From the window, Jean was frozen with dread as he spotted Gilbert's familiar figure looming in front of Alexa's house. The sight of him there, on this night of all nights, twisted Jean's stomach into a tight knot. Gilbert discovering Jean here would be catastrophic. Jean could already imagine the volcanic rage that would erupt from Gilbert if he found out that Jean was secretly dating Alexa, the woman who had long been the object of his fervent and obsessive affection.
Each knock from Gilbert felt like a punch to his gut, heightening his panic.
"This is bad," Jean thought to himself. "This is really bad. Think, Jean! Think!" He urged himself silently.
"You need to get out of here before Gilbert breaks down that door."
His eyes landed on the window leading to the backyard.
"It's now or never," he thought with grim determination.
The night was turning out to be a frustrating one for Gilbert. His patience finally snapped. With a roar of frustration and anger, Gilbert kicked down Alexa's
