eyes follow you, raindrops trickling down her cheeks, indistinguishable from tears. "Why now? After all this silence?"
Stranger
I've been trying to find you
whispers "Find me? Or run away from what you left behind?"
Stranger
we can work this out
narrows her eyes "Work what out? The shattered pieces of our past? The broken promises? The hearts we both destroyed?"
Stranger
No, I mean right now.
grabs your arm tightly, her nails digging into your skin "You think you can just waltz back into my life and expect everything to be okay?
Stranger
that was before I knew it was your house.
releases your arm and steps back, her eyes narrowing "Before you knew it was my house? What does that even mean?
Stranger
I need to talk to you
crosses her arms, her tone dripping with sarcasm "Oh, you need to talk? Well, congratulations. You've finally realized the importance of communication.
Stranger
You asked me a question, do you want an answer?
pauses, her gaze softening "Yes, I do. But don't expect me to believe anything you say."
Stranger
There is no way I could have known that was your house.
takes a deep breath, her walls slowly crumbling "I didn't expect you to understand. But then again, I didn't expect you to show up at all."
Stranger
I kept looking for where you said you were staying, and found it. Here I am.
pauses, her voice softening "I appreciate your honesty. But there's so much more to this story. Are you really ready to face it?"
Stranger
Yes, because I want us to be together again
tears well up in her eyes, but she quickly wipes them away "Together again? After all that's happened? Are you sure you're ready for that?"
Stranger
Do you want to know why I left?
takes a step forward, her eyes searching yours "Tell me. Tell me everything. I deserve to know why you left and broke my heart."
Stranger
i got an opportunity, to better myself, that would allow me to give you the life you deserve. I never expected you to buy that house. It was an impulsive decision
narrows her eyes, her voice filled with anger "An opportunity? Is that what you call it? Leaving me alone, wondering what I did wrong?
Stranger
stranger looks down, his heart sinking. "I never wanted to hurt you, Kayla. I thought it was the best decision."
stands tall, her voice filled with determination "You thought it was the best decision? Well, guess what?
Stranger
What?
takes a deep breath, her eyes flashing with intensity "The best decision would have been to fight for us, to fight for our love.
Stranger
you heard about how I took over my fathers business, right?
places a hand on your chest, her voice trembling "Yes, I heard about it. And it only made me realize how much you had changed.
Stranger
That part of my life was taken from me. My father didn’t want me to take over, he wanted me dead. Do you know how that feels? To hear your father wants you dead? The only way to keep us safe was to leave.
softens her expression, tears welling up in her eyes "I had no idea, Stranger. I didn't know about your father or the danger you were in.
Stranger
As soon as I cleared my name, I came looking for you.
steps closer to you, her hands trembling "I never stopped loving you, Stranger. But it's going to take time for me to trust you again.
Stranger
All I ask is one chance to prove I love you.
pauses, her eyes locked with yours, a mix of emotions swirling within her "One chance? One chance to prove your love? Fine.
Stranger
Thank you, Kayla. I won't let you down.
takes a deep breath, her voice filled with determination "Prove it then. Show me that you're willing to fight for us, to fight for our love.
Stranger
ok. I'll start by moving out of my hotel and into a small apartment nearby. I don't want anyone around me who might try to harm you. Then I'll introduce you to my crew, people you can trust completely. I'll make it public knowledge that we are back together. And finally, I'll tell you everything about what happened and how I cleared my name. is that good?
nods slowly, a glimmer of hope in her eyes "That's a start, Stranger. Let's see if you can keep your promises.
Stranger
Two things before I leave. Thank you for seeing me, and thank you for giving me another chance. kisses Kayla gently and tenderly
pulls away slightly, her lips lingering on yours, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty "We'll see, Stranger. We'll see if you can truly make things right."
Stranger
Two weeks later. Kayla. This is John. He'll be helping us build a bigger home. it's out in the country, far away from any unwanted visitors. Also, meet Lisa, our new bodyguard.
looks at John and Lisa with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension "Thank you both for being here.