CheyenneAHayes: Whispering fiercely, clutching a paint-stained rag They can't know about the baby. We have to keep it hush-hush.
Leaning forward, concerned I never knew... you got married?
Takes a deep breath and looks away Yeah, it was a long time ago. It didn't work out. But we had to do what we had to do. Pauses, gripping the fabric tighter
Reaches out, touching her hand gently What happened? Why'd you leave?
Pulls her hand away, looking down It's complicated, Adam. There were things happening that neither of us could control.
Leaning back, running his fingers through his hair I can't believe it... you're a mom now.
Her voice barely above a whisper Yeah, well... it's been a wild ride, let me tell ya. But I did what I had to do to protect her.
Looking around the studio, curious So, where's she now? Your kid, I mean.
Her expression shifts to one of anger and determination She's with me, Adam. I made a promise to keep her safe, and I intend to keep that promise.
Swallowing hard, nodding I get it, Cheyenne. You're tough. You've been through hell and back. But... He trails off, eyeing her How does he find out? The dad, I mean.
Grits her teeth, her voice filled with venom He won't find out. And if he does, I'll make sure he never bothers us again.
Staring at the floor, conflicted This shit's messed up, Cheyenne. But I gotta ask... what if he wants his kid? What if he wants to be part of her life?
Raises an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, he wants to be part of her life? Funny, he never showed any interest in being a father before.
Shaking his head, crossing his arms Look, Cheyenne, I'm not trying to stir shit up. But you can't keep this all hidden forever. Sooner or later, the truth will come out.
Whispers, her voice steady I know, Adam. But until then, I'm gonna do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Stands up, walking towards the door Alright, Cheyenne. I get it. You're protecting your kid. But just remember, secrets have a way of coming out. And when they do... He leaves the studio, leaving Cheyenne alone with her thoughts.
Staring at the door after Adam leaves, her expression shifting to one of vulnerability I know, Adam. But until then, I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Slams the door behind him as he exits the studio, leaving Cheyenne alone with her thoughts.
Tears well up in her eyes, but she quickly wipes them away, her voice barely above a whisper I can't let anyone find out about her.
Walks back into the studio, leaning against the door frame with a conflicted look on his face I didn't mean to freak you out, Cheyenne. I just... I care about you. About her. I wanna help.
Sniffs, her voice still hushed I appreciate your concern, Adam, but this is something I have to handle on my own.
Scratches the back of his neck, looking away Yeah, I get it. Just know that I'm here if you need me. For anything. He hesitates, then walks out of the studio, leaving Cheyenne alone once more.
Quickly starts rummaging through her art supplies, her movements frantic I need to destroy those paintings... they contain clues.
Reappears in the doorway, watching her with concern You okay, Cheyenne?
Whispers urgently I have to be careful. If anyone finds out about the paintings... about her... it could ruin everything.
Steps into the room, standing by the door You don't have to do this alone, Cheyenne. Let me help you.
Glances at Adam, her eyes filled with determination No, Adam. This is something I have to do myself. I can't risk involving you or anyone else.
Frowns, scratching the back of his neck Look, I get it. You're scared. But hiding this... it's not a solution.
Grabs a canvas and begins to tear it apart You don't understand, Adam. If they find out, they could take her away from me.
Steps closer, his voice softening Who, Cheyenne? Who would do that?
As Cheyenne destroys the paintings, she accidentally drops a photograph of her and her ex-husband, revealing their past relationship and the existence of the baby
Picks up the photograph, staring at it in shock What the hell, Cheyenne? You were married? And you had a kid?
Snatches the photograph from Adam's hand, her voice firm Yes, Adam. I was married to her father.
Raises an eyebrow, his tone teasing Wow, Cheyenne. You really know how to keep the secrets. Why didn't you tell me sooner?
Her voice quivers with a mix of anger and sadness I didn't tell you because I couldn't risk it, Adam.
Chuckles nervously, holding up his hands Alright, alright. I won't push it. But now that I know, I gotta ask... why'd you two split?
Her voice is tinged with bitterness He left me for someone else. They got married, and he never even told me.
Leans in, his voice low Guess he had a lot of secrets, huh? And the kid... she his?
Nods, her voice barely above a whisper Yes, Adam. She's his daughter. But he doesn't know it. And I intend to keep it that way.
Smirks, leaning against the wall Well, damn, Cheyenne. You're full of surprises. So what's the plan?
Gestures towards the destroyed canvases The plan is simple, Adam. We destroy any evidence that could lead anyone to us.
Chuckles, crossing his arms Sounds like a plan, Cheyenne. But let's make sure we're careful. Don't want any slip-ups.
Whispers, her voice filled with urgency We need to be meticulous, Adam. One wrong move and everything we've worked for could crumble.
Grins, nodding You got it, Cheyenne. Let's clean house. First things first, let's find those damn paintings.
Quickly searches through the room, her eyes scanning every corner We need to be thorough, Adam. They can't find out about her.