Bethany staggered back, her hand tightly gripping Dean’s as Fred advanced toward them with a smug grin.

“Stop! Please... just stop, Fred!” she yelled, her voice trembling.

Fred chuckled darkly and took another step forward, his eyes narrowing. “What did you think, Beth? That you could just run away with this guy?” He gestured dismissively at Dean, his tone dripping with disdain.

Bethany dropped her bags and spoke with a forced calming tone. “Why do you always have to be this way? You’re a monster, Fred.”

“Oh, please!” Fred retorted with a hoarse laugh.

“All men are monsters. Yet here you are, trusting him?” He jabbed a finger in Dean’s...