- 2 hours ago
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:05I lay on the delivery bed. The contractions were coming faster now, one after another.
00:10My husband, Adrian Lang, held my hand, his eyes soft with concern.
00:15Hang in there, Serena. We'll meet our baby soon.
00:19I was trembling from the pain, but I still forced a smile.
00:22Then a nurse walked in with a syringe.
00:25I thought it was the epidural, but Adrian let go of my hand and stepped back.
00:30Get the dose right.
00:31The needle pierced my skin.
00:32Make sure she doesn't deliver before Vanessa.
00:35My eyes flew open. I stared at him in shock. He glanced at his watch.
00:40Vanessa's already 6 centimeters dilated. Buy us 2 more hours.
00:45I wanted to scream. I wanted to fight back.
00:48But the drug was already in my system.
00:51The contractions suddenly weakened, as if something inside me had been forced still.
00:55They moved me to a temporary room in the basement.
00:57Adrian's sister, Chloe Lang, stood in the doorway, idly turning a scalpel in her hand.
01:03Don't blame Adrian, Serena.
01:05The baby Vanessa is carrying is my brother's only child.
01:09It's a boy, and he'll be the Lang family's first grandson.
01:13Her gaze dropped to my stomach.
01:15So what if you go into labor first?
01:18You're only carrying a girl.
01:19I covered my belly with both hands.
01:21Another wave of pain broke through the medication, and my vision blurred.
01:25Call a doctor. I'm about to give birth, please.
01:29Chloe laughed.
01:30She walked over and crouched in front of me, then tapped my cheek lightly with the scalpel.
01:34Give birth?
01:34That drug will keep working for another 3 hours.
01:38Vanessa is already in the delivery room.
01:40So stay here and wait.
01:41After her baby is born safely, you can have yours.
01:44She rose to her feet and looked at the bodyguard outside.
01:47Keep an eye on her.
01:49If she dares to scream, gag her.
01:51The door slammed shut.
01:52The basement was lit by a single dim emergency light.
01:55I lay on the floor as blood slowly spread beneath me.
01:57Adrian had taken my phone the moment we arrived at the hospital.
02:01He said radiation wasn't good for the baby.
02:03Now I understood.
02:04He was afraid I'd call someone.
02:06I curled up and tried to breathe through the pain, but all I could see was Adrian's face.
02:11Cold, calm, like I meant nothing to him.
02:14Not his wife.
02:15Not the woman carrying his child.
02:17Three months ago, his older brother died in a car accident.
02:21He left behind his pregnant wife, Vanessa.
02:24At the funeral, old Mr. Lange held Vanessa's hand, tears streaming down his face.
02:28That child has to be born safe.
02:30The Lange family can't lose its seer.
02:33Back then, I even felt sorry for her.
02:35I stepped forward and said,
02:36Dad, don't worry.
02:38Adrian and I will raise our baby well too.
02:40He looked at me and said nothing.
02:42Only now did I understand.
02:43He had already given up on my child.
02:45Another contraction tore through me.
02:47This one was stronger.
02:49The drug was wearing off.
02:50The baby was coming.
02:51I crawled to the door and pounded on it with all the strength I had left.
02:54Someone, please.
02:56I'm about to give birth.
02:58Please save my baby.
03:00No one answered.
03:01I kept screaming until my throat turned raw.
03:03What the hell are you yelling for?
03:05Miss Lange told you to wait, so wait.
03:08But my baby.
03:09That's your bad luck.
03:10Then he spat out one last cruel sentence.
03:12That's what you get for carrying a girl.
03:15My whole body went cold.
03:17I collapsed onto the floor.
03:19This wasn't fate.
03:20They were trying to kill my baby.
03:22I had no idea how long I had been trapped in that basement.
03:25The bleeding only got worse.
03:26Everything beneath me was soaked with blood.
03:28Just as the edges of my vision began to blur, the door swung open.
03:32It was not Chloe.
03:33It was the Lange family's doctor, Carter.
03:36The second he saw me, all the color drained from his face.
03:40Serena?
03:41What are you doing down here?
03:43Adrian told me you were resting in one of the VIP rooms.
03:46I tried to answer.
03:48Nothing came out.
03:49Tears spilled down my face as I lifted a trembling hand to my stomach.
03:52Carter rushed over and dropped to his knees beside me.
03:55Oh God, the baby's crowning.
03:59Your water already broke.
04:00I need to get you into surgery right now.
04:03He reached down to lift me, but the second my body shifted, a hot gush poured between my legs.
04:08Blood.
04:09So much blood.
04:10Carter's hands started shaking.
04:12He turned toward the doorway and shouted.
04:15I need help in here!
04:17She's bleeding heavily!
04:18But the hallway outside was empty.
04:21This private hospital belonged to the Lange family.
04:23Tonight, the entire building had been cleared for Vanessa's delivery.
04:27All the doctors and nurses were upstairs, gathered outside her delivery suite.
04:32Carter yanked out his phone and tried to call for help.
04:35But there was no signal in the basement.
04:37I'm taking you upstairs.
04:39Stay with me.
04:42Then he bent down, gathered me into his arms, and ran, or tried to.
04:47The stairwell felt endless.
04:49Every step sent a brutal jolt through my body.
04:51The pain was so intense I thought I might black out at any second.
04:55I could feel the baby dropping lower and lower.
04:57But she still would not come.
04:59The drug was still in my system.
05:01My contractions were weak and uneven.
05:03That was the worst part.
05:05I clutched at his coat.
05:07Doctor.
05:08If it comes down to it, save my baby.
05:12Don't say that.
05:13You're both going to make it.
05:15At last, he reached the first floor and rushed toward the operating room.
05:18But the moment we got there, both of us froze.
05:21The ore doors were wide open.
05:23Inside, there was nothing.
05:25Carter stood there in stunned disbelief.
05:27A strangled sound died in his throat.
05:29How is this possible?
05:31I checked everything myself this afternoon.
05:34Footsteps echoed down the hall.
05:36Chloe approached with two nurses behind her.
05:38The moment she saw us, one brow lifted.
05:41Carter?
05:42What are you doing down here?
05:45Vanessa is upstairs in the delivery room.
05:47Why come all the way down here?
05:48Carter pointed at the empty operating room.
05:51Where is the equipment?
05:53Who cleared out this room?
05:56Chloe looked at him with wide, innocent eyes.
05:59We moved everything upstairs.
06:01Vanessa's having a C-section, so of course she gets priority.
06:04If anything happens during surgery, she'll need all the equipment close at hand.
06:08We couldn't risk leaving her in a standard OR.
06:11As she said it, her gaze shifted to me.
06:13Then she smiled.
06:14Oh.
06:15Serena, you're in labor?
06:17I'm afraid you'll have to wait.
06:18Vanessa comes first, so you'll just have to hold on a little longer.
06:22I stared at her beautiful, smiling face.
06:25Suddenly, I remembered something she had said to me six months ago.
06:28Back then, we were out shopping together.
06:31She had slipped her arm through mine and smiled up at me sweetly.
06:34You're so good to me, Serena.
06:36Better than any real sister.
06:38That day alone, I spent over $100,000 on designer bags for her.
06:42Looking back now, I was a fool.
06:45Carter rushed into the nurse's station like a man possessed.
06:48He tore through every cabinet, searching for emergency supplies.
06:51There was nothing.
06:52The shelves were empty.
06:53No clamps.
06:55No gauze.
06:55No gauze.
06:56Not even basic medication.
06:57Where are the drugs?
06:59He shouted.
06:59The meds to stop the bleeding.
07:01The ones to induce stronger contractions.
07:04A nurse lowered her head.
07:07They were all taken to the third floor.
07:09What do you mean?
07:11Carter froze.
07:12Her voice dropped even lower.
07:14Mr. Lang ordered that everything we prioritized for Miss Vanessa.
07:17Carter slammed his fist against the cabinet.
07:19Then he turned to look at me.
07:21His eyes were red.
07:22His lips trembled.
07:23I'm sorry, Serena.
07:25I'm so sorry.
07:26There's nothing I can do.
07:28Chloe walked over and lightly patted his shoulder.
07:31Carter, don't worry.
07:32Vanessa hasn't delivered yet.
07:34Once she's done, they'll move the equipment back downstairs.
07:39Besides, even if the baby comes now, so what?
07:43It's only a girl.
07:44If she dies, she dies.
07:47The Lang family won't care about one little girl.
07:50I stared at her.
07:51At the girl I had loved like my own little sister for three years.
07:55Then, with every ounce of strength I had left, I forced out two words.
07:59You bastard.
08:01Chloe's expression darkened at once.
08:03She bent down and leaned close to my ear.
08:05Go ahead.
08:07Curse all you want.
08:08Her voice barely above a whisper.
08:10Once you give birth, you'll be too weak to fight back.
08:13I'll make sure you stay quiet.
08:15By then, Vanessa will take your place.
08:18As for you, if my brother is feeling merciful, maybe he'll let you live.
08:24You can stay in the house as a servant.
08:27Carter could not hold back anymore.
08:29Miss Lang, this is murder!
08:31Murder?
08:32Chloe gave a cold little laugh.
08:34Watch what you say, Carter.
08:36Women die in childbirth every day.
08:38That's hardly unusual.
08:40Besides, this is a family matter.
08:43You're an outsider.
08:44This is none of your business.
08:45Then, she motioned to the bodyguards.
08:47Take Carter away.
08:48Leave Serena to me.
08:50Two bodyguards stepped forward immediately.
08:52They grabbed Carter by the arms and dragged him toward the door.
08:55He struggled against them and shouted back at me.
08:59Serena, listen to me.
09:00Try to keep the contractions going.
09:02Press your acuportals.
09:04Stay awake.
09:05Don't give up.
09:06Your baby still has a chance.
09:08His voice grew fainter and fainter.
09:10Then, Chloe shut the door and turned back to me.
09:12She pulled a phone from her pocket and started a video call.
09:15She said sweetly,
09:16Adrian, Serena's about to give birth.
09:19Do you want to take a look?
09:20A second later, Adrian's face appeared on the screen.
09:24He was standing outside a delivery room.
09:26Doctors and nurses moved quickly behind him.
09:29Chloe, stop messing around.
09:31Chloe tilted the phone toward me.
09:33Look at Serena.
09:33She's bleeding a lot.
09:34Do you think she's about to die?
09:36Adrian looked at the screen.
09:37He frowned for a second.
09:39Then he looked away.
09:40She can wait.
09:41Once Vanessa delivers, the doctors can go downstairs.
09:44I can't leave right now.
09:45The call ended.
09:46Chloe put her phone away and shrugged.
09:48You heard him.
09:49To Adrian.
09:51Vanessa comes first.
09:52As for you, you are nothing more than a womb.
09:56Now that you're no longer useful, I closed my eyes.
10:00I refused to look at her again.
10:02Slowly, I slid one hand behind my back and felt along the inner lining of my dress.
10:06It was still there.
10:08A tiny device, no bigger than a button.
10:11My father had given it to me.
10:13I could still hear his voice from that day.
10:15The Lange family is dangerous.
10:17If anything ever happens to you, press this.
10:20Press this.
10:20Back then, I laughed and told him he was worrying too much.
10:24Adrian is good to me.
10:26So is everyone in the Lange family.
10:28Now I understood how foolish I had been.
10:30I hooked a fingernail under the protective cover.
10:34Pried it open.
10:34Then pressed the button.
10:36There was no sound.
10:38No light.
10:39But I knew the signal had gone out.
10:41My father once told me that if I ever used it, someone would get to me within 30 minutes.
10:46But 30 minutes?
10:47Could my baby make it that long?
10:49My vision was fading.
10:51Chloe sat in a chair, scrolling through her phone.
10:53Every now and then, she looked up at me.
10:56Like I was some kind of lab rat.
10:59Serena, why did you marry Adrian for his looks?
11:02For the Lange family's money?
11:03You came from nothing.
11:05What made you think you belonged here?
11:08I said nothing.
11:09I clenched my teeth and held on.
11:12Even if there was barely any hope left.
11:14Chloe kept talking.
11:16If you hadn't gotten pregnant so fast, Adrian would never have married you.
11:20At first, everyone thought you might still be useful.
11:23If you gave birth to a son.
11:25But the scan showed it was a girl.
11:28Father was furious.
11:29She smiled.
11:30Good thing Vanessa is carrying a boy.
11:33Otherwise, the Lange family would have no heir.
11:35She stood up and nudged my leg with her shoe.
11:38So learn your place.
11:40If something was never yours, don't fight for it.
11:43Once Vanessa gives birth, you'll sign the divorce papers, take the money, and disappear.
11:48After that, you can marry some ordinary guy and live an ordinary life.
11:52I forced my eyes open and looked at her.
11:55Does Adrian know you're saying this to me?
11:57Chloe laughed.
11:59Of course he does.
12:01He's the one who told me to come.
12:03He said you were stubborn.
12:04So he asked me to talk sense into you.
12:06My lips moved.
12:07I wanted to laugh.
12:09But I couldn't.
12:10Another wave of pain hit me.
12:12Harder than before.
12:13Much harder.
12:14The medication had completely worn off.
12:16The baby was coming.
12:17I cried out.
12:18Chloe took a step back.
12:20What a nuisance.
12:21Her face was full of disgust.
12:23She opened the door.
12:24Someone get in here.
12:26See if she's delivering.
12:27A nurse rushed in.
12:28One look at me.
12:29And her face went pale.
12:31She's fully dilated.
12:32I can already see the baby's head.
12:34But she's losing too much blood.
12:36She has to deliver now.
12:37Chloe frowned.
12:40There's no equipment here.
12:42No medication either.
12:44If she delivers like this.
12:46Both of them could die.
12:48They're probably not making it anyway.
12:50So what does it matter?
12:51Then she turned and walked out.
12:53She went to find Adrian.
12:55She didn't care whether I lived or died.
12:57The nurse didn't say anything else.
12:59She crouched beside me and tried to help.
13:01But I was too weak to push.
13:03I had lost too much blood.
13:05I had no strength left.
13:07The baby was stuck.
13:09Time dragged on.
13:10Every second felt endless.
13:12Then I heard footsteps outside.
13:14Fast.
13:15Heavy.
13:15A lot of them.
13:16Boots pounded against the floor.
13:18The nurse froze.
13:19The door flew open.
13:21Who's there?
13:22A group of men in black tactical gear rushed in.
13:24All of them were armed.
13:26The man in front took off his helmet.
13:27His face was sharp and cold.
13:29The moment he saw me, his eyes turned red.
13:32Miss!
13:32I opened my mouth.
13:34But no sound came out.
13:36I could only reach for him.
13:37The nurse screamed.
13:39Who are you?
13:40How did you get in here?
13:41Security!
13:42Security!
13:42He didn't even look at her.
13:44He rushed to my side.
13:45Dropped to one knee.
13:46Miss, I'm sorry.
13:48I got here too late.
13:51Then he lifted me into his arms.
13:53Clear the room.
13:54Get the medics in here.
13:56Now!
13:57Yes, sir!
13:57The men moved at once.
14:00The nurse tried to run.
14:01One of them threw her to the floor.
14:03She struggled and screamed.
14:05How dare you touch me!
14:07This is the Lange family's hospital!
14:10He turned and looked at her.
14:11His eyes were ice cold.
14:13The Lange family?
14:15They're finished.
14:16I was carried into a custom built medical van.
14:19The inside was fully equipped.
14:20It looked like a mobile operating room.
14:23Doctors and nurses were already waiting.
14:25They rushed to save me the second I was brought in.
14:28Blood pressure is 60 over 40!
14:30She's in hemorrhagic shock!
14:33The baby is in distress!
14:35We need a C-section now!
14:37But the mother is too unstable!
14:38The surgery is extremely risky!
14:40Do it!
14:41If anything goes wrong, it's on me!
14:43I grabbed his hand with the last of my strength.
14:45Save the baby.
14:47Please save the baby first.
14:49He held my hand tightly.
14:51Miss, don't talk.
14:52Save your strength.
14:54Your father is on his way.
14:56He'll be here soon.
14:58You and the baby will be okay.
15:02You have to be.
15:04She's flatlining!
15:06Move!
15:06Get the defibrillator!
15:08The fetal heart rate is dropping!
15:10Prep for C-section!
15:11Now!
15:12They strapped me down fast.
15:14An anesthesia mask came over my face.
15:17Right before I lost consciousness,
15:19I heard a doctor shout,
15:20We're out of time!
15:22The baby!
15:24There's no heartbeat!
15:25Darkness.
15:27Endless darkness.
15:28I didn't know how much time had passed.
15:30When I opened my eyes,
15:32all I saw was a ceiling I didn't recognize.
15:35The air smelled of a disinfectant.
15:37She's awake!
15:39Several faces leaned in.
15:40They were all familiar.
15:42My father's bodyguards.
15:43The men who had watched me grow up.
15:47My voice was so hoarse it barely sounded like mine.
15:49The room went silent.
15:51A few seconds later,
15:53the man standing at the foot of my bed slowly turned around.
15:56It was my father.
15:57He was in his 50s.
15:59But in just one night,
16:00his hair had turned completely white.
16:02He walked over,
16:04sat beside me,
16:05and took my hand.
16:06He only said my name.
16:09Then his voice broke.
16:10I looked into his bloodshot eyes.
16:12I already knew the answer.
16:14The baby's gone, isn't she?
16:16My father nodded.
16:18Tears fell from his eyes.
16:20You lost too much blood.
16:21The placenta detached too early.
16:24The baby was deprived of oxygen for too long.
16:27The doctors did everything they could.
16:29I closed my eyes.
16:30I didn't cry.
16:32I didn't scream.
16:33It just felt like something inside me had been hollowed out.
16:36That little life.
16:37The one who had lived inside me for nine months.
16:40The one who kicked at me every day.
16:42The one I whispered to when no one was around.
16:45Gone.
16:46Where's Adrian?
16:47My father wiped away his tears.
16:49His expression turned cold.
16:51She gave birth.
16:53He's a boy.
16:54The whole Lang family is celebrating.
16:57No one even remembered you.
16:59I laughed.
17:00My whole body trembled with it.
17:03Good.
17:04Good for them.
17:06My father tightened his grip on my hand.
17:08Serena, come home with me.
17:10That family doesn't deserve you.
17:11And neither does he.
17:13I opened my eyes and looked at him.
17:16Dad, I want to do something.
17:18Tell me.
17:19Make me a fake body.
17:21It has to look exactly like me.
17:22It has to look like I just gave birth and died from blood loss.
17:26My father froze.
17:28You want them to think you're dead?
17:29I held his gaze.
17:31Yes.
17:32I want them to believe I'm gone.
17:34Then I want to watch them.
17:36I want to see how happy they are.
17:38How they celebrate that child.
17:41While I'm lying there dead.
17:42My father was silent for a long time.
17:45Then he nodded.
17:46Okay.
17:47I'll help you.
17:49The fake body looked real.
17:51Silicone skin.
17:52Blood bags beneath it.
17:53Even simulated body heat.
17:55Inside the morgue drawer, it looked no different from a real corpse.
17:58I sat in the surveillance room, watching the monitors.
18:02My father sat beside me, his hand wrapped tightly around mine.
18:05Do you regret it?
18:07Regret what?
18:08Marrying him.
18:10I thought about it for a moment.
18:12Then I shook my head.
18:14No.
18:15At least now I can see people for what they really are.
18:17On the screen, Adrian finally stepped out of the delivery room.
18:21He was holding a baby in his arms.
18:23His face lit up with joy.
18:25The joy of becoming a father.
18:27Vanessa was wheeled out after him.
18:29She looked pale, but her smile was bright.
18:31His father leaned on his cane and slowly made his way forward.
18:34The moment he saw the baby, his eyes filled with tears.
18:37My grandson.
18:38At last I have a grandson.
18:40The Lange family finally has an heir.
18:42Everyone gathered around the baby.
18:44Laughing.
18:45Smiling.
18:46Celebrating.
18:47No one asked about me.
18:49No one remembered that I had been fighting for my life.
18:52Then a nurse spoke softly.
18:55Adrian.
18:56Your wife.
18:57Only then did Adrian seem to remember.
18:59He frowned.
19:00What about her?
19:01There's still no word.
19:03Carter is with her.
19:04I'll go see.
19:05He handed the baby to the maternity nurse and headed for the elevator.
19:09Chloe hurried after him.
19:11Adrian, I'm coming too.
19:12The two of them entered the elevator, one after the other.
19:15The screen switched to the first floor.
19:18Carter stood outside an empty operating room.
19:20His back was against the wall.
19:22His face was deathly pale.
19:24When he saw Adrian, he immediately straightened up.
19:27Adrian.
19:28Where's my wife?
19:30Carter opened his mouth, but no words came out.
19:32He simply stepped aside and pointed toward the morgue.
19:36Adrian's face changed.
19:39What do you mean?
19:40Adrian.
19:41Carter lowered his head.
19:43She suffered a massive hemorrhage.
19:45We couldn't save her.
19:46The baby is gone too.
19:47The air froze.
19:49Adrian stood there quietly.
19:50As if he couldn't comprehend it.
19:52Chloe was the first to react.
19:54That's impossible.
19:55She was so healthy.
19:57She was fine just a moment ago.
19:59Carter let out a bitter laugh.
20:01She was never fine.
20:03She lost too much blood.
20:05There was no equipment.
20:06No medication.
20:08I tried everything I could, but...
20:10He covered his face and sank into a crouch.
20:13I'm sorry.
20:14I really did everything I could.
20:17Adrian grabbed him by the collar.
20:19I'm sorry.
20:20I really did everything I could.
20:22Adrian grabbed him by the collar.
20:25What did you just say?
20:27My wife is dead?
20:28Carter nodded.
20:29Tears streamed down his face.
20:31Adrian let go.
20:33Then he staggered back two steps and slammed into the wall.
20:36No.
20:37That's impossible.
20:39How could she?
20:40Chloe grabbed his arm.
20:42Adrian, don't panic.
20:43I'll go check.
20:45She hurried toward the morgue.
20:46On the monitor, she pulled open the cold drawer.
20:49Inside lay the body.
20:51The silicone face was still twisted in the agony of labor.
20:54The white sheet beneath it was soaked with blood.
20:56Chloe stared for a few seconds.
20:58Then she suddenly covered her mouth and rushed back out.
21:01Adrian, it's true.
21:03Adrian charged inside.
21:05The camera caught him standing in front of the drawer, completely motionless.
21:09He stood there so long that even Chloe got worried.
21:12She stepped inside and reached for him.
21:14Adrian.
21:15Suddenly, he raised his fist and slammed it hard against the wall.
21:19Why?
21:20Why?
21:20Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?
21:23Why didn't you wait for me to get here?
21:26Carter stood outside the door and said in a low voice.
21:28The phone was off.
21:31And phones weren't allowed in the delivery room.
21:33Adrian spun around.
21:35His eyes were bloodshot.
21:36Then why didn't you come get me?
21:38It was only from the third floor to the first.
21:40Don't tell me you didn't have time.
21:42You just stood by and let her die?
21:44Carter said nothing.
21:46He only lowered his head.
21:48His shoulders trembled.
21:50Adrian, don't blame Carter.
21:52I was the one who told him not to come up.
21:55Vanessa was in critical condition.
21:56I couldn't risk anything interfering with the delivery.
22:00The crack rang through the room.
22:03Chloe's head snapped to the side.
22:04You hit me?
22:06You were the one who had her locked in that basement.
22:10Chloe's eyes darted away.
22:12I only told her to-
22:14Wait my ass!
22:15Adrian roared.
22:17She was my wife and that was my child!
22:20I told you to look after her.
22:22Is this your idea of looking after her?
22:24Chloe burst into tears.
22:26I did it for the Lange family!
22:28Vanessa gave birth to a son.
22:30She was carrying a girl.
22:32You know which one matters more!
22:34Father said, a boy is the heir.
22:37Those words seemed to cut straight through him.
22:39Adrian froze.
22:40The fury slowly drained from his face.
22:43What replaced it was a hollow numbness.
22:45Here?
22:46So her life meant nothing?
22:47No one answered.
22:49The only sounds in the morgue were the hum of the cooling system and muffled sobs.
22:53Adrian had my body brought back home.
22:55He did not take it into the main house.
22:57Instead, he had it placed in the family chapel in the side courtyard.
23:01Vanessa and the baby settled into the master bedroom.
23:04The maternity nurse and the maid stayed close, fussing over them.
23:07His father gave the order.
23:09Keep the funeral small.
23:11Don't disturb the baby.
23:13As for Serena, pick a day and have her cremated.
23:16Still part of this family.
23:18Make sure she's buried somewhere decent.
23:21Adrian said nothing.
23:22He only sat in the family chapel, keeping vigil beside the coffin.
23:27For three days and three nights, he neither ate nor drank.
23:31Chloe came once to talk him into resting.
23:33He threw her out.
23:34Vanessa came once too, the baby in her arms.
23:37Her voice was soft and careful.
23:40Adrian, you can't go on like this.
23:42Serena wouldn't have wanted to see you destroying yourself.
23:45Adrian looked up at her.
23:47For a long time, he said nothing.
23:49Then, at last.
23:51Do you know what was on her mind when it happened?
23:54Vanessa froze.
23:55I was in labor.
23:56I wouldn't know.
23:57She kept asking why her husband wasn't there.
24:01Why everyone in this house was waiting for you to give birth while no one gave a damn about her.
24:07Vanessa's face went pale at once.
24:09Adrian, what is that supposed to mean?
24:10I almost died in labor too.
24:13The baby's heart rate dropped again and again.
24:15Yes, you suffered.
24:16But she died.
24:17She died and so did her baby.
24:21Did they really mean that little to all of you?
24:25Was it just because she wasn't carrying a son?
24:28Vanessa fell silent.
24:30Her arms tightened around the child.
24:32Adrian got to his feet and walked over to the coffin.
24:35He laid a hand gently on the lid.
24:37These past few days, I haven't been able to stop thinking.
24:41If I'd stayed with her, would things have turned out differently?
24:44If I hadn't sent all the equipment to you, would she still be alive?
24:49His voice broke.
24:52If I had just...
24:53He could not finish.
24:54Vanessa bit down on her lip and turned away.
24:57Just before she stepped out, she threw one last line over her shoulder.
25:01Adrian, I'm the one who gave this family a son.
25:04That dead woman is of no use to anyone now.
25:07The doors of the family chapel shut.
25:10Adrian leaned against the coffin and slowly slid down to the floor,
25:13covering his face with both hands.
25:16On the surveillance screen, I saw his shoulders shaking.
25:19How pathetic.
25:20He never cherished me when I was alive.
25:23Only after I died did he finally feel regret.
25:26I sent my father a message.
25:28Can we start now?
25:29My father replied at once.
25:32Anytime.
25:32Trouble hit the Lange business.
25:35First, a long-time supplier cut them off.
25:38The reason?
25:39Product quality failed to meet standards.
25:41Adrian sent people to investigate.
25:44The supplier refused to see them.
25:46Then the banks pulled back.
25:48A loan renewal that had already been discussed was suddenly denied.
25:51The explanation was simple.
25:53Failed risk review.
25:55The cash flow tightened at once.
25:57Then came the clients.
25:58Several major orders were canceled without warning.
26:01Not long after, those same deals went to competitors.
26:05In just one month, the Lange family lost 30% of its market value.
26:09His father was so enraged that he ended up in the hospital.
26:13Adrian spent every day running between the company and the hospital.
26:17He was exhausted.
26:18Vanessa held the baby and complained.
26:20Why have you been out every day lately?
26:23Don't you care about the baby?
26:26My father's in the hospital and the company's in trouble.
26:30How could I not be worried?
26:31She snapped.
26:32We have more money than we could ever spend.
26:37Adrian looked at her.
26:38The look in his eyes turned strange.
26:41Do you even know how our family got where it is today?
26:45My grandfather built it.
26:47Then my father.
26:49Then my brother.
26:50Three generations gave everything they had for it.
26:53It didn't just appear out of thin air.
26:55Vanessa curled her lip.
26:57That doesn't mean you get to ignore me and the baby.
27:00He's not even a month old.
27:02And you're gone every day.
27:05Adrian slammed the door and left.
27:07He went to the family chapel.
27:09The coffin was still there.
27:11They still had not chosen a burial site.
27:13So I had not been buried.
27:15He sat down beside the coffin and leaned against it.
27:19Then he began to speak.
27:21Serena if you were here.
27:23He'd probably tell me not to panic.
27:25To slow down.
27:27Take it one step at a time.
27:30You were always the calm sensible one.
27:32He took out a cigarette and lit it.
27:34Smoke rose around him.
27:36His voice grew lower.
27:38But now there's no one I can talk to.
27:40Dad only ever talks to me when he's disappointed in me.
27:44Vanessa only comes to me when she needs money.
27:47You were the only one who never wanted anything from me.
27:51You only ever wanted to help.
27:53He took a drag.
27:54Then he started coughing.
27:56He coughed until his eyes turned red.
27:58Tears came out with it.
27:59I'm sorry.
28:01I'm really sorry.
28:02I never thought it would end like this.
28:04If I had one more chance, I would definitely.
28:08His phone rang.
28:09It was his assistant.
28:11His voice was full of panic.
28:14Mr. Lang, something's wrong.
28:16Customs just seized one of our shipments.
28:18They're saying there's contraband in it.
28:20It's a big shipment.
28:21They might press criminal parches.
28:23Adrian shot to his feet.
28:24Contraband?
28:26That's impossible.
28:27We're a legitimate business.
28:29It's true.
28:29It's true.
28:31The police are already here.
28:32They want to question you.
28:34Adrian hung up and rushed out of the family chapel.
28:37He got in the car and drove straight to the company.
28:40Then another call came in.
28:41Unknown number.
28:43He answered it.
28:44A man's voice came through.
28:46Cold.
28:47Low.
28:47Sharp.
28:48Mr. Lang, did you like the gift?
28:52Adrian frowned.
28:53Who is this?
28:55You don't need to know.
28:57Just remember one thing.
29:00This is only the beginning.
29:02The Lang family will pay for what you owe.
29:08The call ended.
29:10Adrian called back at once.
29:11The number was already dead.
29:13His hands began to shake on the steering wheel.
29:20The police investigation dragged on for two weeks.
29:24In the end, the case was dropped.
29:26Not enough evidence.
29:27But the shipment was gone.
29:29Confiscated.
29:30The lawsuits ran into the tens of millions.
29:33The Lang family's name was ruined.
29:35Partners started walking away.
29:37One after another.
29:39The stock crashed.
29:40His father was so furious that he suffered a second stroke.
29:43This time, he did not make it.
29:46Before he died, he held onto Adrian's hand.
29:49His voice was weak.
29:50Save the Lang group.
29:52The child.
29:53The heir.
29:54Then his hand went limp.
29:55The funeral was simple.
29:57Hardly anyone came.
29:59And the few who did were there for the spectacle.
30:01Vanessa stood in front of the memorial tablet with the baby in her arms.
30:04She cried hard.
30:06Maybe for the old man.
30:08Maybe for herself.
30:09Her protection was gone.
30:11Adrian stayed expressionless through the entire funeral.
30:14Only after it ended, after everyone had left, did he speak.
30:18You need to move out.
30:20Vanessa stared at him.
30:23What did you say?
30:26Take the child and leave the house.
30:28I'll give you enough money to live on.
30:30Vanessa's voice shot up at once.
30:32Adrian, are you out of your mind?
30:34I'm your brother's widow.
30:36This child is the only blood your brother left behind.
30:39Your father said he would carry on the family line.
30:42Adrian gave a cold laugh.
30:43Carry on the family line?
30:45With what?
30:48You want the family name?
30:50You can take the debt with it.
30:52Vanessa took a step back.
30:54So that's it?
30:55You're casting us aside?
30:57I'm not casting you aside.
30:58I'm making sure you and the child are taken care of.
31:01But this house stays.
31:02I'm keeping it.
31:04It holds my memories of Serena.
31:07I'm not giving it to anyone.
31:09Vanessa looked at him for a long moment.
31:11Then she laughed.
31:14Memories?
31:15Adrian, stop fooling yourself.
31:18You never loved her.
31:20You just can't get past the guilt.
31:22She died tragically and it's been eating away at you ever since.
31:27If she were still alive, you would have dumped her long ago.
31:30Adrian's face turned cold.
31:31Shut up.
31:35No.
31:36You need to hear this.
31:38Vanessa had stopped holding back.
31:40You married her because she was easy.
31:43She had no powerful family.
31:45No one to stand up for her.
31:46No one to fight you.
31:48You once said that once she had the baby, you'd find a way to divorce her.
31:54Now she's dead.
31:55That solved the problem for you.
31:57You should be thanking me.
31:59You should thank my son for getting rid of her.
32:05Smack.
32:07Another slap.
32:08Much harder than the last one.
32:10Vanessa crashed to the floor.
32:12The baby started wailing.
32:14Adrian looked down at her.
32:16His eyes were freezing.
32:17Get out.
32:19Right now.
32:20And if I ever see you again, don't expect a cent from me.
32:23Vanessa pushed herself up with the child in her arms.
32:26She glared at him.
32:27You'll regret this.
32:29Then she left.
32:31With the baby.
32:32And the $50 million check.
32:34Adrian stood alone in the empty family chapel.
32:37He looked at his father's portrait.
32:39For the first time, he felt it.
32:42Real exhaustion.
32:43It crushed him so hard he could not stay standing.
32:46He dropped to his knees.
32:47Dad.
32:48I can't do this anymore.
32:51The Lange family is going to fall apart because of me.
32:55No one answered.
32:57Only the wind moved through the hall.
32:59The white funeral cloth fluttered and snapped in the draft.
33:02I was sitting at the estate in Italy, watching the security feed.
33:06My father came in and handed me a file.
33:08The Lange group is worth $3 billion now.
33:10It owes $5.
33:12At this point, it's days from collapse.
33:14I took the file and flipped through it.
33:17Sooner than I expected.
33:18My father sat down and sighed.
33:20Do you really want to see this through?
33:24What else would I do?
33:26Forgive him?
33:27My father shook his head.
33:29He deserves everything that's coming.
33:31I just don't want you getting stuck there again.
33:34I closed the file and smiled a little.
33:36Don't worry.
33:37I was done the moment my baby died.
33:40Now I'm just here to collect.
33:42My father looked at me.
33:43His expression unreadable.
33:45Well, you've changed.
33:47You used to smile all the time.
33:49Now it never reaches your eyes.
33:51I got up and walked to the window.
33:53The vineyard stretched out beyond the glass.
33:58People grow up.
34:00Some take years.
34:03Some only need betrayal.
34:05Or death.
34:06My father said nothing.
34:09He just stood there with me for a while.
34:11Then he left.
34:12My phone rang.
34:14It was Adrian.
34:15He actually still had the nerve to call me.
34:18More precisely, he was calling the number of someone who was supposed to be dead.
34:22I picked up.
34:24I said nothing.
34:25His voice came through, rough and tired.
34:28Serena, I know you can't hear this.
34:30But I still want to talk to you.
34:32The Lang family is done.
34:34Dad's gone.
34:35Vanessa left.
34:36Chloe turned on me too.
34:38There's no one around me anymore.
34:40Sometimes I think about it.
34:41If I treated you better, maybe things would have gone differently.
34:45If I hadn't wanted so much, a son, the family business, control over everything, maybe you'd
34:51still be alive.
34:52He stopped.
34:53When he spoke again, his voice got caught.
34:55But none of that matters now.
34:57You're gone.
34:57Our child is gone.
34:59That's on me.
35:00I'll never make up for it, so.
35:02He took a deep breath.
35:03I sold off everything the Lang family left.
35:05The money's being split three ways.
35:07One part goes to charity.
35:09Your name.
35:10One part goes to Vanessa and the child.
35:12That's for my brother.
35:13And the last part.
35:15He let out a bleak laugh.
35:16I'm keeping it for a grave.
35:18I'll be buried next to you.
35:19If there's another life, I'll spend it paying you back.
35:22The call ended.
35:23I held the phone in my hand and didn't move.
35:26Not for a long time.
35:28When the screen finally went dark, I saw my reflection in it.
35:31Blank.
35:32Cold.
35:33Like I felt nothing at all.
35:35Adrian really had sold off everything.
35:37The houses.
35:38The stocks.
35:39The collectibles.
35:41He even put the old family estate up for sale.
35:43Then he moved into a small apartment.
35:46Every day, he did the same two things.
35:48He drank.
35:49And he went to the cemetery.
35:51He would sit in front of my headstone and talk to himself.
35:54Sometimes about the company.
35:57Sometimes about when we were young.
35:59Sometimes he said nothing at all.
36:01He just sat there for hours.
36:03Sometimes all day.
36:04Chloe went to see him once.
36:06She called him insane.
36:07You threw away the whole family for a dead woman?
36:10What about dad?
36:11What about our brother?
36:12Adrian looked at her, his eyes empty.
36:15Then what about Serena?
36:17What about the baby she lost?
36:19Chloe had no answer.
36:21She left crying.
36:22And she never came back.
36:24By the third month, I'd had enough.
36:27The satisfaction of revenge had faded the moment the Lange family collapsed.
36:30All that was left was emptiness.
36:32And a trace of sadness I didn't even want to admit to myself.
36:36Is it enough?
36:37If it is, come back.
36:39The family still needs you.
36:40The family still needs you.
36:42I'll come back tomorrow.
36:44But tonight I want to go to the cemetery.
36:47My father frowned.
36:49It's too dangerous.
36:50He has nothing left.
36:52If he finds out you're alive...
36:54He won't.
36:55I'll keep my distance.
36:57One last look and I'm done.
36:59My father was quiet for a long time.
37:02Then he nodded.
37:03Take the guards.
37:04If anything happens, call immediately.
37:07The cemetery was silent that night.
37:09I stood in the shadows beneath the tree and watched Adrian sitting in front of my grave.
37:13He had lost a lot of weight.
37:15There was gray in his hair now too.
37:17He wasn't even 40.
37:19But he looked 50.
37:20He had a bottle in his hand.
37:22He drank as he talked.
37:23Serena, I saw a psychiatrist today.
37:26He said I'm depressed.
37:27He said I need medication.
37:29I told him I don't.
37:31I just miss you.
37:32I miss your cooking.
37:34I miss you nagging me to drink less.
37:35I miss the way you used to hold your stomach and tell me the baby kicked again.
37:39He took another drink.
37:41Then he started coughing.
37:43He coughed for a long time.
37:45When he finally stopped, his voice was even hoarser.
37:48But I can't remember you clearly anymore.
37:51Your face, your voice, they're fading.
37:54I'm scared that one day, I'll forget you completely.
37:58And if that happens, what am I supposed to do?
38:02He bent over the headstone, his shoulders shaking.
38:04He was crying.
38:05I turned to leave.
38:07Then I accidentally kicked the stone.
38:09Who's there?
38:11I froze.
38:12One of my guards moved to pull me away.
38:14But I shook my head.
38:16He got to his feet and started walking toward me.
38:20I'd hidden long enough.
38:21It was time to face him.
38:24Adrian stopped at the edge of the shadows.
38:26Moonlight fell across my face.
38:28He stared at me, his pupils shrinking all at once, like he'd seen a ghost.
38:33You.
38:33It's me.
38:34I'm alive.
38:36Surprised?
38:37His mouth opened, but no sound came out.
38:39He just stared at me.
38:41Shock.
38:42Confusion.
38:43Then something close to joy.
38:44He rushed toward me, trying to grab me.
38:46Guard stepped forward and blocked him.
38:49Serena!
38:49You're alive?
38:50I knew it!
38:51He tried to shut the guard aside, but he couldn't.
38:54That was when he finally noticed the four men in black standing around me.
38:59They're my men.
39:00He looked me over from head to toe.
39:02The tailored suit.
39:03The flawless makeup.
39:05The cold expression.
39:06I was nothing like the soft, obedient wife he used to know.
39:09Who are you?
39:10Let me introduce self properly.
39:13Serena Santoni.
39:14Eldest daughter of the Santoni family, and the sole heir to the Corioni Mafia Empire.
39:19Adrian staggered back, like I'd hit him square in the chest.
39:24That's impossible!
39:27You told me you came from an ordinary family.
39:29That was a lie.
39:31My father told me not to marry you.
39:33He said I wouldn't be able to handle you.
39:36I didn't believe him.
39:38I insisted on marrying you anyway.
39:41Turns out he was right.
39:43So the Lange family went under because of you?
39:45Yes.
39:47My father made it happen.
39:49He said anyone who touched his daughter had to pay.
39:53I think he was right.
39:56Adrian's eyes reddened.
40:01Then why didn't you tell me sooner?
40:03If you had told me who you were, how could I have ever...
40:06How could you have what?
40:08Treated me better?
40:09Let me live?
40:14Adrian, stop lying to yourself.
40:17What you loved was that I seemed ordinary.
40:21That I looked easy to control.
40:23If you had known I wasn't someone you could push around...
40:27You never would have married me.
40:31If anything, you probably would have gotten rid of me sooner and gone after my family too.
40:38I had hit the truth.
40:40He went silent.
40:43He looked at me, and the pain in his eyes slowly twisted into resentment.
40:49So this was all a game to you.
40:51You watched me drown in guilt.
40:55You watched me regret everything.
40:58You watched me lose it all.
41:01And that made you happy, didn't it?
41:04No.
41:06It didn't.
41:08Watching you suffer didn't make me happy.
41:11I just thought you deserved it.
41:13Adrian laughed.
41:15It was an ugly laugh.
41:19Deserved it?
41:20Don't act so righteous, Serena.
41:22If you told me the truth from the beginning, none of this would have happened.
41:25Yes, I wronged you.
41:29But you lied to me too.
41:31You played me.
41:32You destroyed everything I had.
41:35You're worse than I am.
41:38He lunged at me, trying to grab me.
41:40The guards moved instantly.
41:42In seconds, they had him pinned to the ground.
41:47Serena!
41:48You'll pay for this!
41:52I'll make you regret it!
41:54I swear I'll-
41:56He didn't get to finish.
41:57A guard turned to me.
41:59Miss, what should we do with him?
42:01I looked at Adrian lying unconscious on the ground.
42:04I stayed silent for a few seconds.
42:06Take him back.
42:07And make sure I never see him again.
42:12I went back to Italy and officially took over the family business.
42:15My father retired and slipped into a quiet, easy life.
42:19He spent his days tending his flowers, doting on his birds, and carrying himself like any ordinary old man.
42:24But every so often, he would still ask.
42:27Do you still hate him?
42:28I shook my head.
42:30No.
42:32Hate wears people out.
42:33I'm done with that.
42:34He studied me for a moment.
42:36Do you ever think about him?
42:38Dad, come on.
42:39I smiled.
42:40He let out a sigh.
42:41I just think you push yourself too hard.
42:45It's been three years.
42:47I hardly ever see you smile.
42:49And I've never seen you let any man get close.
42:52I set the file down and looked at him.
42:55Dad, I'm doing just fine on my own.
42:57I have my work.
42:58I have money.
43:00I have my family.
43:01I don't need a man in my life making things worse.
43:04Is next week's US Traff arranged?
43:06It is.
43:07Then I'll get ready.
43:07I rose and left the study.
43:09As I reached the door, I heard him murmur softly behind me.
43:12If that baby had lived, they'd be three by now.
43:15My steps faltered.
43:16But I didn't turn back.
43:18I just kept walking.
43:19The hallway was long.
43:20Its walls lined with portraits of the family's past heads.
43:23At the very end hung my mother's portrait.
43:25She died giving birth to me.
43:27She lost too much blood.
43:29And they couldn't save her.
43:30My father never remarried.
43:32I never understood that before.
43:34Now I did.
43:35Some wounds stay with you for life.
43:38Some pain never truly fades.
43:40Miss Adrian is in Italy.
43:41He's outside the estate.
43:42He says he wants to see you.
43:44I'm not seeing him.
43:45He's on his knees.
43:46He says he won't leave until you agree to meet him.
43:48I walked over to the window and drew back the curtain.
43:51Outside the estate gates, Adrian was kneeling by the roadside,
43:53holding a sign above his head.
43:55It read, I'm sorry.
43:56I was wrong.
43:58Please let me see you.
43:59I watched him for a moment, then closed the curtain again.
44:02Let him kneel.
44:03When it gets dark, throw him out.
44:06My assistant hesitated.
44:07Miss, isn't that a little-
44:09Do it.
44:10I ended the call.
44:11Then I sat down on the sofa and closed my eyes.
44:15But memory came back anyway.
44:17We first met in the library.
44:19I was carrying a stack of books and walked straight into him.
44:22The books spilled all over the floor.
44:24He bent down to help me gather them.
44:26That's quite a stack.
44:27Sunlight poured in through the window and fell across his face.
44:30He looked gentle, clean, warm.
44:33None of it had been real.
44:35Not a single bit of it.
44:36So why did my heart still ache?
44:38Three months later, Adrian died on a street in Italy.
44:42When the news reached me, I was in the middle of signing off on a cross-border acquisition.
44:45My pen never stopped moving.
44:48I know.
44:49I closed the file and gave my assistant a slight nod.
44:52Outside, sunlight fell across my bare ring finger.
44:55It had been empty for a long time.
44:57From that day on, I had only my name, my power, and the family empire on my shoulders.
45:02Love was over.
45:03Weakness was a luxury I could no longer afford.
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