- 19 hours ago
My Last Breath Exposed Their GreedDUBBED
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I hemorrhage during labor, and a family signature is needed, but Rose says,
00:04Ben will sign it, but Ben's name has to be added to your luxury apartment.
00:09My baby and I could die at any moment.
00:11I look to my husband for help, but instead he says,
00:14Honey, my mom's just looking out for our family.
00:17Ben cries harder than me, as if he's under pressure.
00:20I scream in agony, That's my private property!
00:24At the same time, the fetal monitor lets out a piercing sound.
00:27My doctor slaps the consent form onto Ben's chest and bellows.
00:30The baby needs oxygen. Any delay, and it might die. Sign it now.
00:35Ben looks at Rose pleadingly.
00:37Mom, we have to save them first.
00:40Rose pushes Ben aside and faces the doctor.
00:42Not a chance! Either she puts your name on the apartment, or they both die.
00:46She shoves an ink pad and a co-ownership agreement in my face.
00:50Lucy, press your thumb on it and add Ben's name.
00:55Then, he'll sign the consent form.
00:57Enraged, a nurse tries to call the police, but Rose stops her.
01:01This is a private matter! Not even the police can interfere!
01:05Tears and sweat stream down as the unrelenting pain tortures me.
01:08Ben, we went through five IVF cycles and finally got a baby!
01:13You can't just let our baby suffer!
01:15300 days of fertility shots left my abdomen scarred.
01:19During the agonizing egg retrieval, Ben got on his knees and slapped himself.
01:23He swore he'd love us forever.
01:25Was that just a lie?
01:27I watch as Ben kneels and sheds tears.
01:29Honey, this hurts me more than it hurts you.
01:33But Mom raised me and supported me.
01:35She just wants some assurance.
01:37Nothing will change after this.
01:39I won't steal the apartment from you.
01:40He forces my fist open and says,
01:43Honey, just give in, this once.
01:45At his words, my heart goes ice cold.
01:48My doctor bellows.
01:49The fetal heart rate has dropped to 60.
01:51I close my eyes in despair.
01:53For the baby, I say, I'll do it.
01:56The next moment, Rose grabs my thumb,
01:58presses it onto the ink pad before forcing it on the agreement.
02:01She takes the paper.
02:02That's more like it.
02:03Ben immediately stops crying.
02:05He stands up and signs the consent form.
02:07Doctor, please save my wife and baby now!
02:10Use the best medicine!
02:11Several nurses move me to the stretcher and rush me forward.
02:14We were about to enter the operating room
02:16when the head nurse suddenly stops us.
02:19She can't go in there!
02:20My doctor roars.
02:22What do you mean?
02:23She can't wait!
02:24The head nurse shows us the bill and says,
02:27Her family wanted a full refund!
02:29They're going to take back the deposit!
02:32My doctor asks sharply.
02:34What did you say?
02:35I follow their gazes and look over.
02:37At the nearest refund counter,
02:39Rose is stuffing wads of cash into a plastic bag,
02:42and Ben is right next to her, holding the bag open.
02:45I call out to Ben as loud as I could.
02:47His grip loosens,
02:49and he almost drops the bag when he heard me.
02:51Rose grabs the bag and rolls her eyes at the doctor.
02:55Quit shouting!
02:55$200,000 for childbirth is daylight robbery!
02:59Rose has nearly finished packing the $200,000.
03:03My doctor roars at her.
03:04The patient needs that money for the blood supply!
03:07He adds grimly.
03:08What if you don't pay for it?
03:10And she dies during the operation?
03:12Rose jabs her finger in his face.
03:14My childbirth cost me less than $100!
03:16You're a bunch of scammers!
03:18Blood kept flowing from my body,
03:20staining the bed deep red.
03:22I paid the hospital $200,000 beforehand as a contingency plan.
03:26I grit my teeth, my body trembling.
03:29Ben, give them the money.
03:30He gives me a troubled look and says,
03:33Honey, Fred's fiancé suddenly wants us to pay her $200,000,
03:36or she'll cancel the wedding and abort her baby.
03:39Mom took the deposit because she didn't have a choice.
03:42Once Fred's wedding is over, I promise I'll pay you back.
03:45I laugh bitterly, tears streaming down my face.
03:49You're using my money on your brother's wedding?
03:51The head nurse stands in the door.
03:53I won't let you through, unless you pay.
03:55Now!
03:56I try to grab his collar, but I'm too weak.
03:58I need the money.
04:00Flat out of options, Ben pleads with Rose,
04:02but she holds tight to the bag and sits on a chair.
04:05Her family is rich.
04:06She won't die from this bleeding.
04:08The medical staff are stunned.
04:10The nurse pulls out her phone.
04:12You're playing with her life!
04:13Rose immediately starts making a scene.
04:15The doctor and my daughter-in-law teamed up!
04:19To scam me!
04:21Ben gives me a helpless look.
04:23Honey, just look at Mom.
04:26Think of it as doing Fred a favor.
04:28The nurse shouts.
04:29The patient and her baby are getting worse!
04:32For my baby.
04:32I can't delay any longer.
04:34I grab my phone with trembling hands.
04:37I'll pay with my own money.
04:39Rose, who's on the floor,
04:41quickly gets up and clutches my wrist.
04:43You finally admit it.
04:45Ben worked his ass off and gave you his salary.
04:48But you've been skimming it for yourself!
04:51Let me go!
04:52My parents saved this money for me!
04:54Rose ignores me and pries my fingers open.
04:57Ben just stands there.
04:58He didn't stop her.
04:59Instead, he looks at me with grievance.
05:02Honey, if you have the money,
05:04why didn't you use it to help Todd out?
05:07Family means helping each other.
05:09Rose snatches my phone.
05:10Tell me the password now!
05:12My life depends on it.
05:14I won't tell you!
05:15She clutches the phone tightly and yells.
05:18Is that so?
05:20If you don't pay for it,
05:22you won't have the surgery today!
05:25The nurses charge forward and try to pull Rose away.
05:28Stop it!
05:28Get security!
05:30Rose fights back, driving the nurses back.
05:32I say in despair,
05:34Ben...
05:35He quickly steps forward and pulls Rose aside.
05:38Mom, cut it out!
05:40Your grandkid is still in Lucy's belly.
05:43I draw in a shallow breath,
05:44thinking he still has a conscience.
05:46But Ben suddenly grabs my right thumb
05:48and unlocks my phone.
05:49I try to resist him,
05:51but I can't.
05:52His eyes are reddened,
05:53and his tears keep falling.
05:55Honey, I'm sorry.
05:56You know how stubborn Mom is.
05:59Just give in to her this once.
06:01After you pay for the bill
06:02and our baby comes out,
06:04I'll do my best to make it up to you.
06:06Ben quickly checks my bank account.
06:08When they see the figure,
06:09they immediately gasp.
06:11Rose's voice is trembling.
06:13Three million dollars?
06:15I can't believe you hid this much money from us!
06:18Ben is dumbfounded as well.
06:20He says bitterly,
06:21Honey,
06:21I can't believe your parents gave you this much money.
06:24I can't believe you hid this from me.
06:26I can feel my body weakening
06:28and my consciousness fading.
06:30Give me my phone.
06:31Rose pulls up the payment page.
06:32Give it back?
06:34The moment you marry Ben,
06:35your money belongs to us.
06:37The password!
06:38Transfer the three million dollars to Ben now!
06:41My doctor grips my bed anxiously
06:42and charges toward the operating room.
06:44She's passing out!
06:45Rose spins around and stands at the door.
06:47She yells at them.
06:49Nobody gets in unless I get the money I deserve!
06:52The head nurse asks furiously.
06:54Are you out of your mind?
06:55This is murder!
06:56Rose spits in contempt.
06:58Like I care.
07:00She betrayed her family.
07:01She had it coming.
07:02Ben, use facial scanning!
07:04Ben looks at me, covered in blood,
07:06and glances at the figure on the phone.
07:08He makes up his mind,
07:09gulps uneasily,
07:10and brings the phone close.
07:12Honey, just blink once!
07:14The doctor said our baby will die
07:16if we don't act now.
07:17My heart goes completely cold.
07:19I bite my lips hard
07:20to keep myself awake with the pain,
07:22shutting my eyes tight.
07:23Rose tries to force my eyes open.
07:25The pain in my lower abdomen overwhelms me.
07:28I lose all strength and pass out.
07:30A nurse screams.
07:31She's passed out!
07:32The baby's heart is about to stop!
07:34At the critical moment,
07:36the hallway elevator suddenly opens,
07:38and a sharp, commanding voice rings out.
07:41No one messes with my daughter.
07:43When Mom sees me passed out,
07:45she almost collapses to the floor.
07:48Lucy!
07:48Dad storms over.
07:50What have you done to my baby daughter?
07:52He shoves Ben aside.
07:54Seeing that,
07:55Rose sits by the door and makes a scene.
07:57He's dangerous!
07:58If you mess with Ben,
08:00I won't let Lucy get the surgery she needs!
08:02Dad ignores Rose,
08:04and roars at the doctor.
08:05I am Lucy's father.
08:07I'll sign the form.
08:09Save her now.
08:10But the doctor shakes his head and says,
08:13That won't work!
08:14The patient has signed an agreement.
08:17It's a joint liability document that her husband has stamped.
08:21According to the rules,
08:23if the husband's around,
08:24only he can sign on surgery consent forms.
08:26Plus, she's hemorrhaging now,
08:28but they took her deposit.
08:30We can't proceed without payment.
08:32Dad whirls around and glares at Ben,
08:34cowering in the corner.
08:35Sign the form.
08:36And pay the hospital.
08:39Clutching his belly,
08:40Ben stands up and hides behind Rose.
08:42Suddenly,
08:43Rose has an idea.
08:44She stands up and dusts herself off.
08:46Ryan,
08:47rein in that temper of yours.
08:48She pulls out another agreement and shoves it at Dad.
08:51I won't let Ben sign anything.
08:54Unless you transfer 30% of your company shares to him immediately.
08:59Not a chance.
09:02That's our money.
09:04Why should we give it to you, bloodsuckers?
09:07Rose sneers and leans smugly against the wall.
09:10Is that so?
09:12We can play the waiting game?
09:15I'm not the one bleeding anyway!
09:17Then peeked out from behind Rose,
09:19looking wronged.
09:20Mr. and Mrs. Lowe,
09:22Lucy might die any moment.
09:23If I have the shares,
09:25I can give them the life they deserve.
09:26For the sake of Lucy and my baby,
09:28just sign it.
09:29Dad points at Ben,
09:30struggling to speak.
09:31A nurse cries out in tears.
09:33You must make a decision now!
09:35Her blood pressure is down to 50!
09:37She needs a blood transfusion now!
09:39Mom sees how pale I look,
09:40and she immediately falls apart.
09:42Ryan!
09:43Let him have it!
09:44Nothing matters more than Lucy's life!
09:46Dad's a prideful man,
09:48decisive in the business world.
09:49But now his eyes are reddened.
09:51Seeing me on the brink of death,
09:53he bends his knees
09:54and is about to kneel to Ben.
09:56I don't know how I found the strength,
09:57but I snap my eyes open
09:59and let out a piercing scream.
10:01Dad!
10:02Don't!
10:02Kneel!
10:03Dad's stunned.
10:04Ben and Rose are also startled
10:05by my sudden burst of energy.
10:07I grit my teeth,
10:08fight against the searing pain,
10:10and slowly props myself up.
10:11Seeing my parents like this
10:13hurts me more than anything.
10:14Five years of giving in,
10:16five IVF attempts,
10:17and all it brings
10:18is their growing greed
10:19and insults.
10:20Enough!
10:21This endless exploitation
10:23is going to end today.
10:25I suddenly yanked
10:26the fetal monitor's cable off.
10:28Colors drain from Ben's face.
10:30Lucy, what are you doing?
10:32I glared at Ben
10:33and said firmly,
10:34I don't want this baby anymore.
10:36Rose's scream
10:37pierces through the hallway.
10:38That baby belongs to our family.
10:41Ben also panics,
10:42his mask of false kindness falling.
10:44He runs toward the hospital bed
10:46and tries to grab my hand.
10:47Honey, calm down.
10:49You'd never do this to our baby.
10:51I pull my hand back
10:52and jab a finger in his face.
10:54Get lost!
10:55Then, I don't want the baby anymore.
10:57As Rose stares at me,
10:59it dawns on her
11:00that I'm being serious.
11:01If I die
11:02or choose to abort the baby,
11:03she won't get the apartment,
11:05three million dollars,
11:06or the shares from me and my dad.
11:08What's worse,
11:09she'd be accused of getting me killed.
11:11Rose immediately breaks into
11:12a loud, exaggerated sobbing.
11:14She yells,
11:15Unbelievable!
11:16If it's a surgery you want,
11:18we'll let you do it.
11:19I have to save my grandkid,
11:21no matter the cost.
11:22She forces a pen back into his hand.
11:24Sign it and return the $200,000 to them.
11:27We can't lose everything.
11:30Shaking uncontrollably,
11:31Ben signs the consent form
11:32and scrambles to the counter
11:34to settle the bill.
11:35The doctor says in relief,
11:36Move!
11:37Get her the blood, now!
11:38The moment they injected the anesthesia,
11:40I pass out cold.
11:42I wake up at noon next day,
11:44lying on the hospital bed weekly.
11:45It's quiet in the ward.
11:46Mom's sitting by my bed.
11:48Her eyes reddened.
11:50I ask, weakly,
11:51Mom, where's my baby?
11:52Mom holds my hand and says in tears,
11:54In the incubator.
11:55She's a girl,
11:56and she's safe.
11:57Lucy, I was so terrified.
11:59Upon hearing that,
12:00relief suddenly washes over me.
12:02No wonder Ben and Rose aren't here.
12:04They were desperately hoping for a boy.
12:06I ask coldly,
12:07Where's Ben?
12:08Mom freezes at once,
12:10her eyes darting away.
12:11After you were taken to the ICU,
12:13they saw your daughter and left.
12:14Said they're tending to Fred's wedding,
12:16Ryan was furious,
12:17and went to find a lawyer.
12:19Lucy, you have to divorce,
12:20before Mom could finish.
12:22The door is violently pushed open.
12:24Ben storms in and jabs a finger in my face.
12:26Lucy, you're unbelievably cunning.
12:29You transferred the apartment into a trust.
12:31You treat me like a fool.
12:33Ben shoves his phone in my face,
12:35starting a livestream.
12:36This heartless woman wanted to miscarry her baby
12:38for money's sake.
12:40Mom is freaked out and charges at him.
12:42Ben, are you crazy?
12:44We're in a ward!
12:45Rose shows up and pushes Mom aside.
12:47She looks into the camera and wails.
12:49My son cared for her throughout years of IVF process,
12:53and yet she made him divorce and walk away with nothing.
12:56I pity my poor granddaughter for having such a heartless mother.
12:59Seeing how shameless they are,
13:00I quiver with rage.
13:02My wounds throbbing with pain.
13:04Ben shows me as comments roll in non-stop.
13:06Gosh, what a ruthless woman.
13:09This is going too far.
13:10Divorce her, pal.
13:11She should walk away with nothing.
13:13So heartless.
13:14She's rotten to the core.
13:16Ben logs out of the livestream and approaches me.
13:18With a smug look on his face,
13:20he pulls out a divorce agreement and settlement statement.
13:24Sign them.
13:24Give me your luxury apartment and the $3 million
13:27as compensation for my mental distress.
13:30Then, I'll tell everyone it's a misunderstanding.
13:33Don't doom yourself and your family company.
13:35Ben slams the pen on the headboard.
13:37I gaze at the smug look in his face and let out a chuckle.
13:41Rose glares at me.
13:43What's so funny?
13:44I toss the divorce agreement to the floor.
13:47Your stupidity amuses me.
13:49That's when the door swings open again.
13:51Dad strolls in with three lawyers in sharp suit.
13:54His expression?
13:55I see.
13:55The leading lawyer, Riley,
13:57picks up the agreement and tosses it aside absentmindedly.
14:00Mr. Cruz,
14:01this agreement isn't legally binding.
14:03On behalf of Miss Lucy,
14:05I'm serving you formal notice.
14:06She pulls out thick files from her briefcase
14:09and throws them at Ben.
14:10Firstly,
14:11you forced Miss Lucy to sign a property agreement
14:14outside the operating room.
14:15We have hospital records showing she was in critical condition.
14:19You threatened a hemorrhaging pregnant lady
14:21to sign the document,
14:22using her treatment as leverage.
14:24That classifies as extreme coercion.
14:27We've filed it to have it voided,
14:28and we can sue you for extortion.
14:31Ben freezes for a beat,
14:32then forces a cold smirk.
14:34Void it?
14:35Her thumbprint is on it.
14:36Even if this drags on for years on the court,
14:39I own half of the apartment.
14:41I lean on the headboard as I watch him make a fool of himself.
14:44Wrong.
14:44I transferred that luxury apartment into a trust
14:47before we're even married.
14:48Adding your name won't help.
14:50No matter what you do,
14:51that property will never be yours.
14:54The smile on Ben's face immediately freezes.
14:56Dumbfounded, he asks,
14:58You were wary of me?
14:59I respond coldly,
15:00Of course.
15:01I'm a hopeless romantic,
15:03not an idiot.
15:04Rose got anxious when she heard what I said.
15:06Fine then.
15:06You saved the three million dollars while you're married.
15:09It's a shared asset.
15:11Riley adjusts her glasses,
15:12contempt in her eyes.
15:14You see,
15:14Mr. Lowe set up that money as a separate fund,
15:17and only Miss Lucy may access them.
15:19It also comes with a prenuptial notarization.
15:22You won't get anything.
15:23You forced her to transfer the money.
15:26That qualifies as attempted robbery.
15:28Rose stumbles backward in shock and collapses onto a chair.
15:31Ben grits his teeth and roars at me.
15:33Lucy, you're ruthless.
15:35But don't get cocky.
15:37I just secured a ten million dollar investment from Apex Corp.
15:40I no longer have to bow to you and your family.
15:42I'm rich and powerful now.
15:44I've ruined your reputation today.
15:46You don't stand a chance at a custody.
15:48So, this is why Ben came here today.
15:50He thought he found a strong backer,
15:52and no longer needed me,
15:53his stepping stone.
15:54Seeing how foolishly arrogant he is,
15:57Dad can't help but let out a cold chuckle.
16:00Ben, you've been a leech for so long
16:02that you actually believe you're a genius.
16:04He tilts his chin at Riley.
16:06Riley opens the last file.
16:09Mr. Cruz,
16:10the Apex Corp you mentioned
16:11is actually run by Miss Lucy behind the scene.
16:14Ben is stunned,
16:16staring at me in sheer disbelief.
16:18Riley didn't give him a chance to catch a breath.
16:21Based on the agreement and conduct clause you signed,
16:23your defamatory live stream
16:25has severely harmed the company's reputation
16:27and triggered a major backlash,
16:30amounting to a material breach.
16:32Apex Corp formally informs you
16:33of the immediate withdrawal
16:35of the $10 million investment.
16:37You're also liable for three times the penalty,
16:39which is $30 million.
16:41A written withdrawal and compensation notice
16:43is slammed onto Ben's chest.
16:45Wind blew into my ward,
16:47making the pages rustle.
16:48Ben is completely stumped.
16:50His legs give way,
16:51and he falls to his knees by my bed.
16:53Hearing the penalty amount,
16:55Rose passes out cold on the floor.
16:57Ben suddenly snaps,
16:59his eyes reddening.
17:00Lucy,
17:00you've been playing me for a fool.
17:02I'll mess you up.
17:03He's about to charge at me
17:05when a bodyguard lifts his leg
17:06and kicks Ben's wrist,
17:07knocking the scissors out of Ben's hand.
17:10The bodyguard immediately grapples Ben,
17:12twists his arms,
17:13and pins him firmly to the floor.
17:15Ben screams out of agonizing pain.
17:17Rose,
17:18previously lying unconscious,
17:20immediately wakes up
17:21when she hears his scream.
17:22It's a murder.
17:23The wealthy is targeting us.
17:24Let Ben go now.
17:26Another bodyguard pushes Ben to the corner.
17:28He's pinned hard to the floor,
17:29but he still yells arrogantly.
17:31Lucy,
17:32just wait and see.
17:33I'll get charged with disorderly conduct
17:35and be free very soon.
17:37I'll cause trouble at Low Corp every day.
17:39I'll screw you all up.
17:41Ben thought he has nothing to lose
17:43and can shamelessly pressure me.
17:44I look at him icily.
17:46Ben,
17:47do you not understand the law?
17:48Did you really think you're arrested
17:50because you attacked me earlier?
17:51I nod at Riley.
17:53She pulls out a document and says,
17:55Mr. Cruz,
17:56pay attention.
17:57You and your mother
17:58deliberately obstructed the treatment
18:00and withheld consent for surgery
18:01for over 30 minutes.
18:03This directly caused
18:04a severe amniotic fluid contamination
18:06and major uterine hemorrhage.
18:08Saving my life
18:09cost me my fertility.
18:11Ben and Rose will pay.
18:13To save my life,
18:14I lost the ability
18:15to bear another child.
18:17Ben and Rose
18:18are going to pay for this.
18:19Riley enunciates
18:20as she speaks,
18:22you abused your status
18:23as family
18:23to stop Miss Lucy
18:24from getting treatment
18:25despite knowing the risks.
18:27This is more than
18:28a medical dispute
18:29or a private matter.
18:30What you two did
18:31classifies as
18:32intentional injury
18:33causing serious harm.
18:34This is a serious offense.
18:36Ben immediately
18:37falls silent.
18:38The arrogance on his face
18:39gives way to sheer terror.
18:41Ben said shakily,
18:43Bullshit.
18:44I'm her husband.
18:45I can reject the surgery.
18:46Everyone bleeds during labor.
18:48I sneer.
18:49Is that so?
18:50Tell that to the judge.
18:51Hurried footsteps
18:52came from outside
18:53and several policemen
18:54storm into my ward.
18:55The leading officer
18:56asks grimly,
18:58Where's Ben Cruz?
18:59Rose hurriedly runs over,
19:01trying to gain their favor.
19:02I'm here.
19:03Officer,
19:03they attacked us.
19:04They bullied us
19:05with their wealth.
19:06The officer pulls her away
19:07and brandishes
19:08silver handcuffs.
19:09Then,
19:10we received a report.
19:11You're suspected
19:12of intentional injury
19:13and extortion.
19:14We will now take you in.
19:16Then,
19:16the officer handcuffs Ben,
19:18who immediately
19:18falls apart.
19:20His legs give out
19:21and he collapses
19:22to the floor.
19:22Honey,
19:23Lucy,
19:24I'm sorry.
19:24I really am.
19:25I'm doing this for us.
19:27Mom made me do it.
19:29Please forgive me.
19:29Our baby needs her daddy.
19:31Even now,
19:32Ben is still shifting blame
19:33and guilt tripping me.
19:35I turn around.
19:36Not sparing him a glance.
19:37The officer drags him
19:38out of my ward
19:39without hesitation.
19:40Rose is so freaked out,
19:42she collapsed to the floor,
19:43not daring to make a peep.
19:45Ben's piercing screams
19:46echo in the hallway.
19:47Mom,
19:48save me!
19:49Riley approaches Rose,
19:51looking down at her.
19:52Miss,
19:53you're not getting away either.
19:54Your detention order
19:55will arrive at noon.
19:57Rose slumps to the floor,
19:59trembling like a newborn calf.
20:00No,
20:01a college student like Ben
20:02can't go to jail.
20:03She mutters incoherently
20:04as she quickly runs
20:05toward the door,
20:06trying to escape.
20:07Dad snaps.
20:08Not so fast.
20:09The two bodyguards
20:10immediately blocks Rose.
20:12Dad looks at Riley.
20:14Has everything online
20:15been cleaned up?
20:16She nods in response
20:17and brings the tablet
20:18close to me.
20:18Mr. Low.
20:19Low Corp's PR team
20:21has dealt with
20:22the public opinion.
20:23I see that Ben's
20:23earlier live stream,
20:25used to smear me,
20:26has been taken down.
20:27And now,
20:28Low Corp's official account
20:29released a clarification post.
20:31No misleading sob stories,
20:33just three scanned documents.
20:35The first is the property
20:36ownership addendum
20:37with my thumbprint.
20:38The second is a hospital bill
20:40for critical postpartum bleeding
20:41and a transaction record
20:42showing Ben refunded
20:44the $200,000.
20:45The third is a signed consent form
20:47for partial hysterectomy.
20:48With these solid evidence,
20:50the public opinion
20:51shifted dramatically.
20:52My case quickly became
20:53the top trending topic.
20:55The comments flips completely.
20:57Gosh,
20:57this isn't childbirth.
20:58This is ruthless murder,
21:00taking his wife's money
21:01when she hemorrhaged.
21:02He should be executed.
21:04The whole family is rotten.
21:06They deserved to die.
21:07Suddenly,
21:08someone barges into my ward.
21:10Ben's brother,
21:11Fred Cruz,
21:11barges in,
21:12a crumpled vehicle transfer
21:13agreement in his hand.
21:15He didn't notice
21:15what is happening
21:16and jabs a finger in my face.
21:18Lucy,
21:19you're screwing with me.
21:20Ben told me I'd have
21:21the $200,000 today,
21:23but he gave it back
21:24to the hospital.
21:25My fiancé wants
21:26to call off our wedding.
21:27I want the Porsche key now.
21:29I need it for a mortgage loan.
21:30Seeing Fred here,
21:32Rose's hope is renewed.
21:33She crawls toward him
21:34and holds his leg.
21:35Fred,
21:36run now.
21:37They have been arrested.
21:38Fred freezes.
21:39Seeing the lawyers
21:40and bodyguards,
21:41he knows something's wrong.
21:43But seeing the agreement
21:44with my thumbprint,
21:45he puffs up and says,
21:47why'd you arrest him?
21:48You stamped on the agreement.
21:49This car belongs to me.
21:51You're very wealthy.
21:52You don't need this car.
21:53Give me the key now
21:54or I'll sue your ass.
21:55Looking at his shameless expression,
21:58I can't help but sneer.
21:59Sue me?
22:00Fine then.
22:01I arch an eyebrow at Riley.
22:03Show him how it's done.
22:04Riley steps forward.
22:05Mr. Fred,
22:07thank you for bringing us
22:08the evidence.
22:08Fred is stunned.
22:10What?
22:11Riley suddenly raises her voice.
22:13Ben and Rose
22:14deliberately obstructed
22:15doctor and nurses
22:16and forced Ms. Lucy
22:17to stamp on it
22:18when she was in labor
22:19and in dire need
22:20of a treatment.
22:21Riley says,
22:22The current market value
22:24of this Porsche
22:24is $1.2 million.
22:27By law,
22:28forcing victims
22:29to hand over assets
22:30through threats
22:30or coercion
22:31when a large amount
22:32is involved
22:33carries 10 years
22:34or more.
22:35Colors immediately
22:36drain from Fred's face
22:37and the agreement
22:38slips from his hand.
22:39Knock it off.
22:40Ben made her sign it.
22:42I'm innocent.
22:43Fred stutters
22:43as he backs away.
22:44Riley advances relentlessly.
22:46No, you're not.
22:47You directly benefited
22:49from this crime
22:49and you made a second demand
22:51with the same agreement.
22:52Legally speaking,
22:54you and Rose
22:54are accomplices
22:55in this extortion.
22:56At the next moment,
22:57heavy footsteps
22:58come from outside again.
23:00Two officers
23:01with warrants
23:01enter my ward.
23:03Where's Fred Cruz
23:03and Rose Bay?
23:04We receive another report
23:05from Ms. Shaw
23:06that you're suspected
23:07of extortion.
23:08You need to come with us.
23:10Fred's legs give way
23:11and he collapses
23:12to the floor.
23:13Officer,
23:14I don't want the car.
23:15I don't want anything.
23:16Don't arrest me.
23:17Rose's eyes roll back.
23:18This time,
23:19she passes out cold.
23:21The officers show no mercy.
23:23They pick Fred up
23:24and drag the unconscious Rose out.
23:25My ward is finally quiet again.
23:28Six months later,
23:29the court issues
23:29its final ruling.
23:30Ben is convicted
23:31of extortion
23:32and intentional injury
23:33and sentenced
23:34to 12 years.
23:35Rose is sentenced
23:36to five as an accomplice.
23:37Fred is sentenced
23:38to three
23:39for his involvement
23:39in the car extortion case.
23:41When I receive the verdict,
23:42I visit Ben
23:43in the detention center.
23:45We're separated
23:46by a thick glass.
23:47Ben picks up the phone.
23:48His head is shaved,
23:50looks miserable
23:50and extremely scrawny.
23:52He slams into the glass
23:53when he sees me,
23:54breaking into tears.
23:55Honey,
23:56Lucy,
23:57I really am sorry.
23:58It's hell on earth in there.
23:59Apply a medical parole for me.
24:02Issue a forgiveness letter.
24:03I look at him icily.
24:04Ben,
24:05have you lost your mind?
24:06The evidence was airtight.
24:07You think I can absolve
24:09your crime?
24:09He's stunned.
24:10Sheer terror flashing
24:11in his eyes.
24:12Ben,
24:12Ben slams the glass again.
24:14Where's our baby?
24:15I want to see her.
24:16I'm her father.
24:17You can't strip away my right.
24:19Even now,
24:20Ben still won't give up.
24:22I scoff.
24:23Her name is Ellie Lowe
24:24and she'll never know
24:25who her father is.
24:26I lean slightly closer,
24:28look into his eyes
24:29and drop the bombshell.
24:31There's more.
24:31You guys care about lineage
24:33and inheritance,
24:34don't you?
24:35On your second day here,
24:36Fred's fiance aborted her baby.
24:38She kept all the money,
24:40empty your old place of valuables
24:41and ran away.
24:43When Rose heard that,
24:44she had a stroke.
24:45She's now paralyzed
24:46and stuck in bed for life.
24:48Fully dependent on care,
24:50Ben's eyes widen.
24:51His jaw slack.
24:52He can't say a word.
24:54His family,
24:55so carefully protected by Rose,
24:57has no air left.
24:58I put the final nail
24:59in the coffin.
25:00Also,
25:01the court has enforced
25:02the $30 million penalty
25:03from Apex Corp.
25:05All your bank cards
25:06are frozen.
25:06You're not just a felon,
25:07but also a loser
25:09with a $30 million debt.
25:10When you get out in 12 years,
25:12all that awaits you
25:13is endless debt
25:14and a miserable life.
25:15With a loud thud,
25:17Ben's phone falls onto the table.
25:19He convulses violently
25:20and collapses,
25:21unconscious.
25:22The prison guard
25:23quickly drags him back
25:24to his cell.
25:25I hang the phone back,
25:26stand up,
25:27and leave without hesitation.
25:29After I walk out
25:30of the detention center,
25:31Mom and Dad
25:32are standing with Ellie,
25:33waving at me
25:34as they stand next
25:35to the spotless Portia.
25:37Ellie is wearing
25:37a pink dress
25:38as she smiles at me,
25:39the little girl
25:40I risked everything
25:41to protect.
25:42I run over
25:43and pull Ellie
25:44into my arms.
25:45My eyes sting
25:46as I take a deep breath
25:47of fresh air.
25:48A woman should never
25:49give everything she has
25:51to anyone
25:51or enable greedy people
25:53in any way.
25:54A woman can only rely
25:55on herself.
25:56The sunlight is so warm
25:58that my nose stings.
25:59I hold Ellie tightly,
26:00feeling her soft little body
26:02against my chest,
26:03listening to her soft babbling.
26:05All my pain and grievance
26:07melted away.
26:08Mom and Dad look at me
26:09and Ellie with warmth
26:10and relief.
26:11Dad holds Mom
26:12by the shoulders
26:13and gives me a warm gaze.
26:14Let's go home.
26:15I nod and hold Ellie
26:17as I get into the back seat.
26:18They sit in front.
26:19The car slowly leaves
26:21the detention center
26:22and heads home.
26:23Along the way,
26:24Ellie leans on my chest,
26:25grabbing my finger
26:26and giggling now and then.
26:27I look into her bright,
26:29innocent eyes.
26:29She takes after me
26:30and my parents.
26:31Warm yet resolved,
26:33like the Lowe family.
26:34The car drives
26:35into a familiar district.
26:36The security waves at us.
26:38Everything's the same as before,
26:40but I am no longer the same.
26:42Inside,
26:42the maid has prepared dishes
26:43and my home smells of food
26:45and a milky scent.
26:46The maid takes Ellie
26:47and soothes her.
26:48My parents and I
26:49sit at the table
26:50and finally have
26:51a peaceful meal.
26:52Dad lowers his utensils,
26:54looks at me
26:54and says solemnly,
26:56Lucy,
26:56the things with the cruises
26:57are over.
26:58Let's focus on making
26:59a good life.
27:00I'll guide you
27:01if you want to take over
27:02Lowe Corp.
27:03If you don't,
27:03I can support you
27:05and Ellie.
27:05Mom quickly nods
27:06and adds food to my pile.
27:08Yeah, Lucy,
27:09don't pressure yourself
27:10too much.
27:10I look at their graying hair,
27:12my heart aching.
27:13They were worried sick about me.
27:15From the delivery room incident
27:16to the subsequent lawsuits,
27:18they were by my side,
27:19giving me support.
27:20I lower my utensils,
27:22my gaze resolved.
27:23Mom,
27:24Dad,
27:24I want to take over Lowe Corp.
27:26After that disaster,
27:27I'm no longer
27:28the hopeless romantic.
27:30I know I need real power
27:31to protect the people
27:32I care about.
27:33Relief flashes in Dad's eye
27:34as he nods.
27:35I've been waiting
27:36for you to say that.
27:37Starting tomorrow,
27:38you'll work at Lowe Corp.
27:40Start at the basics.
27:41I'll show you the rope.
27:42I agree,
27:43feeling determined.
27:44From now on,
27:45I'll be Ellie's loving mother
27:46in the family's backbone.
27:48I won't let those who wronged me
27:49look down on me again.
27:51The next morning,
27:52I give Ellie to the maid,
27:54change into a sharp suit,
27:55and drive to Lowe Corp.
27:56Standing outside the skyscraper,
27:58I take a deep breath
27:59and walk through the door.
28:01The receptionist is stunned,
28:02but she greets me.
28:04Ms. Lowe,
28:04I nod,
28:05walk to the elevator,
28:06and press the button
28:07for the top floor.
28:08When the door opens,
28:09Dad's already waiting for me.
28:11A new table set beside his work desk.
28:13He gives me piles of documents.
28:15From here on out,
28:16this is your work desk.
28:18Go over Lowe Corp's basic information.
28:20Ask away if you're unsure.
28:21I take the files,
28:22sit at my desk,
28:23and start reading.
28:25Lowe Corp spans real estate,
28:27tech, investment,
28:28and more.
28:29Apex Corp is its investment arm.
28:31My casual investment
28:32in Ben's tech firm
28:33unexpectedly ended up
28:34bringing him down.
28:36In the days ahead,
28:37I go from department to department,
28:39from finance and operations
28:40to marketing and R&D,
28:42learning every step of the way.
28:44At first,
28:45seasoned employees
28:46look at me with doubt,
28:47thinking I'm just an heiress
28:48who won't amount to anything.
28:49I say nothing
28:50and let my work speak for me.
28:52In meetings,
28:53I pay close attention
28:54and give sharp,
28:55insightful opinions.
28:56When I work,
28:57I'm meticulous
28:58and make sure everything's perfect.
28:59I stay poised
29:00with business partners.
29:02I close one collaboration
29:03after another
29:04with my skill
29:04and low-corpse backing.
29:06In just three months,
29:07everyone in the company
29:08sees me in a new light
29:09and shows me the respect
29:10I deserve as a CEO.
29:12In the process,
29:13I grow fast,
29:14losing my youthful uncertainty
29:16and becoming sharper
29:17and more decisive.
29:18In my free time,
29:19my biggest source of joy
29:20is Ellie.
29:21She grows day by day,
29:22from sitting
29:23to crawling
29:24to saying mama.
29:25Every time she calls out to me,
29:27it melts my heart.
29:28I carry her
29:29as I play with her,
29:30read storybooks
29:31and teach her.
29:31I give her
29:32all the love I have.
29:33Mom and dad are happy
29:34whenever they look at us.
29:36They say I'm the best version
29:37of myself now.
29:38My life is quiet
29:39and fulfilling.
29:41One day,
29:41Riley brings me some news.
29:43She sits in front of me
29:44and gives me a letter.
29:45Ms. Lowe,
29:46Ben lodged an appeal
29:47while in prison.
29:48He is fighting
29:49for Ellie's custody.
29:51I flipped through
29:51the appeal letter
29:52and sneered.
29:53Even now,
29:54Ben still refuses
29:55to give up.
29:56He's a fool
29:57for thinking
29:57he can get Ellie's custody.
29:59I gaze at Riley.
30:01Do you think
30:01he stands a chance?
30:02She shakes her head
30:03and says firmly,
30:05Ms. Lowe,
30:05he'll never get it.
30:07Firstly,
30:08he's sentenced
30:08to 12 years
30:09for extortion
30:10and intentional injury.
30:11He's a convicted felon.
30:13The court
30:13will never grant custody
30:14to him.
30:15Secondly,
30:16Ellie has been under
30:17your care
30:17her whole life.
30:18She has a good home
30:19and she loves you.
30:20Lastly,
30:21Ben has no income
30:22at all.
30:23He can't even support
30:24himself,
30:24let alone Ellie.
30:25I nod in understanding.
30:27Let Ben appeal then.
30:29I'm ready for him.
30:30Let's if he can still
30:31stir things up.
30:33Riley agrees
30:33and leaves to handle it.
30:35As what she has said,
30:36the court rejects
30:37Ben's appeal
30:38in no time
30:39and states clearly
30:40that he can't support Ellie.
30:42Her custody
30:42is still mine.
30:44Plus,
30:44he's not allowed
30:45to see Ellie either.
30:46It is an expected outcome.
30:48When I tell my parents,
30:49they sigh in relief.
30:50Ben has finally given up.
30:52I thought that's
30:53the end of the cruises.
30:54Surprisingly,
30:55another mess crops up
30:57months later.
30:58One day,
30:58I'm in a meeting
30:59when the receptionist calls
31:00and says Ben's distant cousin
31:02is making a fuss,
31:03asking to see me.
31:05I send my assistant,
31:07Sarah West,
31:08to check it out.
31:08Sarah returns shortly,
31:10looking troubled.
31:11Ms. Lowe,
31:11she said after Ben's mother
31:13was paralyzed
31:13after suffering a stroke.
31:15Prison condition was poor.
31:16She wanted you to pay
31:17for the treatment.
31:18She said she'd ruin
31:19the company's reputation
31:20if you refused to do it.
31:22I let out
31:23an exasperated laugh.
31:24The cruises greed
31:25knows no bound.
31:26Even now,
31:27they want my money.
31:29Rose ended up like this
31:30because she deserved it.
31:32It's not my fault.
31:33I lower my documents
31:34and get up.
31:35Let's go downstairs
31:36and see what this
31:37distant cousin of Ben's
31:39can do.
31:39At the entrance,
31:40a woman in a floral shirt
31:42is shouting
31:43at the top of her lungs,
31:44Lucy,
31:45you heartless bitch.
31:46You put Ben behind bars
31:47and got Rose paralyzed.
31:49You'll pay for it.
31:50Why can't a rich woman like you
31:52pay for Rose's treatment?
31:53The owner of Lowe Corp
31:54is heartless,
31:55picking on the helpless.
31:56A crowd forms around her,
31:58pointing at us
31:59and taking pictures.
32:00I approach the woman
32:01and ask icily,
32:02Who are you?
32:03Do I know you?
32:04She rushes over
32:05when she sees me,
32:06trying to grab me.
32:07My bodyguards
32:08stop her cold.
32:09I'm May Cruz,
32:10Ben's distant cousin.
32:11She glares at me,
32:12clearly furious.
32:13Lucy,
32:14being rich doesn't mean
32:15you can do
32:15whatever you want.
32:16May says,
32:17Rose is bedridden
32:18in prison,
32:19paralyzed.
32:20She couldn't even drink water.
32:21If you have conscience,
32:23you'll pay for her treatment.
32:24Otherwise,
32:25I'll keep making a fuss here
32:26and let everyone know
32:28who you really are.
32:29The way she acts
32:30reminds me of Rose.
32:31Disgust rises in me,
32:33I ask icily.
32:34May Cruz, huh?
32:35Firstly,
32:36Rose ended up like this
32:37because of herself.
32:38It's not my fault.
32:39With Ben at her side,
32:40she obstructed my treatment,
32:42leading to partial hysterectomy
32:44and costing me my fertility.
32:46She deserves this.
32:47Secondly,
32:48the prison has medical staff.
32:50They'll treat her.
32:51It's not your call.
32:52Lastly,
32:53you're standing at
32:54low-corpse entrance.
32:55Making a disturbance here
32:56breaks the law.
32:57You've got two options.
32:59If you leave now,
33:00I'll let it slide.
33:01Otherwise,
33:02security will take you
33:03to the police
33:03and you'll be imprisoned.
33:05May didn't expect this at all.
33:07She's stunned,
33:08but she quickly resumes.
33:09Take me to the police department
33:10if you can.
33:11Let's see if you really can
33:13do whatever you want.
33:14I ignore her
33:15and gesture at security
33:17to take her to the police.
33:18They quickly grab May
33:19and take her
33:20to the police department.
33:21May screams in panic
33:23and resists them,
33:24but it does no good.
33:25Once people around
33:27see the truth,
33:27they criticize May
33:28for being unreasonable.
33:30Afterward,
33:31I go back to Low Corp
33:32for my meeting.
33:33After this incident,
33:34I realize it's impossible
33:35to shake off the cruises.
33:37They'll always think
33:38of a way to pester me.
33:40To protect myself,
33:41I have Riley draft
33:42a public statement
33:43and publish it
33:43on Low Corp's
33:44official account.
33:45The statement outlines
33:46Ben, Rose,
33:47and Fred's crimes
33:48and what I had suffered
33:49because of them.
33:50It also declares
33:51how I won't help the cruises
33:53in any way,
33:54shape,
33:55or form.
33:55Any such demands
33:56in the future
33:57would be pursued legally.
33:58The moment it's posted,
34:00everyone on the internet
34:01supports me.
34:02They say I'm right.
34:03I should fight back
34:04against people this greedy.
34:05Some netizens
34:06don't know the truth
34:07and attack me,
34:08but the others
34:08are quick to correct them.
34:10After that,
34:10the cruises
34:11no longer cause me trouble.
34:12They're out of my life entirely.
34:14Peace returns once more.
34:16I work as usual
34:16and spend time with Ellie.
34:18Every day,
34:18she grows a little,
34:19becoming more adorable
34:21and intelligent.
34:22She can jump,
34:23recite poems,
34:23and sing lullabies.
34:25Every time I come home,
34:26Ellie runs into my arms,
34:27calling out to me affectionately.
34:29Watching her grow,
34:30it makes me feel
34:31it's all worth it.
34:32At work,
34:32I become more capable in time.
34:34With Dad's guidance,
34:35I successfully secure
34:36several important projects,
34:38all with solid outcomes.
34:40Dad is relieved
34:41by how much I've grown.
34:42He says,
34:43I'll leave Low Corp
34:44in your hands.
34:44I can retire now.
34:46In my second year
34:47running the Low Corp,
34:48Dad retires,
34:49and I officially
34:50become its chairwoman.
34:51On my first day in office,
34:53I give a speech
34:54in front of the entire
34:55top management.
34:56I say,
34:57Low Corp will continue
34:58to uphold integrity,
34:59innovation,
35:00and honor.
35:01I will also lead the company
35:02to engage in charity
35:04and help those in need.
35:05Everyone cheers and applauds.
35:07As chairwoman,
35:08I work even harder.
35:10Under my leadership,
35:11Low Corp grows larger,
35:13its business scope expanding.
35:14We become the industry leader soon,
35:16and I'm known as a tough career woman.
35:19To Ellie, however,
35:20I'm always a loving mother.
35:22I make sure to take her
35:23to the amusement parks
35:24and zoos.
35:25We celebrate birthdays
35:26and big moments.
35:27I never want her to grow up
35:29without love.
35:30Ellie goes to the kindergarten
35:31at five.
35:32She's well-behaved.
35:33She has many friends,
35:34and the teachers love her.
35:36One day,
35:37the kindergarten holds an event.
35:38I make sure to clear my schedule
35:40and join it.
35:41At the event,
35:42Ellie holds my hand
35:43as she introduces me.
35:44This is my mom.
35:45She's the best.
35:46Her pride fills my heart
35:48with warmth.
35:49After the event,
35:51Ellie tilts her face
35:52and asks,
35:52Mom,
35:53why does everyone have a dad,
35:54but I don't?
35:55My heart clutches
35:56when I hear that.
35:57I kneel,
35:58look into her eyes
35:59and say softly,
36:00Ellie,
36:00you've got me?
36:01Grandpa and Grandma,
36:02we love you very much.
36:04That is it.
36:05Your father is a bad person,
36:06and he did many bad things.
36:08He's where he belongs now.
36:10He doesn't deserve you.
36:11Ellie nods uncertainly.
36:12She hugs me and says,
36:14I don't need him then.
36:15All I need is you,
36:16Grandma and Grandpa.
36:17I hug her back,
36:18my eyes stinging.
36:20I know Ellie will ask
36:21about Ben again.
36:22I'll tell her the truth
36:23in the kindest way
36:24and let her know
36:25she can still grow up loved
36:26without a father.
36:27Time passes in a blur.
36:29Ellie is in an elementary school now,
36:31and I have become more mature.
36:33A better woman now.
36:34Many try to set me up
36:35with someone,
36:36business elites,
36:37cultured scholars,
36:38and more,
36:39but I turn them down.
36:40After Ben's betrayal,
36:41I no longer look forward
36:43to falling in love.
36:44I believe my life
36:44is amazing now.
36:46I have a loving family
36:47and my own company.
36:48Life is good.
36:50Mom and Dad might be worried,
36:51but they respect that.
36:52All they want
36:53is for me to be happy.
36:54When Ellie goes to third grade,
36:56something happens,
36:57and I gain a new perspective
36:59on love.
37:00One day,
37:00I go to pick her up
37:01from school
37:02and see her holding
37:03a boy's hand,
37:04smiling and laughing.
37:06A man stands
37:07beside the little boy.
37:08He's sophisticated
37:09and elegant.
37:11Ellie lets go of the boy
37:12and runs to me.
37:13Mom,
37:13I pick Ellie up
37:14and grin at the man.
37:15He nods at me in response,
37:17smiling warmly.
37:18Hi, I'm Carl Gunn,
37:19Zeke's father.
37:20He and Ellie
37:21are classmates
37:21and best friends.
37:23I nod.
37:24Hi, I'm Lucy Lowe,
37:25Ellie's mom,
37:26and that's how I met Carl.
37:27He's a college professor.
37:29He's refined
37:30and gentle by nature.
37:31His wife died
37:31a few years back.
37:33It's just him and Zeke now.
37:34Because Ellie and Zeke
37:35are friends,
37:36Carl and I
37:37slowly get closer.
37:38We pick up the kids together,
37:40go to amusement parks,
37:41and attend school events.
37:42I come to realize
37:43that Carl
37:44is very reliable.
37:45He's gentle,
37:46thoughtful,
37:47responsible,
37:47and good with kids.
37:48He never pries into my past,
37:50only helps me
37:51when I need it.
37:52One day,
37:53I work so late
37:53that I forgot
37:54to pick Ellie up.
37:55When I realize it,
37:56it's already over 8 p.m.
37:58I panic and rush
37:59to the school by car,
38:00feeling very guilty.
38:01But when I arrive,
38:03I see Carl
38:03keeping Ellie company
38:04at the nearby convenience store.
38:06She has a lollipop in her hand
38:07and a toothy grin.
38:09Carl grins at me
38:10when he sees me.
38:11I didn't see you.
38:12I took her here
38:13so you wouldn't worry.
38:14Ellie runs into my arms.
38:16Mom,
38:16Mr. Gunn bought me
38:17a lollipop
38:18and played with me.
38:19I gaze at Carl,
38:21feeling deeply grateful.
38:22Thank you, Carl.
38:23His smile is warm
38:24and soothing.
38:25That's what friends do.
38:26From then on,
38:27my feelings toward Carl
38:28changed a little.
38:30But I'm too scared
38:31of getting hurt again.
38:32Carl seemingly
38:33sees through my concern,
38:34but he didn't push.
38:35He merely stays by our side
38:37as a good friend.
38:38Carl brings me medicine
38:39when I fall sick,
38:40listens when I grumble
38:41about work,
38:42and gives Ellie gifts
38:43on her birthday.
38:44His kindness
38:45slowly warms me up
38:46and eases the cold
38:47in my heart.
38:48Ellie likes Carl
38:49a lot, too.
38:50She'd hold his hand
38:51and call out to him,
38:52sharing her favorite
38:53snack with him.
38:54One day,
38:55Ellie quietly tugs at me
38:56and asks softly,
38:58Mom,
38:58I really like Mr. Gunn.
39:00Can he be my dad?
39:01Upon hearing what she said,
39:02my heart suddenly jolts.
39:04I look at Ellie's hopeful eyes,
39:05unsure how to answer.
39:07Carl seems to have
39:08heard her question, too.
39:09He looks at me
39:09with anticipation
39:10and respect,
39:11averting Carl's gaze.
39:13I leave with Ellie
39:14in my arms.
39:15That night,
39:15I toss and turn on my bed
39:17and couldn't sleep.
39:18I thought about Ben
39:18and the past
39:19I'd rather forget.
39:20I thought of Carl
39:21and his warmth.
39:22I ask myself,
39:23am I going to reject happiness
39:25because the past still hurts?
39:27Do I really want Ellie
39:28to never have a father?
39:29The next day,
39:30I have a long talk with Carl.
39:32I told Carl everything
39:34about my past,
39:35including Ben's betrayal,
39:36the incident at the hospital,
39:38and that I can't get pregnant again.
39:39I thought he'd leave after that.
39:41Surprisingly,
39:42Carl holds my hand gently,
39:44warmth in his eyes.
39:45Lucy,
39:46I can't be a part of your past
39:47or change it,
39:48but I want a place in your future
39:50and be with you forever.
39:51I don't care about your past
39:53or that you can't get pregnant.
39:54You and Ellie
39:55are all I care about.
39:57I want to be the man
39:58you and Ellie rely on
39:59and make a family of our own.
40:01His sincere words
40:02moved me to tears.
40:03For years,
40:04I've carried everything alone.
40:06No one has ever said this to me.
40:07I met Carl's sincere gaze,
40:09nod,
40:10and say,
40:10OK,
40:12quietly choosing hope.
40:14And that's how we end up together.
40:16Carl didn't propose
40:16and make any big gestures.
40:18He take me and Ellie
40:19to the amusement park.
40:20High on the Ferris wheel?
40:22Ellie in his arms.
40:23Carl takes my hand and says,
40:25We're family now.
40:27Ellie is overjoyed,
40:28and I look at them
40:29with a rare, genuine smile.
40:31Carl becomes part of my life
40:33and my family.
40:34Mom and Dad love him.
40:35They're comfortable
40:36with us being together.
40:37Carl loves Ellie like his own.
40:39He helps her study
40:41and tells her bedtime stories.
40:43Ellie becomes more attached to Carl
40:45and begins calling him Dad.
40:47Every time she does,
40:48a warm smile spread across his face.
40:51With Carl by my side,
40:52I become gentler
40:53and smile more often.
40:54I'm no longer a tough,
40:56guarded woman,
40:57but someone surrounded by love.
40:59Carl remembers my birthday,
41:01gives me flour on Valentine's,
41:03and prepares warm meal for me
41:04when I work overtime.
41:06His thoughtfulness slowly
41:07mends the pain inside me.
41:08On our third year together,
41:09we hold a simple wedding.
41:11We didn't invite a lot of people,
41:13only Mom, Dad,
41:14Ellie, Zeke,
41:15and some close friends.
41:16Ellie's wearing a white dress
41:18as she put my hand on Carl's palm.
41:20Dad, make sure you look after Mom.
41:22Carl kneels and pats her head.
41:24Don't worry,
41:25I'll look after the both of you.
41:26It's a simple yet warm ceremony.
41:28My heart swells with joy
41:30as I look at Carl,
41:31my parents,
41:32and our kids.
41:33I know I finally found
41:35my own happiness.
41:36Our life is simple yet full of love.
41:38I continue to run Low Corp,
41:40and Carl works at the same college.
41:42Ellie and Zeke
41:42happily grow up together.
41:44The four of us live a simple,
41:45happy life.
41:46In our free time,
41:47we'd go on leisure trips
41:48to see various beautiful scenery
41:50the world has to offer.
41:52Ellie becomes more cheerful
41:53and confident.
41:54She no longer feels insecure.
41:55After all,
41:56I love her with all my heart.
41:58Carl absolutely adores her.
42:00Zeke dotes on her.
42:01My parents also love her.
42:03With Carl by my side,
42:04I finally live the life I wanted.
42:06I have my own company,
42:07a happy family,
42:09adorable kids,
42:10and a loving husband.
42:11The pain from the past
42:12has shaped my growth.
42:14A woman might get tangled up
42:15with a scam bag
42:16or go through a hard time,
42:17but if she doesn't give up
42:18and has the power,
42:19she can overcome her trauma
42:21and find happiness.
42:22I finally understand
42:24love isn't dependence
42:25or giving in.
42:26It's mutual respect
42:27and support
42:28and helping each other grow.
42:29Sunlight pours in,
42:31spilling across the floor,
42:33warm and soothing.
42:34Carl's reading a newspaper
42:35on the sofa.
42:36Ellie and Zeke
42:36are playing blocks.
42:37My parents are in the kitchen.
42:39The smell of food
42:40fills the house.
42:41I lean on Carl's shoulder,
42:42watching the kids
42:43and feeling the warmth.
42:44This is the life I want.
42:46Simple,
42:47happy,
42:47and stable.
42:48I wish things will stay
42:49this way forever,
42:50calm and peaceful.
42:51I wish the people I love
42:53will stay safe.
42:53And I will carry this love
42:55and warmth with me
42:56and become my best self.
42:58The summer Ellie graduates.
43:00We go on a seaside vacation.
43:01A gentle breeze
43:02brushes across our faces.
43:04Ellie and Zeke
43:05run along the beach.
43:06Carl holds my hand
43:08as we stroll across the sand.
43:10Waves brush over my ankle,
43:12cool and soothing,
43:13as if smoothing my heart.
43:15Carl looks at me,
43:16warmth in his eyes.
43:17What is it?
43:18I chuckle
43:18and lean on his shoulder.
43:20Happiness really is this simple.
43:22I used to think
43:23I'd never escape my dark past.
43:25Yet I now have a husband,
43:26two adorable kids,
43:28and supportive parents.
43:29Time has healed
43:30the pain in my heart.
43:31During our vacation,
43:32Ellie suddenly holds our hands
43:34and says solemnly,
43:35Mom,
43:35Dad,
43:36I want to become a lawyer
43:37and help those who are mistreated
43:39get justice.
43:40Carl and I share a smile.
43:41I ruffle her hair.
43:42Sure,
43:43we think it's a wonderful idea.
43:45At that moment,
43:46it dawns on me
43:46that Ellie has grown up.
43:48She no longer needs
43:49my constant protection.
43:50She has her own thoughts now.
43:52After our vacation,
43:53Ellie begins working toward her goal
43:55and studies even harder.
43:56Riley gives her some law books
43:58to go through.
43:58Carl uses his professional skills
44:00to sort out the key points.
44:01I also share business law cases with her.
44:04Watching her slowly work toward her goal
44:06fills me with relief.
44:07Under my leadership,
44:08Low Corp moves into a new phase.
44:10I lead the team into overseas market
44:12and take our brand global.
44:14I never forgot the promise I made
44:16about going into charity.
44:18We founded Ellie Foundation,
44:20named after Ellie.
44:21It's dedicated to helping women hurt
44:23in a marriage,
44:24offering free legal aid
44:25and practical assistance.
44:26A lot of women show up
44:28at the opening ceremony.
44:29They hold my hand,
44:30feeling grateful.
44:31Their stories remind me
44:32a lot of myself.
44:33A mix of emotions rises
44:35as I look at them.
44:36At the ceremony,
44:37I say,
44:38I know how messy things can get.
44:40So I want to offer help
44:41and guidance to you.
44:42This is what I've always aimed for.
44:44Riley is the legal consultant,
44:45leading a team to help
44:47the women in need.
44:48They handle divorce cases,
44:49fight for custody and assets,
44:51and ensure those who hurt them
44:52face justice.
44:54The foundation keeps growing
44:55and more people join us,
44:57such as lawyers,
44:58entrepreneurs,
44:58and office workers.
44:59Everyone wants to do their part
45:01for these women.
45:02Still in prison,
45:03Ben learns about Ellie Foundation
45:05and that I help women like me.
45:07He has a message delivered to me.
45:08He says he's sorry
45:09and wants me to reduce his sentence
45:11for old times' sake.
45:12When the news reach me,
45:13I smile indifferently
45:15and send a message back.
45:16He made his own choice
45:18and has to live with it.
45:19The things he did
45:20can't be erased with an apology.
45:22The pain he caused
45:23and the tears I shed were real.
45:25The law runs its own course.
45:27The court issued its ruling
45:28based on his crime.
45:29I can't change that.
45:31From then on,
45:32Ben stops getting people
45:33to pester me.
45:34Maybe he's given up.
45:35The years slip by.
45:36Ellie and Zeke
45:37are in high school now.
45:38They walk side by side.
45:39One perky and confident,
45:41the other calm.
45:42A striking pair in school.
45:44Ellie continues working
45:45toward her goal,
45:46staying at the top of her class.
45:47Meanwhile,
45:48Zeke takes after Carl.
45:50He's passionate about history
45:51and literature
45:52and wants to be a scholar.
45:53Carl and I watch them grow
45:54as we live a quiet, warm life.
45:57He retires ahead of schedule
45:58and manage the foundation with me.
46:00We educate women
46:01who live deep in the hills
46:02about law.
46:03We visit orphanages,
46:04showing them warmth and support.
46:06My parents are very healthy,
46:08tending to the garden
46:08and keeping birds,
46:09at times they look after the kids.
46:12Life is quiet and easy.
46:14On weekends,
46:15the whole family gathers
46:16for a lively meal.
46:17The kids talk about school.
46:18My parents tell us stories.
46:20Carl and I share a smile.
46:21All is calm.
46:22When Ellie is 18 years old,
46:24she gets into the country's
46:25top law college.
46:26The day she gets the letter,
46:27we hold a celebratory meal.
46:29Ellie raises a wine glass
46:30to Carl and I.
46:31I couldn't have done this
46:32without you.
46:33Tears shine in Ellie's eyes.
46:35Mom,
46:36you're the person
46:36I admire the most.
46:37Like you,
46:38I'll be a tough,
46:39courageous,
46:40and compassionate person.
46:41I'll use the law
46:42to protect people.
46:43Tears swell up in my eyes
46:44as I look at Ellie.
46:45My baby girl has grown up.
46:47Carl takes my hand,
46:48his gaze gentle.
46:49When Ellie leaves for college,
46:51Carl and I walk her to the gate.
46:53After she waves
46:53and says her goodbye,
46:55she walks into campus,
46:56confident and resolved.
46:58I'm aware her life
46:59has just begun.
47:00Her future is hers
47:02to explore and work on,
47:03and I will always
47:04be there for her.
47:06Ellie continues
47:06to study hard at college.
47:08She even joins
47:09a legal aid society
47:10and helps her friends
47:11with legal issues
47:12in her spare time.
47:13During breaks,
47:14Ellie works alongside
47:15Riley at the foundation.
47:16Watching her fighting
47:17for her clients in court
47:18reminds me of my younger self,
47:20just as determined
47:21and courageous.
47:22Zeke also gets
47:23into his ideal college,
47:25majoring in history.
47:26He starts his college life
47:27in another city.
47:28The house becomes
47:29much quieter.
47:30Carl and I share a smile,
47:32embracing life
47:32as a couple again.
47:33We travel to many places
47:35to see the beautiful landscapes.
47:37We see the river town
47:38and its amazing bridges.
47:39We witness how the sun
47:40sets over the great desert.
47:42We explore ancient towns
47:43and learn their traditions.
47:45We take pictures
47:46everywhere we go,
47:47capturing each other
47:48and the scenery
47:49so we can tell the kids
47:50about it.
47:50The year Ellie graduates,
47:51Ben has served his time.
47:53After that,
47:54he waited outside
47:55Low Corp for days
47:56to ask me for money.
47:57He's stopped by the security
47:58and didn't dare act up.
48:00He merely looks at me
48:01from a distance.
48:02When I come outside,
48:03I see him by the road.
48:04Ragged clothes,
48:05gray hair,
48:06no trace of his
48:07former confidence,
48:08like a homeless man.
48:09Seeing me,
48:10he doesn't dare
48:11come closer.
48:11He just quietly calls out,
48:13Lucy!
48:13I look at him,
48:15feeling nothing at all,
48:16as if he's a stranger.
48:17Ben,
48:18it's over between us
48:18a long time ago.
48:19Take my advice.
48:20Get a proper job
48:21and work on yourself.
48:23Stop chasing shortcuts.
48:24Ben,
48:24I get into my car
48:25without even glancing at him.
48:27Riley gives me an update.
48:28With a criminal record
48:29and a huge debt,
48:30Ben couldn't get a job anywhere.
48:32After Fred gets out,
48:33he cuts off ties with Ben.
48:35Ben ends up scavenging scraps,
48:37living in misery.
48:38Rose gets out
48:38after she serves her time,
48:40but she's still paralyzed
48:41and alone.
48:42Afterward,
48:43she ends up in a nursing home.
48:44I feel nothing
48:45when I hear these news.
48:46They're only suffering
48:47the consequences
48:48of their actions.
48:49After Ellie graduates,
48:51she passes the bar exam
48:52and works as a licensed attorney
48:53in Riley's law firm.
48:55In her first case,
48:56Ellie has to help a woman
48:57divorce her abusive
48:58and scheming husband.
49:00Ellie stays up several nights
49:01to gather evidence
49:02and study the case.
49:04In court,
49:05she fights vehemently
49:06and won back the assets
49:07and custody for her client,
49:09bringing the abusive
49:10man to justice.
49:11When Ellie wins the case,
49:13she says she finally knows
49:14what it means to help people.
49:16I say with a smile,
49:17you still have a long way ahead.
49:20After that,
49:21Ellie takes on many divorce cases,
49:23helping countless women
49:23seek justice.
49:24She earns a reputation
49:26in the industry
49:27and becomes an incredible
49:28divorce lawyer.
49:29Once Zeke graduates,
49:31he keeps studying
49:31and gets a PhD.
49:33He returns to his college
49:34as a professor
49:35and gives lectures
49:36to college students
49:37like Carl did.
49:38Now that the kids
49:38found their calling,
49:39Carl and I gradually
49:41slow down.
49:42I left low-corpse operation
49:43to my trusted aide,
49:44only stepping in
49:45for big decisions.
49:46I spend more time
49:47on Ellie Foundation
49:48and my family.
49:49Ellie is 30 years old
49:51when she found
49:51True Love,
49:52a fellow lawyer
49:53with the same vision.
49:54He's dependable,
49:55dotes on Ellie,
49:56and respects her dreams.
49:57On their wedding day,
49:59I watch Ellie
49:59holding Carl's arm
50:00in her gown.
50:01As she walked
50:02to the groom,
50:03she shed tears of joy.
50:05Carl takes my hand
50:06and says,
50:07Ellie's married now.
50:08I lean on his shoulder
50:09and nod,
50:10a bittersweet joy
50:11filling me.
50:12At the wedding,
50:13Ellie bows at me
50:14and Carl.
50:14Mom,
50:15Dad,
50:15your love is the reason
50:17I became a brave,
50:18confident person.
50:19You made me believe
50:20in the world
50:20still holds warmth.
50:22Applause fills the hall.
50:24Seeing how happy she is
50:25makes every sacrifice
50:27worth it.
50:27Afterward,
50:28Ellie and her husband
50:29join the foundation.
50:30They work side by side
50:32and help more women
50:33in need,
50:34expanding the foundation's reach.
50:35Very soon,
50:36Ellie is pregnant,
50:37making Carl and I
50:38grandparents.
50:39The day my grandson's born,
50:41my heart goes soft
50:42when I carry him.
50:43Kurt Goodman is so small
50:44and warm,
50:45eyes closed,
50:46mouth slightly open,
50:48just like Ellie.
50:49That moment,
50:50it feels like my life
50:51has come full circle,
50:52and good things
50:53finally came.
50:54Kurt slowly grows up
50:55and becomes the family's joy.
50:57My parents are always
50:58overjoyed around him.
50:59The whole family
51:00live in joy and harmony.
51:01Carl and I
51:02also grow old.
51:03Our hair turn gray
51:04and our steps slow down,
51:06but we're even closer
51:07than ever.
51:08We still take walks,
51:09buy groceries,
51:10and sit in the yard together.
51:12And we simply watch
51:13our children and grandson
51:14live their lives.
51:16Sometimes those painful
51:17memories return,
51:19but what I have now
51:19reminds me it was
51:21just a rough patch.
51:22Happiness awaits me
51:23at the end of it.
51:24I often read
51:25Ellie Foundation's reports.
51:26It fills me with pride
51:27how we helped those women
51:28rediscover themselves
51:29and start over.
51:30I finally live life
51:32the way I want.
51:33I have my own company,
51:34a happy family,
51:35a loving husband,
51:36and an adorable grandson.
51:38I can even give back
51:39to society.
51:40The sun dips low,
51:41its golden glow
51:42spilling into the yard,
51:43soft and warm.
51:45Carl gives me warm water
51:46and sits next to me.
51:47He watches Kurt
51:48playing not far away,
51:49a gentle smile
51:50on his lips.
51:51I lean on his shoulder.
51:52Kurt's giggles
51:53and Carl's warmth
51:54fill me with peace.
51:55I know it now.
51:56The painful past,
51:57the agony and despair
51:58are all over.
51:59Only the people I love
52:01and those who love me
52:02remain by my side.
52:03A woman should never
52:04live her life
52:04for anyone but herself,
52:06place her hopes
52:07on someone else
52:08or enable the greedy people.
52:10Having true power
52:11is the only way
52:12to protect our loved ones
52:13and become our best selves.
52:15What doesn't kill us
52:15makes us stronger.
52:17Every obstacle we overcome
52:18empowers us.
52:19For now on,
52:20may we live bravely
52:21and become our best selves.
52:23May beauty and kindness
52:25find their way to us.
Comments