- 6 hours ago
Blood Pearl: The Mermaid's Curse
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00To repay him, I, a mermaid, gave up the sea and became Sean Silver's bride.
00:05Sean doted on me endlessly.
00:07But on the night our daughter was born, Sean ordered me to be locked in a special aquarium,
00:13forcing me to reveal my true mermaid form.
00:17He held our daughter in one hand and with the other wrapped his arm around Kelly Means' waist.
00:23For the next three years, they sliced open my tail again and again,
00:27soaking the wounds in salt water until they busted.
00:31Sean used my flesh and blood to make wine for Kelly,
00:34forcing me to watch them revel while I bled.
00:37To repay him, I, a mermaid, gave up the sea and became Sean Silver's bride.
00:42Sean doted on me endlessly.
00:44In less than six months I was pregnant.
00:47But on the night our daughter was born, Sean ordered me to be locked in a special aquarium,
00:52forcing me to reveal my true mermaid form.
00:55He held our daughter in one hand and with the other wrapped his arm around Kelly Means' waist.
01:01Melanie, it was your mermaid clan that caused my sister's drowning.
01:06Now your daughter is in my hand.
01:08Let's see her suffer!
01:11For the next three years, I was imprisoned inside that tank.
01:15They sliced open my tail again and again, soaking the wounds in salt water until they festered.
01:22Hearing that mermaid blood was highly nutritious.
01:25Sean used my flesh and blood to make wine for Kelly,
01:29forcing me to watch them revel together while I bled.
01:32Three years.
01:33My daughter was growing up in that house and I couldn't even hold her.
01:37When our daughter turned three, Kelly learned that mermaid scales had calming properties.
01:43Sean then used tweezers to pluck off our daughter's scales one by one and tossed her into the tank.
01:48I pressed against the glass, pleading for her life, begging Sean to save her from drowning.
01:55A hybrid mermaid child only develops gills after coming into contact with seawater.
02:01The Silva's manor sat right next to the sea yet in the entire three years.
02:06Sean never brought Sophie there.
02:08Sean only sneered from the entrance, sealing it shut.
02:12How could a mermaid's daughter possibly drown?
02:16Don't be ridiculous.
02:17I fought to hold her up to keep her head above water, but in the end, she dissolved into bubbles
02:22in my arms.
02:24My heart felt completely numb.
02:27Clenching my teeth, I removed the scale from over my heart.
02:30If I tossed the scale into the sea, my brother Andrew would bring me back home.
02:35My daughter was gone, and I had nothing left to lose.
02:40When Sean's mother, Maria Silva, rushed in, all she could witness was Sophie's foam dissipating.
02:47Seeing the mermaid pearl in my hand, she was struck with shock and fear, tears streaming down her cheeks.
02:54Is Sophie gone?
02:57She asked.
02:58Mermaids turned into pearls upon their death.
03:01I answered gently, gradually removing the intact scale from my chest and offering it to her.
03:07The three-year period has ended.
03:09I've repaid the debt to your family.
03:11You and Sir Silva for saving my life.
03:13Maria's lips quivered as she fell to her knees with a loud thud.
03:17Well, Eleni, what happened to Sophie was an accident!
03:20Sean truly had no idea.
03:23Please forgive him this one last time.
03:26He's the only heir of the Silva family!
03:28I can't let the Silvanage end!
03:30Maria banged her head against the ground, just as she had done years ago when she begged me to become
03:37human and marry Sean.
03:39I had agreed back then, but it led to this dire situation.
03:43She was begging again, but this time I had nothing left to give.
03:49I'll call that ungrateful brat right now and make him apologize to you!
03:54Maria frantically searched for her phone and dialed Sean's number.
03:57As soon as the call connected, Sean's excited voice came through.
04:02Mom, Kelly's pregnant! You're gonna be a grandmother soon!
04:05Maria's fingers trembled with anger as she growled into the phone.
04:08A child from that woman is no grandchild of mine!
04:12I have only one granddaughter, and that's Sophie!
04:15Get back here, right now, and apologize to Melanie and Sophie!
04:19You worthless fool!
04:21Sean snorted, clearly unimpressed.
04:24Have you been visiting that creature, Melanie, again?
04:26Mom, I've told you before!
04:29Their kind of mermaids killed my sister!
04:32You're the only one treating that creature like it's something special!
04:35It's just a few scales taken off!
04:37Mermaids can regenerate really well!
04:39Don't let Melanie deceive you!
04:41Anyway, I need to take Kelly to the beach to see the sunset!
04:44Just go home already!
04:45Maria gripped the phone tightly, her anger evident as her chest rose and fell.
04:50He didn't believe Sophie was gone.
04:53He never believed anything I said.
04:57Images of Sophie drowning flooded my mind, causing a sharp pain in my chest.
05:03Melanie, there's still hope.
05:06If you have another child with Sean, the Silva family name will continue!
05:12Please, Melanie, I promise Sean will treat you better this time.
05:17Remember, said the Silva family, saved your life.
05:21So endure a little longer!
05:23Maria pleaded, bowing repeatedly, imploring me to have another child.
05:27My hands shook as I put away the pearl and shut my eyes.
05:32The Silva family no longer has a chance.
05:34I ripped open my chest to reveal that only one scale remained.
05:40Mermaids have three scales that protect their hearts.
05:43Each pregnancy causes one to be lost.
05:46With just one left, having another child would be fatal for me.
05:52Maria's face turned white with horror, and she collapsed to her knees, her eyes filled with despair.
05:58She finally understood, but it was too late for all of us.
06:03Knowing she owed me, she took the scale from my chest and promised to throw it into the sea for
06:10me.
06:11I curled up in a corner of the aquarium, my silver-blue tail drifting aimlessly.
06:17For three years, this tiny space had been my entire world and my personal hell.
06:23Suddenly, the lid above was flung open with a loud crash, and I trembled instinctively.
06:29Melanie, stop playing dead.
06:32It's time for your blood draw today.
06:34Came Sean's cold voice from above.
06:37He paused, scanning the corner, then abruptly grabbed my tail and yanked me out of the tank.
06:44Where's Sophie? Where are you hiding her?
06:47Sean's fingers dug into my infected tail, blood oozing between my scales and dripping onto the cold floor.
06:55I shivered in agony but bit my lip, determined not to make a sound.
07:00He still believed I was pretending.
07:03He still thought Sophie was alive.
07:06Where is Sophie?
07:07He demanded, pulling my hair to make me look at him.
07:12My vision blurred, yet I could still see the anger blazing in his eyes.
07:17He still believed I was pretending that I had hidden our daughter.
07:21But Sophie had long since turned to foam, disappearing from this world.
07:26She's gone.
07:28Liar!
07:28Sean bellowed, striking me across the face.
07:31My head collided with the edge of the tank and everything went black.
07:35At that moment, Kelly strutted over in her high heels and playfully slipped her arm through Sean's.
07:42Sean, don't hold Melanie accountable.
07:44If it comes down to it, I'll endure quietly.
07:47No more using Sophie's mermaid blood as a remedy.
07:50It's just unfortunate for our baby.
07:52The doctor mentioned my pregnancy is fragile.
07:55Listening to them discuss exploiting Sophie, I shook uncontrollably, every wound large and small beginning to reopen.
08:02My Sophie was just three years old.
08:04As her biological father, Sean had the heartlessness to use her blood as a medicinal resource.
08:10In a haze, I thought I heard Sophie's laughter, her tiny hands splashing the water as she innocently asked,
08:17Mommy, why doesn't daddy like me?
08:20Even as she sank, her little hand held onto mine as she said,
08:25Mommy, daddy dislikes it when I cry.
08:27I mustn't cry so daddy will love me.
08:30The pain in my heart made my scales start to fall off one by one.
08:35Sean stepped back instantly, a look of disgust crossing his face as he shielded Kelly protectively.
08:41How revolting.
08:43Since you refuse to give us Sophie, we'll take your blood instead.
08:47Following his order, two men in white coats roughly pulled out my tail fin.
08:51I groaned in pain as the wounds on my fin hadn't healed, leaving the fresh, tender flesh exposed to the
08:58air.
08:59Kelly pointed to an unbroken scale at the base of my tail fin.
09:04Right here.
09:05I've heard.
09:06The blood from this spot is the most nourishing and has the best effects on the skin.
09:12Sean nodded without any emotion, signaling his assistance to continue.
09:16They were going to take my blood from the most painful spot, and Sean didn't even hesitate.
09:22As the sharp blade pierced the soft flesh beneath the scale, I let out a piercing scream, my nails scraping
09:30loudly against the glass.
09:32Sean immediately covered Kelly's ears with care.
09:36He turned to me, his gaze cold and merciless.
09:40Melanie, savor this pain.
09:42It's your punishment for your clan's sins.
09:45The tonus?
09:47What a laughable excuse!
09:49I still can't fathom what my mermaid clan ever owed to Sean.
09:52The water in the saltwater pool had been stained crimson.
09:57Sean reclined on a couch beside the pool, gently holding Kelly's belly while gazing down at me with a smug
10:04expression as I writhed in agony.
10:06Sean, aren't her scales just gorgeous?
10:09Kelly giggled, reaching out to gather the scales floating on the water's surface.
10:14Sean tenderly pinched her cheek.
10:17If you like them, they're all yours.
10:20I lay curled at the bottom of the pool, trembling uncontrollably.
10:25Every inch of my skin seared with a burning pain.
10:29He was giving away my scales like they were nothing.
10:32Like I was nothing.
10:34In my haze, I found myself drifting back to that night, three years ago.
10:39At that time, I had just given birth to Sophie and lay exhausted on the delivery bed.
10:46Sean cradled our daughter, his eyes full of warmth.
10:50Melanie, look at our daughter.
10:51She resembles you so much.
10:53Suddenly, his expression shifted.
10:56Melanie!
10:57You treacherous mermaid!
10:59You murdered my sister.
11:01You'll pay for her death with your own blood!
11:05He tightened his grip around my throat, his eyes burning with hatred.
11:10Yet I still had no idea who this sister he kept referring to was.
11:15My mermaid clan had never harmed humans.
11:18My thoughts were interrupted as a bucket of icy water splashed over my head.
11:24Sean stood by the pool, regarding me with a cold stare.
11:28Still not going to tell me where Sophie is?
11:29With effort, I lifted my head to meet his indifferent gaze and unexpectedly began to laugh.
11:35Sophie is dead!
11:37When mermaids die, they turn into bubbles!
11:41Didn't you know that?
11:43Sean's hand landed heavily on my face,
11:46causing my head to collide with the pool wall as darkness engulfed my vision.
11:50You're still lying!
11:52He yelled, gripping my neck and pulling me from the water.
11:55Mermaids can regenerate!
11:57How could they die so easily?
11:59He still refused to believe the truth,
12:02even when it was staring him in the face.
12:06Despite the pain, I locked eyes with him and forced out my words.
12:10Sean, you killed...
12:12Your own daughter with your own hands!
12:15Shut up!
12:16He snapped, releasing me and barking orders at the bodyguard.
12:19Throw her in the basement.
12:21Use high-intensity lights until she tells us where Sophie is.
12:24I was hauled into the basement,
12:27where blinding spotlights immediately blazed,
12:30their beams piercing my skin from every angle.
12:33Mermaids dreaded intense light,
12:36especially when their scales couldn't shield them.
12:38The light felt like countless sharp knives stabbing into my exposed skin.
12:43I curled up in agony.
12:46As the wounds on my tail cracked and festered rapidly under the harsh illumination,
12:51amidst the unbearable pain, my consciousness began to blur.
12:55In a haze, I drifted back to that summer 15 years ago.
13:00I had been skipping around in the shallows,
13:03when I became ensnared in fishing nets and stranded on the reefs.
13:08Just when the scorching sun was about to roast me alive,
13:12Maria and her husband arrived and rescued me.
13:15That was the beginning of everything.
13:18The beginning of my debt.
13:19And the beginning of my end.
13:22To show my gratitude,
13:23I often swam near the shallows to secretly watch them,
13:27until one day I saw them leading a child with anxious faces.
13:31What should we do?
13:32Sean has inherited the same genetic disease as me.
13:35This illness is incurable.
13:37Sean might not live beyond 30.
13:40That day, I made a resolution.
13:42I endured the torment of shedding my scales.
13:45To become human and offered my blood to Sir Silva and Sean to drink.
13:50Mermaid blood can slow down genetic diseases.
13:53But to truly change genetics,
13:55one must bear a child with mermaid blood.
13:58Maria knelt before me,
14:00pleading for me to marry Sean and promising to treat me well.
14:03I gazed at the young man's striking profile and my heart,
14:07silent four years, began to race.
14:09Unbeknownst to me, this would ultimately lead to my demise.
14:13The basement door creaked open.
14:16Sean turned off the blinding lights,
14:19retrieved a first aid kit,
14:21and gently tended to my wounds.
14:23Does it hurt?
14:24He asked softly,
14:25his voice as tender as I remembered from the past.
14:29His sudden gentleness made my heart ache even more than the wounds did.
14:33I stared at him,
14:36momentarily lost in memories of our early married days
14:39when he cherished me like a precious gem.
14:42Sean.
14:43I whispered.
14:45He looked up suddenly,
14:47his voice gentle.
14:48Melanie,
14:49how can I bring Hayley back?
14:51I froze.
14:53Who is Hayley?
14:54His gaze turned icy,
14:56and he pressed firmly on my wound.
14:58She's my sister!
15:00The one your mermaid kind dragged into the sea and killed 15 years ago!
15:05She wore a red swimsuit that day,
15:07playing by the shore.
15:09Your mermaid songs lured her to her death.
15:12How can you deny it?
15:13A sudden shock jolted through me,
15:16reviving long buried memories.
15:1815 years ago, amid a fierce rainstorm,
15:21I rescued a little girl wearing a red dress from the sea,
15:24using all my strength to push her to safety.
15:27But back then,
15:28she had been breathing.
15:29It wasn't like that.
15:32I never harmed-
15:33Enough!
15:34Sean interrupted,
15:36releasing me and picking up a pair of scissors from the first aid kit.
15:40Since you won't speak,
15:41use your fin as collateral.
15:42Cut it off yourself.
15:44He wanted me to mutilate myself,
15:46just like he had been doing for three years.
15:48I shook as I took the scissors in my hand.
15:52For a mermaid,
15:53severing a fin is akin to a human stripping skin and tendons.
15:58Yet, seeing Sean's hateful glare,
16:00I knew this was the price I had to pay to the Silva family.
16:04All right, I'll pay it back.
16:07The scissors were sharp and blood gushed out immediately.
16:10Sean watched me coldly,
16:12his eyes void of any compassion.
16:15Then, the nanny's voice came from outside the door.
16:19Something's wrong, Mr. Silva.
16:21Ms. Mean is unwell.
16:22I'm afraid she needs mermaid blood again.
16:25Sean quickly instructed his men to drag me to the bedroom.
16:28Kelly was lying on a chaise long,
16:30groaning softly as she clutched her stomach.
16:32Sean, the baby is unsettled.
16:34The doctor advised us to use powdered pearls from a mermaid's birth
16:38to stabilize the pregnancy.
16:40Sean turned toward me,
16:41his gaze sharp and threatening.
16:43Start crying now!
16:45Give us the pearls!
16:47He thought I could cry on command.
16:49He thought pearls were that easy to get.
16:52I leaned weakly against the wall,
16:54blood still oozing from the wounds on my tail.
16:58Mermaids don't cry tears.
17:01So, where would we get pearls?
17:03For mermaids, genuine blood pearls only form
17:07when we shed tears of blood in complete despair.
17:10But Sean wouldn't believe me.
17:12If anything happens to Kelly's baby,
17:14your life won't be enough to compensate.
17:17He ordered them to throw me into the tank
17:19and pressed a button on the control panel.
17:22A high-voltage electric current surged from the bottom of the tank.
17:26My tail thrashed violently,
17:28striking the pool wall as blood poured out,
17:30turning the water a deep red.
17:32Melanie, are you still not crying?
17:34At that moment, Kelly jumped up,
17:36eyes wide with excitement,
17:38pointing to the pearl that had slipped from my grasp.
17:41There really are pearls!
17:43My heart tightened painfully,
17:45and I instinctively reached for it.
17:47That pearl was Sophie transformed.
17:49If I could return it to the ocean,
17:51my daughter could live again.
17:53This isn't just any pearl.
17:55It's Sophie.
17:57Give it to me.
17:57Sean forcibly unclenched my fingers
18:00and played with the pearl in his hand.
18:03He was holding our daughter in his hand,
18:05and he had no idea.
18:07No, I lunged to reclaim it.
18:11But the high-voltage current running through the tank
18:13left me almost speechless.
18:16It's Sophie's essence.
18:18If you return it to the sea,
18:20she can come back to life.
18:22Sean's expression turned menacing
18:24as he glared at me with lethal determination.
18:27You didn't just take my sister's life.
18:29Now you have the audacity to curse your own child?
18:32He shoved the pearl into the doctor's hands.
18:35Grind it into powder right now.
18:37No, my scream reverberated through the room.
18:40Despite my desperate attempts,
18:42I could only watch in despair
18:43as they destroyed Sophie's pearl,
18:45reducing it to powder and mixing it into a cup.
18:48I stood frozen,
18:49almost hearing Sophie's plea for help.
18:51Mommy, save me!
18:53He had just killed my daughter for the second time,
18:56and he didn't even care.
18:58Pain erupted in my chest,
18:59and streams of bloodied tears began to flow from my eyes.
19:03As they fell,
19:05the drops transformed into crimson pearls in midair,
19:08clattering onto the floor.
19:09Kelly shrieked with excitement.
19:11They're blood pearls!
19:13Grab them quickly!
19:14Sean quickly knelt to gather the scattered pearls,
19:17oblivious to the calm despair in my eyes.
19:20When a mermaid shed tears of blood,
19:22disaster was imminent.
19:24Anyone who had consumed mermaid blood would face repercussions.
19:28Sean noticed my bleeding eyes and was about to say something when Kelly clutched his arm.
19:34She cried, holding her stomach tightly,
19:36sweat streaming down her face from the pain.
19:39At the sight, Sean immediately picked her up and commanded his men to lock me in the tank.
19:44Bitch, did you do something?
19:45If anything happens to Kelly, I'll make sure Sophie loses her scales!
19:50He threatened.
19:51I remained silent as he locked me in the basement.
19:54He still thought he could hurt Sophie.
19:57He still didn't know she was already gone.
20:00Suddenly, the glass in the basement shattered,
20:03letting in the salty sea breeze and an ethereal song.
20:06A smile spread across my face.
20:09My brother had come to take me home.
20:11When Sean hurriedly carried Kelly into the hospital,
20:14her dress was already drenched in blood.
20:17As he stared at the blood on his hands,
20:19an image of tear-filled eyes flashed in his mind,
20:23causing an uneasy feeling to grip his chest.
20:26Just then, the operating room door swung open,
20:29and the doctor cast a curious glance at Sean.
20:33Mr. Silva, there seems to be a mistake.
20:36The young woman inside isn't pregnant at all.
20:40Sean stood frozen, disbelief etched on his face.
20:43How can that be?
20:45Kelly had a positive pregnancy test.
20:47If she's not pregnant, why is she bleeding so much?
20:49The doctor looked increasingly puzzled.
20:52The bleeding is a result of accidentally ingesting toxins from a marine creature.
20:57We need to conduct further tests to determine the exact toxin.
21:00But she is definitely not pregnant.
21:03However, Sean's initial thought wasn't about Kelly's health.
21:08Instead, he recalled how recently, under the guise of her pregnancy,
21:13Kelly had repeatedly cut his flesh and drained his blood.
21:16Each time, he had agreed without hesitation.
21:18She had been lying to him for months, and he had believed every word.
21:22A wave of alarm washed over Sean.
21:24He frowned and turned to leave, but the doctor stepped in his way.
21:28Mr. Silva, you need to be examined as well.
21:30Your genetic condition requires regular monitoring.
21:33What genetic condition?
21:34Sean froze, his face full of confusion.
21:37I'm perfectly healthy. I've never been sick. Arno waits.
21:41He was cut off by a sudden, intense pain in his chest as if something was writhing through his veins
21:47and tearing at his insides.
21:49Sean staggered, clutching the wall for support as cold sweat formed on his forehead.
21:54Mr. Silva, please get tested. Your symptoms match your father's exactly.
21:59Those words made Sean's pupils constrict dramatically.
22:03He had always been told his father died of a heart attack, but now he wasn't so sure.
22:09My father died from a heart attack, didn't he?
22:12As Sean noticed the doctor's evasive eyes, a sense of dread gripped him.
22:16He shoved past the doctor and rushed out of the hospital.
22:20The Silva's manner was eerily quiet.
22:22Bursting into the basement, Sean found the aquarium empty, its glass shattered, and no sign of me.
22:28Where is she? Where is Melanie?
22:31He bellowed, seizing the bodyguard by the collar.
22:34Madam, Silva released Melanie.
22:37The guard stuttered.
22:39She said, the mermaid has already paid her debt and begged you to spare her life.
22:45Upon hearing this, Sean let out a bitter laugh.
22:49She took my daughter and cursed me with this strange genetic disease.
22:54How could I ever let her go?
22:57Find her!
22:58I want Melanie back here immediately!
23:02At that moment, Maria suddenly appeared.
23:05Sean, stop searching.
23:07She seemed much older, her face pale and holding a document tightly.
23:12Sean hurried to her side.
23:14Mom, Melanie poisoned Kelly and she's taken Sophie!
23:18Maria looked at him in shock, then broke down in tears.
23:22Are you even Sophie's father?
23:24Sophie is already gone!
23:26You're the one responsible!
23:27How long will you keep lying to yourself?
23:29Sean was momentarily stunned, but soon regained his composure, smirking slightly.
23:34Mom, Melanie has tricked you too, hasn't she?
23:38Sophie's part mermaid.
23:39She has incredible regenerative powers and can't die.
23:43I only took a few of her scales.
23:46It wasn't serious.
23:47Regardless, Sophie is my daughter.
23:50Despite my feelings towards Melanie, I wouldn't want Sophie dead.
23:55Mom, tell me where Melanie went.
23:57I need to find her.
23:58Maria, overwhelmed with emotion, started to cry when he continued to deny the reality.
24:05Murphic possess regenerative abilities, but a half-mary-aged child can only develop gills if they touch the ocean.
24:13Sophie couldn't breathe underwater.
24:15She was drowned alive!
24:17She handed him the surveillance footage as Sean watched Sophie transform into foam on the screen.
24:24Eventually turning into a pearl, he staggered back in disbelief.
24:31Maria sighed, explaining, when a mermaid dies, it becomes a pearl.
24:37I've already released Melanie.
24:39If she returns Sophie's pearl to the sea, there's a chance Sophie might be revived.
24:44For a moment, Sean was completely stunned, his hands beginning to shake uncontrollably.
24:51Sensing something was amiss, Maria asked with curiosity,
24:55What happened?
24:55Sean, in a daze, finally spoke.
24:58Kelly said her stomach hurt and needed a mermaid's pearl as a remedy, so I took this pearl.
25:05Maria was shocked, collapsing to the floor as if struck by lightning.
25:10She cried.
25:11It's over! Everything is over!
25:14Your father and I finally found a cure for your genetic disease.
25:18And now you've ruined it!
25:20The Silva family will be doomed!
25:23It was the second time Sean had heard the term genetic disease.
25:28After persistent questioning, Maria eventually wiped her tears and revealed the truth.
25:33The entire Silva bloodline has this disease.
25:35Your father died from it, and so would you have.
25:38Melanie saved you with her blood out of gratitude, and she agreed to have Sophie completely change the Silva genes.
25:45At this point, Maria choked up.
25:47But you've destroyed it all!
25:49In an instant, Sean's world turned upside down.
25:54He stumbled, overwhelmed by the memory of my bloodshot eyes during our last moments together.
26:00My desperate cries, and those final words.
26:04When mermaids shed blood, disaster follows.
26:07Everything I had said was true.
26:09It was me, the one he hated most, who had saved his life.
26:20Sean shook his head vigorously, repeating the words like a mantra, as if holding onto them could ease the guilt
26:27eating away at his heart.
26:29Maria remained slumped on the floor, too exhausted to argue any further.
26:33She said,
26:34The merfolk have always been kind, and would never harm humans.
26:39I don't believe they killed Hayley.
26:41She added,
26:42Sean, consider how you've treated Melanie over the past three years.
26:48Despite everything.
26:49She's never hurt you!
26:51In fact, she even saved your life!
26:54Confronted with his mother's accusations, Sean had nothing to say in response.
26:59He recalled the early days of our marriage when he was captivated by my innocence.
27:04Liveliness and tenderness.
27:06But he had known for a long time that I was a mermaid.
27:10From the start, his decision to marry me was purely an act of revenge.
27:15Yet, in the end, even Sean was unsure what his revenge was meant to achieve.
27:20He had destroyed the one person who truly loved him.
27:24And for what?
27:25He despised the merfolk for killing his sister but couldn't bring himself to let me go.
27:31Leading to a relentless cycle of tormenting me.
27:35Everything I did was for Hayley's sake!
27:37I'm her brother!
27:38I had no choice!
27:40Sean shouted, spinning around and dashing out of the house.
27:45His mind was a whirlwind of confusion, and he desperately needed to talk to someone.
27:49He stumbled as he hurried back to Kelly's hospital room.
27:53She was the only one left who supported him.
27:56But just as he reached the door, he heard Kelly's playful laughter mixed with a familiar male voice from inside.
28:04What a shame.
28:05I wanted to use this fake pregnancy to push Sean into divorcing Melanie.
28:10But now, the truth's out.
28:13You don't think Sean will get suspicious, do you?
28:15Peeking through the crack in the door, Sean was horrified to see his beloved Kelly looking disheveled, nestled in the
28:22arms of another man.
28:24The man was their driver.
28:26Don't worry.
28:27That fool, Sean, hasn't figured out the fake pregnancy.
28:30Just like he believes his sister was killed by mermaids.
28:34Sean's hand froze on the doorframe, his entire body stiffening as a chilling sensation swept through his veins.
28:41He overheard Kelly's voice, laced with malice.
28:44That little brat saw me with you at the beach and tried to tell on us.
28:48Naturally, I couldn't let her live.
28:51After I shoved her into the sea, that ridiculous mermaid showed up to rescue her.
28:55Luckily, I managed to hide in the shadows and drowned the girl myself later.
29:00She laughed, adding,
29:02The most amusing part?
29:04When the guards arrived, they saw the mermaid holding Haley and assumed she was harming her.
29:10These words flooded Sean's mind, threatening to break him.
29:14This was the truth.
29:15It was never me who had killed his sister.
29:18It was Kelly, the woman he had adored for all these years.
29:22He had even abused and harmed me, his true savior for her.
29:26And in doing so, he had destroyed the only child we had together.
29:31Rage consumed him.
29:33He kicked the door open with a loud crash.
29:36Sean?
29:38What are you doing here?
29:39Kelly's face turned pale instantly.
29:43Sean's eyes were bloodshot as he advanced toward her.
29:46So you killed Haley?
29:48You set up Melanie?
29:51You've been deceiving me all along!
29:53No, no, let me explain!
29:55Kelly shook her head frantically, her whole body trembling.
29:58But Sean was beyond reasoning.
30:01Every time he thought of his once gentle and loving wife and their lively, adorable child both gone.
30:08Because he had been blinded by anger, something inside him broke.
30:12He dragged Kelly out of bed without a word, stepping on her hand.
30:17He pulled out the tweezers he once used to remove scales and began pulling out her fingernails.
30:23One by one.
30:24You said mermaid scales have a sedative effect, didn't you?
30:30How much pain did Melanie and Sophie feel when you tore out their scales?
30:36He was going to make her feel every ounce of pain she had caused, and he wouldn't stop until she
30:40did.
30:41As her ten fingernails were extracted before her eyes, Kelly screamed in agony until she finally lost consciousness from the
30:49pain.
30:50Upon witnessing the horrific scene, the chauffeur attempted to sneak away, but Sean caught him by the neck and hauled
30:56him back.
30:57You both plotted to murder Haley.
30:59Now you'll join her in death!
31:01Sean slammed the door shut and pummeled the driver until he was barely conscious.
31:07He unleashed his fury with relentless punches, as though it was the only way to bury the guilt of his
31:13past transgressions.
31:15Once he was drenched in blood, he sat on the hospital bed, staring vacantly in shock.
31:21It was then he noticed scales emerging from Kelly's neck, seeping blood without pause.
31:27Sean let out a harsh laugh, tears streaming down his cheeks.
31:32Melanie was right.
31:33Those who harm mermaids will face vengeance.
31:36He added,
31:37And this is mine.
31:38He had become the very thing he hated a monster.
31:41And now he had to live with that.
31:44After my brother rescued me and brought me back to the depths of the ocean, I slept for many days.
31:50The clan said that when I returned, my body was covered in wounds, and even the last scale on my
31:57chest was barely hanging on.
31:59My brother saved me by giving me his heart-protecting scale, but it cost him a hundred years of sleep.
32:05Melanie, you must survive.
32:08Those were his last words to me before he drifted into slumber.
32:13For his sake, I continued to live.
32:15I gently placed the single scale left by Sophie among the choral clusters.
32:20As per Murphic tradition, I would remain there for three days and nights, singing a final requiem for my daughter.
32:28Sophie, I'm so sorry.
32:30For countless days and nights, I had been tormented by the decision to sacrifice my daughter's life to repay a
32:37debt of gratitude.
32:38I had thought I was doing the right thing, but I had never been more wrong.
32:43Ever since I returned, I felt like a completely different person.
32:47The vibrant and cheerful individual I once was had turned into a mere shadow of my former self.
32:54To lift my spirits, members of my brother's clan took me to the shallows every morning to unwind.
33:00But I no longer chased the schools of fish as I once did.
33:04Instead, I simply gazed silently at the sea, lost in my thoughts.
33:09Melanie, see how bright the sun is today.
33:11Want to explore the reefs?
33:13A clan member attempted to cheer me up.
33:15I gently shook my head.
33:17No.
33:17My tail sending up a trail of tiny bubbles.
33:21Suddenly, a familiar yet distant shout faintly reached my ears.
33:25Melanie!
33:26The raspy cry pierced through the seawater and struck my eardrums.
33:31For a moment, I felt disoriented.
33:34Whose voice was that?
33:35I instinctively moved toward the sound, and as I approached, the voice became clearer, causing my body to tremble uncontrollably.
33:45Melanie!
33:46Please come out and see me!
33:48I know you're in the sea!
33:49I quickly looked up Sean's voice.
33:52I surfaced quietly from behind the reef.
33:55On the distant shore, a disheveled man staggered along, his shirt wrinkled and hair unkempt, lacking any sign of his
34:02former handsome and dignified appearance.
34:05A fisherman nearby murmured to his friend.
34:08That man shows up every day, yelling from sunrise to sunset like he's lost his mind.
34:12I heard his wife jumped into the sea with their child.
34:15What a tragedy, to drive his own wife to this.
34:19He must be facing his cum opening.
34:21Sean knelt on the shore, submerging his head in the seawater.
34:25I know you can hear me!
34:28Melanie!
34:29Get please!
34:30Give me a chance to make things right!
34:33I realize I was wrong!
34:35His voice cracked, breaking apart in the midst of the crashing waves.
34:39I observed him quietly, my heart now still and unfeeling.
34:43Sean suddenly lifted his head, his bloodshot eyes locked on the reef where I was hidden.
34:50I saw your silver hair!
34:52He sprinted barefoot toward the reef, unfazed by the cuts and blood on his feet.
34:58I quickly plunged into the water, swimming toward the deep sea without looking back.
35:03His anguished cries echoed in the distance, but I never turned around.
35:07In the following months, Sean would call out my name by the sea daily.
35:12Sometimes, he would even leap into the water, pretending to be a drowning man.
35:17My clan, ever compassionate, would rush to his aid, but he only begged them.
35:21Where is Melanie?
35:22I'll pay any price!
35:24My clan refused to let him see me, but as time went on, they couldn't ignore his worsening condition.
35:31Melanie, the human who's been searching for you, he's running out of time.
35:35The mermaid blood in his veins is turning against him.
35:38He has three days left.
35:39After a long pause, I shook my head.
35:42This has nothing to do with me.
35:44Just as I finished speaking, the coral in my hand began to glow with a blue light.
35:50Sophie Alive swam slowly toward me, brought back to life.
35:54Mommy.
35:55She called out, her voice sending tremors through my body.
35:59I quickly drew her into my arms, barely able to believe it.
36:03It turned out the scale Sophie had left me was her heart-protecting scale.
36:08With my care, she had been reborn.
36:10Now her small body rested against me as she murmured,
36:14Daddy, it hurts.
36:17The mermaid blood in Sean's veins was the last link between him and Sophie.
36:22After much deliberation, I swam toward the shallows with Sophie on the final day of his life.
36:28Sean lay still on the reef, bruise-like scales appearing on his skin.
36:32Melanie, you've come.
36:35Instead, coughing up black blood, a faint smile appeared on his face.
36:40I knew you'd see me one last time.
36:43Under the moonlight, I emerged, my expression composed.
36:47I can't save you.
36:49Once the backlash begins, there's no remedy.
36:53Tears stained with blood fell from his eyes.
36:55I understand now.
36:57Haley was killed by Kelly.
36:59You rescued her, but Kelly took her life.
37:03I have no right to ask for your forgiveness.
37:05I just wanted to see you one last time.
37:08Hearing his confession, my heart remained unmoved.
37:11Are you finished?
37:12I should be leaving.
37:13He searched my eyes for any remnant of love, but found nothing.
37:17He fell to the ground, blood spewing from his mouth.
37:21Then he noticed Sophie.
37:23Sophie, our daughter.
37:26You don't deserve to be her father.
37:28I lashed the water with my tail, sending waves crashing onto his festering skin.
37:34I'm sorry.
37:35Let me die.
37:36This is my punishment.
37:37Sean grabbed a sharp seashell and offered it to me.
37:41Kill me.
37:44I want you to be the one to end my life.
37:46I glanced at the seashell, recalling the time he had given me scissors, compelling me to harm myself.
37:53Death would be a relief for you.
37:56You're not worthy of that privilege.
37:58I turned away and plunged into the water, clutching Sophie tightly.
38:02Her small hand reached up to wipe away my tears.
38:06Mommy, don't cry.
38:08I smiled and shook my head.
38:11That day, the blood streaked tears of a mermaid had already dried up completely.
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