- 12 hours ago
Three at a Wedding, Two Lies 21 Eps SD Drama
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00My fiancé and I took part in a wedding reality show where 50 couples held live-streamed weddings at the
00:05same time.
00:06While he was downstairs taking on a challenge, I slipped out secretly.
00:09We wanted to become the first happy couple witnessed by the whole country.
00:12But to my shock, I ended up discovering his secret.
00:15Simon, you can't be serious. This is a live national TV wedding.
00:19You're going to use the chaos to marry Hazel's most hated sister?
00:22How do you think Hazel is going to take that?
00:25I froze. Then Simon sighed.
00:27What else am I supposed to do?
00:29My brother's been dead for three years, and my parents still hold Chloe responsible.
00:33If I marry her and make her a legal member of the family, they won't be able to keep going
00:37after her.
00:38As for Hazel, she and I have always been soulmates on a spiritual level.
00:42We don't need a marriage certificate.
00:44She wouldn't care about those formalities.
00:46The groomsmen still sounded uneasy.
00:47But you're forgetting what happened after your brother dumped Hazel for Chloe.
00:51Hazel nearly jumped into the river.
00:54It took you three years to pull her out of that darkness.
00:56If she finds out she's been robbed of a fiancé twice by her own half-sister, she'll lose her mind.
01:01Simon cut him off casually.
01:03This whole TV wedding is chaos by design.
01:05And at the final reveal, every bride will be under one of those thick, opaque veils.
01:10When the time comes, I'll just say I didn't recognize her.
01:14Besides, you all know I only got close to Hazel so Chloe could marry my brother smoothly.
01:19Now that he's gone, it's only right that I be the one to look after Chloe.
01:23Simon coldly turned to the other two men and said,
01:26You two go stand outside room 302.
01:27Don't let Hazel get out and make a scene.
01:29Once the license is signed and the broadcast is over, it'll be too late for my parents to object.
01:34At that, I just let out a quiet laugh.
01:37I went back to my room in silence, opened the group chat, and found the temporary match paired with Chloe
01:42today.
01:43Room 302 needs a groom?
01:45Interested?
01:46I set my phone down while the screen was still glowing.
01:49Hazel, lock the door! Now! Simon's already cleared the first challenge!
01:52My lips moved a little, but it wasn't really a smile.
01:56My friend Nora saw that I still hadn't moved and grabbed my arm.
02:00Come on, come on! Simon's already at the second round!
02:02When he gets up here, how are we to mess with him?
02:06No need to worry about that.
02:07I pulled my arm free. Nora blinked.
02:10What does that mean?
02:11I looked at her, my face gone cold.
02:13It means this wedding probably can't happen.
02:19She stared at me, confused.
02:21What happened?
02:22Haven't the two of you been waiting forever for this TV wedding?
02:25You worked so hard to get a slot.
02:28So how is it suddenly not happening?
02:30I didn't answer.
02:31Yeah.
02:32We had worked hard to get that slot.
02:34Three months ago, Simon put the application in front of me.
02:37He told me a TV station was holding a grand group wedding, signing live,
02:41witnessed by the whole internet.
02:43He said he'd stayed up for two straight nights just to secure us a place.
02:46He said if he was only getting married once in his life, it had to be grand.
02:49I hesitated.
02:50At the time, my mother had just been admitted to the ICU.
02:53She had always regretted never having a real wedding when she was young.
02:56Her mother died early, her family had no money, and they just got their marriage certificate.
02:59And that was it.
03:00She used to say she wanted to see me in a wedding dress someday and personally place
03:04my hand in the groom's hand.
03:06I wanted her to have that.
03:07So I took the application form to her hospital room and showed her the fine print.
03:12Due to venue and broadcast restrictions, this TV wedding will not include a parent escort
03:17and handoff.
03:18My mother said it was fine.
03:20As long as she lived to see me get married, that was enough.
03:23But when she turned to the page with the ceremony flow, she stared at it for a long time.
03:28Then I won't be able to see you walk through the door in your wedding dress?
03:31I broke down crying in the hospital hallway.
03:34That same night, I said to Simon,
03:36Can we not do the TV wedding?
03:40Can't we just have something small so my mom can walk me in herself and give me to you
03:45from her wheelchair?
03:46Simon held me and said how hard it had been to get the slot that I needed to stop being
03:50stubborn.
03:51He said the wedding would be broadcast nationwide and my mother could watch it from the TV in
03:55her hospital room just the same.
03:57I said it wasn't the same.
03:58He said that once he found me, we could video call my mother and it would be just as good.
04:02I didn't argue anymore because when he said that, his eyes were red.
04:06He told me he wanted so much to give me the grandest wedding.
04:09I believed him.
04:11Later, my mother's condition worsened and she was moved to respiratory care.
04:15On the last day, she was fully lucid.
04:17She held my hand.
04:18Mom's never going to get to see you in your wedding dress.
04:21I told her.
04:23You will.
04:25It's going to be on TV.
04:27Just make sure the nurse turns it to the right channel.
04:30She said okay.
04:31But today, my fiancé said,
04:34As for Hazel, she and I have always been soulmates on a spiritual level.
04:38We don't need marriage.
04:39She won't care about something as superficial as that.
04:42My mother was lying in a hospital bed, waiting in front of the television.
04:45And she had no idea her daughter didn't even deserve a marriage certificate.
04:51Suddenly, more footsteps sounded in the hallway outside.
04:54Nora leaned out to check and tensed at once.
04:56That's weird.
04:57Why are there only two groomsmen?
04:59Where's Simon?
04:59She turned back to look at me, completely confused.
05:01The challenges are over.
05:02Shouldn't he be running upstairs to find you first by now?
05:04I let out a small laugh.
05:06Nora, when the groom gets here, don't make it too hard on him.
05:10Nora blinked, then covered her mouth and laughed.
05:12Got it, got it.
05:13I knew you'd go soft on Simon.
05:16Fine.
05:17Since he spent three years chasing you,
05:19I'll tell the bridesmaids not to be too hard on him.
05:22At most, we'll make him do 20 puss-ups.
05:25As she spoke, she picked up her phone
05:28and sent a message to the other bridesmaids waiting outside.
05:31The bride says, don't be too brutal.
05:33Save him some face.
05:35The corner of my mouth lifted slightly, but I said nothing.
05:38Under normal circumstances, this would have been such a sweet moment.
05:41After sending the message, Nora came over and looped her arm through mine.
05:44Seriously, Simon must look incredible today.
05:48You've been together for three years, and he's barely even held your hand.
05:52Now you're about to be legally married?
05:55Aren't you nervous?
05:56No, I said.
05:57Nora laughed.
05:59You liar.
06:01Your lips are white.
06:03Just then, my phone started vibrating.
06:05It was my mother.
06:06She'd made a point of video calling me.
06:08She had just finished chemo.
06:09All her hair was gone.
06:11Her face was pale and yellow, but she was smiling so brightly.
06:14My beautiful girl, you look so lovely today.
06:19I'm watching the broadcast.
06:22Simon's working so hard to get through all those games just so he can marry you,
06:26so don't be too hard on him, all right?
06:29I forced a dry little laugh and nodded.
06:32My mother kept smiling.
06:33I can't wait to see the two of you sign.
06:35A nurse came in to change her medication and glanced at the screen.
06:38Oh, madam, your daughter is one of the brides today?
06:41She is.
06:42Fifty couples are getting married live on television today, and my daughter is one of them.
06:48My mother's voice was weak, but she could not hide how happy she was.
06:51My son-in-law is a good man.
06:52In all these years, he's never given me a single reason to worry.
06:56He's been so good to my daughter.
06:57I tightened my grip on the phone until my nails dug into my palm.
07:00She had no idea.
07:01The man who had chased me for three years, loved me for three years, and did everything
07:05he could to get me into this TV wedding, had only done it so he could use the chaos to
07:09marry Chloe, the half-sister my mother hated.
07:12Once, Chloe's mother stole my mother's husband.
07:14Now, Chloe was stealing my fiancé, too.
07:16For the second time, I took a deep breath and smiled at the screen.
07:19Okay, Mom, the signal's getting bad.
07:22I'll call you again after we sign.
07:24After I hung up, Nora stepped in to adjust the thick white veil they'd given me for the
07:27final reveal.
07:28Honestly, a group wedding isn't so bad.
07:31It's less exhausting, and it's being broadcast nationwide.
07:34She smiled and added,
07:35Your mom has to be thrilled.
07:36This probably helped her feel a little better already.
07:38She went over to the window and looked outside for a while.
07:41When she came back, she was muttering under her breath,
07:43What is taking Simon so long?
07:46The other rooms have all been picked up already.
07:48The host downstairs is already calling couple 28.
07:52She turned around, picked up a piece of candy from the table, unwrapped it, and popped it
07:56into her mouth.
07:57But seriously, who would have thought three years ago that you'd actually end up marrying
08:00him?
08:01I didn't answer.
08:02Nora chewed slowly, her gaze drifting.
08:04Back then, after his brother Mark hurt you like that, I was terrified.
08:07That bastard Mark really knew how to play the perfect man.
08:10When he was with you, he acted like he'd pull the stars out of the sky for you.
08:14We all thought the two of you were absolutely going to get married.
08:17As she spoke, her voice grew heavier.
08:19And then Chloe came out of nowhere.
08:21My fingers curled slightly.
08:22Chloe, I hadn't heard anyone say that name out loud in a long time.
08:26Six months after Simon and I started dating, he finally took me to meet his family.
08:30That was when I learned that Mark was his brother.
08:32And the woman who had once destroyed my relationship, my half-sister Chloe, was already married to him.
08:37I was shaking all over and turned to leave.
08:40Simon grabbed my hand and held on tight, his voice trembling.
08:43Hazel, give me a chance.
08:44I'll spend the rest of my life treating you right.
08:48Please, let the past stay in the past.
08:51I struggled with it for a long time.
08:53Every time I saw Mark and Chloe, my stomach turned.
08:56But Simon really had been good to me.
08:58He never forced me to be friendly with them.
09:00He helped block drinks for me and got me out of awkward situations.
09:03As long as he was there, Mark and Chloe never even got the chance to come near me.
09:09He always said,
09:11If you don't want to deal with them, then don't.
09:13They have nothing to do with you.
09:14But I didn't want to make things harder for him.
09:17He and Mark were family.
09:19Of course, there would be holidays, dinners, and occasions we couldn't avoid.
09:24And the better Simon was to me, the more guilty I felt for not being able to let the past
09:29go.
09:30I wrestled with it for over half a year.
09:32Then one day, at a family dinner, I picked up my wine glass, looked at Chloe, and forced a smile.
09:37Here's to you.
09:38Under the table, Simon squeezed my hand so tightly, his eyes turned red.
09:42After that, I let it go.
09:44But barely a few months later, Mark was filled in a car crash.
09:48And Chloe became a widow.
09:50I really didn't want to bring all this up on your big day, Nora said with a cold little laugh,
09:55cutting through my thoughts.
09:56It seriously makes me sick.
09:58My fiancé and I couldn't even get a spot in this wedding.
10:01How could someone so notorious get in?
10:04And the man-man marrying her is Simon's college roommate, Luke, the one who just got back to the States.
10:09Honestly, what is it with men?
10:11Why do they always fall for girls who wreck other people's relationships?
10:14The angrier she got, the more tightly she crushed the candy wrapper in her hand.
10:18When you were engaged to Mark, he left you standing there in front of both families,
10:23just because Chloe said she wasn't feeling well and needed him to take care of her.
10:28And what did that turn into?
10:30He took care of her all the way into bed.
10:33By then, Nora's voice was starting to break.
10:36That night, you went down to the river all by yourself?
10:40I lowered my eyes.
10:41My lashes trembled.
10:43If Simon hadn't jumped in after you and drugged you back out.
10:47She couldn't finish.
10:49She wiped at her eyes hard, and I handed her a tissue.
10:53Nora took it and forced a shaky smile.
10:56Simon.
10:58He was soaked through, shivering, his lips nearly purple from the cold,
11:02and he just squatted there, telling you,
11:05Don't be afraid.
11:06I'm with you.
11:08How could someone who barely knew you be that gentle with you?
11:11As she went on, her tone lightened again,
11:14carrying that quiet relief of someone who had made it through the worst.
11:17He told you he understood.
11:19He said he knew what it was like to be lied to,
11:21and that he'd spend the rest of his life, rest of you heal.
11:25You know, you were scary thin back then.
11:29You barely spoke to anyone,
11:30and you wouldn't even eat unless he stayed with you.
11:33Nora twisted the tissue into a ball.
11:36We all thought God had sent him to save you.
11:38He spent three years pursuing you and couldn't even bear to touch your hand.
11:41Honestly, we even joked in private that
11:43maybe there was something wrong with his body.
11:46But now that I think about,
11:48what man could go that far unless he truly loved someone?
11:51By the time she said the last two words,
11:53her eyes had gone red again.
11:55I lifted my head and looked out the window.
11:57Then, I let out a quiet laugh.
12:00He doesn't love me.
12:03Nora went still.
12:04What did you just say?
12:05I forced a smile, but it came out ugly.
12:06He only got close to me so Chloe could marry Mark without any trouble.
12:11Nora froze.
12:12What do you mean?
12:13I looked at her and suddenly felt there was no point in saying more.
12:16Today was supposed to be a happy day.
12:18There was no need to ruin it for her too.
12:19All Nora ever saw was Simon saving me and treating me well.
12:22She never saw the way he treated Chloe differently.
12:24How I kept letting it slide again and again for years.
12:27That was my pain to carry, not Nora's.
12:29I should have seen it in the way he would go out late at night again and again to take
12:33Chloe's calls.
12:35In the way he kept asking me to be understanding because she was alone.
12:38In the way he would still eat with Chloe first and celebrate with me after on my birthdays
12:42and anniversaries, I should have woken up a long time ago.
12:46But I couldn't let go of the man who once pulled me out of hell.
12:50Nora stared at me, her eyes red.
12:51You always tell me the good parts and keep the rest to yourself.
12:55What happened?
12:57Don't think I didn't notice?
12:58Sometimes the way Simon treated Chloe just didn't feel right.
13:02I asked you about it before.
13:04Every time you said, it's fine.
13:06She's my sister and she's going to be Simon's sister-in-law.
13:09Of course he should look out for her.
13:11So I didn't push any further.
13:13She sniffed, her voice starting to shake.
13:15But it stayed in the back of my mind.
13:16Then the day he proposed, he got down on one knee in the plaza outside your office.
13:21The ground was covered in roses.
13:22And by the time he called your name, his voice was already horsey.
13:26All I could think was, how could a man like that not love you?
13:29As she spoke, Nora ended up smiling through her tears.
13:32So I guess none of that matters now.
13:35My Hazel is finally marrying the man she loves.
13:38The moment she finished, laughter and excited voices rose outside the door.
13:42The groom's here!
13:43Nora's eyes lit up instantly.
13:45She wiped away her tears and broke into a smile.
13:47Simon's here!
13:48Hurry!
13:49Sit still!
13:51Pull your veil down!
13:52Don't let him see you yet!
13:55Oh no!
13:56Did I smudge my makeup?
13:57I watched Nora rush around, but I didn't move.
13:59She was smiling.
14:00I was smiling too.
14:02She was smiling because she thought Simon had finally come for me.
14:05I was smiling because the groom had finally arrived.
14:07The moment the door opened, Nora's smile froze.
14:10It wasn't Simon.
14:11Outside, the bridesmaids hired for the show were still laughing.
14:13Make the groom earn it!
14:15Come on, sing for her!
14:16They didn't know Simon.
14:17They just assumed the man at the door was the groom for this room.
14:19But Nora knew.
14:20She turned to me so fast it was almost jarring.
14:23Her eyes reddened instantly.
14:26Confusion.
14:27Panic.
14:27And beneath both, a flicker of despair, like she had already guessed the truth.
14:32I reached for her hand and gave it a light squeeze.
14:36Tears spilled down her face at once, but she didn't ask why.
14:40Maybe it was because of what I had told her earlier.
14:42He only got close to me so Chloe could marry Mark without any trouble.
14:45Or maybe it was because I sat there so calmly under my veil that she understood everything.
14:50Without another word, Nora bit down on her lip and stepped aside.
14:53Then she waved at the groom.
14:54He walked in without a word, took my hand, and led me out.
14:58The hallway was quiet.
14:59Every other bride had already been brought out in laughter and noise.
15:02Only suite 302 was different.
15:04The bride was let out in silence by a man she had never met.
15:06By the time we reached the lawn, 50 brides in white veils were already standing in five neat rows.
15:12The emcee lifted the microphone.
15:13All right, the last couple is in place.
15:16All 50 couples are here.
15:17Now it's time for the vows.
15:19Simon, who was talking and laughing with Chloe, frowned the second he heard all 50 couples.
15:24Wait!
15:25The host paused.
15:26The microphone held in midair.
15:28Simon frowned, his gaze sweeping from the front row and back again.
15:31The heavy veil hid the face, but something felt off.
15:33The best man beside him immediately ran over.
15:36Simon, the producer said we can't start the Grodkaskin without 50 couples.
15:39Luke said to just find any woman to pair up.
15:41Simon's frown eased.
15:43The best man could tell what he was thinking and hurried to reassure him.
15:47We've got two of the guys watching Hazel over there.
15:49She won't be able to get out.
15:50As for you, don't slow everyone down.
15:53Just get the vows over with and sign the marriage license.
15:56Simon nodded.
15:57Chloe tugged his sleeve from beside him.
16:00Simon, what's wrong?
16:03Nothing.
16:04His voice softened.
16:05Then he raised his hand to the host.
16:06It's fine.
16:07Continue.
16:07The host breathed out and lifted the microphone again.
16:11All grooms, please take your bride's hand.
16:1450 pairs of hands clasped at once.
16:16Grooms, face your brides.
16:17Simon turned to face Chloe.
16:19Lift the veil.
16:20Chloe smiled at him shyly, looking demure and lovely.
16:23He forced a smile and followed the host's words.
16:25I vow, from this day forward, whether in poverty or in wealth.
16:29Whether in poverty or in wealth.
16:31The only flaw was that the face beneath the veil wasn't the one he had in his heart.
16:36After all, that was the person he'd poured his idealized affections into.
16:40Pure, unblemished, someone who didn't need a marriage certificate.
16:44The woman before him was different.
16:47With her, he only intended to give a legal status.
16:51In sickness and in health.
16:53After saying the final line, Simon inexplicably turned his head and glanced again at the last row.
16:59Luke had his head down, talking to the bride beside him.
17:02Chloe laughed and tugged him again.
17:04What are you thinking?
17:05It's time to go to the signing table.
17:07Simon drew his gaze back.
17:09Yeah.
17:10He took Chloe's hand and they moved forward.
17:12The 50 couples formed a long line and, in a grand procession, walked toward the registrar's signing table.
17:20Staff checked IDs, stamped, and signed.
17:24When it was Simon's turn, the official took his and Chloe's documents and said,
17:28Sign here.
17:29The moment the stamp came down, Simon felt an emptiness inside.
17:32He couldn't say why.
17:34He had prepared for this moment for three months.
17:36For those three months, he'd been coaxing Hazel every day, saying he wanted to give her an unforgettable wedding.
17:42That having the signing streamed on TV would be memorable.
17:45That she didn't need to worry about anything because he would arrange it all.
17:48Even though the televised wedding required everyone to dress the same.
17:51He still took her to try on wedding dresses.
17:53Picked out a diamond for her.
17:55Letting her still have the right every girl deserves to a wedding.
17:59For a moment, he nearly convinced himself he was truly going to walk down the aisle with Hazel today.
18:04Just now, as the stamp fell, the woman opposite him, Chloe, had pulled him back to reality.
18:09He drew a deep breath and told himself the purpose was achieved.
18:13From today on, Chloe would no longer be berated by her parents as someone who brings bad luck.
18:17Her parents had said she must leave the city and be barred from enjoying any of the Davis family's resources.
18:22Or else they would make her penniless and force her out of their social circle.
18:26With a legal marriage certificate, he could exchange for her staying safe in the family.
18:30And it was also a rebuke to her parents.
18:32Chloe took the marriage certificate, eyes red, and said,
18:35Simon, today on, I am your wife.
18:37Simon smiled and wiped her tears away.
18:39Why cry?
18:40This is the security I promised you.
18:44From now on, you're the Davis family's lawful wife.
18:47No one will dare treat you badly.
18:48Chloe forced a smile through her tears.
18:50They talked a little longer.
18:52Simon instructed her how to explain things to her parents.
18:55And Chloe agreed to each point.
18:57Then, out of the corner of his eye, something not far off caught his attention.
19:02And he suddenly froze.
19:04Luke was leading the killer bride they'd found to make up the numbers toward the signing table.
19:09Weren't they just going to find someone to fill the spot and make up 50 couples?
19:12Why are they signing legal papers, too?
19:14Once that signature goes down, Luke will actually be married.
19:17Simon found himself taking an involuntary step forward.
19:20Chloe caught his arm just in time.
19:22Who's Luke's bride?
19:23She asked.
19:24All the brides wore the official gowns, their faces hidden.
19:26Even Simon couldn't tell who it was.
19:28Probably someone the production arranged at random.
19:31He said dismissively.
19:31Luke's just filling a slot.
19:33I hope he doesn't get carried away and take it seriously.
19:35Chloe smiled, covering her mouth, a faint blush on her cheeks.
19:38We should be grateful he helped.
19:40The others were too scared of your parents' retaliation to sign up for the televisized wedding.
19:44Her voice softened.
19:45If he really hits it off with that girl, that's good, too.
19:48Love needs a little impulse, right?
19:50She lowered her head a little, waiting for Simon to reply.
19:52But his thoughts were already far away.
19:54The night Hazel stood by the river, when he rescued her, he'd acted on impulse.
19:58At that time, his whole heart and eyes were on Chloe.
20:00He hated his brother Mark for usurping love, but he couldn't hate the woman he loved.
20:03He only wanted her to be happy.
20:05When Mark and Hazel got engaged, he thought he finally had a chance.
20:09But at the last minute, the groom abandoned the bride to go after Chloe.
20:12Seeing Hazel fall into the water, a lightning-fast thought crossed his mind.
20:16If Hazel were saved by him, and loved by him, she wouldn't pursue Mark, and Chloe could quietly
20:21marry into the Davis family.
20:23If they lived under the same family roof, that would be another kind of fulfillment.
20:26He told himself their beginning was just a scheme, a favor granted.
20:30But once, when Hazel fell asleep on his shoulder, he sat there for more than an hour without moving,
20:34afraid to wake her.
20:35In that moment, a voice in him said,
20:38This is enough.
20:39A lifetime like this would be fine.
20:40He was grateful for that impulsive moment.
20:43No matter the motive, at least it had brought him to Hazel.
20:46He never expected Mark to die so soon.
20:48A traffic accident gone in an instant.
20:51Overnight, Chloe became a widow, and her parents poured their grief out on her, calling her a
20:55jinx.
20:55Chloe, eyes rimmed with red, begged him.
20:58Simon, please help me.
21:00Simon came back to himself, and found Chloe watching him.
21:03He took her hand.
21:04Let's go.
21:05We'll get out first.
21:06Chloe pressed her lips together, and said nothing more.
21:09She followed him toward the exit.
21:10Just as they stepped out of the hall, a voice called over.
21:13Simon!
21:14Bad news!
21:15Simon suddenly raised his hand and clapped his palm over the best man's mouth.
21:18He glanced at the nearby broadcast camera.
21:21Keep it down.
21:22The live feed's still on.
21:23The man swallowed the words back.
21:24Simon let go, stepped to the side to block the lens, and said,
21:27Speak.
21:28Simon!
21:28The other's voice trembled.
21:30Your bride ran off.
21:32Nora isn't in her room either.
21:33Simon frowned, but kept his composure.
21:35What happened?
21:36No sooner had the words left his mouth than the host's voice came over the plaza loudspeakers.
21:41Congratulations to the 50th couple on a successful signing.
21:47Now all newlyweds, please gather on the central lawn.
21:50Applause and cheers surged from every direction.
21:53Simon lifted his head.
21:54For some reason, it felt like he'd been stabbed.
21:56The best man who'd been posted at the door of room 302 looked close to tears.
22:00Simon, the two of us were standing guard at 302's door.
22:03Someone knocked us out from behind.
22:04When we came to, everyone was gone.
22:07Simon froze for a second, then his expression hardened.
22:10She must have found out.
22:11The best man's eyes widened.
22:13What do we do?
22:14What can we do?
22:15Simon straightened his bow tie, expressionless.
22:17I always expected she'd react like this.
22:21She seems docile, but she's stubborn through and through.
22:24Let her calm down first.
22:25In the past, whenever I paid a little more attention to Chloe,
22:28Hazel would show her displeasure.
22:29Even if she didn't say it aloud, I could tell.
22:31That's why I didn't ask Hazel to cooperate and marry me outright to trick her parents.
22:35She would never agree.
22:36This reality show wedding was an opportunity.
22:38Now that she discovered she'd been swapped, of course she'd be angry.
22:42But, once she'd finished throwing a fit, I was confident he could soothe her.
22:46Three years ago, when she was pulled from the river and trembling in my arms,
22:50I stayed with her through the worst.
22:53I took her to restaurants, went with her to therapists,
22:56helped her regain a healthy weight.
22:58Every one of her friends knew me.
23:00Her mother treated me like a son.
23:02When she was hospitalized, she listened to no one but me.
23:05Let her be upset.
23:06Just not in front of the cameras and spoil the plan.
23:09Afterwards, I had a hundred ways to make it up to her.
23:11Simon turned to look at the lively crowd on the lawn.
23:14For some reason, he felt something was wrong, though he couldn't say why.
23:18He pushed the unease aside, gave Chloe a gentle smile, and said,
23:22Come on, let's go say hello to Luke.
23:24Chloe grabbed his arm.
23:25Simon, I just saw Luke. I think he's already laughing.
23:29Simon frowned.
23:29They hadn't seen each other in years.
23:31He'd been hoping to catch up while they had the chance.
23:33He stopped a nearby staff member.
23:35Aren't we doing the big group photo? How can we take it missing a couple?
23:38The staff checked the list and looked up.
23:40Oh, Mr. Luke's pair left early for a reason.
23:43They said the bride's mother had an emergency, a life-or-death situation,
23:46so the producers made a special allowance for them to go.
23:49A sudden pang tightened in Simon's chest.
23:51He couldn't help thinking of my mother,
23:53the woman lying in a hospital bed, hair gone, counting the days.
23:56She must be watching the broadcast, waiting to see her daughter sign.
23:59If she saw her chosen son-in-law vow and marry another woman, could she bear it?
24:04Simon's hand clenched without his realizing it.
24:06Chloe stepped closer, smiling.
24:08Looks like Luke and that girl are serious.
24:10Just married and rushing off to see her mother.
24:13We should give them a big present.
24:15Simon said nothing.
24:16Chloe moved even closer.
24:18Come on, let's go take the group photo.
24:20Her eyes sparkled as she waited for him to nod.
24:22Simon finally turned, glanced at Chloe,
24:24then at the dozens of couples gathering on the lawn.
24:27A sea of white veils, festive and jubilant.
24:29His plan was proceeding smoothly.
24:30The signature was done, and the whole nation had watched the broadcast.
24:33Even if his parents wanted to oppose it, it would be too late.
24:38As for the group photo, Simon took a deep breath and suddenly said,
24:42Not doing it.
24:44I'm going to the hospital first.
24:46Chloe immediately realized what he meant and grabbed his arm.
24:48I'm going to go with you.
24:49What for?
24:50I'm worried about you.
24:51Chloe's voice softened.
24:52If you go alone and Auntie gets angry and scolds you, what will you do?
24:55I'll come so I can help explain a bit.
24:58Besides, today's mess started because of me.
25:01I should go apologize to Auntie.
25:03Simon hesitated for two seconds, then didn't refuse.
25:06The car sped off.
25:07Simon drove fast.
25:08Over the years, he'd learned Hazel's temper.
25:10When hurt, she never made a scene.
25:12She'd sneak off to her mother's side.
25:14This time he hadn't told her and had swapped brides.
25:16She'd probably be bawling.
25:17He'd already packed the jewelry and bouquet in the trunk for an apology.
25:20Going straight to the hospital was most convenient.
25:23They stopped under the hospital.
25:25Simon took a deep breath and got out.
25:28On the floor with Hazel's mother's ward, he rounded a corner and came to a sudden halt.
25:32Luke was leaning against the wall by the ward door, peeling an apple.
25:35Simon froze.
25:37Luke, what are you doing here?
25:39Luke looked up at him but kept peeling.
25:42My mom said she wanted to see me, so I came.
25:45Simon felt his head explode.
25:47Mom?
25:48Luke's mom?
25:49Something in his mind began to click together, bit by bit.
25:52Chloe smiled and greeted Luke.
25:54Luke, what a coincidence.
25:56Thanks for helping today.
25:57By the way, who were you paired with?
25:59We didn't get a chance to ask before you left.
26:00Luke said nothing and kept his head down, continuing to peel the apple.
26:03The smile on Chloe's face began to falter.
26:05He said he was helping but had been cold to her the whole time.
26:08She almost started to doubt her own charm.
26:10Just as she was about to ask again, the ward door, slightly ajar, let a familiar voice drift out.
26:15Honey, why are you taking so long to peel that apple?
26:18Mom's getting impatient.
26:19Simon went rigid.
26:21That voice.
26:21He'd heard it for three years and could recognize it with his eyes closed.
26:25She called him.
26:26Honey.
26:27Luke finally looked up and said slowly.
26:28Hear that?
26:29My wife just called me.
26:31Simon pushed the ward door open with force.
26:33It slammed against the wall with a loud bang.
26:35On the bed, Hazel's mother sat propped against the headboard, her face sallow.
26:39But the spirit remains relatively good, holding a gift box and shoving it into Hazel's hands.
26:43Hazel had her back to the door, still wearing the wedding gown from the broadcast.
26:46Her hair still pinned up, smiling and teasing.
26:49Mom, shouldn't you have given this to Luke yourself?
26:51At the sound of the door, Hazel turned.
26:54When she saw Simon, her smile didn't change.
26:57She only glanced at him briefly, then looked past him toward Luke at the doorway.
27:01Darling, aren't you going to come and accept the gift Mom gave you?
27:04Simon took a step forward, his voice hoarse.
27:06Hazel, come outside with me for a moment.
27:10I need to talk to you.
27:11Luke stepped over, his hand naturally resting on Hazel's shoulder.
27:15Say it here.
27:16She's tired after a long day and doesn't want to move.
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