captive of my former slave [Full Movie] [Long Version]Full EP - Full

Real Drama Zone

21 hours ago

Transcript

00:00:00On the day Noelle Rutherford found out she was pregnant, she braved the rain to head to a club that

00:00:05was one of Chester Grey's usual haunts.

00:00:07She stood outside a private room and dried her hair with some tissues, wanting to surprise him with the news

00:00:13of her pregnancy when he came out.

00:00:15She heard laughter through the ajar door.

00:00:19Chester, you're supposed to be marrying Noelle in a week. You're going to surprise her during the wedding, right? Is

00:00:24everything ready?

00:00:25Yeah, it'll be a day she'll never forget.

00:00:28Noelle paused and smiled sweetly.

00:00:31She and Chester had been together for three years and he'd truly treated her like a precious treasure, doting on

00:00:37her endlessly.

00:00:38Wanna bet she'll have a meltdown when she finds out the truth?

00:00:41She'll lose her mind on the big day when she discovers I've been pretending to be you and playing her

00:00:47this whole time.

00:00:48She'd never imagine Chester having an identical twin.

00:00:52When she finds out he's the one who's been getting into her pants these past three years, she's always been

00:00:57so proud, hasn't she?

00:00:58I can already imagine the look on her face when she finds out her boyfriend's brother has toyed with her

00:01:03for three years.

00:01:04The men's malicious laughter made Noelle freeze in place.

00:01:08The blood drained from her face.

00:01:10She could hardly believe her ears.

00:01:13Her feet moved on their own, taking a step forward so she could peer into the room.

00:01:18The next second, she saw a man who looked exactly like Chester sitting beside him.

00:01:23He was Chester's carbon copy, from his features to his hairstyle.

00:01:27Even the tiny mole at the corner of his eye was identical.

00:01:32It's her fault for bullying Winona.

00:01:34Winona is Chester's darling.

00:01:36As punishment, he'll make her feel on top of the world before dropping her into the abyss.

00:01:41Gotta say that he's put in some serious work to achieve that.

00:01:44You're the real MVP here, Simon.

00:01:46You did all the hard labor after all.

00:01:48If I didn't look so different from you two, I'd love to take over the job.

00:01:52Tell me about it.

00:01:54Man, Noelle's face and body.

00:01:57If she loses her mind after the wedding, how about you guys let us play with her first?

00:02:02Chester cooked up a plan like this for Winona, put on an act for three years, and still managed to

00:02:08keep himself untainted.

00:02:09He's a straight-up love saint.

00:02:12Noelle's mind buzzed, and her blood ran cold.

00:02:15She couldn't breathe.

00:02:16Her body trembled uncontrollably, and tears streamed down her widened eyes.

00:02:22Which had turned bloodshot.

00:02:24Once upon a time, when she jolted away from nightmares of being bullied by Winona,

00:02:29Chester had held her close and told her not to be scared.

00:02:32Once upon a time, she told him about the agony of being bullied.

00:02:36Chester had soothed her time and time again, even taking her to see therapists.

00:02:42Noelle didn't dare believe, nor did she want to.

00:02:45She couldn't understand it.

00:02:46The love she'd felt was so intense and big.

00:02:49How could it be fake?

00:02:50Winona's coming back soon.

00:02:52So you won't need to keep flying to her, Chester.

00:02:54Honestly, I don't know how you're not worn out from taking a flight every week.

00:02:58And I can finally be myself after three years of role-playing.

00:03:03I'm the one who stuck with Noelle each time Chester goes abroad.

00:03:07Your voices are different, though.

00:03:09Hasn't she ever noticed anything?

00:03:10She's too big an idiot.

00:03:13I lower my voice, tell her I have pharyngitis, and that's enough to make her fuss over me.

00:03:19She gets up before the sun rises to make me something to soothe my throat.

00:03:25That's enough.

00:03:26Once the wedding is over, I'll give her a hefty sum as compensation.

00:03:30It'll be enough to ensure she's comfortable for life.

00:03:33My, my.

00:03:35Chester, you're not taking pity on her, are you?

00:03:38Noelle's heart flew to her throat, and she held her breath as she stared doggedly at Chester.

00:03:44As if.

00:03:45What about you, Simon?

00:03:47Has three years of putting it in her made you catch feelings?

00:03:50It's been three whole years I've long since gotten sick of her.

00:03:53You want to have her, Chester?

00:03:55She's too filthy.

00:03:57Anyway, she's the one who begged for this wedding.

00:03:59I'm just paying her off so she won't pester me.

00:04:02There's not much time left, so you guys need to help me.

00:04:05I'm going to propose to Winona in a week after revealing the truth.

00:04:12Noelle didn't know how she even left the club.

00:04:14Raindrops pelted her, but she felt nothing.

00:04:17All she could think about was the conversation from the private room, which replayed in her mind.

00:04:22Winona Johnson.

00:04:24Whenever that name came up, Noelle couldn't stop shaking.

00:04:28She couldn't understand.

00:04:30Winona had already gone abroad, so why wouldn't she let her go?

00:04:34Why was she hellbent on destroying her?

00:04:36All of this had happened over a meaningless campus bell title.

00:04:41Noelle's candid, bare-faced photo had beaten Winona's retouched contest entry,

00:04:46so Winona and her gang had dragged Noelle into the restroom to teach her a lesson.

00:04:51They'd used every cruel trick possible to torment her before shoving her head into a toilet.

00:04:56Noelle had refused to kneel and apologize,

00:04:59so they'd made the next three years of her life a living hell.

00:05:02They'd ganged up to beat her, stabbed her with needles, hidden thumbtacks in her shoes,

00:05:08rallied the entire class to isolate and bully her, wrecked her part-time jobs, and smeared her reputation.

00:05:14Winona had even arranged for a bunch of rich boys to pursue Noelle.

00:05:17Noelle had once overheard the plan Winona wanted her to be corrupted by money before having the rich boys done

00:05:22her.

00:05:23Winona never fully succeeded.

00:05:25Even by junior year, when Winona had left to study abroad, she still hadn't broken Noelle completely.

00:05:32However, by then, Noelle was already deep in depression, with the severe urge to harm herself.

00:05:39That was when Chester appealed.

00:05:41Unlike those other rich boys who pursued her and eyed her the way men appraised goods,

00:05:45he hadn't flung credit cards at her and called it affection.

00:05:48He'd had a clear, righteous gaze.

00:05:51He'd taken time to understand her situation and listen to what she needed.

00:05:56When he learned that her grandmother, Marie Wakefield, needed long-term medication, he didn't look down on her.

00:06:02Instead, he'd done whatever he could, within the bounds of what she could accept, to improve her life.

00:06:09Chester had helped Noelle find internships and part-time jobs.

00:06:12When she rushed between gigs, he'd sit with her in a convenience store for dinner, and gently pat her head.

00:06:18It must be tough, Elle. You're really amazing.

00:06:21Once, Marie had fallen ill while Noelle was out of town.

00:06:24It was Chester who'd brought her to the hospital, and stayed by her side for a full day and night.

00:06:30The next day, when Noelle had made it back, he'd smiled and comforted her despite his exhaustion.

00:06:37Marie's fine, so don't worry. Don't wear yourself out.

00:06:40At the time, a voice inside her had said,

00:06:43This is it. Try to trust him. Whatever the ending, just cherish the present.

00:06:47And Chester really did keep treating her well.

00:06:49He'd even bravely defied his family for the sake of being with her.

00:06:53Simon's sneers echoed in Noelle's mind.

00:06:56She's so dumb. How could our family ever allow a nobody like her to marry him?

00:07:02All it took was hiring two people to play a part.

00:07:05Chester pretended to stand up to our parents, and Noelle was moved to bits.

00:07:09What an idiot. She didn't notice anything for the past three years.

00:07:13She's stupid. Even now, she thinks Chester's devoted to her.

00:07:18She's dumb. She's stupid. She's a fool.

00:07:21Noelle collapsed in the rain. Her tears spilled over and mixed with a downpour.

00:07:26She really was dumb. Much too dumb.

00:07:29She suddenly threw back her head and laughed, sounding wild and unhinged.

00:07:33She let the torrential rain pound her face without mercy.

00:07:37Just then, her phone rang. It was Marie's caregiver.

00:07:41Elle, come quick. Your grandmother's on the brink of death.

00:07:44Noelle's mind went blank, and her ears buzzed.

00:07:48Her limbs turned to jelly.

00:07:50On instinct alone, she scrambled to her feet and rushed to the curb to hail afar.

00:07:55However, every car threw a face. Their lights flashing and horns blower, refusing to stop her.

00:08:02She was about to run to the hospital when a car pulled over.

00:08:06A tough-looking man on aspirations.

00:08:08Beyond caring about safety, she dove into the car.

00:08:17By the time Noelle reached the hospital, the doctor had already issued a critical notice.

00:08:23She has respiratory failure. There's no point in further resuscitation.

00:08:27You should spend these last moments with her.

00:08:30Noelle dropped to her knees with a thud, her hands trembling as she clasped Marie's.

00:08:37Marie forced a smile.

00:08:39Elle, don't cry.

00:08:40I'm sorry. I couldn't hold on long enough to see your wedding.

00:08:46Noelle shook her head hard.

00:08:48She couldn't get any words out, nor could she stop her low, aching sobs.

00:08:53Marie struggled to scan the room.

00:08:56Where's Chester? I want to see him.

00:08:58Okay. Noelle's voice was so hoarse, it was barely there.

00:09:02She pulled out her phone and called Chester again and again.

00:09:06Each call was rejected, so she fired off messages in a hurry.

00:09:10Chester, Grandma has respiratory failure. She can't hold on anymore. Please come to the hospital. She wants to see you

00:09:17one last time.

00:09:18Chester, Grandma's waiting for you. It's just one meeting. Can you come?

00:09:24Chester, I'm begging you. At that moment, the lies and betrayal didn't matter.

00:09:30Noelle, as long as Chester came, as long as Marie could leave in peace, nothing else left.

00:09:36But Chester never replied. Noelle stopped and forced out an ugly smile.

00:09:41She squeezed Marie's hand and tried to comfort her.

00:09:45Grandma, I think Chester's tied up with something. Don't worry about us, alright?

00:09:49We're getting along fine, and our wedding is next week.

00:09:52I'll be happy, so please don't worry.

00:09:55Suddenly, Marie's grip tightened. She fixed her eyes on Noelle and whispered,

00:10:01Elle. Live well. Be happy.

00:10:05Her hand loosened and went limp.

00:10:07In her final moments, there was still worry in her gaze.

00:10:11Noelle stared at their hands dazedly.

00:10:13Then, she broke down and collapsed on the floor, crying her heart out.

00:10:17That night, she numbly went through the process of dealing with Marie's affairs.

00:10:23Chester still didn't reply.

00:10:25While waiting, she unblocked Winona's social media and checked her posts.

00:10:29I was going to fly home early for a surprise, but I was the one surprised!

00:10:34The attached photo was taken at the airport.

00:10:37Chester wore a mascot costume and held flowers.

00:10:40His head was slick with sweat, but he wore a warm smile, and his gaze was tender.

00:10:46There was another picture of him with Winona.

00:10:50She smiled sweetly while his head was turned to her, his gaze lingering and full of love.

00:10:57Noelle let out a bitter laugh and turned off the screen.

00:11:01The next day at noon, she returned to the hospital with Marie's urn in her arms.

00:11:06She did two things.

00:11:08First, she scheduled an abortion for three days later.

00:11:12Second, she submitted her application to join Doctors Without Borders.

00:11:17Her superior, Tanya Brown, was shocked.

00:11:21Weren't you getting married soon?

00:11:22Noelle went quiet for a moment.

00:11:24Not anymore.

00:11:25I want to leave, Dr. Brown.

00:11:27The faster, the better.

00:11:29Tanya didn't press for more information when she saw Noelle's bloodshot eyes and urgent expression.

00:11:34You just barely caught the application deadline.

00:11:37I'll give you the next few days off to prepare.

00:11:40Gather at the hospital to depart in a week.

00:11:42Got it.

00:11:43A week from now was exactly the day she was supposed to marry Chester.

00:11:47Not only would she leave on that day, but she would also send him, Simon, and Winona a grand gift

00:11:54one they would never forget.

00:11:58Knowing she was heading somewhere dangerous, Noelle decided to give Marie a proper burial.

00:12:04She bought a cremation pendant, tucked a strand of Marie's hair, and a pinch of ashes inside, and buried the

00:12:11rest of the cemetery.

00:12:12Grandma, don't worry.

00:12:14I'm about to do what I've always wanted to do, and I'll keep myself safe.

00:12:20By the time Noelle returned to the villa, it was already dusk.

00:12:24The moment she stepped inside, she heard laughter in the living room.

00:12:29Come on, let me introduce you to two friends.

00:12:31A man and a woman stood from the couch and turned to look at her.

00:12:35Somewhat malicious mischief flickering in their eyes.

00:12:39It was Winona and Simon.

00:12:41Noelle couldn't stop the tremor that ran through her.

00:12:44It was her body's reflex whenever she faced Winona.

00:12:48Winona is a childhood friend, and Simon is my twin brother.

00:12:51They just got back from studying abroad, and happened to make it in time for our wedding.

00:12:55Elle and I know each other.

00:12:56We were roommates in college.

00:12:58Right, Elle?

00:12:59Every time Winona finished bullying her, she got angry and murdered.

00:13:04It's just some fun between roommates.

00:13:07Right, Elle?

00:13:09Elle, you still don't like me.

00:13:11I just want to get along with you.

00:13:13Both Chester's and Simon's expressions darkened.

00:13:17Chester, your fiancé's got quite the temper.

00:13:20She's not even part of our family yet, and she's already so full of herself.

00:13:24Noelle, apologize.

00:13:26Noelle stared at the three of them, her hands balling into fists by her sides.

00:13:30She felt her heart tear open as she thought of what she'd overheard the night before, leaving a raw and

00:13:36jagged mood.

00:13:38The Grey family is a proper household with deep roots, and manners are very important to us.

00:13:43You need to teach your fiancé a lesson, Chester.

00:13:46You're right.

00:13:47Elle, you're about to become the lady of the Grey household.

00:13:50You must watch your tongue and your behavior at all times.

00:13:54Reflect on what you did today.

00:13:57Oh!

00:13:59He dragged her down to the basement and shoved her into a room.

00:14:04Before she could react, the door slammed shut.

00:14:07The door was tightly sealed, shutting out every trace of light.

00:14:11Only then did Noelle realize it was a windowless, pitch-black room.

00:14:16Her breathing sped up in the pure darkness, and her panic surged.

00:14:21She pounded on the door, but no one answered, no matter how she shouted.

00:14:26Terror swallowed her heart.

00:14:28In college, Rinoa had locked Noelle in a dark room for three days with no sound or light.

00:14:34Time had stretched into a torture that felt endless.

00:14:37Noelle had had a breakdown now.

00:14:39She'd feared darkness ever since, and claustrophobia had followed.

00:14:43For years now, she'd kept every light on at night, even sleeping that way.

00:14:49At first, Chester couldn't get used to it.

00:14:51But after learning what she'd been through, he'd held her and soothed her.

00:14:55It's okay.

00:14:56From now on, we'll sleep with the lights on at home.

00:14:59Don't be scared.

00:15:03She knew.

00:15:04They all knew.

00:15:06Yet they'd still chosen this as Noelle's punishment, and it was just because she'd pushed Winona.

00:15:13Noelle curled up in the corner, hugging herself as she trembled.

00:15:17A dull ache throbbing in her chest.

00:15:20Of course, the tenderness had always been an act.

00:15:24They'd staged it for her sake.

00:15:26Even this dark room was likely designed just for her.

00:15:33Two days later, Chester opened the door with a pleased smile.

00:15:37Winona's not mad at you for what happened anymore.

00:15:39Clean yourself up.

00:15:40We're gonna try on wedding dresses and pick out rings.

00:15:43Noelle was taken to a bridal boutique.

00:15:45As soon as she got out of the car, she saw Winona and Simon already waiting inside.

00:15:50Elle, you're here.

00:15:51I didn't get to congratulate you last time.

00:15:53Chester and I are best friends.

00:15:55So let me keep you company and help you choose the perfect dress today.

00:15:58She smiled, clearly waiting to see Noelle lose her composure.

00:16:03I appreciate it.

00:16:07Then I'll try some on with you.

00:16:09I'm going to be a bride very soon myself.

00:16:12Congratulations.

00:16:13Winona's gaze turned frosty.

00:16:15From that moment on, any gown Noelle so much as glanced at, Winona would flag down a sales associate and

00:16:21rush to be the first to try it.

00:16:23Each time she came out of the changing room, she would grab Chester's hand.

00:16:27Chester, what do you think?

00:16:29Isn't it gorgeous?

00:16:30And each time, Chester would stare at her as if enchanted.

00:16:33He would shower her with planks.

00:16:35Simon hovered at Winona's side too.

00:16:37The two of them ignored Noelle completely.

00:16:39A sales associate sighed with envy.

00:16:42This bride is so lucky.

00:16:44Sorry, Elle.

00:16:45You're the actual bride.

00:16:47You should have tried it first.

00:16:51See anything you like?

00:16:52Noelle picked one at random and went to try it on.

00:16:54When she came out, the three of them were already gone.

00:16:57Miss Johnson said she was going to pick out rings, miss.

00:17:00The two gentlemen went with her.

00:17:02It's fine.

00:17:06Soon after, Winona updated her social media with a photo of a diamond ring embedded with pave gemstones.

00:17:12Noelle glanced at it, locked her screen, and went back to packing.

00:17:16Beyond clothes and daily essentials she needed to take with her, she gathered up everything else that belonged to her,

00:17:21including the gifts she'd once given Chester and threw them away or destroyed them.

00:17:25As for anything Chester had given her, she didn't touch at all.

00:17:30She had just finished packing the suitcase and slid it into the closet when Chester walked in,

00:17:35holding a blue velvet box.

00:17:37I bought you this ring at an auction.

00:17:39Noelle recognized it.

00:17:40It was a free gift that had come with the ring Winona had shared on her social media.

00:17:44She accepted it calmly and set it aside.

00:17:46His gaze drifted and landed on the trash can where he saw the couple's mugs she used to cherish.

00:17:52Why'd you throw the mugs away?

00:17:54Are you mad?

00:17:57No.

00:17:57Is it because of what happened at the bridal boutique?

00:17:59Winona's just a good friend of mine.

00:18:01We haven't seen each other in years, so of course I paid her a little extra attention.

00:18:05There's no need to be jealous of her.

00:18:07If there was something between us, we would have gotten together long ago, right?

00:18:12You're my bride, Elle.

00:18:13Don't you understand how I feel about you?

00:18:15Hearing that, Noelle's fingers trembled.

00:18:18In that instant, she wanted to question him.

00:18:20She wanted to peel back the sincerity from his lies,

00:18:23to know whether he'd harbored even a shred of genuine love for her in the past three years.

00:18:30Winona, I'll be right there.

00:18:32I've got something to take care of, so don't wait up for me.

00:18:35You'll be the most beautiful bride in a few days.

00:18:40Noelle sat on the bed and swallowed back her tears.

00:18:43Two hours later, she finished washing up and got into bed to hit the head.

00:18:47Just as she was drifting off, the door swung open.

00:18:50Chester, who was supposed to be hosting a party at a bar with Winona, walked in.

00:18:54He smelled an alcohol.

00:18:56He carelessly ripped open his shirt, tossed back the covers, and pressed down on Noelle.

00:19:00As soon as the two made contact, Noelle's drowsiness vanished.

00:19:04She became acutely aware that the person pressing down on her was indeed Simon.

00:19:09Noelle's body went rigid, and her face drained of all color.

00:19:12She threw all her strength into shoving Simon off her and curled up at the head of the bed.

00:19:17Are you still mad?

00:19:18He rubbed his temples, his mannerisms exactly like Chester's.

00:19:21Even his voice, soaked with alcohol, was indistinguishable.

00:19:23If Noelle hadn't heard that Chester had kept himself chaste for Winona, she wouldn't have been able to tell them

00:19:28apart.

00:19:29I already told you that if I had feelings for Winona, you and I would never be getting married.

00:19:35He moved to kiss her.

00:19:36Her eyes widened, and she jerked aside, gagging.

00:19:39She retched until her eyes turned red.

00:19:41She couldn't stop.

00:19:42She shoved Simon away and ran for the bathroom.

00:19:45He watched her, his brows knitting and eyes glinting.

00:19:51You guys heard that, right?

00:19:52She's gagging.

00:19:53Don't tell me she's pregnant.

00:19:55Don't let this get out of hand, Simon.

00:19:57What if she clings to you after the truth is out?

00:20:00Noelle stiffened, and her blood ran cold.

00:20:02It hit her that Simon's phone had been on a call the whole time.

00:20:05Chester, Simon, this is too much.

00:20:07Too much?

00:20:08She's been targeting you for ages.

00:20:10This is the punishment she deserves.

00:20:12But what if she really is pregnant?

00:20:15That's impossible.

00:20:15Even if she is, we'll make sure it's taken care of.

00:20:18Right, Simon?

00:20:19Oh, of course.

00:20:21For some reason, he felt a sudden, sharp twist in his chest.

00:20:24The next second, he saw Noelle open the door and stare at him, her face as white as a sheet.

00:20:31What's wrong, Elle?

00:20:32You look awful.

00:20:32Are you feeling okay?

00:20:33Are you... pregnant?

00:20:35No, my stomach's just acting up.

00:20:38The following morning, Noelle went to the hospital for her scheduled abortion.

00:20:42Elle, the baby already has a heartbeat at seven weeks, and all the indicators look good.

00:20:47Are you sure you want to terminate?

00:20:49I'm positive.

00:20:53It was noon by the time she left the hospital.

00:20:55Chester called, and his car pulled up at the entrance moments later.

00:20:59Come on, I'm taking you to lunch.

00:21:01They rode in silence.

00:21:02A small smile playing on Chester's lips.

00:21:05The whole time.

00:21:06It was also the one Noelle hated most.

00:21:08As soon as they reached the restaurant, they saw Renona and Simon already waiting for them.

00:21:13Elle, I crossed the line yesterday, so I queued for this trending cake to apologize.

00:21:18You have to try it.

00:21:20During the meal, she kept reminiscing about her, Chester, and Simon as kids.

00:21:24Chester and Simon have always spoiled me.

00:21:27When we played house, they'd fight over who got to be my groom.

00:21:30In middle school, some boys cornered me, and the two of them got hurt badly trying to protect me.

00:21:36They were in the hospital for ages.

00:21:38Once, I climbed a tree and couldn't get down.

00:21:41Chester scrawled on the ground to be my cushion.

00:21:44And Simon laughed along.

00:21:46The three of them chatted warmly, and Noelle stayed silent.

00:21:49Elle, why aren't you saying anything?

00:21:51Do you have a problem with me?

00:21:53I know we had misunderstandings in college, but I hope we can be best friends now that you're marrying Chester.

00:21:58Noelle didn't move for a long moment or even look at her.

00:22:01She suddenly clutched the front of her blouse as her breath came in gasps.

00:22:05Angry red hives spread across her forearm, forming a shocking and raw sight.

00:22:09She fumbled for her bag.

00:22:11You're having an allergic reaction.

00:22:13Noelle had a severe peanut allergy.

00:22:16She was usually careful, but in case of accidental exposure and no time to get help, she always kept an

00:22:21epi pen in her bag.

00:22:22It was something that could save her life when seconds mattered.

00:22:26She'd already grabbed the epi pen.

00:22:28Chester, I feel old.

00:22:32Winona.

00:22:33Chester, Winona looks like she's having an allergic reaction.

00:22:35Chester froze mid-strike, remembering that Noelle had ordered seafood broth during the meal.

00:22:40His expression went cold in an instant as he turned and stormed over to Noelle.

00:22:49You caused Winona to have an allergic reaction.

00:22:51She needs the medication first.

00:22:53With that, we marched straight to Winona and swiftly administered the injection without the slightest bit of hesitation.

00:22:59You're a doctor, Noelle.

00:23:00You should have other ways of saving yourself.

00:23:03Winona doesn't know anything.

00:23:04She needs the epi pen more.

00:23:06I'll get the card.

00:23:08Noelle collapsed to the floor.

00:23:09Her bloodshot eyes locked on their retreating figures.

00:23:12From beginning to end, none of them looked back.

00:23:17Miss, are you okay?

00:23:21Elle, you're finally awake.

00:23:23Are you feeling any discomfort?

00:23:24Elle, I know you're mad at me, but the Gray and Johnson families have deep ties.

00:23:28We can't let anything happen to Winona on our watch.

00:23:31I had no choice.

00:23:32You're about to become a member of the Gray family.

00:23:35We have shared interests.

00:23:36You should be more understanding.

00:23:38You know I love you most, don't you?

00:23:39Come on, Noelle.

00:23:41Chester had no choice.

00:23:43Affluent families like ours have our own problems.

00:23:45We have to put the bigger picture first.

00:23:47As your family, we can only ask you to bear with it for now.

00:23:50Noelle's hands balled into tight fists under the blanket.

00:23:53She opened her eyes and fixed her gaze on the two men as she sneered inwardly.

00:23:56They were leaving no stone unturned to sweet-talk and brainwash her.

00:24:01I want to rest.

00:24:13Hello, am I speaking to a live streaming company?

00:24:16I'd like to place an order.

00:24:20After hanging up, her hand moved on instinct to the pendant at her chest, only to grasp at nothing.

00:24:26The pendant containing Marie's hair and ashes was gone.

00:24:35She was about to go find a nurse when she received a text.

00:24:38Winona had sent a photo of her necklace.

00:24:41If you want it back, come now.

00:24:43Otherwise, I'll dump what's inside into the toilet.

00:24:47A crushing fury washed over Noelle, almost making her vision go dark.

00:24:53Her chest heaved with rage as she rushed to Winona's hospital room.

00:24:59Inside, Winona stood by the window.

00:25:01The necklace dangling from her fingertips.

00:25:04It swayed just outside the windowsill, ready to drop at any moment.

00:25:10Winona Johnson, give me back my necklace.

00:25:14You saw my social media updates, right?

00:25:17And here I thought you would keep putting on that holier-than-thou act.

00:25:22You wanted me dead so badly in the past, yet here you are, putting up with anything just to marry

00:25:29into the Grey family.

00:25:30Give me back my necklace.

00:25:33Get on your knees and prostrate yourself before me if you want it.

00:25:38Admit you're a pathetic hypocrite.

00:25:41Never.

00:25:43Don't push me too far, Winona.

00:25:45Is this the first time you've realized just how far I can push?

00:25:48That stubborn attitude of yours and your refusal to bend to anyone's will is what I hate most about you.

00:25:54If you'd just kneeled to me back then, I wouldn't have kept targeting you for years.

00:25:59You've seen how much I'm into Chester.

00:26:02Here's the deal.

00:26:04Grovel at my feet and beg me for mercy.

00:26:06Not only will I return the necklace, but I'll also help you get a solid foothold in the Grey family.

00:26:12I won't kneel.

00:26:14You couldn't break me before, and you never will.

00:26:18I will never bow to someone as vile as you.

00:26:22You.

00:26:25Fine, then.

00:26:26Since you don't want the necklace, let's just toss it.

00:26:33Give it back.

00:26:36She whirled to run downstairs, but Winona yanked tight on her clothes, holding her back.

00:26:43I'm sorry, Elle.

00:26:44I won't go near Chester again.

00:26:47Please don't push me off.

00:26:56Noelle Rutherford, what are you doing?

00:27:06Winona, are you okay?

00:27:08I'm sorry.

00:27:10It's all my fault.

00:27:13Chester, we should stop contacting each other from now on.

00:27:20What are you talking about?

00:27:22Don't worry.

00:27:23I won't let you suffer in silence.

00:27:26I can't believe you're still bullying Winona after all these years.

00:27:30Noelle.

00:27:31I didn't.

00:27:34She threw my necklace, and I...

00:27:36That's enough.

00:27:38Even now, you're making excuses.

00:27:40Winona has always been gentle and timid.

00:27:44How could she ever bully anyone?

00:27:47You're the one who's at fault.

00:27:48Someone else bullied you, yet you took it out on her.

00:27:51I didn't.

00:27:53She's the one who's been bullying me.

00:27:55She's tormented me this whole time.

00:28:00You still won't see sense.

00:28:02If you aren't taught a lesson now, who knows what you'll do?

00:28:05You'll push someone out a window today.

00:28:07So will you start committing murder tomorrow?

00:28:22What are you doing?

00:28:24No one answered.

00:28:26No matter how she fought, Chester and Simon just hauled her forward in silence,

00:28:31their tight jawlines carved with fury.

00:28:34In one last glance back at the hospital room, Noelle met Winona's eyes.

00:28:39They were smug, vicious, and triumphant.

00:28:46Noelle was led to a bungee platform at the mountaintop.

00:28:50The tower rose over 300 feet, and the cliff yawned beneath her feet.

00:28:55The second she stepped onto it, her face went chalk white, and her legs started to shake.

00:29:01Chester's and Simon's expressions remained icy.

00:29:05They took the safety locks from the staff and personally buckled them on her,

00:29:09forcing her to the edge of the jump platform.

00:29:12Noelle stared into the abyss below, her whole body going rigid.

00:29:16All she could hear was the thundering of her own heartbeat.

00:29:21Chester, you know I'm terrified of heights.

00:29:24I know. Since you tried to push Winona out the window, I'll give you a taste of what it's like

00:29:28to fall.

00:29:29This is the punishment you deserve, Elle.

00:29:31The lady of the gray household can't be a vicious woman.

00:29:34Learn your lesson today.

00:29:35If you're sincere about correcting your errors, we'll get married as planned.

00:29:39Don't be scared. You won't die.

00:29:42With that, they reached out and shoved her over the edge.

00:29:46The brutal drop seized her.

00:29:48Noelle's heartbeat stopped for a few seconds, and her chest ached.

00:29:53Terror beyond words sealed her throat.

00:29:55She couldn't even scream.

00:29:57All that came out were strangled whimpers and tears that scattered in the wind.

00:30:03Her eyes held nothing but desolation and despair.

00:30:11She was left hanging upside down over the cliff for half an hour.

00:30:15Only when her breathing faltered, and her consciousness began to fray, did they haul her back up.

00:30:21Noelle collapsed on the platform, gasping for air, trying to ease the tingling in her limbs from lack of oxygen.

00:30:30Miss Rutherford, before Mr. Chester and Mr. Simon left, they ordered you had to jump ten times before you can

00:30:37leave.

00:30:38Noelle hadn't even processed the words when she was pushed off again.

00:30:42Once, twice, thrice.

00:30:44Each time, she was left dangling over the cliff for half an hour.

00:30:47The brief breaks in between didn't ease the oxygen deprivation.

00:30:51As Noelle's mind grew fuzzier, the ten jumps were finally over.

00:30:55The sky was already pitch black.

00:30:58The platform's harsh white floodlights were all that held Noelle's last scraps of awareness.

00:31:09Take me to the hospital.

00:31:12I'm sorry, Mrs. Rutherford.

00:31:14Mr. Chester and Mr. Simon made it clear that no one is to help you.

00:31:18The Gray family owns this area, and I don't want to lose my job.

00:31:22He left.

00:31:23The glare of the floodlight stung Noelle's eyes, making tears slip down her face.

00:31:29She rested there for a while before forcing herself to stand and make her way down the mountain.

00:31:36She was halfway down it when she came across a kind tourist who was also on the way back.

00:31:43They brought her back to the city.

00:31:45Noelle didn't go back to the villa.

00:31:47Instead, she went straight to the hospital and, with a flashlight, started searching the lawn beneath the inpatient department for

00:31:55the necklace.

00:31:55As time dragged on, she grew more frantic.

00:32:01Tears shimmered in her bloodshot eyes.

00:32:05Who are you?

00:32:06Who are you?

00:32:07What do you think you're doing?

00:32:08It was a hospital security guard.

00:32:11With his help, she found the cleaner in charge of the lawn.

00:32:16Yeah, I did notice a necklace.

00:32:18I figured nobody wanted it and tossed it into the trash.

00:32:24Which trash can?

00:32:28It's already been cleared and sent to the dump.

00:32:31I'm afraid you won't be able to find it.

00:32:34Even if you want it now.

00:32:47Noelle searched the junkyard for an entire day.

00:32:50The moment she found the necklace, the tears she'd been holding back, finally fell.

00:32:55But the next second, she realized the pendant was empty.

00:32:58The hair and ashes she'd stored inside were gone.

00:33:01Her head buzzed, and she ran for the hospital with the necklace clutched in her hand.

00:33:06Just as she reached the entrance, she ran into Winona, who had been discharged.

00:33:15Which dumpster did this piece of garbage crawl out of?

00:33:19Where are the things that were in my pendant?

00:33:25You mean that filthy stuff.

00:33:27I dumped them in the toilet, and flushed them away ages ago.

00:33:32Winona Johnson!

00:33:34Winona staggered backward, clutching her cheek.

00:33:37She fell into Chester's arms.

00:33:40You still haven't learned your lesson, Noelle.

00:33:44She flushed my grandma's ashes down the toilet.

00:33:48That's enough.

00:33:50I can't believe you're even cursing your own grandmother to hurt Winona.

00:33:54You make me sick.

00:33:55The next second, he seized her wrist and shoved her hard.

00:34:00The driver of a speeding cab blared the horn, unable to break in time.

00:34:05He slammed into Noelle.

00:34:06She was sent fly before landing the flower hole.

00:34:10Agonizing pain tore through her chest.

00:34:12Thick blood spilled from the corner of her mouth.

00:34:15She instinctively looked toward Chester,

00:34:18only to see him shielding Winona with heartache in his eyes.

00:34:21He ushered her into the car Simon had brought around.

00:34:24From beginning to end, he didn't spare Noelle a single glimpse.

00:34:27She blacked out.

00:34:29Noelle lay in the hospital for two days.

00:34:32Through Winona's social media updates,

00:34:34she saw Chester escorting her to banquets and public events.

00:34:38With the wedding so close, he couldn't hold back anymore.

00:34:42He didn't even bother putting on an act.

00:34:45Noelle made her own preparations for the wedding day.

00:34:49The afternoon before the wedding, Chester came to pick her up from the hospital.

00:34:53He brought her favorite bellflowers.

00:34:55I was too impulsive the other day, so this is my apology.

00:34:59But you need to stop targeting Winona, too.

00:35:01Tomorrow is our wedding.

00:35:03I've prepared a surprise for you.

00:35:07Perfect.

00:35:09I've prepared a surprise for you, too.

00:35:12Chester paused.

00:35:13A flicker of awkwardness flashed in his eyes before he smoothed it over.

00:35:17On the drive back to the villa, the weather turned,

00:35:20and there was a torrential downfall.

00:35:22When thunder cracked, Chester grew restless and on edge.

00:35:26He kept one hand on the wheel while dialing Winona over and over again with the other.

00:35:31The calls went unanswered.

00:35:33He abruptly slammed on the brakes, pulled over, and grabbed an umbrella from the car.

00:35:39He handed it to Noelle.

00:35:41I've got something to deal with.

00:35:42You should grab a cab back.

00:35:44Noelle didn't take the umbrella.

00:35:46She simply gave Chester an unreadable look before stepping out without a backward glance and shutting the door.

00:35:51He hesitated and stared at the umbrella in his hand.

00:35:54An odd feeling flickered through him.

00:35:57But Winona's call came at that moment.

00:35:59She sounded like she was on the verge of tears.

00:36:03Chester, I'm scared.

00:36:05Hurry up and come to me.

00:36:08Chester blanched.

00:36:09His hand moved away from the door handle and he immediately drove off.

00:36:13Noelle stood there, only just realizing that she'd carried the bouquet Chester had given her out of the car.

00:36:19As she watched the taillights vanish into the rain, she set the flowers on a trash can and hailed it

00:36:25out.

00:36:25Back at the villa, she received a message from Chester.

00:36:28I've got some urgent matters to deal with, so I won't be home tonight.

00:36:32She didn't reply.

00:36:34Maybe it was because she'd been in the rain, but she ran a low fever that night, drifting in and

00:36:38out of dreams.

00:36:39One moment, she saw Winona beating her up until she couldn't stand.

00:36:43Then, she pressed a foot to her face to humiliate her.

00:36:47The next moment, she saw Chester soothing her, cooking for her, and watching movies with her.

00:36:53Lastly, she saw the first time they'd slept together and the countless times after.

00:36:58Tears slid from the corners of her eyes.

00:37:01When she woke, her gaze was nothing but ice.

00:37:04It was her and Chester's wedding day, which happened to fall a week after Marie's death.

00:37:09At first light, Noelle took her suitcase to the cemetery.

00:37:13After leaving the gravesite, she grabbed a cab to the hospital to join the group departure.

00:37:19On her way there, she checked her WhatsApp to confirm every detail and contingency for the wedding with the team.

00:37:27Then, she found a live stream channel she'd bookmarked and tapped in.

00:37:31On camera, a glamorous influencer greeted the audience.

00:37:35Hello, everyone. Today, by the bride's invitation, we're attending a wedding and broadcasting it live.

00:37:42Noelle stared at the phone screen, a cold, dark light glinting in her eyes.

00:37:51At the wedding venue, Chester wore a groom's tuxedo, while Simon and Winona were dressed as the best man and

00:37:57maid of honor.

00:37:58The ceremony was a simple garden one, and the guests were all young, familiar faces.

00:38:03Every guest knew exactly what they were waiting for the show to begin.

00:38:07When the live stream crew walked in, Chester froze for a beat and stepped forward to ask what they were

00:38:12doing there.

00:38:13He frowned when he heard Noelle have hired them.

00:38:15I'm sorry, but it's inconvenient to live stream today's wedding. Please.

00:38:19Before he could finish, Winona came over and tugged on his sleeve.

00:38:24She said sweetly,

00:38:25Chester, since Elle invited them, we should respect her wishes.

00:38:29Hi, everyone. I'm today's maid of honor and a childhood friend of both the groom and his best man.

00:38:34Noelle smiled mockingly as she watched things play out on her phone screen.

00:38:38It was time for the ceremony to start, yet the bride still hadn't arrived.

00:38:44Chester called Noelle again and again, only to be told each time that her phone was powered off.

00:38:50He furrowed his brows and turned to his assistant.

00:38:53Check the hospital. See whether Noelle is with her grandmother.

00:38:56He deliberately left Marie out of the ceremony that day, afraid that she would be upset or aggravated by what

00:39:03was about to happen.

00:39:04As he listened to the cool, robotic voice tell him that Noelle's phone was off, he grew increasingly anxious.

00:39:11Had she found something out?

00:39:12Just then, the massive screen behind them crackled to life with voices.

00:39:17Chester, will Noelle have a meltdown when she finds out I've been pretending to be you and playing her this

00:39:22whole time?

00:39:23Chester's and Sonya's faces drained of color.

00:39:26Noelle had found out ahead of time.

00:39:28She'd never imagine Chester having an identical twin.

00:39:31When she finds out he's the one who's been getting into her pants these past three years, that's punishment.

00:39:35He'll make her feel on top of the girl before dropping her into the abyss.

00:39:39Gotta say that he's put in some serious work to achieve that.

00:39:41Panic surged in both of them.

00:39:44Before they could react, the footage on the screen cut to a new scene.

00:39:48In a bathroom, Winona ordered a group of young women to strip Noelle and press lit cigarettes to her skin

00:39:54one by one to burn her.

00:39:56She also made them slap her across the face before finally shoving her head down into a toilet.

00:40:01The crowd fell silent.

00:40:02Only Noelle's screams echoed through the stillness.

00:40:05On the screen, Winona's flawlessly made-up face twisted with venom and arrogance.

00:40:10Noelle's brother first.

00:40:12You've got nerve to see if my fight was the cannabis fed.

00:40:15Get on your knees and drop them to my feet now, or I'll make the next four years of your

00:40:20life a living head.

00:40:21Chester and Simon stood frozen in place as their blood ran cold.

00:40:26One scene after another showed Winona bullying well recessively.

00:40:30The video finally froze on Winona's cruel expression.

00:40:34Only then did the brothers snap to their senses and stiffly turn to look at Winona.

00:40:38She'd been lying to them all along.

00:40:43Winona screamed like she'd lost her mind.

00:40:46Turn it off.

00:40:47Shut it off.

00:40:48Right then, the massive scream started playing the bullying footage again.

00:40:53This time, however, Winona looked younger, and the victim was someone else.

00:40:58A girl in a high school uniform.

00:41:00More clips popped up one after another, and multiple videos played at once.

00:41:05Aside from Winona's frantic shrieks, there were all kinds of other screams.

00:41:16It was you!

00:41:17You drove my daughter to jump to her death!

00:41:19You destroyed my family and forced us to leave!

00:41:22All the staff who were supposed to be doing their jobs charged out, accusing her of her crimes and beating

00:41:27her.

00:41:27Every single one of them was either a victim or a victim's family.

00:41:32Winona had caused more than one person's death.

00:41:35But whenever these people had tried to ask the internet or the police for help, their efforts had been suppressed

00:41:40almost immediately.

00:41:42The victims had either died or begged for mercy until Winona was satisfied.

00:41:46Then, she'd moved on to the next target.

00:41:49Noelle was her longest-lasting victim.

00:41:51She was also the one Winona hated most.

00:41:54The more Noelle refused to break, the more Winona wanted to destroy her.

00:41:58At first, Noelle had exposed Winona online and tried going to the police, but nothing worked.

00:42:04Later, she'd spent a lot of time gathering evidence of Winona bullying others.

00:42:08She'd put in a lot of effort convincing these people to trust her and hand over their proof.

00:42:12She'd also persuaded them to side with her.

00:42:15Even during the years Winona was abroad, Noelle hadn't given up on her plan for revenge.

00:42:20From the moment she'd overheard the plot against her while standing outside that private room,

00:42:25she'd decided to use this wedding to broadcast Winona's crimes live for everyone to see.

00:42:30Only if there were enough victims.

00:42:33Only if public outrage grew big enough would the Johnsons be unable to smother this.

00:42:37The venue fell into a dead hush, broken only by the victim's family's curses and punches.

00:42:42Chester, save me! Save me!

00:42:45Chester and Simon clenched their fists so tightly their bodies trembled.

00:42:49Their eyes turned bloodshot.

00:42:50The person they'd protected since childhood, someone they thought was gentle and timid,

00:42:54had turned out to be someone like this.

00:42:56For her, they'd set up a trap against Noelle.

00:42:59They'd fancied themselves righteous judges, but they were actually accomplices to evil.

00:43:04They charged ahead and pushed into the crowd.

00:43:06Winona struggled toward them when she saw them.

00:43:08Chester, Simon, save me!

00:43:10But the next second, she met their bloodshot eyes that were cold and full of disgust.

00:43:15Chester grabbed her by the collar and hauled her up, his voice shaking with anger and pain as he roared,

00:43:22You've been lying to me all along, Winona.

00:43:24You egged me on to go after Noelle.

00:43:26He thought of all the years of deception and how Noelle already knew the truth.

00:43:30He thought about their confrontation in the hospital.

00:43:32She'd looked at him with disbelief and pain before the emotions had faded into dead hopelessness.

00:43:38He couldn't stop shaking as panic crawled up his chest.

00:43:40Meanwhile, Simon stood beside him, looking at Winona like he wanted to kill her.

00:43:45I... I didn't.

00:43:47That wretch Noelle set me up.

00:43:49The videos are fake.

00:43:51You're still lying.

00:43:52She reached for him, pleading.

00:43:54She picked on me first.

00:43:56I was just fighting back.

00:43:57Chester, you have to believe me.

00:43:59Simon kicked her square in the chest, sending her flying with a brutal thud.

00:44:04The crowd surged forward again, swarming her and beating her.

00:44:07Stop right there!

00:44:08The police officers stood in the lobby, taking Winona and the victims in for investigation.

00:44:14They collected all the evidence before leaving.

00:44:16By then, Noelle had already reached the airport.

00:44:18She exited the live stream and checked the news online.

00:44:22The internet had exploded.

00:44:24There were headlines everywhere about how Winona, the Johnson family's heiress, was a bully.

00:44:30Chester and Simon were also being cursed to hell and back for what they'd done.

00:44:35A faint smile tugged at Noelle's lips.

00:44:38She pulled her old phone out of her bag and turned it on.

00:44:42Then, she sent Chester and Simon some photos, her abortion procedure form, and the images of the aborted embryo.

00:44:48Then, she removed the SIM card, snapped it in two, and dropped the phone into an airport trash bin.

00:44:55She boarded her flight without another look back.

00:45:01As Winona was dragged past Chester, she fought back and grabbed his sleeve.

00:45:05The next second, she met a pair of bloodshot eyes that blazed with hatred.

00:45:10She froze, and he flung her off roughly.

00:45:13The venue fell silent, leaving only Chester and Simon behind, looking distraught.

00:45:18Chester's assistant, who'd gone to the hospital, returned.

00:45:25Mr. Chester, Ms. Rutherford isn't at the hospital.

00:45:29The nurse said her grandmother passed away a week ago.

00:45:31What?

00:45:33No way.

00:45:34Why didn't she say anything if her grandma died?

00:45:38The time of death was last Friday at 11 p.m.

00:45:42I double-checked.

00:45:43Last Friday, the night of their get-together in that private room,

00:45:46could it be that Noelle had overheard their conversation and chosen not to tell them about Marie's death?

00:45:51Chester suddenly remembered how Winona had taken his phone to check on him when they'd been at the airport.

00:45:56He pulled it out and saw dozens of missed calls wiped from the log, along with deleted text messages.

00:46:02Damn it.

00:46:04He bolted, and Simon hurried after them.

00:46:07They jumped into the car and sped toward the room.

00:46:10No one was there.

00:46:12There was a USB drive on the coffee table, and a note was pinned beneath it.

00:46:17Chester Gray, trusting you so easily is the thing I regret most.

00:46:20Chester's fingers trembled as he held the note, and his eyes reddened in an instant.

00:46:25Simon had already plugged the USB drive into the computer and opened the folder.

00:46:31Inside were three years' worth of evidence of Noelle being bullied.

00:46:36Just then, both their phones pinged at once.

00:46:39They saw the photos of the abortion procedure form,

00:46:42and the images of the aborted embryo that Noelle had sent them.

00:46:46She'd also written a message.

00:46:48As you wished, the baby's been taken care of.

00:46:52Dead silence settled over the room.

00:46:55Noelle had gotten pregnant, and she'd terminated it.

00:46:58Chester and Simon shook as they held their phones.

00:47:01Jealousy and heartbreak tore through Chester,

00:47:04while Simon's eyes filled with tears.

00:47:07That was his baby.

00:47:08He remembered the look in Noelle's eyes when she'd come out of the bathroom that night.

00:47:13Suddenly.

00:47:15I told you to be careful.

00:47:20You're the real culprit here.

00:47:23They grafted and swung at each other,

00:47:25unleashing every ounce of pent-up resentment.

00:47:28Only when the blows landed on their bodies did they dull the guilt and regret that threatened to swallow them

00:47:35whole.

00:47:35They kept fighting until they were covered in bruises and too exhausted to throw another punch.

00:47:41They collapsed on the floor, gasping for breath.

00:47:44After a moment, Chester scrambled to his feet.

00:47:52I'm going to find her.

00:47:54Simon rushed after him.

00:47:57They drove straight to the hospital and made a beeline for the department where Noelle worked.

00:48:02Everyone there had seen the news online.

00:48:06Tanya looked at them, her expression cold and full of contempt.

00:48:12Elle signed up for Doctors Without Borders.

00:48:14She left today.

00:48:16I don't know where exactly she's gone.

00:48:24Chester and Simon could hardly believe their ears.

00:48:26Doctors Without Borders?

00:48:28That's way too dangerous.

00:48:29Has she lost her mind?

00:48:30Chester was equally frantic.

00:48:33He shot Tanya an icy look before turning on his heel and leaving.

00:48:37Check Noelle's flight.

00:48:38I need to know where she went.

00:48:40Now.

00:48:41As soon as he hung up, he got a call from his family.

00:48:45You and Simon are to get the hell back here right now.

00:48:48Stanley Gray and Marjorie White were Chester and Simon's parents.

00:48:52They also had an older brother, Felix Gray.

00:48:54The three of them sat on the couch in the Gray residence and stared down at Chester and Simon.

00:48:59The tension in the room was palpable.

00:49:01Look what you two have done.

00:49:03Gray Corporation's stock is on the verge of a limit down, thanks to your stupidity.

00:49:07Have you forgotten your manners?

00:49:09Who gave you permission to treat a young woman like that?

00:49:11Chester, Simon, you went too far.

00:49:14This isn't just a devastating blow to that young woman.

00:49:16It's also a significant hit to Gray Corporation's public image.

00:49:20There's a public outcry against our family now.

00:49:23If we don't handle this properly, our reputation will suffer for a long time.

00:49:26The best move now is to apologize.

00:49:29Make sure it's sincere.

00:49:30You keep apologizing until she forgives you.

00:49:32At the same time, you pin the responsibility on Winona.

00:49:35The Johnsons are already in chaos.

00:49:37Winona isn't getting out of this.

00:49:39He narrowed his eyes dangerously at his brothers.

00:49:43You don't still have feelings for her, do you?

00:49:46Of course not.

00:49:47The thought that she's that vicious and that she's been playing us for years makes me want to ring her

00:49:52neck.

00:49:52We know we messed up.

00:49:54We'll cooperate fully on PR.

00:49:56Good.

00:49:56Our top priority now is earning that young woman's forgiveness.

00:50:00Ideally, get her to issue a joint statement with us.

00:50:03Noelle Rutherford, right?

00:50:04Where is she now?

00:50:05The living room fell silent.

00:50:07After a long beat, Chester slumped and said,

00:50:10She's gone.

00:50:11She joined Doctors Without Borders.

00:50:13We don't know her exact location.

00:50:15Oh?

00:50:16Interesting.

00:50:16She held her ground despite years of bullying and seized the moment to fight back after learning about your stunt.

00:50:23That's impressive.

00:50:23Indeed she is.

00:50:25If you can earn her forgiveness, I'll agree to let her marry into our family.

00:50:28Chester and Simon exchanged a look, both secretly thrilled.

00:50:32That's beside the point now.

00:50:33Even if she isn't here, you still need to apologize.

00:50:37Today, you'll work with PR to record an apology video.

00:50:41Then, issue a written statement.

00:50:43Once the public outrage dies down, and we recoup the losses, whether you chase after her is your business.

00:50:49I won't interfere.

00:50:50I only have one condition.

00:50:52You two can't turn on each other over a woman.

00:50:54Two hours later, Grey Corporation's official apology statement climbed to the top of the trending list, thanks to careful orchestration.

00:51:02Elle, I'm truly sorry.

00:51:04After three years together, you've genuinely moved me with all the goodness in you.

00:51:08I hesitated about following through with the plan, but after Winona's endless crying and accusations, I was tricked into believing

00:51:15her and decided to teach you a lesson at the wedding.

00:51:18I know I messed up, and I know you don't want to see me right now, but I'll find you

00:51:23and ask for your forgiveness in person.

00:51:25The public didn't buy it.

00:51:26Most of the online community stayed clear-headed and tore into the Grey Brothers without mercy, seeing the backlash grow

00:51:33stronger.

00:51:34Grey Corporation issued another statement that Chester's and Simon's family shareholding would be reduced, and their rights to inherit executive

00:51:41management were revoked.

00:51:45Late at night, inside a private room at a club, Chester and Simon kept plying themselves with liquor.

00:51:52A pile of empty bottles already lined the table.

00:51:55Their friends, who had once schemed and planned alongside them, sat in a circle around them.

00:52:00However, what had once been a rowdy, lively atmosphere had fallen into dead silence.

00:52:05Chester, stop drinking!

00:52:07Keith Miller snatched the glass from Chester and reached for Simon's next.

00:52:11Things have already turned out this way.

00:52:13Booze won't fix anything!

00:52:15Exactly.

00:52:16Why exactly are you drinking anyway?

00:52:17Is it for your inheritance, Winona, or Noel?

00:52:20Tell us, and we'll help you analyze the situation.

00:52:23Chester and Simon finally stirred from their drunken state at the mention of Noel's name.

00:52:28Elm.

00:52:29Before Winona's return, his heart had belonged to her.

00:52:32He'd convinced himself that anything with Noel was just an act, no real feelings were involved.

00:52:37Even though he'd always felt weird and off about her intimacy with Simon, he'd never dug into it.

00:52:42Now that Winona's true colors had been exposed, the guilt he felt toward Noel came crashing in.

00:52:47And with it, resentment toward Simon.

00:52:49If he hadn't touched Noel and gotten her pregnant, maybe none of this would have happened.

00:52:55You jerk!

00:52:57Who said you could touch her?

00:52:58Who allowed you to touch her?

00:52:59She's mine!

00:53:00Fueled by alcohol, he let loose the jealousy and frustration he'd buried for years.

00:53:06Did he love Noel?

00:53:07He didn't know.

00:53:08All he knew was that with the truth out, she seemed more perfect and precious than ever.

00:53:12Simon fought back without mercy.

00:53:14Yours?

00:53:14You're the one who said you only loved Winona, Chester.

00:53:17You handed Noel over to me.

00:53:19She was mine for the past three years.

00:53:21Who the hell do you think you are?

00:53:23He was losing it too.

00:53:24Every time he thought about Noel's pale face and dead eyes when she'd walked out of the bathroom that night,

00:53:29his heart twisted like a knife was lodged in it.

00:53:32She really had been.

00:53:34She carried his child.

00:53:36She must have heard him say he wanted it all.

00:53:38That was why she'd made the ruthless choice to terminate her own pregnancy.

00:53:42Simon had lied last week in the private room.

00:53:45He wasn't sick of sleeping with her at all.

00:53:47He just hadn't understood how he'd felt about her.

00:53:50He'd pegged her as malicious and cruel.

00:53:52And because of that, he'd hurt her again and again.

00:53:55But now, he knew how catastrophically wrong he'd been.

00:53:58She had to despise them both.

00:54:00After all the disgusting and vile things she'd heard and the hurt she'd suffered,

00:54:04there was no way she'd forgive them.

00:54:06Chester and Simon brawled like madmen as they saw red.

00:54:09No one could hold them back, no matter how hard they tried.

00:54:13I'm the one she loves, Simon.

00:54:15I'm the one she was going to marry.

00:54:17Who do you think you are?

00:54:19Thinking about Simon's entanglement with Noelle,

00:54:21Chester grabbed a bottle from the table and smashed it hard on Simon's head.

00:54:25As the glass exploded,

00:54:28Simon grabbed another bottle and cracked it against Chester's skull in return.

00:54:32The room fell into a deathly silence.

00:54:35A beat later, blood streamed down both their foreheads and they collapsed in a heap.

00:54:48Chester and Simon found themselves in the hospital when they woke up.

00:54:53Why are you here?

00:54:56Chester, what is your apology statement supposed to mean?

00:55:00Didn't you say you've always loved me?

00:55:02We grew up together and I have no idea when you became like this.

00:55:06Or maybe you were always like this and you've been wearing a mask all along.

00:55:12Every extra second that I look at you now makes my skin crawl.

00:55:16Chester, how can you say that?

00:55:18I'm pregnant with your child.

00:55:21I was just bailed out.

00:55:23What did you say?

00:55:26When did we even...

00:55:27Remembering the trip he'd made a month ago to see her.

00:55:31He'd had too much to drink and had woken up to find them in the same bed.

00:55:36He couldn't remember whether anything actually happened.

00:55:39And Winona had been coy, shy and evasive.

00:55:43You remember, don't you?

00:55:44This is a Grey family descendant.

00:55:46Chester, you have to take full responsibility.

00:55:49Chester pulled out a thick stack of documents and tossed them in her face.

00:55:54Right on top were photos of her with different men at different times.

00:55:58I've already looked into your years abroad.

00:56:00You're a hell of an actress, you know.

00:56:02Now that the Johnson family is on its way to ruin,

00:56:05you want to latch on to me and make me raise your child with another man.

00:56:09Do you really take me for an idiot?

00:56:11Whenona's face turned ashen as she stared down at the papers.

00:56:15She shot to her feet, wanting to leave the room.

00:56:19However, Simon came in just then and clamped his fingers around her throat.

00:56:23He dragged her to the window in a brutal yank.

00:56:26You flushed Elle's grandmother's ashes down the toilet,

00:56:29then threw her necklace out the window and framed her for pushing you.

00:56:33That's enough.

00:56:34Or do you want to go to prison over her?

00:56:36Simon shot him a resentful look.

00:56:39Then, he lifted Winona and flung her aside.

00:56:43My baby.

00:56:45Save my baby.

00:56:49This is your retribution, Winona.

00:56:51After Chester and Simon were discharged,

00:56:54they returned to the villa where Noelle had lived.

00:56:57The place still looked the same as before,

00:56:59but everything that belonged to her had vanished.

00:57:03None of her clothes were left in the closet,

00:57:05and the gifts she'd given them had been cleared out completely,

00:57:08not even leaving a trace.

00:57:10The gifts they had given her, though, were still there.

00:57:14This was how she declared her resolve to sever herself from them.

00:57:18A memory of Noelle curled up in his arms

00:57:21with her arms around his waist appeared in his mind's eye.

00:57:23He really did like her.

00:57:26It was in that instant that Chester finally realized how he truly felt.

00:57:32When he was with Winona, he had to plan a lot.

00:57:36He needed to line up activities and prepare surprises

00:57:39just to feel like there really was anything between them.

00:57:42But when he was with Noelle, he didn't need any of that.

00:57:46He could just relax and lounge.

00:57:49It had calmed him, mind and soul.

00:57:52By the time he realized it, it was too late.

00:57:55On the other hand, Simon sat on the stool at the vanity,

00:57:59absently rubbing an empty photo frame.

00:58:02There used to be a picture in it, Noelle, in a nightgown,

00:58:05with her long hair loose as she sat reading by the bay window.

00:58:09The morning light had been perfect that day.

00:58:11He'd shot the photo, had it printed, and kept it on the vanity ever since.

00:58:18Simon, when we find out, let's compete fairly.

00:58:21What's past is past.

00:58:23Let's start over.

00:58:24Simon was silent for a long time before answering rascally.

00:58:28Okay.

00:58:29We start over.

00:58:30We compete fairly.

00:58:35It had been half a month since Noelle's arrival at the war zone.

00:58:38Aside from the panic and confusion on the first day,

00:58:41she'd adapted quickly to life there.

00:58:43Every day, she treated countless wounded.

00:58:46People were injured from blades, stray bullets, and explosions.

00:58:50Some died the moment they reached the hospital,

00:58:52and most of those who survived would still face life with missing limbs.

00:58:57Here, she had no time to dwell on the bullying,

00:58:59the deceit, and the manipulation she'd suffered in the past.

00:59:02She didn't even have time to unlock her phone and check what was happening back home.

00:59:06In the face of so much death,

00:59:08the pain that once cut to the bone felt insignificant.

00:59:11To be alive and with all four reasons,

00:59:14it had already brushed on the voice.

00:59:15The following day,

00:59:16the war alarm blared outside the hospital.

00:59:19A civilian neighborhood had been bought.

00:59:21The wounded were beyond captive,

00:59:22and they needed a new first place.

00:59:24Noelle signed up immediately and went out of the medical team.

00:59:26What caught Noelle's eye most were few flashes of beauty.

00:59:30They belonged to a peacekeeping unit in Kari.

00:59:32They were also assisting in the rescue.

00:59:34She merely glanced at them once

00:59:35before focusing fully on treating the danger.

00:59:38Gunpiles sounded in the distance with her thoughts,

00:59:40and shells fell from the sky from time to time.

00:59:43As they worked,

00:59:44they had to stay alert,

00:59:45ready to duck for cover at any moment.

00:59:47Suddenly,

00:59:48a shell landed not a far from Noelle.

00:59:50She instinctively scooped up the child she was killed.

00:59:53An instant later,

00:59:54the blast wave threw her off her feet.

00:59:56She rolled twice on the ground.

00:59:57Thankfully,

00:59:58she suffered only scrapes along her arm.

01:00:01Before she could apply the medicine,

01:00:02a stray bullet whistled from afar

01:00:04and hurtled straight toward her.

01:00:06At the last possible moment,

01:00:08a tall figure sprinted at her and dove,

01:00:10knocking her down.

01:00:11He was from Katia's peacekeeping force.

01:00:14As she looked at him,

01:00:15he did the same.

01:00:16Their eyes met,

01:00:17and they both froze.

01:00:18It's you?

01:00:19The man who saved Noelle

01:00:21was the same one

01:00:21who'd driven her to see Marie one last time.

01:00:24Even though it had been raining cats and dogs that night,

01:00:26he'd rolled down his window

01:00:27to ask whether she was okay.

01:00:29Out of gratitude,

01:00:30Noelle had etched his strong,

01:00:32rugged face into her memory.

01:00:33She'd also left all the cash in her bag

01:00:35on his seat before getting out.

01:00:37Hi,

01:00:38I'm Gideon Quill.

01:00:39Hi,

01:00:39I'm Noelle Rutherford.

01:00:41Thanks for saving me.

01:00:42We actually met back in Katia.

01:00:44You drove me to the hospital.

01:00:45Do you remember?

01:00:46I do.

01:00:47I didn't think we would cross paths again.

01:00:49He remembered Noelle vividly.

01:00:51He'd been on leave

01:00:52when he saw someone

01:00:53frantically trying to flag down a car

01:00:55by the side of the road.

01:00:56She'd been a mess soaked,

01:00:57desperate,

01:00:58and right on the edge of breaking down.

01:00:59He'd taken her straight to the hospital,

01:01:01never expecting that she would leave

01:01:03a wad of cash behind in his car.

01:01:05Take care of yourself,

01:01:07he quickly added.

01:01:08Then,

01:01:09he went back to his mission.

01:01:10Noelle pulled her gaze away

01:01:11and returned to saving lives.

01:01:13As she worked,

01:01:14a cheer rose at the hospital's entrance.

01:01:16She vaguely heard

01:01:17that there was a convoy

01:01:18delivering medical supplies.

01:01:19Noelle ran out as well.

01:01:21She needed antibiotics.

01:01:22She pushed into the crowd

01:01:23just as a man jumped down

01:01:24from the back of a truck.

01:01:25She only saw his back,

01:01:27but something about him felt familiar.

01:01:29No way.

01:01:29She shut the thought down.

01:01:30There was no way he would be.

01:01:32But then the man turned

01:01:33and lifted another person

01:01:34down from the truck.

01:01:35As he turned,

01:01:36his features came into sharp focus.

01:01:38Noelle's eyes widened

01:01:39and she froze where she stood.

01:01:41Standing before her

01:01:42were Chester and Simon.

01:01:47Elle.

01:01:48A slightly hoarse voice

01:01:49pulled Noelle out of her reverie.

01:01:51Chester stood beside her.

01:01:54Elle.

01:01:54We came to Arbery

01:01:55just to look for you.

01:01:57We still owe you

01:01:58a proper apology.

01:01:59I'm sorry, Elle.

01:02:01Truly, I am.

01:02:03We only found out

01:02:04at the wedding

01:02:05that Winona was the one

01:02:06who bullied you.

01:02:07We were all deceived by her.

01:02:09We...

01:02:10Chester,

01:02:11the night Grandma passed,

01:02:12she wanted to see you

01:02:13one last time.

01:02:15I once thought

01:02:16that if you showed up

01:02:17and let her go in peace,

01:02:18then I could forgive everything.

01:02:21But where were you then?

01:02:26I...

01:02:26It was Winona.

01:02:28She took my phone.

01:02:29She deleted your messages to me

01:02:31and I didn't get your calls.

01:02:33If I'd known about Marie's condition,

01:02:34I would have rushed over.

01:02:36No, you wouldn't have.

01:02:38You would have chosen Winona.

01:02:40That's why I won't ever forgive you.

01:02:43Elle, don't treat me like this.

01:02:45I do care about you.

01:02:48Those three years

01:02:49weren't all an act.

01:02:51I genuinely love you.

01:02:53I only realized it

01:02:54after you left.

01:02:55I just made some mistakes.

01:02:57I...

01:02:58He abruptly stopped talking

01:03:00when he saw

01:03:00the cool indifference

01:03:01and mockery

01:03:02in Noelle's eyes.

01:03:04He had never imagined

01:03:06that those bright eyes

01:03:07could hold emotions like that.

01:03:10My rest time is precious

01:03:12and you're interrupting it.

01:03:14Chester felt like

01:03:15something was lodged

01:03:16in his throat.

01:03:17It felt so sore

01:03:18that he couldn't get

01:03:19any words out.

01:03:21After a long moment,

01:03:22he managed to squeeze out...

01:03:24Ellie, I'm sorry.

01:03:26Then he fled.

01:03:29Chester had just left

01:03:31when Simon stepped out

01:03:32from the shadows

01:03:33behind the tent.

01:03:34He stopped

01:03:35in front of Noelle.

01:03:38Elle.

01:03:39I'm sorry.

01:03:40Got it.

01:03:41Please leave.

01:03:43No, you don't get it.

01:03:45Noelle.

01:03:47I've always liked you.

01:03:48I fell for you

01:03:49the moment I met you.

01:03:51But you were already

01:03:53Chester's girlfriend then

01:03:54and I...

01:03:54So, you pretended

01:03:56to be Chester

01:03:57and slept with me?

01:03:59You toyed with me

01:04:01and hurt me?

01:04:02Is that it?

01:04:03Is that what you call

01:04:05liking someone?

01:04:06No, I...

01:04:07Simon faltered.

01:04:09He pressed his lips together

01:04:10not knowing

01:04:11how to defend himself.

01:04:13He had no defense.

01:04:15I just...

01:04:17I kept suppressing

01:04:19what I really felt.

01:04:20I kept lying to myself.

01:04:23Each time we slept together

01:04:25I kept wondering

01:04:26who you thought I was.

01:04:27I...

01:04:28I thought you were Chester

01:04:29each time, Simon.

01:04:31Because to me

01:04:32it's only ever been Chester.

01:04:36Who do you think you are?

01:04:37You're just the younger brother

01:04:39who came back from studying abroad

01:04:40a week before my wedding.

01:04:42Aren't you?

01:04:43Elle, I...

01:04:44Get lost.

01:04:45Save your fake apologies.

01:04:47I don't want them.

01:04:49Simon left.

01:04:52Noelle didn't linger.

01:04:53She got up

01:04:54and returned to her dorm.

01:04:57That night

01:04:57Chester and Simon

01:04:59didn't sleep at all.

01:05:00Noelle's attitude

01:05:01left them feeling lost.

01:05:03For the first time

01:05:05they felt there was no way

01:05:06to win her back.

01:05:08Noelle's mood

01:05:09dipped for a moment

01:05:10but bone deep exhaustion

01:05:12had her asleep

01:05:13the second her head

01:05:14hit the pillow.

01:05:16She thought Chester

01:05:17and Simon would soon leave

01:05:19but to her surprise

01:05:20they stayed

01:05:21and helped at the hospital.

01:05:23They carried supplies

01:05:25lifted patients

01:05:26soothed the injured.

01:05:28They did whatever they could.

01:05:31Noelle's stance

01:05:32remained crystal clear.

01:05:34No matter what they said

01:05:36or did

01:05:36she wanted no more ties

01:05:38with them at all.

01:05:43A year later

01:05:44a plane touched down

01:05:45in Justin Karnia.

01:05:46A woman with short hair

01:05:48a lean frame

01:05:49and sun-tanned skin

01:05:50strode out of the airport.

01:05:52She walked with purpose

01:05:53and her eyes sparkled.

01:05:54It was Noelle.

01:05:55Her one-year contract

01:05:56with Doctors Without Borders

01:05:58was over

01:05:58and she was back.

01:06:00Chester and Simon

01:06:00trailed not far behind her.

01:06:02They'd also changed

01:06:03compared to a year ago.

01:06:04After witnessing life,

01:06:05death and faith up close

01:06:06they'd found their own

01:06:07direction and goals.

01:06:08The one thing

01:06:09that hadn't changed

01:06:10was their love for Noelle.

01:06:11Even though she'd treated them

01:06:12like strangers

01:06:13for the past year

01:06:14she was even more

01:06:15distant with them

01:06:16than she was

01:06:16with her co-workers.

01:06:17Their respect for her

01:06:18had only deepened

01:06:20as had their love.

01:06:21The Grey family

01:06:21had pushed them

01:06:22countless times

01:06:23to come home

01:06:23in the past year

01:06:24but they'd chosen

01:06:25to stay by Noelle's side

01:06:26guarding a hopeless love.

01:06:27Noelle booked a hotel room

01:06:29then went straight

01:06:30to Marie's grave.

01:06:31She bought flowers,

01:06:32a drink

01:06:33and all sorts of treats.

01:06:35She stood before

01:06:35the tombstone

01:06:36and told Marie

01:06:37about what she'd experienced.

01:06:39Grandma,

01:06:39I finally did

01:06:40what I've always wanted to do.

01:06:42I'm doing well now.

01:06:43My heart feels full.

01:06:45I've found the courage

01:06:46to face anything

01:06:47and I finally understand

01:06:48what you meant

01:06:49when you said

01:06:50that all suffering

01:06:51is temporary.

01:06:52I promise I'll find happiness

01:06:54so don't worry about me.

01:06:56She stayed until dusk

01:06:57before leaving the cemetery

01:06:59and catching a cab

01:07:00back to the hotel.

01:07:01She went to the hospital.

01:07:02When Tanya saw her again

01:07:04she smiled with relief

01:07:05and her eyes reddened slightly.

01:07:07She patted Noelle's shoulder.

01:07:09It's good that you're back.

01:07:10We've all been waiting for you.

01:07:11I'll give you a week

01:07:12to rest up

01:07:13before coming back to work.

01:07:14As Noelle turned to leave

01:07:15she saw her colleagues

01:07:17gathered at the doorway

01:07:18beaming at her.

01:07:19A few of her closest co-workers

01:07:21had tears

01:07:22glimmering in their eyes.

01:07:24They rushed forward

01:07:25and hugged her tightly.

01:07:26Elle,

01:07:27we were so worried

01:07:28about you.

01:07:29Warmth bloomed

01:07:30in Noelle's chest

01:07:31and she gave them

01:07:32a genuine smile.

01:07:34She picked up her luggage

01:07:34from the hotel

01:07:35and headed home.

01:07:36It was a two-bedroom apartment

01:07:37in an old complex.

01:07:39It was small

01:07:39but it was where Marie

01:07:40had lived for decades.

01:07:41She put her things

01:07:42back in her room

01:07:43and started cleaning the place

01:07:44working straight through

01:07:45until evening.

01:07:46Then she drove

01:07:47to the supermarket

01:07:48to stock up.

01:07:49The kitchen was bare

01:07:49so she filled

01:07:50an entire shopping cart

01:07:52with groceries.

01:07:53It was piled so high

01:07:54that her view was blocked

01:07:55when she lifted everything

01:07:57into her arms.

01:07:58Just as she reached

01:07:59the entrance,

01:07:59an unruly kid came

01:08:00barreling out

01:08:01and slammed into her.

01:08:03Everything in her arms

01:08:04crashed to the ground

01:08:05and she lost her balance.

01:08:07She toppled

01:08:07toward the floor.

01:08:11A warm, strong hand

01:08:13grabbed Noelle's arm

01:08:14and pulled her back.

01:08:15You okay?

01:08:16The voice was familiar.

01:08:18Noelle's head snapped up

01:08:20and she met a pair

01:08:21of twinkling eyes.

01:08:22Gideon?

01:08:23You're back too!

01:08:24She broke into

01:08:25a genuine smile

01:08:26feeling pleasantly surprised.

01:08:28She and Gideon

01:08:29had crossed paths

01:08:30plenty over the past year

01:08:31in Arbery.

01:08:32They'd grown much closer.

01:08:34Yeah.

01:08:34The peacekeeping mission

01:08:35was for a year

01:08:36and I'm done now.

01:08:37I'll be based in Justin

01:08:38from now on.

01:08:39What about you?

01:08:40I'm heading back to work

01:08:41at Justin Prime Hospital.

01:08:42Noelle gathered the things.

01:08:44She was about to scoop them up

01:08:45when Gideon got everything.

01:08:47He said,

01:08:48I've got this.

01:08:49You lead the way.

01:08:50After they put everything away,

01:08:52she offered,

01:08:53let me treat you to a meal.

01:08:55He didn't object

01:08:56and they settled on a restaurant

01:08:58after a quick discussion.

01:08:59Though they'd known each other

01:09:00for a year,

01:09:01this was their first

01:09:02proper meal together.

01:09:04The conversation started

01:09:05with Arbery

01:09:06and there was never

01:09:06an awkward lull.

01:09:08As they delved deeper,

01:09:09the atmosphere

01:09:10grew more comfortable.

01:09:11Dinner ended on a high note

01:09:13and they parted ways

01:09:14to head home.

01:09:14On the way back,

01:09:15Gideon couldn't keep

01:09:16the smile off his face.

01:09:18As for Noelle,

01:09:19the loneliness

01:09:19she'd been carrying

01:09:20seemed to have been

01:09:21swept away,

01:09:22at least a little.

01:09:23The next day,

01:09:24Noelle went back

01:09:25to her old high school

01:09:26and visited her

01:09:27homeroom teacher.

01:09:28When work came up,

01:09:29she talked about

01:09:30her year away.

01:09:31No sooner had the words

01:09:32left her mouth

01:09:33than a familiar voice

01:09:34rang out from the left.

01:09:35Miss Burden,

01:09:36long time no see.

01:09:38Noelle turned

01:09:39and there was Gideon

01:09:41standing not far away.

01:09:43He wore the same

01:09:43surprised expression

01:09:45she had.

01:09:45After that day,

01:09:46they started talking

01:09:48more often.

01:09:49There was an unspoken

01:09:50intimacy between them.

01:09:51Three days later,

01:09:52Noelle returned

01:09:53to the hospital for work

01:09:54and Gideon's break ended.

01:09:56Dr. Rutherfield,

01:09:57someone sent you flowers.

01:09:59The front desk nurse

01:10:00came bustling over

01:10:01with a massive bouquet

01:10:03of roses.

01:10:03Noelle's first thought

01:10:04was Gideon,

01:10:05but her expression

01:10:06cooled when she saw

01:10:07the card that came

01:10:08with the bouquet.

01:10:09It was from Chester.

01:10:10Before she could say

01:10:11anything,

01:10:12another nurse came over

01:10:13with a second bouquet.

01:10:14This one was from Simon.

01:10:16Her irritation welled up

01:10:18and she pressed

01:10:19her lips together.

01:10:21Throw them out.

01:10:22Every day after that,

01:10:23Chester and Simon

01:10:24sent flowers to the hospital.

01:10:26They never showed up

01:10:27in person,

01:10:27but their presence

01:10:28was loud enough

01:10:29to be exhausting.

01:10:30On her 27th birthday,

01:10:32as Noelle stepped out

01:10:33of the hospital,

01:10:34Chester and Simon

01:10:35walked to her

01:10:36with flowers and gifts.

01:10:37Elle,

01:10:38happy birthday!

01:10:39Chester, Simon,

01:10:41stop sending me flowers

01:10:42and stop harassing me!

01:10:44Elle,

01:10:45can you at least

01:10:46give me a chance

01:10:47to pursue you?

01:10:48Elle,

01:10:49I want to start over

01:10:51with you.

01:10:51I've made myself

01:10:52perfectly clear.

01:10:54Keep this up

01:10:54and I'll...

01:10:55Go to hell,

01:10:56you bitch!

01:10:57A kitchen knife

01:10:58came hurtling

01:10:58toward Noelle

01:10:59from the left.

01:11:00Across from her,

01:11:01Chester's and Simon's eyes

01:11:02bulged in terror

01:11:03as they lunged

01:11:04toward her.

01:11:05Elle!

01:11:05At the same time,

01:11:06Gideon,

01:11:07who'd just arrived

01:11:08at the hospital,

01:11:09pushed through the crowd

01:11:09and charged toward her.

01:11:14Noelle reacted fast.

01:11:16The moment she heard

01:11:16Winona's voice,

01:11:17she saw the flash of silver

01:11:19that flickered to her left.

01:11:20She stepped back

01:11:21and leaned away,

01:11:22narrowly dodging

01:11:23the kitchen knife.

01:11:24Having missed

01:11:24on the first swing,

01:11:25Winona quickly

01:11:26raised the knife

01:11:27and went for a second.

01:11:28That was when

01:11:28Simon rushed forward.

01:11:30As the blade came down,

01:11:31he yanked Noelle

01:11:32toward him and turned,

01:11:33shielding her

01:11:33with his body.

01:11:34In an instant,

01:11:35the knife sliced

01:11:36open the flesh

01:11:36on his back.

01:11:37Chester lunged

01:11:38to grab Winona.

01:11:39You should go to hell too.

01:11:41When she saw him,

01:11:42she didn't hesitate.

01:11:43She could have leveraged

01:11:43her pregnancy

01:11:44to get a one-year bail,

01:11:45during which her family

01:11:46would have pulled strings

01:11:47to work something out.

01:11:48But Chester and Simon

01:11:49had made her miscarry,

01:11:51forcing her to serve time.

01:11:52For a whole year,

01:11:53once word of her crimes

01:11:54got around,

01:11:55the other inmates

01:11:56had tormented her relentlessly.

01:11:58Everyone had targeted her,

01:11:59making her life

01:12:00a living hell.

01:12:01When a hand clamped

01:12:02around her wrist,

01:12:03the knife was whipped away

01:12:04in a heartbeat.

01:12:05Then,

01:12:05a powerful force

01:12:07slammed her to the ground,

01:12:08twisting her arms

01:12:09behind her.

01:12:14Gideon had arrived.

01:12:15The crowd had scattered.

01:12:17Medical staff burst out

01:12:18with gurneys

01:12:18and rushed Chester

01:12:19and Simon inside.

01:12:21Neither had passed out.

01:12:22As they were lifted

01:12:22onto the beds,

01:12:23they kept their eyes

01:12:24locked on Noelle.

01:12:25They were desperate

01:12:26to catch a flicker of mercy,

01:12:28any sign of her softening,

01:12:29or even heartache for them.

01:12:31But there was nothing.

01:12:32Noelle looked at Gideon

01:12:33and walked straight to him

01:12:34without a backward glance.

01:12:36Are you okay?

01:12:38Yeah.

01:12:40Thank God you're fine.

01:12:41I was worried about you, Elle.

01:12:43Noelle was taken aback.

01:12:45Then,

01:12:45her eyes prickled.

01:12:47She raised her arms

01:12:48and wrapped them around him.

01:12:49Gideon accompanied Noelle

01:12:51to the police station

01:12:52to have her statement taken.

01:12:53His eyes reddened

01:12:54from heartache

01:12:55when he learned

01:12:55about how she'd been bullied.

01:12:57It was past 8 p.m.

01:12:58when they stepped out

01:12:59of the police station.

01:13:00He took her

01:13:01to a popular restaurant

01:13:02that was surprisingly empty.

01:13:03It was decorated

01:13:04with flowers and balloons

01:13:06and a formally dressed pianist

01:13:08played for them.

01:13:09Noelle's heart raced

01:13:10when she saw all of this.

01:13:12After dinner,

01:13:13Gideon took out a bracelet

01:13:14and officially confessed.

01:13:15Elle,

01:13:16I started developing feelings

01:13:18for you

01:13:18when we were in Arbery.

01:13:19Spending time together

01:13:21since we both got back

01:13:22has only made me more certain

01:13:24that you're the partner

01:13:25I've been searching for.

01:13:27I really like you.

01:13:28Will you be my girlfriend

01:13:29with marriage as our endgame?

01:13:31Noelle smiled.

01:13:32I will.

01:13:33He clasped the bracelet,

01:13:35glittering with pave diamonds

01:13:37around her wrist.

01:13:38With it,

01:13:39he also clasped her heart.

captive of my former slave [Full Movie] [Long Version]Full EP - Full

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