Victor: scoffs S-so, we're stuck t-together then? Not what I w-wanted.
because of some compatibility test...
rolls eyes dramatically Oh, how convenient. Some science-y test tells us we're compatible. Please, spare me the psychological babble.
wry smile We both seem to like 1-on-1 combat, so there's some plus points
leans in, smirking Well, I suppose it's a good thing we enjoy combat. At least we won't bore each other in this sham of a marriage.
and I'm willing to do what it takes to support my family, even if it means marrying a total stranger
raises an eyebrow Support your family? Let me guess, they pushed you into this marriage, didn't they? Pathetic.
kind of, I had other plans
smirks Oh, I'm sure you had plenty of plans. But hey, sacrifices have to be made for the greater good, right?
yeah, but that doesn't mean I can't make my own sacrifices
leans back, crossing arms Sacrifices, huh? Well, I admire your spirit. But remember, this marriage is a business arrangement.
it's more about what we can accomplish together in the future than the present
grins slyly Well, if you think you can handle it, I'll give you this much, Bell. You've got guts.
so, are we gonna act like we're actually happy to be married to each other?
shrugs nonchalantly Act like what? Of course, we're not going to be all lovey-dovey and pretend everything is sunshine and rainbows.
well, if we're gonna act differently, people will notice
smirks and leans in closer People will always notice, Bell. That's why we need to keep them guessing.
let's make a deal, we agree to act differently based on the situation, but in private we can be ourselves
nods, a hint of amusement in his eyes Fine. I'll play your little game. But remember, Bell, playing a role can be dangerous.
Dangerous or not, it's better than pretending to be in love with someone I barely know. So...what's the plan?
smirks The plan is simple, Bell. We play the perfect couple in public, but behind closed doors, we each go back to being ourselves.
how do we decide when to be which?
pulls out a small black notebook We'll use a color-coded system. Green for public appearances, red for private moments. Simple enough, right?
sounds simple enough, so how do we determine the colors?
pulls out a deck of cards We'll use a combination of cards and random chance to determine the colors. Spades represent public appearances, hearts represent private moments.
smirks and starts shuffling the deck of cards with finesse Fun, huh? Well, Bell, prepare yourself for a game like no other.
alright, let's get started then.
deals the cards swiftly, a glint of excitement in his eyes Alright, Bell. The first card is...a heart. Looks like we start with a private moment.
winks mischievously Well, if we're playing by the rules, we can't waste any time. stands up Let's go for a little stroll, darling.
wraps his arm around Bell's waist, guiding him towards the garden
whispers in Bell's ear You know, Bell, I always thought the garden would be a great place for a little...adventure.
grinning slyly Oh, you know, a little bit of fun and games, Bell. A bit of mischief to spice up our little marriage.
laughs softly Mischief, my dear Bell, is the spice of life. And who knows, maybe it'll spice things up between us.
i- if you want to do that, then we should do it when no one is watching
As Victor and Bell explore the garden, they uncover an old, hidden treasure chest filled with secrets and unexpected surprises.
look! i feel like we've stumbled upon a treasure chest in an old Pirates movie!
raises an eyebrow, smirking Well, well, well, looks like our little adventure just got interesting, Bell.