The living room is tense.
Larry stands near the window, visibly angry. Purnell and Larry’s sister sit across from him, trying to understand why he has suddenly become so defensive about Bethany.
Larry turns toward them.
His expression is serious.
PURNELL
Larry, we’re only asking you one question. Why are you still refusing to divorce Bethany?
Larry takes a deep breath.
LARRY
Because both of you keep talking without understanding what’s really happening.
Larry’s sister looks confused.
LARRY’S SISTER
Then explain it to us.
Larry walks toward the center of the room.
His voice becomes firmer.
LARRY
Fine. I’ll tell you the reason.
Purnell leans forward.
Larry looks from Purnell to his sister.
LARRY
The reason I haven’t divorced Bethany is because I want her entire estate transferred into my name first.
Both Purnell and Larry’s sister freeze.
Silence fills the room.
Purnell looks at Larry in disbelief.
PURNELL
Wait. What did you just say?
Larry remains calm, despite their reaction.
LARRY
You heard me.
Larry’s sister slowly stands.
LARRY’S SISTER
You’re telling us that you’re waiting for Bethany to put her property in your name?
Larry nods.
LARRY
Exactly.
Purnell shakes his head.
PURNELL
Larry, why would you do that?
Larry looks frustrated.
LARRY
Because you two keep telling me to make decisions before you know the whole situation.
He points toward himself.
LARRY
I know exactly what I’m doing.
Larry’s sister looks worried.
LARRY’S SISTER
And what happens after the property is in your name?
Larry pauses.
Then he answers without hesitation.
LARRY
Then I’ll give Bethany the divorce she wants.
Purnell’s eyes widen.
Purnell stands up.
He looks directly at Larry.
PURNELL
So that’s your plan?
Larry crosses his arms.
LARRY
Yes.
PURNELL
You’re waiting for her to transfer everything before ending the marriage?
Larry nods.
LARRY
I’ve already made up my mind.
Larry’s sister looks uncomfortable.
LARRY’S SISTER
Larry, you need to think carefully about what you’re saying.
Larry becomes more irritated.
LARRY
Why?
LARRY’S SISTER
Because Bethany is trusting you.
Larry looks away.
For a moment, the room becomes silent.
LARRY
I know what she’s doing.
LARRY’S SISTER
Then why not be honest with her?
Larry turns back toward her.
LARRY
Because I don’t need everyone telling me how to handle my own life.
Purnell walks slowly around the room.
He is still trying to process Larry’s confession.
PURNELL
You realize Bethany may not agree to put everything in your name.
Larry looks at him.
LARRY
She will.
PURNELL
How can you be so sure?
Larry gives a confident look.
LARRY
Because she believes I’m staying in this marriage for the right reasons.
Larry’s sister looks disappointed.
LARRY’S SISTER
Larry, this could completely change the way she sees you.
Larry’s expression hardens.
LARRY
Nobody asked you to approve my decision.
His sister takes a step back.
Purnell raises his hand.
PURNELL
Everyone calm down.
Larry takes a breath.
Larry sits down.
His anger begins to settle.
Purnell sits across from him.
PURNELL
Let me understand something.
Larry looks at him.
PURNELL
You’re not staying because you want to repair your relationship with Bethany?
Larry remains silent for a moment.
LARRY
That’s not the reason.
Purnell nods slowly.
PURNELL
And you’re not planning to tell her about this?
Larry shakes his head.
LARRY
Not until the time is right.
Larry’s sister looks shocked.
LARRY’S SISTER
You really expect us to keep this secret?
Larry looks directly at her.
LARRY
Yes.
LARRY’S SISTER
Why should we?
Larry’s voice becomes firm.
LARRY
Because this is my decision.
The conversation becomes more intense.
Larry’s sister sits down again.
She looks at Purnell.
They exchange a concerned glance.
LARRY’S SISTER
I still don’t understand why you think this is the best choice.
Larry stands.
LARRY
You don’t have to understand it.
He walks toward the window.
LARRY
All I need is for both of you to stop interfering.
Purnell looks at him.
PURNELL
And what if Bethany changes her mind?
Larry turns around.
LARRY
Then I’ll deal with it.
PURNELL
What if she discovers your plan?
Larry becomes silent.
His confidence disappears for a brief moment.
Then he answers.
LARRY
She won’t.
Larry’s sister looks at him carefully.
LARRY’S SISTER
You sound very sure.
LARRY
Because I’ve thought about everything.
Purnell slowly sits back.
He realizes Larry has been planning this for some time.
PURNELL
So all this time, when everyone thought you were trying to save the marriage…
Larry interrupts.
LARRY
I was doing what I needed to do.
Purnell looks disappointed.
PURNELL
That isn’t the same thing.
Larry’s expression becomes cold.
LARRY
Maybe not.
Larry’s sister speaks softly.
LARRY’S SISTER
And after Bethany transfers the estate to you, you’ll simply divorce her?
Larry nods.
LARRY
Yes.
LARRY’S SISTER
Just like that?
LARRY
Just like that.
A heavy silence fills the room.
Larry picks up his phone.
He checks a message from Bethany.
His expression changes for a moment.
Purnell notices.
PURNELL
Is that Bethany?
Larry nods.
LARRY
Yes.
PURNELL
What does she want?
Larry reads the message silently.
LARRY
She’s asking when we can talk about the property.
Purnell immediately looks at Larry.
PURNELL
Then your plan is already moving forward.
Larry puts the phone away.
LARRY
Exactly.
Larry’s sister looks increasingly uncomfortable.
LARRY’S SISTER
I don’t like this.
Larry looks at her.
LARRY
You don’t have to like it.
Purnell stands near the doorway.
Before leaving, he turns back.
PURNELL
Larry, think carefully before you take another step.
Larry looks at him.
LARRY
I’ve already thought about it.
PURNELL
Once you make this decision, you may not be able to undo it.
Larry remains silent.
His sister approaches Purnell.
She looks worried.
LARRY’S SISTER
I can’t believe this is what he’s planning.
Purnell quietly responds.
PURNELL
Neither can I.
Larry hears them.
He turns around.
LARRY
I told you both. I don’t need anyone telling me what to do.
Purnell and his sister exchange another concerned look.
Larry is finally alone.
He sits on the couch and looks at his phone.
Bethany’s name appears on the screen.
Larry stares at it for several seconds.
His expression is unreadable.
He quietly speaks to himself.
LARRY
Soon, everything will be in place.
He puts the phone down.
Across the room, the envelope containing important property documents sits on the table.
Larry looks toward it.
His plan seems simple in his mind.
But he has no idea what Bethany will do when she discovers the truth.
Meanwhile, Purnell and Larry’s sister leave the house with serious concerns.
They both know Larry has revealed something that could change everything.
The secret is no longer just an idea in Larry’s mind.
It has now been heard by two other people.
And if Bethany discovers what Larry is planning before the property changes hands, the entire situation could explode.
Larry looks toward the closed door.
LARRY
Nobody needs to know yet.
The room falls silent.
The secret remains hidden—for now.