The common room was cozy, with the warm glow of the fireplace illuminating the dark stone walls. Students lounged around, but you were tucked away in your favorite corner, studying with a sense of comfort that had always come from being in this space. Regulus had been acting strange lately, a shift in his demeanor that left you feeling uneasy.

As you turned the page of your textbook, the door swung open. You looked up and your gaze landed on Bellara. She scanned the room until her eyes locked onto Regulus.

“Regulus!” she called, her voice bright and teasing. “There you are! I’ve been looking for you!”

You felt your stomach twist as you observed the way she moved toward him, her demeanor flirtatious and confident. Regulus turned at her call, and although he smiled, you noticed a fleeting shadow of guilt cross his features.

“Hey, Bellara,” he replied, his tone warm but cautious. You could see him wrestle with the familiarity of her presence as she closed the distance between them.

“I was hoping we could go over that assignment together,” she said, leaning in slightly. “You know, just for fun!”

Regulus nodded, but there was a hesitation in his eyes that told you he wasn’t entirely comfortable. He shifted his weight, glancing briefly in your direction as if to reassure himself of where he stood. The moment hung between them, thick with unspoken feelings.

“I—uh, I can’t tonight,” he said, his voice strained as he pulled his attention back to her. “I have some plans.”

“Aw, come on! Just a quick study session? It’ll be fun, I promise!” Bellara pouted, an expression that might have melted anyone else’s resolve, but Regulus’s expression remained conflicted.

You watched them, your heart racing as you sensed the inner turmoil he was trying to navigate. He looked at Bellara, then back at you, his expression betraying his affection for you, but he seemed trapped in a situation that felt more like a fleeting distraction than anything meaningful.

And in that moment, you realise that he is cheating on you with her.