💋👄captive of my f💄💍ormer slave #

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#movie #hotdrama2026 #trending #bestmovie2026 #💋👄captive of my f💄💍ormer slave # - BEST MOVIE 2026

Transcript

00:00:00On the day Noelle Rutherford found out she was pregnant, she braved the rain to head to a club that

00:00:05was one of Chester Gray's usual haunts.

00:00:07She stood outside a private room and dried her hair with some tissues, wanting to surprise him with the news

00:00:13of 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. You're going to surprise her during the wedding, right? Is

00:00:24everything 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 and he'd truly treated her like a precious treasure, doting on

00:00:37her 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 and playing her

00:00:47this 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, she's always been

00:00:56so proud, hasn't she?

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

00:01:03for 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, taking a step forward so she could peer into the room.

00:01:17The next second, she saw a man who looked exactly like Chester sitting beside him.

00:01:23He was Chester's carbon copy, from his features to his hairstyle.

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

00:01:32It's her fault for bullying Winona.

00:01:34Winona is Chester's darling.

00:01:36As punishment, he'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.

00:01:44You're the real MVP here, Simon.

00:01:46You did all the hard labor after all.

00:01:48If I didn't look so different from you two, I'd love to take over the job.

00:01:52Tell me about it.

00:01:54Man, Noelle's face and body.

00:01:57If she loses her mind after the wedding, how about you guys let us play with her first?

00:02:02Chester cooked up a plan like this for Winona, put 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, and her blood ran cold.

00:02:15She couldn't breathe.

00:02:16Her body trembled uncontrollably, and tears streamed down her widened eyes,

00:02:22which had turned bloodshot.

00:02:24Once upon a time, when she jolted awake from nightmares of being bullied by Winona,

00:02:29Chester had held her close and told her not to be scared.

00:02:32Once upon a time, she 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.

00:02:42Noelle didn't dare believe, nor 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, so you won't need to keep flying to her, Chester.

00:02:54Honestly, I 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 stuck with Noelle each time Chester goes abroad.

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

00:03:09Hasn't she ever noticed anything?

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

00:03:13I lower my voice, tell her I have pharyngitis, and that's enough to make her fuss over me.

00:03:19She gets up before the sun rises to make me something to soothe my throat.

00:03:24That's enough.

00:03:26Once the wedding is over, I'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, you're not taking pity on her, are you?

00:03:38Noelle's heart flew to her throat, and 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 I've long since gotten sick of her.

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

00:03:55She's too filthy.

00:03:56Anyway, she'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, so you guys need to help me.

00:04:05I'm going to propose to Winona in a week after revealing the truth.

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

00:04:14Raindrops pelted her, but she felt nothing.

00:04:17All she could think about was the conversation from the private room, which replayed in her mind,

00:04:22Winona Johnson.

00:04:24Whenever that name came up, Noelle couldn't stop shaking.

00:04:28She couldn't understand.

00:04:30Winona had already gone abroad, so why wouldn't she let her go?

00:04:34Why was she hellbent on destroying her?

00:04:36All of this had happened over a meaningless campus bell title.

00:04:41Noelle's candid, bare-faced photo had beaten Winona's retouched contest entry,

00:04:46so Winona and her gang had dragged Noelle into the restroom to teach her a lesson.

00:04:50They'd used every cruel trick possible to torment her before 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 a living hell.

00:05:02They'd ganged up to beat her, stabbed her with needles, hidden thumbtacks in her shoes,

00:05:07rallied the entire class to isolate and bully her, wrecked her part-time jobs, and smeared her reputation.

00:05:14Winona had even arranged for a bunch of rich boys to pursue Noelle.

00:05:17Noelle had once overheard the plan Winona wanted her to be corrupted by money before having the rich boys dump

00:05:22her.

00:05:23Winona never fully succeeded, though.

00:05:25Even by junior year, when Winona had left to study abroad, she still hadn't broken Noelle completely.

00:05:32However, by then, Noelle was already deep in depression with the severe urge to harm herself.

00:05:39That was when Chester appeared.

00:05:41Unlike those other rich boys who'd pursued her and eyed her the way men appraised goods,

00:05:45he hadn't flung credit cards at her and called it affection.

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

00:05:50He'd taken time to understand her situation and listen to what she needed.

00:05:55When he learned that her grandmother, Marie Wakefield, needed long-term medication, he didn't look down on her.

00:06:02Instead, he'd done whatever he could, within the bounds of what she could accept, to improve her life.

00:06:09Chester had helped Noelle find internships and part-time jobs.

00:06:12When she rushed between gigs, he'd sit with her in a convenience store for dinner and gently pat her head.

00:06:18It must be tough, Elle. You're really amazing.

00:06:21Once, Marie had fallen ill while Noelle was out of town.

00:06:24It was Chester who'd brought her to the hospital and stayed by her side for a full day and night.

00:06:30The next day, when Noelle had made it back, he'd smiled and comforted her despite his exhaustion.

00:06:37Marie's fine, so don't worry. Don't wear yourself out.

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

00:06:43This is it. Try to trust him. Whatever 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 for 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 a 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, and Noelle was moved to bits.

00:07:09What an idiot. She didn't notice anything for the past three years.

00:07:13She's stupid.

00:07:15Even now, she thinks Chester's devoted to her.

00:07:18She's dumb. She's stupid. She's a fool.

00:07:21Noelle collapsed in the rain.

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

00:07:26She really was dumb.

00:07:27Much too dumb.

00:07:29She suddenly threw back her head and laughed, sounding 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. Your grandmother's on the brink of death.

00:07:44Noelle's mind went blank, and her ears buzzed.

00:07:47Her limbs turned to jelly.

00:07:49On instinct alone, she scrambled to her feet and rushed to the curb to hail a car.

00:07:55However, every breath in peace.

00:07:58Their lights flashing and horns blaring, refusing to stop.

00:08:01She 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 Silly, she dove into the car.

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

00:08:29Noelle dropped to her knees with a thud, her hands trembling as she clasped Marie's.

00:08:37Marie forced a smile.

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

00:08:41I'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, nor 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, it was barely there.

00:09:02She pulled out her phone and called Chester again and again.

00:09:05Each call was rejected, so she fired off messages in a hurry.

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

00:09:30So, as long as Chester came, as long as Marie could leave in peace, nothing else might.

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, I think Chester's tied up with something.

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

00:09:49We're getting along fine, and our wedding is next week.

00:09:52I'll be happy, so please don't worry.

00:09:56Suddenly, Marie's grip tightened.

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

00:10:01Elle, live well, be happy.

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

00:10:07In her final moments, there was still worry in her gaze.

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

00:10:13Then, she broke down and collapsed on the floor, crying her heart out.

00:10:18That night, she numbly went through the process of dealing with Marie's affairs.

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

00:10:24While waiting, she unblocked Winona's social media and checked her posts.

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

00:10:39His head was slick with sweat, but he wore a warm smile, and his gaze was tender.

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

00:10:49She smiled sweetly while his head was turned to her, his gaze lingering and full of love.

00:10:56Noelle let out a bitter laugh and turned off the screen.

00:11:01The next day at noon, she returned to the hospital with Marie's urn in her arms.

00:11:06She did two things.

00:11:08First, she scheduled an abortion for three days later.

00:11:12Second, she submitted her application to join Doctors Without Borders.

00:11:17Her superior, Tanya Brown, was 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, Dr. Brown.

00:11:27The faster, the better.

00:11:29Tanya didn't press for more information when she saw Noelle's bloodshot eyes and urgent expression.

00:11:35You just barely caught the application deadline.

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

00:11:40Gather at the hospital to depart in a week.

00:11:42Got it.

00:11:43A week from now was exactly the day she was supposed to marry Chester.

00:11:47Not only would she leave on that day, but she would also send him,

00:11:51Simon and Winona, a grand gift one they would never forget.

00:11:58Knowing she was heading somewhere dangerous, Noelle decided to give Marie a proper burial.

00:12:04She bought a cremation pendant, tucked a strand of Marie's hair, and a pinch of ashes inside, and buried the

00:12:11rest of the cemetery.

00:12:12Grandma, don't worry.

00:12:14I'm about to do what I've always wanted to do, and I'll keep myself safe.

00:12:19By the time Noelle returned to the villa, it was already dusk.

00:12:24The moment she stepped inside, she heard laughter in the living room.

00:12:28Come on, let me introduce you to two friends.

00:12:31A man and a woman stood from the couch and turned to look at her.

00:12:35Somewhat malicious mischief flickering in their eyes.

00:12:39It was Winona and Simon.

00:12:41Noelle couldn't stop the tremor that ran through her.

00:12:44It was her body's reflex whenever she faced Winona.

00:12:48Winona is a childhood friend, and Simon is my twin brother.

00:12:51They just got back from studying abroad, and happened to make it in time for our wedding.

00:12:55Elle and I know each other, we were roommates in college.

00:12:58Right, Elle?

00:12:59Every time Winona finished bullying her, she got only one and nothing.

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

00:13:07Right, Elle?

00:13:08Elle, you still don't like me.

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

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

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

00:13:19She's not even part of our family yet, and she's already so full of herself.

00:13:23Noelle, apologize.

00:13:25Noelle stared at the three of them, her hands balling into fists by her sides.

00:13:30She felt her heart tear open as she thought of what she'd overheard the night before,

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

00:13:37The Grey family is a proper household with deep roots, and 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, you're about to become the lady of the Grey household.

00:13:50You must watch your tongue and your behavior at all times.

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

00:13:57Oh!

00:13:58He dragged her down to the basement and shoved her into a roomie.

00:14:03Before she could react, the door slammed shut.

00:14:07The door was tightly sealed, shutting out every trace of light.

00:14:11Only then did Noelle realize it was a windowless, pitch-black room.

00:14:16Her breathing sped up in the pure darkness, and her panic surged.

00:14:21She pounded on the door, but no one answered.

00:14:24No matter how she shouted, terror swallowed her whole.

00:14:28In college, when Noelle had locked Noelle in a dark room for three days with no sound or light,

00:14:33time had stretched into a torture that felt endless.

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

00:14:38She'd feared darkness ever since, and claustrophobia had followed.

00:14:43For years now, she'd kept every light on at night, even sleeping that way.

00:14:48At first, Chester couldn't get used to it.

00:14:51But after learning what she'd been through, he'd held her and soothed her.

00:14:55It's okay.

00:14:56From now on, we'll sleep with the lights on at home.

00:14:59Don't be scared.

00:15:03She knew.

00:15:04They all knew.

00:15:06Yet they'd still chosen this as Noelle's punishment.

00:15:09And it was just because she'd pushed Winona.

00:15:13Noelle curled up in the corner, hugging 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 was likely designed just for her.

00:15:33Two days later, Chester opened the door with a pleased smile.

00:15:37Winona's not mad at you for what happened anymore.

00:15:39Clean yourself up.

00:15:40We're gonna try on wedding dresses and pick out rings.

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

00:15:45As soon as she got out of the car, she saw Winona and Simon already waiting inside.

00:15:49Elle, you're here.

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

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

00:15:54So let me keep you company and help you choose the perfect dress today.

00:15:58She smiled, clearly waiting to see Noelle lose her composure.

00:16:03I appreciate it.

00:16:07Then I'll try some on with you.

00:16:08I'm going to be a bride very soon, myself.

00:16:12Congratulations.

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

00:16:15From that moment on, any gown Noelle so much as glanced at, Winona would flag down a sales

00:16:20associate and rush to be the first to try it.

00:16:23Each time she came out of the changing room, she would grab Chester's hand.

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

00:16:28Isn't it gorgeous?

00:16:30And each time, Chester would stare at her as 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 ignored Noelle completely.

00:16:39A sales associate sighed with envy.

00:16:41This bride is so lucky.

00:16:44Sorry, Elle.

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

00:16:46You should have tried first.

00:16:51See anything you like?

00:16:52Noelle picked one at random and went to try it on.

00:16:54When she came out, the three of them were already gone.

00:16:57Miss Johnson said she was going to pick out rings, Miss.

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

00:17:02It's fine.

00:17:05Soon after, Winona updated her social media with a photo of a diamond ring embedded with

00:17:11Pave gemstones.

00:17:12Noelle glanced at it, locked her screen, and went back to packing.

00:17:15Beyond clothes and daily essentials she needed to take with her, she gathered up everything

00:17:20else that belonged to her, including the gifts she'd once given Chester and threw them

00:17:24away or destroyed them.

00:17:25As for anything Chester had given her, she didn't touch at all.

00:17:29She had just finished packing a suitcase and slid it into the closet when Chester walked

00:17:34in, holding a blue velvet box.

00:17:37I bought you this ring at an auction.

00:17:39Noelle recognized it.

00:17:40It was a free gift that had come with the ring Winona had shared on her social media.

00:17:44She accepted it calmly and set it aside.

00:17:46His gaze drifted and landed on the trash can where he saw the couple's mugs she used to

00:17:51cherish.

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 at the bridal boutique?

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

00:18:01We haven't seen each other in years, so of course I paid her a little extra attention.

00:18:05There's no need to be jealous of her.

00:18:07If there was something between us, we would've gotten together long ago, right?

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

00:18:13Don't you understand how I feel about you?

00:18:15Hearing that, Noelle's fingers trembled.

00:18:17In that instant, she wanted to question him.

00:18:20She wanted to peel back the sincerity from his lies.

00:18:23To know whether he'd harbor even a shred of genuine love for her in the past three years.

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

00:18:32I've got something to take care of, so don't wait up for me.

00:18:34You'll be the most beautiful bride in a few days.

00:18:39Noelle sat on the bed and swallowed back her tears.

00:18:42Two hours later, she finished washing up and got into bed to hit the head.

00:18:47Just as she was drifting off, the door slung open.

00:18:50Chester, who was supposed to be hosting a party at a bar with Winona, walked in.

00:18:54He smelled an alcohol.

00:18:56He carelessly ripped open his shirt, tossed back the covers, and pressed down on Noelle.

00:19:00As soon as the two made contact, Noelle's drowsiness vanished.

00:19:04She became acutely aware that the person pressing down on her was indeed Simon.

00:19:09Noelle's body went rigid, and her face drained of all color.

00:19:12She threw all her strength into shoving Simon off her and curled up at the head of the bed.

00:19:16Are you still mad?

00:19:17He rubbed his temples, his mannerisms exactly like Chester's.

00:19:21Even his voice, soaked with alcohol, was indistinguishable.

00:19:23If Noelle hadn't heard that Chester had kept himself chaste for Winona,

00:19:27she wouldn't have been able to tell them apart.

00:19:29I already told you that if I had feelings for Winona, you and I would never be getting married.

00:19:34He moved to kiss her.

00:19:36Her eyes widened, and she jerked aside, gagging.

00:19:38She retched until her eyes turned red.

00:19:41She couldn't stop.

00:19:42She shoved Simon away and ran for the bathroom.

00:19:45He watched her, his brows knitting and eyes glinting.

00:19:51You guys heard that, right?

00:19:52She's gagging.

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

00:19:55Don't let this get out of hand, Simon.

00:19:57What if she clings to you after the truth is out?

00:20:00Noelle stiffened, and her blood ran cold.

00:20:02It hit her that Simon's phone had been on a call the whole time.

00:20:05Chester, Simon, this is too much.

00:20:07Too much?

00:20:08She's been targeting you for ages.

00:20:09This is the punishment she deserves.

00:20:12But what if she really is pregnant?

00:20:14That's impossible.

00:20:16Even if she is, we'll make sure it's taken care of.

00:20:18Right, Simon?

00:20:19Oh, of course.

00:20:20For some reason, he felt a sudden, sharp twist in his chest.

00:20:24The next second, he saw Noelle open the door and stare at him, her face as white as a sheet.

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

00:20:31You look awful.

00:20:32Are you feeling okay?

00:20:33Are you... pregnant?

00:20:35No.

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

00:20:38The following morning, Noelle went to the hospital for her scheduled abortion.

00:20:42Elle, the baby already has a heartbeat at seven weeks, and all the indicators look good.

00:20:47Are you sure you want to terminate?

00:20:49I'm positive.

00:20:52It was noon by the time she left the hospital.

00:20:55Chester called, and his car pulled up at the entrance moments later.

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

00:21:01They rode in silence.

00:21:02A small smile playing on Chester's lips the whole time.

00:21:05It was also the one Noelle hated most.

00:21:08As soon as they reached the restaurant, they saw Winona and Simon already waiting for them.

00:21:12Elle, I crossed the line yesterday, so I queued for this trending cake to apologize.

00:21:18You have to try it.

00:21:19During the meal, she kept reminiscing about her, Chester, and Simon as kids.

00:21:24Chester and Simon have always spoiled me.

00:21:26When we played house, they'd fight over who got to be my groom.

00:21:30In middle school, some boys cornered me, and the two of them got hurt badly trying to protect me.

00:21:36They were in the hospital for ages.

00:21:38Once, I climbed a tree and couldn't get down.

00:21:41Chester scrawled on the ground to be my cushion.

00:21:44And Simon laughed along.

00:21:45The three of them chatted warmly, and Noelle stayed silent.

00:21:48Elle, why aren't you saying anything?

00:21:50Do you have a problem with me?

00:21:53I know we had misunderstandings in college, but I hope we can be best friends now that you're marrying Chester.

00:21:58Noelle didn't move for a long moment or even look at her.

00:22:01She suddenly clutched the front of her blouse as her breath came in gasps.

00:22:04Angry red hives spread across her forearm, forming a shocking and raw sight.

00:22:09She fumbled for her bag.

00:22:11You're having an allergic reaction.

00:22:13Noelle had a severe peanut allergy.

00:22:16She was usually careful, but in case of accidental exposure and no time to get help, she always kept an

00:22:21EpiPen in her bag.

00:22:22It was something that could save her life when seconds mattered.

00:22:25She'd already grabbed the EpiPen.

00:22:28Chester, I feel old.

00:22:32Winona, Chester, Winona looks like she's having an allergic reaction.

00:22:35Chester froze mid-strive, remembering that Noelle had ordered seafood broth during the meal.

00:22:39His expression went cold in an instant as he turned and stormed over to Noelle.

00:22:48You caused Winona to have an allergic reaction.

00:22:51She needs the medication first.

00:22:53With that, we marched straight to Winona and swiftly administered the injection without the slightest bit of hesitation.

00:22:59You're a doctor, Noelle.

00:23:00You should have other ways of saving yourself.

00:23:02Winona doesn't know anything.

00:23:04She needs the EpiPen more.

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

00:23:07Noelle collapsed to the floor.

00:23:09Her bloodshot eyes locked on their retreating figures.

00:23:12From beginning to end, none of them looked back, doll.

00:23:16Miss, are you okay?

00:23:20Elle, you're finally awake.

00:23:22Are you feeling any discomfort?

00:23:24Elle, I know you're mad at me, but the Gray and Johnson families have deep ties.

00:23:28We can't let anything happen to Winona on our watch.

00:23:31I had no choice.

00:23:32You're about to become a member of the Gray family.

00:23:34We have shared interests.

00:23:36You should be more understanding.

00:23:37You know I love you most, don't you?

00:23:39Come on, Noelle.

00:23:41Chester had no choice.

00:23:42Affluent families like ours have our own problems.

00:23:44We have to put the bigger picture first.

00:23:46As your family, we can only ask you to bear with it for now.

00:23:49Noelle's hands balled into tight fists under the blanket.

00:23:52She opened her eyes and fixed her gaze on the two men as she sneered inwardly.

00:23:56They were leaving no stone unturned to sweet talk and brainwash her.

00:24:01I want to rest.

00:24:13Hello, am I speaking to a live streaming company?

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

00:24:20After hanging up, her hand moved on instinct to the pendant at her chest, only to grasp at nothing.

00:24:26The pendant containing Marie's hair and ashes was gone.

00:24:35She was about to go find a nurse when she received a text.

00:24:38Winona had sent a photo of her necklace.

00:24:41If you want it back, come now.

00:24:43Otherwise, I'll dump what's inside into the toilet.

00:24:46A crushing fury washed over Noelle, almost making her vision go dark.

00:24:52Her chest heaved with rage as she rushed to Winona's hospital room.

00:24:58Inside, Winona stood by the window, the necklace dangling from her fingertips.

00:25:04It swayed just outside the windowsill, ready to drop at any moment.

00:25:09Winona Johnson, give me back my necklace.

00:25:13You saw my social media updates, right?

00:25:17And here I thought you would keep putting on that holier-than-thou act.

00:25:21You wanted me dead so badly in the past, yet here you are,

00:25:26putting up with anything just to marry into the Grey family.

00:25:30Give me back my necklace.

00:25:33Get on your knees and prostrate yourself before me if you want it.

00:25:37Admit you're a pathetic hypocrite.

00:25:41Never.

00:25:42Don't push me too far, Winona.

00:25:45Is this the first time you've realized just how far I can push?

00:25:48That stubborn attitude of yours and your refusal to bend to anyone's will is what I hate most about you.

00:25:54If you just kneeled to me back then, I wouldn't have kept targeting you for years.

00:25:59You've seen how much I mean to Chester.

00:26:02Here's the deal.

00:26:04Grovel at my feet and beg me for mercy.

00:26:06Not only will I return the necklace, but I'll also help you get a solid foothold in the Grey family.

00:26:11I won't kneel.

00:26:14You couldn't break me before, and you never will.

00:26:18I will never bow to someone as vile as you.

00:26:21You.

00:26:24Fine, then.

00:26:25Since you don't want the necklace, let's just toss it.

00:26:33Give it back.

00:26:36She whirled to run downstairs, but Winona yanked tight on her clothes, holding her back.

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

00:26:44I won't go near Chester again.

00:26:47Please don't push me off.

00:26:56Noelle Rutherford, what are you doing?

00:27:06Winona, are you okay?

00:27:08I'm sorry.

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

00:27:14Chester, we should stop contacting each other from now on.

00:27:19What are you talking about?

00:27:21Don't worry.

00:27:22I won't let you suffer in silence.

00:27:26I can't believe you're still bullying Winona after all these years.

00:27:30Noelle.

00:27:31I didn't.

00:27:33She threw my necklace, and I...

00:27:36That's enough.

00:27:37Even now, you're making excuses.

00:27:40Winona has always been gentle and timid.

00:27:43How could she ever bully anyone?

00:27:46You're the one who's at fault.

00:27:48Someone else bullied you.

00:27:49Yet you took it out on her.

00:27:51I didn't.

00:27:52She's the one who's been bullying me.

00:27:55She's tormented me this whole time.

00:27:59You still won't see sense.

00:28:02If you aren't taught a lesson now, who knows what you'll do?

00:28:05You'll push someone out a window today.

00:28:07So will you start committing murder tomorrow?

00:28:22What are you doing?

00:28:24No one answered.

00:28:26No matter how she fought, Chester and Simon just hauled her forward in silence, their tight jawlines carved with fury.

00:28:34In one last glance back at the hospital room, Noelle met Winona's eyes.

00:28:39They were smug, vicious, and triumphant.

00:28:46Noelle was led to a bungee platform at the mountaintop.

00:28:49The tower rose over 300 feet, and the cliff yawned beneath her feet.

00:28:54The second she stepped onto it, her face went chalk white, and her legs started to shake.

00:29:01Chester's and Simon's expressions remained icy.

00:29:04They took the safety locks from the staff and personally buckled them on her, forcing her to the edge of

00:29:10the jump platform.

00:29:12Noelle stared into the abyss below, her whole body going rigid.

00:29:16All she could hear was the thundering of her own heartbeat.

00:29:20Chester, you know I'm terrified of heights.

00:29:23I know.

00:29:24Since you tried to push Winona out the window, I'll give you a taste of what it's like to fall.

00:29:28This is the punishment you deserve, Elle.

00:29:31The lady of the gray household can't be a vicious woman.

00:29:34Learn your lesson today.

00:29:35If you're sincere about correcting your errors, we'll get married as planned.

00:29:39Don't be scared. You won't die.

00:29:42With that, they reached out and shoved her over the edge.

00:29:45The brutal drop seized her.

00:29:48Noelle's heartbeat stopped for a few seconds, and her chest ached.

00:29:53Terror beyond words sealed her throat.

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

00:29:57All that came out were strangled whimpers and tears that scattered in the wind.

00:30:03Her eyes held nothing but desolation and despair.

00:30:11She was left hanging upside down over the cliff for half an hour.

00:30:15Only when her breathing faltered and her consciousness began to fray did they haul her back up.

00:30:21Noelle collapsed on the platform, gasping for air, trying to ease the tingling in her limbs from lack of oxygen.

00:30:30Ms. Rutherford, before Mr. Chester and Mr. Simon left, they ordered you had to jump ten times before you can

00:30:36leave.

00:30:38Noelle hadn't even processed the words when she was pushed off again.

00:30:41Once, twice, thrice.

00:30:43Each time, she was left dangling over the cliff for half an hour.

00:30:47The brief breaks in between didn't ease the oxygen deprivation.

00:30:50As Noelle's mind grew fuzzier, the ten jumps were finally over.

00:30:55The sky was already pitch black.

00:30:57The platform's harsh white floodlights were all that held Noelle's last scraps of awareness.

00:31:09Take me to the hospital.

00:31:12I'm sorry, Mrs. Rutherford.

00:31:14Mr. Chester and Mr. Simon made it clear that no one is to help you.

00:31:17The Gray family owns this area, and I don't want to lose my job.

00:31:22He left.

00:31:23The glare of the floodlight stung Noelle's eyes, making tears slip down her face.

00:31:29She rested there for a while before forcing herself to stand and make her way down the mountain.

00:31:36She was halfway down it when she came across a kind tourist who was also on the way back.

00:31:43They brought her back to the city.

00:31:45Noelle didn't go back to the villa.

00:31:47Instead, she went straight to the hospital and, with a flashlight,

00:31:51started searching the lawn beneath the inpatient department for the necklace.

00:31:56As time dragged on, she grew more frantic.

00:32:01Tears shimmered in her bloodshot eyes.

00:32:05Who are you?

00:32:06What do you think you're doing?

00:32:08It was a hospital security guard.

00:32:11With his help, she found the cleaner in charge of the lawn.

00:32:16Yeah, I did notice a necklace.

00:32:18I figured nobody wanted it and tossed it into the trash.

00:32:23Which trash can?

00:32:27It's already been cleared and sent to the dump.

00:32:31I'm afraid you won't be able to find it, even if you want it now.

00:32:47Noelle searched the junkyard for an entire day.

00:32:50The moment she found the necklace, the tears she'd been holding back finally fell.

00:32:54But the next second, she realized the pendant was empty.

00:32:58The hair and ashes she'd stored inside were gone.

00:33:01Her head buzzed, and she ran for the hospital with the necklace clutched in her hand.

00:33:06Just as she reached the entrance, she ran into Winona, who had been discharged.

00:33:14Which dumpster did this piece of garbage crawl out of?

00:33:19Where are the things that were in my pendant?

00:33:25You mean that filthy stuff?

00:33:27I dumped them in the toilet and flushed them away ages ago.

00:33:32Winona Johnson!

00:33:34Winona staggered backward, clutching her cheek.

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

00:33:40You still haven't learned your lesson, Noelle.

00:33:44She flushed my grandma's ashes down the toilet.

00:33:47That's enough.

00:33:50I can't believe you're even cursing your own grandmother to hurt Winona.

00:33:54You make me sick.

00:33:55The next second, he seized her wrist and shoved her hard.

00:34:00The driver of a speeding cab blared the horn, unable to break in time.

00:34:05He slammed into Noelle.

00:34:06She was sent fly before landing the flower ball.

00:34:09Agonizing pain tore through her chest.

00:34:12Thick blood spilled from the corner of her mouth.

00:34:15She instinctively looked toward Chester.

00:34:17Only to see him shielding Winona with heartache in his eyes.

00:34:21He ushered her into the car Simon had brought around.

00:34:24From beginning to end, he didn't spare Noelle a single glance.

00:34:27She blacked out.

00:34:29Noelle lay in the hospital for two days.

00:34:32Through Winona's social media updates, she saw Chester escorting her to banquets and public events.

00:34:38With the wedding so close, he couldn't hold back anymore.

00:34:42He didn't even bother putting on an act.

00:34:45Noelle made her own preparations for the wedding day.

00:34:49The afternoon before the wedding, Chester came to pick her up from the hospital.

00:34:53He brought her favorite bellflowers.

00:34:55I was too impulsive the other day, so this is my apology.

00:34:58But you need to stop targeting Winona, too.

00:35:01Tomorrow is our wedding.

00:35:02I've prepared a surprise for you.

00:35:07Perfect.

00:35:09I've prepared a surprise for you, too.

00:35:11Chester paused.

00:35:13A flicker of awkwardness flashed in his eyes before he smoothed it over.

00:35:17On the drive back to the villa, the weather turned.

00:35:20And there was a torrential downhill.

00:35:22When thunder cracked, Chester grew restless and on edge.

00:35:26He kept one hand on the wheel while dialing Winona over and over again with the other.

00:35:30The calls went unanswered.

00:35:33He abruptly slammed on the brakes, pulled over, and grabbed an umbrella from the car.

00:35:38He handed it to Noelle.

00:35:40I've got something to deal with.

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

00:35:44Noelle didn't take the umbrella.

00:35:45She simply gave Chester an unreadable look before stepping out without a backward glance and shutting the door.

00:35:51He hesitated and stared at the umbrella in his hand.

00:35:54An odd feeling flickered through him.

00:35:56But Winona's call came at that moment.

00:35:59She sounded like she was on the verge of tears.

00:36:02Chester, I'm scared.

00:36:05Hurry up and come to me.

00:36:07Chester blanched.

00:36:09His hand moved away from the door handle and he immediately drove off.

00:36:12Noelle stood there, only just realizing that she'd carried the bouquet Chester had given her out of the car.

00:36:18As she watched the taillights vanish into the rain, she set the flowers on a trash can and hailed it

00:36:24out.

00:36:25Back at the villa, she received a message from Chester.

00:36:28I've got some urgent matters to deal with, so I won't be home tonight.

00:36:32She didn't reply.

00:36:33Maybe it was because she'd been in the rain, but she ran a low fever that night, drifting in and

00:36:38out of dreams.

00:36:39One moment, she saw Winona beating her up until she couldn't stand.

00:36:43Then, she pressed a foot to her face to humiliate her.

00:36:46The next moment, she saw Chester soothing her, cooking for her, and watching movies with her.

00:36:53Lastly, she saw the first time they'd slept together and the countless times after.

00:36:58Tears slid from the corners of her eyes.

00:37:01When she woke, her gaze was nothing but ice.

00:37:04It was her and Chester's wedding day, which happened to fall a week after Marie's death.

00:37:09At first light, Noelle took her suitcase to the cemetery.

00:37:13After leaving the gravesite, she grabbed a cab to the hospital to join the group departure.

00:37:19On her way there, she checked her WhatsApp to confirm every detail and contingency for the wedding with the team.

00:37:27Then, she found a live stream channel she'd bookmarked and tapped in.

00:37:31On camera, a glamorous influencer greeted the audience.

00:37:35Hello, everyone.

00:37:36Today, by the bride's invitation, we're attending a wedding and broadcasting it live.

00:37:42Noelle stared at the phone screen, a cold, dark light glinting in her eyes.

00:37:51At the wedding venue, Chester wore a groom's tuxedo, while Simon and Winona were dressed as the best man and

00:37:57maid of honor.

00:37:58The ceremony was a simple garden one, and the guests were all young, familiar faces.

00:38:03Every guest knew exactly what they were waiting for the show to begin.

00:38:07When the live stream crew walked in, Chester froze for a beat and stepped forward to ask what they were

00:38:12doing there.

00:38:13He frowned when he heard Noelle had hired them.

00:38:15I'm sorry, but it's inconvenient to live stream today's wedding. Please.

00:38:19Before he could finish, Winona came over and tugged on his sleeve.

00:38:23She said sweetly,

00:38:25Chester, since Elle invited them, we should respect her wishes.

00:38:29Hi, everyone. I'm today's maid of honor and a childhood friend of both the groom and his best man.

00:38:34Noelle smiled mockingly as she watched things play out on her phone screen.

00:38:38It was time for the ceremony to start, yet the bride still hadn't arrived.

00:38:44Chester called Noelle again and again, only to be told each time that her phone was powered off.

00:38:50He furrowed his brows and turned to his assistant.

00:38:53Check the hospital. See whether Noelle is with her grandmother.

00:38:56He deliberately left Marie out of the ceremony that day,

00:38:59afraid that she would be upset or aggravated by what was about to happen.

00:39:04As he listened to the cool, robotic voice tell him that Noelle's phone was off,

00:39:09he grew increasingly anxious.

00:39:11Had she found something out?

00:39:12Just then, the massive screen behind them crackled to life with voices.

00:39:17Chester, will Noelle have a meltdown when she finds out I've been pretending to be you and playing her this

00:39:22whole time?

00:39:23Chester's and Simon's faces drained of color.

00:39:26Noelle had found out ahead of time.

00:39:28She'd never imagine Chester having an identical twin.

00:39:30When she finds out he's the one who's been getting into her pants these past three years,

00:39:34that's punishment.

00:39:35He'll make her feel on top of the world before dropping her into the abyss.

00:39:39Gotta say that he's put in some serious work to achieve that.

00:39:41Panic surged in both of them.

00:39:43Before they could react, the footage on the screen cut to a new scene.

00:39:47In a bathroom, Winona ordered a group of young women to strip Noelle

00:39:52and press lit cigarettes to her skin one by one to burn her.

00:39:56She also made them slap her across the face before finally shoving her head down into a toilet.

00:40:01The crowd fell silent.

00:40:02Only Noelle's screams echoed through the stillness.

00:40:05On the screen, Winona's flawlessly made-up face twisted with venom and arrogance.

00:40:10Noelle, brotherhood, you've got nerve.

00:40:13Seed my credit for the campus fair.

00:40:15Get on your knees and drop at my feet now,

00:40:18or I'll make the next four years of your life a living hell.

00:40:21Chester and Simon stood frozen in place as their blood ran cold.

00:40:25One scene after another showed Winona bullied and quelled recessively.

00:40:30The video finally froze on Winona's cruel expression.

00:40:34Only then did the brothers snap to their senses and stiffly turn to look at Winona.

00:40:38She'd been lying to them all along.

00:40:43Winona screamed like she'd lost her mind.

00:40:46Turn it off.

00:40:47Shut it off.

00:40:48Right then, the massive scream started playing the bullying footage again.

00:40:53This time, however, Winona looked younger,

00:40:56and the victim was someone else.

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

00:40:59More clips popped up one after another,

00:41:03and multiple videos played at once.

00:41:05Aside from Winona's frantic shrieks,

00:41:07there were all kinds of other screams.

00:41:16It was you!

00:41:17You drove my daughter to jump to her death!

00:41:19You destroyed my family and forced us to leave!

00:41:21All the staff who were supposed to be doing their jobs charged out,

00:41:25accusing her of her crimes and beating her.

00:41:27Every single one of them was either a victim or a victim's family.

00:41:32Winona had caused more than one person's death.

00:41:34But whenever these people had tried to ask the internet or the police for help,

00:41:38their efforts had been suppressed almost immediately.

00:41:41The victims had either died or begged for mercy until Winona was satisfied.

00:41:46Then, she'd moved on to the next target.

00:41:49Noelle was her longest-lasting victim.

00:41:51She was also the one Winona hated most.

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

00:41:55the more Winona wanted to destroy her.

00:41:58At first, Noelle had exposed Winona online and tried going to the police,

00:42:02but nothing worked.

00:42:03Later, she'd spent a lot of time gathering evidence of Winona bullying others.

00:42:08She'd put in a lot of effort convincing these people to trust her

00:42:11and hand over their proof.

00:42:12She'd also persuaded them to side with her.

00:42:15Even during the years Winona was abroad,

00:42:17Noelle hadn't given up on her plan for revenge.

00:42:20From the moment she'd overheard the plot against her while standing outside that private room,

00:42:24she'd decided to use this wedding to broadcast Winona's crimes live for everyone to see.

00:42:30Only if there were enough victims.

00:42:32Only if public outrage grew big enough would the Johnsons be unable to smother this.

00:42:37The venue fell into a dead hush,

00:42:39broken only by the victims' families' curses and punches.

00:42:42Chester, save me! Save me!

00:42:44Chester and Simon clenched their fists so tightly their bodies trembled.

00:42:48Their eyes turned bloodshot.

00:42:50The person they'd protected since childhood,

00:42:52someone they thought was gentle and timid,

00:42:54had turned out to be someone like this.

00:42:56For her, they'd set up a trap against Noelle.

00:42:58They'd fancied themselves righteous judges,

00:43:00but they were actually accomplices to evil.

00:43:03They charged ahead and pushed into the crowd.

00:43:06Winona struggled toward them when she saw them.

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

00:43:10But the next second, she met their bloodshot eyes that were cold and full of disgust.

00:43:15Chester grabbed her by the collar and hauled her up,

00:43:18his voice shaking with anger and pain as he roared,

00:43:21You've been lying to me all along, Winona.

00:43:24You egged me on to go after Noelle.

00:43:26He thought of all the years of deception and how Noelle already knew the truth.

00:43:30He thought about their confrontation in the hospital.

00:43:32She looked at him with disbelief and pain

00:43:35before the emotions had faded into dead hopelessness.

00:43:37He couldn't stop shaking as panic crawled up his chest.

00:43:40Meanwhile, Simon stood beside him,

00:43:42looking at Winona like he wanted to kill her.

00:43:45I... I didn't.

00:43:47That wretch Noelle set me up.

00:43:49The videos are fake.

00:43:51You're still lying.

00:43:52She reached for him, pleading.

00:43:54She picked on me first.

00:43:55I was just fighting back.

00:43:57Chester, you have to believe me.

00:43:59Simon kicked her square in the chest,

00:44:01sending her flying with a brutal thud.

00:44:03The crowd surged forward again, swarming her and eating her.

00:44:07Stop right there!

00:44:08The police officers still in the garden,

00:44:11taking Winona and the victims in for investigation.

00:44:13They collected all the evidence before they reached.

00:44:15By then, Noelle had already reached the airport.

00:44:18She exited the live stream and checked the news online.

00:44:22The internet had exploded.

00:44:23There were headlines everywhere about how Winona,

00:44:26the Johnson family's heiress, was a bully.

00:44:29Chester and Simon were also being cursed to hell and back for what they'd done.

00:44:35A faint smile tugged at Noelle's lips.

00:44:38She pulled her old phone out of her bag and turned it on.

00:44:41Then, she sent Chester and Simon some photos,

00:44:44her abortion procedure form, and the images of the aborted embryo.

00:44:48Then, she removed the SIM card, snapped it in two,

00:44:51and dropped the phone into an airport trash bin.

00:44:55She boarded her flight without another look back.

00:45:00As Winona was dragged past Chester,

00:45:03she fought back and grabbed his sleeve.

00:45:05The next second, she met a pair of bloodshot eyes that blazed with hatred.

00:45:09She froze, and he flung her off roughly.

00:45:12Finally, the venue fell silent,

00:45:14leaving only Chester and Simon behind, looking distraught.

00:45:18Chester's assistant, who'd gone to the hospital, returned.

00:45:25Mr. Chester, Ms. Rutherford isn't at the hospital.

00:45:28The nurse said her grandmother passed away a week ago.

00:45:31What?

00:45:32No way.

00:45:34Why didn't she say anything if her grandma died?

00:45:37The time of death was last Friday at 11 p.m.

00:45:42I double-checked.

00:45:43Last Friday, the night of their get-together in that private room,

00:45:46could it be that Noelle had overheard their conversation

00:45:48and chosen not to tell them about Marie's death?

00:45:51Chester suddenly remembered how Winona had taken his phone

00:45:54to check on him when they'd been at the airport.

00:45:56He pulled it out and saw dozens of missed calls wiped from the log,

00:46:00along with deleted text messages.

00:46:02Damn it!

00:46:03He bolted, and Simon hurried after them.

00:46:06They jumped into the car and sped toward the villa.

00:46:10No one was there.

00:46:11There was a USB drive on the coffee table,

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

00:46:16Chester Gray, trusting you so easily is the thing I regret most.

00:46:21Chester's fingers trembled as he held the note,

00:46:23and his eyes reddened in an instant.

00:46:25Simon had already plugged the USB drive into the computer

00:46:29and opened the folder.

00:46:31Inside were three years' worth of evidence of Noelle being bullied.

00:46:35Just then, both their phones pinged at once.

00:46:39They saw the photos of the abortion procedure form

00:46:42and the images of the aborted embryo that Noelle had sent them.

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

00:46:49As you wished, the baby's been taken care of.

00:46:52Dead silence settled over the room.

00:46:55Noelle had gotten pregnant, and she'd terminated it.

00:46:58Chester and Simon shook as they held their phones.

00:47:01Jealousy and heartbreak tore through Chester,

00:47:04while Simon's eyes filled with tears.

00:47:06That was his baby.

00:47:08He remembered the look in Noelle's eyes

00:47:11when she'd come out of the bathroom that night.

00:47:13Suddenly,

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

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

00:47:22They grafted and swung at each other,

00:47:25unleashing every ounce of pent-up resentment.

00:47:28Only when the blows landed on their bodies

00:47:31did they dull the guilt and regret

00:47:33that threatened to swallow them whole.

00:47:35They kept fighting until they were covered in bruises

00:47:38and too exhausted to throw another punch.

00:47:40They collapsed on the floor, gasping for breath.

00:47:43After a moment, Chester scrambled to his feet.

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

00:47:54Simon rushed after him.

00:47:56They drove straight to the hospital

00:47:58and made a beeline for the department where Noelle worked.

00:48:02Everyone there had seen the news online.

00:48:05Tanya looked at them,

00:48:07her expression cold and full of contempt.

00:48:11Elle signed up for Doctors Without Borders.

00:48:14She left today.

00:48:15I don't know where exactly she's gone.

00:48:23Chester and Simon could hardly believe their 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.

00:48:32He shot Tanya an icy look

00:48:35before turning on his heel and leaving.

00:48:37Check Noelle's flight.

00:48:38I need to know where she went.

00:48:40Now.

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

00:48:43he got a call from his family.

00:48:44You and Simon are to get the hell back here right now.

00:48:47Stanley Gray and Marjorie White

00:48:49were Chester and Simon's parents.

00:48:52They also had an older brother, Felix Gray.

00:48:54The three of them sat on the couch

00:48:56in the Gray residence

00:48:56and stared down at Chester and Simon.

00:48:59The tension in the room was palpable.

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

00:49:03Gray Corporation's stock is on the verge of a limit down.

00:49:05Thanks to your stupidity.

00:49:07Have you forgotten your manners?

00:49:08Who gave you permission to treat a young woman like that?

00:49:11Chester, Simon, you went too far.

00:49:13This isn't just a devastating blow to that young woman.

00:49:16It's also a significant hit to Gray Corporation's public image.

00:49:19There's a public outcry against our family now.

00:49:22If we don't handle this properly,

00:49:24our reputation will suffer for a long time.

00:49:26The best move now is to apologize.

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

00:49:30You keep apologizing until she forgives you.

00:49:32At the same time,

00:49:33you pin the responsibility on Winona.

00:49:35The Johnsons are already in chaos.

00:49:37Winona isn't getting out of this.

00:49:39He narrowed his eyes dangerously at his brothers.

00:49:42You don't still have feelings for her, do you?

00:49:46Of course not.

00:49:47The thought that she's that vicious

00:49:48and that she's been playing us for years

00:49:50makes me want to wring her neck.

00:49:52We know we messed up.

00:49:53We'll cooperate fully on PR.

00:49:56Good.

00:49:56Our top priority now is earning that young woman's forgiveness.

00:50:00Ideally, get her to issue a joint statement with us.

00:50:03Noelle Rutherford, right?

00:50:04Where is she now?

00:50:05The living room fell silent.

00:50:07After a long beat,

00:50:08Chester slumped and said,

00:50:10She's gone.

00:50:11She joined Doctors Without Borders.

00:50:13We don't know her exact location.

00:50:14Oh?

00:50:15Interesting.

00:50:16She held her ground despite years of bullying

00:50:19and seized the moment to fight back

00:50:20after learning about your stunt.

00:50:22That's impressive.

00:50:23Indeed she is.

00:50:24If you can earn her forgiveness,

00:50:26I'll agree to let her marry into our family.

00:50:28Chester and Simon exchanged 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, you'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 is 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 over a woman.

00:50:54Two hours later,

00:50:55Grey Corporation's official apology statement

00:50:58climbed to the top of the trending list

00:51:00thanks to careful orchestration.

00:51:01Elf, I'm truly sorry.

00:51:03After three years together,

00:51:05you've genuinely moved me

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

00:51:08I hesitated about following through with the plan,

00:51:11but after Winona's endless crying and accusations,

00:51:14I was tricked into believing her

00:51:15and decided to teach you a lesson at the wedding.

00:51:18I know I messed up,

00:51:19and I know you don't want to see me right now,

00:51:21but I'll find you

00:51:23and ask for your forgiveness in 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 without mercy,

00:51:31seeing the backlash grow stronger.

00:51:33Grey Corporation issued another statement

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

00:51:38would be reduced,

00:51:39and their rights to inherit executive management

00:51:41were revoked.

00:51:45Late at night,

00:51:47inside a private room at a club,

00:51:48Chester and Simon kept plying themselves with liquor.

00:51:51A pile of empty bottles already lined the table.

00:51:55Their friends,

00:51:55who had once schemed and planned alongside them,

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

00:52:00However,

00:52:00what had once been a rowdy, lively atmosphere

00:52:03had fallen into dead silence.

00:52:05Chester, stop drinking!

00:52:07Keith Miller snatched the glass from Chester

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

00:52:11Things have already turned out this way.

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

00:52:15Exactly.

00:52:15Why exactly are you drinking anyway?

00:52:17Is it for your inheritance,

00:52:18Winona, or Noel?

00:52:19Well, tell us,

00:52:20and we'll help you analyze the situation.

00:52:22Chester and Simon finally stirred

00:52:24from their drunken state

00:52:25at the mention of Noel's name.

00:52:27L.

00:52:28Before Winona's return,

00:52:30his heart had belonged to her.

00:52:32He'd convinced himself

00:52:33that anything with Noel was just an act,

00:52:35no real feelings were involved.

00:52:37Even though he'd always felt weird

00:52:38and off about her intimacy with Simon,

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

00:52:42Now that Winona's true colors had been exposed,

00:52:44the guilt he felt toward Noel came crashing in,

00:52:47and with it, resentment toward Simon.

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

00:52:50and gotten her pregnant,

00:52:52maybe none of this would 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 he'd buried for years.

00:53:05Did he love Noel?

00:53:07He didn't know.

00:53:07All he knew was that with the truth out,

00:53:09she seemed more perfect and precious than ever.

00:53:12Simon fought back without mercy.

00:53:14Yours?

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

00:53:15you only loved Winona, Chester.

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

00:53:19She was mine for the past three years.

00:53:21Who the hell do you think you are?

00:53:22He was losing it too.

00:53:24Every time he thought about Noel's pale face

00:53:26and dead eyes

00:53:27when she'd walked out of the bathroom that night,

00:53:29his heart twisted like a knife was lodged in it.

00:53:32She really had been.

00:53:34No!

00:53:34She carried his child.

00:53:36She must have heard him say he wanted it gone.

00:53:38That was why she'd made the ruthless choice

00:53:40to terminate her own pregnancy.

00:53:42Simon had lied last week in the private room.

00:53:45He wasn't sick of sleeping with her at all.

00:53:47He just hadn't understood how he'd felt about her.

00:53:50He'd pegged her as 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 wrong he'd been.

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

00:54:00After all the disgusting and vile things she'd heard

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

00:54:04there was no way she'd forgive them.

00:54:05Chester and Simon brawled like madmen as they saw red.

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

00:54:11no matter how hard they tried.

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

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

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

00:54:18Thinking about Simon's entanglement with Noel,

00:54:21Chester grabbed a bottle from the table

00:54:23and smashed it hard on Simon's head.

00:54:25As the glass exploded,

00:54:28Simon grabbed another bottle

00:54:29and cracked it against Chester's skull in return.

00:54:32The room fell into a deathly silence.

00:54:34A beat later,

00:54:36blood streamed down both their foreheads

00:54:38and they collapsed in a heap.

00:54:48Chester and Simon found themselves in the hospital

00:54:51when they woke up.

00:54:53Why are you here?

00:54:55Chester,

00:54:57what is your apology statement supposed to mean?

00:55:00Didn't you say you've always loved me?

00:55:01We grew up together

00:55:03and I have no idea when you became like this.

00:55:06Or maybe you were always like this

00:55:08and you've been wearing a mask all along.

00:55:11Every extra second that 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 with your child.

00:55:21I was just bailed out.

00:55:23What did you say?

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

00:55:28Remembering the trip he'd made a month ago to see her.

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

00:55:32and had woken up to find them in the same bed.

00:55:35He couldn't remember whether anything actually happened

00:55:38and Winona had been coy, shy, and evasive.

00:55:42You remember, don't you?

00:55:44This is a Grey family descendant.

00:55:46Chester,

00:55:47you have to take full responsibility.

00:55:49Chester pulled out a thick stack of documents

00:55:51and tossed them in her face.

00:55:53Right on top were photos of her

00:55:55with different men at different times.

00:55:57I've already looked into your years abroad.

00:56:00You're a hell of an actress, you know.

00:56:02Now that the Johnson family is on its way to ruin,

00:56:05you want to latch on to me

00:56:06and make me raise your child with another man.

00:56:09Do you really take me for an idiot?

00:56:10Winona's face turned ashen

00:56:13as she stared down at the papers.

00:56:15She shot to her feet,

00:56:17wanting to leave the room.

00:56:18However,

00:56:19Simon came in just then

00:56:21and clamped his fingers around her throat.

00:56:23He dragged her to the window in a brutal yank.

00:56:26You flushed L's grandmother's ashes down the toilet,

00:56:29then threw her necklace out the window

00:56:30and framed her for pushing you.

00:56:33That's enough.

00:56:34Or do you want to go to prison over her?

00:56:36Simon shot him a resentful look.

00:56:39Then,

00:56:39he lifted Winona

00:56:41and flung her aside.

00:56:44My baby.

00:56:45Save my baby.

00:56:49This is your retribution, Winona.

00:56:51After Chester and Simon were discharged,

00:56:54they returned to the villa

00:56:55where Noelle had lived.

00:56:57The place still looked the same as before,

00:56:59but everything that belonged to her

00:57:01had vanished.

00:57:02None of her clothes were left in the closet,

00:57:04and the gifts she'd given them

00:57:06had been cleared out completely,

00:57:08not even leaving a trace.

00:57:10The gifts they had given her, though,

00:57:12were still there.

00:57:14This was how she declared her resolve

00:57:16to sever herself from them.

00:57:18A memory of Noelle curled up in his arms

00:57:20with her arms around his waist

00:57:22appeared in his mind's eye.

00:57:23He really did like her.

00:57:26It was in that instant

00:57:27that Chester finally realized

00:57:30how he truly felt.

00:57:32When he was with Winona,

00:57:34he had to plan a lot.

00:57:35He needed to line up activities

00:57:37and prepare surprises

00:57:39just to feel like there really was

00:57:41anything between them.

00:57:42But when he was with Noelle,

00:57:44he didn't need any of that.

00:57:46He could just relax and lounge.

00:57:49It had calmed him,

00:57:50mind and soul.

00:57:52By the time he realized it,

00:57:54it was too late.

00:57:55On the other hand,

00:57:57Simon sat on the stool at the vanity,

00:57:59absently rubbing an empty photo frame.

00:58:02There used to be a picture in it,

00:58:04Noelle, in a nightgown

00:58:05with her long hair loose

00:58:06as she sat reading by the bay window.

00:58:09The morning light had been perfect that day.

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

00:58:13had it printed,

00:58:14and kept it on the vanity ever since.

00:58:18Simon, when we find out,

00:58:20let's compete fairly.

00:58:21What's past is past.

00:58:22Let's start over.

00:58:24Simon was silent for a long time

00:58:26before answering raspily.

00:58:28Okay, we start over.

00:58:30We compete fairly.

00:58:34It had been half a month

00:58:36since Noelle's arrival at the war zone.

00:58:38Aside from the panic and confusion

00:58:40on the first day,

00:58:41she'd adapted quickly to life there.

00:58:43Every day,

00:58:44she treated countless wounded,

00:58:45people were injured from 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 who survived

00:58:54would still face life

00:58:55with missing limbs.

00:58:56Here, she 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 the past.

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

00:59:03to unlock her phone

00:59:04and check what was happening back home.

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

00:59:08the pain that once cut to the bone

00:59:09felt insignificant.

00:59:11To be alive

00:59:12and with all four limbs

00:59:13in the trap

00:59:13already got the most.

00:59:15The following day,

00:59:16the war alarm blared

00:59:17outside the hospital again.

00:59:19A civilian neighborhood

00:59:19had been locked.

00:59:20The wounded were beyond capital,

00:59:22and they needed reinforcements.

00:59:23Noelle signed up immediately

00:59:24and went out with the medical team.

00:59:26What caught Noelle's eye most

00:59:27were few flashes of wounding.

00:59:29They belonged to a peacekeeping unit

00:59:31from Karnia.

00:59:32They were also assisting

00:59:33in the rescue.

00:59:34She merely glanced at them once

00:59:35before focusing fully

00:59:36on treating the injury.

00:59:38Gunfire sounded in the distance

00:59:39with help of us,

00:59:40and shells fell from 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 for cover

00:59:46at any moment.

00:59:47Suddenly,

00:59:47a shell landed

00:59:48not far from Noelle.

00:59:50She instinctively scooped up

00:59:51the child she was trained.

00:59:53An instant later,

00:59:54the blast wave

00:59:54threw her off her feet.

00:59:55She rolled twice on the ground.

00:59:57Thankfully,

00:59:57she suffered only scrapes

00:59:59along her arm.

01:00:00Before she could apply the medicine,

01:00:02a stray bullet

01:00:03whistled from afar

01:00:04and hurtled straight toward her.

01:00:06At the last possible moment,

01:00:07a tall figure sprinted at her

01:00:09and dove,

01:00:10knocking her down.

01:00:11He was from Katia'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 one last time.

01:00:23Even though it had been raining

01:00:25cats and dogs that night,

01:00:26he'd rolled down his window

01:00:27to ask whether she was okay.

01:00:29Out of gratitude,

01:00:30Noelle had etched

01:00:31his strong, rugged face

01:00:32into her memory.

01:00:33She'd also left all the cash

01:00:35in her bag on his seat

01:00:36before getting out.

01:00:37Hi, I'm Gideon Quill.

01:00:39Hi, I'm Noelle Rutherford.

01:00:40Thanks for saving me.

01:00:42We actually met back in Katia.

01:00:43You drove me to the hospital.

01:00:45Do you remember?

01:00:46I do.

01:00:47I didn't think we would

01:00:48cross paths again.

01:00:49He remembered Noelle vividly.

01:00:51He'd been on leave

01:00:52when he saw someone

01:00:53frantically trying to flag down

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

01:00:56She'd been a mess,

01:00:57soaked, desperate,

01:00:58and right on the edge

01:00:58of breaking down.

01:00:59He'd taken her straight

01:01:00to the hospital,

01:01:01never expecting that she would

01:01:02leave a wad of cash

01:01:03behind in his car.

01:01:05Take care of yourself,

01:01:07he quickly added.

01:01:08Then, he went back

01:01:09to his mission.

01:01:10Noelle pulled her gaze away

01:01:11and returned to 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 jumped 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.

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

01:01:37into 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.

01:01:47Elle.

01:01:47A slightly hoarse voice

01:01:49pulled Noelle

01:01:50out of her reverie.

01:01:51Chester stood beside her.

01:01:53Elle.

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.

01:02:03We only found out

01:02:04at the wedding

01:02:04that Winona was the one

01:02:06who bullied you.

01:02:07We were all deceived by 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 to me

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

01:02:32If I'd known about Marie's condition,

01:02:34I would have rushed over.

01:02:35No, you wouldn't have.

01:02:37You would have chosen Winona.

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

01:02:42Elle, don'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 the cool indifference

01:03:01and mockery in Noelle's eyes.

01:03:04He had never imagined

01:03:06that those bright eyes

01:03:07could hold emotions like that.

01:03:10My rest time is precious

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

01:03:14Chester felt like something

01:03:15was lodged in his throat.

01:03:16It felt so sore

01:03:18that he couldn't get any words out.

01:03:20After a long moment,

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

01:03:24Ellie, I'm sorry.

01:03:26Then he fled.

01:03:29Chester had just left

01:03:31when Simon stepped out

01:03:32from the shadows behind the tent.

01:03:34He stopped in front of Noelle.

01:03:37Elle, I'm sorry.

01:03:40Got it.

01:03:40Please leave.

01:03:43No, you 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 then,

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, I...

01:04:07Simon faltered.

01:04:09He pressed his lips together,

01:04:10not knowing how to defend himself.

01:04:13He had no defense.

01:04:15I just...

01:04:17I kept suppressing

01:04:19what 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 Chester

01:04:29each time, Simon.

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

01:04:39who came back from studying abroad

01:04:40a week before my wedding.

01:04:42Aren't you?

01:04:43L, I...

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

01:04:59didn'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

01:05:09dipped for 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,

01:05:19but to her surprise,

01:05:20they stayed

01:05:21and helped at the hospital.

01:05:23They carried supplies,

01:05:25lifted patients,

01:05:26soothed the injured.

01:05:28They did whatever

01:05:29they could.

01:05:31Noelle's stance

01:05:32remained crystal clear.

01:05:34No matter what they said

01:05:35or did,

01:05:36she wanted no more ties

01:05:38with them at all.

01:05:42A year later,

01:05:44a plane touched down

01:05:45in Justin Kanye.

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 them

01:06:12like strangers

01:06:13for the past year,

01:06:14she was even more distant

01:06:15with them

01:06:16than 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 things.

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,

01:07:04she smiled with relief

01:07:05and her eyes reddened slightly.

01:07:06She patted Noelle's shoulder.

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

01:07:10We've all been waiting for you.

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

01:07:23in 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

01:07:30in 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

01:07:48to stock up.

01:07:48The kitchen was bare,

01:07:49so she filled an entire

01:07:51shopping cart with 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

01:07:58the entrance,

01:07:59an unruly kid came

01:08:00barreling 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

01:08:13grabbed 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

01:08:29had crossed paths plenty

01:08:30over the past year in 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?

01:08:40I'm heading back to work

01:08:41at 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

01:09:02proper meal together.

01:09:03The conversation started

01:09:05with Arbery

01:09:05and there was never

01:09:06an awkward lull.

01:09:08As they delved deeper,

01:09:09the atmosphere

01:09:10grew more comfortable.

01:09:11Dinner ended on a high note

01:09:12and they parted ways

01:09:13to head home.

01:09:14On the way back,

01:09:15Gideon couldn't keep

01:09:16the smile off his face.

01:09:17As for Noelle,

01:09:19the loneliness

01:09:19she'd been carrying

01:09:20seemed to have been

01:09:21swept away,

01:09:22at least a little.

01:09:23The next day,

01:09:24Noelle went back

01:09:25to her old high school

01:09:26and visited her

01:09:27homeroom teacher.

01:09:28When work came up,

01:09:29she talked about

01:09:30her year away.

01:09:31No sooner had the words

01:09:32left her mouth

01:09:32than a familiar voice

01:09:34rang out from the left.

01:09:35Miss Burden,

01:09:36long time no see.

01:09:38Noelle turned

01:09:39and there was Gideon

01:09:40standing not far away.

01:09:42He wore the same

01:09:43surprised expression

01:09:44she had.

01:09:45After that day,

01:09:46they started talking

01:09:47more often.

01:09:48There was an unspoken

01:09:49intimacy between them.

01:09:51Three days later,

01:09:52Noelle returned

01:09:53to 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

01:10:00came bustling over

01:10:01with a massive bouquet

01:10:02of roses.

01:10:03Noelle's first thought

01:10:04was Gideon,

01:10:05but her expression

01:10:06cooled when she saw

01:10:07the card that came

01:10:08with the bouquet.

01:10:09It was from Chester.

01:10:10Before she could say

01:10:11anything,

01:10:12another nurse came over

01:10:13with a second bouquet.

01:10:14This one was from Simon.

01:10:16Her irritation welled up

01:10:18and she pressed

01:10:19her lips together.

01:10:21Throw them out.

01:10:22Every day after that,

01:10:23Chester and Simon

01:10:24sent flowers to the hospital.

01:10:25They never showed up

01:10:26in person,

01:10:27but their presence

01:10:28was loud enough

01:10:29to be exhausting.

01:10:30On her 27th birthday,

01:10:32as Noelle stepped

01:10:33out of the hospital,

01:10:34Chester and Simon

01:10:35walked to her

01:10:36with flowers and gifts.

01:10:37Elle,

01:10:38happy birthday!

01:10:39Chester,

01:10:40Simon,

01:10:40stop sending me flowers

01:10:42and stop harassing me.

01:10:44Elle,

01:10:45can you at least

01:10:46give me a chance

01:10:47to pursue you?

01:10:48Elle,

01:10:49I want to start

01:10:50over with you.

01:10:51I've made myself

01:10:52perfectly clear.

01:10:53Keep this up

01:10:54and I'll...

01:10:55Go to hell,

01:10:56you bitch!

01:10:57A kitchen knife

01:10:57came hurtling

01:10:58toward Noelle

01:10:59from the left.

01:10:59Across from her,

01:11:00Chester's and Simon's eyes

01:11:02bulged in terror

01:11:03as they lunged

01:11:04toward her.

01:11:04Elle!

01:11:05At the same time,

01:11:06Gideon,

01:11:07who'd just arrived

01:11:07at the hospital,

01:11:08pushed through the crowd

01:11:09and charged toward her.

01:11:13Noelle reacted fast.

01:11:15The moment she heard

01:11:16Winona's voice,

01:11:17she saw the flash of silver

01:11:18that flickered to her left.

01:11:20She stepped back

01:11:21and leaned away,

01:11:22narrowly dodging

01:11:23the kitchen knife.

01:11:24Having missed

01:11:24on the first swing,

01:11:25Winona quickly

01:11:26raised the knife

01:11:26and went for a second.

01:11:27That was when

01:11:28Simon rushed forward.

01:11:29As the blade came down,

01:11:31he yanked Noelle

01:11:31toward him and turned,

01:11:33shielding her

01:11:33with his body.

01:11:34In an instant,

01:11:35the knife sliced

01:11:35open the flesh

01:11:36on his back.

01:11:37Chester lunged

01:11:38to 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've leveraged

01:11:43her pregnancy

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

01:11:45during which her family

01:11:46would've pulled strings

01:11:47to work something out.

01:11:48But Chester and Simon

01:11:49had made her miscarry,

01:11:50forcing her to serve time.

01:11:52For a whole year,

01:11:53once word of her crimes

01:11:54got around,

01:11:55the other inmates

01:11:56had tormented her relentlessly.

01:11:58Everyone had targeted her,

01:11:59making her life

01:12:00a living hell.

01:12:01When a hand clamped

01:12:02around her wrist,

01:12:03the knife was ripped away

01:12:04in a heartbeat.

01:12:05Then,

01:12:05a powerful force

01:12:06slammed her to the ground,

01:12:08twisting her arms

01:12:09behind her.

01:12:14Gideon had arrived.

01:12:15The crowd had scattered.

01:12:16Medical staff burst out

01:12:18with gurneys

01:12:18and rushed Chester

01:12:19and Simon inside.

01:12:20Neither had passed out.

01:12:21As they were lifted

01:12:22onto the beds,

01:12:23they kept their eyes

01:12:24locked on Noelle.

01:12:25They were desperate

01:12:26to 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

01:12:34without 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,

01:12:45her eyes prickled.

01:12:47She raised her arms

01:12:48and wrapped them around him.

01:12:49Gideon accompanied Noelle

01:12:50to the police station

01:12:51to have her statement taken.

01:12:53His eyes reddened from heartache

01:12:54when he learned

01:12:55about how she'd been bullied.

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

01:12:58when they stepped out

01:12:59of the police station.

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

01:13:01that was surprisingly empty.

01:13:03It was decorated

01:13:04with flowers and balloons

01:13:06and a formally dressed pianist

01:13:08played for them.

01:13:09Noelle's heart raced

01:13:10when she saw all of this.

01:13:12After dinner,

01:13:12Gideon took out a bracelet

01:13:13and 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

01:13:20since we both got back

01:13:22has only made me more certain

01:13:23that you're the partner

01:13:25I've been searching for.

01:13:26I really like you.

01:13:28Will you be my girlfriend

01:13:29with Mirage as our endgame?

01:13:31Noelle smiled.

01:13:32I will.

01:13:33He clasped the bracelet,

01:13:34glittering with pave diamonds

01:13:36around her wrist.

01:13:38With it,

01:13:39he also clasped her heart.

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