- 14 hours ago
- #shortmax
where is my child #shortmax
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My husband, Julian, didn't know I'd decided to transfer 15% of the company shares to him a gift for
00:06our 10th anniversary, until the day of my son's health checkup.
00:11The doctor smiled as he handed me the results.
00:14My husband and I, both type O.
00:17Our son? Type A.
00:20I looked at the boy sitting beside me, a miniature version of Julian.
00:24I didn't make a sound.
00:26I simply, calmly, did two things.
00:30First, I pulled a strand of hair from my son's head when he wasn't looking.
00:34Second, I tore up the share transfer agreement I'd prepared.
00:37I watched my son walk through the school gates before turning the car around.
00:42The DNA testing center was across town.
00:44I need express results. How fast can you do it?
00:47The technician glanced up from her paperwork.
00:50Standard processing is five business days.
00:53Rushes today by 4 p.m. Triple the cost. Rush it.
00:57My hands trembled slightly as I handed over the sample.
01:00After they swabbed my cheek cells, I sat in the waiting area, staring at the clock on the wall.
01:05Every second felt like an hour.
01:08I pulled out my phone and made another call.
01:10I need you to investigate my husband, Julian Robinson.
01:14I want to know everywhere he's been, especially in the last few months.
01:18The private detective's voice was professional, detached.
01:22Understood.
01:24At 3.40 p.m., my phone buzzed.
01:27I opened the electronic report, skipped straight to the end.
01:30DNA analysis indicates a 0.0001% probability of biological relationship between Vivian Hart and Alex Robinson.
01:43Based on genetic marker analysis, evidence does not support Vivian Hart as the biological mother of Alex Robinson.
01:50Even though I'd prepared myself, seeing those words made my vision blur for a moment.
01:57I leaned against the wall and slid down to the floor.
02:00Not my child.
02:02I'd raised a child who wasn't mine for nine years.
02:06So where was my child?
02:08I drove straight to St. Mary's Private Hospital, the same place where I'd given birth nine years ago.
02:14Dr. Susie was still there.
02:17She'd been promoted to department head.
02:19Dr. Susie, I need to access my delivery records and hospitalization files from nine years ago.
02:25Her smile froze for a moment.
02:27That was so long ago.
02:29The files might already be archived.
02:32It took some effort, but eventually, someone from the records room brought over a folder.
02:37I flipped it open.
02:39The documentation was shockingly sparse.
02:42Only basic information.
02:43Admission time, discharge time, delivery method, newborn wait, no detailed labor notes, no nurse handoff records, no pediatric examination reports.
02:55Is this everything?
02:57She looked apologetic.
03:00That's all we have in the system.
03:01Paper records are usually kept for ten years.
03:04You're right at the edge of that window.
03:06What about the newborn footprints?
03:08The blood samples?
03:09She shook her head.
03:12Those should be in the newborn records, but we couldn't locate them.
03:17It was obvious there was something wrong.
03:20An abnormally simple medical file.
03:23Missing newborn records.
03:24A child who wasn't mine, but looked exactly like my husband.
03:29The pieces were starting to form a picture I didn't want to see.
03:34My phone rang.
03:35It was Julian.
03:37Where are you?
03:37I already picked up Alex.
03:40I'd completely forgotten about school pickup time.
03:43At least I'd warned the teacher ahead of time.
03:45I'm out running business.
03:46I'll be home soon.
03:48I hung up.
03:50After dinner, I claimed a headache and retreated to the bedroom early.
03:54Through the closed door, I could hear Julian helping Alex with homework in the living room.
04:01Their voices drifting through the house.
04:05Dad, is Mom upset?
04:08Mom's just tired.
04:09Finish your homework and get to bed early.
04:11I waited until they were both asleep.
04:14Then I started searching.
04:16The master bedroom.
04:17The living room.
04:19Alex's room.
04:20I went through everything.
04:22Looking for...
04:24I didn't even know what.
04:26I found nothing.
04:28Finally, I turned to the computer in the study.
04:30The truth had to be in there.
04:33Footsteps in the hallway.
04:36I quickly closed out of the files I'd been opening.
04:39When Julian pushed the door open, I was straightening papers on the desk.
04:44He glanced at the computer screen.
04:46It had returned to the desktop.
04:49A photo of the three of us at the beach from three years ago.
04:54Still up?
04:56Just organizing some old documents.
04:59I reached over and turned off the monitor.
05:01He stood there for a moment like he wanted to say something.
05:04In the end, he just nodded.
05:08Get some rest.
05:09I sat in the darkness, listening to his footsteps fade down the hall.
05:14That night, I didn't touch the computer again.
05:18I lay in bed, thoughts racing, unable to find sleep.
05:24The next morning, I still let Julian take Alex to school.
05:28He looked at me, picked up the car keys.
05:31All right.
05:32The moment they left, I went straight to the study.
05:35I turned on the computer and tried the password.
05:39Our wedding anniversary.
05:41Wrong.
05:42His birthday.
05:43Wrong.
05:44Alex's birthday.
05:46Still wrong.
05:47I tried the date we first met.
05:49His mother's birthday.
05:50The day the company was founded.
05:52All wrong.
05:53The system locked me out.
05:55Please try again in 15 minutes.
05:58I sat there, staring at the login screen.
06:00This computer we'd bought together, now locked against me.
06:05That evening, Julian came home from work.
06:08He was barely through the door when he said,
06:11I'm going to Italy tomorrow.
06:13Business trip.
06:14Not sure how long I'll be gone.
06:16I came out of the kitchen, carrying a dish.
06:19That's sudden.
06:20Who are you going with?
06:22He set his briefcase on the table and turned to look at me.
06:24Just someone.
06:25It was a last minute arrangement.
06:27Vivian, can you not do this?
06:30I stared at him, confused.
06:32It was just a casual question.
06:34Why was he reacting like this?
06:36You question everything.
06:38You suspect everyone.
06:41I'm just going to work.
06:42I turned back to serve the rice.
06:44My hands were shaking slightly.
06:47I was just asking.
06:49He said nothing more.
06:51Walked straight to the bedroom.
06:53Dinner was silent.
06:55Alex must have sensed something was off.
06:57For once, he didn't complain about the food.
07:01After his shower, Julian grabbed his coat from the sofa to hang it up.
07:05A receipt slipped from the pocket and fell near my feet.
07:08After he left the room, I picked it up.
07:11A perfume purchase.
07:12Expensive.
07:13Bought yesterday afternoon.
07:15A brand name I didn't recognize.
07:18But I knew it wasn't for me.
07:20I thought about our marriage.
07:22Ten years.
07:24Julian hadn't bought me a gift in all that time.
07:27Not since our first anniversary.
07:29A scarf.
07:30I still had it somewhere.
07:32After that, nothing.
07:34No birthday gifts.
07:35No anniversary gifts.
07:37No just-because gifts.
07:39I told myself he wasn't romantic.
07:41He showed love in other ways.
07:43He was practical and focused on providing.
07:46On his career.
07:47I'd made excuses for him.
07:49But now, holding this receipt, I understood.
07:53He wasn't unromantic.
07:55He wasn't too busy.
07:56He wasn't too practical.
07:58His romance just wasn't for me.
08:00It was for someone else.
08:02Someone who wore expensive French perfume.
08:05I wrote down the information from the receipt.
08:08The next morning, after Julian left for the airport, I called the boutique.
08:15I need to verify a purchase.
08:17A receipt from yesterday afternoon.
08:19One moment.
08:20Yes, I have it here.
08:21The buyer was Chloe Williams.
08:23Chloe Williams.
08:25I knew that name.
08:26Julian's secretary.
08:28Hired six months ago.
08:29Early thirties.
08:31Divorced.
08:31I drove to the airport.
08:33I didn't know what I was hoping to confirm.
08:36Maybe the perfume was for a client.
08:38Maybe I was overthinking this.
08:40I waited outside the International Departures Hall for half an hour.
08:44Then I saw them.
08:46Julian and her.
08:47Chloe wore a beige trench coat, pulling a small suitcase behind her.
08:53She walked beside Julian, laughing at something he'd said.
08:57Julian's face carried an expression I hadn't seen in years.
09:01Relaxed.
09:02Genuinely happy.
09:04At the security checkpoint, Chloe stopped.
09:07She reached up, casual and familiar, to straighten Julian's collar.
09:12He didn't pull away.
09:14He leaned down and whispered something in her ear.
09:17She smiled.
09:19Then she stood on her toes and kissed him on the lips.
09:23Julian's hand rested on her waist.
09:26They stayed like that for a moment before separating.
09:29Like they'd done it a thousand times before.
09:33The last shred of self-deception evaporated.
09:37All those late nights.
09:38Working.
09:40All those times he'd been irritable with me.
09:43All of it finally made sense.
09:46I watched their intimate silhouette disappear through security.
09:50A new thought crystallized in my mind.
09:54That child who wasn't mine.
09:57And this woman.
09:59Could they be connected?
10:01On the drive back, I called the private detective I'd hired.
10:05I need you to look into someone else.
10:08Chloe Williams.
10:09I want to know everything about her.
10:12Especially whether she has any children.
10:14The detective worked fast.
10:16By the next afternoon, I had the report.
10:19Chloe Williams.
10:2032 years old.
10:22Divorced 5 years ago.
10:24One son.
10:259 years old.
10:27Name.
10:28Alan.
10:29Attending a public school in the West End.
10:31The date jumped out at me.
10:34Chloe's son was only one week older than Alex.
10:36For the first time in 10 years, I felt my blood run hot.
10:40I sat on the sofa, holding the detective's report.
10:44Then, a thought struck me.
10:46I ran to study.
10:48My fingers hovered over the keyboard.
10:50Then, slowly, I typed in Chloe's birth date.
10:53The desktop opened.
10:55There was only one folder.
10:57Named, Work Backup.
10:59I clicked it open.
11:01Inside were subfolders organized by year.
11:04Starting 11 years ago.
11:06The earliest folder contained scanned photographs.
11:09Julian and Chloe in high school uniforms, standing under a locust tree.
11:13Nineteen-year-old Julian, smiling, his arm around Chloe's shoulders.
11:18She had her hair in a ponytail, looking up at him.
11:21The next photo was from college.
11:23The two of them in the library.
11:25Then, their graduation photo.
11:28Both in cap and gown, holding hands.
11:30That was the year Julian told me the company was struggling financially.
11:35We'd canceled our anniversary trip.
11:37Instead, he bought a scarf for me.
11:40I closed the folder.
11:42The screen behind the closed folder is our wedding photo.
11:46I stared at our wedding photo and felt bile rise in my throat.
11:50Me, in my white dress.
11:52Lace sleeves and long train.
11:55Holding a bouquet of white roses.
11:57Julian, in his black suit.
11:59Gray tie.
12:00Boutonniere.
12:01Both of us smiling at the camera.
12:03The photographer had made us laugh.
12:06Said something stupid.
12:07We'd both cracked up.
12:08And the photo captured that moment.
12:11Pure.
12:12Happy.
12:13I stared at it.
12:14At my face.
12:15So happy.
12:16So naive.
12:18So trusting.
12:19I didn't know who that woman was anymore.
12:21That woman who'd believed her husband.
12:24Who'd made excuses for him.
12:26Who'd convinced herself everything was fine.
12:29That woman was gone.
12:31Had to close my eyes.
12:33Put my hand over my mouth.
12:35The perfect couple.
12:37The perfect lie.
12:39Sick at the photos I'd just seen.
12:41Sick at the years of deception.
12:44Sick at myself for not seeing it sooner.
12:47For believing him.
12:48For trusting him.
12:50For raising a child who wasn't even mine while my real son was somewhere else.
12:54At 3 p.m.
12:56I drove to the West End.
12:59The elementary school looked even more run down than the detective had described.
13:04The dismissal bell rang.
13:07Children poured out from the gates.
13:09I sat in my car.
13:11Hands gripping the steering wheel.
13:13He walked out alone.
13:15No one there to pick him up.
13:17He looked left.
13:18Then right.
13:20Then started walking slowly along the sidewalk.
13:22I held my breath.
13:24That child.
13:26Alan.
13:27No.
13:28My child.
13:29The way he walked reminded me of myself.
13:31A slight pigeon toe.
13:33When he raised his hand to push hair out of his face.
13:36I saw it.
13:38A birthmark on his wrist.
13:40The same place I had mine.
13:43I could see dust on his eyelashes.
13:46His lips were chapped.
13:48His sneakers were coming apart at the seams.
13:51His eyes looked empty.
13:53Not like a nine-year-old's eyes at all.
13:56I covered my mouth to stop myself from making a sound.
13:59He walked away.
14:01Disappearing around the corner.
14:02I collapsed over the steering wheel and broke down completely.
14:07For that child.
14:08Walking home alone.
14:10For ten years of living in the wrong life.
14:14For being such a fool.
14:16Dancing in a play someone else had written.
14:19Then I wiped my tears and started the car.
14:22At the law office, I placed a USB drive on Attorney Morrison's desk.
14:26Inside, backup copies of all the photos.
14:31The DNA test results.
14:33Scanned hospital records.
14:35The perfume receipt.
14:37Files on Chloe and Alan.
14:39I want a divorce.
14:40I want Julian to leave with nothing.
14:42I want custody of my child.
14:46I want him to pay for what he's done.
14:49Walking out of the Attorney's office.
14:51I remembered what Julian had said when he proposed ten years ago.
14:56Vivian, I will give you a lifetime of stability.
14:59Turns out, his lifetime was only ten years.
15:03No, probably less than that.
15:06I pulled out my phone and called the company's second largest shareholder.
15:10My father's old colleague.
15:13Mr. Aaron, about next week's board meeting, I'd like to discuss a few things with you first.
15:19Julian seemed to have forgotten something important.
15:22This company's name is Hart.
15:23He became general manager because I convinced my father to give him a chance.
15:28I put him in that position.
15:30I could take him down just as easily.
15:32Two weeks after Julian left, I liquidated every asset I could convert to cash.
15:39Every afternoon, I went to that elementary school in the West End.
15:43One day, it rained.
15:45Alan didn't have an umbrella.
15:47He waited under the awning of the corner store for half an hour, then finally ran home through the downpour.
15:53I sat in my car, rain-blurring the windshield.
15:58Friday afternoon, I arrived at the school early.
16:01When I saw Alan coming out, I got out of the car and walked past like a stranger.
16:07I accidentally dropped my folder in front of him.
16:10He froze for a moment, then bent down to pick it up for me.
16:14Thank you, sweetheart.
16:16Is your mom not here yet?
16:18He shook his head.
16:20Mom's working late.
16:22How are you getting home?
16:24I'll take the bus.
16:27I pulled an unopened bottle of water from my bag.
16:30Have some water.
16:32He hesitated, then took it, and said,
16:36I noticed he had a habit of pressing his lips together when he spoke.
16:41Just like me.
16:43His eyes were shaped like mine, too.
16:46Inner double eyelids.
16:47The outer corners slightly downturned.
16:50Does your mom work late often?
16:53He nodded, then shook his head.
16:55Dad, sometimes.
16:57What about your dad?
16:59He didn't answer.
17:00Just looked down at his shoes.
17:02Those sneakers, the soles were separating.
17:06The left shoelace was broken.
17:08I didn't ask anything more.
17:10I pulled $200 from my wallet and tucked it into his hand.
17:14Buy yourself some new shoes.
17:17He stepped back.
17:19No, I can't take this.
17:22Consider it a thank you for helping me with my folder.
17:25I slipped the money into the side pocket of his backpack and walked away.
17:30After a few steps, I glanced back.
17:33He stood there looking lost.
17:35That evening, I stood in the doorway of Alex's room.
17:39He was playing with a new Lego set Julian had bought him.
17:42A limited edition space shuttle.
17:45Expensive.
17:47Mom?
17:47What's wrong?
17:49I walked in and touched his hair.
17:52Did you finish your homework?
17:54Finished ages ago.
17:55He held up his model.
17:57Dad said if I get A on my midterms, he'll take me to Disneyland.
18:02I smiled.
18:04That's wonderful.
18:05The moment I turned away, the smile vanished.
18:10Julian's different treatment of the two children stabbed at my heart like a thorn.
18:14My biological son wore torn shoes and rode the bus alone, while this child enjoyed everything.
18:20After two weeks away, Julian finally came home.
18:24He set down his suitcase.
18:27Where's Alex?
18:30Why is it so quiet?
18:31I enrolled him in piano lessons, two hours every evening.
18:35Since when?
18:36He's only in fourth grade.
18:39I didn't answer.
18:40I could smell that perfume on him.
18:43He moved closer, trying to put his arms around me.
18:46I stepped aside.
18:48Why do you smell like perfume?
18:50Who were you having dinner with?
18:53His expression flickered with irritation.
18:56Vivian, here you go again with the suspicion.
18:58I had a business dinner with a client.
19:01Can you not be like this?
19:03It was almost funny.
19:05Only now could I see how terrible his acting had always been.
19:10I walked to the coffee table, opened the drawer, and pulled out an envelope.
19:15Slowly, I laid the photographs across the table, one by one.
19:20Julian's face turned ugly.
19:22He grabbed one photo and threw it back.
19:23You had me followed?
19:26Does it matter?
19:28I smiled slightly.
19:30What matters is, what happens when these photos show up at the board meeting?
19:36Or get sent to your clients?
19:38He collapsed onto the opposite sofa, hands covering his face.
19:43What do you want?
19:44I stared at him.
19:44My voice was flat.
19:46First, fire Chloe Williams.
19:48Guarantee you'll never see her again.
19:51Second, tell me what happened at the hospital nine years ago.
19:54He stood up angry now.
19:55You're crazy.
19:57For a couple of lousy photos?
19:59My voice turned cold.
20:02Julian, don't forget my father built this company from the ground up.
20:07You have everything you have because of me.
20:10What I gave, I can take back.
20:14I almost wavered.
20:16Then I thought of Alan's torn shoes.
20:19I thought of him waiting alone in the rain.
20:21For the sake of our ten years together, and for the sake of our child, if, if you do what
20:28I'm asking, we can move forward.
20:30After all, we still have Alex.
20:33I turned toward the bedroom and returned with a document.
20:36A pregnancy test report.
20:38It showed I was five weeks pregnant.
20:42Julian stared at the report.
20:44Then he looked up at me.
20:46You're pregnant?
20:47I nodded, placing my hand on my stomach.
20:51Five weeks.
20:53The doctor says everything looks stable this time.
20:56His expression shifted constantly.
20:59His throat worked.
21:01His eyes moved between me and the report.
21:04I continued.
21:06So, as long as you cut things off with Chloe completely, make her leave the company and
21:12our lives, I can let the past go.
21:14We still have Alex.
21:16And now, we have this baby.
21:20Julian's gaze fell to my stomach.
21:22There was obvious conflict in his eye.
21:25I need, I need to think.
21:27His voice was hoarse.
21:30He turned and went into the bedroom.
21:32The next morning, I drank my coffee and watched Julian emerge with dark circles under his eyes.
21:38I pushed a glass of water toward him.
21:40He took it silently, but didn't look at me.
21:44I've thought it over, Vivian.
21:46We...
21:47Don't bother.
21:48I cut him off, pulling divorce papers from a folder and placing them on the table.
21:54His expression turned furious.
21:57What is this supposed to mean?
21:58We're having another child!
22:01I said coldly.
22:02I told you I was pregnant.
22:05And you needed an entire night to decide whether to break up with her?
22:09Julian stood.
22:11We have a child on the way.
22:13Won't you think about the baby?
22:15Think about Alex?
22:17The child?
22:18I suddenly laughed.
22:20You mean the child I raised for nine years.
22:23Who turns out to be yours and Chloe's.
22:26Julian's face went white.
22:27He stumbled backward, hitting the table.
22:30How did you...
22:31When did you find out?
22:33I held up my phone.
22:35The screen showed a photo of the DNA test results.
22:40I should thank you for that folder on your computer.
22:43Password is Chloe's birthday.
22:45You've been using that for three years, haven't you?
22:48His breathing quickened, taking on a panicked edge.
22:52Let me explain.
22:54My voice stayed calm, edged with mockery.
22:58Explain how you switched the babies when I was giving birth?
23:03Explain how you got Chloe hired at the company?
23:06Or explain how the two of you have been laughing at me behind my back for ten years?
23:12I stepped closer.
23:13The funniest part?
23:15The guilt I sometimes saw in your eyes when you looked at Alex.
23:19Were you feeling guilty for deceiving me?
23:21Or guilty for not treating your real son better?
23:25Alan.
23:27Julian suddenly remembered.
23:29His voice dropped to a whisper.
23:31Where's Alan?
23:32I need to see him.
23:34Too late.
23:36I turned and opened the door.
23:38Your son.
23:39No.
23:40My son is somewhere you'll never find him.
23:43Chloe's son is still upstairs asleep, unaware of the choice his real father is facing.
23:48Julian rushed forward and grabbed my arm.
23:51Vivian.
23:52You can't do this.
23:53That's my son.
23:54I shook him off.
23:55From the day you switched those babies, you lost the right to be called a father.
23:59Now get out of my house.
24:01After I closed the door, I heard him pounding on it from outside.
24:05Then the sound of a car engine started.
24:08Driving away.
24:09I knew where he was going.
24:11To find Chloe.
24:12To find Alan.
24:14He'd lost for nine years.
24:15But he wouldn't find Alan.
24:17Three days ago, when the private detective gave me Chloe's file, I'd already met with Alan again.
24:24I told him the truth.
24:25Alan was surprisingly calm.
24:27Those eyes that looked like mine held a maturity far beyond his years.
24:34I always felt like I wasn't her child.
24:38Otherwise, why would she be willing to just leave me here to fend for myself?
24:45I took his hand.
24:47I told him I would take him away.
24:49We could start over.
24:50He was silent for a long time.
24:52Then he nodded.
24:54Just slightly.
24:56Yesterday afternoon, he flew out of the country.
25:00My assistant went with him.
25:02There's a good school there.
25:03A house.
25:05New friends waiting.
25:06Once I finish dealing with things here, I can join my son.
25:11The divorce papers sat on the table for three days.
25:14Finally, Julian came back.
25:16He stood outside the door, dark circles under his eyes, unshaven.
25:22I hadn't seen him look like this in a long time.
25:27Vivian, we need to talk.
25:28I leaned against the door frame in my loungewear.
25:31I didn't let him in.
25:33The agreement is very clear.
25:36There's nothing to talk about.
25:38He looked defeated.
25:40I can't get divorced.
25:41For the sake of our ten years together.
25:43For the sake of our child.
25:47Which child?
25:48I cut him off with a cold laugh.
25:50The one in those videos?
25:51Or the one upstairs?
25:54Julian's face went white.
25:55A week ago, Chloe had sent me a pile of files.
25:59Videos.
26:00One after another.
26:01Alan crying.
26:03Being beaten.
26:04Locked in a dark room.
26:05In one clip, he was only five or six years old.
26:09He'd spilled milk.
26:11Chloe hit him across the back with a coat hanger.
26:13The email had only one line.
26:16Thank you for raising my son all these years.
26:20I'd watched them all night.
26:22By dawn, I'd thrown up three times.
26:25Julian seemed like he wanted to explain.
26:27Those videos.
26:29Chloe.
26:30She sometimes couldn't control herself.
26:33I laughed coldly.
26:35Alan is your son.
26:36You went to see Chloe every week.
26:39You noticed her new perfume.
26:41Her fresh manicure.
26:43But you never saw the bruises on your son's body?
26:46He had no answer.
26:48I said flatly.
26:49I've already retained a lawyer.
26:51If you won't sign, we'll go to court.
26:55The evidence of the baby switch.
26:57Photos of your affair.
26:59Those videos.
27:00All of it becomes part of the legal record.
27:03His voice dropped.
27:05Are you insane?
27:06The company's about to go public.
27:08Now is not the time.
27:10Before I closed the door, I said one last thing.
27:14So sign.
27:16While I'm still leaving you with some dignity.
27:19The door shut.
27:20He stood outside for a long time before finally leaving.
27:24Three days later, Julian signed the papers.
27:29Four days after the divorce, I saw their wedding photo on Instagram.
27:33Chloe in a white wedding dress.
27:36Julian with his arm around her.
27:38But his expression looked stiff.
27:40The caption read,
27:42Ten years of waiting, finally together.
27:47I took a screenshot.
27:48Then I turned off my phone.
27:51That afternoon, Attorney Morrison called.
27:55Mrs. Hart, we have everything we need.
27:57The bank transfers from when they switched the babies.
28:00Communication records between him and Chloe.
28:03The abuse videos.
28:05And medical records.
28:07It's enough to file charges.
28:09Thank you for your work.
28:12Of course.
28:14Are you sure you don't want to see Julian one last time?
28:17He came by the office yesterday.
28:20Asked me to tell you he knows he was wrong.
28:23Too late.
28:24Early the next morning, my plane took off.
28:27My assistant met me at the airport.
28:30Alan's been doing better this week.
28:32He's starting to talk more.
28:34Or yesterday, he even asked when you'd arrive.
28:37My heart beat faster.
28:40The car stopped in front of a white house.
28:43In the garden, a thin child was crouched on the ground.
28:46Watching ants.
28:48Alan.
28:49He looked better than in the videos.
28:52But he was still too thin.
28:54Not enough meat on his bones.
28:57Meanwhile, Alex had grown healthy and strong under my careful care.
29:02The thought cut through me like a knife.
29:05I walked over and knelt in front of him.
29:08I'm your mother.
29:09He looked at me for a long time.
29:12Then nodded.
29:14Just slightly.
29:15I carefully put my arms around him.
29:17He didn't pull away.
29:19I'm sorry.
29:21Mom came too late.
29:23He trembled slightly in my arms.
29:25For the next two weeks, I didn't work.
29:28I devoted all my time to him.
29:31I took him to the park.
29:33The first time on the carousel, he gripped the pole so tightly his knuckles turned white.
29:38I took him to the library.
29:40He loved books about stars.
29:42At night, after he fell asleep, I gently stroke his hair.
29:47He still didn't talk much.
29:49But sometimes, he'd smile at me.
29:52At 3 a.m., the bedroom door creaked open, caught by the wind.
29:56The sound of muffled sobbing pierced through me like needles.
30:00I jolted awake.
30:02I knew immediately it was Alan.
30:05I pushed open his door.
30:07Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting shadows across the floor.
30:12His small figure was curled up on the bed.
30:15His hands clutched the blanket, knuckles white.
30:19Cold sweat covered his forehead.
30:21His brow was furrowed deeply.
30:24He kept murmuring.
30:26Mom, no.
30:28Don't lock me in the dark room.
30:30There are rats.
30:32I crossed the room quickly and sat carefully on the edge of the bed.
30:36I gently put my arms around his ice-cold shoulders.
30:39His body went rigid for a moment.
30:41Then he threw himself into my arms like a frightened deer.
30:44His crying was suppressed, desperate.
30:46Tears instantly soaked through my pajamas.
30:49Mom, I'm scared.
30:51That storage room was so dark.
30:54I begged again and again, but no one answered.
30:58The rats crawled on my feet.
31:02My heart felt like it was being cut with a dull knife.
31:06Alan, don't be afraid.
31:07I patted his back again and again, my voice trembling but trying to stay steady.
31:12Mom's here.
31:13No one can lock you up anymore.
31:15The rats won't come.
31:17Mama will protect you.
31:18Silent tears fell onto his hair.
31:20I thought of the videos Chloe had sent.
31:22That child trembling in the darkness.
31:25The marks on his body.
31:27Bold scars and new wounds layered together.
31:30I wanted to tear apart everyone who'd ever hurt him.
31:33When his crying finally exhausted itself, his breathing gradually steadied, bulletin gently lifted his sleeve.
31:41Brownish scars on his arm, ugly as centipedes.
31:45The marks from being hit with a coat hanger.
31:48On his back, a faint bruise.
31:51From when he'd been shoved against the corner of the storage room wall as a small child.
31:56I traced those scars with my fingertips.
31:59My touch is light as if I were afraid of breaking something fresh.
32:02Alan shook his head.
32:05Tears still clung to his lashes.
32:06He bit his lip and said quietly,
32:08It doesn't hurt now.
32:10Sometimes I dream about it.
32:12I dream I'm locked in there again.
32:14I'm calling for mom, but mom isn't there.
32:16I'm sorry.
32:16I held him tighter.
32:18Mom came too late.
32:19But from now on, mom will never let anyone hurt you again.
32:23I crossed the room quickly and sat carefully on the edge of the bed.
32:26I gently put my arms around his ice-cold shoulders.
32:30His body went rigid for a moment.
32:32Then he threw himself into my arms like a frightened deer.
32:35His crying was suppressed, desperate.
32:37Tears instantly soaked through my pajamas.
32:40Mom, I'm scared.
32:42That storage room was so dark.
32:45I begged again and again, but no one answered.
32:49The rats crawled on my feet.
32:53My heart felt like it was being cut with a dull knife.
32:56Alan, don't be afraid.
32:58I patted his back again and again, my voice trembling but trying to stay steady.
33:03Mom's here.
33:04No one can lock you up anymore.
33:06The rats won't come.
33:08Mama will protect you.
33:09Silent tears fell onto his hair.
33:11I thought of the videos Chloe had sent.
33:13That child trembling in the darkness.
33:16The marks on his body.
33:17Old scars and new wounds layered together.
33:21I wanted to tear apart everyone who'd ever hurt him.
33:24When his crying finally exhausted itself,
33:27his breathing gradually steadied,
33:29full and gently lifted his sleeve.
33:32Brownish scars on his arm,
33:34ugly as centipedes.
33:36The marks from being hit with a coat hanger.
33:38On his back, a faint bruise.
33:42From when he'd been shoved against the corner of the storage room wall as a small child.
33:47I traced those scars with my fingertips,
33:50my touch as light as if I were afraid of breaking something precious.
33:53Does it hurt?
33:54Alan shook his head.
33:55Tears still clung to his lashes.
33:57He bit his lip and said quietly,
33:59It doesn't hurt now,
34:00but sometimes I dream about it.
34:02I dream I'm locked in there again.
34:04Calling for mom,
34:05but mom isn't there.
34:07I'm sorry.
34:07I held him tighter.
34:09Mom came too late,
34:10but from now on mom will never let anyone hurt you again.
34:14That night,
34:14I held him on the sofa until dawn.
34:17I told him stories.
34:19About how I used to be afraid of thunder when I was little.
34:23How my father would hold me
34:25and count the stars while singing nursery rhymes.
34:29I told him about when I first took over the company.
34:31How the old employees gave me a hard time.
34:34How I cried in the stairwell.
34:37Then dried my tears and went back to negotiate.
34:40I told him about the clumsy intern
34:43who spilled coffee all over an important contract
34:46and turned part of fear.
34:49He listened quietly.
34:51Occasionally, he'd lift his head and look at me with those eyes
34:54so much like mine
34:55and ask
34:57Were you scared, mom?
34:59Terrified.
35:00Touching his hair.
35:01But I knew that if I just held on,
35:03things would get better.
35:05And now I have you, Alan.
35:07I can't afford to be afraid anymore.
35:09He nodded slowly,
35:10seeming to understand.
35:12His small hand quietly gripped my finger.
35:15A few days later,
35:16I took Alan to the observatory
35:18on the outskirts of the city.
35:20We rode a bus through fields of wheat.
35:22The wind carried the scent of grain.
35:25Alan pressed his face against the window,
35:27his eyes full of wonder.
35:29When night fell,
35:30the observatory dome slowly opened.
35:33The sky filled with stars
35:34like scattered diamonds across deep blue velvet,
35:38so brilliant you couldn't look away.
35:40The guide pointed at Orion
35:42and told the legend of the hunter.
35:45Alan's eyes lit up like stars themselves.
35:48The corner of his mouth
35:50slowly curved into a shallow smile.
35:53On the bus ride home,
35:54the vehicle swayed gently.
35:56He leaned against my shoulder
35:58and said quietly,
36:00Mom, the stars are so far away,
36:02but being able to see them,
36:04it makes me feel safe.
36:05Mm-hmm.
36:06My heart felt soft.
36:08I knew the trauma buried deep inside him
36:11wouldn't disappear
36:12after one trip to an observatory.
36:14Like those old scars,
36:16no matter how much care they received,
36:18they'd always leave faint marks.
36:20But as long as I stayed with him,
36:22warming him bit by bit
36:24with love and patience,
36:26the starlight would eventually
36:27pierce through the darkness
36:29and illuminate the road ahead.
36:31That afternoon,
36:33we were making cookies in the kitchen
36:34when the doorbell rang.
36:36Jenny went to answer it.
36:37I heard her say,
36:39Mr. Robinson?
36:39The flower sifter slipped from my hands
36:41and clattered onto the table.
36:43Through the glass door,
36:44I saw Julian standing at the entrance.
36:47His hair was disheveled.
36:49His eyes were sunken.
36:51He was dragging an old suitcase.
36:53Vivian, I've been searching for half a month.
36:55I wiped my hands
36:56and walked out of the kitchen,
36:58closing the door behind me.
36:59Now you know where we are.
37:01You can leave.
37:02I want to see the child.
37:03Our child.
37:04He looked toward the thin figure
37:06in the kitchen.
37:07I keep having dreams.
37:08Dreams of when he was small.
37:09Dreams of Chloe hitting him.
37:10I never knew.
37:11You should have known.
37:12I cut him off.
37:13You just chose not to know.
37:14His gaze dropped to my stomach.
37:16Is the baby still?
37:17I smiled.
37:17For the first time in days,
37:19I felt genuinely light.
37:20The baby?
37:21Of course.
37:22I placed my hand on my lower abdomen.
37:24The doctor says everything's fine.
37:26Due next spring.
37:27His face turned ugly.
37:28His emotions suddenly became agitated.
37:31He lunged toward me.
37:32I stepped aside.
37:33He stumbled and crashed into the entryway cabinet.
37:36Vivian, I need to see my son.
37:38You can't do this.
37:40I looked at him and laughed coldly.
37:42Julian, what you should be worrying about isn't where Alan is.
37:46It's whether your son can even be born safely.
37:49If you want your son born safely, deal with Chloe first.
37:53Settle your mess yourselves.
37:54I shoved him out the door.
37:56Just looking at him now made me feel sick.
37:58As I closed the door, I saw Julian slumped on the ground, hands pulling at his hair.
38:04He looked truly pathetic.
38:06Fine.
38:06Let them tear each other apart.
38:08Let the dogs fight it out themselves.
38:11Soon after, attorney Morrison called.
38:13Mrs. Hart, it's gotten ugly.
38:15The result isn't ideal.
38:16Apparently, Julian and Chloe had already divorced, and now they were facing each other in court.
38:21Chloe was hysterical on the stand, exposing everything.
38:25How Julian had used his position to transfer money to her over the years.
38:30How he'd promised to divorce me and marry her.
38:33How his attitude had changed the moment he learned I was pregnant.
38:37I gripped my phone, listening.
38:39My expression stayed calm.
38:41However, Julian managed to pin all the blame on Chloe.
38:45He claimed she coerced him into switching the babies.
38:48The trial lasted two full days.
38:50In the end, Chloe was convicted of child abduction, document forgery, and corporate fraud.
38:56Multiple charges, sentenced to three years.
39:00Julian, meanwhile, came out clean.
39:02He cried in court, claiming he too was a victim.
39:06That Chloe had manipulated him for ten years.
39:09It sounded absurd, but the judge believed it.
39:12Or rather, Julian's lawyer was that good.
39:15Before hanging up, Attorney Morrison said softly,
39:20Mrs. Hart, I'm sorry this wasn't the result we hoped for.
39:24If you'd like, we can proceed to the next phase of planning.
39:28I cut him off.
39:29It's enough.
39:30At least I have my child back.
39:31Alan was doing homework.
39:32I walked over to him.
39:34Alan, Mom made the bad people pay for what they did.
39:38But maybe not enough.
39:40Are you angry with me?
39:42He looked up.
39:43Mom, I know who treated me well and who didn't.
39:46I keep track.
39:48I keep track.
39:49I covered my mouth.
39:51Tears spilled over.
39:52He lowered his head and went back to his writing.
39:55Then added quietly,
39:57You look ugly when you cry.
39:59I laughed through my tears.
40:02These past days, I'd been desperately trying to make up for ten years of missing maternal love.
40:08I transferred company shares into a trust fund in his name.
40:12He was still young, but I knew what that security meant.
40:15I enrolled him in the best international academy in the city.
40:19The principal frowned when he looked at Alan's previous report cards.
40:23For ten years, Chloe had barely supervised his studies.
40:27She'd practically left him to fend for himself.
40:31His coursework had fallen far behind his peers.
40:34I hired three private tutors.
40:37Math, language arts, technology.
40:40Rotating in shifts.
40:42Alan worked hard.
40:43Studying late into the night.
40:45Every night.
40:46One night past midnight, I brought him warm milk.
40:50I found him asleep at his desk.
40:52Pen still clutched in his hand.
40:54I didn't wake him.
40:56I just gently draped a blanket over his shoulders.
40:59Friday afternoon, I went to pick up Alan from school.
41:03Parents crowded the school gates.
41:06Alan ran out with his new backpack.
41:08His face flushed from exercise.
41:11Mom!
41:12I passed my math quiz today!
41:14I was reaching for his test paper when I caught a glimpse of a figure through the cafe window across
41:19the street.
41:20Julian, sitting in the corner.
41:22His chin covered in dark stubble.
41:24Haggard.
41:24Nothing like the confident company executive he used to be.
41:27Alan followed my gaze.
41:29I squeezed his hand.
41:31Let's go home.
41:32We'd barely turned around when I heard rushed footsteps behind us.
41:36Julian had crossed the street and now stood blocking our path.
41:40Vivian, can we talk?
41:42I gestured for Alan to get in the car first.
41:44Then I looked at the man in front of me.
41:47We have nothing to talk about.
41:49I've dealt with everything.
41:50He spoke urgently, like he was trying to prove something.
41:54I've dealt with everything.
41:56I've cut ties with her completely.
41:59I couldn't help but laugh.
42:01Julian, Chloe's in prison because my lawyer put her there.
42:05What does that have to do with you?
42:09A canchulisman of Anigold.
42:12Weren't you the one crying on the witness stand?
42:14Playing the victim?
42:16His face darkened.
42:17I know I was wrong, Vivian.
42:20For the sake of our child.
42:21For his sake, please forgive me this once.
42:27Our child?
42:29His gaze fell to my stomach.
42:32Yes, our child.
42:34I smoothed the wrinkles in my coat, taking my time.
42:37Oh, that?
42:38That was fake.
42:41Julian froze.
42:42His eyes went wide.
42:44I met his stare calmly.
42:45A pregnancy report report was forward.
42:48I just wanted to see what choice you did make.
42:51I stepped forward, letting him get a clear look at my flat abdomen.
42:56It's been months.
42:58If I were really pregnant, I'd be showing by now, wouldn't I?
43:02His gaze lingered on my stomach for a long time.
43:06It doesn't matter.
43:07We don't need that baby.
43:08We still have Alan.
43:09We still have ten years of history between us.
43:12I cut him off.
43:13Wake up.
43:13Stop dreaming.
43:14He acted like he hadn't heard me.
43:16Suddenly, he seemed to remember something.
43:18He pulled a velvet box from his briefcase.
43:21Look, this is the gift I bought for your 30th birthday.
43:25The company was struggling financially that year.
43:28I couldn't bring myself to give it to you.
43:30Then a second box.
43:31A third.
43:33He laid them all on the ground.
43:36This one's from our seventh anniversary.
43:39This one's from when we first moved into the house.
43:42This one.
43:43This one?
43:45The small velvet boxes formed a line on the pavement.
43:49I bought one every year.
43:50I just never gave them to you.
43:52Now I'm giving them I'm them all to you.
43:54He looked up.
43:54Eyes read.
43:55Please, give me one more chance.
43:57I crouched down and opened the nearest box.
44:00Inside was a diamond necklace.
44:02The pendant shaped like an iris.
44:05My favorite flower.
44:07Once upon a time, I would have been overjoyed by a gift like this.
44:12I would have worn it proudly, holding his arm at every gala, showing off my happiness.
44:17Now, I just felt sick.
44:19I stood up and placed the necklace back in the box.
44:23Julian, I loved you once.
44:26When I didn't hear from you, I would lie awake all night.
44:29When I cooked soup and delivered it to your office when you were working late.
44:32When you said, baby, thank you for everything you do for me.
44:35At that moment, I felt it was all worth it.
44:37I set the box at his feet.
44:39That one who loved you most?
44:41She's long gone.
44:43These gifts are no different from garbage to me now.
44:46Something in his expression shifted.
44:48The desperation vanished, replaced by something darker.
44:51You think you've won?
44:52His voice turned sharp, bitter.
44:54Do you know how hard I've worked to get where I am?
44:56Enlavened?
44:57Love, that's you know how hard I've worked to get where I am?
44:59I came from Toxer Skalv Tumihi and Noveth Pes Lovman.
45:03I came from nothing, Vivian.
45:05Nothing.
45:06I didn't say anything.
45:07The man who pretended to be a devoted husband finally revealed his true colors.
45:13I'm married into your family.
45:15Do you know what that's like?
45:16Being called the man who married up?
45:18Having everyone whisper that I'm living off my wife?
45:21His hands clenched into fists.
45:23I worked myself to the bone for that company.
45:25For you.
45:26For this family.
45:28Are you finished?
45:29My voice stayed flat.
45:30So for the time I'm living with the dad,
45:30I can never quote my toujours don't love that.
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