Helen finds herself in a precarious position when her long-term secret lover, Matthew, unexpectedly leaves his family to move in with her just as her affection for him begins to wane. Helen must navigate the suffocating reality of a man she no longer desires invading her personal space, leading her to concoct increasingly absurd and desperate strategies to drive him away. The narrative, delivered in a candid and self-deprecating first-person voice, tracks her descent into chaotic social engineering as she attempts to sabotage her own relationship. Her efforts are constantly thwarted by the unpredictable nature of human connection and the unintended consequences of her own deception.

This novel is characterized by its sharp, observational humor and its willingness to place a flawed protagonist in deeply uncomfortable situations. The narrative structure relies on the absurdity of Helen's schemes, which serve to highlight the protagonist's internal conflict regarding her past choices. The genre conventions suggest a focus on the messy, often unglamorous reality of romantic entanglements rather than idealized scenarios. Readers likely engage with the work for its witty tone and the relatable, if extreme, exploration of wanting to escape a commitment that has lost its luster.