Chapter Text
***
Day 1–Time: 4:30PM
The story unfolds on a quiet afternoon, with sunlight streaming through the open windows of the White House—Valentine arrives 15 minutes earlier than expected for an important meeting to discuss the brewing financial crisis that’s shaking the banks all across America.
He stands just outside of the designated door— Adjusting his pink coat and gloves till he hears the faint voices from behind the closed door mention something about his name. Causing him to suddenly pause on his adjustments—To hear through carefully at their muffle voices–
One voice unmistakably belonged to his wife…
Soft, yet tense.
(Possibly at the edge of frustration)
Valentine knew Scarlet—Very well—That It’s unlike her to not get along with guests. Especially when she's extremely social and practically flirts with anyone that she meets—
The second voice belonged to a man…
Low, and yet commanding.
(Valentine’s instincts tell him it's the businessman he’s come to meet)
Still listening behind closed doors Valentine perks up (Once more) when hears his name mentioned again onto their tense conversation.
Listening to the deep man’s voice—
“Listen Scarlet. I don’t mean what I’m about to say. To come out sounding disrespectful or anything, but…”
“Is Funny Valentine truly the man whom you wish to stay with for the rest of your life? Or did you just marry him out of money?”
Valentine couldn’t almost believe what the man had just said before going in—With his gloved hand—To reach the wooden handle.
Pausing..
At the very moment he hears his wife beginning to respond to the man’s question—
“Pardon me, sir, but where exactly is the ‘quit asking me personal questions’ part that you don’t understand?”
“Now, now, Scarlet. There’s no need to get so worked up. Here’s the deal: I promise I won’t tell another soul if you—”
“I’ll say it again!”
(The woman’s voice cut through sharply from behind the closed doors)
“I have zero interest in money, and no amount of cash could ever make me reveal any private or confidential details about my life with my husband. That’s final.”
“If you insist.”
(The man sighed audibly before pushing the conversation forward, clearly undeterred by her resistance)
“But please, allow me to rephrase this—just so you can understand the perspective I’m coming from with all these questions.”
“…”
“How is it that a beautiful, intelligent woman like yourself stays with a man who is overweight, selfish, and stingy when it comes to offering you love and affection?”
“My husband is not stingy!” Scarlet’s voice rose with conviction. “Everything you just said is nothing but lies and assumptions meant to convince me to leave my husband for your son!”
The man chuckled, his voice dripping with insincerity.
“Oh? Is that really how you feel?” He let out a breathless laugh. “Well, rest assured, Scarlet, I’m not trying to convince you to do anything.” (A lie, of course)
“In fact, the only reason I brought up my son is because—”
“Sir,” Scarlet interrupted, her patience thinning, “I could care less about your son. And the fact that you keep pressing me about why I’ve stayed with Valentine for so long is utterly—”
“I suggest you reconsider your words before speaking, Mrs. Scarlet,” the man warned sharply.
A brief silence filled the room.
“I won’t tolerate any more insults about my dear husband,” Scarlet said firmly, her resolve unwavering.
“Then clarify one thing for me,” the man pressed on.
“Do you honestly believe I’m lying when I say that your husband doesn’t love you, Mrs. Scarlet?”
“…”
“Prioritizing most—if not all—of his time toward work, rather than spending it with you.”
“…”
“Eating junk instead of showing you affection, because all he cares about is eating.”
“…”
“And yet, despite all this, you still sit here and tell me you love him?”