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Short filmTranscript
00:00I spent ten years chasing the woman who would burn me alive, my wife, all because she was
00:05afraid I'd expose what she'd done with my half-brother.
00:07As the flames consumed me, I saw a stranger rush into the fire.
00:11She pulled me into her arms.
00:12Her tears burned hotter than the flames on my skin.
00:16Ethan, if there's a next life, can you choose me first?
00:21My soul scattered, but I saw her before I died.
00:24This woman, Serena Vance.
00:26She built me a gravestone, my beloved husband.
00:29She destroyed Rose and Julian without mercy.
00:31Then she took her own life.
00:33When I opened my eyes again, I'd been reborn.
00:35I broke off my engagement to Rose Miller.
00:37I married Serena instead.
00:39Two years later, Rose was on her knees in front of me.
00:41She'd been reborn too, apparently, but I'd already sworn to love Serena in this life.
00:45So why was everything falling apart?
00:47Serena started going to clubs with Julian.
00:49My stomach ulcer flared up.
00:50I collapsed at home, alone.
00:52She was having dinner with my brother.
00:53When Julian ran over the stray dog we'd adopted together, she did nothing.
00:57I held the small body in my arms, shaking.
01:00Why?
01:00My voice cracked.
01:02Why are you doing this to me?
01:04Serena looked at me like I was pathetic.
01:06Do I need a reason to stop loving someone?
01:11I told Mrs. Vance I wanted a divorce.
01:15Please don't tell Serena yet.
01:17I begged.
01:18She squeezed my hand.
01:19I'm so sorry, Ethan.
01:21I took the divorce papers and went to offend Serena myself.
01:24I found her at a private club.
01:26Through the VIP booth window, Isaware wrapped around Julian.
01:30Herchin rested in the curve of his neck.
01:35Who let you in?
01:36I held out the papers.
01:37My arm stayed frozen in there.
01:39Five seconds.
01:39Ten.
01:40My shoulder started to ache.
01:41Finally, she pinched Julian's waist.
01:43Julian leaned into her like a cat, flipping through the papers lazily.
01:48What's this?
01:50What?
01:51Nothing.
01:51Serena?
01:52I think Ethan brought you some company documents.
01:55You should sign them so he can leave.
01:56My blood went cold.
01:57You sign.
01:58I'm giving you full authority.
02:00Wait.
02:01Serena, don't you want to re-
02:02He speaks for me.
02:03What, afraid I'll go back on my word in front of all these people?
02:06She used to check every document.
02:07I gave a hair.
02:08Every single one.
02:09Now she trusted Julian more than me.
02:11Julian handed myth-assigned papers.
02:12I turned to leave.
02:13I hand-grabbed my arm.
02:15Hold on.
02:16What?
02:17She smiled.
02:18It didn't reach her eyes.
02:19Come home with us.
02:20I'm pregnant.
02:21Julian's moving in to help me through it.
02:23And Ethan?
02:24Make him that chicken soup he likes so much.
02:27Vile Rosen myth wrote,
02:28I won't do it.
02:29It's okay, Serena.
02:31Don't force him.
02:32Shut up.
02:33You'll do what I tell you to do.
02:35Now let's go.
02:36She didn't wait for an answer.
02:38She dragged me back to the villa.
02:45The car pulled up to the villa.
02:47Serena dragged me straight to the kitchen.
02:49She watched me take out the chicken and Vigate Abel's.
02:53Fill the pot with water.
02:54Only when the flame was lit did she finally leave.
02:58I stared at the bubbling broth.
03:00This was pathetic.
03:02My dear brother, you must be so disappointed.
03:06Serena didn't even look at those divorce papers, right?
03:09The woman who used to love you so much, now her heart belongs completely to me.
03:15That's just how women are, I guess.
03:16He laughed.
03:17But wow, you're so obedient.
03:20You were about to leave, but she told you to make soup, and here you are.
03:25You're such a good little dog.
03:30Are you done?
03:31My voice was flat.
03:32Julian's smile vanished.
03:33His eyes landed on the pot of boiling soup.
03:36Before I could react, he grabbed the handle and swung it at me.
03:38The scalding liquid hit my face, my chest, my arms.
03:42Then Julian started screaming instead.
03:43Help!
03:44Help!
03:45The door burst open.
03:46Serena ran in.
03:50For just a second, when she saw me,
03:52something flickered Harry's concern.
03:54Serena!
03:55I tried to help Ethan carry the soup, but he tried to throw it on me!
03:59You're lying!
04:00Check the security camera!
04:02Check it!
04:03The camera will show everything!
04:04Enough!
04:05I believe Julian.
04:06You tried to hurt him and burn yourself instead.
04:09You deserve this.
04:10Serena, it hurts.
04:11Let's get you to the hospital.
04:13She didn't look at me again.
04:14A dull aches spread through my chest.
04:16What an idiot I was, thinking she might actually care about me.
04:19Ethan!
04:20Her heart only had room for Julian.
04:22As I fell, I thought I heard Serena running toward me.
04:24But I was probably imagining it.
04:27When I woke up, I was in a hospital room.
04:29My blood was draining into Julian's arm.
04:31I tried to pull out the IV.
04:33Serena grabbed my wrist.
04:44Her eyes were cold.
04:46You should be grateful your worthless blood can save him.
04:53I told you to take 20 ml to scare him, not 2,000 ml, you idiots!
05:02Do you want to kill him?
05:03When I woke up again, Serena was sitting by my bed.
05:06She tapped her fingers on the table.
05:08Her eyes were ice.
05:09Stop pretending to be dead.
05:10We're going to the old manor this afternoon.
05:13I don't know what kind of spell you put on my mother, but she's throwing you a networking party.
05:17How manipulative.
05:18I tried to speak, but my throat was too dry.
05:21So I was right.
05:22That worried voice I heard was nothing but my imagination.
05:25Why would Serena ever care?
05:26I was a fool to hope for even a second.
05:30My burn shed and heal it yet.
05:32Serena didn't care.
05:33She brought me to them and her anyway.
05:35Mrs. Vance walked toward us.
05:37Panic shot through me.
05:39What if she mentioned the divorce?
05:41I was about to signal her when Serena's phone rang.
05:46Whatever it is, tell me when I get back.
05:48Mrs. Vance tried to stop her.
05:49I know who's calling.
05:50Let her go.
05:53She already signed the divorce papers.
05:55She's pregnant with Julian's child now.
05:58The baby needs a family.
06:00Ethan, you're such a good boy.
06:02We failed you.
06:04Mrs. Vance's eyes filled with tears.
06:06My composure shattered.
06:08I hadn't cried when Julian burned me.
06:10Hadn't cried when Serena forced metadonate blood.
06:14But Mrs. Vance's kindness broke me.
06:17Tonight, I wanted to introduce you to some people.
06:20It might help your future.
06:23I wanted to refuse.
06:24But seeing her tears, I couldn't.
06:27Mrs. Vance chose and suit for me.
06:29When the party began, she introduced me to her circle with pride.
06:33After an hour of networking, I escaped to a quiet corner.
06:36That's when I saw her.
06:38Rose Miller.
06:41My buddy went cold.
06:43Every kill screamed at Medorin.
06:45Even thought this wasn't the first time since my rebirth.
06:48Seeing Rose always brought back the memory of burning a live.
06:51Ethan, come with me.
06:52Rose, I've told you before.
06:54We're both reborn.
06:55Let's just leave each other alone.
06:57After my rebirth, the first thing I did was break our engagement.
07:00Rose hadn't been reborn yet.
07:02She agreed easily.
07:03But two years into my marriage with Serena, Rose showed up at my door on her knees, begging
07:08me to take her back.
07:09I refused.
07:11Told her I loved Serena.
07:12She didn't stop.
07:14Texts every day.
07:16Calls every night.
07:17Two years, Rose.
07:18I've rejected you for two years.
07:21How much clearer can I be?
07:23I don't want to know how sorry you are, so please, stop.
07:27Ethan, I swear, if you come with me just this once, I'll never bother you again.
07:34Fine.
07:37Ethan, I swear, if you come with me just this once, I'll never bother you again.
07:42Maybe it could finally be free of her.
07:44Fine.
07:44I followed her toward the door and walked straight into Serena.
07:48She was radiating fury.
07:49When she saw me standing next to Rose, something flashed in her eyes.
07:52Serena!
07:52I quickly pulled away from Rose.
07:55Where did you take Julia?
07:58My heart sank.
07:59I don't know where-
08:00The door slammed open.
08:01Julian burst in.
08:02Ethan, please!
08:04I'm still your brother!
08:06Even if I have a child with Serena, you didn't have to hire someone to rape me!
08:10The room exploded into whispers.
08:12I didn't.
08:13Serena walked toward me slowly.
08:14Her face was a mask of rage.
08:16You disgust me.
08:18Her hand rose to slap me.
08:20Rose tried to block her, but Mrs. Vance was faster.
08:23She stepped in front of me.
08:25Serena's eyes flickered with something dark.
08:27She said coldly,
08:29You make me sick.
08:30Before she left, she turned to the guests.
08:33If anyone speaks about tonight, you're an enemy of the Vance family.
08:40I don't remember getting home.
08:42I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
08:45My brain was empty.
08:46Tears ran down.
08:48My face.
08:48The beadroom door flowed open.
08:50Serena's hand closed around my throat.
08:52I couldn't breathe.
08:53You're that jealous?
08:54So jealous of me and Julian having a baby that you'd do this?
08:57If you want a baby so badly, I'll give you one.
09:00No.
09:01Hard.
09:02Blood ran down my chest.
09:03Soaking the sheets.
09:04Serena froze.
09:05For a moment, her voice softened with something that sounded like regret.
09:10Why didn't you resist?
09:12I'd received confirmation last night that everything was ready.
09:15All my accounts closed.
09:17My arrangements made.
09:18Knowing this was almost over, I suddenly needed to ask the question that had haunted me all this time.
09:24Serena, tell me, after you were reborn, why did you suddenly stop loving me?
09:33Serena froze.
09:34Pain flickered across her face before anger took over.
09:37Rebirth?
09:38What rebirth?
09:39I don't know what you're talking about!
09:41But you loved me before.
09:43You really did.
09:44Enough!
09:44You have no right to ask me that!
09:48Serena stormed out.
09:50The servants whispered that she'd gone into early labor from the anger.
09:53The baby weighs in intensive care now.
09:55I went to the staged death company and sat ever geething for five days from now.
09:59Our wedding anniversary.
10:01I would die in her arms that day.
10:03My love began in her embrace.
10:05It wouldn't there too.
10:06When he got home, Julian was lounging in the living room with Hatzma Gluck on his face.
10:11I went straight to my bedroom.
10:13I had nothing to say to him.
10:14But he followed Main, cradling the premature infant in his arms.
10:18The satisfaction in his eyes told me everything.
10:21Last night's scene had been another one of his performances.
10:24I ignored him and started packing.
10:27I'd leave tonight.
10:28Then Julian set the baby down next to me on the bed.
10:32Before I could react, he grabbed a pillow and pressed it over the infant's face.
10:36Are you out of your mind?
10:38My shouts brought Serena running.
10:39The fury in her face made everything click in topless.
10:43This washes plain all along.
10:44The sheer cruelty of it stunned me.
10:46Even willed animals protect their babies.
10:49My hands shook violently as I gripped the pillow.
10:51Julian!
10:52You're willing to kill your own child just to frame me?
10:54How dare you!
10:55That's a human life!
10:58Which hand did you use?
11:00Both of them?
11:00Julian was sobbing dramatically and calling for a doctor, which only fueled her anger more.
11:05Serena dragged me downstairs to the kitchen.
11:07She pulled it up and drawer after drawer with frightening determination.
11:11Serena, what are you doing?
11:14Serena, what are you doing?
11:15You hurt what's mine.
11:16Now you pay the price.
11:18The rolling pin came down hard.
11:19The crack of breaking bone echoed through the kitchen.
11:22Agony shot up my arm.
11:23I screamed.
11:24She didn't stop.
11:25She brought it down again on the other hand.
11:27Another crack.
11:28Another wave of unbearable pain.
11:30The bones were broken.
11:31Twisted at unnatural angles.
11:33Serena, don't!
11:33Every slight movement sent fresh waves of agony through me.
11:37Serena stood over me, breathing hard.
11:39Now you can never leave me.
11:40The words sounded almost tender.
11:42Like she actually believed she was keeping me safe.
11:45But all I felt was the betrayal.
11:47The woman I'd chosen in this second life had just destroyed me more thoroughly than the
11:51woman who'd burned me in the first.
11:53When I woke up in the hospital, both my hands were in casts.
11:56I looked down at the heavy casts.
11:58The doctors said the brakes were severe.
12:01Multiple fractures.
12:02It would take months to heal.
12:03And it might never regain feluce of my hands.
12:06Something inside me shattered completely.
12:07Get out!
12:08I said get out!
12:10After a few days, my appointment with the staged death company arrived.
12:14I called Serena and asked her to meet me on the yacht.
12:16She sounded surprised that I decontacted her.
12:19But she came.
12:21Fireworks exploded across the night sky, reflecting off the dark ocean.
12:25Every anniversary, you used to bring me here to watch the fireworks.
12:29Today is our anniversary.
12:30It's okay that you forgot.
12:32Today, I wanted to...
12:37Julian's not doing well emotionally.
12:38I need to go take care of him.
12:40Are you sure you want to leave?
12:41It's fine.
12:42We have our whole lives ahead of us.
12:44Now it ain't...
12:45I thought.
12:46I watched her disappear into the night, with nothing but bitter mockery in my heart.
12:51I'd wanted to end things in her arms, the same way this love had begun.
12:55But she couldn't even give me that.
13:03Miss Vance, your husband jumped in the ocean right after you left.
13:07We found his body.
13:07When can you come identify the remains?
13:09What are you talking about?
13:11Ethan wouldn't kill himself!
13:20Miss Vance, your husband jumped in the ocean right after you left.
13:24We found his body.
13:25When can you come identify the remains?
13:26What are you talking about?
13:28Ethan wouldn't kill himself!
13:29Serena, what happened?
13:30You're upsetting the baby!
13:34If something happened to Ethan, you and I are finished.
13:38Julian went pale.
13:39He'd never seen this side of her before.
13:40He watched, nervously, as she made a call after call.
13:43Her expression grew darker with each conversation.
13:46Dread pooled in his stomach.
13:47He held the baby, tighter and tried to quietly slip away.
13:54Going somewhere?
13:55His heart nearly stopped.
13:56She grabbed his collar and jerked him backwards so, hard as stumbled.
13:59The look in her, Isterified him.
14:01Pain shot through his abdomen, where she'd kicked him before.
14:03Serena, the baby can't breathe properly.
14:06We need to go to the hospital.
14:08But Serena didn't rush to help like she always did.
14:10She smiled.
14:11It was the most frightening smile he'd ever seen.
14:13Why would I care about that?
14:16Julian grabbed her hand and pressed it against the baby, desperate to trigger some maternal feeling.
14:21Serena, please!
14:22This is your child!
14:24We need a doctor!
14:25Are you absolutely certain this is my child?
14:28All the blood drained from Julian's face.
14:30Of course!
14:31Why else would you bring me into your home?
14:34You think I'm an idiot?
14:36Serena's laugh was humorless.
14:37You think I didn't know you switched my real baby with this one?
14:40You replaced my child with some bastard you had with another woman and expected me to raise it?
14:44What made you think you could fool me?
14:46I carried that baby for months.
14:48You think I wouldn't recognize my own child?
14:49His face was turning purple.
14:50If you knew, then why did you bring me home?
14:55Because you're Ethan's brother.
14:57If it weren't for him, you would have died the night you tried to drug me.
15:00Julian stared up at her from the floor.
15:02Understanding dawned through his fear.
15:04So you knew from the start?
15:06His voice cracked.
15:06You knew I was only seducing you to hurt my brother?
15:09Obviously.
15:10Serena's lip curled in disgust.
15:11You're not worth a single strand of Ethan's hair.
15:13If you hadn't manipulated me into coming home tonight, Ethan would be fine right now.
15:17She stepped closer.
15:18Pray nothing happened to him.
15:19Because if he's hurt, I'll make sure you experience every kind of pain imaginable before you die.
15:24Serena walked away without looking back.
15:26Julian lay on the floor, blood seeping through his shirt again.
15:30The pain was overwhelming.
15:31He fumbled for his phone with shaking hands and dialed the only person who might still help him.
15:37Rose, you have to save me.
15:41Rose had been searching frantically for me all day when Julian's call came through.
15:49Rose, you have to save me.
15:51Where is Ethan?
15:52You want to know?
15:53Come to the suburban villa and take me to the hospital first.
15:56Then I'll tell you.
15:57She arrived ten minutes later.
15:59Julian was crumpled on the floor, clutching his stomach.
16:01Blood seeped through his fingers.
16:03Take me to the hospital.
16:04Where is Ethan?
16:06You're all the same!
16:08None of you care if I live or die!
16:10Why should I tell you where that waste of space went?
16:15Tell me where he is.
16:17Now.
16:18Something in Julian's eyes turned manic.
16:20The pain, or the hatred, or both, finally broke something inside him.
16:25I regret it!
16:26He screamed.
16:27I regret choosing you in my past life, you witch.
16:31But you know what?
16:32You did do one thing right.
16:34Burning that useless brother of mine to death was perfect.
16:39Too bad in this life he died because of Serena instead.
16:42But either way, I win.
16:43I always win!
16:46But either way, I win.
16:48I always win!
16:50What did you do?
16:51What did you do to Ethan?
16:53It's your fault!
16:54Why did you suddenly abandon me to chase after that worthless Ethan?
16:57You loved me in the past life.
17:00I had to take everything from him again.
17:02I had to grind him into the dirt where he belongs.
17:04And Serena?
17:06She killed him for me, just like you did before.
17:09Men like Ethan exist to be stepped on!
17:11What happened to Ethan?
17:12Tell me!
17:13But Julian just laughed harder, the sound echoing off the walls.
17:16Rose's assistant called at that moment.
17:17Hello?
17:18She'd finally gotten information about my whereabouts.
17:21Rose dropped Julian and ran for her car.
17:25Rose.
17:27She drove like a demon toward the coastline.
17:30By the time she arrived at the dock, Serena was already there.
17:33A body lay on a stretcher.
17:35The rescue team had covered most of it, but Rose could see enough.
17:38The rocks had torn the corpse apart.
17:40The face was unrecognizable.
17:42This can't be him.
17:44This isn't Ethan.
17:45Tell me this isn't him.
17:47The rescue workers looked away.
17:49They couldn't meet her eyes.
17:50The night was eerily quiet.
17:52Serena fell to her knees beside the stretcher, her hands hovering over the body like she was
17:56afraid to touch it.
17:57Then she saw it.
17:58Around the corpse's neck was a silver chain.
18:00Hanging from it was a ring.
18:01Our wedding rings.
18:02The ones she'd personally designed and had made at a small silversmith shop.
18:06There was only one set in the entire world.
18:08Serena's world collapsed.
18:09Ethan, I'm sorry.
18:12Please don't do this to me.
18:14You're not dead, are you?
18:17You're just hiding.
18:19You're punishing me.
18:20But the ring told the truth.
18:22That mangled, unrecognizable body was mine.
18:24Serena carefully removed the ring from the chain and clutched it in her fist.
18:28Her whole body shook.
18:29Please.
18:31Please come back.
18:32I watched the video feed in my apartment in London.
18:35The rescue captain had sent it as proof that the staged death had worked.
18:39Seeing Serena's breakdown should have felt satisfying.
18:42Should have felt like justice.
18:43But all I felt was empty.
18:45In my past life, she loved me enough to die for me.
18:48In this life, she destroyed me for my brother.
18:50I thought choosing her would lead to happiness.
18:53I was wrong.
18:54I removed the SIM card from my phone and snapped it in half.
18:57Then I threw the phone into the ocean outside my window.
18:59Goodbye to my past.
19:00Goodbye to everything.
19:02But Rose found me anyway.
19:03It didn't take her long.
19:06A knock came at my door a week later.
19:08I looked through the peephole and my blood ran cold.
19:11Rose stood in the hallway, her eyes red and swollen.
19:13Ethan, please.
19:14I know you're in there.
19:16Can we just talk?
19:17I know you're not dead.
19:18I never told anyone.
19:20I just want to see you.
19:21Now that Serena thinks you're gone, can't you give me a chance?
19:24Can't you choose me?
19:25Rose, stop.
19:27It's over.
19:28Leave me alone.
19:29Just seeing her face brought back the memory of flames consuming my skin.
19:33The smell of my own flesh burning.
19:35The sound of her and Julian laughing as I died.
19:38Why?
19:39We were engaged once.
19:41You threw me away.
19:42Why can't you forgive me?
19:44We never had a real relationship in this life, Rose.
19:47Stop pretending we did.
19:48Through the peephole, I watched her crumple against the wall.
19:50I'd never seen Rose cry like this.
19:52Not in either lifetime.
19:53Maybe I owed her an explanation.
19:54Maybe it would finally make her leave me in peace.
19:57Rose, I need to tell you something.
19:59I had a dream once.
20:02In that dream, we were married.
20:04But you only married me to get close to Julian.
20:06In that dream, you and Julian were having an affair.
20:09You even tried to kill me by setting me up with another woman.
20:12I survived that.
20:13But then I discovered you and Julian together.
20:15I tried to record it as evidence.
20:17You caught me.
20:18And you burned me alive to destroy that recording.
20:20So I'm terrified of you, Rose.
20:22I'm scared of living through that nightmare again.
20:24Even though you haven't done those things in this life, I can't forget.
20:27I can't trust you.
20:28We need to let each other go.
20:31We need to let each other go.
20:33How could you dream something like that?
20:35That's impossible.
20:36It doesn't matter if it was real or not.
20:38You're not the one I should hate.
20:40I know that.
20:40But I can't be around you.
20:42Please understand.
20:44I'm so sorry, Ethan.
20:45I'm so sorry.
20:46I didn't hear her confession and closed my eyes.
20:49Outside, Rose kept talking to herself.
20:51Words I would never hear.
20:53It wasn't a dream.
20:54It was real.
20:54I did all those things to you.
20:56And when Serena burned me alive for it, I thought it was justice.
20:58I thought I deserved it.
20:59Then I woke up in the past.
21:01I got a second chance.
21:02But you'd already broken our engagement.
21:04You were already in love with Serena.
21:05So I worked with Julian.
21:07We sent her photos of you and me together.
21:09We made her think you still loved me.
21:10I wanted to break you two apart.
21:12I thought if she rejected you, you'd come back to me.
21:14I never thought she'd hurt you like this.
21:16I never thought.
21:17I'm sorry.
21:18I'm so sorry.
21:19But I heard none of it.
21:20I fell asleep right there by the door, too exhausted to make it to bed.
21:25Rose eventually left.
21:26My life returned to quiet until I got a message from the rescue captain.
21:30Mr. Sterling, I'm sorry.
21:32Miss Vance threatened my family.
21:33She made me tell her everything.
21:35She forced me.
21:35I didn't need to read the rest.
21:37I looked out my window.
21:38Serena was standing on the street below, staring up at my apartment.
21:42Even from this distance, I could see the devastation in her eyes.
21:47Serena stood on the street below, looking up at my building.
21:50Even from five floors up, I could see the grief carved into her face.
21:54Our eyes met through the glass.
21:55She didn't move, didn't wave, just stared at me with an expression that held so much sorrow.
22:00I almost looked away.
22:01My phone buzzed.
22:02An unknown number.
22:03I stared at the message for a long moment.
22:06Those digits were burned into my memory forever.
22:08Serena's number.
22:09I deleted the text and blocked her.
22:11Why won't she just let me go?
22:13I already died for her.
22:15What more does she want?
22:16But I couldn't stop myself from checking the window again.
22:18She was still there.
22:19The weather forecast said it would snow tonight.
22:22I tried to ignore her.
22:23Made dinner.
22:23Took my medication.
22:25Attempted to read.
22:26When I looked out again two hours later, snow was falling.
22:29Serena hadn't moved.
22:30White flakes collected on her shoulders and hair.
22:34Damn it.
22:35She'd saved me in my past life.
22:37Rushed into the flames for a stranger.
22:39Avenged my death.
22:40And then followed me into the grave.
22:42I owed her something for that, didn't I?
22:44Even if she'd destroyed me in this life.
22:46I unblocked her number and stared at my phone.
22:49Typed and deleted half a dozen messages.
22:52Another text from her came through.
22:53It was the way she asked.
22:55The same soft pleading she used to use when we'd fight in the early days of our marriage.
22:58Back when she still loved me.
23:00I hated that it still worked.
23:01I hated myself more.
23:03For caring.
23:04Before I could change my mind, I texted back.
23:06Five minutes later, she was at my door.
23:10Serena stepped inside, bringing the winter cold with her.
23:13Tomorrow morning you're gone.
23:14I mean it.
23:19Sorry.
23:21I didn't mean to touch you without permission.
23:24Serena, why are you doing this?
23:25Just pretend I'm dead.
23:26Wouldn't that be easier for both of us?
23:28I can't.
23:32Please forgive me, Ethan.
23:34Please.
23:35Get up, Serena.
23:36This is pointless.
23:37It's not.
23:38I was only trying to make you jealous.
23:39I was insane with it.
23:41I saw those photos of you with Rose and I...
23:42So you tortured me?
23:43You broke both my hands because you were jealous?
23:45The baby isn't real.
23:46I was never pregnant.
23:47I just wanted to hurt you back.
23:49I wanted you to feel what I was feeling.
23:51And it worked.
23:53Congratulations.
23:54Ethan, I love you.
23:55I've always loved you.
23:57From the moment I met you at the orphanage when we were children...
24:00Stop.
24:01Just stop.
24:02You want to know the truth?
24:04I didn't marry you because I loved you, Serena.
24:08I didn't marry you because I loved you, Serena.
24:11I married you because I owed you a debt.
24:13In my past life, you died for me.
24:14A stranger.
24:15You built me a grave and destroyed yourself getting revenge for someone you'd never even met.
24:19So when I woke up in this life, I thought I could repay that kindness by choosing you first.
24:23I thought we could be happy.
24:24I really did try to love you.
24:26But you're not the same person who saved me.
24:28That Serena died in the fire trying to pull me out.
24:30Now, you're the one who broke me instead.
24:33No.
24:34That's not true.
24:36I am that person.
24:37I remember everything from before.
24:39Do you?
24:40That woman wouldn't have shattered my hands for a crime I didn't commit.
24:43That woman wouldn't have left me alone on our anniversary to comfort my brother.
24:46You're right.
24:47You're right about all of it.
24:48So please, let me go.
24:50Stop coming here.
24:51Stop calling.
24:51Let me have some peace.
24:52We tried this.
24:53It didn't work.
24:54Let's just let it end.
24:55The snow was falling harder outside, visible through the window behind Serena's shaking
24:59form.
25:00She looked up at me one last time, her face destroyed by tears and regret.
25:04Then she stood on trembling legs and walked to the door.
25:07I'm sorry for everything.
25:09The door closed softly behind her.
25:11I stood alone in my apartment, listening to the silence, and wondered why doing the right
25:16thing felt so much like dying all over again.
25:20The news came a week later.
25:22Julian was dead.
25:23He'd bled out in the villa.
25:24By the time Rose finally called an ambulance, it was too late.
25:27I felt nothing when I heard.
25:29No satisfaction.
25:30No grief.
25:31Just emptiness.
25:32Rose never contacted me again after that night in the hallway.
25:35I realized then that she must have been reborn too.
25:39Everything made sense suddenly.
25:40Why she'd begged me to take her back.
25:42Why she knew I wasn't really dead.
25:44Why she found me so easily in London.
25:47Twenty years of marriage in our past life meant she knew everything about me.
25:51The cities I loved.
25:52Where I'd hide.
25:53How I thought.
25:54But it didn't matter anymore.
25:56None of it did.
25:57I still saw Serena sometimes.
25:59Spring came, and I'd spot her on a bench near my building.
26:02Leaves would fall on her shoulders while she sat smoking and staring up at my window.
26:07Winter returned, and she'd stand in the snow until her hair turned white with frost.
26:11Sometimes she'd text me.
26:12We're standing under the same snow.
26:14Does that count as growing old together?
26:16I never replied.
26:17Just watched from my window as she appeared and disappeared like a ghost haunting the street
26:22below.
26:23One day in late autumn, I came home to find her sitting on the steps outside my building.
26:27She looked thinner.
26:28There were dark circles under her eyes that makeup couldn't hide.
26:32I'm not here to bother you.
26:33I just wanted you to know that I'm selling the company.
26:36Why?
26:37Because you were right.
26:38I'm not the person who saved you anymore, so I'm going to become her again.
26:41What are you talking about?
26:43I'm donating everything to charity.
26:44The money, the properties, all of it.
26:46I'm going to work at the orphanage where we first met.
26:48Maybe if I become the person you needed me to be, you'll...
26:51Never mind, it doesn't matter.
26:52Serena.
26:53She turned back, hope flaring in her eyes.
26:55Don't do this for me.
26:57Do it because it's who you want to be, not because you think it'll change my mind.
27:00I know.
27:01I know you'll never forgive me, but I need to forgive myself somehow.
27:04She left.
27:05I watched her go and felt something twist in my chest.
27:11Months passed.
27:12A year.
27:13Then two.
27:14I heard through mutual acquaintances that Serena had kept her word.
27:18She'd given up everything and was working with orphaned children now.
27:22Sometimes I'd get a photo from Mrs. Vance, Serena teaching kids to paint.
27:26Serena reading stories at bedtime.
27:28Serena looking peaceful in a way I'd never seen.
27:31She asks about you.
27:32Mrs. Vance told me once.
27:33But she never asks me to tell you anything.
27:35She just wants to know if you're happy.
27:38Am I?
27:39I hope someday you will be, sweetheart.
27:42Five years after my staged death, I visited the cemetery.
27:45There was a grave with my name on it.
27:46The headstone read,
27:48Beloved Husband, just like in my past life.
27:51Fresh flowers sat in front of it.
27:53Someone had been here recently.
27:54I knelt down and traced my fingers over the carved letters.
27:57I don't know if you can hear me,
27:59but I wanted to say thank you
28:01for saving me in that other life.
28:03For loving someone you'd never met.
28:05I'm sorry I couldn't be what you needed in this one.
28:08I stood to leave and saw her.
28:10Serena stood at the cemetery gates watching me.
28:12She looked older now, calmer.
28:14There was gray in her hair that she hadn't bothered to die.
28:16Our eyes met across the distance.
28:18She raised her hand in a small wave,
28:20not approaching, not asking for anything,
28:22just acknowledging that we were both here,
28:24both alive,
28:25both somehow still tied to this grave between us.
28:28I nodded back.
28:29Then I turned and walked away.
28:31Behind me,
28:32I heard her footsteps going in the opposite direction.
28:35This was our ending.
28:36Not together.
28:37Not enemies.
28:38Just two people who'd loved each other badly in all the wrong ways.
28:42Maybe in another life,
28:43we'd get it right.
28:44But for now,
28:45this distance between us was the kindest thing we could offer each other.
28:49I never saw Serena again after that day.
28:51And somehow,
28:52that felt like the closest thing to peace either of us would ever find.
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