- 1 day ago
The Childless Marriage EP Divorce Revenge, Family Drama, ASM
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Short filmTranscript
00:00We were planning to travel the world together long ago and smiled meaningfully.
00:04He thought I had lost my mind and continued.
00:06A man passing on his line is only natural.
00:09You couldn't have kids, so I played along.
00:12But now, I owe my children an explanation.
00:16He proposed a divorce, wanting to take his pair of children and their mother on a family trip together.
00:21I agreed immediately, gracefully stepping aside and leaving.
00:24When news of the divorce spread, everyone sympathized with me.
00:31An elderly neighbor felt my pain.
00:33At her age, abandoned by her husband.
00:35What a miserable old age.
00:37So tragic.
00:38A college girl from the same apartment complex fumed on my behalf.
00:42That old bastard Charles is such a scumbag.
00:45Back then, he said they'd never have kids.
00:47Just enjoy their twin stem.
00:49Now look, his own son and daughter are old enough to make him a grandfather.
00:53Chatting with old friends, they couldn't help but sign.
00:55You were so glamorous in your youth.
00:57Successful career, living freely.
00:59But you insisted on being child-free, and now you're old and all alone.
01:03Even my parents advised me.
01:04As long as you don't divorce, his children become yours.
01:08They'll care for you in old age.
01:10When we pass on, we'll have peace mind.
01:15They all thought I was forced into divorce, that I was devastated, that I had no one to
01:19rely on in old age, that my whole life had become a joke.
01:22I didn't explain, nor could I be bothered to refute them one by one.
01:26How things would turn out for the two of us, when the time came, they would know.
01:30Charles, on the other hand, was writing high.
01:33He posted a family photo on social media with the caption,
01:35Starting today, I finally have a real family.
01:38In the photo, he stood in the center, a young man and woman on either side, their faces radiating
01:42youthful pride.
01:43And the woman who could carry on his bloodline had her arm linked through his, smiling warmly
01:47and gracefully.
01:49Someone commented,
01:50Look at that.
01:51Now that's a winner in life.
01:53Indeed, Charles had one big.
01:55In his youth, he enjoyed the twosome life with me, living freely his whole life, never
01:59suffering through midnight beatings and diaper changes.
02:02Yet, in his old age, he had both a son and a daughter to bring him joy.
02:06How could that not count as winning at life?
02:08Now that he was retired, his career and reputation would no longer be affected.
02:13And me, at my age, abandoned by my husband and left with nothing, naturally invited people's
02:17sides.
02:18But little did they know, I had been prepared all along.
02:21In this marriage, he wasn't the only one acting.
02:29The divorce proceedings went quickly.
02:31So quickly I felt somewhat dazed.
02:33Charles personally drove me to the courthouse.
02:35When signing, his hand didn't tremble at all.
02:38Instead, it was as if he had finally shed some burden, swift and decisive.
02:42He smiled at the clerk.
02:43What can you do?
02:44We're both old, and the love is gone.
02:47But at least, I still have my son and daughter with me.
02:50I can enjoy family happiness too.
02:53The clerk looked at me apologetically.
02:54Ice full of sympathy and comfort.
02:56I smiled too, but said nothing.
02:58After the divorce, with a grand gesture, he hired people to clear out the bedroom I had
03:02lived in for over 30 years.
03:03Eagerly bringing Vivian and the children home.
03:05I didn't fight or argue.
03:06I didn't even bother hiring a lawyer.
03:08I just took my half of the savings and a few important items, and moved out cleanly and
03:12efficiently.
03:13The day Vivian moved in.
03:14I came back to pack up my last belongings.
03:17As soon as I opened the door, I saw brand new photos displayed in the living room.
03:21Our wedding photos had been replaced by their family portrait, the four of them.
03:27Charles sat in the center, Vivian holding his arm, with two similar-looking young adults
03:31in their 20s standing on either side, full of vigor.
03:34When I walked in, the lively atmosphere instantly turned cold, as if announcing my unwelcome
03:39presence.
03:40Vivian greeted me with a smile.
03:44Oh, Stella!
03:46Did you leave something behind?
03:48Let me help you look for it.
03:50Playing the hostess like she owned the place.
03:51Just a few last things.
03:53I'll take them all today.
03:54I said indifferently.
03:56Charles sat on the sofa without looking up, as if waiting for me to get the hint and leave.
04:05Charles sat on the sofa, not even lifting his head, casually flipping through the newspaper,
04:09as if waiting for me to get the hint and leave on my own.
04:12Chloe and Connor stood to the side, their eyes filled with undisguised distance and wariness,
04:16treating me like a stranger who had barged in.
04:18Mom, this place looks a bit dated, and the living room is kind of dark.
04:22How about a renovation with a new style?
04:23Chloe said casually.
04:24Yeah, the sofa needs replacing too.
04:26So old-fashioned.
04:28How did Dad live in a place like this?
04:29Connor chimed in.
04:30I listened to the nitpick and watched Charles remain silent.
04:32I felt like laughing.
04:33This was the home Charles and I had shared for 30 years.
04:36Every piece of furniture carefully chosen.
04:37Now I was being dismissed as worthless.
04:39Vivian affectionately held Charles' arm.
04:40See how opinionated the children are?
04:42This house needs a complete makeover.
04:44We can't short charge ourselves.
04:45Charles finally looked up slowly and glanced at me.
04:49Stella, are you done packing?
04:50Take everything at once so you won't have to keep coming back.
04:52It's awkward for everyone.
04:53He meant for me to leave and never come back,
04:55so I wouldn't be an eyesore to their family of four.
04:56I looked away, picked up my bag, stood at the doorway,
05:00and glanced back one last time at what had once been my home.
05:02Vivian leaned weakly against Charles peeling an orange,
05:05while the two children sat side by side on the sofa watching TV,
05:08the three of them chatting and laughing,
05:09as if this home had always been like this,
05:11composed of their family of four, with no place for me.
05:14The way Charles looked at Vivian was with respect for the mother of his children,
05:17and guilt for having kept her as a secret lover all these years.
05:20As for me, I was just an old woman he had grown tired of,
05:23with no children by my side, deserving to fend for myself.
05:26A cold laugh echoed in my heart.
05:27Fine, since you want me gone, I'll leave cleanly,
05:29so you can enjoy this brief pretense of affection.
05:32After all, in a few days it will be you turning on each other.
05:36After the divorce, I moved into an apartment.
05:39It wasn't far from my former home, but it felt like a different world.
05:42I didn't feel any particular discomfort.
05:45Without Charles in the house, I actually enjoyed the peace and quiet,
05:48but outsiders didn't see it that way.
05:50No matter how capable and free-spirited you were in your youth,
05:53you still lost in the end.
05:55This was the shared opinion of relatives and friends.
05:57My mother couldn't hold back tears when she saw me.
05:59You're living alone now, with no one to take care of you.
06:02What if you get sick someday?
06:04You insisted on being child-free before.
06:06Look at you now.
06:07Wouldn't it be nice to have a child?
06:09At least you wouldn't end up like this.
06:11My father sighed, his face full of regret.
06:12We shouldn't have let you have your way back then.
06:14If we had persuaded you more,
06:16you wouldn't be in this situation now.
06:18Their words implicitly blamed me for insisting on being child-free,
06:20saying that's why I lost my husband's heart.
06:22The most ridiculous thing was that my friends also thought
06:24Charles hadn't done anything terribly wrong.
06:26A man needs to have children.
06:27Charles was willing to play along with you for so many years.
06:32That's already going above and beyond.
06:34You were too stubborn back then.
06:35All these years, I've never understood.
06:37What were you thinking?
06:38Honestly, you're both old now.
06:40Vivian would still have to call you Big Sister.
06:42Why not just make do and live together?
06:44I thought at most they'd advise me to accept Charles as children.
06:46I never imagined they'd suggest Vivian and I share one husband.
06:50But they never considered that neither child shared a single drop of blood with me.
06:53Even if I stayed, how many good days could I possibly have?
06:56What they didn't know was that the infertile one had never been me.
07:02When I first insisted on being child-free,
07:04bearing the pressure from everyone,
07:06my declaration that I would never have children was denounced as selfish and unfilial.
07:10Charles' parents pressured him to divorce me,
07:12but he said he didn't mind,
07:13as long as we could live happily together.
07:16Moved by his words,
07:17I became even more resolute in my decision.
07:19For decades,
07:20I bore all the blame myself,
07:22protecting his reputation,
07:23even his confidence and dignity as a man,
07:25only to discover he had given me nothing but a complete and utter deception.
07:29He never pressured me to have children because I wasn't his only woman.
07:32If I didn't give birth,
07:33he could have other women bear his children,
07:35and he could maintain his reputation as a loving husband
07:37while gaining my parents' trust and support.
07:39Why wouldn't he play along?
07:41When I discovered the truth,
07:42I never imagined that my seemingly gentle husband was so deeply calculating.
07:46I was wrong,
07:47but my mistake was not having children.
07:49My mistake was taking it upon myself to protect his dignity as a man.
07:53For that,
07:53I was even willing to give up my right to be a mother.
07:56So I planned for years,
07:57waiting for the moment when his act fell apart,
07:59to deliver him a devastating blow.
08:03Soon,
08:04I received the wedding invitation for Charles and Vivian's wedding.
08:07The invitation was in Vivian's handwriting,
08:09saying that as Charles' ex-wife,
08:10I must want to see him happy too,
08:12and my presence would mean the world to them.
08:14I let out a derisive laugh.
08:15What beautiful words.
08:16So high-sounding they made me sick.
08:18Mean the world to them?
08:18Vivian had been Charles' secret lover for 30 years.
08:21Having finally made it to the altar,
08:23she naturally couldn't wait to gloat in front of me.
08:25I took the invitation and casually glanced at it.
08:27The ceremony was at the city's most luxurious five-star hotel.
08:30Quite an upscale venue.
08:31Charles must have wanted to compensate Vivian for 30 years of hidden suffering with the grand wedding.
08:35When my friends heard that Vivian had invited me to her wedding with Charles,
08:38they were all furious.
08:41What does he mean by this?
08:43He's obviously trying to humiliate you.
08:45Exactly.
08:46You just moved out,
08:47and he's already marrying his mistress in style.
08:50He's clearly trying to embarrass you.
08:52You absolutely shouldn't go.
08:53Going would just be asking for humiliation.
08:55I listened to their angry voices without feeling a single ripple in my heart.
08:59In fact,
08:59a smile cropped to my lips.
09:00Of course I'm going.
09:02Don't worry.
09:03I'm not going to make myself miserable.
09:05My friend looked at me in confusion.
09:07I'm just going to watch a comedy show,
09:09Stella.
09:11The show is about to begin.
09:18On the wedding day,
09:19the ballroom was decorated magnificently.
09:21Charles stood in the center of the crowd,
09:23receiving blessings from relatives and friends,
09:25while Vivian held his arm,
09:27smiling warmly and elegantly.
09:29The picture of a dignified hostess.
09:30And I walked in with a confident expression,
09:32completely unabashed.
09:34When the guests saw me,
09:35the smiles on their faces instantly became knowing and significant.
09:38Why is she here?
09:39Someone whispered.
09:40She's not here to cause trouble,
09:42is it?
09:43Well,
09:43who can blame her?
09:45Being abandoned by Charles,
09:47anyone would feel upset.
09:49They all thought I had come to cry,
09:51to argue,
09:52to seek sympathy,
09:52but they were wrong.
09:53If only one person could have the last laugh at this wedding,
09:56that person would definitely be me.
09:58I picked up a glass of champagne,
09:59walked slowly to Charles and Vivian,
10:01and smiled.
10:03Congratulations.
10:04You finally got what you wanted.
10:06A flicker of triumph flashed in Vivian's eyes.
10:08She leaned against Charles lightly,
10:09her tone gentle yet provocative.
10:11Thank you for coming.
10:12After all,
10:13back then,
10:14you pretended to be child-free because you couldn't conceive.
10:17Charles didn't want to hurt you,
10:19so he came up with this solution.
10:21The best of both worlds.
10:23Charles walked over with a drink and raised his glass to me.
10:25It's all in the past.
10:27I believe I stayed by your side and did my duty.
10:31Now I'm old and want to enjoy my later years surrounded by children.
10:36I hope you can understand.
10:38I lowered my head and chuckled softly,
10:40my gaze sweeping over Chloe and Connor behind them.
10:43Let them enjoy their moment of triumph for now,
10:44because the storm is about to descend.
10:52The wedding proceeded as planned.
10:54On stage,
10:55Charles and Vivian were exchanging vows,
10:57holding hands and gazing at each other with tears in their eyes.
11:00Chloe and Connor went up to give them flowers.
11:02Charles looked at the two young adults in their prime,
11:04as if seeing his own youth reflected in them.
11:06He thought,
11:07perhaps this was the price of continuing one's bloodline.
11:09Stella would never understand this feeling,
11:11which is why he had resolutely abandoned her.
11:13Halfway through the wedding,
11:15Charles suddenly produced a property deed.
11:16I once thought I would die childless and alone in my old age,
11:21but heaven has been kind to me.
11:23My beloved Vivian has given me a son and a daughter,
11:27allowing me to live a complete life.
11:29Vivian looked at Charles,
11:30tears already glistening in her eyes.
11:32I have little to give them,
11:33so I've decided to transfer the property under my name
11:37to the two children to help them thrive.
11:40Cheers erupted from the audience.
11:42Chloe and Connor covered their mouths excitedly and looked at Vivian.
11:46The three of them were expressions of assured victory,
11:48but I stood up and shouted,
11:51I object!
11:52Vivian hadn't received the property deed yet.
11:54Interrupted by me, she was furious.
11:56Stella, today is a wonderful day for our family of four.
12:00What kind of trouble are you trying to cause?
12:02Charles looked at me with disgust,
12:04his eyes contemptuous yet resigned.
12:05Stella,
12:06I know you're upset about not being able to have children
12:09and jealous seeing my family,
12:11but you have to accept reality.
12:15We're divorced.
12:16The house may have both our names on it,
12:18but we're old now.
12:19What use is it to us?
12:21Chloe and Connor nodded continuously,
12:23even encouraging the guests to boo me.
12:25The MC also tried to persuade me.
12:27Mrs. Stella,
12:28as Mr. Charles' ex-wife,
12:29you must want him to have a harmonious family
12:31and someone to care for him in old age, right?
12:34I put down my glass and said indifferently.
12:37Of course.
12:40But I need to correct one thing.
12:41The one who can't have children isn't me.
12:45The hall fell into dead silence.
12:49Vivian was taken aback,
12:50and Charles frowned too.
12:51What do you mean by that?
12:52It means nothing special.
12:54I shook my head gently,
12:55a touch of pity in my eyes.
12:56My eggs are still frozen at the egg bank,
12:58perfectly healthy.
13:00The doctor said,
13:01they can be retrieved for embryo cultivation anytime.
13:04Charles understood I had frozen my eggs for IVF,
13:06and he was completely enraged.
13:08Didn't you say you didn't want children with me?
13:10Now we're divorced,
13:11and you want IVF?
13:14Are you out of your mind?
13:15You really don't want to bear my child that badly?
13:18I slapped him hard across the face,
13:20rubbed the MC's microphone,
13:21and spoke loudly enough for everyone present to hear.
13:23Because the one who can't have children has never been me.
13:26It's you.
13:27Charles,
13:28you have severe aloxpermia.
13:30You have no fertility whatsoever.
13:32The hall fell into dead silence in an instant.
13:35Then came an uproar.
13:36Charles is infertile?
13:38Is that true?
13:39But Vivian already gave him two children,
13:41didn't she?
13:42Stella must have gone crazy.
13:43She couldn't have children herself,
13:45and now she's slandering Charles.
13:47The guests whispered among themselves,
13:49and many had already pulled out their phones to record.
13:51Charles' face turned dark with fury.
13:53Vivian stood frozen,
13:54her face deathly pale,
13:55her lips trembling slightly.
13:56What nonsense are you spouting?
13:57Charles stepped forward aggressively.
13:59His gaze so dark,
14:00it seemed he wanted to tear me apart.
14:01I let out a derisive laugh,
14:03reached into my bag,
14:04pulled out my phone,
14:05and played a recording.
14:06The clear voice instantly filled the entire wedding hall through the microphone.
14:09Miss Stella,
14:10after examination,
14:11your fertility is completely normal,
14:12and your ovarian function is excellent.
14:14But Mr. Charles' situation is not very optimistic.
14:16What does that mean?
14:17His sperm motility is extremely low.
14:18Basically, there is virtually no chance of conception.
14:21His condition is quite severe,
14:22almost no possibility.
14:24Even with IVF,
14:25the success rate would be extremely low.
14:26I understand, Dr. Lewis.
14:28Please don't tell him about this yet.
14:30Don't tell anyone else either.
14:31Let this be between you,
14:32me,
14:33and God.
14:33Miss Stella,
14:34this kind of thing can't be hidden forever.
14:35When you can't conceive after marriage,
14:37it will naturally come to light.
14:39It's fine.
14:39I'll tell him and our parents
14:41that I don't want children,
14:43that I insist on being child-free.
14:45That way,
14:46no one will know the problem lies with Charles.
14:49The recording finished playing.
14:50A deathly silence fell.
14:52All eyes turned to Vivian and her two children.
14:57Suddenly,
14:57everyone's eyes turned simultaneously toward Vivian
15:00and the two children behind her.
15:01Her face had turned completely white,
15:03and her fingertips were trembling.
15:04Chloe and Connor fidgeted restlessly,
15:07trying to flee the hall.
15:08Oh my God,
15:08so all these years,
15:10Stella insisted on being child-free
15:12to protect Charles' dignity
15:13because he's the one who's infertile?
15:16Then Vivian's children-
15:17It's me!
15:17Vivian's lips moved slightly,
15:18her voice trembling violently.
15:19You must have had someone forge it!
15:21I gave a cold laugh,
15:22opened a second file,
15:23and a video immediately began playing
15:24on the projection screen.
15:25The footage showed a dimly lit hotel room,
15:27with a man and woman entangled on the bed.
15:29The woman's face was flushed,
15:31panting softly,
15:32her voice seductive and triumphant.
15:33Honey, I'm pregnant.
15:36The man's voice followed,
15:37carrying a hint of panic and resistance.
15:38No way.
15:39This child can't be mine, can it?
15:40Vivian chuckled softly,
15:41her voice alluring and cunning.
15:42Of course it's yours.
15:45But don't worry.
15:46Neither I nor the child
15:47need you to take responsibility.
15:51What do you mean?
15:52Charles doesn't have children yet.
15:54His wife insists on being child-free,
15:56and he's desperate.
15:57He's been begging me to bear his children.
16:00I'll just say the child is his.
16:02He'll definitely treasure me like a gem.
16:04The man was silent for a moment,
16:05then laughed softly.
16:06You really are something else.
16:07Vivian hooked her arm around his neck,
16:09whispering softly.
16:09We'll seize all the property and inheritance.
16:14Then we can enjoy our golden years in peace.
16:17As soon as she finished speaking,
16:19the man got excited and lunged down
16:20to entangle with the woman beneath him again.
16:22The video ended abruptly there.
16:24Everyone was stunned.
16:25A silence like death.
16:27Vivian completely collapsed onto the floor,
16:29her hands clutching her wedding gown tightly,
16:30her eyes filled with terror and despair.
16:32Charles's face had reached
16:33its most terrible expression.
16:35He clenched his fists,
16:36his body trembling slightly,
16:38veins bulging at his temples.
16:39He was clearly at the peak of rage.
16:41He roared through gritted teeth.
16:48He roared through gritted teeth,
16:49wishing he could tear her limbs
16:51Vivian's body shook,
16:52her eyes instantly reddening
16:53as she desperately tried to explain.
16:55It's not.
16:56Charles, please listen to me.
16:58Explain?
16:59What is there left to explain?
17:01Charles kicked the chair aside,
17:03grabbed a champagne glass from the table,
17:04and smashed it on the ground.
17:06The sound of shattering glass
17:07exploded in the quiet wedding venue,
17:08sharp and piercing.
17:09You bitch!
17:10How dare you deceive me?
17:12I was your secret lover for 30 years,
17:16and you dare to cuckler me!
17:18Charles's eyes turned red,
17:20as if he had lost all reason.
17:21He rushed forward,
17:23wrapped Vivian's shoulders,
17:24and slapped her heart across the face.
17:26The crisp sound of the slap echoed
17:28throughout the entire hall.
17:29Vivian staggered backward,
17:31clutching her cheeks,
17:32tears streaming from her eyes.
17:34And you dare to cry?
17:35You deceived me for 30 years!
17:38Cuckled me!
17:39And I've spent so much money on these bastards!
17:42Charles!
17:42Charles, calm down!
17:43Someone rushed up to restrain Charles,
17:44but he had already gone completely mad.
17:46He shoved everyone aside
17:47and, like an enraged beast,
17:48overturned the dining table.
17:50Plates, wine glasses,
17:51and flowers scattered everywhere.
17:52The scene was utter chaos.
17:53Chloe and Connor stood to the side,
17:55their faces ashen,
17:56their bodies trembling,
17:57completely at a loss.
17:57The guests erupted in an uproar,
17:59pulling out their phones
18:00to capture photos and videos.
18:02My god, how did this wedding turn into this?
18:04So Vivian's two children
18:06aren't even Charles's?
18:07This is incredible!
18:08It's the drama of the year!
18:10The entire wedding
18:11had completely spiraled out of control.
18:13Eventually,
18:14with security's intervention,
18:15Charles was forcibly pulled away.
18:17Vivian was dragged out of the hotel in disgrace,
18:19while Chloe and Connor fled in terror.
18:21The wedding had become a complete joke.
18:22I stood among the crowd,
18:24still holding half a glass of champagne,
18:26quietly savoring everything.
18:27The wedding had become a complete joke,
18:28and I had finally waited for this day.
18:34Wedding videos were uploaded online
18:36and quickly shot to the top of trending topics.
18:38Topics like
18:39paternity truth revealed at wedding,
18:41ex-wife's calm counterattack against cheaters,
18:43and child-free husband cuckolded for 30 years
18:46exploded across the internet.
18:48Charles had become a complete pariah.
18:50Wherever he went,
18:51there were pointing fingers and mocking jeers.
18:53He valued his face above all else.
18:55His reputation was the most important thing in his life.
18:58Now,
18:59his dignity had been completely shattered,
19:01turning him into a laughingstock known across the entire country.
19:04And I,
19:05on the contrary,
19:06had become the object of everyone's sympathy.
19:08Stella is so pitiful.
19:10To protect her husband's dignity,
19:12she took the blame herself,
19:13and then was treated like this.
19:15She's the truly good woman.
19:16She endured for 30 years.
19:19And still showed the scumbag some dignity.
19:21Vivian is the truly ruthless one.
19:23She tricked Charles into raising bastards for 30 years,
19:26and almost swallowed his entire fortune.
19:29Public opinion had completely turned around.
19:31But none of this mattered to me anymore.
19:33What mattered more was how this farce would end.
19:35After the wedding,
19:36Charles locked himself in his former home
19:38and hadn't stepped outside for three full days.
19:40He smashed everything in the house.
19:42Coffee table,
19:43TV,
19:43bases.
19:44The place was a complete mess.
19:45But after the destruction,
19:47he sat alone on the sofa,
19:49staring blankly at a family portrait hanging on the wall.
19:51It was a photo of him,
19:52Vivian,
19:53Chloe,
19:53and Connor,
19:54the four of them.
19:55In the photo,
19:56he was smiling happily,
19:57as if he owned the whole world.
19:59Now looking at it again,
20:00he only felt the irony.
20:04He picked up the frame and smashed it onto the ground.
20:07Glass shattered.
20:08The photo splintered into pieces.
20:10Fake.
20:10It's all fake.
20:11He held his head,
20:13curled up on the floor,
20:14like a helpless child.
20:15He had lost everything,
20:16while I was just beginning my new life.
20:21After the wedding,
20:22my life returned to peace.
20:23No,
20:24it was calmer and freer than before.
20:26I started doing things I truly enjoyed.
20:28I went to several art exhibitions,
20:30attended concerts,
20:31and enrolled in a pottery class.
20:32My friends laughed at me.
20:35You're living more freely than young people now.
20:38I smiled without saying a word.
20:40Actually,
20:41they had forgotten that I should have been living this way when I was young.
20:44It's just that back then,
20:45I had poured all my energy into Charles and the family.
20:47Now I finally had the chance to live for myself.
20:50One day,
20:50my mother called,
20:51her voice carrying a hint of relief.
20:54Stella,
20:54you seem different lately.
20:56Different?
20:57Yes,
20:58more energetic than before.
21:00As if,
21:01you've let go of something.
21:02I smiled softly.
21:03Yes,
21:03I had let go.
21:04I had let go of the self that endured grievances to protect a man's dignity.
21:07I had let go of the foolish notion that endurance would bring happiness.
21:10I had let go of the man named Charles.
21:12Mom,
21:12I've made up my mind.
21:14About what?
21:15I want to donate my eggs.
21:17There was a long silence on the other end of the line.
21:19Have you thought this through?
21:21I have.
21:22My voice was firm.
21:24Since the eggs are still there,
21:26rather than keeping them frozen forever,
21:28I might as well help people who want children but can't have them.
21:31You,
21:32always thinking of others.
21:34I smiled without denying it.
21:35Letting go of the past.
21:37Donating eggs to help others.
21:38My life is starting anew.
21:40Meanwhile,
21:41Charles' days grew more unbearable by the day.
21:44Vivian had been thrown out of the house,
21:45and Chloe and Connor no longer acknowledged him as their father.
21:48After all,
21:49everything in the video was crystal clear.
21:51They weren't Charles' children,
21:52but Vivian's illegitimate children with another man.
21:55They left with Vivian,
21:56not even glancing back at Charles.
21:58Let's go.
21:59He's not our father.
22:00Chloe said coldly.
22:01Charles sat alone in the empty house,
22:03suddenly feeling a loneliness unlike anything he'd ever experienced.
22:07He had once believed that having Vivian and two children meant
22:10he had a real family.
22:11But now he realized this family had never belonged to him.
22:14He himself had been deceived by Vivian for a full 30 years.
22:17He opened his phone and saw news about me.
22:20The headline Stella decides to donate eggs to help infertile families jumped out at him.
22:23He stared at the screen,
22:25his fingers trembling slightly.
22:26The woman who had borne his shame for 30 years to protect his dignity was now doing something
22:30even more meaningful.
22:32And what about him?
22:33He had nothing left.
22:34No family,
22:35no children,
22:36no dignity.
22:37He had lost everything.
22:38Charles put down his phone,
22:39leaned back on the sofa,
22:40and closed his eyes.
22:41Images from 30 years ago flooded his mind.
22:43Back then,
22:44we were still young,
22:45building our careers together,
22:47planning our future.
22:48Stella when we're old,
22:49let's travel the world,
22:50just the two of us,
22:51he had once said with a smile.
22:52Sure,
22:53it's a promise.
22:54I had agreed without hesitation,
22:55but he had broken that promise.
22:57It wasn't that I wasn't willing to grow old with him.
22:59It was that he chose betrayal first.
23:01A tear slid from the corner of Charles' eye.
23:03He regretted it,
23:04but there's no medicine for regret in this world.
23:09After hesitating for a long time,
23:11Charles finally dialed my number.
23:13The phone rang for a long time before I answered.
23:15Hello?
23:17Stella,
23:17it's me.
23:18I was silent for a few seconds,
23:20then spoke calmly.
23:21Is something the matter?
23:22I,
23:23I want to see you.
23:24I chuckled.
23:26Charles,
23:27do you think there's anything left to say between us?
23:29I know I was wrong.
23:31His voice was hoarse.
23:32Stella,
23:32I truly know I was wrong.
23:34I said nothing.
23:35I know you're doing well now,
23:36and I know you don't want to see me,
23:38but I still want to tell you I'm sorry,
23:41face to face.
23:42I repeated,
23:43my tone indifferent.
23:44Charles,
23:44it's been 30 years.
23:46You're telling me sorry now?
23:48Don't you think it's a little too late?
23:50I know it's late,
23:51but-
23:51I cut him off.
23:52Charles,
23:52you chose betrayal,
23:53so you bear the consequences.
23:55That was your choice.
23:57There was a long silence on the other end.
23:59Stella,
24:00if we hadn't divorced,
24:01would you have forgiven me?
24:02I didn't answer,
24:03because I didn't know the answer myself.
24:06Or rather,
24:07this question no longer needed an answer.
24:09Charles,
24:09live your life well.
24:10Those were my final words before hanging up.
24:15Live your life well.
24:17This was the last thing I could give him.
24:22The egg donation process was more complicated than I had imagined.
24:25It required a series of physical examinations,
24:27psychological evaluations,
24:29and legal procedures.
24:30But I walked through each step with steadiness.
24:32The doctor told me my egg quality was excellent.
24:34Even after being frozen for so many years,
24:36their viability remained very high.
24:38Mrs. Stella,
24:39your eggs are extremely valuable.
24:41They can help many families realize their dreams.
24:44I smiled.
24:45Valuable.
24:46I had once thought these eggs were the fruit of my love with Charles.
24:49The hope for our future children.
24:51But now,
24:51they had become a gift to help strangers.
24:54Perhaps this was better.
24:55At least they would no longer be bound by Charles' name.
24:58After news of my egg donation spread,
25:00many people started paying attention to me.
25:02The media wanted to interview me,
25:04asking why I was doing this.
25:06I simply answered indifferently.
25:08Because I have the ability to help others.
25:11It's that simple.
25:12And what about you and Mr. Charles?
25:14Do you hate him?
25:15The reporter pressed.
25:16I thought for a moment and said,
25:18I don't hate him.
25:19But I don't love him either.
25:21He was part of my life,
25:22but that's in the past.
25:24The reporter seemed somewhat disappointed by my answer,
25:26but I didn't care.
25:27I didn't need others to define my emotions.
25:29After the egg donation,
25:31I decided to travel.
25:32The round-the-world trip I had planned with Charles,
25:34although I couldn't complete it with him,
25:36I could do it alone.
25:37My first stop was Paris,
25:38standing beneath the Eiffel Tower,
25:40watching the sunset slowly descend.
25:41I felt a peace unlike anything I had ever experienced.
25:44This city had once been a dream destination for Charles and me.
25:47Now, I had come alone,
25:48but I didn't feel lonely.
25:49Instead,
25:50I felt that this was truly my own moment.
25:52Without Charles,
25:53without the constraints of that marriage,
25:55I could finally be my true self.
25:57During my days in Paris,
25:58I visited the Louvre,
25:59walked along the Seine,
26:00and tasted authentic French pastries.
26:02Every day was fulfilling and joyful.
26:04Traveling alone,
26:05freedom alone,
26:06I have finally become myself again.
26:08During my travels,
26:09I occasionally received news from back home.
26:12I heard that after being thrown out of the Chan household,
26:14Vivian's life hadn't been easy.
26:16She had once relied on Charles's money to live.
26:18Now,
26:19without a source of income,
26:20she could only make ends meet by doing odd jobs.
26:22Chloe and Connor no longer had anything to do with her either.
26:25After all,
26:26once the video was exposed,
26:28everyone knew the truth.
26:29They weren't Charles's children,
26:30but Vivian's illegitimate children with another man.
26:33This news was undoubtedly a devastating blow to Chloe and Connor.
26:36They had always believed they were of the Chan bloodline.
26:39Proud of it all these years,
26:40only to discover they had no connection to the Chan family whatsoever.
26:45Chloe confronted Vivian.
26:47Mom,
26:47what exactly is going on?
26:49Don't believe those videos.
26:51They're all fake.
26:52Vivian was still trying to deny it.
26:53Mom,
26:53the video is crystal clear.
26:55You told someone else we were Charles's children,
26:58and said you were going to swind his property.
27:00I was just...
27:01Enough.
27:02Chloe cut her off.
27:03I never want to hear your lies again.
27:04Chloe and Connor moved out of Vivian's house,
27:06found jobs,
27:07and started new lives.
27:08And Vivian curled up alone in a dilapidated rental apartment,
27:11crying day after day.
27:13Her former elegance and nobility had long since vanished.
27:16Mom,
27:16do you think Stella is feeling pretty pleased with herself right now?
27:19Chloe had once asked Vivian.
27:21Vivian didn't answer,
27:22because she knew I was no longer an enemy they needed to worry about.
27:27I was living too well,
27:29so well that they didn't even have the right to be jealous.
27:35After leaving Paris,
27:36I flew to Kyoto.
27:38This ancient city had a completely different charm from Paris.
27:41I strolled along the bamboo grove path in Arashima,
27:44listening to the rustling of bamboo leaves in the wind,
27:46feeling exceptionally peaceful.
27:48Here,
27:49there was no Charles,
27:50no Vivian,
27:51none of those troubling memories from the past,
27:53only myself.
27:54I stayed at a traditional Japanese inn,
27:57rising early each morning to soak in the hot springs
27:59and savor exquisite kaiseki cuisine.
28:01The innkeeper was a kind middle-aged woman.
28:03Seeing me alone,
28:05she couldn't help asking,
28:06Ma'am,
28:07are you traveling alone?
28:08Yes.
28:10I answered with a smile.
28:13Doesn't traveling alone feel lonely?
28:15I thought for a moment and said,
28:17Sometimes,
28:18but more often it's a kind of freedom.
28:21The innkeeper nodded,
28:22showing an understanding smile.
28:24You're right.
28:24Freedom is more precious than anything.
28:27During my days in Kyoto,
28:28I also visited Kaya Mizudara and drew a fortune slip.
28:31The fortune read,
28:32Withered trees meet spring.
28:33Old matters become empty.
28:34The road ahead is bright.
28:35Freedom lies within the heart.
28:37I looked at the fortune and couldn't help but smile.
28:39Withered trees meet spring.
28:40Wasn't this exactly my current state?
28:42After 30 years of winter,
28:43I had finally welcomed my own spring.
28:45I carefully put away the fortune slip into my wallet.
28:47Old matters become empty.
28:49The road ahead is bright.
28:51These words,
28:51I would always keep in my heart.
28:53On the last night before leaving Kyoto,
28:55I sat in the inn's courtyard,
28:57gazing at the star-filled sky.
28:58My phone rang.
28:59It was an unfamiliar number.
29:01I hesitated for a moment but answered anyway.
29:03Hello?
29:04Stella,
29:05it's me.
29:05It was Charles' voice.
29:06He had come looking for me again.
29:14Charles,
29:15how did you get this number?
29:16I frowned.
29:16I asked your friend.
29:17His voice was hoarse.
29:18Stella,
29:19I want to see you.
29:20See me?
29:20I gave a cold laugh.
29:22Charles,
29:22what is there left for us to see?
29:24I know I was wrong,
29:25and I know you don't forgive me,
29:27but I really want to talk to you face to face.
29:29I was silent for a moment,
29:31then finally sighed.
29:33Fine.
29:34I'm in Kyoto.
29:36Leaving tomorrow.
29:37I know,
29:38I'm already here.
29:39I was stunned.
29:40He was already here?
29:41Where are you?
29:42I asked.
29:42Downstairs at your inn.
29:43I walked to the window,
29:44pulled back the curtain,
29:45and sure enough,
29:46saw a familiar figure standing below.
29:47Charles was wearing a dark overcoat,
29:49carrying a suitcase.
29:50He looked much thinner and older than before.
29:52I hesitated,
29:53but eventually went downstairs to meet him.
29:55In the inn's tea room,
29:56we sat facing each other.
29:57Charles looked at me,
29:58his eyes complicated.
29:59Stella,
30:00you've changed.
30:01Have I?
30:02I picked up my teacup and took a sip.
30:04People always change.
30:05You would never have treated me like this before.
30:08His voice carried bitterness.
30:10The old you was always gentle and considerate,
30:12never willing to embarrass me.
30:14The old me was a fool.
30:15I put down my teacup,
30:17my tone calm.
30:18Charles,
30:18you betrayed me for 30 years,
30:20and now,
30:20you come to me with this?
30:21Don't you find it ridiculous?
30:23Charles lowered his head,
30:24his hands tightly clasped.
30:26I know I don't deserve to ask for your forgiveness,
30:28but I truly regret it.
30:31I scoffed.
30:33Regret?
30:33Do you regret losing Vivian and the two children?
30:36Or do you regret being laughed at by the whole world?
30:41Charles' face turned pale.
30:42He opened his mouth but couldn't speak.
30:45Charles,
30:46you don't need to answer me.
30:47I stood up,
30:48looking down at him.
30:49Because your answer no longer matters to me.
30:53I turned to leave,
30:54but Charles suddenly stood up and grabbed my wrist.
30:56Stella,
30:57give me a chance.
30:59Let's start over,
31:00please.
31:00His voice was pleading,
31:02his eyes full of desperation.
31:03I stopped and turned to look at him.
31:05This man I had once deeply loved now only felt like a stranger to me.
31:09Charles.
31:10I gently freed my hand from his,
31:12my tone calm yet firm.
31:14Some roads,
31:15once traveled,
31:16can never be retraced.
31:18We can!
31:19He said urgently.
31:19I know you hate me,
31:20but I can change.
31:21I can make it up to you.
31:22I can can-
31:23You can't.
31:24I cut him off.
31:26Charles,
31:26you can't make it up.
31:2730 years of betrayal cannot be erased by a single sorry.
31:31His eyes reddened,
31:31his voice trembling.
31:32Stella,
31:33do you really not love me anymore?
31:35I looked at him,
31:36not a single ripple in my heart.
31:37Love?
31:38I shook my head gently.
31:39Charles,
31:40I love the you from 30 years ago,
31:42not the you of today.
31:43That you is already dead.
31:45Charles' body swayed,
31:46as if he had been struck hard.
31:47He released my hand,
31:48stepped back,
31:50looking as if he had aged 10 years in an instant.
31:52I understand.
31:52His voice was hoarse and low.
31:54Stella,
31:55I wish you happiness.
31:57I didn't answer,
31:58just nodded faintly,
31:59then turned and left.
32:00The moment I walked out of the tea room,
32:02I let out a long breath.
32:0330 years of entanglement had finally come to a close.
32:06I didn't look back,
32:07because I knew there were even more beautiful sights ahead waiting for me.
32:10I returned to my room,
32:12packed my luggage,
32:13and prepared for my next destination.
32:14My phone rang with a message from a friend.
32:17Stella,
32:17Charles came looking for you again.
32:19Don't pay him any attention.
32:20He's just a scumbag.
32:22I smiled and replied.
32:24Don't worry.
32:25I've already let go.
32:26Letting go is not forgiving,
32:28but no longer being bound by the past.
32:30I dragged my suitcase,
32:32walked out of the inn,
32:33and strode forward into the morning sunlight.
32:35A new journey had begun.
32:37My brand new life.
32:42After leaving Kyoto,
32:43I went to many more places.
32:45Rome,
32:46Barcelona,
32:47Sydney,
32:47New York.
32:48Every city left its mark with my footsteps.
32:50I learned to eat alone,
32:52watch movies alone,
32:53go shopping alone.
32:54Things I once thought required two people to do.
32:57It turned out I could do perfectly well alone.
32:59One afternoon in Paris,
33:00I sat at a cafe by the seine,
33:02watching the passing crowds.
33:04Suddenly,
33:05a little girl ran over,
33:06looking at me with big wide eyes.
33:10Ma'am,
33:11you're so pretty.
33:12She said in her childish voice.
33:14I was taken aback,
33:15then smiled.
33:17Thank you,
33:18little one.
33:18Her mother walked over
33:19and apologized with a smile.
33:21I'm sorry.
33:22My daughter is too playfee.
33:23It's fine.
33:24She's adorable.
33:25The little girl held her mother's hand,
33:27looked back at me,
33:27and suddenly shouted,
33:28Mommy!
33:29That lady has stars in her eyes!
33:32I was stunned.
33:33Stars?
33:34I subconsciously touched my own face.
33:36Perhaps I really had changed.
33:38No longer the woman who endured grievances
33:40to protect her husband's dignity.
33:42No longer the fool who took the blame
33:44for someone else's betrayal.
33:45The current me had light in my eyes
33:47and dreams in my heart.
33:48This was probably what people called
33:50rebirth.
33:51Light in my eyes,
33:52dreams in my heart.
33:54This is my rebirth.
33:55After the trip,
33:56I returned home.
33:57There was new progress
33:58on the egg donation.
33:59The hospital told me my eggs
34:00had successfully helped
34:01three infertile couples conceive.
34:03Mrs. Stella,
34:04you are truly remarkable.
34:06The doctor said gratefully.
34:07I smiled.
34:08It's nothing remarkable.
34:10Just doing what I should.
34:12Actually,
34:13donating eggs
34:14wasn't just about helping others.
34:15It was also about
34:16making peace with my own regrets.
34:18Although I never had my own children,
34:20my eggs could help others
34:21realize their dream
34:22of becoming parents.
34:23This was probably
34:24the best possible ending.
34:25One day,
34:26I received a letter.
34:27It was from a mother
34:28who had received my eggs.
34:30Dear Ms. Stella,
34:31I don't know what words
34:32to use to express my gratitude.
34:34My husband and I
34:35have been married for 15 years
34:37and have never had children.
34:38We tried every method
34:40without success.
34:41Just when we were about
34:42to give up,
34:43we received news
34:44from the hospital
34:45that someone was willing
34:46to donate eggs.
34:47That person was you.
34:49Now,
34:49I am pregnant
34:50and the doctor says
34:51the baby is very healthy.
34:53I don't know how to thank you.
34:54I just want to tell you
34:55that you have given
34:56our family new hope.
34:58Thank you,
34:58Ms. Stella.
34:59You are the great benefactor
35:01of our entire family.
35:02After reading the letter,
35:03my eyes welled up with tears.
35:05It turned out
35:06that helping others
35:07truly could bring happiness
35:08to oneself.
35:09I carefully put the letter
35:10away in a drawer.
35:11This touching moment,
35:13I would forever treasure
35:14in my heart.
35:15Helping others
35:16is also healing oneself.
35:20After returning home,
35:21I started reconnecting
35:22with old friends.
35:23Because of the whole situation
35:25with Charles,
35:25I had grown distant
35:26from many people.
35:27Now,
35:28I wanted to pick up
35:28those relationships again.
35:30The first person
35:30I reached out to
35:31was my best friend,
35:32Linda.
35:32When she saw me,
35:33she was so excited
35:34she almost cried.
35:36Stella!
35:37You're finally back!
35:39I thought you'd never
35:40speak to me again!
35:42How could that be?
35:43I laughed and hugged her.
35:46I just went traveling
35:47for a while
35:47to clear my head.
35:49So how are you now?
35:51Has Charles caused you
35:53any more trouble?
35:54No,
35:54it's completely over
35:55between us.
35:56Linda breathed
35:57a sigh of relief.
35:58That's good.
36:00Stella,
36:00you deserve someone better.
36:01Someone better?
36:03I smiled.
36:05Linda,
36:06I don't need anyone else
36:07to define my worth
36:08right now.
36:09I am enough.
36:10Linda looked at me,
36:11surprise flashing
36:12in her eyes,
36:13then relief.
36:14Stella,
36:14you really have changed,
36:16become better,
36:17stronger.
36:17Have I?
36:18Maybe.
36:18I picked up my coffee.
36:19After going through
36:20so much,
36:20you've got to learn something.
36:21So what are your plans next?
36:23Keep living, of course.
36:24I smiled.
36:25Work, travel,
36:26do what I love.
36:27What about love?
36:28Linda winked.
36:29Not considering
36:29finding someone new?
36:32I shook my head.
36:33Not for now.
36:35At this point in my life,
36:37I just want to
36:38love myself well.
36:39Linda laughed.
36:41Well said.
36:42Cheers to our new era.
36:44We clinked cups,
36:45the aroma of coffee
36:46filling the air.
36:47In this moment,
36:48I felt warmth.
36:49Not because of romance,
36:50but because of friendship.
36:51Not because of dependence,
36:53but because of independence.
36:55I finally understood
36:56that true happiness
36:57doesn't come from others,
36:58but from oneself.
37:00After returning home,
37:02I didn't stay idle.
37:03I started replanning my career.
37:05In my youth,
37:06I had given up
37:07many opportunities for Charles.
37:08Now,
37:09I would pick them up
37:10one by one.
37:10I open a small
37:11floral design studio.
37:12This was a dream
37:13I had in my youth
37:14that I never got to realize.
37:15Now,
37:16I finally had the chance
37:17to make it a reality.
37:18The studio wasn't big,
37:19but it was decorated warmly.
37:21Every morning,
37:21I would go to the flower market
37:22to select the freshest blooms.
37:24Then back at the studio,
37:26I would trim stems,
37:27match colors,
37:28and create beautiful bouquets.
37:30When customers came,
37:31I would recommend
37:32the most suitable flowers
37:33based on their needs.
37:35Your mom will definitely
37:36love this bouquet.
37:37These roses for your girlfriend,
37:39guaranteed to make her
37:40feel your love.
37:41Watching the satisfied
37:41smiles of my customers,
37:43my heart filled
37:44with a sense of accomplishment.
37:45Linda,
37:46a special customer
37:47walked into the studio.
37:48A young woman,
37:49holding a baby in her arms.
37:51Hello.
37:51She said with a smile.
37:52I'd like to order a bouquet.
37:54Certainly.
37:55Who is it for?
37:57For myself.
37:59Her eyes sparkled.
38:01I just had a baby
38:02and want to treat myself.
38:03I was taken aback,
38:04then smiled.
38:06Congratulations,
38:06that's the best gift of all.
38:08I carefully arranged
38:09a bouquet of pink carnations
38:10and white baby's breath for her.
38:12She held the flowers,
38:13held her baby,
38:14smiling so happily.
38:16In that moment,
38:17I suddenly felt that
38:18my choice had been the right one.
38:20Although I didn't have
38:21a child of my own,
38:22I could bring happiness
38:23to others in other ways.
38:24This was probably
38:25the meaning of life.
38:27Bringing happiness to others
38:28is also the meaning of life.
38:30Time flies.
38:31In the blink of an eye,
38:32three years had passed.
38:33My floral studio
38:34had grown bigger and bigger,
38:36now with three branch locations.
38:38My name had also started
38:39to gain recognition
38:40in the industry.
38:41Many people didn't know
38:42what storms this elegant
38:43and composed florist
38:44had once weathered.
38:45And I no longer spoke of them.
38:47Because all of that
38:48was in the past.
38:49The present me
38:49only wanted to look forward.
38:51One day,
38:52I received a postcard
38:53from Alaska.
38:54No signature,
38:55just one sentence.
38:56May the rest of your life
38:57be happy.
38:58I knew who sent it,
38:59but I didn't write back.
39:01Some goodbyes
39:02don't need a response.
39:03I slipped the postcard
39:04into that fortune slip.
39:06Withered trees meet spring.
39:07Old matters become empty.
39:09The road ahead is bright.
39:11Freedom lies within the heart.
39:12These words,
39:13I had always kept in my heart.
39:15Charles, Vivian,
39:16Chloe, Connor,
39:17they had all become
39:18passersby in my life.
39:19And I had finally become
39:20the protagonist
39:21of my own story.
39:22The sun was setting.
39:23I sat by the studio window,
39:25watching the passing crowds outside.
39:27Holding a cup of hot tea.
39:29My heart felt a peace
39:30unlike anything before.
39:31My phone rang.
39:32It was a message
39:33from the hospital.
39:35Miss Stella,
39:35your donated eggs
39:36have successfully helped
39:37a fifth couple
39:38welcome their baby.
39:39Thank you for your great love.
39:41I smiled.
39:42My eyes were a bit moist,
39:43but my heart
39:44was full of happiness.
39:45Perhaps this was
39:46the best possible ending.
39:47I didn't have children,
39:49but I had helped
39:49many people realize
39:50their dreams.
39:51I didn't have romance,
39:52but I had true freedom.
39:53I didn't have a family,
39:54but I had created
39:55a world of my own.
39:56In this world,
39:57there were flowers,
39:58sunshine,
39:59laughter,
39:59and hope.
40:00That was enough.
40:01I raised my teacup
40:02and took a gentle sip.
40:04Outside the window,
40:05the afterglow of the sunset
40:06spilled across my face,
40:07warm and gentle.
40:09My life has only just begun.
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