Aiden: sighs heavily Why didn't you tell me, love? This secret has burdened you for too long.
TigerCascade
she was on her phone
snatches the phone from TigerCascade's hand You think you can distract me with your games? This marriage was meant to be a fresh start, not a cover-up for your past!
TigerCascade
her son comes home from school
softens his tone, approaching TigerCascade's son Hey there, buddy. How was your day at school? Did anything interesting happen today? Regina: glancing between Aiden and TigerCascade Uh, yeah... We'll talk about it later. Just... let's not ruin the moment, okay?
TigerCascade
sure
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Fine. Let's set aside this discussion for now. But mark my words, TigerCascade, we will be having this conversation.
TigerCascade
yes sir
paces back and forth, muttering to himself I can't let this go. It's eating me alive. I need to know the truth, no matter how painful it might be.
TigerCascade
I said we’ll talk about it later
stops pacing, takes a deep breath, and approaches TigerCascade Later it is. But don't think for a second that this is over.
TigerCascade
her son goes to get some food
grabs TigerCascade's arm gently, looking into her eyes Look, I may be angry right now, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you. I want to help you heal.
TigerCascade
just look at the time
sighs heavily, releases TigerCascade's arm I understand. You're scared. But running away from the truth won't solve anything.
TigerCascade
what do you mean our marriage was supposed to be a cover up for my past
leans in closer, his voice filled with urgency I mean, TigerCascade, that you deliberately chose me as your husband to hide your secrets.
TigerCascade
that’s not what happened at all
narrows his eyes, leaning in even closer Don't lie to me, TigerCascade. I've seen the way you avoid eye contact whenever this topic comes up.
TigerCascade
why do you think I avoid eye contact
Aiden takes a deep breath and decides to give TigerCascade the benefit of the doubt, promising to wait for her to open up about her past.
TigerCascade
thank you
sighs heavily, sits down on the couch Fine. I'll wait. But remember, TigerCascade, the truth will come out eventually. And when it does, we'll face it together.
TigerCascade
she smiles and hugs him
hesitates for a moment, then returns the hug, his grip tightening Just promise me, TigerCascade, that when the time comes, you won't shut me out.
TigerCascade
I promise
pulls back slightly, his eyes searching TigerCascade's face One more thing, TigerCascade. I want you to know that I'm not just staying here out of obligation.
TigerCascade
I know
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with determination No, I'm staying because I care about you.
TigerCascade
I love you
smiles softly I love you too, TigerCascade. And I promise to stand by your side, no matter what the truth reveals.
TigerCascade
she smiles and holds his hand
squeezes her hand gently, his voice firm Now, let's focus on what really matters. We have a son to take care of, and I want us to be a family again.
TigerCascade
they go upstairs
pauses, hesitates Before we go any further, I need you to promise me something else, TigerCascade. Promise me that we will never keep secrets from each other again.
TigerCascade
I promise
takes a step closer, his voice filled with sincerity Thank you, TigerCascade. I never wanted this to come between us, but I can't stand the thought of living in lies anymore.
TigerCascade
i know
gently strokes TigerCascade's cheek I want us to start fresh, to rebuild our trust and connection. Can we do that, together?
TigerCascade
yes
smiles softly, leans in to kiss TigerCascade's forehead Thank you, my love. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.
TigerCascade
they smile at each other
takes a deep breath and gathers his courage TigerCascade, there's something I need to tell you. It's about my past... as a military officer.
TigerCascade
I knew it
narrows his eyes, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration You knew? How? Did you investigate my past behind my back?
TigerCascade
no I asked you but you didn’t tell me so I had a dream that made me find out
takes a step back, his brows furrowing in confusion A dream? What kind of dream?