In "Checked Into My Marriage, Stole My Life," a successful woman faces the chaos of her personal and professional life when her marriage falls apart due to an unexpected betrayal. Amid the pain, heartbreak, and struggle to recover what was lost, will she find peace and rebuild her life? A drama filled with emotions and shocking twists.
#CheckedIntoMyMarriageStoleMyLife #DramaRomance #LoveStory #MarriageDrama #FullEpisode #DramaSeries #RomanticDrama #LifeRebuild #ShortDrama #ShortMovie #ReelsShort #ShortFilm #Betrayal #Heartbreak
#CheckedIntoMyMarriageStoleMyLife #DramaRomance #LoveStory #MarriageDrama #FullEpisode #DramaSeries #RomanticDrama #LifeRebuild #ShortDrama #ShortMovie #ReelsShort #ShortFilm #Betrayal #Heartbreak
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The hotel just alerted me that a condom charge from the previous night had been posted to my bill.
00:05When I confronted my husband, Rex Dillon, he stared back at me with a look of utter bewilderment
00:11plastered across his face.
00:13Sweetheart, this has got to be a system glitch, or someone keyed in the wrong membership number.
00:18I'll call and lodge a formal complaint first thing tomorrow.
00:22Little does he know, the hotel's lead investor is my ride-or-die best friend.
00:28Hey, can you pull up who Rex checked into the hotel with last night?
00:31I'm gonna catch them red-handed.
00:33The card was linked exclusively to my personal information, meaning no one else could use it.
00:38Yet the hotel had called, claiming I'd checked into the presidential suite the night before
00:43and used the condoms in the room.
00:45I asked three times to confirm, and the person on the line insisted it was Leela Ruth herself who'd checked
00:50in.
00:51I couldn't swallow this humiliation.
00:53What made it worse was that once, when I'd mentioned using the card,
00:57What do you want me to say?
00:58Rex had looked utterly annoyed and snapped.
01:00Is our home not good enough for you?
01:02Why would you rather sleep elsewhere?
01:03I'm so sick of your ridiculous spending habits!
01:06I didn't get it.
01:07Why was he so pissed off just cause I wanted to use a free card?
01:11The angrier I grew, the faster I drove.
01:14Heading straight for the hotel.
01:16Hello, I'm Leela Ruth.
01:18You called me this morning.
01:20My anger simmering just beneath the surface.
01:23The receptionist looked up, her face clouding with confusion.
01:27Mrs. Ruth?
01:28I thought you just went back to your room.
01:30You made it clear that no housekeeping service was needed a moment ago.
01:34My face darkened instantly.
01:36The reception went on.
01:38Just ten minutes ago, Mrs. Ruth called and activated the Do Not Disturb service.
01:42I was so furious that I trembled all over.
01:46That woman had the nerve to check in under my name.
01:50Grinting my teeth.
01:52But I am the real Leela Ruth.
01:55The receptionist eyed me up and down impatiently.
02:00Madam, if you don't have a reservation, please leave.
02:03We have many guests today.
02:05Please don't cause a scene here.
02:07It hit me like a bolt of lightning.
02:09My husband had become someone else's husband?
02:13The irony was bitter enough to choke on.
02:17At that moment, the elevator dinged open.
02:20Tiffany Butler stepped out, clad in the latest Chanel suit of the season.
02:23The diamond necklace around her neck was the one I bought at auction for 1.8 million.
02:27As far as I knew, she was just my husband's newly graduated junior.
02:30The receptionist's face lit up as if she'd spotted a savior.
02:33She pointed straight at Tiffany and said to me.
02:36This is the real Mrs. Ruth, the rightful one.
02:38I suggest you leave immediately and stop making trouble.
02:41Tiffany's face blanched the second she saw me.
02:43But she recovered fast, forcing a sickly sweet smile.
02:46What a coincidence.
02:48Are you staying here too?
02:49I coldly shook off her outstretched hand.
02:52Tiffany, don't you think you owe me an explanation?
02:55Why did you check in under my name?
02:57And why were the condoms you used charged to my account?
03:02Also, why are my shoes on your feet?
03:05And when did my husband become yours?
03:08My voice cut through the lobby, and the previously noisy crowd fell dead silent.
03:12Every pair of eyes locked onto Tiffany.
03:14Tiffany glanced around nervously, then her eyes immediately welled with tears.
03:19What are you talking about?
03:20My husband gave me this card because he felt bad about my frequent business trips,
03:24and he bought me these shoes as well, as for the condoms.
03:27She feigned shyness and lowered her head.
03:30What's wrong with me using them with my husband?
03:32Are you upset because your husband doesn't treat you well?
03:36Need my help to get you a psychiatrist?
03:41Look at her haggard face.
03:42Her husband must not want to touch her.
03:45A card like that starts at $300,000.
03:47She doesn't seem like someone who could afford it.
03:50Are they seriously letting in just anybody at such a high-end place?
03:55I was only wearing casual clothes today, hardly the shabby mess they made me out to be.
03:59I never realized you were so good with words.
04:07Did you verify her identity when the co-called Mrs. Ruth checked in?
04:11The receptionist hesitated, her face flushing.
04:14She said she didn't have her ID, but Mr. Dylan is a regular, so...
04:18So you just broke the rules?
04:20Your hotel security is a joke.
04:25She's just a receptionist.
04:27Why are you picking on her?
04:29People stay at hotels they can't afford.
04:32Don't make a scene here.
04:39Answer it.
04:40Put it on speaker.
04:42Let's hear how Rex is going to spin this.
04:46As she tapped the speaker button, she burst into fake, heaving sobs.
04:49Honey, come to the hotel, quick!
04:52There's a crazy woman saying I'm not your wife and trying to kick me out!
04:56She wailed dramatically, and Rex's furious voice exploded from the phone at once.
05:01A crazy woman?
05:02Dare she bully you?
05:04Don't be skied.
05:04I'm on my way.
05:05A crazy woman?
05:06So that was what I was to him now.
05:08The onlookers stared at me with open disdain, some even stepping forward to comfort Tiffany.
05:14Don't take it to heart.
05:15She's insane.
05:16Tiffany murmured her thanks, then turned to me with a look of feigned concern.
05:19My husband will be here soon.
05:21He has a terrible temper.
05:24You better leave fast.
05:25Who knows what he might do to you?
05:27He just gave me that $300,000 VIP card, you know?
05:30Shows how much he spoils me.
05:31If he gets here, who knows what he might do to you?
05:34It sounded like a warning, but it was nothing but a slap in the face, a bare-faced provocation.
05:39I trembled with rage.
05:40Every fiber of me screaming to tear off her hypocritical mask right then and there.
05:44Rex arrived faster than I'd expected.
05:46He burst through the hotel doors.
05:48The second his eyes landed on me, they turned cold and vicious.
05:52He roughly shoved me aside, then pulled Tiffany into a tight, protective embrace.
05:57Don't be afraid, I'm here.
05:59The way he gently stroked Tiffany's hair was so tender it hurt to watch.
06:02Pushed by him, I stumbled backward, my waist slamming hard into the sofa arm behind me.
06:07If not for the furniture, I would have crashed straight to the ground.
06:10Meanwhile, Tiffany stood on tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and the two locked
06:14in a long, wet, lingering kiss.
06:17You're so good to me, honey.
06:18Tiffany panted, her voice thick with coquetry.
06:20You need to set this woman straight.
06:22She won't believe I'm your wife.
06:25Only then did Rex turn his gaze to me.
06:27There was no flicker of guilt.
06:29Only pure disgust thought he released Tiffany and strode over, then slapped me hard across
06:33the face.
06:35Tiffany, have you no shame?
06:37Just cause I turned you down when you tried to hint for a permanent position, you've held
06:40a grudge ever since.
06:42Now you dare to bully my wife in public?
06:44I clapped a hand to my cheek, which flared red, swollen, and burning hot.
06:48I stared at him in disbelief.
06:50The man before me was a stranger, terrifyingly unfamiliar.
06:53Before I'd come to the hotel, he'd feigned ignorance on the phone, using his usual gentle
06:57patience to tell me not to do the thing.
07:00Yet, in the blink of an eye, he could twist the truth without batting an eye and even hurt
07:04me.
07:05He'd always had two faces, it turned out.
07:07Now that I thought back, the signs had been there all along.
07:11He'd only lit up at the latest gaming console I'd bought him, but dismissed my painstakingly
07:15developed scientific research as nothing but scrap.
07:17His so-called concern had always circled, back to my bank card, maybe he'd never loved
07:22me.
07:23Maybe he'd never even tried to understand the real me out of strange sense of calm rose from
07:26the depths of my chest, drowning out all the anger.
07:29I lowered my hand from my face and looked straight at him, my voice shockingly steady,
07:34even to myself.
07:35Rex, repeat what you just said.
07:38Tell me who am I, and who is she?
07:40A flicker of panic crossed Rex's eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it came.
07:44You really are crazy, wasn't I clear enough?
07:47She is my lawfully wedded wife, Lila, and you?
07:52You're just some intern who failed to climb the ladder, Tiffany.
07:55He raked his eyes over me, his voice cold and cruel.
08:02Look at yourself, you're pushing 40, aren't you?
08:06How could I possibly marry someone like you?
08:09Don't embarrass yourself, okay?
08:10Can't get a man herself, so she's jealous of others' happiness.
08:15I told you she must be crazy.
08:17Didn't think she'd start having delusions too, that's really scary.
08:20Poor couple, they're so unlucky to run into a nutshed like this.
08:24I stayed quiet, just watching their little show.
08:27Rex was clearly dead set on protecting Tiffany, even if it meant grinding me into the dirt.
08:32But did he really think he could twist the truth with just a few lies, slowly?
08:36I pulled my ID card and marriage certificate out of my bag.
08:41These should be enough to prove who I am.
08:43Rex and Tiffany's faces froze at once, but Tiffany's eyes went wide with shock.
08:48Rex lunged forward, snatched the ID and marriage certificate out of my hand,
08:52and without even glancing at them, hurled them straight out the hotel's revolving glass door.
08:56Will you just stop?
08:58Last time, you waved a fake ID at me to disgust me, and now this new trick?
09:02Forging an ID and a marriage certificate?
09:05Tiffany, have some shame.
09:07Do you think I won't call the cops and report you for harassment and forging official documents?
09:13The onlooker stairs shifted from disdained outright aggression, and the echoed immunity...
09:17Call the police! Do it now!
09:21She's a fraud.
09:22She should be arrested.
09:24She's not welcome here.
09:25Kick her out, or we'll complain about the hotel!
09:29Tiffany visibly relaxed at that.
09:31She snuggled back into Rex's eyes and spoke to me in a tone that sounded concerned but oozed malice.
09:36You've been so abused by your husband that you've lost your mind.
09:39I can introduce you to a good psychiatrist and a top divorce lawyer if you need.
09:45She stressed the word divorce extra hard.
09:47After all, once I was gone, she could step right into the role of Mrs.
09:51Dylan to ASA response, Rex kissed her forehead, then turned back to me, his eyes as cold as ice.
09:57Get out of here now, or I'm calling the police! Immediately!
10:00He snapped at the receptionist.
10:02Never here!
10:02If not, Elliot!
10:03Call security to drive this crazy woman out!
10:05Who knows what else she might do?
10:07What if she hurts other guests?
10:09Kick her out!
10:10We're going to the hotel there!
10:12Go!
10:15She grabbed her walkie-talkie and called for security at once.
10:18Two tall guards marched over, grabbed my arms from either side, and began dragging me roughly towards the exit.
10:25I struggled desperately, my elbows throbbing from the rough tugging.
10:28Amid the chaos, Tiffany had somehow slipped close to me.
10:32Seizing the split second when everyone's attention was elsewhere, she tripped me.
10:36Already off balance, I crashed hard to the marble floor.
10:38Oops!
10:39Tiffany gasped in feigned innocence.
10:41I just wanted to help you up, and you deliberately fell to blame me?
10:45Unbelievable!
10:47My ankle swelled into a painful lump instantly, and a wide patch of skin was scraped raw on my knee,
10:52blood seeping out at once.
10:54My face paled with agony as I tried to stand, only to collapse back down.
10:58Rex stood there, watching coldly, as if I were a total stranger.
11:02My heart turned to ice at that moment.
11:04Any last shred of hope for him was snuffed out, with trembling hands.
11:07I fumbled in my pocket for my phone, desperate to call 911.
11:11But the second I unlocked it, Rex lunged forward and snatched it away.
11:15What are you trying to do?
11:16Call the police?
11:17He accused me falsely.
11:19Let me tell you, everyone here saw clearly that you fell on purpose.
11:23Don't even think about framing my wife and the hotel!
11:26I have a bleeding disorder!
11:28Call an ambulance now!
11:29I shouted through the pain, but Rex remained indifferent.
11:33Instead hurling my phone forcefully across the lobby, left alone, I endured the searing pain.
11:37Using my uninjured leg to prop myself up and crawl towards my phone, just then, a delicate high heel stomped
11:43down hard on my palm.
11:44Tiffany looked down at me condescendingly.
11:46Sign a statement and admit everything today was your fault, then I'll call an ambulance for you.
11:50Otherwise?
11:51She paused for effect.
11:53She pressed down harder.
11:54The excruciating pain in my hand, mixed with the agony from my knee and ankle, nearly made me black out.
11:59I could barely speak, trembling violently from both pain and rage, my consciousness growing hazy.
12:04Just as I thought I would pass out, a series of rapid, sharp high heel clicks echoed from the hotel
12:08entrance.
12:10My best friend Vivian was striding in.
12:13Lila, I found out.
12:14Rex really did cheat.
12:15He's checked into this hotel more times than you have in the past few years.
12:18He even dared to use the exclusive membership card I gave you with that mistress.
12:22Her voice, however, cut off abruptly, the moment she saw me kneeling on the ground in such a miserable state.
12:29The receptionist, who had been so arrogant just moments ago, now turned pale, her voice trembling as she timidly called
12:36out.
12:36Dear Director Carter,
12:38affirmed Vivian's identity as the hotel's investor beyond any doubt.
12:41What? So she wasn't lying after all?
12:44The husband really brought his mistress to impersonate the real wife?
12:47Is this guy even human?
12:49My god, he helped the lover bully his own wife and even hit her!
12:52What a piece of trash!
12:53This disgusting pair is truly repulsive!
12:56Public opinion flipped on a dime.
12:58Anyone traveling with family or a partner instinctively recoiled at infidelity, and their words grew sharper by the second.
13:04Awkwardly, the security guards let go of me, not daring to lay a finger on me anymore.
13:09Vivian's face crumbled with pity as she tried to squat down and help me.
13:12But before her hand could touch me, Rex grabbed it.
13:15His face was plastered with a sip-of-horshick, panico smile as he shook her hand roughly.
13:21Miss Carter, I'm so sorry for causing trouble at your hotel.
13:24Don't worry, I'll take this troublemaker away right now.
13:26She just has a habit of acting crazy.
13:28Please don't mind her.
13:29He even pretended to be chummy, leaning in like they were old friends.
13:33By the way, Miss Carter, who's your friend here?
13:35We'll all look out for her when you're not around.
13:39Tiffany chimed in fast, putting on a sickly sympathetic face.
13:42Yeah, Mrs. Carter, your friend is really pitiful, running into a man like him.
13:46It's so sad that she's betrayed.
13:48I froze for a beat, before realizing that these idiots still didn't believe the best girl Vivian was talking about
13:53was me.
13:54What are you waiting for?
13:55The investor's here, and you still haven't dragged this crazy troublemaker out?
14:02The guards exchanged nervous looks, glancing back and forth between Vivian and me.
14:06Unsure what to do, Vivian was absolutely livid.
14:09With a sudden, sharp motion, she wrenched her hand free from Rex's grip.
14:13Her voice was glacial.
14:16Stay away from me.
14:17But Rex held on stubbornly.
14:19He planted himself directly in front of Vivian, blocking her view of me, and continued his tirade without an ounce
14:23of shame.
14:24Miss Carter, please don't be upset.
14:25This woman is clearly trying to extort money.
14:28Her injuries may look serious, but she's perfectly fine.
14:31I said, stay away from me.
14:34Someone clean this up immediately.
14:35It's an eyesore.
14:36Are you deaf?
14:37I said, stay away from me.
14:39If anything happens to Leela, I will make sure you regret it.
14:43With that, she shoved both Rex and Tiffany aside and rushed to meet AT the sight of the blood staining
14:48my skirt and my deathly pale complexion.
14:50Her voice wavered.
14:51Blood loss was clouding my vision.
14:53I clung to the last shreds of consciousness and gripped her wrist.
14:59Call an ambulance.
15:01Without hesitation, Vivian dialed emergency services around us.
15:05The whispers among the onlookers grew louder.
15:07So, this guy hasn't even met his wife's best friend?
15:11Unbelievable.
15:12He brings his lover here to bully his wife, and now they targeted her friend, the hotel investor.
15:18Miss Carter, just teach them a lesson.
15:20They disgusting.
15:22Rex was really embarrassed, but he still refused to accept what was unfolding before him.
15:27Tiffany tugged at his sleeve, unwilling to back down.
15:29Rex, something's not right.
15:31If she really is Miss Carter's best friend, why don't any of the hotel staff recognize her?
15:36Miss Carter owns this place.
15:38It doesn't make any sense.
15:40Sensing the cracks in Rex's confidence, Tiffany leaned in, pressing her point with growing boldness.
15:45Besides, I went through Miss Carter's social media recently.
15:49There wasn't a single post or mention of anyone named Lella.
15:54Do you think Lella might have fooled Miss Carter somehow?
15:58Rex's gaze darkened with renewed suspicion.
16:00Turning back to Vivian, he said with certainty.
16:02Miss Carter, surely you've been misled.
16:05This woman knows exactly how to play the victim.
16:07She's mastered the art of manipulation.
16:09You have to see that.
16:10You have to see.
16:11No way she's your friend.
16:13The reinforces point, he gestured to Tiffany.
16:15Miss Carter, this is Miss Tiffany Burtler.
16:18She's the heiress to Ruth Group, Mr. Ruth's daughter.
16:21I'm sure you've crossed paths before.
16:22She'll vouch that you've never met Lella.
16:25His words landed like a slap.
16:26I blinked in disbelief.
16:27Even Vivian looked momentarily speechless.
16:29Caught between disbelief and fearing.
16:31The heiress to Ruth Group?
16:32I was the only daughter of the Ruth family.
16:35After choosing to pursue a career in science rather than take over the company,
16:38I'd fallen out with my father and stepped away from the public eye.
16:41Keeping my identity right.
16:42Get the hell out of my office!
16:43And yet, this imposter had the nerve to claim it.
16:46Oh?
16:47The heiress to Ruth Group?
16:49Then why does she have the last name Butler?
16:50It's due to a complicated family matter.
16:53But make no mistake, Tiffany truly is Ruth Group's heiress.
16:57Vivian let out a cold, sharp snort.
16:59She immediately pulled out her phone, dialed my father's number,
17:03and tapped the speaker button for the entire lobby to hear.
17:06Hello, Mr. Ruth?
17:08Hello, Mr. Ruth?
17:09I heard you suddenly have a daughter named Tiffany.
17:12Are you aware she's the mistress of Lella's husband?
17:15And they're bully Nicolette together.
17:16Vivian!
17:17What nonsense are you talking about?
17:18I only have one daughter, Lella!
17:21Where did this Tiffany come from?
17:24Who's spreading laws about my girl?
17:28Where are you?
17:29I'm on my way.
17:30The lobby fell into a deathly silence.
17:32Rex, who'd been oozing smutness moments earlier, froze mid-step.
17:36He whirled around abruptly,
17:38snatching Tiffany's arm as she tried to slink away unnoticed.
17:44Tiffany, come on!
17:45Call your father right now!
17:47What the hell is going on here?
17:49I, I, I never said I was the heir out of Ruth Group.
17:52You just assumed it yourself.
17:55Rex looked as if he'd been struck by lightning.
17:57What?
17:58But when I pressed you about your background, you never denied it.
18:01You even hinted you could help me land that cooperation project with Ruth Group.
18:04Mocking laughter erupted around them, cutting through the tense air.
18:07A cold chill seeped into my bones.
18:10Settling deep in my chest, IT turned out that Rex had believed all this time that his shot at that
18:14crucial Ruth Group partnership came from Tiffany.
18:16He had no clue it was me, pulling strings and smoothing paths.
18:20Who'd paved the way for every opportunity he'd gotten.
18:22At that moment, the wail of an ambulance grew louder, echoing closer to the hotel, blood loss blurred my vision,
18:28and a violent ship erect my body.
18:30As the paramedics lifted me onto the stretcher, I stared up at the hotel's opulent crystal chandelier, its light refracting
18:36into a dizzying haze.
18:37The whole scene felt like an absurd, cruel nightmare.
18:41Rex made a move as if to rush over, seemingly he had nothing to say, but Vivian stopped him sharply.
18:46The last thing I heard before darkness swallowed me was Vivian's unyielding promise.
18:50I'm here, this time, I'll make sure they pay for everything they did.
18:53The hospital room reeked of sterile disinfectant.
18:56And four drip trickled slowly from the blood transfusion bag into my veins.
19:00I stared out the window at the gray, overcast sky.
19:03My heart feeling far colder than my body.
19:05Giving my love to a man like Rex had been the cruelest irony of my life.
19:09Vivian sat beside me, holding my uninjured hand gently.
19:12Her voice soft with comfort.
19:14He's not worth your tears.
19:16Leela, you deserve better.
19:19I forced a faint smile, but before I could say anything, the ward door slammed open with a crash.
19:24Rex stood in the doorway.
19:26His face livid with rage.
19:27There was no trace of guilt in his eyes.
19:30Only raw, bitter accusation.
19:31He strode to the bedside, jabbing a finger inches from my nose.
19:34His voice a snarl.
19:36Leela, why didn't you tell me earlier your parents ran Ruth Group?
19:38If you had, how could I have offended both Ruth Group and Carter Group?
19:44Now look what you've done!
19:46I've been fired from the company, and everything I've worked for is ruined!
19:49Are you satisfied?
19:50His shamelessness disgusted me.
19:52I told you.
19:53More than once.
19:54You were just too impatient to listen.
19:57Too busy, disglisting my family affairs as trivial.
20:00Rex, you based by cameling a loafer.
20:02You did this to yourself.
20:04You deserve it.
20:05Stung by my words, he flew into a more hysterical rage.
20:08Blame me?
20:10If you hadn't spent all your time in that lab, neglecting yourself and turning into someone
20:14who no longer fit your expectations, would I have strayed?
20:17You never cared if I was tired after work.
20:20Even with all these family resources, you never once lifted a finger to help me.
20:24You never cared if I was tired after work.
20:26Even with all these family resources, you never once lifted a finger to help me!
20:30At that moment, Tiffany walked in.
20:31Yeah, Leela.
20:32Two become one flesh in marriage.
20:34Rex's love for you faded a long time ago, but he still stayed with you out of duty.
20:39Yet you schemed against him like this.
20:41His layoff was your doing too, right?
20:44That's so mean.
20:45Rex was such a fool.
20:47Immediately, he was emboldened by her few words, and his gaze towards me turned even
20:51more venomous.
20:51I looked at this dramatic pair with utter scorn.
20:54I didn't help you.
20:56Why do you think your little company could manage to connect with Ruth Group?
20:59All on your own.
21:00Or was it through Tiffany's fake identity as the Ruth Aaronress?
21:03Rex, the resources you stole from me didn't just feed you.
21:06They inflated your greed and your audacity.
21:09Rex's face paled, and he fell silent.
21:12I pressed on, my voice trembling with barely suppressed rage.
21:15You claimed to stay with me out of duty.
21:17Then why did you cheat?
21:20Why did you let others call me a lunatic and hit me, your legitimate wife?
21:24Rex, you destroyed your bright future with your own hands.
21:28I'd already prepared the documents to promote you to vice president of the company.
21:34Now, you don't deserve it.
21:41Tiffany shrieked in defense.
21:43We didn't hit you.
21:44You fell on your own.
21:46Yeah.
21:47Right, Leela, don't be so dramatic.
21:49I stared at him.
21:50A crushing sense of sadness washing over me.
21:53I have a bleeding disorder, and you're aware of it.
21:56A small cut while chopping vegetables can make me bleed uncontrollably, yet you never cared.
22:02I lost so much blood this time.
22:06And you call me delicate.
22:07Kit, do you know what I'm most grateful for now?
22:09That we don't have children.
22:12Otherwise, how pitiful they would be.
22:15I...
22:15I didn't mean it.
22:17Whether intentional or not, it doesn't matter anymore.
22:20Vivian spoke coldly, holding up her phone screen for us all to see.
22:24I found something interesting.
22:25Rex, the luxury goods you've given Tiffany over the years far exceed your legitimate income.
22:30You stole many of the gifts Leisha's father and I gave her to please that woman.
22:34As for the money you spent...
22:35I stared at the clear transfer records on the screen, stunned by Rex's audacity.
22:41You dared to embezzle company funds?
22:44I didn't.
22:45My father stood there with a stern face, two uniformed police officers behind him.
22:49Whether it's a false accusation, we'll find out soon.
22:54His gaze swept over Rex and Tiffany, finally resting on me with a look of tender concern.
23:02Officers, the evidence has been handed over.
23:04Go ahead and deal with them.
23:05The facade of hypocrisy on his face collapsed instantly, replaced by sheer terror.
23:10He lunged at Tiffany, frantically trying to tear off the diamond necklace around her neck and the luxury watch on
23:15her wrist.
23:15His movements were so rough that he almost knocked her over.
23:21Leela, Leela, believe me.
23:23I didn't know anything.
23:26I didn't do any of that?
23:29Leave.
23:30What's Nocturl on?
23:31I do any of that?
23:32I only gave her these pieces of jewelry because I thought they were cheap replicas.
23:35They're yours.
23:36Here, I'm giving them back to you.
23:37Rex, what are you doing?
23:39You're hurting me.
23:40The bodyguard beside my father reacted instantly, stepping forward and hitting Rex's kneecap hard.
23:45With a sickening thug, Rex crumpled to the ground, letting out a sharp cry of pain.
23:49Daring to bully my daughter.
23:51My father's voice was like ice.
23:53Do you take me as nothing?
23:54He took a step forward, looking down at the cowering man on the floor, then took a folder from his
23:59assistant and threw it directly into Rex's face.
24:01Embezzling company funds, falsifying accounts, siphling project money to support your lover.
24:07Rex Dillon, you must have a death wish.
24:10Papers scattered across the floor, revealing clear bank statements and account details that left Rex's face drained of all color.
24:15He looked up in panic, his gaze darting wildly to Tiffany, who was pale-faced beside him, and shouted,
24:22Mr. Ruth, it's not my fault.
24:23It's all Tiffany.
24:25She told me to do it all.
24:26She claimed to be your daughter, saying that it didn't matter if we used the company's money.
24:32But my tostand, I didn't.
24:33They gotta maver this money's money.
24:35I were thoughted you, Andrew Lee.
24:37No one would dare question it.
24:40She deceived me.
24:41Her lips trembled, but no sound came out.
24:44A cold dread crept from the soles of my feet to the top of my head when I heard that.
24:48It dawned on me that this man, no matter who stood beside him, could be so utterly selfish.
24:53So quick to discard anyone without a second thought.
24:56The love he once claimed ran deep.
24:58In his heart, it likely weighed less than the empty promises scribbled on paper.
25:02Rex was still scrambling to prove his loyalty.
25:05He even dropped to his knees and moved toward my father.
25:07Dad, we're family.
25:10Please forgive me this once.
25:12I'll treat Leela well from now on, I swear.
25:15His gaze suddenly fell on the blood transfusion bag beside my hand.
25:18And as it struck by a wonderful idea, he blurted out urgently.
25:21Leela has lost too much blood.
25:22Then let Tiffany make up for it with her blood.
25:24She can give blood instead.
25:27She's young.
25:28She should be able to handle it.
25:30I shuddered all over, a wave of nausea crashing over me.
25:33How could he suggest something like that so casually?
25:35It was as if Tiffany weren't a living, breathing person, but just an object to be tossed aside
25:40whenever he pleased.
25:41We're not family.
25:42My voice was cold, frayed with the exhaustion of having used up every last ounce of strength.
25:47Rex, we're getting a divorce.
25:50No, we can't!
25:51He struggled to push himself up from the ground.
25:54I won't agree, Leela.
25:56I know I messed up, I'm sorry.
25:58Just give me another chance.
25:59It doesn't matter whether you agree or not.
26:02I closed my eyes, no longer able to bear the sight of his repulsive face.
26:06It's not your call to make.
26:08Later, Rex and Tiffany were taken away by the police.
26:11During my stay in the hospital, my parents and Vivian took turns looking after me.
26:15They were careful around me and never once mentioning Rex's name.
26:18They tried everything to lift my spirits, terrified that the ordeal would leave a permanent
26:23mark on me.
26:23Then came the day I was discharged.
26:25My mother took my hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
26:30Leela, come home and live with us.
26:34Your father, he misses you terribly.
26:40What do you say we have a family reunion dinner?
26:45Life had been easy for me since childhood because they got everything taken care of.
26:50Their only wish had always been for my safety and happiness.
26:54But as I got older, I became headstrong, devoting myself entirely to the world of scientific research.
27:00Sometimes, research could be dangerous.
27:02When they'd objected, I'd simply left home for five years, even refusing to invite them
27:07to my wedding out of sheer stubbornness.
27:09I'd known they were only afraid I'd get hurt, but I'd been too willful back then.
27:14They'd said that if I found someone reliable to marry, they'd let me continue my research
27:18without pressuring me to quit.
27:20Without a second thought, I'd married Rex, who'd seemed gentle and thoughtful at the
27:23time.
27:24But after we got married, my mother-in-law despised me for not having a child in five years,
27:29and Rex grew colder towards me with the passing year.
27:32I realized then that the only people who truly loved me unconditionally were my parents.
27:37I hadn't dared tell them what I'd been through, afraid to see the disappointment in their
27:41eyes and terrified they'd blame me for not following their advice.
27:44Rex owed his so-called triumph with the Ruth group entirely to me.
27:48I was the one who persuaded Vivian to pull strings for him when he had nothing to offer.
27:52But that very act of mine had stoked Rex's ambition and, in the end, revealed what kind
27:56of person he truly was.
27:58Back in the early days of our marriage, he had indeed been kind to me, caring and attentive.
28:02But everything changed after Tiffany appeared.
28:05Although my parents had never approved of my involvement in scientific research, they
28:09still pulled me into a proud hug whenever I won an important award.
28:12Rex, by contrast, always found a way to downplay my achievements.
28:16This time, I couldn't bear to break my parents' hearts again.
28:19I squeezed my mother's hand in return, my voice thick with emotion.
28:24Mom, I'm willing to go home.
28:26When I arrived at the house, I hadn't stepped foot in for five years.
28:29Everything felt just as it had been.
28:31My father, once so imposing in the business mark, teared up the moment he saw me walked
28:35in.
28:35He stepped forward, pulled me into a tight embrace, his shoulders trembling slightly,
28:39and finally let his tears fall freely.
28:41It's good you're back.
28:43I'm so glad.
28:44With my parents in my arms, the grievances I'd bottled up for five years burst forth like
28:49a flood.
28:49They didn't mention Rex at all, not a word.
28:52They just gently patted my back, wordlessly telling me this place would always be my safe
28:56haven.
28:56Later, the verdict was finally delivered.
28:58Rex was sentenced to seven years in prison for embezzlement and related charges, and Tiffany,
29:02as his accomplice, received a five-year term.
29:04Most of the jewelry Rex had stolen and gifted to Tiffany was recovered.
29:07Before the sentencing, Rex sent a message through his lawyer, begging to see me one last
29:11time.
29:11I refused flatly.
29:13The very thought of laying eyes on him now made my stomach churn.
29:16I once asked my father how much of the embezzled funds could be recovered.
29:19He sighed and shook his head.
29:21It can't be recovered.
29:22I share part of the blame.
29:24If I hadn't opened those doors from handed him control of the key projects for your sake,
29:29he never would have been able to siphon off the money so smoothly.
29:34He looked at me, his eyes gentle yet resolute.
29:37But it's okay.
29:38The foundation of Ruth Group won't be shaken by this amount.
29:49Later, I threw myself back into my scientific research, diving headfirst into a new project
29:54and leading my team with renewed focus.
29:56Vivian later told me that after the incident, the hotel had overhauled its entire security
30:01system and implemented stricter identity verification procedures.
30:04Around that time, my mother started showing up at my lab almost daily with homemade lunches.
30:09She knew how easily I lost track of time once I was immersed in research, so she appointed
30:13herself my personal alarm clock.
30:15Every day at mealtime, she appeared right on schedule, gently nudging me away from my
30:19microscope and reminding me to nourish myself.
30:21Later, I led my team in developing an automated intelligent medical device.
30:25Soon after it hit the market, it sent shockwaves through the industry, hailed as a groundbreaking
30:29innovation.
30:30Standing on stage at the product launch, I explained our achievements with confidence and calm, facing
30:34countless astonished and admiring glances.
30:36As soon as I finished my speech and stepped off the stage, a tall, elegant man with a refined
30:41caminer stopped me.
30:42He wore a well-fitted dark suit, his bright eyes filled with undisguised admiration.
30:46Dr. Ruth, your presentation was truly wonderful.
30:49Handing me his business card.
30:51I'm Darnell Pansy, head of Corey Medical.
30:53I was wondering if I might have the honor of getting to know you better?
30:55I took his card and, meeting his clear, sincere gaze, nodded.
30:59Of course.
31:00From then on, we crossed classes at various industry events and academic conferences.
31:04He always took the initiative to talk to me, offering insightful opinions and showing great
31:09respect and passion for scientific research.
31:11Later, at a charity gala, he invited me to dance.
31:14In the ballroom, he was graceful and courteous, his steps steady and his gaze warm.
31:18After the gala, he confessed to me, saying he admired my talent and felt sympathy for
31:22my past experiences, hoping to have the chance to take care of me.
31:26I didn't drown in the new romance and replied calmly,
31:29Thank you for your kind offer, but it's too early to talk about this now.
31:32He showed no sign of frustration or pressure, only quiet understanding.
31:36And though he kept his distance, his concern was constant but we kept it that way for two
31:40years.
31:41In the sterile world of her lab, his quiet presence was a gentle androsion, a reminder
31:45that she was not alone.
31:46He would bring her tea when she was lost in her research, and tidy her desk when she was
31:50too focused to notice.
31:51My parents met him a few times and spoke highly of him, saying he had his eyes set on me,
31:55genuinely, not for status or gain on a sunny afternoon, he formally asked me to date again,
32:00looking into his eyes, as sincere as ever, and thinking of his quiet vigilance over these
32:04two years, I smiled and nodded.
32:06Okay.
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