- 12 hours ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I might marry a foreign man so she arranged an engagement for me. I grew up abroad. My mother
00:05feared I might marry a foreign man so she arranged an engagement for me with a talented and handsome
00:10man in float on. She insisted that I return home to get engaged. I came back and started shopping
00:15for an engagement dress at a luxury boutique. I selected an off-white strapless gown and decided
00:21to try it on. Suddenly a woman nearby glanced at the dress in my hand and told the saleswoman
00:26that's a unique design. Let me try it. The saleswoman immediately yanked it out of my
00:33hands. I protested indignantly. Excuse me I was here first. Don't you understand the principle
00:39of first come first served or do you just not care about common decency? The woman scoffed
00:44and retorted. This dress costs $188,000. Do you really think a broken body like you can
00:50even afford it? I'm Lucas Goodwin's sister in all but blood. He's the chairman of Goodwin's
00:56group. In float on the Goodwin family sets the rules. What a coincidence. Lucas Goodwin
01:02was my fiance. I immediately called him and said hey your sister in all but blood just
01:07stole my engagement dress. Do something about it. The term sister in all but blood implied
01:12less than innocent connotations. If Lucas Goodwin failed to give me a proper explanation
01:17on that day I would cancel the engagement banquet. To my surprise Lucas responded coldly.
01:23Who are you? Since when does a stranger like you get to question my relationship with Vivian?
01:28I was about to tell him that I was his fiance but he hung up abruptly. I became angry. How
01:34dare he not save my contact information? Meanwhile Vivian Morrow who was standing beside me grinned
01:40triumphantly. You wench. Did you really think having Lucas's number makes you special? Keep dreaming.
01:48She looked at me with open contempt. Even the Janners at Goodwin's group dress better than you.
01:53I had always preferred simple comfortable clothes and never cared about brand names.
01:57I never thought that would give people a reason to look down on me.
02:01What era are you even living in? To think you'd still be judging people by their looks.
02:06Lucas. Lucas must be out of his mind to call you his sister in all but blood.
02:10My mood for shopping was ruined thanks to her antics. I grabbed the gown and headed straight
02:14to the checkout counter. The saleswoman hesitated before saying,
02:18Miss, I'm sorry but we prioritize our members first. Vivian smirked and slammed her shiny gold
02:24membership card onto the counter. Only people who've spent over a million get this card.
02:29What's a broke loser like you even doing here? I was not usually one to pick fights but on that
02:35day
02:35Vivian had really crossed a line. I pulled out a black card and handed it to the saleswoman.
02:40I suppressed my anger and said, sign me up for a membership. Then bagged the gown.
02:46Vivian glared at the saleswoman and threatened, the Goodwin's own Floaten.
02:51If you sell her that gown today, I'll have Luke's buy this store out tomorrow.
02:55The saleswoman shrank back timidly and said, Miss, I'm just an employee. I can't risk offending Goodwin's group.
03:02Several onlookers turned to me and offered me advice in whispers.
03:05That's Mrs. Moreau. I've seen her around. Lucas Goodwin's oils were rotten. You should just let it go.
03:11The last time someone crossed her, Goodwin's group drove them into bankruptcy.
03:15You may have some money but it's pocket change compared to Goodwin's group.
03:18Just apologize to Mrs. Moreau now and beg her to spare you.
03:21Flattered by their words, Vivian's ego swelled like a balloon.
03:25You wench, get on your knees and say, I'm a worthless poser and I'm sorry.
03:31Maybe then I'll consider letting you off the hook.
03:34At 26 years of my life, I had never encountered anyone audacious enough to act so arrogantly in front of
03:40me.
03:41Pardon? What did you just ask me to say?
03:45What? What are you deaf?
03:47Say I'm a worthless poser. I'm sorry. Do I need to spell it out for you?
03:52I smirked. I heard you. Since you're aware that you're a worthless poser, get out of my sight.
03:59Don't waste my time.
04:01When Vivian finally realized she was being mocked, she flailed her arms and charged at me.
04:06It was laughable to see her trying to attack me.
04:08I had a black belt in taekwondo.
04:10Did she really think her flimsy punches would scare me?
04:13I sent Vivian crashing to the floor with a single kick.
04:19She howled in pain.
04:21The onlookers stared at me in horror.
04:23Onlooker gosh. Did she just do that to Mrs. Morley?
04:27Mr. Goodwin is going to tear her to pieces once he hears about this.
04:31Yeah, good luck to her. Not even God can save her.
04:35I felt nothing when I heard their whispers.
04:38The Goodwin family had only achieved their current status through my mother's support.
04:42No one in this city could intimidate me.
04:44I slammed my card on the counter again and said to the cashier,
04:49Ring me up.
04:50The cashier, visibly shaken, fumbled as she processed my payment and wrapped up the gown.
04:55I turned to leave with the bag in hand.
04:58Vivian scrambled to stand up and blocked my path again.
05:01You're not going anywhere!
05:03I raised my fist and waved it in front of her face.
05:06What's the matter?
05:07Do you want to taste my fist again?
05:09Vivian flinched instinctively.
05:11I scoffed and strode past her.
05:14Just then, a black car pulled up in front of the store.
05:17A man stepped out.
05:18I felt my heart skip a beat.
05:21Vivian immediately rushed over tearfully to tattle.
05:24Luke!
05:25She stole my gown from me!
05:27And even hit me!
05:28So, this was my fiancé.
05:31I had always been a sucker for good looks.
05:33And Lucas' appearance was exactly my type.
05:35Based on his looks alone, I felt I could forgive his previous rudeness.
05:40I gave him my best smile.
05:42Hi!
05:44I'm Lily Winsong, your fiancé.
05:47It was no wonder my mother said I would be satisfied with the man she had picked this time.
05:52She really knew me inside out.
05:54The onlookers immediately erupted in gasps.
05:57What?
05:58She's Mr. Goodwin's fiancé?
06:02Lucas looked at me coldly.
06:04Don't get ahead of yourself.
06:05My father arranged this engagement without my consent.
06:08I never agreed to it.
06:10Vivian, who stood beside him,
06:12wrapped her arm around his and leaned intimately against his shoulder.
06:15She shot me a provocative glance.
06:18Look at yourself.
06:19There is no way Lukes would ever marry an ugly creature like you!
06:22Someone chimed in.
06:24Exactly!
06:25If Mr. Goodwin were to marry,
06:26it would be to some rich girl from a proper family with equal status,
06:29not some country bumpin' like you.
06:31With her looks, Goodwin's group wouldn't even hire her to mop floors.
06:34I had never considered myself a stunning beauty,
06:36but I was certainly not ugly.
06:38How could they describe me in such derogatory terms?
06:41This proved how people instinctively curry favor with the powerful
06:45and took advantage of those in misfortune.
06:47Lucas Goodwin,
06:48go home and tell your father that I'm calling off this engagement.
06:54You don't deserve me.
06:58According to my mother,
06:59his father had pulled countless strings
07:01to arrange this marriage alliance with our family.
07:04If he learned that his own son had ruined it,
07:07he'd skin Lucas alive.
07:08The thought lifted my mood a little.
07:10I could not be bothered to waste more time on these idiots,
07:13so I turned to leave.
07:14But Vivian,
07:15knowing that Lucas would back her up,
07:17refused to let it go.
07:19She blocked my path again.
07:20Don't even try to run,
07:22you wench.
07:23We're not done here.
07:24You stole my gown
07:26and hit me.
07:27I looked at her disdainfully.
07:29What exactly do you want?
07:30Mistaking my calm for fear,
07:32she raised her hand to slap me.
07:34I'll slap you until I feel satisfied.
07:36I caught her wrist mid-swing
07:38and slapped her across the face without hesitation.
07:41She stared at me in shock.
07:44Had enough?
07:46Vivian said angrily.
07:47Those two slaps wiped the arrogant look off Vivian's face.
07:51She burst into tears and cowered behind Lucas.
07:54Lukes, do something!
07:56Lucas shielded her protectively and snarled,
07:59Touch my girl again,
08:01and I'll end you.
08:02He signaled his bodyguards to grab me.
08:05I managed to take down the first bodyguard with a quick strike,
08:08but the second one pinned me down.
08:10After a barrage of blows,
08:12I collapsed to the floor.
08:13The two bodyguards hauled me up
08:15and forced me to my knees before Vivian and Lucas.
08:18They looked down at me.
08:19Lucas backed Vivian up and said,
08:21Vivi,
08:23do whatever you want to her.
08:26I've got your back.
08:27With Lucas' reassurance,
08:29Vivian immediately gained confidence.
08:31She slapped me twice,
08:33then spat in my face.
08:34You wench.
08:36Where's all that attitude now?
08:38Huh?
08:40Come on.
08:41Show me how tough you are.
08:43Then, she kicked me hard in the stomach.
08:46Clutching my aching abdomen,
08:48I raised my gaze to glare at her and Lucas.
08:52You'll regret this.
08:54I swear you'll pay for this.
08:57Vivian laughed arrogantly.
08:59The Goodwin family is one of the top three powerful families running this city.
09:03What can a broke loser like you even do against me?
09:07Today, I'll teach you what happens when you mess with me.
09:09She pulled out a nail clipper from her bag and slashed it across my face.
09:13Searing pain shot through my cheek as the skin swelled,
09:16and I felt blood seeping out.
09:18Someone sighed in pity.
09:20I told her not to cross the Goodwin family.
09:22Guess she had to learn the hard way.
09:24What a shame.
09:26Her pretty face is ruined now.
09:27Folks like us can't afford trouble.
09:30We'd better swallow our pride when we're out here.
09:32Vivian raised the nail clipper again,
09:34aiming for another slash at my face.
09:37Terror at the thought of disfigurement overwhelmed me,
09:40and I quickly begged for mercy.
09:42Fine.
09:42Fine.
09:43I'm sorry.
09:44Take the dress.
09:46I shouldn't have fought you for it.
09:49Revenge could wait.
09:50At that moment, saving my face was the priority.
09:53However, Vivian still slashed the blade across my face again.
09:58Oh, now you're sorry.
10:00Well, it's too late now.
10:03Wench, I won't let you go until I've vented every ounce of my rage.
10:08I screamed in pain and turned to Lucas for help.
10:10Lucas, you know my background.
10:13Aren't you afraid of the consequences?
10:15If you keep letting her humiliate me like this, you'll regret it.
10:19Lucas sneered.
10:20What status could you possibly have?
10:22Your mother bewitched my father into forcing this engagement on me.
10:27A vicious gleam flashed in Vivian's gaze.
10:30Your mother is a witch, and I bet you are one too.
10:35Strip off and let me see clearly.
10:38No!
10:39Just then, my phone rang from inside my bag.
10:42I struggled desperately to reach it, but Vivian snatched it first.
10:45She swiped to answer, and my mother's voice came through immediately.
10:49Lillabelt, how's the gown shopping going?
10:52I hurriedly shouted for help.
10:54Mom!
10:56Save me!
10:57Someone's hurting me!
10:59She's trying to strip me off!
11:01My mother panicked.
11:02What?
11:03Who's doing this to you?
11:05Vivian cut in arrogantly.
11:07Me!
11:08Your little witch daughter has been begging for attention, so I'm putting her in her place.
11:12My mother snapped.
11:13I don't care who you are.
11:14Let my daughter go now, or you'll pay for this when I get there.
11:18Try me!
11:18I'll be right here to catch you, you witch!
11:21With that, Vivian hung up my phone and furled it to the floor.
11:24It shattered into pieces.
11:26She slapped me across the face again and sneered.
11:29The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
11:32Huh?
11:33When your mother shows up, I'll strip her down too.
11:36Time crawled by.
11:37It felt like half a century.
11:39But in reality, it had only been five minutes.
11:42Finally, a familiar stretched limousine appeared.
11:46My mother stepped out of the car and demanded,
11:48Let me see who dares threaten to strip me down.
11:52The instant I saw my mother, a wave of pent-up grievances surged through me.
11:57Mom!
11:58I cried as my voice broke with emotion.
12:00My mother's heart broke at the sight of me.
12:02She immediately rushed toward me and pulled me into her embrace.
12:06I finally felt safe when I leaned against my mother's chest.
12:09The surrounding onlookers gasped in astonishment at my mother's vehicle.
12:12Look! That's a limited edition stretch limousine.
12:16Only the extremely rich and powerful can own that car.
12:19It seems Vivian messed with the wrong person this time.
12:22Wrong person.
12:24Please.
12:25Even if she's got connections, nobody could possibly outrank the Goodwin family in this city.
12:30Vivian thought the same too.
12:32She charged toward my mother.
12:33So you're the witch who raised this brat?
12:36She dared to steal my dress and hit me.
12:39Tell me, how are you gonna make this right?
12:41My mother raised her eyes to look at her.
12:43How am I going to make this right?
12:46Oblivious to my mother's murderous glare, Vivian made her demands without restraint.
12:51This was my dress until your trashy daughter put her hands on it.
12:56Now it's ruined.
12:57You'll pay ten times the price.
13:00And for those slaps, she'll kneel right here and slap herself twenty times in front of everyone.
13:06Most importantly, cancel her engagement with Luke.
13:09Do everything I say, and maybe I'll let you walk out of here in one piece.
13:13Otherwise, you're not leaving this store alive.
13:17My mother laughed in disbelief when she heard Vivian's outrageous demands.
13:21She gave my shoulder a reassuring pat before walking toward Vivian.
13:24The engagement between Lillebeau and the Goodwin family will most certainly be cancelled.
13:29Lucas could never measure up to being part of our family.
13:32As for the rest of your demands, my mother raised her hand and slapped her face hard.
13:38Don't even dream about it.
13:39You're the ones who won't be walking out today.
13:42Vivian stood stunned for a second before attempting to retaliate.
13:46My mother's bodyguard kicked her to her knees, then pinned her arms down.
13:50After struggling futilely, Vivian lifted her head to plead with Lucas.
13:54Lucas!
13:56It hurts!
13:58Help me!
13:59Lucas signaled his bodyguards to intervene, but within seconds they were overpowered and slammed to the floor.
14:05The most satisfying part followed.
14:07Lucas himself was forced to my knees before me.
14:10My mother did not hold back and slapped Lucas.
14:12I've never laid a finger on Lilibeth since she was born.
14:16And you dare humiliate her like this today, you'll repay this a thousand times over.
14:22My mother did not hold back and slapped Lucas.
14:25You old hag!
14:27How dare you hit me?
14:28I'm the chairman of Goodwin's group.
14:30You have no idea what consequences you'll face.
14:33How dare you hurt my daughter?
14:34I'd slap your father just like I slapped you if he's here.
14:37The onlookers grew even more shocked.
14:39Who does this woman think she is?
14:42Mr. Goodwin Sr. ran the underworld in his youth.
14:45After leaving that life behind, he built the Goodwin's group.
14:47Even now, everyone in Floaten shows him respect.
14:50She just struck Mr. Goodwin Sr.'s golden boy.
14:54There's no way she's walking away from this.
14:56My mother ignored their whispers.
14:58She gently touched my swollen, bleeding cheek.
15:01Oh, Lilibel, you've suffered enough.
15:04But I'm here now.
15:06Don't be afraid.
15:07Do you want payback?
15:09Just say the word.
15:10I was not the type to turn the other cheek to begin with.
15:13I certainly would not be after what Vivian just told.
15:16I stared at her with a furious gaze.
15:18First, I struck her repeatedly across the face to vent my anger.
15:23Then, I picked up the nail clipper she had used to slash my cheek and slowly brought it closer to
15:28her face.
15:29Vivian trembled violently.
15:31Don't!
15:32Don't you dare touch my face!
15:34I'll fight you to the death!
15:35Without hesitation, I made the first cut.
15:38She let out a blood-curdling scream as a bleeding gash swelled along one cheek.
15:42I slashed the blade repeatedly.
15:45Soon, her face was swollen beyond recognition.
15:47It looked bruised and bloody.
15:49She could do nothing but wail in helpless agony as she was pinned down by the bodyguards.
15:55My face!
15:57My face is ruined!
15:59It was true that a person would not know the pain until it was theirs to bear.
16:02When she tried to disfigure me, she should have expected retribution.
16:07Lucas, who was nearby, snarled at me.
16:10You psychotic wench!
16:12When my father finds out what you did to Vivi, he'll make you pay!
16:15My mother said coldly,
16:17Good.
16:18Let Bernard come.
16:19We'll see who he punishes.
16:21You or us.
16:23My mother immediately took out her phone and called Bernard Goodwin.
16:26He answered instantly.
16:28Hello, Denia.
16:30What's the matter?
16:31My mother replied coldly,
16:33Bernard, you've certainly raised an exceptional son.
16:37Recognizing her displeasure, Bernard responded with forced laughter.
16:41Denia, what has my useless son done now?
16:44Just say the word, and I'll punish him severely.
16:47You know, Lilliville is my only daughter.
16:49I've cherished her like the apple of my eye since she was born.
16:52Yes, of course.
16:53Rest assured, when Mrs. Winsone marries into our family,
16:57I won't let her suffer even the slightest grievance.
17:00My mother's voice trembled with suppressed rage.
17:03Well, your precious boy, Lucas,
17:06has let Lilliville suffer a terrible humiliation.
17:08He tied her up and allowed her to be beaten and insulted
17:12for the sake of some pretend sister.
17:14How are you going to make this right?
17:17Bernard was in disbelief when he heard this.
17:19He then said,
17:20What?
17:21That brat hurt Mrs. Winsone.
17:24Skin him alive for all I care.
17:26Do whatever you want with him.
17:28Lucas, who was kneeling on the floor, shouted,
17:30Dad, has this witch cast a spell on you?
17:33These two witches are evil.
17:35They ruined Vivi's face and made me kneel.
17:39Instead of saving me,
17:40you're letting them have their way with me.
17:42I'm your son!
17:44Bernard roared furiously.
17:46You're a disgrace.
17:47After this disaster you've caused,
17:50I wish I'd never had you!
17:52Lucas tried to speak again.
17:53My mother ended the call deliberately.
17:55She looked at him with contempt.
17:57Do you still think your father is going to save you?
18:00You black widow.
18:02Don't get cocky.
18:03He's just blowing off steam.
18:05I'm his flesh and blood.
18:07When he comes for me,
18:08you're dead.
18:09Ever since I could remember,
18:11my father's memory was my mother's most tender spot.
18:13No one would dare broach it.
18:15Lucas truly had a death wish
18:17and was walking straight into the line of fire.
18:20As expected,
18:21my mother's expression darkened.
18:23She looked at him with a murderous gaze.
18:25I swiftly kicked Lucas in the back.
18:27He sprawled face first onto the floor.
18:30Mom,
18:31don't waste your anger on this worthless fool.
18:33Let me handle him.
18:34I know exactly how to deal with them.
18:36With that,
18:37I ordered the bodyguards to take both of them away.
18:39I sidled up to Mom and whined.
18:42Mom,
18:42my face really hurts.
18:44Will you come with me to get it treated first?
18:46My coaxing tone successfully snapped my mother back to rationality.
18:51She gently touched my injured cheek
18:52and accompanied me to the hospital.
18:54Floodon's top dermatologists and plastic surgeons gathered to examine me.
18:58After disinfecting my facial wounds,
19:00they discussed treatment plans to ensure no scars would remain.
19:04Once the treatment plan was finalized,
19:06the doctors gradually dispersed.
19:08Only my mother and I remained in the ward.
19:11I leaned my head against her shoulder and murmured reassuringly.
19:14Mom,
19:15don't take Lucas's words to heart.
19:17Lilibelt,
19:18your father really did die because of me.
19:20Do you hate me for making you grow up without a father?
19:22Her voice thickened with guilt and regret.
19:25I shook my head and hugged her tighter.
19:26I knew better than anyone how much she had suffered these years.
19:30My father had been part of the underworld.
19:33He had countless subordinates.
19:34Bernard was just one of his underlings.
19:37Everything changed when he met my mother.
19:39They fell in love at first sight.
19:41The violent womanizer who lived for fights and flings finally settled down.
19:45From that moment,
19:46his heart belonged only to my mother.
19:48But this gave my father a weakness.
19:51His enemies repeatedly targeted my mother.
19:53In the end,
19:54he sacrificed his life protecting her.
19:56I was less than a year old at the time.
19:58My grandparents said she would have followed my father in death had I not existed.
20:02For my sake,
20:03she dragged herself through the grief.
20:05She dissolved my father's underworld organization.
20:08From its members,
20:09she selected those with business acumen and funded their ventures.
20:12My mother understood the danger of drawing attention.
20:15To shield me from becoming a target,
20:17she maintained a low profile
20:19and never appeared before the media or public.
20:21It was no exaggeration to say my mother built three of Flodan's major financial empires.
20:26Only a few knew this truth.
20:28This explained why idiots like Lucas remained ignorant of her true status.
20:32That was why he dared spew nonsense.
20:36After a week of medical treatment,
20:38my facial injuries healed completely.
20:40My skin became even smoother and more radiant than before.
20:44One day,
20:44the housekeeper brought over another gift from Bernard.
20:47It was a 1945 Chateau Lafite.
20:49It was one of only a few left in the world.
20:52It was clear Bernard had gone to great lengths to save his son.
20:56After locking Lucas and Vivian up for a week,
20:58it was about time I paid them a visit.
21:00I instructed the housekeeper to inform Bernard who was waiting outside.
21:04Then,
21:05I had the bodyguards bring Lucas and Vivian up from the basement.
21:08Those seven short days had transformed them beyond recognition.
21:12Their hair was matted,
21:13and their bodies reeked of foul odors.
21:16Vivian's facial wounds were left untreated.
21:18It had festered and swollen.
21:20Her entire face had turned into a bloated mess and was ruined beyond repair.
21:25When Lucas spotted Bernard,
21:26tears of relief streamed down his face.
21:29He scrambled over on hands and knees.
21:31Dad!
21:33You're finally here!
21:34You have no idea what I've been through these days.
21:38He pointed a shaking finger at me.
21:40It was her!
21:41She locked me in that water cell.
21:44She deprived me of sleep,
21:46starved me,
21:47and forced me to eat rotten food.
21:50I smiled slightly as I looked at him.
21:52Yet you always licked the bowl clean though,
21:55didn't you Mr. Goodwin?
21:57Human survival instincts were truly remarkable.
22:00I had ordered the guards to deliver just one meal of cold,
22:03rancid oatmeal per day.
22:05At first,
22:06Lucas proudly declared he would rather starve than touch such food.
22:09He was the chairman of Goodwin's group, after all.
22:12But after three days without food,
22:14pride became meaningless.
22:15They fought over that putrid oatmeal,
22:17and even licked their bowls for him.
22:20Lucas glared at me savagely.
22:22You vicious witch!
22:24Now that my father is here,
22:26your little game is over.
22:28Sometimes I marveled at life scales of balance.
22:30When it gave you one thing,
22:32it would always take away another.
22:34Clearly,
22:35Lucas's intelligence had been traded for his looks.
22:37Before he could finish his threat,
22:39Bernard struck him across the head.
22:42You disgrace!
22:43Are you trying to give me a heart attack?
22:47Get on your knees and apologize to Ms. Windshow right now!
22:51Lucas turned to his father,
22:53his face twisted in betrayal.
22:54Why should I apologize?
22:57She tortured me for days!
23:00Instead of having my back,
23:01why are you taking her side?
23:03Bernard looked at his clueless son in despair.
23:05He was truly at his wit's end.
23:07Since my mother had given strict instructions,
23:10Bernard could not reveal my identity.
23:12He could only vent his frustration
23:14by kicking Lucas behind the knees
23:15and forcing him to kneel before me.
23:17Bernard spoke with cautious deference.
23:20Mrs. Winsway,
23:21I know this worthless son of mine
23:23has angered you.
23:24Nothing he does will ever make up for it.
23:27But he's my only child.
23:30Please,
23:31spare his life.
23:32Witnessing his father's humiliating submission,
23:35Lucas finally realized
23:37that I was not just some nobody.
23:39Dad,
23:40who is she?
23:43We're the Goodwin family.
23:45One of the three most powerful families running this city.
23:48Since when has there been anyone
23:49we can't afford to offend?
23:51Bernard glared at him with disgust.
23:53You stupid brat!
23:54How many times have I told you
23:56there's always someone above us?
23:58I told you to behave,
24:00but you never listened!
24:01Let me make this clear.
24:03Mrs. Winsaw
24:04is exactly who we can't afford to offend.
24:09Whether you walk out of here
24:10depends entirely on her.
24:13Finally comprehending the gravity of the situation,
24:16Lucas' expression shifted from resentment
24:18to pure terror.
24:19He stammered and said,
24:20Mrs. Winswine,
24:22I've been a fool.
24:25Please,
24:26forgive me.
24:27I sat in my chair
24:29as I slowly sipped the coffee beside me
24:31before addressing them.
24:32Bernard,
24:33you're actually wrong about Lucas.
24:35He wasn't the one who offended me.
24:36It's his sister in all but blood that did.
24:39Lucas merely wanted to stand up for her.
24:41You're such a disgrace!
24:43Instead of learning proper conduct,
24:45you're messing around with some pretend sister.
24:48Get that woman out of my sight.
24:49Now!
24:50Seeing this,
24:51Vivian instantly realized
24:52Lucas was barely keeping his own head above water
24:55at the moment.
24:56He could not save himself,
24:57much less her.
24:59Just remembering her time in the water cell,
25:01she vowed never to suffer like that again.
25:03Her legs gave out.
25:05She collapsed to her knees with a thud
25:07and started apologizing frantically.
25:09Mrs. Winswine!
25:10I'm sorry!
25:12I'm sorry!
25:13I'm the worthless poser!
25:15Please forgive me!
25:16Please spare me just this once.
25:19Please!
25:20Please!
25:21I beg you!
25:22Please spare my miserable life!
25:25Her words echoed in the room
25:27as she repeatedly begged for forgiveness on her knees.
25:30Lucas finally lowered his crowd head in submission.
25:33Mrs. Winsbone,
25:34I was blind and foolish to wrong you.
25:36I won't bully people
25:38or pull that privileged nonsense again.
25:41Please just give me this one chance.
25:43After finishing my coffee,
25:44I set the cup aside.
25:45I looked at the people around me
25:47and said calmly,
25:48My, you are all speaking
25:49as if I'm some homicidal maniac.
25:52This is a society governed by law.
25:55Do I really look like a criminal to you?
25:58Bernard ventured cautiously.
26:00Mrs. Winsbone,
26:01does this mean you're forgiving this idiot?
26:03I smiled.
26:04Of course.
26:06Though they'd hurt me,
26:07I've hurt them too.
26:09An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.
26:12I'll let this matter end here.
26:13Lucas and Vivian resumed frantically
26:16thanking me for their mercy.
26:17I cleared my throat before continuing,
26:19Not only do I forgive you,
26:21I intend to grant you a blessing.
26:24The three of them looked confused.
26:27After some digging,
26:28I discovered Vivian and Lucas
26:30have been dating all along.
26:32They adopted the pretend sibling's pretense
26:34because you wouldn't approve, Bernard.
26:38Well, congratulations, lovebirds.
26:40You'll be heading straight
26:41to the city hall after this.
26:42You've got exactly seven days
26:44to throw a wedding and float on.
26:45My words were met with mixed reactions.
26:48Some were delighted,
26:49others horrified.
26:50Vivian had never expected this misfortune
26:52to turn into her lucky break.
26:54Her long-held dream
26:55of climbing society's ladder
26:57by marrying a wealthy man
26:58was finally coming true.
26:59A thrill of victory rose in her chest
27:02and she could not help but smile.
27:04However, that smile
27:05was particularly grotesque
27:07and unsettling on her nearly disfigured face.
27:09The one displeased by this turn of events
27:11was naturally Bernard.
27:13He had always looked down
27:14on Vivian's background and behavior.
27:16This disaster involving Lucas
27:18had been partly caused by her,
27:20deepening his disdain toward her.
27:21I observed the three of them,
27:23each lost in their own thoughts,
27:25and asked,
27:27Well, can you do it?
27:31When they gave me their agreement,
27:33I waved them off with a smile.
27:35There's a car waiting outside
27:37to take you lovelargs to the city hall.
27:40They scrambled to their feet
27:41and dashed out,
27:42as if afraid I might change my mind
27:44if they delayed even a second.
27:45The filthy, foul-smelling Lucas and Vivian
27:48were delivered straight
27:49to the city hall's entrance.
27:51A staff member approached them.
27:52She suppressed her disgust at the stench.
27:56Sir, miss, how may I assist you?
27:58Lucas glanced at Vivian's swollen face
28:01and could not help but feel repulsed.
28:03Still high on the thrill of bagging a good one,
28:06Vivian blurted out,
28:07We're here to get married!
28:09even after years of handling registrations,
28:12this was the most bizarre couple
28:14the staff had ever encountered.
28:15Most couples dress their best
28:17when registering for marriage,
28:18but these two looked like refugees
28:20fleeing a disaster.
28:22The groom looked especially disgusted
28:24and reluctant.
28:25The staff processed their paperwork
28:26dutifully despite their appearance.
28:28When my driver reported
28:29they had successfully tied a knot,
28:31I felt the wicked satisfaction
28:33of a prankster seeing their scheme succeed.
28:36This particular prank, however,
28:37would haunt them for life.
28:41A week later,
28:42their wedding had the whole internet
28:43talking about the Goodwin family.
28:45The viral wedding coverage
28:46caused Goodwin's group stocks to plummet.
28:48Their assets were halved,
28:49knocking them out of Floodon's top three spots.
28:52Though my orchestrated behind the scenes
28:54certainly helped.
28:55Bernard blamed Vivian entirely.
28:58He was convinced she had brought misfortune
29:00to the Goodwin family.
29:01From the moment she married in,
29:03he never showed her even a hint of kindness.
29:05After marriage,
29:06Lucas became a habitual womanizer
29:08who refused to go home
29:10and face Vivian's disfigured face
29:12due to the result of untreated wounds.
29:14Initially, Vivian had been overjoyed
29:16about marrying into the Goodwin family.
29:18As time passed,
29:19she realized even the housemaids
29:21did not regard her
29:22as Lucas's legitimate wife.
29:23Her influence within the Goodwin family
29:25was negligible.
29:26The meager monthly allowance
29:27she received
29:28was not even close
29:29to her imagined aristocratic lifestyle.
29:31They fought constantly
29:32about Lucas's repeated affairs.
29:34Through these constant fights,
29:36Vivian grew increasingly paranoid
29:38and unstable.
29:39After one particularly vicious quarrel,
29:41she snapped.
29:42She stabbed Lucas
29:43before ending her own life.
29:45I was vacationing abroad
29:47with my mother
29:48when we heard the news of their deaths.
29:49Sunlight sifted through the branches.
29:51A new day began in tranquility.
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