- 2 weeks ago
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00:00Sold my mom to the old farmer next door.
00:02My dad said that before he left for the army.
00:05The old farmer had a bad leg, but he was a savage man.
00:09People said he even killed his first wife.
00:11He was strong enough to knock out a bull with one punch.
00:15For my mom, marrying him was a death sentence.
00:18Three years later, the news came that my dad was dead.
00:21Right away, my grandma sold my mom to the monster for $2,000.
00:26The day we heard the news of dad's death, it was December.
00:30Right after a blizzard.
00:31My mom was feeding the cattle barefoot.
00:34Grandmother never allowed her to wear shoes.
00:36She said a bitch like her didn't deserve them.
00:38I often went to the woods to gather branches for warmth.
00:42But my uncle would always snatch them away for his fireplace.
00:45No matter how we begged, it was useless.
00:48Grandmother would beat us and curse us for days.
00:51I felt sorry for mom and tried to help her feed the cows.
00:55Baby, go play over there.
00:56The sun is out, it's warmer there.
00:58My shoes were torn and falling apart.
01:01The sun was our only source of heat.
01:04After feeding the cows, we went back to the cabin.
01:07Grandmother was already waiting, fuming with rage.
01:09What took you so long?
01:11Were you out looking for other men again?
01:13She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
01:16The army sent word.
01:17Jason is dead.
01:19Ever since he married you, my son was cursed by your bad luck.
01:22She didn't look sad about her son's death at all.
01:25There had to be a secret behind this.
01:27Now that he's gone, get out of this house.
01:30Don't stay here and ruin the Hudson family name.
01:33She looked at us with disgust and kept grumbling.
01:36Luckily, my son sold you to Rick before he left.
01:39Otherwise, we would have lost so much money feeding you two.
01:43My mom didn't fight back.
01:44She just picked up her coat and held my hand tight.
01:47Mom, at least let me take the child with me.
01:50Grandmother looked me up and down.
01:52She had a wicked look in her eyes.
01:54That depends on if that old farmer pays more.
02:00A girl her age could fetch $2,000 at the town.
02:05She's worth much more than you.
02:08My mom gripped my hand even harder.
02:10We both knew the truth.
02:12As soon as she marries Rick, grandmother will sell me away.
02:15It was the day we were driven to Rick's ranch.
02:18The legendary monster was there, chopping wood.
02:21Each swing of his axe was terrifying.
02:24One of his legs was broken and propped on a wooden stool.
02:27He looked strange and menacing.
02:29A huge scar ran from his left eye down to his mouth.
02:32It looked like his face was split in two.
02:35I hid behind my mom, trembling.
02:37Rick looked at us coldly.
02:38You're forcing this woman on me for $500?
02:42Now you want $2,000 more?
02:44He clearly didn't want my mom.
02:46And he definitely didn't want a burden like me.
02:48My son Jason saved your life in that blizzard.
02:51Now that he's gone, you should be grateful to take her.
02:53This girl will be your daughter.
02:55It's a blessing.
02:56$2,000 is a bargain for you.
02:58$2,000 was a lot of money.
03:00It could buy so many seeds.
03:02I knew I wasn't worth that much.
03:04Rick glanced at grandmother but said nothing.
03:07People said he was a man of few words.
03:09But one look from him could scare anyone to death.
03:12Grandmother shoved my mom forward.
03:14My mom's thin body almost hit the ground.
03:17She pulled me along and knelt down instantly.
03:19Rick, my child eats very little.
03:21She can feed the cows and collect firewood.
03:24Please, give us a way to live.
03:27His eyes were sharp, judging me.
03:29Call him Dad.
03:31I looked at Rick and that terrifying scar.
03:35Dad.
03:36Rick froze.
03:37His scar looked even more twisted.
03:39Grandmother kicked me hard in the back.
03:41Your father just died and you're already calling him Dad.
03:45Just like your mother, a traitor to the...
03:48She kept kicking me over and over.
03:50I lay on the ground, motionless.
03:52I didn't fight back or scream.
03:54I knew if she had her fun, she would eventually stop.
03:57Mom crawled over to save me.
03:59But Grandmother slapped her across the face.
04:02This was life in the Hudson house.
04:03Mom couldn't save me, and she couldn't save herself.
04:08Suddenly, Rick threw a roll of cash at Grandmother's feet.
04:11And enough!
04:13This girl belongs to my family now.
04:15Grandmother took the money and tried to leave.
04:17But Rick stopped her.
04:18He demanded she sign the guardianship transfer agreement.
04:22Grandmother refused.
04:23Rick snatched the money back instantly.
04:25No signature, no money.
04:27In the end, she gave in for the cash.
04:29Mom and I officially became part of Rick's family.
04:32She started working right away.
04:34She wanted to be useful.
04:36She thought hard work would keep us from being beaten.
04:39Rick's cabin was simple.
04:41Three rooms and a living area.
04:43Only one bedroom had a bed.
04:44The other rooms were empty.
04:46Mom took me to the cow shed.
04:48It was kept very clean.
04:49Mom found some wooden bay over the boards.
04:53Rick kicked me out to the cow shed.
04:55The Hudson's shed was much filthier.
04:57There were rats and snakes everywhere.
05:00Freezing in winter and boiling in summer.
05:02I survived.
05:05It's my fault I couldn't keep your father's heart.
05:08Dad was dying.
05:09Dad decided to sell Mom for money before he even left.
05:12He wasn't coming back.
05:14And he didn't want Mom to survive.
05:15He wanted to cut off her every means of escape.
05:18So obvious that all the neighbors were talking about it.
05:20A moment later, Rick came back.
05:22He ignored us.
05:23He carried a pile of wooden boards into the house.
05:26The sound of his heavy hammering echoed, hitting our hearts.
05:29Mom stood outside, hesitant.
05:31She wanted to ask where the flour and beef were so she could cook.
05:34But she didn't dare.
05:35After a while, Rick came out.
05:37He saw us standing there like statues and frowned.
05:39Something wrong?
05:40His voice was gruff.
05:42I wanted to shrink back.
05:43But it was just me and Mom.
05:45If I backed down, she would be all alone.
05:47I stood my ground and held her hand tight.
05:50Rick noticed my move and his brow twitched.
05:53Mom asked hesitantly.
05:55I wanted to ask about dinner.
05:58Please give me the ingredients so I can cook.
06:03Rick frowned again, looking at us with confusion.
06:06He pointed toward the kitchen.
06:08In there.
06:09And the key?
06:12Rick's frown deepened.
06:13He walked over and kicked the door open.
06:15Then he looked back at us.
06:17I felt like he was asking if we were stupid.
06:19There was no lock, so why would there be a key?
06:21But things were different at the Hudson Ranch.
06:23The Hudson kitchen was always locked.
06:25Even the flour, beef, and butter were kept in locked cabinets.
06:28Mom cooked every meal, but Grandmother decided every gram of food.
06:32She would put the exact amount on the counter and watch Mom cook.
06:36If a single grain of flour was dropped, she would scream for hours.
06:39She called Mom a money waster and called a starving ghost.
06:42All you do is eat!
06:45You're useless!
06:46She was afraid we would steal food.
06:48Mom led me into the kitchen.
06:50Seeing the flour, beef, and butter sitting there made her hesitate.
06:53She looked at Rick, but he had already gone back outside.
06:56Mom didn't dare touch the food.
06:57She was afraid that if she messed up, Rick would beat her.
07:00Just like Grandmother did.
07:01She was afraid of being accused of stealing.
07:03Mom made dinner with trembling hands.
07:05She put the food on the table.
07:07But we stood in the yard, not daring to move.
07:11Rick came back carrying two large wooden crates.
07:14He put them into the empty, unused room.
07:16He saw the food, and then saw us standing outside.
07:20His frown deepened.
07:21He sat down at the table and called us inside in a gravelly voice.
07:25While he ate, he grunted,
07:26Not enough. Make more tomorrow.
07:29He ate quickly, finishing half and leaving the rest for us.
07:32Then he stood there, chopping wood while watching us eat.
07:35We didn't dare to eat much.
07:37But I soon noticed something strange.
07:39When I took big bites, he focused on his work.
07:42The moment I put down my fork, he would stare at me and frown.
07:46Did he want us to eat more?
07:47We finished the meal in fear, waiting for the beatings to start.
07:51But Rick didn't yell or hit us.
07:54He just put away his axe and spoke.
07:58Wash up and go to sleep. It's been a long day.
08:01After Rick finished, Mom took me to wash up.
08:04We hadn't used hot water in three years.
08:06She kept muttering as she washed, her face full of nerves.
08:09I must get clean. Then he won't hate me.
08:13The hot water hit my back, and I felt warm instantly.
08:16I never knew a bath could feel this good.
08:19At the Hudson Ranch, this was a heaven I couldn't even imagine.
08:22After the bath, I headed to the cow shed to sleep.
08:25Mom pulled me aside.
08:26Cover your ears.
08:27No matter what you hear, don't come out.
08:30Just pretend you're asleep.
08:32Okay?
08:33I nodded hard. I understood.
08:35Back then, Dad would come home drunk and beat me in the shed.
08:38He called me a waste of money and a curse.
08:41He blamed me for his gambling losses.
08:43One time, he almost killed me.
08:45Mom had to grab an axe to fight him off just to save me.
08:48Now, looking at Rick, he was much stronger than Dad.
08:50He could probably kill me with one kick.
08:52But he wasn't drunk, and he wasn't angry.
08:54He picked me up like a little chick and carried me into the empty room.
08:58Mom was already waiting there.
09:00The room wasn't empty anymore.
09:01There was a wide wooden bed inside.
09:04It was piled with old but clean quilts and two sets of warm clothes.
09:08Rick set me down and turned to leave.
09:10He went back to his own room and closed the door.
09:12Soon, I heard him snoring.
09:14I never thought I'd get to sleep inside a house again.
09:17That night, we slept restlessly, but it was so warm.
09:20I curled up in my quilt and whispered,
09:23Mom, it's so warm.
09:25I had never felt this warm in winter before.
09:27My stomach was full, and my heart felt safe.
09:30For the first time, I felt like I was actually alive.
09:33Mom stroked my hair.
09:35Baby, you called him Dad today.
09:38Call him that tomorrow and every day after.
09:41I nodded.
09:42Okay.
09:43Rick was already much better to me than my real father.
09:46After that, Mom slowly started making more food.
09:48She was careful, adding just a little more each time.
09:52It took days for her to figure out Rick's temper and appetite.
09:55He ate a lot, as much as Mom and me combined.
09:58But he never told us we couldn't eat.
10:00In fact, if we ate too little, he would frown.
10:02He went hunting in the mountains around the ranch.
10:05He sold the big one in town.
10:06But sometimes, he brought back rabbits or pheasants for Mom to stew.
10:09He only ate half and left the rest for us.
10:12In my whole life, I had only tasted meat three times.
10:15This was the fourth.
10:16The meat tasted so good.
10:17No wonder Grandmother and my uncle loved it so much.
10:20Mom saw how happy I was and gave me extra.
10:23I ate so much that I didn't notice the pain until midnight.
10:25I was rolling on the bed in agony.
10:28Mom rubbed my stomach, but nothing worked.
10:30She gave me hot water, but I threw it up instantly.
10:33I felt like I was dying.
10:35Rick burst into the room.
10:36He wrapped me in a quilt and hoisted me onto his shoulder.
10:39He started running.
10:40Mom stumbled along behind him, too scared to say a word.
10:44He ran all the way to the town doctor's house.
10:46He took the door open.
10:48The doctor's family was terrified.
10:50They started to complain, but one look at Rick's face silenced them.
10:53The doctor checked me with a stethoscope.
10:56He asked what I had eaten.
10:57It's indigestion.
10:58She ate too much.
10:59She's been malnourished for years.
11:02Her body can't handle this much meat all at once.
11:05I'll give her something to throw it up.
11:06He poured something into my mouth.
11:08I vomited everything out.
11:10The room smelled awful.
11:11The doctor's wife grumbled in the corner.
11:14Clearly, she's never had anything good in her life.
11:16She doesn't have the luck to enjoy good food.
11:19Rick looked up and gave her a death stare.
11:21She scurried back into her room, terrified.
11:23I felt so ashamed.
11:25I got sick just from eating meat.
11:27Maybe grandmother was right.
11:28Maybe I was just a starving ghost who didn't deserve anything.
11:32Rick carried me back home.
11:34On the way, he asked in a low voice.
11:36Have you never had meat before?
11:37I thought he was judging me.
11:40This was only my fourth time.
11:42Before, I only ever had a bite.
11:45At the Hudson's, they wouldn't even give us the leftover broth.
11:47I truly had never had anything good.
11:50He gave a low grunt.
11:51You'll get used to it if you eat it more often.
11:54I was sick and could only eat rice porridge for a few days.
11:58Rick bought some supplements from town.
12:00Those were expensive things I had never seen before.
12:03I ate rice porridge with nutrient powder every meal.
12:06It was even better than what my mom ate when I was born.
12:10Rick watched me eat every day.
12:11Once my face looked healthy again, he stopped worrying.
12:15He went to fix the doctor's fence.
12:17Then he dragged the doctor back to check my heartbeat.
12:20Only after the doctor said I was fine did he let him go.
12:22He said he was going deep into the mountains to hunt.
12:25He wanted to catch something big.
12:27He would be gone for days and asked mom to pack some food.
12:30Mom mixed butter and brown sugar into the dough.
12:32The flatbread smelled delicious as she baked it.
12:35She also gave him thick insoles and a winter hat she had made.
12:40Rick took the food and looked at the gifts.
12:42He looked at her and his eyes softened.
12:45Christmas is coming soon.
12:47I'll buy you gifts once I sell the big game.
12:50Think about what you want.
12:51Mom and I stood at the ranch gate to see him off.
12:54Watching his limping figure, I couldn't help but shout,
12:56Dad, come back soon!
12:58Rick's body stiffened for a second.
13:00He didn't look back, but he waved his hand.
13:02Go inside. It's cold out here.
13:05We waited for five days, but he didn't come back.
13:09That night, the weather turned even colder.
13:13On the fifth day, snow began to fall from the sky.
13:16Mom looked at the darkening sky, then at me.
13:19She pointed to the food in the kitchen.
13:22She told me to take care of myself and fix something to eat if I got hungry.
13:28I'm going to find him.
13:29I'll be back soon.
13:31She put on thick clothes, strapped a dagger to herself, and took a flashlight.
13:37I was too worried to stay, so I hid a small curved knife on myself.
13:42I followed closely behind her.
13:44Where you go, I go, Mom. We're going to bring Dad home.
13:46In my heart, Rick was my father.
13:49He was a thousand times better than my real father.
13:53Mom sighed.
13:54If something really happened to him, you wouldn't survive alone.
13:56Let's go. Together.
13:58We held hands and walked deep into the mountains.
14:02Before, we only gathered firewood at the edge of the woods.
14:05People said there were wolves, wild boars, and man-eating black bears deep inside.
14:11But, as long as I was with Mom, and thinking that Dad was waiting for us, I wasn't scared at
14:17all.
14:18Heavy snow fell from the sky.
14:20It was only afternoon, but it was already completely dark.
14:24The path through the woods was extremely hard to walk.
14:28Stepped deep and shallow, sometimes falling into deep holes made of fallen leaves.
14:33Mom pulled me out and used a stick to check the path ahead.
14:37Before long, heavy footsteps came from ahead.
14:41Mom pulled out her dagger, and I gripped my curved knife tightly.
14:46We stared ahead, terrified.
14:48What? What are you doing here?
14:50He looked at us, completely shocked.
14:52He reached out to pick me up.
14:54But he was clearly exhausted, trying several times but failing.
14:58I held tightly to his thigh, rushed over as well.
15:02Rick, you've been gone for five days, and it started snowing.
15:07She didn't dare say she was worried.
15:09Or didn't come home for days.
15:10Mom went to look for him, too.
15:12I was afraid something happened to you.
15:15But my father just slapped her across the face.
15:18Something happened?
15:19What could happen to a man like me?
15:21It's because you curse me all day that I'm so unlucky!
15:24After that, Mom never dared to show her worry again.
15:27He wasn't a good husband, a good father, or even a good person.
15:32But Rick just looked at Mom and quirked his lips.
15:35He tried to smile, but maybe he hadn't smiled in years and forgot how.
15:40He gave us an explanation.
15:41This game was too big.
15:43That's why I'm late.
15:45He hoisted the black bear back up and told us to go home.
15:49Go back and start the fire.
15:51I'll be home soon.
15:53That bear was massive.
15:55He must have dragged it for so long that he was completely exhausted.
16:00Yet, he didn't demand our help.
16:02He wanted to carry the burden himself.
16:05Mom saw how tired he was and hesitated.
16:07She didn't want to disobey, but she desperately wanted to help.
16:12I ran forward and grabbed the bear's leg.
16:15Her felt terrifying.
16:16It was so huge that it looked fierce, even in death.
16:20Mom found her courage and ran over, too.
16:24We'll help you!
16:25It took all our strength to drag the black bear home.
16:29The snow on the ground was thick now.
16:31The ranch was pitch black and the trail was empty.
16:35We finally made it back.
16:37The giant bear lay in the snow, looking even more fierce.
16:41But I wasn't afraid.
16:42I circled it a few times and ran back to Rick.
16:46I leaned against his leg and looked up.
16:48Dad, you're amazing.
16:50You actually killed a black bear.
16:53Rick was too tired to move, but he reached out.
16:56He gently patted my head.
16:59Yeah.
17:00His hand was large, rough, and heavy.
17:03But when he touched me, it was light and warm.
17:06Jason's hands were big, too, but they weren't rough.
17:09He rarely did any real work.
17:12Jason wasn't even that strong.
17:14When he got into trouble in town, he would just curl up and take the hits.
17:19But when he hit me and Mom, he was very strong.
17:23His blows made my head ring every time.
17:25In this place, many men slapped their wives and children.
17:29I used to think all fathers and husbands were like that.
17:33I didn't know someone could be different.
17:35The next morning, before dawn, Rick borrowed a tractor.
17:40He woke us up to go to town and sell the bear.
17:43He knew exactly where to go.
17:45He stopped at a grand luxury house.
17:48A butler came out and greeted him warmly.
17:51They hugged and talked like old friends.
17:54I realized then that Dad could be so full of life.
17:57He could actually talk this much.
18:00Mom and I stayed back, staring at the fancy gates.
18:04We didn't dare step forward.
18:06Dad pointed at us.
18:08The butler looked us over and pulled out a small coin purse.
18:12Here, child.
18:13Take this.
18:15I was too scared to take it, but he pressed it into my hand.
18:19Dad nodded, so I finally accepted it.
18:23There was a silver coin inside.
18:25I immediately put the coin in Dad's hand.
18:30Dad, this is for you.
18:32The butler froze for a second, then burst out laughing.
18:36Rick, you have a sweet daughter.
18:38You're a lucky man.
18:40He handed me a big apple.
18:42The coin is for your dad, but this is for you.
18:47Keep it for yourself.
18:49Merry Christmas to your family.
18:51The butler bought the bear and invited Dad for a drink.
18:54Won't you come in for a drink?
18:56Rick waved him off and refused.
18:58No, thank you.
18:59We need to buy things for Christmas.
19:02The black bear sold for a lot of money.
19:05Dad took us to the streets.
19:07First, he bought a lot of candy.
19:09He put them into three red socks.
19:12I took one out and put it in my mouth, carefully.
19:16I peeled another one for Mom.
19:18Mom didn't dare to eat and looked at Dad.
19:22She wanted to save it for me, but Dad stopped her.
19:25Too much sugar makes kids sick.
19:28We don't want to see the doctor again.
19:31Mom remembered my stomach ache and didn't give me more.
19:34So, Mom finally opened her mouth and ate the candy.
19:39Dad then took us to buy meat, flour, and butter.
19:43He even bought spices for cooking.
19:46Finally, we went to a clothing store for new coats.
19:50Mom waved her hands and said no.
19:54Our old coats are still good.
19:56I said no, too.
19:58The old quilts and coats Dad gave us were already warm and clean.
20:02That was good enough for me.
20:04I had never worn such nice clothes in my life.
20:08But Dad insisted on buying new ones.
20:12I bought old ones because I was broke.
20:15Now we have money.
20:17In the end, we bought fabric and cotton instead of finished coats.
20:22I can sew quickly.
20:23They'll be ready before Christmas.
20:25She still didn't want to spend too much.
20:28She picked out a plaid fabric for Dad and held it up to him.
20:32Rick, this pattern looks good on you.
20:34It was the first time they were so close.
20:38I think I saw Dad's face turn red.
20:43Dad lifted me up and set me on his shoulders.
20:45I could see so far away.
20:48I laughed out loud.
20:50It was my first time being up this high.
20:53Mom was worried and kept checking Dad's leg.
20:56She was afraid he would get too tired.
20:58After a while, Dad bought me some toys.
21:01He also bought hair clips and brooches for me and Mom.
21:05Brother, your wife and daughter are beautiful.
21:08These brooches from the city suit them perfectly.
21:10Both Dad and Mom blushed at the same time.
21:13On the way back, we sat on the tractor.
21:16I hugged my red socks tightly.
21:18This was the happiest day of my life.
21:21As we passed the Hudson Ranch, I saw Grandmother.
21:24She was feeding the cows in the yard.
21:26My uncle was lounging under the eaves in the sun.
21:30He still had no job and no wife.
21:32He just ate, drank, and wasted his life.
21:35After selling us to Rick, he had that money.
21:37Now he worked even less.
21:39He said he was preparing for a blind date.
21:41Grandmother always called us lazy.
21:43But I never dared to say that my uncle was the laziest one.
21:47I gripped my red socks and stared at them.
21:50Grandmother and my uncle noticed us.
21:52Their eyes widened in disbelief.
21:54Then, their faces turned into a hateful scowl.
21:57You two!
21:58True!
21:59Grandmother was cursing at us.
22:01Dad stopped the tractor.
22:03He threw a stone and hit my uncle right on the head.
22:06My uncle jumped up in pain.
22:09Who did that?
22:10Dad threw another stone into Grandmother's water basin.
22:14They are my wife and daughter now.
22:16If you insult them again, you're dealing with me.
22:20He looked terrifying.
22:22Even with a limp, he stood like a mountain.
22:25Grandmother and my uncle were bullies who feared the strong.
22:29They were furious but didn't dare say a word.
22:32Mom gripped my hand.
22:34Her eyes turned red.
22:36As we drove away, I looked back.
22:38I could still see their hateful glares.
22:41I suddenly felt brave.
22:43I waved my red socks and made a face at them.
22:47I had a real dad now.
22:49They could never bully us again.
22:52Back home, Mom started decorating the tree and making apple pie.
22:56Dad spent his time fixing everything in the house.
22:59He gathered wood and never stayed idle.
23:02He brought back more pheasants and rabbits.
23:05Eat more meat.
23:06Then your stomach won't hurt anymore.
23:08I wanted to follow him into the mountains, but he refused.
23:12Kids stay home and play.
23:14I tried to help Mom, but she sent me away too.
23:18Your dad wants you to play.
23:20Go on, you haven't had a chance to be a kid yet.
23:23At the Hudson Ranch, I never had time to play.
23:26Now that I could, I didn't know how.
23:29I walked along the path with some candy.
23:31I saved them carefully, not wanting to eat them.
23:34But then, I ran into some mean kids from a nearby farm.
23:39They swarmed me and grabbed my candy.
23:41You're a brat born from that limp farmer.
23:44Your grandmother said so.
23:45It must be true.
23:46A bitch and her brat.
23:48No wonder her husband just died and she remarried already.
23:51I fought back with all my might.
23:53That's not true!
23:55Grandmother kicked us out!
23:56My mom isn't a bitch and I'm not a brat!
24:00But I was too small.
24:02I couldn't beat them.
24:04My clothes were torn.
24:06My candy was gone.
24:08Even my new hair clip was missing.
24:10They laughed and ran off with my sweets.
24:13I sat in the mud and cried.
24:16Grandmother and my uncle stood nearby, watching with wicked smiles.
24:21You deserve this!
24:23We should have sold them to the town tavern back then!
24:26I screamed at them.
24:27I am not a brat!
24:29You are the bad people!
24:31You are evil!
24:32I was so small back then.
24:34My mom had already had a child.
24:36The tavern would never pay that much for us.
24:39They thought I was too young to understand.
24:41But I had overheard their conversation.
24:43They were the truly wicked ones.
24:45They wanted to leave us at the ranch.
24:47They wanted to watch Rick beat us to death.
24:50But they never expected this.
24:52Dad never hit us.
24:54He never tortured us, even for a second.
24:57He treated us so well.
24:59They couldn't stand it.
25:01So they spread rumors behind our backs.
25:03They framed us everywhere.
25:05Clearly, they are the real monsters.
25:08I lost the hair clip and candy Dad bought me.
25:11I was too ashamed to go home.
25:13I lingered near the gate, hesitating.
25:15Dad came down from the mountain.
25:17He saw me covered in mud and blood.
25:19He dropped his pheasants in shock.
25:21I had never seen him so angry.
25:24Who did this?
25:25I trembled in fear.
25:27I'm sorry.
25:28I'm so sorry.
25:30He panicked, trying to wipe the mud off my face.
25:33Tell Dad.
25:35Who hit you?
25:36His hands were rough, but they calmed my racing heart.
25:39I stuttered through the whole story.
25:42The more I spoke, the darker his face became.
25:45He took me back and left me with Mom.
25:48Then he grabbed his axe to head out.
25:50Rick.
25:51Mom pulled him back and shook her head.
25:54Dad thought for a moment.
25:56He dropped the axe and grabbed a wooden club instead.
26:00That day, the parents of those bullies all got a beating.
26:04If you can't teach your kids, I won't hit them.
26:06I'll hit you instead.
26:08Those grown men were chased like rabbits.
26:13By a man with a limp.
26:16Dad moved slowly but steadily.
26:18He caught up to them and struck them down.
26:22The men wailed in pain.
26:24I'll break your leg!
26:24Everyone in the ranch came out to watch.
26:27Then Dad went to the Hudson ranch.
26:29He gave my uncle a brutal beating.
26:32My uncle screamed and begged for mercy.
26:34He promised he would never do it again.
26:37I won't do it again!
26:38I promise!
26:39Dad turned to the crowd of onlookers.
26:41If you have something to say, say it to my face.
26:43No one dared to speak.
26:44They all waved their hands and shook their heads.
26:47We all know what the Hudsons are like.
26:49Just go live your life.
26:50Look at how happy your family is now.
26:52Dad dropped the club.
26:54He patted my head and led me home.
26:59Have you lived this long without a name?
27:03I shook my head.
27:04Grandmother called me a brat.
27:06Mom only called me baby.
27:08Dad pulled me close and looked at the stars.
27:11From now on, your name is Stella.
27:14Shine like a star and have a bright future ahead.
27:19For the first time, I had a real name.
27:22Stella Cooper, I have my own name now.
27:25I smiled at Mom.
27:26Dad smiled too and patted my head.
27:29I finally have a daughter of my own.
27:33That night, Mom talked to me.
27:35Stella, you're a big girl now.
27:39Starting tomorrow, you sleep on your own, okay?
27:42If I sleep alone, where will Mom sleep?
27:45I thought about it and nodded hard.
27:47Okay, Mom.
27:48You and Dad have a baby brother or sister soon.
27:51I'll play with them.
27:52This time, I really wanted a sibling.
27:55A sibling just like Dad would be wonderful.
27:59The next morning, Dad woke me up early.
28:02Stella, was I cool when I handled those bad guys yesterday?
28:05I nodded vigorously.
28:06So cool.
28:08If you want to protect yourself, you want to rely on more forever.
28:12You have to rely on yourself.
28:13Do you want to like me strong?
28:16I nodded again.
28:17Yes.
28:46I wanted to be strong like him.
28:48My dad brought sandbags from the ranch warehouse.
28:50They felt like a thousand pounds on my arms.
28:54After a day of training, my hands and feet were covered in blisters.
28:58Mom washed my feet and popped the blisters for me.
29:01Stella, train hard.
29:04Your dad is doing this for your own good.
29:08I know, Mom.
29:09Most ranch families only teach girls to gather wood, wash clothes, and cook.
29:14Who would ever teach a girl how to be strong?
29:16I understood how much Dad cared for me.
29:19That night, Mom moved into Dad's room.
29:22I heard them talking for a bit before the lights went out.
29:25My body ached all over, but I slept peacefully.
29:28The next morning, Dad woke up late.
29:31I had already finished 30 laps when he came out.
29:34His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep.
29:37All day long, Dad and Mom were blushing.
29:40They kept stealing glances at each other.
29:43Why hide it?
29:44Just look if you want to.
29:46Grown-ups are so strange.
29:47We had a perfect Christmas.
29:49Dad used the bear money to expand the ranch.
29:52He bought two dairy cows and a few beef cattle.
29:55When we weren't farming, we were managing the ranch.
29:58During the off-season, we went hunting.
30:00Dad started taking me into the mountains.
30:02He taught me how to track animals and read their droppings.
30:05He showed me how to avoid bears and wolves.
30:08He taught me to set traps and use a hunting rifle.
30:11He even showed me how to knock someone out with minimal force
30:15and how to spot poisonous plants in the woods.
30:17I was weak, so my progress was slow.
30:20But Dad was always patient.
30:22Our family was happy.
30:23But the rumors never truly stopped.
30:26Most of them came from the Hudsons.
30:28Rick's fault he's a cripple.
30:30That person pretends to be arrogant and married a cripple.
30:34So what if Jason was handsome?
30:36His only talents were hitting us, gambling and drinking.
30:41I started staring at Dad's leg.
30:43Dad noticed and tried to walk slower to hide his limp.
30:46Sometimes he would lean on the ranch fence for support.
30:51Your dad is so good to you, Stella.
30:55Don't be heartless.
30:57Don't look down on him like others.
30:59Mom thought I was becoming ungrateful.
31:01Her eyes turned red with anger, but she couldn't bring herself to hit me.
31:04I quickly grabbed her hand to explain.
31:07Mom, I don't look down on Dad.
31:09I feel bad for him.
31:11I want to study medicine.
31:13I want to fix his leg.
31:15I didn't care that he limped.
31:16I didn't care about the scar on his face.
31:18I just hated seeing him unable to sleep when it rained.
31:22I hated that hunting was harder for him than others.
31:26Mom understood my thoughts, but she was worried.
31:29There were no medical schools in town.
31:31Besides, I was only a six-year-old girl.
31:34Dad overheard us from outside the cabin.
31:36He stayed silent for two days.
31:38He just sat on the porch, staring at the mountains.
31:42Two days later, he took me back to the city.
31:44We found the butler who bought the black bear.
31:47Dad asked him for a favor.
31:49The man looked at me carefully.
31:51He patted Dad's shoulder and agreed happily.
31:53If she wants to learn, she can start as an assistant in the pharmacy.
31:59Stella, studying medicine is very hard.
32:02You have to memorize names, mix medicine, and care for the sick.
32:07People might yell at you or even hit you.
32:11Can you handle it?
32:12I slapped my chest and spoke loudly.
32:15I can.
32:16I'll fix my dad's leg and earn lots of money.
32:20I'll take care of my parents and my future siblings.
32:23The man burst out laughing and nudged Dad's arm.
32:26Rick, your daughter is so sweet.
32:29Is the next one already on the way?
32:32Dad's face turned bright red instantly.
32:34He waved his hands quickly.
32:36It's still too early for that!
32:38I lived at the pharmacy in town, doing odd jobs.
32:41I tried my best to learn everything about medicine.
32:44I only went home to the ranch once every two weeks.
32:47I brought the sandbags Dad gave me to the pharmacy.
32:50No matter how busy I was, I found time to train.
32:53Mom hated leaving me alone in town.
32:56She held my hand and wouldn't let go when she dropped me off.
32:59With red eyes, she told me to eat well and not overwork.
33:03Come home if anyone treats you badly.
33:05She said.
33:06I waved and smiled to comfort her.
33:09Don't worry, Mom.
33:10I can take care of myself.
33:12When I learn everything, I'll fix Dad's leg.
33:15Mom laughed through her tears and wiped them away.
33:18All right, I'll be waiting.
33:20I'll make your favorite snacks for when you come home.
33:23The doctor at the pharmacy was an old friend of the butler's.
33:26He was kind to patients, but very strict with apprentices.
33:30If we forgot a drug's name, he yelled.
33:32If we missed a detail in a patient's record, he yelled.
33:35If we took blood pressure incorrectly, he yelled.
33:38Sometimes he made us copy drug names as punishment for being slow.
33:42The other students felt mistreated.
33:44Before long, they all went home crying and never came back.
33:48But I wasn't afraid.
33:49What was this little bit of hardship?
33:52Compared to Grandmother's beatings or Jason's violence, this was nothing.
33:55I was already used to it.
33:57Besides, I knew the doctor wanted me to grow fast.
34:00Just like Dad wanted me to be strong.
34:02The doctor was strict, but he never treated us poorly.
34:05He made plenty of food for us every day.
34:08Sometimes he even gave us nutrient powder.
34:10I might not be the smartest, but I know who was truly kind.
34:13I kept training the way Dad taught me.
34:15I ran 5 kilometers with weights every morning and night.
34:18I grew stronger, and my movements became faster.
34:21The doctor started teaching me massage techniques.
34:24At first, I practiced on him.
34:26Slowly, I began helping the elderly patients ease their pain.
34:30The doctor worked so hard with his patients in medicine.
34:32I massaged him to help him relax.
34:34He started smiling at me more.
34:36He even taught me about heat and cold therapy.
34:39He said these skills would really help my dad.
34:41When I went home every two weeks, the first thing I did was massage Dad's leg.
34:46I rubbed the stiff muscles from his knee to his ankle.
34:49Then I used the heat therapy the doctor taught me.
34:52At first, Dad refused.
34:54He thought it was awkward for a man to have his legs rubbed.
34:57I had to beg him for a long time before he finally agreed.
35:00After the massage, he stood up and took a few steps.
35:03His eyes lit up and turned a bit red.
35:06Stella is so smart.
35:08My leg feels much better now.
35:11Mom saw this and asked me to teach her, too.
35:13When you're away, I can do it for him.
35:16He worked so hard on the ranch and in the mountains.
35:19I taught them both step by step.
35:21I laughed and said,
35:23When I'm not here, you two can massage each other.
35:25That way, you'll both feel better.
35:27Both their faces turned bright red instantly.
35:30They glanced at each other and quickly looked down.
35:33Mom gave me a little pinch for talking nonsense.
35:35They are so strange.
35:36What is there to be embarrassed about?
35:38I studied in the city for five years.
35:40My medical knowledge and physical strength grew fast.
35:43I went from a skinny little girl to a strong, healthy teenager.
35:48The fear in my eyes was gone, replaced by confidence.
35:51During this time, Mom and Dad never had another child.
35:55Rumors started spreading around the ranch.
35:57Most of them came from the Hudson's.
35:59They claimed Dad couldn't have children.
36:01It must be Rick's fault!
36:03He's disabled.
36:04He probably doesn't even have the strength to father a child.
36:06Maybe that's why his first first wife fought with him before she died.
36:10I overheard some workers gossiping when I returned home.
36:12I clenched my fists, ready to fight them.
36:15But Mom grabbed my hand and stepped forward.
36:17She raised her voice so everyone could hear.
36:18It's my fault!
36:20I was abused at the Hudson's and it ruined my health!
36:23It has nothing to do with my husband, Rick!
36:25Stop your lies!
36:27Dad was healthy, but Mom was right.
36:29Years of hunger, heavy labor, and beatings had left her scarred.
36:33She had been taking medicine for five years, but nothing happened.
36:37Mom was anxious and often sat by the creek staring into space.
36:41Sometimes I caught her wiping away tears.
36:43Dad was always there to comfort her.
36:45Raising Stella is enough.
36:48She's smart and capable.
36:50She's worth more than ten sons.
36:54With her around, we have nothing to worry about.
37:02But right then, my biological father, Jason, suddenly returned.
37:06I was at the pharmacy when I saw him.
37:09It was Jason, dressed like a gentleman.
37:11He wore a sharp suit and slicked back hair.
37:14A rich, delicate young woman was by his side.
37:17They looked very close, almost too sweet.
37:20He held her arm with such careful grace.
37:22It was like he was afraid she might break.
37:25I stood there in total shock.
37:28It took me a while to believe my eyes.
37:30Many years had changed me completely.
37:32I wasn't that skinny, dark girl from the ranch anymore.
37:35He didn't recognize me at all.
37:37But I could never forget his face.
37:39No fancy clothes could hide his selfish eyes.
37:42He was still a coward deep down.
37:45Wasn't he supposed to be dead?
37:47How could he be alive and living so well?
37:50I quietly asked the doctor's assistant.
37:52He told me Jason and the woman were married.
37:55They were here to treat infertility.
37:57She was a lady from a wealthy family.
37:59She couldn't get pregnant no matter what.
38:02They traveled a long way to find our doctor.
38:04As they walked out, Jason held her hand.
38:07He whispered sweet, comforting words to her.
38:09He looked so humble and devoted.
38:12It was a look I had never seen before.
38:14When my mom couldn't give him a son,
38:16he was a completely different monster.
38:19He only knew how to beat and shame her.
38:21He took all his anger out on her life.
38:25I was closing the pharmacy that night.
38:27Jason's face was stuck in my head.
38:29I couldn't focus at all.
38:30I almost put the medicine in the wrong spot.
38:33The doctor gave me a harsh scolding.
38:35Your skill is slipping, slipping, Stella.
38:37Do you still want to fix your dad's leg?
38:39I kept my head down and whispered.
38:41Doctor, I'm just confused.
38:44If a man was supposed to die in war,
38:46but suddenly shows up alive, what happens?
38:49The doctor froze for a second.
38:51Then he let out a cold laugh.
38:53What happens?
38:54He's a deserter.
38:56Running away from battle is a huge crime.
38:59They go to jail or even face death.
39:03My heart skipped a beat.
39:04Jason was a deserter.
39:06I asked the doctor for some time off.
39:08I had to tell my parents the truth.
39:10The doctor saw the look in my eyes.
39:12He knew something was wrong and said yes.
39:15Back at the ranch, I told them everything.
39:18I told them about seeing Jason at the shop
39:20and the fact that he was a coward on the run.
39:23Dad looked at Mom with worry in his eyes,
39:26but Mom's face remained cold and calm.
39:28She just let out a soft sigh.
39:30The Hudsons have nothing to do with us.
39:34Stella, let it go.
39:35We just need to live our own lives.
39:37Dad was so happy she had moved on.
39:39He gripped her hand tight and nodded.
39:41Exactly.
39:42They mean nothing to us.
39:45Don't worry, Stella.
39:46As long as I'm here, no one will hurt you.
39:49We decided to leave the past behind.
39:51We were ready to start our new life.
39:54I had a few days off and stayed at the ranch.
39:56I helped Mom with chores and massaged Dad's leg.
39:59But that night, Jason sneaked to our door.
40:02He knocked on the back door under the moonlight.
40:05He held a paper bag with a smug, greedy smile.
40:09Dad opened the door and his face went dark.
40:11He tried to push him away instantly.
40:15What are you doing here?
40:17Get out!
40:18But Jason forced his way inside anyway.
40:20He dumped a stack of cash from the bag.
40:22Don't be so cold, Rick.
40:24Rick, here's $2,000.
40:26I'm paying you back.
40:28Just let her bear me a son for a few years.
40:31Then I'll leave you two alone forever.
40:33We all stared at him in total shock.
40:35I wondered if this man had lost his mind.
40:37But he acted like he was doing us a favor.
40:39My new wife is broken.
40:41She can't have kids.
40:42I need a woman to give me a son.
40:45Then he looked at Dad with a cruel smirk.
40:48Besides, Rick, everyone knows you're a dud.
40:50When she has the baby, just say it's yours.
40:54Of his own blood.
40:55But he didn't dare tell his rich wife.
40:57So he planned to use my mom in secret.
40:59The plan was to hide the child at our ranch.
41:02Then he would steal the boy back years later.
41:05He already had it all calculated.
41:07But would his current wife ever agree?
41:10He probably had some cruel trick ready.
41:12A way to force her to accept the child.
41:15Living off a wealthy family changed him.
41:17He had become arrogant and delusional.
41:19He didn't even hide his evil plot anymore.
41:22My wife's family has no other heirs.
41:25They took me in because they need a man.
41:27After she left, that fortune belongs to me.
41:30Everything will go to me and my son.
41:32He looked at my mom with fake kindness.
41:34But his voice was still full of cold pride.
41:37This is a great deal for you.
41:39I'll make sure our son takes care of you.
41:41A little of my wealth will keep you rich.
41:44Finally, his eyes landed on me.
41:46He studied me for a long time.
41:48He barely recognized the girl I had become.
41:51His face twisted into a look of disdain.
41:53I didn't expect you to grow up so fast.
41:56I'll find a good future for you, too.
41:58You're even prettier than your mother.
42:00Rich men in the city love girls like you.
42:04I'll set you up as a wealthy man's mistress.
42:06You'll live a life of luxury you can't imagine.
42:11I couldn't believe my own ears.
42:13Jason wanted to sell me as a mistress.
42:15How could a father treat his own daughter like this before he could even finish his sentence?
42:20Rick was already shaking with pure rage.
42:23He grabbed the wooden club by the door.
42:25He swung it at Jason with all his might.
42:29I'll kill you, you heartless beast!
42:32Keep dreaming!
42:34Stella will never be a mistress!
42:36Dad was consumed by a burning hatred.
42:39He struck Jason again and again.
42:42Jason screamed and scrambled through the door.
42:44Jason was howling in pain from the beating.
42:47But he still wouldn't shut up.
42:49Think about it.
42:50It's a guaranteed profit.
42:52Don't be so stubborn and stupid.
42:54I don't even want that old woman anymore.
42:57I just want to use her to get a son.
43:00The life is still Yordas, and I'll pay extra.
43:03His disgusting words made Dad hit even harder.
43:06The heavy club almost snapped in half.
43:09Suddenly, Mom rushed out from the room.
43:11Her eyes were blood red with fury.
43:13She looked like she had gone completely mad.
43:16She lunged forward and tackled Jason.
43:18She pinned him down and hammered his chest.
43:20She sobbed and cursed him with every strike.
43:23I am Rick's wife now!
43:25Stay away from me!
43:26You won't bully us ever again!
43:28This was the second time Mom fought back.
43:30The first time she fought to save him.
43:33The second time, she fought for herself.
43:35Dad stood by and watched her.
43:38He didn't stop her, but his eyes were full of pain.
43:41When she finally grew tired, he pulled her up.
43:44He held her tight and patted her back.
43:46Mom sobbed loudly against his chest.
43:49She let out years of bitterness and hate.
43:51Jason scrambled away, bruised and bloody.
43:54He looked back and shouted a threat.
43:58You just wait!
43:59This isn't over!
44:01We ignored him and held each other tight.
44:03We felt the warmth of our real family.
44:06Mom cried for a long time that night.
44:08She cried for every beating and insult at the Hudson's.
44:12Dad and I stayed by her side.
44:14Finally, she fell asleep in Dad's arms.
44:16Dad gently touched my head.
44:18His eyes were very serious.
44:20Stella, remember this forever.
44:24Never let yourself be someone's mistress.
44:27Rich houses look grand, but they hide deep pain.
44:30I want you to rely on yourself and live with pride.
44:35I nodded hard, tears falling down.
44:37I know, Dad.
44:39I won't let you down.
44:40I'll study medicine and train hard.
44:43I will protect you both and build our own life.
44:47I soon returned to the city pharmacy.
44:50Everything seemed to go back to normal.
44:52Until one day, I went out to deliver medicine.
44:55Two strangers suddenly blocked my path.
44:57They were strong and looked dangerous.
44:59Before I could scream, they grabbed me.
45:01They forced me into a sack.
45:03I was being kidnapped in broad daylight.
45:05When I finally woke up,
45:07I was tied to a chair in a cold warehouse.
45:10Jason and his wife Lillian stared at me.
45:13Jason wore a fake, kissing-up smile.
45:16Lillian, don't be mad.
45:19I'll use her life to force her mother to bear our child.
45:27Then we'll kick them both into the street.
45:30Lillian giggled behind her hand.
45:32She looked delicate, but her eyes were cruel.
45:34She's your daughter.
45:36Don't just throw her away.
45:38Sell her to a butcher later for some cash.
45:41My mouth was gagged, so I just glared.
45:43I cursed them a thousand times in my head.
45:46These two monsters were truly insane.
45:49Lillian left the warehouse with a smirk.
45:52Jason stayed behind and untied my gag.
45:54He snatched the hair clip from my head.
45:56He stuffed it into an envelope for blackmail.
45:58As long as I have you, your mom will obey.
46:03Once I have my son, you're useless.
46:05I'll leave you both to rot in the dirt.
46:07You bastard!
46:09Keep dreaming!
46:10My mom won't listen to a coward like you,
46:12and my dad will come and save me!
46:14Jason's face turned purple with fury.
46:16He slapped me so hard I hit the ground.
46:19Blood trickled from the corner of my mouth.
46:21You ungrateful brat!
46:23I ignored the pain and looked up at him.
46:27Don't be so sure it's Lillian's fault.
46:30Maybe you're the one who was broken.
46:34I remembered what the doctor once said.
46:36Jason had refused to be tested at the clinic.
46:39He claimed he already had a child.
46:41But the doctor had laughed behind his back.
46:43A life of waste and sin ruins a man.
46:46He's too ignorant to see the truth.
46:49I knew Jason's body was already failing.
46:51He was living a lie this whole time.
46:54A monster like him deserved nothing.
46:56He deserved to have his bloodline end here.
46:59I stared at him in the eyes and laughed.
47:02The terror on his face was beautiful.
47:05Jason was stung by the truth and flew into a rage.
47:09He struck me again with a heavy blow.
47:11My body trembled with pain, but I didn't make a sound.
47:14He wasn't afraid of Lillian hearing him.
47:17In fact, the harder he hit me, the better.
47:20Cruelty toward me was his way of proving a point.
47:22He wanted her to believe he had no feelings for me.
47:25And that he had long forgotten about my mother.
47:28They dragged me along for three agonizing days.
47:32I was given almost no food or water.
47:35When I was thirsty, I licked rainwater from the roof.
47:38My limbs grew numb from being bound so tight.
47:41And new bruises covered my face every single day.
47:45By the third day, I was drifting in and out of sleep.
47:49In my days, I heard a voice that made my heart leap.
47:52It was full of worry and pure, raw anger.
47:57Dad.
47:59Dad's voice thundered outside the warehouse.
48:02Jason, give me back my daughter.
48:05Jason's face turned pale the moment he heard it.
48:08But he tried to act tough and shouted back.
48:10Rick, you cripple!
48:14You dare to follow us?
48:16You don't know your place!
48:18Guards!
48:19Kill him!
48:21The warehouse was filled with the sounds of chaos.
48:23Shouts from the guards and Dad's fierce roars.
48:26The fighting didn't last long at all.
48:28The silence was broken by Jason's terrified begging.
48:32Rick, have mercy!
48:34I was wrong!
48:36I'll give your daughter back.
48:37Just stop hitting me!
48:39I squeezed my eyes shut.
48:40Tears finally falling.
48:42My dad, the man everyone called, a cripple.
48:45He had fought through the guards to save me.
48:48I knew then I was finally safe.
48:50The warehouse door was kicked open with a bang.
48:53Dad rushed in like a madman.
48:55He saw me tied up, covered in bruises and starving.
48:58His eyes turned red with tears and rage.
49:01He ran to me and untied the ropes with trembling hands.
49:04He pulled me into a tight, protective embrace.
49:06Still, I'm so sorry.
49:08Dad came too late.
49:10I let you suffer so much.
49:12His voice was shaking and so were his hands.
49:15Resting against his chest, I finally broke down.
49:18All the fear and pain from the last three days exploded.
49:22Meanwhile, Lillian was screaming in the corner.
49:24Her face was pale, but she still tried to act powerful.
49:28You bastard!
49:29Do you know who I am?
49:31My father is a wealthy merchant.
49:33You're dead!
49:35Dad looked at her with eyes as cold as ice.
49:38The sheer hatred in his gaze silenced her instantly.
49:42You are harboring a deserter and a fugitive.
49:46Think about whether the army will let you go.
49:50Lillian's face turned white as a sheet.
49:52She looked at Jason in total disbelief.
49:56A deserter?
49:58Jason, is he telling the truth?
50:00You told me you were honorably discharged!
50:04It turned out she knew absolutely nothing.
50:06She thought she had found a loyal, reliable husband.
50:09She had no idea she was sleeping next to a coward.
50:13How could someone so rich be so incredibly blind?
50:16She never once questioned Jason's dark past.
50:19She was just a foolish pawn in his game.
50:22I leaned against Dad.
50:23A weak smile on my lips.
50:25I looked straight at Lillian's trembling eyes.
50:29Jason had a plan for you all along.
50:31He's waiting for you to die so he can take your wealth.
50:38He only wanted my mom to bear him a son.
50:42A son to inherit your family's money.
50:46And you're still protecting him?
50:48You're such a fool.
50:50Lillian looked at Jason, her world crumbling down.
50:54Lillian trembled with rage as the truth hit her.
50:57She pointed at Jason, her voice trapped in her throat.
51:00Her vision went black, and she nearly collapsed.
51:03Before long, the military police arrived.
51:06We watched as they shackled Jason.
51:09Lillian was also taken away for investigation.
51:12Harboring a deserter is a severe crime.
51:15Dad held me tight, his eyes full of lingering fear.
51:18My precious daughter will never be hurt again.
51:21Later, Mom told me what had happened.
51:23When I didn't come home for two days, Dad went wild.
51:27He searched every corner until he got that envelope.
51:30He didn't hesitate for a second.
51:32He charged straight toward Jason's warehouse.
51:34Dad's old leg injury was acting up.
51:37Every step was agonizing, and he fell twice.
51:40He didn't care about the pain or the blood.
51:42His only thought was my safety.
51:44Because of his bravery, Jason was behind bars.
51:48And the entire Hudson family was dragged down, too.
51:51The Hudsons had known Jason was alive all along.
51:54For years, Jason had been sending them secret cash.
51:58Now they screamed that they were innocent.
52:00They claimed they knew nothing about his desertion.
52:03They turned on Jason, cursing him like demons.
52:13Jason didn't back down.
52:15He fought back just as hard.
52:17You didn't say you were innocent when you took my money!
52:19Now that we're caught, you want to blame me?
52:22Keep dreaming.
52:23We're all going down together.
52:26The whole family pointed fingers and barked like mad dogs.
52:29It was a pathetic, ridiculous sight.
52:32They finally got the ending they deserved.
52:34Lillian did not escape her fate, either.
52:37For harboring a deserter, her family assets were seized.
52:40Her life was utterly destroyed by Jason's lies.
52:45But I had no time to worry about their downfall.
52:48My only concern was my father's leg.
52:51To save me, he had run for three days and nights.
52:54His old injury had flared up completely.
52:57The pain was so sharp, he couldn't even stand.
52:59He could only lie bedridden in a state of agony.
53:02I brought him directly to the pharmacy.
53:04I became his personal nurse every single day.
53:07I gave him massages and applied herbal ointments.
53:11I followed the doctor's methods to heal his nerves.
53:14The head doctor watched me and praised my progress.
53:25Cold sweat often poured down dad's forehead from the pain.
53:29But whenever he looked at me, he always smiled.
53:32His eyes were filled with comfort and immense pride.
53:36Our Stella has grown up so well.
53:43You truly are your father's greatest pride.
53:46In this small pharmacy, I finally saw the light.
53:50After a month of treatment, dad finally improved.
53:53He could slowly get out of bed and walk.
53:56Though he still limped, he was much more agile.
53:59The rainy days no longer kept him awake with pain.
54:02Six months later, Jason was sentenced to death.
54:05On the day of his execution, he looked like a ghost.
54:09Arrogance and greed vanished from his eyes.
54:12He finally paid for everything he owed us.
54:15This was the karma he truly deserved.
54:17Even then, some meddling elders in the village spoke up.
54:20They said I was his daughter and should bury him.
54:24Dad stood before the entire village and roared.
54:27Stella is my daughter!
54:29Rick's daughter!
54:32She has nothing to do with that bastard Jason!
54:35He glared at the gossiping crowd with fierce eyes.
54:38Jason was a deserter and a monster!
54:42I hear to his family!
54:43Are you connected to him?
54:45Should I call the army?
54:46The villagers shut their mouths in an instant.
54:49No one dared to mention Jason's name ever again.
54:52They didn't want to end up like the Hudsons or Lillian.
54:56Under my care, Dad's leg was almost fully healed.
54:59Unless you looked closely, the limp was invisible.
55:03He could hunt and work the ranch like a normal man.
55:06Now, Dad was the happiest man alive.
55:09He walked with a new spring in his step.
55:12Because after all the years of suffering and waiting,
55:15Mom was finally pregnant.
55:16Our true family was finally growing.
55:19The shadows of the past were gone forever.
55:22We will never, ever be apart.
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