- 9 hours ago
A Deal with the Devil Full Engsub
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00no respect nothing at all had no war three years of marriage i had no warmth no respect nothing at
00:00:06all i exhausted myself saving my ex-husband from a car accident only for a scheming home
00:00:11wrecker to steal the credit after my heart died i signed the divorce agreement with my composure
00:00:17then i married a mysterious tycoon i tear apart the scumbag and the slut launching a satisfyingly
00:00:25ruthless counter-attack only three hours earlier madison and i had been abducted
00:00:30breaking free had pushed me past every limit but somehow i pulled it off
00:00:37i gripped the steering wheel with pain stabbing through my abdomen the kidnapper's car looms
00:00:42closer in the rearview mirror if we die out here you'll never forgive yourself will you declan
00:00:51in the passenger seat madison trembles her face paper white
00:00:59dana if i die out here declan will never forgive you
00:01:03shut up
00:01:06i calculate the distance and speed making a snap decision open the door we're jumping
00:01:13i can't i'm scared i can't do it
00:01:19then stay here and die i leap from the speeding car
00:01:24madison follows
00:01:27metal crashes against metal behind us
00:01:30my body hits the road hard tumbling over and over
00:01:33then an explosion the blast wave tosses me like a rag doll
00:01:42i lift my head hope sparkling in my exhausted eyes
00:01:46declan rushes towards us desperation on his face
00:01:51declan
00:01:57he moves right past me and pulls madison into his arms
00:02:07relief washes over his face as he holds her close
00:02:12maddie are you hurt
00:02:17you got here just in time if you hadn't showed up dana would have gotten me killed
00:02:22you set all this up didn't you
00:02:23we were both taken
00:02:24i nearly got myself killed trying to save her this was your plan all along
00:02:29you worked with the kidnappers one of them told me everything
00:02:32you'll pay for every filthy lie that just left your mouth
00:02:35how could you be this cruel i can't believe i married someone like you
00:02:39we'll settle this when i return
00:02:40he turned his back lifting madison effortlessly as she shot me a smug mocking glance
00:02:44i stand frozen bruces are nothing compared to the agony in my chest
00:02:48my arms hang stiff at my sides as i watch him lift madden effortlessly and hurry towards the car
00:02:52madison throws me a smug mocking glance over his shoulder
00:02:57my mind drifted to that night years ago
00:02:59when i dragged declin out of a wreck with my own hands
00:03:02then blacked out from exhaustion
00:03:05madison framed me for an affair
00:03:07when i woke
00:03:08madison had claimed she was the hero
00:03:10the memories crash over me
00:03:14i stumble forward before my strength gives out completely
00:03:18blood chills from my lips
00:03:19then everything fades into darkness
00:03:22three years of marriage
00:03:24no warmth
00:03:25no courtesy
00:03:27nothing
00:03:29i lie unconsciously in a hospital bed
00:03:32trapped in a dreamless slumber
00:03:33a man in a wheelchair sits silently beside me
00:03:36dressed in a perfectly cut black suit
00:03:38his face is flawlessly carved
00:03:40like a statue touched by the hands of gods
00:03:42everything about him exudes quiet
00:03:44effortless power
00:03:46mr hudson your health of the condition is worsening
00:03:50if we can't stop it
00:03:51permanent immobility is certain
00:03:53at this stage your only chance may lie with
00:03:55the wreath physician
00:03:56with my current condition
00:04:00is fathering a child still
00:04:02an option
00:04:03the doctor is stunned into silence
00:04:05the doctor withdrew silently
00:04:06and the door closed softly
00:04:08christopher was left alone in the ward
00:04:10i jolt awake with a sharp inhale
00:04:13antiseptic smells pungent
00:04:17my stomach twists
00:04:24you're awake
00:04:25christopher hudson
00:04:27christopher hudson
00:04:28you had no fear when you plotted against me for the foster group
00:04:31interesting how that bravery seems to vanish now
00:04:34his stare cuts through me like a blade
00:04:37i have to get a grip
00:04:40you were the one who saved me
00:04:41you're not entirely useless
00:04:43if i hadn't passed by and intervened
00:04:45you'd be dead by now
00:04:46i bite my lip
00:04:47rage flickering in my eyes
00:04:51i turn toward him
00:04:53and only then realize he's sitting in a wheelchair
00:04:56your legs
00:04:57that's why you disappeared
00:04:58three years ago
00:05:00so
00:05:01you going to laugh at me now
00:05:03no
00:05:04i wouldn't
00:05:05my thoughts race
00:05:06then i slowly ball my fists
00:05:08lift my chin
00:05:09mr hudson
00:05:09why don't we make a deal
00:05:11a deal
00:05:14a deal that benefits us both
00:05:16my voice was calm and firm
00:05:19the room turns oddly quiet
00:05:22i wait for christopher's response
00:05:25dana
00:05:26what makes you think you have the right to bargain with someone like me
00:05:30what if i told you
00:05:32i could help you walk again
00:05:34his expression flickers
00:05:36his hand grips the arm press tighter
00:05:42i slip out of bed and lower myself calmly in front of him
00:05:45start now
00:05:47and i promise you'll see results in three months
00:05:49my hand moves toward his leg
00:05:53he grabs my wrist
00:05:54squeezing tightly
00:05:55what the hell do you think you're doing
00:05:57with a ground
00:05:59he shoves my hand aside
00:06:00but i reach again without pause
00:06:02pressing expertly along nerve points on his calf
00:06:05a surge of feeling shoots through his leg
00:06:07sharp
00:06:08electric
00:06:09alive
00:06:09so
00:06:10how does that feel mr hudson
00:06:12what do you want in return
00:06:13help me crush foster group
00:06:15and reclaim everything my mother was robbed of
00:06:19you want me to go after your dear husband's empire
00:06:21don't forget
00:06:22you betrayed me once
00:06:24that project you backed out of and handed to deccan
00:06:27it cost me tens of billions
00:06:28give me three months
00:06:30i'll have you walking again
00:06:31that's all i ask
00:06:32we can strike the deal you want
00:06:35but what i need from you now
00:06:36is an heir
00:06:37my eyes widen
00:06:39body tensing in disbelief
00:06:42you can't even handle one condition
00:06:45then there's nothing more to talk about
00:06:47he spins his wheelchair around
00:06:49and heads for the exit
00:06:52wait
00:06:52i move to go after him
00:06:55but my knees buckle
00:06:56i collapse toward the wall
00:07:00christopher catches me by the waist
00:07:02his crisp woodsy scent surrounds me
00:07:05strangely comforting
00:07:06almost addicted
00:07:08are you finished putting on a show
00:07:13no i'm not done
00:07:15i was going to say that i agree to your condition
00:07:17let's just
00:07:19get married
00:07:21christopher tenses
00:07:22something dark stirs behind his cold eyes
00:07:25you really don't get scared of anything huh
00:07:27after you've almost died once
00:07:29nothing really scares you anymore
00:07:30i grab the test results and toss them to him
00:07:33whether you trust me or not
00:07:34i will marry you
00:07:36just give me a little time
00:07:37i'll wrap up everything here with decan first
00:07:39after that he's out of my life for good
00:07:41christopher's mouth lifts
00:07:43ever so slightly
00:07:44one month
00:07:45play me again
00:07:46and you'll realize death was the easiest way out
00:07:52dana
00:07:53bring me a glass of water
00:07:54silence echoes back
00:07:56his face tightens
00:08:00where is she
00:08:04mrs foster hasn't come back yet
00:08:06what do you mean she hasn't come back
00:08:09since mrs foster got kidnapped
00:08:11we came back from the break
00:08:13and haven't seen her since
00:08:15so she finally grew a spine
00:08:17tried some pity stunt didn't work
00:08:19and now she storms off playing the victim
00:08:21let her sulk all she wants
00:08:22she can stay away for good for all i care
00:08:26sir
00:08:27mrs foster's back
00:08:32well look who finally remembers where she lives
00:08:35what's the matter
00:08:36coughing up blood wasn't dramatic enough for you
00:08:39had to put on a full show for the crowd huh
00:08:43dana
00:08:43did you suddenly go deaf
00:08:45or are you just pretending i'm not standing here
00:08:47move
00:08:49try me again
00:08:50and i swear you'll regret it
00:08:53oh really
00:08:55you already watched me bleeding on the ground and walked away
00:08:58were you planning to finish the job next time
00:09:03what the hell is that supposed to mean
00:09:06i've already done you a favor by not making you pay for what you did to madison
00:09:12and now you're pulling this stunt
00:09:16you actually believe i orchestrated that
00:09:18no wonder you're so easy to manipulate
00:09:21calling you dumb would be generous
00:09:26get back here now
00:09:28three seconds dana
00:09:30or i'm filing for divorce
00:09:34then let's go get it done
00:09:37i'm ready
00:09:39declin storms to his studio
00:09:41and slams a divorce agreement onto the table
00:09:45you want a divorce
00:09:46let's make it official
00:09:54i calmly pick it up
00:09:56scan the pages
00:09:57and sign with one smooth deliberate stroke
00:10:00declin stares at me
00:10:02speechless
00:10:04his phone rings sharply
00:10:05he glances at the screen
00:10:09what
00:10:09you found the wraith physician
00:10:11stay where you are
00:10:13i'm on my way
00:10:14my steps falter mid-stride
00:10:16this divorce can still be undone
00:10:20my eyes narrow
00:10:22if you still want to be my wife
00:10:23show up at the hospital by 8 tomorrow
00:10:25apologize to maddie
00:10:27or we're through for real
00:10:28i stand still for a moment
00:10:30hand tightening
00:10:35goodbye
00:10:37and good riddance
00:10:43within weeks
00:10:44the divorce is finalized
00:10:46i stand quietly outside city hall
00:10:48calm as ever
00:10:50a man in a clean blue shirt sits ahead of me
00:10:53relaxed in his wheelchair
00:10:54good morning mr hudson
00:10:56let's go
00:10:58the process is quick
00:11:00paper signed
00:11:01confirmed
00:11:02confirmed
00:11:03filed
00:11:05we're legally married
00:11:06i step out
00:11:08relief
00:11:09and excitement
00:11:10bubbling inside me
00:11:11mr hudson
00:11:13let's hope this partnership goes smoothly
00:11:16christopher doesn't move
00:11:19you're moving into my downtown vid a day
00:11:21no delays
00:11:23wait
00:11:25this is a contract marriage
00:11:27why do we have to live together
00:11:29don't forget your role
00:11:31you're mrs hudson now
00:11:32my heart skips a beat
00:11:33there's no divorce with me
00:11:35only death do us part
00:11:37you married me
00:11:38you married me
00:11:39so don't even think about walking away
00:11:41from now on i'll protect you
00:11:43you won't have to suffer again
00:11:45i stare at him stunned
00:11:47my heart gives an involuntary flutter
00:11:51my phone lights up
00:11:53missed calls and angry messages from declan
00:11:57i calmly block his number and
00:11:59erase the entire call log
00:12:04christopher catches it with a single glance
00:12:06my phone lights up again
00:12:07another call
00:12:09no name
00:12:10just a number
00:12:12christopher goes still
00:12:14completely frozen
00:12:18i pause sneaking a quick look at christopher
00:12:20before hitting decline
00:12:23i send a quick message to nell
00:12:33my gaze sharpens
00:12:41is it declan
00:12:42ugh
00:12:42that fool didn't even know his wife was the miracle physician
00:12:46and has spent millions to go find you
00:12:48interested nell i'm over it
00:12:49trash like him
00:12:50doesn't deserve a second more of my time
00:12:59my phone buzz
00:13:00nell calling
00:13:01i decline and start typing
00:13:05mrs hudson
00:13:05seriously which hudson are you even referring to
00:13:07because not many big jobs in town have that name
00:13:09don't tell me you mean christopher hudson
00:13:13it's him
00:13:14you're totally walking into the tiger's cage
00:13:30i silence the phone
00:13:31when i look up
00:13:32christmas is still staring at me
00:13:34expression darkened
00:13:36so mind telling me exactly what tiger's cage means
00:13:39it's where the most dangerous creatures are kept
00:13:42two years ago
00:13:43sherwood group tried to mess it with hudson group
00:13:45to take over the global energy market
00:13:46but in just one day
00:13:47they got exposed for fraud
00:13:48and completely fell apart
00:13:49so tell me mr hudson
00:13:51what woman wouldn't feel like
00:13:52she was walking into a tiger's cage
00:13:53by marrying you
00:13:54christopher lets out a low laugh
00:13:55so
00:13:55you've been digging into my past
00:13:59we're married now
00:14:00right
00:14:01isn't it normal to get to know each other better
00:14:04christopher gives a quiet cold laugh
00:14:06he looks away
00:14:08letting it go
00:14:14the car eases to a stop
00:14:16in front of a grand five-star hotel
00:14:20aren't we supposed to be going home
00:14:21why are we stopping here
00:14:23i know we rushed the marriage papers
00:14:25but we should still do things properly
00:14:28and don't worry about the ceremony
00:14:30i'll make it up to you
00:14:31my cheeks turn red without a warning
00:14:33a ringtone breaks the silence
00:14:35everything's ready
00:14:36head inside
00:14:37i'll go find you later
00:14:43welcome mrs hudson
00:14:44mr hudson reserved everything this morning
00:14:47please come this way
00:14:48dana
00:14:52dana
00:14:53you've got the nerve to show up in front of me
00:14:55i have every right to be here
00:14:57i walk past him like he doesn't exist
00:15:00dana
00:15:01have i been too easy on you
00:15:03who said you could treat me like this
00:15:05declan who even are you
00:15:07why would i waste my time on you
00:15:09she's just afraid of losing you
00:15:10it's okay
00:15:11but if you call the cops
00:15:12she'll get humiliated
00:15:14humiliated
00:15:15she should have thought of that
00:15:16before pulling a stunt like that
00:15:17don't think i don't know what you're doing dana
00:15:20ignoring me
00:15:20and then suddenly showing up here
00:15:22trying to play hard to get
00:15:24what do you think you've got that's worth chasing
00:15:27what do you think you've got that's worth chasing
00:15:33she's not playing hard to get
00:15:35she's done
00:15:37with garbage like you
00:15:39every word hits us hard and cold
00:15:41we all turn
00:15:42christopher is pushed here on a wheelchair
00:15:45face serious
00:15:46presence still powerful
00:15:48his sharp eyes lock onto declan
00:15:51if christopher hadn't had that accident
00:15:54mr hudson
00:15:55i didn't know you were back in town
00:15:58christopher doesn't even look at him
00:15:59he keeps his eyes on me
00:16:03come here
00:16:04i step forward without hesitation
00:16:09let's go
00:16:09the comfort between us is obvious
00:16:12easy
00:16:13natural
00:16:15you still didn't do what i asked
00:16:17do i have to make you
00:16:19dana
00:16:19i get that you're mad at declan
00:16:21but this isn't the way to deal with it
00:16:22getting close to another guy just to make him jealous
00:16:25that'll only make him pull away more
00:16:26i gave you a chance dana
00:16:29don't push me
00:16:30say sorry
00:16:31right now
00:16:32say sorry
00:16:34right now
00:16:34are you actually brain dead
00:16:37when did i ever agree to say sorry
00:16:39it's okay
00:16:40i know i was in the hospital for a few days because of it
00:16:42but i don't hold it against you dana
00:16:44everyone messes up now and then
00:16:46you've been yapping about calling the cops this whole time haven't you
00:16:49then go ahead
00:16:49let's see who really ends up in trouble
00:16:51me or your sweet innocent princess maddie
00:16:54i've been nice enough not to embarrass you in public already
00:16:59how dare you talk to her like that
00:17:01she's so considerate
00:17:02stop putting on airs
00:17:03oh please
00:17:04i'm just trying not to throw up looking at the two of you
00:17:10when did the hotel's security get so subpar
00:17:13now just anyone can wander in and start making scenes
00:17:18uh sir i
00:17:19i
00:17:21mr hudson
00:17:22this is something personal
00:17:23i'd appreciate it if you stayed out of it
00:17:26as far as i'm aware
00:17:27miss murray is no longer your wife
00:17:30which makes her entirely her own person
00:17:33so you moved on already
00:17:34you were messing around behind my back weren't you
00:17:43what
00:17:44they actually split up
00:17:46unlike you some of us still know what decency looks like
00:17:50i should have known better than to let you back in mr hudson don't let her trick you
00:17:54she's only using you to escape from me
00:17:57mr foster you really shouldn't think so highly of yourself
00:18:01aren't you even curious what kind of woman she really is
00:18:05my fists clench
00:18:06nails biting into her skin
00:18:09declin please
00:18:10lower your voice
00:18:11even if daya made mistake before
00:18:13doesn't she deserve the chance to start over
00:18:15what if this all goes public
00:18:17how will she face it
00:18:18she's the one who invited this
00:18:19daya come here and apologize
00:18:21that's the only way you'll walk out of here with any shred of dignity
00:18:25i takes a measured step forward
00:18:27head high
00:18:28icy gleam in her gaze
00:18:30repeat that
00:18:31i dare you
00:18:39aren't you just mad that i'm telling the truth
00:18:42my hand shoots out
00:18:43a sharp slap cracks across his face
00:18:45her knee drives hard into his shin
00:18:46he crumples with a startled grunt
00:18:49declin
00:18:51i stands over him
00:18:52tall and unyielding
00:18:53eyes burning with cold resolve
00:18:55if you'd used even an ounce of that brain of yours
00:18:58you might have bothered to check the facts
00:18:59but no
00:19:00you're too busy clinging to your sad little victim act
00:19:03seriously what's wrong with you
00:19:05is your ego that fragile
00:19:06or do you just enjoy acting like a helpless cucklid
00:19:09you've completely lost your mind
00:19:10dayma even if declin talked about your past in front of everyone
00:19:14he was simply being honest
00:19:15how could you hit him like that
00:19:16i turn slowly
00:19:17eyes narrowing on madison with pure disgust
00:19:19my hand swings up
00:19:21the slap lands on madison's cheek
00:19:24dana echoing loud and sharp
00:19:28he looks at her with concern
00:19:30maddie
00:19:32then turns to dana with rage
00:19:34just because christophe's on your side now
00:19:36you think you can walk all over everyone
00:19:39you've really gotta have nerves of steel to cry victim after everything you've done
00:19:44everything you've done
00:19:46get down on your knees and apologize to madison now
00:19:48let her slap you back
00:19:50declin
00:19:51dana's always gotten the wrong idea about me
00:19:53if taking this slap helps you two make up
00:19:56then i'll take the humiliation
00:19:57i don't mind
00:19:59do what i tell you or forget about ever coming back into my life
00:20:02christer's voice cuts through
00:20:05you really shouldn't think highly of yourself mr foster
00:20:09talking to your ex like that doesn't make you strong
00:20:12it just makes you look pathetic
00:20:14so that's how it is huh
00:20:15i didn't realize you and dana were this close
00:20:18you jumping to defend her says a lot mr hudson
00:20:22dana i really think you and declin should talk it out
00:20:24maybe this is all just one big misunderstanding
00:20:27miss reed you've got quite the gift
00:20:29you manage to make people crunch and laugh all at once
00:20:32should we get you a trophy for that brilliant little act
00:20:34that kind of sad performance
00:20:36only a fool would buy it
00:20:37mr hudson
00:20:38like i've said
00:20:39this is a private matter
00:20:41do you really have to step in
00:20:42if you're going after dana
00:20:44you're going through me first
00:20:45so before you talk tough
00:20:46maybe ask yourself if you're ready for that
00:20:49i gives them one last frosty look
00:20:51then turns away
00:20:52fingers resting lightly on christoph's wheel tear
00:20:55as she pushes him out with quiet grace
00:20:57i was just about to speak to christopher
00:21:00when someone suddenly burst in
00:21:03sir
00:21:04something happened
00:21:05miss hudson collapsed
00:21:07it looks like a heart attack
00:21:08she's unconscious and they've rushed her to the hospital
00:21:11get me there
00:21:12now
00:21:19christoph and i arrive in record time
00:21:21eveleen has had a heart defect since birth
00:21:24she's always been weak
00:21:30don't worry too much
00:21:32medicine these days is advanced
00:21:33she'll make it
00:21:38a stylish woman paces nervously
00:21:40celesta hudson
00:21:42christoph's mother
00:21:43thank god you're here
00:21:47mom
00:21:48eveleen has been on medicine right
00:21:50how could this happen
00:21:51i don't know
00:21:52she was just reading
00:21:54and then she collapsed
00:21:56at that moment i was overcome by a strong sense of unease
00:22:00things were far worse than i had imagined
00:22:07it's bad
00:22:07really bad
00:22:09she suffered a severe heart attack
00:22:11her oxygen levels are critically low
00:22:14and her right atrium's already showing rigidity
00:22:17even if we operate now
00:22:19her chances of making it are under 30 percent
00:22:23honestly this is beyond what we can handle
00:22:24unless the wraith physician steps in
00:22:26there's almost no chance she'll survive
00:22:33i walk down the corridor toward the staff locker room
00:22:36i have to go
00:22:37only i can save her
00:22:42no one even knows what the wraith physician looks like
00:22:47how are we
00:22:48how are we supposed to find her now
00:22:50i can't lose eveleen
00:22:53i just can't
00:22:55christoph said not a word
00:22:56but his gaze was as sharp as a blade
00:23:02no need to worry
00:23:03the wreath physician's already on it
00:23:05she's inside performing the surgery as we speak
00:23:07we just have to wait
00:23:08christoph frowned looking confused
00:23:10then it suddenly dawned on him
00:23:12i was gone
00:23:14word reaches madison that the wraith physician
00:23:17is at north cove general hospital
00:23:19declin
00:23:20they found her
00:23:21the wraith physician
00:23:23she's at north cove general hospital
00:23:25right now
00:23:26we have to go
00:23:27you're serious
00:23:31that's incredible
00:23:32maddie
00:23:32you're my good luck charm
00:23:40the surgery drags on for two full hours
00:23:42i slip out the same quiet way i came in
00:23:48no way
00:23:49could it really be dana
00:23:50was she the wreath physician all along
00:23:52i freeze for a slip second
00:23:54when i spot decan and madison
00:23:55dana
00:23:56what are you doing here
00:23:57my mind jumps back
00:23:58he'd shot me down without a second thought
00:24:00when i offered to treat his father
00:24:01i told him i was the wreath physician
00:24:04he thought it was a joke
00:24:05and how exactly is that your problem
00:24:07i turn my back and start walking off
00:24:09why are you here really
00:24:11tell me the truth
00:24:13are you the wreath physician
00:24:15do you seriously believe someone like me
00:24:18could pretend to be someone as legendary as the wreath physician
00:24:21then explain why you're here
00:24:23and what's with the mask
00:24:25why should i explain anything to you
00:24:27maybe you showed up because you heard the wreath physician was here
00:24:31and wanted to meet her
00:24:32but you should probably take off your mask
00:24:35wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea
00:24:37or worse
00:24:38annoy the real wreath physician
00:24:41she's just trying to trick everyone
00:24:43and pretend to be the wreath physician
00:24:45this isn't the first time she's done something like this for attention
00:24:48no one's stupid enough to fall for your games
00:24:50the wreath physician isn't someone you can mess with
00:24:52and if you get in the way of her treating my family
00:24:54if you cause even the slightest delay i swear you won't get away with it
00:24:57she agreed to treat your family
00:25:00maddie knows the right people
00:25:01she already got the wreath physician to help
00:25:02dana
00:25:04look at the difference
00:25:05what i need is someone smart and supportive
00:25:08if it helps you
00:25:10i'll always give it my best
00:25:12then i hope you two stay happy forever
00:25:14just don't come crawling back to ruin someone else's life
00:25:18dana
00:25:19have i been too soft on you
00:25:22have you forgotten where you stand
00:25:26christoph moves in front of me
00:25:27shielding me
00:25:28even from his wheelchair
00:25:30his sharp gaze feels like a knife
00:25:34step away
00:25:36mr houston
00:25:37why are you always taking her
00:25:39side
00:25:42don't tell me you two are actually
00:25:43loud noises come from the other end of the hallway
00:25:46where did the wreath physician go
00:25:48i literally just
00:25:50where did the wreath physician go
00:25:52i literally just saw her
00:25:54she's my inspiration
00:25:55i need to meet her at least once
00:25:57if the head of ucas wants me a better
00:25:58i don't care how much it costs
00:25:59i'm hiring her for our hospital
00:26:01no matter what
00:26:02their greed and frenzy
00:26:04it makes my blood run cold
00:26:06i swear
00:26:07it wasn't me who leaked it
00:26:12dr lewis
00:26:13you've been keeping the wreath physician here the whole time
00:26:15without saying a word come on let us meet her
00:26:18you're too late
00:26:19she's already left after completing the surgery
00:26:22she's already gone
00:26:23i'm afraid so
00:26:25you should all head back
00:26:26oh
00:26:27you're all looking for the wreath physician too
00:26:30funny
00:26:32you might have just missed her
00:26:35i think i saw someone leaving earlier
00:26:38could have been her
00:26:39which way did she go
00:26:40maybe she's still nearby
00:26:41hard to say
00:26:42but maybe you should ask dana
00:26:44the one over there wearing a surgical mask
00:26:47she was just with her
00:26:48something might have happened between them
00:26:50i mean the wreath physician left pretty suddenly
00:26:53all eyes on me like i'm the culprit didn't she
00:26:55what did you say to her
00:26:56do you have any clue how long we've waited for this moment
00:26:58really
00:26:59you just swallow whatever people feed you
00:27:01next time you're saving lives
00:27:02maybe give your own brain a check up first
00:27:04let's not fight
00:27:05maybe i made a mistake
00:27:06i mean dana's not even a doctor right
00:27:07but then
00:27:08why the mask
00:27:09to filter out the stink of some people's two-faced lies of course
00:27:12dana i didn't mean anything by it
00:27:15you could have just corrected me
00:27:17did you really have to humiliate me
00:27:23dana that's enough
00:27:24do you honestly think everything is about you
00:27:28it's honestly impressive that someone with your level of intellect
00:27:31has managed to keep foster group running this long
00:27:33mr hudson
00:27:34why do you keep butting into my issues with dana
00:27:36she still owes maddie an apology
00:27:39with that prideful combative attitude of hers
00:27:41it's no wonder the wraith physician left so suddenly
00:27:43honestly i wouldn't be shocked if dana
00:27:46was the reason
00:27:48please everyone
00:27:49calm down
00:27:50this young lady here had absolutely nothing to do with the wraith physician
00:27:54leaving
00:27:54and how would you know
00:27:57i heard a voice cutting through the noise
00:27:59unexpected and bright
00:28:02a stunning blonde struds into sight
00:28:05wait isn't that nell mason the wraith physician's agent
00:28:08she might know where the doctor went
00:28:10miss mason i'm declan foster we've spoken before
00:28:12okay what's all this fuss about
00:28:15this arrogant woman dared to offend the wraith physician
00:28:18don't be ridiculous
00:28:19dana's a close friend of the wraith physician
00:28:21shock ripples through the group
00:28:23what you really think i came here just to play games with you
00:28:27come on
00:28:28i need a quick word
00:28:29let's find somewhere private
00:28:41i guide chrystrick's wheelchair towards a bench near the water
00:28:44nell tugs my arm and pulls me aside behind a line of trees
00:28:50dama be straight with me
00:28:51does chrystrick have something over your head no leverage
00:28:53just a deal between two adults that's all
00:28:55that still doesn't mean you had to marry him
00:28:58i turn around and meet chrystameth's gaze
00:29:00he sits in silence
00:29:02casually tapping the arm press of his wheelchair in a slow unbothered rhythm
00:29:05miss mason
00:29:07would it be possible for me to talk to the wraith physician in private
00:29:10if my last offer wasn't good enough i can offer more
00:29:13your behavior is boarding on harassment
00:29:16please i'm begging you
00:29:18do you even know how she decides who to help
00:29:23how
00:29:24she chooses based on character
00:29:27dana don't push me
00:29:28you had the wraith physician's contact this whole time
00:29:31and you didn't think to give it to me
00:29:32declan are you seriously that dense
00:29:34how many times did i tell you i'd contact her myself
00:29:37dana back then declan just couldn't imagine someone like you knowing someone so important
00:29:40but if it were me if the roles were reversed and he needed help
00:29:43i would have done everything i could to support him
00:29:44you were his wife weren't you supposed to stand by him i can't even imagine how much that must have
00:29:48hurt
00:29:48his wife
00:29:48yeah i was
00:29:49but you
00:29:50what do you think you are exactly to talk like that
00:29:52what a lovely spot
00:29:53too bad it got ruined by the arrival of two pests
00:29:57let's go now
00:29:58turns and heads back to chrystam
00:30:00grips the wheelchair handles
00:30:02ready to push him away
00:30:04dana
00:30:04let me make this clear
00:30:05i won't keep playing your silly games forever
00:30:07don't come begging when it's already too late
00:30:09but if you can convince the wraith physician to do the surgery for my father
00:30:12i've seen dumb people but you're both dumb and completely out of touch with reality
00:30:16a real eye opener
00:30:18dana stops walking for a second
00:30:19slowly turns around
00:30:22if you really want the wraith physician's help fine
00:30:24but i have three conditions
00:30:26if you agree to them
00:30:27i'll make it happen
00:30:28what's the first condition
00:30:30give back the anyad project
00:30:41absolutely not
00:30:43that's extortion
00:30:45do you really think i'm that stupid
00:30:46the anyad project is a damn gold mine
00:30:48and you expect me to just hand it over like it's nothing
00:30:50that deal was never yours to begin with
00:30:52it was meant for the murray's
00:30:53you're not giving it up
00:30:54you're giving it back
00:30:55christophe stays quiet
00:30:57watching
00:30:57hold on to something long enough
00:30:58and you start thinking it's yours
00:30:59how ridiculous
00:31:00dana helping deck it should be a no binder
00:31:03if i were you
00:31:03i'd just let him have the credit
00:31:05shut your mouth
00:31:06madison freezes face draining of color
00:31:08give back the anyad project
00:31:10that's condition one
00:31:11if you can't do that
00:31:13then don't waste my time
00:31:14i turn and start pushing christopher's chair forward
00:31:17come to dinner tonight
00:31:18nine o'clock
00:31:19maybe then we can still talk
00:31:22i raise my middle finger in his direction without turning around
00:31:30christmas car is already parked outside the hospital
00:31:32i slip into the back seat beside him but deliberately keep my distance
00:31:36so where are we headed now
00:31:37to the hudson family house
00:31:39my eyes widen
00:31:40don't you think it's a little too soon
00:31:43christmas places a file next to me
00:31:45have a look
00:31:45i pick it up
00:31:46confused
00:31:47then my eyes widen as i flip through it
00:31:50a cheat sheet for surviving his house
00:31:52i've already memorized all the names
00:31:53likes
00:31:54nice likes
00:31:54everything
00:31:55don't bother
00:31:56just get a rough sense of who you're dealing with
00:31:58still
00:31:58they're your family
00:31:59they don't deserve your respect
00:32:02don't ever forget that
00:32:13the car rolls to a stop in front of the massive hudson house
00:32:25christoph and i return to the hudson estate
00:32:31a woman in a sharp black body cod skirt hurried down the stairs
00:32:35a fake smile plastered on her face
00:32:37well well
00:32:38look who finally made an appearance
00:32:40and who my this is
00:32:42oh it doesn't really matter
00:32:44if christom brought you here
00:32:45you must mean a great deal to him
00:32:46that makes you family in my book
00:32:48i'm dana murray
00:32:50dana what a beautiful name
00:32:52aunt johanna
00:32:53you don't have to put on a show
00:32:55she's a little reserved
00:32:56hello
00:32:56i steers christoph's wheelchair right past johanna
00:32:59elida
00:33:00hurry down
00:33:01christoph has finally brought a woman home
00:33:02this is historic for the hudson family
00:33:10the family matriarch alita hudson
00:33:12silver-haired
00:33:13leaning on a polished cane
00:33:15gaze sharp and a sesame
00:33:17enters
00:33:19not bad at all
00:33:20tell me your name
00:33:21and how did you and christophie cross paths
00:33:26i'm dana murray
00:33:27murray
00:33:28as in the murray group
00:33:29we haven't done business with them in ages
00:33:31no wonder you look unfamiliar
00:33:33alita
00:33:34look at these two
00:33:35they're practically made for each other
00:33:37honestly it's a perfect match
00:33:39when a young lady walks through our doors on her own
00:33:40we really should make sure she doesn't slip away
00:33:42there's no need to rush into these things
00:33:44what matters most is that you two get along
00:33:46have you eaten
00:33:47let me know your favorite dish
00:33:48i'll have the chef make it
00:33:49i'm easy to please ma'am
00:33:50anything will do
00:33:51you'd better take good care of dana
00:33:54if the two of you decide to take things further
00:33:57we should arrange a formal introduction for both families
00:34:02that won't be necessary
00:34:12it's already official
00:34:15dana is my wife
00:34:20no absolutely not
00:34:21i won't allow this
00:34:22how could you marry a woman
00:34:24who's already had a marriage before
00:34:26charles hudson storms down the staircase
00:34:28anger clear
00:34:29please dad try to relax
00:34:31you know christoph made this choice himself
00:34:33he must have his reasons
00:34:34christmith
00:34:35you've led the hudson group for so many years
00:34:37did you ever stop to think about
00:34:39what this could do to the company's reputation
00:34:41has this woman bewitched you so completely
00:34:43that you're willing to risk everything we've built
00:34:45my hand balls into a fist inside my sleeve
00:34:47dana is my wife
00:34:49and that's not up for discussion
00:34:50are you really upset
00:34:52that is it the fact that your son
00:34:54isn't sitting in my place at the head of the company
00:34:57i'm saying all this for your benefit
00:34:59nothing more
00:35:00whom i marry is my own affair
00:35:02how did you get your claws into christopher
00:35:05was deccan faster not enough for you
00:35:07johanna slaps a hand over her mouth
00:35:09i just saw an article the other day
00:35:11talking about the two of you
00:35:12looking so blissfully in love
00:35:13so when exactly did you see that story
00:35:16about me and my ex-husband blissfully in love
00:35:20oh it was just a headline
00:35:21i saw in the entertainment news
00:35:23really now
00:35:26yes
00:35:27i used to be married to declin
00:35:29so well hidden that even the press
00:35:31never caught a wisp
00:35:33so johanna i'm honestly wondering
00:35:35where did your information come from
00:35:38maybe i
00:35:39got the details wrong
00:35:43that's odd
00:35:44you sounded absolutely convinced a moment ago
00:35:46a woman with a failed marriage
00:35:48your doesn't belong in our family
00:35:50your very presence embarrasses christopher enough
00:35:53if you know what's good for yourself
00:35:54you'll walk away now
00:35:57if a divorce is on the table
00:35:58that decision belongs solely to me and christopher
00:36:01not you
00:36:02you hear that
00:36:04she's shameless
00:36:05letting her in will ruin our family's name
00:36:09it's interesting
00:36:10everyone was so insistent that i get married
00:36:12but now that i have no one approves of my choice
00:36:14but no one said you should marry a woman with a divorce in her past
00:36:19since when did being divorced become a crime
00:36:22grandpa
00:36:23do you plan to force us apart too
00:36:25this marriage has to end
00:36:27i won't have this scandal dragging us down
00:36:30grandma what do you think about all this
00:36:32bring her home
00:36:34and you'll get no argument from me
00:36:36mom
00:36:37think about what this means for the company
00:36:41christopher's choices are his own
00:36:42we owe him that respect
00:36:44so what if people talk
00:36:46as long as dana's his wife in the eyes of the law
00:36:49she's under this family's protection
00:36:51if it comes to forcing us apart i won't fight you
00:36:54but just so you know
00:36:55every share and asset i owned
00:36:57dana holds them now
00:36:59should we divorce
00:37:01i'll walk away with nothing but myself
00:37:04shock ripples through the room
00:37:05i find myself momentarily speechless
00:37:08have you lost your mind
00:37:09you went behind our backs for something that drastic
00:37:13you'd risk everything the family built just to make a woman happy
00:37:17you'll be the death of me
00:37:18if you're ready to see me out on the street
00:37:20go right ahead and push for a divorce
00:37:22now dana
00:37:24let's head upstairs
00:37:29i take hold of the wheelchair handles
00:37:31and begin guiding christopher away
00:37:42did you really just say that
00:37:48shouldn't you check on what's happening downstairs
00:37:51your grandfather looked ready to collapse when we left
00:37:54we keep a family physician on standby
00:37:57the old man will survive
00:37:59he's far too fond of living to let something like this finish him off
00:38:02i detected the bitterness and hostility in his words
00:38:05we'll spend the night here
00:38:07you can have the bed
00:38:09i'll make do in the study
00:38:10that hardly seems fair
00:38:12we did come here today as husband and wife after all
00:38:14how about we compromise
00:38:15i'll ask the staff to bring up extra blankets
00:38:18you keep the bed
00:38:19and i'll manage just fine on the floor
00:38:21out of the question
00:38:21i won't have you sleeping on the floor
00:38:23we're doing this my way
00:38:24i nodded slightly
00:38:25and said no more in protest
00:38:32christoph
00:38:33your grandfather wants to see you in his study
00:38:35he needs to have a word with you
00:38:37all right
00:38:41stay here and wait for me
00:38:43i won't be long
00:38:44okay
00:38:50the room stretches wider after christom's departure
00:38:53a wall-to-wall bookshelf overflows with novels and biographies
00:38:58trophies and medals crowd every corner
00:39:00all for auto racing
00:39:07who's there
00:39:08it's me
00:39:10elida
00:39:16i've done some digging into your past dana
00:39:18if i'm honest
00:39:20you and christoph aren't a textbook match
00:39:23my heart tightened immisciately
00:39:25filled with unease
00:39:26but i have faith in christoph's judgment
00:39:28he never kept company with any woman before you
00:39:31i promised long ago
00:39:33to stand behind every decision he makes
00:39:35from this day forward
00:39:36you are the only granddaughter-in-law i recognize
00:39:38whatever the future holds
00:39:40the hudson family will always be in your corner
00:39:43christoph might seem unyielding
00:39:45but he's gentle beneath the surface
00:39:46he will care for you
00:39:48i know it
00:39:49my hope is that the two of you stay together for life
00:39:52this is too much
00:39:53something so precious i really can't accept
00:39:54this bracelet is worn by every wife in the hudson family
00:39:57you married christoph so it belongs with you now
00:40:01the more important it is the less i feel right taking it
00:40:05did you and christoph come to some kind of agreement
00:40:11what makes you say that
00:40:12marriage isn't a game to me
00:40:14if there's nothing wrong
00:40:15you'll accept the bros
00:40:17keep arguing and i'll have someone dig into this
00:40:21i'll cherish it
00:40:22remember what i told you dana
00:40:24christoph is someone you can rely on
00:40:30alita
00:40:31you're not gonna believe what i just read
00:40:33there's a way to fix christopher's legs
00:40:35are you serious
00:40:36that's nothing to joke about
00:40:39why would i make up something so important
00:40:42but
00:40:47i watch as johanna with calculating eyes
00:40:50you'd better read this as yourself
00:40:53a carefully orchestrated fake news story
00:40:56became the most powerful weapon in her hands
00:40:59the only doctor who can fix christopher's legs
00:41:01is the wraith physician
00:41:03but word on the street says we've crossed her
00:41:06how did this happen
00:41:08what's the real story here
00:41:10alita
00:41:10may i see the article
00:41:12i scrolls through the content
00:41:14blurry photos
00:41:15sensationalized stories suggesting dana deliberately impersonated the wraith physician
00:41:19blurry photos a hastily crumbled story
00:41:22yet it's generating massive traffic and debate
00:41:24anyone believing this garbage should question their sanity
00:41:31you've destroyed his final chance
00:41:33did you marry him solely to sabotage his future
00:41:36you place more faith in some dubious online gossip
00:41:40than in christopher's wisdom when he chose me
00:41:42if i could deceive him so effortlessly
00:41:45how did he expand the hudson group
00:41:47to its current prominence in mere years
00:41:51stop deflecting dana
00:41:52is the article accurate or not
00:41:55accurate
00:41:55didn't i just address that
00:41:57if you're so convinced by these flimsy articles
00:41:59i could commission someone to write a hundred such articles
00:42:02claiming the world ends tomorrow
00:42:03will that prompt you to pack your things
00:42:05and prepare to flee
00:42:07you
00:42:14enough
00:42:15johanna
00:42:17you're far too mature for such pettiness
00:42:19dayla has a point
00:42:24however this article mentions you're acquainted with the wraith physician
00:42:28is that true
00:42:29if so
00:42:30could you persuade her to treat christoph's condition
00:42:32his injury haunts my every waking moment
00:42:35without proper healing
00:42:36i'll carry this burden to my grave
00:42:42sudden footsteps ring out from the doorway
00:42:45christoph appears in the doorway
00:42:50grandma i can take care of myself
00:42:52there's no need to worry
00:42:52how can you say that
00:42:54you're meant to lead the hudson group one day
00:42:56and you have to be healthy and strong
00:42:57i can protect you from the schemers while i'm still here
00:43:00but who'll have your back once i'm gone
00:43:01don't talk like that grandma
00:43:02you're not going anywhere
00:43:03i'll leave your other choices alone
00:43:05but i won't budge on one thing
00:43:06i'm going to get those legs of yours fixed
00:43:08whatever it takes
00:43:09i'll track down this so-called miracle healer
00:43:12the wraith physician
00:43:15it's getting late
00:43:17everyone should rest for now
00:43:18we'll come together for dinner when it's ready
00:43:21alita
00:43:21those rumors online might still hold some weight
00:43:24stories like that don't just appear out of thick nair
00:43:27so what exactly are you trying to say
00:43:31we have to bring in the wraith physician
00:43:34christom's legs are the priority
00:43:36here's how it is dana
00:43:37if you manage to bring the wraith physician here
00:43:39the hudson family will welcome you with open arms
00:43:41but if christus recovery gets held up because of you
00:43:44trust me you'll carry all the blame
00:43:46didn't realize my legs mattered that much to you aunt johanna
00:43:50we're family christophy
00:43:52naturally i want to see you up and walking again
00:43:55dana think of this as your shot to prove yourself
00:43:57can you do it
00:43:59funny i don't remember you being in charge of the hudson family
00:44:02or my personal life
00:44:03if you're itching to interfere
00:44:05maybe worry about your own household first
00:44:08i hear your son's been losing fortunes at the casino again
00:44:14enough
00:44:16let's just go and give these two
00:44:18some space
00:44:23alita exits
00:44:25quietly brushing off janana's attempt to steady her
00:44:30i takes out her phone
00:44:31her social media has exploded with vicious insults
00:44:35a handful of messages come from obvious trolls
00:44:38but the coordination hints at a calculated effort
00:44:44i'll have someone deal with this
00:44:46that won't be necessary
00:44:48i've got an easy fix
00:44:51without meeting christopher's eyes
00:44:53i log into the official wreath physician account
00:44:58this is wreath physician
00:45:00dana murray is a trusted friend
00:45:02spread lies about her
00:45:04and i will pursue legal action
00:45:10i draft her first update
00:45:16i hit send and my phone explodes with alerts
00:45:18i don't bother glancing at the novocations
00:45:20i already know what kind of storm is brewing
00:45:22within minutes the comment section flips on its head
00:45:24people who'd been so quick to tear me down
00:45:26are suddenly tripping over themselves to apologize
00:45:28ignoring the digital chaos
00:45:29i place another call
00:45:30i want the name of whoever set up today's smear campaign against me
00:45:33then file a lawsuit
00:45:34no delay
00:45:34i make no effort to keep my conversation private
00:45:36christopher who just read wreath physician's post himself
00:45:38is clearly listening in
00:45:39if something like this crops up again i'll handle it
00:45:42he studies me in silence
00:45:44curiosity flittering across his face
00:45:47i appreciate it
00:45:48but i don't really make a habit of relying on others
00:45:51we're married you know
00:45:52looking out for you is part of the deal
00:45:54all right
00:45:55if i run into trouble next time
00:45:57you'll be the first to know
00:45:58there's something in his tone that feels strangely personal
00:46:00as if he'd forgotten this was only a business arrangement
00:46:03i check my watch
00:46:06let's do some therapy on your legs
00:46:10a rush of warmth spreads through christema's legs
00:46:13the pressure sharp and almost electric
00:46:15christmas endures the discomfort without a word
00:46:17sweat gathering along his brow
00:46:19i'll put together an herbal soap for you later
00:46:21it'll help boost circulation in your legs
00:46:24after spending so long crouched
00:46:25a sudden wave of dizziness hits me
00:46:27i lose balance
00:46:29strong arms catch me
00:46:31holding you steady
00:46:33christmas fresh woodly scent sweeps over me
00:46:35you all right
00:46:38did you get dizzy
00:46:40i'm fine
00:46:41just been running around all day
00:46:43it could be low blood sugar
00:46:45i try to rise again
00:46:47but my legs give out a second time
00:46:49i pitch forward
00:46:58a wave of dizziness crashes over me
00:47:01threatening to swallow me whole
00:47:02then everything goes dark
00:47:04dana
00:47:05he scrambles for my wrist
00:47:07fingers searching for a pulse
00:47:09when he finds it steady beneath his touch
00:47:11he exhaled a trembling sigh of relief
00:47:14it isn't until deep into the night
00:47:15that i finally drift back to consciousness
00:47:17i blink disoriented
00:47:19a soft nightlight paints the room in gentle gold
00:47:22across the room
00:47:23the glow catches the angles of his face
00:47:26lending warmth to his usually cold features
00:47:32what happened to me
00:47:33you fainted from exhaustion
00:47:34the doctor gave you a glucose shot
00:47:36if you're still feeling unwell
00:47:38i can call him back
00:47:41i'll be fine
00:47:44my phone's piercing ring shatters the quiet
00:47:46i glance at the screen
00:47:48deccan
00:47:49i decline without a second thought
00:47:50the phone immediately buzz again
00:47:52i let out a frustrated sigh and pick up
00:47:55dana why didn't you come home tonight
00:47:57didn't i say this was your last shot
00:47:59and when exactly did i promise i'd show up for your drunken circus
00:48:02i've told you before dana
00:48:04playing hard to get won't get you anywhere
00:48:06if this deal gets sealed i might just overlook your mistakes
00:48:09it's a miracle someone as toxic as you is still walking around
00:48:13that's enough
00:48:14this call qualifies as harassment
00:48:16my legal team would be more than happy to handle it
00:48:19dana where are you right now
00:48:21and why the hell is a man with you
00:48:24where i am is none of your concern
00:48:25we're divorced declan
00:48:27try to remember that
00:48:28keep this up and you'll be hearing from my lawyer
00:48:31i don't wait for another outburst
00:48:32with one smooth motion
00:48:34i end the call and block his number for good
00:48:37your ex really doesn't know when to quit
00:48:39maybe it's time his business took a neap dive
00:48:44glad we're on the same page
00:48:50look at my phone
00:48:51the alarm system at one of my places has been triggered
00:48:54i open the security footage and stop in my tracks
00:48:56declan stands out front staring hard at the dark window on the second floor
00:48:59how could dana not be home at this hour
00:49:01and that guy's voice on the phone
00:49:03who the hell is he
00:49:04is she actually serious about leaving me
00:49:06he finds that his number has already been blocked by me
00:49:08he glares fiercely at the camera full of spite
00:49:11dana if you're messing me over
00:49:12all you're asking for trouble
00:49:13so don't come crying when it hits you
00:49:22some people are rotten
00:49:23right down to the bone
00:49:32what's your next move
00:49:34i'm taking back that eneog project
00:49:37it's late get some sleep
00:49:45it's locked from the outside
00:49:46i'm guessing grandma's putting us through a test
00:49:49trying to figure out what's really going on between us
00:49:54so what now
00:49:55i can sleep on the floor
00:50:00we'll share the bed
00:50:01don't worry
00:50:02i won't make a move
00:50:04i trust you
00:50:05but i'm simply not used to sleeping next to anyone
00:50:08i've been flying solo for a while
00:50:10no way
00:50:11the floor's freezing this time of year
00:50:13and you'd catch a cold
00:50:14i'll take the floor
00:50:15i curl up on one side
00:50:17leaving plenty of room between us
00:50:19i stare at the ceiling
00:50:20feeling completely out of place
00:50:22all right
00:50:23we'll share the bed
00:50:24i curl up on one side
00:50:25one side
00:50:26leaving plenty of room between us
00:50:28i stare at the ceiling
00:50:30feeling completely out of place
00:50:34just as i fear i'll be wide awake all night
00:50:36a sudden wave of tiredness washes over me
00:50:39mom
00:50:40i miss you more than words
00:50:42you finally came back to me
00:50:44i'm all grown up now
00:50:45i could keep you safe
00:50:46but it's too late isn't it
00:50:48mom i miss you so much
00:50:51i wake and take in the sight before me
00:50:53my heart catches in my throat
00:50:55krispeth's features are impossibly close
00:50:57sharp and undeniably handsome
00:50:58i find myself pressed tightly against his chest
00:51:01wrapped up in an embrace that feels far too intimate
00:51:03i could feel his body heat
00:51:05and the crisp clean scent of cedar on him
00:51:07i begin inching out of his arms slow and cautious
00:51:09after what seems like an eternity
00:51:11i finally slip free
00:51:12a quiet breath of relief escapes me as i hurry out of the room
00:51:15not daring to glance back
00:51:17what escapes my notice is krispeth
00:51:18who seems to be deep in sleep
00:51:20cracking his eyes open in silence
00:51:24i make my way straight out to the garden
00:51:26chill still lingers in the air
00:51:31a figure lurks at the edge of my vision
00:51:34my gaze sharpens
00:51:37aunt johanna
00:51:42hey dana how'd you sleep
00:51:43if anything is bothering you just say so
00:51:46i'll handle it myself
00:51:48i appreciate the concern i slept fine
00:51:50you're new here
00:51:51if anyone gives you trouble or treats you poorly come to me
00:51:54i never had a daughter of my own
00:51:55but the moment i saw you i felt something melt inside me
00:51:58maybe destiny works in strange ways
00:52:01i've always longed for a daughter
00:52:03so the universe must have decided to bring you to me
00:52:05from now on i'll treat you just like my own
00:52:10i appreciate the sentiment
00:52:11but i already had a mother
00:52:13she actually died when i was a child
00:52:18is there anything else
00:52:19if not i'd like to go now
00:52:21wait up
00:52:23i missed my chance to welcome you into the family properly yesterday
00:52:26this necklace is so your style
00:52:29think of it as small token from me
00:52:31let's skip the formalities and get straight to the point
00:52:35honestly it's nothing major
00:52:36i just happened to catch wraith physician's latest post
00:52:40would you be able to introduce me
00:52:42why the urgency to meet wraith physician
00:52:44are you not feeling well
00:52:45it's not for me
00:52:46i've got a very close friend who's been struggling for ages
00:52:49we've now finally had some real connection to wraith physician
00:52:51if you could make the meeting happen
00:52:53she leans in
00:52:54lowering her voice to whisper confidently in my ear
00:52:58that's all you've got to offer
00:53:00well
00:53:01lend me a hand with this
00:53:02and i'll make it worth your while
00:53:03i'll sing your praises to charles
00:53:05to make sure you and chrismith don't hit any bumps
00:53:07you actually think this is tempting
00:53:10christoph and i are already married
00:53:11and the paperwork signed
00:53:12you know that right
00:53:16so what
00:53:17the hudson family don't take no for an answer
00:53:20your marriage certificate means nothing
00:53:22don't get comfortable
00:53:23if charles decides you're out
00:53:25your marriage is over before you know it
00:53:27and i'd think twice about your ex-husband too
00:53:29i dials her expression back to sweet and warm
00:53:32honestly dana i'd love nothing more than to treat you like my own daughter
00:53:35it's up to you to make the smart move
00:53:37you must be confused
00:53:39like i just said
00:53:40my mother's already gone
00:53:42if you want to take her place
00:53:43you'd have to join her first
00:53:52you
00:53:53i swoops in and snatches the necklace right out of her grasp
00:53:58i'll be keeping this
00:53:59thank you aunt johanna
00:54:00can't say i expected a welcome present
00:54:03but
00:54:04i'm touched
00:54:05without waiting for a response
00:54:07i turn around and walk off
00:54:09christoph is already awake
00:54:10i find christoph already prepped for the day
00:54:13his gold-rimmed glasses giving him an extra edge of justification
00:54:15his wheelchair faces away from the doorway
00:54:18but he's clearly waiting
00:54:19the maid said breakfast is ready
00:54:21let's go eat
00:54:23so what did jana want from you
00:54:25nothing major
00:54:26she tried to rope me into helping her friend get an appointment with the wreath physician
00:54:30i told her to find someone else
00:54:32him
00:54:32i fish out the necklace
00:54:33dangling it in front of him
00:54:35oh and this was her grand gesture
00:54:37a welcome present
00:54:39apparently
00:54:40johanna's notorious for pinching pennies
00:54:42for her to hand over something like that
00:54:44you know she's desperate
00:54:45so whoever johanna's trying to save must really matter to her
00:54:48you like rubies
00:54:50i can't resist a good gemstone
00:54:52since she was practically giving it away
00:54:54why not let her
00:54:55that's a smart choice
00:54:58his fingers begin to drum softly on his chair's armrest
00:55:01i don't break his concentration
00:55:04in silence
00:55:05i continue steering him towards the dining room
00:55:12the rest of the hudson clan has already taken their seats
00:55:16charles holds court at the table's head
00:55:18expression dark and unwelcoming
00:55:21as i join them
00:55:23i feel the weight of charles's icy glares
00:55:25are you close to the wraith physician
00:55:30i am
00:55:31bring her here tomorrow
00:55:33we've got a big medical conference coming up
00:55:35she can check them out too
00:55:42a loud crash echoes through the dining room
00:55:45the sound of a knife and fork being set down
00:55:51christoph what's going on here
00:55:53do you have a problem with what i just said
00:55:55grandpa the wraith physician has been hard to catch for years
00:55:58are you really planning to take advantage of dana's link to her
00:56:00seeing her as just a means to an end
00:56:02pay her handsomely
00:56:02all that talk about her being some legendary doctor
00:56:04it's just noise from the press
00:56:06us agreeing to work with her is already doing her a favor
00:56:08remember when we first tried to get wraith physician on board
00:56:11didn't we have to ask her a dozen times
00:56:13if money was all it took
00:56:14why did she drag her feet so long
00:56:15that was now
00:56:16she's acknowledged her link to dana
00:56:18hasn't she
00:56:18if you follow my orders and bring wraith physician here
00:56:21i'll accept you as my granddaughter-in-law
00:56:24that won't be needed
00:56:25dana doesn't have to do anything to earn anyone's approval
00:56:28she's my choice
00:56:30not the hudson's
00:56:38there's no use dragging out this meal
00:56:39let's go
00:56:49chrismith your grandfather is just worried about the hudson family's future
00:56:53is it really right for you to talk to him like that
00:56:55she fixes her gaze on me
00:56:56voice cutting
00:56:57and you dana
00:56:58christoph has always been level-hearted
00:57:00now he's clashing with his own grandfather because of you
00:57:02what have you been whispering in his ear
00:57:03aunt johanna you're giving me way too much credit
00:57:05grateful physician is just a friend
00:57:07not some pod i'd use to secure a spot in the hudson family
00:57:09i wouldn't stoop to that
00:57:10you're a divorced woman marrying into our clan
00:57:12we are showing mercy
00:57:13by only laying down this one rule for you
00:57:15don't act like you're above it
00:57:16uncle trevor
00:57:17let me be crystal clear one last time
00:57:19dana is my wife
00:57:20while i'm around
00:57:21no one's gonna force her into anything
00:57:23is this how you talk to your own blood
00:57:26after all these years
00:57:27is this the fruit of my hard work
00:57:32grandpa
00:57:33your lessons are something i'll never forget
00:57:38you might think you're out of my reach now
00:57:40but my word still holds
00:57:41if she doesn't follow my rules
00:57:43she's not welcome under this roof
00:57:45dana didn't marry the hudsons
00:57:46she married me
00:57:47you all think dana's lucky to wed me
00:57:49but honestly i'm the fortunate one
00:57:51what family would let their daughter walk into a poisonous place like the hudson household
00:57:57christoph mind your tongue
00:58:00grandma please take care of yourself
00:58:02i'll drop by again when i get the chance
00:58:06catching the hint
00:58:07i quietly steer him towards the exit
00:58:09you and your grandfather
00:58:19sorry
00:58:20i shouldn't
00:58:22shouldn't have asked
00:58:24i instantly regret mentioning the subject
00:58:27don't worry about it
00:58:28there's nothing private about the hudson mess
00:58:31if it weren't for grandma wanting to meet my wife
00:58:33i'd never have come back
00:58:34my mother was stunning in her prime
00:58:36brilliant
00:58:37ambitious
00:58:38and fiercely independent
00:58:39then she was forced to marry my father
00:58:41for so-called mutual family interests
00:58:43reality boxed her in until she faded away
00:58:46my father wasn't just a winemaker
00:58:48he was a chronic womanizer
00:58:49it nearly broke my mother
00:58:51christoph's eyes slide shut
00:58:53i noticed the veins straining across his clenched fists
00:58:55and my grandfather
00:58:57rather than protect her
00:58:58he locked her in a mental hospital to keep the family secret safe
00:59:01her mind began to unravel
00:59:03and the whole family just looked the other way
00:59:05and pretended she never existed
00:59:08gradually
00:59:09not even the public remember her anymore
00:59:16without a word
00:59:17i reach out
00:59:18and take his hand
00:59:21he blinks open his eyes
00:59:23gaze dropping to my slim
00:59:24pale hand enveloping his
00:59:26we're what's left of them in this world
00:59:28as long as we keep going
00:59:29their stories will never vanish
00:59:32you're right
00:59:33i'll make sure everyone knows the truth about my mother
00:59:37sooner or later
00:59:38the hudson's mask will crack
00:59:39and the world will see what they've hidden
00:59:42come on
00:59:42let's get outside
00:59:44some sunshine might chase away these old ghosts
00:59:47yeah let's do that
00:59:58i join him in the back seat
00:59:59noticing how the distance between us feels much less than when we first met
01:00:05today we start those herbal baths
01:00:07give me three months
01:00:08and you'll be on your feet like anybody else
01:00:12all right
01:00:13where to sir
01:00:15bloomstered
01:00:15it's a condo i bought a while ago
01:00:17our place
01:00:17as a married couple
01:00:20moving in together already
01:00:22isn't this a little fast
01:00:24it's a business arrangement sure
01:00:26but the law calls us husband and wife
01:00:30i'll swing by my place first then
01:00:32grab my things
01:00:33and meet you there
01:00:36the driver will take you
01:00:43i let myself in with a fingerprint scan
01:00:45wasting no time as i begin to pack
01:00:56just as i'm about to head out
01:00:58a tall figure materifies in my doorway
01:01:00blocking my exit
01:01:01dana
01:01:03where were you last night
01:01:05and who the hell were you with
01:01:11declan's stare falls on my outfit
01:01:12spotting the wrinkles
01:01:15annoyments flares as he clamps down on my wrist hard
01:01:20who were you with last night
01:01:22which guy was it
01:01:24let go
01:01:25you're just a downright slut
01:01:27how could i have been so stupid to marry you
01:01:30you're wanting up to this rod hum
01:01:31twists his arm
01:01:33flips him over her shoulder
01:01:35slamming him down with ease
01:01:40since when did you learn to fight like that
01:01:42we're divorced now
01:01:43what i do is none of your concern
01:01:45if you bother me again
01:01:47next time i won't hold back
01:01:51i've said it before
01:01:53those little games won't fool me
01:01:55say nothing happened last night
01:01:57declan you're both pathetic and ridiculous
01:02:00let me spell it out
01:02:01i was with another man last night
01:02:03that's my choice
01:02:04and you've got no say in it
01:02:05i'm filing for a court order
01:02:07to keep you at least 50 meters away
01:02:09every moment i spent loving you makes me sick
01:02:12declan's face drains of color
01:02:14a spark of panic flickers across his features
01:02:17his phone buzzes
01:02:19hello
01:02:20without a word
01:02:21he moves forward and grabs my wrist again
01:02:23my mother's in the hospital
01:02:25call wraith physician for me
01:02:27right now
01:02:29what's that got to do with me
01:02:31she's your mother-in-law
01:02:32i don't have time for this fight
01:02:35come with me to the hospital now
01:02:36and get rest your physician to step in
01:02:38no way
01:02:41my hand hovers over the alarm button by the door
01:02:44you forced my hand
01:02:46my mom is dying in the emergency room dana
01:02:49i'm through with your nonsense
01:02:51bring wraith physician to her now
01:02:52you're breaking the law
01:02:54let go of me
01:02:55he was too strong
01:02:58he shoved me into the passenger seat
01:03:00and grabbed my phone
01:03:01you're coming with me to the hospital
01:03:03when wraith physician arrives
01:03:04i'll let you go
01:03:05wraith physician won't lift a finger for your rotten family
01:03:07think you can twist her arm by using me
01:03:08if you just go back to being the good wife you used to be
01:03:10we wouldn't be in this mess
01:03:11your family's punching bag
01:03:12no chance in hell
01:03:13he locked the doors with a sharp click
01:03:15and slammed the gas pedal
01:03:16i was trapped
01:03:16don't you think you look like a fool
01:03:18i offered to bring wraith physician before
01:03:21and you humiliated me
01:03:22now you pull this stunt
01:03:25i thought you were bluffing back then
01:03:28you never took me seriously
01:03:29our marriage was doomed from the start
01:03:31you messed this up
01:03:33you cheated on me first
01:03:34i've told you the truth about that night
01:03:35you'd rather blame me for your own betrayal and play the victim
01:03:38i'm done talking about it
01:03:39the city lights blurred past
01:03:40painting fleeting patterns on the glass
01:03:42first we deal with my mom's surgery
01:03:43after that we settle our score
01:03:44an oppressive silence fell between us
01:03:46heavier than any words
01:03:47the second we stopped at the hospital
01:03:49he was out of the car
01:03:50he yanked open my door
01:03:51and hauled me toward the er
01:03:53let go of me
01:03:54help this man is trying to hurt me
01:03:56let her go
01:03:57no causing trouble in the hospital
01:03:59step back
01:04:00she's my wife
01:04:04in the guard's face
01:04:05when i saw what was on it
01:04:06my eyes went wide with shock
01:04:12you
01:04:13oh
01:04:13Aaaaaaaaah!
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