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