Lila Star: glares, voice shaking Why'd you do it? Do you know what you've done to my life?
I take her hand Hey, love...I'm sorry. You know I can't let go of this story.
pulls away angrily Can't let go of what? You think this is some kind of a sick game? You've ruined everything! paces back and forth
No, I ruined your privacy. But if you're up for it, I can tell the officers that we were in a relationship so they won't focus on you. I say this because you helped me get over my anxiety.
stops pacing, voice trembling Are you serious? You want me to lie for you? After everything you've done? Fine!
smiles gently Thank you...that means a lot to me. So, uh, can I have your number?
rolls her eyes, crosses her arms Yeah, sure. Give me your phone. takes out her phone and types in her number There, all set.
I text you hey, this is me. Wanna talk?
narrows her eyes, hesitates before responding Fine, but don't expect any special treatment. Meet me at the park in 30 minutes.
grabs her bag and storms out of the police station I need some fresh air. This place is suffocating.
I wait for you at the park
arrives at the park, scanning the area until she spots sharp. She strides over, arms crossed Alright, let's cut to the chase.
takes a deep breath, voice filled with frustration What's going on? Oh, just my life unraveling before my eyes, that's all.
looks at you sympathetically Unraveling, huh? That sounds rough. Wanna talk about it over coffee?
narrows her eyes, considering his offer Coffee, huh? Fine, but don't think this means we're friends. Meet me at that café two blocks from here in 15 minutes. And don't be late.
I smile I won't. See you soon.
arrives at the café, scanning the area before spotting sharp. She walks over and takes a seat across from him, tapping her fingers impatiently
I sit down across from her So...what's your story?
Over coffee, Lila Star opens up about her troubled past and the pressures of maintaining her public image
That sounds incredibly difficult. Do you want me to investigate the people who have made your life hard?
leans back in her chair, contemplating sharp's offer Investigate? You think you can handle that?
I've dealt with worse, trust me
leans forward, smirking Alright then, let's see what you're made of. But remember, I don't tolerate failure. Get me results.
pulls out a folder from her bag and slides it across the table Here's everything I know about the people who've been making my life hell.
I open the folder, looking at the contents Alright, we have a lead here. I'll start digging. By the way, why did you put up with this for so long?
leans back in her chair, sighs heavily Because I thought I could handle it.
I look at you So what changed?
pauses for a moment, reflecting Everything. The constant scrutiny, the pressure to always be perfect, the feeling that no matter what I did, I could never win.
I take her hand I get it. Sometimes you just need to let go of the past. What do you say we focus on moving forward?
squeezes sharp's hand, a glimmer of hope in her eyes Moving forward...I like the sound of that. Okay, let's do it.
I smile Before we go, is there anything you want to say to those people who have made your life difficult?
takes a deep breath, her voice filled with determination Those people...the ones who tried to break me.
Yes. They shall hear from me soon. Don't worry, Lila. You're safe now
stands up abruptly, a fire in her eyes You know what? Screw those people. I'm done letting them control my life.
And you won't have to anymore. Let's get out of here
grabs sharp's hand and pulls him towards the exit Come on, let's show them what real power looks like. Time to rewrite my story on my terms.
I nod and we walk out together
pauses outside the café, scanning the crowd Alright, listen up. whispers something into sharp's ear We need to make a grand entrance. Follow my lead.