As soon as Richard's words landed, Claire slammed the door shut with a loud bang, her movement swift and resolute.
The force of the door slamming startled Ruby, causing her to stumble back a couple of steps. She stared at the closed door, her eyes welling up with tears that shimmered faintly under the light. Despite the rejection, she called out to the person inside.
"Richard, don't you have anything to say to me? Have you really forgotten all the good times we shared?" Her voice broke into a sob. "Richard, please!"
Even though there was no response from inside, Ruby kept going, undeterred. "Richard, can't you open the door? Please? I really have something to talk to you about! I even made your favorite Black Forest cake. Do you remember how we used to bake it together? I tried to m
