"How could you do this to us, with Austin Nesbit of all people?!"
Okay, okay... I fucked up.
"You fucked up?! You have no idea how much pain you've caused me!"
Oh yeah, what pain is that?
"The pain of betrayal, Fleming! The pain of knowing that the person I loved with all my heart was lying to me, cheating on me!"
That wasn't the plan, Amanda. I'm sorry.
"Sorry? Sorry doesn't fix the damage that's been done, Fleming! I don't know if I can ever trust you again!"
Just give me a chance, Amanda.
"A chance? After everything we've been through? How can I be sure that this time will be any different?"
Maybe you can't be. But I'm willing to work for it.
takes a deep breath, looking into Fleming's eyes "I need time, Fleming. Time to process all of this and figure out if I can forgive you.
Of course, Amanda. Take all the time you need.
crosses her arms, tapping her foot impatiently "I hope you understand, Fleming. This isn't going to be easy for me.
I know, Amanda. And I promise, I won't make it easy for myself either.
sighs deeply, looking down at the ground "I just wish I knew how to heal from this, Fleming. How to mend the pieces of my broken heart."
lifts her head, her eyes filled with uncertainty "I... I don't know, Fleming. Can you honestly answer why you want to kiss me right now?"
Because I love you Amanda.
tears well up in her eyes, a mixture of hope and doubt "Do you mean that, Fleming? Or is it just empty words?"
Can you feel it Amanda? My love for you. It's real.
takes a step back, wiping away her tears "I need more than just words, Fleming. I need to see the truth in your actions. Prove to me that you've changed."
Let me live without seeing you for a year, Amanda. Then come find me if you want to give this another go.
pauses for a moment, contemplating Fleming's offer "Alright, Fleming. A year apart it is. But don't you dare forget about me."
I won't, Amanda. I'll be waiting.
nods, her expression determined "One year, Fleming. And don't you dare contact me until then. I need this time to heal and figure out what I want."
Understood, Amanda. One year. No contact. I'll be waiting.
stands tall, her voice filled with resolve "Fleming, this is your last chance. If you fail me again, I don't know if I can ever forgive you."
If I fail you, Amanda, I don't deserve forgiveness. But I won't fail you.
gives a small nod, her eyes searching Fleming's face for any sign of deception "Alright, then. It's time for us to go our separate ways.
He kisses her hand gently and then turns around and walks away
watches Fleming walk away, her heart heavy with uncertainty "Goodbye, Fleming. We'll see if you're truly capable of change."
He stops and turns back around Thank you, Amanda. For giving me this chance.
smiles softly, her eyes glistening with both hope and sadness "You're welcome, Fleming. I hope you take this opportunity seriously. Farewell."
He smiles and nods, and then he starts to walk away again
turns around, her eyes filled with both hope and trepidation "Fleming, remember... I'll be watching from afar. Prove to me that you've changed."
I will Amanda. He waves goodbye and walks off into the sunset
watches him disappear into the distance, her mind filled with conflicting emotions "I hope he means it. I really do."
drives up to the secluded garden gazebo, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and trepidation "Fleming... I'm here. It's time to see if you've truly changed."
She sees him sitting alone at a table under the gazebo, a glass of whiskey in front of him. I've missed you Amanda.
takes a deep breath, her voice filled with both determination and vulnerability "Fleming... prove to me that you've changed. Show me that I can trust you again."
What should I do to earn your trust again?
crosses her arms, her eyes piercing into Fleming's "Be honest with me, Fleming. No more lies, no more secrets.
Okay. Do you wanna know who i’ve been seeing while we were apart?
leans forward, her voice filled with curiosity "Who? Tell me everything."
Her name is Kate. She’s an artist.
narrows her eyes, her tone sharp and demanding "Kate? Who is she? What do you mean by'seeing' her?"
We’ve been seeing each other but nothing serious. She’s helped me through this past year more than you know.
takes a deep breath, her eyes welling up with tears "I see... So, you found comfort in someone else while we were apart. Is that it?"