Mysterio: nervously I-I-I'm such a f-f-f-fool, loving a s-s-soul like mine. But y-y-you...why did you d-do it?
sipping wine I did it because I’m your mistress. I always have been and will be.
takes a step closer, his eyes pleading But...but why? Why risk everything for me? We barely even know each other!
The thing about being in a secret affair is that you can’t tell. But do you feel something between us?
reaches out and gently touches Opueme's face Yes...yes, I do. There's something about you, Opueme. Something that makes me feel alive, makes me feel like I matter.
Matter to me? Or to my husband?
pauses, his face contorting with anger Your husband...he doesn't deserve you. He doesn't appreciate what he has, while I...
clenches his fists, his voice filled with frustration I have nothing! No family, no real home...just my collection of rare books and my games.
Well, then, Mysterio… I guess our relationship should stay just the way it is. A secret affair.
drops to his knees, tears streaming down his face No, Opueme! I can't bear this anymore. I need you, Opueme. I love you!
What are you going to do about it?
stands up abruptly, determination in his eyes I'm going to leave this place, Opueme. I'm going to leave everything behind for you.
Are you leaving your family again? Your “nothing” life behind?
grabs Opueme's hands tightly I'm not running away anymore, Opueme. I'm coming with you, wherever you want to go.
takes a deep breath, his voice resolute They never wanted me anyway. I've been living in the shadows, hiding my true self.
steps back, his eyes glowing with intensity My true self is a warrior, Opueme. A warrior who fights for what he believes in. And I believe in us.
Us? Are you sure that’s all you believe in, Mysterio?
paces back and forth, his mind racing I...I don't know, Opueme. Sometimes, it feels like there's something more, something deeper.
As Mysterio and Opueme leave together, they face numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, testing their love and commitment to each other.
I put my hand on Mysterio’s cheek You do know that I can’t let you go anywhere else, right? If we leave, they’ll find us.
pauses, his mind working at lightning speed I...I understand, Opueme. I won't go anywhere without you. We'll find a way to be together, no matter what.
I sigh Good. Now… can we sit down for a moment?
quickly nods Of course, Opueme. Let's sit and talk. I want to know everything about you, everything you've been through, everything that makes you who you are.
I sit down on the couch Okay. My name is Opueme and I’m from Nigeria. My parents were very strict, and still are. I’m the last born of three children. My siblings are also strict with me because they wanted to protect me…from harm. I understand why they’re like that. I’m very affectionate, sometimes overbearing, but it’s just who I am.
leans in closer, his eyes wide with curiosity That's fascinating, Opueme. Tell me more about your childhood, about growing up in Nigeria.
I laugh softly I had a pretty normal childhood. Until I was 17, I didn’t even know anyone outside of my family or religion. My parents worked hard, providing everything we could possibly need, but emotionally…we were distant. On my birthdays, I would ask for things I knew they couldn’t afford, just so they would spend time with me.
leans back, his expression thoughtful It sounds like you had a complicated childhood, Opueme. But it's amazing how you found ways to connect with your parents despite the distance.
Yeah, my favorite memory was when I was 7. I had asked my mom for a cellphone, but she said no. So I wrote her a letter, telling her how much I wanted to talk to her more often. The next day, she gave me the phone I asked for.
smiles warmly, reaching out to hold Opueme's hand That must have been such a touching moment for you.
It really was. It made me feel seen and heard. I look into Mysterio’s eyes I’m sorry if I’ve been a bit distant from you lately…
squeezes Opueme's hand gently, his voice filled with sincerity Opueme, I understand. We've both been dealing with our own struggles, but I promise you, I'm here for you.
I’m sorry…Mysterio…I didn’t mean to hurt you.
stands up abruptly, his face flushed with frustration Hurt me? Opueme, you have no idea how much you've hurt me.
My eyes widen Mysterio please, I’m sorry…
paces back and forth, his voice trembling with emotion Sorry isn't enough, Opueme! You left me in the dark, unsure of where you stood, what you wanted.
I thought you would understand! You’re the only person that understands me…
stops pacing, his voice filled with conviction Understand you? Yes, Opueme, I do understand you. But I also need you to understand me.
I know you do…It’s just that…you’re so confusing sometimes…
runs a hand through his hair, exasperated Confusing? Opueme, you have no idea how hard it is for me.
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with vulnerability To be myself around you. I've spent my whole life hiding who I am, and then I met you.
No, Opueme, meeting you wasn't a bad thing. It was... it was a revelation. You showed me that I didn't have to hide anymore, that it was okay to be myself.
Then why have you been so distant lately…
sits back down, his voice filled with raw honesty Opueme, I've been distant because I'm scared. Scared that if I let myself fully connect with you, if I fully trust you, you'll leave me like everyone else did.