A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
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FunTranscript
00:00Roderick ripped my shirt open and froze.
00:03My back was covered in scars, old and new, all from whippings.
00:07What the hell happened here?
00:11I misbehaved. They punished me for it.
00:14My voice was flat, like I was talking about someone else's body.
00:18He stared at the scars he'd never seen.
00:21Then he said,
00:24You deserved it.
00:26He sent me to that place three years ago to cure me of loving him.
00:32I spent three years locked inside that place.
00:35Now, I stopped loving him, just as he wanted.
00:38Then he came running back and said,
00:40I regret it.
00:42For eight years, I was a fixture by Roderick Dunlap's side.
00:46Everyone said I was addicted to him.
00:48I was so obsessed with him that I'd run off any woman who got close to him, whatever it took.
00:53Once, I offered one of them money to leave Roderick.
00:58The woman laughed in my face.
01:00Being with Roderick meant an endless supply of cash.
01:03Why would anyone walk away for such a pathetic amount?
01:07Then that woman took a staged fall down a flight of stairs.
01:11Roderick thought I pushed her.
01:14And I ended up being sent to a rehab center by him.
01:22Others went there to quit smoking, drinking, or gaming.
01:25I was there to let go of Roderick.
01:28In the end, I succeeded only for him to tell me he regretted it.
01:32The moment I stepped out of the rehab center,
01:35I saw an Audi parked there.
01:37It looked totally out of place.
01:40I glanced at it and lowered my head, preparing to walk away.
01:43The person who got out of the car called out to me.
01:47It was Roderick.
01:49He had grown more mature in the last three years.
01:52I glanced at him once, then looked away.
01:55The staff at the center taught us that staring was rude.
01:58Especially at someone we liked?
02:00Yes, after three years, I had been completely reformed.
02:08Roderick told me to get in, and I did so, sitting quietly in the back seat.
02:12I kept my head down, staring at my lap and not moving a muscle.
02:16Roderick sat beside me.
02:18I could feel the weight of his intense gaze.
02:20The car was dead quiet.
02:22I held my breath, scared to make a peep.
02:25But a cough escaped me anyway.
02:27It was just my old cough.
02:28The car pulled up at the Dunlap's mansion.
02:31Roderick's grandmother, Maggie Dunlap, lived there.
02:35Today, as I remembered, marked her 80th birthday.
02:39Then it hit me why Roderick had come to get me.
02:41He started to walk in.
02:43I hesitated for a second, then blurted out,
02:48Um, Roderick, I didn't bring a gift.
02:52When he turned around, my heart was pounding out of my chest.
02:57I quickly looked down.
02:58I knew my quickened heartbeat was from fear, not from affection.
03:04Somehow, I'd turned into a total coward.
03:06If someone even glanced my way, I'd get a jolt of fear.
03:12I'd toss and turn all night in nightmares, haunted by those staring eyes.
03:19Follow me.
03:20Roderick brushed off my worry.
03:22He was as cold as always.
03:24Or maybe he only saved that coldness for me.
03:27I had to jog a little just to keep up with him.
03:31Mari!
03:32You're back!
03:33Come in, dear!
03:34Maggie was right there at the front door.
03:36Waiting for me, Dot Maggie had always had my back.
03:39Always encouraged my crush on Roderick and even snuck me info on his plans.
03:44I walked over to her.
03:46Hello, Maggie.
03:47Mari, honey.
03:49Why are you being so distant?
03:51You're not mad at me for what happened, are you?
03:54Maggie stroked my hair, her eyes full of affection.
03:57I shook my head.
03:58I could never be mad at her three years ago.
04:00If Maggie hadn't threatened to harm herself,
04:02I probably would have been sent to jail instead.
04:06On the outside, it looked like a regular school.
04:10But only the people who'd been locked up there knew what real torture was like.
04:15During the meal, I kept my head down,
04:18shoveling down spaghetti as fast as I could.
04:20I didn't make a sound, didn't reach for anything else.
04:24Just ate fast like I hadn't had a meal in a month.
04:28Marianne!
04:29Yes, sir!
04:30Hearing my name, I set down my fork and stood up straight.
04:34We all froze me, Roderick and Maggie.
04:36I met their shocked stares for a split second.
04:40Then I looked down at the silverware I'd set neatly on the table.
04:43Even with how panicked I was, I just stood there, confused.
04:48It hit me then I'd forgotten I wasn't at the center anymore.
04:51I had no idea why Roderick had called me.
04:54You scared her, you big idiot!
04:56Maggie swatted Roderick's arm before turning to me.
04:59Sit down, Mary.
05:00You're home now, sweetie.
05:02Just relax.
05:04I did what Maggie said and sat back down.
05:07But I couldn't eat another bite.
05:09Something about the way they looked at me told me they'd noticed.
05:12The girl who walked in three years ago was gone.
05:14And the one sitting here now was someone they didn't recognize.
05:20Grandma was talking to you.
05:21Why weren't you listening?
05:25Roderick's tone was sharp.
05:27I couldn't tell if he was mad I'd ignored Maggie,
05:29or just ticked off about getting swatted.
05:31I'm sorry, Maggie.
05:33I was just very hungry.
05:35I didn't hear you.
05:36I gave her an apologetic look.
05:39The counselors at the center always drilled it into us.
05:42Apologies have to be sincere.
05:44Only I knew the truth.
05:46It wasn't hunger.
05:47It was fear.
05:48Fear of getting punished for not eating fast enough or for leaving food on my plate.
05:52I vaguely recalled her telling me to try the other food.
05:56I'd heard her, but I just couldn't react fast enough.
06:00So Roderick called out to me.
06:02By the time dinner was over, my forehead was covered in a light sweat.
06:06I wasn't sure if it was from the heat in the room or my own anxiety.
06:10Three years in that place had taught me one thing.
06:12Never let your guard down, not even at a dinner table.
06:17After dinner, I returned to Grandpa's old house.
06:22Thank you for the ride.
06:24I gave Roderick a small bow.
06:26Maggie had wanted me to stay the night, but I'd turned her down.
06:29I didn't want any more contact with them than I had to, so I'd asked Roderick to drive me home.
06:36You really want to stay here?
06:38Roderick frowned.
06:39I glanced back at the house.
06:41It hadn't been touched in three years.
06:43Now it was completely overgrown with weeds.
06:46But I nodded.
06:47I had nowhere else to go anyway.
06:50I was flat broke, and the clothes I was wearing were from three years ago.
06:53The rehab center had given us uniforms, so these clothes had never even been worn out.
06:59I bent down to pull some weeds.
07:01The little critters living there scurried away.
07:03I saw cockroaches, mice, and a snake coiled in the corner, too lazy to move.
07:08Once upon a time, I would have jumped straight into Roderick's arms.
07:12Now, I just stared at them calmly and looked for a stick to shoo the snake away.
07:18Roderick pulled me back toward the car.
07:22What's wrong?
07:23I didn't even realize he was still there.
07:26Didn't you see that snake?
07:27Oh, right, I'd forgotten Roderick hated reptiles.
07:34I saw it.
07:36It's fine.
07:37It's fine.
07:38I'll just shoo it away with a stick.
07:39If it bothers you, you can just leave!
07:43I caught myself reassuring him.
07:45I reached for the door handle, ready to hop out.
07:48But Roderick locked the doors and drove off.
07:51I quickly buckled my seatbelt.
07:54W-where are you taking me?
07:57He didn't say a word.
07:59I didn't dare ask again.
08:01He took me to his private apartment.
08:03He closed the door behind us without a word.
08:06I couldn't leave it.
08:07I couldn't leave it was a keypad lock.
08:43So you're over me?
08:46His expression was questioning.
08:50Yes.
08:51I didn't hesitate for a second.
08:53Any delay would have felt like an insult to everything I'd been through.
08:58That night, the nightmare returned.
09:00In my dream, countless eyes stared back at me, filled with hatred, disgust, and contempt.
09:06Every single one of them belonged to Roderick.
09:11The next day, when Roderick left for work, I asked him to drop me off downtown.
09:16He didn't seem to mind, as long as I wasn't in his way.
09:20I hesitated in front of a florist's hiring sign.
09:23I didn't have a college degree.
09:25I never finished college because Roderick had me sent to that rehab center.
09:30Hunting for a job?
09:31The shop owner noticed me staring at the sign but not coming in, so he finally asked.
09:36I nodded.
09:37The owner looked to be in his mid-twenties, and he seemed pretty nice.
09:41The pay was $3,000 monthly, and no diploma was required.
09:46I just had to be on time to help out at the shop every day.
09:49I asked the owner for a $1,000 advance.
09:52Money makes the world go round.
09:54I needed it for everything.
09:56My official start date was the next day, and to my surprise, he trusted me.
10:00I spent $400 on a used electric scooter from a local shop.
10:04Once upon a time, $400 wouldn't have meant squat to me.
10:09Now, I had to haggle just to get it for that price.
10:11It's not like I was an orphan or anything.
10:14Three years ago, my parents disowned me.
10:16To protect the company and the family's reputation.
10:20The only person who'd ever really loved me grandpa was gone a long time ago.
10:24If he were still here, I probably never would have ended up like this.
10:29I rode the scooter back to grandpa's old house.
10:32The weeds outside were already gone.
10:34Roderick must have sent someone to clear them.
10:37Inside, everything was covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs.
10:42It took me for hours just to make the place halfway livable.
10:47Most of the stuff inside was broken beyond fixing.
10:50I was trying to carry out the junk when I tripped.
10:56Everything went flying all over the floor.
10:58I was a mess my knee hurt, and I was covered in dirt.
11:02I saw a pair of shiny leather shoes stop in front of me.
11:05I didn't even have to look up to know who they belonged to.
11:08I got up slowly, my knee throbbing with pain.
11:12Mr. Dunlop.
11:15Can I help you with something?
11:16I'd gone from calling him Rod, to Roderick, and now to Mr. Dunlop.
11:21It was better this way keeping my distance.
11:24I never wanted to go back to that hellhole ever again.
11:27Grandma sent me to check on how you're doing.
11:29Roderick's brow was furrowed.
11:31Please tell her I'm fine, and she doesn't have to worry about me.
11:35I crouched back down to clean up the mess.
11:38That fall had just made everything worse.
11:42Roderick grabbed me by the back of my collar,
11:44with a tear, my shirt split right open.
11:47It was the same shirt I'd worn yesterday and the same one I'd had three years ago.
11:51The fabric was so thin it tore almost instantly.
11:54Mr. Dunlop, have some respect!
11:57My voice was sharp with anger as I clutched the torn fabric.
12:01Thank God it was only the back that tore, but it was my only shirt.
12:04I hadn't had time to buy new clothes, and now how was I supposed to go shopping?
12:09But Roderick's eyes were fixed on the scars on my back.
12:13What the hell happened here?
12:15I misbehaved.
12:17They punished me for it.
12:19My voice was flat, like I was talking about someone else's pain.
12:23You deserved it.
12:24He walked out.
12:25I glanced over my shoulder.
12:27My back was covered in scars old and new, all from whippings.
12:31The newest ones were probably from a few days ago.
12:34I couldn't even remember exactly which day.
12:37They hadn't even fully healed yet.
12:42I found a dusty shirt in the closet, shook it off, and slipped it on right away.
12:46Pretty soon, I felt an itch on my back, right over the wounds.
12:50They probably got infected.
12:52Of course, just as I was heading out to buy new clothes, Roderick came back.
12:57Was he back to laugh at me?
12:58He tossed a bag at me?
13:01Change into these.
13:03I refused.
13:05He had a girlfriend, and it felt wrong for him to be buying me clothes.
13:09But it had been three years?
13:10Maybe Chelsea was his wife now, not that I cared?
13:14Roderick pulled me roughly back inside the house.
13:16I sat down and did what he told me.
13:19He cleaned the wounds on my back with antiseptic and rubbing alcohol.
13:22It stung.
13:23But I didn't make a sound.
13:24It was nothing next to what I'd been through.
13:26His hands were rough but strangely careful.
13:29Like he was trying to undo something he couldn't name.
13:35Why is this one right here across your waist?
13:37Roderick pointed to a particularly ugly scar.
13:40It wasn't just a surface scrape whoever hit me had aimed right for my kidneys.
13:44I shook my head.
13:45Um, I don't know.
13:47He finished up cleaning the wounds and helped pull my shirt down.
13:52Why did they do this to you?
13:54I was already wearing a new shirt.
13:58Because I misbehaved.
14:00Then, as if worried he might not believe me, I added.
14:06But I'm good now.
14:08What did you do?
14:10Roderick pushed, clearly unsatisfied with my answer.
14:15One of the counselors caught me after I dropped some food on the table.
14:19Roderick frowned but said nothing.
14:21I glanced at him nervously.
14:23After a long pause.
14:26Elsewhere.
14:27Where else did they hurt you?
14:29I shook my head.
14:30It's not like they chose to go for my back.
14:32I'd curl up into a ball.
14:34So my back was just the only part left exposed.
14:37It's getting late.
14:39You should go now.
14:40I didn't want to be in the same room as him.
14:42It felt suffocating.
14:43Besides, it was already dark outside.
14:46Oh, it's fine.
14:48I'll crash here for the night.
14:51Silence hung between us.
14:52I didn't argue.
14:54But I stayed awake long after the lights went out.
14:59I hadn't eaten since breakfast at his apartment.
15:02Using the groceries I'd picked up earlier, I whipped up a simple meal on the old hot plate.
15:08Thank God Grandpa never used gas otherwise.
15:10I'd have had nothing to eat.
15:13You're not at the center anymore.
15:15You don't have to eat so fast.
15:17Roderick's voice reached me as I hurried through the meal.
15:19But I was already finished, and Roderick had barely touched his food.
15:23Old habits die hard.
15:25Roderick took my bedroom, so I slept in Grandpa's old room.
15:29Late that night, my knee and back started throbbing.
15:31My head felt heavy and dizzy.
15:34When I opened my eyes again, I was staring at a white ceiling.
15:38The sharp smell of disinfectant was everywhere.
15:40I didn't have time to wonder how I'd gotten here.
15:43All I cared about was that I was going to be late for my first shift.
15:47I tiptoed over to put on my shoes, careful not to wake Roderick.
15:51Roderick's sleepy voice stopped me right as I was almost out the door.
15:56Where are you off to?
15:57I got a job.
15:59I'm going to be late for work.
16:00Do you even know you're running a fever?
16:02He sounded annoyed.
16:04Was it because he'd had to pay for the medical bills?
16:08Don't worry, Mr. Dunlop.
16:10I'll pay you back as soon as I get my first paycheck.
16:13I gave him a quick, polite bow and slipped out the door.
16:18Thankfully, I made it to work just in time.
16:23It was Valentine's Day, and the flower shop was absolutely packed.
16:28My job was simple, just working the register.
16:30I didn't know how to do anything else yet.
16:33The shop was small, but the owner was amazing, and customers just kept coming in.
16:38But out of all the people who could have walked in, I never thought I'd see Chelsea Harvey.
16:44Arm in arm with Roderick, laughing and talking up a storm.
16:48Chelsea, the same girlfriend Roderick, had brought home all those years ago.
16:53Chels, Rod.
16:55The shop owner walked over to greet them politely.
16:59My mind went completely blank, and I froze in place.
17:02It turned out the owner was Chelsea's brother.
17:05My life was starting to feel like a bad soap opera all over again.
17:09I'd suffered for three years because of Chelsea.
17:12And now here I was, working for her brother.
17:15How pathetic was that?
17:23Chelsea spotted me.
17:26Flinched in fake fear and buried her face in Roderick's chest.
17:30Cliffy, what is she doing here?
17:32She's...
17:32She's the one who...
17:34Chelsea pointed a shaking finger right at me.
17:37Clifford Harvey stared at me in shock.
17:38Then his face twisted with disgust.
17:40He grabbed me by the arm and shoved me right out the door.
17:47It all happened so fast.
17:49I stumbled and crashed to the ground.
17:52Roderick just stood there and watched.
17:54Cold as ice.
17:56Humiliated, I got up and ran all the way back to the old house.
18:01I locked myself in Grandpa's room.
18:03It was the only place I ever felt safe.
18:08Thanks to that, I had to find a new job.
18:11And I had to pay back that $1,000 advance.
18:17I hated owing anyone anything.
18:22Job hunting sucked for days.
18:24Until I finally got hired as a dishwasher.
18:26It was tiring, but it kept me busy.
18:29Kept my mind off things.
18:32I thought maybe I could finally live a quiet life.
18:35But some people just couldn't stand to see me happy.
18:38Chelsea's shadow followed me wherever I went.
18:46The floor manager had told me to bring the clean dishes out to be sanitized.
18:57Well, look who it is.
18:59The Crawford Group Harris.
19:02Ah!
19:04Oh wait.
19:05I mean, a pathetic little shadow nobody wants around!
19:09As I walked through the dining area, a few girls blocked my way.
19:13Their voices thick with sarcasm.
19:15They were my old college classmates.
19:18It's also Chelsea's little minions.
19:20Chelsea was standing right behind them.
19:23Watching it all go down no sign of her usual innocent act.
19:29I tried to ignore them and walk past.
19:32I didn't want any trouble.
19:33Did I say you could leave?
19:35Someone yanked my hair so hard it sent a sharp pain shooting through my scalp.
19:39The noise set off a commotion.
19:43All I could think about was the plates.
19:46I'd have to pay for them.
19:48Roderick's voice cut through the noise from behind me.
19:50What's going on here?
19:52My hands, busy picking up the broken pieces, froles for a second.
19:57I cut my finger on a shard.
20:00It didn't even hurt.
20:01I knew something way worse was about to happen.
20:05Sure enough, I heard Chelsea's fake sweet voice complaining to Roderick.
20:10We were just trying to make up with Mari.
20:15Just catch up a little.
20:17But then she...
20:22Before Chelsea could finish, another girl cut in.
20:26But then she lost her temper and tried to hit Chelsea with a plate!
20:41I kept picking up the broken pieces calmly.
20:46I knew I was going to lose this job too.
20:48The floor manager rushed over and chewed me out.
20:51I do no count of oins.
20:52I'm chewed at me busting dumping!
20:53Munt!
20:54Nup!
20:55Test!
20:59I handed over almost all the cash I had on me.
21:03All but ten bucks.
21:06I'm sorry.
21:09I'm sorry.
21:16With my last ten bucks, I stopped at a pharmacy, then headed home.
21:22Back at the house, I went into Grandpa's room.
21:31Picked up his photo and held it tight.
21:36I'm sorry, Grandpa.
21:38I didn't turn out the way you hoped I would.
21:44You taught me that loving someone means having the courage to go for them.
21:48So you never regret it.
21:53But Grandpa, I'm so tired.
21:55I can't do this anymore.
21:56I'm giving up.
22:00What if I come to be with you instead?
22:05You're not saying no, so I'll take that as a yes.
22:11I downed all the sleeping pills I'd bought at the pharmacy.
22:15I downed all the sleeping pills I'd bought at the pharmacy.
22:23I was scared Roderick would use this as an excuse to send me back to that center.
22:28I couldn't live like that anymore.
22:30I couldn't find a single reason to keep going anymore.
22:34But sleeping pills were supposed to put you to sleep.
22:45Why did it hurt so much instead?
22:50A sharp cramp hit my stomach, and I could feel my eyes starting to close.
22:56Right as my eyes closed for good, I thought I saw Roderick standing in the doorway.
23:08When is she going to wake up?
23:09She's been asleep for days.
23:11When I came to, it seemed I heard Roderick's voice.
23:23Why was he still clinging to me even after death?
23:32It wasn't until a team of doctors began examining me that I understood.
23:43Roderick had rushed me here to have my stomach pumped.
23:51I'd been given a second chance.
23:59That figure I saw hadn't been an illusion.
24:01It was him.
24:09Are you sending me back?
24:12I looked at his darkened expression.
24:23The doctor says you may be suffering from depression.
24:28Roderick avoided my question.
24:32I nodded dot, but that wasn't the point.
24:42All I cared about was whether I had to be sent back.
24:51Why didn't you tell me?
24:56Would you have believed me if I had?
25:01Telling him would only have made him think I was making excuses to leave that place.
25:15I had reached out to him.
25:18Each resident was granted a scheduled call to family twice a year.
25:29During my first six months, I called him once.
25:34I'm sick.
25:36I cough up blood sometimes, and they hit us.
25:44Can I please come home?
25:52I promise I won't bother you anymore.
25:55What did he say back then?
25:58You come to.
26:00Find a better excuse next time.
26:05Then he hung up.
26:10After that call, I was beaten again.
26:15I never called him after that.
26:22Why did I cough up blood?
26:30Their blows had landed on my back, over and over.
26:33The internal damage eventually affected my stomach and lungs.
26:45Seeing Roderick fall silent, I knew he still didn't believe me.
26:49I lowered my head and didn't ask again whether he'd send me back.
26:54I moored me long, the pair in the sorry that we's out in sparing and disavowing functy.
26:58Should I be sent back, I won't leave alive.
27:04In a place like that, no one would notice whether a person was breathing.
27:09I thought once I got out, I could start over.
27:13But I was wrong.
27:15My peace was always shattered whenever Roderick came into the picture.
27:23The doctor called Roderick out, saying some test results were ready.
27:32The door swung open as Roderick strode back in.
27:43He yanked the blanket aside, then my hospital gown.
27:53An ugly, jaggy scar was exposed.
27:59Your kidney.
28:01Where is it?
28:06His eyes were bloodshot, a vein throbbing on his forehead as he stared at me.
28:16He looked terrifying, just like at the staff at the center.
28:21They had that same look in their eyes.
28:33That look always came right before a beating.
28:37I pulled the blanket up and hid underneath it.
28:47The bed shifted as Roderick sat down beside me.
28:52He gently tug.
28:55He gently'd at the covers.
28:59Mary, come out.
29:01You'll suffocate.
29:06His voice softened, as if he'd realized he'd scared me.
29:22My voice was muffled under the blanket.
29:24Only after he promised did I poke my head.
29:36He asked again, patient this time.
29:39What happened to your kidney?
29:43I shook my head.
29:49I don't know.
29:53Roderick took out his phone and said he would investigate this thoroughly.
29:58Ever since learning about my depression, Roderick had barely left my side.
30:04It was as if he was afraid I might try something again, but I saw that the rehab center had
30:09been shut down on television.
30:10No doubt it was Roderick's doing.
30:13It had posed as an educational institution.
30:16Behind closed doors, it ran vile operations.
30:19Did he do this to you, too?
30:23Roderick pointed at the screen.
30:25Mari Kambai, VO.
30:26The man being interviewed was the infamous director.
30:29He spoke excitedly to the reporter.
30:31I was helping.
30:33They should be thankful.
30:36Without my guidance.
30:38Do you think they'd be so compliant now?
30:41Go ask their parents.
30:43Their children are model citizens now, aren't they?
30:47I took a kidney as my fair compensation.
30:49My method was simple.
30:51Add something to their bedtime milk, then proceed with the removal.
30:54I'd watch them wake up in agony.
30:57The man grew more animated as he spoke.
30:59I felt a wave of dread seep into my bones.
31:04The bloody scene felt like it had happened yesterday.
31:07That night, I went to bed as usual.
31:10Before lights out, we all had to drink the milk the attenders brought.
31:13Refusal meant a beating.
31:16In my sleep, I felt like I was being restrained.
31:20Then, slowly, a sharp pain pierced my side.
31:27My eyes flew open to see the director's horrifying face leaning over me.
31:31It wasn't a dream.
31:32He was staring intently at my waist.
31:35The pain made me black out.
31:37I didn't wake until the next day.
31:42He threatened me.
31:44If I ever spoke a word, my other kidney would meet the same fate.
31:48No wonder so many people there moved stiffly.
31:50And no one ever said a thing.
31:52Mari!
31:54I stared at him, my gaze empty.
31:56Then, a mouthful of blood surged up and spilled over.
31:59However, I collapsed.
32:05I had no idea how long I was out.
32:10When I woke up, I was still connected to a ventilator.
32:15I shifted my fingers, trying to wake Roderick.
32:19His weight was resting on my hand, and it had gone numb.
32:27You're awake.
32:28How do you feel?
32:29You were in shock, did you realize?
32:31But I was in shock.
32:32How would I know?
32:35But was this really Roderick?
32:39His jaw was shadowed with stubble, his eyes streaked with red.
32:44This wasn't the same cool collected man I remembered.
32:48I tried to speak, but had no strength left.
32:51I just lay still.
32:53Let the doctors and Roderick do what they needed to do.
32:57I learned I'd been unconscious for four days.
33:02Roderick had stayed by my side the whole time.
33:08That afternoon, a doctor removed the ventilator.
33:13I could talk again.
33:18What's the prognosis?
33:19Weeks?
33:19Months?
33:20I knew my time was running out.
33:23Roderick's hand, which had been holding a spoon to feed me broth, paused.
33:27After a long moment.
33:30Six months.
33:32Maybe less.
33:36A faint smile of relief touched my lips.
33:40Good.
33:40I could get to see Grandpa soon.
33:43Lung cancer?
33:47I phrased it as a question, but I was sure.
33:50Even after, I'd learned to behave, and the beatings mostly stopped.
34:00I kept coughing up blood.
34:02The depression only made things worse.
34:10Roderick nodded.
34:13Can I get back to work?
34:16Is there any way you could keep your wife from interfering?
34:19If they'd just leave me alone, I could work in peace.
34:23I still owed Clifford $1,000, after all.
34:27She's not my wife.
34:29Roderick frowned, putting a clear distance between himself and Chelsea.
34:33Chelsea, I didn't care what Chelsea was.
34:36I just needed her to stay away.
34:41I started a small street stall on a decent block, selling burritos.
34:48I had planned to find a regular job, but Roderick forbade it.
34:56When he set his mind to something, no one could change it.
35:05He offered me two options.
35:08Start my own small business, or stay home.
35:14Doing something I chose with the time I had left was a good idea.
35:18I stood nervously behind my cart, worried no customers would come.
35:22The location was close to campus.
35:25Steady foot traffic from students and professionals.
35:28It was a fully licensed area for street vendors to operate.
35:37Best of all, it was close to Grandpa's house.
35:45Hey, how much for a burrito?
35:48I was lost in thought when a guy with a brighty smile walked up to my stall.
35:55I looked up and met his clear eyes.
35:57He had faint dimples, wearing a basketball jersey,
36:00a ball in his hand, as if he'd just come from a game.
36:03I was caught off guard for a second.
36:07He spoke again before I came out of my trance.
36:10For some reason, looking into his eyes didn't make me uneasy at all.
36:15Usually, any eye contact filled me with dread.
36:18So many pairs of eyes haunted my nights.
36:27Would you like to try one?
36:28It's free.
36:30Why free?
36:31Is it because I'm so good looking?
36:32He grinned and rubbed his chin playfully.
36:35His playful tone made my face grow warm.
36:38No, it's my first day.
36:40If it turns out unpasteable, I couldn't possibly take your money.
36:46I'd practiced at home over and over, but doing it for real felt completely different.
36:53Oh, so I'm your gimme pee pig.
36:57No!
36:59I thought I'd scared him off.
37:01Just kidding.
37:01Go ahead.
37:02I'll eat it however it turns out.
37:03He laughed warmly.
37:05Most vendors could make one in three to five minutes.
37:08My clumsy attempt took nearly seven.
37:10The outside was crispy, though not burnt.
37:13Maybe I should make you another one?
37:17He took the wrapped burrito and bit into it.
37:19This is perfect.
37:23It's great.
37:24Seriously, this is how it should be.
37:26Nice and crispy.
37:28His compliment made me smile.
37:31So, how much?
37:32You're not going to charge me an arm and a leg, are you?
37:34No.
37:35He widened his eyes in alarm.
37:36This one's complimentary.
37:38A lucky start for my first day.
37:40I'm Leonard Williams, by the way.
37:42As he turned to leave, he glanced back and waved.
37:45I watched him walk away.
37:47It struck me then how distant my own college days felt.
37:50If I hadn't been so reckless back then, I would have graduated a year ago.
37:59As the day went on, more customers came.
38:06I was almost too busy to keep up.
38:10But I got quicker and more confident with each one.
38:14I didn't pack up until I'd run out of ingredients.
38:23I'll drive you home.
38:24Roderick pulled up beside me in his car.
38:25It's fine.
38:26I have my scooter.
38:28I nodded toward my scooter parked out nearby.
38:33It's getting chilly tonight.
38:34You'll catch a cold.
38:35I won't die from it.
38:43Marianne, how long are you going to keep fighting me on everything?
38:47Roderick caught my wrist as I started to walk away.
38:51Mr. Dunlop, do not forget.
38:58I was the one who pushed your girlfriend down the stairs.
39:05I'm the one to blame.
39:13In that moment, to cut any last tie between us, I claimed the guilt.
39:20Mary stopped lying.
39:21I know the truth now.
39:23She fell on her own.
39:26Suddenly, his arms came around me from behind.
39:31Hadn't he told me to protect Chelsea?
39:37So you were protecting her?
39:39While I bore all the blame?
39:44No.
39:46I was afraid once you knew the truth, you'd hate me for not believing you sooner.
39:52I was wrong.
39:53I'm sorry.
39:55I'm sorry.
40:00His arms tightened around me.
40:03I only found out two days ago.
40:06I went to Chelsea to stay away from you.
40:09And we argued.
40:12She let it slip.
40:15I could no longer hold back my tears.
40:19They fell onto the back of his hand.
40:22At least I would clear my name before I died.
40:25Don't cry, Mari.
40:27He released me, bending down to wipe my tears.
40:32I sobbed uncontrollably in his arms.
40:39For a moment, neither of us spoke.
40:43Three years of silence.
40:45Three years of pain I'd swallowed without a word.
40:48And now, finally, someone believed me.
40:55Rod.
40:57Here.
40:58I pointed to my chest.
41:00It doesn't beat for you anymore.
41:05Rod, if I could, I'd wish we had never met.
41:09I wiped my tears and gave a faint smile.
41:13This is the last time I'll call you that.
41:17From now on, let's each live our own lives.
41:21I'd treat this as a goodbye.
41:23A proper end to those eight years I spent loving him.
41:29I could never forget the three years in that place.
41:34And the person who'd sent me there was Roderick himself.
41:39Mary.
41:42He reached for me, but I stepped back.
41:45Mr. Dunlap, please don't disturb me again.
41:50I want my remaining time.
41:52To be peaceful.
41:56With that, I left.
41:57I drove my scooter home.
42:01Roderick's car followed at a distance in the rearview mirror.
42:05I ignored him.
42:09I went to my stall as usual every day.
42:16Roderick watched from a distance.
42:19I just ignored him.
42:25Hey, I'm back.
42:27Brought my classmates to try your burritos.
42:29It was Leonard.
42:30My first customer.
42:34I glanced at the two boys behind him and gave a slight nod in greeting.
42:38What kind would you like?
42:40A real sense of ease washed over me.
42:42Something I hadn't felt in a long time.
42:44Whatever you recommend.
42:54Maybe one of each?
42:55I'll take some back for my roommates, too.
42:58One of his buddies said, eyeing the ingredients.
43:02So, how much?
43:04You didn't let me pay last time.
43:06You've got to charge me today, or I won't come back.
43:09I hadn't said I wouldn't charge him.
43:12I still needed to pay back my debt.
43:15Six dollars each.
43:17Cash only, though.
43:18If you don't have any, you can get change at the store down the block.
43:22I pointed to the sign on my cart and then toward the store down the block.
43:28Wait right here.
43:29I'll be back.
43:30I watched Leonard walk away inside.
43:33The young seemed so full of life.
43:35It was easy to forget I was only a year older than him.
43:39Yet my life felt worlds apart.
43:44Hey, isn't he good-looking?
43:46And he's single.
43:48Maybe give him a shot?
43:49His classmates clearly thought my glance at Leonard meant more than it did.
43:53I shook my head and stayed silent.
43:56I was making around three to four hundred dollars a day.
44:03Soon, I had enough to repay my debt.
44:06Clifford seemed to have been waiting for me.
44:08He looked different.
44:10Guilty, almost.
44:12I heard what really happened.
44:16Chelsea admitted the truth to Roderick.
44:19I'm sorry for what I did to you.
44:20I didn't reply.
44:23I placed the money on the counter and left.
44:30Finally, I was free of that burden.
44:34Why did Leonard keep coming to my stall?
44:37Did he really love burritos that much?
44:41Do you really like burritos that much?
44:44I finally asked.
44:45No.
44:46Why?
44:48Taking another bite.
44:51Why do you come every day?
44:54Were you short on money for meals?
44:57But he didn't look like he was struggling.
45:01Because you're here.
45:02Between bites.
45:03I didn't fully process his words.
45:06Not until he swallowed, leaned closer, and looked at me seriously.
45:11Be my girlfriend?
45:15I froze for a second, then shook my head.
45:18I took his hand and placed it on my waist.
45:21I'm missing a kidney here.
45:25I have lung cancer here.
45:27He shrugged, unfazed.
45:29I know.
45:31I've always known.
45:33How could he know, reading my surprise?
45:36I'll tell you later.
45:38His hand lingered gently on my waist.
45:41Did it hurt?
45:43My eyes stung.
45:44No one had ever asked me that before.
45:48Not Roderick.
45:49Not my parents.
45:50Not a single person in three years.
45:56But this young man did.
46:00Six months later, I held the medical record the doctor had just given me.
46:05He said the cancer cells were gradually receding.
46:10Leonard had made sure I ate three meals a day.
46:13He walked me to every checkup.
46:18For the first time in years, I wanted to live, and it showed.
46:25With a positive mindset, consistent medication, and no late-night depressive episodes,
46:31full recovery was possible.
46:36There were cases of people beating cancer.
46:39It just wasn't easy.
46:46But I had managed it.
46:52Hey, where are you?
46:53You're not at your stall today.
46:55My phone buzzed with a message from Leonard.
46:57He'd bought me this phone himself.
47:01He'd claimed it was a buy one, get one deal.
47:04That he had an extra, and if I didn't take it, he'd throw it away.
47:08Who believed that?
47:09I certainly didn't.
47:12At the hospital.
47:19Half an hour later, Leonard came jobbing toward me in his basketball jersey.
47:28What did the doctor say?
47:30I put on a somber face, pretending to be downcast.
47:34I saw his expression dim, but he kept his voice steady.
47:40It's okay.
47:42I'll be with you every step of the way.
47:45I cut him off.
47:46Just kidding.
47:47The doctor says I'm doing really well.
47:51I couldn't bear to tease him for long.
47:56You've gotten mean.
47:58He pretended to be upset, but then he picked me up and spun me around twice.
48:11So, does this mean you'll say yes?
48:12He looked at me eagerly.
48:15Say yes to what?
48:18Interest yet him playfully.
48:20Be my girlfriend.
48:21But I'm not completely healed yet.
48:24What if it comes back?
48:25I don't care.
48:30My job is to love you and make you happy.
48:34If you're happy, you'll get better.
48:37He hugged me tightly, nuzzling against me.
48:41All right, I suppose I'll say yes.
48:46I wrapped my arms around him in return.
48:50I sounded as if I was doing him a favor.
48:53The truth was, he had been the one settling for me all along.
49:00As Leonard and I walked away hand in hand, I saw Roderick.
49:09I hadn't seen him in two or three months.
49:13He stood watching us, his eyes red.
49:20He'd pick me up to attend the service, and that was it.
49:23I'd also repaid him for all the medical bills.
49:26Even the money for the food cart.
49:30I knew he'd been watching me from a distance.
49:35He'd tried to approach me a few times.
49:42But I'd threatened to harm myself each time, and he'd finally stayed away.
49:51Mari, who is this?
49:52His eyes were still red.
49:55He already knew the answer.
50:00My girlfriend.
50:01My girlfriend.
50:01Leonard answered first, raising our joined hands.
50:06Is he good to you?
50:09Yes.
50:14I know what it looks like when you love someone, Mari.
50:18And I can see it's not me anymore.
50:21It took me a while to face it.
50:25Be happy.
50:28I wish you the same.
50:29He turned and walked away.
50:34I didn't look back.
50:35Some people are meant to be part of your story, but not your ending.
50:41I heard later that Roderick left to teach in a remote mountain.
50:45As for me, I was curled on the sofa, looking at the man in front of me.
50:50You said before that you knew about my health.
50:54How?
50:57I sprained my ankle during a game and ended up in the hospital.
51:02I was in the room next to yours.
51:04I overheard something while walking by, got curious, and looked through the glass.
51:13One look, and I just knew.
51:15He made it sound so casual.
51:17That's it?
51:18I didn't buy it.
51:19Your classmates mentioned something.
51:22My photo is your computer wallpaper.
51:25The one from when I was a sophomore.
51:27I meant the guys who had stopped by my stall for burritos.
51:30Sure enough, Leonard looked briefly embarrassed.
51:36He was probably cursing them in his head.
51:40Okay, fine.
51:43I was an exchange student at your university in my freshman year.
51:47Doing a photography project.
51:50You were there that day, so full of life.
51:53I couldn't help but take a picture.
51:55Later, I heard you were with Roderick.
51:58So, I kept my distance.
52:00I don't do home wrecking.
52:01He lifted his chin slightly.
52:04It wasn't until I saw you in the hospital
52:06that I realized how stupid I'd been all along.
52:09If I had stepped in back then,
52:11maybe none of this would have happened to you.
52:14After that, I kept an eye on you.
52:15Waiting until the day I ran into you at your stall.
52:17He looked genuinely regortful.
52:19I reached out and hugged him.
52:23Don't blame yourself.
52:25Some things were meant to happen.
52:27It wasn't your fault.
52:28I'd almost missed the chance to be with someone so wonderful.
52:31But in the end, nothing was too late.
52:33Other people go to rehab for drugs, alcohol, or gambling.
52:37I went to quit loving a man.
52:39In the end, I didn't just quit him.
52:43I learned to love myself again.
52:45I learned to love myself again.
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