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