- 5 hours ago
They Left Me, Then They Left Everything
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00At 12, two boys swore to protect me.
00:00:03Alexander gave me a supercar.
00:00:05Julian proposed on a rooftop.
00:00:07But on my wedding day, both had used me.
00:00:10When Lily Evans walked in, they let her take everything.
00:00:13Later, I signed a death waiver.
00:00:17Stole my car.
00:00:18Crashed through a blizzard.
00:00:23Six months later, I returned on General Carl's arm.
00:00:31I saw the two drained faces.
00:00:36I said, you both deserve to die.
00:00:42Alexander Sterling, the billionaire heir to the Sterling Empire, planned to publicly dump
00:00:47me for a club girl.
00:00:49A club girl named Lily Evans.
00:00:53Furious, my father Robert Vance pulled strings to blacklist her.
00:00:57He intended to ship her overseas to fend for herself.
00:01:01Unexpectedly, Alexander did not intervene.
00:01:04He did not fly into a rage.
00:01:07He simply watched.
00:01:09My 18th birthday was approaching.
00:01:12The entire upper class of Kingston was preparing for my birthday banquet at the Vance estate.
00:01:20Alexander and I had been engaged since we were children.
00:01:25Everyone said we were the perfect match.
00:01:29The Sterlings and the Vances.
00:01:32Two empires united through marriage.
00:01:35But something felt wrong.
00:01:37Alexander had been distant lately.
00:01:39Cold.
00:01:40Even.
00:01:41When I asked him about it, he dismissed me with a single word.
00:01:45Busy.
00:01:47That was all I got.
00:01:48I stood before the full-length mirror in my room, adjusting the sapphire necklace Alexander
00:01:53had given me last week.
00:01:55The stone matched my eyes, he'd said.
00:01:58Now I wondered if he'd even remember giving it to me.
00:02:02Downstairs, the orchestra was already tuning their instruments.
00:02:07Downstairs, the orchestra was already tuning in.
00:02:08Downstairs, the orchestra was already tuning in.
00:02:09Downstairs, the orchestra was already tuning in.
00:02:10Downstairs, the orchestra was already tuning in.
00:02:11Guests in haute couture gowns and tailored suits streamed through the marble foyer.
00:02:16My father descended the grand staircase beside me, his hand firm on the small of my back.
00:02:23Eleanor, tonight, keep your smile on, no matter what happens.
00:02:28He said under his breath.
00:02:30I looked up at him.
00:02:32His jaw was tight.
00:02:33What do you know that I don't?
00:02:36He didn't answer.
00:02:38He just squeezed my shoulder once and walked ahead to greet the first arrivals.
00:02:44Something was coming.
00:02:47I could feel it in the air, heavy and suffocating, like a storm gathering behind closed doors.
00:02:57The banquet hall glittered with crystal chandeliers and whispered secrets.
00:03:03I circulated through the crowd, smiling until my cheeks ached.
00:03:09Alexander arrived fashionably late, as always, but he didn't come alone.
00:03:14Lily Evans hung from his arm like a silk scarf draped over furniture.
00:03:18She wore red.
00:03:21Not just any red.
00:03:22The exact shade of crimson that Alexander had once told me was.
00:03:27Too bold for anyone but you, Eleanor.
00:03:30My stomach dropped.
00:03:32Guests exchanged glances.
00:03:34Murmurs rippled through the room like wind through wheat.
00:03:40Robert's face went dark across the room.
00:03:43He started moving toward us.
00:03:45His stride sharp and purposeful.
00:03:50I caught his eye and shook my head frantically.
00:03:53Not here, not now.
00:03:55Not in front of everyone.
00:03:58He stopped.
00:03:59But the damage was already done.
00:04:04Lily leaned into Alexander and giggled at something he whispered in her ear.
00:04:11Her fingers traced the lapel of his tuxedo.
00:04:15Possessive.deliberate, a declaration written in body language.
00:04:21I turned away before anyone could see my expression crack.
00:04:25The balcony doors were just ahead.
00:04:27I needed air.
00:04:28I needed to breathe.
00:04:31Behind me, I heard Alexander's voice cut through the music.
00:04:35Everyone.
00:04:37May I have your attention.
00:04:39The room fell silent.
00:04:42Every head turned toward him.
00:04:44Toward us.
00:04:45Toward Lily.
00:04:46Still clinging to his arm.
00:04:48Toward me.
00:04:49Standing alone near the glass doors that led out into the cold night.
00:04:57Alexander said.
00:04:59I have an announcement.
00:05:01His voice rang clear and confident through the banquet hall.
00:05:07Lily pressed closer to him.
00:05:09Her painted lips curving into a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
00:05:16I felt every pair of eyes in the room burning into my back.
00:05:22This engagement, Alexander continued, was arranged by our families a long time ago.
00:05:28A pause.
00:05:29Deliberate, deliberate, calculated.
00:05:31But I've come to realize that neither Eleanor nor I are happy with this arrangement.
00:05:36Gasps.
00:05:37Scattered.
00:05:38Like broken glass across marble.
00:05:40So today, I am officially announcing the end of our engagement.
00:05:46The room erupted.
00:05:47Phones came out.
00:05:49Whispers became shouts.
00:05:50Someone was already live-streaming.
00:05:54I stood frozen.
00:05:56My hands still resting on the balcony door handle.
00:05:58This was how it ended.
00:06:00Not in private.
00:06:01Not with decency.
00:06:03But in front of 300 people.
00:06:05Live-streamed to the world.
00:06:08Thank you all for understanding.
00:06:10Lily stepped forward, wrapping both arms around Alexander's waist.
00:06:13She said, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
00:06:16Alexander and I are very much in love.
00:06:21Robert exploded across the room.
00:06:26You disgusting!
00:06:29Mr. Vance.
00:06:30One of them said evenly.
00:06:32We suggest you calm down.
00:06:34Both Alexander's bodyguards intercepted him before he could reach the stage.
00:06:37Calm down!
00:06:39You said you can't get a four in the end!
00:06:42Robert's voice cracked.
00:06:47Alexander looked down at my father with something close to pity.
00:06:51Eleanor will find someone else.
00:06:53She always was.
00:06:55Resilient.
00:06:58The way he said that word made my skin crawl resilient.
00:07:03Like I was a problem to be managed rather than a person to be loved.
00:07:07I pushed through the balcony doors and stepped out into the freezing night.
00:07:13The sound of the crowd faded behind me.
00:07:16Replaced by the lonely whistle of wind across the mansion's rooftop gardens.
00:07:22I gripped the railing until my knuckles turned white.
00:07:28I would not cry.
00:07:30Not here.
00:07:31Not ever in front of them again.
00:07:34I left the banquet through the garden exit.
00:07:37Avoiding the main hall entirely.
00:07:40My white supercar waited in the circular driveway.
00:07:43Gleaming under the decorative lights.
00:07:49One of the valets brought the keys to me.
00:07:53Ms. Vance.
00:07:54Should I have the driver ready?
00:07:57No.
00:07:58I'm driving myself tonight.
00:08:00My voice came out steadier than I expected.
00:08:04I slid into the driver's seat.
00:08:09The leather still held the faint scent of the custom cologne Alexander had picked out for me on my birthday
00:08:14five years ago.
00:08:20Alexander had sat right where I was sitting now.
00:08:23He'd taken my hands in his and said,
00:08:26This car is yours, Eleanor.
00:08:28Only yours.
00:08:29No one else will ever sit in this seat.
00:08:31I started the engine.
00:08:33The roar vibrated through my chest.
00:08:35Familiar and comforting.
00:08:40I pulled out of the driveway and onto the main road.
00:08:44Kingston at night was beautiful.
00:08:47Skyscrapers glittered.
00:08:49Streetlights cast golden pools on wet pavement.
00:08:52I didn't know where I was going.
00:08:54I just drove.
00:08:5820 minutes later.
00:08:59The GPS signal flickered and died.
00:09:02The engine made a strange sound.
00:09:04A grinding cough that no sports car should ever make.
00:09:08Then the power steering failed.
00:09:10I wrestled with the wheel,
00:09:11managing to guide the dying car toward the side of the road.
00:09:14It rolled to a stop in front of a narrow alley between two brick buildings.
00:09:18The neighborhood was wrong.
00:09:19Neon signs flickered in languages I didn't recognize.
00:09:22Figures loomed in doorways, watching.
00:09:25I reached for my phone, dead.
00:09:29The car's emergency system, usually so reliable, stayed silent.
00:09:37I unlocked the door and stepped out.
00:09:39My heels clicking on the grimy pavement.
00:09:44Last princess.
00:09:49A voice from the shadows, then another.
00:09:52And another.
00:09:53Three men emerged from the alley's mouth.
00:09:56Forming a half circle around me.
00:09:58Their smiles held nothing human.
00:10:01I tried to run.
00:10:02My heel caught on a crack in the pavement and I went down hard.
00:10:06Palms scraping against rough concrete.
00:10:09Someone grabbed my hair.
00:10:11Another wrenched my arms behind my back.
00:10:13The third.
00:10:14I never saw his face clearly.
00:10:16Forced something between my teeth.
00:10:17A bottle.
00:10:19Liquid burned down my throat.
00:10:21Bitter and chemical.
00:10:22Making my vision swim.
00:10:25Look at her.
00:10:27All dressed up like a doll.
00:10:30She's worth a fortune, another said.
00:10:33Check her bag.
00:10:34Design her everything.
00:10:35One of them laughed.
00:10:40Another said.
00:10:42Phones came out.
00:10:43Flashes blinded me.
00:10:44They were recording everything.
00:10:46I wanted to scream.
00:10:47But my throat had clenched shut around the terror lodge there.
00:10:51My mind detached.
00:10:53It floated somewhere above my body.
00:10:55Watching the scene unfold like a bad movie I couldn't walk out of.
00:10:59This wasn't happening.
00:11:00This couldn't be happening.
00:11:02Not to me.
00:11:03Not to Eleanor Vance.
00:11:04Daughter of the Vance medical empire.
00:11:06Fiancé of Alexander Sterling.
00:11:09Time blurred.
00:11:12When I finally became aware of myself again.
00:11:15I was curled on the ground.
00:11:17My dress was torn.
00:11:19My body shook with cold or shock or both.
00:11:22The men were gone.
00:11:23Their laughter echoed somewhere in the distance.
00:11:26Fading into the city noise.
00:11:28I pushed myself upright.
00:11:30My phone was missing.
00:11:32My jewelry was gone.
00:11:33Even my shoes.
00:11:35One had fallen off during the struggle.
00:11:39I limped back to my car on bare feet.
00:11:50I slumped against the driver's side door and let the darkness swallow me whole.
00:11:55I don't know how long I lay there.
00:11:57An hour, maybe more.
00:11:59Headlights swept across the alley mouth.
00:12:01A black sedan slowed to a stop.
00:12:03Two men in dark suits stout.
00:12:07My father's security detail.
00:12:10They'd tracked my car's emergency beacon.
00:12:15Mrs. Vance?
00:12:16I couldn't speak.
00:12:19They helped me into the back seat.
00:12:21Wrapped me in a wool blanket.
00:12:23And drove me straight to Vance Manor.
00:12:28My father was waiting in the foyer.
00:12:30One look at me and his face crumpled.
00:12:32He didn't ask questions.
00:12:34He didn't demand answers.
00:12:37He simply carried me upstairs to my room.
00:12:40Laid me on my bed.
00:12:41And called the family doctor.
00:12:44The examination was quick.
00:12:49No permanent physical injury.
00:12:51The doctor said gently.
00:12:53But the psychological toll.
00:12:55He left that sentence unfinished.
00:12:57Morning came to fast.
00:12:59I refused to leave my room.
00:13:01But the world refused to let me hide by noon.
00:13:04The story was everywhere.
00:13:06Photos, videos, speculation.
00:13:08The Vance heiress found intoxicated in red light district.
00:13:12Sterling Ayers x.
00:13:14Fiancie caught in compromising position.
00:13:17Sources say Alexander Sterling ended the engagement hours before the incident.
00:13:22My phone blew up with messages.
00:13:24Most were from people I'd once called friends.
00:13:27Are you okay?
00:13:29What happened?
00:13:30Oh my god.
00:13:31Eleanor, I'm so sorry.
00:13:33And then the other kind of message.
00:13:35The ones that came from numbers I didn't recognize.
00:13:39Slut.
00:13:41Whore.
00:13:41She deserved it.
00:13:43Damaged goods.
00:13:45I deleted them all.
00:13:47Every single one.
00:13:48But the words had already burrowed under my skin.
00:13:52Where they would fester for a long time to come.
00:13:56Julian Montgomery arrived that afternoon.
00:13:59We'd grown up together.
00:14:02Alexander.
00:14:03Julian.
00:14:04And I.
00:14:05The three of us had been inseparable since kindergarten.
00:14:09Julian was different from Alexander.
00:14:14Softer, more thoughtful.
00:14:19Where Alexander blazed, Julian warmed.
00:14:23He sat beside my bed.
00:14:25Holding my hand with careful gentleness.
00:14:28Elinor.
00:14:31His voice was low, steady.
00:14:35I know you're going through hell right now.
00:14:37I said nothing.
00:14:38But I want you to know, none of this changes how I see you.
00:14:42I finally looked at him.
00:14:44His brown eyes held no judgment.
00:14:46No pity.
00:14:48Just something that might have been warmth.
00:14:51Marry me.
00:14:52He said.
00:14:53I blinked.
00:14:55What?
00:14:57Marry me, Elinor.
00:14:59Not because of what happened.
00:15:01Not because I feel sorry for you.
00:15:06He squeezed my hand tighter.
00:15:13Marry me.
00:15:16Because I've loved you since we were kids.
00:15:18And I was too cowardly to say it until now.
00:15:23Marry me.
00:15:26Because I don't care about your reputation or what people are saying.
00:15:33The Montgomerys and the Vances have been allies for generations.
00:15:37Our families would celebrate this union.
00:15:40There isn't prayerless can you be called Perseptin this year's.
00:15:43And most importantly.
00:15:46Marry me.
00:15:48Because I will spend the rest of my life making sure no one ever hurts you again.
00:15:56I stared at him.
00:15:57This was Julian.
00:15:59My childhood friend.
00:16:01The boy who once carried me three miles through a rainstorm because I'd twisted my ankle.
00:16:08Julian was offering me a lifeline.
00:16:12A way out of the wreckage Alexander had made of my life.
00:16:18I...
00:16:18I need time.
00:16:20My voice caught.
00:16:22Take all the time you need.
00:16:24He smiled.
00:16:25And for a moment, it almost looked genuine.
00:16:27I'm not going anywhere.
00:16:29He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.
00:16:34Rest now, Eleanor.
00:16:35Everything is going to be okay.
00:16:36After he left, I lay in the dark staring at the ceiling.
00:16:40Everything was not going to be okay.
00:16:42I could feel it in my bones.
00:16:43The shape of the trap closing around me.
00:16:46Invisible but unmistakable.
00:16:48Julian's proposal was too convenient.
00:16:51Too perfectly timed.
00:16:52And something in his eyes when he mentioned Alexander's name.
00:16:56Something that didn't match the words coming out of his mouth.
00:16:59The marriage registration was scheduled for the following Monday.
00:17:03I wore white.
00:17:04Not a wedding dress.
00:17:05I wasn't ready for that.
00:17:07But a pristine white haute couture ensemble, it felt like armor against what was coming.
00:17:11The civil registry office was a modest building compared to the cathedral weddings the upper class usually favored.
00:17:18But Julian had insisted on simplicity.
00:17:26For us, it's not about the spectacle.
00:17:29It's about the commitment.
00:17:32He'd said.
00:17:33I stood in the lounge area, waiting for our appointment number to be called.
00:17:37Julian had stepped away to take a call.
00:17:40Through the half-open door of the adjacent conference room, I heard voices.
00:17:45Two women.
00:17:47Secretaries.
00:17:48From the sound of it, their conversation drifted toward me like smoke.
00:17:51Did you hear about Mrs. Vance?
00:17:54I heard his menace sent to blike, wait on every go to wear.
00:17:56A poor thing.
00:17:58Her reputation is ruined in the upper class, and in the end, she has to rely on Mr. Montgomery with
00:18:03pieces.
00:18:04My blood went cold.
00:18:06What do you know?
00:18:07To marry that little influencer, Lily Evans.
00:18:10Mr. Sterling orchestrated the trap to ruin Miss Vance.
00:18:14My hand flew to my mouth.
00:18:18He even paid those thugs to disappear.
00:18:21No witnesses.
00:18:22No evidence.
00:18:24He destroyed her just to clear the way for Lily.
00:18:28The second secretary lowered her voice further.
00:18:32And Mr. Montgomery.
00:18:33He doesn't love Miss Vance either.
00:18:35My heart stopped.
00:18:37He's only marrying her because he's afraid she used the Vance's power to take revenge on Lily.
00:18:45He wants to keep her under his nose where he can watch her.
00:18:48Withstanding it's a mauve and imbersed it is on it rape and imbersed for sphenoxus,
00:18:52this pre's Miss Kanditz and Enseed Eulagrex.
00:18:57It turned out that both of thee were in love with Lily.
00:19:01Despair, like an invisible hand, strangled my throat.
00:19:05Both of them.
00:19:06Both of the men I trusted my entire life.
00:19:08They were both in love with the same woman.
00:19:10The woman who had taken everything from me.
00:19:13And Julian's proposal.
00:19:14It was never about saving me.
00:19:16It was about controlling me.
00:19:18I walked out of the registry office into the bright afternoon sun.
00:19:22My legs felt like they belonged to someone else.
00:19:27Julian was waiting by the fountain in the courtyard.
00:19:30Wearing that same gentle, warm smile that had comforted me for days.
00:19:36Now it made me want to scream.
00:19:38He saw my expression change and his smile faltered.
00:19:43Eleanor?
00:19:45What's wrong?
00:19:47What's wrong?
00:19:49You look pale.
00:19:50I pulled the marriage registration papers from my bag.
00:19:53I looked at them for a long moment.
00:19:55All those carefully printed words.
00:19:57All those official stamps and signatures waiting to be added.
00:20:00All of it built on a foundation of lies.
00:20:03I ripped the papers in half.
00:20:04Then in quarters.
00:20:07Then I kept tearing until there was nothing left but white confetti scattered around my feet.
00:20:14I'm not marrying you, Julian.
00:20:16Julian's expression changed instantly.
00:20:19The warmth drained away, replaced by something sharp and calculating.
00:20:22He stepped forward, gripping my wrists tightly.
00:20:27Eleanor.
00:20:28Have you lost your mind?
00:20:30Right now, in all of Kingston, I'm the only one who doesn't mind your past.
00:20:35His voice was a low hiss.
00:20:37Meant only for me.
00:20:39By breaking off the engagement,
00:20:41do you plan on being pointed at and judged for the rest of your life?
00:20:46I know you're still obsessed with Alexander.
00:20:50But if you really love him,
00:20:53shouldn't you just let him be happy with Lily?
00:20:55My nose stung.
00:20:57I looked up, forcing back the tears,
00:21:00and asked him with a cold sneer.
00:21:02So you love Lily too?
00:21:03You're sacrificing yourself to marry me just to let her and Alexander be together?
00:21:09To stop me from hating her out of jealousy and causing trouble for Lily.
00:21:16You're marrying me as a decoration to keep me under surveillance, right?
00:21:22A trace of panic flashed across his face.
00:21:26But he kept denying it.
00:21:28His eyes rimmed with red.
00:21:30Eleanor, how can you think of me like that?
00:21:33We grew up together.
00:21:34You know I'm not that kind of person.
00:21:39Around us, guests and passersby had stopped to watch.
00:21:43The whispers started immediately.
00:21:46Mr. Montgomery is only marrying her for old time's sake.
00:21:49Yet she's throwing mud at him in public.
00:21:51What an ungrateful bitch.
00:21:52Since she doesn't appreciate his kindness,
00:21:54he should just cancel.
00:21:55I don't think anyone else would dare take her except him.
00:21:58Robert appeared at my side, his face dark with rage.
00:22:02He was about to open his mouth to defend me.
00:22:05To tell everyone the truth about that night.
00:22:07I hurriedly grabbed his hand.
00:22:10Shook my head at him.
00:22:11Leaned close and whispered in his ear.
00:22:14Dad, don't say it.
00:22:16If the Sterlins and the Montgomerys join forces, we can't win.
00:22:24Alexander just secured those major projects.
00:22:27He's untouchable right now.
00:22:29Alexander has everyone in his pocket now.
00:22:34He destroyed me for Lily, and he'd do it again.
00:22:41If we fight him, he'll bury us under his lies.
00:22:47No one will believe us now.
00:22:53They'll just think we're fishing for sympathy
00:22:55and slanting the two great families.
00:22:57Robert's chest heaved with violent anger.
00:22:59His fists clenched at his sides.
00:23:05Robert could only storm back into the building in frustration.
00:23:10Leaving me to face it alone,
00:23:13Julian took my hand again,
00:23:15looking at me with deep affection that I now knew was an act.
00:23:18Eleanor.
00:23:20If you're in a bad mood today, I can wait.
00:23:23This engagement...
00:23:26stands forever.
00:23:31As long as you promised me not to harass Alexander and Lily anymore.
00:23:36I shook off his hand.
00:23:38My eyes were cold as ice.
00:23:42I won't marry you, nor will I go look for Alexander again.
00:23:53Not in this lifetime.
00:24:00Just as I was about to reveal my plan, my real plan, a familiar engine roar cut through the air.
00:24:06A white supercar screeched to a curb nearby.
00:24:09Lily Evans stepped out, dressed in haute couture Chanel, swaying her hips like she owned the sidewalk.
00:24:15Her eyes found mine.
00:24:17And when she looked at Julian, there was a trace of subtle, lingering affection in her gaze.
00:24:23A fragmented light instantly lit up in Julian's eyes.
00:24:27But he suppressed it just as quickly.
00:24:30Lily walked up to me, tears flowing on command.
00:24:33Crocodile tears bathed in artificial sunlight.
00:24:39Eleanor, why did you still wear these clothes to go see Alexander today?
00:24:43I'd never been to the Sterling Manor today.
00:24:46She was lying.
00:24:50Why are you still clinging to him so tightly when you're about to get married?
00:24:53The surrounding whispers became even more piercing.
00:24:56Just now.
00:24:57She was swearing she wouldn't stalk Mr. Sterling.
00:25:00But the moment she turns around, the official girlfriend shows up.
00:25:03She really has no shame.
00:25:06Mr. Montgomery even spent a forge wing that pink diamond necklace for her.
00:25:09What a waste of genuine affection on a dog.
00:25:11This kind of woman should be blacklisted.
00:25:13Hearing that I had gone to see Alexander today, Julian's eyes turned cold.
00:25:17He instinctively shielded Lily, his tone full of reproach.
00:25:21Eleanor, I know you look down on Lily.
00:25:23You think she comes from a club.
00:25:25You think she isn't clean.
00:25:27That she isn't good enough for Alexander?
00:25:29But she only worked as a receptionist at the club.
00:25:32She never sold her body.
00:25:33She is still pure.
00:25:35Look at yourself, Eleanor.
00:25:37After what happened in that red light district, your damaged goods.
00:25:41I took a deep breath.
00:25:42The winter wind sliced my face like a knife,
00:25:45stabbing straight into my heart.
00:25:50Yes, to whitewash Lily's background.
00:25:54To make her worthy of the Sterling's family prestige.
00:25:58Alexander had forced several media outlets to change their stories overnight.
00:26:02He'd even had a university professor recognize her as his influential sponsor to rewrite her past.
00:26:09Overnight, I became the slut spurned by everyone in the upper class.
00:26:13She became the inspirational, innocent goddess, the apple of Mr. Sterling's eye.
00:26:19Lily suddenly pointed at the ruby necklace around my neck and screamed emotionally.
00:26:24You thief!
00:26:25You stole the necklace Alexander gave me!
00:26:27How could you put your filthy hands on my engagement gift?
00:26:31I froze.
00:26:32I looked at Julian with bloodshot eyes.
00:26:35Didn't you send this necklace to me last night?
00:26:40Julian's eyes flickered.
00:26:41He avoided my gaze.
00:26:43Yet his tone was unusually firm.
00:26:45I never gave you anything, Eleanor.
00:26:47I nemeth you adjunal or sinna.
00:26:49Don't lie just to cover up your own crimes.
00:26:51You're making yourself look pathetic.
00:26:53My ears filled with voices calling me a thief.
00:26:56Those vicious words smashed into me like stones, leaving me breathless.
00:27:01Enduring the tearing pain in my heart, I yanked the necklace off with trembling hands.
00:27:05I smashed it viciously onto the ground.
00:27:10The gem shattered.
00:27:13Shards grazed Lily's calf.
00:27:15I said, my voice flat.
00:27:18I've never been to the Sterling Manor, so how could I possibly steal this necklace?
00:27:24Lily clutched her leg.
00:27:25A flash of triumphant malice crossed her eyes.
00:27:28She wailed to the crowd.
00:27:30We missed the servants at the Sterling Manor and all saw her come by today!
00:27:34If you don't believe me, go ask them!
00:27:39A cold, deep male voice suddenly came from outside the crowd.
00:27:46Lily, it's just a necklace.
00:27:48If she wants to steal it, let her steal it.
00:27:56I'll win a better one for you at auction.
00:27:59After all, Eleanor and I grew up together.
00:28:03Let's not make things too ugly on her big day.
00:28:07Alexander parted the crowd and strode over.
00:28:09He unceremoniously shoved Julian aside.
00:28:14He wrapped an arm around Lily's shoulder, his eyes burning with undisguised possessiveness.
00:28:25Thank you, Mr. Montgomery, for looking out for Lily.
00:28:28You two carry on with your business.
00:28:32Lily and I are heading back.
00:28:36I called out to him.
00:28:39Alexander, you know perfectly well I never went to your house today.
00:28:45Why didn't you defend me?
00:28:49He stopped, turned his head.
00:28:55Alexander's eyes were cold as ice.
00:28:58He leaned in close to my ear, whispering so only I could hear.
00:29:03I'm doing this so you'll finally get the message.
00:29:06I don't care how much you cry.
00:29:09You disgust me, Eleanor.
00:29:11Stay on disgust to you, Eleanor.
00:29:12Meet Ramasher.
00:29:13Stay away from us, or I'll make sure you lose everything else.
00:29:18My eyes stung terribly, yet it felt as if my tears had already run dry.
00:29:25My memory drifted back to our childhood.
00:29:29Back then, no matter who wronged me, Alexander would be the first to step up and take them down.
00:29:35He used to say I was his little princess, no one was allowed to bully me.
00:29:41Yet now, to force me away, he allowed the woman he loved to frame me in front of everyone.
00:29:47He didn't know that even if I wanted to cling to him, I wouldn't have the chance anymore.
00:29:52After tomorrow, Eleanor would no longer exist in Kingston.
00:29:56After they left, Julian dispersed the onlookers.
00:30:01Seeing my face drained of color, he grabbed my hand.
00:30:05His tone laced with a trace of barely perceptible guilt.
00:30:09I'm sorry, Eleanor.
00:30:11I didn't actually buy that necklace.
00:30:14Lily just tossed it to me.
00:30:15I saw it looked expensive enough, and since you don't have much jewelry,
00:30:18I thought I'd use it to help you keep up appearances.
00:30:23I pulled my hand back expressionlessly.
00:30:26You didn't say that just now.
00:30:27What good does saying it now do?
00:30:29Alexander defended himself with self-righteous logic.
00:30:33If I had taken your side, Lily would have looked like a monster.
00:30:35Sir, you sidelines.
00:30:36You don't out-hurt her.
00:30:37So what's the thing if you know level one to my son?
00:30:39Lily was only trying to help.
00:30:40She's fighting so hard to fit in.
00:30:42Did you really want to destroy her life?
00:30:44She's the apple of Alexander's eye right now.
00:30:46She struggled so hard to gain a foothold in the upper class.
00:30:49Did you want to ruin her?
00:30:53Anyway, I know the truth.
00:30:55Knowing you are innocent is enough.
00:30:59We're the ones living our lives together in the future.
00:31:01You don't need to care about how others look at you.
00:31:05He was wrong.
00:31:07I no longer cared about anyone's opinion.
00:31:09I just felt a bone-deep chill of heartbreak toward both of them.
00:31:13It was a fact that Lily had framed me.
00:31:16Yet to shield that woman, he had personally branded me a thief.
00:31:20And then he had the nerve to blame me for being unreasonable.
00:31:24I couldn't bear to think about why the boy who once carried me for miles through a rainstorm had turned
00:31:30into this.
00:31:31I turned and walked into the villa.
00:31:34Returned to my room, Julian followed me.
00:31:36He watched as I frantically threw all those designer bags and clothes onto the floor like a mad woman.
00:31:45I curled up on the bed, hugging my knees, sobbing uncontrollably.
00:31:52Eleanor, stop crying.
00:31:54I was wrong about this.
00:31:56I'll make it up to you double in the future, okay?
00:31:58I grabbed a crystal ornament within reach.
00:32:01I smashed it violently toward him.
00:32:04The impact left a bloody gash on his forehead.
00:32:06I told you! I'm not marrying you! Get the hell out!
00:32:12His temper ignited instantly.
00:32:14His eyes snapped.
00:32:16He grabbed me by the throat.
00:32:18He slammed me against the wall so hard the pictures rattled on their nails.
00:32:23If you don't marry me, who else would want you?
00:32:28Do you want to go be a mistress for some low-class thug?
00:32:30Or do you want to be scorned and gossiped about for the rest of your life?
00:32:34I only agreed to marry you out of respect for our family's long-standing ties.
00:32:38Yet today, you tore up the marriage papers in public and completely humiliated the Montgomerys!
00:32:43I desperately clawed at his hand.
00:32:46I couldn't breathe.
00:32:47My face turned crimson.
00:32:49He released me abruptly.
00:32:51I coughed violently, gasping for air.
00:32:57Tears streamed down my face.
00:32:59I forced a smile that looked more painful than weeping.
00:33:04Why? Why have you all changed like this?
00:33:07Julian watched my breakdown with cold eyes as if looking at an insignificant stranger.
00:33:11I kicked him out.
00:33:12I sat alone in the room until darkness fell.
00:33:15That night, I packed my few documents and personal belongings.
00:33:19I intended to bid this city a final farewell.
00:33:23Passing the high-end jewelry store we used to frequent.
00:33:26I spotted Alexander and Lily walking out.
00:33:29I froze.
00:33:30I watched Alexander plant a kiss on Lily's forehead.
00:33:34Then, with eyes full of adoration, he slipped a pink diamond ring onto her ring finger.
00:33:40He said,
00:33:41It's beautiful. It suits you perfectly.
00:33:43Lily seemed to spot me standing in the shadows.
00:33:46She lifted her chin in a provocative gesture.
00:33:50Turning back, she cooed at Alexander.
00:33:53It's gorgeous.
00:33:54But, didn't you fly all the way to the Middle East just to find this diamond for Eleanor?
00:33:59Are you sure I should have it?
00:34:01Alexander gently stroked her long hair.
00:34:03He whispered soothingly,
00:34:04I'll give you whatever you want.
00:34:05I'd even let you play with the Sterling group if you asked.
00:34:11As for Eleanor, who is she?
00:34:15She doesn't even deserve to be compared to you.
00:34:18Lily cast a triumphant smile in my direction.
00:34:21She took Alexander's arm.
00:34:23The two of them walked intimately into the private club nearby.
00:34:27In December's Kingston, heavy snow suddenly began to fall.
00:34:32My heart turned completely cold.
00:34:34I didn't want to wait until tomorrow.
00:34:37I returned to the villa.
00:34:39I left a letter for my father on his desk.
00:34:42Then I put my white coat back on.
00:34:44It felt like putting on armor.
00:34:47The coat I'd worn to my volunteer medical shifts before everything fell apart.
00:34:52I took a taxi to Alexander's private garage.
00:34:58While the security guard wasn't looking,
00:35:00I slipped inside.
00:35:03My supercar.
00:35:04The white supercar sat in its usual spot.
00:35:07The one Alexander had given me on my 18th birthday.
00:35:11The one he'd just stolen back to give to Lily.
00:35:14I started the engine.
00:35:15The roar vibrated through my chest.
00:35:18Fierce and alive.
00:35:20I slammed on the gas.
00:35:22Clashed through the barrier.
00:35:23Sped away into the night.
00:35:25The guard couldn't stop me.
00:35:27He could only watch my taillights vanish into the darkness.
00:35:30I rolled down the window.
00:35:35Tell Alexander that I, Eleanor, am leaving for the Middle East right now!
00:35:40This car has been with me for five years.
00:35:43Let it take me on my final journey.
00:35:49I sped wildly.
00:35:51Tears burst forth.
00:35:52They were instantly scattered by the biting wind.
00:35:54Alexander.
00:35:55Julian.
00:35:57Our entanglement of over a decade ends today.
00:35:59Severed once and for all,
00:36:01the flustered security guard relayed the message to Alexander,
00:36:03who was drinking at the club.
00:36:05Hearing this, a sneer appeared on his face.
00:36:09Please, we all know it's an old doctor on that mission.
00:36:12Eleanor is just faking a suicide mission to get my attention.
00:36:14It's pathetic.
00:36:15But Lil likes that car.
00:36:16I can't let her drive it away.
00:36:18He threw on his coat,
00:36:19grabbed the keys to another sports car,
00:36:23and chased after me into the suicide.
00:36:25Chased me all the way to the gate of the Vance's mansion.
00:36:28He honked the horn madly.
00:36:31Eleanor, leave the car here!
00:36:33Where the hell you go is your own business!
00:36:35After a long while, the butler opened the gate.
00:36:37His eyes were red.
00:36:38His voice choked with emotion.
00:36:43He parked his car directly across the entrance of our mansion.
00:36:48This is what I learned later happened after I'd left Kingston.
00:36:52Vivian!
00:36:54Mr. Sterling.
00:36:56Ms. Vance has already gone to the airport.
00:36:59She really is going to the Middle East.
00:37:02That was what his assistant apparently told him.
00:37:04Alexander refused to believe any of it.
00:37:07Eleanor, get the hell out here!
00:37:09Don't think making up some story about going to die in the Middle East will make me change my mind.
00:37:13Everyone knows you're a spoiled princess, Eleanor.
00:37:16Used to cry for hours over a scratched knee.
00:37:18My father walked out when he heard the commotion.
00:37:21I was told he gazed at the drifting snow.
00:37:25His eyes must have been terrifyingly hollow that day.
00:37:28Alexander, just leave.
00:37:30Eleanor is truly gone.
00:37:31What she went to process yesterday were her exit papers.
00:37:35She will never be a stain on your sight to you again.
00:37:38I heard that Alexander felt a chill under my father's gaze.
00:37:41But he forced a smile anyway.
00:37:44Mr. Vance, is it fun helping your daughter put on an act?
00:37:47You adore your daughter so much.
00:37:49How could you possibly bear to let her go to a place like that?
00:37:55Alexander's expression darkened.
00:37:57His tone turned vicious.
00:37:58Even if she lost her verju in the red light district,
00:38:02you wouldn't necessarily send her off to die, would you?
00:38:05My father gave a cold snert.
00:38:06The sound seemed squeezed through clenched teeth.
00:38:09You animals pushed her to the edge!
00:38:11Maybe a war zone is the only place left where she can finally find some peace!
00:38:15Away from you!
00:38:22Alexander stared at my father's face.
00:38:25He tried to find even the slightest crack in that calm.
00:38:29But all he found was despair and dead silence.
00:38:34A sudden panic seized him.
00:38:38He kicked open the door to my room.
00:38:40The room was empty, save for the mess scattered on the floor,
00:38:44in that heavy snow driving a sports car.
00:38:47Where else could I have gone?
00:38:50Alexander walks out of the bedroom angrily and heads to the mansion gate.
00:38:54No sooner had the words fallen than two figures appeared at the entrance of the mansion.
00:38:59Lily and Julian.
00:39:01Alexander, don't worry.
00:39:03She drove into some random direction.
00:39:09I don't care about that junk car anymore.
00:39:12Since Eleanor likes it so much,
00:39:14let her keep it as a breakup fee.
00:39:16His fists cracked as he crunched them.
00:39:21I never thought that just to get back at me,
00:39:23she would actually sink this low.
00:39:26Mr. Vance,
00:39:27you really raised your daughter well.
00:39:28As a big shot businessman,
00:39:30to think you'd help her spin such a massive lie.
00:39:34He wrapped his arm around Lily and walked out.
00:39:37He patted Julian on the shoulder as he passed.
00:39:41I truly feel for you, Julian, having to pick up trash like her.
00:39:46Once she's done with her little drama and crawls back,
00:39:49I'll throw you a massive wedding gift for taking her off my hands.
00:39:53Julian forced the corners of his mouth up into a smile that looked worse than crying.
00:39:59Just take good care of Lily for me.
00:40:02After seeing the two of them off, Julian turned on my father.
00:40:07Just now, the Sterling family bodyguards said Eleanor went to the Middle East.
00:40:12Is that actually true?
00:40:16Julian knew Lily had been lying just now,
00:40:19but he hadn't exposed her.
00:40:21After all, Lily had shown him a report.
00:40:24She'd said she was already carrying his child.
00:40:27So no matter what she said or did,
00:40:29he indulged her unconditionally.
00:40:31My father let out a long sigh.
00:40:34He shook his head.
00:40:35He seemed to age ten years in an instant.
00:40:39Mr. Montgomery, please go back as well.
00:40:41If you want to find Eleanor, go look in the Middle East.
00:40:44There is no longer anyone named Eleanor in Kingston.
00:40:47With a final icy look,
00:40:48my father had the butler throw Julian out.
00:40:54Julian stood alone in the biting wind and snow.
00:40:57I imagine a cold, empty ache must have opened in his chest,
00:41:00like freezing wind tearing right through his ribs.
00:41:04My words outside the registry office must have flashed through his mind then.
00:41:09I won't marry you.
00:41:11Because I'm about to.
00:41:13Could it be?
00:41:14No.
00:41:14He refused to believe it.
00:41:16He drove like a madman to the international aid office.
00:41:19He didn't care about the cameras.
00:41:21He didn't care about the law.
00:41:23He shoved past the security guards and tried to block his path.
00:41:26He slammed his weight against the director's door and barged inside.
00:41:32Upon learning the truth, Julian collapsed entirely into the chair.
00:41:36How could you let her go?
00:41:38She is just an ordinary surgeon.
00:41:40That kind of place.
00:41:42The director looked at him coldly.
00:41:46Mr. Montgomery, this was Dr. Vance's own decision.
00:41:49She said she had no attachments left in Kingston.
00:41:52Here is her flight information.
00:41:55And a copy of the sign Death We Veil.
00:41:57Julian took the paper with trembling hands.
00:41:59My signature, written with such force it nearly pierced through the page.
00:42:04Now that I was gone, he shouldn't have worried about me hurting Lily anymore.
00:42:10Nor should he be torn between sides.
00:42:13Yet why did his chest feel crushed by a heavy stone?
00:42:17Clutching that photocopy, he stumbled to the Sterling Manor.
00:42:21To his surprise, the family doctor was there as well.
00:42:26Congratulations, Mr. Sterling.
00:42:27Mrs. Evans is pregnant.
00:42:29It's been two months already.
00:42:31Alexander picked up Lily and spun her around.
00:42:34He thrilled like a child.
00:42:42Seeing Julian enter, the smile on Alexander's face hadn't faded yet.
00:42:47Julian!
00:42:48What are you doing here so late?
00:42:50Perfect timing.
00:42:51I have good news for you.
00:42:52Julian guiltily avoided Alexander's gaze.
00:42:55He handed over the photocopy.
00:42:58This is Eleanor's exit record.
00:43:00And the Death Vavor.
00:43:02She really went to the Middle East.
00:43:04The smile froze on Alexander's face.
00:43:06He took the paper, glanced at it, tossed it aside with disdain.
00:43:10Anyone can fake a piece of paper.
00:43:12This is just another one of her desperate games to get me back.
00:43:14Julian's eyes were red.
00:43:16His voice trembled.
00:43:17It's real this time.
00:43:19I went to the office to verify it.
00:43:21The plane has already taken off.
00:43:22And she applied for the most dangerous combat zone.
00:43:25The mortality rate is extremely hot.
00:43:27Alexander frowned.
00:43:29An inexplicable irritation rose in him.
00:43:31Only a lunatic would go to a place like that.
00:43:33She must be hiding in some resort abroad, waiting for me to beg her to come back.
00:43:38Julian, don't be fooled by her.
00:43:40If she actually dared to go, I'll eat my hat.
00:43:42Julian was about to explain further when Lily suddenly clutched her belly.
00:43:48Lily collapsed onto the sofa, groaning in pain.
00:43:54Alexander, my stomach hurts so much.
00:43:57Is something wrong with the baby?
00:43:59Alexander panicked instantly.
00:44:01He scooped Lily up and rushed upstairs.
00:44:03Julian, we'll talk about later.
00:44:05Nothing is more important than Lily and the baby.
00:44:07Julian watched Alexander's retreating figure.
00:44:09He opened his mouth, but swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue.
00:44:14An hour later, Alexander came downstairs, covered in sweat.
00:44:18Julian, what did you want to say just now?
00:44:22Julian took a deep breath.
00:44:23He repeated what he had said earlier.
00:44:27Eleanor really left.
00:44:28And I heard a new virus has broken out over there.
00:44:31Many doctors have been infected.
00:44:36Julian, why are you going crazy along with her?
00:44:39Aren't we's brothers?
00:44:39If Eleanor actually had that kind of dents,
00:44:42she wouldn't have called me crying then just because she was afraid of the dark.
00:44:47Julian raised his right hand.
00:44:49He pointed at the ceiling to swear an oath.
00:44:52Alexander, I'm not lying to you.
00:44:55You know me.
00:44:56I never joke about things like this.
00:44:58Hurry up and contact people over there to search for her,
00:45:01or it really will be too late.
00:45:02The smile on Alexander's face finally faded.
00:45:05It was replaced by a panic he'd never felt before.
00:45:09He grabbed his car keys.
00:45:11He rushed into the wind and snow.
00:45:14He drove straight to our mansion.
00:45:17Arriving at the gate, he ignored the butler.
00:45:19He shouted,
00:45:20Eleanor!
00:45:21Get out here!
00:45:22Stop playing games!
00:45:24As long as you come out,
00:45:25I can let you go back to work at the Sterling Hospital.
00:45:28I can give you the best resources!
00:45:30My father looked down from the balcony.
00:45:32His voice was as cold as ice.
00:45:35You're too late.
00:45:36She reached the Middle East days ago.
00:45:39The news just broke.
00:45:40Her camp was hit by an airstruck.
00:45:42Alexander's whole body shuddered.
00:45:44His legs went weak.
00:45:48Alexander earmeely knelt on the ground.
00:45:51Without another word,
00:45:52he prepared to rush to the airport.
00:45:55Just as he got into the car,
00:45:57Lily ran out in thin pajamas.
00:46:00Alexander, you can't go!
00:46:02Lily, move!
00:46:03I have to go and confirm it!
00:46:05Julian also arrived,
00:46:07looking at the scene with a complicated expression.
00:46:10After a long while,
00:46:11he spoke slowly.
00:46:12Alexander, if you really want to go,
00:46:14I'll go with you.
00:46:15But as for Lily,
00:46:16she's pregnant.
00:46:18She can't handle the stress.
00:46:19Alexander looked at Lily.
00:46:22She was weeping like a pear blossom in rain.
00:46:25Then he checked the news notification on his phone.
00:46:28Medical camp in Country R,
00:46:30Middle East attacked.
00:46:31Casualties unknown.
00:46:32He gritted his teeth.
00:46:34He threw a plane ticket to Julian.
00:46:35You go!
00:46:36No matter how what it costs,
00:46:37you must bring her back to me.
00:46:38And ask her,
00:46:39why on earth did she leave so firmly?
00:46:41If she's doing this out of spite,
00:46:42I'll apologize to her personally.
00:46:45Alice, we grew together.
00:46:46I can't just watch her die.
00:46:51Alexander carried Lily back inside.
00:46:54Julian took the ticket
00:46:55and flew overnight to that war-torn nation.
00:46:57Lily had told him
00:46:57that he absolutely could not let Alexander go.
00:46:59Only if Julian...
00:47:00When could the matter be handled properly?
00:47:02As for how to handle it,
00:47:03that was a secret between them.
00:47:04After more than 20 hours of travel,
00:47:06Julian finally arrived at the temporary camp
00:47:09on the border of country,
00:47:10our dot sky-filling.
00:47:12Yellow sand and the pungent smell
00:47:14of disinfectant greeted him.
00:47:16Two mercenaries in camouflage blocked his way.
00:47:19Who are you looking for?
00:47:21I'm looking for Dr. Eleanor Vance.
00:47:24The mercenaries exchanged a glance.
00:47:27A meaningful smile spread across their faces.
00:47:30So you're looking for that female doctor from Asia?
00:47:33Our boss is spending some quality time
00:47:35with her right now.
00:47:39Julian's heart skipped a beat.
00:47:41He asked anxiously.
00:47:42Where is she?
00:47:44One of the mercenaries pointed to a tent in the distance.
00:47:50Over there.
00:47:53Honestly,
00:47:54I doubt she'll walk out of that tent in one piece.
00:48:00Julian burst into the tent like a madman.
00:48:05Julian ripped the curtain aside,
00:48:07but he froze in his tracks at the scene before him.
00:48:09I was still in my white doctor's coat.
00:48:12My hands were steady as I worked on a man covered in blood.
00:48:16I didn't even look up.
00:48:18The man had piercing eyes,
00:48:19as sharp as a hawk's,
00:48:20the kind of eyes that looked like they had seen a thousand battles.
00:48:22But right now,
00:48:23he was looking at me with a strange gentleness.
00:48:27Eleanor,
00:48:29let the nurses handle the small stuff.
00:48:32I don't want you to overwork yourself.
00:48:35Julian stared.
00:48:36His mouth hung open.
00:48:38He knew exactly who this man was.
00:48:40Carl Anderson,
00:48:41the general known as the Desert Eagle
00:48:43in this part of North Africa.
00:48:45He was the man who really ran everything.
00:48:47I didn't even blink.
00:48:49My hands remained rock steady
00:48:50as I continued closing the gash in his side.
00:48:53My voice was low,
00:48:54professional,
00:48:55and utterly calm.
00:48:57Carl,
00:48:58as long as you're on my table,
00:48:59you're the patient,
00:49:00and I'm the doctor.
00:49:01Stop moving.
00:49:02Carl let out a low,
00:49:04rough chuckle.
00:49:05There was a dangerous glint of amusement in his eyes
00:49:08as he finally stayed still.
00:49:12They told me Eleanor Vance was just another rich girl
00:49:15with a silver spoon in her mouth.
00:49:16I didn't expect your hands to be this steady with a scalpel.
00:49:21You actually had the balls to storm my compound alone
00:49:23just to save one life.
00:49:25You've definitely proven me wrong, doctor.
00:49:27As he spoke,
00:49:28he looked up.
00:49:29The moment he saw Julian,
00:49:30who had just kicked the door open
00:49:32and stood there panting,
00:49:33Carl's eyes turned cold and lethal,
00:49:35as sharp as the edge of a blade.
00:49:37This uninvited guest is even more annoying
00:49:39than the desert sandstorms.
00:49:41Not a shred of manners.
00:49:43My hands never paused.
00:49:45Are you still here?
00:49:48Do you want to end up as a nameless corpse
00:49:50in this godforsaken place too?
00:49:52This isn't Kingston.
00:49:54Your power and influence mean nothing here.
00:49:56I turned to Carl.
00:49:58Here, the only things that matter
00:50:00are the scalpel in my hand and Carl's word.
00:50:02Julian stared at me in utter disbelief,
00:50:04as if he had seen a ghost.
00:50:05Eleanor, how could you,
00:50:06how could you associate with a cold-blooded killer like him?
00:50:11I smiled faintly.
00:50:13I tossed the bloody gauze into the tray.
00:50:17Julian,
00:50:18you know the answer perfectly well.
00:50:21Why ask me?
00:50:23Fighting back the nausea rising within me,
00:50:25I refused to look at him.
00:50:27Go back.
00:50:28Tell Alexander that I,
00:50:30Eleanor,
00:50:30will never return in this lifetime.
00:50:32Carl's murderous gaze locked onto Julian,
00:50:36forcing him to take a frightened half-step back.
00:50:39Before leaving,
00:50:41Julian left one last remark.
00:50:44Eleanor,
00:50:45seeing that you're doing well,
00:50:46I'm relieved.
00:50:47If you ever regret this,
00:50:49call me anytime.
00:50:51Alexander and I will come to get you.
00:50:54I merely chuckled at his words.
00:50:56Go back and tell Alexander
00:50:57that whatever bond we gared over the last decade ends today.
00:51:00We are finished.
00:51:01From now on in life,
00:51:02my soul belongs to this land.
00:51:03In death,
00:51:04I shall be buried beneath these deserts.
00:51:06Julian stood frozen for a long moment.
00:51:08The desert wind whipped sand against his face.
00:51:11He opened his mouth as if to say something else,
00:51:13but no words came out.
00:51:14He turned and walked away.
00:51:18Let's go inside.
00:51:19It's getting cold.
00:51:23I leaned into his warmth.
00:51:26From that day on,
00:51:27I stopped being the ruined girl from Kingston.
00:51:30Between my steady surgical hands
00:51:32and a raw grit they'd never seen in a woman,
00:51:34I did the impossible.
00:51:35I earned the respect of Carl and his men.
00:51:38Back home,
00:51:39people whispered about the ruthless general
00:51:41as if he were a monster from a nightmare.
00:51:44But up close,
00:51:45he wasn't the demon they made him out to be.
00:51:48He was a man of his word,
00:51:49fiercely loyal to those under his protection.
00:51:52I realized his cruelty wasn't born of malice.
00:51:55It was just his armor in this living hell
00:51:57where only the strongest survived.
00:51:59I had thought coming here would be a death sentence,
00:52:02but unexpectedly,
00:52:04this life of brushing shoulders with death every day
00:52:07gave me a newfound sense of purpose.
00:52:10Six months passed.
00:52:11An international medical organization
00:52:13was holding a charity gala in Kingston.
00:52:15They invited our team as special guests.
00:52:20Thinking it was a good opportunity
00:52:22to visit my father
00:52:23and settle the Vance family assets,
00:52:25Carl canceled his other engagements
00:52:27to accompany me back.
00:52:29We returned to Kingston in early summer.
00:52:32The city was filled with drifting willow catkins,
00:52:35warm breeze,
00:52:37golden sunlight.
00:52:38Everything looked the same,
00:52:39and yet nothing was the same at all.
00:52:42The girl who had left this city broken
00:52:44and humiliated was gone.
00:52:46In her place stood a woman
00:52:47who had survived war zones,
00:52:49who had held beating hearts in her hands,
00:52:51and learned that the only person
00:52:53she could count on was herself.
00:52:56Before the gala began,
00:52:58I went to the hotel's open-air garden alone
00:53:00for some fresh air,
00:53:01and I ran into a heavily pregnant woman,
00:53:04Lily.
00:53:05She stared at me for a long moment,
00:53:08as if struggling to recognize me,
00:53:09then she let out a sneer.
00:53:12Well, well, isn't this Eleanor?
00:53:14I didn't expect you to be so tough.
00:53:16You actually made it back alive?
00:53:18I ignored her and turned to leave,
00:53:20but she rushed forward to block my path.
00:53:22Her eyes brimmed with triumph.
00:53:25I won.
00:53:26Are you still not convinced?
00:53:28Hearing her words,
00:53:29I only found it amusing.
00:53:31Why would I care about two pieces of trash
00:53:33that never belonged to me in the first place?
00:53:39Lily stroked her protruding belly,
00:53:41her lips curved into an eerie smile.
00:53:46Guess whose child is in here?
00:53:49My gaze faltered slightly,
00:53:52looked past her at two figures
00:53:53slowly approaching from the garden path,
00:53:56Alexander and Julian,
00:53:58having not seen them for six months.
00:54:00They seemed much more haggard.
00:54:03They had lost weight.
00:54:05Their eyes held an exhaustion they couldn't hide.
00:54:08The moment Alexander's gaze landed on me,
00:54:11he stopped dead in his tracks.
00:54:14His face went pale.
00:54:16Beside him,
00:54:17Julian's hand flew to his mouth.
00:54:19Eleanor?
00:54:20I didn't answer.
00:54:21I didn't even acknowledge them.
00:54:23I simply watched Lily Preen,
00:54:25utterly oblivious to the devastation
00:54:27spreading across both men's faces.
00:54:29She had no idea that her little victory,
00:54:32speech,
00:54:33was about to blow up in her face.
00:54:35I'm talking to you!
00:54:37Stop acting so high and mighty!
00:54:39Guess whose seed this child really is!
00:54:44I caught her wrist in mid-air.
00:54:51I smiled coldly.
00:54:53I don't know.
00:54:55Isn't it Alexander's?
00:54:57She tilted her head back arrogantly,
00:54:59her voice shrill.
00:55:01Of course it's!
00:55:03Not his, Miz!
00:55:04I was already pregnant before
00:55:06I even met him!
00:55:09Then is it Julian's?
00:55:15To tell you the truth,
00:55:17even I don't know which client
00:55:18this child belongs to.
00:55:21You're two good brothers.
00:55:22One treats me like a chebel
00:55:24and raises a bastard for me.
00:55:26While the other thinks the child is has
00:55:28and obeys my every command.
00:55:29It's hilarious.
00:55:31Tell me,
00:55:32wouldn't I your wind surround completely?
00:55:34I smirked.
00:55:36I looked at the pale-faced Alexander
00:55:38and Julian behind her.
00:55:42Did you both hear that?
00:55:43Lily rolled her eyes dismissively.
00:55:46Who are you trying to scare?
00:55:48It's not like Stanheim me is...
00:55:49Ah!
00:55:53She glanced back casually,
00:55:54but upon seeing two faces
00:55:56grimmer than death,
00:55:57she was so terrified
00:55:58she collapsed onto the ground.
00:56:00She clutched her belly
00:56:01and screamed.
00:56:02Why are you both here?
00:56:04Did Eleanor call you here?
00:56:05Those words weren't true.
00:56:07Eleanor forced me to say them.
00:56:10Lily scrambled frantically
00:56:12toward Alexander.
00:56:16Alexander!
00:56:17The child is yours!
00:56:19My stomach hurts so mad.
00:56:21Please save our child!
00:56:23Alexander's face was dark as thunder.
00:56:25He looked as if he might collapse.
00:56:27Lily.
00:56:28Lily, you wretch!
00:56:29You've been lying to me
00:56:30for so long.
00:56:31But when I took you
00:56:32to the hospital for the checkup,
00:56:33the doctor clearly said
00:56:34it was my child.
00:56:36Were those test reports
00:56:37all fake?
00:56:37I let out a cold laugh.
00:56:40How hard is it
00:56:41to forge a report?
00:56:42How easy is it
00:56:43to bribe a doctor?
00:56:45Don't you understand
00:56:46these kinds of tricks?
00:56:47Julian rushed forward
00:56:48from the side.
00:56:49He slapped Lily viciously
00:56:50across the face twice.
00:56:52Those two slaps
00:56:52are for Eleanor,
00:56:53and these two
00:56:54are to help you wake up
00:56:55and realize
00:56:56who the real fool is!
00:56:57Stop hitting me!
00:56:58Stop hitting me!
00:56:59I admit everything!
00:57:00Please just save me
00:57:01and the child first!
00:57:02The doctor said
00:57:03if I lose this pregnancy,
00:57:04I'll die!
00:57:05I know you both love me.
00:57:06You wouldn't have the heart
00:57:07to let me die, would you?
00:57:09Soon as the baby's born,
00:57:09I can take a parenting test!
00:57:11I beg you!
00:57:12Alexander pulled
00:57:13a self-defense dagger
00:57:14from his inner pocket.
00:57:15He walked toward Lily
00:57:17with hollow eyes.
00:57:19You and this bastard
00:57:20both deserve to die.
00:57:24I watched the circus
00:57:25unfold before me.
00:57:27My heart was as cold as stone.
00:57:29Not a single spark
00:57:30of pity remained.
00:57:32Alexander's eyes
00:57:33were beeloded,
00:57:34his face wet
00:57:34with useless tears.
00:57:36Eleanor,
00:57:37I failed you.
00:57:38I was blind.
00:57:39Please,
00:57:40can we just start over,
00:57:42even if we're just friends?
00:57:44No.
00:57:46We're nothing.
00:57:47The word hung in the air
00:57:49between us
00:57:49like a death sentence.
00:57:51Alexander stuggered back
00:57:52as if I had struck him.
00:57:54His hand reached toward me.
00:57:56Then it dropped to his side.
00:57:58He understood.
00:57:59There was no coming back
00:58:01from this.
00:58:02Not ever.
00:58:03Julian dropped to his knees
00:58:04with a heavy thud.
00:58:05He sobbed like a child.
00:58:07Eleanor,
00:58:08if you hate Alexander,
00:58:09fine.
00:58:09But please forgive me.
00:58:10I never wanted to hurt you.
00:58:12I just...
00:58:12You just what?
00:58:13Let me save you
00:58:14from that, General?
00:58:14I'll give you a life
00:58:15of luxury?
00:58:16You shouldn't be
00:58:17in this war-torn hell.
00:58:18I arched an eyebrow.
00:58:19Forgive me?
00:58:20You've got to be kidding me.
00:58:22You stood by and watched
00:58:24while Lily made me
00:58:25the city's punch tone.
00:58:26You were his partner in crime
00:58:28the day my life was ruined.
00:58:34Besides,
00:58:35I've already fallen for Carl.
00:58:37I'm spending the rest
00:58:38of my life with him.
00:58:39Impossible!
00:58:40How could you love
00:58:41a beast like him?
00:58:42He kills without
00:58:43a second thought.
00:58:44He isn't even
00:58:45half the man I am.
00:58:46Tell me the truth.
00:58:47Is he holding you hostage?
00:58:49Just say the word
00:58:50and I'll spend
00:58:50every cent I have
00:58:51to rescue you.
00:58:52Even if it bankrupts
00:58:53the Sterling Empire.
00:58:54I calmly smoothed
00:58:56the hem of my gown.
00:58:57I looked at them both
00:58:57like they were insects.
00:58:59You're overthinking it,
00:59:00Alexander.
00:59:01The Middle East
00:59:02is dangerous, sure.
00:59:03But I've never felt
00:59:04more free.
00:59:05Do you want to know why?
00:59:06The two exchanged glances.
00:59:08They shook their heads
00:59:10in turn.
00:59:11Because he truly
00:59:12understands me,
00:59:13cherishes me,
00:59:14and treats me like
00:59:16the only treasure
00:59:17in the world.
00:59:20He saves the best
00:59:21of everything
00:59:22for me immediately.
00:59:23Even if it's just
00:59:24a piece of candy.
00:59:26He'd cross half a desert
00:59:27just to bring it to me.
00:59:29Just like how you used
00:59:31to treat me
00:59:32when we were children.
00:59:33If you're willing,
00:59:34we can go back
00:59:35to how things were.
00:59:35We can be even better
00:59:36than before.
00:59:37Before their words
00:59:38could settle,
00:59:39Carl strode over.
00:59:40He was dressed
00:59:41in an immaculate suit,
00:59:42walking with purpose.
00:59:45Eleanor,
00:59:45the banquet is about
00:59:46to start.
00:59:47Why aren't you inside yet?
00:59:49What is there to talk
00:59:50about with such
00:59:50boring people?
00:59:51I'm coming right now.
00:59:57We can never go back.
00:59:58We can never go back,
01:00:00not ever.
01:00:01With that,
01:00:02I linked my arm
01:00:03tighter through Carl's
01:00:04and walked away
01:00:05without looking back,
01:00:06leaving them with nothing
01:00:07but my firm silhouette
01:00:09fading into the golden
01:00:10afternoon light.
01:00:11I didn't glance back once,
01:00:15not even when I heard
01:00:17Alexander's voice
01:00:18crack behind me.
01:00:19They were strangers
01:00:20to me now.
01:00:21Complete strangers.
01:00:23Not long after,
01:00:24news came from Kingston.
01:00:26Alexander and Julia
01:00:27had both committed suicide.
01:00:28It was said that the day
01:00:30after,
01:00:31Lily died from a massive
01:00:32hemorrhage following a
01:00:33miscarriage.
01:00:34They knelt outside the gates
01:00:36of our mansion for an
01:00:38entire night.
01:00:39Eventually,
01:00:39they were found dead
01:00:40in the freezing cold,
01:00:42still kneeling.
01:00:43They were tightly
01:00:44clutching the birthday
01:00:45gifts.
01:00:45I had given them
01:00:46when we were children
01:00:47to engraved silver
01:00:48lockets bearing their names.
01:00:50Eleanor,
01:00:51I'm sorry.
01:00:51If there is a next life,
01:00:53I promise to cherish you
01:00:54with my life.
01:00:54The paper trembled
01:00:55slightly between my fingers.
01:00:57I'd already called my father.
01:00:59He was safe.
01:01:01He told me not to come back.
01:01:03Not for them.
01:01:04Not for anyone.
01:01:06Not from grief.
01:01:07From something I couldn't name.
01:01:10Carl's hand covered mine,
01:01:12steadying it.
01:01:13He didn't speak.
01:01:14He didn't need to.
01:01:17That night,
01:01:18I sat alone in Carl's tent
01:01:19and read the full report
01:01:20for the second time.
01:01:22The desert wind howled outside.
01:01:24Carrying sand that stung
01:01:26like tiny needles
01:01:27against the canvas.
01:01:29Carl sat across from me,
01:01:31watching my face.
01:01:35Carl didn't ask how I felt.
01:01:37He didn't offer platitudes
01:01:39or empty condolences.
01:01:41He simply reached,
01:01:42across the table
01:01:43and took my hand.
01:01:45His palm was rough,
01:01:47calloused from years
01:01:48of handling weapons,
01:01:49but warm,
01:01:50steady,
01:01:51real.
01:01:53Do you regret it?
01:01:55I thought about his question.
01:01:57I thought about the girl
01:01:58I used to be,
01:01:59the one who cried
01:02:00over scratched knees,
01:02:01who believed every promise,
01:02:03who thought love was enough.
01:02:06I thought about the woman
01:02:07lying in that alley,
01:02:08broken and bleeding,
01:02:10while the two men
01:02:10she trusted most
01:02:11were planning their futures
01:02:12with someone else.
01:02:14I thought about the surgeon
01:02:15who'd learned to hold
01:02:16a scalpel steadier
01:02:17than a sword,
01:02:18who'd walked through fire
01:02:19to save lives,
01:02:20who'd found that
01:02:22the only person
01:02:22worth trusting
01:02:23was the one
01:02:24who'd never lied to her.
01:02:26No,
01:02:27I'd regret
01:02:27a single choice I made.
01:02:31Carl lifted my hand
01:02:33to his lips
01:02:33and kissed my knuckles,
01:02:35one by one.
01:02:38Good,
01:02:38because neither do I.
01:02:40Outside,
01:02:41the desert stretched
01:02:42endless in every direction.
01:02:44Brutal,
01:02:45beautiful,
01:02:45and ours.
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