- 8 hours ago
Gold Digger Lie: I’m the Billionaire Heir - Hot
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Spread your legs wider.
00:03Stick your ass up.
00:05Yeah, imagine you're a dog on all fours.
00:07Now smile.
00:09This was my eighth year selling my body to pay off my bankrupt boyfriend's loan sharks.
00:13Over the last eight years, I mortgaged the house my grandma left me.
00:16Selling coffee by day.
00:18Stripping by night.
00:20I was even forced to start an OnlyFans.
00:22Today, Justin grabbed my hands.
00:25He broke down crying like a baby.
00:27He held up another million dollar IOU.
00:29I was completely tapped out.
00:31No money left to cover his bottomless debt.
00:34Holding my phone, I hesitated.
00:36Should I ask my estranged billionaire father for help?
00:39That night, I found Justin's iPad in the couch.
00:42The screen lit up with messages from an iMessage group chat.
00:45It was his friends.
00:47Justin, how much debt are you faking this time?
00:49Does that hot coffee bitch still have cash?
00:52A million bucks.
00:53That's what my charm costs.
00:55He sent a photo.
00:56It was me wearing the sexiest outfit he chose.
00:58He took it while we were in bed.
01:01Sells coffee by day.
01:02Services me all night.
01:04Look at her.
01:05Such an obedient little bitch.
01:07I stared at the screen.
01:08My chest felt ripped open.
01:10The tears just wouldn't stop.
01:12For eight years, I gave him my absolute everything.
01:15Now, I was just a cheap joke to his friends.
01:18My hands trembling.
01:19I finally hit call.
01:20My father's commanding voice came through.
01:23Made up your mind?
01:24Come home.
01:25Take over the company.
01:26Marry Chris.
01:27I accept.
01:28Have the chopper pick me up in three days.
01:35Hayley, I'm so sorry.
01:37I'm a worthless loser.
01:39I don't deserve you.
01:41Maybe you should just dump me.
01:43I need to stop dragging you down.
01:44When he was like this, I'd hug him and say we'd get through it together.
01:48But now, I just stared at his wrist.
01:51A Patek Philippe peeked out from his cuff.
01:53It was the exact trophy from the group chat.
01:55I recognized that watch from a magazine cover.
01:58A one-of-a-kind vintage piece.
02:00Worth $30 million.
02:02Justin noticed me staring.
02:04He panicked and quickly hit his wrist.
02:07Hayley, it's a fake.
02:09Worth less than $10.
02:11You know, I just need to look the part.
02:12I smiled, not bothering to expose his lie.
02:15Justin, we're breaking up.
02:17He clearly hadn't heard me.
02:19His iPad vibrated again, fumbling in a panic.
02:23Justin, what's your little lapdog selling next?
02:25The coffee shop or her body?
02:27She's so fucking hot.
02:28If she's selling, I'd drop a hundred grand for one night.
02:31The filthy words kept playing.
02:33Justin scrambled to slam the tablet shut.
02:37Sorry, Hayley.
02:39I didn't catch what you said.
02:41The guys are just being loud.
02:43They're talking about a new movie.
02:44About this debt.
02:45I swear, it's the last time.
02:48Once it's cleared, we'll get married.
02:50Okay?
02:51I said we're done.
02:53I have no money left, Justin.
02:56And like you said, you dragged me down.
02:59His gentle mask instantly shattered.
03:01It exposed the ugly truth underneath.
03:03What the hell do you mean?
03:04You're just going to watch me die?
03:05I can't believe how cold-blooded you are.
03:10He thought I would need him to come back.
03:13But he didn't know.
03:14The shop was being listed for sublease.
03:16And he was out of my life for good.
03:19Justin didn't come home all night.
03:21Not a single text.
03:22I found him online.
03:24A video popped up from a mega-yacht party.
03:26I instantly spotted his figure.
03:28A girl in a bikini was straddling his lap, making out with him.
03:32His hands roamed all over her body.
03:34He licked the spilled liquor off her skin.
03:36Damn Veronica, you are so fucking hot.
03:39Empty bottles surrounded them.
03:41Each one was worth tens of thousands.
03:43The whole crowd cheered them on.
03:45I closed the video and blocked his number.
03:48My eyes fell on his IOU.
03:50Looking closely, I finally spotted the glaring flaw.
03:53Zero borrower information.
03:55It was an obvious, pathetic fake.
03:57And I was stupid enough to fall for it.
04:00Over and over again.
04:01Eight years of being an absolute idiot.
04:03I pulled out my phone and called my broker.
04:06Hi, please list my coffee shop for Subdries.
04:09I looked around the quiet room.
04:11This place had been my life for eight years.
04:13Every coffee cup held a memory.
04:15We picked out the furniture together.
04:18He even painted the portrait on the wall.
04:20I used to think this was my happily ever after.
04:23Now, it was just a sick joke mocking my stupidity.
04:26With us done, running this place was pointless.
04:29Two more days.
04:30In exactly two days, I would cut this disgusting man out of my life forever.
04:34Eight years ago, I mortgaged my grandma's house.
04:37We moved into the city's cheapest basement apartment.
04:41I will make a fortune.
04:43Buy the house back.
04:45And give you a real home.
04:47But in eight years, he never bought me a single decent thing.
04:50A streetside concert poster.
04:52A folded paper ring.
04:54Expired chocolates from a convenience store dumpster.
04:57His most expensive gift?
04:58A $20 thrift store bracelet from his first paycheck.
05:02Haley, I'm so sorry.
05:04I'm a worthless loser.
05:06But this is all my love.
05:09Someday I'll give you the best.
05:10He always used that gentle voice.
05:12And I believed him.
05:14Every single time.
05:15Until I saw his iMessage group chat.
05:18517 messages calling me stupid.
05:21Haley is such a clueless little lapdog.
05:24Stupid bitch really thinks we're getting married.
05:27What is she?
05:28Cinderella?
05:28No longer clinging to the past.
05:31I tossed his cheap gifts and all his mockery into a garbage bag.
05:34I hardly had anything of my own.
05:37Leaving tomorrow.
05:38Right then, my phone rang.
05:40It was my broker.
05:42Haley, you need to come down to the management office.
05:44The landlord is blocking the sous-sep.
05:46He wants to meet in person.
05:503 p.m. the next day.
05:52I arrived at the downtown high-rise.
05:54Blinding crystal chandeliers hung above.
05:57I waited in the hallway for my broker.
05:59Surrounded by people in expensive suits.
06:01Then, I heard that familiar laugh.
06:04Veronica?
06:05Dressed like that again?
06:06You trying to start something?
06:08In my office?
06:10Damn, you really are impatient.
06:12The management office door was cracked open.
06:14I looked through the gap.
06:16Justin was lounging on a leather sofa.
06:17Wearing that same gentle smile.
06:19And in his arms?
06:20The bikini girl from the yacht video.
06:23Now in a plunging red dress.
06:24Her chest spilling out.
06:25She pressed hard against him.
06:27You got me all worked up, Justin.
06:29So what are you going to do about it?
06:34Isn't your pathetic little lapdog on her way?
06:36What if she walks in on us?
06:38Her eyes drifting toward the cracked door.
06:39Her hand trailed down from his Adam's apple.
06:42Sliding lower.
06:43She grabbed his bulge.
06:45Who cares?
06:46Haley is just my slave.
06:48Today, I only want you.
06:52Hearing every word, a memory snapped into place.
06:55Veronica Davis.
06:57I had seen her before.
07:01Two days ago, my coffee shop got a massive order.
07:04A hundred caramel cookies and just as many coffees, all with custom packaging.
07:08I was terrible at baking cookies.
07:11Blisters quickly bubbled on my skin.
07:13By the time I finished packing, my hands were covered in painful burn marks.
07:18Sweating from the pain, I delivered the order.
07:21Veronica opened the door.
07:22As she took the boxes, her manicured nails grazed my burn.
07:26Sorry you had to work so hard, Haley.
07:29My boyfriend just loves spoiling me.
07:32To the love of my life, yours, Taylor.
07:36Justin Taylor.
07:37Back then, I thought it was just a coincidence.
07:40That night, I dragged myself home, my hands covered in burns.
07:43Justin gently applied ointment to my burns.
07:46My silly girl, let's not take orders like this anymore.
07:49But maybe this Veronica's boyfriend really loves her.
07:52I thought I was the luckiest girl alive.
07:54Now, the memory just mocked my stupidity.
07:57Through the glass door, his thumb caressed her waist.
08:00A practiced, intimate motion.
08:02I called his number.
08:03His ringtone echoed inside the boardroom.
08:06I watched him frown, check the screen, and immediately hit decline.
08:10Staring at my dark phone, tears spilled down my face.
08:13Justin, I'm going to make you pay.
08:17My broker sprinted down the hall, panting heavily.
08:20Haley, so sorry about the traffic.
08:24Why aren't you inside?
08:25The landlord is in there.
08:26I froze.
08:27Staring at Justin deep-kissing Veronica.
08:30What did you just say?
08:32The landlord.
08:32Mr. Justin Taylor.
08:34He owns this entire block, including your coffee shop.
08:37You didn't know?
08:39My hands balled into tight fists.
08:42He owned the entire block, including the shop.
08:45But two years ago, my rent doubled for no reason.
08:49Gang members had swarmed my shop demanding money.
08:51They smashed everything.
08:53And they stomped my dog, Max, to death.
08:55Max!
08:56Let me go!
08:57Max had been with me for 12 years.
08:59He was my family.
09:00I had begged on my knees, sobbing for them to stop.
09:03Justin knew how much Max meant to me.
09:05But he stood there and watched it happen.
09:07One word from him could have stopped it.
09:09But he did nothing.
09:11Inside the boardroom, Justin suddenly sensed something.
09:14The second he saw me...
09:15Haley?
09:16He shoved Veronica away and bolted for the door.
09:19I turned sharply and dashed toward the elevator.
09:23Dad, come get me.
09:25Right now.
09:26I burst out of the lobby.
09:28A familiar black Lincoln was waiting.
09:31Justin charged out right behind me.
09:34Haley, wait!
09:35It meant nothing!
09:36Let me explain!
09:41I didn't even give him a second glance.
09:44I just sent him one text.
09:46Justin, I gave you a chance.
09:48Now get out of my life.
09:49Today was day three.
09:51The end of my deal with my father.
09:53And the car sped away.
09:55Justin stared at the speeding Lincoln.
09:56I must be losing my mind.
09:59Haley is dirt poor.
10:00She doesn't know anyone who drives a Lincoln.
10:02I must be seeing things.
10:03Then pulled out his phone.
10:05That's when he noticed.
10:06Except for that text just now.
10:08Veronica wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.
10:11You're ignoring me.
10:13Are you seriously catching feelings for that broke barista?
10:16She reeks of cheap coffee.
10:19Mr. Taylor?
10:20You know Haley?
10:21She's looking to sublet the shop.
10:23I was just worried you might not sign off on it, Mr. Taylor.
10:26The shop is fine.
10:27Why the hell would she subset it?
10:29Haley said she's exhausted.
10:31She's moving back home.
10:33To get married.
10:34What did you say?
10:39The fuck did you just say?
10:42Married to who?
10:43Mr. Taylor, back off.
10:46It's Haley.
10:46Haley Miller.
10:47She's getting married.
10:49Bullshit!
10:50Justin wouldn't let go.
10:51His buddies finally rushed in.
10:53Prying his fingers off the terrified man, the broker bolted, abandoning the contract on
10:58the floor.
10:59Justin stared at the paper in his hand.
11:00Dude, relax.
11:01She's just playing games.
11:02She'd never marry someone else.
11:04Yeah, she's probably subletting the shop just to pay off your loans.
11:07Justin grasped at the straw.
11:09You're right.
11:10She'd never leave me.
11:11Justin grabbed the contract and rushed toward our rental.
11:14He'd never heard me talk about my family, so he was convinced I'd be sitting there.
11:18Justin, you can't leave!
11:19It's my birthday!
11:20You promised you'd stay with me!
11:25I made a deal with your grandfather, not you.
11:29Push me any further and I'll ship you right back.
11:31He stormed out, leaving Veronica seething in rage.
11:35Her fists clenched.
11:37Justin didn't care if Veronica was happy.
11:40On the drive home, he dialed my number over and over, but no one ever answered.
11:45Suddenly, he realized, I must have blocked him.
11:48He never thought I would actually block him.
11:50The moment that thought hit him, Justin slammed on the gas.
11:53He prayed silently.
11:54Please, God.
11:56Hayley, please be home.
11:57Please don't leave me.
11:59But when he got home, I was nowhere to be seen.
12:02Not just me.
12:04Every trace of my existence was gone.
12:06Even the old teddy bear.
12:07All vanished.
12:09Justin collapsed onto the sofa.
12:10I owned almost nothing.
12:12But without my things, the room felt terrifyingly empty.
12:16His thumb rubbed the cheap ring on his finger.
12:18The one I gave him.
12:20He always hated it.
12:21But for some reason, he had never taken it off.
12:24Right then, he felt something hard jab against him.
12:29It was his iPad.
12:31He sighed, about to toss it aside.
12:33A message popped up on the screen.
12:35Justin, is your little lapdog still home?
12:38It was the group chat.
12:39The one where they mocked my stupidity every single day.
12:42Justin's mind went entirely blank.
12:45He froze like a statue.
12:46Only one thought echoed in his brain.
12:49She knows.
12:49She knew he was faking his poverty.
12:52She knew it was all a sick lie.
12:54She saw him tearing her dignity to shreds for laughs.
13:01The messages kept rolling in.
13:03What did the dumb bitch bite you today?
13:05Fucking hilarious.
13:06The iPad slipped from his hands.
13:08He didn't even care.
13:10He collapsed into the sofa, burying his face in his hands.
13:13He had lied to a woman who truly loved him.
13:17No!
13:18She doesn't get to do this to me.
13:20She doesn't get to just walk away.
13:24Snatching his jacket, he just emboldened out of the house.
13:27He had to find me.
13:28He had to stop me.
13:30No matter what it takes.
13:37My father's people don't waste time.
13:39When I arrived at the airport, he was already waiting.
13:42Chris.
13:43My father's hand-picked protege.
13:45And my arranged fiancé.
13:47His features were sharp and coldly handsome.
13:49People in the terminal were secretly staring at him.
13:52I must have looked like a wreck.
13:54Without a word, he held out a tissue.
13:56I took it.
13:57My hands were shaking from nerves.
13:59I had only met him once, three years ago, at my mother's funeral.
14:03He handled all the arrangements.
14:05Haley, I won't meddle in your father's personal affairs.
14:08You're never a burden.
14:09But I hated my father.
14:11I ripped the card to shreds right in front of him.
14:14I took a deep breath, about to speak.
14:17Chris cut me off.
14:18The chopper is ten minutes out, he said smoothly.
14:22Are you sure you want to do this?
14:24Marry me?
14:25Make sure it's not just to spite him, or to get revenge.
14:28If you want to walk away, now is the time.
14:35I said nothing, unsure how to answer Chris.
14:38Marrying him was only ever about a promise to my father.
14:41I didn't love him.
14:42But looking into his eyes, the words died in my throat.
14:45I hated my father.
14:47So, naturally, I hated the man he created.
14:50Thirty years ago, my parents were in love.
14:55But my father gave in to his family.
14:57He married the woman they chose for him.
14:59On the day of his wedding, my mother found out she was pregnant.
15:04She packed her bags.
15:06Left her hometown.
15:07Raised me entirely on her own.
15:09When I was ten, his wife died.
15:11He found us.
15:13He said he'd failed my mother and that he'd never forgotten her all these years.
15:16But my mother had her dignity.
15:18She refused to go back to the Miller estate.
15:21Then she got sick.
15:23Terminal.
15:23Through her tears, she told me she wanted to see him one last time.
15:28She's fading.
15:30For God's sake, put work on hold and come see her.
15:33But he chose a business deal over her dying wish.
15:36He never showed up.
15:37And she died broken hearted.
15:38From that day on, I despised him.
15:41The man who was supposed to be my father died in my mind.
15:45It was late when we arrived at the estate.
15:48The usual army of servants wasn't there.
15:51Neither was the loyal estate butler.
15:53Just my father.
15:54Waiting for me in the massive living room.
15:56I hadn't seen him in three years.
15:58His temples were whiter than in the photos.
16:01For a second, he just looked like a dying old man.
16:04Seeing me, he didn't ask anything.
16:07You must be exhausted.
16:09Eat first.
16:10The table was packed with my favorite dishes.
16:12He had timed our arrival perfectly.
16:15Chris and I sat on either side of him.
16:17My father barely spoke.
16:19He kept adding food to my plate.
16:21My eyes stung under my hair.
16:23I knew I still hated him.
16:25But I also knew he loved me.
16:27After dinner, Chris went to the study to handle company business.
16:31That left just me and my father in the living room.
16:33He pointed to the sofa, asking me to sit.
16:36Haley, I still owe you an apology.
16:39Back then, I failed your mother.
16:42If I had just held on a little longer,
16:44if I hadn't married that woman,
16:46maybe everything would be different.
16:48If I had cared more about her,
16:49I wouldn't have gone on that business trip.
16:52And I wouldn't have let a delayed flight cost me my last goodbye.
16:58My father talked for a long time.
17:00Across the room, a glass cabinet displayed all my childhood photos.
17:04I knew he visited her grave every month to repent.
17:06He always brought roses.
17:08For three years.
17:10Whenever I visited her grave,
17:11a fresh bouquet of white roses was already there.
17:14But I couldn't forgive him on her behalf.
17:16I looked down, avoiding his eyes.
17:19It doesn't matter anymore.
17:20Chris came downstairs.
17:22My father patted his shoulder and headed to his bedroom.
17:25Before I could speak, Chris spoke first.
17:27I've been managing the company for Mr. Lower these past few years.
17:30Now that you're back,
17:31I'll start transitioning everything over to you.
17:34You are top of your finance program.
17:36You'll pick it up fast.
17:37But if you ever need anything,
17:39I'm right here.
17:42You don't have to keep thanking me.
17:44Haley,
17:46is it okay if I call you that?
17:47I nodded.
17:49Your father arranged this marriage.
17:50He knew all of this would be overwhelming for you.
17:52He just wanted someone he completely trusts in your corner.
17:56But if you're not okay with it,
17:58I can step away.
17:59No need.
18:00Staring at the scar near his eye.
18:02I'll marry you.
18:04But I don't love you yet.
18:06Chris stayed quiet for a long beat.
18:11Tomorrow, I'll drop the wedding announcement.
18:13We get married the day after.
18:15As he turned to leave,
18:17my heart skipped a weird beat.
18:20Have you ever been to Chicago?
18:21He stopped at the door,
18:23said nothing,
18:24then hurried off.
18:28A day later,
18:29the bridal suite.
18:30I stood in front of the mirror,
18:33smoothing out my wedding dress.
18:34I used to dream of walking down the aisle with Justin.
18:37Now, I was in the dress.
18:39But he wasn't the groom.
18:41I felt nothing.
18:42Those bitter,
18:43sweet days with him,
18:45they felt like a past life now.
18:47A commotion broke out in the hall.
18:49The door smashed open.
18:50Justin stood there,
18:52sweating.
18:53Haley.
18:55It's actually you.
18:56He stumbled forward,
18:58reaching for my hand.
18:59I tore New York apart looking for you.
19:02And I see on the news,
19:03you're marrying someone else?
19:06I stepped back,
19:07dodging his touch.
19:08What are you doing here?
19:10Haley, you can't marry him.
19:12But I'm the one you love, aren't I?
19:14Didn't you always love me the most?
19:16He pulled out the cafe transfer deed.
19:19His hands shook as he held it out.
19:22You were just lying, right?
19:23You were just mad.
19:24You put it up for rent to scare me.
19:26I'm giving the place to you.
19:27You'll never worry about rent again.
19:29I didn't take it.
19:30He pulled out a luxury bracelet.
19:32I bought you a new bracelet.
19:34I'll never lie to you again.
19:35I swear.
19:36Please, I'm begging you.
19:37I know I ruined everything.
19:38Just give me one more chance.
19:43I looked at his pathetic face.
19:45It was like looking at a stranger.
19:47He knew I gave up everything for him.
19:50But to him, my whole life was just a punchline.
19:53I sold my grandma's house.
19:55Drained my savings.
19:56Even did shoots that made my skin crawl.
19:58He played me for an absolute fool.
20:01And now, here he was, groveling at my feet.
20:04Drop the act, Justin.
20:06I read the group chat.
20:08Justin's face went dead pale.
20:11Haley, wait.
20:12That was just...
20:13You're going to say it was just a joke?
20:16Calling me your lap dog?
20:18A joke?
20:20Making me bake cookies for your mistress?
20:22A joke?
20:25Justin, what gives you the right to beg for my forgiveness?
20:28Eight years ago, a blizzard.
20:31He was drunk, separated from his friends, passed out by a dumpster.
20:35I dragged him home.
20:36Lit the heater.
20:38Fed him.
20:39Watched over him all night.
20:40And later, in that group chat, he bragged to his boys.
20:43Good thing I got wasted.
20:45Found myself a fun little pet.
20:47Never messed with a broke chick before.
20:49It's a nice change of pace.
20:53It wasn't like that, I...
20:54But there were no excuses left to make.
20:57The damage was already done.
20:58And there was no going back.
21:02He couldn't admit it.
21:03While playing the poor boy, he actually caught real feelings.
21:07But his friends just patted his back, mocking him.
21:09Justin, seriously?
21:10You're actually stooping that low?
21:14To protect his ego, he denied everything.
21:17He planned my humiliation right along with them.
21:21I just wasn't thinking straight.
21:23You weren't thinking straight?
21:25When you stood there and watched them stomp Paul Max to death.
21:30Were you not thinking straight then either?
21:32When you made me bake for your mistress?
21:35Watched me burn myself?
21:37Was that an accident?
21:44Justin, why?
21:47Max loved you so much.
21:49He was so tiny.
21:50You called him family.
21:53Haley, why did you kill him?
21:55I'm sorry, Haley.
21:56I was wrong.
21:57I didn't mean it.
21:58I never thought of you like that.
21:59I didn't want any of it.
22:03I love you, Haley.
22:04I swear to God, I do.
22:06It took losing you for me to finally wake up.
22:09They were right.
22:10I'm a bastard.
22:11But I can't lose you.
22:13He grabbed the hem of my dress, crying.
22:15I yanked my dress from his dirty hands.
22:17I stepped back in disgust.
22:20Right then, footsteps sounded outside.
22:22Chris pushed the door open.
22:24His eyes swept over Justin, then locked onto me.
22:27Haley, the ceremony is starting.
22:31Justin didn't give up.
22:33He lunged for a hand again.
22:34Chris blocked him.
22:36Mr. Taylor, what are you doing to my wife?
22:38His eyes were absolute ice.
22:40I don't recall inviting anyone from the Taylor family to this wedding.
22:44If you're lost, I'd be happy to call your grandfather.
22:47Have him escort you home.
22:48It was a blatant threat.
22:50Crossing the Miller family came with consequences.
22:53The veins popped in Justin's forehead.
22:55He glared at the man shielding me.
22:57You're Chris?
22:58She is not marrying you!
23:01I'm the only man she's ever loved!
23:03Haley, tell him.
23:04Tell him you won't do it, please!
23:05Justin, who told you I love you?
23:08I smoothly slipped my arm through Chris's.
23:10Chris is my husband now.
23:13Justin's eyes filled with pure despair.
23:15Miss Haley, the guests are taking their seat.
23:18Remove Mr. Taylor.
23:20Chris ordered the guards.
23:21Two massive guards grabbed the trembling Justin, dragging him out.
23:25He suddenly broke free.
23:26He dropped to his knees one last time.
23:29Haley, I'll transfer everything to your name.
23:31Every property.
23:32Just give me one more chance.
23:33It's too late.
23:34You should have thought of this when you decided I was just a game to you.
23:39The wedding march echoed through the venue.
23:42All the guests smiled at Chris and me, clapping to celebrate our new marriage.
23:46He brushed a stray hair from my face with a gentle smile.
23:49I'm nothing like him, Haley.
23:51You'll never have to look over your shoulder again.
23:53Chris rarely smiled.
23:54Seeing it now made my mind go blank for a second.
23:57The raw weight of his words caught me off guard.
23:59You okay?
24:01I believe you.
24:02Confetti rained down.
24:04In the distance, Justin's agonizing screams faded away.
24:08Chris's grip on my hand never faltered.
24:10It was late when we finally got back to the penthouse.
24:13He'd had a few drinks.
24:15Now, he was hugging a pillow, watching me through half-closed eyes.
24:19He looked nothing like his usual cold self.
24:21He looked exactly like a lazy cat.
24:23Why are you looking at me like that?
24:25His intense stare was making me nervous.
24:27It was our wedding night, after all.
24:30He let out a low chuckle.
24:31He pushed off the bed, closed the distance, and pulled me flush against him.
24:36I instinctively pushed back.
24:38He just held me tighter.
24:40Haley, you really don't remember me?
24:41My blood froze.
24:43The bedside lamp flickered.
24:45A memory hit me.
24:46I was 17.
24:47A massive thunderstorm.
24:49A gas explosion in an apartment building on my way to school.
24:52Windows shattered.
24:54Glass rained down like bullets.
24:56And a teenage boy shielded me with his own body.
25:01Your scar.
25:02My trembling fingers tracing the edge of his eye.
25:05He gently caught my hand, pressing it flat against his chest.
25:09You finally remember?
25:10I stared at the scar.
25:12My mind went blank.
25:14The boy from the explosion, and the man standing right in front of me.
25:17They were one and the same.
25:19He was bleeding so much that day.
25:21I frantically tore my shirt to bandage him.
25:23What's your name?
25:25Run.
25:27It's not safe here.
25:28He escorted me to school that day.
25:29But he never gave me his name.
25:32I never saw him again.
25:34It was you.
25:35The whole time it was you.
25:38Tears welled up in my eyes.
25:39Chris didn't answer.
25:41He reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a faded photo.
25:44A school club picture.
25:45I remembered it.
25:47It was from my high school club.
25:49I was standing in the center, the heart of the club, smiling brightly at the camera.
25:53But in the background, standing on the absolute edge,
25:56a teenage boy wasn't looking at the camera.
25:58He was staring right at me.
26:00I barely remembered him being in the club.
26:02But I recognized that face instantly.
26:04It was the boy who saved my life.
26:07I've loved you since back then, Hayley.
26:10After that day, I wanted to tell you how I felt.
26:12But I was terrified you'd shut me out.
26:15Then my family crashed.
26:17I went abroad.
26:18Until your father hired me as his assistant.
26:21When he showed me your photo, I recognized you instantly.
26:25I didn't agree to this marriage out of duty.
26:28I did it because it was you.
26:32We didn't sleep in the same room that night.
26:35But everything changed after that.
26:37I got used to hugging him before work.
26:41I started anticipating that gentle kiss he'd leave on my cheek before bed.
26:46After celebrating the success of a company project,
26:49Chris came home completely dizzy from the alcohol.
26:52I supported his heavy frame, guiding him into the bedroom.
26:58The moment we tumbled onto the bed, he suddenly flipped over, pinning me beneath him.
27:03His eyes burned into mine.
27:05Looking down at me, he didn't seem the slightest bit drunk.
27:08First, he pressed a slow, testing kiss to the corner of my mouth.
27:12When I didn't reject him, he quickly captured my lips, kissing me deeply.
27:16His breathing grew ragged, the heat of his breath fanning across my face.
27:27I cupped his face and kissed him first.
27:29For the first time in my life, I knew what it felt like to be truly loved.
27:33Chris and I simply lived in it.
27:35Our happiness.
27:37Our peace.
27:39Two months later, I got a call from Justin's grandfather.
27:43He begged me to see Justin, to convince him to get treatment.
27:47That was how I found out what happened.
27:50Justin had confronted Veronica.
27:52He found out she staged the whole cookie incident.
27:55Under Justin's pressure, Veronica was sent back to her hometown.
27:58But Justin spiraled.
27:59He drank heavily every single day.
28:02One night, stumbling out of a bar, he was hit by a car.
28:05Both his legs were fractured.
28:07He refused all surgeries.
28:09He believed God was punishing him for playing with my heart, so he refused all treatment.
28:13He thought this would make up for hurting me.
28:15He thought this would make up for hurting me.
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