Scene 1: Atlas Makes His Move
Atlas stood at the edge of the Mondell estate, his cloak billowing in the cool night breeze. The house was quiet, its inhabitants seemingly at peace. But Atlas's heart burned with anger and frustration, his jealousy over Tristan festering like an open wound.
He had sent a message earlier that day through Darian, summoning Tristan to a neutral location under the pretense of a negotiation. It was a risky move, but Atlas couldn't stand another moment of watching Tristan hover over Leon like he belonged there.
"Let's see what kind of man you really are," Atlas muttered under his breath before vanishing into the shadows.
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Scene 2: Tristan Arrives
The meeting point was a secluded clearing on the outskirts of the city, shrouded by towering trees and bathed in pale moonlight. Tristan arrived alone, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, scanning the area for any sign of a threat.
Atlas stepped out of the shadows, his piercing gaze locked on Tristan. For a moment, the two men simply stared at each other, the tension crackling between them like a live wire.
"So, you're the one who's been watching us," Tristan said calmly, though there was an edge to his voice. "What do you want?"
Atlas's jaw tightened as he took a step closer. "I want to know what your relationship is with Leon."
Tristan raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "And what business is that of yours?"
"Don't play games with me," Atlas growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You've been hovering around him like you own him. What are you to him? His protector? His... lover?"
Tristan's smirk widened slightly, though his eyes remained unreadable. "What does it matter? You left, didn't you?"
Atlas's hands curled into fists at his sides. "I don't know what happened, but I know I didn't leave willingly. And now I see you, acting like you've replaced me."
Tristan's expression darkened, his smirk fading. "I didn't replace you, Atlas. You left Leon broken. You left him to pick up the pieces of his life alone. I was there when he needed someone. Where were you?"
Atlas flinched at the words, his chest tightening painfully. "I didn't choose to leave," he said through gritted teeth. "You don't know anything about me or what happened."
"And whose fault is that?" Tristan shot back. "You didn't even try to come back until now. And you expect him to welcome you with open arms?"
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Scene 3: The Tension Escalates
Atlas stepped closer, his anger simmering just below the surface. "I don't need a lecture from you. I came here for answers."
Tristan's expression hardened as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Fine. You want answers? Leon doesn't need you anymore. He's moved on. He has a life here, a son who adores him, and people who actually care about him."
Atlas's breath hitched at the mention of the child, his mind racing. "The boy," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "Who is he?"
Tristan hesitated, his eyes narrowing. "Why does it matter? You weren't there for Leon, and you won't be there for his son."
Atlas's eyes blazed with fury. "Answer me, Tristan. Is he... is he your child?"
The question hung in the air like a dagger, and for a moment, Tristan didn't respond. Then, with calculated precision, he said, "Does it matter? You're not part of their lives anymore."
The ambiguity of Tristan's answer sent Atlas spiraling further into jealousy and despair. The thought of Leon building a life with someone else, raising a child that wasn't his, was unbearable.
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Scene 4: Tristan's Manipulation
Tristan stepped closer, his tone softening just enough to sound convincing. "If you really care about Leon, you'll leave him alone. Let him be happy. He's been through enough."
Atlas's fists trembled at his sides as he fought the urge to lash out. "You think I don't care? You think I can just walk away?"
"Maybe you should," Tristan said, his voice steady. "Sometimes, the best way to show someone you love them is to let them go."
Atlas's chest heaved as the words sank in, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. For a fleeting moment, doubt crept in, whispering that Tristan might be right. But the fire in his heart refused to be extinguished.
"I won't give up on him," Atlas said, his voice firm. "I'll find out the truth, and I'll fight for him if I have to."
Tristan's expression hardened, his jaw tightening. "Then you'd better be ready for a fight, because I won't let you hurt him again."
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Scene 5: Aftermath
As Tristan returned to the Mondell estate, his mind raced with the conversation. He had planted the seeds of doubt in Atlas, but he knew it wouldn't be enough to stop him. Atlas was determined, and that determination was dangerous.
Leon greeted Tristan with a tired smile as he entered the house. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah," Tristan said, forcing a reassuring smile. "Just had some business to take care of."
Leon frowned slightly but didn't press further, his focus shifting to his son, who was playing on the rug. Tristan watched them quietly, a flicker of guilt passing through him. He didn't regret what he had said to Atlas, but he couldn't shake the feeling that things were spiraling out of control.