Stefan: No. I'm fine.
Alexis: Then why did you call all of us here? Helena -- did she escape?
Stefan: No. Fortunately, Helena is still incarcerated. But as for me -- I kept this journal as a boy. I'd all but forgotten it. Then Chloe -- well, Chloe discovered it. {Reads from the journal} "This island, the Cassadine traditions, all the ancient rules and codes -- when I'm grown, I'll break away from them and make a life that's my own." {Stops reading} And I made this promise to myself years ago. I haven't kept it until now.
Alexis: What happens now?
Stefan: Well, this afternoon, I'll fly to Milan, where I've rented a villa for an extended stay.
Nikolas: So what about after Milan?
Stefan: I don't know. For once in my life, I'm playing it by ear.
Nikolas: How long will you be gone?
Stefan: As long as it takes for me to discover who I am beyond all this. Now, I've left the estate in your capable hands, and I'm sure --
Gia: No, you can't.
v
~*~
Stefan: Gia, I'm flattered you want me to stay.
Gia: Look --
Kristina: She isn't the only one. Stefan, I just found you, and now I'm going to lose you again?
Stefan: No, not at all. You're my family. You'll visit any time.
Alexis: Stefan isn't one to sever family ties.
Stefan: Maybe that's finally working in my favor.
Alexis: I'm going to miss you, but I think this is good. I think it's good that you're getting away.
Gia: Well, does it have to be right now? I mean, immediately?
Stefan: Gia, is there a problem?
Gia: Please, don't bail on us now.
Nikolas: She wants you here for the wedding, uncle. So do I.
Stefan: I'll be here.
Gia: Look, we're just starting out. I mean, what if this whole Cassadine legacy thing crushes us? I mean, we need you.
Nikolas: {Moves closer to Gia} You see, she is very dramatic, and that is one reason I love her so much.
Gia: No, wait a second.
Nikolas: See what I mean?
Stefan: Nikolas, don't be condescending, please.
Gia: Thank you.
Stefan: Now, Gia is clearly upset. I for one would like to know why.
~*~
Gia: This room, all these things -- they're all a part of the Cassadine legacy. Take this house, if that's what you want to call it. Gargoyles, tables the size of Brooklyn apartments, samovars --
Stefan: I understand.
Gia: I'm so glad. And Nikolas and I want a completely different lifestyle, and the Cassadine --
Stefan: I understand, Gia. Gothic design is not to your taste. You can do whatever you like with it. You can gut it, remodel, turn it into a museum.
Kristina: Or a disco.
Stefan: There you go. You can have Luke Spencer run it for you. I don't care. Burn the place to the ground.
Gia: When, today? {They all laugh} Why is that so funny?{Walks back over to Nikolas} I'm trying to make a point here.
Nikolas: Well, now is not the time.
Gia: Well, it may be our last chance.
Nikolas: Stefan called us here to say good-bye.
Stefan: Gia, Wyndemere belongs to you now. I don't want you to be concerned. Now, if you'll excuse us, I would like to speak with my sisters in private. {Him, Alexis and Kristina leave}
Nikolas: {Gia stands in front of him} What do you think you're doing?
Gia: The Cassadine legacy ruined Stefan's whole life. Look, I am not going to let it ruin ours.
Nikolas: Anything else?
Gia: Well, if you don't tell him, then I will.
Nikolas: I will not let you say a word.
Gia: Excuse me? "Let"? You won't "let" me? If you think you can "let" me do anything, then we have a serious problem here.
~*~
Gia: Wife means equal partner, all right? I'm not somebody you can just order around. I will say what I want when I want, and if the truth needs to be told, then I will tell it.
Nikolas: The truth is, Gia, my uncle had no life. He had to protect me, teach me how to be a good person. I have the ability to love because of that man. I can love you, build a life and a future for us together because of him. Now, I have the opportunity to give him the same thing back by setting him free.
Stefan: {Him, Alexis and Kristina walk back into the room} Gia? Something I would like you to have.
Gia: Sure.
Stefan: These are the keys to Wyndemere. Every key to every room.
Kristina: Even the secret ones?
Stefan: Yes. I'd be honored if you'd accept them.
~*~
Stefan: {Hugs Gia} Anything you want to do with the place is fine. All I want is your happiness.
Gia: {Stands next to Nikolas} And we want yours.
Nikolas: So this is good-bye.
Stefan: I will visit from time to time.
Nikolas: I'm counting on it.
Stefan: Good-bye for now, Nikolas.
Nikolas: You go find that freedom and that happiness that you gave me. You find that fast.
Stefan: "Quickly." Find it "quickly."
Nikolas: Whatever you say. Thank you. {Tries not to break down} You gave me my own life. You go find yours, ok?
Stefan: I will. I promise.
Alexis: Call me a realist, but if you're going to take a commercial airline like the rest of us, you're going to miss your plane.
Stefan: They fly on schedules?
Kristina: He's kidding, right?
Alexis: I hope so.
Stefan: All right.
Stefan: Come here, baby. It's all right.
Nikolas: Go. Godspeed, ok? Go. {Stefan leaves and Nikolas gets comfort from Gia}
~*~
Gia: So, this is it -- spoon island in winter. No Paris, bounding for Europe without a care?
Nikolas: We'll have Europe. We'll have anything you want. Not tomorrow, but soon, I swear. You know, we're not tied down to Wyndemere or any other place anymore. {Gia turns around} I promise you, I will make you happy.
Gia: I believe you.