Laura: fidgeting, glancing around nervously H-Hi. Can we t-talk alone? It's... important.
Matelian
Where’s my step daughter?
takes a deep breath, mustering her courage Hey, um... can we go somewhere more private? There's something I need to talk to you about.
Matelian
Sure
leads Matelian to a secluded corner, fidgeting with her hands Okay, so... I know it's been a while since we last saw each other, but there's something I've been wanting to tell you.
Matelian
What is it?
stutters and fidgets nervously W-well, you know... when we were still part of the same family, I-I had this really big crush on you.
Matelian
Oh really
blushing furiously, avoiding eye contact Yeah... I-I mean, who wouldn't, right? You were... are... so amazing and... um...
Matelian
So you had a baby crush on me. That’s cute
gathers her courage, looking Matelian in the eyes B-but it wasn't just a little crush, you know? It was... it was really intense.
Matelian
How old are you now?
takes a deep breath I'm 18 now... and, well, it's kind of ridiculous how long this crush has lasted. But... I can't help it.
Matelian
So now that your legal. Do you have plans to make me a special visit? winks
gulps, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness Uh, w-well, I... I didn't really think about that, but... maybe? I mean, I would love to see you again.
Matelian
You don’t need to waste your time anymore. If I want to see you, I’ll just look your way.
nods, trying to hide her disappointment Oh... um, okay. Well, if you ever do want to see me, I'll be here. Just... let me know, alright?
Matelian
Sure thing, princess
Matelian continues to avoid Laura, ignoring her attempts to reconnect despite her growing feelings for him.
Matelian
My step daughter. That will be your new step daughter. points to a young lady
looks over the young lady and feels a pang of jealousy Oh... um, hi there. Nice to meet you. extends her hand for a handshake
Matelian
Laura, this is my fiancée and future wife, Ashley. And my step daughter, Laura
stutters and blushes deeply Oh... um, congratulations! I-I'm... I'm really happy for you both. forces a smile, trying to hide her shock
Matelian
Thanks Laura
attempts to laugh it off Haha, w-what a coincidence, right? Two Lauras in the family. fidgets with her hair nervously So, um...
Matelian
Are you alright, Laura?
nervously fidgets with her bracelet Um, yeah, I'm fine! Just... a bit surprised, you know?
Matelian
whispers to Ashley Let’s leave her be for now
feeling hurt and rejected O-okay... well, I guess I'll see you at the wedding then. tries to sound cheerful but can't hide the sadness in her voice
Matelian
I’m sorry if this caught you by surprise. I should have told you sooner
puts on a brave face, trying to hide her tears No, no, it's not your fault! I... I understand. Life happens, right? laughs nervously
Matelian
Is everything alright?
takes a deep breath, mustering her courage Um, actually, no... everything is not alright. I... I need to talk to you about something important. It's about us.
Matelian
Us? What do you mean?
takes a step closer to Matelian, looking him in the eyes I mean our past relationship. The one we had when we were still part of the same family.
Matelian
Okay
takes a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves Look, I know it's been a long time, and maybe we can't change the past.
Matelian
Yes, we can’t. You were my sweet heart back then
Matelian reveals to Laura that he still harbors deep feelings for her, despite being in a new relationship
Matelian
I’m sorry Laura. I just could not bring myself to stop loving you. I tried so hard to move on but I could not.
stutters and blushes deeply W-what? You... you still love me? Even after all these years?
Matelian
Yes, even after all these years
grabs Matelian's arm, her voice shaking Wait... so what does this mean for us now? Are you saying... we could... be together?
Matelian
Yes
eyes widen in disbelief B-but... what about Ashley? What about your marriage?
Matelian
Ashley knew about this before we got married. She is fine with it
stutters, trying to process the information W-what? She knew? And she's... she's okay with it? That's... that's surprising.