"I did what any competent lawyer would do—I helped him assess the situation," Dave said.
"There's an unspoken rule that when something happens to a wife, the husband is often the first suspect the police consider."
"If they can't find the real perpetrator, they're likely to focus their attention on him."
"I advised him to lay low until they catch the true culprit and then come back."
Alyssa shook her head. "I don't believe it. Steven's not a fool. If he runs, the police will only become more suspicious."
"You're right. Convincing him wasn't easy, but certain incidents, like the photos found at your parents' house, made it harder."
Alyssa bit her lip. "Didn't you place those photos there? How does it involve Steven?"
"I've explained countless times those photos have nothing to do with me. You're misplacing the blame."
"What about the photos?"
"Someone put them in your home's mail slot. Steven saw them and took them to your parents' house. The police discovered this and suspected him of the crime."
"Steven was taken to the station, and my warnings came true. He was so frightened that he fled on my advice."
"If the photos aren't related to you, how do you know so much about them?"
"As Steven's lawyer, I was contacted the moment the police arrived at his house. I'm aware of all his actions and what the police said."
"Oh my God, Steven knows I'm at the club…" Alyssa sobbed quietly.
"He knew all along and didn't care. To him, you're just a source of income."
"I don't believe your lies."
Dave sighed. "Alyssa, what I'm saying is the truth. A while ago, Steven borrowed $15,000 from me. Did he mention it?"
"Why should I trust you?"
"I would never lie to you." Dave produced an IOU. "Verify the handwriting if you don't believe me."
Alyssa took the IOU, tracing the handwriting with her fingers. "Why did he need so much money?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe he's involved with someone else."
Alyssa glared at Dave. "Weren't you best friends before? Why the hatred?"
"True, we were once best friends. If it weren't for you, we might still be. My only grievance is that you caused me to lose a friend."
"You're crazy. I never pursued you; you created this mess yourself!"
"You're right. I'm hopelessly in love with you."
"Why do you love me?"
"Do you remember when we first met? During the summer vacation of my junior year, Steven and I were working part-time at the mall, and you were there."
"I fell for you instantly but didn't have the courage to speak to you. By summer's end, I confessed my feelings, but you said you prioritized your studies."
"I believed you. I worked hard, passed the LSAT, and felt ready to confess again, only to discover you were with Steven." Dave's voice grew hoarse. "The pain of seeing you with my best friend was unbearable. My efforts felt pointless."
Alyssa shook her head. "I never promised you anything. Emotions are complex. It's been years; I thought you'd moved on."
"My feelings for you have remained unchanged."
"Then why did you deliberately distance yourself? I felt your disinterest later on."
"I stayed away deliberately. Seeing you with Steven was heartbreaking. I couldn't forget you, so I chose to distance myself."
"There are many women who would love you. With your success, you could find someone better."
"True, I have wealth and status, and many women are interested. But no one can replace you."
"I distanced myself from you and rarely contacted Steven. He complained I looked down on him, but it wasn't that. I simply needed to stay away."
"I endured silently, thinking this was my fate. But then I saw you at the club…"
Dave's anger flared. "Seeing you there was shocking. The woman I've always desired was in that place. I wanted to destroy everyone in that club."
Alyssa's eyes welled up. "I don't want to be there either, but I need to survive."
"That's what angers me. I've always loved you and could provide a good life, but you chose Steven."
"I tried to help you, but you refused. Later, you thought I was behind the photos and confronted me. I was heartbroken but felt I had to act to protect you from the mess."
Alyssa rattled the chain on her wrist. "Is this your idea of rescue? Keeping me locked in a basement?"
"People's lives follow patterns. Without this intervention, would you leave Steven? Would you stop dancing in the club? This is the only way you can find a new path."
"You're just insane."
"Perhaps. I'm willing to be insane for you."
Alyssa's voice broke, tinged with pleading. "Dave, please let me go. Please."
"What will you do if I let you go?"
"I'll tell the police I ran away. I won't betray you. We can still be friends."
Dave shook his head. "That's not what I mean. Will you choose Steven or me?"
"I don't know."
"Will you still choose him?"
Alyssa's lips quivered. "No, I won't choose him. He abandoned me for Mexico, which is like giving up on me."
"I won't choose him again. But I need time. I can't accept you all at once."
"Alyssa, I'm a lawyer. Don't try to deceive me." Dave stood up and turned to leave. "Remember to eat the cake on the table. I'll visit tomorrow."
"Dave, don't go. Please, let me go." Alyssa's despair turned into tears, her emotions breaking down.
"Why are you doing this? Do you think your money makes you great? I don't want your dirty money!"
Dave closed the basement door with a sigh. "Why, God? You gave me the woman I love but kept us apart."
A knock echoed from outside.
Dave's alertness spiked. After checking through the video monitor, he saw an elderly woman with gray hair holding a plate.
Relieved, he recognized her as the neighbor from the east, known for her baked goods.
Dave adjusted his clothes and opened the door.
"Boom!"
The door was forcefully flung open.
"LAPD!"