softening.

I knew she was angry.

Ezra, dont play with someone elses future.

I felt a prick of surprise, followed by a wave of self-mockery.

I laughed at how, after all these years, I still hadnt seen her clearly.

I laughed at how, after all these years, she still hadnt known me.

Otherwise, why would she believe a stranger over me?

Seeing Julia defend him, Jaspers voice grew even more pitiful. Professor Kane, I know Ive made mistakes, but Im not blaming you. Getting into that lab is just a word from you

Stop. I dont have the power to control everything, and if I did, I wouldnt waste it on you.

Julia seemed unconvinced.

I asked about the project. Youre the lead coordinator.

I know it was a joint decision, so I didnt plan to interfere, but today, youre being overly aggressive.

I let out a cold laugh. Im being aggressive?

Out of respect for you, I accepted his resume after the submission deadline.

How can a student who hasn't even passed his English proficiency exam have the basic ability to read technical documents?

Or should I show you the resumes of the other students?

Jasper forgot to act wounded, looking anxiously at Julia, clearly terrified she would blame him.

Gen, you know I dont get along with my roommates. They didnt want to tell me about the opportunity. By the time I found out, it was too late

I was beyond anger, I was amused.

How could one person shift all responsibility onto others?

The project announcement was posted everywhere on your campus. If you missed it, fine. But what obligation did your roommates have to notify you personally?

But I have a paper!

A sudden spark of defiance lit up Jaspers eyes. My paper is higher quality than the research of the students who have been here for two or three years!

Ah, yes. The paper. It is quite important.

I nodded slowly. But the first three thousand words of that paper alone required me to send you over thirty major revisions. Is that what youre bragging about?

What a twist of fate.

The thesis he was so proud of was the one Id spent an all-nighter fixing.

Dinner was abandoned.

Or rather, my dinner was abandoned.

As I left, Julia ran after me and grabbed my arm.

Hes just a student, Ezra. You dont need to humiliate him in front of all these people.

I yanked my arm away, looking at her coldly. And you, Julia Ronald? When you publicly accused me of targeting him, did you think about how I was supposed to navigate that?

In the three years weve been marriedno, since we methave we ever fought over a person this insignificant?

The answer was never.

Why now?

Ezra, he is my student.

And what does that have to do with me?

Julia didnt come home that night. Some so-called insider posted the video of the restaurant confrontation on Crestwood Us campus gossip page, along with screenshots of Julias social media posts.

[The so-called 'Inspirational Male Student' everyone loves is actually abusing the kindness of his supervisor's family. He cooks, wears the husbands slippers, uses his cologne, and clings to the supervisor. All I can say is that Professor Ronalds husband is too good for this to work. This Jasper guy is trying to be the mistress and failing! He looks shy and sweet, but secretly, he's garbage.]

The comment section exploded, and the post went viral.

Julia was virtually immune, but Jasper became the target of the entire schools outrage.

[Wait, isn't he from my dorm building? I wondered why he was always sleeping outguess my dorm couldnt support His Majestys palace life~]

[Even though all the videos were deleted, he clearly branded himself as an 'Inspirational Blogger.' Do those words even apply to him?]

[Why not? Trying to inspire others to be a side-piece is a type of inspiration, too~.jpg]

[Let's see how the school handles this. Who wouldn't love a young, successful Prof Ronald? Some people have no shame.]

[I remember hes not exactly young. Prof Ronald is only five or six years older.]

[Disgusting. Entering someones home without permission and wearing the husbands slippers. Imagine the foot fungus.]

[That's what you get from guys with no manners. The OP said he used the man's cologne too. Just trash.]

[He must have thick skin. I still draft my messages to my own supervisor in a blank document first]

[Fellow cowards, assemble here!]

I sat in my study, staring at the photo frame on Julias desk.

It was our first photo together.

It was right after our first high school midterm.

We had tied for first place, and the teacher insisted on a joint photo.

I remembered her muttering before the flash went off: Finally, someone who can compete. Youve earned the right to stand next to me.

I scoffed, looking at her. Next time, itll be a solo shot for me, Your Highness. You can stand in the shade.

Dream on, Kane.

Just like that, we became each others sole measuring stick throughout high school.

Julia, what did you get for the last question?

Im too lazy to tell you.

Whatever.

What did you translate that English word to?

Call me Big Sister and Ill tell you.

Get lost.

Julia, which one do you want: Harvard or Stanford?

Which one are you going to?

Harvard.

Then Ill go to Harvard, too.

After our results came out, I went to Yale and she went to MIT.

We saw each other every year, fought every time, and were constant companions.

Finally, as everyone predicted, we became a powerhouse couple.

My phone suddenly vibrated wildly. It was Julia.

The moment I answered, her voice, completely devoid of its usual composure, came through the line. Ezra Kane, how could you spread such malicious rumors? He is still a student! Are you trying to destroy his life? He never did any of those things!

Facing Julias baseless accusation again, I was unnervingly calm.

But why did my chest hurt so badly?

I felt like I was suffocating.

What happened?

I tried to keep my voice steady, though my hands were shaking.

Stop acting innocent! Im starting to doubt if I chose the right person three years ago!

Smash

My hand twitched slightly, and the photo frame crashed to the floor.

Shattered.

Perhaps it wasnt just the frame that was broken.