- 8 hours ago
He Ditched Me 52 Times
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I dated my lawyer boyfriend for 5 years, he cancelled our wedding, 52 times, first time, his intern messed up
00:07some paperwork, he ditched me at the beach to fix it, I waited all day, alone, second time, we were
00:14mid ceremony when he bolted, heard that intern was getting heat from another lawyer and left me to face the
00:19guests and their stares, after that, every time we tried again, there was always some emergency with her, always, I
00:26finally hit my limit, I was done, packed up and broke,
00:30broke it off, but the day I left Ainsley, he totally lost it trying to find me, today was wedding
00:35attempt number 52 with Owen Tatter, no big crowd this time, just our families, I dragged myself through a fever
00:41to check the set up with the wedding director, Owen didn't even look at me, he was in the groom's
00:46room, giving Vanessa fond love, his intern, a full on ankle massage, she'd shown up limping like always, my parents
00:53just shook their heads, really, again, has he ever cared about you?
00:58Everyone knew how badly I wanted this to finally happen, but right before the ceremony, he bailed, again, I chased
01:06after him, but he blocked me, Vanessa's legs still bad, I gotta take her to the hospital, let's postpone, next
01:13time, I swear, then he turned and helped her into the car, 5 years together, 52 cancelled weddings, always because
01:21of her, I used to scream, the man answers, begged him to stay, this time, I smiled,
01:27it's fine, Vanessa probably can't wait, he blinked, caught off guard, cool, I'll bring that strawberry cake you love tonight,
01:35I nodded, he shut the window, drove off, my smile dropped, I hate strawberries, I hate cake, he knows that,
01:44I told him the first time he brought it, forced down a bite so he wouldn't feel bad, then admitted
01:49I couldn't stand it, he even typed it into his notes, promised he'd remember, one year later, yeah, right, the
01:57sun was brutal, but my heart, I, I laughed once, walked back in, called it off,
02:03Then I ripped out the dress I worn 52 freaking times, time to shred those 5 years, too, in the
02:10end, my parents stuck around to comfort me, why don't you come back to Caverton with us, they'd asked before,
02:17I slumped in my seat, glanced out at their hopeful eyes, Caverton capital city, home to the biggest law firm
02:24around, their firm, I became a lawyer because of them, I was supposed to join right after graduation,
02:30Then I met Owen in grad school and followed him to Ainsley instead, he came from a tiny rural town,
02:36he hated it when anyone brought up having more, so I kept my background quiet, 4 or 5 years, he
02:42thought I was just another small town girl like him, so for the past 5 years, I never told him
02:48the truth, in his eyes, I was just another small town girl like him, in those 5 years, I went
02:54from newbie to name partner material, we crushed firm bonuses 3 years straight,
02:58Everyone called us the golden couple, I figured someday he'd be cool with the truth, but that moment never came,
03:05I sighed, no point now, okay, I'll go, my parents lit up, mom squeezed my hand, good girl, we'll book
03:14your flight, you're not staying here and suffering,
03:17After settling them in, I went home, still cold, still empty, I tossed together some pasta, opened social, and boomed
03:26Vanessa's latest post, she was in a tight workout set, all snuggled up to Owen, dragged someone's almost groom to
03:33play a match with me, he was kinda grumpy, but I promised him dinner at my place, that did the
03:38trick, hehe, I gagged, he wasn't coming back tonight, same old story, thank goodness we never made it legal,
03:45So, I was done swallowing my pride, next morning, I grabbed my bags and turned in my resignation, Mr. Spector,
03:52my boss, wasn't having it, with my track record, he tried hard to change my mind, while we were talking,
03:59Owen strolled in with some files,
04:02One look and bam, love bite on his neck, fruity perfume still clinging to him, he looked like he just
04:08crawled out of someone else's bed, funny, he used to hate when I left marks, said it looked unprofessional, so
04:14I never did, even at our most intense, I dig into the sheets instead, guess it wasn't about the marks,
04:21just who they came from, Mr. Spector groaned,
04:24Perfect, talk to your girlfriend, she's quitting, you two fight or something, it's not about him, I said, you're resigning,
04:32Owen jumped in, talking over me, his eyes flipped to mine, jaw clenched, knew it, he said, you're still mad
04:39about the wedding being cancelled yesterday, huh, Mr. Spector ducked out to give us space, as the door clicked shut,
04:46Owen came closer,
04:47I told you, Vanessa hurt her leg, that's why I cancelled, why are you being so petty, I kept my
04:54voice even, I'm not mad, just tired, I need a break, he crossed his arms, frowning,
05:00Then take a vacation, quitting like this makes it seem like you've got beef with Vanessa, how's a young girl
05:06like her supposed to stay here if people start whispering, he forgot, all my vacation days, burned on every wedding
05:12he bailed on, but sure let's worry about poor Vanessa, the thought left me hollow,
05:17My eyes drifted to the mark on his neck, I didn't say a word, he caught me looking and covered
05:22it fast, it's a mosquito bite, don't overthink it, weird, no fight, just excuses, sloppy ones, ones I used to
05:31fall for, I nodded, kept quiet, Owen let out a breath and grinned, slinging an arm around my shoulder,
05:38That's more like it, a good lawyer knows how to let stuff go, don't quit over this, okay, I'll make
05:44it up to you, dinner at Lunaya tonight,
05:47I didn't say a word, he took my silence as a yes, I meant to say goodbye, keep it clean,
05:52now, I didn't even feel like bringing up Caverton,
05:56Owen, Vanessa barged in like she owned the place, he flinched and dropped his arm, Vanessa gave this fake little
06:02laugh,
06:02Sorry to crash your date, but I really need help, I'm confused about this case, without a glance my way,
06:09he walked over, took the file, and leaned in to ask what part she didn't get, she cozied right up
06:15to him, they whispered like I wasn't even there, locked in their own little bubble,
06:19Then she linked her arm through his and strutted out with him, just before the door shut, she turned, flashed
06:25me a smock little smile then yinked it closed hard,
06:28Bang! The empty office went still, and then crack, my bracelet snapped clean off and shattered across the floor, no
06:36warning, it was our first anniversary gift,
06:39Owen said it symbolized how perfect and unbreakable we were, I stared for a beat, then quietly picked up the
06:45pieces, ignoring the sting,
06:46Tossed them and the last of whatever we had straight in the trash, after I handed in my resignation to
06:52Mr. Spector, I went back to my desk to wrap things up,
06:55Judy who was taking over for me shot me a look like she wasn't ready to let go,
07:00Reiny seriously, you're bailing?
07:02Now I'm stuck watching those two drool over each other all day, she nodded toward Owen and Vanessa,
07:08Owen looked like he was giving Vanessa a mild lecture, but whatever tension there was vanished when he pulled out
07:14a luxury bracelet like it was a freaking magic trick,
07:16Vanessa lit up and slid it on like it was her birthday, then she saw me, and panicked, Ms. Reinsdorf,
07:23I swear there's nothing going on with me and Owen, it's just a bracelet,
07:28all eyes swung to us, 5 years with Owen, and he never bought me anything remotely nice, and just like
07:34him,
07:35everyone here thought I was some clueless girl from nowhere who couldn't tell real luxury from knockoff,
07:39the penny hit like a slap, even Judy was seething, you were still dating him and they're making a fool
07:45out of you, I gave her hand a quick squeeze and shook my head, chill, then I looked at Vanessa,
07:51it's a gorgeous bracelet, suits you, she blinked, clearly expecting fireworks,
07:57Ms. Reinsdorf, seriously, it's just a regular bracelet, please don't be upset,
08:02I've said, not even close, I had stuff like that lying around back in Caverton,
08:08Owen stood up, all frowny,
08:10Reini stopped being unreasonable,
08:12I sighed and shook my head,
08:14I'm not mad, y'all really need to stop making stuff up about me,
08:18I kept it chill, but Owen looked thrown, then rolled his eyes,
08:22you better not be,
08:23he sat back down and talked to Vanessa with him,
08:26Judy leaned close, you're just gonna let that slide,
08:28I shrugged, flipping through some files, yeah, as far as I'm concerned, we're done,
08:35after 52 failed wedding attempts, I was beyond over it,
08:39after work, Owen actually came over to help me pack,
08:43hey, I booked Lunaya for aid, let's hate out,
08:47then he noticed my bare wrist and froze,
08:49where's the bracelet I gave you,
08:50I didn't wanna risk breaking it so I left it at home,
08:53he eased up, smiled a little,
08:56you used to wear it every day, why stop now,
08:59I hadn't even thought of a lie yet when Vanessa came bouncing over,
09:03Owen, I'm all packed,
09:05he turned to her instantly,
09:06nodding like she was the only person in the room,
09:09wait in the car,
09:10she made a beeline for the front passenger seat,
09:13in 5 years, I never sat there,
09:16he always said that spot was for his future wife told me to wait till we were married,
09:20Vanessa shot me a smug little look,
09:22I just dipped my head, silent, not like it hurt anymore,
09:26I had Lunaya, they sat cozied up on the same side,
09:29ordering without even glancing at me,
09:31didn't bother me,
09:33I just leaned on my hand and stared out the window,
09:35after tomorrow, none of this would matter,
09:38when the food showed up,
09:40Owen peeled a small plate of shrimp and slid it toward me,
09:43shrimp solid here,
09:44I looked up and caught his soft smile,
09:47didn't expect him to remember me in a moment like that,
09:49then Vanessa jumped in,
09:52I picked this place,
09:53last time,
09:54he ate 3 whole plates,
09:56Owen turned red,
09:57why would you say that in front of my fiancee,
10:00she giggled and looked at me like she suddenly remembered I existed,
10:03oops,
10:04sorry,
10:05Ms. Reinsdorf,
10:06didn't mean to ruin his image,
10:08they laughed together,
10:09right in front of me,
10:11I stared at the shrimp,
10:12suddenly,
10:13it tasted like nothing,
10:14I forced one down,
10:16then pushed the plate away,
10:17not my thing,
10:18you guys can finish it,
10:20I shut them up for a second,
10:22Owen asked,
10:23careful,
10:24are you upset,
10:25I shook my head,
10:26nah,
10:27just too fishy,
10:28not used to it,
10:29like the two of you reeking,
10:31after dinner,
10:32Owen walked Vanessa home,
10:34drunk and clinging to him,
10:35I was the one who closed the door behind them,
10:38then I called a cab to the airport,
10:41meanwhile,
10:42Owen was still blowing up our chat about the next wedding,
10:45probably felt guilty or whatever,
10:46don't worry,
10:48this time it'll happen,
10:49nothing's going to get in our way,
10:52me,
10:52okay,
10:53but I already knew,
10:55it'd crash like every other time,
10:57right before I boarded,
10:58another message popped up,
11:00Vanessa's stomach hurts from drinking,
11:02I'm not coming home tonight,
11:04take care of yourself,
11:06I actually laughed,
11:07cold and quiet,
11:09saw it coming a mile away,
11:10me,
11:11no problem,
11:12stay at her place,
11:14I've moved out,
11:15from now on,
11:16we're done,
11:17Owen,
11:17goodbye,
11:18forever,
11:19I blocked him right after,
11:20deleted the whole thread,
11:22on the plane,
11:23I watched Ainsley glow in the distance,
11:26back there,
11:27Owen was probably still staring at his screen,
11:29stunned,
11:30Vanessa was already sober,
11:32only one light glow in the room,
11:34she slid her hands over Owen's chest,
11:36dressed in a tiny slip,
11:38Owen,
11:38he shoved her off,
11:40don't,
11:40she froze,
11:41his phone kept looping the same line,
11:44sorry,
11:44the number you dialed is unavailable,
11:46he'd lost count,
11:48no answer,
11:49no way,
11:50she's just mad,
11:51he muttered,
11:52jumping up,
11:53she doesn't mean it,
11:55I'll go home,
11:56that'll fix it,
11:58Owen grabbed his shoes and bolted,
11:59tuning out Vanessa yelling after him,
12:01he blew through red lights the whole way back,
12:04the second he opened the door,
12:05pitch black,
12:06Riny hated the dark,
12:08even when he wasn't home,
12:10she leave a light on,
12:11his chest tightened,
12:12Riny,
12:13he called into the silence,
12:15nothing,
12:16click,
12:17he flipped the switch,
12:18the room was bare,
12:19she was gone,
12:21like,
12:21really gone,
12:22he crept toward the bedroom,
12:24nerves shot,
12:25still clinging to hope,
12:27spotless,
12:28on the nightstand,
12:29their only photo ripped,
12:30just his half left,
12:32his eyes locked on the background,
12:34college graduation,
12:35that was the day he swore he always treat her right,
12:38then came the law firm,
12:40then Vanessa,
12:41and little by little,
12:42he shoved Riny aside,
12:44he knew he messed up but told himself he always made it right,
12:47like that last cancelled wedding he took her to Lunire after,
12:51that counted,
12:52right,
12:52but then he froze,
12:54dinner for two turned into three,
12:56he never even asked what she wanted,
12:58she said the shrimp tasted off,
13:00and he just left her there,
13:01no,
13:02he hadn't treated her right,
13:04not even close,
13:05panic hit hard,
13:07he tore through the apartment like she might've left something behind,
13:10nothing,
13:11he stood frozen,
13:12that strawberry cake he swore he'd get Riny,
13:15Vanessa ate it,
13:16the roses he bought on the way home,
13:18gave those to Vanessa too just because she liked them,
13:21over and over,
13:22Riny's gifts ended up in the wrong hands,
13:25no wonder she left nothing behind,
13:26meanwhile,
13:28Vanessa's place,
13:29total luxury showroom,
13:30expensive bracelet,
13:32custom bed,
13:33smart everything,
13:34designer closet,
13:35all on his dime,
13:37the more he thought about it,
13:38the worse it got,
13:39he jumped in the car and floored it to the firm,
13:42Mr. Spector was locking up when Owen rushed up,
13:45out of breath,
13:46did Riny quit,
13:48Spector blinked,
13:49you didn't know,
13:50she came in earlier,
13:51insisted on resigning,
13:53said it had nothing to do with you,
13:54and she'd explain to you later,
13:56Owen froze,
13:57flashes of Riny trying to talk to him hit hard,
14:00but every time,
14:01Vanessa had dragged him off,
14:03he even defended her earlier that day,
14:05he never gave Riny a real shot to say anything,
14:08all he saw was Vanessa,
14:10grabbing Spector's shoulders,
14:11eyes wild,
14:12he asked,
14:13do you know where she went,
14:15Mr.,
14:15Spector didn't flinch,
14:16just brushed him off,
14:18she's not my employee anymore,
14:20call her yourself,
14:21out of leaves,
14:23Owen saw it,
14:23and just sat there,
14:25for what felt like forever,
14:28memories started creeping in,
14:30he and Riny met 5 years ago right at the law school gate,
14:33Riny had just finished a case with her advisor,
14:35and was heading back to her dorm when Owen spotted her,
14:38despite her protests,
14:40he insisted on carrying her suitcase,
14:41all the way to the undergrad dorms,
14:43that's when she had to break it to him,
14:45she was a grad student,
14:46awkward,
14:47kinda cute,
14:48that's how it all started,
14:50then came the coincidences,
14:52shared meals,
14:52same lectures,
14:54casual hangouts that slowly turned into something more,
14:57she followed him to Ainsley,
14:58hoping they'd build a life together,
15:00it wasn't home to her,
15:02but she tried to make it one,
15:03then came the talks about marriage,
15:05and right on cue,
15:07Vanessa showed up as the intern taking up all of Owen's time,
15:10all of his attention,
15:11even Judy was mad for her,
15:13calling Vanessa shameless,
15:15but Riny knew the truth,
15:16it was never just about Vanessa,
15:18if it hadn't been her,
15:20it would've been someone else,
15:21Owen would've hurt her for anyone,
15:24Owen finally stood,
15:25tired of just sitting there,
15:27out of the corner of his eye,
15:28something in the trash glinted,
15:30he walked over and froze her broken bracelet,
15:33that's when it hit him,
15:34it had snapped today,
15:35right when Vanessa pulled him away,
15:37he hadn't even looked back,
15:39he dropped to his knees,
15:41picking up the pieces,
15:42eyes burning,
15:43Judy leaned against the door,
15:45arms crossed,
15:46too late for regrets,
15:48she's gone,
15:49Owen sniffled,
15:50it's fine,
15:51I'll fix this bracelet,
15:52find her,
15:54she said her hometown's near mine,
15:56I'll take leave tomorrow,
15:57go look for her,
15:59don't bother,
16:00she's not from some tiny town,
16:02Owen froze,
16:02that's not true,
16:04she told me,
16:05she lied to protect your pride,
16:07Judy cut in,
16:08she's from Caverton,
16:10born and raised,
16:11her family's well off,
16:13his face went ghost white,
16:14suddenly,
16:15it all made sense,
16:17how polished she looked when they met,
16:19even her plaintees had cost more than his whole outfit,
16:22back then,
16:23he was too broke to notice,
16:25but now,
16:26no way someone like her came from the same world as him,
16:28Judy grabbed what she came for and turned to leave,
16:31Owen rushed after her,
16:33Judy,
16:33please,
16:34you're close with her,
16:36just tell me where she really lived,
16:37I'm begging you,
16:38his hands were shaking,
16:39she had enough,
16:41dream on,
16:42she finally got free,
16:43I'm not helping you drag her back into hell,
16:46he had nothing to say,
16:48she was white,
16:49he'd screwed up too many times,
16:51maybe Judy had hated him all along,
16:53Riny was the only one who ever kept trying,
16:56until she couldn't anymore,
16:58Judy slapped him hard across the face and walked off,
17:01Owen just stood there,
17:02plong on his cheek,
17:03whispering,
17:04then I'll go to Caverton and find her,
17:06by the time I got back to Caverton,
17:08it was already late,
17:10my parents' early sleepers,
17:12always were by the arrival gate,
17:14scanning every face,
17:15the second I spotted them,
17:17I ran straight into the arms,
17:18my voice shaky,
17:20mom dad,
17:21dad ruffled my hair,
17:23smiling like,
17:24you're home,
17:25that's all that matters,
17:26home hadn't changed a bit,
17:28after two days of crashing,
17:30I jumped into work at the law firm they built,
17:32they kept it hush hush,
17:33no one knew I was their kid,
17:35I had to go through everything like a regular newbie,
17:37probation and all,
17:39but honestly,
17:40I felt lighter,
17:41free,
17:42starting now,
17:43I was doing this for me,
17:44if I crushed it in Ainsley,
17:46I could do it here too,
17:48three months in,
17:49I passed probation,
17:51my parents threw a mini feast at home,
17:53knew my girl would crush it,
17:54getting through probation at the firm,
17:56no joke,
17:57right as mom started setting the table,
17:59the doorbell rang,
18:01I opened it without thinking and there he was,
18:04all in,
18:04three months no contact,
18:06Reini,
18:07he looked rough,
18:08thinner,
18:09messy hair,
18:10nothing like the guy from Ainsley,
18:12his voice was all scratchy,
18:14mom started walking over,
18:15what's going on,
18:17panic mode,
18:18I shoved him outside,
18:19be right back mom,
18:22dragged him down the stairs and let go once I was sure she wasn't trailing us,
18:25how do you even find me,
18:27he shifted,
18:28looking guilty,
18:29please don't be mad,
18:30I've been looking everywhere,
18:32yesterday I spotted your mom driving into this neighborhood,
18:35asked around heat up some old classmates followed her here,
18:38stood outside forever before knocking,
18:40then he pulled out a bracelet from his coat,
18:43the one you broke,
18:45I dug the pieces out of the trash and had it fixed,
18:47I stared,
18:48four years on my wrist,
18:50now back like some ghost,
18:51even repaired,
18:52the cracks were obvious,
18:54I didn't take it,
18:55keep it,
18:56give it to Vanessa,
18:58though with all the designer crap you've spoiled her with this probably looks like garbage,
19:02his head dropped,
19:03I messed up,
19:05I'm sorry,
19:05I didn't see it until you left,
19:07just one chance,
19:08let me fix this,
19:10no,
19:11didn't even blink,
19:12I'm not walking back into that hell twice,
19:15Owen didn't say a word,
19:16just shoved the bracelet into my hand like that would fix anything,
19:20take it,
19:20it's your favorite,
19:22doesn't mean anything,
19:23I just hope it makes you smile,
19:24I laughed,
19:25sharp and cold,
19:26eyes locked on the stupid thing,
19:28yeah,
19:29I don't care about it anymore,
19:30then I chucked it straight into the trash,
19:33heard it crack at the bottom like it knew it was done,
19:35his eyes went wide,
19:37mouth open,
19:38nothing came out,
19:39I only cared about it cause I loved you,
19:41everything you gave me used to matter,
19:43now,
19:44I can't even look at you,
19:45you make me sick,
19:47his eyes went red,
19:48he rubbed one like he could hide it,
19:50first time I ever saw him cry,
19:52but me,
19:53I'd cried plenty,
19:54when he got jumped after his first case,
19:56when he finally got that apartment in Ainsley,
19:59at our first wedding,
20:00and the first time he ditched me for Vanessa,
20:02yeah,
20:03I cried like it was the end of the world,
20:05he went from acting like he cared to not give him a damn,
20:08now he was crying just because I finally didn't want him,
20:11losing his perfect little maid,
20:13yay,
20:14that'll sting,
20:25I didn't look back,
20:26just went home to finish dinner,
20:28played it cool,
20:29my parents had no clue he showed up they were too busy loading up my plate and swapping lawyer hacks,
20:34mom chatting away,
20:35dad peeling shrimp for me it all felt so easy with them,
20:38with Owen,
20:39I had to beg for that kind of warmth,
20:41never got it,
20:42good thing I'm still young,
20:44the next morning at work,
20:46the receptionist gave me a look,
20:48Ms. Reinsdorf,
20:49are you seeing someone,
20:50I shot her a brow,
20:52she pulled a bouquet and a little gift bag from under the desk,
20:55some guy dropped these off,
20:57said you weren't feeling great,
20:58like girl problems,
20:59told me to tell you to drink something warm,
21:01and the flowers,
21:02said they'd brighten your day,
21:04I didn't touch the bouquet,
21:06just checked the card,
21:07Reiny,
21:08I'll send you flowers every day from now on,
21:10obviously,
21:11Owen,
21:11I backed away like they were radioactive,
21:14tossed them,
21:15probably poisoned,
21:16she didn't hesitate,
21:18got it,
21:18got it,
21:19but Owen,
21:20kept acting like he didn't know they were going straight to the trash,
21:23he sent flowers every single day,
21:25like clockwork,
21:26soon,
21:27everyone at the firm thought I had a secret admirer,
21:30the younger ones kept dropping by to pride,
21:33I fed them random excuses,
21:34the receptionist was losing it,
21:36I told her to chuck the flowers at Owen's face and tell him to buzz off,
21:40didn't slow him down,
21:41he just got sneakier,
21:43started dropping them off at the door,
21:45I had no clue how he still had gas in the tank for this,
21:48one morning,
21:49I snapped,
21:50woke up early,
21:51caught him in the act,
21:52and stormed out,
21:54I chopped the bouquet right at his chest,
21:56this isn't sweet,
21:57it's straight up creepy,
21:58cut it out,
22:00Owen flinched,
22:01surprised,
22:02he bent down,
22:03all awkward,
22:04I just want you to be happy,
22:05seeing your face ruins my mood,
22:08when are you gonna get that,
22:09he looked down,
22:10totally deflated,
22:11I really thought Owen had finally peaced out of Kaverton,
22:14but nope do roped in some of my own co-workers to pull a fast one on me,
22:18people I actually liked,
22:19by the time I stepped onto the lawn,
22:21I was floored,
22:23there was the weekend,
22:24and just seeing Owen wrecked my whole vibe,
22:26he recreated our first wedding same setup,
22:29same talks I had custom made for him,
22:31and there he was,
22:32grinning like a dope,
22:33Reiny Reinstorf,
22:34will you marry me,
22:35kill the co-workers going wild,
22:37say yes,
22:38say yes,
22:39my blood boiled,
22:41after days of stalking and drama,
22:43how the hell did he think this would work,
22:45his eyes lit up,
22:46like he actually believed this would be a fairytale ending,
22:49you seriously think a knockoff wedding's gonna fix this,
22:51I snapped,
22:52slapped him,
22:53hard,
22:54right there in front of everyone,
22:56silence,
22:57just the music still playing,
22:58someone nearby mumbled,
22:59he said he's your boyfriend,
23:01aren't you too dressed,
23:01you're really buying that,
23:03I shot back,
23:04aren't you all lawyers,
23:05try using your brains,
23:06where's the proof,
23:07they all stared at each other,
23:09suddenly super interested in their shoes,
23:11Owen stepped toward me,
23:13I backed up on instinct,
23:14I know I screwed up,
23:16he said,
23:17I didn't think this would fix everything,
23:18I just wanted to make it up to you,
23:20I thought maybe,
23:21maybe you'd smile again,
23:23I got wrapped up in Vanessa,
23:24at first,
23:25she was just an intern,
23:26she reminded me of us,
23:28young,
23:29lost,
23:29I hated seeing her get yelled at,
23:31so I defended her,
23:33thought it was something real,
23:34but I was just running from the truth,
23:36I was wrong,
23:37when you left,
23:38it hit me,
23:39I've only ever loved you,
23:40I never wanted to marry anyone else,
23:43I'll redo the wedding 52 more times,
23:45if that's what it takes,
23:46we can register today if you want,
23:48stay in Capitan,
23:49I'll stay,
23:50go back to Ainsley,
23:51I'm there,
23:52I'm not walking away again,
23:54just give me one more shot,
23:55his voice cracked,
23:57eyes red,
23:58but me,
23:59none,
23:59second chances,
24:00I gave him 52,
24:02and he blew every single one,
24:03he was in love with someone else,
24:05didn't even try to hide it,
24:07even if I said yes now,
24:08he just fade out again,
24:10some things don't get fixed,
24:11the second I came back,
24:13we were done,
24:14in your dreams,
24:15I kept a chill,
24:16got in the cab,
24:17and bounced,
24:18Owen just stood there,
24:19then he ran after the car like that didn't change anything,
24:22too late,
24:23none of it mattered anymore,
24:25after that whole circus,
24:26I told everyone at the firm I was off the market for good,
24:29no dates,
24:30no flings,
24:31no guys trying to charm their way in,
24:33I was all in on my career now,
24:35Owen,
24:36he vanished,
24:37probably crawled back to Ainsley,
24:39meanwhile,
24:40I locked in,
24:41case after case,
24:42I crushed it,
24:43people in legal circles started dropping my name,
24:45then one day,
24:46a co-worker accidentally found out I was related to the firm's partners a.k.a. my parents,
24:51I braced for the nepotism whispers,
24:53instead,
24:54they crapped up,
24:55no wonder you're such a beast you've got the boss's DNA,
24:58only rock star parents could raise someone this good,
25:01and just like that,
25:02I exhaled,
25:03hearing their praise,
25:04I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding,
25:06yeah,
25:07I'd earned this,
25:08I started cashing in my vacation days and hit the road,
25:11summer,
25:12I was beachside,
25:13soaking up sun,
25:14fall,
25:15hiking through insane mountain views,
25:17winter,
25:18curled up at my parents' place,
25:19watching snow fall,
25:21spring,
25:21climbing peaks like I was chasing the new year,
25:24time flew,
25:25I stopped counting the years,
25:26but eventually,
25:27I hit top performer status again,
25:30in Caverton,
25:31everyone knew my name,
25:32need a lawyer,
25:33I was their first call,
25:35people tried to shoot their shot,
25:36but I shot it down every time,
25:38the only man I trusted was my dad,
25:40and honestly,
25:41I almost forgot Owen ever existed,
25:44one day,
25:44a close friend asked if I wanted to visit Ainsley,
25:47five years ago,
25:48that would've been a hard no,
25:50now,
25:50I just raised a brow,
25:52perfect,
25:53I know Ainsley like the back of my hand,
25:55I'll be your tour guide,
25:56the second I stepped off the plane,
25:58it all came rushing back,
26:00while we were cruising around town,
26:02we passed my old law firm,
26:03I shot my friend a quick look and jumped out,
26:06had to see Judy,
26:07it had been five years,
26:08we both looked different,
26:10I glanced at the wall of honor and there she was,
26:13Judy,
26:13now a senior partner,
26:15I couldn't stop smiling,
26:16Reiny,
26:17that voice,
26:18I turned around,
26:19Judy's long hair was gone now,
26:21it was sleek and sharp,
26:22she looked like she fully stepped into her power,
26:25it's really you,
26:26she rushed over and hugged me tight,
26:28I missed you so much,
26:29I smiled,
26:30I was in town with a friend and figured I'd swing by,
26:33Judy grinned,
26:34did you hear,
26:35Owen and Vanessa are long gone,
26:37apparently,
26:38in the past five years,
26:39Owen totally lost his edge,
26:41couldn't win a case to save his life,
26:43Vanessa,
26:44she tricked him into getting her pregnant,
26:46then quit working altogether,
26:47just laid around,
26:48living off him,
26:49Owen finally hit his limit and tried to leave,
26:52but Vanessa,
26:53clung on like it was her full time job,
26:55within a year,
26:56it was chaos,
26:57she even brought her whole family over,
26:59demanding a wedding,
27:00already spiraling,
27:02Owen snapped,
27:03Mr.
27:03Spector booted him after yet another blown case,
27:06everyone in Ainsley knew he was a walking punchline,
27:09he ended up selling the apartment and dragging Vanessa back to his tiny hometown,
27:13I blinked,
27:14he worked so hard to escape that place only to land right back where he started,
27:18Judy just laughed,
27:19Serves him right,
27:20through what he put you through,
27:21he earned every bit of it,
27:23I nodded,
27:24smiling,
27:25she wasn't wrong,
27:26just then,
27:27my friend strolled over,
27:28what are you two gossiping about,
27:30Judy gave her a once over,
27:32smiling,
27:32this must be your friend,
27:34she's stunning,
27:35I laughed,
27:36yup,
27:37want to hang out together,
27:38definitely,
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