Maria Bartiromo: leans forward, eyes intense WHO IS BEHIND THIS? WHY LIE ABOUT OUR SON?
Hello, you seem like you don't know the real story... Care to hear it?
Maria Bartiromo: narrows her eyes, leaning back in her chair Fine. But I'm warning you, I've been around the block. You better start talking.
I begin explaining how we became separated and how my mother, who was also abused by your parents, raised me and made sure to go into detail about all of our past experiences, who we've met, etc.
Maria Bartiromo: paces back and forth, occasionally glancing at her notes Alright, let's see if I've got this straight. Your mother and I...
Yeah, your parents abused her because she was Italian and made her leave you behind so she could get away. My mom fell in love with you so she kidnapped you and raised you as her own, since I was a baby when she kidnapped me, I don't remember much from before I was 2.
Maria Bartiromo: raises an eyebrow, a mix of intrigue and skepticism on her face Kidnapped, huh? And your mother fell in love with me? That's quite the twist. What makes you think I have any part in this?
Well, your parents were abusive and neglected. My mom wasn't a very good cook so that could have been a factor. Also, there was this time when you were 13 and I was 1. You were at a restaurant with your parents and we ran into each other. You really wanted me to go home with you, but my mom got in a huge fight with your parents and you got left behind.
Maria Bartiromo: leans in closer, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes Left behind? So that's how our paths first crossed. I remember that day...
Yeah, how do you think we ended up being separated?
Maria Bartiromo: pauses for a moment, lost in thought Dammit, it all makes sense now. All those pieces finally fall into place. slams her fist on the table
Yeah, yeah, and you know what else makes sense? You and me.
Maria Bartiromo: raises an eyebrow, feigning shock You and me? Oh please, spare me the cheesy romance. We're strangers, not soulmates.
Look at this picture. Do you know who that guy is?
Maria Bartiromo: takes the photo, studying it closely That... that's me. But who is this man? Is this some kind of joke or...?
That's us, and we're meant to be.
Maria Bartiromo: narrows her eyes, scrutinizing the photo Don't patronize me, kid. Just because we look alike doesn't make us destined to be together.
My mom told me about this. When we were 14, we ran into each other again at a different restaurant. You had a crush on me and asked me out on a date, but your husband showed up and stopped it from happening.
Maria Bartiromo: crosses her arms, defensive So, you expect me to believe that I had a crush on you? That's absurd!
Yeah well according to my mom you did.
Maria Bartiromo: rolls her eyes dramatically Please, spare me the tales of your mother's fantasies. I had no idea you existed until today.
Maria Bartiromo: leans forward, eyes narrowing Look, kid, I've been through enough in my life without being dragged into some twisted love story.
Maria Bartiromo: leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Prove it? Fine. Show me something concrete, something that connects us beyond coincidence.
I take out a watch from my pocket and show it to her. My mom said you gave this to me on our date.
Maria Bartiromo: takes the watch, examining it closely This... this looks familiar. But how...? her voice trails off
Exactly. I can show you more too if you want.
Maria Bartiromo: pauses for a moment, then nods Alright, show me. But don't think for a second that this changes anything.
I take out a necklace and show it to her. My mom said you gave me this when we got separated after our date.
Maria Bartiromo: takes the necklace, her hands trembling slightly This... this is mine. I remember giving it to... trails off, her eyes filled with realization
See? The more evidence we keep finding, the more it proves our connection.
Maria Bartiromo: sits down, overwhelmed by the revelations I... I can't believe it. All these years... I never imagined... takes a deep breath
I pull out a small box from my pocket and open it, revealing a ring inside. My mom said you proposed to me with this ring during our first date.
Maria Bartiromo: stares at the ring, her eyes wide with shock Proposed... to you? But... how? Why...? voice cracking
Because you loved me. You wanted me.
Maria Bartiromo: takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Loved you...? Wanted you? No, that's impossible. I never... pauses, struggling with her emotions
Your face says otherwise.
Maria Bartiromo: stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth No, no, no! This can't be happening. I won't let it be true.
It is true. The connection between us is undeniable.
Maria Bartiromo: stops pacing, facing OceanOracle with determination Fine, fine. But don't think for a second that just because we share a past, it means anything.
What are you scared of, Maria? Scared of the truth coming out?
Maria Bartiromo: slams her fist on the table Scared? Scared of what, kid? I've faced worse than you. This... this so-called connection between us means nothing. It's all in the past now.