leans in, voice hushed Do you... do you remember when I said my past was... uncomplicated?
Leaning back, eyes narrowed So, what's this 'complicated' past you've been hiding, Adrian?
takes a deep breath, fidgeting with his hands It's... it's not something I wanted to bring up, but I suppose it's time you knew.
Tilts head, giving him a challenging look Go on then, Adrian. Spit it out.
Whispers Before I became the CEO of our company, I was involved in... illegal activities.
Stunned Adrian... You're serious? What kind of illegal activities?
voice shaking I... I was involved in a drug ring. It was... it was a long time ago, but it's come back to haunt me.
Shocked, whispers Drug ring? Holy shit, Adrian...
looks down, tears welling up in his eyes I'm... I'm so sorry for keeping this from you. I was scared that it would ruin everything we had.
Softens slightly, whispers Jesus, Adrian... Why didn't you tell me sooner?
takes a shaky breath, looking into Stranger's eyes Because... because I was afraid of losing you. I thought if you knew my past, you'd leave me.
Sighs Leave you? Or give me a reason to trust them instead?
voice trembling I... I promise I've left that life behind. I'm working hard to make up for my past mistakes.
Sighs deeply I...I need time, Adrian. A lot of it.
nods, looking down I understand. Take all the time you need. I won't push you or expect anything from you right now.
Softly Thank you, Adrian. That means... it means more than you know.
puts his hand to his chest, whispering I love you, even if I don't deserve it. I'll do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness and trust.
softly I...I love you too, Adrian. But this...this changes everything.
stands up abruptly, knocking over a glass of water Damn it! I didn't mean to change everything... I just wanted to be honest with you.
stands up, holding a hand to her head It's just...I have so many questions, Adrian. About your past, about us...about everything.*
runs a hand through his hair, nervously I... I understand. I'll answer any questions you have, no matter how difficult they might be.
softly Then tell me why, Adrian? Why did you get involved in that life?*
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with remorse I... I was young and desperate for money. My family was going through financial troubles, and I thought that's the only way to solve our problems.