- 21 minutes ago
my arch nemesis my fated mate Episodes Compilation
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00:00I was nobody until the night the kingdom's most powerful alpha crashed into my life.
00:05He swore he'd come back to claim me as his Luna.
00:09I waited six years, then my stepmother sold me and my son to a club downtown.
00:14And that's when I saw him again.
00:18The two men showed up at our door on a Tuesday.
00:21Mean faces, guns at their hips.
00:23My stepmother Lisa was grinning.
00:25She held up a thick stack of cash and waited in her palm.
00:30Come on.
00:31There's a club on the east side.
00:33The madam says you've got a pretty face.
00:35Worth good money.
00:38Lisa, you can't do this.
00:40Dad, help me.
00:42My father sat hunched on the couch.
00:44His lips parted.
00:45Say one word, one word, and I walk.
00:48I'm never coming back.
00:49My father's mouth closed.
00:51His eyes dropped to the floor.
00:52Nothing came out.
00:53Lisa smiled.
00:55Lisa walked over and took my chin between her fingers.
00:58Six years ago, you came crawling back here pregnant.
01:01No mate, no mark.
01:02I should have thrown you out that day, but I'm soft.
01:04I let you stay.
01:06I let you eat.
01:07Yeah, you did three jobs and every paycheck went into my pocket.
01:09You think that fed your little bastard?
01:11That barely covered the rent on the room you slept in.
01:12The night you gave birth.
01:14Remember that one?
01:15Where was your great alpha?
01:17You're just a stupid omega and fucking poor.
01:20No one would marry you.
01:24Mommy!
01:25Aiden threw himself at my legs and held on.
01:26Don't take my mommy!
01:28Lisa kicked him hard.
01:29He hit the floor.
01:30Don't touch my son!
01:31Take her.
01:32The men grabbed my arms.
01:33They started dragging me toward the door.
01:35If your coward of a lover hadn't run off and left you, I wouldn't have to sell you tonight.
01:40My fingers closed around the rose pendant.
01:44Six years ago, my colleagues bullied me.
01:47They dumped me in an abandoned industrial park.
01:49I came across him.
01:52Barely conscious.
01:55Help me.
01:56I promise I'll marry you.
01:59Before I could answer, he kissed me.
02:01Then we had sex.
02:07When it was over, he reached up and pulled this pendant off his neck.
02:10This is my pack's mark.
02:12I'll come back for you.
02:13Don't lose it.
02:15Then he turned and vanished into the shadows of the trees.
02:20I gripped the pendant hard.
02:21He would come for me.
02:22He definitely would.
02:26The men dragged us through a back door into a hallway.
02:30A woman was waiting at the end of the hall.
02:33Pretty.
02:34Younger than I expected.
02:35Told you.
02:36She'll bring you good money.
02:38The madam's eyes dropped to Aiden.
02:40He was still gripping my leg.
02:42Take the boy too.
02:43500 extra.
02:44He'll work.
02:45Floors.
02:46Arons.
02:47Arons.
02:47Whatever you need.
02:49No!
02:50You can't!
02:52A guard caught me by the shoulders and slammed me back against the wall.
02:55Your mother's dead.
02:56Your father's a coward.
02:58Who's coming for you, Aria?
03:00Nobody.
03:01If your man hadn't run off, I wouldn't have to sell you here.
03:03So accept it.
03:05Be a good girl.
03:06Service the men.
03:08Maybe they'll feed you.
03:09The madam clapped her hands.
03:12Tonight, special guest.
03:14Get her ready.
03:19Get her ready.
03:19Get her ready.
03:21Get her ready.
03:22Three women dragged me into a bathroom.
03:24They tore my clothes off.
03:25They forced me into something that barely covered me.
03:29Don't hurt my mommy.
03:30Please.
03:31I stopped fighting.
03:32I stood still.
03:33I have a child.
03:34I'll do any other work.
03:36I'll clean.
03:36I'll wash dishes.
03:38Anything.
03:38Just not this.
03:40Sweet of you, but no.
03:42Get the whip.
03:45The first lash came down.
03:47I bit my tongue and kept quiet.
03:49The second.
03:50The third.
03:51The door burst open.
03:52Aiden ran in.
03:53He threw his small body across mine.
03:56Hit me instead.
03:57Don't hurt my mommy.
03:58I rolled over and pulled him under me.
04:00The next lash hit my back.
04:01I locked my arms around him.
04:03I can't die.
04:04He's coming back.
04:05I have to wait.
04:06Suddenly, I heard voices outside the door.
04:12Boss.
04:13It's been six years.
04:15Maybe it's time.
04:17No.
04:18I put that pendant around her neck myself.
04:21I made her a promise.
04:23I'll move heaven and earth to find her.
04:26Every part of me froze.
04:27That voice.
04:29Six years.
04:30I had not forgotten it.
04:31I shoved the woman pinning me down.
04:34I crawled toward the door.
04:36Mommy?
04:36Stay here.
04:37Stay down.
04:38I pulled myself up using the door frame.
04:40Blood ran down my legs.
04:41I stepped into the hallway.
04:43A man stood at the far end.
04:45His back was to me.
04:47Help me.
04:48His eyes locked on mine.
04:50The same eyes from that night.
04:52His whole body went rigid.
04:56Boss.
04:57Too many eyes.
04:58Don't make a scene.
04:59The man stopped.
05:00Hands grabbed me from behind.
05:02Where do you think you're going, bitch?
05:04They yanked me back into the room.
05:06My head hit the floor.
05:07I kept my eyes on him through the doorway.
05:09He was still looking at me.
05:11The door slammed shut.
05:12You won't do this the easy way?
05:13Fine.
05:14Throw her in the cellar.
05:15The brat too.
05:16No food.
05:16A few days down there will fix her attitude.
05:18In the cell, Aiden curled into my arms.
05:21His whole body was shaking.
05:22Mommy, are we going to die down here?
05:24No, baby.
05:25We're not going to die.
05:26I unclasped the pendant from my neck.
05:28My fingers were trembling.
05:29I fastened it around his.
05:30Because I saw your daddy.
05:31He's here.
05:32My daddy?
05:33My real daddy?
05:34Yes.
05:34Is he coming for us?
05:36I looked down at the small face.
05:38Yes, he would.
05:41Footsteps in the hall.
05:42Then, the door swung open.
05:44The madam was back with my parents.
05:46Now she planned to get my parents to talk me into obeying.
05:49My dad lowered his head in shame.
05:52Just accept your fate, or keep this up, and your son will die because of your stubbornness.
05:57Aiden suddenly bolted out the door.
05:59I shoved past the madam and chased after him.
06:02Aiden ran to the strangers and knelt down.
06:03Please, someone save my mom.
06:06I'll give you my most precious treasure.
06:08Brat, what a pity.
06:09You're ruining our fun.
06:11Seize them!
06:13A door was cracked open.
06:15We stumbled through it.
06:16Suddenly, I crashed right into someone's chest.
06:19I looked up and my heart stopped.
06:21It was him.
06:22Mister, this is the most precious thing I have.
06:24My daddy left it for my mommy.
06:26I'll give it to you.
06:27Please save my mommy.
06:29The second that man saw the pendant, his fingers reached out, trembling.
06:32The black gold rose sat in Aiden's small palm.
06:35The letter R between the petals was so clear.
06:41That's when the madam burst in.
06:43You think you can fool my honored guest with this trash?
06:46You little bastard!
06:47Do you even know where you are?
06:49No!
06:50Aiden dropped to his knees, picked up the pieces one by one.
06:52This was daddy's.
06:54It's broken now.
06:55Daddy won't find us anymore.
06:57Despair washed over me.
06:58It was our only link to him.
07:00Will he ever recognize us again?
07:03Who gave you the nerve to ruin my thing?
07:08Boss, I'm so sorry.
07:10I don't know this belongs to you.
07:12Shut up!
07:13He walked over to Aiden and crouched down.
07:15This pendant, where did you get it?
07:17I tried to rush over to protect Aiden, but two thugs dragged me aside and held me down tight.
07:23Daddy left it for mommy. Mommy said daddy would come back for us. She told me to take care of
07:28it.
07:29Liar! He's a fatherless brat. Even his mother doesn't know who his father is. Probably a homeless. He definitely stole
07:34this pendant.
07:34What?
07:36Aiden cried out in protest.
07:38I'm not a brat! I have a dad! Mom says dad will come back for sure! Mom would never lie
07:43to me!
07:43Your mom?
07:44He looked up. His eyes met mine, then his expression was unreadable.
07:47I broke free from the men holding me, threw myself at his feet, grabbed his sleeve.
07:50Look at me. Then look at Aiden. He has your face, especially the eyes. Six years ago, you lost control
07:57in that abandoned lot. I helped you. You said you'd marry me. You put that pendant around my neck. Don't
08:02you remember any of it?
08:03Marco stepped closer and whispered.
08:05Boss, it could be a setup. That Omega from six years ago, how could she end up like this?
08:10His brow tightened. A flicker of disgust crossed his eyes.
08:14The Omega six years ago was gentle and kind. She would never sell herself like a whore. And it was
08:20only one time. There's no way she'd have a child from it.
08:23My heart sank. He was disgusted by me.
08:25Lisa squeezed through the door. She'd been waiting for her moment.
08:28Boss, don't let her play you. This Omega slept around six years ago and got herself knocked up without a
08:34bond. She brought this on herself. His face darkened, doubt.
08:39Take them downstairs. Lock them up. Find out where that pendant really came from. If they lie even once, don't
08:46go easy on them.
08:47The men stepped forward. They started dragging me and Aiden away.
08:52Just then, my father burst in. He shoved past Lisa and stumbled toward Lucian.
08:56Please, spare my daughter and my grandson. This is all Lisa's fault. Lisa set us up.
09:03He dropped to his knees. Tears streamed down his face.
09:06She's the one who sold my girl into this place. Aria and the boy are innocent. Please, have mercy.
09:12Lisa snapped instantly. She jabbed a finger at my father's face.
09:15You useless old man. You're blaming me? If you could have fed this family, would I have needed to sell
09:20her? This is all your fault.
09:22My father shook all over. His lips trembled.
09:24Boss, every one of them is telling a different story. Maybe we should interrogate them properly.
09:29He was about to give the order. That's when Aiden suddenly broke free from the men holding him.
09:34He ran to Lucian and dropped to his knees. Mommy isn't lying. That pendant was from my daddy. Please believe
09:39us. Please save my mommy.
09:40The man looked down at Aiden's face. I'll do anything to pay you back.
09:44You don't remember any of it? I asked, my voice breaking. Were all those promises just lies?
09:49He looked down at me, stayed on my face for a long time. Hope filled my chest.
09:52He seemed to remember something. Just then Marco spoke up.
09:57Boss, there are matters at the pack waiting for you. We can't stay much longer.
10:01His eyes lingered on me and Aiden for one second. He turned and walked toward the door.
10:06I reached out. I caught nothing. This is what you left me.
10:10I picked up a piece of the broken black gold from the floor. I clutched it in my fist.
10:14Even if you don't remember me, Aiden is innocent. He's your blood. Please, for the boy's sake, don't leave us.
10:20His footsteps stopped. He didn't look back. Lock them up. Don't hurt them. Watch them closely.
10:25I'll deal with this when I'm back. Then he left. I dropped to the floor.
10:28Tears spilled down my face. Aiden ran over. He wrapped his arms around me and,
10:32Mommy, is he my daddy? Why didn't he claim us? Doesn't he like me and mommy?
10:36I held him tight. It's him. He just forgot for now. Mommy's gonna make him remember.
10:42They locked us again. Before Lisa dragged my father away, he slipped me a few pieces of bread.
10:47I'm sorry. I'll find a way to get you out. Stay alive. Take care of Aiden.
10:54For the next few days, the madam only gave us scraps. Aiden always pushed his share over to me.
11:01Mommy got hurt. You need to eat more. The men kept coming back to question us.
11:05They wanted us to admit the pendant was stolen. They wanted us to admit Aiden had no father.
11:09I never changed my story. Not once. Then one day, the door opened. Marco walked in.
11:14The boss wants to see you. When I got to the room, Lucian was sitting in a chair. The pieces
11:20of broken black gold were laid out on the table in front of him. He looked at me. He didn't
11:24say
11:24anything. After a long silence, he spoke. You said Aiden is my child. Where's your proof?
11:29What happened six years ago? This necklace. The way Aiden looks. None of that is enough.
11:35He shook his head. I don't remember much from six years ago.
11:38The necklace could have been stolen. Plenty of people look alike. That's not proof.
11:42I looked at him. Then what do you want? What's it going to take for you to believe me?
11:46I've already sent people to look into it. They're checking the abandoned lot from six
11:49years ago. Whether anyone saw us together. Whether any Omega gave birth without a bond.
11:53If it checks out, I'll give you and the boy what's owed. He paused.
11:56If you're lying, you know what happens. Right then, loud laughter came from outside.
12:00A man in a designer suit strolled in. A dozen armed bodyguards followed him.
12:05The young heir to the Fontana pack. Everyone in this city knew about him. Spoiled. Reckless.
12:10Bad news. His eyes swept the room. They landed on me. The corner of his mouth curled up.
12:14Well, where'd this beauty come from? Get out.
12:17Fontana paused. The smile dropped a little. He looked the man over.
12:20Who the hell are you talking like that on my turf? Ritchie Pack.
12:23Marco said, cold, flat. Fontana froze for a second. Then he burst out laughing.
12:27The Ritchie Pack? With this little crew? You think you can just walk in here?
12:30He didn't finish. A boot slammed into his chest and dropped him. Fontana grabbed his ribs.
12:34His face twisted with rage. He screamed at his men to draw their guns. A dozen barrels swung up at
12:38us.
12:38Both sides locked in. In the chaos, Fontana pulled a knife from his belt. He moved around
12:42behind Aiden's father. I didn't think. I just ran for him.
12:47The blade went into my side. Blood soaked through my dress in second.
12:50I sank down. Someone caught me. Warm arms. He shouted my name. His voice cracked. Panicked. Broken.
12:55I looked up at him. I gave him a weak smile. Aiden, he's your son.
12:59Shut up. Take good care of him. I'm not a liar. You take care of him yourself.
13:04You're not going anywhere. It's my fault. This is all my fault.
13:08His tears dropped onto my face. They were hot.
13:12Aiden threw himself onto me. He cried for me. Begged me not to die.
13:17Fontana was still running his mouth. Do you know who my dad is? He's the district attorney.
13:21You're all going to-
13:22I know. A calm woman's voice came from the doorway. Every head turned. A middle-aged
13:26woman walked in. Composed. A line of armed guards in black behind her. She scanned the room. Her
13:32eyes paused on me for a second. Then they dropped to the broken pieces of black gold on the floor.
13:37It was Elena Ritchie. The man's mother. The true power behind the Ritchie pack.
13:40The second Fontana saw her, his swagger melted. But he was still trying.
13:44Mrs. Ritchie, this is a misunderstanding. I just-
13:47Misunderstanding? You pulled a knife in front of my son, Lucian. You call that a misunderstanding?
13:51Fontana's father came running in next. He dropped to his knees.
13:54Mrs. Ritchie, this is my fault. I raised him wrong. Please spare him. I'll deal with him myself.
13:59Elena didn't even look at him. She turned to her son.
14:02How do you want to handle this? It's your call.
14:06Lucian handed me over to his medic. Marco's men dragged Lisa, my father,
14:10and the madam in from the hall. They'd been held in the club's back office, waiting for Lucian's verdict.
14:16Lucian stood up and turned to the Fontana's. The Fontana pack runs an underground market.
14:20You operate illegal casinos and force omegas into prostitution. I've been watching you for a long
14:25time. Today just adds one more charge. You laid hands on someone who belongs to me.
14:29Fontana panicked. He was sobbing now. He begged his father to save him. His father knelt on the floor.
14:34He looked at his son. Something cruel flashed in his eyes. A second later,
14:37he grabbed a gun from the guard next to him. He aimed it at his own son. He pulled the
14:41trigger.
14:42The shot exploded through the room. Fontana dropped into a pool of his own blood. He stared
14:46up in disbelief. His last words came out as a whisper. The whole room went silent. Lucian glanced
14:53down at the body. His face didn't change. He turned to Marco. Take every Fontana in this building.
14:58Hand them to the legal team. Once we have the evidence, no one walks. He looked over at the
15:02trembling madam and Lisa. Lisa finally lost it. She threw herself at my father and grabbed his sleeve.
15:07Say something. You're just gonna let them take me? My father looked at her for a long moment.
15:12Then he turned his face away. It was the first time in his life he didn't cave to her.
15:18The doctor finished bandaging me up. He said I'd lost a lot of blood. I needed rest.
15:24Elena watched the whole time. After the doctor left, she walked over to my bed.
15:28She studied my face carefully. I didn't dare speak. I just looked back at her.
15:33She turned her head to Aiden. He was sitting in the corner.
15:39His fists held the broken pieces of the pendant. His head was down. He hadn't said a word.
15:45Elena walked over. She crouched down. She gently lifted his chin.
15:51She looked at him for a long time.
15:55Then she smiled.
15:58This boy. He looks just like his father did at this age. Even carries the same alpha scent.
16:05Who are you?
16:07I'm your grandma.
16:08He froze for a second. Then his eyes filled up. He threw himself into her arms. His little shoulders
16:13shook with sobs.
16:14Grandma. Mommy got hurt. Mommy's bleeding so much.
16:18Elena held him tight. Don't worry. I'm here now. Nobody's ever going to touch you again.
16:23We're family.
16:24The tears I'd been holding back finally came.
16:29That night, my father was given a guest room at the estate.
16:34After my wound was stable, he pushed open the door.
16:38He stood in the doorway. His back was hunched. He held his cap in his hands.
16:42Like a child who'd done something wrong.
16:45Maria.
16:46His voice was soft.
16:48I'm so sorry.
16:49I sat against the headboard. I noticed the new gray in his hair. I stayed quiet for a long time.
16:57Dad, did you ever think about it? If you'd stood up for me that day, even one word,
17:02I wouldn't have ended up there.
17:04I know. I'm a coward. You're the one I've failed the most in my whole life.
17:08The room was quiet for a long time. I let out a breath.
17:12Aiden wants his grandpa to tuck him in.
17:14My father looked up. He couldn't believe it. I didn't say anything else. I just turned my head
17:18to the window. He understood. He wiped his eyes. He closed the door softly behind him.
17:23Grandpa, do you know any stories?
17:26Yeah. Grandpa knows lots.
17:29Tell me one about mommy when she was little.
17:32Okay. When your mommy was little.
17:34The voices faded.
17:36Right then, the door pushed open again.
17:39Lucian came in. He sat down on the edge of the bed. He looked at me. He didn't say anything.
17:46Does it hurt?
17:48It's okay.
17:49He was quiet for a moment. Then he lowered his head.
17:54I'm sorry. I made you wait six years.
17:59The next morning, when I woke up, Lucian was still by my bed. I didn't know how long he'd been
18:04sitting
18:05there. I shifted a little. The wound pulled. I sucked in a breath.
18:10You're awake. Does it hurt?
18:12I'm fine. Did you sit there all night?
18:14He didn't answer. He just got up and poured me a glass of iced water. He handed it to me.
18:18I took the glass. I sipped it.
18:20Lucian.
18:21He looked at me. He was paying full attention.
18:24Yesterday, you said it was your fault. I want to know, where were you these six years?
18:29He paused.
18:30After that night, my pack had me moved out of the city. The wound was bad.
18:36I was unconscious for almost three months. The first thing I did when I woke up was send people
18:42to find you. Six years. My people failed me. And I failed too. I didn't get any way to contact
18:50you
18:50that night. Was it worth it? Looking for an Omega you'd only met once? For six years?
18:58I don't know why. All I know is that night, you handed me a tissue. There was fear in your
19:04eyes,
19:04but you didn't run. Every time I wanted to give up, I thought about those eyes.
19:08I looked down. My eyes were burning.
19:11I'll give you the wedding you deserve. The whole pack will know you're there, Luna.
19:18Three days after I started getting better, Elena called me to her garden for tea.
19:22She sat at the stone table. She held herself. I sat across from her. A little stiff. She poured
19:27two cups. She slid one over. Lucian told me everything. You raised Aiden alone for six years.
19:32Yes. That couldn't have been easy. I'm going to ask you something. Don't give me the answer you
19:37think I want. Okay. Do you hate him? I did. Aiden was burning up with fever when I had to
19:43carry him
19:44in a cab to the ER when I didn't even have enough cash for the fare. I hated him then.
19:48And after?
19:49After? His fever broke. He opened his eyes and called me mommy. And I thought,
19:53hating someone is exhausting. It's not worth it. My son's got good taste. I only have one question.
19:59Are you willing to marry him? Not for Aiden's sake. Not for the Richie pack. Just because you want to.
20:04There was no pressure there. No judgment. Just waiting for an honest answer. Yes.
20:11I've waited six years. I've been ready for a long time. Good. From today on, you call me mom.
20:21That afternoon, Lucian took Aiden to the shooting range behind the estate. I stood at a distance and
20:27watch them. Don't let your hands shake. Take a deep breath. Pull the trigger as you exhale.
20:33The bullet flew past the edge of the target. So close. I missed again.
20:39It's fine. First time I tried, I didn't even hit the target.
20:44Daddy, you missed too? What? You think your dad was born knowing everything?
20:50Yeah. That's exactly what I thought. Lucian froze for a second, then he laughed. It was the first time
20:56I'd seen him laugh like that. Mommy! I almost hit it! I saw. You did great.
21:04Daddy! Mommy said I did great! Yeah. Mommy's always right. I looked away.
21:10My heart skipped a beat. Their shadows stretched long, side by side.
21:17The night before the bonding ceremony. The dress was custom. Long, white gown.
21:22The hem swept the floor. Elena came herself to help me with the final fitting.
21:27Nervous? A little.
21:30It just doesn't feel real. Which part doesn't feel real?
21:33Six years ago, I was counting delivery orders, trying to figure out if I had enough for new shoes
21:39for Aiden. Now I'm in a custom gown about to complete a bonding ceremony with Lucian.
21:45Aria, do you know what's most expensive about this dress? I shook my head.
21:50It's not the fabric. It's not the craftsmanship. It's that the woman wearing it deserves it.
21:56My eyes started to burn. Get some sleep. You need to look beautiful tomorrow.
21:59The door closed softly. I stood there in front of the mirror. I looked at the woman in the white
22:04dress. I thought back to that night six years ago, alone in a bathroom, giving birth, crying as I
22:10picked out a name for my son. Back then, I figured my whole life would just be that. The lights
22:14of the
22:15estate came on one by one. The whole rose garden glowed bright. I touched the pendant at my neck.
22:20The pieces had been set into a new platinum frame. The rose was still the rose. The letter was still
22:26that
22:26R. Tomorrow, I was going to complete the bond with Lucian.
22:31The day of the bonding ceremony, the weather was perfect. The sun lit up the rose garden. Deep red,
22:38pale pink, dark purple. They looked like they'd bloomed just for today. I held Aiden's hand.
22:43We stood at the entrance to the chapel. Aiden looked up at me. His eyes were shining.
22:47Mommy, are we going in? Yes. The chapel was lined with the pack elders on both sides. The priest stood
22:55at the altar. Candlelight made everything feel solemn and warm. At the far end, Lucian stood at the altar.
23:06His back was to me. The music started. He turned around. I looked at him. He looked at me. The
23:12chapel
23:12went so quiet, you could only hear footsteps. One step. Another. Closer and closer. When I reached him,
23:20he looked down at me for a long time. Then he spoke. His voice was low. It took you long
23:23enough.
23:25Six years, I said. Sorry. You can make it up to me. The corner of his mouth lifted. The priest
23:34cleared his throat. We are gathered here today to join this man and woman in holy matrimony,
23:38Lucian Ritchie. Do you take this woman as your mate, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health,
23:44in good times and bad, till death do you part? I do. Aria, do you take this man as your
23:50mate,
23:51for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, till death do you part? I
23:57do.
23:59He slid the ring onto my finger. The ring settled into place, whispered to Elena.
24:04Grandma, are they mates now? She held his hand gently. They always were. Aiden thought about it.
24:10He nodded, satisfied. He looked up at us at the altar and broke into the widest smile.
24:16The first morning after the bonding ceremony, when I woke up, the sun was already creeping past
24:22the curtains. The whole room felt warm and bright. His side of the bed was empty, but his scent was
24:29still
24:29on the pillow. That steady alpha scent, calm and grounding. I sat up. I opened the door. I went
24:36down the stairs. There were small sounds coming from the kitchen. I walked in. Lucian was at the
24:42stove. His sleeves were rolled up. He was staring at something in the pan. His brow was a little furrowed.
24:47I got closer. It was a fried egg, slightly burned at the edges. He heard my footsteps. He turned. When
24:54he
24:54saw me, his face stiffened for a second. Then he looked away, casually. You're up? Yeah.
25:01You're making breakfast? Something wrong with that? Nothing. Just, it's a little burnt around the edges.
25:11He was quiet for a second. I'll have the kitchen do it. I took the spatula from him and gently
25:16nudged him
25:17aside. No need. I got it. He stood there. He watched me take over. He didn't move. I cracked two
25:23fresh eggs.
25:23Low heat. The whites slowly set. I slid the plate toward him. Eat. He looked down. Then he looked
25:31at me. You're a good cook. I had to be. Trying to get Aiden to eat. I had to learn
25:36how to make everything.
25:37He picked up the plate. He took a bite. He didn't say anything, but I saw his brow relax.
25:45The morning light outside was getting brighter. Birds were singing in the rose garden. Ordinary, like any
25:51normal family's morning. A lot like the kind of family I'd always wanted.
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