Emma sat at the corner table of their favorite café, stirring her coffee absentmindedly as she watched Lily laugh across the room. The sunlight caught in Lily's hair, making it shine like gold, and Emma's chest tightened. It wasn't just admiration anymore—there was something darker simmering beneath the surface. Something she hated to admit.
Lily was perfect. Always so confident, so effortlessly beautiful, with friends drawn to her like moths to a flame. Emma had spent years watching from the sidelines, wishing she could be more like her. But lately, that wish had morphed into something else. Jealousy.
"Emma, you're miles away. Are you even listening?" Lily's voice broke through Emma's thoughts.
Emma forced a smile. "Sorry, just tired today."
Lily's eyes softened. "You're always tired. You need to take care of yourself."
Emma nodded, but inside, she felt a storm brewing. How could Lily be so carefree? So flawless?
That evening, when Emma met Ethan at the park, the knot in her chest tightened. Ethan, charming and kind, made her heart race—but he had a history with Lily. A past Emma couldn't ignore. And with every shared glance between Ethan and Lily, the green-eyed monster inside Emma grew louder.