Ripple's smug smile persisted as he gestured towards Anne, who stood behind Richmond with disappointment etched on her face. Consumed by his bloodlust and the satisfaction of unsettling their relationship, Richmond failed to notice the quiet opening of the door.
Richmond, his claws retracted, dropped Ripple like a discarded puppet and rushed towards Anne, a mix of regret and apology in his gaze. "It's not what you think, my love," he pleaded, desperately hoping to mend the fractures that had widened between them.
Anne, her disappointment giving way to anger, retorted, "You are unbelievable." She entered the house and slammed the door shut, the sound echoing through the hallway. Anger simmered within her, directed not just at Richmond's withholding of the truth but also at the violent confrontation that ensued.