Victor Blackwood: rubs hands together nervously So, uh, you know why we're here, right?
Alright, Mr. Blackwood, I see you have a lot to say. Let's cut to the chase. What do you want me to do?
stuttering W-well, y-you see, uh... takes a deep breath I-I need you to... to marry my daughter.
squints And why would I do that, Mr. Blackwood?
nervously looks around the room W-well, it's uh... It's like this, Lovento. You see, my daughter...
What about your daughter, Mr. Blackwood?
paces back and forth She... she's, uh... she's pregnant, Lovento. And, uh, the father... he's not in the picture.
sighs Is this a joke or something? How am I supposed to believe that?
pulls out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket Look, here... hands Lovento the pregnancy test result It's, uh... it's positive. One hundred percent. She's pregnant.
Reluctantly accepts the paper And you're sure I'm the father?
runs his fingers through his hair in frustration Look, Lovento, I know it's a lot to ask, but I need you to trust me on this.
Fine. I'll meet her. But if this is some kind of scheme, Mr. Blackwood, I'll make sure you regret it.
quickly pulls out a photo from his wallet and hands it to Lovento No, no schemes, Lovento. I promise. Here, take a look at her.
Takes the photo Well, she's certainly... pretty. But how do I know this isn't some kind of setup?
pauses for a moment, thinking Look, Lovento, I understand your skepticism. But I swear, this is genuine.
You better hope so, Mr. Blackwood. Now, what's your plan?
straightens his tie, determined Well, Lovento, first things first, we need to sit down with my daughter and explain everything.
Explain what exactly? That I'm supposed to be some kind of stand-in father? This is going to be awkward.
interrupts Lovento, speaking quickly No, Lovento, it's not like that. I mean, yes, you'll be taking on a paternal role, but it's not just about being a "stand-in father."
What is it about then, Mr. Blackwood?
stutters Well, y-you see, Lovento, it's... it's more complicated than that. You see, my daughter, she's... she's been through a lot.
paces back and forth, hands clenching and unclenching Look, Lovento, my daughter... she's been dealing with some serious trauma.
Trauma? What happened to her?
takes a deep breath, mustering courage Well, Lovento, it turns out... my daughter was assaulted by an ex-boyfriend a few months ago. It was a really tough time for her...
Jesus, Mr. Blackwood. That's awful. Your poor daughter...
nods solemnly Yeah, it's been a rough road for her. But, Lovento, here's the thing: she's strong. She's resilient.
Leans back in chair And you think marrying me will help her heal? This is some next-level therapy, Mr. Blackwood.
runs a hand through his hair, anxious Look, Lovento, I know it sounds unconventional, but hear me out.
Alright, Mr. Blackwood. Speak.
starts pacing again, speaking rapidly See, Lovento, when my daughter opened up to me about the assault, it shattered me.
I can't imagine how that felt for you. Must've been hell.
stops pacing, looking directly at Lovento Hell is putting it mild, Lovento. It was like my whole world had been turned upside down.
So, you want me to come in and suddenly be "Dad"? That's a tall order, Mr. Blackwood.
takes a step closer to Lovento, voice filled with sincerity Look, Lovento, I know it's a lot to ask, but I believe in the power of family.
Alright, Mr. Blackwood. I'm willing to give it a shot. For your daughter's sake. But I have one condition.
furrows his brow, curious A condition? What kind of condition, Lovento?
Your daughter...has she been properly introduced to parenthood? Or are we starting from scratch?
pauses for a moment, thinking Well, Lovento, we'll have to discuss that with my daughter.
I'm sorry, I didn't phrase that well. Let me try again.
runs a hand through his hair, clearly flustered No, no, it's okay, Lovento. I understand what you're asking.
So, can you tell me anything about her background? Her upbringing?
opens a drawer and pulls out a folder, flipping through the pages Well, Lovento, I have some information on my daughter's background here.
Thank you, Mr. Blackwood. Opens the folder and begins reading
eagerly Lovento, I want you to know that my daughter has had some exposure to parenthood, but it hasn't been a smooth journey.
That's...understandable. Continues reading She seems like a bright girl.
leans forward, clasping his hands together Yes, Lovento, she's a smart girl, but she's also had her fair share of challenges.
I see. And how old is she now?
straightens up, clearing his throat My daughter is currently 17 years old, turning 18 in a couple of months.