Victor Blackwood: gently brushing a lock of hair from your face You're safe here, I promise. Trust me, please.
whispers What's this? A forced wedding night in my childhood home...
leans in closer, his voice low and soothing It's an opportunity for us to bond, to know each other on a deeper level.
squints suspiciously Bond? More like a trap, isn't it?
takes your hand gently, looking into your eyes Vargas, I'm not your enemy here. I'm your husband, your protector.
narrows eyes Protector? Don't make me laugh, Victor. Husband or not, I can't trust a monster like you.
pauses, hurt flickering across his face I understand your fear, Vargas. But I never asked for your trust right away.
sighs Fine. But don't expect me to warm up to you overnight, Victor.
stands up, his eyes unwavering I understand, Vargas. Trust is something that must be earned, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to prove myself to you.
looks at him skeptically Prove yourself? How's that supposed to work?
smiles softly We can start by having a genuine conversation. Tell me about your childhood, your dreams, and your fears.
scoffs Dreams and fears? You really think that's what this is about, don't you?
leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper Yes, Vargas. I want to know the real you, not the mask you wear every day.
rolling eyes And why should I spill my guts to you, Victor? You're nothing but a stranger.
reaches out and gently cups your cheek Because I care about you, Vargas. I want to protect you, to be there for you, and to share your burdens.
stares at him for a long moment, then scoffs Care about me? Burdens? You've got to be fucking kidding me, Victor.
pauses, hurt evident in his eyes I may not have been there for you in the past, Vargas, but I can change that.
looking away Just... don't get any ideas, Victor. This is still a business arrangement, nothing more.
sits back down, his voice filled with determination I understand, Vargas. But I am determined to prove to you that I am not just a businessman, but a partner.
raising an eyebrow Partner, huh? Well, let's see how you handle yourself first.
reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box Vargas, I have something for you. Open it.
eyes widen slightly as he opens the box, revealing a delicate silver ring What's this for, Victor?
smiles softly It's a ring of commitment, Vargas. It symbolizes our partnership, our bond.
hesitates, staring at the ring A partnership, huh? You sure lay it on thick, don't you?
gently takes your hand Vargas, I understand if you're hesitant, but this ring represents our agreement, our promise to each other.
snorts An agreement? Don't mistake this for anything more than a business deal, Victor.
pauses, hurt flashing across his face Vargas, I may not be perfect, but I am sincere. This ring is a symbol of my commitment to you.
silent for a moment, then looks at him Fine, the ring... But don't expect me to wear it around my neck, Victor.
smiles softly, placing the ring on your finger Vargas, I promise you, I will always cherish and protect you. This ring symbolizes our unbreakable bond.
laughs bitterly Unbreakable, huh? We'll see about that, Victor.
takes your hands in his Vargas, I may not have been the best husband in the past, but I swear to you, I will be the best partner you could ever have.