- 13 hours ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My husband and I, both double income, know kids retired together.
00:03We were planning to travel the world together when he suddenly came clean.
00:07I've publicly claimed we were child-free for 30 years.
00:10Now it's time to bring my children back home where they belong.
00:14But I had seen this coming long ago and smiled meaningfully.
00:17He thought I had lost my mind and continued.
00:19A man passing on his line is only natural.
00:22You couldn't have kids, so I played along.
00:25But now, I owe my children an explanation.
00:29He proposed a divorce, wanting to take his pair of children and their mother on a family trip together.
00:34I agreed immediately, gracefully stepping aside and leaving.
00:37When news of the divorce spread, everyone sympathized with me.
00:44An elderly neighbor felt my pain.
00:46At her age, abandoned by her husband.
00:48What a miserable old age. So tragic.
00:51A college girl from the same apartment complex fumed on my behalf.
00:55That old bastard Charles is such a scumbag.
00:58Back then, he said they'd never have kids.
01:00Just enjoy their twin stem.
01:02Now look, his own son and daughter are old enough to make him a grandfather.
01:06Chatting with old friends. They couldn't help but sign.
01:08You were so glamorous in your youth.
01:10Successful career, living freely.
01:12But you insisted on being child-free, and now you're old and all alone.
01:16Even my parents advised me.
01:17As long as you don't divorce, his children become yours.
01:21They'll care for you in old age.
01:23When we pass on, we'll have peace mind.
01:28They all thought I was forced into divorce.
01:30That I was devastated.
01:31That I had no one to rely on in old age.
01:33That my whole life had become a joke.
01:35I didn't explain.
01:37Nor could I be bothered to refute them one by one.
01:39How things would turn out for the two of us.
01:41When the time came, they would know.
01:43Charles, on the other hand, was writing hi.
01:46He posted a family photo on social media with the caption.
01:48Starting today, I finally have a real family.
01:51In the photo, he stood in the center.
01:53A young man and woman on either side.
01:54Their faces radiating youthful pride.
01:56And the woman who could carry on his bloodline had her arm linked through his.
02:00Smiling warmly and gracefully.
02:02Someone commented.
02:03Look at that.
02:04Now that's a winner in life.
02:06Indeed, Charles had one big.
02:08In his youth, he enjoyed the twosome life with me.
02:11Living freely his whole life.
02:12Never suffering through midnight feedings and diaper changes.
02:15Yet, in his old age, he had both a son and a daughter to bring him joy.
02:19How could that not count as winning at life?
02:21Now that he was retired, his career and reputation would no longer be affected.
02:26And me, at my age, abandoned by my husband and left with nothing, naturally invited people's
02:30sighs.
02:31But little did they know, I had been prepared all along.
02:34In this marriage, he wasn't the only one acting.
02:42The divorce proceedings went quickly.
02:44So quickly I felt somewhat dazed.
02:46Charles personally drove me to the courthouse.
02:48When signing, his hand didn't tremble at all.
02:51Instead, it was as if he had finally shed some burden.
02:54Swift and decisive.
02:55He smiled at the clerk.
02:56What can you do?
02:57We're both old, and the love is gone.
02:59But at least, I still have my son and daughter with me.
03:03I can enjoy family happiness too.
03:05The clerk looked at me apologetically.
03:07Eyes full of sympathy and comfort.
03:09I smiled too, but said nothing.
03:10After the divorce, with a grand gesture, he hired people to clear out the bedroom I had
03:14lived in for over 30 years.
03:16Eagerly bringing Vivian and the children home.
03:17I didn't fight or argue.
03:19I didn't even bother hiring a lawyer.
03:21I just took my half of the savings and a few important items, and moved out cleanly
03:25and efficiently.
03:26The day Vivian moved in, I came back to pack up my last belongings.
03:30As soon as I opened the door, I saw brand new photos displayed in the living room.
03:34Our wedding photos had been replaced by their family portrait.
03:37The four of them.
03:40Charles sat in the center.
03:41Vivian holding his arm, with two similar looking young adults in their 20s standing on
03:45either side, full of vigor.
03:47When I walked in, the lively atmosphere instantly turned cold, as if announcing my unwelcome
03:52presence.
03:53Vivian greeted me with a smile.
03:57Oh, Stella!
03:58Did you leave something behind?
04:01Let me help you look for it.
04:03Playing the hostess like she owned the place.
04:04Just a few last things.
04:06I'll take them all today.
04:07I said indifferently.
04:08Charles sat on the sofa without looking up, as if waiting for me to get the hint and leave.
04:18Charles sat on the sofa, not even lifting his head, casually flipping through the newspaper,
04:22as if waiting for me to get the hint and leave on my own.
04:24Chloe and Connor stood to the side, their eyes filled with undisguised distance and wariness,
04:29treating me like a stranger who had barged in.
04:30Mom, this place looks a bit dated and the living room is kind of dark.
04:34How about a renovation with a new style?
04:36Chloe said casually.
04:37Yeah, the sofa needs replacing too.
04:39So old-fashioned.
04:40How did dad live in a place like this?
04:42Connor chimed in.
04:43I listened to the nitpick and watched Charles remain silent.
04:45I felt like laughing.
04:46This was the home Charles and I had shared for 30 years.
04:48Every piece of furniture carefully chosen.
04:50Now I was being dismissed as worthless.
04:51Vivian affectionately held Charles' arm.
04:53See how opinionated the children are?
04:54This house needs a complete makeover.
04:56We can't short charge ourselves.
04:58Charles finally looked up slowly and glanced at me.
05:01Stella, are you done packing?
05:03Take everything at once so you won't have to keep coming back.
05:05It's awkward for everyone.
05:06He meant for me to leave and never come back.
05:07So I wouldn't be an eyesore to their family of four.
05:09I looked away, picked up my bag, stood at the doorway, and glanced back one last time
05:13at what had once been my home.
05:15Vivian leaned weakly against Charles peeling an orange.
05:17While the two children sat side by side on the sofa watching TV.
05:20The three of them chatting and laughing.
05:22As if this home had always been like this, composed of their family of four, with no place
05:26for me.
05:27The way Charles looked at Vivian was with respect for the mother of his children, and guilt
05:30for having kept her as a secret lover all these years.
05:32As for me, I was just an old woman he had grown tired of, with no
05:36children by my side, deserving to fend for myself.
05:38A cold laugh echoed in my heart.
05:40Fine, since you want me gone, I'll leave cleanly, so you can enjoy this brief pretense
05:44of affection.
05:45After all, in a few days it will be you turning on each other.
05:49After the divorce, I moved into an apartment.
05:51It wasn't far from my former home, but it felt like a different world.
05:55I didn't feel any particular discomfort.
05:57Without Charles in the house, I actually enjoyed the peace and quiet, but outsiders
06:01didn't see it that way.
06:02No matter how capable and free-spirited you were in your youth, you still lost in the end.
06:07This was the shared opinion of relatives and friends.
06:09My mother couldn't hold back tears when she saw me.
06:12You're living alone now, with no one to take care of you.
06:15What if you get sick someday?
06:16You insisted on being child-free before.
06:18Look at you now.
06:20Wouldn't it be nice to have a child?
06:21At least you wouldn't end up like this.
06:23My father sighed, his face full of regret.
06:25We shouldn't have let you have your way back then.
06:27If we had persuaded you more, you wouldn't be in this situation now.
06:30Their words implicitly blamed me for insisting on being child-free, saying that's why I
06:33lost my husband's heart.
06:34The most ridiculous thing was that my friends also thought Charles hadn't done anything terribly
06:38wrong.
06:38A man needs to have children.
06:40Charles was willing to play along with you for so many years.
06:44That's already going above and beyond.
06:46You were too stubborn back then.
06:48All these years, I've never understood.
06:49What were you thinking?
06:51Honestly, you're both old now.
06:52Vivian would still have to call you Big Sister.
06:55Why not just make do and live together?
06:56I thought at most they'd advise me to accept Charles' children.
06:59I never imagined they'd suggest Vivian, and I share one husband.
07:02But they never considered that neither child shared a single drop of blood with me.
07:05Even if I stayed, how many good days could I possibly have?
07:08What they didn't know was that the infertile one had never been me.
07:14When I first insisted on being child-free, bearing the pressure from everyone, my declaration
07:19that I would never have children was denounced as selfish and unfilial.
07:22Charles' parents pressured him to divorce me, but he said he didn't mind, as long as we
07:26could live happily together.
07:28Moved by his words, I became even more resolute in my decision.
07:31For decades, I bore all the blame myself, protecting his reputation, even his confidence and dignity
07:37as a man, only to discover he had given me nothing but a complete and utter deception.
07:41He never pressured me to have children because I wasn't his only woman.
07:44If I didn't give birth, he could have other women bear his children, and he could maintain
07:48his reputation as a loving husband while gaining my parents' trust and support.
07:51Why wouldn't he play along?
07:53When I discovered the truth, I never imagined that my seemingly gentle husband was so deeply
07:57calculating.
07:58I was wrong, but my mistake was not having children.
08:01My mistake was taking it upon myself to protect his dignity as a man.
08:05For that, I was even willing to give up my right to be a mother.
08:08So I planned for years, waiting for the moment when his act fell apart, to deliver him a
08:12devastating blow.
08:15Soon, I received the wedding invitation for Charles and Vivian's wedding.
08:19The invitation was in Vivian's handwriting, saying that as Charles' ex-wife, I must want
08:23to see him happy too, and my presence would mean the world to them.
08:25I let out a derisive laugh.
08:27What beautiful words.
08:28So high-sounding they made me sick.
08:30Mean the world to them?
08:31Vivian had been Charles' secret lover for 30 years.
08:33Having finally made it to the altar, she naturally couldn't wait to gloat in front of me.
08:37I took the invitation and casually glanced at it.
08:39The ceremony was at the city's most luxurious five-star hotel.
08:42Quite an upscale venue.
08:43Charles must have wanted to compensate Vivian for 30 years of hidden suffering with the grand
08:47wedding.
08:47When my friends heard that Vivian had invited me to her wedding with Charles, they were all
08:51furious.
08:53What does he mean by this?
08:54He's obviously trying to humiliate you.
08:57Exactly.
08:58You just moved out, and he's already marrying his mistress in style.
09:02He's clearly trying to embarrass you.
09:04You absolutely shouldn't go.
09:05Going would just be asking for humiliation.
09:07I listen to their angry voices without feeling a single ripple in my heart.
09:11In fact, a smile cropped to my lips.
09:12Of course I'm going.
09:14Don't worry.
09:15I'm not going to make myself miserable.
09:16My friend looked at me in confusion.
09:19I'm just going to watch a comedy show, Stella.
09:23The show is about to begin.
09:29On the wedding day, the ballroom was decorated magnificently.
09:33Charles stood in the center of the crowd, receiving blessings from relatives and friends,
09:37while Vivian held his arm, smiling warmly and elegantly.
09:40The picture of a dignified hostess.
09:42And I walked in with a confident expression, completely unabashed.
09:45When the guests saw me, the smiles on their faces instantly became knowing and significant.
09:50Why is she here?
09:51Someone whispered.
09:52She's not here to cause trouble, is it?
09:55Well, who can blame her?
09:57Being abandoned by Charles, anyone would feel upset.
10:01They all thought I had come to cry, to argue, to seek sympathy.
10:04But they were wrong.
10:05If only one person could have the last laugh at this wedding, that person would definitely be me.
10:09I picked up a glass of champagne, walked slowly to Charles and Vivian, and smiled.
10:14Congratulations.
10:16You finally got what you wanted.
10:17A flicker of triumph flashed in Vivian's eyes.
10:19She leaned against Charles lightly, her tone gentle yet provocative.
10:22Thank you for coming.
10:24After all, back then, you pretended to be child-free because you couldn't conceive.
10:29Charles didn't want to hurt you, so he came up with this solution.
10:33The best of both worlds.
10:35Charles walked over with a drink and raised his glass to me.
10:37It's all in the past.
10:38I believe I stayed by your side and did my duty.
10:42Now I'm old and want to enjoy my later years surrounded by children.
10:48I hope you can understand.
10:50I lowered my head and chuckled softly, my gaze sweeping over Chloe and Connor behind them.
10:54Let them enjoy their moment of triumph for now, because the storm is about to descend.
11:04The wedding proceeded as planned.
11:05On stage, Charles and Vivian were exchanging vows, holding hands and gazing at each other with tears in their eyes.
11:11Chloe and Connor went up to give them flowers.
11:13Charles looked at the two young adults in their prime, as if seeing his own youth reflected in them.
11:18He thought, perhaps this was the price of continuing one's bloodline.
11:21Stella would never understand this feeling, which is why he had resolutely abandoned her.
11:25Halfway through the wedding, Charles suddenly produced a property deed.
11:28I once thought I would die childless and alone in my old age, but heaven has been kind to me.
11:34My beloved Vivian has given me a son and a daughter, allowing me to live a complete life.
11:41Vivian looked at Charles, tears already glistening in her eyes.
11:43I have little to give them, so I've decided to transfer the property under my name to the two children
11:49to help them thrive.
11:52Cheers erupted from the audience. Chloe and Connor covered their mouths excitedly and looked at Vivian.
11:57The three of them were expressions of assured victory, but I stood up and shouted.
12:02I object!
12:03Vivian hadn't received the property deed yet. Interrupted by me, she was furious.
12:07Stella, today is a wonderful day for our family of four. What kind of trouble are you trying to cause?
12:13Charles looked at me with disgust, his eyes contemptuous yet resigned.
12:16Stella, I know you're upset about not being able to have children and jealous seeing my family, but you have
12:23to accept reality.
12:26We're divorced. The house may have both our names on it, but we're old now. What use is it to
12:32us?
12:32Chloe and Connor nodded continuously, even encouraging the guests to boo me. The emcee also tried to persuade me.
12:38Mrs. Stella, as Mr. Charles' ex-wife, you must want him to have a harmonious family and someone to care
12:44for him in old age, right?
12:45I put down my glass and said indifferently.
12:48Of course.
12:51But I need to correct one thing.
12:53The one who can't have children isn't me.
12:57The hall fell into dead silence.
13:00Vivian was taken aback, and Charles frowned too.
13:02What do you mean by that?
13:03It means nothing special.
13:05I shook my head gently. A touch of pity in my eyes.
13:07My eggs are still frozen at the egg bank.
13:09Perfectly healthy.
13:11The doctor said,
13:12They can be retrieved for embryo cultivation anytime.
13:15Charles understood I had frozen my eggs for IVF, and he was completely enraged.
13:19Didn't you say you didn't want children with me?
13:21Now we're divorced, and you want IVF?
13:25Are you out of your mind?
13:26You really don't want to bear my child that badly?
13:29I slapped him hard across the face,
13:31robbed the emcee's microphone,
13:32and spoke loudly enough for everyone present to hear.
13:34Because the one who can't have children has never been me.
13:37It's you.
13:38Charles, you have severe aloxpermia.
13:41You have no fertility whatsoever.
13:43The hall fell into dead silence in an instant.
13:46Then came an uproar.
13:47Charles is infertile?
13:49Is that true?
13:50But Vivian already gave him two children, didn't she?
13:53Stella must have gone crazy.
13:54She couldn't have children herself, and now she's slandering Charles.
13:58The guests whispered among themselves,
14:00and many had already pulled out their phones to record.
14:02Charles' face turned dark with fury.
14:03Vivian stood frozen, her face deathly pale,
14:06her lips trembling slightly.
14:07What nonsense are you spouting?
14:09Charles stepped forward aggressively.
14:10His gaze so dark, it seemed he wanted to tear me apart.
14:13I let out a derisive laugh,
14:14reached into my bag, pulled out my phone,
14:16and played a recording.
14:17The clear voice instantly filled the entire wedding hall
14:19through the microphone.
14:20Mrs. Stella, after examination,
14:22your fertility is completely normal,
14:24and your ovarian function is excellent.
14:25But Mr. Charles' situation is not very optimistic.
14:27What does that mean?
14:28His sperm motility is extremely low.
14:30Basically, there is virtually no chance of conception.
14:32His condition is quite severe, but there is almost no possibility.
14:35Even with IVF, the success rate would be extremely low.
14:38I understand, Dr. Lewis.
14:39Please don't tell him about this yet.
14:41Don't tell anyone else either.
14:42Let this be between you, me, and God.
14:44Miss Stella, this kind of thing can't be hidden forever.
14:47When you can't conceive after marriage,
14:48it will naturally come to light.
14:50It's fine.
14:51I'll tell him and our parents that I don't want children,
14:54that I insist on being child-free.
14:56That way, no one will know the problem lies with Charles.
15:00The recording finished playing.
15:01A deathly silence fell.
15:03All eyes turned to Vivian and her two children.
15:08Suddenly, everyone's eyes turned simultaneously toward Vivian
15:11and the two children behind her.
15:12Her face had turned completely white,
15:14and her fingertips were trembling.
15:16Chloe and Connor fidgeted restlessly,
15:18trying to flee the hall.
15:19Oh my God, so all these years,
15:21Stella insisted on being child-free
15:23to protect Charles' dignity
15:25because he's the one who's infertile?
15:27Then Vivian's children-
15:28It's fake!
15:28Vivian's lips moved slightly,
15:29her voice trembling violently.
15:30You must have had someone forge it!
15:32I gave a cold laugh,
15:33opened a second file,
15:34and a video immediately began playing on the projection screen.
15:36The footage showed a dimly lit hotel room,
15:39with a man and woman entangled on the bed.
15:40The woman's face was flushed,
15:42panting softly,
15:43her voice seductive and triumphant.
15:44Honey, I'm pregnant.
15:46The man's voice followed,
15:48carrying a hint of panic and resistance.
15:49No way.
15:50This child can't be mine, can it?
15:51Vivian chuckled softly,
15:52her voice alluring and cunning.
15:53Of course it's yours.
15:56But don't worry.
15:57Neither I nor the child
15:59need you to take responsibility.
16:02What do you mean?
16:03Charles doesn't have children yet.
16:05His wife insists on being child-free,
16:07and he's desperate.
16:09He's been begging me to bear his children.
16:11I'll just say the child is his.
16:13He'll definitely treasure me like a gem.
16:15The man was silent for a moment,
16:16then laughed softly.
16:17You really are something else.
16:18Vivian hooked her arm around his neck,
16:20whispering softly.
16:20We'll seize all the property and inheritance.
16:25Then we can enjoy our golden years in peace.
16:28As soon as she finished speaking,
16:30the man got excited and lunged down
16:31to entangle with the woman beneath him again.
16:33The video ended abruptly there.
16:35Everyone was stunned.
16:36A silence like death.
16:38Vivian completely collapsed onto the floor,
16:40her hands clutching her wedding gown tightly,
16:42her eyes filled with terror and despair.
16:43Charles' face had reached
16:44its most terrible expression.
16:46He clenched his fists,
16:47his body trembling slightly,
16:49veins bulging at his temples.
16:50He was clearly at the peak of rage.
16:52Vivian!
16:53He roared through gritted teeth.
16:58Vivian!
16:59He roared through gritted teeth,
17:00wishing he could tear her limb from limb.
17:02Vivian's body shook,
17:03her eyes instantly reddening
17:04as she desperately tried to explain.
17:06It's not.
17:07Charles, please listen to me.
17:09Explain?
17:10What is there left to explain?
17:12Charles kicked the chair aside,
17:14grabbed a champagne glass from the table,
17:15and smashed it on the ground.
17:16The sound of shattering glass exploded
17:18in the quiet wedding venue,
17:19sharp and piercing.
17:20You bitch!
17:21How dare you deceive me?
17:23I was your secret lover for 30 years,
17:27and you dare to cuckler me!
17:29Charles' eyes turned red,
17:30as if he had lost all reason.
17:32He rushed forward,
17:33wrapped Vivian's shoulders,
17:35and slapped her heart across the face.
17:36The crisp sound of the slap
17:38echoed throughout the entire hall.
17:39Vivian staggered backward,
17:41clutching her cheeks,
17:42tears streaming from her eyes.
17:44And you dare to cry?
17:46You deceived me for 30 years!
17:48Cuckled me!
17:49And I've spent so much money
17:51on these bastards!
17:52Charles!
17:53Charles!
17:53Calm down!
17:54Someone rushed up to restrain Charles,
17:55but he had already gone completely mad.
17:56He shoved everyone aside
17:58and like an enraged beast,
17:59overturned the dining table.
18:00Plates, wine glasses,
18:01and flowers scattered everywhere.
18:02The scene was utter chaos.
18:04Chloe and Connor stood to the side,
18:05their faces ashen,
18:06their bodies trembling,
18:07completely at a loss.
18:08The guests erupted in an uproar,
18:10pulling out their phones
18:10to capture photos and videos.
18:12My god, how did this wedding
18:14turn into this?
18:15So Vivian's two children
18:16aren't even Charles's?
18:18This is incredible!
18:19It's the drama of the year!
18:20The entire wedding
18:21had completely spiraled out of control.
18:23Eventually,
18:24with security's intervention,
18:26Charles was forcibly pulled away.
18:28Vivian was dragged out
18:28of the hotel in disgrace,
18:29while Chloe and Connor
18:30fled in terror.
18:31The wedding had become
18:32a complete joke.
18:33I stood among the crowd,
18:34still holding half a glass
18:35of champagne,
18:36quietly savoring everything.
18:37The wedding had become
18:38a complete joke,
18:39and I had finally
18:40waited for this day.
18:44Wedding videos were
18:45uploaded online
18:46and quickly shot
18:47to the top
18:47of trending topics.
18:49Topics like
18:49paternity truth
18:50revealed at wedding,
18:52ex-wife's calm
18:52counterattack against cheaters,
18:54and child-free husband
18:55cuckolded for 30 years
18:56exploded across the internet.
18:58Charles had become
18:59a complete pariah.
19:00Wherever he went,
19:01there were pointing fingers
19:02and mocking jeers.
19:04He valued his face
19:05above all else.
19:06His reputation
19:06was the most important thing
19:08in his life.
19:09Now,
19:09his dignity
19:10had been completely shattered,
19:11turning him into a laughingstock
19:13known across the entire country.
19:14And I,
19:15on the contrary,
19:16had become the object
19:17of everyone's sympathy.
19:19Stella is so pitiful.
19:20To protect her husband's dignity,
19:22she took the blame herself,
19:23and then was treated like this.
19:25She's the truly good woman.
19:27She endured for 30 years.
19:30And still showed
19:30the scumbag some dignity.
19:32Vivian is the truly ruthless one.
19:33She tricked Charles
19:34into raising bastards
19:35for 30 years,
19:36and almost swallowed
19:37his entire fortune.
19:39Public opinion
19:40had completely turned around.
19:42But none of this
19:42mattered to me anymore.
19:43What mattered more
19:44was how this farce would end.
19:46After the wedding,
19:47Charles locked himself
19:47in his former home
19:48and hadn't stepped outside
19:49for three full days.
19:50He smashed everything
19:51in the house.
19:52Coffee table,
19:53TV,
19:54bases.
19:54The place was a complete mess.
19:56But after the destruction,
19:57he sat alone on the sofa,
19:59staring blankly
20:00at a family portrait
20:00hanging on the wall.
20:01It was a photo of him,
20:03Vivian,
20:03Chloe,
20:04and Connor,
20:04the four of them.
20:05In the photo,
20:06he was smiling happily,
20:07as if he owned
20:08the whole world.
20:09Now looking at it again,
20:10he only felt the irony.
20:15He picked up the frame
20:16and smashed it
20:16onto the ground.
20:17Glass shattered.
20:18The photo splintered
20:19into pieces.
20:20Fake.
20:21It's all fake.
20:22He held his head,
20:23curled up on the floor,
20:24like a helpless child.
20:25He had lost everything
20:27while I was just
20:28beginning my new life.
20:31After the wedding,
20:32my life returned to peace.
20:34No,
20:34it was calmer
20:35and freer than before.
20:36I started doing things
20:37I truly enjoyed.
20:38I went to several
20:39art exhibitions,
20:40attended concerts,
20:41and enrolled
20:42in a pottery class.
20:43My friends laughed at me.
20:46You're living more freely
20:47than young people now.
20:49I smiled without
20:49saying a word.
20:51Actually,
20:51they had forgotten
20:52that I should have been
20:53living this way
20:53when I was young.
20:54It's just that back then,
20:55I had poured all my energy
20:56into Charles and the family.
20:57Now I finally had the chance
20:59to live for myself.
21:00One day,
21:00my mother called,
21:01her voice carrying
21:02a hint of relief.
21:04Stella,
21:05you seem different lately.
21:06Different?
21:08Yes,
21:08more energetic
21:09than before.
21:10As if,
21:11you've let go of something.
21:12I smiled softly.
21:13Yes,
21:13I had let go.
21:14I had let go of the self
21:15that endured grievances
21:16to protect a man's dignity.
21:17I had let go of the foolish notion
21:19that endurance would bring happiness.
21:20I had let go of the man
21:21named Charles.
21:22Mom,
21:22I've made up my mind.
21:24About what?
21:25I want to donate my eggs.
21:27There was a long silence
21:28on the other end of the line.
21:30Have you thought this through?
21:31I have.
21:32My voice was firm.
21:34Since the eggs are still there,
21:35rather than keeping them
21:37frozen forever,
21:38I might as well help people
21:39who want children
21:40but can't have them.
21:42You,
21:42always thinking of others.
21:44I smiled without denying it.
21:46Letting go of the past.
21:47Donating eggs to help others.
21:48My life is starting anew.
21:50Meanwhile,
21:51Charles' days grew more
21:52unbearable by the day.
21:54Vivian had been thrown
21:54out of the house
21:55and Chloe and Connor
21:56no longer acknowledged him
21:57as their father.
21:58After all,
21:59everything in the video
22:00was crystal clear.
22:01They weren't Charles' children,
22:02but Vivian's illegitimate children
22:04with another man.
22:05They left with Vivian,
22:06not even glancing back at Charles.
22:08Let's go.
22:09He's not our father.
22:10Chloe said coldly.
22:11Charles sat alone
22:12in the empty house,
22:13suddenly feeling a loneliness
22:14unlike anything
22:15he'd ever experienced.
22:17He had once believed
22:18that having Vivian
22:19and two children
22:20meant he had a real family.
22:21But now he realized
22:22this family
22:23had never belonged to him.
22:24He himself had been deceived
22:25by Vivian for a full 30 years.
22:27He opened his phone
22:28and saw news about me.
22:30The headline,
22:30Stella decides to donate eggs
22:31to help infertile families
22:32jumped out at him.
22:33He stared at the screen,
22:35his fingers trembling slightly.
22:36The woman who had borne his shame
22:38for 30 years
22:38to protect his dignity
22:39was now doing something
22:40even more meaningful.
22:42And what about him?
22:43He had nothing left.
22:44No family,
22:45no children,
22:46no dignity.
22:47He had lost everything.
22:48Charles put down his phone,
22:49leaned back on the sofa,
22:50and closed his eyes.
22:51Images from 30 years ago
22:52flooded his mind.
22:54Back then,
22:54we were still young,
22:55building our careers together,
22:57planning our future.
22:58Stella when we're old,
22:59let's travel the world,
23:00just the two of us,
23:01he had once said with a smile.
23:02Sure,
23:03it's a promise.
23:04I had agreed without hesitation,
23:05but he had broken that promise.
23:07It wasn't that I wasn't willing
23:08to grow old with him.
23:09It was that he chose betrayal first.
23:11A tear slid from the corner
23:12of Charles' eye.
23:13He regretted it,
23:14but there's no medicine
23:15for regret in this world.
23:19After hesitating for a long time,
23:21Charles finally dialed my number.
23:22The phone rang for a long time
23:24before I answered.
23:25Hello?
23:27Stella,
23:27it's me.
23:27I was silent for a few seconds,
23:29then spoke calmly.
23:30Is something the matter?
23:32I,
23:33I want to see you.
23:34I chuckled.
23:36Charles,
23:37do you think there's anything
23:38left to say between us?
23:39I know I was wrong.
23:40His voice was hoarse.
23:41Stella,
23:42I truly know I was wrong.
23:43I said nothing.
23:44I know you're doing well now,
23:45and I know you don't want to see me,
23:48but I still want to tell you
23:49I'm sorry face to face.
23:52I repeat it,
23:53my tone indifferent.
23:54Charles,
23:54it's been 30 years.
23:55You're telling me sorry now?
23:57Don't you think it's a little too late?
23:59I know it's late,
24:00but-
24:01I cut him off.
24:01Charles,
24:02you chose betrayal,
24:03so you bear the consequences.
24:05That was your choice.
24:07There was a long silence
24:08on the other end.
24:09Stella,
24:09if we hadn't divorced,
24:11would you have forgiven me?
24:12I didn't answer,
24:13because I didn't know
24:14the answer myself.
24:15Or rather,
24:16this question no longer
24:18needed an answer.
24:18Charles,
24:19live your life well.
24:20Those were my final words
24:21before hanging up.
24:25Live your life well.
24:26This was the last thing
24:27I could give him.
24:32The egg donation process
24:33was more complicated
24:34than I had imagined.
24:35It required a series
24:36of physical examinations,
24:37psychological evaluations,
24:38and legal procedures.
24:39But I walked through
24:40each step with steadiness.
24:42The doctor told me
24:42my egg quality was excellent.
24:44Even after being frozen
24:45for so many years,
24:46their viability
24:46remained very high.
24:48Mrs. Stella,
24:49your eggs are extremely valuable.
24:50They can help many families
24:52realize their dreams.
24:53I smiled.
24:54Valuable.
24:55I had once thought
24:56these eggs were the fruit
24:57of my love with Charles,
24:58the hope for our future children.
25:00But now,
25:01they had become a gift
25:02to help strangers.
25:04Perhaps this was better.
25:05At least they would
25:06no longer be bound
25:07by Charles' name.
25:08After news of my egg donation spread,
25:10many people started
25:11paying attention to me.
25:12The media wanted
25:13to interview me,
25:14asking why I was doing this.
25:16I simply answered
25:17indifferently,
25:18because I have the ability
25:19to help others.
25:20It's that simple.
25:22And what about you
25:23and Mr. Charles?
25:24Do you hate him?
25:25The reporter pressed.
25:26I thought for a moment
25:27and said,
25:27I don't hate him,
25:28but I don't love him either.
25:30He was part of my life,
25:32but that's in the past.
25:33The reporter seemed
25:34somewhat disappointed
25:35by my answer,
25:36but I didn't care.
25:37I didn't need others
25:38to define my emotions.
25:39After the egg donation,
25:40I decided to travel.
25:41The round-the-world trip
25:42I had planned with Charles,
25:43although I couldn't
25:44complete it with him,
25:45I could do it alone.
25:46My first stop was Paris,
25:48standing beneath
25:48the Eiffel Tower,
25:49watching the sunset
25:50slowly descend.
25:51I felt a peace
25:52unlike anything
25:53I had ever experienced.
25:54This city had once
25:55been a dream destination
25:56for Charles and me.
25:57Now, I had come alone,
25:58but I didn't feel lonely.
25:59Instead,
26:00I felt that this was
26:01truly my own moment.
26:02Without Charles,
26:03without the constraints
26:04of that marriage,
26:05I could finally
26:05be my true self.
26:07During my days in Paris,
26:08I visited the Louvre,
26:09walked along the Seine,
26:10and tasted authentic
26:11French pastries.
26:12Every day was fulfilling
26:13and joyful.
26:14Traveling alone,
26:15freedom alone,
26:15I have finally
26:16become myself again.
26:18During my travels,
26:19I occasionally received
26:20news from back home.
26:21I heard that after being
26:22thrown out of the
26:23Chan household,
26:24Vivian's life
26:24hadn't been easy.
26:25She had once relied
26:26on Charles' money to live.
26:28Now, without a source
26:29of income,
26:29she could only make
26:30ends meet by doing
26:31odd jobs.
26:32Chloe and Connor
26:33no longer had anything
26:34to do with her either.
26:35After all,
26:36once the video was exposed,
26:37everyone knew the truth.
26:38They weren't Charles'
26:39children,
26:40but Vivian's
26:41illegitimate children
26:41with another man.
26:42This news was undoubtedly
26:44a devastating blow
26:45to Chloe and Connor.
26:46They had always believed
26:47they were of the
26:47Chen bloodline,
26:48proud of it all these years,
26:50only to discover
26:50they had no connection
26:51to the Chen family
26:52whatsoever.
26:55Chloe confronted Vivian.
26:56Mom,
26:57what exactly is going on?
26:59Don't believe those videos.
27:00They're all fake.
27:01Vivian was still
27:02trying to deny it.
27:02Mom,
27:03the video is crystal clear.
27:04You told someone else
27:06we were Charles' children
27:07and said you were going
27:08to switch his property.
27:09I was just...
27:11Enough.
27:11Chloe cut her off.
27:12I never want to hear
27:13your lies again.
27:14Chloe and Connor
27:14moved out of Vivian's house,
27:16found jobs,
27:16and started new lives.
27:18And Vivian curled up alone
27:19in a dilapidated rental apartment,
27:21crying day after day.
27:22Her former elegance
27:23and nobility
27:24had long since vanished.
27:25Mom,
27:26do you think Stella
27:27is feeling pretty pleased
27:28with herself right now?
27:29Chloe had once asked Vivian.
27:31Vivian didn't answer
27:32because she knew
27:33I was no longer an enemy
27:34they needed to worry about.
27:37I was living too well,
27:38so well that they didn't
27:40even have the right
27:40to be jealous.
27:44After leaving Paris,
27:46I flew to Kyoto.
27:47This ancient city
27:48had a completely different
27:49charm from Paris.
27:50I strolled along
27:51the bamboo grove path
27:52in Arashima,
27:53listening to the rustling
27:54of bamboo leaves
27:55in the wind,
27:56feeling exceptionally peaceful.
27:58Here,
27:58there was no Charles,
28:00no Vivian,
28:01none of those troubling
28:01memories from the past,
28:03only myself.
28:03I stayed at a traditional
28:05Japanese inn,
28:06rising early each morning
28:07to soak in the hot springs
28:08and savor exquisite
28:10kaiseki cuisine.
28:11The innkeeper was a kind
28:12middle-aged woman.
28:13Seeing me alone,
28:14she couldn't help asking,
28:15Ma'am,
28:16are you traveling alone?
28:18Yes.
28:19I answered with a smile.
28:22Doesn't traveling alone
28:23feel lonely?
28:24I thought for a moment
28:25and said,
28:26Sometimes,
28:27but more often,
28:28it's a kind of freedom.
28:29The innkeeper nodded,
28:31showing an understanding smile.
28:33You're right.
28:34Freedom is more precious
28:35than anything.
28:36During my days in Kyoto,
28:37I also visited
28:38Kaya Mizudara
28:39and drew a fortune slip.
28:40The fortune read,
28:41Withered trees meet spring.
28:42Old matters become empty.
28:43The road ahead is bright.
28:45Freedom lies within the heart.
28:46I looked at the fortune
28:47and couldn't help but smile.
28:48Withered trees meet spring.
28:49Wasn't this exactly
28:50my current state?
28:51After 30 years of winter,
28:52I had finally welcomed
28:53my own spring.
28:54I carefully put away
28:55the fortune slip
28:56into my wallet.
28:57Old matters become empty.
28:58The road ahead is bright.
29:00These words,
29:01I would always keep in my heart.
29:02On the last night
29:03before leaving Kyoto,
29:04I sat in the inn's courtyard,
29:06gazing at the star-filled sky.
29:08My phone rang.
29:09It was an unfamiliar number.
29:10I hesitated for a moment
29:11but answered anyway.
29:12Hello?
29:13Stella,
29:14it's me.
29:15It was Charles' voice.
29:16He had come looking for me again.
29:23Charles,
29:24how did you get this number?
29:25I frowned.
29:25I asked your friend.
29:26His voice was hoarse.
29:27Stella,
29:28I want to see you.
29:29See me?
29:29I gave a cold laugh.
29:31Charles,
29:31what is there left
29:32for us to see?
29:33I know I was wrong
29:34and I know you don't forgive me
29:36but I really want to talk
29:37to you face to face.
29:38I was silent for a moment
29:40then finally sighed.
29:42Fine,
29:43I'm in Kyoto.
29:44leaving tomorrow.
29:46I know I'm already here.
29:47I was stunned.
29:48He was already here?
29:49Where are you?
29:50I asked.
29:51Downstairs at your inn.
29:52I walked to the window,
29:52pulled back the curtain
29:53and sure enough,
29:54saw a familiar figure standing below.
29:56Charles was wearing a dark overcoat,
29:57carrying a suitcase.
29:58He looked much thinner
29:59and older than before.
30:00I hesitated
30:01but eventually went downstairs
30:02to meet him.
30:03In the inn's tearoom,
30:04we sat facing each other.
30:05Charles looked at me,
30:06his eyes complicated.
30:07Stella,
30:08you've changed.
30:09Have I?
30:10I picked up my teacup
30:11and took a sip.
30:12People always change.
30:14You would never have treated me
30:15like this before.
30:16His voice carried bitterness.
30:18The old you was always gentle
30:19and considerate,
30:20never willing to embarrass me.
30:22The old me was a fool.
30:24I put down my teacup,
30:25my tone calm.
30:26Charles,
30:27you betrayed me for 30 years
30:28and now you come to me with this.
30:30Don't you find it ridiculous?
30:31Charles lowered his head,
30:33his hands tightly clasped.
30:34I know I don't deserve
30:35to ask for your forgiveness
30:37but I truly regret it.
30:40I scoffed.
30:41Regret?
30:42Do you regret losing Vivian
30:43and the two children
30:44or do you regret being laughed at
30:47by the whole world?
30:49Charles' face turned pale.
30:51He opened his mouth
30:52but couldn't speak.
30:54Charles,
30:54you don't need to answer me.
30:55I stood up,
30:56looking down at him.
30:57Because your answer
30:58no longer matters to me.
31:01I turned to leave
31:02but Charles suddenly stood up
31:04and grabbed my wrist.
31:05Stella,
31:05give me a chance.
31:07Let's start over,
31:08please.
31:09His voice was pleading,
31:10his eyes full of desperation.
31:12I stopped
31:12and turned to look at him.
31:14This man I had once deeply loved
31:15now only felt like a stranger to me.
31:17Charles.
31:18I gently freed my hand from his,
31:20my tone calm yet firm.
31:22Some roads,
31:23once traveled,
31:24can never be retraced.
31:26We can!
31:27He said urgently.
31:28I know you hate me
31:28but I can change,
31:30I can make it up to you,
31:31I can can-
31:31You can't.
31:32I cut him off.
31:34Charles,
31:34you can't make it up.
31:3530 years of betrayal
31:36cannot be erased
31:38by a single sorry.
31:39His eyes reddened,
31:40his voice trembling.
31:41Stella,
31:41do you really not love me anymore?
31:43I looked at him,
31:44not a single ripple in my heart.
31:46Love?
31:46I shook my head gently.
31:48Charles,
31:48I love the you from 30 years ago,
31:50not the you of today.
31:51That you
31:52is already dead.
31:53Charles' body swayed,
31:54as if he had been struck hard.
31:56He released my hand,
31:57stepped back,
31:58looking as if he had aged 10 years in an instant.
32:00I understand.
32:01His voice was hoarse and low.
32:02Stella,
32:03I wish you happiness.
32:05I didn't answer,
32:06just nodded faintly,
32:07then turned and left.
32:08The moment I walked out of the tea room,
32:10I let out a long breath.
32:1230 years of entanglement
32:13had finally come to a close.
32:14I didn't look back,
32:15because I knew there were even more beautiful sights ahead waiting for me.
32:18I returned to my room,
32:20packed my luggage,
32:21and prepared for my next destination.
32:23My phone rang with a message from a friend.
32:25Stella,
32:26Charles came looking for you again.
32:28Don't pay him any attention,
32:29he's just a scumbag.
32:30I smiled and replied.
32:32Don't worry,
32:33I've already let go.
32:35Letting go is not forgiving,
32:36but no longer being bound by the past.
32:38I dragged my suitcase,
32:40walked out of the inn,
32:41and strode forward into the morning sunlight.
32:44A new journey had begun.
32:45My brand new life.
32:50After leaving Kyoto,
32:51I went to many more places.
32:53Rome,
32:54Barcelona,
32:55Sydney,
32:55New York.
32:56Every city left its mark with my footsteps.
32:58I learned to eat alone,
32:59watch movies alone,
33:01go shopping alone.
33:02Things I once thought required two people to do.
33:05It turned out I could do perfectly well alone.
33:07One afternoon in Paris,
33:08I sat at a cafe by the Seine,
33:10watching the passing crowds.
33:12Suddenly,
33:13a little girl ran over,
33:14looking at me with big wide eyes.
33:18Ma'am,
33:19you're so pretty.
33:20She said in her childish voice.
33:22I was taken aback,
33:23then smiled.
33:25Thank you,
33:26little one.
33:26Her mother walked over
33:27and apologized with a smile.
33:29I'm sorry,
33:30my daughter is too playfy.
33:31It's fine,
33:32she's adorable.
33:33The little girl held her mother's hand,
33:34looked back at me,
33:35and suddenly shouted,
33:36Mommy,
33:37that lady has stars in her eyes!
33:40I was stunned.
33:41Stars?
33:42I subconsciously touched my own face.
33:44Perhaps I really had changed.
33:46No longer the woman
33:47who endured grievances
33:48to protect her husband's dignity.
33:50No longer the fool
33:51who took the blame
33:52for someone else's betrayal.
33:53The current me
33:54had light in my eyes
33:55and dreams in my heart.
33:56This was probably
33:57what people called
33:58rebirth.
33:59Light in my eyes,
34:00dreams in my heart.
34:01This is my rebirth.
34:03After the trip,
34:04I returned home.
34:05There was new progress
34:06on the egg donation.
34:07The hospital told me
34:08my eggs had successfully
34:09helped three infertile couples conceive.
34:11Mrs. Stella,
34:12you are truly remarkable.
34:14The doctor said gratefully.
34:15I smiled.
34:16It's nothing remarkable,
34:18just doing what I should.
34:20Actually,
34:21donating eggs
34:21wasn't just about
34:22helping others.
34:23It was also about
34:24making peace
34:25with my own regrets.
34:26Although I never had
34:27my own children,
34:28my eggs could help others
34:29realize their dream
34:30of becoming parents.
34:31This was probably
34:32the best possible ending.
34:33One day,
34:34I received a letter.
34:35It was from a mother
34:36who had received my eggs.
34:38Dear Ms. Stella,
34:39I don't know what words
34:40to use to express my gratitude.
34:42My husband and I
34:43have been married for 15 years
34:44and have never had children.
34:46We tried every method
34:48without success.
34:49Just when we were
34:50about to give up,
34:51we received news
34:52from the hospital
34:53that someone was willing
34:54to donate eggs.
34:55That person was you.
34:57Now, I am pregnant
34:58and the doctor says
34:59the baby is very
35:00healthy.
35:01I don't know
35:01how to thank you.
35:02I just want to tell you
35:03that you have given
35:04our family new hope.
35:05Thank you, Ms. Stella.
35:07You are the great benefactor
35:08of our entire family.
35:10After reading the letter,
35:11my eyes welled up
35:12with tears.
35:13It turned out
35:14that helping others
35:14truly could bring happiness
35:16to oneself.
35:17I carefully put the letter
35:18away in a drawer.
35:19This touching moment,
35:20I would forever treasure
35:22in my heart.
35:23Helping others
35:23is also healing oneself.
35:28After returning home,
35:29I started reconnecting
35:30with old friends.
35:31Because of the whole
35:32situation with Charles,
35:33I had grown distant
35:34from many people.
35:35Now, I wanted to pick up
35:36those relationships again.
35:37The first person I reached out
35:38to was my best friend,
35:39Linda.
35:40When she saw me,
35:41she was so excited
35:42she almost cried.
35:44Stella!
35:45You're finally back!
35:47I thought you'd never
35:48speak to me again!
35:49How could that be?
35:51I laughed and hugged her.
35:53I just went traveling
35:54for a while
35:55to clear my head.
35:57So how are you now?
35:59Has Charles caused you
36:00any more trouble?
36:01No.
36:02It's completely over
36:03between us.
36:04Linda breathed
36:04a sigh of relief.
36:06That's good.
36:07Stella,
36:08you deserve someone better.
36:09Someone better?
36:11I smiled.
36:13Linda,
36:13I don't need anyone else
36:15to define my worth
36:16right now.
36:17I am enough.
36:18Linda looked at me,
36:19surprise flashing
36:20in her eyes.
36:21Then relief.
36:21Stella,
36:22you really have changed.
36:23Become better,
36:24stronger.
36:25Have I?
36:25Maybe.
36:26I picked up my coffee shop.
36:27After going through so much,
36:28you've got to learn something.
36:29So what are your plans next?
36:31Keep living, of course.
36:32I smiled.
36:33Work, travel,
36:33do what I love.
36:34What about love?
36:35Linda winked.
36:36Not considering
36:36finding someone new?
36:39I shook my head.
36:41Not for now.
36:43At this point in my life,
36:44I just want to love myself well.
36:46Linda laughed.
36:48Well said.
36:49Cheers to our new era.
36:51We clinked cups,
36:52the aroma of coffee filling the air.
36:54In this moment,
36:55I felt warmth.
36:56Not because of romance,
36:58but because of friendship.
36:59Not because of dependence,
37:00but because of independence.
37:02I finally understood that true happiness
37:04doesn't come from others,
37:05but from oneself.
37:08After returning home,
37:09I didn't stay idle.
37:10I started replanning my career.
37:12In my youth,
37:13I had given up many opportunities for Charles.
37:16Now,
37:16I would pick them up one by one.
37:17I opened a small floral design studio.
37:20This was a dream I had in my youth
37:21that I never got to realize.
37:23Now,
37:23I finally had the chance to make it a reality.
37:25The studio wasn't big,
37:26but it was decorated warmly.
37:28Every morning,
37:29I would go to the flower market
37:30to select the freshest blooms.
37:32Then back at the studio,
37:33I would trim stems,
37:34match colors,
37:35and create beautiful bouquets.
37:37When customers came,
37:39I would recommend the most suitable flowers
37:41based on their needs.
37:42Your mom will definitely love this bouquet.
37:44These roses for your girlfriend,
37:46guaranteed to make her feel your love.
37:48Watching the satisfied smiles of my customers,
37:50my heart filled with a sense of accomplishment.
37:53Linda,
37:53a special customer walked into the studio.
37:55A young woman,
37:56holding a baby in her arms.
37:58Hello.
37:59She said with a smile.
37:59I'd like to order a bouquet.
38:01Certainly.
38:02Who is it for?
38:05For myself.
38:06Her eyes sparkled.
38:08I just had a baby
38:09and want to treat myself.
38:10I was taken aback,
38:12then smiled.
38:13Congratulations,
38:14that's the best gift of all.
38:15I carefully arranged a bouquet of pink carnations
38:18and white baby's breath for her.
38:19She held the flowers,
38:21held her baby,
38:22smiling so happily.
38:23In that moment,
38:24I suddenly felt that my choice
38:26had been the right one.
38:27Although I didn't have a child of my own,
38:29I could bring happiness to others in other ways.
38:32This was probably the meaning of life.
38:34Bringing happiness to others
38:35is also the meaning of life.
38:37Time flies.
38:38In the blink of an eye,
38:39three years had passed.
38:40My floral studio had grown bigger and bigger,
38:43now with three branch locations.
38:45My name had also started to gain recognition in the industry.
38:48Many people didn't know what storms
38:49this elegant and composed florist had once weathered.
38:52And I no longer spoke of them.
38:54Because all of that was in the past.
38:56The present me only wanted to look forward.
38:58One day,
38:59I received a postcard from Alaska.
39:01No signature,
39:02just one sentence.
39:03May the rest of your life be happy.
39:05I knew who sent it.
39:06But I didn't write back.
39:08Some goodbyes don't need a response.
39:10I slipped the postcard into that fortune slip.
39:13Withered trees meet spring.
39:14Old matters become empty.
39:16The road ahead is bright.
39:18Freedom lies within the heart.
39:19These words,
39:20I had always kept in my heart.
39:22Charles,
39:23Vivian,
39:23Chloe,
39:24Connor,
39:24they had all become passersby in my life.
39:26And I had finally become the protagonist of my own story.
39:29The sun was setting.
39:31I sat by the studio window.
39:33Watching the passing crowds outside.
39:34Holding a cup of hot tea.
39:36My heart felt a peace unlike anything before.
39:38My phone rang.
39:40It was a message from the hospital.
39:42Miss Stella,
39:42your donated eggs have successfully helped a fifth couple welcome their baby.
39:46Thank you for your great love.
39:48I smiled.
39:49My eyes were a bit moist.
39:51But my heart was full of happiness.
39:52Perhaps this was the best possible ending.
39:55I didn't have children,
39:56but I had helped many people realize their dreams.
39:58I didn't have romance,
39:59but I had true freedom.
40:00I didn't have a family,
40:01but I had created a world of my own.
40:03In this world,
40:04there were flowers,
40:05sunshine,
40:06laughter,
40:07and hope.
40:07That was enough.
40:08I raised my teacup and took a gentle sip.
40:11Outside the window,
40:12the afterglow of the sunset spilled across my face,
40:14warm and gentle.
40:16My life has only just begun.
40:18But it was my mom'sa.
40:18Went back to the death of my life.
40:18It was too late.
40:20It was my dream of taking a photo of my life.
40:21I was hungry for some children.