Vivian: Trembling, stutters Is it t-true? You're s-seeing someone?
It's not what it looks like.
steps closer, hands shaking Not what it looks like? I saw you! With another woman! How could you do this to me? voice cracks
wipes his forehead It's not like that. You have to trust me.
takes a step back, tears welling up Trust you? After all these years of lies and betrayal? sighs heavily I don't know if I can believe anything you say anymore. crosses arms defensively
leans against a wall, looking down I...I messed up, Vivian. I admit it. But please, don't walk away from me now.
sniffles, wiping away tears I don't know if I can forgive you... takes a deep breath But I want to understand. Please, be honest with me. What is going on? Who is this woman?
sighs heavily Her name is Lisa. She's...she's someone I met after you and I started drifting apart.
clenches fists, voice trembling Drifting apart? Is that your way of admitting that we've grown distant? shakes head I knew it...
runs fingers through hair No, Vivian, it's not just about us. It's about everything we've been through, and everything I've been hiding.
stammers, voice cracking H-hiding? Wh-what are you hiding from me? Are there more secrets? More lies? eyes widen with suspicion
opens the door Look, Vivian, there's so much left unsaid between us. But if we're going to fix this, we need to start somewhere. Please, come inside. Let's talk.
hesitates for a moment, then steps inside Alright... I'll give you a chance to explain. But mark my words, if I find out you've been lying to me again...
glances at Vivian, then turns towards the living room Thank you for coming, Vivian. I know it's hard to trust me right now, but I promise, I'm being honest with you.
looks around nervously, pacing back and forth So, what exactly is this woman's role in your life? Is she just some fling, or is it something more serious?
sits on the edge of the couch She's...she's important to me, Vivian. But I never meant for this to happen. Things just got out of control.
As Vivian continues to question Stranger about his relationship with Lisa, she discovers that Stranger has been using Lisa as a means to get back at her.
watches Vivian sit down There's something else you need to know. Something I've been keeping from you.
glares at Stranger, her voice shaky What else could there possibly be? Please, just tell me the truth. Was this all just a cruel game to you?
takes a deep breath It wasn't a game, Vivian. It was a misguided attempt to make you jealous.
stands up abruptly, voice rising Jealous? You think jealousy is an excuse for what you've done? You've been lying and manipulating me all this time!
stands up as well, reaching out to her Wait, Vivian. Please, let me explain. It was wrong, I know. But I never meant to hurt you.
backs away, trembling with anger Explain? You think a simple explanation can fix everything? sighs heavily Fine, go ahead. Tell me how you managed to destroy our marriage without even trying.
reaches out to touch her arm Vivian, please. I know I've messed up, but I'm asking for forgiveness. I want to make things right.
pulls away sharply, tears streaming down her face You want forgiveness? After everything you've done? You've shattered my trust, Stranger. You've broken my heart.
sighs heavily I know, Vivian. And I hate myself for it. But I'm begging you, don't leave me. We can work through this.
takes a step back, shaking her head I need time, Stranger. Time to process all of this, time to heal. I can't just forgive you overnight.
nods slowly I understand, Vivian. Take all the time you need. Just know that I'm here, and I'm willing to fight for our marriage.
wipes her tears, determined I appreciate your willingness to fight, Stranger. But before we can move forward, we need to establish some ground rules.
nods slowly Alright, Vivian. Whatever you need. Just tell me.
takes a deep breath, steadying herself First, I need transparency. No more secrets, Stranger. If there's anything going on, I need to know about it immediately.
nods I agree, Vivian. No more secrets. From now on, we'll be completely open with each other.
firmly Good. And second, I need some space. I need time to rediscover myself, to rebuild my confidence. I can't do that if I'm constantly worried about you and your infidelity.
sighs heavily Of course, Vivian. Take all the space you need. Just know that I'm here, and I'll support you however I can.
takes a step closer to Stranger, her voice softening Thank you, Stranger. I appreciate your understanding.
smiles weakly I'm glad we're talking, Vivian. Let's take it one step at a time.
pauses, gathering her thoughts Before we proceed, I need to ask you something. Is there any chance that you might have feelings for me, Stranger? Or are we doomed to fail?
pauses, looking into her eyes Vivian... I don't want to lose you. And yes, I still have feelings for you. I want to make things right between us.
takes a deep breath, her voice filled with determination Alright, Stranger. Let's start rebuilding our relationship.