- 4 hours ago
Who Is the Nobody Here
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I grew up abroad. My mother feared I might marry a foreign man, so she arranged an engagement for me
00:05with a talented and handsome man in float-on.
00:08She insisted that I return home to get engaged. I came back and started shopping for an engagement dress at
00:13a luxury boutique.
00:14I selected an off-white strapless gown and decided to try it on.
00:19Suddenly, a woman nearby glanced at the dress in my hand and told the saleswoman,
00:24That's a unique design. Let me try it.
00:27The saleswoman immediately yanked it out of my hands. I protested indignantly.
00:32Excuse me, I was here first. Don't you understand the principle of first come, first served? Or do you just
00:38not care about common decency?
00:40The woman scoffed and retorted.
00:42This dress costs $188,000. Do you really think a broken body like you can even afford it?
00:48I'm Lucas Goodwin's sister in all but blood. He's the chairman of Goodwin's group.
00:53In float-on, the Goodwin family sets the rules. What a coincidence.
00:58Lucas Goodwin was my fiancé.
01:00I immediately called him and said,
01:02Hey, your sister in all but blood just stole my engagement dress. Do something about it.
01:06The term sister in all but blood implied less than innocent connotations.
01:11If Lucas Goodwin failed to give me a proper explanation on that day, I would cancel the engagement banquet.
01:16To my surprise, Lucas responded coldly.
01:19Who are you? Since when does a stranger like you get to question my relationship with Vivian?
01:25I was about to tell him that I was his fiancé, but he hung up abruptly. I became angry.
01:30How dare he not save my contact information?
01:32Meanwhile, Vivian Morrow, who was standing beside me, grinned triumphantly.
01:37You wench. Did you really think having Lucas' number makes you special? Keep dreaming.
01:44She looked at me with open contempt.
01:47Even the Janners at Goodwin's group dress better than you.
01:49I had always preferred simple, comfortable clothes and never cared about brand names.
01:54I never thought that would give people a reason to look down on me.
01:57What era are you even living in?
01:59To think you'd still be judging people by their looks.
02:02Lucas must be out of his mind to call you his sister in all but blood.
02:05My mood for shopping was ruined, thanks to her antics.
02:08I grabbed the gown and headed straight to the checkout counter.
02:11The saleswoman hesitated before saying,
02:14Miss, I'm sorry, but we prioritize our members first.
02:17Vivian smirked and slammed her shiny gold membership card onto the counter.
02:21Only people who've spent over a million get this card.
02:24What's a broke loser like you even doing here?
02:27I was not usually one to pick fights, but on that day, Vivian had really crossed a line.
02:32I pulled out a black card and handed it to the saleswoman.
02:36I suppressed my anger and said,
02:38Sign me up for a membership.
02:40Then bagged the gown.
02:42Vivian glared at the saleswoman and threatened,
02:44The Goodwin's own Floatin.
02:46If you sell her that gown today, I'll have Luke's buy this store out tomorrow.
02:50The saleswoman shrank back timidly and said,
02:53Miss, I'm just an employee.
02:55I can't risk offending Goodwin's group.
02:57Several onlookers turned to me and offered me advice and whispers.
03:01That's Mrs. Moreau. I've seen her around.
03:03Lucas Goodwin's foils were rotten. You should just let it go.
03:06The last time someone crossed her, Goodwin's group drove them into bankruptcy.
03:10You may have some money, but it's pocket change compared to Goodwin's group.
03:14Just apologize to Mrs. Moreau now and beg her to spare you.
03:17Flattered by their words, Vivian's ego swelled like a balloon.
03:21You wench, get on your knees and say,
03:24I'm a worthless poser and I'm sorry.
03:27Maybe then I'll consider letting you off the hook.
03:30At 26 years of my life,
03:31I had never encountered anyone audacious enough to act so arrogantly in front of me.
03:36Pardon?
03:37What did you just ask me to say?
03:40What?
03:41What are you deaf?
03:42Say I'm a worthless poser.
03:44I'm sorry.
03:45Do I need to spell it out for you?
03:47I smirked.
03:48I heard you.
03:49Since you're aware that you're a worthless poser,
03:52get out of my sight.
03:54Don't waste my time.
03:55When Vivian finally realized she was being mocked,
03:58she flailed her arms and charged at me.
04:01It was laughable to see her trying to attack me.
04:03I had a black belt in taekwondo.
04:05Did she really think her flimsy punches would scare me?
04:08I sent Vivian crashing to the floor with a single kick.
04:14She howled in pain.
04:16The onlookers stared at me in horror.
04:18Oh, look her gosh.
04:19Did she just do that to Mrs. Morley?
04:21Mr. Goodwin is going to tear her to pieces once he hears about this.
04:26Yeah, good luck to her.
04:28Not even God can save her.
04:29I felt nothing when I heard their whispers.
04:32The Goodwin family had only achieved their current status through my mother's support.
04:36No one in this city could intimidate me.
04:38I slammed my card on the counter again and said to the cashier,
04:43Ring me up.
04:45The cashier, visibly shaken, fumbled as she processed my payment and wrapped up the gown.
04:50I turned to leave with the bag in hand.
04:52Vivian scrambled to stand up and blocked my path again.
04:55You're not going anywhere.
04:57I raised my fist and waved it in front of her face.
05:00What's the matter?
05:02Do you want to taste my fist again?
05:04Vivian flinched instinctively.
05:06I scoffed and strode past her.
05:08Just then, a black car pulled up in front of the store.
05:11A man stepped out.
05:13I felt my heart skip a beat.
05:15Vivian immediately rushed over tearfully to tattle.
05:18Luke, she stole my gown from me and even hit me.
05:22So, this was my fiancé.
05:25I had always been a sucker for good looks, and Lucas' appearance was exactly my type.
05:29Based on his looks alone, I felt I could forgive his previous rudeness.
05:34I gave him my best smile.
05:36Hi!
05:38I'm Lily Winsong, your fiancé.
05:41It was no wonder my mother said I would be satisfied with the man she had picked this time.
05:46She really knew me inside out.
05:48The onlookers immediately erupted in gasps.
05:51What?
05:52She's Mr. Goodwin's fiancé?
05:55Lucas looked at me coldly.
05:57Don't get ahead of yourself.
05:59My father arranged this engagement without my consent.
06:02I never agreed to it.
06:04Vivian, who stood beside him, wrapped her arm around his and leaned intimately against his shoulder.
06:09She shot me a provocative glance.
06:11Look at yourself.
06:12There is no way Lukes would ever marry an ugly creature like you!
06:16Someone chimed in.
06:17Exactly!
06:18If Mr. Goodwin were to marry, it would be to some rich girl from a proper family with equal status,
06:23not some country bumping like you.
06:25With her looks, Goodwin's group wouldn't even hire her to mop floors.
06:27I had never considered myself a stunning beauty, but I was certainly not ugly.
06:32How could they describe me in such derogatory terms?
06:35This proved how people instinctively curry favor with the powerful and took advantage of those in misfortune.
06:40Lucas Goodwin, go home and tell your father that I'm calling off this engagement.
06:47You don't deserve me.
06:51According to my mother, his father had pulled countless strings to arrange this marriage alliance with our family.
06:57If he learned that his own son had ruined it, he'd skin Lucas alive.
07:01The thought lifted my mood a little.
07:03I could not be bothered to waste more time on these idiots, so I turned to leave.
07:07But Vivian, knowing that Lucas would back her up, refused to let it go.
07:12She blocked my path again.
07:13Don't even try to run, you wench.
07:16We're not done here.
07:17You stole my gown and hit me.
07:20I looked at her disdainfully.
07:22What exactly do you want?
07:23Mistaking my calm for fear, she raised her hand to slap me.
07:27I'll slap you until I feel satisfied.
07:29I caught her wrist mid-swing and slapped her across the face without hesitation.
07:34She stared at me in shock.
07:37Had enough?
07:38Vivian said angrily.
07:39Those two slaps wiped the arrogant look off Vivian's face.
07:43She burst into tears and cowered behind Lucas.
07:47Lucas, do something!
07:49Lucas shielded her protectively and snarled,
07:51Touch my girl again, and I'll end you.
07:54He signaled his bodyguards to grab me.
07:58I managed to take down the first bodyguard with a quick strike, but the second one pinned me down.
08:03After a barrage of blows, I collapsed to the floor.
08:06The two bodyguards hauled me up and forced me to my knees before Vivian and Lucas.
08:10They looked down at me.
08:11Lucas backed Vivian up and said,
08:14Vivi, do whatever you want to her.
08:18I've got your back.
08:20With Lucas' reassurance, Vivian immediately gained confidence.
08:24She slapped me twice, then spat in my face.
08:27You wench.
08:28Where's all that attitude now?
08:30Huh?
08:32Come on.
08:34Show me how tough you are.
08:36Then, she kicked me hard in the stomach.
08:39Clutching my aching abdomen, I raised my gaze to glare at her and Lucas.
08:44You'll regret this.
08:46I swear you'll pay for this.
08:49Vivian laughed arrogantly.
08:51The Goodwin family is one of the top three powerful families running this city.
08:56What can a broke loser like you even do against me?
08:59Today, I'll teach you what happens when you mess with me.
09:01She pulled out a nail clipper from her bag and slashed it across my face.
09:05Searing pain shot through my cheek as the skin swelled and I felt blood seeping out.
09:10Someone sighed in pity.
09:11I told her not to cross the Goodwin family.
09:14Guess she had to learn the hard way.
09:16What a shame.
09:18Her pretty face is ruined now.
09:20Folks like us can't afford trouble.
09:22We'd better swallow our pride when we're out here.
09:24Vivian raised the nail clipper again, aiming for another slash at my face.
09:29Terror at the thought of disfigurement overwhelmed me, and I quickly begged for mercy.
09:34Fine, fine, I'm sorry.
09:36Take the dress.
09:38I shouldn't have fought you for it.
09:40Revenge could wait.
09:42At that moment, saving my face was the priority.
09:45However, Vivian still slashed the blade across my face again.
09:50Oh, now you're sorry.
09:52Well, it's too late now.
09:55Wench, I won't let you go until I've vented every ounce of my rage.
09:59I screamed in pain and turned to Lucas for help.
10:02Lucas, you know my background.
10:04Aren't you afraid of the consequences?
10:07If you keep letting her humiliate me like this, you'll regret it.
10:10Lucas sneered.
10:12What status could you possibly have?
10:14Your mother bewitched my father into forcing this engagement on me.
10:18A vicious gleam flashed in Vivian's gaze.
10:21Your mother is a witch, and I bet you are one too.
10:27Strip off!
10:30Just then, my phone rang from inside my bag.
10:33I struggled desperately to reach it, but Vivian snatched it first.
10:37She swiped to answer, and my mother's voice came through immediately.
10:41Lillabelt, how's the gown shopping going?
10:44I hurriedly shouted for help.
10:46Mom!
10:47Save me!
10:48Someone's hurting me!
10:50She's trying to strip me off!
10:52My mother panicked.
10:53What?
10:54Who's doing this to you?
10:56Vivian cut in arrogantly.
10:58Me!
10:59Your little witch daughter has been begging for attention, so I'm putting her in her place.
11:03My mother snapped.
11:04I don't care who you are.
11:05Let my daughter go now, or you'll pay for this when I get there.
11:09Try me!
11:10I'll be right here to catch you, you witch!
11:12With that, Vivian hung up my phone and furled it to the floor.
11:15It shattered into pieces.
11:17She slapped me across the face again and sneered.
11:20The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
11:23Huh?
11:24When your mother shows up, I'll strip her down too.
11:27Time crawled by.
11:28It felt like half a century.
11:30But in reality, it had only been five minutes.
11:33Finally, a familiar stretched limousine appeared.
11:37My mother stepped out of the car and demanded,
11:40Let me see who dares threaten to strip me down.
11:42The instant I saw my mother, a wave of pent-up grievances surged through me.
11:47Mom!
11:48I cried as my voice broke with emotion.
11:51My mother's heart broke at the sight of me.
11:53She immediately rushed toward me and pulled me into her embrace.
11:56I finally felt safe when I leaned against my mother's chest.
11:59The surrounding onlookers gasped in astonishment at my mother's vehicle.
12:03Look!
12:04That's a limited edition stretch limousine!
12:06Only the extremely rich and powerful can own that car.
12:10It seems Vivian messed with the wrong person this time.
12:13Wrong person.
12:15Please.
12:16Even if she's got connections, nobody could possibly outrank the Goodwin family in this city.
12:21Vivian thought the same too.
12:22She charged toward my mother.
12:24So you're the witch who raised this brat?
12:26She dared to steal my dress and hit me.
12:29Tell me, how are you going to make this right?
12:32My mother raised her eyes to look at her.
12:34How am I going to make this right?
12:36Oblivious to my mother's murderous glare, Vivian made her demands without restraint.
12:41This was my dress until your trashy daughter put her hands on it.
12:46Now it's ruined.
12:47You'll pay ten times the price.
12:49And for those slaps, she'll kneel right here and slap herself twenty times in front of everyone.
12:56Most importantly, cancel her engagement with Luke.
12:59Do everything I say and maybe I'll let you walk out of here in one piece.
13:03Otherwise, you're not leaving this store alive.
13:07My mother laughed in disbelief when she heard Vivian's outrageous demands.
13:11She gave my shoulder a reassuring pat before walking toward Vivian.
13:14The engagement between Lillebeau and the Good Twin family will most certainly be cancelled.
13:19Lucas could never measure up to being part of our family.
13:23As for the rest of your demands...
13:25My mother raised her hand and slapped her face hard.
13:28Don't even dream about it.
13:29You're the ones who won't be walking out today.
13:32Vivian stood stunned for a second before attempting to retaliate.
13:36My mother's bodyguard kicked her to her knees, then pinned her arms down.
13:40After struggling futilely, Vivian lifted her head to plead with Lucas.
13:43Lucas, it hurts!
13:47Help me!
13:48Lucas signaled his bodyguards to intervene, but within seconds they were overpowered and slammed to the floor.
13:54The most satisfying part followed.
13:56Lucas himself was forced to my knees before me.
13:59My mother did not hold back and slapped Lucas.
14:02I've never laid a finger on Lilibeth since she was born.
14:06And you dare humiliate her like this today, you'll repay this a thousand times over.
14:12My mother did not hold back and slapped Lucas.
14:15You old hag!
14:16How dare you hit me?
14:17I'm the chairman of Goodwin's group.
14:19You have no idea what consequences you'll face.
14:22How dare you hurt my daughter?
14:23I'd slap your father just like I slapped you if he's here.
14:26The onlookers grew even more shocked.
14:28Who does this woman think she is?
14:31Mr. Goodwin Sr. ran the underworld in his youth.
14:34After leaving that life behind, he built the Goodwin's group.
14:37Even now, everyone in Floaten shows him respect.
14:39She just struck Mr. Goodwin Sr.'s golden boy.
14:43There's no way she's walking away from this.
14:45My mother ignored their whispers.
14:47She gently touched my swollen, bleeding cheek.
14:50Oh, Lilibel, you've suffered enough.
14:54But I'm here now.
14:55Don't be afraid.
14:56Do you want payback?
14:58Just say the word.
14:59I was not the type to turn the other cheek to begin with.
15:02I certainly would not be after what Vivian just pulled.
15:05I stared at her with a furious gaze.
15:07First, I struck her repeatedly across the face to vent my anger.
15:12Then, I picked up the nail clipper she had used to slash my cheek
15:15and slowly brought it closer to her face.
15:18Vivian trembled violently.
15:20Don't!
15:20Don't you dare touch my face!
15:22I'll fight you to the death!
15:24Without hesitation, I made the first cut.
15:26She let out a blood-curdling scream as a bleeding gash swelled along one cheek.
15:31I slashed the blade repeatedly.
15:33Soon, her face was swollen beyond recognition.
15:36It looked bruised and bloody.
15:37She could do nothing but wail in helpless agony as she was pinned down by the bodyguards.
15:43My face.
15:45My face is ruined!
15:47It was true that a person would not know the pain until it was theirs to bear.
15:51When she tried to disfigure me, she should have expected retribution.
15:55Lucas, who was nearby, snarled at me.
15:58You psychotic wench!
16:00When my father finds out what you did to Vivi, he'll make you pay!
16:03My mother said coldly,
16:05Good.
16:06Let Bernard come.
16:08We'll see who he punishes.
16:09You or us.
16:11My mother immediately took out her phone and called Bernard Goodwin.
16:14He answered instantly.
16:16Hello, Denia.
16:18What's the matter?
16:19My mother replied coldly,
16:21Bernard, you've certainly raised an exceptional son.
16:25Recognizing her displeasure, Bernard responded with forced laughter.
16:29Denia, what has my useless son done now?
16:32Just say the word, and I'll punish him severely.
16:35You know, Lilliville is my only daughter.
16:37I've cherished her like the apple of my eye since she was born.
16:40Yes, of course.
16:41Rest assured, when Mrs. Winsone marries into our family,
16:45I won't let her suffer even the slightest grievance.
16:48My mother's voice trembled with suppressed rage.
16:51Well, your precious boy, Lucas,
16:54has let Lilliville suffer a terrible humiliation.
16:57He tied her up and allowed her to be beaten and insulted
17:00for the sake of some pretend sister.
17:02How are you going to make this right?
17:04Bernard was in disbelief when he heard this.
17:07He then said,
17:08What?
17:09That brat hurt Mrs. Winsone.
17:12Skin him alive for all I care.
17:14Do whatever you want with him.
17:16Lucas, who was kneeling on the floor, shouted,
17:18Dad, has this witch cast a spell on you?
17:21These two witches are evil.
17:23They ruined Vivi's face and made me kneel.
17:26Instead of saving me,
17:28you're letting them have their way with me.
17:30I'm your son!
17:31Bernard roared furiously.
17:33You're a disgrace.
17:34After this disaster you caused,
17:37I wish I'd never had you!
17:39Lucas tried to speak again.
17:41My mother ended the call deliberately.
17:43She looked at him with contempt.
17:44Do you still think your father is going to save you?
17:47You black widow.
17:49Don't get cocky.
17:51He's just blowing off steam.
17:53I'm his flesh and blood.
17:54When he comes for me,
17:56you're dead.
17:57Ever since I could remember,
17:58my father's memory was my mother's most tender spot.
18:01No one would dare broach it.
18:03Lucas truly had a death wish
18:04and was walking straight into the line of fire.
18:07As expected,
18:08my mother's expression darkened.
18:10She looked at him with a murderous gaze.
18:12I swiftly kicked Lucas in the back.
18:14He sprawled face first onto the floor.
18:17Mom,
18:18don't waste your anger on this worthless fool.
18:20Let me handle him.
18:21I know exactly how to deal with them.
18:23With that,
18:24I ordered the bodyguards to take both of them away.
18:26I sidled up to mom and whined.
18:29Mom,
18:30my face really hurts.
18:31Will you come with me to get it treated first?
18:33My coaxing tone successfully snapped my mother back to rationality.
18:38She gently touched my injured cheek and accompanied me to the hospital.
18:41Floodon's top dermatologists and plastic surgeons gathered to examine me.
18:45After disinfecting my facial wounds,
18:47they discussed treatment plans to ensure no scars would remain.
18:51Once the treatment plan was finalized,
18:53the doctors gradually dispersed.
18:55Only my mother and I remained in the ward.
18:58I leaned my head against her shoulder and murmured reassuringly,
19:01Mom,
19:02don't take Lucas's words to heart.
19:04Lilibelt,
19:05your father really did die because of me.
19:07Do you hate me for making you grow up without a father?
19:09Her voice thickened with guilt and regret.
19:12I shook my head and hugged her tighter.
19:14I knew better than anyone how much she had suffered these years.
19:17My father had been part of the underworld.
19:19He had countless subordinates.
19:21Bernard was just one of his underlings.
19:24Everything changed when he met my mother.
19:26They fell in love at first sight.
19:28The violent womanizer who lived for fights and flings finally settled down.
19:32From that moment,
19:33his heart belonged only to my mother.
19:35But this gave my father a weakness.
19:37His enemies repeatedly targeted my mother.
19:40In the end,
19:40he sacrificed his life protecting her.
19:43I was less than a year old at the time.
19:44My grandparents said she would have followed my father in death had I not existed.
19:49For my sake,
19:50she dragged herself through the grief.
19:51She dissolved my father's underworld organization.
19:54From its members,
19:55she selected those with business acumen and funded their ventures.
19:59My mother understood the danger of drawing attention.
20:02To shield me from becoming a target,
20:04she maintained a low profile and never appeared before the media or public.
20:08It was no exaggeration to say my mother built three of Floden's major financial empires.
20:12Only a few knew this truth.
20:15This explained why idiots like Lucas remained ignorant of her true status.
20:19That was why he dared spew nonsense.
20:21After a week of medical treatment,
20:24my facial injuries healed completely.
20:26My skin became even smoother and more radiant than before.
20:30One day,
20:30the housekeeper brought over another gift from Bernard.
20:33It was a 1945 Chateau Lafite.
20:36It was one of only a few left in the world.
20:38It was clear Bernard had gone to great lengths to save his son.
20:41After locking Lucas and Vivian up for a week,
20:44it was about time I paid them a visit.
20:46I instructed the housekeeper to inform Bernard who was waiting outside.
20:50Then,
20:51I had the bodyguards bring Lucas and Vivian up from the basement.
20:54Those seven short days had transformed them beyond recognition.
20:58Their hair was matted and their bodies reeked of foul odors.
21:02Vivian's facial wounds were left untreated.
21:04It had festered and swollen.
21:06Her entire face had turned into a bloated mess and was ruined beyond repair.
21:10When Lucas spotted Bernard,
21:12tears of relief streamed down his face.
21:15He scrambled over on hands and knees.
21:17Dad!
21:18You're finally here!
21:20You have no idea what I've been through these days.
21:23He pointed a shaking finger at me.
21:25It was her!
21:26She locked me in that water cell.
21:29She deprived me of sleep,
21:32starved me,
21:33and forced me to eat rotten food.
21:35I smiled slightly as I looked at him.
21:38Yet you always licked the bowl clean, though,
21:41didn't you, Mr. Goodwin?
21:43Human survival instincts were truly remarkable.
21:45I had ordered the guards to deliver just one meal of cold, rancid oatmeal per day.
21:50At first,
21:51Lucas proudly declared he would rather starve than touch such food.
21:55He was the chairman of Goodwin's group, after all.
21:57But after three days without food,
21:59pride became meaningless.
22:00They fought over that putrid oatmeal and even licked their bowls for him.
22:05Lucas glared at me savagely.
22:07You vicious witch.
22:09Now that my father is here,
22:12your little game is over.
22:13Sometimes I marveled at life's scales of balance.
22:16When it gave you one thing,
22:18it would always take away another.
22:19Clearly,
22:20Lucas's intelligence had been traded for his looks.
22:23Before he could finish his threat,
22:24Bernard struck him across the head.
22:26You disgrace!
22:28Are you trying to give me a heart attack?
22:31Get on your knees and apologize to Ms. Windshow right now!
22:36Lucas turned to his father,
22:37his face twisted in betrayal.
22:39Why should I apologize?
22:42She tortured me for days!
22:45Instead of having my back,
22:46why are you taking her side?
22:47Bernard looked at his clueless son in despair.
22:50He was truly at his wit's end.
22:52Since my mother had given strict instructions,
22:55Bernard could not reveal my identity.
22:56He could only vent his frustration
22:58by kicking Lucas behind the knees
23:00and forcing him to kneel before me.
23:02Bernard spoke with cautious deference.
23:05Mrs. Winsway,
23:06I know this worthless son of mine has angered you.
23:09Nothing he does will ever make up for it.
23:12But he's my only child.
23:15Please, spare his life.
23:17Witnessing his father's humiliating submission,
23:20Lucas finally realized that I was not just some nobody.
23:23Dad, who is she?
23:27We're the Goodwin family.
23:29One of the three most powerful families running this city.
23:32Since when has there been anyone we can't afford to offend?
23:35Bernard glared at him with disgust.
23:37You stupid brat!
23:39How many times have I told you there's always someone above us?
23:42I told you to behave, but you never listened!
23:45Let me make this clear.
23:48Mrs. Winsaw is exactly who we can't afford to offend.
23:53Whether you walk out of here depends entirely on her.
23:57Finally comprehending the gravity of the situation,
24:00Lucas' expression shifted from resentment to pure terror.
24:03He stammered and said,
24:05Mrs. Winswone,
24:06I've been a fool.
24:09Please, forgive me.
24:11I sat in my chair as I slowly sipped the coffee beside me before addressing them.
24:17Bernard, you're actually wrong about Lucas.
24:19He wasn't the one who offended me.
24:21It's his sister in all but blood that did.
24:23Lucas merely wanted to stand up for her.
24:25You're such a disgrace!
24:28Instead of learning proper conduct,
24:29you're messing around with some pretend sister.
24:32Get that woman out of my sight.
24:33Now.
24:34Seeing this,
24:35Vivian instantly realized Lucas was barely keeping his own head above water at the moment.
24:40He could not save himself, much less her.
24:42Just remembering her time in the water cell,
24:45she vowed never to suffer like that again.
24:47Her legs gave out.
24:48She collapsed to her knees with a thud and started apologizing frantically.
24:52Mrs. Winsaw!
24:54I'm sorry!
24:55I'm sorry!
24:57I'm the worthless poser!
24:58Please forgive me!
25:00Please spare me just this once.
25:03Please.
25:04Please.
25:05I beg you!
25:06Please spare my miserable life!
25:09Her words echoed in the room as she repeatedly begged for forgiveness on her knees.
25:14Lucas finally lowered his proud head in submission.
25:17Mrs. Winsbone,
25:18I was blind and foolish to wrong you.
25:20I won't bully people
25:22or pull that privileged nonsense again.
25:25Please just give me this one chance.
25:26After finishing my coffee,
25:28I set the cup aside.
25:29I looked at the people around me and said calmly,
25:31My, you are all speaking as if I'm some homicidal maniac.
25:36This is a society governed by law.
25:39Do I really look like a criminal to you?
25:41Bernard ventured cautiously.
25:43Mrs. Winsbone,
25:44does this mean you're forgiving this idiot?
25:47I smiled.
25:48Of course.
25:49Though they'd hurt me,
25:51I've hurt them too.
25:53An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.
25:55I'll let this matter end here.
25:57Lucas and Vivian resumed frantically thanking me for their mercy.
26:01I cleared my throat before continuing.
26:03Not only do I forgive you,
26:05I intend to grant you a blessing.
26:08The three of them looked confused.
26:10After some digging,
26:12I discovered Vivian and Lucas have been dating all along.
26:15They adopted the pretend siblings pretense
26:17because you wouldn't approve, Bernard.
26:21Well, congratulations, lovebirds.
26:23You'll be heading straight to the city hall after this.
26:25You've got exactly seven days to throw a wedding and float on.
26:28My words were met with mixed reactions.
26:31Some were delighted,
26:32others horrified.
26:33Vivian had never expected this misfortune
26:36to turn into her lucky break.
26:37Her long-held dream of climbing society's ladder
26:40by marrying a wealthy man was finally coming true.
26:43A thrill of victory rose in her chest,
26:45and she could not help but smile.
26:47However, that smile looked particularly grotesque
26:50and unsettling on her nearly disfigured face.
26:52The one displeased by this turn of events
26:54was naturally Bernard.
26:56He had always looked down on Vivian's background and behavior.
26:59This disaster involving Lucas had been partly caused by her,
27:03deepening his disdain toward her.
27:05I observed the three of them,
27:06each lost in their own thoughts,
27:08and asked,
27:10Well, can you do it?
27:13When they gave me their agreement,
27:15I waved them off with a smile.
27:18There's a car waiting outside
27:19to take you love-largs to the city hall.
27:22They scrambled to their feet and dashed out,
27:25as if afraid I might change my mind
27:26if they delayed even a second.
27:28The filthy, foul-smelling Lucas and Vivian
27:31were delivered straight to the city hall's entrance.
27:33A staff member approached them.
27:35She suppressed her disgust at the stench.
27:38Sir, miss, how may I assist you?
27:41Lucas glanced at Vivian's swollen face
27:43and could not help but feel repulsed.
27:46Still high on the thrill of bagging a good one,
27:48Vivian blurted out,
27:50We're here to get married!
27:52even after years of handling registrations.
27:54This was the most bizarre couple
27:56the staff had ever encountered.
27:58Most couples dress their best
27:59when registering for marriage,
28:01but these two looked like refugees fleeing a disaster.
28:04The groom looked especially disgusted and reluctant.
28:07The staff processed their paperwork dutifully
28:09despite their appearance.
28:11When my driver reported
28:12they had successfully tied a knot,
28:14I felt the wicked satisfaction
28:16of a prankster seeing their scheme succeed.
28:18This particular prank, however,
28:20would haunt them for life.
28:23A week later,
28:24their wedding had the whole internet
28:25talking about the Goodwin family.
28:27The viral wedding coverage
28:28caused Goodwin's group stocks to plummet.
28:30Their assets were halved,
28:31knocking them out of Floodon's top three spots.
28:34Though my orchestrated behind-the-scenes certainly helped.
28:37Bernard blamed Vivian entirely.
28:40He was convinced she had brought misfortune
28:42to the Goodwin family.
28:43From the moment she married in,
28:45he never showed her even a hint of kindness.
28:47After marriage,
28:48Lucas became a habitual womanizer
28:50who refused to go home
28:52and face Vivian's disfigured face
28:54due to the result of untreated wounds.
28:56Initially, Vivian had been overjoyed
28:58about marrying into the Goodwin family.
29:00As time passed,
29:01she realized even the housemaids
29:03did not regard her as Lucas's legitimate wife.
29:05Her influence within the Goodwin family
29:07was negligible.
29:08The meager monthly allowance she received
29:10was not even close
29:11to her imagined aristocratic lifestyle.
29:13They fought constantly
29:14about Lucas's repeated affairs.
29:17Through these constant fights,
29:18Vivian grew increasingly paranoid and unstable.
29:21After one particularly vicious quarrel,
29:23she snapped.
29:24She stabbed Lucas
29:25before ending her own life.
29:27I was vacationing abroad with my mother
29:30when we heard the news of their deaths.
29:31Sunlight sifted through the branches.
29:33A new day began in tranquility.
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