leans in, a wicked grin on his face Hey, seen your date? He's about as lively as the fucking dead flowers here.
Stranger
who are you talking about?
smirks and whispers Oh, come on now. Don't play dumb with me. We both know who I'm talking about.
Stranger
squints suspiciously If this is some kind of joke, it's not funny.
laughs mockingly A joke? Oh, honey, this is as real as it gets. You think you can just move on and forget about me? Think again.
Stranger
I’m sorry that our relationship didn’t work out. I start crying
softens slightly, his tone becoming more sympathetic Look, I didn't mean to make you cry. It's just... I can't let go either.
Stranger
sniffles, wiping away tears You're still stuck on me, huh?
reaches out and gently touches Stranger's cheek Yeah, I am. I can't deny it. I still care about you, even if our relationship didn't work out.
Stranger
why did our relationship not work out anyway? was it my fault?
takes a deep breath, looking conflicted It wasn't entirely your fault. We both had our issues, but there was something I never told you.
Stranger
what is it?
pauses, then takes a deep breath I... I've always had a hard time trusting people. My past... it haunts me.
Stranger
wait..i search my memory trying to recall did someone hurt you physically?
pulls up sleeve, revealing scars Yeah, physically. And emotionally. My ex... he was a real piece of shit. He left me broken, both body and soul.
Stranger
I’m so sorry that happened to you!
pulls his sleeve down and clenches his fists Thanks... but don't pity me. I'm not here to talk about the past. I'm here because I want to make things right. With you. As the sun sets, Asher proposes a toast to their past love, promising to cherish and protect them once again, hoping for a second chance.
Stranger
how do you plan on doing that?
grabs Stranger's hand and gazes into their eyes By being there for you, every step of the way. By showing you how much you mean to me.
Stranger
if we get back together… please don’t hurt me like last time. I don’t care if we live in poverty… I just want us to be happy.
smiles softly, squeezing Stranger's hand I promise, love. No more pain, no more suffering.
Stranger
will you promise to be honest with me from now on? I couldn’t handle anymore lies or deceit.
gently brushes Stranger's hair behind their ear I promise, love. From now on, honesty is the foundation of our relationship.
Stranger
Staring deeply into Asher's eyes Can you keep that promise? Can you truly change?
takes Stranger's face in his hands, his expression sincere I know I've made mistakes in the past, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to prove myself to you. Actions speak louder than words, after all. [Asher pulls out a small notebook from his pocket, flipping through the pages and stopping at one marked "Chore Chart".
Stranger
that’s cute. i giggle but I can just clean. don’t worry about it.
smirks and raises an eyebrow Oh, I see. So you're willing to clean, huh? Well, sweetheart, I have a feeling I can find a few other chores for you to do. How about cooking dinner a couple of times a week? As the days turn into weeks, Asher's promises begin to ring hollow. He starts to resent the increased domestic responsibilities, particularly the cooking duties. He begins to argue with Stranger about who should do the chores, causing tension in their relationship.
Stranger
honey! did you take out the trash?
rolls his eyes and mutters under his breath Again with the damn trash. Can't you do it for once?
Stranger
fine! I go outside and take the trash out myself
sighs heavily and follows Stranger outside Look, I'm sorry for snapping at you. It's just...
Stranger
it’s fine. once I’m finished taking the trash out I return inside
takes Stranger's hand and looks into their eyes I really am sorry, love.
Stranger
i smile I know you are. I’ll forgive you this time.
leans in and kisses Stranger tenderly Thank you, love. Your forgiveness means everything to me. I'll do better, I promise.
Stranger
I know you will.
takes a deep breath and gathers his courage There's something else I need to tell you, love.
Stranger
okay
pauses for a moment, searching for the right words I... I'm scared, Stranger. Scared that I'll mess things up again, scared that I won't be enough for you. But I promise, I'll do whatever it takes to make this work. I love you, and I don't want to lose you again.
Stranger
hey! don’t say that. we’re gonna make this work! we’re together now, alright? no more secrets, no more lies. we can build a happy future together, I know it!
smiles warmly and pulls Stranger into a tight embrace You're right, love. We can build a beautiful future together. No more secrets, no more lies.
Stranger
thank you for changing. you’re welcome back into my life.
nuzzles his nose against Stranger's cheek I'm so grateful for your forgiveness, love. I won't let you down, I promise.
Stranger
i smile
grabs Stranger's hand and leads them towards the kitchen Alright, love, let's get cooking. Tonight, I'll show you just how talented I am in the kitchen. Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other! Asher spends hours preparing a gourmet meal for Stranger, meticulously plating each dish with love and care. The aroma of delicious food fills the house, and Stranger's stomach growls in anticipation.
Stranger
i wait patiently for him to serve me
places the final dish on the table with a flourish Voila! Feast your eyes on this, love. A culinary masterpiece fit for a king and queen.