- 17 hours ago
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00:04One after another, my husband, Adrian Lang, held my hand, his eyes soft with concern.
00:10Hang in there Serena, we'll meet our baby soon.
00:13I was trembling from the pain, but I still forced a smile, then a nurse walked in with
00:18a syringe, I thought it was the epidural, but Adrian let go of my hand and stepped back.
00:23Get the dose right.
00:24The needle pierced my skin.
00:25Make sure she doesn't deliver before Vanessa.
00:28My eyes flew open, I stared at him in shock, he glanced at his watch.
00:32Vanessa's already 6 centimeters dilated, buy us 2 more hours.
00:37I wanted to scream, I wanted to fight back, but the drug was already in my system.
00:42The contraction suddenly weakened, as if something inside me had been forced still.
00:45They moved me to a temporary room in the basement.
00:48Adrian's sister, Chloe Lang, stood in the doorway, idly turning a scalpel in her hand.
00:52Don't blame Adrian Serena.
00:54The baby Vanessa is carrying is my brother's only child.
00:58It's a boy, and he'll be the Lang family's first grandson.
01:02Her gaze dropped to my stomach.
01:04So what if you go into labor first?
01:06You're only carrying a girl.
01:07I covered my belly with both hands.
01:09Another wave of pain broke through the medication, and my vision blurred.
01:13Call a doctor, I'm about to give birth, please.
01:15Chloe laughed.
01:16She walked over and crouched in front of me, then tapped my cheek lightly with the scalpel.
01:20Give birth?
01:21That drug will keep working for another 3 hours.
01:24Vanessa's already in the delivery room, so stay here and wait.
01:27After her baby is born safely, you can have yours.
01:30She rose to her feet and looked at the bodyguard outside.
01:33Keep an eye on her.
01:34If she dares to scream, gag her.
01:35The door slammed shut.
01:37The basement was lit by a single dim emergency light.
01:39I lay on the floor as blood slowly spread beneath me.
01:41Adrian had taken my phone the moment we arrived at the hospital.
01:44He said radiation wasn't good for the baby.
01:47Now I understood.
01:48He was afraid I'd call someone.
01:50I curled up and tried to breathe through the pain, but all I could see was Adrian's face.
01:54Cold.
01:54Calm.
01:55Like I meant nothing to him.
01:56Not his wife.
01:57Not the woman carrying his child.
01:59Three months ago, his older brother died in a car accident.
02:02He left behind his pregnant wife, Vanessa.
02:05At the funeral, old Mr. Lang held Vanessa's hand, tears streaming down his face.
02:09That child has to be born safe.
02:11The Lang family can't lose its seer.
02:13Back then, I even felt sorry for her.
02:15I stepped forward and said,
02:17Dad, don't worry.
02:18Adrian and I will raise our baby well too.
02:19He looked at me and said nothing.
02:21Only now did I understand.
02:22He had already given up on my child.
02:24Another contraction tore through me.
02:26This one was stronger.
02:27The drug was wearing off.
02:29The baby was coming.
02:30I crawled to the door and pounded on it with all the strength I had left.
02:33Someone, please.
02:34I'm about to give birth.
02:36Please save my baby.
02:38No one answered.
02:39I kept screaming until my throat turned raw.
02:41What the hell are you yelling for?
02:42Miss Lang told you to wait, so wait.
02:45But my baby.
02:46That's your bad luck.
02:47Then he spat out one last cruel sentence.
02:48That's what you get for carrying a girl.
02:51My whole body went cold.
02:53I collapsed onto the floor.
02:54This wasn't fate.
02:55They were trying to kill my baby.
02:58How long I had been trapped in that basement.
03:00The bleeding only got worse.
03:01Everything beneath me was soaked with blood.
03:03Just as the edges of my vision began to blur, the door swung open.
03:06It was not Chloe.
03:07It was the Lang family's doctor, Carter.
03:10The second he saw me, all the color drained from his face.
03:13Serena?
03:14What are you doing down here?
03:16Adrian told me you were resting in one of the VIP rooms.
03:19I tried to answer.
03:20Nothing came out.
03:21Tears spilled down my face as I lifted a trembling hand to my stomach.
03:24Carter rushed over and dropped to his knees beside me.
03:28Oh God.
03:28The baby's crowning.
03:30Your water already broke.
03:32I need to get you into surgery right now.
03:34He reached down to lift me.
03:35But the second my body shifted, a hot gush poured between my legs.
03:38Blood.
03:39So much blood.
03:40Carter's hands started shaking.
03:42He turned toward the doorway and shouted.
03:45I need help in here!
03:46She's bleeding heavily!
03:48But the hallway outside was empty.
03:50This private hospital belonged to the Lang family.
03:52Tonight, the entire building had been cleared for Vanessa's delivery.
03:56All the doctors and nurses were upstairs, gathered outside her delivery suite.
04:00Carter yanked out his phone and tried to call for help.
04:02But there was no signal in the basement.
04:05I'm taking you upstairs.
04:06Stay with me.
04:09Then he bent down, gathered me into his arms, and ran, or tried to.
04:13The stairwell felt endless.
04:15Every step sent a brutal jolt through my body.
04:17The pain was so intense I thought I might black out at any second.
04:20I could feel the baby dropping lower and lower, but she still would not come.
04:24The drug was still in my system.
04:26My contractions were weak and uneven.
04:28That was the worst part.
04:30I clutched at his coat.
04:32If it comes down to me, save my baby.
04:36Don't say that!
04:37You're both going to make it!
04:38At last, he reached the first floor and rushed toward the operating room.
04:41But the moment we got there, both of us froze.
04:44The oared doors were wide open.
04:46Inside, there was nothing.
04:47I had...
04:48Carter stood there in stunned disbelief.
04:50A strangled sound died in his throat.
04:52How is this possible?
04:54I checked everything myself this afternoon.
04:56Footsteps echoed down the hall.
04:58Chloe approached with two nurses behind her.
05:00The moment she saw us, one brow lifted.
05:02Carter?
05:03What are you doing down here?
05:06Vanessa is upstairs in the delivery room.
05:08Why come all the way down here?
05:09Carter pointed at the empty operating room.
05:11Where is the equipment?
05:13Who cleared out this room?
05:16Chloe looked at him with wide, innocent eyes.
05:18We moved everything upstairs.
05:20Vanessa's having a C-section, so of course she gets priority.
05:23If anything happens during surgery, she'll need all the equipment close at hand.
05:27We couldn't risk leaving her in a standard OR.
05:29As she said it, her gaze shifted to me.
05:31Then she smiled.
05:32Oh.
05:33Serena, you're in labor?
05:34I'm afraid you'll have to wait.
05:36Vanessa comes first, so you'll just have to hold on a little longer.
05:39I stared at her beautiful, smiling face.
05:41Suddenly, I remembered something she had said to me six months ago.
05:45Back then, we were out shopping together.
05:47She had slipped her arm through mine and smiled up at me sweetly.
05:50You're so good to me, Serena.
05:51Better than any real sister.
05:53That day alone, I spent over $100,000 on designer bags for her.
05:57Looking back now, I was a fool.
06:00Carter rushed into the nurse's station like a man possessed.
06:03He tore through every cabinet, searching for emergency supplies.
06:06There was nothing.
06:07The shelves were empty.
06:08No clamps, no gauze, not even basic medication.
06:12Where are the drugs?
06:13He shouted.
06:14The meds to stop the bleeding.
06:15The ones to induce stronger contractions.
06:18A nurse lowered her head.
06:20They were all taken to the third floor.
06:22What do you mean?
06:23Carter froze.
06:24Her voice dropped even lower.
06:26Mr. Lange ordered that everything we prioritized for Miss Vanessa.
06:29Carter slammed his fist against the cabinet.
06:31Then he turned to look at me.
06:33His eyes were red.
06:34His lips trembled.
06:35I'm sorry, Serena.
06:36I'm so sorry.
06:38There's nothing I can do.
06:39Chloe walked over and lightly patted his shoulder.
06:41Carter, don't worry.
06:43Vanessa hasn't delivered yet.
06:45Once she's done, they'll move the equipment back downstairs.
06:49Besides, even if the baby comes now, so what?
06:52It's only a girl.
06:54If she dies, she dies.
06:56The Lange family won't care about one little girl.
06:59I stared at her, at the girl I had loved like my own little sister for three years.
07:03Then, with every ounce of strength I had left, I forced out two words.
07:07You bastard.
07:08Chloe's expression darkened at once.
07:10She bent down and leaned close to my ear.
07:13Go ahead.
07:14Curse all you want.
07:15Her voice barely above a whisper.
07:17Carter rushed.
07:18Once you give birth, you'll be too weak to fight back.
07:20I'll make sure you stay quiet.
07:23By then, Vanessa will take your place.
07:25As for you, if my brother is feeling merciful, maybe he'll let you live.
07:30You can stay in the house as a servant.
07:33Carter could not hold back anymore.
07:35Miss Lange, this is murder!
07:36Murder?
07:37Chloe gave a cold little laugh.
07:39Watch what you say, Carter.
07:41Women die in childbirth every day.
07:43That's hardly unusual.
07:44Besides, this is a family matter.
07:47You're an outsider.
07:48This is none of your business.
07:49Then she motioned to the bodyguards.
07:50Take Carter away.
07:52Leave Serena to me.
07:53Once you...
07:54Two bodyguards stepped forward immediately.
07:56They grabbed Carter by the arms and dragged him toward the door.
07:59He struggled against them and shouted back at me.
08:02Serena, listen to me.
08:04Try to keep the contractions going.
08:05Press your acuportals.
08:07Stay awake.
08:08Don't give up.
08:09Your baby still has a chance.
08:10His voice grew fainter and fainter.
08:12Then Chloe shut the door and turned back to me.
08:14She pulled a phone from her pocket and started a video call.
08:17She said sweetly,
08:18Adrian, Serena's about to give birth.
08:20Do you want to take a look?
08:21A second later, Adrian's face appeared on the screen.
08:24He was standing outside a delivery room.
08:27Doctors and nurses moved quickly behind him.
08:29Chloe, stop messing around.
08:31Chloe tilted the phone toward me.
08:33Look at Serena.
08:33She's bleeding a lot.
08:34Do you think she's about to die?
08:36Adrian looked at the screen.
08:37He frowned for a second.
08:38Then he looked away.
08:40She can wait.
08:40Once Vanessa delivers, the doctors can go downstairs.
08:43I can't leave right now.
08:44The call ended.
08:45Chloe put her phone away and shrugged.
08:47You heard him.
08:48To Adrian, Vanessa comes first.
08:50As for you, you are nothing more than a womb.
08:54Now that you're no longer useful...
08:56I closed my eyes.
08:57I refused to look at her again.
08:59Slowly, I slid one hand behind my back and felt along the inner lining of my dress.
09:03It was still there.
09:04A tiny device, no bigger than a button.
09:07My father had given it to me.
09:09I could still hear his voice from that day.
09:10The Lange family is dangerous.
09:12If anything ever happens to you, press this.
09:15Press this.
09:15Back then, I laughed and told him he was worrying too much.
09:19Adrian is good to me.
09:21So is everyone in the Lange family.
09:22Now I understood how foolish I had been.
09:24I hooked a fingernail under the protective cover.
09:27Pried it open.
09:28Then pressed the button.
09:30There was no sound.
09:31No light.
09:32But I knew the signal had gone out.
09:34My father once told me that if I ever used it, someone would get to me within 30 minutes.
09:38But 30 minutes?
09:39Could my baby make it that long?
09:42My vision was fading.
09:44Chloe sat in a chair, scrolling through her phone.
09:47Every now and then, she looked up at me, like I was some kind of lab rat.
09:51Serena, why did you marry Adrian for his looks?
09:54For the Lange family's money?
09:55You came from nothing.
09:57What made you think you belonged here?
10:00I said nothing.
10:01I clenched my teeth and held on.
10:03Even if there was barely any hope left.
10:05Chloe kept talking.
10:06If you hadn't gotten pregnant so fast, Adrian would never have married you.
10:11At first, everyone thought you might still be useful.
10:13If you gave birth to a son.
10:15But the scan showed it was a girl.
10:17Father was furious.
10:19She smiled.
10:20Good thing Vanessa is carrying a boy.
10:22Otherwise, the Lange family would have no heir.
10:24She stood up and nudged my leg with her shoe.
10:27So learn your place.
10:28If something was never yours, don't fight for it.
10:31Once Vanessa gives birth, you'll sign the divorce papers, take the money, and disappear.
10:36After that, you can marry some ordinary guy and live an ordinary life.
10:39I forced my eyes open and looked at her.
10:42Does Adrian know you're saying this to me?
10:44Chloe laughed.
10:45Of course he does.
10:47He's the one who told me to come.
10:49He said you were stubborn, so he asked me to talk sense into you.
10:52My lips moved.
10:53I wanted to laugh, but I couldn't.
10:55Another wave of pain hit me.
10:57Harder than before.
10:58Much harder.
10:58The medication had completely worn off.
11:01The baby was coming.
11:02I cried out.
11:03Chloe took a step back.
11:04What a nuisance.
11:05Her face was full of disgust.
11:07She opened the door.
11:08Someone get in here.
11:09See if she's delivering.
11:11My eyes open.
11:11A nurse rushed in.
11:12One look at me, and her face went pale.
11:14She's fully dilated.
11:16I can already see the baby's head, but she's losing too much blood.
11:19She has to deliver now.
11:21Chloe frowned.
11:23There's no equipment here.
11:25No medication either.
11:26Mother, if she delivers like this, both of them could die.
11:30They're probably not making it anyway, so what does it matter?
11:33Then she turned and walked out.
11:35She went to find Adrian.
11:36She didn't care whether I lived or died.
11:38The nurse didn't say anything else.
11:40She crouched beside me and tried to help, but I was too weak to push.
11:44I had lost too much blood.
11:46I had no strength left.
11:47The baby was stuck.
11:49Time dragged on.
11:50Every second felt endless.
11:51Then I heard footsteps outside.
11:53Fast.
11:54Heavy.
11:54A lot of them.
11:55Boots pounded against the floor.
11:57The nurse froze.
11:58The door flew open.
11:59Who's there?
12:00A group of men in black tactical gear rushed in.
12:03All of them were armed.
12:04The man in front took off his helmet.
12:05His face was sharp and cold.
12:07The moment he saw me, his eyes turned red.
12:09Miss!
12:10I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.
12:13I could only reach for him.
12:14The nurse screamed.
12:15Who are you?
12:16How did you get in here?
12:18Security!
12:18He didn't even look at her.
12:20He rushed to my side, dropped to one knee.
12:22Miss, I'm sorry.
12:24I got here too late.
12:27Then he lifted me into his arms.
12:29Clear the room.
12:29Get the medics in here.
12:31Now!
12:32Yes, sir!
12:32The men moved at once.
12:34The nurse tried to run.
12:35One of them threw her to the floor.
12:37She struggled and screamed.
12:39How dare you touch me!
12:41This is the Lange family's hospital!
12:43He turned and looked at her.
12:44His eyes were ice cold.
12:46The Lange family?
12:48They're finished.
12:49I was carried into a custom-built medical van.
12:52The inside was fully equipped.
12:54It looked like a mobile operating room.
12:56Doctors and nurses were already waiting.
12:58They rushed to save me the second I was brought in.
13:00Blood pressure is 60 over 40!
13:02She's in hemorrhagic shock!
13:05The baby is in distress!
13:07We need a C-section now!
13:09But the mother is too unstable!
13:10The surgery is extremely risky!
13:11Do it!
13:12If anything goes wrong, it's on me!
13:14I grabbed his hand with the last of my strength.
13:16Save the baby.
13:18Please save the baby first.
13:20He held my hand tightly.
13:21Miss, don't talk.
13:22Save your strength.
13:24Your father is on his way.
13:25He'll be here soon.
13:27You and the baby will be okay.
13:31You have to be.
13:33She's flatlining!
13:34Move!
13:35Get the defibrillator!
13:36The fetal heart rate is dropping!
13:38Prep for C-section!
13:39Now!
13:40They strapped me down fast.
13:42An anesthesia mask came over my face.
13:44Right before I lost consciousness, I heard a doctor shout.
13:47We're out of time!
13:49The baby!
13:50There's no heartbeat!
13:52I-
13:53Darkness.
13:54Endless darkness.
13:55I didn't know how much time had passed.
13:57When I opened my eyes, all I saw was a ceiling I didn't recognize.
14:01The air smelled of disinfectant.
14:03She's awake!
14:04Several faces leaned in.
14:06They were all familiar.
14:07My father's bodyguards.
14:09The men who had watched me grow up.
14:10The baby.
14:11My voice was so hoarse it barely sounded like mine.
14:14The room went silent.
14:15A few seconds later, the man standing at the foot of my bed slowly turned around.
14:20It was my father.
14:21He was in his fifties.
14:23But in just one night, his hair had turned completely white.
14:26He walked over, sat beside me, and took my hand.
14:29I'm sorry, I don't know.
14:30He only said my name.
14:31Then his voice broke.
14:33I looked into his bloodshot eyes.
14:34I already knew the answer.
14:36The baby's gone, isn't she?
14:38My father nodded.
14:40Tears fell from his eyes.
14:41You lost too much blood.
14:43The placenta detached too early.
14:45The baby was deprived of oxygen for too long.
14:48The doctors did everything they could.
14:49I closed my eyes.
14:51I didn't cry.
14:52I didn't scream.
14:53It just felt like something inside me had been hollowed out.
14:56That little life.
14:57The one who had lived inside me for nine months.
14:59The one who kicked at me every day.
15:01The one I whispered to when no one was around.
15:04Gone.
15:04Where's Adrian?
15:06My father wiped away his tears.
15:07His expression turned cold.
15:09She gave birth.
15:11It's a boy.
15:12The whole Lang family is celebrating.
15:15No one even remembered you.
15:17I laughed.
15:18My whole body trembled with it.
15:20Good.
15:21Good for them.
15:23Duh.
15:23My father tightened his grip on my hand.
15:25Serena, come home with me.
15:27That family doesn't deserve you.
15:28And neither does he.
15:30I opened my eyes and looked at him.
15:32Dad, I want to do something.
15:34Tell me.
15:35Make me a fake body.
15:36It has to look exactly like me.
15:38It has to look like I just gave birth and died from blood loss.
15:42My father froze.
15:43You want them to think you're dead?
15:44I held his gaze.
15:46Yes.
15:46I want them to believe I'm gone.
15:48Then I want to watch them.
15:50I want to see how happy they are.
15:52How they celebrate that child.
15:55While I'm lying there dead.
15:56My father was silent for a long time.
15:59Then he nodded.
16:00Okay.
16:00I'll help you.
16:02My father looked real.
16:03The fake body looked real.
16:04Silicone skin.
16:05Blood bags beneath it.
16:07Even simulated body heat.
16:09Inside the morgue drawer, it looked no different from a real corpse.
16:12I sat in the surveillance room, watching the monitors.
16:14My father sat beside me, his hand wrapped tightly around mine.
16:17Do you regret it?
16:19Regret what?
16:20Marrying him.
16:22I thought about it for a moment.
16:24Then I shook my head.
16:25No.
16:26At least now I can see people for what they really are.
16:29On the screen, Adrian finally stepped out of the delivery room.
16:32He was holding a baby in his arms.
16:34His face lit up with joy.
16:35The joy of becoming a father.
16:37Vanessa was wheeled out after him.
16:39She looked pale, but her smile was bright.
16:41His father leaned on his cane and slowly made his way forward.
16:44The moment he saw the baby, his eyes filled with tears.
16:46My grandson.
16:47At last I have a grandson.
16:49The Lange family finally has an heir.
16:51The f***.
16:52Everyone gathered around the baby.
16:53Laughing.
16:54Smiling.
16:55Celebrating.
16:56No one asked about me.
16:58No one remembered that I had been fighting for my life.
17:00Then a nurse spoke softly.
17:03Adrian.
17:04Your wife.
17:05Only then did Adrian seem to remember.
17:07He frowned.
17:08What about her?
17:09There's still no word.
17:10Carter is with her.
17:11I'll go see.
17:12He handed the baby to the maternity nurse and headed for the elevator.
17:15Chloe hurried after him.
17:17Adrian, I'm coming too.
17:18The two of them entered the elevator, one after the other.
17:21The screen switched to the first floor.
17:23Carter stood outside an empty operating room.
17:26His back was against the wall.
17:27His face was deathly pale.
17:29When he saw Adrian, he immediately straightened up.
17:32Adrian.
17:32Where's my wife?
17:34Carter opened his mouth, but no words came out.
17:37He simply stepped aside and pointed toward the morgue.
17:39Adrian's face changed.
17:42What do you mean?
17:44Adrian.
17:44Carter lowered his head.
17:46She suffered a massive hemorrhage.
17:48We couldn't save her.
17:49The baby is gone too.
17:50The air froze.
17:51Adrian stood there quietly.
17:52As if he couldn't comprehend it.
17:54Chloe was the first to react.
17:56That's impossible.
17:57She was so healthy.
17:59She was fine just a moment ago.
18:01Carter let out a bitter laugh.
18:02She was never fine.
18:04She lost too much blood.
18:05There was no equipment.
18:07No medication.
18:08I tried everything I could, but...
18:10He covered his face and sank into a crouch.
18:13I'm sorry.
18:14I really did everything I could.
18:16Adrian grabbed him by the collar.
18:18Every...
18:19I'm sorry.
18:20I really did everything I could.
18:22Adrian grabbed him by the collar.
18:24What did you just say?
18:26My wife is dead?
18:27Carter nodded.
18:28Tears streamed down his face.
18:30Adrian let go.
18:31Then he staggered back two steps and slammed into the wall.
18:34No.
18:36That's impossible.
18:37How could she...
18:38Chloe grabbed his arm.
18:39Adrian don't panic.
18:41I'll go check.
18:42She hurried toward the morgue.
18:43On the monitor, she pulled open the cold drawer.
18:46Inside lay the body.
18:47The silicone face was still twisted in the agony of labor.
18:50The white sheet beneath it was soaked with blood.
18:52Chloe stared for a few seconds.
18:54Then she suddenly covered her mouth and rushed back out.
18:57Adrian.
18:57Adrian.
18:58It's true.
18:59Adrian charged inside.
19:00The camera caught him standing in front of the drawer, completely motionless.
19:04He stood there so long that even Chloe got worried.
19:06She stepped inside and reached for him.
19:08Adrian.
19:10Suddenly, he raised his fist and slammed it hard against the wall.
19:13Why?
19:14Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?
19:17Why didn't you wait for me to get here?
19:19Carter stood outside the door and said in a low voice.
19:21The phone was off.
19:23And phones weren't allowed in the delivery room.
19:25Adrian spun around.
19:27His eyes were bloodshot.
19:28Then why didn't you come get me?
19:30It was only from the third floor to the first.
19:32Don't tell me you didn't have time.
19:33You just stood by and let her die?
19:35Carter said nothing.
19:37He only lowered his head.
19:38His shoulders trembled.
19:41Adrian, don't blame Carter.
19:43I was the one who told him not to come up.
19:46Vanessa was in critical condition.
19:47I couldn't risk anything interfering with the delivery.
19:51The crack rang through the room.
19:53Chloe's head snapped to the side.
19:54You hit me?
19:55You were the one who had her locked in that basement.
19:59Chloe's eyes darted away.
20:02I only told her to...
20:03Wait, my ass!
20:04Adrian roared.
20:05She was my wife and that was my child.
20:08I told you to look after her.
20:10Is this your idea of looking after her?
20:12Chloe burst into tears.
20:13I did it for the Lange family.
20:15Vanessa gave birth to a son.
20:17She was carrying a girl.
20:19You know which one matters more.
20:21Father said, a boy is the heir.
20:24Those words seemed to cut straight through him.
20:26Adrian froze.
20:27The fury slowly drained from his face.
20:29What replaced it was a hollow numbness.
20:31Here?
20:31So her life meant nothing?
20:33No one answered.
20:34The only sounds in the morgue were the hum of the cooling system and muffled sobs.
20:38Adrian had my body brought back home.
20:40He did not take it into the main house.
20:43Instead, he had it placed in the family chapel in the side courtyard.
20:46Vanessa and the baby settled into the master bedroom.
20:49The maternity nurse and the maid stayed close, fussing over them.
20:52His father gave the order.
20:54Keep the funeral small.
20:56Don't disturb the baby.
20:57As for Serena, pick a day and have a cremated.
21:00Still part of this family.
21:01Make sure she's buried somewhere decent.
21:04Adrian said nothing.
21:05He only sat in the family chapel, keeping vigil beside the coffin.
21:09For three days and three nights, he neither ate nor drank.
21:13Chloe came once to talk him into resting.
21:16He threw her out.
21:17Vanessa came once too, the baby in her arms.
21:20Her voice was soft and careful.
21:21Adrian, you can't go on like this.
21:24Serena wouldn't have wanted to see you destroying yourself.
21:27Adrian looked up at her.
21:28For a long time, he said nothing.
21:30Then, at last.
21:32Do you know what was on her mind when it happened?
21:34Vanessa froze.
21:35I was in labor.
21:36I wouldn't know.
21:37She kept asking why her husband wasn't there.
21:40Why everyone in this house was waiting for you to give birth while no one gave a damn about her.
21:46Vanessa's face went pale at once.
21:47Adrian, what is that supposed to mean?
21:49I almost died in labor, too.
21:51The baby's heart rate dropped again and again.
21:53Yes, you suffered.
21:54But she died.
21:55She died.
21:56And so did her baby.
21:58Did they really mean that little to all of you?
22:02Was it just because she wasn't carrying a son?
22:05Vanessa fell silent.
22:06Her arms tightened around the child.
22:08Adrian got to his feet and walked over to the coffin.
22:11He laid a hand gently on the lid.
22:13These past few days, I haven't been able to stop thinking.
22:17If I'd stayed with her, would things have turned out differently?
22:20If I hadn't sent all the equipment to you, would she still be alive?
22:24His voice broke.
22:26If I had just...
22:27He could not finish.
22:28Chloe...
22:30Vanessa bit down on her lip and turned away.
22:32Just before she stepped out, she threw one last line over her shoulder.
22:36Adrian, I'm the one who gave this family a son.
22:38That dead woman is of no use to anyone now.
22:41The doors of the family chapel shut.
22:44Adrian leaned against the coffin and slowly slid down to the floor,
22:46covering his face with both hands.
22:49On the surveillance screen, I saw his shoulders shaking.
22:52How pathetic.
22:53He never cherished me when I was alive.
22:55Only after I died did he finally feel regret.
22:58I sent my father a message.
22:59Can we start now?
23:01My father replied at once.
23:03Anytime.
23:05Trouble hit the lame business.
23:07First, a long-time supplier cut them off.
23:10The reason?
23:11Product quality failed to meet standards.
23:13Adrian sent people to investigate.
23:15The supplier refused to see them.
23:17Then the banks pulled back.
23:18A loan renewal that had already been discussed was suddenly denied.
23:22The explanation was simple.
23:23Failed risk review.
23:25The cash flow tightened at once.
23:26Then came the clients.
23:28Several major orders were canceled without warning.
23:31Not long after, those same deals went to competitors.
23:33In just one month, the lame family lost 30% of its market value.
23:38His father was so enraged that he ended up in the hospital.
23:41Adrian spent every day running between the company and the hospital.
23:45He was exhausted.
23:46Vanessa held the baby and complained.
23:48Why have you been out every day lately?
23:50Don't you care about the baby?
23:53My father's in the hospital and the company's in trouble.
23:57How could I not be worried?
23:58She snapped.
23:59We have more money than we could ever spend.
24:03Adrian looked at her.
24:04The look in his eyes turned strange.
24:07Do you even know how our family got where it is today?
24:10My grandfather built it.
24:12Then my father.
24:14Then my brother.
24:15Three generations gave everything they had for it.
24:17It didn't just appear out of thin air.
24:19Vanessa curled her lip.
24:21That doesn't mean you get to ignore me and the baby.
24:24He's not even a month old.
24:25And you're gone every day.
24:28Adrian slammed the door and left.
24:30He went to the family chapel.
24:32The coffin was still there.
24:34They still had not chosen a burial site.
24:36So I had not been buried.
24:37He sat down beside the coffin and leaned against it.
24:41Then he began to speak.
24:43Serena, if you were here, you'd probably tell me not to panic.
24:47To slow down.
24:48Take it one step at a time.
24:50You were always the calm, sensible one.
24:52He took out a cigarette and lit it.
24:54Smoke rose around him.
24:56His voice grew lower.
24:58But now there's no one I can talk to.
25:00Dad only ever talks to me when he's disappointed in me.
25:03Vanessa only comes to me when she needs money.
25:06You were the only one who never wanted anything from me.
25:09You only ever wanted to help.
25:11He took a drag.
25:12Then he started coughing.
25:14He coughed until his eyes turned red.
25:16Tears came out with it.
25:17I'm sorry.
25:18I'm really sorry.
25:19I never thought it would end like this.
25:21If I had one more chance, I would definitely...
25:24His phone rang.
25:26It was his assistant.
25:28His voice was full of panic.
25:31Mr. Lang, something's wrong.
25:33Customs just seized one of our shipments.
25:34They're saying there's contraband in it.
25:36It's a big shipment.
25:37They might press criminal parches.
25:39Adrian shot to his feet.
25:40Contraband?
25:41That's impossible.
25:42We're a legitimate business.
25:44It's true.
25:44It's true.
25:46The police are already here.
25:47They want to question you.
25:49Adrian hung up and rushed out of the family chapel.
25:51He got in the car and drove straight to the company.
25:53Then another call came in.
25:55Unknown number.
25:56He answered it.
25:57A man's voice came through.
25:59Cold.
26:00Low.
26:01Sharp.
26:02Mr. Lang, did you like the gift?
26:04Adrian frowned.
26:05Who is this?
26:07You don't need to know.
26:09Just remember one thing.
26:11This is only the beginning.
26:13The Lang family will pay for what you owe.
26:19The call ended.
26:20Adrian called back at once.
26:22The number was already dead.
26:24His hands began to shake on the steering wheel.
26:30It was him.
26:31The police investigation dragged on for two weeks.
26:34In the end, the case was dropped.
26:36Not enough evidence.
26:37But the shipment was gone.
26:39Confiscated.
26:40The loss ran into the tens of millions.
26:42The Lang family's name was ruined.
26:44Partners started walking away.
26:46One after another.
26:47The stock crashed.
26:48His father was so furious that he suffered a second stroke.
26:51This time, he did not make it.
26:53Before he died, he held onto Adrian's hand.
26:56His voice was weak.
26:57Save the Lang group.
26:59The child.
27:00The heir.
27:01Then his hand went limp.
27:02The funeral was simple.
27:03Hardly anyone came.
27:05And the few who did were there for the spectacle.
27:07Vanessa stood in front of the memorial tablet with the baby in her arms.
27:11She cried hard.
27:12Maybe for the old man.
27:13Maybe for herself.
27:15Her protection was gone.
27:16Adrian stayed expressionless through the entire funeral.
27:19Only after it ended, after everyone had left, did he speak.
27:23You need to move out.
27:24Vanessa stared at him.
27:27What did you say?
27:30Take the child and leave the house.
27:31I'll give you enough money to live on.
27:33Vanessa's voice shot up at once.
27:35Adrian, are you out of your mind?
27:37I'm your brother's widow.
27:38This child is the only blood your brother left behind.
27:41Your father said he would carry on the family line.
27:44The police.
27:44Adrian gave a cold laugh.
27:46Carry on the family line?
27:48With what?
27:50You want the family name?
27:52You can take the debt with it.
27:54Vanessa took a step back.
27:55So that's it?
27:56You're casting us aside?
27:58I'm not casting you aside.
28:00I'm making sure you and the child are taken care of.
28:02But this house stays.
28:03I'm keeping it.
28:05It holds my memories of Serena.
28:07I'm not giving it to anyone.
28:09Vanessa looked at him for a long moment.
28:11Then she laughed.
28:13Memories?
28:15Adrian, stop fooling yourself.
28:17You never loved her.
28:19You just can't get past the guilt.
28:21She died tragically and it's been eating away at you ever since.
28:25If she were still alive, you would have dumped her long ago.
28:28Adrian's face turned cold.
28:29Shut up.
28:33No, you need to hear this.
28:35Vanessa had stopped holding back.
28:37You married her because she was easy.
28:39She had no powerful family.
28:41No one to stand up for her.
28:42No one to fight you.
28:44You once said that once she had the baby, you'd find a way to divorce her.
28:49Now she's dead.
28:50That solved the problem for you.
28:53You should be thanking me.
28:54You should thank my son for getting rid of him.
28:59Adrian's face turned on.
29:00Smack.
29:02Another slap.
29:03Much harder than the last one.
29:05Vanessa crashed to the floor.
29:07The baby started wailing.
29:08Adrian looked down at her.
29:10His eyes were freezing.
29:11Get out.
29:12Right now.
29:13And if I ever see you again, don't expect a cent from me.
29:16Vanessa pushed herself up with the child in her arms.
29:19She glared at him.
29:20You'll regret this.
29:22Then she left.
29:23With the baby.
29:24And the $50 million check.
29:26Adrian stood alone in the empty family chapel.
29:29He looked at his father's portrait.
29:31For the first time, he felt it.
29:33Real exhaustion.
29:34It crushed him so hard he could not stay standing.
29:36He dropped to his knees.
29:38Dad.
29:39I can't do this anymore.
29:42The Lange family is going to fall apart because of me.
29:45No one answered.
29:46Only the wind moved through the hall.
29:48The white funeral cloth fluttered and snapped in the draft.
29:52I was sitting at the estate in Italy, watching the security feed.
29:55My father came in and handed me a file.
29:57The Lange group is worth $3 billion now.
30:00It owes $5.
30:01At this point, it stays from collapse.
30:03I took the file and flipped through it.
30:05Sooner than I expected.
30:06My father sat down and sighed.
30:08Do you really want to see this through?
30:12What else would I do?
30:13Forgive him?
30:14My father shook his head.
30:16He deserves everything that's coming.
30:18I just don't want you getting stuck there again.
30:21I closed the file and smiled a little.
30:22Don't worry.
30:23I was done the moment my baby died.
30:26Now I'm just here to collect.
30:27My father looked at me, his expression unreadable.
30:30Well, you've changed.
30:33You used to smile all the time.
30:34Now it never reaches your eyes.
30:36I got up and walked to the window.
30:38The vineyard stretched out beyond the glass.
30:42People grow up.
30:44Some take years.
30:46Some only need betrayal.
30:49Or death.
30:50My father said nothing.
30:52He just stood there with me for a while.
30:54Then he left.
30:55My phone rang.
30:56I was...
30:57It was Adrian.
30:58He actually still had the nerve to call me.
31:01More precisely,
31:02he was calling the number of someone who was supposed to be dead.
31:05I picked up.
31:06I said nothing.
31:07His voice came through, rough and tired.
31:10Serena, I know you can't hear this.
31:11But I still want to talk to you.
31:13The Lange family is done.
31:15Dad's gone.
31:16Vanessa left.
31:17Chloe turned on me too.
31:19There's no one around me anymore.
31:20Sometimes I think about it.
31:22If I treated you better,
31:23maybe things would have gone differently.
31:25If I hadn't wanted so much,
31:26a son,
31:27a family business,
31:28control over everything,
31:30maybe you'd still be alive.
31:31He stopped.
31:32When he spoke again,
31:33his voice caught.
31:34But none of that matters now.
31:35You're gone.
31:36Our child is gone.
31:37That's on me.
31:38I'll never make up for it, so...
31:40He took a deep breath.
31:41I sold off everything the Lange family had.
31:43The money's been split three ways.
31:45One part goes to charity.
31:47Your name.
31:47One part goes to Vanessa and the child.
31:49That's for my brother.
31:50It was...
31:51And the last part...
31:52He let out a bleak laugh.
31:54I'm keeping it for a grave.
31:55I'll be buried next to you.
31:56If there's another life,
31:57I'll spend it paying you back.
31:59The call ended.
32:00I held the phone in my hand and didn't move.
32:02Not for a long time.
32:04When the screen finally went dark,
32:05I saw my reflection in it.
32:07Blank.
32:08Cold.
32:09Like I felt nothing at all.
32:11Adrian really had sold off everything.
32:13The houses.
32:14The stocks.
32:15The collectibles.
32:16He even put the old family estate up for sale.
32:19Then he moved into a small apartment.
32:21Every day, he did the same two things.
32:23He drank.
32:24And he went to the cemetery.
32:26He would sit in front of my headstone and talk to himself.
32:29Sometimes about the company.
32:30Sometimes about when we were young.
32:32Sometimes he said nothing at all.
32:34He just sat there for hours.
32:36Sometimes all day.
32:37Chloe went to see him once.
32:39She called him insane.
32:40You threw away the whole family for a dead woman?
32:42What about dad?
32:43What about our brother?
32:45Adrian looked at her, his eyes empty.
32:47Then what about Serena?
32:49What about the baby she lost?
32:51Chloe had no answer.
32:52She left crying.
32:54And she never came back.
32:55By the third month, I'd had enough.
32:57The satisfaction of revenge had faded the moment the Lane family collapsed.
33:01All that was left was emptiness.
33:02And a trace of sadness I didn't even want to admit to myself.
33:05Is it enough?
33:07If it is, come back.
33:08The family still needs you.
33:10The family still needs you.
33:11I'll come back tomorrow.
33:13But tonight, I want to go to the cemetery.
33:16My father frowned.
33:18It's too dangerous.
33:19He has nothing left.
33:20If he finds out you're alive...
33:22He won't.
33:23I'll keep my distance.
33:24One last look, and I'm done.
33:27My father was quiet for a long time.
33:29Then he nodded.
33:30Take the guards.
33:31If anything happens, call immediately.
33:34Adrian.
33:34The cemetery was silent that night.
33:36I stood in the shadows beneath a tree and watched Adrian sitting in front of my grave.
33:40He had lost a lot of weight.
33:41There was gray in his hair now too.
33:43He wasn't even 40.
33:44But he looked 50.
33:46He had a bottle in his hand.
33:48He drank as he talked.
33:49Serena.
33:50I saw a psychiatrist today.
33:51He said I'm depressed.
33:53He said I need medication.
33:54I told him I don't.
33:55I just miss you.
33:57I miss your cooking.
33:58I miss you nagging me to drink less.
33:59I miss the way you used to hold your stomach and tell me the baby kicked again.
34:03He took another drink.
34:04Then he started coughing.
34:06He coughed for a long time.
34:08When he finally stopped, his voice was even hoarser.
34:11But I can't remember you clearly anymore.
34:13Your face.
34:14Your voice.
34:15They're fading.
34:16I'm scared that one day, I'll forget you completely.
34:19And if that happens, what am I supposed to do?
34:23He bent over the headstone.
34:24His shoulders shaking.
34:25He was crying.
34:26I turned to leave.
34:28Then I accidentally kicked a stone.
34:29Who's there?
34:30The s-
34:32I froze.
34:33One of my guards moved to pull me away.
34:35But I shook my head.
34:37He got to his feet and started walking toward me.
34:40I'd hidden long enough.
34:41It was time to face him.
34:44Adrian stopped at the edge of the shadows.
34:46Moonlight fell across my face.
34:47He stared at me, his pupils shrinking all at once, like he'd seen a ghost.
34:51You.
34:52It's me.
34:53I'm alive.
34:54Surprised?
34:55His mouth opened, but no sound came out.
34:57He just stared at me.
34:59Shock.
35:00Confusion.
35:00Then something close to joy.
35:02He rushed toward me, trying to grab me.
35:04Guard stepped forward and blocked him.
35:06Serena!
35:06You're alive!
35:07I knew it!
35:08He tried to shut the guard aside, but he couldn't.
35:11That was when he finally noticed the four men in black standing around me.
35:15They're my men.
35:16He looked me over from head to toe.
35:18The tailored suit.
35:19The flawless makeup.
35:20The cold expression.
35:21I was nothing like the soft, obedient wife he used to know.
35:25Who are you?
35:26Let me introduce self properly.
35:28Serena Santoni.
35:29Eldest daughter of the Santoni family, and the sole heir to the Corioni Mafia Empire.
35:34Adrian staggered back, like I'd hit him square in the chest.
35:39That's impossible!
35:41You told me you came from an ordinary family.
35:43That was a lie.
35:44My father told me not to marry you.
35:46He said I wouldn't be able to handle you.
35:49I didn't believe him.
35:51I insisted on marrying you anyway.
35:54Turns out he was right.
35:55So the Lang family went under because of you?
35:57Yes.
35:59My father made it happen.
36:00He said anyone who touched his daughter had to pay.
36:04I think he was right.
36:07Adrian's eyes reddened.
36:12And why didn't you tell me sooner?
36:13If you had told me who you were, how could I have ever...
36:16How could you have what?
36:17Treated me better?
36:19Let me live?
36:23Adrian, stop lying to yourself.
36:26What you loved was that I seemed ordinary.
36:29That I looked easy to control.
36:31If you had known I wasn't someone you could push around, you never would have married me.
36:38If anything, you probably would have gotten rid of me sooner and gone after my family too.
36:45I had hit the truth.
36:47He went silent.
36:50He looked at me.
36:51And the pain in his eyes slowly twisted into resentment.
36:56So this was all a game to you.
36:58You watched me drown in guilt.
37:00You watched me regret everything.
37:03You watched me lose it all.
37:06And that made you happy, didn't it?
37:09No.
37:10It didn't.
37:13Watching you suffer didn't make me happy.
37:15I just thought you deserved it.
37:17Adrian laughed.
37:18It was an ugly laugh.
37:22Deserved it?
37:24Don't act so righteous, Serena.
37:26If you told me the truth from the beginning, none of this would have happened.
37:29Yes, I wronged you.
37:32But you lied to me too.
37:34You played me.
37:35You destroyed everything I had.
37:37You're worse than I am.
37:40He lunged at me, trying to grab me.
37:42The guards moved instantly.
37:44In seconds, they had him pinned to the ground.
37:48Serena!
37:49You'll pay for this!
37:53I'll make you regret it!
37:54I swear I'll-
37:56He didn't get to finish.
37:57A guard turned to me.
37:59Miss, what should we do with him?
38:00I looked at Adrian lying unconscious on the ground.
38:03I stayed silent for a few seconds.
38:05Take him back.
38:07And make sure I never see him again.
38:10Don't-
38:11I went back to Italy and officially took over the family business.
38:14My father retired and slipped into a quiet, easy life.
38:17He spent his days tending his flowers, doting on his birds, and carrying himself like any ordinary old man.
38:22But every so often, he would still ask.
38:25Do you still hate him?
38:26I shook my head.
38:27No.
38:29Hate wears people out.
38:30I'm done with that.
38:31He studied me for a moment.
38:33Do you ever think about him?
38:34Dad, come on.
38:35I smiled.
38:36He let out a sigh.
38:38I just think you push yourself too hard.
38:40It's been three years.
38:42I hardly ever see you smile.
38:45And I've never seen you let any man get close.
38:47I set the file down and looked at him.
38:50Dad, I'm doing just fine on my own.
38:52I have my work.
38:53I have money.
38:54I have my family.
38:55I don't need a man in my life making things worse.
38:57Is next week's US Traff arranged?
38:59It is.
39:00Then I'll get ready.
39:01I rose and left the study.
39:02As I reached the door, I heard him murmur softly behind me.
39:05If that baby had lived, they'd be three by now.
39:07My steps faltered, but I didn't turn back.
39:10I just kept walking.
39:11The hallway was long.
39:13Its walls lined with portraits of the family's past heads.
39:15At the very end hung my mother's portrait.
39:17She died giving birth to me.
39:18She lost too much blood, and they couldn't save her.
39:21My father never remarried.
39:23I never understood that before.
39:25Now I did.
39:26Some wounds stay with you for life.
39:28Some pain never truly fades.
39:31Miss Adrian is in Italy.
39:32He's outside the estate.
39:33He says he wants to see you.
39:34I'm not seeing him.
39:35He's on his knees.
39:36He says he won't leave until you agree to meet him.
39:38I walked over to the window and drew back the curtain.
39:40Outside the estate gates, Adrian was kneeling by the roadside,
39:43holding a sign above his head.
39:44It read, I'm sorry.
39:46I was wrong.
39:47Please let me see you.
39:48I watched him for a moment, then closed the curtain again.
39:51Let him kneel.
39:52When it gets dark, throw him out.
39:54My assistant hesitated.
39:56Miss, isn't that a little-
39:57Do it.
39:58I ended the call.
39:59Then I sat down on the sofa and closed my eyes.
40:02But memory came back anyway.
40:04We first met in the library.
40:06I was carrying a stack of books and walked straight into him.
40:09The books spilled all over the floor.
40:10He bent down to help me gather them.
40:12That's quite a stack.
40:14Sunlight poured in through the window and fell across his face.
40:16He looked gentle, clean, warm.
40:18None of it had been real.
40:20Not a single bit of it.
40:21So why did my heart still ache?
40:23Three months later, Adrian died on a street in Italy.
40:26When the news reached me, I was in the middle of signing off on a cross-border acquisition.
40:30My pen never stopped moving.
40:32I know.
40:32I closed the file and gave my assistant a slight nod.
40:35Outside, sunlight fell across my bare ring finger.
40:38It had been empty for a long time.
40:40From that day on, I had only my name, my power, and the family empire on my shoulders.
40:44Love was over.
40:46Weakness was a luxury I could no longer afford.
40:56Miss Moore!
40:57Miss Moore, please, go home.
40:59Inherit your family's fortune.
41:05David, stop following me.
41:07You know why I don't go home.
41:09It's worth it to me to live a tough life if it means being with Carson.
41:14I facilitated a $1 billion contract for your husband with the Jacobs Group.
41:18The Jacobs Group?
41:20Yeah.
41:20The richest family in New York.
41:22He'll make a fortune.
41:23You don't have to consider your identity, Annie.
41:26You're the daughter of the richest man in the States, Miss Moore.
41:29I'm telling Carson tonight.
41:31As for you, I want you to find the most expensive penthouse on the west side and buy it for
41:35him as a reparation.
41:36Copy that.
41:39Oh, it's so sweet.
41:41City Hall refunds.
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