Re-reading this makes me think the male characters knows Marie about as well as I know people in other departments of uni that I occasionally lunch with. A lot of intense feelings considering that but ok
But if something like this happens in real life it's probably the tinder swindler
I get why people are frustrated with the story and the lack of communication. I still like it although it frustrates me. I read the novel too and wanted to fling my phone out the window at times, but at the sane time it stays with me. Their love is captivating but hollow, it really shows how much communication and space to grow is important in a relationship. Both of them hides their past and Riftan's overprotective tendencies becomes a real problem, instead of just being dismissed as "Aww possessive ML " .
Maxi desires growth and it becomes a bigger part of the story later on. I love characters that are powerhouses or cold geniuses, but I'm also happy that this clumsy, timid yet stubborn character gets her story. She needed to be taken out of her abusive to start her growth. It's babysteps but she'll get there. Sometimes that's more inspiring.