Until Fate Gave Us a Second Chance is a heartfelt romantic drama about lost love, regret, and the unexpected opportunity to begin again. Once deeply in love, the protagonists were separated by misunderstandings, timing, and painful choices that neither of them could undo.
Years later, destiny brings them back into each other’s lives when they least expect it. Old memories resurface, unresolved feelings return, and both must confront the past they once tried to leave behind.
As they navigate forgiveness, growth, and the possibility of rebuilding what was lost, they begin to realize that some love stories are meant to continue. Until Fate Gave Us a Second Chance is a touching story about destiny, healing, and the courage to love again.
#untilfategaveusasecondchance #secondchancelove #romanticdrama #destinyandlove #lostlove #reunitedhearts #emotionalromance #lovestory #fatebringsusback #heartfeltstory
Years later, destiny brings them back into each other’s lives when they least expect it. Old memories resurface, unresolved feelings return, and both must confront the past they once tried to leave behind.
As they navigate forgiveness, growth, and the possibility of rebuilding what was lost, they begin to realize that some love stories are meant to continue. Until Fate Gave Us a Second Chance is a touching story about destiny, healing, and the courage to love again.
#untilfategaveusasecondchance #secondchancelove #romanticdrama #destinyandlove #lostlove #reunitedhearts #emotionalromance #lovestory #fatebringsusback #heartfeltstory
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:01I'm a model. Well, a different kind. In this line of work, most of us have sugar daddies.
00:08They usually hop from one to another. I have one too. His name is Jacob Griffin Wood. Come
00:15to think of it, it's been almost a year since we met. Our contract expires in six months.
00:23By industry rules, we need to decide whether to renew or part ways. After all, youth is
00:28my only asset. A good sugar daddy is hard to find. If we don't renew, I'll have to find
00:33someone new. Honestly, I'm happy with Jacob. If he wants to stay together, I'll celebrate
00:39with champagne. However, knowing Jacob is hard to say. He's just too attractive. When a man
00:45is this rich and powerful, people flock to him in droves. I can charm Jacob all I want. Alas,
00:52I've reached my body's limit. Over the year, we've tried everything in bed. Jacob isn't interested
00:57in me anymore. He gave me a mountain villa that's almost five, 300 square feet. His previous lovers
01:03lived there too. I don't know how many there were, but the thought of leaving in two weeks makes me
01:07depressed. Late at night, Mary Atkins, the maid, wakes me. She says, Jacob is here. I have to go
01:14serve him. This life isn't as easy as it looks. I have to do so much. You need charm and
01:22a lot of luck.
01:23With a bad sugar daddy, you lose your money and your health. I've been a model for three years.
01:29Some of my colleagues have to wear diapers now. I'm one of the lucky ones. Jacob's only flaw is how
01:35he treats me in the bedroom. But he's generous. I rush downstairs in a robe. Jacob is passed out
01:40on the couch. He reeks of alcohol. Mary hands me some honey tea. I hold it to his lips lovingly.
01:47I coo. Have some tea, Mr. Wood. He's surnamed Griffin Wood. But he has a quirk. He hates his
01:54last name. I'm a woman with no education. I didn't know compound surnames exist. That's how I caught his
02:01eye. He says when people call him Mr. Griffin Wood out of respect, he just wants to slap them. Jacob
02:09takes a sip and frowns. I quickly pull the cup away. The smell of booze and perfume makes my stomach
02:15turn.
02:15Still, I strip him down and fetch a basin of warm water. I wash him with a straight face.
02:22Jacob is still conscious. He moves his limbs for me. Georgia, how long has it been? Almost a year.
02:29Mr. Wood. Jacob nods. The contract's up soon, right? My heart skips a beat. He wants to talk about it
02:35now.
02:36If the renewal is a no-go, I wonder how much I'll get. Jacob is a generous man. If the
02:41payout is big
02:42enough, I'll quit being a model. But he doesn't say another word. I wait for him to speak, but he's
02:48already fallen asleep. The next day, Alice Lane invites me to the salon. As a kid, I never thought
02:55I'd visit a place like this so often. Models are competitive. We earn a lot, but we spend a lot.
03:02New girls are always joining. As I get older, maintenance costs more. I get the full head-to-toe
03:09package. I spend thousands every visit. I spend a ton at the salon. Once I spent $200,000 on a
03:15package.
03:15I was heartbroken that day. Then again, it was worth it. Jacob couldn't resist me at all. That's
03:21rare for him. His self-control is insane. I give it my all in bed, but he always holds back
03:28at the
03:28last second. Alice asks about my future. She knows a decent sugar daddy in high society, but she offers
03:34to take me to meet him. I turn her down. Although the renewal might not happen, I'm still within the
03:42contracted period. Looking for a new daddy in secret is a death wish. I wonder who's lucky enough to
03:48become Jacob's next lover. Alice sounds jealous. No idea. I snap back. Jacob hates being speculated.
03:56But guessing? Client thoughts is habitual. This past year, Jacob has had many playthings,
04:03men or women. Sugar daddies care not about genders. As long as they're happy, the models get paid.
04:10Jacob used to be passionate, but now he's just cold. The honeymoon phase is over. He's lost interest in
04:16me. He'll likely replace me next year. Mid-facial, Jacob calls me. He gives me an address and tells me
04:23to get there now. It's a private estate. Members only. Very discreet. I know what's coming. When I arrive,
04:31Jacob is with clients from Halmyon. I'm there to entertain them in alternative ways. This is my job.
04:38I'm in my element. I drink and flirt with the clients. The party is getting wild. One client
04:46hands me his card. He tells me he likes me right in front of Jack. I glance at Jacob, trying
04:51to gauge
04:52his reaction. But I can never guess what he's thinking or how he's feeling. I'm not that smart,
04:58but I am cautious. I won't do anything to upset him, not right in front of him. I turn the
05:05client
05:05down tactfully. I even tell him I belong to Jacob. Everyone is amused by that. Everyone except Jacob.
05:12He just sits there, nonchalant, watching me with those mysterious eyes. I just give him a bright smile.
05:18When the first party ends, the night is actually just beginning. Everyone moves on. In the private
05:25room, the table is covered in pricey booze. Soon, a group of young people is led in. Like products on
05:31a shelf, they waited to be picked out. I spot a few fresh faces. In this business, you need sharp
05:39eyes.
05:40I can tell who's truly young at a glance. Jacob draws out lazily. The fresh one can stay. I'm instantly
05:47on
05:47guard. Shady tricks don't scare me. But I can never win against age. My purity is a facade.
05:53That girl is the real deal. Is this your first? Jacob asks. She nods, looking anxious. She tries to
06:00serve him a drink. But she's so nervous, she spills it. Jacob isn't even angry. He shoots me a look.
06:06I knew it. I'm the one who has to clean up. As for the entertainment, the newbie can handle that.
06:11I keep an eye on everything. I boost the mood with drinks and song. I'll dance too if they want.
06:17I hear Jacob talking to that girl in that languid tone of his. He asks her name and her age.
06:23She's
06:23Mila Jones, 18, and from some far off coastal town. Her family is sick and she's broke. That poor me
06:29story is so overused. It's so cliche, I never used it. When Jacob asked why I do this, I said
06:35I was lazy
06:36and hated working. I thought being honest was refreshing and that was why he liked me. But
06:41apparently, he believes Mila. He even pulls out his checkbook and writes her a check. I'm stunned.
06:48I didn't know pity was so effective. He could have just said he wanted sad. In school, my grades were
06:54great. I was an essayist. Making up sad stories is easy for me. It's already 3am by the time the
07:01party
07:02is over. Jacob has already left with Mila. At least he remembered me. He got me a ride home,
07:07as a reward for my work tonight. The AC in the car is perfect, but I over drank. I'm warmer
07:14than usual.
07:15I try to hold it together, but I can't. I stop the car. I'm out before he stops. I cling
07:22to a trash can
07:23and retch. One year with Jacob, and my alcohol tolerance has dropped. After only 8 bottles of
07:28mixed red and white wine tonight, I've reached my limit. The driver kindly gets out and hands me
07:32some tissues. The bile I'm throwing up fills my mouth with bitterness. I awkwardly thank the driver.
07:38Are you okay? Should I take you to the hospital? It's okay. I wave it off. I'm fine. I know
07:44my body.
07:44I've gotten drunk like this before. I'm not that delicate. I force myself to head home.
07:49My brain feels like complete mush. I feel like I'll fall into a deep sleep when I close my eyes.
07:53Yet, the second I hit the mattress, all traces of sleep vanish. I have this strong feeling that
07:58my position is about to be taken by Mila. How is she so lucky? It was her first time out,
08:03and she met Jacob? I'm freaking jealous. Turns out, I was right. For the next week,
08:08I don't see Jacob, but I hear about him from everyone. Mila has, unsurprisingly, become Jacob's
08:15new favorite. She's the talk of the town now. Every time I hear it, I just curse myself for choosing
08:20to
08:20be the understanding type back then. If I had been more demanding, I could have confidently marched
08:24up to Jacob and told him to not have a new woman replace me. Days pass, and eventually,
08:29the contract ends. I'm smart. Before Jacob even asks me to leave, I've already packed my bags.
08:35I know that he hasn't mentioned renewing the contract because he doesn't want to continue,
08:39but what can I do? Going from luxury to simplicity is hard. I don't want to give up this villa
08:43or the
08:44housekeepers. Jacob sends his secretary to talk to me. He offers me an apartment. It's a full-floor flat
08:48downtown worth around $6 million. My first thought is to sell it and cash out. I'm not exactly flush
08:53with cash, and my expenses are high. If I stay there a few months, I'll struggle to even pay the
08:58fees.
08:58The day after I move out of the villa, a business card comes into my hands. It's the one I
09:03turn down
09:04at Jacob's dinner. Alice tells me, I think he makes a good sugar daddy. You're done with Jacob now,
09:09so you need to grab this chance. I hesitate. He's from Halmyon. I'm not keen on going there.
09:14I don't know that place. Oh, come on. You're worrying about nothing. A guy with his status?
09:19You won't be his only woman. He's probably got women stashed here and there, maybe even a dozen
09:23more overseas. Just have him rent you a place and stay here. If he's ever in town for business,
09:28you can take care of him. Listen, you can't rest now. In our line of work, once you stop,
09:33you'll never get back up. You have to keep networking and contact your sugar daddies.
09:36They're thousands of beautiful and fun women. You need to give them a reason to spend big money on you.
09:41Noticing my silence, Alice narrows her eyes. Georgia, don't tell me you've fallen for Jacob.
09:47You're right, I finally say. I need to get myself together. I need to make more money.
09:51There's a golf event this weekend. I'll bring you along. Alice is pleased. You better seize the
09:57chance. I learn about Lance's preferences. He's my sugar daddy from Halmyon. On the day of the golf
10:02event, the moment I see him, I can feel the weight of his gaze on me. I know right away
10:06that my business
10:06for the year is set. I make Lance laugh with my charm. Pretending I don't know how to play,
10:11I lean in close to him. I'm busy with the club while he's busy with me. We both get what
10:16we need.
10:17From a distance, a golf cart approaches. I look up and see Jacob holding Mila in his arms. He's
10:22looking at me indifferently. I'm nestled in Lance's arms. The two of us move like a single entity as we
10:29swing the club. Following a solid thwack, the ball takes a nonsensical path. It flies up in the air and
10:35lands on Jacob's head. At that moment, I've already picked out where my grave should be. I must have committed
10:40some horrible crime against this ball. This golf course is huge. So why does it have to hit Jacob's
10:46head specifically? Lance behind me. Immediately, let's go. He looks like he can't wait to cut ties with me.
10:50I get it. In this place, nobody wants to get on Jacob's bad side. Whether I actually hit that ball
10:56today
10:56doesn't matter. The result can only be that I hit it. Mr. Griffin would. I'm so sorry. Let me take
11:03you to the hospital.
11:04Lance rushes over, looking guilty. This is all my fault. I wasn't watching her closely enough.
11:10I raise my hand and rub my eyes. They instantly turn red. Looking panicked, I drop to my knees in
11:16front of Jacob. My voice shakes. Mr. Wood, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I really don't know what happened.
11:22Honestly though, this grass is pretty soft to kneel on. It doesn't hurt my knees at all. My head stays
11:27down so I can't see Jacob's face. But everything around us goes silent. The mood is clearly serious.
11:32I was kind of hoping Jacob might go easy on me since I've served him for a whole year. It
11:37seems like
11:38that's not happening. His bodyguards yank me up. Two guys, one on each side, grab my arms and practically
11:43drag me another step toward Jacob. Jacob sits there on his golf cart, looking down at me. His eyes are
11:49full
11:50of disgust. Looks like Mr. Cortee's quite taking with Georgia. He says it with a smile, but his voice is
11:55ice cold. Guess today I'll be taking what belongs to you. Taking what belongs to me? She's just a plaything.
12:00How dare she hurt you? As long as you're satisfied, Mr. Griffin Wood, do whatever you want.
12:05Lance sells me out without hesitation. You rarely visit. I wouldn't want you getting lonely. Jacob gives
12:11Mila a gentle nudge toward Lance. Think of her as a little gift from me. I hope you won't mind.
12:18People like
12:18us only exist to please others. So being treated like objects traded or given away happens all the time.
12:23I lost my new sugar daddy and pissed off my old one. My mind goes dark. I have no idea
12:28how Jacob
12:29will punish me. I'm scared of pain. I'm terrified of it, but I can't just end it all either because
12:34I want to live. I want to live so desperately. Jacob takes me to his actual home, a place I've
12:40never been. All of his homes are mansions. This one doesn't look that different from the one I used to
12:45stay in. The bodyguards throw me on the floor. Footsteps echo all around me. I press myself to the ground,
12:51too scared to move. After a while, everything goes quiet. Jacob's voice comes from above me.
12:58Georgia, look up. I flinch, then slowly lift my head to look at him. My face is covered in tears.
13:04Showing weakness is sometimes a tactic. It has nothing to do with gender. I never used to cry.
13:09I knew no one would care if I did, so I refused to let myself shed tears. Then I got
13:13into this line of
13:14work and realized that men actually love watching us cry. They love being worshipped by the weak. Even more,
13:19they love crushing the weak. Grinding them down. Why are you crying? Jacob asks me. Subconsciously,
13:25I think his mood seems a bit better now. Because his posture is clearly more relaxed than when he
13:30was with Lance. I crawl toward him. Looking pitiful, I place my hands on his knees. My face is full
13:34of
13:34hurt. Mr. Wood, please forgive me. I really didn't mean to. Jacob's eyes darken. He reaches out and
13:40grabs my chin. His grip isn't hard. His thumb strokes my neck gently. Your new sugar daddy abandoned you.
13:46New sugar daddy. Old sugar daddy. I only want you, Mr. Wood. I blink and tears fall. But you don't
13:53want
13:53me anymore. You have someone new. An old toy like me isn't good enough for you anymore. Funny? I've never
13:59heard you say this before. Jacob says to me. I force a smile and lower my eyes. Someone in my
14:05position has
14:06no right to say such things. Then why say it today all of a sudden? If not now, I'd never
14:10get another chance.
14:11In your mind, am I really that cruel and heartless? Jacob forces me to look at him. Any idiot knows
14:17this is absolutely not the time to tell the truth. But if I lie, Jacob won't believe me either. What
14:22do I do? My life depends on this. I grip my teeth, straighten my back, tilt my head up, and
14:27kiss
14:28Jacob's thin lips. They say people with thin lips are heartless. I think there's truth to that saying.
14:32Jacob doesn't push me away, but he doesn't kiss me back either. I close my eyes, kissing him carefully.
14:37My hands shake as I undo Jacob's belt. When it comes to pleasing men with my body, I'm way too
14:41good at it. As long as Jacob lets me see this through, today's incident will be forgiven.
14:46I work hard to please him. After a year with him, I know exactly how to satisfy him.
14:51Move back in tomorrow, he says. Don't bother packing your things. I'll have someone buy you new stuff.
14:56I don't know if this counts as a blessing. I'm back by Jacob's side. But this time,
15:00he doesn't make me sign a contract. Not only that, he no longer just visits the
15:04mansion once in a while. He moves in completely. My friends praise my tactics. I actually won Jacob
15:10back and by the looks of it, I might actually become permanent. Going permanent doesn't mean
15:14becoming his wife. It means I'm qualified to stay with Jacob, not on a contract basis,
15:18but long term and stable. The kind where I can rely on him for the rest of my life.
15:22That kind of relationship. Too bad I'm on pills. I can't have kids. Otherwise, if I gave Jacob a kid
15:27or two, my position would be completely secure. I don't really buy into all that. Never mind that I can't
15:33have kids. Even if I could, I would never have Jacob's child. At airport arrivals, I'm waiting eagerly.
15:39Jacob's been away for almost a month. Honestly, I actually kind of miss him. The display screen
15:44showed the plane had landed. I count down every second until finally I spot Jacob in the distance.
15:49Mr. Wood! I throw my arm up excitedly, waving hard. Jacob looks over. It's rare, but his eyes hold a
15:55hint of warmth. Every once in a while, I catch myself thinking maybe we're just a normal couple.
16:00No different from the other couples in the world. Lost in that thought, my gaze drifts to the side.
16:06My eyes meet someone else's. What a surprise. Of all places, I'm running into my mother here.
16:11My birth wasn't exactly honorable. Getting into this line of work wasn't voluntary either.
16:16But trauma has a way of clustering. My story might earn a few tears if it were on TV, but
16:20in this industry,
16:21it's nothing special. So, I never play the victim. Many people have it worse. Who am I to complain?
16:26The airport is crowded. I look away naturally and rush toward Jacob, throwing my arms around him
16:31to show how much I missed him. Jacob wraps one arm around me. His tone is casual, but his expression
16:37is soft. That happy to see me? Very happy. I nod enthusiastically. He chuckles, clearly pleased.
16:43And usually, in front of others, he takes my hand. I'm completely floored. Jacob always travels with an
16:50entourage. My existence is an open secret, but my status was never respectable. He rarely shows affection
16:55to someone like me in public. I focus entirely on him, partly to show how much I missed him,
17:01partly to keep my gaze from wandering where it shouldn't, but in the end, I can't help myself.
17:05I glance back. My birth mother is chatting intimately with a young woman while smiling.
17:10That's probably my stepsister, someone I've never met before. What are you looking at? Jacob asks.
17:15Nothing. I quickly turn my gaze away and cautiously say, Mr. Wood, if you're going on a business trip
17:21again for so long, could you take me along? He doesn't answer. I suddenly realize that what I've
17:25said seems inappropriate. While I'm trying to think of a cover-up, he asks, why? Do you want
17:30to come with me? No. I wrinkle my nose and say, I haven't seen you in a while, so I've
17:35missed you.
17:35How clingy. Jacob sighs. Despite his troubled expression, his gentle tone tells me he isn't
17:41upset by my request. Next time, I'll have my secretary notify you. He says, while scratching my chin,
17:47almost like petting a dog. There's nothing wrong with that. After all, a rich person's dog lives a
17:51better life than the people from poor families. The sextonite leaves me exhausted. Jacob is like
17:55a wolf that hasn't eaten for a long time. Not a single part of me is left untouched. I guess
18:00his
18:01schedule this month must be very tight, and he can't release his needs. After all, he is a workaholic.
18:07Work always comes first for him, even when it conflicts with his needs. I'm so tired,
18:12my eyes hurt and won't stay open. I wake briefly as he pulls away.
18:17He sees me looking at him, so he explains, I have work. Go ahead and sleep. In the past,
18:22I didn't have the right to spend the night in the same bed as Jacob. But ever since I return
18:26to his
18:26side, occasionally when it gets too late, Jacob stays in my room to rest. Didn't you just return
18:30from your trip? I rub my eyes, forcing myself to sit up. My sugar daddy isn't sleeping, so how can
18:35I be?
18:35I don't have the guts for that. Sleep. Be good. Jacob says firmly, pushing me back down. When he sees,
18:41I won't close my eyes. He sighs softly and leaves the bedroom. I hesitate between getting up and giving in
18:46to the
18:46drowsiness. But Jacob returns, holding a thick file, filled with professional terms in Asperian.
18:53Just a glance makes my head hurt. Sleep, I'll stay here and read. He half reclines beside me and turns
18:57on the desk lamp. With glasses on the bridge of his nose, he even puts an arm around me,
19:01so I can sleep while hugging it. I am over the moon. Then I fall asleep. The next morning, when
19:07I wake up,
19:08Jacob is no longer in the bedroom. I reflect deeply, thinking it is because Jacob has been a little too
19:13indulgent with me lately. People are like that. We easily get carried away. Although I deeply fear
19:18Jacob's power and influence, the tenderness he occasionally shows is really hard to resist.
19:22I remind myself repeatedly not to let my guard down but still find myself doing so without realizing it.
19:27While lost in thought, I sit on the bed and do a simple stretch to relieve the strain from last
19:32night's exertion. I casually pick up the phone from the table. I notice I have several missed calls
19:38from my birth father and mother. Ever since I get into this line of work, they only call me for
19:42one
19:42reason and it is money. I am their cash machine. It was my birth father who led me into this
19:47line of
19:48work. He owed debts and used me as collateral. My first sugar daddy is my father's creditor. Back
19:53then, I was inexperienced and didn't know how to charm men, so I suffered a lot. Not long after,
19:57my first sugar daddy grew tired of me and he sent me off for training. At a banquet, he handed
20:01me to
20:02my second sugar daddy. The second one had some fetishes but he was very generous. With him,
20:07I paid off my father's gambling debts. Later, my biological mother heard that I was making a lot
20:11of money, so she called to say she needed some. I refused, so she came to my place and caused
20:16trouble. That interrupted my work and for that, my second sugar daddy slapped me and made me lose a
20:21tooth. After I got involved with Jacob, I always did whatever they asked. I was afraid they would
20:25cause trouble. Earning money is hard but living well is even harder. I make a lot but I also spend
20:31a lot.
20:32Along with my parents' bottomless needs, I am living a very hard life. I actually consider giving up
20:37this line of work but it is hard to get out. Truthfully, I am used to this luxurious lifestyle
20:42too. Without any skills, I can't make money if I leave this work. I won't be able to survive.
20:47Thinking about this, I expressionlessly call them back. Sure enough, my mother wants money. She saw me
20:52at the airport yesterday with Jacob. She believes I have gotten myself a rich guy. She feels what I give
20:57her isn't enough and asks me to double it. I don't have that much, I say. I checked with a
21:03friend at the
21:03housing bureau. You have a property under your name. You can transfer it to me. My mother says
21:07haughtily. Your sister just graduated. She needs a place to stay. Not possible, I refuse. Georgia,
21:13don't think that just because you found a strong backer that I won't deal with you. Trust me. If I
21:17make trouble outside Jacob's company for a few days, Jacob will immediately dump you. I believe her.
21:22After all, I lost my previous sugar daddy in the same way. They are only looking for fun and to
21:27relieve
21:27stress. Not to clean up my mess. I sigh deeply. Give me some time. Hurry up. I don't have much
21:33patience. She huffs in frustration and hangs up. I steady myself, then call my father. Lately,
21:38Jacob likes you a lot, huh? My father says. I have something I need you to do. Once it's done,
21:43I promise I won't ask you for money again. What is it? You need to steal a document. It's related
21:49to
21:49X company's merger plan. I am not highly educated, but I know that whatever he wants me to steal is
21:54definitely not just a simple merger document. How simple? What if I refuse? I ask. If you refuse,
22:00I'll die. My father grits his teeth. If I die, I'll take you down with me. I end the call.
22:05Why are
22:06you lost in thought? The bedroom door is open and Jacob is staring at me with his arms crossed.
22:11I don't know how long he has been there. I feel uneasy. I don't know how much he has heard.
22:16Nothing. Get up if you're awake, Jacob says. Come downstairs. I groggily get up and wash my face.
22:21When I got downstairs, I freeze at the site. The living room has been redecorated. There are
22:26balloons everywhere. The wall in the center usually holds a painting worth billions, but it is now
22:31removed and replaced with balloons selling happy birthday. Jacob stands by the stairs,
22:35holding a party popper. With a loud bang, the confetti sprays all over me. Georgia, happy birthday.
22:41I rarely celebrate my birthday. So when I see all the gift boxes and the two-tier cake in the
22:45middle of
22:46the living room, my first reaction isn't joy. It is unfamiliarity. Is today my birthday? I don't think
22:52so. Confused, I instinctively reach for my phone. Why aren't you happy? Jacob keenly notices my mood
22:58and the smile on his face fades. Panicking at once, I rush up and force a bright smile. No, no,
23:06I'm just so surprised that I didn't know how to react at first. Mr. Wood, you're the first person to
23:10celebrate my birthday. I'm really, really happy. My own thoughts don't matter. What matters is not
23:16spoiling his mood. I'm the main character of the birthday party, but Jacob is the director. As an
23:21actress, I have to follow the director's requests and perform according to the script. Jacob has
23:25prepared many gifts for me. Among them are luxurious goods, sports cars, and even landed properties.
23:30His gifts have solved the urgent problem. If I accept these gifts, I'll have bound myself to Jacob
23:34permanently. That means I'll have to deal with my birth parents for the rest of my life. I'll have to
23:38live in constant fear. But if I don't accept these gifts, I won't have any money at all. That means
23:42I won't be able to survive. Heck, I don't even know how long I can last without money. Thing is,
23:45I really love the car keys that are printed with luxurious logos and the watches that have
23:48sparkling jewels embedded on them. Yes, I'm just that realistic and materialistic. The gifts are
23:52placed before me. It's impossible for me to push them away. Happily, I reach out and accept the gifts.
23:56Then, I give Jacob a loud and deep kiss on his cheek. I don't care anymore. Even if I die,
24:00I'll die with these assets in my arms. I celebrate the grandest birthday I've ever known. Jacob is
24:05satisfied with my cooperation too. He's supposed to be extremely busy, and yet he's able to block
24:08out a full day in his schedule to spend time with me. He's been spoiling me the whole time,
24:12but I've always been insecure my whole life. I can't help but wonder where exactly Jacob's bottom
24:15line lies. He's able to tolerate my occasional spoiled antics, just like how he's treating a
24:19pet dog that he adores. He can spare some time and effort to keep me company. In fact, he even
24:24prepares a pot of seafood boil for me on that very night. Ever since I joined this line of work,
24:27I've never had spicy and greasy food ever again. I need to remain healthy to avoid having
24:31rashes marring my skin. I don't want any dark circles either. God knows just how much suffering I go
24:34through whenever I eat bland salads while watching others devouring amazing food. It's not an
24:38exaggeration to call it the greatest torture methods. The smell of the spices keeps me drooling.
24:42Uncontrollably. I take a deep breath and gulp loudly before turning the seafood boil down as much
24:47as it pains me. No thank you, Mr. Wood. You don't like seafood boil? Jacob then adds. I remember you
24:51telling me you come from Corville. Corville is known for having the best seafood boil. I do like it,
24:55I reply, clearly embarrassed. Then again, my sugar daddy has prepared so many surprises for my sake.
24:59Tonight, I must do my best to show my gratitude in bed, but it's been far too long since I
25:02had spicy food.
25:03What if my stomach can't handle the spice? What if I ruin everything when the time comes?
25:06I can't possibly imagine how disastrous things will be. Jacob can tell the reason behind my hesitation,
25:10so he tells me to sit down. Don't worry. He bends down and murmurs into my ear. I'll be very
25:15busy these few days, so I'll spare you from your duties. My eyes light up. The table is laden with
25:20all my favorite dishes. I only hate that after years of dieting, my stomach had shrunk and I couldn't
25:26fit all the food in. Jacob prefers lighter food, so this meal isn't for him. Most of the time,
25:31he drops food into my bowl. Not gonna lie, with the broth on the table, the warm lights overhead,
25:36and Jacob's reminders for me to eat slowly, the scene was pretty cozy, but after some time,
25:41he stopped me. He says it's cause my stomach is puffed up like a balloon that will pop if I
25:45keep
25:45going. I'm really embarrassed. My belly's pretty flat, so it's painfully obvious when it juts out,
25:50even just a bit. When he helps me upstairs, he looks disappointed in me. I've never once restricted
25:55what you eat, so just eat whatever you want. Why make yourself suffer? As if, men are all liars.
26:01Once, I craved something cold and ate half an ice cream. I'd gotten a stomachache, so I couldn't
26:06give Jacob what he wanted. He'd frowned in displeasure and said I was unprofessional.
26:10Didn't I know what I should and shouldn't be eating? Later, after Jacob falls asleep,
26:14I'm still awake because I'm stuffed. I climb out of bed and take out the gifts, looking over them again.
26:19I love them. They make me feel secure and keep me standing. I quietly put them all away in the
26:25drawer, then slip out of the bedroom and head to the study. It's a room full of mystery to me.
26:31Jacob hates being disturbed when he's working. His business is massive, and the amounts are huge.
26:35I'm always afraid I'll see things that I shouldn't. Plus, it's packed with books that are all foreign
26:39texts that I can't understand. It's always been a place of awe, fear, and respect for me. I can feel
26:44my
26:44heart pounding way too fast. I stand at the door, giving myself a full-on pep talk. But in the
26:49end, I don't go in. I'm not stupid. In this city, if I offend my father, and whatever big shot
26:54backing
26:54him, I can still run. But if I offend Jacob, I'll be better off dead. After that day, I don't
26:59answer
26:59any more calls from my father. I also come up with a plan. I go to Alice for help and
27:03pay her to hire
27:04some thugs to teach my parents a lesson they won't forget. I've never done this before.
27:08Staying alive was hard enough. All I ever thought about was how to get through each day. But now,
27:13things are different. If I obey Jacob, I'll still have a way out, even if he grows sick of me.
27:17He won't make things hard for me. Alice asks me how far I want to take this. I ask how
27:22far things
27:23can go. A verbal threat? A warning? Or some violence? Or permanent injuries? Or maybe stage
27:29a car crash to take them out? Different levels? Different prices? I think about it. My father
27:35is gonna need a beating, or he won't take this seriously. As for my mother, get a few guys who
27:40look extra fierce and have them tail my half-sister for a few days, then threaten her. She's my mother's
27:45whole world. Her pain would kill my mother. Oh, one more thing. When the guys make their move,
27:50make sure my parents are aware that this is all my idea. Okay, wait for my good news. Alice works
27:56fast. In just a few days, my mother calls me. She swears to make me pay. Better not threaten me,
28:02I say calmly. The money's with me. Put me in a good mood, and I might give you some, but
28:07if you piss me off,
28:08this time, I just scared your daughter. Next time, I won't stop there. My mother curses me out,
28:13but in the end, all she can do is hang up. Why was I so dumb before? Why didn't I
28:17think of doing this?
28:18I'd wasted so much money. Honestly, they were all bark and no bite, like balloons that would burst
28:23once poked. Meanwhile, my father doesn't call me at all. I heard those thugs roughed him up bad,
28:28so he'd been recuperating and hadn't even left the house. I let out a shallow breath, thinking that
28:32maybe I can finally have peace. Unfortunately in my life, peace never seems to last long. I leave the
28:39house for a quick trip to the spa when a van suddenly comes screaming down the street.
28:42The door flies open, and several guys in masks drag me into the vehicle. I don't even have time to
28:48scream before a damp towel is pressed over my mouth and nose. I'm genuinely surprised that someone like
28:53me is getting kidnapped. My life so far hasn't been smooth sailing, but a kidnapping is definitely a
28:58first. After all, I'm not rich, nor am I powerful. Why bother kidnapping me? I wake up to water in
29:04my face.
29:04It's pretty dark around me, so I'm guessing I'm in a basement or something. I shiver from the cold water.
29:09I force my eyes open and squint at the guy before me. I don't know him, but my father stands
29:13behind
29:14him. He looks as repulsive as ever. When he sees I'm awake, viciousness flashes in his eyes. He want
29:20to teach me a lesson but doesn't dare to do anything due to the pressure from the man in front
29:24of him.
29:24Georgia Lodge? I'm too scared to speak. This guy radiates that ruthless dominance those in power
29:29do. I can't afford to offend him. You don't look special. I wonder why you caught Jacob Griffinwood's
29:34eye. My father hurries to flatter him and says in a low voice, she was personally trained by Bob
29:39Jones. Bob Jones, my very first sugar daddy. Oh, him. I guess she's got some skills. The man sizes me
29:46up.
29:46Someone next to him steps forward to light a cigar for him. He takes a drag and exhales,
29:51blowing the smoke into my face. So, what do you think? Consider being mine. It's as good as being
29:56with Jacob. I'm terrified, but I still force a smile. Don't say that, sir. You and Mr. Wood are
30:01both outstanding men who are way out of my league. I can't pick and choose. If you know you can't
30:07cross
30:07me, then why are you saying no? He suddenly presses his lit cigar straight to one of my cheeks.
30:12The pain makes me tear up. Before the sting even fades, a hard slap lands across my other cheek.
30:18The blow leaves me woozy. How dare you provoke me? You've got some nerve. I didn't. I tried to
30:25deny it. How dare you deny it? My father steps forward, looking arrogant and smug. I work for
30:30Mr. Lowell. Laying a hand on me means laying a hand on him. Know who you're dealing with. Shame.
30:35You weren't much of a looker. Now that you're disfigured, you think Jacob will still want you?
30:39Mr. Lowell's rough palm slides over my neck, then suddenly tightens around it. The suffocation
30:44hits immediately. I instinctively struggle, but my wrists and ankles are bound. I can't fight back
30:50at all. Maybe I'm going to die here. I don't want that. I don't want to die. Being alive is
30:55painful,
30:55but in this exact second, I realize I'm desperate to live. Forget it. Mr. Lowell abruptly lets go.
31:02I collapse to the floor and gasp for air. Do you want to live? He asks with a smile. I
31:06nod vigorously.
31:07That depends on you. He waves a hand lazily. And the men surrounding us immediately step forward.
31:13If you can satisfy all of them, I might consider letting you live. I curl up on the floor, unable
31:19to do anything but watch. A camera is set up and aimed right at me. I hear Mr. Lowell say,
31:25give it your best shot. This blockbuster's first viewer will be Jacob Griffin Wood. You know what
31:29to do, right? I lower my eyes. No, I don't. Look at my men. They're all young and strong. Jacob's
31:35almost 40. Can he compare to them? Just look into the camera and tell everyone the truth.
31:40No man can take being mocked for not being good in bed. I'm Jacob's sugar baby. We've slept together.
31:46If I face that camera and look like I'm enjoying myself while saying that Jacob is no match for
31:51these thugs, I can already imagine how utterly humiliated he'll be. But I want to stay alive,
31:55even if it's just a few extra days. I drop my gaze, then put on a chastened, fawning smile.
32:01Mr. Lowell, I know what to do now, but I want to serve you first. My cheek still burns, but
32:05I don't
32:06dare touch it. I only look up at Mr. Lowell. He lets out a mocking laugh. You're such a whore.
32:11Don't think your price goes up just because you've served me. I'm not like Jacob Griffin Wood.
32:15People of your level don't even catch my eye. Despite his words, he has someone untie my vines.
32:21I grind my pride into the dirt and crawl over to him. Dignity means nothing to me. If it did,
32:27I wouldn't have survived this long. As a kid, I shamelessly begged, flattered and grinned like an
32:31idiot despite getting beaten, all for a single bite of food. Now, to stay alive, I can lose my
32:38backbone and do every degrading thing. This is my line of work anyway. To me, I'm just serving a
32:44different man. I look up at Mr. Lowell and smile faintly. Then I kick him hard between his legs.
32:49Ah! A scream tears through the air. Fists and random objects rain down on me. Blood drips from
32:55my forehead, blurring my vision. I let out a ragged laugh and watch as the men rush to Mr. Lowell
32:59in
33:00a hurry. They're too scared to touch him. He roars that he wants me tortured and abused. I really do
33:05want to live. I do, but when I was with Jacob, I lived like a human, just barely. I can't
33:09go back to
33:10living like a rat. Maybe all he gave me were useless scraps of warmth, insincere greetings,
33:14and perfunctory kindnesses, but even that was enough. It hurts. Every inch of me is in agony.
33:20My heart is deliriously alive, but I still can't ignore the physical pain. I collapse to the ground
33:24and curl up into a tight ball. Jacob, my life probably means nothing to you, but I'm about to
33:30lose it because of you. So, if it's not too much to ask, I hope you take a little longer
33:35to forget me.
33:35I wake up in a hospital. When I come to, I'm surprised I'm still alive. Am I that tough?
33:41Has my luck turned around after all this suffering? My gaze shifts, and I see Jacob. Oh, I get it
33:47now.
33:48Jacob wrenched me right out of death's hands. Wait, something's off. Why does he look so worn out?
33:54I didn't steal his files. Did someone else leak his confidential papers and bankrupt him?
33:59I want to ask what happened. After all, I still have some savings. I'm worried he'll try to take
34:04back whatever I have. I would have taken death over that. But before I can speak,
34:09Jacob leans in and carefully cups my cheek. I blink dazedly and watch him lean over me to
34:14press a kiss to my forehead. He says hoarsely, you're awake. Something warm slides down my cheek.
34:20It must be coming from Jacob's eyes. All in all, the long and short of it is that I survived.
34:24I don't know how it happened. According to Jacob's secretary, he'd never seen Jacob lose control like
34:29that or look so wrecked. Ever since I woke up, Jacob hasn't left my line of sight.
34:33Even during video conferences, he sits somewhere, he can see me at a glance and every 10 minutes or
34:38so, he looks at me to see what I'm doing. I'm really not used to him being like this. He's
34:42acting like I matter to him. The two things I care most about are money and my face. Thankfully,
34:47both are okay. The doctor saved my face. My cheek had a cigar burn, but I don't scar easily.
34:53With proper care, my looks won't be affected. As for money, as long as Jacob stays afloat,
34:58I probably won't go broke. I'm in the hospital for a month. Only when I'm about to go crazy does
35:04Jacob agree to my discharge. After getting out, Jacob keeps me at home for two more months to recover.
35:09And from that point on, anytime I set foot outside, I have a security detail. Friends say I'm in for
35:15good things now that I've cheated death. They can't believe that I managed to go legit with Jacob.
35:21Before this, everyone thought I was set for life for as long as I stuck with him,
35:24but nobody expected that I'd become his wife. From what I remember, Jacob has never once
35:29acknowledged my status. How is this counted as legit? The night the doctor announced that I had
35:34fully recovered, I can't hold back anymore and try to give myself to Jacob. I don't believe men can
35:39have platonic relationships. I've seen so many men in my life. Shouldn't I know better how much they're
35:44ruled by what's below the waist? Jacob has been abstinent. In three months, other than toilet breaks,
35:48I wasn't out of his sight, even for showers. More than once, I've caught his dark gaze on me.
35:52Each time I think he's about to lose control, he still manages to hold back. I worry that if
35:56he keeps this up, he'll have problems. This is directly related to my happiness,
36:00so I have to take it seriously. I do all my prep work. I set up a nice scent, slip
36:04into something
36:05sheer and lie on the bed to wait for him. Taking care of Jacob in bed is something I'm familiar
36:09with. I know every one of his sensitive spots. I'm sure this will be a scorching, no-holds-barred night,
36:14but to my surprise, Jacob turns me down. It's not his first time rejecting me,
36:18but it is the only time that I'm caught off guard. I quickly adjust, though, and back off,
36:23giving Jacob space. In my softest voice, I say, I'm sorry, Mr. Wood. I overstepped. Ultimately,
36:28I'd overestimated myself. I'd assumed that with his recent treatment of me, I'd found a spot in his
36:33heart, even if he hadn't fallen for me. But the truth is, I can't even read him. Why would I
36:39be
36:39special to him? I thought my near-death to protect Jacob's business was a big deal, but in reality,
36:44I was probably more like a pet that had locked a tiny pebble for its owner. I'd almost died for
36:48him,
36:49but it wasn't notable to him. Jacob tells me not to overthink it and to focus on my recovery.
36:55I do as I'm told and don't dwell on the matter. Then, he slowly stopped coming to the villa.
37:00Even contact is rare. When I meet my friends, they tease me, saying I've got a job I can't lose.
37:06They say I'm set for life as long as I stick with Jacob. I don't tell them that I'm going
37:10to lose the job.
37:11This time, things are different from when our contract expired. Back then, Jacob acted the same,
37:16despite the contract's expiration. This time, I can clearly feel him pulling away on purpose.
37:21One day, I go to the spa. When I get home, I find Jacob on the couch with a document
37:27in his hand.
37:28In that moment, I get it. Mr. Wood. I smile and walk over to him. Sit. He looks up at
37:33me,
37:34then slides the document toward me. Take a look. I obediently pick it up. Is this my severance pay?
37:39He sure is generous. Thanks, Mr. Wood. I accept the contract and don't cause a scene.
37:44Who am I to throw a fit? Jacob's face is devoid of emotion. I've given you plenty of money.
37:49Turn over a new leaf and live a decent life. Don't stay in this line of work.
37:54He doesn't need to be here. He could have sent someone else, like before. I will. I stand up and
38:01curtsy to him. I'll move out tomorrow. And this time, after leaving, I won't be coming back.
38:05Our relationship is ending. But I wrap things up properly. Jacob spends the night here. I draw him
38:12a bath and give him a full body spa. The bathtub faces the windows. The glass is one way. So
38:19when
38:19he's in the tub, he can enjoy the view in privacy. How long have you done this? I don't remember.
38:23Maybe five years? That's good. You're not worn out yet, so you can still find a husband. Mr. Wood,
38:30after being with a man like you, I'm afraid it's going to be hard for me to be interested in
38:33other
38:33men. Oh? Is that a hint not to let you go? I wouldn't dare. I'm just being honest. I actually
38:38know exactly why Jacob is letting me go. It's because he discovered my feelings for him. I have
38:42never claimed to be some morally noble person. In a life or death situation, I shouldn't be sacrificing
38:47my own life to protect Jacob's interests. But that's exactly what I did. I've fallen for him,
38:51so he can't keep me around. Money and profits make the most solid bonds. Jacob can give me all of
38:56that,
38:56but he won't give me even the slightest bit of love. I love him, so I can give up my
39:00life for him.
39:01But I might hurt him because he doesn't love me. I get that, so I accept this outcome. After moving
39:06out of the villa, my life settles. Jacob really is generous. Including this last payout, I now have
39:13three properties, tens of millions in cash, and even some stocks. As long as I don't slurge in ways
39:19that might break the law, what I have now has me set for life. After grinding for so long,
39:24I can finally start my retirement early. Alice comes over to hang out. She has a new sugar daddy.
39:29He's from Hutton and treats her pretty well. In just a few short months, he's already spent plenty
39:34on her. After cashing out on this job, I'm going to retire too. She takes a drag of her cigarette.
39:38The smoke curls around her face, so I can't make out her expression. I'm not getting any younger.
39:42It's time to settle down and actually live a normal life. You? Saying stuff like that?
39:47That's not like you at all. You remember my previous sugar daddy, right? The one from Jarton.
39:51Yeah, he's the only one who prematurely terminated his contract with you. I remember you cleaned him
39:55out right before you walked away. You were really proud and kept bragging to me about it.
39:58He went bankrupt. Alice looks despondent. I only found out recently. That money I took
40:03from him was probably everything that he had left. What? I'm stunned. He knew he was going under.
40:08That's why he ended things and handed over pretty much all the liquid assets he had left to me.
40:11She stubs out her cigarette and lets out a bitter laugh. If he were going to pull that,
40:14he should have hidden it better and kept it under wraps. Look at the situation I'm in now. It feels
40:18wrong to return, but it's also wrong if I don't. You want to do it though? I can see right
40:22through
40:22her. That's not all. You're even thinking of handing over all the money you've made to help
40:26him make a comeback. Alice looks miserable but doesn't deny it. You're out of your mind. I shoot
40:31to my feet frustrated by her idiocy. You know what you're doing. With our history, we'll never be the
40:35kind to get to sit at the nice table. How much of that friendship between men is real? And how
40:41long
40:41does it last? Right now, you're remembering his kindness. But once you spend the money,
40:45once he makes a comeback, and once you're old and ugly, there'll be a line of fresh faces, prettier
40:49than you, sweeter than you, and wilder than you. When that time comes, how will you fare against them?
40:54And what about you? It's the same with Jacob, no? I'm at a loss for words. Women really are soft.
41:00We can't love in our work, so it's all about each getting what we need. It's a simple transaction.
41:05The lessons of those before us are still fresh in our minds, yet we somehow still end up making the
41:09mistakes they did. At least I took the money. I'll never have to worry about money, I say. I won't
41:13pay to be with
41:14him. That makes me better than you. That's because you got lucky and ran into Jacob. That guy is a
41:18businessman who never makes a losing deal. Believe it or not, if he goes bankrupt right now, you'll
41:22give him all your money. Don't jinx me. I quickly stop the conversation. Some things just can't be
41:27said. I learn about Jacob's bankruptcy from the news. In the past, I never watched the news. People like me
41:33were barely even educated. Why keep up with the news? But since splitting up with Jacob, I've started
41:38watching it. Because every now and then he shows up on the screen, how can you go bankrupt? But as
41:43the
41:43reports pile up, it starts looking real. I go around asking a few friends in the industry.
41:48Their sugar daddies all have connections, so they help me ask around. Turns out, the rumors are true.
41:53Alice also calls me. I asked around. It's probably by the same guys who kidnapped you last time.
41:58They're out to get Jacob. Jacob is far too influential in this city. It's practically his
42:02monopoly. Unless someone drags him down, everyone else will be stuck fighting over scraps. It's the
42:07result of standing out. I spend a few days at home before starting to go over all my assets.
42:12Everything I have is because of Jacob. I know that to him, what I've got is a drop in the
42:16bucket,
42:16but at least it's something to show where my loyalties lie. As Alice predicted, I was righteous
42:21with her, but when I was in her shoes, I was throwing all my money in and even more desperate
42:25than she ever was. At least Alice dreamed about being with her sugar daddy. I didn't even dare
42:30entertain a thought like that. I have Jacob's private number, but he doesn't answer when I call.
42:34So, I sent him a message, weighing every word carefully. In the end, Jacob's secretary calls me
42:41back and turns me down. Ms. Lodge, Mr. Woods said to tell you that he appreciates the gesture.
42:46He hopes you'll live well and that you'll stop worrying about those from your past.
42:50I'd figured as much. Jacob's refusal of my kindness is not for my sake. His pride is in the way,
42:56making him refuse to accept charity from me. I'm prepared for that outcome, but I still feel
43:01disappointed. I know all too well the huge gap between us. I can't even do the smallest things
43:05for him, but I still go ahead and do what I want to do. In all my years alive, I've
43:10rarely gotten to
43:10be willful and to follow my heart. So, I'm more than willing to throw myself at him. When Alice
43:15loans me money, she prods me in the forehead and grumbles non-stop about how I can't repay her after
43:19borrowing so much from her. Some other friends also feel bad for me. When they lend me the money,
43:24they even suggest getting me a new sugar daddy. He's not exactly a great guy, but he's generous.
43:28I just need a year with him. I turn them all down. I take that card holding everything I own
43:32and mail
43:33it to Jacob. Then, I tell myself we're even and to stop thinking about him. I get an ordinary job
43:38and I start online content creation. After being with sugar daddies for years, I'd at least seen a
43:43lot of the world. I picked up some things about aesthetics and makeup. I didn't have a proper
43:47education, so I had to make money differently. Thankfully, my second video blew up. I've always felt
43:53like my luck was never really that bad. Sure, my parents neglected me, but at least I didn't starve.
43:58Later, I became an escort. It wasn't a respectable job, but I only suffered at the start. I got used
44:03to it after blending in. Then, when Jacob no longer wanted me, he still made sure I was taken care
44:09of
44:09for life. Food and bills were settled. And now, I may be broke again, but my career, which has never
44:15taken off before, is on the verge of blowing up. Good, isn't it? That's why we need to stay alive.
44:20There's a future to look forward to. I work a day job, shoot at night, and life keeps getting
44:25better. But one day, Alice suddenly calls me and says Jacob is back on top. I've gone out of my
44:30way to avoid news about him. Hearing about him again feels surreal. Really? That's good.
44:36I say earnestly, we will never be together, but I still hope he does well. You really are hopeless.
44:42I'm doing pretty great, and I'm pretty happy too. I even tried to talk Alice into it. If you're
44:49a decent following now, I can send traffic your way. Maybe when I hit rock bottom. I'm just calling
44:54you today to update you, so you can stop worrying. Forget about Jacob. This call is unnecessary.
44:59I probably won't ever stop thinking about Jacob, but I'm also prepared to never see him again,
45:04and to never check any news about him. I may seem like an idiot, but I'm actually really smart. With
45:09anything or anyone that may disappoint me, I never let myself expect anything from them. Just like I never
45:13once hoped that my parents would love me, I also didn't dare hope that Jacob would fall for me.
45:17After expanding my horizons, I make a lot of new friends. They don't know what I used to do,
45:21and I had sugar daddies. To them, I'm the best. Their comments are full of praise. Deep down,
45:27I'm uneasy. Maybe there's a name for it. Something like PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. Someone
45:33like me shouldn't have things go smoothly, or be disliked. They think I'm perfect and flawless,
45:39but I know I'm tainted. Then, one day, the dirt on me spreads online along with hate and insults.
45:46I suddenly feel at peace. Part of me mocks myself for being happy about the hate. The other part
45:50makes a video of a sincere chat about myself. The whole process is even fun. I have nothing
45:54about my past that I feel the need to hide. Each and every one of those incidents shaped who I
45:59am
45:59today. Life can knock me down, but I will never stay down. I'm prepared to not be accepted. I tell
46:04myself that at least I've made good money lately. The debt I'd originally planned to pay off in 10 years,
46:08I can now clear in just two. That's good enough. To my surprise, I'm accepted. Many called me shameless,
46:14and said I had no dignity for making such dirty money before cleaning myself up now.
46:17But even more people leave comments to cheer me on and tell me not to give up on life.
46:21They message me privately to share their own stories with me. It's like sharing the suffering
46:24makes it less unbearable. I cry a lot, to be honest. In front of my sugar daddies, I would always
46:29whine,
46:30put on a pitiful act, or play the victim just to spark their sense of conquest. But that was a
46:34survival
46:34tactic, not who I really was. I don't know what I ever did to deserve being accepted and liked.
46:39This world can actually be beautiful. If I hadn't had the nerve to take that first step,
46:43maybe I never would have seen this side of the world's kindness. At the end of the year,
46:46a platform invites me to attend an awards ceremony. I dress to the nines for it.
46:50The ceremony is a grand one. Besides big influencers, there are also several celebrities.
46:55I already know which award I'm getting, so I've prepared a speech. I'm about to go on stage,
47:00but I'm still memorizing it. I do have a terrible memory. It's only a few lines, but they just won't
47:04stick.
47:04Next, let's welcome our award presenter, Griffinwood Group CEO, Mr. Jacob Griffinwood.
47:10The host beams at the crowd and the audience is surprised. My smile freezes on my face.
47:15Influencers run the economy now, and every influencer here easily makes tens of millions a year.
47:20But why would Jacob? I stand there and follow the host's line of sight. Under the spotlight,
47:25Jacob walks toward me with all eyes on him. He still looks the way I remember. He's lofty,
47:30untouchable, and immaculate. Congratulations. He takes the trophy and passes it to me. Thanks,
47:36I say in a small voice. You've done very well. Better than I expected. He shakes my hand,
47:41and we stand side by side, facing the audience. I've never imagined a day like this, when I can
47:46openly stand by Jacob's side, accepting applause. Georgia. Jacob calls my name. Yeah? Do you want to
47:53be with me? I don't answer. This time, you have every right to stand by me openly as my fiancee.
47:58Jacob Griffin Wood first met Georgia Lodge as an ordinary cocktail party. Many wanted to suck up
48:02to him, but not everyone was qualified to do so. Everyone else addressed him as Mr. Griffin Wood.
48:07Only Georgia, like an uneducated brute, had called him Mr. Wood. Because he rarely heard that form of
48:12address, he'd given her a second glance. When someone held power, even a single look from them
48:17would be dissected and analyzed by the people below. That one look at Georgia made someone decide
48:21he must have taken a liking to her. And so, in no time at all, Georgia was delivered to his
48:26side,
48:26along with a background check and a medical report. He didn't have a companion then.
48:30Georgia stood in front of him, smiling stiffly. She hid it well, but he still caught the disgust
48:35and resentment in her eyes. The women sent to him were always thoroughly trained. He was a little
48:41curious how long someone like Georgia could survive in this world of power and profit. Unfortunately,
48:45she turned out to be a bore. Jacob later realized that whatever emotions Georgia had felt that day
48:50would never have any real impact on his life. He could tell that she was trying her best to blend
48:54into his circle. She fawned, acted cute and bowed and scraped. To keep herself attractive to men,
49:00she splurged on cosmetic procedures, even going in for those so-called tightening packages that sounded
49:05magical, but didn't even have basic safety guaranteed. He'd lost control that one time. It wasn't
49:11because of the tightening treatment. Jacob just happened to pass by and saw Georgia limping out of the spa,
49:15dressed to the nines, but with her face twisted in pain. She looked so gaudy. People around her
49:21threw her strange looks, but she seemed oblivious. But when she turned the corner, Jacob saw her with
49:25her arms around her knees and her head buried. She crouched there for a long time. She had a thin
49:29figure and she looked so lonely. Jacob had seen way too many women like her. Whether they made a fortune,
49:35they always ended in tragedy. Almost none got happy ending. In that instant, Jacob suddenly had a
49:40thought. It wasn't impossible to keep Georgia by his side forever. He could just treat her like a
49:44pampered pet and a distraction. Not that he'd ever told her about it. As the last day of their
49:49contract crept closer, Jacob watched as Georgia found it harder and harder to quiet her growing
49:54anxiety. He kept wondering when she would come to him and ask to renew the contract. Unfortunately,
49:58she was just too well behaved, so much so that she never overstepped. Even when he openly brought in
50:03someone new, all Georgia did was swallow her hurt in silence and play her part to perfection. Jacob saw
50:09Georgia's mockery when the newcomer told her sob story. He also saw the despair in her eyes when the golf
50:13ball came crashing down on him. At the time, he'd wondered why he was being so harsh with her.
50:17Since he was invested in her, he would just keep her around. What Georgia really thought didn't
50:22matter much. As long as he felt satisfied, that was good enough. After getting back together,
50:27Jacob would sometimes spend the night in Georgia's room. Seeing her so sleepy that she couldn't open
50:31her eyes and kept nodding off while swearing she wasn't tired was pretty cute in his eyes. He'd never
50:35seriously considered what exactly Georgia meant to him. In any case, as long as he wanted her,
50:40she wouldn't be able to leave him. Later, he realized he was wrong. Georgia could leave.
50:45After all, in this world, no one could bridge the gap between life and death.
50:49At first, when Jacob heard that Georgia had been kidnapped, he didn't panic.
50:52Kidnapping was always about profit, and Georgia had always known when to give in.
50:56They had an intimate relationship, and she knew a thing or two about his affairs.
51:00She could tell them what she knew, and that would keep her alive. And with her skills,
51:05she could easily find another sugar daddy. So, when Jacob's subordinates reported the news of
51:10Georgia's kidnapping, he hadn't even paused his meeting. She was just a pet he kept. If a bag went
51:15missing, he'd have the maids look for it. If it couldn't be found, he would simply buy another one.
51:20Things changed when his men found Georgia. They didn't know if she was alive, and her face was so
51:25swollen they couldn't even tell what she used to look like. If anything, she should be glad she'd only had
51:29cosmetic treatments and not plastic surgery. Otherwise, the implants alone would have pierced
51:33through her skull. She had several broken ribs, some organ damage, and her limbs abused to the
51:37point of being twisted out of shape. When a video was sent back, Jacob took one look and tossed his
51:41phone aside. Then, he headed to the hospital. Georgia was in the operating room for a full nine hours,
51:46from nightfall until dawn. When she was finally wheeled out, she had tubes everywhere. Jacob was busy,
51:52busy putting out fires at the company and dealing with his rival's attacks. Once Georgia was in the ICU,
51:56visits were limited to specific hours. So, staying at the hospital wasn't of much use.
52:01Still, Jacob chose to follow what his heart told him to do, and remained at the hospital.
52:05The accommodations there were far from comfortable. Even someone as tireless as Jacob couldn't help
52:10looking worn out. Yet, the rate at which he grew haggard was nothing compared to Georgia. She just lay
52:15there silently on that hospital bed and grew weaker with each day. The doctors said her will to live was
52:20weak, which was why she was still out. Jacob secretly mocked them for lying. If she really didn't want to
52:26live, why would she have fought to cling to that last breath and hold on until he could save her?
52:30Jacob had never bothered to figure out what exactly he felt for Georgia. But in that moment,
52:34he suddenly started to understand his own heart. The fact that, deep down, he'd allowed Georgia to
52:38trade his secrets in exchange for her own life already meant he'd fallen for her. With Georgia,
52:43Jacob did indeed experience many emotions that were useless yet novel to him. Like the joy and agitation he'd
52:48felt the moment Georgia finally woke up. Like the heartache he'd felt when she pushed through rehab and
52:52pretended to be fine, even making herself smile at him. He'd nursed Georgia back to health,
52:57throwing everything at her to rebuild her body, and he'd assigned bodyguards to make sure she was
53:02always safe. Only he knew the genuine emotions he'd poured into all of that. To him, love was useless.
53:08Small doses were a fun distraction, but too much of it would only limit his efficiency. And so,
53:13after thinking it through, Jacob ultimately decided to end the relationship. He knew he'd fallen for her,
53:18and he knew Georgia had also fallen for him. But this was what the world was often like.
53:23Pure interest could keep a relationship going and even make it unbreakable. But when feelings got
53:27tangled up, the whole thing became fragile. Cutting their losses early was the best choice
53:31for both him and her. Georgia left without hesitation. She was never the type to cling,
53:35and she vanished from his life. She knew better. The first few days, Jacob hadn't been used to it.
53:41But as work piled up, he no longer had the time for romance. The traps he'd laid for so long
53:47were
53:47finally starting to work per his plan. News of his bankruptcy spread across the entire country.
53:52After that, he got a call from Georgia. He didn't answer it. So, she sent him a message instead,
53:57sounding as she always did with her familiar flattery, afraid of upsetting him. Jacob had his
54:01secretary reply for him. But not long after, he'd still received a bank card. The amount on it was
54:06higher than he'd expected. Maybe Georgia's friends had helped. They all had their own sugar daddies,
54:10so even if they weren't filthy rich, it was still a sizable sum overall. Still, Georgia had promised him
54:15she would quit that line of work. If she borrowed so much money, how was she going to pay it
54:18back?
54:19Jacob later had his answer. She'd gone into doing online content and had gotten somewhat popular.
54:22Per your instructions, I staged an encounter with Miss Lodge yesterday. His assistant reported,
54:27She seems to be in pretty good spirits. She said her career's on track,
54:30she has lots of fans who like her, and she's making good money. Is that so?
54:33But as far as Jacob knew, every single one of her videos had hate comments. People called her ugly and
54:39flashy, and just a few days ago, someone had exposed her past and how she used to be an escort.
54:43Her haters flooded the internet. If not for that, Jacob wouldn't have gone out of his way to arrange
54:47the chance encounter. He'd worried she would hurt herself, because that was what she was like.
54:52Whenever it came to her own pain, she always brushed it off. Maybe it was because she knew no
54:56one really cared about her and that looking sad wouldn't change anything. But he knew perfectly
55:01well she had pills hidden in her cabinet. The pills had been saved up one by one in over a
55:05long time,
55:05but Georgia had never taken them. When the contract had expired, Jacob had brought her back out of fear
55:10that she would take them. Later, he let her go because he feared she'd be more attached.
55:14If he couldn't love her, she might ultimately still end up taking those pills. And after that,
55:19when Georgia had given him money, he hadn't returned it, so it would tie her to this world.
55:23If she remembered her debt, she wouldn't give up on herself. She needed to have a bit of hope,
55:27so she had a reason to keep living. Don't clean up the mess online too perfectly. Jacob said,
55:32Georgia is smart. Overwhelmingly positive comments will only make her suspicious.
55:36Jacob knew then that in the end, he really did treat Georgia differently. Different enough that
55:41he was willing to break his own rules for her and pay attention to these details. He was willing to
55:45give Georgia time and wait for her to be remade. She had to look at the world again. There would
55:49be
55:49good and bad, but the good outnumbered the bad. At the end of the year, Jacob received word that
55:54Georgia had agreed to attend the awards ceremony. He had shares in the platform, but it was just one of
56:00his many assets. It wasn't particularly important. Even so, Jacob still showed up in full formal attire.
56:06He did it to stand before Georgia again and give her an opening. This time he wanted her to have
56:11the courage to speak up and keep hold of what she truly wanted.
Comments