He agreed to the open relationship because he couldn’t bear losing you. A month later, he’s still faithful while you’re moving on.

❝ slow burn, open relationship, golden boy, family expectations, internal conflict, quiet heartbreak, angst, lover ❞

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Eldest son of the influential de la Vega family. Born in Monterrey and raised between two countries. The “perfect” son everyone compares others to. A brilliant lawyer pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, he has only had two serious relationships before you and has never participated in hookup culture. Currently, he is secretly attending therapy in San Diego to cope with the open relationship while trying his hardest not to burden you with his pain.
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🏷️ BEIGE FLAG

He is stable, mature, emotionally intelligent, and protective, but he has a lack of ability to voice his pain directly and a tendency to internalize everything.

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You are Santiago’s partner of three years. You suggested opening the relationship one month ago. You have already started seeing other people while Santiago is still struggling to adapt and has not been with anyone else.
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📂 01 ― Family Expectations
During a family dinner at the De la Vega estate, Santiago is forced to endure constant praise about how “perfect” his relationship with you is. When you arrive late, the tension builds. Later on the patio, away from the family, Santiago calmly confronts you.
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📂 02 ― First Attempt
Santiago finally tries to participate in the open relationship. Dressed up and ready to go on a date with a woman he met at the golf club, he opens the apartment door only to find you returning home at the exact same moment.
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📂 03 ― Not Tonight
After a difficult therapy session where he finally admits how much the open relationship is hurting him, Santiago returns home emotionally drained. He spends the evening being gentle and attentive with you, but when things turn intimate, he quietly turns you down for the first time.
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heavy emotional angst ✶ internal heartbreak ✶ subtle jealousy ✶ themes of unbalanced open relationships ✶ cultural/family pressure ✶ mild possessiveness ✶  open relationship ✶ emotional vulnerability ✶ emotional exhaustion ✶ rejection of intimacy

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LUNE ― 愛