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Follow our channel to never miss the latest billionaire and CEO drama series! 🚀📈🎬
Details:Language: English & Spanish Subtitles (EngSub / Sub Esp).
Genre: Billionaire Romance, Revenge, CEO Drama, Identity Reveal.Status: Full Movie / Full Episodes.
#DRAMAX #FullMovie2026 #ShortDrama #EnglishSubtitles #MysteryThriller #BingeWatch #4KVideo #NonstopDrama #PremiumContent #DramaLovers #EmotionalClimax #FullLengthDrama #RevengeStory #NewMovie2025 #2025Movie
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Short filmTranscript
00:04mom said pretty girls get played so i caked on dark foundation and married a rich heir who fell
00:09for me at first sight i thought he wanted my heart not my face that he saw the real me
00:13then
00:14came the crash he used his body to shield me he took the flames instead when i woke up at
00:18the
00:18hospital the first thing i asked the nurse where's my husband how is he mr carter's back is badly
00:23burned not in danger he's in the next room i pulled up my iv right away and stumbled next door
00:28just as i was about to open the door then i heard jace's mother's voice jace you married such an
00:33ugly woman made our whole family a laughing stock and now you almost die for her when will you stop
00:38this nonsense my hand stopped on the doorknob a few seconds of silence inside then jace's voice
00:44calm and flat no emotion at all mom you know what i want i knew it you're still doing this
00:49for nina
00:49let me tell you you're our family's best heir but nina will never set foot in this family using clara
00:54spiders won't work either i stood there completely frozen what were they just saying for nina who is
00:59nina a wave of panic a suffocating sense of dread like icy water swallowed me whole i leaned on the
01:04wall hid back in the ward after a few seconds i pulled out my phone with shaking hands sent a
01:09message to my private investigator find out everything about jace and nina the more details the better
01:13every minute waiting every second felt like torture his mother's sharp accusations and jace's calm
01:18words you know what i want echoed in my mind over and over my phone buzzed i opened it with
01:22trembling hands inside was a thick stack of files along with many photos nina vance is the
01:27vance's eldest daughter jace's first love perfect match equal status both beautiful known as the
01:32golden couple in elite circles three years ago they were about to marry her pre-wedding exam showed
01:37she can't have kids for a top family like the carters having an heir is the top priority so the
01:41carters were firmly against it but jace insisted on marrying her anyway so the carters started to
01:45strike back crushing the vance family's business the vance's couldn't take the pressure nina broke up
01:50with jace in tears jace began blind dates after that but he didn't like any of the women until he
01:54met me the famously ugly woman in the circle and then everything clicked he married me not because
01:58i was special not because he saw who i really am inside it was because i was the ugliest most
02:02embarrassing woman of all his blind dates the perfect tool to anger his parents and force them
02:07to give in he married an ugly woman to defy his family to make them accept nina i stared at
02:11the text
02:12on my phone and suddenly laughed but as i laughed tears started falling pain wrapped around me like a
02:17giant net tighter and tighter almost strangling me mom said being too pretty gets you tricked but i got
02:22tricked even when i was ugly and even more completely more ridiculously and more painfully these three
02:27years the happiness i thought i had was just a carefully staged act i was just jace's tool to defy
02:32his family a pawn to prove his love for nina i thought i had found the light but that light
02:36was
02:36just a reflection shining from a mirror aimed at someone else i sat in my room and cried for a
02:40long
02:41time finally i wiped my tears took out my phone and called jace's mother i want a divorce from jace
02:46carter what did you say clara look at you how dare you ask for a divorce do you know how
02:50many women
02:51in this city are begging to marry jace how i look is none of your business this divorce is happening
02:55if you carters won't agree i'll get a lawyer and go through legal channels it'll get ugly nobody wants
03:00that fine i'll help you get the divorce sorted wait a few days i hung up took a deep breath
03:05checked
03:06myself out of the hospital when i got home the first thing i did was throw away everything jace had
03:10given me necklaces bracelets rings bags all went into the trash like throwing away three years of
03:15my own stupidity a few days later jace came back the burns on his back hadn't fully healed
03:20he couldn't walk fast but he still wore a sharp suit posture straight face handsome and clean
03:25he was as gentle as always why are you sitting here the maid said you've barely eaten these days
03:30i looked up at him every time i saw this face before my heart would race face flushed ears hot
03:35but now
03:36looking again all i felt was coldness and distance jace didn't seem to notice the change in my eyes
03:41or maybe he had never truly noticed my eyes at all he glanced at the calendar on the wall
03:46then naturally took my hand are you upset because i didn't stay today's your birthday i booked the most
03:51luxurious hotel downtown planned a dinner it's still early let me take you to pick out a dress okay in
03:56the past if he remembered my birthday and planned a dinner like this i would have been over the moon
04:00but now all i felt inside was a hollow cold laugh i didn't expose him just nodded slightly jace took
04:06me to a luxury dress shop right as we walked in his phone rang you pick i'll take this he
04:12stepped aside
04:12i didn't care just browsed the dresses on my own i spotted a champagne colored gown simple and elegant
04:18wrap this one up for me i'll take this dress when i turned and saw who spoke my blood ran
04:22cold nina
04:24vance that bright confident face from the photos the one always beside jace was right here alive in front
04:29of me she wore an off-white suit long wavy hair flawless makeup her eyes had this natural superiority
04:35she stared at me with a half smile and at the champagne dress in my hand nina stepped closer
04:40her voice soft but her tone wasn't polite sorry i want that dress too you were here first i know
04:46but i think it suits me better why don't you let me have it sorry no i really like it
04:51miss with a face
04:52like yours it doesn't matter what you wear so why not do a good deed and give it to me
04:56we stood there
04:57frozen the air between us thick with silent tension what's going on he ended the call and
05:01saw this his brow furrowed almost unnoticeable nina saw him her eyes lit up instantly but her hand
05:06stayed on the dress jace you're here too so she must be your wife if i'd known she was mrs
05:11carter i
05:12wouldn't have fought over it let mrs carter have it she let go as if her insistence just now was
05:16a joke
05:17but then jace reached out and took the champagne dress right out of my hand handed it to nina no
05:22need
05:22to give in this one suits you go try it on a flash of triumph crossed nina's eyes she took
05:27the dress and
05:27smiled at me then turned and walked into the fitting room my hand hung frozen in the air my
05:32fingertips still felt the fabric ripped away jace finally turned to me like he'd just handled
05:37something trivial clara that was nina an old friend of mine she's straightforward but she means no harm
05:43it's just a dress we'll pick another one you might as well just be honest you said it suits her
05:48better isn't that just your way of saying this face of mine doesn't deserve any pretty thing
05:53jace froze for a moment he didn't expect me to push back like that or to say it so directly
05:58the
05:59truth everyone pretended not to see he quickly composed himself a hint of helplessness crept into
06:04his voice that's not what i meant if i thought you weren't good enough why would i have married you
06:09in
06:09the first place yeah why because i'm just ugly enough the perfect tool the perfect pawn to anger the
06:15carters and force them to give in ever since i was little hiding my real face i've heard so much
06:19mockery classmates whispering blind dates throwing insults my father's size those words were like
06:25needles after enough pricks you go numb but jace was different these three years his gentle reassurances
06:30his quiet defenses of me even risking his life to save me slowly like warm water they softened my
06:35frozen heart made me hope for things i shouldn't have and then with his own hands in the calmest most
06:40casual way he shattered that fake warmth completely that hurt even more than outright cruelty
06:45i choked back the sob in my throat and the wave of pain crashing inside me i didn't say anything
06:50just turned and walked to another rack grabbed a plain black dress without even looking then the
06:55fitting room curtain pulled open nina stepped out the champagne dress shaped her curves made her porcelain
07:00skin glow stunning miss vance that dress is made for you it fits you like a dream jace's eyes also
07:06landed on nina his gaze was deep her reflection was clear in his eyes that usual coldness in his
07:10gaze for a moment it softened a flicker of the love i had searched for but never once saw in
07:14his
07:15eyes for me it was just a flash but i caught it my heart felt like it was being squeezed
07:18by an
07:19invisible hand it hurt so much i could barely breathe jace do i look good very good nina's smile
07:24grew even brighter she walked over to jace naturally tucked her hair behind her ear oh right i heard
07:29tonight's mrs carter's party is at the royal grand hotel jace nodded i happen to be free tonight
07:34if mrs carter doesn't mind i'd love to come celebrate your birthday of course not you're
07:39welcome to come the royal grand's top floor ballroom was brightly lit the birthday party jace had prepared
07:44for me was extremely lavish he had invited half the city's elite i wore that plain black dress thick
07:48bangs and glasses still hiding my face as always standing next to jace i looked like an outsider who
07:52didn't belong i could feel eyes on me from every direction curious probing mostly undisguised contempt
07:57and snickering what was jace thinking marrying her who knows maybe he has strange taste the whispers crept
08:03into my ears i kept my back straight my face blank as if i hadn't heard a thing shortly after
08:08the
08:08party started jace gave me a gift in front of everyone an expensive diamond necklace when the
08:13velvet box opened quiet gasps of admiration and envy filled the room i softly said thank you nina
08:18arrived a little later the moment she appeared everyone stared as if she were the real star of
08:22the night nina walked up to me sorry i'm late didn't have time to get a gift hope you don't
08:28mind mrs
08:28carter let me embarrass myself and play a song to wish you a happy birthday jace i remember you play
08:34piano beautifully too how about we play a duet just for fun at mrs carter's birthday party what do you
08:40say jace looked at nina's hopeful eyes then glanced at me silent beside him he hesitated for a moment then
08:46actually walked over their seamless duet began it was a forehand version of through release the man cool and
08:52noble the woman radiant and charming they looked like a perfect painting together the whispers
08:58around us grew louder this time they didn't even hide it now that's a real match what a shame if
09:03only jace had married miss vance first that clara hale is just taking up space such an ugly woman and
09:08she got the city's most eligible air what a waste i stood there the air around me grew thinner and
09:13thinner
09:14those looks and words were almost drowning me i turned and went to the balcony the night air was cool
09:18it blew away the heavy warmth and noise from the ballroom i leaned against the balcony railing took
09:23a deep breath in then slowly let it out soft footsteps came from behind me then a warm body
09:27pressed close arms wrapped around my waist from behind my body went stiff then jace's low voice
09:32sounded in my ear why did you come out here alone don't take what those people say to heart
09:37just meaningless gossip i didn't move didn't speak jace probably thought i was still upset
09:42he rubbed his chin against the top of my head his voice grew even softer with a hint of coaxing
09:48clara i've told you you're fine just as you are don't worry about what others think i like you
09:53that's all that matters hearing the word like i almost laughed out loud what kind of like using
09:58me as a tool to defy your family or as a prop to prove your undying love for nina jace
10:02thought
10:03words weren't enough to comfort me seeing i was still silent he suddenly tilted his head and kiss
10:07my neck without warning the warm soft touch came my whole body jolted i instinctively wanted to push him
10:12away then the balcony glass door was pushed open nina stood at the doorway a smile she couldn't
10:17hide in time still on her face when she saw us embracing especially jace's kiss on my neck her
10:22smile froze instantly her face went pale tears quickly welled up in her eyes so sorry i'm
10:27interrupting her voice was choked she turned and ran off she seemed embarrassed jace let go of me
10:32almost immediately his expression clearly changed his eyes followed where nina had disappeared there was
10:37clear worry and a hint of conflict he quickly looked back at me his tone returned to calm don't dwell
10:42on
10:42what happened before i like you that's all that matters i need to step out and make a call he
10:47hurried off after her i stood there staring at the empty doorway i tried to smile but couldn't even force
10:53a bitter one bitter one i can't stand this party another second i turned and left just as i reached
10:58the hotel driveway a figure blocked my way it was nina her eyes were still a bit red but she
11:04had already
11:04composed her expression she looked down at me with scorn leaving so soon mrs carter the guest of honor
11:10shouldn't leave early or are you upset because jace went after me does that bother you i didn't want to
11:16engage with her i tried to walk around her nina reached out to stop me don't go let's talk about
11:22jace about your ridiculous marriage there are things you need to know let go of me what feeling guilty
11:27you're taking what you don't deserve let me tell you jace's heart has always been mine only mine
11:32i tried hard to shake her off nina was wearing high heels she seemed to slip she let out a
11:37scream
11:37and fell backward she grabbed my arm and held on tight she pulled me off balance too the screech of
11:42breaks and the impact came almost at the same time in the chaos i felt a huge force hit me
11:47the world
11:47spun my forehead and cheek burned with pain warm liquid blurred my vision instantly pain and dizziness
11:53drowned my consciousness in a daze i felt people gathering around me the crowds noise and the ambulance
11:58sirens in a daze i thought i saw jace rushing over on that face always so calm and cold for
12:04the first
12:04time there was clear panic then i heard fragmented dialogue it sounded far away both victims were
12:10critically injured they needed surgery immediately but only one operating room was left mrs carter's face
12:16was injured with deep wounds delays might cause disfigurement nina hurt her hand delays might affect
12:21her piano playing treat nina first her hands are meant for playing piano what about mrs carter her
12:27appearance doesn't matter at all the words doesn't matter were like a knife piercing my heart
12:31my blood seemed to freeze just because i'm ugly it means i don't matter my vision turned black and i
12:37passed out i woke up in the ward later with no one around i touched my face which was wrapped
12:42in thick
12:42bandages the door opened and nina walked in her hand was also wrapped in bandages yet she wore a smile
12:48clara hale i heard you're badly hurt your face is all cut up i thought you'd be disfigured for sure
12:54the carter's doctor is quite skilled and heal your wounds well but even if healed it can't
12:59hide your plain looks these thick bandages match your bangs and glasses perfectly all equally glaring
13:06get out you're not welcome here just you wait you're ugly and ill-mannered as well you really
13:11are disgraceful with that she turned and left at the police station nina and i were questioned separately
13:17her side all said i deliberately heard her i said she pulled me down and i was just defending myself
13:21but no
13:22one believed me soon jace arrived with his lawyer his eyes paused on my messy collar and the bandages
13:27on my face his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly he glanced at nina beside him nina met his gaze she
13:32shook her head gently her eyes held helplessness and a hint of being wronged jace paused then spoke
13:37his voice was low and steady but completely unreadable clara is emotionally unstable she needs
13:43to calm down since the police were called treated as disturbing the peace a few days detention will make
13:48her reflect my eyes flew wide open i stared at him in disbelief just like that i was taken to
13:53a
13:53holding cell i knew nina wouldn't waste this chance the next seven days were hell for me a cold cell
13:57rancid food cellmates who picked fights i gritted my teeth and held on no crying no complaining my eyes
14:03grew emptier by the day my heart grew colder and harder on day seven jace was waiting for me outside
14:08he leaned against his car a cigarette between his fingers smoke curled around him blurring his handsome
14:14features when he saw me come out he put out the cigarette and walked over you're out get in the
14:19car i didn't move i looked up and stared straight at him my voice was hoarse why jace didn't seem
14:26to
14:26expect that question he paused why what why did you let her go why lock me up you think i'm
14:32ugly so you
14:33just assumed i was lying and i hurt her on purpose right jace looked at me at my red eyes
14:38and the deep
14:39despair beneath a faint discomfort flickered in his chest but he quickly ignored it his tone softened
14:44patient and reasonable clara things were chaotic then you might have misunderstood detention was to
14:49teach you a lesson and let things cool down i didn't abandon you i told the people inside to look
14:53after you you wouldn't have been mistreated told them to look after me i nearly laughed out loud but
14:58tears fell first did he ever consider that his precious nina also gave orders to make me suffer
15:03like hell i bit my lip so hard it bled the next few days maybe he was afraid his tool
15:07would throw
15:07a tantrum he showed rare signs of making it up to me he took me to an exclusive private auction
15:12bidding
15:12on every priceless diamond necklace vintage earrings famous paintings all put in my name but when i looked
15:18at those cold diamonds i felt nothing but numbness inside after the auction ended i went to the deck
15:23alone to get some air familiar footsteps approach from behind nina walked up to me her voice soft but
15:28her eyes were venomous clara jace bought you so many things happy but no matter the price they won't
15:33change that you're just a tool he used you to pressure his parents now that his goal is almost
15:38achieved how long do you think he'll keep you around when we get married i'll remember to send
15:42you an invitation i didn't want to listen i turned to leave but nina grabbed my wrist leaving so soon
15:47does it hurt i told you the truth last time jace has always loved me and only me you're nothing
15:53but a
15:53replacement i yanked my hand away we struggled by the boat's back railing the cruise ship swayed slightly we
15:58both lost our balance tumbled over the railing and fell into the dark icy water below the freezing
16:03water flooded my mouth and nose the impact and cold took my breath away i can't swim i struggled in
16:08vain salty sea water filled my throat in a daze i saw a figure dive into the sea it was
16:12jace without
16:12hesitation he swam straight toward nina who was thrashing and screaming he dragged her to the life
16:16boat he didn't even glance back at me the cold water wasn't even one ten thousandth as cold as my
16:20heart
16:21just as i was losing consciousness another passing boat spotted me the people on board quickly pulled me in
16:25i collapsed on the deck coughing violently spitting out sea water i was soaked through shivering from
16:30the cold jace had already put nina on a lifeboat wrapped her in a blanket and spoke to her in
16:34a low
16:34voice benny seemed to remember something he looked up at me his eyes landed on me just a casual glance
16:39at first but then suddenly froze my heart tightened i looked down and touched my face the heavy makeup
16:44on my face soaked and smeared from struggling had started to come off it revealed large patches of
16:49my real skin my wet bangs stuck to my forehead the black rimmed glasses were gone just then nina let
16:54out a weak groan and leaned into jace's arms it cut off his searching gaze jace my head hurts so
16:59much
17:00i'm so cold jace immediately looked away hold on i'll take you to a doctor right away he stopped
17:05looking at me he scooped nina into his arms and walked quickly toward the cabin i watched his back
17:09clutching my wet clothes my fingertips were ice cold in the end i said nothing with help from the
17:15people who saved me i got on the cruise ship found an empty room to clean up i looked in
17:19the mirror
17:20at the face hidden beneath the ugly makeup a face so breathtaking it was frightening this was what my
17:25mother left me the curse i'd hidden for over a decade as i got off the ship my phone rang
17:29it was
17:30mrs carter her voice carried undisguised relief and satisfaction clara the divorce papers are ready
17:35from now on you and jace are done with each other we'll pay your father some compensation just disappear
17:42from now on i stood at the dock phone in hand the sea wing blew my damp hair back revealing
17:47my bare
17:48forehead and my clear cold eyes no longer hidden it was all over i held a taxi and went straight
17:52to
17:53the cemetery outskirts the photo showed a gentle beautiful woman but her eyes held an unfading
17:57sadness mom you were right being too pretty can really get you tricked but playing ugly got me
18:02completely played hiding yourself doesn't bring safety it only makes your abusers more reckless
18:07so from now on i don't want to hide anymore even if the road ahead is still rough i want
18:11to face it as
18:12my true self i bowed three times then turned and left i was resolute back at the villa i didn't
18:17alert
18:17anyone i went straight upstairs to the bedroom and did three things first i packed all my luggage
18:22second i washed off all my makeup the mirror was fogged with steam slowly revealing a face
18:27so breathtaking it was almost frightening third i booked the soonest flight on my phone i took a
18:32taxi to the airport got my boarding pass cleared security and boarded the plane i kept my head down
18:36but my bare strikingly beautiful face still drew countless stares of amazement curiosity and even secret
18:41photos i didn't notice or maybe i just didn't care anymore the plane soared into the clouds leaving
18:47the city of pain and lies far far behind what i didn't know was that shortly after i boarded
18:51countless secret airport photos of me went viral on local media at shocking speed and spread like
18:56wildfire the photos went viral instantly the whole internet searched for this girl soon my identity was
19:01gradually uncovered then a shocking conclusion was revealed isn't this clara the carter's ugly bride
19:06the internet exploded public opinion quickly reversed amazement curiosity doubt deep dives all kinds of
19:12voices filled the air soon the media dug up old stories my mother was once a renowned beauty she
19:16married down but was unhappy and eventually died of depression dying she told her daughter to hide
19:21given my plane disguise for over a decade a report emerged about a beautiful mother who married the
19:25wrong man died young and a daughter who hit her face to survive the details were thorough the story was
19:30emotional quickly sparking huge sympathy and debate her mother was right beauty can be a curse
19:35especially in that messed up circle where are all those who mocked her before feeling embarrassed now
19:40i just wonder if jace knows does he know his wife is this beautiful when the story hit its peak
19:45jace
19:45was chairing a top floor merger meeting the atmosphere was tense a pen rested between his fingers
19:50listening to the report his face was calm and in control as always then his assistant burst in
19:55without knocking he placed a tablet in front of him mr carter please look at this your wife she
20:01jace's brow furrowed in displeasure he glanced at the screen his eyes locked onto it it was the high
20:06res airport photo her features were like a painting her eyes were clear with her gaze slightly lowered
20:11the natural lift in her brow was softened adding a fragile cold beauty it was clara he never truly
20:16saw his wife of three years jace's pupils suddenly contracted he stared at the photo then quickly
20:20scrolled he saw my mother's story dug up by netizens and why i hid my face for over a decade
20:24his heart felt squeezed by an invisible hand then slowly painfully twisted the meeting room was dead
20:30silent all the executives held their breath they watched their young leader who never showed his
20:34emotions now reveal a rare blank shock on his face after a moment of silence he only said adjourned
20:39he shot up from his seat grabbed the tablet without looking at anyone he strode out of the meeting room
20:44back in his top floor office he locked the door he walked to the floor to ceiling window he flipped
20:48through the photos one by one different angles different lighting even a few blurry side or back shots
20:53but everyone was breathtakingly beautiful this wasn't the result of makeup or surgery it was a natural
20:58bone structure and skin perfectly combined into a striking beauty he thought of me my head always
21:02lowered my heavy bangs my clumsy black rimmed glasses dark lipstick that never fits he remembered the way
21:07i blushed when he said you're fine he thought of the dress shop i asked with red eyes do you
21:12think i'm
21:12not good enough he thought of the police station my horse voice asking why in the icc he swam to
21:17nina
21:18as he swam toward nina i was losing all my hope his heartbeat faster and faster he panicked a strange
21:23mix of
21:23shock and regret and an indescribable dull pain slammed into his chest he had never felt this
21:27before even when nina cried and broke up with him all he felt was anger resentment and a suffocating
21:32feeling not like now as if something vital was slipping through his fingers he tried desperately
21:37to grab it but only grasped empty air a cold panic the office door was knocked on before he could
21:41answer
21:42ethan shaw pushed the door open and entered he was one of jace's few real friends equal family status
21:47cynical and carefree everything's in chaos outside you're still focused on this before he finished
21:52speaking his eyes fell on jace's face he froze jace stood with his back to the light his face
21:57expressionless but ethan had known him for years he saw at a glance the storm raging barely suppressed
22:02behind his eyes ethan stepped closer he glanced at the tablet screen precisely my breathtaking face
22:08he let out a low whistle look at you don't tell me you're falling for her jace's body stiffened
22:14almost imperceptibly he wondered if he'd fallen for me the tool he once deemed suitable the wife
22:19he married to anger his family jace shook his head this can't be true but sharp pain surged deep from
22:25his heart and details he had ignored for three years came flooding up wildly silently contradicting his
22:29denial what are you doing here he looked away his voice turned cold and sharp i almost forgot the real
22:35thing i saw the trending post and came to check i didn't expect it was you but speaking of which
22:40there's no harm keeping it in the family can you introduce her to me what nonsense are you talking
22:45about she's my wife jace cut him off his tone held a sharp coldness even froze his face turned odd
22:51what
22:51wife jace you don't know yet know what ethan took out his phone tapped a few times and held it
22:56in front
22:56of him carter group's official website released an official statement 30 minutes ago stating you ended
23:01your marriage with clara on peaceful terms jace snatched the phone the statement on screen carried
23:06the seal of carter group it was crystal clear issued by the pr department but only he and his
23:11parents had this access this can't be jace stared at the short lines blood rushed straight to his head
23:16then drained away in an instant his hands and feet went cold he immediately dialed the internal line
23:21to the legal director his voice was icy cold check my divorce papers with clara now who handled it who
23:25signed it why didn't i know a thing why didn't i know about this after hanging up the phone his
23:31fingers
23:31trembled slightly he dialed another number it was his mother she answered the phone almost instantly
23:37who allowed you to release that statement i didn't sign anything how could there be a divorce you didn't
23:43sign but clara came to me herself she was determined to divorce she signed the agreement i had someone
23:49handle the procedures what she didn't tell you she contacted me right after hospital she said she would
23:55definitely divorce you hospital what hospital the time you were hospitalized saving her wasn't she injured too
24:02she called to divorce after discharge i think she finally knew her place she left on her own
24:07at least she's sensible jace it's good that woman is gone mom will find you a more suitable socialite
24:13jace didn't listen anymore he hung up the phone he remembered his mother's ward visit the argument
24:18between them a terrible guess like a cold poisonous snake suddenly burrowed into his heart
24:22he called the hospital director at once his voice was tense pull out the surveillance outside my ward
24:28during my last day the waiting minutes felt like a century as the email alert sounded jace opened the
24:33attachment it was the surveillance video in the footage his mother walked into the ward long after
24:38the door closed i walked out of the next ward my face was pale there was gauze on my forehead
24:43i walked to
24:45the door of his ward i reached out as if to push the door open yet my hand froze on
24:48the doorknob i just
24:49stood there motionless the surveillance video had no sound he only saw me leaning weakly on the wall
24:54my body swayed almost unnoticeably i lifted my head gazing at the ward door my downcast eyes were filled
24:59with shock bewilderment was clearly written on my face cold despair spread slowly in my heart i stepped
25:04back slowly to my own ward my figure looked extremely fragile like a dry leaf about to break apart jace
25:10stared rigidly at the screen his fingertips turned icy cold it felt as if his blood had frozen he realized
25:14i
25:14had known everything i knew the real reason he married me i knew his kindness all had hidden
25:18motives i knew he loved another woman deeply i was merely a tool for his schemes a display to provoke
25:23others a bargain to force his family to compromise jace let out a low bitter laugh his voice sounded
25:28hoarse and broken he lifted his hand to cover his eyes tears still streamed out through his fingers
25:32it came out sudden and uncontrollable scolding hot and heart-wrenching ethan stood quietly aside
25:37he watched his friend fall apart entirely he hesitated wanting to comfort him in the end he only
25:42sighed softly he stepped out without making a sound then gently closed the door the daylight outside
25:47slowly faded away jace sat alone in the dim room he looked like a lifeless stone statue after a long
25:53while he slowly lowered his hand his eyes were red and bloodshot confusion and pain slowly faded gone
25:58replaced by grim resolve he picked up his mobile phone he dialed his special assistance number his voice
26:03was hoarse yet firm find her use all your connections to search for her locate clara in the shortest time
26:09possible i must find out where she is now right now immediately jace used all his connections to find me
26:15the information they found showed that i had bought a one-way ticket to cloud spire with my id card
26:18he flew there at once but the trail went cold after he arrived i had not checked into any hotel
26:23with
26:23my id nor had i checked into any inner guest house i had not rented any car either i prepared
26:27enough cash in advance then i vanished like a drop of water i disappeared quietly into the crowd a place
26:32of
26:32rugged terrain and old towns jace's men searched almost the entire city they checked all possible
26:37places nearby yet they found nothing at all days passed one by one jace's calm self-control began
26:41to crack he started to suffer from insomnia he smoked night after night his office and home was thick with
26:46smoke during meetings he would suddenly zone out his gaze would fix on empty space he would ask a
26:50meaningless abrupt question where do you think she could go alone the assistant lowered his head he dared not
26:56answer ethan came to see him seeing how haggard he looked he clicked his tongue have you really fallen
27:01for her jace did not deny it he just took a deep drag of his cigarette smoke blurred his bloodshot
27:06eyes
27:06he thought maybe his feelings for nina were nothing but a habit of possession it was an obsession left
27:11from his youth when nina left he felt angry and unwilling he felt manipulated by family and fate
27:15but when i disappeared he felt a sharp hollow pain it was like his heart had been torn open he
27:20was
27:20terrified of losing me forever the feeling was strange and sharp it left him completely at a loss
27:24nina couldn't get through to him she went straight to his company jace why won't you see me why won't
27:30you answer my calls is it because of clara listen to me none of that is true it's a trick
27:35she said to
27:35get revenge on us how could she possibly look like that she must have had plastic surgery or use some
27:40other underhanded means she does this just to catch your attention to ruin our relationship jace don't
27:46let her fool you jace looked at her at her carefully made up face he listened to her constant vicious
27:50remarks and insults directed at clara the bright proud girl he once knew the girl he'd protected
27:55was fading fast revealing a side he no longer recognized a twisted repulsive side he slowly
28:00pried her fingers off his arm nina what she looks like whether it's real or fake it's none of your
28:04business as for whether she's good enough for me that's for me to decide nina's lips trembled jace
28:10you jace cut her off his tone grew even colder and one more thing after clara was detained what favors
28:16did
28:16you call in did you really think i wouldn't find out all color drained from nina's face at once she
28:21stared at him in horror for old time's sake i won't pursue this don't test my patience again and never
28:27appear before me or her again jace opened the office door he didn't glance at her again he turned and
28:32walked away a few days later by chance chase was browsing a niche designer forum he spotted a set of
28:38anonymous sketches a thought flickered across jace's mind he quickly traced the poster's ip it led to an
28:43ancient town in the south a vague idea crossed his mind i had minored in design at university
28:47my mother's hometown was nearby arrange the plane to lynnville town he grabbed his coat and left at
28:53once mr carter you have a europe video conference today before the assistant could finish jace simply
28:58said to postpone it he did not hesitate at all lynnville town was not big but it had a network
29:02of waterways inns were hidden in winding alleys it was crowded with tourists jace held a printed photo of
29:07my face it was taken without makeup at the airport he asked at every inn one by one but three
29:11days
29:12passed and there was still no progress searching was futile he felt trapped in a maze anxiety and
29:16powerlessness grew by the day at night he entered a riverside bar the bar was dimly lit a singer played
29:21guitar on stage singing soft old songs jay sat down in a corner he ordered a strong drink but barely
29:27touched it he stared blankly out the window at the flowing water and swaying lanterns amid the
29:31shifting lights his gaze froze by the bar counter a woman in an elegant off-white dress with a modified
29:36chung sam silhouette came into his sight she had her back to him her long hair was loosely tied up
29:41fixed
29:41with a simple wooden hairpin revealing a slender graceful neck and a patch of fair skin at the nape
29:46when he saw me jace's heart was struck hard it skipped a beat at once then it began to race
29:50wildly he
29:51stumbled over to the bar he grabbed my wrist holding the pen i froze for a second i slowly lifted
29:55my head
29:55when i saw who held me a flick across my clear eyes like a stone dropped on a calm lake
29:59but the ripples
30:00faded at once only cold deep calm remained sir you've mistaken me for someone else i tried hard to pull
30:06my
30:06hand back jace held on even tighter his fingertips trembling slightly pain and regret joy at finding me
30:12again along with deeper feelings he could not put into words raged wildly inside his chest clara it's
30:18me i found you come back with me let's talk properly i looked at him a faint smile touched my
30:23lips with no
30:23warmth in it only deep cold sarcasm go back to where mr carter i raised my other hand and pried
30:29his fingers
30:29off one by one carter group divorce statement went viral everyone online has seen it the stamped divorce
30:35certificate was mailed to me days ago there is nothing between us anymore we have nothing to talk about
30:40it was a misunderstanding my mother released it without my knowledge i never knew about it at all
30:45i never signed anything clara it doesn't count it makes no difference who released it the result is
30:52that we're divorced legally socially in everyone's eyes i have nothing to do with you anymore let go of me
30:58and leave don't disturb my life again i turned to leave after saying that i know i was wrong he
31:03suddenly raised his voice all the guests in the bar looked over he stared at my back desperately words
31:08buried deep burst out at once clara give me a chance can we start over i'll fix everything liana my
31:13parents everyone who hurt you i'll handle them all i promise it won't happen again jace carter i stopped
31:18walking without turning back i only turned my face slightly my voice was soft but clear to him
31:23your idea of starting over use me as your shield against your family or a prop to prove your love
31:28for liana your mother was right when i was ugly i was ashamed to your family now that i'm better
31:34looking do i suddenly become an object to fix your regret and guilt jace turned pale as if punched hard
31:40in the face he stumbled half a step back he opened his mouth but no sound came out i've got
31:44your apology
31:45but i don't need it and i won't forgive you i didn't look at him again i slung my bag
31:50over my shoulder
31:50don't follow me or i'll call the police i said one last thing i pushed open the bar door my
31:56figure soon
31:56melted into the mist into the night and running water and disappeared jay stood there frozen all
32:02strength drained out of him he grabbed a glass and drank it down strong liquor burned his throat but
32:07couldn't stop the cold and panic spreading in his chest he turned and rushed out chasing after where
32:11i'd gone he followed me from afar and watched me enter a small inn by the river named clearwater inn
32:16warm
32:17light shone through wooden windows he stayed at an inn across the river his window facing my lit room
32:21upstairs the one with the light on he stood by the window that whole time staring at that light until
32:26it finally went out until the sky turned pale the next morning he saw me leave early i wore a
32:31simple
32:31linen dress my hair pinned up with a wooden pin carrying an easel and a small wicker basket i walked
32:35down stone steps to an old tree set up my easel facing the stream a stone bridge and a black
32:40boat and
32:40began to paint sunlight filtered through leaves onto me my face calm and focused locals passed by and greeted me
32:46now
32:46and then they said hello i would lift my head and smile back gently the smile was soft but incredibly
32:51real morning light and water filled my eyes a relaxed vivid beauty he'd never seen jace hid in the shadow
32:56of the alley greedily watching the scene the empty hole in his chest hurt even more at the sight my
33:02peace
33:02my beauty my liveliness had nothing to do with him i'd only found them after leaving him this thought
33:08almost made him fall he stood like a silent statue he stayed there for a long time until i packed
33:12my things
33:13and left walking slowly back to the inn for the next two days he lingered nearby like a ghost he
33:17watched me shop and cook hang sheets in the yard to dry chat with the neighbors sit on river steps
33:22at
33:22dusk and watch the sunset paint the river red my life was simple and peaceful without him without
33:26suffocating schemes humiliation and harm he watched through a glass wall a perfect world that wasn't his
33:31until the third afternoon this fragile peace was broken a black car crashed into the old town and stopped
33:36roughly at the gate the door opened nina stepped out furiously jace's heart sank he walked over
33:41quickly in the yard i sat on a bamboo chair trimming a small potted plant clara you persistent woman have
33:47you no shame at all you're already divorced from jace hiding here to seduce him you think this face can
33:53win him back let me tell you in your dreams jace loves only me it has always been me you
33:58are just a
33:58tool against his parents a pitiful ridiculous substitute i put down the scissors and looked up
34:03at nina miss vance this is where i live a private place please leave now nina laughed in anger
34:09she stepped forward and pointed at me you should be the one to leave did you leak your location on
34:14purpose jace walked into the yard just then seeing her point at me so arrogantly hearing her vicious
34:19words one by one an unprecedented rage swept over him nina shut your mouth nina froze she turned
34:25sharply and saw jace her face shifted to worry and panic jace why are you here what are you doing
34:31here
34:31did you come to see me is this woman bothering you again jace ignored her he walked straight to me
34:37and
34:37stood in front of me then looked at nina his disgust was plain to see i told you to stay
34:42away from her
34:43did you just ignore my words jace i was worried you'd be tricked by her she's so scheming she married
34:50you on purpose while ugly and now she shows her true face shut up jace cut her off his voice
34:56was
34:56colder than ever nina for the sake of our past i'll give you one last chance disappear from my sight
35:01right
35:02now or i won't hesitate to make the vance family vanish from the city completely nina was stunned
35:08she stared in disbelief her face turned as pale as paper you what did you say you'd destroy the vance
35:14family for her jace how could you do this jace carter no longer looked at her two bodyguards came to
35:20the gate quietly he gave them cold instructions the bodyguards stepped forward at once they held nina
35:26vance from both sides no jace you can't treat me like this i am the one who loves you the
35:31most nina
35:32vance struggled constantly she cried out in despair they dragged her out without mercy she was forced
35:36into the car the car soon drove away rapidly her cries gradually faded away the small yard returned
35:41to tranquility only wind rustled through bamboo leaves jace carter turned to face me i still sat
35:46quietly on the bamboo chair my eyes drooped slightly downward staring at leaves trampled by nina earlier
35:51there was no emotion on my face the farce seemed unrelated to me at all jace carter
35:55opened his mouth his voice carried humble entreaty clara will you come back with me
35:59he stepped forward a little closer he reached out to hold my hand but i avoided his touch at once
36:04i lifted my head and looked at him jace carter you still don't understand it it's never only about nina
36:10vance it's all about you this marriage began with schemes those years were filled with lies and shame
36:15your heart always belongs to someone else yet you married me just as a mere tool your silence when your
36:21mother insulted me you took the dress away from my hands and gave it straight to nina you swam toward
36:27nina without hesitation not even a single glance back at me with every word i said jace's face turned
36:32paler i slowly stood up to my feet and brushed off the dust on my clothes jace carter i don't
36:38hate you
36:39anymore hating someone is too tiring but i don't love you either and i'll never go back with you i
36:43watched
36:44jace's face turn pale at once i saw pain and despair in his eyes i felt nothing in my heart
36:48only empty
36:49cold calmness i'm fine just the way i am so please leave my world i looked away after speaking i
36:54turned and entered the old wooden door i closed it gently in front of him cutting him off from my
36:58world completely jace stood outside the door like a statue that had lost all its strength he stood
37:04there for a very long time until dusk fell and night came river lanterns lit up one by one stretching
37:08his shadow long and lonely he didn't knock on the door again he knew it would never open once the
37:13door is
37:13closed from the inside no one outside can push it open jace returned to the carter group his body was
37:18back but his soul was lost in that misty quiet small town ethan barely recognized him when they
37:23met the calm jace was gone forever in his place was a desperate gambler his first move was to crush
37:28the
37:28vance family in just half a month the once glorious vance family was crumbling teetering on the edge
37:33of bankruptcy nina wept bitterly kneeling on the cold stone steps calling jace's name over and over
37:38begging for mercy recalling old feelings but jace never met with her once he just texted via his
37:43assistant you touched what's mine then you must pay the price he stressed the words what's mine
37:47sharply everyone knew exactly who he meant the news spread quickly it shook the entire industry
37:52no one expected jace to turn so ruthlessly after he had protected nina for so long soon after at a
37:58major business summit it was jace's turn to speak he stepped onto the stage he didn't talk about the
38:03economy at once or the industry's future he stood under the spotlight facing a crowd of business elites
38:08and flashing media cameras he rarely brought up personal matters i'd like to take this chance to clarify
38:13one thing my divorce from clara was not my choice there was a serious misunderstanding the crowd fell
38:19instantly silent you could hear a pin drop countless shocked incredulous eyes fixed on him
38:23jace spoke on under their gaze every word was firm and resonant i hereby make a solemn statement the only
38:29wife i'll ever have is clara hale i am fixing my mistakes he paused for a moment his eyes swept
38:34over
38:34restless media his voice dropped low carrying an unquestionable warning please do not disturb her life
38:39give us time to make things right when mrs carter saw the news she smashed her teacup at once she
38:44rushed to the company she shouted at jace trembling with rage have you lost your mind for that woman
38:49you've ruined our family you drove the vance family to ruin and now you say this in public jace looked
38:54up from his documents his face was expressionless but his eyes were ice cold mom if you still want me
39:02as
39:02your son please respect my choice mrs carter was stunned by his look she was lost for words then she
39:08grew
39:08even angrier you'd choose that vixen over your own mother jace closed the documents he stood up he
39:14walked to the window his back to her if i must choose between you and her i choose her mrs
39:18carter
39:19staggered back she held the edge of the table she stared at his lonely firm back in shock she had
39:23never
39:24seen him like this crazy obsessive desperate reckless like a lion enraged guarding his treasure
39:29he'd tear anyone who dared to come near jace didn't go back to the old town he feared he would
39:33disturb
39:33me that i might disappear again but he found another way stubbornly staying in my life i received
39:37different gifts every day sometimes fresh purple irises with dew with dew still on them no name
39:42on the card only a printed line of poem seeing such a kindred spirit how could i not be glad
39:47sometimes a private gallery auction invite in the attached catalog an old jade-eyed eyed was specially
39:51folded sometimes just a handwritten note sharp messy handwriting it was jace's the words were
39:57awkwardly silly rain today stay warm eat well my reaction never changed i never opened any of them
40:02flowers stayed untouched at the inn gate left in sun and rain to wilt and die invites and cards went
40:07straight into the bin herbal food i gave to the neighbor lady the landlady felt sorry for it she
40:12couldn't stand it either she tried to persuade me over tea clara mr carter sends gifts every day but
40:17he never shows up himself it seems he truly knows he was wrong he's full of regret i was tracing
40:22a
40:22bookmark quietly my pen didn't stop at her words regret can't fix certain mistakes some wounds can't be
40:27healed with simple gifts the innkeeper sighed softly she said no more the internet was not quiet either
40:32influencers came to spy on me for views but before they reached the old town they were stopped by
40:36tight security and helpful local residents under this strange protection my life stayed peacefully
40:41on the surface i knew exactly who did this but i felt no gratitude only weariness and absurdity nina's
40:46life fell straight into hell from the beloved vance heiress she became a joke everyone avoided the huge
40:51fall the bitter hatred burned her day and night she blamed me for all her misfortunes i had stolen jays
40:56from
40:56her ruined everything she had the money from selling her last jewelry she didn't use for debts or life
41:01through secret connections she contacted some desperate men i give you the money i want that
41:05woman's face ruined i want her to be completely disgraced to live in worse than death one evening
41:11a few days later i came back from painting outdoors passing a quiet empty alley a shabby van stopped
41:16sharply beside me the door slid open violently two big hands reached out suddenly one covered my mouth
41:21tightly the other grabbed my wrist hard i was roughly pushed into the van i didn't even get to cry
41:26for
41:26help a smelly towel covered my nose and mouth a sharp smell filled my nostrils i struggled a few
41:30times my consciousness faded quickly the last thing i saw was nina's face twisted with madness
41:35and hatred jace was in a crucial global video meeting his phone vibrated on the table it was
41:39an urgent call from my guard mr carter something's wrong miss clara was taken by a van we lost them
41:45they know how to avoid being tracked the van has a fake license plate all color left jace's face at
41:50once location where did they disappear last west old industrial area but there are many side roads
41:55it's a blind spot for cameras send everyone i have block all roads out of the city search every
42:01warehouse there every abandoned factory jace spoke at a frightening speed sharp and nearly out of
42:06control he dialed another number at once his voice trembled with deep fear helicopter get it ready on
42:11the roof right now only one thought raced in his mind clara must be safe she must be safe no
42:15matter
42:16what the old warehouse smelled of rust and dusty rot hands bound i was thrown on cold concrete nina stood
42:21right in front of me she held a sharp dagger the blade glinted cold in the dim light clara hale
42:26you're finally in my hands she crouched down she tapped my face with the cold blade look at this
42:32face so beautiful it's what enchanted jace isn't it i turned away from the blade my face showed no
42:37emotion only cold silence in my eyes you know what i only wanted to scar your face at first turn
42:43you
42:43into an ugly monster see if jace still wants you but i've changed my mind now i'll let everyone see
42:47what becomes of jace's beloved woman when her face is ruined as she spoke the tip inched slowly toward
42:52me my body tensed up sharply my tight hands clenched into fists nails digging deep into my palms
42:57just then the rusty warehouse door was kicked open harsh light poured in a figure stood against the
43:02light like a demon returned from hell he charged in with icy killing intent it was jace carter his
43:07gaze locked onto me at once seeing i was unharmed just tied up with red marks on my face in
43:12that instant
43:12his racing heart settled a little then he saw the knife in nina's hand and where the blade was
43:16pointing brutal rage turned almost solid nina let her go nina jumped at the sudden crash the blade
43:22trembled a thin red line appeared on my neck seeing jace she froze in shock then burst into sharper mad
43:27laughter jace you finally came she yanked my hair hard forcing me to face him look closely what's so
43:33great about her besides this pretty face what else is worth you treating me like this and ruining my
43:38entire family jace's gaze was fixed on my face seeing the blood beat on my neck his pupils shrank
43:43sharply let her go name your price nina laughed as if hearing a joke fine i want you to marry
43:49me right
43:50now say you'll marry me in front of her jace didn't shift his eyes at all his answer was firm
43:54impossible
43:55except for her i don't want anyone else nina burst into wild laughter tears streaming from her laughing
44:00eyes her gaze growing even more crazed fine such undying love then i'll ruin her face first let's see
44:07if you still love an ugly monster if you dare touch her jace's eyes were bloodshot each word gritted through
44:12his
44:12teeth i'll make you wish you were dead as he spoke he inched forward slowly and quietly nina had
44:18completely lost control her knife hand trembled violently eyes wild and frantic then try me see if
44:23i dare before she finished her wrist snapped the blade slashed hard toward my cheek i heard jace shout
44:29my name in the split second the blade fell jace moved like a beast striking prey unleashing shocking
44:34speed he lunged forward he didn't reach for the knife instead he used his own body to shield me
44:39completely underneath meanwhile his left hand gripped like iron gripping nina's knife wielding
44:44wrist the blade veered off course but still sliced down hard cutting deep into jace's right forearm
44:49jace let out a low grunt veins popped on his forehead he paled instantly from pain and blood loss
44:54but he did not pause for a second his right hand forced through the pain he twisted hard along with
44:59nina's
44:59sharper scream her wrist bone was snapped cleanly only then did the guards rush in behind jace quickly
45:04pinning the screaming nina down the guards paled at jace's bleeding wound horrified mr carter your
45:09arm but jace felt no pain at all he did not glance at his ugly wound nor did he care
45:13for the screaming
45:14nina he staggered to one knee shakily undoing the rough rope on my wrists his movements urgent yet
45:19almost reverent delicately careful not to hurt me afraid to cause me even a little pain clara don't be
45:24afraid it's all right now jace's voice trembled violently filled with post-crisis fear and bone deep
45:29panic i'm here don't be afraid the rope came loose a bright red mark circled my pale wrist jace's
45:34pupils shrank he gently lifted my hand to check it but dared not squeeze hard his eyes quickly swept
45:40over my body at the thin red scratch on my cheek all that remained was deep love and fear does
45:46it hurt
45:46are you hurt anywhere else i'll take you to the hospital right now he tried to hold me but held
45:51back covered in blood and dust his arm froze halfway unsure what to do kidnapped knife at my throat to
45:56jace
45:56breaking in getting hurt and stopping nina it all happened so fast so suddenly i sat on the ground
46:01calm the entire time until jace bleeding badly tried to hold me despite his arm i finally reacted
46:07jace are you done with your act jace froze completely as if doused with icy water cold to
46:12the bone he stared at me in disbelief all color drained from his face paler than from blood loss
46:17his lips trembled but no sound came out my eyes held no warmth for him only empty coldness
46:22i got lucky this time what about next time would you only stop if you died for me i paused
46:27each
46:27word stabbed into his heart like ice jace your love came too late and it's too heavy i can't bear
46:33it
46:33i don't want it i said no more and looked away ignoring his trembling bleeding arm throbbing with
46:38my words i pushed myself up from the cold ground on my own i brushed dust off my clothes smoothing
46:43out
46:43the wrinkles then i turned toward the warehouse door toward the flashing police lights outside i walked
46:48calmly forward my back straight and resolute i did not look back once at the man who nearly lost an
46:52arm for me now frozen in place cold to the bone after the warehouse incident i did not linger i
46:57gave my statement to the police answering all necessary questions then returned to clearwater
47:01inn i declined her worried offer to stay settled my bill and left the old town quietly at dawn just
47:05as
47:06it had been when i arrived the town remained as quiet as ever when jace got the news he was
47:09in hospital
47:10treating his arm the anesthetic had worn off his wound throbbing sharply but he didn't even frown he
47:14stared at his phone waiting for me the phone rang it was his god voice trembling mr carter miss clara
47:19is gone we watched all the town exits but never saw her leave she may have disguised herself or taken
47:24another route we're sorry mr carter we lost her the phone slipped from his hand and hit the floor the
47:30screen shattered jace didn't react he didn't feel the pain from his arm the wound had started bleeding
47:33again he just sat stiff on the hospital bed staring at the gray sky outside his eyes completely empty
47:39she left again this time more completely more finally he could almost see her packing calmly
47:44slipping out of everyone's sight vanishing like smoke in the morning mist great fear and utter
47:48powerlessness engulfed him at once like an icy tide worse than when she was kidnapped back then he knew
47:53where she was knew where the enemy was but now she was gone she didn't want him anymore find her
47:58use
47:59every connection i have no matter how much it costs no matter what it takes dig her out i will
48:04find her
48:04the carter group went into full action but she was like a drop of water evaporated into thin air no
48:10id usage
48:10records at all no new bank activity she had erased all her traces jace's arm wound kept reopening because
48:15he refused to rest it got infected he ran a high fever but he ignored it all sick and frantic
48:20he
48:20searched like mad day after day passed hope faded little by little jace was falling apart visibly he
48:27started drinking heavily empty bottles littered his home late at night he held a wine bottle replaying the
48:32only photo he had a candid shot of her at the airport when sean came to see him he barely
48:36recognized
48:37the man huddled on the sofa unshaven hollow-eyed smelling of alcohol his eyes empty as dead water
48:42the once confident composed jace sharpening control was gone completely sean sighed he kicked an empty
48:48bottle aside he sat down beside him if you knew it would end like this you should have acted differently
48:53jace made no response he only held the wine bottle staring blankly at the dark night outside sean took
49:00the bottle away and set it aside you have truly fallen this time you are trapped and cannot get out
49:05jace trembled almost imperceptibly he slowly turned his head and looked at sean his eyes were bloodshot
49:10filled with red veins he spoke at last his voice was hoarse and broken thick and nasal like a lost
49:16lonely child i can't find her i i really can't find her i'm terrified of losing her he hung his
49:21head low
49:22covering his face with both hands his shoulders shook uncontrollably sean turned his gaze away his heart
49:27felt heavy and stifled he had never seen jace in such a state fragile and desperate easy to break at
49:31any
49:32touch long-term drinking and sleepless nights extreme mood swings wore him down and his arm wound
49:36festered untreated jace's body finally reached its limit during a senior video conference as he listened
49:41to his subordinates report a sharp pain twisted his stomach a bitter taste welled up in his throat the
49:46next moment under everyone's horrified stare he turned his head sharply and spat dark blood on the
49:50conference table the meeting room fell into chaos jace was rushed to the hospital immediately the test
49:55results came out soon acute gastric bleeding severe neurasthenia fever and complications from infection
50:01the doctor frowned at the chart he told mrs carter and sean the patient is physically exhausted under
50:05extreme mental stress he refuses all treatment if this continues the consequences will be disastrous
50:10jace lay unconscious for two days his fever raged on he sank into chaotic dreams bizarre scenes flashed by
50:16all of his first meeting with clara her flustered face as she wiped its stains only making it messier
50:20awkward and helpless at their marriage registration she signed quietly behind thick glasses her fingertips
50:25trembling slightly her in an apron cooking porridge her soft face in the rising steam her tearful
50:30question was she unworthy her horse why at the police station her gradual silence in the cold sea
50:35the last look she gave him all images shattered and spun until they formed the town's old warehouse and
50:40the words that damned him forever chase your love came too late it is too heavy i cannot bear it
50:45clara
50:46don't go i was wrong i was so wrong jace groaned in pain on the bed his forehead covered in
50:50cold sweat
50:51his hands clawed wildly at the air as if grasping at a fading illusion three days later jace's fever
50:57finally broke he woke up but his eyes were empty he stared motionlessly at the ceiling like a puppet
51:02without a soul the doctor said he needed complete rest no more shocks or stress mrs carter's eyes were
51:08red from crying she tried to speak but only sighed at last she stepped out silently several days later jace
51:15could get out of bed his first act was not treatment nor the piled up company work he went to
51:19a secure
51:19psychiatric hospital on the city's outskirts in the intensive care unit he saw nina in just 10
51:24days the once glamorous nina vance was now skin and bones her eyes vacant she mumbled incoherently
51:29occasionally erupting in shrill cries or laughter when she saw jace she stared blankly at first then
51:34she recognized him she lunged at the isolation window beating wildly on the thick glass her face twisted
51:39jace you came you're here to take me out right i know i was wrong i shouldn't have hurt clara
51:44forgive me
51:45tell them to let me go jace stood outside the window pale and cold his eyes like ice he watched
51:49nina's hysterical outburst no emotion showed on his face this place suits you nina froze mid-strike
51:54she stared at him in disbelief enjoy the rest of your life here the staff will take good care of
51:59you and make sure you pay for what you've done jace you can't do this to me i love you
52:03i did it all
52:04for love clara stole you from me she deserves to die she jace turned away he spoke calmly to the
52:10director
52:10do as we agreed no visitors without my permission no exceptions not even the vance family with that
52:17he walked away leaving behind desperate cries and pounding the corridor was empty and quiet only his
52:21footsteps echoing it was all he could do for clara one of the few acts left for her he walked
52:26to the
52:26window sunlight shone brightly outside the garden lush with green grass but his world was already desolate
52:31snowed in frozen and dark he had lost his light from then on nights were endless no dawn would ever
52:36come
52:37two years was long enough to wash away many traces clara settled in a quiet border town
52:41she bought a small shop with her savings half a living half turned into a tiny studio she took
52:46online design orders and work from local craftsmen in town life was simple but fulfilling she no longer
52:51hid her appearance a bare face cotton linen dresses her hair loosely tied up she drew many looks on the
52:56stone streets young men from town and tourists drawn by her reputation expressed their affection for
53:00her she always smiled politely keeping her distance gently but firmly the name jace carter
53:05gradually became a more prominent symbol in the financial world through his relentless work the
53:09carter group expanded rapidly no woman ever came near him rumor spread wildly that mr carter remained
53:14faithful to his ex-wife he had become a man obsessed only sean visited his place occasionally and saw a
53:19thick stack of clara's photos locked in his study drawer they were all jays had left of her a top
53:23jewelry design contest was back clara saw the call for entries she stared in silence for a long time then
53:28closed the web page returning to her unfinished wood carving a few days later she submitted a carefully
53:33prepared design signed with claire as usual months later the finalists were announced claire was on
53:38the list again jace remained the contest's top sponsor the organizers repeatedly begged him to
53:43attend the final event he stared at the piercing name on the list silent for a long time i'll go
53:48but seat me in a corner no interviews of any kind the final was star-studded clara sat in the
53:52contestant
53:53area calm and composed two years had given her a deeper sense of peace and poise she felt his
53:58gaze from the dark corner but she did not respond she was only herself clara hale here to present her
54:03work at the award ceremony her work won the highest prize again she stepped up to speak under the
54:08spotlight she thanked everyone but said nothing of personal feelings at the charity auction her piece
54:13was the final auction item as bidding began just as expected from the shadowed corner that same paddle
54:18went up every bid doubled the price firm and unyielding determined to win the price soared to a staggering
54:23sum the gavel fell sold congratulations to mr carter number 28 he stepped onto the stage they shook hands
54:29his hand was still cold with a faint tremble they exchanged only cold greetings as if they were
54:34strangers she smiled keeping her distance after stepping down they walked briefly backstage together
54:39he suddenly spoke in a low voice as long as you're well that's enough she kept walking without
54:45looking back straight to her waiting friend merging into the crowd after that competition clara's design
54:50career soared she rose to international fame she moved several times finally settling in a historic
54:55city opening a larger studio and taking on a few students she was still alone but falling peaceful at
55:00heart occasionally seeing him afar at big events their paths never crossed again a year later it was clara's
55:05birthday purple irises arrived by air as usual no signature her assistant gasped miss hale that
55:10mysterious admirer again always right on time every year it's so romantic you really don't know who it is
55:15clara took the flowers put them in a vase gazing out at the old tiled walls she smiled
55:19maybe i don't but it doesn't matter anymore what matters is she had finally learned to love
55:24herself and make peace with the past becoming her own warm light those pains became her life's
55:28foundation making her clearer about who she was and what she wanted she thought she had not let
55:32her mother down she had finally protected herself not by hiding her face but by growing
55:36strong bones and full wings she was no one's tool corner accessory she was clara hale that was enough
55:41on the other side of the city jay stood by his office window looking out at the bright city lights
55:46the latest finance magazine lay on his desk featuring clara on the cover speaking at an
55:50international design forum confident and brilliant he stared for a long time then picked up the internal
55:54phone next quarter's charity will focus on independent female designers and art education
55:58programs after hanging up he sat back in his chair lit a cigarette smoke curled slowly upward he knew some
56:04mistakes could never be fixed some people once lost are lost forever all he could do was stay beneath
56:09the sky where she flew guarding a brightness she may never need and spend his days learning to live with
56:13this deep regret and love the years were long they wandered apart and found their own shores
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