**Chapter 6: A Confrontation Escalates**

The air was thick with tension as Lucas took another step closer to Dorothy, his eyes blazing with a malevolent intensity. Dorothy's heart was racing, her mind racing with fear. She tried to take a step back, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot. "You think you can just move on?" Lucas repeated, his voice dripping with venom. "You think you can just forget about everything we had, about everything I did to you?" Dorothy felt a surge of anger, but it was tempered by fear. She knew that Lucas was capable of anything, and she didn't want to push him any further. But she also knew that she couldn't back down, not now. "I've moved on, Lucas," she said, her voice firm. "I've moved on from you, from our marriage, from everything. And I'm happy now. I'm happy with my life, with my friends, with Stan." Lucas's face twisted in a snarl. "Stan?" he spat. "You think Stan is better than me? You think he's worthy of you?" Dorothy felt a pang of defensiveness, but she tried to keep her cool. "Stan is a good man," she said. "He's kind, and caring, and he loves me for who I am. Unlike some people." Lucas's eyes flashed with anger, and he took another step closer to Dorothy. "How dare you," he hissed. "How dare you compare me to that...that... buffoon." Dorothy felt a chill run down her spine as Lucas's voice rose to a shout. She knew that she was in danger, that Lucas was on the verge of losing control. And then, just as she thought things couldn't get any worse, Lucas's face contorted in a snarl, and he raised his hand, his fingers curled into a fist. Dorothy's heart skipped a beat as she realized that Lucas was going to hit her. She tried to move, but it was too late. Lucas's fist was inches from her face, his eyes blazing with fury. But just as all hope seemed lost, a voice boomed from behind Lucas. "Lucas, that's enough." Lucas spun around, his eyes narrowing as he saw Stan standing in the doorway, his face set in a firm expression. Stan's eyes were fixed on Lucas, his jaw clenched in anger. Lucas's face fell, and he took a step back, his eyes darting between Stan and Dorothy. For a moment, it seemed like he was going to lash out, but then he seemed to think better of it. He turned and stormed out of the room, leaving Dorothy and Stan staring after him. Dorothy felt a wave of relief wash over her, followed by a surge of gratitude. She turned to Stan, her eyes shining with tears. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for stopping him." Stan's face softened, and he reached out to pull Dorothy into his arms. "You're welcome, Dorothy," he said. "I'll always be here to protect you."