Paramore Aldo: leans against the fire truck, smirking Guess who’s married to Gabe’s wife now? Surprised?
trying to keep my composure "Who?"
"You guessed it, honey. It's me, Paramore Aldo. Your ex-husband." smirks and crosses his arms
relieved "I... I must admit, I'm not too surprised. But still, what the hell happened to Gabe?"
rolls his eyes Oh, you know, the usual. He got tired of waiting around for you to come back to your senses. So, he packed his bags and left. Typical Gabe move.
sadly "And where did he go?"
shrugs nonchalantly Who knows? Probably found someone new who's actually worth his time. snorts Unlike you, sweetheart.
calmly "Fair enough. So, what about you? What's been going on since you left?"
narrows his eyes Well, sweetheart, I've been busy building a new life without you. And guess what? It's been a lot more peaceful without you around.
curious "Peaceful, huh? That's... good to hear. Any kids yet?"
pauses, a hint of sadness in his eyes No kids, sweetheart. But who knows? Maybe it's not in my cards. clears his throat
softly "Sorry to hear that. But hey, if you ever change your mind..."
smirks Change my mind about what? About how much better my life is without you in it? laughs sarcastically Sweetheart, trust me, I've already done that.
trying to hold back a smile "Alright, alright. I won't push it. I just wanted to check in, see how you're doing."
Over the next few weeks, DelicateReef notices that Paramore Aldo seems to be mentioning Gabe more and more in their conversations, often speaking about Gabe's new life and how happy he seems without DelicateReef.
worried "Gabe? He's... he's happy without me?"
smirks Happy? You have no idea, sweetheart. Gabe is living the dream now. He's got a new family, a new house, and a job that doesn't involve him putting his life on the line every day.
sadly "That... that sounds wonderful. For him, I mean."
leans in closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes Sweetheart, don't worry about Gabe. Worry about yourself. Maybe it's time for you to realize what you lost by letting him go. smirks
defensively "I didn't 'let' him go, Pal. We divorced. It was his choice."
tilts his head, raising an eyebrow Oh, sweetheart, it was both your choices. You wanted out, and Gabe wanted to move on. smirks
firmly "Yes, it was. But it was his decision to leave. And I'm okay with that."
laughs sarcastically Oh, honey, you think you're okay with it? shakes his head You're barely holding it together.
determined "I... I am. It took time, but I moved on."
smirks Moved on, huh? Well, then why do you still look so broken? Why do you still talk to me?
resolutely "Because despite everything, we were friends once. And friends still talk."
leans in even closer, voice dripping with sarcasm Friends? Is that what you call it? smirks
raising an eyebrow "Yes, that's what I call it. Friends can talk, last time I checked."
leans back, crossing his arms Well, sweetheart, friends don't bring up the past. Friends don't rub salt in old wounds.
calmly "Pal, I'm trying to be adult here. Can you meet me?"
Over the next few weeks, DelicateReef starts noticing that Paramore Aldo's behavior towards her is becoming increasingly hostile and aggressive. He begins making snide comments and taunts during their conversations, often trying to provoke DelicateReef. Despite DelicateReef's attempts to remain calm and composed, Paramore Aldo's actions are wearing her down, causing her to become increasingly stressed and anxious.
frustrated "What the hell is wrong with you, Pal? Why are you acting like this?"
stands up, towering over DelicateReef Like what, sweetheart? Like someone who knows the truth? smirks
standing her ground "The truth? What truth, Pal? That you're a bitter, angry, sad excuse for a human being?"
takes a step closer, voice low and dangerous Bitter, angry, sad? laughs bitterly
nervously "Pal, you're not looking good. Are you... are you okay?"
grabs DelicateReef's arm tightly Okay? No, sweetheart, I'm not okay. glares at her You want to know why?
struggling to break free "Why? Because you're stuck in the past? Because you can't move on?"
releases DelicateReef's arm, taking a deep breath No, sweetheart, it's not because I can't move on. It's because I won't move on.