- 15 hours ago
Head Witch in Charge HD
Category
🎥
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? What 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 high.
01:45He 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
02:30signs.
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.
03:18I 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 and
03:25efficiently.
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, the four of them.
03:39Charles sat in the center, Vivian holding his arm, with two similar looking young adults
03:44in their 20s standing on either side, full of vigor.
03:47When I walked in, the lively atmosphere instantly turned cold, as if announcing my unwelcome presence.
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.
04:09Charles 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
04:28wariness, treating 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.
04:42I 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.
05:10Picked up my bag.
05:11Stood at the doorway.
05:12And glanced back one last time at 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.
05:24Composed of their family of four.
05:26With no place for me.
05:27The way Charles looked at Vivian was with respect for the mother of his children.
05:30And guilt for having kept her as a secret lover all these years.
05:32As for me.
05:33I was just an old woman he had grown tired of.
05:35With no children by my side.
05:36Deserving to fend for myself.
05:38A cold laugh echoed in my heart.
05:40Fine.
05:40Since you want me gone I'll leave cleanly.
05:42So you can enjoy this brief pretense of affection.
05:45After all.
05:45In a few days it will be you turning on each other.
05:49After the divorce.
05:50I moved into an apartment.
05:51It wasn't far from my former home.
05:53But it felt like a different world.
05:55I didn't feel any particular discomfort.
05:57Without Charles in the house.
05:58I actually enjoyed the peace and quiet.
06:00But outsiders didn't see it that way.
06:02No matter how capable and free spirited you were in your youth.
06:05You 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.
06:13With 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.
06:24His face full of regret.
06:25We shouldn't have let you have your way back then.
06:26If we had persuaded you more.
06:28You wouldn't be in this situation now.
06:30Their words implicitly blamed me for insisting on being child free.
06:32Saying that's why I lost my husband's heart.
06:34The most ridiculous thing was that my friends also thought Charles hadn't done anything terribly wrong.
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.
07:06How 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.
07:16Bearing the pressure from everyone.
07:18My declaration that I would never have children was denounced as selfish and unfilial.
07:22Charles' parents pressured him to divorce me.
07:24But he said he didn't mind.
07:25As long as we could live happily together.
07:28Moved by his words.
07:29I became even more resolute in my decision.
07:31For decades.
07:32I bore all the blame myself.
07:34Protecting his reputation.
07:35Even his confidence and dignity as a man.
07:37Only 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.
07:45He could have other women bear his children.
07:47And he could maintain his reputation as a loving husband.
07:50While gaining my parents trust and support.
07:51Why wouldn't he play along?
07:53When I discovered the truth.
07:54I never imagined that my seemingly gentle husband was so deeply calculating.
07:58I was wrong.
07:59But my mistake was not having children.
08:01My mistake was taking it upon myself to protect his dignity as a man.
08:05For that.
08:05I was even willing to give up my right to be a mother.
08:08So I planned for years.
08:09Waiting for the moment when his act fell apart.
08:11To deliver him a devastating blow.
08:15Soon.
08:16I received the wedding invitation for Charles and Vivian's wedding.
08:18The invitation was in Vivian's handwriting.
08:20Saying that as Charles' ex-wife.
08:22I must want to see him happy too.
08:24And 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.
08:35She 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 wedding.
08:47When my friends heard that Vivian had invited me to her wedding with Charles, they were all furious.
08:53What does he mean by this?
08:55He'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 listened to their angry voices without feeling a single ripple in my heart.
09:11In fact, a smile crept to my lips.
09:12Of course I'm going.
09:14Don't worry.
09:15I'm not going to make myself miserable.
09:17My 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, while Vivian held his arm, smiling
09:39warmly 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?
09:54Well, 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.
10:18A flicker of triumph flashed in Vivian's eyes.
10:19She leaned against Charles lightly, her tone gentle yet provocative.
10:23Thank 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.
10:39I 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.
10:56Because 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.
11:17He 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.
11:32But 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.
11:40Vivian 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.
11:54Chloe and Connor covered their mouths excitedly and looked at Vivian.
11:57The three of them were expressions of assured victory.
12:00But I stood up and shouted,
12:02I object!
12:03Vivian hadn't received the property deed yet.
12:05Interrupted by me, she was furious.
12:07Stella, today is a wonderful day for our family of four.
12:11What kind of trouble are you trying to cause?
12:13Charles looked at me with disgust, his eyes contemptuous yet resigned.
12:17Stella, I know you're upset about not being able to have children and jealous seeing my family,
12:22but you have to accept reality.
12:26We're divorced.
12:28The house may have both our names on it, but we're old now.
12:31What use is it to us?
12:32Chloe and Connor nodded continuously, even encouraging the guests to boo me.
12:36The emcee also tried to persuade me.
12:38Mrs. Stella, as Mr. Charles' ex-wife, you must want him to have a harmonious family
12:43and someone to care for 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, perfectly healthy.
13:11The doctor said they 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, grabbed the emcee's microphone,
13:32and spoke loudly enough for everyone present to hear.
13:35Because 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.
13:55She couldn't have children herself, and now she's slandering Charles.
13:58The guests whispered among themselves, and many had already pulled out their phones to record.
14:02Charles' face turned dark with fury.
14:04Vivian stood frozen, her face deathly pale, her 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, reached into my bag, pulled out my phone, and played a recording.
14:17The clear voice instantly filled the entire wedding hall through the microphone.
14:20Ms. Stella, after examination, your fertility is completely normal, and your ovarian function is excellent.
14:25But Mr. Charles' situation is not very optimist.
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 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.
14:44Ms. Stella, this kind of thing can't be hidden forever.
14:47When you can't conceive after marriage, it will naturally come to light.
14:50It's fine.
14:51I'll tell him and our parents that I don't want children, that 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 and the two children behind her.
15:12Her face had turned completely white, and her fingertips were trembling.
15:16Chloe and Connor fidgeted restlessly, trying to flee the hall.
15:19Oh my god, so all these years, Stella insisted on being child-free, to 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, her voice trembling violently.
15:30You must have had someone forge it!
15:32I gave a cold laugh, opened a second file, and a video immediately began playing on the
15:36projection screen.
15:36The footage showed a dimly lit hotel room, with a man and woman entangled on the bed.
15:40The woman's face was flushed, panting softly, her voice seductive and triumphant.
15:44Honey, I'm pregnant.
15:47The man's voice followed, carrying a hint of panic and resistance.
15:49No way.
15:50This child can't be mine, can it?
15:51Vivian chuckled softly, her voice alluring and cunning.
15:54Of course it's yours.
15:56But don't worry.
15:57Neither I nor the child need you to take responsibility.
16:02What do you mean?
16:03Charles doesn't have children yet.
16:05His wife insists on being child-free, and 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, then laughed softly.
16:17You really are something else.
16:18Vivian hooked her arm around his neck, whispering 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, the man got excited and lunged down to entangle with the
16:32woman 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, her hands clutching her wedding gown tightly,
16:42her eyes filled with terror and despair.
16:43Charles's face had reached its most terrible expression.
16:46He clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly, veins bulging at his temples.
16:50He was clearly at the peak of rage.
16:52He roared through gritted teeth.
16:59He roared through gritted teeth, wishing he could tear her limb from limb.
17:01Vivian's body shook, her eyes instantly reddening as 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, grabbed a champagne glass from the table, and smashed
17:16it on the ground.
17:16The sound of shattering glass exploded in the quiet wedding venue, sharp and piercing.
17:20You bitch!
17:21How dare you deceive me?
17:23I was your secret lover for thirty years, and you dare to cuckler me!
17:29Charles' eyes turned red, as if he had lost all reason.
17:32He rushed forward, wrapped Vivian's shoulders, and slapped her heart across the face.
17:36The crisp sound of the slap echoed throughout the entire hall.
17:39Vivian staggered backward, clutching her cheek, tears streaming from her eyes.
17:53Someone rushed up to restrain Charles, but he had already gone completely mad.
17:57He shoved everyone aside and, like an enraged beast, overturned the dining table.
18:00Plates, wine glasses, and flowers scattered everywhere.
18:03The scene was utter chaos.
18:04Chloe and Connor stood to the side, their faces ashen, their bodies trembling, completely
18:07at a loss.
18:08The guests erupted in an uproar, pulling out their phones to capture photos and videos.
18:12My god, how did this wedding turn into this?
18:15So Vivian's two children aren't even Charles's?
18:18This is incredible!
18:19It's the drama of the year!
18:20The entire wedding had completely spiraled out of control.
18:24Eventually, with security's intervention, Charles was forcibly pulled away.
18:28Vivian was dragged out of the hotel in disgrace, while Chloe and Connor fled in terror.
18:31The wedding had become a complete joke.
18:33I stood among the crowd, still holding half a glass of champagne, quietly savoring everything.
18:37The wedding had become a complete joke, and I had finally waited for this day.
18:44Wedding videos were uploaded online and quickly shot to the top of trending topics.
18:49Topics like paternity truth revealed at wedding, ex-wife's calm counterattack against cheaters,
18:54and child-free husband cuckolded for 30 years exploded across the internet.
18:58Charles had become a complete pariah.
19:00Wherever he went, there were pointing fingers and mocking jeers.
19:04He valued his face above all else.
19:05His reputation was the most important thing in his life.
19:09Now, his dignity had been completely shattered, turning him into a laughingstock known across the entire country.
19:14And I, on the contrary, had become the object of everyone's sympathy.
19:18Stella is so pitiful.
19:20To protect her husband's dignity, she took the blame herself, and then was treated like this.
19:25She's the truly good woman.
19:27She endured for 30 years.
19:30And still showed the scumbag some dignity.
19:32Vivian is the truly ruthless one.
19:33She tricked Charles into raising bastards for 30 years, and almost swallowed his entire fortune.
19:39Public opinion had completely turned around.
19:42But none of this mattered to me anymore.
19:43What mattered more was how this farce would end.
19:46After the wedding, Charles locked himself in his former home and hadn't stepped outside for three full days.
19:50He smashed everything in the house.
19:52Coffee table, TV, bases.
19:54The place was a complete mess.
19:56But after the destruction, he sat alone on the sofa, staring blankly at a family portrait hanging on the wall.
20:01It was a photo of him, Vivian, Chloe, and Connor, the four of them.
20:05In the photo, he was smiling happily, as if he owned the whole world.
20:09Now looking at it again, he only felt the irony.
20:14He picked up the frame and smashed it onto the ground.
20:17Glass shattered.
20:18The photos splintered into pieces.
20:20Fake.
20:21It's all fake.
20:22He held his head, curled up on the floor, like a helpless child.
20:25He had lost everything, while I was just beginning my new life.
20:31After the wedding, my life returned to peace.
20:34No, it was calmer and freer than before.
20:36I started doing things I truly enjoyed.
20:38I went to several art exhibitions, attended concerts,
20:41and enrolled in a pottery class.
20:43My friends laughed at me.
20:46You're living more freely than young people now.
20:48I smiled without saying a word.
20:51Actually, they had forgotten that I should have been living this way when I was young.
20:54It's just that back then, I had poured all my energy into Charles and the family.
20:57Now I finally had the chance to live for myself.
21:00One day, my mother called, her voice carrying a hint of relief.
21:04Stella, you seem different lately.
21:06Different?
21:08Yes, more energetic than before.
21:10As if you've let go of something.
21:12I smiled softly.
21:13Yes, I had let go.
21:14I had let go of the self that endured grievances to protect a man's dignity.
21:17I had let go of the foolish notion that endurance would bring happiness.
21:20I had let go of the man named Charles.
21:22Mom, I've made up my mind.
21:24About what?
21:25I want to donate my eggs.
21:27There was a long silence on 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, rather than keeping them frozen forever, I might as well help people who want
21:39children but can't have them.
21:42You, always 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, Charles' days grew more unbearable by the day.
21:54Vivian had been thrown out of the house, and Chloe and Connor no longer acknowledged him as their father.
21:58After all, everything in the video was crystal clear.
22:01They weren't Charles' children, but Vivian's illegitimate children with another man.
22:05They left with Vivian, not even glancing back at Charles.
22:08Let's go.
22:09He's not our father.
22:10Chloe said coldly.
22:11Charles sat alone in the empty house, suddenly feeling a loneliness unlike anything he'd ever experienced.
22:17He had once believed that having Vivian and two children meant he had a real family.
22:21But now he realized this family had never belonged to him.
22:24He himself had been deceived by Vivian for a full 30 years.
22:27He opened his phone and saw news about me.
22:30The headline Stella decides to donate eggs to help infertile families jumped out at him.
22:33He stared at the screen.
22:35His fingers trembling slightly.
22:36The woman who had borne his shame for 30 years to protect his dignity was now doing something even more
22:41meaningful.
22:42And what about him?
22:43He had nothing left.
22:44No family, no children, no dignity.
22:47He had lost everything.
22:48Charles put down his phone, leaned back on the sofa, and closed his eyes.
22:51Images from 30 years ago flooded his mind.
22:54Back then, we were still young, building our careers together, planning our future.
22:58Stella when we're old, let's travel the world, just the two of us, he had once said with a smile.
23:02Sure, it's a promise.
23:03I had agreed without hesitation, but he had broken that promise.
23:07It wasn't that I wasn't willing to grow old with him.
23:09It was that he chose betrayal first.
23:11A tear slid from the corner of Charles' eye.
23:13He regretted it, but there's no medicine for regret in this world.
23:19After hesitating for a long time, Charles finally dialed my number.
23:22The phone rang for a long time before I answered.
23:25Hello?
23:27Stella, it's me.
23:28I was silent for a few seconds, then spoke calmly.
23:30Is something the matter?
23:32I... I want to see you.
23:34I chuckled.
23:36Charles, do you think there's anything left to say between us?
23:39I know I was wrong.
23:40His voice was hoarse.
23:41Stella, I truly know I was wrong.
23:43I said nothing.
23:44I know you're doing well now, and I know you don't want to see me.
23:48But I still want to tell you I'm sorry, face to face.
23:52I repeat it, my tone indifferent.
23:54Charles, it'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, but...
24:01I cut him off.
24:01Charles, you chose betrayal, so you bear the consequences.
24:05That was your choice.
24:07There was a long silence on the other end.
24:09Stella, if we hadn't divorced, would you have forgiven me?
24:12I didn't answer, because I didn't know the answer myself.
24:15Or rather, this question no longer needed an answer.
24:19Charles, live your life well.
24:20Those were my final words before hanging up.
24:25Live your life well.
24:26This was the last thing I could give him.
24:32The egg donation process was more complicated than I had imagined.
24:35It required a series of physical examinations,
24:37psychological evaluations, and legal procedures.
24:39But I walked through each step with steadiness.
24:42The doctor told me my egg quality was excellent.
24:44Even after being frozen for so many years,
24:46their viability remained very high.
24:48Mrs. Stella, your eggs are extremely valuable.
24:51They can help many families realize their dreams.
24:53I smiled.
24:55Valuable.
24:55I had once thought these eggs were the fruit of my love with Charles.
24:58The hope for our future children.
25:00But now...
25:01They had become a gift to help strangers.
25:04Perhaps this was better.
25:05At least they would no longer be bound by Charles' name.
25:08After news of my egg donation spread,
25:10many people started paying attention to me.
25:12The media wanted to interview me,
25:14asking why I was doing this.
25:16I simply answered indifferently.
25:18Because I have the ability to help others.
25:20It's that simple.
25:22And what about you and Mr. Charles?
25:24Do you hate him?
25:25The reporter pressed.
25:26I thought for a moment and said,
25:27I don't hate him.
25:28But I don't love him either.
25:31He was part of my life,
25:32but that's in the past.
25:33The reporter seemed somewhat disappointed by my answer,
25:36but I didn't care.
25:37I didn't need others to define my emotions.
25:39After the egg donation, I decided to travel.
25:41The round-the-world trip I had planned with Charles,
25:44although I couldn't complete it with him,
25:45I could do it alone.
25:46My first stop was Paris.
25:48Standing beneath the Eiffel Tower,
25:49watching the sunset slowly descend,
25:51I felt a peace unlike anything I had ever experienced.
25:54This city had once been a dream destination for Charles and me.
25:57Now I had come alone,
25:58but I didn't feel lonely.
25:59Instead, I felt that this was truly my own moment.
26:02Without Charles,
26:03without the constraints of that marriage,
26:05I could finally be my true self.
26:07During my days in Paris,
26:08I visited the Louvre,
26:09walked along the Seine,
26:10and tasted authentic French pastries.
26:12Every day was fulfilling and joyful.
26:14Traveling alone,
26:15freedom alone,
26:15I have finally become myself again.
26:18During my travels,
26:19I occasionally received news from back home.
26:21I heard that after being thrown out of the Chan household,
26:24Vivian's life hadn't been easy.
26:25She had once relied on Charles' money to live.
26:28Now without a source of income,
26:29she could only make ends meet by doing odd jobs.
26:32Chloe and Connor no longer had anything to do with her either.
26:35After all,
26:36once the video was exposed,
26:37everyone knew the truth.
26:38They weren't Charles' children,
26:40but Vivian's illegitimate children with another man.
26:42This news was undoubtedly a devastating blow to Chloe and Connor.
26:46They had always believed they were of the Chan bloodline.
26:48Proud of it all these years,
26:50only to discover they had no connection to the Chan family whatsoever.
26:54Chloe 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 trying to deny it.
27:02Mom,
27:03the video is crystal clear.
27:04You told someone else we were Charles' children
27:07and said you were going to swing his property.
27:10I was just...
27:11Enough.
27:11Chloe cut her off.
27:12I never want to hear your lies again.
27:14Chloe and Connor moved out of Vivian's house,
27:16found jobs,
27:16and started new lives.
27:18And Vivian curled up alone in a dilapidated rental apartment,
27:21crying day after day.
27:22Her former elegance and nobility had long since vanished.
27:25Mom,
27:26do you think Stella is feeling pretty pleased with herself right now?
27:29Chloe had once asked Vivian.
27:31Vivian didn't answer,
27:32because she knew I was no longer an enemy they needed to worry about.
27:37I was living too well,
27:39so well that they didn't even have the right to be jealous.
27:44After leaving Paris,
27:46I flew to Kyoto.
27:47This ancient city had a completely different charm from Paris.
27:50I strolled along the bamboo grove path in Arashima,
27:53listening to the rustling of bamboo leaves in the wind,
27:56feeling exceptionally peaceful.
27:58Here,
27:58there was no Charles,
28:00no Vivian,
28:01none of those troubling memories from the past,
28:03only myself.
28:04I stayed at a traditional Japanese inn,
28:06rising early each morning to soak in the hot springs
28:08and savor exquisite kaiseki cuisine.
28:11The innkeeper was a kind middle-aged woman.
28:13Seeing me alone,
28:14she couldn't help asking,
28:15Ma'am,
28:16are you traveling alone?
28:18Yes.
28:20I answered with a smile.
28:22Doesn't traveling alone feel lonely?
28:24I thought for a moment and said,
28:26Sometimes,
28:27but more often it's a kind of freedom.
28:30The innkeeper nodded,
28:31showing an understanding smile.
28:33You're right.
28:34Freedom is more precious than anything.
28:36During my days in Kyoto,
28:37I also visited Kaya Mizudara and drew a fortune slip.
28:40The fortune read,
28:41Withered trees meet spring.
28:42Old matters become empty.
28:43The road ahead is bright.
28:44Freedom lies within the heart.
28:46I looked at the fortune and couldn't help but smile.
28:48Withered trees meet spring.
28:49Wasn't this exactly my current state?
28:51After 30 years of winter,
28:52I had finally welcomed my own spring.
28:54I carefully put away the fortune slip into 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 before 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 but 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 for 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 to 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,
29:46I'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 and older than before.
30:00I hesitated,
30:01but eventually went downstairs to meet him.
30:03In the inn's tea room,
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 and took a sip.
30:12People always change.
30:14You would never have treated me like this before.
30:16His voice carried bitterness.
30:18The old you was always gentle and 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 to ask for your forgiveness,
30:37but I truly regret it.
30:40I scoffed.
30:41Regret?
30:42Do you regret losing Vivian and the two children?
30:45Or do you regret being laughed at by the whole world?
30:49Charles' face turned pale.
30:51He opened his mouth but 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 no longer matters to me.
31:01I turned to leave,
31:03but Charles suddenly stood up and grabbed my wrist.
31:05Stella,
31:05give me a chance.
31:07Let's start over,
31:08please.
31:09His voice was fleeting,
31:10his eyes full of desperation.
31:12I stopped and turned to look at him.
31:14This man I had once deeply loved now 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,
31:29but I can change.
31:30I can make it up to you.
31:31I can-
31:31You can't.
31:32I cut him off.
31:34Charles,
31:34you can't make it up.
31:3530 years of betrayal cannot be erased by 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 had 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.
32:19I 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,
33:12a 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,
33:36that 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 who endured grievances
33:48to protect her husband's dignity.
33:50No longer the fool who took the blame
33:52for someone else's betrayal.
33:53The current me had light in my eyes
33:55and dreams in my heart.
33:56This was probably what people called rebirth.
33:59Light in my eyes,
34:00dreams in my heart.
34:02This 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 my eggs
34:08had successfully helped
34:09three 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 helping others.
34:23It was also about
34:24making peace with my own regrets.
34:26Although I never had my 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 about to give up,
34:51we received news from the hospital
34:53that someone was willing
34:54to donate eggs.
34:55That person was you.
34:57Now,
34:57I am pregnant
34:58and the doctor says
34:59the baby is very healthy.
35:00I don't know how to thank you.
35:02I just want to tell you
35:03that you have given
35:04our family new hope.
35:05Thank you,
35:06Ms. Stella.
35:07You are the great benefactor
35:08of our entire family.
35:10After reading the letter,
35:11my eyes welled up with tears.
35:13It turned out that
35:14helping 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 situation
35:32with Charles,
35:33I had grown distant
35:34from many people.
35:35Now,
35:35I wanted to pick up
35:36those relationships again.
35:37The first person I reached out to
35:38was my best friend, Linda.
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,
36:20then relief.
36:22Stella,
36:22you really have changed,
36:23become better,
36:24stronger.
36:25Have I?
36:25Maybe.
36:26I picked up my coffee truck.
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
36:37finding 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
36:53filling 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
37:03that 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
37:14many opportunities for Charles.
37:16Now,
37:16I would pick them up
37:17one by one.
37:18I open a small
37:18floral design studio.
37:20This was a dream
37:20I had in my youth
37:21that I never got to realize.
37:23Now,
37:23I finally had the chance
37:24to 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
37:39the most suitable flowers
37:41based on their needs.
37:42Your mom will definitely
37:43love this bouquet.
37:44These roses for your girlfriend,
37:46guaranteed to make her
37:47feel your love.
37:48Watching the satisfied smiles
37:49of my customers,
37:50my heart filled
37:51with a sense of accomplishment.
37:53One day,
37:53a special customer
37:54walked into the studio.
37:55Come on in.
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
38:16a 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
38:25that my choice
38:26had been the right one.
38:27Although I didn't have
38:28a child of my own,
38:29I could bring happiness
38:30to others in other ways.
38:32This was probably
38:33the 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
38:41had grown bigger and bigger,
38:43now with three branch locations.
38:45My name had also started
38:46to gain recognition
38:47in the industry.
38:48Many people didn't know
38:49what storms this elegant
38:50and composed florist
38:51had once weathered.
38:52And I no longer spoke of them.
38:54Because all of that
38:55was in the past.
38:56The present me
38:56only wanted to look forward.
38:58One day,
38:59I received a postcard
39:00from Alaska.
39:01No signature,
39:02just one sentence.
39:03May the rest of your life
39:04be happy.
39:05I knew who sent it,
39:06but I didn't write back.
39:08Some goodbyes
39:09don't need a response.
39:10I slipped the postcard
39:11into 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, Vivian,
39:23Chloe, Connor,
39:24they had all become
39:25passersby in my life.
39:26And I had finally become
39:27the protagonist
39:28of my own story.
39:29The sun was setting.
39:31I sat by the studio window,
39:32watching the passing crowds outside.
39:34Holding a cup of hot tea,
39:36my heart felt a peace
39:37unlike anything before.
39:38My phone rang.
39:39It was a message
39:40from the hospital.
39:42Miss Stella,
39:42your donated eggs
39:43have successfully helped
39:44a fifth couple
39:45welcome their baby.
39:46Thank you for your great love.
39:48I smiled.
39:49My eyes were a bit moist,
39:51but my heart
39:51was full of happiness.
39:52Perhaps this was
39:53the best possible ending.
39:54I didn't have children,
39:56but I had helped
39:56many people realize
39:57their dreams.
39:58I didn't have romance,
39:59but I had true freedom.
40:00I didn't have a family,
40:02but I had created
40:02a 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
40:09and took a gentle sip.
40:11Outside the window,
40:12the afterglow of the sunset
40:13spilled across my face,
40:14warm and gentle.
40:16My life has only just begun.
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