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