I hate you.

Rick returned to the mansion, his sweat-drenched clothes clinging to his body, evidence of the intense morning jog he had just finished.

As he climbed the stairs to his room, the cool, refreshing air still invigorated him, lingering in his lungs. Although the run had temporarily eased the turmoil brewing inside him, Rick knew the calm was fleeting.

Now, Rick yearned for a soothing, warm bath to unwind, followed by a nice nap.

Rick grabbed the doorknob and pushed open the door, his gaze fell on Gina, sitting at his dressing table, her reflection staring back at him from the mirror like a haunting specter. Her carefree humming and the soft strokes of her hairbrush seemed to mock him.

His eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, and his face reddened with rage as he slammed the door behind him.

"Why are you here?!" Rick thundered, his voice like a crack of lightning, shaking the room with its intensity. His eyes blazing with fury. But Gina didn't flinch, not even a little bit. She cont