"I'm talking about the darkness inside of me, the part of me that I've tried to hide from everyone, even myself. But I can't run from it anymore, not if I want to keep you in my life."
Eliana was silent, her gaze locked on his.
"Do you remember when we first met, and you asked me what I did for a living?" Michael said, his voice low.
"Of course," Eliana replied, her voice trembling.
"Well, I didn't tell you the truth. I'm not a businessman, like I said. I'm an assassin."
Eliana's eyes widened in shock, her body tensing.
"I've killed many men and women, both with my own hands and by proxy," Michael continued, his gaze darkening. "I'm not proud of what I've done, but it's the only life I've ever known."
"Michael..." Eliana breathed, her voice barely a whisper.
"If I'm going to stay with you, Eliana, I need you to know the truth. I can't keep living a lie, pretending to be something I'm not."
"What...what are you saying, Michael?" Eliana asked, her voice shaking.