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