- 3 weeks ago
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00:00My husband left our five-year-old twins to die, all because they dared upset his precious first love.
00:07The men from the behavior correction camp burst into our home.
00:11Kathleen and I found them the next day.
00:13My girls, lifeless and bruised.
00:17Their breaths stilled forever.
00:19Meanwhile, my husband was on Instagram, celebrating the pregnancy of his beloved.
00:25By the time we reached the hospital, there were no signs of life.
00:29They didn't even take the girls to the ER, they went straight to the morgue.
00:33My eyes were vacant as I looked at Kathleen.
00:36My babies are gone. I have nothing left.
00:41Please let me go. I don't want anything.
00:46Kathleen's eyes were filled with pity, but she still spoke softly, trying to comfort me.
00:52It's going to be okay. Don't worry, Grandfather and I are on your side.
00:57James was wrong this time.
00:59I'll make sure he comes to apologize.
01:03In the future, you too.
01:07Before Kathleen could finish, I held my phone in front of her.
01:12It showed a post James Coleman had made on Instagram just two hours ago.
01:17The attached picture was a sonogram, clearly showing Emily Green, six weeks pregnant.
01:24Emily was James Coleman's beloved.
01:27Kathleen's voice cut off abruptly.
01:30After a moment, her face flushed with anger.
01:37I gave a bitter laugh and directly dialed James' number.
01:46He answered, irritation dripping from his voice.
01:49Are you calling to complain about the camp again?
01:53No one would dare lay a finger on a Coleman child.
01:57I just sent them there to learn some discipline.
02:00Do you have to keep calling me?
02:03You disgust me.
02:04I didn't say a word.
02:06James hung up on the other end.
02:09The phone was on speaker.
02:11Every word landed clearly in Kathleen's ears.
02:14Her face turned ashen.
02:17Her lips trembled for a long moment, as if she no longer knew how to console me.
02:22I tried to force a smile, but tears fell in heavy drops.
02:36Just as Kathleen was about to speak, two police officers approached us.
02:43Are you the family of the deceased?
02:46The individual responsible for the camp have been detained.
02:50We need your cooperation with the investigation.
02:54At the police station, I saw the men who had come to take my daughters.
02:59I lost all control.
03:01Screaming and sobbing, I lunged at them.
03:06You monsters!
03:08You're all monsters!
03:10They were only five!
03:12How could you?
03:14How dare you?
03:17The officers quickly pulled me back.
03:20Kathleen wrapped her arms around my shaking body.
03:25Sophie, don't.
03:26It's okay.
03:28The police will handle this fairly.
03:31With the Coleman name behind us, they won't get away with it.
03:34Perhaps frightened by my frenzy, the men shrank into a corner, one of them muttering.
03:40You should have taught your kids better yourself.
03:44That's just how we run the camp.
03:46No discipline, no results.
03:50Who knew your girls were so fragile?
03:53What bad luck.
03:55My hand trembled as I pointed at them.
03:58Rage threatened to tear me apart.
04:00I'll tear you all to pieces!
04:04A metallic taste rose in my throat.
04:07I coughed violently, vomiting a mouthful of blood before darkness swallowed me.
04:13I woke up in the Coleman family estate.
04:16Kathleen sat by my bed, her eyes red-rimmed.
04:20Sophie, you're awake.
04:22Don't worry, we've handled things with the police.
04:26We won't let those monsters get away this time.
04:30I stared emptily at the ceiling.
04:34Please, let me go.
04:37I have nothing.
04:39Deep down, I knew.
04:41Those monsters at the camp were guilty.
04:44But the root cause was James.
04:47He was the one who sent our daughters to that hell.
04:50The real culprit wasn't those men.
04:53It was their own father, James.
04:56Kathleen's shoulders shook.
04:59Then, as if making a decision, she spoke softly.
05:03Oh, right.
05:04I'll talk to Grandfather.
05:06Watching her leave, I finally broke down, sobbing as if to cry out all the grievances of these years.
05:13I came to the Coleman household when I was eight, the same age as James.
05:19The Grandpa Coleman and my grandfather were comrades in arms.
05:23My grandfather had saved Grandpa Coleman's life on the battlefield.
05:27Theirs was truly a bond forged in life and death.
05:31My parents died in an accident shortly after I was born.
05:35I was raised by my grandfather until he passed away when I was eight.
05:40Then, Grandpa Coleman took me in.
05:42Over the years, he and Kathleen treated me exceptionally well.
05:47They truly saw me as family, as one of their own.
05:51That's why, for seven years of our marriage, no matter how awful James was, I stayed.
05:58I bore his children and took care of everything at home.
06:02I thought, even without love, having my two precious girls would give my life meaning.
06:08But now, I had nothing.
06:10I don't know how much time passed before Kathleen returned.
06:15Grandfather wants to see you.
06:17The Grandpa Coleman sat in the recliner by his bed.
06:21His eyes held deep sorrow when he looked at me.
06:24You're a good kid, Sophie.
06:27I've heard everything from Kathleen.
06:30I'm sorry you've suffered so much all these years.
06:34The girls will be cremated tomorrow.
06:37After that, you can leave if you wish.
06:39My idiot grandson doesn't deserve you.
06:42He shouldn't hold you back any longer.
06:44I didn't speak.
06:45I simply bowed deeply to him.
06:49Tears fell onto the hardwood floor as I bent over.
06:52I was grateful for over 20 years of care from the Coleman family.
06:56But I could never forgive James.
06:59He was the murderer who killed my children.
07:02When I returned to my room, James was already there.
07:06He looked at me with scorn.
07:08What?
07:10Couldn't wait to run to Grandfather and Tattle.
07:13Sophie.
07:16Do you really think licking my grandfather and sister's boots will make me settle down with you?
07:22The sight of him flooded me with hatred.
07:25I wanted to kill him right then.
07:28Send him to hell.
07:29But then, I heard my daughter's soft, sweet voices in my mind.
07:35Mommy, I love Daddy so much.
07:37Daddy is the handsomest Daddy in our kindergarten.
07:41Mommy, we miss Daddy.
07:42Daddy, will Daddy come play with us today?
07:45We love Mommy the most in the whole world and Daddy second.
07:50Even when I rushed into the camp to save them, their last words before losing consciousness were,
07:57Mommy, please don't fight with Daddy because of us.
08:01It's our fault.
08:03We weren't behaving.
08:06I took a deep breath, ignored James, and walked straight to the bed to sit down.
08:12My silence seemed to anger him.
08:15He grabbed me, flung me onto the bed, and pinned my wrists above my head.
08:20What game are you playing now?
08:22Didn't you have Kathleen call me back?
08:24He leaned down, trying to kiss me.
08:27Unable to break free, I bit his lip hard.
08:31James recoiled in pain, letting go and sitting up.
08:35Sophie, are you out of your mind?
08:37You make me sick with this innocent act.
08:40Is this how you've got Grandfather wrapped around your finger?
08:43You force me back, then play hard to get.
08:47Pathetic.
08:48It's because of your phony attitude that the girls turned out.
08:51I bit my lower lip until I tasted blood, then interrupted him softly.
08:56The girls are dead.
08:58James stiffened, then let out a scoff.
09:02Sophie, you'll really say anything.
09:04Just because you found out about Emily's pregnancy today, you go this far with your lies?
09:09With that, he got up and headed for the door.
09:12He paused before vanishing behind it.
09:15You're the one who pushed me away.
09:17Don't go crying to Grandfather about me neglecting you.
09:20It only makes me despise you more.
09:22After James left, the room fell silent.
09:25I rushed to the bathroom and brushed my teeth violently, trying to erase any trace of him from my lips.
09:32James and I were once in love.
09:35On my 18th birthday, James stood before me, his ears bright red.
09:40Sophie, I want to treat you right.
09:45I don't want to just be your adopted brother.
09:47His cheeks were flushed, but the determination in his eyes was captivating.
09:52My heart melted completely.
09:55For years after, James treated me like a treasure, and I gave him all my love in return.
10:01Then, when we were 22, Grandpa Coleman called us to him.
10:06You're both of marrying age now.
10:09Sophie, your grandfather saved my life.
10:12I wouldn't feel at ease seeing you marry into another family.
10:16What do you think of James here?
10:18From that day on, James' attitude toward me changed drastically.
10:24All that tender love seemed to vanish overnight.
10:28I didn't understand what happened.
10:30James never gave me a reason.
10:32A year into our marriage, I got pregnant.
10:36After that, James was almost never home, openly flaunting his relationship with his crush.
10:42I confronted him, fought with him, but James would just look at me coldly, as if I were a madwoman.
10:50You got what you wanted.
10:52You're a Coleman wife, and you've born Coleman children.
10:56What more are you fussing about?
10:58Stop pretending to be the confront of me.
11:00It's disgusting.
11:01So I stopped asking for reasons.
11:04I focused on raising my two girls.
11:07I accepted it.
11:08James didn't love me, and he didn't love our children.
11:12But luckily, my daughters were sweet and well-behaved.
11:17I always thought watching them grow up would be enough happiness for me.
11:22Now, I'd lost them too.
11:24Early the next morning, after the cremation and burial, I stood outside the funeral home, holding two small urns.
11:32They were so tiny when they were born, lying quietly in my arms.
11:38How, after five years, could they be even smaller and lighter?
11:43My eyes stung, but I bit my lip, refusing to let the tears fall.
11:49Kathleen watched me with concern.
11:52If it hurts, just cry.
11:55Don't hold it in.
11:56I didn't answer her.
11:58Instead, I looked at Grandpa Coleman, who was about to get into the car for the cemetery.
12:04Grandpa, the girls won't be buried in the Coleman family plot.
12:08I'm changing their last names.
12:11They aren't Coleman children.
12:13They're my daughters.
12:15The old man looked at me deeply, then erupted in fury.
12:19Where is that ungrateful son of mine?
12:24On a day like today, where has he disappeared to?
12:31Kathleen glanced at me nervously and whispered.
12:34His phone is off.
12:35We can't reach him.
12:37Grandpa Coleman shut his eyes tightly.
12:40When he opened them, his gaze was clear.
12:43They are your children, born from your pain.
12:47Do as you see fit.
12:48I bowed to him.
12:50Three times.
12:52I owed this man my everything.
12:54But that debt had nothing to do with my children.
12:58I couldn't let them suffer any more indignity.
13:01Even in death.
13:02After Grandpa left by car, Kathleen gently helped me up.
13:07Sophie.
13:08I gave her a faint smile, hailed a taxi, and headed straight home, the two urns in my arms.
13:15I needed to pack the girls' things, too.
13:18That house had never truly been their home.
13:21I wouldn't leave them in that cold, heartless place.
13:24But as soon as I opened the door, passionate moans filled my ears.
13:30Oh, stop.
13:31I'm pregnant.
13:33The doctor said we shouldn't.
13:34Then a man's voice, rough with desire.
13:38I'll be gentle.
13:40It's fine.
13:41I'd never hurt our baby.
13:43Soon, the sounds of their intimacy filled the house.
13:48They were in the bedroom.
13:49I couldn't go in to pack.
13:51I just stood frozen by the door, torturing myself by listening to the obscene noises.
13:56I didn't know how long it was before they finally emerged.
14:00The moment Emily saw me, triumph flashed in her eyes.
14:04Oh, Sophie, you're back?
14:06Why didn't you say anything?
14:08We had no idea.
14:09It's all James' fault.
14:11I told him not to, but he insisted.
14:14What could I do?
14:15James stood beside Emily, his arm around her waist.
14:19No need to explain to her.
14:22She's nobody.
14:24Come on.
14:25Let's go.
14:26We have a doctor's appointment for the check-up.
14:29Our baby needs to be healthy and safe.
14:31From start to finish, James didn't look at me once.
14:35His eyes were only for Emily.
14:38I stepped aside, calmly making way for them.
14:42As they passed, James finally noticed the urns in my arms.
14:47What's that garbage?
14:48It looks filthy.
14:50Throw it out!
14:51With that, he walked out with Emily, arm in arm.
14:55I looked down blankly at the urns.
14:58Daddy wasn't talking about you.
15:01Don't be sad.
15:03You're mommy's treasure.
15:05You're not garbage.
15:07After carefully setting down the urns, I began packing the girls' belongings.
15:13Clothes, toys, utensils, crayons.
15:17At the small desk in their room, I found a family photo, but it only showed me and the girls,
15:24not James.
15:25My hand shook as I took the picture out of its frame.
15:28The girls had drawn a man beside us in crayon.
15:32In their clumsy handwriting, they had written three words.
15:35Daddy loves mommy, followed by a tiny heart.
15:40I couldn't hold back any longer.
15:42Clutching the photo, I wept, bitterly.
15:45In the five years I raised them alone, no matter what happened between James and me,
15:51I never spoke ill of him to our daughters.
15:54But children are perceptive.
15:56They could see clearly that daddy didn't love mommy.
16:00By nightfall, I had finally packed everything.
16:03I watched the movers load the boxes onto the truck.
16:07Anything else, Mrs. Coleman?
16:09I shook my head, then went back inside and placed the half-signed divorce papers on the coffee table.
16:17Leaving the house, I held the two urns tightly.
16:20A strange sense of peace settled over me.
16:24After a moment of silence, I took out my phone's SIM card, snapped it in half, and tossed it out
16:30the car window.
16:32Meanwhile, at Street Mary's Hospital, Grandpa Coleman and Kathleen, having gotten word, arrived and intercepted James and Emily during their
16:41checkup.
16:41Seeing them, James' face instantly darkened.
16:46Can't Sophie be any more disgusted?
16:49Playing the quiet, forgiving wife at home, then calling you to chase us down at the hospital.
16:55Before he could finish, the old man slapped him hard across the face.
17:00You heartless wretch.
17:03You killed your own children, and you have the nerve to bring your mistress here for a checkup.
17:09How did our family produce such a monster?
17:13James staggered, almost losing his balance.
17:16What are you talking about?
17:18Emily had shrunk behind James the moment she saw them.
17:22But Kathleen was faster.
17:24She grabbed a fistful of Emily's hair.
17:26You shameless bitch.
17:28How dare you hide?
17:30Do you know how old my nieces were?
17:32Five.
17:32What terrible crime did they commit that you couldn't tolerate them?
17:36How could you be so cruel?
17:38Are you even human?
17:39Emily cried out in pain as she fell.
17:42James helped her up, glaring at his sister.
17:45What are you doing?
17:47She's pregnant!
17:49What if something happens to the baby?
17:52Fine!
17:55You want to know what happened?
17:57I just took Emily home that day, and the girls started screaming for her to get out.
18:05Is that any way for children to treat a guest?
18:09I'm their father.
18:12What's wrong with sending them somewhere more suitable?
18:18Can't I discipline my own children?
18:23All right, fine.
18:25If you're so against it, I'll bring them back from the camp.
18:29You don't have to help Sophie lie to me.
18:31Saying the girls are dead?
18:33How can you even say that?
18:35The old man couldn't take it anymore.
18:37He began slapping James relentlessly.
18:40She's a mistress!
18:42What kind of guest is that?
18:43You fool!
18:45You brought your mistress home, and the girls were protecting their mother!
18:49What's wrong with that?
18:50That's true Coleman spirit!
18:52James, not daring to hit back against his elderly grandfather, could only duck and dodge.
18:59Stop it.
19:01People are watching.
19:02Have some respect!
19:04The old man shot James a painful look, as if he didn't recognize his own grandson.
19:10If I'd known you'd become this kind of cold-hearted beast, I never would have let Sophie marry you.
19:16Then she wouldn't have suffered all these years, and my granddaughters wouldn't be dead.
19:22Tears stream down the old man's wrinkled face.
19:25How you've treated Sophie?
19:27How will I ever face her grandfather in the afterlife?
19:31She was his only treasure.
19:33His mind flashed to the image of Sophie earlier that day, bowing before him.
19:38She was cradling the two small urns, her frail body trembling, but her voice was steel.
19:45Maybe it's for the best.
19:46Leaving is for the best.
19:48Then she won't have to suffer this humiliation anymore.
19:51I'm the one who held her back.
19:53The old man couldn't bear to look at James any longer.
19:57He turned to leave.
19:58Don't bother coming home.
20:00The Coleman family has no room for an ungrateful bastard like you.
20:03Seeing his grandfather's serious expression, James began to shake uncontrollably.
20:09Clinging to a sliver of hope, he looked at Kathleen.
20:12Tell me, what is grandfather talking about?
20:15Are you all lying to me?
20:17Is this some conspiracy?
20:19Kathleen took a deep breath, remembering the nearly broken woman at the police station.
20:25Tears fell from her eyes.
20:26You sent them to that place.
20:28That camp only knows punishment.
20:30They tied the girls to chairs.
20:32They beat them with belts.
20:33Electric heated them with tasers.
20:35Starved them.
20:36Denied them water.
20:37By the time we got there, it was too late.
20:40James, the girls are gone.
20:42Sophie has left.
20:43The freedom and happiness you wanted to chase.
20:45No one is standing in your way now.
20:47Without another glance at James, she turned and followed their grandfather.
20:52James' mind buzzed.
20:55Instinctively, he moved to chase after them.
20:58But Emily grabbed his arm.
21:00James, where are you going?
21:02James turned.
21:04Extreme panic had stripped him of reason.
21:06I need to find my girls!
21:09I need to find Sophie!
21:11Didn't you hear?
21:12Gone!
21:12They're gone!
21:13Emily was startled by his outburst, but instinct told her not to let him leave.
21:19James, I'm pregnant.
21:21Remember, we're going to have our own baby soon.
21:24You didn't love Sophie or the twins.
21:28Isn't this perfect now?
21:30Now, we can finally be together openly.
21:34Before she could finish, James violently shook off her hand.
21:39Who do you think you are?
21:41Leave my family out of your filthy mouth!
21:45Caught off guard, Emily was thrown to the ground.
21:48James didn't spare her a glance.
21:50He turned to leave.
21:51Emily clutched her stomach, crying out in pain.
21:55James!
21:56My stomach!
21:58It hurts so much!
22:00But through her blurry vision, she only saw James walking further and further away.
22:07The man who used to fret over her slightest frown now stormed away, ignoring her desperate calls.
22:14James drove straight home.
22:16Stepping inside, he froze.
22:19The house was empty, devoid of all traces of life.
22:23In that moment, it hit him.
22:25Sophie was really gone.
22:27Stumbling, James opened every door.
22:31Master bedroom.
22:32Guest room.
22:33Study.
22:34Walk-in closet.
22:36Finally, the girls' room.
22:39There.
22:40His legs gave way, and he collapsed to the floor.
22:44Now he understood.
22:46That's why Sophie's eyes last night were filled with such disappointment and hatred.
22:52Suddenly, he remembered.
22:53When he left the house today, Sophie was holding two dull-colored containers.
22:59Those were...
23:00Those were the girls' ashes!
23:02And what had he said?
23:04What's that garbage?
23:06It looks filthy!
23:08Throw it out!
23:09An invisible hand seemed to tighten around James's throat.
23:13He couldn't breathe.
23:14A memory surfaced.
23:16The girls' fifth birthday.
23:18Under grandfather's pressure, he had, for once, taken them to the amusement park with Sophie.
23:26His younger daughter had stood shyly before him, looking up.
23:30Daddy, you're not busy with work today.
23:33I'm so happy.
23:35Thank you for spending my birthday with me.
23:38His older daughter had cautiously taken his hand.
23:41Daddy, thank you coming here with us.
23:44Mommy was right.
23:46Daddy is the best daddy in the whole world.
23:49James fell forward, clutching his chest, gasping for air.
23:54They...
23:55They were so sweet.
23:56Yet on that day, when he locked them in the car for the camp, what had he said?
24:02Disgusting brats!
24:04Is this how your mother taught you to treat guests?
24:07You're just as rude as her!
24:09Tears streamed down James's face, hitting the floor.
24:13Through his blurred vision, he saw a photograph on the floor.
24:17He scrambled over on hands and knees, picking it up with trembling fingers.
24:23It was...
24:24A photo of Sophie and the girls.
24:27Next to them, drawn in crayon, was a stick figure.
24:31Above it, in wobbly letters, Daddy.
24:35All his emotions finally found an outlet.
24:39James sobbed uncontrollably.
24:41Sophie had left nothing behind except for this one photo.
24:45She hated him.
24:47So she left him nothing to remember him by.
24:50James pulled out his phone, frantically dialing Sophie's number.
24:54Over and over.
24:56But no matter how many times he called, all he heard was the automated message.
25:01The subscriber you have dialed is not in service.
25:04His heart felt like it was plummeting into a bottomless abyss.
25:08Sinking deeper until all sounds ceased.
25:12Only then did James realize.
25:14All these years, Sophie had always been within his sight.
25:19Whenever he looked up, she was there with their daughters.
25:22She had never, for a moment, been truly lost to him.
25:27But now, she was done waiting.
25:30So she left, and he would never find her again.
25:33From their first meeting at eight, to now, twenty-one years, it was always Sophie who accommodated him.
25:42It was him.
25:43He was the one who kept failing her, who ultimately killed their children.
25:47James couldn't bear to think further.
25:50He wiped his tears clumsily, staggered to his feet, left the house, and drove straight to the family estate.
25:57At the estate, Kathleen and the old man sat silently in the vast living room, holding the girls' baby photos,
26:05tears in their eyes.
26:06Seeing James, Kathleen's voice was sharp.
26:10Weren't you told not to come back?
26:12What are you doing here?
26:14Get out!
26:15James ignored her.
26:17He knelt directly before his grandfather, his voice hoarse.
26:21Grandfather, please, tell me where Sophie is.
26:25The old man acted as if he hadn't heard, continuing to gently wipe the photo frame, a tender smile on
26:32his face.
26:34Kathleen couldn't stand it.
26:35She slapped James hard.
26:37What right do you have to ask about Sophie?
26:41How many times have I tried to talk to you over the years?
26:45If I were Sophie, I'd want to kill you!
26:48James was her brother.
26:49Seeing him like this pained her.
26:52But for seven years, she had pleaded with James to treat Sophie better.
26:57He never listened, instead, blaming everything on Sophie.
27:01He had accused her of tattling, of using the family to pressure him.
27:07Kathleen had even confronted Emily, but Emily would just run to James.
27:12She still remembered the time James exploded.
27:15If you bother Emily again, I'll never come home.
27:19You all adore Sophie so much.
27:23Fine.
27:24I'll let her live like a widow forever.
27:27Kathleen's tears fell.
27:29She couldn't forgive James.
27:31And she couldn't forgive herself.
27:33Those girls were so sweet.
27:35Always following her, calling...
27:38Ollie, Kathleen!
27:39Auntie Kathleen!
27:40Always saving treats or toys for her.
27:43James endured the slap, scrambling to explain.
27:47I didn't mean to.
27:49I really didn't.
27:51I just thought the girls were being bad.
27:53I wanted to teach them a lesson.
27:55Kathleen grabbed a cup from the side table and hurled it.
27:58It struck James' forehead, opening a gash.
28:02Blood dripped down.
28:04You didn't mean to.
28:05How dare you say that?
28:08Search your heart.
28:09Were those girls really bad?
28:12For five years, Sophie raised them alone.
28:15Can you honestly say she didn't raise them well?
28:17Were you punishing the girls or were you punishing Sophie?
28:20What did Sophie ever do wrong?
28:22Blood trickled down his face, but James seemed not to feel it.
28:28I didn't mean to treat her badly.
28:31I just didn't want to live a life controlled by all of you.
28:35I'm the only son of the Coleman family.
28:37Since I was a child, you've managed everything.
28:42I need permission for every little thing.
28:45Even my marriage.
28:49Even my marriage was arranged.
28:54Sophie's grandfather saved grandpa.
28:57So I became the repayment.
29:01I had to marry Sophie.
29:03By the end, James was sobbing too hard to speak.
29:08The old man let out a cold laugh,
29:11looking at James as if at a stranger.
29:13We arranged it.
29:16We forced you to repay a debt.
29:19In my eyes, you were never good enough for Sophie.
29:24It was you who confessed to her.
29:27You who pursued her first.
29:30I merely agreed to the marriage.
29:34It was your own choice.
29:37How did it become our arrangement?
29:40James, you are no true Coleman.
29:43You have no background.
29:46Even now, you're still trying to shift flame.
29:50James froze.
29:52Then, slowly, he crumpled to the floor, weeping bitterly.
29:58He was right.
29:59He had fallen for Sophie first.
30:02He had pursued her.
30:03So why did everything change once Grandfather and Kathleen got involved?
30:09It was true.
30:11He resented it.
30:12He hated his controlled life.
30:14He hated that even his marriage felt like a transaction to repay his grandfather's debt.
30:19But there were so many ways he could have rebelled.
30:22Why did he choose to wreck his marriage?
30:25James crawled on hands and knees to his grandfather's feet, clutching his pant legs between sobs.
30:32James, I made a serious mistake.
30:34I know that now.
30:37Please, Grandpa.
30:39I'm begging you.
30:43Tell me where Sophie is.
30:46The old man didn't look at him.
30:48He stood, swaying slightly, and headed upstairs.
30:52Sophie doesn't want to see you.
30:54James stopped mid-kowtow.
30:57No one knew what he was thinking.
31:00After a long while, James stumbled to his feet, mumbling.
31:05I'll find her myself.
31:08I will.
31:09I knew nothing of the chaos in the Coleman family.
31:13After leaving, I took my girls to Florida.
31:16They hated the cold.
31:18So I chose Florida, a place where it never snows.
31:21The month since leaving had brought me an unprecedented peace.
31:26Today, as I was cleaning the girls' photos, a frantic knocking came at the door.
31:32I opened it to find a familiar figure kneeling.
31:36Sophie.
31:38I've come to take you and our babies home.
31:41I didn't want to engage.
31:43I tried to shut the door, but James shoved his hand against the frame, stopping it.
31:49Please, Sophie.
31:53Just let me talk to you.
31:56I paused.
31:58James, go away.
31:59I have nothing to say to you.
32:02Seeing me respond, James straightened up on his knees.
32:07I'm not leaving.
32:09Not unless you come with me.
32:11I haven't signed the divorce papers.
32:13You're still my wife.
32:16Let's go home together.
32:17I looked down at the man kneeling before me.
32:20Go home for what?
32:22To watch you and Emily in our bed?
32:24To see you sweat over her?
32:26Or should I go back as Emily's maid?
32:28Help her through her pregnancy?
32:29Isn't she pregnant?
32:31James flinched, rushing to deny it.
32:33No, it's not like that.
32:36I made Emily terminate the pregnancy.
32:38I ended things with her.
32:40I'll be good to you from now on.
32:42I let out a scornful laugh.
32:46So what?
32:47She got rid of a fetus, and suddenly your betrayal never happened.
32:52The harm you did to our girls never happened.
32:55She destroys an unborn embryo, and that brings my children back?
33:02If you felt even a shred of guilt for me and the girls, you wouldn't be here bothering me today.
33:09James' face went deathly pale.
33:12His lips moved, but no sound came out.
33:16My tears fell heavily.
33:18James, you killed my children.
33:22What makes you think I'd ever go back with you?
33:25My tears landed on his hand.
33:27He jerked back as if they burned him.
33:30No, Sophie, listen to me.
33:32I really didn't mean it.
33:34They were my daughters, too.
33:37How could I ever want to hurt them?
33:38What happened was an accident.
33:40I swear, I didn't mean-
33:42I'd heard enough.
33:44Enough!
33:45They were not your children!
33:49James, every word out of your mouth makes me sick.
33:54You didn't know you didn't mean to.
33:56Will those words bring my babies back?
33:59How dare you come here asking for forgiveness?
34:02James' eyes were bloodshot.
34:05After a long silence, he whispered,
34:08I'm sorry.
34:09His apology made me laugh bitterly.
34:12And?
34:13James looked up.
34:14A flicker of hope in his eyes.
34:17Sophie, I was confused before.
34:19I was stubborn, felt like I was just a tool for repaying a debt.
34:22That's why I did those terrible things.
34:23I know I was wrong at once.
34:25If you ever could give me one chance, we're still young.
34:27We can have more children.
34:29I couldn't take it anymore.
34:30I slapped him hard across the face.
34:33Even now, you're trampling on my feelings.
34:36You resented the family's control.
34:38There were so many things you could have rebelled against.
34:42Why choose our marriage?
34:43James!
34:45Did you think I was just that easy to bully?
34:49Tears streamed down James' face.
34:52He was speechless.
34:53I tried to smile, but tears fell anyway.
34:57James, if you're truly sorry, then let me go.
35:01Let our children go.
35:03Without another look at him, I slammed the door shut.
35:07I don't know when James left.
35:09The next morning, when I opened the door, no one was there.
35:13Only the divorce papers lay on the doorstep.
35:17In the end, James had signed them.
35:19Once the divorce was finalized, I returned to handle the formalities.
35:24After getting the certificate, Kathleen and I sat in a cafe.
35:29An awkward silence between us.
35:31From Kathleen, I learned what had happened since.
35:35The behavior correction camp had been shut down by authorities.
35:39Hundreds of children were rescued.
35:42Those responsible were convicted.
35:44After returning from Florida, James stopped going to work.
35:48He stayed home, drowning himself in alcohol.
35:51He was found passed out at home.
35:53Kathleen forced him to the hospital.
35:55The doctors said he had severe psychological issues requiring long-term treatment.
36:01Emily, after terminating the pregnancy, had caused a scene at the estate.
36:06But Grandpa Coleman, a decisive man all his life, wasn't one to be manipulated.
36:12Emily had benefited greatly from her connection to James over the years.
36:16The old man produced evidence of embezzlement from the company and had Emily sent to prison.
36:22After sharing this, Kathleen looked at me carefully.
36:26My brother.
36:29He's in a very bad place mentally.
36:33Would you consider...
36:34Before she could finish, I shook my head.
36:38No.
36:40He and I...
36:42We can't meet peacefully anymore.
36:45Kathleen sighed deeply.
36:47Grandpa actually told me not to come today.
36:49He said leaving you alone would be best for you now, but I didn't listen.
36:52And no matter what, I want you to know that, Grandpa, and I still see you as family.
36:58You don't hate my brother for too long.
37:00I smiled, but didn't answer.
37:02My thoughts drifted back to the 18-year-old James in my memory.
37:06To the young man standing before me, cheeks flushed, saying,
37:11Sylvie, I want to treat you right.
37:15I don't want to just be your adopted brother.
37:18He said.
37:19I didn't know if James meant it that day.
37:22I only know that I did love him once.
37:24I didn't answer Kathleen's question.
37:27I lifted my coffee cup, drained it, picked up my bag, and left the cafe.
37:32I couldn't promise her not to hate James.
37:35Because I would never forgive him.
37:38Ever.
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