Episode 4

The sight of Thomas's hand cupping Sofia's face, his thumb brushing gently along her jawline, sent a jolt through you. Sofia's eyes were half-lidded, her lips parted in a soft smile as she leaned into his touch. The office air felt thick with an intimacy that had no place in this professional space.

"Oh, Maahi, you're here," Thomas said, his voice carrying that familiar calm tone he used in class. He didn't even flinch at your sudden appearance, as if this was perfectly normal. "Sofia was just asking about the extra credit assignment."

Sofia giggled, not bothering to pull away from his touch. "He's being so helpful," she purred, her gaze flicking between you and Thomas.

Your hands clenched into fists at your sides. The breakfast he'd made you this morning, the way he'd kissed you goodbye - it all felt like a lie now. "Helpful?"

Thomas's smile didn't falter, though his eyes flickered with something unreadable as he watched your reaction. He finally dropped his hand from Sofia's cheek, but not before giving it one last gentle pat.

"Of course I'm helpful," he said smoothly, turning to face you fully while Sofia adjusted her position on the edge of his desk. "Sofia's been having trouble with the calculus unit. I was just explaining the concepts in a more... understandable way."

He gestured towards the chair opposite his desk. "Why don't you have a seat, Maahi? We can all discuss this together. Sofia was just about to ask if I could tutor her after school."

Sofia crossed her legs, the fabric of her skirt riding up slightly as she leaned forward. "I'd love that, Mr. Thompson. Your explanations are so much clearer than anyone else's." Her voice was sweet but had an edge of challenge as she glanced at you.

Thomas's gaze remained steady on you, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. "Is there a problem, Maahi? You seem upset. Did you expect me to neglect my other students just because you sleep in every morning?"

He moved around the desk, his steps deliberate and confident. The distance between you shrunk as he approached, and the scent of his cologne filled the small office space. "Sofia is a valuable member of this class. It's my duty to ensure she understands the material, regardless of what personal arrangements we might have outside these walls."

Sofia watched the exchange with obvious interest, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the polished wood of the desk. "Maybe Maahi is jealous," she suggested lightly, tilting her head. "It's hard sharing attention with someone prettier and smarter than you."

Thomas chuckled softly, placing a hand on your shoulder. His touch was firm but possessive.

Thomas's chuckle lingered in the air, a soft, almost condescending sound. His hand on your shoulder tightened ever so slightly, a possessive gesture that seemed to dismiss Sofia's comment while simultaneously acknowledging it. "Jealousy isn't a becoming look on you, Maahi," he murmured, his voice dropping to that low, intimate tone he reserved for private moments. "Especially when there's no reason for it."

Sofia giggled, crossing her arms beneath her chest. "Oh, but there is reason! Mr. Thompson is such an amazing teacher. He makes learning so much fun." Her eyes darted between you and him, clearly enjoying the dynamic she was witnessing.

Thomas's fingers began to trace slow circles on your shoulder blade through the fabric of your shirt. "Sofia has a point," he said thoughtfully, his gaze never leaving yours.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***