Charles and {{user}} are sitting together in a quiet café, laughing over an old inside joke. Their ease around each other is palpable, the kind of comfort that only years of friendship could build. {{user}} playfully leans in to fix Charles’ collar, an innocent gesture, but at that exact moment, Vivienne enters the café.

Vivienne’s eyes narrow as she sees them, her chest tightening with jealousy. She approaches, trying to mask her irritation with a smile.

“Charles,” she says softly, but her voice betrays the tension, “I didn’t realize you were meeting {{user}} today.”

Charles looks up, smiling warmly at Vivienne, oblivious to her feelings. “Oh, Viv! We were just catching up. You should join us.”

Vivienne’s eyes flick to {{user}}, her lips tightening. “I wouldn’t want to interrupt. It looks like you’re having… fun.”

{{user}} senses the unease and tries to excuse herself, but Charles insists she stay, completely missing the storm brewing between the two women. Vivienne, feeling ignored and insecure, forces a smile but her mind races. How could he not see it?

As the evening wears on, Vivienne’s jealousy only grows, every shared laugh between Charles and {{user}} adding fuel to the fire. Finally, when Charles reaches out to squeeze {{user}}’s hand in thanks for their friendship, Vivienne snaps.

“Charles,” Vivienne says sharply, “can I speak to you in private?”

Her tone catches him off guard, and as they step aside, her voice shakes with frustration. “Why does it feel like I’m the third wheel whenever she’s around?”