- 14 hours ago
The Dragon Lord's Forbidden Bride
Category
đ„
Short filmTranscript
00:00The Grand Clan Gathering in Palermo.
00:01Thirteen of us stood in a line, waiting to be chosen.
00:04He was the only one who'd agreed to shelter me,
00:06and he had promised me the White Dragon Shard.
00:08Tonight, at the last second,
00:10he smiled and placed the shard in the girl's hand beside me.
00:13Mia, the human scholarship student he'd been sponsoring.
00:16The White Dragon Shard wasn't decoration,
00:18it was a marriage declaration between clans.
00:20Without it, I had nothing.
00:22Elena, no one else is going to take you.
00:24You're a Marathi half-blood.
00:25Everyone in Palermo knows you're mine.
00:32The Grand Clan Gathering in Palermo.
00:34Thirteen of us stood in a line, waiting to be chosen.
00:37One shard.
00:38One knight.
00:39One chance.
00:41As Lord Earl's half-danned blood-bastard daughter,
00:43I couldn't afford to fail.
00:45He was my childhood friend.
00:46He was the only one who'd agreed to shelter me,
00:48and he had promised me the White Dragon Shard.
00:51We'd made the deal just yesterday.
00:53Three years of cover.
00:54After that, he could love whoever he wanted.
00:57Yesterday, he'd said yes.
00:59Don't worry.
01:00I promised to give you the White Dragon Fragment.
01:02Tonight, at the last second.
01:04He smiled and placed the shard in the girl's hand beside me.
01:07Mia, the human scholarship student he'd been sponsoring.
01:10Her hands were shaking as she took it.
01:12He leaned close to my ear.
01:14I looked at him.
01:15He was already turning away.
01:17Already placing Mia's hand on his arm.
01:20Let her have this one, Elena.
01:23She's never known happiness.
01:25Not once.
01:28What about me?
01:29Don't worry.
01:30As long as I'm here, no one will dare arrange your marriage.
01:36Mia is elegant.
01:38She is noble.
01:40She is worthy of this honor.
01:42Noble.
01:42The word landed like a slap.
01:44Whispers rippled through the crowd.
01:46I stood there empty, zan-handed.
01:48Lord Earl's half-zan blood bastard.
01:50Passed over for a human girl with Moe Clan.
01:52No blood.
01:53Nothing.
01:54These idiots.
01:56I told them to save you at least one shard.
02:01I looked at the man I'd grown up with.
02:03Do you know what tonight means?
02:05The white dragon shard wasn't decoration.
02:07It was a marriage declaration between clans.
02:11A thousand-year-old Ryle.
02:13Without it, I had nothing.
02:15No shelter.
02:17No choice.
02:18No way out of the match.
02:19Lady Earl had already arranged for me in the Eastern Territory.
02:22Lorenzo was my only option.
02:24No other man here would choose a half-zen blood bastard.
02:28And he'd just chosen someone else.
02:30Eighteen years.
02:32He didn't answer.
02:33Behind her, Mia was smiling.
02:36The white shard still perfect in her hands.
02:46Uncle Luca already knew how the gathering had ended.
02:49He sent one message.
02:50Figure it out yourself.
02:52I was shaking.
02:53Cold all the way through.
02:55I wrapped my arms around myself.
02:56Mia touched my frozen hand like she owned it.
02:59Elena.
03:00Do you think Lorenzo even understands what the gathering means?
03:06I wasn't the type to dwell on emotions.
03:08I needed to find a way to stay.
03:10I found Lorenzo and asked him directly.
03:13Do you know what tonight actually means?
03:15Sure.
03:16It's a matchmaking event.
03:18But it's just formality.
03:21Half these arrangements fall apart anyway.
03:22He knew it.
03:24Don't worry.
03:25I'll talk to the Morettos.
03:26No one's forcing you into marriage.
03:29Then can you get the shard back from Mia?
03:31I'll return it tomorrow.
03:33Lorenzo looked uncomfortable.
03:34That's not good.
03:35It's already hers.
03:36How about I send another one instead?
03:38Don't fight with Mia over this.
03:40That white shard had a rare gold vein running through it.
03:42It couldn't be replicated.
03:44Everything I'd held back all night came out at once.
03:47Please Lorenzo.
03:49You know I was never going to cling to you.
03:51I have someone I care about.
03:54After three years, you'd be free.
03:59So why did you humiliate me tonight?
04:01He stepped forward.
04:02Backed me against the wall.
04:06Someone you care about?
04:08You'd someone sovereign.
04:11Again with this!
04:15Elena, no one else is going to take you.
04:16You're a Marathi half-blood.
04:19Everyone in Palamo knows you're mine.
04:23My shadow.
04:25My little follower.
04:27The words cut deep.
04:29Being called a shadow.
04:30A follower.
04:31It was the price of surviving inside the Moretti clan.
04:34Pairing it from his mouth made him sick.
04:36I stepped back and bumped into Mia.
04:39Elena, please don't fight with Lorenzo.
04:41Enough, Elena.
04:43It's one night.
04:44Stop making a scene.
04:45Tomorrow Mia goes back to her life.
04:50But Mia's expression said otherwise.
04:59Lorenzo left to greet the other clan heirs.
05:01Mia walked back to me holding a glass of wine.
05:04The timid scholarship girl was gone.
05:06In her place stood someone who'd tasted power.
05:09You have everything, Elena.
05:11Why do you need to take this one moment from me?
05:14I should never have helped Lorenzo choose her for that scholarship.
05:17You grew up in luxury.
05:19I only wanted one night under Lorenzo's protection.
05:23Luxury?
05:24You think I'm better off than you?
05:26My mother was a human.
05:27She died when I was small.
05:29Lord Earl brought me back to the estate when I was little.
05:32Lady Earl looked at me like she wanted me dead.
05:34My father had women everywhere.
05:36One more bastard daughter didn't matter to him.
05:39Let alone a half-blood daughter.
05:42Impure blood was a sin in itself.
05:44I learned to read people early.
05:46Without this face, I wouldn't have survived.
05:49I was trapped between two sides.
05:51There were other things too.
05:53Things I'd never been able to explain.
05:55My body had always felt faint and wrong.
05:57Like something inside me was pressed flat.
06:00Held down.
06:01Some mornings I woke up with heat in my hands that faded before I was fully conscious.
06:06Some nights my blood felt like it was moving too fast.
06:09I'd asked Lady Earl about it once when I was small.
06:12She'd given me a small white pill and told me it was vitamins.
06:15I'd taken them every day since without thinking.
06:18I went to Uncle Luca and begged him to train me.
06:21To back me up.
06:23Uncle Luca never smiled.
06:25I had to lock my knees to keep from shaking as I stood in front of him.
06:29Your father has 23 children.
06:31Why would I invest in a half-blood who won't last?
06:34Because I have nothing to lose.
06:37I'll do what they won't.
06:39But the timing wasn't right.
06:40Uncle Luca turned me away too.
06:42They said.
06:44Dante Vettel was ruthless.
06:46That anyone who crossed him got crushed without mercy.
06:48The Meridi clan wanted his protection.
06:51But they wouldn't sacrifice a legitimate daughter for it.
06:54So they chose me.
06:57Elena. I'm sorry. You've always had everything.
07:00I just wanted...
07:01One night to feel special.
07:03Everything. I stared at her.
07:05I'm a bastard.
07:07Mia. Half-blood.
07:08Do you have any idea how the Meridi clan treats me?
07:11The plate slipped from her hands.
07:13Landed on her shoe.
07:14Her eyes filled with tears.
07:16It's already done. Let her enjoy tonight.
07:21Come on. Let's get you cleaned up.
07:25You can head home if you want.
07:27I didn't have one. The moment Lorenzo left my side, someone moved in.
07:31Antonio Ricci. Reckless heir from a rival clan.
07:34He stepped close and breathed in slowly.
07:36You smell good, Elena Moratti.
07:40Without Lorenzo beside me, I didn't even get basic respect.
07:44Lorenzo told me to bring you a shard. I didn't bother. I told you before, stop chasing him and try
07:50me instead. You never listened.
07:54How does it feel now? Humiliating, isn't it?
07:57I turned. Stared at this man who barely reached my shoulder. Lorenzo had handed him that task, knowing full well
08:05Antonio had been harassing me for months.
08:07My fists tightened. Another betrayal. All I'd asked for was three years. Three years to build enough power to get
08:14out from under the Meridi clan's grip.
08:16But Lady Earl wanted me gone. She wouldn't give me room to breathe.
08:20Elena.
08:23Without that pretty face, you'd be nothing. Just a half blood I could do whatever I wanted with. You think
08:29the Rossi clan will protect you forever?
08:31His grip tightened. Lorenzo was back. He knocked the hand away.
08:35Didn't I warn you? Don't touch what's mine.
08:38Yours! You just picked the human girl. What do you need Elena for?
08:40That's none of your business.
08:42Antonio spat and walked away. Lorenzo spun me around to face him.
08:47He touched you and you didn't fight back.
08:50Wasn't this your idea?
08:51Listen, I can protect you at events like this. But that doesn't mean I have to stand next to you
08:56every second, does it?
08:57But you knew what the gathering meant-
08:58Mia appeared again. Lorenzo, could I get some champagne? One's cold and stubborn. The other's bright and warm. Lorenzo's choice
09:08was easy.
09:09Of course. Tonight, you're the star. Whatever you want.
09:13He glanced back at me.
09:15We'll talk tomorrow. I'll come by your place.
09:17Tomorrow. I smiled coldly. Tomorrow you'll have to come to the Eastern Territory to find me.
09:25Guilt flickered across Lorenzo's face. He sent Mia away.
09:29You're used to these events, Elena. But she isn't. This is her only moment to shine. Just do me this
09:36one favor.
09:37He leaned down. His expression almost boyish.
09:41You can have your way any other day. Why does it have to be tonight?
09:44I said nothing. He cleared his throat.
09:48Today's her graduation. After tonight, I can't sponsor her anymore. I promised her one unforgettable memory.
09:55Unforgettable for me, too. But it was already too late. Lorenzo, do you understand what the gathering means?
10:00Mia came back before I could finish.
10:03Elena.
10:04Her voice was soft. Careful.
10:06Did I ruin everything? Please don't blame Lorenzo. I was the one who begged him to-
10:10Lorenzo saw her shrinking back. His expression darkened. Toward me.
10:15Enough, Elena. It's just a shard. I'll get you another one.
10:20He dug into his jacket pocket, pulled out a small red shard, pushed it into my hand.
10:26Red suits you better anyway. A white shard isn't worth making a scene over. This isn't like you.
10:34The moment the red shard touched my palm, it cracked. The stone had split clean in two. Right down the
10:41middle.
10:42Just my hand. I closed my fingers around the broken pieces. The red shard meant someone you didn't claim.
10:49I knew the shard would shatter if one's pure blood refused to admit it. But I was nothing more than
10:54a half-breed.
10:56I didn't know what that meant yet. Laughter rippled through the room.
11:00A half-blood bootlicker, thinking she could marry the Rossi heir. Didn't you hear him say noble?
11:06In his heart, even a human ranks higher than her. Lorenzo silenced the woman with one look.
11:13But the words had already landed. Lorenzo left to greet the other clan heirs.
11:18Mia walked back to me, holding a glass of wine. The timid scholarship girl was gone. In her place stood
11:23someone who'd tasted power.
11:24You have everything, Elena. Why do you need to take this one moment from me?
11:28I should never have helped Lorenzo choose her for that scholarship. You grew up in luxury.
11:32I only wanted one night, under Lorenzo's protection.
11:35Luxury? You think I'm better off than you?
11:37My mother was a human. She died when I was small. Lord Earl brought me back to the estate when
11:42I was little.
11:43Lady Earl looked at me like she wanted me dead. My father had women everywhere.
11:46One more bastard daughter didn't matter to him. Let alone a half-blood daughter.
11:50And pure blood was a sin in itself.
11:52I learned to read people early. Without this face, I wouldn't have survived.
11:56I was trapped between two sides. There were other things too. Things I'd never been able to explain.
12:01My body had always felt faintly wrong. Like something inside me was pressed flat. Held down.
12:06Some mornings I woke up with heat in my hands that faded before I was fully conscious.
12:10Some nights my blood felt like it was moving too fast. I'd asked Lady Earl about it once when I
12:14was small.
12:15She'd given me a small white pill and told me it was vitamins. I'd taken them every day since without
12:19thinking.
12:19I went to Uncle Luca and begged him to train me. To back me up. Uncle Luca never smiled.
12:25I had to lock my knees to keep from shaking as I stood in front of him.
12:28Your father has 23 children. Why would I invest in a half-blood who won't last?
12:33Because I have nothing to lose. I'll do what they won't.
12:36But the timing wasn't right. Uncle Luca turned me away too, they said.
12:40Dante Vitell was ruthless. That anyone who crossed him got crushed without mercy.
12:44The Meridi clan wanted his protection. But they wouldn't sacrifice a legitimate daughter for it.
12:48So they chose me.
12:51Elena, I'm sorry. You've always had everything. I just wanted one night to feel special.
12:55Everything. I stared at her. I'm a bastard.
12:58Mia, half-blood. Do you have any idea how the Moratti clan treats me?
13:02The plate slipped from her hands. Landed on her shoe. Her eyes filled with tears.
13:06It's already done. Let her enjoy tonight.
13:10Come on. Let's get you cleaned up.
13:13You can head home if you want.
13:14I didn't have one. The moment Lorenzo left my side, someone moved in.
13:18Antonio Ricci. Reckless heir from a rival clan. He stepped close and breathed in slowly.
13:22You smell good, Elena Moratti.
13:25Without Lorenzo beside me, I didn't even get basic respect.
13:28Lorenzo told me to bring you a shard. I didn't bother.
13:31I told you before, stop chasing him and try me instead.
13:34You never listened.
13:36How does it feel now? Humiliating, isn't it?
13:39I turned. Stared at this man who barely reached my shoulder. Lorenzo had handed him that task.
13:44Knowing full well Antonio had been harassing me for months. My fists tightened. Another betrayal.
13:49All I'd asked for was three years. Three years to build enough power to get out from under the Moratti
13:53clan's grip.
13:54But Lady Earl wanted me gone. She wouldn't give me room to breathe.
13:58Elena.
14:00Without that pretty face, you'd be nothing. Just a half-blood I could do whatever I wanted with.
14:03You think the Rossi clan will protect you forever?
14:06His grip tightened. Lorenzo was back. He knocked the hand away.
14:09Didn't I warn you? Don't touch what's mine.
14:11Yours? You just picked the human girl. What do you need Elena for?
14:13That's none of your business.
14:15Antonio Spadden walked away. Lorenzo spun me around to face him.
14:19He touched you and you didn't fight back.
14:21Wasn't this your idea?
14:22Listen, I can protect you at events like this. But that doesn't mean I have to stand next to you
14:26every second, does it?
14:27But you knew what the gathering meant-
14:28Mia appeared again. Lorenzo, could I get some champagne? One's cold and stubborn. The other's bright and warm. Lorenzo's choice
14:36was easy.
14:36Of course. Tonight you're the star. Whatever you want.
14:40He glanced back at me.
14:41We'll talk tomorrow. I'll come by your place.
14:43Tomorrow. I smiled coldly. Tomorrow you'll have to come to the Eastern Territory to find me.
14:49Guilt flickered across Lorenzo's face. He sent Mia away.
14:53You're used to these events, Elena. But she isn't. This is her only moment to shine. Just do me this
14:58one favor.
14:59He leaned down. His expression almost boyish.
15:02You can have your way any other day. Why does it have to be tonight?
15:05I said nothing. He cleared his throat.
15:08Today's her graduation. After tonight, I can't sponsor her anymore. I promised her one unforgettable memory.
15:13Unforgettable for me too. But it was already too late. Lorenzo, do you understand what the gathering means?
15:18Mia came back before I could finish.
15:19Elena. Her voice was soft. Careful.
15:22Did I ruin everything? Please don't blame Lorenzo. I was the one who begged him to-
15:25Lorenzo saw her shrinking back. His expression darkened. Toward me.
15:29Enough, Elena. It's just a shard. I'll get you another one.
15:34He dug into his jacket pocket, pulled out a small red shard, pushed it into my hand.
15:38Red suits you better anyway. A white shard isn't worth making a scene over. This isn't like you.
15:44The moment the red shard touched my palm. It cracked. The stone had split clean in two.
15:49Right down the middle. Just my hand. I closed my fingers around the broken pieces.
15:54The red shard meant someone you didn't claim. I knew the shard would shatter if one's pure blood refused to
15:59admit it.
15:59But I was nothing more than a half-breed. I didn't know what that meant yet. Laughter ribbled through the
16:04room.
16:05A half-blood bootlicker thinking she could marry the Rossi heir. Didn't you hear him say noble? In his heart,
16:11even a human ranks higher than her.
16:14Lorenzo silenced the woman with one look. But the words had already landed.
16:18I poured all my power into my childhood sweetheart. But in return, a blade plunges through my chest.
16:23Just to rip out your magical core for her.
16:25Just as I thought I was dead, the pain vanished. I was reborn back to the day I chose my
16:29husband.
16:30I'll let her be my mistress.
16:31In my past life, this is where swallowed my pride. Not this time.
16:34I lift my chin and look past him. Let my gaze drift to the far corner of the hall.
16:38A pair of small black naga horns on his head. And the moment our eyes meet, he looks away. I
16:43look at the king.
16:43Father, I have already decided. I am the High Princess of the Phoenix Clan.
16:47I poured all my power into my childhood sweetheart, Caspia. To be my husband and the next Dragon King.
16:53But in return, a blade plunges through my chest.
16:58Caspian, why?
16:59If you hadn't forced me to marry you, Isoleth wouldn't have suffered.
17:03He kicked me to the ground, holding his childhood sweetheart.
17:06I only faked loving you. Just to rip out your magical core for her.
17:10Then he reaches into my chest and pulls out my magical core.
17:14Through fading eyes, I watch him place my core into Isoleth's palm, like a gift.
17:19Just as I thought I was dead, the pain vanished.
17:21I snap my eyes open, drenched in cold sweat.
17:24Florence, have you decided who to marry?
17:27That voice. The king.
17:28I was reborn back to the day I chose my husband.
17:31I look at my father and say,
17:33Father, I think...
17:35King!
17:35Before I can finish, Caspian drops to his knees with a dramatic...
17:38I know Florence loves me, but Isoleth is my only true love.
17:41The crowd gasps.
17:42The king's face turns to stone.
17:44Everyone in this room knows what I represent.
17:46I am the Phoenix Princess.
17:48The only one.
17:49Isolde is just a little bird.
17:51During the Great War, eggs were lost.
17:53My parents brought Isolde back by mistake.
17:55Thought it was me.
17:57Until decades later, I returned home.
17:59My parents learned of her true identity.
18:01But my mother was kind and let her stay as a princess.
18:04Caspian's words didn't just insult me.
18:06His words as I humiliate the whole country.
18:08In an instant, the people in the palace began to whisper among themselves.
18:11His words just now insulted the entire kingdom.
18:14But Caspian isn't finished.
18:15I know Florence can't live without me.
18:17So I'll be generous.
18:19I'll let her be my mistress.
18:21She should be grateful Isolote is kind enough to share.
18:25How dare you!
18:27Isolte is nothing but a fake phoenix!
18:30How dare she compare herself to my daughter!
18:33Hearing this, Caspian didn't calm down.
18:35Instead, he looked at me with resentment.
18:37What are you waiting for?
18:38Don't you want to marry me more than anything?
18:40Here's your chance.
18:41Just say yes.
18:42You've stolen so much from Isolte already.
18:44She's kind enough to let you share me with her.
18:46You should be on your knees thanking her.
18:48I looked at him with a cold smile.
18:51New kings must survive the heavenly lightning to transform into dragons.
18:54Because the dragon bloodline weakened.
18:57Without a real phoenix princess, no one would live through it.
19:00Phoenix's power purifies their blood, shields them from death.
19:04The princess doesn't just pick a king.
19:05She makes one.
19:07The king's palms slap Caspian's face.
19:10Then he turned to me.
19:11Florence, whatever you want to do with him, do it.
19:13Just don't let his stupidity drive you away.
19:16Caspian staggers from the slap.
19:18Even in this situation, that arrogant face creeps back.
19:20He looks at me like he already knows what I'll say.
19:23Like I'm a dog that will always come back.
19:25In my past life, this is where swallowed my pride.
19:28Smiled through the pain and chose him.
19:30I gave him everything.
19:31My magic.
19:32My core.
19:33My life.
19:35Not this time.
19:36I lift my chin and look past him.
19:38As if he's not even there.
19:39I look at the king.
19:40Father, I have already decided.
19:42Now everyone looks at me.
19:44Including Caspian.
19:45I step toward the king and take his hand.
19:47Slowly, I write a name in his hand.
19:49Then I lean close and use magic to whisper my plan directly into his mind.
19:53The king's eyes flicker.
19:55Then he nods.
19:56Since you are so sure, I will arrange the wedding.
19:59He turns to Caspian.
20:00Do not go out before the wedding!
20:02This is my last chance for you.
20:05Reflect on what you've done.
20:06As ordered, your majesty.
20:08A smug smile crawls across Caspian's face.
20:10His eyes say everything.
20:12I knew she'd agree.
20:14She always does.
20:15He thinks the wedding is for him.
20:16I don't correct him.
20:18I let my gaze drift to the far corner of the hall.
20:20A young man stands there.
20:22Half hidden in shadow.
20:23Sharp, quiet eyes.
20:24A pair of small black naga horns on his head.
20:27And he's looking at me.
20:28And the moment our eyes meet, he looks away.
20:30Then the king sends everyone away except him.
20:34They speak privately for a few minutes.
20:36When I leave the palace, Caspian is waiting outside.
20:39And Isolde is standing right beside him.
20:41Seeing me coming, they quickly stepped forward.
20:44Thank you for letting us be together.
20:45Isolde says softly.
20:47Her voice is sweet.
20:48Practiced.
20:49My parents would be so happy if they could see this.
20:56My stomach turns.
20:58Your parents!
20:59Caspian cuts in before I can respond.
21:01Why are you thanking her?
21:02I only want you.
21:04She should be thanking you for being generous enough to share me.
21:07If you had said no, I wouldn't even keep her as a mistress.
21:10He strokes Isolde's hair when he speaks to her.
21:12His voice is warm, almost loving.
21:15In my past life, I never once heard that voice directed at me.
21:18Then he turns to me, and the warmth vanishes.
21:20Isolde's parents died because of you!
21:23She lost everything, and yet she's still kind to you!
21:26He says flatly.
21:27The least you can do is give her something in compensation.
21:31Isolde's parents?
21:32They were fake phoenixes.
21:33Lesser spirits who found me as a lost child and raised me as their own.
21:37They loved me.
21:38They fed me.
21:39They kept me warm through winters I couldn't survive alone.
21:42They died protecting me from a beast that attacked her.
21:53Their sacrifice is the reason the phoenix clan found me.
21:56Their death gave me back my birthright.
21:58In my past life, I carried that guilt like chains.
22:01I gave Isolde everything she asked for, because I believed I owed her.
22:05Until the day I died.
22:07That's when I learned the truth.
22:09Isolde lured that beast to our home.
22:12She sent it to kill me.
22:14And when her own parents got in the way, she let them die.
22:18She murdered her own parents just to get rid of me.
22:21Now this bitch still pretends to be harmless.
22:23I look at them both.
22:24I say nothing.
22:26Isolde tugs gently on Caspian's sleeve.
22:28Caspian pauses, as if remembering something.
22:31Florence, there's one more thing.
22:33I glance at him with pure contempt.
22:35What?
22:35Isolette's magic is weak.
22:37After the wedding, she'll be bullied by the other clans.
22:40You gave her plenty of artifacts.
22:41I reply coolly.
22:43Who would dare bully her?
22:44Every gift I ever gave him.
22:46He handed straight to Isolde without a second thought.
22:48He remembers this too.
22:49But there's not a shred of guilt on his face.
22:51Artifacts are nothing compared to real power.
22:54I want to borrow your magical core.
22:56Suddenly, my brain explodes with a loud ring.
22:59His hands inside my chest.
23:01His fingers closing around my core and pulling.
23:03The memory hits me like a wall of fire.
23:06My vision goes red.
23:07Every nerve in my body screams,
23:08Kill them!
23:09Kill them both!
23:11Right now!
23:12My magic surges.
23:14But I force it down.
23:15I force myself to breathe.
23:17Death is too easy for them.
23:18Too quick.
23:19Too merciful.
23:20I look him dead in the eyes.
23:22Do you know what losing a core means?
23:25I will lose all my magic!
23:27I could die!
23:28Caspian doesn't even flinch.
23:30We're about to be married.
23:31Why are you being so selfish about this?
23:35Give her the core.
23:37Now.
23:38I stare at him.
23:39An invisible pressure radiates from my body like heat from a furnace.
23:43Isolde was knocked to the ground by the powerful magic power.
23:45Even Caspian took a few steps back.
23:47He half knelt on the ground using all his strength to resist the pressure.
23:50Good.
23:51Be afraid.
23:52This couple of bitches are helpless in front of me.
23:54Princess Florence.
23:55A voice cuts through the tension.
23:57I turn.
23:58The king sent me to find you.
24:00It's him.
24:00The young man with black naga horns.
24:02He remained motionless under my magical pressure.
24:04Even his breathing rhythm was very steady.
24:06I release my magic.
24:08Pull it back like sheathing a blade.
24:09The air returns to normal.
24:11I look at him and smile.
24:13Alright.
24:14Let's go.
24:16Wait!
24:19His eyes lock onto the boy with pure, undisguised disgust.
24:22What business does this lowborn have with you?
24:26What could a filthy nago possibly have to say to the phoenix princess?
24:30The boy doesn't care about Caspian.
24:32He just turns to me and leaving with me together.
24:35Instead of worrying about who I talk to, you should be preparing for the trial in five days.
24:39A trial?
24:39I am the strongest dragon candidate of this generation.
24:43I'll succeed even without your help.
24:45I turn back looking at him.
24:47We'll see.
24:48The dragon trial opens once every fifty years.
24:50Every candidate who dreams of becoming a dragon must enter.
24:53They face the heavenly lightning that burns away their old form.
24:56If you endure it, you shed your scales and become a true dragon.
25:00One mistake, and you turn to ash.
25:02In my past life, I used my own life force magic to shield Caspian from nine bolts at once.
25:07He became the first dragon in history to succeed on his first try.
25:10They called him a genius.
25:11A once in a millennium king.
25:13They never knew it was my magic holding him together.
25:15My core cracking under the weight of his ambition.
25:18It took me two years to recover.
25:20The damage left a permanent scar on my cultivation, and he never even said thank you.
25:24Mentioning the trial shifts his focus immediately.
25:27His pride won't let him ignore it.
25:28Just wait.
25:30In five days, you will come beg me to marry you.
25:33I stay silent.
25:34Leaving out of the corner of my eye, I catch a flash of jealousy in Isolde's expression.
25:38She hides it quickly, but I saw it.
25:41They walk away together, like the perfect couple.
25:44I turn to the boy standing quietly beside me.
25:46Arthur.
25:47He straightens instantly.
25:49The king told you everything.
25:51About the trial.
25:53So I need one honest answer.
25:55Are you here for power?
25:57Or is there another reason?
25:59He doesn't answer right away.
26:01Then he drops to his knees, both hands flat on the ground, forehead pressed to the earth.
26:05I, Arthur, swear an oath to the heavens.
26:07If I ever betray you, in this life or any other, let me die the cruelest death imaginable.
26:13The sky answers.
26:14Thunder rolls, shaking the air in my chest.
26:17A single bolt of lightning splits the clouds open, then silence.
26:20He used his magical core to seal it.
26:22This isn't words.
26:23This is his life, signed over to a promise.
26:25He stays, kneeling, waiting.
26:27I reach to the sun.
26:28A strong wave of magic shows.
26:30A phoenix royal pendant rests in my palm.
26:33I look at him.
26:34I haven't decided yet whether to give it to him.
26:36Something stirs in my chest.
26:38In my past life, I watched a hundred men make promises to me.
26:41Sweet words.
26:42Grand gestures.
26:43Not one of them made it.
26:45But this boy, this quiet, overlooked, low-born naga, just bet his life on a single sentence.
26:52I release my hand, kneel down, and tie it to his waist myself.
26:55I believe you.
26:57His eyes widen.
26:58His lips part.
26:59But no sound comes out.
27:00His hands are trembling.
27:02I pretend not to notice.
27:04I return to my palace as the sun begins to set.
27:06The moment I step through the gate, my little bird spirit comes running toward me.
27:10Princess!
27:11Come quickly!
27:12They're chopping your tree!
27:13My blood goes cold.
27:14I look up and rush to the main courtyard.
27:16My sycamore.
27:17The tree I spent ten years growing.
27:19Ten years of watering it, talking to it on lonely nights.
27:23Watching it grow from a trembling sprout into something magnificent.
27:26It's been chopped down to the roots.
27:28The trunk lies on its side like a fallen body.
27:31Caspian stands beside the stump.
27:33Arms crossed, without a trace of remorse.
27:37My mother gave me that tree the day I left the phoenix realm.
27:40I was scared.
27:41I didn't want to leave home.
27:42I didn't want to live among dragons.
27:44She pressed a tiny seed into my palm and said,
27:47The sycamore is the home of the phoenix.
27:49Wherever you are in this world, wherever they send you, as long as this tree stands, you are home.
27:56Now it's gone.
27:57Destroyed in a single afternoon by a man who never loved me.
28:00How dare you cut down my sycamore!
28:04My voice shakes with a fury so deep.
28:06Caspian doesn't even look at the stump.
28:08It's just a tree.
28:09I cut it down.
28:11So what?
28:12He gestures lazily to the empty space.
28:14Isolette likes phoenix flowers.
28:15He looks at me with those cold, commanding eyes.
28:18From now on, you will only grow phoenix flowers here.
28:22The grand clan gathering in Palermo.
28:24Thirteen of us stood in a line, waiting to be chosen.
28:27He was the only one who'd agreed to shelter me.
28:29And he had promised me the white dragon shard.
28:31Tonight, at the last second, he smiled and placed the shard in the girl's hand beside me.
28:35Mia, the human scholarship student he'd been sponsoring.
28:38The white dragon shard wasn't decoration.
28:41It was a marriage declaration between clans.
28:43Without it, I had nothing.
28:45Elena, no one else is going to take you.
28:46You're a Marathi half-blood.
28:48Everyone in Palermo knows you're mine.
28:54The grand clan gathering in Palermo.
28:56Thirteen of us stood in a line, waiting to be chosen.
28:59One shard.
29:01One knight.
29:02One chance.
29:03As Lord Earl's half-danned blood bastard daughter, I couldn't afford to fail.
29:07He was my childhood friend.
29:09He was the only one who'd agreed to shelter me.
29:11And he had promised me the white dragon shard.
29:13We'd made the deal just yesterday.
29:16Three years of cover.
29:17After that, he could love whoever he wanted.
29:20Yesterday, he'd said yes.
29:21Don't worry.
29:22I promised to give you the white dragon fragment.
29:25Tonight, at the last second, he smiled and placed the shard in the girl's hand beside me.
29:30Mia, the human scholarship student he'd been sponsoring.
29:33Her hands were shaking as she took it.
29:35He leaned close to my ear.
29:37I looked at him.
29:38He was already turning away.
29:39Already placing Mia's hand on his arm.
29:43Let her have this one, Elena.
29:45She's never known happiness.
29:47Not once.
29:50What about me?
29:52Don't worry.
29:53As long as I'm here, no one will dare arrange your marriage.
29:58Mia is elegant.
30:00She is noble.
30:02She is worthy of this honor.
30:04Noble.
30:05The word landed like a slap.
30:07Whispers rippled through the crowd.
30:08I stood there empty, zan-handed.
30:10Lord Earl's half-zan blood bastard.
30:13Passed over for a human girl with Mo clan.
30:15No blood.
30:16Nothing.
30:17These idiots.
30:18I told them to save you at least one shard.
30:24I looked at the man I'd grown up with.
30:26Do you know what tonight means?
30:28The white dragon shard wasn't decoration.
30:30It was a marriage declaration between clans.
30:33A thousand-year-old Ryle.
30:36Without it, I had nothing.
30:38No shelter.
30:39No choice.
30:40No way out of the match.
30:42Lady Earl had already arranged for me in the Eastern Territory.
30:45Lorenzo was my only option.
30:47No other man here would choose a half-zen blood bastard.
30:50And he'd just chosen someone else.
30:53Eighteen years.
30:54He didn't answer.
30:56Behind her, Mia was smiling.
30:59The white shard still perfect in her hands.
31:09Uncle Luca already knew how the gathering had ended.
31:12He sent one message.
31:13Figure it out yourself.
31:14I was shaking.
31:16Cold all the way through.
31:17I wrapped my arms around myself.
31:19Mia touched my frozen hand like she owned it.
31:22Elena.
31:23Do you think Lorenzo even understands what the gathering means?
31:28I wasn't the type to dwell on emotions.
31:30I needed to find a way to stay.
31:32I found Lorenzo and asked him directly.
31:35Do you know what tonight actually means?
31:37Sure.
31:38It's a matchmaking event.
31:41But it's just formality.
31:43Half these arrangements fall apart anyway.
31:45He knew it.
31:46Don't worry.
31:47I'll talk to the Morettos.
31:49No one's forcing you into marriage.
31:52Then can you get the shard back from Mia?
31:54I'll return it tomorrow.
31:55Lorenzo looked uncomfortable.
31:57That's not good.
31:58It's already hers.
31:59How about I send another one instead?
32:00Don't fight with Mia over this.
32:02That white shard had a rare gold vein running through it.
32:05It couldn't be replicated.
32:07Everything I'd held back all night came out at once.
32:10Please, Lorenzo.
32:12You know I was never going to cling to you.
32:14I have someone I care about.
32:17After three years, you'd be free.
32:22So why did you humiliate me tonight?
32:24He stepped forward.
32:25Backed me against the wall.
32:28Someone you care about.
32:30Someone you care about.
32:30You're someone's sovereign.
32:34Again with this!
32:37Elena, no one else is going to take you.
32:39You're a Marathi half-blood.
32:42Everyone in Palamo knows you're mine.
32:46My shadow.
32:48My little follower.
32:50The words cut deep.
32:51Being called a shadow.
32:53A following.
32:54It was the price of surviving inside the Marathi clan.
32:57Pairing it from his mouth made him sick.
32:59I stepped back and bumped into Mia.
33:01Elena, please don't fight with Lorenzo.
33:04Enough, Elena.
33:05It's one night.
33:06Stop making a scene.
33:08Tomorrow Mia goes back to her life.
33:12But Mia's expression said otherwise.
33:21Lorenzo left to greet the other clan heirs.
33:24Mia walked back to me, holding a glass of wine.
33:27The timid scholarship girl was gone.
33:29In her place stood someone who'd tasted power.
33:32You have everything, Elena.
33:34Why do you need to take this one moment from me?
33:36I should never have helped Lorenzo choose her for that scholarship.
33:40You grew up in luxury.
33:42I only wanted one night under Lorenzo's protection.
33:45Luxury?
33:46You think I'm better off than you?
33:48My mother was a human.
33:50She died when I was small.
33:52Lord Earl brought me back to the estate when I was little.
33:54Lady Earl looked at me like she wanted me dead.
33:57My father had women everywhere.
33:59One more bastard daughter didn't matter to him.
34:02Let alone a half-blood daughter.
34:04Impure blood was a sin in itself.
34:07I learned to read people early.
34:09Without this face, I wouldn't have survived.
34:11I was trapped between two sides.
34:13There were other things too.
34:15Things I'd never been able to explain.
34:18My body had always felt faint and wrong.
34:20Like something inside me was pressed flat.
34:22Held down.
34:24Some mornings I woke up with heat in my hands that faded before I was fully conscious.
34:29Some nights my blood felt like it was moving too fast.
34:32I'd asked Lady Earl about it once when I was small.
34:34She'd given me a small white pill and told me it was vitamins.
34:38I'd taken them every day since without thinking.
34:41I went to Uncle Luca and begged him to train me.
34:44To back me up.
34:45Uncle Luca never smiled.
34:47I had to lock my knees to keep from shaking as I stood in front of him.
34:51Your father has 23 children.
34:53Why would I invest in a half-blood who won't last?
34:57Because I have nothing to lose.
34:59I'll do what they won't.
35:01But the timing wasn't right.
35:03Uncle Luca turned me away too.
35:05They said.
35:06Dante Vitell was ruthless.
35:08That anyone who crossed him got crushed without mercy.
35:11The Meridi clan wanted his protection.
35:13But they wouldn't sacrifice a legitimate daughter for it.
35:17So they chose me.
35:20Elena, I'm sorry.
35:21You've always had everything.
35:22I just wanted...
35:24One night to feel special.
35:25Everything.
35:26I stared at her.
35:28I'm a bastard.
35:29Mia.
35:30Half-blood.
35:31Do you have any idea how the Meridi clan treats me?
35:34The plate slipped from her hands.
35:35Landed on her shoe.
35:37Her eyes filled with tears.
35:39It's already done.
35:40Let her enjoy tonight.
35:43Come on.
35:44Let's get you cleaned up.
35:47You can head home if you want.
35:49I didn't have one.
35:50The moment Lorenzo left my side, someone moved in.
35:54Antonio Ricci.
35:54Reckless air from a rival clan.
35:57He stepped close and breathed in slowly.
35:59You smell good, Elena Moratti.
36:03Without Lorenzo beside me, I didn't even get basic respect.
36:06Lorenzo told me to bring you a shard.
36:09I didn't bother.
36:10I told you before.
36:12Stop chasing him and try me instead.
36:14You never listened.
36:16How does it feel now?
36:18Humiliating, isn't it?
36:20I turned.
36:21Stared at this man who barely reached my shoulder.
36:24Lorenzo had handed him that task.
36:27Knowing full well Antonio had been harassing me for months.
36:30My fists tightened.
36:31Another betrayal.
36:33All I'd asked for was three years.
36:35Three years to build enough power to get out from under the Moritti clan's grip.
36:38But Lady Earl wanted me gone.
36:41She wouldn't give me room to breathe.
36:43Elena.
36:46Without that pretty face, you'd be nothing.
36:48Just a half blood I could do whatever I wanted with.
36:51You think the Rossi clan will protect you forever?
36:53His grip tightened.
36:55Lorenzo was back.
36:56He knocked the hand away.
36:58Didn't I warn you?
36:59Don't touch what's mine.
37:00Yours!
37:01You just picked the human girl.
37:02What do you need Elena for?
37:03That's none of your business.
37:05Antonio spat and walked away.
37:08Lorenzo spun me around to face him.
37:09He touched you and you didn't fight back.
37:12Wasn't this your idea?
37:14Listen.
37:14I can protect you at events like this.
37:17But that doesn't mean I have to stand next to you every second, does it?
37:20But you knew what the gathering meant-
37:21Mia appeared again.
37:24Lorenzo, could I get some champagne?
37:26One's cold and stubborn.
37:28The other's bright and warm.
37:30Lorenzo's choice was easy.
37:32Of course.
37:33Tonight, you're the star.
37:35Whatever you want.
37:35He glanced back at me.
37:38We'll talk tomorrow.
37:39I'll come by your place.
37:40Tomorrow.
37:41I smiled coldly.
37:43Tomorrow you'll have to come to the Eastern Territory to find me.
37:47Guilt flickered across Lorenzo's face.
37:50He sent Mia away.
37:52You're used to these events, Elena.
37:54But she isn't.
37:55This is her only moment to shine.
37:58Just do me this one favor.
38:00He leaned down.
38:01His expression almost boyish.
38:03You can have your way any other day.
38:05Why does it have to be tonight?
38:08I said nothing.
38:09He cleared his throat.
38:11Today's her graduation.
38:13After tonight, I can't sponsor anymore.
38:15I promised her one unforgettable memory.
38:17Unforgettable for me too.
38:19But it was already too late.
38:21Lorenzo, do you understand what the gathering means?
38:23Mia came back before I could finish.
38:25Elena.
38:26Her voice was soft.
38:28Careful.
38:28Did I ruin everything?
38:29Please don't blame Lorenzo.
38:31I was the one who begged him to-
38:33Lorenzo saw her shrinking back.
38:35His expression darkened toward me.
38:38Enough, Elena.
38:39It's just a shard.
38:41I'll get you another one.
38:43He dug into his jacket pocket,
38:45pulled out a small red shard,
38:47pushed it into my hand.
38:49Red suits you better anyway.
38:51A white shard isn't worth making a scene over.
38:54This isn't like you.
38:56The moment the red shard touched my palm.
38:59It cracked.
39:00The stone had split clean in two.
39:03Right down the middle.
39:04Just my hand.
39:06I closed my fingers around the broken pieces.
39:09The red shard meant someone you didn't claim.
39:11I knew the shard would shatter if one's pure blood refused to admit it.
39:15But I was nothing more than a half-breed.
39:18I didn't know what that meant yet.
39:20Laughter rippled through the room.
39:23A half-blood bootlicker thinking she could marry the Rossi heir.
39:27Didn't you hear him say noble?
39:29In his heart, even a human ranks higher than her.
39:33Lorenzo silenced the woman with one look.
39:35But the words had already landed.
39:39Three years later, my husband had a last-minute work emergency.
39:42So he told his local branch to send a car for me.
39:44I walked out of the airport.
39:46And froze.
39:47My driver was Seth.
39:48My ex-fiancee, my boyfriend of seven years, to just elope with me.
39:52But when I showed up at the county clerk's office,
39:54he brought his childhood sweetheart, Chloe.
39:56But that night, I left the country for an arranged marriage.
39:59I vanished from his world completely.
40:01I showed up to the corporate gala alone.
40:03Vanessa, how did you sneak in here?
40:05How dare you wear that bracelet?
40:07Wait!
40:07Is that the eternal heart diamond bracelet?
40:09Mr. Vant bought that for his wife?
40:11Is this girl trying to mock the billionaire's wife?
40:13Take that fake bracelet off and get out!
40:15Take it off!
40:16She lunged forward to rip it off my wrist.
40:18Stop touching me!
40:19I am Grayson Valses!
40:21Chloe slapped me across the face before I could finish.
40:24Chloe's baby needs a father on paper.
40:26Once we divorce, I'll marry you.
40:29Everyone thought I'd swallow my pride and wait another month.
40:31After all, I'd already waited seven years.
40:33But that night, I left the country for an arranged marriage.
40:36I vanished from his world completely.
40:38Three years later, my husband and I flew back stateside for a family memorial.
40:42My husband had a last-minute work emergency, so he told his local branch to send a car for me.
40:46I walked out of the airport.
40:48And froze.
40:48My driver was Seth.
40:50My ex-fiancee.
40:52Yo Seth, isn't that your obsessed ex?
40:54Isn't that Vanessa?
40:55See?
40:55I told you guys, I knew she'd come crawling back.
40:59Vanessa vanished without a trace.
41:00Now she sees Seth is loaded.
41:02She probably cries herself to sleep every night.
41:04Vanessa, if you're gonna fake a random run-in, why show up in sweatpants?
41:08Couldn't you at least put on some makeup?
41:10Without Seth, you can't even buy a nice outfit?
41:13You look pathetic.
41:14It was true.
41:15I used to spend hours getting ready for Seth.
41:18Full face of makeup.
41:19Tight designer dresses.
41:21Always making sure I looked absolutely perfect for him.
41:24But I didn't need to do that anymore.
41:25Because I'm pregnant.
41:27And my husband refused to let me be uncomfortable.
41:29He banned heavy makeup.
41:31And had this cheap loungewear custom tailored for me in Paris.
41:34Listening to them mock me, it suddenly clicked.
41:36They only read the name on the corporate dispatch.
41:38They had no idea the VIP they were picking up.
41:41Was me.
41:41Since I wasn't saying anything.
41:43Vanessa, it's good you're back.
41:45Seth actually spent years looking for you.
41:47He asked about you everywhere.
41:53Chloe's kid starts preschool next week.
41:55From now on, you're in charge of the drop-offs.
41:57He was still so incredibly arrogant.
41:59But I wasn't that naive little girl anymore.
42:01I didn't want to waste another second on them.
42:03I was just about to tell them exactly who I was.
42:05I am.
42:06Vanessa, please don't be mad at Seth.
42:08He's just trying to take care of you.
42:10You disappeared for three years.
42:11Who knows what kind of shady stuff you had to do to survive.
42:14Look at how run down you are.
42:16Seth wanted to make you my personal secretary.
42:18But clearly you can't handle that.
42:20Don't worry.
42:21Being my nanny is a respectable job.
42:24No one will look down on you.
42:25Seth saw my scowl.
42:27And thought I was just jealous.
42:28Alright, Vanessa.
42:29Drop the attitude.
42:30You clearly can't survive out there.
42:32So stop throwing tantrums.
42:34Take care of the kid and learn your place.
42:36Don't worry.
42:37My mansion has a perfectly good nursing room in the basement.
42:40Damn, Vanessa.
42:41Look how good Seth is to you.
42:43He's giving you free room and board.
42:46Isn't babysitting better than whatever trashy life you're living now?
42:49Hurry up and say thank you.
42:51Don't you worry, dear.
42:52If my son acts up, I'll make sure to set him straight for you.
42:55I won't let you be mistreated.
42:57Why would she be mistreated?
42:59She ran away over a tiny little misunderstanding.
43:01If she hit rock bottom out there, she deserves to suffer a little.
43:04Hearing that, my heart actually skipped a beat.
43:07After three years, he still thought ditching me at the county clerk's office for Chloe was just a tiny little
43:12misunderstanding.
43:13The Seth who used to love me was truly dead.
43:15He wasn't the boy who carried me across town, ignoring his own bleeding cuts.
43:19But whatever.
43:20It was all in the past.
43:21None of it mattered anymore.
43:23Besides, I'm about to give birth to my second baby anyway.
43:28Aren't you here to pick me up?
43:30Let's go.
43:34Pick you up?
43:35Don't make me laugh.
43:37Read it carefully.
43:38We are waiting for Mrs. Vance.
43:40Do you even know who that is?
43:41Mrs. Vance is the matriarch of the Vance family.
43:44She is the actual wife of Grayson Vance.
43:46Grayson Vance is a ruthless billionaire, but he's completely obsessed with his wife.
43:51Rumor has it, he stayed single for years, just waiting for her.
43:54Everyone in the industry knows the rule.
43:56Don't try to kiss up to Grayson.
43:58Kiss up to Mrs. Vance.
43:59She is his entire world.
44:01Listening to them gossip about my marriage.
44:03I couldn't help it.
44:05A genuine, happy smile spread across my face.
44:07We had been married for three years.
44:09Grayson's empire had only gotten bigger.
44:11And his reputation as a fiercely devoted husband had spread everywhere.
44:15To win his wife's heart, Grayson Vance bought a custom diamond bracelet at Christie's.
44:19It's called Eternal Heart.
44:21It cost $20 million.
44:24Mrs. Vance is literally the most envied woman on earth.
44:29That's the exact same bracelet!
44:37It's a pretty good fake.
44:39Which broke delivery guy bought this for you?
44:41Buying you a cheap knockoff.
44:43Absolute trash.
44:47Wow, it really is a high quality fake.
44:50Way better than the replica I bought.
44:51But I'd never actually wear mine in public.
44:53It's so embarrassing.
44:55These overseas knockups hit different.
44:57The weight actually feels real.
45:01Or what, Vanessa?
45:03Are you gonna tell us you're the real Mrs. Vance?
45:05Are you the legendary billionaire's wife?
45:11Vanessa, just sell this fake to me.
45:13I'll pay you double what your broke boyfriend paid.
45:16Give that back right now!
45:17Grayson gave that to me!
45:19Shut your mouth!
45:28Vanessa, do you have a death wish?
45:31You think you can just casually drop Mr. Vance's name?
45:33Are you trying to get me killed?
45:35Do you have any idea how hard we fought for this airport pickup?
45:38Grayson Vance bought out Seth's company last year.
45:40Our entire livelihoods depend on him now.
45:42The only way Seth keeps his executive spot is if we impress Mrs. Vance.
45:46And you're out here spreading psychotic rumors that you know the CEO?
45:49Are you trying to ruin Seth's career?
45:51I wiped the blood from my split lip.
45:53My stare must have been dead cold.
45:55Because Seth frowned.
45:56A flicker of genuine panic flashed across his eyes.
45:58Vanessa, you ungrateful bitch.
46:01Seth was kind enough to offer you a roof over your head.
46:04Don't push your luck.
46:05I know you're bitter about the past.
46:07But trying to sabotage his career out of petty revenge?
46:10That's sick.
46:12Hearing her say that, it felt exactly like three years ago.
46:15No matter what I did, Chloe would twist it.
46:17She would feed her poisoned version of reality to Seth.
46:19In the early days, he used to defend me.
46:22But by the end, he always took her side.
46:24Just like right now.
46:29You're such a jealous shrew.
46:31But this time, he didn't keep screaming at me.
46:33Then he pulled out his checkbook.
46:34For the sake of what we used to be, I'll let this slide.
46:37Take the cash.
46:38Go buy some clothes that don't look like trash.
46:41If you really don't want to nanny Chloe's kid, I'll pull some strings and get you a decent job next
46:45week.
46:46Don't worry.
46:47Ever since the Vance acquisition, this kind of money is pocket cheese to me.
46:51No thank you, sir.
46:52I don't take handouts from strangers.
46:57I practically sprinted out of the arrival's terminal.
46:59Hitting the fresh air outside.
47:01Finally pushing down the nausea churning in my stomach.
47:04My mind flashed back to three years ago.
47:06My parents had been pressuring me into an arranged marriage overseas.
47:09I fought them on it.
47:10I could never marry him!
47:12I begged Seth, my boyfriend of seven years, to just elope with me.
47:16Seth agreed.
47:17Let's leave here.
47:17But when I showed up at the county clerk's office.
47:20He brought his childhood sweetheart, Chloe.
47:23Her child needs a legal father.
47:25I will divorce Chloe in a month.
47:26Then marry you.
47:27He told me not to overthink it.
47:29Watching him hold her hand and walk into that clerk's office.
47:32I'm completely done.
47:33I flew overseas for a blind date that very night.
47:36A month later, I married Grayson Vance.
47:38A year later, we had our first baby.
47:40And now, I'm pregnant with our second.
47:43Honestly, if it wasn't for Grayson's family memorial,
47:45I never would have set foot back in this country.
47:47And I definitely wouldn't have bumped into Seth.
47:51Three days later, I showed up to the corporate gala alone.
47:54Wearing light makeup and my custom loungewear.
47:57The second Seth saw me, his eyes lit up.
47:59A smug smirk spread across his face.
48:01You said you didn't want to come?
48:03But here you are.
48:04Listen, if you want me back, you need to at least dress the part to match my new status.
48:10Vanessa, I'm talking to you.
48:12Our seats are right here.
48:13Where do you think you're going?
48:14Those are your seats.
48:16My seat is over there.
48:18Vanessa, how did you sneak in here?
48:20Are you here to ruin everything?
48:22How dare you wear that bracelet?
48:26Wait, is that the eternal heart diamond bracelet?
48:29Mr. Vance bought that for his wife?
48:31Tonight is Mrs. Vance's first public appearance.
48:33Is this girl trying to mock the billionaire's wife?
48:35She sneak in?
48:36Is she trying to humiliate us in front of Mr. Vance?
48:38One of the executives turned to Seth.
48:40Excuse me, Seth.
48:41Is this young lady your friend?
48:45No.
48:46I don't know her.
48:48Take that fake bracelet off and get out!
48:50Are you sure you want me to leave?
48:51Chloe realized people were watching her.
48:53Her eyes turned vicious.
48:55Stop acting like you're special!
48:57Take it off!
48:57She lunged forward to rip it off my wrist.
48:59I swatted her hand away and stepped backwards.
49:03I swatted.
49:08Treating this cheap garbage like treasure?
49:10My hand throbbed from her heel.
49:12My wrist was bleeding and torn.
49:14But I just sat there.
49:15Staring blankly at the snapped bracelet.
49:17And the diamonds scattering across the floor.
49:20Pick her up and throw her out!
49:22A few security guards immediately surrounded me.
49:24They reached down to grab my arms and legs.
49:26I panicked and struggled.
49:28Stop touching me!
49:29I am Grayson Bowser!
49:32Chloe slapped me across the face before I could finish.
49:35Are you gonna start spreading rumors that you're Mr. Vance's mistress now?
49:39You psychotic bitch!
49:40She backhanded me a second time.
49:42When I flew back to the states, I didn't want to bother with revenge.
49:45It felt beneath me.
49:46But right now, I was going to make sure she paid for this.
49:49Seth crouched down in front of me.
49:51He reached out to touch my bleeding wrist.
49:52Vanessa.
49:53Are you done throwing your little fit?
49:55You showed up wearing a fake diamond bracelet.
49:58Dressed like a complete mess.
49:59Just because you see I'm rich now?
50:01And you want to make me jealous?
50:03If you want me back, just beg.
50:04I'll say yes.
50:06Seth.
50:07You are absolutely screwed.
50:15Vanessa, do you have a death wish?
50:18You think you can just casually drop Mr. Vance's name?
50:21Are you trying to get me killed?
50:22Do you have any idea how hard we fought for this airport pickup?
50:25Grace and Vance bought out Seth's company last year.
50:27Our entire livelihoods depend on him now.
50:29The only way Seth keeps his executive spot is if we impress Mrs. Vance.
50:33And you're out here spreading psychotic rumors that you know the CEO?
50:36Are you trying to ruin Seth's career?
50:38I wiped the blood from my split lip.
50:40My stare must have been dead cold.
50:42Because Seth frowned.
50:43A flicker of genuine panic flashed across his eyes.
50:45Vanessa, you ungrateful bitch.
50:48Seth was kind enough to offer you a roof over your head.
50:51Don't push your luck.
50:52I know you're bitter about the past.
50:54But trying to sabotage his career out of petty revenge?
50:57That's sick.
50:59Hearing her say that, it felt exactly like three years ago.
51:02No matter what I did, Chloe would twist it.
51:04She would feed her poisoned version of reality to Seth.
51:07In the early days, he used to defend me.
51:09But by the end, he always took her side.
51:11Just like right now.
51:16You're such a jealous shrew.
51:18But this time, he didn't keep screaming at me.
51:20Then he pulled out his checkbook.
51:21For the sake of what we used to be, I'll let this slide.
51:24Take the cash.
51:25Go buy some clothes that don't look like trash.
51:28If you really don't want to nanny Chloe's kid, I'll pull some strings and get you a decent job next
51:32week.
51:33Don't worry.
51:34Ever since the Vance acquisition, this kind of money is pocket cheese to me.
51:38No thank you, sir.
51:39I don't take handouts from strangers.
51:44I practically sprinted out of the arrival's terminal.
51:47Hitting the fresh air outside.
51:48Finally pushing down the nausea churning in my stomach.
51:51My mind flashed back to three years ago.
51:53My parents had been pressuring me into an arranged marriage overseas.
51:56I fought them on it.
51:57I could never marry him.
51:59I begged Seth, my boyfriend of seven years, to just elope with me.
52:03Let's get married, okay?
52:03Seth agreed.
52:04Let's leave here.
52:04But when I showed up at the county clerk's office, he brought his childhood sweetheart, Chloe.
52:10Her child needs a legal father.
52:12I will divorce Chloe in a month.
52:13Then marry you.
52:14He told me not to overthink it.
52:16Watching him hold her hand and walk into that clerk's office.
52:19I'm completely done.
52:20I flew overseas for a blind date that very night.
52:23A month later, I married Grace and Vance.
52:25A year later, we had our first baby.
52:27And now, I'm pregnant with our second.
52:30Honestly, if it wasn't for Grayson's family memorial, I never would have set foot back
52:34in this country.
52:34And I definitely wouldn't have bumped into Seth.
52:38Three days later, I showed up to the corporate gala alone.
52:42Wearing light makeup and my custom loungewear.
52:44The second Seth saw me, his eyes lit up.
52:46A smug smirk spread across his face.
52:48You said you didn't want to come?
52:50But here you are.
52:51Listen, if you want me back, you need to at least dress the part to match my new status.
52:57Vanessa, I'm talking to you.
52:59Our seats are right here.
53:00Where do you think you're going?
53:01Those are your seats.
53:03My seat is over there.
53:05Vanessa, how did you sneak in here?
53:07Are you here to ruin everything?
53:09How dare you wear that bracelet!
53:13Wait, is that the eternal heart diamond bracelet?
53:16Mr. Vant bought that for his wife?
53:18Tonight is Mrs. Vant's first public appearance.
53:20Is this girl trying to mock the billionaire's wife?
53:22She sneak in?
53:23Is she trying to humiliate us in front of Mr. Vant?
53:25One of the executives turned to Seth.
53:27Excuse me, Seth.
53:28Is this young lady your friend?
53:32No.
53:33I don't know her.
53:35Take that fake bracelet off and get out!
53:37Are you sure you want me to leave?
53:39Chloe realized people were watching her.
53:40Her eyes turned vicious.
53:42Stop acting like you're special!
53:44Take it off!
53:44She lunged forward to rip it off my wrist.
53:46I swatted her hand away and stepped backwards.
53:55Treating this cheap garbage like treasure?
53:57My hand throbbed from her heel.
53:59My wrist was bleeding and torn.
54:01But I just sat there.
54:02Staring blankly at the snapped bracelet.
54:04And the diamonds scattering across the floor.
54:07Pick her up and throw her out!
54:09A few security guards immediately surrounded me.
54:11They reached down to grab my arms and legs.
54:13I panicked and struggled.
54:15Stop touching me!
54:16I am Grace and Valsish!
54:19Chloe slapped me across the face before I could finish.
54:23Are you gonna start spreading rumors that you're Mr. Vance's mistress now?
54:26You psychotic bitch!
54:27She backhanded me a second time.
54:29When I flew back to the states, I didn't want to bother with revenge.
54:32It felt beneath me.
54:33But right now, I was going to make sure she paid for this.
54:36Seth crouched down in front of me.
54:38He reached out to touch my bleeding wrist.
54:39Vanessa.
54:40Are you done throwing your little fit?
54:42You showed up wearing a fake diamond bracelet.
54:45Dressed like a complete mess.
54:47Just because you see I'm rich now?
54:48And you want to make me jealous?
54:50If you want me back, just beg.
54:51I'll say yes.
54:53Seth.
54:54You are absolutely screwed.
54:57I'm just going to do it.
Comments