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Short filmTranscript
00:00On our 6th wedding anniversary, my husband screwed the girl he never got over.
00:05After hanging up the phone, I took a picture of the beautifully prepared dinner and the cake.
00:10I had baked the cake for our 6th anniversary.
00:13Then I sent the photo to my husband, Ashton Martinez.
00:16His reply came back quickly.
00:18Is it your birthday? I'm flying out so I can't make a home tonight. Just celebrate on your own.
00:22I chuckled bitterly and tossed the cake into the trash.
00:25Whether it was my birthday or our anniversary, it did not matter because Ashton never remembered those things.
00:32However, when it came to Ruby Lowe, he had an entire notebook dedicated to her.
00:37He had been keeping notes of her life since high school.
00:40I glanced at the pregnancy test results on the table and quietly put them away.
00:44I had planned to surprise Ashton with them over dinner tonight.
00:47But now, it seemed pointless.
00:49We had been married for 6 years without any kids.
00:52I had gone through 3 rounds of IVF.
00:55Each one more painful than the last.
00:57And they all failed.
00:59I had almost given up hope this time when.
01:01To my shock.
01:02I found out I was pregnant.
01:04Yet, before I could even be happy about it.
01:07I saw Ruby's post on social media.
01:10For all I knew.
01:11She might have done her IVF on the same day.
01:14Using my husband's sperm.
01:16And here I was.
01:17The fool.
01:18Kept in the dark.
01:20Oblivious to everything.
01:21I pulled the food toward me.
01:23Even though I had no appetite.
01:25For the sake of the baby.
01:27I forced myself to take a few bites.
01:29However.
01:30The moment the smell of the meaty steak hit me.
01:33I doubled over.
01:35Violently nauseous.
01:36The retching would not stop.
01:38And with each heave.
01:39The pain in my lower abdomen grew sharper.
01:42Suddenly.
01:43I felt a warm.
01:44Wet sensation between my legs.
01:46Glancing down.
01:47I saw small spots of blood seeping through my pants.
01:50Panic gripped me.
01:51Could that be a sign of a miscarriage?
01:53No matter how disappointed I was in Ashton.
01:56The baby was something I had fought so hard for.
01:59I could not lose it now.
02:01I grabbed my phone and tried to head downstairs to drive myself to the hospital.
02:05But as soon as I opened the door.
02:07The pain in my abdomen became unbearable.
02:10My legs gave out.
02:11And I slid down the wall.
02:12I had been feeling unwell all morning and had spent most of the day at the hospital for tests.
02:16After that, I rushed back.
02:19Convinced Ashton would come home to celebrate our anniversary.
02:22And spent all my energy preparing dinner and the cake.
02:25Thinking maybe I could be having low blood sugar.
02:27I desperately reached for my phone to call 911.
02:30But my vision started to blur.
02:32I even felt too weak to press the buttons.
02:35Just then, I heard the sound of a door opening.
02:38My neighbor stepped out and.
02:39Seeing my condition.
02:41Rushed over in shock.
02:42What happened?
02:43He asked, supporting me relief washed over me as I requested him to take me to the hospital.
02:48After the tests, the doctor confirmed that I was showing signs of a miscarriage.
02:52He prescribed a bunch of medications and spoke to me in a serious tone.
02:57You really need to take care of yourself.
02:59This pregnancy isn't stable yet, so you can't afford to be too stressed or overworked.
03:03He's not my husband.
03:06My husband's away.
03:08On a business trip.
03:10Make sure you share all this with your husband.
03:12He needs to start learning how to take care of a pregnant woman.
03:15I gave a bitter smile.
03:17Oh, I was sure Ashton was good at taking care of someone.
03:20It was just a pity it was not me.
03:22As I was told I needed to be hospitalized for a few days to stabilize my condition,
03:27Will Young, my neighbor who had driven me to the hospital, was incredibly helpful.
03:33He ran back and forth to take care of all the paperwork.
03:37Clara, don't you want to give your husband a call?
03:40There's no need.
03:41I'm planning to file a divorce.
03:44Sorry.
03:46I shouldn't have brought that up with you.
03:48Don't worry about it.
03:50His reaction made me think about Ashton.
03:52It had been a long time since Ashton treated me kindly.
03:56Whenever we talked, he either seemed impatient or gave me an irritated glare.
04:00It felt like every time I tried to say anything, he acted like I was a bother, questioning or doubting
04:07him.
04:08Just then, the buzz of my phone pulled me from my thoughts.
04:12It was a message from Ashton.
04:14I got you a birthday present.
04:15Are you happy now?
04:17When I noticed the brand logo on it, I immediately checked Ruby's social media.
04:22I'm feeling sick from the pregnancy, but there's nothing a new bag can't cure.
04:26Thanks for the gift, Ash.
04:27I sneered.
04:29It was probably too ugly for Ruby to keep, so Ashton re-gifted it to me like it was something
04:35special.
04:35I don't need it.
04:36You can give it to Ruby so she can clean her bag with it.
04:39That response set Ashton off immediately, and my phone rang with his incoming call.
04:44Can you stop being so petty and jealous?
04:47Ruby and I are soulmates, not whatever trashy relationship you've convinced yourself of.
04:51If I really had something going on with Ruby, do you think you'd be the one married to me enjoying
04:55the good life?
04:56Enjoying the good life?
04:58Ashton and I started dating during my second year of college, when Ruby had just left for her exchange program
05:06in Europe.
05:07Back then, Ashton's family barely got by, so I did not enjoy anything special.
05:12After we graduated, he started his own business.
05:15And while it might have looked glamorous from the outside, in reality, we had to pinch pennies.
05:21He was constantly stressed, trying to cover the company's huge expenses.
05:26It was not until two years ago that things finally turned around after a successful deal.
05:31However, by then, I had grown used to being frugal.
05:35I felt sorry for Ashton's struggles.
05:37So I never spent money carelessly.
05:40Meanwhile, I had to endure daily harassment from his mother for not giving her a grandchild.
05:46How exactly had I enjoyed any of his success?
05:49Clara, have some food.
05:51Will said as he walked back into the room, holding the takeout he had just picked up.
05:56Who's there with you?
05:57Clara, do you really think pulling some stunt like this will get a reaction out of me?
06:01Tell that man to get out of my house, right now.
06:04Don't think I'll tolerate having some random guy around.
06:07I could not listen anymore.
06:09So I told him I was in the hospital because I was not feeling well.
06:13I see what's going on.
06:14You're so childish.
06:16Ruby gets pregnant, so now you're faking a stomachache to get my attention, huh?
06:20Let me guess, you're going to tell me you're pregnant too?
06:22What a joke.
06:23I've never seen anything more pathetic or disgusting.
06:26Ashton, I'm not trying to force you to come back.
06:28I hope you and Ruby are having a great time.
06:31I have people looking after me here, and honestly, things are going just fine without you.
06:34It's actually a lot easier.
06:37It was the first time I hung up on Ashton before he could finish.
06:40Almost immediately, a flurry of angry messages came flooding in.
06:46Predictably, it was all about how unreasonable I was and making him upset for no reason.
06:50He warned me not to regret it and not to come running back to him crying and begging for forgiveness.
06:55I simply tossed my phone aside, picked up my food, and ate it.
07:00Two days later, Will came to pick me up.
07:03I told him it was too much trouble and that I could just call a cab, but he just laughed
07:08and said it was no big deal, it was what neighbors were for.
07:11His kindness hit with a pang of sadness.
07:14Ashton rarely ever drove me anywhere.
07:17However, if Ruby called, no matter how far she was, he would pick her up.
07:24Ashton, could you take me to the hospital? I'm not feeling well.
07:27You have a car, don't you? Why don't you drive yourself?
07:30Ruby doesn't have a license, so of course I have to go and pick her up.
07:34Ugh!
07:35What if something happens to her while she's taking a cab? Are you going to take responsibility for that?
07:39Ashton rarely ever drove me anywhere.
07:42However, if Ruby called, no matter how far she was,
07:46I had just opened the car door to get into the passenger seat when I felt a strong hand yank
07:50me back.
07:51You've got some nerve.
07:52What are you doing here?
07:53I came home, and the whole table was cover not made as food.
07:55What's the matter with you, huh?
07:56Dad and Yash who at least were managed to wipe some Bolivortis.
07:58You can't even have a Heisen. You can't even take a Danza.
08:03I told you I was in the hospital, didn't I?
08:06Yet, you showed no concern for your wife, a sick person, just complaints that I didn't clean the house?
08:11You look perfectly fine to me. Quit pretending.
08:13Hearing Ashton's comment, Will stepped out of the car, ready to speak up for me.
08:19However, I gave him a small shake of my head, signaling him to go.
08:24What I did not expect, though, was that Ashton did not plan on taking me home to rest.
08:31Instead, he drove us straight to a pub.
08:37Ruby's hosting a party tonight to celebrate her pregnancy.
08:41She's been thinking about you a lot.
08:43She wants you to come and share in her happiness. Don't be ungrateful.
08:47I simply sneered and agreed.
08:49Anyway, it did not matter to me anymore.
08:52My heart was dead.
08:54I had contacted a divorce lawyer, and nothing Ruby did could hurt me now.
08:58After we arrived, Ruby showed up fashionably late, perfectly dolled up,
09:02while I looked like a mess, having spent days in the hospital and not had a chance to clean up.
09:07In contrast, Ruby looked like a blooming flower, perfectly put together.
09:12Everyone around her was fawning over her, showering her with compliments.
09:16Our beautiful artist, Ruby, is always so forward-thinking,
09:20turning down all those suitors just to become a single mom on her own terms.
09:25Well, Ruby's rich and independent.
09:27She can raise a kid by herself.
09:28She's unlike those stay-at-home wives who ask their husbands for money.
09:32All eyes in the room slowly drifted toward me, some with mockery.
09:35Ruby laughed and ordered a round of drinks, saying it was her treat for the night.
09:39Someone then suggested we play truth or dare to liven up the mood.
09:44When the bottle spun, it landed on Ruby first.
09:47She pouted playfully.
09:49Okay.
09:51I'll pick truth.
09:52Ruby, since you're having a baby through IVF, are you ever going to let the kid call Ashton dad?
09:58Ruby placed a hand on her belly and flashed me a sly smile.
10:02Clara, I know this bothers you, and you've been upset with Ash lately, but don't worry.
10:07I would never come between the two of you.
10:09After all, you know, if I wanted to marry Ash, you wouldn't have stood a chance.
10:15But if you can't have kids, I'll make sure my son takes care of Ash and you when we're older.
10:21I wouldn't want you to end up all alone.
10:24Everyone around the table praised Ruby for being kind and considerate, but I felt nothing,
10:29especially in the past two years when Ashton's company began taking off.
10:33Ruby had stormed into my life, constantly showing up around Ashton.
10:37At first, I was so shocked, angry, and jealous that I would get upset and argue with Ashton.
10:43However, time and time again, Ashton had chosen her over me.
10:47He told me I was being unreasonable and petty.
10:50He had even accused me of slandering them, so much that I had long since grown numb.
10:55I don't mind, in fact. In fact, if you want to go down to the courthouse right now and file
11:00for divorce, I have no objection.
11:02Ashton's face immediately darkened, and he snapped, warning me to stop saying things to upset him.
11:08You shouldn't flatter yourself so much. Do you really think you're that important to me?
11:12There was a flash of panic in Ashton's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
11:17Alright, enough with the attitude. Look at Ruby. She's considerate, understanding, and always thinking about you.
11:23I know I haven't been around much lately, but I'll be home for the next few days. Does that make
11:27you happy?
11:28Sensing the tension in the room, someone suggested we move on to the next round of the game.
11:33This time, the bottle landed on me.
11:35Just as I was about to choose truth, Ruby chimed in before I could.
11:40I chose truth last time, so let's mix things up and go with Adair this time.
11:45I gave her a cold stare, watching her stir up trouble, but I did not care anymore.
11:50My dare was to kiss the first guy I saw when I walked out the door.
11:54Without hesitation, Ashton shoved three bottles of alcohol in front of me.
11:59She's not doing that dare. She'll just take a penalty and drink these instead.
12:03Everyone laughed, agreeing with him.
12:06After all, kissing another guy while your husband was sitting right there was not exactly appropriate.
12:11Still, I stood up.
12:13Why should I back down?
12:15Ruby's the one who suggested I do it, and I'm not one to chicken out.
12:18Clara, are you trying to fight me on purpose tonight?
12:22I could not understand it.
12:24He did not seem to mind giving Ruby his sperm for her IVF, telling me not to make a big
12:29deal out of it.
12:30Yet he was now furious because of some silly game.
12:33Clara didn't mean it.
12:34She might just not like me, which is why she doesn't want to drink.
12:38As soon as she said that, Ashton's temper worsened.
12:42He popped open one of the bottles and tried to force it into my mouth.
12:46I want something easier.
12:48Everyone's trying to make this easier on you, but you just have to ruin the mood, don't you?
12:52I tried to pull away, waving my hands to get him to stop.
12:57However, in my haste, I tripped on something behind me and fell hard onto the cold marble floor of the
13:02private room.
13:03A sharp pain shot through my abdomen, and I cradled my stomach, screaming in agony.
13:08Ashton's face showed a flicker of concern as he reached out to help me, but he said dismissively,
13:19Ashton froze for a few seconds, then quickly knelt to wrap his arms around me.
13:25I tried to stand, but a wave of cold sweat broke out across my body, and my lips started trembling.
13:31At that moment, Ruby pushed through the small crowd that had gathered around us, commenting,
13:39Come on, stop making such a big deal. Isn't this just your period?
13:42She said I was overreacting and suggested I go home to rest if I was not feeling well.
13:47Ashton looked disappointed.
13:50So, you're not pregnant again!
13:52I wanted to explain, but an intense pain ripped through my lower abdomen,
13:56forcing me to bite down hard to keep from screaming.
13:59In the end, Ashton yanked me to my feet, muttering that he would stay behind with Ruby and get a
14:05cab to take me home.
14:06Just as the door opened, I came face to face with Will.
14:09Hey, what are you doing at a pub of all places?
14:13Why are you bleeding again? Didn't the doctor warn you to be careful with the pregnancy?
14:17He shouted loud enough that everyone around us, including Ashton, stopped dead in their tracks.
14:22Y-you're pregnant? This isn't a joke, right? What kind of husband are you? How do you not know your
14:27wife is pregnant?
14:29Ashton panicked, insisting I had not told him anything. Will yelled back,
14:34What are you waiting for? Get her to the hospital, now!
14:36Everything became a blur of chaos after that. By the time we arrived at the hospital, I was soaked in
14:43cold sweat.
14:44When the doctor finally told us that I had lost the pregnancy, my tears started pouring uncontrollably.
14:49Ashton went wild, grabbing the doctor and demanding a recheck, shouting at them to do something.
14:55We went through IVF three times. We worked so hard for this.
14:59The doctor's expression was grim, but he kept his composure.
15:03If you knew how difficult it was, why weren't you more careful? Taking a pregnant woman to a pub? That's
15:08no place for someone in her condition.
15:09That comment made Ashton's face flush red with shame, leaving him at a loss for words.
15:14Once the doctor left, he knelt beside my bed, taking my hand in his as he said,
15:19It's okay. It's going to be okay. You just need to rest. We can try for another baby.
15:26I pulled my hand away, barely holding back the overwhelming grief of losing our child.
15:31Ashton, there won't be another baby. I want a divorce.
15:34Ashton froze, looking completely at a loss for words.
15:38Don't say that. You're upset. I didn't know this was going to happen.
15:45Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?
15:47I let out a bitter laugh. Did I not want to tell him?
15:51On our anniversary, he was at Ruby's ultrasound appointment.
15:55And when I was discharged from the hospital, he dragged me to a pub to celebrate Ruby's pregnancy.
16:01He never gave me a chance to tell him.
16:03The baby's gone. Maybe it's fate. Maybe even the universe.
16:09I thought Ashton would agree right away. After all, he had always loved Ruby, his high school
16:15sweetheart. He used to worship her from afar, and now she was having his child.
16:20Was that not exactly what he wanted? Instead, Ashton stayed silent for a few seconds before
16:26stubbornly refusing.
16:27We've been married for six years. You don't stay that long if you don't love someone.
16:32Don't feel guilty. You should go ahead and be happy with Ruby.
16:35I won't make a scene or say anything harsh. And your friends who worship you and Ruby won't have
16:40any gossip to spread. Please. I'm sorry. I've been neglecting you lately. But let's not talk
16:44about divorce right now. You're upset and not thinking straight.
16:47Then, he quickly changed the subject, saying he would get me something to eat. Half an hour later,
16:53he returned with a load of takeout. One glance and I could see it was greasy barbecued meat,
16:58dishes loaded with jalapenos. I had always known he had never bothered to remember my preferences,
17:04but the realization still stung. I'm not hungry. He frowned, telling me not to be difficult.
17:11You've got that little notebook where you keep all of Ruby's favorite things,
17:14but do you even know I can't eat eggplant? It makes my tongue go numb, and my lips swell up.
17:20Ashton's face flushed red again, and he quickly offered to get something else.
17:25When the door opened, and Will walked in with a thermos.
17:28Hey, I made some chicken soup for you. You should have it while it's hot.
17:33Will said as he set it down. He efficiently removed the lid and handed me a spoon,
17:38the comforting aroma of the soup filling the room. Ashton's expression darkened.
17:43Will noticed the food Ashton had brought and was visibly surprised.
17:46There are so many restaurants around the hospital with meals suitable for patients,
17:51yet you somehow managed to pick the worst one. Now that's impressive.
17:54I could see Ashton clenching his jaw, trying to hold back his temper.
17:59From now on, I'll cook for Clara myself. There's no need for you to get involved.
18:02I don't trust you with that. I took good care of her, got her discharged in perfect health,
18:07and less than a day later, she miscarried. You have zero credibility.
18:12Clara is my wife. Why are you being so attentive? Don't you understand how to keep your distance from
18:17a married woman? Well, you're one to talk. Who's more out of line than you helping someone else
18:21have a baby through IVF and not even rising? It's crossing a boundary.
18:24Will's eyes widened in shock as he glanced over at Ashton. Ashton's face flushed red with frustration.
18:30Normally, he would have stormed out of the room by that point, but today, he just sat there,
18:35silently seething and glaring at Will until he eventually left. The next day, true to his word,
18:41Ashton went home and cooked. However, when he returned to the hospital, Ruby was there.
18:47What are you doing here? Clara's the one who's sick. Ruby, you've always been so understanding.
18:51Why don't you let this one slide and cut her some smack?
18:53Ruby's mouth hung open for a while, clearly not expecting that response. She struggled to
18:58maintain her smile as she reluctantly agreed, saying she would not take issue with a sick person.
19:03Once she was gone, I took my time eating the sandwich. Seeing me finally eat, Ashton's face lit
19:09up with happiness, and he excitedly mentioned making food for me again next time, which I did not
19:15respond to. After a few days of rest and feeling better, I got discharged from the hospital.
19:20The first thing I did when I got home was throw the printed divorce papers right in Ashton's face.
19:27Sign it. The house, the car, and everything you've earned in the last two years. I don't want a penny
19:32of it.
19:34Are you seriously divorcing me just because I helped Ruby with the IVF process?
19:38Faced with Ashton's aggressive questioning, I was beyond the mood to argue. He never believed he
19:44had done anything wrong. A divorce in paper can be printed a hundred times in a minute. Avoiding
19:48this won't help. Honey, if this really bothers you, I can write a guarantee or a will promise.
19:52I won't acknowledge Ruby's Hild or let them inherit any of my assets. That should make you
19:56better about that, right? I sighed deeply. Why could he not understand that while money and assets
20:02could be explicitly defined in writing, feelings could not simply be dismissed like that? How would it
20:08feel to watch a child grow up, seeing their likeness to him? After all, blood was thicker than water.
20:14How could he think it would not affect me? If I could still trust him, I would truly be the
20:20biggest fool in the world. Ashton, I don't care who you choose to love for 10 years, who you want
20:25to have children with, or who gets to spend your money. I loved you for eight years, even putting
20:30up with your complicated relationship with Ruby, thinking I wouldn't survive without you. But now I
20:34see clearly that you're not that important to me. The only reason I want a divorce is that my heart
20:39is dead. I no longer love you. It's that simple. Do you understand? As I spoke, I remained calm and
20:44rational. I was not begging or crying like I used to, nor was I losing my mind with jealousy.
20:50Ashton, having realized something had changed, was genuinely rattled and confused. In the end,
20:57he made some excuse about needing to deal with work and fled. I could not understand his reaction as
21:02he had never valued what we had. Would it not just be better to divorce me and be with Ruby?
21:08Or did he
21:08enjoy having a devoted wife at home while pursuing his high school sweetheart? Did that make him feel
21:13accomplished? I packed my things and placed the new divorce papers on the table, leaving a note saying
21:20I intended to move out. Honestly, I had no idea where to go. My parents lived far away in our
21:26hometown,
21:27and after resigning, I gradually lost touch with my college friends and co-workers.
21:32Just when I was feeling lost, the elevator doors opened and outstepped Will.
21:36Clara, why are you dragging a suitcase with you? I hesitated for a moment, but decided to share
21:40everything that had happened over the past few days with him. I have a small apartment available.
21:45If you don't mind, you can stay there for a while. Really? That would be great. I can pay rent
21:49at
21:49market price, but can I have a few months to get settled? I need to find a new job. I
21:53might not have
21:53enough cash on hand right now. Don't be so formal with me. By the way, Clara, do you have any
21:57plans for
21:58job hunting? I shook my head. After being away from the workforce for two years, I felt uncertain.
22:05However, Will suggested that I tried applying to his company, offering to put in a good word for me as
22:10a
22:10referral. Really? Will, thank you so much. If I get hired, dinner is on me. The interview turned out
22:19surprisingly smooth, and just a week later, I officially started working. In the meantime, Ashton had been
22:26relentlessly calling and messaging me. I ignored him completely, and after being bothered one too
22:31many times, I decided to block him. The reason I had not deleted his contact was that I still needed
22:37to finalize our divorce. I had no idea how Ashton found out where I was working, but he switched
22:43tactics and began harassing me in a different way. Today, yet another bouquet of flowers and a fancy
22:49afternoon tea were delivered to my desk. I told Ashton I would just throw those things in the trash and
22:54suggested he not waste his money or effort. No problem. They're for you, so you can do whatever
23:00you want with them. Flower bloom every year, and hope I will, I lem again, a place I'm again. He
23:07even
23:07started posting on social media daily. What does six years of marriage mean? I enjoy the feeling of
23:13pursuing my wife all over again. A few times, he even waited for me outside the office building to pick
23:19me up after work. To avoid him, I had to hop into Will's car in the basement parking. As for
23:25the
23:25flowers, I ended up not throwing them away. Instead, I gave them to my co-workers.
23:32Clara, can you give me some advice on how to get men like that? You have a devoted handsome guy
23:36waiting downstairs while the chairman's son here drives you home. The chairman's son? Who?
23:41Will Young, he gave the order to hire you. How could you not know?
23:44Honestly, I had no idea about any of that. Thinking back, it made sense that Will, being so young,
23:51must come from a well-off family to live alone in a big house and have an apartment while in
23:55college.
23:56Still, I never connected the dots that he was the son of the company's chairman.
24:01Just as I was lost in thought, Will called me into his office. That snapped me back to reality,
24:07reminding me I had something important to report. Will's family business specialized in trading high-end
24:12antiques and treasures, but he had also branched out into modern art. While the transactions in
24:17that new area were not as lucrative as those in the high-end market, he managed to carve out a
24:22niche
24:22and had done quite well. Coincidentally, several of Ruby's paintings were up for auction in that new
24:27category, with prices hovering around the $100,000 mark. However, I discovered a serious issue.
24:34Her work had plagiarized and combined the pieces from several lesser-known artists.
24:38That had previously gone unnoticed, but I was able to identify the problem using data analysis.
24:44Mr. Young, if these works are recognized as plagiarized by other professionals,
24:48it could severely damage our company's reputation and result in significant losses.
24:52We need to take them down immediately. Will took my concerns seriously and immediately
24:56called the tech team for a thorough re-evaluation.
24:59If what you're saying is simply taking them down isn't enough, we'll demand that the artist
25:03pays damages for breach of contract. This act of concealment is a violation.
25:07I nodded, realizing that the next steps were beyond my responsibility.
25:12Once we wrapped up the serious talk, Will's smile returned.
25:15I told you to call me by my first name. I don't know why, but hearing you call me Mr.
25:20Young feels
25:21so awkward.
25:22What should I call you then? Young Master?
25:25He scratched his nose, looking a bit embarrassed.
25:28I didn't mean to hide that. I was just worried you might avoid this company if you knew.
25:33I don't have that kind of ridiculous pride. What could be more important than making money?
25:39Once I got my salary and commission for the month, I would be able to pay him rent.
25:44However, just a few days later, Ruby burst into the office unexpectedly, causing a scene.
25:50She must have used her connection as one of the company's collaborating artists to get in
25:54because she stormed right over to my desk, fuming.
25:57Before she even said a word, tears started streaming down her face.
26:01Clara, why are you targeting me? You deliberately sabotaged me by getting my artwork
26:08removed. This is an abuse of power.
26:11Save your sob story. I'm not falling for it.
26:15I knew perfectly well that she was not putting on a show for me.
26:18She just wanted to win the sympathy of those around us.
26:21Sure enough, even though my co-workers did not know what was going on,
26:25they could not help but crowd around her, speaking softly and trying to comfort her.
26:29However, I was not in the mood to play nice.
26:33The plagiarism assessment was done by another department.
26:36I don't have that kind of influence to pull strings around here.
26:38Ruby was not backing down.
26:40She argued that there were only a few classic elements in art,
26:43and even if there were similarities, they were just borrowed from earlier painters' works.
26:48That's called omamage.
26:49You wouldn't understand since you're not an art major.
26:52Don't think I didn't know you were the one who complained first.
26:54The company just wants to keep the peace,
26:56so they're just the letting you, what do you bully me?
26:59As she spoke, tears flowed down her cheeks,
27:01and her hand rested on her slightly rounded belly.
27:04Is it fair for a big company to bully a backgroundless artist?
27:07This is the age of the internet.
27:09If you don't apologize, compensate me, and put my artwork back up,
27:13I'll expose you online for how you're treating a single woman!
27:16Those words shifted the atmosphere.
27:18The people around us looked shocked.
27:20Ruby's eyes glinted with a sense of triumph as she glanced at me,
27:23but the next second, someone yanked her arm hard.
27:26Ashton must have come in somehow and was furious as he confronted her.
27:30What are you doing in Clara's company?
27:32Are you here to cause trouble for her?
27:34As I thought about it, it became clear that Ashton was downstairs at the office again,
27:39putting on that dramatic act of his when he saw Ruby.
27:41He must have told the receptionist that he was my husband,
27:45which was why he was allowed inside.
27:47Ruby seemed just as shocked to see him.
27:49After her surprise faded, anger took over as she repeated to Ashton how I had bullied her.
27:54Clara has always been jealous of how nice you are to me!
27:58She's just looking for a chance to get back at me!
28:01With all the curious eyes around us, Ashton looked a little embarrassed.
28:05What are you talking about?
28:06Clara isn't like that!
28:09Besides, can't we just see things as they are instead of taking a mere employee's word for it?
28:14Ruby stared at him in shock, as if she was seeing Ashton for the first time.
28:19Are you actually defending her?
28:21You don't believe me?
28:22I crossed my arms and watched the two of them argue, feeling a little surprised myself.
28:27Unlike before, Ashton was not blindly taking Ruby's side.
28:32If it were in the past, he would have been quick to scold me.
28:36Ruby, can you stop being so sensitive?
28:39If there's an issue, we can talk it out like adults.
28:41Charging in here acting like a crazy person is just embarrassing.
28:44His words felt eerily familiar, sensitive, overthinking, jealous, nitpicking, causing trouble.
28:51Those were the very things Ashton used to accuse me of.
28:54Ruby stumbled slightly as if she could not take it.
28:58Who's causing a scene at the office?
28:59I'm calling the police.
29:01At that moment, I turned my head to see while approaching.
29:05As he stood next to me with a stern expression,
29:07I realized how different he looked without his usual warm smile.
29:11His serious demeanor was pretty intimidating.
29:14Ruby stared at him for a long moment before it clicked.
29:18Aren't you the guy who took Clara to the hospital?
29:21So, you're working here with her now, huh?
29:25No wonder you're so arrogant.
29:28Clara, you're not even divorced yet,
29:31and here you are, cozying up to your male friend.
29:34Aren't you ashamed?
29:36The comment made everyone around look at Will and me differently.
29:39While they did not dare speak up,
29:41their eyes were locked in a frenzy of judgment.
29:44Ruby then glanced mockingly at my belly and said with malicious intent,
29:47You two must have been hooking up for a while now, huh?
29:50That child you lost?
29:52Was it his?
29:53Is that why you pretended to fall to get Ashton's sympathy and guilt?
29:57Smack!
29:58Ashton's hand landed hard on Ruby's face.
30:01The force of the slap was so strong that Ruby staggered,
30:04nearly falling backward before my colleague rushed to catch her.
30:07With her hand on her reddening cheek,
30:09Ruby lost it.
30:11How dare you hit me?
30:12Ashton, I'm pregnant with your child!
30:15Stop sayings that give people the wrong idea.
30:17All I did was help you through IVF.
30:19We never slept together.
30:21Stop trying to ruin my marriage.
30:22I watched the chaos unfold,
30:24and while it felt satisfying to see the drama play out,
30:27it also struck me as utterly tacky and ridiculous.
30:30I could not believe I had spent so many years caught up with those people.
30:34It was utterly foolish of me to let them make me feel hurt and upset over their antics.
30:39Ashton, if you've got nothing better to do, just sign the divorce papers already.
30:43Dragging this out is pointless.
30:45And by the way, I'm not interested in being misunderstood as some kind of cheating, scandalous woman.
30:50Ms. Sload, if you have any issues with the company's decisions,
30:53feel free to take it to court or hire a lawyer.
30:55I'll be ready to face you head on.
30:57After Ashton and Ruby were kicked out of the company by Will's security,
31:01they went quiet for several months.
31:02I was originally surprised by how quiet those two had been and not stirring up any trouble.
31:08I had even prepared myself for a long,
31:10drawn-out battle with them until I heard that Ashton's company was in trouble
31:14and he was busy dealing with the mess.
31:16Things did not seem to be going well for him, though.
31:19One day, Ruby went on a rampage, bombarding me with messages full of insults.
31:24She accused me of saying something to Ashton.
31:26Clara, shameless 50 fish shit.
31:29He took my painting room and house back.
31:31Clara.
31:32Instead, I immediately took a screenshot of her messages and posted it on social media.
31:38Is the independent studio that Ruby keeps bragging about bought by my husband?
31:42Instead of wasting time messaging me,
31:45maybe Ruby should think about getting Ashton to sign the divorce papers.
31:49After posting it, I put my phone away and wrapped up for the day.
31:53It was my birthday and Will had made a reservation at a restaurant to celebrate.
31:57As I stepped out of the building, I unexpectedly ran into Ashton, whom I had not seen in months.
32:03He looked noticeably thinner, with dark circles under his eyes that spoke of sleepless nights.
32:08Even when I pretended not to notice him, he flashed a smile my way.
32:13Clara, it's your birthday today.
32:15I got you a gift.
32:17Do you want to grab dinner together?
32:18I raised an eyebrow at the sight of Ruby and my mother-in-law storming out of a taxi nearby,
32:23finding it amusing.
32:24It looks like they don't want you joining me for, me for dinner.
32:28Ashton's face fell, and the furrow in his brow deepened.
32:31His tone was a mix of frustration and fatigue as he said.
32:35Ruby, can you go one day without stirring up trouble?
32:37And what's the deal with bringing my mom into this?
32:40Ruby, who was heavily pregnant, at least eight months along, was not yelling or screaming this time.
32:46Instead, she was hiding behind my mother-in-law, silently crying.
32:50My mother-in-law wasted no time confronting Ashton and tried to lunge at me, but Ashton quickly held her
32:56back.
32:57What kind of witchcraft has this useless wit cast on you?
33:00Why are you defending her?
33:02Her voice was loud, and it was clear she had long resented me, wishing nothing more than for her son
33:07to kick me aside.
33:08I smirked, watching my mother-in-law throw a fit, feeling surprisingly relieved.
33:14In the past, whenever she insulted, belittled, or made things difficult for me, Ashton would always take her side, leaving
33:21me to endure her cruelty and back down.
33:24However, now that I did not care about Ashton anymore, I certainly did not care about that old hag.
33:29Mom, this is between Clara and me. You have no idea what you're talking about, so stay out of it,
33:35okay?
33:35Ashton snapped. My mother-in-law's face twisted me, and she dramatically began crying out of violence in her life.
33:43If I can't even hold my grandson, what's the point of living?
33:46The business district where the company was located was bustling, and with it being peak hours, plenty of people gathered
33:52to watch the spectacle unfold.
33:54Ashton's face turned a mix of red and blue as he tried to pull his mother toward the car, but
33:59she was having none of it, flailing her arms and kicking her legs in protest.
34:03Ruby rushed over to help, and I instinctively took a few steps back.
34:07Suddenly, I heard Ruby let out a yelp, and she stumbled backward right into the spot where I had just
34:12been standing.
34:13Thankfully, I had moved in time, or I could have been blamed for her fall given how chaotic everything was.
34:19Without me there to cushion her fall, Ruby hit the ground hard.
34:22Her face twisted in pain as she clutched her stomach, calling out in distress.
34:27Seeing the blood pooling between her legs, Ashton and his mother finally forgot their argument and hurriedly lifted her into
34:34the car to rush her to the hospital.
34:36Watching the car speed away, the weight on my chest seemed to lift all at once.
34:40Maybe it was the relief of finally getting away from that toxic group of people, and it felt like the
34:45best birthday gift I could have ever received.
34:48As expected, Ruby gave birth prematurely to a son.
34:51Thankfully, the baby was healthy and had not been affected too much by everything.
34:57Ashton, too, finally agreed to sign the divorce papers.
35:00As I stepped out of the courthouse, he called out to me, his face filled with frustration.
35:06Clara, were you already cheating on me with Will? Is that why you're so determined to force me into this
35:11divorce?
35:11I told him that although I had known about the new neighbor who had moved in, it was not until
35:16the day I went to the hospital with signs of a miscarriage that I had actually spoken to Will.
35:21And you, Ashton? Can you really say that your relationship with Ruby has been nothing but pure? No crossing of
35:27boundaries or hidden feelings over the years?
35:30Ashton opened his mouth, but I cut him off before he could say anything.
35:33You don't need to answer. I already know the truth. Stop lying to yourself.
35:39Ruby was clever. She had never bothered with Ashton, the backup guy who always simped for her, until he found
35:45success in his career.
35:47And that was when she returned to him again.
35:49Still, she kept him captivated by never sleeping with him directly, letting him believe she was always just out of
35:55reach, independent, and above all.
35:57I must say, her strategy was impressive, but it was a shame.
36:02After her artwork was pulled due to plagiarism and her studio was taken down, Ruby started to panic.
36:08The more desperately she tried to hold on to Ashton, the more he took her for granted.
36:13It mirrored exactly how he had treated me.
36:16Ashton, I owe you nothing, but you should feel guilty for what you did to me.
36:20With that, I waved to Will to pull the car over.
36:22Ashton stood there for what felt like an eternity, fading from view in the rearview mirror and out of my
36:28life.
36:29A year later, I found out I was pregnant and was at the hospital for a checkup, not expecting to
36:34run into Ashton again.
36:35He looked terrible, his face pale and unshaven, with stubble covering his jaw.
36:40His wrinkled shirt had several bloodstains on it as he followed closely behind a gurney.
36:45I barely glanced at him as we passed each other, but I caught a glimpse of Ruby lying on the
36:50gurney,
36:50covered in blood and moaning in pain.
36:52Even though I did not care about them anymore, I could not help but feel curious about the situation.
36:58I discreetly asked around for information, and the news I uncovered was shocking.
37:03Ruby and Ashton had divorced again, but this time, it was not a clean break like it was with me.
37:08You won't believe it, but Ruby's kid isn't even Ashton's.
37:11The person eagerly spilled the tea without me needing to ask for details.
37:16Apparently, Ashton's company had gone bankrupt.
37:19As someone used to a luxury lifestyle, Ruby could not handle living a normal life anymore,
37:24so she decided to file for divorce.
37:26When Ashton and his mother tried to fight for custody of the child,
37:30Ruby shot back that the kid was not even Ashton's to begin with.
37:33Ruby sure is something else.
37:36She pretends to be all innocent and pure, but in private, she's wild.
37:40No one even knows the baby's real father, and now she's trying to drag Ashton into this mess.
37:44It all clicked for me.
37:46No wonder Ruby deliberately fell that time.
37:49I initially thought she was trying to frame me, but now it made sense,
37:53she needed to create the illusion of a premature birth because the baby was almost full term.
37:58I rubbed my slightly rounded belly, filled with mixed emotions.
38:02I had always suspected that Ashton's genes were not up to par.
38:05I had faced multiple failed IVF attempts, and even the last one had been fraught with issues,
38:10so how could Ruby manage to get pregnant so easily?
38:13It turned out that the baby was not even Ashton's.
38:17That woman is ruthless.
38:19I mean, after all the support Ashton had given her and her child,
38:23how could she talk about him like that?
38:25The stress gave Ashton's mom a stroke, and when he finally snapped,
38:29well, let's just say her face won't ever look the same again.
38:33Honestly, it's like two dogs fighting each other.
38:36The drama is so juicy that our family chat's been talking about it for days.
38:40Will peeled an apple and brought it to me, casually taking my phone out of my hands.
38:44The doctor said you shouldn't be on your phone too much, it's not good for you or the baby.
38:48I did not know if it was because of the miscarriage I had gone through,
38:51but he had been extra cautious about everything, almost like he was afraid something could go wrong
38:56again.
38:57Instead of arguing, I opened my mouth to accept the piece of fruit he was feeding me.
39:01With the cool breeze sweeping in from the balcony, everything felt perfectly in place.
39:06A couple days.
39:06I'm all sly500 embellTalkage.
39:07A couple days.
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