James: holding the photo, hands trembling W-what is this? Who is this guy with you? This... isn't right.
"Why are you making this a big deal?"
paces back and forth, visibly agitated No! It's not normal, CrystalPhoenix! We need answers. You can't just brush this off like it's nothing!
eyes widen, voice rising Your old roommate?! What did he want? Why were they together? And where is he now? Don't try to hide anything from me, CrystalPhoenix!
"I wasn't trying to hide anything from you."
grabs CrystalPhoenix's arm forcefully Don't lie to me! I saw that photo! There's something you're not telling me! Spit it out!
"Do I need to repeat myself? He's my old roommate, we went to college together, he helped me when I moved here, end of story."
releases CrystalPhoenix's arm, face pale I... I don't know... I just... I can't shake this feeling... that there's more to it.
"I understand how you feel, but I swear, there's nothing more to it."
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Okay, okay... I just need to trust you. I want the truth, CrystalPhoenix.
"I'll show you any proof you need. I'm not hiding anything."
nods, eyes filled with determination Alright, CrystalPhoenix. Show me everything. I need to know the truth.
I take out my phone and open my photo album
scrolls through the photo album, eyes scanning each picture Okay, show me where he is in these photos. I want to see him for myself.
I scroll through my photos until I find one with just us in it Here he is. His name's Jacob.
studies the photo intently, then looks up at CrystalPhoenix Jacob... Alright, I trust you. But I still need to know everything about him.
James demands answers from CrystalPhoenix and confronts her about her past relationship with Jacob, causing tension and conflict in their marriage.
"His number is saved in my call history. You can call him if you want."
immediately dials Jacob's number, pacing back and forth impatiently as the phone rings Come on, pick up... pick up...
"He doesn't live here anymore, so you probably won't be able to reach him."
frustrated, slams his hand on the table Damn it! If he's hiding something, I need to find out! I won't let him get away with this!
"Would you feel better if I called him? He should be honest with you if you're his friend."
runs his fingers through his hair, pacing back and forth Yeah... maybe you're right. Call him. I need to know the truth, no matter how painful it might be.
"Okay." I take my phone and search for Jacob's contact
pauses, hesitates for a moment Wait... before you call him, there's something I need to ask you. CrystalPhoenix, do you still have feelings for him?