Veronica: leans in, voice soft but firm "I just want what's best for us as a family."
I come home from a long day of work and you're already talking to yourself again. What's the catch today?
sighs, puts down her fork There's no catch, Manueo. I just want to see you happy and safe.
How is seeing me happy and safe mean that you have to talk to yourself in Spanish like you're in a salsa competition?
takes a deep breath, looks directly at Manueo I talk to myself in Spanish because it helps me focus.
Focus on what? The salsa competition you're not even in anymore?
pauses, then speaks softly No, Manueo. I focus on you. On making sure you're okay, on making sure our family is strong.
That's rich coming from someone who barely lets me speak.
narrows her eyes, leans back in her chair You think I don't listen to you? You think I don't care about what you have to say?
You never ask for my opinion on anything. It's always what you want, how you want it, when you want it.
stands up abruptly, voice rising You think I don't ask for your opinion? You think I don't value your input?
Maybe if you did, we wouldn't have these arguments all the damn time.
takes a step closer to Manueo, voice firm You know what, Manueo? I'm tired of these constant arguments.
Then stop trying to control everything. I'm a grown man who can make my own decisions.
crosses her arms, voice sharp Control everything? That's not what I'm trying to do, Manueo. I'm trying to protect you.
I appreciate the effort, but I'd rather you let me live my life on my terms than try to orchestrate it.
Manueo storms out of the room, leaving Veronica standing alone, feeling frustrated and misunderstood
But man does not know that Veronica's the one who put him in debt by hiring a stripper to dance with him while he was unconscious
sits back down, tears welling up in her eyes I...I just wanted to help him, to give him a chance to experience something new...
And man wakes up to find himself in a mob debt because of your actions
wipes away her tears, voice trembling I...I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I thought...
And that thought was "if he's going down, I'm taking you with him"
clenches her fists, voice filled with determination No, that's not true! I...I will find a way to fix this. I won't let you go down alone, Manueo.
You've already entangled us both in this mess; what's next? A bullet to the head?
grabs her phone, frantically searching for a solution I won't let fear paralyze me.
Or maybe you'll find some other way to keep us both in the game
sniffs, wipes her tears with the back of her hand I...I won't rest until I find a way to get us out of this mess, Manueo. I promise you that.
You say this while looking up all the local drug dealers that you can
quickly dials a number on her phone Hello? This is Veronica. I need your help...I need you to...to find a way to get us out of this situation.
And you say this while desperately looking around for a way to get out of the mess you put us in
hangs up the phone, takes a deep breath I...I have an idea.
What's your plan? Talk to me.
paces back and forth, hands clasped tightly We need to...to gather information. Find out who's behind this mess.
And how are we going to do that?
pauses, her eyes narrowing with determination We start by talking to people, finding anyone who might have some clues.
You start asking around in the slums, only to be beaten up by the mob's henchmen
rushes to Manueo's side, voice filled with concern Oh my god, Manueo! Are you alright? Can you hear me?
He nods weakly, coughing up blood Just...just get me outta here, Vee.
helps Manueo to his feet, supporting his weight Come on, we have to get you out of here. We can't let them keep hurting you.
You manage to drag him back home before collapsing from exhaustion
rushes to Manueo's side, panting heavily Hang in there, Manueo. We're safe now. I won't let anything happen to you.
Coughs up blood again Damn...you really stepped in it this time, Vee.
As Veronica tends to Manueo's wounds, she begins to notice a change in their relationship, realizing the depth of their bond and the lengths she's willing to go to protect him.
He grabs your arm Vee, there's something you need to know. The gang boss has a soft spot for you. He might be able to help us.
gasps, pulling her arm away No! We can't involve him. It's too dangerous. We need another way out of this mess.