#video #Dumped the Scumbag, So I Married Him - FULL | Reelshort #drama2026 #movie2026 #hotmovie #halixe
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:01At the party, my fiancé's best friend, Ashley Porter, switches out the milk I always drink from my hangover with
00:07lube.
00:08Something tastes wrong. By the time it hits me, I've already swallowed.
00:11My stomach twists, burning like I've gulped down powdery acid.
00:15Ashley's laughing so hard she can barely breathe.
00:17Oh my god, you actually drank it! Can't even tell milk from love!
00:22Thaddeus Wild, my fiancé looks at me like I'm something disgusting he stepped in.
00:26Like I'm the one embarrassing him.
00:28I told Ashley to apologize. She rolled her eyes.
00:31God, Lavinia, it's just a joke. Don't be so uptight.
00:34I grabbed the bottle and dumped the rest over her head.
00:36Thaddeus' hand cracks across my face before I can blink.
00:39After I leave the party, I pull out my phone and make a call.
00:48Will you marry me? Three days from now?
00:55The moment I pour that bottle over Ashley's head, everyone in the room goes dead silent.
00:59Every single person turns to look at Thaddeus.
01:02Thaddeus! What the hell is Lavinia's problem? It was just a joke!
01:07His hand hits my face before I can say a word.
01:15What's wrong with you, Lavinia?
01:18He turns away to help Ashley wipe the liquid out of her hair.
01:21Doesn't even glance at me again.
01:23My stomach churns violently.
01:25That slick chemical taste coats my mouth and my throat keeps trying to heave.
01:29I press my hand over my mouth, gagging.
01:32Thaddeus shoots me a look of pure fury.
01:34If you're gonna puke, go do it somewhere else.
01:36Don't gross everyone out.
01:38I grab a glass of water off the table and drink it down.
01:40It helps a little.
01:41Ashley keeps wiping at her face while she accuses me.
01:44Thaddeus, I was just trying to have fun with Lavinia and look what she did.
01:48Her voice breaks.
01:50She must hate me.
01:52Why else would she do this to me?
01:57It's all Lavinia's fault.
01:59That soft voice, I can't remember the last time he used it with me after he finishes.
02:03Thaddeus turns to me.
02:04His voice is ice cold.
02:05Apologize to Ashley.
02:07Now!
02:07I wipe the blood off my lip and refuse to back down.
02:10Thaddeus, do you even hear yourself right now?
02:13I'm the one who got tricked into drinking love.
02:17I barely fought back and you lose it?
02:19I catch guilt flicker across his face.
02:21But the next instant, Ashley's eyes go red and she starts her drama.
02:25Nobody has ever treated me like this before.
02:30She humiliated me in front of all those people.
02:32How am I supposed to face anyone after this?
02:35She turns to Thaddeus with tears in her eyes.
02:37Maybe we shouldn't be friends anymore.
02:39Your fiancé clearly hates me.
02:41She dramatically turns to leave.
02:43Thaddeus panics and grabs her arm, shouting at me.
02:47Apologize!
02:48The resolve in his eyes leaves me no choice.
02:51I won't be getting out of here unless I say it.
02:54The lube churns in my stomach.
02:56I fight back the nausea as I force the words out.
02:59I'm sorry.
03:00He goes back to comforting Ashley.
03:02It's okay.
03:04It's all her fault.
03:08Get up tomorrow.
03:12I don't know what he means by that, but the smug look in Ashley's eyes tells me it won't
03:16be anything good.
03:17The music starts up again.
03:20Thaddeus and Ashley spin around in the center of the dance floor.
03:22They leave me sitting alone at the table, thinking about the marriage I'm about to enter.
03:26Suddenly, a sharp pain shoots through my stomach.
03:29I've had stomach problems since I was a kid.
03:31The lube must have triggered it.
03:32The pain hits like knives, twisting in my gut.
03:35I try to stand up and call for help, but my voice gets swallowed by the music.
03:39Nobody hears me.
03:40Thaddeus.
03:41I reach my hand toward him, desperate for him to notice, and take me to the hospital.
03:45Thaddeus doesn't see me, but Ashley does.
03:47She uses the dance to spin in front of him, blocking his view.
03:50Nobody's coming to help.
03:51I force myself through the pain and dial 911, my hands shaking so badly I can barely hold
03:56my phone.
03:57As I stumble out the door, I catch sight of Thaddeus kissing Ashley on the lips.
04:00Something inside me goes numb.
04:02My chest aches worse than my stomach ever could.
04:05Well, guess we can cancel that damn wedding in three days.
04:08At the hospital, they pump my stomach, and the doctor discovers it's not just lube.
04:12Ashley mixed paint into the drink, too.
04:15They have to pump my stomach three times to get everything out.
04:18My stomach's already a mess, and after all that, it's completely wrecked.
04:21Late that night, every breath I take burns.
04:24The pain gets so bad, I finally break down and call Thaddeus, begging him to come stay with
04:28me.
04:28I try calling him three times, but no one picks up.
04:31Then I see Ashley's Instagram story.
04:33They move the party to my house, my villa.
04:36The video shows my stuff scattered all over the floor.
04:39My figurines are in the trash.
04:41My first ever award-winning robot design from college.
04:44Someone ripped his head off, and the pieces are rolling around under the table, and there's
04:47Thaddeus, drinking from the same glass as Ashley, making out with her while everyone
04:51cheers them on.
04:52I call him one more time.
04:53He finally picks up.
04:54His voice drips with irritation.
04:57Jesus, it's the middle of the night, Lavinia.
04:59What do you want?
05:00Thaddeus, I'm not doing well.
05:03They just pumped my stomach.
05:05I feel terrible right now.
05:07Can you please come to the hospital?
05:09Just for a little bit?
05:10I hate how desperate I sound.
05:12Thaddeus hesitates.
05:13I think he can hear how much I'm hurting.
05:15But then Ashley cuts in.
05:16Thaddeus, come here.
05:17I just peeled an apple for you.
05:19His hesitation vanishes.
05:21His voice goes cold and annoyed.
05:24You've got doctors for that.
05:25I'm busy.
05:26Can you stop blowing up my phone?
05:28Just take some Tums or something, and don't call me again.
05:31My throat closes up.
05:32I can't get a single word out.
05:34Ashley grabs the phone from him, her voice smug.
05:37Lavinia, wow, you sound terrible.
05:40Still dying over there?
05:41There's this satisfied laugh in her tone.
05:43I grit my teeth and snap back.
05:45I can't actually get the hell out of my house and fix my figurines.
05:49Oh, your little robot thing?
05:51I had the cleaning lady sweep it up.
05:53It's probably at the bottom of the dumpster by now.
05:55Trash belongs with trash, you know?
05:57That was my life's work.
05:59How could you just...
06:00A sharp pain rips through my stomach.
06:02I curl into myself, cold sweat breaking out all over my body.
06:06Okay, Lavinia, enough with the drama.
06:09Tonight's Thaddeus' bachelor party.
06:11He says he's got a big surprise planned for me, so stop trying to ruin it.
06:17Thaddeus doesn't have time for you right now.
06:19He's busy setting up the champagne tower.
06:21And all that junk in your room?
06:23Thaddeus told us we could mess with it, so we did.
06:26We broke everything and tossed it.
06:28Must be nice being so loaded.
06:31All those collector's editions and limited runs?
06:33They're in a dumpster somewhere now.
06:35Good luck with that.
06:36I'm furious and panicking, but my stomach twists so violently, I can't even fight back.
06:41At some point, the call drops.
06:45When I open my eyes again, morning light floods the room.
06:49My phone buzzes with a message from Ashley.
06:52It's a photo of Thaddeus completely naked.
06:55The gift Thaddeus mentioned, turns out it was him.
06:58That's the bedroom I prepared for Thaddeus.
07:01Our bedroom, I picked out every piece of furniture, every decoration, every detail,
07:05and now they're doing this disgusting shit on my wedding bed.
07:09I remember back in college, during the robotics competition,
07:12when I won, Thaddeus held my project in his arms and cried.
07:15Actually, he cried, because he was so happy for me.
07:18I don't know when he turned into someone I don't recognize anymore.
07:22Maybe it started when Ashley showed up.
07:24Maybe it was even earlier than that.
07:26The bridal shop calls.
07:27Mrs. Gray, your custom suit and rings are ready for pickup.
07:32Just throw them out.
07:34I don't want them anymore.
07:36Just throw them out.
07:38When I get home from the hospital the next day,
07:40I expect the place to still be a disaster.
07:43But when I push the door open, everything's spotless,
07:45except all my figurines and art prints are gone.
07:48My room is completely stripped bare.
07:50There, Thaddeus stands in the kitchen making breakfast like nothing happened.
07:54Hey, you're back.
07:56Sorry I didn't come see you yesterday.
07:59Something came up.
08:00How's your stomach feeling?
08:03Ashley's just immature, you know?
08:05She was playing around with you.
08:07I know the difference between a joke and pure malice from another woman.
08:10She did it on purpose, Thaddeus.
08:12She made my stomach condition worse.
08:14You know I can only eat liquids now, right?
08:17Thaddeus frowns, and I can see he's already losing patience.
08:20Enough!
08:21Ashley just likes to have a little fun.
08:23Why are you being so petty about it?
08:25I freeze.
08:26My stomach starts to throb with a dull ache.
08:29Fine.
08:30Let's say the lube thing was a joke.
08:32What about my stuff in my room?
08:34You remember, right?
08:36We built that robot model together for our first competition.
08:40And that painting on the wall?
08:43My mom gave it to me for my birthday before she died.
08:48My voice shakes.
08:49I can't control it.
08:51Were those jokes too?
08:53Thaddeus slams his plate down on the table.
08:56The crash echoes his irritation.
09:00That's ancient history.
09:02You're hoarding a bunch of junk that takes up space.
09:06You should be thanking Ashley for clearing it out.
09:09And that awful painting?
09:10Why are you still keeping something from a dead person in the house?
09:14It's gross.
09:16The word gross stabs straight into my chest like a blade.
09:19The pain in my stomach surges up all at once.
09:22I grip the door frame and bend over.
09:24Cold sweat dripping down my temples.
09:26I grit out through clenched teeth.
09:28My voice so hoarse I barely recognize it.
09:32That was my mom!
09:34He acts like he doesn't see me falling apart.
09:36So what if it was your mom?
09:38She's gone.
09:39What's the point of keeping all this junk around?
09:41Ashley was trying to help.
09:43And you just keep bitching about it.
09:46That was my stuff!
09:47She had no right to touch it!
09:49I can't hold back anymore.
09:51The tears threaten to spill as I force the words out.
09:54You're being ridiculous!
09:57Ashley was trying to help you.
09:59And you can't even be grateful.
10:03All you do is stand here and complain!
10:06You're obviously not thinking straight!
10:08As he's yelling, I hear the door lock click.
10:12The sound of it turning makes my blood run cold.
10:15Even the fingerprint reader now recognizes Ashley's print.
10:19Wow, your stomach's already better?
10:21Guess I didn't use enough.
10:27Ashley!
10:28I lunge forward to grab her arm, but Thaddeus blocks me.
10:32He shoves me backward, and I stumble into the wall.
10:36The pain in my stomach crashes into the ache spreading across my back, and everything goes
10:41dark around the edges.
10:43Ashley was trying to help!
10:44Stop acting crazy!
10:46I look at him and laugh.
10:47I don't even mean to, but it comes out anyway.
10:50The tears follow right after, and I can't stop them.
10:53So this is what all those years mean to him.
10:55Our entire relationship is just something he can throw away whenever he feels like it.
11:01Forget about her.
11:02I made shrimp and grits.
11:03Your favorite.
11:05He pulls Ashley away, and they sit down at my new dining table.
11:09The one I just bought for our home, and start eating breakfast.
11:12He sets the plate down like I'm just some guest he's being polite to.
11:16But he clearly forgot that I've been allergic to shellfish for years now.
11:20He even scoops some into a plate for me, but his voice is still annoyed when he says,
11:25You should eat some too.
11:26It'll help your stomach feel better.
11:29Back in college, the first time he ever cooked for me, he made shrimp and grits.
11:33I didn't want to hurt his feelings after he'd worked so hard, so I ate a small plate anyway.
11:39I went into anaphylactic shock right there in his dorm room, and almost didn't make it.
11:43He was so scared that day.
11:45After that, he memorized everything I couldn't eat, and even stopped eating shellfish himself,
11:50just to be safe.
11:51But now, because Ashley likes it, he's forgotten all of that.
11:55Forgotten us.
11:57I watch the food slowly cool on the table, and I feel my heart doing the same thing.
12:02The night before the wedding, Ashley says she wants to give a speech as Thaddeus' close friend
12:06during the reception, and she wants to pull some wedding pranks too.
12:10Thaddeus looks uncertain about it, but I don't hesitate.
12:14Sure, go ahead.
12:16Do whatever you want.
12:17I must sound different because Thaddeus just stares at me.
12:20Lavinia, you're acting weird.
12:23You really don't mind?
12:27But don't worry.
12:29Ashley's just my friend.
12:30She'll keep things appropriate.
12:34I pick up my water and take a sip.
12:38Why would I mind?
12:40Wedding pranks are supposed to be fun.
12:41As long as you two enjoy yourselves.
12:46Ashley's whole face lights up.
12:48She was clearly expecting me to fight her on this.
12:50She moves closer and pats my shoulder, and her voice is full of smug satisfaction.
12:54I knew you'd be cool about it.
12:56Don't worry.
12:57Tomorrow's going to be amazing.
12:59We'll make sure your wedding isn't boring.
13:02Thaddeus and I go way back, so obviously we're going to make it really memorable.
13:06You won't get all weird about it, right?
13:09I should thank you in advance then.
13:11I look up at her and put on a sincere smile.
13:15Oh, and by the way, I've got a little surprise hand for you two at the wedding tomorrow.
13:22Thaddeus Browns.
13:23What kind of surprise?
13:24You'll find out.
13:27Ashley digs through my closet and pulls out one of my reception dresses, then just holds
13:32it up against herself without any shame.
13:35Hey, Lavina, this dress would look great on me.
13:38How about I wear it tomorrow instead?
13:40She's already slipping the dress on, and then she pulls out some dirty old dress from
13:44God knows where and tosses it at me.
13:47This cheap thing suits you way better anyway.
13:50She even pins my bridal brooch to her chest, and for a second she actually looks like she's
13:54the one getting married.
13:55If this were a few days ago, I would have lost it, but today I just watch it all happen
13:59with nothing but cold in my chest.
14:02Sure, wear whatever you want.
14:04Thaddeus stares at me for a long moment like he wants to say something, but he never does.
14:09It's getting late.
14:10I've got work to finish up, so you two can do whatever you want.
14:15As I turn and head into the study, Ashley leans close to Thaddeus and whispers,
14:21What's up with her?
14:22She used to fight us on everything.
14:24Did we finally break her or something?
14:27She's just being so obedient now, just doing whatever we say without arguing back.
14:32I think Lavinia's finally learning her place.
14:35Thaddeus shakes his head, but I can tell something about this doesn't sit right with him.
14:40I don't know, but she already agreed to everything.
14:42She can't back out now.
14:44Just try not to go too crazy with the pranks tomorrow, okay?
14:48Ashley just rolls her eyes and doesn't answer, but I can see the barely contained excitement
14:52in her expression.
14:53Meanwhile, I lock the study door behind me and pull two folders out of my desk drawer.
14:57These are the gifts I'm planning to give them at tomorrow's wedding.
15:01Outside, Ashley keeps trying on my dresses one by one, throwing the ones she doesn't
15:05like on the floor and stepping on them.
15:07Thaddeus is right there helping her like she's the one getting married tomorrow instead of me.
15:11When she thinks I'm not paying attention, she even takes my custom gold brooch and pins
15:15it to her own chest.
15:16Seeing her like that cheap and desperate, I almost laugh out loud.
15:19It is pathetic, but I don't care anymore.
15:21Tomorrow, this all ends.
15:23The next morning, I get dressed early and head to the reception hall first.
15:30When Thaddeus wakes up, he calls me right away.
15:33Liv!
15:33The bridal shop says my wedding suit is missing.
15:36What's going on?
15:36I told them to throw it out.
15:38I don't care what they do with it.
15:39The wedding's off.
15:40I hang up before he can respond and signal the officiant to keep going with the ceremony.
15:44And now, let's welcome the groom.
15:48I stand at the entrance and push open the doors.
15:51The man walking toward me looks stunning.
15:53He's wearing a brand new custom suit that fits him perfectly.
15:56And he moves with this quiet confidence that makes everyone stare.
16:01Long time no see, Liv.
16:03But it's not admiration I hear from the guests.
16:05It's shock.
16:06Because the groom isn't Thaddeus.
16:08It's Alaric Foster, the son of my father's oldest friend.
16:11He stops in front of me with an easy smile.
16:13When was the last time we ran into each other?
16:15Six months ago?
16:17And now, here we are at our wedding.
16:19This is absolutely insane.
16:22What, you having second thoughts?
16:24Are you kidding?
16:25I couldn't ask for a better surprise.
16:30He takes my hand and leads me toward the altar.
16:32And he doesn't even glance at all the confused faces watching us.
16:37Thaddeus's parents, Charlie Wilde and Judith Wilde, are the first ones to snap out of it.
16:41They rush over.
16:42What is this?
16:46Where's my son?
16:47I look at them, at the way their faces have gone pale and tight with worry.
16:50Thaddeus?
16:51I don't know.
16:52Probably on his way here.
16:53The words land like a slap.
16:55Judith grabs my arm and her hand is shaking.
16:57Lavina, what are you saying?
17:00What did Thaddeus do wrong?
17:03What did he do wrong?
17:04I let out a soft laugh and let my eyes drift over the guests below us.
17:08All of them whispering to each other and craning their necks to see what's happening.
17:12He's so close with his female friend, but he still wants to marry me?
17:17Does he think I'm blind?
17:19I let my voice carry across the room and every head turns toward me.
17:22There are plenty of men out there.
17:24I don't need one who's already in love with someone else.
17:27And you two knew all about them, didn't you?
17:31I saw the photos Ashley posted of you cooking for her.
17:35You all looked like a happy family.
17:37The room erupts.
17:38Guests start whispering to each other and Judith's face goes pale, then bright red.
17:42She opens and closes her mouth a few times before finally managing to speak.
17:46But I still thought you were the better choice for him.
17:48That's why I told Thaddeus to marry you!
17:52I laugh, but there's no humor in it.
17:54If I hadn't overheard that conversation between Thaddeus and Judith before the wedding,
17:58I might have actually believed her.
18:03Mrs. Gray, I heard every word you said to Thaddeus before the wedding.
18:08You told him the Gray family would be a good connection,
18:10that marrying me would help support your household.
18:15Judith doesn't say anything this time.
18:16She just stands there crying while everyone stares at her,
18:19trying to figure out what the hell is going on.
18:21I ignore all the shocked faces and turn to Alaric standing beside me.
18:26Sorry, you have to see all this.
18:33Are you kidding?
18:34This is better than reality TV.
18:37It really expands my understanding of human behavior.
18:40Plus, I get to marry you out of it, so I'm calling this a win.
18:46The wedding coordinator inches toward me, looking like he might pass out.
18:50Ms. Gray, what do we do about the rest of the ceremony?
18:52We're sticking to the original plan.
18:54I cut him off and hold Alaric's hand tighter, keeping my voice steady and clear.
18:59The only change is that Alaric is the groom now, my legal husband.
19:03The truth is, my family wants me to marry Alaric from the start,
19:06but I insisted on Thaddeus back then,
19:08and my father respected my decision, even though he knew better.
19:11Only now do I realize just how right he was.
19:13Dad saw through Thaddeus from day one, but he let me make my own choice anyway.
19:18I glance back at Judith and her husband,
19:20who are still standing there on the stage, looking lost.
19:24Mr. and Mrs. Gray, you're welcome to take a seat and watch the ceremony if you'd like,
19:29but you need to get off the stage.
19:30You're blocking our way.
19:32Charlie and Judith completely collapse on the floor,
19:34mumbling, we're done, over and over.
19:36Eventually, someone has to carry them to their seats.
19:38I'm pulling out the diamond ring and about to say I do
19:41when an uninvited guest bursts through the doors.
19:43Stop!
19:51Thaddeus shows up in a cheap, badly fitted suit
19:54and rushes toward the altar, completely out of breath.
19:56Lavinia!
19:58What the hell is this?
20:02His voice is sharp and accusing, like I'm the one who betrayed him.
20:05This is supposed to be our wedding!
20:07What are you doing bringing some other guy here?
20:09I squeeze Alaric's hand tighter and give him a reassuring look.
20:15He's my legal husband.
20:16Today is my wedding to Alaric, not you.
20:20You should go be with your best buddy, Ashley.
20:23Honestly, you two make a great couple.
20:25Thaddeus's face drains of all color and his mouth falls open.
20:28Maybe he didn't think I'd actually embarrass him like this in front of everyone.
20:31Or maybe he just assumed I'd never really leave him.
20:34But either way, he brought this on himself.
20:36Lavinia, what are you saying?
20:38We've been together for five years.
20:40How can you just throw that away and...
20:43and choose someone else?
20:45At a wedding, no less.
20:46I point at Ashley standing right behind him in my dress.
20:49You and Ashley have been acting like a couple for months now
20:51and you've hurt me over and over again because of her.
20:54Did you forget all of that?
20:58Ashley's face turns bright red and she tries to back away.
21:01But Thaddeus grabs her arm and holds on tight.
21:03That's not true, Lavinia.
21:04She's just my friend.
21:06His voice is shaking and he won't even look me in the eye.
21:09Instead, he keeps glancing nervously at the guests
21:11who are all starting to whisper to each other.
21:13The murmuring gets louder and louder
21:15and Thaddeus's face goes from white to completely red.
21:22I've seen that woman before.
21:23She's always hanging around.
21:24Yeah, didn't Thaddeus buy someone a sports car last month?
21:27I think it was for her.
21:28Wow, I never would have guessed.
21:30This guy's a total player.
21:33I raise an eyebrow and pull out my phone
21:35then connect it directly to the venue's sound system.
21:38Thaddeus and Ashley's conversation fills the entire hall crystal clear.
21:45Thaddeus, does that idiot Lavinia actually believe you only love her?
21:48Once we get our hands on the Grey family's money,
21:51we're out of here.
21:52Relax, babe.
21:54After the wedding ends, she'll be my legal wife.
21:57And then her money becomes our money, right?
22:01...and dust and he looks absolutely pathetic sitting there.
22:04I recorded that conversation last night.
22:06Turns out it's coming in handy already.
22:08When Thaddeus' mother realizes they've been exposed,
22:11she charges at him and slaps him hard across the face.
22:14The sharp crack echoes through the silent ballroom.
22:16How did I raise such a useless son?
22:18We almost had everything and you let it slip away.
22:21Do you have any idea what the Grey family represents?
22:23Do you know how hard we work to make that connection?
22:26And you turned the wedding into this disaster.
22:28I should have never had you.
22:29Mom, you hit me?
22:32Tears stream down his face and through his fingers and his voice cracks with disappointment.
22:38Lavinia's the one who betrayed me.
22:40She's the one who wanted to switch grooms.
22:44Betrayed you?
22:44You've got some nerve.
22:46You and that homewrecker schemed to steal the Grey family's money.
22:49The recording just played for everyone to hear and you still want to act innocent?
22:54Then she turns to me and her whole tone shifts.
22:56Suddenly, she sounds sweet, almost pleading.
22:59Mrs. Grey, please be the bigger person here.
23:02Don't hold this against my stupid son.
23:04Thaddeus knows he made a mistake.
23:06Just give him one more chance.
23:07The wedding, the wedding can still happen.
23:10I laugh and loop my arm through Al Aaron's,
23:11then walk toward the stage without even glancing her.
23:13Mrs. Wilde, the Grey family isn't desperate enough to pick up someone else's leg.
23:16You probably don't know this yet, but your son-already son slept with Ashley at the bachelor party.
23:20I wouldn't normally care about something like that,
23:22but when someone shoves photos in my face, I can't just pretend I don't know.
23:26How do you know about that?
23:29You'll have to ask your good friend Ashley about that.
23:34You're making this up!
23:35When did I ever tell you anything?
23:37Thaddeus, don't believe her!
23:38I swear I didn't say anything!
23:41Thaddeus just stares at her and his face fills with disbelief.
23:46Ashley, you drugged my drink that night.
23:47That's the only reason anything happened between us.
23:49I was going to let it slide since we were friends,
23:50but I didn't think you'd go around bragging about it to everyone.
23:52Looks like I need to call the cops after all.
23:54You need some time in jail to think about what you did.
24:00Thaddeus, just listen to me!
24:02I got carried away that night, okay?
24:03I didn't mean for it to happen.
24:05Got carried away?
24:07You drugged me, slept with me,
24:09and then showed Lavinia the photos just to rub it in her face,
24:12and you call that getting carried away?
24:14The 911 operator picks up while he's still talking,
24:17and I just stand there watching this whole train wreck unfold.
24:20After Thaddeus finishes explaining everything to the dispatcher,
24:23Ashley's last hope dies right there.
24:26She collapses on the floor,
24:28all the strength draining out of her body.
24:33Thaddeus, please don't press charges.
24:35If you just write a victim statement saying you forgive me,
24:38we can settle this privately.
24:40Don't you remember?
24:41You asked me to test whether Lavinia really loved you,
24:44and I did everything you wanted.
24:46Just let me off the hook this once, please!
24:49So that's what all of this was.
24:51Everything that happened before was just Thaddeus testing whether I loved him or not,
24:54but his little test tore me apart and left me with permanent stomach damage.
24:58The whole thing is almost funny now.
25:00Ashley keeps begging on her knees,
25:02but Thaddeus won't even look at her anymore.
25:04His eyes find mine instead, and they're full of regret,
25:06but I'm already holding tight to Alaric's hand.
25:09I don't care what Thaddeus feels anymore.
25:11Charlie and Judith turn to me next,
25:13their voices practically begging.
25:14Thaddeus knows he messed up.
25:15Just give him one more chance.
25:17Please, sweetie.
25:19I laugh coldly and look at both of them.
25:21I can see exactly what they're thinking.
25:23Let's be honest here.
25:24Are you really doing this for me,
25:25or are you doing this for yourselves?
25:29Your other two sons are disasters.
25:32One's drowning in gambling debts,
25:33and the other one can't stay out of trouble.
25:36You think I'm going to let the Gray family keep bailing them out?
25:39You just want me to marry into your family
25:41so I can pay off their mess, don't you?
25:44No, no, we genuinely love you.
25:47This is all Thaddeus' fault.
25:50He's the one who doesn't know how to act right.
25:53She drags Thaddeus over and starts slapping him across the place,
25:57one head after another.
25:58Alaric looks disgusted and reaches out to stop her.
26:01Mrs. Wild, if you want to discipline your son,
26:03do it somewhere else.
26:04Don't make a scene at our wedding.
26:06Mind your own business.
26:07You stole Livia from him,
26:08and now you think you can tell me what to do?
26:10Who the hell do you think you are?
26:11My expression hardens,
26:13and I pull Alaric behind me.
26:16My voice comes out ice cold.
26:18Mrs. Wild, watch your mouth.
26:20Alaric is my husband.
26:21What makes you think you can just show up here and start shit?
26:26Judith flinches at my tone,
26:28but she keeps pushing.
26:30Husband?
26:30He's just a homewrecker who stole someone else's woman.
26:34If it weren't for him,
26:35my son wouldn't be in this mess,
26:37and you wouldn't be so dead set against marrying my son.
26:41Oh, really?
26:44His voice stays calm,
26:45but every word hits hard.
26:47Thaddeus was the one who schemed
26:48to get his hands on the Grey family fortune.
26:50Ashley drugged him and did God knows what.
26:53You guys did this to yourselves.
26:54None of this has anything to do with me.
26:56Besides,
26:57Lavinia should have married me from the start.
26:59We just gave Thaddeus a five-year chance,
27:01and he blew it.
27:02That hits Thaddeus like a knife to the chest.
27:05Alaric!
27:05Don't get too cocky!
27:07Lavinia used to love me!
27:09She'll come back to me eventually!
27:11Besides,
27:11you're just taking over our wedding venue for yours!
27:14Aren't you embarrassed when people find out?
27:17A booming voice calls out from the doorway.
27:30I turn toward the voice
27:32and see Alaric's dad,
27:33Logan Foster,
27:34standing at the entrance
27:34with my father right beside him.
27:38Dad?
27:39Mr. Grey?
27:40What are you doing here?
27:41You little punk!
27:42Were you seriously planning to get married in this dump?
27:44Good thing I showed up.
27:48Of course I invited them.
27:50What kind of wedding doesn't have family there?
27:53My dad had seen right through the Wilde family from the start,
27:55and he'd been so angry with me
27:57that he'd refuse to come to the wedding at all.
27:59Oh, Mr. Grey!
28:00I'm so sorry we never came to visit you properly,
28:02and we didn't even invite you
28:03to be part of the kids' wedding plans.
28:05That was terribly rude of us.
28:06But since you're here now,
28:07maybe you could help us officiate the ceremony.
28:09Now that you're here,
28:10we can finally settle this.
28:12Charlie spots my father
28:14and immediately rushes over
28:15with an oily smile
28:16and clasping on his face,
28:18hand extended for a shake.
28:20Rick,
28:21I'm sorry you had to deal with this circus.
28:24It's nothing, Mr. Grey.
28:26Getting to marry the woman I love
28:28makes all of this worth it.
28:29Charlie's hand freezes in midair,
28:31and his face goes through
28:32about five different shades of red and white.
28:34He still tries to push his way forward, though.
28:36Mr. Grey, please, just listen.
28:38Thaddeus knows he messed up.
28:40These kids have five years together.
28:41You can't just throw that away.
28:43Five years together.
28:45Your family schemed to steal money from us,
28:48and you helped some outsider cheat on my daughter.
28:51That's what you,
28:51after five years of relationship?
28:53Charlie sees my dad isn't backing down,
28:55so he actually tries to threaten him instead.
28:58Mr. Grey,
28:59your daughter just swapped out the groom
29:01at her own wedding.
29:03If word gets out about this,
29:04it's not going to look good for you either.
29:06People might even start saying
29:07she's the one who cheated,
29:09and that could really hurt
29:10your company's reputation.
29:11My father's heard threats like this
29:13a thousand times before.
29:14Take a good look.
29:16I've got proof of everything,
29:18so nothing you say is going to hurt the greys.
29:20My dad spots the hospital paperwork
29:22from when I had to get my stomach pumped,
29:23and his eyes immediately go red.
29:25He gets even angrier.
29:26Your son put my daughter in the hospital.
29:28I think it's time I took back
29:29all those resources I gave your family.
29:31That shopping center in the West District,
29:33the storefront on the East Side,
29:34my daughter gave you all of that.
29:36And the house we bought for you too?
29:37Give it all back.
29:39Oh, and while we're at it,
29:40let's let the police deal
29:41with your two younger sons
29:43and their gambling
29:45and assault charges.
29:47Charlie and Judith both collapse to the floor
29:49like their strings just got cut.
29:50They look completely defeated.
29:52Ashley hears the sirens
29:54and tries to run,
29:54but she doesn't even make it out
29:56of the banquet hall
29:56before my security team grabs her.
29:58Let go of me!
30:00Lavinia, stay out of this!
30:02Stay out of it!
30:03You planned to steal from my family,
30:05you wrecked my marriage,
30:06and you think I'm just gonna let that slide?
30:08She grabs a glass deck of teeth
30:09off the floor and hurls it at me.
30:11Then she snatches up a sharp fragment
30:12and charges straight at Thaddeus.
30:15This is all your fault!
30:16You're sending me to jail!
30:18Go to hell!
30:19And the glass slices across his face.
30:22Ashley doesn't stop there, though.
30:23She drags it across his skin again and again
30:25like she can't get enough.
30:28By the time everyone snaps out of their shock,
30:30Thaddeus is on the ground screaming
30:31and his face is covered in bloody gashes.
30:34Ashley's still trying to go at him
30:35when the cops burst in and grab her.
30:37Even as they haul her away,
30:38she's screaming obscenities the whole time.
30:40After they take Ashley out,
30:42Thaddeus is lying in a pool of his own blood
30:44and the cuts on his face are so deep
30:45you can see bone.
30:46He's definitely going to be scarred for life.
30:49And Charlie and Judith?
30:50They just stand there watching their son suffer
30:52without even calling 911.
30:54When the ambulance finally arrives,
30:56Thaddeus is barely conscious,
30:57but right before they load him in,
30:59he grabs my arm.
31:01Lavinia, can we go back to house?
31:04I gently pull his hand away.
31:06I don't need to say anything.
31:07He already knows the answer.
31:09After everything's finally settled,
31:11the wedding venue looks like a war zone.
31:13I watch them haul everyone away
31:15and let out this long breath.
31:16Then I turn to Alaric,
31:17and I can feel the warmth spreading through my chest
31:19when I look at him.
31:20My dad pats me on the shoulder.
31:22See?
31:23See?
31:23I had a good judgment.
31:24I had a good judgment.
31:25Logan laughs.
31:25Now that's settled.
31:27We need to throw these kids a proper wedding.
31:29I already booked the grand ballroom
31:31at the Westmore Hotel,
31:32the best one they've got.
31:34We'll pick a good date
31:35and do this thing right.
31:36Sunlight streams through the floor
31:38to ceiling windows
31:38and falls across our joint hands,
31:40warm and steady.
31:41My happiness with Alaric is a great day.
31:42My happiness with Alaric is a great day.
31:42My happiness with Alaric is a great day.
31:42My happiness with Alaric is a great day.
31:42My happiness with Alaric is a great day.
Comments