[remarks on A Wife at Stake]
Thanks for the comments, they're really interesting. I share many of your views, for example, regarding the quality of the plot and possible scenarios. A while ago, when I was reading about the four possible paths, I thought about them... and even sketched out my own versions of the potential plot (those who visit the AWAM fan thread know I like alternative scenarios and sometimes even share them). At the time, I decided to keep them to myself, but now... why not publish them? A quick note: I wrote my scenarios after playing version 0.4 of the game. And I know nothing about how things develop after version 0.6. Secondly, as one can easily tell from my post, I believe scenarios shouldn't be too obvious. For me, the more twisted, the better.
I apologize for the length of this post. However, I hope there are still people who read. Not just watch.
1. Loyalty path.
Laura can't and won't part with Mario, even though the single celebrity life is tempting. Invited to photo shoots or commercials, Laura always takes Mario with her to accompany her and support her. And he finds this situation—or perhaps the money?—more and more appealing. Initially, Laura doesn't let Vincenzo—or other men—get too close; flirting and teasing are allowed, but she is loyal to Mario and doesn't want to cross certain boundaries, even though their sex life with Mario is practically nonexistent. However, she notices that Mario gets aroused, just like in the good old days, when Laura allows other men to compliment, touch, or even caress her, during or after a shoot, for example, while dancing. It's Mario who pushes her to go further—and she agrees.
Mario gradually becomes a cuckold—and it's unclear whether he likes it or subconsciously feels it's the only way to stay with Laura. Is Laura truly happy? She enjoys the thrill of being fucked by Vincenzo or other men while Mario holds her hand or waits in the next room, but each time the aftertaste is bitter. Eventually, she feels used by Mario… and other men. All men. Finally, Laura decides to leave Mario and return to Bari (sorry, Bria). She begins a relationship with Gloria, and they also start a business together, investing the money Laura earned during her brief television and modelling career.
I think it's a good ending… but not the best either. I'm afraid loyalty doesn't always pay off.
2. Family path.
Despite all the temptations (and, truth be told, even after two or three sexual encounters with Vincenzo), Laura decides to return to Bria. Family is too important, she says. Mario is on cloud nine and greets her with passionate sex, the likes of which she hasn't experienced (with him) in years. They return to their former lives—selling fruit and vegetables, leading a simple life in a small Apulian town. Eight months later, Laura gives birth to a daughter, Sonya—a premature baby, she says. Mario is happy, yet somewhat uncertain. He secretly takes a paternity test and finds out he's not Sonya's father. Laura admits she wasn't faithful in Rome… and is ready to leave Mario, who, in turn, takes some responsibility for this situation.
They decide to stay together and raise Sonya as Mario's daughter. And so it is. Even though their life is no fairy tale. Mario can't forget Laura's infidelity; Laura—at least occasionally—thinks her life is empty and colorless. And that she squandered the opportunities she had in the past. Fortunately, little Sonya is a beautiful and intelligent girl. Although she is completely unlike Mario, as some claim.
3. Love (Vincenzo) Route.
Vincenzo is so different from Mario, and life with him is far more appealing than Laura's previous life... She falls head over heels in love with him. Laura and Vincenzo's wedding becomes the biggest sensation in show business—and, of course, a hot topic for the tabloids, which follow the couple's every move. They don't care; their love seems strong and true. Laura fulfills her dreams of a family, which is more important than a career. Soon, they have two children. And as is often the case, everyday problems, arguments, and lack of money go hand in hand.
Vincenzo spends less and less time at home, and soon... he meets another young, funny, and beautiful woman. Laura has no chance of returning to the life of a model and celebrity. After the divorce, she returns to Bria and learns that Mario has emigrated to America. She is raising two children alone—and sometimes reminisces about her moments of fame. And she's not sure if she made the right decision a few years ago.
4. Full corruption path.
Thanks to Vincenzo, Laura discovers a whole new world of increasingly intense emotions, stemming from physical attraction, crossing barriers, and breaking taboos. Cheating is one of them. Yet, Mario soon disappears from view, and cheating on him is too easy and doesn't excite Laura. Meanwhile, Vincenzo, a former seducer, falls in love with Laura. They become a couple. However, this time, Laura, seeking new thrills, begins to cheat on Vincenzo. With girls, Vincenzo's friends, suspicious "sponsors"... Her sexual adventures become increasingly risky, and it's only a matter of time before Vincenzo finds out. When he does, he's devastated and leaves Laura. At this point, Laura realizes she's a sex addict and decides to enter rehab.
After that, she decides to return to Bari (sorry, Bria) to meet up with Mario, with whom she hasn't had contact for a long time. However, she finds him happily married and with a child. There's no going back to her old life and her old self. Back in Rome, she has no money, no real friends, and no prospects in modeling or advertising. One of her former "sponsors" makes her an offer she can't refuse: star in a porn film. The beginning is difficult, but she soon discovers that sex on stage (or a film set) can bring her both pleasure and money.
Laura pursues a career in porn; the highlight of her career is participating in a bunga-bunga... getting to know—in many ways—the most important politicians in the country. After this, Laura decides to write her autobiography (which becomes a basis for a film script and a virtual novel) and then to enter politics. Today, she's a member of parliament.
It’s a good ending (I think...
).
