- 13 hours ago
🔥Hot 2026🔥 When Everything We Loved Fell Down
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Short filmTranscript
00:00On our 6th wedding anniversary, my husband screwed the girl he never got over.
00:05After hanging up the phone, I took a picture of the beautifully prepared dinner and the cake.
00:10I had baked the cake for our 6th anniversary.
00:13Then I sent the photo to my husband, Ashton Martinez.
00:17His reply came back quickly.
00:19Is it your birthday? I'm flying out so I can't make a home tonight. Just celebrate on your own.
00:23I chuckled bitterly and tossed the cake into the trash.
00:25Whether it was my birthday or our anniversary, it did not matter because Ashton never remembered those things.
00:32However, when it came to Ruby Lowe, he had an entire notebook dedicated to her.
00:37He had been keeping notes of her life since high school.
00:40I glanced at the pregnancy test results on the table and quietly put them away.
00:44I had planned to surprise Ashton with them over dinner tonight.
00:47But now, it seemed pointless.
00:50We had been married for 6 years without any kids.
00:53I had gone through 3 rounds of IVF.
00:55Each one more painful than the last.
00:57And they all failed.
00:59I had almost given up hope this time when.
01:01To my shock.
01:03I found out I was pregnant.
01:05Yet, before I could even be happy about it.
01:07I saw Ruby's post on social media.
01:10For all I knew.
01:12She might have done her IVF on the same day.
01:14Using my husband's sperm.
01:16And here I was.
01:17The fool.
01:18Kept in the dark.
01:20Oblivious to everything.
01:21I pulled the food toward me.
01:23Even though I had no appetite.
01:25For the sake of the baby.
01:27I forced myself to take a few bites.
01:30However.
01:30The moment the smell of the meaty steak hit me.
01:33I doubled over.
01:35Violently nauseous.
01:36The retching would not stop.
01:38And with each heave.
01:39The pain in my lower abdomen grew sharper.
01:42Suddenly.
01:43I felt a warm.
01:44Wet sensation between my legs.
01:46Glancing down.
01:47I saw small spots of blood seeping through my pants.
01:50Panic gripped me.
01:51Could that be a sign of a miscarriage?
01:54No matter how disappointed I was in Ashton.
01:56The baby was something I had fought so hard for.
01:59I could not lose it now.
02:01I grabbed my phone and tried to head downstairs to drive myself to the hospital.
02:05But as soon as I opened the door.
02:07The pain in my abdomen became unbearable.
02:10My legs gave out.
02:11And I slid down the wall.
02:13I had been feeling unwell all morning and had spent most of the day at the hospital for tests.
02:17After that.
02:18I rushed back.
02:19Convinced Ashton would come home to celebrate our anniversary.
02:22And spent all my energy preparing dinner and the cake.
02:25Thinking maybe I could be having low blood sugar.
02:27I desperately reached for my phone to call 911.
02:30But my vision started to blur.
02:32I even felt too weak to press the buttons.
02:35Just then.
02:36I heard the sound of a door opening.
02:38My neighbor stepped out and.
02:40Seeing my condition.
02:41Rushed over in shock.
02:43What happened?
02:43He asked.
02:44Supporting me relief washed over me as I requested him to take me to the hospital.
02:48After the tests.
02:50The doctor confirmed that I was showing signs of a miscarriage.
02:53He prescribed a bunch of medications and spoke to me in a serious tone.
02:57You really need to take care of yourself.
02:59This pregnancy isn't stable yet.
03:01So you can't afford to be too stressed or overworked.
03:03He's not my husband.
03:06My husband's away.
03:08On a business trip.
03:10Make sure you share all this with your husband.
03:12He needs to start learning how to take care of a pregnant woman.
03:15I gave a bitter smile.
03:17Oh.
03:18I was sure Ashton was good at taking care of someone.
03:21It was just a pity it was not me.
03:23As I was told I needed to be hospitalized for a few days to stabilize my condition.
03:27Will Young.
03:29My neighbor who had driven me to the hospital.
03:31Was incredibly helpful.
03:33He ran back and forth to take care of all the paperwork.
03:37Clara.
03:37Don't you want to give your husband a call?
03:40There's no need.
03:41I'm planning to file a divorce.
03:45Sorry.
03:47I shouldn't have brought that up with you.
03:49Don't worry about it.
03:50His reaction made me think about Ashton.
03:52It had been a long time since Ashton treated me kindly.
03:56Whenever we talked.
03:57He either seemed impatient or gave me an irritated glare.
04:01It felt like every time I tried to say anything.
04:04He acted like I was a bother.
04:06Questioning or doubting him.
04:08Just then, the buzz of my phone pulled me from my thoughts.
04:12It was a message from Ashton.
04:14I got you a birthday present.
04:16Are you happy now?
04:17When I noticed the brand logo on it, I immediately checked Ruby's social media.
04:22I'm feeling sick from the pregnancy, but there's nothing a new bag can't cure.
04:26Thanks for the gift, Ash.
04:27I sneered.
04:29It was probably too ugly for Ruby to keep.
04:32So Ashton re-gifted it to me like it was something special.
04:36I don't need it.
04:37You can give it to Ruby so she can clean her bag with it.
04:39That response set Ashton off immediately, and my phone rang with his incoming call.
04:44Can you stop being so petty and jealous?
04:47Ruby and I are soulmates, not whatever trashy relationship you've convinced yourself of.
04:51If I really had something going on with Ruby, do you think you'd be the one married to me enjoying
04:55the good life?
04:56Enjoying the good life?
04:58Ashton and I started dating during my second year of college when Ruby had just left for her exchange program
05:06in Europe.
05:07Back then, Ashton's family barely got by, so I did not enjoy anything special.
05:12After we graduated, he started his own business.
05:16And while it might have looked glamorous from the outside, in reality, we had to pinch pennies.
05:21He was constantly stressed, trying to cover the company's huge expenses.
05:27It was not until two years ago that things finally turned around after a successful deal.
05:32However, by then, I had grown used to being frugal.
05:35I felt sorry for Ashton's struggles, so I never spent money carelessly.
05:41Meanwhile, I had to endure daily harassment from his mother for not giving her a grandchild.
05:46How exactly had I enjoyed any of his success?
05:49Clara, have some food.
05:51Will said as he walked back into the room, holding the takeout he had just picked up.
05:56Who's there with you?
05:57Clara, do you really think pulling some stunt like this will get a reaction out of me?
06:01Tell that man to get out of my house, right now.
06:05Don't think I'll tolerate having some random guy around.
06:07I could not listen anymore, so I told him I was in the hospital because I was not feeling well.
06:13I see what's going on.
06:14You're so childish.
06:16Ruby gets pregnant, so now you're faking a stomachache to get my attention, huh?
06:20Let me guess, you're going to tell me you're pregnant too?
06:22What a joke.
06:23I've never seen anything more pathetic or disgusting.
06:26Ashton, I'm not trying to force you to come back.
06:29I hope you and Ruby are having a great time.
06:31I have people looking after me here, and honestly, things are going just fine without you.
06:35It's actually a lot easier.
06:37It was the first time I hung up on Ashton before he could finish.
06:41Almost immediately, a flurry of angry messages came flooding in.
06:46Predictably, it was all about how unreasonable I was and making him upset for no reason.
06:51He warned me not to regret it and not to come running back to him crying and begging for forgiveness.
06:55I simply tossed my phone aside, picked up my food, and ate it.
07:01Two days later, Will came to pick me up.
07:04I told him it was too much trouble and that I could just call a cab,
07:07but he just laughed and said it was no big deal, it was what neighbors were for.
07:12His kindness hit with a pang of sadness.
07:15Ashton rarely ever drove me anywhere.
07:17However, if Ruby called, no matter how far she was, he would pick her up.
07:25Ashton, could you take me to the hospital? I'm not feeling well.
07:28You have a car, don't you? Why don't you drive yourself?
07:31Ruby doesn't have a license, so of course I have to go and pick her up.
07:34Ugh!
07:35What if something happens to her while she's taking a cab?
07:37Are you gonna take responsibility for that?
07:39Ashton rarely ever drove me anywhere.
07:42However, if Ruby called, no matter how far she was,
07:46I had just opened the car door to get into the passenger seat when I felt a strong hand yank
07:51me back.
07:51You've got some nerve.
07:52What are you doing here?
07:53I came home, and the whole table was covered up, made as food.
07:55What's the matter with you, huh?
07:56Dad and you asked who at least were managed to wipe some balavorties.
07:59You can't even have a heizen. You can't anyone take a danza.
08:03I told you I was in the hospital, didn't I?
08:06Yet, you showed no concern for your wife, a sick person, just complaints that I didn't clean the house?
08:11You look perfectly fine to me. Quit pretending.
08:13Hearing Ashton's comment, Will stepped out of the car, ready to speak up for me.
08:19However, I gave him a small shake of my head, signaling him to go.
08:24What I did not expect, though, was that Ashton did not plan on taking me home to rest.
08:31Instead, he drove us straight to a pub.
09:01I simply sneered and agreed.
09:16Our beautiful artist, Ruby, is always so forward-thinking, turning down all those suitors just to become a single mom
09:23on her own terms.
09:24Well, Ruby's rich and independent. She can raise a kid by herself.
09:29She's unlike those stay-at-home wives who ask their husbands for money.
09:32All eyes in the room slowly drifted toward me, some with mockery.
09:36Ruby laughed and ordered a round of drinks, saying it was her treat for the night.
09:40Someone then suggested we play truth or dare to liven up the mood.
09:44When the bottle spun, it landed on Ruby first.
09:47She pouted playfully.
09:49Okay. I'll pick truth.
09:52Ruby, since you're having a baby through IVF, are you ever going to let the kid call Ashton dad?
09:58Ruby placed a hand on her belly and flashed me a sly smile.
10:02Clara, I know this bothers you and you've been upset with Ash lately, but don't worry.
10:07I would never come between the two of you.
10:10After all, you know, if I wanted to marry Ash, you wouldn't have stood a chance.
10:15But if you can't have kids, I'll make sure my son takes care of Ash and you when we're older.
10:21I wouldn't want you to end up all alone.
10:24Everyone around the table praised Ruby for being kind and considerate, but I felt nothing.
10:29Especially in the past two years when Ashton's company began taking off.
10:33Ruby had stormed into my life, constantly showing up around Ashton.
10:37At first, I was so shocked, angry, and jealous that I would get upset and argue with Ashton.
10:43However, time and time again, Ashton had chosen her over me.
10:47He told me I was being unreasonable and petty.
10:50He had even accused me of slandering them, so much that I had long since grown numb.
10:56I don't mind, in fact.
10:57In fact, if you want to go down to the courthouse right now and file for divorce, I have no
11:01objection.
11:02Ashton's face immediately darkened, and he snapped, warning me to stop saying things to upset him.
11:08You shouldn't flatter yourself so much.
11:10Do you really think you're that important to me?
11:12There was a flash of panic in Ashton's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
11:17Alright, enough with the attitude.
11:19Look at Ruby.
11:20She's considerate, understanding, and always thinking about you.
11:23I know I haven't been around much lately, but I'll be home for the next few days.
11:27Does that make you happy?
11:28Sensing the tension in the room, someone suggested we move on to the next round of the game.
11:33This time, the bottle landed on me.
11:36Just as I was about to choose truth, Ruby chimed in before I could.
11:40I chose truth last time, so let's mix things up and go with a dare this time.
11:46I gave her a cold stare, watching her stir up trouble, but I did not care anymore.
11:50My dare was to kiss the first guy I saw when I walked out the door.
11:54Without hesitation, Ashton shoved three bottles of alcohol in front of me.
11:59She's not doing that dare.
12:01She'll just take a penalty and drink these instead.
12:03Everyone laughed, agreeing with him.
12:05After all, kissing another guy while your husband was sitting right there was not exactly appropriate.
12:12Still, I stood up.
12:13Why should I back down?
12:15Ruby's the one who suggested I do it, and I'm not one to chicken out.
12:18Clara, are you trying to fight me on purpose tonight?
12:22I could not understand it.
12:24He did not seem to mind giving Ruby his sperm for her IVF, telling me not to make a big
12:29deal out of it.
12:30Yet he was now furious because of some silly game.
12:33Clara didn't mean it.
12:35She might just not like me, which is why she doesn't want to drink.
12:38As soon as she said that, Ashton's temper worsened.
12:42He popped open one of the bottles and tried to force it into my mouth.
12:46I want something easier.
12:48Everyone's trying to make this easier on you, but you just have to ruin the mood, don't you?
12:53I tried to pull away, waving my hands to get him to stop.
12:57However, in my haste, I tripped on something behind me and fell hard onto the cold marble floor of the
13:02private room.
13:03A sharp pain shot through my abdomen, and I cradled my stomach, screaming in agony.
13:08Ashton's face showed a flicker of concern as he reached out to help me, but he said dismissively,
13:13It's just a fall, you'll be fine.
13:15Blood! There's so much blood on the floor!
13:19Ashton froze for a few seconds, then quickly knelt to wrap his arms around me.
13:23How did you start bleeding just from a fall?
13:25I tried to stand, but a wave of cold sweat broke out across my body, and my lips started trembling.
13:31Call an ambulance! Get me to the hospital!
13:34At that moment, Ruby pushed through the small crowd that had gathered around us, commenting,
13:39Come on, stop making such a big deal. Isn't this just your period?
13:42She said I was overreacting and suggested I go home to rest if I was not feeling well.
13:47Ashton looked disappointed.
13:50So, you're not pregnant again!
13:52I wanted to explain, but an intense pain ripped through my lower abdomen, forcing me to bite down hard to
13:58keep from screaming.
13:59In the end, Ashton yanked me to my feet, muttering that he would stay behind with Ruby and get a
14:05cab to take me home.
14:06Just as the door opened, I came face to face with Will.
14:10Hey, what are you doing at a pub of all places?
14:13Why are you bleeding again? Didn't the doctor warn you to be careful with the pregnancy?
14:17He shouted loud enough that everyone around us, including Ashton, stopped dead in their tracks.
14:23Y-you're pregnant? This isn't a joke, right? What kind of husband are you? How do you not know your
14:27wife is pregnant?
14:29Ashton panicked, insisting I had not told him anything. Will yelled back,
14:34What are you waiting for? Get her to the hospital, now!
14:37Everything became a blur of chaos after that. By the time we arrived at the hospital, I was soaked in
14:43cold sweat.
14:44When the doctor finally told us that I had lost the pregnancy, my tears started pouring uncontrollably.
14:50Ashton went wild, grabbing the doctor and demanding a recheck, shouting at them to do something.
14:55We went through IVF three times. We worked so hard for this.
14:59The doctor's expression was grim, but he kept his composure.
15:03If you knew how difficult it was, why weren't you more careful? Taking a pregnant woman to a pub? That's
15:08no place for someone in her condition.
15:09That comment made Ashton's face flush red with shame, leaving him at a loss for words.
15:14Once the doctor left, he knelt beside my bed, taking my hand in his as he said,
15:20It's okay. It's going to be okay. You just need to rest. We can try for another baby.
15:27I pulled my hand away, barely holding back the overwhelming grief of losing our child.
15:31Ashton, there won't be another baby. I want a divorce.
15:35Ashton froze, looking completely at a loss for words.
15:38Don't say that. You're upset. I didn't know this was going to happen.
15:46Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?
15:48I let out a bitter laugh.
15:50Did I not want to tell him?
15:51On our anniversary, he was at Ruby's ultrasound appointment.
15:56And when I was discharged from the hospital, he dragged me to a pub to celebrate Ruby's pregnancy.
16:01He never gave me a chance to tell him.
16:04The baby's gone. Maybe it's fate. Maybe even the universe wants us separated.
16:09I thought Ashton would agree right away.
16:12After all, he had always loved Ruby, his high school sweetheart.
16:16He used to worship her from afar, and now she was having his child.
16:20Was that not exactly what he wanted?
16:23Instead, Ashton stayed silent for a few seconds before stubbornly refusing.
16:27We've been married for six years.
16:30You don't stay that long if you don't love someone.
16:32Don't feel guilty.
16:33You should go ahead and be happy with Ruby.
16:35I won't make a scene or say anything harsh.
16:38And your friends who worship you and Ruby won't have any gossip to spread.
16:41Please, I'm sorry. I've been neglecting you lately.
16:44But let's not talk about divorce right now. You're upset and not thinking straight.
16:47Then, he quickly changed the subject, saying he would get me something to eat.
16:52Half an hour later, he returned with a load of takeout.
16:55One glance and I could see it was greasy barbecued meat, dishes loaded with jalapenos.
17:01I had always known he had never bothered to remember my preferences, but the realization still stung.
17:06I'm not hungry.
17:07He frowned, telling me not to be difficult.
17:11You've got that little notebook where you keep all of Ruby's favorite things, but do you even know I can't
17:16eat eggplant?
17:17It makes my tongue go numb, and my lips swell up.
17:21Ashton's face flushed red again, and he quickly offered to get something else.
17:25When the door opened, and Will walked in with a thermos.
17:29Hey, I made some chicken soup for you. You should have it while it's hot.
17:33Will said as he set it down.
17:35He efficiently removed the lid and handed me a spoon, the comforting aroma of the soup filling the room.
17:41Ashton's expression darkened.
17:43Will notice the food Ashton had brought and was visibly surprised.
17:47There are so many restaurants around the hospital, with meals suitable for patients, yet you somehow managed to pick the
17:53worst one.
17:53Now that's impressive.
17:55I could see Ashton clenching his jaw, trying to hold back his temper.
17:58From now on, I'll cook for Clara myself. There's no need for you to get involved. I don't trust you
18:03with that.
18:04I took good care of her, got her discharged in perfect health, and less than a day later, she miscarried.
18:10You have zero credibility.
18:12Clara is my wife. Why are you being so attentive? Don't you understand how to keep your distance from a
18:17married woman?
18:18Well, you're one to talk.
18:19Who's more out of line than you helping someone else have a baby through IVF and not even rising its
18:23crossing a boundary?
18:24Will's eyes widened in shock as he glanced over at Ashton. Ashton's face flushed red with frustration.
18:31Normally, he would have stormed out of the room by that point, but today, he just sat there, silently seething
18:37and glaring at Will until he eventually left.
18:39The next day, true to his word, Ashton went home and cooked.
18:43However, when he returned to the hospital, Ruby was there.
18:47What are you doing here? Clara's the one who's sick.
18:50Ruby, you've always been so understanding. Why don't you let this one slide and cut her some smack?
18:53Ruby's mouth hung open for a while, clearly not expecting that response.
18:57She struggled to maintain her smile as she reluctantly agreed, saying she would not take issue with a sick person.
19:04Once she was gone, I took my time eating the sandwich.
19:07Seeing me finally eat, Ashton's face lit up with happiness, and he excitedly mentioned making food for me again next
19:14time, which I did not respond to.
19:16After a few days of rest and feeling better, I got discharged from the hospital.
19:20The first thing I did when I got home was throw the printed divorce papers right in Ashton's face.
19:27Sign it. The house, the car, and everything you've earned in the last two years. I don't want a penny
19:32of it.
19:34Are you seriously divorcing me just because I helped Ruby with the IVF process?
19:38Faced with Ashton's aggressive questioning, I was beyond the mood to argue. He never believed he had done anything wrong.
19:46A divorce in paper can be printed a hundred times in a minute. Avoiding this won't help.
19:49Honey, if this really bothers you, I can write a guarantee or a will promise I won't acknowledge Ruby's Hild
19:54or let them inherit any of my assets. That should make you better about that, right?
19:57I sighed deeply. Why could he not understand that while money and assets could be explicitly defined in writing, feelings
20:05could not simply be dismissed like that?
20:07How would it feel to watch a child grow up, seeing their likeness to him? After all, blood was thicker
20:13than water. How could he think it would not affect me?
20:17If I could still trust him, I would truly be the biggest fool in the world.
20:22Ashton, I don't care who you choose to love for ten years, who you want to have children with, or
20:26who gets to spend your money.
20:28I loved of you for eight years, even putting up with your complicated relationship with Ruby, thinking I wouldn't survive
20:33without you.
20:34But now I see clearly that you're not that important to me. The only reason I want a divorce is
20:38that my heart is dead. I no longer love you. It's that simple. Do you understand?
20:42As I spoke, I remained calm and rational. I was not begging or crying like I used to, nor was
20:48I losing my mind with jealousy.
20:50Ashton, having realized something had changed, was genuinely rattled and confused.
20:56In the end, he made some excuse about needing to deal with work and fled.
21:00I could not understand his reaction as he had never valued what we had.
21:05Would it not just be better to divorce me and be with Ruby?
21:08Or did he enjoy having a devoted wife at home while pursuing his high school sweetheart?
21:12Did that make him feel accomplished?
21:15I packed my things and placed the new divorce papers on the table,
21:18leaving a note saying I intended to move out.
21:22Honestly, I had no idea where to go.
21:24My parents lived far away in our hometown.
21:27And after resigning, I gradually lost touch with my college friends and co-workers.
21:32Just when I was feeling lost, the elevator doors opened and out stepped Will.
21:36Clara, why are you dragging a suitcase with you?
21:38I hesitated for a moment but decided to share everything that had happened over the past few days with him.
21:43I have a small apartment available. If you don't mind, you can stay there for a while.
21:47Really? That would be great. I can pay rent at market price, but can I have a few months to
21:51get settled?
21:52I need to find a new job. I might not have enough cash on hand right now.
21:55Don't be so formal with me. By the way, Clara, do you have any plans for job hunting?
21:59I shook my head. After being away from the workforce for two years, I felt uncertain.
22:05However, Will suggested that I tried applying to his company, offering to put in a good word for me as
22:11a referral.
22:11Really? Will, thank you so much. If I get hired, dinner is on me.
22:18The interview turned out surprisingly smooth, and just a week later, I officially started working.
22:24In the meantime, Ashton had been relentlessly calling and messaging me.
22:28I ignored him completely, and after being bothered one too many times, I decided to block him.
22:34The reason I had not deleted his contact was that I still needed to finalize our divorce.
22:39I had no idea how Ashton found out where I was working, but he switched tactics and began harassing me
22:45in a different way.
22:46Today, yet another bouquet of flowers and a fancy afternoon tea were delivered to my desk.
22:52I told Ashton I would just throw those things in the trash and suggested he not waste his money or
22:57effort.
22:57No problem. They're for you, so you can do whatever you want with them.
23:02Flower bloom every year, and hope I'll, uh, I'll em again, a place I'm again.
23:07He even started posting on social media daily.
23:10What does six years of marriage mean? I enjoy the feeling of pursuing my wife all over again.
23:16A few times, he even waited for me outside the office building to pick me up after work.
23:21To avoid him, I had to hop into Will's car in the basement parking.
23:25As for the flowers, I ended up not throwing them away.
23:29Instead, I gave them to my co-workers.
23:32Clara, can you give me some advice on how to get men like that?
23:35You have a devoted handsome guy waiting downstairs while the chairman's son here drives you home.
23:39The chairman's son? Who?
23:41Will Young! He gave the order to hire you! How could you not know?
23:44Honestly, I had no idea about any of that.
23:48Thinking back, it made sense that Will, being so young,
23:51must come from a well-off family to live alone in a big house and have an apartment while in
23:55college.
23:56Still, I never connected the dots that he was the son of the company's chairman.
24:01Just as I was lost in thought, Will called me into his office.
24:05That snapped me back to reality, reminding me I had something important to report.
24:09Will's family business specialized in trading high-end antiques and treasures,
24:13but he had also branched out into modern art.
24:16While the transactions in that new area were not as lucrative as those in the high-end market,
24:20he managed to carve out a niche and had done quite well.
24:24Coincidentally, several of Ruby's paintings were up for auction in that new category,
24:29with prices hovering around the $100,000 mark.
24:31However, I discovered a serious issue.
24:34Her work had plagiarized and combined the pieces from several lesser-known artists.
24:38That had previously gone unnoticed, but I was able to identify the problem using data analysis.
24:44Mr. Young, if these works are recognized as plagiarized by other professionals,
24:48it could severely damage our company's reputation and result in significant losses.
24:52We need to take them down immediately.
24:54Will took my concerns seriously and immediately called the tech team for a thorough re-evaluation.
24:59If what you're saying is simply taking them down isn't enough,
25:02we'll demand that the artist pays damages for breach of contract.
25:05This act of concealment is a violation.
25:07I nodded, realizing that the next steps were beyond my responsibility.
25:12Once we wrapped up the serious talk, Will's smile returned.
25:15I told you to call me by my first name.
25:18I don't know why, but hearing you call me Mr. Young feels so awkward.
25:23What should I call you then? Young Master?
25:25He scratched his nose, looking a bit embarrassed.
25:28I didn't mean to hide that.
25:30I was just worried you might avoid this company if you knew.
25:33I don't have that kind of ridiculous pride.
25:36What could be more important than making money?
25:39Once I got my salary and commission for the month,
25:42I would be able to pay him rent.
25:43However, just a few days later,
25:47Ruby burst into the office unexpectedly, causing a scene.
25:50She must have used her connection as one of the company's collaborating artists to get in
25:54because she stormed right over to my desk, fuming.
25:57Before she even said a word, tears started streaming down her face.
26:02Clara, why are you targeting me?
26:05You deliberately sabotaged me by getting my artwork removed.
26:09This is an abuse of power.
26:11Save your sob story.
26:13I'm not falling for it.
26:15I knew perfectly well that she was not putting on a show for me.
26:18She just wanted to win the sympathy of those around us.
26:21Sure enough, even though my co-workers did not know what was going on,
26:25they could not help but crowd around her,
26:27speaking softly and trying to comfort her.
26:30However, I was not in the mood to play nice.
26:33The plagiarism assessment was done by another department.
26:36I don't have that kind of influence to pull strings around here.
26:38Ruby was not backing down.
26:41She argued that there were only a few classic elements in art,
26:43and even if there were similarities, they were just borrowed from earlier painters' works.
26:48That's called omamage.
26:50You wouldn't understand since you're not an art major.
26:52Don't think I didn't know you were the one who complained first.
26:55The company just wants to keep the peace,
26:57so they're just the letting you, what do you bully me?
26:59As she spoke, tears flowed down her cheeks,
27:02and her hand rested on her slightly rounded belly.
27:04Is it fair for a big company to bully a backgroundless artist?
27:07This is the age of the internet.
27:09If you don't apologize, compensate me, and put my artwork back up,
27:13I'll expose you online for how you're treating a single woman!
27:16Those words shifted the atmosphere.
27:18The people around us looked shocked.
27:20Ruby's eyes glinted with a sense of triumph as she glanced at me,
27:24but the next second, someone yanked her arm hard.
27:27Ashton must have come in somehow and was furious as he confronted her.
27:30What are you doing in Clara's company?
27:33Are you here to cause trouble for her?
27:34As I thought about it, it became clear that Ashton was downstairs at the office again,
27:39putting on that dramatic act of his when he saw Ruby.
27:42He must have told the receptionist that he was my husband,
27:45which was why he was allowed inside.
27:47Ruby seemed just as shocked to see him.
27:49After her surprise faded,
27:51anger took over as she repeated to Ashton how I had bullied her.
27:55Clara has always been jealous of how nice you are to me!
27:58She's just looking for a chance to get back at me!
28:01With all the curious eyes around us, Ashton looked a little embarrassed.
28:05What are you talking about?
28:07Clara isn't like that!
28:09Besides, can't we just see things as they are
28:12instead of taking a mere employee's word for it?
28:15Ruby stared at him in shock, as if she was seeing Ashton for the first time.
28:19Are you actually defending her?
28:21You don't believe me?
28:22I crossed my arms and watched the two of them argue, feeling a little surprised myself.
28:28Unlike before, Ashton was not blindly taking Ruby's side.
28:32If it were in the past, he would have been quick to scold me.
28:36Ruby, can you stop being so sensitive?
28:39If there's an issue, we can talk it out like adults.
28:42Charging in here acting like a crazy person is just embarrassing.
28:45His words felt eerily familiar, sensitive, overthinking, jealous, nitpicking, causing trouble.
28:51Those were the very things Ashton used to accuse me of.
28:55Ruby stumbled slightly as if she could not take it.
28:58Who's causing a scene at the office?
29:00I'm calling the police.
29:01At that moment, I turned my head to see while approaching.
29:05As he stood next to me with a stern expression,
29:08I realized how different he looked without his usual warm smile.
29:11His serious demeanor was pretty intimidating.
29:15Ruby stared at him for a long moment before it clicked.
29:18Aren't you the guy who took Clara to the hospital?
29:22So, you're working here with her now, huh?
29:25No wonder you're so arrogant.
29:29Clara, you're not even divorced yet, and here you are, cozying up to your male friend.
29:35Aren't you ashamed?
29:36The comment made everyone around look at Will and me differently.
29:40While they did not dare speak up, their eyes were locked in a frenzy of judgment.
29:44Ruby then glanced mockingly at my belly and said with malicious intent,
29:47You two must have been hooking up for a while now, huh?
29:50That child you lost?
29:52Was it his?
29:54Is that why you pretended to fall to get Ashton's sympathy and guilt?
29:58Smack!
29:59Ashton's hand landed hard on Ruby's face.
30:01The force of the slap was so strong that Ruby staggered,
30:04nearly falling backward before my colleague rushed to catch her.
30:07With her hand on her reddening cheek, Ruby lost it.
30:11How dare you hit me!
30:12Ashton, I'm pregnant with your child!
30:15Stop sayings that give people the wrong idea.
30:17All I did was help you through IVF.
30:19We never slept together.
30:21Stop trying to ruin my marriage.
30:22I watched the chaos unfold,
30:24and while it felt satisfying to see the drama play out,
30:27it also struck me as utterly tacky and ridiculous.
30:30I could not believe I had spent so many years caught up with those people.
30:34It was utterly foolish of me to let them make me feel hurt and upset over their antics.
30:39Ashton, if you've got nothing better to do, just sign the divorce papers already.
30:43Dragging this out is pointless.
30:45And by the way, I'm not interested in being misunderstood as some kind of cheating, scandalous woman.
30:50Ms. Sload, if you have any issues with the company's decisions,
30:53feel free to take it to court or hire a lawyer.
30:56I'll be ready to face you head on.
30:57After Ashton and Ruby were kicked out of the company by Will's security,
31:01they went quiet for several months.
31:03I was originally surprised by how quiet those two had been and not stirring up any trouble.
31:08I had even prepared myself for a long, drawn-out battle with them
31:12until I heard that Ashton's company was in trouble and he was busy dealing with the mess.
31:16Things did not seem to be going well for him, though.
31:20One day, Ruby went on a rampage, bombarding me with messages full of insults.
31:24She accused me of saying something to-
31:27Clara, shameless 50 fish shit.
31:29He took my painting room and house back.
31:32Clara.
31:32Instead, I immediately took a screenshot of her messages and posted it on social media.
31:38Is the independent studio that Ruby keeps bragging about bought by my husband?
31:42Instead of wasting time messaging me,
31:45maybe Ruby should think about getting Ashton to sign the divorce papers.
31:49After posting it, I put my phone away and wrapped up for the day.
31:53It was my birthday, and Will had made a reservation at a restaurant to celebrate.
31:57As I stepped out of the building, I unexpectedly ran into Ashton, whom I had not seen in months.
32:03He looked noticeably thinner, with dark circles under his eyes that spoke of sleepless nights.
32:09Even when I pretended not to notice him, he flashed a smile my way.
32:13Claire, it's your birthday today.
32:15I got you a gift.
32:17Do you want to grab dinner together?
32:18I raised an eyebrow at the sight of Ruby and my mother-in-law storming out of a taxi nearby,
32:23finding it amusing.
32:24It looks like they don't want you joining me for dinner.
32:28Ashton's face fell, and the furrow in his brow deepened.
32:31His tone was a mix of frustration and fatigue as he said.
32:35Ruby, can you go one day without stirring up trouble?
32:38And what's the deal with bringing my mom into this?
32:40Ruby, who was heavily pregnant, at least eight months along, was not yelling or screaming this time.
32:47Instead, she was hiding behind my mother-in-law, silently crying.
32:51My mother-in-law wasted no time confronting Ashton and tried to lunge at me, but Ashton quickly held her
32:56back.
32:57What kind of witchcraft has this useless wit cast on you? Why are you defending her?
33:02Her voice was loud, and it was clear she had long resented me, wishing nothing more than for her son
33:08to kick me aside.
33:09I smirked, watching my mother-in-law throw a fit, feeling surprisingly relieved.
33:14In the past, whenever she insulted, belittled, or made things difficult for me, Ashton would always take her side, leaving
33:22me to endure her cruelty and back down.
33:24However, now that I did not care about Ashton anymore, I certainly did not care about that old hag.
33:29Mom, this is between Clara and me. You have no idea what you're talking about, so stay out of it,
33:35okay?
33:36Ashton snapped. My mother-in-law's face twisted no time, and she dramatically began to create a difference in her
33:42life.
33:43I can't even hold my grandson! What's the point of living?
33:47The business district where the company was located was bustling, and with it being peak hours, plenty of people gathered
33:53to watch the spectacle unfold.
33:54Ashton's face turned a mix of red and blue as he tried to pull his mother toward the car, but
33:59she was having none of it, flailing her arms and kicking her legs in protest.
34:03Ruby rushed over to help, and I instinctively took a few steps back.
34:07Suddenly, I heard Ruby let out a yelp, and she stumbled backward right into the spot where I had just
34:13been standing.
34:14Thankfully, I had moved in time, or I could have been blamed for her fall given how chaotic everything was.
34:19Without me there to cushion her fall, Ruby hit the ground hard.
34:23Her face twisted in pain as she clutched her stomach, calling out in distress.
34:28Seeing the blood pooling between her legs, Ashton and his mother finally forgot their argument and hurriedly lifted her into
34:34the car to rush her to the hospital.
34:36Watching the car speed away, the weight on my chest seemed to lift all at once.
34:41Maybe it was the relief of finally getting away from that toxic group of people, and it felt like the
34:46best birthday gift I could have ever received.
34:48As expected, Ruby gave birth prematurely to a son.
34:52Thankfully, the baby was healthy and had not been affected too much by everything.
34:57Ashton, too, finally agreed to sign the divorce papers.
35:01As I stepped out of the courthouse, he called out to me, his face filled with frustration.
35:06Clara, were you already cheating on me with Will? Is that why you're so determined to force me into this
35:11divorce?
35:11I told him that although I had known about the new neighbor who had moved in, it was not until
35:16the day I went to the hospital with signs of a miscarriage that I had actually spoken to Will.
35:21And you, Ashton? Can you really say that your relationship with Ruby has been nothing but pure? No crossing of
35:28boundaries or hidden feelings over the years?
35:30Ashton opened his mouth, but I cut him off before he could say anything.
35:33You don't need to answer. I already know the truth. Stop lying to yourself.
35:39Ruby was clever. She had never bothered with Ashton, the backup guy who always simped for her, until he found
35:45success in his career.
35:47And that was when she returned to him again.
35:50Still, she kept him captivated by never sleeping with him directly, letting him believe she was always just out of
35:56reach, independent, and above all.
35:58I must say, her strategy was impressive, but it was a shame.
36:03After her artwork was pulled due to plagiarism and her studio was taken down, Ruby started to panic.
36:08The more desperately she tried to hold on to Ashton, the more he took her for granted.
36:13It mirrored exactly how he had treated me.
36:16Ashton, I owe you nothing, but you should feel guilty for what you did to me.
36:20With that, I waved to Will to pull the car over.
36:23Ashton stood there for what felt like an eternity, fading from view in the rearview mirror and out of my
36:29life.
36:29A year later, I found out I was pregnant and was at the hospital for a checkup, not expecting to
36:34run into Ashton again.
36:35He looked terrible, his face pale and unshaven, with stubble covering his jaw.
36:41His wrinkled shirt had several bloodstains on it as he followed closely behind a gurney.
36:45I barely glanced at him as we passed each other, but I caught a glimpse of Ruby lying on the
36:50gurney,
36:50covered in blood and moaning in pain.
36:53Even though I did not care about them anymore, I could not help but feel curious about the situation.
36:58I discreetly asked around for information, and the news I uncovered was shocking.
37:03Ruby and Ashton had divorced again, but this time, it was not a clean break like it was with me.
37:08You won't believe it, but Ruby's kid isn't even Ashton's.
37:12The person eagerly spilled the tea without me needing to ask for details.
37:17Apparently, Ashton's company had gone bankrupt.
37:20As someone used to a luxury lifestyle, Ruby could not handle living a normal life anymore,
37:24so she decided to file for divorce.
37:27When Ashton and his mother tried to fight for custody of the child,
37:31Ruby shot back that the kid was not even Ashton's to begin with.
37:34Ruby sure is something else.
37:36She pretends to be all innocent and pure, but in private, she's wild.
37:40No one even knows the baby's real father, and now she's trying to drag Ashton into this mess.
37:45It all clicked for me. No wonder Ruby deliberately fell that time.
37:49I initially thought she was trying to frame me, but now it made sense,
37:54she needed to create the illusion of a premature birth because the baby was almost full term.
37:58I rubbed my slightly rounded belly, filled with mixed emotions.
38:02I had always suspected that Ashton's genes were not up to par.
38:06I had faced multiple failed IVF attempts, and even the last one had been fraught with issues,
38:11so how could Ruby manage to get pregnant so easily?
38:13It turned out that the baby was not even Ashton's.
38:17That woman is ruthless.
38:19I mean, after all the support Ashton had given her and her child,
38:23how could she talk about him like that?
38:25The stress gave Ashton's mom a stroke, and when he finally snapped,
38:29well, let's just say her face won't ever look the same again.
38:33Honestly, it's like two dogs fighting each other.
38:36The drama is so juicy that our family chat's been talking about it for days.
38:40Will peeled an apple and brought it to me, casually taking my phone out of my hands.
38:45The doctor said you shouldn't be on your phone too much, it's not good for you or the baby.
38:48I did not know if it was because of the miscarriage I had gone through,
38:51but he had been extra cautious about everything,
38:54almost like he was afraid something could go wrong again.
38:57Instead of arguing, I opened my mouth to accept the piece of fruit he was feeding me.
39:02With the cool breeze sweeping in from the balcony, everything felt perfectly in place.
39:07We'll be back next time.
39:07Bye-bye.
39:07Bye-bye.
39:075.
39:07Bye-bye.
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