- 8 hours ago
The childless marriage New
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My husband and I, both double income, now kids retire together.
00:03We were planning to travel the world together when he suddenly came clean.
00:06I've publicly claimed we were child-free for 30 years.
00:10Now it's time to bring my children back home where they belong.
00:13But I had seen this coming long ago and smiled meaningfully.
00:17He thought I had lost my mind and continued.
00:19A man passing on his line is only natural.
00:22You couldn't have kids, so I played along.
00:25But now, I owe my children an explanation.
00:29He proposed a divorce, wanting to take his pair of children and their mother on a family trip together.
00:34I agreed immediately, gracefully stepping aside and leaving.
00:37When news of the divorce spread, everyone sympathized with me.
00:43An elderly neighbor felt my pain.
00:46At her age, abandoned by her husband? What a miserable old age. So tragic.
00:51A college girl from the same apartment complex fumed on my behalf.
00:55That old bastard Charles is such a scumbag.
00:58Back then, he said they'd never have kids.
01:00Just enjoy their twin stem.
01:02Now look, his own son and daughter are old enough to make him a grandfather.
01:06Chatting with old friends. They couldn't help but sign.
01:08You were so glamorous in your youth.
01:10Successful career, living freely.
01:12But you insisted on being child-free, and now you're old and all alone.
01:16Even my parents advised me.
01:17As long as you don't divorce, his children become yours.
01:21They'll care for you in old age.
01:23When we pass on, we'll have peace mind.
01:27They all thought I was forced into divorce.
01:29That I was devastated.
01:31That I had no one to rely on in old age.
01:33That my whole life had become a joke.
01:35I didn't explain.
01:36Nor could I be bothered to refute them one by one.
01:39How things would turn out for the two of us.
01:41When the time came, they would know.
01:43Charles, on the other hand, was riding high.
01:45He posted a family photo on social media with the caption.
01:48Starting today, I finally have a real family.
01:50In the photo, he stood in the center.
01:52A young man and woman on either side.
01:54Their faces radiating youthful pride.
01:56And the woman who could carry on his bloodline had her arm linked through his.
01:59Smiling warmly and gracefully.
02:01Someone commented.
02:03Look at that.
02:04Now that's a winner in life.
02:06Indeed, Charles had one big.
02:07In his youth, he enjoyed the twosome life with me.
02:10Living freely his whole life.
02:12Never suffering through midnight feedings and diaper changes.
02:15Yet, in his old age, he had both a son and a daughter to bring him joy.
02:19How could that not count as winning at life?
02:21Now that he was retired, his career and reputation would no longer be affected.
02:25And me, at my age, abandoned by my husband and left with nothing, naturally invited people's
02:30sides.
02:31But little did they know, I had been prepared all along.
02:33In this marriage, he wasn't the only one acting.
02:42The divorce proceedings went quickly.
02:44So quickly I felt somewhat dazed.
02:46Charles personally drove me to the courthouse.
02:48When signing, his hand didn't tremble at all.
02:50Instead, it was as if he had finally shed some burden.
02:53Swift and decisive.
02:54He smiled at the clerk.
02:56What can you do?
02:57We're both old, and the love is gone.
02:59But at least, I still have my son and daughter with me.
03:03I can enjoy family happiness too.
03:05The clerk looked at me apologetically.
03:07Eyes full of sympathy and comfort.
03:08I smiled too, but said nothing.
03:10After the divorce, with a grand gesture, he hired people to clear out the bedroom I had
03:14lived in for over 30 years.
03:15Eagerly bringing Vivian and the children home.
03:17I didn't fight or argue.
03:19I didn't even bother hiring a lawyer.
03:21I just took my half of the savings and a few important items, and moved out cleanly and
03:25efficiently.
03:26The day Vivian moved in, I came back to pack up my last belongings.
03:29As soon as I opened the door, I saw brand new photos displayed in the living room.
03:33Our wedding photos had been replaced by their family portrait.
03:37The four of them.
03:39Charles sat in the center.
03:41Vivian holding his arm, with two similar looking young adults in their 20s standing on
03:45either side, full of vigor.
03:46When I walked in, the lively atmosphere instantly turned cold, as if announcing my unwelcome
03:52presence.
03:52Vivian greeted me with a smile.
03:56Oh, Stella!
03:58Did you leave something behind?
04:01Let me help you look for it.
04:02Playing the hostess like she owned the place.
04:04Just a few last things.
04:05I'll take them all today.
04:07I said indifferently.
04:08Charles sat on the sofa without looking up, as if waiting for me to get the hint and leave.
04:17Charles sat on the sofa, not even lifting his head, casually flipping through the newspaper,
04:21as if waiting for me to get the hint and leave on my own.
04:24Chloe and Connor stood to the side, their eyes filled with undisguised distance and wariness,
04:28treating me like a stranger who had barged in.
04:30Mom, this place looks a bit dated and the living room is kind of dark.
04:34How about a renovation with a new style?
04:35Chloe said casually.
04:36Yeah, the sofa needs replacing too.
04:38So old-fashioned.
04:40How did dad live in a place like this?
04:41Connor chimed in.
04:42I listened to the nitpick and watched Charles remain silent.
04:44I felt like laughing.
04:45This was the home Charles and I had shared for 30 years.
04:48Every piece of furniture carefully chosen.
04:49Now I was being dismissed as worthless.
04:51Vivian affectionately held Charles' arm.
04:52See how opinionated the children are?
04:54This house needs a complete makeover.
04:56We can't short charge ourselves.
04:57Charles finally looked up slowly and glanced at me.
05:00Stella, are you done packing?
05:02Take everything at once so you won't have to keep coming back.
05:05It's awkward for everyone.
05:05He meant for me to leave and never come back.
05:07So I wouldn't be an eyesore to their family of four.
05:09I looked away, picked up my bag, stood at the doorway, and glanced back one last time
05:13at what had once been my home.
05:14Vivian leaned weakly against Charles peeling an orange.
05:17While the two children sat side by side on the sofa watching TV.
05:20The three of them chatting and laughing.
05:21As if this home had always been like this, composed of their family of four, with no place
05:26for me.
05:26The way Charles looked at Vivian was with respect for the mother of his children, and guilt
05:30for having kept her as a secret lover all these years.
05:32As for me, I was just an old woman he had grown tired of, with no children.
05:35By my side, deserving to fend for myself.
05:38A cold laugh echoed in my heart.
05:39Fine, since you want me gone, I'll leave cleanly.
05:42So you can enjoy this brief pretense of affection.
05:44After all, in a few days it will be you turning on each other.
05:48After the divorce, I moved into an apartment.
05:50It wasn't far from my former home, but it felt like a different world.
05:54I didn't feel any particular discomfort.
05:56Without Charles in the house, I actually enjoyed the peace and quiet, but outsiders didn't
06:00see it that way.
06:02No matter how capable and free-spirited you were in your youth, you still lost in the end.
06:06This was the shared opinion of relatives and friends.
06:09My mother couldn't hold back tears when she saw me.
06:11You're living alone now.
06:12With no one to take care of you, what if you get sick someday?
06:15You insisted on being child-free before.
06:18Look at you now.
06:19Wouldn't it be nice to have a child?
06:21At least you wouldn't end up like this.
06:22My father sighed, his face full of regret.
06:24We shouldn't have let you have your way back then.
06:26If we had persuaded you more, you wouldn't be in this situation now.
06:29Their words implicitly blamed me for insisting on being child-free, saying that's why I
06:33lost my husband's heart.
06:34The most ridiculous thing was that my friends also thought Charles hadn't done anything terribly
06:37wrong.
06:37A man needs to have children.
06:39Charles was willing to play along with you for so many years.
06:44That's already going above and beyond.
06:46You were too stubborn back then.
06:47All these years, I've never understood.
06:49What were you thinking?
06:50Honestly, you're both old now.
06:52Vivian would still have to call you Big Sister.
06:54Why not just make do and live together?
06:56I thought at most they'd advise me to accept Charles' children.
06:58I never imagined they'd suggest Vivian, and I share one husband.
07:01But they never considered that neither child shared a single drop of blood with me.
07:04Even if I stayed, how many good days could I possibly have?
07:07What they didn't know was that the infertile one had never been me.
07:13When I first insisted on being child-free, bearing the pressure from everyone, my declaration
07:18that I would never have children was denounced as selfish and unfilial.
07:21Charles' parents pressured him to divorce me, but he said he didn't mind, as long as
07:25we could live happily together.
07:27Moved by his words, I became even more resolute in my decision.
07:31For decades, I bore all the blame myself, protecting his reputation, even his confidence and dignity
07:36as a man, only to discover he had given me nothing but a complete and utter deception.
07:40He never pressured me to have children because I wasn't his only woman.
07:43If I didn't give birth, he could have other women bear his children, and he could maintain
07:47his reputation as a loving husband while gaining my parents' trust and support.
07:51Why wouldn't he play along?
07:52When I discovered the truth, I never imagined that my seemingly gentle husband was so deeply
07:57calculating.
07:57I was wrong, but my mistake was not having children.
08:01My mistake was taking it upon myself to protect his dignity as a man.
08:04For that, I was even willing to give up my right to be a mother.
08:07So I planned for years, waiting for the moment when his act fell apart, to deliver him a
08:11devastating blow.
08:14Soon, I received the wedding invitation for Charles and Vivian's wedding.
08:18The invitation was in Vivian's handwriting, saying that as Charles' ex-wife, I must want
08:22to see him happy too, and my presence would mean the world to them.
08:24I let out a derisive laugh.
08:26What beautiful words.
08:27So high-sounding they made me sick.
08:29Mean the world to them?
08:30Vivian had been Charles' secret lover for 30 years.
08:32Having finally made it to the altar, she naturally couldn't wait to gloat in front of me.
08:36I took the invitation and casually glanced at it.
08:38The ceremony was at the city's most luxurious five-star hotel.
08:41Quite an upscale venue.
08:42Charles must have wanted to compensate Vivian for 30 years of hidden suffering with the
08:46grand wedding.
08:46When my friends heard that Vivian had invited me to her wedding with Charles, they were all
08:50furious.
08:52What does he mean by this?
08:54He's obviously trying to humiliate you.
08:56Exactly.
08:57You just moved out, and he's already marrying his mistress in style.
09:01He's clearly trying to embarrass you.
09:03You absolutely shouldn't go.
09:04Going would just be asking for humiliation.
09:06I listen to their angry voices without feeling a single ripple in my heart.
09:10In fact, a smile cropped to my lips.
09:11Of course I'm going.
09:13Don't worry.
09:14I'm not going to make myself miserable.
09:16My friend looked at me in confusion.
09:18I'm just going to watch a comedy show, Stella.
09:22The show is about to begin.
09:28On the wedding day, the ballroom was decorated magnificently.
09:32Charles stood in the center of the crowd, receiving blessings from relatives and friends,
09:36while Vivian held his arm, smiling warmly and elegantly.
09:39The picture of a dignified hostess.
09:41And I walked in with a confident expression, completely unabashed.
09:44When the guests saw me, the smiles on their faces instantly became knowing and significant.
09:49Why is she here?
09:50Someone whispered.
09:51She's not here to cause trouble, is it?
09:54Well, who can blame her?
09:56Being abandoned by Charles, anyone would feel upset.
10:00They all thought I had come to cry, to argue, to seek sympathy.
10:03But they were wrong.
10:04If only one person could have the last laugh at this wedding, that person would definitely be me.
10:08I picked up a glass of champagne, walked slowly to Charles and Vivian, and smiled.
10:13Congratulations.
10:15You finally got what you wanted.
10:16A flicker of triumph flashed in Vivian's eyes.
10:18She leaned against Charles lightly, her tone gentle yet provocative.
10:22Thank you for coming.
10:23After all, back then, you pretended to be child-free because you couldn't conceive.
10:28Charles didn't want to hurt you, so he came up with this solution.
10:32The best of both worlds.
10:34Charles walked over with a drink and raised his glass to me.
10:36It's all in the past.
10:38I believe I stayed by your side and did my duty.
10:41Now I'm old and want to enjoy my later years surrounded by children.
10:47I hope you can understand.
10:49I lowered my head and chuckled softly, my gaze sweeping over Chloe and Connor behind them.
10:53Let them enjoy their moment of triumph for now.
10:55Because the storm is about to descend.
11:02The wedding proceeded as planned.
11:04On stage, Charles and Vivian were exchanging vows.
11:07Holding hands and gazing at each other with tears in their eyes.
11:10Chloe and Connor went up to give them flowers.
11:12Charles looked at the two young adults in their prime, as if seeing his own youth reflected in them.
11:16He thought, perhaps this was the price of continuing one's bloodline.
11:20Stella would never understand this feeling.
11:22Which is why he had resolutely abandoned her.
11:24Halfway through the wedding, Charles suddenly produced a property deed.
11:26I once thought I would die childless and alone in my old age, but heaven has been kind to me.
11:33My beloved Vivian has given me a son and a daughter, allowing me to live a complete life.
11:39Vivian looked at Charles, tears already glistening in her eyes.
11:42I have little to give them, so I've decided to transfer the property under my name to the two children
11:48to help them thrive.
11:50Cheers erupted from the audience.
11:52Chloe and Connor covered their mouths excitedly and looked at Vivian.
11:56The three of them were expressions of assured victory.
11:59But I stood up and shouted,
12:01I object!
12:02Vivian hadn't received the property deed yet.
12:04Interrupted by me, she was furious.
12:06Stella, today is a wonderful day for our family of four.
12:10What kind of trouble are you trying to cause?
12:12Charles looked at me with disgust, his eyes contemptuous yet resigned.
12:15Stella, I know you're upset about not being able to have children and jealous seeing my family,
12:21but you have to accept reality.
12:25We're divorced.
12:26The house may have both our names on it, but we're old now.
12:30What use is it to us?
12:31Chloe and Connor nodded continuously, even encouraging the guests to boo me.
12:35The emcee also tried to persuade me.
12:37Mrs. Stella, as Mr. Charles' ex-wife,
12:40you must want him to have a harmonious family and someone to care for him in old age, right?
12:44I put down my glass and said indifferently.
12:47Of course.
12:50But I need to correct one thing.
12:52The one who can't have children isn't me.
12:55The hall fell into dead silence.
12:59Vivian was taken aback, and Charles frowned too.
13:01What do you mean by that?
13:02It means nothing special.
13:03I shook my head gently.
13:05A touch of pity in my eyes.
13:06My eggs are still frozen at the egg bank.
13:08Perfectly healthy.
13:09The doctor said they can be retrieved for embryo cultivation anytime.
13:14Charles understood I had frozen my eggs for IVF, and he was completely enraged.
13:18Didn't you say you didn't want children with me?
13:20Now we're divorced, and you want IVF?
13:23Are you out of your mind?
13:25You really don't want to bear my child that badly?
13:28I slapped him hard across the face,
13:30grabbed the emcee's microphone,
13:31and spoke loudly enough for everyone present to hear.
13:33Because the one who can't have children has never been me.
13:36It's you.
13:37Charles, you have severe aloxpermia.
13:40You have no fertility whatsoever.
13:42The hall fell into dead silence in an instant.
13:45Then came an uproar.
13:46Charles is infertile?
13:47Is that true?
13:48But Vivian already gave him two children, didn't she?
13:51Stella must have gone crazy.
13:53She couldn't have children herself, and now she's slandering Charles.
13:57The guests whispered among themselves, and many had already pulled out their phones to record.
14:01Charles' face turned dark with fury.
14:02Vivian stood frozen, her face deathly pale, her lips trembling slightly.
14:06What nonsense are you spouting?
14:07Charles stepped forward aggressively.
14:09His gaze so dark, it seemed he wanted to tear me apart.
14:11I let out a derisive laugh, reached into my bag, pulled out my phone, and played a recording.
14:16The clear voice instantly filled the entire wedding hall through the microphone.
14:19Stella, after examination, your fertility is completely normal, and your ovarian function
14:23is excellent.
14:24But Mr. Charles' situation is not very optimistic.
14:26What does that mean?
14:27His sperm motility is extremely low.
14:28Basically, there is virtually no chance of conception.
14:31His condition is quite severe, but almost no possibility.
14:33Even with IVF, the success rate would be extremely low.
14:36I understand, Dr. Lewis.
14:38Please don't tell him about this yet.
14:39Don't tell anyone else either.
14:41Let this be between you, me, and God.
14:43Miss Stella, this kind of thing can't be hidden forever.
14:46When you can't conceive after marriage, it will naturally come to light.
14:49It's fine.
14:49I'll tell him and our parents that I don't want children, that I insist on being child-free.
14:55That way, no one will know the problem lies with Charles.
14:59The recording finished playing.
15:00A deathly silence fell.
15:02All eyes turned to Vivian and her two children.
15:06Suddenly, everyone's eyes turned simultaneously toward Vivian and the two children behind her.
15:11Her face had turned completely white, and her fingertips were trembling.
15:14Chloe and Connor fidgeted restlessly, trying to flee the hall.
15:17Oh my god, so all these years, Stella insisted on being child-free?
15:21To protect Charles' dignity?
15:23Because he's the one who's infertile?
15:25Than Vivian's children.
15:26Vivian's lips moved slightly, her voice trembling violently.
15:29You must have had someone forge it!
15:30I gave a cold laugh, opened a second file, and a video immediately began playing on the
15:34projection screen.
15:35The footage showed a dimly lit hotel room, with a man and woman entangled on the bed.
15:39The woman's face was flushed, panting softly, her voice seductive and triumphant.
15:43Honey, I'm pregnant.
15:45The man's voice followed, carrying a hint of panic and resistance.
15:47No way.
15:48This child can't be mine, can it?
15:50Vivian chuckled softly, her voice alluring and cunning.
15:52Of course it's yours. But don't worry. Neither I nor the child need you to take responsibility.
16:01What do you mean?
16:02Charles doesn't have children yet. His wife insists on being child-free, and he's desperate.
16:07He's been begging me to bear his children. I'll just say the child is his. He'll definitely
16:12treasure me like a gem.
16:13The man was silent for a moment, then laughed softly.
16:15You really are something else.
16:17Vivian hooked her arm around his neck, whispering softly.
16:19We'll seize all the property and inheritance. Then we can enjoy our golden years in peace.
16:27As soon as she finished speaking, the man got excited and lunged down to entangle with the
16:30woman beneath him again. The video ended abruptly there.
16:34Everyone was stunned. A silence like death.
16:36Vivian completely collapsed onto the floor, her hands clutching her wedding gown tightly,
16:40her eyes filled with terror and despair.
16:42Charles' face had reached its most terrible expression.
16:44He clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly, veins bulging at his temples.
16:49He was clearly at the peak of rage.
16:50Vivian!
16:51He roared through gritted teeth.
16:56Vivian!
16:57He roared through gritted teeth, wishing he could tear her limb from limb.
17:00Vivian's body shook, her eyes instantly reddening as she desperately tried to explain.
17:05It's not. Charles, please listen to me.
17:07Explain? What is there left to explain?
17:10Charles kicked the chair aside, grabbed a champagne glass from the table, and smashed it on the ground.
17:15The sound of shattering glass exploded in the quiet wedding venue, sharp and piercing.
17:19You bitch! How dare you deceive me! I was your secret lover for thirty years, and you dare to
17:26cuckler me!
17:27Charles' eyes turned red, as if he had lost all reason. He rushed forward, grabbed Vivian's shoulders,
17:33and slapped her heart across the face. The crisp sound of the slap echoed throughout the entire hall.
17:38Vivian staggered backward, clutching her cheeks, tears streaming from her eyes.
17:43And you dare to cry? You deceived me for thirty years! Cuckled me! And I've spent so much money
17:49on these bastards! Charles! Charles, calm down!
17:52Someone rushed up to restrain Charles, but he had already gone completely mad.
17:55He shoved everyone aside and, like an enraged beast, overturned the dining table. Plates,
17:59wine glasses, and flowers scattered everywhere. The scene was utter chaos. Chloe and Connor stood to
18:03the side, their faces ashen, their bodies trembling, completely at a loss. The guests erupted in an
18:07uproar, pulling out their phones to capture photos and videos.
18:11My god, how did this wedding turn into this?
18:13So Vivian's two children aren't even Charles's?
18:16This is incredible! It's the drama of the year!
18:19The entire wedding had completely spiraled out of control. Eventually, with security's
18:23intervention, Charles was forcibly pulled away. Vivian was dragged out of the hotel in disgrace,
18:28while Chloe and Connor fled in terror. The wedding had become a complete joke.
18:31I stood among the crowd, still holding half a glass of champagne, quietly savoring everything.
18:36The wedding had become a complete joke, and I had finally waited for this day.
18:42Wedding videos were uploaded online and quickly shot to the top of trending topics.
18:47Topics like paternity truth revealed at wedding, ex-wife's calm counterattack against cheaters,
18:52and child-free husband cuckolded for 30 years exploded across the internet.
18:56Charles had become a complete pariah. Wherever he went, there were pointing fingers and mocking
19:01jeers. He valued his face above all else. His reputation was the most important thing in his
19:06life. Now, his dignity had been completely shattered, turning him into a laughingstock known
19:11across the entire country. And I, on the contrary, had become the object of everyone's sympathy.
19:17Stella is so pitiful. To protect her husband's dignity, she took the blame herself,
19:22and then was treated like this. She's the truly good woman. She endured for 30 years and still
19:28showed the scumbag some dignity. Vivian is the truly ruthless one. She tricked Charles into raising
19:33bastards for 30 years and almost swallowed his entire fortune. Public opinion had completely
19:39turned around. But none of this mattered to me anymore. What mattered more was how this farce would
19:43end. After the wedding, Charles locked himself in his former home and hadn't stepped outside for
19:48three full days. He smashed everything in the house. Coffee table, TV, faces. The place was a
19:53complete mess. But after the destruction, he sat alone on the sofa, staring blankly at a family
19:58portrait hanging on the wall. It was a photo of him, Vivian, Chloe, and Connor, the four of them.
20:03In the photo, he was smiling happily, as if he owned the whole world. Now looking at it again,
20:09he only felt the irony. He picked up the frame and smashed it onto the ground. Glass shattered.
20:16The photo splintered into pieces. Fake. It's all fake. He held his head, curled up on the floor,
20:22like a helpless child. He had lost everything while I was just beginning my new life.
20:29After the wedding, my life returned to peace. No, it was calmer and freer than before.
20:34I started doing things I truly enjoyed. I went to several art exhibitions,
20:38attended concerts, and enrolled in a pottery class. My friends laughed at me.
20:44You're living more freely than young people now.
20:47I smiled without saying a word. Actually, they had forgotten that I should have been living this
20:51way when I was young. It's just that back then, I had poured all my energy into Charles and the
20:55family. Now I finally had the chance to live for myself. One day, my mother called,
20:59her voice carrying a hint of relief.
21:02Stella, you seem different lately.
21:05Different?
21:06Yes. More energetic than before. As if you've let go of something.
21:10I smiled softly. Yes, I had let go. I had let go of the self that endured grievances to protect
21:15a
21:15man's dignity. I had let go of the foolish notion that endurance would bring happiness.
21:18I had let go of the man named Charles.
21:20Mom, I've made up my mind.
21:22About what?
21:24I want to donate my eggs.
21:25There was a long silence on the other end of the line.
21:28Have you thought this through?
21:29I have. My voice was firm. Since the eggs are still there, rather than keeping them frozen
21:35forever, I might as well help people who want children but can't have them.
21:40You, always thinking of others.
21:42I smiled without denying it. Letting go of the past. Donating eggs to help others. My life is
21:47starting anew.
21:48Meanwhile, Charles' days grew more unbearable by the day. Vivian had been thrown out of the house,
21:53and Chloe and Connor no longer acknowledged him as their father. After all, everything in the
21:57video was crystal clear. They weren't Charles' children, but Vivian's illegitimate children
22:02with another man. They left with Vivian, not even glancing back at Charles.
22:06Let's go. He's not our father.
22:08Chloe said coldly. Charles sat alone in the empty house, suddenly feeling a loneliness unlike
22:12anything he'd ever experienced. He had once believed that having Vivian and two children
22:17meant he had a real family. But now he realized this family had never belonged to him. He himself
22:22had been deceived by Vivian for a full 30 years. He opened his phone and saw news about me.
22:27The headline Stella decides to donate eggs to help infertile families jumped out at him.
22:31He stared at the screen, his fingers trembling slightly. The woman who had borne his shame
22:36for 30 years to protect his dignity was now doing something even more meaningful.
22:40And what about him? He had nothing left. No family, no children, no dignity. He had lost
22:45everything. Charles put down his phone, leaned back on the sofa, and closed his eyes. Images from 30
22:50years ago flooded his mind. Back then, we were still young, building our careers together,
22:54planning our future. Stella, when we're old, let's travel the world. Just the two of us,
22:59he had once said with a smile. Sure, it's a promise. I had agreed without hesitation,
23:03but he had broken that promise. It wasn't that I wasn't willing to grow old with him.
23:07It was that he chose betrayal first. A tear slid from the corner of Charles' eye.
23:11He regretted it, but there's no medicine for regret in this world.
23:16After hesitating for a long time, Charles finally dialed my number. The phone rang for a long time
23:22before I answered. Hello?
23:24Stella, it's me. I was silent for a few seconds, then spoke calmly.
23:28Is something the matter? I... I want to see you.
23:32I chuckled. Charles, do you think there's anything left to say between us?
23:37I know I was wrong. His voice was hoarse.
23:39Stella, I truly know I was wrong. I said nothing.
23:42I know you're doing well now, and I know you don't want to see me. But I still want to
23:47tell
23:47you I'm sorry, face to face. I repeat it, my tone indifferent.
23:51Charles, it's been 30 years. You're telling me sorry now? Don't you think it's a little too late?
23:57I know it's late, but... I cut him off.
23:59Charles, you chose betrayal, so you bear the consequences. That was your choice.
24:04There was a long silence on the other end.
24:07Stella, if we hadn't divorced, would you have forgiven me?
24:10I didn't answer. Because I didn't know the answer myself. Or rather, this question no
24:15longer needed an answer.
24:16Charles, live your life well.
24:18Those were my final words before hanging up.
24:23Live your life well. This was the last thing I could give him.
24:29The egg donation process was more complicated than I had imagined. It required a series of
24:33physical examinations, psychological evaluations, and legal procedures. But I walked through each
24:38step with steadiness. The doctor told me my egg quality was excellent. Even after being frozen
24:42for so many years, their viability remained very high.
24:46Mrs. Stella, your eggs are extremely valuable. They can help many families realize their dreams.
24:51I smiled. Valuable. I had once thought these eggs were the fruit of my love with Charles.
24:56The hope for our future children. But now, they had become a gift to help strangers.
25:01Perhaps this was better. At least they would no longer be bound by Charles' name.
25:06After news of my egg donation spread, many people started paying attention to me.
25:10The media wanted to interview me, asking why I was doing this. I simply answered indifferently.
25:15Because I have the ability to help others. It's that simple.
25:20And what about you and Mr. Charles? Do you hate him?
25:22The reporter pressed. I thought for a moment and said,
25:25I don't hate him. But I don't love him either. He was part of my life, but that's in the
25:30past.
25:31The reporter seemed somewhat disappointed by my answer, but I didn't care. I didn't need others
25:35to define my emotions. After the egg donation, I decided to travel. The round-the-world trip I had
25:40planned with Charles. Although I couldn't complete it with him, I could do it alone. My first stop was
25:45Paris. Standing beneath the Eiffel Tower, watching the sunset slowly descend.
25:48I felt a peace unlike anything I had ever experienced. This city had once been a dream
25:53destination for Charles and me. Now, I had come alone, but I didn't feel lonely. Instead,
25:57I felt that this was truly my own moment. Without Charles, without the constraints of that marriage,
26:02I could finally be my true self. During my days in Paris, I visited the Louvre,
26:07walked along the Seine, and tasted authentic French pastries. Every day was fulfilling and joyful.
26:12Traveling alone, freedom alone, I have finally become myself again.
26:15During my travels, I occasionally received news from back home. I heard that after being thrown
26:20out of the Chan household, Vivian's life hadn't been easy. She had once relied on Charles' money
26:25to live. Now, without a source of income, she could only make ends meet by doing odd jobs.
26:29Chloe and Connor no longer had anything to do with her either. After all, once the video was exposed,
26:35everyone knew the truth. They weren't Charles' children, but Vivian's illegitimate children with
26:39another man. This news was undoubtedly a devastating blow to Chloe and Connor. They had always believed
26:44they were of the Chen bloodline. Proud of it all these years, only to discover they had no connection
26:49to the Chen family whatsoever. Chloe confronted Vivian.
26:54Mom, what exactly is going on? Don't believe those videos. They're all fake.
26:59Vivian was still trying to deny it. Mom, the video is crystal clear.
27:02You told someone else we were Charles' children and said you were going to swind his property.
27:06I was just... Enough! Chloe cut her off.
27:10I never want to hear your lies again. Chloe and Connor moved out of Vivian's house,
27:13found jobs, and started new lives. And Vivian curled up alone in a dilapidated rental apartment,
27:18crying day after day. Her former elegance and nobility had long since vanished.
27:23Mom, do you think Stella is feeling pretty pleased with herself right now?
27:26Chloe had once asked Vivian. Vivian didn't answer, because she knew I was no longer an enemy
27:31they needed to worry about. I was living too well, so well that they didn't even have the
27:38right to be jealous. After leaving Paris, I flew to Kyoto. This ancient city had a completely
27:46different charm from Paris. I strolled along the bamboo grove path in Arashima, listening to the
27:51rustling of bamboo leaves in the wind, feeling exceptionally peaceful. Here, there was no Charles,
27:57no Vivian, none of those troubling memories from the past, only myself. I stayed at a traditional
28:02Japanese inn, rising early each morning to soak in the hot springs and savor exquisite kaiseki
28:07cuisine. The innkeeper was a kind middle-aged woman. Seeing me alone, she couldn't help asking,
28:13Ma'am, are you traveling alone?
28:15Yes.
28:17I answered with a smile.
28:19Doesn't traveling alone feel lonely?
28:21I thought for a moment and said,
28:24Sometimes, but more often it's a kind of freedom.
28:27The innkeeper nodded, showing an understanding smile.
28:30You're right. Freedom is more precious than anything.
28:33During my days in Kyoto, I also visited Kaya Mizudara and drew a fortune slip. The fortune read,
28:38Withered trees meet spring. Old matters become empty. The road ahead is bright. Freedom lies within
28:43the heart. I looked at the fortune and couldn't help but smile. Withered trees meet spring. Wasn't this
28:47exactly my current state? After 30 years of winter, I had finally welcomed my own spring.
28:52I carefully put away the fortune slip into my wallet. Old matters become empty. The road ahead
28:56is bright. These words, I would always keep in my heart. On the last night before leaving Kyoto,
29:02I sat in the inn's courtyard, gazing at the star-filled sky. My phone rang. It was an unfamiliar
29:07number. I hesitated for a moment but answered anyway. Hello?
29:10Stella, it's me.
29:12It was Charles' voice. He had come looking for me again.
29:21Charles, how did you get this number? I frowned. I asked your friend. His voice was hoarse.
29:25Stella, I want to see you. See me? I gave a cold laugh. Charles, what is there left for us
29:30to see?
29:30I know I was wrong, and I know you don't forgive me, but I really want to talk to you
29:35face to face.
29:36I was silent for a moment, then finally sighed. Fine, I'm in Kyoto, leaving tomorrow.
29:43I know, I'm already here.
29:44I was stunned. He was already here? Where are you? I asked.
29:48Downstairs at your inn.
29:49I walked to the window, pulled back the curtain, and sure enough, saw a familiar figure standing below.
29:53Charles was wearing a dark overcoat, carrying a suitcase. He looked much thinner and older than before.
29:58I hesitated, but eventually went downstairs to meet him. In the inn's tea room, we sat facing each other.
30:03Charles looked at me, his eyes complicated.
30:05Stella, you've changed.
30:06Have I?
30:07I picked up my teacup and took a sip.
30:09People always change.
30:11You would never have treated me like this before.
30:13His voice carried bitterness.
30:15The old you was always gentle and considerate, never willing to embarrass me.
30:19The old me was a fool.
30:21I put down my teacup, my tone calm.
30:23Charles, you betrayed me for 30 years, and now you come to me with this? Don't you find it ridiculous?
30:28Charles lowered his head, his hands tightly clasped.
30:31I know I don't deserve to ask for your forgiveness, but I truly regret it.
30:37I scoffed.
30:38Regret?
30:39Do you regret losing Vivian and the two children?
30:42Or do you regret being laughed at by the whole world?
30:46Charles' face turned pale.
30:48He opened his mouth but couldn't speak.
30:51Charles, you don't need to answer me.
30:53I stood up, looking down at him.
30:55Because your answer no longer matters to me.
30:58I turned to leave, but Charles suddenly stood up and grabbed my wrist.
31:02Stella, give me a chance.
31:04Let's start over, please.
31:06His voice was fleeting, his eyes full of desperation.
31:09I stopped and turned to look at him.
31:11This man I had once deeply loved now only felt like a stranger to me.
31:14Charles.
31:15I gently freed my hand from his, my tone calm yet firm.
31:19Some roads, once traveled, can never be retraced.
31:23We can.
31:24He said urgently.
31:25I know you hate me, but I can change.
31:27I can make it up to you.
31:28I can-
31:28You can't.
31:29I cut him off.
31:31Charles, you can't make it up.
31:3230 years of betrayal cannot be erased by a single sorry.
31:36His eyes reddened.
31:37His voice trembling.
31:38Stella, do you really not love me anymore?
31:40I looked at him.
31:41Not a single ripple in my heart.
31:43Love?
31:43I shook my head gently.
31:45Charles, I love the you from 30 years ago.
31:47Not the you of today.
31:48That you is already dead.
31:50Charles' body swayed.
31:51As if he had been struck hard.
31:53He released my hand, stepped back, looking as if he had aged 10 years in an instant.
31:57I understand.
31:58His voice was hoarse and low.
31:59Stella, I wish you happiness.
32:02I didn't answer, just nodded faintly, then turned and left.
32:05The moment I walked out of the tea room, I let out a long breath.
32:0930 years of entanglement had finally come to a close.
32:11I didn't look back, because I knew there were even more beautiful sights ahead waiting for me.
32:16I returned to my room, packed my luggage, and prepared for my next destination.
32:20My phone rang with a message from a friend.
32:22Stella, Charles came looking for you again.
32:25Don't pay him any attention.
32:26He's just a scumbag.
32:27I smiled and replied.
32:29Don't worry.
32:30I've already let go.
32:32Letting go is not forgiving, but no longer being bound by the past.
32:35I dragged my suitcase, walked out of the inn, and strode forward into the morning sunlight.
32:41A new journey had begun.
32:42My brand new life.
32:47After leaving Kyoto, I went to many more places.
32:50Rome, Barcelona, Sydney, New York.
32:53Every city left its mark with my footsteps.
32:55I learned to eat alone.
32:57Watch movies alone.
32:58Go shopping alone.
32:59Things I once thought required two people to do.
33:02It turned out I could do perfectly well alone.
33:04One afternoon in Paris, I sat at a cafe by the seine, watching the passing crowds.
33:09Suddenly, a little girl ran over, looking at me with big wide eyes.
33:15Ma'am, you're so pretty.
33:17She said in her childish voice.
33:19I was taken aback, then smiled.
33:22Thank you, little one.
33:23Her mother walked over and apologized with a smile.
33:26I'm sorry.
33:27My daughter is too playfy.
33:28It's fine.
33:29She's adorable.
33:30The little girl held her mother's hand, looked back at me, and suddenly shouted,
33:33Mommy!
33:34That lady has stars in her eyes!
33:37I was stunned.
33:38Stars?
33:39I subconsciously touched my own face.
33:41Perhaps I really had changed.
33:43No longer the woman who endured grievances to protect her husband's dignity.
33:47No longer the fool who took the blame for someone else's betrayal.
33:50The current me had light in my eyes and dreams in my heart.
33:53This was probably what people called rebirth.
33:56Light in my eyes, dreams in my heart.
33:58This is my rebirth.
34:00After the trip, I returned home.
34:02There was new progress on the egg donation.
34:04The hospital told me my eggs had successfully helped three infertile couples conceive.
34:08Mrs. Stella, you are truly remarkable.
34:11The doctor said gratefully.
34:12I smiled.
34:13It's nothing remarkable.
34:14Just doing what I should.
34:16Actually, donating eggs wasn't just about helping others.
34:20It was also about making peace with my own regrets.
34:23Although I never had my own children, my eggs could help others realize their dream of becoming parents.
34:27This was probably the best possible ending.
34:30One day, I received a letter.
34:31It was from a mother who had received my eggs.
34:34Dear Ms. Stella, I don't know what words to use to express my gratitude.
34:39My husband and I have been married for 15 years and have never had children.
34:43We tried every method without success.
34:46Just when we were about to give up, we received news from the hospital that someone was willing to donate
34:51eggs.
34:52That person was you.
34:53Now, I am pregnant and the doctor says the baby is very healthy.
34:57I don't know how to thank you.
34:59I just want to tell you that you have given our family new hope.
35:02Thank you, Ms. Stella.
35:04You are the great benefactor of our entire family.
35:07After reading the letter, my eyes welled up with tears.
35:10It turned out that helping others truly could bring happiness to oneself.
35:13I carefully put the letter away in a drawer.
35:16This touching moment, I would forever treasure in my heart.
35:20Helping others is also healing oneself.
35:24After returning home, I started reconnecting with old friends.
35:28Because of the whole situation with Charles, I had grown distant from many people.
35:31Now, I wanted to pick up those relationships again.
35:34The first person I reached out to was my best friend, Linda.
35:36When she saw me, she was so excited she almost cried.
35:41Stella!
35:41You're finally back!
35:43I thought you'd never speak to me again!
35:46How could that be?
35:47I laughed and hugged her.
35:49I just went traveling for a while to clear my head.
35:54So how are you now?
35:55Has Charles caused you any more trouble?
35:58No, it's completely over between us.
36:00Linda breathed a sigh of relief.
36:03That's good.
36:04Stella, you deserve someone better.
36:06Someone better?
36:07I smiled.
36:09Linda, I don't need anyone else to define my worth right now.
36:13I am enough.
36:14Linda looked at me, surprise flashing in her eyes.
36:17Then relief.
36:18Stella, you really have changed.
36:20Become better, stronger.
36:21Have I?
36:22Maybe.
36:23I picked up my coffee shop.
36:23After going through so much, you've got to learn something.
36:26So what are your plans next?
36:27Keep living, of course.
36:29I smiled.
36:29Work, travel, do what I love.
36:31What about love?
36:32Linda winked.
36:33Not considering finding someone new?
36:36I shook my head.
36:38Not for now.
36:39At this point in my life, I just want to love myself well.
36:43Linda laughed.
36:45Well said.
36:46Cheers to our new era.
36:48We clinked cups, the aroma of coffee filling the air.
36:51In this moment, I felt warmth.
36:53Not because of romance, but because of friendship.
36:56Not because of dependence, but because of independence.
36:59I finally understood that true happiness doesn't come from others, but from oneself.
37:04After returning home, I didn't stay idle.
37:07I started replanning my career.
37:09In my youth, I had given up many opportunities for Charles.
37:12Now, I would pick them up one by one.
37:14I open a small floral design studio.
37:16This was a dream I had in my youth that I never got to realize.
37:19Now, I finally had the chance to make it a reality.
37:22The studio wasn't big, but it was decorated warmly.
37:24Every morning, I would go to the flower market to select the freshest blooms.
37:28Then, back at the studio, I would trim stems, match colors, and create beautiful bouquets.
37:34When customers came, I would recommend the most suitable flowers based on their needs.
37:38Your mom will definitely love this bouquet.
37:41These roses for your girlfriend?
37:43Guaranteed to make her feel your love.
37:44Watching the satisfied smiles of my customers, my heart filled with a sense of accomplishment.
37:49Linda, a special customer walked into the studio.
37:52A young woman.
37:53Holding a baby in her arms.
37:54Hello.
37:55She said with a smile.
37:56I'd like to order a bouquet.
37:57Certainly.
37:58Who is it for?
38:01For myself.
38:03Her eyes sparkled.
38:04I just had a baby and want to treat myself.
38:07I was taken aback, then smiled.
38:10Congratulations, that's the best gift of all.
38:12I carefully arranged a bouquet of pink carnations and white baby's breath for her.
38:16She held the flowers, held her baby, smiling so happily.
38:20In that moment, I suddenly felt that my choice had been the right one.
38:23Although I didn't have a child of my own, I could bring happiness to others in other ways.
38:28This was probably the meaning of life.
38:30Bringing happiness to others is also the meaning of life.
38:33Time flies.
38:34In the blink of an eye, three years had passed.
38:37My floral studio had grown bigger and bigger, now with three branch locations.
38:41My name had also started to gain recognition in the industry.
38:44Many people didn't know what storms this elegant and composed florist had once weathered.
38:48And I no longer spoke of them.
38:50Because all of that was in the past.
38:52The present me only wanted to look forward.
38:54One day, I received a postcard from Alaska.
38:57No signature, just one sentence.
39:00May the rest of your life be happy.
39:01I knew who sent it.
39:03But I didn't write back.
39:04Some goodbyes don't need a response.
39:06I slipped the postcard into that fortune slip.
39:09Withered trees meet spring.
39:11Old matters become empty.
39:12The road ahead is bright.
39:14Freedom lies within the heart.
39:15These words, I had always kept in my heart.
39:19Charles, Vivian, Chloe, Connor, they had all become passers-by in my life.
39:23And I had finally become the protagonist of my own story.
39:26The sun was setting.
39:27I sat by the studio window, watching the passing crowds outside.
39:31Holding a cup of hot tea, my heart felt a peace unlike anything before.
39:35My phone rang.
39:36It was a message from the hospital.
39:38Miss Stella, your donated eggs have successfully helped a fifth couple welcome their baby.
39:43Thank you for your great love.
39:44I smiled.
39:45My eyes were a bit moist.
39:47But my heart was full of happiness.
39:49Perhaps this was the best possible ending.
39:51I didn't have children but I had helped many people realize their dreams.
39:54I didn't have romance but I had true freedom.
39:57I didn't have a family but I had created a world of my own.
40:00In this world, there were flowers, sunshine, laughter and hope.
40:04That was enough.
40:05I raised my teacup and took a gentle sip.
40:07Outside the window, the afterglow of the sunset spilled across my face, warm and gentle.
40:12My life has only just begun.
40:13My life has only just begun.
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