The room is quiet.

LAUREN stands near the doorway, holding her bag tightly. Her expression is tense, but her decision is clear.

DAN watches her from across the room.

He knows she wants to leave.

Lauren, just sit down. We need to talk before you make a mistake.

Lauren slowly shakes her head.

Dan, I already made my decision. I’m leaving.

Dan takes a step toward her.

Leaving for what? Wayne?

Lauren looks away for a moment.

This isn’t about Wayne. It’s about me choosing what I want for my life.

Dan’s expression hardens.

You were happy with me once.

Maybe I thought I was.

A long silence fills the room.

Lauren takes a breath.

But things have changed. I’ve changed.

Dan looks frustrated.

So Wayne changed you?

No. Wayne showed me that I could be treated with respect.

Dan looks away, clearly struggling with her words.

Lauren moves toward the door.

Dan quickly moves between Lauren and the doorway.

Lauren stops.

Dan, move.

No. You’re not walking out of here like this.

Lauren looks directly at him.

You can’t decide where I go.

I’m trying to save our relationship!

There is no relationship to save.

Dan looks stunned.

Lauren’s voice remains calm, but her eyes show fear and determination.

I don’t want to go back to the way things were.

You’re making the biggest mistake of your life.

Maybe you think that.

She reaches for the door.

But I know what I want.

Dan becomes increasingly angry.

You really think Wayne is going to give you everything you want?

I’m not asking Wayne to give me anything.

She pauses.

I just want to be free to make my own choices.

Dan steps closer.

Lauren backs away.

Lauren tries to move past him.

Dan suddenly loses control and strikes Lauren.

The moment becomes completely silent.

Lauren freezes.

She looks at Dan in disbelief.

Dan immediately realizes how far things have gone.

Lauren…

Lauren steps away from him.

Her eyes fill with tears, but she refuses to let herself break down.

Don’t come near me.

Dan reaches out.

I didn’t mean—

Stay away from me!

Lauren quickly takes out her phone.

Dan realizes what she is doing.

Lauren, put the phone down.

No.

She steps farther away.

I’m calling the police.

Dan’s face changes.

You’re really going to do this?

Lauren keeps the phone in her hand.

Yes.

Her voice shakes, but she stays firm.

Lauren speaks to the emergency operator.

I need help. I’m at Dan’s house. He won’t let me leave, and he hurt me.

Dan walks back, frustrated.

Lauren, stop!

Lauren moves toward the front door.

I’m not staying here anymore.

Dan stops when he realizes the police are coming.

The sound of distant sirens begins to approach.

Lauren takes a deep breath.

For the first time that evening, she feels that she may actually be safe.

Police vehicles arrive outside.

Two OFFICERS approach the house.

Lauren opens the door and steps outside.

Are you okay?

Lauren nods slowly.

I will be.

She looks toward the house.

Dan steps outside.

Lauren, please. Just tell them this was a misunderstanding.

It wasn’t.

Dan becomes emotional.

Lauren, I love you.

Lauren’s expression softens for a moment, but she remains firm.

You don’t get to hurt someone and then call it love.

Dan has no answer.

The officers speak with him and place him under arrest.

Lauren watches silently.

Lauren, please!

Lauren turns away.

She doesn’t respond.

A car pulls up outside WAYNE’S house.

Lauren steps out.

She looks exhausted.

Wayne opens the front door and immediately notices something is wrong.

Lauren?

Lauren walks toward him.

Wayne does not rush her.

He simply stands there, giving her space.

What happened?

Dan was arrested.

Wayne’s expression becomes serious.

Are you safe?

Lauren nods.

Yes.

Wayne quietly steps aside, allowing her inside.

You don’t have to explain everything tonight.

I was scared I would never get away.

Wayne listens.

But you did.

Lauren wipes away a tear.

I finally realized I have to choose myself.

And whatever happens next, that choice belongs to you.

Lauren looks around the house.

For the first time in a long time, her shoulders begin to relax.

Lauren sits quietly on the couch.

Wayne places a glass of water on the table and sits across from her.

You’re not alone.

I know.

A small smile appears on her face.

That’s what makes everything different now.

You deserve to feel safe.

Lauren looks down at her hands.

I used to think going back to Dan was easier.

She pauses.

But tonight showed me that going back isn’t an option anymore.

Wayne remains silent, letting her speak.

I want a new beginning.

Then start one.

Lauren looks toward the window.

The city lights shine outside.

She takes a deep breath.

The fear is still there.

But so is her determination.

Dan sits in an interview room, staring at the table.

An OFFICER enters with paperwork.

Dan, you are being held while we investigate what happened tonight.

Dan looks up.

I just wanted Lauren to stay.

The officer remains serious.

You cannot force someone to stay with you.

Dan lowers his eyes.

For the first time, he understands that his anger has changed everything.