- 2 days ago
Checked Into My Marriage, Stole My Life
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:01The hotel just alerted me that a condom charge from the previous night had been posted to my bill.
00:07When I confronted my husband, Rex Dillon, he stared back at me with a look of utter bewilderment plastered across
00:14his face.
00:15Sweetheart, this has got to be a system glitch, or someone keyed in the wrong membership number.
00:21I'll call and lodge a formal complaint first thing tomorrow.
00:25Little does he know, the hotel's lead investor is my ride-or-die best friend.
00:30Hey, can you pull up who Rex checked into the hotel with last night?
00:34I'm gonna catch them red-handed.
00:35The card was linked exclusively to my personal information, meaning no one else could use it.
00:40Yet the hotel had called, claiming I'd checked into the presidential suite the night before and used the condoms in
00:47the room.
00:48I asked three times to confirm, and the person on the line insisted it was Leela Ruth herself who'd checked
00:53in.
00:54I couldn't swallow this humiliation.
00:56What made it worse was that once, when I'd mentioned using the card,
01:00What do you want me to say?
01:01Rex had looked utterly annoyed and snapped.
01:03Is our home not good enough for you? Why would you rather sleep elsewhere? I'm so sick of your ridiculous
01:08spending habits!
01:09I didn't get it. Why was he so pissed off just cause I wanted to use a free card?
01:14The angrier I grew, the faster I drove.
01:17Heading straight for the hotel.
01:19Hello, I'm Leela Ruth. You called me this morning.
01:24My anger simmering just beneath the surface.
01:27The receptionist looked up, her face clouding with confusion.
01:31Mrs. Ruth? I thought you just went back to your room.
01:34You made it clear that no housekeeping service was needed a moment ago.
01:37My face darkened instantly.
01:40The reception went on.
01:41Just ten minutes ago, Mrs. Ruth called and activated the Do Not Disturb service.
01:46I was so furious that I trembled all over.
01:49That woman had the nerve to check in under my name.
01:53Grinting my teeth.
01:56But I am the real Leela Ruth.
01:59The receptionist eyed me up and down impatiently.
02:04Madam, if you don't have a reservation, please leave.
02:07We have many guests today.
02:09Please don't cause a scene here.
02:11It hit me like a bolt of lightning.
02:13My husband had become someone else's husband?
02:17The irony was bitter enough to choke on.
02:21At that moment, the elevator dinged open.
02:24Tiffany Butler stepped out, clad in the latest Chanel suit of the season.
02:27The diamond necklace around her neck was the one I bought at auction for $1.8 million as far as
02:31I knew.
02:32She was just my husband's newly graduated junior, the receptionist's.
02:36Face lit up as if she'd spotted a savior.
02:38She pointed straight at Tiffany and said to me.
02:40This is the real Mrs. Ruth, the rightful one.
02:43I suggest you leave immediately and stop making trouble.
02:45Tiffany's face blanched the second she saw me.
02:47But she recovered fast, forcing a sickly sweet smile.
02:51What a coincidence.
02:52Are you staying here too?
02:54I coldly shook off her outstretched hand.
02:57Tiffany, don't you think you owe me an explanation?
02:59Why did you check in under my name?
03:01And why were the condoms you used charged to my account?
03:07Also, why are my shoes on your feet?
03:10And when did my husband become yours?
03:13My voice cut through the lobby, and the previously noisy crowd fell dead silent.
03:17Every pair of eyes locked onto Tiffany.
03:19Tiffany glanced around nervously, then her eyes immediately welled with tears.
03:24What are you talking about?
03:25My husband gave me this card because he felt bad about my frequent business trips.
03:30And he bought me these shoes as well, as for the condoms.
03:33She feigned shyness and lowered her head.
03:35What's wrong with me using them with my husband?
03:38Are you upset because your husband doesn't treat you well?
03:42Need my help to get you a psychiatrist?
03:46Look at her haggard face.
03:48Her husband must not want to touch her.
03:50A card like that starts at $300,000.
03:53She doesn't seem like someone who could afford it.
03:55Are they seriously letting in just anybody at such a high-end place?
04:00I was only wearing casual clothes today.
04:02Hardly the shabby mess they made me out to be.
04:05I never realized you were so good with words.
04:13Did you verify her identity when the co-called Mrs. Ruth checked in?
04:17The receptionist hesitated, her face flushing.
04:20She said she didn't have her ID, but Mr. Dylan is a regular, so...
04:24So you just broke the rules?
04:26Your hotel security is a joke.
04:31She's just a receptionist.
04:33Why are you picking on her?
04:36People stay at hotels they can't afford.
04:39Don't make a scene here.
04:46Answer it.
04:47Put it on speaker.
04:48Let's hear how Rex is going to spin this.
04:52As she tapped the speaker button, she burst into fake, heaving sobs.
04:56Honey, come to the hotel, quick!
04:59There's a crazy woman saying I'm not your wife and trying to kick me out!
05:02She wailed dramatically, and Rex's furious voice exploded from the phone at once.
05:08A crazy woman?
05:09Dare she bully you?
05:10Don't be skied.
05:11I'm on my way.
05:12A crazy woman?
05:13So that was what I was to him now.
05:15The onlookers stared at me with open disdain, some even stepping forward to comfort Tiffany.
05:21Don't take it to heart.
05:22She's insane.
05:23Tiffany murmured her thanks, then turned to me with a look of feigned concern.
05:26My husband will be here soon.
05:29He has a terrible temper.
05:31You better leave fast.
05:32Who knows what he might do to you?
05:33He just gave me that $300,000 VIP card, you know?
05:37Shows how much he spoils me.
05:39If he gets here, who knows what he might do to you.
05:41It sounded like a warning, but it was nothing but a slap in the face, a bare-faced provocation.
05:46I trembled with rage.
05:47Every fiber of me screaming to tear off her hypocritical mask right then and there.
05:51Rex arrived faster than I'd expected, and he burst through the hotel doors.
05:56The second his eyes landed on me, they turned cold and vicious.
05:59He roughly shoved me aside, then pulled Tiffany into a tight, protective embrace.
06:05Don't be afraid, I'm here.
06:07The way he gently stroked Tiffany's hair was so tender it hurt to watch.
06:10Pushed by him, I stumbled backward, my waist slamming hard into the sofa arm behind me.
06:15If not for the furniture, I would have crashed straight to the ground.
06:18Meanwhile, Tiffany stood on tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and the two locked
06:22in a long, wet, lingering kiss.
06:25You're so good to me, honey.
06:26Tiffany panted, her voice thick with coquetry.
06:29You need to set this woman straight.
06:30She won't believe I'm your wife.
06:33Only then did Rex turn his gaze to me.
06:35There was no flicker of guilt.
06:37Only pure disgust.
06:39He released Tiffany and strode over, then slapped me hard across the face.
06:43Tiffany, have you no shame?
06:45Just cause I turned you down when you tried to hint for a permanent position, you've held
06:49a grudge ever since.
06:50Now you dare to bully my wife in public?
06:52I clapped a hand to my cheek, which flared red, swollen, and burning hot.
06:57I stared at him in disbelief.
06:58The man before me was a stranger, terrifyingly unfamiliar.
07:02Before I'd come to the hotel, he'd feigned ignorance on the phone, using his usual gentle
07:06patience to tell me not to hurt him.
07:08Yet, in the blink of an eye, he could twist the truth without batting an eye and even hurt
07:13me.
07:13He'd always had two faces, it turned out.
07:16Now that I thought back, the signs had been there all along.
07:19He'd only lit up at the latest gaming console I'd bought him, but dismissed my painstakingly
07:24developed scientific research as nothing but scrap.
07:27His so-called concern had always circled, back to my bank card, maybe he'd never loved
07:31me.
07:32Maybe he'd never even tried to understand the real me out.
07:34A strange sense of calm rose from the depths of my chest, drowning out all the anger.
07:38I lowered my hand from my face and looked straight at him, my voice shockingly steady,
07:43even to myself.
07:44Rex, repeat what you just said.
07:47Tell me who am I, and who is she?
07:50A flicker of panic crossed Rex's eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it came.
07:54You really are crazy!
07:55Wasn't I clear enough?
07:57She is my lawfully wedded wife, Lila.
08:00And you?
08:01You're just some intern who failed to climb the ladder, Tiffany.
08:05He raked his eyes over me.
08:08His voice cold and cruel.
08:12Look at yourself.
08:13You're pushing 40, aren't you?
08:15How could I possibly marry someone like you?
08:18Don't embarrass yourself, okay?
08:21Can't get a man herself, so she's jealous of others' happiness.
08:25I told you she must be crazy.
08:27Didn't think she'd start having delusions too.
08:29That's really scary.
08:30Poor couple.
08:31They're so unlucky to run into a nut jed like this.
08:34I stayed quiet, just watching their little show.
08:37Rex was clearly dead set on protecting Tiffany, even if it meant grinding me into the dirt.
08:42But did he really think he could twist the truth with just a few lies?
08:45Slowly, I pulled my ID card and marriage certificate out of my bag.
08:51These should be enough to prove who I am.
08:53Rex and Tiffany's faces froze at once.
08:55Tiffany's eyes went wide with shock.
08:58Rex lunged forward, snatched the ID and marriage certificate out of my hand,
09:02and without even glancing at them, curled them straight out the hotel's revolving glass door.
09:07Will you just stop?
09:08Last time, you waved a fake ID at me to disgust me, and now this new trick?
09:13Forging an ID and a marriage certificate?
09:16Tiffany, have some shame.
09:18Do you think I won't call the cops and report you for harassment and forging official documents?
09:24The omnivorous stare shifted from disdain to outright aggression.
09:27And they echoed immunity.
09:28Call the police!
09:29Do it now!
09:32She's a fraud.
09:34She should be arrested.
09:35She's not welcome here.
09:36Kick her out, or we'll complain about the hotel!
09:40Tiffany visibly relaxed with that.
09:42She snuggled back into Rex's eyes and spoke to me in a tone that sounded concerned but oozed malice.
09:47You've been so abused by your husband that you've lost your mind.
09:50I can introduce you to a good psychiatrist and a top divorce lawyer if you need.
09:56She stressed the word divorce extra hard.
09:58After all, once I was gone, she could step right into the role of Mrs.
10:03Dylan to ASA response, Rex kissed her forehead, then turned back to me, his eyes as cold as ice.
10:08Get out of here now, or I'm calling the police!
10:11Immediately!
10:11He snapped at the receptionist.
10:13Never here!
10:14If noodley it!
10:15Call security to drive this crazy woman out!
10:17Who knows what else she might do?
10:18What if she hurts other guests?
10:21Kick her out!
10:22We'll complain about the hotel man!
10:27She grabbed her walkie-talkie and called for security at once.
10:31Two tall guards marched over, grabbed my arms from either side, and began dragging me roughly towards the exit.
10:36I struggled desperately, my elbows throbbing from the rough tugging.
10:39Amid the chaos, Tiffany had somehow slipped close to me.
10:43Seizing the split second when everyone's attention was elsewhere, she tripped me.
10:48Already off balance, I crashed hard to the marble floor.
10:51Oops!
10:51Tiffany gasped in feigned innocence.
10:53I just wanted to help you up, and you deliberately fell to blame me?
10:57On the stand, only to collapse back down.
11:00Rex stood there, watching coldly.
11:02As if I were a total stranger.
11:04My heart turned to ice at that moment.
11:06Any last shred of hope for him was snuffed out, with trembling hands.
11:10I fumbled in my pocket for my phone, desperate to call 911.
11:14But the second I unlocked it, Rex lunged forward and snatched it away.
11:17What are you trying to do?
11:19Call the police?
11:20He accused me falsely.
11:22Let me tell you, everyone here saw clearly that you fell on purpose.
11:26Don't even think about framing my wife and the hotel!
11:29I have a bleeding disorder!
11:31Call an ambulance now!
11:32I shouted through the pain, but Rex remained indifferent.
11:35Instead hurling my phone forcefully across the lobby.
11:38Left alone, I endured the searing pain.
11:40Using my uninjured leg to prop myself up and crawl towards my phone,
11:44just then, a delicate high heel stomped down hard on my palm.
11:47Tiffany looked down at me condescendingly.
11:49Sign a statement and admit everything today was your fault.
11:52Then I'll call an ambulance for you.
11:53Otherwise, she paused for effect.
11:56She pressed down harder.
11:57The excruciating pain in my hand, mixed with the agony from my knee and ankle,
12:01nearly made me black out.
12:02I could barely speak, trembling violently from both pain and rage,
12:06my consciousness growing hazy.
12:07Just as I thought I would pass out,
12:09a series of rapid, sharp high heel clicks echoed from the hotel entrance.
12:13My best friend Vivian was striding in.
12:16Lila, I found out.
12:17Rex really did cheat.
12:19He's checked into this hotel more times than you have in the past few years.
12:22He even dared to use the exclusive membership card I gave you with that mistress.
12:25Her voice, however, cut off abruptly the moment she saw me kneeling on the ground in such a miserable state.
12:33The receptionist, who had been so arrogant just moments ago, now turned pale.
12:37Her voice trembling as she timidly called out,
12:40Dear Director Carter,
12:41affirmed Vivian's identity as the hotel's investor beyond any doubt.
12:45What? So she wasn't lying after all?
12:48The husband really brought his mistress to impersonate the real wife?
12:51Is this guy even human?
12:53My God, he helped the lover bully his own wife and even hit her!
12:56What a piece of trash!
12:57This disgusting pair is truly repulsive!
13:00Public opinion flipped on a dime.
13:02Anyone traveling with family or a partner instinctively recoiled at infidelity,
13:06and their words grew sharper by the second.
13:09Awkwardly, the security guards let go of me, not daring to lay a finger on me anymore.
13:13Vivian's face crumbled with pity as she tried to squat down and help me.
13:17But before her hand could touch me, Rex grabbed it.
13:20His face was plastered with a sip of horseshit, panico smile as he shook her hand roughly.
13:25Miss Carter, I'm so sorry for causing trouble at your hotel.
13:28Don't worry, I'll take this troublemaker away right now.
13:31She just has a habit of acting crazy. Please don't mind her.
13:33He even pretended to be chummy, leaning in like they were old friends.
13:38By the way, Miss Carter, who's your friend here?
13:40We'll all look out for her when you're not around.
13:44Tiffany chimed in fast, putting on a sickly sympathetic face.
13:47Yeah, Mrs. Carter, your friend is really pitiful, running into a man like him.
13:51It's so sad that she's betrayed.
13:53I froze for a beat, before realizing that these idiots still didn't believe the best girl Vivian was talking about
13:58was me.
13:59What are you waiting for? The investor's here, and you still haven't dragged this crazy troublemaker out?
14:07The guards exchanged nervous looks, glancing back and forth between Vivian and me.
14:12Unsure what to do, Vivian was absolutely livid.
14:14With a sudden, sharp motion, she wrenched her hand free from Rex's grip.
14:18Her voice was glacial.
14:21Stay away from me.
14:23But Rex held on stubbornly.
14:24He planted himself directly in front of Vivian, blocking her view of me, and continued his tirade without an ounce
14:29of shame.
14:30Miss Carter, please don't be upset.
14:31This woman is clearly trying to extort money.
14:34Her injuries may look serious, but she's perfectly fine.
14:37I said, stay away from me.
14:40Someone clean this up immediately.
14:41It's an eyesore.
14:42Are you deaf?
14:43I said, stay away from me.
14:45If anything happens to Leela, I will make sure you regret it.
14:49With that, she shoved both Rex and Tiffany aside and rushed to meet AT the sight of the blood staining
14:54my skirt and my deathly pale complexion.
14:56Her voice wavered.
14:57Blood loss was clouding my vision.
14:59I clung to the last shreds of consciousness and gripped her wrist.
15:05Call an ambulance.
15:07Without hesitation, Vivian dialed emergency services around us.
15:11The whispers among the onlookers grew louder.
15:14So, this guy hasn't even met his wife's best friend?
15:17Unbelievable.
15:18He brings his lover here to bully his wife, and now they targeted her friend, the hotel investor.
15:25Miss Carter, just teach them a lesson.
15:27They disgusting.
15:29Rex was really embarrassed, but he still refused to accept what was unfolding before him.
15:33Tiffany tugged at his sleeve, unwilling to back down.
15:36Rex, something's not right.
15:38If she really is Miss Carter's best friend, why don't any of the hotel staff recognize her?
15:43Miss Carter owns this place.
15:45It doesn't make any sense.
15:47Sensing the cracks in Rex's confidence, Tiffany leaned in, pressing her point with growing boldness.
15:52Besides, I went through Miss Carter's social media recently.
15:56There wasn't a single post or mention of anyone named Lella.
16:01Do you think Lella might have fooled Miss Carter somehow?
16:05Rex's gaze darkened with renewed suspicion.
16:07Turning back to Vivian, he said with certainty.
16:09Miss Carter, surely you've been misled.
16:12This woman knows exactly how to play the victim.
16:14She's mastered the art of manipulation.
16:16You have to see that.
16:18You have to see.
16:19No way she's your friend.
16:21To reinforce his point, he gestured to Tiffany.
16:22Miss Carter, this is Miss Tiffany Bertler.
16:25She's the heiress to Ruth Group, Mr. Ruth's daughter.
16:28I'm sure you've crossed paths before.
16:30She'll vouch that you've never met Lella.
16:32His words landed like a slap.
16:34I blinked in disbelief.
16:35Even Vivian looked momentarily speechless.
16:37Caught between disbelief and fury.
16:39The heiress to Ruth Group?
16:40I was the only daughter of the Ruth family.
16:43After choosing to pursue a career in science rather than take over the company,
16:46I'd fallen out with my father and stepped away from the public eye.
16:49Keeping my identity-
16:50Get the hell out of my office!
16:51And yet, this imposter had the nerve to claim it.
16:54Oh?
16:55The heiress to Ruth Group?
16:56Then why does she have the last name Butler?
16:59It's due to a complicated family matter.
17:01But make no mistake, Tiffany truly is Ruth Group's heiress.
17:05Vivian let out a cold, sharp snore.
17:07She immediately pulled out her phone, dialed my father's number,
17:11and tapped the speaker button for the entire lobby to hear.
17:14Hello, Mr. Ruth?
17:16Hello, Mr. Ruth?
17:17I heard you suddenly have a daughter named Tiffany.
17:20Are you aware she's the mistress of Lila's husband?
17:23And they're bullying a galette together.
17:25Vivian!
17:25What nonsense are you talking about?
17:27I only have one daughter, Lila.
17:29Where did this Tiffany come from?
17:32Who's spreading laws about my girl?
17:36Where are you?
17:37I'm on my way.
17:39The lobby fell into a deathly silence.
17:41Rex, who'd been oozing smugness moments earlier, froze mid-step.
17:45He whirled around abruptly, snatching Tiffany's arm as she tried to slink away unnoticed.
17:53Tiffany, come on!
17:54Call your father right now!
17:55What the hell is going on here?
17:58I-I-I never said I was the heir out of Ruth Group!
18:01You just assumed it yourself!
18:03Rex looked as if he'd been struck by lightning.
18:06What?
18:07But when I pressed you about your background, you never denied it!
18:10You even hinted you could help me land that cooperation project with Ruth Group!
18:13Mocking laughter erupted around them, cutting through the tense air.
18:17A cold chill seeped into my bones.
18:19Settling deep in my chest, IT turned out that Rex had believed all this time
18:22that his shot at that crucial Ruth Group partnership came from Tiffany.
18:26He had no clue it was me, pulling strings and smoothing paths,
18:29who'd paved the way for every opportunity he'd gotten.
18:32AT that moment, the wail of an ambulance grew louder.
18:35Echoing closer to the hotel, blood loss blurred my vision,
18:37and a violent shiver wracked my body.
18:40As the paramedics lifted me onto the structure,
18:42I stared up at the hotel's opulent crystal chandelier,
18:45its light refracting into a dizzying haze.
18:47The whole scene felt like an absurd, cruel nightmare.
18:50Rex made a move as if to rush over, seemingly he had something to say,
18:54but Vivian stopped him sharply.
18:56The last thing I heard before darkness swallowed me was Vivian's unyielding promise.
19:00I'm here, this time, I'll make sure they pay for everything they did.
19:03The hospital room reeked of sterile disinfectant.
19:06And four drip trickled slowly from the blood transfusion bag into my veins.
19:10I stared out the window at the gray, overcast sky,
19:13my heart feeling far colder than my body.
19:15Giving my love to a man like Rex had been the cruelest irony of my life.
19:19Vivian sat beside me, holding my uninjured hand gently.
19:23Her voice soft with comfort.
19:24He's not worth your tears, Leela.
19:27You deserve better.
19:29I forced a faint smile, but before I could say anything,
19:32the ward door slammed open with a crash.
19:35Rex stood in the doorway.
19:36His face livid with rage.
19:38There was no trace of guilt in his eyes, only raw, bitter accusation.
19:42He strode to the bedside, jabbing a finger in inches from my nose.
19:45His voice a snarl.
19:46Leela, why didn't you tell me earlier your parents ran Ruth Group?
19:49If you had, how could I have offended both Ruth Group and Carter Group?
19:55Now look what you've done!
19:56I've been fired from the company, and everything I've worked for is ruined!
19:59Are you satisfied?
20:01His shamelessness disgusted me.
20:03I told you.
20:05More than once.
20:05You were just too impatient to listen.
20:08Too busy disclissings my family affairs as trivial.
20:11Rex, you basted by cameling a loafer.
20:13You did this to yourself.
20:15You deserve it.
20:16Stung by my words, he flew into a more hysterical rage.
20:20Blame me?
20:21If you hadn't spent all your time in that lab, neglecting yourself and turning into someone
20:25who no longer fit your expectations, would I have strayed?
20:29You never cared if I was tired after work.
20:31Even with all these family resources, you never once lifted a finger to help me.
20:35You never cared if I was tired after work.
20:37Even with all these family resources, you never once lifted a finger to help me.
20:41At that moment, Tiffany walked in.
20:43Yeah, Leela, to become one flesh in marriage.
20:46Rex's love for you faded a long time ago, but he still stayed with you out of duty.
20:50Yet you schemed against him like this.
20:53His layoff was your doing too, right?
20:56That's so mean.
20:57Rex was such a fool.
20:58Immediately, he was emboldened by her few words, and his gaze towards me turned even more venomous.
21:03I looked at this dramatic pair with utter scorn.
21:06I didn't help you.
21:07Why do you think your little company could manage to connect with Ruth Group?
21:11All on your own.
21:12Or was it through Tiffany's fake identity as the Ruth Arnress?
21:15Rex, the resources you stole from me didn't just feed you.
21:18They inflated your greed and your audacity.
21:21Rex's face paled, and he fell silent.
21:24I pressed on, my voice trembling with barely suppressed rage.
21:27You claimed to stay with me out of duty.
21:29Then why did you cheat?
21:32Why did you let others call me a lunatic and hit me, your legitimate wife?
21:36Rex, you destroyed your bright future with your own hands.
21:41I'd already prepared the documents to promote you to vice president of the company.
21:47Now, you don't deserve it.
21:54Tiffany shrieked in defense.
21:56We didn't hit you.
21:57You fell on your own.
21:59Yeah, right.
22:00Leela, don't be so dramatic.
22:01I stared at him, a crushing sense of sadness washing over me.
22:06I have a bleeding disorder, and you're aware of it.
22:09A small cut while chopping vegetables can make me bleed uncontrollably, yet you never cared.
22:16I lost so much blood this time, and you call me delicate.
22:20Do you know what I'm most grateful for now?
22:22That we don't have children.
22:25Otherwise, how pitiful they would be.
22:29I didn't mean it.
22:31Whether intentional or not, it doesn't matter anymore.
22:34Vivian spoke coldly, holding up her phone screen for us all to see.
22:37I found something interesting.
22:39Rex, the luxury goods you've given Tiffany over the years far exceed your legitimate income.
22:43You stole many of the gifts Leisha's father and I gave her to please that woman.
22:47As for the money you spent...
22:49I stared at the clear transfer records on the screen, stunned by Rex's audacity.
22:55You dared to embezzle company funds?
22:58I didn't.
22:59My father stood there with a stern face, two uniformed police officers behind him.
23:03Whether it's a false accusation, we'll find out soon.
23:08His gaze swept over Rex and Tiffany, finally resting on me with a look of tender concern.
23:16Officers, the evidence has been handed over.
23:18Go ahead and deal with them.
23:20The facade of hypocrisy on his face collapsed instantly, replaced by sheer terror.
23:24He lunged at Tiffany, frantically trying to tear off the diamond necklace around her neck
23:28and the luxury latch on her wrist.
23:30His movements were so rough that he almost knocked her over.
23:35Lila, Lila, believe me.
23:37I didn't know anything.
23:40I didn't do any of that?
23:44Leave.
23:45What's not your lawn?
23:46I'd do any of that?
23:47I only gave her these pieces of jewelry because I thought they were cheap replicas.
23:50They're yours.
23:51Here, I'm giving them back to you.
23:52Rex, what are you doing?
23:53You're hurting me.
23:54The bodyguard beside my father reacted instantly, stepping forward and hitting Rex's neck out
23:59hard.
24:00With a sickening thug, Rex crumpled to the ground, letting out a sharp cry of pain.
24:04Daring to bully my daughter.
24:06My father's voice was like ice.
24:08Do you take me as nothing?
24:09He took a step forward, looking down at the cowering man on the floor, then took a folder
24:13from his assistant and threw it directly into Rex's face.
24:16Embezzling company funds.
24:18Falsifying accounts.
24:19Sifling project money to support your lover, Rex Dillon.
24:23You must have a death wish.
24:25Papers scattered across the floor, revealing clear bank statements and account details that
24:29left Rex's face drained of all color.
24:31He looked up in panic, his gaze darting wildly to Tiffany, who was pale-faced beside him,
24:36and shouted,
24:37Mr. Ruth, it's not my fault.
24:39It's all Tiffany.
24:40She told me to do it all.
24:42She claimed to be your daughter, saying that it didn't matter if we used the company's money.
24:47But might I stand?
24:48I didn't.
24:48They gotta maver this money's money.
24:50I were thoughted you, Andrew Lee.
24:52No one would dare question it.
24:55She deceived me.
24:57Her lips trembled, but no sound came out.
25:00A cold dread crept from the soles of my feet to the top of my head when I heard that.
25:04It dawned on me that this man, no matter who stood beside him, could be so utterly selfish.
25:09So quick to discard anyone without a second thought.
25:12The love he once claimed ran deep.
25:14In his heart, it likely weighed less than the empty promises scribbled on paper.
25:18Rex was still scrambling to prove his loyalty.
25:21He even dropped to his knees and moved toward my father.
25:24Dad.
25:25We're family.
25:26Please forgive me this once.
25:27I'll treat Lila well from now on, I swear.
25:31His gaze suddenly fell on the blood transfusion bag beside my hand.
25:34And as it struck by a wonderful idea, he blurted out urgently.
25:37Lila has lost too much blood.
25:38Then let Tiffany make up for it with her blood.
25:40She can give blood instead.
25:43She's young.
25:44She should be able to handle it.
25:46I shuddered all over, a wave of nausea crashing over me.
25:49How could he suggest something like that so casually?
25:51It was as if Tiffany weren't a living, breathing person, but just an object to be tossed aside
25:56whenever he pleased.
25:57We're not family.
25:59My voice was cold, frayed with the exhaustion of having used up every last ounce of strength.
26:04Rex, we're getting a divorce.
26:06No, we can't!
26:08He struggled to push himself up from the ground.
26:11I won't agree, Lila.
26:12I know I messed up, I'm sorry.
26:14Just give me another chance.
26:16It doesn't matter whether you agree or not.
26:18I closed my eyes, no longer able to bear the sight of his repulsive face.
26:23It's not your call to make.
26:25Later, Rex and Tiffany were taken away by the police.
26:28During my stay in the hospital, my parents and Vivian took turns looking after me.
26:32They were careful around me and never once mentioning Rex's name.
26:35They tried everything to lift my spirits, terrified that the ordeal would leave a permanent mark
26:40on me.
26:41Then came the day I was discharged.
26:43My mother took my hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
26:48Lila, come home and live with us.
26:51Your father, he misses you terribly.
26:57What do you say we have a family reunion dinner?
27:02Life had been easy for me since childhood because they got everything taken care of.
27:08Their only wish had always been for my safety and happiness.
27:11But as I got older, I became headstrong, devoting myself entirely to the world of scientific research.
27:17Sometimes, research could be dangerous.
27:20When they'd objected, I'd simply left home for five years, even refusing to invite them
27:25to my wedding out of sheer stubbornness.
27:27I'd known they were only afraid I'd get hurt.
27:29But I'd been too willful back then.
27:32They'd said that if I found someone reliable to marry, they'd let me continue my research
27:36without pressuring me to quit.
27:38Without a second thought, I'd married Rex, who'd seemed gentle and thoughtful at the
27:41time.
27:42But after we got married, my mother-in-law despised me for not having a child in five years,
27:47and Rex grew colder towards me with the passing year.
27:50I realized then that the only people who truly loved me unconditionally were my parents.
27:55I hadn't dared tell them what I'd been through, afraid to see the disappointment in their
27:59eyes and terrified they'd blame me for not following their advice.
28:02Rex owed his so-called triumph with the Ruth group entirely to me.
28:06I was the one who persuaded Vivian to pull strings for him when he had nothing to offer.
28:10But that very act of mine had stoked Rex's ambition and, in the end, revealed what kind
28:15of person he truly was.
28:16Back in the early days of our marriage, he had indeed been kind to me, caring and attentive.
28:21But everything changed after Tiffany appeared.
28:24Although my parents had never approved of my involvement in scientific research, they
28:28still pulled me into a proud hug whenever I won an important award.
28:31Rex, by contrast, always found a way to downplay my achievements.
28:35This time, I couldn't bear to break my parents' hearts again.
28:39I squeezed my mother's hand in return, my voice thick with emotion.
28:43Mom, I'm willing to go home.
28:45When I arrived at the house, I hadn't stepped foot in for five years.
28:49Everything felt just as it had been.
28:50My father, once so imposing in the business mart, teared up the moment he saw me walked
28:54in.
28:55He stepped forward, pulled me into a tight embrace, his shoulders trembling slightly,
28:59and finally let his tears fall freely.
29:01It's good you're back.
29:02I'm so glad.
29:04With my parents in my arms, the grievances I'd bottled up for five years burst forth like
29:08a flood.
29:09They didn't mention Rex at all, not a word.
29:11They just gently patted my back, wordlessly telling me this place would always be
29:15my safe haven.
29:16Later, the verdict was finally delivered.
29:18Rex was sentenced to seven years in prison for embezzlement and related charges, and Tiffany,
29:22as his accomplice, received a five-year term.
29:24Most of the jewelry Rex had stolen and gifted to Tiffany was recovered.
29:27Before the sentencing, Rex sent a message through his lawyer, begging to see me one last
29:31time.
29:31I refused flatly.
29:33The very thought of laying eyes on him now made my stomach churn.
29:36I once asked my father how much of the embezzled funds could be recovered.
29:39He sighed and shook his head.
29:41It can't be recovered.
29:42I share part of the blame.
29:44If I hadn't opened those doors for him, handed him control of the key projects for your sake,
29:49he never would have been able to siphon off the money so smoothly.
29:55He looked at me, his eyes gentle yet resolute.
29:58But it's okay.
29:59The foundation of Ruth Group won't be shaken by this amount.
30:02But I want you to know this.
30:03I'll support you continuing your scientific research.
30:06Feel free to do whatever you want, sweetie.
30:08I've got your back.
30:10Later, I threw myself back into my scientific research, diving headfirst into a new project
30:15and leading my team with renewed focus.
30:17Vivian later told me that after the incident, the hotel had overhauled its entire security
30:21system and implemented stricter identity verification procedures.
30:25Around that time, my mother started showing up at my lab almost daily with homemade lunches.
30:30She knew how easily I lost track of time once I was immersed in research, so she appointed
30:34herself my personal alarm clock.
30:36Every day at mealtime, she appeared right on schedule, gently nudging me away from my
30:40microscope and reminding me to nourish myself.
30:42Later, I led my team in developing an automated intelligent medical device.
30:46Soon after it hit the market, it sent shockwaves through the industry, hailed as a groundbreaking
30:50innovation.
30:51Standing on stage at the product launch, I explained our achievements with confidence and calm, facing
30:55countless astonished and admiring glances.
30:58As soon as I finished my speech and stepped off the stage, a tall, elegant man with a refined
31:02caminer stopped me.
31:03He wore a well-fitted dark suit, his bright eyes filled with undisguised admiration.
31:08Dr. Ruth, your presentation was truly wonderful.
31:11Handing me his business card.
31:12I'm Darnell Pansy, head of Cori Medical.
31:14I was wondering if I might have the honor of getting to know you better?
31:17I took his card and, meeting his clear, sincere gaze, nodded.
31:21Of course.
31:21From then on, we crossed classes at various industry events and academic conferences.
31:26He always took the initiative to talk to me, offering insightful opinions and showing great
31:30respect and passion for scientific research.
31:33Later, at a charity gala, he invited me to dance.
31:36In the ballroom, he was graceful and courteous, his steps steady and his gaze warm.
31:40After the gala, he confessed to me, saying he admired my talent and felt sympathy for
31:44my past experiences, hoping to have the chance to take care of me.
31:48I didn't drown in the new romance and replied calmly,
31:51Thank you for your kind offer, but it's too early to talk about this now.
31:54He showed no sign of frustration or pressure, only quiet understanding.
31:58And though he kept his distance, his concern was constant but we kept it that way for two years.
32:03In the sterile world of her lab, his quiet presence was a gentle Androsian,
32:06a reminder that she was not alone.
32:08He would bring her tea when she was lost in her research,
32:11and tidy her desk when she was too focused to notice.
32:13My parents met him a few times and spoke highly of him, saying he had his eyes set on me,
32:18genuinely, not for status or gain on a sunny afternoon.
32:20He formally asked me to date again, looking into his eyes, as sincere as ever,
32:25and thinking of his quiet vigilance over these two years.
32:27I smiled and nodded.
32:29Okay.
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