Betrayed not once but twice, she rises from heartbreak stronger than ever. Determined to never be hurt again, she turns pain into power in this intense short drama of revenge, resilience, and emotional rebirth.
#shortdrama #revenge #betrayal #heartbreak #resilience #power #drama #emotional #comeback #strongfemale
#shortdrama #revenge #betrayal #heartbreak #resilience #power #drama #emotional #comeback #strongfemale
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Short filmTranscript
00:01I spent ten years chasing the woman who would burn me alive, my wife, all because she was
00:07afraid I'd expose what she'd done with my half-brother.
00:09As the flames consumed me, I saw a stranger rush into the fire.
00:13She pulled me into her arms.
00:14Her tears burned hotter than the flames on my skin.
00:18Ethan, if there's a next life, can you choose me first?
00:23My soul scattered, but I saw her before I died.
00:26This woman, Serena Vance.
00:28She built me a gravestone.
00:30My beloved husband.
00:31She destroyed Rose and Julian without mercy.
00:33Then she took her own life.
00:35When I opened my eyes again, I'd been reborn.
00:37I broke off my engagement to Rose Miller.
00:39I married Serena instead.
00:41Two years later, Rose was on her knees in front of me.
00:43She'd been reborn too, apparently, but I'd already sworn to love Serena in this life.
00:47So why was everything falling apart?
00:49Serena started going to clubs with Julian.
00:51My stomach ulcer flared up.
00:52I collapsed at home, alone.
00:54She was having dinner with my brother.
00:55When Julian ran over the stray dog we'd adopted together, she did nothing.
00:59I held the small body in my arms, shaking.
01:02Why?
01:02My voice cracked.
01:04Why are you doing this to me?
01:06Serena looked at me like I was pathetic.
01:08Do I need a reason to stop loving someone?
01:13I told Mrs. Vance I wanted a divorce.
01:18Please don't tell Serena yet.
01:19I begged.
01:20She squeezed my hand.
01:21I'm so sorry, Ethan.
01:23I took the divorce papers and went to offend Serena myself.
01:26I found her at a private club.
01:28Through the VIP booth window, Isaware wrapped around Julian.
01:32Her chin rested in the curve of his neck.
01:37Who let you in?
01:38I held out the papers.
01:39My arm stayed frozen in there.
01:41Five seconds.
01:41Ten.
01:42My shoulders started to ache.
01:43Finally, she pinched Julian's waist.
01:45Julian leaned into her like a cat, flipping through the papers lazily.
01:50What's this?
01:52What?
01:53Nothing.
01:54Serena, I think Ethan brought you some company talkments.
01:57You should sign them so he can leave.
01:58My blood went cold.
01:59You sign.
02:00I'm giving you full authority.
02:02Wait.
02:03Serena, don't you want to re-
02:04He speaks for me.
02:05What, afraid I'll go back on my word in front of all these people?
02:08She used to check every document.
02:09I gave a hair.
02:10Every single one.
02:11Now she trusted Julian more than me.
02:13Julian handed mythosine papers.
02:15I turned to leave.
02:15I hand-grabbed my arm.
02:17Hold on.
02:18What?
02:19She smiled.
02:20It didn't reach her eyes.
02:21Come home with us.
02:22I'm pregnant.
02:23Julian's moving in to help me through it.
02:25And Ethan?
02:26Make him that chicken soup he likes so much.
02:29Vile Rosen myth wrote.
02:30I won't do it.
02:31It's okay, Serena.
02:33Don't force him.
02:34Shut up.
02:35You'll do what I tell you to do.
02:37Now let's go.
02:38She didn't wait for an answer.
02:40She dragged me back to the villa.
02:49Serena dragged me straight to the kitchen.
02:52She watched me take out the chicken and Vigate Abel's.
02:55Fill the pot with water.
02:57Only when the flame was lit did she finally leave.
03:00I stared at the bubbling broth.
03:02This was pathetic.
03:04My dear brother, you must be so disappointed.
03:08Serena didn't even look at those divorce papers, right?
03:11The woman who used to love you so much, now her heart belongs completely to me.
03:17That's just how women are, I guess.
03:19He laughed.
03:19But wow, you're so obedient.
03:22You were about to leave, but she told you to make soup, and here you are.
03:27You're such a good little dog.
03:32Are you done?
03:33My voice was flat.
03:34Julian's smile vanished.
03:36His eyes landed on the pot of boiling soup.
03:38Before I could react, he grabbed the handle and swung it at me.
03:41The scalding liquid hit my face, my chest, my arms.
03:44Then Julian started screaming instead.
03:45Help!
03:46Help!
03:47The door burst open.
03:49Serena ran in.
03:52For just a second, when she saw me, something flickered Harry's concern.
03:56Serena!
03:57I tried to help Ethan carry the soup, but he tried to throw it on me!
04:01You're lying.
04:02Check the security camera.
04:04Check it.
04:05The camera will show everything!
04:06Enough!
04:07I believe Julian.
04:09You tried to hurt him and burn yourself instead.
04:11You deserve this.
04:12Serena, it hurts.
04:14Let's get you to the hospital.
04:15She didn't look at me again.
04:17A dull ache spread through my chest.
04:18What an idiot I was, thinking she might actually care about me.
04:22Ethan!
04:22Her heart only had room for Julian.
04:24As I fell, I thought I heard Serena running toward me.
04:26But I was probably imagining it.
04:29When I woke up, I was in a hospital room.
04:31My blood was draining into Julian's arm.
04:33I tried to pull out the IV.
04:36Serena grabbed my wrist.
04:39Don't even think about it.
04:41You're giving Julian your blood whether you like it or not.
04:43This is your fault.
04:45He fell because of you.
04:47Her eyes were cold.
04:48You should be grateful your worthless blood can save him.
04:51The room spun.
04:52My burn screamed.
04:53The needle in me.
04:54Arm kept sucking Medri.
04:55I passed out again.
04:57Before I lost consciousness, I heard Serena's angry voice.
05:00I told you to take 20 ML to scare him.
05:02Not 2,000 ML, you idiots.
05:05Do you want to kill him?
05:06When I woke up again, Serena was sitting by my bed.
05:08She tapped her fingers on the table.
05:10Her eyes were ice.
05:11Stop pretending to be dead.
05:12We're going to the old manor this afternoon.
05:15I don't know what kind of spell you put on my mother, but she's throwing you a networking party.
05:19How manipulative.
05:20I tried to speak, but my throat was too dry.
05:23So I was right.
05:24That worried voice I heard was nothing but my imagination.
05:27Why would Serena ever care?
05:28I was a fool to hope for even a second.
05:33My burn shed in Thielad yet.
05:34Serena didn't care.
05:36She brought me to Thamenor anyway.
05:38Mrs. Vance walked toward us.
05:40Panic shot through me.
05:41What if she mentioned the divorce?
05:43I was about to signal her when Serena's phone rang.
05:48Whatever it is, tell me when I get back.
05:50Mrs. Vance tried to stop her.
05:51I know who's calling.
05:52Let her go.
05:55She already signed the divorce papers.
05:57She's pregnant with Julian's child now.
06:00The baby needs a family.
06:02Ethan, you're such a good boy.
06:05We failed you.
06:06Mrs. Vance's eyes filled with tears.
06:09My composure shattered.
06:11I hadn't cried when Julian burned me.
06:13Hadn't cried when Serena forced metadonate blood.
06:16But Mrs. Vance's kindness broke me.
06:19Tonight, I wanted to introduce you to some people.
06:23It might help your future.
06:25I wanted to refuse.
06:27But seeing her tears, I couldn't.
06:29Mrs. Vance chose and suit for me.
06:32When the party began, she introduced me to her circle with pride.
06:35After an hour of networking, I escaped to a quiet corner.
06:39That's when I saw her.
06:40Rose Miller.
06:43My body went cold.
06:45Every kill screamed at Mederan.
06:47Even thought this wasn't the first time since my rebirth.
06:50Seeing Rose always brought back the memory of burning a live.
06:53Ethan, come with me.
06:54Rose, I've told you before.
06:56We're both reborn.
06:57Let's just leave each other alone.
06:59After my rebirth, the first thing I did was break our engagement.
07:02Rose hadn't been reborn yet.
07:04She agreed easily.
07:06But two years into my marriage with Serena, Rose showed up at my door on her knees, begging
07:10me to take her back.
07:12I refused.
07:13Told her I loved Serena.
07:15She didn't stop.
07:16Texts every day.
07:18Calls every night.
07:19Two years, Rose.
07:21I've rejected you for two years.
07:23How much clearer can I be?
07:26I don't want to know how sorry you are, so please, stop.
07:30Ethan, I swear, if you come with me just this once, I'll never bother you again.
07:36Fine.
07:39Ethan, I swear, if you come with me just this once, I'll never bother you again.
07:44Maybe it could finally be free of her.
07:46Fine.
07:47I followed her toward the door and walked straight into Serena.
07:50She was radiating fury.
07:51When she saw me standing next to Rose, something flashed in her eyes.
07:54Serena!
07:55I quickly pulled away from Rose.
07:57Where did you take Julia?
08:00My heart sank.
08:01I don't know where-
08:02The door slammed open.
08:04Julian burst in.
08:05Ethan, please!
08:06I'm still your brother!
08:09Even if I have a child with Serena, you didn't have to hire someone to rape me!
08:13The room exploded into whispers.
08:14I didn't.
08:15Serena walked toward me slowly.
08:17Her face was a mask of rage.
08:18You disgust me.
08:20Her hand rose to slap me.
08:22Rose tried to block her, but Mrs. Vance was faster.
08:25She stepped in front of me.
08:27Serena's eyes flickered with something dark.
08:29She said coldly,
08:31You make me sick.
08:32Before she left, she turned to the guests.
08:35If anyone speaks about tonight, you're an enemy of the Vance family.
08:42I don't remember getting home.
08:45I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
08:47My brain was empty.
08:49Tears ran down.
08:50My face.
08:51The bead room door flew open.
08:52Serena's hand closed around my throat.
08:54I couldn't breathe.
08:55You're that jealous?
08:56So jealous of me and Julian having a baby that you'd do this?
09:00If you want a baby so badly, I'll give you one.
09:03No.
09:03Hard.
09:04Blood ran down my chest.
09:06Soaking the sheets.
09:07Serena froze.
09:07For a moment, her voice softened with something that sounded like regret.
09:12Why didn't you resist?
09:15I'd received confirmation last night that everything was ready.
09:18All my accounts closed.
09:19My arrangements made.
09:20Knowing this was almost over, I suddenly needed to ask the question that had haunted me all
09:26this time.
09:27Serena, tell me.
09:28After you were reborn, why did you suddenly stop loving me?
09:35Serena froze.
09:36Pain flickered across her face before anger took over.
09:40Rebirth?
09:41What rebirth?
09:42I don't know what you're talking about!
09:44But you loved me before.
09:45You really did.
09:46Enough!
09:46You have no right to ask me that!
09:51Serena stormed out.
09:52The servants whispered that she'd gone into early labor from the anger.
09:55The baby weighs in intensive care now.
09:57I went to the staged death company and set ever geething for five days from now.
10:02Our wedding anniversary.
10:03I would die in her arms that day.
10:05My love began in her embrace.
10:07It wouldn't there too.
10:08When he got home, Julian was lounging in the living room with had some ugly look on his
10:13face.
10:13I went straight to my bedroom.
10:15I had nothing to say to him.
10:17But he followed Main, cradling the premature infant in his arms.
10:20The satisfaction in his eyes told me everything.
10:23Last night's scene had been another one of his performances.
10:26I ignored him and started packing.
10:29I'd leave tonight.
10:31Then Julian set the baby down next to me on the bed.
10:34Before I could react, he grabbed a pillow and pressed it over the infant's face.
10:38Are you out of your mind?
10:40My shouts brought Serena running.
10:42The fury in her face made everything click in topless.
10:45This washes plain all along.
10:47The sheer cruelty of it stunned me.
10:49Even wild animals protect their babies.
10:51My hands shook violently as I gripped the pillow.
10:54Julian!
10:54You're willing to kill your own child just to frame me?
10:57How dare you!
10:58That's a human life!
11:00Which hand did you use?
11:02Both of them?
11:03Julian was sobbing dramatically and calling for a doctor, which only fueled her anger more.
11:08Serena dragged me downstairs to the kitchen.
11:10She pulled it up and drawer after drawer with frightening determination.
11:13Serena, what are you doing?
11:16Serena, what are you doing?
11:18You hurt what's mine.
11:19Now you pay the price.
11:20The rolling pin came down hard.
11:22The crack of breaking bone echoed through the kitchen.
11:24Agony shot up my arm.
11:26I screamed.
11:27She didn't stop.
11:27She brought it down again when we were there.
11:29In her hand, another crack.
11:30Another wave of unbearable pain.
11:32The bones were broken.
11:34Twisted at unnatural angles.
11:35Serena, don't!
11:36Every slight movement sent fresh waves of agony through me.
11:39Serena stood over me, breathing hard.
11:41Now you can never leave me.
11:43The words sounded almost tender.
11:45Like she actually believed she was keeping me safe.
11:47But all I felt was the betrayal.
11:49The woman I'd chosen in this second life had just destroyed me more thoroughly than the woman who'd burned me
11:54in the first.
11:55When I woke up in the hospital, both my hands were in casts.
11:58I looked down at the heavy casts.
12:01The doctors said the brakes were severe.
12:03Multiple fractures.
12:04It would take months to heal.
12:06And it might never regain feluse of my hands.
12:08Something inside me shattered completely.
12:10Get out!
12:10I said get out!
12:12After a few days, my appointment with the stage death company arrived.
12:16I called Serena and asked her to meet me on the yacht.
12:19She sounded surprised that I decontacted her.
12:22But she came.
12:23Fireworks exploded across the night sky, reflecting off the dark ocean.
12:28Every anniversary, you used to bring me here to watch the fireworks.
12:31Today is our anniversary.
12:33It's okay that you forgot.
12:35Today, I wanted to...
12:39Julian's not doing well emotionally.
12:41I need to go take care of him.
12:42Are you sure you want to leave?
12:43It's fine.
12:44We have our whole lives ahead of us.
12:46Now it ain't.
12:47I thought.
12:48I watched her disappear into the night with nothing but bitter mockery in my heart.
12:53I'd wanted to end things in her arms, the same way this love had begun.
12:57But she couldn't even give me that.
13:05Miss Vance, your husband jumped in the ocean right after you left.
13:09We found his body.
13:10When can you come identify the remains?
13:12What are you talking about?
13:13Ethan wouldn't kill himself!
13:22Miss Vance, your husband jumped in the ocean right after you left.
13:26We found his body.
13:27When can you come identify the remains?
13:29What are you talking about?
13:30Ethan wouldn't kill himself!
13:32Serena, what happened?
13:32You're upsetting the baby!
13:37If something happened to Ethan, you and I are finished.
13:40Julian went pale.
13:41He'd never seen this side of her before.
13:43He watched, nervously, as she made a call after call.
13:46Her expression grew darker with each conversation.
13:48Dread pooled in his stomach.
13:50He held the baby tighter and tried to quietly slip away.
13:56Going somewhere?
13:57His heart nearly stopped.
13:58She grabbed his collar and jerked him backwards so.
14:01Heart has stumbled.
14:01The look in her, they terrified him.
14:03Pain shot through his abdomen, where she'd kicked him before.
14:06Serena, the baby can't breathe properly.
14:09We need to go to the hospital.
14:10But Serena didn't rush to help like she always did.
14:12She smiled.
14:13It was the most frightening smile he'd ever seen.
14:15Why would I care about that?
14:19Julian grabbed her hand and pressed it against the baby,
14:22desperate to trigger some maternal feeling.
14:24Serena, please. This is your child. We need a doctor.
14:28Are you absolutely certain this is my child?
14:30All the blood drained from Julian's face.
14:32Of course.
14:34Why else would you bring me into your home?
14:37You think I'm an idiot?
14:38Serena's laugh was humorless.
14:39You think I didn't know you switched my real baby with this one?
14:42You replaced my child with some bastard you had with another woman and expected me to raise it?
14:47What made you think you could fool me?
14:49I carried that baby for months.
14:50You think I wouldn't recognize my own child?
14:52His face was turning purple.
14:53If you knew, then why did you bring me home?
14:58Because you're Ethan's brother.
15:00If it weren't for him, you would have died the night you tried to drug me.
15:03Julian stared up at her from the floor.
15:05Understanding dawned through his fear.
15:07So you knew from the start?
15:08His voice cracked.
15:09You knew I was only seducing you to hurt my brother?
15:12Obviously.
15:12Serena's lip curled in disgust.
15:14You're not worth a single strand of Ethan's hair.
15:16If you hadn't manipulated me into coming home tonight, Ethan would be fine right now.
15:19She stepped closer.
15:20Pray nothing happened to him.
15:22Because if he's hurt, I'll make sure you experience every kind of pain imaginable before you die.
15:27Serena walked away without looking back.
15:29Julian lay on the floor, blood seeping through his shirt again.
15:32The pain was overwhelming.
15:34He fumbled for his phone with shaking hands and dialed the only person who might still help him.
15:40Rose, you have to save me.
15:44Rose had been searching frantically for me all day when Julian's call came through.
15:51Rose, you have to save me.
15:53Where is Ethan?
15:54You want to know?
15:56Come to the suburban villa and take me to the hospital first.
15:59Then I'll tell you.
16:00She arrived ten minutes later.
16:02Julian was crumpled on the floor, clutching his stomach.
16:04Blood seeped through his fingers.
16:06Take me to the hospital.
16:07Where is Ethan?
16:09You're all the same.
16:10None of you care if I live or die.
16:13Why should I tell you where that waste of space went?
16:18Tell me where he is.
16:20Now.
16:21Something in Julian's eyes turned manic.
16:23The pain, or the hatred, or both, finally broke something inside him.
16:27I regret it!
16:29He screamed.
16:30I regret choosing you in my past life, you witch.
16:34But you know what?
16:35You did do one thing right.
16:37Burning that useless brother of mine to death was perfect.
16:42Too bad in this life he died because of Serena instead.
16:45But either way, I win.
16:46I always win!
16:49But either way, I win.
16:50I always win!
16:52What did you do?
16:54What did you do to Ethan?
16:56It's your fault!
16:57Why did you suddenly abandon me to chase after that worthless Ethan?
17:00You loved me in the past life.
17:02I had to take everything from him again.
17:05I had to grind him into the dirt where he belongs.
17:07And Serena?
17:09She killed him for me, just like you did before.
17:11Men like Ethan exist to be stepped on!
17:14What happened to Ethan?
17:15Tell me!
17:16But Julian just laughed harder, the sound echoing off the walls.
17:18Rose's assistant called at that moment.
17:20Hello?
17:20She'd finally gotten information about my whereabouts.
17:23Rose dropped Julian and ran for her car.
17:28Rose.
17:30She drove like a demon toward the coastline.
17:33By the time she arrived at the dock, Serena was already there.
17:36A body lay on a stretcher.
17:38The rescue team had covered most of it, but Rose could see enough.
17:41The rocks had torn the corpse apart.
17:43The face was unrecognizable.
17:45This can't be him.
17:47This isn't Ethan.
17:48Tell me this isn't him.
17:50The rescue workers looked away.
17:52They couldn't meet her eyes.
17:53The night was eerily quiet.
17:55Serena fell to her knees beside the stretcher,
17:57her hands hovering over the body like she was afraid to touch it.
17:59Then she saw it.
18:01Around the corpse's neck was a silver chain.
18:03Hanging from it was a ring.
18:04Our wedding rings.
18:05The ones she'd personally designed and had made at a small silversmith shop.
18:09There was only one set in the entire world.
18:11Serena's world collapsed.
18:12Ethan, I'm sorry.
18:14Please don't do this to me.
18:17You're not dead, are you?
18:19You're just hiding.
18:21You're punishing me.
18:23But the ring told the truth.
18:24That mangled, unrecognizable body was mine.
18:27Serena carefully removed the ring from the chain and clutched it in her fist.
18:30Her whole body shook.
18:32Please.
18:33Please come back.
18:34I watched the video feed in my apartment in London.
18:37The rescue captain had sent it as proof that the staged death had worked.
18:42Seeing Serena's breakdown should have felt satisfying.
18:44Should have felt like justice.
18:46But all I felt was empty.
18:47In my past life, she loved me enough to die for me.
18:50In this life, she destroyed me for my brother.
18:53I thought choosing her would lead to happiness.
18:56I was wrong.
18:57I removed the SIM card from my phone and snapped it in half.
18:59Then I threw the phone into the ocean outside my window.
19:02Goodbye to my past.
19:03Goodbye to everything.
19:04But Rose found me anyway.
19:06It didn't take her long.
19:08A knock came at my door a week later.
19:11I looked through the peephole and my blood ran cold.
19:14Rose stood in the hallway, her eyes red and swollen.
19:16Ethan, please.
19:17I know you're in there.
19:18Can we just talk?
19:19I know you're not dead.
19:21I never told anyone.
19:23I just want to see you.
19:24Now that Serena thinks you're gone, can't you give me a chance?
19:27Can't you choose me?
19:28Rose, stop.
19:29It's over.
19:31Leave me alone.
19:32Just seeing her face brought back the memory of flames consuming my skin.
19:36The smell of my own flesh burning.
19:38The sound of her and Julian laughing as I died.
19:41Why?
19:42We were engaged once.
19:44You threw me away.
19:45Why can't you forgive me?
19:47We never had a real relationship in this life, Rose.
19:49Stop pretending we did.
19:51Through the peephole, I watched her crumple against the wall.
19:53I'd never seen Rose cry like this.
19:55Not in either lifetime.
19:56Maybe I owed her an explanation.
19:57Maybe it would finally make her leave me in peace.
19:59Rose, I need to tell you something.
20:02I had a dream once.
20:04In that dream, we were married.
20:07But you only married me to get close to Julian.
20:09In that dream, you and Julian were having an affair.
20:12You even tried to kill me by setting me up with another woman.
20:14I survived that.
20:15But then I discovered you and Julian together.
20:18I tried to record it as evidence.
20:19You caught me.
20:20And you burned me alive to destroy that recording.
20:23So I'm terrified of you, Rose.
20:24I'm scared of living through that nightmare again.
20:27Even though you haven't done those things in this life, I can't forget.
20:30I can't trust you.
20:31We need to let each other go.
20:34We need to let each other go.
20:36How could you dream something like that?
20:38That's impossible.
20:39It doesn't matter if it was real or not.
20:41You're not the one I should hate.
20:42I know that.
20:43But I can't be around you.
20:44Please understand.
20:47I'm so sorry, Ethan.
20:48I'm so sorry.
20:49I didn't hear her confession and closed my eyes.
20:52Outside, Rose kept talking to herself.
20:54Words I would never hear.
20:55It wasn't a dream.
20:56It was real.
20:57I did all those things to you.
20:59And when Serena burned me alive for it, I thought it was justice.
21:01I thought I deserved it.
21:03Then I woke up in the past.
21:04I got a second chance.
21:05But you'd already broken our engagement.
21:07You were already in love with Serena.
21:08So I worked with Julian.
21:10We sent her photos of you and me together.
21:12We made her think you still loved me.
21:13I wanted to break you two apart.
21:15I thought if she rejected you, you'd come back to me.
21:17I never thought she'd hurt you like this.
21:19I never thought.
21:20I'm sorry.
21:21I'm so sorry.
21:22But I heard none of it.
21:23I fell asleep.
21:24Right there by the door.
21:25Too exhausted to make it to bed.
21:27Rose eventually left.
21:29My life returned to quiet.
21:31Until I got a message from the rescue captain.
21:33Mr. Sterling, I'm sorry.
21:35Miss Vance threatened my family.
21:36She made me tell her everything.
21:37She forced me.
21:38I didn't need to read the rest.
21:40I looked out my window.
21:41Serena was standing on the street below.
21:43Staring up at my apartment.
21:44Even from this distance, I could see the devastation in her eyes.
21:50Serena stood on the street below, looking up at my building.
21:53Even from five floors up, I could see the grief carved into her face.
21:56Our eyes met through the glass.
21:58She didn't move.
21:59Didn't wave.
22:00Just stared at me with an expression that held so much sorrow.
22:02I almost looked away.
22:04My phone buzzed.
22:05An unknown number.
22:06I stared at the message for a long moment.
22:08Those digits were burned into my memory forever.
22:10Serena's number.
22:12I deleted the text and blocked her.
22:14Why won't she just let me go?
22:16I already died for her.
22:18What more does she want?
22:19But I couldn't stop myself from checking the window again.
22:21She was still there.
22:22The weather forecast said it would snow tonight.
22:24I tried to ignore her, made dinner, took my medication, attempted to read.
22:29When I looked out again two hours later, snow was falling.
22:32Serena hadn't moved.
22:33White flakes collected on her shoulders and hair.
22:37Damn it.
22:38She'd saved me in my past life.
22:40Rushed into the flames for a stranger.
22:42Avenged my death.
22:43And then followed me into the grave.
22:45I owed her something for that, didn't I?
22:47Even if she'd destroyed me in this life.
22:49I unblocked her number and stared at my phone.
22:52Typed and deleted half a dozen messages.
22:55Another text from her came through.
22:56It was the way she asked.
22:58The same soft pleading she used to use when we'd fight in the early days of our marriage.
23:01Back when she still loved me.
23:03I hated that it still worked.
23:04I hated myself more, for caring.
23:06Before I could change my mind, I texted back.
23:09Five minutes later, she was at my door.
23:13Serena stepped inside, bringing the winter cold with her.
23:16Tomorrow morning you're gone.
23:17I mean it.
23:22Sorry.
23:24I didn't mean to touch you without permission.
23:27Serena, why are you doing this?
23:28Just pretend I'm dead.
23:29Wouldn't that be easier for both of us?
23:31I can't.
23:34Please forgive me, Ethan.
23:37Please.
23:38Get up, Serena.
23:39This is pointless.
23:40It's not.
23:41I was only trying to make you jealous.
23:42I was insane with it.
23:44I saw those photos of you with Rose and I...
23:45So you tortured me?
23:46You broke both my hands because you were jealous?
23:48The baby isn't real.
23:49I was never pregnant.
23:50I just wanted to hurt you back.
23:52I wanted you to feel what I was feeling.
23:54And it worked.
23:56Congratulations.
23:57Ethan, I love you.
23:58I've always loved you.
24:00From the moment I met you at the orphanage when we were children...
24:03Stop.
24:03Just stop.
24:05You want to know the truth?
24:06I didn't marry you because I loved you, Serena.
24:11I didn't marry you because I loved you, Serena.
24:14I married you because I owed you a debt.
24:16In my past life, you died for me.
24:17A stranger.
24:18You built me a grave and destroyed yourself getting revenge for someone you'd never even met.
24:22So when I woke up in this life, I thought I could repay that kindness by choosing you first.
24:26I thought we could be happy.
24:27I really did try to love you.
24:29But you're not the same person who saved me.
24:31That Serena died in the fire trying to pull me out.
24:33Now, you're the one who broke me instead.
24:36No.
24:37That's not true.
24:39I am that person.
24:40I remember everything from before.
24:42Do you?
24:43That woman wouldn't have shattered my hands for a crime I didn't commit.
24:46That woman wouldn't have left me alone on our anniversary to comfort my brother.
24:49You're right.
24:50You're right about all of it.
24:51So please, let me go.
24:53Stop coming here.
24:54Stop calling.
24:54Let me have some peace.
24:55We tried this.
24:56It didn't work.
24:57Let's just let it end.
24:58The snow was falling harder outside, visible through the window behind Serena's shaking form.
25:03She looked up at me one last time.
25:04Her face destroyed by tears and regret.
25:07Then she stood on trembling legs and walked to the door.
25:10I'm sorry for everything.
25:12The door closed softly behind her.
25:14I stood alone in my apartment, listening to the silence, and wondered why doing the right
25:19thing felt so much like dying all over again.
25:23The news came a week later.
25:25Julian was dead.
25:26He'd bled out in the villa.
25:27By the time Rose finally called an ambulance, it was too late.
25:30I felt nothing when I heard.
25:32No satisfaction.
25:33No grief.
25:34Just emptiness.
25:36Rose never contacted me again after that night in the hallway.
25:38I realized then that she must have been reborn too.
25:42Everything made sense suddenly.
25:43Why she'd begged me to take her back.
25:45Why she knew I wasn't really dead.
25:47Why she found me so easily in London.
25:50Twenty years of marriage in our past life meant she knew everything about me.
25:54The cities I loved.
25:55Where I'd hide.
25:56How I thought.
25:57But it didn't matter anymore.
25:59None of it did.
26:00I still saw Serena sometimes.
26:02Spring came, and I'd spot her on a bench near my building.
26:05Leaves would fall on her shoulders while she sat smoking and staring up at my window.
26:10Winter returned, and she'd stand in the snow until her hair turned white with frost.
26:14Sometimes she'd text me.
26:16We're standing under the same snow.
26:17Does that count as growing old together?
26:19I never replied.
26:20Just watched from my window as she appeared and disappeared like a ghost, haunting the street below.
26:25One day in late autumn, I came home to find her sitting on the steps outside my building.
26:30She looked thinner.
26:31There were dark circles under her eyes that makeup couldn't hide.
26:35I'm not here to bother you.
26:36I just wanted you to know that I'm selling the company.
26:39Why?
26:40Because you were right.
26:41I'm not the person who saved you anymore.
26:43So I'm going to become her again.
26:45What are you talking about?
26:46I'm donating everything to charity.
26:47The money, the properties, all of it.
26:49I'm going to work at the orphanage where we first met.
26:51Maybe if I become the person you needed me to be, you'll...
26:54Never mind, it doesn't matter.
26:55Serena.
26:56She turned back, hope flaring in her eyes.
26:59Don't do this for me.
27:00Do it because it's who you want to be, not because you think it'll change my mind.
27:03I know.
27:04I know you'll never forgive me, but I need to forgive myself somehow.
27:07She left.
27:08I watched her go, and felt something twist in my chest.
27:14Months passed.
27:15A year.
27:16Then two.
27:17I heard through mutual acquaintances that Serena had kept her word.
27:21She'd given up everything, and was working with orphaned children now.
27:25Sometimes I'd get a photo from Mrs. Vance.
27:27Serena teaching kids to paint.
27:29Serena reading stories at bedtime.
27:31Serena looking peaceful in a way I'd never seen.
27:34She asks about you.
27:35Mrs. Vance told me once.
27:36But she never asks me to tell you anything.
27:39She just wants to know if you're happy.
27:41Am I?
27:42I hope someday you will be, sweetheart.
27:45Five years after my staged death, I visited the cemetery.
27:48There was a grave with my name on it.
27:49The headstone read,
27:51Beloved Husband, just like in my past life.
27:54Fresh flowers sat in front of it.
27:56Someone had been here recently.
27:57I knelt down and traced my fingers over the carved letters.
28:00I don't know if you can hear me,
28:02but I wanted to say thank you for saving me in that other life,
28:06for loving someone you'd never met.
28:08I'm sorry I couldn't be what you needed in this one.
28:11I stood to leave and saw her.
28:13Serena stood at the cemetery gates watching me.
28:15She looked older now, calmer.
28:17There was gray in her hair that she hadn't bothered to die.
28:20Our eyes met across the distance.
28:21She raised her hand in a small wave,
28:23not approaching, not asking for anything,
28:25just acknowledging that we were both here,
28:27both alive,
28:28both somehow still tied to this grave between us.
28:31I nodded back.
28:32Then I turned and walked away.
28:34Behind me,
28:35I heard her footsteps going in the opposite direction.
28:38This was our ending,
28:39not together,
28:40not enemies,
28:41just two people who'd loved each other badly in all the wrong ways.
28:45Maybe in another life,
28:46we'd get it right.
28:47But for now,
28:48this distance between us was the kindest thing we could offer each other.
28:52I never saw Serena again after that day,
28:54and somehow,
28:56that felt like the closest thing to peace either of us would ever find.
28:59I've had a good time for this.
29:00I cannot think of this.
29:00We'll see you then.
29:02Thanks.
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