- 2 days ago
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00:20Lawrence, I have something to tell you.
00:45Something important.
00:47What's more important than what I want to do now?
00:50I...
00:53Got any news?
00:54Yes, we found her.
00:56Where is she?
00:57Are you sure it's her?
00:58It's confirmed.
01:00I've sent the material to your email.
01:02I'm on my way.
01:06Who is she?
01:07Where are you going?
01:08Our deal is over.
01:10Fill in any amount on the check on the table, and move out by tomorrow.
01:14You think I'm only after your money, so we are only bound by the contract, huh?
01:19Fine.
01:23I don't want your money.
01:24I'm pregnant, and it's yours.
01:28You know the agreement.
01:30Take your medication on time.
01:32Don't worry.
01:34I won't disturb your wedding.
01:39Why do you feel heartbroken?
01:53Is it you?
01:58Mrs. Veronica, if you don't pay the hospital fees, we'll have to discharge your mother.
02:02I know.
02:03I get it.
02:04I'll get the money soon.
02:10Dad.
02:12About my mom's medical expense.
02:16Those seem like my shoes.
02:19Mr. Roy, you're right.
02:21It's my daughter who saved you.
02:23This is my daughter.
02:31Listen, we have guests now.
02:32If you still want money, keep your mouth shut and go back to your room.
02:39Who's that?
02:40She sounds familiar.
02:42Sorry, Mr. Roy.
02:43It's just a servant's child.
02:45Let's continue.
02:46Miss, are these shoes yours?
02:47Yes, Mr. Roy.
02:49I'm Elena.
02:50These are the shoes I lost when I saved you.
02:52Did you get hurt when you saved me?
02:56I remember that on your call of a tone, there's a...
02:59Oh, right.
03:00There's a birthmark on her call of a tone.
03:02Yes, but you're not asking to see it now, right?
03:05I won't be so rude.
03:06Thank you for saving my life.
03:08Please tell me what do you want.
03:10I'll make it happen.
03:11You're too nice.
03:12I don't really need anything.
03:13Please, give me a chance to thank you properly.
03:17Then...
03:19Marry me.
03:20That figure seemed familiar.
03:28Aren't those shoes the ones I lost five years ago?
03:32We found some old stuff in the storage room.
03:34Who cares whose they are?
03:35Anyway, let me tell you some good news.
03:37Your sister is getting married soon.
03:40That's right.
03:40My dear sister, be my bridesmaid.
03:43Congratulations, Elena.
03:45Oh, sister, are you back this time?
03:47To J-Money for your mom's trialed?
03:50Don't feel embarrassed.
03:52Here.
03:53Take it.
03:57I'm throwing an engagement party here tonight.
04:00Dance for us.
04:01And the money is yours.
04:03All right.
04:03What time is it?
04:05Eight sharp.
04:06Oh, besides, my fiancé will be here.
04:09Looking forward to it.
04:10She doesn't know who Lawrence is, right?
04:14It doesn't matter.
04:16I have the shoes.
04:20He'll believe me.
04:28I heard Elena's sister is performing tonight.
04:32Exotic dancer.
04:37Veronica, come and meet my fiancé.
04:41This is my fiancé, Mr. Lawrence Roy.
04:48Darling, this is tonight's surprise.
04:51Veronica.
04:53It's a pleasure to meet you.
04:56A pleasure to meet you?
04:58I've heard so much about you.
05:02Mr. Roy.
05:05Wait.
05:06These shoes are filthy.
05:08They'll ruin my father's marble floor.
05:10Without the ballet shoes, I can't dance.
05:12True artists don't need fancy tools.
05:22Think about your mother's medical fee.
05:25Dance or piss off.
05:28Fine.
05:29Stop wasting time.
05:31Dance.
05:51Enough, Veronica.
05:56I said enough.
05:58Are you trying to ruin my banquet?
06:02Why bother?
06:28Why are you dancing ballet here?
06:30I'm a ballet dancer.
06:31I only dance ballet.
06:34Don't work here.
06:35From now on, you'll dance only for me.
06:39How silly of me.
06:42To think he would do the same.
06:51What are you doing here?
06:54You've ruined my engagement party!
06:57I danced.
06:59Give me the money.
07:00Money?
07:01After you ruined everything and totally embarrassed me?
07:05Your mom should have died long ago.
07:07You two deserve to go to hell.
07:22Mom, I'm sorry.
07:24I fucked up again.
07:26And I didn't get the money.
07:28Mom, I'm pregnant with Lawrence's baby.
07:33I don't want to have anything to do with him.
07:36And he's intending to hold me accountable for a breach.
07:39I can't drag this baby into our mess.
07:42When I finish everything here, I'll get you transferred.
07:46Let's find a place where no one knows us.
07:59Find her.
08:00She's not going anywhere without my permission.
08:10Are you sure you want an abortion?
08:15Yes.
08:16A family member needs to sign.
08:21I'll sign it.
08:34Get out.
08:39Why are you here?
08:47I own this hospital.
08:51Move.
08:52Listen, without my permission.
08:56Don't even think about getting rid of it.
08:59Why?
08:59You're going to get married.
09:01This is my child.
09:03And you...
09:04must deliver it.
09:09Before that, you're not allowed to go anywhere.
09:13You have no right to...
09:15From now on, you're my personal assistant.
09:1824-7.
09:19What did you say?
09:21Don't forget.
09:23You still owe me a penalty fee.
09:26Lee will send you the address.
09:288 tomorrow morning.
09:29Meet me at the office.
09:33This is what he called a personal assistant?
09:36There's nothing I can do.
09:42Postpone this afternoon's meeting to 4 a.m.
09:44Re-revise the merger and acquisition document.
09:46Yes, sir.
09:51Sir, here's the background information you requested.
09:54Inform the security team that Elena will be there tomorrow.
10:00Coffee.
10:05Too sweet.
10:06Do it again.
10:07I didn't put sugar in it.
10:14Don't move.
10:15Let go.
10:17Are you doing this on purpose?
10:21You think I'd throw myself into the arms of a man who's about to get married?
10:52Sir.
10:56Miss Elena is coming this way.
11:07Don't let her see me.
11:22Don't let her see me.
11:27Please.
11:29You don't want anyone to see us together?
11:32Are you insane?
11:34Your fiancé is outside the door right now.
11:36So?
11:44Miss Elena, Mr. Lawrence is...
11:45He's busy. Please wait.
11:49So you don't want her to find out that her fiancé is having an affair with another woman, right?
11:54An affair?
11:59Remember, you're pregnant with my child first.
12:08Busy? I have to wait to meet him?
12:10I'll go in and talk to him myself.
12:11Open the door!
12:17Darling, do you miss me?
12:20What brings you here?
12:22I'm here to see you. Secretary Lee said you were busy. What's keeping you occupied?
12:26Schedule is a bit tight recently.
12:27You'll keep me company at the charity gala tomorrow, right? I don't want to face those annoying things socialers on
12:33my own.
12:33Sure.
12:35That's more like it.
12:37Oh, can I use your lounge?
12:40Why?
12:41I've been shopping the whole afternoon. I'm exhausted.
12:44I want to rest on your bed before I leave.
12:48No problem.
12:51What's that sound?
13:06Miss Elena!
13:08Mr. Lawrence prepared a gift for you. It's in the car downstairs. Would you like to take a look?
13:14A gift? What gift?
13:16It's the limited edition you pecked the last time necklace. Mr. Lawrence ordered it from Paris.
13:20You're such a sweetheart. Show it to me.
13:33Why didn't you want her to find you?
13:36If I tell you, can you advance me six-month salary?
13:40Are you qualified to negotiate with me?
13:42I said, can you?
13:44What leverage do you have?
13:46Never mind.
13:49Tell me.
13:50Fine. Starting tomorrow, you're fired.
13:53Don't forget that you still owe me the penalty fee.
13:56If you don't come to work, just wait to pay back the money.
14:00You-
14:00I'm giving you three seconds.
14:02One.
14:03Two.
14:04She's my sister.
14:06What did you say?
14:08Elena is my sister.
14:12Five years ago, your daughter saved my life at West Horry Tunnel.
14:16You're from the Crower family?
14:24So, you're George Crowdy's daughter?
14:27What does it have to do with you?
14:33Can you give it to me?
14:34The money?
14:34Why do you need money?
14:36Find a father for my child.
14:38He deserves a dad.
14:42There's no need to upset me.
14:44After you give birth to the kid, you'll get your payment.
14:48What if I want it now?
14:49Then prove yourself.
14:52Finish this today, and I'll pay you.
14:56Deal.
15:07Miss Veronica, here's your drink.
15:09No, thanks.
15:10Mr. Roy, he doesn't mean it that way.
15:13He's just-
15:14You don't need to speak for him.
15:15I know perfectly well what he thinks of me.
15:18Miss Veronica.
15:19It's done.
15:20Remind your boss to keep his promise.
15:26Sir.
15:27Miss Veronica has finished her cinch.
15:29Well, transfer the money to her.
15:31Sir.
15:32Miss Veronica is also Mr. Crowett's daughter.
15:35Could she be the one who saved you five years ago?
15:38Those shoes belong to Elena.
15:41Wait.
15:42Make an appointment with Elena.
15:44Tell her to wear the dress from five years ago.
15:48Darling.
15:49Thank you for making time to choose my wedding dress.
15:52Why didn't you wear that dress?
15:54It's been five years.
15:56There's no way I'm still keeping it.
15:58But as I recall, you didn't wear a dress then.
16:00You seem to have a lot of secrets.
16:02I don't remember.
16:04What secrets could I possibly have?
16:07Haven't you investigated everything?
16:09If that's true, I wouldn't have just figured out that Veronica is your sister.
16:13Well, I don't think that's relevant.
16:15She's not important.
16:17Elena.
16:18I hope you didn't hide anything from me.
16:44It'd be ideal to choose the wedding dress with family.
16:48so i invited your sister you wouldn't mind right
16:54let me try this one first
17:00why don't you pick a bridesmaid dress instead of standing here sister
17:18what are you doing do you want a wedding dress too have you found anyone with the money
17:23have you lost your mind elena is still here
17:30answer me let go is there anything i can do that can help you
17:42i i'm gonna try this
17:57you how can you get in here leave
18:02do you think you can escape from me
18:07i've never noticed that you have a birthmark here
18:10you never cared about these details
18:16stop stop it darling where are you
18:24everyone listen this whole thing is a mistake
18:27i'm the harman bride
18:29the day before the wedding i just found out that my fiance is already married
18:33not the past
18:35but now the bride is his closest friend
18:37i didn't cry nor did i make a scene
18:40i just suddenly wonder if marriage can be a joke
18:42then what were these six years of mine
18:44i photographed it and texted him
18:45explain this
18:46i figured it was some kind of prank
18:48then his friend's voice message came through
18:5060 seconds
18:53hey i'm so sorry we were at a bar last night had a stupid idea got a little drunk and
18:57just went and did it
18:59don't worry once the 30 day waiting period is up we're filing for divorce immediately
19:02we'll get him right back to you
19:04i was quiet for two seconds then i blocked her
19:07three hours later ethan came home
19:08i was already at the bottom of the stairs luggage in tow
19:11he glanced at the certificates sitting on the coffee table and pressed two fingers to his temple
19:17it's not a big deal
19:18she was just messing around you're really gonna hold this over everyone
19:21you've been waiting for this wedding for six years
19:24you can't wait one more month
19:25i smiled
19:26i didn't deny it
19:27no
19:28i can't
19:29ethan blinked
19:30he stepped in front of me on instinct
19:33mia stop don't do this
19:35the invitations are already out
19:37if you leave now what are our families supposed to do
19:40i moved his hand aside and kept walking
19:43his voice finally went cold
19:44you're gonna throw away six years over something this small
19:46i stopped
19:47i turned around
19:48six years
19:50ethan
19:51when you signed that certificate with her
19:53did you think about those six years at all
19:55he had nothing
19:56he forced out something useless
19:59the bar was loud
20:00the guys kept pouring drinks
20:02she took a lot of them for me
20:03she was pretty out of it herself
20:04everyone was egging us on
20:06i wasn't thinking straight
20:07they basically dragged us there
20:11it was a joke
20:13we'll fix it
20:14i looked at his unbothered face
20:15and didn't even have the energy to argue
20:18a joke
20:18if marriage could be a joke
20:20what in this world was actually serious
20:21i turned away
20:22his phone rang
20:25he looked at it
20:26it's cassie
20:27she knows she's screwed up
20:28she wants to apologize to you
20:30i ignored him and opened the door
20:32cassie was already standing outside
20:34keys dangling from one hand
20:38you're actually leaving
20:40i wheeled my suitcase around her
20:41cassie clicked her tongue
20:42and grabbed the handle
20:43really
20:43i said i'd apologize
20:45isn't that enough
20:46i'm the one who talked him into it
20:48i'm the one who kept pouring
20:49if you're mad
20:50be mad at me
20:51don't take it out on ethan
20:53cassie
20:53be respectful
20:54give her the bag
20:56cassie didn't give it back
20:57she pulled it further behind her
21:03if i do
21:04who's he gonna swap rings with tomorrow
21:06air
21:09look
21:09unlike you
21:10i don't spend my whole life
21:12orbiting some guy with zero career of my own
21:14but even i know
21:15a guy like ethan
21:17the dinners
21:18the schmoothing
21:18the situational flirtation
21:20that's just business
21:23we grew up together
21:24i helped him fight his battles
21:26you weren't even the picture back then
21:28getting all dramatic over one little joke
21:30can't you act like a grown-up
21:33since you're so mature
21:34and so concerned about him
21:37then you go
21:38tomorrow
21:39to the wedding
21:42you be the main event
21:43that certificate becomes the real thing
21:50i pulled my suitcase back
21:53cassie's expression cracked
21:54her chest rose and fell twice
21:56then she smirked
21:58fine
21:59she dug into her bag
22:00pulled out her copy of the certificate
22:03this little thing bothers you that much
22:05then i'll just tear it up
22:08consider it my apology
22:10the certificate split straight down the middle
22:13cassie dropped both halves on the floor
22:15done
22:16happy now
22:17if you can't take a joke
22:19you can't take a joke
22:20this is so boring
22:21ethan's expression went dark
22:22cassie
22:24what are you doing
22:26fixing your problem
22:28certificate's gone
22:29she can calm down now right
22:31she turned to me
22:32satisfied
22:33then she shot me a look
22:35eyes already going red
22:37and ran
22:39then i looked at ethan
22:43that's her apology
22:44he watched the spot where she disappeared
22:46rubbed his forehead
22:47irritated
22:47she's impulsive
22:48she was trying to let you vent
22:49let me vent
22:51i nearly laughed
22:53she tore up the marriage certificate
22:56before you two can file for divorce
22:57you'll have to go replace it
22:59ethan
23:00she wasn't letting me vent
23:02she was rubbing salt in the wound on purpose
23:04she didn't think that far
23:05right
23:06she didn't have to
23:07because in the end
23:08it's not her problem
23:09i stopped looking at him
23:11grabbed my suitcase
23:12turned around
23:14the driver helped load it into the trunk
23:19ethan caught up
23:20pressed his hand against the door before it closed
23:22he leaned down to look at me
23:24mia
23:25go to your parents place
23:26cool off
23:27think about whether you're being unreasonable
23:29but tomorrow
23:30every guest and every reporter will be there
23:33you know how to show up as a proper bride
23:35our family's reputations are not yours to throw around
23:38i slowly lifted my head
23:40there it was again
23:41our family's reputations
23:43six years
23:44every time cassie crossed a line in the name of best friends
23:48because he was sure i couldn't leave
23:50not emotionally
23:51not financially
23:52he never once thought about putting distance between himself and cassie
23:55i did believe nothing physical had happened between them
23:58i spent six happy months planning a wedding
24:00and then
24:01a marriage certificate
24:02a bar
24:03her name on it next to his
24:05first it was all the small things
24:06now she'd even slipped herself into the legal definition of his spouse
24:10as a joke
24:11our family's reputations
24:13i repeated it softly
24:14you keep them
24:16that's your job
24:17the wedding
24:18i'm not coming
24:19as for the bride
24:22i pulled the door shut
24:25marry whoever you want
24:27the car pulled out
24:29miss
24:29where to
24:30the airport
24:31my phone vibrated the whole way there
24:33ethan
24:34my mom
24:35his mom
24:35mutual friends
24:36i declined every call
24:38turned it off
24:39for the first time
24:41i was not being good
24:43and i felt something i hadn't felt in years
24:46light
24:46but just when i thought i was free
24:48that lightness shattered the moment we pulled up to the terminal
24:51my parents were there
24:52my brother jamie
24:53and the family's adopted daughter sierra
24:55jamie grabbed my suitcase handle
24:57mia what is wrong with you
24:58if you leave what happens to us
25:00the comp is on on life support waiting for the harman group investment
25:03my mom took advantage of the distraction and snatched my purse
25:06sweetheart i heard everything
25:07just wait for them to divorce in a month
25:09and it's like it never happened
25:10stop causing a scene
25:12sierra drifted over
25:13sis
25:15i know you're hurting
25:17but
25:17we're family
25:20can't you think of us just this once
25:22just this once
25:23was that really what it was
25:24at 18
25:24i signed over grandpa's shares to her
25:26at 21
25:27when she had her eye on someone
25:28i stepped aside from the engagement
25:30grandpa had arranged for me
25:31an old money family
25:32the yates
25:33at 22
25:33i drank until i was hospitalized
25:35to smooth over a business dinner for the family
25:37at 25
25:38i took the fall for jamie's embezzlement
25:39to protect the heir's clean record
25:41every single time
25:42written off as family
25:43and it is what you do
25:44since the day i was brought into this so-called home
25:46had anyone ever thought about me
25:48my parents warmth and favoritism
25:49had always flowed straight to sierra
25:51the good daughter
25:52the one they'd raised from childhood
25:53jamie had been carried his whole life
25:55he was a leech
25:55and he knew it
25:56if it hadn't been for ethan walking into my world like a light through a window
25:59i wouldn't have lasted this long
26:00he saw through my silence
26:02understood the things i couldn't say
26:03with him there
26:04sierra's digs
26:05and my parents favoritism had stayed in check
26:06i fell in love with him
26:07depended on him
26:08i held on like he was a life raft
26:09i pushed so hard for him to marry me sooner
26:11convinced myself that once i had my own home
26:13i could finally leave this suffocating place behind
26:16for that
26:16i told myself cassie's boundary crossing was something i could tolerate
26:19but now
26:20even that last stupid hope was gone
26:22give me my bag
26:23i held out my hand to my mother
26:24come home first
26:26we'll talk when you've settled down
26:28jamie groaned and stamped his foot
26:29mia i'm begging you
26:30just get through this one thing
26:33once the funding comes in
26:34after that
26:35you can do whatever you want
26:36i looked at this brother
26:37who'd been pampered his whole life
26:38how much money would it take to save this family
26:41so it doesn't have to sell off another daughter
26:43jamie flinched
26:44he gave me a number
26:44it was staggering
26:46pulled out my phone
26:47found an unsaved number
26:48pressed call
26:49it rang five times before someone picked up
26:51three million in cash as a wedding gift
26:53if you agree
26:54we get married tomorrow
26:56three million in cash as a wedding gift
26:59if you agree
27:00we get married tomorrow
27:02the breath on the other end paused
27:04agreed
27:04okay
27:07three million
27:08it'll hit the account
27:09jamie stared at me
27:10mia
27:10are you serious
27:12my parents faces went from desperate to flooded with relief
27:14my mom moved to grab my hand
27:16sweetheart
27:17you can't just talk money with ethan over the phone like that
27:20it damages things
27:22sis-in-law will think less of you
27:24people will call you a gold digger
27:27all right
27:27all right
27:29the amount doesn't matter
27:30what matters is that it's settled
27:32the original agreement with the harmons was five hundred thousand up front
27:35this time he's offering three million
27:37it means he values mia
27:40mia
27:42i don't want to hear you say selling daughters again
27:46embarrassing
27:46you and sierra are both our girls
27:48we love you the same
27:51you and sierra are both our girls
27:53we love you the same
27:55if it's the same
27:55why didn't you offer sierra for this one
27:57the yates are older money than the harmons
27:59stronger by a mile
28:00sierra went white
28:01the yates were more prominent
28:02and because of it
28:03stricter about bloodline
28:05when they'd come to discuss the engagement
28:07they'd looked at me the whole time
28:09sierra hadn't even been formally introduced at that meeting
28:12the yates hadn't wanted her
28:13everyone in that room knew it
28:16why bring up old history
28:17then we won't
28:18the money's coming
28:19problem solved
28:21let's go home
28:22you want me walking down the aisle tomorrow don't you
28:23i left without waiting for an answer
28:28back in the car
28:29my phone buzzed once
28:30but at this hour
28:31there was only one person it could be
28:32a location pin
28:34then a second message
28:35tomorrow
28:36i'm looking forward to seeing you in a white dress
28:39back at the house
28:40the air was thick
28:41i went straight upstairs
28:42the harmons side had already been told
28:44the bride has returned
28:46wedding is on
28:47satisfied presumably
28:48the crisis was over
28:50the ceremony would proceed
28:51that was enough
28:53whether or not the bride was willing
28:55no one thought to ask
28:56the next morning
28:57the house had none of the warmth
28:59the wedding day should carry
29:00no bustle
29:01no joy
29:02just a cold and indifferent quiet
29:04my parents only changed into appropriate clothes
29:06when the housekeeper reminded them
29:08ethan's motorcade arrived on time
29:10his suit was immaculate
29:11his expression composed
29:13the groomsmen surrounded him
29:15the energy among them was easy and warm
29:17but no one from the bride's side came to block the door
29:20they were just awkwardly ushered in
29:22my mom held a practice smile
29:24jamie looked like he hadn't slept
29:27ethan scanned the room
29:28no family friends
29:29no laughter
29:31where is she?
29:33still getting ready?
29:34oh
29:34probably still upstairs doing her makeup
29:36go check
29:37is she ready?
29:41relax
29:41a bride's supposed to make you wait
29:43ethan's brow stayed locked
29:45he pulled out his phone
29:46and opened mia's messages
29:47a red exclamation point
29:49his fingers went still
29:51she still has you blocked?
29:53the ceremony's about to start
29:54a cold unease expanded in his chest
29:58ma'am
29:59the young miss isn't in her room
30:01we checked everywhere
30:02she's gone
30:02what?
30:05by the time they pulled the security footage
30:07they found she'd left hours ago
30:08ethan's chest went airless
30:10he told her to come back
30:12she'd still pulled this
30:13ethan
30:14look at the group chat
30:16someone posted a video
30:17wait
30:17isn't that mia?
30:19ethan grabbed the phone
30:21the video was from the same
30:23seven star hotel
30:23where their ceremony was booked
30:25a woman was led
30:26toward the bridal suite
30:27by a staff member
30:32see?
30:33i told you
30:34she just wanted a dramatic entrance
30:36she's there
30:36that's what counts
30:37this girl
30:38couldn't say a word
30:40gave us all a scare
30:41let's get to the hotel
30:42don't miss the timing
30:44the motorcade reached the hotel
30:46ethan exchanged brief greetings
30:47with arriving guests
30:48what a wonderful night
30:49it's a beautiful party
30:50i'm so glad you could make it
30:51thank you
30:52i need to go to the restroom
30:53excuse me
30:53the efficient was ready
30:54he turned and headed for the bridal suite
30:56he stopped at the flower decorated door
30:58knocked
30:59me it's time
31:00are you ready?
31:02silence
31:03his expression tightened
31:04he turned the handle
31:10the room was bright and empty
31:11and then the thing that turned his blood to ice
31:13cassie was standing in the middle of the room
31:15ethan
31:16you can't just come in
31:18what are you doing in here?
31:20where's mia?
31:21his temper surged hard
31:23why are you yelling at me?
31:25the ceremony was about to start
31:26and she wasn't out yet
31:27i came to check if she needed help
31:29she wasn't here
31:30the dress was just hanging there
31:33i just
31:34it's so beautiful
31:35i couldn't help it
31:36i tried it on
31:39the vein in his temple jumped
31:41take it off
31:43now
31:43if mia sees this
31:44cassie's lip pressed together
31:46then someone knocked
31:46mr. harman
31:48the ceremony start time has passed
31:49the officiator's asking if the bride is ready to enter
31:53also mr. harman
31:54the ballroom next door has just begun an unscheduled ceremony
31:57the timeline is quite tight on their end
31:59if your side is unable to start just yet
32:02would you consider briefly yielding the corridor?
32:04we'd hate to disrupt the other event
32:06it's a yates-carter wedding
32:10a yates-carter wedding?
32:13which carter?
32:15i'm not entirely sure of the details
32:18a nameless unease moved through him
32:19but he had no time to chase it
32:21he dialed the groomsmen group
32:23mia's not in the suite
32:24split up and find her
32:27then he turned back to the manager
32:28this wedding was booked six months ago
32:30we're not moving
32:31mr. harman the timing really is
32:33there's no conflict
32:34let my fiancee hear that her aisle
32:36is being cleared for someone else
32:37his voice dropped
32:38she won't be happy
32:41his phone buzzed
32:43a photo from one of the groomsmen
32:45a slender figure in a wedding gown
32:46half turned on a call
32:48the dress was simpler, elegant
32:51she was stunning
32:52all the tension melted away
32:53he would marry her
32:54he would have a home with mia
32:56maybe children soon
32:58don't you think i looked better in it?
33:00looks like she didn't love the one i picked
33:02fine
33:03he pocketed his phone
33:04and turned to go find her
33:05ethan
33:06cassie grabbed his arm
33:07um
33:07she asked the question
33:08that broke through every layer of best friends
33:10and it means nothing
33:11when you walked in just now
33:13and saw me in the dress
33:16what did you feel?
33:17he looked at her red rimmed eyes
33:18at the expensive gown on her body
33:20the faint warmth the photo had put in his face drained away
33:22cassie in a wedding gown was
33:24undeniably striking
33:25there was something arresting about it
33:26what he felt toward cassie was closer to a man's possessiveness
33:29over someone who belonged in his orbit
33:31liked feeling needed admired
33:32but he liked more
33:33the ease of holding two women in careful balance
33:35he'd never imagined having to choose
33:37cassie's tears
33:38her question
33:39they tore the paper screen open
33:41he was still for a moment
33:42not now
33:43his throat moved
33:44he looked past her eyes
33:46cassie
33:47not now
33:47this isn't the moment
33:48change out of the dress
33:49he turned and walked out toward mia
33:51i was on the terrace outside the ballroom finishing a call
33:54i turned to go inside
33:58mia
33:58you're here
34:03the groomsman and cassie poured in behind him filling the doorway
34:06sis-in-law
34:07you're something else
34:08gave us a serious scare
34:10wandered over to the next venue
34:13right
34:13is this a location comparison?
34:16didn't like the decor on our side?
34:17cassie stepped to my side
34:18you nearly gave ethan a heart attack
34:20she laughed and scanned my gown
34:22that's pretty too
34:24but the star of today isn't here for someone else's party
34:27come on
34:28everyone's waiting
34:29by the way
34:31you'd technically be the other woman right now
34:33but
34:34don't stress about it
34:36we know the truth
34:38congratulations on the wedding though
34:39i looked at her
34:40thank you
34:41her smile stalled
34:42ethan stepped in front of me
34:43done with your call
34:44let's go back
34:45we've lost time but we can still make it
34:47if you actually like this room set up
34:50i'll talk to the yates
34:51we might be able to switch
34:52whatever makes you happy
34:54he said it so naturally
34:55his groomsmen watched
34:57certain waiting for me to do what i'd always done
34:59he reached for me
35:00palm up
35:00i looked at his face
35:01the handsome face with its faint impatience
35:03in front of everyone watching
35:04i turned slightly and spoke quietly to the hotel attendant at my side
35:08could you please let the officiner know we're ready to begin
35:10of course mrs yates
35:11mr yates has been ready
35:13mrs yates the certainty on ethan's face split open
35:16he looked at her red rimmed eyes
35:18at the expensive gown on her body
35:19the faint warmth the photo had put in his face drained away
35:22cassie in a wedding gown was
35:23undeniably striking
35:24there was something arresting about it
35:26what he felt toward cassie was closer to a man's possessiveness over
35:29someone who belonged in his orbit
35:30liked feeling needed admired
35:32but he liked more
35:33the ease of holding two women in careful balance
35:35he'd never imagined having to choose
35:37cassie's tears
35:38her question
35:39they tore the paper screen open
35:40he was still for a moment
35:42not now his throat moved
35:44he looked past her eyes
35:45cassie not now
35:46this isn't the moment
35:48change out of the dress
35:49he turned and walked out toward mia
35:50i was on the terrace outside the ballroom finishing a call
35:53i turned to go inside
36:03the groomsmen and cassie poured in behind him filling the doorway
36:06sis-in-law you're something else gave us a serious scare wandered over to the next venue
36:12right is this a location comparison didn't like the decor on our side
36:17cassie stepped to my side you nearly gave ethan a heart attack
36:20she laughed and scanned my gown
36:22that's pretty too
36:23but the star of today isn't here for someone else's party
36:27come on everyone's waiting
36:28by the way
36:30you'd technically be the other woman right now
36:33but don't stress about it
36:35we know the truth
36:37congratulations on the wedding though
36:39i looked at her
36:39thank you
36:40her smile stalled
36:41ethan stepped in front of me
36:43done with your call
36:43let's go back
36:44we've lost time but we can still make it
36:47if you actually like this room set up
36:49i'll talk to the yates we might be able to switch
36:52whatever makes you happy
36:54he said it so naturally
36:55his groomsmen watched certain waiting for me to do what i'd always done
36:58he reached for me palm up
37:00i looked at his face the handsome face with its faint impatience
37:03in front of everyone watching
37:04i turned slightly and spoke quietly to the hotel attendant at my side
37:07could you please let the officiner know we're ready to begin
37:09of course mrs yates mr yates has been ready
37:12mrs yates the certainty on ethan's face split open
37:15he was betting on the last six years betting i'd soften
37:18betting that none of this was real enough to hold
37:20somewhere the music had stopped
37:22every person in the room was watching me
37:24i lifted my eyes
37:25i looked at the man i had loved for six years and waited on for six years
37:28he looked in this moment very far away i didn't look at ethan
37:31i just said it one word at a time
37:34ethan look carefully i turned slightly
37:37this dress you didn't choose it
37:40this ring you didn't give it
37:42i looked past his pale face today standing here
37:45marrying nathan yates that's me mia carter i paused one breath then the
37:50last sentence the one that severed everything your wedding your bride
37:53none of that was ever mine i didn't look at his face go gray
37:57i placed my hand steadily into the curve of nathan's arm let's continue
38:01nathan looked at me for a moment then nodded at the officiant the next
38:04second the wedding march filled the hall again fuller than before
38:07it swept over everything nathan walked me forward step by steady
38:10step toward the altar at the end of the aisle on both sides guests began to
38:13clap my family's composed expressions had long since collapsed
38:16none of them had seen this coming that the man i was marrying today had nothing
38:19to do with the harmons they've spent years courting
38:21that it was the yates who operated on an entirely different level who wouldn't
38:25have thought twice about the harmons as for how i'd gotten nathan yates to put
38:28three million on the table that was my business it had nothing to do with
38:31their scheming nothing to do with the hollow shell my family had become
38:34the guests who had been invited by my family who were supposed to be here for
38:37the wedding on the other side every single one of them had drifted to this
38:40room instead not out of loyalty to the carters out of instinct for the more
38:43valuable alliance their applause built into something that filled the entire
38:46hall behind me silence like a held breath i didn't need to turn around to
38:50picture ethan's face but that was no longer mine to carry
38:53the ceremony reached the moment that mattered most
38:56the officiant's voice was warm and measured
38:58mia carter do you take nathan yates to be your husband
39:01to have and to hold in sickness and in health for richer
39:05or poorer for as long as you both shall live the room held still
39:09every eye on me i do no
39:14ethan's voice cracked across the room
39:20his eyes were red fixed on me
39:26mia i won't allow it you're mine you are leaving with me right now he lunged toward
39:31the altar two security guards caught him before he made it two steps locking his arms
39:35get your hands off me do you know who i am mia look at me i'm the one you're supposed
39:40to marry
39:42nathan let go of her the yates family elders in the front row frowned faintly but didn't seem
39:48alarmed they had clearly planned for disruption then a figure in white burst from the side of the
39:53crowd cassie she'd put the gown back on she pushed to the front held her phone high with the screen
39:58facing out and screamed everyone listen this whole thing is a mistake i'm the harman bride
40:09look at this we already have a marriage license
40:14her hands were shaking as she angled the screen toward the guests the officiant the yates family
40:18on the screen a marriage certificate open to the interior page look at her she's the one who
40:25went behind my back she got caught and now she's running to someone else i don't care how powerful
40:29the yates are you can't change the fact that she's the other woman she will always be a joke
40:33the room erupted gasps whispers eyes moving rapidly between cassie's phone screen and me
40:39my family's faces had gone from blank to ash everyone was holding their breath waiting for
40:43the yates to react waiting for me to fall apart cassie stood tall certain she just played the card that
40:48turned the game but the first person to crack was not the yates family it was not me it was
40:53ethan
40:55cassie shut up what are you saying he wrenched his head toward her still held by the guards voice
40:59ripped raw i'm not lying you won't even admit i'm your wife right here in front of everyone it's not
41:05real it was a bar stunt it doesn't count he couldn't admit it not here not in the yates house
41:11not in front
41:12of nia nathan who had been silent spoke if it doesn't count we can just check the county records
41:19he leaned slightly toward an assistant and said something low the assistant nodded and left
41:23quickly ethan and cassie were escorted from the room the efficient lifted his voice
41:29let's ask everyone to settle we'll continue with the ceremony
41:33toasts the receiving line farewells everything moved to the quiet mutual warmth
41:38the room felt like what it was supposed to feel like two families joining genuinely by the time
41:43the last guest felt it out i sat down in one of the private rooms the hotel had reserved and
41:47let
41:47out the first real breath i'd taken all day nathan handed me a glass of water tired his voice was
41:52attentive not intrusive today thank you it was agreed to the yates keep their word as for your family and
42:02the harmons before he could finish no the hotel manager stepped in and addressed nathan quietly sir
42:07mr harman is still outside he's insisting on a few minutes witnesses yes
42:12do you want to see him i looked at my reflection in the floor to ceiling window still in the
42:17dress
42:17i shook my head everything that needed to be said i said
42:25tell mr harman my wife wants to rest she's not receiving visitors if he continues to linger
42:38i knew the yates had the reach to make you can walk away tonight and keep him from getting close
42:42again that was part of why i chose me part of why i chose this i needed somewhere safe i
42:47needed
42:47something sharp enough to cut through every knot i tied myself into i changed out of the gown put on
42:53something comfortable settled into the car it pulled away from the hotel slowly the city lights
42:57moved past the window i leaned my head back and closed my eyes not the flood of relief i'd imagined
43:01not grief even a flat open calm and somewhere under it something faint and new like the first edge of
43:06wanting something again i knew ethan wouldn't let go easily but this time i was not standing still
43:12i had married someone else
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