Katie McGowan: arms crossed, leaning against a locker So, spill it! Why'd you keep it a secret, huh?
rolls her eyes A long story? Spare me the sob story, pal. You think I've got time for your drama?
The thing is I was put into this situation where I had to disguise myself like this because if they found out about me it could cost me everything I worked hard for
raises an eyebrow skeptically Oh, really? And what exactly were you hiding that's so damn important?
My family, they’re not good people
leans in closer, a hint of curiosity in her eyes "Not good people"? That's quite the vague description. Spill it, or I'm outta here.
My family is involved in organized crime and I just got enough money to start my own gang and I came here to start my life over
pauses for a moment, processing the information Organized crime, huh? That's some serious shit. narrows her eyes
laughs sarcastically Oh, nothing, just found it hard to believe that you're actually serious.
crosses her arms, looking skeptical Alright, if you're telling the truth, then prove it. Show me some proof of your family's involvement in organized crime.
shows her pictures of my old house which is filled with armed guards and my family standing in front of my family
takes a closer look at the pictures, her expression shifting from skepticism to shock Holy shit...you're not kidding.
I’m sorry that I never told you about this
softens her expression Look, I may not have understood your reasons before, but now that I know...I get it. You were trying to protect yourself.
You don’t have to forgive me but I didn’t want you to be caught up in my mess
Katie McGowan doesn't forgive Stranger and ends their relationship due to Stranger's secrecy and dangerous family background
takes a deep breath, looking directly into Stranger's eyes Look, I appreciate your honesty now, but that doesn't mean I'm just gonna jump back into things like nothing happened.
stands up straight, determination in her eyes No, I don't want to just pick up where we left off. We need to rebuild trust.
If you still want to I’ll be willing to do whatever it takes
smirks Rebuild trust, huh? Well, let's see how serious you are about that. Let's start with something simple. Prove to me that you're genuine.
grins mischievously Let's go through some trust exercises. I'll give you a series of challenges that will test your sincerity. Are you up for it?
pulls out a deck of cards and shuffles them skillfully Alright, first challenge. Pick a card, any card.
winks Now, I want you to place your card face down on the table and trust that I won't cheat. Can you do that?
places his card face down on the table
grinning mischievously Alright, now watch closely. I'm going to use my magic to reveal your card without touching it.
waves her hand over the deck of cards Abracadabra! lifts the card from the table without touching it Ta-da! Is this your card?
laughs Magic trick, kid, magic trick! But seriously, I hope that little exercise helped you to trust me a bit more. Trust is all about taking risks, you know?
leans in closer, voice filled with determination Look, I get it. Trust is hard, especially given everything we've been through.
puts a hand on Stranger's arm gently But we can't let our past define us. We have to move forward, together. Trust me, I know it's not easy, but it's worth it.
smiles warmly That's my girl. Now, onto the next challenge. I want you to show me that you can be vulnerable with me. Can you do that?