After the movie, Vincent took Lucia to the amusement park at Coney Island, where he won her a giant teddy bear at a shooting gallery.

On the way home, Vincent chattered excitedly about their day, circling her like an energetic puppy.

But no matter how much he tried to cheer her up, Lucia seemed completely uninterested.

Vincent noticed something was wrong. He glanced at her nervously and asked, "Lucia, are you not happy? You haven't said a word."

The concern in his eyes was genuine, practically leaping out at her.

Just like every time before, the moment Lucia showed even a hint of coldness, Vincent would immediately sense it and try everything to make her happy.

This time was no different. Ignoring the driver in the front seat, he moved closer to Lucia, taking her hand and pressing it against his cheek, rubbing it gently.

"Lucia, you have to tell me if you're unhappy. I'll always be here for you. I'll make you happy."

Lucia looked down at him, her eyes fixed on his face.

Seven years had passed, but time had been kind to Vincent. He was still strikingly young and handsome, like a boy fresh out of college.

The dependence on her in his expression seemed real, and his love was so intense it could melt a person.

But this was the man she had built up with her own hands, the same man who was keeping a young starlet on the side. The thought of Vincent's two different faces made it impossible for her to feel anything but disgust.

Even her words of reassurance sounded hollow.

"It's nothing. Just some trouble in Chicago I need to deal with. I was just thinking about things."

Vincent breathed a sigh of relief, but then looked at her uncertainly. "Lucia, is it really just about 'business'? You promise you're not hiding anything else from me?"

Lucia ruffled his hair. "What else could there be? I promised you I'd tell you if something was wrong, that I wouldn't carry it all myself anymore. Don't worry."

Vincent's energy returned, and he started chattering again, his arm linked with hers.

When they got back to their estate on Long Island, Vincent took a shower and came out wearing a loose-fitting bathrobe that revealed his well-defined abs.

He wrapped his tall frame around Lucia from behind, placing a soft kiss on her ear as he whispered a sensual invitation.

"Lucia, it's our seventh anniversary. Tonight, we should..."

Lucia instinctively leaned back into his warm chest.

She was so familiar with his body and his scent that her own body reacted almost instantly, craving his touch and his embrace.

But in the next second, she remembered his explicit messages with Scarlett.

The heat vanished. Without a word, she gently pushed him away and spoke softly. "Vincent, are you tired?"

Vincent froze. "Lucia, what are you talking about?"

When he didn't answer, she continued, "In front of me, you always have to watch my mood, suppress yourself, and play the role of the one who needs protecting. Vincent Gallo, are you tired of it?"

Her tone was so serious that it stunned him, and he was suddenly overwhelmed by a wave of panic.

"Lu... Lucia, how could I be tired? As long as I'm with you, I'll never be tired!"

"Don't say things like that. We've been through so much to get here... Being with you is nothing but happiness. It's never tiring..."

Vincent spoke quickly, as if slowing down for even a second would make Lucia disappear.

Tears streamed down his face as he buried his head in her chest, his voice choked with emotion.

"Lucia, don't ever ask me if I'm tired again. In front of you, I'm willing to be the boy who needs you forever. Forever."

Watching Vincent desperately make his promises, Lucia remained silent for a long time before finally sighing.

She gently stroked his back. "Go to sleep. Don't overthink it."

Vincent sobbed quietly, falling asleep in her arms.

Even in his dreams, he clung to her arm tightly, like a frightened animal holding on to its last lifeline, refusing to let go.

Later that night, Vincent slept soundly, a relaxed smile on his face.

Lucia didn't sleep at all.