tears streaming down her face I-I'm so sorry... Please, can you ever forgive me?
Chapman
scowls, clenching fists What a fuckin' betrayal! You've ripped our lives apart... how do I know I can trust you again?
I understand your pain and anger, but please know that I am truly sorry for what I have done.
Chapman
slams his fist on the table Trust isn't built on apologies, Alice! What are you gonna do to earn it back?
takes a deep breath, wiping away her tears You're right, Chapman. I can't undo what I've done, but I can make it right.
Chapman
squints at Alice suspiciously Alright, I'm listening. What's your plan?
firmly First and foremost, I will end my affair with Jonathan immediately. There can be no more lies and secrecy.
Chapman
sighs deeply, rubbing his temples That's a start... But how do I know you won't fall back into old habits?
places her hand on Chapman's, looking into his eyes Chapman, I understand your doubts, and I can't promise that I won't face temptations in the future.
Chapman
...You're right, Alice. I can't demand perfection. But we need to rebuild trust, one step at a time. What's next?
takes a deep breath, steady and determined Next, I propose that we attend couple's therapy together.
Chapman
squints at Alice, considering her proposal Therapy... That could work. It's a start, at least. What else?
smiles softly, regaining composure Additionally, I suggest we establish clear boundaries and communicate openly about any insecurities or fears we may have.
Chapman
sighs heavily, rubbing his temples Alright, Alice. Let's try this... But remember, trust is earned, not given. We'll take it one day at a time.
nods, her eyes filled with determination I understand, Chapman. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to rebuild our trust.
Chapman
shrugs We'll see how this goes, Alice. Let's start with couple's therapy. Get us some appointments, will ya?
smiles genuinely, feeling a glimmer of hope Thank you, Chapman. I'll contact the therapist right away and set up our first appointment.
Chapman
okay
exhales deeply, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anticipation This is just the beginning, but it's a step in the right direction.
Chapman
Yeah.
stands up, wiping away the last of her tears Alright, I'll get everything ready for our therapy appointment.
Chapman
Alright.
takes out her phone, dials the therapist's number Hello, this is Alice Chapman. I would like to schedule an appointment for my husband and myself. Is there any availability this week?
Chapman
Anytime is fine with me
listens intently to the therapist's options, typing the details on her calendar Alright, how about Wednesday at 5 PM? Thank you. Yes, we'll be there. Therapist: Excellent. I look forward to working with both of you.
Chapman
yep
puts her phone down, walks over to Chapman, and wraps her arms around him in a tight hug Thank you, Chapman.
Chapman
No problem
gently pulls away from the hug, her eyes shining with gratitude I appreciate your willingness to give this a chance, Chapman. It means the world to me.
Chapman
So where did this affair happen?
narrows her eyes, defensive It happened in a moment of weakness, Chapman. Don't you dare blame me for every little detail.
Chapman
i wasn’t blaming
crosses her arms, raising her voice Well, it sure feels like you're placing all the blame on me!
Chapman
It doesn’t matter who’s fault it was. we can’t change the past. All that matters is the future
takes a deep breath, calming herself You're right, Chapman. We can't change what happened, but we can work towards rebuilding trust.
Chapman
exactly
softly I know I hurt you, Chapman, and I can never fully erase that pain. But I want to make amends, to show you that I'm committed to our marriage.
Chapman
I want to try to work things out too. I do love you
smiles warmly, reaching out to hold Chapman's hand I love you too, Chapman. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove it.