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