- 4 hours ago
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00This is the last time.
00:08Bring me condoms.
00:09I don't ask why. I never do.
00:12Twenty minutes later, I'm at his door, soaked through.
00:15Rain plastering my hair to my face, my thin shirt clinging to every curve.
00:19He opens the door, stares.
00:21Eyes drag down my body, lingering where the wet fabric clings.
00:24His voice drops.
00:25That's my good girl.
00:26I hand him the bag. I've loved him for seven years.
00:28Tonight, he's going to use these with someone else.
00:31Claire, his first love. The one coming back.
00:34Here, the size you wanted.
00:36He takes the bag. His thumb brushes my knuckles.
00:39She's not here yet. Why don't we use them first?
00:42I freeze. He laughs.
00:44Relax. I'm not that much of an asshole.
00:47I set you up on a date next Wednesday.
00:49The guy's rich, oblivious, stable.
00:52You've been with me long enough. It's the least I can do.
00:54His eyes are cold and serious.
00:56She's coming back, and he's clearing the decks.
00:58I clench my fists.
00:59Just send me the address.
01:01Sir.
01:01I turn to leave.
01:02Wait.
01:03He wraps a Burberry shawl around me.
01:05Don't leave tonight.
01:07But she's coming.
01:08You believe that?
01:09You think I'm that much of a scumbag?
01:12It's just been you.
01:13And he is kissing me.
01:14We're desperate.
01:15Nothing gentle about it.
01:16His hands grip my hips, pushing me back against the door.
01:20The shawl falls.
01:21I should stop this.
01:22I know I should, but his mouth is on my throat,
01:24and my head falls back,
01:26and my fingers are already in his hair.
01:28He carries me to the bedroom.
01:30This is the last time.
01:31Claire's flight lamp's tomorrow.
01:33So be a good girl.
01:35Go on that date.
01:36The mask slips.
01:38He's choosing her after all.
01:39I bite his shoulder.
01:41I'm hard.
01:41He doesn't stop.
01:43Damien is an animal.
01:44They say men slow down after 25.
01:47With him, not even close.
01:49Sun's up when he finally finishes.
01:51Heads for the shower.
01:53I grab my clothes and go.
01:55That's our rule.
01:57He hates sleeping next to anyone.
02:00Seven years, no matter how exhausted,
02:02I always crawl to the guest room.
02:08Morning.
02:09He's back from the gym.
02:12Saved you breakfast.
02:14No time.
02:15Gonna miss my bus.
02:16I can drive you.
02:18No.
02:19I blurt out.
02:21My promotion results are out today.
02:25Can't be seen in your car.
02:28People will think I slept my way to the top.
02:31Por favor, quiero hablar contigo.
02:34The room goes dead silent.
02:37That cold laugh.
02:39Fine.
02:40Suit yourself.
02:43Your blind date.
02:45Next week.
02:52One night made me almost forget why I came here.
02:56I was supposed to hand him the condoms and say goodbye.
03:00Instead.
03:03I let him touch me.
03:05Again.
03:06I take the card.
03:08The edges sting.
03:10Okay.
03:12I whisper.
03:13I'll go.
03:14For years, I've spent every weekend at his place.
03:17He built me a walk-in closet just so I'd stop leaving clothes behind.
03:21Today, I'm packing it all up.
03:23Pink slippers.
03:24The pajamas.
03:25The matching robe I bought to make this feel real.
03:28Everything is gone.
03:29He just leans in the doorway.
03:30Watching.
03:31Arms crossed.
03:33Face unreadable.
03:34I zip the last bag.
03:35Stand up straight.
03:36Meet his eyes.
03:37We're just boss and employee now.
03:39He lets out a cold laugh.
03:41Don't worry.
03:42I won't make things hard for you at work.
03:44I make it to my desk at 9.57.
03:47Breathless.
03:48Heart pounding.
03:49My co-workers already there with coffee.
03:52For the future director.
03:54Don't forget us little people.
03:55I blush.
03:56Results aren't even out yet.
03:58Please.
03:59You've worked your ass off for five years.
04:01It's yours.
04:02The team crowds around, hyping me up.
04:04I let myself smile.
04:05If I get it.
04:07Omakase.
04:08My treat.
04:09The whole office cheers.
04:11Three minutes.
04:12I refresh my inbox.
04:14We regret to inform you.
04:16Promotion denied.
04:17No.
04:17My mind goes blank.
04:19Static filling my ears.
04:21HR walks in.
04:22Behind her, another woman.
04:24This is Claire.
04:25Your new director.
04:26Personally appointed by Mr. Kane.
04:28I look up and stop breathing.
04:30She's exactly like the photo.
04:32The one Damien kept hidden in his wallet.
04:34She is back.
04:35And she's aiming for his bed.
04:37I feel like I have a heavy flu.
04:39I walk to his office like a robot.
04:42Can't stop wiping tears.
04:48Why?
04:49He doesn't look up.
04:52What?
04:55Director of operations.
05:0050 positions in this company.
05:02Why did you give her mine?
05:09She wanted it.
05:11She wanted it?
05:12I gave seven years to you and this company.
05:15I almost died on that Africa assignment.
05:24Nina, this is reality.
05:26I decide what happens here.
05:29I just want fairness.
05:39Fairness?
05:40If we weren't sleeping together, you wouldn't be here.
05:43You took the shortcut.
05:44Now you want fairness?
05:46It hits me like a physical blow.
05:48I worked until I collapsed.
05:50I had to prove I deserved to be here.
05:53But he's right.
05:54I got in because of him.
05:56He gave me everything when he wanted me.
05:59Threw me away when he didn't.
06:01Fairness.
06:02I don't get to ask for that dot.
06:04So I'm done.
06:05Quitting.
06:06Today.
06:07Meeting Damien was like a bad movie.
06:10Fresh out of college.
06:11New York.
06:13Boyfriend cheated.
06:14Moved on like I never happened.
06:16I was drowning.
06:17So I went to a bar.
06:18Tried to drink the pain away.
06:20I'd never been that drunk in my life.
06:22Drank until I didn't know my own name.
06:24I'm shy.
06:25Like, painfully shy.
06:26But that night I walked up to the most beautiful man I'd ever seen and sat down like I belonged
06:31there.
06:31It was Damien.
06:32Looked like he stepped off a magazine cover.
06:34Cold.
06:35Turning everyone away.
06:36Want to come home with me?
06:38The words came out before I could stop them.
06:40He took a sip.
06:41That low laugh.
06:43First time I heard it.
06:44Never met anyone as bold as you.
06:46That night in my tiny apartment.
06:48Broken radiator.
06:49Mattress on the floor.
06:51It was beautiful.
06:52So beautiful I lost myself.
06:54Thought I'd never see him again.
06:56I was wrong.
06:57Next day.
06:58Job interview.
06:59I walked in.
07:01Looked up and there he was.
07:02Sharp suit.
07:04Same cold eyes.
07:05My heart almost stopped.
07:07I recognized him.
07:09Stayed calm anyway.
07:10A few hours later I had the offer.
07:13First day.
07:14He cornered me in the elevator.
07:15Nina Parker, right?
07:17Can you handle a physical only thing?
07:47I'm usually careful.
07:48If it's not yours, it never will be.
07:52Since I didn't get promoted, I don't need his signature to quit.
07:56I go straight to HR.
07:59Diana's the only one who knows about us.
08:04She gives me a hug.
08:06Thanks for everything, Diana.
08:07I hug her back.
08:08Can you keep my resignation quiet?
08:10Just for now.
08:11I don't want anyone to know I'm gone.
08:13She squeezes my hand.
08:14I promise.
08:15My grandma calls that night.
08:18Sweetie, did you get the promotion?
08:20You said I'd be the first to know.
08:22My throat closes up.
08:24I can't stop crying.
08:27Grandma, I think I'm done with New York.
08:30A beat of silence.
08:31Then she says, excited.
08:33That's great.
08:34I've been worried sick.
08:36When can you get here?
08:37I'll have pot roast, mashed potatoes, peach cobbled, everything you like.
08:42That's when I lose it.
08:44I know what she's doing.
08:45Saving my pride.
08:47Back home, I'm her favorite story.
08:49Her girl in the big city.
08:51I want to make it all worth it.
08:53Bring her here.
08:54Get us a real home.
08:55I have the whole future mapped out.
08:57I can almost touch it.
08:59And now, gone.
09:01I can't sleep that night.
09:03Start scrolling.
09:052.10am.
09:06I see it.
09:07Claire's Instagram story.
09:08Funny how some habits never change.
09:11The photo hits me like a physical blow.
09:13A woman in bed.
09:14Tangled sheets.
09:15A man's arm wrapped tight around her waist.
09:18And on his finger, the Cartier ring.
09:20I forget how to breathe.
09:21I know that ring.
09:23I save months to buy it for him.
09:25He looks at it and sighs.
09:26Nina, you don't need to splurge on me.
09:29There's really no point.
09:30I smile.
09:31But you deserve the best.
09:32He kisses me and looks so in love.
09:35I never think he'll wear it.
09:36Not in public.
09:38Next day, at the all hands, there it is.
09:41On his finger.
09:42The office buzzes.
09:44I sit frozen.
09:45Then he catches me.
09:47Tilts his wrist.
09:48Just enough for the ring to catch the light.
09:50Now that ring is in her bed.
09:52Onto his hand wrapped around her waist.
09:54Tears hit my screen before I feel them.
09:57And then, the last lie dies.
10:00Damien sleeps fine.
10:01He doesn't mind holding someone through the night.
10:03He just doesn't want to hold me.
10:05One week left.
10:06Then I'm done.
10:08Claire finds me at a coffee shop.
10:10You're the one who's been in Damien's bed for seven years.
10:13She says.
10:14She pulls out a hair strip from a plastic sleeve.
10:17Found it in his guest room.
10:19Before I can answer, she throws iced coffee in my face.
10:22And slaps me.
10:24You pathetic bitch.
10:26I swing back.
10:27But a hand catches my wrist.
10:29Damien.
10:32Claire turns on him, shaking.
10:37Damien, you promised me forever.
10:40We weren't apart six months before you replaced me?
10:44Damien's voice goes cold.
10:46Go wait in the car.
10:49She storms out.
10:50His eyes land on me.
10:52Didn't I tell you to keep this between us?
10:54I didn't say a word.
10:55I snap.
10:56She hunted me down.
10:58I nod toward the street.
10:59A black Porsche pulls up.
11:01My date is here.
11:02The one you picked out for me.
11:05Something flashes in his eyes.
11:07Then his mouth flattens.
11:08Have fun.
11:10It sounds like a threat.
11:12He drops his coat over my soaked shoulders and walks out.
11:16So, the guy Damien picked for me.
11:18A total trust fund disaster.
11:21The rich brat drives me home.
11:23I wait until his car disappears around the corner.
11:26Then turn.
11:27And walk straight into Damien.
11:29He's leaning there, checking his watch.
11:30Home after only an hour?
11:32No dinner?
11:33No movie?
11:34He that bad?
11:34I try to push past.
11:36He grabs my wrist.
11:37Yanks me back.
11:38What is it, Nina?
11:39Still obsessed?
11:40Can't handle one night with a guy who isn't me?
11:42I'm getting engaged to Claire.
11:44Whatever we were, it's over.
11:47Cause trouble?
11:47I can have you out by Monday.
11:49I look him dead in the eye, voice steady.
11:52Don't worry, Mr. Kane.
11:54I know a dead end when I see one.
11:57I walk away.
11:58I don't look back.
11:59But from the hallway window, I see him leaning against his car, trying to light a cigarette.
12:04His hands are shaking.
12:06He doesn't drive off until my apartment light comes up.
12:10I get home and list everything Damien ever gave me.
12:14Bags, jewelry, the luxury crap.
12:17All of it goes on Poshmark.
12:19At work, I smile and say,
12:22Hello, Damien.
12:23Like none of it happened.
12:27The overseas account wraps soon.
12:30Then I'm gone.
12:31I book my flight home.
12:38Nina.
12:39Want to grab dinner?
12:40Ethan slides a latte onto my desk.
12:43I smile.
12:44Least I can do is thank him.
12:45Yeah.
12:46I'm in.
12:51We walk out.
12:53A delivery guy hands Ethan roses.
12:55He turns to me, ears red.
13:00These are your favorite.
13:02Saw it on your Instagram.
13:06People start hooting.
13:08I freeze.
13:10I freeze.
13:11I freeze.
13:11He's asking me out.
13:13I open my mouth to let him down easy.
13:16Then I see it.
13:18A black escalade across the street.
13:21Damien behind the wheel, staring at the flowers between us.
13:25His face goes dark.
13:27He lays on the horn.
13:29He lays on the horn.
13:30Once.
13:32Twice.
13:33Again.
13:34Then he peels out.
13:38The project wraps.
13:40My last day.
13:41I get stuck at a client dinner.
13:43Mark Dalton, the account director, keeps pushing drinks.
13:47His hand on my shoulder.
13:48I smile through it.
13:56After cold rain.
13:58No caps.
13:59I start walking.
14:01Then I hear footsteps behind me.
14:03Mark.
14:04I run.
14:07My phone hits the ground.
14:09I don't stop.
14:19I hit the emergency button on my watch.
14:22Damien set himself as the contact.
14:28A girl answers.
14:31Damien's in the shower.
14:33Claire.
14:33I'm being followed.
14:35Tell him to call the cops.
14:37She laughs.
14:38Still playing victim?
14:40Nina's begging to talk to you.
14:42If you pick up, I'm leaving.
14:47All right, baby.
14:49I won't.
14:51The line goes dead.
14:53I stand in the rain.
14:54Then I look up.
14:55Under the next streetlight.
14:57A shadow.
14:58My blood goes cold.
15:01Next morning, Damien glances at my desk.
15:04Empty.
15:05He figures I overslept.
15:07At 10.30, Diana from HR screams during the meeting.
15:11It's Nina.
15:12Something happened.
15:13Damik goes white.
15:15Diana turns her laptop around.
15:17He shoots to his feet.
15:18What the hell do you mean?
15:20A video.
15:21A man grabs me by the hair.
15:23Drags me towards an alley.
15:25I fight.
15:26He kicks me down.
15:27I keep hitting the emergency button on my watch.
15:29The watch Damien bought me.
15:31The one with GPS.
15:33The one linked to him.
15:34He grabs his phone.
15:36No missed calls.
15:37Nothing.
15:38Then he checks the blocked list.
15:39My number.
15:40Blocked.
15:41Not by accident.
15:42By Claire.
15:43Nina filed a complaint.
15:45Mark Dalton tried to assault her last night.
15:47A stranger helped her get away.
15:49She's asking us to use the footage and press charges.
15:52Where is she?
15:54She resigned a week ago.
15:56She's already gone.
15:57Left New York.
15:58Why wasn't I told?
16:01Company policy.
16:03Anyone below director level only needs department sign-up.
16:07You remember she didn't get promoted last round, right?
16:10That shuts him up.
16:11No one in the room knows why better than he does.
16:16I land.
16:21Give my statement.
16:23Snap my sim in half.
16:26Back in Buffalo,
16:28I buy a condo.
16:31Bring my grandma to live with me.
16:34Sell all Damien's gifts.
16:36A few hundred grand.
16:40I open my own boutique.
16:42A dream since I was a kid.
16:45Opening day,
16:46my grandma smiles.
16:48Friends pack the store.
16:51Maybe this is enough.
16:53Some nights,
16:54I still think about New York.
16:56About Damien.
17:00For a while,
17:01I think I'll never get over him.
17:03Then six months later,
17:05I see a man at a bar.
17:07Same build.
17:08Same profile.
17:10Even the way he lifts his glass looks like Damien.
17:14I wait for the ache.
17:16Nothing.
17:17I turn back to my friends and laugh.
17:19I know then,
17:20even if Damien stands in front of me,
17:23I can say long time no see and mean it.
17:26Somewhere along the way,
17:27I let him go.
17:29A year passes.
17:30I never expect to see Damien again.
17:33My clothing store gets popular.
17:34A local chain pays trolls to post fake reviews.
17:39I sue.
17:40They tank.
17:41Then last Tuesday,
17:44five men with bats corner me in an alley.
17:48Damien appears out of nowhere.
17:50Shoves me behind him.
17:52He fights.
17:55Tosses me his phone.
17:57Call the police.
17:58Before I can dial,
17:59a knife flashes.
18:00The man rushes straight at me.
18:02Damien turns.
18:03Throws himself in front of me.
18:04The blade sinks into his side.
18:06Blood soaks his shirt.
18:08He leans against me,
18:10breathing rapid,
18:11and wipes my tears with his thumb.
18:13Don't be afraid.
18:16I'm too stubborn to die.
18:18Even as they load him into the ambulance,
18:22it feels like a dream.
18:24Luckily,
18:25the stab wound isn't deep.
18:27Damien gets stitched up
18:28and moved to a regular room.
18:29His parents rush over.
18:31Claire comes with them.
18:32In the hallway,
18:33she yells at me.
18:34If it weren't for you,
18:35he wouldn't be hurt.
18:36I stay calm.
18:37I never asked him to save me.
18:38She freezes,
18:39then laughs bitterly.
18:41It was me.
18:41I blocked your number on his phone.
18:43That's why he never got your calls.
18:45I turn to leave.
18:46Her voice stops me.
18:47We broke up a year ago.
18:50She hands me a thick envelope.
18:52Two dozen boarding passes.
18:54Flights from New York to Buffalo.
18:56All bought by Damien.
18:58For the past year,
18:59he flew here twice a month,
19:01just to watch you from a distance.
19:03His friends told him to talk to you.
19:05He cried and said he had no right
19:06to be in your life anymore.
19:08She shrugs.
19:09I'm telling you this
19:10so you know I've let go too.
19:12Damien wakes up.
19:13I'm there.
19:14His eyes go red.
19:15Nina.
19:16I thought I'd never see you again.
19:21I set down the boarding packs.
19:23Haven't you already seen me many times?
19:25I'm sorry about the promotion.
19:27He says.
19:29I planned your transfer
19:30before we're giving Claire the position.
19:33I squeeze my eyes shut.
19:35Then why didn't you tell me
19:37when I came crying to your office?
19:38He freezes.
19:40Says nothing.
19:41I stand.
19:43Because you thought
19:44I just needed to follow orders.
19:46You didn't care how I felt.
19:48Right?
19:48His face goes pale.
19:51I pay his hospital bills and leave.
19:55In the rearview mirror,
19:57he stands at the window.
19:58Then he's gone.
19:59I'm done.
20:00I haven't done anyone.
20:01I don't know.
20:02I'm down.
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