- 6 hours ago
The Son I Raised Was Never Mine - Hot
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Frank, my trophy husband of 10 years, would never know that I had already decided to transfer 15% of
00:05Haze Group shares to him
00:06Until the day of the physical exam
00:08I discovered that the son born to my husband and me both with type O blood actually had type A
00:13blood
00:14Looking at the son who was a miniature version of my husband, I said nothing and calmly did only two
00:20things
00:21First, I secretly plucked a strand of my son's hair
00:25Mom? Just tucking your hair, keep playing
00:29Second, I tore up the share transfer agreement I had prepared
00:32Watching Ethan walk into school, I turned and went to the DNA testing center
00:38I spited, what's the soonest I can get the results?
00:41Standard is 5 business days, expedited would be before 4pm today at 3 times the cost
00:45I spited
00:47When I handed over the sample, my hand trembled a little
00:50After swabbing my own cheek cells, I sat in the waiting area
00:54Staring at the clock on the wall as the minutes and seconds ticked by
00:57During that time, I contacted a private investigator
01:01I want you to look into my husband Frank, especially his whereabouts over the past few months
01:07At 3.40pm, my phone rang
01:09The results were in
01:11I opened the electronic report and scrolled straight to the end
01:14DNA analysis indicates that the probability of a parent-child relationship between Vivian Hayes and Ethan Miller is 0.0001
01:23%
01:23Based on genetic marker analysis, Vivian Hayes is not supported as the biological mother of Ethan Miller
01:29Even though I had been prepared, the moment I saw those words, I still panicked for an instant
01:35Then leaned against the wall and sat down
01:37Not my child
01:38I had raised a child who was not my biological child for 9 years
01:42Then where was my child?
01:48I immediately went to Methodist Hospital where I had given birth 9 years ago
01:52And met with the obstetrician from back then
01:54Who was now the department head
01:56I got straight to the point and asked
01:58Dr. Thompson, I'd like to pull my delivery records and Inchant files from that year
02:03It's been so long the records may have already been archived
02:05I need to see them
02:06Now
02:07After some effort, someone from the records room finally brought out a folder
02:11I opened it and found that the records were extremely sparse
02:15Only the admission and discharge times, the method of delivery, and the newborn's wait
02:19There was no detailed labor and delivery process
02:22No nursing handoff notes
02:24No pediatrician examination report
02:26Is this all?
02:28This is all that's in the system
02:29Paper records for standard optotactic cases are kept for 10 years
02:33And yours is about to reach the end of that period
02:35What about the newborn's footprints?
02:37The blood test records?
02:38Those should be in the newborn records, but we couldn't find them
02:41It couldn't be more obvious
02:42Something was wrong here
02:43An overly brief medical record
02:46A missing newborn file
02:48And a son who was not my biological child, but looked just like my husband
02:51My phone rang
02:52It was Frank
02:56Where did you go?
02:57I picked up Ethan
02:58I'm out taking care of something, I'll be right back
03:00I only then remembered that school had already let out
03:03But fortunately I had informed the teacher earlier
03:06I said this and hung up the phone
03:07After dinner, I excused myself with a headache and went back to my room early
03:11I have a headache, I'm going to bed early
03:15Frank stayed in the living room helping Ethan with his homework
03:17And the sound of their conversation drifted over faintly
03:20Dad, is mom upset?
03:24Mom is just tired
03:26Finish your homework and go to bed early
03:27Once they were both asleep
03:29I began quietly searching the entire house
03:32The master bedroom, the living room
03:34Ethan's room
03:35I searched everywhere and found nothing
03:38Finally, I looked at the computer in the study
03:40Thinking the truth had to be in there
03:42Footsteps sounded outside the door
03:45I exited the document
03:53When Frank pushed the door open and came in
03:55I was tidying up the desk
03:57He glanced at the computer screen
03:59Which had already returned to the desktop
04:00A photo of the two of us taken three years ago at Santa Monica Beach
04:04Not asleep yet?
04:05Organizing some old documents?
04:07I answered while casually turning off the monitor
04:09He stood there for a moment
04:11As if he wanted to say something
04:13But in the end, he just nodded
04:15Get some rest soon
04:15I sat in the darkness
04:17Listening to the sound of his footsteps
04:19Gradually fading away
04:21That night
04:22I didn't open the computer again
04:24And lay in bed with my thoughts in chaos
04:26The next morning
04:27I still let Frank take Ethan to school
04:29He looked at me
04:30Picked up the car keys
04:32Alright
04:32Once they were out the door
04:34I immediately went to the study
04:36I turned on the computer
04:38And entered the password
04:39Our wedding anniversary
04:41Wrong
04:41I tried his birthday
04:43Wrong
04:44Our son's birthday
04:45Still wrong
04:46I tried the date of our first date
04:48His mother's birthday
04:49The day the company was founded
04:51All wrong
04:52The system prompted me to try again in 15 minutes
04:55I sat in the chair
04:57Staring at the login screen
04:58This computer we had bought together was now locked to me
05:06That evening Frank came home from work and said while taking off his jacket
05:10I have a business trip to Chicago tomorrow
05:12Not sure how long it'll be yet
05:13I came out of the kitchen carrying a dish
05:16So sudden
05:17Who are you going with?
05:18It was arranged last minute
05:19Vivian, can you not be like this?
05:21I watched him in silence
05:23Not understanding why such a casual question from me would provoke such a big reaction
05:27You question everything?
05:29You suspect everyone?
05:31I'm just going for work
05:33I turned away to serve the rice
05:35My hand trembling a little
05:36It was just a casual question
05:38He said nothing more and went straight into the bedroom
05:40Dinner was eaten in silence
05:42Ethan seemed to sense something and surprisingly
05:45Didn't pick at his food
05:47After his shower
05:48Frank came out and picked up his coat from the sofa to hang it in the closet
05:52A small receipt fell out of the pocket and landed at my feet
05:58After he left
05:59I picked it up and took a look
06:01It was a perfume receipt
06:02Quite expensive
06:03Purchased yesterday afternoon
06:05I had never heard of the perfume's name
06:07But I knew it wasn't for me
06:09In 10 years of marriage
06:11Frank had never given me a gift again
06:14Sorry, crazy day at the office
06:16I used to explain it away for him
06:18He wasn't romantic
06:19He was busy with work
06:20And was a practical man
06:22Which one do you like?
06:25Buy whatever you want
06:26I don't have time to shop
06:27Now it seemed that it wasn't that he wasn't capable of romance
06:30It was just that his romance wasn't directed at me
06:33I noted down the information on the receipt
06:35Early the next morning
06:37After Frank left for the airport
06:38I called the Nordstrom counter
06:40I'd like to look up this receipt
06:42Yes, from yesterday afternoon
06:43One moment
06:44Found it
06:46Purchaser was a Ms. Wendy Davis
06:48Wendy Davis
06:50That name rang a bell
06:51Frank's secretary
06:52Hard half a year ago
06:54A divorced woman in her 30s
06:56Driving to the airport
06:57I didn't know what I wanted to confirm
06:59Maybe the perfume was for a client
07:01Maybe I was overthinking
07:03I waited outside the international departures hall
07:05For half an hour
07:06Before I saw Frank
07:07And her
07:11Wendy was wearing a Burberry trench coat
07:13Pulling a small suitcase
07:15Walking over together with Frank
07:17Frank's face wore a relaxed smile
07:19I hadn't seen in a long time
07:20Then in front of the security checkpoint
07:22Wendy stopped and very naturally reached out to straighten Frank's collar
07:26Frank didn't dodge
07:27He lowered his head and said something in her ear
07:29Wendy laughed
07:30Then stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the lips
07:33Frank's hand rested on her waist
07:35Staying there for a short moment before they parted
07:37As if it had long been a habit
07:39The last bit of self-deception I had been clinging to vanished completely
07:42So all those late nights working overtime
07:45All those impatient looks directed at me
07:47Now I knew the reason for them
07:50Watching their intimate figures
07:51A suspicion gradually surfaced in my mind
07:54Could the child who was not my biological child have something to do with this woman in front of me?
07:59On the drive back
08:00I called the private investigator I had hired days ago
08:04Look into one more person for me
08:06Wendy Davis
08:07I want to know everything about her
08:09Especially whether she has any children
08:11The investigator worked quickly
08:12By the next afternoon
08:14I had received the investigation report
08:16Wendy Davis
08:1732 years old
08:18Divorced 5 years ago
08:20Had a 10 year old son named Leo Davis
08:22Attending a charter school on the west side of town
08:24That date suddenly leapt out at me
08:26Wendy's son was only one week younger than Ethan
08:29For the first time in 10 years
08:31I felt my blood surge upward
08:36I sat on the sofa
08:38Holding the report the investigator had sent
08:40Then a thought struck me
08:42And I ran into the study
08:47My fingers hovered over the keyboard
08:49Then slowly typed in Wendy's birthday
08:51The desktop opened
08:54There was only one folder named Work Backup
08:57I clicked into it
08:59It was full of subfolders
09:01Organized by year
09:02Starting from 11 years ago
09:04The earliest folder contained scanned old photos
09:07Frank and Wendy were wearing high school uniforms
09:09Standing under an oak tree
09:1119 year old Frank was smiling
09:13His hand resting on Wendy's shoulder
09:16Wendy had her hair in a ponytail
09:18And was looking up at him
09:19The next photo was from college
09:21They were in the library
09:22The next was a graduation photo
09:24The two of them in caps and gowns
09:26Holding hands
09:27We have to cancel Napa
09:28The company's in a rough patch
09:30That year
09:31Frank told me the company was having difficulties
09:33And we cancelled our wedding anniversary trip to Napa Valley
09:36I closed the folder
09:38A churning discomfort rising in my stomach
09:40A decade of deception
09:42I looked at the wallpaper on the screen
09:44Our wedding photo
09:45And felt a wave of nausea
09:52At 3 in the afternoon
09:53I drove to the west side of town
09:55That charter school was even more run down than the investigator had described
09:59The dismissal bell rang
10:00And children poured out of the school gate
10:02I sat in the car
10:03My hands gripping the steering wheel
10:05He walked out alone
10:06No one was there to pick him up
10:08He looked left and right
10:10Then slowly walked forward along the sidewalk
10:12I held my breath
10:13That child
10:14Leo
10:14No
10:15That was my child
10:16The way he walked slightly resembled me
10:18With a mild inward turn of his feet
10:20When he raised his hand to fix his hair
10:22I saw a birthmark on his wrist
10:24In the same spot as mine
10:26I saw that there was dust on his eyelashes
10:28His lips were a bit dry
10:30And the edges of his sneakers had already started peeling
10:33His eyes were empty
10:34Not like those of a 10 year old child
10:36I covered my mouth to keep myself from making a sound
10:40He walked further away and disappeared around the corner
10:43I collapsed onto the steering wheel and broke down sobbing
10:46For that child walking home alone
10:48For these 10 years of misplaced lives
10:51And for myself
10:52Living like a fool in a play arranged by others
10:55Then I wiped away my tears and started the car
11:10At the law firm
11:12I placed the USB drive in front of attorney David Lee
11:15In it were backups of all the photos
11:17Along with the DNA test report
11:19Scanned hospital records
11:21The perfume receipt
11:22And information on Wendy Chen and Leo
11:24I want a divorce
11:26I want him to leave with nothing
11:27I want custody of the child
11:29I want him to pay the price he deserves to pay
11:34Walking out of the law firm
11:35I remembered what Frank had said 10 years ago
11:38When he proposed in Central Park
11:39Vivian
11:41I'll give you a lifetime of stability
11:43So his lifetime was only 10 years
11:45No, maybe not even 10 years
11:48I took out my phone and called the company's second largest shareholder
11:51Also an old friend of my father's
11:53Uncle Robert
11:54Regarding next week's board meeting
11:56There are some things I'd like to discuss with you first
11:57Frank had probably forgotten
11:59This company's name is Lynn
12:01He was able to become CEO
12:02Because I had persuaded my father to give him a chance back then
12:05I could lift him up
12:07And I could also make his fall very, very ugly
12:15Two weeks after Frank left
12:17I liquidated everything under my name that could be converted to cash
12:20These days, every afternoon I went to the area near that charter school on the west side
12:25Once when it rained, he didn't have an umbrella
12:28He waited for half an hour under the awning of the convenience store by the school gate
12:33And in the end ran home in the rain
12:37I sat in the car, the rain blurring the car window
12:40On Friday afternoon, I arrived near the school early
12:44When I saw Leo come out, I got out of the car and pretended to be a passerby walking past
12:50The folder in my hand fell in front of him
12:53He paused for a moment
12:55Then bent down and picked it up for me
12:58Thank you
13:01Thank you
13:02Thank you, kiddo
13:03Has your mom not arrived yet?
13:05He shook his head
13:07Mom is working overtime today
13:10Then how are you getting home?
13:11I took an unopened bottle of water from my bag and handed it to him
13:15By bus
13:16Have some water
13:17He hesitated for a moment
13:18Thank you
13:19Then took it and said thank you quietly
13:20I noticed that when he spoke
13:22He habitually pressed his lips together slightly
13:24Just like me
13:25The shape of his eyes was also similar
13:28Hooded lids
13:29The outer corners slightly downturned
13:31Does your mom often work overtime?
13:33He nodded
13:34Then shook his head
13:35Sometimes
13:37What about your dad?
13:39He didn't speak and looked down at his shoes
13:40Those sneakers had already started peeling at the edges
13:43And the left shoelace was broken
13:45I didn't ask anymore
13:46Go buy yourself a new pair of shoes
13:49I took $40 from my wallet and pressed it into his hand
13:52He stepped back
13:53No, I can't take this
13:55Just take it as thanks for helping me pick up the folder
13:59I put the money into the side pocket of his backpack and turned to leave
14:05I glanced back
14:06There was a somewhat lost look in his eyes
14:12That night
14:13I stood at the doorway of Ethan's room
14:15He was playing with the Lego set Frank had just bought him
14:18A limited edition spaceship
14:20Quite expensive
14:21I walked in and ruffled his hair
14:23Mom?
14:25What's wrong?
14:26Is your homework done?
14:27Finished it a long time ago
14:29Dad said if I make the top ten in the midterms
14:32He'll take me to Disney World
14:34I smiled
14:34That's great
14:35The moment I turned around
14:37My smile vanished
14:41Frank's completely different treatment of the two children
14:44Was like a thorn lodged in my heart
14:46My biological son was wearing peeling shoes
14:49And riding the bus alone
14:50While this child was enjoying everything
14:54Frank, who had been away on business for two weeks
14:57Finally came home
14:58He set down his suitcase
15:00And his first words were
15:02Where's Ethan?
15:03Why is it so quiet?
15:05I signed him up for an after school program
15:07Two hours in the evening
15:09Why sign him up all of a sudden?
15:10He's only in fourth grade
15:11I didn't answer
15:12I smelled that perfume scent on him
15:15He walked over to hug me
15:17I turned aside to avoid him
15:19Why do you smell like perfume?
15:21Who did you go to dinner with this time?
15:23Vivian, you're getting paranoid again
15:25It rubbed off from dinner with a client
15:27Can you stop being like this?
15:29I suddenly found it laughable
15:31Only now could I see how bad his acting was
15:33I took an envelope from the coffee table drawer
15:36And slowly pulled out the photos
15:38Laying them out on the table
15:48Frank's face turned ugly
15:50He picked up one of the photos
15:52And threw it back onto the table
15:53You followed me?
15:56I smiled
15:59Does it matter?
16:01What matters is
16:02What would happen if these photos showed up at a board meeting
16:05Or were sent to your clients?
16:07He collapsed onto the sofa across from me
16:09His hands covering his face
16:11What do you want?
16:12I stared at him
16:13My voice somewhat cool
16:14First, fire Wendy and guarantee you won't see her again
16:17Second, tell me what happened at the hospital 10 years ago
16:19You're insane just based on a few photos
16:22Frank, don't forget the company is named Hayes
16:24My voice was icy
16:24You are where you are today because of me
16:26I can give and I can take away
16:28I almost softened
16:29But I remembered Leo's peeling shoes
16:32Remembered how he looked waiting alone for the rain to stop me
16:35For the sake of our 10 years of marriage and our child
16:37As long as you do what I say
16:39We can keep going
16:41After all, we still have Ethan
16:44I turned and went to the bedroom
16:46Brought out a document
16:47And handed it over
16:49It was a pregnancy test report showing I was 5 weeks pregnant
16:53Frank looked at the pregnancy test report
16:55Paused for a second
16:57Then looked up and stared at me
17:00You're pregnant?
17:015 weeks
17:02The doctor said this time it's very stable
17:04His expression shifted again and again
17:06So, as long as you cut ties with Wendy completely
17:08Make her leave the company and our lives
17:11I can let the past go
17:12I continued
17:13We still have Ethan
17:14And now there's this child too
17:16Frank's gaze fell on my belly
17:18There was an obvious struggle in his eyes
17:20I need to think
17:21That night, the light in his room was turned off very late
17:27The next morning, as I was drinking coffee
17:30I watched Frank walk out with dark circles under his eyes
17:33I pushed a glass of water toward him
17:36He silently took it but didn't look at me
17:38I've thought it over, Vivian
17:42We...
17:42No need to say it
17:43I cut him off and pulled the divorce agreement out of the folder
17:47Placing it on the table
17:48His expression turned furious
17:50What do you mean?
17:52Don't we have another child on the way?
17:54I said coldly
17:55I told you I was pregnant
17:57And you needed an entire night to consider whether to break up with her?
18:00We have a child on the way
18:02Can't you think about the child and about Ethan too?
18:05Child?
18:05I suddenly laughed
18:06Are you talking about the child I raised for ten years?
18:10Who turned out to be yours and Wendy's?
18:13Frank's face instantly went pale
18:15He stumbled backward into the table
18:17How do you know?
18:19When did you find out?
18:22I held my phone up in front of him
18:24The screen showing a photo of the DNA test report
18:27The password was Wendy's birthday
18:29You've been using it for ten years, right?
18:36His breathing quickened
18:37Tinged with panic
18:40Let me explain
18:41My voice was very calm
18:43Tinged with mockery
18:45Explain how you switched the babies when I was giving birth
18:49Explain how you got Wendy into the company
18:51Or explain how the two of you have been laughing behind my back for ten years
18:55At how stupid I was
18:57I took a step closer
18:59The most ridiculous thing is
19:01That occasional guilt you showed when looking at that child
19:03Was it guilt for deceiving me
19:05Or guilt for not treating your own son better?
19:08Leo
19:08Frank suddenly seemed to remember something
19:11Where is Leo?
19:11I want to see him!
19:13Too late
19:14I turned and pulled open the door
19:16Your son
19:17No, our son
19:18Is now somewhere you can't find him
19:20Your and Wendy's son
19:21Is still upstairs sleeping
19:22Unaware of what choice his biological father is now facing
19:25Frank rushed over and grabbed my arm, furious
19:29Vivian, you can't do this!
19:30That's my child!
19:32I shook him off
19:33From the day you switched the babies
19:35You were no longer fit to be a father
19:38Now please leave my home
19:42After I closed the door
19:43I heard the sound of him pounding on it
19:48Then came the sound of a car driving away
19:50I knew where he was going
19:52To find Wendy
19:53And also to find the biological son he had lost for 10 years
19:57But he wouldn't be able to find Leo
20:05Three days earlier
20:07When the private investigator had given me the information on Wendy
20:10I had already gone to see the child again
20:12I told him the truth
20:14He was unusually calm
20:16In those eyes that resembled mine was a maturity beyond his years
20:20I always felt like I wasn't my mom's child
20:22Otherwise, why would she be willing to leave me here to fend for myself?
20:26I held his hand and said I would take him away
20:28To start over
20:30He was silent for a long time
20:32Then gently nodded
20:33Yesterday afternoon's flight
20:35My personal assistant accompanied him abroad
20:38Over there was a good school
20:40A house
20:41Once I finished handling things on this end
20:44I could go reunite with my son
20:46The divorce agreement had been sitting on the table for three days
20:50Frank finally came
20:52He stood outside the door
20:54Dark circles under his eyes and unshaven
20:56I hadn't seen him like this in a long time
21:00Vivian, let's talk
21:05I leaned against the door frame in my loungewear
21:07Not letting him in
21:08The agreement is written very clearly
21:10There's nothing to discuss
21:11I can't divorce you
21:12For the sake of our ten years as husband and wife
21:15And our child
21:15Which child?
21:16The one in the videos or the one upstairs?
21:19Frank's face instantly went pale
21:21A week earlier
21:22Wendy had sent over a pile of files
21:24When I opened them
21:25They were videos, one after another
21:27In the videos
21:28Leah was crying
21:29Being beaten
21:30Locked in a dark room
21:31There was another clip where the child was only five or six
21:34And was whipped on the back with a clothes hanger for spilling milk
21:37The email had only one line
21:39Thank you for raising my son for all these years for me
21:42I watched them all night
21:43And by dawn I had thrown up three times
21:45He seemed to want to explain
21:46Those videos, Wendy, she sometimes couldn't control herself
21:49That's your son
21:50You went to see her every week
21:51And all you noticed was that she changed your perfume and got new nails?
21:54You never saw the wounds on your son's body?
21:56He couldn't say a word
21:57I've already hired a lawyer
21:58If you don't want to sign, we'll go to court
21:59The evidence of switching babies, the photos of your affair, and those videos
22:02They will all become evidence
22:03Are you crazy?
22:04He said in a low voice
22:05The company is about to go public
22:07And at a time like this
22:08Before I closed the door, I said one last thing
22:11So sign it
22:11While I'm still leaving you some room
22:16The door closed
22:17He stood outside for a long time before leaving
22:20Three days later, Frank signed
22:23Four days after the divorce
22:24Frank and Wendy's wedding photos appeared on Instagram
22:27Wendy was wearing a white wedding dress
22:29Frank had his arm around her
22:31But his expression was a bit stiff
22:33The caption read
22:34Ten years of waiting
22:35Finally together
22:36I took a screenshot
22:38Then turned off my phone
22:39In the afternoon, attorney David Lee called
22:42Ms. Hayes?
22:43All the materials are complete
22:44The transfer records from the baby switch back then
22:46His and Wendy's communication logs
22:48Plus the abuse videos and medical records
22:49It's enough to file a case
22:51Thank you for your hard work
22:52Understood
22:52He paused for a moment
22:54But are you really not going to see him one last time?
22:56He came to the office yesterday
22:57And wanted me to pass on a message
22:58He said he knows he was wrong
22:59Too late
23:01Early the next morning, the plane took off
23:03My personal assistant came to pick me up at the airport
23:07She said to me
23:08Leo has been doing a bit better this week
23:11He's starting to be willing to talk
23:12Yesterday, he even asked when you would arrive
23:15My heart beat faster for a few moments
23:19The car stopped in front of a white house
23:21In the garden
23:22A thin little child was crouching on the ground watching ants
23:30I walked over and crouched down in front of him
23:32I'm your mom
23:33He looked at me for a long time
23:35Then gave a small nod
23:36I carefully embraced him
23:38He didn't pull away
23:40I'm sorry, mommy came too late
23:42He trembled a little in my arms
23:44For the next two weeks, I didn't work and focused entirely on being with him
23:48I took him to the park
23:50The first time he rode the carousel
23:52He gripped the railing tightly
23:54I took him to the library and discovered he liked books about stars
23:58At night
23:59Only after he had fallen asleep
24:02Would I dare to gently stroke his hair
24:05He still didn't talk much
24:06But occasionally he would smile at me
24:09At three in the morning
24:10The bedroom door was gently blown open a crack by the wind
24:13And faint sobbing sounds pierced my ears like needles
24:16I jolted awake and almost immediately guessed it was Leo
24:19Pushing open his door
24:21Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains
24:23Casting mottled shadows on the floor
24:25And illuminating his small figure curled up on the bed
24:28His hands were tightly clutching the blanket
24:30Knuckles white
24:31His forehead was covered in cold sweat
24:33His brows were furrowed into a deep frown
24:35I walked over quickly
24:37Carefully sat on the edge of the bed
24:38And gently wrapped my arms around his cold shoulders
24:41His body stiffened for an instant
24:42Then he threw himself into my arms like a startled fawn
24:45His crying suppressed and desperate
24:47His tears instantly soaking my pajamas
24:49That storage room was so dark
24:51I called out for so long
24:52And no one answered
24:53Rats crawled onto my feet
24:54My heart felt like it was being repeatedly cut by a dull knife
24:57A dense and relentless pain
24:58Tears fell silently onto his hair
25:00I thought of the videos Wendy had sent
25:02Of that child locked in the dark, shivering
25:04I thought of the old and new scars crisscrossing his body
25:06I wished I could tear apart everyone who had heard him
25:13When he had cried himself tired and his breathing had gradually steadied
25:17I picked up the small lamp by the bedside and gently lifted his sleeve
25:21On his arm, light brown scars crawled like ugly centipedes
25:25Marks from being whipped with a clothes hanger
25:28On his back, there was still a faint bruise
25:31Left from when he had bumped into the corner of the storage room wall as a child
25:35I gently traced those scars with the pads of my fingers
25:38With a touch's light as if I were afraid of shattering a treasure
25:42Does it hurt?
25:43He shook his head
25:44Tears still clinging to his lashes
25:46Biting his lip, he said quietly
25:48It doesn't hurt now
25:49It's just that sometimes I dream about it
25:51Dream that I'm locked inside again
25:52Calling for mom, but mom's not there
25:54I'm sorry
25:54Mommy came too late
25:56From now on, mommy will never let you suffer again
25:58That night
25:58I held him on the sofa and sat there until dawn
26:01I told him about how when I was little and afraid of thunder
26:03My dad would hold me in his arms
26:04Counting stars and singing nursery rhymes
26:06I told him about how when I first took over the company
26:08I was bullied by senior employees and hid in the stairwell to cry
26:11Then wiped my tears and went back to negotiate
26:13I told him about the mischievous interns at the company
26:15Who spilled coffee on important contracts and turned pale with fright
26:18He listened very quietly
26:19Occasionally looking up at me with those eyes that looked so much like mine
26:22And asking
26:23Weren't you scared then, mom?
26:25I was scared
26:26But I knew that as long as I grit my teeth and push through, things would get better
26:29And now, I have Leo, so I can't afford to be scared even more
26:33He nodded, half understanding
26:35And his little hand quietly gripped my finger
26:37A few days later
26:39I made a point of taking Leo to the Griffith Observatory on the outskirts of the city
26:43We took a bus through stretches of wheat fields
26:46The wind carrying the scent of grain
26:48Leo leaned against the window
26:50His eyes full of wonder
26:51When night fell
26:53The observatory dome slowly opened
26:55And the sky full of countless stars spread across the deep blue canopy like crushed diamonds
26:59So dazzling one couldn't look away
27:00The guide pointed at the constellation Orion and told the legend of the hunter Orion
27:04Leo's eyes shone like stars
27:06And the corner of his mouth slowly curved into a faint smile
27:09On the way home, the bus swayed gently
27:11He leaned against my shoulder and said quietly
27:13Mom, the stars so far away
27:15But just being able to see them makes me feel at ease
27:18I held his hand tightly
27:20Feeling the warmth of his palm
27:22My heart filled with tenderness
27:23I knew that the wounds buried deep in his heart wouldn't disappear completely
27:27Because of one trip to the observatory
27:28Just like those old scars
27:30No matter how much care you give them
27:31They still leave faint marks
27:33But as long as I stayed by his side
27:35Warming him bit by bit with love and patience
27:37The starlight would eventually pierce through the darkness
27:40And illuminate the road ahead of him
27:44That afternoon, we were making cookies in the kitchen when the doorbell rang
27:48Claire went to answer the door
27:50I heard her say
27:51Mr. Miller?
27:53The flower sifter in my hand dropped onto the counter
27:55He was dragging an old suitcase in his hand
27:57Vivian, I've been searching for half a month
28:00I wiped my hands
28:01Walked out of the kitchen
28:03And pulled the door shut
28:04Now you know
28:05You can leave
28:06He looked toward the thin little figure in the kitchen and said
28:09I want to see the child
28:11Our child
28:13These days I keep dreaming
28:15Dreaming of him when he was little
28:16Dreaming of Wendy hitting him
28:18I never knew
28:19You should have known
28:20You just chose not to
28:22He looked at my belly and asked
28:23Is the child still there?
28:25Of course the child is still there
28:26The doctor says everything is fine
28:28And the baby will be born next spring
28:30His face darkened
28:31And his emotions suddenly became very agitated
28:33He charged toward me
28:34I sidestepped to dodge
28:36He stumbled and crashed into the entryway cabinet
28:38Vivian
28:38I want to see my son
28:40You can't do this
28:41Frank
28:41What you should be worried about right now
28:44Isn't where my son is
28:45But whether your son can be born safely
28:48If you want your son to be born safely
28:50Deal with Wendy first
28:52Settle the messy accounts between yourselves
28:54After saying this
28:55I threw him out
28:56Now even looking at him disgusted me deeply
28:58As I closed the door
28:59I saw Frank collapse onto the ground
29:02Running his hands through his hair
29:03He looked utterly pathetic
29:05Fine
29:06Let them put on their own dog eat dog show
29:11Not long after
29:13Attorney David Lee called
29:14Miss Lynn it got very ugly
29:15But the situation isn't as favorable as we'd hoped
29:17It turned out that Frank and Wendy had already divorced
29:20And were now battling in court against each other
29:22Wendy was shouting herself horse in court
29:24Exposing how Frank had used his position
29:26To transfer money to her over the years
29:27How he had promised to divorce and marry her
29:29And how his attitude had abruptly changed
29:31After learning I was pregnant
29:32I gripped my phone tightly
29:34Listening to the words on the other end
29:36But my expression remained very calm
29:38However Frank shifted all the blame onto Wendy
29:40Saying she coerced him into switching the babies
29:43The trial lasted a full two days
29:45In the end
29:46Wendy was sentenced to three years on multiple charges
29:48Including child abduction
29:50Document forgery and commercial fraud
29:52Frank on the other hand
29:53Got himself off completely clean
29:55He wept in court
29:56Saying he was also a victim
29:57Manipulated by Wendy for ten years
29:59That excuse sounded utterly absurd
30:01But the jury bought it
30:02Or rather
30:03The lawyer Frank hired was truly formidable
30:05Before hanging up
30:06Attorney David Lee said quietal
30:08Miss Hayes
30:09I'm sorry
30:09This result is far from ideal
30:11If you're willing
30:12We can plan the next step
30:13It's enough
30:13I cut him off
30:14At least my child is back
30:17Leo was doing his homework
30:19I walked over and asked him
30:21Liko
30:22Mommy made sure the bad people were punished
30:24But maybe not heavily enough
30:25Do you blame me?
30:27He looked up
30:28Mom, I know very well who has been good to me and who hasn't
30:31I covered my mouth
30:33Unable to hold back tears
30:34He lowered his head and continued writing
30:36Adding quietly
30:37You look really ugly when you cry
30:39I laughed out loud
30:41Crying and laughing at the same time
30:46These days
30:47I had been desperately trying to make up for ten years of lost maternal love
30:51I transferred my company shares into his name
30:54Though he was still young
30:55I knew what this security meant
30:57The school I found was the best private international program in the area
31:01The principal looked at his previous transcripts and frowned deeply
31:05For the past ten years
31:06Wendy had barely paid any attention to his studies
31:09Essentially leaving him to sink or swim on his own
31:12His schoolwork lagged far behind that of children his age
31:16I hired three private tutors
31:18Rotating through English, math and science
31:21Leo worked very hard
31:23Studying late into the night every day
31:25One morning before dawn
31:26I brought him milk and saw him slumped over his desk asleep
31:30Still clutching a pen in his hand
31:32I didn't wake him
31:34I just gently draped a blanket over him
31:37On Friday afternoon
31:38I want to pick up Leo from school
31:40The school gate was crowded with parents
31:42Leo ran out carrying his new backpack
31:44His face flushed from exercise
31:46Mom! I passed my math quiz today!
31:49Just as I was about to take the test paper
31:51Out of the corner of my eye
31:53I caught a figure behind the glass window of the Starbucks across the street
31:57Frank
31:57Sitting in the corner with dark stubble on his chin
32:01Looking very haggard
32:02Not a trace left of the confident
32:05Commanding presence he'd once had as the company's CEO
32:08Leo followed my gaze
32:10I took his hand and said
32:12Come on, let's go home
32:16Just as I turned around
32:17Hurried footsteps sounded from behind
32:20Frank had already crossed the street
32:22And was blocking our way
32:23Vivian, can we talk?
32:29I motioned for Leo to get in the car first
32:31Then looked at the man before me and said
32:33There's nothing left to talk about between us
32:35Wendy is already in prison
32:36I've taken care of everything
32:37I've cut ties with her completely
32:38Frank
32:40Wendy was sent to prison by the lawyer I hired
32:41Does that have to do with you?
32:43Weren't you the pathetical victim crying the hardest in court?
32:46I know I was wrong, Vivian
32:48For the sake of the child
32:49Please forgive me this once
32:50His gaze fell on my belly
32:52Child
32:53Yes, our child
32:54I slowly smoothed the wrinkles from my jacket
32:56Oh, that
32:56It was fake
32:58Frank froze
32:59His eyes widened enormously
33:01I took a step forward
33:03So he could see my flat stomach more clearly
33:05It's been months
33:06If I were really pregnant
33:08I should be showing by now, shouldn't I?
33:13His gaze lingered on my belly for a very long time
33:16It doesn't matter
33:17It doesn't matter even without this child
33:20We still have Leo
33:21We still have ten years of feelings
33:23Frank, stop dreaming
33:24Wake up
33:24He acted as if he hadn't heard me
33:26And suddenly seemed to remember something
33:28He pulled a Tiffany blue velvet box from the briefcase he was carrying
33:31Then came the second
33:33The third
33:34He placed all the boxes on the ground
33:36The small velvet boxes lined up on the ground in a row
33:39It was somewhat laughable
33:41I bought one every year
33:42I just never gave them to you
33:43Now I'm giving them all to you, okay?
33:44Please, just give me one more chance
33:45I crouched down and opened the nearest box
33:47Inside was a diamond necklace
33:49The pendant in the shape of an iris
33:50My favorite flower
33:51Once upon a time
33:52I would have been ecstatic over such a gift
33:54Now all I felt was disgust
33:56A nauseating sensation
33:57I stood up
33:58Put the necklace back in the box
34:00And said
34:00Frank, the time when I loved you most
34:02Was when I would be so worried
34:03I couldn't sleep
34:03If you didn't reply to my messages
34:05When I would make soup
34:06And bring it to the office
34:07When you worked late
34:08When everything felt worth it
34:09The moment you said
34:10You've worked hard, honey
34:10That time when I loved you most
34:12Is long gone
34:13To me now
34:14These are no different than trash
34:15He seemed to want to say something
34:16But nothing came out
34:18Quickly
34:18His shoulders slumped
34:20His whole body looked
34:21As if his spine
34:22Had suddenly been ripped out
34:23I didn't look at him again
34:24I turned and walked toward the car
34:26To me, none of it mattered anymore
34:31Three years later
34:32Late autumn
34:33Leo had grown much taller
34:35His height reaching my shoulder
34:37Mom, can you come to the parent-teacher conference next week?
34:40Of course
34:40For my son's parent-teacher conference
34:43I'd go even if the sky were falling
34:44In these three years
34:46Leo had become so mature and considerate
34:48It broke my heart
34:49He would make his own pasta when I worked late
34:51And he remembered to bring two umbrellas on rainy days
34:54His grades had climbed from the bottom
34:56To the middle of the class
34:57And he spoke English better than some local kids
35:00Teachers said he had resilience
35:02Neighbors praised him for being well-behaved
35:04So polite
35:05Thank you, he really is
35:06Only I knew what lay behind this maturity
35:08On weekend evenings
35:10We made dumplings together
35:11The dumplings Leo made were always excessively neat
35:15Every fold identical
35:16Leo in front of mom
35:17You don't have to be this obedient
35:19The hand he was using to pinch
35:20The dumplings paused for a moment
35:22I crouched down and looked into his eyes
35:23You can throw tantrums
35:25Be difficult
35:26Say no like other children do
35:28Mommy doesn't love you because you're well-behavedly
35:29I love you simply because you're you
35:31But if I do something wrong
35:33Will you not want me anymore?
35:34I pulled him into my arms
35:36Never
35:36The most right thing I've ever done in my life was finding
35:39He didn't speak for a long time
35:41Finally, he nodded gently
35:45Leo's elementary school was holding an open house
35:48I deliberately ended my company meeting early
35:50And drove to the school
35:51The autumn sunshine was just right
35:53Filtering through the gaps in the leaves
35:55And spilling onto the playground
35:56Warm and pleasant
35:57Leo was participating in a relay race
35:59Running the last leg
36:01His small figure was like a gust of wind
36:03Charging toward the finish line with everything he had
36:06The moment he crossed the finish line
36:08I couldn't help but stand up and applaud and cheer
36:10He happened to look back right then
36:12And when he saw me
36:13A radiant smile spread across his face
36:15A smile so pure and bright
36:17That it made me feel all the sacrifices had been worth it
36:20As the event was winding down and parents were leaving in twos and threes
36:23I was holding Leo's hand
36:24About to head to a nearby ice cream shop to make good on the promise of
36:27Finish the race and you get a sundae
36:29When a woman in a faded
36:30Cheap trench coat suddenly rushed over and blocked our path
36:33It was Wendy
36:34She was out of prison
36:35Her hair was dry and brittle
36:37Hastily tied at the back of her head
36:39Her face was sallow from prolonged malnutrition
36:41Only her eyes
36:42Shot through with red veins and gleaming with venomous resentment
36:46Stared fixedly at me
36:47Vivian!
36:48What gives you the right to take my son away?
36:50Her voice was shrill and grating
36:52Like fingernails scraping across glass
36:55Instantly drawing sidelong glances from many nearby parents
36:59Some stopped in their tracks and eyed us curiously
37:07I instinctively pulled Leo behind me
37:09Shielding him completely
37:10And looked coldly at Wendy
37:11Leo was never your son
37:13You gave him nothing but abuse and neglect
37:14Not a shred of maternal love
37:16You are not fit to be his mother
37:17I carried him for nine months and gave birth to him
37:19My blood runs through his veins
37:20Wendy was so agitated she tried to lunge at me
37:22But fortunately the school security guards arrived just in time and stopped her
37:25She struggled
37:26Her hair coming loose
37:27Looking somewhat deranged
37:28Or the company is gone
37:29And now I'm not even allowed to see my own son
37:32Leo peeked out from behind me
37:34There wasn't a trace of fear on his small face
37:37He looked at Wendy with eyes that were calm beyond his years
37:40I don't have a mother like you
37:41You hit me, locked me in a dark room
37:43Never once cooked me a meal
37:45And never once came to pick me up from school
37:47Mom Vivian is my real mom
37:49She does homework with me
37:51Takes me to the park
37:52And makes me good food
37:53Wendy froze
37:54As if she had never imagined that the child she had carried for nine months
37:57And given birth to would say such words to her
37:59She stared blankly at Leo
38:00A few seconds later
38:01She suddenly broke down into a bitter, piercing whale
38:03I was forced back then
38:05Frank only cared about your money
38:07Do you know how much pressure I was under?
38:09I had no choice but to hit him
38:10Pressure is not an excuse for abusing a child
38:12I took out my phone and opened a pre-safe folder
38:14Inside were Leo's medical records from that time
38:16Photos of the scars on his body
38:18And backup copies of the videos of Wendy abusing him
38:21These are all evidence
38:22If you keep immediately have my lawyer file a motion
38:24And apply for a restraining order
38:25Permitting you from coming within 10 meters of Leo
38:27Just then
38:27A familiar figure came running over in a hurry
38:29It was Frank
38:30He looked even more haggard than three years ago
38:32More than half of his hair had turned gray
38:34The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes
38:36Were deep enough to trap dust
38:37He was wearing an ill-fitting jacket
38:39And looked utterly disheveled
38:44When he saw Wendy
38:45His brow immediately furrowed
38:47And his tone was full of impatience
38:49What are you doing here?
38:51Didn't I tell you to stay away from them?
38:53Frank's gaze fell on Leo
38:54His eyes incredibly complicated
38:56Guilt, reluctance to let go
38:58And a hint of helplessness
39:00Vivian, I'm sorry
39:01He opened his mouth as if to say something
39:03But in the end only turned to me and said quietly
39:05I didn't speak
39:07I just watched him coldly
39:08This man, who back then
39:10For personal gain and selfish desires
39:12Switched his own biological son
39:14Leaving Leo to suffer for 10 years
39:16And then after the truth came out
39:17Shifted all the blame onto Wendy
39:19And got himself off scot-free
39:20Now his repentance and apology
39:22Were worth absolutely nothing in my eyes
39:24Mom, let's go
39:25I don't want to see them
39:26I crouched down and smoothed his wind-messed hair
39:29From his forehead
39:29My voice gentle
39:30Alright, let's go have that sundae
39:33I took Leo's hand and turned to leave
39:35Not sparing a single glance back at Wendy and Frank behind us
39:39From behind us came the sound of Wendy's wailing and Frank's attempts to calm her
39:43Along with the murmuring of the surrounding parents
39:46But all of that no longer had anything to do with us
39:49Leo held my hand tightly
39:51His steps steady
39:52Not looking back
39:53That afternoon, I took Leo to eat his favorite chocolate sundae
39:57He got it all over his face
39:58Like a little kitten
39:59I took out a tissue and gently wiped the ice cream from the corners of his mouth
40:03Mom, the sundae is really sweet
40:06Every day from now on can be this sweet
40:08I looked into his bright eyes
40:09My heart completely clear and at peace
40:12The dust of the past might occasionally be stirred up by the wind
40:14But as long as Leo and I were together
40:16Walking forward side by side
40:18We would surely move toward a brighter, warmer future
40:20Those who had hurt us would ultimately be left behind in the dust
40:24Never able to affect our lives again
40:28The late autumn rain came without warning
40:30At dismissal time, heavy raindrops pelted noisily against the ground
40:34And the school gate was crowded with parents picking up their children
40:36Holding an umbrella
40:38I stood under the old oak tree we had agreed on
40:40And saw from a distance Leo walking out with his backpack
40:42Side by side with a classmate
40:44A faint smile on his small face
40:45This was the first time he had voluntarily walked out of school with a classmate
40:49Just then, a woman in a red raincoat suddenly rushed over
40:52Grabbed Leo's arm
40:53And said in a sharp voice
40:54Leo, come with me
40:55Your mother is suffering in there
40:56How can you be here living the good life?
40:58Who are you?
40:59I don't know you
40:59I'm your aunt
41:00That woman Vivian is a liar
41:02She snatched you away from your real mother
41:03You give me jump up bun
41:04With me, I'll take you to see your mom
41:05The surrounding parents turned to look
41:07A few kind-hearted people wanted to step forward and ask what was going on
41:12But were forced back by Kelly's fierce glare
41:14Leo's classmate was so frightened
41:17He stood rooted to the spot
41:18Not knowing what to do
41:23My heart clenched
41:24I rushed over quickly
41:26Cried Kelly's hand off with one motion
41:28And shielded Leo behind me
41:29My voice cold as ice
41:31Let go of him
41:32You have no right to touch my child
41:35Kelly stumbled a step
41:37After studying herself
41:38She looked me up and down
41:40Her eyes full of jealousy and venom
41:42Thief!
41:43You stole my sister's man
41:44Stole her money
41:45And now you've stolen her child
41:46How can you live with yourself?
41:48Conscience?
41:49I gave a cold laugh
41:50The videos of your sister abusing Leo back then
41:52The transfer records her and Frank conspying to switch the babies
41:55And the proof that you, who as in the know, accepted benefits from Frank
41:57I have all of it right here
41:58Tell me, if this really went to the police station
42:01Whose conscience would be the one that come and hold up?
42:03The murmuring around us grew louder and louder
42:05Some parents took out their phones and started recording video
42:08And someone had already quietly contacted the school security guards
42:12Kelly's face flushed red and then turned pale
42:14Looking at the crowd that had gathered
42:15A hint of panic crept into her eyes
42:21She was still putting up a brave front
42:23But had unconsciously taken a step back
42:26I just want the child to know his real family
42:29Leo suddenly stepped out from behind me
42:30His small body standing very straight
42:32His eyes steady as he looked at Kelly
42:33Know his real family?
42:35I don't have an aunt like you
42:36And I don't have a mother like that
42:37Mom, Vivian's my real mom
42:38She doesn't hit me, doesn't lock me up
42:39Cheats with meals, take me to school and protects me
42:41Go away, I don't want to see you ever again
42:43Kelly stood stunned
42:44Looking at the clear yet distant expression in Leo's eyes
42:47She opened her mouth but couldn't say a single word
42:49At that moment, the school security guards and the homeroom teacher hurried over
42:52Seeing the scene, the homeroom teacher immediately stepped in front of us
42:55I must ask you to leave the school entrance immediately or we will call the police
42:58Kelly saw more and more people gathering around
43:00And knew that continuing to make a scene wouldn't end well for her
43:03She shot me a vicious glare, muttered
43:05Just you wait, turned and rushed into the rain
43:07Quickly disappearing around the street corner
43:09The rain was still falling
43:10A few strands of Leo's hair were damp from the splashing rainwater
43:13Plastered against his forehead
43:15Did that scare you?
43:16Mom, I'm not scared because I knew you would come to save me
43:19Silly child, mommy will always be by your side
43:22No matter what happens, I won't let anyone hurt you
43:24Mrs. Hayes, I really didn't expect something like this to happen
43:28Leo has had quite a fright today
43:29Would you like to take him to the office first for some hot cocoa?
43:32Thank you, Mrs. Wong
43:33I nodded and, holding Leo's hand, walked into the school building
43:39In the office, the warmth of the hot cocoa traveled through the cup to his palms
43:43Leo held the cup and said quietly
43:44Mom, was what that aunt said true?
43:48Was I really born from Wendy?
43:50I crouched down, looked into his eyes, and said seriously
43:53Leo, you are mom's biological son
43:55As for who gave birth to you, that's not what's important
43:58What's important is who raised you with love, who is willing to go to any lengths to protect you
44:02In mom's heart, you are my treasure, the person I most want to protect in this lifetime
44:05He blinked, his eyes reddening a little, but he nodded firmly
44:09I understand mom, I only recognize you as my mom
44:13That night, for the first time, Leo voluntarily told me about how Wendy would occasionally bring Kelly to the house
44:18Aunt Kelly always cursed at me for being stupid, said I wasn't as well behaved as Ethan, and would secretly
44:23take my things
44:24Back then I used to thought, if only I had a mom who truly loved me
44:27I pulled him into my arms and gently patted his back
44:30That will never happen again
44:32Mommy will give you all her love and make sure you're happy every single day
44:35The rain outside the window gradually stopped, and moonlight filtered through the clouds, illuminating a corner of the room
44:42I met Daniel at a community book club
44:44I had accompanied Leo to borrow books, and was drawn in by a sharing session on women's autobiographies
44:50Daniel was the host, in his early 40s, and spoke with a gentle yet compelling voice
44:55After the session ended, he stopped me at the door and said
44:58Your perspective just now was very unique, could I get to know you?
45:01That was how our conversation began
45:03Daniel was a locally born Chinese American, his family originally from San Francisco
45:09Divorced for five years, his daughter lived with her mother
45:13He was a middle school history teacher, and volunteered at the community center in his spare time
45:18For our first official date, we went to the California Science Center, and of course Leo came along too
45:25Daniel didn't try too hard to win the child over
45:27In the space exhibition area, he naturally started talking about the Apollo program
45:32You know why astronauts bring a knife to space?
45:35Leo shook his head
45:37To fix equipment, the most dangerous thing in space is a loose screw
45:40Leo's laugh was very relaxed
45:49Another spring had passed when Daniel came over for dinner at our home
45:52After the meal, Leo did his homework, and Daniel and I had tea on the patio
45:57The night was cool
45:58He draped his jacket over my shoulders
46:02Leo has made some new friends recently
46:05I saw him playing basketball with classmates
46:07I was a bit surprised
46:08The child had always been alone before
46:11Children need time, and so do you
46:13He paused for a moment
46:15That night, I told him about what happened ten years ago
46:18Daniel listened quietly
46:19Only after I had finished did he gently take my hand
46:23Walking through all of that alone, it must have been so hard
46:25Those words made my eyes redden
46:27So what I had needed was someone to see the weight behind the strength
46:32Mom, if you like Uncle Daniel, you can be with him
46:34When he said this, Leo was assembling a model airplane
46:38Why are you suddenly saying this?
46:39I stared at him stunned
46:40Because when you look at him, you smile, a real smile, not the fake kind
46:44I sat down beside him
46:46And what do you think about it?
46:47I hope someone loves you the way you love me, you deserve that
46:51I hugged him, he had grown up without my noticing
46:55Falling in love with Daniel was different from how it was when I was 20
46:58No wild passion, no anxiety
46:59It was a steady kind of intimacy
47:01After dinner, we would take walks together
47:03Listening to me talk about the trivial things at work and things about Leo's school
47:07Even the sale items at Whole Foods
47:08Leo gradually accepted this rhythm
47:10One day when I came home from working late
47:12I saw them playing chess in the living room
47:14And soup was simmering in the kitchen
47:16The aroma filling the house
47:17In that moment
47:18I realized that the happiness I'd thought was out of reach
47:21Had long since landed gently in the palm of my hand
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