- 22 hours ago
Hot Drama 2026
Category
๐ฅ
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 fiancรฉ. 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 fiancรฉ, 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.
02:22Vivian smirked and slammed her shiny gold membership card onto the counter.
02:26Only people who've spent over a million get this card. What's a broke loser like you even doing here?
02:31I was not usually one to pick fights, but on that day, Vivian had really crossed a line.
02:37I pulled out a black card and handed it to the saleswoman.
02:40I suppressed my anger and said,
02:42Sign me up for a membership.
02:44Then bagged the gown.
02:46Vivian glared at the saleswoman and threatened,
02:49The Goodwin's own Floatin.
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,
02:57Miss, 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.
03:06That's Mrs. Moreau. I've seen her around.
03:08Lucas 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,
03:29I'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,
03:36I had never encountered anyone audacious enough to act so arrogantly in front of me.
03:41Pardon?
03:42What did you just ask me to say?
03:45What?
03:46What are you, deaf?
03:47Say I'm a worthless poser.
03:49I'm sorry.
03:50Do I need to spell it out for you?
03:52I smirked.
03:53I heard you.
03:54Since you're aware that you're a worthless poser,
03:57get out of my sight.
03:59Don't waste my time.
04:01When Vivian finally realized she was being mocked,
04:03she 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.
04:24Did she just do that to Mrs. Morley?
04:26Mr. Goodwin is going to tear her to pieces once he hears about this.
04:31Yeah, good luck to her.
04:33Not 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,
04:53fumbled 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 clinched instinctively.
05:12I scoffed and strode past her.
05:14Just then, a black car pulled up in front of the store.
05:17A man stepped out.
05:19I 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!
05:29So, this was my fiancรฉ.
05:31I had always been a sucker for good looks,
05:33and Lucas' appearance was exactly my type.
05:35Based on his looks alone,
05:37I felt I could forgive his previous rudeness.
05:41I gave him my best smile.
05:43Hi!
05:44I'm Lily Winsong,
05:46your fiancรฉ.
05:47It was no wonder my mother said
05:49I 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 fiancรฉ?
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
06:13and leaned intimately against his shoulder.
06:16She shot me a provocative glance.
06:17Look at yourself.
06:19There is no way Lukes would ever marry
06:21an ugly creature like you!
06:23Someone chimed in.
06:24Exactly!
06:25If Mr. Goodwin were to marry,
06:26it would be to some rich girl
06:27from a proper family with equal status,
06:29not some country bumpin' like you.
06:31With her looks,
06:32Goodwin'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?
06:42This proved how people instinctively curry favor
06:44with the powerful
06:45and took advantage of those in Misfortune.
06:47Lucas Goodwin,
06:48go home and tell your father
06:51that 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.
07:21Don't even try to run, you wench.
07:23We're not done here.
07:24You stole my gown and 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.
07:54Lucas, do something!
07:56Lucas shielded her protectively and snarled,
07:59Touch my girl again and 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,
08:09but 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.
08:28With 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.
08:47Clutching 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
09:11and 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.
09:19I 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.
09:28Folks 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, fine.
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.
10:07I 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,
10:18you'll regret it.
10:19Lucas sneered.
10:20What status could you possibly have?
10:22Your mother bewitched my father
10:25into forcing this engagement on me.
10:27A vicious gleam flashed in Vivian's gaze.
10:30Your mother is a witch
10:31and I bet you are one too.
10:35Strip off
10:36and let me see clearly.
10:38No!
10:39Just then, my phone rang from inside my bag.
10:42I struggled desperately to reach it,
10:44but Vivian snatched it first.
10:45She swiped to answer
10:47and my mother's voice came through immediately.
10:50Lillabelt, 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
11:09has been begging for attention,
11:10so 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,
11:15or you'll pay for this when I get there.
11:18Try me!
11:19I'll be right here to catch you, you witch!
11:21With that, Vivian hung up my phone
11:23and furled it to the floor.
11:24It shattered into pieces.
11:26She slapped me across the face again
11:28and sneered.
11:29The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
11:32Huh?
11:33When your mother shows up,
11:34I'll strip her down too.
11:36Time crawled by.
11:37It felt like half a century,
11:39but in reality,
11:40it had only been five minutes.
11:42Finally,
11:43a familiar stretched limousine appeared.
11:46My mother stepped out of the car
11:48and demanded,
11:48Let me see who dares threaten
11:50to strip me down.
11:52The instant I saw my mother,
11:54a wave of pent-up grievances
11:55surged 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
12:04and pulled me into her embrace.
12:06I finally felt safe
12:07when I leaned against my mother's chest.
12:09The surrounding onlookers
12:10gasped in astonishment
12:11at my mother's vehicle.
12:13Look!
12:13That's a limited edition stretch limousine!
12:15Only the extremely rich and powerful
12:18can own that car.
12:19It seems Vivian messed
12:21with the wrong person this time.
12:22Wrong person.
12:24Please.
12:25Even if she's got connections,
12:27nobody could possibly outrank
12:28the Goodwin family in this city.
12:30Vivian thought the same too.
12:32She charged toward my mother.
12:33So you're the witch
12:34who raised this brat?
12:35She dared to steal my dress
12:37and hit me.
12:39Tell me,
12:40how are you gonna make this right?
12:41My mother raised her eyes
12:42to look at her.
12:43How am I going to make this right?
12:46Oblivious to my mother's
12:48murderous glare,
12:49Vivian made her demands
12:50without restraint.
12:51This was my dress
12:52until your trashy daughter
12:54put her hands on it.
12:56Now it's ruined.
12:57You'll pay ten times the price.
13:00And for those slaps,
13:01she'll kneel right here
13:03and slap herself
13:04twenty times in front of everyone.
13:06Most importantly,
13:07cancel her engagement with Luke.
13:09Do everything I say
13:10and maybe I'll let you
13:11walk out of here in one piece.
13:13Otherwise,
13:14you're not leaving this store alive.
13:17My mother laughed in disbelief
13:18when she heard
13:19Vivian's outrageous demands.
13:21She gave my shoulder
13:22a reassuring pat
13:23before walking toward Vivian.
13:24The engagement between
13:26Lillebeau and the Goodwin family
13:27will most certainly be cancelled.
13:29Lucas could never measure up
13:31to being part of our family.
13:33As for the rest of your demands,
13:34my mother raised her hand
13:36and slapped her face hard.
13:38Don't even dream about it.
13:39You're the ones
13:40who won't be walking out today.
13:42Vivian stood stunned
13:44for a second
13:44before attempting to retaliate.
13:46My mother's bodyguard
13:47kicked her to her knees
13:48then pinned her arms down.
13:50After struggling futilely,
13:52Vivian lifted her head
13:53to plead with Lucas.
13:54Lucas!
13:56It hurts!
13:58Help me!
13:59Lucas signaled his bodyguards
14:00to intervene
14:01but within seconds
14:02they were overpowered
14:03and slammed to the floor.
14:05The most satisfying part followed.
14:07Lucas himself
14:08was forced to my knees
14:09before me.
14:10My mother did not hold back
14:11and slapped Lucas.
14:12I've never laid a finger
14:14on Lilibeth
14:14since she was born.
14:16And you dare humiliate her
14:18like this today.
14:19You'll repay this
14:20a thousand times over.
14:22My mother did not hold back
14:24and slapped Lucas.
14:25You old hag!
14:27How dare you hit me!
14:28I'm the chairman
14:29of Goodwin's group.
14:30You have no idea
14:31what consequences you'll face.
14:33How dare you hurt my daughter.
14:34I'd slap your father
14:35just like I slapped you
14:36if he's here.
14:37The onlookers
14:38grew even more shocked.
14:39Who does this woman
14:40think she is?
14:42Mr. Goodwin Sr.
14:43ran the underworld
14:44in his youth.
14:45After leaving that life behind
14:46he built the Goodwin's group.
14:48Even now
14:48everyone in Floaten
14:49shows him respect.
14:50She just struck
14:51Mr. Goodwin Sr.'s
14:53golden boy.
14:54There's no way
14:55she's walking away from this.
14:56My mother ignored
14:57their whispers.
14:58She gently touched
14:59my swollen
15:00bleeding cheek.
15:01Oh Lilibel
15:02you'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
15:11to turn the other cheek
15:12to begin with.
15:13I certainly would not be
15:14after what Vivian just told.
15:16I stared at her
15:17with a furious gaze.
15:19First
15:19I struck her repeatedly
15:21across the face
15:22to vent my anger.
15:23Then
15:23I picked up the nail clipper
15:25she had used
15:26to slash my cheek
15:27and slowly brought it
15:28closer to her face.
15:29Vivian trembled violently.
15:31Don't!
15:32Don't you dare touch my face!
15:34I'll fight you to the death!
15:36Without hesitation
15:36I made the first cut.
15:38She let out
15:38a blood-curdling scream
15:40as a bleeding gash
15:41swelled along one cheek.
15:42I slashed the blade repeatedly.
15:45Soon
15:45her face was swollen
15:46beyond recognition.
15:47It looked bruised and bloody.
15:49She could do nothing
15:50but wail
15:50in helpless agony
15:51as she was pinned down
15:52by the bodyguards.
15:55My face!
15:57My face is ruined!
15:59It was true
15:59that a person
16:00would not know the pain
16:01until it was theirs to bear.
16:02When she tried
16:03to disfigure me
16:04she should have expected
16:05retribution.
16:07Lucas
16:07who was nearby
16:08snarled at me.
16:10You psychotic wench!
16:12When my father
16:13finds out
16:13what you did to Vivi
16:14he'll make you pay!
16:16My mother said coldly
16:17Good.
16:18Let Bernard come.
16:20We'll see who he punishes.
16:21You
16:22or us.
16:23My mother
16:23immediately took out
16:24her phone
16:25and called Bernard Goodwin.
16:26He answered instantly.
16:28Hello Denia.
16:30What's the matter?
16:31My mother replied coldly.
16:33Bernard
16:33you've certainly
16:35raised an exceptional son.
16:37Recognizing her displeasure
16:38Bernard responded
16:40with forced laughter.
16:41Denia
16:41what has my useless son
16:43done now?
16:44Just say the word
16:45and I'll punish him severely.
16:47You know Lilliville
16:48is my only daughter.
16:49I've cherished her
16:50like the apple of my eye
16:51since she was born.
16:52Yes of course.
16:53Rest assured
16:54when Mrs. Winsone
16:55marries into our family
16:57I won't let her suffer
16:58even the slightest grievance.
17:00My mother's voice
17:01trembled with suppressed rage.
17:03Well
17:03your precious boy Lucas
17:06has let Lilliville
17:07suffer a terrible humiliation.
17:09He tied her up
17:10and allowed her to be
17:11beaten and insulted
17:12for the sake of
17:12some pretend sister.
17:14How are you going
17:15to make this right?
17:17Bernard was in disbelief
17:18when he heard this.
17:19He then said
17:20What?
17:21That brat
17:22hurt Mrs. Winsone?
17:24Skin him alive
17:25for all I care.
17:26Do whatever you want with him.
17:28Lucas
17:28who was kneeling
17:29on the floor
17:30shouted
17:30Dad
17:31has this witch
17:32cast a spell on you?
17:34These two witches
17:34are evil.
17:35They ruined Vivi's face
17:37and made me kneel.
17:39Instead of saving me
17:40you're letting them
17:41have their way with me.
17:42I'm your son!
17:44Bernard roared furiously.
17:46You're a disgrace
17:47after this disaster
17:48you've caused.
17:49I wish I'd never had you!
17:52Lucas tried to speak again.
17:53My mother ended
17:54the call deliberately.
17:55She looked at him
17:56with contempt.
17:57Do you still think
17:58your father is going
17:59to 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
18:10my father's memory
18:11was my mother's
18:12most tender spot.
18:13No one would dare
18:14broach it.
18:15Lucas truly had a death wish
18:17and was walking
18:18straight into the line of fire.
18:20As expected
18:21my mother's expression
18:22darkened.
18:23She looked at him
18:23with a murderous gaze.
18:25I swiftly kicked
18:26Lucas in the back.
18:27He sprawled face first
18:28onto the floor.
18:30Mom
18:30don't waste your anger
18:32on this worthless fool.
18:33Let me handle him.
18:34I know exactly
18:35how to deal with them.
18:36With that
18:37I ordered the bodyguards
18:38to take both of them away.
18:39I sidled up to mom
18:40and whined.
18:42Mom
18:42my face really hurts.
18:44Will you come with me
18:45to get it treated first?
18:46My coaxing tone
18:47successfully snapped
18:49my mother back
18:49to rationality.
18:51She gently touched
18:51my injured cheek
18:52and accompanied me
18:53to the hospital.
18:54Floodon's top dermatologists
18:56and plastic surgeons
18:57gathered to examine me.
18:58After disinfecting
18:59my facial wounds
19:00they discussed
19:01treatment plans
19:02to ensure no scars
19:03would remain.
19:04Once the treatment plan
19:05was finalized
19:06the doctors
19:07gradually dispersed.
19:08Only my mother
19:09and I remained
19:10in the ward.
19:11I leaned my head
19:12against her shoulder
19:12and murmured reassuringly.
19:14Mom
19:15don't take Lucas's
19:16words to heart.
19:17Lilibelt
19:18your father
19:18really did die
19:19because of me.
19:20Do you hate me
19:21for making you
19:21grow up without a father?
19:22Her voice thickened
19:23with guilt and regret.
19:25I shook my head
19:26and hugged her tighter.
19:27I knew better than anyone
19:28how much she had
19:29suffered these years.
19:30My father had been
19:31part of the underworld.
19:33He had countless
19:33subordinates.
19:35Bernard was just
19:35one of his underlings.
19:37Everything changed
19:38when he met my mother.
19:39They fell in love
19:40at first sight.
19:41The violent womanizer
19:42who lived for fights
19:43and flings
19:44finally settled down.
19:45From that moment
19:46his heart belonged
19:47only to my mother.
19:49But this gave my father
19:50a weakness.
19:51His enemies
19:51repeatedly targeted
19:52my mother.
19:53In the end
19:54he sacrificed his life
19:55protecting her.
19:56I was less than
19:57a year old at the time.
19:58My grandparents said
19:59she would have followed
20:00my father in death
20:01had I not existed.
20:02For my sake
20:03she dragged herself
20:04through the grief.
20:05She dissolved
20:06my father's
20:06underworld organization.
20:07From its members
20:09she selected those
20:10with business acumen
20:11and funded their ventures.
20:13My mother understood
20:13the danger of
20:14drawing attention.
20:15To shield me
20:16from becoming a target
20:17she maintained
20:18a low profile
20:19and never appeared
20:20before the media
20:20or public.
20:21It was no exaggeration
20:23to say my mother
20:23built three of
20:24Floden's major
20:25financial empires.
20:26Only a few
20:27knew this truth.
20:28This explained
20:29why idiots like Lucas
20:30remained ignorant
20:31of her true status.
20:33That was why
20:33he dared spew nonsense.
20:36After a week
20:37of medical treatment
20:37my facial injuries
20:39healed completely.
20:40My skin became
20:41even smoother
20:42and more radiant
20:43than before.
20:44One day
20:44the housekeeper
20:45brought over
20:46another gift
20:46from Bernard.
20:47It was a 1945
20:48Chateau Lafite.
20:50It was one of only
20:51a few left in the world.
20:52It was clear
20:53Bernard had gone
20:54to great lengths
20:55to save his son.
20:56After locking
20:57Lucas and Vivian
20:58up for a week
20:58it was about time
20:59I paid them a visit.
21:00I instructed
21:01the housekeeper
21:02to inform Bernard
21:03who was waiting outside.
21:04Then I had the bodyguards
21:06bring Lucas and Vivian
21:07up from the basement.
21:09Those seven short days
21:10had transformed them
21:11beyond recognition.
21:12Their hair was matted
21:13and their bodies
21:14reeked of foul odors.
21:16Vivian's facial wounds
21:17were left untreated.
21:19It had festered
21:19and swollen.
21:20Her entire face
21:21had turned into
21:22a bloated mess
21:23and was ruined
21:24beyond repair.
21:25When Lucas spotted Bernard
21:26tears of relief
21:27streamed down his face.
21:29He scrambled over
21:30on hands and knees
21:31asleep dead.
21:33You're finally here.
21:34You have no idea
21:35what I've been through
21:36these days.
21:38He pointed a shaking
21:39finger at me.
21:40It was her.
21:41She locked me
21:42in that water cell.
21:44She deprived me
21:45of sleep,
21:46starved me,
21:47and forced me
21:49to eat rotten food.
21:50I smiled slightly
21:51as I looked at him.
21:52Yet you always
21:53licked the bowl clean
21:55though,
21:55didn't you Mr. Goodwin?
21:57Human survival instincts
21:59were truly remarkable.
22:00I had ordered the guards
22:01to deliver just one meal
22:03of cold,
22:03rancid oatmeal per day.
22:05At first,
22:06Lucas proudly declared
22:07he would rather starve
22:08than touch such food.
22:09He was the chairman
22:10of Goodwin's group
22:11after all.
22:12But after three days
22:13without food,
22:14pride became meaningless.
22:15They fought over
22:16that putrid oatmeal
22:17and even licked
22:18their bowls for him.
22:20Lucas glared at me
22:20savagely.
22:22You vicious witch.
22:24Now that my father
22:25is here,
22:26your little game
22:27is over.
22:28Sometimes I marveled
22:29at life's scales
22:30of balance.
22:31When it gave you
22:32one thing,
22:32it would always
22:33take away another.
22:34Clearly,
22:35Lucas's intelligence
22:36had been traded
22:36for his looks.
22:37Before he could
22:38finish his threat,
22:39Bernard struck him
22:40across the head.
22:42You disgrace!
22:43Are you trying
22:44to give me
22:45a heart attack?
22:47Get on your knees
22:48and apologize
22:49to Ms. Winshow
22:50right now!
22:51Lucas turned
22:52to his father,
22:53his face twisted
22:54in betrayal.
22:54Why should I apologize?
22:57She tortured me
22:58for days!
23:00Instead of having
23:01my back,
23:01why are you
23:02taking her side?
23:03Bernard looked
23:03at his clueless son
23:04in despair.
23:05He was truly
23:06at his wit's end.
23:07Since my mother
23:08had given
23:08strict instructions,
23:10Bernard could not
23:11reveal my identity.
23:12He could only
23:13vent his frustration
23:14by kicking Lucas
23:15behind the knees
23:15and forcing him
23:16to kneel before me.
23:17Bernard spoke
23:18with cautious deference.
23:20Mrs. Winsway,
23:21I know this worthless
23:22son of mine
23:23has angered you.
23:25Nothing he does
23:25will ever make up for it.
23:27But he's my only child.
23:30Please,
23:31spare his life.
23:32Witnessing his father's
23:33humiliating submission,
23:35Lucas finally realized
23:36that I was not
23:37just some nobody.
23:39Dad.
23:40Who is she?
23:43We're the Goodwin family.
23:45One of the three
23:46most powerful families
23:47running this city.
23:48Since when has there
23:49been anyone
23:49we can't afford to offend?
23:51Bernard glared at him
23:52with disgust.
23:53You stupid brat!
23:54How many times
23:55have I told you
23:56there's always
23:56someone above us?
23:58I told you to behave,
24:00but you never listened!
24:01Let me make this clear.
24:03Mrs. Winsaw
24:05is exactly who
24:06we can't afford
24:07to offend.
24:09Whether you walk
24:10out of here
24:10depends entirely
24:12on her.
24:13Finally comprehending
24:14the gravity
24:14of the situation,
24:16Lucas' expression
24:17shifted from resentment
24:18to pure terror.
24:19He stammered and said,
24:20Mrs. Winsphone,
24:22I've,
24:22I've been a fool.
24:25Please,
24:26forgive me.
24:27I sat in my chair
24:29as I slowly
24:30sipped the coffee
24:30beside me
24:31before addressing them.
24:32Bernard,
24:33you're actually wrong
24:34about Lucas.
24:35He wasn't the one
24:36who offended me.
24:37It's his sister
24:37in all but blood
24:38that did.
24:39Lucas merely wanted
24:40to stand up for her.
24:41You're such a disgrace!
24:43Instead of learning
24:44proper conduct,
24:45you're messing around
24:46with some pretend sister.
24:48Get that woman
24:48out of my sight.
24:49Now.
24:50Seeing this,
24:51Vivian instantly realized
24:52Lucas was barely
24:53keeping his own head
24:54above water at the moment.
24:55He could not save
24:56himself,
24:57much less her.
24:58Just remembering
25:00her time in the water cell,
25:01she vowed never
25:02to suffer like that again.
25:04Her legs gave out.
25:05She collapsed
25:05to her knees
25:06with a thud
25:07and started apologizing
25:08frantically.
25:09Mrs. Winsphone,
25:10I'm sorry!
25:12I'm sorry!
25:13I'm the worthless poser!
25:15Please forgive me!
25:16Please spare me
25:17just this once.
25:19Please,
25:20please,
25:21I beg you!
25:22Please spare
25:23my miserable life!
25:26Her words echoed
25:27in the room
25:27as she repeatedly
25:28begged for forgiveness
25:29on her knees.
25:30Lucas finally lowered
25:31his proud head
25:32in submission.
25:33Mrs. Winsbone,
25:34I was blind
25:35and foolish
25:36to wrong you.
25:37I won't bully people
25:38or pull that
25:39privileged nonsense again.
25:41Please just give me
25:42this one chance.
25:43After finishing
25:43my coffee,
25:44I set the cup aside.
25:45I looked at the people
25:46around me
25:47and said calmly,
25:48My,
25:48you are all speaking
25:49as if I'm some
25:50homicidal maniac.
25:52This is a society
25:54governed by law.
25:55Do I really look
25:56like a criminal to you?
25:58Bernard ventured cautiously.
26:00Mrs. Winsbone,
26:01does this mean
26:02you're forgiving
26:02this idiot?
26:03I smiled.
26:05Of course.
26:06Though they'd hurt me,
26:07I've hurt them too.
26:09An eye for an eye
26:10leaves the whole world blind.
26:12I'll let this matter
26:13end here.
26:13Lucas and Vivian
26:15resumed frantically
26:16thanking me
26:16for their mercy.
26:17I cleared my throat
26:18before continuing.
26:19Not only do I forgive you,
26:21I intend to grant
26:23you a blessing.
26:24The three of them
26:25looked confused.
26:27After some digging,
26:28I discovered Vivian
26:30and Lucas
26:30have been dating
26:31all along.
26:32They adopted
26:33the pretend siblings
26:34pretense
26:34because you wouldn't
26:35approve, Bernard.
26:38Well, congratulations,
26:39lovebirds.
26:40You'll be heading
26:40straight to the city
26:41hall after this.
26:42You've got exactly
26:43seven days to throw
26:44a wedding and float on.
26:45My words were met
26:46with mixed reactions.
26:48Some were delighted.
26:49Others horrified.
26:50Vivian had never
26:51expected this misfortune
26:53to turn into
26:53her lucky break.
26:54Her long-held dream
26:55of climbing society's
26:57ladder by marrying
26:57a wealthy man
26:58was finally coming true.
27:00A thrill of victory
27:01rose in her chest
27:02and she could not
27:03help but smile.
27:04However,
27:04that smile
27:05was particularly
27:06grotesque and unsettling
27:08on her nearly
27:08disfigured face.
27:09The one displeased
27:10by this turn of events
27:11was naturally Bernard.
27:13He had always
27:13looked down on
27:14Vivian's background
27:15and behavior.
27:16This disaster
27:17involving Lucas
27:18had been partly
27:19caused by her,
27:20deepening his
27:20disdain toward her.
27:22I observed
27:22the three of them,
27:24each lost in
27:24their own thoughts,
27:25and asked,
27:27Well,
27:28can you do it?
27:31When they gave me
27:32their agreement,
27:33I waved them off
27:34with a smile.
27:35There's a car
27:36waiting outside
27:37to take you
27:38love-largs
27:39to the city hall.
27:40They scrambled
27:41to their feet
27:41and dashed out
27:42as if afraid
27:43I might change
27:43my mind
27:44if they delayed
27:45even a second.
27:46The filthy,
27:46foul-smelling
27:47Lucas and Vivian
27:48were delivered
27:49straight to the
27:49city hall's entrance.
27:51A staff member
27:52approached them.
27:53She suppressed
27:53her disgust
27:54at the stench.
27:56Sir,
27:56miss,
27:57how may I assist you?
27:58Lucas glanced
27:59at Vivian's
28:00swollen face
28:01and could not
28:02help but feel
28:02repulsed.
28:03Still high on the
28:04thrill of bagging
28:05a good win,
28:06Vivian blurted out,
28:07We're here
28:08to get married!
28:09even after years
28:10of handling
28:11registrations.
28:12This was the most
28:13bizarre couple
28:14the staff had
28:14ever encountered.
28:15Most couples
28:16dress their best
28:17when registering
28:18for marriage,
28:18but these two
28:19looked like refugees
28:20fleeing a disaster.
28:22The groom looked
28:22especially disgusted
28:24and reluctant.
28:25The staff processed
28:26their paperwork
28:26dutifully
28:27despite their appearance.
28:28When my driver
28:29reported they had
28:30successfully tied
28:31a knot,
28:31I felt the wicked
28:32satisfaction of a
28:34prankster seeing
28:34their scheme succeed.
28:36This particular
28:37prank, however,
28:37would haunt them
28:38for life.
28:41A week later,
28:42their wedding
28:42had the whole
28:43internet talking
28:44about the Goodwin
28:44family.
28:45The viral wedding
28:46coverage caused
28:47Goodwin's group
28:47stocks to plummet.
28:48Their assets were
28:49halved, knocking
28:50them out of
28:50Floodon's top
28:51three spots.
28:52Though my
28:52orchestrated behind
28:53the scenes
28:54certainly helped.
28:55Bernard blamed
28:56Vivian entirely.
28:57He was convinced
28:59she had brought
28:59misfortune to the
29:00Goodwin family.
29:01From the moment
29:02she married in,
29:03he never showed
29:03her even a hint
29:04of kindness.
29:05After marriage,
29:06Lucas became a
29:07habitual womanizer
29:08who refused to go
29:09home and face
29:10Vivian's disfigured
29:11face due to the
29:12result of untreated
29:13wounds.
29:14Initially, Vivian
29:15had been overjoyed
29:16about marrying
29:17into the Goodwin
29:17family.
29:18As time passed,
29:19she realized even
29:20the housemaids did
29:21not regard her as
29:22Lucas's legitimate
29:23wife.
29:23Her influence
29:24within the
29:25Goodwin family
29:25was negligible.
29:26The meager
29:27monthly allowance
29:27she received
29:28was not even
29:29close to her
29:29imagined aristocratic
29:31lifestyle.
29:31They fought
29:32constantly about
29:33Lucas's repeated
29:34affairs.
29:35Through these
29:35constant fights,
29:36Vivian grew
29:37increasingly paranoid
29:38and unstable.
29:39After one
29:40particularly vicious
29:41quarrel, she
29:42snapped.
29:42She stabbed
29:43Lucas before
29:44ending her own
29:45life.
29:45I was vacationing
29:47abroad with my
29:47mother when we
29:48heard the news
29:49of their deaths.
29:49Sunlight sifted
29:50through the
29:51branches.
29:51A new day
29:52began in
29:53tranquility.
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