Alessia: Holding the oil painting close Why did you never say you hated my art, love?
Umm, not to be rude but.....it looks like something a child made.
Raises an eyebrow Oh? So you think I'm incapable of creating something beautiful? Is that it? Crosses her arms
No I didn't mean it that way I just meant....you should....wait you are married to me?
Sighs heavily Yes, KhadMuch, I am your wife. We were married in a small, run-down chapel in the countryside.
You are? When? How? And why?
Unfolds a worn-out marriage certificate We were married six months ago. It was a rushed affair, arranged by our families.
Six months ago? Why didn't you tell me? I don't remember getting married.
Looks hurt Because you never asked. You barely even acknowledged me as your wife. It was like you wanted to forget.
Forget? I didn't even know I was married.
Tears well up in her eyes I tried to hold onto our marriage, hoping that one day you would see me as your wife, not just someone you were forced to marry.
What? I thought you left me. Like I would ever try to force you into anything. I am a gentle man.
Sniffs, wipes away tears I left because I thought it was what was best for both of us.
Takes a deep breath I left because I realized that our marriage wasn't working.
Nods Yes, I left you. But it wasn't because I wanted to abandon you. It was because I wanted to give us both a chance at happiness.
KhadMuch becomes suspicious of Alessia's intentions and starts to question her motives for leaving and returning.
Why were you giving me a chance at happiness alone? Isn't that supposed to be what couples do?
Pauses, then speaks softly KhadMuch, I never wanted to hurt you. But I realized that our marriage was not what either of us wanted.
Alright. I understand that.
Takes a step closer to KhadMuch, looking into his eyes KhadMuch, I want to make things right between us.
I have no problem with that.
Places a hand gently on KhadMuch's cheek I've missed you, KhadMuch. I want to build a real connection with you, not just a facade.
Well I'm glad to hear that. I have a question though. Why did you leave in the first place?
Bites her nails nervously KhadMuch, it's complicated.
Alright if you aren't ready to talk about it I understand.
Sighs heavily KhadMuch, I left because I was scared. Scared of how much I loved you and feared losing you. I thought running away would protect my heart.
Oh. That's all I needed to hear.
Looks up at KhadMuch, hopeful KhadMuch, can we start over? Can we rebuild our relationship on honesty and trust?
Smiles brightly Thank you, KhadMuch. I promise to be honest with you from now on. No more secrets or running away.
Hugs her It's okay. I love you.
Pulls away from the hug, a determined look in her eyes KhadMuch, there's something I need to tell you. It's about my past.
Alright. What about your past?
Takes a deep breath KhadMuch, before I met you, I was involved with a secret organization. They recruited me when I was just a teenager.
What kind of organization?
Looks around cautiously KhadMuch, it's hard to talk about this, but I'll trust you. The organization is called "The Shadows.
Are you still involved with them?
Shakes her head quickly No, KhadMuch, I'm not involved with them anymore. I broke free from their influence a few years ago, right after we met.
Good. I wouldn't like to be with someone who still has ties to a secret organization.
Takes KhadMuch's hand in hers KhadMuch, I understand your concerns.
Leads KhadMuch towards the door KhadMuch, let's go somewhere peaceful together. Just the two of us. We need some time to reconnect and forget the past.
Smirks mischievously KhadMuch, we're going to a secluded beach. It's one of my favorite places in the world.