- 10 hours ago
Left At The Altar, Married Power
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I stand at the entrance of the wedding hall, wearing a pure white gown, my fingers cratching the bouquet tightly.
00:06Felix, the wedding's about to start. You can't just leave.
00:09I reach for his arm, my fingers trembling.
00:12Move. Joanna's hurt. I have to be there for her.
00:16He shoves my hand away and pushes open the church doors without looking back.
00:22I stumble and fall onto the cold floor, watching helplessly as his figure disappears.
00:28Five years. Five full years.
00:31Whenever Joanna needs him, he abandons me just like this.
00:34My phone suddenly rings. I answer with trembling hands.
00:40Lindsay, today's your big day, isn't it? Did you like the little gift I sent you?
00:45I grip the phone so hard my nails dig into my palm.
00:47I look down at this carefully chosen wedding gown, lace, pearls, the train.
00:52Every detail cost me countless effort, but now, it all feels like a joke.
00:58I'm an orphan.
00:59My biggest dream since childhood has been to have a home of my own.
01:02But Felix can never give me that.
01:05I take a deep breath and wipe the tears from my eyes.
01:09Joanna, you're going to be disappointed.
01:11The wedding is still happening.
01:13Without Felix as the groom, how can you have a wedding?
01:23I sneer, slowly stand up, and lift the hem of my gown.
01:29Who says my groom has to be Felix?
01:31I push open the side door of the church and rush out.
01:35Outside stand rows of black-suited bodyguards, searching everywhere for something.
01:39In the middle of the crowd, a man in a wheelchair catches my eye.
01:46He's dressed in a sharp, groomed suit, radiating an icy, commanding presence.
01:53The ceremony is about to begin.
01:55Have you found her yet?
01:56Mr. Riley?
01:58Miss Walton has fled.
01:59His gaze turns razor-sharp, like a predator sizing up its prey.
02:05I understand in an instant, he's been abandoned at the altar.
02:09Just like me.
02:11Without hesitation, I lift my gown and stride toward him.
02:14Sir, your bride has run away.
02:16Then let me take her place.
02:18I'll be your bride.
02:19The bodyguards immediately block me.
02:21Their face is wary.
02:22The man in the wheelchair slowly turns his head, his gaze landing slat on me.
02:25His is agreeing fun on me with overwhelming intensity.
02:28But I don't flinch.
02:29I meet his eyes directly.
02:33Are you certain about this?
02:35I'm disabled.
02:36If you marry me, you'll regret it.
02:37Would you ever abandon your wife or another woman?
02:42He doesn't hesitate.
02:44His tone is firm.
02:45Of course not.
02:47I step forward.
02:49My voice even more resolute.
02:51Then I ever hope wait it.
02:53Longer you agree, I'll marry you.
02:57He looks at me for a long time.
02:59Then slowly nods.
03:01All right then, let's get married.
03:03Just like that, under the priest's witness, I exchange vows with a complete stranger.
03:10Walking out of the church, the sun stings my eyes.
03:13I still feel dazed.
03:15I push his wheelchair down the steps, the wheels crunching on the gravel.
03:23By the way, I don't even know your name.
03:27Colin Riley.
03:28I stop abruptly, my eyes widening.
03:30Wait, you're Colin Riley?
03:33The eldest son of the Riley family?
03:35He sees my shock and curls his lips into a mocking smile.
03:40What's the matter?
03:41Now that you know you've married a loser, you're regretting it?
03:44His story is known throughout the city.
03:46His mother died in childbirth.
03:47His father remarried.
03:49Then a car accident left him paralyzed.
03:51Cast out by the Riley family.
03:57I look into his eyes.
03:59There's no anger there.
04:00Only deep exhaustion and self-mockery.
04:02Suddenly, I feel we're the same.
04:05Both abandoned souls.
04:08I reach out and gently take his fingers.
04:12His hand is cold.
04:13Once I've made my decision, I won't regret it.
04:16Now that we're married, I'll give you a real home.
04:19He looks down at my hand, his eyes full of doubt.
04:23Is that so?
04:24Let's see then.
04:24He doesn't believe me.
04:25I can feel it.
04:27But I won't give up.
04:28I'll prove it with my actions.
04:33Let's go.
04:34I'm taking you home.
04:37Home.
04:38That word makes my heart skip a beat.
04:43I return to the condo I once shared with Felix.
04:46The key turns in the lock, and the door creaks open.
04:49The decorations on the wall.
04:51The plants on the windowsill.
04:53Everything here carries my touch.
04:55But now, these things only make me feel suffocated.
04:58I walk over, rip down the frames, pull out the plants, and throw them all into the trash.
05:04My suitcase lies open on the floor.
05:07I pack my belongings piece by piece.
05:15Footsteps sound behind me.
05:16I don't turn around.
05:18Lindsay, what the hell are you doing?
05:20I was gone for only a little while, and you're acting like this?
05:22He puts his hand on my shoulder, trying to stop me.
05:25Felix, we're done.
05:26Completely done.
05:27I came here today to move out.
05:29I shake off his hand and keep packing.
05:31And where do you think you're going?
05:32You have no family, no place to go.
05:35He stands behind me, his voice full of certainty.
05:38He thinks I can't leave him.
05:40I stop, slowly turn around, and look him straight in the eye.
05:45Joanna walks in on high heels.
05:47When she sees me, surprise flashes across her face.
05:50Felix, what's taking so long?
05:52Lindsay?
05:53What are you doing here?
05:54This is my place.
05:55Do I need to explain why I'm here?
05:57She lowers her head, putting on an act of innocence and vulnerability.
06:00Lindsay, are you upset?
06:02I'll apologize if that'll make you feel better.
06:04I stare at her hippetical face, my lips slowly curling forward.
06:08All right, then.
06:09Why not?
06:10I walk toward her step by step.
06:12She instinctively steps back.
06:15Felix hasn't even reacted yet.
06:17I raise my hand and swing it down with all my strength.
06:20Max!
06:21The sharp sound of the slap echoes through the room.
06:24Ah!
06:25Lindsay, how dare you slap me!
06:32That's enough!
06:33Lindsay, don't go too far!
06:35He rushes over, shoves me aside, and pulls Joanna into his arms.
06:39I stumble two steps, steady myself, and watch them coldly.
06:43This is going too far?
06:44All I did was slap her.
06:45What you two have done to me is far worse.
06:47You're such a shrew!
06:48I roll my wrist, my smile turning even colder.
06:52I'll take that as a compliment.
06:53Since you think so highly of me, should I slap her a few more times?
06:57You!
06:58Lindsay, you've really changed.
06:59He stares at me, his face full of disbelief.
07:02Of course I've changed.
07:03I must have been out of my mind before.
07:05But not anymore.
07:06I grab my suitcase, turn around, and leave without a moment's hesitation.
07:10I drag my suitcase out of the apartment gate.
07:13Felix's voice calls out behind me.
07:18Lindsay!
07:19Stop right there!
07:20I don't look back.
07:21Not once.
07:23At the villa entrance, I take a deep breath and push the door open.
07:34Mr. Riley has been waiting for you.
07:38Just as he finishes speaking, Colin appears from the end of from the end of the hallway in his wheelchair.
07:44He glances at me, his gaze heavy and unreadable.
07:47Follow me.
07:51I follow him down down the hallway to a bedroom door.
07:57You'll stay here tonight, with me.
08:00My feet stop.
08:01My pupils shrink arply.
08:03With me?
08:03Did he just say we're sleeping together?
08:06My heartbeat explodes in my ears.
08:10Before I can recover from the shock, he continues.
08:13We're married.
08:15Isn't it natural for us to sleep together?
08:18He pauses, and his eyes suddenly darken.
08:23Or, do you feel uncomfortable because I'm disabled?
08:26There's self-mockery in his voice.
08:28My heart clenches.
08:30No!
08:30I don't feel that way at all!
08:32I step forward quickly, explaining urgently.
08:34We're married now.
08:36Sharing a bed is what married couples do.
08:38I'm cool with that.
08:39Colin looks at me in silence for a moment, then nods.
08:44It's getting late.
08:45I usually go to bed early.
08:46I hope you can adjust to my schedule.
08:49That's fine.
08:49I'll bring my suitcase in.
08:53Wait.
08:54Given my physical condition, I've always had the staff help me.
08:57But now that you're here, I'd prefer not to trouble anyone else.
09:02He wheels himself towards the bathroom.
09:05Help me bathe.
09:06My eyes widens.
09:08I'm completely stunned.
09:13How?
09:17By helping me undress, of course.
09:20My face flushes red.
09:23But I grit my teeth and force myself to step forward.
09:29He's my husband.
09:30This is my duty.
09:39I reach out with trembling hands to unbutton his shirt.
09:43The buttons are tiny, my palms are sweaty, and I can't get the first one undown.
09:48Colin doesn't move.
09:49He watches me struggle with amusement.
09:53But I don't give up.
09:54I take a deep breath and finally undo the first button.
10:04The shirt opens, revealing his sculpted chest.
10:10My face grows even redder.
10:13My hands tremble more violently.
10:16Just then, my fingers accidentally brush against his abdomen.
10:22Colin's body suddenly tenses up.
10:24He grabs my wrist with surprising force.
10:28That's enough.
10:29Get out.
10:31What?
10:31Butler!
10:32Prepare the room next door for her.
10:37He pushes me out of the room and slams the door shut.
10:49I'm completely stunned.
10:51I turn to look at the butler.
10:54What's wrong with him?
10:55Why did he just snap like that?
10:57Mrs. Riley, Mr. Riley has always been unpredictable.
11:01Now that you're staying here, it's best to get used to it.
11:05The butler trails out, but I understand.
11:09Colin is young but confined to a wheelchair.
11:12Cast aside by his family, his heart must be full of pain.
11:19No wonder he keeps testing me.
11:21He's been hurt too many times.
11:26The more I think about it, the guiltier I feel.
11:29He must have misunderstood me.
11:32And disinjuni at me, him rubbed.
11:35Tomorrow morning, I must apologize to him.
11:41The next morning, I wash up and go downstairs for breakfast.
11:45The table is laden with food.
11:48But Colin is knowing Nick Sabine.
11:54Butler, isn't Colin eating?
11:56He's been in the study working since last night.
11:58None of us dared disturb him.
12:03The butler sighs, his face full of worry.
12:06He has a chronic stomach condition.
12:08But if he refuses to eat, there's not much we can do.
12:14I put down my cutlery and stand up.
12:19I'll go talk to him.
12:28The butler lets me use the kitchen.
12:30I want to make something for Colin myself.
12:43I bake some cookies, warm a glass of milk, and carry the tray to the studio door.
12:49I knock gently on the door.
12:50Colin, it's me.
12:51I've brought you something to eat.
12:53May I come in?
12:54There's silence for a few seconds.
13:00Come in.
13:01I push the door open and immediately see the mountain of documents on his desk.
13:05There's silence for a few seconds.
13:09You're really buried under all this work?
13:11What?
13:12Did you think I've just been sitting here doing nothing?
13:15No.
13:15Of course not.
13:20I place the cookies and milk on the desk and push them toward him.
13:24I bake these cookies.
13:25Please, have one.
13:26I wasn't sure about your preferences, so I made a milder flavor.
13:32Colin picks up a cookie and takes a bite.
13:36I watch him nervously, my heart racing.
13:41What do you think?
13:42How does it taste?
13:45Overly sweet treats aren't really to my liking.
13:54Chewington, I'll make a new batch then.
13:58I reach for the plate of cookies.
14:00That won't be necessary.
14:02He picks up the milk and takes a sip.
14:05This is fine for breakfast.
14:08You can leave now.
14:10I bite my lip.
14:11I don't leave.
14:13Colin, I wanted to apologize for last night.
14:15I don't have any hard feelings toward you.
14:17It's just that we've only recently met, and I'm still finding my footing.
14:21I look into his eyes and speak slowly, deliberately.
14:24Colin listens to me in silence for a long time.
14:28Do you truly mean that?
14:29Absolutely.
14:30I committed to marrying you, and I intend to fulfill my needs to the best of my ability.
14:35A subtle smile tugs at the corner of Colin's twips.
14:38There's something I haven't shared with you.
14:39I was in a car accident when I was young, leaving me disabled.
14:43My family has overlooked me.
14:45My business attempts have mostly failed.
14:47I'm buried under a mountain of debt.
14:49He pauses and looks at me.
14:52If you feel the need to step back, I won't stand in your way.
14:55I freeze, not expecting him to tell me this.
15:02How much debt are we talking about?
15:05What if I said I'm buried under a hundred million dollars?
15:10His tone is casual, as if he's commenting about the weather.
15:14I think I misheard.
15:16A hundred million?
15:22But I quickly calm myself.
15:24I take a deep breath.
15:34It's fine.
15:35We'll tackle it together.
15:37Somehow we'll manage.
15:39Colin's eyes widened slightly, as if he didn't expect me to say that.
15:49And how, exactly, do you propose we manage Lindsay?
15:52We're not talking about a mere hundred dollars here.
15:55I lower my head and think.
15:58Most of my earnings went to Felix.
16:01I have little left.
16:04But I'm good at design.
16:06I can work.
16:08Don't fret.
16:09I'm on the job hunt.
16:10I've been sending out resumes.
16:11I'm certain I'll hear back soon.
16:14I look up and meet his eyes seriously.
16:29No matter the circumstances,
16:32I refuse to let you face this alone.
16:36I reach out and take his hand that rests on the desk.
16:43The moment my fingers brush his skin,
16:46his body goes stirrig.
16:47He jerks his hand away violently,
16:49making me stumble.
16:52I stare at him in confusion,
16:54not understanding what just happened.
16:56A flicker of panic crosses his face,
16:59then quickly returns to coldness.
17:05Sorry, I'm not really used to physical contact.
17:13He turns his face away,
17:15unable to look at me.
17:22My heart aches.
17:23He's not rejecting me.
17:26He's just too insecure.
17:30I stand at the entrance of the wedding hall,
17:32wearing a pure white gown,
17:33my fingers crouching the bouquet tightly.
17:35Felix, the wedding's about to start.
17:37You can't just leave.
17:38I reach for his arm,
17:40my fingers trembling.
17:41Move.
17:42Joanna's hurt.
17:43I have to be there for her.
17:45He shoves my hand away
17:48and pushes open the church doors without looking back.
17:51I stumble and fall onto the cold floor,
17:53watching helplessly as his figure disappears.
17:55Five years.
17:57Five full years.
17:58Whenever Joanna needs him,
18:00he abandons me just like this.
18:01My phone suddenly rings.
18:03I answer with trembling hands.
18:07Lindsay, today's your big day, isn't it?
18:10Did you like the little gift I sent you?
18:11I grip the phone so hard,
18:12my nails dig into my palm.
18:13I look down at this carefully chosen wedding gown,
18:16lace, curls, the train.
18:18Every detail cost me countless effort.
18:20But now, it all feels like a joke.
18:22I'm an orphan.
18:24My biggest dream since childhood
18:25has been to have a home of my own.
18:27But Felix can never give me that.
18:30I take a deep breath
18:31and wipe the tears from my eyes.
18:33Joanna, you're going to be disappointed.
18:35The wedding is still happening.
18:37Without Felix as the groom,
18:38how can you have a wedding?
18:46I sneer, slowly stand up,
18:49and lift the hem of my gown.
18:51Who says my groom has to be Felix?
18:53I push open the side door of the church
18:55and rush out.
18:57Outside stand rows of black-suited bodyguards
18:59searching everywhere for something.
19:00In the middle of the crowd,
19:01a man in a wheelchair catches my eye.
19:06He's dressed in a sharp, groomed suit,
19:09radiating an icy, commanding presence.
19:13The ceremony is about to begin.
19:15Have you found her yet?
19:16Mr. Riley?
19:17Miss Walton has fled.
19:19His gaze turns razor-sharp
19:21like a predator sizing up its prey.
19:24I understand in an instant
19:26he's been abandoned at the altar,
19:27just like me.
19:29Without hesitation,
19:30I lift my gown and stride toward him.
19:32Sir, your bride has run away.
19:34Then let me take her place.
19:36I'll be your bride.
19:37The bodyguards immediately block me.
19:38Their face is wary.
19:39The man in the wheelchair
19:40slowly turns his head,
19:41his gaze landing slat on me.
19:43He has his green fun on me
19:43with overwhelming intensity.
19:45But I don't flinch.
19:46I meet his eyes directly.
19:50Are you certain about this?
19:51I'm disabled.
19:52If you marry me, you'll regret it.
19:54Would you ever abandon your wife
19:55or another woman?
19:58He doesn't hesitate.
19:59His tone is firm.
20:00Of course not.
20:03I step forward,
20:04my voice even more resolute.
20:06Then I'd ever hope like it.
20:07Long till you agree,
20:08I'll marry you.
20:11He looks at me for a long time,
20:13then slowly nods.
20:15All right, then.
20:16Let's get married.
20:17Just like that,
20:18under the priest's witness,
20:19I exchange vows
20:20with a complete stranger.
20:23Walking out of the church,
20:25the sun stings my eyes.
20:26I still feel dazed.
20:28I push his wheelchair
20:29down the steps,
20:30the wheels crunching
20:30on the gravel.
20:35By the way,
20:35I don't even know your name.
20:38Colin Riley.
20:39I stop abruptly,
20:40my eyes widening.
20:41Wait,
20:42you're Colin Riley?
20:44The eldest son
20:45of the Riley family?
20:46He sees my shock
20:47and curls his lips
20:48into a mocking smile.
20:50What's the matter?
20:52Now that you know
20:52you've married a loser,
20:53you're regretting it?
20:54His story is known
20:54throughout the city.
20:55His mother died in childbirth,
20:57his father remarried,
20:58then a car accident
20:59left him paralyzed,
21:00cast out by the Riley family.
21:05I look into his eyes.
21:07There's no anger there,
21:08only deep exhaustion
21:09and self-mockery.
21:10Suddenly,
21:11I feel we're the same.
21:13Both abandoned souls.
21:15I reach out
21:16and gently take his fingers.
21:19His hand is cold.
21:20Once I've made my decision,
21:22I won't regret it.
21:23Now that we're married,
21:24I'll give you a real home.
21:26He looks down at my hand,
21:27his eyes full of doubt.
21:29Is that so?
21:30Let's see then.
21:30He doesn't believe me.
21:32I can feel it.
21:33But I won't give up.
21:34I'll prove it with my actions.
21:38Let's go.
21:39I'm taking you home.
21:42Home.
21:43That word makes my heart
21:44skip a beat.
21:48I return to the condo
21:49I once shared with Felix.
21:50The key turns in the lock
21:51and the door creaks open.
21:53The decorations on the wall,
21:55the plants on the window silled,
21:56everything here carries my touch.
21:59But now,
21:59these things only make me
22:00feel suffocated.
22:01I walk over,
22:02rip down the frames,
22:03pull out the plants,
22:04and throw them all
22:05into the trash.
22:07My suitcase lies open
22:08on the floor.
22:09I pack my belongings
22:11piece by piece.
22:16Footsteps sound behind me.
22:18I don't turn around.
22:19Lindsay,
22:20what the hell are you doing?
22:21I was gone for only a little while
22:22and you're acting like this?
22:23He puts his hand on my shoulder,
22:25trying to stop me.
22:26Felix, we're done.
22:27Completely done.
22:27I came here today to move out.
22:29I shake off his hand
22:30and keep packing.
22:31And where do you think
22:32you're going?
22:32You have no family,
22:33no place to go.
22:34He stands behind me,
22:36his voice full of certainty.
22:37He thinks I can't leave him.
22:39I stop,
22:41slowly turn around,
22:42and look him straight in the eye.
22:44Joanna walks in on high heels.
22:45When she sees me,
22:46surprise flashes across her face.
22:48Felix, what's taking so long?
22:50Lindsay?
22:51What are you doing here?
22:52This is my place.
22:53Do I need to explain why I'm here?
22:54She lowers her head,
22:55putting on an act of innocence
22:57and vulnerability.
22:58Lindsay, are you upset?
22:59I'll apologize if that'll make you feel better.
23:01I stare at her hippetical face,
23:03my lips slowly curling forward.
23:05All right then, why not?
23:06I walk toward her step by step.
23:08She instinctively steps back.
23:12Felix hasn't even reacted yet.
23:13I raise my hand and swing it down
23:15with all my strength.
23:16Matt!
23:16The sharp sound of the slap
23:18echoes through the room.
23:20Lindsay, how dare you slap me?
23:26That's enough!
23:27Lindsay, don't go too far!
23:29He rushes over,
23:30shoves me aside,
23:31and pulls Joanna into his arms.
23:33I stumble two steps,
23:34steady myself,
23:35and watch them coldly.
23:36This is going too far?
23:37All I did was slap her.
23:39What you two have done to me
23:39is far worse.
23:40You're such a shrew!
23:41I roll my wrist,
23:42my smile turning even colder.
23:45I'll take that as a compliment.
23:46Since you think so highly of me,
23:47should I slap her a few more times?
23:49You.
23:50Lindsay, you've really changed.
23:52He stares at me,
23:52his face full of disbelief.
23:54Of course I've changed.
23:55I must have been out of my mind before.
23:56But not anymore.
23:58I grab my suitcase,
23:59turn around,
23:59and leave without a moment's invitation.
24:01I drag my suitcase
24:02out of the apartment gate.
24:04Felix's voice calls out behind me.
24:08Lindsay!
24:09Stop right there!
24:10I don't look back.
24:11Not once.
24:13At the villa entrance,
24:14I take a deep breath
24:15and push the door open.
24:23Mr. Riley has been waiting for you.
24:27Just as he finishes speaking,
24:29Colin appears from the end
24:30or from the end of the hallway
24:31in his wheelchair.
24:32He glances at me,
24:33his gaze heavy and unreadable.
24:35Follow me.
24:38I follow him down down the hallway
24:40to a bedroom door.
24:44You'll stay here tonight,
24:45with me.
24:46My feet stop.
24:48My pupils shrink arply.
24:49With me?
24:50Did he just say we're sleeping together?
24:52My heartbeat explodes in my ears.
24:55Before I can recover from the shock,
24:57he continues.
24:59We're married.
25:00Isn't it natural for us to sleep together?
25:03He pauses,
25:04and his eyes suddenly darken.
25:07Or,
25:08do you feel uncomfortable
25:09because I'm disabled?
25:10There's self-mockery in his voice.
25:12My heart clenches.
25:14No!
25:14I don't feel that way at all!
25:16I step forward quickly,
25:17explaining urgently.
25:18We're married now.
25:19Sharing a bed is what married couples do.
25:21I'm cool with that.
25:22Colin looks at me in silence for a moment,
25:24then nods.
25:26It's getting late.
25:27I usually go to bed early.
25:29I hope you can adjust to my schedule.
25:31That's fine.
25:31I'll bring my suitcase in.
25:35Wait.
25:36Given my physical condition,
25:37I've always had the staff help me.
25:39But now that you're here,
25:40I'd prefer not to trouble anyone else.
25:43He wheels himself towards the bathroom.
25:46Help me bathe.
25:47My eyes widens.
25:49I'm completely stunned.
25:53How?
25:56By helping me undress, of course.
25:59My face flushes red.
26:02But I grit my teeth
26:03and force myself to step forward.
26:07He's my husband.
26:08This is my duty.
26:16I reach out with trembling hands
26:18to unbutton his shirt.
26:20The buttons are tiny,
26:21my palms are sweaty,
26:22and I can't get the first one undown.
26:25Colin doesn't move.
26:26He watches me struggle with amusement.
26:29But I don't give up.
26:31I take a deep breath,
26:32and finally,
26:32undo the first button.
26:39The shirt opens,
26:41revealing his sculpted chest.
26:45My face grows even redder.
26:48My hands tremble more violently.
26:50Just then,
26:51my fingers accidentally brush against his abdomen.
26:56Colin's body suddenly tenses up.
26:58He grabs my wrist with surprising force.
27:01That's enough.
27:02Get out.
27:04What?
27:04Butler!
27:05Prepare the room next door for her.
27:10He pushes me out of the room
27:11and slams the door shut.
27:20I'm completely stunned.
27:22I turn to look at the butler.
27:25What's wrong with him?
27:26Why did he just snap like that?
27:28Mrs. Riley,
27:29Mr. Riley has always been unpredictable.
27:31Now that you're staying here,
27:32it's best to get used to it.
27:34The butler trails out,
27:36but I understand.
27:38Colin is young,
27:39but confined to a wheelchair.
27:41Cast aside by his family,
27:43his heart must be full of pain.
27:48No wonder he keeps testing me.
27:50He's been hurt too many times.
27:54The more I think about it,
27:55the guiltier I feel.
27:57He must have misunderstood me
27:59and disinjuni at me him rubbed.
28:02Tomorrow morning,
28:03I must apologize to him.
28:08The next morning,
28:09I wash up and go downstairs for breakfast.
28:11The table is laden with food,
28:14but Colin is knowing Nick Sabine.
28:19Butler,
28:20isn't Colin eating?
28:21He's been in the study working since last night.
28:23None of us dared disturb him.
28:27The butler sighs,
28:29his face full of worry.
28:30He has a chronic stomach condition,
28:31but if he refuses to eat,
28:34there's not much we can do.
28:38I put down my cutlery and stand up.
28:42I'll go talk to him.
28:50The butler lets me use the kitchen.
28:52I want to make something for Colin myself.
29:04I bake some cookies,
29:06warm a glass of milk,
29:06and carry the tray to the studio door.
29:09I knock gently on the door.
29:10Colin, it's me.
29:12I've brought you something to eat.
29:13May I come in?
29:14There's silence for a few seconds.
29:19Come in.
29:21I push the door open
29:22and immediately see the mountain of documents on his desk.
29:24There's silence for a few seconds.
29:27You're really buried under all this work?
29:29What?
29:30Did you think I've just been sitting here doing nothing?
29:33No.
29:33Of course not.
29:37I place the cookies and milk on the desk
29:40and push them toward him.
29:41I bake these cookies.
29:42Please, have one.
29:43I wasn't sure about your preferences,
29:45so I made a milder flavor.
29:49Colin picks up a cookie and takes a bite.
29:52I watch him nervously,
29:54my heart racing.
29:56What do you think?
29:57How does it taste?
30:00Overly sweet treats aren't really to my liking.
30:07Chewington,
30:08I'll make a new batch then.
30:12I reach for the plate of cookies.
30:14That won't be necessary.
30:16He picks up the milk and takes a sip.
30:19This is fine for breakfast.
30:22You can leave now.
30:23I bite my lip.
30:24I don't leave.
30:26Colin,
30:26I wanted to apologize for last night.
30:28I don't have any hard feelings toward you.
30:30It's just that we've only recently met,
30:31and I'm still finding my footing.
30:33I look into his eyes
30:34and speak slowly,
30:36deliberately.
30:36Colin listens to me in silence for a long time.
30:39Do you truly mean that?
30:40Absolutely.
30:41I committed to marrying you,
30:43and I intend to fulfill my needs
30:44to the best of my ability.
30:45A subtle smile tugs at the corner of Colin's twifts.
30:48There's something I haven't shared with you.
30:50I was in a car accident when I was young,
30:51leaving me disabled.
30:53My family has overlooked me.
30:55My business attempts have mostly failed.
30:57I'm buried under a mountain of debt.
30:59He pauses and looks at me.
31:01If you feel the need to step back,
31:03I won't stand in your way.
31:03I freeze,
31:04not expecting him to tell me this.
31:10How much debt are we talking about?
31:12What if I said I'm buried under a hundred million dollars?
31:17His tone is casual,
31:18as if he's commenting about the weather.
31:22Think I misheard.
31:23A hundred million?
31:28But I quickly calm myself.
31:30I take a deep breath.
31:39It's fine.
31:40We'll tackle it together.
31:42Somehow we'll manage.
31:43Colin's eyes widen slightly,
31:45as if he didn't expect me to say that.
31:53And how, exactly,
31:54do you propose we manage Lindsay?
31:56We're not talking about a mere hundred dollars here.
31:59I lower my head and think.
32:01Most of my earnings went to Felix.
32:04I have little left.
32:07But I'm good at design.
32:08I can work.
32:10Don't fret.
32:11I'm on the job hunt.
32:12I've been sending out resumes.
32:13I'm certain I'll hear back soon.
32:16I look up and meet his eyes seriously.
32:30No matter the circumstances,
32:32I refuse to let you face this alone.
32:36I reach out and take his hand that rests on the desk.
32:42The moment my fingers brush his skin,
32:44his body goes stirring.
32:46He jerks his hand away violently,
32:47making me stumble.
32:50I stare at him in confusion,
32:52not understanding what just happened.
32:54A flicker of panic crosses his face,
32:56then quickly returns to coldness.
33:02Sorry.
33:02I'm not really used to physical contact.
33:10He turns his face away,
33:11unable to look at me.
33:17My heart aches.
33:19He's not rejecting me.
33:21He's just too insecure.
33:22He's never better.
33:23Oh,
33:25I've seen no etュ alla rig,
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