Skip to playerSkip to main content
Discover the beauty of global cinema with Vega Screen. We specialize in artistic short films and multilingual dramas that bridge cultures and spark imagination. Our curated selection focuses on unique perspectives and creative storytelling for enthusiasts of high-quality short-form content. See the world through our lens.

#VegaScreen #ArtisticDrama #CulturalStories #CreativeCinema #ShortSeries
Transcript
00:00:00After three years of marriage, I had no warmth, no respect, nothing at all.
00:00:04I exhausted myself saving my ex-husband from a car accident, only for a scheming homewrecker
00:00:08to steal the credit.
00:00:11After my heart died, I signed the divorce agreement with my composure.
00:00:15Then I married a mysterious tycoon.
00:00:18I tear apart the scumbag and the slut, launching a satisfyingly ruthless counterattack.
00:00:24Only three hours earlier, Madison and I had been abducted.
00:00:27Breaking free had pushed me past every limit, but somehow, I'd pulled it off.
00:00:33I grip the steering wheel, with pain stabbing through my abdomen.
00:00:37The kidnapper's car looms closer in the rearview mirror.
00:00:41If we die out here, you'll never forgive yourself, will you, Declan?
00:00:48In the passenger seat, Madison trembles, her face paper-white.
00:00:56Dana, if I die out here, Declan will never forgive you!
00:01:00Shut up!
00:01:02I calculate the distance and speed, making a snap decision.
00:01:07Open the door. We're jumping.
00:01:10I can't! I'm scared! I can't do it!
00:01:16Then stay here and die.
00:01:18I leap from the speeding car.
00:01:21Madison follows.
00:01:24Metal crashes against metal behind us.
00:01:26My body hits the road hard, tumbling over and over.
00:01:30Then, an explosion!
00:01:32The blast wave tosses me like a ragdoll.
00:01:38I lift my head, hope sparkling in my exhausted eyes.
00:01:43Declan rushes towards us, desperation on his face.
00:01:48Declan!
00:01:54He moves right past me and pulls Madison into his arms.
00:02:03Relief washes over his face as he holds her close.
00:02:08Maddie, are you hurt?
00:02:13You got here just in time.
00:02:14If you hadn't showed up, Dana would have gotten me killed.
00:02:17You set all this up, didn't you?
00:02:19We were both taken.
00:02:20I nearly got myself killed trying to save her.
00:02:23This was your plan all along.
00:02:25You worked with the kidnappers.
00:02:26One of them told me everything.
00:02:28You'll pay for every filthy lie that just left your mouth.
00:02:31How could you be this cruel?
00:02:33I can't believe I married someone like you.
00:02:35We'll settle this when I return.
00:02:36He turned his back, lifting Madison effortlessly
00:02:38as she shot me a smug, mocking glance.
00:02:40I stand frozen.
00:02:41Bruces are nothing compared to the agony in my chest.
00:02:43My arms hang stiff at my sides
00:02:45as I watch him lift Madden effortlessly and hurry toward the car.
00:02:47Madison throws me a smug, mocking glance over his shoulder.
00:02:52My mind drifted to that night years ago
00:02:55when I dragged Declan out of a wreck with my own hands,
00:02:58then blacked out from exhaustion.
00:03:00Madison framed me for an affair.
00:03:03When I woke, Madison had claimed she was the hero.
00:03:06The memories crash over me.
00:03:09I stumble forward before my strength gives out completely.
00:03:13Blood fills from my lips.
00:03:15Then, everything fades into darkness.
00:03:19Three years of marriage.
00:03:20No warmth.
00:03:21No courtesy.
00:03:23Nothing.
00:03:24I lie unconsciously in a hospital bed,
00:03:27trapped in a dreamless slumber.
00:03:28A man in a wheelchair sits silently beside me,
00:03:31dressed in a perfectly cut black suit.
00:03:33His face is flawlessly carved,
00:03:35like a statue touched by the hands of gods.
00:03:37Everything about him exudes quiet, effortless power.
00:03:41Mr. Hudson,
00:03:43your health of the condition is worsening.
00:03:45If we can't stop it,
00:03:46permanent immobility is certain.
00:03:48At this stage,
00:03:49your only chance may lie with the wreath physician.
00:03:52With my current condition,
00:03:55is fathering a child still an option?
00:03:58The doctor is stunned into silence.
00:04:00The doctor withdrew silently,
00:04:02and the door closed softly.
00:04:03Christopher was left alone in the ward.
00:04:05I jolt awake with a sharp inhale.
00:04:08Antiseptic smells pungent.
00:04:12My stomach twists.
00:04:19You're awake?
00:04:20Christopher Hudson?
00:04:22Christopher Hudson?
00:04:23You had no fear when you plotted against me for the foster group.
00:04:26Interesting how that bravery seems to vanish now.
00:04:30His stare cuts through me like a blade.
00:04:32I have to get a grip.
00:04:34You were the one who saved me.
00:04:36You're not entirely useless.
00:04:38If I hadn't passed by and intervened,
00:04:40you'd be dead by now.
00:04:41I bite my lip,
00:04:42rage flickering in my eyes.
00:04:46I turn toward him,
00:04:47and only then realize he's sitting in a wheelchair.
00:04:50Your legs!
00:04:52That's why you disappeared.
00:04:53Three years ago.
00:04:55So?
00:04:56You going to laugh at me now?
00:04:58No!
00:04:59I wouldn't.
00:05:00My thoughts race.
00:05:01Then I slowly ball my fists,
00:05:03lift my chin.
00:05:03Mr. Hudson,
00:05:05why don't we make a deal?
00:05:07A deal?
00:05:08A deal that benefits us both.
00:05:11My voice was calm and firm.
00:05:14The room turns oddly quiet.
00:05:16I wait for Christopher's response.
00:05:20Dana,
00:05:20what makes you think you have the right to bargain with someone like me?
00:05:24What if I told you
00:05:27I could help you walk again?
00:05:29His expression flickers.
00:05:30His hand grips the arm press tighter.
00:05:36I slip out of bed and lower myself calmly in front of him.
00:05:40Start now,
00:05:41and I promise you'll see results in three months.
00:05:44My hand moves toward his leg.
00:05:47He grabs my wrist,
00:05:48squeezing tightly.
00:05:50What the hell do you think you're doing?
00:05:52With a ground,
00:05:53he shoves my hand aside.
00:05:54But I reach again without pause,
00:05:57pressing expertly along nerve points on his calf.
00:05:59A surge of feeling shoots through his leg.
00:06:02Sharp,
00:06:02electric,
00:06:03alive.
00:06:04So?
00:06:05How does that feel,
00:06:06Mr. Hudson?
00:06:06What do you want in return?
00:06:08Help me crush foster group,
00:06:10and reclaim everything my mother was robbed of.
00:06:13You want me to go after your dear husband's empire?
00:06:15Don't forget,
00:06:16you betrayed me once.
00:06:18That project you backed out of and handed to Deccan?
00:06:21It cost me tens of billions.
00:06:22Give me three months.
00:06:24I'll have you walking again.
00:06:25That's all I ask.
00:06:27We can strike the deal you want.
00:06:29But what I need from you now is an heir.
00:06:32My eyes widen,
00:06:33body tensing in disbelief.
00:06:36You can't even handle one condition?
00:06:38Then there's nothing more to talk about.
00:06:41He spins his wheelchair around
00:06:43and heads for the exit.
00:06:46Wait!
00:06:47I move to go after him,
00:06:48but my knees buckle.
00:06:50I collapse toward the wall.
00:06:53Christopher catches me by the waist.
00:06:56His crisp,
00:06:57woodsy scent surrounds me,
00:06:59strangely comforting,
00:07:00almost addicted.
00:07:01Are you finished putting on a show?
00:07:07No, I'm not done.
00:07:09I was going to say that I agree to your condition.
00:07:11Let's just...
00:07:13get married.
00:07:14Christopher tenses.
00:07:16Something dark stirs behind his cold eyes.
00:07:18You really don't get scared of anything, huh?
00:07:21After you've almost died once,
00:07:22nothing really scares you anymore.
00:07:24I grab the test results and toss them to him.
00:07:26Whether you trust me or not,
00:07:28I will marry you.
00:07:29Just give me a little time.
00:07:30I'll wrap up everything here with Deccan first.
00:07:33After that,
00:07:34he's out of my life for good.
00:07:35Christopher's mouth lifts,
00:07:37ever so slightly.
00:07:38One month.
00:07:39Play me again,
00:07:40and you'll realize death was the easiest way out.
00:07:45Dana,
00:07:46bring me a glass of water.
00:07:48Silence echoes back.
00:07:50His face tightens.
00:07:54Where is she?
00:07:57Mrs. Foster hasn't come back yet.
00:08:00What do you mean she hasn't come back?
00:08:03Since Mrs. Foster got kidnapped,
00:08:05we came back from the break
00:08:07and haven't seen her since.
00:08:09So she finally grew a spine?
00:08:11Tried some pity stunt,
00:08:12didn't work,
00:08:13and now she storms off playing the victim?
00:08:14Let her sulk all she wants.
00:08:16She can stay away for good for all I care.
00:08:20Sir!
00:08:20Mrs. Foster's back!
00:08:25Well, look who finally remembers where she lives.
00:08:28What's the matter?
00:08:30Coughing up blood wasn't dramatic enough for you?
00:08:32Had to put on a full show for the crowd, huh?
00:08:36Dana!
00:08:37Did you suddenly go deaf?
00:08:38Or are you just pretending I'm not standing here?
00:08:41Move.
00:08:42Try me again,
00:08:43and I swear you'll regret it.
00:08:46Oh, really?
00:08:48You already watched me bleeding on the ground
00:08:50and walked away.
00:08:51Were you planning to finish the job next time?
00:08:56What the hell is that supposed to mean?
00:08:59I've already done you a favor
00:09:01by not making you pay for what you did to Madison,
00:09:03and now you're pulling this stunt?
00:09:08You actually believe I orchestrated that?
00:09:10No wonder you're so easy to manipulate.
00:09:13Calling you dumb would be generous.
00:09:18Get back here.
00:09:19Now.
00:09:20Three seconds, Dana,
00:09:22or I'm filing for divorce!
00:09:26Then let's go get it done.
00:09:29I'm ready.
00:09:31Declan storms to his studio
00:09:33and slams a divorce agreement onto the table.
00:09:36You want a divorce?
00:09:38Let's make it official.
00:09:45I calmly pick it up,
00:09:47scan the pages,
00:09:48and sign with one smooth,
00:09:50deliberate stroke.
00:09:51Declan stares at me,
00:09:53speechless.
00:09:55His phone rings sharply.
00:09:57He glances at the screen.
00:10:00What?
00:10:01You found the Wraith physician?
00:10:03Stay where you are.
00:10:04I'm on my way.
00:10:05My steps falter mid-stride.
00:10:08This divorce can still be undone.
00:10:11My eyes narrow.
00:10:12If you still want to be my wife,
00:10:14show up at the hospital by 8 tomorrow.
00:10:17Apologize to Maddie,
00:10:18or we're through for real.
00:10:19I stand still for a moment,
00:10:21hand tightening.
00:10:26Goodbye.
00:10:27Goodbye.
00:10:27And good riddice.
00:10:34Within weeks,
00:10:35the divorce is finalized.
00:10:37I stand quietly outside City Hall,
00:10:39calm as ever.
00:10:40A man in a clean blue shirt sits ahead of me,
00:10:44relaxed in his wheelchair.
00:10:45Good morning, Mr. Hudson.
00:10:47Let's go.
00:10:49The process is quick.
00:10:51Paper signed,
00:10:52confirmed,
00:10:54confirmed,
00:10:55filed.
00:10:56We're legally married.
00:10:57I step out,
00:10:59relief and excitement bubbling inside me.
00:11:02Mr. Hudson,
00:11:04let's hope this partnership goes smoothly.
00:11:07Christopher doesn't move.
00:11:09You're moving into my downtown vid-a-day.
00:11:11No delays.
00:11:14Wait.
00:11:15This is a contract marriage.
00:11:17Why do we have to live together?
00:11:19Don't forget your role.
00:11:21You're Mrs. Hudson now.
00:11:23My heart skips a beat.
00:11:24There's no divorce with me.
00:11:25Only death do us part.
00:11:27You married me,
00:11:29so don't even think about walking away.
00:11:31From now on,
00:11:33I'll protect you.
00:11:34You won't have to suffer again.
00:11:36I stare at him,
00:11:37stunned.
00:11:37My heart gives an involuntary flutter.
00:11:41My phone lights up.
00:11:43Missed calls and angry messages from Declan.
00:11:47I calmly block his number and
00:11:50erase the entire call log.
00:11:54Christopher catches it with a single glance.
00:11:57My phone lights up again.
00:11:58Another call.
00:12:00No name,
00:12:01just a number.
00:12:03Christopher goes still,
00:12:04completely frozen.
00:12:08I pause,
00:12:09sneaking a quick look at Christopher
00:12:10before hitting decline.
00:12:13I send a quick message to Nell.
00:12:23My gaze sharpens.
00:12:31Is it Declan?
00:12:32Ugh.
00:12:33That fool didn't even know his wife
00:12:35was the miracle physician
00:12:36and has spent millions to go find you.
00:12:38Interested, Nell.
00:12:39I'm over it.
00:12:39Trash like him
00:12:40doesn't deserve a second more of my time.
00:12:49My phone buzz.
00:12:51Nell calling.
00:12:52I decline and start typing.
00:12:55Mrs. Hudson?
00:12:56Seriously,
00:12:56which Hudson are you even referring to?
00:12:57Because not many big jobs in town
00:12:59have that name.
00:13:00Don't tell me you mean Christopher Hudson.
00:13:03It's him.
00:13:04You're totally walking into the tiger's cage.
00:13:19I silence the phone.
00:13:21When I look up,
00:13:22Christmas is still staring at me.
00:13:24Expression darkened.
00:13:25So,
00:13:26mind telling me exactly
00:13:27what tiger's cage means?
00:13:28It's where the most dangerous creatures are kept.
00:13:31Two years ago,
00:13:32Sherwood Group tried to mess it with Hudson Group
00:13:34to take over the global energy market.
00:13:36But in just one day,
00:13:37they got exposed for fraud
00:13:38and completely fell apart.
00:13:39So,
00:13:40tell me,
00:13:40Mr. Hudson,
00:13:41what woman wouldn't feel like
00:13:41she was walking into a tiger's cage
00:13:43by marrying you?
00:13:43Christopher lets out a low laugh.
00:13:44So,
00:13:45you've been digging into my past?
00:13:48We're married now,
00:13:50right?
00:13:51Isn't it normal
00:13:52to get to know each other better?
00:13:54Christopher gives a quiet,
00:13:55cold laugh.
00:13:56He looks away,
00:13:57letting it go.
00:14:03The car eases to a stop
00:14:05in front of a grand five-star hotel.
00:14:09Aren't we supposed to be going home?
00:14:11Why are we stopping here?
00:14:13I know we rushed the marriage papers,
00:14:14but we should still do things properly.
00:14:17And don't worry about the ceremony.
00:14:19I'll make it up to you.
00:14:20My cheeks turn red without a warning.
00:14:22A ringtone breaks the silence.
00:14:24Everything's ready.
00:14:25Head inside.
00:14:26I'll go find you later.
00:14:32Welcome, Mrs. Hudson.
00:14:34Mr. Hudson reserved everything this morning.
00:14:36Please come this way.
00:14:37Dana?
00:14:41Dana?
00:14:42You've got the nerve
00:14:43to show up in front of me?
00:14:44I have every right to be here.
00:14:46I walk past him
00:14:47like he doesn't exist.
00:14:49Dana!
00:14:50Have I been too easy on you?
00:14:52Who said you could treat me like this?
00:14:54Declan, who even are you?
00:14:56Why would I waste my time on you?
00:14:57She's just afraid of losing you.
00:14:59It's okay.
00:15:00But if you call the cops,
00:15:01she'll get humiliated.
00:15:03Humiliated?
00:15:04She should have thought of that
00:15:05before pulling a stunt like that.
00:15:07Don't think I don't know
00:15:07what you're doing, Dana.
00:15:09Ignoring me?
00:15:10And then suddenly showing up here,
00:15:11trying to play hard to get?
00:15:13What do you think you've got
00:15:14that's worth chasing?
00:15:15What do you think you've got
00:15:17that's worth chasing?
00:15:21She's not playing hard to get.
00:15:24She's done.
00:15:26With garbage like you.
00:15:28Every word hits us hard and cold.
00:15:30We all turn.
00:15:31Christopher is pushed here
00:15:32on a wheelchair.
00:15:34Face serious.
00:15:35Presence still powerful.
00:15:37His sharp eyes lock onto Declan.
00:15:39If Christopher hadn't had that accident...
00:15:42Mr. Hudson,
00:15:43I didn't know you were back in town.
00:15:46Christopher doesn't even look at him.
00:15:48He keeps his eyes on me.
00:15:52Come here.
00:15:53I step forward without hesitation.
00:15:57Let's go.
00:15:58The comfort between us is obvious.
00:16:00Easy.
00:16:01Natural.
00:16:04You still didn't do what I asked.
00:16:05Do I have to make you?
00:16:07Dana,
00:16:08I get that you're mad at Declan,
00:16:09but this isn't the way to deal with it.
00:16:11Getting close to another guy
00:16:12just to make him jealous?
00:16:13That'll only make him pull away more.
00:16:15I gave you a chance, Dana.
00:16:18Don't push me.
00:16:19Say sorry.
00:16:20Right now.
00:16:21Say sorry.
00:16:22Right now.
00:16:23Are you actually brain dead?
00:16:25When did I ever agree to say sorry?
00:16:28It's okay.
00:16:28I know I was in the hospital
00:16:29for a few days because of it,
00:16:31but I don't hold it against you, Dana.
00:16:33Everyone messes up now and then.
00:16:34You've been yapping about calling the cops
00:16:36this whole time, haven't you?
00:16:37Then go ahead.
00:16:38Let's see who really ends up in trouble.
00:16:39Me or your sweet, innocent Princess Maddie.
00:16:42I've been nice enough
00:16:43not to embarrass you in public already.
00:16:48How dare you talk to her like that?
00:16:49She's so considerate.
00:16:50Stop putting on airs.
00:16:52Oh, please.
00:16:53I'm just trying not to throw up
00:16:54looking at the two of you.
00:16:59When did the hotel's security
00:17:00get so subpar?
00:17:02Now just anyone can wander in
00:17:04and start making scenes?
00:17:05Uh, sir, I...
00:17:07I...
00:17:09Mr. Hudson,
00:17:10this is something personal.
00:17:11I'd appreciate it
00:17:12if you stayed out of it.
00:17:13As far as I'm aware,
00:17:15Miss Murray is no longer your wife.
00:17:18Which makes her entirely
00:17:19her own person.
00:17:20So you moved on already?
00:17:22You were messing around
00:17:23behind my back, weren't you?
00:17:25Hmm.
00:17:30What?
00:17:31They actually split up?
00:17:34Unlike you,
00:17:35some of us still know
00:17:36what decency looks like.
00:17:37I should have known better
00:17:38than to let you back in.
00:17:40Mr. Hudson,
00:17:40don't let her trick you.
00:17:42She's only using you
00:17:43to escape from me.
00:17:44Mr. Foster,
00:17:46you really shouldn't think
00:17:47so highly of yourself.
00:17:48Aren't you even curious
00:17:50what kind of woman
00:17:51she really is?
00:17:52My fists clench,
00:17:54nails biting into her skin.
00:17:56Declan, please,
00:17:58lower your voice.
00:17:59Even if Daya made mistake before,
00:18:01doesn't she deserve
00:18:02the chance to start over?
00:18:03What if this all goes public?
00:18:04How will she face it?
00:18:05She's the one who invited this.
00:18:07Daya, come here and apologize.
00:18:08That's the only way
00:18:09you'll walk out of here
00:18:10with any shred of dignity.
00:18:12I takes a measured step forward,
00:18:14head high,
00:18:15icy gleam in her gaze.
00:18:17Repeat that.
00:18:18I dare you.
00:18:26Aren't you just mad
00:18:27that I'm telling the truth?
00:18:29My hand shoots out.
00:18:30A sharp slap
00:18:31cracks across his face.
00:18:32Her knee drives hard
00:18:33into his shin.
00:18:33He crumples
00:18:34with a startled grunt.
00:18:36Declan!
00:18:38I stands over him,
00:18:39tall and unyielding,
00:18:40eyes burning
00:18:41with cold resolve.
00:18:42If you'd used
00:18:43even an ounce
00:18:44of that brain of yours,
00:18:45you might have bothered
00:18:45to check the facts.
00:18:46But no,
00:18:47you're too busy
00:18:48clinging to your sad
00:18:49little victim act.
00:18:50Seriously,
00:18:51what's wrong with you?
00:18:51Is your ego that fragile
00:18:53or do you just enjoy
00:18:54acting like a helpless cucklid?
00:18:56You've completely
00:18:56lost your mind.
00:18:58Dayma,
00:18:58even if Declan talked
00:18:59about your past
00:19:00in front of everyone,
00:19:01he was simply being honest.
00:19:02How could you hit him
00:19:02like that?
00:19:03I turn slowly,
00:19:04eyes narrowing
00:19:05on Madison
00:19:05with pure disgust.
00:19:06My hand swings up.
00:19:08The slap lands
00:19:09on Madison's cheek.
00:19:11Dana?
00:19:12Echoing loud
00:19:13and sharp.
00:19:14He looks at her
00:19:15with concern.
00:19:17Maddie.
00:19:18Then turns to Dana
00:19:20with rage.
00:19:21Just because
00:19:22Christophe's on your side
00:19:23now,
00:19:23you think you can
00:19:24walk all over everyone?
00:19:25You've really gotta
00:19:26have nerves of steel
00:19:27to cry victim
00:19:28after everything
00:19:29you've done.
00:19:30Everything you've done.
00:19:32Get down on your knees
00:19:33and apologize
00:19:34to Madison now.
00:19:35Let her slap you back.
00:19:36Declan,
00:19:37Dana's always gotten
00:19:38the wrong idea about me.
00:19:40If taking this slap
00:19:41helps you two make up,
00:19:42then I'll take
00:19:43the humiliation.
00:19:44I don't mind.
00:19:45Do what I tell you
00:19:46or forget about
00:19:47ever coming back
00:19:47into my life.
00:19:48Christophe's voice
00:19:49cuts through.
00:19:51You really shouldn't
00:19:52think highly of yourself,
00:19:54Mr. Foster.
00:19:55Talking to your ex
00:19:56like that doesn't
00:19:57make you strong.
00:19:58It just makes you
00:19:59look pathetic.
00:20:00So that's how it is, huh?
00:20:02I didn't realize
00:20:03you and Dana
00:20:03were this close.
00:20:04You jumping to defend her
00:20:06says a lot,
00:20:06Mr. Hudson.
00:20:08Dana,
00:20:08I really think you
00:20:09and Declan should
00:20:10talk it out.
00:20:11Maybe this is all
00:20:12just one big
00:20:12misunderstanding.
00:20:13Miss Reed,
00:20:14you've got quite the gift.
00:20:15You managed to make
00:20:16people crunch and laugh
00:20:17all at once.
00:20:18Should we get you
00:20:19a trophy for that
00:20:19brilliant little act?
00:20:20That kind of sad
00:20:21performance?
00:20:22Only a fool would buy it.
00:20:24Mr. Hudson,
00:20:25like I've said,
00:20:25this is a private matter.
00:20:27Do you really have
00:20:28to step in?
00:20:28If you're going
00:20:29after Dana,
00:20:30you're going through
00:20:30me first.
00:20:31So before you talk
00:20:32tough,
00:20:33maybe ask yourself
00:20:34if you're ready
00:20:34for that.
00:20:35I gives them
00:20:36one last frosty look,
00:20:37then turns away,
00:20:39fingers resting lightly
00:20:40on Christophe's
00:20:41wheel tear
00:20:41as she pushes him
00:20:42out with quiet grace.
00:20:43I was just about
00:20:44to speak to Christophe
00:20:45when someone
00:20:46suddenly burst in.
00:20:49Sir,
00:20:50something happened.
00:20:51Miss Hudson
00:20:52collapsed.
00:20:53It looks like
00:20:53a heart attack.
00:20:54She's unconscious
00:20:55and they've rushed
00:20:55her to the hospital.
00:20:57Get me there.
00:20:58Now!
00:21:04Christophe and I
00:21:05arrive in record time.
00:21:07Eveline has had
00:21:08a heart defect
00:21:08since birth.
00:21:10She's always
00:21:11been weak.
00:21:12She's always been weak.
00:21:16Don't worry
00:21:17too much.
00:21:18Medicine these days
00:21:18is advanced.
00:21:19She'll make it.
00:21:24A stylish woman
00:21:25paces nervously.
00:21:26Celesta Hudson,
00:21:28Christophe's mother.
00:21:29Thank God
00:21:30you're here.
00:21:33Mom,
00:21:34Eveline has been
00:21:34on medicine,
00:21:35right?
00:21:35How could this happen?
00:21:37I don't know.
00:21:38She was just
00:21:39reading
00:21:39and then she
00:21:40collapsed.
00:21:41At that moment,
00:21:43I was overcome
00:21:43by a strong
00:21:44sense of unease.
00:21:45Things were far
00:21:46worse than I had
00:21:47imagined.
00:21:52It's bad.
00:21:53Really bad.
00:21:54She suffered
00:21:55a severe heart attack.
00:21:57Her oxygen levels
00:21:58are critically low
00:21:59and her right atrium
00:22:01is already
00:22:01showing rigidity.
00:22:03Even if we
00:22:03operate now,
00:22:04her chances of
00:22:05making it
00:22:05are under 30%.
00:22:08Honestly,
00:22:08this is beyond
00:22:09what we can handle.
00:22:10Unless the Wraith
00:22:11physician steps in,
00:22:12there's almost
00:22:12no chance
00:22:13she'll survive.
00:22:18I walk down
00:22:19the corridor
00:22:20toward the
00:22:20staff locker room.
00:22:21I have to go.
00:22:23Only I can save her.
00:22:27No one even knows
00:22:28what the Wraith
00:22:29physician looks like.
00:22:32How are we...
00:22:33How are we supposed
00:22:34to find her now?
00:22:36I can't lose Eveline.
00:22:38I just can't.
00:22:40Kristoff said
00:22:40not a word,
00:22:41but his gaze
00:22:42was as sharp
00:22:43as a blade.
00:22:47No need to worry.
00:22:48The Wraith
00:22:49physician's already
00:22:49on it.
00:22:50She's inside
00:22:50performing the
00:22:51surgery as we speak.
00:22:52We just have to
00:22:53wait.
00:22:54Kristoff frowned,
00:22:55looking confused.
00:22:56Then it suddenly
00:22:56dawned on him.
00:22:57I was gone.
00:22:59Word reaches
00:23:00Madison that
00:23:01the Wraith
00:23:01physician is at
00:23:03North Cove
00:23:03General Hospital.
00:23:04Declan!
00:23:05Declan!
00:23:06They found her!
00:23:06The Wraith physician!
00:23:08She's at
00:23:08North Cove
00:23:09General Hospital.
00:23:10Right now!
00:23:11We have to go!
00:23:12You're serious?
00:23:15That's incredible!
00:23:17Maddie!
00:23:17You're my
00:23:18good luck charm!
00:23:24The surgery
00:23:25drags on
00:23:26for two full
00:23:27hours.
00:23:28I slip out
00:23:29the same
00:23:29quiet way
00:23:30I came in.
00:23:33No way.
00:23:34Could it really
00:23:34be Dana?
00:23:35Was she the
00:23:35Wraith physician
00:23:36all along?
00:23:37I freeze for a
00:23:38slip second
00:23:38when I spot
00:23:39Declan and
00:23:39Madison.
00:23:40Dana?
00:23:40What are you
00:23:41doing here?
00:23:41My mind
00:23:42jumps back.
00:23:43He'd shot me
00:23:44down without a
00:23:44second thought
00:23:45when I offered
00:23:45to treat his
00:23:46father.
00:23:46I'd told him
00:23:47I was the
00:23:47Wraith physician.
00:23:48He thought
00:23:49it was a joke.
00:23:50And how exactly
00:23:51is that your
00:23:51problem?
00:23:52I turn my
00:23:52back and
00:23:53start walking
00:23:53off.
00:23:54Why are you
00:23:54here really?
00:23:55Tell me the
00:23:56truth.
00:23:57Are you the
00:23:58Wraith physician?
00:24:00Do you
00:24:00seriously believe
00:24:01someone like
00:24:02me could
00:24:03pretend to
00:24:03be someone
00:24:04as legendary
00:24:05as the
00:24:05Wraith physician?
00:24:06Then explain
00:24:07why you're
00:24:07here.
00:24:08And what's
00:24:08with the
00:24:09mask?
00:24:09Why should
00:24:10I explain
00:24:10anything to
00:24:11you?
00:24:12Maybe you
00:24:13showed up
00:24:13because you
00:24:14heard the
00:24:14Wraith physician
00:24:15was here.
00:24:16and wanted
00:24:16to meet
00:24:17her.
00:24:17But you
00:24:18should probably
00:24:18take off
00:24:19your mask.
00:24:20Wouldn't want
00:24:20anyone to
00:24:21get the
00:24:21wrong idea.
00:24:22Or worse,
00:24:23annoy the
00:24:23real Wraith
00:24:24physician.
00:24:25She's just
00:24:26trying to
00:24:26trick everyone
00:24:27and pretend
00:24:28to be the
00:24:28Wraith physician.
00:24:30This isn't
00:24:30the first time
00:24:31she's done
00:24:31something like
00:24:31this for
00:24:32attention.
00:24:32No one's
00:24:33stupid enough
00:24:33to fall
00:24:33for your
00:24:34games.
00:24:34The Wraith
00:24:35physician isn't
00:24:36someone you
00:24:36can mess
00:24:36with.
00:24:37And if you
00:24:37get in the
00:24:37way of her
00:24:37treating my
00:24:38family,
00:24:38if you cause
00:24:39even the
00:24:39slightest delay,
00:24:40I swear you
00:24:41won't get
00:24:41away with it.
00:24:42She agreed
00:24:42to treat
00:24:43your family?
00:24:44Maddie knows
00:24:44the right
00:24:45people.
00:24:45She already
00:24:45got the
00:24:46Wraith physician
00:24:46to help.
00:24:47Dana,
00:24:48look at the
00:24:48difference.
00:24:49What I need
00:24:50is someone
00:24:50smart and
00:24:51supportive.
00:24:52If it
00:24:53helps you,
00:24:54I'll always
00:24:55give it my
00:24:55best.
00:24:56Then I hope
00:24:57you two stay
00:24:57happy forever.
00:24:58Just don't
00:24:59come crawling
00:25:00back to ruin
00:25:00someone else's
00:25:01life.
00:25:02Dana,
00:25:03have I been
00:25:04too soft on
00:25:05you?
00:25:06Have you
00:25:07forgotten where
00:25:08you stand?
00:25:10Kristoff moves
00:25:11in front of me.
00:25:12Shielding me.
00:25:13Even from his
00:25:14wheelchair,
00:25:14his sharp gaze
00:25:15feels like a
00:25:16knife.
00:25:18Step away.
00:25:20Mr. Houston,
00:25:21why are you
00:25:22always taking
00:25:23her side?
00:25:26Don't tell me
00:25:27you two are
00:25:27actually...
00:25:28Loud noises
00:25:28come from the
00:25:29other end of
00:25:30the hallway.
00:25:30Where did
00:25:31the Wraith
00:25:31physician go?
00:25:32I literally
00:25:32just...
00:25:34Where did
00:25:34the Wraith
00:25:35physician go?
00:25:35I literally
00:25:36just saw her.
00:25:37She's my
00:25:38inspiration.
00:25:39I need to
00:25:39meet her at
00:25:40least once.
00:25:41At the
00:25:41head of
00:25:41Picos wants
00:25:41me a
00:25:42better.
00:25:42I don't
00:25:42care how
00:25:42much it
00:25:43costs.
00:25:43I'm hiring
00:25:44her for
00:25:44our
00:25:45hospital
00:25:45no matter
00:25:46what.
00:25:46Their greed
00:25:47and frenzy,
00:25:48it makes
00:25:48my blood
00:25:49run cold.
00:25:50I swear,
00:25:51it wasn't me
00:25:52who leaked
00:25:52it.
00:25:55Dr. Lewis,
00:25:57you've been
00:25:57keeping the Wraith
00:25:58physician here
00:25:58the whole time
00:25:59without saying
00:25:59a word?
00:26:00Come on,
00:26:00let us meet
00:26:01her.
00:26:02You're too
00:26:02late.
00:26:03she's already
00:26:03left after
00:26:04completing the
00:26:05surgery.
00:26:06She's already
00:26:07gone?
00:26:07I'm afraid
00:26:08so.
00:26:09You should
00:26:09all head
00:26:10back.
00:26:10Oh?
00:26:11You're all
00:26:12looking for
00:26:12the Wraith
00:26:12physician too?
00:26:14Funny.
00:26:15You might
00:26:16have just
00:26:16missed her.
00:26:19I think I saw
00:26:20someone leaving
00:26:20earlier.
00:26:21Could have
00:26:22been her.
00:26:23Which way
00:26:23did she go?
00:26:24Maybe she's
00:26:24still nearby.
00:26:25Hard to say.
00:26:26But maybe you
00:26:27should ask Dana,
00:26:28the one over there
00:26:29wearing a surgical
00:26:30mask.
00:26:30She was just
00:26:31with her.
00:26:32Something might
00:26:32have happened
00:26:33between them.
00:26:34I mean,
00:26:34the Wraith physician
00:26:35left pretty
00:26:35suddenly all eyes
00:26:36on me like I'm
00:26:37the culprit,
00:26:38didn't she?
00:26:38What did you
00:26:38say to her?
00:26:39Do you have
00:26:40any clue how
00:26:40long we've
00:26:41waited for this
00:26:41moment?
00:26:42Really?
00:26:42You just
00:26:43swallow whatever
00:26:43people feed you?
00:26:44Next time you're
00:26:45saving lives,
00:26:46maybe give your
00:26:46own brain a
00:26:46check up first.
00:26:47Let's not fight.
00:26:48Maybe I made
00:26:48a mistake.
00:26:49I mean,
00:26:49Dana's not even
00:26:50a doctor,
00:26:51right?
00:26:51But then,
00:26:51why the mask?
00:26:53To filter out
00:26:53the stink of
00:26:54some people's
00:26:54two-faced lies,
00:26:55of course.
00:26:55Dana,
00:26:56I didn't mean
00:26:57anything by it.
00:26:58You could have
00:26:59just corrected me.
00:27:00Did you really
00:27:00have to humiliate
00:27:01me?
00:27:05Dana,
00:27:05that's enough.
00:27:06Do you honestly
00:27:07think everything
00:27:07is about you?
00:27:10It's honestly
00:27:11impressive that
00:27:12someone with
00:27:12your level of
00:27:13intellect has
00:27:13managed to keep
00:27:14Foster Group
00:27:15running this long.
00:27:16Mr. Hudson,
00:27:17why do you keep
00:27:17butting into my
00:27:18issues with Dana?
00:27:19She still owes
00:27:20Maddie an apology.
00:27:21With that prideful,
00:27:22combative attitude
00:27:23of hers,
00:27:24it's no wonder
00:27:24the Wraith physician
00:27:25left so suddenly.
00:27:25Honestly,
00:27:26I wouldn't be
00:27:27shocked if Dana
00:27:28was the reason.
00:27:30Please,
00:27:31everyone,
00:27:31calm down.
00:27:32This young lady
00:27:33here had absolutely
00:27:34nothing to do
00:27:35with the Wraith
00:27:35physician leaving.
00:27:36And how would
00:27:37you know?
00:27:39I heard a voice
00:27:40cutting through
00:27:41the noise,
00:27:41unexpected and
00:27:43bright.
00:27:44A stunning blonde
00:27:46struds into sight.
00:27:47Wait,
00:27:48isn't that
00:27:48Nell Mason,
00:27:49the Wraith
00:27:49physician's agent?
00:27:50She might know
00:27:51where the doctor
00:27:51went.
00:27:52Miss Mason,
00:27:52I'm Declan Foster.
00:27:53We've spoken before.
00:27:54Okay,
00:27:54what's all this fuss
00:27:56about?
00:27:56This arrogant woman
00:27:57dared to offend
00:27:58the Wraith physician.
00:28:00Don't be ridiculous.
00:28:01Dana's a close friend
00:28:02of the Wraith physician.
00:28:03Shock ripples
00:28:04through the group.
00:28:05What?
00:28:06You really think
00:28:06I came here
00:28:07just to play games
00:28:08with you?
00:28:09Come on.
00:28:10I need a quick word.
00:28:11let's find somewhere
00:28:12private.
00:28:22I guide Christric's
00:28:24wheelchair towards
00:28:25a bench near the
00:28:25water.
00:28:27Nell tugs my arm
00:28:28and pulls me aside
00:28:29behind a line of
00:28:30trees.
00:28:32Dama,
00:28:32be straight with me.
00:28:33Does Christric have
00:28:33something over your
00:28:34head?
00:28:34No leverage.
00:28:35Just a deal between
00:28:36two adults,
00:28:37that's all.
00:28:37That still doesn't
00:28:38mean you had to
00:28:38marry him.
00:28:39I turn around
00:28:40and meet Christric's
00:28:41gaze.
00:28:42He sits in silence,
00:28:43casually tapping
00:28:44the arm press of his
00:28:45wheelchair in a slow,
00:28:46unbothered rhythm.
00:28:47Miss Mason,
00:28:48would it be possible
00:28:49for me to talk to
00:28:50the Wraith physician
00:28:50in private?
00:28:51If my last offer
00:28:52wasn't good enough,
00:28:53I can offer more.
00:28:54Your behavior is
00:28:55boarding on harassment.
00:28:57Please,
00:28:58I'm begging you.
00:28:59Do you even know
00:29:00how she decides
00:29:01who to help?
00:29:04How?
00:29:06She chooses
00:29:06based on character.
00:29:08Dana,
00:29:08don't push me.
00:29:09You had the Wraith
00:29:10physician's contact
00:29:11this whole time
00:29:12and you didn't think
00:29:12to give it to me?
00:29:13Declan,
00:29:14are you seriously
00:29:14that dense?
00:29:15How many times
00:29:16did I tell you
00:29:17I'd contact her myself?
00:29:18Dana,
00:29:18back then,
00:29:18Declan just couldn't
00:29:19imagine someone
00:29:20like you knowing
00:29:21someone so important.
00:29:21But if it were me,
00:29:22if the roles were reversed
00:29:23and he needed help,
00:29:24I would have done
00:29:24everything I could
00:29:25to support him.
00:29:25You were his wife.
00:29:26Weren't you supposed
00:29:27to stand by him?
00:29:27I can't even imagine
00:29:28how much that must have hurt.
00:29:29His wife?
00:29:29Yeah,
00:29:30I was.
00:29:30But you?
00:29:31What do you think
00:29:31you are exactly
00:29:32to talk like that?
00:29:33What a lovely spot.
00:29:34Too bad it got ruined
00:29:35by the arrival
00:29:36of two pests.
00:29:38Let's go now.
00:29:39Turns and heads
00:29:40back to Kristen.
00:29:41Grips the wheelchair
00:29:42handles,
00:29:43ready to push him away.
00:29:45Dana,
00:29:45let me make this clear.
00:29:46I won't keep playing
00:29:47your silly games forever.
00:29:48Don't come begging
00:29:48when it's already too late.
00:29:49But if you can convince
00:29:50the Wraith physician
00:29:51to do the surgery
00:29:52for my father,
00:29:53I've seen dumb people
00:29:54but you're both dumb
00:29:55and completely out of touch
00:29:56with reality.
00:29:57A real eye-opener.
00:29:58Dana stops walking
00:29:59for a second,
00:30:01slowly turns around.
00:30:02If you really want
00:30:03the Wraith physician's help,
00:30:05fine,
00:30:05but I have three conditions.
00:30:07If you agree to them,
00:30:08I'll make it happen.
00:30:09What's the first condition?
00:30:11Give back the ENIAD project.
00:30:22Absolutely not.
00:30:23That's extortion.
00:30:25Do you really think
00:30:26I'm that stupid?
00:30:27The ENIAD project
00:30:28is a damn goldmine
00:30:29and you expect me
00:30:29to just hand it over
00:30:30like it's nothing?
00:30:31That deal was never yours
00:30:32to begin with.
00:30:32It was meant for the Murrays.
00:30:34You're not giving it up,
00:30:35you're giving it back.
00:30:36Christophe stays quiet,
00:30:37watching.
00:30:38Hold on to something
00:30:38long enough
00:30:39and you start thinking
00:30:39it's yours.
00:30:40How ridiculous.
00:30:41Dana,
00:30:42helping Decade
00:30:42should be a no-biner.
00:30:43If I were you,
00:30:44I'd just let him
00:30:45have the credit.
00:30:46Shut your mouth!
00:30:47Madison freezes,
00:30:47face draining of color.
00:30:49Give back the ENIAD project.
00:30:50That's condition one.
00:30:52If you can't do that,
00:30:53then don't waste my time.
00:30:55I turn and start
00:30:56pushing Christopher's
00:30:57chair forward.
00:30:58Come to dinner tonight,
00:30:59nine o'clock.
00:31:00Maybe then we can still talk.
00:31:02I raise my middle finger
00:31:03in his direction
00:31:04without turning around.
00:31:10Christmas car is already
00:31:11parked outside the hospital.
00:31:12I slip into the backseat
00:31:13beside him
00:31:14but deliberately
00:31:15keep my distance.
00:31:16So, where are we headed now?
00:31:17To the Hudson family house.
00:31:19My eyes widen,
00:31:20don't you think it's
00:31:21a little too soon?
00:31:23Christmas places a file
00:31:24next to me.
00:31:25Have a look.
00:31:26I pick it up,
00:31:27confused,
00:31:28then my eyes widen
00:31:29as I flip through it.
00:31:30A cheat sheet
00:31:31for surviving his house.
00:31:32I've already memorized
00:31:33all the names,
00:31:33likes,
00:31:34nice likes,
00:31:35everything.
00:31:35Don't bother.
00:31:36Just get a rough sense
00:31:37of who you're dealing with.
00:31:38Still,
00:31:38they're your family.
00:31:40They don't deserve
00:31:40your respect.
00:31:42Don't ever forget that.
00:31:53The car rolls
00:31:54to a stop
00:31:55in front of the
00:31:56massive Hudson house.
00:32:05Christophe and I
00:32:06return to the Hudson estate.
00:32:11A woman in a sharp
00:32:12black bodycodd skirt
00:32:13hurried down the stairs.
00:32:15A fake smile
00:32:16plastered on her face.
00:32:17Well, well,
00:32:18look who finally
00:32:19made an appearance.
00:32:20And who my this is?
00:32:22Oh, it doesn't really matter.
00:32:23If Kristen brought you here,
00:32:25you must mean a great deal
00:32:26to him.
00:32:26That makes you family
00:32:27in my book.
00:32:28I'm Dana Murray.
00:32:30Dana,
00:32:31what a beautiful name.
00:32:32Aunt Johanna,
00:32:33you don't have to
00:32:34put on a show.
00:32:34She's a little reserved.
00:32:36Hello.
00:32:36I steers Christophe's
00:32:37wheelchair right past
00:32:38Johanna.
00:32:39Elida,
00:32:40hurry down.
00:32:41Christophe's finally
00:32:41brought a woman home.
00:32:42This is historic
00:32:43for the Hudson family.
00:32:49The family matriarch
00:32:51Alita Hudson,
00:32:52silver-haired,
00:32:53leaning on a polished cane,
00:32:55gaze sharp
00:32:56and a sesame,
00:32:57enters.
00:32:58Not bad at all.
00:33:00Tell me your name
00:33:01and how did you
00:33:02and Christophe cross paths?
00:33:05I'm Dana Murray.
00:33:07Murray?
00:33:07As in the Murray group,
00:33:08we haven't done business
00:33:10with them in ages.
00:33:11No wonder you look unfamiliar.
00:33:13Alita,
00:33:13look at these two.
00:33:14They're practically
00:33:15made for each other.
00:33:16Honestly,
00:33:17it's a perfect match.
00:33:18When a young lady
00:33:18walks through our doors
00:33:19on her own,
00:33:20we really should make sure
00:33:20she doesn't slip away.
00:33:22There's no need to rush
00:33:22into these things.
00:33:23What matters most
00:33:24is that you two get along.
00:33:25Have you eaten?
00:33:26Let me know your favorite dish.
00:33:27I'll have the chef make it.
00:33:28I'm easy to please, ma'am.
00:33:29Anything will do.
00:33:30You'd better take
00:33:31good care of Dana.
00:33:33If the two of you
00:33:34decide to take things further,
00:33:36we should arrange
00:33:37a formal introduction
00:33:38for both families.
00:33:41That won't be necessary.
00:33:51It's already official.
00:33:54Dana is my wife.
00:33:59No, absolutely not.
00:34:00I won't allow this.
00:34:02How could you marry a woman
00:34:03who's already had
00:34:03a marriage before?
00:34:05Charles Hudson
00:34:05storms down the staircase.
00:34:07Anger clear.
00:34:08Please, Dad,
00:34:09try to relax.
00:34:10You know,
00:34:11Christoph made this choice himself.
00:34:12He must have his reasons.
00:34:13Christmuth,
00:34:14you've led the Hudson group
00:34:15for so many years.
00:34:16Did you ever stop
00:34:17to think about
00:34:18what this could do
00:34:18to the company's reputation?
00:34:19Has this woman bewitched
00:34:20you so completely
00:34:21that you're willing
00:34:22to risk everything
00:34:23we've built?
00:34:24My hand balls
00:34:24into a fist
00:34:25inside my sleeve.
00:34:26Dana is my wife
00:34:27and that's not up
00:34:28for discussion.
00:34:29Are you really upset
00:34:30that is it the fact
00:34:31that your son
00:34:32isn't sitting in my place
00:34:33at the head of the company?
00:34:36I'm saying all this
00:34:37for your benefit,
00:34:38nothing more.
00:34:39Whom I marry
00:34:40is my own affair.
00:34:41How did you get
00:34:42your claws into Christopher?
00:34:44Was Deccan faster
00:34:45not enough for you?
00:34:46Johanna slaps a hand
00:34:47over her mouth,
00:34:48acting innocent.
00:34:48I just saw an article
00:34:49the other day
00:34:49talking about the two of you
00:34:50looking so blissfully in love.
00:34:52So, when exactly
00:34:53did you see that story
00:34:54about me and my ex-husband
00:34:56blissfully in love?
00:34:58Oh, it was just a headline
00:35:00I saw in the entertainment news.
00:35:02Really now?
00:35:05Yes, I used to be married
00:35:07to Declan.
00:35:07So well hidden
00:35:08that even the press
00:35:09never caught a wisp.
00:35:12So, Johanna,
00:35:13I'm honestly wondering,
00:35:15where did your information
00:35:16come from?
00:35:17Maybe I got the details wrong?
00:35:21That's odd.
00:35:22You sounded absolutely
00:35:23convinced a moment ago.
00:35:25A woman with a failed marriage
00:35:26here doesn't belong
00:35:27in our family.
00:35:28Your very presence
00:35:29embarrasses Christopher enough.
00:35:31If you know
00:35:32what's good for yourself,
00:35:33you'll walk away now.
00:35:35If a divorce is on the table,
00:35:37that decision belongs
00:35:38solely to me and Christopher,
00:35:40not you.
00:35:41You hear that?
00:35:42She's shameless.
00:35:43Letting her in
00:35:44will ruin our family's name.
00:35:47It's interesting.
00:35:48Everyone was so insistent
00:35:49that I get married,
00:35:50but now that I have
00:35:51no one approves
00:35:51of my choice.
00:35:53But no one said
00:35:54you should marry a woman
00:35:55with a divorce
00:35:56in her past.
00:35:57Since when did being
00:35:58divorced become a crime?
00:35:59Grandpa,
00:36:01do you plan to
00:36:02force us apart too?
00:36:03This marriage
00:36:04has to end!
00:36:05I won't have this scandal
00:36:07dragging us down!
00:36:08Grandma,
00:36:09what do you think
00:36:09about all this?
00:36:10Bring her home,
00:36:12and you'll get
00:36:13no argument from me.
00:36:14Mom,
00:36:15think about
00:36:16what this means
00:36:17for the company!
00:36:18Christopher's choices
00:36:19are his own.
00:36:20We owe him
00:36:21that respect.
00:36:22So what if people talk?
00:36:24As long as Dana's
00:36:25his wife in the eyes
00:36:26of the law,
00:36:27she's under
00:36:27this family's protection.
00:36:29If it comes to
00:36:29forcing us apart,
00:36:30I won't fight you.
00:36:32But just so you know,
00:36:33every share
00:36:34and asset I owned,
00:36:35Dana holds them now.
00:36:37Should we divorce?
00:36:38I'll walk away
00:36:39with nothing but myself.
00:36:41Shock ripples
00:36:42through the room.
00:36:42I find myself
00:36:44momentarily speechless.
00:36:45Have you lost your mind?
00:36:46You went behind our backs
00:36:48for something that drastic?
00:36:50You'd risk everything
00:36:51the family built
00:36:52just to make a woman happy?
00:36:54You'll be the death of me!
00:36:55If you're ready
00:36:56to see me out on the street,
00:36:57go right ahead
00:36:58and push for a divorce.
00:36:59Now, Dana,
00:37:01let's head upstairs.
00:37:06I take hold
00:37:07of the wheelchair handles
00:37:08and begin guiding
00:37:09Christopher away.
00:37:19Did you really
00:37:20just say that?
00:37:25Shouldn't you check
00:37:26on what's happening
00:37:27downstairs?
00:37:27Your grandfather
00:37:28looked ready to collapse
00:37:29when we left.
00:37:30We keep a family physician
00:37:32on standby.
00:37:33The old man
00:37:34will survive.
00:37:36He's far too fond
00:37:37of living
00:37:37to let something
00:37:38like this finish him off.
00:37:39I detected the bitterness
00:37:40and hostility
00:37:41in his words.
00:37:42We'll spend the night here.
00:37:44You can have the bed.
00:37:46I'll make do
00:37:46in the study.
00:37:47That hardly seems fair.
00:37:49We did come here today
00:37:50as husband and wife
00:37:51after all.
00:37:51How about we compromise?
00:37:52I'll ask the staff
00:37:53to bring up extra blankets.
00:37:55You keep the bed
00:37:55and I'll manage
00:37:56just fine on the floor.
00:37:57Out of the question.
00:37:58I won't have you
00:37:59sleeping on the floor.
00:38:00We're doing this my way.
00:38:01I nodded slightly
00:38:02and said no more
00:38:03in protest.
00:38:09Christoph,
00:38:10your grandfather
00:38:11wants to see you
00:38:11in his study.
00:38:12He needs to have
00:38:13a word with you.
00:38:15Alright.
00:38:18Stay here
00:38:19and wait for me.
00:38:20I won't be long.
00:38:21Okay.
00:38:26The room stretches
00:38:28wider after Christoph's
00:38:29departure.
00:38:29A wall-to-wall bookshelf
00:38:31overflows with novels
00:38:33and biographies.
00:38:34Trophies and medals
00:38:35crowd every corner.
00:38:37All for auto racing.
00:38:43Who's there?
00:38:45It's me.
00:38:47Elida.
00:38:52I've done some digging
00:38:53into your past, Dana.
00:38:55If I'm honest,
00:38:56you and Christoph
00:38:58aren't a textbook match.
00:38:59My heart tightened
00:39:00immisciately,
00:39:02filled with unease.
00:39:03But I have faith
00:39:03in Christoph's judgment.
00:39:04He never kept company
00:39:06with any woman before you.
00:39:07I promised long ago
00:39:09to stand behind
00:39:10every decision he makes.
00:39:11From this day forward,
00:39:12you are the only
00:39:13granddaughter-in-law
00:39:14I recognize.
00:39:15Whatever the future holds,
00:39:17the Hudson family
00:39:17will always be
00:39:18in your corner.
00:39:19Christoph might seem
00:39:20unyielding,
00:39:21but he's gentle
00:39:22beneath the surface.
00:39:23He will care for you.
00:39:24I know it.
00:39:25My hope is that the two of you
00:39:27stay together for life.
00:39:28This is too much.
00:39:29Something so precious
00:39:30I really can't accept.
00:39:31This bracelet is worn
00:39:32by every wife
00:39:33in the Hudson family.
00:39:34You married Christoph,
00:39:35so it belongs with you now.
00:39:37The more important it is,
00:39:39the less I feel right
00:39:39taking it.
00:39:41Did you and Christoph
00:39:42come to some kind
00:39:43of agreement?
00:39:47What makes you say that?
00:39:49Marriage isn't a game to me.
00:39:50If there's nothing wrong,
00:39:52you'll accept the bros.
00:39:53Keep arguing,
00:39:54and I'll have someone
00:39:55dig into this.
00:39:58I'll cherish it.
00:39:59Remember what I told you, Dana.
00:40:01Christoph is someone
00:40:02you can rely on.
00:40:06Alita,
00:40:07you're not going to believe
00:40:08what I just read.
00:40:09There's a way to fix
00:40:10Christopher's legs.
00:40:11Are you serious?
00:40:12That's nothing to joke about.
00:40:15Why would I make up
00:40:16something so important?
00:40:23I watch as Johanna
00:40:24with calcutting eyes.
00:40:26You'd better read this
00:40:28as yourself.
00:40:29A carefully orchestrated
00:40:31fake news story
00:40:32became the most powerful
00:40:33weapon in her hands.
00:40:35The only doctor
00:40:36who can fix
00:40:36Christopher's legs
00:40:37is the wraith physician,
00:40:39but word on the street
00:40:40says we've crossed her.
00:40:42How did this happen?
00:40:44What's the real story here?
00:40:46Alita,
00:40:47may I see the article?
00:40:48I scrolls through the content.
00:40:50Blurry photos,
00:40:51sensationalized stories
00:40:52suggesting Dana
00:40:53deliberately impersonated
00:40:54the wraith physician.
00:40:55Blurry photos,
00:40:56a hastily crumbled story,
00:40:58yet it's generating
00:40:58massive traffic
00:40:59and debate?
00:41:00Anyone believing this garbage
00:41:02should question their sanity.
00:41:07You've destroyed
00:41:08his final chance.
00:41:09Did you marry him
00:41:10solely to sabotage
00:41:11his future?
00:41:12You place more faith
00:41:14in some dubious
00:41:14online gossip
00:41:15than in Christophe's wisdom
00:41:17when he chose me?
00:41:18If I could deceive him
00:41:20so effortlessly,
00:41:21how did he expand
00:41:22the Hudson Group
00:41:23to its current
00:41:24prosminence
00:41:24in mere years?
00:41:26Stop deflecting, Dana.
00:41:28Is the article
00:41:29accurate or not?
00:41:30Accurate?
00:41:31Didn't I just address that?
00:41:32If you're so convinced
00:41:33by these flimsy articles,
00:41:35I could commission someone
00:41:36to write a hundred
00:41:37such articles
00:41:37claiming the world
00:41:38ends tomorrow.
00:41:39Will that prompt you
00:41:40to pack your things
00:41:41and prepare to flee?
00:41:42You.
00:41:49Enough.
00:41:50Johanna.
00:41:52You're far too mature
00:41:54for such pettiness.
00:41:55Dayla has a point.
00:41:57Hmm.
00:42:00However,
00:42:00this article mentions
00:42:01you're acquainted
00:42:02with the Wraith physician.
00:42:03Is that true?
00:42:05If so,
00:42:05could you persuade her
00:42:06to treat Christophe's condition?
00:42:08His injury haunts
00:42:09my every waking moment.
00:42:11Without proper healing,
00:42:12I'll carry this burden
00:42:13to my grave.
00:42:17Sudden footsteps
00:42:18ring out from the doorway.
00:42:20Christophe appears
00:42:21in the doorway.
00:42:25Grandma,
00:42:25I can take care of myself.
00:42:27There's no need to worry.
00:42:28How can you say that?
00:42:29You're meant to lead
00:42:30the Hudson Group one day
00:42:31and you have to be
00:42:31healthy and strong.
00:42:32I can protect you
00:42:33from the schemers
00:42:34while I'm still here,
00:42:35but who'll have your back
00:42:36once I'm gone?
00:42:36Don't talk like that, Grandma.
00:42:37You're not going anywhere.
00:42:38I'll leave your other
00:42:39choices alone,
00:42:40but I won't budge
00:42:41on one thing.
00:42:41I'm going to get
00:42:42those legs of yours fixed.
00:42:43Whatever it takes,
00:42:44I'll track down
00:42:45this so-called
00:42:46miracle healer,
00:42:47the Wraith physician.
00:42:50It's getting late.
00:42:51Everyone should rest
00:42:53for now.
00:42:53We'll come together
00:42:54for dinner
00:42:55when it's ready.
00:42:56Alita,
00:42:57those rumors online
00:42:58might still hold
00:42:59some weight.
00:43:00Stories like that
00:43:01don't just appear
00:43:01out of thick nair.
00:43:02So what exactly
00:43:03are you trying to say?
00:43:06We have to bring in
00:43:07the Wraith physician.
00:43:09Christophe's legs
00:43:09are the priority.
00:43:10Here's how it is, Dana.
00:43:12If you manage to bring
00:43:13the Wraith physician here,
00:43:14the Hudson family
00:43:15will welcome you
00:43:15with open arms.
00:43:16But if Christophe's recovery
00:43:17gets held up because of you,
00:43:19trust me,
00:43:19you'll carry all the blame.
00:43:21Didn't realize my legs
00:43:22mattered that much
00:43:23to you, Aunt Johanna.
00:43:24We're family, Christophe.
00:43:26Naturally,
00:43:27I want to see you
00:43:28up and walking again.
00:43:29Dana, think of this
00:43:30as your shot
00:43:31to prove yourself.
00:43:32Can you do it?
00:43:33Funny,
00:43:34I don't remember you
00:43:35being in charge
00:43:35of the Hudson family
00:43:36or my personal life.
00:43:38If you're itching
00:43:39to interfere,
00:43:40maybe worry about
00:43:41your own household first.
00:43:42I hear your son's
00:43:44been losing fortunes
00:43:45at the casino again.
00:43:48Enough!
00:43:50Let's just go
00:43:51and give these two
00:43:52some space.
00:43:57Alita exits,
00:43:59quietly brushing off
00:44:00Janana's attempt
00:44:01to steady her.
00:44:04I takes out her phone.
00:44:06Her social media
00:44:07has exploded
00:44:08with vicious insults.
00:44:10A handful of messages
00:44:11come from obvious trolls,
00:44:13but the coordination
00:44:14hints at a calculated effort.
00:44:18I'll have someone
00:44:20deal with this.
00:44:20That won't be necessary.
00:44:22I've got an easy fix.
00:44:25Without meeting
00:44:26Christophe's eyes,
00:44:27I log into the official
00:44:29Reith physician account.
00:44:32This is Reith physician.
00:44:34Dana Murray
00:44:34is a trusted friend.
00:44:37Spread lies about her
00:44:38and I will pursue
00:44:38legal action.
00:44:44I draft her first update.
00:44:49I hit send
00:44:50and my phone
00:44:51explodes with alerts.
00:44:52I don't bother
00:44:53glancing at the notifications.
00:44:54I already know
00:44:54what kind of storm
00:44:55is brewing.
00:44:56Within minutes,
00:44:56the comment section
00:44:57flips on its head.
00:44:58People who'd been
00:44:59so quick to tear me down
00:45:00are suddenly tripping
00:45:00over themselves
00:45:01to apologize.
00:45:02Ignoring the digital chaos,
00:45:03I place another call.
00:45:04I want the name
00:45:04of whoever set up
00:45:05today's smear campaign
00:45:06against me.
00:45:06Then file a lawsuit.
00:45:07No delay.
00:45:08I make no effort
00:45:08to keep my conversation private.
00:45:10Christopher,
00:45:10who just read
00:45:11Reith physician's post himself,
00:45:12is clearly listening in.
00:45:13If something like this
00:45:14crops up again,
00:45:15I'll handle it.
00:45:16He studies me in silence,
00:45:18curiosity flittering
00:45:18across his face.
00:45:20I appreciate it,
00:45:21but I don't really
00:45:22make a habit
00:45:23of relying on others.
00:45:24We're married,
00:45:25you know.
00:45:26Looking out for you
00:45:27is part of the deal.
00:45:28All right.
00:45:29If I run into trouble
00:45:30next time,
00:45:30you'll be the first to know.
00:45:31There's something in his tone
00:45:32that feels strangely personal,
00:45:34as if he'd forgotten
00:45:35this was only
00:45:35a business arrangement.
00:45:36I check my watch.
00:45:39Let's do some
00:45:39therapy on your legs.
00:45:43A rush of warmth
00:45:44spreads through
00:45:45Christema's legs,
00:45:46the pressure sharp
00:45:47and almost electric.
00:45:48Christema endures
00:45:49the discomfort
00:45:50without a word,
00:45:51sweat gathering
00:45:51along his brow.
00:45:52I'll put together
00:45:53an herbal soak
00:45:54for you later.
00:45:54It'll help boost
00:45:55circulation in your legs.
00:45:56After spending
00:45:57so long crouched,
00:45:58a sudden wave
00:45:59of dizziness hits me.
00:46:01I lose balance.
00:46:02Strong arms catch me,
00:46:04holding me steady.
00:46:06Crispeth's fresh
00:46:07woodly scent
00:46:07sweeps over me.
00:46:09You all right?
00:46:11Did you get dizzy?
00:46:13I'm fine.
00:46:14Just been running
00:46:15around all day.
00:46:16It could be
00:46:17low blood sugar.
00:46:18I try to rise again,
00:46:20but my legs
00:46:21give out a second time.
00:46:22I pitch forward.
00:46:31A wave of dizziness
00:46:32crashes over me,
00:46:33threatening to swallow
00:46:34me whole.
00:46:35Then everything
00:46:35goes dark.
00:46:36Dana!
00:46:38He scrambles
00:46:39for my wrist,
00:46:40fingers searching
00:46:40for a pulse.
00:46:41When he finds it
00:46:42steady beneath his touch,
00:46:44he exhaled
00:46:44a trembling sigh
00:46:45of relief.
00:46:46It isn't until
00:46:47deep into the night
00:46:48that I finally drift
00:46:49back to consciousness.
00:46:50I blink,
00:46:51disoriented.
00:46:51A soft nightlight
00:46:53paints the room
00:46:54in gentle gold.
00:46:55Across the room,
00:46:56the glow catches
00:46:57the angles of his face,
00:46:58lending warmth
00:46:59to his usually
00:47:00cold features.
00:47:04What happened to me?
00:47:05You fainted
00:47:06from exhaustion.
00:47:07The doctor gave you
00:47:07a glucose shot.
00:47:08If you're still
00:47:09feeling unwell,
00:47:10I can call him back.
00:47:13I'll be fine.
00:47:16My phone's piercing ring
00:47:17shatters the quiet.
00:47:18I glance at the screen.
00:47:20Deccan.
00:47:20I decline without
00:47:21a second thought.
00:47:22The phone immediately
00:47:23buzz again.
00:47:24I let out a frustrated
00:47:26sigh and pick up.
00:47:27Dana,
00:47:27why didn't you
00:47:28come home tonight?
00:47:29Didn't I say
00:47:29this was your last shot?
00:47:31And when exactly
00:47:32did I promise
00:47:32I'd show up
00:47:33for your drunken circus?
00:47:34I've told you before,
00:47:35Dana,
00:47:36playing hard to get
00:47:37won't get you anywhere.
00:47:38If this deal gets sealed,
00:47:39I might just overlook
00:47:40your mistakes.
00:47:41It's a miracle
00:47:42someone as toxic
00:47:43as you is still
00:47:44walking around.
00:47:45That's enough.
00:47:46This call qualifies
00:47:47as harassment.
00:47:48My legal team
00:47:49would be more than
00:47:50happy to handle it.
00:47:51Dana,
00:47:51where are you right now?
00:47:53And why the hell
00:47:53is a man with you?
00:47:55Where I am
00:47:56is none of your concern.
00:47:57We're divorced,
00:47:58Declan.
00:47:59Try to remember that.
00:48:00Keep this up
00:48:01and you'll be hearing
00:48:02from my lawyer.
00:48:03I don't wait
00:48:03for another outburst.
00:48:05With one smooth motion,
00:48:06I end the call
00:48:07and block his number
00:48:08for good.
00:48:09Your ex really
00:48:09doesn't know
00:48:10when to quit.
00:48:11Maybe it's time
00:48:12his business
00:48:13took a neap dive.
00:48:16Glad we're on
00:48:17the same page.
00:48:21Look at my phone.
00:48:22The alarm system
00:48:23at one of my places
00:48:24has been triggered.
00:48:25I open the security
00:48:26footage and stop
00:48:27in my tracks.
00:48:27Declan stands out front
00:48:28staring hard at the
00:48:29dark window on the
00:48:30second floor.
00:48:31How could Dana
00:48:31not be home at this hour?
00:48:33And that guy's voice
00:48:34on the phone?
00:48:34Who the hell is he?
00:48:35Is she actually serious
00:48:36about leaving me?
00:48:37He finds that his number
00:48:38has already been blocked
00:48:39by me.
00:48:39He glares fiercely
00:48:41at the camera,
00:48:41full of spite.
00:48:42Dana,
00:48:42if you're messing me over,
00:48:44you're asking for trouble,
00:48:45so don't come crying
00:48:46when it hits you.
00:48:53Some people are rotten
00:48:54right down to the bone.
00:49:03What's your next move?
00:49:05I'm taking back
00:49:07that Ineog project.
00:49:08It's late.
00:49:09Get some sleep.
00:49:16It's locked from the outside.
00:49:18I'm guessing grandma's
00:49:19putting us through a test.
00:49:21Trying to figure out
00:49:21what's really going on
00:49:22between us.
00:49:25So what now?
00:49:26I can sleep on the floor.
00:49:31We'll share the bed.
00:49:32Don't worry.
00:49:33I won't make a move.
00:49:35I trust you.
00:49:36But I'm simply not used
00:49:37to sleeping next to anyone.
00:49:39I've been flying solo
00:49:40for a while.
00:49:41No way.
00:49:42The floor's freezing
00:49:43this time of year
00:49:44and you'd catch a cold.
00:49:45I'll take the floor.
00:49:46I curl up on one side,
00:49:48leaving plenty of room
00:49:49between us.
00:49:50I stare at the ceiling,
00:49:51feeling completely
00:49:52out of place.
00:49:53All right.
00:49:54We'll share the bed.
00:49:55I curl up on one side,
00:49:56leaving plenty of room
00:49:57between us.
00:49:58I stare at the ceiling,
00:50:00feeling completely
00:50:01out of place.
00:50:04Just as I fear
00:50:05I'll be wide awake
00:50:06all night,
00:50:07a sudden wave
00:50:08of tiredness
00:50:08washes over me.
00:50:09Mom!
00:50:10I miss you more than words.
00:50:12You finally came back to me.
00:50:14I'm all grown up now.
00:50:15I could keep you safe.
00:50:17But it's too late,
00:50:18isn't it?
00:50:19Mom,
00:50:20I miss you so much.
00:50:21I wake and take
00:50:22in the sight before me.
00:50:23My heart catches
00:50:24in my throat.
00:50:25Crispus' features
00:50:25are impossibly close,
00:50:27sharp and undeniably handsome.
00:50:28I find myself
00:50:29pressed tightly
00:50:30against his chest,
00:50:31wrapped up in an embrace
00:50:31that feels far too intimate.
00:50:33I could feel his body heat
00:50:34and the crisp,
00:50:35clean scent of cedar on him.
00:50:36I begin inching out
00:50:37of his arms,
00:50:38slow and cautious.
00:50:39After what seems
00:50:40like an eternity,
00:50:41I finally slip free.
00:50:42A quiet breath of relief
00:50:43escapes me
00:50:44as I hurry out of the room,
00:50:45not daring to glance back.
00:50:47What escapes my notice
00:50:48is Christopheth,
00:50:48who seems to be deep in sleep,
00:50:50cracking his eyes open
00:50:51in silence.
00:50:54I make my way
00:50:55straight out to the garden.
00:50:57Chill still lingers
00:50:58in the air.
00:51:01A figure lurks
00:51:02at the edge
00:51:03of my vision.
00:51:04My gaze sharpens.
00:51:07Aunt Johanna.
00:51:11Hey Dana,
00:51:12how'd you sleep?
00:51:13If anything is bothering you,
00:51:15just say so.
00:51:16I'll handle it myself.
00:51:17I appreciate the concern.
00:51:18I slept fine.
00:51:19You're new here.
00:51:20If anyone gives you trouble
00:51:21or treats you poorly,
00:51:23come to me.
00:51:23I never had a daughter
00:51:24of my own,
00:51:25but the moment I saw you,
00:51:26I felt something melt
00:51:27inside me.
00:51:28Maybe destiny works
00:51:29in strange ways.
00:51:30I've always longed
00:51:31for a daughter,
00:51:32so the universe
00:51:33must have decided
00:51:33to bring you to me.
00:51:34From now on,
00:51:35I'll treat you
00:51:36just like my own.
00:51:39I appreciate the sentiment,
00:51:41but I already had a mother.
00:51:43She actually died
00:51:44when I was a child.
00:51:47Is there anything else?
00:51:48If not,
00:51:49I'd like to go now.
00:51:51Wait up!
00:51:52I missed my chance
00:51:54to welcome you
00:51:54into the family
00:51:55properly yesterday.
00:51:56This necklace
00:51:57is so your style.
00:51:58Think of it
00:51:59as a small token
00:52:00from me.
00:52:01Let's skip the formalities
00:52:02and get straight
00:52:02to the point.
00:52:04Honestly,
00:52:05it's nothing major.
00:52:06I just happened
00:52:07to catch Wraith Physician's
00:52:08latest post.
00:52:09Would you be able
00:52:10to introduce me?
00:52:11Why the urgency
00:52:12to meet Wraith Physician?
00:52:13Are you not feeling well?
00:52:15It's not for me.
00:52:15I've got a very close friend
00:52:17who's been struggling
00:52:17for ages.
00:52:18We've now finally
00:52:19had some real connection
00:52:20to Wraith Physician.
00:52:21If you could make
00:52:22the meeting happen,
00:52:22I...
00:52:23She leans in,
00:52:24lowering her voice
00:52:25to whisper confidently
00:52:26in my ear.
00:52:26That's all you've got
00:52:27to offer?
00:52:28Well?
00:52:30Lend me a hand
00:52:30with this
00:52:31and I'll make it
00:52:32worth your while.
00:52:33I'll sing your praises
00:52:34to Charles
00:52:34to make sure
00:52:35you and Chrismith
00:52:35don't hit any bumps.
00:52:37You actually think
00:52:38this is tempting?
00:52:39Christoph and I
00:52:39are already married
00:52:40and the paperwork signed.
00:52:41You know that, right?
00:52:45So what?
00:52:46The Hudson family
00:52:47don't take no
00:52:48for an answer.
00:52:49Your marriage certificate
00:52:50means nothing.
00:52:51Don't get comfortable.
00:52:52If Charles decides
00:52:53you're out,
00:52:54your marriage is over
00:52:55before you know it.
00:52:56And I'd think twice
00:52:57about your ex-husband too.
00:52:58I dials her expression
00:52:59back to sweet and warm.
00:53:01Honestly, Dana,
00:53:01I'd love nothing more
00:53:02than to treat you
00:53:03like my own daughter.
00:53:04It's up to you
00:53:05to make the smart move.
00:53:06You must be confused.
00:53:07Like I just said,
00:53:09my mother's already gone.
00:53:10If you want to take her place,
00:53:12you'd have to join her first.
00:53:21You?
00:53:22I swoops in
00:53:23and snatches the necklace
00:53:24right out of her grasp.
00:53:26I'll be keeping this.
00:53:28Thank you,
00:53:28Aunt Johanna.
00:53:30Can't say I expected
00:53:31a welcome present,
00:53:32but I'm touched.
00:53:34Without waiting
00:53:35for a response,
00:53:36I turn around
00:53:37and walk off.
00:53:38Christoph is already awake.
00:53:39I find Christoph
00:53:40already prepped for the day,
00:53:41his gold-rimmed glasses
00:53:42giving him an extra edge
00:53:43of justification.
00:53:44His wheelchair
00:53:45faces away from the doorway,
00:53:46but he's clearly waiting.
00:53:48The maid said breakfast
00:53:49is ready.
00:53:49Let's go eat.
00:53:51So,
00:53:52what did Janna want from you?
00:53:54Nothing major.
00:53:55She tried to rope me
00:53:56into helping her friend
00:53:57get an appointment
00:53:57with the wreath physician.
00:53:59I told her to find
00:53:59someone else's him.
00:54:00I fish out the necklace,
00:54:02dangling it in front of him.
00:54:04Oh,
00:54:04and this was her grand gesture.
00:54:06A welcome present,
00:54:08apparently.
00:54:08Johanna's notorious
00:54:09for pinching pennies.
00:54:10For her to hand over
00:54:11something like that,
00:54:12you know she's desperate.
00:54:13So,
00:54:14whoever Johanna's trying to save
00:54:15must really matter to her.
00:54:17You like rubies?
00:54:18I can't resist
00:54:19a good gemstone.
00:54:20Since she was practically
00:54:22giving it away,
00:54:23why not let her?
00:54:24That's a smart choice.
00:54:26His fingers begin
00:54:28to drum softly
00:54:29on his chair's armrest.
00:54:30I don't break
00:54:31his concentration.
00:54:32In silence,
00:54:34I continue steering him
00:54:35towards the dining room.
00:54:40The rest of the Hudson clan
00:54:42has already taken
00:54:43their seats.
00:54:44Charles holds court
00:54:45at the table's head,
00:54:47expression dark
00:54:48and unwelcoming.
00:54:50As I join them,
00:54:51I feel the weight
00:54:52of Charles' icy glares.
00:54:54Are you close
00:54:54to the wreath physician?
00:54:58I am.
00:54:59Bring her here tomorrow.
00:55:01We've got a big
00:55:02medical conference
00:55:03coming up.
00:55:04She can check
00:55:05them out, too.
00:55:10A loud crash
00:55:11echoes through
00:55:12the dining room.
00:55:13The sound of a knife
00:55:15and fork
00:55:15being set down.
00:55:19Christoph,
00:55:20what's going on here?
00:55:21Do you have a problem
00:55:22with what I just said?
00:55:23Grandpa,
00:55:24the wreath physician
00:55:25has been hard
00:55:25to catch for years.
00:55:26Are you really planning
00:55:27to take advantage
00:55:27of Dana's link to her,
00:55:28seeing her as just
00:55:29a means to an end?
00:55:30Pay her handsomely.
00:55:31All that talk about her
00:55:31being some legendary doctor,
00:55:33it's just noise
00:55:33from the press.
00:55:34Us agreeing to work
00:55:35with her is already
00:55:36doing her a favor.
00:55:37Remember when we first
00:55:37tried to get
00:55:38Wraith physician on board?
00:55:39Didn't we have to ask
00:55:40her a dozen times?
00:55:41If money was all it took,
00:55:42why did she drag
00:55:43her feet so long?
00:55:44That was now.
00:55:44She's acknowledged
00:55:45her link to Dana,
00:55:46hasn't she?
00:55:46If you follow my orders
00:55:48and bring Wraith physician
00:55:49here, I'll accept you
00:55:50as my granddaughter-in-law.
00:55:52That won't be needed.
00:55:53Dana doesn't have to do
00:55:55anything to earn
00:55:55anyone's approval.
00:55:57She's my choice,
00:55:59not the Hudson's.
00:56:06There's no use
00:56:07dragging out this meal.
00:56:08Let's go.
00:56:16Chris Smith,
00:56:17your grandfather is just
00:56:18worried about the Hudson
00:56:19family's future.
00:56:20Is it really right
00:56:21for you to talk to him
00:56:22like that?
00:56:23She fixes her gaze on me,
00:56:24voice, cutting.
00:56:25And you, Dana.
00:56:26Christopher has always
00:56:27been level-hearted.
00:56:28Now he's clashing
00:56:28with his own grandfather
00:56:29because of you.
00:56:30What have you been
00:56:30whispering in his ear?
00:56:31Aunt Johanna,
00:56:32you're giving me
00:56:32way too much credit.
00:56:33Grateful physician
00:56:34is just a friend,
00:56:34not some pod I'd use
00:56:35to secure a spot
00:56:36in the Hudson family.
00:56:37I wouldn't stoop to that.
00:56:38You're a divorced woman
00:56:39marrying into our clan.
00:56:40We are showing mercy
00:56:41by only laying down
00:56:42this one rule for you.
00:56:43Don't act like
00:56:43you're above it.
00:56:45Uncle Trevor,
00:56:45let me be crystal clear
00:56:46one last time.
00:56:47Dana's my wife.
00:56:48While I'm around,
00:56:49no one's gonna
00:56:50force her into anything.
00:56:51Is this how you
00:56:52talk to your own blood?
00:56:54After all these years,
00:56:55is this the fruit
00:56:56of my hard work?
00:57:00Grandpa?
00:57:01Your lessons
00:57:02are something
00:57:02I'll never forget.
00:57:06You might think
00:57:07you're out of my reach now,
00:57:08but my word still holds.
00:57:09If she doesn't
00:57:10follow my rules,
00:57:11she's not welcome
00:57:12under this roof.
00:57:13Dana didn't marry
00:57:13the Hudsons,
00:57:14she married me.
00:57:15You all think
00:57:16Dana's lucky to wed me,
00:57:17but honestly,
00:57:18I'm the fortunate one.
00:57:19What family would
00:57:19let their daughter
00:57:20walk into a poisonous place
00:57:21like the Hudson household?
00:57:24Christoph,
00:57:25mind your tongue.
00:57:28Grandma,
00:57:29please take care
00:57:29of yourself.
00:57:30I'll drop by again
00:57:31when I get the chance.
00:57:34Catching the hint,
00:57:35I quietly steer him
00:57:36towards the exit.
00:57:38You and your grandfather?
00:57:46Father?
00:57:47Sorry.
00:57:48I shouldn't,
00:57:50shouldn't have asked.
00:57:51I instantly regret
00:57:52mentioning the subject.
00:57:54Don't worry about it.
00:57:56There's nothing private
00:57:57about the Hudson mess.
00:57:58If it weren't for Grandma
00:57:59wanting to meet my wife,
00:58:00I'd never have come back.
00:58:02My mother was stunning
00:58:03in her prime.
00:58:04Brilliant, ambitious,
00:58:05and fiercely independent.
00:58:07Then she was forced
00:58:07to marry my father
00:58:08for so-called
00:58:09mutual family interests.
00:58:11Reality boxed her in
00:58:12until she faded away.
00:58:13My father wasn't
00:58:14just a winemaker,
00:58:15he was a chronic womanizer.
00:58:17It nearly broke my mother.
00:58:19Christoph's eyes slide shut.
00:58:20I noticed the veins
00:58:21straining across
00:58:22his clenched fists.
00:58:23And my grandfather?
00:58:24Rather than protect her,
00:58:26he locked her in a mental hospital
00:58:27to keep the family's secrets safe.
00:58:28Her mind began to unravel,
00:58:30and the whole family
00:58:31just looked the other way
00:58:32and pretended she never existed.
00:58:35Gradually,
00:58:37not even the public
00:58:38remember her anymore.
00:58:42Without a word,
00:58:44I reach out
00:58:44and take his hand.
00:58:48He blinks open his eyes,
00:58:50gaze dropping to my slim,
00:58:51pale hand enveloping his.
00:58:53We're what's left of them
00:58:54in this world.
00:58:55As long as we keep going,
00:58:56their stories will never vanish.
00:58:59You're right.
00:59:00I'll make sure everyone
00:59:01knows the truth
00:59:02about my mother.
00:59:04Sooner or later,
00:59:05the Hudson's mask will crack
00:59:06and the world will see
00:59:07what they've hidden.
00:59:09Come on,
00:59:09let's get outside.
00:59:11Some sunshine might chase away
00:59:12these old ghosts.
00:59:13Yeah, let's do that.
00:59:25I join him in the back seat,
00:59:26noticing how the distance
00:59:28between us feels much less
00:59:29than when we first met.
00:59:32Today,
00:59:32we start those herbal baths.
00:59:34Give me three months,
00:59:35and you'll be on your feet
00:59:37like anybody else.
00:59:39All right.
00:59:40Where to, sir?
00:59:41Bloomstert.
00:59:42It's a condo I bought
00:59:43a while ago,
00:59:44our place,
00:59:44as a married couple.
00:59:47Moving in together already?
00:59:49Isn't this a little fast?
00:59:51It's a business arrangement,
00:59:53sure,
00:59:53but the law calls us
00:59:54husband and wife.
00:59:57I'll swing by my place first,
00:59:59then grab my things
01:00:00and meet you there.
01:00:03The driver will take you.
01:00:10I let myself in
01:00:11with a fingerprint scan,
01:00:12wasting no time
01:00:13as I begin to pack.
01:00:23Just as I'm about to head out,
01:00:25a tall figure materifies
01:00:26in my doorway,
01:00:27blocking my exit.
01:00:29Dana,
01:00:30where were you last night,
01:00:31and who the hell
01:00:32were you with?
01:00:37Declan's stare
01:00:38falls on my outfit,
01:00:39spotting the wrinkles.
01:00:42Annoyments flares
01:00:43as he clamps down
01:00:44on my wrist hard.
01:00:46Who were you with
01:00:47last night?
01:00:49Which guy was it?
01:00:51Let go!
01:00:52You're just a downright slut!
01:00:54How could I have been
01:00:55so stupid to marry you?
01:00:56You're running up
01:00:57to this rod hum!
01:00:58twists his arm,
01:01:00flips him over her shoulder,
01:01:01slamming him down
01:01:02with ease.
01:01:06Since when did you
01:01:07learn to fight like that?
01:01:08We're divorced now.
01:01:10What I do
01:01:11is none of your concern.
01:01:12If you bother me again,
01:01:13next time I won't hold back.
01:01:17I've said it before.
01:01:19Those little games
01:01:20won't fool me.
01:01:21Say nothing happened
01:01:23last night.
01:01:23Declan,
01:01:24you're both pathetic
01:01:25and ridiculous.
01:01:26Let me spell it out.
01:01:28I was with another man
01:01:29last night.
01:01:29That's my choice
01:01:30and you've got
01:01:31no say in it.
01:01:32I'm filing for a court order
01:01:34to keep you at least
01:01:3450 meters away.
01:01:36Every moment I spent
01:01:37loving you makes me sick!
01:01:39Declan's face
01:01:39drains of color.
01:01:40A spark of panic
01:01:42flickers across his features.
01:01:44His phone buzzes.
01:01:46Hello?
01:01:47Without a word,
01:01:48he moves forward
01:01:48and grabs my wrist again.
01:01:50My mother's in the hospital.
01:01:52Call Wraith physician for me.
01:01:53Right now!
01:01:56What's that got to do with me?
01:01:57She's your mother-in-law!
01:01:59I don't have time
01:02:00for this fight!
01:02:01Come with me to the hospital now
01:02:03and get Wraith physician
01:02:04to step in!
01:02:05No way!
01:02:08My hand hovers
01:02:09over the alarm button
01:02:10by the door.
01:02:11You forced my hand.
01:02:13My mom is dying
01:02:14in the emergency room,
01:02:15Dana.
01:02:15I'm through
01:02:16with your nonsense.
01:02:17Bring Wraith physician
01:02:18to her now.
01:02:19You're breaking the law!
01:02:20Let go of me!
01:02:22He was too strong.
01:02:24He shoved me
01:02:25into the passenger seat
01:02:26and grabbed my phone.
01:02:28You're coming with me
01:02:28to the hospital.
01:02:29When Wraith physician arrives,
01:02:30I'll let you go.
01:02:31Wraith physician won't lift a finger
01:02:32for your rotten family.
01:02:33Think you can twist her arm
01:02:33by using me?
01:02:34If you'd just go back
01:02:35to being the good wife
01:02:36you used to be,
01:02:36we wouldn't be in this mess.
01:02:37Your family's punching bag?
01:02:39No chance in hell.
01:02:40He locked the doors
01:02:40with a sharp click
01:02:41and slammed the gas pedal.
01:02:42I was trapped.
01:02:43Don't you think
01:02:43you look like a fool?
01:02:45I offered to bring
01:02:46Wraith physician before
01:02:47and you humiliated me.
01:02:49Now you pull this stunt?
01:02:51I thought you were
01:02:52bluffing back then.
01:02:54You never took me seriously.
01:02:55Our marriage was doomed
01:02:57from the start.
01:02:58You messed this up!
01:02:59You cheated on me first!
01:03:00I've told you the truth
01:03:01about that night.
01:03:02You'd rather blame me
01:03:02for your own betrayal
01:03:03and play the victim?
01:03:04I'm done talking about it.
01:03:05The city lights blurred past,
01:03:06painting fleeting patterns
01:03:07on the glass.
01:03:08First, we deal with my mom's surgery.
01:03:09After that,
01:03:10we settle our score.
01:03:10An oppressive silence
01:03:11fell between us,
01:03:12heavier than any words.
01:03:13The second we stopped
01:03:14at the hospital,
01:03:15he was out of the car.
01:03:16He yanked open my door
01:03:18and hauled me toward the ER.
01:03:19Let go of me!
01:03:20Help!
01:03:21This man is trying to hurt me!
01:03:22Let her go!
01:03:23No causing trouble
01:03:24in the hospital!
01:03:25Step back!
01:03:27She's my wife!
01:03:30In the guard's face.
01:03:31When I saw what was on it,
01:03:32my eyes went wide with shock.
Comments