The third day of Fiona’s presence at Zenith was different. She wasn’t just visiting Dev’s office anymore — she was shadowing him. Meetings, presentations, even casual discussions — Fiona was there, smiling, reminiscing, and occasionally dropping hints about their past.

Thripthi felt the shift immediately. It wasn’t just business anymore. Fiona was testing her.

Scene 1: The Elevator Encounter

Thripthi stepped into the elevator, her files tucked neatly under her arm. Just as the doors were closing, Fiona slipped in beside her.

Fiona (smiling): “Busy day?”

Thripthi (calmly): “Every day is busy here.”

Fiona (leaning slightly closer): “It used to be busy for me too, when Dev and I worked together. He thrives on chaos.”

Thripthi (steady, but sharp): “He thrives on discipline. Chaos is just noise.”

Fiona tilted her head, amused. Thripthi kept her gaze forward, her jaw tight.

Scene 2: The Corridor Observation

Later that morning, Thripthi walked past Dev’s office. The door was slightly open. Fiona was inside, leaning comfortably against the desk, laughing at something Dev said.

Thripthi slowed her steps, pretending to adjust her files. Dev’s eyes flicked toward the door, catching her silhouette. He noticed the way she lingered, the faint crease in her brow, the way her lips pressed together.

Dev (to himself, amused): “She’s watching. And she doesn’t even realize how much she’s showing it.”

Scene 3: Fiona’s Hint

Later that morning, Fiona joined Dev in the break area. Thripthi walked in, intending to grab a quick coffee, but paused when she saw them.

Fiona (laughing): “You still take your coffee black. Some habits never change.”

Dev (glancing at Thripthi, then back to Fiona): “Some habits do.”

Thripthi (pouring her coffee, voice calm but pointed): “Change is necessary. Without it, habits become weaknesses.”

Dev’s lips curved faintly. He caught the spark in her tone, the subtle jab hidden in professionalism. Fiona raised a brow, sensing the tension.

Scene 4: Evening Conversation

That evening, Fiona left earlier than usual. Thripthi knocked lightly on Dev’s door, stepping inside with a file.

Thripthi (calm, but firm): “Your approvals for tomorrow’s agenda.”

Dev (taking the file, steady): “Thank you.”

Thripthi (hesitant, then softly): “She’s… comfortable here.”

Dev (leaning back, amused): “Too comfortable?”

Thripthi (meeting his gaze): “Maybe.”

Dev (quietly, enjoying her reaction): “And you’re uncomfortable. Cute.”

Her cheeks warmed, but she didn’t look away. Dev’s gaze lingered, steady, unspoken.

Closing Scene

Later that night, Thripthi replayed the day in her mind. Fiona’s hints, Dev’s rare smiles, her own sharp words. She couldn’t explain why it mattered so much, but it did.

Dev, meanwhile, sat in his study, recalling Thripthi’s reactions. He had seen jealousy before, but never like this — never so subtle, so unspoken, so… endearing.

It’s about Fiona’s presence. It was about boundaries — the kind that jealousy tests, and the quiet joy of watching someone care more than they admit.