- 12 minutes ago
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I bought a boyfriend in college.
00:02It was on the ice at the University of Michigan.
00:05I watched Julian Wine, the broke kid in second-hand pads and borrowed skates,
00:10and made him an offer.
00:11Stay with me, and I'll pay your grandfather's medical bills.
00:15For three years, I mistook staying for love.
00:19He swallowed his pride,
00:21and I was naive enough to believe he loved me.
00:25Until I got pregnant.
00:27Until my family went bankrupt.
00:28Until the FBI seized everything we owned.
00:32He had just won the American College Hockey Championship,
00:36taking the MVP.
00:38I knew I couldn't jeopardize his future.
00:40I deleted his number, erased every trace,
00:43and disappeared with the baby growing inside me.
00:46I gave birth alone, to Julian's daughter and mine.
00:50He never knew we had a daughter.
00:52Six years later, to pay off my debts and raise her,
00:56I'm dancing at the Velvet Strip Lub in Detroit to pay off my family's debts.
01:02He's the NHL's hottest new defenseman,
01:05a superstar with a $10 million contract,
01:08and an actress on his arm.
01:09I never expected to see Julian again, let alone here.
01:14Luna, Champagne Service, VIP Room 1, do not screw this up.
01:20Tonight's uniform, black lace bodysuit, six-inch stilettos, and a mask.
01:25I push past the heavy velvet curtains.
01:27Three men in expensive suits, two Instagram models, and...
01:32Julian.
01:33My knees go weak.
01:35The silver tray in my hands trembles.
01:37I lock my eyes on the ice bucket, terrified to look up.
01:41Julian, remember college?
01:43Didn't you date someone back at Michigan?
01:45I remember people saying she came from money.
01:48Yeah, I had one.
01:50Julian's voice hasn't changed.
01:51It's still that same low, chest-vibrating rumble.
01:55Whatever happened to her?
01:57Silence stretches out like a blade.
02:00She left.
02:02That's all I know.
02:04So cold.
02:07Learn from the best.
02:08My face burns.
02:10I set down the bottle,
02:11mumble something about checking on their next round,
02:13and turn for the door.
02:14Wait!
02:16My heart lurches to a stop.
02:18I freeze.
02:19Turn around.
02:21I froze.
02:22My back to the only man I'd ever loved.
02:24The father of my child.
02:27Is there a problem, sir?
02:28I forced my voice flat.
02:30Professional.
02:32Take off the mask.
02:33I can't.
02:34It's against club policy.
02:36I'll buy it.
02:40Take it off.
02:42My fingers found the silk ties at the back of my head.
02:45My body reacted before my mind could catch up.
02:49It remembered him.
02:52I heard the hitch in his breath.
02:55Eve.
02:56His voice broke on my name.
02:59Slowly, I turned.
03:01Up close, the boy I knew was gone.
03:03In his place stood someone harder, stronger,
03:07built from years of discipline and damage.
03:09But his eyes were the same.
03:11Still hungry.
03:12Still wounded.
03:14You have got to be kidding me.
03:18Mr. Wayne.
03:19Mr. Wayne?
03:20A sharp, broken laugh.
03:23Six years, Eve.
03:24Six years you vanished.
03:26Delete your number.
03:27Drop off the face of the earth.
03:28And now I'm Mr. Wynn?
03:29Maya was staring.
03:30The suits were staring.
03:33I didn't care.
03:35My only concern was the door.
03:37Twenty feet away,
03:38and the little girl waiting for her mom in the back.
03:41I have to go.
03:44He closed his hand around my wrist.
03:46Not hard, but enough to anchor me.
03:49We're talking.
03:50Let go of me!
03:52Not until you tell me why!
03:55You're making a scene!
03:57Someone's filming!
03:59He didn't let go.
04:01Why?
04:01His voice to something raw and quiet.
04:06Why did you just disappear?
04:08The real answer was burning a hole through my chest.
04:11Because my family was destroyed.
04:13You had just been drafted,
04:14and I would not be the anchor that dragged you under.
04:17Because I got bored.
04:19It was just a college fling, Julian.
04:21It ran its course.
04:23His jaw locked.
04:24Something shattered behind his eyes.
04:26Fine.
04:28You want to do this the hard way?
04:31Fine.
04:32He pulled out his wallet.
04:34Five hundred dollars.
04:37Strip.
04:40Now.
04:41Now it was just me and Julian.
04:43He sat in the center of the velvet sofa.
04:46Knees spread.
04:48Elbows on his thighs.
04:50Watching me like I was a puzzle he'd lost the final piece to.
04:55Strip.
04:56What?
04:58You heard me.
05:00I paid.
05:02My hands were shaking.
05:04I bawled them into fists at my sides.
05:06That's not...
05:07I don't do that.
05:08I just serve drinks, Julian.
05:09I'm not a...
05:11Not a stripper?
05:14Who are you trying to fool, princess?
05:17Dressed like that, in a place like this?
05:19Serving champagne to men who are undressing you with their eyes?
05:24He glanced around the room, at the mirrors, the pole, the bed in the corner I always pretended
05:31wasn't there.
05:32What'd your father say?
05:35Oh, wait.
05:37He's in federal prison, isn't he?
05:38The blow landed exactly where he'd aimed it.
05:42I felt the blood drain from my face.
05:46You've been looking me up?
05:48Looking you up?
05:53I've been looking for you.
05:56Six years, Eve.
05:58Private investigators.
06:00Dark web searches.
06:01I even hired a hacker!
06:06You just vanished.
06:08Like you never existed.
06:10And this is where I find you?
06:13Hiding behind a cheap mask like you're ashamed?
06:17I am ashamed.
06:20Julian went still.
06:21The anger in his face fractured.
06:24Why?
06:25Why this?
06:26You could have gone anywhere, done anything.
06:29You were top of your class in computer science at Michigan.
06:32You could be writing code for a living.
06:34Why?
06:35Why do you look like you haven't slept in years?
06:41I don't owe you an explanation.
06:43You want a show?
06:44Fine.
06:45You want to humiliate me?
06:47Fine.
06:48But don't you dare pretend you care, Julian.
06:51You made it pretty clear a minute ago that you don't.
06:57I care enough to hate you.
07:01That should tell you something.
07:03He reached for me and I flinched.
07:06Not because I thought he'd hurt me.
07:08Julian had never once hurt me.
07:11But because his touch could still undo me.
07:14Because I still remembered those hands sliding under my sweater.
07:25Don't.
07:29Don't.
07:30Don't.
07:31Don't what?
07:33Don't remember what you taste like.
07:36Don't remember that morning you left.
07:38How you kissed me.
07:40Told me you'd see me at graduation.
07:42How you...
07:46How you lied.
07:48I didn't lie.
07:50You said you love...
07:51I stared at him.
07:52At the pain he kept so carefully buried.
07:55At the boy I had walked away from because I loved him too much to let him burn his future
07:59down for mine.
08:00I did, I thought.
08:01Dropping my gaze.
08:02I still do.
08:04Daddy!
08:04The door crashed open.
08:06A tiny blur shot into the room and slammed straight into Julian's legs.
08:12Lily!
08:13My frantic eyes floon to Julian.
08:15Are you my daddy?
08:17Why are you making my mommy cry?
08:22She's...
08:23She's just confused.
08:25Eve.
08:26Who is this?
08:30My mouth opened, then snapped shut.
08:34Lily ducked under my arm and planted herself between me and the tall, dangerous stranger.
08:40You're very tall.
08:42Are you a giant?
08:43Julian stared down at her.
08:45At the mess of dark curls just like his.
08:48At the exact same shade of ice blue eyes.
08:51At the stubborn set of her jaw that was all me.
08:55No.
08:57I'm not a giant.
08:58I play hockey.
08:59What's hockey?
09:01It's a sport.
09:02On ice.
09:04Like in Frozen?
09:06Yeah.
09:08Something like that.
09:10Well, you made my mommy cry.
09:13You should say you're sorry.
09:17I...
09:18I'm sorry.
09:20His bewildered gaze found mine over her head.
09:23Eve, how old is she?
09:24Four.
09:27She's four.
09:28The lie sat between us like a stone.
09:31Four.
09:32Not five.
09:33One year's difference.
09:35Enough room for doubt.
09:37Enough to make her anyone's.
09:39My Lily.
09:39My sweet, fearless Lily.
09:41Reached out and took Julia's hand.
09:44Your hands are cold.
09:45Mommies get cold too.
09:46She says it's because we're part polar bear.
09:49She tugged on his fingers.
09:51Are you?
09:52Julian crouched down to her level.
09:54What's your name?
09:56Lily Hartley.
09:58It's a pleasure to meet you, mister.
10:02When?
10:05Julian when?
10:06The hockey player?
10:08Mommy has a picture of you.
10:11It's all old and wrinkly and she looks at it when she thinks I'm asleep.
10:17She says you're risen.
10:19Okay.
10:21Mommy, put me down.
10:23His hands are cold like ours.
10:25He could be a polar bear too.
10:27I want to be his friend.
10:29Eve!
10:33I didn't turn around.
10:35Is she mine?
10:36I clutched Lily tighter, her small heart beating against mine.
10:43No, I lied.
10:45She's not yours.
10:48Later that night, with Lily sprawled across my chest in a tangle of limbs, I watched the
10:53gentle rise and fall of her sleep.
10:55Her eyelashes were two perfect dark fans against her cheek.
10:59His eyelashes.
11:00My mind, the traitor it always was, dragged me back.
11:04It was the fall of my freshman year, on the ice at the University of Michigan.
11:08Julian when stood out for all the wrong reasons.
11:10He was the kid in second-hand pads held together with hockey tape, skating on borrowed blades.
11:15His jersey had been washed so many times the number was barely legible.
11:19But he carried himself like none of it touched him.
11:22All sharp angles and coiled tension, like something waiting to strike.
11:27I loved the cold focus in his eyes.
11:30The hard line of his jaw that refused to yield to anyone.
11:34He was also drowning.
11:36His grandfather's medical bills were burying him alive.
11:40And the hockey scholarship he should have had was handed to a legacy kid who's famed
11:45the right coach speed dial.
11:46Feemley had the right consenscrabity.
11:48I wanted to help him.
11:50So one afternoon, I stopped him on the quad and took his calloused hand in mine.
11:54Julian, before I could lose my nerve.
11:57I really like you.
11:58And I have money.
11:59Enough to help with your grandfather's medical bills.
12:02Let me help you.
12:03Please.
12:04He looked at me like I'd just insulted everything he'd ever worked for.
12:08The wounded wolf.
12:10All teeth and fury.
12:12And throw up over live drangles of Wenkfried at Admorina Fielmen.
12:16But I'd never lost at anything.
12:18The more he refused, the harder I pushed.
12:22Until the night his grandfather collapsed from a heart attack.
12:26The ICU bill was $20 a day.
12:30I paid it before he could argue.
12:34And Julian finally let me in.
12:37In my foolish, naive heart, I thought I'd saved him.
12:43It took me years to understand I'd just broken him differently.
12:48He never stopped working side jobs.
12:51Never stopped waking at 4 in the morning for extra ice time.
12:54He barely touched my money.
12:56But the damage was done.
12:58Whispers followed him through the locker room.
13:00Teammates looked through him or hit him a little too hard in practice.
13:03And I, still floating in my comfortable bubble, would just squeeze his hand and tell him they were jealous.
13:10They were thinned.
13:11I never once saw the war he was fighting on his own.
13:15Then came senior year.
13:17My family collapsed.
13:19My father was indicted for fraud.
13:21And the government froze every asset we had.
13:27I couldn't cover my own tuition.
13:29I went from heiress to broke overnight.
13:32And I didn't tell Julia.
13:34Because I had just found out I was pregnant.
13:37And he had just gotten his draft offer from the NHL.
13:41His entire future was finally in reach.
13:45So when the plus sign appeared on that stick, I made a choice.
13:48I called him to meet me outside.
13:50In the snow.
13:54I can't do this anymore.
13:57We're done.
13:59Why?
14:00I kept my face flat.
14:02You were fun for a while, Lanfin.
14:04For a while, Julian.
14:05But I'm moving on.
14:09Fine.
14:10I told myself he was relieved.
14:12That he was finally free of me.
14:14The girl whose money had made him a target.
14:16Whose help had cost him more than it gave.
14:17That night, I snapped my SIM card in half.
14:20Deleted every account I had.
14:21And caught a bus to Chicago, pregnant and alone.
14:24Disappearing into the dark.
14:26I ran from the debt collectors.
14:28From the city.
14:30From him.
14:31Detroit to Chicago to Milwaukee, city to city.
14:35Until I came back here three months ago.
14:38I never thought I'd see him this soon.
14:42Julian was more than fine.
14:43He was everything everyone knew he'd be.
14:45A defensive powerhouse in the NHL.
14:47The face of ESPN.
14:48His name on a contract with more zeros than I could count.
14:51And Maya Hart, the actress who'd ruled our college theater department and now had a Netflix
14:55series to her name, was apparently the woman on his arm.
14:57Good for him.
14:59I pressed my hand flat against my chest, trying to hold the ache in.
15:06My phone buzzed on the nightstand at five in the morning, pulling me out of the wreckage.
15:11Unknown number.
15:13We need to talk.
15:16Don't make me come back to that club to find you.
15:21I stared at the message until the screen burned my retinas.
15:25Then deleted it.
15:28And blocked the number.
15:33The next night, Marco pulled me aside before my shift.
15:37VIP room.
15:38He asked for you by name.
15:39I can't.
15:41Eve.
15:41Marco lowered his voice, still not meeting my eyes.
15:44He bought a $20,000 bottle.
15:46He's not going anywhere.
15:48Just go.
15:49Julian was in the same booth.
15:51Alone.
15:51In a leather jacket that cost more than my month's rent, he was turning an empty glass
15:57slowly between his fingers.
16:00I have other tables.
16:01I started.
16:03Sit down, Eve.
16:05I'm not leaving until we talk.
16:07Something in his voice made me sit, on the very edge of the cushion, ready to run.
16:12Why did you leave?
16:13He asked, his voice stripped raw.
16:15Were you really just done with me?
16:18He leaned forward, and there it was.
16:20That same predatory stillness he'd always had on the ice.
16:24Six years hadn't thawed the Michigan winter in his eyes.
16:27Your number was disconnected.
16:28Every account gone.
16:30I even called the university's alumni officer.
16:34You really didn't want to be found.
16:37I lifted my chin and made myself hold his gaze.
16:40No, I wanted to scream.
16:42I was pregnant.
16:44I wasn't going to let you throw away the NHL for me, but I didn't.
16:48You always knew what I was like.
16:49I said, forcing a brittle smile.
16:53I got bored.
16:54I moved on.
16:56That's who I am.
16:57A raw, red fury flared in his eyes.
17:00I don't believe you.
17:03Suit yourself.
17:06Is Lily my daughter?
17:08Like a blindside check.
17:09And I felt it in my teeth.
17:12No.
17:14Don't lie to me, Eve.
17:16Not about this.
17:17She's not yours.
17:18Then whose is she?
17:21Someone steady you found after everything fell apart?
17:23Your fiancé?
17:25Ivan?
17:25Is that his name?
17:26His voice cracked before he caught it.
17:29I spent six years looking for you.
17:31Six years asking myself what I did wrong.
17:34Why you left.
17:36Whether you were even still alive.
17:38And now I find out you have a daughter.
17:40I kept my voice level.
17:43You're in the NHL, Julian.
17:45You live in arenas and hotel rooms half the year with sports media tracking your every move.
17:51I just...
17:52I didn't expect a real future with you.
17:54Never expected a future.
17:56He repeated it slowly, like he was tasting something rotten.
18:00I wanted everything with you, Eve.
18:03Marriage.
18:05Kids.
18:06A real life.
18:08You were the one who walked out.
18:09Because I didn't have a choice.
18:11The words came out before I could stop them.
18:13I pressed my lips together.
18:15Steadied myself.
18:16Then looked up.
18:17You already know what happened.
18:19My family collapsed.
18:20My father's in federal prison.
18:22The debts are still not settled.
18:24I had nothing left.
18:25I would have faced all of that with you.
18:27That's easy to say now.
18:28I'm saying it because it's true.
18:31Do you know why I signed with Detroit?
18:33Twelve teams made offers.
18:34I had better money on the table from four of them.
18:37Better cities.
18:37Better odds.
18:38Why do you think I came back here?
18:40Why?
18:41I shook my head.
18:43You mentioned it once.
18:44He said.
18:45And a broken little laugh escaped him.
18:48We were fighting about where to live after graduation.
18:51You said you loved the snow.
18:52That you wanted to see the Great Lakes in winter.
18:54I thought if I stayed, you'd find your way back.
18:58You did come back, Eve.
18:59I came yesed.
19:01You got a job three miles from my apartment, and you still wouldn't even look at me.
19:06My mouth opened.
19:08Nothing came out.
19:09Is that it?
19:11Something hardened in his face.
19:14Is your pride really worth all of this?
19:17The Great Hartley Enris?
19:21Too ashamed to be seen working for tips?
19:24No!
19:25Oh my god, Eve!
19:26Is that actually you?
19:27Maya Hart came clicking toward our table on needle-thin stilettos,
19:31trailing Byred perfume, and six years of perfectly colded social media success.
19:35She was glossier than I remembered.
19:37The kind of polish that took real money to maintain.
19:40Where have you been?
19:41Everyone's been asking about you for years.
19:43Down south for a while.
19:44I manage.
19:45Of course.
19:46Her eyes did a slow, deliberate sweep of me.
19:49And they stopped on my jacket.
19:51Is that the same Levi's jacket from junior year?
19:53Eve!
19:54It has holes in it.
19:55I used to buy new clothes every season and never wore the same thing twice.
19:59She knew exactly what she was doing.
20:02I just didn't have enough left in me to care.
20:04It's vintage now, I said.
20:07Sustainable fashion.
20:08Maya gave me the smile of someone who understood perfectly.
20:11She opened her Chanel bag, produced a black Ames, and held it out.
20:14Listen, if you're going through something, don't be stubborn about it.
20:18Take this.
20:18You don't even have to pay me back.
20:20Thanks.
20:20I didn't reach for it.
20:22I'm good.
20:23My gaze moved from her pitying face to Julian's stone still one.
20:27I pulled up a smile.
20:31I'm getting married, actually.
20:33You'll probably hear about it.
20:35The words hit him like a body check into the boards.
20:38And his composure didn't crack so much as collapse.
20:42I wondered if he'd believe the lie.
20:49His name is Ivan.
20:51You'd know him from college.
20:53He was the one who couldn't take a hint around me.
20:57The trust fund kid.
20:59Yes.
21:00He paid off my family's debts.
21:04I'm marrying him.
21:08The color left Julian's face all at once.
21:16Do you love him?
21:21He's good to me.
21:21That's not what I asked, Eve.
21:26I didn't answer.
21:28I couldn't.
21:30It's time for you to go.
21:32I stood.
21:33Whatever we had is over.
21:35It's been over for a long time.
21:38He just sat there, frozen, like a statue carved from ice.
21:44The apartment was quiet when I got home.
21:47Lily was still up.
21:50Five years old, hair and two little pity tails.
21:53And every time I looked at her, I saw him.
21:56Same dark hair.
21:58Same deep-set blue eyes.
22:01Same crooked smile the moment she spotted me.
22:04Mommy!
22:05She launched herself into my arms.
22:08You're home early!
22:09Missed you too much.
22:14I held her tight and breathed in the strawberry of her shampoo.
22:18Bella appeared in the doorway, smiling.
22:21She drew a picture today.
22:23Said it was for her dad.
22:27Something tightened in my chest.
22:29Her dad?
22:32Lily was already scrambling down, running to her room.
22:37Coming back with a crayon drawing.
22:40Three figures.
22:41A bearded man.
22:42A woman with long hair.
22:44A small girl holding both their hands.
22:46This is daddy.
22:48This is mommy.
22:50This is me.
22:54Baby, your dad isn't here right now.
23:00But all the other kids' dads are.
23:03Her face crumpled.
23:05Isn't that hockey player my dad?
23:07Where did he go?
23:16I knelt down until I was level with her eyes.
23:23Daddy had to go somewhere far away.
23:26But he loves you.
23:28So much.
23:30When is he coming back?
23:36Soon.
23:37I whispered and kissed her forehead.
23:42Later, after she was asleep,
23:45I sat in the fire escape
23:46with a cigarette burn down between my fingers.
23:54My phone lit up on the still.
23:57Julian.
23:58What's your daughter's name?
24:04I left it.
24:06It buzzed again.
24:08I need to see you.
24:10I shut the phone off.
24:17But I knew it was useless.
24:19There was nowhere left to run.
24:21The next morning was Saturday.
24:23Park day.
24:24Lily was digging happily in the sandbox
24:26while I scrolled through my phone.
24:29My phone buzzed.
24:31Julian.
24:32I let it go to voicemail.
24:33It buzzed again.
24:34And again.
24:36On the third ring,
24:37I finally picked up.
24:40What are you talking about?
24:42I'm at the park.
24:43Behind you.
24:4450 yards.
24:45Under the big oak tree.
24:47I turned.
24:48He was there.
24:49Hoodie, jeans, baseball cap pulled low.
24:53How did you find me?
24:55I had your car tracked.
24:57You followed me?
24:59I was worried.
25:00Eve, we need to talk.
25:02No.
25:04Not here.
25:05My daughter.
25:07I know.
25:08I just want to see her.
25:11He was already at the edge of the sandbox.
25:14Lily looked up,
25:15squinting against the sun
25:16at the tall man standing over her.
25:18Her head tilted.
25:19Something moved across her face.
25:21Pure, unaguarded recognition.
25:23Then she beamed.
25:24Daddy!
25:25You came back!
25:27The denial tore out of me.
25:30Lily!
25:31Lily!
25:32Lily, no!
25:33He's not your daddy!
25:34But, she pointed a soddy finger
25:37straight at Julian's face.
25:39He looks just like the daddy in my picture!
25:41Julian knelt down,
25:43and Lily threw her small arms around his neck.
25:46My mind just stopped.
25:47He looked up at me.
25:49His eyes were red.
25:51He said,
25:52barely a sound at all.
25:54Lily,
25:55how old is she?
25:58Four.
26:01You're lying.
26:03You never took it off.
26:04You never forgot me.
26:06Julian!
26:06Is she mine?
26:07Daddy, please don't go again, okay?
26:10Something cracked across his face.
26:12I turned away,
26:14knowing that was it.
26:15Julian pulled Lily into his arms.
26:17She locked her hands behind his neck and held on,
26:19the way kids do when they're afraid to let go of something they almost lost.
26:23You smell good, Daddy.
26:24Do I?
26:25So do you.
26:27I stood there with my hands at my sides,
26:28not sure what to do with them.
26:29After a few minutes,
26:30Lily's grip slowly loosened,
26:32her body going heavy against his chest with a wide, sleepy yawn.
26:36She needs her nap, I said.
26:37Julian looked at me.
26:39I'm taking you home.
26:40You don't have to-
26:41Eve!
26:42She was out before we reached the car.
26:44He carried her across the parking lot with both arms under her,
26:48slow arms steady under her-her,
26:51slow and deliberate,
26:52like he was afraid to joltle her awake.
26:56The drive was quiet.
26:58He kept his eyes on the road.
27:00I watched the city slide past the passenger window.
27:04Lily breathed softly in her car seat behind us.
27:07What does she like to eat, he asked.
27:11Pasta.
27:13Strawberries.
27:15Chicken nuggets.
27:16Allergies?
27:17No.
27:18She in school?
27:19Preschool.
27:20A beat of silence.
27:21You raised her alone five years?
27:24Yes.
27:26When's her birthday?
27:28February 17th.
27:30His grip tightened on the wheel.
27:32We broke up on June 10th.
27:34When you left,
27:36you were already pregnant.
27:38Julian!
27:39And you didn't tell me.
27:45Eve, why wouldn't you tell me?
27:47Because you were going to the NHL.
27:49You finally had your shot.
27:51After everything.
27:52And?
27:53And I wasn't going to be the reason you walked away from it.
27:57Eve, that was my child!
27:58He turned to face me, jaw tight, eyes raw.
28:02You were out there alone, pregnant, hiding it while I was on the ice,
28:07giving interviews about how damn much I missed you.
28:10I pressed my hand flat against my sternum.
28:13It didn't help.
28:14I'm sorry, I said.
28:16I thought I was doing the right thing.
28:18You didn't know.
28:19I said, holding his gaze.
28:21You didn't know about the pregnancy.
28:23So tell me, if I had told you, what would you have done?
28:26I would have-
28:27I know exactly what you would have done.
28:29You would have stayed.
28:30Given up the NHL.
28:31Married me.
28:33There's not the end you're it.
28:34It's my with your own life and I done.
28:36I need you swafting off I far and spent the rest of your life resenting me for it.
28:40I wouldn't have-
28:41Yes, you would have.
28:43My voice stayed even.
28:45I needed it to.
28:46You would have felt trapped.
28:48Same as you did back in college.
28:50He went white.
28:51You think I hated you?
28:53Didn't you?
28:55I let out a short, broken laugh and the tears came before I could stop them.
29:01You were never really mine.
29:08I kept you with money for three years.
29:11We both knew that.
29:14If it hadn't been for your grandfather's hospital bills, you never would have stayed with me.
29:19You-
29:20We're here.
29:21I nodded toward the window.
29:23Let me out.
29:25He didn't move.
29:28Julian.
29:29Let me out.
29:31Slowly, his hands came off the steering wheel.
29:37Eve, there's something I never told you.
29:42I liked you before you ever paid for anything.
29:46I couldn't speak.
29:48First day of college?
29:50He said, his voice low.
29:53You were walking down the hall in this white dress.
29:55I remember thinking,
29:58I'm never going to forget that girl.
30:01Then why did you-
30:03He shut his eyes for a second.
30:05Because of the money.
30:08You paid my grandfather's medical bills.
30:11After that, everything got twisted.
30:13I couldn't tell if I wanted you,
30:16or what you could do for me.
30:19I hated that I couldn't separate the two.
30:23The tears came harder.
30:26So when you said yes,
30:27when you actually stayed,
30:29was it only
30:31Willie because-
30:32Because even if it started that way,
30:34I still wanted to stay.
30:36He looked at me then.
30:39Even if you thought I was just someone you paid for.
30:48I broke completely.
30:59In the back seat,
31:01Lily stirred and mumbled
31:02something small and sleepy.
31:04Daddy.
31:08Let me see her.
31:09He said.
31:13Let me be her dad.
31:15You already are.
31:18My voice cracked.
31:21She knew who you were
31:23the second she saw you.
31:26But I'm not ready to let you back in.
31:29Julian didn't leave that night.
31:31He stayed in my tiny apartment.
31:34Daddy, you build this part?
31:36You got it, princess.
31:38Are you coming back tomorrow?
31:40I am.
31:40Every day?
31:42Every single day.
31:43For one moment,
31:44something settled in my chest.
31:46This felt right.
31:48A text from Ivan.
31:50Meeting with the loan officer tomorrow
31:52to sign papers for your family's debt.
31:54Wear something nice.
31:55You still owe me ten grand.
31:56My fingers went numb.
31:58After my father went bankrupt,
32:00Ivan had offered to clear our debts
32:02on one condition,
32:03that I marry him.
32:07Last month,
32:08I'd borrowed $10,000 from him.
32:10It was the opening he'd been waiting for.
32:14Who was that?
32:16No one.
32:17Was it even?
32:18How do you know that?
32:20I looked for you.
32:21After you disappeared,
32:22I never stopped.
32:24I wrote a facial recognition program,
32:27fed it every photo I had of you.
32:28It finally got a hit in Detroit.
32:30Eve, the only reason I chose this team was you.
32:33So you came here.
32:35You actually...
32:37Mommy, I'm hungry.
32:39Almost ready, sweetie.
32:40What are these?
32:42White roses.
32:43Your favorite.
32:45Tears precked my eyes as I stared at them.
32:50You never took off the bracelet.
32:54You never really let me go.
32:55Daddy loves Mommy!
32:58I buried my face in her hair.
33:00Julian couldn't see what was happening to me.
33:03Let me take care of you.
33:07For real this time.
33:09We both want it.
33:10I didn't answer.
33:12All I could think about was Ivan.
33:14Ten thousand dollars.
33:16What Julian would do the second he found out.
33:18He would pay it.
33:19No hesitation.
33:21And we'd be right back where we started.
33:24Him.
33:24The man I'd bought.
33:26I couldn't do that to him again.
33:28I stepped out of his arms.
33:33I have to tell you something.
33:36What is it?
33:39I'm getting married.
33:41I turned Julian down.
33:42I told him we needed time to learn how to be us again.
33:46His eyes dimmed.
33:48But he didn't push it.
33:49When I woke up the next morning,
33:52Julian was already in the kitchen.
33:55He was wearing an apron,
33:57frying eggs,
33:59making toast,
34:00and slicing strawberries.
34:01Every piece was cut perfectly even,
34:04just the way I liked it.
34:06You used to slice them like that.
34:07He glanced back at me,
34:09his eyes soft.
34:11Because you like it.
34:12Lily ran in like a little cannonball.
34:14Mommy!
34:15Daddy made breakfast!
34:17Julian set a plate of sliced strawberries
34:20in front of her.
34:21Her eyes lit up.
34:23So sweet!
34:26Slow down.
34:27He smiled and patted her head.
34:30In that moment,
34:31it felt like we were a real family.
34:34If I hadn't left six years ago,
34:36maybe we would have had this all along.
34:38Buzz.
34:39Buzz.
34:40My phone vibrated.
34:45Eve!
34:46Maya, I hear you and Julian are back together.
34:49It was Maya.
34:50How did you know?
34:51News travels fast in our world.
34:53I just wanted to remind you
34:56that Julian is a public figure.
34:58If the press finds out,
34:59you work at a strip club.
35:01Are you threatening me?
35:03I'm helping you.
35:05Julian and I have an arrangement.
35:07As far as the world knows,
35:08I'm his girlfriend.
35:09Don't mess this up.
35:12I gripped my phone
35:14until my cuckles turned white.
35:16Julian walked over.
35:18What's wrong?
35:21It was Maya.
35:22His expression hardened.
35:24What did she say?
35:25She said,
35:27as far as the public is concerned,
35:29you're with her.
35:30That's a lie.
35:32She helped me out of a few PR messes,
35:35but we were never real.
35:36But she said she's your girlfriend.
35:38I need your ruster.
35:40Eve, who are you going to believe?
35:42Her or me?
35:43Lily called out from the table.
35:45Daddy!
35:46I want more strawberries!
35:48Julian gave me one last look,
35:49then turned back to slice the strawberries.
35:52I stood in the doorway,
35:53my mind a complete mess,
35:54his smile frozen on his face.
35:57What?
35:58What?
35:59I'm getting married, I repeated.
36:01To Ivan.
36:04Mommy's getting married?
36:06To who?
36:07Lily looked up at me.
36:09To Uncle Yvonne.
36:10I want daddy!
36:12With daddy!
36:14Julian picked her up
36:16and coaxed her softly.
36:17Don't cry.
36:19Daddy's here.
36:20He looked at me,
36:22his eyes turning cold.
36:24Are you serious?
36:26I am.
36:28Do you love him?
36:29That's not the point.
36:31I asked if you love him.
36:33Julian, that doesn't matter.
36:35It matters!
36:39He set Lily down and walked over.
36:42Eve,
36:43look me in the eye and tell me you love him.
36:46I looked up into his eyes.
36:48Those same eyes had looked at me in the snow six years ago,
36:52saying,
36:52Fine, let's break up.
36:55Six years later, in front of our daughter,
36:58those eyes were red.
37:01I-
37:01I-
37:02Mommy doesn't like Uncle Yvonne!
37:04Mommy never smiles when she sees Uncle Yvonne!
37:07Lily yelled from the side.
37:09Lily!
37:09I panicked.
37:11She's telling the truth.
37:13Eve, you're a terrible liar.
37:15The doorbell rang.
37:16I opened the door.
37:18Ivan stood in the doorway.
37:19He wore a suit.
37:20His hair slicked back with gel,
37:22holding a bottle of red wine.
37:24Eve,
37:24I'm here to pick you up for dinner.
37:26Who is-
37:26Ivan, this is my-
37:27I'm Lily's father.
37:28Julian walked over and stood in front of me.
37:31Julian Wine?
37:32The NHL guy?
37:34Yeah.
37:37Oh,
37:38didn't Eve dump you?
37:40The room went dead silent.
37:43Ivan, you should go.
37:45Go?
37:46I brought wine to celebrate.
37:49To celebrate you finally agreeing to marry me.
37:52I didn't agree.
37:53You did.
37:55He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.
37:59This is the paperwork.
38:01Sign it,
38:02and I'll pay off the remaining 20 grand.
38:05Otherwise, the bank will take this apartment.
38:09You owe the bank money?
38:10My dad's debt.
38:12The apartment is in my mom's name,
38:14but it's mortgaged.
38:15How much?
38:16None of your business.
38:18Eve!
38:19Lily got scared and started crying.
38:22You're scaring her.
38:25I'm sorry, Lily.
38:27Daddy didn't mean it.
38:28How much does she owe?
38:30She owes me 10 grand.
38:32On top of that,
38:33there's 20 grand to the bank.
38:35All told,
38:36you're looking at 35 once the interest kicks in.
38:39I'll give you 50.
38:40Her debt is paid.
38:43Julian pulled out his phone.
38:4560.
38:47Ivan's face changed.
38:49What's your account number?
38:5270.
38:53Last chance.
38:55Otherwise, I'm calling my lawyers.
38:59Ivan took the money and left.
39:02I leaned against the wall,
39:03holding Lily.
39:05Julian, you didn't have to do that.
39:08It was worth it.
39:11He walked over and took Lily from my arms.
39:15Go pack your things.
39:17What?
39:19You're moving into my place.
39:21Tonight.
39:23He looked at me.
39:26Could I trust him?
39:28That night,
39:29I worked my shift at the club.
39:32Julian showed up again.
39:35He sat at the bar with a club soda.
39:38Like my own silent bodyguard.
39:41I'm taking you home.
39:42You don't have to come here every day.
39:44I want to.
39:45Aren't you worried about the paparazzi?
39:47Let them take photos.
39:48I've got nothing to hide.
39:51Is Lily asleep?
39:52Bella said she's asleep.
39:55Eve, we're doing a DNA test tomorrow.
39:58What?
39:59A paternity test.
40:01I need legal proof that Lily is my daughter.
40:03She already is.
40:05Then take the test.
40:06After that,
40:07I'm filing for joint custody.
40:11You're fighting me for custody?
40:13I'm not fighting you.
40:15Eve,
40:16I can't let my daughter grow up in a situation
40:17where she could be taken away at any second.
40:20I need legal security.
40:21I won't let anyone take her.
40:23What about you?
40:24You work nights at a strip club.
40:26Lily is five.
40:27She's going to find out eventually.
40:28I do it to pay her tuition.
40:29I know.
40:30So let me take care of you.
40:31I don't want your money.
40:36Then whose do you want?
40:37Ivans?
40:38You'd rather marry him than take anything from me?
40:40Because I don't want to owe you anymore.
40:43You never owed me a damn thing.
40:46Six years, Eve.
40:48Six years.
40:49You raised Lily all by yourself.
40:51Do you have any idea what I went through?
40:53I looked for you every single day.
40:55I even built a tracking program to find you.
40:59So you found me.
41:01Now what?
41:02Now I'm going to marry you.
41:03What?
41:04Let's get married.
41:05Not to settle some debt.
41:07Because I've loved you since I was 19 and that has never changed.
41:10I hesitated.
41:12I couldn't let Lily get caught in the crossfire of our mess.
41:15Not right now.
41:17When you're ready.
41:18But promise me one thing, Eve.
41:21Do not marry even.
41:23Okay?
41:25I've made up my mind.
41:26I can get back into coding.
41:27I was a top CS major at Michigan.
41:29I can start over.
41:33You're already an amazing mother, Eve.
41:36And you're brilliant.
41:39The next afternoon, someone knocked on my door.
41:44That afternoon, someone knocked on my door.
41:47This time it was a process server.
41:50A guy in a wrinkled buttoned up holding a Marilyn envelope.
41:53Miss Hartley?
41:54Yes.
41:55You've been served.
41:56Inside were court documents.
41:57Julian was filing for custody.
41:59Sole custody.
42:01He cited my unstable job history, my past deceptions, and the CPS investigation as proof.
42:07The papers claimed I was an unfit mother.
42:09I read the pages three times, trying to make the words make sense.
42:15He wanted to take her away.
42:21He was actually trying to steal my daughter.
42:23I looked over at Lily.
42:25She was sitting at the kitchen table, coloring.
42:28She looked up with a huge smile.
42:30Look, Mommy.
42:31I drew you a rainbow.
42:32My hands shook as I gently took the drawing.
42:36It's beautiful, baby.
42:38Are you sad?
42:39No, sweetie.
42:40Mommy's just a little tired.
42:42She crawled into my lap and wrapped her tiny arms around my neck.
42:45I love you, Mommy.
42:46I hugged her tight, making a silent vow.
42:49I will never let him take you.
42:51I grabbed Julian's business card and dialed his number.
42:58He picked up on the second ring.
43:01Eve.
43:02We need to talk.
43:03Right now, he gave me an address.
43:05It was his penthouse downtown, overlooking the Detroit River.
43:09The elevator opened directly into his place.
43:13It was massive.
43:14Floor-to-ceiling windows, designer furniture, and a kitchen straight out of a magazine.
43:19But right there, sitting on the fireplace mantle, was a framed photo.
43:24A picture of us from college.
43:26I stared at it, completely stunned.
43:29It was from one of his hockey games.
43:30My head rested on his shoulder, both of us grinning like idiots.
43:34I remembered that night.
43:36It was his first college victory.
43:37I remembered how he picked me up on the ice and spun me around.
43:41I kept all of it.
43:42Everything.
43:43Every photo.
43:45Even those silly little notes you used to slip into my locker.
43:49I spun around to face him.
43:51He was in sweatpants.
43:53A light sheen of sweat on his forehead.
43:55He had clearly just gotten back from a workout.
43:58I reached into my bag, pulled out the custody papers, and slammed them on the counter.
44:04You liar!
44:05I screamed.
44:06You swore you wouldn't fight me for custody.
44:09Julian's brow darkened.
44:10He snatched the papers, quickly scranning them.
44:13His face went dangerously hard.
44:16I didn't send these.
44:19What?
44:20Yes, I hired a lawyer.
44:21To establish paternity and set up visitation.
44:23But I would never try to take Lily away from you.
44:27He flipped to the second page.
44:28Sole custody?
44:30Supervised visitation?
44:31I never asked for any of this.
44:33I never authorized this.
44:34Then who?
44:35Maya.
44:36She's my agent's daughter.
44:37She's been overstepping lately.
44:39Maya filed for custody in your name?
44:41Behind my back.
44:42Without my permission.
44:43Julian slammed the papers back on the counter.
44:45His face dark.
44:46She's been trying to force her way into my personal life.
44:48I thought she was just being-
44:49Being what?
44:50I don't know.
44:50Overly professional?
44:51I trusted her because of her dad.
44:54She wants you.
44:55This isn't about Lily.
44:56She just wants me out of the picture.
44:58Julian didn't deny it.
45:00I never let her on.
45:01I never gave her any ideas.
45:03You don't have to do anything.
45:04You're successful.
45:05He looked at me.
45:06A sudden vulnerability in his eyes.
45:08You're gorgeous.
45:08And you're single.
45:10I'm not single, Eve.
45:12I haven't been single since I was 19.
45:14My heart skipped a beat.
45:16Don't-
45:17Don't say that.
45:18Why not?
45:19It's the truth.
45:20Because it doesn't change anything.
45:22I'm still a jobless ex-stripper with a felon for a father.
45:26And you're still a superstar hockey player with an actress on standby.
45:31We don't even live in the same world anymore.
45:33We never did.
45:34He fired back.
45:36That was the whole point.
45:39We made it work anyway.
45:41Right up until you decided we couldn't.
45:45I was trying to protect you.
45:47I didn't need your protection.
45:50His voice echoed out off the high ceilings.
45:53I needed you.
45:54I needed to know that when things got hard, we'd fight together.
45:58Not watch you pack up and disappear the second life got messy.
46:02My dad was going to federal prison.
46:04And my grandfather was dying.
46:06We both had our messes, Eve.
46:08But we didn't have to face them alone.
46:10We were both panting, standing inches gun apart.
46:13Six years of unspoken words hung heavy in the air between us.
46:17I was scared.
46:18I was so scared, Julian.
46:20Terrified of losing everything.
46:22Terrified of dragging you down.
46:24Terrified you'd end up resenting me.
46:25I could never hate you.
46:27His voice finally softened.
46:29God knows I tried.
46:30But I never stopped loving you.
46:32The words hung between us.
46:33I couldn't breathe.
46:35Stop.
46:35I pleaded.
46:36My voice barely a whisper.
46:37Why?
46:38Because it complicates things?
46:39Because it makes it harder to pretend we feel nothing for each other?
46:42He stepped into my space.
46:44Close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off his chest.
46:47You mean everything to me, Eve.
46:49You always have.
46:51And now we have Lily.
46:53That has to mean something.
46:56What are you saying?
46:59I'm saying we try again.
47:01For Lily.
47:02A part of me wanted to believe him.
47:04I wanted to believe that six years apart hadn't completely ruined us.
47:07That we weren't beyond repair.
47:08But when you're used to the world pulling the rug out from under you, hoping just feels dangerous.
47:12I need to think about this.
47:14I need time.
47:15You have time.
47:16Until tomorrow.
47:17That's not nearly enough.
47:19Maya is hosting a charity gala tomorrow night.
47:21My entire team will be there.
47:22If you want to prove to the world and the courts that we're co-parenting amitably, this is your perfect
47:26chance.
47:27He handed me an invitation.
47:29Thick card steak with gold embossing.
47:31It radiated pure elegance.
47:32I pulled a garment bag from the very back of my closet.
47:35Inside was a dress I hadn't seen in six years.
47:37It was the only piece of my past I couldn't bear to sell.
47:40I held the fabric, remembering the girl I used to be.
47:42The fearless, invincible Eve Hartley.
47:44The gala was held at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
47:46Crystal chandeliers illuminated the marble floors, reflecting off a sea of custom-tailored gowns and tuxedos.
47:51These people were old money and pure influence.
47:54I was just a single mom with a G.I.D.
47:56whose only real achievement was a little girl who thought I was a superhero.
47:59Eve.
47:59Julian appeared at the top of the staircase.
48:02He looked absolutely devastating in a crisp tuxedo.
48:05He descended the steps, his gaze sweeping over me with absolute awe and adoration.
48:12You look beautiful.
48:15Shall we?
48:16We walked into the ballroom together and I felt the shift in the air immediately.
48:19Is that Eve Hartley?
48:20The one who just vanished?
48:21I heard she's been dancing at some strip club.
48:22I lifted my chin and tightened my grip on Julian's arm.
48:25I wasn't going to break.
48:26Not here.
48:26Maya found us near the bar.
48:28She was stunning in a vibrant red dress.
48:31Her blonde hair swept into an elegant updo.
48:34Julian, darling.
48:35There you are.
48:36I've been looking everywhere for you.
48:38Maya.
48:40You remember Eve.
48:42Of course.
48:44The ghost from your past.
48:45How interesting.
48:49She is Lily's mother.
48:51Show some respect.
48:55Lily?
48:56My daughter.
48:57She's five.
48:59Beautiful.
49:00Brilliant.
49:01And looks exactly like me.
49:03Eve and I are working out our custody arrangement.
49:06Completely imamacably.
49:08But the papers.
49:09You mean the papers you filed behind my back?
49:11We'll discuss that later.
49:13With my lawyers present.
49:17I was trying to help you.
49:19She hid your child from you.
49:21She's clearly unstable.
49:23Maya stared at him.
49:24Then glared at me.
49:25Her face a twisted mask of rage and humiliation.
49:28You're going to regret this.
49:30Before turning on her heel and storming off.
49:33Julian turned to face me.
49:34The hard edge in his expression instantly melted away.
49:38I'm sorry.
49:39I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.
49:41You said you loved me in front of everyone.
49:44I meant it.
49:46But Maya.
49:48He took both of my hands in his.
49:51I don't even see anyone else out there, Eve.
49:54I haven't.
49:56Not once over six years.
49:59I looked up into his eyes.
50:01For the first time in six years, I let myself feel a flicker of hope.
50:06Maybe we really could start over.
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