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Breaking the Hockey Star - FULL | DramaReel
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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.
01:32I lock my eyes on the ice bucket, terrified to look up.
01:35Julian, remember 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.
02:13I freeze.
02:14Turn around.
02:16I froze.
02:17My back to the only man I'd ever loved.
02:19The father of my child.
02:22Is there a problem, sir?
02:23I forced my voice flat.
02:26Professional.
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,
03:02built 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,
03:34and 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.
04:31Five hundred dollars.
04:34Strip.
04:37Now.
04:38Now it was just me and Julian.
04:40He sat in the center of the velvet sofa.
04:43Knees spread.
04:45Elbows on his thighs.
04:46Watching 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 balled 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, at the mirrors, the pole, the bed in the corner I always pretended
05:28wasn't there.
05:30What'd your father say?
05:33Oh, wait.
05:34He's in federal prison, isn't he?
05:37The 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.
06:20The anger in his face fractured.
06:22Why?
06:23Why this?
06:25You could have gone anywhere, done 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.
06:47But don't you dare pretend you care, Julian.
06:50You 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.
07:31Don't what?
07:32Don't remember what you taste like.
07:36Don't remember that morning you left.
07:38How you kissed me.
07:40You told me you'd see me at graduation.
07:42How you...
07:46How you lied.
07:48I didn't lie.
07:49You said you loved...
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?
09:58Lily 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.
10:12It's all old and wrinkly, and she looks at it when she thinks I'm asleep.
10:19She 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, with Lily sprawled across my chest in a tangle of limbs, I watched the
10:55gentle rise and fall of her sleep.
10:57Her eyelashes were two perfect dark fans against her cheek.
11:01His eyelashes.
11:03My mind, the traitor it always was, dragged me back.
11:06It was the fall of my freshman year, on the ice at the University of Michigan.
11:11Julian when stood out for all the wrong reasons.
11:13He was the kid in second-hand pads held together with hockey tape, skating on borrowed blades.
11:18His jersey had been washed so many times the number was barely legible.
11:22But he carried himself like none of it touched him.
11:24All sharp angles and coiled tension, like 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 was handed to a legacy kid whose famed the right
11:48coach speed dial.
11:50Femley had the right consenscrobity.
11:52I wanted to help him.
11:53So one afternoon, I stopped him on the quad and took his calloused hand in mine.
11:58Julian, before 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.
12:07Please.
12:08He looked at me like I'd just insulted everything he'd ever worked for.
12:12The wounded wolf.
12:13All teeth and fury.
12:15And throw-up over live drangles of Venkfried at Ad Maureen of Filmen.
12:20But I'd never lost at anything.
12:22The more he refused, the harder I pushed.
12:26Until the night his grandfather collapsed from a heart attack.
12:30The ICU bill was $20 a day.
12:34I paid it before he could argue.
12:38And Julian finally let me in.
12:41In my foolish, naive heart, I thought I'd saved him.
12:48It took me years to understand I'd just broken him differently.
12:52He never stopped working side jobs.
12:55Never stopped waking at 4 in the morning for 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 or hit him a little too hard in practice.
13:08And I, still floating in my comfortable bubble, would just squeeze his hand and tell him they were jealous.
13:15They were thinned.
13:16I never once saw the war he 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 every 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, I made a choice.
13:53I called him to meet me outside, in the snow.
14:00I 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, the 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.
15:23Don't make me come back to that club to find you.
15:28I stared at the message until the screen burned my retinas.
15:32Then deleted it.
15:35And blocked the number.
15:40The next night, Marco 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, still not meeting my eyes.
15:51He bought a $20,000 bottle.
15:53He's not going anywhere.
15:55Just go.
15:56Julian was in the same booth.
15:58Alone.
15:59In a leather jacket that cost more than my month's rent.
16:03He 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, ready 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.
16:42You really didn't want to be found.
16:44I lifted my chin and made myself hold his gaze.
16:47No.
16:48I wanted to scream.
16:50I was pregnant.
16:52I wasn't going to let you throw away the NHL for me.
16:55But 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.
17:04That'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.
17:22Don'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?
17:35His 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 with sports media tracking your every move.
17:59I just...
18:00I didn't expect a real future with you.
18:03Never expected a future.
18:05He repeated it slowly, like 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, steadied myself, then 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.
19:05I thought if I stayed, you'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.
19:15My 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 on needle-thin stilettos,
19:41trailing Byred perfume,
19:42and six years of perfectly culled social 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 manage.
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.
20:19Maya 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.
20:45You'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.
21:20The color left Julian's face all at once.
21:27Do you love him?
21:32He's good to me.
21:33That's not what I asked, Eve.
21:38I didn't answer.
21:40I 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,
22:08I saw him.
22:08Same dark hair.
22:10Same deep-set blue eyes.
22:12Same crooked smile the moment she spotted me.
22:16Mommy!
22:17She launched herself into my arms.
22:20You're home early!
22:22Missed you too much.
22:27I held her tight and breathed in the strawberry of her shampoo.
22:31Bella appeared in the doorway, smiling.
22:34She drew a picture today.
22:36Said it was for her dad.
22:40Something tightened in my chest.
22:42Her dad?
22:45Lily was already scrambling down, running to her room.
22:49Coming back with a crayon drawing.
22:52Three figures.
22:54A bearded man, a 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, I whispered and kissed her forehead.
23:55Later, after she was asleep,
23:58I sat on the fire escape
24:00with a cigarette burnout 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.
24:34There 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.
24:43My 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.
24:55What are you talking about?
24:56I'm at the park.
24:58Behind you.
24:5950 yards.
25:00Under the big oak tree.
25:01I turned.
25:02He was there.
25:04Hoodie, jeans, baseball 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, we 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, un-guarded recognition.
25:38Then she beamed.
25:40Daddy!
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 she pointed a soddy finger
25:52straight at Julian's face.
25:54He looks just like the daddy in my picture!
25:57Julian knelt down
25:58and Lily threw her small arms around his neck.
26:02My mind just stopped.
26:03He looked up at me.
26:05His eyes were red.
26:07He said,
26:08barely a sound at all.
26:10Lily,
26:11how old is she?
26:13Four.
26:17You'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, okay?
26:26Something cracked across his face.
26:28I turned away,
26:30knowing that was it.
26:31Julian pulled Lily into his arms.
26:33She locked her hands behind his neck
26:34and held on,
26:35the way kids do
26:36when they're afraid to let go
26:37of something they almost lost.
26:39You smell good, Daddy.
26:40Do I?
26:42So do you.
26:43I stood there with my hands at my sides,
26:44not sure what to do with them.
26:45After a few minutes,
26:47Lily's grip slowly loosened,
26:48her body going heavy against his chest
26:51with a wide, sleepy yawn.
26:52She needs her nap, I said.
26:54Julian looked at me.
26:55I'm taking you home.
26:56You don't have to-
26:57Eve.
26:58She was out before we reached the car.
27:00He carried her across the parking lot
27:03with both arms under her,
27:05slow arms steady under her her,
27:08slow and deliberate,
27:10like he was afraid to joltle her awake.
27:13The drive was quiet.
27:15He kept his eyes on the road.
27:17I watched the city slide past the passenger window.
27:20Lily breathed softly in her car seat behind us.
27:24What does she like to eat, he 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 five years?
27:41Yes.
27:43When's her birthday?
27:45February 17th.
27:47His grip tightened on the wheel.
27:49We broke up on June 10th.
27:51When you left,
27:53you were already pregnant.
27:55Julian!
27:56And you didn't tell me.
28:03Eve, why wouldn't you tell me?
28:04Because you were going to the NHL.
28:07You finally had your shot.
28:08After everything.
28:10And?
28:10And I wasn't going to be the reason you walked away from it.
28:14Eve, that 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 while I was on the ice,
28:25giving interviews about how damn much I missed you.
28:28I pressed my hand flat against my sternum.
28:30It didn't help.
28:32I'm sorry.
28:32I said.
28:34I thought I was doing the right thing.
28:36You didn't know.
28:37I said, holding his gaze.
28:39You didn't know about 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 what 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 life.
28:53And I done.
28:54I need just swafting off I far
28:56and spent the rest of your life resenting 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 back in college.
29:09He went white.
29:10You think I hated you?
29:12Didn't you?
29:13I let out a short, broken laugh
29:16and the tears came before I could stop them.
29:19You were never really mine.
29:27I kept you with money for three years.
29:30We both knew that.
29:32If it hadn't been for your grandfather's hospital bills,
29:35you never would have stayed with me.
29:37You-
29:38We're here.
29:39I nodded toward the window.
29:42Let me out.
29:44He didn't move.
29:47Julian.
29:48Let me out.
29:50Slowly, his hands came off the steering wheel.
29:54Eve.
29:56There's something I never told you.
29:59What?
30:01I liked you before you ever paid for anything.
30:05I couldn't speak.
30:07First day of college?
30:08He said, his voice low.
30:12You were walking down the hall in this white dress.
30:15I remember thinking,
30:17I'm never going to forget that girl.
30:21Then why did you-
30:22He shut his eyes for a second.
30:25Because of the money.
30:27You paid my grandfather's medical bills.
30:30After that, everything got twisted.
30:33I couldn't tell if I wanted you
30:35or what you could do for me.
30:39I hated that I couldn't separate the two.
30:43The tears came harder.
30:45So when you said yes,
30:47when you actually stayed,
30:49was it only
30:51Willie because-
30:52Because even if it started that way,
30:54I still wanted to stay.
30:56He looked at me then.
30:59Even if you thought I was just someone you paid for.
31:08I broke completely.
31:18In 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 to let you back in.
31:50Julian didn't leave that night.
31:52He stayed in my tiny apartment.
31:55Daddy, you build this part?
31:57You got it, princess.
31:58Are you coming back tomorrow?
32:00I am.
32:01Every day?
32:02Every single day.
32:04For one moment,
32:05something settled in my chest.
32:07This felt right.
32:09A text from Ivan.
32:12Meeting with the loan officer tomorrow
32:13to sign papers for your family's debt.
32:15Wear something nice,
32:15you still owe me 10 grand.
32:17My fingers went numb.
32:19After my father went bankrupt,
32:21Ivan had offered to clear our debts
32:23on one condition.
32:24That I marry him.
32:28Last month,
32:29I'd borrowed $10,000 from him.
32:32It was the opening he'd been waiting for.
32:35Who was that?
32:37No one.
32:38Was it even?
32:40How do you know that?
32:41I looked for you.
32:42After you disappeared,
32:43I never stopped.
32:45I wrote a facial recognition program,
32:48fed it every photo I had of you.
32:50It finally got a hit in Detroit.
32:52Eve, the only reason I chose this team was you.
32:55So you came here.
32:57You actually...
32:59Mommy!
32:59You actually...
33:17Daddy loves mommy!
33:20I buried my face in her hair.
33:22Julian couldn't see what was happening to 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 about was Ivan.
33:36Ten thousand dollars.
33:38What Julian would do the second he found out.
33:40He would pay it.
33:41No hesitation.
33:43And we'd be right back where we started.
33:46Him.
33:47The man I'd bought.
33:48I couldn't do that to him again.
33:51I stepped out of his arms.
33:55I have to tell you something.
33:58What is it?
34:01I'm getting married.
34:03I turned Julian down.
34:05I told him we needed time to learn how to be us again.
34:08His eyes dimmed.
34:10But he didn't push it.
34:12When I woke up the next morning.
34:15Julian was already in the kitchen.
34:17He was wearing an apron.
34:20Frying eggs.
34:21Making toast.
34:22And slicing strawberries.
34:25Every piece was cut perfectly even.
34:27Just the way I liked it.
34:29You used to slice them like that.
34:30He glanced back at me.
34:32His eyes soft.
34:34Because you like it.
34:35Lily ran in like a little cannonball.
34:37Mommy!
34:38Daddy made breakfast!
34:41Julian set a plate of sliced strawberries in front of her.
34:44Her eyes lit up.
34:45So sweet!
34:49Slow down.
34:50He smiled and patted her head.
34:53In that moment, it felt like we were a real family.
34:57If I hadn't left six years ago, maybe we would have had this all along.
35:02Buzz.
35:03Buzz.
35:03My phone vibrated.
35:09Eve!
35:10Eve!
35:10Maya!
35:10I hear you and Julian are back together.
35:12It was Maya.
35:14How did you know?
35:15News travels fast in our world.
35:17I just wanted to remind you that Julian is a public figure.
35:21If the press finds out, you work at a strip club.
35:24Are you threatening me?
35:27I'm helping you.
35:29Julian and I have an arrangement.
35:30As far as the world knows, I'm his girlfriend.
35:33Don't mess this up.
35:36I gripped my phone until my cuckles turned 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 is concerned, you're with her.
35:54That's a lie.
35:56She helped me out of a few PR messes, but we were never real.
36:00But she said she's your girlfriend.
36:02I need your ruster.
36:04Eve, who are you going to believe?
36:06Her or me?
36:08Lily called out from the table.
36:09Daddy!
36:10I want more strawberries!
36:12Julian gave me one last look, then turned back to slice the strawberries.
36:16I stood in the doorway, my mind a complete mess.
36:19His smile frozen on his face.
36:21What?
36:22What?
36:23I'm getting married, I repeated.
36:26To Ivan.
36:28Mommy's getting married?
36:31To who?
36:32Lily looked up at me, to Uncle Yvonne.
36:35I want Daddy with Daddy!
36:39Julian picked her up and coaxed her softly.
36:42Don't cry.
36:44Daddy's here.
36:45He looked at me, his eyes turning cold.
36:48Are 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, that doesn't matter.
37:00It matters.
37:04He set Lily down and walked over.
37:08Eve, look me in the eye and tell me you love him.
37:11I looked up into his eyes.
37:13Those same eyes had looked at me in the snow six years ago, saying,
37:18Fine, let's break up.
37:20Six years later, in front of our daughter, those eyes were red.
37:26I...
37:27Mommy doesn't like Uncle Yvonne!
37:29Mommy never smiles when she sees Uncle Yvonne!
37:33Lily yelled from the corner of the side.
37:35I panicked.
37:37She's telling the truth.
37:39Eve, you'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 with gel, holding a bottle of red wine.
37:49Eve, I'm here to pick you up for dinner.
37:52Who is...
37:52Ivan, this is my...
37:53I'm Lily's father.
37:54Julian walked over and stood in front of me.
37:57Julian wine?
37:58The NHL guy?
38:00Yeah.
38:03Oh, didn't Eve dump you?
38:06The room went dead silent.
38:09Ivan, you should go.
38:11Go?
38:12I brought wine to celebrate.
38:15To celebrate you finally agreeing to marry me.
38:18I didn't agree.
38:19You did.
38:21He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.
38:26This is the paperwork.
38:28Sign it, and I'll pay off the remaining 20 grand.
38:32Otherwise, the bank will take this apartment.
38:35You owe the bank money?
38:37My dad's debt.
38:38The apartment is in my mom's name, but it's mortgaged.
38:41How much?
38:43None of your business.
38:45Eve!
38:46Lily got scared and 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, there's 20 grand to the bank.
39:02All told, you're looking at 35 once the interest kicks in.
39:05I'll give you 50.
39:07Her debt is paid.
39:10Julian pulled out his phone.
39:1360.
39:14Ivan's face changed.
39:17What's your account number?
39:1970.
39:20Last chance.
39:22Otherwise, I'm calling my lawyers.
39:27Ivan took the money and left.
39:29I leaned against the wall, holding Lily.
39:32Julian, you didn't have to do that.
39:36It was worth it.
39:39He walked over and took Lily from 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, I worked my shift at the club.
39:59Julian showed up again.
40:03He sat at the bar with a club soda.
40:06Like my own silent bodyguard.
40:09I'm taking you home.
40:10You don't have to come here every day.
40:12I want to.
40:13Aren't you worried about 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, we're doing a DNA test tomorrow.
40:27What?
40:28A paternity test.
40:29I need legal proof that Lily is my daughter.
40:31She already is.
40:33Then take the test.
40:35After that, I'm filing for joint custody.
40:39You're fighting me for custody?
40:42I'm not fighting you.
40:44Eve, I can't let my daughter grow up in a situation where she could be taken away at any second.
40:48I need legal security.
40:50I won't let anyone take her.
40:51What about you?
40:52You work nights at a strip club.
40:54Lily is five.
40:55She's going to find out eventually.
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?
41:06Ivans?
41:07You'd rather marry him than take anything from me?
41:09Because I don't want to owe you anymore.
41:12You never owed me a damn thing.
41:15Six years, Eve.
41:16Six years.
41:18You raised Lily all by yourself.
41:20Do you have any idea what I went through?
41:22I looked for you every single day.
41:24I even built a tracking program to find you.
41:28So you found me.
41:30Now what?
41:30Now I'm going to marry you.
41:33What?
41:33Let's get married.
41:35Not to settle some debt.
41:36Because I've loved you since I was 19 and that has never changed.
41:40I hesitated.
41:41I couldn't let Lily get caught in the crossfire of our mess.
41:45Not right now.
41:46When you're ready.
41:48But promise me one 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 at Michigan.
41:59I can start over.
42:02You're already an amazing mother, Eve.
42:05And you're brilliant.
42:09The next afternoon, someone knocked on my door.
42:14That afternoon, someone knocked on my door.
42:17This time it was a process server.
42:19A guy in a wrinkled buttoned up holding a Maryland envelope.
42:22Miss Hartley?
42:23Yes.
42:24You've been served.
42:25Inside were court documents.
42:27Julian was filing for custody.
42:29Sole custody.
42:31He cited my unstable job history, my past deceptions, and the CPS investigation as proof.
42:37The papers claimed I was an unfit mother.
42:39I read the pages three times, trying to make the words make sense.
42:45He wanted to take her away.
42:51He was actually trying to steal my daughter.
42:54I looked over at Lily.
42:55She was sitting at the kitchen table, coloring.
42:58She looked up with a huge smile.
43:00Look, Mommy.
43:01I drew you a rainbow.
43:03My hands shook as I gently took the drawing.
43:06It's beautiful, baby.
43:08Are you sad?
43:09No, sweetie.
43:11Mommy's just a little tired.
43:12She crawled into my lap and wrapped her tiny arms around my neck.
43:16I love you, Mommy.
43:17I hugged her tight, making a silent vow.
43:20I will never let him take you.
43:21I grabbed Julian's business card and dialed his number.
43:29He picked up on the second ring.
43:32Eve.
43:32We need to talk.
43:34Right now, he gave me an address.
43:36It was his penthouse downtown.
43:39Overlooking the Detroit River.
43:41The elevator opened directly into his place.
43:44It was massive.
43:45Floor-to-ceiling windows, designer furniture, and a kitchen straight out of a magazine.
43:50But right there, sitting on the fireplace mantle, was a framed photo.
43:55A picture of us from college.
43:58I stared at it, completely stunned.
44:00It was from one of his hockey games.
44:02My head rested on his shoulder.
44:04Both of us grinning like idiots.
44:06I remembered that night.
44:07It was his first college victory.
44:09I remembered how he picked me up on the ice and spun me around.
44:12I kept all of it.
44:14Everything.
44:15Every photo.
44:16Even those silly little notes you used to slip into my locker.
44:20I spun around to face him.
44:22He was in sweatpants.
44:24A light sheen of sweat on his forehead.
44:27He had clearly just gotten back from a workout.
44:29I reached into my bag, pulled out the custody papers, and slammed them on the counter.
44:36You liar!
44:37You liar!
44:37I screamed.
44:38You swore you wouldn't fight me for custody!
44:40Julian's brow darkened.
44:42He snatched the papers, quickly scranning them.
44:45His face went dangerously hard.
44:48I didn't send these.
44:51What?
44:51Yes, I hired a lawyer to establish paternity and set up visitation.
44:55But I would never try to take Lily away from you.
44:59He flipped to the second page.
45:01Sole custody?
45:02Supervised visitation?
45:03I never asked for any of this.
45:05I never authorized this.
45:07Then who?
45:07Maya.
45:08She's my agent's daughter.
45:10She's been overstepping lately.
45:11Maya filed for custody in your name?
45:13Behind my back.
45:14Without my permission.
45:15Julian slammed the papers back on the counter.
45:17His face dark.
45:18She's been trying to force her way into my personal life.
45:20I thought she was just being-
45:21Being what?
45:22I don't know.
45:23Overly professional?
45:24I trusted her because of her dad.
45:26She wants you.
45:27This isn't about Lily.
45:29She just wants me out of the picture.
45:31Julian didn't deny it.
45:33I never led her on.
45:34I never gave her any ideas.
45:35You don't have to do anything.
45:36You're successful.
45:37He looked at me.
45:38A sudden vulnerability in his eyes.
45:40You're gorgeous.
45:41And you're single.
45:43I'm not single, Eve.
45:45I haven't been single since I was 19.
45:47My heart skipped a beat.
45:49Don't-
45:49Don't say that.
45:51Why not?
45:52It's the truth.
45:53Because it doesn't change anything.
45:55I'm still a jobless ex-stripper with a felon for a father.
45:59And you're still a superstar hockey player with an actress on standby.
46:04We don't even live in 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 you decided we couldn't.
46:18I was trying to protect you.
46:21I didn't need your protection.
46:23His voice echoed out off the high ceilings.
46:26I needed you.
46:28I needed to know that when things got hard, we'd fight together.
46:32Not watch you pack up and disappear the second life got messy.
46:35My dad was going to federal prison.
46:38And my grandfather was dying.
46:39We both had our messes, Eve.
46:42But we didn't have to face them alone.
46:44We were both panting, standing inches gun apart.
46:47Six years of unspoken words hung heavy in the air between us.
46:51I was scared.
46:52I was so scared, Julian.
46:53Terrified of losing everything.
46:55Terrified of dragging you down.
46:58Terrified you'd end up resenting me.
46:59I could never hate you.
47:01His voice finally softened.
47:03God knows I tried.
47:04But I never stopped loving you.
47:06The words hung between us.
47:07I couldn't breathe.
47:08Stop it.
47:09I pleaded.
47:10My voice barely a whisper.
47:11Why?
47:12Because it complicates things?
47:14Because it makes it harder to pretend we feel nothing for each other?
47:17He stepped into my space.
47:18Close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off his chest.
47:21You mean everything to me, Eve.
47:23You always have.
47:25And now we have Lily.
47:27That has to mean something.
47:30What are you saying?
47:33I'm saying we try again.
47:35For Lily.
47:37A part of me wanted to believe him.
47:38I wanted to believe that six years apart hadn't completely ruined us.
47:41That we weren't beyond repair.
47:42But when you're used to the world pulling the rug out from under you, hoping just feels dangerous.
47:47I need to think about this.
47:49I need time.
47:50You have time.
47:51Until tomorrow.
47:52That's not nearly enough.
47:53Maya is hosting a charity gala tomorrow night.
47:55My entire team will be there.
47:57If you want to prove to the world and the courts that we're co-parenting amitably, this is your perfect
48:01chance.
48:02He handed me an invitation.
48:03Thick card steak with gold embossing.
48:05It radiated pure elegance.
48:07I pulled a garment bag from the very back of my closet.
48:10Inside was a dress I hadn't seen in six years.
48:12It was the only piece of my past I couldn't bear to sell.
48:15I held the fabric, remembering the girl I used to be.
48:17The fearless, invincible Eve Hartley.
48:19The gala was held at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
48:21Crystal chandeliers illuminated the marble floors, reflecting off a sea of custom-tailored gowns and tuxedos.
48:26These people were old money and pure influence.
48:28I was just a single mom with a G.I.D. whose only real achievement was a little girl who
48:33thought I was a superhero.
48:34Eve.
48:34Julian appeared at the top of the staircase.
48:37He looked absolutely devastating in a crisp tuxedo.
48:40He descended the steps, his gaze sweeping over me with absolute awe and adoration.
48:48You look beautiful.
48:50Shall we?
48:51We walked into the ballroom together and I felt the shift in the air immediately.
48:55Is that Eve Hartley?
48:56The one who just vanished?
48:56I heard she's been dancing at some strip club.
48:58I lifted my chin and tightened my grip on Julian's arm.
49:00I wasn't going to break.
49:02Not here.
49:02Maya found us near the bar.
49:04She was stunning in a vibrant red dress.
49:06Her blonde hair swept into an elegant updo.
49:09Julian, darling.
49:11There you are.
49:12I've been looking everywhere for you.
49:14Maya.
49:16You remember Eve.
49:18Of course.
49:20The ghost from your past.
49:23How interesting.
49:24She is Lily's mother.
49:27Show some respect.
49:31Lily?
49:32My daughter.
49:33She's five.
49:35Beautiful.
49:36Brilliant.
49:37And looks exactly like me.
49:40Eve and I are working out our custody arrangement.
49:42Completely imamacably.
49:44But the papers.
49:45You mean the papers you filed behind my back?
49:47We'll discuss that later.
49:49With my lawyers present.
49:53I was trying to help you!
49:55She hid your child from you!
49:57She's clearly unstable!
49:59Maya stared at him.
50:01Then glared at me.
50:02Her face a twisted mask of rage and humiliation.
50:05You're going to regret this.
50:07Before turning on her heel and storming off.
50:09Julian turned to face me.
50:11The hard edge in his expression instantly melted away.
50:15I'm sorry.
50:16I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.
50:18You said you loved me in front of everyone.
50:21I meant it.
50:24But Maya...
50:25He took both of my hands in his.
50:28I don't even see anyone else out there, Eve.
50:31I haven't.
50:33Not once over six years.
50:36I looked up into his eyes.
50:38For the first time in six years, I let myself feel a flicker of hope.
50:43Maybe we really could start over.
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