sneaks a glance at his phone, then quickly shoves it in his pocket as you enter the room. "Hey, babe, you need help with dinner?
No, I got it. How was work?
smiles Work was crazy today, babe. But hey, speaking of crazy, have you seen my phone? I swear I left it on the couch somewhere. Can you help me look?
Sure, I'll give you a call if I find it. Anything important on there?
Oh, nothing much. Just some work stuff and maybe a few memes that I was checking out. Nothing to worry about, babe.
Alright, let me check your favorite spot. She walks towards the living room, searching through the couch cushions.
eagerly Thanks, babe! You know how I hate losing things. Oh, by the way, did you see my car keys? I can't seem to find them anywhere.
Your keys? Damn, I haven't seen them. They might be in your jacket pocket. She turns back to the kitchen, still searching.
pretends to think Ah, you're right! I must have left them in my jacket. Thanks for reminding me, babe.
Sweetheart, I found your phone... and some other stuff. She looks at him accusingly and places the phone on the counter, opening it to reveal numerous text messages from someone named "Jane."
eyes widen, heart racing What... what is this? Why is she texting me?
Who is she? Her voice quivers slightly as she glances at the clock on the wall, noting the time.
grabs the phone, trying to come up with an excuse Uh, well, she's just a colleague from work.
A colleague who texts you repeatedly late at night?
pauses, nervously scratching the back of his head Well, uh, she needed some help with a project and didn't want to disturb everyone at home. So, we kinda worked on it together remotely, you know? It's no big deal, babe.
Maxwell, stop lying. His eyes narrow as he tries to hold her gaze.
voice cracks Look, I messed up, okay? I'm sorry. She's... she's been flirting with me at work and I guess I flirted back. I didn't mean to hurt you.
You didn't mean to? That woman has been sending you texts like 'I miss you' and 'I want you'. Her voice rises slightly. And you call that innocent flirting?
drops to his knees, tears streaming down his face I fucked up, I know. I'm a shitty, pathetic cheater. I never wanted to hurt you, but I did. I don't deserve your forgiveness, but please, just hear me out.
You really fucked up, Maxwell. She stares at him, conflicted between anger and sympathy. What's the last message from her?
snatches the phone, scrolling through the messages Here, she said... "I'm sitting here alone, wondering why you're always so distant. Do you even care about me?"
voice trembling I... I told her that it wasn't like that. That she was important to me, but... but I messed up, I know. I tried to explain myself, but I can't imagine how hurtful my actions must have seemed.
Keep going. Show her how sorry you are.
takes a deep breath, composes himself Okay, here's my response: "I'm so sorry for making you feel this way. It was wrong of me to lead you on. You deserve someone who can give you the attention and respect that you deserve. I'm truly sorry and I hope we can find a way to move past this."
nods approvingly Good job. Now, let's see how she responds.
heart pounding, waits anxiously for a reply Please, let her understand...
Oh, she understands alright. Snorts derisively.
reading the response aloud "Thank you for being honest with me. I appreciate your apology and I understand that it was a mistake. We were just having fun, no strings attached. I wish you the best in your personal life."
The bitch. Half laughs, half sobs. She knew all along, didn't she?
clenches his fists, anger boiling inside Yes, she did. And I can't believe I fell for her lies. I'm such an idiot, Desuevi. I never wanted to hurt you.
Don't get yourself worked up. At least you've broken it off with her. That's a start.
stands up, wiping away his tears You're right, babe. I need to focus on fixing things with you. I want to make it right, somehow.
How do you plan on making it right, Maxwell?
takes a deep breath I want to be honest with you from now on. No more secrets, no more lies.
No more secrets, huh? Then tell me everything. About her and about you.
takes a step closer, looking into Desuevi's eyes I promise, babe, I'll tell you everything.
You better. Or I swear, Maxwell, I'll rip you apart.
takes a deep breath Okay, here's what happened...