- 5 hours ago
Seven Years, Zero Love
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:022am. The phone rings. Bring me some condoms. I'm at his door, soaked to the bone. He stares
00:09at my wet clothes. Who told you to be a good girl? I hand him the bag. I've loved him
00:13for
00:13seven long years, but his first love is back. He's planning to have sex with her, and he
00:18told me to bring him some condoms. Here are the magnums you wanted. He brushes my knuckles
00:22with his thumb. Isabella is not here yet. Why don't we use them first? I freeze, then
00:28he laughs. Just kidding. I'm not that much of a jerk. I set up a blind date for you next
00:33week. You've been with me for years. I don't want you to feel you'll go, right? His eyes
00:37are cold. I know the truth. His true love is coming back. He's disposing of me before she
00:43arrives. I clench my fists. Just send me the address. Sir. He flinches at the word sir.
00:52I turn to leave. Wait. He wraps a Burberry shawl around me.
00:57Don't leave tonight. But isn't someone else coming? You actually believe that? Do you
01:03think I'm just some total scumbag? Who else has there been but you? He carries me to
01:07the bed. This is the last time. Isabella is coming home tomorrow. I don't want her to
01:13suspect a thing. So be a good girl. Go to that date. The mask is finally off. He's choosing
01:18her. I don't say a word. James is a literal machine. They say men slow down after 25. With
01:26him? That's a total lie. The sun was already coming up. He finally finished and hit the
01:31shower. I grabbed my clothes and headed out. That's our unwritten rule. He hates sleeping
01:35next to anyone. For 5 years no matter how tired. I always crawled to the guest room.
01:41Next morning he was back from the gym. I rushed downstairs.
01:48I saved some breakfast for you. No time. I'll miss my bus. I can just drive you. He said.
01:53No. I blurted out. My promotion results come out today. I can't be seen in your car. Otherwise
01:59they'll think I slept my way to the top. The room went dead silent. He stopped and let
02:04out a cold laugh. Fine. Suit yourself. He handed me a business card. Your blind date
02:10for next week. My head started spinning. One night made me almost forget. I came here to
02:15end this mess. The reason I agreed to drop off condoms last night was to end our 5 year
02:19messy relationship. I didn't want to seem desperate. I took the card. The edges stung.
02:24Okay. I whispered. I'll go. I've lived at James' house every weekend for years. Back
02:33then I'd carry heavy bags of clothes. He built me a walk-in closet just to keep me around.
02:38But today I'm packing it all up. My pink slippers. My pajamas. Everything is gone. James just
02:45leaned against the door. Watching. We're just boss and employee now. He let out a cold, sharp
02:52laugh. Don't worry. He smirked. I won't make things hard for you at work. I rushed to my
02:58desk just before 10 a.m. My coworker bought me a congrats coffee. Don't forget us when
03:03you're the director. I blushed. The results aren't even out. You deserve it. You worked
03:09the hardest. Five years of hard work. It's yours. I didn't hold back and smiled at the
03:14whole team. If I win, expensive sushi is on me. The whole office started cheering.
03:24Three minutes left. I refreshed my email. Then, the notification popped up. We regret to inform
03:31you. Promotion denied. My mind went completely blank. The team crowded around. Then, dead silence.
03:43H.R. walked in with a woman in white. This is Isabella, our new director, personally appointed
03:50by the James. I looked up and stopped breathing. She looked exactly like the photo. The one James
03:57kept hidden in his wallet. I felt like I had a heavy flu. I walked to James' office like
04:03a robot. I couldn't stop wiping away my tears. I knocked.
04:09Come in.
04:12Why?
04:13I asked, my voice trembling.
04:16What?
04:16So many positions in this company. Why did you give Isabella my promotion?
04:21He finally looked at me.
04:22She wanted it.
04:23Just because she wanted it? What of the seven years I gave you and your company?
04:27I almost died on that Africa assignment.
04:31James stood up and walked toward me.
04:33Claire, this is reality. I decide everything.
04:36I just wanted fairness.
04:38He let out a cool, low laugh.
04:40Fairness? You want to talk about fairness? If we didn't sleep together, you'd be nothing.
04:46You took the shortcut. Now you want fairness?
04:48His words felt like a slap to my face. I worked my heart out for seven years. I pushed myself
04:54every single day. I had to prove I belonged here. But he was right. I got into company because
05:00of him. That's how this all started. He gave it to me when he wanted to, and threw me away
05:05when he didn't. I have no right to talk about fairness.
05:12So I'm done. I'm quitting today.
05:16Meeting James was like a scene from a bad movie. I moved to New York right after graduation.
05:21My boyfriend cheated and moved on instantly. I was drowning in stress and heartbreak.
05:26So I went to a bar to drink the pain away. I had never had that much alcohol before.
05:31I drank until I completely lost my mind. Usually I'm too shy to talk to strangers.
05:36But that night I hit on the hottest guy there. That guy, was James. He looked like a star on
05:42a
05:42magazine cover. He was cold and kept rejecting everyone. Do you want to come home with me?
05:48But I walked right up and sat next to him. He took a sip and let out a low laugh.
05:53I've never met anyone as bold as you.
05:57We spent the night in my tiny apartment. It was an experience like never before.
06:02It was so beautiful, I completely lost myself. I thought I'd never see him again.
06:08I was wrong.
06:11The next day I went to the interview. I looked up and saw him in a sharp suit.
06:15My heart almost jumped out of my chest. I recognized him instantly but stayed calm.
06:20A few hours later I got the job offer. On my first day he cornered me in the elevator.
06:26Claire, right? Can you handle a physical only relationship?
06:32I'm usually conservative but his eyes were deep.
06:36Aye, I can do that, I whispered.
06:39The moment I said it I knew I was screwed.
06:42I fell for him, hopelessly.
06:44By day he was my boss.
06:46By night my lover.
06:50He gave me money.
06:53Jewelry and expensive bags.
06:58But he also taught me everything about work.
07:02I actually started to hope he'd love me back.
07:05But today the fairy tale finally died.
07:08I was kicked out like a total fool.
07:11I finally realized the painful truth.
07:14If it's not meant to be yours, it never will be.
07:17Since I didn't get promoted, I don't even need his signature to quit.
07:23I went to HR and quit in minutes.
07:26Diana, the HR director, gave me a hug.
07:30Thanks for everything, Diana.
07:33Can you do me a huge favor?
07:36Keep my resignation a secret for now.
07:41I don't want anyone to know I'm gone.
07:43She is the only one who knows about me and James.
07:47I promise.
07:50After work, my grandma called me.
07:53Sweetie, did you get the promotion?
07:55You said I'd be the first to know.
07:57My throat tightened.
07:58I couldn't stop crying.
08:00Grandma, I'm leaving the New York.
08:03The line went silent for a second.
08:06That's great.
08:07I missed you so much.
08:09Come home.
08:09I'll cook your favorite food.
08:12I started to sob uncontrollably.
08:15I knew she was just comforting me.
08:18She used to brag about my city job.
08:21I wanted to buy her a house here.
08:25My dream was so beautiful.
08:28My dream was so beautiful.
08:31But reality was just too cruel.
08:33I couldn't sleep that night.
08:35So I started scrolling.
08:38At 2.10am I saw it.
08:40A local post.
08:42He still loves holding me in his sleep.
08:44James' hand was around her waist.
08:46Then I saw the Cartier ring.
08:49My heart literally stopped.
08:52I knew that ring better than anyone.
08:55I saved for months to buy it for him.
08:59You don't need to buy me gifts you can't afford.
09:01There's really no point.
09:02But you deserve the best.
09:04He kissed me and looked so in love.
09:06Given our relationship, I didn't think James would actually wear this ring.
09:09The next day he wore it to work.
09:12He even smirked and flashed it at me.
09:15Every female colleague in the office was gossiping.
09:19God, he looked so good.
09:20It hurt.
09:21Now that ring is on another girl's photo.
09:25They look so perfect together.
09:28It hit me all of a sudden.
09:31The person he's willing to hold.
09:35Was never me.
09:38One week left until I quit.
09:40Then, Isabella showed up at the cafe.
09:42She threw a bag with a hair strand on the table.
09:45I found this in James' guest room.
09:47So you're the side piece.
09:49Before I could speak, ice-cold coughing hit my face.
09:52Then came the slap.
09:54Hard.
09:54She hissed.
09:56How can you be so cheap?
09:57I went to swing back.
09:58But my wrist was caught.
09:59It was James.
10:01He didn't even look at me.
10:03Get in the car, Isabella.
10:04I'll handle this.
10:08You replaced me after six months?
10:11Isabella was sobbing.
10:14Once she left, James' eyes turned cold as ice.
10:17Did I not tell you never about her ass?
10:21I pulled away and laughed.
10:23She found me, James.
10:24I was just waiting for my date.
10:27The one you set up, remember?
10:28I pointed outside.
10:30He's here.
10:31James' face went pale.
10:33His jaw tightened.
10:35Fine.
10:35He snapped.
10:37Enjoy yourself.
10:38He threw his coat over me and walked away.
10:40The date was a disaster.
10:42An entitled rich brat.
10:47When I got home, Shadow was waiting.
10:49James was leaning against the wall checking his watch.
10:53Home already?
10:54No dinner?
10:54No movie?
10:55I tried to walk past, but he pinned me to the wall.
10:58Are you that obsessed with me?
11:01Not interested in other men at all?
11:03Then he dropped the bomb.
11:05I'm marrying Isabella.
11:08Don't get any ideas.
11:09Because trouble, and you're fired.
11:11My heart shattered.
11:14I kept my eyes dry.
11:16Don't worry, Mr. James.
11:17I know exactly where I stand.
11:20I walked upstairs without looking back.
11:22Downstairs, James lit a cigarette in the dark.
11:25He saw wet my window until the lights went out.
11:29I went home and sold everything.
11:31Every gift, every memory, gone.
11:33At the office, James was a stranger.
11:36Good morning, Mr. James.
11:38Cold, professional.
11:40I already bought my ticket home.
11:44I'm coming.
11:45Then Tom brought me a latte.
11:47Let's grab dinner tonight?
11:48He handed me roses, my favorite.
11:51Suddenly, a loud honk cut the air.
11:54James was staring from his Bentley.
11:56He looked furious.
11:57Then he sped off.
11:58The next day was my last day.
12:00The client, Mr. Harry, was a creep.
12:03He kept touching me.
12:04I felt sick.
12:05It was raining and dark when I left.
12:08Footsteps behind me.
12:09It was him.
12:10Hey, baby, get in my car.
12:12He smirked.
12:13I ran into a dark alley, trembling.
12:16I pressed the panic button on my watch.
12:19Please answer, James.
12:20I sobbed.
12:21The call connected.
12:23It was Isabella.
12:24James is showering.
12:26What do you want?
12:27Isabella, help.
12:29A man is stalking me.
12:31Silence, then a cruel laugh.
12:33Another fake emergency?
12:35Nice try.
12:36Who is it?
12:37Just Claire, trying to annoy me.
12:39If you talk to her, I'm leaving.
12:41James' voice was soft, soothing.
12:44Okay, baby.
12:45I won't pick up.
12:46The line went dead.
12:48Harry was right behind me.
12:5010 o'clock a.m.
12:51My desk is empty.
12:52I'm never late, but James didn't care.
12:55He thought I was just throwing a tantrum.
12:56The meeting starts.
12:58My chair is still empty.
12:59Suddenly, the HR director screams.
13:01It's Claire.
13:02She's in trouble.
13:03James' face goes pale instantly.
13:05He stands up, his chair screeching.
13:07What do you mean?
13:08He sees security footage.
13:09It's me in a dark alley.
13:11But in that dark alley, Harry was dragging me with my hair.
13:14I fought.
13:15I screamed.
13:16I desperately pressed my watch.
13:18The S.O.S. button linked to his phone.
13:20I waited for him to save me, but he never came, because his other girl blocked me, while
13:25I was fighting for my life.
13:27He was busy ignoring me to punish me.
13:30Diana's voice is shaking.
13:32Claire sent a report to HQ.
13:34The client tried to assault her last night.
13:36The stranger saved her just in time.
13:38She ran to find a camera for proof.
13:40She's begging us to call the police.
13:42Where is she?
13:43She quit a week ago.
13:44She's already gone.
13:45James stands frozen, veins popping on his head.
13:48Why wasn't I told?
13:49Why wasn't her resignation on my desk?
13:51Diana stares him down with red eyes.
13:53Company policy.
13:54Junior staff only need their manager's sign-off.
13:57You denied her promotion, remember?
13:58James is speechless.
13:59It feels like a slap to his face.
14:01He knows exactly why she failed.
14:03And now it's too late.
14:04I just landed.
14:05The police called.
14:07I gave my statement over the phone.
14:09Then, I threw my SIM card away.
14:11Bye, New York.
14:12Goodbye.
14:13Passed.
14:14I went home and bought a house.
14:16In cash.
14:17No more debt to anyone.
14:18I sold all the designer bags he gave me.
14:21That gave me $300,000 to start over.
14:24I finally opened my own store.
14:26Grandma's smile was like sunshine.
14:28I thought, life is finally good.
14:31But at night, I still thought of James.
14:33He used to be my everything.
14:35I thought I'd never get over him.
14:37Until six months later, at a bar, I saw a guy who looked just like him.
14:41The same back.
14:42The same drink.
14:43I waited for the pain to hit.
14:46But, nothing.
14:47No pain at all.
14:48I just turned back and laughed.
14:50That's when I knew.
14:51I'm finally free.
14:53A year later, I saw James again.
14:56My shop was booming.
14:57My rivals were furious.
15:02They hired trolls to smear my brand.
15:05So I sued them.
15:06I didn't back down.
15:09I thought it was over.
15:11I was wrong.
15:13Six thugs cornered me in an alley.
15:15They smashed my phone.
15:17I couldn't call help.
15:18Then, a familiar shadow charged in.
15:21It was James.
15:23He jumped in front of me.
15:24Call 911.
15:25He barked, tossing his phone.
15:27A man pulled a knife and lunged.
15:29James didn't even blink.
15:30He shielded me.
15:32The blade sank deep into his side.
15:35Blood soaked his shirt.
15:36I forgot to breathe.
15:37He leaned on me, gasping for air.
15:39He wiped a tear from my cheek.
15:41Don't be scared.
15:42It takes more than that to kill me.
15:45The ambulance took him away.
15:46I was frozen.
15:47It all felt like a living nightmare.
15:50James survived.
15:51He's stable now.
15:53His family rushed to the hospital.
15:55He's hurt because of you!
15:57I never asked him to save me.
15:59How can you be so icy?
16:02I was the one who blocked you.
16:04James never got your call for help.
16:06He almost killed that guy for you.
16:08I don't care.
16:09We broke up a year ago.
16:13He loved you more than he knew.
16:15She handed me an envelope of tickets.
16:18Every single one was to my city.
16:20He came here twice every month.
16:23Just to watch you from afar.
16:25James woke up and saw me.
16:26His voice was a raspy mess.
16:28I thought I'd never see you again.
16:31I tossed the plane tickets on the table.
16:33You've already seen me plenty of times.
16:35He looked away like a guilty child.
16:38I didn't mean to bother you.
16:40James, it doesn't matter anymore.
16:42We've already turned the page.
16:44He looked pale.
16:45His eyes filled with tears.
16:46I'm sorry about your promotion.
16:49I actually had a better plan for you.
16:51I closed my eyes.
16:53My chest felt tight.
16:55This won't make me come back, James.
16:58But you never told me.
16:59Why didn't you explain it back then?
17:01James froze.
17:03No words came out.
17:05Because you didn't think I needed to know.
17:07You were always so high and mighty.
17:10My feelings never mattered to you.
17:12He looked crushed.
17:14Broken.
17:14I paid his medical bills in full.
17:17As I drove off, he looked from the window.
17:19Until he was gone.
17:20For good.
17:22One year later.
17:23Winter returned to New York.
17:25I walked into my new office with pride.
17:28My new firm gave me real power.
17:30At 29, I'm back in the game.
17:32I call James for advice when things get tough.
17:35He helps me without asking for anything.
17:37I don't hate him.
17:39I use him as a resource.
17:40I grew faster than ever before.
17:43Five years later, the company went public.
17:45As a founder, I finally have my future.
17:48I am finally the hero of my own story.
17:51We were at a major bidding war for a famous brand.
17:54My old company, James' firm, went first.
17:57Their idea was a cute story about a magic latte.
18:00Drink this.
18:01And your crush will fall for you.
18:03It was a classic romance drama ending.
18:05The judges loved it.
18:06But that was our idea, too.
18:08My team was panicking.
18:10What do we do, walls?
18:11I walked onto the stage, the spotlight hitting my face.
18:14Our initial plan was the same as theirs.
18:16The room started whispering.
18:19I waited for silence.
18:20But standing here, I want to change the ending.
18:24In our story, the girl doesn't give the latte to the guy.
18:28She drinks it herself.
18:30The judges looked stunned.
18:31I continued with a smile.
18:33If magic exists, I want it to make us love ourselves.
18:36When you value yourself, your real life finally begins.
18:39This comes from my own life.
18:41I used to chase a man I thought was a god.
18:43But once I started loving myself, I realized, I am just as good as he is.
18:47Maybe better.
18:49The room was silent.
18:50Then, a single person started clapping.
18:53It was James, sitting in a dark corner.
18:55He wasn't looking down at me anymore.
18:57He was looking up at me with pure respect.
18:59We locked eyes and shared a peaceful smile.
19:02We locked eyes and shared a peaceful smile.
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