- 10 minutes ago
The Father's Sin
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:09Mi hija quedó.
00:25No hay nada más.
00:27Por favor, no me voy.
00:28No.
00:29I don't want anything.
00:30Kathleen's eyes were filled with pity, but she still spoke softly, trying to comfort me.
00:35It's going to be okay.
00:36Don't worry, Grandfather and I are on your side.
00:38James was wrong this time.
00:39I'll make sure he comes to apologize.
00:41In the future, you too.
00:44Before Kathleen could finish, I held my phone in front of her.
00:48It showed a post James Coleman had made on Instagram just two hours ago.
00:51The attached picture was a sonogram, clearly showing Emily Green, six weeks pregnant.
00:56Emily was James Coleman's beloved.
00:57Kathleen's voice cut off abruptly.
01:00After a moment, her face flushed with anger.
01:02I'm calling my brother right now.
01:05Don't worry.
01:06Our family will make this right.
01:08I gave a bitter laugh and directly dialed James's number.
01:10He answered, irritation dripping from his voice.
01:13Are you calling to complain about the camp again?
01:15No one would dare lay a finger on a Coleman child.
01:18I just sent them there to learn some disdiscipline.
01:20Do you have to keep calling me?
01:21You disgust me.
01:23I didn't say a word.
01:24James hung up on the other end.
01:25The phone was on speaker.
01:27Every word landed clearly in Kathleen's ears.
01:29Her face turned ashen.
01:31Her lips trembled for a long moment, as if she no longer knew how to console me.
01:34I tried to force a smile, but tears fell in heavy drops.
01:44Just as Kathleen was about to speak, two police officers approached us.
01:48Are you the family of the deceased?
01:50The individual responsible for the camp had been detained.
01:53We need your cooperation with the investigation.
01:56At the police station, I saw the men who had come to take my daughters.
01:59I lost all control.
02:00Screaming and sobbing, I lunged at them.
02:04You monsters!
02:05You're all monsters!
02:06They were only five!
02:08How could you?
02:09How dare you?
02:11The officers quickly pulled me back.
02:13Kathleen wrapped her arms around my shaking body.
02:16Sophie, don't.
02:17It's okay.
02:18The police will handle this fairly.
02:20With the Coleman name behind us, they won't get away with it.
02:22Perhaps frightened by my frenzy, the men shrank into a corner, one of them muttering,
02:26You should have taught your kids better yourself.
02:29That's just how we run the camp.
02:30No discipline, no results.
02:33Who knew your girls were so fragile?
02:35What bad luck.
02:36My hand trembled as I pointed at them.
02:38Rage threatened to tear me apart.
02:40I'll tear you all to pieces!
02:42A metallic taste rose in my throat.
02:45I coughed violently, vomiting a mouthful of blood, before darkness swallowed me.
02:48I woke up in the Coleman family estate.
02:50Kathleen sat by my bed, her eyes red-rimmed.
02:53Sophie, you're awake.
02:55Don't worry, we've handled things with the police.
02:57We won't let those monsters get away this time.
03:00I stared emptily at the ceiling.
03:03Please, let me go.
03:05I have nothing.
03:06Deep down, I knew.
03:07Those monsters at the camp were guilty.
03:09But the root cause was James.
03:11He was the one who sent our daughters to that hell.
03:13The real culprit wasn't those men.
03:15It was their own father, James.
03:17Kathleen's shoulders shook.
03:19Then, as if making a decision, she spoke softly.
03:22Alright.
03:22I'll talk to Grandfather.
03:24After, watching her leave, I finally broke down.
03:26Sobbing as if to cry out all the grievances of these years.
03:29I came to the Coleman household when I was eight.
03:31The same age as James.
03:32The Grandpa Coleman and my grandfather were comrades in arms.
03:35My grandfather had saved Grandpa Coleman's life on the battlefield.
03:38Theirs was truly a bond forged in life and death.
03:40My parents died in an accident shortly after I was born.
03:43I was raised by my grandfather until he passed away when I was eight.
03:46Then, Grandpa Coleman took me in.
03:48Over the years, he and Kathleen treated me exceptionally well.
03:51They truly saw me as family.
03:53As one of their own.
03:54That's why, for seven years of our marriage, no matter how awful James was, I stayed.
03:58I bore his children and took care of everything at home.
04:01I thought, even without love, having my two precious girls would give my life meaning.
04:05But now, I had nothing.
04:07I don't know how much time passed before Kathleen returned.
04:10Grandfather wants to see you.
04:12The Grandpa Coleman sat in the recliner by his bed.
04:14His eyes held deep sorrow when he looked at me.
04:16You're a good kid, Sophie.
04:18I've heard everything from Kathleen.
04:20I'm sorry you've suffered so much all these years.
04:23The girls will be cremated tomorrow.
04:25After that, you can leave if you wish.
04:26My idiot grandson doesn't deserve you.
04:28He shouldn't hold you back any longer.
04:29I didn't speak.
04:30I simply bowed deeply to him.
04:32Tears fell onto the hardwood floor as I bent over.
04:34I was grateful for over 20 years of care from the Coleman family.
04:37But I could never forgive James.
04:39He was the murderer who killed my children.
04:42When I returned to my room, James was already there.
04:44He looked at me with scorn.
04:46What?
04:46Couldn't wait to run to Grandfather and Tattle.
04:49Sophie.
04:50Do you really think licking my Grandfather and Sister's boots will make me settle down with you?
04:55The sight of him flooded me with hatred.
04:57I wanted to kill him right then.
04:58Send him to hell.
04:59But then, I heard my daughter's soft, sweet voices in my mind.
05:02Mommy, I love Daddy so much.
05:05Daddy is the handsomest Daddy in our kindergarten.
05:07Mommy, we miss Daddy.
05:09Will Daddy come play with us today?
05:10We love Mommy the most in the whole world, and Daddy second.
05:13Even when I rushed into the camp to save them, their last words before losing consciousness were,
05:18Mommy, please don't fight with Daddy because of us.
05:20It's our fault.
05:22We weren't behaving.
05:24I took a deep breath, ignored James, and walked straight to the bed to sit down.
05:28My silence seemed to anger him.
05:30He grabbed me, flung me onto the bed, and pinned my wrists above my head.
05:33What game are you playing now?
05:35Didn't you have Kathleen call me back?
05:37He leaned down, trying to kiss me.
05:38Unable to break free, I bit his lip hard.
05:41James recoiled in pain, letting go and sitting up.
05:43Sophie, are you out of your mind?
05:45You make me sick with this innocent act.
05:47Is this how you've got Grandfather wrapped around your finger?
05:49You force me back, then play hard to get.
05:51Pathetic.
05:52It's because of your phony attitude that the girls turned out.
05:55I bit my lower lip until I tasted blood, then interrupted him softly.
05:58The girls are dead.
05:59James stiffened, then let out a scoff.
06:01Sophie, you'll really say anything.
06:03Just because you found out about Emily's pregnancy today, you go this far with your lies?
06:06With that, he got up and headed for the door.
06:08He paused before vanishing behind it.
06:10You're the one who pushed me away.
06:11Don't go crying to Grandfather about me neglecting you.
06:13It only makes me despise you more.
06:15After James left, the room fell silent.
06:17I rushed to the bathroom and brushed my teeth violently, trying to erase any trace of him
06:21from my lips.
06:22James and I were once in love.
06:24On my 18th birthday, James stood before me, his ears bright red.
06:28Sophie, I want to treat you right.
06:30I don't want to just be your adopted brother.
06:32His cheeks were flushed, but the determination in his eyes was captivating.
06:35My heart melted completely.
06:37For years after, James treated me like a treasure, and I gave him all my love in return.
06:41Then, when we were 22, Grandpa Coleman called us to him.
06:44You're both of marrying age now.
06:47Sophie, your grandfather saved my life.
06:49I wouldn't feel at ease seeing you marry into another family.
06:51What do you think of James here?
06:53From that day on, James' attitude toward me changed drastically.
06:56All that tender love seemed to vanish overnight.
06:59I didn't understand what happened.
07:01James never gave me a reason.
07:02A year into our marriage, I got pregnant.
07:04After that, James was almost never home.
07:07Openly flaunting his relationship with his crush.
07:09I confronted him, fought with him, but James would just look at me coldly, as if I were
07:13a madwoman.
07:14Me with concern.
07:15If it hurts, just cry.
07:17Don't hold it in.
07:18I didn't answer her.
07:19Instead, I looked at Grandpa Coleman, who was about to get into the car for the cemetery.
07:23Grandpa, the girls won't be buried in the Coleman family plot.
07:26I'm changing their last names.
07:28They aren't Coleman children.
07:30They're my daughters.
07:31The old man looked at me deeply, then erupted in fury.
07:34Where is that ungrateful son of mine?
07:37On a day like today, where has he disappeared to?
07:41Kathleen glanced at me nervously and whispered,
07:43His phone is off.
07:44We can't reach him.
07:46Grandpa Coleman shut his eyes tightly.
07:48When he opened them, his gaze was clear.
07:50They are your children, born from your pain.
07:52Do as you see fit.
07:53I bowed to him, three times.
07:55I owed this man my everything.
07:57But that debt had nothing to do with my children.
07:59I couldn't let them suffer any more indignity, even in death.
08:02After Grandpa left by car, Kathleen gently helped me up.
08:06Sophie.
08:07I gave her a faint smile, hailed a taxi, and headed straight home, the two urns in my arms.
08:11I needed to pack the girls' things, too.
08:13That house had never truly been their home.
08:15I wouldn't leave them in that cold, heartless place.
08:17But as soon as I opened the door, passionate moans filled my ears.
08:21Oh, stop.
08:22I'm pregnant.
08:23The doctor said we shouldn't.
08:24Then a man's voice, rough with desire.
08:26I'll be gentle.
08:27It's fine.
08:28I never hurt our baby.
08:29Soon, the sounds of their intimacy filled the house.
08:33They were in the bedroom.
08:34I couldn't go in to pack.
08:35I just stood frozen by the door, torturing myself by listening to the obscene noises.
08:39I didn't know how long it was before they finally emerged.
08:41The moment Emily saw me, triumph flashed in her eyes.
08:44Oh, Sophie, you're back?
08:45Why didn't you say anything?
08:46We had no idea.
08:47It's all James' fault.
08:49I told him not to, but he insisted.
08:51What could I do?
08:51James stood beside Emily, his arm around her waist.
08:54No need to explain to her.
08:56She's nobody.
08:57Come on, let's go.
08:59We have a doctor's appointment for the check-up.
09:00Our baby needs to be healthy and safe.
09:02From start to finish, James didn't look at me once.
09:05His eyes were only for Emily.
09:07I stepped aside, calmly making way for them.
09:09As they passed, James finally noticed the urns in my arms.
09:12What's that garbage?
09:13It looks filthy.
09:14Throw it out!
09:15With that, he walked out with Emily, arm in arm.
09:18I looked down blankly at the urns.
09:20Daddy wasn't talking about you.
09:22Don't be sad.
09:23You're Mommy's treasure.
09:25You're not garbage.
09:26After carefully setting down the urns, I began packing the girls' belongings.
09:30Clothes, toys, utensils, crayons.
09:33At the small desk in their room, I found a family photo, but it only showed me and the girls,
09:37not James.
09:38My hand shook as I took the picture out of its frame.
09:40The girls had drawn a man beside us in crayon.
09:43In their clumsy handwriting, they had written three words.
09:45Daddy loves Mommy, followed by a tiny heart.
09:48I couldn't hold back any longer.
09:50Clutching the photo, I wept, bitterly.
09:52In the five years I raised them alone.
09:54No matter what happened between James and me, I never spoke ill of him to our daughters.
09:57But children are perceptive.
09:59They could see clearly that Daddy didn't love Mommy.
10:02By nightfall, I had finally packed everything.
10:04I watched the movers load the boxes onto the truck.
10:06Anything else, Mrs. Coleman?
10:08I shook my head, then went back inside, and placed the half-signed divorce papers on the coffee table.
10:13Leaving the house, I held the two urns tightly.
10:15A strange sense of peace settled over me.
10:18After a moment of silence, I took out my phone's SIM card, snapped it in half, and tossed it out
10:22the car window.
10:23Meanwhile, at Street Mary's Hospital, Grandpa Coleman and Kathleen, having gotten word, arrived and intercepted James and Emily during their
10:29checkup.
10:30Seeing them, James' face instantly darkened.
10:32Can't Sophie be any more disgusting?
10:34Playing the quiet, forgiving wife at home, then calling you to chase us down at the hospital.
10:39Before he could finish, the old man slapped him hard across the face.
10:42You heartless wretch.
10:44You killed your own children, and you have the nerve to bring your mistress here for a checkup.
10:48How did our family produce such a monster?
10:50James staggered, almost losing his balance.
10:52What are you talking about?
10:54Emily had shrunk behind James the moment she saw them.
10:56But Kathleen was faster.
10:58She grabbed a fistful of Emily's hair.
11:00You shameless bitch.
11:01How dare you hide?
11:02Do you know how old my nieces were?
11:03Five.
11:04What terrible crime did they commit that you couldn't tolerate them?
11:06How could you be so cruel?
11:07Are you even human?
11:08Emily cried out in pain as she fell.
11:10James helped her up, glaring at his sister.
11:13What are you doing?
11:14She's pregnant!
11:15What if something happens to the baby?
11:17Fine!
11:19You want to know what happened?
11:20I just took Emily home that day, and the girls started screaming for her to get out!
11:26Is that any way for children to treat a guest?
11:29I'm their father.
11:31What's wrong with sending them somewhere more suitable?
11:35Can't I discipline my own children?
11:37Alright, fine.
11:39If you're so against it, I'll bring them back from the camp.
11:41You don't have to help Sophie lie to me.
11:43Saying the girls are dead?
11:44How can you even say that?
11:45The old man couldn't take it anymore.
11:47He began slapping James relentlessly.
11:50She's a mistress!
11:51What kind of guest is that?
11:52You fool!
11:53You brought your mistress home, and the girls were protecting their mother!
11:55What's wrong with that?
11:56That's true, Coleman spirit!
11:58James, not daring to hit back against his elderly grandfather, could only duck and dodge.
12:02Stop it.
12:03People are watching.
12:04Have some respect!
12:05The old man shot James a painful look, as if he didn't recognize his own grandson.
12:10If I'd known you'd become this kind of cold-hearted beast, I never would have let Sophie marry you.
12:13Then she wouldn't have suffered all these years, and my granddaughters wouldn't be dead.
12:17Tears streamed down the old man's wrinkled face.
12:20How you've treated Sophie?
12:21How will I ever face her grandfather in the afterlife?
12:23She was his only treasure.
12:25His mind flashed to the image of Sophie earlier that day, bowing before him.
12:28She was cradling the two small urns, her frail body trembling, but her voice was steel.
12:33Maybe it's for the best.
12:34Leaving is for the best.
12:35Then she won't have to suffer this humiliation anymore.
12:37I'm the one who held her back.
12:38The old man couldn't bear to look at James any longer.
12:41He turned to leave.
12:42Don't bother coming home.
12:43The Coleman family has no room for an ungrateful bastard like you.
12:45Seeing his grandfather's serious expression, James began to shake uncontrollably.
12:49Clinging to a sliver of hope, he looked at Kathleen.
12:51Tell me, what is grandfather talking about?
12:53Are you all lying to me?
12:54Is this some conspiracy?
12:56Kathleen took a deep breath, remembering the nearly broken woman at the police station.
12:59Tears fell from her arms.
13:01We sent him to that place.
13:02That camp only knows punishment.
13:03They tied the girls to chairs.
13:04They beat them with belts.
13:05Electrocuted them with tasers.
13:06Starved them.
13:07Denied them water.
13:08By the time we got there, it was too late.
13:10James, the girls are gone.
13:11Sophie has left.
13:11Freedom and happiness you wanted to chase.
13:13No one is standing in your way now.
13:14Without another glance at James, she turned and followed their grandfather.
13:18James' mind buzzed.
13:19Instinctively, he moved to chase after them, but Emily grabbed his arm.
13:24James, where are you going?
13:25James turned.
13:26Extreme panic had stripped him of reason.
13:28I need to find my girls!
13:29I need to find Sophie!
13:30Didn't you hear?
13:31Gone!
13:32They're gone!
13:32Emily was startled by his outburst, but instinct told her not to let him leave.
13:36James, I'm pregnant.
13:37Remember, we're going to have our own baby soon.
13:39You didn't love Sophie or the twins.
13:42Isn't this perfect now?
13:44We can finally be together openly.
13:46Before she could finish, James violently shook off her hand.
13:49Who do you think you are?
13:51Leave my family out of your filthy mouth!
13:53Caught off guard, Emily was thrown to the ground.
13:55James didn't spare her a glance.
13:57He turned to leave.
13:58Emily clutched her stomach, crying out in pain.
14:00James!
14:01My stomach!
14:02It hurts so much!
14:03But through her blurry vision, she only saw James walking further and further away.
14:08The man who used to fret over her slightest frown now stormed away, ignoring her desperate calls.
14:13James drove straight home.
14:14Stepping inside, he froze.
14:16The house was empty, devoid of all traces of life.
14:19In that moment, it hit him.
14:21Sophie was really gone.
14:22Stumbling, James opened every door.
14:24Master bedroom.
14:25Guest room.
14:26Study.
14:27Walk-in closet.
14:28Finally, the girls' room.
14:29There, his legs gave way, and he collapsed to the floor.
14:33Now he understood.
14:34That's why Sophie's eyes last night were filled with such disappointment and hatred.
14:38Suddenly, he remembered.
14:40When he left the house today, Sophie was holding two dull-colored containers.
14:43Those were, those were the girls' ashes!
14:45And what had he said?
14:47What's that garbage?
14:48It looks filthy!
14:49Throw it out!
14:50An invisible hand seemed to tighten around James' throat.
14:52He couldn't breathe.
14:53A memory surfaced.
14:54The girls' fifth birthday.
14:56Under grandfather's pressure, he had, for once, taken them to the amusement park with Sophie.
15:01His younger daughter had stood shyly before him, looking up.
15:04Daddy, you're not busy with work today?
15:06I'm so happy.
15:07Thank you for spending my birthday with me.
15:09His older daughter had cautiously taken his hand.
15:11Daddy, thank you coming here with us.
15:13Mommy was right.
15:15Daddy is the best daddy in the whole world.
15:17James fell forward, clutching his chest, gasping for air.
15:20They, they were so sweet.
15:21Yet on that day, when he locked them in the car for the camp, what had he said?
15:26Disgusting brats!
15:27Is this how your mother taught you to treat guests?
15:29You're just as rude as her!
15:30Tears streamed down James' face, hitting the floor.
15:33Through his blurred vision, he saw a photograph on the floor.
15:36He scrambled over on hands and knees, picking it up with trembling fingers.
15:39It was.
15:40A photo of Sophie and the girls.
15:42Next to them, drawn in crayon, was a stick figure.
15:45Above it, in wobbly letters, Daddy.
15:48All his emotions finally found an outlet.
15:50James sobbed uncontrollably.
15:51Sophie had left nothing behind except for this one photo.
15:54She hated him.
15:55So she left him nothing to remember him by.
15:57James pulled out his phone, frantically dialing Sophie's number.
16:00Over and over.
16:01But no matter how many times he called, all he heard was the automated message.
16:05The subscriber you have dialed is not in service.
16:07His heart felt like it was plummeting into a bottomless abyss.
16:10Sinking deeper, until all sounds ceased.
16:12Only then did James realize.
16:14All these years, Sophie had always been within his sight.
16:17Whenever he looked up, she was there with their daughters.
16:19She had never, for a moment, been truly lost to him.
16:23But now, she was done waiting.
16:24So she left, and he would never find her again.
16:27From their first meeting at 8, to now, 21 years.
16:30It was always Sophie, who accommodated him.
16:32It was him.
16:33He was the one who kept failing her, who ultimately killed their children.
16:36James couldn't bear to think further.
16:38He wiped his tears clumsily, staggered to his feet, left the house, and drove straight to
16:42the family estate.
16:43At the estate, Kathleen and the old man sat silently in the vast living room, holding the girls'
16:47baby photos, tears in their eyes.
16:49Seeing James, Kathleen's voice was sharp.
16:51Weren't you told not to come back?
16:52What are you doing here?
16:54Get out!
16:54James ignored her.
16:55He knelt directly before his grandfather, his voice hoarse.
16:59Grandfather, please.
17:00Tell me where Sophie is.
17:01The old man acted as if he hadn't heard, continuing to gently wipe the photo frame, a tender smile
17:06on his face.
17:07Kathleen couldn't stand it.
17:08She slapped James hard.
17:09What right do you have to ask about Sophie?
17:11How many times have I tried to talk to you over the years?
17:14If I were Sophie, I'd want to kill you!
17:17James was her brother.
17:18Seeing him like this, pained her.
17:20But for seven years, she had pleaded with James to treat Sophie better.
17:23He never listened, instead, blaming everything on Sophie.
17:26He had accused her of tattling, of using the family to pressure him.
17:29Kathleen had even confronted Emily, but Emily would just run to James.
17:33She still remembered the time James exploded.
17:35If you bother Emily again, I'll never come home.
17:38You all adore Sophie so much?
17:40Fine.
17:41I'll let her live like a widow forever.
17:42Kathleen's tears fell.
17:44She couldn't forgive James, and she couldn't forgive herself.
17:47Those girls were so sweet.
17:49Always following her, calling,
17:50Always saving treats or toys for her.
17:53James endured the slap, scrambling to explain.
17:56I didn't mean to.
17:57I really didn't.
17:59I just thought the girls were being bad.
18:00I wanted to teach them a lesson.
18:02Kathleen grabbed a cup from the side table and hurled it.
18:04It struck James' forehead, opening a gash.
18:06Blood dripped down.
18:07You didn't mean to.
18:08How dare you say that?
18:10Search your heart.
18:11Were those girls really bad?
18:13Five years, Sophie raised them alone.
18:15Can you honestly say she didn't raise them well?
18:16Were you punishing the girls, or were you punishing Sophie?
18:18What did Sophie ever do wrong?
18:20Blood trickled down his face, but James seemed not to feel it.
18:24I didn't mean to treat her badly.
18:26I just didn't want to live a life controlled by all of you.
18:28I'm the only son of the Coleman family.
18:30Since I was a child, you've managed everything.
18:33I need permission for every little thing.
18:35Even my marriage, even my marriage, was arranged.
18:41Sophie's grandfather saved grandpa, so I became the repayment.
18:46I had to marry Sophie.
18:47By the end, James was sobbing too hard to speak.
18:50The old man let out a cold laugh, looking at James as if at a stranger.
18:54We arranged it.
18:56We forced you to repay a debt.
18:58In my eyes, you were never good enough for Sophie.
19:01It was you who confessed to her.
19:03You who pursued her first.
19:05I merely agreed to the marriage.
19:08It was your own choice.
19:10How did it become our arrangement?
19:12James, you are no true Coleman.
19:14You have no backbone.
19:16Even now, you're still trying to shift flame!
19:19James froze.
19:21Then, slowly, he crumpled to the floor, weeping bitterly.
19:24He was right.
19:25He had fallen for Sophie first.
19:27He had pursued her.
19:28So why did everything change once grandfather and Kathleen got involved?
19:32It was true.
19:33He resented it.
19:33He hated his controlled life.
19:35He hated that even his marriage felt like a transaction to repay his grandfather's debt.
19:38But there were so many ways he could have rebelled.
19:40Why did he choose to wreck his marriage?
19:42James crawled on hands and knees to his grandfather's feet, clutching his pant legs between sobs.
19:47I made a serious mistake.
19:49I know that now.
19:51Please, Grandpa.
19:52I'm begging you.
19:54Tell me where Sophie is.
19:56The old man didn't look at him.
19:58He stood, swaying slightly, and headed upstairs.
20:00Sophie doesn't want to see you.
20:02James stopped mid-kowtow.
20:04No one knew what he was thinking.
20:06After a long while, James stumbled to his feet, mumbling.
20:09I'll find her myself.
20:11I will.
20:12I knew nothing of the chaos in the Coleman family.
20:14After leaving, I took my girls to Florida.
20:17They hated the cold.
20:18So I chose Florida, a place where it never snows.
20:20The month since leaving had brought me an unprecedented peace.
20:23Today, as I was cleaning the girls' photos, a frantic knocking came at the door.
20:27I opened it to find a familiar figure kneeling.
20:30Sophie.
20:31I've come to take you in our baby's home.
20:33I didn't want to engage.
20:35I tried to shut the door, but James shoved his hand against the frame, stopping it.
20:39Please, Sophie.
20:41Just let me talk to you.
20:43I paused.
20:44James, go away.
20:45I have nothing to say to you.
20:48Seeing me respond, James straightened up on his knees.
20:51I'm not leaving.
20:52Not unless you come with me.
20:53I haven't signed the divorce papers.
20:55You're still my wife.
20:56Let's go home together.
20:57I looked down at the man kneeling before me.
20:59Go home for what?
21:01To watch you and Emily in our bed?
21:02To see you sweat over her?
21:03Or should I go back as Emily's maid?
21:05Help her through her pregnancy?
21:05Isn't she pregnant?
21:07James flinched, rushing to deny it.
21:09No, it's not like that.
21:10I made Emily terminate the pregnancy.
21:12I ended things with her.
21:13I'll be good to you from now on.
21:15I let out a scornful laugh.
21:17So what?
21:18She got rid of a fetus, and suddenly your betrayal never happened.
21:21The harm you did to our girls never happened.
21:23She destroyed an unborn embryo.
21:26And that brings my children back?
21:28If you felt even a shred of guilt for me and the girls, you wouldn't be here bothering me today.
21:32James' face went deathly pale.
21:34His lips moved, but no sound came out.
21:37My tears fell heavily.
21:38James, you killed my children.
21:41What makes you think I'd ever go back with you?
21:43My tears landed on his hand.
21:45He jerked back as if they'd burned him.
21:47No, Sophie, listen to me.
21:48I really didn't mean it.
21:49They were my daughters, too.
21:51How could I ever want to hurt them?
21:52What happened was an accident.
21:53I swear, I didn't mean-
21:55I'd heard enough.
21:55Enough!
21:56They were not your children!
21:59James, every word out of your mouth makes me sick!
22:02You didn't know, you didn't mean to.
22:04Will those words bring my babies back?
22:06How dare you come here asking for forgiveness?
22:08James' eyes were bloodshot.
22:10After a long silence, he whispered-
22:12I'm sorry.
22:12His apology made me laugh bitterly.
22:14And?
22:15James looked up.
22:16A flicker of hope in his eyes.
22:18Sophie, I was confused before.
22:19I was stubborn, felt like I was just a tool for repaying a debt.
22:21That's why I did those terrible things.
22:22I know I was wrong at once.
22:23If you were to give me one chance, we're still young.
22:25We can have more children.
22:26I couldn't take it anymore.
22:27I slapped him hard across the face.
22:29Even now, you're trampling on my feelings.
22:30You resented the family's control?
22:32There were so many things you could have rebelled against.
22:34Why choose our merit?
22:35James, did you think I was just that easy to bully?
22:39Tears streamed down James' face.
22:41He was speechless.
22:42I tried to smile, but tears fell anyway.
22:45James, if you're truly sorry, then let me go.
22:48Let our children go.
22:49Without another look at him, I slammed the door shut.
22:52I don't know when James left.
22:53The next morning, when I opened the door, no one was there.
22:56Only the divorce papers lay on the doorstep.
22:58In the end, James had signed them.
23:00Once the divorce was finalized, I returned to handle the formalities.
23:03After getting the certificate, Kathleen and I sat in a cafe.
23:06An awkward silence between us.
23:08From Kathleen, I learned what had happened since.
23:10The behavior correction camp had been shut down by authorities.
23:13Hundreds of children were rescued.
23:15Those responsible were convicted.
23:17After returning from Florida, James stopped going to work.
23:19He stayed home, drowning himself in alcohol.
23:21He was found passed out at home.
23:22Kathleen forced him to the hospital.
23:24The doctors said he had severe psychological issues requiring long-term treatment.
23:28Emily, after terminating the pregnancy, had caused a scene at the estate.
23:31But Grandpa Coleman, a decisive man all his life, wasn't one to be manipulated.
23:35Emily had benefited greatly from her connection to James over the years.
23:38The old man produced evidence of embezzlement from the company and had Emily sent to prison.
23:42After sharing this, Kathleen looked at me carefully.
23:45My brother.
23:47He's in a very bad place mentally.
23:49Would you consider?
23:50Before she could finish, I shook my head.
23:53No.
23:54He and I, we can't meet peacefully anymore.
23:57Kathleen sighed deeply.
23:59Grandpa actually told me not to come today.
24:00He said leaving you alone would be best for you now, but I didn't listen.
24:03No matter what, I want you to know that Grandpa and I still see you as family.
24:06You don't hate my brother for too long.
24:07I smiled but didn't answer.
24:09My thoughts drifted back to the 18-year-old James in my memory.
24:12To the young man standing before me, cheeks flushed, saying,
24:15Sylvia, I want to treat you right.
24:17I don't want to just be your adopted brother.
24:19He said.
24:20I didn't know if James meant it that day.
24:22I only know that I did love him once.
24:23I didn't answer Kathleen's question.
24:25I lifted my coffee cup, drained it, picked up my bag, and left the cafe.
24:29I couldn't promise her not to hate James.
24:31Because I would never forgive him.
24:33Ever.
24:37I feel so alone.
24:42This time I met you, babe, I don't mind a call.
24:49You don't have to bring me one.
24:53I don't want no shiny jewels.
24:56All it up in all those years, baby.
24:59It's all.
25:04Welcome back, boss.
25:05You have been undercover for six months.
25:08Your uncle is now in prison.
25:09It's time to return to the Jones group.
25:12Thanks, Louise.
25:13There's one more thing I need to take care of.
25:26Hurry up.
25:27She's coming.
25:31Hey, Simon.
25:32Brought you your favorite cheeseburger.
25:35Thank you so much, Victoria.
25:38Honestly, you're the only one that's been nice to me the entire time I've been here.
25:43You've been bringing me food and supplies.
25:46I just appreciate it so much.
25:48I do have some.
25:49I need to tell you, though.
25:51I...
25:51So, sorry.
25:52I'm getting a phone call.
25:53Hang on.
25:57Hey, mom.
25:58How are you?
25:59Victoria...
26:00What's it going for?
26:02I'm going for you.
26:02All right.
Comments