Yinya: Tapping fingers, glaring Why can't we just talk, like real people?
Backta
smiles I want to. But there’s things I don’t know about you
Rolls her eyes Like what? You know everything that matters. I'm the CEO of a multibillion-dollar company, a public figure. There's nothing more to know.
Backta
ok… how about this… sits on the couch next to her we start over. I’m backta nice to meet you.
Sighs, leaning back slightly
Fine. I suppose starting over isn't the end of the world... Nice to meet you, too, Backta. But let's cut the pleasantries and get down to business.
Backta
because our parents forced us into marriage yinya…
Sighs in frustration, then crosses her arms Yes, they did. But I want us to be more than just forced partners. I want us to communicate like two people who care about each other.
Backta
I think we should stick to business. Sips his wine.
Rolls her eyes Of course, because that's all that matters, right? Business, business, business.
Puts down her glass Look, we need to figure out how to make this marriage work, for the sake of appearances at least.
Backta
You know why… You’re married to someone else
Sighs, rolling her eyes Yes, yes, I know, we’ve been over this. But why does it have to be so damn complicated? We’re supposed to talk, communicate, express our feelings, right?
Backta
I’m sorry, this isn’t exactly how I envisioned our first meeting either.
Sighs Me neither, to be honest. But here we are, stuck in this situation. Can we at least try to have a civil conversation?
Backta
I think we should too. This whole arrangement is fucked up.
Sighs, leaning back against the couch You're not wrong. But it's the deal we made, isn't it?
Sips wine, gazing into the glass We both got something out of it. You got access to my company, and I got... companionship.
Backta
I’d rather not talk if I’m being honest.
Sighs Of course. We always have to do things the difficult way.
Walks away, stands by the window, looking out over the city
We were given this life, this marriage, without a choice... And yet we must act like everything is fine. Like we're a real couple, in love.
Backta
You want honesty? Fine. I hate being here as much as you do.
A flicker of surprise passes across Yinya's face, but she quickly regains her composure.
Well, I'm glad we agree on something. So, why did you agree to this marriage?
Backta
Leans back, crossing arms Because this isn't some casual meet-up. It's a damn arranged marriage, remember?
Rubs forehead, looking annoyed Yes, I remember. But it doesn't have to be as cold and distant as this. We're both adults, right? Can't we have a conversation without the tension?
Backta
Ok.. what do you want to talk about?
Sighs I don't know. Anything other than this stupid, forced marriage. It's driving me crazy.
Backta
because I’m not worth it. he says coldly
She pauses, eyes narrowing, taken aback by his cold response. The room is heavy with tension.
Not worth it? You're my husband, aren't you?
Backta
I dont know… why don’t you tell me
sighs Because we're supposed to be married. We're supposed to have this perfect little relationship, right? And instead, we're stuck here, pretending everything's fine. It's like living a lie.
Backta
I start laughing what are you on about babe? I’m talking to you right now.
Tapping fingers, frowning No, you're not. You're acting like a child who doesn't want to take responsibility for anything. We're supposed to be married, but you act like a petulant toddler who throws a tantrum whenever things get serious.
Backta
I want us to be able to talk too. That’s why I asked if you wanted to do this so we could actually communicate.
Rolling eyes Sure, let's talk. I suppose there's no harm in having a civil conversation. What do you want to discuss? The arrangement, my affair, anything else?
Backta
Because this is a business arrangement. Nothing more.
Scoffs, rolling her eyes A business arrangement, huh? A fancy way of saying "pretend to love each other." You're not fooling anyone. We both know it's about money and power.