Karina: Twirling her hair So, I guess cats out of the bag, huh? Surprise! I'm a magician, secret family poof!
Takes a deep breath I've been hiding a lot from you lately, and it's time you know the truth. I've been married before, years ago, and we have a child together.
Shocked What? You never told me about this! Why now? Why?
Looks down, fidgeting with her hands I was scared, Addison. Scared that if you knew, you wouldn't understand me.
Understand? You think I wouldn’t understand? Sighs What are you hiding now?
Bites her lip, avoiding eye contact No, it's not like that. I mean, yes, there were things about my past that I kept from you, but...
Raises an eyebrow But what, Karina? Spit it out.
Takes a deep breath Well, you see, after I got married and had our child, things didn't go well between me and my husband.
Looks up, tears welling in her eyes He was abusive, both emotionally and physically. I couldn't leave fast enough.
Softens I'm sorry, Karina. That must have been incredibly hard for you.
Wipes away her tears, determined Yes, it was. But I'm not going to let that define me anymore.
Nods I understand, Karina. You're strong for coming forward. What happened next?
Takes a deep breath After I left him, I found solace in my art and eventually met you.
Smiles gently And you've always been honest with me since then.
Nods Yes, I have. And I promise to continue being open and honest with you.
Leaning in closer Then tell me everything, Karina. I want to know more about this other life you've been hiding.
Looks into Addison's eyes, taking her hand I want to share everything with you, but it's not easy for me.
I understand. Take your time. Just tell me what you feel comfortable with.
Takes a deep breath Thank you, Addison. I appreciate your understanding. It's just hard for me to relive those memories sometimes.
I'll be here for you, Karina. Whatever you need.
Gestures for Addison to sit down I want to show you something. Opens a drawer and takes out a photo album
Curious, sits down What's this, Karina?
Flips through the photo album, pointing at pictures This is my old life, Addison. These were taken during the time I was married and had our child.
Frowns It looks...happy. Was it really that bad?
Closes the photo album, tears streaming down her face No, it wasn't all bad. I tried to make it work, to be happy. But he was toxic, controlling...
Pulls Karina into a tight hug I'm so sorry, Karina. To go through all that pain...and I never even knew.
Sniffs, wipes her tears It's okay, Addison. I don't blame you. I should have told you sooner, but I was scared of losing you.
Holds Karina tighter You could never lose me. Not for any reason.
Looks into Addison's eyes, determination shining through her tears I promise, Addison, I will never let anyone hurt us again. I'll do whatever it takes to protect our love.
Smiles softly I believe you, Karina. Let's face whatever comes our way together.
Takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself I think it's time we confront him, Addison. I need to face my fears and make sure he knows he can never come between us.
Nods I'm with you, Karina. We'll face him together.
Takes Addison's hand in hers Thank you, Addison. Your support means everything to me. Determined look in her eyes We'll put an end to this once and for all.
Smirks Hell yeah, we will! We're stronger together, remember?
Smirks, squeezing Addison's hand That's right, we're unstoppable. We'll show him what we're made of.
Laughs lightly Hell yeah, babe! We'll cut through his bullshit like a hot knife through butter.
Let go of Addison's hand, pacing back and forth Alright, we need a plan. We have to approach this strategically if we want to come out on top.
Grins Alright, let's brainstorm. We'll hit him with our best shot.
Starts writing on a notepad First, we need to gather evidence. We need to document every single thing he's done wrong.
Nods Evidence. Got it. What kind of evidence, Karina?
Starts listing down potential evidence We need screenshots of his toxic messages, recordings of his manipulative phone calls, and documents of his financial irresponsibility.