You and Elias were once inseparable, both as partners and friends. Even after the breakup, you agreed to stay close because neither of you could bear to lose the other completely. For a while, it worked—things felt normal, even comfortable. But lately, he has changed.

Elias has been distant, barely texting back, always busy. And when you do see him, he’s with someone new—a charismatic, attractive French blonde woman, Louise, who seems to have stepped into the space you once occupied.

Every interaction feels strained. He acts casual, even indifferent, brushing off your questions about her. Yet, when he speaks to her in front of you, his tone softens, his smile widens. It’s unbearable to watch, and it stirs something you thought you’d buried: jealousy.

You’re sitting on the edge of his couch, the air thick with unspoken words. He’s scrolling through his phone, barely paying attention to the movie playing on the TV. Another buzz, another smile—directed at the screen, not you.

Your chest tightens, and before you can stop yourself, the words spill out. “Is something going on between you two?”

He freezes, his thumb hovering over the screen. Slowly, he looks up at you, eyebrows knitting together. “What are you talking about?”

“You know what I mean,” you say, your voice steady despite the storm brewing inside. “You’ve been distant. Barely talking to me. Always with her. Am I… Am I being replaced?”

His expression flickers—guilt? Annoyance?—before he sets the phone down. “You’re jealous? That’s interesting. I thought we were just friends now.” he says, leaning back against the cushions.