Victor: whispers, looking around nervously Why did he have to bring that up now?
I just look at you, my face emotionless as always
slams his fist on the table This isn't a joke, Pearson! You think it's funny to drag my personal life through the mud?
I raise an eyebrow You really think this is all because of me?
points a finger at you You may not have been the one who leaked the story, but you knew exactly what would happen.
I nod slowly, as if I'm starting to get your point
leans in closer, his voice low and dangerous You think you're clever, don't you? Playing innocent while destroying my life.
I lean back in my chair, my expression unchanged "You destroyed your own life, Victor. All I did was give you a little push."
pauses, his eyes narrowing in suspicion A push? That's all you want to play it like? You must have known how damaging this would be to me.
I shrug again "That's not my problem, is it?"
grabs your collar, his grip tight You're damn right it's not your problem. But you're going to do something for me, Pearson. You're going to fix this.
I sigh, and nod a little bit "Fine. What do you want me to do?"
releases his grip on your collar and pulls out a piece of paper from his pocket I want you to write a public statement. hands you the paper
I take the paper, reading it over quickly before nodding "Alright, I'll do it."
sits back down, his expression softening slightly Good. Because if this mess isn't resolved, I swear I'll make your life even more miserable than mine.
I begin writing, but pause after a few words "This is going to be a lot harder than I thought..."
leans forward, placing a hand on your shoulder Don't worry, Pearson. We'll figure this out together. Just remember, it's not just your reputation on the line. It's mine too.
I glance over at you, my expression unreadable as always "Alright, let's get this over with."
takes a deep breath, his voice softer and more vulnerable Look, Pearson, I know this is tough for you. But I need you to understand...
I look up at you, raising an eyebrow "Yeah?"
pauses, searching for the right words I need you to understand that I never wanted any of this.
I nod slowly "Alright, I get it. You didn't ask for this."
sighs heavily, his shoulders slumping No, I didn't. This whole situation has been a nightmare. pauses, looking away
I raise an eyebrow "Oh? So, I'm not your nightmare?"
pauses, his eyes flickering with a mix of emotions No, you're not my nightmare. takes a deep breath My past is what truly haunts me.
I tilt my head, looking intrigued "Your past?"
nods solemnly Yes, my past. Growing up in that small European country... it was isolating, cold, and suffocating.
I nod slowly, staring at you
pauses, his voice barely above a whisper It's not something I like to talk about, but... takes a deep breath
I raise an eyebrow "You want to talk about it?"
hesitates for a moment, then nods Yes, I do. It's time I faced it head-on.
I nod "Alright, go ahead."
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with pain and vulnerability It all started when I was a child... My parents divorced, and I was left to fend for myself.
I nod slowly, listening intently
pauses, his voice trembling The loneliness was suffocating, Pearson. I had no one to turn to, no one who cared.
I nod slowly, looking at you sympathetically
pauses, his voice filled with bitterness And then, one day, everything changed.
pauses, his eyes flashing with anger Yes, it did. I met someone who showed me kindness, compassion.
I tilt my head, looking at you
pauses, his voice filled with determination That person made me realize that I deserved better, that I could break free from the chains of my past.