UNDERCOVER LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

PART 27 BRETTONIO

Sylvie: (discussing custody arrangements) Jake, considering our work schedules and Julie's schooling, what if we have her for two weeks each, alternating?

Jake: (raising an eyebrow) Two weeks each? That's a long time to be away from her.

Sylvie: It provides stability and consistency, Jake. She can spend quality time with each of us without constant back-and-forth.

Jake: I get your point, but two weeks is a long stretch. How about one week at a time?

Sylvie: (hesitant) One week might not be enough for her to settle in and adjust. I'm worried it could disrupt her routine.

Jake: Well, I'm also worried about her being away from either of us for too long. It's a tough call.

Sylvie: We can start with a trial period and see how it goes. Maybe revisit the arrangement after a few months.

Just as the conversation starts to gain traction, Sylvie's phone rings, and she glances at the caller ID.)

Sylvie: (glancing at her phone) I'm sorry, Jake. I have to take this call. It might be about a case.

Jake: (raising his voice) Seriously, Sylvie? We're discussing our daughter's future, and you're more concerned about work?

Sylvie: (trying to remain composed) Jake, my job is important too. It doesn't mean I'm not prioritizing our family.

Jake: (frustrated) It feels like you're always putting work ahead of us.

Sylvie: That's not fair, Jake. I have responsibilities, and we're in the middle of a case.

(Tensions rise as the disagreement escalates, revealing the deep-seated frustrations both Sylvie and Jake have been carrying. The custody discussion becomes entangled with their personal struggles.)

Sylvie: (frustrated and on the verge of tears) Jake, can we please not do this now? My phone has been ringing off the hook, and I need to take this call.

Sylvie: (frustrated and on the verge of tears) Jake, can we please not do this now? My phone has been ringing off the hook, and I need to take this call.

Jake: (still visibly upset) Fine, go ahead. Prioritize your job as always.

(Sylvie quickly answers her phone and steps away from the table, taking the call from Antonio.)

Sylvie: (answering the call) Antonio, what's going on?

Antonio: (urgent tone) Sylvie, we've got an emergency. We need you at the scene immediately. It's a high-profile case.

Sylvie: (sighs) Antonio, I'm in the middle of something right now.

Antonio: Sylvie, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. We really need your expertise.

Sylvie: (resigned) Alright, I'm on my way. I'll be there as soon as I can.

(Sylvie hangs up the call and takes a deep breath before returning to the table, feeling the weight of the situation.)

Sylvie: Jake, I'm sorry, but I have to leave. There's an emergency at work, and I need to go.

Jake: (sarcastic) Of course, work comes first, as always.

Sylvie: Jake, this is my job. I can't just ignore it, especially if it's an emergency.

Sarah: We'll be fine, Sylvie. You go take care of your job.

Sylvie: (grateful but frustrated) Thank you, Sarah. I'll... I'll try to come back as soon as I can.

(Sylvie rushes out of the cafe, leaving Jake and Sarah behind. When she arrives at the scene of the emergency, she explains to her colleagues what took her so long.)