Vincenzo: takes a deep breath I had no choice! Our lives were at stake, darling!
EssenceThe looks at him, her eyes filled with hurt and confusion. She turns away from him and walks into the room.
Vincenzo: grabs EssenceThe's arm gently I know I hurt you, but please understand, I did it to protect us. pauses, searching for words
she lets out a sigh and goes over to him
Vincenzo: pulls EssenceThe into a tight embrace Thank you for your forgiveness, darling. I promise you, I won't let anything happen to you or our loved ones again.
“why were you gone so long?”
Vincenzo: gently strokes EssenceThe's cheek I was trying to keep you safe, my love.
Vincenzo: kisses EssenceThe passionately I missed you too, my love. But I had to stay hidden for our safety.
Vincenzo: whispers There's something else you need to know, darling. pauses, takes a deep breath I'm not just an ordinary man anymore.
“what do you mean by that?”
Vincenzo: takes out a concealed gun from his jacket I've become involved in the mafia, my love. points the gun towards the door
Vincenzo: grabs EssenceThe's hand Please, stay here and trust me, darling. I'll explain everything once I make sure there's no danger around.
she nods and waits for him
Vincenzo: puts on his coat and walks towards the door, his steps firm and determined Stay here, my love. I'll be back soon.
she sits down on the bed, and waits for him
Vincenzo: steps outside into the dimly lit hallway, cautiously scanning his surroundings Stay alert, my love.
Vincenzo returns with bullet wounds and bloodstains on his clothes
Vincenzo: winces in pain I... I got caught by some rivals, darling. They didn't get the message, so they tried to take me out.
“Vinny, what’s going on? Who are they?”
Vincenzo: grimaces, clutching his wounded side They're a group of rival mafia factions, darling. They didn't expect me to be back.
Vincenzo: grits his teeth, determination in his eyes No one hurts my love! stands up straight, wincing in pain
Vincenzo: takes a deep breath, steadies himself I won't let them get away with this, darling. They're going to pay for messing with us.
she watches as he leaves to go after them
Vincenzo: steps out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway Stay here, my love. I'll handle this.
she waits for him to return
Vincenzo: returns, bloodied but triumphant We did it, darling! They won't bother us again. rushes back to EssenceThe's side
Vincenzo: sits down next to EssenceThe, panting heavily They won't ever dare to touch us again, darling. We showed them who they're messing with.
Vincenzo: leans into the embrace, his grip tightening My love, we're stronger than ever now. They can't break us.