- 8 hours ago
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I lay on the delivery bed. The contractions were coming faster now, one after another.
00:05My husband, Adrian Lang, held my hand, his eyes soft with concern.
00:10Hang in there, Serena. We'll meet our baby soon.
00:13I was trembling from the pain, but I still forced a smile.
00:17Then a nurse walked in with a syringe. I thought it was the epidural.
00:21But Adrian let go of my hand and stepped back.
00:24Get the dose right.
00:25The needle pierced my skin.
00:27Make sure she doesn't deliver before Vanessa.
00:30My eyes flew open. I stared at him in shock. He glanced at his watch.
00:34Vanessa's already six centimeters dilated. Buy us two more hours.
00:40I wanted to scream. I wanted to fight back.
00:43But the drug was already in my system.
00:45The contractions suddenly weakened, as if something inside me had been forced still.
00:49They moved me to a temporary room in the basement.
00:52Adrian's sister, Chloe Lang, stood in the doorway, idly turning a scalpel in her hand.
00:57Don't blame Adrian, Serena. The baby Vanessa is carrying is my brother's only child.
01:03It's a boy, and he'll be the Lang family's first grandson.
01:07Her gaze dropped to my stomach.
01:09So what if you go into labor first? You're only carrying a girl.
01:13I covered my belly with both hands.
01:15Another wave of pain broke through the medication, and my vision blurred.
01:19Call a doctor. I'm about to give birth, please.
01:22Chloe laughed.
01:23She walked over and crouched in front of me, then tapped my cheek lightly with the scalpel.
01:27Give birth?
01:28That drug will keep working for another three hours.
01:31Vanessa is already in the delivery room, so stay here and wait.
01:35After her baby is born safely, you can have yours.
01:38She rose to her feet and looked at the bodyguard outside.
01:41Keep an eye on her. If she dares to scream, gag her.
01:44The door slammed shut. The basement was lit by a single dim emergency light.
01:48I lay on the floor as blood slowly spread beneath me.
01:51Adrian had taken my phone the moment we arrived at the hospital.
01:54He said radiation wasn't good for the baby.
01:57Now I understood.
01:58He was afraid I'd call someone.
02:00I curled up and tried to breathe through the pain, but all I could see was Adrian's face.
02:04Cold. Calm. Like I meant nothing to him.
02:07Not his wife. Not the woman carrying his child.
02:10Three months ago, his older brother died in a car accident.
02:14He left behind his pregnant wife, Vanessa.
02:17At the funeral, old Mr. Lange held Vanessa's hand, tears streaming down his face.
02:21That child has to be born safe. The Lange family can't lose its seer.
02:26Back then, I even felt sorry for her.
02:28I stepped forward and said,
02:29Dad, don't worry. Adrian and I will raise our baby well too.
02:33He looked at me and said nothing.
02:34Only now did I understand.
02:36He had already given up on my child.
02:38Another contraction tore through me.
02:40This one was stronger.
02:41The drug was wearing off.
02:43The baby was coming.
02:44I crawled to the door and pounded on it with all the strength I had left.
02:47Someone, please.
02:49I'm about to give birth.
02:51Please save my baby.
02:53No one answered.
02:54I kept screaming until my throat turned raw.
02:56What the hell are you yelling for?
02:58Miss Lange told you to wait, so wait.
03:01But my baby.
03:02That's your bad luck.
03:03Then he spat out one last cruel sentence.
03:04That's what you get for carrying a girl.
03:07My whole body went cold.
03:09I collapsed onto the floor.
03:11This wasn't fate.
03:12They were trying to kill my baby.
03:14I had no idea how long I had been trapped in that basement.
03:17The bleeding only got worse.
03:19Everything beneath me was soaked with blood.
03:21Just as the edges of my vision began to blur,
03:23the door swam open.
03:24It was not Chloe.
03:25It was the Lange family's doctor, Carter.
03:28The second he saw me, all the color drained from his face.
03:32Serena?
03:33What are you doing down here?
03:34Adrian told me you were resting in one of the VIP rooms.
03:38I tried to answer.
03:39Nothing came out.
03:41Tears spilled down my face as I lifted a trembling hand to my stomach.
03:44Carter rushed over and dropped to his knees beside me.
03:47Oh God.
03:49The baby's crowning.
03:50Your water already broke.
03:52I need to get you into surgery right now.
03:54He reached down to lift me,
03:56but the second my body shifted,
03:57a hot gush poured between my legs.
03:59Blood.
04:00So much blood.
04:02Carter's hands started shaking.
04:04He turned toward the doorway and shouted,
04:06I need help in here!
04:08She's bleeding heavily!
04:10But the hallway outside was empty.
04:12This private hospital belonged to the Lange family.
04:14Tonight, the entire building had been cleared for Vanessa's delivery.
04:18All the doctors and nurses were upstairs,
04:21gathered outside her delivery suite.
04:23Carter yanked out his phone and tried to call for help.
04:26But there was no signal in the basement.
04:29I'm taking you upstairs.
04:30Stay with me.
04:33Then he bent down,
04:34gathered me into his arms,
04:36and ran,
04:37or tried to.
04:38The stairwell felt endless.
04:40Every step sent a brutal jolt through my body.
04:42The pain was so intense I thought I might black out at any second.
04:45I could feel the baby dropping lower and lower.
04:48But she still would not come.
04:50The drug was still in my system.
04:52My contractions were weak and uneven.
04:54That was the worst part.
04:56I clutched at his coat.
04:57Doctor.
04:59If it comes down to it,
05:01save my baby.
05:03Don't say that.
05:04You're both going to make it.
05:05At last,
05:06he reached the first floor and rushed toward the operating room.
05:09But the moment we got there,
05:10both of us froze.
05:11The door doors were wide open.
05:14Inside,
05:14there was nothing.
05:15Carter stood there in stunned disbelief.
05:17A strangled sound died in his throat.
05:20How is this possible?
05:21I checked everything myself this afternoon.
05:24Footsteps echoed down the hall.
05:26Chloe approached with two nurses behind her.
05:28The moment she saw us,
05:30one brow lifted.
05:31Carter?
05:32What are you doing down here?
05:35Vanessa is upstairs in the delivery room.
05:37Why come all the way down here?
05:38Carter pointed at the empty operating room.
05:40Where is the equipment?
05:43Who cleared out this room?
05:46Chloe looked at him with wide, innocent eyes.
05:49We moved everything upstairs.
05:51Vanessa's having a C-section,
05:52so of course she gets priority.
05:54If anything happens during surgery,
05:56she'll need all the equipment close at hand.
05:58We couldn't risk leaving her in a standard OR.
06:00As she said it,
06:01her gaze shifted to me.
06:03Then she smiled.
06:04Oh.
06:05Serena, you're in labor?
06:06I'm afraid you'll have to wait.
06:08Vanessa comes first,
06:09so you'll just have to hold on a little longer.
06:11I stared at her beautiful, smiling face.
06:14Suddenly,
06:15I remembered something she had said to me six months ago.
06:18Back then,
06:18we were out shopping together.
06:20She had slipped her arm through mine
06:22and smiled up at me sweetly.
06:23You're so good to me, Serena.
06:25Better than any real sister.
06:27That day alone,
06:28I spent over $100,000 on designer bags for her.
06:31Looking back now,
06:32I was a fool.
06:34Carter rushed into the nurse's station
06:36like a man possessed.
06:37He tore through every cabinet,
06:38searching for emergency supplies.
06:40There was nothing.
06:41The shelves were empty.
06:43No clamps.
06:44No gauze.
06:45Not even basic medication.
06:46Where are the drugs?
06:48He shouted.
06:48The meds to stop the bleeding.
06:50The ones to induce stronger contractions.
06:53A nurse lowered her head.
06:56They were all taken to the third floor.
06:58What do you mean?
06:59Carter froze.
07:00Her voice dropped even lower.
07:02Mr. Lang ordered that everything
07:04we prioritized for Miss Vanessa.
07:06Carter slammed his fist against the cabinet.
07:08Then he turned to look at me.
07:10His eyes were red.
07:11His lips trembled.
07:12I'm sorry, Serena.
07:13I'm so sorry.
07:15There's nothing I can do.
07:16Chloe walked over
07:17and lightly patted his shoulder.
07:19Carter, don't worry.
07:21Vanessa hasn't delivered yet.
07:23Once she's done,
07:24they'll move the equipment back downstairs.
07:28Besides,
07:29even if the baby comes now,
07:30so what?
07:31It's only a girl.
07:32If she dies,
07:34she dies.
07:35The Lang family won't care about one little girl.
07:38I stared at her,
07:40at the girl I had loved like my own little sister for three years.
07:43Then,
07:43with every ounce of strength I had left,
07:45I forced out two words.
07:47You bastard.
07:49Chloe's expression darkened at once.
07:51She bent down and leaned close to my ear.
07:53Go ahead.
07:54Curse all you want.
07:56Her voice barely above a whisper.
07:58Once you give birth,
07:59you'll be too weak to fight back.
08:01I'll make sure you stay quiet.
08:04By then,
08:04Vanessa will take your place.
08:06As for you,
08:08if my brother is feeling merciful,
08:10maybe he'll let you live.
08:12You can stay in the house
08:13as a servant.
08:15Carter could not hold back anymore.
08:17Miss Lang,
08:17this is murder!
08:19Murder?
08:20Chloe gave a cold little laugh.
08:22Watch what you say,
08:23Carter.
08:23Women die in childbirth every day.
08:26That's hardly unusual.
08:27Besides,
08:28this is a family matter.
08:30You're an outsider.
08:31This is none of your business.
08:32Then she motioned to the bodyguards.
08:34Take Carter away.
08:36Leave Serena to me.
08:37Two bodyguards stepped forward immediately.
08:39They grabbed Carter by the arms
08:41and dragged him toward the door.
08:42He struggled against them
08:44and shouted back at me.
08:46Serena,
08:47listen to me.
08:47Try to keep the contractions going.
08:49Press your acuportals.
08:51Stay awake.
08:52Don't give up.
08:53Your baby still has a chance.
08:55His voice grew fainter and fainter.
08:57Then Chloe shut the door
08:58and turned back to me.
08:59She pulled a phone from her pocket
09:01and started a video call.
09:02She said sweetly,
09:03Adrian,
09:04Serena's about to give birth.
09:06Do you want to take a look?
09:07A second later,
09:08Adrian's face appeared on the screen.
09:10He was standing outside a delivery room.
09:13Doctors and nurses
09:13moved quickly behind him.
09:16Chloe,
09:16stop messing around.
09:17Chloe tilted the phone toward me.
09:19Look at Serena.
09:20She's bleeding a lot.
09:21Do you think she's about to die?
09:23Adrian looked at the screen.
09:24He frowned for a second.
09:26Then he looked away.
09:27She can wait.
09:28Once Vanessa delivers,
09:29the doctors can go downstairs.
09:30I can't leave right now.
09:32The call ended.
09:33Chloe put her phone away and shrugged.
09:35You heard him.
09:36To Adrian,
09:37Vanessa comes first.
09:39As for you,
09:40you are nothing more than a womb.
09:42Now that you're no longer useful,
09:45I closed my eyes.
09:46I refused to look at her again.
09:48Slowly,
09:49I slid one hand behind my back
09:51and felt along the inner lining of my dress.
09:53It was still there.
09:54A tiny device,
09:55no bigger than a button.
09:57My father had given it to me.
09:59I could still hear his voice from that day.
10:01The Lang family is dangerous.
10:03If anything ever happens to you,
10:05press this.
10:06Press this.
10:06Back then,
10:07I laughed and told him he was worrying too much.
10:10Adrian is good to me.
10:12So is everyone in the Lang family.
10:14Now I understood how foolish I had been.
10:16I hooked a fingernail under the protective cover.
10:19Pried it open.
10:20Then pressed the button.
10:22There was no sound.
10:24No light.
10:25But I knew the signal had gone out.
10:27My father once told me that if I ever used it,
10:29someone would get to me within 30 minutes.
10:31But 30 minutes,
10:32could my baby make it that long?
10:34My vision was fading.
10:36Chloe sat in a chair,
10:37scrolling through her phone.
10:39Every now and then,
10:40she looked up at me,
10:41like I was some kind of lab rat.
10:44Serena,
10:45why did you marry Adrian for his looks?
10:47For the Lang family's money?
10:49You came from nothing.
10:51What made you think you belonged here?
10:53I said nothing.
10:55I clenched my teeth and held on,
10:57even if there was barely any hope left.
10:59Chloe kept talking.
11:01If you hadn't gotten pregnant so fast,
11:03Adrian would never have married you.
11:05At first,
11:06everyone thought you might still be useful
11:08if you gave birth to a son.
11:10But the scan showed it was a girl.
11:13Father was furious.
11:14She smiled.
11:16Good thing Vanessa is carrying a boy.
11:18Otherwise,
11:18the Lang family would have no heir.
11:20She stood up and nudged my leg with her shoe.
11:23So learn your place.
11:25If something was never yours,
11:26don't fight for it.
11:28Once Vanessa gives birth,
11:29you'll sign the divorce papers,
11:31take the money,
11:32and disappear.
11:33After that,
11:34you can marry some ordinary guy
11:35and live an ordinary life.
11:37I forced my eyes open
11:38and looked at her.
11:39Does Adrian know you're saying this to me?
11:42Chloe laughed.
11:43Of course he does.
11:45He's the one who told me to come.
11:47He said you were stubborn,
11:48so he asked me to talk sense into you.
11:51My lips moved.
11:52I wanted to laugh,
11:53but I couldn't.
11:54Another wave of pain hit me,
11:56harder than before,
11:57much harder.
11:58The medication had completely worn off.
12:00The baby was coming.
12:01I cried out.
12:03Chloe took a step back.
12:04What a nuisance.
12:05Her face was full of disgust.
12:07She opened the door.
12:09Someone get in here.
12:10See if she's delivering.
12:11A nurse rushed in.
12:12One look at me,
12:13and her face went pale.
12:15She's fully dilated.
12:16I can already see the baby's head,
12:18but she's losing too much blood.
12:20She has to deliver now.
12:21Chloe frowned.
12:23There's no equipment here.
12:26No medication either.
12:28If she delivers like this,
12:30both of them could die.
12:32They're probably not making it anyway,
12:34so what does it matter?
12:35Then she turned and walked out.
12:37She went to find Adrian.
12:38She didn't care whether I lived or died.
12:41The nurse didn't say anything else.
12:43She crouched beside me and tried to help.
12:45But I was too weak to push.
12:47I had lost too much blood.
12:49I had no strength left.
12:51The baby was stuck.
12:52Time dragged on.
12:54Every second felt endless.
12:55Then I heard footsteps outside.
12:57Fast.
12:58Heavy.
12:59A lot of them.
13:00Boots pounded against the floor.
13:01The nurse froze.
13:03The door flew open.
13:04Who's there?
13:05A group of men in black tactical gear rushed in.
13:07All of them were armed.
13:09The man in front took off his helmet.
13:11His face was sharp and cold.
13:13The moment he saw me, his eyes turned red.
13:15Miss!
13:16I opened my mouth.
13:17But no sound came out.
13:19I could only reach for him.
13:20The nurse screamed.
13:22Who are you?
13:22How did you get in here?
13:24Security!
13:25He didn't even look at her.
13:27He rushed to my side.
13:28Dropped to one knee.
13:29Miss, I'm sorry.
13:31I got here too late.
13:34Then he lifted me into his arms.
13:36Clear the room.
13:37Get the medics in here.
13:38Now!
13:40Yes, sir!
13:40The men moved at once.
13:42The nurse tried to run.
13:44One of them threw her to the floor.
13:46She struggled and screamed.
13:47How dare you touch me!
13:49This is the Lange family's hospital!
13:52He turned and looked at her.
13:54His eyes were ice cold.
13:55The Lange family?
13:57They're finished.
13:58I was carried into a custom-built medical van.
14:01The inside was fully equipped.
14:03It looked like a mobile operating room.
14:05Doctors and nurses were already waiting.
14:08They rushed to save me the second I was brought in.
14:10Blood pressure is 60 over 40!
14:12She's in hemorrhagic shock!
14:16The baby is in distress!
14:18We need a C-section now!
14:19But the mother is too unstable!
14:21The surgery is extremely risky!
14:22Do it!
14:23If anything goes wrong, it's on me!
14:25I grabbed his hand with the last of my strength.
14:27Save the baby.
14:29Please save the baby first.
14:31He held my hand tightly.
14:33Miss, don't talk.
14:34Save your strength.
14:36Your father is on his way.
14:38He'll be here soon.
14:40You and the baby will be okay.
14:44You have to be.
14:46She's flatlining!
14:47Move!
14:48Get the defibrillator!
14:49The fetal heart rate is dropping!
14:52Prep for C-section!
14:53Now!
14:54They strapped me down fast.
14:56An anesthesia mask came over my face.
14:58Right before I lost consciousness, I heard a doctor shout.
15:02We're out of time!
15:04The baby!
15:05There's no heartbeat!
15:07Darkness.
15:08Endless darkness.
15:10I didn't know how much time had passed.
15:12When I opened my eyes, all I saw was a ceiling I didn't recognize.
15:16The air smelled of disinfectant.
15:19She's awake!
15:20Several faces leaned in.
15:21They were all familiar.
15:23My father's bodyguards.
15:25The men who had watched me grow up.
15:26The baby.
15:28My voice was so hoarse it barely sounded like mine.
15:31The room went silent.
15:33A few seconds later, the man standing at the foot of my bed slowly turned around.
15:37It was my father.
15:38He was in his 50s.
15:40But in just one night, his hair had turned completely white.
15:43He walked over, sat beside me, and took my hand.
15:47Sorry about it.
15:47He only said my name.
15:49Then his voice broke.
15:51I looked into his bloodshot eyes.
15:53I already knew the answer.
15:55The baby's gone, isn't she?
15:57My father nodded.
15:59Tears fell from his eyes.
16:00You lost too much blood.
16:02The placenta detached too early.
16:04The baby was deprived of oxygen for too long.
16:07The doctors did everything they could.
16:09I closed my eyes.
16:11I didn't cry.
16:12I didn't scream.
16:13It just felt like something inside me had been hollowed out.
16:17That little life.
16:18The one who had lived inside me for nine months.
16:20The one who kicked at me every day.
16:23The one I whispered to when no one was around.
16:25Gone.
16:26Where's Adrian?
16:27My father wiped away his tears.
16:29His expression turned cold.
16:31She gave birth.
16:33It's a boy.
16:34The whole Lang family's celebrating.
16:37No one even remembered you.
16:39I laughed.
16:40My whole body trembled with it.
16:43Good.
16:44Good for them.
16:46My father tightened his grip on my hand.
16:48Serena, come home with me.
16:50That family doesn't deserve you.
16:51And neither does he.
16:53I opened my eyes and looked at him.
16:55Dad, I want to do something.
16:57Tell me.
16:59Make me a fake body.
17:00It has to look exactly like me.
17:02It has to look like I just gave birth and died from blood loss.
17:06My father froze.
17:07You want them to think you're dead?
17:09I held his gaze.
17:11Yes.
17:11I want them to believe I'm gone.
17:13Then I want to watch them.
17:15I want to see how happy they are.
17:18How they celebrate that child.
17:20While I'm lying there dead.
17:23My father was silent for a long time.
17:25Then he nodded.
17:26Okay.
17:26I'll help you.
17:28The fake body looked real.
17:30Silicone skin.
17:31Blood bags beneath it.
17:33Even simulated body heat.
17:34Inside the morgue drawer, it looked no different from a real corpse.
17:38I sat in the surveillance room, watching the monitors.
17:41My father sat beside me, his hand wrapped tightly around mine.
17:44Do you regret it?
17:46Regret what?
17:48Marrying him.
17:49I thought about it for a moment.
17:51Then I shook my head.
17:53No.
17:54At least now I can see people for what they really are.
17:56On the screen, Adrian finally stepped out of the delivery room.
18:00He was holding a baby in his arms.
18:02His face lit up with joy.
18:04The joy of becoming a father.
18:06Vanessa was wheeled out after him.
18:08She looked pale, but her smile was bright.
18:10His father leaned on his cane and slowly made his way forward.
18:13The moment he saw the baby, his eyes filled with tears.
18:16My grandson.
18:17At last I have a grandson.
18:19The Lange family finally has an heir.
18:21Everyone gathered around the baby.
18:23Laughing.
18:24Smiling.
18:25Celebrating.
18:26No one asked about me.
18:27No one remembered that I had been fighting for my life.
18:30Then a nurse spoke softly.
18:33Adrian.
18:34Your wife.
18:35Only then did Adrian seem to remember.
18:38He frowned.
18:39What about her?
18:40There's still no word.
18:41Carter is with her.
18:42I'll go see.
18:43He handed the baby to the maternity nurse and headed for the elevator.
18:47Chloe hurried after him.
18:49Adrian, I'm coming too.
18:50The two of them entered the elevator, one after the other.
18:54The screen switched to the first floor.
18:56Carter stood outside an empty operating room.
18:58His back was against the wall.
19:00His face was deathly pale.
19:02When he saw Adrian, he immediately straightened up.
19:05Adrian.
19:06Where's my wife?
19:07Carter opened his mouth, but no words came out.
19:10He simply stepped aside and pointed toward the morgue.
19:13Adrian's face changed.
19:17What do you mean?
19:18Adrian.
19:19Carter lowered his head.
19:21She suffered a massive hemorrhage.
19:22We couldn't save her.
19:24The baby is gone too.
19:25The air froze.
19:26Adrian stood there quietly, as if he couldn't comprehend it.
19:30Chloe was the first to react.
19:32That's impossible.
19:33She was so healthy.
19:35She was fine just a moment ago.
19:37Carter let out a bitter laugh.
19:39She was never fine.
19:40She lost too much blood.
19:42There was no equipment.
19:44No medication.
19:45I tried everything I could, but...
19:47He covered his face and sank into a crouch.
19:50I'm sorry.
19:52I really did everything I could.
19:54Adrian grabbed him by the collar.
19:55I'm sorry.
19:57I really did everything I could.
20:00Adrian grabbed him by the collar.
20:02What did you just say?
20:04My wife is dead?
20:05Carter nodded.
20:07Tears streamed down his face.
20:08Adrian let go.
20:10Then he staggered back two steps and slammed into the wall.
20:13No.
20:14That's impossible.
20:16How could she?
20:17Chloe grabbed his arm.
20:18Adrian, don't panic.
20:20I'll go check.
20:21She hurried toward the morgue.
20:23On the monitor, she pulled open the cold drawer.
20:26Inside lay the body.
20:27The silicone face was still twisted in the agony of labor.
20:30The white sheet beneath it was soaked with blood.
20:33Chloe stared for a few seconds.
20:35Then she suddenly covered her mouth and rushed back out.
20:38Adrian.
20:38Adrian, it's true.
20:40Adrian charged inside.
20:41The camera caught him standing in front of the drawer, completely motionless.
20:46He stood there so long that even Chloe got worried.
20:48She stepped inside and reached for him.
20:50Adrian.
20:52Suddenly, he raised his fist and slammed it hard against the wall.
20:55Why?
20:57Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?
20:59Why didn't you wait for me to get here?
21:02Carter stood outside the door and said in a low voice.
21:04The phone was off.
21:07And phones weren't allowed in the delivery room.
21:09Adrian spun around.
21:11His eyes were bloodshot.
21:12Then why didn't you come get me?
21:14It was only from the third floor to the first.
21:16Don't tell me you didn't have time.
21:18You just stood by and let her die!
21:20Carter said nothing.
21:22He only lowered his head.
21:23His shoulders trembled.
21:26Adrian, don't blame Carter.
21:28I was the one who told him not to come up.
21:30Vanessa was in critical condition.
21:32I couldn't risk anything interfering with the delivery.
21:36The crack rang through the room.
21:38Chloe's head snapped to the side.
21:40You hit me?
21:41You were the one who had her locked in that basement.
21:46Chloe's eyes darted away.
21:48I only told her to...
21:50Wait, my ass!
21:51Adrian roared.
21:52She was my wife and that was my child!
21:55I told you to look after her.
21:57Is this your idea of looking after her?
21:59Chloe burst into tears.
22:01I did it for the Lange family!
22:03Vanessa gave birth to a son.
22:05She was carrying a girl.
22:07You know which one matters more!
22:09Father said, a boy is the heir!
22:12Those words seemed to cut straight through him.
22:14Adrian froze.
22:15The fury slowly drained from his face.
22:18What replaced it was a hollow numbness.
22:20Here?
22:21So her life meant nothing?
22:22No one answered.
22:24The only sounds in the morgue were the hum of the cooling system and muffled sobs.
22:27Adrian had my body brought back home.
22:30He did not take it into the main house.
22:32Instead, he had it placed in the family chapel in the side courtyard.
22:36Vanessa and the baby settled into the master bedroom.
22:39The maternity nurse and the maid stayed close, fussing over them.
22:42His father gave the order.
22:44Keep the funeral small.
22:46Don't disturb the baby.
22:48As for Serena, pick a day and have her cremated.
22:51Still part of this family.
22:52Make sure she's buried somewhere decent.
22:55Adrian said nothing.
22:57He only sat in the family chapel, keeping vigil beside the coffin.
23:01For three days and three nights, he neither ate nor drank.
23:04Chloe came once to talk him into resting.
23:07He threw her out.
23:09Vanessa came once too, the baby in her arms.
23:12Her voice was soft and careful.
23:14Adrian, you can't go on like this.
23:17Serena wouldn't have wanted to see you destroying yourself.
23:19Adrian looked up at her.
23:21For a long time, he said nothing.
23:23Then, at last...
23:25Do you know what was on her mind when it happened?
23:28Vanessa froze.
23:29I was in labor.
23:30I wouldn't know...
23:31She kept asking why her husband wasn't there.
23:35Why everyone in this house was waiting for you to give birth while no one gave a damn about her.
23:41Vanessa's face went pale at once.
23:42Adrian, what is that supposed to mean?
23:44I almost died in labor too.
23:46The baby's heart rate dropped again and again.
23:49Yes, you suffered.
23:50But she died.
23:51She died and so did her baby.
23:54Did they really mean that little to all of you?
23:59Was it just because she wasn't carrying a son?
24:01Vanessa fell silent.
24:03Her arms tightened around the child.
24:05Adrian got to his feet and walked over to the coffin.
24:08He laid a hand gently on the lid.
24:11These past few days, I haven't been able to stop thinking.
24:14If I'd stayed with her, would things have turned out differently?
24:17If I hadn't sent all the equipment to you, would she still be alive?
24:23His voice broke.
24:25If I had just...
24:26He could not finish.
24:28Vanessa bit down on her lip and turned away.
24:30Just before she stepped out, she threw one last line over her shoulder.
24:34Adrian, I'm the one who gave this family a son.
24:37That dead woman is of no use to anyone now.
24:40The doors of the family chapel shut.
24:43Adrian leaned against the coffin and slowly slid down to the floor,
24:46covering his face with both hands.
24:48On the surveillance screen, I saw his shoulders shaking.
24:52How pathetic.
24:53He never cherished me when I was alive.
24:55Only after I died did he finally feel regret.
24:58I sent my father a message.
25:00Can we start now?
25:01My father replied at once.
25:04Anytime.
25:05Trouble hit the Lange business.
25:08First, a long-time supplier cut them off.
25:10The reason?
25:11Product quality failed to meet standards.
25:14Adrian sent people to investigate.
25:16The supplier refused to see them.
25:18Then the banks pulled back.
25:20A loan renewal that had already been discussed was suddenly denied.
25:23The explanation was simple.
25:25Failed risk review.
25:27The cash flow tightened at once.
25:29Then came the clients.
25:30Several major orders were cancelled without warning.
25:33Not long after, those same deals went to competitors.
25:37In just one month, the Lange family lost 30% of its market value.
25:41His father was so enraged that he ended up in the hospital.
25:45Adrian spent every day running between the company and the hospital.
25:49He was exhausted.
25:50Vanessa held the baby and complained.
25:52Why have you been out every day lately?
25:55Don't you care about the baby?
25:57My father's in the hospital and the company's in trouble.
26:02How could I not be worried?
26:03She snapped.
26:04We have more money than we could ever spend.
26:08Adrian looked at her.
26:10The look in his eyes turned strange.
26:13Do you even know how our family got where it is today?
26:16My grandfather built it.
26:19Then my father.
26:20Then my brother.
26:21Three generations gave everything they had for it.
26:24It didn't just appear out of thin air.
26:26Vanessa curled her lip.
26:28That doesn't mean you get to ignore me and the baby.
26:31He's not even a month old.
26:33And you're gone every day.
26:36Adrian slammed the door and left.
26:38He went to the family chapel.
26:40The coffin was still there.
26:42They still had not chosen a burial site.
26:44So I had not been buried.
26:46He sat down beside the coffin and leaned against it.
26:50Then he began to speak.
26:52Serena, if you were here, he'd probably tell me not to panic.
26:56To slow down.
26:58Take it one step at a time.
27:00You were always the calm, sensible one.
27:03He took out a cigarette and lit it.
27:05Smoke rose around him.
27:06His voice grew lower.
27:08But now there's no one I can talk to.
27:11Dad only ever talks to me when he's disappointed in me.
27:14Vanessa only comes to me when she needs money.
27:18You were the only one who never wanted anything from me.
27:21You only ever wanted to help.
27:23He took a drag.
27:24Then he started coughing.
27:26He coughed until his eyes turned red.
27:28Tears came out with it.
27:30I'm sorry.
27:31I'm really sorry.
27:32I never thought it would end like this.
27:34If I had one more chance, I would definitely...
27:38His phone rang.
27:39It was his assistant.
27:41His voice was full of panic.
27:44Mr. Lange, something's wrong.
27:46Customs just seized one of our shipments.
27:48They're saying there's contraband in it.
27:50It's a big shipment.
27:51They might press criminal parches.
27:53Adrian shot to his feet.
27:54Contraband?
27:55That's impossible.
27:56We're a legitimate business.
27:58It's true.
27:59It's true.
28:01The police are already here.
28:02They want to question you.
28:04Adrian hung up and rushed out of the family chapel.
28:06He got in the car and drove straight to the company.
28:09Then another call came in.
28:11Unknown number.
28:12He answered it.
28:13A man's voice came through.
28:15Cold.
28:16Low.
28:17Sharp.
28:18Mr. Lange, did you like the gift?
28:21Adrian frowned.
28:23Who is this?
28:24You don't need to know.
28:26Just remember one thing.
28:29This is only the beginning.
28:31The Lange family will pay for what you owe.
28:37The call ended.
28:39Adrian called back at once.
28:40The number was already dead.
28:42His hands began to shake on the steering wheel.
28:49The police investigation dragged on for two weeks.
28:53In the end, the case was dropped.
28:55Not enough evidence.
28:56But the shipment was gone.
28:58Confiscated.
28:59The loss ran into the tens of millions.
29:02The Lange family's name was ruined.
29:04Partners started walking away.
29:06One after another.
29:07The stock crashed.
29:09His father was so furious that he suffered a second stroke.
29:12This time, he did not make it.
29:14Before he died, he held onto Adrian's hand.
29:17His voice was weak.
29:19Save the Lange group.
29:20The child.
29:21The heir.
29:22Then his hand went limp.
29:23The funeral was simple.
29:25Hardly anyone came.
29:27And the few who did were there for the spectacle.
29:30Vanessa stood in front of the memorial tablet with the baby in her arms.
29:33She cried hard.
29:34Maybe for the old man.
29:36Maybe for herself.
29:37Her protection was gone.
29:39Adrian stayed expressionless through the entire funeral.
29:42Only after it ended, after everyone had left, did he speak.
29:46You need to move out.
29:47Vanessa stared at him.
29:51What did you say?
29:54Take the child and leave the house.
29:56I'll give you enough money to live on.
29:58Vanessa's voice shot up at once.
30:00Adrian, are you out of your mind?
30:02I'm your brother's widow.
30:04This child is the only blood your brother left behind.
30:07Your father said he would carry on the family line.
30:09Adrian gave a cold laugh.
30:11Carry on the family line?
30:13With what?
30:15You want the family name?
30:18You can take the debt with it.
30:20Vanessa took a step back.
30:21So that's it?
30:22You're casting us aside?
30:24I'm not casting you aside.
30:26I'm making sure you and the child are taken care of.
30:29But this house stays.
30:30I'm keeping it.
30:32It holds my memories of Serena.
30:34I'm not giving it to anyone.
30:36Vanessa looked at him for a long moment.
30:38Then she laughed.
30:41Memories?
30:42Adrian, stop fooling yourself.
30:45You never loved her.
30:47You just can't get past the guilt.
30:49She died tragically and it's been eating away at you ever since.
30:54If she were still alive, you would have dumped her long ago.
30:57Adrian's face turned cold.
30:58Shut up.
31:02No.
31:03You need to hear this.
31:05Vanessa had stopped holding back.
31:07You married her because she was easy.
31:09She had no powerful family.
31:11No one to stand up for her.
31:13No one to fight you.
31:15You once said that once she had the baby, you'd find a way to divorce her.
31:20Now she's dead.
31:22That solved the problem for you.
31:24You should be thanking me.
31:26You should thank my son for getting rid of him.
31:31Smack.
31:33Another slap.
31:35Much harder than the last one.
31:37Vanessa crashed to the floor.
31:38The baby started wailing.
31:40Adrian looked down at her.
31:42His eyes were freezing.
31:44Get out.
31:45Right now.
31:46And if I ever see you again, don't expect a cent from me.
31:49Vanessa pushed herself up with the child in her arms.
31:52She glared at him.
31:53You'll regret this.
31:55Then she left.
31:57With the baby.
31:58And the $50 million check.
32:00Adrian stood alone in the empty family chapel.
32:03He looked at his father's portrait.
32:05For the first time, he felt it.
32:08Real exhaustion.
32:09It crushed him so hard he could not stay standing.
32:11He dropped to his knees.
32:13Dad.
32:14I can't do this anymore.
32:17The Lange family is going to fall apart because of me.
32:21No one answered.
32:22Only the wind moved through the hall.
32:24The white funeral cloth fluttered and snapped in the draft.
32:28I was sitting at the estate in Italy, watching the security feed.
32:31My father came in and handed me a file.
32:33The Lange group is worth $3 billion now.
32:36It owes $5.
32:37At this point, it's days from collapse.
32:39I took the file and flipped through it.
32:42Sooner than I expected.
32:44My father sat down and sighed.
32:45Do you really want to see this through?
32:49What else would I do?
32:51Forgive him?
32:52My father shook his head.
32:54He deserves everything that's coming.
32:57I just don't want you getting stuck there again.
32:59I closed the file and smiled a little.
33:01Don't worry.
33:02I was done the moment my baby died.
33:05Now I'm just here to collect.
33:07My father looked at me, his expression unreadable.
33:11You've changed.
33:12You used to smile all the time.
33:14Now it never reaches your eyes.
33:16I got up and walked to the window.
33:18The vineyard stretched out beyond the glass.
33:23People grow up.
33:25Some take years.
33:27Some only need betrayal.
33:30Or death.
33:31My father said nothing.
33:33He just stood there with me for a while.
33:36Then he left.
33:37My phone rang.
33:38It was Adrian.
33:40He actually still had the nerve to call me.
33:42More precisely, he was calling the number of someone who was supposed to be dead.
33:47I picked up.
33:48I said nothing.
33:50His voice came through, rough and tired.
33:52Serena, I know you can't hear this.
33:54But I still want to talk to you.
33:56The Lang family is done.
33:58Dad's gone.
33:59Vanessa left.
34:00Chloe turned on me too.
34:02There's no one around me anymore.
34:04Sometimes I think about it.
34:05If I treated you better, maybe things would have gone differently.
34:09If I hadn't wanted so much, a son, the family business, control over everything, maybe you'd
34:15still be alive.
34:16He stopped.
34:17When he spoke again, his voice caught.
34:19But none of that matters now.
34:20You're gone.
34:21Our child is gone.
34:23That's on me.
34:24I'll never make up for it, so.
34:26He took a deep breath.
34:27I sold off everything the Lang family left.
34:29The money's being split three ways.
34:31One part goes to charity.
34:33Your name.
34:34One part goes to Vanessa and the child.
34:36That's for my brother.
34:37And the last part.
34:38He let out a bleak laugh.
34:40I'm keeping it for a grave.
34:41I'll be buried next to you.
34:43If there's another life, I'll spend it paying you back.
34:46The call ended.
34:47I held the phone in my hand and didn't move.
34:49Not for a long time.
34:51When the screen finally went dark, I saw my reflection in it.
34:54Blank.
34:55Cold.
34:56Like I felt nothing at all.
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