- 2 days ago
Acceptance For Me, Ashes For Her - Hot
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My stepsister Vanessa and I both applied to Columbia.
00:03After I bombed my SATs, she got an early decision.
00:06Overnight, she was the family pride, and I was the one no one mentioned.
00:09Then came the fire.
00:11My own brother stormed into the burning house, but the one he saved was Vanessa.
00:15I was left behind, burning alive in the flames.
00:18I opened my eyes.
00:19I'm back in before the SAT exam.
00:21Not everything has happened yet.
00:23Ellie, why don't you withdraw your name from the valedictorian speech?
00:27Just give the spot to me, okay?
00:29Hey, I'm back.
00:30I've been reborn.
00:32Please, Ellie, just let me have the commencement speaker spot.
00:36You don't even like public speaking anyway.
00:38She's certain I won't refuse.
00:40What?
00:41We had a deal.
00:42With your grades, Columbia's is a lock anyway.
00:45You don't need the title, but my scores are borderline.
00:50You know Mom's dream is for us to go to an Ivy together.
00:53It would crush her if I didn't get in.
00:55At Westfield Prep, commencement speaker title is everything.
00:59It's a viral headline and a principal's recommendation that guarantees priority in Ivy League admissions.
01:05And Mom, that's Diana, my stepmother.
01:08She married my dad and brought Vanessa into our lives when I was 10.
01:11I remember this exact moment from my past life.
01:15Sweetie, Vanessa really needs this for her resume.
01:19If you both get into the Ivies, my dream will be complete.
01:22I lost my mother so young.
01:24I was desperate for Diana's affection.
01:26So I agreed.
01:27But later, on the morning of my SATs, a sharp pain stabbed through my gut like a knife.
01:32I failed.
01:33Everything was over.
01:34It wasn't until I was dying that I found out the truth.
01:37Diana had drugged my breakfast.
01:38Now, Vanessa is trying the same trick.
01:41I look into her eyes, cunning, expectant, and cruel.
01:44Slowly, I pull my arm away.
01:46No.
01:47You told my mom you'd say yes.
01:49You can't just back out now.
01:51Should I call her?
01:52She'll cancel your Hawaii graduation trip, Ellie.
01:55You know she'll do it.
01:56The Hawaii trip.
01:57That was the bait Diana used to reel me in.
01:59In my last life, I waited and waited for my ticket only to receive a photo.
02:04Diana, Vanessa, and my own brother, Ryan, were all smiles as they boarded the plane.
02:08Leaving me behind like an afterthought.
02:10Keep your trip.
02:11I don't give a damn about it.
02:13I pull out the application form right in front of her and start filling it in.
02:16Vanessa panics.
02:18She lunges for the paper, trying to rip it out of my hands.
02:21Ellie, did you just trip me?
02:23Without my mom, you'd be some pathetic orphan and you're attacking me over a stupid speech?
02:27My father died two years ago.
02:30Since then, Diana has played the role of the devoted mother at every parent-teacher conference.
02:34She's performed so well that everyone at school thinks we're one big, happy family.
02:39She has a point, Ellie.
02:41Her mom has really stepped up for you.
02:43You already promised.
02:45Backing out now is, well, it's a pretty low move.
02:48You're going to Columbia anyway, Ellie.
02:50This title means nothing to you.
02:52Why can't you just give it to me?
02:54You're right.
02:54I don't need this title.
02:56Then just hand it.
02:56But you do.
02:57And the more you want it, the more I'm going to make sure you never have it.
03:01My mom has done everything for you, and this is how you repay us?
03:05You ungrateful Brett!
03:07First of all, my dad is gone, but my brother is still very much in charge.
03:11Your mother doesn't get to call the shots.
03:13Secondly, do you think I'm stupid?
03:15After dad died, the entire company went to Ryan.
03:18You and your mother didn't get a single penny.
03:21The only reason she's still hanging around is because she's still hoping to claw her way into the estate.
03:25The classroom goes deathly silent.
03:28The students who had just been taking Vanessa's side now looked at her differently.
03:32You're lying!
03:33My mother would never do that!
03:35Never?
03:36She's been seeing her new boyfriend for months.
03:38So why is she still living under our roof?
03:40Is she staying because she loves me so much?
03:43We both know that's a lie.
03:44Vanessa stammers, her words dying in her throat.
03:47She knows about the boyfriend.
03:49Being called out in front of everyone makes her entire composure shatter.
03:53Shut up!
03:55As for the commencement speaker spot, the criteria are on the school port board.
03:59If you want it, earn it.
04:01But don't try to guilt at me again.
04:02But you promised to drop out!
04:04How can you be so dishonest?
04:06I changed my mind.
04:08That's the thing about promises made under manipulation.
04:10They don't count.
04:11What are you going to do about it, Vanessa?
04:13Don't get too comfortable, Ellie.
04:15That spot isn't yours yet.
04:17As long as I want it, Vanessa, it's mine.
04:20I am full of confidence.
04:22But when I hand my application to Ms. Rowan, the college counselor, she looks troubled.
04:26There is a bit of a problem.
04:28When the school first released the criteria for commencement speaker,
04:32principal hinted that with my grades, the spot was basically mine as long as I applied.
04:36My past life proved that.
04:38What kind of problem?
04:39Your stepmother came to see me this morning.
04:42She brought a Cartier watch worth at least $10,000.
04:45She hinted that I should push Vanessa's application through and get rid of the rest.
04:49I didn't take it.
04:51This shouldn't be happening, Ellie.
04:53But Diana seems set on it.
04:55You need to be careful, especially since the selection process is almost over.
04:59It all makes sense now.
05:00I always found it strange.
05:02There were plenty of students better than Vanessa.
05:04So why did she get the spot last time?
05:07Now I understand.
05:07My stepmother didn't just bribe the counselor.
05:11She probably pulled strings with the board of trustees too.
05:14It just hit me, the trust fund my father left me, at least $5 or $6 million.
05:19In my last life, Diana tricked me out of that money right before graduation.
05:23I trusted her back then.
05:24I never suspected a thing.
05:27Thinking back now, the money she's using to bribe the school is probably my own money.
05:31This time, her scheme ends here.
05:33The moment I get home, I go straight for the safe.
05:36Trust documents, keys, everything my father left me.
05:39I'm just stuffing them into my backpack when there's a knock on the door.
05:42Vanessa clearly ran to her crying.
05:45Ellie, you promised to drop location.
05:47Why the sudden change of Mart?
05:49I changed my mind.
05:50It happens.
05:51Do I need to run all my life choices by you now?
05:53Vanessa stomps her foot in frustration.
05:56Mom!
05:56You see how she's acting?
05:57I used to be so timid, so easy to control.
06:00Now that I'm standing my ground, she's hesitant to push back.
06:04Don't be upset, Ellie.
06:05It was just a question.
06:06Oh.
06:07Well then, you can treat my answer as just talk.
06:10Don't take it so seriously.
06:12Fine.
06:12Since you already submitted the form, let's just see who's better.
06:15Let's drop it for now.
06:17Are you hungry?
06:17I made your favorite, roasted salmon.
06:19She's a pro.
06:20You don't marry a man like my father by being weak.
06:23She knows exactly how to stay calm when things get messy.
06:26But the fun part?
06:27That's only just beginning.
06:29I sit at the dinner table, eating in silence.
06:32In my last life, this was my cue.
06:34I was supposed to rush over and ask,
06:36What's wrong, Diana?
06:37Are you okay?
06:38Just like she wanted.
06:39The perfect, obedient little girl.
06:41This time, I just keep eating.
06:43She lets out a fourth sigh, even louder this time.
06:46I keep my head down, acting like I don't hear a thing.
06:49What happened, Mom?
06:50What's bothering you?
06:51I was just thinking about your teachers.
06:53Graduation is coming up, and I wanted to do something special for them.
06:57Gift baskets, maybe a nice dinner.
06:58Your father's company used to sponsor all of that,
07:00but he didn't leave me access to any of the accounts.
07:03I'm losing sleep over it.
07:05Ellie, do you think you could help?
07:08Well, Diana, have you tried melatonin?
07:11I can recommend a great brand.
07:12Or maybe you should look into a part-time job to keep your mind busy.
07:15Actually, my dad's company is hiring for the night shift at the warehouse.
07:19You should apply.
07:21That's not what I meant.
07:23Ellie, think about it.
07:24If Mom can't maintain our family's social stance at school,
07:28it's your reputation that gets dragged through the mud, too.
07:30We're only thinking about your image.
07:33You wouldn't want people thinking the Whitmalls are struggling, right?
07:36They both stare at me, looking nervous.
07:38They clearly expect me to put up a fight.
07:41Of course not, dear sister.
07:42Diana nearly chokes on her water.
07:44She had a whole speech prepared to guilt trip me,
07:47and she can't believe I gave in so easily.
07:49She stands up, pacing the room as if she'd just hit the jackpot.
07:53Then give me the trust documents, Ellie.
07:54I'll go to the bank tomorrow to set up the transfer.
07:56Don't worry.
07:57I'll pay it all back.
07:58I promise.
07:59In my last life, she used a different excuse around this same time to scam me out of my
08:04trust documents.
08:05She never paid back a cent.
08:07I watch her face, hiding my disgust.
08:09She really thinks I'm still that gullible little girl.
08:11I put on a troubled expression.
08:14I'd love to, but there's a catch.
08:16My dad's lawyer, Mr. Whitfield, holds all the original documents.
08:19Any large withdrawal needs his personal approval.
08:22I'll have to talk to him first.
08:24Fine.
08:25Go talk to him.
08:26How much do you need?
08:27Once Mr. Whitfield clears it, I'll wire it over.
08:30How about 500,000?
08:32No.
08:33Make it a million.
08:34Wire me a million dollars.
08:36Diana spends the rest of dinner in a state of blissful self-satisfaction.
08:40The moment I leave the dining room, her mask slips.
08:43I stand just outside the door, listening through the wall.
08:46Mom, are you sure Ellie isn't playing us?
08:48She's desperate for my approval.
08:50She wouldn't dare lie to me.
08:51True.
08:52Ellie's always been such a fluff over.
08:54She doesn't have the guts to pull something like that.
08:56I just worry about you, sweetie.
08:57I don't know what's gotten into her lately with that application, but I've already made
09:00a backup plan.
09:01Once the wire clears and we have the money, I'll take care of the board of Trebees.
09:04A generous donation to the school, and that convention speaker spot is yours.
09:07But what if she wakes up and realizes what we're doing?
09:10Please.
09:11She's just an 18-year-old orphan.
09:12She's alone.
09:13What is she going to do?
09:14They have no idea.
09:15Before dinner, I taped my phone to the underside of the table.
09:19Every single word they just said, I have it all on record.
09:22For the next two weeks, Diana hounded me every other day.
09:25Have you talked to Mr. Whitfield?
09:26When is the wire hitting the account?
09:28Can you call him again?
09:30Maybe follow up with an email?
09:31I kept her dangling, playing the part perfectly.
09:34He needs extra paperwork.
09:35There's a delay at the bank.
09:37I'll check again tomorrow.
09:39Meanwhile, Diana was so sure the money was coming that she went ahead and booked a private
09:43haul at Per Se to wine and dine the board of trustees.
09:46$80,000.
09:47Non-refundable.
09:48As the date of the banquet crawled closer, she started to panic.
09:52On Saturday, she cornered me at the front door.
09:55Where is the money, Ellie?
09:56Oh, you know what?
09:57Mr. Whitfield denied the request.
09:59He said the trust is strictly restricted to educational expenses.
10:02No cash withdrawals.
10:03Sorry.
10:04What?
10:04I booked an $80,000 non-refundable banquet.
10:07And now you're telling me-
10:08I told you I'd apply for it.
10:09I did.
10:10He said no.
10:11Sometimes applications just don't go through.
10:13Her mind was reeling.
10:14And then total realization.
10:16You played me.
10:17Took you long enough to figure it out, Diana.
10:19Vanessa!
10:20Hold her down.
10:21Grab the backpack.
10:22Find those account documents.
10:27Vanessa!
10:28Hold her down.
10:29Grab the backpack.
10:31Find those account documents.
10:32Two against one.
10:33She thinks she's already won.
10:34I pull a small silver whistle from my coat pocket.
10:37A 60-pound German shepherd bursts from the neighbor's yard.
10:41It's my dog, Duke.
10:43The one I had to give away because they feared for their lives.
10:46Duke, go.
10:47Duke isn't an attack dog.
10:48He's just a big, goofy furball who thinks every human interaction is a game.
10:52As he lunges toward Diana with his tongue out and paws flying,
10:56she screams like she's being murdered.
10:58Vanessa is shrieking at the top of her lungs.
11:00Duke thinks this is the best day of his life.
11:03I lean against the porch railing, laughing until my stomach hurts.
11:06Then, a black Audi pulls up to the curb.
11:08Ryan Whitmore.
11:1024 years old.
11:11What the hell is going on?
11:12Diana and Vanessa scramble toward him like he's their only lifeline.
11:16Ryan, you have to help us!
11:17She said the dog on us!
11:19We were almost killed!
11:20A chill runs down my spine the moment I see Ryan.
11:23It's not that I'm afraid of him anymore.
11:24It's that I remember.
11:25In my last life, the house was a furnace.
11:28Smoke filled my lungs, and flames were climbing the walls.
11:31I screamed his name until my throat burned.
11:33Ryan, I'm here!
11:34Please help me!
11:35He looked me right in the eyes, and then he turned away.
11:38He swept Vanessa into his arms and carried her out into the fresh air.
11:42He left me behind to die in the fire, and here he is, doing the exact same thing.
11:46He pulls Vanessa behind his back before he even glances at me.
11:49Duke, stop!
11:51Duke abays instantly, sitting down with his tongue lolling out.
11:54Ellie, what's this nonsense now?
11:55Dad isn't here to spoil you anymore.
11:57Can't you just stay out of trouble for once?
11:59I used to be terrified of Ryan.
12:00He was always so cold, so distant.
12:02I spent years trying to get close to him, but I never dared to push.
12:06Now, looking at him, I just feel a deep sense of disgust.
12:09Impressive, Ryan.
12:10You've literally been here for 30 seconds, and you've already picked a side.
12:12I saw a dog attacking two terrified women.
12:14I've seen enough.
12:15Of course.
12:16Context was never your thing, was it?
12:18What's that supposed to mean?
12:19My meaning is, I'm standing right here, Ryan.
12:22Your actual sister.
12:23Your flesh and blood.
12:24When Dad died, you promised you'd protect me.
12:26But you always save her first.
12:28You never even look at me.
12:29I'm just stopping you from crossing a line.
12:31The villain?
12:32Because you saw a dog and immediately blamed me?
12:35Did it ever occur to you to ask what they did to provoke me?
12:38It doesn't matter, Ellie.
12:39We're family.
12:41You should never set a dog on us.
12:43Family?
12:45Since when?
12:46Ryan rubs his temples, looking like he has a massive headache.
12:49You've always been spoiled, Ellie.
12:50It wouldn't be the first time you used your position to bully people.
12:53It's a shame you're not just blind, Ryan.
12:55You're heartless.
12:56I'm done talking.
12:58I pull out my phone and start dialing 911 right in front of them.
13:01Calling the cops, Ellie?
13:02Really?
13:03Spare me the victim act.
13:04You're the one who started this.
13:05This is my house.
13:06Dad left it to me.
13:07My name is on the deed.
13:08I let you stay here out of pity, but the charity ends today.
13:11You have 24 hours to pack your things.
13:13After that, I'll call the police and have you removed for trespassing.
13:15Diana looks like she's about to faint.
13:17You've lost your mind!
13:18Enough!
13:19Stop making a scene.
13:20Let's talk inside.
13:22Inside?
13:23Inside where?
13:25My house?
13:25Your house, yes.
13:26Since you agree it's my property, then tell them to get lost.
13:29It's the first time I've ever humiliated him like this.
13:32Ryan looks like he's swallowed glass.
13:34He takes a step toward me, clearly ready to lecture me again.
13:38Oh, right.
13:38That includes you.
13:40Get off my property.
13:41Ultimately, with the threat of the police hanging over their heads,
13:44Ryan leads Diana and Vanessa out.
13:46Before he leaves, he gives me a cold, parting look.
13:49You're going to regret this, Ellie.
13:51Oh, I already do.
13:52I regret not throwing you all out sooner.
13:54Ryan's face darkens as he storms off, looking like he's done with me for good.
13:59The house is suddenly empty.
14:00Within an hour, I'm calling a real estate agent to list the place.
14:04It's a prime piece of property, and I list it slightly below market value.
14:08It's under contract in less than 10 days.
14:10I move into a small apartment near the school.
14:13It's tiny.
14:14It's quiet.
14:15And it's entirely mine.
14:17I spend the following weeks buried in my books, cook my own meals.
14:21When the anxiety gets too heavy, I go for runs in the early morning fog.
14:25A month later, the school makes two major senior year announcements,
14:29the class valedictorian and this year's student commencement speaker.
14:32Vanessa has spent the last few weeks strutting through the halls,
14:36convinced that Diana took care of everything.
14:38She's told anyone who would listen that the title was already hers.
14:42I'm proud to announce that this year's valedictorian is...
14:47Eleanor Whitmore, who will also deliver the student address at commencement.
14:51Wait, didn't Vanessa say she had this in the bag?
14:53If I were her, I'd die of embarrassment.
14:54Vanessa's face turns a bruised shade of purple.
14:57After class, she corners me at my locker.
14:59Her eyes are bloodshot, but her expression is pure venom.
15:02Enjoy it while it lasts.
15:04Oh, I will.
15:05You think this changes anything?
15:07Ryan said he'll always take care of me.
15:10Even if I don't get into Columbia, I'll still live a life of luxury.
15:13While you?
15:14You'll always be the pathetic orphan no one wants.
15:17Meeting her eyes, I feel absolutely nothing.
15:20In my last life, those words might have shattered me,
15:23but I've already been discarded by Ryan once.
15:25His insults don't have the power to bruise me anymore.
15:28I finally see him for what he is.
15:30Ryan has always been cold, a man who views people as assets.
15:34When our mother died, he didn't shed a single tear.
15:37Even when dad was on his deathbed,
15:38Ryan's only concern was the percentage of shares he was inheriting.
15:42The only reason he chose to save Vanessa in that fire was because she was a success.
15:46She had the Ivy League acceptance.
15:48She had value.
15:49To Ryan, the only thing that has ever mattered is his own prestige.
15:53Predictably, the moment my valedictorian status is confirmed, my phone lights up.
15:58It's the first time Ryan has reached out in a month.
16:00Silence stretches between us.
16:02I'm studying. Make it quick or I'm hanging up.
16:04Ellie, I heard you were named valedictorian.
16:08That's basically a golden ticket to any Ivy League school.
16:10When are you free? I'll pick you up for dinner. We should celebrate.
16:13Is Vanessa coming?
16:14Of course.
16:16Then I'll pass.
16:18I don't think Vanessa would have much of an appetite at my victory dinner.
16:22Not her then. Just my inner circle this weekend.
16:25We're going to celebrate your big win properly.
16:27He hangs up before I can even give him an answer,
16:29refusing to give me the chance to say no.
16:32On Saturday, Ryan's Audi is idling outside my apartment.
16:35The moment he sees me, he gives a sharp nod,
16:38gesturing for me to come over like I'm some trained poodle.
16:40Come here.
16:41I walked right past him.
16:43There she is! Our Ivy League star!
16:45Your father would be bursting with pride, kiddo.
16:47I'm about to respond when Ryan storms over.
16:50David, what are you doing here?
16:52Taking Ellie to dinner.
16:53My wife made beef stew and three types of pie.
16:55She insisted on a proper celebration.
16:57I told you I was taking you out.
16:58I made a reservation.
17:00And I invited people.
17:01You told me.
17:02Yeah.
17:03But I never agreed.
17:04There's a difference.
17:05Ellie, can you stop being difficult for once?
17:07I'm paying.
17:07You're my sister.
17:08You owe me this much.
17:09For the sake of our family's reputation.
17:11Is your reputation really more important than what I actually want?
17:13Why are you making this a thing?
17:15Because you only care about my sanity.
17:17I don't want to have dinner with you, Ryan.
17:18I'm going with Mr. Whitfield.
17:20Ryan stares at me in disbelief.
17:21I can see it in his eyes.
17:23He's looking at me like I'm a chess piece that just moved on its own.
17:26I meet his cold gaze without flinching.
17:29Fine.
17:29If you're so desperate to see David, he can join us.
17:31We're all going to the same place anyway.
17:33Ryan and Mr. Whitfield haven't spoken in years.
17:36Not since they clashed over the company's shares.
17:39Ryan is the type to hold a grudge forever.
17:41He thinks that by allowing David to join us,
17:43he's making a massive sacrifice that I should be grateful for.
17:46But I don't give him a second glance.
17:48I hop into Mr. Whitfield's passenger seat and shut the door.
17:52You're still not getting it, Ryan.
17:53This isn't about who I'm eating with.
17:55It's about the fact that you don't get to call the shots for me.
17:57Let's go.
17:58I've been craving that beef stew for a long time.
18:01My phone vibrates over 20 times during the drive.
18:05Ryan's messages start with pure rage.
18:07I put everything on hold for you.
18:09Stop acting like a child.
18:10Then he shifts to a tone of fake exhaustion.
18:13I'm trying here, Ellie.
18:14I really am.
18:15Finally, the bitterness takes over.
18:18Fine.
18:19Have it your way.
18:20You've always been like this.
18:22I stopped scrolling when I hit the last one.
18:25Don't bother coming back home.
18:26Coming home?
18:27He's about to find out he doesn't have a home anymore.
18:30On the day of the SATs, I'm energized.
18:33My mind is sharp, packed with everything I've studied.
18:36Vanessa is the complete opposite.
18:38She looks pale, her eyes darting around the room, unable to focus.
18:42In my last life, Diana spiked my breakfast on the morning of this exam.
18:47I had a seizure during the first section and collapsed right in the middle of the testing center.
18:52My future was over before it started.
18:55This time, I haven't touched a single thing Diana has handled.
18:58I've been cooking for myself for months.
19:01I breeze through every section of the test with total clarity.
19:04When the results come out, I'm in the top 1% of the country.
19:08My acceptance letter from Colombia is officially in my hands.
19:11The Whitfields host a massive celebration at their estate.
19:15Their entire social circle is there.
19:17Lawyers, CEOs, my father's oldest friends.
19:20Ryan shows up, dragging Diana and Vanessa along with him.
19:24Vanessa's eyes are red from crying.
19:26Diana looks like she just swallowed a whole lemon.
19:29That's my sister.
19:30Going to Colombia?
19:31She's our valedictorian, and her acceptance story is already going viral all over TikTok.
19:36She's officially the smartest person in this family.
19:38The room erupts in cheers.
19:40Ryan has no idea he's just triggered a bomb.
19:43Vanessa lets out a blood-curdling scream.
19:45She sprints up to the second floor balcony, grips the railing, and shrieks that she's going to jump.
19:50By the time we all reach the balcony, Diana is clutching Vanessa's arm while Vanessa kicks and howls.
19:56They are a good six feet away from the railing.
19:59There's zero actual danger.
20:00But Vanessa is giving the performance of her life.
20:03Let me go!
20:04Nobody cares about me anyway!
20:06Just let me die!
20:07Ryan sobered up the second he saw the scene.
20:10He shoves through the crowd, his face burning with embarrassment.
20:14Every person at this party is a professional contact.
20:17Get inside.
20:18Now.
20:19You never talk to me like that!
20:21You used to care about me before Ellie ruined everything!
20:25You're all cheering for her?
20:27You have no idea what she did.
20:30She sabotaged my acceptance to Columbia.
20:32She stole my valedictorian spot.
20:34She left my mother drowning in debt.
20:36Why does she get to stand there and soak up all this attention like she's some saint?
20:41That's enough!
20:42Everything Ellie has, she earned.
20:44Her grades, her admission.
20:46It's all been verified.
20:48Slander her one more time and see what happens.
20:51He's right.
20:51What do you mean soak up attention?
20:53Ellie is my sister.
20:54Of course I'm proud of her.
20:55You're the one who told everyone you had a 4.0 when your GPA isn't even a 3.2.
20:59You told me Columbia was a lock and it was a lie.
21:02Vanessa, you're embarrassing yourself.
21:03I nod in agreement.
21:05Ryan catches my eye and offers a supportive smile.
21:08Vanessa sees the exchange and it sends her over the edge.
21:12She starts thrashing violently again.
21:14It's all her fault!
21:15She stole my spot!
21:17And now she's stealing my brother!
21:19I'm done!
21:20I'm jumping right now!
21:21Diana is right there, crying her eyes out and begging Vanessa to stay.
21:25Until Ryan finally snaps.
21:28Fine.
21:29Jump.
21:31I'll have the cleaners mop up the mess.
21:34Vanessa stands frozen, staring at Ryan in utter disbelief.
21:37She can't wrap her head around it.
21:39The brother who used to spoil her, who always chose her, is now looking at her with total
21:43indifference, taking advantage of her shock.
21:46A few bystanders rush over, grab her arms, and pull her away from the railing.
21:51Police are already on their way.
21:52This is on me.
21:53I shouldn't have enabled her for so long.
21:55Don't worry, Ellie.
21:56I won't let her breathe another word against you.
21:58It doesn't matter.
21:59Nothing she says can touch me anymore.
22:03Ellie, are you still mad at me?
22:05I honestly didn't see their true colors.
22:07I was blinded.
22:09I look at his gentle expression and just shake my head.
22:12I'm just wondering how a person can flip so fast.
22:15What was he thinking when our parents died?
22:17Was he grieving in silence or celebrating his new freedom?
22:21And what was going through his head in that fire when I was screaming for him and he reached
22:25for Vanessa instead?
22:26It's funny.
22:27He abandoned me for Vanessa, and now he's abandoning Vanessa for me.
22:31The end of the day, the only person he has Eve.
22:34Ellie, I messed up.
22:35I know that now.
22:36I'm kicking them both out for good.
22:37Come back and live with me.
22:39We're the only real family we have left in this world.
22:45Ryan, you honestly make me sick.
22:47The fallout has been fast, and it has been ugly.
22:50Through I kicked them out of my house, they moved into Ryan's penthouse.
22:53But the moment Vanessa woke up in the hospital, Ryan ordered them out.
22:57Since then, Diana's performance has been spectacular.
23:01Tears, accusations, threats to go to the press, even claims that my father promised her that
23:05apartment.
23:06When none of that works, she and Vanessa spend an entire week haunting Ryan's office.
23:11They shriek in the lobby.
23:13They corner employees in the parking garage.
23:15They post rants on social media, calling my father a monster and Ryan his heartless successor.
23:21Word is, the receptionist has started keeping popcorn at her desk just to watch the show.
23:27Exhausted and humiliated, Ryan finally slaps them with a restraining order.
23:31I hear all of this from Mr. Whitfield, who gives me every update with zero filter.
23:36Looking at the timeline, they should be out on the streets by now.
23:38They didn't actually commit a felony.
23:40The police can't hold them for long.
23:41I'm curious to see what they'll pull next and how Ryan handles it.
23:44Fire.
23:46What?
23:46Diana.
23:47She's gonna set a fire.
23:48That's her ultimate move.
23:49How could you possibly know that?
23:51I can't explain it to him, but I know, I've spent every night since my rebirth dissecting
23:56the fire from my past life.
23:58It was too perfect.
23:59My father was obsessed with fire safety.
24:02He had every appliance and wire inspected regularly.
24:05There was no reason for a blaze like that to just happen.
24:08And the timing?
24:10Diana just happened to be out of the house.
24:12Ryan just happened to be stopping by.
24:14Vanessa just happened to be right near the exit, while the flames were perfectly placed
24:18so only one person could be saved.
24:21It wasn't an accident.
24:22It was a script.
24:23She used that playbook to get rid of me once.
24:26Now that she's backed into a corner, I know she's going to run the same play.
24:30August 28th.
24:31Three days before I leave for Columbia, my phone rings.
24:35It's Ryan.
24:35The moment I pick up, his voice comes through, sounding frantic and breathless.
24:40Ryan, the penthouse.
24:42It's on fire!
24:44By the time I get there, the building is a smoking skeleton, three fire trucks, paramedics
24:50everywhere, a crowd of neighbors shivering in their bathrobes.
24:53I see Ryan being loaded into an ambulance.
24:55He's conscious, but he's in bad shape, barely hanging on.
24:59Not far away, two police officers are restraining Diana and Vanessa.
25:03Diana's hair is a matted mess, and her clothes reek of gasoline.
25:07Vanessa has this wild, manic look in her eyes.
25:09When they spot me, they try to break free from the officers to lunge at me.
25:13Ellie!
25:14No!
25:15No!
25:16You're dead!
25:17I saw the play!
25:18Why are you still alive?!
25:20I turn immediately to the nearest officer.
25:23Officer, she's likely going to play insanity, but I have access to her medical records.
25:27Neither she nor anyone in her family has a history of mental illness.
25:30Don't let them play you.
25:31Diana's mouth opens and closes, but no words come out.
25:34They are handcuffed and led away.
25:37I visit Ryan in the hospital.
25:39It's not out of love.
25:40It's for something more complicated, maybe duty, or maybe I just need to close the book
25:44on him for good.
25:45He's in the ICU of the burns unit.
25:47A structural collapse crushed his legs, and the doctors say he'll likely never walk again.
25:52The smoke inhalation scorched his lungs so badly it'll drastically shorten his life.
25:57I wait by his bed for five days.
25:59On the 6th, he finally opens his eyes.
26:01The moment he sees me, it isn't relief on his face.
26:05It's pure terror.
26:06No, you're alive, but you died in the fire I saw.
26:10That look in his eyes, I recognize it.
26:12It's the cold, calculating brother I used to know.
26:14It's a complete shift from the caring act he'd been putting on for the last few months.
26:18You remember, don't you?
26:20The last life.
26:21You came back too.
26:22Ryan's pupils shrink.
26:24I know I'm right.
26:37Ryan closes his eyes tight, as if two different lives are tearing his mind apart.
26:41Two tears, the first I've ever seen him shed, slide down his cheeks.
26:45He stays silent for a long time before his throat hitches.
26:49Ellie, I am so sorry.
26:50At least you know.
26:51If you had protected me even a little back then, Ryan, I never would have ended up in
26:55that fire.
26:55I turn to leave.
26:57Ellie, wait.
26:57Can you ever forgive me?
26:59I can start over.
27:00I can learn to be a real brother to you.
27:01Alas, do I love you the way you deserve?
27:03Just-
27:03I almost laugh at the absurdity.
27:05In the last life, you left me to burn, and the law couldn't do a thing about it.
27:09Now, in this life, you can't even handle the weight of your own guilt?
27:12You truly are selfish, Ryan.
27:14He goes dead silent.
27:15Before I can walk out the door, Ryan lets out a long, ragged sigh.
27:19I can't fix what I did.
27:20Not in this life, and certainly not in the last one.
27:22Just please don't live your life in hate because of our mistakes.
27:25I'll keep running the company, but I'm calling Mr. Whitfield.
27:28I'm transferring all the shares, all the equity, into your name.
27:31It'll be your security for when I'm gone.
27:34I stand there for a long time.
27:36Goodbye, Ellie.
27:38Goodbye, Ryan.
27:39Then, without any fake hesitation, I nod.
27:42I'll take the compensation.
27:43I've earned it.
27:44Mr. Whitfield drives me to the airport.
27:47Mrs. Whitfield is busy stuffing my carry-on with homemade cookies, a handwritten note,
27:51and a small picture frame.
27:53Inside is a photo of my father holding me when I was just a baby.
27:56You have to call us every week.
27:58Every.
27:58Single.
27:59Week.
28:00I will, Mrs. Whitfield.
28:01I promise.
28:02I head through security, find my gate, and take a seat by the window.
28:06Outside, a plane glides toward the runway, its wings gleaming in the bright September sun.
28:10Somewhere down there, a baggage card is carrying two suitcases that hold everything I own.
28:15My phone vibrates.
28:16It's a text from Mr. Whitfield.
28:18Your father would be so proud of you.
28:20Go show them what a Whitmore can do.
28:21I smile and slip the phone into my pocket, watching the world below get smaller and smaller
28:26as we take off.
28:27For the first time in two lifetimes, I am finally free.
28:30My life, my real life, is finally beginning.
28:33My life, my life, is finally free.
28:33My life, my life, is finally free.
28:34My life, my life, my life, is finally free.
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