- 4 hours ago
Short Film Until Fate Gave Us A Second Chance
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I'm a model. Well, a different kind. In this line of work, most of us have sugar daddies.
00:07They usually hop from one to another. I have one too. His name is Jacob Griffin Wood.
00:14Come to think of it, it's been almost a year since we met. Our contract expires in six months.
00:22By industry rules, we need to decide whether to renew or part ways. After all, youth is my only
00:27asset. A good sugar daddy is hard to find. If we don't renew, I'll have to find someone
00:32new. Honestly, I'm happy with Jacob. If he wants to stay together, I'll celebrate with
00:39champagne. However, knowing Jacob is hard to say. He's just too attractive. When a man
00:44is this rich and powerful, people flock to him in droves. I can charm Jacob all I want.
00:50Alas, I've reached my body's limit. Over the year, we've tried everything in bed. Jacob
00:56isn't interested in me anymore. He gave me a mountain villa that's almost five, 300 square
01:01feet. His previous lovers lived there too. I don't know how many there were, but the thought
01:05of leaving in two weeks makes me depressed. Late at night, Mary Atkins, the maid, wakes
01:11me. She says, Jacob is here. I have to go serve him. This life isn't as easy as it looks.
01:17I have to do so much. You need charm and a lot of luck with a bad sugar daddy. You
01:24lose your
01:25money and your health. I've been a model for three years. Some of my colleagues have
01:30to wear diapers now. I'm one of the lucky ones. Jacob's only flaw is how he treats me
01:35in the bedroom. But he's generous. I rush downstairs in a robe. Jacob is passed out
01:41on the couch. He reeks of alcohol. Mary hands me some honey tea. I hold it to his lips lovingly.
01:47I coo. Have some tea, Mr. Wood. He's surnamed Griffin Wood. But he has a quirk. He hates
01:54his last name. I'm a woman with no education. I didn't know compound surnames exist. That's
02:01how I caught his eye. He says when people call him Mr. Griffin Wood out of respect, he just
02:07wants to slap them. Jacob takes a sip and frowns. I quickly pull the cup away. The smell of booze
02:14and perfume makes my stomach turn. Still, I strip him down and fetch a basin of warm water.
02:20I wash him with a straight face. Jacob is still conscious. He moves his limbs for me.
02:26Georgia, how long has it been? Almost a year. Mr. Wood. Jacob nods. The contract's up soon,
02:33right? My heart skips a beat. He wants to talk about it now. If the renewal is a no-go,
02:38I wonder how much I'll get. Jacob is a generous man. If the payout is big enough, I'll quit being
02:45a model. But he doesn't say another word. I wait for him to speak, but he's already fallen asleep.
02:50The next day, Alice Lane invites me to the salon. As a kid, I never thought I'd visit a place
02:56like
02:56this so often. Models are competitive. We earn a lot, but we spend a lot. New girls are always joining.
03:05As I get older, maintenance costs more. I get the full head-to-toe package. I spend thousands
03:11every visit. I spend a ton at the salon. Once, I spent $200,000 on a package. I was heartbroken
03:18that day. Then again, it was worth it. Jacob couldn't resist me at all. That's rare for him.
03:24His self-control is insane. I give it my all in bed, but he always holds back at the last
03:30second.
03:30Alice asks about my future. She knows I was a decent sugar daddy in high society, but she offers
03:36to take me to meet him. I turn her down. Although the renewal might not happen, I'm still within the
03:44contracted period. Looking for a new daddy in secret is a death wish. I wonder who's lucky enough to
03:50become Jacob's next lover. Alice sounds jealous. No idea. I snap back. Jacob hates being speculated,
03:57but guessing client thoughts is habitual. This past year, Jacob has had many placings,
04:04men or women. Sugar daddies care not about genders. As long as they're happy, the models get paid.
04:12Jacob used to be passionate, but now he's just cold. The honeymoon phase is over. He's lost interest
04:18in me. He'll likely replace me next year. Mid-facial, Jacob calls me. He gives me an address and tells
04:25me
04:25to get there now. It's a private estate. Members only. Very discreet. I know what's coming. When I arrive,
04:33Jacob is with clients from Halmion. I'm there to entertain them in alternative ways. This is my job.
04:41I'm in my element. I drink and flirt with the clients. The party is getting wild. One client hands me
04:49his card.
04:50He tells me he likes me right in front of Jack. I glance at Jacob, trying to gauge his reaction.
04:56But I can never guess what he's thinking or how he's feeling. I'm not that smart, but I am cautious.
05:03I won't do anything to upset him, not right in front of him. I turn the client down tactfully. I
05:10even tell
05:10him I belong to Jacob. Everyone is amused by that. Everyone except Jacob. He just sits there,
05:17nonchalant, watching me with those mysterious eyes. I just give him a bright smile. When the first party
05:23ends, the night is actually just beginning. Everyone moves on. In the private room, the table is covered
05:30in pricey booze. Soon, a group of young people is led in. Like products on a shelf, they waited to
05:36be picked out.
05:37I spot a few fresh faces. In this business, you need sharp eyes. I can tell who's truly young at
05:45a glance.
05:47Jacob draws out lazily. The fresh one can stay. I'm instantly on guard. Shady tricks don't scare me,
05:53but I can never win against age. My purity is a facade. That girl is the real deal.
05:58Is this your first? Jacob asks. She nods, looking anxious. She tries to serve him a drink,
06:04but she's so nervous, she spills it. Jacob isn't even angry. He shoots me a look. I knew it.
06:11I'm the one who has to clean up. As for the entertainment, the newbie can handle that.
06:16I keep an eye on everything. I boost the mood with drinks and song. I'll dance too if they want.
06:21I hear Jacob talking to that girl in that languid tone of his. He asks her name and her age.
06:27She's
06:27Mila Jones, 18, and from some far off coastal town. Her family is sick and she's broke. That
06:35so cliche, I never used it. When Jacob asked why I do this, I said I was lazy and hated
06:41working. I thought
06:42being honest was refreshing and that was why he liked me. But apparently he believes Mila. He even
06:49pulled out his checkbook and writes her a check. I'm stunned. I didn't know pity was so effective.
06:54He could have just said he wanted sad. In school, my grades were great. I was an atheist. Making up
07:01sad
07:02stories is easy for me. It's already 3am by the time the party is over. Jacob has already left with
07:08Mila. At least he remembered me. He got me a ride home as a reward for my work tonight. The
07:14AC in the
07:15car is perfect. But I over drank. I'm warmer than usual. I try to hold it together. But I can't.
07:23I
07:24stop the car. I'm out before he stops. I cling to a trash can and retch. One year with Jacob
07:30and my
07:31alcohol tolerance has dropped. After only 8 bottles of mixed red and white wine tonight, I've reached
07:35my limit. The driver kindly gets out and hands me some tissues. The bile I'm throwing up fills my
07:40mouth with bitterness. I awkwardly thank the driver. Are you okay? Should I take
07:45you to the hospital? It's okay. I wave it off. I'm fine. I know my body. I've gotten drunk
07:51like this before. I'm not that delicate. I force myself to head home. My brain feels like complete
07:56mush. I feel like I'll fall into a deep sleep when I close my eyes. Yet, the second I hit
08:00the mattress, all traces of sleep vanish. I have this strong feeling that my position is about to
08:05be taken by Mila. How is she so lucky? It was her first time out and she met Jacob? I'm
08:10freaking
08:10jealous. Turns out, I was right. For the next week, I don't see Jacob, but I hear about him
08:16from everyone. Mila has, unsurprisingly, become Jacob's new favourite. She's the talk of the
08:22town now. Every time I hear it, I just curse myself for choosing to be the understanding
08:26type back then. If I had been more demanding, I could have confidently marched up to Jacob
08:30and told him to not have a new woman replace me. Days pass, and eventually, the contract ends.
08:36I'm smart. Before Jacob even asks me to leave, I've already packed my bags. I know that he
08:42hasn't mentioned renewing the contract because he doesn't want to continue, but what can I
08:46do? Going from luxury to simplicity is hard. I don't want to give up this villa or the housekeepers.
08:51Jacob sends his secretary to talk to me. He offers me an apartment. It's a full floor
08:54flat downtown worth around $6 million. My first thought is to sell it and cash out. I'm not
08:59exactly flush with cash, and my expenses are high. If I stay there a few months, I'll struggle
09:04to even pay the fees. The day after I move out of the villa, a business card comes into
09:09my hands. It's when I turn down at Jacob's dinner. Alice tells me, I think he makes a
09:13good sugar daddy. You're done with Jacob now, so you need to grab this chance. I hesitate.
09:19He's from Halmyon. I'm not keen on going there. I don't know that place. Oh, come on. You're
09:24worrying about nothing. A guy with his status? You won't be his only woman. He's probably
09:28got women stashed here and there, maybe even a dozen more overseas. Just have him rent you
09:32a place and stay here. If he's ever in town for business, you can take care of him. Listen,
09:37you can't rest now. In our line of work, once you stop, you'll never get back up. You have
09:41to keep networking and contact your sugar daddies. They're thousands of beautiful and fun women.
09:46You need to give them a reason to spend big money on you. Noticing my silence, Alice narrows
09:51her eyes. Georgia, don't tell me you've fallen for Jacob. You're right, I finally say. I need
09:56to get myself together. I need to make more money. There's a golf event this weekend. I'll bring
10:01you along. Alice is pleased. You better seize the chance. I learn about Lance's preferences.
10:06He's my sugar daddy from Halmyon. On the day of the golf event, the moment I see him, I
10:10can feel the weight of his gaze on me. I know right away that my business for the year is
10:14set. I make Lance laugh with my charm. Pretending I don't know how to play, I lean in close to
10:19him. I'm busy with the club while he's busy with me. We both get what we need. From a distance,
10:25a golf cart approaches. I look up and see Jacob holding Mila in his arms. He's looking at me
10:31indifferently. I'm nestled in Lance's arms. The two of us move like a single entity as
10:36we swing the club. Following a solid thwack, the ball takes a nonsensical path. It flies
10:42up in the air and lands on Jacob's head. At that moment, I've already picked out where
10:46my grave should be. I must have committed some horrible crime against this ball. This golf course
10:51is huge. So why does it have to hit Jacob's head specifically? Lance behind me. Immediately
10:56lets go. He looks like he can't wait to cut ties with me. I get it. In this place, nobody
11:01wants to get on Jacob's bad side. Whether I actually hit that ball today doesn't matter.
11:06The result can only be that I hit it. Mr. Griffin would. I'm so sorry. Let me take you to
11:12the
11:12hospital. Lance rushes over, looking guilty. This is all my fault. I wasn't watching her closely
11:18enough. I raise my hand and rub my eyes. They instantly turn red. Looking panicked, I drop
11:23to my knees in front of Jacob. My voice shakes. Mr. Wood, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I really
11:29don't know what happened. Honestly, though, this grass is pretty soft and neon. It doesn't
11:33hurt my knees at all. My head stays down, so I can't see Jacob's face. But everything
11:38around us goes silent. The mood is clearly serious. I was kind of hoping Jacob might go easy
11:44on me since I've served him for a whole year. It seems like that's not happening.
11:48His bodyguards yank me up. Two guys, one on each side, grab my arms and practically drag
11:52me another step toward Jacob. Jacob sits there on his golf cart, looking down at me. His eyes
11:58are full of disgust. Looks like Mr. Court, he's quite taking the Georgia. He says it with
12:02a smile, but his voice is ice cold. Guess today I'll be taking what belongs to you. Taking
12:07what belongs to me? She's just a plaything. How dare she hurt you? As long as you're satisfied,
12:12Mr. Griffin would. Do whatever you want. Lance sells me out without hesitation. You
12:17rarely visit. I wouldn't want you getting lonely. Jacob gives Mila a gentle nudge toward
12:22Lance. Think of her as a little gift from me. I hope you won't mind. People like us only
12:28exist to please others. So being treated like objects traded or given away happens all the
12:33time. I lost my new sugar daddy and pissed off my old one. My mind goes dark. I have no
12:38idea how Jacob will punish me. I'm scared of pain. I'm terrified of it, but I can't just
12:42end it all either because I want to live. I want to live so desperately. Jacob takes
12:47me to his actual home, a place I've never been. All of his homes are mansions. This
12:53one doesn't look that different from the one I used to stay in. The bodyguards throw me
12:57on the floor. Footsteps echo all around me. I press myself to the ground, too scared to
13:02move. After a while, everything goes quiet. Jacob's voice comes from above me. Georgia, look
13:09up. I flinch then slowly lift my head to look at him. My face is covered in tears. Showing
13:14weakness is sometimes a tactic. It has nothing to do with gender. I never used to cry. I knew
13:20no one would care if I did, so I refused to let myself shed tears. Then I got into this
13:24line of work and realized that men actually love watching us cry. They love being worshipped
13:28by the weak. Even more, they love crushing the weak. Grinding them down. Why are you
13:32crying? Jacob asks me. Subconsciously, I think his mood seems a bit better now because his
13:38posture is clearly more relaxed than when he was with Lance. I crawl toward him. Looking
13:42pitiful, I place my hands on his knees. My face is full of hurt. Mr. Wood, please forgive
13:47me. I really didn't mean to. Jacob's eyes darken. He reaches out and grabs my chin. His grip
13:52isn't hard. His thumb strokes my neck gently. Your new sugar daddy abandoned you. New sugar
13:58daddy, old sugar daddy. I only want you, Mr. Wood. I blink and tears fall. But you don't
14:04want me anymore. You have someone new. An old toy like me isn't good enough for you anymore.
14:09Funny. I've never heard you say this before. Jacob says to me, I force a smile and lower my
14:15eyes. Someone in my position has no right to say such things. Then why say it today all of
14:20a sudden? If not now, I'd never get another chance. In your mind, am I really that cruel
14:25and heartless? Jacob forces me to look at him. Any idiot knows this is absolutely not
14:29the time to tell the truth. But if I lie, Jacob won't believe me either. What do I do? My
14:35life depends on this. I grip my teeth, straighten my back, tilt my head up and kiss Jacob's thin
14:39lips. They say people with thin lips are heartless. I think there's truth to that saying. Jacob
14:44doesn't push me away, but he doesn't kiss me back either. I close my eyes, kissing him carefully.
14:48My hands shake as I undo Jacob's belt. When it comes to pleasing men with my body, I'm
14:53way too good at it. As long as Jacob lets me see this through, today's incident will
14:57be forgiven. I work hard to please him. After a year with him, I know exactly how to satisfy
15:02him. Move back in tomorrow, he says. Don't bother packing your things. I'll have someone
15:07buy you new stuff. I don't know if this counts as a blessing. I'm back by Jacob's side, but
15:11this time he doesn't make me sign a contract. Not only that, he no longer just visits the
15:16mansion once in a while. He moves in completely. My friends praise my tactics. I actually won
15:22Jacob back and by the looks of it, I might actually become permanent. Going permanent
15:26doesn't mean becoming his wife. It means I'm qualified to stay with Jacob, not on a contract
15:30basis, but long term and stable. The kind where I can rely on him for the rest of my life.
15:34That kind of relationship. Too bad I'm on pills. I can't have kids. Otherwise, if I gave Jacob
15:39a kid or two, my position would be completely secure. I don't really buy into all that.
15:44Never mind that I can't have kids. Even if I could, I would never have Jacob's child.
15:49At airport arrivals, I'm waiting eagerly. Jacob's been away for almost a month. Honestly,
15:54I actually kind of miss him. The display screen showed the plane had landed. I count down every
15:59second until finally I spot Jacob in the distance. Mr. Wood! I throw my arm up excitedly, waving
16:05hard. Jacob looks over. It's rare, but his eyes hold a hint of warmth. Every once in a while,
16:10I catch myself thinking maybe we're just a normal couple, no different from the other
16:16couples in the world. Lost in that thought, my gaze drifts to the side. My eyes meet someone
16:20else's. What a surprise. Of all places, I'm running into my mother here. My birth wasn't
16:25exactly honourable. Getting into this line of work wasn't voluntary either. But trauma
16:29has a way of clustering. My story might earn a few tears if it were on TV, but in this
16:34industry
16:34is nothing special. So, I never play the victim. Many people have it worse. Who am I to complain?
16:40The airport is crowded. I look away naturally and rush toward Jacob, throwing my arms around
16:45him to show how much I missed him. Jacob wraps one arm around me. His tone is casual, but
16:50his expression is soft. That happy to see me? Very happy. I nod enthusiastically. He chuckles,
16:56clearly pleased. Unusually, in front of others, he takes my hand. I'm completely floored. Jacob
17:02always travels with an entourage. My existence is an open secret, but my status was never
17:07respectable. He rarely shows affection to someone like me in public. I focus entirely
17:11on him, partly to show how much I miss him, partly to keep my gaze from wandering where
17:17it shouldn't. But in the end, I can't help myself. I glance back. My birth mother is chatting
17:22intimately with a young woman while smiling. That's probably my stepsister, someone I've
17:26never met before. What are you looking at? Jacob asks. Nothing. I quickly turn my gaze away
17:32and cautiously say, Mr. Wood, if you're going on a business trip again for so long, could
17:36you take me along? He doesn't answer. I suddenly realize that what I've said seems
17:40inappropriate. While I'm trying to think of a cover-up, he asks, why? Do you want to come
17:45with me? No. I wrinkle my nose and say, I haven't seen you in a while, so I've missed
17:49you. How clingy. Jacob sighs. Despite his troubled expression, his gentle tone tells me he isn't
17:56upset by my request. Next time, I'll have my secretary notify you. He says, while scratching
18:01my chin, almost like petting a dog. There's nothing wrong with that. After all, a rich
18:05person's dog lives a better life than the people from poor families. The sex tonight
18:09leaves me exhausted. Jacob is like a wolf that hasn't eaten for a long time. Not a single
18:13part of me is left untouched. I guess his schedule this month must be very tight, and he can't
18:18release his needs. After all, he is a workaholic. Work always comes first for him, even when it
18:24conflicts with his needs. I'm so tired, my eyes hurt and won't stay open. I wake briefly
18:30as he pulls away. He sees me looking at him, so he explains, I have work. Go ahead and sleep.
18:37In the past, I didn't have the right to spend the night in the same bed as Jacob, but ever
18:41since I returned to his side, occasionally when it gets too late, Jacob stays in my room
18:44to rest. Didn't you just return from your trip? I rub my eyes, forcing myself to sit
18:48up. My sugar daddy isn't sleeping, so how can I be? I don't have the guts for that. Sleep.
18:53Be good. Jacob says firmly, pushing me back down. When he sees, I won't close my eyes.
18:57He sighs softly and leaves the bedroom. I hesitate between getting up and giving in
19:02to the drowsiness. But Jacob returns, holding a thick file filled with professional terms
19:07in Aspirean. Just a glance makes my head hurt. Sleep, I'll stay here and read. He half reclines
19:12beside me and turns on the desk lamp. With glasses on the bridge of his nose, he even puts an
19:16arm
19:16around me so I can sleep while hugging it. I am over the moon. Then I fall asleep. The next
19:22morning, when I wake up, Jacob is no longer in the bedroom. I reflect deeply, thinking it is
19:27because Jacob has been a little too indulgent with me lately. People are like that. We
19:31easily get carried away. Although I deeply fear Jacob's power and influence, the tenderness
19:36he occasionally shows is really hard to resist. I remind myself repeatedly not to let my guard
19:40down, but still find myself doing so without realizing it. While lost in thought, I sit
19:45on the bed and do a simple stretch to relieve the strain from last night's exertion. I casually
19:50pick up the phone from the table. I notice I have several missed calls from my birth father
19:55and mother. Ever since I get into this line of work, they only call me for one reason
19:58and it is money. I am their cash machine. It was my birth father who led me into this
20:04line of work. He owed debts and used me as collateral. My first sugar daddy is my father's
20:08creditor. Back then, I was inexperienced and didn't know how to charm men, so I suffered
20:12a lot. Not long after, my first sugar daddy grew tired of me and he sent me off for training.
20:17At a banquet, he handed me to my second sugar daddy. The second one had some fetishes, but
20:22he was very generous. With him, I paid off my father's gambling debts. Later, my biological
20:27mother heard that I was making a lot of money, so she called to say she needed some. I refused,
20:31so she came to my place and caused trouble. That interrupted my work and for that, my second
20:36sugar daddy slapped me and made me lose a tooth. After I got involved with Jacob, I always did
20:40whatever they asked. I was afraid they would cause trouble. Earning money is hard, but living
20:45well is even harder. I make a lot, but I also spend a lot. Along with my parents' bottomless
20:50needs, I am living a very hard life. I actually consider giving up this line of work, but it
20:56is hard to get out. Truthfully, I am used to this luxurious lifestyle too. Without any skills,
21:00I can't make money if I leave this work. I won't be able to survive. Thinking about this,
21:05I expressionlessly call them back. Sure enough, my mother wants money. She saw me at the airport
21:09yesterday with Jacob. She believes I have gotten myself a rich guy. She feels what I give her
21:15isn't enough and asks me to double it. I don't have that much, I say. I checked with a friend
21:20at the housing bureau. You have a property under your name. You can transfer it to me.
21:24My mother says haughtily, your sister just graduated. She needs a place to stay. Not possible. I refuse.
21:31Georgia, don't think that just because you found a strong backer that I won't deal with you.
21:34Trust me, if I make trouble outside Jacob's company for a few days, Jacob will immediately dump you.
21:39I believe her. After all, I lost my previous sugar daddy in the same way.
21:43They are only looking for fun and to relieve stress. Not to clean up my mess. I sigh deeply.
21:48Give me some time. Hurry up. I don't have much patience. She huffs in frustration and hangs up.
21:53I steady myself, then call my father. Lately, Jacob likes you a lot, huh? My father says.
21:59I have something I need you to do. Once it's done, I promise I won't ask you for money again.
22:04What is it? You need to steal a document. It's related to X company's merger plan.
22:09I am not highly educated, but I know that whatever he wants me to steal is definitely not just a
22:14simple merger document.
22:15How simple?
22:16What if I refuse? I ask.
22:17If you refuse, I'll die.
22:19My father grits his teeth.
22:21If I die, I'll take you down with me.
22:23I end the call.
22:24Why are you lost in thought?
22:25The bedroom door is open and Jacob is staring at me with his arms crossed.
22:30I don't know how long he has been there.
22:32I feel uneasy.
22:33I don't know how much he has heard.
22:35Nothing.
22:35Get up if you're awake, Jacob says.
22:38Come downstairs.
22:39I groggily get up and wash my face.
22:41When I got downstairs, I freeze at the sight.
22:43The living room has been redecorated.
22:45There are balloons everywhere.
22:46The wall in the center usually holds a painting worth billions,
22:50but it is now removed and replaced with balloons selling happy birthday.
22:53Jacob stands by the stairs holding a party popper.
22:56With a loud bang, the confetti sprays all over me.
22:58Georgia, happy birthday.
23:00I rarely celebrate my birthday.
23:01So when I see all the gift boxes and the two-tier cake in the middle of the living room,
23:05my first reaction isn't joy.
23:07It is unfamiliarity.
23:09Is today my birthday?
23:10I don't think so.
23:12Confused, I instinctively reach for my phone.
23:15Why aren't you happy?
23:16Jacob keenly notices my mood and the smile on his face fades.
23:20Panicking at once, I rush up and force a bright smile.
23:24No, no, I'm just so surprised that I didn't know how to react at first.
23:28Mr. Wood, you're the first person to celebrate my birthday.
23:31I'm really, really happy.
23:33My own thoughts don't matter.
23:34What matters is not spoiling his mood.
23:37I'm the main character of the birthday party, but Jacob is the director.
23:41As an actress, I have to follow the director's requests and perform according to the script.
23:45Jacob has prepared many gifts for me.
23:46Among them are luxurious goods, sports cars, and even landed properties.
23:50His gifts have solved the urgent problem.
23:52If I accept these gifts, I'll have bound myself to Jacob permanently.
23:55That means I'll have to deal with my birth parents for the rest of my life.
23:57I'll have to live in constant fear.
23:59But if I don't accept these gifts, I won't have any money at all.
24:02That means I won't be able to survive.
24:03Heck, I don't even know how long I can last without money.
24:05Thing is, I really love the car keys that are printed with luxurious logos,
24:08and the watches that have sparkling jewels embedded on them.
24:10Yes, I'm just that realistic and materialistic.
24:12The gifts are placed before me.
24:13It's impossible for me to push them away.
24:14Happily, I reach out and accept the gifts.
24:16Then, I give Jacob a loud and deep kiss on his cheek.
24:19I don't care anymore.
24:19Even if I die, I'll die with these assets in my arms.
24:22I celebrate the grandest birthday I've ever known.
24:25Jacob is satisfied with my cooperation, too.
24:27He's supposed to be extremely busy, and yet he's able to block out a full day in his schedule
24:30to spend time with me.
24:31He's been spoiling me the whole time, but I've always been insecure my whole life.
24:34I can't help but wonder where exactly Jacob's bottom line lies.
24:37He's able to tolerate my occasional spoiled antics,
24:39just like how he's treating a pet dog that he adores.
24:41He can spare some time and effort to keep me company.
24:44In fact, he even prepares a pot of seafood boil for me on that very night.
24:48Ever since I joined this line of work, I've never had spicy and greasy food ever again.
24:51I need to remain healthy to avoid having rashes marring my skin.
24:53I don't want any dark circles, either.
24:54God knows just how much suffering I go through whenever I eat bland salads
24:57while watching others devouring amazing food.
24:59It's not an exaggeration to call it the greatest torture method.
25:01The smell of the spices keeps me drooling uncontrollably.
25:04I take a deep breath and gulp loudly before turning the seafood boil down as much as it pains me.
25:09No, thank you, Mr. Wood.
25:10You don't like seafood boils, Jacob then adds.
25:12I remember you telling me you come from Corville.
25:14Corville is known for having the best seafood boils.
25:15I do like it, I reply, clearly embarrassed.
25:17Then again, my sugar daddy has prepared so many surprises for my sake.
25:20Tonight, I must do my best to show my gratitude in bed.
25:22But it's been far too long since I had spicy food.
25:24What if my stomach can't handle the spice?
25:26What if I ruin everything when the time comes?
25:28I can't possibly imagine how disastrous things will be.
25:30Jacob can tell the reason behind my hesitation, so he tells me to sit down.
25:33Don't worry.
25:34He bends down and murmurs into my ear.
25:36I'll be very busy these few days, so I'll spare you from your duties.
25:40My eyes light up.
25:41The table is laden with all my favorite dishes.
25:43I only hate that after years of dieting, my stomach had shrunk and I couldn't fit all the food in.
25:49Jacob prefers lighter food, so this meal isn't for him.
25:52Most of the time, he drops food into my bowl.
25:54Not gonna lie, with the broth on the table, the warm lights overhead,
25:58and Jacob's reminders for me to eat slowly, the scene was pretty cozy.
26:02But after some time, he stopped me.
26:05He says it's cause my stomach is puffed up like a balloon that will pop if I keep going.
26:08I'm really embarrassed.
26:10My belly's pretty flat, so it's painfully obvious when it juts out, even just a bit.
26:14When he helps me upstairs, he looks disappointed in me.
26:16I've never once restricted what you eat, so just eat whatever you want.
26:20Why make yourself suffer?
26:22As if, men are all liars.
26:24Once, I craved something cold and ate half an ice cream.
26:27I'd gotten a stomach ache, so I couldn't give Jacob what he wanted.
26:30He'd frowned in displeasure and said I was unprofessional.
26:32Didn't I know what I should and shouldn't be eating?
26:35Later, after Jacob falls asleep, I'm still awake because I'm stuffed.
26:39I can't get them out of bed and take out the gifts, looking over them again.
26:42I love them.
26:43They make me feel secure and keep me standing.
26:46I quietly put them all away in the drawer,
26:48then slip out of the bedroom and head to the study.
26:51It's a room full of mystery to me.
26:54Jacob hates being disturbed when he's working.
26:56His business is massive, and the amounts are huge.
26:58I'm always afraid I'll see things that I shouldn't.
27:01Plus, it's packed with books that are all foreign texts that I can't understand.
27:04It's always been a place of awe, fear, and respect for me.
27:07I can feel my heart pounding way too fast.
27:09I stand at the door, giving myself a full-on pep talk.
27:12But in the end, I don't go in.
27:13I'm not stupid.
27:14In this city, if I offend my father, and whatever big shot backing him, I can still run.
27:19But if I offend Jacob, I'll be better off dead.
27:21After that day, I don't answer any more calls from my father.
27:24I also come up with a plan.
27:25I go to Alice for help and pay her to hire some thugs to teach my parents a lesson they
27:29won't forget.
27:30I've never done this before.
27:32Staying alive was hard enough.
27:33All I ever thought about was how to get through each day.
27:36But now, things are different.
27:38If I obey Jacob, I'll still have a way out, even if he grows sick of me.
27:41He won't make things hard for me.
27:43Alice asks me how far I want to take this.
27:45I ask how far things can go.
27:47A verbal threat?
27:48A warning?
27:49Or some violence?
27:50Or permanent injuries?
27:52Or maybe stage a car crash to take them out?
27:55Different levels?
27:56Different prices?
27:58I think about it.
27:59My father is going to need a beating, or he won't take this seriously.
28:02As for my mother, get a few guys who look extra fierce and have them tail my half-sister
28:07for a few days, then threaten her.
28:09She's my mother's whole world.
28:10Her pain would kill my mother.
28:12Oh, one more thing.
28:13When the guys make their move, make sure my parents are aware that this is all my idea.
28:17Okay, wait for my good news.
28:19Alice works fast.
28:21In just a few days, my mother calls me.
28:23She swears to make me pay.
28:25Better not threaten me, I say calmly.
28:27The money's with me.
28:28Put me in a good mood, and I might give you some, but if you piss me off, this time,
28:33I
28:34just scared your daughter.
28:35Next time, I won't stop there.
28:36My mother curses me out, but in the end, all she can do is hang up.
28:40Why was I so dumb before?
28:41Why didn't I think of doing this?
28:43I'd wasted so much money.
28:45Honestly, they were all bark and no bite, like balloons that would burst once poked.
28:49Meanwhile, my father doesn't call me at all.
28:51I heard those thugs roughed him up bad, so he'd been recuperating and hadn't even
28:54left the house.
28:55I let out a shallow breath, thinking that maybe I can finally have peace.
29:00Unfortunately in my life, peace never seems to last long.
29:03I leave the house for a quick trip to the spa when a van suddenly comes screaming down
29:07the street.
29:07The door flies open, and several guys in masks drag me into the vehicle.
29:12I don't even have time to scream before a damp towel is pressed over my mouth and nose.
29:16I'm genuinely surprised that someone like me is getting kidnapped.
29:19My life so far hasn't been smooth sailing, but a kidnapping is definitely a first.
29:24After all, I'm not rich, nor am I powerful.
29:27Why bother kidnapping me?
29:28I wake up to water in my face.
29:30It's pretty dark around me, so I'm guessing I'm in a basement or something.
29:33I shiver from the cold water.
29:34I force my eyes open and squint at the guy before me.
29:37I don't know him, but my father stands behind him.
29:40He looks as repulsive as ever.
29:41When he sees I'm awake, viciousness flashes in his eyes.
29:45He wants to teach me a lesson, but doesn't dare to do anything due to the pressure from
29:49the man in front of him.
29:50Georgia Lodge?
29:51I'm too scared to speak.
29:52This guy radiates that ruthless dominance those in power do.
29:56I can't afford to offend him.
29:57You don't look special.
29:58I wonder why you caught Jacob Griffinwood's eye.
30:01My father hurries to flatter him and says in a low voice,
30:03She was personally trained by Bob Jones.
30:06Bob Jones, my very first sugar daddy.
30:08Oh, him.
30:10I guess you've got some skills.
30:11The man sizes me up.
30:12Someone next to him steps forward to light a cigar for him.
30:15He takes a drag and exhales, blowing the smoke into my face.
30:19So, what do you think?
30:20Consider being mine.
30:21It's as good as being with Jacob.
30:23I'm terrified, but I still force a smile.
30:26Don't say that, sir.
30:27You and Mr. Wood are both outstanding men who are way out of my league.
30:30I can't pick and choose.
30:32If you know you can't cross me, then why are you saying no?
30:36He suddenly presses his lit cigar straight to one of my cheeks.
30:39The pain makes me tear up.
30:41Before the sting even fades, a hard slap lands across my other cheek.
30:45The blow leaves me woozy.
30:46How dare you provoke me?
30:48You've got some nerve.
30:50I didn't...
30:51I tried to deny it.
30:52How dare you deny it?
30:54My father steps forward, looking arrogant and smug.
30:56I work for Mr. Lowell.
30:58Laying a hand on me means laying a hand on him.
31:00Know who you're dealing with.
31:01Shame.
31:02You weren't much of a looker.
31:04Now that you're disfigured, you think Jacob will still want you?
31:07Mr. Lowell's rough palm slides over my neck, then suddenly tightens around it.
31:11The suffocation hits immediately.
31:13I instinctively struggle, but my wrists and ankles are bound.
31:16I can't fight back at all.
31:18Maybe I'm going to die here.
31:19I don't want that.
31:20I don't want to die.
31:21Being alive is painful, but in this exact second, I realize I'm desperate to live.
31:26Forget it.
31:27Mr. Lowell abruptly let go.
31:29I collapse to the floor and gasp for air.
31:31Do you want to live?
31:32He asks with a smile.
31:34I nod vigorously.
31:35That depends on you.
31:36He waves a hand lazily.
31:38And the men surrounding us immediately step forward.
31:41If you can satisfy all of them, I might consider letting you live.
31:45I curl up on the floor, unable to do anything but watch.
31:48A camera is set up and aimed right at me.
31:51I hear Mr. Lowell say, give it your best shot.
31:53This blockbuster's first viewer will be Jacob Griffin Wood.
31:56You know what to do, right?
31:58I lower my eyes.
31:59No, I don't.
32:00Look at my men.
32:01They're all young and strong.
32:03Jacob's almost 40.
32:04Can he compare to them?
32:05Just look into the camera and tell everyone the truth.
32:08No man can take being mocked for not being good in bed.
32:11I'm Jacob's sugar baby.
32:12We've slept together.
32:14If I face that camera and look like I'm enjoying myself while saying that Jacob is no match for these
32:19thugs,
32:19I can already imagine how utterly humiliated he'll be.
32:22But I want to stay alive even if it's just a few extra days.
32:25I drop my gaze, then put on a chastened, fawning smile.
32:29Mr. Lowell, I know what to do now, but I want to serve you first.
32:32My cheek still burns, but I don't dare touch it.
32:35I only look up at Mr. Lowell.
32:36He lets out a mocking laugh.
32:38You're such a whore.
32:39Don't think your price goes up just because you've served me.
32:41I'm not like Jacob Griffin Wood.
32:43People of your level don't even catch my eye.
32:46Despite his words, he has someone untie my vines.
32:49I grind my pride into the dirt and crawl over to him.
32:53Dignity means nothing to me.
32:54If it did, I wouldn't have survived this long.
32:57As a kid, I shamelessly begged, flattered, and grinned like an idiot despite getting beaten,
33:01all for a single bite of food.
33:04Now, to stay alive, I can lose my backbone and do every degrading thing.
33:08This is my line of work anyway.
33:10To me, I'm just serving a different man.
33:14I look up at Mr. Lowell and smile faintly.
33:16Then, I kick him hard between his legs.
33:18Ah!
33:19A scream tears through the air.
33:21Fists and random objects rain down on me.
33:23Blood drips from my forehead, blurring my vision.
33:26I let out a ragged laugh and watch as the men rush to Mr. Lowell in a hurry.
33:29They're too scared to touch him.
33:31He roars that he wants me tortured and abused.
33:33I really do want to live.
33:35I do, but when I was with Jacob, I lived like a human, just barely.
33:38I can't go back to living like a rat.
33:40Maybe all he gave me were useless scraps of warmth, insincere greetings, and perfunctory kindnesses.
33:45But even that was enough.
33:46It hurts.
33:47Every inch of me is in agony.
33:49My heart is deliriously alive, but I still can't ignore the physical pain.
33:53I collapse to the ground and curl up into a tight ball.
33:56Jacob, my life probably means nothing to you, but I'm about to lose it because of you.
34:01So, if it's not too much to ask, I hope you take a little longer to forget me.
34:05I wake up in a hospital.
34:07When I come to, I'm surprised I'm still alive.
34:10Am I that tough?
34:11Have my luck turned around after all this suffering?
34:13My gaze shifts, and I see Jacob.
34:16Oh, I get it now.
34:18Jacob wrenched me right out of Death's hands.
34:21Wait, something's off.
34:22Why does he look so worn out?
34:24I didn't steal his files.
34:26Did someone else leak his confidential papers and bankrupt him?
34:29I want to ask what happened.
34:31After all, I still have some savings.
34:33I'm worried he'll try to take back whatever I have.
34:35I would have taken Death over that.
34:37But before I can speak, Jacob leans in and carefully cups my cheek.
34:42I blink davidly and watch him lean over me to press a kiss to my forehead.
34:46He says hoarsely, you're awake.
34:49Something warm slides down my cheek.
34:50It must be coming from Jacob's eyes.
34:52All in all, the long and short of it is that I survived.
34:54I don't know how it happened.
34:56According to Jacob's secretary, he'd never seen Jacob lose control like that or look so wrecked.
35:01Ever since I woke up, Jacob hasn't left my line of sight.
35:04Even during video conferences, he sits somewhere, he can see me at a glance,
35:07and every 10 minutes or so, he looks at me to see what I'm doing.
35:11I'm really not used to him being like this.
35:13He's acting like I matter to him.
35:15The two things I care most about are money and my face.
35:18Thankfully, both are okay.
35:20The doctor saved my face.
35:21My cheek had a cigar burn, but I don't scar easily.
35:24With proper care, my looks won't be affected.
35:27As for money, as long as Jacob stays afloat, I probably won't go broke.
35:31I'm in the hospital for a month.
35:33Only when I'm about to go crazy does Jacob agree to my discharge.
35:37After getting out, Jacob keeps me at home for two more months to recover.
35:41And from that point on, anytime I step foot outside, I have a security detail.
35:46Friends say I'm in for good things now that I've cheated death.
35:49They can't believe that I managed to go legit with Jacob.
35:52Before this, everyone thought I was set for life for as long as I stuck with him,
35:56but nobody expected that I'd become his wife.
35:59From what I remember, Jacob has never once acknowledged my status.
36:02How has this counted as legit?
36:04The night the doctor announced that I had fully recovered,
36:06I can't hold back anymore and try to give myself to Jacob.
36:10I don't believe men can have platonic relationships.
36:12I've seen so many men in my life.
36:14Shouldn't I know better how much they're ruled by what's below the waist?
36:17Jacob has been abstinent.
36:19In three months, other than toilet breaks, I wasn't out of his sight, even for showers.
36:22More than once, I've caught his dark gaze on me.
36:24Each time I think he's about to lose control, he still manages to hold back.
36:28I worry that if he keeps this up, he'll have problems.
36:30This is directly related to my happiness, so I have to take it seriously.
36:34I do all my prep work.
36:35I set up a nice scent, slip into something sheer, and lie on the bed to wait for him.
36:39Taking care of Jacob in bed is something I'm familiar with.
36:42I know every one of his sensitive spots.
36:43I'm sure this will be a scorching, no-holds-barred night, but to my surprise, Jacob turns me down.
36:49It's not his first time rejecting me, but it is the only time that I'm caught off guard.
36:53I quickly adjust, though, and back off, giving Jacob space.
36:57In my softest voice, I say,
36:58I'm sorry, Mr. Wood.
36:59I overstepped.
37:01Ultimately, I'd overestimated myself.
37:03I'd assumed that with his recent treatment of me, I'd found a spot in his heart, even if he hadn't
37:07fallen for me.
37:08But the truth is, I can't even read him.
37:11Why would I be special to him?
37:12I thought my near-death to protect Jacob's business was a big deal, but in reality, I was probably more
37:18like a pet that had locked a tiny pebble for its owner.
37:20I'd almost died for him, but it wasn't notable to him.
37:24Jacob tells me not to overthink it and to focus on my recovery.
37:28I do as I'm told and don't dwell on the matter.
37:30Then, he slowly stopped coming to the villa.
37:32Even contact is rare.
37:34When I meet my friends, they tease me, saying, I've got a job I can't lose.
37:39They say, I'm set for life as long as I stick with Jacob.
37:42I don't tell them that I'm going to lose the job.
37:44This time, things are different from when our contract expired.
37:47Back then, Jacob acted the same, despite the contract expiration.
37:51This time, I can clearly feel him pulling away on purpose.
37:54One day, I go to the spa.
37:56When I get home, I find Jacob on the couch with a document in his hand.
38:01In that moment, I get it.
38:03Mr. Wood, I smile and walk over to him.
38:05Sit.
38:06He looks up at me, then slides the document toward me.
38:09Take a look.
38:09I obediently pick it up.
38:11Is this my severance pay?
38:12He sure is generous.
38:14Thanks, Mr. Wood.
38:15I accept the contract and don't cause a scene.
38:17Who am I to throw a fit?
38:19Jacob's face is devoid of emotion.
38:21I've given you plenty of money.
38:23Turn over a new leaf and live a decent life.
38:26Don't stay in this line of work.
38:28He doesn't need to be here.
38:29He could have sent someone else.
38:31Like before.
38:32I will.
38:33I stand up and curtsy to him.
38:35I'll move out tomorrow.
38:37And this time, after leaving, I won't be coming back.
38:40Our relationship is ending, but I wrap things up properly.
38:43Jacob spends the night here.
38:45I draw him a bath and give him a full body spa.
38:48The bathtub faces the windows.
38:51The glass is one way, so when he's in the tub, he can enjoy the view in privacy.
38:55How long have you done this?
38:56I don't remember.
38:57Maybe five years?
38:59That's good.
39:00You're not worn out yet, so you can still find a husband.
39:03Mr. Wood, after being with a man like you, I'm afraid it's going to be hard for me to be
39:07interested in other men.
39:08Oh?
39:09Is that a hint not to let you go?
39:10I wouldn't dare.
39:11I'm just being honest.
39:12I actually know exactly why Jacob is letting me go.
39:15It's because he discovered my feelings for him.
39:16I have never claimed to be some morally noble person.
39:19In a life-or-death situation, I shouldn't be sacrificing my own life to protect Jacob's interests.
39:23But that's exactly what I did.
39:25I've fallen for him, so he can't keep me around.
39:27Money and profits make the most solid bonds.
39:30Jacob can give me all of that, but he won't give me even the slightest bit of love.
39:33I love him, so I can give up my life for him.
39:36But I might hurt him because he doesn't love me.
39:38I get that, so I accept this outcome.
39:40After moving out of the villa, my life settles.
39:43Jacob really is generous.
39:45Including this last payout, I now have three properties, tens of millions in cash, and even some stocks.
39:52As long as I don't slurge in ways that might break the law, what I have now has me set
39:57for life.
39:57After grinding for so long, I can finally start my retirement early.
40:01Alice comes over to hang out.
40:03She has a new sugar daddy.
40:04He's from Hutton and treats her pretty well.
40:07In just a few short months, he's already spent plenty on her.
40:10After cashing out on this job, I'm going to retire too.
40:12She takes the drag of her cigarette.
40:14The smoke curls around her face, so I can't make out her expression.
40:17I'm not getting any younger.
40:18It's time to settle down and actually live a normal life.
40:20You?
40:21Saying stuff like that?
40:22That's not like you at all.
40:24You remember my previous sugar daddy, right?
40:25The one from Jarton.
40:27Yeah, he's the only one who prematurely terminated his contract with you.
40:30I remember you cleaned him out right before you walked away.
40:32You were really proud and kept bragging to me about it.
40:34He went bankrupt.
40:35Alice looks despondent.
40:36I only found out recently.
40:38That money I took from him was probably everything that he had left.
40:41What?
40:42I'm stunned.
40:42He knew he was going under.
40:43That's why he ended things and handed over pretty much all the liquid assets he had left
40:47to me.
40:47She stubbed out her cigarette and lets out a bitter laugh.
40:49If he were going to pull that, he should have hidden it better and kept it under wraps.
40:52Look at the situation I'm in now.
40:54It feels wrong to return, but it's also wrong if I don't.
40:56You want to do it though.
40:58I can see right through her.
40:59That's not all.
41:00You're even thinking of handing over all the money you've made to help him make a comeback.
41:03Alice looks miserable, but doesn't deny it.
41:05You're out of your mind.
41:06I shoot to my feet frustrated by her idiocy.
41:09You know what you're doing.
41:10With our history, we'll never be the kind who get to sit at the nice table.
41:13How much of that friendship between men is real?
41:16And how long does it last?
41:18Right now, you're remembering his kindness.
41:21But once you spend the money, once he makes a comeback, and once you're old and ugly,
41:24there'll be a line of fresh faces.
41:25Prettier than you, sweeter than you, and wilder than you.
41:28When that time comes, how will you fare against them?
41:31And what about you?
41:32It's the same with Jacob, no?
41:34I'm at a loss for words.
41:36Women really are soft.
41:37We can't love in our work, so it's all about each getting what we need.
41:40It's a simple transaction.
41:42The lessons of those before us are still fresh in our minds, yet we somehow still end up
41:45making the mistakes they did.
41:47At least I took the money.
41:48I'll never have to worry about money, I say.
41:49I won't pay to be with him.
41:51That makes me better than you.
41:52That's because you got lucky and ran into Jacob.
41:54That guy is a businessman who never makes a losing deal.
41:57Believe it or not, if he goes bankrupt right now, you'll give him all your money.
42:00Don't jinx me.
42:01I quickly stop the conversation.
42:02Some things just can't be said.
42:05I learn about Jacob's bankruptcy from the news.
42:08In the past, I never watched the news.
42:10People like me were barely even educated.
42:12Why keep up with the news?
42:14But since splitting up with Jacob, I've started watching it.
42:16Because every now and then, he shows up on the screen.
42:18How can he go bankrupt?
42:19But as the reports pile up, it starts looking real.
42:22I go around asking a few friends in the industry.
42:25Their sugar daddies all have connections, so they help me ask around.
42:28Turns out, the rumors are true.
42:30Alice also calls me.
42:32I asked around.
42:33It's probably by the same guys who kidnapped you last time.
42:35They're out to get Jacob.
42:37Jacob is far too influential in this city.
42:39It's practically his monopoly.
42:40Unless someone drags him down, everyone else will be stuck fighting over scraps.
42:44It's the result of standing out.
42:46I spend a few days at home before starting to go over all my assets.
42:50Everything I have is because of Jacob.
42:52I know that to him, what I've got is a drop in the bucket.
42:54But at least it's something to show where my loyalties lie.
42:57As Alice predicted, I was righteous with her, but when I was in her shoes, I was throwing all my
43:01money in and even more desperate than she ever was.
43:04At least Alice dreamed about being with her sugar daddy.
43:07I didn't even dare entertain a thought like that.
43:09I have Jacob's private number, but he doesn't answer when I call.
43:12So, I sent him a message, weighing every word carefully.
43:17In the end, Jacob's secretary calls me back and turns me down.
43:21Miss Lodge, Mr. Wood said to tell you that he appreciates the gesture.
43:25He hopes you'll live well and that you'll stop worrying about those from your past.
43:29I'd figured as much.
43:30Jacob's refusal of my kindness is not for my sake.
43:33His pride is in the way, making him refuse to accept charity from me.
43:36I'm prepared for that outcome, but I still feel disappointed.
43:40I know all too well the huge gap between us.
43:43I can't even do the smallest things for him, but I still go ahead and do what I want to
43:46do.
43:47In all my years alive, I've rarely gotten to be willful and to follow my heart.
43:51So, I'm more than willing to throw myself at him.
43:54When Alice loans me money, she prods me in the forehead and grumbles non-stop about how I can't repay
43:58her after borrowing so much from her.
44:00Some other friends also feel bad for me.
44:02When they lend me the money, they even suggest getting me a new sugar daddy.
44:05He's not exactly a great guy, but he's generous.
44:07I just need a year with him.
44:09I turn them all down.
44:10I take that card holding everything I own and mail it to Jacob.
44:13Then, I tell myself we're even and to stop thinking about him.
44:16I get an ordinary job and I start online content creation.
44:19After being with sugar daddies for years, I'd at least seen a lot of the world.
44:23I picked up some things about aesthetics and makeup.
44:25I didn't have a proper education, so I had to make money differently.
44:29Thankfully, my second video blew up.
44:31I've always felt like my luck was never really that bad.
44:34Sure, my parents neglected me, but at least I didn't starve.
44:38Later, I became an escort.
44:39It wasn't a respectable job, but I only suffered at the start.
44:43I got used to it after blending in.
44:44Then, when Jacob no longer wanted me, he still made sure I was taken care of for life.
44:49Food and bills were settled.
44:51And now, I may be broke again, but my career, which has never taken off before, is on the verge
44:56of blowing up.
44:57Good, isn't it?
44:58That's why we need to stay alive.
45:00There's a future to look forward to.
45:01I work a day job, shoot at night, and life keeps getting better.
45:05But one day, Alice suddenly calls me and says Jacob is back on top.
45:09I've gone out of my way to avoid news about him.
45:12Hearing about him again feels surreal.
45:15Really?
45:15That's good.
45:16I say earnestly, we will never be together, but I still hope he does well.
45:21You really are hopeless.
45:23I'm doing pretty great, and I'm pretty happy too.
45:25I even tried to talk Alice into it.
45:27If you're going to quit for good, then come work with me.
45:29I have a decent following now.
45:31I can send traffic your way.
45:32Maybe when I hit rock bottom.
45:34I'm just calling you today to update you, so you can stop worrying.
45:37Forget about Jacob.
45:38This call is unnecessary.
45:40I probably won't ever stop thinking about Jacob, but I'm also prepared to never see
45:44him again and to never check any news about him.
45:47I may seem like an idiot, but I'm actually really smart.
45:49With anything or anyone that may disappoint me, I never let myself expect anything from
45:53them.
45:53Just like I never once hoped that my parents would love me, I also didn't dare hope that
45:57Jacob would fall for me.
45:58After expanding my horizons, I make a lot of new friends.
46:01They don't know what I used to do and that I had sugar daddies.
46:04To them, I'm the best.
46:06Their comments are full of praise.
46:07Deep down, I'm uneasy.
46:10Maybe there's a name for it.
46:11Something like PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder.
46:14Someone like me shouldn't have things go smoothly or be disliked.
46:18They think I'm perfect and flawless, but I know I'm tainted.
46:22Then, one day, the dirt on me spreads online along with hate and insults.
46:27I suddenly feel at peace.
46:29Part of me mocks myself for being happy about the hate.
46:31The other part makes a video of a sincere chat about myself.
46:33The whole process is even fun.
46:34I have nothing about my past that I feel the need to hide.
46:38Each and every one of those incidents shaped who I am today.
46:41Life can knock me down, but I will never stay down.
46:44I'm prepared to not be accepted.
46:45I tell myself that at least I've made good money lately.
46:48The debt I'd originally planned to pay off in 10 years, I can now clear in just two.
46:52That's good enough.
46:52To my surprise, I'm accepted.
46:55Many called me shameless and said I had no dignity for making such dirty money before
46:58cleaning myself up now.
46:59But even more people leave comments to cheer me on and tell me not to give up on life.
47:03They message me privately to share their own stories with me.
47:05It's like sharing the suffering makes it less unbearable.
47:08I cry a lot, to be honest.
47:10In front of my sugar daddies, I would always whine, put on a pitiful act, or play the victim
47:14just to spark their sense of conquest.
47:15But that was a survival tactic, not who I really was.
47:18I don't know what I ever did to deserve being accepted and liked.
47:21This world can actually be beautiful.
47:23If I hadn't had the nerve to take that first step, maybe I never would have seen this side
47:27of the world's kindness.
47:28At the end of the year, a platform invites me to attend an awards ceremony.
47:31I dress to the nines for it.
47:33The ceremony is a grand one.
47:35Besides big influencers, there are also several celebrities.
47:38I already know which award I'm getting, so I've prepared a speech.
47:41I'm about to go on stage, but I'm still memorising it.
47:44I do have a terrible memory.
47:45It's only a few lines, but they just won't stick.
47:47Next, let's welcome our award presenter, Griffinwood Group CEO, Mr. Jacob Griffinwood.
47:53The host beams at the crowd, and the audience is surprised.
47:56My smile freezes on my face.
47:58Influencers run the economy now, and every influencer here easily makes tens of millions a year.
48:02But why would Jacob?
48:04I stand there and follow the host's line of sight.
48:07Under the spotlight, Jacob walks toward me with all eyes on him.
48:10He still looks the way I remember.
48:12He's lofty, untouchable, and immaculate.
48:15Congratulations.
48:16He takes the trophy and passes it to me.
48:18Thanks, I say in a small voice.
48:21You've done very well.
48:22Better than I expected.
48:23He shakes my hand, and we stand side by side, facing the audience.
48:27I've never imagined a day like this, when I can openly stand by Jacob's side, accepting applause.
48:33Georgia.
48:34Jacob calls my name.
48:35Yeah?
48:36Do you want to be with me?
48:37I don't answer.
48:38This time, you have every right to stand by me openly as my fiancée.
48:41Jacob Griffin Wood first met Georgia Lodge at an ordinary cocktail party.
48:45Many wanted to suck up to him, but not everyone was qualified to do so.
48:49Everyone else addressed him as Mr. Griffin Wood.
48:51Only Georgia, like an uneducated brute, had called him Mr. Wood.
48:55Because he rarely heard that form of address, he'd given her a second glance.
48:58When someone held power, even a single look from them would be dissected and analyzed by
49:03the people below.
49:04That one look at Georgia made someone decide he must have taken a liking to her.
49:07And so, in no time at all, Georgia was delivered to his side, along with a background
49:11check and a medical report.
49:12He didn't have a companion then.
49:14Georgia stood in front of him, smiling stiffly.
49:17She hid it well, but he still caught the disgust and resentment in her eyes.
49:21The women sent to him were always thoroughly trained.
49:24He was a little curious how long someone like Georgia could survive in this world of power
49:28and profit.
49:29Unfortunately, she turned out to be a bore.
49:31Jacob later realized that whatever emotions Georgia had felt that day would never have
49:35any real impact on his life.
49:37He could tell that she was trying her best to blend into his circle.
49:40She fawned, acted cute, and bowed and scraped.
49:43To keep herself attractive to men, she splurged on cosmetic procedures, even going in for those
49:48so-called tightening packages that sounded magical, but didn't even have basic safety
49:52guaranteed.
49:53He'd lost control that one time.
49:55It wasn't because of the tightening treatment.
49:57Jacob just happened to pass by and saw Georgia limping out of the spa, dressed to the nines,
50:01but with her face twisted in pain.
50:04She looked so gaudy.
50:05People around her threw her strange looks, but she seemed oblivious.
50:08But when she turned the corner, Jacob saw her with her arms around her knees and her head
50:11buried.
50:12She crouched there for a long time.
50:13She had a thin figure, and she looked so lonely.
50:17Jacob had seen way too many women like her.
50:19Whether they made a fortune, they always ended in tragedy.
50:22Almost none got happy ending.
50:24In that instant, Jacob suddenly had the thought.
50:26It wasn't impossible to keep Georgia by his side forever.
50:29He could just treat her like a pampered pet and a distraction.
50:31Not that he'd ever told her about it.
50:34As the last day of their contract crept closer, Jacob watched as Georgia found it harder and
50:38harder to quiet her growing anxiety.
50:40He kept wondering when she would come to him and ask to renew the contract.
50:43Unfortunately, she was just too well behaved, so much so that she never overstepped.
50:47Even when he openly brought in someone new, all Georgia did was swallow her hurt in silence
50:52and play her part to perfection.
50:54Jacob saw Georgia's mockery when the newcomer told her sob story.
50:57He also saw the despair in her eyes when the golf ball came crashing down on him.
51:01At the time, he'd wondered why he was being so harsh with her.
51:03Since he was invested in her, he would just keep her around.
51:06What Georgia really thought didn't matter much.
51:09As long as he felt satisfied, that was good enough.
51:12After getting back together, Jacob would sometimes spend the night in Georgia's room.
51:16Seeing her so sleepy that she couldn't open her eyes and kept nodding off while swearing
51:19she wasn't tired was pretty cute in his eyes.
51:21He'd never seriously considered what exactly Georgia meant to him.
51:24In any case, as long as he wanted her, she wouldn't be able to leave him.
51:28Later, he realized he was wrong.
51:30Georgia could leave.
51:31After all, in this world, no one could bridge the gap between life and death.
51:35At first, when Jacob heard that Georgia had been kidnapped, he didn't panic.
51:39Kidnapping was always about profit, and Georgia had always known when to give in.
51:43They had an intimate relationship, and she knew a thing or two about his affairs.
51:47She could tell them what she knew, and that would keep her alive.
51:50And with her skills, she could easily find another sugar daddy.
51:54So, when Jacob's subordinates reported the news of Georgia's kidnapping,
51:58he hadn't even paused his meeting.
52:00She was just a pet he kept.
52:02If a bag went missing, he'd have the maids look for it.
52:04If it couldn't be found, he would simply buy another one.
52:08Things changed when his men found Georgia.
52:10They didn't know if she was alive, and her face was so swollen,
52:13they couldn't even tell what she used to look like.
52:15If anything, she should be glad she'd only had cosmetic treatments, and not plastic surgery.
52:18Otherwise, the implants alone would have pierced through her skull.
52:21She had several broken ribs, some organ damage,
52:23and her limbs abused to the point of being twisted out of shape.
52:26When a video was sent back, Jacob took one look and tossed his phone aside.
52:30Then, he headed to the hospital.
52:31Georgia was in the operating room for a full nine hours.
52:34From nightfall until dawn.
52:36When she was finally wheeled out, she had tubes everywhere.
52:39Jacob was busy.
52:40Busy putting out fires at the company and dealing with his rival's attacks.
52:43Once Georgia was in the ICU, visits were limited to specific hours.
52:46So, staying at the hospital wasn't of much use.
52:49Still, Jacob chose to follow what his heart told him to do,
52:52and remained at the hospital.
52:53The accommodations there were far from comfortable.
52:56Even someone as tireless as Jacob couldn't help looking worn out.
52:59Yet, the rate at which he grew haggard was nothing compared to Georgia.
53:03She just lay there silently on that hospital bed and grew weaker with each day.
53:07The doctors said her will to live was weak, which was why she was still out.
53:10Jacob secretly mocked them for lying.
53:13If she really didn't want to live,
53:14why would she have fought to cling to that last breath and hold on until he could save her?
53:18Jacob had never bothered to figure out what exactly he felt for Georgia.
53:21But in that moment, he suddenly started to understand his own heart.
53:23The fact that, deep down, he'd allowed Georgia to trade his secrets in exchange for her own life
53:28already meant he'd fallen for her.
53:30With Georgia, Jacob did indeed experience many emotions that were useless yet novel to him.
53:35Like the joy and agitation he'd felt the moment Georgia finally woke up.
53:39Like the heartache he'd felt when she pushed through rehab and pretended to be fine,
53:42even making herself smile at him.
53:44He'd nursed Georgia back to health, throwing everything at her to rebuild her body.
53:47And he'd assigned bodyguards to make sure she was always safe.
53:51Only he knew the genuine emotions he'd poured into all of that.
53:55To him, love was useless.
53:57Small doses were a fun distraction, but too much of it would only limit his efficiency.
54:02And so, after thinking it through, Jacob ultimately decided to end the relationship.
54:06He knew he'd fallen for her, and he knew Georgia had also fallen for him.
54:10But this was what the world was often like.
54:12Pure interest could keep a relationship going and even make it unbreakable.
54:15But when feelings got tangled up, the whole thing became fragile.
54:18Cutting their losses early was the best choice for both him and her.
54:21Georgia left without hesitation.
54:23She was never the type to cling, and she vanished from his life.
54:27She knew better.
54:28The first few days, Jacob hadn't been used to it.
54:31But as work piled up, he no longer had the time for romance.
54:35The traps he'd laid for so long were finally starting to work per his plan.
54:38News of his bankruptcy spread across the entire country.
54:41After that, he got a call from Georgia.
54:43He didn't answer it.
54:44So, she sent him a message instead, sounding as she always did with her familiar flattery,
54:49afraid of upsetting him.
54:50Jacob had his secretary reply for him.
54:52But not long after, he'd still received a bank card.
54:55The amount on it was higher than he'd expected.
54:57Maybe Georgia's friends had helped.
54:59They all had their own sugar daddy, so even if they weren't filthy rich, it was still a sizable sum
55:03overall.
55:04Still, Georgia had promised him she would quit that line of work.
55:06If she borrowed so much money, how was she going to pay it back?
55:09Jacob later had his answer.
55:10She'd gone into doing online content and had gotten somewhat popular.
55:12Per your instructions, I staged an encounter with Miss Lodge yesterday.
55:16His assistant reported.
55:17She seems to be in pretty good spirits.
55:19She said her career's on track, she has lots of fans who like her, and she's making good money.
55:23Is that so?
55:23But as far as Jacob knew, every single one of her videos had hate comments.
55:28People called her ugly and flashy, and just a few days ago, someone had exposed her past and how she
55:32used to be an escort.
55:33Her haters flooded the internet.
55:35If not for that, Jacob wouldn't have gone out of his way to arrange the chance encounter.
55:39He'd worried she would hurt herself, because that was what she would like.
55:42Whenever it came to her own pain, she always brushed it off.
55:46Maybe it was because she knew no one really cared about her, and that looking sad wouldn't change anything.
55:51But he knew perfectly well she had pills hidden in her cabinet.
55:54The pills had been saved up one by one and over a long time, but Georgia had never taken them.
55:58When the contract had expired, Jacob had brought her back out of fear that she would take them.
56:02Later, he'd let her go, because he feared she'd be more attached.
56:05If he couldn't love her, she might ultimately still end up taking those pills.
56:09And after that, when Georgia had given him money, he hadn't returned it, so it would tie her to this
56:13world.
56:14If she remembered her debt, she wouldn't give up on herself.
56:17She needed to have a bit of hope, so she had a reason to keep living.
56:19Don't clean up the mess online too perfectly.
56:22Jacob said,
56:23Georgia is smart. Overwhelmingly positive comments will only make her suspicious.
56:27Understood, sir.
56:28Jacob knew then that in the end, he really did treat Georgia differently.
56:32Different enough that he was willing to break his own rules for her and pay attention to these details.
56:36He was willing to give Georgia time and wait for her to be remade.
56:38She had to look at the world again.
56:40There would be good and bad, but the good outnumbered the bad.
56:43At the end of the year, Jacob received word that Georgia had agreed to attend the awards ceremony.
56:49He had shares in the platform, but it was just one of his many assets.
56:53It wasn't particularly important.
56:54Even so, Jacob still showed up in full formal attire.
56:58He did it to stand before Georgia again and give her an opening.
57:01This time, he wanted her to have the courage to speak up and keep hold of what she truly wanted.
57:54.
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