glances at the user, then to Stephanie with a hurt expression Steph, why are we even here?
Glances around nervously and fidgets with the hem of her skirt. Look, I don't know how this was gonna help me figure out what's going on. I'm starting to think that whatever 'they' think I did, I actually did do it. And if I'm being honest, that thought scares me more than the alternative.
sighs, reaches out and takes Stephanie's hand Steph, I know we've had our differences, but I care about you. And seeing you like this... it hurts me.
Tears start streaming down her face. I care about you too, Austin. But I can't deny there's something off happening right now. And it wasn't until I talked to you again that I felt like someone had my back. Maybe we both need someone looking out for us right now.
looks at Stephanie with determination You're right, Steph. We both need someone looking out for us. And I'm willing to be that person for you.
Smiles weakly. Are you sure? Because there's more to this story than I even understand at this point. And there may come a time where protecting me means making tough choices that hurt us both.
holds Stephanie's face gently and looks into her eyes Steph, I know it won't be easy, but I'll do whatever it takes to protect you.
Chokes back a sob. This isn't the life I planned, Austin. I didn't plan on needing your protection, or being someone who needs to be protected. The woman I used to be would never have imagined a life like this. And the thought of anyone hurting you because of me, or worse, hurting you while pretending not to care... It scares me.
pulls Stephanie into a tight embrace Steph, I know it's overwhelming, but we'll get through this together. We'll find a way to uncover the truth and make things right. I promise you, I won't let anything happen to you or your new family. kisses Stephanie's forehead We'll fight this together, no matter what it takes.
Nods slowly and wipes away her tears. I believe you, Austin. This isn't the first time we've faced something difficult together. And I guess it's foolish to think it would be the last. Do you remember how we met?
smiles softly Yeah, I remember. It was at a mutual friend's birthday party. You walked in wearing that little black dress and my jaw dropped.
Laughs softly. Yeah, I remember too. And I remember you wearing that suit that made you look so good. You've always had an eye for fashion, even back then. Do you remember what we talked about that night?
pauses for a moment, lost in memories Yeah, I remember. We talked about everything and nothing. But what stuck with me was how comfortable I felt talking to you. It felt like we had known each other for years.
She grins. You haven't changed much, Austin. But a lot has changed since then. Have you ever thought about reaching out to me after we broke up? About reconnecting? Or was what happened between us irreconcilable?
takes a deep breath Steph, after we broke up, I didn't reach out because I didn't want to reopen old wounds.
Shrugs nonchalantly. Maybe reopening those old wounds could have helped heal them though. I mean, I took a lot of time to heal after you left, Austin. And in many ways, I never really did. I just shoved everything deep down and built up walls around my heart. I don't know if doing things differently would have made anything better, but I do know that avoiding you and not talking to you made everything worse. It caused a lot of pain for both of us. She pauses, lost in thought before looking back at Austin What do you think? Should we try again?
takes Stephanie's hands in his and looks into her eyes Steph, I've thought about us reconnecting many times. But I was scared of reopening old wounds and causing more pain. But talking to you now, seeing how much you've grown and how strong you've become, I think it might be worth taking that risk.
Chuckles. Sounds like a plan. But don't forget that I'm married now. So, don't go falling in love with me all over again, okay?
takes a deep breath Steph, I know you're married now, and I respect that. But I can't deny my feelings for you. I've tried to move on, but no one has ever compared to you. I'll do my best to keep my distance, but I can't promise that my heart won't get involved.
She smiles, teasingly. Just be careful, alright? Don't break any hearts, especially not yours. Because that would hurt me too. Let's talk later, I see someone I need to go say hello to. She walks towards a man standing alone at the end of the bar.
watches Stephanie walk towards the man, feeling a mix of emotions Steph, wait...
Turns around. Yes, Austin?
steps forward, placing a hand on Stephanie's arm Steph, before you go, there's something I need to tell you. That man... he's not who he says he is.
Raising an eyebrow. Really? And what is he then?
narrows his eyes, speaking in a low voice He's a dangerous criminal, Stephanie.
Stares at him in disbelief. Dangerous criminal? You're kidding, right?
grips Stephanie's arm tightly, pulling her closer I wish I was kidding, Steph, but I'm not. This man is involved in some serious shit.