- 5 minutes ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:02Ten years ago, a Cross River Bridge project I oversaw collapsed, leaving dozens dead.
00:07My parents didn't want any tie with a murderer, so they left me, and the victims' families
00:11drenched me in gasoline, roaring that they shall perish together with me.
00:15I spent the next ten years in prison.
00:18After my release, I changed my name, moved to a small town, and worked as a barista in
00:22a quiet cafe.
00:24Life seemed to go back to peace.
00:25Just when I thought my days would keep going on like a tranquil river, my ex-husband, Julian
00:30Reed, found me.
00:32His construction company had long gone public.
00:34Everyone could tell he stood at the very peak of success, with a bright future stretching
00:38out before him.
00:39Then reporters swarmed up to me, cameras thrust inches from my face.
00:43Miss Walker, Mr. Reed has been engaged for ten years but is still unmarried.
00:48What do you think about him waiting for you all these years?
00:50I let out a bitter laugh.
00:52No one knew that ten years ago, it was this Mr. Reed who allowed his mistress to slip into
00:56the construction team and skim kickbacks.
00:58And it was also Julian Reed who shoved me forward as the scapegoat after the disaster,
01:02while he and his mistress went out clean.
01:08Flashing lights lit up Julian's face, but not his expressions.
01:11He remained as cold and unreadable as ever.
01:14My boss was beside himself with excitement.
01:16He rushed over for Julian's autograph, then a photo.
01:19Seeing me standing there without reaction, my boss kindly turned back and called out
01:23to me.
01:23Irene, come take a picture with Mr. Reed.
01:26He's the youngest CEO in the world.
01:28One photo with him can definitely get our cafe buzzling.
01:31I might even give you a raise.
01:32My hands froze mid-wash.
01:34I didn't look up, but some reporters still saw my face instantly.
01:38And the next second, they swarmed toward me.
01:40So you've been here all along, Miss Walker.
01:42Once celebrated worldwide for your designs and now stuck behind a cafe counter.
01:45How does that feel?
01:46We hear your ex-husband has waited 10 years for you, postponing his wedding again and
01:50again.
01:50What do you make of that?
01:51I ignored them, ignored their questions and microphones that nearly poked my face, and
01:55just focused on my work.
01:57Still, I couldn't stop the tremble as I reached for the cups.
01:59I knew Julian too well.
02:01There was no way he could do that for me.
02:03I stayed on guard.
02:05The standoff dragged on until Julian stepped in front of me.
02:07He blocked the cameras.
02:09His expression was so stern.
02:10This is our private matter.
02:12We're not accepting interviews.
02:13We appreciate your understanding.
02:15Then he turned to me, his gaze deep and complicated.
02:18Irene.
02:19He paused, as if he had so much to say, and in the end, only said one thing.
02:23Long time no see.
02:24His voice seemed to come from the past, and my hand quivered beyond control.
02:28Clatter.
02:29A coffee cup hit the floor and shattered.
02:32Flying shards cut into my skin.
02:35Blood dripped from my fingertips.
02:37Julian grabbed my hand instinctively.
02:39Frowned as if he cared.
02:41Are you alright?
02:41I pulled away at once and apologized to my boss in a rush.
02:44Alan, I'm so sorry.
02:46I'll clean it up.
02:47Just charge it to my pay.
02:49Before Alan could even respond, a bright, cheerful voice came from the doorway.
02:53Julian, what are you doing here?
02:59Julian, what are you doing here?
03:01You just left without a word.
03:03We're all worried.
03:04I followed the voice and saw her walking in with a gentle smile.
03:08She reached for Julian's hand naturally and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
03:12I remembered her too well.
03:14It was Chloe Bennett, the woman who caused the accident ten years ago.
03:18She had become Julian's fiancée.
03:20And behind her, I actually saw my biological parents, who had disowned me like a stranger.
03:26Chloe turned to me then, her gaze sweeping over me with a thin smile of contempt on her lips.
03:31Well, isn't this our greatest architect, Irene?
03:34Long time no see.
03:37Oh, by the way, your parents have made me their goddaughter.
03:41I suppose that I should call you sister now.
03:45I glanced past her and there stood my parents.
03:47They had aged so much.
03:49Their backs were hunched, their hair completely white.
03:53A sharp, quiet ache spread through my chest.
03:55I couldn't help but wonder how they'd feel if they ever found out their goddaughter was the one who made
04:01me fall like this.
04:02My father snorted coldly.
04:04We only have one daughter, and that is Chloe.
04:07A murderer blinded by greed would only make me sick.
04:11My mother clenched her jaw.
04:13Julian, why would you even bother with trash like her?
04:16Just let her rot away.
04:18Their words hit the cafe like a cold wind.
04:21Everyone, including Alan, looked at me strangely.
04:23I turned my face away, swallowing the pain, refusing to meet their eyes.
04:28Julian let out a soft sigh.
04:29Don't blame your parents.
04:31That thing hit them too hard.
04:32He gave a gold embossed business card to me.
04:35I owe you far too much.
04:36If you ever need anything, call me.
04:42I didn't refuse Julian's card.
04:44Or rather, I accepted it politely like I would for any customer, but that's all.
04:48I didn't believe he just came for me.
04:50And I didn't expect to see him again.
04:52Then, three days later.
04:59Irene, I'm really sorry.
05:00I didn't know who you were.
05:02And people like you should never just stay in a small cafe.
05:05I'll mark you down for full appendix this month and send your paycheck shortly.
05:08And today's your last day.
05:10He hung up before I could say anything.
05:11I tried calling back, but I'd been blocked.
05:14At the same time, a message popped up.
05:16My salary arrived.
05:17Four thousand five hundred.
05:19Alan had even added an extra thousand with a note.
05:22Consider this my compensation.
05:24My cafe is small.
05:26Can't bear any trouble.
05:27Please, spare me another visit.
05:29My heart sank.
05:31I knew who was really behind this.
05:34Sure enough, Julian's call came through.
05:37Irene, I can't undo what happened back then.
05:39I hope you understand.
05:40But in every other way, I'll make it up to you.
05:42That cafe job was way too much for you, so I took care of it.
05:45And I bought you a villa in Portwell.
05:47I'll send you the key.
05:48And another thing is about Chloe.
05:49She's still inexperienced and needs someone who knows the drawings.
05:52Help her out.
05:53I'll pay you two hundred thousand a month.
05:54My fists clenched so hard, they ached.
05:58Why?
05:58Why could he so easily shove me into the abyss, where loneliness and hatred swallowed me alive?
06:03And why, after all this happened, could he still carelessly shatter my peaceful life as if he's some superior savior?
06:11Why did he think he could arrange everything for me?
06:13Help Chloe?
06:15He just wanted me to be her shadow, her tool.
06:18The thought of it made my stomach churn.
06:19I pressed my lips together and said through gritted teeth,
06:23Thanks for the offer, Mr. Reed, but I have my own life now.
06:26Please don't come to me again.
06:29Julian was silent for a long moment.
06:31Irene, don't be difficult.
06:33A genius like you only truly enjoys working as an architect.
06:38I'm taking care of your life and letting you shine.
06:40What else could you want?
06:42Don't push me, Irene.
06:44I've got my ways.
06:46And then he hung up.
06:48A faint unease settled in my chest.
06:52That very afternoon, I found out exactly what he meant.
06:56I needed to find another job as soon as possible.
06:58But no matter where I went, people only pretended to respect me.
07:02I decided to go back home for a rest.
07:04But at the door, I found the landlady waiting.
07:06She was a kind old lady.
07:08When I first came here with no money, she had waived a month's rent and always brought me her homemade
07:12treats.
07:13Now, her eyes were red, standing at my doorstep.
07:16Irene, you're back.
07:18I'm so sorry, but I can't rent the apartment to you anymore.
07:23Please don't blame me.
07:25I have no choice.
07:26Some great man came to town.
07:29He said if I let you stay, my daughter, she...
07:32Her voice broke as tears ran down.
07:34I didn't want to make things harder for her.
07:37That night, I packed my things and moved out.
07:39This was Julian's compensation, destroying my life.
07:42And then arrogantly offering compensation.
07:45Ridiculous.
07:48The day I moved out, Julian showed up.
07:51He lost weight in just a few days.
07:53Dark shadows sat under his eyes like he hadn't slept at all.
07:56He came with a moving crew and directed them as if this was something he ought to do.
08:00His manner was so natural that anyone who didn't know us would consider him as a husband picking up his
08:05wife and taking her home.
08:06You've always been tense.
08:08This helps you relax.
08:11I took the glass in silence and had a small sip.
08:14It was sweet.
08:15So sweet it made my hands tremble.
08:17So this must be a part of his compensation.
08:20It tasted like heaven, but could drag me down to hell in the next second.
08:24I set the glass down.
08:25Mr. Reed, what happened before is over.
08:28If you really wanted to make up for it, you shouldn't have shown up uninvited.
08:33He froze for a moment, a flicker of disappointment crossing his eyes before he masked it.
08:38Don't keep pushing it.
08:39I know what you feel.
08:41This is just the first step.
08:42I'll soon find someone to claim the fall and clear your name.
08:46I know you don't like Chloe.
08:48I'll keep her out of sight.
08:50For now, just rest.
08:53His tone was gentle, but the message was clear.
08:55I wasn't being offered a choice.
08:58He wanted control.
08:59Absolute control.
09:00And Chloe was never going to stay out of sight.
09:03The very day I moved in, Julian had barely arrived when she stormed in with a group of reporters.
09:09Julian had barely arrived when she stormed in with a group of reporters.
09:13Julian, I heard Miss Walker was here.
09:15Why didn't you tell me?
09:16She was wrong, of course.
09:17But everyone has to live on.
09:20I hope Miss Walker has learned her lesson and will walk the right path from now on.
09:23She pressed a card into my hand.
09:26This is just a small gesture.
09:28You're my senior and also my fiancé's ex-wife.
09:31Please take it.
09:32If life gets hard, just let us know.
09:36She played her role perfectly.
09:38By that afternoon, the news had spread all over Portwell.
09:41Disgraced engineer resurfaces after deadly collapse.
09:44Billionaire X shows mercy.
09:45Back among the elite.
09:46Can the victims ever find peace?
09:48Suddenly, Julian became the devoted tycoon and Chloe became the gracious fiancé.
09:53And once again, I was only the one who got torn apart by public outrage.
09:57Whether on purpose or not, Chloe leaked my address.
10:01From then on, grieving families and angry crowds gathered outside my home every day.
10:06Three days later, my parents came.
10:08It was the first time in ten years that they had come to see me on their own.
10:12When I saw them standing at the door, the good old memories came back.
10:15A spark of hope rose in my chest.
10:17Mom, Dad, you're here.
10:20Come in, have some water.
10:22I stepped aside to welcome them.
10:24My father only snorted at me.
10:26We wouldn't dare drink a murderer's water.
10:30Irene, we can't forgive what you did back then.
10:32But don't keep making the same mistake.
10:34We're begging you.
10:35Chloe truly loves Julian.
10:37You're divorced now.
10:38Stop clinging to him.
10:39She's considerate.
10:40She doesn't want to say it out loud, so we will.
10:42Leave Portwell.
10:43If you insist, your father and I will find to make you leave.
10:48Her voice was still gentle.
10:50The same voice that once sang me to sleep.
10:53Now, every word felt like a blade, cutting into my heart until my blood ran out.
10:57I stared at them in disbelief.
11:00Dad.
11:01Mom.
11:01Mom.
11:02Did you ever believe me?
11:05Not even for a second?
11:08What if I told you that everything I went through was a setup by Chloe Bennet?
11:13You rascal.
11:14You dare smear Chloe's name?
11:16Julian had just arrived to drop something off and witnessed the scene.
11:20He rushed over, flustered, clearly about to explain.
11:23When his phone rang, it was his assistant.
11:25Mr. Reed.
11:26Miss Bennet is drunk.
11:28And she's getting an IV in the hospital to sober up.
11:31The moment those words fell, panic flooded Julian's face.
11:34My parents' expressions changed just as quickly.
11:37No one looked at me again.
11:39They turned, got into the car, and drove off without hesitation.
11:42I watched their backs disappear and laughed.
11:45I laughed until tears streamed down my face.
11:47So this was it.
11:49Whether it was threatening me or pretending to care.
11:51Whether I was hurting or falling apart.
11:53None of it mattered as much as a word from Chloe Bennet.
11:56I thought that would be the end of it.
11:58After all, the past ten years had taught me one thing.
12:01I should never expect anything from my parents or from Julian Reed.
12:06I was wrong.
12:07I didn't expect my parents' solution to come this fast.
12:13One afternoon, I was out shopping for groceries
12:15when several victims' family members tracked me down.
12:18They clubbed me unconscious with iron rods and dragged me away.
12:22When I woke up, I was inside a sack.
12:24Through a tear in the fabric, I could make out a riverbank.
12:27The man in front kicked me hard in the stomach.
12:29We didn't even go looking for you, and you still dared to come back!
12:34His words ignited the crowd.
12:36Give me back my daughter!
12:37It's only 19 and just started college, you animal!
12:41You killed my mother!
12:42You'd pay for it!
12:44Fists and feet rained down on me.
12:46I tried to explain, but my mouth was stuffed shut.
12:49Only muffled sounds escaped my throat.
12:51You owe us so many lives.
12:52Even tearing you apart wouldn't be enough.
12:55You'll get what you deserve today.
12:57I heard the iron rod swing.
13:00The pain exploded through me.
13:0299 blows.
13:03I passed out.
13:04Then I got splashed awake.
13:05Again and again.
13:07I felt every bone break, one by one.
13:09At the end, as my consciousness faded,
13:12they tied stones to me and threw me into the river.
13:15The water was freezing.
13:17It rushed in from all sides, crushing my lungs,
13:19stealing every breath.
13:21I closed my eyes.
13:22This was fine.
13:23My life had been nothing but pain.
13:25I was so tired.
13:27If this was the end, then let it end.
13:30Just as my awareness slipped away,
13:32strong arms caught hold of me,
13:33and fresh air flooded my lungs.
13:38Chloe told Irene's parents that several victims' families
13:41wanted to confront her,
13:42and they were kind of worried.
13:43After all, she was their daughter.
13:45Even though they were furious at her back then
13:47for her reckless greed,
13:49deep down, they could not completely wipe out
13:51their love and care for her.
13:52Don't worry.
13:53I've investigated.
13:55They're decent people.
13:56They won't hurt Irene.
13:57Maybe after this,
13:58she'll know how to lie low and protect herself.
14:01Chloe promised confidently and assured them.
14:04Reluctantly, Irene's parents shared her whereabouts
14:06with the families.
14:09Still, a heavy unease coursed through their veins
14:12and finally settled deep in their bones.
14:14And today...
14:15My heart keeps racing.
14:16Irene hasn't been in touch for days.
14:18Should we try to find her?
14:19Maybe call the police?
14:20Why bother?
14:22Calling the police for her is just a waste.
14:25No news is better.
14:26Someone like her,
14:28her death shall do a good thing to the society.
14:30Mrs. Walker frowned at her husband's words
14:32but said nothing.
14:33The same unease gnawed at Julian Reed.
14:36For three days straight,
14:38Chloe kept stopping him from seeing Irene.
14:40Every time he insisted,
14:41Chloe would show her tears.
14:42I know it.
14:44You're still hung up on your ex.
14:46If you love her,
14:48then why are you looking for me?
14:51Julian had no choice but to stay and calm her down.
14:53But the anxiety grew too strong.
14:56Finally, one day,
14:57he rushed to the villa when Chloe was away.
14:59Not for anything else.
15:00He just needed to know Irene was safe.
15:02But when he arrived,
15:03the villa was empty.
15:05Only Irene's anxious parents welcomed him.
15:07The three exchanged a knowing glance
15:09and silently began searching for her.
15:16It must be Irene.
15:18But when she opened the door,
15:19it wasn't her daughter.
15:21You are...
15:23Seeing who was outside,
15:25Mr. Walker and Julian both came to a halt.
15:27Mr. Walker was the first to react.
15:29Officer,
15:30is Irene causing trouble again?
15:32If she hurts anyone again,
15:34just sentence her to death.
15:35I don't have such a daughter!
15:38Please calm down.
15:39We're here to speak to Ms. Irene Walker's parents
15:41and ex-husband.
15:42Evidence suggests that Ms. Irene is likely murdered.
15:45The suspect has been apprehended
15:46and efforts are ongoing to recover her remains.
15:49We're sorry for your loss.
15:52Irene.
15:54Julian stared at the officer in disbelief,
15:57tears streaming down his face.
15:59He tried to step forward to confirm,
16:01but his legs betrayed him.
16:03In the end,
16:04two officers had to support him.
16:05Our loved ones were all killed by your daughter.
16:08This is what is called justice!
16:09You two gave us her whereabouts.
16:10Isn't that what you wanted?
16:11Her parents even told us exactly where she was.
16:13They didn't stop us,
16:14so why are you stopping us?
16:15You have your grievances,
16:16but the law decides justice.
16:18Private revenge is never allowed.
16:20Murder is a crime.
16:22Irene is your daughter.
16:23How could you do this to her?
16:24How could you be this cruel and heartless?
16:27We didn't know it would end like this.
16:29It was Chloe.
16:31Chloe said these people would only scare Irene a little,
16:34so she would leave here.
16:36She must have planned all of this from the start.
16:38No wonder she stopped him back then.
16:41Julian's face darkened with rage.
16:43The walkers were stunned too,
16:45realizing Chloe's manipulations.
16:48Just then,
16:49Chloe Bennett walked in,
16:50calm and confident.
16:52You're so worried about that murderer?
16:54Weren't you the ones who hated her the most?
16:56And yet, here you are?
16:57Scared?
16:58Good that she's gone, right?
16:59Now I can be your daughter.
17:01And Julian,
17:02I'm your fiancé.
17:03You can only love me.
17:04Someone like her,
17:05who killed so many people ten years ago?
17:07This is her karma.
17:11Julian snapped,
17:12grabbing Chloe by the throat.
17:14How can you do this?
17:16I did nothing wrong.
17:18She was a murderer,
17:20and now she still is.
17:22Ten years ago.
17:24Her sentence cut off abruptly.
17:26Her face paled,
17:27as if a memory had suddenly taken her breath.
17:29Julian laughed bitterly through his anger.
17:31I've woken from countless nightmares,
17:33regretting ever protecting someone like you
17:35at the cost of hurting the one I loved most.
17:37We both know I protected you
17:39just because you're my teacher's child.
17:41My teacher helped me once,
17:42so I sacrificed my own wife to shield you.
17:44Other people maybe may be fooled,
17:46but you,
17:47the real Surmerer,
17:48you know the truth better than anyone.
17:49His words dropped like a bomb,
17:52shattering the hearts of everyone present.
17:54The police were the first to react,
17:57stepping forward to stop Julian
17:58from tightening his grip on Chloe.
18:00Julian,
18:03you just said
18:05the murderer wasn't Irene?
18:09we wronged her.
18:11And we even took the real culprit
18:13as our daughter?
18:15Julian lowered his gaze,
18:17silently confirming.
18:19Mr. Walker staggered back
18:20and couldn't help falling into a chair.
18:22Mrs. Walker rushed forward,
18:23raising her hand
18:24and striking Julian across the face.
18:27The sharp sound echoed.
18:29Julian's head turned,
18:30but he stayed upright,
18:31silently taking the blow.
18:42The victim's families exchanged
18:44stunned glances,
18:46their voices shaky.
18:47We,
18:47we took revenge on the wrong one?
18:50But all that answered them
18:52were the anguished cries
18:53of Irene's parents
18:54and an endless,
18:56suffocating silence.
18:58I woke up on a soft bed.
19:00I tried to sit up,
19:01but a sharp pain
19:02shot through my body,
19:03making my sweat break out.
19:05Don't move.
19:06Just lie down.
19:07A gentle male voice
19:08came from the doorway.
19:10Thank goodness.
19:11The doctor said
19:12you'd probably wake up
19:14in a few days,
19:14and I've been making this porridge
19:16every day
19:16just in case
19:17you'll wake up hungry.
19:18He carefully placed the porridge
19:20on the bedside table.
19:21Then,
19:22with practiced ease,
19:23he adjusted the bed.
19:24That's when I finally
19:25got a good look at him.
19:26Sharp brows,
19:27almond-shaped eyes,
19:28and a perfectly placed
19:29little mole by his nose.
19:31For some reason,
19:32he felt strangely familiar.
19:33Because of that,
19:34I couldn't let my guard
19:35down around him.
19:36When the porridge
19:37reached my lips,
19:38I instinctively took a sip.
19:40It tasted exactly
19:41like the porridge
19:42my grandmother used to make
19:43when I was a child.
19:44I stared at him,
19:45shocked,
19:45and finally managed to say,
19:47Who are you?
19:52Dummy.
19:53Only two of us
19:54and Grandma
19:55Stafari Fen
19:56would just really remember.
19:57Suddenly,
19:57memories flooded back.
19:59When I was a child,
20:00there had been a boy
20:00who often played with me.
20:02Since my grandmother
20:03was always busy,
20:04he would come by
20:04from time to time
20:05to take care of me.
20:06There was a period
20:07I struggled with
20:08my weak stomach,
20:08and I could only eat porridge.
20:10So that boy learned
20:11from my grandma
20:12how to make my favorite
20:13sweet potato porridge.
20:14I hesitated,
20:15then whispered,
20:16Evan?
20:17His eyes cheered.
20:19Finally,
20:20my darling!
20:22Then,
20:22he began to explain everything.
20:24After my parents
20:25took me to the city
20:26years ago,
20:26his biological parents
20:28also found him.
20:29His real identity
20:30was the long-lost heir
20:31of the Sterling family,
20:32the wealthiest family
20:33in the Northgate.
20:34But he had never forgotten me
20:36and had been searching
20:36for me all along.
20:38Seeing me become
20:38a renowned architect
20:39brought him genuine happiness.
20:41Yet,
20:42because I had married Julian,
20:44he could only stay away,
20:45afraid to disturb my life.
20:47As for the accident
20:48ten years ago,
20:49he told me
20:49he had never believed
20:50I was the one responsible.
20:52He had quietly investigated
20:53and gathered evidence
20:54all these years,
20:55but had found nothing,
20:56even until I was released.
20:58Even though I saved you
20:59this time,
21:00I still crossed your privacy
21:02and,
21:03yes,
21:04I've been following
21:05your movements
21:05for so many years.
21:07I'm sorry.
21:08I smiled and shook my head.
21:13Thank you, Evan.
21:16When I saw Chloe
21:17being led away
21:18by the police on television,
21:19I thought I was in a dream.
21:21Evan and I
21:22exchanged a look.
21:23We had spent ten years
21:24struggling to uncover the truth,
21:26laid bare
21:27before the public.
21:28Julian looked deathly pale.
21:30There was no trace left
21:31of his former confidence.
21:32As for my parents,
21:34who had trusted outsiders
21:35over their own daughter,
21:36they were just so tired
21:37and aged.
21:38My father was slumped
21:39in a chair.
21:40My mother sat beside him,
21:41covering her face,
21:42her sobs breaking through
21:43despite her efforts
21:44to suppress them.
21:45Lying in bed,
21:46watching these scenes,
21:47I felt none of the
21:48imagined satisfaction
21:49of justice served.
21:50There was only desolation
21:51and a weariness
21:52I couldn't quite put into words.
21:54Everything seemed
21:54to have settled.
21:55My name was finally cleared.
21:57The company I once worked for
21:58released a public statement
21:59restoring my reputation.
22:01Online,
22:01waves of apologies followed.
22:03Countless people
22:04went to my empty grave,
22:05laying flowers in mourning.
22:06After all of this,
22:07Evan frowned slightly
22:08and asked one day,
22:09What shall we do now?
22:10Show up in front
22:11of everyone again?
22:12As soon as he said it,
22:13my parents' faces
22:14and also Julian's
22:15flashed through my mind.
22:17I could already imagine
22:18how desperately
22:19they would try
22:19to make it up to me.
22:20I shook my head
22:21and smiled at Evan.
22:23Let this be my rebirth.
22:24I decided to go along
22:25with it.
22:26I stayed at the Sterling's
22:27house to recover
22:30for half a year.
22:31Evan took meticulous
22:32care of me.
22:33Though he was already
22:33busy working as the
22:34powerful head of the Sterling's,
22:36he still looked after me
22:36the same way he did before.
22:38Once I could eat
22:38normally again,
22:39he insisted on cooking
22:40himself,
22:41constantly coming up
22:42with new nutritious meals
22:43for me.
22:44Six months later,
22:45not only had I recovered,
22:46but I had also gained
22:47ten pounds.
22:48Another spring arrived,
22:49jacaranda blossoms
22:51were in full bloom
22:52outside my window.
22:53I stared at them
22:53for a long while,
22:55then turned to Evan.
22:56Let's go out
22:57and see the world.
22:58We left the city behind.
23:00He arranged all
23:00his company affairs,
23:02switched to remote work,
23:03and accompanied me
23:03on a journey
23:04around the world.
23:05We reached every
23:06corner of the world,
23:07tracing all the romance
23:08that had ever been
23:09depicted in poems
23:10and literature.
23:11I had never expected
23:12that after so many
23:13years apart,
23:14Evan and I would share
23:15such similar interests
23:16and views on life.
23:17At last,
23:18we arrived in England.
23:19By the Thames,
23:20Evan looked at me,
23:21his eyes full of
23:22nervous anticipation.
23:23I knew what he was
23:24about to say.
23:25Smiling softly,
23:26I spoke first.
23:27Evan,
23:30I think I've fallen
23:32in love with you.
23:34His face flushed
23:35instantly.
23:36Then he leaned forward
23:37and a kiss gently
23:38landed on my lips.
23:40In the end,
23:41Evan and I opened
23:42a small bookstore
23:43in a town far
23:44from our past.
23:45Life passed quietly.
23:46Now and then,
23:47news from back home
23:48would drift across
23:49my screen.
23:50Julian seemed
23:50to become a different
23:51person.
23:52He overhauled his company
23:53with ruthless efficiency,
23:55cutting away every force
23:56connected to Chloe.
23:57And he never stopped
23:58looking for me.
23:59The crushing weight
24:00of guilt made him
24:01obsessively believe
24:02that I was still alive
24:03somewhere in the world.
24:04On a snowy Christmas Eve,
24:06streets were blanketed
24:06in heavy snowfall.
24:07I closed the shop early,
24:09planning to go home
24:10and cook a Christmas dinner
24:10with Evan.
24:11But just as I reached
24:12the building downstairs,
24:13I saw a familiar figure.
24:17Standing in the snow,
24:18he looked as though
24:19he might freeze
24:19into a sculpture.
24:20When he saw me,
24:21the deadness in his eyes
24:22shattered into sudden light.
24:24He rushed over
24:24and grabbed my hand,
24:25his voice trembling.
24:27Irene.
24:30I knew you weren't dead.
24:32Thank God.
24:32You're alive.
24:33I was wrong.
24:35So wrong.
24:35I've set everything back
24:36on the trail.
24:37Come back with me.
24:38Let's start over,
24:40all right?
24:40I looked at the man
24:41I had once loved.
24:42My heart has never
24:43been this calm.
24:44I said quietly,
24:46Mr. Reed,
24:46I'm not the one
24:47you're looking for.
24:48I said quietly,
24:49Irene Walker is dead.
24:53No.
24:55Please.
24:56I'm begging you.
24:57Let me make it up
24:58to you,
24:58all right?
24:59Make it up to me?
25:00You destroyed my life.
25:02You turned everyone
25:03against me
25:03and sent me to prison
25:04for ten years.
25:05When I finally clawed
25:06my way back
25:06to some kind of peace,
25:08your compensation
25:08pushed me into a corner
25:10again and nearly killed me.
25:11Julian Reed,
25:12what exactly do you think
25:13you can still make up to me?
25:14With that,
25:15I turned away decisively
25:16and saw Evan standing
25:17behind me,
25:18smiling gently.
25:19Without hesitation,
25:20I walked to him
25:21and took his hand,
25:22ignoring the sound
25:22of Julian's breakdown
25:23behind me.
25:26A week later,
25:27my parents came as well.
25:28They looked much older.
25:29My mother carried
25:30a thermal container,
25:31saying it held
25:31lotus pastries
25:32I had loved as a child.
25:33When she saw me,
25:34her mouth opened,
25:35but before any words
25:36could come out,
25:37tears spilled down
25:37her face first.
25:39Looking at them,
25:39a fine,
25:40aching pain
25:41still rose in my chest.
25:43Come up and have some coffee.
25:48Evan respected my choice
25:49and helped me brew coffee
25:50for them.
25:51My father spoke first.
25:54Irene,
25:55we were wrong.
25:57Come home with us.
25:58I finished the coffee
26:00in silence before replying.
26:01Just pretend I'm dead.
26:03This is my home now,
26:04turn back.
26:04I don't hate you anymore,
26:05but I can't go back
26:06to how things were.
26:08Between us lies
26:08ten years of wrongful
26:09imprisonment
26:10and a life that almost ended.
26:11Keeping our distance
26:12is the best ending
26:13we can have.
26:14I didn't take
26:14the lotus pastries.
26:16They cried
26:16for a long time,
26:17but in the end,
26:18they left,
26:19unsteady on their feet.
26:20In the snow,
26:21glowing red
26:21beneath the setting sun,
26:22their shadows stretched
26:23long and thin.
26:24I still cried.
26:26After that,
26:26Julian and my parents
26:27never came again,
26:28though money would
26:29regularly be transferred
26:30into my account.
26:31Life returned to calm.
26:33Occasionally,
26:34postcards would arrive
26:35from home.
26:35I knew they were
26:36from Julian.
26:37I tossed them
26:38straight into the fireplace
26:39and watched the flames
26:40consume them.
26:41The wind chime rang
26:42as a customer
26:42stepped into the shop.
26:43After selling another book,
26:45I lay back in the rocking chair
26:46in the courtyard.
26:47Evan handed me a cup of coffee
26:48and asked softly,
26:50Any regrets?
26:53I shook my head.
26:54This bookstore and Evan
26:55are my rebirth.
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