The Scarlet Duke (Corset Chronicles #3)
The Seven Stages of Romantic Delusion
Field Notes — T.D.
Objective: To demonstrate that what society calls romantic love is in fact a predictable sequence of biological, cognitive, and territorial responses. Each stage must be observed, measured, and disproven as “love.”
Mechanism — Visual Symmetry Bias Aim: To prove that “love at first sight” is merely the brain’s preference for balanced features, familiar proportions, or one’s predetermined “type.”
Method:
Record first impressions of Subject.
Compare reaction intensity to facial symmetry ratios.
Determine whether attraction decreases when symmetry is obscured.
Expected Conclusion: Attraction is aesthetic recognition, not emotional depth.
2. The Talking Stage
Mechanism — Cognitive Mapping Aim: To prove that seeking “common ground” is simply the ego searching for its own reflection in another person.
Method:
Catalogue conversational overlaps.
Identify whether “connection” increases only when similarities are found.
Note ego-reinforcing responses.
Expected Conclusion: Validation masquerades as compatibility.
3. Physical Reactions
Mechanism — Involuntary Autonomic Response Aim: To prove that blushing, trembling, and accelerated pulse are symptoms of hysteria, not “sparks.”
Method:
Physical touch with Subject. (A brush of a hand, a waltz)
Measure pulse before and after proximity to Subject.
Compare to adrenaline-inducing stimuli (exercise, fear or sport).
Expected Conclusion: The body reacts to stimulus, not sentiment.
4. Jealousy
Mechanism — Territorial Resource Guarding Aim: To prove that the “sting” of seeing Subject with another is a primitive reflex to protect a perceived asset.
Method:
Observe emotional response to perceived competition.
Compare to reactions in non-romantic resource threats.
Expected Conclusion: Possession, not affection.
5. Yearning
Mechanism — Dopamine Withdrawal Aim: To prove that “missing” someone is a chemical dependency.
Method:
Track emotional state during Subject’s absence.
Compare to withdrawal symptoms from other dopamine-linked activities.
Expected Conclusion: Addiction, not attachment.
6. The First Kiss
It is my belief that one can sufficiently prove the notion of ‘butterflies’ in one’s stomach in relation to a kiss is just distress caused by hysteria.
Mechanism — Sensory Overload & Gastrointestinal Distress Aim: To prove that “butterflies” are simply the body’s panic response to overstimulation.
Method:
Record physiological changes during first contact.
Compare to symptoms of acute stress.
Expected Conclusion: Hysteria, not harmony.
7. Falling in Love / Consummation
The next and final stage of romance’s grand delusion is the physical act of love. Mechanism — The Mechanical Convergence Aim: To prove that “becoming one” is a purely physiological act with no metaphysical binding of souls.
Method:
Document physical responses during intimate encounter with Subject.
Note Subjects demonstration and knowledge of female pleasure responses and vice-versa.
Hypothesize that such proficiency results from male Subjects prior study of female anatomy whilst females remain chaste for propriety’s sake, indicating practiced lust from male Subjects rather than emotional singularity.
Expected Conclusion: Two bodies aligning for mutual benefit — not two souls intertwining.
Final Hypothesis: Romantic love is a sequence of biological impulses, cognitive distortions, and territorial instincts. The illusion of “depth” arises only when the Subject is skilled enough to manipulate these responses.
Love is a delusion.