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Flashback-

The tension in the room was palpable as Vincent and Gabriel stood face-to-face, their voices raised in a heated argument that threatened to tear them apart.

"I can't believe you'd even consider working for that company, Gabriel," Vincent exclaimed, his frustration evident in his tone. "Don't you see what you're getting yourself into?"

Gabriel's eyes flashed with defiance as he retorted, "What's wrong with working for a rival company, Vincent? It's a great opportunity for me, and I won't let you or anyone else stand in my way."

Vincent's jaw clenched with frustration as he struggled to contain his temper. "It's not just any rival company, Gabriel," he argued, his voice tinged with desperation. "That company is owned by Marcus. Do you want to get involved with someone like him?"

Gabriel's expression darkened at the mention of Marcus's name, his resolve faltering for a moment. "I didn't know Marcus was involved," he admitted, his voice softer now. "But that doesn't change the fact that this job offer could be a game-changer for me, Vincent. I have to think about my future."

Vincent's frustration reached its peak as he struggled to make Gabriel see reason. "But at what cost, Gabriel?" he implored, his voice tinged with desperation. "Do you really want to risk your safety and our relationship for the sake of a job?"

Gabriel's eyes narrowed, his own frustration rising to meet Vincent's. "You don't get it, Vincent," he snapped, his voice laced with bitterness. "This job could finally give me the chance to make something of myself, to prove that I'm not just some charity case you took pity on."

Vincent recoiled at Gabriel's words, his heart sinking with the weight of his lover's accusation. "Is that what you think, Gabriel?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "That I'm only with you out of pity?"

Gabriel's resolve wavered as he saw the hurt in Vincent's eyes, but his pride kept him from backing down. "Maybe," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "Maybe I just need to prove to myself that I'm capable of standing on my own two feet without relying on anyone else."

He continued, "Besides, our relationship is going down. Maybe a new environment is better for both of us."

Vincent's heart sank at Gabriel's words, the truth of them cutting him to the core. "Gabriel, this isn't just about a change of environment," he interjected, his voice filled with desperation. "It's about Marcus. You're walking right into his trap, and you don't even realize it."

Gabriel reached his boiling point and shouted, "I don't care anymore. You both are toxic so I don't see any difference. This relationship is doomed from the beginning."

Vincent's anger flared at Gabriel's words, his frustration boiling over as he struggled to contain his emotions. "How can you say that, Gabriel?" he demanded, his voice laced with hurt and betrayal. "Our relationship means everything to me, and you're willing to throw it all away for the sake of your pride?"

Gabriel's eyes flashed with defiance, his anger rising to match Vincent's. "Maybe I am, Vincent," he shot back, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Maybe I'm tired of feeling like I'm always second best, like I'll never measure up to your expectations."

Vincent's heart shattered at Gabriel's words, the weight of his lover's insecurities pressing down on him like a crushing weight. "Gabriel, that's not true," he pleaded, his voice trembling with emotion. "You mean more to me than anything in this world, and I would do anything to make this work."

But Gabriel remained unmoved, his pride and stubbornness clouding his judgment. "It's too late for that, Vincent," he replied coldly, his voice devoid of emotion. "Our relationship was doomed from the start, and nothing you say or do will change that."

With that, Gabriel stormed out of the room, leaving Vincent alone in the room.

Emily felt saddened as she observed the tense exchange between Vincent and Gabriel. Their argument was gradually intensifying, and she could sense their insecurities and misunderstandings driving them apart.

[This is heartbreaking.]

Emily thought, her translucent form vibrating with empathy.

Vincent and Gabriel both care deeply for each other, but their pride and hurt feelings are clouding their judgment.

[They need to communicate openly and honestly with each other if they want to salvage their relationship.]

Emily continued, her voice echoing softly through the room.

But they also need to be willing to set aside their pride and forgive each other for their mistakes.

[If they can't do that, then their relationship may be beyond repair.]

Emily concluded sadly.

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Back with Vincent and Marcus:

Vincent's heart pounded in his chest as he stood his ground, his mind racing for a way to outmaneuver Marcus and protect Gabriel from his clutches. But Marcus was cunning and ruthless, and Vincent knew he would need all the help he could get to keep Gabriel safe. 

(Marcus had already left the scene.)

Turning to Emily, Vincent's eyes pleaded for guidance. "System X," he said, his voice filled with urgency, "we need a plan. We can't let Marcus get to Gabriel."

He continued, "Maybe we should destroy Marcus's company."

Emily regarded Vincent with a sense of determination, her translucent form pulsating with a steely resolve. "Vincent, destroying Marcus's company won't solve anything," she replied, her voice echoing softly through the room. "We need to find another way to protect Gabriel without resorting to violence."

Vincent's brow furrowed with frustration, but he knew that Emily was right. "But what other option do we have, System X?" he pressed, his voice tinged with desperation. "Marcus won't stop until he gets what he wants, and I can't let him harm Gabriel."

Emily paused, her mind whirring with possibilities. "We need to expose Marcus's illegal activities to the authorities," she suggested, her voice tinged with determination. "If we can gather enough evidence to prove his wrongdoing, we can bring him down legally without putting Gabriel in danger."

Vincent's eyes lit up with hope at Emily's suggestion. "That could work," he said, a sense of relief washing over him. "But we'll need to move quickly and carefully. Marcus won't make it easy for us."

Vincent's determination surged as he considered Emily's plan. "You're right, System X," he agreed, his voice filled with newfound resolve. "Exposing Marcus's illegal activities is our best chance at stopping him. But we need solid evidence to make it stick."

Emily nodded in agreement, her translucent form shimmering with approval. "I'll start digging into Marcus's business dealings and see what I can find," she said, her voice brimming with determination. "But we'll need someone on the inside to gather information firsthand."

Vincent's mind raced as he considered Emily's words. "I'll do it," he declared, his voice firm. "I'll go to the bar where Marcus holds his meetings and try to gather intel without raising suspicion."

Emily's eyes widened with concern, her translucent form pulsating with worry. "Vincent, it's dangerous," she warned, her voice tinged with apprehension. "Marcus won't hesitate to harm you if he catches on to what you're doing."

Vincent squared his shoulders, his resolve unwavering. "I know the risks, System X," he replied, his voice steady. "But I won't let fear stop me from protecting Gabriel. I'll do whatever it takes to bring Marcus down."

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Next day-

Vincent stepped into the dimly lit bar, his senses on high alert as he surveyed his surroundings. The air was thick with the scent of stale alcohol and cigarette smoke, and the low murmur of conversation filled the room like a distant echo.

He made his way to the bar, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to blend in with the crowd. He was surrounded by a variety of gruff-looking customers, their faces hidden behind shadows as they huddled close, whispering to each other.

As Vincent waited for an opportunity to make his move, his eyes scanned the room for any sign of Marcus or his associates. He knew that he had to tread carefully, lest he attract unwanted attention and blow his cover.

Suddenly, a voice broke through the din of the bar, sending a shiver down Vincent's spine. "Vincent, over here."

Vincent's heart skipped a beat as he turned to see Emily's translucent form materialize beside him, her presence a comforting presence in the midst of danger.

"What are you doing here?" Vincent whispered, his voice barely above a hoarse whisper.

"I'm here to help," Emily replied, her voice echoing softly through the room. "I'll keep an eye out for Marcus and his associates while you gather information."

With that, Vincent went to explore the bar.

He stepped into the dimly lit room. A sense of foreboding gripped his heart, but nothing could have prepared him for the sight that greeted his eyes. There, in the center of the room, stood Gabriel, locked in a passionate embrace with Marcus, their lips pressed together in a fervent kiss.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Vincent's mind struggled to process the scene before him, the shock of betrayal rendering him speechless.