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Hot drama 2026
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00:00To let my husband focus on his career, I stayed at Ancestral Home to care for my ailing mother-in
00:04-law.
00:05Ten years went by like that. Charles came home once a year, but he never touched me.
00:09He said if I got pregnant with him away, I'd have no one to care for me, and that would
00:13break his
00:13heart. Every time he left, he'd curse himself for being useless, and swear that once he made it,
00:19he'd take me to the capital. In the winter of our eleventh year, snow blocked the roads.
00:24Charles wrote he'd be a few days late. I went to tell mother the news, but overheard her talking
00:29with my sister-in-law. Mother, you've faked being sick for ten years. How much longer will you keep
00:34this up? What else can I do? Charles only has eyes for that adopted sister. They married behind our
00:40backs. Now their kids aren't young. If I don't keep Diana here and she makes a scene, how could Charles
00:44keep his position as minister? Forget it. We'll just keep hiding it, Charles said once he is more
00:49established. He'll make it up to Diana. My eyes welled up, so Charles wasn't useless. He'd made it.
00:54He was the minister of revenue, and he didn't avoid me out of love. But because he had someone
00:59else, my heart died. I tracked down that soldier who'd always liked me.
01:09Do you still want to marry me? Diana, I promise I'll be good to you. But give me a month.
01:14I ship
01:15out tonight. I'll earn real merit this time, and marry you in style. I lowered his hand and said,
01:21I don't need style. Just stability. Keep yourself safe. Just come back to me.
01:30After watching him leave, I went home. The house, usually dark, was lit up. I thought
01:37Mother was waiting for me. Opening the gate, I chided her. Mother, it's so late. You should
01:42rest. Before I finished, the door slid open. A tall figure stood silhouetted by candlelight.
01:47A familiar voice, laced with snow, reached me. Diana, I'm home.
01:54A year away, and Charles seemed more commanding, probably from being a high official. His tone
01:59carried authority. He opened his arms, waiting for me to run into them and tell him how much I'd
02:05missed him. But I didn't. I sat down my basket and said calmly, you haven't eaten, have you? Let me
02:11make you something. Charles frowned slightly, awkwardly lowering his arms, forcing a light
02:16tone. What's wrong? You don't miss me after a year? Or are you angry at me? Before I knew
02:22the truth, I really did miss him, and I was a little upset too. No one wants to be apart
02:27from
02:27her husband so long, and so far away. But after learning everything, I stopped hoping. I made peace
02:32with it. Instead of fighting, better depart on good terms and leave quietly. I didn't answer.
02:38Instead, I changed the subject. Go talk with Mother. I'll call you when dinner's ready.
02:44Diana, what's wrong? Did you hear some rumour? I pushed him away calmly and smiled.
02:50This poor village rarely sees outsiders. What could I hear? Don't overthink it.
02:55Charles sighed with relief. He thought I was just moody and pulled me back in.
02:58Diana, I came back to take you all to the capital. But there's something I need to tell
03:03you first. My heart clenched. I knew what he'd say. After all these years, he was finally
03:08coming clean. Charles led me inside. I was surprised. Mother wasn't alone. There was a richly dressed
03:14woman and two children who looked just like Charles. Mother looked down guiltily, unable to
03:18meet my eyes. But the woman walked up boldly and extended her hand.
03:22You're Diana Jensen, right? I'm Esther Carter, Charles's adopted sister, and his wife. When I
03:30didn't respond, she pushed the children forward. These are our son and daughter.
03:38Come on, call her Diana. Seeing my cold expression, Charles quickly stopped her. He took my hand
03:44guiltily. Diana, let me explain. He took my hand guiltily. Diana, let me explain. That year,
03:55bandits attacked me on my way to capital cautious. If Issa didn't save me, I would have died. I only
04:00meant to make her my swarm sister. Then I learned she was an orphan with nowhere to go. I wanted
04:05to
04:05give her a home. It was my way of repaying her. If it hurts, you can hit me, curse me.
04:09Just, when we
04:10get to the capital, I hope you two can get a war. He grabbed my hand to make me hit
04:15him. I pulled
04:15it back and smiled calmly. Going to the capital is a good thing. It doesn't hurt. Mother's been
04:21unwell for years. Maybe the capital's doctors can cure her. Charles was overjoyed, barely able to
04:27contain himself. Really? You're not mad at me? My composure let Charles breathe easy. He urged me.
04:35Diana, pack your things. We'll leave the day after tomorrow. We can still make it back for New
04:40Year's Eve. I nodded and said, Mother doesn't have much. It won't take long. I'll pack the
04:47medicine she'll need on the road. You can all leave the day after tomorrow. Charles stiffened.
04:53He understood immediately. He frowned. Diana, what do you mean? You're not coming with us?
05:00I met his eyes, my voice calm. My lord, we probably won't come back after this. I need to sell
05:05the
05:05fields in the house. If they sit empty, we'd still owe taxes. It'd be a waste. If they sit
05:16empty, we'd still owe taxes. It'd be a waste. Take everyone back for the holiday. Once I've
05:24settled things here, I'll join you after the thaw. Charles relaxed a little. He knew what this house
05:30and land meant to me. When I first married in, the shahs had nothing. We rented a drafty shack.
05:37I worked myself to the bone, put him through school and exams, and saved for this house in
05:41two fields. That is how we stopped worrying about food, and Charles got a place to study
05:46in peace. Maybe remembering those days, his eyes softened with guilt. Diana, I am the Minister of
05:54Revenue. Now money's not an issue. Just give the land away to some poor folks. Save yourself
05:59the trouble. I smiled and shook my head. They're my sweat and blood. I can't just give them away.
06:07Don't worry, my lord. I'll come find you once it is done. I won't delay. For a moment, Charles
06:14hesitated. Esther caught it and tugged his sleeve, annoyed. She warned him. My lord, don't go soft.
06:21The Sensitory has eyes on you if you leave her here, and they come asking and she slips up. How
06:27long
06:27do you think you'll keep your post? I am not stupid. I understood Esther immediately. So Charles
06:32wasn't having a change of heart. Summono had found out about his first wife. If they confirmed
06:37it, the censorate would have a field day. The Emperor is a devoted man. He despises men
06:42who abandon their wives. If Charles wants to keep his post, he needs to keep me happy and make sure
06:53I
06:53keep my mouth shut. Thinking about it, I'd be lying if I said it didn't sting. I married Charles 13
07:00years
07:01ago. I gave him everything I had. Charles was a scholar. Couldn't do real work. His mother was old,
07:07no help either. His brother was a lazy good for nothing. I was the one keeping the family afloat,
07:12but I never complained. I cared for mother, and even saved up to find his brother a wife,
07:17so they could live decently. I thought doing all that would earn me his loyalty forever,
07:21but I overestimated my worth. I finally understood why they say scholars are the most heartless.
07:26I fought back the sting in my eyes, refusing to let the tears fall. Then, steadying myself, I said,
07:32so that's what worries you, my lord. I can write you a pledge. No matter who asks, I'll swear I'm
07:42a
07:42sure family orphan, your adopted sister. Will that do? All of them stared, stunned. After a long
07:50moment, Charles asked, half doubtful. Diana, you'd really humble yourself for me? For you, I'd do
07:56anything. But just to be safe, there's one thing you must destroy now. What? The marriage contract.
08:05The marriage contract. I answered calmly, ours. We married in a poor village, no formalities,
08:13a written contract, a cup of wine, and it was done. We never registered it with the authorities,
08:18so if we destroy the contract, I am no longer Charles' wife. Then I just wait for that soldier
08:24to return and I can marry him. I thought Charles would be relieved. But for some reason, he
08:30hesitated. Diana, you once said this contract was your greatest treasure. After all these
08:37years, after everything you've done for me, if I destroy the one thing you treasure, how
08:41could you bear it? Maybe we should keep it. So he did see everything I gave, remembered.
08:50But even so, he still left me here for ten years, and built a family with someone else.
08:57If he could treat my devotion like dirt, why should I cling to a piece of paper? But I knew,
09:02with his cautious nature, he wouldn't just let me marry another man. But I knew, with his suspicious
09:08nature, he wouldn't just let me marry another man. So I made up a reason. My lord, you know this
09:14contract is my life. But for your future, I have to let it go. Once you're in the capital,
09:19you can marry me again, and give me a new one. That'll settle it. Mother nodded in agreement.
09:26Diana's right. With your position, you can't leave loose ends. Burn it. She's putting you
09:31first. You can make it up to her later. Diana, hiding this from you was wrong. But
09:36trust me, I'll be good to you. Wait for me. I'll prepare the finest bride trice and marry
09:41you again properly. Charles still had doubts, but he knew I had
09:44a point. He pulled out the contract. The way he looked, you'd almost think he meant
09:49it. But I didn't believe him. I told myself it was just an illusion. I lit both copies
09:55myself. The flames turned that farce of a marriage to ash. And with it, my decade-long obsession.
10:08For the first time, I felt a flicker of hope, wondering at the freedom that could be mine.
10:20After Charles took Esther to rest, Mother stopped me. She dropped the act and knelt right in front
10:25of me. I was wrong. I hid it from you all these years. You must hate me, don't you?
10:32Her hair was completely white. Seeing her face wet with tears, I couldn't be cruel. I helped
10:38her up and said calmly, Mother, you did it because you love your son. I don't blame you. Sure,
10:46your sickness was faked, but you've always had your aches and pains. When you get to the
10:50Capitol, listen to the doctors. Take care of yourself. Hearing that, she broke down completely.
10:58Diana, how can you be so kind? Without you, who'll ever treat me this well?
11:04Don't you worry. No matter how Charles treats you, I'll always see you as my own daughter.
11:11I won't let anyone hurt you. I'll always see you as my own daughter. I won't let anyone hurt you.
11:17I understood Mother's helplessness, so I never blamed her. But I wouldn't trust her again either.
11:22She is a mother. Words are sweet, but blood wins. If the day ever came when she had to choose
11:28between
11:28Charles and me, I knew she'd pick him without a second thought. I said calmly, Mother, it's fine.
11:35Whoever Charles marries becomes your daughter-in-law. You owe me nothing.
11:40As I left her room, Esther blocked my path in the yard.
11:45Diana, don't take Charles' words to heart. I never saved him. I thought being deceived by my
11:51beloved husband and his mother was the worst blow. But no, there was more they'd hidden from me.
11:56Esther wasn't his savior at all. The truth was, Charles fell for her at first sight,
12:02used the sworn sister story to get close, broke off her original engagement, and married her.
12:08Calling her his savior was just his way to soften me. He knows I am kind, that I always repay
12:13a debt.
12:14So he and Mother cooked up this story to force my hand to make me accept it.
12:18Seeing me stunned, Esther thought her words had hit home. She smirked.
12:22So when he talks about marrying you in style, it's all lies. You'll be nothing but a concubine.
12:28Oh, and Mother? Saying she'll treat you like a daughter? You believe that?
12:33When it's her own son, her own grandchildren, do you think you stand a chance?
12:37I blinked back the wetness in my eyes and forced myself to ask,
12:41Why tell me this?
12:44You want me to leave quietly, don't you?
12:46Charles is loyal. You've done so much for this family.
12:52If I drove you away, he'd blame me and regret it forever. I couldn't do that to him.
12:58I'm just making your place clear.
13:00In the capital, know your role as a concubine. Don't hope for more status. And definitely don't hope for children.
13:06Charles promised me I'd be the only one to bear his children. That's why he never touched you.
13:11If you try anything, don't expect mercy. But if you behave, I'll make sure you're fed and clothed.
13:17I had no energy for her games. I nodded just to end it. The day they left, I took my
13:23only necklace, the necklace one, and placed it in Esther's palm.
13:27Mother immediately objected. She took the necklace and gave it back.
13:32Diana, I gave you this. You keep it.
13:35Diana, I gave you this. You keep it.
13:39I reached out to take the necklace, turned around, and carefully put it on Esther's neck.
13:45This necklace is Mother's heirloom. Everyone knows it's for the sure daughter-in-law.
13:49If I keep it, and someone investigates, it'll just raise questions. Safer with Esther.
13:54Mother, Diana's right. When we're together again, I'll give it back to her.
13:58Mother wasn't happy, but since we both agreed, she just sighed and whispered to me.
14:03Diana, don't worry. What I gave you is yours. You're my only true daughter-in-law.
14:09Once you're in the capital, I'll get it back for you.
14:11I nodded, and then looked at Charles.
14:13Charles, it is all I have left from my grandma. She made it right before she passed. Can I have
14:20it back?
14:20Charles frowned slightly and said quietly,
14:23Diana, this new way of addressing me feels strange. When we're alone, just call me my lord.
14:29When we're alone, just call me my lord.
14:31Better to be cautious. Can't leave any loose ends.
14:35Fine. After I marry you again, we'll change it back.
14:39But keep the pouch with me. It was your gift, a token of our love.
14:43I didn't understand. He used to hate this pouch.
14:46Said men wearing pouches was embarrassing, now that I wanted to grant his old wish.
14:51Why was he refusing?
14:52Charles, it's almost New Year's Eve. I'll be lonely here alone.
14:56Keeping the pouch gives me something to hold on to.
15:00If you want it back, I'll give it to you when I get to the capital.
15:03Charles looked at me affectionately, turned to leave.
15:05But after walking a few steps, he stopped, turned back, and held my hand tightly.
15:10Wait for me. I'll come for you myself after the thaw.
15:15There's one last thing I need to tell you then.
15:18Okay.
15:26After watching them leave, I went back inside and grabbed my bag from the top cabinet.
15:32I left Charles' money on the table. That is where the man I'll marry is waiting.
15:36I have to marry him before Charles comes for me.
15:39Once that is done, I'll be free of him.
15:41Free of this humiliation.
15:43Winter roads were hard, and I had little money.
15:45I couldn't afford a cart, so I stopped when I had to.
15:49When funds ran low, I worked in towns earned enough, then moved on.
15:54Spring was near, and I was getting closer to the border.
15:57One day, while wiping tables at an inn, the owner rushed in, excited.
16:02Diana! The border force is one!
16:05After they process the prisoners, they'll return any day now.
16:08You'll see your fiancé soon.
16:10He paid me what I'd earned, and added a bonus.
16:12Your fiancé is a hero of Deoria.
16:16Call this my wedding gift.
16:18Hire a cart, and go to him.
16:20I thanked the tavern owner gratefully, then hired a shabby carriage and set off for the border.
16:25But it was very quiet there, and the army had not yet returned.
16:29Sir, my fiancé is Lance Watson.
16:32When he arrives, please tell him I've rented a place east of the city, waiting.
16:37The guard heard this, handed the coins back.
16:40So you're Lance's fiancé.
16:42No need for this.
16:43Just put in a good word for me sometime.
16:45I was confused.
16:46Lance was just a nobody soldier.
16:48What good would my words do?
16:50Probably mistook me for someone else.
16:52But saving money wasn't bad.
16:54The waiting made me nervous.
16:56Lance and I were from the same village.
16:58And yes, he'd admired me for years.
17:01But I'd been married.
17:03I didn't know if his proposal was real, or just impulse.
17:06Then I thought it through.
17:07If he changed his mind, I'd manage on my own.
17:10I have my hands.
17:11I won't starve.
17:13That settled?
17:14I felt better.
17:15I started sewing my wedding gown.
17:17If he wants me, good.
17:19If not, at least it is for me.
17:22When I married Charles, I never wore one.
17:26Back then, the Shaws had nothing.
17:28Empty walls.
17:30No gown.
17:31And the wedding wine was borrowed from a neighbor.
17:33Later, when I had money, I repaid her with two big jars.
17:37She grabbed my hand.
17:38Diana, you're such a good girl.
17:40Why stay with the Shaws?
17:42All that hardship.
17:43Look at you.
17:45Pretty, hardworking.
17:46You could marry a rich man and not be settling.
17:49Why cling to that book-wayed Charles wasting your youth?
17:52I loved Charles.
17:53I believed in our future.
17:55I thought she was out of line.
17:57I even argued with her.
17:59Ma'am, you're unfair to him.
18:01I peened here.
18:02I believe in him.
18:03When he makes it, he won't let me down.
18:05She couldn't convince me.
18:07Just kept calling me foolish.
18:09Now I see.
18:10She was the one who saw clearly.
18:12The day I slipped away, I almost ran straight into Charles' sister-in-law.
18:17The day I slipped away, I nearly crossed paths with Charles' sister-in-law.
18:21She was heading out.
18:22She almost noticed me, but my neighbor distracted her.
18:26Ah, there you are.
18:27I thought I heard your voice.
18:29She had once told me,
18:30Diana, the Shaws aren't good enough for you.
18:32Go, Lev, free.
18:33Don't let them trap you anymore.
18:35If you want to leave, I'll handle your sister-in-law.
18:37I'll make sure they don't find out you're gone.
18:39I don't know how she held her off, but it worked.
18:42I managed to slip away quietly without alerting a soul.
18:45For a month, no one came looking for me.
18:48In the place I rented, I lived through some of the calmest, most peaceful days I'd had
18:53in a long time, but you just had to say it.
18:56On the third day, a carriage stopped outside my door.
18:58I thought Lance was back.
19:00I ran out, excited only to come face to face with someone familiar.
19:04Charles.
19:04Hair disheveled, his face drawn.
19:07His voice was hoarse.
19:08Diana, you were so hard to find.
19:12I hadn't expected him to show up at all.
19:15I froze.
19:16He dismounted and strode over in a few strides,
19:20grabbing my wrist.
19:21So tight it felt like my bones might crack.
19:25He dismounted, strode over in a few steps,
19:28and grabbed my wrist,
19:29squeezing so hard my bones might crack.
19:32Diana.
19:32Diana, you promised me.
19:36Why did you run away, all the way to this border town?
19:40I spent half a month preparing,
19:43went to Greenhavel myself to get you,
19:45and found the house empty.
19:49Do you know how worried I was?
19:52I couldn't break free,
19:53so I stopped trying and said coldly,
19:56Why trouble yourself for me, Lord Shaw?
19:58Our contract is destroyed.
20:00I'm no longer ashore.
20:03Where I go, whether I live or die,
20:05is none of your business.
20:07My cold words stung him.
20:09He got angrier.
20:11Diana, I know you're upset,
20:14but this is reckless.
20:16You agreed to come to the cap,
20:18and how did you break your word?
20:19How could you break your word?
20:20It struck me as almost funny.
20:22I dropped the act.
20:24Didn't you break your word?
20:25I didn't want anything to do with him anymore.
20:27I just wanted him gone.
20:29On our wedding day,
20:30didn't you promise me to be true to me forever?
20:32To never take another wife?
20:38So, call it even.
20:40So, call it even.
20:43Lord Shaw, we're done.
20:48Done.
20:53Seeing my resolve, Charles' eyes reddened.
20:57He pulled me close,
20:58almost nose to nose.
21:00We've been married over ten years.
21:03You can't just end it like that.
21:10Diana, I know you're hurt.
21:15When we go back,
21:16I'll make you an equal wife.
21:18I promise.
21:21You won't be beneath Esther,
21:24all right?
21:26I snorted.
21:26He thought I wanted more.
21:28He frowned.
21:30Diana, it's not that I won't make you equal,
21:33but Esther saved my life.
21:36Saved your life?
21:37I cut him off and scoffed.
21:40After all this,
21:42you still hide behind that lie.
21:44After everything you've put me through.
21:47Charles, you're not even trying.
21:50He froze,
21:51panic flashing in his eyes.
21:53Diana, what do you mean?
21:55Diana, what do you mean?
21:56Seeing his face change,
21:58I tore through his lies,
21:59word by word.
22:00Esther told me everything.
22:06There were no bandits.
22:08No one saved Charles.
22:10It was all a lie.
22:12Something he made up just to have her.
22:15You fell for her at first sight.
22:19Forced your way in
22:20and destroyed her engagement.
22:24Your debt of gratitude
22:26was just an excuse for your betrayal.
22:29Charles went pale.
22:30He opened his mouth,
22:33but shame choked his words.
22:35I was done.
22:36I was about to send him away
22:37when he snapped out of it
22:39and weakly pleaded.
22:43Diana, let me explain.
22:48Esther's jealous.
22:49He pushed all the blame onto Esther.
22:52Esther's jealous.
22:53Claiming she was trying to drive us apart.
22:55You know woman wants to share her husband.
22:58You understand that too.
22:59I cut him off.
23:02Too numb to feel a thing.
23:05That's why you stayed away ten years.
23:08Left me alone.
23:12Even had your mother pretend to be sick
23:14for ten years
23:15to trap me in the village.
23:18Right?
23:19Even had your mother pretend to be sick
23:21for ten years to trap me in the village.
23:28Right?
23:32Since you care for her so much,
23:34stop chasing after me.
23:37It'll only hurt us both.
23:41Diana!
23:41Diana!
23:42I yanked my hand back,
23:43stepped away,
23:44and said coldly,
23:45the old Diana Jensen is dead.
23:49She learnt the truth.
23:53The woman standing here now
23:55has nothing to do with you
23:56or the Shaw family.
23:58For what we had,
23:59I won't speak against you.
24:04Just leave.
24:08My fiancé is coming back
24:10with the army soon.
24:12Charles stiffened,
24:13his head snapping up.
24:15I don't want him to misunderstand.
24:18Eyes blazing with shock and fury.
24:21Fiancé?
24:22What fiancé?
24:25Who is he?
24:27Mr. Nobody Soldier.
24:29You wouldn't know him,
24:30Lord Shaw.
24:31I answered calmly.
24:32Now go.
24:33But Charles refused to accept it.
24:35Diana,
24:35have you lost your mind?
24:46You'd refuse a minister
24:48for some lowly soldier?
24:50You'd refuse a minister
24:52for some lowly soldier?
24:54He could die any day.
24:56And his pay?
25:01You'd barely afford a meal.
25:03You're not getting any younger.
25:11You want to live like that again?
25:13Do you have any idea
25:14what kind of hardship
25:15you're letting yourself in for?
25:16I don't fear hardship.
25:18If I did,
25:19I'd never have married you.
25:21I glared at him
25:22and said calmly,
25:24Lord Shaw,
25:25stop insulting my fiancé.
25:27He lacks your wealth and status,
25:29but he gives me his whole heart.
25:33Unlike you,
25:35always chasing shiny and new.
25:38Charles faltered.
25:39It took him a moment to recover.
25:45Diana,
25:46you've got it wrong.
25:49I don't love the new
25:50and forget the old.
25:52All these years,
25:53even with Esther,
25:54you've always been in my heart.
25:56Words weren't enough,
25:57so he stopped.
25:59He said,
26:00Fine.
26:02When you come back with me,
26:04I'll prove it.
26:06I didn't understand,
26:07but his next words
26:08answered my question.
26:09General Quinn is an old acquaintance.
26:12I'll go see him.
26:13Ask him to talk to your fiancé.
26:16He plays it right.
26:18I'll find him a nice girl
26:19and cover the bride price too.
26:21I'll find him a nice girl
26:23and cover the bride price too.
26:24I am usually patient,
26:25but this time I snapped.
26:27Charles,
26:27have you lost your mind?
26:29He didn't say it outright,
26:30but I understood.
26:31He was going to use his power
26:33to pressure Lance.
26:34Lance is just a soldier.
26:35How could he fight a minister?
26:45I grabbed Charles' sword
26:46and held it to my throat.
26:47I said,
26:48Charles,
26:49if you go near him,
26:51I'll kill myself right now.
26:52My life may be cheap,
26:54but you're the Minister of Revenue.
26:57Diana!
26:58If word gets out
26:59you drove a woman to death,
27:01how would that look?
27:04Or the fact that you tried to kill me?
27:06He always saw me as gentle.
27:08He never thought I'd threaten to die.
27:10If you don't want me dead,
27:12write it down.
27:14If anything happens to me
27:15or my fiancé,
27:17you'll be held responsible.
27:19Charles had spent years
27:20climbing the ranks.
27:21He'd never sign his own ruin.
27:23He'd never sign his own ruin.
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