Pride and Prejudice

The woman sips a bit from the coffee cup she is holding to calm down.

"Don't you recognize me? I was at the Andrei's villa the other day. I am Athena's mother." Crina Spataru says.

Brie takes a defensive stance for Rosa. "Are you some kind of a celebrity to easily be remembered? And what does your affair have to do with Rosa?"

"I am here to talk to Rosa," the woman replies.

"Your daughter is Athena, not Rosa," Brie retorts.

The woman looks at Rosa. "She is Athena's stepmom."

"And so? It would be better if you can spend your time with your daughter and take care of her."

Crisa ignores Brie. She directly faces Rosa. "Well, I want to talk to you about Athena."

Brie butts in again. "If you are Athena's mother, the person you should talk to should be the father, not the stepmom."

Rosa finally responds, "I'm at work right now."

"This won't take long. I'll be finished before they call for you again," Crina tries to reason to Rosa.

Rosa looks around and brings her to a hidden corner to let Crina says what she wants to say and get it over with.

Rosa looks her straight into the eye. Crina starts talking.

"I was a budding model when I got together with Graysen. We were young and in love. I was in the middle of rising as a supermodel when I got pregnant. Graysen paid-off my existing contracts so I can continue with my pregnancy peacefully. I thought carrying his child would strengthen our relationship more. I was naive."

"He got busier rising from being a successful lawyer to a celebrated politician. Graysen entered the political arena because of his father. As my stomach grew bigger, I seldom see him. He arrived late at night and was gone by the time I get up in the morning. I so felt alone ."

"I have to give up my career and I have nothing much to do but look at myself every day in the mirror. I saw myself getting uglier and uglier by the day. My neck turned dark, I got fatter. When my stomach cramped because of the baby's movement, he was not there with me. After giving birth, a friend of mine recommended to zme to see a psychiatrist. She said the therapy might help with my post-partum depression. I went to sessions twice a week."

"That man beside me when I visited the Andrei's villa, he fulfilled my craving for care and attention. Though we have a gap of 20 years, but he knows how to care for me."

"Graysen did not change, did he? He still prioritizes his career. Admit it. I heard he has been neglecting you, too."

Rosa remains silent through her tirade.

Crina continue talking, "Graysen does not really love you. You have the looks, the money, and the right status to help him win the presidency."

Rosa reacts passively with her provocation. "Are you done?"

Crina adds, "Do not ever believe a politician. They are all liars."

"I thought you like to talk about Athena. Why are you talking about Graysen?"

Rosa goes back to the set when she sees Brie signaling to her.