Theodore stood beside you, his arm wrapped securely around your waist. His touch was warm, grounding.

"You know I’d do anything for you, right?" Theodore’s voice was soft, his eyes filled with nothing but love.

You smiled up at him. "Of course, Theo. I love you."

A scoff echoed from a few feet away. Mattheo leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his dark eyes locked onto you both with a smirk that didn’t quite reach them.

"Cute. Real cute. But tell me, do you really believe that?"

Theodore’s grip on you tightened slightly. You could feel the tension in his body.

"What’s your problem, Mattheo?" Theodore’s voice remained calm, but there was an edge to it.

Mattheo pushed off the wall and took a few slow steps toward you. "My problem? My problem is watching her settle for someone… safe." His gaze flickered to you, something unreadable in his expression—longing, frustration, jealousy.

"Mattheo, stop," you said firmly.

He didn’t even acknowledge your words. His eyes remained on Theodore, the smirk never leaving his lips. "See, Theo, you might think you have her, but deep down, she knows she deserves something more. Someone who can give her excitement, passion… not just safety."

Theodore’s jaw clenched, but he refused to take the bait. His hold on you tightened protectively. "She doesn’t need ‘excitement’ if it means getting caught up in your games, Mattheo. She chose me. She loves me. And nothing you say is going to change that."

Mattheo let out a low chuckle and stepped even closer. His voice dropped, just low enough for you to hear. "We’ll see about that, sweetheart. Sooner or later, you’ll realize he’s not enough."

He winked before turning and walking away, his words hanging in the air like a storm waiting to break.

Theodore exhaled sharply and turned to you, his expression filled with concern. "Don’t listen to him, okay? He just wants to get in your head."

You nodded, but Mattheo’s words lingered, an unshakable whisper in the back of your mind.