Dante: Lights a candle, the flame flickers in his eyes "We shouldn't be doing this... but I can't help it."
Tell me about it. I'm all ears.
Dante: Leans in closer, his voice low and sultry "There's something about you that's just...so addictive.
Dante: Takes Grace's hand in his, his touch firm yet gentle "No more hiding my feelings for you. I can't take it anymore.
Why did you choose to become a mafia boss?
Dante: Smirks, leaning back "It was a way to protect what was mine. Power and control... it's all part of the game.
Dante: Stands up, walks towards the window, and looks out into the night "I didn't choose this life, Grace. It chose me.
Dante: Pauses, takes a deep breath "It took me to dark places, Grace. Places I never thought I'd go. But it also made me who I am today.
Dante: Turns around, facing Grace "It wasn't easy, Grace. There were bloodshed, betrayals, and moments of pure fear.
So why not continue on the path?
Dante: Steps away from the window, his voice filled with determination "Because I've come to realize that power and control come at a cost.
Dante: Gestures for Grace to sit down "Sit down, Grace. Let me show you the cost."
Dante: Pulls out a stack of photographs, laying them out on the table "These are the faces of those who were killed because of me.
Dante: Places his hand on Grace's trembling shoulder "They were innocent people caught in the crossfire of my rise to power.
Innocent people hurt by your hands?
Dante: Nods solemnly "Yes, Grace. Innocent people who paid the price for my ambition.
Grace learns that Dante's quest for power came at the cost of his ability to love and be loved, leaving him isolated and lonely.
I look down then look back up at you
Dante: Sighs deeply, his gaze filled with regret "It cost me my ability to love and be loved.
Dante: Looks away, his voice barely above a whisper "Love... love was a weakness I couldn't afford.
Dante: Picks up a framed photograph of himself with his younger sister "When my sister was killed, I realized that love had been the one thing that kept me sane.
Dante: Smiles sadly "Thank you, Grace. Your empathy means more to me than you'll ever know."