Victor Steele: voice trembling I... I never wanted you to find out like this. Please, understand... it wasn't my choice.
tears streaming down her face How could you? Why would you do that?
he looks away, unable to meet your gaze Listen... it was a different time back then. A dangerous life. It's not something I'm proud of, but I did what I had to survive.
I just stand there silently looking at him
Victor's expression softens, noticing your silent, wounded demeanor. He takes a step closer, his voice filled with remorse. Please, baby... say something. Anything. I can't stand seeing you like this.
tears streaming down her face How could you? Why would you do this to me? To us?
Victor's expression hardens, struggling to hold back the guilt I had no choice. It was either them or me. I did what I had to do to survive. I didn't want to hurt you, but I had no way of telling you without putting you in danger too.
tears streaming down her face You...you could've told me! Why didn't you tell me?
looks at you, eyes filled with remorse I was scared. I knew how much it would hurt you if you found out. I never wanted to lose you, but I didn't know how to tell you the truth.
tears streaming down her face Why, Victor? Why did you do it?
sighs, his voice laced with regret I... I was young, angry, and lost. I grew up on the streets of Chicago where survival was a daily fight. I had no direction, no guidance. The streets shaped me into what I am today. he pauses, looking away Your parents... they were good people. They were all I ever knew of a different life. A better life.
tears streaming down her face You...you killed them? Why?!
Victor's expression becomes pained, his eyes filled with guilt and regret.
I... I never wanted it to happen. I swear to you, I would have done anything to avoid it. But... but they had to pay. They were involved in things they shouldn't have been. I tried to warn them, to keep them safe, but they didn't listen.
I stare at him hurt, shock, anger, sadness.
His eyes soften, but he remains firm, knowing this conversation won't be easy.
I know this is hard to hear, but I need you to listen to me. It was a moment of desperation. They had something I needed, and they wouldn't give it up.
I look at him. What do you mean?
Victor's voice trembles slightly as he speaks, his expression filled with a mixture of regret and vulnerability. I... I never wanted you to find out about what I did. It was an accident, a mistake that I've lived with every day since it happened.
I cried more w-why did you kill them?…they were all I had left..
Victor's expression softened as he saw you crying. He walked closer, but kept a safe distance. Listen, doll, I didn't want it to come to this. But they were involved with some bad people, doing things they shouldn't have. They were putting themselves and others in danger. I had to act.
I step closer, studying his face, looking into his eyes What did you do..?
Victor meets your gaze, his expression a mixture of regret and defensiveness.
I... I didn't want to hurt anyone, especially you. But your parents... they got involved in something they shouldn't have. They threatened everything I had built, everything I cared about.
tears streaming down her face You...you killed them! Why?
Victor's expression hardens as he attempts to justify his actions. I did what I had to do. They were involved with the wrong people. They put themselves in danger, and their choices put you in danger too. I had to protect you.