I Faked My Death To Ruin My Ex-Husband is a high-stakes psychological thriller about a woman who orchestrates the ultimate vanishing act. After her billionaire husband and his mistress plotted to steal her inheritance and leave her for dead, she decides to play their game better. Letting the world believe she perished in a tragic accident, she spends two years rebuilding herself into a ruthless venture capitalist. Now, she’s back with a new face and a new name, systematically buying up his debt and infiltrating his inner circle. She doesn't just want her money back—she wants to watch him lose everything he ever valued, one calculated move at a time.
#ifakedmydeathtoruinmyexhusband #shortdrama #revenge #strongfemalelead #billionaire #glowup #betrayal #drama2026 #faceslapping #mustwatch
#ifakedmydeathtoruinmyexhusband #shortdrama #revenge #strongfemalelead #billionaire #glowup #betrayal #drama2026 #faceslapping #mustwatch
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00My husband Damien just kicked our three-
00:02It's Christmas Eve.
00:04My husband Damien just kicked our three-year-old daughter out of the car.
00:10Get out of the car!
00:11The current outside temperature is minus five degrees Celsius.
00:16All because his mistress's daughter didn't want to sit with a dirty kid.
00:21When the car pulled over on the highway shoulder,
00:23I thought Damien just needed a restroom break.
00:28Aurora is asleep.
00:30Don't wake her.
00:31Damien didn't even look back.
00:33He just tapped the steering wheel.
00:36Clara, take Aurora and get out of the car.
00:39What?
00:40Damien, it's fine.
00:41We can just squeeze in.
00:43But her daughter Briar started screaming.
00:46No! I won't sit with that dirty kid!
00:49She's coughing!
00:50Did you hear that?
00:52Get out.
00:53Mira is on her way.
00:54She'll be here in 30 minutes.
00:56Just wait here.
00:57I held my three-year-old daughter and watched him drive away.
01:02The taillights faded into the snow until they were gone.
01:06Mommy, where's Daddy?
01:08Aurora whispered.
01:10Her biometric wristband began to pulse with a yellow warning light.
01:15Daddy, went to Grandma's first.
01:18Auntie Mira is coming to get us.
01:20I hit the dial for a video call to Tina.
01:28Clara?
01:29Her background was a chaotic blur of noise and pulsing neon.
01:33She was at a party.
01:35Mira, Damien told you to pick us up.
01:37Where are you?
01:38Just wait.
01:39I'll come later.
01:41Mira, it's freezing!
01:43Aurora can't stay out here!
01:45My brother said Celeste and Briar can't be out in the cold.
01:48They had to get home.
01:49You're just waiting.
01:50It's not like you'll die.
01:52Aurora shivered in my arms.
01:54Mommy, I want to go home.
01:57Soon, baby.
01:59We'll be home very soon.
02:01My heart broke.
02:03After four years of marriage, I never knew Damien could be this cruel.
02:08To dump his wife and child on a highway because another woman's kid called us dirty.
02:14Suddenly, headlights appeared.
02:16I waved like crazy.
02:18A black SUV pulled over.
02:22A black SUV pulled over.
02:27Need a hand?
02:29Please, can you give us a ride to the next service station?
02:32Get in.
02:33I reached for the door, but then a voice stopped me.
02:36Clara?
02:37It was Felix, Damien's father.
02:40What are you doing here?
02:41Where's my brother?
02:42I quickly told him everything.
02:45Felix's face turned pale with rage.
02:48Is he insane?
02:50He left you and Aurora here?
02:52So Celeste's daughter matters.
02:54But his own doesn't?
02:56Owen, let them in.
02:57We'll squeeze.
02:58But the car was full.
03:00There's no room.
03:01The driver said, looking worried.
03:04You guys go.
03:04I'll wait here.
03:06Felix pushed me toward the seat.
03:10Aurora's face is turning purple.
03:12She can't stay in the cold another second.
03:15Felix, it's freezing out there.
03:18What about you?
03:20I'm a grown man.
03:21I can handle a little cold.
03:22Take care of the kid first.
03:24Just go.
03:25The car started.
03:26I looked through the back window.
03:29Felix stood there alone in the blizzard.
03:32His figure grew smaller and smaller.
03:35Aurora fell asleep in my arms, but her face was a terrifying shade of red.
03:42Sir, can you go any faster?
03:44My daughter has a fever.
03:45The driver nodded and stepped on the gas.
03:48I tried to call Mira again.
03:50No signal.
03:52How much longer to the service station?
03:5520 kilometers.
03:57In this weather, at least 30 minutes.
04:01I held Aurora tighter.
04:03She was getting hotter by the second.
04:05She opened her eyes weakly.
04:07Suddenly, she started coughing.
04:10Her face turned a deep, sickly purple.
04:13Please!
04:14Please go faster!
04:16I'm trying!
04:17This is as fast as it goes!
04:19The roads are pure ice!
04:21I unzipped Aurora's coat.
04:23Her chest was heaving.
04:26Aurora, look at mommy.
04:27Don't close your eyes.
04:30I'll tell you a story.
04:32About the little rabbit?
04:34I began pounding on the car window like a madwoman.
04:38Help!
04:39My daughter is dying!
04:41Somebody help us!
04:45But on the highway,
04:47there was nothing but wind and snow.
04:51Nothing but wind and snow.
04:54Finally, the car pulled into a service station.
05:02Is there a doctor?
05:04My daughter is dying!
05:06Help us!
05:07The clerk froze.
05:08There's no doctor here.
05:10Call one!
05:11Now!
05:11The signal tower was destroyed by the blizzard.
05:14We can't get a call out.
05:16My legs gave out.
05:18I almost collapsed.
05:20The shop owner searched through the back and found some medicine.
05:25Try this.
05:26Aurora lay on my lap.
05:28Her breath was so faint, it felt like it could snap at any second.
05:34I tried to feed her, but she didn't even have the strength to swallow.
05:39The owner couldn't watch anymore.
05:41I'll drive you to the nearest clinic.
05:45But the roads might be blocked.
05:47Go!
05:48We have to go now!
05:50The car crawled through the deep snow.
05:53With every bump, Aurora's body grew limp.
05:56Aurora, you said you wanted to see the northern lights, remember?
05:59Mommy will take you.
06:02We'll take the fastest train, all the way to the Arctic Circle.
06:07Her eyelashes fluttered, but she never opened her eyes.
06:14Suddenly, my watch vibrated.
06:16Signal!
06:17With trembling hands, I dialed Damien's video call.
06:21It rang for a long time.
06:24Finally, he picked up.
06:26Hello?
06:27The background was quiet.
06:29Damien!
06:30Aurora is sick.
06:32It's bad.
06:33Really bad.
06:34Where are you?
06:35On the way to a clinic.
06:37Please.
06:37You have to come.
06:39Didn't Mira pick you up yet?
06:44She didn't come!
06:45She never showed up!
06:47Possible.
06:47She just posted an update saying she's on her way.
06:50I opened the hologram projection on my watch.
06:53Mira's latest post from ten minutes ago.
06:56The location tag was at exit 87 on the interstate.
07:01112 kilometers away from us.
07:03She hadn't moved an inch.
07:06She was lying to you.
07:08And she was lying to me.
07:10Mira will be there soon.
07:11Just wait a little longer.
07:14Wait!
07:15We can't!
07:16Aurora is dying!
07:17Our daughter is dying, Damien!
07:21Clara, it's Christmas Eve.
07:23Don't say such unlucky things.
07:24No one is dying.
07:26Celesta and Briar just arrived.
07:28And my mom is very happy.
07:30Don't ruin the mood.
07:31Just go to the hospital when Mira gets there.
07:33Kids get fevers all the time.
07:35She's not gonna die.
07:36He hung up.
07:37As the projection faded, my blood turned to ice.
07:41The shop owner looked at me through the rearview mirror.
07:44Your husband?
07:45I nodded.
07:48Scumbag.
07:49Hmph.
07:50Hang on tight.
07:51I'm taking a shortcut.
07:56We're not letting this baby die.
07:59The car turned onto a mountain road.
08:02Aurora's breathing was almost gone.
08:04I checked her heartbeat.
08:05It was so weak it felt like an illusion.
08:08I pulled a button-sized communicator from my inner pocket.
08:12My father had given it to me.
08:15He said that once I pressed it, his people would arrive within three hours.
08:20Finally, we reached the nearest medical station.
08:24I burst into the emergency room, clutching Aurora.
08:30Acute pneumonia!
08:35Heart rate is dropping!
08:37Prepare for recitation!
08:39I was stopped outside the emergency room.
08:42Through the glass, I watched the doctors intubate Aurora and hook her up to the monitors.
08:48She looked like she could vanish at any second.
08:51I collapsed in the corner, shaking.
08:54My watch rang again.
08:58Clara, where are you?
09:00My mom is waiting for dinner.
09:01I struggled to find my voice.
09:04The clinic?
09:06Aurora is being resuscitated.
09:08What?
09:09Why are you at a clinic?
09:10Where's Mira?
09:11She never came.
09:13Impossible.
09:14She just messaged me saying she picked you up.
09:17He sent me a screenshot.
09:18It was a blurry photo from 20 minutes ago.
09:22In the passenger seat was a woman's back, wearing a jacket just like mine.
09:26She's lying, Damien.
09:28Come to the clinic.
09:29Now!
09:30Are you lying just because you're jealous of Celeste?
09:33Daughter is still being resuscitated and you think this is jealous?
09:37What else?
09:38Why would Mira need to lie to me?
09:40Damien, if Aurora dies today, I will never forgive you as long as I live.
09:45Whatever, Clara.
09:46That's your choice.
09:49The call disconnected.
09:51I listened to the dial tone and slowly slid down to the floor.
09:55The ER doors swung open.
09:57We saved her, but she was deprived of oxygen for too long.
10:00There's significant brain damage.
10:02It could affect her cognitive development.
10:04She might even face permanent paralysis.
10:07I leaned against the wall to keep from collapsing.
10:09How is that possible?
10:13How is that possible?
10:13She's so small.
10:15She's just a baby.
10:18We did our best.
10:20You need to admit her now.
10:21The follow-up treatments won't be cheap.
10:24I walked to the payment kiosk, moving like a ghost.
10:27I tapped my wrist against the sensor.
10:30Insufficient funds.
10:31Damien only gave me $3,000 a month, claiming it was more than enough for a child.
10:37I called him, my hands trembling.
10:41Aurora needs surgery.
10:42I need $50,000.
10:44$50,000?
10:46Clara, do I look like an ATM to you?
10:49Damien, she is your daughter!
10:51Are you going to transfer the money or not?
10:54No.
10:54If you're so capable, earn it yourself.
10:57After Christmas, we're filing for divorce.
10:59The house is mine.
11:01You didn't put a cent in, so you get nothing.
11:04I stood there, staring at the clerk through the glass.
11:08Can you start the treatment first?
11:11I'll pay you back.
11:12I promise.
11:13I'm sorry.
11:15Facility policy, no deposit, no admission.
11:19I walked out of the clinic and stood in the freezing snow.
11:23My hologram flared to life.
11:25It was Felix.
11:27Clara, where are you?
11:29Damien said Mira picked you guys up.
11:32Felix, do me a favor.
11:34If anything happens to me, take care of Aurora.
11:38What are you talking about?
11:39I have no money.
11:40Aurora has no hope.
11:42I can't keep her either.
11:44Just put her in the adoption system.
11:46At least she'll live.
11:47Clara, don't do anything reckless.
11:48Where are you?
11:49I'm coming now.
11:50Don't bother.
11:50I cut the connection and killed the hologram.
11:53I walked back to the ward.
11:55I'm sorry, baby, in the next life.
11:58Don't be mine.
12:00The clinic roof was a blur of wind and snow.
12:03From the edge, the world below looked tiny.
12:06One step, and the pain would finally end.
12:09I closed my eyes and let myself fall forward.
12:13Suddenly, a hand gripped my wrist.
12:16Suddenly, a hand gripped my wrist.
12:19A violent tug pulled me back.
12:21I collapsed onto the ground and looked up.
12:23Several men in black suits stood before me.
12:26Their leader, a man in his 50s, removed his sunglasses.
12:29His eyes were bloodshot.
12:31Clara.
12:34I was rushed onto a medical transport pod.
12:37Aurora was carried in right behind me, immediately taken over by a team of flight medics.
12:42Intracranial pressure is spiking.
12:44We need to operate now.
12:46Contact the main hospital.
12:47Open the neurosurgery green channel.
12:50Put the nano repair team on standby.
12:51My father held my hand, his own trembling uncontrollably.
12:55I'm sorry, Clara.
12:57Dad was too late.
12:58I'm so sorry.
13:00Dad, I thought you were just a...
13:03farmer back in the village.
13:05He faltered, a bitter smile touching his lips.
13:09A farmer.
13:11That was a lie.
13:12You were so determined to marry Damien.
13:15I was afraid that if he knew we were wealthy, he'd only marry you for the money.
13:19So, I played poor for four years.
13:24I thought as long as he treated you well, it didn't matter if we lived simply.
13:28He looked at the unconscious Aurora, tears finally falling.
13:32But I never imagined...
13:33I never imagined they could be this heartless to abuse my granddaughter like this.
13:39Medical transport pod landed on the roof of Whitfield Medical Center.
13:43Aurora was rushed straight into surgery.
13:45The best specialists, the cutting-edge equipment, everything was ready.
13:49My father stood outside the operating room and dialed an encrypted channel.
13:53Vance Group.
13:54I want to see their stock hit rock bottom before the market opens tomorrow.
13:58Terminate all partnerships.
14:00Everything.
14:01And the banks.
14:03You know what to do.
14:05He hung up and sat beside me.
14:07Clara, I'm giving you two choices.
14:09First, divorce him.
14:12Take the money and take Aurora abroad.
14:16Never look back.
14:19Second, stay.
14:22Watch the Vance family crumble.
14:26Watch Damien crawl to his knees and beg for your mercy.
14:30I thought for a moment.
14:31The second one.
14:34But I have one condition.
14:36Name it.
14:37Prepare two bionic decoys.
14:39One identical to me.
14:41And one identical to Aurora.
14:44Make them look like they froze to death on the side of the highway.
14:48Dress them in the clothes we wore today.
14:50And put her bioband on the decoy.
14:53You want to...
14:55I want them to think I'm dead.
14:58I want them to think I'm dead.
14:59Then I want to see exactly how they celebrate.
15:02I want to watch them throw a party while Aurora and I are dead.
15:07My father remained silent for a long time before nodding.
15:11Fine.
15:12The bionic decoys were incredibly lifelike.
15:15One large, one small, lying in the snow on the highway.
15:19When found, they were already frozen solid.
15:22An automated road patrol drone discovered them and flagged the nearest highway patrol.
15:27Based on the ID found on the body, the police contacted Damien.
15:30The call came through while the Vance family was having Christmas dinner.
15:34The table was overflowing with food, filled with laughter.
15:38Celeste sat next to Damien, putting food on his plate.
15:41Priscilla beamed, stroking Briar's hair.
15:43Celeste is so much better.
15:44Even the daughter she raised or well behave.
15:47Unlike that brat Clara had.
15:49Always crying, never obedient.
15:51An absolute nuisance.
15:53Damien's wrist vibrated.
15:55He glanced at it, frowning.
15:56The police?
16:01Hello?
16:02Is this Mr. Damien Vance?
16:04Is your wife Clara currently on the highway with your daughter?
16:08Yes, why?
16:09We found two bodies by the roadside.
16:12Preliminary assessment suggests they froze to death.
16:14The female victim has an ID card identifying her as Clara.
16:18There is also a female child, approximately three years old.
16:22We need you to come and identify them.
16:24What did you say?
16:25Sir, your wife and daughter.
16:28They didn't make it.
16:29The dinner table fell silent.
16:31Priscilla asked,
16:32Who is it?
16:33Calling during the holidays.
16:35It's bad luck.
16:36Damien stood up, his face pale.
16:38Claire and Aurora?
16:40Froze to death?
16:41By the time Damien reached the morgue, his legs were like jelly.
16:45The police led him into the cold storage room.
16:48The drawer pulled open, revealing two bodies, one large, one small.
16:52Is it them?
16:53Damien opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
16:56He reached out, wanting to touch my face, his hand shaking violently.
17:00It's impossible.
17:03Mira said she went to pick them up.
17:05The officer pulled up the records on his terminal.
17:08We checked the automated highway patrol logs.
17:10Your sister's car never even entered the highway.
17:13She drove in circles around the city before heading home.
17:17Furthermore, the victim's final outgoing call was to you.
17:22It was at 7 p.m. last night.
17:24She told you the child was sick and begged for help.
17:27You said,
17:28You said,
17:29If you're so capable, earn it yourself.
17:32I thought, I thought she was lying.
17:35I, I didn't know she was actually...
17:38And if you had known,
17:40would you have gone?
17:41There was a heavy silence.
17:44Damien had no answer.
17:45The morgue doors swung open as Priscilla burst in.
17:48She froze for a moment upon seeing the bodies,
17:51then collapsed onto the floor,
17:52wailing and slapping her thighs.
17:54Oh, my granddaughter!
17:56My poor baby!
17:57How could you leave me like this?
18:00After a few cries,
18:01she abruptly stopped and grabbed Damien.
18:03Son, this is actually a good thing.
18:05It's a blessing in disguise.
18:06Now that Clara's dead,
18:07you can finally marry Celesta!
18:09Mom, that was my daughter.
18:11So what if she was your daughter?
18:13She's dead now.
18:14This is perfect.
18:15Now we don't have to worry about
18:16splitting the assets in a divorce.
18:18Ma'am, these are two human lives we're talking about!
18:20What about them?
18:21This is family business.
18:22It's none of your concern.
18:24Let's go.
18:24Celeste is still waiting for us to finish dinner.
18:27Damien allowed himself to be pulled away for a moment.
18:29Then, he looked back at the cold storage unit.
18:32Wait.
18:33He shook off his mother's hand and walked back.
18:36He knelt beside the bodies for a long time.
18:38Then, he reached out,
18:40gently smoothing the hair
18:41and straightening the clothes on the decoy.
18:43Clara, I'm so sorry.
18:46I was wrong.
18:48I really...
18:49I didn't know it would end like this.
18:51Why are you apologizing to her?
18:53It's her own fault for having such a short life.
18:56She deserved it!
18:57Shut up!
18:59Damien stood up and addressed the officer.
19:02I'm taking the bodies back.
19:04I'm going to hold a grand funeral.
19:06Two flickering lamps stood by the Vance Estate entrance.
19:10The viewing room was in the side hall,
19:12right next to the room I lived in before.
19:14Celeste and Briar had already moved into the master suite.
19:17The whole house was busy catering to them.
19:19But Damien...
19:21He sat in the viewing room, guarding the caskets.
19:23Two cryo caskets side by side, cold and silent.
19:27Mira showed up once.
19:28He kicked her out.
19:29Get out.
19:30Damien, I didn't mean it.
19:33I was just out with friends and lost track of time.
19:37Damien looked at her, his eyes bloodshot with rage.
19:40How was I supposed to know they would actually die?
19:43You lost track of time?
19:45Two lives are gone, and you think losing track of time fixes it?
19:48Then what do you want from me?
19:49You want me to die for her?
19:51Is she even worth it?
19:54She was just a low-class woman.
19:56She's gone, so what?
19:57Damien struck her hard.
19:59Mira froze in shock.
20:00Get out!
20:01If I ever see your face again, you are no longer my sister.
20:06Then Celeste arrived.
20:07Damien, please.
20:08Let it go.
20:09I'm sure she wouldn't want to see you like this from the other side.
20:12Damien looked up at her, cold as ice.
20:15Do you know what they were doing while you were celebrating?
20:17I was at your house, having dinner.
20:22They were in the snow, waiting to die.
20:27Waiting for someone who was never coming to save them.
20:31Celeste turned pale.
20:32That was your sister's fault!
20:33What does that have to do with me?
20:34With me!
20:35Your mother was the one who insisted I come back for Christmas.
20:38I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of traveling for the holidays if it wasn't for her!
20:42And besides, you're the one who kicked them out of the car!
20:44Right.
20:45You went through so much trouble, but they froze to death.
20:48They literally froze to death.
20:50Celeste went silent.
20:52Damien stood up and walked to the cryo casket, gently brushing his hand against the coal glass.
20:57I keep thinking, what if I had just answered that video call?
21:00What if I had gone to pick them up?
21:02What if I hadn't said those things?
21:04Celeste bit her lip and turned to leave.
21:06Damien, don't forget.
21:07I'm the one carrying the family heir now.
21:10That dead woman?
21:11She's useless now.
21:13The heavy doors of the viewing room clicked shut.
21:16Damien collapsed, sliding down against the side of the casket until he hit the floor.
21:20On the surveillance feed, I watched his shoulders shake.
21:23How pathetic.
21:24He didn't care when we were breathing.
21:26Now that we're dead, he acts like he has a heart.
21:29I raised my wrist and sent an encrypted message to my father.
21:32Can we start?
21:32My father's reply popped up instantly.
21:35Anytime.
21:36The Vance Group's empire began to collapse.
21:39First, their biggest client abruptly canceled their contract, jumping ship to sign a 10-year deal with their rival.
21:45Then, the banks pulled their credit lines, snapping the company's financial backbone.
21:50Suppliers swarmed the headquarters, demanding payment all at once.
21:54Damien was drowning.
21:55He started sleeping at the office every night.
21:58Priscilla screamed at him through the comms.
22:01You're never home.
22:02What if Celeste gets upset?
22:04The company is dying.
22:06Do you even understand?
22:07So what if it is?
22:09We have plenty of money.
22:11Mom, we're about to be bankrupt.
22:12The house, the cars, the accounts, it's all being liquidated to pay the debt.
22:16Soon, you might not even be able to afford a meal.
22:18That's impossible.
22:19Is it?
22:20Damien cut the transmission.
22:22He sat in his office, staring out the window at the skyline.
22:25Everything he had built over the last 10 years, gone overnight.
22:30Suddenly, his wristband vibrated.
22:32An encrypted string of numbers flashed on the display.
22:34No hologram.
22:35No ID.
22:39A man's voice came through the comms.
22:42Mr. Vance, did you receive my gift?
22:46Who is this?
22:48You don't need to know who I am.
22:50You just need to know that this is only the beginning.
22:53The debt you owe will be paid with the entire Vance Group.
22:58The connection cut to static.
23:00Damien tried to dial back, but a gray notification flashed on his terminal.
23:04The ID you are trying to reach does not exist.
23:07His hand began to shake as he gripped the device.
23:11The Vance Group officially entered bankruptcy liquidation.
23:14The estate, the cars, every single asset was auctioned off.
23:18Priscilla was forced out of the mansion and into a cramped rental unit.
23:22Celeste took Briar and left, clutching the last bit of credits she could scavenge.
23:26I can't suffer with you.
23:28Damien, Briar has her schooling to think about.
23:32Damien moved into the small side wing where the caskets were kept.
23:35He had managed to keep the cryo units.
23:37He spread a blanket on the floor and slept right there beside them.
23:42Mira came to find him once.
23:43You've thrown away the entire family empire for a dead woman.
23:47How can you do this to mom?
23:49Then who is going to make things right for Clara?
23:52Damien looked at her, his voice a ghost of its former self.
23:56Who is going to make it right for Aurora?
23:59Mira never came back.
24:00Damien started looking for work.
24:02But in this city, the reputation of a bankrupt CEO spreads faster than a virus.
24:07No one would hire him.
24:08He ended up at a construction site in the Old District, $200 a day, working until his
24:13back felt like it would snap.
24:15At night, he'd return to the viewing room and eat cheap bread from a convenience store.
24:18Then he'd sit by the caskets and talk to himself.
24:21Clara, the foreman yelled at me today.
24:24Said I was weak.
24:26Said I didn't work like a real man.
24:29I remembered how you used to tell me to slow down.
24:33But my health was more important.
24:34I thought you were just nagging, nagging back then.
24:40Now I realize you were the only one who actually cared about me.
24:47He pulled out a crumpled cigarette and lit it.
24:49If Aurora were still here, she'd be starting preschool about now.
24:53Clara, you always said you wanted her to take piano lessons.
24:57I told you it was a waste of money.
24:59I'm such a scumbag.
25:01The cigarette burned down to his fingers, but he didn't even feel it.
25:04In the surveillance room, my father looked at me.
25:07Have you seen enough?
25:09I shook my head.
25:10No, I've seen enough.
25:12Get everything ready.
25:13I'm going back to the company next week.
25:16You're taking over?
25:17Yes.
25:18The Vance group has fallen.
25:20My debt is settled.
25:22It's time to start my own life now.
25:24My father nodded.
25:25Fine.
25:25But there's one thing you should know.
25:27What is it?
25:28Damien is looking for you.
25:30It looks like he figured out the android double was a fake.
25:32And Damien had.
25:34While going through my remains, he found something that didn't add up.
25:38Tucked inside the pocket of my old winter coat was a crumpled store receipt.
25:41The date on it was three days after I had supposedly died.
25:45It was for a strawberry shortcake, Aurora's favorite.
25:48Dead people don't buy cake.
25:50Damien stared at the receipt, his hands trembling violently.
25:53I was the one who made sure he found it.
25:56He went straight to that bakery to check the security footage.
25:59On the screen, a woman in a mask was holding a little girl's hand.
26:03Even with her face covered, that silhouette, that walk, it was Clara and Aurora.
26:08Damien sprinted out of the store like a madman.
26:11He went everywhere we used to go.
26:13The parks, the malls, the playgrounds.
26:15Finally, outside a private preschool, he saw Aurora.
26:18She was wearing a pink dress with her hair and pigtails.
26:21A man in a suit was holding her hand, leading her toward a car.
26:25Aurora!
26:26Aurora froze, then immediately hid behind the man in the suit.
26:29Damien tried to grab her, but the man blocked him.
26:32Sir, what are you doing?
26:33That's my daughter!
26:34Where's Clara?
26:36Where's her mother?
26:37I don't know anyone named Clara.
26:39This is my employer's daughter.
26:41Move aside.
26:42Damien didn't believe him.
26:43He reached out to pull Aurora toward him.
26:46Suddenly, Aurora burst into tears.
26:48Batman, you're a bad man!
26:50You made Mommy cry!
26:52Damien went stiff.
26:54Aurora, I'm your daddy.
26:57No, you're not!
26:59My daddy is dead!
27:02Mommy said so!
27:04She said he didn't want us, and now he's dead!
27:09Damien looked like he'd been struck by lightning.
27:11Just then, a sleek black sedan pulled up to the curb.
27:15The window rolled down slowly.
27:16I sat in the backseat, watching them.
27:19Long time no see, Damien.
27:21Damien turned.
27:22When he saw me, his pupils blown wide with shock.
27:24Clara!
27:26You really...
27:27You're not dead!
27:28I stepped out of the car, walked over to Aurora, and swept her into my arms.
27:32No thanks to you, I'm still breathing.
27:35Mommy!
27:36That scary man tried to grab me!
27:38It's okay, baby.
27:39Mommy's here.
27:40You played me.
27:42You lied to me this whole time.
27:44I did.
27:46The android double was a fake.
27:48My death was a setup.
27:49How else was I supposed to make you feel what it's like to lose everything?
27:53How could you be so cruel?
27:55Cruel?
27:56Damien, were you cruel when you kicked your wife and daughter out onto the highway in a blizzard?
28:00Were you cruel when you refused to pay for her medical bills?
28:04Damien opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
28:06Many days, I found it, too.
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