The thing that doesn’t make scene are the freaking curtains.
Production error. That’s my theory. To have the curtain scene already happen…just doesn’t add up in my brain.
As to the quote, I think there a few things to say.
There are layers to the Rumple/Belle relationship. It’s a set of stairs if you will (omg, what I am doing…go with me…follow the crazy).
Step One: He’s a beast who has taken me captive BUT maybe there is something there.
Step Two: He spared Robin’s life so maybe he’s not a total monster
Step Three: He gave me a library. He’s not the man I thought he was. He is more than a beast
Step Four: Curtain scene. He’s a man. A good man with whom I am falling passionately in love. Now I truly see him. And that’s when she finally declares “You’re not a monster” once the curtains are down and the light (sun/Belle) are shining in on our less green, brightly colored Rumple.