Sweeter Life Without you

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Transcript

00:00:00On the day Noelle Rutherford found out she was pregnant,

00:00:02she braved the rain to head to a club that was one of Chester Gray's usual haunts.

00:00:07She stood outside a private room and dried her hair with some tissues,

00:00:11wanting to surprise him with the news of her pregnancy when he came out.

00:00:15She heard laughter through the ajar door.

00:00:18Chester, you're supposed to be marrying Noelle in a week.

00:00:22You're going to surprise her during the wedding, right?

00:00:24Is everything ready?

00:00:25Yeah, it'll be a day she'll never forget.

00:00:28Noelle paused and smiled sweetly.

00:00:31She and Chester had been together for three years

00:00:33and he'd truly treated her like a precious treasure, doting on her endlessly.

00:00:38Wanna bet she'll have a meltdown when she finds out the truth?

00:00:41She'll lose her mind on the big day when she discovers I've been pretending to be you

00:00:46and playing her this whole time.

00:00:48She'd never imagine Chester having an identical twin.

00:00:51When she finds out he's the one who's been getting into her pants these past three years,

00:00:56she's always been so proud, hasn't she?

00:00:58I can already imagine the look on her face when she finds out her boyfriend's brother

00:01:02has toyed with her for three years.

00:01:04The men's malicious laughter made Noelle freeze in place.

00:01:08The blood drained from her face.

00:01:10She could hardly believe her ears.

00:01:12Her feet moved on their own,

00:01:14taking a step forward so she could peer into the room.

00:01:17The next second,

00:01:18she saw a man who looked exactly like Chester sitting beside him.

00:01:23He was Chester's carbon copy,

00:01:25from his features to his hairstyle.

00:01:27Even the tiny mole at the corner of his eye was identical.

00:01:31It's her fault for bullying Winona.

00:01:33Winona is Chester's darling.

00:01:35As punishment,

00:01:37he'll make her feel on top of the world before dropping her into the abyss.

00:01:41Gotta say that he's put in some serious work to achieve that.

00:01:48If I didn't look so different from you two,

00:01:50I'd love to take over the job.

00:01:52Tell me about it.

00:01:54Man,

00:01:55Noelle's face and body.

00:01:56If she loses her mind after the wedding,

00:01:59how about you guys let us play with her first?

00:02:01Chester cooked up a plan like this for Winona,

00:02:05put on an act for three years,

00:02:06and still managed to keep himself untainted.

00:02:09He's a straight-up love saint.

00:02:11Noelle's mind buzzed,

00:02:13and her blood ran cold.

00:02:15She couldn't breathe.

00:02:16Her body trembled uncontrollably,

00:02:19and tears streamed down her widened eyes,

00:02:22which had turned bloodshot.

00:02:24Once upon a time,

00:02:25when she jolted away from nightmares of being bullied by Winona,

00:02:28Chester had held her close and told her not to be scared.

00:02:32Once upon a time,

00:02:33she'd told him about the agony of being bullied.

00:02:36Chester had soothed her time and time again,

00:02:39even taking her to see therapists.

00:02:41Noelle didn't dare believe,

00:02:43nor did she want to.

00:02:44She couldn't understand it.

00:02:46The love she'd felt was so intense and vivid.

00:02:48How could it be fake?

00:02:50Winona's coming back soon,

00:02:51so you won't need to keep flying to her, Chester.

00:02:54Honestly,

00:02:55I don't know how you're not worn out from taking a flight every week.

00:02:58And I can finally be myself after three years of role-playing.

00:03:02I'm the one who's stuck with Noelle each time Chester goes abroad.

00:03:06Your voices are different, though.

00:03:08Hasn't she ever noticed anything?

00:03:10She's too big an idiot.

00:03:13I lower my voice,

00:03:14tell her I have pharyngitis,

00:03:16and that's enough to make her fuss over me.

00:03:18She gets up before the sun rises

00:03:21to make me something to soothe my throat.

00:03:24That's enough.

00:03:26Once the wedding is over,

00:03:27I'll give her a hefty sum as compensation.

00:03:30It'll be enough to ensure she's comfortable for life.

00:03:33My, my.

00:03:34Chester,

00:03:35you're not taking pity on her, are you?

00:03:38Noelle's heart flew to her throat,

00:03:39and she held her breath as she stared doggedly at Chester.

00:03:44As if.

00:03:45What about you, Simon?

00:03:46Has three years of putting it in her made you catch feelings?

00:03:49It's been three whole years.

00:03:51I've long since gotten sick of her.

00:03:53You want to have her, Chester?

00:03:55She's too filthy.

00:03:56Anyway,

00:03:57she's the one who begged for this wedding.

00:03:59I'm just paying her off so she won't pester me.

00:04:01There's not much time left,

00:04:03so you guys need to help me.

00:04:04I'm going to propose to Winona

00:04:06in a week after revealing the truth.

00:04:11Noelle didn't know how she even left the club.

00:04:14Raindrops pelted her,

00:04:15but she felt nothing.

00:04:17All she could think about was the conversation from the private room,

00:04:20which replayed in her mind,

00:04:22Winona Johnson.

00:04:23Whenever that name came up,

00:04:26Noelle couldn't stop shaking.

00:04:27She couldn't understand.

00:04:30Winona had already gone abroad,

00:04:32so why wouldn't she let her go?

00:04:34Why was she hell-bent on destroying her?

00:04:36All of this had happened over a meaningless Campus Bell title.

00:04:41Noelle's candid, bare-faced photo

00:04:43had beaten Winona's retouched contest entry,

00:04:46so Winona and her gang had dragged Noelle

00:04:48into the restroom to teach her a lesson.

00:04:50They'd used every cruel trick possible to torment her

00:04:53before shoving her head into a toilet.

00:04:56Noelle had refused to kneel and apologize,

00:04:58so they'd made the next three years of her life

00:05:01a living hell.

00:05:02They'd ganged up to beat her,

00:05:04stabbed her with needles,

00:05:05hidden thumbtacks in her shoes,

00:05:07rallied the entire class to isolate and bully her,

00:05:10wrecked her part-time jobs,

00:05:12and smeared her reputation.

00:05:14Winona had even arranged for a bunch of rich boys

00:05:16to pursue Noelle.

00:05:17Noelle had once overheard the plan

00:05:19Winona wanted her to be corrupted by money

00:05:21before having the rich boys dump her.

00:05:23Winona never fully succeeded.

00:05:24Even by junior year,

00:05:26when Winona had left to study abroad,

00:05:29she still hadn't broken Noelle completely.

00:05:31However, by then,

00:05:34Noelle was already deep in depression

00:05:36with the severe urge to harm herself.

00:05:39That was when Chester appeared.

00:05:41Unlike those other rich boys who pursued her

00:05:43and eyed her the way men appraised goods,

00:05:45he hadn't flung credit cards at her

00:05:47and called it affection.

00:05:48He'd had a clear, righteous gaze.

00:05:51He'd taken time to understand her situation

00:05:53and listen to what she needed.

00:05:55When he learned that her grandmother,

00:05:57Marie Wakefield,

00:05:58needed long-term medication,

00:06:00he didn't look down on her.

00:06:02Instead, he'd done whatever he could

00:06:04within the bounds of what she could accept

00:06:06to improve her life.

00:06:09Chester had helped Noelle find internships

00:06:11and part-time jobs.

00:06:12When she rushed between gigs,

00:06:14he'd sit with her in a convenience store for dinner

00:06:16and gently pat her head.

00:06:18It must be tough, Elle.

00:06:19You're really amazing.

00:06:20Once, Marie had fallen ill

00:06:22while Noelle was out of town.

00:06:24It was Chester who'd brought her to the hospital

00:06:27and stayed by her side for a full day and night.

00:06:30The next day, when Noelle had made it back,

00:06:33he'd smiled and comforted her despite his exhaustion.

00:06:37Marie's fine, so don't worry.

00:06:39Don't wear yourself out.

00:06:40At the time, a voice inside her had said,

00:06:43this is it, try to trust him.

00:06:44Whatever the ending, just cherish the present.

00:06:47And Chester really did keep treating her well.

00:06:49He'd even bravely defied his family

00:06:51for the sake of being with her.

00:06:53Simon's sneers echoed in Noelle's mind.

00:06:56She's so dumb.

00:06:57How could our family ever allow

00:06:59a nobody like her to marry in?

00:07:01All it took was hiring two people to play a part.

00:07:05Chester pretended to stand up to our parents,

00:07:07and Noelle was moved to bits.

00:07:09What an idiot.

00:07:11She didn't notice anything for the past three years.

00:07:21Noelle collapsed in rain.

00:07:23Her tears spilled over and mixed with a downpour.

00:07:26She really was dumb.

00:07:28Much too dumb.

00:07:29She suddenly threw back her head and laughed,

00:07:31sounding wild and unhinged.

00:07:33She let the torrential rain pound her face without mercy.

00:07:37Just then, her phone rang.

00:07:39It was Marie's caregiver.

00:07:41Elle, come quick.

00:07:42Your grandmother's on the brink of death.

00:07:44Noelle's mind went blank,

00:07:46and her ears buzzed.

00:07:47Her limbs turned to jelly.

00:07:49On instinct alone,

00:07:51she scrambled to her feet

00:07:52and rushed to the curb to hail a car.

00:07:55However, every class knew this.

00:07:58Their lights flashing and horns blaring,

00:08:00refusing to stop her.

00:08:02She was about to run to the hospital when a car pulled over.

00:08:05A tough-looking man on aspirations.

00:08:08Beyond caring about safety,

00:08:10she dove into the car.

00:08:17By the time Noelle reached the hospital,

00:08:19the doctor had already issued a critical notice.

00:08:23She has respiratory failure.

00:08:25There's no point in further resuscitation.

00:08:27You should spend these last moments with her.

00:08:30Noelle dropped to her knees with a thud,

00:08:33her hands trembling as she clasped Marie's.

00:08:36Marie forced a smile.

00:08:39Elle, don't cry.

00:08:40I'm sorry.

00:08:42I couldn't hold on long enough to see your wedding.

00:08:46Noelle shook her head hard.

00:08:48She couldn't get any words out,

00:08:49nor could she stop her low, aching sobs.

00:08:53Marie struggled to scan the room.

00:08:55Where's Chester?

00:08:56I want to see him.

00:08:58Okay.

00:08:58Noelle's voice was so hoarse,

00:09:00it was barely there.

00:09:02She pulled out her phone

00:09:03and called Chester again and again.

00:09:05Each call was rejected,

00:09:07so she fired off messages in a hurry.

00:09:10Chester, Grandma has respiratory failure.

00:09:13She can't hold on anymore.

00:09:15Please come to the hospital.

00:09:16She wants to see you one last time.

00:09:19Chester, Grandma's waiting for you.

00:09:21It's just one meeting.

00:09:23Can you come?

00:09:25Chester, I'm begging you.

00:09:27At that moment,

00:09:28the lies and betrayal didn't matter.

00:09:30As long as Chester came,

00:09:32as long as Marie could leave in peace,

00:09:34nothing else smiled.

00:09:36But Chester never replied.

00:09:38Noelle stopped and forced out an ugly smile.

00:09:41She squeezed Marie's hand and tried to comfort her.

00:09:44Grandma,

00:09:45I think Chester's tied up with something.

00:09:47Don't worry about us, alright?

00:09:49We're getting along fine,

00:09:50and our wedding is next week.

00:09:52Look, I'll be happy,

00:09:53so please don't worry.

00:09:56Suddenly,

00:09:57Marie's grip tightened.

00:09:58She fixed her eyes on Noelle and whispered,

00:10:01Elle.

00:10:02Live well.

00:10:03Be happy.

00:10:04Her hand loosened and went limp.

00:10:07In her final moments,

00:10:08there was still worry in her gaze.

00:10:11Noelle stared at their hands dazedly.

00:10:13Then,

00:10:13she broke down and collapsed on the floor,

00:10:16crying her heart out.

00:10:17That night,

00:10:19she numbly went through the process

00:10:20of dealing with Marie's affairs.

00:10:22Chester still didn't reply.

00:10:24While waiting,

00:10:25she unblocked Winona's social media

00:10:27and checked her posts.

00:10:29I was going to fly home early for a surprise,

00:10:32but I was the one surprised.

00:10:34The attached photo was taken at the airport.

00:10:36Chester wore a mascot costume and held flowers.

00:10:40His head was slick with sweat,

00:10:42but he wore a warm smile,

00:10:44and his gaze was tender.

00:10:46There was another picture of him with Winona.

00:10:49She smiled sweetly

00:10:51while his head was turned to her,

00:10:54his gaze lingering and full of love.

00:10:57Noelle let out a bitter laugh

00:10:58and turned off the screen.

00:11:01The next day at noon,

00:11:02she returned to the hospital

00:11:04with Marie's urn in her arms.

00:11:06She did two things.

00:11:08First,

00:11:09she scheduled an abortion for three days later.

00:11:12Second,

00:11:13she submitted her application

00:11:14to join Doctors Without Borders.

00:11:17Her superior,

00:11:18Tanya Brown,

00:11:19was shocked.

00:11:20Weren't you getting married soon?

00:11:22Noelle went quiet for a moment.

00:11:24Not anymore.

00:11:25I want to leave,

00:11:26Dr. Brown.

00:11:27The faster,

00:11:28the better.

00:11:29Tanya didn't press for more information

00:11:31when she saw Noelle's bloodshot eyes

00:11:33is an urgent expression.

00:11:34You just barely caught

00:11:36the application deadline.

00:11:37I'll give you the next few days off

00:11:39to prepare.

00:11:40Gather at the hospital

00:11:41to depart in a week.

00:11:42Got it.

00:11:43A week from now

00:11:44was exactly the day

00:11:45she was supposed to marry Chester.

00:11:47Not only would she leave on that day,

00:11:49but she would also send him,

00:11:51Simon,

00:11:52and Winona,

00:11:53a grand gift one

00:11:54they would never forget.

00:11:58Knowing she was heading somewhere dangerous,

00:12:01Noelle decided to give Marie

00:12:03a proper burial.

00:12:04She bought a cremation pendant,

00:12:06tucked a strand of Marie's hair,

00:12:08and a pinch of ashes inside,

00:12:10and buried the rest of the cemetery.

00:12:12Grandma,

00:12:13don't worry.

00:12:14I'm about to do

00:12:15what I've always wanted to do,

00:12:18and I'll keep myself safe.

00:12:20By the time Noelle returned to the villa,

00:12:22it was already dusk.

00:12:24The moment she stepped inside,

00:12:26she heard laughter in the living room.

00:12:28Come on,

00:12:29let me introduce you to two friends.

00:12:31A man and a woman

00:12:32stood from the couch

00:12:34and turned to look at her,

00:12:35somewhat malicious mischief

00:12:37flickering in their eyes.

00:12:39It was Winona and Simon.

00:12:41Noelle couldn't stop the tremor

00:12:43that ran through her.

00:12:44It was her body's reflex

00:12:46whenever she faced Winona.

00:12:47Winona is a childhood friend,

00:12:49and Simon is my twin brother.

00:12:51They just got back from studying abroad

00:12:53and happened to make it

00:12:54in time for our wedding.

00:12:55Elle and I know each other

00:12:56we were roommates in college.

00:12:58Right, Elle?

00:12:59Every time Winona finished bullying her,

00:13:01she got only one and not.

00:13:04It's just some fun between roommates.

00:13:07Right, Elle?

00:13:08Elle,

00:13:09you still don't like me.

00:13:11I just want to get along with you.

00:13:13Both Chester's and Simon's expressions darkened.

00:13:17Chester,

00:13:17your fiancée's got quite the temper.

00:13:19She's not even part of our family yet,

00:13:21and she's already so full of herself.

00:13:23Noelle,

00:13:24apologize.

00:13:25Noelle stared at the three of them,

00:13:28her hands balling into fists by her sides.

00:13:30She felt her heart tear open

00:13:32as she thought of what she'd overheard

00:13:34the night before,

00:13:35leaving a raw and jagged mood.

00:13:37The Grey family is a proper household

00:13:39with deep roots,

00:13:40and manners are very important to us.

00:13:43You need to teach your fiancée a lesson, Chester.

00:13:46You're right.

00:13:47Elle,

00:13:47you're about to become the lady

00:13:49of the Grey household.

00:13:50You must watch your tongue

00:13:51and your behavior at all times.

00:13:54Reflect on what you did today.

00:13:57Oh!

00:13:59He dragged her down to the basement

00:14:01and shoved her into a roomie.

00:14:03Before she could react,

00:14:05the door slammed shut.

00:14:07The door was tightly sealed,

00:14:09shutting out every trace of light.

00:14:11Only then did Noelle realize

00:14:13it was a windowless,

00:14:15pitch-black room.

00:14:16Her breathing sped up

00:14:17in the pure darkness,

00:14:19and her panic surged.

00:14:21She pounded on the door,

00:14:22but no one answered,

00:14:24no matter how she shouted.

00:14:26Terror swallowed her boy.

00:14:27In college,

00:14:29Renata had locked Noelle

00:14:30in a dark room for three days

00:14:32with no sound or light.

00:14:33Time had stretched into a torture

00:14:35that felt endless.

00:14:37Noelle had had a breakdown then.

00:14:38She'd feared darkness ever since,

00:14:41and claustrophobia had followed.

00:14:43For years now,

00:14:44she'd kept every light on at night,

00:14:47even sleeping that way.

00:14:48At first,

00:14:49Chester couldn't get used to it,

00:14:51but after learning what she'd been through,

00:14:53he'd held her and soothed her.

00:14:55It's okay.

00:14:56From now on,

00:14:57we'll sleep with the lights on at home.

00:14:59Don't be scared.

00:15:02She knew.

00:15:04They all knew.

00:15:06Yet they'd still chosen this

00:15:08as Noelle's punishment,

00:15:09and it was just because

00:15:11she'd pushed Winona.

00:15:13Noelle curled up in the corner,

00:15:15hugging herself as she trembled,

00:15:17a dull ache throbbing in her chest.

00:15:19Of course.

00:15:20The tenderness had always been an act.

00:15:23They'd staged it for her sake.

00:15:26Even this dark room

00:15:27was likely designed

00:15:28just for her.

00:15:33Two days later,

00:15:34Chester opened the door

00:15:35with a pleased smile.

00:15:37Winona's not mad at you

00:15:38for what happened anymore.

00:15:39Clean yourself up.

00:15:40We're gonna try on wedding dresses

00:15:41and pick out rings.

00:15:43Noelle was taken to a bridal boutique.

00:15:45As soon as she got out of the car,

00:15:46she saw Winona and Simon

00:15:48already waiting inside.

00:15:50Elle, you're here.

00:15:51I didn't get to congratulate you last time.

00:15:53Chester and I are best friends.

00:15:55So let me keep you company

00:15:56and help you choose

00:15:57the perfect dress today.

00:15:59She smiled,

00:16:00clearly waiting to see

00:16:00Noelle lose her composure.

00:16:03I appreciate it.

00:16:06Then I'll try some on with you.

00:16:08I'm going to be a bride

00:16:10very soon myself.

00:16:11Congratulations.

00:16:13Winona's gaze turned frosty.

00:16:15From that moment on,

00:16:16any gal Noelle so much

00:16:18as glanced at,

00:16:19Winona would flag down

00:16:20a sales associate

00:16:21and rush to be the first

00:16:22to try it.

00:16:23Each time she came out

00:16:24of the changing room,

00:16:25she would grab Chester's hand.

00:16:27Chester, what do you think?

00:16:28Isn't it gorgeous?

00:16:30And each time,

00:16:31Chester would stare at her

00:16:32as if enchanted.

00:16:33He would shower her with praise.

00:16:35Simon hovered at Winona's side too.

00:16:37The two of them

00:16:37ignored Noelle completely.

00:16:39A sales associate's side

00:16:41would end you.

00:16:42This bride is so lucky.

00:16:44Sorry, Ellie.

00:16:45You're the actual bride.

00:16:46You should have tried first.

00:16:50See anything you like?

00:16:52Noelle picked one at random

00:16:53and went to try it on.

00:16:54When she came out,

00:16:55the three of them

00:16:56were already gone.

00:16:57Miss Johnson said

00:16:58she was going to pick out rings, Miss.

00:17:00The two gentlemen went with her.

00:17:02It's fine.

00:17:05Soon after,

00:17:06Winona updated her social media

00:17:08with a photo of a diamond ring

00:17:10embedded with Pave gemstones.

00:17:12Noelle Glanstad locked her screen

00:17:14and went back to packing.

00:17:15Beyond clothes

00:17:16and daily essentials

00:17:17she needed to take with her,

00:17:19she gathered up everything else

00:17:20that belonged to her,

00:17:21including the gifts

00:17:22she'd once given Chester

00:17:23and threw them away

00:17:24or destroyed them.

00:17:25As for anything Chester

00:17:27had given her,

00:17:28she didn't touch at all.

00:17:29She had just finished

00:17:31packing a suitcase

00:17:32and slid it into the closet

00:17:33when Chester walked in

00:17:35holding a blue velvet box.

00:17:37I bought you this ring

00:17:38at an auction.

00:17:39Noelle recognized it.

00:17:40It was a free gift

00:17:40that had come with the ring

00:17:42Winona had shared

00:17:42on her social media.

00:17:44She accepted it calmly

00:17:45and set it aside.

00:17:46His gaze drifted

00:17:47and landed on the trash can

00:17:49where he saw

00:17:49the couple's mugs

00:17:50she used to cherish.

00:17:52Why'd you throw the mugs away?

00:17:54Are you mad?

00:17:56No.

00:17:57Is it because of what happened

00:17:58at the Bridal Boutique?

00:17:59Winona's just a good friend of mine.

00:18:01We haven't seen each other in years

00:18:02so of course I paid her

00:18:04a little extra attention.

00:18:05There's no need

00:18:05to be jealous of her.

00:18:07If there was something between us,

00:18:08we would have gotten together

00:18:10long ago, right?

00:18:11You're my bride, Elle.

00:18:13Don't you understand

00:18:14how I feel about you?

00:18:15Hearing that,

00:18:16Noelle's fingers trembled.

00:18:17In that instant,

00:18:18she wanted to question him.

00:18:20She wanted to peel back

00:18:21his sincerity from his lies

00:18:23to know whether he'd harbor

00:18:24even a shred of genuine love

00:18:26for her in the past three years.

00:18:29Winona,

00:18:30I'll be right there.

00:18:32I've got something

00:18:32to take care of

00:18:33so don't wait up for me.

00:18:34You'll be the most beautiful bride

00:18:36in a few days.

00:18:39Noelle sat on the bed

00:18:41and swallowed back the tears.

00:18:43Two hours later,

00:18:44she finished washing up

00:18:45and got into bed

00:18:46to hit the head.

00:18:47Just as she was drifting off,

00:18:48the door swung open.

00:18:50Chester,

00:18:50who was supposed to be hosting

00:18:52a party at a bar

00:18:53with Winona,

00:18:53walked in.

00:18:54He smelled an alcohol.

00:18:56He carelessly ripped open

00:18:57his shirt,

00:18:58tossed back the covers,

00:18:59and pressed down on Noelle.

00:19:00As soon as the two made contact,

00:19:02Noelle's drowsiness vanished.

00:19:04She became acutely aware

00:19:05that the person pressing down

00:19:07on her was indeed Simon.

00:19:09Noelle's body went rigid

00:19:10and her face drained

00:19:11of all color.

00:19:12She threw all her strength

00:19:13into shoving Simon off her

00:19:15and curled up

00:19:15at the head of the bed.

00:19:16Are you still mad?

00:19:17He rubbed his temples,

00:19:18his mannerisms

00:19:19exactly like Chester's.

00:19:21Even his voice,

00:19:21soaked with alcohol,

00:19:22was indistinguishable.

00:19:23If Noelle hadn't heard

00:19:24that Chester had kept himself

00:19:26chase for Winona,

00:19:27she wouldn't have been able

00:19:28to tell them apart.

00:19:29I already told you

00:19:30that if I had feelings

00:19:31for Winona,

00:19:32you and I would never

00:19:33be getting married.

00:19:34He moved to kiss her.

00:19:36Her eyes widened

00:19:37and she jerked aside,

00:19:38gagging.

00:19:38She retched

00:19:39until her eyes turned red.

00:19:41She couldn't stop.

00:19:42She shoved Simon away

00:19:43and ran for the bathroom.

00:19:45He watched her,

00:19:46his brows knitting

00:19:47and eyes glinting.

00:19:51You guys heard that,

00:19:52right?

00:19:52She's gagging.

00:19:53Don't tell me she's pregnant.

00:19:55Don't let this

00:19:56get out of hand, Simon.

00:19:57What if she clings to you

00:19:58after the truth is out?

00:19:59Noelle stiffened

00:20:00and her blood ran cold.

00:20:02It hit her that Simon's phone

00:20:03had been on a call

00:20:04the whole time.

00:20:05Chester, Simon,

00:20:06this is too much.

00:20:07Too much?

00:20:08She's been targeting you

00:20:09for ages.

00:20:10This is the punishment

00:20:10she deserves.

00:20:11But what if she really

00:20:13is pregnant?

00:20:14That's impossible.

00:20:16Even if she is,

00:20:17we'll make sure

00:20:17it's taken care of.

00:20:18Right, Simon?

00:20:19Oh, of course.

00:20:20For some reason,

00:20:21he felt a sudden,

00:20:23sharp twist in his chest.

00:20:24The next second,

00:20:25he saw Noelle

00:20:26open the door

00:20:27and stare at him,

00:20:28her face as white

00:20:29as a sheet.

00:20:30What's wrong, Elle?

00:20:31You look awful.

00:20:32Are you feeling okay?

00:20:33Are you...

00:20:34pregnant?

00:20:35No,

00:20:36my stomach's just acting up.

00:20:38The following morning,

00:20:39Noelle went to the hospital

00:20:40for her scheduled abortion.

00:20:42Elle,

00:20:43the baby already

00:20:43has a heartbeat

00:20:44at seven weeks

00:20:45and all the indicators

00:20:46look good.

00:20:47Are you sure

00:20:48you want to terminate?

00:20:49I'm positive.

00:20:52It was noon

00:20:53by the time

00:20:54she left the hospital.

00:20:55Chester called

00:20:56and his car pulled up

00:20:57at the entrance

00:20:57moments later.

00:20:58Come on,

00:20:59I'm taking you to lunch.

00:21:01They rode in silence,

00:21:02a small smile

00:21:03playing on Chester's lips

00:21:04the whole time.

00:21:05It was also the one

00:21:06Noelle hated most.

00:21:08As soon as they reached

00:21:09the restaurant,

00:21:10they saw Vinona

00:21:11and Simon

00:21:11already waiting for them.

00:21:13Elle,

00:21:13I crossed the line yesterday

00:21:15so I queued for this

00:21:16trending cake

00:21:17to apologize.

00:21:18You have to try it.

00:21:19During the meal,

00:21:20she kept reminiscing

00:21:21about her,

00:21:22Chester,

00:21:22and Simon as kids.

00:21:24Chester and Simon

00:21:25have always spoiled me.

00:21:26When we played house,

00:21:28they'd fight over

00:21:29who got to be my groom.

00:21:30In middle school,

00:21:31some boys cornered me

00:21:33and the two of them

00:21:34got hurt badly

00:21:35trying to protect me.

00:21:36They were in the hospital

00:21:37for ages.

00:21:38Once,

00:21:39I climbed a tree

00:21:40and couldn't get down.

00:21:41Chester scrawled

00:21:42on the ground

00:21:42to be my cushion.

00:21:44And Simon laughed along.

00:21:45The three of them

00:21:46chatted warmly

00:21:47while Noelle

00:21:47stayed silent.

00:21:48Elle,

00:21:49why aren't you

00:21:49saying anything?

00:21:50Do you have a problem

00:21:51with me?

00:21:52I know we had

00:21:53misunderstandings in college,

00:21:55but I hope we can be

00:21:56best friends now

00:21:57that you're marrying Chester.

00:21:58Noelle didn't move

00:21:59for a long moment

00:22:00or even look at her.

00:22:01She suddenly clutched

00:22:02the front of her blouse

00:22:03as her breath came in gasps.

00:22:04Angry red hives

00:22:05spread across her forearm,

00:22:07forming a shocking

00:22:08and raw sight.

00:22:09She fumbled for her bag.

00:22:11You're having

00:22:12an allergic reaction.

00:22:13Noelle had a severe

00:22:14peanut allergy.

00:22:16She was usually careful,

00:22:17but in case of

00:22:17accidental exposure

00:22:18and no time to get help,

00:22:20she always kept

00:22:21an EpiPen in her bag.

00:22:22It was something

00:22:23that could save her life

00:22:24when seconds mattered.

00:22:25She'd already grabbed

00:22:26the EpiPen.

00:22:28Chester,

00:22:28I feel old.

00:22:32Winona,

00:22:32Chester,

00:22:33Winona looks like

00:22:33she's having

00:22:34an allergic reaction.

00:22:35Chester froze mid-strive,

00:22:36remembering that

00:22:37Noelle had ordered

00:22:38seafood broth

00:22:39during the meal.

00:22:39His expression

00:22:40went cold in an instant

00:22:41as he turned

00:22:42and stormed over

00:22:43to Noelle.

00:22:48You cause Winona

00:22:50to have an allergic reaction.

00:22:51She needs

00:22:51the medication first.

00:22:53With that,

00:22:53we marched straight

00:22:54to Winona

00:22:55and swiftly administered

00:22:56the injection

00:22:56without the slightest

00:22:57bit of hesitation.

00:22:59You're a doctor,

00:23:00Noelle.

00:23:00You should have

00:23:01other ways of saving yourself.

00:23:02Winona doesn't know

00:23:03anything she needs

00:23:04the EpiPen more.

00:23:06I'll get the car.

00:23:07Noelle collapsed

00:23:08to the floor,

00:23:09her bloodshot eyes

00:23:10locked on their

00:23:11retreating figures.

00:23:12From beginning to end,

00:23:13none of them

00:23:14looked back, doll.

00:23:17Miss,

00:23:17are you okay?

00:23:20Elle,

00:23:21you're finally awake.

00:23:22Are you feeling

00:23:23any discomfort?

00:23:24Elle,

00:23:25I know you're mad at me,

00:23:26but the Grey and Johnson

00:23:27families have deep ties.

00:23:28We can't let anything

00:23:29happen to Winona

00:23:30on our watch.

00:23:31I had no choice.

00:23:32You're about to become

00:23:33a member of the Grey family.

00:23:34We have shared interests.

00:23:36You should be more understanding.

00:23:37You know I love you most,

00:23:39don't you?

00:23:39Come on, Noelle.

00:23:40Chester had no choice.

00:23:42Affluent families like ours

00:23:43have our own problems.

00:23:44We have to put

00:23:45the bigger picture first.

00:23:46As your family,

00:23:47we can only ask you

00:23:48to bear with it for now.

00:23:49Noelle's hands

00:23:50balled into tight fists

00:23:51under the blanket.

00:23:52She opened her eyes

00:23:53and fixed her gaze

00:23:54on the two men

00:23:55as she sneered inwardly.

00:23:56They were leaving

00:23:57no stone unturned

00:23:58to sweet talk

00:23:59and brainwash her.

00:24:01I want to rest.

00:24:13Hello.

00:24:13Am I speaking

00:24:14to a live streaming company?

00:24:16I'd like to place an order.

00:24:20After hanging up,

00:24:21her hand moved on instinct

00:24:23to the pendant at her chest,

00:24:24only to grasp at nothing.

00:24:26The pendant containing

00:24:27Marie's hair and ashes

00:24:28was gone.

00:24:35She was about to go

00:24:36find a nurse

00:24:36when she received a text.

00:24:38Winona had sent

00:24:39a photo of her necklace.

00:24:41If you want it back,

00:24:42come now.

00:24:43Otherwise,

00:24:43I'll dump what's inside

00:24:45into the toilet.

00:24:45A crushing fury

00:24:48washed over Noelle,

00:24:50almost making her vision

00:24:51go dark.

00:24:52Her chest heaved with rage

00:24:54as she rushed

00:24:55to Winona's hospital room.

00:24:58Inside,

00:25:00Winona stood by the window,

00:25:01the necklace dangling

00:25:03from her fingertips.

00:25:04It swayed just outside

00:25:06the windowsill,

00:25:07ready to drop

00:25:08at any moment.

00:25:09Winona Johnson,

00:25:11give me back

00:25:12my necklace.

00:25:13You saw my social media

00:25:15updates, right?

00:25:17And here I thought

00:25:18you would keep putting on

00:25:19that holier-than-thou act.

00:25:21You wanted me dead

00:25:23so badly in the past,

00:25:25yet here you are,

00:25:26putting up with anything

00:25:28just to marry

00:25:28into the Grey family.

00:25:30Give me back

00:25:31my necklace.

00:25:33Get on your knees

00:25:34and prostrate yourself

00:25:35before me

00:25:36if you want it.

00:25:37Admit you're

00:25:38a pathetic hypocrite.

00:25:41Never.

00:25:42Don't push me

00:25:43too far, Winona.

00:25:45Is this the first time

00:25:46you've realized

00:25:46just how far

00:25:47I can push?

00:25:48That stubborn attitude

00:25:49of yours

00:25:50and your refusal

00:25:51to bend to anyone's will

00:25:52is what I hate

00:25:53most about you.

00:25:54If you just

00:25:55kneeled to me back then,

00:25:56I wouldn't have kept

00:25:57targeting you for years.

00:25:59You've seen how much

00:26:00I'm into Chester.

00:26:02Here's the deal.

00:26:03Grovel at my feet

00:26:04and beg me for mercy.

00:26:06Not only will I

00:26:07return the necklace,

00:26:08but I'll also help you

00:26:09get a solid foothold

00:26:10in the Grey family.

00:26:12I won't kneel.

00:26:14You couldn't break me

00:26:15before and you

00:26:16never will.

00:26:18I will never bow

00:26:19to someone as

00:26:20vile as you.

00:26:21You.

00:26:24Fine then.

00:26:26Since you don't

00:26:27want the necklace,

00:26:28let's just toss it.

00:26:33Give it back.

00:26:36She whirled

00:26:37to run down stairs,

00:26:39but Winona yanked

00:26:40tight on her clothes,

00:26:41holding her back.

00:26:42I'm sorry, Elle.

00:26:44I won't go near

00:26:45Chester again.

00:26:47Please don't

00:26:48push me off.

00:26:56Noelle Rutherford,

00:26:57what are you doing?

00:27:06Winona,

00:27:07are you okay?

00:27:08I'm sorry.

00:27:10It's all my fault.

00:27:13Chester,

00:27:14we should stop

00:27:16contacting each other

00:27:17from now on.

00:27:19What are you talking about?

00:27:21Don't worry.

00:27:22I won't let you

00:27:23suffer in silence.

00:27:26I can't believe

00:27:27you're still bullying

00:27:28Winona after all

00:27:29these years.

00:27:30Noelle.

00:27:31I didn't.

00:27:34She threw my

00:27:35necklace and I...

00:27:36That's enough.

00:27:37Even now,

00:27:38you're making excuses.

00:27:40Winona has always

00:27:41been gentle and timid.

00:27:43How could she

00:27:44ever bully anyone?

00:27:46You're the one

00:27:47who's at fault.

00:27:48Someone else bullied you,

00:27:49yet you took it out

00:27:50on her.

00:27:51I didn't.

00:27:52She's the one

00:27:53who's been bullying me.

00:27:55She's tormented me

00:27:56this whole time.

00:27:59You still won't

00:28:00see sense.

00:28:01If you aren't

00:28:02taught a lesson now,

00:28:04who knows what you'll do?

00:28:05You'll push someone

00:28:06out a window today.

00:28:07So will you start

00:28:08committing murder tomorrow?

00:28:22What are you doing?

00:28:24No one answered.

00:28:26No matter how she fought,

00:28:27Chester and Simon just

00:28:29hauled her forward in silence,

00:28:31their tight jawlines

00:28:32carved with fury.

00:28:34In one last glance

00:28:35back at the hospital room,

00:28:37Noelle met Winona's eyes.

00:28:39They were smug,

00:28:40vicious,

00:28:41and triumphant.

00:28:46Noelle was led

00:28:47to a bungee platform

00:28:48at the mountaintop.

00:28:49The tower rose

00:28:50over 300 feet,

00:28:51and the cliff

00:28:52yawned beneath her feet.

00:28:54The second she

00:28:56stepped onto it,

00:28:57her face went

00:28:57chalk white,

00:28:58and her legs

00:28:59started to shake.

00:29:01Chester's and Simon's

00:29:02expressions remained icy.

00:29:04They took the safety locks

00:29:05from the staff

00:29:06and personally

00:29:07buckled them on her,

00:29:08forcing her to the edge

00:29:10of the jump platform.

00:29:12Noelle stared

00:29:13into the abyss below,

00:29:14her whole body

00:29:15going rigid.

00:29:16All she could hear

00:29:17was the thundering

00:29:18of her own heart gate.

00:29:20Chester,

00:29:21you know I'm terrified

00:29:22of heights.

00:29:23I know.

00:29:24Since you tried

00:29:25to push Winona

00:29:26out the window,

00:29:27I'll give you a taste

00:29:27of what it's like

00:29:28to fall.

00:29:29This is the punishment

00:29:30you deserve, Elle.

00:29:31The lady of the gray household

00:29:33can't be a vicious woman.

00:29:34Learn your lesson today.

00:29:35If you're sincere

00:29:36about correcting your errors,

00:29:37we'll get married as planned.

00:29:39Don't be scared.

00:29:40You won't die.

00:29:42With that,

00:29:43they reached out

00:29:43and shoved her

00:29:44over the edge.

00:29:45The brutal drop

00:29:47seized her.

00:29:48Noelle's heartbeat

00:29:49stopped for a few seconds,

00:29:51and her chest ached.

00:29:53Terror beyond words

00:29:54sealed her throat.

00:29:55She couldn't even scream.

00:29:57All that came out

00:29:58were strangled

00:29:59whimpers and tears

00:30:01that scattered

00:30:02in the wind.

00:30:03Her eyes held

00:30:04nothing but desolation

00:30:05and despair.

00:30:11She was left

00:30:12hanging upside down

00:30:13over the cliff

00:30:14for half an hour.

00:30:15Only when her breathing

00:30:16faltered

00:30:17and her consciousness

00:30:18began to fray

00:30:19did they haul her back up.

00:30:21Noelle collapsed

00:30:22on the platform,

00:30:23gasping for air,

00:30:24trying to ease

00:30:25the tingling in her limbs

00:30:26from lack of oxygen.

00:30:30Ms. Rutherford,

00:30:31before Mr. Chester

00:30:32and Mr. Simon left,

00:30:34they ordered you

00:30:35had to jump ten times

00:30:36before you can leave.

00:30:38Noelle hadn't even

00:30:39processed the words

00:30:40when she was pushed off again.

00:30:41Once,

00:30:42twice,

00:30:43thrice.

00:30:43Each time,

00:30:44she was left dangling

00:30:46over the cliff

00:30:46for half an hour.

00:30:47The brief breaks

00:30:48in between

00:30:49didn't ease

00:30:49the oxygen deprivation.

00:30:51As Noelle's mind

00:30:52grew fuzzier,

00:30:53the ten jumps

00:30:54were finally over.

00:30:55The sky was already

00:30:56pitch black.

00:30:57The platform's

00:30:58harsh white floodlights

00:31:00were all that held

00:31:01Noelle's last

00:31:01scraps of awareness.

00:31:09Take me

00:31:10to the hospital.

00:31:12I'm sorry,

00:31:13Mrs. Rutherford.

00:31:14Mr. Chester

00:31:15and Mr. Simon

00:31:15made it clear

00:31:16that no one

00:31:17is to help you.

00:31:17The Grey family

00:31:18owns this area,

00:31:20and I don't want

00:31:21to lose my job.

00:31:22He left.

00:31:23The glare of the floodlights

00:31:25stung Noelle's eyes,

00:31:26making tears

00:31:27slip down her face.

00:31:29She rested there

00:31:30for a while

00:31:31before forcing herself

00:31:33to stand

00:31:33and make her way

00:31:34down the mountain.

00:31:36She was halfway

00:31:37down it

00:31:38when she came across

00:31:39a kind tourist

00:31:40who was also

00:31:41on the way back.

00:31:43They brought her

00:31:43back to the city.

00:31:45Noelle didn't go

00:31:46back to the villa.

00:31:47Instead,

00:31:48she went straight

00:31:48to the hospital

00:31:49and,

00:31:50with a flashlight,

00:31:51started searching

00:31:52the lawn

00:31:53beneath the inpatient

00:31:54department

00:31:54for the necklace.

00:31:56As time dragged on,

00:31:58she grew more frantic.

00:32:01Tears shimmered

00:32:02in her bloodshot eyes.

00:32:05Who are you?

00:32:06What do you think

00:32:07you're doing?

00:32:08It was a hospital

00:32:09security guard.

00:32:11With his help,

00:32:13she found the cleaner

00:32:14in charge of the lawn.

00:32:16Yeah,

00:32:16I did notice a necklace.

00:32:18I figured nobody

00:32:19wanted it

00:32:20and tossed it

00:32:20into the trash.

00:32:23Which trash can?

00:32:27It's already been cleared

00:32:29and sent to the dump.

00:32:31I'm afraid you won't

00:32:32be able to find it,

00:32:33even if you want it now.

00:32:47Noelle searched the junkyard

00:32:48for an entire day.

00:32:50The moment she found the necklace,

00:32:51the tears she'd been holding back

00:32:53finally fell.

00:32:54But the next second,

00:32:56she realized the pendant was empty.

00:32:58The hair and ashes

00:32:59she'd stored inside

00:33:00were gone.

00:33:01Her head buzzed

00:33:02and she ran for the hospital

00:33:04with the necklace

00:33:04clutched in her hand.

00:33:06Just as she reached

00:33:07the entrance,

00:33:07she ran into Winona,

00:33:09who had been discharged.

00:33:14Which dumpster

00:33:15did this piece of garbage

00:33:17crawl out of?

00:33:19Where are the things

00:33:20that were in my pendant?

00:33:25You mean that filthy stuff.

00:33:27I dumped them in the toilet

00:33:29and flushed them away

00:33:30ages ago.

00:33:32Winona Johnson!

00:33:33Winona staggered backward,

00:33:36touching her cheek.

00:33:37She fell into Chester's arms.

00:33:40You still haven't learned

00:33:42your lesson, Noelle.

00:33:44She flushed my grandma's ashes

00:33:46down the toilet.

00:33:47That's enough.

00:33:50I can't believe you're even

00:33:51cursing your own grandmother

00:33:53to hurt Winona.

00:33:54You make me sick.

00:33:55The next second,

00:33:57he seized her wrist

00:33:58and shoved her hard.

00:34:00The driver of a speeding cab

00:34:02blared the horn,

00:34:03unable to break in time.

00:34:05He slammed into Noelle.

00:34:06She was sent to fly

00:34:07before landing in the flower bed.

00:34:09Agonizing pain

00:34:10tore through her chest.

00:34:12Thick blood spilled

00:34:13from the corner of her mouth.

00:34:15She instinctively looked

00:34:16toward Chester,

00:34:17only to see him shielding Winona

00:34:19with heartache in his eyes.

00:34:20He ushered her

00:34:22into the car

00:34:22Simon had brought around.

00:34:24From beginning to end,

00:34:25he didn't spare Noelle

00:34:26a single glance.

00:34:27She blacked out.

00:34:29Noelle lay in the hospital

00:34:31for two days.

00:34:32Through Winona's

00:34:33social media updates,

00:34:34she saw Chester

00:34:35escorting her

00:34:36to banquets

00:34:37and public events.

00:34:38With the wedding so close,

00:34:40he couldn't hold back anymore.

00:34:41He didn't even bother

00:34:43putting on an act.

00:34:45Noelle made her own

00:34:46preparations

00:34:47for the wedding day.

00:34:49The afternoon

00:34:50before the wedding,

00:34:51Chester came to pick her up

00:34:52from the hospital.

00:34:53He brought her

00:34:53favorite bellflowers.

00:34:55I was too impulsive

00:34:56the other day,

00:34:57so this is my apology.

00:34:58But you need to stop

00:34:59targeting Winona, too.

00:35:01Tomorrow is our wedding.

00:35:02I've prepared a surprise

00:35:03for you.

00:35:07Perfect.

00:35:09I've prepared a surprise

00:35:10for you, too.

00:35:11Chester paused.

00:35:12A flicker of awkwardness

00:35:14flashed in his eyes

00:35:15before he smoothed it over.

00:35:17On the drive back

00:35:18to the villa,

00:35:19the weather turned,

00:35:20and there was

00:35:20a torrential downfall.

00:35:22When thunder cracked,

00:35:23Chester grew restless

00:35:24and on edge.

00:35:26He kept one hand

00:35:27on the wheel

00:35:28while dialing Winona

00:35:29over and over again

00:35:30with the other.

00:35:31The calls went unanswered.

00:35:32He abruptly slammed

00:35:34on the brakes,

00:35:35pulled over,

00:35:36and grabbed an umbrella

00:35:37from the car.

00:35:38He handed it to Noelle.

00:35:40I've got something

00:35:41to deal with.

00:35:42You should grab a cab back.

00:35:44Noelle didn't

00:35:44take the umbrella.

00:35:45She simply gave Chester

00:35:47an unreadable look

00:35:48before stepping out

00:35:48without a backward glance

00:35:49and shutting the door.

00:35:51He hesitated

00:35:52and stared at the umbrella

00:35:53in his hand.

00:35:54An odd feeling

00:35:55flickered through him.

00:35:56But Winona's call

00:35:58came at that moment.

00:35:59She sounded like

00:36:00she was on the verge

00:36:01of tears.

00:36:02Chester,

00:36:03I'm scared.

00:36:04Hurry up

00:36:05and come to me.

00:36:07Chester blanched.

00:36:08His hand moved away

00:36:09from the door handle

00:36:10and he immediately

00:36:11drove off.

00:36:12Noelle stood there,

00:36:14only just realizing

00:36:15that she'd carried

00:36:16the bouquet Chester

00:36:17had given her

00:36:18out of the car.

00:36:19As she watched

00:36:19the taillights vanish

00:36:21into the rain,

00:36:22she set the flowers

00:36:23on a trash can

00:36:23and hailed it out.

00:36:25Back at the villa,

00:36:26she received a message

00:36:27from Chester.

00:36:28I've got some urgent

00:36:29matters to deal with,

00:36:30so I won't be home tonight.

00:36:32She didn't reply.

00:36:33Maybe it was because

00:36:34she'd been in the rain,

00:36:35but she ran a low fever

00:36:36that night,

00:36:37drifting in and out

00:36:38of dreams.

00:36:38One moment,

00:36:40she saw Winona

00:36:41beating her up

00:36:41until she couldn't stand.

00:36:43Then,

00:36:44she pressed a foot

00:36:44to her face

00:36:45to humiliate her.

00:36:46The next moment,

00:36:48she saw Chester

00:36:49soothing her,

00:36:50cooking for her,

00:36:51and watching movies

00:36:52with her.

00:36:53Lastly,

00:36:54she saw the first time

00:36:55they'd slept together

00:36:56and the countless times

00:36:57after.

00:36:58Tears slid

00:36:59from the corners

00:37:00of her eyes.

00:37:01When she woke,

00:37:02her gaze was

00:37:03nothing but ice.

00:37:04It was her

00:37:05and Chester's

00:37:05wedding day,

00:37:06which happened

00:37:07to fall

00:37:07a week after

00:37:08Marie's death.

00:37:09At first light,

00:37:10Noelle took her suitcase

00:37:11to the cemetery.

00:37:13After leaving

00:37:14the gravesite,

00:37:15she grabbed a cab

00:37:16to the hospital

00:37:16to join the group

00:37:17departure.

00:37:19On her way there,

00:37:20she checked her

00:37:21WhatsApp to confirm

00:37:22every detail

00:37:23and contingency

00:37:24for the wedding

00:37:25with the team.

00:37:27Then,

00:37:27she found a live stream

00:37:29channel she'd bookmarked

00:37:30and tapped in.

00:37:31On camera,

00:37:32a glamorous influencer

00:37:33greeted the audience.

00:37:35Hello, everyone.

00:37:36Today,

00:37:37by the bride's invitation,

00:37:39we're attending a wedding

00:37:40and broadcasting it live.

00:37:42Noelle stared

00:37:43at the phone screen,

00:37:44a cold,

00:37:45dark light

00:37:46glinting in her eyes.

00:37:50At the wedding venue,

00:37:52Chester wore

00:37:53a groom's tuxedo

00:37:54while Simon and Winona

00:37:55were dressed

00:37:56as the best man

00:37:57and maid of honor.

00:37:58The ceremony

00:37:58was a simple

00:37:59garden one

00:38:00and the guests

00:38:01were all young,

00:38:02familiar faces.

00:38:03Every guest knew

00:38:04exactly what they

00:38:05were waiting

00:38:06for the show

00:38:06to begin.

00:38:07When the live stream

00:38:08crew walked in,

00:38:09Chester froze for a beat

00:38:10and stepped forward

00:38:11to ask what they

00:38:12were doing there.

00:38:13He frowned

00:38:13when he heard

00:38:14Noelle have hired them.

00:38:15I'm sorry,

00:38:16but it's inconvenient

00:38:17to live stream

00:38:18today's wedding.

00:38:18Please.

00:38:19Before he could finish,

00:38:21Winona came over

00:38:22and tugged on his sleeve.

00:38:23She said sweetly,

00:38:25Chester,

00:38:25since Elle invited them,

00:38:27we should respect

00:38:28her wishes.

00:38:29Hi, everyone.

00:38:30I'm today's maid of honor

00:38:31and a childhood friend

00:38:32of both the groom

00:38:32and his best man.

00:38:34Noelle smiled mockingly

00:38:35as she watched things

00:38:36play out on her phone screen.

00:38:38It was time

00:38:39for the ceremony

00:38:40to start,

00:38:41yet the bride

00:38:42still hadn't arrived.

00:38:44Chester called Noelle

00:38:45again and again,

00:38:46only to be told

00:38:47each time

00:38:48that her phone

00:38:49was powered off.

00:38:50He furrowed his brows

00:38:51and turned to his assistant.

00:38:53Check the hospital.

00:38:54See whether Noelle

00:38:55is with her grandmother.

00:38:56He deliberately

00:38:57left Marie

00:38:58out of the ceremony

00:38:59that day,

00:38:59afraid that she

00:39:00would be upset

00:39:01or aggravated

00:39:02by what was

00:39:03about to happen.

00:39:04As he listened

00:39:05to the cool,

00:39:06robotic voice

00:39:06tell him that

00:39:07Noelle's phone

00:39:08was off,

00:39:09he grew increasingly

00:39:10anxious.

00:39:11Had she found

00:39:11something out?

00:39:12Just then,

00:39:13the massive screen

00:39:14behind them

00:39:15crackled to life

00:39:16with voices.

00:39:17Chester,

00:39:18will Noelle

00:39:18have a meltdown

00:39:19when she finds out

00:39:20I've been pretending

00:39:20to be you

00:39:21and playing her

00:39:21this whole time.

00:39:23Chester's and Simon's

00:39:24faces drained of color.

00:39:26Noelle had found out

00:39:26ahead of time.

00:39:28She'd never imagine

00:39:29Chester having

00:39:29an identical twin.

00:39:30When she finds out

00:39:31he's the one

00:39:32who's been getting

00:39:32into her pants

00:39:33these past three years,

00:39:34as punishment,

00:39:35he'll make her feel

00:39:36on top of the world

00:39:37before dropping her

00:39:38into the abyss.

00:39:39Gotta say that he's

00:39:39put in some serious work

00:39:40to achieve that.

00:39:41Panic surged

00:39:42in both of them.

00:39:43Before they could react,

00:39:45the footage on the screen

00:39:46cut to a new scene.

00:39:47In a bathroom,

00:39:49Winona ordered

00:39:49a group of young women

00:39:50to strip Noelle

00:39:52and press lit cigarettes

00:39:53to her skin

00:39:54one by one

00:39:55to burn her.

00:39:56She also made them

00:39:57slap her across the face

00:39:58before finally shoving

00:39:59her head down

00:40:00into a toilet.

00:40:01The crowd fell silent.

00:40:02Only Noelle's screams

00:40:03echoed through the stillness.

00:40:05On the screen,

00:40:06Winona's flawlessly

00:40:07made-up face

00:40:08twisted with venom

00:40:09and arrogance.

00:40:10Noelle,

00:40:11brother Merck,

00:40:11you've got Merck.

00:40:13Steal my crickets,

00:40:14the cannabis bell.

00:40:15Get on your knees

00:40:16and throw them

00:40:17at my feet now

00:40:18or I'll make the next

00:40:19four years of the fight

00:40:20for the living head.

00:40:21Chester and Simon

00:40:22stood frozen in place

00:40:23as their blood ran cold.

00:40:25One scene after another

00:40:27showed Winona

00:40:27bullying well

00:40:28recessively.

00:40:29The video finally froze

00:40:31on Winona's cruel expression.

00:40:34Only then

00:40:34did the brothers

00:40:35snap to their senses

00:40:36and stiffly turn

00:40:37to look at Winona.

00:40:38She'd been lying

00:40:39to them all along.

00:40:43Winona screamed

00:40:44like she'd lost

00:40:45her mind.

00:40:46Turn it off.

00:40:47Shut it off.

00:40:48Right then,

00:40:49the massive scream

00:40:51started playing

00:40:52the bullying footage again.

00:40:53This time, however,

00:40:55Winona looked younger

00:40:56and the victim

00:40:57was someone else,

00:40:58a girl in a high school uniform.

00:41:00More clips popped up

00:41:01one after another

00:41:02and multiple videos

00:41:04played at once.

00:41:05Aside from Winona's

00:41:06frantic shrieks,

00:41:07there were all

00:41:08kinds of other screams.

00:41:16It was you!

00:41:17You drove my daughter

00:41:18to jump to her death!

00:41:19You destroyed my family

00:41:20and forced us to leave!

00:41:22All the staff

00:41:22who were supposed

00:41:23to be doing their jobs

00:41:24charged out,

00:41:25accusing her

00:41:26of her crimes

00:41:26and beating them.

00:41:27Every single one of them

00:41:28was either a victim

00:41:30or a victim's family.

00:41:32Winona had caused

00:41:33more than one person's death,

00:41:34but whenever these people

00:41:35had tried to ask

00:41:36the internet or the police

00:41:38for help,

00:41:38their efforts had been suppressed

00:41:40almost immediately.

00:41:41The victims had either died

00:41:43or begged for mercy

00:41:44until Winona was satisfied.

00:41:46Then, she'd moved on

00:41:47to the next target.

00:41:49Noelle was her

00:41:49longest-lasting victim.

00:41:51She was also the one

00:41:52Winona hated most.

00:41:53The more Noelle refused to break,

00:41:55the more Winona

00:41:56wanted to destroy her.

00:41:58At first,

00:41:58Noelle had exposed

00:41:59Winona online

00:42:00and tried going to the police,

00:42:02but nothing worked.

00:42:03Later, she'd spent

00:42:04a lot of time

00:42:05gathering evidence

00:42:06of Winona bullying others.

00:42:08She'd put in a lot of effort

00:42:09convincing these people

00:42:10to trust her

00:42:11and hand over their proof.

00:42:12She'd also persuaded them

00:42:14to side with her.

00:42:15Even during the years

00:42:16Winona was abroad,

00:42:17Noelle hadn't given up

00:42:18on her plan for revenge.

00:42:20From the moment

00:42:20she'd overheard the plot

00:42:22against her

00:42:22while standing outside

00:42:23that private room,

00:42:25she'd decided

00:42:25to use this wedding

00:42:26to broadcast

00:42:27Winona's crimes live

00:42:29for everyone to see.

00:42:30Only if there were

00:42:31enough victims,

00:42:32only if public outrage

00:42:33grew big enough,

00:42:34would the Johnsons

00:42:35be unable to smother this.

00:42:37The venue fell into

00:42:38a dead hush,

00:42:39broken only by

00:42:40the victim's family's

00:42:41curses and punches.

00:42:42Chester, save me!

00:42:44Save me!

00:42:44Chester and Simon

00:42:45clenched their fists

00:42:46so tightly

00:42:47their bodies trembled.

00:42:48Their eyes turned

00:42:49bloodshot.

00:42:50The person they'd

00:42:51protected since childhood,

00:42:52someone they thought

00:42:52was gentle and timid,

00:42:54had turned out

00:42:54to be someone like this.

00:42:56For her,

00:42:56they'd set up a trap

00:42:57against Noelle.

00:42:58They'd fancied themselves

00:42:59righteous judges,

00:43:00but they were actually

00:43:01accomplices to evil.

00:43:03They charged ahead

00:43:04and pushed into the crowd.

00:43:06Winona struggled toward them

00:43:07when she saw them.

00:43:08Chester, Simon, save me!

00:43:10But the next second

00:43:11she met their bloodshot eyes

00:43:12that were cold

00:43:13and full of disgust.

00:43:15Chester grabbed her

00:43:16by the collar

00:43:17and hauled her up,

00:43:18his voice shaking

00:43:19with anger and pain

00:43:20as he roared,

00:43:21You've been lying to me

00:43:22all along, Winona.

00:43:23You egged me on

00:43:24to go after Noelle.

00:43:26He thought of all the years

00:43:27of deception

00:43:28and how Noelle

00:43:28already knew the truth.

00:43:30He thought about their

00:43:31confrontation in the hospital.

00:43:32She looked at him

00:43:33with disbelief and pain

00:43:35before the emotions

00:43:36had faded into

00:43:36dead hopelessness.

00:43:37He couldn't stop shaking

00:43:38as panic crawled up his chest.

00:43:40Meanwhile,

00:43:41Simon stood beside him,

00:43:42looking at Winona

00:43:43like he wanted to kill her.

00:43:45I...

00:43:45I didn't.

00:43:47That wretch Noelle

00:43:48set me up.

00:43:49The videos are fake.

00:43:51You're still lying.

00:43:52She reached for him,

00:43:53pleading.

00:43:54She picked on me first.

00:43:55I was just fighting back.

00:43:57Chester,

00:43:58you have to believe me.

00:43:59Simon kicked her square

00:44:00in the chest,

00:44:01sending her flying

00:44:02with a brutal thud.

00:44:03The crowd surged forward

00:44:05again,

00:44:05swarming air

00:44:06and beating her.

00:44:07Stop right there!

00:44:08The police officers

00:44:10still in the garden

00:44:10taking Winona

00:44:11and the victims

00:44:12in her investigation.

00:44:13They collected

00:44:14all the evidence

00:44:14before the news.

00:44:15By then,

00:44:16Noelle had already

00:44:17reached the airport.

00:44:18She exited the live stream

00:44:20and checked the news online.

00:44:21The internet had exploded.

00:44:23There were headlines

00:44:24everywhere about how

00:44:26Winona,

00:44:26the Johnson family's

00:44:28heiress was a bully.

00:44:29Chester and Simon

00:44:31were also being

00:44:32pursed to hell

00:44:33and back

00:44:34for what they'd done.

00:44:35A faint smile

00:44:36tugged at Noelle's lips.

00:44:38She pulled her old phone

00:44:39out of her bag

00:44:40and turned it on.

00:44:41Then,

00:44:42she sent Chester and Simon

00:44:43some photos

00:44:44of her abortion procedure form

00:44:46and the images

00:44:46of the aborted embryo.

00:44:48Then,

00:44:48she removed the SIM card,

00:44:50snapped it in two,

00:44:51and dropped the phone

00:44:52into an airport trash bin.

00:44:55She boarded her flight

00:44:56without another look back.

00:45:00As Winona was dragged

00:45:02past Chester,

00:45:03she fought back

00:45:04and grabbed his sleeve.

00:45:05The next second,

00:45:06she met a pair

00:45:07of bloodshot eyes

00:45:08that blazed with hatred.

00:45:10She froze,

00:45:11and he flung her off roughly.

00:45:13The venue fell silent,

00:45:15leaving only Chester

00:45:15and Simon behind,

00:45:17looking distraught.

00:45:18Chester's assistant,

00:45:19who'd gone to the hospital,

00:45:21returned.

00:45:25Mr. Chester,

00:45:27Ms. Rutherford

00:45:27isn't at the hospital.

00:45:28The nurse said

00:45:29her grandmother

00:45:29passed away a week ago.

00:45:31What?

00:45:32No way.

00:45:34Why didn't she say anything

00:45:36if her grandma died?

00:45:37The time of death

00:45:38was last Friday

00:45:40at 11 p.m.

00:45:41I double-checked.

00:45:43Last Friday,

00:45:44the night of their get-together

00:45:45in that private room,

00:45:46could it be that Noelle

00:45:47had overheard their conversation

00:45:48and chosen not to tell them

00:45:50about Marie's death?

00:45:51Chester suddenly remembered

00:45:52how Winona had taken his phone

00:45:54to check on him

00:45:54when they'd been at the airport.

00:45:56He pulled it out

00:45:57and saw dozens of missed calls

00:45:58wiped from the log,

00:46:00along with deleted text messages.

00:46:02Damn it.

00:46:03He bolted,

00:46:04and Simon hurried after them.

00:46:06They jumped into the car

00:46:08and sped toward the room.

00:46:10No one was there.

00:46:11There was a USB drive

00:46:13on the coffee table,

00:46:14and a note was pinned beneath it.

00:46:16Chester Gray,

00:46:17trusting you so easily

00:46:19is the thing I regret most.

00:46:20Chester's fingers trembled

00:46:22as he held the note,

00:46:23and his eyes reddened

00:46:24in an instant.

00:46:25Simon had already plugged

00:46:27the USB drive

00:46:28into the computer

00:46:29and opened the folder.

00:46:31Inside were three years' worth

00:46:33of evidence

00:46:33of Noelle being bullied.

00:46:35Just then,

00:46:37both their phones

00:46:37pinged at once.

00:46:39They saw the photos

00:46:40of the abortion procedure form,

00:46:42and the images

00:46:43of the aborted embryo

00:46:45that Noelle had sent them.

00:46:46She'd also written a message.

00:46:48As you wished,

00:46:50the baby's been taken care of.

00:46:52Dead silence settled

00:46:53over the room.

00:46:55Noelle had gotten pregnant,

00:46:56and she'd terminated it.

00:46:58Chester and Simon shook

00:46:59as they held their phones.

00:47:01Jealousy and heartbreak

00:47:02tore through Chester,

00:47:03while Simon's eyes

00:47:05filled with tears.

00:47:06That was his baby.

00:47:08He remembered the look

00:47:09in Noelle's eyes

00:47:10when she'd come out

00:47:11of the bathroom that night.

00:47:14Suddenly...

00:47:15I told you to be careful.

00:47:20You're the real culprit here.

00:47:22They grappled

00:47:23and swung at each other,

00:47:25unleashing every ounce

00:47:26of pent-up resentment.

00:47:28Only when the blows

00:47:30landed on their bodies

00:47:31did they dull the guilt

00:47:32and regret

00:47:33that threatened

00:47:33to swallow them whole.

00:47:35They kept fighting

00:47:36until they were covered in bruises

00:47:38and too exhausted

00:47:39to throw another punch.

00:47:40They collapsed on the floor,

00:47:42gasping for breath.

00:47:44After a moment,

00:47:45Chester scrambled to his feet.

00:47:52I'm going to find her.

00:47:54Simon rushed after him.

00:47:56They drove straight

00:47:58to the hospital

00:47:58and made a beeline

00:48:00for the department

00:48:00where Noelle worked.

00:48:02Everyone there

00:48:03had seen the news online.

00:48:04Tanya looked at them,

00:48:07her expression cold

00:48:08and full of contempt.

00:48:12Elle signed up

00:48:12for Doctors Without Borders.

00:48:14She left today.

00:48:15I don't know

00:48:16where exactly she's gone.

00:48:23Chester and Simon

00:48:24could hardly believe

00:48:25their ears.

00:48:26Doctors Without Borders?

00:48:27That's way too dangerous.

00:48:29Has she lost her mind?

00:48:30Chester was equally frantic.

00:48:33He shot Tanya

00:48:34an icy look

00:48:35before turning on

00:48:36his heel and leaving.

00:48:37Check Noelle's flight.

00:48:38I need to know

00:48:39where she went.

00:48:40Now.

00:48:40As soon as he hung up,

00:48:42he got a call

00:48:43from his family.

00:48:44You and Simon

00:48:45are to get the hell

00:48:46back here right now.

00:48:47Stanley Gray

00:48:48and Marjorie White

00:48:49were Chester

00:48:50and Simon's parents.

00:48:52They also had

00:48:52an older brother,

00:48:53Felix Gray.

00:48:54The three of them

00:48:55sat on the couch

00:48:56in the Gray residence

00:48:56and stared down

00:48:57at Chester and Simon.

00:48:59The tension in the room

00:49:00was palpable.

00:49:01Look what you two have done.

00:49:03Gray Corporation's stock

00:49:04is on the verge

00:49:04of a limit down

00:49:05thanks to your stupidity.

00:49:07Have you forgotten

00:49:08your manners?

00:49:08Who gave you permission

00:49:09to treat a young woman

00:49:10like that?

00:49:11Chester, Simon,

00:49:12you went too far.

00:49:13This isn't just

00:49:14a devastating blow

00:49:15to that young woman.

00:49:16It's also a significant hit

00:49:17to Gray Corporation's

00:49:18public image.

00:49:20There's a public outcry

00:49:21against our family now.

00:49:22If we don't handle

00:49:23this properly,

00:49:24our reputation

00:49:24will suffer

00:49:25for a long time.

00:49:26The best move now

00:49:27is to apologize.

00:49:28Make sure it's sincere.

00:49:30You keep apologizing

00:49:31until she forgives you.

00:49:32At the same time,

00:49:33you pin the responsibility

00:49:34on Winona.

00:49:35The Johnsons

00:49:36are already in chaos.

00:49:37Winona isn't getting

00:49:38out of this.

00:49:38He narrowed his eyes

00:49:40dangerously

00:49:41at his brothers.

00:49:42You don't still

00:49:43have feelings for her,

00:49:45do you?

00:49:46Of course not.

00:49:47The thought that

00:49:47she's that vicious

00:49:48and that she's been

00:49:49playing us for years

00:49:50makes me want

00:49:51to wring her neck.

00:49:52We know we messed up.

00:49:53We'll cooperate

00:49:54fully on PR.

00:49:56Good.

00:49:56Our top priority now

00:49:57is earning that

00:49:58young woman's forgiveness.

00:50:00Ideally,

00:50:00get her to issue

00:50:01a joint statement with us.

00:50:02Noelle Rutherford, right?

00:50:04Where is she now?

00:50:05The living room

00:50:05fell silent.

00:50:07After a long beat,

00:50:08Chester slumped

00:50:09and said,

00:50:10She's gone.

00:50:11She joined

00:50:11Doctors Without Borders.

00:50:13We don't know

00:50:13her exact location.

00:50:15Oh?

00:50:15Interesting.

00:50:16She held her ground

00:50:17despite years of bullying

00:50:19and seized the moment

00:50:20to fight back

00:50:20after learning

00:50:21about your stunt.

00:50:22That's impressive.

00:50:23Indeed she is.

00:50:24If you can earn

00:50:25her forgiveness,

00:50:26I'll agree to let her

00:50:27marry into our family.

00:50:28Chester and Simon

00:50:29exchanged a look,

00:50:30both secretly thrilled.

00:50:31That's beside the point now.

00:50:33Even if she isn't here,

00:50:35you still need to apologize.

00:50:37Today,

00:50:38you'll work with PR

00:50:39to record an apology video,

00:50:41then issue a written statement.

00:50:43Once the public outrage dies down

00:50:45and we recoup the losses,

00:50:46whether you chase after her

00:50:48is your business.

00:50:49I won't interfere.

00:50:50I only have one condition.

00:50:51You two can't turn on each other

00:50:53over a woman.

00:50:54Two hours later,

00:50:55Grey Corporation's

00:50:56official apology statement

00:50:58climbed to the top

00:50:59of the trending list

00:51:00thanks to careful orchestration.

00:51:01Elle,

00:51:02I'm truly sorry.

00:51:04After three years together,

00:51:05you've genuinely moved me

00:51:07with all the goodness in you.

00:51:08I hesitated about

00:51:10following through with the plan,

00:51:11but after Winona's

00:51:12endless crying and accusations,

00:51:14I was tricked into believing her

00:51:15and decided to teach you

00:51:17a lesson at the wedding.

00:51:18I know I messed up,

00:51:19and I know you don't want

00:51:20to see me right now,

00:51:22but I'll find you

00:51:23and ask for your forgiveness

00:51:24in person.

00:51:25The public didn't buy it.

00:51:26Most of the online community

00:51:28stayed clear-headed

00:51:29and tore into the Grey Brothers

00:51:30without mercy,

00:51:31seeing the backlash

00:51:32grow stronger.

00:51:33Grey Corporation issued

00:51:35another statement

00:51:36that Chester's and Simon's

00:51:37family shareholding

00:51:38would be reduced,

00:51:39and their rights to inherit

00:51:40executive management

00:51:41were revoked.

00:51:45Late at night,

00:51:46inside a private room

00:51:48at a club,

00:51:48Chester and Simon

00:51:49kept plying themselves

00:51:50with liquor,

00:51:51a pile of empty bottles

00:51:53already lined the table.

00:51:55Their friends,

00:51:55who had once schemed

00:51:57and planned alongside them,

00:51:58sat in a circle around them.

00:52:00However,

00:52:00what had once been

00:52:01a rowdy, lively atmosphere

00:52:03had fallen into dead silence.

00:52:05Chester,

00:52:05stop drinking!

00:52:07Keith Miller

00:52:07snatched the glass

00:52:08from Chester

00:52:09and reached for Simon's next.

00:52:11Things have already

00:52:12turned out this way.

00:52:13Booze won't fix anything.

00:52:15Exactly.

00:52:15Why exactly are you

00:52:16drinking anyway?

00:52:17Is it for your inheritance,

00:52:18Winona, or Noel?

00:52:19Tell us,

00:52:20and we'll help you

00:52:21analyze the situation.

00:52:22Chester,

00:52:23and Simon

00:52:23finally stirred

00:52:24from their drunken state

00:52:25at the mention

00:52:26of Noel's name.

00:52:27Ew.

00:52:28Before Winona's return,

00:52:30his heart

00:52:30had belonged to her.

00:52:32He'd convinced himself

00:52:33that anything with Noel

00:52:34was just an act,

00:52:35no real feelings

00:52:36were involved.

00:52:37Even though he'd always

00:52:38felt weird and off

00:52:39about her intimacy

00:52:40with Simon,

00:52:41he'd never dug into it.

00:52:42Now that Winona's

00:52:43true colors had been exposed,

00:52:44the guilt he felt

00:52:45toward Noel

00:52:46came crashing in,

00:52:47and with it,

00:52:48resentment toward Simon.

00:52:49If he hadn't touched Noel

00:52:50and gotten her pregnant,

00:52:51maybe none of this

00:52:52would have happened.

00:52:55You jerk!

00:52:56Who said you could touch her?

00:52:58Who allowed you to touch her?

00:52:59She's mine!

00:53:00Fueled by alcohol,

00:53:02he let loose the jealousy

00:53:03and frustration

00:53:04he'd buried for years.

00:53:05Did he love Noel?

00:53:07He didn't know.

00:53:07All he knew was that

00:53:08with the truth out,

00:53:09she seemed more perfect

00:53:10and precious than ever.

00:53:12Simon fought back

00:53:13without mercy.

00:53:14Yours?

00:53:14You're the one who said

00:53:15you only loved

00:53:16Winona, Chester.

00:53:17You handed Noel over to me.

00:53:19She was mine

00:53:19for the past three years.

00:53:21Who the hell

00:53:21do you think you are?

00:53:22He was losing it too.

00:53:24Every time he thought

00:53:25about Noel's pale face

00:53:26and dead eyes

00:53:27when she'd walked out

00:53:28of the bathroom that night,

00:53:29his heart twisted

00:53:30like a knife

00:53:31was lodged in it.

00:53:32She really had been.

00:53:34She'd carried his child.

00:53:36She must have heard him

00:53:36say he wanted it gone.

00:53:38That was why she'd made

00:53:39the ruthless choice

00:53:40to terminate her own pregnancy.

00:53:42Simon had lied last week

00:53:43in the private room.

00:53:44He wasn't sick

00:53:45of sleeping with her at all.

00:53:47He just hadn't understood

00:53:48how he'd felt about her.

00:53:50He'd pegged her

00:53:50as malicious and cruel

00:53:52and because of that,

00:53:53he'd hurt her again and again.

00:53:55But now,

00:53:55he knew how catastrophically

00:53:57wrong he'd been.

00:53:58She had to despise them both.

00:54:00After all the disgusting

00:54:01and vile things she'd heard

00:54:02and the hurt she'd suffered,

00:54:04there was no way

00:54:04she'd forgive them.

00:54:06Chester and Simon

00:54:06brawled like madmen

00:54:08as they saw red.

00:54:09No one could hold them back.

00:54:10No matter how hard they tried.

00:54:13I'm the one she loves, Simon.

00:54:15I'm the one she was going to marry.

00:54:17Who do you think you are?

00:54:18Thinking about

00:54:19Simon's entanglement with Noelle,

00:54:21Chester grabbed a bottle

00:54:22from the table

00:54:23and smashed it hard

00:54:24on Simon's head.

00:54:25As the glass exploded,

00:54:27Simon grabbed another bottle

00:54:29and cracked it against

00:54:30Chester's skull in return.

00:54:32The room fell into

00:54:33a deathly silence.

00:54:34A beat later,

00:54:36blood streamed down

00:54:37both their foreheads

00:54:38and they collapsed

00:54:39in a heap.

00:54:48Chester and Simon

00:54:49found themselves

00:54:50in the hospital

00:54:51when they woke up.

00:54:53Why are you here?

00:54:55Chester,

00:54:56what is your apology statement

00:54:58supposed to mean?

00:55:00Didn't you say

00:55:00you've always loved me?

00:55:02We grew up together

00:55:03and I have no idea

00:55:04when you became like this.

00:55:06Or maybe you were

00:55:07always like this

00:55:08and you've been wearing

00:55:09a mask all along.

00:55:11Every extra second

00:55:13that I look at you

00:55:13now makes my skin crawl.

00:55:16Chester,

00:55:17how can you say that?

00:55:18I'm pregnant

00:55:19with your child.

00:55:21I was just bailed out.

00:55:23What did you say?

00:55:25When did we even...

00:55:27Remembering the trip

00:55:29he'd made a month ago

00:55:30to see her.

00:55:31He'd had too much to drink

00:55:32and had woken up

00:55:34to find them

00:55:34in the same bed.

00:55:35He couldn't remember

00:55:37whether anything

00:55:37actually happened

00:55:38and Winona had been

00:55:39coy, shy,

00:55:41and evasive.

00:55:42You remember,

00:55:43don't you?

00:55:44This is a grey

00:55:45family descendant.

00:55:46Chester,

00:55:47you have to take

00:55:48full responsibility.

00:55:49Chester pulled out

00:55:50a thick stack

00:55:51of documents

00:55:51and tossed them

00:55:52in her face.

00:55:53Right on top

00:55:54were photos of her

00:55:55with different men

00:55:56at different times.

00:55:58I've already looked

00:55:58into your years abroad.

00:56:00You're a hell

00:56:00of an actress,

00:56:01you know.

00:56:02Now that the Johnson

00:56:03family is on its way

00:56:04to ruin,

00:56:04you want to latch

00:56:05onto me

00:56:06and make me

00:56:07raise your child

00:56:08with another man.

00:56:09Do you really

00:56:09take me for an idiot?

00:56:11Winona's face

00:56:12turned ashen

00:56:13as she stared

00:56:13down at the papers.

00:56:15She shot to her feet,

00:56:17wanting to leave

00:56:17the room.

00:56:18However,

00:56:19Simon came in

00:56:20just then

00:56:21and clamped

00:56:21his fingers

00:56:22around her throat.

00:56:23He dragged her

00:56:24to the window

00:56:25in a brutal yank.

00:56:26You flushed

00:56:27Elle's grandmother's

00:56:28ashes down the toilet,

00:56:29then threw her

00:56:30necklace out the window

00:56:30and framed her

00:56:31for pushing you.

00:56:33That's enough.

00:56:34Or do you want

00:56:35to go to prison

00:56:35over her?

00:56:36Simon shot him

00:56:37a resentful look.

00:56:39Then,

00:56:39he lifted Winona

00:56:41and flung her aside.

00:56:43My baby,

00:56:45save my baby.

00:56:49This is your

00:56:50retribution,

00:56:50Winona.

00:56:51After Chester

00:56:52and Simon

00:56:53were discharged,

00:56:54they returned

00:56:55to the villa

00:56:55where Noelle

00:56:56had lived.

00:56:57The place

00:56:57still looked

00:56:58the same as before,

00:56:59but everything

00:57:00that belonged

00:57:00to her

00:57:01had vanished.

00:57:02None of her clothes

00:57:03were left

00:57:04in the closet

00:57:04and the gifts

00:57:05she'd given them

00:57:06had been cleared

00:57:07out completely,

00:57:08not even leaving

00:57:09a trace.

00:57:10The gifts

00:57:11they had given

00:57:11her, though,

00:57:12were still there.

00:57:14This was how

00:57:15she declared

00:57:15her resolve

00:57:16to sever herself

00:57:17from them.

00:57:18A memory of Noelle

00:57:19curled up in his arms

00:57:20with her arms

00:57:21around his waist

00:57:22appeared in his

00:57:22mind's eye.

00:57:23He really did

00:57:24like her.

00:57:26It was in that

00:57:27instant

00:57:27that Chester

00:57:28finally realized

00:57:30how he truly felt.

00:57:32When he was

00:57:33with Winona,

00:57:33he had to plan

00:57:34a lot.

00:57:35He needed to line

00:57:36up activities

00:57:37and prepare surprises

00:57:39just to feel

00:57:40like there really

00:57:40was anything

00:57:41between them.

00:57:42But when he was

00:57:43with Noelle,

00:57:44he didn't need

00:57:45any of that.

00:57:46He could just

00:57:47relax and lounge.

00:57:49It had calmed him,

00:57:50mind and soul.

00:57:52By the time

00:57:53he realized it,

00:57:54it was too late.

00:57:55On the other hand,

00:57:57Simon sat on the stool

00:57:58at the vanity,

00:57:59absently rubbing

00:58:00an empty photo frame.

00:58:02There used to be

00:58:03a picture in it,

00:58:04Noelle,

00:58:04in a nightgown

00:58:05with her long hair

00:58:06loose as she sat

00:58:07reading by the bay window.

00:58:09The morning light

00:58:10had been perfect

00:58:11that day.

00:58:11He'd shot the photo,

00:58:13had it printed,

00:58:14and kept it

00:58:14on the vanity

00:58:15ever since.

00:58:17Simon,

00:58:18when we find out,

00:58:20let's compete fairly.

00:58:21What's past

00:58:21is past.

00:58:22Let's start over.

00:58:23Simon was silent

00:58:25for a long time

00:58:26before answering

00:58:27raspally.

00:58:28Okay,

00:58:29we start over.

00:58:30We compete fairly.

00:58:34It had been half a month

00:58:36since Noelle's arrival

00:58:37at the war zone.

00:58:38Aside from the panic

00:58:39and confusion

00:58:40on the first day,

00:58:41she'd adapted quickly

00:58:42to life there.

00:58:43Every day,

00:58:43she treated countless wounded.

00:58:46People were injured

00:58:47from blades,

00:58:48stray bullets,

00:58:49and explosions.

00:58:50Some died the moment

00:58:51they reached the hospital,

00:58:52and most of those

00:58:53who survived

00:58:54would still face life

00:58:55with missing limbs.

00:58:56Here,

00:58:57she had no time

00:58:58to dwell on the bullying,

00:58:59the deceit,

00:59:00and the manipulation

00:59:00she'd suffered in her past.

00:59:02She didn't even have time

00:59:03to unlock her phone

00:59:04and check what was happening

00:59:05back home.

00:59:06In the face of so much death,

00:59:08the pain that once cut

00:59:09to the bone

00:59:09felt insignificant.

00:59:11To be alive

00:59:12and with all four limbs

00:59:13of trapped

00:59:13already without a nurse.

00:59:15The following day,

00:59:16the war alarm blared

00:59:17outside the hospital.

00:59:18A civilian neighborhood

00:59:19had been locked.

00:59:20The wounded were beyond

00:59:21captive,

00:59:22and they needed

00:59:22a new first place.

00:59:23Noelle signed up immediately

00:59:24and went out

00:59:25with a medical team.

00:59:26What caught Noelle's eye

00:59:27most were a few

00:59:28flashes of bullying.

00:59:29They belonged

00:59:30to a peacekeeping unit

00:59:31from Kadia.

00:59:32They were also

00:59:32assisting in the rescue.

00:59:34She merely glanced

00:59:34at them once

00:59:35before focusing

00:59:36fully on treating

00:59:37the injured.

00:59:38Gunpars sounded

00:59:39in the distance

00:59:39with help fast,

00:59:40and shells fell

00:59:41from the sky

00:59:42from time to time.

00:59:43As they worked,

00:59:44they had to stay alert,

00:59:45ready to duck

00:59:45for cover at any moment.

00:59:47Suddenly,

00:59:47a shell landed

00:59:48not far from Noelle.

00:59:50She instinctively

00:59:50scooped up the child

00:59:52as she was trained.

00:59:53An instant later,

00:59:53the blast wave

00:59:54threw her off her feet.

00:59:55She rolled twice

00:59:56on the ground.

00:59:57Thankfully,

00:59:57she suffered

00:59:58only scrapes

00:59:59along her arm.

01:00:00Before she could

01:00:01apply the medicine,

01:00:02a stray bullet

01:00:03whistled from afar

01:00:04and hurtled

01:00:05straight toward her.

01:00:06At the last possible

01:00:07moment,

01:00:07a tall figure

01:00:08sprinted at her

01:00:09and dove,

01:00:10knocking her down.

01:00:11He was from

01:00:12Kadia's peacekeeping force.

01:00:14As she looked at him,

01:00:15he did the same.

01:00:16Their eyes met

01:00:17and they both froze.

01:00:18It's you?

01:00:19The man who saved Noelle

01:00:20was the same one

01:00:21who'd driven her

01:00:22to see Marie

01:00:22one last time.

01:00:23Even though it had been

01:00:24raining cats and dogs

01:00:25that night,

01:00:26he'd rolled down

01:00:27his window

01:00:27to ask whether

01:00:28she was okay.

01:00:29Out of gratitude,

01:00:30Noelle had etched

01:00:31his strong,

01:00:32rugged face

01:00:32into her memory.

01:00:33She'd also left

01:00:34all the cash in her bag

01:00:35on his seat

01:00:36before getting out.

01:00:37Hi,

01:00:37I'm Gideon Quill.

01:00:39Hi,

01:00:39I'm Noelle Rutherford.

01:00:40Thanks for saving me.

01:00:41We actually met

01:00:42back in Kadia.

01:00:43You drove me

01:00:44to the hospital.

01:00:45Do you remember?

01:00:46I do.

01:00:47I didn't think

01:00:47we would cross paths again.

01:00:49He remembered Noelle

01:00:50vividly.

01:00:51He'd been on leave

01:00:52when he saw someone

01:00:53frantically trying

01:00:53to flag down a car

01:00:54by the side of the road.

01:00:56She'd been a mess

01:00:56soaked,

01:00:57desperate,

01:00:58and right on the edge

01:00:58of breaking down.

01:00:59He'd taken her

01:01:00straight to the hospital,

01:01:01never expecting

01:01:02that she would leave

01:01:03a wad of cash

01:01:03behind in his car.

01:01:05Take care of yourself,

01:01:07he quickly added.

01:01:08Then,

01:01:08he went back

01:01:09to his mission.

01:01:10Noelle pulled her gaze

01:01:11away and returned

01:01:12to saving lives.

01:01:13As she worked,

01:01:14a cheer rose

01:01:15at the hospital's entrance.

01:01:16She vaguely heard

01:01:17that there was a convoy

01:01:18delivering medical supplies.

01:01:19Noelle ran out as well.

01:01:20She needed antibiotics.

01:01:22She pushed into the crowd

01:01:23just as a man

01:01:24jumped down

01:01:24from the back of a truck.

01:01:25She only saw his back,

01:01:26but something about him

01:01:27felt familiar.

01:01:28No way.

01:01:29She shut the thought down.

01:01:30There was no way

01:01:31he would be here.

01:01:31But then the man turned

01:01:32and lifted another person

01:01:34down from the truck.

01:01:35As he turned,

01:01:36his features came

01:01:36into sharp focus.

01:01:38Noelle's eyes widened

01:01:39and she froze

01:01:40where she stood.

01:01:41Standing before her

01:01:42were Chester and Simon.

01:01:47A slightly hoarse voice

01:01:49pulled Noelle

01:01:50out of her reverie.

01:01:51Chester stood beside her.

01:01:54Elle,

01:01:54we came to Arbery

01:01:55just to look for you.

01:01:57We still owe you

01:01:58a proper apology.

01:01:59I'm sorry, Elle.

01:02:01Truly, I am.

01:02:02We only found out

01:02:04at the wedding

01:02:04that Winona

01:02:05was the one

01:02:06who bullied you.

01:02:07We were all deceived

01:02:08by her.

01:02:09We...

01:02:09Chester,

01:02:10the night Grandma passed,

01:02:12she wanted to see you

01:02:13one last time.

01:02:14I once thought

01:02:15that if you showed up

01:02:16and let her go in peace,

01:02:18then I could forgive everything.

01:02:20But where were you then?

01:02:25I...

01:02:26It was Winona.

01:02:28She took my phone.

01:02:29She deleted your messages

01:02:30to me

01:02:31and I didn't get your calls.

01:02:32If I'd known

01:02:33about Marie's condition,

01:02:34I would have rushed over.

01:02:35No,

01:02:36you wouldn't have.

01:02:37You would have chosen Winona.

01:02:40That's why

01:02:40I won't ever forgive you.

01:02:42Elle,

01:02:43don't treat me like this.

01:02:45I do care about you.

01:02:48Those three years

01:02:49weren't all an act.

01:02:51I genuinely love you.

01:02:53I only realized it

01:02:54after you left.

01:02:55I just made some mistakes.

01:02:57I...

01:02:58He abruptly stopped talking

01:02:59when he saw

01:03:00the cool indifference

01:03:01and mockery

01:03:02in Noelle's eyes.

01:03:04He had never imagined

01:03:06that those bright eyes

01:03:07could hold emotions

01:03:08like that.

01:03:09My rest time

01:03:11is precious

01:03:12and you're interrupting it.

01:03:14Chester felt like

01:03:14something was lodged

01:03:16in his throat.

01:03:17It felt so sore

01:03:18that he couldn't get

01:03:19any words out.

01:03:20After a long moment,

01:03:22he managed to squeeze out...

01:03:24Ellie,

01:03:25I'm sorry.

01:03:26Then,

01:03:27he fled.

01:03:29Chester had just left

01:03:31when Simon stepped out

01:03:32from the shadows

01:03:33behind the tent.

01:03:34He stopped

01:03:35in front of Noelle.

01:03:38Elle,

01:03:38I'm sorry.

01:03:40Got it.

01:03:41Please leave.

01:03:43No,

01:03:44you don't get it.

01:03:45Noelle,

01:03:47I've always liked you.

01:03:48I fell for you

01:03:49the moment I met you.

01:03:51But you were already

01:03:52Chester's girlfriend

01:03:53then,

01:03:53and I...

01:03:54So,

01:03:55you pretended to be Chester

01:03:57and slept with me?

01:03:59You toyed with me

01:04:00and hurt me?

01:04:01Is that it?

01:04:03Is that what you call

01:04:05liking someone?

01:04:06No,

01:04:07I...

01:04:07Simon faltered.

01:04:09He pressed his lips together,

01:04:10not knowing how

01:04:11to defend himself.

01:04:13He had no defense.

01:04:15I just...

01:04:17I kept suppressing

01:04:18what I really felt.

01:04:20I kept lying to myself.

01:04:23Each time we slept together,

01:04:24I kept wondering

01:04:25who you thought I was.

01:04:27I...

01:04:27I thought you were

01:04:29Chester each time,

01:04:30Simon.

01:04:30Because to me,

01:04:31it's only ever been Chester.

01:04:35Who do you think you are?

01:04:37You're just the younger brother

01:04:38who came back

01:04:39from studying abroad

01:04:40a week before my wedding,

01:04:42aren't you?

01:04:43L.

01:04:43I...

01:04:44Get lost.

01:04:45Save your fake apologies.

01:04:46I don't want them.

01:04:49Simon left.

01:04:51Noelle didn't linger.

01:04:53She got up

01:04:54and returned to her dorm.

01:04:56That night,

01:04:58Chester and Simon

01:04:58didn't sleep at all.

01:05:00Noelle's attitude

01:05:01left them feeling lost.

01:05:03For the first time,

01:05:05they felt there was

01:05:05no way to win her back.

01:05:08Noelle's mood dipped

01:05:09for a moment,

01:05:10but bone-deep exhaustion

01:05:12had her asleep

01:05:13the second her head

01:05:14hit the pillow.

01:05:15She thought Chester

01:05:17and Simon

01:05:17would soon leave,

01:05:18but to her surprise,

01:05:20they stayed

01:05:21and helped

01:05:22at the hospital.

01:05:23They carried supplies,

01:05:24lifted patients,

01:05:26soothed the injured.

01:05:27They did whatever

01:05:29they could.

01:05:31Noelle's stance

01:05:32remained crystal clear.

01:05:34No matter what

01:05:35they said or did,

01:05:36she wanted

01:05:37no more ties

01:05:38with them at all.

01:05:42A year later,

01:05:44a plane touched down

01:05:45on Justin Cartier.

01:05:46A woman with short hair,

01:05:48a lean frame,

01:05:49and sun-tanned skin

01:05:50strode out of the airport.

01:05:51She walked with purpose

01:05:53and her eyes sparkled.

01:05:54It was Noelle.

01:05:55Her one-year contract

01:05:56with Doctors Without Borders

01:05:58was over,

01:05:58and she was back.

01:06:00Chester and Simon

01:06:00trailed not far behind her.

01:06:02They'd also changed

01:06:02compared to a year ago.

01:06:04After witnessing life,

01:06:05death,

01:06:05and faith up close,

01:06:06they'd found their own

01:06:07direction and goals.

01:06:08The one thing

01:06:08that hadn't changed

01:06:09was their love for Noelle.

01:06:11Even though she'd treated

01:06:12them like strangers

01:06:13for the past year,

01:06:14she was even more

01:06:15distant with them

01:06:15than she was

01:06:16with her co-workers.

01:06:17Their respect for her

01:06:18had only deepened,

01:06:19as had their love.

01:06:20The Grey family

01:06:21had pushed them

01:06:22countless times

01:06:22to come home

01:06:23in the past year,

01:06:24but they'd chosen

01:06:24to stay by Noelle's side,

01:06:26guarding a hopeless love.

01:06:27Noelle booked a hotel room,

01:06:29then went straight

01:06:29to Marie's grave.

01:06:30She bought flowers,

01:06:32a drink,

01:06:32and all sorts of treats.

01:06:34She stood before the tombstone

01:06:36and told Marie

01:06:37about what she'd experienced.

01:06:38Grandma,

01:06:39I finally did

01:06:40what I've always wanted to do.

01:06:41I'm doing well now.

01:06:43My heart feels full.

01:06:44I've found the courage

01:06:45to face anything,

01:06:47and I finally understand

01:06:48what you meant

01:06:49when you said

01:06:50that all suffering

01:06:51is temporary.

01:06:52I promise I'll find happiness,

01:06:54so don't worry about me.

01:06:56She stayed until dusk

01:06:57before leaving the cemetery

01:06:58and catching a cab

01:07:00back to the hotel.

01:07:01She went to the hospital.

01:07:02When Tanya saw her again,

01:07:03she smiled with relief,

01:07:05and her eyes reddened slightly.

01:07:07She patted Noelle's shoulder.

01:07:08It's good that you're back.

01:07:09We've all been waiting for you.

01:07:11I'll give you a week

01:07:12to rest up

01:07:12before coming back to work.

01:07:14As Noelle turned to leave,

01:07:15she saw her colleagues

01:07:16gathered at the doorway,

01:07:18beaming at her.

01:07:19A few of her closest co-workers

01:07:20had tears glimmering

01:07:22in their eyes.

01:07:24They rushed forward

01:07:25and hugged her tightly.

01:07:26Elle,

01:07:27we were so worried about you.

01:07:29Warmth bloomed in Noelle's chest,

01:07:31and she gave them

01:07:32a genuine smile.

01:07:33She picked up her luggage

01:07:34from the hotel

01:07:35and headed home.

01:07:36It was a two-bedroom apartment

01:07:37in an old complex.

01:07:38It was small,

01:07:39but it was where Marie

01:07:40had lived for decades.

01:07:41She put her things

01:07:42back in her room

01:07:43and started cleaning the place,

01:07:44working straight through

01:07:45until evening.

01:07:46Then,

01:07:46she drove to the supermarket

01:07:47to stock up.

01:07:48The kitchen was bare,

01:07:49so she filled an entire shopping cart

01:07:51with groceries.

01:07:52It was piled so high

01:07:54that her view was blocked

01:07:55when she lifted everything

01:07:56into her arms.

01:07:57Just as she reached the entrance,

01:07:59an unruly kid came barreling out

01:08:01and slammed into her.

01:08:03Everything in her arms

01:08:04crashed to the ground,

01:08:05and she lost her balance.

01:08:06She toppled toward the floor.

01:08:10A warm, strong hand

01:08:12grabbed Noelle's arm

01:08:14and pulled her back.

01:08:15You okay?

01:08:16The voice was familiar.

01:08:18Noelle's head snapped up,

01:08:19and she met a pair

01:08:20of twinkling eyes.

01:08:22Gideon?

01:08:22You're back too.

01:08:24She broke into a genuine smile,

01:08:26feeling pleasantly surprised.

01:08:27She and Gideon had crossed paths

01:08:29plenty over the past year

01:08:31in Arbery.

01:08:32They'd grown much closer.

01:08:33Yeah.

01:08:34The peacekeeping mission

01:08:35was for a year,

01:08:36and I'm done now.

01:08:37I'll be based in Justin

01:08:38from now on.

01:08:39What about you?

01:08:39I'm heading back to work

01:08:40at Justin Prime Hospital.

01:08:42Noelle gathered the things.

01:08:43She was about to scoop them up

01:08:45when Gideon got everything.

01:08:47He said,

01:08:47I've got this.

01:08:49You lead the way.

01:08:50After they put everything away,

01:08:52she offered,

01:08:53let me treat you to a meal.

01:08:55He didn't object,

01:08:56and they settled on a restaurant

01:08:58after a quick discussion.

01:08:59Though they'd known each other

01:09:00for a year,

01:09:01this was their first proper meal together.

01:09:03The conversation started with Arbery,

01:09:05and there was never an awkward lull.

01:09:08As they delved deeper,

01:09:09the atmosphere grew more comfortable.

01:09:11Dinner ended on a high note,

01:09:12and they parted ways to head home.

01:09:14On the way back,

01:09:15Gideon couldn't keep the smile

01:09:16off his face.

01:09:17As for Noelle,

01:09:18the loneliness she'd been carrying

01:09:20seemed to have been swept away,

01:09:22at least a little.

01:09:23The next day,

01:09:24Noelle went back to her old high school

01:09:26and visited her homeroom teacher.

01:09:28When work came up,

01:09:29she talked about her year away.

01:09:31No sooner had the words left her mouth

01:09:32than a familiar voice rang out from the left.

01:09:35Miss Burton,

01:09:36long time no see.

01:09:38Noelle turned,

01:09:39and there was Gideon,

01:09:41standing not far away.

01:09:42He wore the same surprised expression she had.

01:09:45After that day,

01:09:46they started talking more often.

01:09:48There was an unspoken intimacy between them.

01:09:51Three days later,

01:09:52Noelle returned to the hospital for work,

01:09:54and Gideon's break ended.

01:09:56Dr. Rutherfield,

01:09:57someone sent you flowers.

01:09:59The front desk nurse came bustling over

01:10:01with a massive bouquet of roses.

01:10:03Noelle's first thought was Gideon,

01:10:05but her expression cooled

01:10:06when she saw the card that came with the bouquet.

01:10:09It was from Chester.

01:10:10Before she could say anything,

01:10:12another nurse came over with a second bouquet.

01:10:14This one was from Simon.

01:10:16Her irritation welled up,

01:10:18and she pressed her lips together.

01:10:21Throw them out.

01:10:22Every day after that,

01:10:23Chester and Simon sent flowers to the hospital.

01:10:25They never showed up in person,

01:10:27but their presence was loud enough to be exhausting.

01:10:30On her 27th birthday,

01:10:32as Noelle stepped out of the hospital,

01:10:34Chester and Simon walked to her with flowers and gifts.

01:10:37Elle, happy birthday.

01:10:39Chester, Simon,

01:10:40stop sending me flowers,

01:10:42and stop harassing me.

01:10:44Elle, can you at least give me a chance to pursue you?

01:10:49Elle, I want to start over with you.

01:10:51I've made myself perfectly clear.

01:10:53Keep this up, and I'll...

01:10:55Go to hell, you bitch!

01:10:57A kitchen knife came hurtling toward Noelle from the left.

01:10:59Across from her,

01:11:00Chester's and Simon's eyes bulged in terror

01:11:03as they lunged toward her.

01:11:04Elle!

01:11:05At the same time,

01:11:06Gideon, who'd just arrived at the hospital,

01:11:08pushed through the crowd and charged toward her.

01:11:14Noelle reacted fast.

01:11:15The moment she heard Winona's voice,

01:11:17she saw the flash of silver that flickered to her left.

01:11:20She stepped back and leaned away,

01:11:22narrowly dodging the kitchen knife.

01:11:24Having missed on the first swing,

01:11:25Winona quickly raised the knife and went for a second.

01:11:27That was when Simon rushed forward.

01:11:29As the blade came down,

01:11:30he yanked Noelle toward him and turned,

01:11:33shielding her with his body.

01:11:34In an instant,

01:11:35the knife sliced open the flesh on his back.

01:11:37Chester lunged to grab Winona.

01:11:39You should go to hell, too!

01:11:40When she saw him,

01:11:41she didn't hesitate.

01:11:42She could have leveraged her pregnancy

01:11:44to get a one-year bail,

01:11:45during which her family would have pulled strings

01:11:47to work something out.

01:11:48But Chester and Simon had made her miscarry,

01:11:50forcing her to serve time.

01:11:52For a whole year,

01:11:53once word of her crimes got around,

01:11:55the other inmates had tormented her relentlessly.

01:11:58Everyone had targeted her,

01:11:59making her life a living hell.

01:12:01When a hand clamped around her wrist,

01:12:03the knife was ripped away in a heartbeat.

01:12:04Then, a powerful force slammed her to the ground,

01:12:08twisting her arms behind her.

01:12:14Gideon had arrived.

01:12:15The crowd had scattered.

01:12:16Medical staff burst out with gurneys

01:12:18and rushed Chester and Simon inside.

01:12:20Neither had passed out.

01:12:21As they were lifted onto the beds,

01:12:23they kept their eyes locked on Noelle.

01:12:25They were desperate to catch a flicker of mercy,

01:12:28any sign of her softening,

01:12:29or even heartache for them.

01:12:31But there was nothing.

01:12:32Noelle looked at Gideon

01:12:33and walked straight to him without a backward glance.

01:12:36Are you okay?

01:12:38Yeah.

01:12:40Thank God you're fine.

01:12:41I was worried about you, Elle.

01:12:43Noelle was taken aback.

01:12:45Then, her eyes prickled.

01:12:47She raised her arms and wrapped them around him.

01:12:49Gideon accompanied Noelle to the police station

01:12:51to have her statement taken.

01:12:53His eyes reddened from heartache

01:12:54when he learned about how she'd been bullied.

01:12:56It was past 8 p.m.

01:12:58when they stepped out of the police station.

01:13:00He took her to a popular restaurant

01:13:01that was surprisingly empty.

01:13:03It was decorated with flowers and balloons,

01:13:06and a formally dressed pianist played for them.

01:13:09Noelle's heart raced when she saw all of this.

01:13:12After dinner,

01:13:12Gideon took out a bracelet and officially confessed.

01:13:15Elle,

01:13:15I started developing feelings for you

01:13:18when we were in Arbery.

01:13:19Spending time together since we both got back

01:13:22has only made me more certain

01:13:23that you're the partner I've been searching for.

01:13:26Noelle, I really like you.

01:13:28Will you be my girlfriend with marriage as our endgame?

01:13:30Noelle smiled.

01:13:32I will.

01:13:32He clasped the bracelet,

01:13:34glittering with pave diamonds around her wrist.

01:13:38With it, he also clasped her heart.

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