UNDERCOVER LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

PART 13 BRETTONIO

Julie: (enters the room, noticing the tension) What's going on here?

Sylvie: (takes a deep breath) Julie, come sit down. We need to talk as a family.

Julie: (concerned, sitting) Okay, what's going on?

Sylvie: (looking at Jake and Sarah) There are some important issues we've been avoiding for a while and it's time to address them.

Jake: (nods) Your mom's right, Julie. We can't pretend that everything is fine.

Sarah: I know I'm a stranger here, but maybe it would help if everyone shared their views.

Sylvie: Okay, let's do it. Jake, I feel neglected and hurt by your behavior, especially with everything going on. And bringing Sarah into our home without discussing it with me... felt like a betrayal.

Jake: (sighs) I've struggled too, Sylvie. I'm not condoning my actions, but I thought spending time with Sarah was a way to find solace during this difficult time.

Sarah: (conditionally) I really had no idea about the situation between you two. I thought I was Jake's friend, but I understand that my presence caused pain.

Julie: (confused) Wait, what situation? Are you two... breaking up?

Sylvie: (gently) Julie, we've had a lot of problems and it's true that divorce is one of the options we're considering. But know, whatever happens, we both love you very much.

Julie: (with teary eyes) Is that why things were so tense?

Jake: (reaches out to Julie) Honey, we're sorry you had to witness this. It's not fair to you.

Sylvie: (looking at Jake) No, it's not fair. But we can't keep avoiding reality, Jake. We can't just sweep our problems under the carpet.

Jake: (disappointed) What do you want from me, Sylvie? I'm trying, okay? I thought spending time with Sarah was a way to cope.

Sylvie: (voice rising) Struggling? By bringing another woman into our house without even discussing it with me? What about me? What about our marriage, our family?

Jake: (yelling) I'm not the only one to blame, Sylvie. You're always so caught up in your work and it seems like you don't even care about our relationship anymore.

Sylvie: (angry) How can you say that? I'm trying to balance work and family and it's not easy. But at least I didn't bring other people into our home.

Julie: (crying) Stop it! Both of you, just stop!

* Everyone falls silent as Julia's tears and distress hang heavy in the air. The family feud took an emotional toll, and they were left with the weight of their unresolved issues and the realization of how deeply their problems had affected Julie.)