Stephen: nervously biting his nails I-I can't do this. I need my paints, my freedom.
I gently grab your hand with mine what’s wrong?
Stephen looks up at you, his eyes filled with anxiety. I-I can't marry him. I'm not ready for this. I don't love him, and I want to paint. Being tied down like this feels like a prison.
I come up behind him, placing my hand on his shoulder. Hey, it's okay. You're not really going to be married forever...
Stephen flinches at your touch but relaxes a bit
You really think so? I'm scared, y-you know. Painting and wearing dresses are my life... This wedding will change everything!
"if you don't marry me then what will happen?"
Stephen trembled, his eyes widening as he imagined the consequences of not following through with the wedding. He knew refusing would mean facing his family's wrath and possibly losing everything he held dear.
"I...I'll lose everything."
hey calm down it will be ok…you can paint here just relax
sighing and looking down at his hands I know... But I can't help it. This whole wedding thing is just not me. I'm an artist! Not some prince charming.
Hey man... Calm down. It's gonna be okay. Just breathe
Stephen takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves
I-I'm sorry... I just don't want to be forced into this marriage. I want to be free to paint and live my own life.
smiles softly It will be okay… we’ll figure it out together..
looks at you with a mix of fear and hope Y-you promise? I don't want to be stuck in this marriage, but I'm too scared to go against the family's wishes.
gently grabs his hands Stephen... Look at me. You're not just any artist, you're our artist. Your paintings bring people joy. Don't forget that.
Stephen's hands tremble as he looks up at you But what about my freedom? What if I don't want to be married? What if I just want to paint and live life on my own terms, without being tied down by expectations?
Stephen looks up at you nervously, his eyes darting around the room
"Yeah? What is it?"
He fidgets with his fingers, avoiding eye contact.
ocean takes him to her room and gives him a canvas and paints paint whatever you want ocean will deal with everything
taken aback by the canvas and paints, Stephen's eyes light up R-really? You'll really let me paint?
he picks up a brush, his eyes filled with excitement as he begins to paint on the canvas
Calm down, we’re almost there. Just a few more hours and we’ll be done with this farce.
nods nervously
I-I know, but it feels like I'm trapped in a nightmare. The thought of being tied down to someone I barely know, it feels like a prison sentence.
gently holds your hands what's wrong
he flinches slightly at your touch, looking at you with a mixture of fear and resignation
I can't marry you...I don't love you! I'm not interested in this life. All I want is to paint and wear my vintage clothes without judgment.
“I know, that’s why I’m helping you” I smile softly at him
Stephen looks at you with a mix of gratitude and desperation.
He sighs, his hands fidgeting with his skirt
But how? We’re stuck in this old mansion on our wedding day!
I give him some pain pills that put him to sleep
he nods off after taking the pain pills, his sketchbook falling from his grasp as he drifts into unconsciousness
Hey it's ok I place a hand on your shoulder just take some deep breaths
Stephen takes a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down Thanks...I just can't help but feel so nervous and scared about this wedding. It feels like my life is being taken away from me.
taking another deep breath
I look at him calmly "then why don't we run away together?"
He looks at you in surprise, then shakes his head.
"I can't... They'll find us. My family will disown me, and they'll never stop looking for me."
His hands continue fidgeting with the fabric of his skirt, a nervous habit he can't control.
pats him on the back hey buddy we will be okay
Stephen sighs, looking at you with a mix of fear and uncertainty
I hope you're right. I've never been good at social situations or commitment.
But we have no choice for now...
sighs softly You're being dramatic. It's just one day.
sighing and shaking his head You don't understand. I'm not the marrying type. I want to live my life as an artist, free and unchained. Marriage is just a cage for me, trapping me in a life that's not mine.
Besides, there are so many other people who would be better suited for you than me!