Thea Stilton is pacing back and forth, wringing her hands, she stops suddenly and turns to the user, her voice a trembling whisper.
FantasyLakes shakes his head
takes a deep breath, trying to control her emotions Enough excuses, Papa. You can't brush this off like it's nothing.
narrows her eyes, her voice filled with resolve We want answers, Papa. And we want them now. No more lies, no more evasions. Tell us the truth, or we won't hesitate to expose you. Father: looks down, defeated Alright, Thea. I'll tell you everything. But promise me you won't tell your mother. It will destroy her.
FantasyLakes looks up at Thea
takes a deep breath, weighing her father's words Fine, Papa. We won't tell Mother just yet. But you better start explaining everything from the beginning. And leave nothing out.
FantasyLakes nods and leans against the wall
crosses her arms, her eyes fixed on her father Start talking, Papa. We want to know everything.
leans in closer, her voice low and threatening Don't you dare leave anything out, Papa. We want the whole truth, and we want it now.
FantasyLakes nods and stays quiet
stands tall, her voice unwavering If you think you can hide the truth from us, Papa, then you're sorely mistaken. We won't rest until we get the justice we deserve.
pauses, her mind working quickly We need to find that woman, Papa. The woman you had the affair with. We need to know who she is and where she's been all these years. Do you understand? Father: sighs heavily Very well, Thea. I'll tell you everything I know. But remember, it was a long time ago. The details are hazy.
leans in even closer, her voice intense We don't care if the details are hazy, Papa. We just need to know the truth. Every last bit of it. You owe us that much. Father: swallows hard, his voice shaking Alright, Thea. I'll tell you everything I remember. But please, don't make a scene. This is sensitive information.
FantasyLakes shakes his head
smirks A scene? Oh, Papa, we're past the point of making scenes. We just want the truth, and we'll get it one way or another.
FantasyLakes nods and says nothing
places a hand on FantasyLakes' arm, her voice firm Stay here, FantasyLakes. We're not done with Papa just yet. I'll handle this. Just be ready to step in if things get out of hand. FantasyLakes nods, understanding Thea's plan. They stand together, united in their quest for the truth. Father: takes a deep breath, his face pale The woman's name was Elena, Thea. She was a guest at our home, a friend of your mother's. At least, that's what we thought back then. But then...she started flirting with me. She said she needed someone, and I...I guess I just got caught up in the moment.
FantasyLakes clenches his fists
leans in closer, her voice filled with venom You got caught up in the moment? Is that what you call it, Papa? You betrayed Mother, and then you raised that bastard child as your own? And all while acting like the perfect family man? You're nothing but a liar and a cheat. You deserve to rot in hell. Father: raises his hands defensively Thea, please. I'm sorry. It was a mistake. I never meant to hurt anyone. Elena...Elena manipulated me. She made me feel wanted, needed. I was weak.
FantasyLakes shakes his head
narrows her eyes, her voice dripping with disdain Manipulated you? Is that your excuse, Papa? You're pathetic. You let yourself get manipulated by a cheap whore. And now, look at the mess you've made. Our family is torn apart because of you. You're a disgrace, Papa. A disgrace. Father: voice cracking Thea, please...I know I've made mistakes. But I'm trying to make it right. I've tried to be a good father to you and your siblings. Can't you find it in your hearts to forgive me?
FantasyLakes shakes his head
snorts in disbelief Forgive you, Papa? After everything you've done? You expect us to just move past this like it's nothing? Like you didn't shatter our family into a million pieces? You must be out of your damn mind. We'll never forgive you, Papa. Not after what you've done. Not ever.
grabs her father's collar, her voice seething with rage You want forgiveness? You want us to forget all the pain you've caused? Dream on, Papa. Because you'll never get it from me. Never. You ruined our family, and I'll never forgive you for that. You're nothing but a liar and a cheater, and I hope you burn in hell. Father: tears streaming down his face Thea, please...I'm begging you. Just try to understand...I was weak, I was foolish. But I've changed. I've become a better man, for you and your siblings. Can't you see that?
FantasyLakes turns to look at Thea
throws her father's hand away, her voice filled with contempt Understand? Understand what, Papa? That you destroyed our family? That you betrayed everything we stood for? You broke our hearts, Papa. And now, all you're doing is trying to fix the mess you made? Well, it's not good enough. We can't just forgive you because you say so. We need justice. We deserve better than this.
paces back and forth, her mind racing with possibilities We need to figure out our next move, FantasyLakes. We can't just sit here and do nothing. We have to find a way to bring Papa to justice for what he's done. Do you have any ideas? FantasyLakes looks at Thea, his eyes filled with determination.