THE TRUTH DAVE WAS NEVER SUPPOSED TO HEAR
The Question That Changed Everything
Amber sits comfortably on the edge of her bed, talking to Ernestine on speakerphone. She has no idea that Dave is approaching her room.
ERNESTINE
So, what’s really going on between you and Dave? Are you serious about him?
ERNESTINE
Are you actually going to marry Dave and become the mother of his children?
Amber smiles as she thinks about the question.
The Truth Comes Out
AMBER
Nothing like that is ever going to happen.
Outside the bedroom, Dave quietly stops at the door. He can hear every word.
AMBER
I’m only with Dave for his money. He’s giving me such a good life, and he never lets me worry about money.
Dave’s expression suddenly changes. He realizes that Amber may not love him at all.
A Painful Comparison
Amber laughs softly, completely unaware that Dave is standing outside the room.
AMBER
I’m not in love with Dave. I’m just enjoying the life he gives me.
ERNESTINE
Then why stay with him?
AMBER
Because he gives me everything I want.
AMBER
I’m just going to use Dave the same way I used Anthony.
Dave freezes in the hallway.
Dave Hears Every Word
Dave stands completely still. The words echo in his mind.
He remembers every dinner, every gift, and every moment he spent trying to give Amber a better life.
DAVE
I really believed you.
Dave slowly steps away from the door. His face is filled with disappointment.
DAVE
I thought I was giving you a future.
The Question Amber Can’t Answer
ERNESTINE
What happens if Dave finds out?
AMBER
He won’t. Dave trusts me.
Dave hears the words and quietly shakes his head.
AMBER
He thinks I actually care about him.
Dave looks toward the floor, deeply hurt.
Dave Makes His Decision
Dave sits alone on the couch. His phone vibrates with a message from Amber.
DAVE’S PHONE
Where are you?
Dave reads the message but doesn’t respond.
DAVE
How could I have been so blind?
He looks toward the hallway, realizing that Amber still doesn’t know he heard everything.
DAVE
Not yet. I need to know how long she planned this.
The Secret Dave Keeps
Dave returns to the hallway and looks toward Amber’s closed bedroom door.
DAVE
If she thinks I don’t know…
He pauses, his expression becoming serious.
DAVE
Then maybe I should let her keep thinking that.
Dave quietly walks away.
Amber still believes everything is going according to plan. She doesn’t know Dave has heard the truth.
TO BE CONTINUED…