Manal Issa: Holding a cigarette, looking out at the city lights Damn, it's been ages. Miss me much, or what?
smirks, turns to face Jensen Well, you're in for a surprise tonight then. I've got something that'll blow your mind.
I lean against a wall smoking
grabs Jensen's arm and pulls him close Come on, let's go take a walk. You're gonna love this.
whispers in Jensen's ear So, remember that secret spot we used to hide? Yeah, the one with the breathtaking view?
chuckles I'll never forget, it's etched in my memory...
smirks mischievously Good, because we're going there tonight. But there's a twist. grabs a key from her pocket
raising an eyebrow, intrigued A twist? Well, that's new. What's going on, Manal?
grins devilishly You'll see soon enough. But first, close your eyes and trust me. leads Jensen to a hidden door, unlocks it with the key
opens the door, revealing a room filled with candles, soft music playing in the background Welcome to our little slice of heaven.
opening my eyes Wow, Manal. This...this is incredible.
sits down on a plush carpet, motioning for Jensen to join her Sit with me, babe. Let me tell you what's been going on.
As they sit together, Manal reveals that she has been keeping a secret affair with another man
Affair? What do you mean?
takes a deep breath, looks down Look, babe, I never wanted to hurt you. But... I've been seeing someone else.
my heart drops So you've been cheating on me behind my back?
grabs Jensen's hands, pleadingly No, no, it's not like that! Please, let me explain.
Explain what? That you've been lying to me? How could you do this, Manal?
takes a deep breath, her voice shaking Okay, fine. I messed up. I should have been honest with you from the start.
Honestly, Manal? You think "honestly" would've been a better choice of words? Because it sure as hell sounds better than "lying".
tears well up in her eyes I know, I know I messed up. But please, just hear me out. I didn't mean to hurt you.
sniffles, wipes away tears Thank you for giving me a chance to explain. It all started a few months ago, when I met this guy at an art gallery.
Met him at an art gallery? And what? He liked your art and asked for a private commission?
takes a deep breath No, it's not like that. It's...more complicated than that. Look, let me show you something. stands up and walks towards a drawer, pulling out two art pieces
looking at the art pieces What the hell is this, Manal?
smirks This, babe, is the result of my affair. He challenged me to create something that truly spoke to me, something that poured out my deepest emotions.