Unraveling Secrets

(Scene opens with Ava at "The Daily Grind," but she's distracted and on edge. She keeps glancing at Liam, who's helping a customer, but her mind is elsewhere.)

Ava: (to herself, whispering) Something's not right. He's not telling me something.

(A regular customer, Mrs. Gable, approaches the counter.)

Mrs. Gable: Morning, Ava! The usual, please. You seem a bit preoccupied today. Everything alright, dear?

Ava: (forcing a smile) Oh, just a little tired, Mrs. Gable. Long night. One latte coming right up.

(Ava makes the latte, but her eyes keep drifting back to Liam. She notices him subtly scanning the street outside, a worried expression on his face.)

(Later that day, Ava visits the Havenwood Public Library. She's at a computer, searching for information about Liam, using different variations of his name and any details she can remember from their conversations.)

Ava: (muttering to herself) Okay, let's try "Daniel... something." Maybe an old address? Anything...

(She finds a few vague mentions of a "Daniel Hayes" in connection with a legal case from several years ago in another state, but the information is limited.)

(Meanwhile, Liam is watching Ava from across the street, trying to keep her safe without being too obvious. He sees a suspicious-looking man watching her as well.)

(Liam subtly approaches the man.)

Liam: (quietly, but firmly) She's not involved in any of this. Leave her alone.

Suspicious Man: (smirking) You can't protect her forever, Daniel. Sooner or later, she'll get caught in the crossfire.

(The man walks away, disappearing into the crowd. Liam's jaw tightens.)

(That evening, Ava confronts Liam at his apartment.)

Ava: Who was that man, Liam? The one watching me at the library today?

Liam: (hesitating) Ava, I... It's nothing. Just someone I used to know.

Ava: That's not true, and you know it. You're lying to me, Liam. What's going on? What are you hiding?

Liam: (sighing) It's complicated, Ava. I can't explain right now. It's for your own good.

Ava: My own good? By lying to me? By keeping me in the dark? I deserve to know the truth, Liam. I care about you, but I can't be with someone who doesn't trust me enough to be honest.

Liam: (taking a step closer to her) I do trust you, Ava. More than anyone. But this is dangerous. The less you know, the safer you are.

Ava: (tears welling up in her eyes) Then tell me what I need to know to protect myself. Tell me the truth, Liam, or I can't do this anymore.

Liam: (after a long pause) Okay, Ava. Okay, I'll tell you something. But you have to promise me you won't do anything reckless. Promise me.

Ava: I promise.

Liam: My name isn't really Liam. It's Daniel. And I'm in hiding.

(The scene ends with Ava staring at Liam in shock, the weight of his words sinking in.)

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