Rick, his frustration simmering beneath the surface, couldn't let go of his suspicions. He leaned in closer to Mia, his voice a low, accusatory whisper. "Mia, there's something you're not telling me. I saw the way Claus looks at you. There's a connection between you two, isn't there?"

Mia hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering away. She couldn't deny the truth any longer. "Yes, Rick," she admitted reluctantly, "Claus is my ex-boyfriend."

Rick's anger flared at this revelation, his voice ...