The Rise of Lucas

Chapter 37

The atmosphere at Richard's home had become a battleground of seething anger. The walls appeared to absorb the perceptible pressure that radiated from the tense exchanges between Richard and Tonia.

The echoes of their common past and the complexity of their contemporary cohabitation throw a shadow over the once-familiar settings.

In the living room, Richard sat, a fatigue imprinted on his face as he scanned through job advertisements on his laptop. The weight of unemployment had descended over him like a suffocating shroud, and Tonia's incessant insults just added fuel to the fire.

"You know, Richard, you can't sit around all day hoping for a miracle job offer to fall into your lap," Tonia's voice, laced with disgust, slashed through the air.

Richard, striving to retain a semblance of decorum, said, "I'm actively searching for options, Tonia. It takes time."

Tonia, however, appeared eager to exploit the weakness of his condition. "Time is a luxury you can't afford, Richard. At this p