- 13 hours ago
Love In The Twilight Englishsub
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:20Lawrence, I have something to tell you.
00:45Something important!
00:47What's more important than what I want to do now?
00:51I...
00:53Got any news?
00:54Yes! We found her!
00:56Where is she? Are you sure it's her?
00:58It's confirmed. I've sent the material to your email.
01:01I'm on my way.
01:05Who is she? Where are you going?
01:08Our deal is over. Fill in any amount on the check on the table, and move out by tomorrow.
01:14You think I'm only after your money, so we are only bound by the contract, huh?
01:19Fine.
01:23I don't want your money. I'm pregnant, and it's yours.
01:28You know the agreement. Take your medication on time.
01:32Don't worry. I won't disturb your wedding.
01:39Why do and feel heartbroken?
01:52Is it you?
01:58Mrs. Veronica, if you don't pay the hospital fees, we'll have to discharge your mother.
02:02I know. I get it. I'll get the money soon.
02:10Dad.
02:11About my mom's medical expense.
02:16Those seem like my shoes.
02:19Mr. Roy, you're right. It's my daughter who saved you.
02:23This is my daughter.
02:30Listen, we have guests now. If you still want money, keep your mouth shut and go back to your room.
02:39Who's that? She sounds familiar.
02:42Sorry, Mr. Roy. It's just a servant's child. Let's continue.
02:45Miss, are these shoes yours?
02:47Yes, Mr. Roy. I'm Elena. These are the shoes I lost when I saved you.
02:52Did you get hurt? When you saved me?
02:56I remember that, on your call of a tone, there's a-
02:59Oh, right. There's a birthmark on her call of a tone.
03:01Yes, but you're not asking to see it now, right?
03:05I won't be so rude. Thank you for saving my life.
03:08Please tell me what do you want. I'll make it happen.
03:11You're too nice. I don't really need anything.
03:13Please, give me a chance to thank you properly.
03:17Then...
03:19Marry me.
03:20That figure seemed familiar.
03:28Aren't those shoes the ones I lost five years ago?
03:32We found some old stuff in the storage room. Who cares whose they are?
03:35Anyway, let me tell you some good news.
03:37Your sister is getting married soon.
03:39That's right. My dear sister, be my bridesmaid.
03:43Congratulations, Elena.
03:45Oh, sister, are you back this time?
03:47To jay money for your mom's trialed?
03:49Don't feel embarrassed.
03:52Here.
03:53Take it.
03:57I'm throwing an engagement party here tonight.
04:00Dance for us, and the money is yours.
04:02Alright.
04:03What time is it?
04:05Eight sharp.
04:06Oh, besides, my fiancé will be here.
04:08Looking forward to it.
04:10She doesn't know who Lawrence is, right?
04:14It doesn't matter.
04:16I have the shoes.
04:20He'll believe me.
04:28I heard Elena's sister is performing tonight.
04:31Exotic dancer.
04:37Veronica, come and meet my fiancé.
04:41This is my fiancé, Mr. Lawrence Roy.
04:48Darling, this is tonight's surprise.
04:51Veronica.
04:53It's a pleasure to meet you.
04:55A pleasure to meet you?
04:58I've heard so much about you.
05:01Mr. Roy.
05:05Wait.
05:06These shoes are filthy.
05:08They'll ruin my father's marble floor.
05:10Without the ballet shoes, I can't dance.
05:12True artists don't need fancy tools.
05:22Think about your mother's medical fee.
05:24Dance.
05:26Or piss off.
05:28Fine.
05:29Stop wasting time.
05:31Dance.
05:32Dance.
05:51Enough, Veronica.
05:56I said enough are you trying to ruin my banquet why bother
06:27why are you dancing ballet here I'm a ballet dancer I only dance ballet don't work here
06:34from now on you'll dance only for me how silly of me to think he would do the same
06:51what are you doing here you've ruined my engagement party I danced give me the money
07:00money after you ruined everything and totally embarrassed me your mom should have died long
07:06ago you two deserve to go to hell
07:22mom I'm sorry I fucked up again and I didn't get the money mom I'm pregnant with Lawrence's baby
07:33I don't want to have anything to do with him and he's intending to hold me accountable for a breach
07:39I can't drag this baby into our mess when I finish everything here I'll get you transferred
07:46let's find a place where no one knows us
07:59find her she's not going anywhere without my permission
08:10are you sure you want an abortion
08:16yes a family member needs to sign
08:21I'll sign it
08:34get out
08:39why are you here
08:47I own this hospital
08:50move
08:52listen without my permission
08:56don't even think about getting rid of it
08:58why you're going to get married
09:01this is my child and you must deliver it
09:09before that you're not allowed to go anywhere
09:13you have no right to
09:15from now on
09:16you're my personal assistant
09:1724 7
09:19what did you say
09:21don't forget
09:22you still owe me a penalty fee
09:25Lee will send you the address
09:27Lee will send you the address
09:288 tomorrow morning
09:28meet me at the office
09:33this is what he called a personal assistant
09:36there's nothing I can do
09:42postpone this afternoon's meeting to 4 a.m.
09:44re-revise the merger and acquisition document
09:46yes sir
09:51sir
09:52here's the background information you requested
09:54inform the security team
09:55that Elena will be there tomorrow
09:59coffee
10:05too sweet
10:06do it again
10:06I didn't put sugar in it
10:14don't move
10:15let go
10:17are you doing this on purpose
10:21you think I'd throw myself into the arms of a man who's about to get married
10:52sir
10:55miss Elena is coming this way
11:07don't let her see me
11:22don't let her see me
11:26please
11:29you don't want anyone to see us together
11:32are you insane
11:33your fiance is outside the door right now
11:36so
11:43miss Elena
11:44mr. Lawrence is
11:45he's busy
11:46please wait
11:49so you don't want her to find out that her fiance is having an affair with another woman
11:53right
11:54an affair
11:57remember
11:59you're pregnant with my child first
12:08busy
12:08i have to wait to meet him
12:10i'll go in and talk to him myself
12:11open the door
12:17darling
12:18do you miss me
12:20what brings you here
12:21i'm here to see you
12:22secretary lee said you were busy
12:24what's keeping you occupied
12:25schedule is a bit tight recently
12:27you'll keep me company at the charity gala tomorrow right
12:30i don't want to face those annoying things socialers on my own
12:33sure
12:34sure
12:35that's more like it
12:36oh
12:37can i use your
12:38lounge
12:39why
12:40i've been shopping the whole afternoon
12:42i'm exhausted
12:43i want to rest on your bed before i leave
12:46no problem
12:49no problem
12:51what's that sound
13:06miss elena
13:07mr lawrence prepared a gift for you
13:10it's in the car downstairs
13:11would you like to take a look
13:13a gift
13:14what gift
13:15it's the limited edition you pecked the last time necklace
13:18mr lawrence ordered it from paris
13:20you're such a sweetheart
13:21show it to me
13:33why didn't you want her to find you
13:36if i tell you
13:37can you advance me six months salary
13:39are you qualified to negotiate with me
13:41i said
13:42can you
13:44what leverage do you have
13:46never mind
13:48tell me
13:50fine
13:50starting tomorrow
13:51you're fired
13:52don't forget that you still owe me the penalty fee
13:55if you don't come to work just wait to pay back the money
13:59you
14:00i'm giving you three seconds
14:02one
14:03two
14:04she's my sister
14:05what did you say
14:08elena is my sister
14:12five years ago your daughter saved my life at west for eternity
14:16you're from the crower family
14:20you're from the crower family
14:23so
14:24you're george crowdy's daughter
14:27what does it have to do with you
14:32can you give it to me the money
14:34why do you need money
14:36find a father for my child
14:37who deserves a dad
14:42there's no need to upset me
14:44there's no need to upset me
14:44after you give birth to the kid
14:46you'll get your payment
14:48what if i want it now
14:50then prove yourself
14:51finish this today
14:53and i'll pay you
14:57deal
15:06miss veronica here's your drink
15:08no thanks
15:10mr roy
15:11he doesn't mean it that way
15:13he's just
15:13you don't need to speak for him
15:15i know perfectly well what he thinks of me
15:17miss veronica
15:18it's done
15:20remind your boss to keep his promise
15:26sir
15:26miss veronica has finished her cinch
15:29well transfer the money to her
15:31sir
15:31miss veronica is also mr crowitt's daughter
15:35could she be the one who saved you five years ago
15:37those shoes belong to elena
15:41wait
15:41make an appointment with elena
15:43tell her to wear the dress from five years ago
15:48darling
15:48thank you for making time to choose my wedding dress
15:52why didn't you wear that dress
15:54it's been five years
15:55there's no way i'm still keeping it
15:58but as i recall you didn't wear a dress then
16:00you seem to have a lot of secrets
16:02i don't remember
16:04what secrets could i possibly have
16:07haven't you investigated everything
16:08if that's true i wouldn't have just figured out that veronica is your sister
16:13what
16:13well i don't think that's relevant
16:15she not important
16:17elena
16:18i hope you didn't hide anything from me
16:38you
16:39why are you here
16:45it'd be ideal to choose the wedding dress with family
16:48so i invited your sister
16:51you wouldn't mind
16:51right
16:54let me try this one first
16:57hmm
17:00why don't you pick a bridesmaid dress instead of standing here
17:02sister
17:08what are you doing
17:09what are you doing
17:18do you want a wedding dress too
17:21have you found anyone with the money
17:23have you lost your mind
17:25elena is still here
17:29answer me
17:30let go
17:31is there anything i can do
17:33that can help you
17:35huh
17:41i i'm gonna try this
17:47psycho
17:57you
17:58how can you get in here
17:59leave
18:01do you think you can escape from me
18:07i've never noticed that you have a birthmark here
18:09you never cared about these details
18:16stop stop it darling
18:18where are you
18:24everyone listen
18:25this whole thing is a mistake
18:27i'm the harman bride
18:29the day before the wedding
18:30i just found out that my fiance is already married
18:33not the past
18:35but now
18:35the bride is his closest friend
18:37i didn't cry
18:38nor did i make a scene
18:40i just suddenly wonder
18:41if marriage can be a joke
18:42then what were these six years of mine
18:44i photographed it and texted him
18:45explain this
18:46i figured it was some kind of prank
18:48then his friend's voice message came through
18:5060 seconds
18:53hey i'm so sorry
18:54we were at a bar last night
18:55had a stupid idea
18:56got a little drunk
18:57and just
18:58went and did it
18:59don't worry
18:59once the 30 day waiting period is up
19:01we're filing for divorce immediately
19:02we'll get him right back to you
19:04i was quiet for two seconds
19:05then i blocked her
19:07three hours later ethan came home
19:09i was already at the bottom of the stairs
19:10luggage in tow
19:11he glanced at the certificates
19:13sitting on the coffee table
19:14and pressed two fingers to his temple
19:16it's not a big deal
19:18she was just messing around
19:19you're really gonna hold this over everyone
19:21you've been waiting for this wedding for six years
19:23you can't wait one more month
19:25i smiled
19:26i didn't deny it
19:27no
19:28i can't
19:29ethan blinked
19:30he stepped in front of me on instinct
19:33mia stop
19:34don't do this
19:35the invitations are already out
19:37if you leave now
19:38what are our families supposed to do
19:40i moved his hand aside and kept walking
19:42his voice finally went cold
19:44you're gonna throw away six years over something this small
19:46i stopped
19:47i turned around
19:48six years
19:50ethan
19:51when you signed that certificate with her
19:53did you think about those six years at all
19:55he had nothing
19:57he forced out something useless
19:59the bar was loud
20:00the guys kept pouring drinks
20:02she took a lot of them for me
20:03she was pretty out of it herself
20:04everyone was egging us on
20:06i wasn't thinking straight
20:07they basically dragged us there
20:11it was a joke
20:13we'll fix it
20:13i looked at his unbothered face
20:15and didn't even have the energy to argue
20:18a joke
20:18if marriage could be a joke
20:20what in this world was actually serious
20:21i turned away
20:22his phone rang
20:25he looked at it
20:26it's cassie
20:27she knows she screwed up
20:28she wants to apologize to you
20:29i ignored him and opened the door
20:32cassie was already standing outside
20:33keys dangling from one hand
20:38you're actually leaving
20:39i wheeled my suitcase around her
20:41cassie clicked her tongue and grabbed the handle
20:42really
20:43i said i'd apologize
20:44isn't that enough
20:45i'm the one who talked him into it
20:47i'm the one who kept pouring
20:48if you're mad
20:49be mad at me
20:51don't take it out on ethan
20:52cassie
20:53be respectful
20:54give her the bag
20:55cassie didn't give it back
20:57she pulled it further behind her
21:03if i do
21:04who's he gonna swap rings with tomorrow
21:06air
21:08look
21:09unlike you
21:10i don't spend my whole life orbiting some guy with zero career of my own
21:14but even i know
21:15a guy like ethan
21:16the dinners
21:17the schmoothing
21:18the situational flirtation
21:20that's just business
21:23we grew up together
21:24i helped him fight his battles
21:25you weren't even the picture back then
21:28getting all dramatic over one little joke
21:30can't you act like a grown up
21:33since you're so mature
21:34and so concerned about him
21:37then you go
21:38tomorrow
21:39to the wedding
21:42you be the main event
21:44that certificate becomes the real thing
21:50i pulled my suitcase back
21:53cassie's expression cracked
21:54her chest rose and fell twice
21:55then she smirked
21:58fine
21:59she dug into her bag
22:00pulled out her copy of the certificate
22:03this little thing bothers you that much?
22:04then i'll just tear it up
22:08consider it my apology
22:10the certificate split straight down the middle
22:13cassie dropped both halves on the floor
22:15done? happy now?
22:17if you can't take a joke
22:19you can't take a joke
22:20this is so boring
22:21ethan's expression went dark
22:22cassie
22:24what are you doing?
22:26fixing your problem
22:27the certificate's gone
22:29she can calm down now right?
22:31she turned to me
22:31satisfied?
22:33then she shot me a look
22:35eyes already going red
22:36and ran
22:38then i looked at ethan
22:42that's her apology?
22:44he watched the spot where she disappeared
22:46rubbed his forehead irritated
22:47she's impulsive
22:48she was trying to let you vent
22:50let me vent
22:51i nearly laughed
22:53she tore up the marriage certificate
22:56before you two can file for divorce
22:57you'll have to go replace it
22:59ethan
22:59she wasn't letting me vent
23:02she was rubbing salt in the wound on purpose
23:04she didn't think that far
23:05right
23:06she didn't have to
23:07because in the end
23:08it's not her problem
23:09i stopped looking at him
23:10grabbed my suitcase
23:12turned around
23:14the driver helped load it into the trunk
23:19ethan caught up
23:20pressed his hand against the door before it closed
23:22he leaned down to look at me
23:24mia
23:25go to your parents place
23:26cool off
23:27think about whether you're being unreasonable
23:29but tomorrow
23:30every guest and every reporter will be there
23:32you know how to show up as a proper bride
23:35our family's reputations are not yours to throw around
23:38i slowly lifted my head
23:39there it was again
23:40our family's reputations
23:43six years
23:45every time cassie crossed a line in the name of best friends
23:48because he was sure i couldn't leave
23:50not emotionally
23:51not financially
23:52he never once thought about putting distance between himself and cassie
23:55i did believe nothing physical had happened between them
23:57i spent six happy months planning a wedding
24:00and then
24:01a marriage certificate
24:02a bar
24:03her name on it next to his
24:05first it was all the small things
24:06now she'd even slipped herself into the legal definition of his spouse
24:10as a joke
24:11our family's reputations
24:13i repeated it softly
24:15you keep them
24:16that's your job
24:17the wedding
24:18i'm not coming
24:19as for the bride
24:22i pulled the door shut
24:25marry whoever you want
24:26the car pulled out
24:28miss
24:29where to?
24:30the airport
24:31my phone vibrated the whole way there
24:33Ethan
24:34my mom
24:34his mom
24:35mutual friends
24:37i declined every call
24:38turned it off
24:39for the first time
24:41i was not being good
24:43and i felt something i hadn't felt in years
24:46light
24:46but just when i thought i was free
24:48that lightness shattered the moment we pulled up to the terminal
24:51my parents were there
24:52my brother jamie
24:53and the family's adopted daughter sierra
24:55jamie grabbed my suitcase handle
24:57mia what is wrong with you
24:58if you leave what happens to us
25:00the comp is on on life support waiting for the harman group investment
25:03my mom took advantage of the distraction and snatched my purse
25:05sweetheart i heard everything
25:07just wait for them to divorce in a month
25:09and it's like it never happened
25:11stop causing a scene
25:12sierra drifted over
25:13sis
25:14i know you're hurting
25:17but
25:17we're family
25:19can't you think of us just this once
25:21just this once
25:22was that really what it was
25:24at 18
25:24i signed over grandpa's shares to her
25:26at 21
25:27when she had her eye on someone
25:28i stepped aside from the engagement
25:30grandpa had arranged for me
25:31an old money family
25:32the yates
25:33at 22
25:33i drank until i was hospitalized
25:35to smooth over a business dinner for the family
25:36at 25
25:37i took the fall for jamie's embezzlement
25:39to protect the air's clean record
25:40every single time
25:42written off as family
25:43and it is what you do
25:44since the day i was brought into this so-called home
25:46had anyone ever thought about me
25:47my parents warmth and favoritism
25:49had always flowed straight to sierra
25:50the good daughter
25:51the one they'd raised from childhood
25:53jamie had been carried his whole life
25:54he was a leech
25:55and he knew it
25:56if it hadn't been for ethan walking into my world
25:58like a light through a window
25:59i wouldn't have lasted this long
26:00he saw through my silence
26:01understood the things i couldn't say
26:03with him there
26:04sierra's digs
26:04and my parents favoritism had stayed in check
26:06i fell in love with him
26:07depended on him
26:08i held on like he was a life raft
26:09i pushed so hard for him to marry me sooner
26:11convinced myself that once i had my own home
26:13i could finally leave this suffocating place behind
26:15for that
26:16i told myself cassie's boundary crossing was something i could tolerate
26:19but now
26:20even that last stupid hope was gone
26:22give me my bag
26:23i held out my hand to my mother
26:24come home first
26:26we'll talk when you've settled down
26:27jamie groaned and stamped his foot
26:29mia i'm begging you
26:30just get through this one thing
26:33once the funding comes in after that
26:35you can do whatever you want
26:36i looked at this brother who'd been pampered his whole life
26:38how much money would it take to save this family
26:41so it doesn't have to sell off another daughter
26:43jamie flinched
26:43he gave me a number
26:44it was staggering
26:45pulled out my phone
26:47found an unsaved number
26:48pressed call
26:49it rang five times before someone picked up
26:51three million in cash as a wedding gift
26:53if you agree
26:54we get married tomorrow
26:56three million in cash as a wedding gift
26:59if you agree
27:00we get married tomorrow
27:02the breath on the other end paused
27:04agreed
27:05okay
27:07three million
27:08it'll hit the account
27:09jamie stared at me
27:10mia are you serious
27:11my parents faces went from desperate to flooded with relief
27:14my mom moved to grab my hand
27:16sweetheart
27:17you can't just talk money with ethan over the phone like that
27:20it damages things
27:22sis-in-law will think less of you
27:24people will call you a gold digger
27:26all right
27:27all right
27:28the amount doesn't matter
27:30what matters is that it's settled
27:32the original agreement with the harmons was five hundred thousand up front
27:35this time he's offering three million
27:37it means he values mia
27:40mia
27:42i don't want to hear you say selling daughters again
27:45embarrassing
27:46you and sierra are both our girls
27:48we love you the same
27:51you and sierra are both our girls
27:53we love you the same
27:54if it's the same why didn't you offer sierra for this one
27:57the yates are older money than the harmons stronger by a mile
27:59sierra went white
28:01the yates were more prominent
28:02and because of it stricter about bloodline
28:05when they come to discuss the engagement
28:07they'd looked at me the whole time
28:09sierra hadn't even been formally introduced at that meeting
28:11the yates hadn't wanted her
28:13everyone in that room knew it
28:15why bring up old history
28:17then we won't
28:18the money's coming
28:19problem solved
28:21let's go home
28:21you want me walking down the aisle tomorrow don't you
28:23i left without waiting for an answer
28:28back in the car my phone buzzed once
28:30but at this hour there was only one person it could be
28:32a location pin
28:34then a second message
28:35tomorrow i'm looking forward to seeing you in a white dress
28:39back at the house
28:40the air was thick
28:41i went straight upstairs
28:42the harman side had already been told
28:44the bride has returned
28:46wedding is on
28:47satisfied presumably
28:48the crisis was over
28:50the ceremony would proceed
28:51that was enough
28:53whether or not the bride was willing
28:55no one thought to ask
28:57the next morning
28:57the house had none of the warmth the wedding day should carry
29:00no bustle
29:01no joy
29:01just a cold and indifferent quiet
29:04my parents only changed into appropriate clothes when the housekeeper reminded them
29:08Ethan's motorcade arrived on time
29:10his suit was immaculate
29:12his expression composed
29:13the groomsmen surrounded him
29:15the energy among them was easy and warm
29:17but no one from the bride's side came to block the door
29:19they were just awkwardly ushered in
29:21my mom held a practice smile
29:23Jamie looked like he hadn't slept
29:26Ethan scanned the room
29:28no family friends
29:29no laughter
29:31where is she?
29:33still getting ready?
29:33oh
29:34probably still upstairs doing her makeup
29:36go check
29:37is she ready?
29:41relax
29:41a bride's supposed to make you wait
29:43Ethan's brow stayed locked
29:45he pulled out his phone and opened Mia's messages
29:47a red exclamation point
29:49his fingers went still
29:51she still has you blocked?
29:53the ceremony's about to start
29:54a cold unease expanded in his chest
29:58ma'am
29:59the young miss isn't in her room
30:00we checked everywhere
30:01she's gone
30:02what?
30:05by the time they pulled the security footage
30:07they found she'd left hours ago
30:09Ethan's chest went airless
30:10he told her to come back
30:12she'd still pulled this
30:13Ethan, look at the group chat
30:15someone posted a video
30:16wait, isn't that Mia?
30:19Ethan grabbed the phone
30:21the video was from the same seven star hotel
30:23where their ceremony was booked
30:25a woman was led toward the bridal suite
30:27by a staff member
30:32see?
30:33I told you
30:34she just wanted a dramatic entrance
30:35she's there
30:36that's what counts
30:37this girl
30:38couldn't say a word
30:40gave us all a scare
30:41let's get to the hotel
30:42don't miss the timing
30:44the motorcade reached the hotel
30:46Ethan exchanged brief greetings with arriving guests
30:48it's a wonderful night
30:49it's a beautiful party
30:50I'm so glad you could make it
30:51thank you
30:51I need to go to the restroom
30:52excuse me
30:53the efficient was ready
30:54he turned and headed for the bridal suite
30:56he stopped at the flower decorated door
30:58knocked
30:59me it's time
31:00are you ready?
31:02silence
31:03his expression tightened
31:04he turned the handle
31:10the room was bright and empty
31:11and then the thing that turned his blood to ice
31:13Cassie was standing in the middle of the room
31:15Ethan!
31:16you can't just come in
31:18what are you doing in here?
31:20where's Mia?
31:21his temper surged hard
31:22why are you yelling at me?
31:24the ceremony was about to start
31:26and she wasn't out yet
31:26I came to check if she needed help
31:29she wasn't here
31:30the dress was just hanging there
31:33I just...
31:34it's so beautiful
31:35I couldn't help it
31:37I tried it on
31:39the vein in his temple jumped
31:41take it off
31:42now
31:43if Mia sees this
31:44Cassie's lip pressed together
31:45then someone knocked
31:46Mr. Harmon
31:47the ceremony start time has passed
31:49the officiator is asking if the bride is ready to enter
31:53also Mr. Harmon
31:54the ballroom next door has just begun an unscheduled ceremony
31:57the timeline is quite tight on their end
31:59if your side is unable to start just yet
32:01would you consider briefly yielding the corridor?
32:04we'd hate to disrupt the other event
32:06it's a Yates-Carter wedding
32:10a Yates-Carter wedding?
32:13which Carter?
32:15I'm not entirely sure of the details
32:18a nameless unease moved through him
32:19but he had no time to chase it
32:21he dialed the groomsmen group
32:23Mia's not in the suite
32:24split up and find her
32:27then he turned back to the manager
32:28this wedding was booked six months ago
32:30we're not moving
32:31Mr. Harmon the timing really is
32:33there's no conflict
32:33let my fiance hear that her aisle is being cleared for someone else
32:37his voice dropped
32:38she won't be happy
32:41his phone buzzed
32:43a photo from one of the groomsmen
32:44a slender figure in a wedding gown
32:46half turned on a call
32:48the dress was simpler, elegant
32:51she was stunning
32:51all the tension melted away
32:53he would marry her
32:54he would have a home with Mia
32:56maybe children soon
32:57don't you think I looked better in it?
33:00looks like she didn't love the one I picked
33:03he pocketed his phone
33:04and turned to go find her
33:06Cassie grabbed his arm
33:07she asked the question that broke through every layer of best friends
33:10and it means nothing
33:11when you walked in just now
33:13and saw me in the dress
33:16what did you feel?
33:17he looked at her red rimmed eyes
33:18at the expensive gown on her body
33:20the faint warmth the photo had put in his face drained away
33:22Cassie in a wedding gown was
33:24undeniably striking
33:25there was something arresting about it
33:26what he felt toward Cassie was closer to a man's possessiveness over someone who belonged in his orbit
33:30liked feeling needed, admired
33:32but he liked more
33:33the ease of holding two women in careful balance
33:35he'd never imagined having to choose
33:37Cassie's tears
33:38her question
33:39they tore the paper screen open
33:41he was still for a moment
33:42not now, his throat moved
33:44he looked past her eyes
33:46Cassie, not now
33:47this isn't the moment
33:48change out of the dress
33:49he turned and walked out toward Mia
33:51I was on the terrace outside the ballroom finishing a call
33:54I turned to go inside
33:58Mia, you're here
34:03the groomsmen and Cassie poured in behind him filling the doorway
34:06Sis-in-law, you're something else
34:08gave us a serious scare
34:10wandered over to the next venue?
34:12right
34:13is this a location comparison?
34:16didn't like the decor on our side?
34:17Cassie stepped to my side
34:18you nearly gave Ethan a heart attack
34:21she laughed and scanned my gown
34:22that's pretty too
34:24but the star of today isn't here for someone else's party
34:27come on
34:28everyone's waiting
34:29by the way
34:30you'd technically be the other woman right now
34:33but
34:34don't stress about it
34:35we know the truth
34:38congratulations on the wedding though
34:39I looked at her
34:40thank you
34:40her smile stalled
34:42Ethan stepped in front of me
34:43done with your call?
34:44let's go back
34:45we've lost time but we can still make it
34:47if you actually like this room set up
34:49I'll talk to the Yates
34:50we might be able to switch
34:52whatever makes you happy
34:54he said it so naturally
34:55his groomsmen watched
34:57certain waiting for me to do what I'd always done
34:58he reached for me
34:59palm up
35:00I looked at his face
35:01the handsome face with its faint impatience
35:03in front of everyone watching
35:04I turned slightly and spoke quietly to the hotel attendant at my side
35:08could you please let the officiner know we're ready to begin?
35:10of course Mrs. Yates
35:11Mr. Yates has been ready
35:13Mrs. Yates the certainty on Ethan's face split open
35:16he looked at her red rimmed eyes
35:17at the expensive gown on her body
35:19the faint warmth the photo had put in his face drained away
35:21Cassie in a wedding gown was
35:23undeniably striking
35:24there was something arresting about it
35:26what he felt toward Cassie was closer to a man's possessiveness over someone who belonged in his orbit
35:30liked feeling needed, admired
35:31but he liked more
35:32the ease of holding two women in careful balance
35:35he'd never imagined having to choose
35:37Cassie's tears
35:38her question
35:39they tore the paper screen open
35:40he was still for a moment
35:42not now
35:43his throat moved
35:43he looked past her eyes
35:45Cassie
35:46not now
35:46this isn't the moment
35:47change out of the dress
35:49he turned and walked out toward Mia
35:50I was on the terrace outside the ballroom finishing a call
35:53I turned to go inside
35:57Mia
35:58you're here
36:03the groomsman and Cassie poured in behind him filling the doorway
36:06Sis-in-law
36:07you're something else
36:07gave us a serious scare
36:09wandered over to the next venue?
36:12right
36:12is this a location comparison?
36:15didn't like the decor on our side?
36:17Cassie stepped to my side
36:18you nearly gave Ethan a heart attack
36:20she laughed and scanned my gown
36:22that's pretty too
36:23but the star of today isn't here for someone else's party
36:26come on
36:27everyone's waiting
36:28by the way
36:30you'd technically be the other woman right now
36:33but
36:33don't stress about it
36:34we know the truth
36:37congratulations on the wedding though
36:39I looked at her
36:39thank you
36:40her smile stalled
36:41Ethan stepped in front of me
36:42done with your call?
36:44let's go back
36:44we've lost time but we can still make it
36:46if you actually like this room set up
36:49I'll talk to the Yates
36:50we might be able to switch
36:52whatever makes you happy
36:54he said it so naturally
36:55his groomsmen watched
36:56certain waiting for me to do what I'd always done
36:58he reached for me
36:59palm up
36:59I looked at his face
37:01the handsome face with its faint impatience
37:02in front of everyone watching
37:04I turned slightly and spoke quietly to the hotel attendant at my side
37:07could you please let the officiner know we're ready to begin?
37:10of course Mrs. Yates
37:11Mr. Yates has been ready
37:12Mrs. Yates the certainty on Ethan's face split open
37:15he was betting on the last six years
37:17betting I'd soften
37:18betting that none of this was real enough to hold
37:20somewhere the music had stopped
37:22every person in the room was watching me
37:24I lifted my eyes
37:25I looked at the man I had loved for six years
37:27and waited on for six years
37:28he looked in this moment very far away
37:30I didn't look at Ethan
37:31I just said it
37:32one word at a time
37:34Ethan
37:35look carefully
37:35I turned slightly
37:37this dress
37:38you didn't choose it
37:39this ring
37:41you didn't give it
37:42I looked past his pale face
37:44today
37:44standing here
37:45marrying Nathan Yates
37:47that's me
37:47Mia Carter
37:48I paused
37:49one breath
37:50then the last sentence
37:51the one that severed everything
37:52your wedding
37:53your bride
37:53none of that was ever mine
37:55I didn't look at his face go grey
37:57I placed my hand steadily into the curve of Nathan's arm
38:00let's continue
38:00Nathan looked at me for a moment
38:02then nodded at the officiant
38:03the next second
38:04the wedding march filled the hall again
38:06fuller than before
38:06it swept over everything
38:08Nathan walked me forward
38:09step by steady step toward the altar at the end of the aisle
38:11on both sides guests began to clap
38:13my family's composed expressions had long since collapsed
38:16none of them had seen this coming
38:17that the man I was marrying today had nothing to do with the Harmons they'd spent years courting
38:21that it was the Yates
38:22who operated on an entirely different level
38:24who wouldn't have thought twice about the Harmons
38:26as for how I'd gotten Nathan Yates to put 3 million on the table
38:29that was my business
38:29it had nothing to do with their scheming
38:31nothing to do with the hollow shell my family had become
38:33the guests who had been invited by my family
38:35who were supposed to be here for the wedding on the other side
38:38every single one of them had drifted to this room instead
38:40not out of loyalty to the Carters
38:42out of instinct for the more valuable alliance
38:44their applause built into something that filled the entire hall
38:46behind me silence like a held breath
38:48I didn't need to turn around to picture Ethan's face
38:50but that was no longer mine to carry
38:53the ceremony reached the moment that mattered most
38:55the officiant's voice was warm and measured
38:58Mia Carter
38:59do you take Nathan Yates to be your husband
39:01to have and to hold
39:03in sickness and in health
39:04for richer or poorer
39:06for as long as you both shall live
39:08the room held still every eye on me
39:09I do
39:11no
39:14Ethan's voice cracked across the room
39:20his eyes were red
39:21fixed on me
39:26Mia
39:26I won't allow it
39:27you're mine
39:28you are leaving with me right now
39:30he lunged toward the altar
39:31two security guards caught him
39:33before he made it two steps
39:34locking his arms
39:35get your hands off me
39:36do you know who I am
39:37Mia
39:38look at me
39:39I'm the one you're supposed to marry
39:41Nathan
39:42let go of her
39:44the Yates family elders in the front row
39:46frowned faintly
39:47but didn't seem alarmed
39:48they had clearly planned for disruption
39:51then a figure in white burst from the side of the crowd
39:53Cassie
39:54she'd put the gown back on
39:55she pushed to the front
39:57held her phone high with the screen facing out
39:59and screamed
40:01everyone listen
40:02this whole thing is a mistake
40:04I'm the Harmon bride
40:09look at this
40:10we already have a marriage license
40:14her hands were shaking
40:15her hands were shaking as she angled the screen toward the guests
40:17the efficient
40:17the Yates family
40:18on the screen
40:19a marriage certificate
40:20open to the interior page
40:23look at her
40:24she's the one who went behind my back
40:25she got caught
40:26and now she's running to someone else
40:27I don't care how powerful the Yates are
40:29you can't change the fact that she's the other woman
40:31she will always be a joke
40:32the room erupted
40:34gasps
40:35whispers
40:36eyes moving rapidly between Cassie's phone screen room
40:38my family's faces had gone from blank to ash
40:41everyone was holding their breath
40:42waiting for the Yates to react
40:43waiting for me to fall apart
40:45Cassie stood tall
40:46certain she'd just played the card that turned the game
40:49but the first person to crack was not the Yates family
40:51it was not me
40:52it was Ethan
40:55Cassie shut up
40:56what are you saying?
40:57he wrenched his head toward her
40:58still held by the guards
40:59voice ripped raw
41:00I'm not lying
41:01you won't even admit I'm your wife
41:03right here in front of everyone
41:04it's not real
41:05it was a bar stunt
41:06it doesn't count
41:08he couldn't admit it
41:09not here
41:10not in the Yates house
41:11not in front of Mia
41:14Nathan who had been silent spoke
41:16if it doesn't count
41:17we can just check the county records
41:19he leaned slightly toward an assistant
41:20and said something low
41:22the assistant nodded and left quickly
41:23Ethan and Cassie were escorted from the room
41:25the efficient lifted his voice
41:29let's ask everyone to settle
41:30we'll continue with the ceremony
41:33toasts
41:33for receiving love
41:35farewells everything moved to the quiet mutual warmth
41:37the room felt like what it was supposed to feel like
41:40two families joining
41:41genuinely
41:42by the time the last guests filtered out
41:44I sat down in one of the private rooms the hotel had reserved
41:46and let out the first real breath I'd taken all day
41:49Nathan handed me a glass of water
41:51tired?
41:51his voice was attentive
41:53not intrusive
41:56today
41:57thank you
41:58it was agreed to
41:59the Yates keep their word
42:01as for your family and the Harmons
42:02before he could finish
42:04a knock
42:04the hotel manager stepped in and addressed Nathan quietly
42:06sir
42:07Mr. Harman is still outside
42:08he's insisting on a few minutes witnesses yes
42:12do you want to see him?
42:13I looked at my reflection in the floor to ceiling window
42:16still in the dress
42:17I shook my head
42:20everything that needed to be said
42:22I saw it
42:25tell Mr. Harman my wife needs to rest
42:28she's not receiving visitors
42:30if he continues to linger
42:32you know what to do
42:33yes sir
42:38I knew the Yates had the reach to make Ethan walk away tonight
42:41and keep him from getting close again
42:42that was part of why I chose Nathan
42:44part of why I chose this
42:45I needed somewhere safe
42:46I needed something sharp enough to cut through every knot
42:49that I'd tied myself into
42:50I changed out of the gown
42:52put on something comfortable
42:53settled into the car
42:54it pulled away from the hotel slowly
42:56the city lights moved past the window
42:57I leaned my head back and closed my eyes
42:59not the flood of relief I'd imagined
43:01not grief even
43:02a flat
43:02open calm
43:03and somewhere under it
43:04something faint and new
43:05like the first edge of wanting something again
43:08I knew Ethan wouldn't let go easily
43:09but this time
43:10I was not standing still
43:11I had married
43:12someone else
43:15lifted into my life
43:16And he went up a bit
43:16i believe
43:16with a thing
43:17to remind me
43:17that by sure
Comments