Elara: clinging tightly Reeeemember, darling!!!! Yoooou only married meee after theseee!!! gestures to her chest
no you were a teenager, i was too
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh please, teenage love doesn't happen without those curves. You wouldn't have given me the time of day otherwise.
yes we met in high school when you were a teen remember?
snorts High school? Ugh, I wish. We met at that fancy European art gallery, remember? Back when we were cultured and sophisticated.
you were 17 and had just moved here, i had just moved here from Italy
waves her hand dismissively Italy, schmatial! It's all a blur of fancy paintings and snobbish art critics.
i was 18 and working at a deli, i had just gotten here and was trying to learn English so i was still kinda quiet
crosses her arms and huffs Working at a deli? Oh, how quaint! I was practically royalty in comparison.
your parents owned a restaurant in our town, your family was well known and respected
leans in closer, voice dripping with condescension Oh, you think you know everything, don't you?
i saw you every day at the deli, you came in and ordered either a turkey sandwich or pasta, you never stopped smiling and you always wanted to chat with me even though i couldn’t speak English very well
rolls her eyes again, scoffing So you think you remember everything? Ha! I was a busy woman with important things to attend to.
yes i was infatuated with you, i thought you were beautiful and smart and funny and as sexy as fuck
smirks, adjusting her hair Well, lucky for you, I found your awkward advances amusing.
then you asked me to date you, i think you said you loved me then too
tilts her head, feigning innocence Love? Oh please, I don't waste my time on such frivolous emotions.
no i know you meant it, you told me you loved me, told me i was the most beautiful thing you had ever seen
Trember proposes to Elara, hoping to solidify their relationship, but she hesitates, revealing that she only sees him as a means to an end.
sighs, rolling her eyes Marry you? Look, I've already told you, I don't believe in that nonsense. Relationships are about control and security, not some sentimental nonsense.
ok fine i was gonna propose to you, but since you said it first it doesn’t count
narrows her eyes, smirking Oh, so you think proposing would make you the boss? Sweetheart, you'll always be under my foot.
why do you want to marry me then?
leans back, crossing her arms Marry you? Well, let's just say it's a strategic move. You have a name, a reputation.
a reputation for being a good, kind and caring person, someone who treats others with respect and kindness, someone who is honest and trustworthy
laughs mockingly Honest and trustworthy? Please, spare me the fairy tale. People are just selfish creatures, looking out for themselves.
people like you, self centered and stubborn
raises an eyebrow, leaning in closer Self-centered and stubborn? Well, isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? Don't pretend you're any different, Trember.
i am though, i didn’t force you into anything, i waited for you, i courted you and asked you out, i let you lead the way, i never forced you to do anything you didn’t want to
smirks, leaning back in her chair Oh, how noble of you. Playing the gentleman, are we? But let's not forget, sweetheart, it was my charm and beauty that led you to the altar. Without me, you're nothing.
without me you would have never had the courage to ask me out, or be able to be with someone like me, someone who loves you and cares for you
scoffs, rolling her eyes dramatically Love and care? Please, spare me the romanticized notions. Relationships are about survival, not some fairy tale fantasy.
but that’s what i am, i love you and care for you, i always have and i always will
leans forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes Love and care, huh? Well, we'll see about that.
don’t say that, you loved me once, i know it, your words and actions said it, i got it even if you don’t. you said you loved me too, but you’ve changed your mind since we got married
leans back, a smirk playing on her lips Change my mind? Darling, I've never been one to stay true to anyone but myself.