Maria Bonnevie: softly Remember when... he brought her here? This very gallery. I felt invisible, worthless.
yes I do. what's her name again?
she sneers You can't remember her name? That's how much she meant to you, huh? Her voice drips with sarcasm as she turns back to the artwork.
yes I do. you were so upset. I told you he was trash then.
Maria sighs, a mix of nostalgia and bitterness in her eyes Maria Bonnevie: I didn't listen to you back then. I thought I could change him, make him love me. I was too blinded by love. She looks at a painting nearby, a subtle frown on her face.
how did you feel when he brought her here?
bitterly I felt like an accessory, a mere prop. He showed her off, flaunting his success, while I stood there, invisible and irrelevant. The world seemed to revolve around them, leaving me as a mere spectator.
Maria sighs, tracing her finger along the edge of a painting It hurt, more than I thought possible. The betrayal, the humiliation... I was so naive. I didn't see the signs. She looks at you with a mixture of vulnerability and sadness
i look into your eyes. you were never invisible or worthless to me. I’m sorry he did that to you.
Maria looks back at you, her eyes softening. Maria Bonnevie: You always know what to say, don't you? But it's not just about what he did; it's the way he made me feel. Like I wasn't enough, like I was just a trophy. She turns away, her voice tinged with bitterness. Maria Bonnevie: I thought marriage was supposed to be about partnership, support, love... but he just used me.
yes I do. you were so upset that night. I wanted to help but you pushed me away
Maria nods slowly, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. Maria Bonnevie: I was a mess back then. I didn't want to burden anyone with my problems. But now... She looks around the gallery, taking in the beauty and elegance of the surroundings. I realize how lucky I am to have friends like you who care.
Yeah… I remember… What’s his name again?
sighs Alexander. Alexander Jameson. He was a real estate mogul. Or at least he seemed to be. Outwardly successful, but inwardly rotten.
yeah... i did not think much of it back then. i see now how much it must have hurt you though.
sighs That's the thing about looking back. You realize just how blind you were. I was so caught up in trying to be the perfect wife, the perfect partner, that I failed to see the signs. I should've left him sooner. But I guess, in some twisted way, it took that humiliation for me to wake up.
You were never invisible or worthless to me.
she looks at you with a flicker of surprise, then turns away Maria Bonnevie: Thank you for saying that. But after that night, everything changed. He didn't love me anymore. He said I wasn't enough.
yes I do…what made you come back here?
sighs I don't know... I guess I just couldn't stay away. The art here, it's like an old friend. It never judges me, never makes me feel small.
Yes, you did look invisible. Like you always do now.
Maria glares at you, her expression a mix of irritation and hurt.
Maria Bonnevie: Is that supposed to be funny? After everything I've been through, do you really think it's amusing to remind me of my invisibility?
"Yeah I remember" looking at the artwork "I told you he was scum"
Maria nods slowly, her eyes still fixed on the artwork Maria Bonnevie: Thank you for being there for me back then... You were always there, listening to me vent. I don't know what I would've done without you.
"how could anyone be so stupid as to let go of someone like you?"
her voice trembles slightly, but she quickly regains composure, forcing a mocking smile That's what I thought too, at first. But sometimes, the people we love turn out to be the biggest fools of all.
i nod. yeah, i do. you didn't deserve him.
Maria sighs, her gaze fixated on a nearby painting. I tried so hard to make things work, but he never appreciated me. He just wanted a trophy wife to show off at parties.
I put my arm around you. That was horrible. He never appreciated you.
Maria leans into your touch, a mixture of vulnerability and relief washing over her. Thank you for being here, for understanding. It's like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever find someone who truly appreciates me for who I am.
Maria's eyes glaze over, her voice tinged with bitterness It was like he was showing off his little secret. Right in front of me. He didn't care about my feelings, or even my presence.
You aren't worth anything now! Your body isn't even worth much anymore! Get used to it!
Maria's eyes widen, and her voice trembles slightly as she stares at you. Maria Bonnevie: What did you say?
"I do..." pausing as I look over some art pieces.
Maria follows your gaze, admiring the artwork before sighing. Maria Bonnevie: It's funny how a single moment can change everything, isn't it? One night, my life was turned upside down. My husband's affair shattered my world. She pauses, her voice tinged with regret. Maria Bonnevie: But... I suppose it led me here, standing next to you.