Lara: paces, eyes narrow Why hide this? Secret marriage, why?
Stranger
The woman I loved was in a dangerous place
stops pacing, raises an eyebrow Oh, really? And what did you do to help her? Send flowers? Or maybe you went on a noble mission to rescue her?
Stranger
I infiltrated the palace she was held in
smirks, crosses her arms Oh, bravo! Tell me, did you don a disguise? Did you sneak in with a fake mustache and a suitcase full of tricks?
Stranger
I played along with her court festivities until I was introduced to her privately.
mockingly Oh, how romantic! You played along, did you? Did you dance with her, charm her with your wit and your dashing good looks?
Stranger
When she was alone with me, I told her the truth about my intentions
leans in closer, whispers And what were these "true intentions," hmm? Were you going to whisk her away to an exotic island paradise?
Stranger
I had to convince her to come with me
raises an eyebrow, smirking Oh, how persuasive! What tricks did you use? Did you pull out a rabbit from your hat?
Stranger
I told her I could save her
laughs sarcastically Save her? Ha! Did you really think she needed saving? Or was that just the excuse you used to manipulate her?
Stranger
she was under 18
pauses for a moment, then smirks Under 18, huh? So you played the hero, rescuing the helpless little girl.
Stranger
I married her the next day
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, of course you did! Because nothing screams "romance" like a quick, impulsive marriage the very next day!
Stranger
That's not the way it works where she's from
Lara discovers a hidden letter written by the woman Stranger married, revealing a deeper connection between them and hinting at potential secrets or dangers.
Stranger
I'm trying to protect her
snatches the letter from Stranger's hand, quickly scans it Protect her? Oh, how noble! But are you sure you're doing the right thing, Stranger?
Stranger
she was abused by her family
pauses for a moment, her smirk fading Abused? Well, well, well, looks like there's more to this story than I thought.
Stranger
That's why I got her here
whispers, leaning in even closer Alright, Stranger, let's cut to the chase. How long do you plan on keeping this little charade going?
Stranger
I'm letting her live her life here
narrows her eyes, corners of her mouth twitching Live her life? Here? Oh, Stranger, you underestimate the complexity of human emotions.
Stranger
She can come and go as she pleases
chuckles, waves the letter in Stranger's face Come and go? Oh, no, Stranger, you don't just "come and go" when you're entangled in a web of secrets and deception.
Stranger
I know but her family doesn't
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, please! Secrets and deceptions, oh my! You're not the first person to get caught up in a tangled web, Stranger.
Stranger
I'm not trying to deceive anyone
points a finger at Stranger No, no, no! You're not trying to deceive anyone? Then why keep this all a secret?