- 20 minutes ago
Godfather: Out of Control
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Short filmTranscript
00:00He came toward me. Slow. No room to back up. Too close. I could feel him breathing. Close enough, I
00:07could feel his heat coming through his clothes. It wasn't just physical pressure. It was like being seen all the
00:12way through. Locked down. Nowhere to go. I should have fought. Should have pushed him off. But I didn't move.
00:18Worse, I let him. Just thinking that made my chest tight. My body went rigid. I knew this was bad.
00:24I couldn't stop.
00:25The next evening, I had to drag myself to that party. I've been zoning out all day. All day. My
00:31mind kept replaying last night. Every lingering, tangled moment of it. I was supposed to give Ethan my first time.
00:38Instead, I gave it to a guy whose name I didn't even know. I was lost in it when Ethan
00:43walked up. Big smile. Little apology. Said something came up last night. He hadn't meant to bail. He said he
00:49will make it up to me tonight. The party kicked off. Lights, music, people everywhere.
00:54Ethan was working the room. Drinks, handshakes, dancing with two different girls. He looked like he belonged there. Like that
01:01was actually his life. I just stood off to the side. Felt like I didn't fit. Then the whole place
01:07went quiet. Just for a second. A car pulled up. A guy got out. Suit. Crescent's so heavy, you couldn't
01:13really look straight at him. People started whispering.
01:16That's Victor. He actually showed up.
01:24Dad, you made it. I looked up. Right at his eyes. Time stopped for a second. I knew that face.
01:32And he knew mine. The guy from last night. My head went blank.
01:35I forgot how to breathe. He wasn't just some guy. He was Ethan's dad. The one everyone here was scared
01:42of. Victor. Ethan pulled me forward. Big grin. Ethan introduced me to Victor. The air went dead. I forced a
01:48smile and got out a little, sir? Victor looked at me. Long second. He stepped in for the hug. Polite,
01:55controlled.
01:55Sir, that's not what you called me last night. Last night, you were calling me daddy. The way you called
02:08me daddy last night. I'm not going to forget that. You wanted it, didn't you?
02:26You're a freak. You're nothing compared to Ethan.
02:35I basically ran out of the room. The hallway lights were too bright. I felt hollow. Went straight downstairs. Didn't
02:42look back once. What I didn't know, Victor wasn't following me. He was just standing there, watching the way I'd
02:47gone. His eyes deeper than before. Like, for the first time, something actually had his attention.
02:52I got outside. Tried to get a cab. But, of course, nothing was coming. Not at this hour. Empty street.
02:59Just me. My heart was still slamming. Then a whistle from somewhere down the block.
03:03I looked. Some guy was staring at me. A kind of look that makes your skin crawl. He started walking
03:09over. Looked me up and down. I went stiff. That's when it hit me. I just got out of one
03:14mess. And walked straight into a worse one.
03:18My eyes went huge. The whole room blurred. Took me forever to even hear what was happening around me. Ethan
03:25caught something was off. He asked Victor what he just said. Victor smiled real small. Looked me up and down.
03:32Then turned to Ethan. Said his tastes improving. That was the first time his dad had ever said anything good
03:38about him.
03:39Ethan was blown away. He couldn't even hide how excited he was. I couldn't breathe. Victor said a couple more
03:46polite things and walked off. But I knew him leaving wasn't the end.
03:51You two still going? It's been what, three months?
03:54I heard she's still a virgin.
03:56So what's she like in bed, man? Is she a freak? Is she act like a porn star for you?
04:00I felt the rage hit. Hot. All up my throat. But the worst part, Ethan didn't shut it down. He
04:06just laughed. Like this was a normal thing his friend said. I shoved him off. The guys around us were
04:12stunned for half a second. Then somebody jumped in. Kiss her. Kiss her. Kiss her. Getting louder. Ethan's face came
04:19down toward mine. I don't know why, but the face in my head right then wasn't his. It was the
04:24guy from last night. The one I couldn't stop thinking about. The one I couldn't look at myself for.
04:29Right before Ethan's mouth hit mine, I shoved him off. I basically ran out of there. Got back to my
04:35hotel room. Leaned against the door for a long time. Couldn't think straight. I kept asking myself, was it last
04:41night? Or was it him? Then, a hand, from behind, wrapped around me. I jumped a foot in the air.
04:48Victor. I yanked away from him. Spun around. Why is him here? Victor was just standing there. Said he wanted
04:54to see me. Like it was the most obvious thing. I backed up. He grabbed my wrist.
04:59Last night, I was leaving. You're the one who told me to stay. I'm dating your son! Then tell me,
05:09are you scared of me? I'm not scared of you.
05:19You've got the wrong girl. I'm just waiting for a ride. Waiting for a ride? Dressed like that? I've got
05:31cash. Come with me. Stop pretending.
05:34I lost it. Pulled out my phone. Called Ethan. The line picked up, but it wasn't him. It was a
05:39girl. Laughing. Saying something soft. Flirty. And Ethan in the background close. Voice I'd never heard him use before. I
05:47just stood there. Forgot to even talk. The line went dead. I stared at my phone. Heart sinking by the
05:53second. The guy in front of me was done waiting.
05:55Whoever you're calling. Not coming. Come with me.
06:04Stop fighting. My boss is Victor. Nobody touches me on this block.
06:11Victor. I went rigid for a second. Crazy thought hit me. Was this his setup? Was he testing me? Punishing
06:17me? The guy saw me freeze. He liked it. That made me explode.
06:20I said they both fucking sipes. That set him off. His grip got worse. I dropped my head and bit
06:25him. Hot. He yelped and let go. I was at the end of it. The fear had peaked.
06:30Right when I thought I was done. Headlights blasted into the alley. So bright I couldn't see. A black car.
06:37Doors opened. Somebody got out. Gun in his hand. Steel cold in the half light.
06:41He didn't say a word. Just walked toward us. The whole alley shifted. The guy holding me got cocky for
06:47a second. He stopped mid-word. Like something hit him in the throat. Because he could see who it was.
06:53The cocky look fell off his face. Pure fear. He stepped back. I went still as well. My heart skipped.
07:00I followed his eyes. And I saw the guy walking up. Him. The guy from last night. Ethan's dad. Victor.
07:08Victor raised the gun. Aimed steady. Bang. Right in the leg. The guy screamed and went down. Face white as
07:15paper. Get lost. Don't let me see you here again. Next time. I won't be this merciful.
07:22The guy crawled away. Didn't even look back. The alley went silent. Just rain. Victor walked over to me. I
07:29was frozen. Couldn't move. He didn't say anything. Just bent down and picked me up.
07:34I didn't even register what was happening. Before I was in his car. The rain got harder. The car was
07:39so quiet. I could hear my own heart. Victor tossed me a towel to let me dry off. I took
07:44it. Started wiping my arms. Couldn't stop looking at him. He was soaked too. Water running down the side of
07:50his face. I hesitated. Unsure whether I should help him wipe the water. Before I could think it through, I
07:56was already reaching for him before I finished. Wiping his face. Soft. He let me. The air slowed down.
08:02And my head wouldn't stop. Last night. The one night I was trying to forget. Couldn't. My breath went ragged.
08:09I yanked my hand back. Like I'd scared myself. Victor watched me. There was a hint of something in his
08:15eyes I couldn't name. His eyes went down my body. Stopped at my legs. I looked away. Fast. Tried to
08:21dry myself.
08:29Break up with Ethan. Be with me. No way. I'm not breaking up with him. We're serious. And you're his
08:41dad. We can't ever happen.
08:50Yeah. Wasn't I already your daddy last night?
08:57His mouth was on mine. The car went dead silent. Distance gone. Breathing tangled. For a second, I forgot who
09:04he was. Forgot who I was. I don't know how long it lasted. We finally broke. I was dazed.
09:10Looks like your body is more honest than you are.
09:12I basically ran into my building. But my head was full of it. I could have pushed him off. I
09:17didn't. I didn't even want to. I was still spaced out when Wendy came down the stairs. She didn't push.
09:23Just reminded me. Don't forget about the party tomorrow night. And picked my outfit. I don't want to go. But
09:29I cannot refuse. Otherwise, Wendy would have me thrown out of a organization. The one I had always longed to
09:36be a part of. I went quiet. Nodded.
09:38Next night, I put on what Wendy had laid out for me. Some skin-tight little kitten thing. Way too
09:43much dot. I walked into the venue. Stop dead. Soft lights. Everyone in formal wear. Nobody in costume. Nobody dressed
09:51crazy.
09:51This wasn't a costume party. I was the joke. Every eye in the room. Every flash. All on me. I
09:57scanned the crowd. Wendy was standing in the middle of it. Gown. Hair done. Right next to Ethan. Like they
10:02belonged there. Like that was their default.
10:10Why would you do this?
10:13Wendy walked up to me real slow. Eyes full of it. She wasn't even hiding the contempt. She looked me
10:20over. Said, I'm interesting today. I just stood there. My chest sinking by the second. Wendy just turned and grabbed
10:27Ethan. Right in front of me. Kissed him. The crowd went insane.
10:30She finally pulled back and looked at me. Smiling. I felt like somebody had hit me with a bat. I
10:36just stared at them. My boyfriend. My best friend. Standing there. Like it was nothing. That broke something in me.
10:42I stepped up and slapped Wendy across the face. The sound cut through the whole hole. She didn't even react
10:48for a second. Then she covered her cheek and ran into Ethan's arms. Tears already coming.
10:53Next thing I knew. Ethan kicked me. Hard. I went down. Back. Hit the floor. Couldn't breathe. Ethan stood over
11:00me. Looked down at me.
11:01Who do you think you are? When did I ever say you were my girlfriend? It was just a bet.
11:08See if I could close you in three months. You were way easier than I thought.
11:14That was it. My world collapsed. The crowd was eating it up. Their voices everywhere. Too loud. Wendy walked up.
11:21Heels clicking. Stopped right in front of me. Looked down. Eyes empty. I tried to get up. Wendy stepped on
11:26my hand. Pain shot up my arm. I grit my teeth. The crowd just laughed louder. Somebody started saying it
11:32was all just a game. Somebody said they'd been watching me make a fool of myself the whole time. My
11:38ears were ringing.
11:39You guys don't even know what she's like in private. Looks all sweet, right? Trust me. She's a thirsty little
11:47slut. Alright. Let me show you the real her.
11:53I was on the floor. Done. Tears just kept coming. Then a hand. Right in front of me. I looked
11:59up through the tears. Victor. I grabbed his hand on instinct. Like I was drowning. He pulled me up. Took
12:05off his jacket. Wrapped it around me. Pulled me into him.
12:08Then his other hand came up. Gun pointed at the crowd. The whole hall went dead. His eyes moved across
12:15every face. Finally landed on Ethan. Ethan went white. He stepped back. Bang. A shot. The bullet grazed Ethan's ear.
12:22Blood ran down the side of his neck. Ethan grabbed his ear and screamed. Hit his knees. Total silence. Nobody
12:29moved.
12:30You're shooting at me. For her. Be glad. All I did was hurt you. I didn't kill you.
12:43Victor finally looked at Ethan. Eyes ice. Everybody in the room sucked in a breath at the same time. Then
12:49Victor turned. Kissed me. Right there. In front of everyone. Like he was making a statement.
12:54Starting now. Zoe is mine. Which makes her your step mom. Call her that. Or I take your name. Throw
13:08you out of this family.
13:10Mom.
13:13I started backing up. Inch by inch. Like I was trying to dodge something I couldn't take. Heart pounding. Couldn't
13:20breathe right. I'd never been this scared in my life. I jumped up. Didn't think. Just went for his phone.
13:26I couldn't let him show it. I couldn't. Right as I almost got there. My foot caught. Somebody tripped me.
13:32I went down hard. Palms scraping the floor. Burning. Before I could get up. Somebody grabbed my hair. Wendy. She
13:39looked down.
13:39That cruel little smile. The screen at the front of the hall lit up. Every head in the room turned.
13:45I followed. Everything in me dropped. On the screen videos I'd sent Ethan. The ones I thought were just for
13:50the two of us. The most private things I had. Now blown up. Public. In front of everyone. I couldn't
13:57even react. The room was already laughing.
14:00No way. She did that? She acts so innocent? She's freaky in private? Total opposite, huh?
14:06Wendy yanked my head harder. Made me look at the screen. I was shaking. Couldn't fight back. Had nothing left.
14:12Ethan was just standing there. Didn't try to stop it. He was watching it all happen. Like he was enjoying
14:18a show. I couldn't breathe. The laughing got worse. Phones came out. Everybody filming. Like I was the joke. I
14:24gave up. Collapsed on the floor. Tears wouldn't stop. I tried to talk. Nothing came out.
14:29The whole world was going blurry. Then the doorway went quiet for a second. Like somebody had walked in. I
14:35didn't have it in me to look. I just lay there. Let it happen. Until I heard somebody say, he's
14:40here.
14:43Victor took me home. Carried me the whole way. I was still coming down off the chaos. My fingers were
14:49still shaking. I thanked him quietly. He looked at me. Eyes deep. He looked at me. His gaze deep. Almost
14:56as if my thanks weren't enough for him. The air shifted. Got dangerous. I froze. Heart picking up. I couldn't
15:02keep holding it back.
15:03I stood up. Walked over to him. Step by step. Leaned in. Kissed him. I thought he'd go for it.
15:11Instead, he pushed me off. I just stared. Victor was looking at me. Voice low. Holding back. He said if
15:19he come for me, he'll do it right. And I'll come to him willing. Not like this. Not when I'm
15:25not myself. He turned and walked out. The door closed. I just stood there. Heart everywhere.
15:33Next morning. Doorbell. I opened it. I froze. Roses in his hand. Suit. Calm face. Like the guy who'd been
15:42firing a gun yesterday. Wasn't even him. He looked at me. Said he'd like to take me out properly. I
15:48wanted to say no. But the word wouldn't come. Finally, I just said, okay. But today, we do what I
15:54want. Done. Today's all yours. You're the princess. I'm just your knight.
16:06I took Victor to an amusement park. He didn't fit. Not even close. Suit. Ara. Standing in a crowd of
16:14teenagers. Eating cotton candy. But I went and bought a pair of cat ears. Handed them to him. He frowned.
16:21A second. Then he took them. Put them on. I almost laughed out loud.
16:25This guy who controlled everything. Wearing cat ears. Because of me.
16:31Next morning. I got woken up. By somebody banging on the door. My chest tightened. For no reason. I dragged
16:38myself over. I opened it. Froze. Eton Wendy. Right behind him. Stepped back. Demanding to know what they were doing
16:45here.
16:45They didn't answer. Just walked in. Before I could react. Somebody shoved me. Hard. I hitched the floor. Couldn't breathe
16:52for a second. I curled up.
16:54You ruined our lives. You think you can hide forever?
16:58I was glaring up at her. Full of rage. Before I could speak. A shadow moved over me.
17:04I looked up. Ethan was standing there. Holding a baseball bat. His face cold. Vicious. Almost out of control. He
17:12walked closer. Slow. Stood over me. Then raised the bat. Time stretched out. I forgot to breathe. I just watched
17:21it come down.
17:24We did the carousel. I kept looking at his face. None of it felt real. Yesterday, he was holding a
17:30gun. Today, he was riding a kid's ride. And I was actually starting to feel happy.
17:36Night came. We got on the ferris wheel. The city lights got smaller. The car got quiet. Private. He looked
17:44at me. I looked at him. Neither of us said anything.
17:47Then he reached over and pulled me into him. I didn't fight it. We were close. Breeding together. He kissed
17:54me. Slower than any of the others. Deeper. Like he was making sure of something.
17:59Right when we hit the top fireworks. I froze. He whispered. It is for me. That was it. He gave
18:07in. I nodded. Said yes to him. Protecting me. Said yes to not running anymore.
18:12He looked at me. Eyes deeper than before. Then he picked me up. I yelped. And threw my arms around
18:18his neck.
18:22Now. Time for the grown up part.
18:32Survival kicked in. I scrambled up. Bolted. I couldn't stop. I stopped. I was dead. Just get out. Just get
18:41out.
18:42And I had a chance. I made it to the door. Stopped dead. Outside. Already waiting. Ethan's guys. That was
18:49it.
18:49Last hope gone. A hand grabbed me from behind. Somebody clamped a hand over my mouth. I could only manage
18:56broken little sounds.
18:57They were rough. Dragged me to a car. Rope went on me. Wrists. Waist. Cold and tight. Other end of
19:04the rope tied to the car.
19:05The engine started. The car moved. I had to run. I kept up at first. But I burned out fast.
19:11Breathing went wild. Vision started going.
19:14My legs felt like lead. One step. Two. Then I went down hard. The road tore through my skin like
19:20a knife.
19:21Every second. Vision started fading. Right before everything went black. Only one face in my head. Victor.
19:29I came to. Head was a mess. My body felt wrecked. Even breathing hurt. I opened my eyes. Victor was
19:36standing there. Ethan took me to Victor. Before I could get a word out. Ethan threw a stack of so
19:42-called
19:42evidence down in front of Victor. He accused me of going behind Victor's back. His voice kept getting
19:48bigger. Like he was scoring points. I panicked. Shaking my head. I tried to crawl over. Tried to get to
19:54Victor. My body gave out. I went down again. Black spots. Right as I was about to lose at hands.
20:00Picking me up. Victor. There was a flicker of panic in his face. Then the air changed. I felt it.
20:07Everything in him went dark. Like the calm before a storm. He looked at Ethan. That look pure ice.
20:13Before Ethan could speak. Bang. A shot. Right by my ear.
20:19Anybody who touches her. Dies.
20:25A few days later. Ethan and Wendy showed up at my door. Said there was something I had to know.
20:31I frowned. Got nervous. Ethan said slowly. My father was not who I think he was. He was Victor's
20:37traitor. I jerked my head up. No way. My dad lived a quiet life. Never made enemies. Worked. Came home.
20:43Repeat. There was no way he was tied up with Victor. Wendy stepped in. Voice ice. 15 years ago.
20:49He betrayed William. Victor's predecessor. That whole thing almost destroyed the family.
20:55My head went blank. No. They're lying. Ethan threw a photo in my face. A photo of my dad's back.
21:04Showing a long scar. A bullet wound. My hand started shaking.
21:09Regular guys don't have scars like that.
21:15You know how he died?
21:18The whole place went out of control. Every guy who'd been so cocky a minute ago was being dragged out.
21:25Pinned. Hauled away.
21:27Nobody got to even fight.
21:28The air was just fear.
21:30Ethan and Wendy were on their knees.
21:32Begging.
21:33Ethan was scrambling.
21:34Pushing the evidence forward again.
21:36Like it was his last shot.
21:38Then the room went silent.
21:39Because Victor barely glanced at it.
21:42Then gave a little laugh.
21:43The kind that makes you cold.
21:44Victor looked up.
21:46Said Ethan didn't notice.
21:47The man in those photos is himself.
21:50That landed like a bomb.
21:51Ethan went stiff.
21:52All the color drained out of his face.
21:55Wendy froze.
21:56Forgot to breathe.
21:57Victor didn't give them a chance.
21:59He just lifted his hand.
22:01Both of them got dragged out.
22:02I could hear them begging all the way down the hall.
22:05Then nothing.
22:06I was just standing there.
22:08I just wanted to leave.
22:09Right now.
22:10But Victor didn't move.
22:11He was just standing there.
22:13Thinking about something.
22:14That's when I noticed it.
22:15The other side of the room.
22:17Stuff in the corner.
22:18I really didn't want to see.
22:19Rope.
22:20A whip.
22:21Cold metal.
22:21My stomach dropped.
22:23Bad feeling.
22:23Was he still not believing me?
22:26Then Victor walked over.
22:27Picked up a length of rope.
22:29Turned to me.
22:30But his face was calm.
22:31Calm in a way I hadn't expected.
22:36You went through a lot today.
22:37Use this.
22:39Tie me up.
22:40Whatever you want to do to me.
22:42I want you to feel better.
22:46He got handled.
22:48And the guy who did it was Victor.
22:52That scar on Victor's back?
22:53That's from your dad.
22:57You really think if you found out who you really are, I'd keep you around?
23:04Take the hint and leave.
23:06Don't make him come do it himself.
23:08I didn't stay to listen.
23:09I left feeling completely empty.
23:12But there was one thing in my head.
23:14I needed to hear it from Victor.
23:16I didn't trust them.
23:17I trusted him.
23:18I went to his office.
23:19The door was open to crack.
23:21I pushed it open a little more.
23:24Then I went stiff.
23:26Inside the office.
23:28There was a woman.
23:29Beautiful.
23:30I didn't know her.
23:31Sitting next to him.
23:32Close.
23:33Then she kissed him.
23:34And Victor didn't move away.
23:38What I just saw.
23:39I felt it like a fist to the chest.
23:41Tears just came.
23:42No warning.
23:44That woman.
23:44She was striking.
23:46Confident.
23:47Standing next to Victor.
23:48Like she belonged there.
23:50Then I remembered something Ethan had said.
23:52The one that got away.
23:53That was her.
23:54I couldn't watch.
23:56I turned around and ran.
23:58Night came.
23:59I was alone in my room.
24:01Just hugging myself.
24:02The scene from earlier.
24:04Was on a loop in my head.
24:05I figured he wouldn't come.
24:07Familiar footsteps.
24:09Before I could react.
24:10He was right in front of me.
24:12No explanation.
24:13No pause.
24:14He just leaned in and kissed me.
24:16I went still.
24:17Right then.
24:18I couldn't tell.
24:19Was I angry?
24:20Or was I just craving him?
24:21When I came back to myself.
24:23The bad feeling was even worse.
24:25I backed up a little.
24:26I asked.
24:27Who was that woman told a quiet voice?
24:29But I couldn't hide what was in it.
24:31Victor didn't answer right away.
24:33He just looked at me.
24:34Then pulled me back into him.
24:35His breath was right against my ear.
24:38My breathing went wrong.
24:39Before I could deny it.
24:41His hand tightened on me.
24:42I couldn't go anywhere.
24:45Then today.
24:48You take control.
24:51Something pushed me.
24:52I climbed onto his lap.
24:54We were close.
24:55Close enough.
24:55I could hear his heartbeat.
24:57I tried not to think about anything from earlier.
24:59But the harder I tried.
25:01The louder it got in my head.
25:02Ethan's voice.
25:03On a loop.
25:04I started slowing down.
25:06Drifting Victor noticed.
25:07Next thing.
25:08He pulled me back in.
25:09Took control again.
25:10Then my hand brushed his back.
25:12A scar.
25:12Long.
25:13Real.
25:13Right then everything snapped together.
25:15What Ethan said.
25:16What Wendy said.
25:17The stuff I didn't want to be true.
25:19Was getting more real by the second.
25:21This man I'd fallen for.
25:23Might be the man who destroyed everything I came from.
25:26Victor stopped.
25:27Looked at me.
25:28Asked.
25:28What am I thinking?
25:29I didn't answer.
25:31I just looked at him.
25:32Then set it quiet.
25:33If somebody lied to you.
25:34Betrayed you.
25:34What would you do?
25:35The room went still.
25:37Kill them.
25:38That's the only outcome.
25:40Everything in me went under.
25:42Every little hope.
25:43Gone.
25:43I looked at him.
25:44Eyes hardening.
25:45Pulling away.
25:46I knew time to go.
25:48Next morning.
25:49I left a note on the table.
25:52Two lines.
25:52I'm gone.
25:53Don't look for me.
25:54The sun was out.
25:55There was a couple holding hands on the corner.
25:58I looked once.
25:59Looked away.
25:59That kind of simple thing.
26:01Wasn't going to happen for me.
26:02What was between us.
26:03Wasn't just secrets.
26:04Or.
26:05Our families.
26:06It was something we couldn't get past.
26:07My dad.
26:08Him.
26:08The whole bloody mess between us.
26:10Even if I still loved him.
26:12I didn't get to stay.
26:13The airport was packed.
26:14I was just rolling my suitcase.
26:16Lining up.
26:17Going through security.
26:18Like a normal person.
26:19Almost at the gate.
26:20I noticed a few guys looking around.
26:22Black suits.
26:23Earpieces.
26:24Sharp eyes.
26:25They were looking for somebody.
26:26Were they here for me?
26:28They moved fast.
26:29Right when I was about to clear security.
26:31Pain.
26:31Somebody yanked me back by my hair.
26:34Ethan.
26:34Wendy right beside him.
26:36Cold stare.
26:37I didn't even get to fight back.
26:42They had me in a car.
26:44Next second.
26:45A gun against my side.
26:47Victor knows who you really are.
26:49You think he's letting you walk away?
26:52He wouldn't.
26:54You're too naive.
26:56You think he's gonna keep his enemy's daughter around?
26:59The air got tight.
27:01I didn't want to believe.
27:02But the fear was crawling up.
27:04Then out the window.
27:05A car I knew.
27:06Coming up the road.
27:07My heart slammed.
27:08Him.
27:09Victor.
27:10Came out of me.
27:11Before I could stop it.
27:12Pure panic.
27:13Last sliver of hope.
27:15The car outside slowed down.
27:16Like it picked up.
27:17No?
27:18Something.
27:20A hand clamped over my mouth.
27:22Cut me off.
27:23I fought.
27:24Couldn't get more than a muffled sound out.
27:26That car I knew was right there.
27:28The window came down.
27:29Victor was inside.
27:30I needed him to see me.
27:32I needed him to hear me.
27:33I couldn't do anything.
27:34Victor's voice.
27:35Slow.
27:36Calm.
27:36He asked if Ethan had found her.
27:38Ethan was visibly thrown.
27:40As he said.
27:40They hadn't.
27:41A second of silence.
27:42I stared at the car.
27:43Tears blurring everything.
27:45I just wanted him to look one more time.
27:47Victor just nodded.
27:49The window went up.
27:50The car drove off.
27:51Got smaller.
27:52Then gone.
27:53Everything in me sank.
27:54That was the last hope.
27:56Gone with him.
27:56The car started up again.
27:58Drove out somewhere remote.
27:59Empty.
28:00Quiet enough to scare you.
28:01The door yanked open.
28:02Somebody dragged me out.
28:03Before I got my feet under me.
28:05Slap.
28:05Across the face.
28:07So hard.
28:07My head snapped.
28:08Ringing in my ears.
28:10Windy.
28:10Standing in front of me.
28:12Eyes I didn't recognize.
28:15Today.
28:18I'm going to make you regret it.
28:22I fought.
28:23It didn't matter.
28:24Next thing.
28:25Kick to the side.
28:26I went down.
28:26Couldn't breathe.
28:27Ethan stood over me.
28:28Eyes I didn't know.
28:29Don't worry.
28:30We're not letting you out that easy.
28:32That was when I got it.
28:33They weren't going to kill me.
28:35They were going to drag it out.
28:37They hauled me to some abandoned warehouse.
28:39Empty.
28:40Dead.
28:40Silent.
28:41Before I got my balance.
28:43Somebody grabbed my hair.
28:44Next second.
28:45My head was in a bucket of water.
28:47Cold flooded everything.
28:49I couldn't breathe.
28:50I tried to fight.
28:51They held me down.
28:52That my lungs burned.
28:54Right before I blacked out.
28:55They pulled me up.
28:56I coughed everywhere.
28:57Couldn't catch my breath.
28:59Pushed back down.
29:00Again.
29:00Again.
29:01Then bang.
29:02The warehouse door slammed open.
29:04A guy in the doorway.
29:05Backlit.
29:05Gun.
29:06In his hand.
29:06Then I caught Ethan's face.
29:08He had this weird little smile.
29:13The second I saw who walked in.
29:16My heart dropped.
29:18Not Victor Iris.
29:19The woman.
29:20She walked in calm.
29:22Like she owned everything.
29:25Victor's guys behind her.
29:26Last hope.
29:28Crushed.
29:31You actually thought you could beat me?
29:37Victor and I have known each other for decades.
29:44What we have, you don't get to touch.
29:51Stop bothering him.
29:53You're just something he picked up on a whim.
29:59That's all you are.
30:06You see it?
30:08You and me.
30:10We look alike.
30:12Except.
30:13We're just a stand-in.
30:26I'm sorry.
30:28I'm late.
30:32She's a traitor's daughter.
30:35She has to die.
30:42It's not what you think.
30:45If she doesn't die, we don't follow you anymore.
30:50We can pick Iris.
30:52Power was shifting in real time.
30:55Victor was quiet for a beat.
30:57Then he let go of me.
30:59I felt it like a hole opening up.
31:02Next second, he raised his hand.
31:06Black gun barrel.
31:08Pointed at me.
31:09I went rigid.
31:10Couldn't breathe.
31:12I couldn't believe it.
31:14Wouldn't.
31:15Was he actually going to kill me?
31:21I didn't want to believe it.
31:23I had one thing in my head.
31:25I wanted to see Victor.
31:27One more time.
31:28Just once.
31:29Iris just stared at me.
31:31Like I was an idiot.
31:32She said.
31:33He's not coming.
31:34You disappointed him too much.
31:36She pulled out her phone.
31:37Hit play.
31:38A voice came out.
31:39Deal with her.
31:40Victor's.
31:41Let Iris handle me.
31:42Two words.
31:43Cut me wide open.
31:45I went still.
31:46Tears just kept falling.
31:47So it was real.
31:51Do it.
31:51Everything left me.
31:53A gun pointed at my chest.
31:55Cold.
31:55Final.
31:56I shut my eyes.
31:57Last thing in my head.
31:59Victor.
31:59Do you really want me dead?
32:00Ethan and Wendy were laughing somewhere.
32:03Sharp.
32:04Smug.
32:05I didn't even fight.
32:07Then bang.
32:08But the pain didn't come.
32:09I opened my eyes.
32:10The bullet that should have hit me got knocked off course by another one.
32:15Everybody froze.
32:18I think I'm ready to cry.
32:21Door.
32:22A figure walked in.
32:24Black suit.
32:25Heavy presence.
32:26Guns still smoking.
32:29Victor.
32:29He came.
32:30The whole world came back on.
32:43Are you planning to have everyone betray you?
32:51Boss.
32:52You're putting yourself at odds with your own family.
32:55Just for a woman?
32:59Two things.
33:01One.
33:02Anyone who wants to walk, walk now.
33:09Two.
33:12Zoe's father wasn't a traitor.
33:14Whole room went still.
33:15Then even bigger noise.
33:18Voices everywhere.
33:19Even Iris' face changed.
33:22Then Victoria lifted his hand.
33:24Old file.
33:26Up in the air.
33:31He said the proof's right here.
33:34Fifteen years ago, Zoe's father had always only been in touch with me.
33:39He wasn't a traitor.
33:40He was my man inside the enemy's house.
33:43He is Victor's informant.
33:47The gun was on me.
33:49The gun was on me.
33:50Air went solid.
33:51Ethan and Wendy were right there.
33:54Smug.
33:55Eyes full of payback.
33:59Iris walked up.
34:01Voice all silk.
34:02I just stood there.
34:03Tears running.
34:04Heart breaking apart.
34:05I looked at Victor.
34:06I wanna know.
34:07What was I to him?
34:08He didn't answer.
34:09He just looked at me.
34:10Then, bang.
34:12I shut my eyes.
34:14The pain didn't come.
34:16Next second, something gave it my wrist.
34:18Cut by the bullet.
34:20Clean.
34:20I opened my eyes.
34:22Before I could process, Victor dropped the gun and ran at me.
34:38Don't be scared.
34:40Nobody's hurting you.
34:41I'm never leaving you.
34:43Ever.
34:46If it wasn't for Tom, if he hadn't sacrificed himself, none of us would be standing here.
34:50He gave us our chance to live.
34:52His death, that's on me.
34:55But I didn't kill him.
34:57Every doubt in the room dropped.
34:58His people looked at each other.
35:01Started bowing their heads.
35:03Apologies all over the place.
35:04I just stood there.
35:06Couldn't see straight from the tears.
35:08Only Iris hadn't moved.
35:10Everything's in here.
35:12Tom never betrayed anybody.
35:14He's clean.
35:18He was a hero.
35:19Standing straight.
35:20Eyes hard.
35:21She said even if she died for it, she would never apologize.
35:24Victor looked at her.
35:26Didn't say anything.
35:27He just handed the gun to me.
35:28He said, it's my call.
35:30The whole room went still.
35:31Every eye on me.
35:32I took the gun.
35:33My hands were shaking.
35:34I walked over to Iris.
35:36One step at a time.
35:37She was still smiling.
35:38Still looking down on me.
35:40I stared at her.
35:41Every bit of pain, humiliation, despair came back at once.
35:45Next second, bang.
35:48The shot went off.
35:49Iris jerked back with a sharp sound.
35:52The bullet grazed her shoulder.
35:53Not fatal.
35:54Enough to break her.
35:55She closed her eyes.
35:56Her breathing went off rhythm.
35:58The room stayed dead quiet.
36:00Everybody waiting on her.
36:01A few seconds.
36:02She opened her eyes.
36:04I'm sorry.
36:04Pride still there.
36:05But humiliation under it now.
36:07Take her away.
36:07Den, Ethan, and Wendy.
36:09Wendy went white.
36:10Before she could speak, somebody had her.
36:13Victor said,
36:14Starting today, Wendy is never to set foot in this city again.
36:17Starting today, Wendy doesn't set foot in this city again.
36:20She fought.
36:20They dragged her out anyway.
36:22Ethan was just standing there.
36:23Hollow.
36:24Victor looked at him.
36:24Voice colder.
36:25He said, Ethan doesn't belong to his family anymore.
36:28That hit him harder than any beating could.
36:30Ethan's legs gave.
36:32He went down right there.
36:33Just empty.
36:34Victor turned around.
36:37Didn't look at any of them.
36:39He walked over to me.
36:40Put his hand out.
36:41I looked at him for a second.
36:43Then I put my hand in his.
36:44He held it tight.
36:45We walked out of there.
36:47Together.
36:57Back in the car.
36:58The air was charged.
37:00I leaned into the seat.
37:01Head still messy.
37:02I had to ask.
37:03The relationship between Victor and Iris.
37:05I want to know if I am just a stand-in for her.
37:07Victor looked at me.
37:08And then laughed.
37:09Small.
37:09Reached out.
37:10Touched my face.
37:11Said, that's bullshit.
37:13She's a business partner.
37:14That's it.
37:14Something in me let go a little.
37:16Without thinking.
37:17I'd already leaned into him.
37:18His hand came around my waist.
37:20Didn't move it.
37:21Tightened slowly instead.
37:22The air in the car went thick.
37:23My heart blew up.
37:24Before I could react.
37:26Can we start?
37:27The divider between us and the driver came out.
37:30Sealed off.
37:31Just us.
37:35He pulled his tie loose.
37:37Slow.
37:38Easy.
37:38Then the tie was right in front of my eyes.
37:41Then over them.
37:41Black.
37:42My breathing went off.
37:47Everything else got louder.
37:49Closer.
37:50His breath.
37:51Coming in.
37:52Heat.
37:52Closer.
37:53Right at my ear.
37:54So low it shook me.
37:56Kiss me.
37:57I grabbed onto his shirt.
37:59I was a mess already.
38:01He kept coming.
38:02On purpose.
38:04Inch by inch.
38:05Wasn't giving me anywhere to go.
38:13I was in his arms.
38:15Then my breathing went wrong.
38:18Something nasty came up out of nowhere.
38:21Next second.
38:22I started gagging.
38:23Couldn't breathe right.
38:25Victor's whole face changed.
38:27One hand kept me steady.
38:29The other was on his phone.
38:30No room to argue.
38:38Arrange a doctor immediately.
38:40The car turned around fast.
38:41Drove like hell.
38:46His private doctor did a quick check.
38:49His face shifted.
38:50He congratulated us.
38:52He said.
38:53Congratulations.
38:53She is not sick.
38:55She is pregnant.
38:56The room stopped for a second.
38:59Victor and I both looked up.
39:00Met each other's eyes.
39:02Everything froze.
39:03His hand was still holding mine.
39:05Slowly tightened.
39:07I could feel it.
39:09He was holding back how happy he was.
39:15First prenatal checkup.
39:17Victor was supposed to come right before we left.
39:20He got an emergency call.
39:22Had to run.
39:23Before he left.
39:27He put a small diamond pin in my hand.
39:30He said.
39:30Anything happens.
39:31I can use this.
39:33However, something in me felt off.
39:35I'll see you around.
39:39Okay.
39:44The hospital looked normal.
39:47I was cold for no reason.
39:48The exam started.
39:50The doctor was looking at the chart.
39:52Frowning.
39:52He said.
39:53The baby's a little unstable.
39:55The tests.
39:56They came back with some unusual results.
39:58They need to give me a quick injection.
40:00Something was wrong.
40:01I stood up.
40:02Wait.
40:03I want to.
40:04Click.
40:04The door locked.
40:05I went stiff.
40:06Spun around.
40:07Locked from the inside.
40:09Air got heavy.
40:10Heart picking up.
40:11What are you?
40:11I didn't get to finish.
40:13The curtain on the other side of the room moved.
40:16Somebody walked out.
40:17Ethan looked at me.
40:19Smiled.
40:20Smiled that made my skin crawl.
40:28The high from the news hadn't even won off.
40:31My head was already nervous.
40:34Ethan, he's never going to accept this kid.
40:36I knew exactly what he was.
40:39He hated me.
40:39Hated all of this.
40:41Victor looked at me.
40:42His face went serious.
40:43Like he was deciding something.
40:45There's something I've never told you.
40:48Ethan isn't my biological son.
40:52He's my brother's child.
40:55Before my brother died, he handed Ethan to me.
41:00He doesn't know.
41:02And he doesn't need to.
41:10You don't worry about him.
41:13Starting now, nobody touches you.
41:15Every nervous thing in me settled down.
41:18Right then, every fear, every old hurt I'd been carrying, I felt them land somewhere safe.
41:25I leaned into him.
41:27First time I thought maybe the future actually was something I could trust.
41:36The baby is innocent.
41:42Innocent?
41:44That kid is going to take everything that should be mine.
41:48Everything in me dropped.
41:49I'm not letting it live.
41:51He picked the syringe up off the tray.
41:54Started walking toward me.
41:56I backed up.
41:58The door was locked.
42:00Nowhere to go.
42:02Don't.
42:03Shaking head.
42:04Whole body trembling.
42:05He didn't slow down.
42:07The needle caught the light.
42:09Closer.
42:09I was almost done.
42:11Then, the pin.
42:12Victor said, use it.
42:14That was the last shot.
42:15I reached for it.
42:17Before I could press it.
42:18Slap.
42:18Ethan grabbed it.
42:20Stomach dropped.
42:21Next second.
42:22He smashed it on the floor.
42:24Sharp crack.
42:31Diamonds split into pieces.
42:34Like my last hope.
42:35Gone.
42:39Ethan tied me back to the chair.
42:41The rope cut into my wrist.
42:43The fear ran through me.
42:45I was shaking my head.
42:46Voice broken.
42:47Please, just leave the baby alone.
42:49Nothing in his face moved.
42:51Next second.
42:52He punched me.
42:54Pain everywhere.
42:55I almost blacked out.
42:56He looked down at me.
42:58Like I was something he had to take out.
43:00Raised his hand again.
43:01This one was going to do it.
43:04Then, bang.
43:05The hospital room door got kicked in.
43:08I jerked my head up.
43:09Victor.
43:10Standing in the doorway.
43:12Next second.
43:13He was across the room.
43:14Punched Ethan square in the face.
43:16Ethan staggered.
43:18Victor didn't even look at him.
43:20Came around to me.
43:21Are you okay?
43:22His hand was tight.
43:23I shook my head.
43:25I'm fine.
43:26Voice small.
43:27I'm okay.
43:28Just shaken.
43:29He let out a tiny breath.
43:33Then, another shot.
43:35Bullet hit Ethan's arm.
43:37Are you out of your mind?
43:41I'm your son.
43:44You're not my son.
43:48Victor pulled adoption papers out of his coat.
43:51Held them in front of Ethan.
43:52Air went dead.
43:53Ethan's hand started shaking.
43:55He stared at that paper.
43:57Like the floor had dropped out.
43:58Murmuring under his breath.
43:59That's not possible.
44:00Next second.
44:01He pulled out a gun.
44:02Pointed it at us.
44:03I held my breath.
44:04Art almost stopped.
44:05Before anybody could move.
44:06Bang.
44:06Not at us.
44:07At himself.
44:07Blood everywhere.
44:08The adoption papers soaked red.
44:18Later.
44:19Victor took me back to the room.
44:23Where everything started.
44:25He stood there.
44:27He looked off in a way I'd never seen.
44:29I'm sorry.
44:31That you had to go through this.
44:34No.
44:35You're my hero.
44:44Marry me.
44:49Yes.
44:51The ring went on.
44:53He stood up.
44:55Pulled me into him.
44:56This was it.
44:57The whole storm.
44:58Done.
44:59We made it.
45:01To each other.
45:05I dated my boyfriend for three months.
45:08Then I slept with his dad.
45:10It all started the night I lost my virginity.
45:13That night I booked a hotel.
45:15Lit the candles.
45:16Sprayed the perfume.
45:17The kind that's supposed to get you both worked up.
45:20I was gonna give him my first time.
45:22I figured once we did it, we'd be solid.
45:24I texted him.
45:25I was waiting in the room.
45:27Nothing back.
45:28Time kept going.
45:29I was about to call him.
45:30Then there was a knock.
45:31Quiet.
45:32Fast.
45:32I was so excited.
45:33I barely thought twice.
45:35Just ran to the door and opened it.
45:37A gun.
45:38Right against my forehead.
45:39I froze.
45:40There was a guy at the door.
45:41Soaked through.
45:42Breathing hard.
45:43Eyes like nothing.
45:44I had no clue who he was.
45:46Only one thing in my head.
45:48One wrong move.
45:49And I was dead.
45:50I'll do whatever you want.
45:51Take your clothes off.
45:56He's on this floor.
45:57I got it.
45:58He was running from somebody.
46:00And I was just the unlucky girl who opened the door.
46:03Next thing.
46:04He had me on the bed.
46:05Kissing me hard.
46:06I didn't fight.
46:06I couldn't.
46:07Those footsteps kept getting closer.
46:09My heart was so loud I could hear it.
46:11A few seconds.
46:12The footsteps stopped.
46:14Then started moving away.
46:15We were good.
46:16He let go.
46:17Didn't say a word.
46:18Just got up to leave.
46:19Wait.
46:19He stopped.
46:20The room got quiet.
46:22Too quiet.
46:22I sat there on the bed.
46:24Heart going crazy.
46:25I'd set everything up for Ethan tonight.
46:28The perfume.
46:29The kind of perfume that makes things get out of hand.
46:32Now there was just me.
46:33And him.
46:34The smell was still in the air.
46:36Something was shifting.
46:38He turned around.
46:39Looked at me.
46:40Different look this time.
46:41Not cold.
46:42Not calculating.
46:43Something he wasn't quite holding back.
46:45He stood there for a second.
46:47Then walked back over.
46:48I didn't move.
46:49Didn't even think about who he was anymore.
46:52My head was empty.
46:53One thought left.
46:54Don't let him leave.
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