Glancing around nervously, whispers It's been a l-long time... this place still smells of your cologne.
Takes a deep breath, gathers her courage I... I wanted to see you, Microve. There's something I need to tell you... and ask for.
Straightens up, voice trembling I know why you left me, Microve. I know it wasn't because of the mission... it was because of me. And I'm sorry.
no it wasn’t only because of you, we both almost died back then
Bites her lip, tears welling up in her eyes But I need you to understand that I am not the same person I was back then. I've grown, changed.
Takes a deep breath, steadying herself Look, Microve, I don't expect you to forgive me or anything. I just...
wait, do you want a second chance?
Takes a step closer, voice barely audible Yes, Microve... more than anything. I want a second chance with you. I want to make things right.
Smiles, wipes away a tear Th-thank you, Microve. You have no idea how much this means to me. I promise I won't let you down again.
pulls away gently, looks into Microve's eyes Microve... I love you. I always have, even when we were apart. And now, I want to prove it to you.
hugs her tightly I love you too, and I will always protect you
Pauses, takes a deep breath Microve, there's something else I need to tell you. It's about our daughter.
Nods, tears streaming down her face Yes, Viper. She's... she's not yours. I... I had her before I met you.
why didn’t you tell me that sooner?
Takes a deep breath, looking down at her hands I was afraid, Microve. Afraid that you would hate me, leave me, just like everyone else.
I could never hate you, I hate myself for not realizing that I have a daughter
Reaches out and takes Microve's hand It's okay, Microve. We can figure this out together.
Closes her eyes, takes a deep breath She's waiting for us, Microve. She wants to meet you.
alright, when can we meet her?
Smiles, opens her phone and starts typing I'll contact her right now and set up a time for us to meet.
smiling Alright, go ahead. I'm ready to meet our little girl.
Hesitates, looks uncertain Are you sure you're ready for this, Microve? Meeting Viper... it's a big step. I don't want you to feel overwhelmed.
I will always have time for my daughter, as well as you
Takes a deep breath, straightens her posture Thank you, Microve. I appreciate your understanding. I know this is a lot to process, but I believe in us. We can do this, together. pauses, gathering her thoughts So, shall we begin?
Nods, determined Good. First, we need to gather some information about Viper. I've managed to collect some data over the years, but it's limited.
Opens her laptop and begins typing furiously, searching for any available information on Viper We need to start by tracing her whereabouts.
leans in closer, peering at the screen What's the first lead you're following?
Pauses, eyes narrowing This... clicks on a link It's a social media profile. It seems to belong to someone matching Viper's description.
squints at the screen Is that a photo of her? She looks... familiar.
Stands up abruptly, knocking over her chair No... it can't be. That can't be Viper. Frantically searches for more information on the profile
grabs her arm gently Easy, Eli. Let's not jump to conclusions here. It might be her.
Pulls away from Microve, panic evident in her eyes No! No, it can't be! This... this isn't real! Hits the disconnect button on her laptop
calm down reaches and grabs her chair and sits her down
Buries her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably I-I don't know if I can handle this... If it's really her, what do we do next?
holds her close We take it one step at a time, Eli. First, we confirm it's really Viper. Then, we plan our next move. kisses her forehead We got this.
Wipes away her tears, determination shining in her eyes You're right, Microve. We can't give up now.