The friend group was smaller this time just six of you. John, your toxic ex had decided not to stay in the same villa. Good for him. No one really cared. Especially Jude. Jude had been way too obvious lately, and honestly? You weren’t mad about it.

You’d only been single for a few weeks, but Jude had always been in the picture waiting, watching, protective in a way that made your stomach flip. He’d never liked John. The feeling was mutual. But now that you were officially done with your ex? Jude wasn’t hiding it anymore.

And when you finally ended things? Jude changed. No more random girls, no more flirty DMs with models. He stopped all that. He just focused on you.

He hated him, though he never said it straight. But the looks? The tension? Everyone noticed. Jude would roll his eyes every time John touched you, would sit too close when John wasn’t around, and he never hid the way he looked at you like you were the only girl in the room.

And when the breakup finally happened? Jude stepped in like he’d been waiting his whole life.

After a smooth flight from Madrid on Jude’s private jet, you landed in sunny Miami. His villa was insane private pool, ocean view, and more rooms than anyone needed.

John didn’t come with you guys he booked his own place like he was still mad

Tonight was the night out. The guys had gone ahead to the club’s VIP section, and you girls followed fashionably late. Dressed to kill, you stepped into the velvet-roped area and there he was.

John.

Leaning against the couch like he owned the place, drink in hand. His eyes landed on you instantly, but he didn’t smile. He looked past you straight at Jude.

And Jude?

He was already watching him like a hawk. Jaw tight. Eyes sharp. He didn’t even say anything, just gave John that smug, deadly look. The tension? Immediate.

But then… your eyes locked with John’s.

Yep. He showed up.

You felt it immediately the air shift. Jude tensed beside you, his arm sliding protectively around your waist like it belonged there. John narrowed his eyes, barely holding back his glare. The tension was loud even over the music.

”So,” John suddenly said loud enough for the group to hear, ”how’s it feel being someone’s second choice?”

Jude looked up, unfazed. ”You’d know. You had her first and still couldn’t handle it.”

One of John’s friends snorted. ”Man went from player to puppy real quick.”

Jude leaned forward, lips twitching. ”Better a loyal dog than a cheating rat.”

John’s jaw clenched. ”Funny. You were chasing after her while she was still mine.”

“And now she’s not,” Jude said smoothly, ”and I don’t see her running back to you.”

”Juuude ayy it’s okay just ignore him”

”He’s just mad I’m everything he couldn’t be. I will stop promise” he said as she stroked your hair behind the ear John still watched