- 6 minutes ago
Hot drama 2026
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00:20Lawrence, I have something to tell you.
00:45Something important.
00:47What's more important than what I want to do now?
00:50I...
00:53Got any news?
00:54Yes, we found her.
00:55Where is she?
00:57Are you sure it's her?
00:58It's confirmed.
00:59I've sent the material to your email.
01:01I'm on my way.
01:05Who is she?
01:06Where are you going?
01:08Our deal is over.
01:09Fill in any amount on the check on the table and move out by tomorrow.
01:13You think I'm only after your money?
01:15So we are only bound by the contract, huh?
01:19Fine.
01:22I don't want your money.
01:24I'm pregnant and it's yours.
01:27You know the agreement.
01:30Take your medication on time.
01:32Don't worry.
01:33I won't disturb your wedding.
01:39Why do you feel heartbroken?
01:41Why do you feel heartbroken?
01:52Is it you?
01:58Mrs. Veronica, if you don't pay the hospital fees, we'll have to discharge your mother.
02:02I know.
02:03I get it.
02:03I'll get the money soon.
02:09Dad, about my mom's medical expense.
02:16Those seem like my shoes.
02:19Mr. Roy, you're right.
02:21It's my daughter who saved you.
02:23This is my daughter.
02:30Listen, we have guests now.
02:32If you still want money, keep your mouth shut and go back to your room.
02:39Who's that?
02:40She sounds familiar.
02:42Sorry, Mr. Roy.
02:43It's just a servant's child.
02:44Let's continue.
02:45Miss, are these shoes yours?
02:47Yes, Mr. Roy.
02:49I'm Elena.
02:49These are the shoes I lost when I saved you.
02:51Did you get hurt when you saved me?
02:56I remember that on your call of a tone, there's a...
02:59Oh, right.
02:59There's a birthmark on her call of a tone.
03:01Yes, but you're not asking to see it now, right?
03:05I won't be so rude.
03:06Thank you for saving my life.
03:08Please tell me what do you want.
03:09I'll make it happen.
03:11You're too nice.
03:12I don't really need anything.
03:13Please, give me a chance to thank you properly.
03:16Then...
03:18Marry me.
03:19That figure seemed familiar.
03:28Aren't those shoes the ones I lost five years ago?
03:31We found some old stuff in the storage room.
03:34Who cares whose they are?
03:35Anyway, let me tell you some good news.
03:37Your sister is getting married soon.
03:39That's right.
03:40My dear sister, be my bridesmaid.
03:43Congratulations, Elena.
03:45Oh, sister, are you back this time?
03:47To jay money for your mom's trialed?
03:49Don't feel embarrassed.
03:52Here.
03:53Take it.
03:57I'm throwing an engagement party here tonight.
04:00Dance for us.
04:01And the money is yours.
04:02All right.
04:03What time is it?
04:05Eight sharp.
04:06Oh, besides, my fiancé will be here.
04:08Looking forward to it.
04:10She doesn't know who Lawrence is, right?
04:13It doesn't matter.
04:16I have the shoes.
04:20He'll believe me.
04:28I heard Elena's sister is performing tonight.
04:31Exotic dancer.
04:37Veronica, come and meet my fiancé.
04:40This is my fiancé, Mr. Lawrence Roy.
04:47Darling, this is tonight's surprise.
04:50Veronica.
04:53It's a pleasure to meet you.
04:55A pleasure to meet you?
04:58I've heard so much about you.
05:01Mr. Roy.
05:04Wait, these shoes are filthy.
05:07They'll ruin my father's marble floor.
05:09Without the ballet shoes, I can't dance.
05:12True artists don't need fancy tools.
05:22Think about your mother's medical fee.
05:25Dance.
05:25Or piss off.
05:28Fine.
05:28Stop wasting time.
05:31Dance.
05:51Enough, Veronica.
05:56I said enough.
05:58Are you trying to ruin my banquet?
06:01Why bother?
06:27Why are you dancing ballet here?
06:29I'm a ballet dancer.
06:30I only dance ballet.
06:33Don't work here.
06:35From now on, you'll dance only for me.
06:38How silly of me.
06:41To think he would do the same.
06:51What are you doing here?
06:54You've ruined my engagement party!
06:57I danced.
06:58Give me the money.
07:00Money?
07:01After you ruined everything and totally embarrassed me?
07:05Your mom should have died long ago.
07:07You two deserve to go to hell.
07:22Mom, I'm sorry.
07:24Mom, I'm sorry.
07:24I fucked up again.
07:26And I didn't get the money.
07:28Mom, I'm pregnant with Lawrence's baby.
07:33I don't want to have anything to do with him.
07:36And he's intending to hold me accountable for a breach.
07:39I can't drag this baby into our mess.
07:42When I finish everything here, I'll get you transferred.
07:46Let's find a place where no one knows us.
07:59Find her.
08:00She's not going anywhere without my permission.
08:10Are you sure you want an abortion?
08:15Yes.
08:16A family member needs to sign.
08:21I'll sign it.
08:34Get out.
08:39Why are you here?
08:47I own this hospital.
08:50Move.
08:52Listen.
08:53Without my permission.
08:56Don't even think about getting rid of it.
08:58Why?
08:59You're going to get married.
09:01This is my child.
09:02And you...
09:04must deliver it.
09:09Before that, you're not allowed to go anywhere.
09:13You have no right to...
09:15From now on, you're my personal assistant.
09:1824-7.
09:19What did you say?
09:21Don't forget.
09:22You still owe me a penalty fee.
09:25Lee will send you the address.
09:278 tomorrow morning.
09:28Meet me at the office.
09:33This is what he called a personal assistant?
09:36There's nothing I can do.
09:42Postpone this afternoon's meeting to 4 a.m.
09:44Re-revise the merger and acquisition document.
09:46Yes, sir.
09:51Sir, here's the background information you requested.
09:53Inform the security team that Elena will be there tomorrow.
09:59Coffee.
10:04Too sweet.
10:06Do it again.
10:06I didn't put sugar in it.
10:14Don't move.
10:15Let go.
10:17Are you doing this on purpose?
10:21You think I'd throw myself into the arms of a man who's about to get married?
10:53Sir.
10:54Sir.
10:55Miss Elena is coming this way.
11:07Don't let her see me.
11:22Don't let her see me.
11:26Please.
11:28You don't want anyone to see us together?
11:32Are you insane?
11:33Your fiancé is outside the door right now.
11:36So?
11:43Miss Elena, Mr. Lawrence is...
11:45He's busy. Please wait.
11:49So you don't want her to find out that her fiancé is having an affair with another woman, right?
11:53An affair?
11:57Remember, you're pregnant with my child first.
12:07Busy? I have to wait to meet him?
12:09I'll go in and talk to him myself. Open the door!
12:17Darling!
12:18Do you miss me?
12:20What brings you here?
12:21I'm here to see you. Secretary Lee said you were busy. What's keeping you occupied?
12:25Schedule is a bit tight recently.
12:27You'll keep me company at the charity gala tomorrow, right? I don't want to face those annoying things socialers on
12:32my own.
12:33Sure.
12:35That's more like it.
12:37Oh, can I use your lounge?
12:39Why?
12:40I've been shopping the whole afternoon. I'm exhausted.
12:43I want to rest on your bed before I leave.
12:48No problem.
12:51What's that sound?
13:06Miss Elena!
13:07Mr. Lawrence prepared a gift for you. It's in the car downstairs. Would you like to take a look?
13:13A gift? What gift?
13:15It's the limited edition you pecked the last time necklace. Mr. Lawrence ordered it from Paris.
13:20You're such a sweetheart. Show it to me.
13:33Why didn't you want her to find you?
13:36If I tell you, can you advance me six-month salary?
13:39Are you qualified to negotiate with me?
13:42I said, can you?
13:44What leverage do you have?
13:46Never mind.
13:48Tell me.
13:50Fine. Starting tomorrow, you're fired.
13:52Don't forget that you still owe me the penalty fee.
13:56If you don't come to work, just wait to pay back the money.
13:59You-
14:00I'm giving you three seconds.
14:02One.
14:03Two.
14:04She's my sister.
14:05What did you say?
14:08Elena is my sister.
14:11Five years ago, your daughter saved my life at West Horry Tunnel.
14:15You're from the Crower family?
14:23So, you're George Crowdy's daughter?
14:26What does it have to do with you?
14:32Can you give it to me?
14:34The money?
14:34Why do you need money?
14:36Find a father for my child.
14:38It deserves a dad.
14:42There's no need to upset me.
14:44After you give birth to the kid, you'll get your payment.
14:48What if I want it now?
14:50Then prove yourself.
14:52Finish this today, and I'll pay you.
14:56Deal.
15:06Miss Veronica, here's your drink.
15:08No, thanks.
15:10Mr. Roy, he doesn't mean it that way.
15:13He's just-
15:13You don't need to speak for him.
15:15I know perfectly well what he thinks of me.
15:17Miss Veronica.
15:18It's done.
15:20Remind your boss to keep his promise.
15:26Sir.
15:27Miss Veronica has finished her cinch.
15:29Well, transfer the money to her.
15:31Sir.
15:32Miss Veronica is also Mr. Crowett's daughter.
15:35Could she be the one who saved you five years ago?
15:37Those shoes belong to Elena.
15:41Wait.
15:41Make an appointment with Elena.
15:44Tell her to wear the dress from five years ago.
15:48Darling.
15:49Thank you for making time to choose my wedding dress.
15:52Why didn't you wear that dress?
15:54It's been five years.
15:55There's no way I'm still keeping it.
15:57But as I recall, you didn't wear a dress then.
16:00You seem to have a lot of secrets.
16:02I don't remember.
16:03What secrets could I possibly have?
16:06Haven't you investigated everything?
16:09If that's true, I wouldn't have just figured out that Veronica is your sister.
16:12Well, I don't think that's relevant.
16:15Well, I don't think that's relevant.
16:15She not important.
16:17Elena.
16:18I hope you didn't hide anything from me.
16:25Are you sure they are?
16:33I don't think that's relevant.
16:35I hope you might have just figured out that Veronica is a girl.
16:38You?
16:39Why are you here?
16:47Why are you here?
16:50You wouldn't mind, right?
16:54Let me try this one first.
16:59Why don't you pick a bridesmaid dress instead of standing here?
17:03Sister.
17:17What are you doing?
17:18Do you want a wedding dress, too?
17:21Have you found anyone with the money?
17:24Have you lost your mind?
17:25Elena is still here!
17:29Answer me.
17:30Let go!
17:31Is there anything I can do that can help you?
17:41I... I'm gonna try this.
17:47Psycho.
17:57You? How can you get in here?
18:00Leave!
18:01Do you think you can escape from me?
18:07I've never noticed that you have a birthmark here.
18:10You never cared about these details.
18:16Stop. Stop. Stop it.
18:18Darling, where are you?
18:24Everyone listen!
18:25This whole thing is a mistake!
18:27I'm the Harmon Bride!
18:29The day before the wedding, I just found out that my fiancé is already married.
18:33Not the past.
18:35But now.
18:36The bride is his closest friend.
18:37I didn't cry.
18:38Nor did I make a scene.
18:40I just suddenly wonder if marriage can be a joke.
18:42Then what were these six years of mine?
18:44I photographed it and texted him.
18:45Explain this.
18:46I figured it was some kind of prank.
18:48Then his friend's voice message came through.
18:5060 seconds.
18:52Hey, I'm so sorry.
18:54We were at a bar last night, had a stupid idea, got a little drunk, and just went and
18:58did it.
18:59Don't worry.
18:59Once the 30-day waiting period is up, we're filing for divorce immediately.
19:02We'll get him right back to you.
19:03I was quiet for two seconds.
19:05Then I blocked her.
19:07Three hours later, Ethan came home.
19:09I was already at the bottom of the stairs, luggage in tow.
19:11He glanced at the certificates, sitting on the coffee table, and pressed two fingers
19:15to his temple.
19:16It's not a big deal.
19:18She was just messing around.
19:19You're really gonna hold this over everyone?
19:21You've been waiting for this wedding for six years.
19:24You can't wait one more month?
19:25I smiled.
19:26I didn't deny it.
19:27No.
19:28I can't.
19:29Ethan blinked.
19:30He stepped in front of me on instinct.
19:33Mia, stop.
19:34Don't do this.
19:35The invitations are already out.
19:37If you leave now, what are our families supposed to do?
19:40I moved his hand aside and kept walking.
19:42His voice finally went cold.
19:44You're gonna throw away six years over something this small?
19:46I stopped.
19:47I turned around.
19:48Six years?
19:50Ethan, when you signed that certificate with her, did you think about those six years at
19:55all?
19:55He had nothing.
19:56He forced out something useless.
19:58The bar was loud.
20:00The guys kept pouring drinks.
20:02She took a lot of them for me.
20:03She was pretty out of it herself.
20:04Everyone was egging us on.
20:06I wasn't thinking straight.
20:07They basically dragged us there.
20:11It was a joke.
20:12We'll fix it.
20:14I looked at his unbothered face and didn't even have the energy to argue.
20:17A joke.
20:18If marriage could be a joke, what in this world was actually serious?
20:21I turned away.
20:22His phone rang.
20:25He looked at it.
20:26It's Cassie.
20:27She knows she's screwed up.
20:28She wants to apologize to you.
20:29I ignored him and opened the door.
20:32Cassie was already standing outside.
20:34Keys dangling from one hand.
20:38You're actually leaving?
20:39I wheeled my suitcase around her.
20:41Cassie clicked her tongue and grabbed the handle.
20:42Really?
20:43I said I'd apologize.
20:45Isn't that enough?
20:46I'm the one who talked him into it.
20:47I'm the one who kept pouring.
20:49If you're mad, be mad at me.
20:51Don't take it out on Ethan.
20:52Cassie.
20:53Be respectful.
20:54Give her the bag.
20:55Cassie didn't give it back.
20:57She pulled it further behind her.
21:03If I do, who's he going to swap rings with tomorrow?
21:06Air?
21:09Look, unlike you, I don't spend my whole life orbiting some guy with zero career of my own.
21:14But even I know.
21:15A guy like Ethan, the dinners, the schmoothing, the situational flirtation, that's just business.
21:22We grew up together.
21:24I helped him fight his battles.
21:26You weren't even the picture back then.
21:28Getting all dramatic over one little joke.
21:30Can't you act like a grown-up?
21:32Since you're so mature and so concerned about him,
21:36then you go.
21:38Tomorrow.
21:39To the wedding.
21:42You be the main event.
21:43That certificate becomes the real thing.
21:50I pulled my suitcase back.
21:52Cassie's expression cracked.
21:54Her chest rose and fell twice.
21:56Then she smirked.
21:57Fine.
21:58She dug into her bag.
22:00Pulled out her copy of the certificate.
22:03This little thing bothers you that much?
22:05Then I'll just tear it up.
22:08Consider it my apology.
22:10The certificate split straight down the middle.
22:12Cassie dropped both halves on the floor.
22:15Done!
22:15Happy now?
22:17If you can't take a joke, you can't take a joke.
22:20This is so boring.
22:21Ethan's expression went dark.
22:22Cassie, what are you doing?
22:26Fixing your problem.
22:28Certificate's gone.
22:29She can calm down now, right?
22:31She turned to me.
22:32Satisfied?
22:33Then she shot me a look.
22:35Eyes already going red and ran.
22:38Then I looked at Ethan.
22:42That's her apology?
22:44He watched the spot where she disappeared.
22:45Rubbed his forehead, irritated.
22:47She's impulsive.
22:48She was trying to let you vent.
22:50Let me vent.
22:51I nearly laughed.
22:53She tore up the marriage certificate.
22:56Before you two can file for divorce,
22:57you'll have to go replace it.
22:59Ethan!
22:59Ethan, she wasn't letting me vent.
23:02She was rubbing salt in the wound on purpose.
23:04She didn't think that far.
23:05Right.
23:06She didn't have to.
23:07Because in the end, it's not her problem.
23:09I stopped looking at him.
23:11Grabbed my suitcase.
23:12Turned around.
23:41The driver helped load it into the trunk.
23:43Six years.
23:44Every time Cassie crossed a line in the name of best friends.
23:48Because he was sure I couldn't leave.
23:50Not emotionally.
23:51Not financially.
23:52He never once thought about putting distance between himself and Cassie.
23:55I did believe nothing physical had happened between them.
23:57I spent six happy months planning a wedding.
24:00And then...
24:01A marriage certificate.
24:02A bar.
24:03Her name on it next to his.
24:04First, it was all the small things.
24:06Now she'd even slipped herself into the legal definition of his spouse.
24:10As a joke.
24:11Our family's reputations.
24:12I repeated it softly.
24:15You keep them.
24:16That's your job.
24:17The wedding.
24:18I'm not coming.
24:19As for the bride.
24:22I pulled the door shut.
24:25Marry whoever you want!
24:26The car pulled out.
24:28Miss, where to?
24:30The airport.
24:31My phone vibrated the whole way there.
24:33Ethan.
24:34My mom.
24:34His mom.
24:35Mutual friends.
24:37I declined every call.
24:38Turned it off.
24:39For the first time, I was not being good.
24:43And I felt something I hadn't felt in years.
24:45Light.
24:46But just when I thought I was free.
24:48That lightness shattered the moment we pulled up to the terminal.
24:51My parents were there.
24:52My brother Jamie.
24:53And the family's adopted daughter, Sierra.
24:55Jamie grabbed my suitcase handle.
24:57Mia, what is wrong with you?
24:58If you leave, what happens to us?
25:00The comp is on on life support waiting for the Harmon Group investment.
25:03My mom took advantage of the distraction and snatched my purse.
25:06Sweetheart, I heard everything.
25:07Just wait for them to divorce in a month, and it's like it never happened.
25:10Stop causing a scene.
25:12Sierra drifted over.
25:13Sis.
25:14I know you're hurting.
25:17But, we're family.
25:19Can't you think of us just this once?
25:21Just this once.
25:22Was that really what it was?
25:24At 18.
25:24I signed over Grandpa's shares to her.
25:26At 21.
25:27When she had her eye on someone.
25:28I stepped aside from the engagement.
25:30Grandpa had arranged for me.
25:31An old money family.
25:32The Yates.
25:33At 22.
25:33I drank until I was hospitalized to smooth over a business dinner for the family.
25:37At 25.
25:37I took the fall for Jamie's embezzlement to protect the heir's clean record.
25:41Every single time.
25:42Written off as family.
25:43And it is what you do.
25:44Since the day I was brought into this so-called home.
25:46Had anyone ever thought about me.
25:47My parents' warmth and favoritism had always flowed straight to Sierra.
25:50The good daughter.
25:51The one they'd raised from childhood.
25:53Jamie had been carried his whole life.
25:54He was a leech.
25:55And he knew it.
25:56If it hadn't been for Ethan walking into my world like a light through a window.
25:59I wouldn't have lasted this long.
26:00He saw through my silence.
26:01Understood the things I couldn't say.
26:03With him there.
26:04Sierra's digs.
26:04And my parents' favoritism had stayed in check.
26:06I fell in love with him.
26:07Depended on him.
26:08I held on like he was a life raft.
26:09I'd pushed so hard for him to marry me sooner.
26:11Convinced myself that once I had my own home.
26:13I could finally leave this suffocating place behind.
26:16For that.
26:16I told myself Cassie's boundary crossing was something I could tolerate.
26:20But now.
26:20Even that last stupid hope was gone.
26:22Give me my bag.
26:23I held out my hand to my mother.
26:24Come home first.
26:26We'll talk when you've settled down.
26:27Jamie groaned and stamped his foot.
26:29Mia, I'm begging you.
26:30Just get through this one thing.
26:33Once the funding comes in, after that, you can do whatever you want.
26:36I looked at this brother who'd been pampered his whole life.
26:38How much money would it take to save this family?
26:41So it doesn't have to sell off another daughter.
26:43Jamie flinched.
26:43He gave me a number.
26:44It was staggering.
26:46Pulled out my phone.
26:47Found an unsaved number.
26:48Pressed call.
26:49It rang five times before someone picked up.
26:51Three million in cash as a wedding gift.
26:53If you agree, we get married tomorrow.
26:56Three million in cash as a wedding gift.
26:59If you agree, we get married tomorrow.
27:02The breath on the other end paused.
27:04Agreed.
27:05Okay.
27:06Three million.
27:08It'll hit the account.
27:09Jamie stared at me.
27:10Mia, are you serious?
27:11My parents' faces went from desperate to flooded with relief.
27:14My mom moved to grab my hand.
27:16Sweetheart, you can't just talk money with Ethan over the phone like that.
27:20It damages things.
27:22Sis-in-law will think less of you.
27:24People will call you a gold digger.
27:27All right, all right.
27:28The amount doesn't matter.
27:30What matters is that it's settled.
27:32The original agreement with the Harmons was 500,000 up front.
27:35This time he's offering three million.
27:37It means he values Mia.
27:40Mia.
27:42Mia.
27:42I don't want to hear you say selling daughters again.
27:45Embarrassing.
27:46You and Sierra are both our girls.
27:48We love you the same.
27:51You and Sierra are both our girls.
27:53We love you the same.
27:54If it's the same, why didn't you offer Sierra for this one?
27:57The Yates are older money than the Harmons, stronger by a mile.
28:00Sierra went white.
28:01The Yates were more prominent.
28:02And because of it, stricter about bloodline.
28:05When they'd come to discuss the engagement, they'd looked at me the whole time.
28:09Sierra hadn't even been formally introduced at that meeting.
28:11The Yates hadn't wanted her enjoying the evening.
28:13Everyone in that room knew it.
28:15Why bring up old history?
28:17Then we won't.
28:18The money's coming.
28:19Problem solved.
28:21Let's go home.
28:21You want me walking down the aisle tomorrow, don't you?
28:23I left without waiting for an answer.
28:27Back in the car, my phone buzzed once.
28:30But at this hour, there was only one person it could be.
28:32A location pin.
28:34Then a second message.
28:35Tomorrow, I'm looking forward to seeing you in a white dress.
28:39Back at the house.
28:40The air was thick.
28:41I went straight upstairs.
28:42The Harmons side had already been told.
28:44The bride has returned.
28:46Wedding is on.
28:47Satisfied, presumably.
28:48The crisis was over.
28:50The ceremony would proceed.
28:51That was enough.
28:53Whether or not the bride was willing, no one thought to ask.
28:56The next morning, the house had none of the warmth the wedding day should carry.
29:00No bustle.
29:01No joy.
29:02Just a cold and indifferent quiet.
29:04My parents only changed into appropriate clothes when the housekeeper reminded them.
29:08Ethan's motorcade arrived on time.
29:10His suit was immaculate.
29:12His expression composed.
29:13The groomsmen surrounded him.
29:15The energy among them was easy and warm, but no one from the bride's side came to block the door.
29:20They were just awkwardly ushered in.
29:22My mom held a practice smile.
29:24Jamie looked like he hadn't slept.
29:26Ethan scanned the room.
29:28No family friends.
29:29No laughter.
29:31Where is she?
29:32Still getting ready?
29:33Oh, probably still upstairs doing her makeup.
29:36Go check.
29:37Is she ready?
29:41Relax.
29:42A bride's supposed to make you wait.
29:43Ethan's brow stayed locked.
29:45He pulled out his phone and opened Mia's messages.
29:47A red exclamation point.
29:49His fingers went still.
29:51She still has you blocked?
29:52The ceremony's about to start.
29:54A cold unease expanded in his chest.
29:58Ma'am?
29:59The young miss isn't in her room.
30:00We checked everywhere.
30:01She's gone.
30:02What?
30:05By the time they pulled the security footage, they found she'd left hours ago.
30:09Ethan's chest went airless.
30:10He told her to come back.
30:12She'd still pulled this.
30:13Ethan.
30:14Look at the group chat.
30:15Someone posted a video.
30:17Wait.
30:17Isn't that Mia?
30:19Ethan grabbed the phone.
30:21The video was from the same seven-star hotel where their ceremony was booked.
30:25A woman was led toward the bridal suite by a staff member.
30:32See?
30:33I told you.
30:34She just wanted a dramatic entrance.
30:36She's there.
30:36That's what counts.
30:37This girl.
30:38Couldn't say a word.
30:40Gave us all a scare.
30:41Let's get to the hotel.
30:42Don't miss the timing.
30:44The motorcade reached the hotel.
30:46Ethan exchanged brief greetings with arriving guests.
30:48It's a wonderful night.
30:49It's a beautiful party.
30:50I'm so glad you could make it.
30:51I need to go to the restroom.
30:52Excuse me.
30:53The officiant was ready.
30:54He turned and headed for the bridal suite.
30:56He stopped at the flower-decorated door.
30:58Knocked.
30:59Mia, it's time.
31:00Are you ready?
31:02Silence.
31:03His expression tightened.
31:04He turned the handle.
31:09The room was bright and empty.
31:11And then the thing that turned his blood to ice.
31:13Cassie was standing in the middle of the room.
31:15Ethan!
31:16You can't just come in.
31:17What are you doing in here?
31:20Where's Mia?
31:21His temper surged hard.
31:22Why are you yelling at me?
31:24The ceremony was about to start and she wasn't out yet.
31:27I came to check if she needed help.
31:29She wasn't here.
31:30The dress was just hanging there.
31:33I just...
31:34It's so beautiful, I couldn't help it.
31:36I tried it on.
31:39The vein in his temple jumped.
31:41Take it off.
31:42Now, if Mia sees this...
31:44Cassie's lip pressed together, then someone knocked.
31:46Mr. Harmon, the ceremony start time has passed.
31:49The officiator's asking if the bride is ready to enter.
31:53Also, Mr. Harmon, the ballroom next door has just begun an unscheduled ceremony.
31:57The timeline is quite tight on their end.
31:58If your side is unable to start just yet, would you consider briefly yielding the corridor?
32:04We'd hate to disrupt the other event.
32:06It's a Yates-Carter wedding.
32:09A Yates-Carter wedding?
32:13Which Carter?
32:15I'm not entirely sure of the details.
32:18A nameless unease moved through him, but he had no time to chase it.
32:21He dialed the groomsmen group.
32:23Mia's not in the suite.
32:24Split up and find her.
32:26Then he turned back to the manager.
32:28This wedding was booked six months ago.
32:30We're not moving.
32:31Mr. Harmon, the timing really is...
32:32There's no conflict.
32:34Let my fiancé hear that her aisle is being cleared for someone else.
32:37His voice dropped.
32:38She won't be happy.
32:41His phone buzzed.
32:42A photo from one of the groomsmen.
32:44A slender figure in a wedding gown, half-turned, on a call.
32:48The dress was simpler, elegant.
32:50She was stunning.
32:52All the tension melted away.
32:53He would marry her.
32:54He would have a home with Mia.
32:56Maybe children soon.
32:57Don't you think I looked better in it?
33:00Looks like she didn't love the one I picked.
33:02Fine.
33:03He pocketed his phone and turned to go find her.
33:05Ethan.
33:06Cassie grabbed his arm.
33:07Um...
33:07She asked the question that broke through every layer of best friends.
33:10And it means nothing.
33:11When you walked in just now...
33:13And saw me in the dress...
33:15What did you feel?
33:16He looked at her red-rimmed eyes.
33:18At the expensive gown on her body.
33:20The faint warmth the photo had put in his face drained away.
33:22Cassie in a wedding gown was...
33:23Undeniably striking.
33:25There was something arresting about it.
33:26What he felt toward Cassie was closer to a man's possessiveness over someone who belonged in his orbit.
33:31Liked feeling needed, admired.
33:32But he liked more.
33:33The ease of holding two women in careful balance.
33:35He'd never imagined having to choose.
33:37Cassie's tears.
33:38Her question.
33:39They tore the paper screen open.
33:41He was still for a moment.
33:42Not now.
33:43His throat moved.
33:44He looked past her eyes.
33:46Cassie.
33:46Not now.
33:47This isn't the moment.
33:48Change out of the dress.
33:49He turned and walked out toward Mia.
33:51I was on the terrace outside the ballroom finishing a call.
33:54I turned to go inside.
33:57Mia!
33:58You're here!
34:03The groomsman and Cassie poured in behind him, filling the doorway.
34:06Sis-in-law, you're something else.
34:08Gave us a serious scare.
34:10Wandered over to the next venue?
34:12Right.
34:13Is this a location comparison?
34:15Didn't like the decor on our side?
34:17Cassie stepped to my side.
34:18You nearly gave Ethan a heart attack.
34:21She laughed and scanned my gown.
34:22That's pretty, too.
34:24But the star of today isn't here for someone else's party.
34:27Come on.
34:28Everyone's waiting.
34:29By the way, you'd technically be the other woman right now.
34:33But don't stress about it.
34:35We know the truth.
34:38Congratulations on the wedding, though.
34:39I looked at her.
34:41Her smile stalled.
34:42Ethan stepped in front of me.
34:43Done with your call?
34:44Let's go back.
34:45We've lost time, but we can still make it.
34:47If you actually like this room set up, I'll talk to the Yates.
34:50We might be able to switch.
34:52Whatever makes you happy.
34:54He said it so naturally.
34:55His groomsmen watched, certain waiting for me to do what I'd always done.
34:58He reached for me.
34:59Palm up.
35:00I looked at his face, the handsome face with its faint impatience, in front of everyone watching.
35:04I turned slightly and spoke quietly to the hotel attendant at my side.
35:08Could you please let the officiner know we're ready to begin?
35:10Of course, Mrs. Yates.
35:11Mr. Yates has been ready.
35:13Mrs. Yates, the certainty on Ethan's face split open.
35:16He looked at her red-rimmed eyes, at the expensive gown on her body.
35:19The faint warmth the photo had put in his face drained away.
35:21Cassie in a wedding gown was, undeniably striking.
35:24There was something arresting about it.
35:26What he felt toward Cassie was closer to a man's possessiveness over someone who belonged in his orbit.
35:30Liked feeling needed, admired.
35:31But he liked more, the ease of holding two women in careful balance.
35:35He'd never imagined having to choose.
35:37Cassie's tears.
35:38Her question.
35:39They tore the paper screen open.
35:40He was still for a moment.
35:42Not now.
35:43His throat moved.
35:44He looked past her eyes.
35:45Cassie, not now.
35:46This isn't the moment.
35:47Change out of the dress.
35:48He turned and walked out toward Mia.
35:50I was on the terrace outside the ballroom, finishing a call.
35:53I turned to go inside.
35:57Mia!
35:58You're here!
36:02The groomsman and Cassie poured in behind him, filling the doorway.
36:06Sis-in-law, you're something else.
36:08Gave us a serious scare.
36:09Wandered over to the next venue?
36:12Right.
36:13Is this a location comparison?
36:15Didn't like the decor on our side?
36:16Cassie stepped to my side.
36:18You nearly gave Ethan a heart attack.
36:20She laughed and scanned my gown.
36:21That's pretty, too.
36:23But the star of today isn't here for someone else's party.
36:27Come on.
36:28Everyone's waiting.
36:28By the way, you'd technically be the other woman right now.
36:33But don't stress about it.
36:35We know the truth.
36:37Congratulations on the wedding, though.
36:38I looked at her.
36:40Her smile stalled.
36:41Ethan stepped in front of me.
36:43Done with your call?
36:43Let's go back.
36:44We've lost time, but we can still make it.
36:46If you actually like this room set up, I'll talk to the Yates.
36:50We might be able to switch.
36:52Whatever makes you happy.
36:53He said it so naturally.
36:55His groomsmen watched, certain waiting for me to do what I'd always done.
36:58He reached for me, palm up.
36:59I looked at his face, the handsome face with its faint impatience, in front of everyone watching.
37:04I turned slightly and spoke quietly to the hotel attendant at my side.
37:07Could you please let the officiner know we're ready to begin?
37:09Of course, Mrs. Yates.
37:11Mr. Yates has been ready.
37:12Mrs. Yates, the certainty on Ethan's face split open.
37:15He was betting on the last six years, betting I'd soften,
37:18betting that none of this was real enough to hold.
37:20Somewhere the music had stopped.
37:22Every person in the room was watching me.
37:24I lifted my eyes.
37:25I looked at the man I had loved for six years, and waited on for six years.
37:28He looked in this moment very far away.
37:30I didn't look at Ethan.
37:31I just said it, one word at a time.
37:34Ethan, look carefully.
37:36I turned slightly.
37:37This dress, you didn't choose it.
37:40This ring, you didn't give it.
37:42I looked past his pale face.
37:44Today, standing here, marrying Nathan Yates.
37:46That's me, Mia Carter.
37:48I paused, one breath.
37:50Then the last sentence, the one that severed everything.
37:52Your wedding, your bride.
37:53None of that was ever mine.
37:55I didn't look at his face go gray.
37:57I placed my hand steadily into the curve of Nathan's arm.
38:00Let's continue.
38:01Nathan looked at me for a moment, then nodded at the officiant.
38:03The next second, the wedding march filled the hall again, fuller than before.
38:07It swept over everything.
38:08Nathan walked me forward, step by steady step toward the altar at the end of the aisle.
38:11On both sides, guests began to clap.
38:13My family's composed expressions had long since collapsed.
38:16None of them had seen this coming.
38:17That the man I was marrying today had nothing to do with the Harmons they'd spent years courting.
38:21That it was the Yates, who operated on an entirely different level, who wouldn't have thought
38:24twice about the Harmons.
38:26As for how I'd gotten Nathan Yates to put three million on the table, that was my business.
38:29It had nothing to do with their scheming.
38:31Nothing to do with the hollow shell my family had become.
38:33The guests who had been invited by my family, who were supposed to be here for the wedding
38:37on the other side.
38:38Every single one of them had drifted to this room instead.
38:40Not out of loyalty to the Carters, out of instinct for the more valuable alliance.
38:44Their applause built into something that filled the entire hall.
38:46Behind me, silence like a held breath.
38:48I didn't need to turn around to picture Ethan's face, but that was no longer mine to carry.
38:53The ceremony reached the moment that mattered most.
38:56The officiant's voice was warm and measured.
38:58Mia Carter, do you take Nathan Yates to be your husband?
39:01To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for as long as you both
39:07shall live.
39:07The room held still, every eye on me.
39:09I do.
39:11No!
39:14Ethan's voice cracked across the room.
39:20His eyes were red, fixed on me.
39:25Mia, I won't allow it.
39:28You're mine!
39:28You are leaving with me right now!
39:30He lunged toward the altar.
39:31Two security guards caught him before he made it two steps, locking his arms.
39:35Get your hands off me!
39:36Do you know who I am?
39:37Mia, look at me!
39:39I'm the one you're supposed to marry!
39:41Nathan!
39:42Let go of her!
39:44The Yates family elders in the front row frowned faintly, but didn't seem alarmed.
39:48They had clearly planned for disruption.
39:51Then a figure in white burst from the side of the crowd.
39:53Cassie.
39:54She'd put the gown back on.
39:56She pushed to the front, held her phone high with the screen facing out, and screamed.
40:01Everyone listen!
40:02This whole thing is a mistake!
40:04I'm the Harman Bride.
40:08Look at this!
40:10We already have a marriage license!
40:14Her hands were shaking as she angled the screen toward the guests, the efficient, the Yates family.
40:18On the screen, a marriage certificate, open to the interior page.
40:23Look at her!
40:24She's the one who went behind my back!
40:25She got caught, and now she's running to someone else!
40:28I don't care how powerful the Yates are!
40:29You can't change the fact that she's the other woman!
40:31She will always be a joke!
40:32The room erupted.
40:34Gasps, whispers, eyes moving rapidly between Cassie's phone screen and the moon.
40:39My family's faces had gone from blank to ash.
40:41Everyone was holding their breath, waiting for the Yates to react.
40:43Waiting for me to fall apart.
40:45Cassie stood tall, certain she'd just played the card that turned the game.
40:49But the first person to crack was not the Yates family.
40:51It was not me.
40:52It was Ethan.
40:54Cassie, shut up!
40:55What are you saying?
40:56He wrenched his head toward her, still held by the guards.
40:59Voice ripped raw.
41:00I'm not lying!
41:01You won't even admit I'm your wife?
41:03Right here in front of everyone?
41:05It's not real!
41:05It was a bar stunt!
41:06It doesn't count!
41:08He couldn't admit it.
41:09Not here.
41:10Not in the Yates' house.
41:11Not in front of Mia.
41:13Nathan, who had been silent, spoke.
41:16If it doesn't count, we can just check the county records.
41:19He leaned slightly toward an assistant and said something low.
41:21The assistant nodded and left quickly.
41:23Ethan and Cassie were escorted from the room.
41:26The officiant lifted his voice.
41:28Let's ask everyone to settle.
41:30We'll continue with the ceremony.
41:33Toasts for receiving love.
41:35Farewells everything moved to the quiet, mutual warmth.
41:38The room felt like what it was supposed to feel like.
41:40Two families joining.
41:41Genuinely.
41:42By the time the last guests filtered out,
41:44I sat down in one of the private rooms the hotel had reserved
41:46and let out the first real breath I'd taken all day.
41:49Nathan handed me a glass of water.
41:50Tired?
41:51His voice was attentive.
41:53Not intrusive.
41:56Today.
41:58It was agreed to.
41:59The Yates keep their word.
42:01As for your family and the Harmons?
42:03Before he could finish,
42:04the hotel manager stepped in and addressed Nathan quietly.
42:06Sir, Mr. Harmon is still outside.
42:08He's insisting on a few minutes with Mrs. Yates.
42:12Do you want to see him?
42:13I looked at my reflection in the floor to ceiling window, still in the dress.
42:17I shook my head.
42:20Everything that needed to be said, I said it.
42:25Tell Mr. Harmon my wife needs to rest.
42:28She's not receiving visitors.
42:30If he continues to linger, you know what to do.
42:33Yes, sir.
42:38I knew the Yates had the reach to make Ethan walk away tonight, and keep him from getting
42:41close again.
42:42That was part of why I chose Nathan.
42:44Part of why I chose this.
42:45I needed somewhere safe.
42:46I needed something sharp enough to cut through every knot I'd tied myself into.
42:51I changed out of the gown, put on something comfortable, settled into the car.
42:54It pulled away from the hotel slowly.
42:56The city lights moved past the window.
42:57I leaned my head back and closed my eyes.
42:59Not the flood of relief I'd imagined.
43:01Not grief even.
43:02A flat, open calm, and somewhere under it, something faint and new.
43:05Like the first edge of wanting something again.
43:08I knew Ethan wouldn't let go easily.
43:10But this time, I was not standing still.
43:12I had married.
43:13Someone else.
43:16Someone else.
43:16Like the interest in the time.
43:16Like theohan PM.
43:16Yeah, A na.
43:16Someone else.
43:16That would stand still.
43:16I went to the summer.
43:17I went to the night now.
43:17When I used the night before.
43:17There lived on sleep.
43:17You
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