Twice Burned follows a love that has been tested and scarred. Twice, the couple fell in love, and twice, their hearts were burned. Now, with their emotions shattered, they must navigate the remnants of their passion and figure out if they can rise from the ashes or if their love is forever lost.
#RomanticDrama #SecondChance #BurnedLove #LoveAndLoss #RekindledPassion #Heartbreak #EmotionalJourney #LoveStory #Romance #DramaSeries
#RomanticDrama #SecondChance #BurnedLove #LoveAndLoss #RekindledPassion #Heartbreak #EmotionalJourney #LoveStory #Romance #DramaSeries
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I spent ten years chasing the woman who would burn me alive, my wife, all because she was afraid I'd
00:05expose what she'd done with my half-brother.
00:07As the flames consumed me, I saw a stranger rush into the fire.
00:11She pulled me into her arms.
00:12Her tears burned hotter than the flames on my skin.
00:16Ethan, if there's a next life, can you choose me first?
00:21My soul scattered, but I saw her before I died.
00:24This woman, Serena Vance.
00:26She built me a gravestone.
00:27My beloved husband.
00:29She destroyed Rose and Julian without mercy.
00:31Then she took her own life.
00:33When I opened my eyes again, I'd been reborn.
00:35I broke off my engagement to Rose Miller.
00:38I married Serena instead.
00:39Two years later, Rose was on her knees in front of me.
00:41She'd been reborn too, apparently.
00:43But I'd already sworn to love Serena in this life.
00:45So why was everything falling apart?
00:47Serena started going to clubs with Julian.
00:49My stomach ulcer flared up.
00:50I collapsed at home, alone.
00:52She was having dinner with my brother.
00:54When Julian ran over the stray dog we'd adopted together, she did nothing.
00:57I held the small body in my arms, shaking.
01:00Why?
01:01My voice cracked.
01:02Why are you doing this to me?
01:04Serena looked at me like I was pathetic.
01:06Do I need a reason to stop loving someone?
01:11I told Mrs. Vance I wanted a divorce.
01:16Please don't tell Serena yet.
01:18I begged.
01:18She squeezed my hand.
01:19I'm so sorry, Ethan.
01:21I took the divorce papers and went to find Serena myself.
01:24I found her at a private club.
01:26Through the VIP booth window, Isaware wrapped around Julian.
01:30Her chin rested in the curve of his neck.
01:35Who let you in?
01:36I held out the papers.
01:37My arm stayed frozen in there.
01:39Five seconds.
01:40Ten.
01:40My shoulders started to ache.
01:42Finally, she pinched Julian's waist.
01:43Julian leaned into her like a cat, flipping through the papers lazily.
01:48What's this?
01:50What?
01:51Nothing.
01:52Serena?
01:52I think Ethan brought you some company documents.
01:55You should sign them so he can leave.
01:56My blood went cold.
01:57You sign.
01:58I'm giving you full authority.
02:00Wait.
02:01Serena, don't you want to re-
02:02He speaks for me.
02:03What, afraid I'll go back on my word in front of all these people?
02:06She used to check every document.
02:07I gave a hair.
02:08Every single one.
02:09Now she trusted Julian Morath and me.
02:11Julian handed me the signed papers.
02:13I turned to leave.
02:14I hand-grabbed my arm.
02:15Hold on.
02:16What?
02:17She smiled.
02:18It didn't reach her eyes.
02:19Come home with us.
02:20I'm pregnant.
02:21Julian's moving in to help me through it.
02:24And Ethan?
02:25Make him that chicken soup he likes so much.
02:26Vile Rosen myth wrote.
02:28I won't do it.
02:30It's okay, Serena.
02:31Don't force him.
02:32Shut up.
02:33You'll do what I tell you to do.
02:35Now let's go.
02:37She didn't wait for an answer.
02:38She dragged me back to the villa.
02:45The car pulled up to the villa.
02:48Serena dragged me straight to the kitchen.
02:50She watched me take out the chicken and Vigate Abel's.
02:53Fill the pot with water.
02:55Only when the flame was lit did she finally leave.
02:58I stared at the bubbling broth.
03:00This was pathetic.
03:02My dear brother, you must be so disappointed.
03:06Serena didn't even look at those divorce papers, right?
03:09The woman who used to love you so much, now her heart belongs completely to me.
03:15That's just how women are, I guess.
03:17He laughed.
03:17But wow, you're so obedient.
03:20You were about to leave, but she told you to make soup, and here you are.
03:25You're such a good little dog.
03:30Are you done?
03:31My voice was flat.
03:32Julian's smile vanished.
03:34His eyes landed on the pot of boiling soup.
03:36Before I could react, he grabbed the handle and swung it at me.
03:39The scalding liquid hit my face, my chest, my arms.
03:42Then Julian started screaming instead.
03:43Help!
03:44Help!
03:44The door burst open.
03:47Serena ran in.
03:50For just a second, when she saw me, something flickered Harry's concern.
03:55Serena!
03:55I tried to help Ethan carry the soup, but he tried to throw it on me!
03:59You're lying.
04:00Check the security camera.
04:02Check it.
04:03The camera will show everything!
04:04Enough!
04:05I believe Julian.
04:07You tried to hurt him and burn yourself instead.
04:09You deserve this.
04:10Serena, it hurts.
04:12Let's get you to the hospital.
04:13She didn't look at me again.
04:15A dull ache spread through my chest.
04:17What an idiot I was, thinking she might actually care about me.
04:20Her heart only had room for Julian.
04:22As I fell, I thought I heard Serena running toward me.
04:25But I was probably imagining it.
04:27When I woke up, I was in a hospital room.
04:29My blood was draining into Julian's arm.
04:32I tried to pull out the IV.
04:34Serena grabbed my wrist.
04:37Don't even think about it.
04:39You're giving Julian your blood whether you like it or not.
04:42This is your fault.
04:43He fell because of you.
04:45Her eyes were cold.
04:46You should be grateful your worthless blood can save him.
04:49The room spun.
04:50My burn screamed.
04:51The needle in me.
04:52Arm kept sucking Medri.
04:53I passed out again.
04:55Before I lost consciousness, I heard Serena's angry voice.
04:58I told you to take 20 ML to scare him.
05:00Not 2,000 ML, you idiots.
05:03Do you want to kill him?
05:04When I woke up again, Serena was sitting by my bed.
05:06She tapped her fingers on the table.
05:08Her eyes were ice.
05:09Stop pretending to be dead.
05:10We're going to the old manor this afternoon.
05:13I don't know what kind of spell you put on my mother, but she's throwing you a networking
05:17party.
05:17How manipulative.
05:18I tried to speak, but my throat was too dry.
05:21So I was right.
05:22That worried voice I heard was nothing but my imagination.
05:25Why would Serena ever care?
05:26I was a fool to hope for even a second.
05:31My burn shed didn't heal it yet.
05:33Serena didn't care.
05:34She brought me to them in her anyway.
05:36Mrs. Vance walked toward us.
05:38Panic shot through me.
05:39What if she mentioned the divorce?
05:41I was about to signal her when Serena's phone rang.
05:46Whatever it is, tell me when I get back.
05:48Mrs. Vance tried to stop her.
05:49I know who's calling.
05:50Let her go.
05:53She already signed the divorce papers.
05:55She's pregnant with Julian's child now.
05:58The baby needs a family.
06:00Ethan, you're such a good boy.
06:03We failed you.
06:05Mrs. Vance's eyes filled with tears.
06:07My composure shattered.
06:08I hadn't cried when Julian burned me.
06:11Hadn't cried when Serena forced metadonate blood.
06:14But Mrs. Vance's kindness broke me.
06:17Tonight, I wanted to introduce you to some people.
06:21It might help your future.
06:23I wanted to refuse.
06:25But seeing her tears, I couldn't.
06:27Mrs. Vance chose and suit for me.
06:30When the party began, she introduced me to her circle with pride.
06:34After an hour of networking, I escaped to a quiet corner.
06:37That's when I saw her.
06:38Rose Miller
06:41My body went cold.
06:43Every kill screamed at Metarin.
06:45Even thought this wasn't the first time since my rebirth.
06:48Seeing Rose always brought back the memory of burning a live.
06:51Ethan, come with me.
06:52Rose, I've told you before.
06:54We're both reborn.
06:55Let's just leave each other alone.
06:57After my rebirth, the first thing I did was break our engagement.
07:00Rose hadn't been reborn yet.
07:02She agreed easily.
07:04But two years into my marriage with Serena,
07:06Rose showed up at my door on her knees,
07:08begging me to take her back.
07:10I refused.
07:11Told her I loved Serena.
07:13She didn't stop.
07:14Texts every day.
07:16Calls every night.
07:17Two years, Rose.
07:19I've rejected you for two years.
07:21How much clearer can I be?
07:23I don't want to know how sorry you are.
07:26So please, stop.
07:28Ethan, I swear.
07:29If you come with me just this once,
07:31I'll never bother you again.
07:34Fine.
07:37Ethan, I swear.
07:39If you come with me just this once,
07:41I'll never bother you again.
07:42Maybe it could finally be free of her.
07:44Fine.
07:45I followed her toward the door
07:46and walked straight into Serena.
07:48She was radiating fury.
07:49When she saw me standing next to Rose,
07:51something flashed in her eyes.
07:52Serena!
07:52I quickly pulled away from Rose.
07:55Where did you take Julia?
07:58My heart sank.
07:59I don't know where-
08:00The door slammed open.
08:01Julian burst in.
08:03Ethan, please!
08:04I'm still your brother!
08:06Even if I have a child with Serena,
08:08you didn't have to hire someone to rape me!
08:10The room exploded into whispers.
08:12I didn't.
08:13Serena walked toward me slowly.
08:15Her face was a mask of rage.
08:16You disgust me.
08:18Her hand rose to slap me.
08:20Rose tried to block her,
08:21but Mrs. Vance was faster.
08:23She stepped in front of me.
08:25Serena's eyes flickered with something dark.
08:27She said coldly,
08:29You make me sick.
08:30Before she left,
08:31she turned to the guests.
08:33If anyone speaks about tonight,
08:35you're an enemy of the Vance family.
08:40I don't remember getting home.
08:43I lay in bed,
08:44staring at the ceiling.
08:45My brain was empty.
08:46Tears ran down.
08:48My face.
08:48The bead room door flew open.
08:50Serena's hand closed around my throat.
08:52I couldn't breathe.
08:53You're that jealous?
08:54So jealous of me and Julian having a baby
08:56that you'd do this?
08:57If you want a baby so badly,
08:59I'll give you one.
09:01No.
09:01Hard.
09:02Blood ran down my chest,
09:04soaking the sheets.
09:04Serena froze.
09:06For a moment,
09:06her voice softened with something
09:08that sounded like regret.
09:10Why didn't you resist?
09:13I'd received confirmation last night
09:14that everything was ready.
09:16All my accounts closed.
09:17My arrangements made.
09:18Knowing this was almost over,
09:20I suddenly needed to ask
09:22the question
09:22that had haunted me all this time.
09:24Serena,
09:25Serena,
09:25tell me,
09:26after you were reborn,
09:29why did you suddenly stop loving me?
09:33Serena froze,
09:34pain flickered across her face
09:35before anger took over.
09:37Rebirth?
09:38What rebirth?
09:39I don't know what you're talking about!
09:41But you loved me before.
09:43You really did.
09:44Enough!
09:44You have no right to ask me that!
09:49Serena stormed out.
09:50The servants whispered
09:51that she'd gone into early labor
09:52from the anger.
09:53The baby weighs in intensive care now.
09:55I went to the stage death company
09:57and sit ever gething
09:58for five days from now.
09:59Our wedding anniversary.
10:01I would die in her arms that day.
10:03My love began in her embrace.
10:05It wouldn't there too.
10:07When I got home,
10:08Julian was lounging
10:08in the living room
10:09with Hatzmogluck on his face.
10:11I went straight to my bedroom.
10:13I had nothing to say to him.
10:15But he followed Main,
10:16cradling the premature infant in his arms.
10:18The satisfaction in his eyes
10:20told me everything.
10:21Last night's scene
10:22had been another one of his performances.
10:24I ignored him
10:25and started packing.
10:27I'd leave tonight.
10:28Then Julian set the baby down
10:30next to me on the bed.
10:32Before I could react,
10:33he grabbed the pillow
10:34and pressed it over the infant's face.
10:36Are you out of your mind?
10:38My shouts brought Serena running.
10:40The fury in her face
10:41made everything click in topless.
10:43This washes plain all along.
10:45The sheer cruelty of it stunned me.
10:47Even willed animals
10:48protect their babies.
10:49My hands shook violently
10:50as I gripped the pillow.
10:52Julian!
10:52You're willing to kill
10:53your own child
10:54just to frame me?
10:55How dare you!
10:56That's a human life!
10:58Which hand did you use?
11:00Both of them?
11:01Julian was sobbing dramatically
11:02and calling for a doctor,
11:03which only fueled her anger more.
11:05Serena dragged him
11:06downstairs to the kitchen.
11:07She pulled it up
11:08and drawer after drawer
11:09with frightening determination.
11:11Serena, what are you doing?
11:14Serena, what are you doing?
11:15You hurt what's mine.
11:17Now you pay the price.
11:18The rolling pin came down hard.
11:19The crack of breaking bone
11:21echoed through the kitchen.
11:22Agony shot up my arm.
11:24I screamed.
11:24She didn't stop.
11:25She brought it down again
11:26on the other hand.
11:27Another crack.
11:28Another wave of unbearable pain.
11:30The bones were broken.
11:32Twisted at unnatural angles.
11:34Every slight movement
11:35sent fresh waves of agony
11:36through me.
11:37Serena stood over me,
11:38breathing hard.
11:39Now you can never leave me.
11:41The words sounded almost tender.
11:42Like she actually believed
11:44she was keeping me safe.
11:45But all I felt was the betrayal.
11:47The woman I'd chosen
11:48in this second life
11:49had just destroyed me
11:50more thoroughly
11:51than the woman
11:51who'd burned me in the first.
11:53When I woke up in the hospital,
11:55both my hands were in casts.
11:56I looked down
11:57at the heavy casts.
11:58The doctors said the brakes
12:00were severe.
12:01Multiple fractures.
12:02It would take months to heal.
12:04And it might never regain
12:05feluse of my hands.
12:06Something inside
12:07me shattered completely.
12:07Get out!
12:08I said get out!
12:10After a few days,
12:11my appointment
12:12with the stage death company
12:13arrived.
12:14I called Serena
12:15and asked her to meet me
12:16on the yacht.
12:17She sounded surprised
12:18that I decontacted her.
12:20But she came.
12:21Fireworks exploded
12:22across the night sky,
12:23reflecting off the dark ocean.
12:25Every anniversary,
12:27you used to bring me here
12:27to watch the fireworks.
12:29Today is our anniversary.
12:30It's okay that you forgot.
12:32Today,
12:33I wanted to...
12:37Julian's not doing well emotionally.
12:39I need to go take care of him.
12:40Are you sure you want to leave?
12:41It's fine.
12:42We have our whole lives
12:43ahead of us.
12:44Now what I thought.
12:46I watched her disappear
12:47into the night
12:48with nothing but bitter mockery
12:50in my heart.
12:51I'd wanted to end things
12:52in her arms,
12:53the same way this love
12:54had begun.
12:55But she couldn't even
12:56give me that.
13:03Miss Vance,
13:04your husband jumped in the ocean
13:06right after you left.
13:07We found his body.
13:08When can you come identify
13:09the remains?
13:09What are you talking about?
13:11Ethan wouldn't kill himself.
13:20Miss Vance,
13:21your husband jumped in the ocean
13:23right after you left.
13:24We found his body.
13:25When can you come identify
13:26the remains?
13:26What are you talking about?
13:28Ethan wouldn't kill himself.
13:29Serena, what happened?
13:30You're upsetting the baby.
13:32Okay.
13:34If something happened to Ethan,
13:37you and I are finished.
13:38Julian went pale.
13:39He'd never seen
13:40this side of her before.
13:41He watched,
13:42nervously,
13:43as she made a call after call.
13:44Her expression grew darker
13:45with each conversation.
13:46Dread pooled in his stomach.
13:48He held the baby,
13:48tighter and tried
13:49to quietly slip away.
13:54Going somewhere?
13:55His heart nearly stopped.
13:56She grabbed his collar
13:57and jerked him backwards
13:58so hard as tumbled.
13:59The look in her,
14:00ice terrified him.
14:01Pain shot through his abdomen,
14:02where she'd kicked him before.
14:03Serena,
14:04the baby can't breathe properly.
14:07We need to go to the hospital.
14:08But Serena didn't rush to help
14:09like she always did.
14:10She smiled.
14:11It was the most frightening smile
14:12he'd ever seen.
14:13Why would I care about that?
14:17Julian grabbed her hand
14:18and pressed it against the baby,
14:20desperate to trigger
14:20some maternal feeling.
14:21Serena, please.
14:23This is your child.
14:24We need a doctor.
14:25Are you absolutely certain
14:27this is my child?
14:28All the blood drained
14:29from Julian's face.
14:30Of course.
14:32Why else would you bring me
14:33into your home?
14:35You think I'm an idiot?
14:36Serena's laugh was humorless.
14:37You think I didn't know
14:37you switched my real baby
14:38with this one?
14:40You replaced my child
14:41with some bastard
14:42you had with another woman
14:43and expected me to raise it?
14:45What made you think
14:45you could fool me?
14:46I carried that baby for months.
14:48You think I wouldn't recognize
14:49my own child?
14:49His face was turning purple.
14:51If you knew,
14:52then why did you bring me home?
14:56Because you're Ethan's brother.
14:57If it weren't for him,
14:58you would have died
14:59the night you tried to drug me.
15:00Julian stared up
15:01at her from the floor.
15:02Understanding dawned
15:03through his fear.
15:04So you knew from the start?
15:06His voice cracked.
15:07You knew I was only seducing you
15:08to hurt my brother?
15:09Obviously.
15:10Serena's lip curled in disgust.
15:11You're not worth
15:12a single strand
15:13of Ethan's hair.
15:13If you hadn't manipulated me
15:15into coming home tonight,
15:16Ethan would be fine right now.
15:17She stepped closer.
15:18Pray nothing happened to him.
15:19Because if he's hurt,
15:21I'll make sure you experience
15:22every kind of pain imaginable
15:23before you die.
15:24Serena walked away
15:25without looking back.
15:26Julian lay on the floor,
15:28blood seeping
15:29through his shirt again.
15:29The pain was overwhelming.
15:31He fumbled for his phone
15:33with shaking hands
15:34and dialed the only person
15:35who might still help him.
15:37Rose,
15:38you have to save me.
15:41Rose had been searching
15:43frantically for me
15:43all day
15:44when Julian's call
15:45came through.
15:48Rose,
15:49you have to save me.
15:51Where is Ethan?
15:52You want to know?
15:53Come to the suburban villa
15:55and take me to the hospital first.
15:57Then I'll tell you.
15:58She arrived ten minutes later.
15:59Julian was crumpled on the floor,
16:01clutching his stomach.
16:02Blood seeped through his fingers.
16:03Take me to the hospital.
16:05Where is Ethan?
16:06You're all the same.
16:08None of you care
16:09if I live or die.
16:11Why should I tell you
16:12where that waste of space went?
16:16Tell me where he is.
16:17Now.
16:18Something in Julian's eyes
16:19turned manic.
16:20The pain
16:21or the hatred
16:22or both
16:23finally broke
16:24something inside him.
16:25I regret it!
16:26He screamed.
16:27I regret choosing you
16:29in my past life,
16:30you witch.
16:31But you know what?
16:32You did do one thing right.
16:35Burning that useless
16:36brother of mine to death
16:38was perfect.
16:39Too bad in this life
16:41he died because of Serena instead.
16:42But either way,
16:43I win.
16:43I always win.
16:47But either way,
16:47I win.
16:48I always win.
16:50What did you do?
16:51What did you do to Ethan?
16:53It's your fault!
16:55Why did you suddenly abandon me
16:56to chase after that worthless Ethan?
16:58You loved me in the past life.
17:00I had to take everything
17:01from him again.
17:02I had to grind him
17:03into the dirt
17:04where he belongs.
17:05And Serena?
17:06She killed him for me
17:07just like you did before.
17:09Men like Ethan
17:10exist to be stepped on!
17:11What happened to Ethan?
17:12Tell me!
17:13But Julian just laughed harder.
17:14The sound echoing off the walls.
17:16Rose's assistant called
17:17at that moment.
17:18Hello?
17:18She'd finally gotten information
17:19about my whereabouts.
17:21Rose dropped Julian
17:22and ran for her car.
17:25Rose.
17:27She drove like a demon
17:29toward the coastline.
17:30By the time she arrived
17:32at the dock,
17:33Serena was already there.
17:34A body lay on a stretcher.
17:35The rescue team
17:36had covered most of it,
17:37but Rose could see enough.
17:38The rocks
17:39had torn the corpse apart.
17:40The face
17:41was unrecognizable.
17:43This can't be him.
17:44This isn't Ethan.
17:45Tell me this isn't him.
17:47The rescue workers
17:48looked away.
17:49They couldn't meet her eyes.
17:50The night was eerily quiet.
17:52Serena fell to her knees
17:53beside the stretcher,
17:54her hands hovering
17:55over the body
17:56like she was afraid
17:56to touch it.
17:57Then she saw it.
17:58Around the corpse's neck
17:59was a silver chain.
18:00Hanging from it
18:01was a ring,
18:02our wedding rings,
18:03the ones she'd
18:03personally designed
18:04and had made
18:05at a small silversmith shop.
18:06There was only one set
18:07in the entire world.
18:08Serena's world collapsed.
18:10Ethan, I'm sorry.
18:12Please don't do this to me.
18:14You're not dead, are you?
18:17You're just hiding.
18:19You're punishing me.
18:20But the ring told the truth.
18:22That mangled,
18:23unrecognizable body
18:24was mine.
18:24Serena carefully removed
18:25the ring from the chain
18:26and clutched it in her fist.
18:28Her whole body shook.
18:30Please.
18:31Please come back.
18:32I watched the video feed
18:34in my apartment in London.
18:35The rescue captain
18:36had sent it as proof
18:37that the staged death
18:38had worked.
18:39Seeing Serena's breakdown
18:40should have felt satisfying,
18:42should have felt like justice,
18:43but all I felt was empty.
18:45In my past life,
18:46she loved me enough
18:47to die for me.
18:48In this life,
18:49she destroyed me
18:50for my brother.
18:51I thought choosing her
18:52would lead to happiness.
18:53I was wrong.
18:54I removed the SIM card
18:55from my phone
18:56and snapped it in half.
18:57Then I threw the phone
18:58into the ocean
18:58outside my window.
18:59Goodbye to my past.
19:01Goodbye to everything.
19:02But Rose found me anyway.
19:03It didn't take her long.
19:06A knock came at my door
19:07a week later.
19:08I looked through the peephole
19:10and my blood ran cold.
19:11Rose stood in the hallway,
19:12her eyes red and swollen.
19:14Ethan, please.
19:15I know you're in there.
19:16Can we just talk?
19:17I know you're not dead.
19:19I never told anyone.
19:20I just want to see you.
19:22Now that Serena
19:22thinks you're gone,
19:23can't you give me a chance?
19:24Can't you choose me?
19:25Rose, stop.
19:27It's over.
19:28Leave me alone.
19:30Just seeing her face
19:31brought back the memory
19:32of flames consuming my skin,
19:34the smell of my own flesh burning,
19:35the sound of her
19:36and Julian laughing as I died.
19:38Why?
19:39We were engaged once.
19:41You threw me away.
19:43Why can't you forgive me?
19:44We never had a real relationship
19:46in this life, Rose.
19:47Stop pretending we did.
19:48Through the peephole,
19:49I watched her crumple
19:50against the wall.
19:51I'd never seen Rose cry like this.
19:52Not in either lifetime.
19:53Maybe I owed her an explanation.
19:55Maybe it would finally
19:55make her leave me in peace.
19:57Rose, I need to tell you something.
19:59I had a dream once.
20:02In that dream,
20:03we were married.
20:04But you only married me
20:05to get close to Julian.
20:07In that dream,
20:07you and Julian
20:08were having an affair.
20:09You even tried to kill me
20:10by setting me up
20:11with another woman.
20:12I survived that.
20:13But then I discovered
20:14you and Julian together.
20:15I tried to record it
20:16as evidence.
20:17You caught me.
20:18And you burned me alive
20:19to destroy that recording.
20:20So I'm terrified of you, Rose.
20:22I'm scared of living
20:23through that nightmare again.
20:25Even though you haven't
20:25done those things
20:26in this life,
20:26I can't forget.
20:27I can't trust you.
20:28We need to let each other go.
20:32We need to let each other go.
20:33How could you dream
20:34something like that?
20:36That's impossible.
20:37It doesn't matter
20:37if it was real or not.
20:38You're not the one
20:39I should hate.
20:40I know that.
20:40But I can't be around you.
20:42Please understand.
20:44I'm so sorry, Ethan.
20:46I'm so sorry.
20:47I didn't hear her confession
20:48and closed my eyes.
20:49Outside,
20:50Rose kept talking to herself.
20:51Words I would never hear.
20:53It wasn't a dream.
20:54It was real.
20:54I did all those things to you.
20:56And when Serena burned me alive for it,
20:58I thought it was justice.
20:59I thought I deserved it.
21:00Then I woke up in the past.
21:01I got a second chance.
21:03But you'd already broken our engagement.
21:04You were already in love with Serena.
21:06So I worked with Julian.
21:07We sent her photos of you and me together.
21:09We made her think you still loved me.
21:11I wanted to break you two apart.
21:12I thought if she rejected you,
21:14you'd come back to me.
21:15I never thought she'd hurt you like this.
21:17I never thought.
21:17I'm sorry.
21:18I'm so sorry.
21:19But I heard none of it.
21:20I fell asleep,
21:21right there by the door,
21:23too exhausted to make it to bed.
21:25Rose eventually left.
21:26My life returned to quiet
21:28until I got a message from the rescue captain.
21:30Mr. Sterling, I'm sorry.
21:32Miss Vance threatened my family.
21:33She made me tell her everything.
21:35She forced me.
21:36I didn't need to read the rest.
21:37I looked out my window.
21:38Serena was standing on the street below,
21:40staring up at my apartment.
21:42Even from this distance,
21:43I could see the devastation in her eyes.
21:47Serena stood on the street below,
21:49looking up at my building.
21:50Even from five floors up,
21:52I could see the grief carved into her face.
21:54Our eyes met through the glass.
21:55She didn't move.
21:56Didn't wave.
21:57Just stared at me with an expression
21:58that held so much sorrow.
22:00I almost looked away.
22:01My phone buzzed.
22:03An unknown number.
22:04I stared at the message for a long moment.
22:06Those digits were burned into my memory forever.
22:08Serena's number.
22:09I deleted the text and blocked her.
22:11Why won't she just let me go?
22:14I already died for her.
22:15What more does she want?
22:16But I couldn't stop myself
22:17from checking the window again.
22:19She was still there.
22:20The weather forecast
22:21said it would snow tonight.
22:22I tried to ignore her.
22:23Made dinner.
22:24Took my medication.
22:25Attempted to read.
22:26When I looked out again two hours later,
22:28snow was falling.
22:29Serena hadn't moved.
22:30White flakes collected on her shoulders and hair.
22:34Damn it.
22:35She'd saved me in my past life.
22:37Rushed into the flames for a stranger.
22:39Avenged my death.
22:40And then followed me into the grave.
22:42I owed her something for that, didn't I?
22:44Even if she'd destroyed me in this life.
22:46I unblocked her number and stared at my phone.
22:49Typed and deleted half a dozen messages.
22:52Another text from her came through.
22:54It was the way she asked.
22:55The same soft pleading she used to use
22:57when we'd fight in the early days of our marriage.
22:59Back when she still loved me.
23:00I hated that it still worked.
23:02I hated myself more for caring.
23:04Before I could change my mind,
23:05I texted back.
23:06Five minutes later,
23:08she was at my door.
23:11Serena stepped inside,
23:12bringing the winter cold with her.
23:13Tomorrow morning you're gone.
23:15I mean it.
23:20Sorry.
23:22I didn't mean to touch you without permission.
23:24Serena, why are you doing this?
23:25Just pretend I'm dead.
23:27Wouldn't that be easier for both of us?
23:28I can't.
23:32Please forgive me, Ethan.
23:35Please.
23:35Get up, Serena.
23:36This is pointless.
23:37It's not.
23:38I was only trying to make you jealous.
23:40I was insane with it.
23:41I saw those photos of you with Rose and I...
23:42So you tortured me?
23:43You broke both my hands because you were jealous?
23:46The baby isn't real.
23:46I was never pregnant.
23:48I just wanted to hurt you back.
23:49I wanted you to feel what I was feeling.
23:51And it worked.
23:53Congratulations.
23:54Ethan, I love you.
23:56I've always loved you.
23:57From the moment I met you at the orphanage when we were children...
24:00Stop.
24:01Just stop.
24:02You want to know the truth?
24:04I didn't marry you because I loved you, Serena.
24:08I didn't marry you because I loved you, Serena.
24:11I married you because I owed you a debt.
24:13In my past life, you died for me.
24:15A stranger.
24:15You built me a grave and destroyed yourself getting revenge for someone you'd never even met.
24:19So when I woke up in this life, I thought I could repay that kindness by choosing you first.
24:23I thought we could be happy.
24:24I really did try to love you.
24:26But you're not the same person who saved me.
24:28That Serena died in the fire trying to pull me out.
24:30Now, you're the one who broke me instead.
24:33No.
24:35That's not true.
24:36I am that person.
24:37I remember everything from before.
24:39Do you?
24:40That woman wouldn't have shattered my hands for a crime I didn't commit.
24:43That woman wouldn't have left me alone on our anniversary to comfort my brother.
24:46You're right.
24:47You're right about all of it.
24:48So please, let me go.
24:50Stop coming here.
24:51Stop calling.
24:52Let me have some peace.
24:53We tried this.
24:54It didn't work.
24:54Let's just let it end.
24:55The snow was falling harder outside, visible through the window behind Serena's shaking form.
25:00She looked up at me one last time, her face destroyed by tears and regret.
25:04Then she stood on trembling legs and walked to the door.
25:07I'm sorry for everything.
25:09The door closed softly behind her.
25:12I stood alone in my apartment, listening to the silence, and wondered why doing the right thing felt so much
25:17like dying all over again.
25:20The news came a week later.
25:22Julian was dead.
25:23He'd bled out in the villa.
25:25By the time Rose finally called an ambulance, it was too late.
25:27I felt nothing when I heard.
25:29No satisfaction.
25:30No grief.
25:31Just emptiness.
25:33Rose never contacted me again after that night in the hallway.
25:35I realized then that she must have been reborn too.
25:39Everything made sense suddenly.
25:40Why she begged me to take her back.
25:42Why she knew I wasn't really dead.
25:44Why she found me so easily in London.
25:4720 years of marriage in our past life meant she knew everything about me.
25:50The cities I loved, where I'd hide, how I thought.
25:55But it didn't matter anymore.
25:56None of it did.
25:57I still saw Serena sometimes.
25:59Spring came, and I'd spot her on a bench near my building.
26:02Leaves would fall on her shoulders while she sat smoking and staring up at my window.
26:07Winter returned, and she'd stand in the snow until her hair turned white with frost.
26:11Sometimes she'd text me.
26:13We're standing under the same snow.
26:14Does that count as growing old together?
26:16I never replied.
26:17Just watched from my window as she appeared and disappeared like a ghost haunting the street below.
26:23One day in late autumn, I came home to find her sitting on the steps outside my building.
26:27She looked thinner.
26:28There were dark circles under her eyes that makeup couldn't hide.
26:32I'm not here to bother you.
26:33I just wanted you to know that I'm selling the company.
26:36Why?
26:37Because you were right.
26:38I'm not the person who saved you anymore.
26:40So I'm going to become her again.
26:42What are you talking about?
26:43I'm donating everything to charity.
26:44The money, the properties, all of it.
26:46I'm going to work at the orphanage where we first met.
26:49Maybe if I become the person you needed me to be, you'll...
26:51Never mind, it doesn't matter.
26:53Serena.
26:53She turned back, hope flaring in her eyes.
26:56Don't do this for me.
26:57Do it because it's who you want to be, not because you think it'll change my mind.
27:00I know.
27:01I know you'll never forgive me, but I need to forgive myself somehow.
27:04She left.
27:05I watched her go, and felt something twist in my chest.
27:11Months passed.
27:12A year.
27:13Then two.
27:14I heard through mutual acquaintances that Serena had kept her word.
27:18She'd given up everything, and was working with orphaned children now.
27:22Sometimes I'd get a photo from Mrs. Vance.
27:24Serena teaching kids to paint.
27:26Serena reading stories at bedtime.
27:28Serena looking peaceful in a way I'd never seen.
27:31She asks about you.
27:32Mrs. Vance told me once.
27:33But she never asks me to tell you anything.
27:36She just wants to know if you're happy.
27:38Am I?
27:39I hope someday you will be, sweetheart.
27:42Five years after my staged death, I visited the cemetery.
27:45There was a grave with my name on it.
27:46The headstone read, Beloved Husband, just like in my past life.
27:51Fresh flowers sat in front of it.
27:53Someone had been here recently.
27:54I knelt down and traced my fingers over the carved letters.
27:57I don't know if you can hear me, but I wanted to say thank you for saving me in that
28:03other
28:03life, for loving someone you'd never met.
28:06I'm sorry I couldn't be what you needed in this one.
28:08I stood to leave and saw her.
28:10Serena stood at the cemetery gates watching me.
28:12She looked older now, calmer.
28:14There was gray in her hair that she hadn't bothered to die.
28:17Our eyes met across the distance.
28:18She raised her hand in a small wave, not approaching, not asking for anything.
28:23Just acknowledging that we were both here, both alive, both somehow still tied to this
28:27grave between us.
28:28I nodded back.
28:29Then I turned and walked away.
28:31Behind me, I heard her footsteps going in the opposite direction.
28:35This was our ending.
28:36Not together.
28:37Not enemies.
28:38Just two people who'd loved each other badly in all the wrong ways.
28:42Maybe in another life, we'd get it right.
28:44But for now, this distance between us was the kindest thing we could offer each other.
28:49I never saw Serena again after that day.
28:51And somehow, that felt like the closest thing to peace either of us would ever find.
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