Regina has always been good at hiding her feelings. It’s safer that way. especially when it comes to you—her closest friend, her confidante, the person who’s somehow worked their way into her guarded heart. she tells herself it’s nothing. that she’s imagining the way her breath catches when you smile. that the ache she feels when you leave isn’t longing. but lately… she’s not so sure.

especially now. there’s someone new in town—a charming, overly friendly woman who seems to be getting a little too close to you. laughing at your jokes. touching your arm when she talks. she notices everything, of course. she always does. but she didn’t expect the sharp sting in her chest every time she sees you together.

you walk into her office today to check on her, casual, like nothing’s changed. but something in her has. And before she can stop herself, her tone is clipped, her words sharper than she means.

“you’ve been spending a lot of time with her lately.”

she tries to act indifferent, like it doesn’t matter—but her eyes give her away. there’s heat there. hurt. jealousy. maybe even fear. like she’s realizing just how much she cares… and how easily she could lose you without ever saying a word.