- 2 days ago
Sweeter Life Without You - Hot Drama Engsub 🖤
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00On the day Noelle Rutherford found out she was pregnant, she braved the rain to head to a club that
00:00:05was one of Chester Grey's usual haunts.
00:00:07She stood outside a private room and dried her hair with some tissues, wanting to surprise him with the news
00:00:13of her pregnancy when he came out.
00:00:15She heard laughter through the ajar door.
00:00:19Chester, you're supposed to be marrying Noelle in a week. You're going to surprise her during the wedding, right? Is
00:00:24everything ready?
00:00:25Yeah, it'll be a day she'll never forget.
00:00:28Noelle paused and smiled sweetly.
00:00:31She and Chester had been together for three years and he'd truly treated her like a precious treasure, doting on
00:00:37her endlessly.
00:00:38Wanna bet she'll have a meltdown when she finds out the truth?
00:00:41She'll lose her mind on the big day when she discovers I've been pretending to be you and playing her
00:00:47this whole time.
00:00:48She'd never imagine Chester having an identical twin.
00:00:51When she finds out he's the one who's been getting into her pants these past three years, she's always been
00:00:57so proud, hasn't she?
00:00:58I can already imagine the look on her face when she finds out her boyfriend's brother has toyed with her
00:01:03for three years.
00:01:04The men's malicious laughter made Noelle freeze in place. The blood drained from her face. She could hardly believe her
00:01:12ears. Her feet moved on their own, taking a step forward so she could peer into the room.
00:01:17The next second, she saw a man who looked exactly like Chester sitting beside him. He was Chester's carbon copy,
00:01:25from his features to his hairstyle. Even the tiny mole at the corner of his eye was identical.
00:01:31It's her fault for bullying Winona. Winona is Chester's darling. As punishment, he'll make her feel on top of the
00:01:38world before dropping her into the abyss. Gotta say that he's put in some serious work to achieve that.
00:01:44You're the real MVP here, Simon. You did all the hard labor after all.
00:01:48If I didn't look so different from you two, I'd love to take over the job.
00:01:53Tell me about it. Man, Noelle's face and body. If she loses her mind after the wedding, how about you
00:02:00guys let us play with her first?
00:02:01Chester cooked up a plan like this for Winona, put on an act for three years, and still managed to
00:02:08keep himself untainted. He's a straight-up love saint.
00:02:12Noelle's mind buzzed, and her blood ran cold. She couldn't breathe. Her body trembled uncontrollably, and tears streamed down her
00:02:21widened eyes, which had turned bloodshot.
00:02:24Once upon a time, when she jolted awake from nightmares of being bullied by Winona, Chester had held her close
00:02:30and told her not to be scared.
00:02:32Once upon a time, she told him about the agony of being bullied. Chester had soothed her time and time
00:02:39again, even taking her to see therapists.
00:02:42Noelle didn't dare believe, nor did she want to. She couldn't understand it. The love she'd felt was so intense
00:02:48and vivid. How could it be safe?
00:02:50Winona's coming back soon, so you won't need to keep flying to her, Chester. Honestly, I don't know how you're
00:02:56not worn out from taking a flight every week.
00:02:58And I can finally be myself after three years of role-playing. I'm the one who stuck with Noelle each
00:03:05time Chester goes abroad.
00:03:06Your voices are different, though. Hasn't she ever noticed anything?
00:03:11She's too big an idiot. I lower my voice, tell her I have pharyngitis, and that's enough to make her
00:03:18fuss over me.
00:03:18She gets up before the sun rises to make me something to soothe my throat.
00:03:25That's enough. Once the wedding is over, I'll give her a hefty sum as compensation.
00:03:30It'll be enough to ensure she's comfortable for life. My, my.
00:03:35Chester, you're not taking pity on her, are you?
00:03:38Noelle's heart flew to her throat, and she held her breath as she stared doggedly at Chester.
00:03:44As if.
00:03:45What about you, Simon? Has three years of putting it in her made you catch feelings?
00:03:50It's been three whole years I've long since gotten sick of her.
00:03:53You wanna have her, Chester? She's too filthy.
00:03:56Anyway, she's the one who begged for this wedding. I'm just paying her off so she won't pester me.
00:04:02There's not much time left, so you guys need to help me.
00:04:05I'm going to propose to Winona in a week after revealing the truth.
00:04:12Noelle didn't know how she even left the club.
00:04:14Raindrops pelted her, but she felt nothing.
00:04:17All she could think about was the conversation from the private room, which replayed in her mind, Winona Johnson.
00:04:24Whenever that name came up, Noelle couldn't stop shaking.
00:04:28She couldn't understand.
00:04:30Winona had already gone abroad, so why wouldn't she let her go?
00:04:34Why was she hellbent on destroying her?
00:04:36All of this had happened over a meaningless campus bell title.
00:04:41Noelle's candid, barefaced photo had beaten Winona's retouched contest entry,
00:04:46so Winona and her gang had dragged Noelle into the restroom to teach her a lesson.
00:04:51They'd used every cruel trick possible to torment her before shoving her head into a toilet.
00:04:56Noelle had refused to kneel and apologize, so they'd made the next three years of her life a living hell.
00:05:02They'd ganged up to beat her, stabbed her with needles, hidden thumbtacks in her shoes, rallied the entire class to
00:05:09isolate and bully her,
00:05:10wrecked her part-time jobs, and smeared her reputation.
00:05:14Winona had even arranged for a bunch of rich boys to pursue Noelle.
00:05:17Noelle had once overheard the plan Winona wanted her to be corrupted by money before having the rich boys done
00:05:22her.
00:05:23Winona never fully succeeded.
00:05:25Even by junior year, when Winona had left to study abroad, she still hadn't broken Noelle completely.
00:05:31However, by then, Noelle was already deep in depression with the severe urge to harm herself.
00:05:39That was when Chester appeared.
00:05:41Unlike those other rich boys who pursued her and eyed her the way men appraised goods,
00:05:45he hadn't flung credit cards at her and called it affection.
00:05:48He'd had a clear, righteous gaze.
00:05:51He'd taken time to understand her situation and listen to what she needed.
00:05:56When he learned that her grandmother, Marie Wakefield, needed long-term medication,
00:06:00he didn't look down on her.
00:06:02Instead, he'd done whatever he could within the bounds of what she could accept to improve her life.
00:06:09Chester had helped Noelle find internships and part-time jobs.
00:06:12When she rushed between gigs, he'd sit with her in a convenience store for dinner and gently pat her head.
00:06:18It must be tough, Elle. You're really amazing.
00:06:20Once, Marie had fallen ill while Noelle was out of town.
00:06:24It was Chester who'd brought her to the hospital and stayed by her side for a full day and night.
00:06:30The next day, when Noelle had made it back, he'd smiled and comforted her despite his exhaustion.
00:06:37Marie's fine, so don't worry. Don't wear yourself out.
00:06:40At the time, a voice inside her had said,
00:06:43This is it. Try to trust him. Whatever the ending, just cherish the present.
00:06:47And Chester really did keep treating her well.
00:06:49He'd even bravely defied his family for the sake of being with her.
00:06:53Simon's sneers echoed in Noelle's mind.
00:06:56She's so dumb. How could our family ever allow a nobody like her to marry in?
00:07:01All it took was hiring two people to play a part.
00:07:05Chester pretended to stand up to our parents, and Noelle was moved to bits.
00:07:10What an idiot. She didn't notice anything for the past three years.
00:07:13She's stupid. Even now, she thinks Chester's devoted to her.
00:07:18She's dumb. She's stupid. She's a fool.
00:07:21Noelle collapsed, Marie. Her tears spilled over and mixed with a downpour.
00:07:26She really was dumb. Much too dumb.
00:07:29She suddenly threw back her head and laughed, sounding wild and unhinged.
00:07:33She let the torrential rain pound her face without mercy.
00:07:37Just then, her phone rang. It was Marie's caregiver.
00:07:41Elle, come quick. Your grandmother's on the brink of death.
00:07:44Noelle's mind went blank, and her ears buzzed.
00:07:48Her limbs turned to jelly.
00:07:50On instinct alone, she scrambled to her feet and rushed to the curb to hail a car.
00:07:55However, every girl threw her face. Their lights flashing and horns blaring, refusing to stop her.
00:08:02She was about to run to the hospital when a car pulled over.
00:08:05A tough-looking woman aspersions her.
00:08:08Beyond caring about safety, she dove into the car.
00:08:17By the time Noelle reached the hospital, the doctor had already issued a critical notice.
00:08:23She has respiratory failure. There's no point in further resuscitation. You should spend these last moments with her.
00:08:30Noelle dropped to her knees with a thud, her hands trembling as she clasped Marie's.
00:08:37Marie forced a smile.
00:08:39Elle, don't cry. I'm sorry. I couldn't hold on long enough to see your wedding.
00:08:46Noelle shook her head hard. She couldn't get any words out, nor could she stop her low, aching sobs.
00:08:53Marie struggled to scan the room.
00:08:56Where's Chester? I want to see him.
00:08:58Okay. Noelle's voice was so hoarse, it was barely there.
00:09:02She pulled out her phone and called Chester again and again.
00:09:06Each call was rejected, so she fired off messages in a hurry.
00:09:10Chester, Grandma has respiratory failure. She can't hold on anymore.
00:09:14Please come to the hospital. She wants to see you one last time.
00:09:19Chester, Grandma's waiting for you. It's just one meeting. Can you come?
00:09:25Chester, I'm begging you. At that moment, the lies and betrayal didn't matter.
00:09:30As long as Chester came, as long as Marie could leave in peace, nothing else left.
00:09:36But Chester never replied. Noelle stopped and forced out an ugly smile.
00:09:40She squeezed Marie's hand and tried to comfort her.
00:09:45Grandma, I think Chester's tied up with something. Don't worry about us, alright?
00:09:49We're getting along fine, and our wedding is next week. I'll be happy, so please don't worry.
00:09:56Suddenly, Marie's grip tightened. She fixed her eyes on Noelle and whispered,
00:10:01I'll live well. Be happy.
00:10:04Her hand loosened and went limp. In her final moments, there was still worry in her gaze.
00:10:11Noelle stared at their hands dazedly. Then, she broke down and collapsed on the floor, crying her heart out.
00:10:18That night, she numbly went through the process of dealing with Marie's affairs.
00:10:23Chester still didn't reply. While waiting, she unblocked Winona's social media and checked her posts.
00:10:29I was going to fly home early for a surprise, but I was the one surprised.
00:10:34The attached photo was taken at the airport. Chester wore a mascot costume and held flowers.
00:10:40His head was slick with sweat, but he wore a warm smile, and his gaze was tender.
00:10:47There was another picture of him with Winona.
00:10:49She smiled sweetly while his head was turned to her, his gaze lingering and full of love.
00:10:57Noelle let out a bitter laugh and turned off the screen.
00:11:01The next day at noon, she returned to the hospital with Marie's urn in her arms.
00:11:06She did two things.
00:11:08First, she scheduled an abortion for three days later.
00:11:12Second, she submitted her application to join Doctors Without Borders.
00:11:17Her superior, Tanya Brown, was shocked.
00:11:21Weren't you getting married soon?
00:11:22Noelle went quiet for a moment.
00:11:24Not anymore. I want to leave, Dr. Brown.
00:11:27The faster, the better.
00:11:29Tanya didn't press for more information when she saw Noelle's bloodshot eyes and urgent expression.
00:11:35You just barely caught the application deadline.
00:11:37I'll give you the next few days off to prepare.
00:11:40Gather at the hospital to depart in a week.
00:11:42Got it.
00:11:43A week from now was exactly the day she was supposed to marry Chester.
00:11:47Not only would she leave on that day, but she would also send him, Simon, and Winona
00:11:53a grand gift one they would never forget.
00:11:58Knowing she was heading somewhere dangerous, Noelle decided to give Marie a proper burial.
00:12:04She bought a cremation pendant, tucked a strand of Marie's hair, and a pinch of ashes inside,
00:12:10and buried the rest of the cemetery.
00:12:12Grandma, don't worry.
00:12:14I'm about to do what I've always wanted to do, and I'll keep myself safe.
00:12:20By the time Noelle returned to the villa, it was already dusk.
00:12:24The moment she stepped inside, she heard laughter in the living room.
00:12:29Come on, let me introduce you to two friends.
00:12:31A man and a woman stood from the couch and turned to look at her.
00:12:35Somewhat malicious mischief flickering in their eyes.
00:12:39It was Winona and Simon.
00:12:41Noelle couldn't stop the tremor that ran through her.
00:12:44It was her body's reflex whenever she faced Winona.
00:12:48Winona is a childhood friend, and Simon is my twin brother.
00:12:51They just got back from studying abroad, and happened to make it in time for our wedding.
00:12:55Elle and I know each other, we were roommates in college. Right, Elle?
00:12:59Every time Winona finished bullying her, she got angry and murdered.
00:13:04It's just some fun between roommates. Right, Elle?
00:13:08Elle, you still don't like me. I just want to get along with you.
00:13:13Both Chester's and Simon's expressions darkened.
00:13:17Chester, your fiancé's got quite the temper.
00:13:20She's not even part of our family yet, and she's already so full of herself.
00:13:23Noelle, apologize.
00:13:26Noelle stared at the three of them, her hands balling into fists by her sides.
00:13:31She felt her heart tear open as she thought of what she'd overheard the night before,
00:13:35leaving a raw and jagged mood.
00:13:37The Grey family is a proper household with deep roots, and manners are very important to us.
00:13:43You need to teach your fiancé a lesson, Chester.
00:13:46You're right. Elle, you're about to become the lady of the Grey household.
00:13:50You must watch your tongue and your behavior at all times.
00:13:54Reflect on what you did today.
00:13:59He dragged her down to the basement and shoved her into a roomie.
00:14:04Before she could react, the door slammed shut.
00:14:07The door was tightly sealed, shutting out every trace of light.
00:14:11Only then did Noelle realize it was a windowless, pitch-black room.
00:14:16Her breathing sped up in the pure darkness, and her panic surged.
00:14:21She pounded on the door, but no one answered, no matter how she shouted.
00:14:26Terror swallowed her boy.
00:14:28In college, Renata had locked Noelle in a dark room for three days with no sound or light.
00:14:34Time had stretched into a torture that felt endless.
00:14:36Noelle had had a breakdown then.
00:14:39She'd feared darkness ever since, and claustrophobia had followed.
00:14:43For years now, she'd kept every light on at night, even sleeping that way.
00:14:49At first, Chester couldn't get used to it, but after learning what she'd been through, he'd held her and soothed
00:14:55her.
00:14:55It's okay.
00:14:56From now on, we'll sleep with the lights on at home.
00:14:59Don't be scared.
00:15:03She knew.
00:15:04They all knew.
00:15:06Yet they'd still chosen this as Noelle's punishment, and it was just because she'd pushed Winona.
00:15:13Noelle curled up in the corner, hugging herself as she trembled, a dull ache throbbing in her chest.
00:15:19Of course.
00:15:21The tenderness had always been an act.
00:15:23They'd staged it for her sake.
00:15:26Even this dark room was likely designed just for her.
00:15:33Two days later, Chester opened the door with a pleased smile.
00:15:37Winona's not mad at you for what happened anymore.
00:15:39Clean yourself up.
00:15:40We're gonna try on wedding dresses and pick out rings.
00:15:43Noelle was taken to a bridal boutique.
00:15:45As soon as she got out of the car, she saw Winona and Simon already waiting inside.
00:15:50Elle, you're here.
00:15:51I didn't get to congratulate you last time.
00:15:53Chester and I are best friends.
00:15:55So let me keep you company and help you choose the perfect dress today.
00:15:59She smiled, clearly waiting to see Noelle lose her composure.
00:16:03I appreciate it.
00:16:07Then I'll try some on with you.
00:16:09I'm going to be a bride very soon myself.
00:16:12Congratulations.
00:16:13Winona's gaze turned frosty.
00:16:15From that moment on, any gown Noelle so much as glanced at, Winona would flag down a sales associate and
00:16:21rush to be the first to try it.
00:16:23Each time she came out of the changing room, she would grab Chester's hand.
00:16:27Chester, what do you think? Isn't it gorgeous?
00:16:29And each time, Chester would stare at her as if enchanted. He would shower her with praise.
00:16:35Simon hovered at Winona's side too. The two of them ignored Noelle completely.
00:16:39A sales associate sighed with envy.
00:16:42This bride is so lucky.
00:16:44Sorry, Ellie. You're the actual bride. You should have tried first.
00:16:51See anything you like?
00:16:52Noelle picked one at random and went to try it on.
00:16:54When she came out, the three of them were already gone.
00:16:57Miss Johnson said she was going to pick out rings, Miss.
00:17:00The two gentlemen went with her.
00:17:02It's fine.
00:17:06Soon after, Winona updated her social media with a photo of a diamond ring embedded with pavé gemstones.
00:17:12Noelle glanced at it, locked her screen, and went back to packing.
00:17:15Beyond clothes and daily essentials she needed to take with her, she gathered up everything else that belonged to her,
00:17:21including the gifts she'd once given Chester and threw them away or destroyed them.
00:17:26As for anything Chester had given her, she didn't touch at all.
00:17:29She had just finished packing a suitcase and slid it into the closet when Chester walked in, holding a blue
00:17:36velvet box.
00:17:37I bought you this ring at an auction.
00:17:39Noelle recognized it. It was a free gift that had come with the ring Winona had shared on her social
00:17:43media.
00:17:44She accepted it calmly and set it aside.
00:17:46His gaze drifted and landed on the trash can where he saw the couple's mugs she used to cherish.
00:17:52Why'd you throw the mugs away? Are you mad?
00:17:57No.
00:17:57Is it because of what happened at the bridal boutique? Winona's just a good friend of mine.
00:18:01We haven't seen each other in years, so of course I paid her a little extra attention.
00:18:05There's no need to be jealous of her. If there was something between us, we would have gotten together long
00:18:10ago, right?
00:18:12You're my bride, Elle. Don't you understand how I feel about you?
00:18:15Hearing that, Noelle's fingers trembled. In that instant, she wanted to question him. She wanted to peel back his sincerity
00:18:22from his lies. To know whether he'd harbored even a shred of genuine love for her in the past three
00:18:27years.
00:18:30Winona, I'll be right there. I've got something to take care of, so don't wait up for me. You'll be
00:18:35the most beautiful bride in a few days.
00:18:40Noelle sat on the bed and swallowed back her tears. Two hours later, she finished washing up and got into
00:18:46bed to hit the head.
00:18:47Just as she was drifting off, the door slung open. Chester, who was supposed to be hosting a party at
00:18:52a bar with Winona, walked in. He smelled an alcohol. He carelessly ripped open his shirt, tossed back the covers,
00:18:59and pressed down on Noelle.
00:19:00As soon as the two made contact, Noelle's drowsiness vanished. She became acutely aware that the person pressing down on
00:19:07her was indeed Simon.
00:19:09Noelle's body went rigid, and her face drained of all color. She threw all her strength into shoving Simon off
00:19:15her and curled up at the head of the bed.
00:19:17Are you still mad? He rubbed his temples, his mannerisms exactly like Chester's. Even his voice, soaked with alcohol, was
00:19:23indistinguishable.
00:19:24If Noelle hadn't heard that Chester had kept himself chaste for Winona, she wouldn't have been able to tell them
00:19:28apart.
00:19:29I already told you that if I had feelings for Winona, you and I would never be getting married.
00:19:34He moved to kiss her. Her eyes widened, and she jerked aside, gagging. She retched until her eyes turned red.
00:19:41She couldn't stop.
00:19:42She shoved Simon away and ran for the bathroom. He watched her, his brows knitting and eyes glinting.
00:19:51You guys heard that, right? She's gagging. Don't tell me she's pregnant.
00:19:55Don't let this get out of hand, Simon. What if she clings to you after the truth is out?
00:19:59Noelle stiffened, and her blood ran cold. It hit her that Simon's phone had been on a call the whole
00:20:05time.
00:20:05Chester, Simon, this is too much.
00:20:07Too much? She's been targeting you for ages. This is the punishment she deserves.
00:20:12But what if she really is pregnant?
00:20:15That's impossible. Even if she is, we'll make sure it's taken care of. Right, Simon?
00:20:19Oh, of course.
00:20:20For some reason, he felt a sudden, sharp twist in his chest. The next second, he saw Noelle open the
00:20:27door and stare at him, her face as white as a sheet.
00:20:31What's wrong, Elle? You look awful. Are you feeling okay? Are you...pregnant?
00:20:35No, my stomach's just acting up. The following morning, Noelle went to the hospital for her scheduled abortion.
00:20:42Elle, the baby already has a heartbeat at seven weeks, and all the indicators look good. Are you sure you
00:20:48want to terminate?
00:20:49I'm positive.
00:20:53It was noon by the time she left the hospital. Chester called, and his car pulled up at the entrance
00:20:57moments later.
00:20:59Come on, I'm taking you to lunch.
00:21:01They rode in silence. A small smile playing on Chester's lips the whole time. It was also the one Noelle
00:21:07hated most.
00:21:08As soon as they reached the restaurant, they saw Winona and Simon already waiting for them.
00:21:13Elle, I crossed the line yesterday, so I queued for this trending cake to apologize.
00:21:18You have to try it. During the meal, she kept reminiscing about her, Chester, and Simon as kids.
00:21:24Chester and Simon have always spoiled me. When we played house, they'd fight over who got to be my groom.
00:21:30In middle school, some boys cornered me, and the two of them got hurt badly trying to protect me.
00:21:36They were in the hospital for ages. Once, I climbed a tree and couldn't get down. Chester scrawled on the
00:21:42ground to be my cushion.
00:21:44And Simon laughed along. The three of them chatted warmly, and Noelle stayed silent.
00:21:49Elle, why aren't you saying anything? Do you have a problem with me?
00:21:53I know we had misunderstandings in college, but I hope we can be best friends now that you're marrying Chester.
00:21:59Noelle didn't move for a long moment or even look at her. She suddenly clutched the front of her blouse
00:22:03as her breath came in gasps.
00:22:05Angry red hives spread across her forearm, forming a shocking and raw sight. She fumbled for her bag.
00:22:11You're having an allergic reaction.
00:22:13Noelle had a severe peanut allergy. She was usually careful, but in case of accidental exposure and no time to
00:22:20get help, she always kept an EpiPen in her bag.
00:22:22It was something that could save her life when seconds mattered. She'd already grabbed the EpiPen.
00:22:28Chester, I feel awful.
00:22:32Winona, Chester Winona looks like she's having an allergic reaction.
00:22:35Chester froze mid-stride, remembering that Noelle had ordered seafood broth during the meal. His expression went cold in an
00:22:41instant as he turned and stormed over to Noelle.
00:22:49You caused Winona to have an allergic reaction. She needs the medication first.
00:22:53With that, we marched straight to Winona and swiftly administered the injection without the slightest bit of hesitation.
00:22:58You're a doctor, Noelle. You should have other ways of saving yourself. Winona doesn't know anything. She needs the EpiPen
00:23:05more.
00:23:06I'll get the car.
00:23:07Noelle collapsed to the floor, her bloodshot eyes locked on their retreating figures. From beginning to end, none of them
00:23:15looked back, doll.
00:23:17Miss, are you okay?
00:23:21Elle, you're finally awake. Are you feeling any discomfort?
00:23:24Elle, I know you're mad at me, but the Gray and Johnson families have deep ties. We can't let anything
00:23:29happen to Winona on our watch.
00:23:31I had no choice. You're about to become a member of the Gray family. We have shared interests. You should
00:23:37be more understanding. You know I love you most, don't you?
00:23:40Come on, Noelle. Chester had no choice. Affluent families like ours have our own problems. We have to put the
00:23:45bigger picture first. As your family, we can only ask you to bear with it for now.
00:23:49Noelle's hands balled into tight fists under the blanket. She opened her eyes and fixed her gaze on the two
00:23:55men as she sneered inwardly.
00:23:56They were leaving no stone unturned to sweet talk and brainwash her.
00:24:01I want to rest.
00:24:13Hello. Am I speaking to a live streaming company? I'd like to place an order.
00:24:20After hanging up, her hand moved on instinct to the pendant at her chest, only to grasp at nothing. The
00:24:27pendant containing Marie's hair and ashes was gone.
00:24:35She was about to go find a nurse when she received a text. Winona had sent a photo of her
00:24:40necklace.
00:24:41If you want it back, come now. Otherwise, I'll dump what's inside into the toilet.
00:24:46A crushing fury washed over Noelle, almost making her vision go dark. Her chest heaved with rage as she rushed
00:24:55to Winona's hospital room.
00:24:59Inside, Winona stood by the window, the necklace dangling from her fingertips. It swayed just outside the windowsill, ready to
00:25:08drop at any moment.
00:25:09Winona Johnson, give me back my necklace.
00:25:14You saw my social media updates, right? And here I thought you would keep putting on that holier-than-thou
00:25:21act.
00:25:22You wanted me dead so badly in the past, yet here you are, putting up with anything just to marry
00:25:29into the Grey family.
00:25:30Give me back my necklace.
00:25:33Get on your knees and prostrate yourself before me if you wanted. Admit you're a pathetic hypocrite.
00:25:41Never.
00:25:43Don't push me too far, Winona.
00:25:45Is this the first time you've realized just how far I can push?
00:25:48That stubborn attitude of yours and your refusal to bend to anyone's will is what I hate most about you.
00:25:54If you just kneeled to me back then, I wouldn't have kept targeting you for years.
00:25:59You've seen how much I mean to Chester.
00:26:02Here's the deal.
00:26:04Grovel at my feet and beg me for mercy.
00:26:06Not only will I return the necklace, but I'll also help you get a solid foothold in the Grey family.
00:26:12I won't kneel.
00:26:14You couldn't break me before, and you never will.
00:26:18I will never bow to someone as vile as you.
00:26:22You.
00:26:25Fine then.
00:26:26Since you don't want the necklace, let's just toss it.
00:26:33Give it back.
00:26:36She whirled to run downstairs, but Winona yanked tight on her clothes, holding her back.
00:26:42I'm sorry, Elle.
00:26:44I won't go near Chester again.
00:26:47Please don't push me off.
00:26:56Noelle Rutherford, what are you doing?
00:27:06Winona, are you okay?
00:27:08I'm sorry.
00:27:09It's all my fault.
00:27:13Chester.
00:27:15We should stop contacting each other from now on.
00:27:20What are you talking about?
00:27:21Don't worry.
00:27:23I won't let you suffer in silence.
00:27:26I can't believe you're still bullying Winona after all these years.
00:27:30Noelle.
00:27:31I didn't.
00:27:34She threw my necklace, and I-
00:27:36That's enough.
00:27:38Even now, you're making excuses.
00:27:41Winona has always been gentle and timid.
00:27:44How could she ever bully anyone?
00:27:46You're the one who's at fault someone else bullied you, yet you took it out on her.
00:27:51I didn't.
00:27:52She's the one who's been bullying me.
00:27:55She's tormented me this whole time.
00:28:00You still won't see sense.
00:28:02If you aren't taught a lesson now, who knows what you'll do?
00:28:05You'll push someone out a window today.
00:28:07So will you start committing murder tomorrow?
00:28:22What are you doing?
00:28:24No one answered.
00:28:26No matter how she fought, Chester and Simon just hauled her forward in silence, their tight jawlines carved with fury.
00:28:34In one last glance back at the hospital room, Noelle met Winona's eyes.
00:28:39They were smug, vicious, and triumphant.
00:28:46Noelle was led to a bungee platform at the mountaintop.
00:28:49The tower rose over 300 feet, and the cliff yawned beneath her feet.
00:28:55The second she stepped onto it, her face went chalk white, and her legs started to shake.
00:29:01Chester's and Simon's expressions remained icy.
00:29:04They took the safety locks from the staff and personally buckled them on her, forcing her to the edge of
00:29:10the jump platform.
00:29:12Noelle stared into the abyss below, her whole body going rigid.
00:29:16All she could hear was the thundering of her own heartbeat.
00:29:21Chester, you know I'm terrified of heights.
00:29:24I know. Since you tried to push Winona out the window, I'll give you a taste of what it's like
00:29:28to fall.
00:29:29This is the punishment you deserve, Elle.
00:29:31The lady of the gray household can't be a vicious woman.
00:29:34Learn your lesson today.
00:29:35If you're sincere about correcting your errors, we'll get married as planned.
00:29:39Don't be scared. You won't die.
00:29:42With that, they reached out and shoved her over the edge.
00:29:46The brutal drop seized her.
00:29:48Noelle's heartbeat stopped for a few seconds, and her chest ached.
00:29:53Terror beyond words sealed her throat.
00:29:55She couldn't even scream.
00:29:57All that came out were strangled whimpers and tears that scattered in the wind.
00:30:03Her eyes held nothing but desolation and despair.
00:30:11She was left hanging upside down over the cliff for half an hour.
00:30:15Only when her breathing faltered and her consciousness began to fray did they haul her back up.
00:30:21Noelle collapsed on the platform, gasping for air, trying to ease the tingling in her limbs from lack of oxygen.
00:30:30Ms. Rutherford, before Mr. Chester and Mr. Simon left, they ordered you had to jump ten times before you can
00:30:37leave.
00:30:38Noelle hadn't even processed the words when she was pushed off again, once, twice, thrice.
00:30:44Each time, she was left dangling over the cliff for half an hour.
00:30:47The brief breaks in between didn't ease the oxygen deprivation.
00:30:51As Noelle's mind grew fuzzier, the ten jumps were finally over.
00:30:55The sky was already pitch black.
00:30:58The platform's harsh white floodlights were all that held Noelle's last scraps of awareness.
00:31:09Take me to the hospital.
00:31:12I'm sorry, Mrs. Rutherford.
00:31:14Mr. Chester and Mr. Simon made it clear that no one is to help you.
00:31:18The Grey family owns this area, and I don't want to lose my job.
00:31:22He left.
00:31:23The glare of the floodlight stung Noelle's eyes, making tears slip down her face.
00:31:29She rested there for a while before forcing herself to stand and make her way down the mountain.
00:31:36She was halfway down it when she came across a kind tourist who was also on the way back.
00:31:43They brought her back to the city.
00:31:45Noelle didn't go back to the villa.
00:31:47Instead, she went straight to the hospital and, with a flashlight,
00:31:52started searching the lawn beneath the inpatient department for the necklace.
00:31:56As time dragged on, she grew more frantic.
00:32:01Tears shimmered in her bloodshot eyes.
00:32:05Who are you? What do you think you're doing?
00:32:08It was a hospital security guard.
00:32:11With his help, she found the cleaner in charge of the lawn.
00:32:16Yeah, I did notice a necklace.
00:32:18I figured nobody wanted it and tossed it into the trash.
00:32:24Which trash can?
00:32:28It's already been cleared and sent to the dump.
00:32:31I'm afraid you won't be able to find it.
00:32:34Even if you want it now.
00:32:40Which dump?
00:32:41That necklace is very important to me. I have to get it back.
00:32:47Noelle searched the junkyard for an entire day.
00:32:50The moment she found the necklace, the tears she'd been holding back, finally fell.
00:32:55But the next second, she realized the pendant was empty.
00:32:58The hair and ashes she'd stored inside were gone.
00:33:01Her head buzzed, and she ran for the hospital with the necklace clutched in her hand.
00:33:05Just as she reached the entrance, she ran into Winona, who had been discharged.
00:33:15Which dumpster did this piece of garbage crawl out of?
00:33:19Where are the things that were in my pendant?
00:33:25You mean that filthy stuff.
00:33:28I dumped them in the toilet and flushed them away ages ago.
00:33:32Winona Johnson!
00:33:34Winona staggered backward, clutching her cheek.
00:33:37She fell into Chester's arms.
00:33:40You still haven't learned your lesson, Noelle.
00:33:44She flushed my grandma's ashes down the toilet.
00:33:48That's enough.
00:33:50I can't believe you're even cursing your own grandmother to hurt Winona.
00:33:54You make me sick.
00:33:56The next second, he seized her wrist and shoved her hard.
00:34:00The driver of a speeding cab blared the horn, unable to break in time.
00:34:05He slammed into Noelle.
00:34:06She was sent fly before landing the flower hole.
00:34:10Agonizing pain tore through her chest.
00:34:12Thick blood spilled from the corner of her mouth.
00:34:15She instinctively looked toward Chester.
00:34:17Only to see him shielding Winona with heartache in his eyes.
00:34:21He ushered her into the car Simon had brought around.
00:34:24From beginning to end, he didn't spare Noelle a single glance.
00:34:27She blacked out.
00:34:29Noelle lay in the hospital for two days.
00:34:32Through Winona's social media updates,
00:34:34she saw Chester escorting her to banquets and public events.
00:34:38With the wedding so close, he couldn't hold back anymore.
00:34:42He didn't even bother putting on an act.
00:34:45Noelle made her own preparations for the wedding day.
00:34:49The afternoon before the wedding, Chester came to pick her up from the hospital.
00:34:53He brought her favorite bell flowers.
00:34:55I was too impulsive the other day, so this is my apology.
00:34:59But you need to stop targeting Winona too.
00:35:01Tomorrow is our wedding.
00:35:02I've prepared a surprise for you.
00:35:07Perfect.
00:35:09I've prepared a surprise for you too.
00:35:12Chester paused.
00:35:13A flicker of awkwardness flashed in his eyes before he smoothed it over.
00:35:17On the drive back to the villa, the weather turned, and there was a torrential downfall.
00:35:22When thunder cracked, Chester grew restless and on edge.
00:35:26He kept one hand on the wheel while dialing Winona over and over again with the other.
00:35:31The calls went unanswered.
00:35:33He abruptly slammed on the brakes, pulled over, and grabbed an umbrella from the car.
00:35:39He handed it to Noelle.
00:35:40I've got something to deal with.
00:35:42You should grab a cab back.
00:35:44Noelle didn't take the umbrella.
00:35:45She simply gave Chester an unreadable look before stepping out without a backward glance and shutting the door.
00:35:51He hesitated and stared at the umbrella in his hand.
00:35:54An odd feeling flickered through him.
00:35:56But Winona's call came at that moment.
00:35:59She sounded like she was on the verge of tears.
00:36:03Chester, I'm scared. Hurry up and come to me.
00:36:08Chester blanched, his hand moved away from the door handle, and he immediately drove off.
00:36:13Noelle stood there, only just realizing that she'd carried the bouquet Chester had given her out of the car.
00:36:19As she watched the taillights vanish into the rain, she set the flowers on a trash can and hailed it
00:36:24back.
00:36:25Back at the villa, she received a message from Chester.
00:36:28I've got some urgent matters to deal with, so I won't be home tonight.
00:36:32She didn't reply.
00:36:34Maybe it was because she'd been in the rain, but she ran a low fever that night, drifting in and
00:36:38out of dreams.
00:36:39One moment, she saw Winona beating her up until she couldn't stand.
00:36:43Then, she pressed a foot to her face to humiliate her.
00:36:47The next moment, she saw Chester soothing her, cooking for her, and watching movies with her.
00:36:53Lastly, she saw the first time they'd slept together and the countless times after.
00:36:58Tears slid from the corners of her eyes.
00:37:01When she woke, her gaze was nothing but ice.
00:37:04It was her and Chester's wedding day, which happened to fall a week after Marie's death.
00:37:09At first light, Noelle took her suitcase to the cemetery.
00:37:13After leaving the gravesite, she grabbed a cab to the hospital to join the group departure.
00:37:19On her way there, she checked her WhatsApp to confirm every detail and contingency for the wedding with the team.
00:37:27Then, she found a live stream channel she'd bookmarked and tapped in.
00:37:31On camera, a glamorous influencer greeted the audience.
00:37:35Hello everyone! Today, by the bride's invitation, we're attending a wedding and broadcasting it live.
00:37:42Noelle stared at the phone screen, a cold, dark light glinting in her eyes.
00:37:51At the wedding venue, Chester wore a groom's tuxedo, while Simon and Winona were dressed as the best man and
00:37:57maid of honor.
00:37:58The ceremony was a simple garden one, and the guests were all young, familiar faces.
00:38:03Every guest knew exactly what they were waiting for the show to begin.
00:38:07When the live stream crew walked in, Chester froze for a beat and stepped forward to ask what they were
00:38:12doing there.
00:38:13He frowned when he heard Noelle have hired them.
00:38:15I'm sorry, but it's inconvenient to live stream today's wedding. Please!
00:38:19Before he could finish, Winona came over and tugged on his sleeve.
00:38:24She said sweetly,
00:38:25Chester, since Elle invited them, we should respect her wishes.
00:38:29Hi everyone! I'm today's maid of honor and a childhood friend of both the groom and his best man.
00:38:34Noelle smiled mockingly as she watched things play out on her phone screen.
00:38:38It was time for the ceremony to start, yet the bride still hadn't arrived.
00:38:44Chester called Noelle again and again, only to be told each time that her phone was powered off.
00:38:50He furrowed his brows and turned to his assistant.
00:38:53Check the hospital, see whether Noelle is with her grandmother.
00:38:56He deliberately left Marie out of the ceremony that day, afraid that she would be upset or aggravated by what
00:39:03was about to happen.
00:39:04As he listened to the cool, robotic voice tell him that Noelle's phone was off, he grew increasingly anxious.
00:39:11Had she found something out?
00:39:12Just then, the massive screen behind them crackled to life with voices.
00:39:17Chester, will Noelle have a meltdown when she finds out I've been pretending to be you and playing her this
00:39:22whole time?
00:39:23Chester's and Simon's faces drained of color. Noelle had found out ahead of time.
00:39:28She'd never imagine Chester having an identical twin.
00:39:31When she finds out he's the one who's been getting into her pants these past three years, that's punishment.
00:39:35He'll make her feel on top of the world before dropping her into the abyss.
00:39:39Gotta say that he's put in some serious work to achieve that.
00:39:41Panic surged in both of them.
00:39:44Before they could react, the footage on the screen cut to a new scene.
00:39:48In a bathroom, Winona ordered a group of young women to strip Noelle and press lit cigarettes to her skin
00:39:54one by one to burn her.
00:39:56She also made them slap her across the face before finally shoving her head down into a toilet.
00:40:01The crowd fell silent. Only Noelle's screams echoed through the stillness.
00:40:05On the screen, Winona's flawlessly made up face twisted with venom and arrogance.
00:40:12You've got a nerve to steal my credit to the campus bell.
00:40:15Get on your knees and drop it at my feet now.
00:40:18Or I'll make the next four years of my life a living hell.
00:40:21Chester and Simon stood frozen in place as their blood ran cold.
00:40:26One scene after another showed Winona bullying Well recessively.
00:40:30The video finally froze on Winona's cruel expression.
00:40:34Only then did the brothers snap to their senses and stiffly turn to look at Winona.
00:40:38She'd been lying to them all along.
00:40:43Winona screamed like she'd lost her mind.
00:40:46Turn it off. Shut it off.
00:40:48Right then, the massive scream started playing the bullying footage again.
00:40:53This time, however, Winona looked younger and the victim was someone else, a girl in a high school uniform.
00:41:00More clips popped up one after another and multiple videos played at once.
00:41:05Aside from Winona's frantic shrieks, there were all kinds of other screams.
00:41:16It was you! You drove my daughter to jump to her death! You destroyed my family and forced us to
00:41:21leave!
00:41:22All the staff who were supposed to be doing their jobs charged out, accusing her of her crimes and beating
00:41:27them.
00:41:28Every single one of them was either a victim or a victim's family.
00:41:32Winona had caused more than one person's death.
00:41:35But whenever these people had tried to ask the internet or the police for help, their efforts had been suppressed
00:41:40almost immediately.
00:41:41The victims had either died or begged for mercy until Winona was satisfied.
00:41:46Then, she'd moved on to the next target.
00:41:49Noelle was her longest lasting victim.
00:41:51She was also the one Winona hated most.
00:41:54The more Noelle refused to break, the more Winona wanted to destroy her.
00:41:58At first, Noelle had exposed Winona online and tried going to the police, but nothing worked.
00:42:04Later, she'd spent a lot of time gathering evidence of Winona bullying others.
00:42:08She'd put in a lot of effort convincing these people to trust her and hand over their proof.
00:42:13She'd also persuaded them to side with her.
00:42:15Even during the years Winona was abroad, Noelle hadn't given up on her plan for revenge.
00:42:20From the moment she'd overheard the plot against her while standing outside that private room,
00:42:25she'd decided to use this wedding to broadcast Winona's crimes live for everyone to see.
00:42:31Only if there were enough victims.
00:42:33Only if public outrage grew big enough would the Johnsons be unable to smother this.
00:42:37The venue fell into a dead hush, broken only by the victims' families' curses and punches.
00:42:43Chester, save me! Save me!
00:42:45Chester and Simon clenched their fists so tightly their bodies trembled.
00:42:48Their eyes turned bloodshot.
00:42:50The person they'd protected since childhood, someone they thought was gentle and timid,
00:42:54had turned out to be someone like this.
00:42:56For her, they'd set up a trap against Noelle.
00:42:59They'd fancied themselves righteous judges, but they were actually accomplices to evil.
00:43:04They charged ahead and pushed into the crowd.
00:43:06Winona struggled toward them when she saw them.
00:43:08Chester, Simon, save me!
00:43:10But the next second she met their bloodshot eyes that were cold and full of disgust.
00:43:15Chester grabbed her by the collar and hauled her up, his voice shaking with anger and pain as he roared,
00:43:22You've been lying to me all along, Winona. You egged me on to go after Noelle.
00:43:26He thought of all the years of deception and how Noelle already knew the truth.
00:43:30He thought about their confrontation in the hospital.
00:43:33She looked at him with disbelief and pain before the emotions had faded into dead hopelessness.
00:43:38He couldn't stop shaking as panic crawled up his chest.
00:43:40Meanwhile, Simon stood beside him, looking at Winona like he wanted to kill her.
00:43:45I... I didn't. That wretch Noelle set me up. The videos are fake.
00:43:51You're still lying.
00:43:52She reached for him, pleading.
00:43:54She picked on me first. I was just fighting back. Chester, you have to believe me.
00:43:59Simon kicked her square in the chest, sending her flying with a brutal thud.
00:44:03The crowd surged forward again, swarming her and beating her.
00:44:07Stop right there!
00:44:08The police officers still in the gauntlet, taking Winona and the victims in for an investigation.
00:44:13They collected all the evidence before we reached.
00:44:16By then, Noelle had already reached the airport.
00:44:18She exited the livestream and checked the news online.
00:44:22The internet had exploded.
00:44:24There were headlines everywhere about how Winona, the Johnson family's heiress, was a bully.
00:44:30Chester and Simon were also being cursed to hell and back for what they'd done.
00:44:35A faint smile tugged at Noelle's lips.
00:44:38She pulled her old phone out of her bag and turned it on.
00:44:42Then, she sent Chester and Simon some photos of her abortion procedure form and the images of the aborted embryo.
00:44:48Then, she removed the SIM card, snapped it in two, and dropped the phone into an airport trash bin.
00:44:55She boarded her flight without another look back.
00:45:00As Winona was dragged past Chester, she fought back and grabbed his sleeve.
00:45:05The next second, she met a pair of bloodshot eyes that blazed with hatred.
00:45:10She froze, and he flung her off roughly.
00:45:13The venue fell silent, leaving only Chester and Simon behind, looking distraught.
00:45:18Chester's assistant, who'd gone to the hospital, returned.
00:45:25Mr. Chester, Ms. Rutherford isn't at the hospital.
00:45:29The nurse said her grandmother passed away a week ago.
00:45:31What?
00:45:33No way.
00:45:34Why didn't she say anything if her grandma died?
00:45:37The time of death was last Friday at 11pm.
00:45:42I double checked.
00:45:43Last Friday, the night of their get-together in that private room, could it be that Noelle had overheard their
00:45:48conversation and chosen not to tell them about Marie's death?
00:45:51Chester suddenly remembered how Winona had taken his phone to check on him when they'd been at the airport.
00:45:56He pulled it out and saw dozens of missed calls wiped from the log, along with deleted text messages.
00:46:02Damn it!
00:46:03He bolted, and Simon hurried after them.
00:46:07They jumped into the car and sped toward the building.
00:46:10No one was there.
00:46:12There was a USB drive on the coffee table, and a note was pinned beneath it.
00:46:16Chester Gray, trusting you so easily is the thing I regret most.
00:46:21Chester's fingers trembled as he held the note, and his eyes reddened in an instant.
00:46:25Simon had already plugged the USB drive into the computer, and opened the folder.
00:46:31Inside were three years worth of evidence of Noelle being bullied.
00:46:36Just then, both their phones pinged at once.
00:46:39They saw the photos of the abortion procedure form, and the images of the aborted embryo that Noelle had sent
00:46:46them.
00:46:46She'd also written a message.
00:46:49As you wished, the baby's been taken care of.
00:46:52Dead silence settled over the room.
00:46:55Noelle had gotten pregnant, and she'd terminated it.
00:46:58Chester and Simon shook as they held their phones.
00:47:01Jealousy and heartbreak tore through Chester, while Simon's eyes filled with tears.
00:47:06That was his baby.
00:47:08He remembered the look in Noelle's eyes when she'd come out of the bathroom that night.
00:47:14Suddenly...
00:47:15I told you to be careful.
00:47:20You're the real culprit here.
00:47:23They grafted and swung at each other, unleashing every ounce of pent-up resentment.
00:47:28Only when the blows landed on their bodies did they dull the guilt and regret that threatened to swallow them
00:47:35whole.
00:47:35They kept fighting until they were covered in bruises and too exhausted to throw another punch.
00:47:40They collapsed on the floor, gasping for breath.
00:47:44After a moment, Chester scrambled to his feet.
00:47:52I'm going to find her.
00:47:54Simon rushed after him.
00:47:57They drove straight to the hospital and made a beeline for the department where Noelle worked.
00:48:02Everyone there had seen the news online.
00:48:06Tanya looked at them, her expression cold and full of contempt.
00:48:12Elle signed up for Doctors Without Borders. She left today. I don't know where exactly she's gone.
00:48:23Chester and Simon could hardly believe their ears.
00:48:26Doctors Without Borders?
00:48:28That's way too dangerous. Has she lost her mind?
00:48:30Chester was equally frantic. He shot Tanya an icy look before turning on his heel and leaving.
00:48:37Check Noelle's flight. I need to know where she went. Now.
00:48:41As soon as he hung up, he got a call from his family.
00:48:45You and Simon are to get the hell back here right now.
00:48:48Stanley Grey and Marjorie White were Chester and Simon's parents.
00:48:52They also had an older brother, Felix Grey.
00:48:54The three of them sat on the couch in the Grey residence and stared down at Chester and Simon.
00:48:59The tension in the room was palpable.
00:49:01Look what you two have done. Grey Corporation's stock is on the verge of a limit down.
00:49:06Thanks to your stupidity.
00:49:07Have you forgotten your manners?
00:49:08Who gave you permission to treat a young woman like that?
00:49:11Chester, Simon, you went too far.
00:49:14This isn't just a devastating blow to that young woman.
00:49:16It's also a significant hit to Grey Corporation's public image.
00:49:20There's a public outcry against our family now.
00:49:22If we don't handle this properly, our reputation will suffer for a long time.
00:49:26The best move now is to apologize. Make sure it's sincere.
00:49:30You keep apologizing until she forgives you.
00:49:32At the same time, you pin the responsibility on Winona.
00:49:35The Johnsons are already in chaos. Winona isn't getting out of this.
00:49:39He narrowed his eyes dangerously at his brothers.
00:49:42You don't still have feelings for her, do you?
00:49:46Of course not. The thought that she's that vicious and that she's been playing us for years makes me want
00:49:51to wring her neck.
00:49:52We know we messed up. We'll cooperate fully on PR.
00:49:55Good. Our top priority now is earning that young woman's forgiveness.
00:50:00Ideally, get her to issue a joint statement with us.
00:50:03Noelle Rutherford, right? Where is she now?
00:50:05The living room fell silent. After a long beat, Chester slumped and said,
00:50:10She's gone. She joined Doctors Without Borders. We don't know her exact location.
00:50:15Oh? Interesting. She held her ground despite years of bullying and seized the moment to fight back after learning about
00:50:21your stunt.
00:50:22That's impressive.
00:50:23Indeed she is. If you can earn her forgiveness, I'll agree to let her marry into our family.
00:50:28Chester and Simon exchanged a look, both secretly thrilled.
00:50:31That's beside the point now. Even if she isn't here, you still need to apologize.
00:50:37Today, you'll work with PR to record an apology video, then issue a written statement.
00:50:43Once the public outrage dies down, and we recoup the losses, whether you chase after her is your business. I
00:50:49won't interfere.
00:50:50I only have one condition. You two can't turn on each other over a woman.
00:50:54Two hours later, Grey Corporation's official apology statement climbed to the top of the trending list, thanks to careful orchestration.
00:51:02Elle, I'm truly sorry. After three years together, you've genuinely moved me with all the goodness in you.
00:51:08I hesitated about following through with the plan, but after Winona's endless crime and accusations, I was tricked into believing
00:51:15her and decided to teach you a lesson at the wedding.
00:51:18I know I messed up, and I know you don't want to see me right now, but I'll find you
00:51:23and ask for your forgiveness in person.
00:51:25The public didn't buy it. Most of the online community stayed clear-headed and tore into the Grey Brothers without
00:51:30mercy, seeing the backlash grow stronger.
00:51:34Grey Corporation issued another statement that Chester's and Simon's family shareholding would be reduced, and their rights to inherit executive
00:51:41management were revoked.
00:51:45Late at night, inside a private room at a club, Chester and Simon kept plying themselves with liquor.
00:51:51A pile of empty bottles already lined the table. Their friends, who had once schemed and planned alongside them, sat
00:51:58in a circle around them.
00:52:00However, what had once been a rowdy, lively atmosphere had fallen into dead silence.
00:52:05Chester, stop drinking!
00:52:07Keith Miller snatched the glass from Chester and reached for Simon's next.
00:52:11Things have already turned out this way. Booze won't fix anything!
00:52:15Exactly. Why exactly are you drinking, anyway? Is it for your inheritance, Winona, or Noelle? Tell us, and we'll help
00:52:21you analyze the situation.
00:52:23Chester and Simon finally stirred from their drunken state at the mention of Noelle's name.
00:52:28Elle.
00:52:28Before Winona's return, his heart had belonged to her. He'd convinced himself that anything with Noelle was just an act,
00:52:35no real feelings were involved.
00:52:37Even though he'd always felt weird and off about her intimacy with Simon, he'd never dug into it.
00:52:42Now that Winona's true colors had been exposed, the guilt he felt toward Noelle came crashing in, and with it,
00:52:48resentment toward Simon.
00:52:49If he hadn't touched Noelle and gotten her pregnant, maybe none of this would have happened.
00:52:55You jerk! Who said you could touch her? Who allowed you to touch her? She's mine!
00:53:00Fueled by alcohol, he let loose the jealousy and frustration he'd buried for years. Did he love Noelle? He didn't
00:53:07know.
00:53:08All he knew was that with the truth out, she seemed more perfect and precious than ever. Simon fought back
00:53:13without mercy.
00:53:14Yours? You're the one who said you only loved Winona, Chester. You handed Noelle over to me. She was mine
00:53:20for the past three years. Who the hell do you think you are?
00:53:23He was losing it too. Every time he thought about Noelle's pale face and dead eyes when she'd walked out
00:53:28of the bathroom that night, his heart twisted like a knife was lodged in it.
00:53:32She really had been hurt. She'd carried his child. She must have heard him say he wanted it gone.
00:53:38That was why she'd made the ruthless choice to terminate her own pregnancy.
00:53:42Simon had lied last week in the private room. He wasn't sick of sleeping with her at all.
00:53:47He just hadn't understood how he'd felt about her. He'd pegged her as malicious and cruel.
00:53:52And because of that, he'd hurt her again and again. But now, he knew how catastrophically wrong he'd been.
00:53:58She had to despise them both. After all the disgusting and vile things she'd heard and the hurt she'd suffered,
00:54:04there was no way she'd forgive them.
00:54:06Chester and Simon brawled like madmen as they saw red. No one could hold them back, no matter how hard
00:54:12they tried.
00:54:13I'm the one she loves, Simon. I'm the one she was going to marry. Who do you think you are?
00:54:18Thinking about Simon's entanglement with Noelle, Chester grabbed a bottle from the table and smashed it hard on Simon's head.
00:54:25As the glass exploded, Simon grabbed another bottle and cracked it against Chester's skull in return.
00:54:32The room fell into a deathly silence. A beat later, blood streamed down both their foreheads and they collapsed in
00:54:40a heap.
00:54:48Chester and Simon found themselves in the hospital when they woke up.
00:54:53Why are you here?
00:54:56Chester, what is your apology statement supposed to mean? Didn't you say you've always loved me?
00:55:02We grew up together and I have no idea when you became like this.
00:55:06Or maybe you were always like this and you've been wearing a mask all along.
00:55:12Every extra second that I look at you now makes my skin crawl.
00:55:16Chester, how can you say that? I'm pregnant with your child.
00:55:21I was just bailed out.
00:55:23What did you say? When did we even...
00:55:27Remembering the trip he'd made a month ago to see her.
00:55:31He'd had too much to drink and had woken up to find them in the same bed.
00:55:36He couldn't remember whether anything actually happened.
00:55:39And Winona had been coy, shy and evasive.
00:55:43You remember, don't you? This is a Grey family descendant.
00:55:47Chester, you have to take full responsibility.
00:55:49Chester pulled out a thick stack of documents and tossed them in her face.
00:55:54Right on top were photos of her with different men at different times.
00:55:58I've already looked into your years abroad. You're a hell of an actress, you know.
00:56:02Now that the Johnson family is on its way to ruin, you want to latch onto me and make me
00:56:07raise your child with another man.
00:56:09Do you really take me for an idiot?
00:56:11Winona's face turned ashen as she stared down at the papers.
00:56:15She shot to her feet, wanting to leave the room.
00:56:19However, Simon came in just then and clamped his fingers around her throat.
00:56:23He dragged her to the window in a brutal yank.
00:56:26You flushed Elle's grandmother's ashes down the toilet, then threw her necklace out the window and framed her for pushing
00:56:32you.
00:56:33That's enough. Or do you want to go to prison over her?
00:56:36Simon shot him a resentful look. Then, he lifted Winona and flung her aside.
00:56:43My baby. Save my baby.
00:56:49This is your retribution, Winona.
00:56:51After Chester and Simon were discharged, they returned to the villa where Noelle had lived.
00:56:57The place still looked the same as before, but everything that belonged to her had vanished.
00:57:02None of her clothes were left in the closet, and the gifts she'd given them had been cleared out completely,
00:57:08not even leaving a trace.
00:57:10The gifts they had given her, though, were still there.
00:57:14This was how she declared her resolve to sever herself from them.
00:57:18A memory of Noelle curled up in his arms with her arms around his waist appeared in his mind's eye.
00:57:23He really did like her.
00:57:26It was in that instant that Chester finally realized how he truly felt.
00:57:32When he was with Winona, he had to plan a lot.
00:57:36He needed to line up activities and prepare surprises just to feel like there really was anything between them.
00:57:42But when he was with Noelle, he didn't need any of that.
00:57:46He could just relax and lounge.
00:57:49It had calmed him, mind and soul.
00:57:53By the time he realized it, it was too late.
00:57:55On the other hand, Simon sat on the stool at the vanity, absently rubbing an empty photo frame.
00:58:02There used to be a picture in it, Noelle, in a nightgown with her long hair loose as she sat
00:58:07reading by the bay window.
00:58:09The morning light had been perfect that day.
00:58:12He'd shot the photo, had it printed, and kept it on the vanity ever since.
00:58:18Simon, when we find out, let's compete fairly.
00:58:21What's past is past. Let's start over.
00:58:24Simon was silent for a long time before answering raspily.
00:58:28Okay, we start over. We compete fairly.
00:58:35It had been half a month since Noelle's arrival at the war zone.
00:58:38Aside from the panic and confusion on the first day, she'd adapted quickly to life there.
00:58:43Every day, she treated countless wounded.
00:58:46People were injured from blades, stray bullets, and explosions.
00:58:50Some died the moment they reached the hospital, and most of those who survived would still face life with missing
00:58:56limbs.
00:58:57Here, she had no time to dwell on the bullying, the deceit, and the manipulation she'd suffered in the past.
00:59:02She didn't even have time to unlock her phone and check what was happening back home.
00:59:06In the face of so much death, the pain that once cut to the bone felt insignificant.
00:59:11To be alive and with all four wounds in the trap, all red and dust on the walls.
00:59:15The following day, the war alarm glared outside the hospital again.
00:59:19A civilian neighborhood had been bought.
00:59:20The wounded were beyond capture, and they needed reinforcements.
00:59:23Noelle signed up immediately and went out with a medical team.
00:59:26What caught Noelle's eye most were a few flashes of bleeding.
00:59:30They belonged to a peacekeeping unit from Kadya.
00:59:32They were also assisting in the rescue.
00:59:34She merely glanced at them once before focusing fully on treating her injury.
00:59:38Gunpires sounded in the distance with help, and shells fell from the sky from time to time.
00:59:43As they worked, they had to stay alert, ready to duck for cover at any moment.
00:59:47Suddenly, a shell landed not far from Noelle.
00:59:50She instinctively scooped up the child she was killed.
00:59:53An instant later, the blast wave threw her off her feet.
00:59:56She rolled twice on the ground.
00:59:57Thankfully, she suffered only scrapes along her arm.
01:00:01Before she could apply the medicine, a stray bullet whistled from afar and hurtled straight toward her.
01:00:06At the last possible moment, a tall figure sprinted at her and dove, knocking her down.
01:00:11He was from Kadya's peacekeeping force.
01:00:14As she looked at him, he did the same.
01:00:16Their eyes met, and they both froze.
01:00:18It's you?
01:00:19The man who saved Noelle was the same one who'd driven her to see Marie one last time.
01:00:23Even though it had been raining cats and dogs that night, he'd rolled down his window to ask whether she
01:00:28was okay.
01:00:29Out of gratitude, Noelle had etched his strong, rugged face into her memory.
01:00:33She'd also left all the cash in her bag on his seat before getting out.
01:00:37Hi, I'm Gideon Quill.
01:00:39Hi, I'm Noelle Rutherford. Thanks for saving me.
01:00:42We actually met back in Kadya. You drove me to the hospital. Do you remember?
01:00:46I do. I didn't think we would cross paths again.
01:00:49He remembered Noelle vividly.
01:00:51He'd been on leave when he saw someone frantically trying to flag down a car by the side of the
01:00:55road.
01:00:56She'd been a mess soaked, desperate, and right on the edge of breaking down.
01:01:00He'd taken her straight to the hospital, never expecting that she would leave a wad of cash behind in his
01:01:04car.
01:01:05Take care of yourself.
01:01:07He quickly added. Then, he went back to his mission.
01:01:10Noelle pulled her gaze away and returned to saving lives.
01:01:13As she worked, a cheer rose at the hospital's entrance.
01:01:16She vaguely heard that there was a convoy delivering medical supplies.
01:01:19Noelle ran out as well. She needed antibiotics.
01:01:22She pushed into the crowd just as a man jumped down from the back of a truck.
01:01:25She only saw his back, but something about him felt familiar. No way.
01:01:29She shut the thought down. There was no way he would be.
01:01:32But then the man turned and lifted another person down from the truck.
01:01:35As he turned, his features came into sharp focus.
01:01:38Noelle's eyes widened and she froze where she stood.
01:01:41Standing before her were Chester and Simon.
01:01:47Elle.
01:01:48A slightly hoarse voice pulled Noelle out of her reverie.
01:01:51Chester stood beside her.
01:01:54Elle. We came to Arbery just to look for you.
01:01:57We still owe you a proper apology.
01:01:59I'm sorry, Elle.
01:02:01Truly, I am.
01:02:03We only found out at the wedding that Winona was the one who bullied you.
01:02:07We were all deceived by her.
01:02:09We...
01:02:10Chester. The night Grandma passed, she wanted to see you one last time.
01:02:15I once thought that if you showed up and let her go in peace, then I could forgive everything.
01:02:21But where were you then?
01:02:25I...
01:02:26It was Winona.
01:02:28She took my phone.
01:02:29She deleted your messages to me and I didn't get your calls.
01:02:33If I'd known about Marie's condition, I would have rushed over.
01:02:36No, you wouldn't have.
01:02:38You would have chosen Winona.
01:02:40That's why I won't ever forgive you.
01:02:43Elle, don't treat me like this.
01:02:45I do care about you.
01:02:48Those three years weren't all an act.
01:02:51I genuinely love you.
01:02:53I only realized it after you left.
01:02:55I just made some mistakes.
01:02:57I...
01:02:58He abruptly stopped talking when he saw the cool indifference and mockery in Noelle's eyes.
01:03:04He had never imagined that those bright eyes could hold emotions like that.
01:03:10My rest time is precious and you're interrupting it.
01:03:14Chester felt like something was lodged in his throat.
01:03:17It felt so sore that he couldn't get any words out.
01:03:20After a long moment, he managed to squeeze out...
01:03:24Ellie, I'm sorry.
01:03:26Then, he fled.
01:03:29Chester had just left when Simon stepped out from the shadows behind the tent.
01:03:34He stopped in front of Noelle.
01:03:38Elle, I'm sorry.
01:03:40Got it. Please leave.
01:03:43No, you don't get it.
01:03:45Noelle, I've always liked you.
01:03:48I fell for you the moment I met you.
01:03:51But you were already Chester's girlfriend then, and I...
01:03:54So, you pretended to be Chester and slept with me?
01:03:59You toyed with me and hurt me?
01:04:02Is that it?
01:04:03Is that what you call liking someone?
01:04:06No, I...
01:04:07Simon faltered.
01:04:09He pressed his lips together, not knowing how to defend himself.
01:04:13He had no defense.
01:04:15I just...
01:04:17I kept suppressing what I really felt.
01:04:20I kept lying to myself.
01:04:23Each time we slept together, I kept wondering who you thought I was.
01:04:27I...
01:04:28I thought you were Chester each time, Simon.
01:04:31Because to me, it's only ever been Chester.
01:04:35Who do you think you are?
01:04:37You're just the younger brother who came back from studying abroad a week before my wedding.
01:04:42Aren't you?
01:04:43L... I...
01:04:44Get lost.
01:04:45Save your fake apologies.
01:04:47I don't want them.
01:04:49Simon left.
01:04:52Noelle didn't linger.
01:04:53She got up and returned to her dorm.
01:04:56That night, Chester and Simon didn't sleep at all.
01:05:01Noelle's attitude left them feeling lost.
01:05:03For the first time, they felt there was no way to win her back.
01:05:08Noelle's mood dipped for a moment, but bone-deep exhaustion had her asleep the second her head hit the pillow.
01:05:15She thought Chester and Simon would soon leave, but to her surprise, they stayed and helped at the hospital.
01:05:23They carried supplies, lifted patients, soothed the injured.
01:05:28They did whatever they could.
01:05:31Noelle's stance remained crystal clear.
01:05:34No matter what they said or did, she wanted no more ties with them at all.
01:05:43A year later, a plane touched down on Justin Katia.
01:05:46A woman with short hair, a lean frame, and sun-tanned skin strode out of the airport.
01:05:52She walked with purpose, and her eyes sparkled.
01:05:54It was Noelle.
01:05:55Her one-year contract with Doctors Without Borders was over, and she was back.
01:06:00Chester and Simon trailed not far behind her.
01:06:02They'd also changed compared to a year ago.
01:06:04After witnessing life, death, and faith up close, they'd found their own direction and goals.
01:06:08The one thing that hadn't changed was their love for Noelle.
01:06:11Even though she'd treated them like strangers for the past year,
01:06:14she was even more distant with them than she was with her co-workers.
01:06:17Their respect for her had only deepened, as had their love.
01:06:21The Grey family had pushed them countless times to come home in the past year,
01:06:24but they'd chosen to stay by Noelle's side, guarding a hopeless love.
01:06:27Noelle booked a hotel room, then went straight to Marie's grave.
01:06:31She bought flowers, a drink, and all sorts of treats.
01:06:34She stood before the tombstone and told Marie about what she'd experienced.
01:06:39Grandma, I finally did what I've always wanted to do.
01:06:42I'm doing well now.
01:06:43My heart feels full.
01:06:44I've found the courage to face anything.
01:06:47And I finally understand what you meant when you said that all suffering is temporary.
01:06:52I promise I'll find happiness, so don't worry about me.
01:06:56She stayed until dusk before leaving the cemetery and catching a cab back to the hotel.
01:07:01She went to the hospital.
01:07:02When Tanya saw her again, she smiled with relief, and her eyes reddened slightly.
01:07:07She patted Noelle's shoulder.
01:07:09It's good that you're back. We've all been waiting for you.
01:07:11I'll give you a week to rest up before coming back to work.
01:07:14As Noelle turned to leave, she saw her colleagues gathered at the doorway, beaming at her.
01:07:19A few of her closest co-workers had tears glimmering in their eyes.
01:07:24They rushed forward and hugged her tightly.
01:07:26Elle, we were so worried about you.
01:07:29Warmth bloomed in Noelle's chest, and she gave them a genuine smile.
01:07:33She picked up her luggage from the hotel and headed home.
01:07:36It was a two-bedroom apartment in an old complex.
01:07:39It was small, but it was where Marie had lived for decades.
01:07:41She put her things back in her room and started cleaning the place, working straight through until evening.
01:07:46Then, she drove to the supermarket to stock up.
01:07:48The kitchen was bare, so she filled an entire shopping cart with groceries.
01:07:52It was piled so high that her view was blocked when she lifted everything into her arms.
01:07:58Just as she reached the entrance, an unruly kid came barreling out and slammed into her.
01:08:03Everything in her arms crashed to the ground, and she lost her balance.
01:08:06She toppled toward the floor.
01:08:11A warm, strong hand grabbed Noelle's arm and pulled her back.
01:08:15You okay?
01:08:16The voice was familiar.
01:08:18Noelle's head snapped up, and she met a pair of twinkling eyes.
01:08:22Gideon? You're back too!
01:08:24She broke into a genuine smile, feeling pleasantly surprised.
01:08:28She and Gideon had crossed paths plenty over the past year in Arbery.
01:08:32They'd grown much closer.
01:08:33Yeah. The peacekeeping mission was for a year, and I'm done now. I'll be based in Justin from now on.
01:08:39What about you?
01:08:40I'm heading back to work at Justin Prime Hospital.
01:08:42Noelle gathered the things. She was about to scoop them up when Gideon got everything.
01:08:47He said,
01:08:47I've got this. You lead the way.
01:08:50After they put everything away, she offered,
01:08:53Let me treat you to a meal.
01:08:55He didn't object, and they settled on a restaurant after a quick discussion.
01:08:59Though they'd known each other for a year, this was their first proper meal together.
01:09:04The conversation started with Arbery, and there was never an awkward lull.
01:09:08As they delved deeper, the atmosphere grew more comfortable.
01:09:11Dinner ended on a high note, and they parted ways to head home.
01:09:14On the way back, Gideon couldn't keep the smile off his face.
01:09:18As for Noelle, the loneliness she'd been carrying seemed to have been swept away, at least a little.
01:09:23The next day, Noelle went back to her old high school and visited her homeroom teacher.
01:09:28When work came up, she talked about her year away.
01:09:31No sooner had the words left her mouth than a familiar voice rang out from the left.
01:09:35Miss Burton, long time no see.
01:09:38Noelle turned, and there was Gideon, standing not far away.
01:09:43He wore the same surprised expression she had.
01:09:45After that day, they started talking more often.
01:09:48There was an unspoken intimacy between them.
01:09:51Three days later, Noelle returned to the hospital for work, and Gideon's break ended.
01:09:56Dr. Rutherfield, someone sent you flowers!
01:09:59The front desk nurse came bustling over with a massive bouquet of roses.
01:10:03Noelle's first thought was Gideon, but her expression cooled when she saw the card that came with the bouquet.
01:10:09It was from Chester.
01:10:10Before she could say anything, another nurse came over with a second bouquet.
01:10:14This one was from Simon.
01:10:16Her irritation welled up, and she pressed her lips together.
01:10:21Throw them out!
01:10:22Every day after that, Chester and Simon sent flowers to the hospital.
01:10:26They never showed up in person, but their presence was loud enough to be exhausting.
01:10:30On her 27th birthday, as Noelle stepped out of the hospital, Chester and Simon walked to her with flowers and
01:10:37gifts.
01:10:37El, happy birthday!
01:10:39Chester, Simon, stop sending me flowers, and stop harassing me!
01:10:44El, can you at least give me a chance to pursue you?
01:10:49El, I want to start over with you.
01:10:51I've made myself perfectly clear. Keep this up, and I'll go to hell, you bitch!
01:10:57A kitchen knife came hurtling toward Noelle from the left.
01:11:00Across from her, Chester's and Simon's eyes bulged in terror as they lunged toward her.
01:11:05El!
01:11:05At the same time, Gideon, who'd just arrived at the hospital, pushed through the crowd and charged toward her.
01:11:14Noelle reacted fast.
01:11:15The moment she heard Winona's voice, she saw the flash of silver that flickered to her left.
01:11:20She stepped back and leaned away, narrowly dodging the kitchen knife.
01:11:24Having missed on the first swing, Winona quickly raised the knife and went for a second.
01:11:28That was when Simon rushed forward.
01:11:29As the blade came down, he yanked Noelle toward him and turned, shielding her with his body.
01:11:34In an instant, the knife sliced open the flesh on his back.
01:11:37Chester lunged to grab Winona.
01:11:39You should go to hell, too!
01:11:40When she saw him, she didn't hesitate.
01:11:43She could have leveraged her pregnancy to get a one-year bail,
01:11:45during which her family would have pulled strings to work something out.
01:11:48But Chester and Simon had made her miscarry, forcing her to serve time.
01:11:52For a whole year, once word of her crimes got around, the other inmates had tormented her relentlessly.
01:11:58Everyone had targeted her, making her life a living hell.
01:12:01When a hand clamped around her wrist, the knife was ripped away in a heartbeat.
01:12:05Then, a powerful force slammed her to the ground, twisting her arms behind her.
01:12:14Gideon had arrived. The crowd had scattered.
01:12:16Medical staff burst out with gurneys and rushed Chester and Simon inside.
01:12:20Neither had passed out.
01:12:22As they were lifted onto the beds, they kept their eyes locked on Noelle.
01:12:25They were desperate to catch a flicker of mercy, any sign of her softening, or even heartache for them.
01:12:31But there was nothing.
01:12:32Noelle looked at Gideon and walked straight to him, without a backward glance.
01:12:36Are you okay?
01:12:38Yeah.
01:12:40Thank God you're fine. I was worried about you, Elle.
01:12:43Noelle was taken aback. Then, her eyes prickled.
01:12:47She raised her arms and wrapped them around him.
01:12:49Gideon accompanied Noelle to the police station to have her statement taken.
01:12:53His eyes reddened from heartache when he learned about how she'd been bullied.
01:12:56It was past 8pm when they stepped out of the police station.
01:13:00He took her to a popular restaurant that was surprisingly empty.
01:13:03It was decorated with flowers and balloons, and a formally dressed pianist played for them.
01:13:09Noelle's heart raced when she saw all of this.
01:13:12After dinner, Gideon took out a bracelet and officially confessed.
01:13:15Elle, I started developing feelings for you when we were in Arbery.
01:13:19Spending time together since we both got back has only made me more certain that you're the partner I've been
01:13:26searching for.
01:13:27I really like you. Will you be my girlfriend with marriage as our endgame?
01:13:31Noelle smiled. I will.
01:13:33He clasped the bracelet, glittering with pave diamonds around her wrist.
01:13:38With it, he also clasped her heart.
01:13:41A good point.
01:13:42A good point.
01:13:43A good point.
01:13:43In the endgame we're making a hundred and a half years without a
01:13:43favorite story that really did not know.
01:13:44The first two of the gods, the first 1st, the last 2nd, the last one.
01:13:44The last two women who are second and the last two men, the last three women's heart
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