- 15 hours ago
$400 and a Secret Daughter - FULL EP
FULL EPISODE
FULL EPISODE
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Back in college, I literally bought myself a boyfriend.
00:03Be my boyfriend, and I'll cover your grandfather's medical bills.
00:06I was the richest heiress in Detroit.
00:07Julian was the brokest kid on campus, but an undisputed star on the ice.
00:11I wanted him. I thought I was saving him.
00:13I forgot that to Julian, pride mattered more than survival.
00:17He swallowed his pride and stayed with me for four years,
00:19and I was naive enough to think he loved me.
00:21That was until I got pregnant, my family lost everything,
00:23and whatever pride I had left was crushed.
00:26Out of wounded pride, I disappeared while I was pregnant.
00:28I never told Julian we had a daughter.
00:29Click. The heavy VIP door locks. Shut.
00:32Of all places, I run into Julian in a strip club.
00:34Take it off.
00:35What?
00:36Up on the stage. Dance. Now.
00:40A shiver runs through me.
00:41I paid for the hour, Ave. Or should I call you Luna?
00:44I only serve drinks, Julian. I'm not a...
00:47He's on his feet in an instant.
00:48Not a stripper?
00:49Does your father, sitting in federal prison, know you work here dressed like this?
00:54You investigated me?
00:56I spent six years looking for you!
01:00Private investigators, hackers, social media.
01:03You covered your tracks too well.
01:06And this is what you've come to?
01:08Hiding behind a mask and working for tips in a place like this?
01:11Because I'm a mess, okay? A complete mess!
01:15Julian freezes, and the next second, he lifts my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze.
01:19Why? How did this happen to you?
01:22Don't act like you care!
01:25I hate you every damn second.
01:27And I wouldn't.
01:29If you didn't still matter to me.
01:31You said you loved me back then.
01:33Was that a lie?
01:34Why?
01:34And I remember the morning I left, when I kissed his forehead and lied that I'd see him at graduation.
01:39I...
01:40A small voice rings out, and a little girl runs in.
01:42Are you my dad?
01:43Why did you make my mommy cry?
01:47She... she's got the wrong guy!
01:49Eve.
01:50Julian's voice turns low, edged with warning.
01:53Whose kid is she?
01:54But Lily steps in front of me, tiny and stubborn.
01:57She tilts her head back, studying the tall man in front of her.
02:00You're so tall!
02:02Are you a giant?
02:05Julian looks down.
02:06He stares down at the little girl who barely reaches his knees.
02:09The same black curls.
02:10The same icy blue eyes.
02:12Even that stubborn streak is pure Julian.
02:14No, I'm not a giant.
02:15I'm a hockey player.
02:16Julian's face softens as he reaches out and pinches Lily's cheek.
02:19Like in Frozen?
02:21Yeah, close enough.
02:23Eve, how old is she?
02:25Julian shifts his gaze and looks up at me.
02:27She just turned four.
02:28The lie makes my heart pound.
02:30Heat creeps into my face.
02:31A year's difference is enough to hide the truth.
02:33I can't let him know she came from that night five years ago.
02:36But right then, Lily suddenly grabs Julian's hand.
02:39Your hands are so cold.
02:41Mommy says we're basically part polar bear.
02:44Are you a polar bear too?
02:46Julian slowly crouches down to look at Lily.
02:49What's your name?
02:50Lily Hartley.
02:52She politely holds out her hand and Julian shakes it.
02:55Nice to meet you.
02:56I'm Mr. Vane.
02:58Van?
02:59Lily lets out an excited squeal.
03:01You're that hockey player.
03:02Mommy has a picture of you.
03:04It's all old and creased.
03:06She takes it out and looks at it when she thinks I'm asleep.
03:09That's enough, Lily.
03:10I scoop my daughter up and hurry out of the stifling VIP room.
03:14Mommy, let me go.
03:15He's a polar bear too.
03:17I-
03:17Lily keeps struggling in my arms.
03:19Eve.
03:19I freeze in my tracks.
03:21I don't dare look back.
03:22She's my daughter, isn't she?
03:25No.
03:26She's not yours.
03:27I clutch Lily to me, my fingers digging into her coat, and bolt.
03:31Late at night, I watch Lily sleep in my arms.
03:34Her long lashes and stubborn little chin are pure Julian.
03:37My mind drifts back six years.
03:40Back then, I was the richest heiress in Detroit.
03:42Julian was the brokest kid on campus, but an undisputed star on the ice.
03:46I wanted him, so I made him an offer he couldn't refuse.
03:49The day his grandfather ended up in the ICU, and he had no way to pay for it, I put
03:54a check
03:54down in front of him.
03:55Be my boyfriend, and I'll cover every cent.
03:57I thought I was saving him.
03:59I forgot that to Julian, pride mattered more than survival.
04:03During my senior year, my family went bankrupt, and my dad went to prison.
04:06I fell from grace into the dirt, and debt collectors hunted me down everywhere.
04:11Meanwhile, Julian had just signed a multi-million dollar contract with a major team.
04:15He had a brilliant future ahead of him.
04:16We're done, Julian.
04:18I had my fun, and now I'm bored.
04:20He didn't ask me to stay.
04:22Okay.
04:22I figured he was relieved that day.
04:25He finally didn't have to look at the woman who had humiliated him with her money.
04:28I deleted all my contact info, and left Detroit while I was pregnant with Lily.
04:33Since then, life has been one long struggle to survive.
04:36Until today, when I ran into him at the strip club.
04:38Now he's one of the biggest stars in the NHL.
04:41He's worth tens of millions.
04:42The kind of man who shows up with actresses on red carpets.
04:45And I am a waitress at a strip club.
04:47I wear low-cut tops and serve drinks to drunk handsy men just to pay for my daughter's medicine.
04:51At 5am, a text lights up my screen.
04:54We need to talk.
04:56Don't make me come down to that club and drag you out, Eve.
04:59I delete the message, block his number, and pretend none of it happened.
05:03But when I clock in the next day...
05:05The guy in VIP asked for you by name.
05:07I push the door open.
05:08Julian sits alone, turning an empty glass between his fingers.
05:12Sit.
05:12I perch on the edge of the sofa, ready to bolt at any second.
05:16Mr. Vane, just say whatever you came here to say.
05:19Why did you leave so suddenly back then?
05:21Were you really just bored?
05:23He turns to me.
05:24You deleted your Snapchat.
05:26You changed your number.
05:27You vanished off the face of the earth.
05:29He suddenly leans in, all broad shoulders and solid muscle, leaving me nowhere to go.
05:33Eve, you're still just as good at using people as ever.
05:37In that moment, I almost tell him the truth.
05:40He pulls a stack of cash from his jacket.
05:42He slaps the cash against my chest hard enough to sting.
05:44He grips my chin and tips my face up.
05:4620 grand.
05:48Take off this cheap lace.
05:49Put on that white dress you used to love and serve me.
05:52I put on the white dress.
05:54I stand in front of him, my trembling fingers reaching to undo his suit jacket.
05:58Julian catches me by the throat.
06:00There's no room for argument in his voice.
06:02Is Lily my daughter?
06:03No.
06:03I grit my teeth.
06:04Then who's the father?
06:05Some safe, dependable fiancé?
06:07What's his name?
06:08What does he do?
06:09Julian, stop.
06:10I looked for you for six damn years.
06:12He roars.
06:13Every single second, I wondered what the hell I did wrong.
06:16Why did you vanish?
06:17Why won't you even look at me now?
06:19Bloom lets go.
06:20I clutch my throat and cough hard.
06:21Tears well up in my eyes.
06:23You're a superstar athlete.
06:24I was drowning in debt with my father in prison.
06:27I couldn't see any future for us.
06:28Couldn't see it?
06:29He suddenly laughs bitterly.
06:31I wanted to build a home with you and give you everything I had.
06:34You threw our future away.
06:35Because I had no choice.
06:37I finally break down.
06:39I pull my knees to my chest and sob.
06:41My family went bankrupt.
06:42I was drowning in debt.
06:44I couldn't cling to you and ruin your life too.
06:47I could have faced it with you.
06:49He scoffs.
06:50He pulls a crumpled contract offer from his jacket and slams it onto the table.
06:54Eve, did you really think I was in it for the money?
06:56I had 12 team offers.
06:58I turned down New York.
06:59I turned down Chicago.
07:00I chose Detroit.
07:01The worst deal and the least money.
07:03I just hoped I'd run into you one day.
07:06In the city where you grew up.
07:08Was it all for your damn pride, Miss Hartley?
07:10Julian gives a bitter half-smile.
07:12His eyes are cold enough to make me shiver.
07:14I open my mouth, but my throat burns.
07:16I can't force out a single word.
07:18Maya Hart pushes the door open, clicking across the floor in her stilettos.
07:21Oh my god.
07:23Eve?
07:24Is that really you?
07:25I tug at my short white dress, trying to hide my humiliation.
07:28Everyone went crazy looking for you.
07:30And you're... here?
07:31Her sharp eyes scan my dress, landing on the price tag still hanging off it.
07:35Her tone drips with sarcasm.
07:36Wearing knockoffs and scraping by in a place like this?
07:39That's so not the old you, Eve.
07:41She pulls a no-limit black card from her Chanel bag.
07:43She waves it in the air, then shoves it into my hand.
07:46If you're broke, just say so.
07:47Take it.
07:48There's no limit.
07:49It's enough to buy a truckload of cheap dresses like that.
07:52You don't have to pay me back.
07:53I look at Maya, then I turn to Julian, who hasn't stopped glaring at me.
07:56I steal myself and force a polished, fake smile.
07:59Thanks, but I really don't need charity.
08:01I deliberately smooth down the skirt of my white dress, bracing myself for the lie.
08:05I'm getting married.
08:06I was trying this dress on for my fiancé.
08:08If you guys are free, you're welcome to come to the wedding.
08:11Shatter.
08:11The glass in Julian's hand explodes into pieces.
08:14Married?
08:15He shoots up from his seat.
08:16He grabs my waist and slams me hard against the wall.
08:18Eve, you're wearing the dress I bought you.
08:23And telling me you're marrying someone else?
08:25I stand there in the white dress he bought me, spinning a lie designed to destroy him.
08:29His name is Ivan, the rich guy who used to pursue me in college.
08:33I look him dead in the eye as his face turns paper white.
08:35He paid off every single cent of my debt, so I'm marrying him.
08:39Julian looks like I just punched him in the chest.
08:41His breathing turns heavy and ragged.
08:43Do you love him?
08:44He's good to me.
08:45I asked if you love him!
08:48He lunges forward.
08:49He cages me in, slamming both hands against the wall right next to my head.
08:52I don't answer him.
08:53I just shove him away.
08:54Julian, we are done.
08:55We ended six years ago.
08:57He freezes, standing there speechless.
08:59Then he drops his head and walks out of the VIP room, all the fight drained out of him.
09:03Late that night, I drag myself home, exhausted.
09:05Mommy!
09:06My five-year-old daughter, Lily, throws herself into my arms.
09:09She shoves a crayon drawing into my hand.
09:11This is Daddy, this is Mommy, and this is me.
09:14Lily, you don't have a Daddy.
09:16But that hockey giant looks exactly like me!
09:18Lily sticks out her bottom lip, looking heartbroken.
09:20Mommy's lying.
09:21He's my Daddy, right?
09:22I crouch down.
09:23I fight back my tears and kiss her forehead.
09:24Daddy is far, baby.
09:26Mommy will take you to the park tomorrow.
09:27I step out onto the balcony, smoking a cigarette to numb the exhaustion.
09:30I look down at the street below.
09:32A massive, black Hummer is parked right in the shadows of the streetlamp.
09:35The window is rolled halfway down.
09:36The glowing red tip of a cigarette burns between his fingers in the dark.
09:39Julian, we live in two completely different worlds now.
09:42Why did you have to crash back into mine?
09:44It's Saturday.
09:44I take Lily to the sandbox at the local park.
09:46She's busy building her sandcastle.
09:48I sit on the bench.
09:49My phone buzzes like crazy.
09:51Julian, what the hell do you want?
09:53I'm 30 feet behind you, under the oak tree.
09:55I whip my head around, my blood running cold.
09:57Julian stands there in a gray hoodie.
09:59Are you stalking me?
10:00I just wanted to see her.
10:01He closes the distance in long strides, before I can even block his path.
10:05Daddy, you finally came back!
10:07Julian goes completely rigid.
10:08He slowly crouches down, letting my daughter cling to him.
10:11Eve, how old is she really?
10:12Four.
10:13Bullshit!
10:14Eve, I am asking you one last time.
10:16How old is she?
10:17Four.
10:18Julian lets out a dark, mocking, laugh.
10:20He yanks a crumpled piece of paper from his jacket.
10:22He slams it right against my chest.
10:24It's a paternity test.
10:25I stare at the bold ink.
10:26Probability of paternity, 99.99%.
10:29When did you...
10:30His eyes are bloodshot.
10:31He leans in close, his teeth gritted.
10:33Now, Eve, do we settle this in court, or are you coming home with me?
10:38The car is dead silent.
10:40Lily is fast asleep in the back seat.
10:42Julian grips the steering wheel, his knuckles turning pure white.
10:45When is her birthday?
10:48February 17th.
10:49We broke up on June 10th.
10:50When you left me, you were already pregnant, weren't you?
10:53Yes.
10:53I force myself to look him in the eye.
10:55I dumped you on that freezing winter night while I was carrying your baby, Julian.
10:59Screech!
11:00Tires scream against the asphalt.
11:02The massive SUV jerks to a violent halt.
11:04Why the hell didn't you tell me?
11:06That is my daughter, Eve.
11:08How dare you hide her from me?
11:10And there I was, in front of cameras, talking about how much I missed you, looking like a damn fool.
11:15Tell you, and then what?
11:16Make you give up your shot at the NHL?
11:19Make you stay in this dying city with a bankrupt mess working dead-end jobs to feed a baby?
11:24I would have given it up!
11:25I would have given up every damn thing for you!
11:29Less!
11:30But I would have hated myself!
11:32And then you would have hated me for the rest of your life!
11:34You would have resented me for dragging you down into the dirt!
11:37All the color vanishes from Julian's face.
11:40You thought...
11:42I would hate you?
11:43He violently unbuckles his seatbelt.
11:45He stalks around the front of the SUV.
11:47He rips the passenger door open and drags me out of the car like a ragdoll.
11:50Julian!
11:51You're crazy!
11:52Let me go!
11:53The next second, his trembling fingers tangle in my hair, tilting my head back.
11:57He crashes his lips onto mine with a desperate, punishing heat.
12:01Julian!
12:01I want to be with you forever, but I can't be that selfish.
12:04I use every ounce of my strength to push him away.
12:07Drop the act, Julian!
12:09You took thee, Dad!
12:10Deep down, you know the truth!
12:12If it hadn't been for that medical bill, you never would have looked my way!
12:15Julian doesn't answer.
12:16Instead, he steps closer and pulls me tight against his chest.
12:19He gently strokes my hair.
12:21This time, I don't fight back.
12:22I just bury my face in his jacket and sob.
12:24Let's get back in the car.
12:25He drives us back to my rundown apartment building.
12:27The SUV is dead quiet.
12:29The only sound is Lily's steady breathing in the back seat.
12:31After a long pause, a bitter laugh escapes his lips.
12:34Eve, I've kept a secret from you for six whole years.
12:37Long before you ever paid that medical bill, I was already hopelessly in love with you.
12:42I stare at his profile in total shock.
12:44Julian loved me from the very beginning.
12:45Then what the hell had we been doing all these years?
12:47On the first day of college, you walked by in that white dress.
12:51I knew right then that I would never forget you, but I had nothing.
12:54You were an untouchable heiress, and I was just some broke nobody.
12:57Then why did you-
12:58Because you used your money!
12:59You bought me, pride and all!
13:01After that, things got so messed up in my head.
13:03I didn't know if I was kissing you because I loved you, or because I owed you.
13:07Even I couldn't tell the difference.
13:09I break down into uncontrollable sobs.
13:11All those years, we were both cowards.
13:12Neither of us had the guts to face how we really felt.
13:14In the back seat, Lily rolls over in her sleep.
13:16She mumbles in a sweet, sleepy voice.
13:19Daddy.
13:20Julian turns to look at me, his eyes full of pure desperation.
13:23Eve, I'm begging you.
13:24Please let me be there to watch my daughter grow up.
13:26That night, Julian walks us straight upstairs to my apartment.
13:29In the living room, he sits on the floor, awkwardly snapping Legos together with Lily.
13:34Daddy, are you coming back tomorrow?
13:37Yeah.
13:38I'll be here every day.
13:40Listening to their laughter, I almost let myself drown in this beautiful illusion of a family.
13:45Buzz.
13:46My phone vibrates, violently ripping me back to reality.
13:49It's a text from Ivan.
13:51He wants me to sign the marriage papers tomorrow.
13:54I still owe him 20 grand.
13:56Over the years, Ivan paid off my bad debts and covered Lily's school fees.
14:00Now, it's finally time for me to pay up.
14:03Julian suddenly appears in the kitchen doorway.
14:05Who's texting you?
14:06Ivan?
14:07He steps closer, a terrifying, obsessive darkness in his eyes.
14:11How did you...
14:12Eve, you're the only reason I'm here.
14:16Lily runs over.
14:18Mommy, I'm hungry.
14:22Dinner's almost ready, baby.
14:24Julian pulls out a bouquet of white roses.
14:26He grabs my wrist.
14:28His thumb gently rubs against my worn-out bracelet.
14:30You've worn this for six years, Eve.
14:33You never let me go.
14:35Lily claps her hands innocently.
14:36Daddy loves Mommy!
14:38Daddy loves Mommy!
14:40I scoop her up and bury my face in her tiny shoulder.
14:43Terrified, he'll see the look on my face.
14:46Julian steps up behind us and wraps his massive arms around us both.
14:49Let me take care of you, Eve.
14:53Let me be your man.
14:54Tears spill from my eyes, but my heart feels like it's being torn apart.
14:5820 grand stands between us like a wall.
15:01If I let Julian pay it, he becomes the guy I bought all over again.
15:05If I don't, I have to jump right into the fire with Ivan.
15:08I cannot destroy Julian's pride a second time.
15:11I take a deep breath and violently shove him away.
15:14Drop the act, Julian.
15:16What?
15:17The pure tenderness in his eyes instantly freezes.
15:20I wipe my tears and put on my cruelest mask.
15:23I crush what's left of his hope, word by word.
15:27I told you.
15:28I'm getting married.
15:30I am marrying Ivan.
15:32No!
15:37I want Daddy!
15:39Mommy is a liar!
15:40You never smile when you see that man!
15:44He locks his eyes onto mine.
15:45Eve, look me in the eye and tell me you love him.
15:50Just as I am about to completely break down, the doorbell rings.
15:54Ivan stands at the door.
15:55His hair is slicked back and he's holding a bottle of wine,
15:57here to pick me up for a date to celebrate our upcoming wedding.
16:00I'm Lily's father.
16:01Julian from the NHL?
16:02Didn't she throw you away six years ago?
16:04Ivan, shut your mouth!
16:06Why should I?
16:07Ivan pulls out a loan agreement,
16:09waving it in the air in blatant mockery.
16:11You sign this, and I clear your debt.
16:14Otherwise, the bank takes this apartment tomorrow.
16:16Are you going to drag your kid out to sleep on the street?
16:19How much does she owe?
16:20With interest?
16:2135 grand.
16:22In that moment, I want to kick everyone out of the room.
16:24Is this my karma?
16:25All because I used money to buy my so-called love back then.
16:28Julian pulls out his phone,
16:29his thumb swiping quickly across the screen.
16:31I'll give you 50 grand.
16:32Take the money and get the hell out.
16:33Ivan's smile instantly drops.
16:3560 grand.
16:36And I walk right now.
16:37Get out right now,
16:38or I'll have my legal team dig into every shady account you have.
16:41The irony is suffocating.
16:42Six years later,
16:42it's Julian using his money to save my stupid pride.
16:44Julian, you shouldn't have paid him.
16:45Now I just owe you.
16:46It's worth it.
16:47Go pack your things.
16:48What?
16:48You're moving into my place.
16:50Tonight.
16:50I turned Julian down.
16:51I told him we both needed time to get to know each other again.
16:54For once, he didn't push it.
16:56When I wake up the next morning,
16:57Julian is already in the kitchen.
16:59You still slice them the exact same way.
17:01Because it's how you like them.
17:04Daddy's breakfast smells so good!
17:06Seeing how happy Lily is,
17:08it almost feels like the last six years of hell were just a bad dream.
17:12But right then, my phone rings.
17:14It's Maya.
17:15Eve, I hear you and Julian are rekindle things?
17:19Julian is a national icon now.
17:21If the media finds out he's sleeping with a stripper...
17:24Are you threatening me?
17:26I'm doing you a favor.
17:27He and I have an arrangement.
17:29I'm his official girlfriend.
17:31She lets out a cold laugh.
17:33Trash like you shouldn't ruin things for him.
17:35She's right.
17:36I'm not the old Eve anymore.
17:37Do I even deserve to stand next to Julian?
17:39Who is that?
17:41Maya...
17:42She says you two have an arrangement.
17:44That you're hers.
17:46Bullshit!
17:48It's just a smokescreen for the press.
17:51There's never been anything between us.
17:54But the media believes she's your fiancé.
17:57I lower my head, trying to hide the tears building in my eyes.
18:01Eve, look at me.
18:02Are you going to believe a woman full of lies?
18:04Or the man who spent six years looking for you?
18:07The back alley of the club, Julian leans against his SUV,
18:10waiting for me to finish my shift.
18:11You don't have to come here every night.
18:13I avoid his eyes.
18:14I want to.
18:15Get in.
18:16He snatches my bag and tosses it into the passenger seat,
18:19giving me no chance to protest.
18:20He starts the car, only to slam on the brakes at the very next intersection.
18:25Eve.
18:26We're doing a DNA test tomorrow.
18:27Julian stares dead ahead.
18:29What do you mean?
18:31If Julian fights me for custody right now,
18:33I have absolutely zero chance of winning.
18:35I'm establishing my legal rights as Lily's father.
18:37Then I'm filing for joint custody.
18:40You're taking Lily away from me?
18:42I scream, my entire body shaking.
18:45I can't let my daughter grow up in a place where you could lose the apartment any second.
18:49Julian snaps his head toward me, his eyes bloodshot.
18:51You work here all night!
18:53Did you ever think about Lily being home alone with no one to watch her?
18:57I do it to pay for her school!
18:59I do it so we can survive!
19:01Then let me provide for you!
19:03I don't want your money!
19:04I refuse to owe you a second time!
19:06You never owed me anything!
19:08Julian roars.
19:09He slams his fist so hard against the steering wheel that the horn blares.
19:12People on the street turn to stare at the car.
19:14I owe you.
19:15You hid with our kid for six damn years.
19:17You'd rather beg Ivan for help than come to me?
19:19I collapse back into my seat, the tears pouring down my face uncontrollably.
19:22So you found me?
19:24Now what?
19:25You want to keep humiliating me?
19:26Julian breathes heavily.
19:28Suddenly he rips off his seatbelt.
19:29He lunges across the center console, pinning me back, and kisses me with a desperate, crushing intensity.
19:35Then marry me.
19:37What?
19:38He grips the back of my head, his nose pressing hard against mine.
19:42Will you marry me?
19:45Not right now, when you're ready.
19:48But promise me one thing, Eve.
19:50Do not marry Ivan.
19:52Fine.
19:53I won't marry him, but I don't want your money either.
19:57I'll find a new job.
19:58I'm going to give Lily a good life on my own.
20:02Eve, you've always been amazing.
20:05The next morning, violent pounding on my door jolts me awake.
20:08Miss Hartley, I'm Mark from CPS Child Protective Services.
20:11We received a report.
20:13The allegations include neglect, an unstable living environment, and false statements about the child's paternity.
20:18This is him understanding!
20:20Lily has health insurance!
20:23She certainly has a home!
20:24I take good care of her!
20:26I defend myself, my voice trembling violently.
20:29Please cooperate with the inspection.
20:31They even crouch in front of Lily, trying to get her to spill details about Mommy's friends.
20:36Lily hugs her stuffed animal, looking at them in innocent confusion.
20:40Mommy works a lot, but she tells me a bedtime story every single day.
20:45We will be in touch.
20:46Mark drops the sentence coldly before walking out.
20:49I suggest you retain a lawyer as soon as possible.
20:52The second the door clicks shut, I lose all my strength.
20:55I slide down to the floor, gasping for air as the tears pour out.
20:58I thought I was doing a good job.
21:00But in this city, as long as I don't put that white dress back on,
21:02I'm just a woman working in a strip club who can't even protect her own child.
21:05Could it be Maya? Did she see us at the park? Or...
21:08It's Julian himself!
21:10He wants custody. He has the biggest motive of all.
21:12With trembling hands, I type, Julian Vane, into the search bar.
21:15The screen floods with the latest gossip headlines.
21:18New romance!
21:18Hockey superstar Julian Vane dines with socialite Maya Hart.
21:21In the photos, Maya's hand is resting gracefully on his arm.
21:24Elegant. Expensive.
21:25And me?
21:26I'm just a struggling single mom drowning in debt just to pay rent.
21:29I curl up on my beat-up sofa.
21:30I watch Lily play with her blocks in the corner.
21:32Completely carefree.
21:33Julian practically owns Detroit now.
21:35If he wants to corner me, it would be easier than crushing an aunt.
21:38Is this your version of taking care of us, Julian?
21:40Cutting off every one of my lifelines just to force me to beg for your charity?
21:44I will never let him get away with this.
21:45Never.
21:46I dial his number.
21:47We need to talk.
21:48Now.
21:48I push open the door to Julian's penthouse.
21:51The first thing that catches my eye isn't the luxurious decor.
21:54It's a framed photo from college sitting right on the mantle.
21:57In the picture, our heads are pressed together.
21:59We look like a couple madly in love.
22:01I kept all of them.
22:02Julian's voice comes from behind me.
22:03He just got back from practice, a thin layer of sweat still glistening on his forehead.
22:07Every photo.
22:07Every ticket stud from the movies and games we went to.
22:10I never threw a single thing away.
22:11A few hours ago, I might have been touched.
22:13But right now, it just makes me sick to my stomach.
22:16I yank the thick stack of CPS papers from my bag.
22:18I slam them hard onto the glass coffee table.
22:20Drop the act, Julian.
22:22You act like some heartbroken ex while secretly sending lawyers to steal my daughter?
22:26I glare at him.
22:26You're a liar.
22:27You swore you wouldn't fight me for custody.
22:29And now you're playing dirty behind my back.
22:31Julian stares at the papers on the table.
22:33He looks up at me, genuine confusion in his eyes.
22:35Eve, what the hell are you talking about?
22:38Even now, Julian?
22:39Are you really going to keep playing dumb?
22:41His eyes scan over the pages, and his face goes dark.
22:44I didn't have my team send these.
22:47What?
22:47I only asked for a paternity test and visitation rights.
22:52Full custody.
22:55Supervised visits.
22:56I never authorized any of these terms.
22:59Then who did?
23:01Maya.
23:02She knows my agent.
23:04She must have tampered with the paperwork behind my back.
23:08Looks like she really hates me.
23:11Eve, since I'm 19 years old, the omen I've ever loved is new.
23:16Stop it.
23:17This changes absolutely nothing.
23:19I'm an unemployed stripper.
23:21You are a national superstar.
23:24We belong to two completely different worlds now.
23:28I never asked for your noble little idea of protecting me.
23:31And you work in Satanists.
23:33But this said it, you're all this way from my line of in this, Droukad.
23:37I couldn't begare you we like O'Fallant.
23:39I couldn't be that selfish.
23:41Stop.
23:42We're both a mess, Eve.
23:44But that doesn't mean we have to face it alone.
23:46The air falls silent.
23:48Six years of unspoken pain and resentment surge between us.
23:51I was so terrified back then.
23:54Terrified of losing everything.
23:57Terrified that eventually you would look at me with disgust.
24:02I could never, ever hate you.
24:08God knows how hard I tried to stop loving you.
24:12But I can't.
24:15Julian, stop!
24:21Eve, stop pushing me away.
24:35I love you so damn much, Eve.
24:39The next morning, he presses an invitation into my hand.
24:42If you want to protect your custody rights, put on the most beautiful dress you own and stand right beside
24:48me.
24:48I go home and pull a midnight blue gown from its dust bag.
24:51It's the only piece of designer clothing I couldn't bear to sell.
24:55I never thought I'd actually get the chance to wear it again.
24:58The second I step into the ballroom, the whispers start.
25:01I ignore them.
25:02Is that Eve Hartway?
25:05I heard she vanished for six years.
25:08Word is, she's been stripping at a club.
25:11You can do this, Eve.
25:12Keep your chin up and your back straight.
25:14Do it for Lily.
25:15Eve.
25:22You look breathtaking.
25:30Julian, you finally made it.
25:32And this is your ex-girlfriend from back in the day?
25:37She is Lily's mother.
25:39Show some damn respect.
25:41Lily?
25:42My five-year-old daughter.
25:44She's beautiful, smart, and looks exactly like me.
25:48And Eve and I are going to raise her together.
25:50But those CPS papers...
25:52You mean that stack of garbage you forged behind my back?
25:55My lawyers will be in touch with you about that.
25:57Now, get the hell out of my sight.
25:59You're going to regret this!
26:01I really did misjudge him.
26:03I'm sorry you had to go through that.
26:06Earlier, you said...
26:09You said we were going to raise Lily together.
26:12I meant every single word.
26:15No one in this world could ever take your place, Eve.
26:18Never.
26:23Julian, you've always been irreplaceable in my heart, too.
26:27It's past midnight by the time the gala ends.
26:29Julian drives me back to my apartment.
26:31I want to see Lily.
26:32I nod, and we head upstairs together.
26:36Is Daddy here?
26:38Julian freezes in the doorway.
26:41Hey, Lily.
26:42Daddy, tell me a story.
26:44Julian sits on the edge of her tiny bed, holding a flimsy picture book.
26:47Seeing his massive, muscular frame squeezed into the corner of a little girl's bed, it's almost comical.
26:51When the story is over, Lily buries her face in her pillow.
26:55She mumbles sleepily.
26:56Julian leans down and presses a gentle kiss to her cheek.
26:58He carefully tucks her in.
27:00Good night, baby girl.
27:02Thank you, Eve.
27:03Thank you for giving me such an amazing daughter.
27:06I want to be part of her life.
27:08And I want to be part of yours.
27:10If you'll let me.
27:12Yes.
27:13Julian freezes.
27:13Then a look of pure joy breaks across his face.
27:16Really?
27:17Really.
27:18But listen to me, Julian.
27:20From now on, we make decisions together.
27:24You're still on probation as a dad.
27:28I swear.
27:30He holds me so tight, like I'm the most precious thing he's ever found again.
27:34Eve, I'm never letting either of you go again.
27:37It took six long, agonizing years.
27:40But finally, I am home.
27:43I was 19 when I first saw Eve.
27:45Freshman orientation.
27:46She walked down the hallway in a white dress.
27:47The sunlight hit her, dusting her with gold.
27:49I thought to myself right then, I am never going to forget this girl.
27:52Later, she told me she wanted me, and she was willing to pay for it.
27:54I said yes, not for the money.
27:56But because when she acted sweet with me, I just couldn't say no.
27:58But over time, the lines blurred.
28:00I couldn't tell anymore.
28:01I couldn't tell if I was falling for her, or just trapped by what her money meant.
28:05Because every time someone mocked me, whispering that I was bought and paid for,
28:08I'd think, they're right.
28:10She literally bought me.
28:11So when she asked to break up, I said okay.
28:13Because I thought she was finally bored of me.
28:15Because I thought to her, I was just a toy.
28:17But I was wrong.
28:18I never expected her to just vanish without a trace.
28:21And it took me six years to find her again.
28:24Now, she's sleeping next to me.
28:26Lily is right between us, clutching her doll.
28:29I gently stroke Eve's hair.
28:32You're awake?
28:33You woke me up.
28:35Sorry.
28:36I just wanted to look at you.
28:38At what?
28:40Just making sure you're still here.
28:44Eve.
28:46She opens her eyes and looks at me.
28:49Julian, I'm not leaving again.
28:51I know.
28:52Go to sleep.
28:53Okay.
28:53I turn off the lamp.
28:55Moonlight spills through the gap in the curtains, pooling on the hardwood floor.
28:59Eve.
28:59My moonlight.
29:00Never fading.
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