When love collapses, all that remains are memories and regret in this heartbreaking story.
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GEM GEM brings you the hottest viral short dramas, mini series, and addictive romance stories online. From billionaire love stories and CEO romances to revenge plots and emotional twists, every episode is designed to keep you hooked.
Subscribe to GEM GEM and never miss the latest drama trends!
#gemgem#gemgemdrama#shortdrama#minidrama#verticaldrama#dramaseries#dramahub#reelshort#shortmax#kalostv#romancedrama
#ceolove#billionaireromance#revenge#lovestory#tiktokdrama#viraldrama#engsub#fullepisodes #heartbreak #sadlove #emotionalstory #relationshipdrama #tearjerker #romancedrama
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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.
39:06With the cool breeze.
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