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00:00My husband, Julian, didn't know I decided to transfer 15% of the company shares to him a gift for
00:06our 10th anniversary until the day of my son's health checkup.
00:11The doctor smiled as he handed me the results.
00:14My husband and I, both type O.
00:17Our son?
00:18Type A.
00:20I looked at the boy sitting beside me, a miniature version of Julian.
00:24I didn't make a sound.
00:26I simply calmly did two things.
00:30First, I pulled a strand of hair from my son's head when he wasn't looking.
00:34Second, I tore up the share transfer agreement I'd prepared.
00:37I watched my son walk through the school gates before turning the car around.
00:42The DNA testing center was across town.
00:44I need express results. How fast can you do it?
00:48The technician glanced up from her paperwork.
00:50Standard processing is five business days.
00:53Rushes today by 4 p.m.
00:55Triple the cost.
00:56Rush it.
00:57My hands trembled slightly as I handed over the sample.
01:00After they swabbed my cheek cells, I sat in the waiting area, staring at the clock on the wall.
01:05Every second felt like an hour.
01:08I pulled out my phone and made another call.
01:10I need you to investigate my husband, Julian Robinson.
01:14I want to know everywhere he's been, especially in the last few months.
01:18The private detective's voice was professional, detached.
01:22Understood.
01:23At 3.40 p.m., my phone buzzed.
01:27I opened the electronic report, skipped straight to the end.
01:31DNA analysis indicates a 0.0001% probability of biological relationship between Vivian Hart and Alex Robinson.
01:43Based on genetic marker analysis, evidence does not support Vivian Hart as the biological mother of Alex Robinson.
01:50Even though I'd prepared myself, seeing those words made my vision blur for a moment.
01:57I leaned against the wall and slid down to the floor.
02:00Not my child.
02:02I'd raised a child who wasn't mine for nine years.
02:06So where was my child?
02:08I drove straight to St. Mary's Private Hospital, the same place where I'd given birth nine years ago.
02:15Dr. Soucy was still there.
02:17She'd been promoted to department head.
02:20Dr. Soucy, I need to access my delivery records and hospitalization files from nine years ago.
02:25Her smile froze for a moment.
02:28That was so long ago.
02:30The files might already be archived.
02:32It took some effort, but eventually someone from the records room brought over a folder.
02:37I flipped it open.
02:39The documentation was shockingly sparse.
02:42Only basic informations.
02:44Admission time.
02:45Discharge time.
02:47Delivery method.
02:48Newborn wait.
02:49No detailed labor notes.
02:51No nurse handoff records.
02:53No pediatric examination reports.
02:56Is this everything?
02:57She looked apologetic.
02:59That's all we have in the system.
03:01Paper records are usually kept for ten years.
03:04You're right at the edge of that window.
03:07What about the newborn footprints?
03:08The blood samples?
03:10She shook her head.
03:12Those should be in the newborn records, but we couldn't locate them.
03:18It was obvious there was something wrong.
03:20An abnormally simple medical file.
03:23Missing newborn records.
03:25A child who wasn't mine, but looked exactly like my husband.
03:29The pieces were starting to form a picture I didn't want to see.
03:34My phone rang.
03:36It was Julian.
03:37Where are you?
03:38I already picked up Alex.
03:40I'd completely forgotten about school pickup time.
03:43At least I'd warned the teacher ahead of time.
03:45I'm out running business.
03:47I'll be home soon.
03:49I hung up.
03:50After dinner, I claimed a headache and retreated to the bedroom early.
03:55Through the closed door, I could hear Julian helping Alex with homework in the living room.
04:01Their voices drifting through the house.
04:05Dad, is mom upset?
04:08Mom's just tired.
04:10Finish your homework and get to bed early.
04:12I waited until they were both asleep.
04:14Then I started searching.
04:16The master bedroom.
04:18The living room.
04:19Alex's room.
04:21I went through everything.
04:22Looking for...
04:23I didn't even know what.
04:26I found nothing.
04:28Finally, I turned to the computer and the study.
04:31The truth had to be in there.
04:34Footsteps in the hallway.
04:36I quickly closed out of the files I'd been opening.
04:39When Julian pushed the door open, I was straightening papers on the desk.
04:45He glanced at the computer screen.
04:47It had returned to the desktop.
04:49A photo of the three of us at the beach from three years ago.
04:54Still up?
04:56Just organizing some old documents.
04:59I reached over and turned off the monitor.
05:01He stood there for a moment like he wanted to say something.
05:05In the end, he just nodded.
05:08Get some rest.
05:10I sat in the darkness, listening to his footsteps fade down the hall.
05:15That night, I didn't touch the computer again.
05:18I lay in bed, thoughts racing, unable to find sleep.
05:24The next morning, I still let Julian take Alex to school.
05:28He looked at me, picked up the car keys.
05:32All right.
05:33The moment they left, I went straight to the study.
05:36I turned on the computer and tried the password.
05:39Our wedding anniversary.
05:41Wrong.
05:42His birthday.
05:44Wrong.
05:45Alex's birthday.
05:46Still wrong.
05:47I tried the date we first met.
05:49His mother's birthday.
05:50The day the company was founded.
05:52All wrong.
05:53The system locked me out.
05:55Please try again in 15 minutes.
05:58I sat there, staring at the login screen.
06:01This computer we'd bought together, now locked against me.
06:05That evening, Julian came home from work.
06:08He was barely through the door when he said,
06:12I'm going to Italy tomorrow.
06:13Business trip.
06:14Not sure how long I'll be gone.
06:16I came out of the kitchen carrying a dish.
06:19That's sudden.
06:20Who are you going with?
06:22He set his briefcase on the table and turned to look at me.
06:25Just someone.
06:25It was a last minute arrangement.
06:27Vivian, can you not do this?
06:30I stared at him, confused.
06:32I stared at him, confused.
06:33It was just a casual question.
06:35Why was he reacting like this?
06:37You question everything.
06:38You suspect everyone.
06:41I'm just going to work.
06:42I turned back to serve the rice.
06:45My hands were shaking slightly.
06:47I was just asking.
06:49He said nothing more.
06:51Walked straight to the bedroom.
06:53Dinner was silent.
06:55Alex must have sensed something was off.
06:57For once, he didn't complain about the food.
07:01After his shower, Julian grabbed his coat from the sofa to hang it up.
07:05A receipt slipped from the pocket and fell near my feet.
07:08After he left the room, I picked it up.
07:11A perfume purchase.
07:13Expensive.
07:14Bought yesterday afternoon.
07:15A brand name I didn't recognize.
07:18But I knew it wasn't for me.
07:20I thought about our marriage.
07:22Ten years.
07:24Julian hadn't bought me a gift in all that time.
07:27Not since our first anniversary.
07:29A scarf.
07:30I still had it somewhere.
07:32After that, nothing.
07:34No birthday gifts.
07:35No anniversary gifts.
07:37No just-because gifts.
07:39I told myself he wasn't romantic.
07:41He showed love in other ways.
07:43He was practical and focused on providing.
07:46On his career.
07:47I'd made excuses for him.
07:49But now, holding this receipt, I understood.
07:53He wasn't unromantic.
07:55He wasn't too busy.
07:57He wasn't too practical.
07:58His romance just wasn't for me.
08:00It was for someone else.
08:02Someone who wore expensive French perfume.
08:05I wrote down the information from the receipt.
08:08The next morning, after Julian left for the airport,
08:11I called the boutique.
08:15I need to verify a purchase.
08:17A receipt from yesterday afternoon.
08:19One moment.
08:20Yes, I have it here.
08:21The buyer was Chloe Williams.
08:23Chloe Williams.
08:25I knew that name.
08:27Julian's secretary.
08:28Hired six months ago.
08:30Early thirties.
08:31Divorced.
08:32I drove to the airport.
08:33I didn't know what I was hoping to confirm.
08:36Maybe the perfume was for a client.
08:39Maybe I was overthinking this.
08:41I waited outside the International Departures Hall for half an hour.
08:44Then I saw them.
08:46Julian and her.
08:49Chloe wore a beige trench coat, pulling a small suitcase behind her.
08:53She walked beside Julian, laughing at something he'd said.
08:57Julian's face carried an expression I hadn't seen in years.
09:02Relaxed.
09:03Genuinely happy.
09:05At the security checkpoint, Chloe stopped.
09:07She reached up, casual and familiar, to straighten Julian's collar.
09:13He didn't pull away.
09:14He leaned down and whispered something in her ear.
09:17She smiled.
09:19Then she stood on her toes and kissed him on the lips.
09:24Julian's hand rested on her waist.
09:27They stayed like that for a moment before separating.
09:30Like they'd done it a thousand times before.
09:33The last shred of self-deception evaporated.
09:37All those late nights.
09:39Working.
09:39All those times he'd been irritable with me.
09:43All of it finally made sense.
09:46I watched their intimate silhouette disappear through security.
09:51A new thought crystallized in my mind.
09:54That child who wasn't mine.
09:57And this woman.
09:59Could they be connected?
10:01On the drive back, I called the private detective I'd hired.
10:05I need you to look into someone else.
10:08Chloe Williams.
10:10I want to know everything about her.
10:12Especially whether she has any children.
10:14The detective worked fast.
10:16By the next afternoon, I had the report.
10:20Chloe Williams.
10:2132 years old.
10:23Divorced five years ago.
10:25One son.
10:26Nine years old.
10:27Name.
10:28Alan.
10:29Attending a public school in the West End.
10:31The date jumped out at me.
10:34Chloe's son was only one week older than Alex.
10:36For the first time in ten years, I felt my blood run hot.
10:41I sat on the sofa, holding the detective's report.
10:44Then, a thought struck me.
10:47I ran to study.
10:48My fingers hovered over the keyboard.
10:50Then, slowly, I typed in Chloe's birth date.
10:54The desktop opened.
10:56There was only one folder.
10:58Named, Work Backup.
11:00I clicked it open.
11:02Inside were subfolders organized by year.
11:05Starting 11 years ago.
11:06The earliest folder contained scanned photographs.
11:10Julian and Chloe in high school uniforms, standing under a locust tree.
11:1419-year-old Julian, smiling.
11:16His arm around Chloe's shoulders.
11:19She had her hair in a ponytail, looking up at him.
11:22The next photo was from college.
11:24The two of them in the library.
11:26Then, their graduation photo.
11:28Both in cap and gown, holding hands.
11:31That was the year Julian told me the company was struggling financially.
11:35We'd canceled our anniversary trip.
11:38Instead, he bought a scarf for me.
11:40I closed the folder.
11:42The screen behind the closed folder is our wedding photo.
11:46I stared at our wedding photo and felt bile rise in my throat.
11:51Me, in my white dress.
11:53Lace sleeves and long train.
11:55Holding a bouquet of white roses.
11:57Julian, in his black suit.
11:59Gray tie.
12:01Boutonniere.
12:02Both of us smiling at the camera.
12:04The photographer had made us laugh.
12:06Said something stupid.
12:08We'd both cracked up.
12:09And the photo captured that moment.
12:11Pure.
12:12Happy.
12:13I stared at it.
12:15At my face.
12:16So happy.
12:17So naive.
12:18So trusting.
12:19I didn't know who that woman was anymore.
12:22That woman who'd believed her husband.
12:24Who'd made excuses for him.
12:26Who'd convinced herself everything was fine.
12:29That woman was gone.
12:32Had to close my eyes.
12:34Put my hand over my mouth.
12:36The perfect couple.
12:38The perfect lie.
12:39Sick at the photos I'd just seen.
12:42Sick at the years of deception.
12:44Sick at myself for not seeing it sooner.
12:47For believing him.
12:49For trusting him.
12:50For raising a child who wasn't even mine while my real son was somewhere else.
12:55At 3 p.m., I drove to the West End.
12:59The elementary school looked even more run down than the detective had described.
13:05The dismissal bell rang.
13:07Children poured out through the gates.
13:09I sat in my car, hands gripping the steering wheel.
13:13He walked out alone.
13:15No one there to pick him up.
13:17He looked left.
13:19Then right.
13:20Then started walking slowly along the sidewalk.
13:23I held my breath.
13:25That child.
13:27Alan.
13:28No.
13:28My child.
13:30The way he walked reminded me of myself.
13:32A slight pigeon toe.
13:34When he raised his hand to push hair out of his face.
13:37I saw it.
13:38A birthmark on his wrist.
13:41The same place I had mine.
13:44I could see dust on his eyelashes.
13:46His lips were chapped.
13:48His sneakers were coming apart at the seams.
13:51His eyes looked empty.
13:53Not like a nine-year-old's eyes at all.
13:56I covered my mouth to stop myself from making a sound.
14:00He walked away.
14:02Disappearing around the corner.
14:03I collapsed over the steering wheel and broke down completely.
14:08For that child.
14:09Walking home alone.
14:11For ten years of living in the wrong life.
14:14For being such a fool.
14:17Dancing in a play someone else had written.
14:19Then I wiped my tears and started the car.
14:22At the law office, I placed a USB drive on Attorney Morrison's desk.
14:28Inside, backup copies of all the photos.
14:31The DNA test results.
14:34Scanned hospital records.
14:35The perfume receipt.
14:37Files on Chloe and Alan.
14:39I want a divorce.
14:41I want Julian to leave with nothing.
14:43I want custody of my child.
14:47I want him to pay for what he's done.
14:49Walking out of the attorney's office.
14:51I remembered what Julian had said when he proposed ten years ago.
14:56Vivian, I will give you a lifetime of stability.
15:00Turns out, his lifetime was only ten years.
15:04No, probably less than that.
15:07I pulled out my phone and called the company's second largest shareholder.
15:11My father's old colleague.
15:14Mr. Aaron, about next week's board meeting,
15:17I'd like to discuss a few things with you first.
15:19Julian seemed to have forgotten something important.
15:23This company's name is Hart.
15:24He became general manager because I convinced my father to give him a chance.
15:29I put him in that position.
15:30I could take him down just as easily.
15:33Two weeks after Julian left,
15:35I liquidated every asset I could convert to cash.
15:39Every afternoon, I went to that elementary school in the West End.
15:43One day, it rained.
15:46Alan didn't have an umbrella.
15:48He waited under the awning of the corner store for half an hour,
15:51then finally ran home through the downpour.
15:54I sat in my car, rain blurring the windshield.
15:58Friday afternoon, I arrived at the school early.
16:02When I saw Alan coming out,
16:04I got out of the car and walked past like a stranger.
16:07I accidentally dropped my folder in front of him.
16:10He froze for a moment,
16:12then bent down to pick it up for me.
16:14Thank you, sweetheart.
16:17Is your mom not here yet?
16:19He shook his head.
16:21Mom's working late.
16:23How are you getting home?
16:25I'll take the bus.
16:27I pulled an unopened bottle of water from my bag.
16:31Have some water.
16:32He hesitated, then took it, and said,
16:37I noticed he had a habit of pressing his lips together when he spoke.
16:42Just like me.
16:44His eyes were shaped like mine, too.
16:46Inner double eyelids.
16:48The outer corners slightly downturned.
16:51Does your mom work late often?
16:53He nodded, then shook his head.
16:56Sometimes.
16:58What about your dad?
17:00He didn't answer.
17:01Just looked down at his shoes.
17:03Those sneakers, the soles were separating.
17:06The left shoelace was broken.
17:09I didn't ask anything more.
17:11I pulled $200 from my wallet and tucked it into his hand.
17:15Buy yourself some new shoes.
17:18He stepped back.
17:19No, I can't take this.
17:22Consider it a thank you for helping me with my folder.
17:26I slipped the money into the side pocket of his backpack and walked away.
17:30After a few steps, I glanced back.
17:34He stood there looking lost.
17:36That evening, I stood in the doorway of Alex's room.
17:40He was playing with a new Lego set Julian had bought him.
17:43A limited edition space shuttle.
17:46Expensive.
17:47Mom?
17:48What's wrong?
17:50I walked in and touched his hair.
17:53Did you finish your homework?
17:55Finished ages ago.
17:56He held up his model.
17:58Dad said if I get A on my midterms, he'll take me to Disneyland.
18:03I smiled.
18:05That's wonderful.
18:07The moment I turned away, the smile vanished.
18:11Julian's different treatment of the two children stabbed at my heart like a thorn.
18:15My biological son wore torn shoes and rode the bus alone, while this child enjoyed everything.
18:21After two weeks away, Julian finally came home.
18:26He set down his suitcase.
18:28Where's Alex?
18:31Why is it so quiet?
18:32I enrolled him in piano lessons, two hours every evening.
18:36Since when?
18:37He's only in fourth grade.
18:40I didn't answer.
18:41I could smell that perfume on him.
18:44He moved closer, trying to put his arms around me.
18:47I stepped aside.
18:49Why do you smell like perfume?
18:51Who were you having dinner with?
18:54His expression flickered with irritation.
18:57Vivian, here you go again with the suspicion.
18:59I had a business dinner with a client.
19:02Can you not be like this?
19:04It was almost funny.
19:06Only now could I see how terrible his acting had always been.
19:10I walked to the coffee table, opened the drawer, and pulled out an envelope.
19:15Slowly, I laid the photographs across the table, one by one.
19:21Julian's face turned ugly.
19:23He grabbed one photo and threw it back.
19:24You had me followed?
19:27Does it matter?
19:29I smiled slightly.
19:31What matters is, what happens when these photos show up at the board meeting?
19:37Or get sent to your clients?
19:39He collapsed onto the opposite sofa, hands covering his face.
19:43What do you want?
19:45I stared at him.
19:45My voice was flat.
19:47First, fire Chloe Williams.
19:49Guarantee you'll never see her again.
19:52Second, tell me what happened at the hospital nine years ago.
19:55He stood up angry now.
19:56You're crazy.
19:58For a couple of lousy photos?
20:00My voice turned cold.
20:04Julian, don't forget my father built this company from the ground up.
20:08You have everything you have because of me.
20:11What I gave, I can take back.
20:15I almost wavered.
20:17Then I thought of Alan's torn shoes.
20:20I thought of him waiting alone in the rain.
20:22For the sake of our ten years together, and for the sake of our child, if, if you do what
20:28I'm asking, we can move forward.
20:31After all, we still have Alex.
20:34I turned toward the bedroom and returned with a document.
20:37A pregnancy test report.
20:39It showed I was five weeks pregnant.
20:43Julian stared at the report.
20:44Then he looked up at me.
20:47You're pregnant?
20:48I nodded, placing my hand on my stomach.
20:52Five weeks.
20:53The doctor says everything looks stable this time.
20:57His expression shifted constantly.
21:00His throat worked.
21:02His eyes moved between me and the report.
21:05I continued, so, as long as you cut things off with Chloe completely, make her leave the company
21:12and our lives, I can let the past go.
21:15We still have Alex.
21:17And now, we have this baby.
21:20Julian's gaze fell to my stomach.
21:23There was obvious conflict in his eye.
21:26I need, I need to think.
21:29His voice was hoarse.
21:31He turned and went into the bedroom.
21:33The next morning, I drank my coffee and watched Julian emerge with dark circles under his eyes.
21:39I pushed a glass of water toward him.
21:42He took it silently, but didn't look at me.
21:45I've thought it over, Vivian.
21:47We...
21:48Don't bother.
21:49I cut him off, pulling divorce papers from a folder and placing them on the table.
21:55His expression turned furious.
21:58What is this supposed to mean?
21:59We're having another child!
22:02I said coldly,
22:03I told you I was pregnant.
22:06And you needed an entire night to decide whether to break up with her?
22:10Julian stood.
22:12We have a child on the way.
22:14Won't you think about the baby?
22:16Think about Alex?
22:18The child?
22:20I suddenly laughed.
22:21You mean the child I raised for nine years.
22:24Who turns out to be yours and Chloe's?
22:27Julian's face went white.
22:28He stumbled backward, hitting the table.
22:31How did you...
22:32When did you find out?
22:34I held up my phone.
22:36The screen showed a photo of the DNA test results.
22:41I should thank you for that folder on your computer.
22:44Password is Chloe's birthday.
22:46You've been using that for three years, haven't you?
22:49His breathing quickened, taking on a panicked edge.
22:53Let me explain.
22:55My voice stayed calm, edged with mockery.
22:59Explain how you switched the babies when I was giving birth?
23:04Explain how you got Chloe hired at the company?
23:07Or explain how the two of you have been laughing at me behind my back for ten years?
23:13Alan.
23:13I stepped closer.
23:14The funniest part?
23:16The guilt I sometimes saw in your eyes when you looked at Alex.
23:20Were you feeling guilty for deceiving me?
23:23Or guilty for not treating your real son better?
23:26Alan.
23:28Julian suddenly remembered.
23:30His voice dropped to a whisper.
23:32Where's Alan?
23:34I need to see him.
23:35Too late.
23:37I turned and opened the door.
23:39Your son.
23:40No.
23:41My son is somewhere you'll never find him.
23:44Chloe's son is still upstairs asleep, unaware of the choice his real father is facing.
23:49Julian rushed forward and grabbed my arm.
23:52Vivian.
23:53You can't do this.
23:54That's my son.
23:55I shook him off.
23:57From the day you switched those babies, you lost the right to be called a father.
24:01Now get out of my house.
24:02After I closed the door, I heard him pounding on it from outside.
24:06Then the sound of a car engine started.
24:09Driving away, I knew where he was going.
24:12To find Chloe.
24:14To find Alan he'd lost for nine years.
24:16But he wouldn't find Alan.
24:19Three days ago, when the private detective gave me Chloe's file,
24:23I'd already met with Alan again.
24:25I told him the truth.
24:27Alan was surprisingly calm.
24:29Those eyes that looked like mine held a maturity far beyond his years.
24:35I always felt like I wasn't her child.
24:39Otherwise, why would she be willing to just leave me here to fend for myself?
24:46I took his hand.
24:48I told him I would take him away.
24:50We could start over.
24:51He was silent for a long time.
24:53Then he nodded, just slightly.
24:57Yesterday afternoon, he flew out of the country.
25:00My assistant went with him.
25:03There's a good school there.
25:04A house.
25:06A house.
25:06New friends waiting.
25:08Once I finish dealing with things here, I can join my son.
25:12The divorce papers sat on the table for three days.
25:15Finally, Julian came back.
25:17He stood outside the door, dark circles under his eyes, unshaven.
25:23I hadn't seen him look like this in a long time.
25:28Vivian, we need to talk.
25:30I leaned against the door frame in my lounge where I didn't let him in.
25:34The agreement is very clear.
25:37There's nothing to talk about.
25:39He looked defeated.
25:41I can't get divorced.
25:42For the sake of our ten years together.
25:44For the sake of our child.
25:48Which child?
25:49I cut him off with a cold laugh.
25:51The one in those videos?
25:52Or the one upstairs?
25:55Julian's face went white.
25:56A week ago, Chloe had sent me a pile of files.
26:00Videos.
26:01One after another.
26:03Alan crying.
26:04Being beaten.
26:05Locked in a dark room.
26:06In one clip, he was only five or six years old.
26:10He'd spilled milk.
26:12Chloe hit him across the back with a coat hanger.
26:14The email had only one line.
26:18Thank you for raising my son all these years.
26:21I'd watched them all night.
26:23By dawn, I'd thrown up three times.
26:26Julian seemed like he wanted to explain.
26:29Those videos.
26:31Chloe.
26:32She sometimes couldn't control herself.
26:34I laughed coldly.
26:36Alan is your son.
26:37You went to see Chloe every week.
26:40You noticed her new perfume.
26:42Her fresh manicure.
26:44But you never saw the bruises on your son's body?
26:47He had no answer.
26:49I said flatly.
26:50I've already retained a lawyer.
26:52If you won't sign, we'll go to court.
26:56The evidence of the baby switch.
26:58Photos of your affair.
27:00Those videos.
27:02All of it becomes part of the legal record.
27:04His voice dropped.
27:06Are you insane?
27:07The company's about to go public.
27:09Now is not the time.
27:12Before I closed the door, I said one last thing.
27:16So sign.
27:17While I'm still leaving you with some dignity.
27:20The door shut.
27:22He stood outside for a long time before finally leaving.
27:26Three days later, Julian signed the papers.
27:30Four days after the divorce, I saw their wedding photo on Instagram.
27:34Chloe in a white wedding dress.
27:37Julian with his arm around her.
27:39But his expression looked stiff.
27:42The caption read,
27:43Ten years of waiting.
27:46Finally together.
27:48I took a screenshot.
27:50Then I turned off my phone.
27:52That afternoon, Attorney Morrison called.
27:56Mrs. Hart, we have everything we need.
27:58The bank transfers from when they switched the babies.
28:01Communication records between him and Chloe.
28:04The abuse videos.
28:06And medical records.
28:08It's enough to file charges.
28:10Thank you for your work.
28:13Of course.
28:15Are you sure you don't want to see Julian one last time?
28:18He came by the office yesterday.
28:21Asked me to tell you he knows he was wrong.
28:24Too late.
28:25Early the next morning, my plane took off.
28:28My assistant met me at the airport.
28:31Alan's been doing better this week.
28:33He's starting to talk more.
28:36Yesterday, he even asked when you'd arrive.
28:39My heart beat faster.
28:41The car stopped in front of a white house.
28:44In the garden, a thin child was crouched on the ground.
28:47Watching ants.
28:49Alan.
28:50He looked better than in the videos.
28:53But he was still too thin.
28:55Not enough meat on his bones.
28:58Meanwhile, Alex had grown healthy and strong under my careful care.
29:03The thought cut through me like a knife.
29:06I walked over and knelt in front of him.
29:09I'm your mother.
29:11He looked at me for a long time.
29:13Then nodded.
29:15Just slightly.
29:16I carefully put my arms around him.
29:18He didn't pull away.
29:20I'm sorry.
29:22Mom came too late.
29:24He trembled slightly in my arms.
29:26For the next two weeks, I didn't work.
29:30I devoted all my time to him.
29:32I took him to the park.
29:34The first time on the carousel, he gripped the pole so tightly his knuckles turned white.
29:39I took him to the library.
29:41He loved books about stars.
29:44At night, after he fell asleep, I gently stroke his hair.
29:48He still didn't talk much.
29:50But sometimes, he'd smile at me.
29:53At 3 a.m., the bedroom door creaked open, caught by the wind.
29:57The sound of muffled sobbing pierced through me like needles.
30:02I jolted awake.
30:03I knew immediately it was Alan.
30:06I pushed open his door.
30:08Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting shadows across the floor.
30:14His small figure was curled up on the bed.
30:16His hands clutched the blanket, knuckles white.
30:20Cold sweat covered his forehead.
30:22His brow was furrowed deeply.
30:25He kept murmuring.
30:27Mom, no.
30:29Don't lock me in the dark room.
30:32There are rats.
30:33I crossed the room quickly and sat carefully on the edge of the bed.
30:37I gently put my arms around his ice-cold shoulders.
30:40His body went rigid for a moment.
30:42Then he threw himself into my arms like a frightened deer.
30:45His crying was suppressed, desperate.
30:47Tears instantly soaked through my pajamas.
30:50Mom, I'm scared.
30:52That storage room was so dark.
30:56I begged again and again, but no one answered.
31:00The rats crawled on my feet.
31:03My heart felt like it was being cut with a dull knife.
31:07Alan, don't be afraid.
31:09I patted his back again and again, my voice trembling but trying to stay steady.
31:13Mom's here.
31:14No one can lock you up anymore.
31:17The rats won't come.
31:18Mama will protect you.
31:20Silent tears fell onto his hair.
31:22I thought of the videos Chloe had sent.
31:24That child trembling in the darkness.
31:26The marks on his body, old scars and new wounds layered together.
31:31I wanted to tear apart everyone who'd ever hurt him.
31:35When his crying finally exhausted itself, his breathing gradually steadied and gently lifted
31:41his sleeve.
31:43Brownish scars on his arm, ugly as centipedes.
31:47The marks from being hit with a coat hanger.
31:49On his back, a faint bruise.
31:53From when he'd been shoved against the corner of the storage room wall as a small child.
31:58I traced those scars with my fingertips.
32:00My touch as light as if I were afraid of breaking something precious.
32:05Alan shook his head.
32:06Tears still clung to his lashes.
32:08He bit his lip and said quietly,
32:10It doesn't hurt now.
32:11Sometimes I dream about it.
32:13I dream I walked on there again.
32:15Calling for mom.
32:16But mom isn't there.
32:17I'm sorry.
32:18I held him tighter.
32:19Mom came too late.
32:21But from now on, mom will never let anyone hurt you again.
32:24I crossed the room quickly and sat carefully on the edge of the bed.
32:28I gently put my arms around his ice-cold shoulders.
32:31His body went rigid for a moment.
32:33Then he threw himself into my arms like a frightened deer.
32:36His crying was suppressed, desperate.
32:38Tears instantly soaked through my pajamas.
32:41Mom, I'm scared.
32:43That storage room was so dark.
32:47I begged again and again, but no one answered.
32:51The rats crawled on my feet.
32:54My heart felt like it was being cut with a dull knife.
32:58Alan, don't be afraid.
32:59I patted his back again and again, my voice trembling but trying to stay steady.
33:04Mom's here.
33:05No one can lock you up anymore.
33:07The rats won't come.
33:09Mama will protect you.
33:10Silent tears fell onto his hair.
33:12I thought of the videos Chloe had sent.
33:15That child trembling in the darkness.
33:17The marks on his body.
33:18Old scars and new wounds layered together.
33:22I wanted to tear apart everyone who'd ever hurt him.
33:25When his crying finally exhausted itself, his breathing gradually steadied, full and gently lifted his sleeve.
33:33Brownish scars on his arm, ugly as centipedes.
33:37The marks from being hit with a coat hanger.
33:40On his back, a faint bruise.
33:43From when he'd been shoved against the corner of the storage room wall as a small child.
33:48I traced those scars with my fingertips.
33:51My touch as light as if I were afraid of breaking something precious.
33:55Does it hurt?
33:56Alan shook his head.
33:57Tears still clung to his lashes.
33:59He bit his lip and said quietly,
34:00It doesn't hurt now, but sometimes I dream about it.
34:04I dream I'm locked in there again.
34:06Calling for mom, but mom isn't there.
34:08I'm sorry.
34:09I held him tighter.
34:10Mom came too late.
34:11But from now on, mom will never let anyone hurt you again.
34:15That night, I held him on the sofa until dawn.
34:19I told him stories.
34:21About how I used to be afraid of thunder when I was little.
34:25How my father would hold me and count the stars while singing nursery rhymes.
34:30I told him about when I first took over the company.
34:33How the old employees gave me a hard time.
34:36How I cried in the stairwell.
34:38Then dried my tears and went back to negotiate.
34:41I told him about the clumsy intern who spilled coffee all over an important contract and turned poor with fear.
34:50He listened quietly.
34:52Occasionally, he'd lift his head and look at me with those eyes so much like mine and ask,
34:59Were you scared, mom?
35:00Terrified.
35:01Touching his hair.
35:03But I knew that if I just held on, things would get better.
35:06And now I have you, Alan.
35:08I can't afford to be afraid anymore.
35:11He nodded slowly, seeming to understand.
35:13His small hand quietly gripped my finger.
35:17A few days later, I took Alan to the observatory on the outskirts of the city.
35:21We rode a bus through fields of wheat.
35:24The wind carried the scent of grain.
35:26Alan pressed his face against the window, his eyes full of wonder.
35:30When night fell, the observatory dome slowly opened, the sky filled with stars like scattered
35:37diamonds across deep blue velvet, so brilliant you couldn't look away.
35:42The guide pointed at Orion and told the legend of the hunter.
35:46Alan's eyes lit up like stars themselves.
35:50The corner of his mouth slowly curved into a shallow smile.
35:54On the bus ride home, the vehicle swayed gently.
35:57He leaned against my shoulder and said quietly,
36:01Mom, the stars are so far away, but being able to see them, it makes me feel safe.
36:08My heart felt soft.
36:10I knew the trauma buried deep inside him wouldn't disappear after one trip to an observatory.
36:16Like those old scars.
36:17No matter how much care they received, they'd always leave faint marks.
36:22But as long as I stayed with him, warming him bit by bit with love and patience,
36:27the starlight would eventually pierce through the darkness and illuminate the road ahead.
36:33That afternoon, we were making cookies in the kitchen when the doorbell rang.
36:38Jenny went to answer it.
36:39I heard her say,
36:40Mr. Robinson?
36:41The flower sifter slipped from my hands and clattered onto the table.
36:45Through the glass door, I saw Julian standing at the entrance.
36:49His hair was disheveled.
36:51His eyes were sunken.
36:53He was dragging an old suitcase.
36:54Vivian, I've been searching for half a month.
36:57I wiped my hands and walked out of the kitchen, closing the door behind me.
37:01Now you know where we are.
37:02You can leave.
37:03I want to see the child.
37:05Our child.
37:06He looked toward the thin figure in the kitchen.
37:08I keep having dreams.
37:10Dreams of when he was small.
37:11Dreams of Chloe hitting him.
37:12I never knew-
37:13You should have known.
37:14I cut him off.
37:15You just chose not to know.
37:16His gaze dropped to my stomach.
37:17Is the baby still?
37:18I smiled.
37:19For the first time in days, I felt genuinely light.
37:22The baby?
37:23Of course.
37:23I placed my hand on my lower abdomen.
37:25The doctor says everything's fine.
37:28Due next spring.
37:29His face turned ugly.
37:30His emotions suddenly became agitated.
37:33He lunged toward me.
37:34I stepped aside.
37:35He stumbled and crashed into the entryway cabinet.
37:38Vivian, I need to see my son.
37:40You can't do this.
37:41I looked at him and laughed coldly.
37:43Julian, what you should be worrying about isn't where Alan is.
37:47It's whether your son can even be born safely.
37:51If you want your son born safely, deal with Chloe first.
37:55Settle your mess yourselves.
37:56I shoved him out the door.
37:58Just looking at him now made me feel sick.
38:00As I closed the door, I saw Julian slumped on the ground, hands pulling at his hair.
38:05He looked truly pathetic.
38:07Fine.
38:08Let them tear each other apart.
38:10Let the dogs fight it out themselves.
38:12Soon after, attorney Morrison called.
38:15Mrs. Hart, it's gotten ugly.
38:16The result isn't ideal.
38:17Apparently, Julian and Chloe had already divorced, and now they were facing each other in court.
38:23Chloe was hysterical on the stand, exposing everything.
38:27How Julian had used his position to transfer money to her over the years.
38:31How he'd promised to divorce me and marry her.
38:35How his attitude had changed the moment he learned I was pregnant.
38:39I gripped my phone, listening.
38:41My expression stayed calm.
38:43However, Julian managed to pin all the blame on Chloe.
38:46He claimed she coerced him into switching the babies.
38:49The trial lasted two full days.
38:52In the end, Chloe was convicted of child abduction, document forgery, and corporate fraud.
38:58Multiple charges, sentenced to three years.
39:01Julian, meanwhile, came out clean.
39:04He cried in court, claiming he too was a victim.
39:07That Chloe had manipulated him for ten years.
39:10It sounded absurd, but the judge believed it.
39:14Or rather, Julian's lawyer was that good.
39:17Before hanging up, Attorney Morrison said softly,
39:21Mrs. Hart, I'm sorry this wasn't the result we hoped for.
39:25Okay, honey, can we time?
39:27If you'd like, we can proceed to the next phase of planning.
39:30I cut him off.
39:31It's enough.
39:31At least I have my child back.
39:33Alan was doing homework.
39:34I walked over to him.
39:36Alan, Mom made the bad people pay for what they did.
39:40But maybe not enough.
39:42Are you angry with me?
39:44He looked up.
39:45Mom, I know who treated me well and who didn't.
39:48I keep track.
39:49I keep track.
39:51I covered my mouth.
39:53Tears spilled over.
39:54He lowered his head and went back to his writing.
39:57Then added quietly,
39:59You look ugly when you cry.
40:01I laughed through my tears.
40:04These past days, I'd been desperately trying to make up for ten years of missing maternal love.
40:10I transferred company shares into a trust fund in his name.
40:14He was still young, but I knew what that security meant.
40:17I enrolled him in the best international academy in the city.
40:21The principal frowned when he looked at Alan's previous report cards.
40:25For ten years, Chloe had barely supervised his studies.
40:30She'd practically left him to fend for himself.
40:33His coursework had fallen far behind his peers.
40:36I hired three private tutors, math, language arts, technology, rotating in shifts.
40:44Alan worked hard, studying late into the night, every night.
40:48One night past midnight, I brought him warm milk.
40:52I found him asleep at his desk, pen still clutched in his hand.
40:56I didn't wake him.
40:58I just gently draped a blanket over his shoulders.
41:01Friday afternoon, I went to pick up Alan from school.
41:05Parents crowded the school gates.
41:08Alan ran out with his new backpack.
41:10His face flushed from exercise.
41:13Mom!
41:14I passed my math quiz today!
41:16I was reaching for his test paper when I caught a glimpse of a figure through the cafe window across
41:21the street.
41:22Julian, sitting in the corner.
41:23His chin covered in dark stubble.
41:25Haggard.
41:26Nothing like the confident company executive he used to be.
41:29Alan followed my gaze.
41:30I squeezed his hand.
41:33Let's go home.
41:34We'd barely turned around when I heard rushed footsteps behind us.
41:38Julian had crossed the street and now stood blocking our path.
41:42Vivian, can we talk?
41:44I gestured for Alan to get in the car first.
41:47Then I looked at the man in front of me.
41:49We have nothing to talk about.
41:51I've dealt with everything.
41:52He spoke urgently, like he was trying to prove something.
41:56I've dealt with everything.
41:58I've cut ties with her completely.
42:01I couldn't help but laugh.
42:03Julian, Chloe's in prison because my lawyer put her there.
42:07What does that have to do with you?
42:11A canchulisman of anagult.
42:14Weren't you the one crying on the witness stand?
42:16Playing the victim?
42:18His face darkened.
42:19I know I was wrong, Vivian.
42:22For the sake of our child.
42:24May his sake.
42:25Please forgive me this once.
42:29Our child?
42:31His gaze fell to my stomach.
42:34Yes, our child.
42:35I smoothed the wrinkles in my coat, taking my time.
42:38Oh, that?
42:40That was fake.
42:43Julian froze.
42:45His eyes went wide.
42:46I met his stare calmly.
42:48Pregnancy report report was forward.
42:50I just wanted to see what choice you did make.
42:53I stepped forward, letting him get a clear look at my flat abdomen.
42:58It's been months.
43:00If I were really pregnant, I'd be showing by now, wouldn't I?
43:04His gaze lingered on my stomach for a long time.
43:08It doesn't matter.
43:09We don't need that baby.
43:10We still have Alan.
43:12We still have ten years of history between us.
43:14I cut him off.
43:15Wake up.
43:15Stop dreaming.
43:17He acted like he hadn't heard me.
43:19Suddenly, he seemed to remember something.
43:21He pulled a velvet box from his briefcase.
43:23Look.
43:24This is the gift I bought for your 30th birthday.
43:28The company was struggling financially that year.
43:30I couldn't bring myself to give it to you.
43:32Then a second box.
43:33A third.
43:35He laid them all on the ground.
43:38This one's from our seventh anniversary.
43:41This one's from when we first moved into the house.
43:44This one.
43:45This one?
43:47The small velvet boxes formed a line on the pavement.
43:51I bought one every year.
43:52I just never gave them to you.
43:54Now I'm giving them I'm them all to you.
43:56He looked up, eyes red.
43:57Please, give me one more chance.
43:59I crouched down and opened the nearest box.
44:02Inside was a diamond necklace.
44:04The pendant shaped like an iris.
44:07My favorite flower.
44:09Once upon a time, I would have been overjoyed by a gift like this.
44:14I would have worn it proudly, holding his arm at every gala, showing off my happiness.
44:19Now, I just felt sick.
44:21I stood up and placed the necklace back in the box.
44:25Julian, I loved you once.
44:28When I didn't hear from you, I would lie awake all night.
44:31When I cooked soup and delivered it to your office when you were working late.
44:35When you said, baby, thank you for everything you do for me.
44:38At that moment, I felt it was all worth it.
44:40I set the box at his feet.
44:41That one who loved you most?
44:43She's long gone.
44:45These gifts are no different from garbage to me now.
44:48Something in his expression shifted.
44:50The desperation vanished, replaced by something darker.
44:53You think you've won?
44:54His voice turned sharp, bitter.
44:56Do you know how hard I've worked to get where I am?
44:58And lavened?
44:59Love, that's you know how hard I've worked to get where I am?
45:02I came from Toxer Skalv Tumihi and Nobethes Lovman.
45:06I came from nothing, Vivian.
45:08Nothing.
45:08I didn't say anything.
45:09The man who pretended to be a devoted husband finally revealed his true colors.
45:15I married into your family.
45:17Do you know what that's like?
45:18Being called the man who married up?
45:21Having everyone whisper that I'm living off my wife?
45:23His hands clenched into fists.
45:25I worked myself to the bone for that company.
45:27For you.
45:29For this family.
45:30Are you finished?
45:31My voice stayed flat.
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