- 13 hours ago
Thirteen Million Dollar Man - HOT
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I woke up in bed with an Italy's finest male. I gave him 13 million dollars that he was worth
00:05every cent. Suddenly my bedroom door kicked open. Jeffrey de la Cruz, my husband, stood in the
00:10doorway. The man I'd spent seven years dragging out of gutters and building into the king of New
00:15Jersey's underworld. His eyes locked onto the naked man tangled in my sheets.
00:19Where did he touch you?
00:21Ice cold, every word a blade. I should have been terrified. Instead, I smiled,
00:26lazily, like a woman with absolutely nothing left to lose. Because in my last life,
00:31this same man watched me bleed out on a warehouse floor. While he held another woman in his arms,
00:36he'd ordered my mother torn apart by wild dogs.
00:43And I died hating him.
00:47But I woke up, reborn, memory intact, divorce papers already found.
00:53This time, I didn't scream. I didn't beg. I sold everything I owned, booked to tickets out of
00:59the country. After I was reborn, I spent 13 million dollars to secure the services of
01:07Italy's most expensive male estort.
01:13The money was well spent. Jeffrey was flawless.
01:21He allowed me to experience pleasure in ways I had never imagined.
01:26The following morning, while I rode him,
01:33a familiar man suddenly showed up. It was my husband, Jeffrey de la Cruz, a mafia boss.
01:39He ordered his men to drag the escort out of the room.
01:44Then he asked coldly,
01:48Where did he touch you?
01:49My mind was foggy. My voice was langual and mocking.
01:54My lips.
01:56My bosom.
01:59My thighs.
02:02Everywhere you used to like.
02:04Rage flickered in his eyes.
02:07Veins bowled in his neck.
02:08Cut him into 18 pieces.
02:10He said.
02:10And feed him to the dogs.
02:12I stripped off my soaked clothes.
02:18I walked into the bathroom.
02:20Do whatever you want.
02:23In my previous life,
02:24I was married to him for seven years.
02:26I was known as the Scarlet Healer.
02:29I struck with deadly precision.
02:31And merciless intent.
02:33I helped him eliminate countless enemies.
02:36I stood by his side as he rose from an illegitimate nobody
02:39to the most powerful figure in the underworld.
02:42But after he inherited the family empire,
02:44he became obsessed with Amelia Melendez.
02:46A nurse working in the black market.
02:49She was a gift sent to Jeffrey's bed by a rival.
02:52She was sweet and innocent.
02:55Untainted by the world's cruelty.
02:56Jeffrey took her into his private clinic.
02:59He instructed her himself on medicines and syringe handling.
03:03Then one day,
03:04I found a finalized divorce agreement in his private safe.
03:15When I confronted him,
03:19he only sneered.
03:23Amelia is too innocent for this world.
03:25He had said.
03:26Being my wife will keep her safe.
03:28You're already recognized as Mrs. De La Cruz.
03:32So why bother with the paperwork?
03:38I burst into the clinic in a fury.
03:40I slapped the syringes and medicine box out of Amelia's hands.
03:43Right in front of everyone.
03:44That night,
03:45my critically ill mother was dragged out of her hospital bed.
03:49Right in front of me.
03:50They shattered her hands.
03:55They threw her into an abandoned factory to be mauled by stray dogs.
04:00Geraldine.
04:01One of them said.
04:02This is what you get for messing with Amelia.
04:04I fell to my knees.
04:05I begged him to stop.
04:07But he was relentless.
04:09Mom passed out from the pain.
04:11She never woke again.
04:14Suddenly,
04:15I felt a warm rush between my legs.
04:19Pain tore through my abdomen.
04:21Then everything went black.
04:23When I opened my eyes again,
04:25I was back on that day when I found out about my status change.
04:29This time,
04:29I didn't make a scene.
04:31I didn't confront him.
04:32I quietly sold all the rare worms I had secretly collected.
04:37I booked two plane tickets.
04:40All I wanted was to take Mom and escape this twisted world that revolved around Jeffrey.
04:46After finding the divorce papers,
04:49I went to the courthouse with my ID.
04:53Mrs. Leonard,
04:55the system shows you're divorced.
04:57Hearing that,
04:58I was finally sure that my past life was real.
05:01The divorce was finalized on my birthday.
05:04That day,
05:06Jeffrey was swamped with work,
05:08as usual.
05:09So I booked the city's highest revolving restaurant.
05:11I arranged for a fireworks display.
05:13I waited from sunset until way past midnight.
05:17He never showed up.
05:19It turned out he was busy signing some papers,
05:22completely wiping me out of my life.
05:24I snapped out of my thoughts.
05:26I returned to the casino.
05:29Jeffrey's black Maybach was parked by the entrance.
05:31In my last life,
05:33I had run over in hysteria to confront him.
05:36He had slammed me hard into a corner,
05:38ensuring that Amelia in the passenger seat would not witness us together.
05:42This time,
05:43I quickly stepped aside.
05:44I hid in the shadows behind a column.
05:48The car door opened.
05:50Jeffrey got out first.
05:51Jeffrey walked around to the passenger side.
05:53He opened the door himself,
05:55moving with a kind of patience and care he'd never shown before.
05:59A young woman in a pale blue dress stepped out.
06:03She looked nervous and out of place beside the luxury car.
06:06It was Amelia.
06:07Jeffrey took off his suit jacket.
06:09He draped it over her thin shoulders.
06:11Then he wrapped an arm around her waist.
06:13They headed toward the casino.
06:16Jeff.
06:17Amelia stopped in her tracks.
06:20She looked torn.
06:22You're all I have now,
06:23she said.
06:24I can't afford to take any chances.
06:26Jeffrey held her closer.
06:27His voice was full of confidence and tenderness I'd never heard before.
06:31Don't be scared.
06:32From now on,
06:33you're the mistress of this place.
06:35No one dares to mess with you.
06:37If you don't like it here,
06:38I'll build you a resort somewhere quiet,
06:40just for you.
06:41The casino staff who had offered me their obdecius diversion
06:44were now bowing to Amelia.
06:46Nice to see you,
06:47Mrs. Delacruz.
06:48They surrounded Amelia.
06:49She looked as skittish as a frightened fawn.
06:51They walked into that flashy,
06:53evil den together.
06:55Clutching my belly,
06:57I waited until they were inside.
06:59Then I staggered out from the shadows.
07:01I brushed away my tears.
07:04I was left with nothing but absolute resolve.
07:10I went to the hospital alone.
07:12I scheduled an abortion.
07:19The doctor frowned at the ultrasound screen.
07:24Mrs. Leonard,
07:27your body is quite delicate.
07:34You've been unable to conceive for seven years.
07:38If you terminate this pregnancy,
07:40you might never be able to get pregnant again.
07:42I gave a faint, bitter smile.
07:48I'm divorced.
07:52I don't want my child to be born without a father.
07:56Cold fluid seeped into my veins.
07:59The anesthesia took hold.
08:00It pulled my consciousness away.
08:03In the haze,
08:04I saw flashes of the past.
08:07Jeffrey pressing his ear to my belly.
08:11Smiling as he said our son would grow up
08:13to be a master gambler.
08:15He would personally teach him to read cards.
08:19He had said our boy could also learn medicine from me.
08:22Take over the title of the Scarlet Healer one day.
08:25He had called a fortune teller
08:26to pick the luckiest name possible.
08:29He had held me close.
08:32Promising that once he found a successor,
08:34he would take me and our child away from the casino.
08:37We would travel the world as a family.
08:39All those tender memories had turned to dust
08:42the moment he told Amelia.
08:44Only you deserve to be the mistress of the casino.
08:51When I woke up,
08:53I dragged my hollow body to mom's ward.
08:56Thankfully,
08:57this time her injuries were minor.
09:00Mom would recover soon.
09:03In my past life,
09:05she had been torn apart by dogs
09:06right in front of me.
09:07This time,
09:08I wouldn't make the same mistake.
09:11I reached out to my black market contacts.
09:14I paid top dollar for two plane tickets
09:16to another country.
09:19Leaving in three days.
09:21If I tried to leave through legal channels,
09:22Jeffrey would find out immediately.
09:25Then I called the only person I could still trust.
09:30Levi Wallace.
09:32I gave him a stack of cash.
09:34I told him to arrange mom's discharge in secret.
09:38After all that,
09:39I finally let out a sigh of relief.
09:43I hailed a taxi.
09:46I gave the driver an address
09:48a few blocks away from the villa.
09:51It was a habit of mine.
09:53The casino had too many enemies.
09:55All Mata Contemporary.
09:57Too many enemies.
09:58Keeping my exact location hidden
10:00was a matter of survival.
10:03But just as I stepped out of the car,
10:05a man grabbed me from behind.
10:10The man clamped a hand over my mouth.
10:12He dragged me backward.
10:14I fought with everything I had.
10:17I broke free.
10:19Only to feel a sharp blade slash across my back
10:21before I could take more than two steps.
10:24Pain exploded through me.
10:27Warm blood soaked my clothes.
10:29I didn't need to guess to know
10:30it was one of Jeffrey's enemies.
10:32The casino had swallowed up too many territories.
10:35Countless people wanted him
10:36and everyone close to him dead.
10:39I reached for the knife hidden in my bag,
10:41but someone twisted my arm behind me.
10:45My phone was ripped away.
10:48Smashed to pieces.
10:50Stay still, bitch.
10:53The man snarled.
10:54He dragged me toward a waiting van.
10:57Just when despair was about to consume me,
11:00a familiar black Maybach turned the corner.
11:02It was Jeffrey's car.
11:03I summoned every ounce of strength left in me.
11:06I screamed.
11:07I struggled.
11:08Desperate to make him notice.
11:10The car slowed just slightly.
11:11He saw me.
11:16But in the next instant,
11:18the Maybach accelerated past the intersection without hesitation.
11:23Through the window,
11:24I glimpsed him pulling Amelia into his arms,
11:28shielding her eyes from the scene outside.
11:30It was as if the woman being dragged away wasn't his wife.
11:34But something filthy and unworthy of her gaze.
11:39All the struggle drained out of me at once.
11:42Pain and cold swallowed me whole.
11:44But before the darkness took me,
11:49one thought burned clear.
11:54Good.
11:55Now I don't owe him anything anymore.
11:57Not my body.
11:58Not my loyalty.
11:59Not our child.
12:01Nothing.
12:03He had made that choice for both of us.
12:05And I had never felt lighter.
12:08Everything went dark.
12:12When I woke up,
12:13I was lying in a private ward.
12:15The door wasn't fully closed.
12:17Voices drifted in from the hallway.
12:19Mr. Delacruz.
12:20Someone said,
12:21Mrs. Delacruz's injuries are serious this time.
12:24If she finds out about Amelia again...
12:27It was Jeffrey's personal physician,
12:30Luciano Nunez.
12:31Before he could finish,
12:33Jeffrey's cold,
12:34sharp voice cut through the air.
12:36Watch your mouth.
12:38Your job is to treat her.
12:40Nothing more.
12:41He paused.
12:42His tone was low and detached.
12:44Geraldine has been in this business for years.
12:46She's seen every kind of vicious trick.
12:48She's an expert herself.
12:50Amelia isn't like her.
12:52She's clean like a blank slate.
12:54She would never stand a chance against Geraldine.
12:57Then, his voice dropped even lower.
12:59If she wakes up and starts causing trouble,
13:01bring her mother here.
13:02That's her only weakness left.
13:04She won't sit still if her mother's involved.
13:06I gripped the bed sheet tightly.
13:09I bit my lip until I tasted blood.
13:11That night, years ago,
13:13when I helped him take down the head of New Jersey's largest casino,
13:16he had told me something.
13:18Gary,
13:20from now on,
13:21no one in New Jersey's underworld will ever lay a hand on you.
13:24He had said the same words,
13:25made the same promise of protection.
13:27But the person he wanted to protect had changed.
13:30Once, I had been his most precious possession.
13:33Now, in his eyes,
13:34I was a dangerous, conniving woman
13:36who needed to be controlled.
13:43Footsteps approached.
13:45I shut my eyes.
13:46I pretended to have just woken up.
13:49You're awake.
13:50He said flatly.
13:51We found out that it was that Brazilian gambler
13:53who got his hand broken last time for cheating at the casino.
13:56Sign this settlement agreement.
13:57He tossed a folded onto the bed.
14:00They'll give up control of Trenton.
14:01Trenton by the sea.
14:03New Jersey's last clean Harvin.
14:06Untouched by gambling or crime.
14:09And then I remembered what he had said to Amelia.
14:15I'll build you a quiet place.
14:16He had promised her.
14:18A resort where you can relax.
14:20So all my pain and scars had just become the price he paid to build a gilded cage for his
14:24new lover.
14:26My throat burned.
14:28Jeffrey, I said.
14:30When did you make this deal?
14:32Was it the moment he saw me being dragged away?
14:34Or long before that?
14:36When he had already decided to pave the road for her with my suffering?
14:41He frowned.
14:42Clearly irritated by my question.
14:45I forced a smile.
14:46I said nothing more.
14:49The answer no longer mattered.
14:52Maybe, to ease his guilt, he spent the next two days staying with me under the pretense of handling business.
14:57But his phone never left his hand.
15:00Even during meals, he would take photos to send to someone on the other end of the chat.
15:05His lips curving into a gentle smile I had never once seen before.
15:11I stared at his side profile.
15:13For a moment, my mind drifted back eight years.
15:19The first time I met him wasn't at the casino.
15:24It was in a dark alley.
15:26Jeffrey had been caught cheating.
15:29Surrounded by seven or eight men with machetes, he dislocated his arm right there on the street.
15:35I stepped in.
15:36I helped him fight his way out.
15:41I dragged him back to my apartment to patch him up.
15:46Later, dad fell deep into gambling debt.
15:51He was hunted down by drug traffickers.
15:55They killed him.
15:58They came for me next.
16:00Pressing a needle against my vein as collateral for his debt.
16:05It was Jeffrey who burst in with his men.
16:08Saving me at the last second.
16:13By then, he had taken over a small casino.
16:17He placed me behind the golden spiron.
16:22There, I became his invisible weapon.
16:25The scarlet healer.
16:28I helped him swallow one casino after another.
16:32I eliminated one rival after another.
16:37I knew my hands were stained with blood that could never be washed clean.
16:44But even if the whole world thought I was filthy, he shouldn't have.
16:55After I was discharged, Jeffrey used business matters as an excuse.
17:00Jeffrey never showed up again.
17:04Tomorrow, I would be leaving.
17:09While he was away, I went back to the top floor of the casino.
17:16I retrieved my passport and several crucial identity documents from the safe.
17:26But as I stepped out of the elevator, my knees suddenly gave out.
17:31I stumbled forward.
17:33Before I could fall, a pair of slender hands caught me.
17:38Are you okay?
17:40The voice was soft and gentle.
17:44I looked up into Amelia's clear eyes.
17:47She wore a nurse's uniform from the casino's VIP clinic.
17:52But she still looked painfully out of place here.
17:56She didn't recognize me.
17:58She probably thought I was just another gambler who had lost everything.
18:03I'm fine. Thank you.
18:04I tried to leave.
18:06But she didn't let go.
18:08Instead, she guided me toward the staff lounge.
18:12You don't look well.
18:13You should rest in the back for a while.
18:15She sighed.
18:20For reasons I couldn't explain, I didn't refuse.
18:23She poured me a cup of warm water.
18:29Then, she pulled a pack of dried fruit and some bread from her locker.
18:35Here, eat something.
18:37Losing money's not the end of the world.
18:39Go home early.
18:40Your family's probably waiting for you.
18:46When I didn't respond, she hesitated.
18:51Then she reached into her pocket.
18:55I took the money she offered.
19:02She said softly, this should cover your cab pace.
19:09I wish I could help with your plane ticket, but...
19:12I can't.
19:14Something logged in my throat.
19:21I wanted to tell her to stay away from Jeffrey.
19:23Jeffrey had no heart.
19:26His tenderness was poison wrapped in sugar.
19:28But the words died before I could speak them.
19:32If she found out who I really was, she would turn against him.
19:35And then, I would be the one responsible for her downfall.
19:40I had only one day left.
19:43I couldn't risk mom's and my own lives for a moral victory.
19:48So I took the money she offered.
19:50I thanked her.
19:53I walked quickly out the back door.
19:59The moment I stepped outside, something cold pressed hard against my temple.
20:04It was a gun barrel.
20:05I instinctively turned around.
20:07Amelia was already lying motionless on the hallway floor.
20:10I moved to react.
20:12But a sudden blow to the back of my neck sent everything into darkness.
20:17When I came to, both Amelia and I were tied up in an abandoned warehouse.
20:23She was sobbing softly.
20:27Who are you, people?
20:29She asked.
20:32Why are you doing this to us?
20:36Kieran Dial stepped forward.
20:39He slapped her hard.
20:41To get back at your fiancé, Jeffrey!
20:43He snarled.
20:44He stole my Newark territory!
20:46He cut off my business!
20:48So it was the Newark gang.
20:50That territory was the one Jeffrey had recently acquired using the settlement agreement I had signed.
20:59Fortunately, they didn't recognize me.
21:02To them, Amelia, the woman always seen at Jeffrey's side, was the target.
21:06I began working my wrists.
21:09I used the micro-blade I kept hidden under my nail to saw through the ropes.
21:16Years of living on the edge had taught me to always leave myself a way out.
21:21Kieran thought I was a gambler.
21:22He spit at me.
21:25You're just unlucky, lady.
21:27Wrong place, wrong time.
21:31Call your family!
21:33Get five million here, and we'll let you go.
21:38Amelia's tears streaked down her pale face.
21:42Mrs. Leonard, I'm so sorry for dragging you into this, she said.
21:46But don't be scared.
21:47My fiancé is powerful.
21:49He'll come for us.
21:51At the mention of Jeffrey's name, her eyes shone with unshakable trust.
21:54I didn't say a word.
21:55I quicked the movement of the blade against the ropes.
22:01Kieran cursed at his phone when his call went unanswered.
22:04Then he kicked over a fuel drum in frustration.
22:07Damn it!
22:08He shouted.
22:08Jeffrey's not picking up!
22:11Fine.
22:13Let's send him a little message to wake him up.
22:17Kieran picked up a knife from the floor.
22:23His eyes glinting with a sick grin as they swept over Amelia.
22:28I heard you two went to the hospital.
22:31He said.
22:32You're carrying his child, aren't you?
22:35Perfect.
22:38We'll dig that little brat out and send it to him!
22:45My blood ran cold, so she was pregnant with Jeffrey's child.
22:49Amelia froze in terror, her face drained of color.
22:54No, she whispered.
22:56Please, don't hurt my baby.
22:58The men around her laughed crudely.
23:00They reached for her.
23:02In that split second, I tore through the last of my ropes.
23:04I sprang to my feet like a cornered predator.
23:06I drove my elbow into Kieran's jaw.
23:09I cut through Amelia's bindings.
23:12I shoved her behind me.
23:14I knew how to fight.
23:17But this time, I wasn't fighting for Jeffrey.
23:21I wasn't fighting for the Scarlet Healer's reputation.
23:25I was fighting because the woman behind me was pregnant.
23:27And no matter whose child it was, nobody deserved to die like this.
23:35Kieran Balload.
23:38Damn it!
23:39He was clutching his bleeding chin.
23:42Kill her!
23:43Five or six thugs rushed forward, swinging metal rods.
23:50I was quickly overwhelmed.
23:52The blows landed hard.
23:55Steering pain spread through my body.
23:58Still, I grit my teeth.
24:00I used my body as a shield to protect Amelia in the corner.
24:11Kieran lost patience.
24:12With a click, he chambered a bullet.
24:15He aimed the gun straight at me.
24:21Die, bitch.
24:22Just as he was about to pull the trigger,
24:24a deafening explosion blew open the warehouse doors.
24:32Jeffrey burst into the warehouse with his men.
24:35Sunfire erupted instantly.
24:36Jeffrey moved like a raging lion.
24:39He charged straight toward us.
24:43Without a glance at me,
24:44he swept Amelia into his arms.
24:46It's okay, Amelia.
24:48I'm here.
24:49She gave a faint sigh.
24:52The shock finally overwhelmed her.
24:57He carried her carefully to the car outside.
25:01He placed her gently inside.
25:03Then he turned back toward me.
25:07Geraldine!
25:08His voice was cold as steel.
25:10Why are you here?
25:11I forced myself upright through the pain.
25:15You think I planned this?
25:16Before I could finish,
25:17his hand cracked across my face.
25:23The blow sent me crashing to the floor.
25:26Blood filled my mouth.
25:28He snored.
25:29I knew it.
25:33You've been trying to get rid of Amelia all along, haven't you?
25:36I spat blood onto the ground.
25:41I didn't.
25:46Jeffrey grabbed a wounded man nearby.
25:49Jeffrey pressed a gun to his head.
25:53Who hired you?
25:55The thug trembled.
25:56He darted a terrified glance at me.
26:00As if clinging to his last hope.
26:03I...
26:03It was her!
26:04He cried.
26:05She paid us to rough up that woman!
26:08My entire body went cold.
26:11My veins felt like they had turned to ice.
26:15Jeffrey's lips curled into a cruel smile.
26:17Without hesitation,
26:19he pulled the trigger.
26:23The man's body hit the ground with a dun thunt.
26:28Jeffrey stepped over him.
26:29He crouched down.
26:33He ground his heel onto my hand.
26:35Pain shot through me.
26:36His tone carried a hint of mockery.
26:39Almost pity.
26:43These hands used to obey me so well.
26:45Why are they hurting the person I love most?
26:50He pulled out a dagger.
26:53Its blade gleamed with a cold, deadly sheen.
26:59I told you to never touch what's mine, Geraldine.
27:06The blade came down in a flash of silver.
27:08My breath stopped.
27:09The knife drove straight through my palm,
27:12pinning my hand to the concrete floor.
27:15A scream tore from my throat.
27:17Pain ripped through every nerve,
27:19blinding and searing.
27:21My body convulsed uncontrollably.
27:25Darkness edged at my vision.
27:27Then, through the agony,
27:29I found my voice again.
27:32Jeffrey!
27:35Eight years ago,
27:36I should have left you to die!
27:38In that alley!
27:42I should have never helped you get where you are!
27:46And with that,
27:47he destroyed whatever humanity still lingered between us.
27:50He gave a short, contemptuous snort.
27:53He turned away.
27:56Without another look,
27:57he left the warehouse.
28:00His men followed close behind.
28:05When the numbness finally dulled the pain,
28:07I used my left hand to reach into my bra.
28:09I pulled out a small hidden tracker.
28:11My fingers trembled as I pressed the signal.
28:14Levi arrived quickly.
28:18The moment he saw me,
28:20his eyes filled with horror.
28:23He carefully pulled the knife from my hand.
28:25But my right palm was already mangled beyond recognition.
28:28Completely numb,
28:30Levi reached for my hand.
28:31I pulled back.
28:32Don't.
28:33My voice didn't shake.
28:34If he wanted me dead,
28:35I'd be dead already.
28:37He chose to leave me here.
28:40That was his mistake.
28:41In my past life,
28:42I had begged him not to touch other women.
28:45This time,
28:46he could cut that escort into eighteen pieces.
28:49But he couldn't cut away what I'd already chosen to become.
28:52And he never would.
28:56My voice was faint,
28:58but steady,
28:59filled with cold resolve.
29:01Set the place on fire,
29:03I told Levi.
29:04Erase every trace of me.
29:07From this day forward,
29:08there is no more the scarlet healer of New Jersey.
29:13The flames tied into the night sky.
29:16Somewhere across the city,
29:18Jeffrey de la Cruz was probably holding Amelia in his arms,
29:21telling her she was safe.
29:23He would never know what happened here tonight.
29:25He would spend weeks,
29:26months,
29:27tearing the city apart,
29:28looking for a ghost.
29:29Let him look.
29:30The scarlet healer
29:32didn't disappear.
29:35She just stopped being his weapon.
29:37And for the first time in eight years,
29:39she was free.
29:44Jeffrey stayed by Amelia's bedside in the VIP ward,
29:47until she finally woke.
29:48Jeff.
29:49Amelia's voice was faint,
29:50trembling with the fear of someone who had barely escaped death.
29:55He held her gently.
29:56He brushed the cold sweat from her forehead with his thumb.
29:59It's my fault.
30:01He said.
30:03I should have done a better job protecting you.
30:06I am sorry for what you've been through.
30:09Amelia shook her head weakly.
30:11Then she seemed to remember something.
30:14Where is that lady?
30:16How is she?
30:17She asked.
30:19Jeffrey's gaze darkened for a moment.
30:20Then he looked away.
30:23You're too kind.
30:24He said.
30:25I won't let anything happen to you again.
30:29He stroked her back soothingly.
30:31Until she drifted off to an uneasy sleep.
30:33Then,
30:34his expression hardened.
30:35He gave his next order.
30:37Clean out the villa on the hillside.
30:41Throw out everything that shouldn't be there.
30:44Amelia will be moving in once she's discharged.
30:47One of his men nodded.
30:48He handed Jeffrey a document.
30:49He said.
30:50This is the compensation agreement for Mrs. Leonard.
30:52As you requested.
30:53Two casinos and 20% of the company's shares have been transferred to her name.
30:57It's enough for her to start her own operation.
30:59Jeffrey gave a short nod.
31:01Send it to her.
31:02Have her sign it.
31:02He said.
31:03To him.
31:04This was already a grand gesture.
31:05An act of mercy and closure.
31:07After eight years by his side.
31:09He thought I should have known my place.
31:11But a day passed.
31:15And I won't reply to him.
31:21Jeffrey dialed my number himself.
31:23But there was no answer.
31:26He called the butler at the villa.
31:28Where's Mrs. Delacruz?
31:30Hasn't she come home?
31:33Mrs. Delacruz never returned.
31:34A flicker of unnie's stirred beneath Jeffrey's growing irritation.
31:37He must be at a loss.
31:44Aside from staying by his side.
31:45Where else in New Jersey could someone like me go?
31:48One of his men cautiously spoke up.
31:51He said.
31:53Mr. Delacruz.
31:54Could it be that Mrs. Leonard is still in the hospital?
31:59She was pretty badly hurt last time.
32:01Jeffrey froze for a moment.
32:04He remembered that he had driven the blade through my palm just two days ago.
32:11He pushed down the unnies in his chest.
32:13He ordered his men.
32:15Find out which hospital she's in.
32:18Bring her the papers and have her sign them.
32:21The subordinate took the file.
32:23But he was stopped before leaving.
32:28When you find her.
32:30Leave two men to keep watch.
32:31She's unpredictable.
32:33If she tries anything against Amelia.
32:36Deal with her mother first.
32:37Let her suffer a little if you have to.
32:40She'll get the message.
32:43That night.
32:44Jeffrey returned to the top floor of the casino.
32:46This used to be his and my private haven.
32:51Beyond the vast floor to ceiling windows stretched New Jersey's most dazzling nightscape.
32:56Neon lights flickered beneath a sky full of inverted stars.
32:59I used to stand beside him.
33:00Point down at the skyline.
33:02Laugh.
33:03This is our empire.
33:04I would say.
33:06But now.
33:08He yanked off his tie.
33:10He tossed it aside.
33:14Irritation burned through him.
33:17Until a faint noise came from the bedroom.
33:21Is Geraldine back already?
33:22That's right.
33:23He thought.
33:24Where else can she go?
33:25In his eyes.
33:26With my temper.
33:27Returning quietly never meant surrender.
33:29It meant I was plotting something.
33:31Either I was here to make a scene.
33:33Or I had a plan.
33:34And Amelia was my target.
33:36His eyes turned cold.
33:37He strode to the door.
33:38He pushed it open.
33:40Neon lights spilled in through the windows.
33:42Outlining a slim.
33:44Graceful silhouette.
33:46But when she turned.
33:47His voice dropped to ice.
33:51Who told you to come here?
33:54Amelia flinched.
33:56A delicate nail charm.
33:58Trembled between her fingers.
34:01Jeff.
34:02Her voice shook.
34:03I just wanted to look around.
34:06The guard said no one lived here anymore.
34:09Please don't blame them.
34:11Jeffery's gaze fell on the nail piece in her hand.
34:16It was one of mine.
34:19Razor thin.
34:21Deceptively beautiful.
34:23Designed to slice through flesh.
34:25Or even sheet metal.
34:28Every piece I wore.
34:30The earrings.
34:32The hair pins.
34:34Even the lipstick.
34:36Could be a hidden weapon.
34:38The scarlet healer.
34:40Had never been just a name for the gambling table.
34:45For a moment.
34:47The fury in Jeffery's chest softened.
34:49As he looked into Amelia's uneasy eyes.
34:52He stepped forward.
34:55He pulled her gently into his arms.
34:58I'm not angry.
35:01It's just that these things belong to my late wife.
35:05If you like them.
35:09I'll have new ones made for you.
35:13Amelia looked up.
35:15Her eyes shimmered with emotion.
35:21It seemed she hadn't chosen the wrong man after all.
35:25Someone who could be so devoted to his late wife would surely make a good husband and father.
35:31In the early hours of the morning, a shrill phone ring shattered the silence.
35:36It woke Jeffery.
35:38The voice on the other end was tense, panicked.
35:42Mr. Delacruz!
35:43Mrs. Delacruz gone!
35:47We checked every hospital in New Jersey, but she's nowhere to be found.
35:51You should have a look at her old medical records.
35:54She knew about the divorce.
35:56She found out a while ago.
35:58She even went to the courthouse to confirm it.
36:02Amelia woke to the sharp sting of cigarette smoke.
36:06When she walked into the living room, the floor was littered with cigarettes.
36:11Did something happen at the casino?
36:13She asked softly.
36:14Jeffrey came to himself.
36:16But unlike usual, he didn't bother to put out the cigarette.
36:21It's nothing.
36:22Just a small issue at work.
36:24It's handled.
36:25He didn't realize how bloodshot his eyes were.
36:29Or how utterly drained he looked.
36:33His men had told him that I had gone to a hospital for an abortion.
36:37That day was the same day he had brought Amelia to the casino.
36:42Parading her through the empire he and I had built together.
36:46As if to announce its new queen.
36:50And while he was doing that,
36:53I had been lying alone on an operating table.
36:57Killing their child.
37:00Outside,
37:01Dawn crept in.
37:02Its pale light.
37:04Illuminating Amelia's delicate, spotless face.
37:10It was a stark contrast to the bloodstained woman who had dared to erase his bloodline.
37:16He thought.
37:18Perhaps it was for the best.
37:19They were divorced anyway.
37:24Jeffrey comforted himself.
37:28If Geraldine wanted to walk away, he would let her.
37:32It would only save him the trouble.
37:36It's fine.
37:38Jeffrey crushed the last of the cigarettes.
37:40I'll take a shower.
37:41He stepped into the bathroom.
37:44He called one of his men.
37:46Clear out those bastards from Trenton.
37:47Not one stays alive.
37:51Do it clean.
37:53Feed what's left to the sharks at the port.
37:56Amelia soon moved into the villa, becoming the new mistress in name.
38:01Jeffrey had tailored gowns and jewelry made for her.
38:05He even arranged a comfortable, respectable position for her at the casino.
38:10But with each passing day, an indescribable exogynisty began to seep into his bones.
38:18Every time he came back from the blood and chaos outside,
38:22facing Amelia's innocent, unblemished eyes made him feel as if he were being split in half.
38:28Half of him was the ruthless king of New Jersey's underworld, cold, commanding, and merciless.
38:36The other half was just a facade, a polished mask of the successful businessman.
38:44Just the way she imagined him to be.
38:49Just then, he thought of me.
38:53Only with me could he be himself.
38:56Just I had never feared the darkness in him.
39:00I had aided him in plotting, executing, and wiping out their enemies with ruthless efficiency.
39:09A gold-embrosed invitation to the Grand Casino Championship for Jersey sat on his desk.
39:16Addressed to him and his wife.
39:18Once upon a time, he wouldn't have even glanced at it.
39:23With me beside him, every gambling table had been just another stage for their joint conquest.
39:31Another game they always won.
39:36But now, he couldn't even remember the last time he had sat at a table.
39:41Years spent expanding his territory.
39:44Hiding behind power and blood money.
39:50Had dulled the edge of his skill.
39:54Even when he humored Amelia with a few rounds, it felt like playing cards with a child.
40:00He had developed a habit of returning alone to the top floor of the casino late at night.
40:07There, he could think of our past.
40:10He had once saved me from drug traffickers.
40:13Given me shelter.
40:14But after that, I had been the one saving him.
40:21Winning key battles.
40:23Eliminating rivals.
40:27Staining my hands with blood so his wouldn't have to.
40:32What we had shared had never been charity.
40:35It had been survival.
40:38Two predators walking side by side through hell.
40:47Without me, there would be no Jeffrey.
40:53So why had I turned on her?
40:56Was it because her hands were stained with blood?
41:01Or was it because of the rare moments when she showed her dependence?
41:05And temper that started to make me resent her.
41:08But why did those same traits in Amelia stir tenderness instead of contempt?
41:15It felt as if something had clamped around his heart and twisted hard.
41:22Sending a sharp, splintering pain through his chest, he rose to his feet in a rush.
41:33The golden sparrow couldn't exist without its true queen.
41:37And he couldn't exist without me.
41:41Turn New Jersey upside down if you have to!
41:43He barked into the phone.
41:44Find Geraldine!
41:48I want her found, dead or alive!
41:52Mr. Delacruz, we've searched everywhere.
41:55His man replied.
41:57Even the hospitals, docks, and underground clinics.
42:02But there's no trace of her.
42:05Find her mother there!
42:07Jeffrey roared.
42:08Jeffrey slashed his fist on the desk.
42:10That sickly woman was hurt last time.
42:12She must be in a hospital somewhere.
42:15Grab her!
42:16I don't believe Geraldine will stay hidden if her mother's in danger.
42:23Jeffrey slammed the phone down.
42:25Jeffrey's chest heaved.
42:26The veins at his temple pulsing in barely controlled fury.
42:31Jeff?
42:32What are you looking for?
42:33Amelia's timid voice came from the doorway.
42:35He turned sharply.
42:36The fury in his eyes made her flinch.
42:39Taking a deep breath,
42:40He forced his voice low.
42:43It's just business matters.
42:46You don't need to worry.
42:47Amelia stepped closer.
42:48Her hands clasped nervously.
42:51I made you some dessert,
42:52she said softly.
42:55It'll help with the stress.
43:02Jeffrey took a bite.
43:04Jeffrey said nothing.
43:05It was sweet.
43:06Codgingly so.
43:08Just like her.
43:11But that sugary softness couldn't come close to drowning out the restless storm churning inside him.
43:18Half a week passed.
43:21He still didn't find the trace of me or my mother.
43:29My right hand still wasn't strong enough for heavy things.
43:34But after several surgeries and rounds of rehab,
43:37I could at least manage the lighter ones.
43:39Levi sat across from me,
43:40watching me peel an orange with my left hand.
43:44It's progress.
43:45He said.
43:45I didn't answer.
43:47I just placed half of the orange on a plate.
43:51I slid it toward him.
43:53Show unto things didn't need words.
44:00Jeffrey's temper had grown increasingly volatile.
44:05Everyone at the casino walked on eggshells around him.
44:09Jeffrey couldn't understand how a gravely injured woman and her frail mother vanished right under his nose.
44:18That night, he was on the top floor again, drunk out of his mind.
44:25When Amelia arrived, one of his men was still giving a report.
44:30Jeffrey cursed.
44:31Loudly anger!
44:33He grabbed the nearest bottle.
44:35He hurled it across the room.
44:39The man fell silence immediately.
44:42He fled when he saw Amelia at the door.
44:44She pushed down her unease.
44:48She stepped close to help him up.
44:50Jeff, why are you drinking so much again?
44:56Let me help you back to bed.
44:59His unfocused eyes lifted.
45:02Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist.
45:06Gary.
45:09His voice cracked.
45:11Hoary and pleading.
45:13Don't go.
45:14I was wrong.
45:16Come back to me.
45:18Amelia froze.
45:20Jeffrey obviously told her I was dead.
45:22She looked around the room.
45:24The vanity.
45:25The wardrobe.
45:27The nightstand.
45:29And realized there wasn't a single photo to be found.
45:31What kind of man, who claimed to have loved his wife, kept not even a picture of her?
45:39The next day, Jeffrey took her to a prenatal checkup.
45:42On the drive back, Amelia ventured tentatively.
45:46Jeff, when will we have our wedding?
45:50If we wait much longer, I won't be able to hide my pregnancy.
45:54In the past, Jeffrey would have been ecstatic.
45:56But now, irritation prickled beneath his skin.
46:00I'm too busy with casino affairs right now.
46:02He muttered.
46:03We'll talk about it later.
46:06Amelia lowered her head.
46:09If it's too much trouble for you, she said quietly.
46:14I can leave.
46:17He was silent for a few seconds.
46:21Then he sighed.
46:22Don't overthink it.
46:26Once the casino matters are settled at the end of the month, we'll have our wedding.
46:32Back at the casino, while Jeffrey was in a meeting, Amelia slipped into the records room.
46:36The guards didn't dare stop her.
46:39She searched through file after file.
46:43But she found no document related to me.
46:47Mrs. Delacruz?
46:48A young man asked hesitantly.
46:50What exactly are you looking for?
46:53I want to see Geraldine's file.
46:55The guy blurted out.
46:57Geraldine's?
46:58Mr. Delacruz ordered everything destroyed after she left.
47:01The man next to him elbowed him hard.
47:03But the damage was done.
47:05Amelia's face drained of color.
47:08Her heart gripped by an icy, invisible hand.
47:11She stumbled out of the archives in a daze.
47:13And somehow, wandered all the way to the basement entrance.
47:18Faint, inhuman screams echoed from deep inside.
47:24Inside, Kieran was chained to the ground.
47:29Kieran's body pressed against shards of broken glass.
47:34Mr. Delacruz, please!
47:38I was wrong!
47:39We'll stay out of Trenton!
47:42Just let me go!
47:49Jeffrey's laugh was low and cold.
47:52You think that worthless piece of land compares to my wife?
47:56Kieran knew there was no way out.
47:58Pain twisted his features, mingled with a strange, mocking grin.
48:02Your wife?
48:05Kieran sneered.
48:06Jeffrey, drop the act!
48:08I saw you clearly!
48:10Holding your new woman in the car!
48:14And now you're pretending to be some lovesick saint?
48:20You're absolutely disgusting!
48:26Jeffrey's eyes narrowed.
48:28He said calmly,
48:30Cut his tendrils.
48:35The moment he finished speaking, his gaze caught a flash of fabric.
48:39A skirt disappearing by the doorway.
48:42Amelia froze in terror.
48:46She turned to run, but he caught up in just a few strides.
48:50He seized her wrist.
48:54She trembled violently.
48:57Tears streamed down her face.
49:06Jeffrey pulled her into his arms.
49:10His tone was firm, yet oddly soothing.
49:16Don't be afraid.
49:21I'm just teaching them a lesson.
49:27So no one will ever dare touch you again.
49:30No!
49:31It's not like that!
49:32It's not like that!
49:37Through blurried vision, she stared at him.
49:42To the play, Wants Tukat did me.
49:45She was badly hurt, but still shielded me with her body.
49:50She was kind and brave.
49:54How could I ever betray her?
50:01A storm of emotion flickered in Jeffrey's eyes.
50:09Amelia knew everything.
50:10He tried to explain.
50:12His voice was low and urgent.
50:14You now, we're out in the past.
50:16There's only you, Miss.
50:20Amelia shook her head desperately.
50:24She broke free from his arms.
50:30But Gary never hurt me!
50:33She saved my life!
50:38She was kind and brave.
50:41How could you do this to her?
50:47How could you not treasure a woman like that?
50:51Amelia was left pale and shaking.
50:55Her strength nearly gone.
50:58For the first time, a crack of something, almost desperate, appeared on Jeffrey's face.
51:05Why didn't he know how to cherish what he had?
51:15Meanwhile, in a quiet foreign city.
51:21Dusk was setting when I stepped out of the supermarket.
51:30I was planning to have fondue with mom that evening.
51:37My right hand still wasn't strong enough for heavy things.
51:40But after several surgeries and rounds of rehab, I could at least manage the lighter ones.
51:46The scars on my back had faded to thin white lines.
51:51His hares were near ever to Dithian Lear.
51:53I barely noticed them anymore.
51:59Levi had found us a small apartment near a medical school.
52:05Mom was taking cooking classes.
52:09I was volunteering at a free clinic three days a week.
52:14Not as the Scarlet Healer.
52:17Just as Geraldine.
52:19Just as a woman who wanted to help.
52:32My right hand still trembled when I held a scalpel.
52:37But I was learning to use my left.
52:43Some things you don't come back from.
52:45And some things you do.
52:47Just not the same way.
52:55My phone rang.
52:57It was mom calling.
52:58I lifted the phone to answer.
53:05I had just lifted my phone to answer when an arm suddenly clamped around my neck from behind.
53:12Dragging me backward into an alley.
53:14Instinct took over.
53:15I dropped my weight.
53:16I slammed my elbow hard into the attacker's ribs.
53:19I stomped down on his foot with all my strength.
53:22He grunted in pain.
53:23His grip loosening just enough for me to twist free.
53:25A flash of cold steel glinted between the fingers of my left hand.
53:29The tiny blade hidden in my knuckles pressed precisely against his throat.
53:33It was Jeffrey.
53:34He stared at me.
53:35Then he gave a low laugh.
53:38Honey.
53:39You still got the same moves, huh?
53:44Even if you kill me.
53:47I die willingly.
53:49A wave of nausea and fury twisted my stomach.
53:52My voice came out cold and sharp.
53:54Jeffrey.
53:54We're divorced.
53:56Get out of my life.
53:58I never want to see you again.
54:00He leaned forward.
54:02Until the blade's edge slight his skin.
54:04A thin line of blood appeared.
54:07Come back with me, Jerry.
54:09Let's start over.
54:14The casino can't run without its queen.
54:16And I can't live without you.
54:19I lowered the knife.
54:20Keep dreaming.
54:22My answer like steel.
54:24I'll hate you until my last breath.
54:26His eyes reddened.
54:28Gary, I know I was wrong.
54:29Everything that happened was all my fault.
54:31Please, let's try again.
54:35Footsteps sounded behind me.
54:37He hadn't come alone.
54:38I took a step back.
54:42I slipped my right hand into my pocket.
54:44My fingers found a tiny button.
54:47I pressed it.
54:48Mom had been kidnapped.
54:53Jeffrey shoved me into the car.
54:58Jeffrey sped toward the airport.
55:04Then, his phone rang with a video call.
55:08Amelia was tied to a chair.
55:10A baby clutched in her arms.
55:12Levi held a knife to her throat.
55:15Let her go, Jeffrey.
55:20Or you'll never see your wife and child again.
55:24Jeffrey didn't even flinch.
55:27He let out a short, mirthless laugh.
55:31Do whatever you want.
55:36Levi and Amelia together aren't worth a single strand of Gary's hair.
55:42On the screen, Amelia's eyes widened in horror.
55:45All hope drained from her face.
55:47Jeffrey ended the call.
55:50Jeffrey turned back to me.
55:52His gaze was dark and feverish.
55:54Now, no one can come between us.
55:58Jeffrey was completely insane.
56:01Just as the car pulled up at the airport entrance,
56:03several vehicles screeched in from different directions.
56:06They surrounded us.
56:08The car door swung open.
56:09My mother burst out.
56:11A group of people right behind her.
56:13Jeffrey!
56:14Let go of my daughter!
56:16Gunfire erupted almost instantly.
56:23No one knew who fired first.
56:25And in the next second,
56:26chaos exploded all around.
56:30Jeffrey lunged in front of me.
56:33Shielding me from the bullets,
56:34a muffled grunt escaped him.
56:37A red stain spread across his shoulder,
56:39but he didn't stop.
56:40Gripping my wrist,
56:40he tried to pull me toward the terminal.
56:42Gary, don't be afraid.
56:43I'll take you home.
56:49I tore myself free,
56:50with all the strength I had left.
56:53Jeffrey, there's no home left for us.
56:55Not anymore!
56:59His face went white.
57:02Yet he still reached out to me,
57:05desperate.
57:06Gary, come back.
57:12We can make it right again.
57:14Just like before.
57:17I met his eyes steadily.
57:18If I had come back out of spite
57:20and gone after Amelia,
57:23would you have killed mom in front of me
57:24before finishing me off too?
57:27His pupils contracted.
57:29His lips parted as if to protest.
57:31I would never do that!
57:33As always,
57:34his hypocrisy never changed.
57:35He lied to me the same way
57:37he lied to Amelia.
57:38Mom stepped forward.
57:41Mom aimed her gun straight at him.
57:43Let me end this.
57:44I took the gun from her hands.
57:47I raised it.
57:48I aimed at his right hand.
57:50I fired a shot without hesitation.
57:53Jeffrey jerked.
57:55Staring in disbelief
57:56at his bleeding, mangled hand.
57:58His wide eyes lifted to me,
58:00full of shock and heartache.
58:02You ruined one of my hand.
58:03I've returned the favor.
58:05From now on, we're even.
58:07Gary!
58:08Don't go!
58:10His shout was raw,
58:11broken,
58:12almost inhuman.
58:13I didn't look back.
58:15Two years later,
58:17on a warm afternoon in Paris,
58:23I ran into Amelia.
58:25Amelia.
58:25She looked slimmer than before.
58:27In her hand was a little girl.
58:30No more than two or three.
58:33The child gazed up at me with wide, curious eyes.
58:36I came back to finish my degree.
58:37The fear and fragility were gone from her voice,
58:40replaced by peace.
58:41I smiled back.
58:42I nodded to her and to the child.
58:45The storms of blood, betrayal, and love that had once consumed us finally faded without a trace.
58:50She's a maid.
58:52She was a maid.
58:53She looked at me with a designer.
58:54She went through the box.
Comments