- 12 hours ago
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:20Today is Christmas Day, on a highway with the temperature at 5 degrees below zero.
00:25I held my three-year-old daughter in my arms and watched him start the car again.
00:28It's been four years since we got married, and this is the first time I've realized just
00:33how cruel my husband can be.
00:35He left his wife and daughter on the highway for the sake of someone else's daughter all
00:39because Mason said,
00:41I don't want to.
00:43I don't want to sit with that dirty kid.
00:46Um, David, it's fine.
00:49We can all squeeze in.
00:51Did you hear that?
00:51Get out.
00:53Mia's on the way.
00:54She'll be here in half an hour.
00:55I stood by the guardrail of the emergency lane with Lily in my arms, trying to shield
01:00her from the wind and snow with my body.
01:02Mom, where's Daddy?
01:04Daddy went to Grandma's first.
01:06Aunt Mia will come pick us up soon.
01:08I called Mia.
01:10Vivian?
01:11What's wrong?
01:12Mia, your brother told you to come pick us up.
01:14Where are you?
01:15You just wait a bit.
01:16I'll come over later.
01:17Brother said Chloe and Mason can't stand the wind.
01:19We had to get them back home quick.
01:21It's not like you'll die.
01:23Lily trembled in my arms.
01:25Mom, I want to go home.
01:27Soon, baby.
01:28We'll be home soon.
01:30A black SUV slowed down and stopped in front of us.
01:33A black SUV slowed down and stopped in front of us.
01:37Need help?
01:38Can you give us a lift?
01:39Just to the next service area.
01:42Get in.
01:44Thank you so much.
01:45I reached for the car door.
01:46It was Charles, David's cousin.
01:48Vivian, what are you doing here?
01:50Where's my brother?
01:51I told him the story in a few quick words.
01:53What?
01:53Is he insane?
01:54Leaving you and Lily here?
01:56Chloe's daughter is a human being, but his own daughter isn't?
02:00Leo, let them get in first.
02:01We'll squeeze.
02:02There's no space left.
02:03You guys go on.
02:04I'll wait here.
02:05Charles pushed me toward the car.
02:06Hurry up.
02:07Lily's face is turning verbal.
02:08She can't stay in the cold any longer.
02:11Charles, it's freezing out here.
02:13What about you?
02:14I'm a grown man.
02:15What's there to be afraid of?
02:16Take care of the kid first.
02:17Go the car pulled away.
02:18His figure growing smaller and smaller.
02:20Lily fell asleep in my arms.
02:23Sir, can you go a little faster?
02:25My daughter has a fever.
02:26The driver nodded and stepped on the gas.
02:28I took out my phone, ready to call Mia again, only to find there was no signal.
02:32The highway cut through the mountains, with signal coming and going in fits and starts.
02:36How much longer to the service area?
02:3820 kilometers.
02:41But in this weather, at least half an hour.
02:43I held Lily tight, touching her forehead.
02:45It was getting hotter by the minute.
02:47Lily opened her eyes drowsily.
02:48She suddenly started coughing.
02:50So hard her little face turned purple.
02:51The driver looked anxious too.
02:53This is as fast as I can go.
02:54The roads are slippery with snow.
02:56I unbuttoned her clothes and saw her chest heaving violently.
02:59Lily, look at mom.
03:01Don't close your eyes.
03:02Mom will tell you a story.
03:04The story of the little white rabbit.
03:05I banged on the car window like a mad woman.
03:08Help!
03:08But on the highway, there was nothing but wind and snow.
03:11The car finally pulled into the service area.
03:14Is there a doctor here?
03:16The clerk was startled.
03:17I...
03:18I'm sorry, there's no doctor here.
03:20Call a doctor!
03:21Hurry!
03:23The signal tower's broken.
03:24My legs gave way, and I almost fell to my knees.
03:27The owner of the small hotel at the service area rummaged around for a long time
03:31and pulled out a box of fever medicine and antibiotics.
03:34Lily lay on my lap, her breathing so faint it seemed it might stop at any moment.
03:40I tried to feed her the medicine.
03:42What if I drive you to the county hospital, but with the snow this bad the roads might be closed.
03:46Go!
03:48Let's go right now!
03:49The car inched forward on the snow-covered road.
03:52Every jolt made Lily's body go limp a little more.
03:55Lily, didn't you say you wanted to go to Disneyland?
03:58Mom will take you there.
04:00We'll ride the biggest carousel.
04:01You want to wear the Elsa dress, don't you?
04:03Mom will also take you to Universal Studios.
04:07Her eyelashes fluttered.
04:09Her eyelashes fluttered.
04:10But she never opened her eyes.
04:12My phone suddenly vibrated.
04:14Signal.
04:15I dialed David's number with trembling fingers.
04:18It rang for a long time before he finally answered,
04:21Hello?
04:21The background was quiet.
04:23Lily is sick.
04:24Really sick.
04:25Where are you two?
04:26We're on the way to the hospital.
04:27Please come quickly.
04:28Vivian, he cut me off.
04:29Didn't Mia go to pick you up?
04:30She never came, she never even showed up.
04:32That's impossible.
04:33She just posted on her moments, said she was on the way.
04:35I froze.
04:36I opened Instagram and found Mia's profile.
04:38Her latest post, 10 minutes ago.
04:40The location showed she was 100 kilometers away from us.
04:44She'd never moved an inch.
04:46She'd lied to you, and she'd lied to me.
04:49Mia will be there soon.
04:50We can't wait.
04:51Lily is dying.
04:52Our daughter is dying, David.
04:53Vivian, it's Christmas day.
04:55Don't say such unlucky things.
04:56Talking about death and dying.
04:57Chloe and Mason just arrived.
04:58Don't ruin the mood.
04:59Once Mia picks you up, just take Lily to a hospital.
05:01It'll be fine.
05:02Kids get fevers all the time.
05:04She won't die.
05:04Stop being unreasonable.
05:05Be good.
05:05He hung up the phone.
05:06I clutched my phone, my blood running cold.
05:09Your husband?
05:11Bastard.
05:12Hold on tight.
05:12I'll take a shortcut.
05:14I won't let this kid die.
05:15Snow fell even harder.
05:17Lily's breathing was almost inaudible.
05:19I pulled a metal device the size of a button out of my inner pocket.
05:23Father had said that as long as I pressed it, his men would be here within three hours.
05:27We finally reached the hospital.
05:29I rushed into the emergency room with Lily in my arms.
05:32Acute pneumonia.
05:33Heart rate dropping.
05:34Prepare for recitation.
05:37I was stopped outside the resuscitation room.
05:40I watched the doctors intubate Lily and hook her up to a monitor.
05:43Her tiny body lay on the hospital bed as if it might vanish at any moment.
05:47I squatted in the corner.
05:48My phone rang again.
05:51David.
05:52Vivian, where are you two?
05:53My mom's waiting for dinner.
05:55I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.
05:58Speak.
05:59Hospital.
05:59Lily is in ICU.
06:01What?
06:01Why are you at the hospital?
06:02Where's Mia?
06:03She never came.
06:04That's impossible.
06:05She just texted me, said she picked you up.
06:06I opened the family group chat.
06:0820 minutes ago, she sent a message.
06:10Brother picked up Vivian.
06:11She's lying.
06:12David, come to the hospital.
06:13Now.
06:14Are you just doing this because Chloe is here and you're jealous?
06:16Our daughter can barely breathe and you think this is jealousy?
06:19What else?
06:20Lily gets colds all the time.
06:21You're overreacting.
06:22And honestly, I'm tired of you making every day about your feelings.
06:24David, if Lily dies today, I will never forgive you for the rest of my life.
06:28That's your choice, but I'm not leaving here tonight.
06:31He hung up.
06:32I listened to the dial tone and slid slowly to the floor.
06:36She suffered from oxygen deprivation for too long.
06:38There's brain damage.
06:38It may affect her intelligence in the future or even leave her paralyzed for life.
06:42I grabbed the wall to keep from falling.
06:44The world went black before my eyes.
06:46We did everything we could.
06:48First, go through the admission procedures.
06:49The follow-up treatment won't be cheap, okay?
06:51I stumbled to the payment counter in a daze.
06:54Insufficient funds.
06:55David only gave me $500 a month for living expenses, saying it was enough to raise a child.
07:00I called him.
07:02The background was lively, like he was eating dinner.
07:04What now?
07:05Lily needs surgery.
07:06Transfer $1,000 to me.
07:07$10,000?
07:08Vivian, do you think I'm an ATM or a printing pren?
07:11David, $10,000 to me.
07:14David, Lily is your daughter.
07:15Are you going to transfer the money or not?
07:16No.
07:17I'm not going to keep funding your drama every time you want my attention.
07:19As for Lily, if you're going to use her as a weapon every time we argue,
07:22then maybe you two are better off on your own.
07:24I hung up the phone weakly.
07:27Can you treat her first?
07:29I'll pay you back slowly.
07:30I'm sorry.
07:31Hospital rules.
07:32We need a deposit first.
07:33I walked out of the hospital and stood in the snow.
07:36My phone vibrated.
07:37It was Charles.
07:38Vivian, where are you?
07:39My brother said Mia picked you up.
07:42Charles, do me a favor.
07:44Anything.
07:45If I die, take care of Lily for me.
07:48What nonsense are you talking about?
07:50I have no money left.
07:52There's no hope for Lily.
07:53David doesn't want to help.
07:55I have nothing left.
07:57Send her to an orphan hedge.
07:59At least she'll live.
07:59Vivian, don't do anything stupid.
08:01Where are you?
08:01I'll be there right away.
08:02No need.
08:03I hung up and turned off my phone.
08:05I walked back to the ward.
08:07Baby, Mom, I'm so sorry.
08:09In the next life, don't be my daughter.
08:11I bent down and kissed her forehead.
08:13Find a hood family.
08:15Be a beloved baby.
08:16The hospital rooftop was battered by wind and snow.
08:19I stood at the edge looking down.
08:21People walking by were so small.
08:23If I jumped, everything would be over.
08:25I closed my eyes and leaned forward.
08:28A hand suddenly grabbed my wrist.
08:30I fell to the ground and looked up.
08:31Several men in black suits stood in front of me.
08:33Dad?
08:34I was lifted onto a helicopter.
08:36Lily was carried on board too.
08:38And the doctors who'd come with us took over at once.
08:40Intracranial pressure is too high.
08:41She needs surgery immediately.
08:43Call the hospital.
08:44Tell them we're coming.
08:45Get everything ready.
08:46I'm sorry, baby.
08:47Dad came from me.
08:48Father held my hand, his hands shaking non-stop.
08:51I stared at him as if in a dream.
08:53Dad, we're coming back home.
08:53That was a lie.
08:54I was afraid he'd marry only for money.
08:56I knew our family's wealthy, so I pretended to be poor well.
08:58But I never thought...
09:00He looked at the unconscious Lily, and tears fell.
09:02They'd be this cruel to mistreat my granddaughter like this.
09:05The helicopter landed on the roof of the hospital.
09:08Lily was wheeled straight into the operating room.
09:10Father stood outside the operating room and made a phone call.
09:13Carter Group, I want to see its stock drop to the limit before the market opens tomorrow.
09:16Terminate all collaboration deals.
09:18You know what to do with the banks.
09:20Vivian, Bad will give you two choices.
09:22First, get a divorce, take the money, take Lily abroad, and never come wait for the rest of your life.
09:27Second, stay and watch this man fall apart.
09:30Watch David get on his knees and beg for your forgiveness.
09:33I thought for a moment...
09:35Second.
09:36But I have one more condition.
09:38Say it.
09:39Prepare a corpse for me.
09:40One that looks exactly like me, frozen to death on the side of the highway with a child.
09:43You want to?
09:44I want them to think I'm dead.
09:46Then I want to watch with my own eyes how they celebrate.
09:48How can they celebrate Christmas happily while Lily and I are dead?
09:51Father was silent for a long time, then nodded.
09:54Alright.
09:55The corpse was incredibly lifelike.
09:57Someone passing by found them and called the police.
09:59The police contacted David using the phone they found on me.
10:02When the phone rang, David's family was having their Christmas dinner.
10:05A table full of food, laughter, and chatter filling the room.
10:09Chol sat next to David putting food on his plate.
10:11Mason called Grandma sweetly.
10:12Grandma.
10:13Chloe is such a good girl.
10:14Even her daughter is so sensible.
10:16Unlike Vivian who had that little crybaby.
10:18So fussy, such a nuisance.
10:19David's phone rang.
10:20He glanced at it and frowned.
10:22Police.
10:23Hello?
10:24Is this Mr. David?
10:25Is your wife Vivian with your daughter on the highway?
10:27Yes.
10:28What's wrong?
10:28We found two bodies by the highway.
10:30Initial judgment is death by hypothermia.
10:32The female victim has an ID card with the name Vivian.
10:34There's also a little girl around three years old.
10:38Please come and identify them.
10:39What did you say?
10:41Your wife and daughter may have had an accident.
10:43The entire table fell silent.
10:44How unlucky to be like this on Christmas.
10:47David stood up, his face as white as a sheet.
10:49Vivian and Lily froze to death?
10:51A police officer led him into the mortuary.
10:55The cold storage drawer was pulled open, revealing the two bodies, one big one small.
10:59The older one wore my down jacket.
11:01Is this them?
11:08Impossible.
11:11Mia clearly went to pick them up.
11:12We reviewed the surveillance footage.
11:13Her sister's car never even got on the highway.
11:15She drove around the city for a while, then went home.
11:17Besides, the last call on the deceased's phone was to you.
11:19It was at seven last night.
11:19She said the child was sick and begged you for help.
11:21And you said...
11:22You said she was overreacting.
11:23That you weren't going to fund her drama.
11:24I thought...
11:26I thought she was exaggerating.
11:28I...
11:29I didn't know it was real.
11:32Would you have gone if you'd known?
11:33The mortuary door opened.
11:34David's mother rushed in, saw the bodies.
11:37Oh my granddaughter, my sweet baby.
11:40Why did you have to leave like this?
11:41Grandma didn't get to love you enough.
11:43She cried for two seconds, then suddenly stopped and grabbed David.
11:47Now that Vivian is dead, you can marry Chloe.
11:50She's young, she's kind, and she loves you.
11:54David turned to look at her, his eyes blank and strange.
11:57Mom, that's my daughter.
11:58Your granddaughter.
11:59I know, I know.
12:00It's heartbreaking.
12:01But dwelling on it won't bring them back.
12:03Life moves forward.
12:05Call the lawyer.
12:06We'll handle the paperwork quietly.
12:07Don't drag this out.
12:08Hurry up.
12:09Chloe is waiting at home.
12:10Mrs. These are two human lives!
12:12So what about human lives?
12:14This is our family's business.
12:15It's none of your business!
12:16David's mother pulled him toward the door.
12:18Let's go.
12:18Chloe is waiting for us to go back to dinner.
12:20David let her drag him away.
12:22Then he looked back at the cold storage drawer.
12:24Wait.
12:25He wrenched his arm free and walked back.
12:26Wait.
12:28Vivian, I'm sorry.
12:31I was wrong.
12:32I really didn't know it would be like this.
12:35Why are you apologizing to her?
12:37She's just unlucky to hear.
12:39Serves her right.
12:40Shut up!
12:45I want to take the bodies back.
12:47Hold a funeral.
12:48A grand one.
12:49A black wreath hung on the front door of the Carter family house.
12:53Chole and Mason moved into the master bedroom.
12:58David's mother kept trying to take down the black wreath.
13:01David didn't listen.
13:03He sat in the morning hall keeping vigil beside the coffins.
13:06Brother, I didn't mean to.
13:07I just forgot about it because I was having fun with friends.
13:10I never thought they'd actually die.
13:12Forgot about it?
13:13Two human lives and you just say you forgot about it?
13:15What do you want me to do then?
13:17It's not my fault she had no one to rely on.
13:19David raised his hand and slapped her heart across the face.
13:23Get out.
13:24If I see you again, I'll disown you.
13:30Mia ran away crying.
13:32Chole came over with Mason, her voice soft and comforting.
13:36Vivian would not want to see you like this wherever she is.
13:39David looked up at her.
13:39Did you know what you were doing when they were dying?
13:42I was eating dinner at your house.
13:44They were dying in the snow.
13:46Waiting for someone who would never come.
13:48That's your sister's fault.
13:49What does it have to do with me?
13:51It was your mom who insisted that I come back with you for Christmas.
13:53Otherwise, I wouldn't have to suffer like this.
13:55Besides, it was you who threw them out of the car.
13:57Right.
13:57You endured so much trouble, but they froze to death.
13:59To death in the snow.
14:01Two lives lost.
14:02And Lily was only three years old.
14:03Chole said nothing.
14:04David stood up and walked to the coffins, running his hand gently over them.
14:09I've been thinking these past few days.
14:11What if I'd answered the phone?
14:13What if I'd gone to pick them up?
14:15What if I hadn't said those things?
14:16Before she walked out the door, she threw a sentence over her shoulder.
14:20I'm still here.
14:20Talk to me when you feel better.
14:22The door to the morning hall closed.
14:24David slid down to the floor, leaning against the coffin.
14:27In the surveillance room, I watched his shoulders shake.
14:30How ridiculous.
14:31He didn't cherish Lily when she was alive, only cried for her when she was dead.
14:36I texted father.
14:37Can we start?
14:37Father replied, anytime.
14:39David's business began to collapse.
14:41First, their biggest client suddenly terminated the contract, and signed a 10-year long-term
14:46deal with a competitor the next day.
14:48Then the banks called in their loans, and the cash flow dried up.
14:52Suppliers swarmed the company to demand payment.
14:55His mother called to yell at him.
14:56You're never home.
14:57What if Chloe gets angry?
14:58The company is falling apart.
15:01Do you understand that?
15:03So what if it falls apart?
15:05We still have money.
15:06Money?
15:07Mom, we're going bankrupt.
15:09The house, the cars, the savings, all of it will be sold to pay the debts.
15:14You might not even have enough to eat in the future.
15:15He sat in his office staring out the window.
15:18He'd worked hard in the city for 10 years.
15:20No, it was all gone in one night.
15:22His phone rang an unknown number.
15:26And a man's voice came through.
15:28Mr. David, have you received the gift?
15:30You just need to know this is only the beginning.
15:32The debt you owe must be repaid with the entire family's phone.
15:35The phone hung up.
15:36David called back, but the number was already disconnected.
15:39He clutched the phone, his hands shaking.
15:41Carter Group was officially declared bankrupt and put into liquidation.
15:45David's mother moved out of the villa and into a rented apartment.
15:49Joel left with Mason, taking the last of the cash with her before she went.
15:52Mason still has to go to school.
15:53David didn't stop her.
15:55He moved into the morning hall.
15:56He spread a quilt on the floor and slept there.
15:58You ruined the family fortune for a dead woman.
16:01How can you face mom?
16:03David looked at her.
16:04And who can face Vivian?
16:05Who can face Lily?
16:06Who can face Lily?
16:07Mia was lost for words and left crying.
16:09She never came back.
16:12David started looking for a job.
16:14But no one wanted to hire a bankrupt boss.
16:16He had to go work at a construction site, carrying bricks.
16:21At night, he went back to the morning hall and ate steamed buns with cold water.
16:26Then he sat beside the coffins and talked to himself.
16:29Vivian, the foreman yelled at me today, said I'm weak, not a real man.
16:33I remembered you used to tell me not to work so hard to take care of myself.
16:37I thought you were just nagging back then.
16:39Now I realize you really cared about me.
16:42He pulled out a crumpled cigarette and lit it.
16:44If Lily were alive, she'd be in kindergarten now.
16:46You said you wanted to send her to learn the piano.
16:48I said it was a waste of time.
16:50I'm such an idiot.
16:53The cigarette burned down to his fingers but he didn't notice.
16:56In the surveillance room, father asked me, still watching?
17:00I shook my head, no.
17:02Get everything ready.
17:04I'll go back to the company next week.
17:06You're going to take over?
17:08That's right, David's family has fallen and I've avenged my grudge.
17:13Now it's time to live my own life.
17:19All right.
17:21But there's one thing you need to know.
17:23David is looking for you.
17:26It seems he's found out the bodies are fake.
17:28David had indeed found out.
17:29In the pocket of my down jacket, there was a shopping receipt.
17:33I waited three days after I died for a strawberry cake Lily's favorite.
17:36He rushed to the cake shop and asked to see the surveillance footage.
17:41On the screen, a woman wearing a mask held a little girl's hand.
17:44The little girl hopped and skipped, pointing at the cake display case.
17:48The woman bent down, listened to her then smiled and nodded.
17:51It was me.
17:52David ran out of the cake shop like a madman.
17:55He went to every place we'd ever been together.
17:57Parks, malls, amusement parks.
18:02Finally, he saw Lily at the gate of a private kindergarten.
18:04A man in a suit was holding her hand about to lead her to a car.
18:07Lily, David rushed over.
18:09Sir, what are you doing?
18:10Lily saw him, froze for a second, then hid behind the man.
18:13She's my daughter.
18:15Where's Vivian?
18:16The man frowned.
18:17I don't know anyone named Vivian.
18:19Please, step aside.
18:20Lily suddenly burst into tears.
18:22Bad guy, you're a bad guy.
18:25You made mom cry.
18:26David froze.
18:30Lily, I'm daddy.
18:32You're not.
18:33Lily shouted.
18:34Mighty is dead.
18:35Mom said so.
18:36He didn't want us anymore.
18:37He's dead.
18:38Just then, a black car pulled up and stopped by the road.
18:40The window rolled down.
18:42I sat in the back seat.
18:43David saw me and his pupils constricted.
18:45Vivian, you're really alive.
18:46You're really alive.
18:47Getting out of the car and walking over to pick Lily up.
18:50Mom, that bad guy tried to grab me.
18:53Don't be afraid, baby.
18:54Mom's here.
18:55David stared at me as if seeing me for the first time.
18:57You've been lying to me this whole time.
18:59Yes, I admitted.
19:00The bodies were fake.
19:01Otherwise, how else could I make you taste what it's like to lose everything?
19:03David's eyes turned red.
19:04How could you be so cruel?
19:06I laughed.
19:07Cruel?
19:07Were you not cruel when you left me and our daughter on the highway?
19:09Were you not cruel when you chose another family over your own daughter dying in the snow?
19:12David opened his mouth, but no words came out.
19:14I'll give you two choices now.
19:16First, get out.
19:17Never show your face again.
19:18Second, I'll call the police and charge you with abandonment.
19:20I have all of Lily's medical records, all the recordings of our calls,
19:23enough to put you in jail for years.
19:25David shook his head.
19:26Lily is my daughter.
19:27She's not your daughter.
19:29The moment you left her on that highway, you lost the right to be her father.
19:32Vivian, I'm sorry.
19:33I'm really sorry.
19:34Let me see her.
19:35Just one look.
19:35I don't deserve to be her father.
19:37I'll be your slave.
19:38I'll make it up to you both.
19:39Please.
19:39I watched him on his knees in the dirt, sobbing uncontrollably.
19:42I'm sorry.
19:43I turned and got back in the car.
19:44My heart was completely calm.
19:46David scrambled to his feet and tried to chase after us.
19:48But the man in the suit stopped him.
19:50Assistant to the chairman of Sterling Group.
19:52Ms. Vivian is the chairman's only daughter, and the sole heir to Sterling Group.
19:56The man smiled slightly.
19:57David froze in place.
19:58She said her family was a farming family.
20:00That was a lie.
20:00The assistant said.
20:01The chairman didn't want his daughter to marry someone who only wanted her money.
20:03Unfortunately, you still let her down.
20:04The car pulled away.
20:05I watched David from the rear window, on his knees.
20:08Lily snuggled in my arms and asked in a small voice,
20:11My baby.
20:11Going home.
20:13Our home.
20:14I officially took over Sterling Group.
20:15Father retired and spent his days growing flowers and fishing.
20:18Only occasionally would he ask me-
20:19You still hate him?
20:20No.
20:21Hating someone is too tiring.
20:22I don't have the energy for it.
20:23Do you still think about him?
20:24Dad, do you think that's possible?
20:25I have a career, a daughter, family.
20:26I don't need a man to mess things up.
20:28Then I'll go watch Lily practice the piano.
20:30I stood up and left the study.
20:31The corridor was long.
20:33At the end was Lily's piano room.
20:36She was playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
20:38It was simple but she didn't hit a single wrong note.
20:40Three years ago the doctor said she might be paralyzed for life with impaired intelligence.
20:45Three years later she could run and jump, play the piano, and speak fluent French.
20:49It was money that had bought her health.
20:50And the true nature of people's heart.
20:53My phone vibrated.
20:55My assistant sent a message saying-
20:56Boss, there's a man downstairs in the company.
20:57He says he has to see you.
20:58Tell him I'm not available.
21:00He's on his knees, says he won't leave until he sees you.
21:02I walked to the window and pulled back the blinds.
21:05Outside the company building David was on his knees by the road, holding a sign.It read,
21:10I'm sorry.
21:11I watched for a moment.
21:12Tell security to drag him away.
21:14If he keeps pestering us call the police.
21:16I hung up the phone.
21:17Three months later David was found dead in his rented apartment.
21:20The news came while I was signing a cross border merger and acquisition agreement.
21:24I didn't pause with my pen, I closed the document and nodded at my assistant.
21:28The sun was shining brightly outside the window, on my ring finger where there had long been no ring.
21:33I went back to the piano room and sat down next to Lily.
21:38Lily turned to look at me.
21:40Mom, are you crying?
21:41I touched my face, sure enough there were tears.
21:44No baby, just some dust in my eyes.
21:47I'll blow away the dust in your eyes.
21:50Mom, there's a parent-child activity at kindergarten tomorrow.
21:54Will you come?
21:54I kissed her forehead.
21:55Of course I will.
21:56I love you.
21:57She said suddenly.
21:58I hugged her tight.
21:59Mom loves you too.
22:01More than anything in the world.
22:04Today is Christmas day.
22:05On a highway, with the temperature at 5 degrees below zero.
22:08I held my 3 year old daughter in my arms and watched him start the car again.
22:12It's been 4 years since we got married.
22:14And this is the first time I've realized just how cruel my husband can be.
22:19He left his wife and daughter on the highway for the sake of someone else's daughter.
22:22All because, Mason said,
22:24I don't want to.
22:27I don't want to sit with that dirty kid.
22:30Um, David, it's fine.
22:32We can all squeeze in.
22:34Did you hear that?
22:35Get out.
22:37Mia's on the way.
22:38She'll be here in half an hour.
22:39I stood by the guard rail of the emergency lane with Lily in my arms, trying to shield her from
22:44the wind and snow with my body.
22:45Mom, where's Daddy?
22:47Daddy went to Grandma's first.
22:50Aunt Mia will come pick us up soon.
22:52I called Mia.
22:53Vivian?
22:54What's wrong?
22:55Mia!
22:56Your brother told you to come pick us up.
22:58Where are you?
22:58You just wait a bit.
23:00I'll come over later.
23:01Brother said Chloe and Mason can't stand the wind.
23:03We had to get them back home quick.
23:04It's not like you'll die.
23:06Lily trembled in my arms.
23:08Mom, I want to go home.
23:11Soon, baby.
23:12We'll be home soon.
23:14A black SUV slowed down and stopped in front of us.
23:17A black SUV slowed down and stopped in front of us.
23:20Need help?
23:21Can you give us a lift?
23:22Just to the next service area.
23:25Get in.
23:27Thank you so much.
23:28I reached for the car door.
23:30It was Charles, David's cousin.
23:32Vivian, what are you doing here?
23:33Where's my brother?
23:34I told him the story in a few quick words.
23:36Is he insane?
23:38Leaving you and Lily here?
23:39Chloe's daughter is a human being, but his own daughter isn't?
23:43Leo, let them get in first.
23:44We'll squeeze.
23:45There's no space left.
23:46You guys go on.
23:47I'll wait here.
23:48Charles pushed me toward the car.
23:50Hurry up.
23:50Lily's face is turning verbal.
23:52She can't stay in the cold any longer.
23:54Charles, it's freezing out here.
23:56What about you?
23:57I'm a grown man.
23:58What's there to be afraid of?
23:59Take care of the kid first.
24:01Go the car pulled away.
24:01You see you're growing smaller and smaller.
24:03Lily fell asleep in my arms.
24:06Sir, can you go a little faster?
24:08My daughter has a fever.
24:09The driver nodded and stepped on the gas.
24:11I took out my phone, ready to call Mia again, only to find there was no signal.
24:16The highway cut through the mountains, with signal coming and going in fits and starts.
24:20How much longer to the service area?
24:2220 kilometers.
24:24But in this weather, at least half an hour.
24:26I held Lily tight, touching her forehead.
24:28It was getting hotter by the minute.
24:30Lily opened her eyes drowsily.
24:31She suddenly started coughing.
24:33So hard her little face turned purple.
24:35The driver looked anxious too.
24:36This is as fast as I can go.
24:38The roads are slippery with snow.
24:39I unbuttoned her clothes and saw her chest heaving violently.
24:42Lily, look at mom.
24:44Don't close your eyes.
24:45Mom will tell you a story.
24:47The story of the little white rabbit.
24:49I banged on the car window like a mad woman.
24:51Help!
24:52But on the highway, there was nothing but wind and snow.
24:55The car finally pulled into the service area.
24:58Is there a doctor here?
24:59The clerk was startled.
25:00I...
25:01I'm sorry, there's no doctor here.
25:03Call a doctor!
25:04Hurry!
25:06The signal tower's broken.
25:08My legs gave way, and I almost fell to my knees.
25:10The owner of the small hotel at the service area rummaged around for a long time and pulled
25:14out a box of fever medicine and antibiotics.
25:18Lily lay on my lap, her breathing so faint it seemed it might stop at any moment.
25:23I tried to feed her the medicine.
25:25What if I drive you to the county hospital, but with the snow this bad the roads might be closed.
25:30Go!
25:31Let's go right now!
25:32The car inched forward on the snow-covered road.
25:35Every jolt made Lily's body go limp a little more.
25:39Lily, didn't you say you wanted to go to Disneyland?
25:41Mom will take you there.
25:43We'll ride the biggest carousel.
25:45You want to wear the Elsa dress, don't you?
25:47Mom will also take you to Universal Studios.
25:50Her eyelashes fluttered.
25:52Her eyelashes fluttered.
25:54But she never opened her eyes.
25:55My phone suddenly vibrated.
25:57Signal.
25:58I dialed David's number with trembling fingers.
26:01It rang for a long time before he finally answered.
26:04Hello?
26:05The background was quiet.
26:07Lily is sick.
26:07Really sick.
26:08Where are you two?
26:09We're on the way to the hospital.
26:10Please come quickly.
26:11Vivian.
26:12He cut me off.
26:12Didn't Mia go to pick you up?
26:13She never came.
26:14She never even showed up.
26:16That's impossible.
26:16She just posted on her moments, said she was on the way.
26:18I froze.
26:19I opened Instagram and found Mia's profile.
26:22Her latest post, 10 minutes ago.
26:24The location showed she was a hundred kilometers away from us.
26:27She'd never moved an inch.
26:29She'd lied to you.
26:30And she'd lied to me.
26:32Mia will be there soon.
26:33We can't wait.
26:34Lily is dying.
26:35Our daughter is dying, David.
26:37Vivian, it's Christmas day.
26:38Don't say such unlucky things.
26:39Talking about death and dying.
26:40Chloe and Mason just arrived.
26:42Don't ruin the mood.
26:43Once Mia picks you up, just take Lily to a hospital.
26:45It'll be fine.
26:46Kids get fevers all the time.
26:47She won't die.
26:47Stop being unreasonable.
26:48Be good.
26:49He hung up the phone.
26:50I clutched my phone, my blood running cold.
26:53Your husband?
26:54Bastard.
26:55Hold on tight.
26:56I'll take a shortcut.
26:57I won't let this kid die.
26:58The snow fell even harder.
27:00Lily's breathing was almost inaudible.
27:02I pulled a metal device the size of a button out of my inner pocket.
27:06Father had said that as long as I pressed it, his men would be here within three hours.
27:10We finally reached the hospital.
27:12I rushed into the emergency room with Lily in my arms.
27:15Acute pneumonia.
27:17Heart rate dropping.
27:18Prepare for recitation.
27:21I was stopped outside the resuscitation room.
27:23I watched the doctors intubate Lily and hook her up to a monitor.
27:27Her tiny body lay on the hospital bed as if it might vanish at any moment.
27:30I squatted in the corner.
27:32My phone rang again.
27:34David.
27:35Vivian, where are you two?
27:37My mom's waiting for dinner.
27:39I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.
27:41Speak.
27:42Hospital.
27:43Lily is in ICU.
27:44What?
27:45Why are you at the hospital?
27:46Where's Mia?
27:46She never came.
27:47That's impossible.
27:48She just texted me, said she picked you up.
27:49I opened the family group chat.
27:5120 minutes ago, she sent a message.
27:53Brother picked up Vivian.
27:55She's lying.
27:55David, come to the hospital.
27:57Now.
27:57Are you just doing this because Khloe is here and you're jealous?
27:59Our daughter can barely breathe and you think this is jealousy?
28:02What else?
28:03Lily gets colds all the time, you're overreacting.
28:05And honestly, I'm tired of you making every day about your feelings.
28:07David, if Lily dies today, I will never forgive you for the rest of my life.
28:11That's your choice, but I'm not leaving here tonight.
28:14He hung up.
28:15I listened to the dial tone and slid slowly to the floor.
28:19She suffered from oxygen deprivation for too long.
28:21There's brain damage.
28:22It may affect her intelligence in the future or even leave her paralyzed for life.
28:25How is that possible?
28:26I grabbed the wall to keep from falling.
28:28She's still so small.
28:28The world went black before my eyes.
28:30We did everything we could.
28:31First, go through the admission procedures.
28:32The follow-up treatment won't be cheap, okay?
28:34I stumbled to the payment counter in a daze.
28:37Insufficient funds.
28:38David only gave me $500 a month for living expenses, saying it was enough to raise a child.
28:44I called him.
28:45The background was lively, like he was eating dinner.
28:47What now?
28:48Lily needs surgery.
28:49Transfer $1,000 to me.
28:50$10,000?
28:52Vivian, do you think I'm an ATM or a printing pren?
28:55David, $10,000 to me.
28:57David, Lily is your daughter.
28:58Are you going to transfer the money or not?
29:00No.
29:00I'm not going to keep funding your drama every time you want my attention.
29:02As for Lily, if you're going to use her as a weapon every time we argue, then maybe
29:06you two are better off on your own.
29:07I hung up the phone weakly.
29:11Can you treat her first?
29:12I'll pay you back slowly.
29:13I'm sorry.
29:14Hospital rules.
29:15We need a deposit first.
29:17I walked out of the hospital and stood in the snow.
29:19No.
29:19My phone vibrated.
29:21It was Charles.
29:21Vivian, where are you?
29:23My brother said Mia picked you up.
29:24Charles, do me a favor.
29:27Anything.
29:28If I die, take care of Lily for me.
29:32What nonsense are you talking about?
29:33I have no money left.
29:35There's no hope for Lily.
29:37David doesn't want to help.
29:38I have nothing left.
29:40Send her to an orphan hedge.
29:42At least she'll live.
29:43Vivian, don't do anything stupid.
29:44Where are you?
29:45I'll be there right away.
29:46No need.
29:46I hung up and turned off my phone.
29:48I walked back to the ward.
29:50Baby mom, I'm so sorry.
29:52In the next life, don't be my daughter.
29:55I bent down and kissed her forehead.
29:56Find a hood family.
29:58Be a be a beloved baby.
30:00The hospital rooftop was battered by wind and snow.
30:03I stood at the edge looking down.
30:04People walking by were so small.
30:06If I jumped, everything would be over.
30:09I closed my eyes and leaned forward.
30:11A hand suddenly grabbed my wrist.
30:13I fell to the ground and looked up.
30:15Several men in black suits stood in front of me.
30:17I was lifted onto a helicopter.
30:19Lily was carried on board too.
30:21And the doctors who'd come with us took over at once.
30:23Intracranial pressure is too high.
30:25She needs surgery immediately.
30:26Call the hospital.
30:27Tell them we're coming.
30:28Get everything ready.
30:29I'm sorry baby.
30:31Dad came to me.
30:32Father held my hand.
30:32His hands shaking non-stop.
30:34I stared at him as if in a dream.
30:37That was a lie.
30:38I was afraid he'd marry only for money.
30:40I knew our family's wealthy.
30:41So I pretended to be poor well.
30:42But I never thought.
30:43He looked at the unconscious Lily.
30:45And tears fell.
30:45I never thought they'd be this cruel.
30:46To mistreat my granddaughter like this.
30:48The helicopter landed on the roof of the hospital.
30:51Lily was wheeled straight into the operating room.
30:53Father stood outside the operating room and made a phone call.
30:56Carter Group.
30:57I want to see its stock drop to the limit before the market opens tomorrow.
31:00Terminate all collaboration deals.
31:01You know what to do with the banks.
31:03Vivian.
31:04Bad will give you two choices.
31:06First.
31:06Get a divorce.
31:07Take the money.
31:08Take Lily abroad.
31:09And never come wait for the rest of your life.
31:11Second.
31:12Stay and watch this man fall apart.
31:14Watch David get on his knees and beg for your forgiveness.
31:17I thought for a moment.
31:18Second.
31:19But I have one more condition.
31:21Say it.
31:22A pair of corpse for me.
31:23One that looks exactly like me.
31:24Frozen to death on the side of the highway with a child.
31:26You want to?
31:27I want them to think I'm dead.
31:29Then I want to watch with my own eyes how they celebrate.
31:32How can they celebrate Christmas happily while Lily and I are dead?
31:35Father was silent for a long time.
31:37Then nodded.
31:37Alright.
31:38The corpse was incredibly lifelike.
31:40Someone passing by found them and called the police.
31:43The police contacted David using the phone they found on me.
31:45When the phone rang, David's family was having their Christmas dinner.
31:48A table full of food, laughter and chatter filling the room.
31:52Joel sat next to David putting food on his plate.
31:54Mason called grandma sweetly.
31:56Grandma.
31:56Chloe is such a good girl.
31:58Even her daughter is so sensible.
31:59Unlike Vivian who had that little cry baby.
32:01So fussy.
32:02Such a nuisance.
32:02David's phone rang.
32:03He glanced at it and frowned.
32:05Police.
32:06Hello?
32:07Is this Mr. David?
32:08Is your wife Vivian with your daughter on the highway?
32:10Yes.
32:11What's wrong?
32:12We found two bodies by the highway.
32:13Initial judgment is death by hypothermia.
32:15The female victim has an ID card with the name Vivian.
32:18There's also a little girl around three years old.
32:21Please come and identify them.
32:23What did you say?
32:24Your wife and daughter may have had an accident.
32:26The entire table fell silent.
32:28How unlucky to be like this on Christmas.
32:30David stood up, his face as white as a sheet.
32:33Vivian and Lily froze to death?
32:34A police officer led him into the mortuary.
32:38The cold storage drawer was pulled open, revealing the two bodies one big one small.
32:42The older one wore my down jacket.
32:45Is this them?
32:51Impossible.
32:54Mia clearly went to pick them up.
32:56We reviewed the surveillance footage.
32:57Her sister's car never even got on the highway.
32:58She drove around the city for a while, then went home.
33:00Besides, the last call on the deceased phone was to you.
33:02It was at seven last night.
33:03She said the child was sick and begged you for help.
33:04And you said...
33:05You said she was overreacting.
33:06That you weren't going to fund her drama.
33:08I thought...
33:09I thought she was exaggerating.
33:11I...
33:12I didn't know it was real.
33:15Would you have gone if you'd known?
33:16The mortuary door opened.
33:18David's mother rushed in, saw the bodies.
33:20Oh my granddaughter, my sweet baby.
33:23Why did you have to leave like this?
33:25Grandma didn't get to love you enough.
33:26She cried for two seconds, then suddenly stopped and grabbed David.
33:30Now that Vivian is dead, you can marry Chloe.
33:34She's young, she's kind, and she loves you.
33:37David turned to look at her, his eyes blank and strange.
33:40Mom, that's my daughter. Your granddaughter.
33:42I know, I know. It's heartbreaking.
33:45But dwelling on it won't bring them back.
33:47Life moves forward.
33:49Call the lawyer. We'll handle the paperwork quietly.
33:51Don't drag this out.
33:52Hurry up.
33:53Chloe is waiting at home.
33:54Mrs. These are two human lives!
33:56So what about human lives?
33:57This is our family's business.
33:58It's none of your business!
34:00David's mother pulled him toward the door.
34:01Let's go. Chloe is waiting for us to go back to dinner!
34:03David let her drag him away.
34:05Then he looked back at the cold storage drawer.
34:07Wait.
34:08He wrenched his arm free and walked back.
34:10Wait.
34:11Vivian, I'm sorry.
34:14I was wrong.
34:16I really...
34:17didn't know it would be like this.
34:18Why are you apologizing to her?
34:20She's just unlucky to hear.
34:22Serves her right!
34:23Shut up!
34:28I want to take the bodies back.
34:30Hold a funeral.
34:32A grand one.
34:32A black wreath hung on the front door of the Carter family house.
34:36Chol and Mason moved into the master bedroom.
34:41David's mother kept trying to take down the black wreath.
34:45David didn't listen.
34:46He sat in the morning hall keeping vigil beside the coffins.
34:49Brother, I didn't mean to.
34:50I just forgot about it because I was having fun with friends.
34:53I never thought they'd actually die.
34:55Forgot about it?
34:56Two human lives and you just say you forgot about it?
34:58What do you want me to do then?
35:00It's not my fault she had no one to rely on.
35:03David raised his hand and slapped her heart across the face.
35:06Get out.
35:07If I see you again, I'll disown you.
35:13Mia ran away crying.
35:16Chol came over with Mason, her voice soft and comforting.
35:19Vivian would not want to see you like this wherever she is.
35:22David looked up at her.
35:23Did you know what you were doing when they were dying?
35:25I was eating dinner at your house.
35:27They were dying in the snow.
35:29Waiting for someone who would never come.
35:31That's your sister's fault.
35:33What does it have to do with me?
35:34It was your mom who insisted that I come back with you for Christmas.
35:37Otherwise, I wouldn't have to suffer like this.
35:38Besides, it was you who threw them out of the car.
35:40Right, you endured so much trouble, but they froze to death.
35:43To death in the snow.
35:44Two lives lost and Lily was only three years old.
35:46Chol said nothing.
35:48David stood up and walked to the coffins, running his hand gently over them.
35:52I've been thinking these past few days.
35:55What if I'd answered the phone?
35:56What if I'd gone to pick them up?
35:58What if I hadn't said those things?
36:00Before she walked out the door, she threw a sentence over her shoulder.
36:03David, I'm still here.
36:04Talk to me when you feel better.
36:06The door to the morning hall closed.
36:08David slid down to the floor, leaning against the coffin.
36:11In the surveillance room, I watched his shoulders shake.
36:13How ridiculous.
36:14He didn't cherish Lily when she was alive, only cried for her when she was dead.
36:19I texted father.
36:20Can we start?
36:21Father replied, anytime.
36:23David's business began to collapse.
36:25First, their biggest client suddenly terminated the contract
36:27and signed a 10-year long-term deal with a competitor the next day.
36:32Then the banks called in their loans and the cash flow dried up.
36:35Suppliers swarmed the company to demand payment.
36:38His mother called to yell at him.
36:40You're never home.
36:41What if Chloe gets angry?
36:42The company is falling apart.
36:45Do you understand that?
36:47So what if it falls apart?
36:48We still have money.
36:49Money?
36:50Mom, we're going bankrupt.
36:52The house, the cars, the savings, all of it will be sold to pay the debts.
36:57You might not even have enough to eat in the future.
36:59He sat in his office staring out the window.
37:01He'd worked hard in the city for 10 years.
37:04No, it was all gone in one night.
37:05His phone rang an unknown number.
37:10And a man's voice came through.
37:12Mr. David, have you received the gift?
37:13You just need to know this is only the beginning.
37:15The debt you owe must be repaid with the entire family's fund.
37:18The phone hung up.
37:19David called back, but the number was already disconnected.
37:22He clutched the phone, his hands shaking.
37:24Carter Group was officially declared bankrupt and put into liquidation.
37:29David's mother moved out of the villa and into a rented apartment.
37:32Toll left with Mason, taking the last of the cash with her before she went.
37:35My daughter Mason still has to go to school.
37:37David didn't stop her.
37:38He moved into the morning hall.
37:39He spread a quilt on the floor and slept there.
37:42You ruined the family fortune for a dead woman.
37:45How can you face mom?
37:46David looked at her.
37:47Then who can face Vivian?
37:48Who can face Lily?
37:50Who can face Lily?
37:50Mia was lost for words and left crying.
37:52She never came back.
37:55David started looking for a job.
37:57But no one wanted to hire a bankrupt boss.
38:00He had to go work at a construction site, carrying bricks.
38:04At night, he went back to the morning hall and ate steamed buns with cold water.
38:09Then he sat beside the coffins and talked to himself.
38:12Vivian, the foreman yelled at me today.
38:14Said I'm weak, not a real man.
38:16I remembered you used to tell me not to work so hard to take care of myself.
38:20I thought you were just nagging back then.
38:22Now I realize you really cared about me.
38:25He pulled out a crumpled cigarette and lit it.
38:27If Lily were alive, she'd be in kindergarten now.
38:29You said you wanted to send her to learn the piano.
38:32I said it was a waste of time.
38:34I'm such an idiot.
38:37The cigarette burned down to his fingers but he didn't notice.
38:40In the surveillance room, father asked me, still watching?
38:43I shook my head. No.
38:46Get everything ready.
38:47I'll go back to the company next week.
38:49You're going to take over?
38:52That's right.
38:53David's family has fallen and I've avenged my grudge.
38:56Now it's time to live my own life.
39:03All right.
39:04But there's one thing you need to know.
39:06David is looking for you.
39:09It seems he's found out the bodies are fake.
39:11David had indeed found out.
39:13In the pocket of my down jacket, there was a shopping receipt.
39:16I waited three days after I'd died for a strawberry cake Lily's favorite.
39:20He rushed to the cake shop and asked to see the surveillance footage.
39:24On the screen, a woman wearing a mask held a little girl's hand.
39:27The little girl hopped and skipped, pointing at the cake display case.
39:31The woman bent down, listened to her then smiled and nodded.
39:34It was me.
39:35David ran out of the cake shop like a madman.
39:38He went to every place we'd ever been together.
39:41Parks.
39:43Malls.
39:44Amusement parks.
39:45Finally, he saw Lily at the gate of a private kindergarten.
39:48A man in a suit was holding her hand about to lead her to a car.
39:50Lily, David rushed over.
39:53Sir, what are you doing?
39:53Lily saw him, froze for a second, then hid behind the man.
39:57She's my daughter!
39:58Where's Vivian?
39:59A man frowned.
40:00I don't know anyone named Vivian.
40:02Please, step aside.
40:04Lily suddenly burst into tears.
40:06Bad guy!
40:07You're a bad guy!
40:08You made mom cry!
40:10David froze.
40:12Lily...
40:14I'm daddy!
40:15You're not!
40:16Lily shouted.
40:17Mighty is dead!
40:18Mom said so!
40:19He didn't want us anymore!
40:21He's dead!
40:21Just then, a black car pulled up and stopped by the road.
40:24The window rolled down.
40:25I sat in the back seat.
40:26David saw me and his pupils constricted.
40:28Vivian, you're really alive.
40:29You're really alive.
40:30Getting out of the car and walking over to pick Lily up.
40:33Mom!
40:34That bad guy tried to grab me.
40:36Don't be afraid, baby.
40:37Mom's here.
40:38David stared at me as if seeing me for the first time.
40:41You've been lying to me this whole time.
40:42Yes, I admitted.
40:43The bodies were fake.
40:44Otherwise, how else could I make you taste what it's like to lose everything?
40:46David's eyes turned red.
40:47How could you be so cruel?
40:50I laughed.
40:51Were you not cruel when you left me and our daughter on the highway?
40:52Were you not cruel when you chose another family over your own daughter dying in the snow?
40:56David opened his mouth, but no words came out.
40:58I'll give you two choices now.
40:59First, get out.
41:00Never show your face again.
41:01Second, I'll call the police and charge you with abandonment.
41:04I have all of Lily's medical records, all the recordings of our calls,
41:07enough to put you in jail for years.
41:08David shook his head.
41:09Lily is my daughter.
41:11She's not your daughter.
41:12The moment you left her on that highway, you lost the right to be her father.
41:15Vivian!
41:16I'm sorry.
41:17I'm really sorry.
41:17Let me see her.
41:18Just one look.
41:18I don't deserve to be her father.
41:20I'll be your slave.
41:21I'll make it up to you both, please.
41:22I watched him on his knees in the dirt, sobbing uncontrollably.
41:25I'm sorry.
41:26I turned and got back in the car.
41:28My heart was completely calm.
41:29David scrambled to his feet and tried to chase after us.
41:32But the man in the suit stopped him.
41:33Who were you?
41:33Assistant to the chairman of Sterling Group.
41:35Ms. Vivian is the chairman's only daughter, and the sole heir to Sterling Group.
41:39The man smiled slightly.
41:40David froze in place.
41:41She said her family was a farming family.
41:43That was a lie.
41:43The assistant said.
41:44The chairman didn't want his daughter to marry someone who only wanted her money.
41:46Unfortunately, you still let her down.
41:47The car pulled away.
41:49I watched David from the rear window, on his knees.
41:52Lily snuggled in my arms and asked in a small voice.
41:54Yeah, baby.
41:55Going home.
41:56Our home.
41:57I officially took over Sterling Group.
41:59Father retired and spent his days growing flowers and fishing.
42:01Only occasionally would he ask me.
42:03Do you still hate him?
42:03No.
42:04Hating someone is too tiring.
42:05I don't have the energy for it.
42:06Do you still think about him?
42:07Dad, do you think that's possible?
42:08I have a career, a daughter, family.
42:10I don't need a man to mess things up.
42:11Then I'll go watch Lily practice the piano.
42:13I stood up and left the study.
42:14The corridor was long.
42:16At the end was Lily's piano room.
42:19She was playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
42:21It was simple, but she didn't hit a single wrong note.
42:24Three years ago, the doctor said she might be paralyzed for life with impaired intelligence.
42:28Three years later, she could run and jump, play the piano, and speak fluent French.
42:31It was money that had bought her health.
42:34And the true nature of people's heart.
42:36My phone vibrated.
42:38My assistant sent a message saying
42:39Boss, there's a man downstairs in the company.
42:40He says he has to see you.
42:42Tell him I'm not available.
42:43He's on his knees.
42:44Says he won't leave until he sees you.
42:45I walked to the window and pulled back the blinds.
42:49Outside the company building, David was on his knees by the road, holding a sign dot.
42:53It read, I'm sorry.
42:54I watched for a moment.
42:56Tell security to drag him away.
42:57If he keeps pestering us, call the police.
42:59I hung up the phone.
43:00Three months later, David was found dead in his rented apartment.
43:03The news came while I was signing a cross-border merger and acquisition agreement.
43:07I didn't pause with my pen.
43:09I closed the document and nodded at my assistant.
43:11The sun was shining brightly outside the window, on my ring finger where there had long been no ring.
43:16I went back to the piano room and sat down next to Lily.
43:21Lily turned to look at me.
43:23Mom, are you crying?
43:24I touched my face.
43:25Sure enough, there were tears.
43:27No, baby.
43:29Just some dust in my eyes.
43:30I'll blow away the dust in your eyes.
43:33Mom, there's a parent-child activity at kindergarten tomorrow.
43:37Will you come?
43:38I kissed her forehead.
43:39Of course I will.
43:39I love you.
43:40She said suddenly.
43:41I hugged her tight.
43:42Mom loves you too.
43:44More than anything in the world.
43:46You're going to prevent my eyes.
43:46I'm trying to run around the window.
43:46But I can't wait to have my eyes.
43:47I've been looking for it.
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