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Breaking the Hockey Star - FULL | Reelshort
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#shortdrama
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Short filmTranscript
00:02I bought a boyfriend in college.
00:05It was on the ice at the University of Michigan.
00:08I watched Julian Wine, the broke kid in second-hand pads and borrowed skates,
00:13and made him an offer.
00:14Stay with me, and I'll pay your grandfather's medical bills.
00:18For three years, I mistook staying for love.
00:23He swallowed his pride, and I was naive enough to believe he loved me.
00:28Until I got pregnant, until my family went bankrupt, until I deleted his number,
00:36erased every trace, and disappeared with the baby growing inside me.
00:40I gave birth alone, to Julian's daughter and mine.
00:44He never knew we had a daughter.
00:46Six years later, to pay off my debts and raise her,
00:50I'm dancing at the Velvet Strip Club in Detroit to pay off my family's debts.
00:56He's the NHL's hottest new defenseman, a superstar with a $10 million contract,
01:02and an actress on his arm.
01:04I never expected to see Julian again, let alone here.
01:08Luna, Champagne Service, VIP Room 1, do not screw this up.
01:14Tonight's uniform, black lace bodysuit, six-inch stilettos, and a mask.
01:19I push past the heavy velvet curtains.
01:22Three men in expensive suits, two Instagram models, and...
01:26Julian.
01:27My knees go weak.
01:29The silver tray in my hands trembles.
01:31I lock my eyes on the ice bucket, terrified to look up.
01:35Julian.
01:36Remember college?
01:37Didn't you date someone back at Michigan?
01:40I remember people saying she came from money.
01:43Yeah, I had one.
01:44Julian's voice hasn't changed.
01:46It's still that same low, chest-vibrating rumble.
01:50Whatever happened to her?
01:52Silence stretches out like a blade.
01:55She left.
01:56That's all I know.
01:59So cold.
02:02Learn from the best.
02:03My face burns.
02:04I set down the bottle, mumble something about checking on their next round,
02:08and turn for the door.
02:09Wait!
02:10My heart lurches to a stop.
02:12I freeze.
02:14Turn around.
02:16I froze.
02:17My back to the only man I'd ever loved.
02:19The father of my child.
02:21Is there a problem, sir?
02:23I forced my voice flat.
02:25Professional.
02:27Take off the mask.
02:28I can't.
02:29It's against club policy.
02:31I'll buy it.
02:35Take it off.
02:36My fingers found the silk ties at the back of my head.
02:41My body reacted before my mind could catch up.
02:44It remembered him.
02:47I heard the hitch in his breath.
02:50Eve.
02:52His voice broke on my name.
02:54Slowly, I turned.
02:56Up close, the boy I knew was gone.
02:59In his place stood someone harder, stronger, built from years of discipline and damage.
03:04But his eyes were the same.
03:07Still hungry.
03:08Still wounded.
03:10You have got to be kidding me.
03:14Mr. Wayne.
03:15Mr. Wayne?
03:16A sharp, broken laugh.
03:19Six years, Eve.
03:21Six years you vanished.
03:22Delete your number.
03:22Drop off the face of the earth.
03:24And now I'm Mr. Wynn?
03:25Maya was staring.
03:26The suits were staring.
03:29I didn't care.
03:31My only concern was the door.
03:33Twenty feet away.
03:35And the little girl waiting for her mom in the back.
03:37I have to go.
03:40He closed his hand around my wrist.
03:42Not hard, but enough to anchor me.
03:45We're talking.
03:46Let go of me!
03:49Not until you tell me why!
03:52You're making a scene!
03:54Someone's filming!
03:55He didn't let go.
03:57Why?
03:58His voice to something raw and quiet.
04:03Why did you just disappear?
04:05The real answer was burning a hole through my chest.
04:07Because my family was destroyed.
04:09You had just been drafted.
04:11And I would not be the anchor that dragged you under.
04:14Because I got bored.
04:15It was just a college fling, Julian.
04:18It ran its course.
04:20His jaw locked.
04:21Something shattered behind his eyes.
04:23Fine.
04:25You want to do this the hard way?
04:28Fine.
04:29He pulled out his wallet.
04:32Five hundred dollars.
04:34Strip.
04:36Now.
04:37Now it was just me and Julian.
04:41He sat in the center of the velvet sofa.
04:43Knees spread.
04:45Elbows on his thighs.
04:47Watching me like I was a puzzle he'd lost the final piece to.
04:52Strip.
04:53What?
04:55You heard me.
04:57I paid.
04:59My hands were shaking.
05:01I bawled them into fists at my sides.
05:03That's not...
05:04I don't do that.
05:05I just serve drinks, Julian.
05:07I'm not a...
05:09Not a stripper?
05:11Who are you trying to fool, princess?
05:14Dressed like that, in a place like this?
05:17Serving champagne to men who are undressing you with their eyes?
05:22He glanced around the room.
05:24At the mirrors.
05:25The pole.
05:26The bed in the corner I always pretended wasn't there.
05:30What'd your father say?
05:33Oh, wait.
05:34He's in federal prison, isn't he?
05:36The blow landed exactly where he'd aimed it.
05:40I felt the blood drain from my face.
05:44You've been looking me up?
05:46Looking you up?
05:51I've been looking for you.
05:54Six years, Eve.
05:56Private investigators.
05:58Dark web searches.
05:59I even hired a hacker!
06:04You just vanished.
06:06Like you never existed.
06:09And this is where I find you?
06:11Hiding behind a cheap mask like you're ashamed?
06:16I am ashamed.
06:18Julian went still.
06:19The anger in his face fractured.
06:23Why?
06:23Why this?
06:25You could have gone anywhere.
06:26Done anything.
06:27You were top of your class in computer science at Michigan.
06:31You could be writing code for a living.
06:33Why?
06:34Why do you look like you haven't slept in years?
06:40I don't owe you an explanation.
06:42You want a show?
06:43Fine.
06:44You want to humiliate me?
06:46Fine.
06:46But don't you dare pretend you care, Julian.
06:49You made it pretty clear a minute ago that you don't.
06:56I care enough to hate you.
07:00That should tell you something.
07:02He reached for me and I flinched.
07:05Not because I thought he'd hurt me.
07:07Julian had never once hurt me.
07:10But because his touch could still undo me.
07:13Because I still remembered those hands sliding under my sweater.
07:24Don't.
07:28Don't.
07:30Don't.
07:30Don't what?
07:32Don'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.
07:49You said you loved me.
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!
08:05The door crashed open.
08:06A tiny blur shot into the room and slammed straight into Julian's legs.
08:12Lily!
08:13My frantic eyes flew to Julian.
08:15Are you my daddy?
08:17Why are you making my mommy cry?
08:23She's...
08:23She's just confused.
08:26Eve.
08:27Who 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.
08:46At the mess of dark curls just like his.
08:49At the exact same shade of ice blue eyes.
08:52At the stubborn set of her jaw that was all me.
08:56No.
08:57I'm not a giant.
08:59I play hockey.
09:00What's hockey?
09:01It's a sport.
09:03On ice.
09:04Like in Frozen?
09:07Yeah.
09:09Something like that.
09:11Well, you made my mommy cry.
09:14You should say you're sorry.
09:18I...
09:19I'm sorry.
09:21His bewildered gaze found mine over her head.
09:24Eve, how old is she?
09:26Four.
09:28She's four.
09:29The lie sat between us like a stone.
09:32Four.
09:33Not five.
09:34One year's difference.
09:36Enough room for doubt.
09:38Enough to make her anyone's.
09:40My Lily.
09:41My sweet, fearless Lily.
09:43Reached out and took Julia's hand.
09:45Your hands are cold.
09:47Mommies get cold too.
09:48She says it's because we're part polar bear.
09:51She tugged on his fingers.
09:53Are you?
09:53Julian crouched down to her level.
09:56What's your name?
09:57Lily Hartley.
09:59It's a pleasure to meet you, mister.
10:04When?
10:06Julian, when?
10:08The hockey player?
10:10Mommy has a picture of you.
10:13It's all old and wrinkly,
10:15and she looks at it when she thinks I'm asleep.
10:18She says, you're risen.
10:20Okay.
10:23Mommy, put me down.
10:25His hands are cold like ours.
10:27He could be a polar bear too.
10:29I want to be his friend.
10:31Eve.
10:35I didn't turn around.
10:37Is she mine?
10:38I clutched Lily tighter.
10:40Her small heart beating against mine.
10:45No.
10:46I lied.
10:47She's not yours.
10:51Later that night,
10:52with Lily sprawled across my chest
10:54in a tangle of limbs,
10:55I watched the gentle rise and fall of her sleep.
10:57Her eyelashes were two perfect dark fans
11:00against her cheek.
11:01His eyelashes.
11:03My mind,
11:04the traitor it always was,
11:05dragged me back.
11:06It was the fall of my freshman year,
11:08on the ice at the University of Michigan.
11:11Julian Wenz stood out for all the wrong reasons.
11:13He was the kid in secondhand pads
11:15held together with hockey tape,
11:16skating on borrowed blades.
11:18His jersey had been washed so many times,
11:20the number was barely legible.
11:22But he carried himself like none of it touched him.
11:25All sharp angles and coiled tension,
11:28like something waiting to strike.
11:30I loved the cold focus in his eyes.
11:33The hard line of his jaw that refused to yield to anyone.
11:37He was also drowning.
11:39His grandfather's medical bills were burying him alive.
11:43And the hockey scholarship he should have had
11:45was handed to a legacy kid
11:47whose famed the right coach speed dial.
11:49Feenly had the right consenscrabity.
11:52I wanted to help him.
11:53So one afternoon,
11:54I stopped him on the quad
11:55and took his calloused hand in mine.
11:58Julian,
11:58before I could lose my nerve,
12:00I really like you.
12:02And I have money,
12:03enough to help with your grandfather's medical bills.
12:05Let me help you.
12:06Please.
12:08He looked at me like I'd just insulted
12:10everything he'd ever worked for.
12:12The wounded wolf,
12:13all teeth and fury.
12:15And throw up over live drangles
12:17of Wenfrey did add Maureen a feeling.
12:20But I'd never lost at anything.
12:23The more he refused,
12:24the harder I pushed.
12:26Until the night his grandfather
12:28collapsed from a heart attack.
12:29The ICU bill was $20 a day.
12:34I paid it before he could argue.
12:37And Julian finally let me in.
12:41In my foolish, naive heart,
12:44I thought I'd saved him.
12:48It took me years to understand
12:50I'd just broken him differently.
12:52He never stopped working side jobs,
12:55never stopped waking at four in the morning
12:57for extra ice time.
12:58He barely touched my money,
13:00but the damage was done.
13:02Whispers followed him through the locker room.
13:05Teammates looked through him
13:06or hit him a little too hard in practice.
13:08And I,
13:09still floating in my comfortable bubble,
13:11would just squeeze his hand
13:13and tell him they were jealous.
13:15They were thinned.
13:16I never once saw the war
13:17he was fighting on his own.
13:19Then came senior year.
13:21My family collapsed.
13:23My father was indicted for fraud.
13:26And the government froze
13:28every asset we had.
13:32I couldn't cover my own tuition.
13:34I went from heiress to broke overnight.
13:37And I didn't tell Julia.
13:39Because I had just found out I was pregnant.
13:42And he had just gotten his draft offer from the NHL.
13:46His entire future was finally in reach.
13:50So when the plus sign appeared on that stick,
13:52I made a choice.
13:53I called him to meet me outside,
13:55in the snow.
13:59I can't do this anymore.
14:02We're done.
14:04Why?
14:05I kept my face flat.
14:07You were fun for a while, Lanfin,
14:09for a while, Julian.
14:11But I'm moving on.
14:15Fine.
14:16I told myself he was relieved.
14:18That he was finally free of me.
14:19The girl whose money had made him a target.
14:21Whose help had cost him more than it gave.
14:23That night, I snapped my SIM card in half.
14:25Deleted every account I had.
14:27And caught a bus to Chicago, pregnant and alone.
14:30Disappearing into the dark.
14:32I ran from the debt collectors.
14:34From the city.
14:36From him.
14:37Detroit to Chicago to Milwaukee.
14:40City to city.
14:41Until I came back here three months ago.
14:44I never thought I'd see him this soon.
14:48Julian was more than fine.
14:49He was everything everyone knew he'd be.
14:51A defensive powerhouse in the NHL.
14:53The face of ESPN.
14:54His name on a contract with more zeros than I could count.
14:57And Maya Hart,
14:58the actress who'd ruled our college theater department
15:00and now had a Netflix series to her name,
15:02was apparently the woman on his arm.
15:04Good for him.
15:05I pressed my hand flat against my chest,
15:08trying to hold the ache in.
15:12My phone buzzed on the nightstand at five in the morning,
15:15pulling me out of the wreckage.
15:17Unknown number.
15:19We need to talk.
15:22Don't make me come back to that club to find you.
15:27I stared at the message until the screen burned my retinas.
15:32Then deleted it.
15:35And blocked the number.
15:40The next night,
15:41Marco pulled me aside before my shift.
15:44VIP room.
15:45He asked for you by name.
15:46I can't.
15:47Eve.
15:48Marco lowered his voice,
15:50still not meeting my eyes.
15:51He bought a $20,000 bottle.
15:53He's not going anywhere.
15:54Just go.
15:56Julian was in the same booth.
15:58Alone.
15:59In a leather jacket that cost more than my month's rent.
16:02He was turning an empty glass slowly between his fingers.
16:07I have other tables.
16:08I started.
16:10Sit down, Eve.
16:12I'm not leaving until we talk.
16:14Something in his voice made me sit.
16:16On the very edge of the cushion,
16:18ready to run.
16:19Why did you leave?
16:20He asked.
16:21His voice stripped raw.
16:22Were you really just done with me?
16:25He leaned forward,
16:26and there it was.
16:27That same predatory stillness he'd always had on the ice.
16:31Six years hadn't thawed the Michigan winter in his eyes.
16:34Your number was disconnected.
16:36Every account gone.
16:37I even called the university's alumni officer.
16:41You really didn't want to be found.
16:44I lifted my chin and made myself hold his gaze.
16:47No, I wanted to scream.
16:50I was pregnant.
16:52I wasn't going to let you throw away the NHL for me,
16:54but I didn't.
16:56You always knew what I was like.
16:58I said,
16:59forcing a brittle smile.
17:01I got bored.
17:02I moved on.
17:03That's who I am.
17:05A raw, red fury flared in his eyes.
17:08I don't believe you.
17:11Suit yourself.
17:14Is Lily my daughter?
17:15Like a blindside check,
17:17and I felt it in my teeth.
17:21No.
17:22Don't lie to me, Eve.
17:24Not about this.
17:25She's not yours.
17:27Then whose is she?
17:29Someone steady you found after everything fell apart?
17:31Your fiancé?
17:33Ivan?
17:33Is that his name?
17:34His voice cracked before he caught it.
17:37I spent six years looking for you.
17:40Six years asking myself what I did wrong.
17:43Why you left.
17:44Whether you were even still alive.
17:46And now I find out you have a daughter.
17:49I kept my voice level.
17:51You're in the NHL, Julian.
17:54You live in arenas and hotel rooms half the year
17:56with sports media tracking your every move.
17:59I just...
18:00I didn't expect a real future with you.
18:03Never expected a future.
18:04He repeated it slowly,
18:06like he was tasting something rotten.
18:09I wanted everything with you, Eve.
18:12Marriage.
18:14Kids.
18:15A real life.
18:16You were the one who walked out.
18:18Because I didn't have a choice!
18:20The words came out before I could stop them.
18:22I pressed my lips together,
18:24steadied myself,
18:25then looked up.
18:26You already know what happened.
18:28My family collapsed.
18:29My father's in federal prison.
18:31The debts are still not settled.
18:33I had nothing left.
18:34I would have faced all of that with you.
18:36That's easy to say now.
18:37I'm saying it because it's true.
18:40Do you know why I signed with Detroit?
18:42Twelve teams made offers.
18:44I had better money on the table from four of them.
18:46Better cities.
18:47Better odds.
18:48Why do you think I came back here?
18:49Why?
18:50I shook my head.
18:52You mentioned it once.
18:54He said,
18:55and a broken little laugh escaped him.
18:57We were fighting about where to live after graduation.
19:00You said you loved the snow,
19:02that you wanted to see the Great Lakes in winter.
19:04I thought if I stayed,
19:06you'd find your way back.
19:07You did come back, Eve.
19:09I came yesed.
19:11You got a job three miles from my apartment,
19:13and you still wouldn't even look at me.
19:16My mouth opened.
19:17Nothing came out.
19:19Is that it?
19:21Something hardened in his face.
19:23Is your pride really worth all of this?
19:27The great heartly Enris?
19:31Too ashamed to be seen working for tips?
19:34No!
19:35Oh my god, Eve!
19:36Is that actually you?
19:37Maya Hart came clicking toward our table
19:39on needle-thin stilettos,
19:41trailing Byred perfume,
19:42and six years of perfectly colded
19:44social media success.
19:45She was glossier than I remembered,
19:47the kind of polish that took real money to maintain.
19:50Where have you been?
19:51Everyone's been asking about you for years.
19:53Down south for a while,
19:54I managed.
19:55Of course.
19:56Her eyes did a slow, deliberate sweep of me,
19:59and they stopped on my jacket.
20:01Is that the same Levi's jacket from junior year?
20:04Eve!
20:04It has holes in it.
20:05I used to buy new clothes every season
20:07and never wore the same thing twice.
20:09She knew exactly what she was doing.
20:12I just didn't have enough left in me to care.
20:15It's vintage now, I said.
20:17Sustainable fashion.
20:18Maya gave me the smile of someone who understood perfectly.
20:21She opened her Chanel bag,
20:23produced a black Ames,
20:24and held it out.
20:25Listen, if you're going through something,
20:27don't be stubborn about it.
20:28Take this.
20:29You don't even have to pay me back.
20:30Thanks.
20:31I didn't reach for it.
20:33I'm good.
20:34My gaze moved from her pitying face
20:36to Julian's stone still one.
20:38I pulled up a smile.
20:42I'm getting married, actually.
20:44You'll probably hear about it.
20:46The words hit him like a body check into the boards,
20:49and his composure didn't crack so much as collapse.
20:53I wondered if he'd believe the lie.
20:57What?
21:00His name is Ivan.
21:02You'd know him from college.
21:04He was the one who couldn't take a hint around me.
21:08The trust fund kid.
21:11Yes.
21:11He paid off my family's debts.
21:16I'm marrying him.
21:19The color left Julian's face all at once.
21:26I'm marrying him.
21:27Do you love him?
21:32He's good to me.
21:33That's not what I asked, Eve.
21:38I didn't answer.
21:39I couldn't.
21:41It's time for you to go.
21:44I stood.
21:45Whatever we had is over.
21:47It's been over for a long time.
21:50He just sat there, frozen,
21:52like a statue carved from ice.
21:56The apartment was quiet when I got home.
21:59Lily was still up.
22:02Five years old,
22:04hair and two little pity tails,
22:05and every time I looked at her,
22:07I saw him.
22:09Same dark hair.
22:10Same deep-set blue eyes.
22:13Same crooked smile the moment she spotted me.
22:16Mommy!
22:18She launched herself into my arms.
22:20You're home early!
22:22Missed you too much.
22:27I held her tight
22:28and breathed in the strawberry of her shampoo.
22:31Bella appeared in the doorway,
22:33smiling.
22:34She drew a picture today.
22:35Said it was for her dad.
22:40Something tightened in my chest.
22:42Her dad?
22:45Lily was already scrambling down,
22:48running to her room.
22:49Coming back with a crayon drawing.
22:52Three figures.
22:54A bearded man,
22:55a woman with long hair,
22:57a small girl holding both their hands.
22:59This is Daddy.
23:01This is Mommy.
23:03This is me.
23:07Baby, your dad isn't here right now.
23:13But all the other kids' dads are.
23:16Her face crumpled.
23:18Isn't that hockey player my dad?
23:21Where did he go?
23:29I knelt down until I was level with her eyes.
23:36Daddy had to go somewhere far away.
23:39But he loves you.
23:42So much.
23:44When is he coming back?
23:50Soon,
23:51I whispered
23:52and kissed her forehead.
23:56Later,
23:57after she was asleep,
23:59I sat on the fire escape
24:00with a cigarette burn down between my fingers.
24:08My phone lit up on the still.
24:11Julian.
24:12What's your daughter's name?
24:19I left it.
24:21It buzzed again.
24:23I need to see you.
24:25I shut the phone off.
24:31But I knew it was useless.
24:33There was nowhere left to run.
24:36The next morning was Saturday,
24:38park day.
24:39Lily was digging happily in the sandbox
24:41while I scrolled through my phone.
24:44My phone buzzed.
24:45Julian.
24:46I let it go to voicemail.
24:48It buzzed again.
24:49And again.
24:50On the third ring,
24:52I finally picked up.
24:54What are you talking about?
24:56I'm at the park.
24:58Behind you.
24:59Fifty yards.
25:00Under the big oak tree.
25:01I turned.
25:02He was there.
25:04Hoodie,
25:04jeans,
25:05baseball cap pulled low.
25:08How did you find me?
25:10I had your car tracked.
25:12You followed me?
25:14I was worried.
25:15Eve,
25:16we need to talk.
25:17No.
25:19Not here.
25:20My daughter.
25:22I know.
25:23I just want to see her.
25:26He was already at the edge of the sandbox.
25:29Lily looked up,
25:30squinting against the sun
25:31at the tall man standing over her.
25:33Her head tilted.
25:34Something moved across her face.
25:36Pure,
25:37un-guarded recognition.
25:38Then she beamed.
25:39Daddy!
25:41You came back!
25:42The denial tore out of me.
25:45Lily!
25:46Lily!
25:47Lily, no!
25:48He's not your daddy!
25:50But,
25:50she pointed a soddy finger
25:52straight at Julian's face.
25:54He looks just like the daddy
25:56in my picture!
25:57Julian knelt down,
25:58and Lily threw her small arms
26:00around his neck.
26:01My mind just stopped.
26:03He looked up at me.
26:05His eyes were red.
26:06He said,
26:08barely a sound at all.
26:10Lily,
26:11how old is she?
26:13Four.
26:16You're lying.
26:19You never took it off.
26:20You never forgot me.
26:22Julian!
26:22Is she mine?
26:23Daddy,
26:24please don't go again,
26:25okay?
26:26Something cracked
26:27across his face.
26:28I turned away,
26:30knowing that was it.
26:31Julian pulled Lily
26:32into his arms.
26:32She locked her hands
26:34behind his neck
26:34and held on,
26:35the way kids do
26:36when they're afraid
26:37to let go of something
26:38they almost lost.
26:39You smell good,
26:40Daddy.
26:40Do I?
26:42So do you.
26:43I stood there
26:43with my hands at my sides,
26:44not sure what to do with them.
26:46After a few minutes,
26:47Lily's grip slowly loosened,
26:48her body going heavy
26:50against his chest
26:50with a wide,
26:52sleepy yawn.
26:52She needs her nap,
26:53I said.
26:54Julian looked at me.
26:55I'm taking you home.
26:56You don't have to-
26:57Eve!
26:58She was out
26:59before we reached the car.
27:00He carried her
27:01across the parking lot
27:03with both arms under her,
27:05slow arms steady
27:06under her her,
27:08slow and deliberate,
27:09like he was afraid
27:10to joltle her awake.
27:12The drive was quiet.
27:15He kept his eyes
27:16on the road.
27:17I watched the city
27:18slide past
27:19the passenger window.
27:20Lily breathed softly
27:22in her car seat
27:23behind us.
27:24What does she like to eat?
27:25He asked.
27:28Pasta.
27:30Strawberries.
27:31Chicken nuggets.
27:33Allergies?
27:34No.
27:35She in school?
27:36Preschool.
27:37A beat of silence.
27:38You raised her alone
27:40five years?
27:41Yes.
27:43When's her birthday?
27:45February 17th.
27:47His grip tightened
27:48on the wheel.
27:49We broke up
27:50on June 10th.
27:51When you left,
27:53you were already
27:54pregnant.
27:55Julian!
27:56And you didn't tell me.
28:02Eve,
28:03why wouldn't you tell me?
28:04Because you were
28:05going to the NHL.
28:06You finally had your shot
28:08after everything.
28:10And?
28:10And I wasn't going
28:11to be the reason
28:11you walked away from it.
28:14Eve,
28:15that was my child.
28:16He turned to face me,
28:18jaw tight,
28:19eyes raw.
28:20You were out there alone,
28:22pregnant,
28:23hiding it
28:23while I was on the ice,
28:25giving interviews
28:25about how damn much
28:26I missed you.
28:28I pressed my hand
28:29flat against my sternum.
28:30It didn't help.
28:31I'm sorry,
28:32I said.
28:34I thought I was
28:35doing the right thing.
28:36You didn't know.
28:37I said,
28:38holding his gaze.
28:39You didn't know
28:40about the pregnancy.
28:41So tell me,
28:42if I had told you,
28:43what would you have done?
28:44I would have-
28:45I know exactly
28:46what you would have done.
28:47You would have stayed,
28:48given up the NHL,
28:49married me,
28:51there's not the endurates,
28:52my with your own life,
28:53and I done.
28:54I need just swafting
28:55all by far
28:56and spent the rest
28:57of your life
28:57resenting me for it.
28:58I wouldn't have-
28:59Yes, you would have.
29:01My voice stayed even.
29:03I needed it to.
29:05You would have felt trapped,
29:06same as you did
29:07back in college.
29:09He went white.
29:10You think I hated you?
29:12Didn't you?
29:13I let out a short,
29:15broken laugh,
29:16and the tears came
29:17before I could stop them.
29:19You were never really mine.
29:27I kept you with money
29:28for three years.
29:30We both knew that.
29:32If it hadn't been
29:33for your grandfather's
29:34hospital bills,
29:35you never would have
29:36stayed with me.
29:37You-
29:38We're here.
29:40I nodded toward the window.
29:42Let me out.
29:44He didn't move.
29:47Julian,
29:48let me out.
29:49Slowly,
29:50his hands came off
29:52the steering wheel.
29:54Eve,
29:56there's something
29:57I never told you.
29:59What?
30:01I liked you
30:02before you ever
30:04paid for anything.
30:04I couldn't speak.
30:07I couldn't speak.
30:08First day of college?
30:09He said,
30:10his voice low.
30:12You were walking
30:12down the hall
30:13in this white dress.
30:14I remember thinking,
30:17I'm never gonna
30:18forget that girl.
30:21Then why did you-
30:22He shut his eyes
30:23for a second.
30:24Because of the money.
30:27You paid my
30:28grandfather's
30:29medical bills.
30:30After that,
30:31everything got twisted.
30:33I couldn't tell
30:34if I wanted you
30:35or what you could
30:36do for me.
30:39I hated that
30:40I couldn't
30:40separate the two.
30:43The tears
30:44came harder.
30:45So when you said
30:46yes,
30:47when you actually
30:48stayed,
30:49was it only
30:51Willie because-
30:52Because even if
30:53it started that way,
30:54I still wanted to stay.
30:56He looked at me
30:57then.
30:58Even if you thought
30:59I was just someone
31:00you paid for.
31:08I broke completely.
31:17I broke completely.
31:19In the back seat,
31:21Lily stirred and mumbled
31:22something small and sleepy.
31:25Daddy.
31:28Let me see her.
31:29He said.
31:33Let me be her dad.
31:36You already are.
31:38My voice cracked.
31:42She knew who you were
31:43the second she saw you.
31:47But I'm not ready
31:48to let you back in.
31:50Julian didn't leave
31:51that night.
31:52He stayed in my
31:53tiny apartment.
31:55Daddy,
31:55you build this part?
31:57You got it,
31:57princess.
31:58Are you coming
31:59back tomorrow?
32:00I am.
32:01Every day?
32:02Every single day.
32:04For one moment,
32:05something settled
32:06in my chest.
32:07This felt right.
32:09A text from Ivan.
32:11Meeting with the
32:12loan officer tomorrow
32:13to sign papers
32:13for your family's debt.
32:15Wear something nice,
32:15you still owe me
32:16ten grand.
32:17My fingers went numb.
32:19After my father
32:20went bankrupt,
32:21Ivan had offered
32:22to clear our debts
32:23on one condition,
32:24that I marry him.
32:28Last month,
32:29I'd borrowed
32:29ten thousand dollars
32:30from him.
32:32It was the opening
32:33he'd been waiting for.
32:35Who was that?
32:37No one.
32:38Was it Ivan?
32:39How do you know that?
32:41I looked for you.
32:42After you disappeared,
32:43I never stopped.
32:45I wrote a facial
32:46recognition program,
32:48fed it every photo
32:49I had of you.
32:50It finally got a hit
32:50in Detroit.
32:52Eve,
32:52the only reason
32:53I chose this team
32:53was you.
32:55So you came here,
32:56you actually...
32:58Mommy!
32:59Mommy!
32:59I'm hungry.
33:00Almost ready,
33:01sweetie.
33:02What are these?
33:04White roses,
33:05your favorite.
33:06Tears
33:07precked my eyes
33:08as I stared at them.
33:12You never took
33:13off the bracelet.
33:16You never really
33:17let me go.
33:17Daddy loves Mommy!
33:19I buried my face
33:21in her hair.
33:22Julian couldn't see
33:23what was happening
33:24to me.
33:25Let me take care of you.
33:29For real this time.
33:31We both want it.
33:33I didn't answer.
33:34All I could think
33:35about was Ivan.
33:36Ten thousand dollars.
33:38What Julian would do
33:39the second he found out,
33:40he would pay it.
33:41No hesitation.
33:43And we'd be right back
33:45where we started.
33:46Him.
33:47The man I'd bought.
33:48I couldn't do that
33:49to him again.
33:51I stepped out
33:52of his arms.
33:55I have to tell you
33:56something.
33:58What is it?
34:01I'm getting married.
34:03I turned Julian down.
34:05I told him we needed
34:06time to learn
34:07how to be us again.
34:08His eyes dimmed,
34:10but he didn't push it.
34:12When I woke up
34:13the next morning,
34:15Julian was already
34:16in the kitchen.
34:17He was wearing an apron,
34:20frying eggs,
34:21making toast,
34:22and slicing strawberries.
34:25Every piece was cut
34:26perfectly even,
34:27just the way I liked it.
34:28You used to slice
34:29them like that.
34:30He glanced back at me,
34:32his eyes soft.
34:33Because you like it.
34:35Lily ran in
34:36like a little cannonball.
34:37Mommy!
34:38Daddy made breakfast!
34:40Julian set a plate
34:42of sliced strawberries
34:43in front of her.
34:44Her eyes lit up.
34:46So sweet!
34:49Slow down.
34:50He smiled
34:51and patted her head.
34:53In that moment,
34:54it felt like
34:55we were a real family.
34:57If I hadn't left
34:58six years ago,
34:59maybe we would have
35:00had this all along.
35:02Buzz.
35:03Buzz.
35:03My phone vibrated.
35:09Eve!
35:10Maya,
35:10I hear you and Julian
35:11are back together.
35:12It was Maya.
35:14How did you know?
35:15News travels fast
35:16in our world.
35:17I just wanted to remind you
35:19that Julian
35:20is a public figure.
35:21If the press finds out,
35:23you work at a strip club.
35:24Are you threatening me?
35:27I'm helping you.
35:29Julian and I
35:29have an arrangement.
35:30As far as the world knows,
35:32I'm his girlfriend.
35:33Don't mess this up.
35:36I gripped my phone
35:37until my cuckles
35:38turned white.
35:40Julian walked over.
35:42What's wrong?
35:45It was Maya.
35:47His expression hardened.
35:48What did she say?
35:49She said,
35:50as far as the public
35:52is concerned,
35:53you're with her.
35:54That's a lie.
35:56She helped me out
35:57of a few PR messes,
35:59but we were never real.
36:00But she said
36:01she's your girlfriend.
36:02I need your ruster.
36:04Eve,
36:05who are you gonna believe?
36:06Her or me?
36:08Lily called out
36:08from the table.
36:09Daddy,
36:10I want more strawberries.
36:12Julian gave me
36:13one last look,
36:14then turned back
36:15to slice the strawberries.
36:16I stood in the doorway,
36:17my mind a complete mess,
36:19his smile frozen
36:20on his face.
36:21What?
36:23I'm getting married,
36:25I repeated.
36:26To Ivan.
36:28Mommy's getting married?
36:31To who?
36:32Lily looked up at me,
36:34to Uncle Yvonne.
36:35I want Daddy!
36:37With Daddy!
36:39Julian picked her up
36:41and coaxed her softly.
36:42Don't cry.
36:44Daddy's here.
36:45He looked at me,
36:46his eyes turning cold.
36:49Are you serious?
36:51I am.
36:53Do you love him?
36:54That's not the point.
36:56I asked if you love him.
36:58Julian,
36:59that doesn't matter.
37:00It matters.
37:04He set Lily down
37:05and walked over.
37:07Eve,
37:08look me in the eye
37:09and tell me
37:10you love him.
37:11I looked up
37:12into his eyes.
37:13Those same eyes
37:14had looked at me
37:15in the snow
37:16six years ago,
37:17saying,
37:18Fine,
37:19let's break up.
37:20Six years later,
37:22in front of our daughter,
37:23those eyes were red.
37:26I...
37:27Mommy doesn't like
37:28Uncle Even.
37:29Mommy never smiles
37:31when she sees
37:32Uncle Even.
37:33Lily yelled
37:33from the corner of the side.
37:35I panicked.
37:36She's telling the truth.
37:39Eve,
37:40you're a terrible liar.
37:41The doorbell rang.
37:42I opened the door.
37:44Ivan stood in the doorway.
37:45He wore a suit.
37:46His hair slicked back
37:47with gel,
37:48holding a bottle
37:49of red wine.
37:49Eve,
37:50I'm here to pick you up
37:51for dinner.
37:52Who is...
37:52Ivan,
37:53this is my...
37:53I'm Lily's father.
37:54Julian walked over
37:55and stood in front of me.
37:57Julian Wine?
37:58The NHL guy?
38:00Yeah.
38:03Oh,
38:04didn't Eve dump you?
38:05The room went dead silent.
38:09Ivan,
38:10you should go.
38:11Go?
38:12I brought wine
38:14to celebrate.
38:15To celebrate you
38:16finally agreeing
38:17to marry me.
38:18I didn't agree.
38:19You did.
38:21He pulled a piece of paper
38:23from his pocket.
38:26This is the paperwork.
38:27Sign it
38:28and I'll pay off
38:29the remaining 20 grand.
38:32Otherwise,
38:33the bank
38:33will take this apartment.
38:35You owe the bank money?
38:37My dad's debt.
38:38The apartment
38:39is in my mom's name
38:40but it's mortgaged.
38:41How much?
38:43None of your business.
38:45Eve!
38:46Lily got scared
38:47and started crying.
38:49You're scaring her.
38:52I'm sorry, Lily.
38:54Daddy didn't mean it.
38:55How much does she owe?
38:57She owes me 10 grand.
38:59On top of that,
39:00there's 20 grand
39:00to the bank.
39:02All told,
39:03you're looking at 35
39:04once the interest
39:05kicks in.
39:06I'll give you 50.
39:07Her debt is paid.
39:10Julian pulled out
39:11his phone.
39:1360.
39:14Ivan's face changed.
39:16What's your account number?
39:1970.
39:20Last chance.
39:22Otherwise,
39:23I'm calling my lawyers.
39:26Ivan took the money
39:28and left.
39:29I leaned against the wall,
39:31holding Lily.
39:32Julian,
39:33you didn't have to do that.
39:36It was worth it.
39:39He walked over
39:40and took Lily
39:41from my arms.
39:43Go pack your things.
39:45What?
39:46You're moving into my place.
39:49Tonight.
39:50He looked at me.
39:54Could I trust him?
39:56That night,
39:57I worked my shift
39:58at the club.
40:00Julian showed up again.
40:03He sat at the bar
40:04with a club soda.
40:06Like my own
40:07silent bodyguard.
40:09I'm taking you home.
40:10You don't have to
40:11come here every day.
40:12I want to.
40:13Aren't you worried
40:14about the paparazzi?
40:15Let them take photos.
40:16I've got nothing to hide.
40:19Is Lily asleep?
40:20Bella said she's asleep.
40:23Eve,
40:24we're doing
40:25a DNA test tomorrow.
40:27What?
40:28A paternity test.
40:29I need legal proof
40:30that Lily is my daughter.
40:31She already is.
40:33Then take the test.
40:35After that,
40:36I'm filing
40:36for joint custody.
40:39You're fighting me
40:40for custody?
40:42I'm not fighting you.
40:43Eve,
40:44I can't let my daughter
40:45grow up in a situation
40:46where she could be
40:46taken away at any second.
40:48I need legal security.
40:50I won't let anyone
40:51take her.
40:51What about you?
40:52You work nights
40:53at a strip club.
40:54Lily is five.
40:55She's going to find out
40:56eventually.
40:56I do it to pay her tuition.
40:58I know.
40:58So let me take care of you.
41:00I don't want your money.
41:04Then whose do you want?
41:06Ivins?
41:07You'd rather marry him
41:08than take anything from me?
41:09Because I don't want
41:11to owe you anymore.
41:12You never owed me
41:13a damn thing.
41:15Six years, Eve.
41:16Six years.
41:18You raised Lily
41:19all by yourself.
41:20Do you have any idea
41:21what I went through?
41:22I looked for you
41:22every single day.
41:24I even built
41:25a tracking program
41:26to find you.
41:28So you found me.
41:30Now what?
41:31Now I'm going
41:32to marry you.
41:33What?
41:33Let's get married.
41:34Not to settle some debt.
41:36Because I've loved you
41:37since I was 19
41:38and that has never changed.
41:40I hesitated.
41:41I couldn't let Lily
41:42get caught in the crossfire
41:43of our mess.
41:45Not right now.
41:46When you're ready.
41:48But promise me
41:49one thing, Eve.
41:50Do not marry even.
41:52Okay.
41:54I've made up my mind.
41:55I can get back into coding.
41:56I was a top CS major
41:58at Michigan.
41:59I can start over.
42:03You're already
42:03an amazing mother, Eve.
42:06And you're brilliant.
42:09The next afternoon,
42:10someone knocked on my door.
42:14That afternoon,
42:16someone knocked on my door.
42:17This time,
42:18it was a process server.
42:19A guy in a wrinkled
42:20buttoned up
42:21holding a Marilyn envelope.
42:22Miss Hartley?
42:23Yes.
42:24You've been served.
42:25Inside were court documents.
42:27Julian was filing
42:28for custody.
42:29Sole custody.
42:30He cited my
42:32unstable job history,
42:33my past deceptions,
42:35and the CPS investigation
42:36as proof.
42:37The papers claimed
42:38I was an unfit mother.
42:39I read the pages
42:41three times,
42:42trying to make
42:43the words make sense.
42:45He wanted to take her
42:47away.
42:51He was actually
42:52trying to steal
42:53my daughter.
42:54I looked over at Lily.
42:55She was sitting
42:56at the kitchen table,
42:57coloring.
42:58She looked up
42:59with a huge smile.
43:00Look, Mommy!
43:01I drew you a rainbow!
43:03My hands shook
43:04as I gently
43:05took the drawing.
43:06It's beautiful, baby.
43:08Are you sad?
43:09No, sweetie.
43:11Mommy's just
43:11a little tired.
43:12She crawled into my lap
43:14and wrapped her tiny arms
43:15around my neck.
43:16I love you, Mommy.
43:17I hugged her tight,
43:18making a silent vow.
43:19I will never
43:20let him take you.
43:21I grabbed Julian's
43:22business card
43:23and dialed his number.
43:29He picked up
43:30on the second ring.
43:31Eve.
43:32We need to talk.
43:34Right now,
43:35he gave me an address.
43:36It was his penthouse
43:38downtown,
43:39overlooking
43:39the Detroit River.
43:40The elevator opened
43:42directly into his place.
43:43It was massive.
43:45Floor-to-ceiling windows,
43:47designer furniture,
43:48and a kitchen
43:49straight out
43:49of a magazine.
43:50But right there,
43:51sitting on the
43:52fireplace mantle,
43:53was a framed photo.
43:55A picture of us
43:57from college.
43:57I stared at it,
43:59completely stunned.
44:00It was from
44:00one of his hockey games.
44:02My head rested
44:02on his shoulder,
44:04both of us
44:04grinning like idiots.
44:06I remembered that night.
44:07It was his first
44:08college victory.
44:09I remembered how
44:10he picked me up
44:11on the ice
44:11and spun me around.
44:12I kept all of it.
44:14Everything.
44:15Every photo.
44:16Even those silly
44:17little notes
44:17you used to slip
44:18into my locker.
44:20I spun around
44:21to face him.
44:22He was in sweatpants,
44:24a light sheen
44:25of sweat on his forehead.
44:27He had clearly
44:28just gotten back
44:28from a workout.
44:29I reached into my bag,
44:31pulled out the custody papers,
44:33and slammed them
44:34on the counter.
44:36You liar!
44:37I screamed.
44:38You swore you wouldn't
44:39fight me for custody!
44:40Julian's brow darkened.
44:42He snatched the papers,
44:43quickly scranning them.
44:45His face went
44:46dangerously hard.
44:48I didn't send these.
44:51What?
44:51Yes, I hired a lawyer
44:53to establish paternity
44:54and set up visitation.
44:55But I would never
44:57try to take Lily
44:58away from you.
44:59He flipped
44:59to the second page.
45:00Sole custody?
45:02Supervised visitation?
45:03I never asked
45:04for any of this.
45:05I never authorized this.
45:07Then who?
45:07Maya.
45:08She's my agent's daughter.
45:09She's been overstepping
45:10lately.
45:11Maya filed for custody
45:12in your name?
45:13Behind my back,
45:14without my permission.
45:15Julian slammed
45:16the papers back
45:17on the counter,
45:17his face dark.
45:18She's been trying
45:18to force her way
45:19into my personal life.
45:20I thought she was
45:21just being what?
45:22I don't know.
45:23Overly professional?
45:24I trusted her
45:25because of her dad.
45:26She wants you.
45:27This isn't about Lily.
45:29She just wants me
45:30out of the picture.
45:31Julian didn't deny it.
45:33I never let her on.
45:34I never gave her
45:35any ideas.
45:35You don't have to do anything.
45:36You're successful.
45:37He looked at me.
45:38A sudden vulnerability
45:39in his eyes.
45:40You're gorgeous
45:41and you're single.
45:43I'm not single, Eve.
45:45I haven't been single
45:46since I was 19.
45:47My heart skipped a beat.
45:49Don't.
45:50Don't say that.
45:51Why not?
45:51It's the truth.
45:53Because it doesn't
45:53change anything.
45:55I'm still a jobless
45:57ex-stripper
45:57with a felon
45:58for a father.
45:59And you're still
46:00a superstar hockey player
46:02with an actress
46:03on standby.
46:04We don't even live
46:05in the same world anymore.
46:06We never did.
46:07He fired back.
46:09That was the whole point.
46:12We made it work anyway.
46:14Right up until
46:15you decided we couldn't.
46:18I was trying
46:19to protect you.
46:21I didn't need
46:22your protection.
46:23His voice echoed
46:24out off the high ceilings.
46:26I needed you.
46:27I needed to know
46:29that when things got hard
46:30we'd fight together.
46:31Not watch you
46:33pack up and disappear
46:34the second life
46:34got messy.
46:35My dad was going
46:36to federal prison.
46:37And my grandfather
46:38was dying.
46:40We both had our messes
46:41Eve.
46:42But we didn't have
46:42to face them alone.
46:44We were both panting.
46:45Standing inches
46:46gun apart.
46:47Six years of unspoken
46:48words hung heavy
46:49in the air between us.
46:50I was scared.
46:51I was so scared Julian.
46:53Terrified of losing
46:54everything.
46:55Terrified of dragging
46:56you down.
46:58Terrified you'd
46:58end up resent me.
46:59I could never
47:00hate you.
47:01His voice
47:01finally softened.
47:03God knows I tried.
47:04But I never
47:05stopped loving you.
47:06The words hung
47:07between us.
47:07I couldn't breathe.
47:09Stop.
47:09I pleaded.
47:10My voice barely
47:11a whisper.
47:11Why?
47:12Because it complicates
47:13things?
47:14Because it makes it
47:15harder to pretend
47:15we feel nothing
47:16for each other?
47:17He stepped into
47:17my space.
47:18Close enough
47:19that I could feel
47:19the heat radiating
47:20off his chest.
47:21You mean everything
47:22to me Eve.
47:23You always have.
47:25And now we have
47:26Lily.
47:27That has to mean
47:28something.
47:30What are you saying?
47:33I'm saying we
47:34try again.
47:35For Lily.
47:37A part of me
47:37wanted to believe
47:38him.
47:38I wanted to believe
47:39that six years apart
47:40hadn't completely
47:40ruined us.
47:41That we weren't
47:41beyond repair.
47:42But when you're
47:43used to the world
47:43pulling the rug
47:44out from under you,
47:45hoping just feels
47:46dangerous.
47:47I need to think
47:47about this.
47:49I need time.
47:50You have time.
47:51Until tomorrow.
47:52That's not nearly
47:53enough!
47:53Maya is hosting
47:54a charity gala
47:55tomorrow night.
47:55My entire team
47:56will be there.
47:57If you want to
47:58prove to the world
47:58and the courts
47:59that we're co-parenting
48:00amitably, this is
48:01your perfect chance.
48:02He handed me an
48:03invitation.
48:03Thick card stake
48:04with gold embossing.
48:05It radiated pure
48:06elegance.
48:07I pulled a garment
48:08bag from the very
48:09back of my closet.
48:10Inside was a dress
48:11I hadn't seen in
48:11six years.
48:12It was the only
48:13piece of my past
48:13I couldn't bear to
48:14sell.
48:14I held the fabric
48:15remembering the
48:16girl I used to be.
48:17The fearless,
48:18invincible Eve Hartley.
48:19The gala was held
48:20at the Detroit
48:20Institute of Arts.
48:21Crystal chandeliers
48:22illuminated the
48:23marble floors,
48:24reflecting off a
48:24sea of custom-tailored
48:25gowns and tuxedos.
48:26These people were
48:27old money and
48:28pure influence.
48:29I was just a
48:29single mom with a
48:30G.I.D.
48:31whose only real
48:31achievement was a
48:32little girl who
48:33thought I was a
48:33superhero.
48:34Eve.
48:34Julian appeared at
48:35the top of the
48:36staircase.
48:36He looked absolutely
48:38devastating in a
48:39crisp tuxedo.
48:40He descended the
48:41steps, his gaze
48:42sweeping over me
48:43with absolute awe
48:44and adoration.
48:48You look beautiful.
48:50Shall we?
48:51We walked into
48:52the ballroom together
48:53and I felt the
48:53shift in the air
48:54immediately.
48:55Is that Eve Hartley?
48:56The one who just
48:56vanished?
48:56I heard she's been
48:57dancing at some
48:57strip club.
48:58I lifted my chin
48:59and tightened my
48:59grip on Julian's
49:00arm.
49:00I wasn't going to
49:01break.
49:01Not here.
49:02Maya found us
49:03near the bar.
49:04She was stunning
49:05in a vibrant red
49:06dress.
49:06Her blonde hair
49:07swept into an
49:08elegant updo.
49:09Julian, darling,
49:11there you are.
49:12I've been looking
49:13everywhere for you.
49:14Maya, you remember
49:17Eve.
49:18Of course, the
49:20ghost from your
49:21past.
49:22How interesting.
49:24She is Lily's
49:25mother.
49:27show some
49:28respect.
49:31Lily?
49:32My daughter.
49:33She's five.
49:35Beautiful,
49:36brilliant,
49:37and looks exactly
49:38like me.
49:40Eve and I are
49:40working out our
49:41custody arrangement
49:41completely
49:42imamacably.
49:44But the papers...
49:45You mean the
49:46papers you filed
49:47behind my back?
49:48We'll discuss that
49:49later with my
49:50lawyers present.
49:53I was trying
49:54to help you!
49:55She hid your
49:56child from you!
49:57She's clearly
49:58unstable!
49:59Maya stared at
50:00him, then glared
50:01at me, her face
50:02a twisted mask of
50:03rage and
50:04humiliation.
50:05You're going to
50:06regret this.
50:06Before turning on
50:07her heel and
50:08storming off,
50:09Julian turned to
50:10face me.
50:11The hard edge in
50:12his expression
50:13instantly melted
50:14away.
50:15I'm sorry.
50:16I didn't mean to
50:17make you uncomfortable.
50:18You said you loved
50:19me in front of
50:20everyone.
50:21I meant it.
50:23But Maya...
50:25He took both of
50:26my hands in his.
50:28I don't even see
50:29anyone else out
50:30there, Eve.
50:31I haven't.
50:33Not once over
50:34six years.
50:36I looked up into
50:37his eyes.
50:38For the first time
50:39in six years, I
50:41let myself feel a
50:42flicker of hope.
50:43Maybe we really
50:44could start over.
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