- 2 days ago
She Dumped Me
I Became A Billionaire Episode
I Became A Billionaire Episode
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Hey, come on, you know you want to. Everybody's here, so.
00:03The second day after returning to the States, my old college buddy dragged me to an alumni
00:08reunion against my better judgment. That's where I ran into Ava Sterling, my first love.
00:15The woman I hadn't seen in five years. Right there, in front of everyone,
00:19she dropped to one knee and pulled out a diamond ring the size of a quail egg.
00:26The private lounge erupted. Applause. Whistles. Someone started chanting.
00:33Everyone assumed I'd accept on the spot. After all, I'd been the one who'd chased her relentlessly
00:39for years. The devoted boyfriend who'd do anything for her. But they'd all forgotten something.
00:46At our graduation ceremony, Ava had stood in front of the entire university and accused me of
00:52plagiarizing my thesis. For another man, she'd produced fake evidence of me cheating on exams,
00:59bullying classmates. The university revoked my diploma. Security escorted me off campus in front
01:05of hundreds of witnesses while my parents watched from the crowd. After that day, I left the country
01:09alone. Now I am back, and Ava's best friend Claire thinks she can rewrite history. After you left,
01:15Ava used her family connections to get your diploma reinstated. Even after everything you did wrong,
01:20she never forgot you. She's been waiting all this time. She really loves you deeply.
01:26Says if you're willing, you'll always be the man she loves most.
01:36Claire slid into the seat beside me the moment I walked in, launching into her prepared speech
01:41without taking a breath. Her expression flickered between impatience and urgency. The other alumni
01:46stared at me, some curious, some openly mocking. Honestly. Hearing Ava's name after five years felt
01:52distant, like hearing about a stranger. The burning love I'd once felt for her had drowned somewhere in
01:58the Atlantic, buried under five years of silence. Almost no one back home knew I was married. I'd
02:05left without a word, and I'd kept it that way. I didn't know if Claire was asking these questions
02:09for herself, or if Ava had sent her. Either way, it didn't matter. I pressed my lips together and spoke
02:16slowly, clearly. Ava and I are ancient history. Whatever you're trying to say right now means
02:22absolutely nothing to me. Not just Claire. Every person in that room stared at me like I'd grown a
02:28second head. They remembered the old Ethan, the one who'd pursued Ava Sterling for three years,
02:33with an intensity that nearly got us both kicked out of school. Rain or shine, I'd brought her
02:39breakfast and drove her to and from school every single day. When she came down with a cold, I'd run
02:44through a blizzard across the entire city to find her medication. Every time another guy tried to ask her
02:49out, I'd show up immediately staking my claim. When she wanted to start her company but couldn't
02:54afford it, I'd given her everything. My entire savings, my trust fund, even sold the vintage watch
03:00my parents gave me for my 18th birthday. For an entire semester, I'd lived on nothing but bread and
03:06water. Never told anyone, never complained. Finally, Ava agreed to date me. She was everything a
03:13girlfriend should be. Asked if I was tired. Defended me when people called me a doormat or a simp.
03:18We'd stayed up late planning our future after she signed her first contract. I really believed she
03:24was it. My only love, the woman I'd grow old with. Then senior year, Julian Hart transferred into our
03:31program.
03:34Ava's childhood best friend. Her first crush, apparently, fresh back from studying abroad.
03:40At first, I didn't think much of it. Hell, I tried to be friendly. Tried to make it work. But
03:45slowly,
03:45Ava stopped coming to see me. When I asked her out, she'd make excuses. Cancel plans. On my birthday,
03:51she stood me up. Told me she had a last-minute business trip to Seattle. Something felt wrong,
03:56so I went to her office. Julian was there, surrounded by her employees. And they were
04:01calling him Boss Man. Joking that he was Ava's future husband. They all knew she was dating me.
04:07But there was Ava standing off to the side, smiling. Not correcting them. Not saying a word.
04:12It felt like someone had taken a blade to my chest. When she finally noticed me,
04:17there was no guilt on her face. No embarrassment. Just that casual, detached tone.
04:24What are you doing here?
04:28She was my first love. The woman I wanted to spend my life with. I didn't want to fight,
04:33so I asked her straight.
04:34So your business trip was really just throwing a party for him?
04:37I wasn't angry. Wasn't accusing. Just asking. Ava frowned. Irritation flashing across her face.
04:44Julian's intern turning at my company. I'm throwing him a welcome event. God, Ethan,
04:49can you not be so jealous all the time? You're suffocating me.
04:53I froze. This was the same woman who'd called me honey, just three days ago. Now she was tearing
04:58me apart in front of her entire staff. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that.
05:02Then what did you mean? And why did you lie about the business trip?
05:07I didn't lie. She grabbed my hand, her voice soft and sweet again.
05:12The meeting was supposed to be today, but the client rescheduled. I just hadn't told you yet.
05:17Her tone was so affectionate, so natural, that my anger started to dissolve. But I couldn't let go
05:23of what I'd heard. Then why were your employees calling Julian your future husband?
05:27It's just a joke. Come on, everyone here knows you're my boyfriend. Baby, don't be mad.
05:34It's your birthday. Let me take you somewhere nice tonight.
05:39Ethan, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. If it bothers you that much, I can leave. I
05:43won't
05:43intern here. Just... please don't fight because of me.
05:50Ethan, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. If it bothers you that much, I can leave. I
05:55won't
05:55intern here. Just... please don't fight because of me.
05:58Before I could respond, Julian rushed over. His face the picture of remorse. He hung his head like
06:04a kicked puppy. The other employees shot me looks. Like I was the asshole. Like I was bullying this
06:10poor kid. Everyone turned to Ava. She let go of my hand and went to Julian. Her voice soft and
06:16soothing. Her touch gentle. That night, she didn't stand me up. She actually took me to dinner,
06:22but I couldn't taste a damn thing. Because even though she was sitting across from me,
06:28every word out of her mouth was about him.
06:33Julian and I grew up together. He's like a little brother to me.
06:40His parents asked me to give him an internship. That's the only reason I hired him.
06:44I didn't tell you because I knew you'd get the wrong idea. If there was something between us,
06:50we would have gotten together years ago. Ethan, I know how good you've been to me.
06:54You're the only one I see.
06:59She sounded so sincere. I didn't want to keep fighting, so I nodded. Then she pulled out a
07:04pair of matching rings, slid the women's band onto her finger, then placed the men's on mine.
07:09I'm sorry this is all I can afford right now, but once my company takes off,
07:13I promise I'll get you the most expensive ring in the world.
07:18Looking at the girl in my arms, and the ring on my finger, my anxiety finally faded.
07:23But she broke that promise, like she broke everything else.
07:27After that day, Ava stopped hiding it. She and Julian were inseparable, always side by side.
07:33Rumors spread that she'd dumped me for him. Before I could even track down the source,
07:37Julian showed up at my door. Gone was the meek, apologetic boy from before.
07:42Now he stood tall, smirking down at me.
07:45You know what kind of guy is the most pathetic, Ethan?
07:49A doormat like you.
07:52Ava loves me.
07:55Do yourself a favor and walk away.
07:58I clenched my fists, but refused to take the bait.
08:00His eyes gleamed with certainty.
08:02Since you're too delusional to see it yourself, I'll help you wake up.
08:09The second Julian left, I called Ava.
08:14The second Julian left, I called Ava.
08:17I told her everything he'd said, but she didn't believe me.
08:20Ethan, I already explained this.
08:22There's nothing between me and Julian.
08:25Why do you keep obsessing over it?
08:27Her voice on the phone was sharp, annoyed.
08:31I've known him since we were kids.
08:34I know exactly what kind of person he is.
08:37Stop slander him.
08:39Slandering him?
08:43Ava, is that really what you think of me?
08:46Silence. Finally, she spoke.
08:48If it bothers you that much, fine.
08:50Once his internship is over, I'll let him go.
08:54But Ethan, I'm drowning in work right now.
08:57If you can't help me, at least don't make things worse.
09:01I'm exhausted.
09:06You're busy with your thesis anyway.
09:08Let's just not see each other for a while.
09:12Cool off.
09:14We'll talk to graduation.
09:18The dial tone echoed in my ear.
09:21My entire body went cold.
09:22She'd rather believe I was lying about Julian than trust that he'd actually said those things.
09:27That was the first time I realized Ava Sterling wasn't worth it.
09:31And the first time we went silent.
09:33She meant what she said.
09:34For the next month, I didn't reach out.
09:37Neither did she.
09:38Sometimes we'd pass each other on campus.
09:40She'd look right through me.
09:42Then came graduation day.
09:47I was about to take my cap and gown from my advisor when the department chair intercepted me.
09:52In front of every student, every professor, every parent, he asked.
09:56Ethan Cross, your thesis is identical to Julian Hart's.
10:00Who copied from whom?
10:02Sir, that's impossible.
10:03I wrote that thesis myself.
10:04I didn't copy anyone.
10:06I wrote every word myself.
10:08Julian appeared beside the chair, his voice shaking with false sincerity.
10:13If you don't believe me, ask Ava Stilling.
10:16She can vouch for me.
10:22Every eye in the room turned to Ava.
10:24So did mine.
10:25She avoided my gaze.
10:27And just like that, I understood.
10:29I'd always saved my drafts and research in a shared cloud folder.
10:33One that Ava had access to.
10:36The chair turned to her.
10:37Miss Sterling?
10:43Julian's been interning at my company.
10:47I've seen him working on his thesis late into the night.
10:52Ava, are you saying I stole Julian's work?
10:55I only know Julian wrote his thesis himself.
10:59I laughed.
11:00Actually laughed.
11:01This was the woman I'd loved with everything I had for four years.
11:05If I could have gotten an eye exam right there, I would have clearly.
11:08I'd been blind.
11:10Ava's face twisted with something almost like regret.
11:12She opened her mouth, but Julian cut her off.
11:15Ethan, just because you're Ava's boyfriend doesn't mean you can force her to commit perjury.
11:21I know you don't like me, fine.
11:23But you've been bullying me all semester.
11:25Making me give you test answers.
11:27And when I refused, you sent those guys to beat me up.
11:31If Ava hadn't showed up that night, those thugs would have hospitalized me.
11:39I wondered if my ears were broken.
11:41I understood every word individually.
11:43But together, they made no sense.
11:45What bullying?
11:46What test answers?
11:47What thugs?
11:49Julian, if you have a victim complex, see a therapist.
11:52Don't project it onto me.
11:55Enough!
11:55Those guys confessed, Ethan.
11:57They said you paid them to hurt Julian.
11:59I never thought you could be this cruel.
12:01He hasn't even graduated, and you're already dragging him into this?
12:04I stood frozen, the words barely making it past my lips.
12:08Ava, you'd rather believe Julian and some random criminals than me?
12:12I only believe what I see with my own eyes.
12:15My body went numb.
12:16All I could hear were the whispers around me.
12:19Disgust, mockery, contempt.
12:21The department chair's voice was like a whip.
12:23I had no idea my department was harboring a student of such low character.
12:26You haven't met the requirements for graduation.
12:29You won't be participating in this ceremony.
12:31Your disciplinary hearing will be scheduled separately.
12:35You can leave now.
12:38Ethan, go.
12:39You're embarrassing yourself.
12:40Don't ruin everyone else's graduation.
12:44We'll talk later.
12:45In private.
12:48Ava.
12:49My voice came out broken.
12:50Are you sure you won't regret this?
12:52But she was already turning away.
12:54Julian in two.
12:59After that, I became a campus pariah.
13:01Friends I'd known for years avoided me, like I had the plague.
13:04I gave up.
13:05Bought a one-way ticket to join my parents abroad.
13:08At the airport, I took off the ring and mailed it back to her.
13:11The memory faded.
13:12I looked at Claire and the rest of them.
13:14If that's all you wanted to talk about, I'm leaving.
13:16Claire blocked my path, her voice frantic.
13:19Ethan, wait!
13:20Ava's on her way.
13:21Let her explain.
13:22I frowned.
13:23I don't think we have anything left to say.
13:25Besides, I'm married.
13:27The room went dead silent.
13:29Claire's jaw dropped.
13:30You're married?
13:32That's impossible.
13:33You said you'd never marry anyone but Ava.
13:35The other alumni stared, disbelief written all over their faces.
13:39He'll probably crawl right back.
13:40I didn't hear anything about it.
13:42I don't believe it.
13:43He was obsessed with Ava.
13:44There's no way he moved on.
13:45Yeah.
13:46He's probably lying to save face, you know, after she humiliated him at graduation.
13:52Ava runs Sterling Corp now.
13:54Half the city's elite are lining up to marry into that family.
13:57He'll probably crawl right back the second he sees her.
14:00Yeah, the only family in this city that rivals the Sterlings, is the Winters family.
14:05And I heard Isabella Winters has been abroad for years.
14:07She is married with a kid now.
14:09I ignored their whispers, my face blank.
14:11Claire stared at me like she was trying to read my mind.
14:13Finally she sighed.
14:19Look, I'm not getting involved in whatever's between you two.
14:22But you used to love her.
14:25Don't you think you at least owe it to yourselves to talk?
14:28I didn't respond.
14:29She clearly didn't believe me either.
14:31But I was married.
14:32I just didn't feel like wasting my breath trying to convince them.
14:35Claire planted herself in front of the exit.
14:37It was obvious.
14:38Ava wasn't coming.
14:39And neither was I leaving.
14:41I could have forced my way out.
14:43But why bother?
14:43I wasn't the one who'd done something wrong.
14:46I had no reason to hide.
14:48I sat back down and pulled out my phone.
14:51Todé was my daughter Sophie's first day of preschool.
14:53I needed to make sure she was okay.
14:56That is when the door opened.
15:00I looked up and locked eyes with Ava Sterling.
15:03The moment she saw me, her dull eyes lit up like someone had flipped a switch.
15:08Five years.
15:09I hadn't seen her in five years.
15:34She walked toward me, her smile fragile.
15:37I barely moved.
15:38Ethan.
15:41It's been a long time.
15:43Ava.
15:44It has.
15:45Her smile faltered.
15:46It has.
15:46Pain flickered across her face.
15:48Are you still angry with me?
15:49You can hit me, yell at me, whatever you want.
15:51Just don't talk to me like we're strangers.
15:53It hurts.
15:58I stood, meeting her gaze calmly.
16:00Why would I be angry?
16:01We're nothing to each other now.
16:03Everyone watching us, like we were primetime television.
16:06I wasn't interested in being their entertainment.
16:08And I'd rather be picking up Sophie from school than standing here.
16:12I moved to leave.
16:14Ava grabbed my wrist.
16:15Before I could react, she pulled out a massive diamond ring and dropped to one knee.
16:19Ethan, I've waited five years for you to come back.
16:23This proposal is five years late, but will you still be with me?
16:31Ethan, I've waited five years for you to come back.
16:35This proposal is five years late, but will you still be with me?
16:41I yanked my hand free, my voice ice.
16:43Miss Sterling, you've got the wrong guy.
16:45I'm not Julian.
16:46Julian, you're still jealous of him, aren't you?
16:48I know the thesis thing hurt you, but I was trying to protect you.
16:55Julian said if I gave him your work, he wouldn't press charges.
17:01First of all, I didn't do it.
17:03I don't need you covering for crimes I didn't commit.
17:07You should have let him go to the police.
17:10Because they wouldn't convict an innocent man based on lies.
17:13Second, I'm married.
17:14I have a three-year-old daughter.
17:16Stop saying things that could cause problems with my wife.
17:19Abba swayed, her face draining of color.
17:22Daughter?
17:23Wife?
17:23You're married?
17:26That's impossible.
17:28She stared at me desperately, searching for a crack in my composure.
17:31You said you'd never marry anyone but me!
17:35You're just saying this to hurt me, right?
17:38I stared back, unmoved.
17:40Her eyes turned red.
17:42Pain and confusion swirled in them.
17:44An expression I'd never seen before.
17:46Not even when her mother died.
17:49Ethan, how could you break your promise?
17:51How could you be so cruel?
17:53Her voice was accusing.
17:55Like I was the one who'd done something wrong.
17:57I sighed.
17:59Ava, are you seriously blaming me?
18:01Ethan, you're the one who betrayed us first.
18:09She froze, her lips trembling.
18:12Ethan, I...
18:14I didn't...
18:15Julian, I never...
18:17Sleeping together isn't the only form of betrayal.
18:20I have emotional standards.
18:22The second your heart started leaning towards someone else, you were already gone.
18:27Ava went still, stunned into silence.
18:29The other alumni looked just as shocked.
18:31Wait, I thought Ava dumped Ethan for Julia.
18:33But now it looks like Ethan's the one who left?
18:35If she loved him all along, why did she publicly side with Julia at graduation?
18:39Some people don't appreciate what they have until it's gone.
18:41I ignored the whispers, looked down at Ava one last time.
18:44Miss Sterling, you're making a scene.
18:46All these people are watching.
18:47You might want to pull yourself together.
18:50If there's nothing else I need to leave, my daughter's waiting for me to pick her up.
18:53If I'm late, she'll cry.
18:54I stepped around her.
18:55She scrambled to her feet and grabbed my wrist again.
18:58Is there something else?
18:59The coldness in my eyes made her flinch.
19:01Her hand fell away like I'd burned her.
19:03But her expression...
19:04God, she looked devastated.
19:06I felt nothing.
19:07Just boredom.
19:08I walked out.
19:09She followed.
19:10When I stepped outside the hotel, I saw two figures in the distance.
19:14One tall, one small.
19:15My mood lifted instantly.
19:17Is that Isabella Winters?
19:19I thought she was still abroad.
19:20She must have moved back.
19:21I heard the Winters family is shifting operations stateside.
19:24Is that her daughter?
19:25So she really did get married.
19:27Wait, doesn't that kid look kind of familiar?
19:30Ava's gaze followed theirs.
19:32And then, two voices rang out in perfect harmony.
19:40Daddy!
19:45One joyful, one tender.
19:47Everyone turned to stare at me, shock written across their faces.
19:51Isabella Winters stood there, her expression as cool and untouchable as ever.
19:55Until she looked at me.
19:56Then her eyes warmed, a smile softening her features.
19:59Daddy, you're a liar!
20:00You promised you'd pick me up with Mommy, but only Mommy came.
20:04Do you not love me anymore now that we're back?
20:07I love your mom most, kiddo.
20:09You're number two.
20:10Sophie's pout deepened.
20:11Isabella laughed, her voice soft as silk.
20:14Sophie missed you all day.
20:16She begged me to bring her here.
20:18We're not interrupting, are we?
20:20My ears went red.
20:22No.
20:23Perfect timing, actually.
20:25Isabella smiled and reached up to fix my hair, then took my hand.
20:29Let's go home.
20:32I was about to follow when a broken voice called out behind me.
20:35Ethan.
20:36I turned.
20:37Ava looked like a ghost.
20:39Was there something else?
20:40She opened her mouth but couldn't yet speak.
20:43Sophie noticed her and asked innocently.
20:44Daddy, is that lady sick?
20:47Her face is really white.
20:50Like mine when I had a fever.
20:53Sophie, would you like Aunt May to make you cupcakes tonight?
20:57Yes, cupcakes!
20:58Just like that, Sophie forgot all about Ava.
21:01You little sugar feed.
21:02You're gonna get cavities.
21:04Sophie buried her face in Isabella's shoulder, ignoring me.
21:07I glanced at Isabella.
21:09You spoil her too much.
21:10The warm scene must have been torture for Ava.
21:13Her eyes filled with despair.
21:15Ethan, are you really?
21:16She couldn't finish the sentence.
21:18Couldn't get the words out.
21:20Before I could respond, Isabella stepped between us, blocking Ava's view.
21:28You must be Miss Sterling.
21:30I've heard a lot about you.
21:31Her tone was polite but cold.
21:33Is there something you need from my husband?
21:34If not, we'll be going home now.
21:36You're Ethan's wife?
21:38Ava's eyes blazed with jealousy.
21:39That's right.
21:40Did he tell you he has a first love?
21:43Someone he swore he'd love forever?
21:45Miss Sterling, I was young and stupid.
21:47I made a mistake.
21:49That past is something I'd rather forget.
21:51It taught me that my wife is the only person worth loving for the rest of my life.
21:55If you try to interfere with my marriage again, don't blame me for what happens next.
21:59Not worth remembering?
22:02Ethan, do you really hate me that much?
22:05Yes.
22:06If I could go back, I'd choose to never meet you at all.
22:08I didn't look at her again, just took Isabella's hand and led her to the car.
22:13Isabella's mood brightened instantly.
22:14Did you mean what you said to her?
22:16Every word.
22:17She's a stranger now.
22:19You and Sophie are the only people I care about.
22:21I thought that would be the end of it.
22:22That Ava would finally let go.
22:24I was wrong.
22:27The next morning after dropping Sophie at preschool, I turned around and found Ava waiting for me.
22:32She looked exhausted, hollow.
22:34I frowned.
22:35What do you want?
22:36Ethan, I need to talk to you.
22:38Say it here.
22:38Ethan, I came to apologize.
22:41I asked Julian about those guys.
22:43He admitted it.
22:44He hired them himself.
22:45It was all an act.
22:46It's been five years.
22:47What's the point of bringing this up now?
22:50I'm sorry.
22:51I was fooled by Julian.
22:53We grew up together.
22:54I never thought he'd change so much.
22:56Ava, if you could figure it out after five years, you could have figured it out back then.
23:00You just didn't want to.
23:03You chose to believe Julian over me.
23:06Or maybe you knew the truth all along and covered for him anyway, just like you did when you stole
23:10my thesis and let him take credit.
23:13No, it wasn't like that.
23:15She looked frantic.
23:16I never wanted to be with Julian.
23:19After you left, I kicked him out of my company.
23:21I've been waiting for you ever since.
23:23I only helped him because his parents took care of me when I was little.
23:28Ethan, I've only ever loved you.
23:30I made a mistake.
23:32Let me spend the rest of my life making it up to you.
23:36Please.
23:37Just one more chance.
23:46Is that all?
23:54Is that all?
23:55She clenched her fists.
23:56Do you really not care at all anymore?
23:59I've thought about you every single day for five years.
24:03I laughed.
24:03Ava, are you seriously going to stand there and tell me you never had feelings for Julian?
24:08She hesitated, panic flashing in her eyes.
24:10If you didn't, why did you let your employees call him your future husband?
24:14I smirked.
24:15I remember when some guy at school said you liked him, you tore him apart on the school forum.
24:19She tried to speak, but no words came out.
24:21I was done.
24:22You know me, Ava.
24:23I don't do gray areas.
24:25I either love someone or I don't.
24:27I don't love you anymore.
24:30I love my wife and my daughter.
24:32We're hat happy.
24:33Stop trying to ruin that.
24:35I turned to leave.
24:36She shouted after me.
24:38Okay, fine.
24:38I admit it.
24:39I had feelings for Julian, but only because I was stressed and you were busy with school
24:43and couldn't be there for me.
24:44But I swear, you're the only one I've ever truly loved.
24:46Even when I thought you'd betrayed me, I never wanted to leave you.
24:49I was planning to marry you after graduation.
24:51Enough!
24:51I cut her off, my voice sharp.
24:53Don't you get it?
24:54The second your heart started leaning toward him, we were already over.
24:57You're only saying all this now to make yourself feel better.
25:00Even if Julian hadn't existed, even if we'd gotten married, there would have been someone
25:03else.
25:04Because the problem isn't him.
25:05It's you.
25:06Ava went silent, tears streaming down her face.
25:10I'm sorry, Ethan.
25:11I did love you once.
25:12I chased you with everything I had, but that's over now.
25:15I turned back to her, my voice calm.
25:17I don't even remember what it felt like to love you or why I did in the first place.
25:21If you really want to apologize, then leave me alone.
25:24Stay away from me and my wife.
25:26Neither of us want to see you again.
25:28Her eyes were red, filled with tears and regret.
25:31I felt nothing.
25:32I walked away.
25:34And this time, I didn't look back.
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