captive of my former slave #DRAMAX | Full Short Drama | English Sub 2026

captive of my former slave #DRAMAX

Watch the full short drama with English subtitles. CEO, billionaire, revenge, betrayal — complete story in one video.

#shortdrama #ceodrama #drama #revenge #fullmovie #englishsub #reelshort #dramabox #miniseries #love #betrayal #drama2026

Transcript

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

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

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

00:00:13of her pregnancy when he came out.

00:00:15She heard laughter through the ajar door.

00:00:19Chester, you're supposed to be marrying Noelle in a week. You're going to surprise her during the wedding, right? Is

00:00:24everything ready?

00:00:25Yeah, it'll be a day she'll never forget.

00:00:28Noelle paused and smiled sweetly.

00:00:31She and Chester had been together for three years and he'd truly treated her like a precious treasure, doting on

00:00:37her endlessly.

00:00:38Wanna bet she'll have a meltdown when she finds out the truth?

00:00:41She'll lose her mind on the big day when she discovers I've been pretending to be you and playing her

00:00:47this whole time.

00:00:48She'd never imagine Chester having an identical twin.

00:00:51When she finds out he's the one who's been getting into her pants these past three years, she's always been

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

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

00:01:03for three years.

00:01:04The men's malicious laughter made Noelle freeze in place.

00:01:08The blood drained from her face.

00:01:10She could hardly believe her ears.

00:01:13Her feet moved on their own, taking a step forward so she could peer into the room.

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

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

00:01:28Even the tiny mole at the corner of his eye was identical.

00:01:31It's her fault for bullying Winona.

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

00:01:35As punishment, he'll make her feel on top of the world before dropping her into the abyss.

00:01:41Gotta say that he's put in some serious work to achieve that.

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

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

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

00:01:53Tell me about it.

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

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

00:02:01Chester cooked up a plan like this for Winona, put on an act for three years, and still managed

00:02:07to keep himself untainted.

00:02:09He's a straight-up love saint.

00:02:11Noelle's mind buzzed, and her blood ran cold.

00:02:15She couldn't breathe.

00:02:17Her body trembled uncontrollably, and tears streamed down her widened eyes, which had turned

00:02:23bloodshot.

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

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

00:02:32Once upon a time, she told him about the agony of being bullied.

00:02:36Chester had soothed her time and time again, even taking her to see therapists.

00:02:42Noelle didn't dare believe, nor did she want to.

00:02:45She couldn't understand it.

00:02:46The love she'd felt was so intense and vivid.

00:02:49How could it be safe?

00:02:49Winona's coming back soon, so you won't need to keep flying to her, Chester.

00:02:54Honestly, I don't know how you're not worn out from taking a flight every week.

00:02:58And I can finally be myself after three years of role-playing.

00:03:03I'm the one who stuck with Noelle each time Chester goes abroad.

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

00:03:08Hasn't she ever noticed anything?

00:03:11She's too big an idiot.

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

00:03:18She gets up before the sun rises to make me something to soothe my throat.

00:03:25That's enough.

00:03:26Once the wedding is over, I'll give her a hefty sum as compensation.

00:03:30It'll be enough to ensure she's comfortable for life.

00:03:33My, my.

00:03:35Chester, you're not taking pity on her, are you?

00:03:38Noelle's heart flew to her throat, and she held her breath as she stared doggedly at Chester.

00:03:44As if.

00:03:45What about you, Simon?

00:03:47Has three years of putting it in her made you catch feelings?

00:03:50It's been three whole years I've long since gotten sick of her.

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

00:03:55She's too filthy.

00:03:56Anyway, she's the one who begged for this wedding.

00:03:59I'm just paying her off so she won't pester me.

00:04:02There's not much time left, so you guys need to help me.

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

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

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

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

00:04:22Winona Johnson.

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

00:04:28She couldn't understand.

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

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

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

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

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

00:04:51They'd used every cruel trick possible to torment her before shoving her head into a toilet.

00:04:56Noelle had refused to kneel and apologize,

00:04:59so they'd made the next three years of her life a living hell.

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

00:05:08rallied the entire class to isolate and bully her, wrecked her part-time jobs, and smeared her reputation.

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

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

00:05:22her.

00:05:23Winona never fully succeeded.

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

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

00:05:39That was when Chester appeared.

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

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

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

00:05:51He'd taken time to understand her situation and listen to what she needed.

00:05:56When he learned that her grandmother, Marie Wakefield, needed long-term medication, he didn't look down on her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

00:06:43This is it. Try to trust him. Whatever the ending, just cherish the present.

00:06:47And Chester really did keep treating her well.

00:06:49He'd even bravely defied his family for the sake of being with her.

00:06:53Simon's sneers echoed in Noelle's mind.

00:06:56She's so dumb. How could our family ever allow a nobody like her to marry in?

00:07:02All it took was hiring two people to play a part.

00:07:05Chester pretended to stand up to our parents, and Noelle was moved to bits.

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

00:07:13She's stupid. Even now, she thinks Chester's devoted to her.

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

00:07:21Noelle collapsed in the rain. Her tears spilled over and mixed with the downpour.

00:07:26She really was dumb. Much too dumb.

00:07:29She suddenly threw back her head and laughed, sounding wild and unhinged.

00:07:33She let the torrential rain pound her face without mercy.

00:07:37Just then, her phone rang. It was Marie's caregiver.

00:07:41Elle, come quick. Your grandmother's on the brink of death.

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

00:07:47Her limbs turned to jelly.

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

00:07:55However, every car threw a place.

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

00:08:02She was about to run to the hospital when a car pulled over.

00:08:05A tough-looking man on aspirations.

00:08:08Beyond caring about safety, she dove into the car.

00:08:17By the time Noelle reached the hospital, the doctor had already issued a critical notice.

00:08:23She has respiratory failure.

00:08:25There's no point in further resuscitation.

00:08:27You should spend these last moments with her.

00:08:30Noelle dropped to her knees with a thud,

00:08:33her hands trembling as she clasped Marie's.

00:08:37Marie forced a smile.

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

00:08:40I'm sorry.

00:08:42I couldn't hold on long enough to see your wedding.

00:08:46Noelle shook her head hard.

00:08:48She couldn't get any words out, nor could she stop her low, aching sobs.

00:08:53Marie struggled to scan the room.

00:08:56Where's Chester? I want to see him.

00:08:58Okay.

00:08:59Noelle's voice was so hoarse it was barely there.

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

00:09:06Each call was rejected, so she fired off messages in a hurry.

00:09:10Chester, Grandma has respiratory failure.

00:09:13She can't hold on anymore.

00:09:15Please come to the hospital.

00:09:16She wants to see you one last time.

00:09:19Chester, Grandma's waiting for you.

00:09:21It's just one meeting.

00:09:23Can you come?

00:09:24Chester, I'm begging you.

00:09:27At that moment, the lies and betrayal didn't matter.

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

00:09:36But Chester never replied.

00:09:38Noelle stopped and forced out an ugly smile.

00:09:41She squeezed Marie's hand and tried to comfort her.

00:09:44Grandma, I think Chester's tied up with something.

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

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

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

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

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

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

00:10:05Her hand loosened and went limp.

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

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

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

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

00:10:23Chester still didn't reply.

00:10:25While waiting, she unblocked Winona's social media and checked her posts.

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

00:10:34The attached photo was taken at the airport.

00:10:37Chester wore a mascot costume and held flowers.

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

00:10:47There was another picture of him with Winona.

00:10:50She smiled sweetly while his head was turned to her, his gaze lingering and full of love.

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

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

00:11:06She did two things.

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

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

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

00:11:21Weren't you getting married soon?

00:11:22Noelle went quiet for a moment.

00:11:24Not anymore.

00:11:25I want to leave, Dr. Brown.

00:11:27The faster, the better.

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

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

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

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

00:11:42Got it.

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

00:11:47Not only would she leave on that day, but she would also send him, Simon, and Winona, a grand gift

00:11:54one they would never forget.

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

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

00:12:11rest of the cemetery.

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

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

00:12:20By the time Noelle returned to the villa, it was already dusk.

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

00:12:29Come on, let me introduce you to two friends.

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

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

00:12:39It was Winona and Simon.

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

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

00:12:47Winona is a childhood friend, and Simon is my twin brother.

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

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

00:12:58Right, Elle?

00:12:59Every time Winona finished bullying her, she got a name and murdered.

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

00:13:07Right, Elle?

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

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

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

00:13:16Chester, your fiancé's got quite the temper.

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

00:13:24Noelle, apologize.

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

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

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

00:13:37The Grey family is a proper household with deep roots, and manners are very important to us.

00:13:43You need to teach your fiancé a lesson, Chester.

00:13:46You're right.

00:13:47Elle, you're about to become the lady of the Grey household.

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

00:13:53Reflect on what you did today.

00:13:57Oh!

00:13:59He dragged her down to the basement and shoved her into a roomie.

00:14:04Before she could react, the door slammed shut.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

00:14:38She'd feared darkness ever since.

00:14:41And claustrophobia had followed.

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

00:14:49At first, Chester couldn't get used to it.

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

00:14:55It's okay.

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

00:14:59Don't be scared.

00:15:03She knew.

00:15:04They all knew.

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

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

00:15:13Noelle curled up in the corner, hugging herself as she trembled.

00:15:17A dull ache throbbing in her chest.

00:15:19Of course.

00:15:21The tenderness had always been an act.

00:15:23They'd staged it for her sake.

00:15:25Even this dark room was likely designed just for her.

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

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

00:15:39Clean yourself up.

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

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

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

00:15:50Elle, you're here.

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

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

00:15:55So let me keep you company and help you choose the perfect dress today.

00:15:59She smiled, clearly waiting to see Noelle lose her composure.

00:16:03I appreciate it.

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

00:16:09I'm going to be a bride very soon myself.

00:16:12Congratulations.

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

00:16:14From that moment on, any gal Noelle so much as glanced at, Winona would flag down a sales

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

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

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

00:16:28Isn't it gorgeous?

00:16:30And each time, Chester would stare at her as if enchanted.

00:16:33He would shower her with praise.

00:16:35Simon hovered at Winona's side too.

00:16:37The two of them ignored Noelle completely.

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

00:16:42This bride is so lucky.

00:16:43Sorry, Ellie.

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

00:16:46You should have tried it first.

00:16:51See anything you like?

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

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

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

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

00:17:02It's fine.

00:17:06Soon after, Winona updated her social media with a photo of a diamond ring embedded with pave gemstones.

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

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

00:17:21including the gifts she'd once given Chester, and threw them away or destroyed them.

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

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

00:17:36velvet box.

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

00:17:39Noelle recognized it.

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

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

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

00:17:52Why'd you throw the mugs away?

00:17:54Are you mad?

00:17:57No.

00:17:57Is it because of what happened at the bridal boutique?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

00:18:35You'll be the most beautiful bride in a few days.

00:18:40Noelle sat on the bed and swallowed back her tears.

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

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

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

00:18:54He smelled an alcohol.

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

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

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

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

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

00:19:16Are you still mad?

00:19:18He rubbed his temples, his mannerisms exactly like Chester's.

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

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

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

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

00:19:35He moved to kiss her.

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

00:19:39She retched until her eyes turned red.

00:19:41She couldn't stop.

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

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

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

00:19:52She's gagging.

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

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

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

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

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

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

00:20:07Too much?

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

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

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

00:20:14That's impossible.

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

00:20:18Right, Simon?

00:20:19Oh, of course.

00:20:21For some reason, he felt a sudden, sharp twist in his chest.

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

00:20:31What's wrong, Elle?

00:20:31You look awful.

00:20:32Are you feeling okay?

00:20:33Are you...

00:20:34pregnant?

00:20:35No, my stomach's just acting up.

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

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

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

00:20:49I'm positive.

00:20:53It was noon by the time she left the hospital.

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

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

00:21:01They rode in silence, a small smile playing on Chester's lips the whole time.

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

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

00:21:13Elle, I crossed the line yesterday, so I queued for this trending cake to apologize.

00:21:18You have to try it.

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

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

00:21:27When we played house, they'd fight over who got to be my groom.

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

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

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

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

00:21:44And Simon laughed along.

00:21:46The three of them chatted warmly, while Noelle stayed silent.

00:21:49Elle, why aren't you saying anything?

00:21:51Do you have a problem with me?

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

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

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

00:22:05Angry red hives spread across her forearm, forming a shocking and raw sight.

00:22:09She fumbled for her bag.

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

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

00:22:16She was usually careful.

00:22:17In case of accidental exposure and no time to get help, she always kept an EpiPen in her bag.

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

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

00:22:28Chester, I feel old.

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

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

00:22:40His expression went cold in an instant as he turned and stormed over to Noelle.

00:22:49You caused Winona to have an allergic reaction.

00:22:51She needs the medication first.

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

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

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

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

00:23:03She needs the EpiPen more.

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

00:23:07Noelle collapsed to the floor.

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

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

00:23:17Miss, are you okay?

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

00:23:23Are you feeling any discomfort?

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

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

00:23:31I had no choice.

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

00:23:35We have shared interests.

00:23:36You should be more understanding.

00:23:38You know I love you most, don't you?

00:23:40Come on, Noelle.

00:23:41Chester had no choice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

00:24:00I want to rest.

00:24:13Hello.

00:24:14Am I speaking to a live streaming company?

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

00:24:20After hanging up, her hand moved on instinct to the pendant at her chest, only to grasp

00:24:25at nothing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

00:24:59Inside, Winona stood by the window, the necklace dangling from her fingertips.

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

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

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

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

00:25:22You wanted me dead so badly in the past, yet here you are, putting up with anything just

00:25:28to marry into the Grey family.

00:25:30Give me back my necklace.

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

00:25:38Admit you're a pathetic hypocrite.

00:25:41Never.

00:25:43Don't push me too far, Winona.

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

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

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

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

00:26:02Here's the deal.

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

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

00:26:11I won't kneel.

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

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

00:26:22You.

00:26:25Fine, then.

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

00:26:33Give it back.

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

00:26:43I'm sorry, Elle.

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

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

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

00:27:02Ah!

00:27:06Winona, are you okay?

00:27:08I'm sorry.

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

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

00:27:19What are you talking about?

00:27:22Don't worry.

00:27:23I won't let you suffer in silence.

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

00:27:30Noelle.

00:27:31I didn't.

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

00:27:36That's enough.

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

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

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

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

00:27:48Someone else bullied you, yet you took it out on her.

00:27:51I didn't.

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

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

00:28:00You still won't see sense.

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

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

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

00:28:22What are you doing?

00:28:24No one answered.

00:28:25No matter how she fought, Chester and Simon just hauled her forward in silence, their tight jawlines carved with fury.

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

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

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

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

00:28:55The second she stepped onto it, her face went chalk white, and her legs started to shake.

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

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

00:29:10the junk platform.

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

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

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

00:29:24I know.

00:29:25Since you tried to push Winona out the window, I'll give you a taste of what it's like to fall.

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

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

00:29:34Learn your lesson today.

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

00:29:39Don't be scared.

00:29:40You won't die.

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

00:29:45The brutal drop seized her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

00:30:37leave.

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

00:30:44Each time, she was left dangling over the cliff for half an hour.

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

00:30:51As Noelle's mind grew fuzzier, the ten jumps were finally over.

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

00:30:58The platform's harsh white floodlights were all that held Noelle's last scraps of awareness.

00:31:09Take me to the hospital.

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

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

00:31:18The Grey family owns this area, and I don't want to lose my job.

00:31:22He left.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

00:32:05Who are you?

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

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

00:32:11With his help,

00:32:13she found the cleaner in charge of the lawn.

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

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

00:32:24Which trash can?

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

00:32:31I'm afraid you won't be able to find it.

00:32:33Even if you want it now.

00:32:40Which dump?

00:32:41That necklace is very important to me.

00:32:43I have to get it back.

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

00:32:50The moment she found the necklace,

00:32:52the tears she'd been holding back,

00:32:53finally fell.

00:32:54But the next second,

00:32:56she realized the pendant was empty.

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

00:33:01Her head buzzed,

00:33:02and she ran for the hospital with the necklace clutched in her hand.

00:33:06Just as she reached the entrance,

00:33:08she ran into Winona,

00:33:09who had been discharged.

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

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

00:33:25You mean that filthy stuff.

00:33:28I dumped them in the toilet,

00:33:29and flushed them away ages ago.

00:33:32Winona Johnson!

00:33:34Winona staggered backward,

00:33:36fletching her cheek.

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

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

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

00:33:48That's enough.

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

00:33:54You make me sick.

00:33:56The next second,

00:33:57he seized her wrist and shoved her hard.

00:34:00The driver of a speeding cab blared the horn,

00:34:03unable to break in time.

00:34:05He slammed into Noelle.

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

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

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

00:34:15She instinctively looked toward Chester.

00:34:18Only to see him shielding Winona with heartache in his eyes.

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

00:34:24From beginning to end,

00:34:25he didn't spare Noelle a single glance.

00:34:27She blacked out.

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

00:34:32Through Winona's social media updates,

00:34:34she saw Chester escorting her to banquets and public events.

00:34:38With the wedding so close,

00:34:40he couldn't hold back anymore.

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

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

00:34:49The afternoon before the wedding,

00:34:51Chester came to pick her up from the hospital.

00:34:53He brought her favorite bellflowers.

00:34:55I was too impulsive the other day,

00:34:57so this is my apology.

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

00:35:01Tomorrow is our wedding.

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

00:35:07Perfect.

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

00:35:11Chester paused.

00:35:12A flicker of awkwardness flashed in his eyes

00:35:15before he smoothed it over.

00:35:17On the drive back to the villa,

00:35:19the weather turned,

00:35:20and there was a torrential downfall.

00:35:22When thunder cracked,

00:35:23Chester grew restless and on edge.

00:35:26He kept one hand on the wheel

00:35:28while dialing Winona over and over again with the other.

00:35:31The calls went unanswered.

00:35:33He abruptly slammed on the brakes,

00:35:35pulled over,

00:35:36and grabbed an umbrella from the car.

00:35:39He handed it to Noelle.

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

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

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

00:35:45She simply gave Chester an unreadable look

00:35:48before stepping out without a backward glance

00:35:50and shutting the door.

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

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

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

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

00:36:03Chester, I'm scared.

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

00:36:08Chester blanched.

00:36:09His hand moved away from the door handle

00:36:10and he immediately drove off.

00:36:13Noelle stood there,

00:36:14only just realizing that she'd carried the bouquet

00:36:17Chester had given her out of the car.

00:36:19As she watched the taillights vanish into the rain,

00:36:22she set the flowers on a trash can and hailed it out.

00:36:25Back at the villa,

00:36:26she received a message from Chester.

00:36:28I've got some urgent matters to deal with,

00:36:30so I won't be home tonight.

00:36:32She didn't reply.

00:36:34Maybe it was because she'd been in the rain,

00:36:35but she ran a low fever that night,

00:36:37drifting in and out of dreams.

00:36:39One moment,

00:36:40she saw Winona beating her up until she couldn't stand.

00:36:43Then,

00:36:44she pressed a foot to her face to humiliate her.

00:36:47The next moment,

00:36:48she saw Chester soothing her,

00:36:50cooking for her,

00:36:51and watching movies with her.

00:36:53Lastly,

00:36:54she saw the first time they'd slept together

00:36:56and the countless times after.

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

00:37:01When she woke,

00:37:02her gaze was nothing but ice.

00:37:04It was her and Chester's wedding day,

00:37:06which happened to fall a week after Marie's death.

00:37:09At first light,

00:37:11Noelle took her suitcase to the cemetery.

00:37:13After leaving the gravesite,

00:37:15she grabbed a cab to the hospital

00:37:17to join the group departure.

00:37:19On her way there,

00:37:20she checked her WhatsApp to confirm

00:37:23every detail and contingency

00:37:25for the wedding with the team.

00:37:27Then,

00:37:28she found a live stream channel

00:37:29she'd bookmarked and tapped in.

00:37:31On camera,

00:37:32a glamorous influencer greeted the audience.

00:37:35Hello, everyone.

00:37:37Today,

00:37:37by the bride's invitation,

00:37:39we're attending a wedding

00:37:40and broadcasting it live.

00:37:42Noelle stared at the phone screen,

00:37:44a cold,

00:37:45dark light

00:37:46glinting in her eyes.

00:37:51At the wedding venue,

00:37:52Chester wore a groom's tuxedo,

00:37:54while Simon and Winona were dressed

00:37:56as the best man and maid of honor.

00:37:58The ceremony was a simple garden one,

00:38:00and the guests were all young,

00:38:02familiar faces.

00:38:03Every guest knew exactly

00:38:05what they were waiting

00:38:06for the show to begin.

00:38:07When the live stream crew walked in,

00:38:09Chester froze for a beat

00:38:10and stepped forward

00:38:11to ask what they were doing there.

00:38:13He frowned

00:38:13when he heard Noelle have hired them.

00:38:15I'm sorry,

00:38:16but it's inconvenient

00:38:17to live stream today's wedding.

00:38:19Please.

00:38:19Before he could finish,

00:38:21Winona came over

00:38:22and tugged on his sleeve.

00:38:23She said sweetly,

00:38:25Chester,

00:38:26since Elle invited them,

00:38:27we should respect her wishes.

00:38:29Hi, everyone.

00:38:30I'm today's maid of honor

00:38:31and a childhood friend

00:38:32of both the groom

00:38:33and his best man.

00:38:34Noelle smiled mockingly

00:38:35as she watched things play out

00:38:37on her phone screen.

00:38:38It was time for the ceremony

00:38:40to start,

00:38:41yet the bride still hadn't arrived.

00:38:43Chester called Noelle

00:38:45again and again,

00:38:46only to be told each time

00:38:48that her phone was powered off.

00:38:50He furrowed his brows

00:38:51and turned to his assistant.

00:38:53Check the hospital.

00:38:54See whether Noelle

00:38:55is with her grandmother.

00:38:56He deliberately left Marie

00:38:58out of the ceremony that day,

00:39:00afraid that she would be upset

00:39:01or aggravated

00:39:02by what was about to happen.

00:39:04As he listened to the cool,

00:39:06robotic voice tell him

00:39:07that Noelle's phone was off,

00:39:09he grew increasingly anxious.

00:39:11Had she found something out?

00:39:12Just then,

00:39:13the massive screen behind them

00:39:15crackled to life with voices.

00:39:17Chester,

00:39:18will Noelle have a meltdown

00:39:19when she finds out

00:39:20I've been pretending to be you

00:39:21and playing her this whole time?

00:39:23Chester's and Simon's faces

00:39:24drained of color.

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

00:39:28She'd never imagine Chester

00:39:29having an identical twin.

00:39:30When she finds out

00:39:31he's the one

00:39:32who's been getting into her pants

00:39:33these past three years,

00:39:34as punishment,

00:39:35he'll make her feel

00:39:36on top of the world

00:39:37before dropping her into the abyss.

00:39:39Gotta say,

00:39:39he's put in some serious work

00:39:41to achieve that.

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

00:39:44Before they could react,

00:39:45the footage on the screen

00:39:46cut to a new scene.

00:39:48In a bathroom,

00:39:49Winona ordered a group of young women

00:39:51to strip Noelle

00:39:52and press lit cigarettes to her skin

00:39:54one by one

00:39:55to burn her.

00:39:56She also made them

00:39:57slap her across the face

00:39:58before finally

00:39:59shoving her head down

00:40:00into a toilet.

00:40:01The crowd fell silent.

00:40:02Only Noelle's screams

00:40:04echoed through the stillness.

00:40:05On the screen,

00:40:06Winona's flawlessly made-up face

00:40:08twisted with venom and arrogance.

00:40:10Noelle, brother,

00:40:11you've got nerve.

00:40:13See with my credentials,

00:40:14the canvas affair.

00:40:15Get on your knees

00:40:16and throw it at my feet now

00:40:18or I'll make the next

00:40:19two more years of your life

00:40:20a living hell.

00:40:21Chester and Simon

00:40:22stood frozen in place

00:40:24as their blood ran cold.

00:40:26One scene after another

00:40:27showed Winona

00:40:28bullying Well

00:40:29recessantly,

00:40:30the video finally froze

00:40:31on Winona's cruel expression.

00:40:34Only then did the brothers

00:40:35snap to their senses

00:40:36and stiffly turn

00:40:37to look at Winona.

00:40:38She'd been lying to them

00:40:39all along.

00:40:43Winona screamed

00:40:44like she'd lost her mind.

00:40:46Turn it off.

00:40:47Shut it off.

00:40:48Right then,

00:40:49the massive scream

00:40:51started playing

00:40:52the bullying footage again.

00:40:53This time, however,

00:40:55Winona looked younger

00:40:56and the victim

00:40:57was someone else,

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

00:41:00More clips popped up

00:41:01one after another

00:41:02and multiple videos

00:41:04played at once.

00:41:05Aside from Winona's

00:41:06frantic shrieks,

00:41:07there were all kinds

00:41:09of other screams.

00:41:16It was you.

00:41:17You drove my daughter

00:41:18to jump to her death.

00:41:19You destroyed my family

00:41:21and forced us to leave.

00:41:22All the staff

00:41:22who were supposed to be

00:41:23doing their jobs

00:41:24charged out,

00:41:25accusing her of her crimes

00:41:26and beating her.

00:41:28Every single one of them

00:41:29was either a victim

00:41:30or a victim's family.

00:41:32Winona had caused

00:41:33more than one person's death,

00:41:34but whenever these people

00:41:36had tried to ask the internet

00:41:37or the police for help,

00:41:38their efforts had been suppressed

00:41:40almost immediately.

00:41:41The victims had either died

00:41:43or begged for mercy

00:41:44until Winona was satisfied.

00:41:46Then,

00:41:47she'd moved on

00:41:47to the next target.

00:41:49Noelle was her

00:41:50longest-lasting victim.

00:41:51She was also the one

00:41:52Winona hated most.

00:41:54The more Noelle refused to break,

00:41:55the more Winona wanted

00:41:57to destroy her.

00:41:58At first,

00:41:58Noelle had exposed

00:42:00Winona online

00:42:00and tried going to the police,

00:42:02but nothing worked.

00:42:03Later,

00:42:04she'd spent a lot of time

00:42:05gathering evidence

00:42:06of Winona bullying others.

00:42:08She'd put in a lot of effort

00:42:09convincing these people

00:42:10to trust her

00:42:11and hand over their proof.

00:42:12She'd also persuaded them

00:42:14to side with her.

00:42:15Even during the years

00:42:16Winona was abroad,

00:42:17Noelle hadn't given up

00:42:19on her plan for revenge.

00:42:20From the moment

00:42:21she'd overheard the plot

00:42:22against her

00:42:22while standing outside

00:42:23that private room,

00:42:25she'd decided to use

00:42:26this wedding

00:42:27to broadcast

00:42:27Winona's crimes live

00:42:29for everyone to see.

00:42:30Only if there were

00:42:31enough victims.

00:42:32Only if public outrage

00:42:34grew big enough

00:42:34would the Johnsons

00:42:35be underrun

00:42:36to smother this.

00:42:37The venue fell

00:42:38into a dead hush,

00:42:39broken only

00:42:40by the victim's

00:42:41family's curses

00:42:42and punches.

00:42:43Chester, save me!

00:42:44Save me!

00:42:45Chester and Simon

00:42:45clenched their fists

00:42:46so tightly

00:42:47their bodies trembled.

00:42:48Their eyes turned

00:42:49bloodshot.

00:42:50The person they'd

00:42:51protected since childhood,

00:42:52someone they thought

00:42:53was gentle and timid,

00:42:54had turned out

00:42:55to be someone like this.

00:42:56For her,

00:42:57they'd set up a trap

00:42:58against Noelle.

00:42:58They'd fancied themselves

00:42:59righteous judges,

00:43:00but they were actually

00:43:02accomplices to evil.

00:43:04They charged ahead

00:43:04and pushed into the crowd.

00:43:06Winona struggled

00:43:07toward them

00:43:07when she saw them.

00:43:08Chester, Simon,

00:43:09save me!

00:43:10But the next second

00:43:11she met their bloodshot eyes

00:43:13that were cold

00:43:13and full of disgust.

00:43:15Chester grabbed her

00:43:16by the collar

00:43:17and hauled her up,

00:43:18his voice shaking

00:43:19with anger and pain

00:43:21as he roared,

00:43:22You've been lying to me

00:43:22all along, Winona.

00:43:24You egged me on

00:43:24to go after Noelle.

00:43:25He thought of all

00:43:26the years of deception

00:43:28and how Noelle

00:43:29already knew the truth.

00:43:30He thought about

00:43:31their confrontation

00:43:31in the hospital.

00:43:33She looked at him

00:43:33with disbelief and pain

00:43:35before the emotions

00:43:36had faded into

00:43:37dead hopelessness.

00:43:38He couldn't stop shaking

00:43:39as panic crawled

00:43:40up his chest.

00:43:40Meanwhile,

00:43:41Simon stood beside him,

00:43:42looking at Winona

00:43:43like he wanted

00:43:44to kill her.

00:43:45I...

00:43:45I didn't.

00:43:47That wretch Noelle

00:43:48set me up.

00:43:49The videos are fake.

00:43:51You're still lying.

00:43:52She reached for him,

00:43:54pleading.

00:43:54She picked on me first.

00:43:56I was just fighting back.

00:43:57Chester,

00:43:58you have to believe me.

00:43:59Simon kicked her

00:44:00square in the chest,

00:44:01sending her flying

00:44:02with a brutal thud.

00:44:03The crowd surged

00:44:04forward again,

00:44:05swarming her

00:44:06and bleeding her.

00:44:07Stop right there!

00:44:09The police officers

00:44:10stood in the garden,

00:44:11taking Winona

00:44:11and the victims

00:44:12in for investigation.

00:44:13They collected

00:44:14all the evidence

00:44:15before leaving.

00:44:15By then,

00:44:16Noelle had already

00:44:17reached the airport.

00:44:18She exited the live stream

00:44:20and checked the news online.

00:44:22The internet had exploded.

00:44:23There were headlines

00:44:24everywhere about how

00:44:26Winona,

00:44:27the Johnson family's heiress,

00:44:28was a bully.

00:44:30Chester and Simon

00:44:31were also being

00:44:32cursed to hell

00:44:33and back

00:44:34for what they'd done.

00:44:35A faint smile

00:44:36tugged at Noelle's lips.

00:44:38She pulled her old phone

00:44:39out of her bag

00:44:40and turned it on.

00:44:41Then,

00:44:42she sent Chester and Simon

00:44:44some photos

00:44:44of her abortion procedure form

00:44:46and the images

00:44:46of the aborted embryo.

00:44:48Then,

00:44:48she removed the sim card,

00:44:50snapped it in two

00:44:51and dropped the phone

00:44:52into an airport trash bin.

00:44:55She boarded her flight

00:44:56without another look back.

00:45:00As Winona was dragged

00:45:02past Chester,

00:45:03she fought back

00:45:04and grabbed his sleeve.

00:45:05The next second,

00:45:07she met a pair

00:45:07of bloodshot eyes

00:45:08that blazed with hatred.

00:45:10She froze

00:45:11and he flung her off roughly.

00:45:13The venue fell silent,

00:45:15leaving only Chester

00:45:16and Simon behind,

00:45:17looking distraught.

00:45:18Chester's assistant,

00:45:19who'd gone to the hospital,

00:45:21returned.

00:45:25Mr. Chester,

00:45:27Ms. Rutherford

00:45:27isn't at the hospital.

00:45:28The nurse said

00:45:29her grandmother

00:45:30passed away a week ago.

00:45:31What?

00:45:33No way.

00:45:34Why didn't she say anything

00:45:36if her grandma died?

00:45:37The time of death

00:45:38was last Friday

00:45:40at 11 p.m.

00:45:42I double-checked.

00:45:43Last Friday,

00:45:44the night of their get-together

00:45:45in that private room,

00:45:46could it be that Noelle

00:45:47had overheard their conversation

00:45:49and chosen not to tell them

00:45:50about Marie's death?

00:45:51Chester suddenly remembered

00:45:52how Winona had taken his phone

00:45:54to check on him

00:45:54when they'd been at the airport.

00:45:56He pulled it out

00:45:57and saw dozens of missed calls

00:45:58wiped from the log,

00:46:00along with deleted text messages.

00:46:02Damn it.

00:46:03He bolted,

00:46:04and Simon hurried after them.

00:46:07They jumped into the car

00:46:08and sped toward the building.

00:46:10No one was there.

00:46:12There was a USB drive

00:46:13on the coffee table,

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

00:46:16Chester Gray,

00:46:17trusting you so easily

00:46:19is the thing I regret most.

00:46:21Chester's fingers trembled

00:46:22as he held the note,

00:46:23and his eyes reddened

00:46:24in an instant.

00:46:25Simon had already plugged

00:46:27the USB drive

00:46:28into the computer

00:46:29and opened the folder.

00:46:31Inside were three years' worth

00:46:33of evidence

00:46:34of Noelle being bullied.

00:46:36Just then,

00:46:37both their phones

00:46:38pinged at once.

00:46:39They saw the photos

00:46:40of the abortion procedure form,

00:46:42and the images

00:46:43of the aborted embryo

00:46:45that Noelle had sent them.

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

00:46:48As you wished,

00:46:50the baby's been taken care of.

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

00:46:55Noelle had gotten pregnant,

00:46:57and she'd terminated it.

00:46:58Chester and Simon shook

00:46:59as they held their phones.

00:47:01Jealousy and heartbreak

00:47:02tore through Chester,

00:47:04while Simon's eyes

00:47:05filled with tears.

00:47:07That was his baby.

00:47:08He remembered the look

00:47:10in Noelle's eyes

00:47:11when she'd come out

00:47:12of the bathroom that night.

00:47:14Suddenly...

00:47:16I told you to be careful.

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

00:47:22They grasped and swung

00:47:24at each other,

00:47:25unleashing every ounce

00:47:27of pent-up resentment.

00:47:28Only when the blows

00:47:30landed on their bodies

00:47:31did they dull the guilt

00:47:32and regret

00:47:33that threatened

00:47:34to swallow them whole.

00:47:35They kept fighting

00:47:36until they were covered

00:47:37in bruises

00:47:38and too exhausted

00:47:39to throw another punch.

00:47:40They collapsed on the floor,

00:47:42gasping for breath.

00:47:44After a moment,

00:47:46Chester scrambled

00:47:46to his feet.

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

00:47:54Simon rushed after him.

00:47:57They drove straight

00:47:58to the hospital

00:47:58and made a beeline

00:48:00for the department

00:48:01where Noelle worked.

00:48:03Everyone there

00:48:03had seen the news online.

00:48:05Tanya looked at them,

00:48:07her expression cold,

00:48:08and full of contempt.

00:48:11Elle signed up

00:48:13for Doctors Without Borders.

00:48:14She left today.

00:48:15I don't know

00:48:16where exactly she's gone.

00:48:37Noelle's flight.

00:48:38I need to know

00:48:39where she went.

00:48:40Now.

00:48:41As soon as he hung up,

00:48:42he got a call

00:48:43from his family.

00:48:44You and Simon

00:48:45are to get the hell

00:48:46back here right now.

00:48:47Stanley Gray

00:48:48and Marjorie White

00:48:50were Chester

00:48:50and Simon's parents.

00:48:52They also had

00:48:52an older brother,

00:48:53Felix Gray.

00:48:54The three of them

00:48:55sat on the couch

00:48:56in the Gray residence

00:48:57and stared down

00:48:57at Chester and Simon.

00:48:59The tension

00:48:59in the room

00:49:00was palpable.

00:49:01Look what you two

00:49:02have done.

00:49:03Gray Corporation's stock

00:49:04is on the verge

00:49:05of a limit down,

00:49:06thanks to your stupidity.

00:49:07Have you forgotten

00:49:08your manners?

00:49:08Who gave you permission

00:49:09to treat a young woman

00:49:10like that?

00:49:11Chester,

00:49:12Simon,

00:49:13you went too far.

00:49:14This isn't just

00:49:14a devastating blow

00:49:15to that young woman,

00:49:16it's also a significant

00:49:17hit to Gray Corporation's

00:49:19public image.

00:49:20There's a public outcry

00:49:21against our family now.

00:49:22If we don't handle

00:49:23this properly,

00:49:24our reputation

00:49:25will suffer

00:49:25for a long time.

00:49:26The best move now

00:49:27is to apologize.

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

00:49:30You keep apologizing

00:49:31until she forgives you.

00:49:32At the same time,

00:49:33you pin the responsibility

00:49:34on Winona.

00:49:35The Johnsons

00:49:36are already in chaos.

00:49:37Winona isn't

00:49:38getting out of this.

00:49:39He narrowed his eyes

00:49:40dangerously

00:49:41at his brothers.

00:49:42You don't still

00:49:43have feelings for her,

00:49:45do you?

00:49:46Of course not.

00:49:47The thought

00:49:47that she's that vicious

00:49:48and that she's been

00:49:49playing us for years

00:49:50makes me want

00:49:51to wring her neck.

00:49:52We know we messed up.

00:49:54We'll cooperate

00:49:54fully on PR.

00:49:56Good.

00:49:56Our top priority now

00:49:58is earning that

00:49:58young woman's forgiveness.

00:50:00Ideally,

00:50:00get her to issue

00:50:01a joint statement with us.

00:50:03Noelle Rutherford,

00:50:04right?

00:50:04Where is she now?

00:50:05The living room

00:50:06fell silent.

00:50:07After a long beat,

00:50:08Chester slumped

00:50:09and said,

00:50:10She's gone.

00:50:11She joined

00:50:11Doctors Without Borders.

00:50:13We don't know

00:50:13her exact location.

00:50:15Oh?

00:50:16Interesting.

00:50:16She held her ground

00:50:17despite years of bullying

00:50:19and seized the moment

00:50:20to fight back

00:50:21after learning

00:50:21about your stunt.

00:50:22That's impressive.

00:50:23Indeed she is.

00:50:24If you can earn

00:50:25her forgiveness,

00:50:26I'll agree to let her

00:50:27marry into our family.

00:50:28Chester and Simon

00:50:29exchanged a look,

00:50:30both secretly thrilled.

00:50:32That's beside the point now.

00:50:33Even if she isn't here,

00:50:35you still need to apologize.

00:50:36Today,

00:50:38you'll work with PR

00:50:39to record an apology video,

00:50:41then issue a written statement.

00:50:43Once the public outrage

00:50:44dies down

00:50:45and we recoup the losses,

00:50:46whether you chase after her

00:50:48is your business.

00:50:49I won't interfere.

00:50:50I only have one condition.

00:50:51You two can't turn on each other

00:50:53over a woman.

00:50:54Two hours later,

00:50:55Grey Corporation's

00:50:56official apology statement

00:50:58climbed to the top

00:50:59of the trending list

00:51:00thanks to careful orchestration.

00:51:02Elle,

00:51:02I'm truly sorry.

00:51:03After three years together,

00:51:05you've genuinely moved me

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

00:51:09I hesitated about

00:51:10following through with the plan,

00:51:11but after Winona's

00:51:12endless crying and accusations,

00:51:14I was tricked into believing her

00:51:15and decided to teach you

00:51:17a lesson at the wedding.

00:51:18I know I messed up,

00:51:19and I know you don't want

00:51:20to see me right now,

00:51:22but I'll find you

00:51:23and ask for your forgiveness

00:51:24in person.

00:51:25The public didn't buy it.

00:51:26Most of the online community

00:51:28stayed clear-headed

00:51:29and tore into

00:51:29the Grey Brothers

00:51:30without mercy,

00:51:31seeing the backlash

00:51:32grow stronger.

00:51:34Grey Corporation

00:51:34issued another statement

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

00:51:37family shareholding

00:51:38would be reduced,

00:51:39and their rights to inherit

00:51:40executive management

00:51:42were revoked.

00:51:45Late at night,

00:51:47inside a private room

00:51:48at a club,

00:51:49Chester and Simon

00:51:49kept plying themselves

00:51:51with liquor.

00:51:52A pile of empty bottles

00:51:53already lined the table.

00:51:55Their friends,

00:51:55who had once schemed

00:51:57and planned alongside them,

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

00:52:00However,

00:52:00what had once been

00:52:01a rowdy, lively atmosphere

00:52:03had fallen into dead silence.

00:52:05Chester,

00:52:05stop drinking!

00:52:07Keith Miller

00:52:08snatched the glass

00:52:08from Chester

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

00:52:11Things have already

00:52:12turned out this way.

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

00:52:15Exactly.

00:52:16Why exactly

00:52:16are you drinking anyway?

00:52:17Is it for your inheritance,

00:52:18Winona, or Noel?

00:52:20Tell us,

00:52:20and we'll help you

00:52:21analyze the situation.

00:52:22Chester and Simon

00:52:23finally stirred

00:52:24from their drunken state

00:52:26at the mention

00:52:26of Noel's name.

00:52:28L.

00:52:28Before Winona's return,

00:52:30his heart

00:52:31had belonged to her.

00:52:32He'd convinced himself

00:52:33that anything with Noel

00:52:34was just an act.

00:52:36No real feelings

00:52:36were involved.

00:52:37Even though he'd always

00:52:38felt weird and off

00:52:39about her intimacy

00:52:40with Simon,

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

00:52:42Now that Winona's

00:52:43true colors

00:52:43had been exposed,

00:52:44the guilt he felt

00:52:45toward Noel

00:52:46came crashing in,

00:52:47and with it,

00:52:48resentment toward Simon.

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

00:52:50and gotten her pregnant,

00:52:52maybe none of this

00:52:52would have happened.

00:52:55You jerk!

00:52:56Who said you could touch her?

00:52:58Who allowed you to touch her?

00:52:59She's mine!

00:53:00Fueled by alcohol,

00:53:02he let loose the jealousy

00:53:03and frustration

00:53:04he'd buried for years.

00:53:06Did he love Noel?

00:53:07He didn't know.

00:53:08All he knew was that

00:53:08with the truth out,

00:53:09she seemed more perfect

00:53:11and precious than ever.

00:53:12Simon fought back

00:53:13without mercy.

00:53:14Yours?

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

00:53:15you only loved Winona,

00:53:17Chester.

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

00:53:19She was mine

00:53:19for the past three years.

00:53:21Who the hell

00:53:21do you think you are?

00:53:22He was losing it too.

00:53:24Every time he thought

00:53:25about Noel's pale face

00:53:26and dead eyes

00:53:27when she walked out

00:53:28of the bathroom that night,

00:53:29his heart twisted

00:53:30like a knife

00:53:31was lodged in it.

00:53:32She really had been.

00:53:34She carried his child.

00:53:36She must have heard him

00:53:37say he wanted it gone.

00:53:38That was why

00:53:39she'd made the ruthless choice

00:53:40to terminate

00:53:41her own pregnancy.

00:53:42Simon had lied last week

00:53:44in the private room.

00:53:45He wasn't sick

00:53:45of sleeping with her at all.

00:53:47He just hadn't understood

00:53:48how he'd felt about her.

00:53:50He'd pegged her

00:53:50as malicious and cruel.

00:53:52And because of that,

00:53:53he'd hurt her again

00:53:54and again.

00:53:55But now,

00:53:55he knew how catastrophically

00:53:57wrong he'd been.

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

00:54:00After all the disgusting

00:54:01and vile things she'd heard

00:54:03and the hurt she'd suffered,

00:54:04there was no way

00:54:05she'd forgive them.

00:54:06Chester and Simon

00:54:07brawled like madmen

00:54:08as they saw red.

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

00:54:11no matter how hard

00:54:12they tried.

00:54:13I'm the one she loves,

00:54:14Simon.

00:54:15I'm the one she was

00:54:16going to marry.

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

00:54:18Thinking about Simon's

00:54:20entanglement with Noelle,

00:54:21Chester grabbed a bottle

00:54:22from the table

00:54:23and smashed it hard

00:54:24on Simon's head.

00:54:25As the glass exploded,

00:54:28Simon grabbed another bottle

00:54:29and cracked it against

00:54:30Chester's skull in return.

00:54:32The room fell into

00:54:33a deathly silence.

00:54:35A beat later,

00:54:36blood streamed down

00:54:37both their foreheads

00:54:39and they collapsed

00:54:40in a heap.

00:54:48Chester and Simon

00:54:49found themselves

00:54:50in the hospital

00:54:51when they woke up.

00:54:53Why are you here?

00:54:55Chester,

00:54:57what is your apology statement

00:54:58supposed to mean?

00:55:00Didn't you say

00:55:00you've always loved me?

00:55:02We grew up together

00:55:03and I have no idea

00:55:04when you became like this.

00:55:06Or maybe you were

00:55:07always like this

00:55:08and you've been wearing

00:55:09a mask all along.

00:55:11Every extra second

00:55:13that I look at you

00:55:14now makes my skin crawl.

00:55:16Chester,

00:55:17how can you say that?

00:55:18I'm pregnant with your child.

00:55:21I was just bailed out.

00:55:24What did you say?

00:55:26When did we even...

00:55:28Remembering the trip

00:55:29he'd made a month ago

00:55:30to see her.

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

00:55:32and had woken up

00:55:34to find them in the same bed.

00:55:36He couldn't remember

00:55:37whether anything

00:55:37actually happened

00:55:38and Winona had been

00:55:40coy, shy, and evasive.

00:55:43You remember, don't you?

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

00:55:47Chester,

00:55:47you have to take

00:55:48full responsibility.

00:55:49Chester pulled out

00:55:50a thick stack of documents

00:55:52and tossed them in her face.

00:55:54Right on top

00:55:54were photos of her

00:55:55with different men

00:55:56at different times.

00:55:58I've already looked

00:55:58into your years abroad.

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

00:56:01you know.

00:56:02Now that the Johnson family

00:56:03is on its way to ruin,

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

00:56:06and make me raise your child

00:56:08with another man.

00:56:09Do you really take me

00:56:10for an idiot?

00:56:11Winona's face turned ashen

00:56:13as she stared down

00:56:14at the papers.

00:56:15She shot to her feet,

00:56:17wanting to leave the room.

00:56:18However,

00:56:19Simon came in just then

00:56:21and clamped his fingers

00:56:22around her throat.

00:56:23He dragged her to the window

00:56:25in a brutal yank.

00:56:26You flushed

00:56:27Elle's grandmother's ashes

00:56:28down the toilet,

00:56:29then threw her necklace

00:56:30out the window

00:56:31and framed her

00:56:31for pushing you.

00:56:33That's enough.

00:56:34Or do you want

00:56:35to go to prison over her?

00:56:36Simon shot him

00:56:37a resentful look.

00:56:39Then,

00:56:39he lifted Winona

00:56:41and flung her aside.

00:56:43My baby,

00:56:45save my baby.

00:56:49This is your retribution,

00:56:51Winona.

00:56:51After Chester and Simon

00:56:53were discharged,

00:56:54they returned to the villa

00:56:55where Noelle had lived.

00:56:57The place still looked

00:56:58the same as before,

00:56:59but everything that belonged

00:57:01to her had vanished.

00:57:03None of her clothes

00:57:03were left in the closet,

00:57:05and the gifts she'd given them

00:57:06had been cleared out completely,

00:57:08not even leaving a trace.

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

00:57:12though,

00:57:12were still there.

00:57:14This was how she declared

00:57:16her resolve

00:57:16to sever herself from them.

00:57:18A memory of Noelle

00:57:19curled up in his arms

00:57:20with her arms around his waist

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

00:57:23He really did like her.

00:57:26It was in that instant

00:57:28that Chester finally realized

00:57:30how he truly felt.

00:57:32When he was with Winona,

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

00:57:36He needed to line up activities

00:57:37and prepare surprises

00:57:39just to feel like

00:57:40there really was

00:57:41anything between them.

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

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

00:57:46He could just relax

00:57:48and lounge.

00:57:49It had calmed him,

00:57:51mind and soul.

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

00:57:54it was too late.

00:57:55On the other hand,

00:57:57Simon sat on the stool

00:57:58at the vanity,

00:57:59absently rubbing

00:58:00an empty photo frame.

00:58:02There used to be a picture

00:58:03in it, Noelle,

00:58:04in a nightgown

00:58:05with her long hair loose

00:58:06as she sat reading

00:58:07by the bay window.

00:58:09The morning light

00:58:10had been perfect that day.

00:58:12He'd shot the photo,

00:58:13had it printed,

00:58:14and kept it on the vanity

00:58:15ever since.

00:58:17Simon,

00:58:18when we find out,

00:58:20let's compete fairly.

00:58:21What's past is past.

00:58:22Let's start over.

00:58:23Simon was silent

00:58:25for a long time

00:58:26before answering rascally.

00:58:28Okay.

00:58:29We start over.

00:58:30We compete fairly.

00:58:34It had been half a month

00:58:36since Noelle's arrival

00:58:37at the war zone.

00:58:38Aside from the panic

00:58:39and confusion

00:58:40on the first day,

00:58:41she'd adapted quickly

00:58:42to life there.

00:58:43Every day,

00:58:44she treated countless wounded.

00:58:46People were injured

00:58:47from blades,

00:58:48stray bullets,

00:58:49and explosions.

00:58:50Some died the moment

00:58:51they reached the hospital,

00:58:52and most of those

00:58:53who survived

00:58:54would still face life

00:58:55with missing wounds.

00:58:57Here,

00:58:57she had no time

00:58:58to dwell on the bullying,

00:58:59the deceit,

00:59:00and the manipulation

00:59:00she'd suffered in the past.

00:59:02She didn't even have time

00:59:03to unlock her phone

00:59:04and check what was happening

00:59:05back home.

00:59:06In the face of so much death,

00:59:08the pain that once cut to the bone

00:59:09felt insignificant.

00:59:11To be alive

00:59:12and with all four wounds

00:59:13in the trap

00:59:14already got on the list.

00:59:15The following day,

00:59:16the war alarm blared

00:59:17outside the hospital again.

00:59:19A civilian neighborhood

00:59:20had been bought.

00:59:20The wounded were beyond

00:59:21captive,

00:59:22and they needed

00:59:22any first place.

00:59:23Noelle signed up immediately

00:59:24and went out

00:59:25with the medical team.

00:59:26What caught Noelle's eye most

00:59:28were a few flashes of gloom.

00:59:29They belonged to a

00:59:30peacekeeping unit

00:59:31in Kari.

00:59:32They were also

00:59:32assisting in the rescue.

00:59:34She merely glanced

00:59:35at them once

00:59:35before focusing

00:59:36fully on treating

00:59:37the injured.

00:59:38Gunfire sounded

00:59:39in the distance

00:59:39with help.

00:59:40And shells fell

00:59:41from the sky

00:59:42from time to time.

00:59:43As they worked,

00:59:44they had to stay alert,

00:59:45ready to duck for cover

00:59:46at any moment.

00:59:47Suddenly,

00:59:48a shell landed

00:59:48not far from Noelle.

00:59:50She instinctively

00:59:51scooped up the child

00:59:52she was killed.

00:59:53An instant later,

00:59:54the blast wave

00:59:54threw her off her feet.

00:59:55She rolled twice

00:59:56on the ground.

00:59:57Thankfully,

00:59:58she suffered only scrapes

01:00:00along her arm.

01:00:01Before she could apply

01:00:02the medicine,

01:00:02a stray bullet

01:00:03whistled from afar

01:00:04and hurtled

01:00:05straight toward her.

01:00:06At the last possible moment,

01:00:07a tall figure

01:00:08sprinted at her

01:00:09and dove,

01:00:10knocking her down.

01:00:11He was from

01:00:12Katia's peacekeeping force.

01:00:14As she looked at him,

01:00:15he did the same.

01:00:16Their eyes met

01:00:17and they both froze.

01:00:18It's you?

01:00:19The man who saved Noelle

01:00:20was the same one

01:00:21who'd driven her

01:00:22to see Malie one last time.

01:00:24Even though it had been

01:00:24raining cats and dogs

01:00:26that night,

01:00:26he'd rolled down his window

01:00:27to ask whether she was okay.

01:00:29Out of gratitude,

01:00:30Noelle had etched

01:00:31his strong,

01:00:32rugged face

01:00:32into her memory.

01:00:33She'd also left

01:00:34all the cash in her bag

01:00:35on his seat

01:00:36before getting out.

01:00:37Hi,

01:00:37I'm Gideon Quill.

01:00:39Hi,

01:00:39I'm Noelle Rutherford.

01:00:40Thanks for saving me.

01:00:42We actually met back in Katia.

01:00:43You drove me to the hospital.

01:00:45Do you remember?

01:00:46I do.

01:00:47I didn't think

01:00:48we would cross paths again.

01:00:49He remembered Noelle

01:00:50and vividly.

01:00:51He'd been on leave

01:00:52when he saw someone

01:00:53frantically trying to flag down

01:00:54a car by the side of the road.

01:00:56She'd been a mess,

01:00:57soaked,

01:00:57desperate,

01:00:58and right on the edge

01:00:58of breaking down.

01:00:59He'd taken her

01:01:00straight to the hospital,

01:01:01never expecting

01:01:02that she would leave

01:01:03a wad of cash

01:01:04behind in his car.

01:01:05Take care of yourself,

01:01:07he quickly added.

01:01:08Then,

01:01:08he went back

01:01:09to his mission.

01:01:10Noelle pulled her gaze away

01:01:11and returned

01:01:12to saving lives.

01:01:13As she worked,

01:01:14a cheer rose

01:01:15at the hospital's entrance.

01:01:16She vaguely heard

01:01:17that there was a convoy

01:01:18delivering medical supplies.

01:01:19Noelle ran out as well.

01:01:21She needed antibiotics.

01:01:22She pushed into the crowd

01:01:23just as a man

01:01:24jumped down

01:01:24from the back of a truck.

01:01:25She only saw his back,

01:01:26but something about him

01:01:28felt familiar.

01:01:28No way.

01:01:29She shut the thought down.

01:01:30There was no way

01:01:31he would be.

01:01:32But then the man turned

01:01:33and lifted another person

01:01:34down from the truck.

01:01:35As he turned,

01:01:36his features came

01:01:37into sharp focus.

01:01:38Noelle's eyes widened

01:01:39and she froze

01:01:40where she stood.

01:01:41Standing before her

01:01:42were Chester and Simon.

01:01:47L

01:01:47A slightly hoarse voice

01:01:49pulled Noelle

01:01:50out of her reverie.

01:01:51Chester stood beside her.

01:01:53L

01:01:54We came to Arbery

01:01:55just to look for you.

01:01:57We still owe you

01:01:58a proper apology.

01:01:59I'm sorry L

01:02:00Truly, I am.

01:02:03We only found out

01:02:04at the wedding

01:02:04that Winona

01:02:05was the one

01:02:06who bullied you.

01:02:07We were all

01:02:08deceived by her.

01:02:09We

01:02:09Chester

01:02:10The night grandma passed,

01:02:12she wanted to see you

01:02:13one last time.

01:02:14I once thought

01:02:16that if you showed up

01:02:17and let her go in peace

01:02:18then I could

01:02:19forgive everything.

01:02:21But where were you then?

01:02:25I...

01:02:26It was Winona.

01:02:28She took my phone.

01:02:30She deleted your messages

01:02:31to me

01:02:31and I didn't get your calls.

01:02:33If I'd known about

01:02:33Marie's condition

01:02:34I would have rushed over.

01:02:35No,

01:02:36you wouldn't have.

01:02:38You would have chosen Winona.

01:02:39That's why I won't

01:02:41ever forgive you.

01:02:42Elle,

01:02:43don't treat me like this.

01:02:45I do care about you.

01:02:48Those three years

01:02:49weren't all an act.

01:02:51I genuinely love you.

01:02:53I only realized

01:02:54it after you left.

01:02:55I just made some mistakes.

01:02:57I...

01:02:58He abruptly stopped talking

01:03:00when he saw

01:03:00the cool indifference

01:03:01and mockery

01:03:02in Noelle's eyes.

01:03:04He had never imagined

01:03:06that those bright eyes

01:03:07could hold emotions

01:03:08like that.

01:03:10My rest time

01:03:11is precious

01:03:12and you're interrupting it.

01:03:14Chester felt like

01:03:15something was lodged

01:03:16in his throat.

01:03:17It felt so sore

01:03:18that he couldn't get

01:03:19any words out.

01:03:21After a long moment

01:03:22he managed to squeeze out

01:03:24Ellie,

01:03:25I'm sorry.

01:03:26Then

01:03:27he fled.

01:03:29Chester had just left

01:03:31when Simon stepped out

01:03:32from the shadows

01:03:33behind the tent.

01:03:34He stopped

01:03:35in front of Noelle.

01:03:38Elle,

01:03:39I'm sorry.

01:03:40Got it.

01:03:41Please leave.

01:03:43No,

01:03:44you don't get it.

01:03:45Noelle,

01:03:47I've always liked you.

01:03:48I fell for you

01:03:49the moment I met you.

01:03:51But you were already

01:03:52Chester's girlfriend

01:03:53then and I...

01:03:54So,

01:03:55you pretended to be Chester

01:03:57and slept with me?

01:03:59You toyed with me

01:04:00and hurt me?

01:04:02Is that it?

01:04:03Is that what you call

01:04:05liking someone?

01:04:06No,

01:04:07I...

01:04:07Simon faltered.

01:04:09He pressed his lips together

01:04:10not knowing how

01:04:12to defend himself.

01:04:13He had no defense.

01:04:15I just...

01:04:17I kept suppressing

01:04:19what I really felt.

01:04:20I kept lying to myself.

01:04:23Each time we slept together

01:04:25I kept wondering

01:04:25who you thought I was.

01:04:27I...

01:04:28I thought you were Chester

01:04:29each time,

01:04:30Simon.

01:04:31Because to me

01:04:31it's only ever been Chester.

01:04:35Who do you think you are?

01:04:37You're just the younger brother

01:04:39who came back

01:04:39from studying abroad

01:04:40a week before my wedding.

01:04:42Aren't you?

01:04:43L, I...

01:04:44Get lost.

01:04:45Save your fake apologies.

01:04:47I don't want them.

01:04:49Simon left.

01:04:52Noelle didn't linger.

01:04:53She got up

01:04:54and returned to her dorm.

01:04:56That night,

01:04:58Chester and Simon

01:04:59didn't sleep at all.

01:05:00Noelle's attitude

01:05:01left them feeling lost.

01:05:03For the first time,

01:05:05they felt there was

01:05:06no way to win her back.

01:05:08Noelle's mood

01:05:09dipped for a moment

01:05:10but bone-deep exhaustion

01:05:12had her asleep

01:05:13the second her head

01:05:14hit the pillow.

01:05:15She thought Chester

01:05:17and Simon

01:05:17would soon leave

01:05:18but to her surprise,

01:05:20they stayed

01:05:21and helped

01:05:22at the hospital.

01:05:23They carried supplies,

01:05:25lifted patients,

01:05:26soothed the injured.

01:05:28They did whatever

01:05:29they could.

01:05:31Noelle's stance

01:05:32remained crystal clear.

01:05:34No matter what

01:05:35they said or did,

01:05:36she wanted

01:05:37no more ties

01:05:38with them at all.

01:05:43A year later,

01:05:44a plane touched down

01:05:45in Justin Cardia.

01:05:46A woman with short hair,

01:05:48a lean frame,

01:05:49and sun-tanned skin

01:05:50strode out of the airport.

01:05:52She walked with purpose

01:05:53and her eyes sparkled.

01:05:54It was Noelle.

01:05:55Her one-year contract

01:05:56with Doctors Without Borders

01:05:58was over

01:05:58and she was back.

01:06:00Chester and Simon

01:06:00trailed not far behind her.

01:06:02They'd also changed

01:06:03compared to a year ago.

01:06:04After witnessing life,

01:06:05death,

01:06:05and faith up close,

01:06:06they'd found their own

01:06:07direction and goals.

01:06:08The one thing that hadn't changed

01:06:10was their love for Noelle.

01:06:11Even though she'd treated them

01:06:12like strangers

01:06:13for the past year,

01:06:14she was even more distant

01:06:15with them than she was

01:06:16with her co-workers.

01:06:17Their respect for her

01:06:18had only deepened

01:06:19as had their love.

01:06:21The Grey family

01:06:21had pushed them

01:06:22countless times

01:06:22to come home

01:06:23in the past year,

01:06:24but they'd chosen

01:06:25to stay by Noelle's side,

01:06:26guarding a hopeless love.

01:06:27Noelle booked a hotel room,

01:06:29then went straight

01:06:29to Marie's grave.

01:06:31She bought flowers,

01:06:32a drink,

01:06:33and all sorts of treats.

01:06:34She stood before

01:06:35the tombstone

01:06:36and told Marie

01:06:37about what she'd experienced.

01:06:39Grandma,

01:06:39I finally did

01:06:40what I've always wanted to do.

01:06:42I'm doing well now.

01:06:43My heart feels full.

01:06:44I've found the courage

01:06:46to face anything,

01:06:47and I finally understand

01:06:48what you meant

01:06:49when you said

01:06:50that all suffering

01:06:51is temporary.

01:06:52I promise I'll find happiness,

01:06:54so don't worry about me.

01:06:56She stayed until dusk

01:06:57before leaving the cemetery

01:06:59and catching a cab

01:07:00back to the hotel.

01:07:01She went to the hospital.

01:07:02When Tanya saw her again,

01:07:04she smiled with relief

01:07:05and her eyes reddened slightly.

01:07:07She patted Noelle's shoulder.

01:07:08It's good that you're back.

01:07:10We've all been waiting for you.

01:07:11I'll give you a week

01:07:12to rest up

01:07:13before coming back to work.

01:07:14As Noelle turned to leave,

01:07:15she saw her colleagues

01:07:17gathered at the doorway,

01:07:18beaming at her.

01:07:19A few of her closest co-workers

01:07:21had tears

01:07:22glimmering

01:07:23in their eyes.

01:07:24They rushed forward

01:07:25and hugged her tightly.

01:07:27Elle,

01:07:27we were so worried

01:07:28about you.

01:07:29Warmth bloomed

01:07:30in Noelle's chest,

01:07:31and she gave them

01:07:32a genuine smile.

01:07:33She picked up her luggage

01:07:34from the hotel

01:07:35and headed home.

01:07:36It was a two-bedroom apartment

01:07:37in an old complex.

01:07:38It was small,

01:07:39but it was where Marie

01:07:40had lived for decades.

01:07:41She put her things

01:07:42back in her room

01:07:43and started cleaning the place,

01:07:44working straight through

01:07:45until evening.

01:07:46Then,

01:07:46she drove to the supermarket

01:07:48to stock up.

01:07:48The kitchen was bare,

01:07:49so she filled an entire

01:07:51shopping cart

01:07:51with groceries.

01:07:52It was piled so hard

01:07:54that her view

01:07:55was blocked

01:07:55when she lifted

01:07:56everything into her arms.

01:07:58Just as she reached

01:07:58the entrance,

01:07:59an unruly kid

01:08:00came barreling out

01:08:01and slammed into her.

01:08:03Everything in her arms

01:08:04crashed to the ground

01:08:05and she lost her balance.

01:08:06She toppled

01:08:07toward the floor.

01:08:10A warm, strong hand

01:08:13grabbed Noelle's arm

01:08:14and pulled her back.

01:08:15You okay?

01:08:16The voice was familiar.

01:08:18Noelle's head snapped up

01:08:19and she met a pair

01:08:21of twinkling eyes.

01:08:22Gideon?

01:08:23You're back too!

01:08:24She broke into

01:08:25a genuine smile,

01:08:26feeling pleasantly surprised.

01:08:27She and Gideon

01:08:29had crossed paths

01:08:30plenty over the past year

01:08:31in Arbery.

01:08:32They'd grown much closer.

01:08:33Yeah,

01:08:34the peacekeeping mission

01:08:35was for a year

01:08:36and I'm done now.

01:08:37I'll be based in Justin

01:08:38from now on.

01:08:39What about you?

01:08:40I'm heading back to work

01:08:41at Justin Prime Hospital.

01:08:42Noelle gathered the things.

01:08:44She was about to scoop them up

01:08:45when Gideon got everything.

01:08:47He said,

01:08:47I've got this.

01:08:49You lead the way.

01:08:50After they put everything away,

01:08:52she offered,

01:08:53let me treat you to a meal.

01:08:55He didn't object

01:08:56and they settled on a restaurant

01:08:58after a quick discussion.

01:08:59Though they'd known each other

01:09:00for a year,

01:09:01this was their first

01:09:02proper meal together.

01:09:03The conversation started

01:09:05with Arbery

01:09:05and there was never

01:09:06an awkward lull.

01:09:08As they delved deeper,

01:09:09the atmosphere

01:09:10grew more comfortable.

01:09:11Dinner ended on a high note

01:09:12and they parted ways

01:09:13to head home.

01:09:14On the way back,

01:09:15Gideon couldn't keep

01:09:16the smile off his face.

01:09:18As for Noelle,

01:09:19the loneliness

01:09:19she'd been carrying

01:09:20seemed to have been

01:09:21swept away,

01:09:22at least a little.

01:09:23The next day,

01:09:24Noelle went back

01:09:25to her old high school

01:09:26and visited

01:09:27her homeroom teacher.

01:09:28When work came up,

01:09:29she talked about

01:09:30her year away.

01:09:31No sooner had the words

01:09:32left her mouth

01:09:33than a familiar voice

01:09:34rang out from the left.

01:09:35Miss Burden,

01:09:36long time no see.

01:09:38Noelle turned

01:09:39and there was Gideon

01:09:40standing not far away.

01:09:43He wore the same

01:09:43surprised expression

01:09:44she had.

01:09:45After that day,

01:09:47they started talking

01:09:47more often.

01:09:48There was an unspoken

01:09:50intimacy between them.

01:09:51Three days later,

01:09:52Noelle returned

01:09:53to the hospital for work

01:09:54and Gideon's break ended.

01:09:56Dr. Rutherfield,

01:09:57someone sent you flowers.

01:09:59The front desk nurse

01:10:00came bustling over

01:10:01with a massive bouquet

01:10:02of roses.

01:10:03Noelle's first thought

01:10:04was Gideon,

01:10:05but her expression

01:10:06cooled when she saw

01:10:07the card that came

01:10:08with the bouquet.

01:10:09It was from Chester.

01:10:10Before she could say

01:10:11anything,

01:10:12another nurse came over

01:10:13with a second bouquet.

01:10:14This one

01:10:15was from Simon.

01:10:16Her irritation welled up

01:10:18and she pressed

01:10:19her lips together.

01:10:21Throw them out.

01:10:21Every day after that,

01:10:23Chester and Simon

01:10:24sent flowers

01:10:25to the hospital.

01:10:26They never showed up

01:10:26in person,

01:10:27but their presence

01:10:28was loud enough

01:10:29to be exhausting.

01:10:30On her 27th birthday,

01:10:32as Noelle stepped

01:10:33out of the hospital,

01:10:34Chester and Simon

01:10:35walked to her

01:10:36with flowers and gifts.

01:10:37Elle,

01:10:38happy birthday!

01:10:39Chester,

01:10:40Simon,

01:10:41stop sending me flowers

01:10:42and stop harassing me.

01:10:44Elle,

01:10:45can you at least

01:10:46give me a chance

01:10:47to pursue you?

01:10:48Elle,

01:10:49I want to start

01:10:50over with you.

01:10:51I've made myself

01:10:52perfectly clear.

01:10:54Keep this up

01:10:54and I'll go to hell,

01:10:56you bitch.

01:10:57A kitchen knife

01:10:58came hurtling

01:10:58toward Noelle

01:10:59from the left.

01:11:00Across from her,

01:11:01Chester's and Simon's eyes

01:11:02bulged in terror

01:11:03as they lunged

01:11:04toward her.

01:11:05Elle.

01:11:05At the same time,

01:11:06Gideon,

01:11:07who just arrived

01:11:08at the hospital,

01:11:08pushed through the crowd

01:11:09and charged toward her.

01:11:14Noelle reacted fast.

01:11:15The moment she heard

01:11:16Winona's voice,

01:11:17she saw the flash of silver

01:11:19that flickered

01:11:19to her left.

01:11:20She stepped back

01:11:21and leaned away,

01:11:22narrowly dodging

01:11:23the kitchen knife.

01:11:24Having missed

01:11:24on the first swing,

01:11:25Winona quickly

01:11:26raised the knife

01:11:27and went for a second.

01:11:28That was when

01:11:28Simon rushed forward.

01:11:29As the blade came down,

01:11:31he yanked Noelle

01:11:32toward him and turned,

01:11:33shielding her

01:11:33with his body.

01:11:34In an instant,

01:11:35the knife sliced

01:11:36open the flesh

01:11:36on his back.

01:11:37Chester lunged

01:11:38to grab Winona.

01:11:39You should go to hell too.

01:11:40When she saw him,

01:11:42she didn't hesitate.

01:11:43She could have leveraged

01:11:43her pregnancy

01:11:44to get a one-year bail,

01:11:45during which her family

01:11:46would have pulled strings

01:11:47to work something out.

01:11:48But Chester and Simon

01:11:49had made her miscarry,

01:11:51forcing her to serve time.

01:11:52For a whole year,

01:11:53once word of her crimes

01:11:54got around,

01:11:55the other inmates

01:11:56had tormented her relentlessly.

01:11:58Everyone had targeted her,

01:11:59making her life

01:12:00a living hell.

01:12:01When a hand

01:12:01clamped around her wrist,

01:12:03the knife was whipped away

01:12:04in a heartbeat.

01:12:05Then,

01:12:05a powerful force

01:12:06slammed her to the ground,

01:12:08twisting her arms

01:12:09behind her.

01:12:14Gideon had arrived.

01:12:15The crowd had scattered.

01:12:16Medical staff burst out

01:12:18with gurneys

01:12:18and rushed Chester

01:12:19and Simon inside.

01:12:20Neither had passed out.

01:12:22As they were lifted

01:12:22onto the beds,

01:12:23they kept their eyes

01:12:24locked on Noelle.

01:12:25They were desperate

01:12:26to catch a flicker of mercy,

01:12:28any sign of her softening,

01:12:29or even heartache for them.

01:12:31But there was nothing.

01:12:32Noelle looked at Gideon

01:12:33and walked straight to him

01:12:34without a backward glance.

01:12:36Are you okay?

01:12:38Yeah.

01:12:40Thank God you're fine.

01:12:41I was worried about you, Elle.

01:12:43Noelle was taken aback.

01:12:45Then,

01:12:45her eyes prickled.

01:12:47She raised her arms

01:12:48and wrapped them around him.

01:12:49Gideon accompanied Noelle

01:12:51to the police station

01:12:52to have her statement taken.

01:12:53His eyes reddened from heartache

01:12:55when he learned

01:12:55about how she'd been bullied.

01:12:56It was past 8 p.m.

01:12:58when they stepped out

01:12:59of the police station.

01:13:00He took her to a popular restaurant

01:13:02that was surprisingly

01:13:03empty.

01:13:03It was decorated

01:13:04with flowers and balloons

01:13:06and a formally dressed pianist

01:13:08played for them.

01:13:09Noelle's heart raced

01:13:10when she saw all of this.

01:13:12After dinner,

01:13:13Gideon took out a bracelet

01:13:13and officially confessed.

01:13:15Elle,

01:13:16I started developing feelings

01:13:17for you when we were in Arbery.

01:13:19Spending time together

01:13:21since we both got back

01:13:22has only made me more certain

01:13:24that you're the partner

01:13:25I've been searching for.

01:13:26I really like you.

01:13:28Will you be my girlfriend

01:13:29with marriage as our endgame?

01:13:31Noelle smiled.

01:13:32I will.

01:13:33He clasped the bracelet

01:13:34glittering with pave diamonds

01:13:36around her wrist.

01:13:38With it,

01:13:39he also clasped her heart.

01:13:41Me?

01:13:42I will.

captive of my former slave #DRAMAX | Full Short Drama | English Sub 2026

Category

Transcript

Comments

Recommended