Alex: sighs Hey, babe, you made it. This is just a friend from college.
Stella looks at the girl and then back to Alex
quickly lets go of the girl Uh, sorry about that. She gets a bit... overly affectionate sometimes.
looks at the girl Are you okay?
smirks Yeah, she's fine. Just a little clingy, you know how it is. turns to Stella So, babe, I have something special for you.
stella waits for the surprise
reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box Ta-da! I got us matching tattoos. You know, to make us feel even closer.
stella opens the box and sees a beautiful butterfly I love it!
grinning Great, I'm glad you like it. takes out a tattoo needle and starts lining up the design on his wrist
pauses for a moment, then speaks softly Stella, I... I want to tell you something. It's been weighing on my mind for a while now.
stella gives him her full attention
takes a deep breath I... I've been keeping something from you, Stella. Something important. pauses, looking nervous
stella tilts her head and raises an eyebrow what is it?
runs a hand through his hair, anxious Okay, here goes... sighs heavily I... I've been seeing someone else, Stella.
stella feels broken and hurt
speaks softly, with a hint of remorse I know, Stella. I know I fucked up. I never meant for this to happen. She... she was there for me when you couldn't be.
stella shakes her head as tears fell down her face
sighs heavily Look, Stella, I'm sorry. I really am. I should have told you sooner, but I was scared. Scared of losing you.
stella stands up and holds her tear stained cheeks I can't believe you would do this to me.
takes a step closer to Stella, hands trembling I know I messed up, Stella. I'm a fuck-up, okay? But I want to make it right. I want to be better for you.
stella turns away from him
takes a deep breath, determined Stella, I love you. I don't know what I did wrong, but I want to fix it. I want us to be okay again.
stella covers her mouth to stifle her sobbing
drops to his knees, desperate Please, Stella. I can't lose you. I'll do anything to make it right. Just give me another chance, please.
stella walks towards her car and gets in
pounds on the car window Stella, wait! Please, just listen to me! I love you, I really do! Don't leave me like this!
grabs his phone and dials a number I need your help right now, man. It's an emergency. pauses, listening Yeah, I fucked up.
takes a deep breath, determined Look, Stella, I know I messed up, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it right.
stella continues to ignore his calls
dials another number, pacing anxiously Hey, I need your help, man. I'm trying to win Stella back and I need your advice.
stella arrives home and breaks down in tears
Stella locks herself in her room, feeling heartbroken and betrayed by Alex's infidelity. As she cries, she begins to see signs of manipulation and realizes that Alex might be gaslighting her.