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00:01Since Lily could talk, she saw me as her rival.
00:05She got between me and Victor Shaw, my husband.
00:09Don't seduce my dad.
00:11She even ran to the roof in tears and said,
00:14Stay away from mom, or I'll jump.
00:18She also mocked my makeup.
00:21You'll never be prettier than me, old lady.
00:24When Victor cheated, I was worried about her and fought for her custody.
00:30But she attacked me with sulfuric acid.
00:33You can't separate us.
00:35Dad is mine.
00:37Heaven took pity of me and let me transmigrate.
00:40This time I give up on Lily's custody.
00:43From now on, I want nothing to do with her.
00:47Victor is a little surprised.
00:49Lucy, why'd you change your mind?
00:51I thought you want Lily.
00:54Before I can answer, Lily barges in and starts hitting me.
00:58I don't want you.
01:00I know exactly what you're thinking.
01:03You're jealous.
01:05She dives into his arms and says cockily,
01:08No one can separate us.
01:10Dad loves me forever.
01:12Although Lily has always resented me,
01:15she's still my daughter at the end of the day.
01:19In the past life, when I knew Victor wants to remarry,
01:23I battled him for custody of Lily,
01:26even if it cost me some assets.
01:28Thinking about the sulfuric acid,
01:31I take the divorce agreement.
01:32I respect Lily's wishes.
01:35You can have her.
01:36Lily immediately freezes.
01:38I'm about to sign when she snatches the agreement away.
01:42You think you're getting Dad's money?
01:46Dad, you said you're buying me beautiful dresses.
01:50Don't leave her a thing.
01:52She grabs his leg and pouts,
01:54says a loser like me deserves nothing.
01:57She doesn't know that he cheated,
01:59and that I should be compensated.
02:01But he doesn't explain.
02:04Instead, he says,
02:06I'm too kind-hearted to leave Leia nothing.
02:09I know you're concerned for me.
02:12I'm lucky to have you.
02:14Watching their interaction, I smirk.
02:17Victor is the reason.
02:19Lily turned out this way.
02:20He's never corrected her.
02:22His unchecked indulgence merely twisted her more.
02:26Victor finally gets Lily to leave.
02:29He turns around and says softly,
02:31Don't tell her about my second marriage.
02:34She can't take it.
02:36I'll let them meet when the time is right.
02:40Meanwhile, Lily is celebrating her victory.
02:45She eagerly takes down my picture
02:47and steps on it with glee.
02:49I finally got rid of my rival.
02:52I am completely fed up with Lily.
02:55She's pathetic and absurd.
02:57Will she still smile when she knows a new rival is coming?
03:02Lily senses me and bursts into laughter.
03:05Are you jealous of me?
03:08Now, dad is all mine.
03:10I ignore her and pack my stuff in my room.
03:14I only took the compensation and Victor was worried I might regret it.
03:18So, we decided I'd still stay here for now.
03:22It gives me time to find a place.
03:24Lily sees that I'm just moving to a smaller room and she's upset.
03:28You won't keep staying here, right?
03:33I knew you wouldn't give up this easily.
03:36She throws my stuff into the trash can before complaining to Victor.
03:40Dad, why is she staying?
03:42I hate mom.
03:44Make her leave.
03:46Victor tries to explain, but she won't listen.
03:50I'm her daughter.
03:51I know her.
03:53This is just her way to win you back.
03:57She didn't really want to divorce.
03:59Don't fall for her tricks.
04:03Surprisingly, Lily hates me more after the divorce.
04:06I lose it and slap her hard.
04:09Shut up, you lousy daughter.
04:12There'll be no ties between us soon.
04:15I won't tolerate you.
04:17I used to love Lily deeply.
04:19I was never harsh when I lectured her.
04:22She's never seen this side of me.
04:24Lily bursts into tears and burrows into Victor's arms.
04:28Dad, this is the way she treats me.
04:32When no one's around, she's always been jealous about us, and she abused me.
04:37Lily has always slandered me.
04:40She's been feeding Victor with stories she made up since she was four.
04:45In her words, I'm a short-fused and violent lady.
04:49Meanwhile, Victor always takes her side.
04:54She's a kid.
04:55She can't lie.
04:56I didn't want to believe my own daughter would do this to me.
05:01It is too late by the time I accepted it.
05:04Seeing the helpless look on her face, I laughed.
05:08Lily, you're already a schemer at ten.
05:11Unbelievable.
05:13Fighting me won't help your case.
05:15You'll have...
05:17Victor cut me off.
05:18He covers my mouth and drags me away.
05:21What are you doing?
05:23It's a secret.
05:24Lily will fall apart if she knows about it.
05:28It's sickening how he pretends to care about her.
05:32You didn't think of that when you cheated.
05:34You don't care about Lily.
05:37You care about your image.
05:39It no longer matters.
05:40I can't be bothered anymore.
05:43Lily will find out one way or another.
05:45I'll be there when she does.
05:47I never see it coming.
05:48To stop us from getting back together,
05:52Lily seeks help from our neighbors.
05:56Mom's sleeping around.
05:57Dad's divorcing her.
05:59But she just won't leave him alone.
06:02Can you kick her out for me?
06:05Lily's tearful cries attract a lot of neighbors.
06:09They gather at the door and condemn me,
06:12calling me a hypocrite who seduces men.
06:16Even her daughter hates her.
06:18What a terrible person.
06:19To all of them.
06:21I'm a loser with a shady character.
06:24Who's rejected by her husband and her daughter.
06:27My life is a mess.
06:30Victor gets worried.
06:31And stands up for me.
06:33It's just a kid's nonsense.
06:36Let us worry about ourselves.
06:38Lily is flustered.
06:40Dad, why are you doing this?
06:42I'm helping you.
06:43I tell her to stop calling me mom.
06:46And she has the nerve to call me by my name.
06:49Do you see it now, Lucy?
06:51This divorce is happening.
06:53I'll make sure of it.
06:54For the sake of himself?
06:56Victor finally shouted.
06:58Don't meddle in our affairs and make it worse.
07:01Go now!
07:02Lily's eyes immediately redden.
07:04She doesn't get mad at Victor.
07:06But she takes it out on me.
07:08It's Lucy's fault.
07:09I wish I have a better mother.
07:12You're divorcing.
07:13But she just keeps getting between us.
07:16You've never shouted at me.
07:18I shake my head at Lily's genuine resentment.
07:22Victor, you made her this way.
07:25It'll be hell for you when your wife moves in.
07:28I don't go easy on Victor.
07:30I text in the group chat to clear things up.
07:33We got divorced because he has an affair.
07:36Anyone who buys Lily's story and spreads rumors will be sued.
07:42Frantically, Victor unsends the message for me.
07:46He stops me when he sees me heading to the hotel.
07:50Lucy, you can't leave.
07:52What if you refuse to divorce?
07:55I shake his hand off.
07:56Don't worry.
07:58I want it more than you do.
08:00No one wants to get rid of Lily more than I do.
08:03I've just left when I receive a text from Lily.
08:07Don't come back for Dad.
08:09I'll be watching.
08:11Lily shows me a video of her burning my pictures.
08:15And I promptly block her.
08:17In the past life,
08:18I was drained by the custody battles.
08:23This time, I let go.
08:24And I feel much better.
08:26I take good care of myself.
08:28And even throw a party to celebrate my freedom.
08:32When I go to sign the divorce papers,
08:34I am glowing.
08:36In even better shape than before.
08:38Lily sizes me up and says,
08:40Lucy, you really pulled out all the stops.
08:44To win Dad back.
08:46But he'll never reconsider you.
08:48From now on, I'm the only one he loves.
08:51Lily holds onto Victor's arm.
08:53Like she won a battle.
08:55I kiss my divorce paper and leave.
08:59I buy a new place.
09:00And start a new life.
09:03A few days later,
09:05I'm surprised by the police at midnight.
09:09Miss Snow, how can you abandon your daughter?
09:12I'm so confused.
09:14When Lily darts into my place and looks around.
09:18Did Dad come here?
09:19Victor, he's not home tonight.
09:22You must have hit him.
09:23Lily grumbles as she rummages everything.
09:26In an instant, it becomes a mess.
09:30I'm immediately ticked off.
09:32I grab her braid and push her up to the police.
09:36Not everyone loves Victor like you do.
09:39He's not at my place.
09:41Lily starts crying at once.
09:44This is how Mom treats me every day, officers.
09:48The police lectures me.
09:50You can't treat her this way.
09:53I keep my cool and explain.
09:56My husband and I are divorced.
09:58He has her custody.
10:00There's no way she wandered off alone.
10:02She's just messing with me.
10:05Just call Victor Shaw.
10:07Here's his number.
10:09Lily doesn't trust me.
10:10She still thinks Victor is here.
10:13Only you can make Dad stay out all night.
10:15I almost spill the beans.
10:18Even if I tell Lily,
10:20she wouldn't trust me.
10:22She might even get mad and lash out at me.
10:25I bite back my words
10:27and give the police her address
10:29so they can take her home.
10:31The next day, the police calls me.
10:34Lily said she couldn't reach her dad
10:36and she's alone at home.
10:38Apparently, you blocked her number.
10:40She only asks us for help
10:42because you might refuse to see her.
10:45The officer believes Lily would never lie.
10:48She just misses you too much.
10:50Patch things up and treat her right.
10:53I can't explain it.
10:55Even if I try,
10:57no one would believe what Lily has done.
11:00Out of options, I send Victor a text
11:03telling him to bring his wife home.
11:05After a few days of peace,
11:07Lily's teacher blows up my phone.
11:11Lily never comes out of the restroom.
11:13She says she won't go home without you.
11:16Miss Snow, I know you don't have the custody,
11:19but Lily's still your daughter.
11:21Moreover, Lily's like this thanks to the divorce.
11:25You must handle this.
11:26She guilt trips me
11:28and even threatens to
11:29post it online for everyone to judge.
11:32Worry, did it affect my work?
11:34I have no choice but to pick Lily up.
11:37Lily is unusually well-behaved this time.
11:39She calls me mom sweetly
11:41and gives me a big hug.
11:44Seeing her teacher smile,
11:45I grin awkwardly and nervously sent Lily home.
11:49Her expression turns dark
11:51when she sets down her bag.
11:54Before I can react,
11:56Lily slams and locks the door.
11:58Dad's been away for days.
12:00It's your fault.
12:02You're divorced.
12:03Why do you have to seduce him?
12:05Why won't you quit?
12:07Her twisted expression looks just like the last life.
12:11I try to make a run for it.
12:13But Lily stands firm at the door
12:15and smiles as she pulls out a bottle.
12:18You're just coasting on your looks.
12:21Once I make you hideous,
12:23you can't steal dad from me.
12:25The nightmarish memories left me frozen.
12:29Lily grips the bottle of acid as she advances.
12:33Then Victor's voice came from outside.
12:36Lily, meet your new mother.
12:39Her hands shake violently.
12:41I give her a wry look.
12:43Lily, your new rival is outside.
12:45A few drops of acid splash out as she trembles.
12:49White smoke curls up from her sleeve.
12:52Accompanied by a chilling sizzle.
12:55But Lily seems completely unfazed by the pain.
12:59Her eyes are widened with disbelief.
13:02New mother?
13:03New rival?
13:04Lucy, that's bullcrap.
13:06That's not dad.
13:08Must have been mistaken.
13:09I retreat to the corner and smile mockingly.
13:13I pity you, Lily.
13:15Do you have the guts to open the door?
13:19Lily actually hesitates.
13:22That's when Victor opens the door.
13:25Victor walks in with a young lady,
13:27who is all smiles and charm.
13:29Lily, didn't I tell you to wait at home?
13:31You should have answered.
13:34He freezes and frowns when he sees me.
13:38Lucy, why are you here?
13:40I spread my arms.
13:42I didn't want to.
13:44Ask Lily.
13:46Victor finally notices Lily,
13:49who is seething and trembling with rage.
13:53Dad, who is she?
13:55Why are you holding her hands?
13:57Tell me she's just a platonic friend.
14:00She can't be my new mother.
14:02I'm motherless after Lucy's gone.
14:04We only need each other, dad.
14:08Lily can fool herself all she wants.
14:10But the lady hooks her arm around Victor's.
14:14And asks sweetly,
14:16Honey, is she your daughter?
14:18She's as pretty as you are handsome.
14:21That's enough to make Lily fall apart.
14:23She grips the bottle of acid and screams hysterically,
14:27Don't call him honey.
14:29You don't deserve him.
14:32Who are you?
14:33Did Lucy send you here to seduce dad?
14:36Dad, I don't want a new mother.
14:39Make her leave.
14:39As the acid sloshes in the bottle,
14:43Lily's losing control as well.
14:45Victor fully expects Lily to react this way.
14:48And he gloats to the lady,
14:51It's Claire, I told you I'm a good dad.
14:53My daughter loves me deeply.
14:55She'll love you too if you two work on it.
15:00He pats Lily on the head like usual.
15:03And says patiently,
15:04You hate Lucy, don't you?
15:06I know about it.
15:08So, I found you a new mother.
15:10I love you so much.
15:12I did all of this for you, Lily.
15:14You understand me, right?
15:16I'm shocked.
15:18This son of a bitch came up with this excuse to justify his affair.
15:23Lily freezes for a second.
15:25Before she accepts his explanation,
15:27Dad, I knew you care about me the most.
15:30She stared at Claire hatefully.
15:33But I don't like her.
15:35Make her leave, Dad.
15:37Victor says darkly,
15:39Lily, you should be on my side.
15:42I love Claire a lot.
15:44So, you should love her too.
15:46Okay?
15:47Lily bursts into tears.
15:50Claire steps forward with feigned concern.
15:53Lily, don't cry.
15:55Let's get some steak, okay?
15:57Don't worry.
15:58I'll be a better mother than Lucy.
16:00Lily gives a tearful nod.
16:03Seeing that, Claire shoots me a smug glance.
16:06As if saying,
16:07Look, Lucy.
16:08I took your husband away.
16:10And won your daughter over?
16:12I was surprised at Lily's reaction.
16:15Why is she so kind to Claire?
16:17Why is she suddenly so obedient?
16:19Does she only resent me, her birth mother?
16:23Just as I'm feeling confused,
16:25Lily suddenly lifts the bottle and pours it over Claire.
16:29Claire can't dodge in time.
16:31The acid hit her chest and she collapses to the floor,
16:34letting out a frightened yelp.
16:36It hurts.
16:38What is this?
16:40Victor notices white smoke rising from Claire and immediately slaps Lily.
16:46Lily, are you crazy?
16:49How can you do this to Claire?
16:51Claire's clothes are burned off.
16:53And the remaining acid burned her skin, making her scream.
16:59Lily smashes the bottle and wails.
17:02Dad, you've never slapped me.
17:04How could you do this for her?
17:06For a moment, Lily's cries, Claire's screams,
17:10and Victor's yelling on the phone blend together.
17:14I stand in the corner and mused.
17:16It's a shame.
17:17Lily isn't tall enough to pour the acid on Claire's face and ruin her face.
17:23In the past life, I let my guard down around Lily,
17:27and she poured the acid over my head.
17:30The pain was unbearable.
17:32My scalp and flesh burned away.
17:34All that was left was a skull.
17:37Even the heavens were shocked.
17:38At the horrible way I died and gave me a second chance.
17:43Victor hangs up and realizes it is acid.
17:47Claire quickly takes her shirt off and shows him her wounds to win his sympathy.
17:52She was better at this than I have ever been.
17:56Immediately turning him against Lily.
17:59Lily, you're ten.
18:01Where'd you get this?
18:03I spoiled you too much and turned you this way.
18:07You knew I was getting remarried.
18:09And you've been plotting to do this to Claire.
18:14Lily responded with a sharp glare.
18:18Victor pities Claire and takes it out on me.
18:22Lucy, this explains why you're here.
18:25It was all your scheme.
18:27I should have known.
18:29I didn't think you're this wicked.
18:32You must have told Lily stuff.
18:34That's why she did it.
18:36I'll make you pay for getting Claire hurt.
18:39I let out a snicker.
18:41Talk about absurd.
18:43If it weren't for her teacher and the police,
18:46I wouldn't want to see her.
18:49And the bottle of acid?
18:51She prepared it for me.
18:53She thought I'm the reason you were away.
18:55And you just had to bring Claire back right now.
18:59You two deserve this.
19:01A wave of relief washed over me.
19:05At that moment, I'm relieved Victor divorced me.
19:09And got remarried so soon.
19:12Otherwise, I might not survive today.
19:15Claire hears what I say and cries.
19:17Seeing the homewrecker getting her comeuppance.
19:21I can't help but feel satisfied.
19:23Victor is stumped.
19:25He has no choice but to target Lily.
19:28For the first time, Victor actually slaps her hard.
19:32Nealon apologized to Claire.
19:35Show me you're sorry.
19:37Fight me on this.
19:38And I'll send you to the nuthouse for shock therapy.
19:42Lily is heartbroken.
19:44She shoves Victor aside and lunged at me angrily.
19:48Hitting and kicking me.
19:50It's your fault for being so unappealing.
19:53If dad hadn't disliked you, he wouldn't have found Claire.
19:56This is all on you.
19:58As I look at Lily, who never stops crying,
20:01I finally understand how much she hates my guts.
20:05It seems she really sees me as her rival.
20:08My existence alone bothers her.
20:10Luckily, whatever she says can't hurt me anymore.
20:13I push Lily away and look at her with disgust.
20:17Freak out all you want.
20:18See if I care.
20:20Lily lies on the floor and cries, calling out to Victor.
20:23But Victor ignores her.
20:26He hears the ambulance and goes downstairs with Claire in his arms.
20:31The police arrives at the scene.
20:33When they see the acid, they hold Lily on the floor.
20:37Little girl, where did you get something this dangerous?
20:41You're coming with us.
20:43I go with them since I'm also involved.
20:46I tell the officers everything about the past few days.
20:49Even how Lily treated me like a rival for years.
20:53I say it all for the first time.
20:55At first, they don't believe me.
20:57They think Lily attacked Claire for my sake.
21:02But when they hear her yelling for me and Claire to die, they start having doubts.
21:08I don't say anything.
21:10Instead, I show them some CCTV footage from before the divorce.
21:16This will help you solve the case.
21:19The officers fall silent when they hear the insults Lily hurled at me in the footage.
21:26I say firmly, Lily is not in my custody.
21:30I'm not responsible.
21:32She also tried to attack me with acid.
21:34I won't handle her cases anymore.
21:38When I leave, Lily was still throwing a fit.
21:43Call my dad and make him come here.
21:47Don't let him stay with Claire.
21:49Find a way to separate them, please.
21:51When I walk away, Lily shouts at me to stop.
21:56Lucy, you can't let Claire steal dad away.
21:59Do something and get him back, okay?
22:02If you can split them up, you can be my mom again.
22:07She's still wild and reckless, waiting for me to forgive and indulge her.
22:12I just look at her coldly.
22:14Lily, I'm done with you.
22:17Enjoy your days with your new mother.
22:19I hope Claire will be as patient with you.
22:23Lily is utterly confused.
22:25Drop the act, Lucy.
22:27You fought for my custody.
22:29You can't let me go.
22:31Get me out of here and take me to dad.
22:33I say nothing.
22:34As I turn around and leave.
22:37That night, Victor texts me to question me.
22:40He still thinks I told Lily about his remarriage, and that's why she bought acid.
22:45I've had it with them.
22:47I post the proof of his cheating online.
22:50And block him.
22:51Victor has no choice but to shut up.
22:53Lily is drowning in the pain of his remarriage.
22:56And stops bothering me.
22:59Claire got lucky.
23:00Just a small burn on her chest.
23:02Her face is unharmed.
23:03I hear she forgave Lily and moved in with them shortly after.
23:10After that, I don't follow up on them.
23:12I'm too busy with my career.
23:15One day, one of the old neighbors suddenly contact me.
23:19Lucy.
23:20Victor never knew peace since he remarried.
23:23Look at this.
23:24His family is now the laughing stock.
23:27The message I posted to the group was quickly deleted by Victor.
23:32Victor.
23:33But they already knew of his affair.
23:37Victor was already the talk of the complex.
23:41Lily's acid attack made an even bigger scene.
23:46Everyone watched, waiting for their next show.
23:51The day Claire moved in was a spectacle.
23:54It's as loud as a megaphone.
23:56She arrives with loads of stuff.
23:58Lily blocks the door, refusing her entry.
24:02Victor hits her.
24:04She leaves and Claire moves in.
24:07It's hard to believe.
24:09Victor always looked away.
24:13Now he beats Lily for Claire's sake.
24:16Guess it must be true love.
24:18I wish them the best.
24:19Forever.
24:20A week after Claire moved in,
24:23Lily calls the police, claiming Claire beat her.
24:26The cops show up.
24:27Lily's face was covered in slap marks.
24:31Two teeth were knocked out.
24:33They say the stepmother's cruel,
24:35that she's already abusing the kid.
24:37I checked the video closely.
24:39Lily was definitely covered in bruises.
24:42But Claire didn't look much better.
24:45Her long, shiny hair had been hacked into a choppy mess.
24:50It's clearly Lily's work.
24:52Claire sobbed to the officers.
24:54Lily shredded all her clothes
24:56and put nails in her shoes,
24:58leaving her limping for a week.
25:00Lily clings to an officer's leg,
25:02crying about abuse.
25:04The neighbors already hated Claire
25:06and didn't know Lily often lied.
25:09They cornered and blamed Claire until she cried.
25:13Victor rushed home, apologized briefly,
25:16gave Claire a light scolding.
25:18Case closed.
25:19After that, the apartment was filled with crashing and screaming every single day.
25:25In the video, Victor stood smoking at the door, miserable.
25:29Inside, Lily and Claire brawled.
25:33Lily screamed.
25:35I won't let you win.
25:37Any woman after my dad must die.
25:39Dad belongs to me.
25:41No one can take him.
25:43Claire's leg is bleeding badly.
25:45She grabs Lily by the hair and spanks her hard.
25:49No wonder Lucy runs away from you, brat.
25:52Not just Lucy, Victor does too.
25:55You think Victor loves you?
25:57I'm carrying his son.
26:00Once he's born, you'll go to your grandparents.
26:04Lily screams with all her might.
26:06You're lying.
26:07How dare you speak of my dad?
26:09I'm his only daughter.
26:11He'll never leave me.
26:14At the video's end, Victor stubs his cigarette, slams the door.
26:18Behind the door, I hear Victor shouting,
26:22I should have left you with Lucy.
26:24You irritate me.
26:26When my son is born, go back to grandma's.
26:29The neighbor shakes their head.
26:31Not only did he cheat, but he's abandoning his own daughter.
26:35That poor girl will have it rough.
26:38The neighbors seem sorry for Lily.
26:40I exited the chat expressionlessly.
26:43I think to myself, Lily brought this on herself.
26:48But from the video, Claire isn't doing well either.
26:52Victor can't just send Lily away that easily.
26:55She bought acid without flinching.
26:57She won't let this go.
26:59At work that day, the police calls again.
27:04Ms. Snow, Lily's in trouble.
27:07Come now.
27:08I'm about to refuse.
27:10But the police added,
27:12Her guardian is fighting for his life.
27:14His parents can't arrive in time.
27:16You're our only contact.
27:19Victor's fighting for his life.
27:21Now, I'm interested.
27:23I tell my boss and take a half day to go.
27:26At the hospital, an officer pulls me aside.
27:30Victor is still in surgery.
27:31He may not survive.
27:33Claire is already dead.
27:36As for Lily, she's only 10.
27:39The situation is complicated.
27:41After learning that Claire was pregnant, Lily was pushed too far.
27:46She snapped.
27:47She secretly got rat poison and pretended to make up with Victor.
27:51Then she waited and poisoned Claire's water.
27:55She only meant to kill Claire and the baby.
27:58But Victor drank from the same glass.
28:02They were poisoned in their sleep.
28:04By the time Lily saw Victor foaming and called 911, the poison was fully absorbed.
28:10His gastric lavage failed.
28:12Surgery was the only hope for organ failure.
28:16Claire, weakened by her pregnancy, died on the way to the hospital.
28:21When Lily learns that Claire is dead, she laughs.
28:25Serves you right, thief.
28:27Think a son could beat me?
28:29Pathetic.
28:31Her face looked nothing like a child's.
28:35Then Lily learns Victor is dying, too.
28:38She panics.
28:39She breaks down at the OR door.
28:42Dad, I didn't mean it.
28:44I just wanted her gone.
28:46Dad, you'll wake up, right?
28:48You said you love me forever.
28:50I'm stunned.
28:52I figured Claire would get what she deserved.
28:55I never thought Lily would take him down.
28:59Karma got him, too.
29:01The police are stuck.
29:02Lily is a minor, but what she did caused serious harm.
29:07She'll go to Juvie.
29:09Can you help with everything else?
29:12I cut him off.
29:14Sorry, I won't do anything for her.
29:17Custody is with my ex?
29:19His family will handle it.
29:21I'm being posted abroad soon.
29:23This isn't my problem.
29:25Besides, you've seen the footage.
29:28If Victor hadn't cheated, I could be the one in the morgue.
29:32The officer sighs and understands.
29:35Lily turns and sees me.
29:38Pure hatred fills her eyes.
29:41Lucy, you did this.
29:43If you'd kept Dad, Dad would never have strayed.
29:47He never would have drunk poison.
29:49I hate you.
29:50I always have.
29:52Why did you take my dad?
29:54Why'd you hurt him?
29:56Lily turns all her rage on me.
29:59I feel nothing.
30:00She can't touch me nor hurt me.
30:04Instead of hating me, think about how it'll be like if your dad dies.
30:08Please, remember you did this.
30:12Live with it forever.
30:13My words send Lily over the edge.
30:16As police drag Lily away, her bloodshot eyes lock onto me.
30:22She burns my face into her memory.
30:25I walk out.
30:26The sun is bright.
30:28A week later, I see the story in the news.
30:31Headlines, morbid obsession, patricide.
30:34A blurred photo of Lily is shown.
30:37The comments are divided.
30:40Some pity her upbringing.
30:42Most demand punishment.
30:44I don't read further and set the tablet down.
30:48A lawyer calls.
30:49Victor's parents want to handle the aftermath.
30:52They want to meet.
30:54I decline.
30:55Through the lawyer, they ask me to cover Lily's detention costs.
31:00My lawyer replies,
31:02Per divorce, I gave up all rights and duties.
31:05Lily was never my responsibility.
31:09On the weekend, I visit a church, just to find some peace.
31:13As I prayed, I think of the acid attack in my last life.
31:18The reapers shake their heads in sorrow.
31:21The scent of the candles fill the air.
31:23I bow slowly.
31:24This time I survived.
31:26As I leave the church, I pass a priest sweeping leaves.
31:30He glances up at me.
31:33The resentment on you has faded, but it's unresolved.
31:37I stop.
31:39It's not hatred, it's confusion.
31:42Why did Kin turn to foe?
31:44Until then, you won't be free.
31:46I pause, then ask.
31:48And if I don't?
31:50He smiles.
31:52You know it already.
31:53Not every question needs to be answered.
31:57He goes back to sweeping.
31:59I stand there a long moment, then leave.
32:02Maybe he's right.
32:03I don't need to know why Lily hates me.
32:06I just accept it.
32:08Some people, even flesh and blood,
32:10are just meant to be a trial.
32:13My firm throws a farewell dinner.
32:15Colleagues toast my promotion.
32:17And new life abroad.
32:19I smile and take it all in.
32:21I feel at peace.
32:23Someone carefully brings up the recent news.
32:26I shake my head.
32:28That's all in the past.
32:30The apartment is ready.
32:32Boxes are packed and shipped.
32:34I take only what matters.
32:36Late one night, as I sort through old things,
32:39I find Lily's ultrasound photo.
32:42On the back, my baby, my love.
32:45I stare at it for a long time and tear it up.
32:50Before I leave, I get an unknown call.
32:53It's a counselor from juvenile detention.
32:56Miss Snow, you're not obligated.
32:58But Lily's case is unusual.
33:01She won't talk to anyone.
33:02But she asks for you.
33:04Jamie Parker's voice is gentle.
33:07If you're willing, maybe write her a letter.
33:10It may help her evaluation.
33:12After hanging up, I sit by the window.
33:15Finally, I pick up a pen.
33:17And write a short letter.
33:19Not to Lily, but to the child I tried so hard to protect.
33:24I seal it when I'm done.
33:26I don't send it.
33:28I lock it in a drawer.
33:29The airport is crowded when I leave.
33:32I check my bags and buy a coffee.
33:35My phone lights up.
33:37It's from my realtor.
33:39My old apartment has been sold.
33:42Every last tie to the past is now cut.
33:45The boarding call sounds.
33:47I stand.
33:48I take one last look at the city sky.
33:51Six months later, a package arrives.
33:54It's sent by a law firm.
33:56Inside are documents and a letter.
33:57Victor's parents died three months ago.
34:01Lily's behavior was severely unstable.
34:04She's moved to a youth psychiatric facility.
34:08I'm her only living next of kin by law.
34:11These documents need my signature.
34:13I read everything carefully.
34:15Then call my lawyer.
34:17I sign over Lily's guardianship to the state.
34:22The lawyer goes quiet, then asks,
34:25Are you sure?
34:26This means giving up being her mother.
34:29I watch seabirds outside the window.
34:32I stopped being her mother long ago.
34:34I hang up and step onto the balcony.
34:37The sunset turns the sea gold, looking almost unreal.
34:41My phone buzzes.
34:42It's the diving club.
34:44They ask about next week's night dive.
34:47I confirm.
34:48Then I block my lawyer's number.
34:52That night, I dream of holding Lily as a baby.
34:56She laughs and reaches for my face.
34:59Then the image shifts.
35:00She's grown, face twisted, and holding a bottle of acid.
35:04I wake up drenched in sweat.
35:06The next day, I book a therapy session.
35:08Not out of weakness.
35:11But I know I can't over it if I'm still under it.
35:15My therapist is calm, middle-aged.
35:17She never interrupts when I talk.
35:19By the fourth session, she says,
35:22Ms. Snow, have you considered some of what you feel?
35:26Toward Lily is self-blame?
35:27For not being a normal mother to her.
35:30For the bond you never had.
35:33I go silent.
35:34It's late when I leave the office.
35:37I sit by the sea till the stars come out.
35:41Maybe she's right.
35:42I've been running from the idea that I failed as a mother.
35:46But sitting here, the sea breeze hits me.
35:50Admitting my faults takes courage, too.
35:52A year later, I'm a regional director.
35:55The party is held on a yacht.
35:57Champagne, music, genuine good wishes.
36:01Midway through, I slip out to the railing alone.
36:05A senior colleague follows me out.
36:07She hands me water.
36:09It sneaks up.
36:11We stand side by side, watching the city lights.
36:14She says,
36:15You always seem so resilient.
36:18But the strongest break the easiest.
36:21I look at her.
36:23She smiles.
36:24When I first came here, I had a hard time, too.
36:28I realized owning our weaknesses is strength.
36:32She pats my shoulder.
36:34We go back inside.
36:35I dream of the reapers again.
36:37Their faces blur, but their voices are sharp.
36:41You chose differently now.
36:43Karma remains.
36:45I ask them why.
36:46They only shake their heads and fade away.
36:50I wake and sit up in bed,
36:52turning those words over in my mind.
36:55Days later, the answer comes in an unexpected way.
36:58The company sends me back home
37:01for two weeks of work.
37:02When I hear the news, my hands tremble.
37:05I steady myself.
37:07I'm not the same Lucy.
37:09And that city is no longer my nightmare.
37:12I land at the familiar airport.
37:15I take a deep breath as I step off.
37:17No suffocation, just air.
37:19At the hotel, I check work emails first.
37:22The team is professional.
37:24Meetings run on time.
37:26On the third afternoon, I finish early.
37:30On impulse, I open the map and search for the youth facility.
37:36It's in the suburbs, about 40 minutes away.
37:39I stand at the hotel window for a long time.
37:43Then, I grab my bag and go downstairs.
37:45The city thins.
37:47Fewer buildings, more trees.
37:49The driver glances at me.
37:52It's pretty remote.
37:53You sure?
37:53I nod and say nothing.
37:56A white building with low fence.
37:59It's gate shut.
38:01I wait outside briefly.
38:03Just as I turn to leave, a staff member comes out.
38:06She pauses.
38:08Here for who?
38:09I give Lily's name.
38:11Her expression shifts.
38:14She leads me inside to a waiting room.
38:17It is clean and simple.
38:19There's children's drawings on the walls.
38:21One catches my eye.
38:23A red figure stood in the center of darkness.
38:27Twisted lines surround it.
38:29No name is below it, but I know that's Lily's.
38:33Minutes later, a doctor in a white coat enters.
38:37She's Casey Bennett, Lily's doctor.
38:40She's in her 40s with warm eyes and a sharp gaze.
38:44She sits.
38:45Hello, Mrs. Snow.
38:47Your info is in Lily's file.
38:50I know you've given up custody.
38:52I cut in.
38:54How is she?
38:55Dr. Bennett pauses.
38:57It's complicated.
38:58Severe paranoid personality tendencies.
39:01Distorted emotions.
39:02Progress has been slow.
39:04But there's been a shift.
39:06She pauses, then continues.
39:08Three months ago, she started art therapy.
39:11It's always one figure.
39:14Casey pulls out several sketches.
39:16They're pencil drawings.
39:18Of a woman with familiar features.
39:20It looks like me, but not quite.
39:23In some, I'm smiling.
39:25In some, I'm crying.
39:26One shows me on the ground.
39:28Surrounded by black waves.
39:30Dr. Bennett says she calls them all mom.
39:33I look at the drawings.
39:36My chest tightening.
39:38No admission she misses you, but the mind doesn't lie.
39:41This doesn't mean she's well.
39:43But buried feelings may be surfacing.
39:47If you're willing to, leave her a letter.
39:50I'll give it to her in due time.
39:52I pause for a long time, then ask for paper.
39:57In the end, I write three lines.
39:59I made it.
40:00I hope you find your way, too.
40:03Goodbye.
40:04I didn't leave a name.
40:06I fold it and pass it to her.
40:08She takes it.
40:09I'll handle it with care.
40:10A quiet year passes.
40:13After my promotion, work picks up.
40:15I'm sent to Uriel for three months.
40:18Winter here is cold, but the office is always warm.
40:22Colleagues keep a polite distance.
40:24I like that.
40:26On Christmas Eve, the team holds a small party.
40:29I leave early, walking home on streets strung with lights.
40:34My phone rings.
40:36It's an unknown number from home.
40:38I hesitate, then answer.
40:40It's Dr. Bennett.
40:42Her voice sounds tired.
40:43Ms. Snow, sorry to bother you.
40:45I shouldn't be calling, but Lily has changed.
40:49I stop walking.
40:51My breath fades into the cold air.
40:53Go on.
40:55Casey pauses.
40:56She talks about the past in fragments.
40:59She wants to see you.
41:01It's not a demand, but a request.
41:03I told her no.
41:04She asked me to let you know.
41:07Christmas music drifts by, oddly out of place.
41:10I won't see her.
41:13Casey goes quiet.
41:15Understood, thank you.
41:17I hang up and keep walking.
41:19In the mailbox downstairs, there's a card from my diving club friends.
41:25There's fish and coral on the cover.
41:27I go upstairs, turn on the heat, and make a cup of tea.
41:31Outside, snow falls quietly.
41:34I sit by the window and watch it come down.
41:38Lily is facing her past.
41:40Maybe that's good.
41:41But her road is hers to walk.
41:44By the time my drink runs out, I decide.
41:47I open my laptop and send Casey an email.
41:50This is my last word on the matter.
41:53I wish Lily a real recovery.
41:55I hit send and close the laptop.
41:58Snow keeps falling, covering the street.
42:01The night is so quiet, I can hear my own heartbeat.
42:04When the project ends, I transfer to Ellendor.
42:09New place, fresh start.
42:11The tropics are always hot, but the sea breezes keep it bearable.
42:16I rent a flat with an ocean view.
42:18On weekends, I hike or dive.
42:21Three months in, I find a book in a store.
42:25On childhood emotional disorders, I pick it up, set it down, and walk away.
42:31Some knowledge is just unwanted baggage.
42:34A colleague shows interest in me.
42:37We go on a few dates.
42:39He's gentle, divorced, with no kids.
42:41He runs a small consulting firm.
42:43On our third date, he asks about my past.
42:46I tell him I'm divorced, with no children, focused on work.
42:50He lets it go.
42:52That night, I watch the harbor lights.
42:56It's strange that I lied.
42:58Not out of guilt, but out of self-protection.
43:01My past is a scar.
43:03Or, it's not something to show a passerby.
43:06Six months later, Casey emails again.
43:09Lily's treatment has reached a milestone.
43:12She's in structured therapy.
43:15And is more stable now.
43:17If progress continues, she may move to a normal center in two years.
43:22At the email's end, Casey adds that Lily drew a woman standing by the sea.
43:28When asked who it was, she said, a stranger.
43:31On the back, I hope she sees the sunrise.
43:37The horizon is still a deep blue, but I know the sun will rise in a few hours.
43:44Karma is still unfinished, but it no longer binds my life.
43:48My phone buzzes.
43:49A colleague asks me to breakfast.
43:51I say yes and get dressed.
43:54The morning air is fresh.
43:56Joggers are out on the street.
43:58Life moves forward.
44:00I no longer look back.
44:01In my second year here, I buy a small apartment.
44:06Colleagues come to help me move.
44:08It's a full, noisy day.
44:09That evening, as I sort my books, I find an old photo album.
44:13It's my mother's from when she died.
44:15It slipped into my things somehow.
44:17She was young and beautiful, holding me as a baby, smiling.
44:21She passed away when I was 15.
44:24Dad remarried fast.
44:25I stood on my own early.
44:27On the last page, her handwriting says,
44:30Whatever comes, love yourself.
44:32I stare at it a long time, then take it out carefully.
44:36I frame it and put it on my desk.
44:38If she knew what I'd been through, what would she say?
44:42Maybe she'd understand my choices, just as I now understand her strength.
44:47Work is still busy, but I've found balance.
44:50Gym three times a week.
44:52Cooking on weekends.
44:53Movies with the guy I'm seeing.
44:55Life is quiet and full.
44:57No big waves.
44:59That's what I need.
44:59One Sunday, a letter arrives, signed only Casey.
45:05Inside, two printed copies of drawings.
45:08The first is the woman by the sea.
45:11The second is new.
45:12It's a woman at a window, with trees outside and tea on the table.
45:16The style feels calmer now.
45:18The color's softer.
45:20No note, just the two drawings.
45:22I studied the second drawing.
45:25The tree shadows, the steam from the cup.
45:27Her face, every detail is precise.
45:29Lily sees deeply.
45:31On the right path, she may have real talent, but I don't write back.
45:36I don't act.
45:37I file the drawings.
45:40With other important but non-urgent things.
45:43Some things only need witnessing, not answering.
45:47That night, I dream of my mother.
45:49She's silent.
45:51She just strokes my hair, like when I was small.
45:54I wake to a damp pillow, but feel at peace.
45:58I understand now.
45:59Letting go isn't forgetting.
46:01It's to let the memory stop hurting me.
46:03The sky slowly brightens.
46:06I make breakfast.
46:07A new day begins, and I'm ready for it.
46:10In the third year, my project wins an industry award.
46:14At the ceremony, I walk up in a simple black dress.
46:19The spotlight is bright, but I stand calmly and give my thanks.
46:23As the applause rises, I think of Lily's kindergarten show.
46:28I was clapping, just like this.
46:31Time is a strange thing.
46:32It takes some.
46:34It keeps others.
46:35At the reception, a colleague congratulates me.
46:39We talk about careers.
46:40She asks about family.
46:42I smile.
46:43Focused on work for now.
46:44She nods.
46:45Sometimes going alone gets you further.
46:48She's right.
46:50These years on my own.
46:51Built something inside me.
46:53I don't need approval.
46:55No ties to hold me down.
46:56Just existing as myself.
46:58Only caged birds know what freedom is worth.
47:02In the summer, I go home to handle some tax matters.
47:06Landing feels like nothing now.
47:09The city has changed.
47:11Everything looks new.
47:13I stay downtown.
47:14Handle things by day.
47:16Gym at night.
47:17On my last evening, I ride past my old neighborhood.
47:22The building still stands.
47:24Freshly repainted.
47:27I let it pass.
47:28I just watch it pass by the window.
47:32On the way back, I spot an old bookstore that's still open.
47:36I stop and go in.
47:38I pause at the psychology shelf and pick up a trauma healing book.
47:43The young cashier smiles and asks,
47:47If I study psychology, I shake my head.
47:50I am just curious.
47:52At the hotel, I flip through it.
47:54One chapter covers generational trauma.
47:57The author says ending isn't erasing.
48:00You're just not passing it on.
48:02I close the book and go to the window.
48:05City lights spread like a galaxy.
48:07Every light, a story.
48:09Mine has turned past its heaviest pages.
48:12Lily's story is hers to finish.
48:15The day I leave, the airport is bright.
48:18I check in, clear security, walk to the gate.
48:22Each step light and steady.
48:24I know I won't look back this time.
48:28Back home, life keeps its rhythm.
48:31Work, gym, reading, the occasional date.
48:35When he proposes, I say no gently.
48:38He's hurt but understands.
48:39We stay friends.
48:41I'm not against marriage.
48:43I just know where I am right now.
48:45I'm whole on my own.
48:47I need no one to complete me.
48:49Another year passes.
48:50On my 36th birthday, I go to Rosvera alone.
48:54At a retreat there,
48:56I take a week-long meditation course.
48:59I'm up at 4 each morning, in silence,
49:02watching the breath,
49:03letting thoughts pass by.
49:05On the 4th morning,
49:07while deep in meditation,
49:08Lily's face appears.
49:10In the meditation, Lily's face appears.
49:13But this time it's different.
49:15She's sleeping quietly.
49:16The image comes and goes.
49:18No emotion follows,
49:20like clouds drifting past.
49:22On the last day,
49:23everyone is asked to share.
49:25When it's my turn, I say,
49:27I learn to let memories be memories,
49:29not a weight.
49:31The instructor smiles.
49:33That's hard to reach.
49:34On the flight back,
49:36I sit next to a mother with two kids.
49:39A girl of 4 or 5
49:40is calm, sweet,
49:42and leaning on her mom.
49:43I watch them.
49:45No envy, no regret.
49:47Just quiet observation.
49:48Everyone has their own path.
49:50A different scenery.
49:53At the year's end,
49:54a final email arrives from Casey.
49:57Lily transferred to a regular center.
50:00She's stable and in vocational training.
50:03She chose art and design.
50:05The teachers say she has potential.
50:07I write a short reply.
50:09I wish her well.
50:10Then, I delete Casey's contact.
50:13A clean goodbye.
50:14I gave what I could.
50:16I kept what I should.
50:18On New Year's Eve,
50:20fireworks explode by the sea.
50:22As the sky lights up,
50:23I close my eyes.
50:25I'm grateful for this second chance.
50:27For every choice,
50:28every loss,
50:29every gain.
50:30I open my eyes.
50:31As the show peaks,
50:32they're as bright as stars.
50:34A friend hands me champagne.
50:36Our glasses clink.
50:37The sea breeze reeks of ocean and freedom.
50:41Right now,
50:41I'm truly here in this moment.
50:44Free of the past.
50:45No fear of the future.
50:47No fear of the future.
50:48You
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