UNDERCOVER LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

PART 10 BRETTONIO

Sylvie: (watching from a distance, her expression tense) Julie's transport is here.

Antonio: (noticing Sylvie's change in demeanor) Is something wrong, Sylvie?

Sylvie: (grimacing) I think it's... Jake. And he is not alone.

Antonio: (worried) Wait, is that... another woman with him?

Sylvie: (through gritted teeth) Yeah. It looks like this.

Antonio: Sylvie, I'm here if you need me. Whatever you decide, just let me know.

Sylvie: Thank you, Antonio. I appreciate this.

(Jake and the woman approach Sylvie and Antonio, with Julie at the side.)

Jake: (smiles awkwardly) Hey, Sylvie.

Sylvie: (clenching jaw) Jake.

Julie: (innocently) Mom, Dad, this is Sarah. She is my father's friend.

Sarah: (gives a warm smile) Nice to meet you, Sylvie.

Sylvie: (forced smile) Same.

Jake: (nervously) Julie and I were just eating ice cream. I hope you don't mind.

Sylvie: (her voice strained) No, of course not. Julie deserves to have a good time.

Antonio: (enters) Well, we just finished our work. Have fun, Julie.

Julie: Thank you, Antonio. Bye Mom, Bye Antonio!

Sylvie: (waving) Have a good time, baby.

(When Julie leaves, the tension between Sylvie and Jake becomes palpable.)

Jake: (sighs) Sylvie, can we talk for a second?

Sylvie: (crosses her arms) What can we talk about, Jake?

Jake: Look, I know things weren't good between us, but I thought we could at least have an honest conversation.

Sylvie: (sarcastically) Civil? Like the way you brought your "friend" to pick up our daughter without even telling me?

Jake: (defensive) She's just a friend, Sylvie. And it's not like I have to ask your permission for everything.

Sylvie: (voice rising) Maybe not, but I could at least show some consideration, especially in front of Julie.

Jake: (angry) Oh, like you've been such a great role model lately? You're always wrapped up in your job, leaving me to pick up the pieces.

Sylvie: (furiously) Oh, don't you dare put that on me! You think I haven't noticed how you're acting? Late nights, disappearances and now this?

Jake: (screams) Maybe if you were around more, I wouldn't have to find someone else to spend time with!

Sylvie: (voice shaking) You know what, Jake? Maybe it's time you both face the reality of it. Our marriage has been falling apart for some time and maybe it's best that he admits it.

Jake: (scoffs) Oh, so now you want a divorce? Is that what you mean?

Sylvie: (with teary eyes) I don't know, Jake. But I know that's not healthy for any of us, especially not Julie.

Jake: (angry and hurt) Good, Sylvie. If that's what you want, then let's go ahead and get it over with.

Sylvie: (voice cracking) Maybe that's the only way we'll find peace.

Antonio: (quietly, Sylvie) Are you okay?

Sylvie: (nods, wiping away tears) Yes, I will.

Antonio: Remember, Sylvie, you are not alone in this. You have people who care about you.

Sylvie: (quietly) Thank you, Antonio.

Antonio: Anytime.

Jake: (storming off) Let's get out of here, Sarah.

Sylvie watches Jake and Sarah leave, her heart heavy with a mixture of emotions. (Antonio stands by her side, a silent source of support as she processes what has just happened.)