- 14 hours ago
Reversal On The Marriage Journey
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00On the wedding day, the bride resolutely refused to step into the hotel and insisted we play a
00:04little game, telling me to meet them outside the hotel. Every step in the hotel, from the ground
00:09floor to the top, must be covered with $50 bills. I didn't think it's much, just a silly bit of
00:14fun
00:14for the occasion, but when we completed it, that money on the floor is for passers-by.
00:18The fees to my daughter is separate. Stuff $100 into each one. She gestured at the balloons
00:25filling the hotel. There are 999 balloons in total. That added up to $100,000 in cash.
00:32I pleaded relentlessly and ended up transferring the last $50,000 I had in my account. By then,
00:37I was a little angry, but the worst was yet to come. Mom says we're family once we're married,
00:42and my brother's name has to be added to the wedding house deed. My parents bought that house
00:47with their own money. Why would I do that? No name on the deed means you're not serious
00:51about this marriage. You can just marry the heir instead.
00:57Marry the heir? I stared at the woman in front of me, gorgeous in her wedding dress,
01:01but her face twisted with cruelty. This was Alice, the woman I'd loved for five years.
01:06To marry her, my family had drained all our savings to buy a wedding house,
01:09just to give her a comfortable home. And now, just because I refused to add her brother's name
01:14to the deed, she was telling me to marry the heir. Margaret kept fussing with her handbag,
01:19looking as if this was all perfectly reasonable. Carter stood nearby.
01:22Yes. Marry the heir. Julian, don't think that $50,000 is enough. I'm not stepping inside for
01:29the wedding unless his name's on that deed. My parents bought this house with every penny
01:33they had. Their retirement money, what's it got to do with your family? Of course it does. We're
01:39family once we're married. Why are you being so petty? Besides, Carter's your brother-in-law. He's
01:44going to take care of you when you're old. Rely on him? Rely on him to blow through every penny
01:50I own? Julian, watch your mouth! Are you going to apologize or not if you don't? This wedding's
01:55off! The bouquet hit my chest, sharp and painful, but the ache in my heart was a thousand times worse.
02:01You're sure? No name on the deed, no wedding? I'm sure.
02:06We're not just adding his name. We're getting it notarized, too. Carter gets half this house.
02:13Fine. I nodded and pulled out my phone.
02:19Should have done this earlier. Hurry up and call the property office.
02:22That's right, Julian. We're already a family.
02:26Julian, I live in the master bedroom!
02:29I ignored them all and dialed the number I knew by heart.
02:32Hey, Mom.
02:34Julian, are you coming in? All the guests are seated. Everyone's waiting.
02:40I'm sorry, Mom. I'm not getting married.
02:43With that, I hung up and turned to leave. I left the three of them frozen in shock.
02:48Julian! Don't you dare walk away! If you leave today, I'll never marry you, not even if you beg me
02:54in the future!
02:55I paused for a split second and turned around.
02:57Alice, you're right. I'd rather marry the heir than be with you.
03:00And I'll get that $50,000 back through legal means. You're on your own.
03:04I walked without looking back into the elaborately decorated hotel.
03:07I stepped on the steps covered with $50 and walked up step by step.
03:11Every move I made was unshakable.
03:17Julian, where's your wife?
03:19Julian, where's your wife?
03:20No wife anymore.
03:22My phone started blowing up. It was all texts from Alice.
03:26Julian, you think you're tough now? Embarrassing me in public?
03:29I'm telling you, get back here right now. Get on your knees and apologize to my mom and Carter.
03:33And bring me $20,000 for emotional damage, or this isn't over.
03:37You really think I won't call off the wedding? Guys chase me all the way to France!
03:41I stared at the words flashing on the screen, and the last bit of warmth in my heart died.
03:47Andrew, help me to check the status of that $50,000 transfer I just made.
03:51Just sent it. What's wrong?
03:54It was a scam transfer. Can you freeze it?
03:57Scam? I thought you were getting married.
03:59Wedding's off.
04:00They blackmailed me for it.
04:02Got it. If it hasn't hit their account, or they haven't withdrawn it yet, I can hold it.
04:05Call the police right away and bring me the receipt.
04:09I hung up and let out a long breath.
04:11That $50,000 was my hard-earned cash, made from working day and night for years.
04:16I'd saved it to start our family.
04:17But I'd been forced to send it to Margaret.
04:20Want to take my money? Dream on.
04:22I walked into the hall.
04:23My parents were looking around anxiously.
04:25When they saw me alone, no bride, their faces turned pale instantly.
04:30Dad, Mom, I'm sorry.
04:33Our family is definitely going to be shamed today.
04:38Julian, what happened? Did they ask for more money again?
04:41They said, if I want to marry their daughter, I have to add her name to my housetet.
04:46Ridiculous! Ridiculous! Ridiculous!
04:48This marriage, cancel it!
04:50Let's go inside.
04:51We're still having the feast.
04:52Just treat it for all I'm chent up in front.
04:54The three of us walked to the ceremony area.
04:56Hundreds of pairs of eyes stared straight at us.
04:58Groom, where's the bride? It's time for the wedding!
05:01I took the microphone from his hand and stepped onto the stage.
05:04The spotlight hit me, bright and harsh.
05:06The room went dead silent.
05:08I took a deep breath.
05:10Dear all, I'm so sorry.
05:14Today's wedding is cancelled.
05:18I just bowed deeply.
05:20Just then, a stream of shouts came from the hall entrance.
05:24Julian! You bastard!
05:26Alice stormed in, still in her wedding dress, hair messy, fuming with rage.
05:31Margaret and Carter stumbled in behind her, out of breath.
05:35Everyone, this heartless man left us outside the hotel and came here to enjoy himself!
05:39He played with my daughter's feelings and dumped her!
05:43Julian, you don't give my sister an explanation today! I'll wreck this hotel!
05:46Everyone was watching me.
05:48Some whispered and pointed.
05:49Others looked confused.
05:51I stared at the three clowns in front of me and suddenly laughed.
05:54How did I ever think they were just straightforward?
05:56They're just plain shameless.
05:57I held up the microphone, my voice cold.
06:00Since you're here, let's make it clear in front of everyone.
06:06Alice rushed onto the stage, trying to snatch the microphone from me.
06:10The $100,000 of cash, and the $50,000 transfer, and the house name.
06:15The big screen in the banquet hall suddenly lit up.
06:17I told Connor to get it ready.
06:19On the screen were my chat logs with Alice, plus the audio recording from outside the hotel earlier.
06:24$100 per balloon, $999 total.
06:27My brother's name has to go on the house deed.
06:28No name on the deed means no commitment.
06:31Go marry the heir.
06:33The clear recording echoed throughout the hall.
06:35My god, this isn't a marriage.
06:37So greedy.
06:38Not even hiding it.
06:39This family's crazy for money.
06:40The murmurs grew louder, filled with mockery.
06:43Alice's face turned bright red with shame and rage.
06:45Alice pointed at me, her fingers shaking.
06:48You-
06:48You're shameless!
06:50I'm shameless?
06:53You weren't shameless when you demanded an extra $100,000?
06:56When you forced me to drain my savings?
06:58When you tried to take my parents' house?
06:59Julian, stop slandering us!
07:01So what if we ask for money?
07:03Raising a daughter, Otter, isn't easy.
07:05We need more to make sure she lives well after marriage.
07:08You wanted the money for her?
07:09It's for your son to buy a house and a car.
07:11Those designer clothes he wears, the car he drives, all my money.
07:15I put up with it before because I loved Alice.
07:18But you should never have targeted my parents.
07:21I turned around and looked at my parents in the crowd.
07:23They were angry.
07:24Today, in front of all our family and friends, I announce this.
07:28The wedding is completely off.
07:30I will get that $50,000 back no matter what.
07:34As for you, get out.
07:37You telling me to get out?
07:39How dare you hurt my sister and mom?
07:41I'll kill you!
07:45Let go of me!
07:47You can't hit me!
07:48I'm calling the cops!
07:53Carter thrashed wildly like a trap turtle.
07:57Go ahead and call.
07:58Perfect time to tell the police about the $100,000 you owe from gambling?
08:02How are you going to pay that back?
08:06How do you know about that?
08:07Alice and Margaret froze too.
08:09What are you saying?
08:10You think you were extorting me for what?
08:11To pay off his debts, right?
08:13You had no clue, did you, Alice?
08:15Your brother owes a fortune out there.
08:17They said they'd break his arm if he didn't pay today.
08:19That's why you rushed so hard for the $100,000, the $50,000, even the house?
08:23The crowd erupted in shock.
08:25Everyone stared at Carter.
08:26Carter, is it true?
08:28Alice, don't listen to him!
08:29He's trying to split us up!
08:33Check his phone if you don't believe him.
08:35I nodded at the phone on the floor.
08:36The screen lit up, showing a clear debt collection text.
08:40Carter, last two hours.
08:42No money.
08:42Get a wheelchair ready.
08:44Alice picked up the phone, glanced at it, and staggered back.
08:47Mom, did you know about this?
08:49Alice turned to Margaret.
08:50Margaret looked panicked.
08:52Carter was tricked!
08:54We're family!
08:55We have to help him!
08:56Help?
08:57So you used my marriage to fill this bottomless hole?
08:59Alice, you only have one brother.
09:02Who else will help him if you don't?
09:03Besides, Julian's family is rich.
09:06This is nothing to them.
09:08A loud, sharp slap.
09:10It was Alice.
09:11She slapped Carter hard across the face.
09:14Then she slapped herself.
09:18I'm an idiot.
09:19A complete and utter idiot.
09:22She stared at me, tears streaming uncontrollably.
09:24Julian, I was wrong.
09:26I really didn't know it was for his gambling debt.
09:29I thought, I thought Mom just wanted a better life for me.
09:34Julian, I won't ask for the house anymore.
09:36I won't take the money.
09:38I'll make him return the money to you.
09:39Let's get married, please.
09:41I love you.
09:42Looking down at her, I felt nothing.
09:45Once, even a frown from her would have wrecked me.
09:48Love me?
09:49Love me by trampling my dignity?
09:51Love me while your family bleeds me dry?
09:54Alice, your love's too expensive.
09:55I can't afford it.
09:57No, that's all change.
09:58I won't listen to Mom anymore, just you.
10:01Too late.
10:02A broken mirror can't be fixed without cracks.
10:05And with them, you'll never change.
10:07The second you soften, they'll lash back on like leeches, sucking me dry.
10:12Julian, you heartless bastard!
10:15You slept with my daughter for years, and now you'll just walk away?
10:18That 50,000's already in Carter's account.
10:21Sue us if you dare, and Al is pregnant.
10:23Abandon your wife and child, and I'll ruin you.
10:26Banners at your office, your reputation, gone.
10:29My parents paled.
10:30Mom, Mom, what are you...
10:32Shut up!
10:33Yes, two months.
10:35Julian, if you're any kind of man, marry her, add Carter's name to the deed, or watch your life burn.
10:42I stared at her twisted face and laughed.
10:44Pregnant?
10:45Perfect.
10:46I've got something to show everyone.
10:48The doctor had called me aside privately.
10:51I'd kept it secret, not wanting to hurt Alice.
10:53Now?
10:56Read it yourself.
10:57I tossed it at Alice.
10:58She picked it up, trembling.
11:00One glance, and her face went ghost white.
11:04This...
11:05This can't be...
11:07Fake!
11:08You're lying!
11:11Bilateral fallopian tube blockage.
11:13Extremely low natural conception probability.
11:15You forged this to escape responsibility!
11:18Fake?
11:18A hospital can confirm it.
11:20And these past months, I've been too busy planning this wedding to even sleep with her.
11:24Where'd this two-month pregnancy come from?
11:26Did air knock her up?
11:28Alice collapsed, hollow-eyed.
11:29Mom, how could you?
11:34You're killing me.
11:36I'm doing this for Carter!
11:38Who cares how we get the money?
11:40Enough!
11:41Money, money, money!
11:43That's all you see!
11:44If you want it so badly, die for it!
11:49Alice!
11:50Stop!
11:51I'm sorry!
11:53Next life, I won't scam you for my brother.
11:56I'll just...
11:57be your wife.
11:59Alice!
12:01You're insane!
12:03Drop the weapon!
12:04Now!
12:06Connor had called them earlier.
12:07They tackled her, disarming the glass.
12:11Carter?
12:12You're under arrest for illegal gambling.
12:15No, I didn't.
12:17Mom, help!
12:19You can't take him!
12:21He's innocent!
12:22Arrest him!
12:23He's the gambling fraud mastermind!
12:26But when the police saw me, his face froze.
12:30I'm a shadow operative in the Red organization, specializing in cybersecurity at home and abroad.
12:35Three months ago, I secretly worked with a few polices to take down an illegal wildlife trafficking ring.
12:41Long before that operation, they'd already vetted me inside out.
12:44When the officers saw me, they exchanged knowing glances, then ignored Margaret's screams and hauled Carter away.
12:50Standing on the stage, watching the circus, I just felt exhausted.
12:53Alice looked at me one last time, her eyes full of regret, despair, and something like relief.
12:59The police took all three of them, Alice, Margaret, Carter.
13:02Disorderly conduct charges for the scene they caused, plus Carter's gambling and fraud.
13:06As the key witness, I gave my statement.
13:08By the time I left the station, it was night.
13:10Connor waited outside, handing me a cigarette.
13:13Julian, you good?
13:14I took a deep drag.
13:16Yeah, just... what a joke.
13:18Five years of love, ending in this trash fire.
13:21What about the 50,000? Frozen.
13:23Andrew moved fast. They hadn't transferred it yet.
13:26Good. That's your hard-earned cash.
13:28Connor clapped my shoulder.
13:31The guys are taking you drinking.
13:33I got obliterated that night.
13:34Dreams flickering between Alice's gentle past and Margaret's smiling face.
13:40Woke up with a skull-splitting hangover.
13:42Dozens of missed calls, all unknown numbers.
13:44Frowning, I answered one.
13:48Julian, you scoundrel!
13:49You sent that family to prison!
13:51You have no mercy at all!
13:52Alice loved you so much, but you ruined her!
13:55You will not get away with this!
13:57A woman's voice, screeching obscenities.
13:59I hung up.
14:00So, Alice's side had launched their smear campaign.
14:03Checked social media.
14:04Sure enough, trending number one.
14:06Heartless groom cancels wedding, drives bride to suicide, frames brother.
14:10The edited clip showed only Alice's glass-to-throat moment and Carter's arrest.
14:14The caption painted me as a cruel, rich playboy.
14:17Comments were a hate tsunami.
14:19Death penalty for this trash.
14:21Rich men think they own the world?
14:22Poor girl deserved better.
14:24I smirked.
14:25Expected this.
14:26Instead of reacting, I texted Connor.
14:28Compile the full wedding footage and audio.
14:31Add Carter's gambling evidence and the loan shark texts.
14:34If they want war, we'll give them war.
14:36That afternoon, I went to the hospital, not as a patient, but to see Alice.
14:40Minor cuts from her meltdown, under observation.
14:43Two cops stood guard.
14:44They let me in after I explained.
14:46Alice lay in bed, bandaged wrists, face pale.
14:49Her eyes flickered when she saw me, then dimmed.
14:52You're to gloat.
14:53I pulled up a chair.
14:56No.
14:57I'm here for what's mine.
15:00The 50,000's frozen, but the jewelry, bags, and car I bought you?
15:05No marriage means they get returned.
15:09Julian, after everything, you're counting this?
15:13I almost died.
15:15Your choice.
15:16My voice stayed flat.
15:18Alice, drop the act.
15:21That edited video online?
15:22You're doing.
15:24Her gaze darted.
15:25I don't know what you mean.
15:27Really?
15:27I played the clip.
15:28This angle's from your aunt's table.
15:30And the bot comments?
15:32Identical scripts.
15:34You're trying to pressure me into dropping charges against Carter.
15:38Julian, he's my only brother.
15:40A prison record ruins his life.
15:43Just forgive him this once.
15:46Sign a waiver saying it was a gift, not fraud.
15:49Please.
15:50She tried to kneel.
15:52I stopped her icy.
15:53Alice, wake up.
15:55You ruined him.
15:56You and Margaret, enabling his bullshit.
16:00And it's not just fraud.
16:03Cops found drugs in my system from that family dinner where I blacked out.
16:08What drugs?
16:09It was Carter who put the drug in my drink.
16:13Just before you forced me to add your name.
16:16This is a criminal offense.
16:18It's not something I can just forgive.
16:20Alice collapsed against the pillows.
16:22Someone will inventory the items.
16:23I'll buy court papers soon.
16:26Good luck.
16:28I didn't look back.
16:29Fake tears deserve no pity.
16:33When I got home, I posted all the evidence I'd put together online.
16:36The title was simple.
16:38The truth about the heartless groom scandal.
16:40The video was unedited, showing everything exactly as it happened.
16:43From them demanding more money outside the hotel,
16:45to the confrontation inside,
16:47to the text messages proving Carter's gambling debts.
16:49I also included a blurred version of the premarital checkup report.
16:53And the police notice about Carter drugging me, with key information redacted.
16:57As soon as the video went up, public opinion flipped completely.
17:00Everyone who had been bashing me started deleting their comments and turning against them.
17:04Holy shit.
17:05This is the real truth.
17:06This whole family is just a bunch of leeches.
17:09Drugging the groom?
17:10That's attempted murder.
17:11The bride was playing the victim.
17:13She was in on it.
17:14Anyone who marries someone who spoils her brother like this is screwed.
17:17The story blew up.
17:18Netizens dug up everything about Alice's family.
17:20A video of Margaret getting beaten for stealing vegetables at a market years ago resurfaced.
17:25Footage of Carter gambling illegally was also exposed.
17:28Someone even found out that Alice had paid off Carter's debts several times when they were in college.
17:32Under public pressure, the police sped up the investigation.
17:35Carter was charged with fraud, poisoning, and gambling.
17:38With combined sentences, he'd be locked up for at least 8 to 10 years.
17:42Margaret was detained for provoking trouble and covering up a crime.
17:45As for Alice, she didn't directly take part in the poisoning.
17:48But she hid what she knew and was involved in the fraud.
17:51The 50,000 yuan had gone into her bank account.
17:54She was also facing prosecution.
17:56A few days later, Alice's father Charles came to see me.
18:01Who'd never had a say in the family looked like he'd aged 10 years overnight.
18:04He held a bag of fruit, stood at my door, and didn't dare come in.
18:08Julian.
18:09Looking nervous.
18:09I'm begging you for something.
18:12Could you drop the charges?
18:14If you do, we'll pay back the 50,000 right away.
18:17We won't claim the house either.
18:21Alice, she can't go to jail.
18:23Looking at this pitiful, ordinary man, I sighed inwardly.
18:26In this family, he was a victim too.
18:28He'd been pushed around by his wife his whole life and drained by his son.
18:32Uncle, it's not I won't drop them.
18:34It's a public prosecution case.
18:36I can't.
18:38What Carter did broke criminal law.
18:40The light in Charles's eyes died.
18:42He squatted down, held his head, and cried bitterly.
18:46I told her again and again not to spoil Carter, not to...
18:49Now look what happened.
18:51Our family is destroyed.
18:52I just watched quietly.
18:54Those who seem pitiful must have their own faults.
18:56If he'd stood up for himself and controlled his wife and son earlier,
18:59none of this would have happened.
19:01After I sent Charles away, Connor called me.
19:05Julian, uh...
19:05Alice wants to see you one last time.
19:07I hesitated for a moment.
19:09I'll go.
19:11I need to end this properly.
19:14We were in the visiting room at the detention center, separated by thick glass.
19:18She picked up the phone, looked at me, and tears rolled down silently.
19:22Alice was wearing a prison uniform, her hair cut short, and she'd lost a lot of weight.
19:26Without her fancy makeup, she looked completely worn out.
19:29Julian, I'm sorry.
19:30That was the first thing she said to me.
19:32This time, I could hear she actually meant it.
19:35It's all in the past now.
19:37I said calmly.
19:37I know I'm done for.
19:39Alice gave a bitter smile.
19:40Carter got 12 years.
19:42My mom got one year.
19:43I'll probably get three.
19:45My dad sold our old house and is raising money to pay you back.
19:50Julian, I really did love you.
19:53But I was raised to believe my brother was everything to the family,
19:56that I had to help him no matter what.
19:57I thought that was family love.
19:58Until that day, when he tried to hit you on stage and grab my phone.
20:02To him, I wasn't his sister.
20:04I was just an ATM.
20:08Alice wiped her tears.
20:10Thank you, Julian.
20:12I looked at her, my heart full of mixed feelings.
20:14The girl who used to smile so brightly had finally been eaten alive by her own family.
20:19Reform well.
20:20When you get out, live for yourself for once.
20:25Don't be anyone's accessory ever again.
20:27I will.
20:30Julian, I wish you happiness.
20:33Find a good girl.
20:35Not someone like me.
20:37She couldn't finish speaking.
20:38She was sobbing too hard.
20:40A guard walked over and signaled that time was up.
20:42Alice hung up the phone, gave me one deep look, then turned and left.
20:46I watched her figure disappear behind the iron gate.
20:48A huge weight finally lifted off my chest.
20:51This five-year relationship had ended in the worst way possible.
20:54But I didn't regret it.
20:55Because I'd kept my bottom line.
20:57And I'd kept my dignity.
21:00Three years later, my company went public.
21:03That same day, I got married again.
21:05My bride was Chloe, my business partner.
21:08She was independent, confident, and generous.
21:10Most importantly, she had a reasonable, understanding family.
21:14No one kept asking me for money non-stop.
21:16And certainly no criminal brother.
21:18The wedding was simple, held at the same hotel.
21:20No fancy formalities, just sincere blessings.
21:23During the toast, Connor came over sneakily.
21:26Julian, look who's here.
21:27I followed his gaze and saw a figure at the hotel entrance.
21:30She was wearing plain work clothes and a mask, but I recognized her at once.
21:34Alice.
21:35She held a bag, as if she wanted to come in but didn't dare.
21:38When she saw me, she quickly lowered her head, left the bag on a table near the door, and ran
21:42off.
21:43I walked over and picked up the bag.
21:45Inside was a painting.
21:46It was a portrait of Chloe and me.
21:48The style was a little rough, but it could tell she'd put her heart into it.
21:51Beneath it was a note.
21:52Wish you two be together forever.
21:54This time, I've learned to love myself.
21:58I handed the painting to Chloe.
22:00Yes.
22:01Chloe asked curiously.
22:02A gift from an old friend.
22:04I took Chloe's hand.
22:06Let's go.
22:07The guests are still waiting for us.
22:08Good.
22:09The sun shone down on us, warm and bright.
22:12I thought, this is what life is supposed to be like.
22:14No more dealing with cold, empty relationships.
22:17No more leeches.
22:19Just a steady, honest life with the right person.
22:22As for the past, let it go with the wind.
22:24After all, people have to move forward.
22:26What should keep rising isn't money on some staircase, but our lives.
22:30Three years later, outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the river flowed endlessly, and the
22:36air smelled faintly of agarwood.
22:37I sat on a handmade wool carpet, holding a pink rattle.
22:40My two-year-old daughter Eliza lay on my lap, her dribble soaking my pants.
22:44Say, Daddy.
22:45I shook the rattle.
22:47Eliza blew a bubble and mumbled, Mommy.
22:49On the sofa not far away, Chloe was wearing silk loungewear, a slim laptop on her lap.
22:54She heard us but didn't look up.
22:56The first word Eliza utters is definitely Mom.
22:59Chloe typed away, the screen showing data for the company's second-half acquisition plan.
23:03I lifted Eliza up and wiped her drool with a tissue.
23:06Taking care of a baby was harder than reading stock charts.
23:08The doorbell rang.
23:10The maid went to open the door.
23:12Connor walked in with two fancy gift boxes.
23:14He was now the company's vice president, dressed in a suit, with a belly a bit bigger
23:17than three years ago.
23:19Julian.
23:19Chloe.
23:20Connor set the boxes on the coffee table.
23:22Candy from a client in South Africa.
23:24Chloe closed her laptop and picked up her coffee cup.
23:27Connor.
23:28How is the project The South City Logistics Player coming along?
23:31They had originally intended to negotiate the price, but after seeing our financial chain
23:37report, they immediately signed it.
23:39After a bit of business talk, Chloe took Eliza upstairs to bathe her.
23:43Only Connor and I were left in the living room, his face turning strange.
23:46He glanced toward the stairs and lowered his voice.
23:49Julian, there's something I don't know if I should tell you.
23:53I leaned back on the sofa and picked up a pack of cigarettes from the table.
23:56Yesterday, I went to inspect the Old City Renovation Project, and I saw Alice.
24:02I paused for a second and lifted my eyes to look at him.
24:04Connor sighed.
24:05She's living a terrible life.
24:07I didn't reply.
24:08I set the cigarette pack aside and didn't light one.
24:11She said she'd start over.
24:13Connor shook his head.
24:14She hooked up with some loser running a fake company.
24:17The guy talked big, said he'd make her rich and give her a home.
24:20She believed him.
24:21All the money she'd saved from working tens of thousands, she poured into it.
24:25She even took out online loans behind his back.
24:27Then she got pregnant.
24:28When he saw she was no use to him, he took what was left and ran off.
24:32Connor's voice was full of pity.
24:33She had a premature baby last month, heavy bleeding.
24:36They treated her at a small clinic.
24:38She lived, but they had to remove her uterus.
24:41The baby was born unhealthy, stayed in an incubator for a few days, and didn't make it.
24:45When I saw her yesterday, she was cornered outside her rental by loan sharks.
24:50She's skin and bones.
24:51I listened, then picked up my coffee cup and took a sip.
24:54The coffee was warm, just right.
24:56Done.
24:56I set the cup down.
24:58Julian, you're not responding at all?
25:00What kind of reaction should I have?
25:02The lewd was fans of Verti.
25:05Seven years ago, I thought her to be a mirror beer independence.
25:09But she didn't know it changed her mind.
25:11Yes, dogs can never stop eating feces.
25:13She will always rely on others throughout her life.
25:16First it was you, then her brother, and now it's that man who deceives and manipulates
25:20women's emo she brought all this upon herself.
25:23All right, let's not talk at her anymore.
25:25Just stay and have dinner.
25:26No, I have a business meeting with a partner tonight.
25:28I have to go.
25:30After Connor left, the villa went quiet again.
25:32I walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows and looked out at the river.
25:35I felt nothing at all.
25:37Some people, once they're gone, are gone for good.
25:39Even if they rot in the mud, it has nothing to do with me.
25:42At 10 p.m., Eliza was asleep.
25:44Chloe and I leaned against the headboard.
25:46I was going through tomorrow's meeting schedule, and she was reading a management book.
25:50My private phone suddenly vibrated.
25:52The screen showed an unknown number, local area.
25:55I pressed answer and held it to my ear.
25:59Hello?
26:00No sound came from the other end.
26:02Only heavy breathing and the creaking of a cheap fan spinning in the background.
26:06Who's this?
26:06A voice so hoarse and weak it could barely be heard choked with tears.
26:10Julian.
26:10My fingers tightened around the phone.
26:12My voice turned cold.
26:14What do you want?
26:15Julian, help me.
26:17I'm gonna die.
26:19I'm really gonna die.
26:22Wrong number.
26:23I was about to hang up.
26:24Don't hang up!
26:25Please don't!
26:26Her voice tearing.
26:27It hurts.
26:27My stomach hurts so bad.
26:29My wounds is infected, and I have no money for medicine.
26:32The landlord's kicking me out tomorrow.
26:33Julian, I have nothing left.
26:35I lost my baby.
26:36My body's broken, and they're gonna cut my hand off.
26:39I'm so sorry.
26:40I really am so sorry.
26:42He lied to me.
26:43He said he'd take care of me forever.
26:45He took all my money.
26:47Julian, I thought he'd be nice to me like you were, but no one in this world will ever
26:51treat me as well as you did.
26:53Alice rambled and cried, every word full of pain.
26:56I listened quietly, my eyes growing colder.
26:59Alice.
27:01The line went silent for a second, only sobbing left.
27:04You thought he'd treat you like I did?
27:06So you went to him just to find a replacement?
27:09Someone else you could leech off?
27:10No.
27:12I was just so lonely.
27:14I was scared to be alone.
27:16You never learned to love yourself.
27:17You just keep looking for someone to cling to.
27:19First me, then your brother, now this liar.
27:22You ended up like this, not because you met the wrong people.
27:26Violent coughing came from the phone.
27:27Julian, for the sake of the five years we had, lend me $500.
27:33Just $500.
27:35I'll buy antibiotics.
27:36I don't want to die.
27:38I'm in my rental room.
27:39I'm married.
27:42I looked at Chloe beside me.
27:44I have a wife and a daughter.
27:46Every penny I own belongs to my family.
27:48I'm not giving you a cent.
27:50Don't call this number again.
27:51I was about to hang up when a pale hand reached over and took my phone.
27:55She put her book down at some point and had been listening quietly.
27:58She put the phone on speaker.
28:00Alice, is it?
28:01Chloe's voice was calm and cold, with the quiet confidence of someone who held power.
28:05You're Chloe?
28:07Chloe leaned back against the headboard.
28:09I'm Julian's wife.
28:10Connor told me about you.
28:12Alice said nothing.
28:13Only heavy breathing.
28:15You could almost feel her shame and helplessness through the line.
28:18Send me your bank account number.
28:20I turned to Chloe.
28:21She gave me a reassuring look.
28:23You-
28:23You're gonna lend me money?
28:25Alice's voice trembled in disbelief.
28:27Not lend.
28:28Give.
28:30I'll send you $1,000.
28:32This $1,000 isn't from Julian.
28:34It's from me.
28:36I feel sorry for what you're going through.
28:38And I thank you for not marrying him back then, so Julian could find me.
28:41Take the money, go to the hospital, fix your wound, pay your landlord.
28:44The rest will be enough for a ticket back to your hometown.
28:45Chloe's words were like a cold scalpel, cutting through Alice's last hope.
28:49But listen carefully, Alice.
28:50Chloe's voice turned sharp, authoritative, and unarguable.
28:53This is the first and last time.
28:55This $1,000 buys every last connection you have with Julian.
28:59From now on, if you dare call this number again, or show up near Julian or my family,
29:03the company's legal team will charge you with blackmail and harassment.
29:06You just got out three years ago, you don't want to go back, do you?
29:09Complete silence on the line.
29:10Only the creaking fan echoed.
29:12Send the account.
29:14Half a minute later, my screen lit up.
29:16A text with a string of numbers.
29:18Chloe picked up her own phone, opened the banking app, entered the account, and transferred $1,000.
29:23She did it smoothly, without a single pause.
29:26Ding.
29:26The transfer success sound played.
29:29Chloe hung up immediately and blocked the number right away.
29:32The whole thing took less than two minutes.
29:34She tossed my phone back onto the nightstand and picked up her management book again.
29:37I stared at her and smiled.
29:39You're cool, Mrs. Chloe.
29:41I leaned in and kissed her cheek.
29:43$1,000 for peace and to cut off all future trouble.
29:46Good investment.
29:47Talking sense to people like her is useless.
29:49Hit them with money to kill their hope.
29:50Warn them with the law, that's what works.
29:53You're not mad?
29:55Why would I be?
29:59Chloe finally looked up at me.
30:01Mad over a loser calling for help?
30:04Julian, I'm better than that.
30:06She's just a pathetic woman stuck in a rental who can't even afford antibiotics.
30:10I'm a business partner.
30:11Your wife.
30:12We were never in the same world.
30:14Chloe closed her book and turned off the bedside lamp.
30:17Sleep.
30:18We have a meeting with the South City Project investors tomorrow morning.
30:21I lay down and pulled her into my arms.
30:23The river wind blew outside.
30:24But inside the villa it was warm like spring.
30:27I closed my eyes.
30:28The last thing I thought of was what Connor had described.
30:30The shabby rental, the paint splattered door, the woman lying on a moldy bed.
30:34The world is cruel.
30:35But it's also fair.
30:36Everyone pays for their choices.
30:38Alice chose to cling to others.
30:39And in the end she was drained dry.
30:41I chose to stand up, and that's why I have this good life now.
30:44The next morning, Eliza sat in her high chair, waving her tiny spoon and clinking it against
30:50her bowl.
30:50I wore a tailored suit and stood in front of the mirror tying my tie.
30:54Chloe walked over, took it naturally, and fixed my collar.
30:57Your tie clip's crooked.
31:00The South City Project signing is today.
31:02There might be media.
31:04Legal and PR are all set.
31:06Ready for your new battlefield, Julian?
31:09Absolutely.
31:09I held her hand.
31:11We walked out the front door.
31:12The driver had already opened the Maybach door, and we drove toward the downtown CBD.
31:17As for the woman in that rental room, that late night phone call, they were like falling
31:20leaves flashing past the car window, gone with the wind, never to be seen again.
Comments