- 2 days ago
Love Reduced To Ash Ep
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00For 30 years, I lived as Felix's widow. Felix Haywood was a renowned surgeon at Military General Hospital, a mentor
00:07to many students before his death.
00:09Everyone pitied me, saying I had lost a child to miscarriage, ruined my health, and lost my lover.
00:15I believed in these words, until I sorted through his belongings and found a forged infant death certificate in his
00:22safe.
00:22His diary was filled with entries about how the Brooks family had once saved his entire family.
00:27How Irene Brooks could never have children because of him.
00:31And how he owed her he could only repay by stealing my son.
00:35My heart felt crushed, and I fainted.
00:38When I opened my eyes, the young, grief-stricken face of Felix appeared before me.
00:43Grace, don't be sad. Our baby is gone.
00:47I, Grace Archer, was sent back in time, back to the day he stole my son.
00:52I looked at Felix. He held my hand, his eyes red and teary.
00:56Grace, the doctors did everything they could.
01:01I remained silent. Then I heard a baby's cries, and a woman's laughter, coming from the next room.
01:06That woman was Irene Brooks. That baby was my son.
01:10My mother-in-law, Clara Reed, came in with a bowl of soup.
01:14Grace, drink this. Your health is what matters most now.
01:18She set the bowl on the bedside table.
01:21We owe you so much.
01:23I gave a bitter smile and said nothing.
01:25Tears slid down from the corners of my eyes.
01:28Felix, wiping them away with his thumb.
01:30Don't cry.
01:32We're still young.
01:33We'll have another child later.
01:35I closed my eyes.
01:37In my past life, I believed him.
01:39So I took mountains of medicine, and endured countless treatments, all to conceive another
01:44child for him.
01:45Until his death, I never succeeded.
01:47Everyone said I was pitiful because I lost both my child and my husband.
01:51But no one knew my child had been alive all along.
01:54Right next door, less than 10 meters away from me, he was there, held by another woman,
01:59calling Irene Mom.
02:01The ward door was pushed open.
02:03Irene walked in with a swaddled baby in her arms.
02:06Followed by her parents.
02:08Grace, are you alright?
02:10The baby in her arms moved, letting out a slight sound.
02:13My gaze fell on the baby.
02:14He was my son.
02:15Clara immediately walked over and took the baby.
02:18Little one, already awake?
02:20Felix also stood up and approached Irene.
02:22Why did you come?
02:24You also need to rest.
02:25I just want to see Grace.
02:27Seeing Grace like this, it breaks my heart.
02:29Felix, this child is now your responsibility.
02:33I will take good care of him.
02:35They were all acting, and I was the fool kept in the dark on the day I was discharged
02:39from the hospital.
02:41Felix took me home.
02:42The house was very quiet.
02:44The prepared nursery was completely empty.
02:46No cradle.
02:47No crib.
02:48Not even wall decals.
02:50I was afraid they'd make you sad, so I put everything away.
02:54Grace, forget this.
02:55Let's start over, okay?
02:57I didn't answer him.
02:58Walking into that empty room, I stood there for a long time.
03:01Three days later, Clara brought the baby home from Irene's house.
03:05Felix.
03:06Irene can't handle it alone.
03:09And the baby is often sick.
03:11Let's raise him here.
03:13Felix didn't object.
03:15The baby was placed in the guest room, far from our bedroom.
03:18Irene came over too, claiming she would help care for him.
03:21From then on, this house belonged to two women.
03:23One was me.
03:24The other was Irene.
03:26The baby was named Alistair Haywood, chosen by Irene.
03:30She said she hoped he would remember his late father and grow up safely.
03:33How absurd.
03:34They hoped my son would remember a father who never existed.
03:37Alistair often cried at night.
03:39The nanny couldn't soothe him.
03:41Neither could Clara.
03:42His cries reached my room.
03:44Lying in bed, waves of heartache washed over me.
03:47I'll go check on him.
03:48He was gone for a long time.
03:50When he returned, he carried the scent of milk.
03:53Asleep?
03:54Yes.
03:55Irene is soothing him.
03:56I opened my eyes.
03:58Felix, I want to see him.
03:59Why would you want to see him?
04:01Don't you know better?
04:02Mom?
04:03Grace, let me be clear.
04:05Alistair is Irene's child.
04:07He's not yours, so don't think you have any claim over him.
04:11I just want to see him.
04:12No way!
04:13You'll bring misfortune to him.
04:15We can't afford another tragedy.
04:17I said nothing more.
04:19The next day, while they were all out, I slipped into the guest room.
04:23Alistair was sleeping in the cradle.
04:25I walked over and bent down.
04:26I touched his cheek softly.
04:28He didn't wake up, just smacked his lips slightly.
04:31I gently picked him up.
04:32He moved in my arms, finding a comfortable position to continue sleeping.
04:36Grace!
04:37What are you doing?
04:39She rushed over and snatched the baby from me.
04:41Don't touch him!
04:42The baby was startled awake and burst into tears.
04:45You made him cry!
04:46I knew you were up to no good!
04:49What did you want to do to my grandson?
04:51She blurted out.
04:51After saying that, she froze.
04:53Mom!
04:54I misspoke.
04:55I meant...
04:56Alistair is the child of Felix's comrade, so he's like my grandson.
05:00I wanted to hold him.
05:01Is that wrong?
05:03Grace, you're not well.
05:05Alistair is still young and gets sick easily.
05:08Yes, Grace.
05:10Alistair has a weak immune system.
05:12The doctor said we must be very careful.
05:15I looked at the three of them.
05:16They were like three walls, separating me from my son.
05:20I am the rightful woman of this house.
05:22Irene's face turned pale.
05:24You?
05:25You are just a woman who can't keep a child.
05:30Mom!
05:31He walked over and gripped my wrist.
05:32Grace, go rest in our room.
05:34His grip was strong.
05:35I couldn't break free.
05:36Dragged back to the bedroom.
05:37I saw him close the door.
05:39Then, I heard him say to his mother and Irene.
05:42Don't let her go into that room again.
05:44From that day on, I was never allowed to be near Alistair again.
05:48Irene and Clara kept a close watch on me.
05:50When there were guests at home, Irene would carry Alistair out, introducing him to everyone.
05:55I began to suffer from insomnia, lying awake night after night.
05:59My body wasted away rapidly.
06:01It's postpartum depression with mild delusions.
06:04She believes the baby is hers?
06:05Yes.
06:06Classic symptoms.
06:07She needs medication and counseling.
06:09He took the prescribed medication home and supervised me to take the pills
06:13every day.
06:14I hid the pills under my tongue and then spat them out after he left.
06:18I began looking for an opportunity to get Alistair's hair for a paternity test.
06:22An opportunity came a month later.
06:24At Alistair's hundred-day celebration, the house was full of guests.
06:28When Irene went to change clothes, I picked up Alistair.
06:31I carried him to a corner and carefully plucked a hair from his head.
06:35As I put Alistair back in the cradle and turned to leave,
06:37I met Felix's eyes.
06:39What were you doing?
06:40I...
06:41Without waiting for my explanation,
06:43he reached into my pocket.
06:44He took out the tissue and then unfolded it.
06:47When he saw the hair, his face darkened instantly.
06:50With no words, he dragged me upstairs to the study.
06:53After shoving me inside, he locked the door.
06:55Grace, what do you want to do?
06:57I want a paternity test.
06:58He is my son.
06:59You're insane!
07:00The doctor said you have delusions!
07:02I am not insane!
07:04Do you dare say he is not my son?
07:06I laughed and tears streamed down my face.
07:08You stole my son and called me insane!
07:13How could you?
07:14The Brooks family saved me.
07:16Irene can't have children because of me.
07:19I owe her.
07:20So you repaid her with my son?
07:22His silence said it all.
07:24I will apply for a paternity test tomorrow.
07:27You dare!
07:29He stepped forward and snatched the tissue from my hand.
07:32Right before my eyes, he tore the hair and the tissue into pieces.
07:35Like my shattered heart, I looked at him.
07:38The man I had loved for ten years.
07:40For him, I had given up my studies and become a dutiful wife.
07:43In that moment, I finally understood.
07:46He didn't love me.
07:47He only needed an obedient wife.
07:49A tool for his mission of repayment.
07:52At that moment, the last bit of hope I had for him vanished.
07:55I didn't argue with him again.
07:57I just took the pills, ate, and slept on time every day, becoming very quiet.
08:02Clara and Irene sighed in relief, thinking I finally returned to normal.
08:06Felix's attitude toward me softened as well.
08:09He began to bring me small gifts after work, just like before.
08:12He thought I had given in, only I knew I was waiting for a chance to leave.
08:16I started secretly selling my jewelry.
08:19Some were gifts from him.
08:20Some were from my mom.
08:21Under my maiden name, I opened a new bank account and obtained a new identity.
08:26A month later, it was my birthday.
08:29Felix rarely turned down social engagements, saying he'd stay home with me.
08:32He personally cooked a table full of my favorite dishes.
08:35Clara and Irene were both at home.
08:38Alistair was sitting in a baby chair.
08:40I ate very little.
08:41Felix served me more food.
08:43Eat more.
08:44You're too thin.
08:46I gave him a faint smile.
08:47Felix, let's go see the sea.
08:49It's been so long.
08:50He was stunned for a moment, and then nodded.
08:53Okay.
08:54The next day, he drove me to the seaside, where we had our first date.
08:57We walked along the beach for a long time.
09:00The sea breeze blew through my hair.
09:01Felix embraced me from behind.
09:03Grace, I'm sorry.
09:04It was the first time I heard him apologize.
09:07I know I've been unfair to you lately.
09:10Once Alistair is a little older, I'll send him back to the Brooks family.
09:14We'll live our own life, okay?
09:16In my past life, he said the same thing.
09:19However, in the end, Felix raised Alistair, who always called him dad, until Alistair went
09:24to elementary school, and I remained an outsider until I died.
09:28Okay, I said.
09:29He was very happy and kissed my forehead.
09:32Let's go back.
09:33It's getting cold.
09:35You go first.
09:36I want to stay a little longer.
09:39I'll stay with you.
09:41No.
09:42I want to be alone for a while.
09:44He hesitated, but finally agreed.
09:48Then I'll wait in the car.
09:49Don't stay too long.
09:51He left, watching his back disappear.
09:53I took off my coat and shoes, placing them along with my handbag on the beach.
09:58Inside the bag was my suicide note.
10:01Then I turned around and walked in the opposite direction.
10:03There was a path leading to the National Road, and a car was waiting for me.
10:07Goodbye, Felix.
10:09From today on, Grace Archer is dead.
10:11The one who lives on is Vivian Archer, who lives only for herself and her son.
10:16I was dead.
10:17Three days later, police found my coat and suicide note by the seaside.
10:21Everyone thought I had jumped into the sea due to postpartum depression.
10:25I didn't know what expression Felix wore when he saw my belongings.
10:29Under my new identity, I went to a southern city, renting a small house and finding a job
10:34as a translator.
10:35Life was frugal but peaceful.
10:36I was always preparing to get my son back.
10:39The Haywoods and the Brooks were powerful in Rivermore.
10:42I couldn't confront them head on.
10:44As a dead person, what could I do against them?
10:47I had to wait until I became strong enough.
10:50So I studied law on my own, especially children's rights and custody.
10:54Working frantically, and saving every penny.
10:57Every penny was ammunition for my future.
11:00Days passed.
11:01One year, two years, three years.
11:03I seldom thought of Felix.
11:06Occasionally, I saw his photos in the newspaper or on the news.
11:10He was thinner and more successful than before.
11:12He became the youngest department director at Military General Hospital.
11:16The golden boy, in everyone's eyes.
11:18I felt nothing.
11:20His life had nothing to do with me anymore.
11:22The only one I cared about was my son, Alistair Haywood.
11:25I could only catch glimpses of him through public reports.
11:29Irene brought him to some activities for military families.
11:32In photos, he always seemed quiet, seldom smiling.
11:35Irene dressed him like a prince, but his eyes were always dull.
11:39Every time I saw that, my heart felt like being pricked by needles.
11:42In the fifth year, an opportunity came.
11:45Thanks to my language skills and talent, I was recruited as an investigative journalist
11:50by a renowned international media company.
11:52My first investigation project was about domestic surrogacy and a legal adoption industry chain.
11:58I voluntarily applied to return to Rivermore.
12:01Five years later, I set foot in Rivermore once more.
12:04Everything was both familiar and strange.
12:06Under the identity of Vivian Archer, a journalist returning from abroad,
12:11I checked into a five-star hotel.
12:13My team soon started working immediately.
12:15The first place we approached was Military General Hospital.
12:19It was the source of many illicit transactions.
12:22I called Felix's office to make an appointment for an interview.
12:25His assistant answered,
12:26May I ask who's calling?
12:28Vivian Archer, a journalist from Global Vision.
12:31One moment, let me check Director Hayward's schedule.
12:34Five minutes later, the assistant called back.
12:38Ms. Archer, Director Hayward can see you at 3 p.m. today.
12:42At 3 p.m., I stood outside Felix's office.
12:45Come in.
12:46I pushed the door open and walked in.
12:48Felix was looking down at a medical record.
12:50Wearing a white coat and gold-rimmed glasses, he looked more mature than five years ago.
12:56Hello, Director Hayward.
12:57He froze completely.
12:59His eyes were fixed on me.
13:00Grace?
13:02Director Hayward, you've mistaken me for someone else.
13:06I smiled and then handed him my business card.
13:09My name is Vivian Archer.
13:10He reached out and wanted to touch my face.
13:12Director Hayward, please be professional.
13:15His hand hung in the air.
13:16He looked at me.
13:17It's you.
13:19You are not dead.
13:21I don't know what you're talking about.
13:23I'm here for an exclusive interview regarding issues in your hospital's newborn management.
13:28Where have you been these five years?
13:29Why didn't you come back?
13:31Director Hayward, if you're not in a suitable state for an interview today, we can reschedule.
13:34Don't leave.
13:35Grace, let me explain.
13:37Let go of me.
13:38It was my fault.
13:40I know I was wrong.
13:42Come back, okay?
13:44Let's start over.
13:45With my other hand, I slapped his face hard.
13:48The sharp sound echoed in the office.
13:50He was stunned.
13:52Felix?
13:53Listen clearly.
13:54Grace died five years ago in that sea.
13:57The person standing before you now is Vivian Archer.
14:00And don't touch me again.
14:02It disgusts me.
14:03I walked out without looking back.
14:05Behind me, I heard his painful growl.
14:07My heart remained unmoved.
14:09My interview work didn't proceed smoothly.
14:11I knew Felix did something.
14:13He didn't want me to dig deeper.
14:15I started from the periphery.
14:16Finding the doctor and the nurse who had delivered my baby.
14:20It took me considerable effort to make them open their mouths.
14:23They admitted that they had faked my child's death certificate back the coerced and threatened
14:27by Felix and his mother.
14:29Then I turned my attention to Irene.
14:31For the past five years, she had presented herself as Alistair's mother.
14:35She treated Alistair as her lifeline.
14:37More important than her own life.
14:39I deliberately created several opportunities to run into Alistair.
14:43One was at a bookstore.
14:44And one was at an amusement park.
14:46You look like someone I've seen in my dream.
14:49I felt my heart being squeezed hard.
14:51Irene soon noticed me.
14:52What do you want?
14:53Stay away from my son!
14:55Mrs. Brooks, this is a public place.
14:57I said calmly.
14:58I know it's you.
15:00Grace!
15:01You're actually still alive!
15:04You've got the wrong person.
15:06She became suspicious.
15:08She stopped letting Alistair go out, keeping him at home.
15:11She even tried to poison Felix against me, claiming I had returned to take revenge and
15:15destroy their family.
15:17And Felix completely broke down under my relentless pressure.
15:20He started drinking heavily every night.
15:22During the day at the hospital, he could maintain the dignity of Director Haywood.
15:26At night, he drove to my hotel and parked downstairs.
15:29Staying there all night, he called me, texted me apologizing over and over again.
15:34I never replied.
15:35One more chance from the moment he stole my son and said I was insane.
15:39He had no chance anymore.
15:40One day, he intercepted me in the lobby, reeking of alcohol.
15:44Grace, we need to talk.
15:45I have nothing to say to you.
15:47Just ten minutes.
15:49He almost begged.
15:51Not a single day passed in these five years without me thinking of you.
15:54I need to dunt.
15:56What do you want?
15:58I want my son back.
16:00His body stiffened.
16:01Grace, I lied to Aaron.
16:03He was still making excuses for Irene.
16:05See you in court.
16:06No!
16:07Our parents are getting old and can't bear this.
16:10When you stole my son, did you ever stop to think that my parents are old?
16:14Shaking him off, I walked straight to the elevator.
16:16He caught up and squeezed in just before the elevator door closed.
16:20Inside the elevator, we were alone.
16:22He embraced me from behind, burying his face in my neck.
16:25Grace, I love you.
16:27His voice was choked with tears.
16:28In this life, I've only ever loved you.
16:32When the elevator reached my floor, the door opened.
16:34All I care about is my son.
16:36Pushing him away, I stepped out of the elevator.
16:39His heart shattered in that moment.
16:41My investigative report was eventually published.
16:43It was like a bomb dropped in Rivermore, causing an uproar.
16:47In the report, I didn't name names.
16:49But I exposed massive loopholes in Military General Hospital's newborn information management.
16:54And several suspected infant swapping cases.
16:57Public outrage erupted.
16:58The higher authorities immediately set up an investigation team and entered the hospital.
17:03The Haywoods and the Brooks descended into chaos.
17:06Seizing the opportunity, I filed a lawsuit.
17:08On the day of the trial, the court was swarmed by reporters.
17:12Felix and Irene both sat in the defendant's seat.
17:14His hair turned white overnight.
17:16Irene acted like a madwoman, screaming in the courtroom.
17:19I sat in the plaintiff's seat, perfectly calm.
17:22My lawyer presented piece after piece of evidence to the court.
17:25The recorded testimonies of the doctor and the nurse.
17:28Copies of the forged death certificate and paternity test from Felix's safe.
17:33The evidence was overwhelming.
17:35The judge ordered an immediate DNA comparison.
17:38When the results were announced, Irene completely broke down.
17:41Bailix led her away.
17:42Felix looked at me.
17:43His lips moved slightly, but no words came out.
17:46His eyes were filled with despair.
17:49The final verdict was delivered.
17:50The custody of Alistair was awarded to me.
17:53Irene was sentenced to 10 years for child trafficking.
17:55And Felix, as the principal offender, was sentenced to 15 years.
17:59He was also dismissed from the hospital, and his medical license was revoked.
18:03His life was utterly ruined.
18:05When I left the court, the sunlight was brilliant.
18:07My lawyer said to me,
18:10Congratulations, Miss Archer.
18:11I smiled.
18:12Alistair stood beside me, holding my hand tightly.
18:19I left Rivermore with Alistair.
18:21We returned to the southern city where I grew up.
18:24My parents thought I was dead for the past five years.
18:27When I stood before them, they hugged me and wept uncontrollably.
18:30I introduced Alistair to them.
18:32Dad.
18:33Mom.
18:34This is your grandson.
18:36They looked at Alistair, who resembled me so much, and then cried even harder.
18:40Life finally returned to its normal track.
18:43I quit my job as a journalist and found a teaching position at a local university.
18:47Then, I devoted all my energy to being with Alistair.
18:50I took him to a psychologist, painted with him, and read him stories.
18:54I told him his mom loved him dearly and would always be by his side.
18:58He gradually became cheerful.
19:00When he called me mom, his voice became clear and confident.
19:04He would wrap his arms around my neck, greeting me with a huge hug when I came home from work.
19:09Sometimes, looking at his sleeping face, I thought of those past events.
19:13But I no longer felt pain or hatred.
19:16And I had my son and a new life.
19:18That was enough.
19:19A year later, I received a letter from Rivermore.
19:22It was from Felix, sent from the prison.
19:25I didn't open it and threw it directly into the trash.
19:28Two more years passed.
19:29A former colleague shared news of him.
19:31He had earned a sentence reduction for good behavior.
19:34But shortly after his release, an accident occurred.
19:37He died in a car crash.
19:38The sea he drove into was the same place where I had staged my suicide years before.
19:42My former colleague sighed over the phone.
19:44In a way, it is a release.
19:46After hanging up, I walked to the window.
19:48In the yard, Alistair was watering flowers with his grandfather.
19:51There you go.
19:52Sunlight shone on him, and he was smiling happily.
19:55My phone rang again.
19:57Hello, is this Miss Grace Archer?
19:59I'm the director of Rivermore First Children's Welfare Home.
20:01I'm calling to tell you that we have received the inheritance donated in the name of Felix Hayward.
20:05On behalf of the children, I thank you and Mr. Hayward.
20:07No thanks.
20:08It's what he should do.
20:09About the Foundation's name, we'd like your opinion.
20:12I thought for a moment.
20:13Call it Alistair Foundation.
20:16May every child in this world grow up safely and be accompanied by their parents.
20:21No more separation.
20:22No more harm.
20:23Many years passed.
20:25Alistair grew up.
20:26He was admitted to a top university, studying law, because he wanted to become a person like
20:30his mother who could speak up for justice.
20:32On his graduation day, he was the outstanding graduate representative, giving a speech.
20:37At the end of his speech, he said,
20:38Today, the person I want to thank most is my mom.
20:42She taught me what love is, what perseverance is, and what it means to never give up.
20:46She showed me that even in the darkest moments, I must always look toward the light.
20:50Mom, I love you.
20:51Sitting among the crowd, watching my son on stage, I was already in tears.
20:55After the ceremony, he ran over and gave me a big hug.
20:59Mom, I'll take you somewhere.
21:01He drove me to the seaside.
21:02It was the sea in Rivermore.
21:04Under the sunset, the sea surface was golden.
21:07We took off our shoes and walked on the soft sand.
21:09Mom, have you forgiven him?
21:11No.
21:12Mom, thank you.
21:13What for?
21:15Thank you for not giving up on me.
21:17Silly boy, you're my son.
21:18How could I ever give up on you?
21:20I love you, Mom.
21:21I love you, too.
21:22The sea breeze blew, carrying a hint of moisture.
21:25We stood quietly, watching the distant sun slowly sink below the horizon.
21:29Five years of my life have once been stolen.
21:31But at present, I possessed a whole and brand new rest of my life.
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