Scene Start
Time: A quiet evening
Place: Bella's office
Lighting: Dim, with a soft yellow light quietly brushing over her reclining face.
Bella lay stretched out on the grey leather couch, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, as if searching through the void for an answer.
Her fingers absentmindedly fidgeted with a ring on her hand — a ring that no longer meant anything... or perhaps had come to represent more than she could bear.
(Bella – Internal Monologue):
How did I end up here? How did all those laughs turn into divorce papers?
I loved him... and he loved me. Or at least, that's what I thought.
But... is love ever enough?
She closed her eyes for a moment. A soft sigh slipped from between her lips.
Then, without resistance, her memory was pulled backward...
Three months ago.
•••
Flashback – Three Months Earlier
Time: A rainy evening
Place: Her Apartment – the sound of rain sneaking in through the windows
Bella was wearing a loose royal green T-shirt with the words "I'm perfect" printed across the center, and a pair of brown cotton pants.
She was putting away some shoes in her private dressing room closet when she heard something fall in her and Amory's bedroom.
She went to check what it was and saw that Amory's phone had slipped out of his jacket unnoticed.
She instinctively bent to pick it up and place it on the table — but then the screen lit up...
Notifications began appearing, one after the other.
Messages. Pictures. Strange faces. Laughter... that wasn't hers.
(Bella – reading softly):
"I missed last night..."
She froze in place.
Seconds passed unbearably slow, as if time itself had stumbled.
She raised her eyes to the screen, then to the door, then back again.
He was sitting on the couch in the living room, laughing while watching a game, as if nothing had happened.
(Bella – Internal Monologue):
This can't be real.
Then his voice came from the living room, casual and simple as always:
Amory:
"Babe! There's pizza in the freezer, want me to heat some for you?"
She replied without turning, her voice neutral... too neutral it hurt:
Bella:
"No... I don't feel like eating."
But inside,
everything was collapsing.
Her stomach twisted as if she had swallowed a stone.
She stood there, clutching the phone like it was a bleeding wound in her hands.
The messages kept coming in, and one name appeared again and again...
A woman she didn't know — but whose face had already carved itself into her memory.
She walked into the kitchen, placed the phone on the table gently, then turned on the faucet, washing her hands as if trying to erase something indelible.
She stared at the flowing water, lost in thought, as if asking it for a truth left unsaid.
(Bella – Internal Monologue):
Do I tell him now? Do I confront him?
Or do I wait in silence, investigate?
Why do I feel betrayed… when he hasn't even been exposed yet?
She turned off the water, grabbed a small towel, dried her hands, and returned to the living room, where Amory lay sprawled out, one leg on the table, a bag of chips in hand.
Amory (laughing, without turning):
"You know what? That ref's blind, I swear! Saw the foul and just ignored it!"
She sat beside him in utter silence.
She looked at the screen, but saw nothing.
Amory:
"What's up? You look off today."
Bella (in a heavy, quiet tone):
"Just tired... work pressure."
Amory:
"Don't push yourself. How about dinner out tomorrow? Change of scenery?"
She nodded, said nothing.
But her heart?
It was knocking on doors that wouldn't open, moaning in elegant silence.
That night passed heavy, devoid of meaning.
And in that moment, when Amory laid next to her and fell into deep sleep, Bella remained wide awake, her eyes fixed on the ceiling… just as they were in the present.
His arm had wrapped around her waist — but in a strange way, more like control or possession, as if trying to anchor her in place, in his isolation.
His body was right next to hers, but that hand gripping her waist made her feel a distance far greater than his physical presence — like she was trapped in a fog she couldn't escape.
(Bella – Internal Monologue):
Where did all that love go?
When did this house begin to feel too small for me?
Is there still room to go back?
Or has the door already closed for good?
And in that moment, she realized the truth.
She didn't need to say it out loud…
She knew.
Love alone was not enough.
Scene: Return to the Present – Location: Bella's Office – Time: A Quiet Evening
She opened her eyes slowly, as if awakening from a long dream—or from a room in her memory that had been locked away for years.
The ceiling was still there, the soft light still spilling across it in the same way… but her heart had changed.
She sighed deeply—the kind of sigh that doesn't need to be spoken, only understood.
And just before she rose, a faint knock echoed at the door.
(Knock... knock...)
She raised her voice calmly, without changing her tone:
Bella:
"Come in."
The door opened slowly, and Lucien appeared, wearing that face of his that never quite knew how not to smile—even on the most exhausting of days.
He wore a simple beige shirt, topped with a stylish brown jacket, and chocolate-colored trousers.
His black leather shoes shone, and his metallic watch blended quietly with his neat outfit.
His blond hair was neatly styled, the strands swept back smoothly—as if he had just stepped out of an old cinematic frame.
Lucien (in his usual playful tone):
"Good evening, Professor Bella… I didn't want to disturb you, but my shift's over, and the tired driver Lucien is waiting for his free ride."
Bella chuckled softly as she rose, moving with elegant grace, despite the fatigue in her eyes.
Her black shirt was unbuttoned at the top, sleeves rolled up to her elbows.
Diamond earrings shimmered on her ears, and a delicate necklace on her neck gleamed like two quiet stars in a soft night sky.
Her neon green pants and matching blazer gave her a bold, modern presence, softened only by her small black heels.
Bella (picking up her bag and coat):
"A tired driver? You seem far too energetic for someone worn out, little Lucien."
Lucien (feigning seriousness with theatrical flair):
"This kind of exhaustion can't be seen… it only shows up after food."
Bella (walking beside him toward the door):
"Alright, we'll turn on the radio and let you sing us all the way there."
Lucien:
"Deal… but don't blame me if it starts raining because of my voice."
She laughed, closing the door behind her, as the lights in the office faded gradually.
The hallway outside the office stretched long and quiet, broken only by the sound of their synchronized footsteps…
And the heartbeat of a story still being written.
In another place…
Scene: "Amory's" Mansion
Time: Evening
Location: His private suite. The curtains are drawn, and candles scattered around cast a warm, dim glow over the room.
Amory sat at the edge of the leather couch, staring into a coffee cup that had long lost its warmth.
He hadn't taken a sip… just held it, the way one holds a memory.
The silence wasn't ordinary—it was more like a loud emptiness, impossible to fill.
He lifted his eyes to the ceiling, then slowly closed them.
•••
(Flashback – Hawaii, Four Years Ago)
Location: Waikiki Beach
Time: Afternoon
Atmosphere: Sunny, gentle, with a breeze softly brushing the skin.
Golden sands stretched endlessly, and the waves danced along the shore like a child running with no destination.
As the sun kissed the horizon with a soft orange hue, Bella sat on a wide blanket adorned with tropical patterns, laughing as she tried to tie her hair against the breeze.
She wore a long, white cotton dress, light and airy, scattered with soft peach-colored flowers. The dress had short sleeves and fell off her shoulders gracefully.
Her black wavy hair fluttered freely, and her round sunglasses kept slipping up her nose every time she laughed.
A delicate pearl choker clung to her neck, matching the pearl earrings that gently adorned her ears.
White medium-heeled sandals sat beside her—her bare feet buried in the sand, her toes unconsciously drawing small circles.
She wore soft pink lipstick and had painted her nails a rich brown.
As for him, he wore a Hawaiian-patterned summer shirt, unbuttoned at the top, in blue and pink hues, paired with beige cotton shorts.
His blonde hair was tousled by the wind, yet he looked like he'd just stepped out of a luxury perfume ad.
He sat next to her, holding a carefully-cut coconut, into which he'd placed a pink straw. He offered it to her.
Amory (in a warm tone):
"You look like a part of this island… All you're missing are flowers in your hair."
Bella (smiling as she took the coconut):
"And you? You look like you stole a waiter's shirt from a local restaurant."
Amory:
"As long as you're drinking from my hand, it doesn't matter who I am."
She laughed, took a sip, then teased:
Bella:
"Mmm… It tastes better because you handed it to me—not because the waiter was charming."
Amory (pretending to be jealous):
"If I see him staring at you again, I'll throw him into the ocean."
Bella:
"What if I'm the one staring at him?"
Amory (leaning in, voice softening):
"Then I'll ask the sea to take me instead… I can't bear the thought of you finding someone else beautiful."
She fell silent, looked at him for a long moment, then rested her head gently on his shoulder.
•••
The camera circles around them—the sea behind them, the sun just about to set, and their shadows melting into the sand.
The sound of gentle waves, and a soft laugh from Bella, breaks the silence.
Bella (whispering):
"If life stopped right here… right now… I'd be grateful."
Amory (closing his eyes):
"I already stopped… the moment I saw you laugh like that."
Another Shot – Evening – New Location: "Tropical Flower Garden" – Hawaii
The small lights strung between the trees bathed the place in a warm, golden glow.
Rare flowers gave off a soft fragrance, and birds were singing their last songs of the day.
They were walking along the wooden path, and Amory was holding Bella's hand as if it were his only treasure.
Every few steps, he would stop to tell her something funny, or just to take her picture, or to describe how stunning she looked from every angle.
Every corner Bella passed through became a painting in Amory's eyes.
He stopped suddenly, raised his little camera, then said in a tone that allowed no discussion:
Amory "Stop right here. Don't move. The sunlight between the trees makes your hair look like brown sugar."
Bella (with a sarcastic wink): "Are you about to caramelize me now?"
Amory (laughing as he adjusts the camera): "If you were candy, then the problem is me—I can't resist sugar."
Bella stood shyly, trying to look natural, but kept glancing around… people had started watching.
Some passing couples smiled kindly, but a few women paused briefly, looked at Amory, then at their own partners… and looked again.
Woman (whispers to her husband, annoyed): "Look at how he's photographing her. And you barely remember my name on holidays…"
Man (grumbling): "What's the problem? Everyone shows love differently…"
Another Woman (gritting her teeth, whispering): "I wish he'd ask to take a picture of me instead of (looks at her husband pointedly) asking where I left the remote!"
Meanwhile, Amory circled around Bella like an artist enchanted with his canvas.
He adjusted the angle, crouched to see the light, raised the camera again, then smiled as if he'd found treasure.
Amory (in a soft but audible voice): "For the next shot, I just want you to look at me… like you're looking at a dream that came true."
Bella (in a faint voice): "And you?"
Amory (glancing at the camera, then at her): "Me? I'm the man whose dream came true."
She smiled, but lowered her eyes in deep shyness.
She forgot the camera, the angle—even her smile came effortlessly.
And just as Amory pressed the shutter, he whispered:
Amory: "This… is the photo I'll show our kids if they ever ask me: What did your mother look like the moment I fell in love with her?"
Bella stepped forward and lightly hit his shoulder, not hiding her smile—or the blush on her face.
Bella (shyly): "Stop… people are watching."
Amory (laughing and gesturing at the lovers around them): "Let them learn."
They started walking again, and as they did, Amory seemed lost in thought. Then, he said, voice thoughtful as he looked ahead:
Amory:
"You know what? I've got a crazy idea."
Bella (raising one eyebrow mockingly):
"You're never short on crazy… go on."
Amory (in a childlike voice, still looking forward):
"Let's come back here on our tenth anniversary. Spend the night right here, on this bench, under this tree."
Bella (gazing around the place):
"And you're sure I'll still be with you by then?"
Amory (looking at her):
"No. But I'm sure my heart will still be with you… even if you're not."
•••
Final Flashback Shot – The Beach at Night
Bella is wearing Amory's long shirt with black shorts, sitting beside him by a small fire on the beach.
She hums softly while he gazes at her silently—just smiling, placing his arm behind her, and pulling her closer to him.
End of Flashback – Return to Amory's Mansion
He opened his eyes and sighed.
He quietly reached out to a framed photo on the small table in front of him.
It was a picture of them in Hawaii… Bella was jumping, and he was trying to catch up with her, while the ocean smiled with them.
Amory (whispering):
"You were everything… and here I am, nothing."
•••
Scene: Paris – Present Day
A small café on the corner of the Sixth District
Bella sat on the gray couch inside the lounge room, where the light was dim and the ceiling fan spun slowly.
She set her coffee cup aside and rested her head against the wall behind her, her eyes half-closed, her shoulders sinking under the weight of exhaustion.
She sighed… not from work, but from thoughts.
(Inner monologue – Bella):
"Why do I feel like?... I still love him… Despite everything, I can't hate a man who hung my heart in the sky for years… But I can't forgive so easily either."
She drifted away from the present for a moment, surrendering to memories that refused to leave her.
(Flashback – Paris – Valentine's Day Two Years Ago – Time: Evening – Location: Pont des Arts)
Paris was glowing in its lights, as if it wore a pink gown of love just for the two of them.
The bridge was crowded with lovers, but they were separate from everything, as if the city had been created for them alone.
Bella was wearing an ivory wool coat, short cream ankle boots, tight black pants, a black turtleneck, and a cream-colored French beret. She was adorned with precious jewelry—sparkling ruby earrings and a matching ruby ring. Her lips were painted a soft pink, and her nails were polished red.
Her black hair flowed smoothly over her shoulders, and a deep red silk scarf wrapped gently around her neck.
Amory, as elegant as always, wore a long black coat over a crisply ironed white shirt, a burgundy tie, and slim white trousers.
In his right hand, he held a small box wrapped with a silky white ribbon.
Amory (looking at her):
"You know? Paris celebrates Valentine's Day every year, but it's never looked this beautiful before."
Bella (chuckling softly):
"Because you've never gone out with a girl pretty enough?"
Amory (stepping closer):
"No… because the girl I love is walking beside me… and I'm afraid she'll wake up from this dream before I do."
Amory (gently):
"Close your eyes."
Bella (with a wary laugh):
"Amory… if you throw me in the river, you'll pay for it."
Amory:
"The price of loving you? I'd pay it a million times."
She closed her eyes.
He opened the small box and took out a delicate gold necklace with a small heart-shaped ruby pendant.
Amory (whispering behind her ear):
"Every year, I'm the luckiest man alive… because you chose to love me."
She opened her eyes and saw him clasping the necklace around her neck, gently closing it, and then sliding his fingers over the ruby as if signing her heart.
Bella (in a soft voice):
"Why do you always drown me in your kindness? You make me weaker before you than I should be."
Amory:
"Because you don't know that every night… I secretly pray, just to see you smile like this."
Bella rested her head on his chest, while the lights of Paris sparkled behind them.
The cold air carried her perfume, and Amory held her as if she were his home.
•••
End of Flashback – Return to Present – Café in Paris
Bella slowly opened her eyes, shifted in her seat, and raised her hand gently to touch her neck where that necklace used to rest…
But it was no longer there.
(Bella – Inner Monologue):
"How much love can we hold on to… without breaking it?
And how much longing can we survive… without returning?"
A colleague's voice calling her name brought her back to the present.
She stood up, fixed her hair, and went back to work…
But the scent of old Paris still clung to her,
and Amory's whisper hadn't yet left her chest.
To be continued…