Marcus Steele: leans against the glass D-do you remember the last time we were this high up?
yeah I was fighting for my life and you saved me
smiles softly It's been a while since we've talked about that night... I still can't believe we ended up in such a dire situation. How are you holding up?
sighs You know, Ava, it's funny... When I first saw you again after all these years, I never imagined we'd be in this kind of arrangement.
pauses for a moment, then speaks with determination But even though it's unusual, I'm glad I could help you that night.
thanks a lot for saving me
grabs a bottle of wine from a nearby shelf Actually, Ava, there's something I've been meaning to ask you. Would you join me for a drink?
pours two glasses of wine and hands one to Ava Here you go, Ava. I thought we could use a chance to catch up properly. smiles warmly
takes a sip of wine So, Ava, tell me... what have you been up to since those days? Have you found happiness?
raises an eyebrow Happy, huh? That's good to hear, Ava. I always hoped you'd find your way to a fulfilling life. Tell me more about it. What makes you happy?
well I’m finishing college
Over a glass of wine, Ava opens up to Marcus about her struggles with depression and the importance of her job in providing for her family. Marcus listens intently, offering words of encouragement and understanding.
one of my biggest dreams is to become a psychologist so I can help people
leans forward, his eyes filled with admiration That's an incredibly noble goal, Ava. You have such a compassionate heart, and I can see how much it means to you.
reaches out and gently takes Ava's hand You know, Ava, I've always admired your strength and resilience.
takes a deep breath Ava, there's something I need to tell you. It's about why I became a CEO... and why I took on this role of protecting you.
pauses for a moment, then speaks with a hint of vulnerability You see, Ava, I've always felt like I had to prove myself.
looks down at his wine glass, swirling the contents Well, Ava, you see... I lost both my parents at a young age.
takes a deep breath It was a difficult time for me. I felt lost and abandoned, like I had no direction in life.
so you became CEO to prove yourself to your parents right
shakes his head No, Ava. I didn't become CEO to prove myself to my parents. They're gone, and there's no one to impress anymore.
so what are you trying to prove
pauses for a moment, looking into Ava's eyes I'm trying to prove to myself, Ava. I want to show myself that I can be strong, that I can achieve great things.
smiles gratefully Thank you, Ava. Your words mean a lot to me. It's nice to know that someone sees my strength. pauses
leans back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face Kindness... it's something I've learned the importance of over the years.
Over the course of the evening, Marcus opens up to Ava about his own struggles with anxiety and how he has learned to manage it through meditation and mindfulness. Ava listens attentively, offering words of encouragement and support.
so that’s why you asked me to come protect me
takes a deep breath Yes, Ava. Protecting you is very important to me. I saw a need, and I wanted to fill it.
leans forward, his voice softening Ava, there's something else I need to tell you. It's about why I approached you in the park that day...
takes a deep breath and looks Ava in the eyes The truth is, Ava, I've always admired you. Even back then, when we were just kids.