- 9 hours ago
He Ditched Me 52 Times
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I dated my lawyer boyfriend for 5 years, he cancelled our wedding, 52 times, first time, his intern messed up
00:07some paperwork, he ditched me at the beach to fix it, I waited all day, alone, second time, we were
00:14mid ceremony when he bolted, heard that intern was getting heat from another lawyer and left me to face the
00:19guests and their stares, after that, every time we tried again, there was always some emergency with her, always, I
00:26finally hit my limit, I was done, packed up and broken
00:30off, but the day I left Ainsley, he totally lost it trying to find me, today was wedding attempt number
00:3552 with Owen Tatter, no big crowd this time, just our families, I dragged myself through a fever to check
00:42the set up with the wedding director, Owen didn't even look at me, he was in the groom's room, giving
00:47Vanessa fond love, his intern, a full on ankle massage, she'd shown up limping like always, my parents just shook
00:54their heads, really, again, has he ever cared about you?
00:58Everyone knew how badly I wanted this to finally happen, but right before the ceremony, he bailed, again, I chased
01:06after him, but he blocked me
01:08Vanessa's legs still bad, I gotta take her to the hospital, let's postpone, next time, I swear
01:15Then he turned and helped her into the car, 5 years together, 52 cancelled weddings, always because of her, I
01:22used to scream, demand answers, beg him to stay, this time, I smiled
01:27It's fine, Vanessa probably can't wait, he blinked, caught off guard
01:32Cool, I'll bring that strawberry cake you love tonight
01:35I nodded, he shut the window, drove off, my smile dropped, I hate strawberries, I hate cake, he knows that
01:44I told him the first time he brought it, forced down a bite so he wouldn't feel bad, then admitted
01:49I couldn't stand it, he even typed it into his notes, promised he'd remember
01:54One year later, yeah, right, the sun was brutal, but my heart, I, I laughed once, walked back in, called
02:03it off
02:03Then I ripped up the dress I worn 52 freaking times, time to shred those 5 years, too
02:09In the end, my parents stuck around to comfort me, why don't you come back to Caverton with us, they'd
02:16asked before
02:17I slumped in my seat, glanced out at their hopeful eyes, Caverton capital city, home to the biggest law firm
02:24around, their firm
02:25I became a lawyer because of them, I was supposed to join right after graduation, then I met Owen in
02:31grad school and followed him to Ainsley instead
02:33He came from a tiny rural town, he hated it when anyone brought up having more, so I kept my
02:39background quiet
02:404 or 5 years, he thought I was just another small town girl like him, so for the past 5
02:46years, I never told him the truth
02:48In his eyes, I was just another small town girl like him
02:52In those 5 years, I went from newbie to name partner material, we crushed firm bonuses 3 years straight
02:58Everyone called us the golden couple, I figured someday he'd be cool with the truth, but that moment never came
03:05I sighed, no point now
03:07Okay, I'll go
03:09My parents lit up, mom squeezed my hand
03:12Good girl, we'll book your flight
03:14You're not staying here and suffering
03:17After settling them in, I went home, still cold, still empty
03:21I tossed together some pasta, opened social, and boomed Vanessa's latest post
03:27She was in a tight workout set, all snuggled up to Owen
03:30Dragged someone's almost groom to play a match with me
03:33He was kinda grumpy, but I promised him dinner at my place
03:37That did the trick, hehe
03:39I gagged
03:40He wasn't coming back tonight
03:42Same old story
03:43Thank goodness we never made it legal
03:45I was done swallowing my pride
03:47Next morning, I grabbed my bags and turned in my resignation
03:50Mr. Spector, my boss
03:53Wasn't having it
03:54With my track record, he tried hard to change my mind
03:58While we were talking, Owen strolled in with some files
04:01One look and bam
04:03Love bite on his neck
04:04Fruity perfume still clinging to him
04:06He looked like he just crawled out of someone else's bed
04:09Funny
04:10He used to hate when I left marks
04:12Said it looked unprofessional
04:14So I never did
04:15Even at our most intense
04:17I dig into the sheets instead
04:19Guess it wasn't about the marks
04:21Just who they came from
04:22Mr. Spector groaned
04:24Perfect
04:24Talk to your girlfriend
04:26She's quitting
04:27You two fight or something
04:28It's not about him
04:30I said
04:30You're resigning?
04:32Owen jumped in
04:33Talking over me
04:34His eyes flipped to mine
04:35Draw clenched
04:37Knew it
04:38He said
04:38You're still mad about the wedding being cancelled yesterday, huh?
04:42Mr. Spector ducked out to give us space
04:44As the door clicked shut
04:46Owen came closer
04:47I told you
04:48Vanessa hurt her leg
04:50That's why I cancelled
04:51Why are you being so petty?
04:53I checked my voice even
04:54I'm not mad
04:55Just tired
04:56I need a break
04:57He crossed his arms
04:59Frowning
05:00Then take a vacation
05:01Quitting like this makes it seem like you've got beef with Vanessa
05:04How's a young girl like her supposed to stay here if people start whispering?
05:08He forgot
05:09All my vacation days
05:11Burned on every wedding he bailed on
05:13But sure let's worry about poor Vanessa
05:15The thought left me hollow
05:17My eyes drifted to the mark on his neck
05:19I didn't say a word
05:21He caught me looking and covered it fast
05:23It's a mosquito bite
05:25Don't overthink it
05:26Weird
05:26No fight
05:27Just excuses
05:28Sloppy ones
05:30Ones I used to fall for
05:31I nodded
05:33Kept quiet
05:34Owen let out a breath and grinned
05:36Slinging an arm around my shoulder
05:38That's more like it
05:39A good lawyer knows how to let stuff go
05:41Don't quit over this
05:42Okay
05:43I'll make it up to you
05:45Dinner at Lunaya tonight
05:46I didn't say a word
05:48He took my silence as a yes
05:49I meant to say goodbye
05:51Keep it clean
05:52Now
05:53I didn't even feel like bringing up Cavatin
05:55Owen
05:56Vanessa barged in like she owned the place
05:58He flinched and dropped his arm
06:00Vanessa gave this fake little laugh
06:02Sorry to crash your date
06:04But I really need help
06:05I'm confused about this case
06:07Without a glance my way
06:09He walked over
06:10Took the file
06:11And leaned in to ask what part she didn't get
06:13She cozied right up to him
06:15They whispered like I wasn't even there
06:17Locked in their own little bubble
06:19Then she linked her arm through his and strutted out with him
06:22Just before the door shut
06:23She turned
06:24Flashed me a smock little smile
06:26Then yinked it closed hard
06:28Bang
06:28The empty office went still
06:30And then crack
06:32My bracelet snapped clean off and shattered across the floor
06:35No warning
06:36It was our first anniversary gift
06:39Owen said it symbolized how perfect and unbreakable we were
06:42I stared for a beat
06:43Then quietly picked up the pieces
06:45Ignoring the sting
06:46Tossed them and the last of whatever we had straight in the trash
06:50After I handed in my resignation to Mr. Spector
06:52I went back to my desk to wrap things up
06:55Judy who was taking over for me shot me a look like she wasn't ready to let go
07:00Reini seriously?
07:01You're bailing?
07:02Now I'm stuck watching those two drool over each other all day
07:05She nodded toward Owen and Vanessa
07:07Owen looked like he was giving Vanessa a mild lecture
07:11But whatever tension there was vanished when he pulled out a luxury bracelet like it was a freaking magic trick
07:16Vanessa lit up and slid it on like it was her birthday
07:19Then she saw me
07:20And panicked
07:21Ms. Reinsdorf
07:23I swear there's nothing going on with me and Owen
07:26It's just a bracelet
07:28All eyes swung to us
07:29Five years with Owen
07:31And he never bought me anything remotely nice
07:33And just like him
07:35Everyone here thought I was some clueless girl from nowhere who couldn't tell real luxury from knockoff
07:39Their pity hit like a slap
07:41Even Judy was seething
07:43You're still dating him and they're making a fool out of you
07:45I gave her hand a quick squeeze and shook my head
07:48Too old
07:49Then I looked at Vanessa
07:51It's a gorgeous bracelet
07:52Suits you
07:54She blinked
07:54Clearly expecting fireworks
07:56Ms. Reinsdorf
07:58Seriously
07:59It's just a regular bracelet
08:01Please don't be upset
08:02I've said
08:03Not even close
08:05I had stuff like that lying around back in Caverton
08:07Owen stood up
08:09All frowny
08:10Reini stopped being unreasonable
08:11I sighed and shook my head
08:14I'm not mad
08:15Y'all really need to stop making stuff up about me
08:18I kept a chill
08:19But Owen looked thrown
08:20Then rolled his eyes
08:22You better not be
08:23He sat back down and talked to Vanessa with him
08:25Judy leaned close
08:27You're just gonna let that slide
08:28I trucked
08:30Flipping through some files
08:31Yeah
08:32As far as I'm concerned
08:34We're done
08:35After 52 failed wedding attempts
08:37I was beyond over it
08:39After work
08:40Owen actually came over to help me pack
08:42Hey
08:43I booked Lunaya for eight
08:44Let's hate out
08:46Then he noticed my bare wrist and froze
08:48Where's the bracelet I gave you?
08:50I didn't wanna risk breaking it so I left it at home
08:53He eased up
08:54Smiled a little
08:55You used to wear eight every day
08:58Why stop now?
08:59I hadn't even thought of a lie yet when Vanessa came bouncing over
09:02Owen
09:03I'm all packed
09:04He turned to her instantly
09:06Nodding like she was the only person in the room
09:09Wait in the car
09:10She made a beeline for the front passenger seat
09:12In five years
09:14I never sat there
09:15He always said that spot was for his future wife told me to wait till we were married
09:19Vanessa shot me a smug little look
09:22I just dipped my head
09:23Silent
09:24Not like it hurt anymore
09:26I had Lunaya
09:27They sat cozied up on the same side
09:29Ordering without even glancing at me
09:31Didn't bother me
09:32I just leaned on my hand and stared out the window
09:35After tomorrow
09:36None of this would matter
09:38When the food showed up
09:39Owen peeled a small plate of shrimp and slid it toward me
09:42Shrimp's solid here
09:44I looked up and caught his soft smile
09:46Didn't expect him to remember me in a moment like that
09:49Then Vanessa jumped in
09:51I picked this place
09:52Last time
09:54He ate three whole plates
09:56Owen turned red
09:57Why would you say that in front of my fiancée?
10:00She giggled and looked at me like she suddenly remembered I existed
10:03Oops
10:03Sorry
10:04Ms. Reinsdorf
10:06Didn't mean to ruin his image
10:08They laughed together
10:09Right in front of me
10:10I stared at the shrimp
10:12Suddenly
10:12It tasted like nothing
10:14I forced one down
10:15Then pushed the plate away
10:17Not my thing
10:18You guys can finish it
10:20I shut them up for a second
10:21Owen asked
10:22Careful
10:23Are you upset?
10:25I shook my head
10:26Nah
10:26Just too fishy
10:28Not used to it
10:29Like the two of you reeking
10:30After dinner
10:32Owen walked Vanessa home
10:33Drunk and clinging to him
10:35I was the one who closed the door behind them
10:38Then I called a cab to the airport
10:40Meanwhile
10:41Owen was still blowing up our chat about the next wedding
10:44Probably felt guilty or whatever
10:46Don't worry
10:47This time it'll happen
10:49Nothing's going to get in our way
10:51Me?
10:52Okay
10:52But I already knew
10:54It'd crash like every other time
10:56Right before I boarded
10:58Another message popped up
10:59Vanessa's stomach hurts from drinking
11:01I'm not coming home tonight
11:03Take care of yourself
11:05I actually laughed
11:07Cold and quiet
11:08Saw it coming a mile away
11:10Me?
11:11No problem
11:12Stay at her place
11:13I've moved out
11:14From now on
11:15We're done
11:16Owen
11:17Goodbye
11:17Forever
11:18I blocked him right after
11:20Deleted the whole thread
11:22On the plane
11:23I watched Ainsley glow in the distance
11:25Back there
11:26Owen was probably still staring at his screen
11:29Stunned
11:30Vanessa was already sober
11:31Only one light glowed in the room
11:33She slid her hands over Owen's chest
11:36Dressed in a tiny slip
11:37Owen
11:38He shoved her off
11:39Don't
11:40She froze
11:41His phone kept looping the same line
11:43Sorry
11:44The number you dialed is unavailable
11:46He'd lost count
11:47No answer
11:48No way
11:49She's just mad
11:50He muttered
11:52Jumping up
11:53She doesn't mean it
11:54I'll go home
11:55That'll fix it
11:57Owen grabbed his shoes and bolted
11:59Tuning out Vanessa yelling after him
12:01He blew through red lights the whole way back
12:03The second he opened the door
12:05Pitch black
12:06Riny hated the dark
12:08Even when he wasn't home
12:09She leave a light on
12:11His chest tightened
12:12Riny
12:13He called into the silence
12:14Nothing
12:15Click
12:16He flipped the switch
12:18He flipped the switch
12:18The room was bare
12:19She was gone
12:20Like, really gone
12:22He crept toward the bedroom
12:24Nerves shot
12:25Still clinging to hope
12:26Spotless
12:27On the nightstand
12:29Their only photo ripped
12:30Just his half left
12:31His eyes locked on the background
12:33College graduation
12:35That was the day he swore he always treat her right
12:38Then came the law firm
12:40Then Vanessa
12:41And little by little
12:42He shoved Riny aside
12:43He knew he messed up
12:45But told himself he always made it right
12:47Like that last cancelled wedding
12:49He took her to Lunire after
12:50That counted
12:51Right
12:52But then he froze
12:53Dinner for two turned into three
12:55He never even asked what she wanted
12:58She said the shrimp tasted off
13:00And he just left her there
13:01No
13:02He hadn't treated her right
13:03Not even close
13:05Panic hit hard
13:06He tore through the apartment
13:08Like she might've left something behind
13:10Nothing
13:10He stood frozen
13:12That strawberry cake he swore he'd get Riny
13:14Vanessa ate it
13:16The roses he bought on the way home
13:18Gave those to Vanessa too
13:19Just because she liked them
13:21Over and over
13:22Riny's gifts ended up in the wrong hands
13:24No wonder she left nothing behind
13:26Meanwhile
13:27Vanessa's place
13:29Total luxury showroom
13:30Expensive bracelet
13:31Custom bed
13:32Smart everything
13:33Designer closet
13:35All on his dime
13:36The more he thought about it
13:38The worse it got
13:39He jumped in the car and floored it to the firm
13:42Mr. Spector was locking up when Owen rushed up
13:45Out of breath
13:46Did Riny quit?
13:47Spector blinked
13:48You didn't know?
13:50She came in earlier
13:51Insisted on resigning
13:52Said it had nothing to do with you
13:54And she'd explain to you later
13:56Owen froze
13:57Flashes of Riny trying to talk to him hit hard
14:00But every time
14:01Vanessa had dragged him off
14:03He even defended her earlier that day
14:05He never gave Riny a real shot to say anything
14:08All he saw was Vanessa
14:09Grabbing Spector's shoulders
14:11Eyes wild
14:12He asked
14:13Do you know where she went?
14:14Mr. Spector didn't flinch
14:16Just brushed him off
14:18She's not my employee anymore
14:19Call her yourself
14:21Out of leads
14:22Owen
14:23And just sat there
14:25For what felt like forever
14:27Memories started creeping in
14:29He and Riny met five years ago
14:31Right at the law school gate
14:32Riny had just finished a case with her advisor
14:35And was heading back to her dorm
14:36When Owen spotted her
14:37Despite her protests
14:39He insisted on carrying her suitcase
14:41All the way to the undergrad dorms
14:43That's when she had to break it to him
14:45She was a grad student
14:46Awkward
14:47Kinda cute
14:48That's how it all started
14:50Then came the coincidences
14:51Share meals
14:52Same lectures
14:53Casual hangouts
14:54That slowly turned into something more
14:56She followed him to Ainsley
14:58Hoping they'd build a life together
15:00It wasn't home to her
15:01But she tried to make it one
15:03Then came the talks about marriage
15:05And right on cue
15:06Vanessa showed up as the intern
15:08Taking up all of Owen's time
15:10All of his attention
15:11Even Judy was mad for her
15:13Calling Vanessa shameless
15:14But Riny knew the truth
15:16It was never just about Vanessa
15:18If it hadn't been her
15:19It would've been someone else
15:21Owen would've hurt her for anyone
15:23Owen finally stood
15:25Tired of just sitting there
15:26Out of the corner of his eye
15:28Something in the trash glinted
15:30He walked over and froze her broken bracelet
15:32That's when it hit him
15:34It had snapped today
15:35Right when Vanessa pulled him away
15:37He hadn't even looked back
15:39He dropped to his knees
15:41Picking up the pieces
15:42Eyes burning
15:43Judy leaned against the door
15:45Irons crossed
15:46Too late for regrets
15:47She's gone
15:49Owen sniffled
15:50It's fine
15:50I'll fix this bracelet
15:52Find her
15:53She said her hometown's near mine
15:55I'll take leave tomorrow
15:57Go look for her
15:58Don't bother
15:59She's not from some tiny town
16:01Owen froze
16:02That's not true
16:04She told me
16:05She lied to protect your pride
16:07Judy cut in
16:08She's from Caverton
16:09Born and raised
16:11Her family's well off
16:12His face went ghost white
16:14Suddenly
16:15It all made sense
16:16How polished she looked when they met
16:18Even her plain teeth had cost more than his whole outfit
16:21Back then
16:23He was too broke to notice
16:24But now
16:25No way someone like her came from the same world as him
16:28Judy grabbed what she came for and turned to leave
16:31Owen rushed after her
16:33Judy
16:33Please
16:34You're close with her
16:35Just tell me where she really lived
16:37I'm begging you
16:38His hands were shaking
16:39She had enough
16:40Dream on
16:41She finally got free
16:43I'm not helping you drag her back into hell
16:46He had nothing to say
16:47She was white
16:48He'd screwed up too many times
16:50Maybe Judy had hated him all along
16:53Riny was the only one who ever kept trying
16:55Until she couldn't anymore
16:57Judy slapped him hard across the face and walked off
17:00Owen just stood there
17:02Pong on his cheek
17:03Whispering
17:04Then I'll go to Caverton and find her
17:06By the time I got back to Caverton
17:08It was already late
17:10My parents' early sleepers
17:11Always were by the arrival gate
17:13Scanning every face
17:14The second I spotted them
17:16I ran straight into the arms
17:18My voice shaky
17:20Mom Dad
17:21Dad ruffled my hair
17:22Smiling wide
17:24You're home
17:24That's all that matters
17:26Home hadn't changed a bit
17:28After two days of crashing
17:29I jumped into work at the law firm they built
17:32They kept it hush hush
17:33No one knew I was their kid
17:34I had to go through everything like a regular newbie
17:37Probation and all
17:38But honestly
17:39I felt lighter
17:40Free
17:41Starting now
17:42I was doing this for me
17:44If I crushed it in Ainsley
17:46I could do it here too
17:47Three months in
17:48I passed probation
17:50My parents threw a mini feast at home
17:52Knew my girl would crush it
17:54Getting through probation at their firm
17:56No joke
17:57Right as mom started setting the table
17:59The doorbell rang
18:00I opened it without thinking and there he was
18:03Owen
18:04Three months no contact
18:06Riny
18:07He looked rough
18:08Thinner
18:09Messy hair
18:10Nothing like the guy from Ainsley
18:12His voice was all scratchy
18:13Mom started walking over
18:15What's going on
18:16Panic mode
18:18I shoved him outside
18:19Be right back mom
18:21Dragged him down the stairs and let go once I was sure she wasn't trailing us
18:25How do you even find me
18:26He shifted
18:27Looking guilty
18:28Please don't be mad
18:29I've been looking everywhere
18:31Yesterday I spotted your mom driving into this neighborhood
18:34Asked around heat up some old classmates followed her here
18:37Stood outside forever before knocking
18:40Then he pulled out a bracelet from his coat
18:43The one you broke
18:44I dug the pieces out of the trash and had it fixed
18:47I stared
18:48Four years on my wrist
18:49Now back like some ghost
18:51Even repaired
18:52The cracks were obvious
18:53I didn't take it
18:55Keep it
18:56Give it to Vanessa
18:57Though with all the designer crap you've spoiled her with this probably looks like garbage
19:01His head dropped
19:03I messed up
19:04I'm sorry
19:05I didn't see it until you left
19:07Just one chance
19:08Let me fix this
19:10No
19:10Didn't even blink
19:12I'm not walking back into that hell twice
19:14Owen didn't say a word
19:16Just shoved the bracelet into my hand like that would fix anything
19:19Take it
19:20It's your favorite
19:21Doesn't mean anything
19:22I just hope it makes you smile
19:24I laughed
19:25Sharp and cold
19:26Eyes locked on the stupid thing
19:28Yeah
19:28I don't care about it anymore
19:30Then I chucked it straight into the trash
19:32Heard it crack at the bottom like it knew it was done
19:35His eyes went wide
19:36Mouth open
19:37Nothing came out
19:39I only cared about it cause I loved you
19:41Everything you gave me used to matter
19:43Now I can't even look at you
19:45You make me sick
19:46His eyes went red
19:47He rubbed one like he could hide it
19:50First time I ever saw him cry
19:51But me
19:52I'd cried plenty
19:54When he got jumped after his first case
19:56When he finally got that apartment in Ainsley
19:58At our first wedding
20:00And the first time he ditched me for Vanessa
20:02Yeah
20:02I cried like it was the end of the world
20:05He went from acting like he cared to not give any damn
20:08Now he was crying just because I finally didn't want him
20:11Losing his perfect little maid
20:13Yay
20:13That'll sting
20:25I didn't look back
20:26Just went home to finish dinner
20:28Played it cool
20:29My parents had no clue he showed up
20:31They were too busy loading up my plate and swapping lawyer hacks
20:33Mom chatting away
20:35Dad peeling shrimp for me
20:36It all felt so easy with them
20:38With Owen
20:39I had to beg for that kind of warmth
20:41Never got it
20:42Good thing I'm still young
20:44The next morning at work
20:45The receptionist gave me a look
20:47Ms. Reinsdorf
20:48Are you seeing someone?
20:50I shot her a brow
20:51She pulled a bouquet and a little gift bag from under the desk
20:54Some guy dropped these off
20:56Said you weren't feeling great
20:58Like girl problems
20:59Told me to tell you to drink something warm
21:01And the flowers?
21:02Said they'd brighten your day
21:04I didn't touch the bouquet
21:05Just checked the card
21:07Reiny
21:07I'll send you flowers every day from now on
21:09Obviously
21:10Owen
21:11I backed away like they were radioactive
21:13Toss them
21:14Probably poisoned
21:16She didn't hesitate
21:17Got it
21:18Got it
21:19But Owen
21:19Kept acting like he didn't know they were going straight to the trash
21:22He sent flowers every single day
21:25Like clockwork
21:26Soon
21:27Everyone at the firm thought I had a secret admirer
21:30The younger ones kept dropping by to pry
21:32I fed them random excuses
21:34The receptionist was losing it
21:36I told her to chuck the flowers at Owen's face and tell him to buzz off
21:40Didn't slow him down
21:41He just got sneakier
21:43Started dropping them off at the door
21:45I had no clue how he still had gas in the tank for this
21:48One morning
21:49I snapped
21:50Woke up early
21:51Caught him in the act
21:52And stormed out
21:53I chopped the bouquet right at his chest
21:56This isn't sweet
21:57It's straight up creepy
21:58Cut it out
21:59Owen flinched
22:00Surprised
22:01He bent down
22:03All awkward
22:04I just want you to be happy
22:05Seeing your face ruins my mood
22:07When are you gonna get that?
22:09He looked down
22:10Totally deflated
22:11I really thought Owen had finally peaced out of Caverton
22:14But nope do roped in some of my own co-workers to pull a fast one on me
22:18People I actually liked
22:19By the time I stepped onto the lawn
22:21I was floored
22:22There was the weekend
22:24And just seeing Owen wrecked my whole vibe
22:26He recreated our first wedding same setup
22:28Same tux I had custom made for him
22:31And there he was
22:32Grinning like a dope
22:33Reiny Reinstorf
22:34Will you marry me?
22:35Kill the co-workers going wild
22:37Say yes
22:38Say yes
22:39My blood boiled
22:40After days of stalking and drama
22:42How the hell did he think this would work?
22:45His eyes lit up
22:46Like he actually believed this would be a fairytale ending
22:48You seriously think a knockoff wedding's gonna fix this?
22:51I snapped
22:52Slapped him
22:53Hard
22:53Right there in front of everyone
22:55Silence
22:56Just the music still playing
22:58Someone nearby mumbled
22:59He said he's your boyfriend
23:00Aren't you too just?
23:01You're really buying that?
23:03I shot back
23:04Aren't you all lawyers?
23:05Try using your brains
23:06Where's the proof?
23:07They all stared at each other
23:09Suddenly super interested in their shoes
23:11Owen stepped toward me
23:12I backed up on instinct
23:14I know I screwed up
23:15You said
23:45I didn't think this would fix everything
23:46We can register today if you want
23:48Stay in Capitan
23:49I'll stay
23:50Go back to Ainsley
23:51I'm there
23:52I'm not walking away again
23:53Just give me one more shot
23:55His voice cracked
23:56Eyes red
23:57But me
23:58None
23:59Second chances
24:00I gave him 52
24:01And he blew every single one
24:03He was in love with someone else
24:05Didn't even try to hide it
24:06Even if I said yes now
24:08He just fade out again
24:09Some things don't get fixed
24:11The second I came back
24:12We were done
24:14In your dreams
24:15I kept a chill
24:16Got in the cab
24:17And bounced
24:18Owen just stood there
24:19Then he ran after the car
24:20Like that didn't change anything
24:22Too late
24:23None of it mattered anymore
24:24After that whole circus
24:26I told everyone at the firm
24:27I was off the market for good
24:29No dates
24:30No flings
24:31No guys trying to charm their way in
24:33I was all in on my career now
24:35Owen
24:35He vanished
24:36Probably crawled back to Ainsley
24:38Meanwhile
24:39I locked in
24:40Case after case
24:41I crushed it
24:42People in legal circles
24:44Started dropping my name
24:45Then one day
24:46A co-worker accidentally found out
24:48I was related to the firm's partners
24:50A.k.a. my parents
24:51I braced for the nepotism whispers
24:53Instead
24:54They cracked up
24:55No wonder you're such a beast
24:56You've got the boss's DNA
24:57Only rock star parents
24:59Could raise someone this good
25:00And just like that
25:01I exhaled
25:02Hearing their praise
25:03I let out a breath
25:05I didn't know I was holding
25:06Yeah
25:06I'd earned this
25:08I started cash
25:09In my vacation days
25:10And hit the road
25:11Summer
25:12I was beachside
25:13Soaking up sun
25:14Fall
25:15Hiking through insane mountain views
25:17Winter
25:17Curled up at my parents' place
25:19Watching snow fall
25:20Spring
25:21Climbing peaks like I was chasing the new year
25:24Time flew
25:24I stopped counting the years
25:26But eventually
25:27I hit top performer status again
25:29In Caverton
25:30Everyone knew my name
25:32Need a lawyer
25:33I was their first call
25:34People tried to shoot their shot
25:36But I shot it down every time
25:38The only man I trusted was my dad
25:40And honestly
25:41I almost forgot Owen ever existed
25:43One day
25:44A close friend asked if I wanted to visit Ainsley
25:47Five years ago
25:48That would've been a hard no
25:49Now
25:50I just raised a brow
25:52Perfect
25:52I know Ainsley liked the back of my hand
25:55I'll be your tour guide
25:56The second I stepped off the plane
25:58It all came rushing back
25:59While we were cruising around town
26:01We passed my old law firm
26:03I shot my friend a quick look and jumped out
26:06Had to see Judy
26:07It had been five years
26:08We both looked different
26:09I glanced at the wall of honor and there she was
26:12Judy
26:13Now a senior partner
26:14I couldn't stop smiling
26:16Griny
26:16That voice
26:18I turned around
26:19Judy's long hair was gone now
26:20It was sleek and sharp
26:22She looked like she fully stepped into her power
26:24It's really you
26:25She rushed over and hugged me tight
26:28I missed you so much
26:29I smiled
26:30I was in town with a friend and figured I'd swing by
26:32Judy grinned
26:34Did you hear?
26:35Owen and Vanessa are long gone
26:36Apparently
26:37In the past five years
26:39Owen totally lost his edge
26:41Couldn't win a case to save his life
26:43Vanessa
26:43She tricked him into getting her pregnant
26:45Then quit working altogether
26:47Just laid around
26:48Living off him
26:49Owen finally hit his limit and tried to leave
26:51But Vanessa
26:52Clung on like it was her full-time job
26:54Within a year
26:55It was chaos
26:57She even brought her whole family over
26:59Demanding a wedding
27:00Already spiraling
27:01Owen snapped
27:02Mr. Spector booted him after yet another blown case
27:05Everyone in Ainsley knew he was a walking punchline
27:08He ended up selling the apartment and dragging Vanessa back to his tiny hometown
27:12I blinked
27:13He'd worked so hard to escape that place only to land right back where he started
27:17Judy just laughed
27:19Serves him right
27:20Through what he put you through
27:21He earned every bit of it
27:23I nodded
27:24Smiling
27:24She wasn't wrong
27:26Just then
27:26My friend strolled over
27:28What are you two gossiping about?
27:30Judy gave her a once-over
27:31Smiling
27:32This must be your friend
27:34She's stunning
27:35I laughed
27:36Yup
27:36Want to hang out together?
27:38Definitely
27:39Go to you
27:39At the ten
27:39You will be the next person
27:39You
27:39You
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