SCENE 1 — BETHANY DISCOVERS THE TRUTH

INT. BETHANY’S LIVING ROOM — AFTERNOON

Bethany sits on the couch, staring at her phone. The more she thinks about Jade and Purnell, the more suspicious their relationship seems. Purnell has been spending nights with Jade, but Bethany believes he has never offered her the commitment she truly wants.

BETHANY

Wait a minute. Purnell has been keeping Jade close, but does he actually want a future with her?

She puts her phone down and shakes her head.

BETHANY

Jade thinks she’s building something real with him. What happens when she discovers that he never intended to give her what she wanted?

Bethany decides to call Larry. She wants to find a way to end the confusion before Jade gets hurt even more.

SCENE 2 — BETHANY AND LARRY MAKE A PLAN

INT. LARRY’S HOUSE — EVENING

Larry listens carefully as Bethany explains her concerns about Jade and Purnell.

LARRY

So you think Purnell wants to keep Jade around without making a real commitment?

BETHANY

That’s exactly what I think. Jade deserves to know where she stands.

Larry leans back, considering the situation.

LARRY

Then somebody needs to have an honest conversation with both of them.

Bethany suddenly comes up with an idea.

BETHANY

What if we arrange for Jade and Purnell to get married?

Larry stares at her.

LARRY

Marriage? Bethany, that’s a serious decision. We can’t expect a wedding to solve every problem between them.

BETHANY

I’m not saying it will be easy. But if Purnell insists on keeping Jade in his life, he needs to decide whether he’s prepared to take responsibility for that relationship.

Larry reluctantly agrees to speak with them. Neither realizes how much damage their plan could cause.

SCENE 3 — JADE DREAMS OF MARRIAGE

INT. JADE’S BEDROOM — NIGHT

Jade sits before her mirror, imagining a future with Purnell. She wants a relationship where she no longer has to wonder whether he will stay.

Her phone rings. Purnell’s name appears on the screen.

JADE

Hey, Purnell. I’ve been thinking about you.

PURNELL

We need to talk tomorrow. There’s something important I want to discuss.

Jade smiles, immediately imagining that he might finally propose.

JADE

Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.

After the call ends, she walks to her closet and begins choosing an outfit. She believes her life might finally be changing for the better.

But while Jade dreams of a wedding, Purnell remains uncertain about the future he is expected to promise her.

SCENE 4 — PURNELL FACES THE PROPOSAL

INT. LARRY’S LIVING ROOM — AFTERNOON

Purnell arrives and immediately notices the serious expressions on Larry and Bethany’s faces.

PURNELL

What’s going on? Why did you ask me to come here?

BETHANY

We think it’s time you and Jade got married.

Purnell stares at her in disbelief.

PURNELL

Married? To Jade? You can’t make that decision for me!

LARRY

We’re not making the decision for you. We’re asking you to stop treating this relationship like a temporary arrangement if Jade believes it has a future.

Purnell stands and walks toward the window.

PURNELL

What happens if we get married and discover that we’re not right for each other?

BETHANY

Then you should have an honest conversation before making promises you can’t keep.

Purnell leaves, frustrated and confused. He knows he must make a decision, but he isn’t ready to admit what he truly feels about Jade.

SCENE 5 — JADE HEARS ABOUT THE WEDDING

INT. RESTAURANT — EVENING

Jade sits across from Purnell, waiting for him to explain why he wanted to see her.

PURNELL

Bethany and Larry think we should get married.

Jade freezes before a smile slowly spreads across her face.

JADE

And what do you think?

PURNELL

I told them I needed time to think about it.

Her smile fades, but she tries to remain hopeful.

JADE

I don’t want a wedding just for the sake of having one. I want to know that I matter to you. I’m tired of wondering where I stand in your life.

Purnell looks away, unable to give her the reassurance she wants.

PURNELL

Let’s see how things work out.

Jade takes his hand, believing there is still hope for their relationship. Purnell lets her hold it, although his doubts remain.

SCENE 6 — WEDDING PLANS AND HIDDEN DOUBTS

MONTAGE — THE DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

Jade begins planning the ceremony. She chooses her dress, discusses the venue, and imagines the moment she will become Purnell’s wife.

Purnell, however, grows increasingly uncomfortable whenever anyone mentions the wedding.

BETHANY

Jade seems happy. I think everything is finally coming together.

LARRY

Happiness isn’t guaranteed just because two people agree to get married.

BETHANY

We can’t keep letting the same situation hurt everyone involved.

LARRY

Then we need to make sure they’re choosing this for themselves.

Neither of them knows whether Purnell will be able to overcome his doubts. The invitations have already been sent, and the wedding is approaching quickly.

SCENE 7 — PURNELL ADMITS HIS FEARS

INT. PURNELL’S LIVING ROOM — NIGHT

Purnell sits alone, staring at the wedding invitation on his table. Larry calls him.

LARRY

You still have time to tell Jade how you really feel.

PURNELL

Everybody expects me to be happy, but I don’t know if I’m ready for this marriage.

LARRY

Then why are you going through with it?

PURNELL

Because Jade believes this is the beginning of our future together. I don’t know how to tell her that I have doubts.

LARRY

It’s better to tell her the truth now than to let her discover it after the wedding.

Purnell ends the call without answering.

He knows Larry is right, but he is afraid of losing control of a situation that has already gone too far.

SCENE 8 — THE WEDDING DAY

INT. WEDDING VENUE — AFTERNOON

The venue is decorated with beautiful flowers. Guests fill the seats as music plays softly.

Jade stands in front of a mirror wearing her wedding dress. She looks excited and nervous.

JADE

Today, everything changes.

Bethany enters and smiles at her.

BETHANY

You look beautiful. Just remember that marriage needs honesty and respect, not just promises.

JADE

I believe Purnell can give me the future I’ve always wanted.

Across the venue, Larry approaches Purnell, who looks anything but excited.

LARRY

You can still talk to her before the ceremony.

PURNELL

Not now, Larry. It’s too late.

The music begins. Jade appears at the entrance and starts walking toward Purnell.

She smiles at him, unaware that he is still struggling with the decision he has made.

SCENE 9 — VOWS THAT HIDE THE TRUTH

INT. WEDDING VENUE — CONTINUOUS

Jade reaches Purnell and takes his hands. The officiant begins the ceremony.

OFFICIANT

Jade, do you take Purnell as your husband?

JADE

I do.

The officiant turns to Purnell.

OFFICIANT

Purnell, do you take Jade as your wife?

Purnell hesitates. The entire room falls silent.

Jade looks into his eyes, waiting for an answer.

PURNELL

I do.

The ceremony continues. They exchange rings, and the guests applaud when the officiant declares them married.

Jade embraces her new husband, overwhelmed with happiness.

Purnell returns the embrace, but his troubled expression reveals that he is not experiencing the same joy.

Jade believes the wedding has secured their future. Purnell knows that their real problems have only begun.

SCENE 10 — THEIR FIRST NIGHT AS HUSBAND AND WIFE

INT. JADE AND PURNELL’S HOME — NIGHT

After the celebrations, Jade walks into the living room, still wearing her wedding ring.

JADE

I still can’t believe we’