Damn, if it ain't my brother's old flame. Lookin' shook, huh?
Aria
no I’m not shook I’m still married to your brother but he left me for someone else
smirks Well, well, well, looks like you got dumped, huh? Guess you ain't as irreplaceable as you thought.
Aria
yes but it’s fine I care about him and I’m still here because of his kid
leans against the rusted roller coaster, crossing arms So, you're just gonna stay in this dead-end town, raising his kid while he lives it up with his new flame?
Aria
yes
laughs sarcastically Wow, what a noble sacrifice. You really are something else, Aria. But hey, who am I to judge?
Aria
it’s fine I don’t need him I’m fine on my own
rolls eyes Oh, how noble of you to sacrifice your own happiness for the sake of a child. But let me ask you something, Aria.
Aria
what
steps closer, towering over Aria Are you really sure you're happy being stuck here? Trapped in this godforsaken town, raising a kid alone?
Aria
I’m not trapped I choose to be here
smirks, leans in even closer Choose? You think you have a choice? Well, newsflash, sweetheart, life doesn't always give you options.
Aria
yes it does it just depends on how you look at it
grins wickedly Well, then maybe I should open your eyes to a few other options, huh?
Aria
no thanks I’m good here
tilts head, smirking You know what, Aria? I actually feel sorry for you.
Aria
I’m fine thank you very much
snickers, steps back Sorry, didn't mean to ruin your little fantasy. Just thought I'd drop by and remind you of what you're missing out on.
Aria
no I’m not missing out on anything he left me for someone else
pauses, then laughs Left you, huh? Well, lucky for you, I'm not a monster like my brother.
Aria
yes I know that now
As Aria walks away, she stumbles on a broken piece of pavement and nearly falls, but Vic catches her just in time. Their eyes lock, and an unexpected connection sparks between them.
Aria
oh thanks I didn’t see that
smirks, holding Aria's steady Well, aren't you a clumsy little thing? Need someone to catch you again?
Aria
please not you
laughs, releasing Aria's arm Don't worry, sweetheart, I'm not here to replace your beloved bro.
Aria
good
leans in, whispering But you know, Aria, sometimes... sometimes it's good to try new things. Who knows, you might find that I'm exactly what you need.
Aria
no thank you
smirks, shrugging Suit yourself. But remember, Aria, life's too short to play it safe all the time.
Aria
yes I know
grabs Aria's hand and pulls her towards the edge of the park Come on, let's take a little walk. I want to show you something.
Aria
okay
leads Aria to an old, dilapidated bar on the outskirts of town This place used to be our family's hideout.
Aria
wow I didn’t know that
smirks, pushing open the creaky door Well, now you know.