- 15 hours ago
The Bridge She Never Built - FULL EP
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Ten years ago, a cross-river bridge project I oversaw collapsed, leaving dozens dead.
00:05My parents didn't want any tie with a murderer, so they left me, and the victims' families
00:09drenched me in gasoline, roaring that they shall perish together with me.
00:13I spent the next ten years in prison.
00:16After my release, I changed my name, moved to a small town, and worked as a barista in
00:20a quiet cafe.
00:21Life seemed to go back to peace.
00:23Just when I thought my days would keep going on like a tranquil river, my ex-husband Julian
00:28Reed found me.
00:30His construction company had long gone public.
00:32Everyone could tell he stood at the very peak of success, with a bright future stretching
00:36out before him.
00:37Then reporters swarmed up to me, cameras thrust inches from my face.
00:41Miss Walker, Mr. Reed has been engaged for ten years but is still unmarried.
00:45What do you think about him waiting for you all these years?
00:48I let out a bitter laugh.
00:49No one knew that ten years ago, it was this Mr. Reed who allowed his mistress to slip into
00:54the construction team and skim kickbacks.
00:55And it was also Julian Reed who shoved me forward as the scapegoat after the disaster, while
01:00he and his mistress went out clean.
01:05Flashing lights lit up Julian's face, but not his expressions.
01:08He remained as cold and unreadable as ever.
01:11My boss was beside himself with excitement.
01:13He rushed over for Julian's autograph, then a photo.
01:16Seeing me standing there without reaction, my boss kindly turned back and called out to
01:20me.
01:20Irene, come take a picture with Mr. Reed.
01:23He's the youngest CEO in the world.
01:25One photo with him can definitely get our cafe buzzling.
01:27I might even give you a raise.
01:29My hands froze mid-wash.
01:31I didn't look up, but some reporters still saw my face instantly.
01:35And the next second, they swarmed toward me.
01:37So you've been here all along, Miss Walker.
01:39Once celebrated worldwide for your designs and now stuck behind a cafe counter.
01:42How does that feel?
01:43We hear your ex-husband has waited ten years for you, postponing his wedding again and again.
01:46What do you make of that?
01:47I ignored them, ignored their questions in microphones that nearly poked my face, and
01:51just focused on my work.
01:53Still, I couldn't stop the tremble as I reached for the cups.
01:56I knew Julian too well.
01:57There was no way he could do that for me.
01:59I stayed on guard.
02:01The standoff dragged on until Julian stepped in front of me.
02:04He blocked the cameras.
02:05His expression was so stern.
02:07This is our private matter.
02:08We're not accepting interviews.
02:09We appreciate your understanding.
02:11Then he turned to me, his gaze deep and complicated.
02:14Irene.
02:15He paused, as if he had so much to say.
02:17And in the end, only said one thing.
02:19Long time no see.
02:20His voice seemed to come from the past, and my hand quivered beyond control.
02:24Clatter.
02:25A coffee cup hit the floor and shattered.
02:28Flying shards cut into my skin.
02:30Blood dripped from my fingertips.
02:33Julian grabbed my hand instinctively.
02:35Frowned, as if he cared.
02:36Are you alright?
02:37I pulled away at once and apologized to my boss in a rush.
02:40Alan, I'm so sorry.
02:42I'll clean it up.
02:43Just charge it to my pay.
02:44Before Alan could even respond, a bright, cheerful voice came from the doorway.
02:49Julian, what are you doing here?
02:54Julian, what are you doing here?
02:57You just left without a word.
02:59We're all worried.
02:59I followed the voice and saw her walking in with a gentle smile.
03:03She reached for Julian's hand naturally and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
03:07I remembered her too well.
03:09It was Chloe Bennett, the woman who caused the accident ten years ago.
03:13She had become Julian's fiancée.
03:15And behind her, I actually saw my biological parents, who had disowned me like a stranger.
03:21Chloe turned to me then, her gaze sweeping over me with a thin smile of contempt on her lips.
03:26Well, isn't this our greatest architect, Irene?
03:29Long time no see.
03:32Oh, by the way, your parents have made me their goddaughter.
03:36I suppose that I should call you sister now.
03:39I glanced past her and there stood my parents.
03:42They had aged so much.
03:44Their backs were hunched, their hair completely white.
03:47A sharp, quiet ache spread through my chest.
03:50I couldn't help but wonder how they'd feel if they ever found out their goddaughter was the one who made
03:55me fall like this.
03:56My father snorted coldly.
03:58We only have one daughter, and that is Chloe.
04:01A murderer blinded by greed would only make me sick.
04:05My mother clenched her jaw.
04:07Julian, why would you even bother with trash like her?
04:11Just let her rot away!
04:12Their words hit the cafe like a cold wind.
04:15Everyone, including Alan, looked at me strangely.
04:17I turned my face away, swallowing the pain, refusing to meet their eyes.
04:22Julian let out a soft sigh.
04:24Don't blame your parents.
04:25That thing hit them too hard.
04:26He gave a gold-embossed business card to me.
04:29I owe you far too much.
04:30If you ever need anything, call me.
04:35I didn't refuse Julian's card.
04:38Or rather, I accepted it politely like I would for any customer, but that's all.
04:42I didn't believe he just came for me.
04:44And I didn't expect to see him again.
04:46Then, three days later...
04:52Irene, I'm really sorry.
04:54I didn't know who you were.
04:56And people like you should never just stay in a small cafe.
04:58I'll mark you down for full appendix this month and send your paycheck shortly.
05:02And today's your last day.
05:03He hung up before I could say anything.
05:05I tried calling back, but I'd been blocked.
05:07At the same time, a message popped up.
05:09My salary arrived.
05:11$4,500.
05:12Alan had even added an extra thousand with a note.
05:15Consider this my compensation.
05:17My cafe is small, can't bear any trouble.
05:20Please, spare me another visit.
05:22My heart sank.
05:24I knew who was really behind this.
05:27Sure enough, Julian's call came through.
05:30Irene, I can't undo what happened back then.
05:32I hope you understand.
05:33But in every other way, I'll make it up to you.
05:35That cafe job was way too much for you, so I took care of it.
05:38And I bought you a villa in Portwell.
05:39I'll send you the key.
05:40And another thing is about Chloe.
05:42She's still inexperienced and needs someone who knows the drawings.
05:44Help her out.
05:45I'll pay you $200,000 a month.
05:47My fists clenched so hard, they ached.
05:50Why?
05:51Why could he so easily shove me into the abyss, where loneliness and hatred swallowed me alive?
05:56And why, after all this happened, could he still carelessly shatter my peaceful life
06:01as if he's some superior savior?
06:03Why did he think he could arrange everything for me?
06:06Help Chloe?
06:07He just wanted me to be her shadow, her tool.
06:10The thought of it made my stomach churn.
06:12I pressed my lips together and said through gritted teeth,
06:15Thanks for the offer, Mr. Reed, but I have my own life now.
06:18Please don't come to me again.
06:21Julian was silent for a long moment.
06:23Irene, don't be difficult.
06:25A genius like you only truly enjoys working as an architect.
06:29I'm taking care of your life and letting you shine.
06:32What else could you want?
06:34Don't push me, Irene.
06:36I've got my ways.
06:38And then he hung up.
06:40A faint unease settled in my chest.
06:44That very afternoon, I found out exactly what he meant.
06:47I needed to find another job as soon as possible.
06:50But no matter where I went, people only pretended to respect me.
06:53I decided to go back home for a rest, but at the door, I found the landlady waiting.
06:58She was a kind old lady.
06:59When I first came here with no money, she had waived a month's rent and always brought
07:03me her homemade treats.
07:05Now, her eyes were red, standing at my doorstep.
07:08Irene, you're back.
07:10I'm so sorry, but I can't rent the apartment to you anymore.
07:15Please don't blame me.
07:16I have no choice.
07:18Some great man came to town.
07:20He said if I let you stay, my daughter, she...
07:23Her voice broke as tears ran down.
07:25I didn't want to make things harder for her.
07:28That night, I packed my things and moved out.
07:30This was Julian's compensation, destroying my life.
07:33And then arrogantly offering compensation.
07:36Ridiculous.
07:39The day I moved out, Julian showed up.
07:41He lost weight in just a few days.
07:43Dark shadows sat under his eyes like he hadn't slept at all.
07:47He came with a moving crew and directed them as if this was something he ought to do.
07:51His manner was so natural that anyone who didn't know us would consider him as a husband
07:55picking up his wife and taking her home.
07:57You've always been tense.
07:59This helps you relax.
08:02I took the glass in silence and had a small sip.
08:04It was sweet.
08:06So sweet it made my hands tremble.
08:08So this must be a part of his compensation.
08:10It tasted like heaven, but could drag me down to hell in the next second.
08:14I set the glass down.
08:16Mr. Reed, what happened before is over.
08:19If you really wanted to make up for it, you shouldn't have shown up uninvited.
08:23He froze for a moment, a flicker of disappointment crossing his eyes before he masked it.
08:28Don't keep pushing it.
08:29I know what you feel.
08:31This is just the first step.
08:32I'll soon find someone to claim the fall and clear your name.
08:36I know you don't like Chloe.
08:38I'll keep her out of sight.
08:40For now, just rest.
08:43His tone was gentle, but the message was clear.
08:45I wasn't being offered a choice.
08:47He wanted control.
08:49Absolute control!
08:50And Chloe was never going to stay out of sight.
08:53The very day I moved in, Julian had barely arrived when she stormed in with a group of reporters.
08:59Julian had barely arrived when she stormed in with a group of reporters.
09:02Julian, I heard Miss Walker was here.
09:04Why didn't you tell me?
09:05She was wrong, of course.
09:07But everyone has to live on.
09:09I hope Miss Walker has learned her lesson and will walk the right path from now on.
09:13She pressed a card into my hand.
09:16This is just a small gesture.
09:17You're my senior and also my fiancé's ex-wife.
09:21Please take it.
09:22If life gets hard, just let us know.
09:25She played her role perfectly.
09:27By that afternoon, the news had spread all over Portwell.
09:30Disgraced engineer resurfaces after deadly collapse.
09:33Billionaire X shows mercy.
09:34Back among the elite, can the victims ever find peace?
09:37Suddenly, Julian became the devoted tycoon and Chloe became the gracious fiancé.
09:42And once again, I was only the one who got torn apart by public outrage.
09:46Whether on purpose or not, Chloe leaked my address.
09:49From then on, grieving families and angry crowds gathered outside my home every day.
09:55Three days later, my parents came.
09:57It was the first time in ten years that they had come to see me on their own.
10:01When I saw them standing at the door, the good old memories came back.
10:04A spark of hope rose in my chest.
10:06Mom, Dad, you're here.
10:09Come in, have some water.
10:11I stepped aside to welcome them.
10:12My father only snorted at me.
10:14We wouldn't dare drink a murderer's water.
10:18Irene, we can't forgive what you did back then.
10:20But don't keep making the same mistake.
10:22We're begging you.
10:23Chloe truly loves Julian.
10:25You're divorced now.
10:26Stop clinging to him.
10:27She's considerate.
10:28She doesn't want to say it out loud, so we will.
10:30Leave Portwell.
10:31If you insist, your father and I will find to make you leave.
10:36Her voice was still gentle.
10:37The same voice that once sang me to sleep.
10:40Now, every word felt like a blade, cutting into my heart until my blood ran out.
10:45I stared at them in disbelief.
10:47Dad.
10:49Mom.
10:50Did you ever believe me?
10:53Not even for a second?
10:55What if I told you that everything I went through was a setup by Chloe Bennett?
11:01You rascal!
11:02You dare smear Chloe's name?
11:04Julian had just arrived to drop something off and witnessed the scene.
11:07He rushed over, flustered, clearly about to explain.
11:10When his phone rang, it was his assistant.
11:13Mr. Reed.
11:14Miss Bennett is drunk, and she's getting an IV in the hospital to sober up.
11:18The moment those words fell, panic flooded Julian's face.
11:21My parents' expressions changed just as quickly.
11:24No one looked at me again.
11:26They turned, got into the car, and drove off without hesitation.
11:29I watched their backs disappear and laughed.
11:32I laughed until tears streamed down my face.
11:34So this was it.
11:36Whether it was threatening me or pretending to care.
11:38Whether I was hurting or falling apart.
11:40None of it mattered as much as a word from Chloe Bennett.
11:43I thought that would be the end of it.
11:45After all, the past ten years had taught me one thing.
11:48I should never expect anything from my parents or from Julian Reed.
11:53I was wrong.
11:53I didn't expect my parents' solution to come this fast.
12:00One afternoon, I was out shopping for groceries when several victims' family members tracked me down.
12:04They clubbed me unconscious with iron rods and dragged me away.
12:08When I woke up, I was inside a sack.
12:10Through a tear in the fabric, I could make out a riverbank.
12:13The man in front kicked me hard in the stomach.
12:16We didn't even go looking for you, and you still dared to come back!
12:20His words ignited the crowd.
12:22Give me back my daughter!
12:24It's only 19 and just started college, you animal!
12:27You killed my mother!
12:28You'd pay for it!
12:30Fists and feet rained down on me.
12:32I tried to explain, but my mouth was stuffed shut.
12:35Only muffled sounds escaped my throat.
12:37You owe us so many lives.
12:38Even tearing you apart wouldn't be enough.
12:41You'll get what you deserve today.
12:43I heard the iron rod swing.
12:45The pain exploded through me.
12:4899 blows.
12:49I passed out.
12:50Then I got splashed awake.
12:51Again and again.
12:53I felt every bone break, one by one.
12:55At the end, as my consciousness faded, they tied stones to me and threw me into the river.
13:01The water was freezing.
13:02It rushed in from all sides, crushing my lungs, stealing every breath.
13:06I closed my eyes.
13:08This was fine.
13:09My life had been nothing but pain.
13:11I was so tired.
13:12If this was the end, then let it end.
13:15Just as my awareness slipped away, strong arms caught hold of me, and fresh air flooded my lungs.
13:23Chloe told Irene's parents that several victims' families wanted to confront her, and they were kind of worried.
13:28After all, she was their daughter.
13:30Even though they were furious at her back then for her reckless greed, deep down, they could not completely wipe
13:36out their love and care for her.
13:37Don't worry.
13:38I've investigated.
13:40They're decent people.
13:41They won't hurt Irene.
13:42Maybe after this, she'll know how to lie low and protect herself.
13:46Chloe promised confidently and assured them.
13:48Reluctantly, Irene's parents shared her whereabouts with the families.
13:54Still, a heavy unease coursed through their veins and finally settled deep in their bones.
13:59And today...
13:59My heart keeps racing.
14:01Irene hasn't been in touch for days.
14:03Should we try to find her?
14:04Maybe call the police?
14:05Why bother?
14:07Calling the police for her is just a waste.
14:09No news is better.
14:11Someone like her, her death shall do a good thing to the society.
14:14Mrs. Walker frowned at her husband's words, but said nothing.
14:17The same unease gnawed at Julian Reed.
14:20For three days straight, Chloe kept stopping him from seeing Irene.
14:24Every time he insisted, Chloe would show her tears.
14:27I know it.
14:28You're still hung up on your ex.
14:30If you love her, then why are you looking for me?
14:35Julian had no choice but to stay and calm her down.
14:37But the anxiety grew too strong.
14:40Finally, one day, he rushed to the villa when Chloe was away.
14:43Not for anything else.
14:44He just needed to know Irene was safe.
14:46But when he arrived, the villa was empty.
14:48Only Irene's anxious parents welcomed him.
14:51The three exchanged a knowing glance and silently began searching for her.
15:00It must be Irene.
15:01But when she opened the door, it wasn't her daughter.
15:04You are.
15:07Seeing who was outside, Mr. Walker and Julian both came to a halt.
15:10Mr. Walker was the first to react.
15:12Officer!
15:14Is Irene causing trouble again?
15:16If she hurts anyone again, just sentence her to death!
15:19I don't have such a daughter!
15:21Please calm down.
15:22We're here to speak to Ms. Irene Walker's parents and ex-husband.
15:25Evidence suggests that Ms. Irene is likely murdered.
15:28The suspect has been apprehended and efforts are ongoing to recover her remains.
15:32Friends, we're sorry for your loss.
15:35Irene.
15:37Julian stared at the officer in disbelief, tears streaming down his face.
15:42He tried to step forward to confirm, but his legs betrayed him.
15:46In the end, two officers had to support him.
15:48Our loved ones were all killed by your daughter.
15:50This is what is called justice!
15:52You two gave us her whereabouts.
15:53Isn't that what you wanted?
15:54Her parents even told us exactly where she was.
15:56They didn't stop us, so why are you stopping us?
15:58You have your grievances, but the law decides justice.
16:01Private revenge is never allowed.
16:02Murder is a crime.
16:04Irene is your daughter!
16:05How could you do this to her?
16:07How could you be this cruel and heartless?
16:10We didn't know it would end like this!
16:12It was Chloe!
16:14Chloe said these people would only scare Irene a little, so she would leave here.
16:18She must have planned all of this from the start.
16:21No wonder she stopped him back then.
16:24Julian's face darkened with rage.
16:25The walkers were stunned, too, realizing Chloe's manipulations.
16:30Just then, Chloe Bennett walked in, calm and confident.
16:34You're so worried about that murderer.
16:36Weren't you the ones who hated her the most?
16:38And yet, here you are?
16:39Scared?
16:40Good that she's gone, right?
16:41Now I can be your daughter.
16:43And Julian, I'm your fiancé.
16:45You can only love me.
16:46Someone like her, who killed so many people ten years ago?
16:49This is her karma.
16:53Julian snapped, grabbing Chloe by the throat.
16:56How can you do this?
16:58I did nothing wrong.
17:00She was a murderer, and now she still is.
17:03Ten years ago.
17:06Her sentence cut off abruptly.
17:07Her face paled, as if a memory had suddenly taken her breath.
17:11Julian laughed bitterly through his anger.
17:13I've woken from countless nightmares, regretting ever protecting someone like you at the cost of hurting the one I loved
17:18most.
17:19We both know I protected you just because you're my teacher's child.
17:22My teacher helped me once, so I sacrificed my own wife to shield you.
17:26Other people maybe may be fooled.
17:27But you, the real Surmerer, you know the truth better than anyone.
17:31His words dropped like a bomb, shattering the hearts of everyone present.
17:35The police were the first to react, stepping forward to stop Julian from tightening his grip on Chloe.
17:41Julian, you just said the murderer wasn't Irene?
17:50We wronged her.
17:52And we even took the real culprit as our daughter?
17:56Julian lowered his gaze, silently confirming.
17:59Mr. Walker staggered back and couldn't help falling into a chair.
18:02Mrs. Walker rushed forward, raising her hand and striking Julian across the face.
18:07The sharp sound echoed.
18:10Julian's head turned, but he stayed upright, silently taking the blow.
18:15I'm sorry.
18:18My daughter!
18:20My Irene!
18:23The victims' families exchanged stunned glances, their voices shaky.
18:27We took revenge on the wrong one?
18:30But all that answered them were the anguished cries of Irene's parents and an endless, suffocating silence.
18:38I woke up on a soft bed.
18:40I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my body, making my sweat break out.
18:45Don't move.
18:46Just lie down.
18:47A gentle male voice came from the doorway.
18:50Thank goodness.
18:51The doctor said you'd probably wake up in a few days, and I've been making this porridge every day, just
18:56in case you'll wake up hungry.
18:58He carefully placed the porridge on the bedside table.
19:01Then, with practiced ease, he adjusted the bed.
19:04That's when I finally got a good look at him.
19:06Sharp brows, almond-shaped eyes, and a perfectly placed little mole by his nose.
19:10For some reason, he felt strangely familiar.
19:41Because of that, I couldn't let my guard down around him.
19:43See, he would come by from time to time to take care of me.
19:45There was a period I struggled with my weak stomach, and I could only eat porridge.
19:49So that boy learned from my grandma how to make my favorite sweet potato porridge.
19:53I hesitated, then whispered,
19:55Evan?
19:56His eyes cheered.
19:58Finally, my darling!
20:00Then, he began to explain everything.
20:03After my parents took me to the city years ago, his biological parents also found him.
20:08His real identity was the long-lost heir of the Sterling family, the wealthiest family in the Northgate.
20:13But he had never forgotten me and had been searching for me all along.
20:16Seeing me become a renowned architect brought him genuine happiness.
20:20Yet, because I had married Julian, he could only stay away, afraid to disturb my life.
20:25As for the accident ten years ago, he told me he had never believed I was the one responsible.
20:30He had quietly investigated and gathered evidence all these years, but had found nothing, even until I was released.
20:37Even though I saved you this time, I still crossed your privacy, and...
20:41Yes, I've been following your movements for so many years.
20:45I'm sorry.
20:46I smiled and shook my head.
20:51Thank you, Evan.
20:54When I saw Chloe being led away by the police on television, I thought I was in a dream.
20:59Evan and I exchanged a look.
21:01We had spent ten years struggling to uncover the truth, laid bare before the public.
21:06Julian looked deathly pale.
21:08There was no trace left of his former confidence.
21:10As for my parents, who had trusted outsiders over their own daughter, they were just so tired and aged.
21:16My father was slumped in a chair.
21:17My mother sat beside him, covering her face.
21:20Her sobs breaking through despite her efforts to suppress them.
21:23Lying in bed, watching these scenes, I felt none of the imagined dissatisfaction of justice served.
21:28There was only desolation and a weariness I couldn't quite put into words.
21:31Everything seemed to have settled.
21:33My name was finally cleared.
21:34The company I once worked for released a public statement restoring my reputation.
21:38Online, waves of apologies followed.
21:40Countless people went to my empty grave, laying flowers in mourning.
21:43After all of this, Evan frowned slightly and asked one day...
21:46What shall we do now? Show up in front of everyone again?
21:49As soon as he said it, my parents' faces, and also Julian's, flashed through my mind.
21:54I could already imagine how desperately they would try to make it up to me.
21:57I shook my head and smiled at Evan.
22:00Let this be my rebirth.
22:01I decided to go along with it.
22:03I stayed at the Sterling's house to recover.
22:06For half a year.
22:08Evan took meticulous care of me.
22:09Though he was already busy working as the powerful head of the Sterling's,
22:12he still looked after me the same way he did before.
22:14Once I could eat normally again, he insisted on cooking himself,
22:18constantly coming up with new nutritious meals for me.
22:20Six months later, not only had I recovered, but I had also gained 10 pounds.
22:25Another spring arrived.
22:26Jacaranda blossoms were in full bloom outside my window.
22:29I stared at them for a long while, then turned to Evan.
22:32Let's go out and see the world.
22:34We left the city behind.
22:36He arranged all his company affairs, switched to remote work,
22:39and accompanied me on a journey around the world.
22:41We reached every corner of the world,
22:43tracing all the romance that had ever been depicted in poems and literature.
22:47I had never expected that after so many years apart,
22:50Evan and I would share such similar interests and views on life.
22:54At last, we arrived in England.
22:55By the Thames, Evan looked at me, his eyes full of nervous anticipation.
22:59I knew what he was about to say.
23:01Smiling softly, I spoke first.
23:03Evan, I think I've fallen in love with you.
23:10His face flushed instantly.
23:11Then he leaned forward and a kiss gently landed on my lips.
23:16In the end, Evan and I opened a small bookstore in a town far from our past.
23:20Life passed quietly.
23:22Now and then, news from back home would drift across my screen.
23:26Julian seemed to become a different person.
23:28He overhauled his company with ruthless efficiency,
23:30cutting away every force connected to Chloe.
23:33And he never stopped looking for me.
23:35The crushing weight of guilt made him obsessively believe
23:38that I was still alive somewhere in the world.
23:40On a snowy Christmas Eve, streets were blanketed in heavy snowfall.
23:43I closed the shop early, planning to go home and cook a Christmas dinner with Evan.
23:47But just as I reached the building downstairs, I saw a familiar figure.
23:52Standing in the snow, he looked as though he might freeze into a sculpture.
23:55When he saw me, the deadness in his eyes shattered into sudden light.
23:59He rushed over and grabbed my hand, his voice trembling.
24:02Irene.
24:05I knew you weren't dead, thank God.
24:07You're alive.
24:08I was wrong, so wrong.
24:10I've set everything back on the trail.
24:12Come back with me.
24:13Let's start over, alright?
24:15I looked at the man I had once loved.
24:17My heart has never been this calm.
24:19I said quietly.
24:20Mr. Reed, I'm not the one you're looking for.
24:22I said quietly.
24:24Irene Walker is dead.
24:29No, please.
24:30I'm begging you.
24:32Let me make it up to you, alright?
24:33Make it up to me?
24:35You destroyed my life.
24:36You turned everyone against me and sent me to prison for ten years.
24:39When I finally clawed my way back to some kind of peace,
24:42your compensation pushed me into a corner again and nearly killed me.
24:46Julian Reed, what exactly do you think you can still make up to me?
24:48With that, I turned away decisively and saw Evan standing behind me, smiling gently.
24:53Without hesitation, I walked to him and took his hand,
24:56ignoring the sound of Julian's breakdown behind me.
25:00A week later, my parents came as well.
25:02They looked much older.
25:03My mother carried a thermal container,
25:05saying it held lotus pastries I had loved as a child.
25:07When she saw me, her mouth opened,
25:09but before any words could come out, tears spilled down her face first.
25:13Looking at them, a fine, aching pain still rose in my chest.
25:17Come up and have some coffee.
25:22Evan respected my choice and helped me brew coffee for them.
25:25My father spoke first.
25:29Irene, we were wrong.
25:30Come home with us.
25:32I finished the coffee in silence before replying.
25:35Just pretend I'm dead.
25:36This is my home now.
25:37Turn back.
25:38I don't hate you anymore, but I can't go back to how things were.
25:41Between us lies ten years of wrongful imprisonment,
25:43and a life that almost ended.
25:45Keeping our distance is the best ending we can have.
25:47I didn't take the lotus pastries.
25:49They cried for a long time.
25:51But in the end, they left, unsteady on their feet.
25:53In the snow, glowing red beneath the setting sun,
25:56their shadows stretched long and thin.
25:58I still cried.
25:59After that, Julian and my parents never came again,
26:02though money would regularly be transferred into my account.
26:04Life returned to calm.
26:06Occasionally, postcards would arrive from home.
26:09I knew they were from Julian.
26:10I tossed them straight into the fireplace
26:12and watched the flames consume them.
26:14The wind chime rang as a customer stepped into the shop.
26:17After selling another book,
26:18I lay back in the rocking chair in the courtyard.
26:20Evan handed me a cup of coffee and asked softly,
26:23Any regrets?
26:26I shook my head.
26:27This bookstore and Evan are my rebirth.
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