I grew up abroad. My mother feared I might marry a foreign man, so she arranged an engagement for me with a talented and handsome man in Flodon. She insisted that I return home to get engaged. I came back and started shopping for an engagement dress at a luxury boutique. I selected an off-white strapless gown and decided to try it on. Suddenly, a woman nearby glanced at the dress in my hand and told the saleswoman, “That’s a unique design. Let me try it.” The saleswoman immediately yanked it out of my hands. I protested indignantly, “Excuse me, I was here first. Don’t you understand the principle of ‘first come, first served’? Or do you just not care about common decency?” The woman scoffed and retorted, “This dress costs $188,000. Do you really think a broke nobody like you can even afford it? “I’m Lucas Goodwin’s sister in all but blood. He’s the chairman of Goodwin’s Group. In Flodon, the Goodwin family sets the rules.” What a coincidence! Lucas Goodwin was my fiance! I immediately called him and said, “Hey, your ‘sister in all but blood’ just stole my engagement dress. Do something about it.
#WhoIsTheNobodyHere #IdentityReveal #HiddenBillionaire #Venganza #Karma #ShortDrama #FullMovie #Billionaire #DramaSeries #JefeRico #Empowerment
#WhoIsTheNobodyHere #IdentityReveal #HiddenBillionaire #Venganza #Karma #ShortDrama #FullMovie #Billionaire #DramaSeries #JefeRico #Empowerment
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I might marry a foreign man so she arranged an engagement for me. I grew up abroad. My mother
00:05feared I might marry a foreign man so she arranged an engagement for me with a talented and handsome
00:10man in float on. She insisted that I return home to get engaged. I came back and started shopping
00:15for an engagement dress at a luxury boutique. I selected an off-white strapless gown and decided
00:21to try it on. Suddenly a woman nearby glanced at the dress in my hand and told the saleswoman
00:26that's a unique design. Let me try it. The saleswoman immediately yanked it out of my
00:33hands. I protested indignantly. Excuse me I was here first. Don't you understand the principle
00:39of first come first served or do you just not care about common decency? The woman scoffed
00:44and retorted. This dress costs $188,000. Do you really think a broken body like you can
00:50even afford it? I'm Lucas Goodwin's sister in all but blood. He's the chairman of Goodwin's
00:56group. In float on the Goodwin family sets the rules. What a coincidence. Lucas Goodwin
01:02was my fiance. I immediately called him and said hey your sister in all but blood just
01:07stole my engagement dress. Do something about it. The term sister in all but blood implied
01:12less than innocent connotations. If Lucas Goodwin failed to give me a proper explanation
01:17on that day I would cancel the engagement banquet. To my surprise Lucas responded coldly.
01:23Who are you? Since when does a stranger like you get to question my relationship with Vivian?
01:28I was about to tell him that I was his fiance but he hung up abruptly. I became angry. How
01:34dare he not save my contact information? Meanwhile Vivian Morrow who was standing beside me grinned
01:40triumphantly. You wench. Did you really think having Lucas's number makes you special? Keep dreaming.
01:48She looked at me with open contempt. Even the Janners at Goodwin's group dress better than you.
01:53I had always preferred simple comfortable clothes and never cared about brand names.
01:57I never thought that would give people a reason to look down on me.
02:01What era are you even living in? To think you'd still be judging people by their looks.
02:06Lucas. Lucas must be out of his mind to call you his sister in all but blood.
02:10My mood for shopping was ruined thanks to her antics. I grabbed the gown and headed straight
02:14to the checkout counter. The saleswoman hesitated before saying,
02:18Miss, I'm sorry but we prioritize our members first. Vivian smirked and slammed her shiny gold
02:24membership card onto the counter. Only people who've spent over a million get this card.
02:29What's a broke loser like you even doing here? I was not usually one to pick fights but on that
02:35day
02:35Vivian had really crossed a line. I pulled out a black card and handed it to the saleswoman.
02:40I suppressed my anger and said, sign me up for a membership. Then bagged the gown.
02:46Vivian glared at the saleswoman and threatened, the Goodwin's own Floaten.
02:51If you sell her that gown today, I'll have Luke's buy this store out tomorrow.
02:55The saleswoman shrank back timidly and said, Miss, I'm just an employee. I can't risk offending Goodwin's group.
03:02Several onlookers turned to me and offered me advice in whispers.
03:05That's Mrs. Moreau. I've seen her around. Lucas Goodwin's oils were rotten. You should just let it go.
03:11The last time someone crossed her, Goodwin's group drove them into bankruptcy.
03:15You may have some money but it's pocket change compared to Goodwin's group.
03:18Just apologize to Mrs. Moreau now and beg her to spare you.
03:21Flattered by their words, Vivian's ego swelled like a balloon.
03:25You wench, get on your knees and say, I'm a worthless poser and I'm sorry.
03:31Maybe then I'll consider letting you off the hook.
03:34At 26 years of my life, I had never encountered anyone audacious enough to act so arrogantly in front of
03:40me.
03:41Pardon? What did you just ask me to say?
03:45What? What are you deaf?
03:47Say I'm a worthless poser. I'm sorry. Do I need to spell it out for you?
03:52I smirked. I heard you. Since you're aware that you're a worthless poser, get out of my sight.
03:59Don't waste my time.
04:01When Vivian finally realized she was being mocked, she flailed her arms and charged at me.
04:06It was laughable to see her trying to attack me.
04:08I had a black belt in taekwondo.
04:10Did she really think her flimsy punches would scare me?
04:13I sent Vivian crashing to the floor with a single kick.
04:19She howled in pain.
04:21The onlookers stared at me in horror.
04:23Onlooker gosh. Did she just do that to Mrs. Morley?
04:27Mr. Goodwin is going to tear her to pieces once he hears about this.
04:31Yeah, good luck to her. Not even God can save her.
04:35I felt nothing when I heard their whispers.
04:38The Goodwin family had only achieved their current status through my mother's support.
04:42No one in this city could intimidate me.
04:44I slammed my card on the counter again and said to the cashier,
04:49Ring me up.
04:50The cashier, visibly shaken, fumbled as she processed my payment and wrapped up the gown.
04:55I turned to leave with the bag in hand.
04:58Vivian scrambled to stand up and blocked my path again.
05:01You're not going anywhere!
05:03I raised my fist and waved it in front of her face.
05:06What's the matter?
05:07Do you want to taste my fist again?
05:09Vivian flinched instinctively.
05:11I scoffed and strode past her.
05:14Just then, a black car pulled up in front of the store.
05:17A man stepped out.
05:18I felt my heart skip a beat.
05:21Vivian immediately rushed over tearfully to tattle.
05:24Luke!
05:25She stole my gown from me!
05:27And even hit me!
05:28So, this was my fiancé.
05:31I had always been a sucker for good looks.
05:33And Lucas' appearance was exactly my type.
05:35Based on his looks alone, I felt I could forgive his previous rudeness.
05:40I gave him my best smile.
05:42Hi!
05:44I'm Lily Winsong, your fiancé.
05:47It was no wonder my mother said I would be satisfied with the man she had picked this time.
05:52She really knew me inside out.
05:54The onlookers immediately erupted in gasps.
05:57What?
05:58She's Mr. Goodwin's fiancé?
06:02Lucas looked at me coldly.
06:04Don't get ahead of yourself.
06:05My father arranged this engagement without my consent.
06:08I never agreed to it.
06:10Vivian, who stood beside him,
06:12wrapped her arm around his and leaned intimately against his shoulder.
06:15She shot me a provocative glance.
06:18Look at yourself.
06:19There is no way Lukes would ever marry an ugly creature like you!
06:22Someone chimed in.
06:24Exactly!
06:25If Mr. Goodwin were to marry,
06:26it would be to some rich girl from a proper family with equal status,
06:29not some country bumpin' like you.
06:31With her looks, Goodwin's group wouldn't even hire her to mop floors.
06:34I had never considered myself a stunning beauty,
06:36but I was certainly not ugly.
06:38How could they describe me in such derogatory terms?
06:41This proved how people instinctively curry favor with the powerful
06:45and took advantage of those in misfortune.
06:47Lucas Goodwin,
06:48go home and tell your father that I'm calling off this engagement.
06:54You don't deserve me.
06:58According to my mother,
06:59his father had pulled countless strings
07:01to arrange this marriage alliance with our family.
07:04If he learned that his own son had ruined it,
07:07he'd skin Lucas alive.
07:08The thought lifted my mood a little.
07:10I could not be bothered to waste more time on these idiots,
07:13so I turned to leave.
07:14But Vivian,
07:15knowing that Lucas would back her up,
07:17refused to let it go.
07:19She blocked my path again.
07:20Don't even try to run,
07:22you wench.
07:23We're not done here.
07:24You stole my gown
07:26and hit me.
07:27I looked at her disdainfully.
07:29What exactly do you want?
07:30Mistaking my calm for fear,
07:32she raised her hand to slap me.
07:34I'll slap you until I feel satisfied.
07:36I caught her wrist mid-swing
07:38and slapped her across the face without hesitation.
07:41She stared at me in shock.
07:44Had enough?
07:46Vivian said angrily.
07:47Those two slaps wiped the arrogant look off Vivian's face.
07:51She burst into tears and cowered behind Lucas.
07:54Lukes, do something!
07:56Lucas shielded her protectively and snarled,
07:59Touch my girl again,
08:01and I'll end you.
08:02He signaled his bodyguards to grab me.
08:05I managed to take down the first bodyguard with a quick strike,
08:08but the second one pinned me down.
08:10After a barrage of blows,
08:12I collapsed to the floor.
08:13The two bodyguards hauled me up
08:15and forced me to my knees before Vivian and Lucas.
08:18They looked down at me.
08:19Lucas backed Vivian up and said,
08:21Vivi,
08:23do whatever you want to her.
08:26I've got your back.
08:27With Lucas' reassurance,
08:29Vivian immediately gained confidence.
08:31She slapped me twice,
08:33then spat in my face.
08:34You wench.
08:36Where's all that attitude now?
08:38Huh?
08:40Come on.
08:41Show me how tough you are.
08:43Then, she kicked me hard in the stomach.
08:46Clutching my aching abdomen,
08:48I raised my gaze to glare at her and Lucas.
08:52You'll regret this.
08:54I swear you'll pay for this.
08:57Vivian laughed arrogantly.
08:59The Goodwin family is one of the top three powerful families running this city.
09:03What can a broke loser like you even do against me?
09:07Today, I'll teach you what happens when you mess with me.
09:09She pulled out a nail clipper from her bag and slashed it across my face.
09:13Searing pain shot through my cheek as the skin swelled,
09:16and I felt blood seeping out.
09:18Someone sighed in pity.
09:20I told her not to cross the Goodwin family.
09:22Guess she had to learn the hard way.
09:24What a shame.
09:26Her pretty face is ruined now.
09:27Folks like us can't afford trouble.
09:30We'd better swallow our pride when we're out here.
09:32Vivian raised the nail clipper again,
09:34aiming for another slash at my face.
09:37Terror at the thought of disfigurement overwhelmed me,
09:40and I quickly begged for mercy.
09:42Fine.
09:42Fine.
09:43I'm sorry.
09:44Take the dress.
09:46I shouldn't have fought you for it.
09:49Revenge could wait.
09:50At that moment, saving my face was the priority.
09:53However, Vivian still slashed the blade across my face again.
09:58Oh, now you're sorry.
10:00Well, it's too late now.
10:03Wench, I won't let you go until I've vented every ounce of my rage.
10:08I screamed in pain and turned to Lucas for help.
10:10Lucas, you know my background.
10:13Aren't you afraid of the consequences?
10:15If you keep letting her humiliate me like this, you'll regret it.
10:19Lucas sneered.
10:20What status could you possibly have?
10:22Your mother bewitched my father into forcing this engagement on me.
10:27A vicious gleam flashed in Vivian's gaze.
10:30Your mother is a witch, and I bet you are one too.
10:35Strip off and let me see clearly.
10:38No!
10:39Just then, my phone rang from inside my bag.
10:42I struggled desperately to reach it, but Vivian snatched it first.
10:45She swiped to answer, and my mother's voice came through immediately.
10:49Lillabelt, how's the gown shopping going?
10:52I hurriedly shouted for help.
10:54Mom!
10:56Save me!
10:57Someone's hurting me!
10:59She's trying to strip me off!
11:01My mother panicked.
11:02What?
11:03Who's doing this to you?
11:05Vivian cut in arrogantly.
11:07Me!
11:08Your little witch daughter has been begging for attention, so I'm putting her in her place.
11:12My mother snapped.
11:13I don't care who you are.
11:14Let my daughter go now, or you'll pay for this when I get there.
11:18Try me!
11:18I'll be right here to catch you, you witch!
11:21With that, Vivian hung up my phone and furled it to the floor.
11:24It shattered into pieces.
11:26She slapped me across the face again and sneered.
11:29The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
11:32Huh?
11:33When your mother shows up, I'll strip her down too.
11:36Time crawled by.
11:37It felt like half a century.
11:39But in reality, it had only been five minutes.
11:42Finally, a familiar stretched limousine appeared.
11:46My mother stepped out of the car and demanded,
11:48Let me see who dares threaten to strip me down.
11:52The instant I saw my mother, a wave of pent-up grievances surged through me.
11:57Mom!
11:58I cried as my voice broke with emotion.
12:00My mother's heart broke at the sight of me.
12:02She immediately rushed toward me and pulled me into her embrace.
12:06I finally felt safe when I leaned against my mother's chest.
12:09The surrounding onlookers gasped in astonishment at my mother's vehicle.
12:12Look! That's a limited edition stretch limousine.
12:16Only the extremely rich and powerful can own that car.
12:19It seems Vivian messed with the wrong person this time.
12:22Wrong person.
12:24Please.
12:25Even if she's got connections, nobody could possibly outrank the Goodwin family in this city.
12:30Vivian thought the same too.
12:32She charged toward my mother.
12:33So you're the witch who raised this brat?
12:36She dared to steal my dress and hit me.
12:39Tell me, how are you gonna make this right?
12:41My mother raised her eyes to look at her.
12:43How am I going to make this right?
12:46Oblivious to my mother's murderous glare, Vivian made her demands without restraint.
12:51This was my dress until your trashy daughter put her hands on it.
12:56Now it's ruined.
12:57You'll pay ten times the price.
13:00And for those slaps, she'll kneel right here and slap herself twenty times in front of everyone.
13:06Most importantly, cancel her engagement with Luke.
13:09Do everything I say, and maybe I'll let you walk out of here in one piece.
13:13Otherwise, you're not leaving this store alive.
13:17My mother laughed in disbelief when she heard Vivian's outrageous demands.
13:21She gave my shoulder a reassuring pat before walking toward Vivian.
13:24The engagement between Lillebeau and the Goodwin family will most certainly be cancelled.
13:29Lucas could never measure up to being part of our family.
13:32As for the rest of your demands, my mother raised her hand and slapped her face hard.
13:38Don't even dream about it.
13:39You're the ones who won't be walking out today.
13:42Vivian stood stunned for a second before attempting to retaliate.
13:46My mother's bodyguard kicked her to her knees, then pinned her arms down.
13:50After struggling futilely, Vivian lifted her head to plead with Lucas.
13:54Lucas!
13:56It hurts!
13:58Help me!
13:59Lucas signaled his bodyguards to intervene, but within seconds they were overpowered and slammed to the floor.
14:05The most satisfying part followed.
14:07Lucas himself was forced to my knees before me.
14:10My mother did not hold back and slapped Lucas.
14:12I've never laid a finger on Lilibeth since she was born.
14:16And you dare humiliate her like this today, you'll repay this a thousand times over.
14:22My mother did not hold back and slapped Lucas.
14:25You old hag!
14:27How dare you hit me?
14:28I'm the chairman of Goodwin's group.
14:30You have no idea what consequences you'll face.
14:33How dare you hurt my daughter?
14:34I'd slap your father just like I slapped you if he's here.
14:37The onlookers grew even more shocked.
14:39Who does this woman think she is?
14:42Mr. Goodwin Sr. ran the underworld in his youth.
14:45After leaving that life behind, he built the Goodwin's group.
14:47Even now, everyone in Floaten shows him respect.
14:50She just struck Mr. Goodwin Sr.'s golden boy.
14:54There's no way she's walking away from this.
14:56My mother ignored their whispers.
14:58She gently touched my swollen, bleeding cheek.
15:01Oh, Lilibel, you've suffered enough.
15:04But I'm here now.
15:06Don't be afraid.
15:07Do you want payback?
15:09Just say the word.
15:10I was not the type to turn the other cheek to begin with.
15:13I certainly would not be after what Vivian just told.
15:16I stared at her with a furious gaze.
15:18First, I struck her repeatedly across the face to vent my anger.
15:23Then, I picked up the nail clipper she had used to slash my cheek and slowly brought it closer to
15:28her face.
15:29Vivian trembled violently.
15:31Don't!
15:32Don't you dare touch my face!
15:34I'll fight you to the death!
15:35Without hesitation, I made the first cut.
15:38She let out a blood-curdling scream as a bleeding gash swelled along one cheek.
15:42I slashed the blade repeatedly.
15:45Soon, her face was swollen beyond recognition.
15:47It looked bruised and bloody.
15:49She could do nothing but wail in helpless agony as she was pinned down by the bodyguards.
15:55My face!
15:57My face is ruined!
15:59It was true that a person would not know the pain until it was theirs to bear.
16:02When she tried to disfigure me, she should have expected retribution.
16:07Lucas, who was nearby, snarled at me.
16:10You psychotic wench!
16:12When my father finds out what you did to Vivi, he'll make you pay!
16:15My mother said coldly,
16:17Good.
16:18Let Bernard come.
16:19We'll see who he punishes.
16:21You or us.
16:23My mother immediately took out her phone and called Bernard Goodwin.
16:26He answered instantly.
16:28Hello, Denia.
16:30What's the matter?
16:31My mother replied coldly,
16:33Bernard, you've certainly raised an exceptional son.
16:37Recognizing her displeasure, Bernard responded with forced laughter.
16:41Denia, what has my useless son done now?
16:44Just say the word, and I'll punish him severely.
16:47You know, Lilliville is my only daughter.
16:49I've cherished her like the apple of my eye since she was born.
16:52Yes, of course.
16:53Rest assured, when Mrs. Winsone marries into our family,
16:57I won't let her suffer even the slightest grievance.
17:00My mother's voice trembled with suppressed rage.
17:03Well, your precious boy, Lucas,
17:06has let Lilliville suffer a terrible humiliation.
17:08He tied her up and allowed her to be beaten and insulted
17:12for the sake of some pretend sister.
17:14How are you going to make this right?
17:17Bernard was in disbelief when he heard this.
17:19He then said,
17:20What?
17:21That brat hurt Mrs. Winsone.
17:24Skin him alive for all I care.
17:26Do whatever you want with him.
17:28Lucas, who was kneeling on the floor, shouted,
17:30Dad, has this witch cast a spell on you?
17:33These two witches are evil.
17:35They ruined Vivi's face and made me kneel.
17:39Instead of saving me,
17:40you're letting them have their way with me.
17:42I'm your son!
17:44Bernard roared furiously.
17:46You're a disgrace.
17:47After this disaster you've caused,
17:50I wish I'd never had you!
17:52Lucas tried to speak again.
17:53My mother ended the call deliberately.
17:55She looked at him with contempt.
17:57Do you still think your father is going to save you?
18:00You black widow.
18:02Don't get cocky.
18:03He's just blowing off steam.
18:05I'm his flesh and blood.
18:07When he comes for me,
18:08you're dead.
18:09Ever since I could remember,
18:11my father's memory was my mother's most tender spot.
18:13No one would dare broach it.
18:15Lucas truly had a death wish
18:17and was walking straight into the line of fire.
18:20As expected,
18:21my mother's expression darkened.
18:23She looked at him with a murderous gaze.
18:25I swiftly kicked Lucas in the back.
18:27He sprawled face first onto the floor.
18:30Mom,
18:31don't waste your anger on this worthless fool.
18:33Let me handle him.
18:34I know exactly how to deal with them.
18:36With that,
18:37I ordered the bodyguards to take both of them away.
18:39I sidled up to Mom and whined.
18:42Mom,
18:42my face really hurts.
18:44Will you come with me to get it treated first?
18:46My coaxing tone successfully snapped my mother back to rationality.
18:51She gently touched my injured cheek
18:52and accompanied me to the hospital.
18:54Floodon's top dermatologists and plastic surgeons gathered to examine me.
18:58After disinfecting my facial wounds,
19:00they discussed treatment plans to ensure no scars would remain.
19:04Once the treatment plan was finalized,
19:06the doctors gradually dispersed.
19:08Only my mother and I remained in the ward.
19:11I leaned my head against her shoulder and murmured reassuringly.
19:14Mom,
19:15don't take Lucas's words to heart.
19:17Lilibelt,
19:18your father really did die because of me.
19:20Do you hate me for making you grow up without a father?
19:22Her voice thickened with guilt and regret.
19:25I shook my head and hugged her tighter.
19:26I knew better than anyone how much she had suffered these years.
19:30My father had been part of the underworld.
19:33He had countless subordinates.
19:34Bernard was just one of his underlings.
19:37Everything changed when he met my mother.
19:39They fell in love at first sight.
19:41The violent womanizer who lived for fights and flings finally settled down.
19:45From that moment,
19:46his heart belonged only to my mother.
19:48But this gave my father a weakness.
19:51His enemies repeatedly targeted my mother.
19:53In the end,
19:54he sacrificed his life protecting her.
19:56I was less than a year old at the time.
19:58My grandparents said she would have followed my father in death had I not existed.
20:02For my sake,
20:03she dragged herself through the grief.
20:05She dissolved my father's underworld organization.
20:08From its members,
20:09she selected those with business acumen and funded their ventures.
20:12My mother understood the danger of drawing attention.
20:15To shield me from becoming a target,
20:17she maintained a low profile
20:19and never appeared before the media or public.
20:21It was no exaggeration to say my mother built three of Flodan's major financial empires.
20:26Only a few knew this truth.
20:28This explained why idiots like Lucas remained ignorant of her true status.
20:32That was why he dared spew nonsense.
20:36After a week of medical treatment,
20:38my facial injuries healed completely.
20:40My skin became even smoother and more radiant than before.
20:44One day,
20:44the housekeeper brought over another gift from Bernard.
20:47It was a 1945 Chateau Lafite.
20:49It was one of only a few left in the world.
20:52It was clear Bernard had gone to great lengths to save his son.
20:56After locking Lucas and Vivian up for a week,
20:58it was about time I paid them a visit.
21:00I instructed the housekeeper to inform Bernard who was waiting outside.
21:04Then,
21:05I had the bodyguards bring Lucas and Vivian up from the basement.
21:08Those seven short days had transformed them beyond recognition.
21:12Their hair was matted,
21:13and their bodies reeked of foul odors.
21:16Vivian's facial wounds were left untreated.
21:18It had festered and swollen.
21:20Her entire face had turned into a bloated mess and was ruined beyond repair.
21:25When Lucas spotted Bernard,
21:26tears of relief streamed down his face.
21:29He scrambled over on hands and knees.
21:31Dad!
21:33You're finally here!
21:34You have no idea what I've been through these days.
21:38He pointed a shaking finger at me.
21:40It was her!
21:41She locked me in that water cell.
21:44She deprived me of sleep,
21:46starved me,
21:47and forced me to eat rotten food.
21:50I smiled slightly as I looked at him.
21:52Yet you always licked the bowl clean though,
21:55didn't you Mr. Goodwin?
21:57Human survival instincts were truly remarkable.
22:00I had ordered the guards to deliver just one meal of cold,
22:03rancid oatmeal per day.
22:05At first,
22:06Lucas proudly declared he would rather starve than touch such food.
22:09He was the chairman of Goodwin's group, after all.
22:12But after three days without food,
22:14pride became meaningless.
22:15They fought over that putrid oatmeal,
22:17and even licked their bowls for him.
22:20Lucas glared at me savagely.
22:22You vicious witch!
22:24Now that my father is here,
22:26your little game is over.
22:28Sometimes I marveled at life scales of balance.
22:30When it gave you one thing,
22:32it would always take away another.
22:34Clearly,
22:35Lucas's intelligence had been traded for his looks.
22:37Before he could finish his threat,
22:39Bernard struck him across the head.
22:42You disgrace!
22:43Are you trying to give me a heart attack?
22:47Get on your knees and apologize to Ms. Windshow right now!
22:51Lucas turned to his father,
22:53his face twisted in betrayal.
22:54Why should I apologize?
22:57She tortured me for days!
23:00Instead of having my back,
23:01why are you taking her side?
23:03Bernard looked at his clueless son in despair.
23:05He was truly at his wit's end.
23:07Since my mother had given strict instructions,
23:10Bernard could not reveal my identity.
23:12He could only vent his frustration
23:14by kicking Lucas behind the knees
23:15and forcing him to kneel before me.
23:17Bernard spoke with cautious deference.
23:20Mrs. Winsway,
23:21I know this worthless son of mine
23:23has angered you.
23:24Nothing he does will ever make up for it.
23:27But he's my only child.
23:30Please,
23:31spare his life.
23:32Witnessing his father's humiliating submission,
23:35Lucas finally realized
23:37that I was not just some nobody.
23:39Dad,
23:40who is she?
23:43We're the Goodwin family.
23:45One of the three most powerful families running this city.
23:48Since when has there been anyone
23:49we can't afford to offend?
23:51Bernard glared at him with disgust.
23:53You stupid brat!
23:54How many times have I told you
23:56there's always someone above us?
23:58I told you to behave,
24:00but you never listened!
24:01Let me make this clear.
24:03Mrs. Winsaw
24:04is exactly who we can't afford to offend.
24:09Whether you walk out of here
24:10depends entirely on her.
24:13Finally comprehending the gravity of the situation,
24:16Lucas' expression shifted from resentment
24:18to pure terror.
24:19He stammered and said,
24:20Mrs. Winswine,
24:22I've been a fool.
24:25Please,
24:26forgive me.
24:27I sat in my chair
24:29as I slowly sipped the coffee beside me
24:31before addressing them.
24:32Bernard,
24:33you're actually wrong about Lucas.
24:35He wasn't the one who offended me.
24:36It's his sister in all but blood that did.
24:39Lucas merely wanted to stand up for her.
24:41You're such a disgrace!
24:43Instead of learning proper conduct,
24:45you're messing around with some pretend sister.
24:48Get that woman out of my sight.
24:49Now!
24:50Seeing this,
24:51Vivian instantly realized
24:52Lucas was barely keeping his own head above water
24:55at the moment.
24:56He could not save himself,
24:57much less her.
24:59Just remembering her time in the water cell,
25:01she vowed never to suffer like that again.
25:03Her legs gave out.
25:05She collapsed to her knees with a thud
25:07and started apologizing frantically.
25:09Mrs. Winswine!
25:10I'm sorry!
25:12I'm sorry!
25:13I'm the worthless poser!
25:15Please forgive me!
25:16Please spare me just this once.
25:19Please!
25:20Please!
25:21I beg you!
25:22Please spare my miserable life!
25:25Her words echoed in the room
25:27as she repeatedly begged for forgiveness on her knees.
25:30Lucas finally lowered his crowd head in submission.
25:33Mrs. Winsbone,
25:34I was blind and foolish to wrong you.
25:36I won't bully people
25:38or pull that privileged nonsense again.
25:41Please just give me this one chance.
25:43After finishing my coffee,
25:44I set the cup aside.
25:45I looked at the people around me
25:47and said calmly,
25:48My, you are all speaking
25:49as if I'm some homicidal maniac.
25:52This is a society governed by law.
25:55Do I really look like a criminal to you?
25:58Bernard ventured cautiously.
26:00Mrs. Winsbone,
26:01does this mean you're forgiving this idiot?
26:03I smiled.
26:04Of course.
26:06Though they'd hurt me,
26:07I've hurt them too.
26:09An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.
26:12I'll let this matter end here.
26:13Lucas and Vivian resumed frantically
26:16thanking me for their mercy.
26:17I cleared my throat before continuing,
26:19Not only do I forgive you,
26:21I intend to grant you a blessing.
26:24The three of them looked confused.
26:27After some digging,
26:28I discovered Vivian and Lucas
26:30have been dating all along.
26:32They adopted the pretend sibling's pretense
26:34because you wouldn't approve, Bernard.
26:38Well, congratulations, lovebirds.
26:40You'll be heading straight
26:41to the city hall after this.
26:42You've got exactly seven days
26:44to throw a wedding and float on.
26:45My words were met with mixed reactions.
26:48Some were delighted,
26:49others horrified.
26:50Vivian had never expected this misfortune
26:52to turn into her lucky break.
26:54Her long-held dream
26:55of climbing society's ladder
26:57by marrying a wealthy man
26:58was finally coming true.
26:59A thrill of victory rose in her chest
27:02and she could not help but smile.
27:04However, that smile
27:05was particularly grotesque
27:07and unsettling on her nearly disfigured face.
27:09The one displeased by this turn of events
27:11was naturally Bernard.
27:13He had always looked down
27:14on Vivian's background and behavior.
27:16This disaster involving Lucas
27:18had been partly caused by her,
27:20deepening his disdain toward her.
27:21I observed the three of them,
27:23each lost in their own thoughts,
27:25and asked,
27:27Well, can you do it?
27:31When they gave me their agreement,
27:33I waved them off with a smile.
27:35There's a car waiting outside
27:37to take you lovelargs to the city hall.
27:40They scrambled to their feet
27:41and dashed out,
27:42as if afraid I might change my mind
27:44if they delayed even a second.
27:45The filthy, foul-smelling Lucas and Vivian
27:48were delivered straight
27:49to the city hall's entrance.
27:51A staff member approached them.
27:52She suppressed her disgust at the stench.
27:56Sir, miss, how may I assist you?
27:58Lucas glanced at Vivian's swollen face
28:01and could not help but feel repulsed.
28:03Still high on the thrill of bagging a good one,
28:06Vivian blurted out,
28:07We're here to get married!
28:09even after years of handling registrations,
28:12this was the most bizarre couple
28:14the staff had ever encountered.
28:15Most couples dress their best
28:17when registering for marriage,
28:18but these two looked like refugees
28:20fleeing a disaster.
28:22The groom looked especially disgusted
28:24and reluctant.
28:25The staff processed their paperwork
28:26dutifully despite their appearance.
28:28When my driver reported
28:29they had successfully tied a knot,
28:31I felt the wicked satisfaction
28:33of a prankster seeing their scheme succeed.
28:36This particular prank, however,
28:37would haunt them for life.
28:41A week later,
28:42their wedding had the whole internet
28:43talking about the Goodwin family.
28:45The viral wedding coverage
28:46caused Goodwin's group stocks to plummet.
28:48Their assets were halved,
28:49knocking them out of Floodon's top three spots.
28:52Though my orchestrated behind the scenes
28:54certainly helped.
28:55Bernard blamed Vivian entirely.
28:58He was convinced she had brought misfortune
29:00to the Goodwin family.
29:01From the moment she married in,
29:03he never showed her even a hint of kindness.
29:05After marriage,
29:06Lucas became a habitual womanizer
29:08who refused to go home
29:10and face Vivian's disfigured face
29:12due to the result of untreated wounds.
29:14Initially, Vivian had been overjoyed
29:16about marrying into the Goodwin family.
29:18As time passed,
29:19she realized even the housemaids
29:21did not regard her
29:22as Lucas's legitimate wife.
29:23Her influence within the Goodwin family
29:25was negligible.
29:26The meager monthly allowance
29:27she received
29:28was not even close
29:29to her imagined aristocratic lifestyle.
29:31They fought constantly
29:32about Lucas's repeated affairs.
29:34Through these constant fights,
29:36Vivian grew increasingly paranoid
29:38and unstable.
29:39After one particularly vicious quarrel,
29:41she snapped.
29:42She stabbed Lucas
29:43before ending her own life.
29:45I was vacationing abroad
29:47with my mother
29:48when we heard the news of their deaths.
29:49Sunlight sifted through the branches.
29:51A new day began in tranquility.
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