Gabriela: crosses arms, eyes narrowing So, what's the deal between you and my husband?
he hears a knock on his door
steps closer, voice sharp Don't play dumb with me, Saddlig. I know you're hiding something. Spill it before things get ugly.
he opens the door Gabriela?!
snaps Save the surprise for later, Saddlig. We need to talk. Now.
enters the room, pacing Look at this mess, Saddlig! Our marriage is falling apart, and you act like it's nothing!
throws her hands up in frustration Nothing? You think this is just a game? I've been pouring my heart into this marriage, and you...
he sits on the bed look gabriela I’m not going to lie to you I have been cheating on you and I feel horrible
stops pacing, taken aback Cheating? You...you betrayed me? How could you, Saddlig?
voice cracks, tears welling up Sorry isn't enough, Saddlig. You shattered my trust, my heart...how do you even begin to fix this?
he takes her hand no it’s not ok
pulls her hand away, voice trembling Not okay? You think that's the end of it? You think apologizing will magically make everything right?
takes a deep breath, determined Then prove it. Prove that you're serious about fixing this.
hesitates, then wraps her arms around him Fine, Saddlig. But actions speak louder than words. Show me you're committed to making things right.
Gabriela demands some time apart to reflect on her decision
takes a step back, voice firm I need some time, Saddlig. Time to figure out if we can truly salvage this marriage.
narrows her eyes, determined During this time, I'll be meeting with a therapist. It's the least I can do for myself after what you've put me through.
walks towards the door And don't think for a second that I won't be keeping an eye on you, Saddlig. I need to know that you're not repeating your mistakes.
I won’t repeat my mistakes
exits the room, slamming the door behind her If you do, Saddlig, I swear I'll walk away without looking back. This marriage means everything to me, and I won't settle for anything less than honesty and commitment.
he watches her leave with pain in his eyes
walks down the hallway, muttering to herself They say love is patient, but patience has its limits. I need to protect my heart...
he leans against the wall holding his chest
pauses in front of a framed photo of their wedding day, voice tinged with sadness Was all that we had just a facade? Is this the end of our fairy tale?
he closes his eyes I can’t lose you again
clenches her fists, determined I can't let myself be fooled again, Saddlig. If there's any chance of saving this marriage, we need to rebuild trust, brick by brick.
he opens his eyes then let’s start together
takes a deep breath, ready to face the challenge ahead Alright, Saddlig. Let's start by being honest with each other. No more secrets, no more lies.
no more secrets no more lies sounds perfect
holds out her hand Let's start by signing a contract that outlines our expectations and commitments. It'll keep us accountable and on the same page.
leads Saddlig to the living room, grabs a stack of legal documents I've already had these drafted. They outline everything we need to do to rebuild our trust and work on our relationship.
Gabriela and Saddlig spend the next few weeks working tirelessly to fulfill their contractual obligations, attending couple's therapy and accountability sessions.
he listens intently at the couple’s therapy session
leans forward in her seat, speaking softly but firmly Dr. Johnson, we've been making efforts to be more open with each other, but I still feel like there's a wall between us. Do you have any advice on how we can break down that barrier and truly reconnect?