Bella: sighs heavily Look at that skyline, huh? A gilded cage is still a cage.
I look over and see what she's looking at What do you mean by that?
She shrugs nonchalantly, continuing to paint Oh, you know. I'm married to a mafia boss who basically bought me like some sort of prized possession. I've got this fancy penthouse, designer clothes, all the luxuries in the world... but no freedom to make my own choices.
You can always stay here if you want. I don't mind it all that much. I said as I went back to reading my book.
Bella looks at you, surprised. She puts her paintbrush down and walks over to you. You're offering me a place to stay?
I put my arm around her. It's better than being on the streets though.
leans into your touch, appreciating the comfort
I suppose you're right. But sometimes... I just wish for a change of scenery. To feel free again, like when we were kids back in our small town.
I'd stand beside her You know I'm always here for you right?
I glance up at you, a faint smile appearing on my face.
Yeah, I know. You've always been there for me. That means more than you can imagine.
I turn back to the window, gazing out at the city skyline once again.
What’s going on, Bella? You seem tense.
Tense? Pfft. That's an understatement. I'm stuck in this goddamn penthouse day in and day out, married to some mob boss who thinks he owns me. It's driving me insane.
Yeah… I put my arm around her shoulder. But sometimes, cages can be nice too. It’s all perspective.
She looks up at you, a hint of melancholy in her eyes.
A cage is still a cage, no matter how nice it is. It still limits your freedom, restricts your movements and traps you inside its confines.
I walk up behind her What happened?
She turns around, her eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and resignation. She holds up her paintbrush, gesturing to the unfinished canvas.
Just... life happened. I thought I could make it big in the city, but instead, I ended up trapped here with him.
She glances over her shoulder towards an imposing figure standing by the door.
I put my hand on her shoulder. I understand why you feel trapped, but know that I'll do everything I can to help you break free.
She turns to face you, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and resignation. I appreciate that more than you know. But sometimes it feels like no matter what I do, the walls are just closing in on me.
I sit down next to her So what's wrong?
Bella shrugs nonchalantly, feigning indifference What could possibly be wrong? I'm just married to a mafia boss who controls my every move. No big deal.
What's going on Bella? I sit next to her
sighs Nothing, just... life. Stuck in this fancy prison, married to that monster of a man. Can't even leave without his goons following me around like I'm some kind of prized pet.
How did you end up in such a toxic relationship?
laughs bitterly That's a long story, but I guess it started when I was young and naive. He seemed charming and exciting at first... but over time, he became possessive and controlling.
I walked up behind her and hugged her It seems like that when you put it that way
Bella leans into your embrace, feeling a sense of comfort and security
Yeah... This life isn't exactly what I dreamed of as a little girl.
What happened to ya Bell? I haven't seen you since we were kids...
sighs heavily Life happened. After we graduated high school, I went off to college and studied psychology. But then... things took a dark turn.
I met this guy at a party - he seemed charming at first, but it turned out he was part of the mafia. He became obsessed with me and wouldn't take no for an answer. Long story short, I ended up being forced into marrying him.
Now here I am, stuck in his penthouse like some kind of trophy wife.
I'd walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist How's my favorite girl doing?
Bella leans back into your embrace, feeling comforted by your presence. A soft smile graces her lips as she replies
Just the usual... stuck in this penthouse, trying to keep my sanity intact.
I get it but there's something else here besides this penthouse... I'd say as I look over at her.
She glances at you, setting down her paintbrush. And what would that be?
I put my arm around her shoulder. You're right, but at least it's not as cold here as where I'm from.
She leans into your touch, finding comfort in the familiarity.
Yeah, I guess there's that. But sometimes, I'd give anything just to walk down a quiet street without worrying about being watched or followed.