- 6 hours ago
If you love my videos and want to support me, please follow me. thanks for watching.!!!
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00My footsteps stopped, as if nailed to the floor.
00:02I gripped the glass so tightly I thought it would shatter,
00:05because I knew the men's laughter laced with contempt for a women's spell trouble.
00:09Beckett, you're getting married in two weeks.
00:11What about the sugar baby you've got tucked away?
00:14Keep your mouths shut, Sage Hollis won't find out as long as none of you run your mouths.
00:18Undor separated me from the man I loved for years.
00:21In that thin space, my whole life became light as a feather.
00:24He not only cheated, but also carefully planned all this,
00:27turning me into a secret he could control.
00:30Humiliation came first, hot and suffocating.
00:32Then something colder settled.
00:34Something that didn't cry, didn't beg, and didn't compromise.
00:37I didn't knock, nor did I burst in.
00:39I turned and walked away to book a service to erase myself.
00:43Miss Hollis, I need to confirm.
00:45Once we start, it takes about two weeks.
00:48Your legal name change and relocation documents will go through.
00:52No one who knows you will be able to track you again.
00:55I'm sure.
00:56All right.
00:56Your new documents and transition plan will be ready once completed.
01:01I hope this gives you a fresh start.
01:03A fresh start.
01:04I wanted to believe it so badly it hurt.
01:06I hung up, put my phone in my pocket, and walked to the curb to hail a cab,
01:10as if there was nothing broken inside me.
01:13I'd just showered and was about to climb into bed when the door opened.
01:16First came the scent of whiskey, then Beckett himself, warm, familiar, confident.
01:21Wifey, why didn't you come get me?
01:22I was waiting, I swear.
01:23You smell so good.
01:24His hands began to wander, greedy and at ease, as if my body was already his consolation prize.
01:29I stared at the ceiling, letting him cuddle against me.
01:33My thoughts went back to the beginning, to the man I trusted with my life.
01:37Damn, I'm tired tonight.
01:38You look a little thin.
01:40Guess I'm good sleep, okay?
01:42I'm here.
01:42I didn't answer.
01:43I closed my eyes and pretended I was already gone.
01:46The next morning, I woke to him dressing in his closet, as if nothing had changed.
01:51Good morning, wifey.
01:52It's Christmas Eve.
01:52I'm taking you out.
01:53Get up and get dressed.
01:54He said it like a decision already made for me, then left before I could refuse.
01:59Madam, you're awake.
02:01I'll prepare breakfast for you.
02:03We weren't married, but Beckett always ordered his staff and friends to call me Madam.
02:07Because he liked the pretense, he liked molding me into his, quietly, privately.
02:11In two weeks, he would have a real public wife.
02:14I lowered my eyes, exhaled softly, the taste of irony filling me.
02:18Then I ate breakfast, as if swallowing glass.
02:21After breakfast, he sent the driver away because he wanted just us.
02:25He drove me through the city.
02:27He took me to a garden cafe, then to the aquarium.
02:30He kept staring at my face as if tracking my emotions.
02:33Every time I looked a little tired, he would immediately slow down, make me sit, buy me something,
02:38and ask if I was okay.
02:39That's where he was dangerous.
02:41He could take such good care of you, making you forget he was also the one hurting you.
02:45That night, I thought we were going home, but he drove the car up the mountain.
02:49You once said the fireworks would be great from there.
02:51I saved this surprise.
02:53Shall we go see if you were right?
02:54It was something I'd casually said while scrolling YouTube, so casually, I'd almost forgotten it.
03:00If somehow he hadn't forgotten, he remembered every little detail that made me happy until it became inconvenient.
03:05I didn't answer.
03:07He didn't seem to care.
03:08He kept talking, trying to coax me out of my silence, filling the space like he always did.
03:13About half an hour later, we reached the scenic overlook.
03:16The city lights below twinkled like glitter on black velvet, and for a moment, I could almost pretend this was
03:21still my life.
03:22As the last hour of December 24th began to tick away, Beckett's phone buzzed.
03:27He glanced at the screen, then shot me a quick, wary look.
03:30When he saw I was looking out at the view, he exhaled softly, then turned sideways and started typing.
03:35I barely had to tilt my head to see.
03:37Beckett, honey, I'm so lonely tonight.
03:39Can you come be with me?
03:41Don't start.
03:42Please, Raina's scared of the dark.
03:43I want my baby with me.
03:45Be good.
03:46Wait for me.
03:46Before he looked up, I turned my face to the city, as if I hadn't seen anything.
03:51Sage, there's an urgent company matter.
03:53I have to go back.
03:54I'm sorry.
03:55I can't count down with you.
03:56Hmm.
03:57Beckett didn't even linger.
03:58Less than a minute passed from his words to the disappearance of his taillights.
04:02He was so eager that he forgot one small thing.
04:04He drove away the only car.
04:06My chest tightened, as if someone clutched my heart, squeezing until breathing hurt.
04:10The countdown hit zero.
04:12Fireworks exploded over the city.
04:14Huge.
04:14Bright.
04:15Magnificent.
04:15He planned it all for me.
04:17My phone vibrated in my palms, small and innocent.
04:20As if it didn't know, it was about to finish.
04:22What Beckett started.
04:23It was Beckett's ring.
04:25He'd slipped it onto my finger.
04:26Sage, will you stay with me forever?
04:28I'm serious.
04:29I love you.
04:29I'm not marrying anyone but you.
04:31Not in this life.
04:32I believed it anyway.
04:34The difference between then and now was cruel.
04:36I forced my breathing steady.
04:38I walked out of the hospital.
04:39The ring itself sat on the counter.
04:41Beckett didn't come home until around 10.
04:43The door swung open, hurried.
04:45He dropped to one knee in front of me.
04:47He slid it back onto my finger.
04:49He kissed the back of it.
04:50Wifey, you didn't even notice you lost it?
04:52Babe, you can't be this careless, okay?
04:54This is our promise.
04:55You're my future.
04:56His eyes still looked full of love, but I couldn't feel it.
04:59Something in it was contaminated now.
05:01No sweetness could filter it out.
05:03Where were you today?
05:04I caught a flicker of guilt.
05:06Work.
05:07Something urgent came up.
05:08I handled it.
05:08When I went back, you were gone.
05:10The lie landed like dust.
05:12Baby, let's go ride in tomorrow.
05:13There's a ranch up north.
05:14You've always wanted to, right?
05:16Doctor said you need sunlight.
05:17You'll feel better.
05:18He didn't ask if I wanted to.
05:20He never really did.
05:21I just let it pass.
05:22I was done fighting a man.
05:24Who could lie with a straight face and still call it love?
05:27I only needed to hold out.
05:28The next day, he drove me out, and Raina was there.
05:31Seeing her in person was different.
05:33She looked polished, expensive.
05:35Standing near Beckett, she made sense.
05:37He wrapped an arm around my waist.
05:39Sage, come on.
05:39I'll teach you.
05:40He picked out a gentle horse.
05:42He helped me up, guiding me.
05:43For half an hour, I almost forgot.
05:45I'm tired.
05:46Beckett stopped immediately.
05:48I saw Raina walk away.
05:49Stay here, baby.
05:50I'm gonna grab you water.
05:51That small ripple in my chest went flat.
05:53My body finally understood.
05:55I stood up quietly and followed him.
05:57Raina was already there.
05:59What did I tell you?
06:00Until the wedding, act like strangers.
06:01If Sage makes a scene, it'll hurt us.
06:04But the baby misses you, and she hasn't found out anyway.
06:07Beckett's expression softened.
06:09Then he kissed her.
06:10Something in my chest ripped.
06:11My nails bit into my palms.
06:13Nausea surged up my throat.
06:15I walked away on unsteady legs.
06:17Beckett came back with water.
06:18Sorry, wifey.
06:19I had to take a call.
06:20You didn't wait long, right?
06:21Wifey, the word hit.
06:22I took a drink fast.
06:24Beckett's eyes dropped to my hand.
06:26What happened?
06:26Why are you bruised?
06:28Dark purple crescents.
06:29I couldn't even process.
06:30My body had been hurting itself.
06:32Just to keep from making a sound.
06:34Pulled the reins too hard.
06:36No, babe.
06:36Let me.
06:37I stepped away.
06:38Smile.
06:38Minimize.
06:39Swallow it.
06:39It's fine.
06:40I'm gonna ride.
06:41I want to ride alone.
06:42He stopped.
06:43Just like that.
06:44A small pocket of air that belonged only to me.
06:48My body moved mechanically.
06:50But my thoughts drifted far away.
06:52Raina Ransom's horse hit mine,
06:53and my horse instantly got spooked.
06:56Before the horse dragged me,
06:57I let go of the reins.
06:58Fell to the ground, covered in dirt.
07:00Shoulder and hip ached,
07:02but none of that mattered.
07:03Because Raina Ransom had also fallen,
07:05and Beckett Northcott already held her in his arms.
07:07So fast, so instinctive,
07:09his body knew who to choose.
07:10Beckett Northcott's gaze finally found me.
07:13The baby.
07:14Beckett Northcott froze.
07:15I watched him make his decision.
07:17Watched him embrace Raina Ransom.
07:19Sage, she's pregnant.
07:20She can't take a fall like that.
07:22Let me take her to the hospital first, okay?
07:24Something bitter rose in my throat.
07:25Hmm.
07:26He immediately picked up Raina Ransom and hurried away.
07:29I sat alone in the dirt,
07:30my hands trembling.
07:32Ma'am, are you hurt anywhere?
07:33I'm fine, thank you.
07:35The pain in my chest seemed permanent.
07:36I limped towards the parking lot.
07:38The car was gone.
07:40I called a ride share and went home alone.
07:41I didn't wait for Beckett Northcott.
07:44Exhaustion quickly put me to sleep.
07:46The next day,
07:46I woke up to Beckett Northcott sitting by the bed.
07:49He saw the coldness in my eyes,
07:50and his smile froze.
07:51He took out the box from the nightstand
07:53and retrieved a bracelet.
07:55He carefully placed it on my wrist
07:56and kissed my hand.
07:57Sorry, wifey.
07:58I shouldn't have rushed Raina Ransom first.
08:00I should have checked you right away.
08:02But she's pregnant,
08:03and she's carrying my friend's baby.
08:04I had to make sure she was okay.
08:06You get that, right?
08:07I lowered my head and let out a faint laugh.
08:09Not worth it.
08:10What did you say?
08:11What's not worth it?
08:12Baby, don't talk like that.
08:13You're the most worth it person.
08:15You deserve everything.
08:16The whole world's good stuff.
08:18I saw something on TV yesterday.
08:19A couple.
08:20The guy thought they were together.
08:22But the girl got engaged.
08:23Everyone argued if he should forgive her.
08:25What do you think?
08:26He shouldn't forgive her.
08:28Not a chance.
08:28I agree.
08:29He shouldn't.
08:30I'm hungry.
08:31Then I'll cook.
08:32Go wash up, wifey.
08:33I'll call you when it's ready.
08:34He hurried downstairs
08:36as if the problem was solved.
08:37I watched his retreating back,
08:39then slid off the bracelet
08:40and put it down.
08:42I would no longer let him
08:43pretend to sacrifice for me.
08:44My birthday was two days later.
08:47Beckett Northcott celebrated early.
08:48No, I told you I'll celebrate with you every year.
08:51We're doing it.
08:52I smiled faintly to myself.
08:54All right, let this be the last time.
08:56He brought out the cake,
08:57lit the candles,
08:57and sang for me.
08:59I closed my eyes and silently made a wish.
09:01Please let me start anew
09:02and live with dignity.
09:03What did you wish for?
09:04I calmly cut the cake.
09:06In my heart,
09:06I answered him,
09:08leave you.
09:10By the time Beckett Northcott came back,
09:12there wouldn't be anything left of us.
09:14He wasn't home that night.
09:15I moved through the rooms
09:17without turning on extra lights,
09:18packing only what was actually mine.
09:20Then I dug out the photos we'd taken.
09:22I struck a match.
09:23I fed the fire one photo at a time
09:25and watched our memories collapse into ash
09:27because whatever those pictures used to mean
09:29was already dead.
09:30I didn't take a single gift Beckett Northcott
09:33had ever given me.
09:34If it wasn't mine,
09:35I didn't touch it.
09:36And once Beckett Northcott stopped belonging to me,
09:39I stopped reaching for him too.
09:41After I cleaned up,
09:41I went out and bought a new SIM card.
09:43When I left,
09:44I wasn't taking my old number.
09:45I didn't have anyone I needed to call anymore
09:48and I didn't want anyone calling me.
09:50Later,
09:50I sat in the garden with my phone in hand.
09:52I wasn't even paying attention
09:53until a live stream popped up.
09:55Reina.
09:56She stood under bright studio lights
09:58in a wedding dress,
09:59glowing like she'd already won.
10:00And from just off camera,
10:01a man's arm wrapped around her waist,
10:03possessive,
10:04intimate,
10:04holding her like she belonged to him.
10:06The groom doesn't want to show his face.
10:09So how did you two get together?
10:11Our families matched us.
10:13It was an arrangement.
10:14An arrangement?
10:15You two look way too sweet for that.
10:18Just because it started as an arrangement
10:20doesn't mean it can't turn into real love.
10:22You're right.
10:23You're right.
10:24Okay.
10:25When's the wedding?
10:26Four days.
10:27It'll be the biggest wedding the city's seen.
10:29You'll all see.
10:30I stared at that half profile,
10:31at that one eye full of love,
10:33and my chest tightened,
10:34like a fist had closed around my heart.
10:36The sunlight on my skin should have felt warm.
10:39Every blessing in the chat landed on me like a blade.
10:42I let out a dry little laugh I didn't recognize.
10:44No title.
10:45No name.
10:46No place.
10:46Just the woman kept out of sight.
10:48That night,
10:49Beckett Northcutt came home carrying a box.
10:51Inside was a dress.
10:52I didn't even have to think.
10:54It was the kind of pale, pretty dress you put bridesmaids in.
10:57What is this?
10:58You want me standing beside you at your wedding?
11:01Come on.
11:02That's a bridesmaid dress.
11:04What?
11:04Oh, baby.
11:05No, I'm sorry, wifey.
11:06Why would you ever be a bridesmaid?
11:07My bride can only be you.
11:09He always talked like that.
11:10Beautiful sentences that sounded like love.
11:13I stayed quiet in his arms and finished the thought in my head.
11:16Of course,
11:16Rayna would be your bride.
11:18Beckett Northcutt stayed home with me constantly.
11:20Rayna, I'm handling it.
11:22I gotta keep her calm, alright?
11:23If she acts up on the wedding day, it'll blow up.
11:25Just listen to me and behave.
11:27I'll come to you when I can.
11:28I didn't react.
11:29I just let the corner of my mouth lift, silent and cold.
11:32So that was it.
11:33He wasn't spending time with me.
11:35He was managing me,
11:36keeping me quiet.
11:38They really thought I'd fight for him.
11:40They didn't know me at all.
11:41The night before the wedding,
11:43Beckett Northcutt held me.
11:44Sage, tomorrow you're gonna stay home, okay?
11:46Be good.
11:47Don't go anywhere.
11:48Tonight, I'll come back with a surprise for you.
11:50Okay, I didn't argue.
11:51I didn't smile.
11:52The next morning, he got up early.
11:54Before he left, he kissed my forehead like a blessing.
11:56When the engine sound faded down the street,
11:59I opened my eyes.
12:00I didn't get out of bed.
12:01I stayed on my side.
12:03When I reached for my phone,
12:04nothing loaded.
12:05No signal, no data.
12:06I went downstairs,
12:08picked up the remote,
12:09turned on the TV.
12:10No service.
12:11That's when the housekeeper came over.
12:13Ma'am, the neighborhood internet is being repaired.
12:17Might be out all day.
12:18That's fine.
12:19I'll go out for a bit then.
12:21Uh, sir, told me.
12:23He said, you should stay home and wait for him.
12:26My eyes sparkled with a stronger resolve,
12:28my escape plan entering its final stage.
12:31I looked past her through the window and saw two men in black.
12:34They stood too still, watching too closely.
12:36Not for the house, for me.
12:38So this was Beckett's solution.
12:40He'd lock the door and call it protection.
12:42You can't hide the truth forever.
12:44He just wanted to control when it reached me.
12:47Okay, I'm gonna rest upstairs.
12:49Don't worry about me.
12:50Back in the bedroom,
12:51I packed the last few things that were actually mine.
12:53I laid the ring and bracelet inside like returned property.
12:56Then I slid in a note.
12:58Congratulations on your wedding.
13:00Then I tore the bedsheets into strips,
13:02knotted them together,
13:03and tossed the rope out the second floor window.
13:05Beckett could cage a lot of things.
13:07He couldn't cage me.
13:08I climbed down, slipped off the property like I'd never belonged there.
13:12Then I popped out my old SIM card and flicked it into a flower bed.
13:15The new one clicked into place and it felt like cutting a wire inside my chest.
13:19I went straight to the agency and picked up the new ID they'd prepared.
13:23A plane ticket sat in it,
13:24printed under a name that wasn't mine anymore.
13:27I walked outside, lifted my hand to hail a ride.
13:29Someone nearby gasped,
13:31Oh my god, that's so romantic.
13:33Across the street, a giant outdoor screen was streaming a wedding live.
13:36Beckett's wedding.
13:37Raina stood in white and Beckett stood beside her,
13:40hand resting on her waist.
13:42They looked made for each other, if you didn't know the truth.
13:45People around me smiled and sighed like they were watching a love story.
13:48Beckett had taken off the ring he used to wear.
13:50The pale line was erased.
13:52As the officiant spoke, the crowd held its breath.
13:55Then came the kiss.
13:57I lowered my aching neck and tugged my baseball cap down, hiding my eyes.
14:01I wiped the single tear that slipped out, then turned and walked to the curb.
14:04I flagged a cab and gave the airport address.
14:07At the terminal, I sat in the waiting area, checking the time.
14:10Then a breaking entertainment alert popped up on my phone.
14:13My name was right there, wedged between photos of the newlyweds like a stain.
14:17The post called me a mistress, said I'd sabotaged their perfect love story.
14:22Nearby voices rose loud and disgusted.
14:24What a trashy homewrecker.
14:25The words hit my skin like heat.
14:27They didn't recognize me.
14:28I didn't defend myself.
14:30I kept walking toward the gate.
14:32Wait, why is the groom leaving the ballroom?
14:34He just ditched the bride?
14:35I didn't slow down.
14:36I kept walking toward the new life.
14:38When the plane lifted off, the city shrank under the clouds.
14:41For the first time in weeks, my lungs took in air that didn't feel borrowed.
14:45Then my phone vibrated in my palm.
14:47A message had come through.
14:48It's a video, without captions or warning.
14:51Just a file name stamped with a date, 1230.
14:54My thumb hovered over it and something inside me went ice cold.
14:57I knew what that date meant.
14:59Beckett always had a way of reaching for control.
15:03Beckett and Raina had just walked off the stage, a perfect couple ready to toast.
15:07Even on his wedding day, he couldn't stop managing risks.
15:10Just then, he saw the post and his face turned ashen.
15:13He called me immediately, but my phone was off.
15:16Beckett, darling, it's time for our toast.
15:18He shook off Raina's arm and headed straight for the exit.
15:21Beckett, where do you think you're going?
15:23You're humiliating Raina and our entire family.
15:27He didn't hear her words.
15:29Only one thought in his mind.
15:31She saw it.
15:31She knew it.
15:32He still walked out and got into the car.
15:34He told the driver to drive straight home.
15:36Before the car even stopped, he jumped out.
15:39He didn't even slow down, rushing inside.
15:41He burst into the living room, scanning it.
15:43Where is Sage?
15:44Madam Xi.
15:46She's resting upstairs.
15:48He didn't wait for the housekeeper and rushed upstairs.
15:50He burst into the bedroom.
15:51The bed was empty.
15:53His gaze went straight to the window.
15:54Rage burned in him.
15:56Easier to face than fear.
15:57I told you to watch her and you couldn't keep one person.
16:00What am I paying you for?
16:01Go find her now.
16:02He gasped for air, panic spreading.
16:05He couldn't stop imagining what I might have seen.
16:07This was why he cut the internet, TV, and stationed guards at the door.
16:11He thought he could hide it one more day, but I still escaped.
16:14His gaze swept the room again, landing on a gift box.
16:17He walked slowly as if anticipating pain.
16:19His hand trembled as he opened the box.
16:21Congratulations on your marriage.
16:23Beneath the paper were the ring and bracelet he gave me, returned as if I were a stranger.
16:28In that moment, everything rearranged in his mind.
16:31I looked at the dress, stopped arguing, became quiet.
16:34That wasn't submission, but resignation.
16:36I wasn't suspicious, I knew.
16:38Beckett agonizingly replayed the last two weeks, until a scene from one night flashed clearly.
16:43That night, he called me to pick him up.
16:44He thought I was just throwing a tantrum, punishing him, playing hard to get.
16:49He always liked to interpret my silence this way.
16:51Now, a different question arose in his mind.
16:54Was I there all along?
16:55His blood ran cold, his fingers numb.
16:58Send me the corridor surveillance outside the private room, on December 23rd.
17:01A minute later, the video arrived.
17:03I stood outside the door.
17:05Sounds from inside the private room came through the recording.
17:08When the words not worth it were uttered, I flinched.
17:11I didn't rush in, didn't cry, didn't beg.
17:13I just stood there, silently enduring.
17:16A dull ache spread across Beckett's chest.
17:18Damn it.
17:19He slapped himself twice hard, as if pain could reboot his brain, as if punishment could rewrite
17:23time.
17:24He finally saw through all the excuses and promises.
17:27Those lies that bound me like reins.
17:29And I, all along, was watching his performance.
17:32He remembered the ring from the hospital.
17:34Maybe I didn't lose it, but threw it away.
17:36The pain in his chest grew sharper.
17:38He tore the room apart, searching for any trace of me.
17:42Nothing.
17:42None of my personal belongings, as if I had erased myself.
17:46I only left that message and the abandoned ring.
17:48Cold and resolute lying in his palm, Beckett finally understood the truth.
17:52I'm not coming back.
17:54His phone vibrated.
17:57He snatched up the phone, thinking they had found me.
17:59It was a futile hope.
18:01Mr. Northcott, we've traced the Madam's SIM card location.
18:04It's still nearby.
18:05Send me the location.
18:06He arrived in less than five minutes.
18:08No one.
18:09No movement.
18:10Just the SIM card buried in the grass.
18:12Another dead end.
18:13He returned home as if walking underwater, collapsing onto the sofa.
18:17I have no friends here.
18:19Beckett, darling, my stomach hurts.
18:21Will you come and be with me?
18:22Your stomach hurts?
18:23I hope it hurts enough to kill you.
18:24The phone immediately rang again, relentless like a threat.
18:28He knew it was his mother calling to reprimand him.
18:30Beckett, how much disgrace have you brought upon the family?
18:34The Ransom family is furious.
18:36Come back and apologize immediately.
18:39If they're unhappy, let them deal with it themselves.
18:41Do you want me to list how many benefits their family has gained from this?
18:45When he lowered his head, he saw the ring on his finger.
18:48He froze, then tore off the ring as if burned and threw it away.
18:51He ran upstairs, his hands trembling as he took out the ring.
18:54He put it on like a drowning man grasping a straw feeling a little more stable.
18:58Then his gaze caught another ring.
19:00It was mine and his chest filled with intense pain.
19:03He was sincere about every promise he made to me.
19:05So when did he change?
19:07Between board meetings and family pressure, he told himself the engagement was just business.
19:11Even the child, he told himself, was just for appearances, a legitimate heir.
19:16Beckett slid to the floor, clutching his head.
19:18Then he remembered why he rushed home.
19:20They called me a mistress, tearing me apart.
19:22He imagined me alone, humiliated, all because of him.
19:26Find out who spread the rumors today immediately.
19:28Yes, sir.
19:29Beckett stood up, took a chain, threaded my abandoned ring onto it and put it around his neck.
19:34Mr. Northcott.
19:35We found out.
19:36It was Miss Ransom's duty.
19:38She paid those bloggers.
19:39It was her, indeed.
19:41She nodded obediently until she decided to strike.
19:44Beckett immediately called Raina.
19:45Beckett, darling, your little baby misses you.
19:48I told you, don't involve Sage.
19:50Do you really want to die?
19:53Beckett's cold voice made Raina's body stiffen.
19:56He knows, he knows everything.
19:57Beckett, what are you talking about?
19:59I don't understand.
20:01Beckett let out a short, chilling laugh of mockery.
20:03You don't understand?
20:04Do you want me to print out your transfer records and slap them in your face?
20:07Everything Sage suffered, I will demand back one by one.
20:11Then he hung up the phone.
20:12She knew how Beckett dealt with those who stood in his way.
20:15Oh, the child.
20:16She was carrying a Northcott heir.
20:18Mom, Beckett is coming for me because of Sage.
20:20He wants to hit me, make me abort, and take your grandson.
20:24Raina's helpless cries instantly ignited Mrs. Northcott's fury.
20:27What is Sage?
20:28That is my grandson.
20:30No one can touch him, not even his father.
20:33Don't be afraid, Raina.
20:34I'm coming right away.
20:35When Beckett arrived with his men, the entrance was already swarming with bodyguards.
20:40Get them out of here.
20:41Raina is our daughter-in-law.
20:43You are not allowed to hurt her.
20:44He tried to remain calm, wanting to give his mother one last chance.
20:48Mom, stay out of this.
20:50Stay out of this.
20:51She is my daughter-in-law, my grandson.
20:53As long as I am alive, you mustn't hurt them, because of that guy named Sage.
20:58That name, that word, that malice broke his sanity.
21:01Enough!
21:01That's the woman I love, even if you are my mother.
21:04You are not worthy to speak of her that way.
21:06Get my mother and everyone else who's in the way out of here.
21:09Beckett, I am your mother.
21:11If you dare touch my grandson, I swear I will never forgive you.
21:16Raina, I told you don't provoke Sage.
21:18Follow the rules, and you could be Mrs. Northcott.
21:21But you didn't listen.
21:22You insisted on courting death.
21:24I'm sorry, Beckett.
21:25I was so foolish.
21:26I didn't mean to.
21:27I love you too much.
21:28Please forgive me, okay?
21:29Beckett hated not only her, but also himself.
21:32Because of you, Sage left me.
21:34I wish I could kill you a thousand times, and it still wouldn't be enough.
21:37You still want forgiveness?
21:38Are you crazy?
21:39No, no, the baby.
21:41Beckett, I'm pregnant.
21:42That's your child.
21:43You can't just abandon him.
21:45However, there was nothing.
21:46A child?
21:47Do you think I care?
21:48If it's not Sage's child, it's worthless.
21:52Against everyone's wishes, Beckett insisted on holding a press conference.
21:56The board's fury didn't faze him at all.
21:58The press conference will proceed as planned.
22:01I will bear all consequences alone.
22:03This meeting is merely an announcement.
22:05Beckett, don't be impulsive.
22:06We can give Sage anything she wants.
22:08Go ask her.
22:09Maybe she'll accept.
22:10She won't.
22:11Because he knew I wouldn't want anything.
22:13The next day, Beckett held a press conference.
22:16Everything online is false.
22:17Sage and I were together since college.
22:19Raina was never my girlfriend.
22:21She was just an arranged marriage.
22:23It deceived Sage.
22:24I betrayed her.
22:24I will spend my life making amends.
22:26Family honor or your ridiculous pride.
22:29I admit, I did those things.
22:30Sage, I apologize to you.
22:32Public opinion reversed.
22:33Stock prices plummeted.
22:35After the press conference, his father summoned Beckett home.
22:38Look what you've done.
22:39If you'd listened, this would have blown over.
22:41Now, the stock price bleeds daily.
22:43I won't let the woman I love bear the mistress label for life.
22:47Oh, now she's the woman you love?
22:49Where was love when you agreed to marry?
22:51She deserved to leave you.
22:52You personally caused this disaster.
22:54You're not clear-headed.
22:56She's gone.
22:57What you're doing now only makes it worse.
22:59I don't care.
23:00I only care about Sage.
23:01I will compensate for the company's loss.
23:03I won't give up on her.
23:04I'll bring her back.
23:05He returned to the villa he shared with Sage.
23:07Her scent, her belongings, all gone.
23:10As if she never existed.
23:13Beckett, you can't do this to me.
23:15You can't.
23:16You used to love me.
23:17I never loved you.
23:18I only loved Sage.
23:19Raina, you were just a transaction.
23:21Just a business arrangement.
23:22Beckett, what's wrong with you?
23:24She's pregnant.
23:25She won't be for long.
23:27Drive to the hospital.
23:28No, my baby, don't do this.
23:29Beckett, please.
23:31I know I was wrong.
23:32Please, please spare my child.
23:34Aren't those the couple from yesterday's wedding?
23:36Yeah, weren't they madly in love?
23:38I heard there was a mistress.
23:40Is it about her?
23:42Beckett, please.
23:43Please.
23:49You beast.
23:55Save your strength for your daughter.
23:57That's your child.
23:58You killed your child for Sage.
24:00You're blinded by that mistress.
24:02Shut up.
24:02She's not a mistress.
24:03She's the woman I love.
24:04You know the truth.
24:05Don't play the saint.
24:11You benefited from this marriage.
24:13The contract is over.
24:14I won't pursue it.
24:15Don't push your luck.
24:26Take Mr. Ransom and my mother to a room.
24:28I wouldn't want them fainting in the hallway.
24:35The surgery was successful.
24:47So the mistress really won?
24:49This guy is disgusting.
24:50He made her abort for another woman.
24:52That girl is ruined.
24:54Sage better not let me see her.
24:55All mistresses should go to hell.
24:57Logan, any news on Sage?
25:05I left Los Angeles and came to Hawaii.
25:08People call this the land of eternal summer.
25:10The air here is warm.
25:11Not many people.
25:12I needed this peace.
25:14After settling down, I opened a seaside hotel.
25:17The hotel became popular, booked weeks in advance.
25:19I threw myself into work, almost forgetting Beckett.
25:22Until one day I saw a familiar figure.
25:25His gaze cut through the crowd as if I was his only focus.
25:27He stood there, frozen, as if he stopped breathing.
25:31I only glanced, then turned back to my work.
25:33He waited outside until evening, motionless.
25:35I knew I couldn't hide forever.
25:37When the crowd dispersed, I walked out to him.
25:40Follow me.
25:41Beckett's eyes lit up like fireworks.
25:43Why are you here?
25:44Sage, I'm so sorry.
25:45I was wrong.
25:46I broke off the engagement, cleared the rumors.
25:48I'm sorry.
25:48I watched him confess, feeling no satisfaction.
25:51He stood like a man before a judge, awaiting sentence.
25:54None of this concerns me anymore.
25:56Don't look for me again.
25:57He completely broke down, grief overwhelming him.
26:00Sage, I truly know I was wrong.
26:01Please forgive me.
26:02I love you.
26:03I swear.
26:03I can't live without you.
26:04Enough.
26:05No one is indispensable.
26:07We're over.
26:08Go back to your arranged marriage.
26:09Leave me alone.
26:10I didn't deny his love, but I couldn't forget his betrayal.
26:13Sage, no.
26:14I only want you.
26:15Let go.
26:15Beckett painfully released his grip.
26:17I walked away without looking back, avoiding him like the plague.
26:21That night, Beckett wandered the streets.
26:23He realized he had destroyed everything himself.
26:25I'll get you back, I swear.
26:27The next day, he came to check into the hotel.
26:29I told you, don't come looking for me again.
26:32I'm here to stay.
26:32This is a hotel, right?
26:33I couldn't kick him out, so I emotionlessly checked him in.
26:36For the next few days, Beckett didn't directly bother me, but I always felt a burning gaze.
26:41He didn't leave, acting like he lived here.
26:44After my clear rejection, why was he still pestering me?
26:48He once hated cooking.
26:50That night, he cooked.
26:51He set a bowl for me, as if I'd return.
26:54Sage, eat all your favorites.
26:56Tears mixed with food.
26:57He swallowed regret.
26:58That night, he lay on his side beside me, drifting into sleep with tangled thoughts.
27:03I'm smiling, my lips moving.
27:05He can hear no sound.
27:06Sage, what are you saying?
27:07I can't hear.
27:08Happy wedding.
27:09He woke, dreams terror clinging.
27:11I'm sorry, Sage.
27:12I was wrong.
27:12Don't leave.
27:13Please, see me.
27:14I can't take this.
27:14He clutched her pillow, exhausted.
27:16Fell asleep.
27:18Six months passed.
27:19I was gone, without a word.
27:21He used all resources to search.
27:22Found nothing.
27:23He worked day and night to fix the scandal.
27:26He never came home late, because I dread the dark.
27:28He drank every night, exhausted.
27:30Sent endless apologies, no reply.
27:32Every morning, only delivered, no reply.
27:35Friends tried to ease him.
27:36He just drank.
27:37I'm sorry, Sage.
27:38I love you.
27:38Come back.
27:39I can't live without you.
27:40I'll fix everything.
27:41They thought he was over me.
27:43I'd long since been woven into his soul.
27:45During a key meeting, his phone rang.
27:47Sir, we have a leave.
27:49Meeting adjourned.
27:50It's over now.
27:50In the photo, I'm smiling, looking happy.
27:53Relief and pain hit him instantly.
27:55Book the next flight now.
27:56Sir, a key client tonight.
27:58You go.
27:59Say I'm sick, dying.
28:00I don't care.
28:00He rushed to the airport, vowing to find me.
28:03New chase is about to begin.
28:04One night, I found no supplies.
28:06The store was far, but I refused a cab.
28:08I decided to walk home.
28:10On the way home, things got bad.
28:12Three drunk men surrounded me.
28:14Hey, beauty.
28:14Where are you going?
28:16Get lost.
28:16My stomach tightened, but my voice was firm.
28:19They laughed, closing in.
28:20Real panic hit me for the first time.
28:22Suddenly, someone shouted.
28:24Beckett took down one drunk.
28:25The others rushed him, but he was agile, fending them off.
28:28The drunk scattered.
28:30Sage, are you hurt?
28:31Did they touch you?
28:32I shook my head, pushing his hand away.
28:34Beckett finally exhaled.
28:36Under the light, I saw his bruise.
28:42I rolled my eyes and walked away.
28:44Beckett followed me into the hotel.
28:46He grabbed my wrist, stopping me.
28:48I haven't eaten dinner.
28:49I'm hungry.
28:50His voice was low, with a hint of grievance.
28:52I looked at him as if he were crazy.
28:54He stared at me, unyielding.
28:56I said nothing, walking into the apartment.
28:58Beckett's face lit up instantly.
29:00He sat, looking around the room.
29:02I walked straight to the kitchen.
29:04I let him in to end things.
29:05Send him back to LA.
29:06No more chasing.
29:07Half an hour later, I served noodles.
29:09I placed it on the table for him.
29:12Beckett understood immediately.
29:13He devoured the noodles.
29:15He chewed, hoping I'd return.
29:16But for me, it was a farewell meal.
29:19Finish the noodles, then go to LA.
29:20Staying here changes nothing.
29:22His hand froze for a moment.
29:24He pretended not to hear, eating fast.
29:26I frowned, about to repeat myself.
29:28The taste hasn't changed, same as before.
29:30He finished, taking the dishes to the kitchen.
29:33He washed them like an eager man.
29:34He walked to the door, hand on the knob.
29:37I-I'm leaving, thanks for the noodles.
29:39What did this farewell meal signify?
29:41After I closed the door, Beckett only walked a few steps before he stopped.
29:45He thought I'd accept his apology, but I gave him a blow heavier than anger.
29:49I told him straight, there's no us anymore.
29:51He couldn't accept it.
29:53Interrupting me repeatedly like a coward.
29:55As if by talking fast enough, he could erase my words about leaving.
29:59He didn't go back to LA for the next few days.
30:01I completely ignored him, even for a moment.
30:04Thinking he finally understood.
30:06As long as he didn't disturb my peace, I didn't care where he went.
30:09Before I could fully relax, Beckett reappeared.
30:12This time, he made sure everyone knew he was there.
30:15It was Valentine's Day, and the hotel was packed with couples.
30:18People gasped, rushing onto the sidewalk, gazing at the night sky.
30:21Oh my god, who is Sage?
30:23This is so romantic.
30:24I stepped out of the hotel and then understood what they were saying.
30:27The entire drone light show hovered above the beach.
30:30Every few seconds, it changed, showing hearts, my name, and declarations of love.
30:34I turned around and Beckett's gaze caught mine.
30:37He used to manipulate me with that look, but now, it had no effect on me.
30:41He walked over with the flowers, step by step, slow and deliberate.
30:45Happy Valentine's Day, Sage.
30:46I didn't even look at the flowers, just at him.
30:49Hello, I'm at the beach entrance.
30:51There's an unauthorized drone show on the coastline.
30:54Can someone come stop it?
30:55He looked at me as if all warmth was instantly drained from his chest.
30:59In less than five minutes, the drone started falling.
31:02He flinched as if each fall struck his ribs.
31:04I reached out and took the bouquet.
31:06I lowered my head and smelled the flowers.
31:08The scent was still strong.
31:10I smiled softly, then tossed the bouquet into the trash can.
31:13The past was beautiful, but the stupidest thing is trying to live there.
31:18A small sound, but it pierced his heart.
31:20Beckett stopped wasting time.
31:22No more anger, just numb pain.
31:24Sage, won't you forgive me?
31:25What must I do for a chance?
31:27I regret everything.
31:28Six months were hell.
31:29I can't lose you again, please.
31:31My expression didn't waver.
31:32His regret can't change the past.
31:34It's useless, Beckett.
31:35No future.
31:36There's nothing left between us.
31:38My words drained his strength.
31:40Helpless like facing an unbeatable foe.
31:42I turned.
31:43He couldn't stop me.
31:44A smart man would leave.
31:45He didn't.
31:46He began pursuing me openly.
31:48Boxes, supplies, small favors.
31:49Each time, he'd briefly falter.
31:52Then he'd straighten, as if nothing.
31:54Only he knew his inner crumbling.
31:55He feared that total collapse.
31:57He believed I was his only hope.
31:59He stopped asking.
32:00Too painful.
32:01He just followed, like a lost train.
32:03One day, he followed me to the beach.
32:05I stopped not to admire the view.
32:07Beckett stopped a few steps behind.
32:09He knew I was waiting for him.
32:11He tried not to hope, but it showed.
32:13Sage.
32:13Do you remember?
32:14We promised to see the sea together.
32:16He froze.
32:17Like college, when we first met.
32:19After graduation, a beach trip for us.
32:21I smiled and agreed.
32:23But the promise was buried by family.
32:25That pressure crushed without care.
32:27He made a new promise, Christmas Eve.
32:29What was he doing then?
32:30Choosing a wife.
32:31Arranged marriage, love was just a hobby.
32:33That pure vow hit him hard.
32:37The memory struck him like a knife.
32:39Beckett, you've been here two weeks.
32:41What do you want?
32:41Sage, I thought about everything when you left.
32:44I realized I can't let you go, Sage.
32:46Please, just one more chance to make amends.
32:49A chance?
32:49You've had your chances.
32:51I was broken until I had nothing left.
32:53Now there are no chances.
32:54Not for you.
32:55My words hit him like a heavy truck, completely overwhelming him.
32:59He tried to speak, but his body forgot how.
33:01We're done.
33:02I turned around and left, leaving him to face the end alone.
33:05He stood there, watching her disappear.
33:07He rushed to the front desk, his voice trembling.
33:10Where's your boss?
33:11The girl at the desk hesitated too long.
33:13Where did she go?
33:14She didn't say where.
33:15She said she had business and would be gone for a few days.
33:18He reeled back to his room, defeated.
33:20He stumbled back to his room.
33:22He sat on the bed, staring blankly ahead.
33:24She was gone, abandoning him again.
33:26Everything he relied on collapsed.
33:55Sasha's resolute departure forced Beckett to leave Hawaii.
33:58He returned to LA, only to sink into deeper despair.
34:01He sought a sliver of solace.
34:07That necklace became his only anchor
34:10Back in his mansion, Beckett isolated himself
34:12He lived in disarray, wasting away
34:14His only anchor was the memory of Sage
34:21He sought comfort in it
34:28Until a loud bank shattered the silence
34:30His father, Mr. Northcott, stormed in furiously
34:42Look at the state you're in
34:44How long will you wallow in this self-pity?
34:47You've dragged our family's name through the mud
34:49Beckett remained silent, numb to his father's accusations
34:52If Sage saw you now, she'd despise you even more
34:55She'd regret ever loving you
34:57These words cut Beckett to the core like a sharp blade
35:00You bear the family's responsibility
35:02Don't be spineless
35:03Mr. Northcott turned and left, leaving Beckett alone
35:06In the empty room, he faced an unprecedented blow
35:09He began to reflect on his future
35:11And the destiny of his family
35:15Long after I found out, he finally picked up the phone
35:17He called his assistant
35:19Since he left Los Angeles
35:20He hadn't checked once, so the call was very sudden
35:23When Logan answered, Beckett's voice was weak and hoarse
35:26Find out where Sage went
35:28I'm sending you her latest information
35:29He hung up and sent over the information he'd pieced together
35:33My new contact details, the new version of my identity
35:36He had been tracking, like a ghost hunter
35:38Logan was puzzled, but he acted quickly
35:40Flight information was found within hours
35:42As soon as Beckett got the information, all hesitation vanished
35:46He had only one thing on his mind
35:48To find her
35:49Don't let her escape again
35:50In fact, I wasn't running away at all
35:53I was just visiting a friend
35:54She had invited me for some time
35:56But the hotel's tourist season was busy
35:58And I couldn't get away
35:59When things finally slowed down, I came
36:02That's it
36:02I didn't report to Beckett
36:04Because he was no longer a part of my life
36:06He had no right to question my affairs anymore
36:09But Beckett was too sensitive now
36:10Silence sounded like abandonment
36:12When I saw him at the hotel entrance, I frowned
36:15Instantly annoyed
36:16Unreal, he was like a lingering stench
36:18He saw I wasn't alone and immediately realized
36:21I might just be here to play, not disappear
36:23A strong wave of relief washed over his face
36:26His knees seemed about to give out
36:28With others present, he dared not act rashly
36:30He just followed from a distance, quiet and tense
36:33As soon as I was alone, he couldn't hold back anymore
36:35He rushed forward in two steps, his eyes already red
36:38His hands desperately grabbed my shoulders
36:40He didn't even realize his own impropriety
36:43I thought you ran away again, he blurted out
36:45His voice trembling
36:46I thought you left me again, thank God, thank God
36:49His voice finally broke
36:50Because what exactly was he thanking God for?
36:53My not running away doesn't mean I forgave him
36:55He realized this, and despair immediately surged
36:58Tears spilled out, but he kept his head down
37:00As if ashamed for me to see how broken he was
37:03His words came out choked
37:05Sage, I... I can't live without you
37:07Please, please don't leave me, I beg you, babe
37:09He had no other options, so he chose what he thought might work
37:13Tears, panic, please, hoping to soften my heart
37:16He didn't know me
37:17I won't be soft on someone who hurt me
37:19I'm sorry, he choked, saying it over and over
37:22I'm sorry, Sage, please don't go, don't go
37:24It was the first time I'd seen him cry
37:26I was surprised for half a second, then it passed
37:29There's no rule in the world that says a few tears can buy forgiveness
37:33I forcibly pushed his hands away
37:35I've made myself clear, I said
37:37There's no us, don't ruin the only good we had
37:40Until only pain remains
37:41He stumbled back two steps, his face tight
37:44As if his heart was being torn apart
37:46Then he remembered the ring around his neck
37:48With trembling fingers, he pulled it off and pushed it towards me
37:51As if it were a lifeline, his voice incoherent
37:53Sage, do you remember this?
37:55You promised to stay
37:56You can't go back on it, can we go back and get married?
37:58Can we...
37:59I let out a sharp, mocking laugh
38:01Because his audacity was simply unreal
38:03My promise existed only because of him
38:05If he couldn't keep it, why should I be bound?
38:08Do you not hear how ridiculous you sound?
38:10Let's just let each other go
38:11Really, don't make me look back one day and only feel pain
38:15He didn't argue, he just cried silently
38:17Tears fell silently
38:19After that, I stayed there for a week
38:21Every day I would glimpse him nearby
38:22He didn't approach, nor did he speak
38:24He just watched, as if only his eyes could express
38:27I ignored him
38:29I figured he'd eventually get the message and leave
38:31The door closed, and the villa plunged into darkness again
38:34Beckett stood there, as if struck
38:36No one loves a man with no backbone
38:38He clung to that phrase, ignoring the obvious truth
38:41I would never love him again
38:43He told himself he couldn't rot like this anymore
38:45So the next day, he returned to the office
38:48Burying himself in work, as before
38:50As if working desperately could numb his mind
38:52On the very same day, Raina Ransom was downstairs
38:55After the farce of a public apology
38:57Her father had reprimanded her severely
39:00And locked her away for months
39:01When she finally got out
39:03She heard Beckett was no longer in LA
39:05Now he was back, and she drove straight to his building
39:07Raina had hated him for a long time
39:10Even though she once called it love
39:12The moment he forced her to get an abortion
39:14Hatred had taken root in her heart and never left
39:17She never forgot the emptiness that followed
39:19The numb body, the silent room
39:21Her heart felt scraped raw
39:22Even though the physical pain was gone with medication
39:25They had both agreed to the arrangement
39:27The baby was theirs together
39:29Lying to me was a team effort
39:31So why was I the only one punished?
39:33She refused to let him get away with it
39:35She sat in her car all day and night
39:37Her eyes glued to the entrance
39:38As if she could burn through the glass
39:40At 10 o'clock that night, Beckett finally emerged
39:43Walking straight to the parking garage
39:45The moment she saw him
39:46Her hands tightened on the steering wheel
39:48As his car pulled out, she started hers
39:51Slamming on the gas
39:52Then she rammed into him
39:53The impact was a brutal explosion
39:55Both cars were totaled
39:57People screamed, someone called 911
39:59The ambulance arrived quickly
40:01Raina only suffered fractures and bruises
40:03Painful but temporary
40:04Beckett was not so lucky
40:06His injuries were severe
40:07So much so that he stayed in the hospital for months
40:10Until he woke up
40:11When he opened his eyes gazing at
40:13The bright white ceiling
40:14His memories came back in fragments
40:16And the first thought he had wasn't relief
40:19But why didn't it kill me?
40:21Waking up meant facing a world without me
40:23To him, that was worse than death
40:24Maybe that was the point
40:26Maybe life wanted him awake
40:27To pay for everything he had done
40:29Mrs. Northcutt saw him open his eyes
40:31And immediately ran to find a doctor
40:33After examination, the doctor said
40:35There was no organ damage
40:37But his legs would be unstable at first
40:39He would limp during recovery
40:41Consistent rehab could prevent long-term complications
40:43Beckett had no reaction
40:45The thought of disability didn't scare him
40:47He didn't ask who hit him either
40:49Mrs. Northcutt told him anyway
40:51Raina did it because she hated him
40:53He ended her pregnancy
40:54She said Mr. Northcutt had insured
40:56Raina would be sentenced to life imprisonment
40:59Beckett didn't seem surprised
41:00If anything, he seemed to finally understand
41:03What karma felt like
41:04For the next few days he did rehab at the hospital
41:07Enduring the pain
41:08As if he deserved it
41:10One day he looked at the date
41:11Tomorrow was my birthday
41:13He immediately called Logan
41:14Book me a ticket to Universal Studios
41:16Logan tried to stop him
41:18Mr. Northcutt
41:19Your leg isn't ready for that
41:21Wait until you've recovered
41:23Now tomorrow's her birthday
41:24I promised her I'd be there every year
41:26I won't break my word again
41:28If you don't book the ticket, I will
41:29I'm going
41:30Don't tell my parents
41:33The next morning
41:34Beckett, despite his injuries
41:36Boarded a flight to Hawaii
41:38Logan followed behind him
41:39Worried and helpless
41:40Yet unable to stop him
41:42As soon as he landed
41:43Beckett rushed to the cake shop
41:44Logan offered to go
41:45But he insisted on buying it himself
41:47He felt it only counted if he carried it himself
41:50By the time everything was ready
41:52It was already afternoon
41:53He arrived at the hotel with the cake
41:55His face full of tension
41:56He asked the front desk
41:58The girl was startled and almost dropped something
42:00The boss went to the beach
42:02He immediately turned and left
42:03Only then did the girl notice he was limping
42:06On the beach he told Logan not to follow
42:08He wanted to face it alone
42:15He walked towards me
42:16His steps heavy
42:17Enduring the pain
42:18He knelt beside me
42:24Sage, happy birthday
42:25I told you I'd be with you for every birthday
42:32He opened the box and lit the candles
42:34With a hoarse clumsy voice he began to sing
42:37Happy birthday
42:38His gaze was so desperate as if trying to memorize my face
42:41I closed my eyes not believing in wishes
42:43Wishes are merely self-deceiving lies
42:46No, thank you, I've already eaten today
42:48His hand froze instantly understanding what I meant
42:51He fought back tears nodding forcefully
42:53Happy birthday
42:54May you be safe and happy and life treat you well
43:02This year let that promise end
43:04His body stiffened
43:05A tear rolled down his cheek
43:06Okay, looking back is there only pain left?
43:09No, there were good times too
43:11Hmm
43:11That one sentence would sustain him for the rest of his life
43:14Back in Los Angeles the doctor spoke of his leg injury
43:17It was permanent, unable to fully recover
43:20But Beckett had no regrets
43:21After that he never appeared before me again
43:24Occasionally I would feel watched
43:26Knowing he was watching me from afar
43:28This obsession would not easily fade
43:30It simply lay dormant, waiting
43:32Until the end of life
43:35It was a number I didn't recognize
43:37I should have ignored it but my finger still swiped
43:39The second the message opened
43:41I knew, Raina Ransom
43:42Beckett's arm was around her waist
43:44His head bent
43:45Looking at her with the same tender smile he once reserved for me
43:48The text below the picture left me breathless
43:50We're getting married
43:52Beckett thinks you're worthless
43:53Be smart, leave before you embarrass yourself
43:56My fingers tightened
43:58The phone creaking in my hand
43:59Worthless
44:00The fireworks were gone
44:02The cheers in the distance had faded
44:03The mountaintop was silent and dark
44:05My phone died in my hand as if it refused to witness anymore
44:09No light
44:10No signal
44:10Just the sliver of a moon
44:12A path
44:13And the kind of darkness that allowed imagination to turn on itself
44:16Snow began to fall
44:17Softly at first
44:18Then thicker
44:19A brutal truth quickly surfaced
44:21If I stayed they'd be cleaning up my remains by morning
44:24So I started walking
44:25The moment I stepped fully into the darkness fear crawled up my spine
44:29Slow and ugly
44:30Beckett knew I was afraid of the dark
44:32He used to tease me for it
44:33Then hold me close
44:35Yet tonight he left me here
44:36I walked and walked
44:38The cold air burning my lungs
44:39My hands stiff in my sleeves
44:41It was four hours before I made it to a road where cars passed
44:44I was pale
44:45My lips blew from the cold
44:47The house was dark
44:48Silent
44:48Beckett was with his fiancée
44:50I worked my mouth into a semblance of a smile as if I were joking
44:54As if my dignity wasn't shattered
44:55I was just the part of his life he kept in the shadows
44:58The next thing I knew I was being shaken awake
45:01I opened my eyes to Beckett's anxious face
45:03Sage you have a fever we're going to the ER now
45:05I was too hazy to argue
45:07He lifted me as if I weighed nothing
45:09My mind kept circling
45:10Why are you here?
45:12Aren't you supposed to be with her?
45:13By the time I was lucid enough to see past the windshield the sun had painted the road in bright
45:18light
45:18At the hospital he wouldn't let me walk
45:20He carried me straight into the emergency room
45:23He answered questions asking what to look out for
45:25What could be wrong?
45:27He looked like a man who was afraid to lose something
45:29As they gave me an IV the doctor smiled at me and said
45:32You have a good boyfriend
45:33You have a good boyfriend
45:35Hold on to him
45:36The words almost made me laugh
45:38Beckett leaned closer his scent filling my nostrils
45:41Good boyfriend?
45:42Fresh from his fiance's bed and he had the audacity to stand there
45:45The nurse swabbed my arm
45:47Beckett pulled my head to his chest stroking my shoulders
45:50Hey it's okay just a little pinch I'm here baby you're fine
45:53I wanted to tell him I wasn't afraid of needles
45:56I wanted to tell him it wasn't this pain that was destroying me
45:59But I didn't give him the satisfaction of a performance
46:02I just stayed still
46:03Letting him perform for the room
46:05He hovered
46:06Tucking me in asking if I was dizzy
46:08If I needed anything
46:09As if he could make up for abandoning me that night
46:11By playing the hero during the day
46:13I closed my eyes refusing to appease him
46:16Eventually exhaustion pulled me into a deep sleep
46:19When I woke up he was gone
46:21The IV bag was almost empty
46:22I pulled out the needle myself
46:24Pressed a hand to the spot
46:25And dragged my heavy head and weak body to the bathroom
46:28I told myself I just needed a minute
46:30A breath
46:31A space to keep my heart from shattering completely
46:34As I stepped out I saw them
46:36Beckett his hand on Raina's waist walking out of the OBGYN office
46:39As if she were a fragile treasure
46:41As if he'd done it a thousand times
46:43I rushed back into the bathroom but their voices drifted down the hall
46:47It's been two months you're a mom now you can't be reckless
46:50Then you'll have to watch me Beckett darling
46:52And the baby needs a daddy right?
46:54Of course the wedding's in less than two weeks
46:56Don't worry I don't want you and the baby to be tired
46:59Their footsteps faded
47:00I stood there stiffly tears hot and fast soaking my cheeks
47:04As if my body was leaking all the emotions I'd been suppressing
47:07They were having a baby
47:08Two months along maybe more
47:10How long would I have lived in this lie if I hadn't heard that conversation?
47:14Calling myself his wife while he was planning a real wedding with someone else
47:18I scrubbed at my face as if I could scrub the humiliation off my skin
47:22Something clinked against the sink
47:24I looked down
47:25A ring
Comments