~𝙼𝙾𝙳𝙴𝚁𝙽 𝙳𝙰𝚈 𝙱𝙾𝙽𝙽𝙸𝙴 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙲𝙻𝚈𝙳𝙴~

𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕣𝕥𝕪-𝕗𝕚𝕧𝕖

Bellatrix sits on the edge of the couch, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. The light from the table lamp casts a harsh shadow across her face, highlighting the anger and betrayal etched into her features. Tig, sitting across from her in the armchair, looks disheveled and guilty, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for a way out.

Bellatrix's voice is cold and controlled, a stark contrast to the storm raging inside her. "I just can't believe it, Tig. Of all the women in Stockton, you had to go and pick Vanessa. In a public bar, no less. Do you have any idea how humiliating it is to find out from Blaize, of all people? The whole town's talking about it."

Tig winces at her words, running a hand through his hair. "Bellie, it wasn't what it looked like. We were just talking—"

"Just talking?" Bellatrix interrupts, her voice rising. "Then why did Blaize say she saw Vanessa practically hanging all over you? And why were you both laughing like it was the funniest thing in the world?"

Tig sighs, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "Look, I know it looks bad. But nothing happened, I swear. It was just... a stupid, drunken night. I never meant for it to get out of hand."

Bellatrix stands abruptly, her eyes blazing with fury. "You think this is about what happened? It's about trust, Tig! You betrayed me, and you made me look like a fool in front of everyone! The whole town is talking about it, and I had to hear about it from my best friend. Do you have any idea how that feels?"

Tig stands as well, his expression shifting from guilt to frustration. "Yeah, well, maybe if you weren't so damn busy all the time, I wouldn't have felt the need to blow off steam!"

The words hang in the air, and Bellatrix stares at him in shock, her mouth slightly open. The weight of what he just said hits her like a punch to the gut. She takes a deep breath, her voice trembling with hurt and anger. "So this is my fault now? Because I'm trying to hold this family together, trying to be everything for everyone, it's my fault that you couldn't keep it in your pants?"

Tig looks away, unable to meet her eyes. "No, that's not what I meant. I'm sorry, okay? I fucked up. But you've gotta believe me, Bellie, nothing happened. It was a mistake."

Bellatrix shakes her head, tears of frustration and hurt welling up in her eyes. "A mistake that's making me question everything, Tig. Everything we've built, everything we've been through. I trusted you, and you broke that trust."

The room falls silent, the tension thick and suffocating. Tig finally looks up, his voice soft and pleading. "Bellie, I love you. You and the kids are everything to me. Please, don't let this ruin us. I'll do whatever it takes to make it right."

Bellatrix crosses her arms, looking away as she fights to keep her emotions in check. "I don't know if you can make it right, Tig. I don't know if I can ever look at you the same way again."

Tig steps closer, reaching out but hesitating before touching her. "Please, Bellie. I'll do anything. Just... don't give up on us."

Bellatrix stands there, torn between the love she still feels for him and the betrayal she can't shake. The silence stretches on, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, she lets out a shuddering breath, her shoulders slumping.

"I need time, Tig," she says quietly, not looking at him. "Time to figure out if I can forgive you. If we can get past this."

Tig nods, tears glistening in his eyes. "Take all the time you need, Bellie. I'll be here, waiting. I'm not going anywhere."

Without another word, Bellatrix turns and walks towards their bedroom, leaving Tig standing alone in the living room. The door clicks shut behind her, and Tig sinks back into the armchair, burying his face in his hands. The sound of rain begins to patter against the windows, mirroring the storm of emotions raging inside the house.