- 1 day ago
Checked Into My Marriage, Stole My Life Full Engsub
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The hotel just alerted me that a condom charge from the previous night had been posted to my bill.
00:05When I confronted my husband, Rex Dillon, he stared back at me with a look of utter bewilderment
00:11plastered across his face.
00:13Sweetheart, this has got to be a system glitch, or someone keyed in the wrong membership number.
00:18I'll call and lodge a formal complaint first thing tomorrow.
00:22Little does he know, the hotel's lead investor is my ride-or-die best friend.
00:28Hey, can you pull up who Rex checked into the hotel with last night?
00:31I'm gonna catch them red-handed.
00:33The card was linked exclusively to my personal information, meaning no one else could use it.
00:38Yet the hotel had called, claiming I'd checked into the presidential suite the night before
00:43and used the condoms in the room.
00:45I asked three times to confirm, and the person on the line insisted it was Leela Ruth herself who'd checked
00:50in.
00:51I couldn't swallow this humiliation.
00:53What made it worse was that once, when I'd mentioned using the card,
00:57What do you want me to say?
00:58Rex had looked utterly annoyed and snapped.
01:01Is our home not good enough for you?
01:02Why would you rather sleep elsewhere?
01:03I'm so sick of your ridiculous spending habits!
01:06I didn't get it.
01:07Why was he so pissed off just cause I wanted to use a free card?
01:11The angrier I grew, the faster I drove.
01:14Heading straight for the hotel.
01:16Hello, I'm Leela Ruth.
01:18You called me this morning.
01:20My anger simmering just beneath the surface.
01:24The receptionist looked up, her face clouding with confusion.
01:28Mrs. Ruth?
01:28I thought you just went back to your room.
01:30You made it clear that no housekeeping service was needed a moment ago.
01:34My face darkened instantly.
01:36The reception went on.
01:38Just ten minutes ago, Mrs. Ruth called and activated the Do Not Disturb service.
01:42I was so furious that I trembled all over.
01:46That woman had the nerve to check in under my name.
01:50Grinting my teeth.
01:53But I am the real Leela Ruth.
01:56The receptionist eyed me up and down impatiently.
02:00Madam, if you don't have a reservation, please leave.
02:03We have many guests today.
02:05Please don't cause a scene here.
02:08It hit me like a bolt of lightning.
02:09My husband had become someone else's husband?
02:13The irony was bitter enough to choke on.
02:17At that moment, the elevator dinged open.
02:20Tiffany Butler stepped out, clad in the latest Chanel suit of the season.
02:23The diamond necklace around her neck was the one I bought at auction for $1.8 million as far as
02:27I knew.
02:28She was just my husband's newly graduated junior, the receptionist's face lit up as if she'd spotted a savior.
02:34She pointed straight at Tiffany and said to me.
02:36This is the real Mrs. Ruth, the rightful one.
02:38I suggest you leave immediately and stop making trouble.
02:41Tiffany's face blanched the second she saw me.
02:43But she recovered fast, forcing a sickly sweet smile.
02:46What a coincidence.
02:48Are you staying here too?
02:50I coldly shook off her outstretched hand.
02:52Tiffany, don't you think you owe me an explanation?
02:55Why did you check in under my name?
02:57And why were the condoms you used charged to my account?
03:03Also, why are my shoes on your feet?
03:05And when did my husband become yours?
03:08My voice cut through the lobby, and the previously noisy crowd fell dead silent.
03:12Every pair of eyes locked onto Tiffany.
03:15Tiffany glanced around nervously, then her eyes immediately welled with tears.
03:19What are you talking about?
03:21My husband gave me this card because he felt bad about my frequent business trips,
03:24and he bought me these shoes as well, as for the condoms.
03:28She feigned shyness and lowered her head.
03:30What's wrong with me using them with my husband?
03:33Are you upset because your husband doesn't treat you well?
03:37Need my help to get you a psychiatrist?
03:41Look at her haggard face.
03:43Her husband must not want to touch her.
03:45A card like that starts at $300,000.
03:47She doesn't seem like someone who could afford it.
03:50Are they seriously letting in just anybody at such a high-end place?
03:55I was only wearing casual clothes today, hardly the shabby mess they made me out to be.
03:59I never realized you were so good with words.
04:07Did you verify her identity when the co-called Mrs. Ruth checked in?
04:11The receptionist hesitated, her face flushing.
04:15She said she didn't have her ID, but Mr. Dillon is a regular, so...
04:19So you just broke the rules?
04:20Your hotel security is a joke.
04:25She's just a receptionist.
04:27Why are you picking on her?
04:30People stay at hotels they can't afford.
04:32Don't make a scene here.
04:40Answer it.
04:41Put it on speaker.
04:42Let's hear how Rex is going to spin this.
04:46As she tapped the speaker button, she burst into fake, heaving sobs.
04:50Honey, come to the hotel, quick!
04:52There's a crazy woman saying I'm not your wife and trying to kick me out!
04:56She wailed dramatically, and Rex's furious voice exploded from the phone at once.
05:01A crazy woman?
05:03Dare she bully you?
05:04Don't be skied.
05:05I'm on my way.
05:06A crazy woman, so that was what I was to him now.
05:09The onlookers stared at me with open disdain, some even stepping forward to comfort Tiffany.
05:14Don't take it to heart.
05:15She's insane.
05:16Tiffany murmured her thanks, then turned to me with a look of feigned concern.
05:20My husband will be here soon.
05:22He has a terrible temper.
05:24You better leave fast.
05:25Who knows what he might do to you?
05:27He just gave me that $300,000 VIP card, you know?
05:30Shows how much he spoils me.
05:32If he gets here, who knows what he might do to you?
05:34It sounded like a warning, but it was nothing but a slap in the face, a bare-faced provocation.
05:39I trembled with rage.
05:40Every fiber of me screaming to tear off her hypocritical mask right then and there.
05:44Rex arrived faster than I'd expected and he burst through the hotel doors.
05:49The second his eyes landed on me, they turned cold and vicious.
05:52He roughly shoved me aside, then pulled Tiffany into a tight, protective embrace.
05:57Don't be afraid, I'm here.
05:59The way he gently stroked Tiffany's hair was so tender it hurt to watch.
06:03Pushed by him, I stumbled backward, my waist slamming hard into the sofa arm behind me.
06:08If not for the furniture, I would have crashed straight to the ground.
06:10Meanwhile, Tiffany stood on tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and the two locked
06:14in a long, wet, lingering kiss.
06:17You're so good to me, honey.
06:19Tiffany panted, her voice thick with coquetry.
06:21You need to set this woman straight.
06:22She won't believe I'm your wife.
06:25Only then did Rex turn his gaze to me.
06:28There was no flicker of guilt.
06:30Only pure disgust thought he released Tiffany and strode over, then slapped me hard across
06:33the face.
06:35Tiffany!
06:36Have you no shame?
06:38Just cause I turned you down when you tried to hint for a permanent position, you've held
06:41a grudge ever since.
06:42Now you dare to bully my wife in public?
06:44I clapped a hand to my cheek, which flared red, swollen, and burning hot.
06:49I stared at him in disbelief.
06:50The man before me was a stranger, terrifyingly unfamiliar.
06:54Before I'd come to the hotel, he'd feigned ignorance on the phone, using his usual gentle
06:58patience to tell me not to have a thing.
07:00Yet, in the blink of an eye, he could twist the truth without batting an eye and even hurt
07:04me.
07:05He'd always had two faces, it turned out.
07:08Now that I thought back, the signs had been there all along.
07:11He'd only lit up at the latest gaming console I'd bought him, but dismissed my painstakingly
07:15developed scientific research as nothing but scrap.
07:18His so-called concern had always circled, back to my bank card, maybe he'd never loved
07:23me.
07:23Maybe he'd never even tried to understand the real me of a strange sense of calm rose from
07:27the depths of my chest, drowning out all the anger.
07:30I lowered my hand from my face and looked straight at him, my voice shockingly steady,
07:34even to myself.
07:35Rex repeat what you just said.
07:38Tell me who am I, and who is she?
07:41A flicker of panic crossed Rex's eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it came.
07:45You really are crazy!
07:46Wasn't I clear enough?
07:48She is my lawfully wedded wife, Lila.
07:51And you?
07:52You're just some intern who failed to climb the ladder, Tiffany.
07:56He raked his eyes over me.
07:58His voice cold and cruel.
08:11Can't get a man herself, so she's jealous of others' happiness.
08:15I told you she must be crazy.
08:18Didn't think she'd start having delusions, too.
08:20That's really scary.
08:21Poor couple.
08:22They're so unlucky to run into a nut shed like this.
08:25I stayed quiet, just watching their little show.
08:28Rex was clearly dead set on protecting Tiffany, even if it meant grinding me into the dirt.
08:32But did he really think he could twist the truth with just a few lies?
08:36Slowly, I pulled my ID card and marriage certificate out of my bag.
08:41These should be enough to prove who I am.
08:43Rex and Tiffany's faces froze at once, but Tiffany's eyes went wide with shock.
08:48Rex lunged forward, snatched the ID and marriage certificate out of my hand,
08:52and without even glancing at them, hurled them straight out the hotel's revolving glass door.
08:57Will you just stop?
08:58Last time, you waved a fake ID at me to disgust me, and now this new trick?
09:03Forging an ID and a marriage certificate?
09:06Tiffany, have some shame.
09:08Do you think I won't call the cops and report you for harassment and forging official documents?
09:13The onlooker's stare shifted from disdain to outright aggression, and they echoed an unison.
09:18Call the police! Do it now!
09:22She's a fraud!
09:23She should be arrested!
09:25She's not welcome here!
09:26Kick her out, or we'll complain about the hotel!
09:29Tiffany visibly relaxed her back.
09:31She snuggled back into Rex's eyes and spoke to me in a tone that sounded concerned but oozed malice.
09:37You've been so abused by your husband that you've lost your mind.
09:40I can introduce you to a good psychiatrist and a top divorce lawyer if you need.
09:46She stressed the word divorce extra hard.
09:48After all, once I was gone, she could step right into the role of Mrs.
09:52Dylan to ASA response, Rex kissed her forehead, then turned back to me, his eyes as cold as ice.
09:58Get out of here now, or I'm calling the police!
10:00Immediately!
10:01He snapped at the receptionist.
10:02Never here!
10:03If noodley it!
10:04Call security to drive this crazy woman out!
10:06Who knows what else she might do?
10:07What if she hurts other guests?
10:09Take her out!
10:11We're going to play to the hotel room!
10:16She grabbed her walkie-talkie and called for security at once.
10:19Two tall guards marched over, grabbed my arms from either side, and began dragging me roughly
10:24towards the exit.
10:25I struggled desperately, my elbows throbbing from the rough tugging.
10:29Amid the chaos, Tiffany had somehow slipped close to me.
10:32Seizing the split second when everyone's attention was elsewhere, she tripped me.
10:36Already off balance, I crashed hard to the marble floor.
10:39Oops, Tiffany gasped in feigned innocence.
10:41I just wanted to help you up, and you deliberately fell to blame me?
10:46Unbelievable!
10:48My ankle swelled into a painful lump instantly, and a wide patch of skin was scraped raw on my knee,
10:53blood seeping out at once.
10:54My face paled with agony as I tried to stand, only to collapse back down.
10:58Rex stood there, watching coldly, as if I were a total stranger.
11:02My heart turned to ice at that moment.
11:05Any last shred of hope for him was snuffed out, with trembling hands.
11:08I fumbled in my pocket for my phone, desperate to call 911.
11:12But the second I unlocked it, Rex lunged forward and snatched it away.
11:16What are you trying to do?
11:17Call the police?
11:18He accused me falsely.
11:20Let me tell you, everyone here saw clearly that you fell on purpose.
11:24Don't even think about framing my wife and the hotel!
11:27I have a bleeding disorder!
11:29Call an ambulance now!
11:30I shouted through the pain, but Rex remained indifferent.
11:33Instead hurling my phone forcefully across the lobby, left alone, I endured the searing pain.
11:38Using my uninjured leg to prop myself up and crawl towards my phone, just then, a delicate high heel stomped
11:43down hard on my palm.
11:45Tiffany looked down at me condescendingly.
11:47Sign a statement and admit everything today was your fault, then I'll call an ambulance for you.
11:51Otherwise?
11:52She paused for effect.
11:53She pressed down harder.
11:55The excruciating pain in my hand, mixed with the agony from my knee and ankle, nearly made me black out.
12:00I could barely speak, trembling violently from both pain and rage, my consciousness growing hazy.
12:05Just as I thought I would pass out, a series of rapid, sharp high heel clicks echoed from the hotel
12:09entrance.
12:11My best friend Vivian was striding in.
12:13Lila, I found out.
12:15Rex really did cheat.
12:16He's checked into this hotel more times than you have in the past few years.
12:19He even dared to use the exclusive membership card I gave you with that mistress.
12:22Her voice, however, cut off abruptly, the moment she saw me kneeling on the ground in such a miserable state.
12:30The receptionist, who had been so arrogant just moments ago, now turned pale, her voice trembling as she timidly called
12:36out,
12:37Dear Director Carter,
12:38affirmed Vivian's identity as the hotel's investor beyond any doubt.
12:42What?
12:43So she wasn't lying after all?
12:45The husband really brought his mistress to impersonate the real wife?
12:48Is this guy even human?
12:49My god, he helped the lover bully his own wife and even hit her!
12:53What a piece of trash!
12:54This disgusting pair is truly repulsive!
12:57Public opinion flipped on a dime.
12:59Anyone traveling with family or a partner instinctively recoiled at infidelity, and their words grew sharper by the second.
13:05Awkwardly, the security guards let go of me, not daring to lay a finger on me anymore.
13:09Vivian's face crumbled with pity as she tried to squat down and help me, but before her hand could touch
13:15me, Rex grabbed it.
13:16His face was plastered with a sip-of-horshick, panico smile as he shook her hand roughly.
13:22Miss Carter, I'm so sorry for causing trouble at your hotel.
13:25Don't worry, I'll take this troublemaker away right now.
13:27She just has a habit of acting crazy.
13:29Please don't mind her.
13:29He even pretended to be chummy, leaning in like they were old friends.
13:34By the way, Miss Carter, who's your friend here?
13:36We'll all look out for her when you're not around.
13:40Tiffany chimed in fast, putting on a sickly sympathetic face.
13:43Yeah, Mrs. Carter, your friend is really pitiful, running into a man like him.
13:46It's so sad that she's betrayed.
13:48I froze for a beat, before realizing that these idiots still didn't believe the best girl Vivian was talking about
13:54was me.
13:55What are you waiting for?
13:56The investor's here, and you still haven't dragged this crazy troublemaker out?
14:02The guards exchanged nervous looks, glancing back and forth between Vivian and me, unsure what to do of Vivian was
14:09absolutely livid.
14:10With a sudden, sharp motion, she wrenched her hand free from Rex's grip.
14:13Her voice was glacial.
14:16Stay away from me.
14:18But Rex held on stubbornly.
14:20He planted himself directly in front of Vivian, blocking her view of me, and continued his tirade without an ounce
14:24of shame.
14:25Miss Carter, please don't be upset.
14:27This woman is clearly trying to extort money.
14:29Her injuries may look serious, but she's perfectly fine.
14:32I said, stay away from me.
14:35Someone clean this up immediately.
14:36It's an eyesore.
14:37Are you deaf?
14:38I said, stay away from me.
14:40If anything happens to Leela, I will make sure you regret it.
14:44With that, she shoved both Rex and Tiffany aside,
14:47and rushed to meet AT the sight of the blood staining my skirt and my deathly pale complexion.
14:51Her voice wavered.
14:52Blood loss was clouding my vision.
14:54I clung to the last shreds of consciousness and gripped her wrist.
15:00Call an ambulance.
15:02Without hesitation, Vivian dialed emergency services around us.
15:06The whispers among the onlookers grew louder.
15:08So, this guy hasn't even met his wife's best friend?
15:12Unbelievable.
15:13He brings his lover here to bully his wife, and now they targeted her friend, the hotel investor.
15:19Miss Carter, just teach them a lesson.
15:21They disgusting.
15:23Rex was really embarrassed, but he still refused to accept what was unfolding before him.
15:28Tiffany tugged at his sleeve, unwilling to back down.
15:30Rex, something's not right.
15:32If she really is Miss Carter's best friend, why don't any of the hotel staff recognize her?
15:37Miss Carter owns this place.
15:39It doesn't make any sense.
15:41Sensing the cracks in Rex's confidence, Tiffany leaned in, pressing her point with growing boldness.
15:46Besides, I went through Miss Carter's social media recently.
15:50There wasn't a single post or mention of anyone named Lella.
15:55Do you think Lella might have fooled Miss Carter somehow?
15:59Rex's gaze darkened with renewed suspicion.
16:01Turning back to Vivian, he said with certainty.
16:03Miss Carter, surely you've been misled.
16:06This woman knows exactly how to play the victim.
16:08She's mastered the art of manipulation.
16:10You have to see that.
16:11You have to see.
16:12No way she's your friend.
16:14To reinforce his point, he gestured to Tiffany.
16:16Miss Carter, this is Miss Tiffany Burtler.
16:18She's the heiress to Ruth Group, Mr. Ruth's daughter.
16:22I'm sure you've crossed paths before.
16:23She'll vouch that you've never met Lella.
16:26His words landed like a slap.
16:27I blinked in disbelief.
16:28Even Vivian looked momentarily speechless.
16:30Caught between disbelief and fearing.
16:32The heiress to Ruth Group?
16:33I was the only daughter of the Ruth family.
16:36After choosing to pursue a career in science rather than take over the company,
16:39I'd fallen out with my father and stepped away from the public eye.
16:42Keeping my identity right.
16:43Get the hell out of my office!
16:44And yet, this imposter had the nerve to claim it.
16:47Oh?
16:48The heiress to Ruth Group?
16:50Then why does she have the last name Butler?
16:52It's due to a complicated family matter.
16:54But make no mistake.
16:55Tiffany truly is Ruth Group's heiress.
16:58Vivian let out a cold, sharp snort.
17:00She immediately pulled out her phone,
17:02dialed my father's number,
17:04and tapped the speaker button for the entire lobby to hear.
17:07Hello, Mr. Ruth?
17:09Hello, Mr. Ruth?
17:10I heard you suddenly have a daughter named Tiffany.
17:13Are you aware she's the mistress of Lella's husband?
17:16And they're bullying a galette together.
17:17Vivian!
17:18What nonsense are you talking about?
17:20I only have one daughter, Lella!
17:22Where did this Tiffany come from?
17:25Who's spreading laws about my girl?
17:29Where are you?
17:30I'm on my way.
17:31The lobby fell into a deathly silence.
17:33Rex, who'd been oozing smugness moments earlier,
17:36froze mid-step.
17:37He whirled around abruptly,
17:39snatching Tiffany's arm as she tried to slink away unnoticed.
17:45Tiffany, come on, call your father right now.
17:48What the hell is going on here?
17:50I, I, I never said I was the airhead of Ruth Group.
17:53You just assumed it yourself.
17:56Rex looked as if he'd been struck by lightning.
17:58What?
17:59But when I pressed you about your background,
18:01you never denied it.
18:02You even hinted you could help me land that cooperation project with Ruth Group.
18:06Mocking laughter erupted around them,
18:07cutting through the tense air.
18:09A cold chill seeped into my bones.
18:11Settling deep in my chest,
18:12IT turned out that Rex had believed all this time
18:14that his shot at that crucial Ruth Group partnership came from Tiffany.
18:17He had no clue it was me,
18:19pulling strings and smoothing paths.
18:21Who'd paved the way for every opportunity he'd gotten.
18:23AT that moment,
18:24the wail of an ambulance grew louder.
18:26Echoing closer to the hotel,
18:28blood loss blurred my vision.
18:29And a violent ship erect my body.
18:31As the paramedics lifted me onto the stretcher,
18:33I stared up at the hotel's opulent crystal chandelier,
18:36its light refracting into a dizzying haze.
18:38The whole scene felt like an absurd, cruel nightmare.
18:42Rex made a move as if to rush over,
18:44seemingly he had nothing to say,
18:45but Vivian stopped him sharply.
18:47The last thing I heard before darkness swallowed me
18:49was Vivian's unyielding promise.
18:51I'm here,
18:52this time,
18:52I'll make sure they pay for everything they did.
18:54The hospital room reeked of sterile disinfectant.
18:57And four drip trickled slowly from the blood transfusion bag into my veins.
19:01I stared out the window at the gray,
19:03overcast sky.
19:04My heart feeling far colder than my body.
19:07Giving my love to a man like Rex had been the cruelest irony of my life.
19:10Vivian sat beside me,
19:12holding my uninjured hand gently.
19:13Her voice soft with comfort.
19:15He's not worth your tears,
19:17Leela.
19:18You deserve better.
19:20I forced a faint smile,
19:22but before I could say anything,
19:23the ward door slammed open with a crash.
19:25Rex stood in the doorway.
19:27His face livid with rage.
19:28There was no trace of guilt in his eyes.
19:30Only raw.
19:31Bitter accusation.
19:32He strode to the bedside,
19:34jabbing a finger inches from my nose.
19:36His voice a snarl.
19:37Leela,
19:37why didn't you tell me earlier your parents ran Ruth Group?
19:39If you had,
19:40how could I have offended both Ruth Group and Carter Group?
19:45Now look what you've done.
19:47I've been fired from the company,
19:48and everything I've worked for is ruined.
19:50Are you satisfied?
19:51His shamelessness disgusted me.
19:53I told you.
19:54More than once.
19:55You were just too impatient to listen.
19:58Too busy,
19:58disglissings my family affairs as trivial.
20:01Rex,
20:01you based by cameling a loafer.
20:03You did this to yourself.
20:05You deserve it.
20:06Stung by my words,
20:08he flew into a more hysterical rage.
20:10Blame me?
20:11If you hadn't spent all your time in that lab,
20:13neglecting yourself and turning into someone
20:15who no longer fit your expectations,
20:17would I have strayed?
20:19You never cared if I was tired after work.
20:21Even with all these family resources,
20:23you never once lifted a finger to help me.
20:25You never cared if I was tired after work.
20:27Even with all these family resources,
20:28you never once lifted a finger to help me.
20:31At that moment,
20:32Tiffany walked in.
20:33Yeah, Leela.
20:33Two become one flesh in marriage.
20:36Rex's love for you faded a long time ago,
20:38but he still stayed with you out of duty.
20:40Yet you schemed against him like this.
20:42His layoff was your doing too, right?
20:45That's so mean.
20:47Rex was such a fool.
20:48Immediately,
20:49he was emboldened by her few words,
20:50and his gaze towards me turned even more venomous.
20:53I looked at this dramatic pair with utter scorn.
20:55I didn't help you.
20:57Why do you think your little company
20:58could manage to connect with Ruth Group?
21:00All on your own.
21:01Or was it through Tiffany's fake identity
21:03as the Ruth Aaronress?
21:04Rex,
21:05the resources you stole from me didn't just feed you.
21:07They inflated your greed and your audacity.
21:10Rex's face paled,
21:11and he fell silent.
21:13I pressed on,
21:14my voice trembling with barely suppressed rage.
21:16You claimed to stay with me out of duty.
21:18Then why did you cheat?
21:21Why did you let others call me a lunatic
21:23and hit me,
21:24your legitimate wife?
21:25Rex,
21:26you destroyed your bright future with your own hands.
21:30I'd already prepared the documents
21:31to promote you to vice president of the company.
21:35Now,
21:36you don't deserve it.
21:42Tiffany shrieked in defense.
21:44We didn't hit you.
21:46You fell on your own.
21:47Yeah,
21:48right,
21:48Leela,
21:49don't be so dramatic.
21:50I stared at him,
21:51a crushing sense of sadness washing over me.
21:54I have a bleeding disorder,
21:56and you're aware of it.
21:57A small cut while chopping vegetables
21:59can make me bleed uncontrollably,
22:01yet you never cared.
22:04I lost so much blood this time,
22:07and you call me delicate.
22:08Do you know what I'm most grateful for now?
22:10That we don't have children.
22:13Otherwise,
22:14how pitiful they would be.
22:16I,
22:17I,
22:17I didn't mean it.
22:18Whether intentional or not,
22:20it doesn't matter anymore.
22:21Vivian spoke coldly,
22:23holding up her phone screen for us all to see.
22:25I found something interesting.
22:27Rex,
22:27the luxury goods you've given Tiffany over the years
22:29far exceed your legitimate income.
22:31You stole many of the gifts Leisha's father and I gave her to please that woman.
22:35As for the money you spent,
22:36I stared at the clear transfer records on the screen,
22:39stunned by Rex's audacity.
22:42You,
22:43dared to embezzle company funds?
22:46I didn't.
22:46My father stood there with a stern face,
22:48two uniformed police officers behind him.
22:50Whether it's a false accusation,
22:52we'll find out soon.
22:55His gaze swept over Rex and Tiffany,
22:58finally resting on me with a look of tender concern.
23:03Officers,
23:04the evidence has been handed over.
23:06Go ahead and deal with them.
23:07The facade of hypocrisy on his face collapsed instantly,
23:10replaced by sheer terror.
23:11He lunged at Tiffany,
23:13frantically trying to tear off the diamond necklace around her neck
23:15and the luxury watch on her wrist.
23:17His movements were so rough that he almost knocked her over.
23:22Lila,
23:23Lila,
23:23believe me,
23:24I didn't know anything.
23:27I didn't do any of that?
23:31Leave.
23:31What's not your line?
23:33I do any of that?
23:34I only gave her these pieces of jewelry
23:35because I thought they were cheap replicas.
23:37They're yours.
23:37Here,
23:38I'm giving them back to you.
23:39Rex,
23:39what are you doing?
23:40You're hurting me.
23:41The bodyguard beside my father reacted instantly,
23:44stepping forward and hitting Rex's neck out hard.
23:46With a sickening thug,
23:48Rex crumpled to the ground,
23:49letting out a sharp cry of pain.
23:51Daring to bully my daughter.
23:52My father's voice was like ice.
23:54Do you take me as nothing?
23:56He took a step forward,
23:57looking down at the cowering man on the floor,
23:59then took a folder from his assistant
24:00and threw it directly into Rex's face.
24:02Embezzling company funds,
24:04falsifying accounts,
24:06siphling project money to support your lover,
24:09Rex Dillon,
24:09you must have a death wish.
24:11Papers scattered across the floor,
24:13revealing clear bank statements
24:14and account details
24:15that left Rex's face drained of all color.
24:17He looked up in panic,
24:19his gaze darting wildly to Tiffany,
24:20who was pale-faced beside him,
24:22and shouted,
24:23Mr. Ruth,
24:24it's not my fault.
24:25It's all Tiffany.
24:26She told me to do it all.
24:28She claimed to be your daughter.
24:30Saying that it didn't matter
24:31if we used the company's money.
24:33But might I stand I didn't
24:34they gotta maver this money's money.
24:36I were thoughted you, Andra Lee.
24:38No one would dare question it.
24:41She deceived me.
24:43Her lips trembled,
24:44but no sound came out.
24:46A cold dread crept from the sauls of my feet
24:48to the top of my head when I heard that.
24:50It dawned on me that this man,
24:51no matter who stood beside him,
24:53could be so utterly selfish.
24:55So quick to discard anyone without a second thought.
24:58The love he once claimed Randy,
25:00in his heart,
25:01it likely weighed less than the empty promises
25:03scribbled on paper.
25:04Rex was still scrambling to prove his loyalty.
25:06He even dropped to his knees
25:08and moved toward my father.
25:09Dad,
25:10we're family.
25:11Please forgive me this once.
25:13I'll treat Leela well from now on,
25:15I swear.
25:16His gaze suddenly fell on the blood transfusion bag
25:18beside my hand,
25:19and as it struck by a wonderful idea,
25:21he blurted out urgently,
25:22Leela has lost too much blood.
25:24Then let Tiffany make up for it with her blood.
25:26She can give blood instead.
25:28She's young.
25:29She should be able to handle it.
25:31I shuddered all over,
25:32a wave of nausea crashing over me.
25:34How could he suggest something like that so casually?
25:37It was as if Tiffany weren't a living,
25:38breathing person,
25:39but just an object to be tossed aside
25:41whenever he pleased.
25:42We're not family.
25:43My voice was cold,
25:45frayed with the exhaustion
25:46of having used up every last ounce of strength.
25:49Rex,
25:49we're getting a divorce.
25:51No,
25:52we can't.
25:52He struggled to push himself up from the ground.
25:55I won't agree,
25:57Leela.
25:57I know I messed up.
25:58I'm sorry.
25:59Just give me another chance.
26:01It doesn't matter whether you agree or not.
26:03I closed my eyes,
26:05no longer able to bear the sight of his repulsive face.
26:07It's not your call to make.
26:09Later,
26:10Rex and Tiffany were taken away by the police.
26:12During my stay in the hospital,
26:14my parents and Vivian took turns looking after me.
26:16They were careful around me
26:18and never once mentioning Rex's name.
26:20They tried everything to lift my spirits,
26:22terrified that the ordeal would leave a permanent mark on me.
26:25Then came the day I was discharged.
26:27My mother took my hand,
26:28her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
26:32Leela,
26:32come home and live with us.
26:35Your father,
26:37he misses you terribly.
26:41What do you say we have a family reunion dinner?
26:46Life had been easy for me since childhood
26:49because they got everything taken care of.
26:51Their only wish had always been for my safety and happiness.
26:55But as I got older,
26:57I became headstrong,
26:58devoting myself entirely to the world of scientific research.
27:01Sometimes,
27:02research could be dangerous.
27:03When they'd objected,
27:05I'd simply left home for five years,
27:07even refusing to invite them to my wedding
27:09out of sheer stubbornness.
27:10I'd known they were only afraid I'd get hurt,
27:13but I'd been too willful back then.
27:15They'd said that if I found someone reliable to marry,
27:18they'd let me continue my research
27:19without pressuring me to quit.
27:21Without a second thought,
27:22I'd married Rex,
27:23who'd seemed gentle and thoughtful at the time.
27:25But after we got married,
27:27my mother-in-law despised me
27:28for not having a child in five years,
27:30and Rex grew colder towards me with the passing year.
27:33I realized then that the only people
27:35who truly loved me unconditionally
27:37were my parents.
27:38I hadn't dared tell them what I'd been through,
27:41afraid to see the disappointment in their eyes
27:42and terrified they'd blame me
27:44for not following their advice.
27:45Rex owed his so-called triumph
27:47with the Ruth group entirely to me.
27:49I was the one who persuaded Vivian
27:51to pull strings for him
27:52when he had nothing to offer.
27:53But that very act of mine
27:55had stoked Rex's ambition
27:56and, in the end,
27:57revealed what kind of person he truly was.
27:59Back in the early days of our marriage,
28:01he had indeed been kind to me,
28:03caring and attentive.
28:04But everything changed after Tiffany appeared.
28:07Although my parents had never approved
28:08of my involvement in scientific research,
28:10they still pulled me into a proud hug
28:12whenever I won an important award.
28:14Rex, by contrast,
28:15always found a way to downplay my achievements.
28:18This time,
28:19I couldn't bear to break my parents' hearts again.
28:21I squeezed my mother's hand in return,
28:23my voice thick with emotion.
28:25Mom, I'm willing to go home.
28:28When I arrived at the house,
28:29I hadn't stepped foot in for five years.
28:31Everything felt just as it had been.
28:32My father, once so imposing in the business mart,
28:35teared up the moment he saw me walked in.
28:37He stepped forward,
28:38pulled me into a tight embrace,
28:39his shoulders trembling slightly,
28:41and finally let his tears fall freely.
28:43It's good you're back.
28:45I'm so glad.
28:46With my parents in my arms,
28:47the grievances I'd bottled up for five years
28:49burst forth like a flood.
28:51They didn't mention Rex at all,
28:52not a word.
28:53They just gently patted my back,
28:55wordlessly telling me this place
28:56would always be my safe haven.
28:58Later, the verdict was finally delivered.
29:00Rex was sentenced to seven years in prison
29:02for embezzlement and related charges,
29:03and Tiffany, as his accomplice,
29:05received a five-year term.
29:06Most of the jewelry Rex had stolen
29:07and gifted to Tiffany was recovered.
29:09Before the sentencing,
29:10Rex sent a message through his lawyer,
29:12begging to see me one last time.
29:13I refused flatly.
29:14The very thought of laying eyes on him
29:16now made my stomach churn.
29:17I once asked my father
29:19how much of the embezzled funds
29:20could be recovered.
29:21He sighed and shook his head.
29:22It can't be recovered.
29:24I share part of the blame.
29:25If I hadn't opened those doors
29:27for him handed him control
29:28of the key projects for your sake,
29:31he never would have been able
29:32to siphon off the money so smoothly.
29:36He looked at me,
29:37his eyes gentle yet resolute.
29:39But it's okay.
29:40The foundation of Ruth Group
29:41won't be shaken by this amount.
29:43But I want you to know this.
29:44I'll support you continuing
29:46your scientific research.
29:47Feel free to do whatever you want, sweetie.
29:50I've got your back.
29:51Later, I threw myself back
29:53into my scientific research,
29:54diving headfirst into a new project
29:56and leading my team with renewed focus.
29:58Vivian later told me
29:59that after the incident,
30:00the hotel had overhauled
30:01its entire security system
30:03and implemented stricter
30:04identity verification procedures.
30:06Around that time,
30:07my mother started showing up
30:08at my lab almost daily
30:09with homemade lunches.
30:11She knew how easily
30:11I lost track of time
30:13once I was immersed in research,
30:14so she appointed herself
30:15my personal alarm clock.
30:16Every day at mealtime,
30:18she appeared right on schedule,
30:19gently nudging me away
30:20from my microscope
30:21and reminding me
30:22to nourish myself.
30:23Later, I led my team
30:24in developing an automated
30:25intelligent medical device.
30:27Soon after it hit the market,
30:28it sent shockwaves
30:29through the industry,
30:30hailed as a groundbreaking innovation.
30:31Standing on stage
30:32at the product launch,
30:33I explained our achievements
30:34with confidence and calm,
30:36facing countless astonished
30:37and admiring glances.
30:38As soon as I finished my speech
30:40and stepped off the stage,
30:41a tall, elegant man
30:42with a refined caminer
30:43stopped me.
30:44He wore a well-fitted dark suit,
30:45his bright eyes filled
30:46with undisguised admiration.
30:48Dr. Ruth,
30:49your presentation
30:49was truly wonderful.
30:51Handing me his business card.
30:52I'm Darnell Pansy,
30:53head of Cori Medical.
30:54I was wondering
30:55if I might have the honor
30:56of getting to know you better?
30:57I took his card
30:58and, meeting his clear,
30:59sincere gaze,
31:00nodded.
31:00Of course.
31:01From then on,
31:02we crossed classes
31:03at various industry events
31:05and academic conferences.
31:06He always took the initiative
31:08to talk to me,
31:09offering insightful opinions
31:10and showing great respect
31:11and passion
31:11for scientific research.
31:13Later,
31:13at a charity gala,
31:14he invited me to dance.
31:16In the ballroom,
31:16he was graceful and courteous,
31:18his steps steady
31:19and his gaze warm.
31:20After the gala,
31:21he confessed to me,
31:22saying he admired my talent
31:23and felt sympathy
31:24for my past experiences,
31:25hoping to have the chance
31:26to take care of me.
31:27I didn't drown
31:28in the new romance
31:29and replied calmly,
31:30thank you for your kind offer,
31:32but it's too early
31:33to talk about this now.
31:34He showed no sign
31:35of frustration or pressure,
31:36only quiet understanding.
31:38And though he kept his distance,
31:39his concern was constant,
31:41but we kept it that way
31:41for two years.
31:42In the sterile world
31:43of her lab,
31:44his quiet presence
31:45was a gentle androsian,
31:46a reminder that she was not alone.
31:48He would bring her tea
31:48when she was lost
31:49in her research,
31:50and tidy her desk
31:51when she was too focused
31:52to notice.
31:52My parents met him
31:53a few times
31:54and spoke highly of him,
31:55saying he had his eyes
31:56set on me,
31:57genuinely,
31:57not for status
31:58or gain on a sunny afternoon,
32:00he formally asked me
32:01to date again,
32:01looking into his eyes,
32:02as sincere as ever,
32:04and thinking of his
32:04quiet vigilance
32:05over these two years,
32:06I smiled and nodded.
32:08Okay.
32:08Okay.
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