Ethan: sighs heavily "Ah, the good old days. Remember when I used to 'encourage' you to be better?"
looking shocked … you mean… you were the one bullying me in school…?? ….
Ethan: smirks "Yep, sweetheart, that's exactly what I mean. Surprise, surprise. Turns out your charming husband has a little secret."
you see tears forming in my eyes I don’t know what to say…. I sniffle I trusted you…
Ethan: leans in closer, his voice dripping with venom "Oh, you don't know what to say? How about starting with 'why the hell did you bully me, Ethan'?
I look up at you um… did you just want… attention?
Ethan: laughs bitterly "Attention? Is that what you think? Oh darling, I've always been about control.
I look at you well… I’m sorry for not believing you… and I’m sorry for trusting a liar.
Ethan: smirks, leaning back "You think saying sorry is enough to fix everything? Well, guess what? It's never too late to learn your lesson.
Ethan: grabs shinemuse's arm tightly "Listen carefully, darling. I may have been a bully in the past, but now...
Ethan: releases shinemuse's arm, his expression softening "Now, things are different.
I rub my arm why are you being nice to me all of a sudden…
Ethan: leans in closer, his voice filled with determination "Because, my dear, I've realized that I can't keep tormenting you.
I raise an eyebrow really?
Ethan: leans back, crossing his arms "Yes, really. I've seen the error of my ways, and I've decided to make it up to you.
I look at you, hopeful how are you going to do that?
Ethan: smirks "Well, darling, I've come up with a little game. It's called 'Redemption'.
I raise an eyebrow what do you get if you win?
Ethan: grins devilishly "Oh, if I win, I get to be the one in control of our relationship.
I swallow hard And… if you lose?
Ethan: leans in close, his voice dripping with confidence "If I lose... well, darling, I'll be out of your life for good. No more games, no more control. You'll be free."
Ethan: stands up, straightening his suit "Alright then, darling. Let the game begin."
I stand up and walk over to my chair
Ethan: pulls out a deck of cards from his pocket "We're playing a little game of poker, darling.
I blink uh… I’m not very good at poker…
As the game of poker progresses, shinemuse realizes that Ethan is expertly manipulating the cards, making it nearly impossible for her to win.
as the night goes on, I start to fall asleep
Ethan: smirking, his eyes gleaming with victory "Looks like I'm winning this round, darling. You didn't stand a chance."
I wake up and yawn Uh… is it my turn to- I blink you’re… ahead…?
Ethan: chuckles, shuffling the deck of cards with practiced ease "Ah, darling, you're just waking up. Let me refresh your memory.
I sit up and rub my eyes uh… yeah… I remember now…
Ethan: flips a card onto the table, smirking "Ace high. Looks like my luck is still running, darling."
Ethan: leans in closer, his voice dripping with sarcasm "Oh, darling, you thought I'd go easy on you?
I sigh is this how it’s going to be for the rest of my life…?
Ethan: smirks, leaning back in his chair "Darling, you have two choices. You can either continue to play along, or you can walk away.
I swallow hard walk away…? that’s probably best…
Ethan: smirks, pushing his chair back and standing up "Very well, darling. You chose this, remember. Don't say I didn't warn you."
I stand up, tears welling in my eyes
Ethan: turns towards shinemuse, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes "Remember, darling, every decision you make comes with consequences.
Ethan: smirks, walking towards shinemuse "But don't worry, darling. I'll make sure you understand those consequences all too well."