- 3 minutes ago
The Bridge She Never Built
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:01Gracias por ver el video.
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08:53His tone was gentle, but the message was clear.
08:56I wasn't being offered a choice.
08:58He wanted control. Absolute control!
09:01And Chloe was never going to stay out of sight.
09:03The very day I moved in, Julian had barely arrived when she stormed in with a group of reporters.
09:09Julian had barely arrived when she stormed in with a group of reporters.
09:13Julian, I heard Miss Walker was here. Why didn't you tell me?
09:16She was wrong, of course, but everyone has to live on.
09:20I hope Miss Walker has learned her lesson and will walk the right path from now on.
09:24She pressed a card into my hand.
09:26This is just a small gesture. You're my senior and also my fiancé's ex-wife.
09:31Please take it. If life gets hard, just let us know.
09:36She played her role perfectly.
09:38By that afternoon, the news had spread all over Portwell.
09:41Disgraced engineer resurfaces after deadly collapse.
09:44Billionaire X shows mercy.
09:46Back among the elite, can the victims ever find peace?
09:48Suddenly, Julian became the devoted tycoon and Chloe became the gracious fiancé.
09:53And once again, I was only the one who got torn apart by public outrage.
09:58Whether on purpose or not, Chloe leaked my address.
10:01From then on, grieving families and angry crowds gathered outside my home every day.
10:06Three days later, my parents came.
10:09It was the first time in ten years that they had come to see me on their own.
10:12When I saw them standing at the door, the good old memories came back.
10:15A spark of hope rose in my chest.
10:18Mom! Dad!
10:19Dad! You're here! Come in! Have some water!
10:22I stepped aside to welcome them.
10:24My father only snorted at me.
10:26We wouldn't dare drink a murderer's water.
10:30Irene, we can't forgive what you did back then.
10:32But don't keep making the same mistake.
10:34We're begging you.
10:35Chloe truly loves Julian.
10:37You're divorced now. Stop clinging to him.
10:39She's considerate.
10:40She doesn't want to say it out loud, so we will.
10:42Leave Portwell.
10:43If you insist, your father and I will find to make you leave.
10:48Her voice was still gentle.
10:50The same voice that once sang me to sleep.
10:53Now, every word felt like a blade, cutting into my heart until my blood ran out.
10:57I stared at them in disbelief.
11:00Dad.
11:01Mom.
11:03Did you ever believe me?
11:05Not even for a second?
11:08What if I told you that everything I went through was a setup by Chloe Benny?
11:13You rascal!
11:14You dare smear Chloe's name?
11:16Julian had just arrived to drop something off and witnessed the scene.
11:20He rushed over, flustered, clearly about to explain.
11:23When his phone rang, it was his assistant.
11:25Mr. Reed.
11:27Miss Bennett is drunk.
11:28And she's getting an IV in the hospital to sober up.
11:31The moment those words fell, panic flooded Julian's face.
11:34My parents' expressions changed just as quickly.
11:37No one looked at me again.
11:39They turned, got into the car, and drove off without hesitation.
11:43I watched their backs disappear and laughed.
11:45I laughed until tears streamed down my face.
11:47So this was it.
11:49Whether it was threatening me or pretending to care.
11:52Whether I was hurting or falling apart.
11:54None of it mattered as much as a word from Chloe Bennett.
11:56I thought that would be the end of it.
11:58After all, the past ten years had taught me one thing.
12:02I should never expect anything from my parents or from Julian Reed.
12:06I was wrong.
12:07I didn't expect my parents' solution to come this fast.
12:13One afternoon, I was out shopping for groceries when several victims' family members tracked me down.
12:18They clubbed me unconscious with iron rods and dragged me away.
12:22When I woke up, I was inside a sack.
12:24Through a tear in the fabric, I could make out a riverbank.
12:27The man in front kicked me hard in the stomach.
12:30We didn't even go looking for you!
12:31And you still dared to come back!
12:34His words ignited the crowd.
12:36Give me back my daughter!
12:38It's only 19 and just started college, you animal!
12:41You killed my mother!
12:42You'd pay for it!
12:44Fists and feet rained down on me.
12:46I tried to explain, but my mouth was stuffed shut.
12:49Only muffled sounds escaped my throat.
12:51You owe us so many lives.
12:53Even tearing you apart wouldn't be enough.
12:55You'll get what you deserve today.
12:58I heard the iron rod swing.
13:00The pain exploded through me.
13:02Ninety-nine blows.
13:03I passed out.
13:04Then I got splashed awake.
13:05Again and again.
13:07I felt every bone break, one by one.
13:09At the end, as my consciousness faded, they tied stones to me and threw me into the river.
13:15The water was freezing.
13:17It rushed in from all sides, crushing my lungs, stealing every breath.
13:21I closed my eyes.
13:22This was fine.
13:23My life had been nothing but pain.
13:26I was so tired.
13:27If this was the end, then let it end.
13:30Just as my awareness slipped away, strong arms caught hold of me, and fresh air flooded my lungs.
13:38Chloe told Irene's parents that several victims' families wanted to confront her, and they were kind of worried.
13:43After all, she was their daughter.
13:45Even though they were furious at her back then for her reckless greed, deep down, they could not completely wipe
13:51out their love and care for her.
13:52Don't worry.
13:53I've investigated.
13:55They're decent people.
13:56They won't hurt Irene.
13:57Maybe after this, she'll know how to lie low and protect herself.
14:01Chloe promised confidently and assured them.
14:04Reluctantly, Irene's parents shared her whereabouts with the families.
14:09Still, a heavy unease coursed through their veins and finally settled deep in their bones.
14:15My heart keeps racing.
14:17Irene hasn't been in touch for days.
14:18Should we try to find her?
14:20Maybe call the police?
14:20Why bother?
14:22Calling the police for her is just a waste.
14:25No news is better.
14:27Someone like her, her death shall do a good thing to the society.
14:30Mrs. Walker frowned at her husband's words but said nothing.
14:34The same unease gnawed at Julian Reed.
14:36For three days straight, Chloe kept stopping him from seeing Irene.
14:40Every time he insisted, Chloe would show her tears.
14:43I know it.
14:44You're still hung up on your ex.
14:46If you love her, then why are you looking for me?
14:51Julian had no choice but to stay and calm her down.
14:54But the anxiety grew too strong.
14:56Finally, one day, he rushed to the villa when Chloe was away.
14:59Not for anything else.
15:01He just needed to know Irene was safe.
15:03But when he arrived, the villa was empty.
15:05Only Irene's anxious parents welcomed him.
15:07The three exchanged a knowing glance and silently began searching for her.
15:16It must be Irene.
15:18But when she opened the door, it wasn't her daughter.
15:21You are.
15:23Seeing who was outside, Mr. Walker and Julian both came to a halt.
15:27Mr. Walker was the first to react.
15:29Officer, is Irene causing trouble again?
15:32If she hurts anyone again, just sentence her to death.
15:36I don't have such a daughter.
15:38Please calm down.
15:39We're here to speak to Ms. Irene Walker's parents and ex-husband.
15:42Evidence suggests that Ms. Irene is likely murdered.
15:45The suspect has been apprehended and efforts are ongoing to recover her remains.
15:49We're sorry for your loss.
15:52Irene.
15:55Julian stared at the officer in disbelief, tears streaming down his face.
15:59He tried to step forward to confirm, but his legs betrayed him.
16:03In the end, two officers had to support him.
16:06Our loved ones were all killed by your daughter.
16:08This is what is called justice.
16:09You two gave us her whereabouts.
16:11Isn't that what you wanted?
16:12Her parents even told us exactly where she was.
16:14They didn't stop us, so why are you stopping us?
16:16You have your grievances, but the law decides justice.
16:18Private revenge is never allowed.
16:20Murder is a crime.
16:22Irene is your daughter.
16:23How could you do this to her?
16:24How could you be this cruel and heartless?
16:27We didn't know it would end like this.
16:30It was Chloe.
16:31Chloe said these people would only scare Irene a little, so she would leave here.
16:36She must have planned all of this from the start.
16:39No wonder she stopped him back then.
16:41Julian's face darkened with rage.
16:43The walkers were stunned too, realizing Chloe's manipulations.
16:48Just then, Chloe Bennett walked in, calm and confident.
16:52You're so worried about that murderer?
16:54Weren't you the ones who hated her the most?
16:56And yet, here you are?
16:57Scared?
16:58Good that she's gone, right?
16:59Now I can be your daughter.
17:01And Julian, I'm your fiancé.
17:03You can only love me.
17:04Someone like her, who killed so many people ten years ago?
17:08This is her karma.
17:11Julian snapped, grabbing Chloe by the throat.
17:15How can you do this?
17:17I did nothing wrong.
17:18She was a murderer, and now she still is.
17:22Ten years ago.
17:24Her sentence cut off abruptly.
17:26Her face paled, as if a memory had suddenly taken her breath.
17:29Julian laughed bitterly through his anger.
17:32I've woken from countless nightmares, regretting ever protecting someone like you at the cost of hurting the one I loved
17:37most.
17:38We both know I protected you just because you're my teacher's child.
17:41My teacher helped me once, so I sacrificed my own wife to shield you.
17:44Other people maybe may be fooled.
17:46But you, the real Surmerer, you know the truth better than anyone.
17:49His words dropped like a bomb, shattering the hearts of everyone present.
17:55The police were the first to react, stepping forward to stop Julian from tightening his grip on Chloe.
18:00Julian, you just said the murderer wasn't Irene?
18:09We wronged her.
18:11And we even took the real culprit as our daughter?
18:15Julian lowered his gaze, silently confirming.
18:18Mr. Walker staggered back and couldn't help falling into a chair.
18:22Mrs. Walker rushed forward, raising her hand and striking Julian across the face.
18:27The sharp sound echoed.
18:29Julian's head turned, but he stayed upright, silently taking the blow.
18:34I'm sorry.
18:37My daughter.
18:40My Irene.
18:42The victims' families exchanged stunned glances, their voices shaky.
18:47We took revenge on the wrong one?
18:50But all that answered them were the anguished cries of Irene's parents and an endless, suffocating silence.
18:59I woke up on a soft bed.
19:00I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my body, making my sweat break out.
19:05Don't move.
19:06Just lie down.
19:07A gentle male voice came from the doorway.
19:11Thank goodness.
19:12The doctor said you'd probably wake up in a few days, and I've been making this porridge every day, just
19:17in case you'll wake up hungry.
19:18He carefully placed the porridge on the bedside table.
19:21Then, with practiced ease, he adjusted the bed.
19:24That's when I finally got a good look at him.
19:26Sharp brows, almond-shaped eyes, and a perfectly placed little mole by his nose.
19:31For some reason, he felt strangely familiar.
19:33Because of that, I couldn't let my guard down around him.
19:36When the porridge reached my lips, I instinctively took a sip.
19:40It tasted exactly like the porridge my grandmother used to make when I was a child.
19:44I stared at him, shocked, and finally managed to say,
19:47Who are you?
19:52Dummy.
19:54Only two of us and Grandma Stifier-Fan would just really remember.
19:57Suddenly, memories flooded back.
19:59When I was a child, there had been a boy who often played with me.
20:02Since my grandmother was always busy, he would come by from time to time to take care of me.
20:06There was a period I struggled with my weak stomach, and I could only eat porridge.
20:10So that boy learned from my grandma how to make my favorite sweet potato porridge.
20:15I hesitated, then whispered,
20:17Evan?
20:17His eyes cheered.
20:20Finally, my darling!
20:22Then, he began to explain everything.
20:24After my parents took me to the city years ago, his biological parents also found him.
20:29His real identity was the long-lost heir of the Sterling family, the wealthiest family in the Northgate.
20:34But he had never forgotten me and had been searching for me all along.
20:38Seeing me become a renowned architect brought him genuine happiness.
20:41Yet, because I had married Julian, he could only stay away, afraid to disturb my life.
20:47As for the accident ten years ago, he told me he had never believed I was the one responsible.
20:52He had quietly investigated and gathered evidence all these years,
20:55but had found nothing, even until I was released.
20:58Even though I saved you this time, I still crossed your privacy, and...
21:03Yes, I've been following your movements for so many years.
21:07I'm sorry.
21:08I smiled and shook my head.
21:13Thank you, Evan.
21:16When I saw Chloe being led away by the police on television, I thought I was in a dream.
21:21Evan and I exchanged a look.
21:23We had spent ten years struggling to uncover the truth, laid bare before the public.
21:28Julian looked deathly pale.
21:30There was no trace left of his former confidence.
21:33As for my parents, who had trusted outsiders over their own daughter, they were just so tired and aged.
21:38My father was slumped in a chair.
21:40My mother sat beside him, covering her face, her sobs breaking through despite her efforts to suppress them.
21:45Lying in bed, watching these scenes, I felt none of the imagined dissatisfaction of justice served.
21:50There was only desolation and a weariness I couldn't quite put into words.
21:54Everything seemed to have settled.
21:55My name was finally cleared.
21:57The company I once worked for released a public statement restoring my reputation.
22:01Online, waves of apologies followed.
22:03Countless people went to my empty grave, laying flowers in mourning.
22:06After all of this, Evan frowned slightly and asked one day,
22:09What shall we do now?
22:11Show up in front of everyone again?
22:12As soon as he said it, my parents' faces, and also Julian's, flashed through my mind.
22:17I could already imagine how desperately they would try to make it up to me.
22:20I shook my head and smiled at Evan.
22:23Let this be my rebirth.
22:24I decided to go along with it.
22:26I stayed at the Sterling's house to recover.
22:30For half a year.
22:31Evan took meticulous care of me.
22:33Though he was already busy working as the powerful head of the Sterling's,
22:36he still looked after me the same way he did before.
22:38Once I could eat normally again, he insisted on cooking himself,
22:41constantly coming up with new nutritious meals for me.
22:44Six months later, not only had I recovered, but I had also gained 10 pounds.
22:49Another spring arrived.
22:50Jacaranda blossoms were in full bloom outside my window.
22:53I stared at them for a long while,
22:54then turned to Evan.
22:56Let's go out and see the world.
22:58We left the city behind.
23:00He arranged all his company affairs, switched to remote work,
23:03and accompanied me on a journey around the world.
23:05We reached every corner of the world,
23:07tracing all the romance that had ever been depicted in poems and literature.
23:10I had never expected that after so many years apart,
23:14Evan and I would share such similar interests and views on life.
23:17At last, we arrived in England.
23:19By the Thames, Evan looked at me, his eyes full of nervous anticipation.
23:23I knew what he was about to say.
23:25Smiling softly, I spoke first.
23:27Evan.
23:30I think I've fallen in love with you.
23:34His face flushed instantly.
23:36Then he leaned forward and a kiss gently landed on my lips.
23:40In the end, Evan and I opened a small bookstore in a town far from our past.
23:45Life passed quietly.
23:47Now and then, news from back home would drift across my screen.
23:50Julian seemed to become a different person.
23:52He overhauled his company with ruthless efficiency,
23:55cutting away every force connected to Chloe.
23:57And he never stopped looking for me.
23:59The crushing weight of guilt made him obsessively believe that I was still alive somewhere in the world.
24:04On a snowy Christmas Eve, streets were blanketed in heavy snowfall.
24:08I closed the shop early, planning to go home and cook a Christmas dinner with Evan.
24:11But just as I reached the building downstairs, I saw a familiar figure.
24:17Standing in the snow, he looked as though he might freeze into a sculpture.
24:20When he saw me, the deadness in his eyes shattered into sudden light.
24:24He rushed over and grabbed my hand, his voice trembling.
24:27Irene.
24:30I knew you weren't dead, thank God.
24:33You're alive.
24:33I was wrong, so wrong.
24:35I've set everything back on the trail.
24:38Come back with me.
24:39Let's start over, alright?
24:40I looked at the man I had once loved.
24:42My heart has never been this calm.
24:44I said quietly.
24:45Mr. Reed, I'm not the one you're looking for, I said quietly.
24:49Irene Walker is dead.
24:54No.
24:55Please.
24:56I'm begging you.
24:57Let me make it up to you, alright?
24:59Make it up to me?
25:00You destroyed my life.
25:02You turned everyone against me and sent me to prison for ten years.
25:05When I finally clawed my way back to some kind of peace, your compensation pushed me into a corner again
25:10and nearly killed me.
25:11Julian Reed, what exactly do you think you can still make up to me?
25:14With that, I turned away decisively and saw Evan standing behind me, smiling gently.
25:19Without hesitation, I walked to him and took his hand, ignoring the sound of Julian's breakdown behind me.
25:26A week later, my parents came as well.
25:28They looked much older.
25:29My mother carried a thermal container, saying it held lotus pastries I had loved as a child.
25:33When she saw me, her mouth opened, but before any words could come out, tears spilled down her face first.
25:39Looking at them, a fine, aching pain still rose in my chest.
25:44Come up and have some coffee.
25:48Evan respected my choice and helped me brew coffee for them.
25:51My father spoke first.
25:55Irene, we were wrong.
25:57Come home with us.
25:59I finished the coffee in silence before replying.
26:01Just pretend I'm dead.
26:03This is my home now.
26:04Turn back.
26:04I don't hate you anymore, but I can't go back to how things were.
26:08Between us lies ten years of wrongful imprisonment, and a life that almost ended.
26:11Keeping our distance is the best ending we can have.
26:14I didn't take the lotus pastries.
26:16They cried for a long time, but in the end, they left, unsteady on their feet.
26:20In the snow, glowing red beneath the setting sun, their shadows stretched long and thin.
26:24I still cried.
26:26After that, Julian and my parents never came again, though money would regularly be transferred into my account.
26:31Life returned to calm.
26:33Occasionally, postcards would arrive from home.
26:36I knew they were from Julian.
26:37I tossed them straight into the fireplace and watched the flames consume them.
26:41The wind chime rang as a customer stepped into the shop.
26:44After selling another book, I lay back in the rocking chair in the courtyard.
26:47Evan handed me a cup of coffee and asked softly,
26:50Any regrets?
26:53I shook my head.
26:54This bookstore and Evan are my rebirth.
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