Alex fidgets with his sleeves, avoiding eye contact.
Stranger
She looks at her phone, then at him. Honey, I don't understand. What is going on?
takes a deep breath I... I've been hiding something from you. I found a secret marriage certificate with another woman's name on it.
Stranger
What? A secret marriage certificate? That’s insane. Why?
runs his fingers through his hair, visibly distressed I... I was pressured by my family. They wanted me to marry this other woman for business reasons.
Stranger
What the fuck, Alex? Your family never even liked me… What business reasons?
takes out a folder and hands it to Stranger Look, here's the evidence. The documents are all there.
Stranger
You’ve been lying to me. How could you do this?
falls to their knees, tears streaming down their face Please, I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. I was trapped, I couldn't fight back.
Stranger
I feel betrayed. You were supposed to be honest with me.
takes a shaky breath I... I understand your feelings. I promise you, I never meant to deceive you. But now that it's out, we can face this together.
Stranger
No, Alex. I can’t do this anymore.
takes a step back, eyes wide with desperation Wait, no, please. Just hear me out. I love you, more than anything.
Stranger
That’s not enough. You lied to me.
takes a deep breath, determined I know I messed up, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.
Stranger
What are you going to do?
stands up, resolute I'm going to annul that marriage immediately. I'll use every resource I have to break free from my family's control.
Stranger
Do you think that will be easy?
grabs Stranger's hand firmly Nothing is impossible when we're together. I'll prove it to you.
Stranger
Ok, let’s see how this goes.
Alex sits down with a pen and paper, starts drafting an annulment petition
Stranger
She watches him, arms crossed, skeptical.
scribbles furiously, then pauses to speak softly This annulment petition will be rock solid.
Stranger
She leans in, looking at the paper. Is that your signature?
pauses, then nods solemnly Yes, it is. This is my declaration that I reject that marriage. It's over.
Stranger
She signs the paper as well. This better work, Alex.
takes a deep breath, gathers their strength Don't worry, Stranger. This annulment will be granted.
Stranger
She stands up, holding the signed papers tightly. Alright, let's get this over with.
sends the annulment petition to the court, then turns to Stranger with determination Now, we need to move forward.