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Sorry, My Poor Husband Runs The World englishsub fullmovie
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00:00:00My name was Chloe Smith. Today was the worst day of my life.
00:00:03Rose, the woman who raised me, the only person who ever truly loved me,
00:00:08was diagnosed with advanced liver cirrhosis.
00:00:11She needed an immediate transplant, but the surgery would cost a fortune.
00:00:16I came home looking for help for my boyfriend,
00:00:18but I heard those sounds of intimacy coming from inside the bedroom.
00:00:22You said you'd break up with Chloe?
00:00:23When, through the half-open door, I saw a naked woman holding a man,
00:00:27his hand groping her chest.
00:00:29That man, Zane, was my boyfriend of five years,
00:00:31and that woman was my sister, Grace.
00:00:34I kicked the door open and slapped her across the face.
00:00:45How dare you hit me!
00:00:48He's just trash. Keep him if you want.
00:00:51Then my adoptive parents rushed in.
00:00:53Since I was a kid, they only cared about Grace.
00:00:55Grace!
00:00:56Grace! You are going to get married soon!
00:00:59What are you doing with another man?
00:01:01The Blacks and the Smiths had a marriage contract.
00:01:04Grace's fiancé was an illegitimate son, kicked out of the Black family long ago.
00:01:09He was poor and didn't even have a decent job.
00:01:11Grace didn't want to marry him at all.
00:01:14I'm pregnant! It's Zane's!
00:01:15I can't marry that Black family bastard!
00:01:20Chloe is also a daughter of the Smith family.
00:01:22She can marry him instead.
00:01:24Marriage contract between our families couldn't be broken.
00:01:27If Grace refused, I had to take her place.
00:01:30My dear mother finally found a chance to get rid of me.
00:01:33I won't marry him.
00:01:37Don't you want Rose to have her surgery?
00:01:40Marry that man.
00:01:42And we'll pay for it.
00:01:44For Rose, I had no choice.
00:01:49Fine.
00:01:51I'll marry him.
00:01:52To save my only family, I sold myself to a man I'd never met.
00:01:55A broke, illegitimate son of the Black family.
00:01:58A few days later, I stood in a shabby little church on the outskirts,
00:02:02wearing a cheap white slip dress.
00:02:04No one from the groom's family came.
00:02:06No flowers, no blessings.
00:02:07Just a cold transaction.
00:02:08You promised.
00:02:10After the wedding, you'll give me the money.
00:02:14Yes, yes.
00:02:20Then Grace walked in, arm in arm with Zane,
00:02:24dripping in designer brands.
00:02:27Your groom isn't here yet?
00:02:29Even a broke loser doesn't want you.
00:02:31Suddenly, the church doors creaked open.
00:02:34Blinding light flooded in.
00:02:36A man walked in against the light.
00:02:38Broad shoulders, long legs.
00:02:41He came straight towards me.
00:02:42When he looked up, he took my breath away.
00:02:45He was the most striking man I'd ever seen.
00:02:48No question.
00:02:49My heart pounded.
00:02:50This was my husband?
00:02:51The loser everyone talked about?
00:02:53I'm sorry, honey.
00:02:54I'm late.
00:02:56Honey?
00:02:57He called me honey?
00:02:58He gently tucked the stray hairs by my ear behind it.
00:03:01His fingertips brushed against it, making me flinch.
00:03:04Don't be nervous.
00:03:07So what if he's handsome?
00:03:08He's just a loser.
00:03:10He stretched out his hand to me.
00:03:12I hesitated, then placed my hand in his.
00:03:15He held it, warm and firm.
00:03:17Then my eyes caught something on his wrist.
00:03:19A Paddy Filippi watch.
00:03:21Who was he really?
00:03:22How could a broke guy afford a million dollar watch?
00:03:26After the rushed ceremony, Evan brought me to his home.
00:03:29A run-down courtyard on the outskirts.
00:03:33The place was tiny and bare.
00:03:36Dilapidated, even.
00:03:37Maybe that watch was fake.
00:03:39This is my place.
00:03:41Hope you don't mind.
00:03:44It's clean.
00:03:46This was already much better than the dark and damp basement I used to live in.
00:03:51Evan started unbuttoning his shirt.
00:03:54I caught a glimpse of hard muscles underneath and quickly looked away.
00:03:59Suddenly, he pulled me close and pinned me against the wall.
00:04:03See something you like?
00:04:06I wasn't looking.
00:04:08Honey, it's late.
00:04:10Time to fulfill our marital duties?
00:04:14No.
00:04:15We're only married on paper.
00:04:17Don't worry, I'm just teasing.
00:04:18We're only married on paper.
00:04:20You live your life.
00:04:21I live mine.
00:04:22No interference.
00:04:23He stepped back, his expression cold again.
00:04:26I felt relieved, but strangely disappointed.
00:04:30I'll be faithful as long as this marriage lasts.
00:04:34But being faithful includes basic honesty, doesn't it?
00:04:37He nodded, then suddenly narrowed his eyes at me.
00:04:39You're not Grace.
00:04:41Who are you?
00:04:43My heart sank.
00:04:44No, I couldn't let him find out I was a substa bride.
00:04:47Otherwise, Rose's medical fees would be gone.
00:04:50Of course I am Grace.
00:04:51Who else would I be?
00:04:52I quickly changed the subject, looking around the tiny house with only one bed.
00:05:00I'll take the couch.
00:05:01You take the bedroom.
00:05:04How can I let you do that?
00:05:06So you want to share the bed?
00:05:08I want to sleep alone.
00:05:09I ran into the bedroom, face red, and locked the door.
00:05:16In the morning, I saw Evan's tall frame curled up on the tiny couch.
00:05:21I felt sorry for him.
00:05:23I made bacon and egg sandwiches and sat down beside him.
00:05:29Evan's eyes fluttered open.
00:05:31Suddenly, he hugged me tightly.
00:05:33I missed you so much, you finally came back.
00:05:36Hearing that, I froze.
00:05:38Who did he think I was?
00:05:39Was I just someone's replacement?
00:05:41Evan woke up with a start and looked at me.
00:05:48Who were you calling out to in your dream?
00:05:50I dreamed about my late mother.
00:05:54She used to make bacon and egg sandwiches for me, too.
00:05:58So I had misunderstood him.
00:06:00After breakfast, I went to the Smith house to ask for money.
00:06:05You promised.
00:06:07After the wedding, you'd give me the money.
00:06:09Take it easy.
00:06:10Grace is going to study abroad, so you'll have to wait a bit longer.
00:06:13Why didn't your broke husband come back with you?
00:06:17It seems he dislikes you.
00:06:19I married him in your place.
00:06:21Any disgust he feels for me is meant for you.
00:06:24Grace flew into a rage and grabbed a water glass to throw at me.
00:06:29Evan appeared out of nowhere.
00:06:31He reached out and pulled me aside.
00:06:33I fell into his arms.
00:06:35Sorry I'm late.
00:06:37Evan opened his bag.
00:06:39It was full of luxury jewelry, watches, and antiques.
00:06:43Grace's and Daphne's eyes went wide.
00:06:46In that moment, I suddenly felt that this ridiculous marriage might not be so bad after all.
00:06:51These are the black family's gifts to the Smith family.
00:06:55But I just heard you disowning my wife, so no gifts.
00:07:00How could a loser afford real ones?
00:07:03They're all fakes.
00:07:04Evan packed everything up and pulled me away.
00:07:09Have you been short on money lately?
00:07:11I couldn't tell him about Rose.
00:07:13He was poor.
00:07:15I didn't want to add to his burden.
00:07:18I want to find a job.
00:07:21I've seen your designs.
00:07:24Try Sterling Group.
00:07:26Sterling Group was the leader in the design industry.
00:07:29Its CEO, Lawrence Black, was mysterious.
00:07:32No one had ever seen his face.
00:07:35But Sterling only takes graduates from top schools.
00:07:41Sterling only values real ability.
00:07:43You'll get in.
00:07:44With Evan's encouragement, I applied and actually got an interview invitation.
00:07:50When I pushed open the interview room door and saw the interviewer, I froze.
00:07:56The interviewer was her?
00:07:59The interviewer was my own sister, Grace.
00:08:02Oh, didn't expect this, did you?
00:08:07With your high school diploma, you want to get into Sterling?
00:08:10Dream on.
00:08:11You stole my Harvard acceptance letter and took my place.
00:08:15So what?
00:08:16If you're so capable, prove it.
00:08:20She pulled out an exam and tossed it in front of me.
00:08:23This wasn't a test for fresh graduates at all.
00:08:26She was deliberately making it hard for me.
00:08:29I said nothing and buried myself in the test.
00:08:34An hour later, I handed her the completed exam.
00:08:43You cheated?
00:08:44She casually marked fail on the score sheet.
00:08:47I say you're not a good fit, so you're not getting in.
00:08:51After the interview, I received a rejection notice.
00:08:54You interviewed there?
00:08:56I did, but I didn't get it.
00:09:00The interviewer was my sister.
00:09:01But the next day, Sterling Group sent me an acceptance email.
00:09:04It said that after senior management review, they had decided to hire me.
00:09:09I was stunned.
00:09:10Was someone in the upper management secretly helping me?
00:09:13I came back to Sterling Group.
00:09:15This time, they led me into a large conference room.
00:09:21Sitting in the center was the executive assistant, Sean.
00:09:26Grace, you rejected Ms. Smith, citing character issues.
00:09:31Show me the evidence.
00:09:33I... I heard it from others.
00:09:36Without evidence, it's slander.
00:09:38You're demoted.
00:09:39Grace was escorted out by security.
00:09:44I was completely stunned.
00:09:47Ms. Smith, you can start tomorrow.
00:09:51Back home, I told Evan what happened.
00:09:54Do you think the assistant helped me?
00:09:56Does he like me?
00:10:00Evan's face darkened instantly.
00:10:04Are you really that happy when a strange man shows you kindness?
00:10:09Don't forget.
00:10:10You're a married woman.
00:10:12I was just joking.
00:10:13Why was he angry?
00:10:14He wasn't the one who helped me.
00:10:17Wait.
00:10:18Could he be jealous?
00:10:20Evan said he'd find an apartment near my company.
00:10:23I didn't think he meant it.
00:10:29Until he brought me to this two-bedroom apartment with great lighting.
00:10:37This place is great.
00:10:38It's only a ten-minute walk from work.
00:10:42But the next second, my smile faded.
00:10:44A place like this must cost at least $5,000.
00:10:48I told you to find something cheap.
00:10:52The landlord wants to rent out this house as soon as possible for personal reasons.
00:10:57He is only charging $1,000.
00:11:00How is that possible?
00:11:01Is it haunted?
00:11:03I warily checked every room, even getting on the floor to look under the bed.
00:11:12What are you doing?
00:11:16There's no way it's this cheap.
00:11:18I need to check if anyone died here.
00:11:20I stood up too quickly, lost my balance, and accidentally knocked Evan over.
00:11:29We landed on the bed in an intimate position.
00:11:36Evan looked at my lips and leaned in.
00:11:40My heart tightened.
00:11:43It started racing.
00:11:45I suddenly snoozed, and spit went all over Evan's face.
00:11:49I quickly wiped his face with my tissue, then immediately stood up and hurried away.
00:12:00I'll go pack my luggage first.
00:12:02The next day, I officially joined Sterling's design department.
00:12:10Just as I reached my desk, Grace darted out and stepped hard on my foot.
00:12:15Oops!
00:12:16Sorry, I didn't see you there.
00:12:18I winced in pain.
00:12:19Before I could speak, she leaned in and looked me up and down.
00:12:23Dressed so flashy.
00:12:25Done with your broke husband and trying to seduce the CEO?
00:12:29Colleagues looked over.
00:12:30I clenched my fist, about to speak.
00:12:34The CEO wouldn't be interested in you anyway.
00:12:37I whipped my head around.
00:12:38Evan?
00:12:39What was he doing here?
00:12:41How did you get in?
00:12:42This is employee only!
00:12:44I'm here to pick up my wife after work.
00:12:47Just then, Sean walked over from the end of the hall.
00:12:50Mr. Blu-
00:12:58Evan shot him a look.
00:13:01Sean choked back the rest of his words.
00:13:04Sir, your delivery.
00:13:08Okay.
00:13:09Thanks.
00:13:11Just a lousy delivery guy.
00:13:15I looked at Evan suspiciously.
00:13:18Who was he really?
00:13:20Why did the executive assistants seem to know him?
00:13:25After work, I walked out of the building chatting with a male colleague.
00:13:30I had just turned into an alley when someone tapped my shoulder.
00:13:34I turned and saw Evan.
00:13:43You didn't forget about me, did you, babe?
00:13:46How could you call me that way in a public place?
00:13:49He grabbed my bag and wrapped his arm around my waist.
00:13:57This is my wife.
00:13:59Stay away from her.
00:14:01The colleague walked away awkwardly.
00:14:03I was both angry and embarrassed.
00:14:07But my heart skipped a beat.
00:14:11Was Evan jealous?
00:14:14The wind at the bus stop was strong.
00:14:18Evan and I stood side by side.
00:14:23A white BMW pulled up.
00:14:26Grace rolled down her window, a mocking smile on her face.
00:14:30If you get down and lick the dirt off my boots, I might consider giving you a ride.
00:14:35You'll never ride in a car like this.
00:14:38I was about to fire back when a black Rolls Royce suddenly pulled up.
00:14:45Sir, madam.
00:14:47Sorry to keep you waiting.
00:14:48Please get in.
00:14:50Grace was stunned.
00:14:51So was I.
00:14:54The moment the door shut, I heard Grace's shrill voice outside.
00:14:59Impossible!
00:14:59He's clearly a loser!
00:15:01How can he afford a Rolls Royce?
00:15:04I stared at Evan beside me.
00:15:07I suddenly felt like I'd never really known him at all.
00:15:10Who are you, really?
00:15:13You're not some poor guy, are you?
00:15:16His Adam's apple bobbed once.
00:15:20His eyes started to dart away.
00:15:23What was he hiding?
00:15:27In the car,
00:15:28I stared at Evan, waiting for his answer.
00:15:37The car is rented.
00:15:39I wanted to make a good impression for you.
00:15:46How much do you even make a month?
00:15:48You're broke and so vain.
00:15:52I was barely keeping my head above water, yet he was out here pretending to be rich.
00:15:57You can walk back yourself.
00:15:58I'm not riding in this.
00:15:59I'd rather walk.
00:16:01I stepped out of the car and walked off.
00:16:10When I got home, I smelled something burning.
00:16:15Evan was in the kitchen, trying to cook a steak.
00:16:27Crash.
00:16:28A stack of plates shattered on the floor.
00:16:32His finger was cut, blood dripping.
00:16:35How could you be so careless?
00:16:42I grabbed his finger and put it in my mouth to stop the bleeding.
00:16:46He froze, his face turning bright red.
00:16:53Our eyes met, and the atmosphere shifted.
00:16:57I quickly let go.
00:17:01My heart pounding.
00:17:05That night, something quietly changed between us.
00:17:09Soon after I joined the company, my design got approved by my supervisor, Leo.
00:17:14Your design is good.
00:17:16The company is selecting outstanding designers.
00:17:19If you want, I can help you.
00:17:21The way he looked at me made my skin crotch.
00:17:24I got what he was hinting at.
00:17:26He was trying to get me laid.
00:17:28I didn't say anything.
00:17:29I just secretly opened the voice recorder on my phone.
00:17:34When I got home, Evan could tell something was wrong as soon as he saw me.
00:17:42What's wrong?
00:17:42I told him about Leo harassing me.
00:17:45I'm going to talk to someone at your company.
00:17:49Don't worry.
00:17:51I have a recording.
00:17:52Tomorrow at the meeting, I'll play it for everyone.
00:17:55You're sure you can handle it?
00:17:57Yeah.
00:17:58I'll settle the scores myself.
00:18:02He was quiet for a moment, then nodded.
00:18:06Fine.
00:18:07But remember, I'm always here.
00:18:09The next day,
00:18:10word spread through the whole company that I was seducing my superior.
00:18:17I knew who did it.
00:18:19Grace.
00:18:20She was holding a grudge against me after she got demoted.
00:18:23The way my colleagues looked at me had changed.
00:18:27Some with pity, some with contempt, most just waiting for the drama.
00:18:31Grace wanted to play?
00:18:32Fine.
00:18:34Bring it on.
00:18:35I was.
00:18:36No pussover.
00:18:38Monday meeting.
00:18:39Everyone was there.
00:18:41Chloe?
00:18:42You're shameless.
00:18:44A total disgrace.
00:18:45You have no place in this design department.
00:18:48She stood on the podium, humiliating me in front of everyone.
00:18:52The room buzzed with whispers.
00:18:55Everyone was waiting to see me break.
00:18:57I stood up and walked to the front.
00:19:05I have a recording here I think everyone should hear.
00:19:08I pressed play.
00:19:11If want, I can help you.
00:19:14Chloe seduced Leo just to win the Outstanding Designer competition.
00:19:20The room went silent.
00:19:22Leo and Grace turned pale.
00:19:25You...
00:19:25You set me up!
00:19:30A setup?
00:19:31Is that your voice on the recording?
00:19:33I looked at Grace.
00:19:35She was panicking.
00:19:37After the meeting, Leo was suspended pending investigation.
00:19:41Grace was fired on the spot.
00:19:44As she left, she turned back and glared at me.
00:19:47Just you wait.
00:19:48Next time, I'll make you get down on your knees and beg me!
00:19:54I knew this wasn't over.
00:19:55On the weekend, I went to see Rose.
00:19:59The doctor said her condition had worsened.
00:20:01She needed a transfer and surgery.
00:20:03But I didn't have nearly enough money.
00:20:06My adoptive parents wouldn't answer my calls.
00:20:09The servant said they'd gone to the Maldives.
00:20:13They had money for vacation, but not to pay me back.
00:20:20I stood in the hospital hallway, staring at an ad for drug trials.
00:20:32When I got home, Evan saw the file on my phone.
00:20:41You're going to do drug trials?
00:20:43Are you insane?
00:20:44I don't have a choice.
00:20:48Why didn't you come to me?
00:20:54We are husband and wife only to the outside world.
00:20:58Why would I ask you for money?
00:21:00He looked at me like he couldn't believe what I was saying.
00:21:04So in your heart, that's all we are?
00:21:07Just a nominal couple?
00:21:10I didn't have time to answer.
00:21:14He pulled me close and kissed me.
00:21:18It was a fierce kiss, like he was trying to devour me.
00:21:23In that moment, I forgot to push him away.
00:21:29I couldn't resist Evan's kiss.
00:21:34After a while, he finally let me go.
00:21:39I'm sorry.
00:21:40I was raised to believe I couldn't count on anyone but myself.
00:21:49Things are different now.
00:21:52You have me.
00:21:53I looked at him, and something inside me shifted.
00:21:58From now on, I'll try to trust you.
00:22:01I'll treat you like a friend.
00:22:03The smile on his face frozen.
00:22:06My phone suddenly buzzed.
00:22:08A client liked my design and offered $20,000.
00:22:11I was so excited, I threw myself into Evan's arms.
00:22:15Then awkwardly pushed him away.
00:22:18The payment came through.
00:22:21I paid Rose's bills and had $3,000 left.
00:22:27Let's go.
00:22:28I'm treating you to a meal, the fanciest restaurant in the city.
00:22:31We walked into the restaurant.
00:22:35The waiter looked us up and down, curling his lip.
00:22:38If you can't afford it, don't come here.
00:22:40So tacky.
00:22:43Stairs shot in our direction.
00:22:45My face burned.
00:22:48Evan set down his water glass and gave the waiter a sharp look.
00:22:53That look made the waiter's legs go weak.
00:22:59Call your manager.
00:23:03Calling the manager won't change anything.
00:23:07Get your manager now.
00:23:12Two minutes later, the manager rushed over, sweat on his forehead.
00:23:17You're fired!
00:23:18Leave now!
00:23:20The waiter was stunned.
00:23:21So was I.
00:23:23Tonight, everything is on the house.
00:23:26Order whatever you like.
00:23:28Do you know him?
00:23:32No.
00:23:33Maybe they're afraid of bad reviews.
00:23:35Since it was free,
00:23:36I ordered the most expensive steak and wine.
00:23:45Full and tipsy,
00:23:47my head was spinning.
00:23:50Evan carried me to the car.
00:23:58His chest was warm,
00:23:59and I couldn't help snuggling closer.
00:24:02Evan.
00:24:03Evan.
00:24:04Last time was my first kiss.
00:24:06It was terrible.
00:24:07I wrapped my arms around his neck.
00:24:10This time,
00:24:11a gentle kiss.
00:24:14Before I could steady myself,
00:24:17Evan pinned me against the wall.
00:24:19He lowered his head and kissed me.
00:24:23Gentler than last time,
00:24:25but it made my heart race even faster.
00:24:32I kissed him back,
00:24:33my fingers gripping his shirt.
00:24:45The next morning,
00:24:46I woke up and found Evan was lying rex to me,
00:24:49shirtless.
00:24:50Ah!
00:24:50Evan!
00:24:52You took advantage of me.
00:24:55I kicked him away
00:24:56and huddled in the corner
00:24:57with the blanket.
00:25:07I knew you'd black out
00:25:08and forget everything we did last night.
00:25:14He picked up his phone
00:25:15and played a video in front of me.
00:25:17On the screen,
00:25:18I had my arms around his neck.
00:25:20Hey!
00:25:21Turn it off!
00:25:29I saw the hickey on my neck in the mirror
00:25:31and shouted at him.
00:25:33You were the one touching me first.
00:25:44Since we've already shared a bed,
00:25:46how about I sleep here from now on?
00:25:49In your dreams!
00:25:56His low laugh came through the door.
00:25:58This man was shameless.
00:26:00After Grace was fired,
00:26:02her hatred for me grew even deeper.
00:26:10One day,
00:26:11my supervisor, Leo,
00:26:13asked me to attend a dinner party.
00:26:15There's a ho-couture show
00:26:17in Paris this year.
00:26:19Whether we get in or not
00:26:20all depends on tonight.
00:26:23I hesitated,
00:26:24but I went anyway.
00:26:27When I got there,
00:26:28I realized it wasn't a designer gathering at all.
00:26:33Just Leo's drinking buddies
00:26:35and heavily made-up women.
00:26:38Chloe,
00:26:39come on,
00:26:40have a drink.
00:26:46I took a sip
00:26:48and soon felt dizzy.
00:26:49I'd been drugged.
00:26:54I wanted to leave,
00:26:55but Leo grabbed me
00:26:58and touched my thigh.
00:27:03Why can't I touch you?
00:27:06You're no better than those prostitutes.
00:27:09His words made me sick.
00:27:11I grabbed my bag and ran.
00:27:19The elevator doors were about to close
00:27:21when Leo's foot reached in
00:27:23and dragged me into a room.
00:27:26Help!
00:27:27Help!
00:27:28Someone's trying to rape me!
00:27:30I screamed,
00:27:31but the waiter in the hallway
00:27:33just walked away,
00:27:34like he didn't see anything.
00:27:39When the door closed,
00:27:41I thought I was done for.
00:27:43I thought I was done for.
00:27:47Suddenly,
00:27:48the door was kicked open.
00:27:49A tall figure rushed in
00:27:51against the light.
00:27:55When the figure came closer,
00:27:57I realized it was Evan.
00:27:59He knocked Leo to the floor
00:28:01with one punch.
00:28:03Who are you?
00:28:04Why are you interfering?
00:28:10I'm her husband.
00:28:12In that moment,
00:28:13he appeared like a knight in shining arm.
00:28:16I knew I was safe.
00:28:23Evan beat Leo
00:28:24until he couldn't even get up,
00:28:25covered in blood.
00:28:27Stop!
00:28:27I can pay you!
00:28:29Just name the price!
00:28:29You touch my wife
00:28:31and you're dead.
00:28:37My hands were still shaking.
00:28:41Evan took off his jacket
00:28:43and put it around me.
00:28:47Are you hurt?
00:28:50I shook my head
00:28:52and tears streamed down my face.
00:28:55If it weren't for him,
00:28:57I might have...
00:29:01He picked me up
00:29:03and carried me out.
00:29:04Don't be afraid.
00:29:05That scumbag won't dare
00:29:06come near you again.
00:29:08I leaned against his chest,
00:29:10craving his comfort.
00:29:17His embrace was warm.
00:29:19For the first time,
00:29:21I felt safe.
00:29:24Evan carried me home.
00:29:26The drug was still
00:29:27in my system.
00:29:28My body was on fire.
00:29:30I clung to him,
00:29:31not wanting him to leave.
00:29:33His body was cool.
00:29:35It felt so good.
00:29:38I kissed him.
00:29:40He kissed me back.
00:29:42Clothes came off in the dark.
00:29:44His breathing was heavy.
00:29:46Mine was too.
00:29:48Just when I thought we were going
00:29:50to have a passionate night,
00:29:51he stopped.
00:29:54I'm going to take a shower.
00:29:58The cold water ran.
00:29:59He stayed in there for a long time.
00:30:01A moment later,
00:30:02he came over with a glass of water
00:30:04and two pills.
00:30:05Take these.
00:30:06They will help.
00:30:07We'll talk about this when you're sober.
00:30:09I want your first time
00:30:11to be with someone you truly love.
00:30:14He tucked me in
00:30:15and sat by the bed
00:30:16until I fell asleep.
00:30:17Was this guy really a gentleman
00:30:19or could he not perform?
00:30:25The next morning,
00:30:27when I woke up,
00:30:28he was gone.
00:30:29There was a glass of honey water
00:30:31on the night bend
00:30:31and a note.
00:30:32Call me when you're awake.
00:30:34I held the cup
00:30:35and the corners of my mouth
00:30:36turned up.
00:30:38This man,
00:30:39maybe he was not so bad after all.
00:30:43The next day,
00:30:44I went to work nervously.
00:30:47Just as I got to my desk,
00:30:49Leo,
00:30:49battered and bruised,
00:30:51stormed in furiously
00:30:52and threw a file in front of me.
00:30:55You're fired!
00:30:56Get out now!
00:30:58Everyone around was watching.
00:31:00I was about to speak
00:31:02when Sean walked in.
00:31:07Leo,
00:31:08someone has reported you
00:31:09for harassing a female employee
00:31:11and attempted rape.
00:31:12He pulled out a laptop
00:31:13and played the hotel hallway
00:31:15surveillance footage.
00:31:16In the video,
00:31:18Leo was dragging me into the room.
00:31:20Leo's face went white.
00:31:23The police came
00:31:25and took him away.
00:31:27I kept my job.
00:31:30Back home,
00:31:32I asked Evan
00:31:33if he was the one
00:31:33who reported it.
00:31:35Yes.
00:31:37I looked at him.
00:31:41Just words?
00:31:43That's not sincere enough.
00:31:46I walked towards him
00:31:47and kissed him.
00:31:58How about just one more kiss?
00:32:00Before I could answer,
00:32:01his lips were on mine.
00:32:03This man really knew
00:32:04how to push his luck.
00:32:06I hesitated for a moment,
00:32:08then kissed him back.
00:32:11He took control
00:32:13and pressed me onto the sofa.
00:32:24What a sly man.
00:32:26On the weekend,
00:32:27I went to visit Rose
00:32:28at the hospital.
00:32:30The doctor said
00:32:31her condition had worsened.
00:32:34She needed expensive medicine,
00:32:37costing $100,000.
00:32:41I didn't have that much.
00:32:43I went to the Smith house
00:32:44for money.
00:32:45We really have no money.
00:32:47Your father's investment failed.
00:32:49I looked at their designer clothes
00:32:51and smeared.
00:32:54If you don't give me the money,
00:32:56I'll tell Evan
00:32:56I'm a substitute bride.
00:33:00Daphne's face changed.
00:33:02She threw me a bag
00:33:03of old jewelry.
00:33:08I crouched by the rue side,
00:33:10tears welling up.
00:33:12This wouldn't even cover
00:33:14half of the medical fees.
00:33:16Rose's condition was severe.
00:33:19What was I going to do?
00:33:20The next day,
00:33:21I received a design order.
00:33:23The commission was $150,000.
00:33:27The client paid in full
00:33:29and said I'd get paid
00:33:30even if I didn't deliver a thing.
00:33:32You're truly the best client
00:33:34in the world.
00:33:38Evan was smiling at his phone.
00:33:41This man was definitely
00:33:42hiding something from me.
00:33:45The commission came through.
00:33:47Evan dragged me
00:33:49to buy jewelry and clothes.
00:33:56While we were shopping,
00:33:58Grace suddenly appeared.
00:34:00Chloe, you've driven
00:34:02mom and dad to the brink
00:34:02and you're still out here
00:34:03buying luxury things?
00:34:06She sobbed dramatically.
00:34:09People all around
00:34:09were staring and pointing at me.
00:34:11I didn't panic.
00:34:13I walked over to her.
00:34:17You say you have no money
00:34:18to pay me back
00:34:19so your Hermes and Chanel
00:34:21must be fake?
00:34:22Her face stiffened.
00:34:25I grabbed her Hermes bag
00:34:27and pulled out the cash
00:34:28from her wallet.
00:34:29This is for the debt.
00:34:35Since it's not enough,
00:34:36leave the necklace too.
00:34:41The way people looked
00:34:43at her changed.
00:34:47They started whispering
00:34:48that she was a deadbeat.
00:34:52Grace stomped her feet
00:34:54in rage
00:34:55and scurried away.
00:35:04I went back to Evan
00:35:05with the bag.
00:35:11He looked at me
00:35:12with a complicated expression.
00:35:14I knew he heard our exchange.
00:35:22And he had many questions
00:35:24about the Smith family
00:35:25and me.
00:35:27On the way home,
00:35:29Evan finally spoke.
00:35:31Why does the Smith family
00:35:32owe you money?
00:35:33I hesitated,
00:35:34looking at Evan.
00:35:36Should I tell him the truth?
00:35:38Whatever it is,
00:35:39we'll face it together.
00:35:40We had known each other
00:35:41for a while
00:35:41and been through
00:35:42so much together.
00:35:43To be honest,
00:35:44I already saw him
00:35:45as family,
00:35:46just like Rose.
00:35:48I took a deep breath.
00:35:49I'm not Grace.
00:35:51I'm the adopted daughter,
00:35:52Chloe.
00:35:53Rose was the only one
00:35:54who ever cared about me
00:35:55in the Smith family.
00:35:56She was sick
00:35:57and needed a huge sum
00:35:58for treatment.
00:35:59My adoptive parents
00:36:00used that money
00:36:01to force me to marry you
00:36:02in Grace's place.
00:36:04Why didn't you tell me sooner?
00:36:05I was afraid you'd leave me
00:36:07if you knew the truth.
00:36:08Tears fell
00:36:09before I could stop them.
00:36:10He gently wiped my tears
00:36:13and took a box
00:36:14from his pocket.
00:36:17Inside was an exquisite ring.
00:36:21This was my mother's.
00:36:23She said to give it
00:36:24to the one I love.
00:36:26Only you deserve this ring.
00:36:28The ring was a bit loose
00:36:29on my finger,
00:36:30but beautiful.
00:36:31Thank you for not blaming me.
00:36:33Don't carry everything
00:36:34alone anymore.
00:36:36You have me.
00:36:37He ruffled my hair.
00:36:41In that moment,
00:36:42I knew I was no longer alone.
00:36:45On the weekend,
00:36:46I took the old jewelry
00:36:47from the Smith's
00:36:48and Grace's Hermes bag
00:36:49to a second-hand store.
00:36:51Total,
00:36:52$20,000.
00:36:53$20,000?
00:36:54That was not even
00:36:55a fraction
00:36:56of the surgery cost.
00:37:00I was about to leave
00:37:02when the manager stopped me,
00:37:04staring at the ring
00:37:05on my finger.
00:37:06Miss,
00:37:07would you sell this ring?
00:37:09$1,000,000.
00:37:12$1,000,000?
00:37:13More than enough
00:37:15for Rose's surgery.
00:37:16I hesitated,
00:37:18but shook my head.
00:37:21Not for sale.
00:37:22It's my wedding ring.
00:37:24We can resize it for free.
00:37:26You can come back tomorrow.
00:37:30I thought about it
00:37:31and agreed.
00:37:32The next day,
00:37:33I went to pick it up.
00:37:34I tried it on
00:37:35and it fits perfectly now.
00:37:40Back home,
00:37:41Evan glanced at my ring
00:37:42and his face
00:37:43suddenly changed.
00:37:46You sold the ring?
00:37:49No,
00:37:50it's right here.
00:37:52This is fake.
00:37:54The one I gave you
00:37:55has my mother's initials
00:37:56on the inside.
00:37:56This one doesn't.
00:37:58My heart sank.
00:38:01The ring had been swapped
00:38:03and Evan thought
00:38:04I was the one
00:38:05who did it.
00:38:06I looked at him,
00:38:08too hurt to speak.
00:38:11Evan turned away
00:38:12without a word,
00:38:13walked out
00:38:14and slammed the door shut.
00:38:18I watched his back.
00:38:20Tears streamed down my face.
00:38:23I stormed into
00:38:24the second-hand store
00:38:25and slammed the fake ring
00:38:26on the counter.
00:38:27Give me back my ring!
00:38:31Miss,
00:38:32this is the one you gave us.
00:38:34The surveillance footage
00:38:36was unclear.
00:38:37I had no proof.
00:38:39The manager was brazen
00:38:41and the staff gathered
00:38:43to push me out.
00:38:47Just as they were
00:38:48about to throw me out,
00:38:50Evan appeared.
00:38:52He didn't say a word.
00:38:54He just stared coldly
00:38:55at the manager.
00:38:57That look was so fierce
00:38:58it scared even me.
00:39:01The manager admitted
00:39:03to the swap.
00:39:07Evan handed me
00:39:08the real ring.
00:39:11I'm sorry.
00:39:12I shouldn't have
00:39:13doubted you.
00:39:17The ring means a lot
00:39:18to you.
00:39:19I get it.
00:39:20It won't happen again.
00:39:22I looked at him
00:39:23and my anger faded
00:39:25but I still didn't
00:39:26take the ring.
00:39:27Keep it for now.
00:39:28I'm afraid
00:39:29I'll lose it again.
00:39:32Okay.
00:39:34Whenever you're ready
00:39:35to wear it,
00:39:36I'll give it back.
00:39:37That matter was
00:39:38behind us
00:39:38but somehow
00:39:39there was something
00:39:40different between us now.
00:39:42The next morning,
00:39:43Evan handed me
00:39:44another box.
00:39:45I opened it.
00:39:47Inside was a huge
00:39:49blue diamond ring.
00:39:50Are you wasting money
00:39:52on expensive things again?
00:39:53It's fake.
00:39:55Got it from a friend.
00:39:56I relaxed
00:39:56and put it on.
00:39:57The diamond was huge.
00:39:59Obviously fake.
00:40:01Evan didn't know
00:40:02how to cheer me up.
00:40:03He gave me a bank card.
00:40:04I didn't take it.
00:40:05He bought roses
00:40:06and filled the whole
00:40:07apartment with them.
00:40:08I came home
00:40:08and saw roses everywhere.
00:40:10I was exasperated.
00:40:11Evan!
00:40:12Are you crazy?
00:40:13How much did this cost?
00:40:15Return them!
00:40:16He was stunned.
00:40:18We both knelt
00:40:19on the floor,
00:40:20gathering the flowers
00:40:22and calling to return them.
00:40:23We worked until midnight.
00:40:25I collapsed on the couch,
00:40:26exhausted.
00:40:27Evan sat next to me,
00:40:28looking completely
00:40:29disflated.
00:40:31I couldn't help
00:40:32but laugh.
00:40:33The way this man
00:40:34tried to cheer me up,
00:40:35it was clumsy
00:40:36and yet so endearing.
00:40:40The next morning,
00:40:41I overheard Evan
00:40:41on the balcony,
00:40:42yelling into his phone.
00:40:45What terrible ideas
00:40:47you gave me.
00:40:48She returned the flowers
00:40:49and won't take the money.
00:40:50I didn't know
00:40:51what was said
00:40:52on the other end
00:40:52but he hung up
00:40:53in a huff.
00:40:55Soon after,
00:40:55a bag of books
00:40:56arrived at our door.
00:41:00Evan wasn't home.
00:41:02I opened the bag
00:41:02and saw romance novels.
00:41:04The CEO fell for me,
00:41:06runaway wife with twins.
00:41:07I laughed.
00:41:09I didn't expect him
00:41:10to read this.
00:41:11He was really trying
00:41:12everything to win me over.
00:41:15That night,
00:41:16Evan knocked on my door
00:41:17and came into my room.
00:41:21Without a word,
00:41:22he kissed me.
00:41:24I struggled and pushed him
00:41:26but he held me tighter.
00:41:30In a panic,
00:41:31I swung my hand
00:41:33and scratched his face.
00:41:36Three red marks,
00:41:37ugly and raw.
00:41:41He left with his tail
00:41:43between his legs.
00:41:44The next day,
00:41:46he walked me to work.
00:41:48At the gate,
00:41:49the security guard
00:41:50stared at the marks
00:41:51on his face,
00:41:52looking curious.
00:41:56Sir,
00:41:57your face,
00:41:58what happened?
00:42:02Got scratched
00:42:03by the cat at home.
00:42:04I stood beside him,
00:42:06barely holding back
00:42:07my laughter.
00:42:10The guard
00:42:11looked confused.
00:42:14I thought after
00:42:15Grace was fired,
00:42:16I'd finally get some peace.
00:42:17I was wrong.
00:42:19The company assigned me
00:42:20to handle a client.
00:42:21The representative
00:42:23they sent was Zane.
00:42:26He was my ex-boyfriend.
00:42:28The man who cheated
00:42:29on me with Grace
00:42:30and dumped me.
00:42:35Oh, isn't this Chloe?
00:42:36Why does Sterling
00:42:37send trash like you
00:42:38to negotiate with me?
00:42:39He picked up
00:42:40my design draft,
00:42:41sneered,
00:42:42and tore it in half
00:42:43in front of everyone.
00:42:48What kind of garbage
00:42:50did you come up with?
00:42:51Cooperation is out
00:42:52of the question.
00:42:54My colleague's
00:42:56stares at me
00:42:56felt sharp.
00:43:00Some whispered,
00:43:02the other snickered.
00:43:04I clenched my fists,
00:43:06my nails digging
00:43:07into my palms.
00:43:09I couldn't cry,
00:43:10not in front of him.
00:43:15As Zane turned to leave,
00:43:17he glanced back at me
00:43:19with a smug smile.
00:43:20That smile reminded me
00:43:22of the way he looked
00:43:23when he betrayed me.
00:43:26I took a deep breath.
00:43:28No.
00:43:30I wouldn't let him win.
00:43:31After Zane left,
00:43:33I sat at my desk
00:43:34in a daze.
00:43:36My colleagues
00:43:37looked at me
00:43:38with pity,
00:43:39but no one dared
00:43:40to speak up for me.
00:43:49Executive assistant Sean
00:43:50suddenly walked
00:43:51into the design department
00:43:53and led me
00:43:54to a conference room.
00:43:59Inside sat a middle-aged
00:44:01man in a suit,
00:44:02the chairman
00:44:03of Zane's company.
00:44:09Miss Smith,
00:44:10I'm so sorry.
00:44:12Your design draft
00:44:13is excellent.
00:44:14We'll sign the contract
00:44:15immediately.
00:44:16Zane stood nearby,
00:44:19his cheeks red.
00:44:30Zane opened his mouth,
00:44:32but no words came out.
00:44:35He slunk away.
00:44:38I sat in the conference room,
00:44:41my mind blank.
00:44:46Sean,
00:44:47are you the one helping me?
00:44:52I'm just following
00:44:53orders from above.
00:44:59I looked at the closed door
00:45:01of the CEO's office.
00:45:02Who was that
00:45:03mysterious Lawrence Black?
00:45:08Why did he keep helping me?
00:45:17I'd barely stepped out
00:45:18of the conference room
00:45:19when Grace's shrill voice
00:45:20echoed through the lobby.
00:45:22Everyone,
00:45:23take a look.
00:45:25Chloe's design draft
00:45:26is copied from mine.
00:45:28She held up her phone,
00:45:30showing a side-by-side
00:45:31comparison of our work.
00:45:33When did she get my draft?
00:45:37Our colleagues
00:45:38gathered around her.
00:45:40She's an adopted daughter
00:45:42who didn't even finish
00:45:44high school.
00:45:44How did she get
00:45:45into Sterling?
00:45:47She stole my credentials
00:45:49and my work.
00:45:50A surge of anger
00:45:52swept through me.
00:45:53She had stolen
00:45:53my college acceptance letter
00:45:55and taken my place,
00:45:56and now she was accusing me
00:45:57of stealing from her?
00:45:59I didn't panic.
00:46:03I walked up to her
00:46:04and tapped on my phone.
00:46:06You say I stole from you?
00:46:08Then tell me.
00:46:09How did you get into Harvard?
00:46:11Show me your design work.
00:46:12She opened her mouth,
00:46:14but no words came out.
00:46:16You stole my acceptance letter
00:46:18and took my place.
00:46:25I have the recordings
00:46:27of you and your parents
00:46:28forcing me
00:46:29to give up my enrollment.
00:46:31The whole room erupted.
00:46:33Grace's face turned pale.
00:46:36Everyone looked at her
00:46:38with disdain,
00:46:39but I knew she wouldn't give up.
00:46:43She had another trick
00:46:44up her sleeve.
00:46:45Grace panicked,
00:46:47her hands trembling,
00:46:48but she still tried
00:46:49to act tough.
00:46:53So what if my degree is fake?
00:46:55I'm the CEO's girlfriend.
00:46:57Lawrence is mine.
00:46:59The room fell silent.
00:47:01If she really was
00:47:02the CEO's girlfriend,
00:47:03anyone who crossed her
00:47:04would be finished.
00:47:05Sean stepped out
00:47:06from the crowd,
00:47:07a hint of mockery
00:47:08on his lips.
00:47:11You are the CEO's girlfriend?
00:47:14I've worked at Sterling
00:47:15for years
00:47:16and never heard that.
00:47:20Our CEO
00:47:22happens to be
00:47:23in the building today.
00:47:25Do you want me
00:47:26to go ask him
00:47:27if any of what you're saying
00:47:28is actually true?
00:47:29Everyone held their breath
00:47:31and looked at the closed door
00:47:32at the end of the hall.
00:47:33The door opened.
00:47:35Behind a screen,
00:47:36a tall figure
00:47:37could be vaguely seen.
00:47:40Grace's eyes widened.
00:47:42My heart skipped a beat.
00:47:44Why did that silhouette
00:47:45look so much like Evan?
00:47:48No way.
00:47:50Evan was a broke guy.
00:47:51How could he be
00:47:51the CEO of Sterling?
00:47:55The man behind the screen
00:47:56didn't speak,
00:47:58but Sean had already
00:47:59called security.
00:48:03Take her away.
00:48:04She's banned
00:48:04from this building
00:48:05for good.
00:48:07Grace was dragged out,
00:48:09her screams
00:48:10fading into the distance.
00:48:13I thought that was
00:48:15the end of it,
00:48:16but from behind the screen
00:48:17came a low voice.
00:48:19Cancel all cooperation
00:48:20with Zane's company.
00:48:22Also,
00:48:22I announce
00:48:23Chloe
00:48:24will be the new
00:48:25brand ambassador
00:48:26for Sterling's next season.
00:48:28Why did his voice
00:48:30sound so much like Evan's?
00:48:34The room exploded.
00:48:36My colleagues
00:48:37stared at me
00:48:38with wide eyes.
00:48:40Brand ambassador?
00:48:42I was just
00:48:43a junior designer.
00:48:45I tried to see
00:48:46the man behind the screen,
00:48:47but the guards
00:48:48stopped me
00:48:49from getting closer.
00:48:51Evan,
00:48:52was that you?
00:48:53When I got home,
00:48:54it was already dark.
00:48:56The living room
00:48:57lights were off.
00:48:58Only the glow
00:48:59of his phone screen
00:49:00lit up Evan's face.
00:49:01He was leaning
00:49:02on the couch.
00:49:03The moment he saw me,
00:49:04he immediately
00:49:05flipped his phone over.
00:49:07The movement was fast.
00:49:08It felt like
00:49:09he was hiding something.
00:49:10My brows frowled.
00:49:15Where did you go today?
00:49:18Work.
00:49:21Where do you work?
00:49:22What do you do?
00:49:24What do you do?
00:49:25He paused.
00:49:26I'd never asked him
00:49:28such detailed questions before.
00:49:32I'm a waiter at a restaurant.
00:49:36Will you think less of me?
00:49:38He looked at me
00:49:39with a hint of nervousness.
00:49:41You can do any job.
00:49:42I don't care.
00:49:43But there's one thing
00:49:45I can't stand.
00:49:46Lies
00:49:47and secrets.
00:49:49His fingers curled.
00:49:52Do you know why
00:49:53I hate being lied to?
00:49:55When I was little,
00:49:57my mom took me to a park.
00:49:59She told me to wait there.
00:50:02I waited from afternoon
00:50:03until dark.
00:50:05She never came back.
00:50:06My voice trembled a little.
00:50:08He opened his mouth,
00:50:10wanting to say something,
00:50:11then held it back.
00:50:13His hand rose to touch my head,
00:50:15then stopped in midair.
00:50:16He lowered his head,
00:50:18his voice soft.
00:50:20I
00:50:21won't lie to you.
00:50:25But when he said it,
00:50:26he didn't dare look me in the eyes.
00:50:33The next day,
00:50:35I received a friend request.
00:50:38The profile picture was all black
00:50:40and the name said Lawrence.
00:50:43I hesitated,
00:50:44but still clicked accept.
00:50:46I heard you've been doing well.
00:50:49I talked to HR
00:50:50and they're giving you a raise.
00:50:56Thank you, Mr. Black.
00:51:01There's a launch event next week.
00:51:03You'll represent
00:51:04the design department.
00:51:05Here's a black card.
00:51:07Buy some Houture gowns.
00:51:11A black card?
00:51:12For a junior employee like me
00:51:14to buy Houture Couture?
00:51:26Back home,
00:51:27I told Evan about this,
00:51:29expecting him to be jealous.
00:51:37Why do you think Mr. Black is so nice to me?
00:51:40Does he like me?
00:51:42You're overthinking it.
00:51:43It's just a boss being nice to an employee.
00:51:45He said that,
00:51:46but the knife was hitting the cutting board so hard,
00:51:49it was almost banging.
00:51:56Did he really not care?
00:51:57Or was he just pretending?
00:51:59Next morning at breakfast,
00:52:01I deliberately praised Lawrence.
00:52:03I want to see how Evan would react it.
00:52:05Mr. Black is handsome and capable.
00:52:07I heard he's 6'2 and has an 8-pack.
00:52:10You've never seen him.
00:52:11He might be a bald, fat guy.
00:52:13No way.
00:52:14I saw his silhouette the other day.
00:52:16Broad shoulders,
00:52:17narrow waist.
00:52:18How could he be ugly?
00:52:19Evan put down his spoon and suddenly stood up.
00:52:21His expression had changed
00:52:23with something I couldn't quite name.
00:52:25Feel my abs.
00:52:26Then tell me if he has a better physique than me.
00:52:28He took my hand and pressed it under his shirt.
00:52:31The skin under my fingers was warm,
00:52:33the muscles hard and well-defined.
00:52:35My face turned red instantly.
00:52:38I tried to pull my hand back,
00:52:39but he held it tighter.
00:52:44Let go of me!
00:52:45I yanked my hand back,
00:52:46ran into my room,
00:52:47and slammed the door.
00:52:48My heart was pounding so hard
00:52:50it felt like it would jump out of my throat.
00:52:52I knew he was jealous.
00:52:54As I closed the door,
00:52:55I spotted that little smirk on his face.
00:52:59I declined the black card several times,
00:53:02but Lawrence said it was for the company's image
00:53:04and I could return the clothes afterward.
00:53:13After work, I walked into a couture boutique.
00:53:20The saleswoman looked at my clothes,
00:53:22but still managed a forced smile.
00:53:26I'd just put on a black velvet gown
00:53:28when a familiar voice came from behind.
00:53:30Oh, isn't this my poor sister?
00:53:36What, you stole money to buy designer brands?
00:53:40She walked over to me,
00:53:42pretending to look at the clothes,
00:53:44but positioned herself to block the camera with her body.
00:53:49I ignored her
00:53:50and went back to the fitting room to change.
00:53:58But the moment I stepped out of the fitting room,
00:54:01the alarm went off.
00:54:04The prissing sound echoed through the entire store.
00:54:11The clerk stopped me
00:54:13and pulled a wallet out of my pocket.
00:54:15Miss, are you stealing?
00:54:18I told you she was light-fingered.
00:54:21She's been like that since she was little.
00:54:24Can't change.
00:54:27I looked at Grace.
00:54:30She had a smug smile on her face.
00:54:33She wanted me to go to jail
00:54:35so that I wouldn't be able to become the brand ambassador.
00:54:39But this time,
00:54:40I wasn't going to let her win.
00:54:47This wallet is the most expensive one in our store.
00:54:50Limited edition.
00:54:5158,000.
00:54:52If you can't afford it,
00:54:53I'm calling the police.
00:54:55Chloe,
00:54:55if you get on your knees and beg me,
00:54:58I'll pay for you.
00:54:59We're family after all.
00:55:00I can't let you go to jail.
00:55:01I pulled a black card from my bag
00:55:03and placed it on the counter.
00:55:09I don't need to steal this wallet.
00:55:13With this card,
00:55:14I could buy ten of them without blinking.
00:55:18Grace froze for a second,
00:55:20then burst out laughing.
00:55:24A black card?
00:55:26You?
00:55:27An adopted daughter who married a loser?
00:55:30It must be fake.
00:55:32She picked it up and examined it.
00:55:35Her lips curled with mockery.
00:55:41Looks pretty convincing.
00:55:42I've already called the police.
00:55:44Faking a black card plus theft?
00:55:46You're finished.
00:55:49In the distance,
00:55:51sirens grew louder.
00:55:52I stood still,
00:55:54unflinching.
00:55:55This card was real,
00:55:56and I knew it better than anyone.
00:55:58Then let's wait for the police.
00:56:00We'll see who's finished.
00:56:03Grace smirked.
00:56:04The officers walked in.
00:56:06She rushed toward them.
00:56:08Calmly,
00:56:09I handed the black card
00:56:10to the officer.
00:56:12Please check.
00:56:14This card belongs
00:56:15to the CEO of Sterling Group.
00:56:22I knew the real show
00:56:23was just beginning.
00:56:24The officer took the black card
00:56:26and verified it.
00:56:29The card is real.
00:56:31It's from the exclusive account
00:56:33of Sterling Group's CEO.
00:56:35Grace's smile froze instantly.
00:56:37Her face went white.
00:56:39No, no way.
00:56:42How could she be?
00:56:49The officer ignored her
00:56:51and went to check the footage.
00:56:56The footage showed Grace
00:56:57had used her body as cover
00:56:59to stuff the wallet
00:57:00into my pocket.
00:57:04Grace's legs gave out.
00:57:06She nearly collapsed.
00:57:07You're suspected
00:57:09of false accusation.
00:57:10Come with us.
00:57:13The moment the handcuffs
00:57:15clicked on,
00:57:16she turned and glared at me,
00:57:18her eyes burning with hatred.
00:57:27Miss, I'm so sorry.
00:57:28We are mistaken.
00:57:29You are the most honored guest
00:57:31in our store.
00:57:32My phone buzzed
00:57:33with a message from Lawrence.
00:57:35Sorry you went through that.
00:57:36I'll send someone
00:57:37to pick you up
00:57:38on the day of the launch event.
00:57:39Don't be afraid.
00:57:40I've got your back.
00:57:43I stared at the screen,
00:57:45my fingers going cold.
00:57:48How did he know about this?
00:57:50Had he been watching me
00:57:51all along?
00:57:54What troubled me more,
00:57:56Evan hadn't reached out
00:57:57all day.
00:57:58The next day,
00:57:59Lawrence messaged me.
00:58:01The company banquet
00:58:02was tonight,
00:58:03and I could bring a plus one.
00:58:06I asked Evan to come with me.
00:58:08I'd barely walked in
00:58:10on Evan's arm
00:58:10when I heard that sure voice.
00:58:13Grace had her arm
00:58:14linked through Zane's,
00:58:15blocking our way.
00:58:17Oh, isn't this Chloe?
00:58:19An adopted daughter
00:58:21with no upbringing.
00:58:21How dare you show up here?
00:58:27And you brought this
00:58:28illegitimate broke loser?
00:58:31Evan didn't speak.
00:58:32He just gave them
00:58:34a cold glance.
00:58:37That look said
00:58:38they were nothing but fools.
00:58:41Grace,
00:58:42just out of the police station
00:58:43and already stirring up
00:58:44trouble again?
00:58:46Zane,
00:58:46how does it feel
00:58:47to be fired?
00:58:49Whispers spread
00:58:50through the crowd.
00:58:52Grace,
00:58:53humiliated,
00:58:54pointed at my invitation.
00:58:57Shut up!
00:58:58Your invitations
00:58:59are either fake
00:58:59or stolen!
00:59:01You dare make a bet?
00:59:02What's the bet?
00:59:04If they're real,
00:59:05I'll get down on my knees
00:59:07and apologize.
00:59:08Otherwise,
00:59:09you will get out
00:59:10of Sterling Group!
00:59:11Evan looked down at me,
00:59:13a slight smile
00:59:14on his lips.
00:59:17He knew I wouldn't lose.
00:59:19Deal.
00:59:20Go ahead.
00:59:22Evan chuckled softly
00:59:23and whispered in my ear.
00:59:26Brilliant.
00:59:29The staff took the invitation
00:59:31and began verifying.
00:59:35Grace and Zane smirked.
00:59:37The verification device
00:59:38beeped.
00:59:39See?
00:59:40I told you
00:59:41her invitation is...
00:59:46The staff member
00:59:48gestured me forward.
00:59:49Grace's and Zane's
00:59:51smug smiles
00:59:51frozen instantly.
00:59:53No way!
00:59:55Zane tried to pull her away.
00:59:57Evan stepped forward,
00:59:59blocking their path.
01:00:02A bet's a bet.
01:00:03You have to follow through.
01:00:05Grace bit her lip,
01:00:07trying to weasel out.
01:00:08I smiled.
01:00:09You both come from
01:00:10prestigious families.
01:00:12Go back on your word now
01:00:14and you're done
01:00:15in high society.
01:00:17Onlookers stared at them.
01:00:19Trapped.
01:00:20They grit their teeth
01:00:21and knelt.
01:00:26I'm sorry.
01:00:30Evan's lips curled slightly.
01:00:34I walked in on his arm.
01:00:37Behind me,
01:00:38Grace grabbed wine
01:00:39and threw it at me.
01:00:42I sidestepped.
01:00:43The wine spilled.
01:00:45She missed and fell.
01:00:47Oops!
01:00:48My hand slipped.
01:00:50I didn't say a word.
01:00:51I picked up a plate of beef stew
01:00:53and dumped it over her head.
01:01:00My hand didn't slip.
01:01:02I meant it.
01:01:04Evan looked at me
01:01:05and smiled softly.
01:01:07Gravy dripped down Grace's face.
01:01:10Zane stood nearby,
01:01:12too scared to speak.
01:01:14Some people never learn
01:01:16unless you show them
01:01:18who's boss.
01:01:19Grace was covered in gravy,
01:01:21shaking with rage.
01:01:22She pointed at her clothes
01:01:24and screamed hysterically.
01:01:26Do you know how much
01:01:27this outfit costs?
01:01:28You can't afford it!
01:01:31Evan glanced at her.
01:01:34Chanel haute couture?
01:01:36The color's off.
01:01:37Hermès's scarf?
01:01:38The stitching is crooked.
01:01:40All fake.
01:01:41People gathered around,
01:01:43whispering.
01:01:45Grace's face turned red,
01:01:48then white.
01:01:51Just as she was slinking away
01:01:53in embarrassment,
01:01:54a staff member walked in,
01:01:55carrying a gown.
01:01:58Miss Smith,
01:02:00this is from Mr. Black.
01:02:01I looked toward the screen
01:02:03not far away,
01:02:04where a familiar figure
01:02:06was standing.
01:02:08I changed into the gown.
01:02:10The moment I stepped out
01:02:11of the dressing room,
01:02:12the whole room went silent.
01:02:14It was black velvet
01:02:16with expert tailoring.
01:02:18It looked like it was made
01:02:20for me.
01:02:21Evan's face darkened
01:02:23instantly.
01:02:24He took off his jacket
01:02:25and wrapped it tightly around me.
01:02:28Dressed like that?
01:02:30Aren't you cold?
01:02:31What are you doing?
01:02:32I'm not cold.
01:02:33I laughed inside.
01:02:35He was jealous.
01:02:36But strangely,
01:02:37when Lawrence sent the gown,
01:02:39Evan had just gone
01:02:40to the bathroom.
01:02:41I realized these two people
01:02:43never appeared
01:02:44at the same time.
01:02:45Was it a coincidence?
01:02:47Or...
01:02:47I changed into the gown
01:02:49and walked into the hall,
01:02:50just in time to see
01:02:52Grace and Zane
01:02:53arguing fiercely
01:02:54in the corridor.
01:02:58I wasn't about
01:02:59to miss this show.
01:03:00Enough!
01:03:01Someone's backing her.
01:03:03We can't afford
01:03:03to cross her.
01:03:07You're a coward.
01:03:09Useless!
01:03:10Zane slapped her.
01:03:15My job was ruined
01:03:16because of you!
01:03:17I should have chosen
01:03:18Chloe back then!
01:03:19I couldn't help
01:03:20but sneer.
01:03:21Regretting it now?
01:03:22A cheater like him
01:03:24was really pathetic.
01:03:26Zane walked away.
01:03:27Grace gritted his teeth
01:03:29and called security,
01:03:30pointing at Evan and me.
01:03:32These two snuck in!
01:03:33Throw them out!
01:03:34The guards looked at her,
01:03:36then at Evan.
01:03:42The next second,
01:03:43the guards grabbed
01:03:44Grace's arms.
01:03:46You've got it wrong!
01:03:47It's them!
01:03:50She was dragged out,
01:03:52her screams fading.
01:03:54Evan was silent
01:03:56the whole time,
01:03:57but I noticed
01:03:58when the guards
01:03:59looked at him,
01:04:00there was respect
01:04:02in their eyes.
01:04:03Why would security guards
01:04:04be afraid
01:04:05of a waiter like him?
01:04:07I stared at his profile
01:04:09and the doubt
01:04:10and grew inside me.
01:04:13Evan,
01:04:15who were you really?
01:04:17Halfway through the banquet,
01:04:19a man in a silver mask
01:04:20walked onto the stage.
01:04:21The whole room
01:04:22fell silent.
01:04:23Let's welcome
01:04:23the CEO of Sterling Group,
01:04:26Lawrence Black.
01:04:28The wine glass
01:04:29in my hand
01:04:30nearly fell.
01:04:33This was the
01:04:34mysterious Lawrence,
01:04:35his figure,
01:04:36his posture.
01:04:37They looked exactly
01:04:39like someone I knew.
01:04:41I turned to look
01:04:42beside me.
01:04:44Evan's seat
01:04:44was empty.
01:04:46Mr. Black says
01:04:47he wants to invite
01:04:48a lady to dance tonight.
01:04:50He walked off the stage,
01:04:51through the crowd,
01:04:52straight towards me.
01:04:53My heart pounded.
01:04:55No, impossible.
01:04:57He couldn't be Evan.
01:05:00Miss Smith,
01:05:01may I have this dance?
01:05:03I hesitated,
01:05:05then placed my hand
01:05:07in his.
01:05:09His palm had calicles.
01:05:12Evan's hands
01:05:13had them too.
01:05:14I looked up
01:05:16at the eyes
01:05:17behind the mask.
01:05:19They somehow
01:05:20made my heart
01:05:21race with unease.
01:05:22Just then,
01:05:23a scream came
01:05:24from the corner.
01:05:25It was Grace again.
01:05:27She disguised herself
01:05:28as a waitress
01:05:28and snuck back in.
01:05:29Mr. Black,
01:05:30this woman is a liar!
01:05:32She's already married!
01:05:33The room erupted.
01:05:34Everyone's eyes
01:05:35cut towards me
01:05:36like knives.
01:05:37Lawrence held my hand
01:05:38a little tighter.
01:05:41So what?
01:05:47Lawrence's brief words
01:05:48silenced the room.
01:05:50He turned to look at Grace,
01:05:52his voice cold as ice.
01:05:54Chloe's personal matters
01:05:55are none of your business.
01:05:57Security,
01:05:58escort her out.
01:06:01Grace was carried out
01:06:03by security
01:06:04and thrown into
01:06:04the swimming pool.
01:06:11Lawrence led me
01:06:12onto the dance floor.
01:06:19The lights dimmed,
01:06:20leaving only a spotlight
01:06:22on us.
01:06:24Chloe,
01:06:27I like you.
01:06:30I froze.
01:06:32What?
01:06:34I've been watching you
01:06:36since your first day
01:06:37at the company.
01:06:40Your talent,
01:06:42your stubbornness,
01:06:44your kindness.
01:06:47I've seen it all.
01:06:49My heart pounded.
01:06:51not from being moved,
01:06:53but from fear.
01:06:58This man had been
01:06:59watching me
01:07:00from the shadows.
01:07:01Be with me.
01:07:05You won't have
01:07:05to struggle anymore.
01:07:07No one will ever
01:07:08bully you again.
01:07:10Whatever you want,
01:07:12I can give it to you.
01:07:14The room was so quiet
01:07:15you could hear
01:07:16people breathing.
01:07:17Everyone was waiting
01:07:18for my answer.
01:07:20I took a deep breath.
01:07:23I'm sorry,
01:07:24Mr. Black.
01:07:25I'm already married.
01:07:27His body stiffened.
01:07:31My husband is poor.
01:07:33No house,
01:07:35no car.
01:07:36But he's the one I love.
01:07:38I won't betray him
01:07:39for money.
01:07:44Behind the mask,
01:07:46a faint smile
01:07:48seemed to linger
01:07:49in his eyes.
01:07:53The light hit
01:07:54the silver mask.
01:07:55I couldn't see
01:07:56Lawrence's expression.
01:08:01Does your husband
01:08:01know you're here?
01:08:04Yes.
01:08:05He came with me.
01:08:09I turned to look
01:08:10at the edge
01:08:10of the dance floor.
01:08:12Evan was not there.
01:08:15You're a good woman.
01:08:17Your husband
01:08:17is a lucky man.
01:08:19He let go
01:08:20and disappeared
01:08:21into the crowd.
01:08:26I stood there,
01:08:27palms sweating.
01:08:30My phone buzzed.
01:08:31I'm waiting for you
01:08:32at the door.
01:08:33Just took a call.
01:08:34A call?
01:08:35Right when Lawrence
01:08:36stepped onto the stage?
01:08:37I walked out.
01:08:40Evan leaned
01:08:41against the car,
01:08:42night wind
01:08:43in his hair.
01:08:44What call
01:08:45was so important?
01:08:46You were gone
01:08:47the moment
01:08:47Lawrence went on stage.
01:08:49My boss called
01:08:50about the schedule.
01:08:51I'm on probation.
01:08:52Had to take it.
01:08:53His eyes flickered.
01:08:55Do you know Lawrence?
01:08:58He's a big shot.
01:09:00I'm just a waiter.
01:09:01How could I know him?
01:09:03Back home,
01:09:04I tossed and turned.
01:09:09My phone lit up.
01:09:11A message from Lawrence.
01:09:13Tonight,
01:09:13I just wanted
01:09:14to confirm something.
01:09:15Now I have.
01:09:18Confirm what?
01:09:19That I wouldn't
01:09:20betray my husband?
01:09:25I looked out the window.
01:09:27Evan's light
01:09:28was still on.
01:09:31Was he unable
01:09:32to sleep too?
01:09:38The next day
01:09:39at work,
01:09:40everyone looked
01:09:41at me differently.
01:09:42Some were envious.
01:09:44Others were eager
01:09:45to see me fall.
01:09:48After all,
01:09:50the CEO
01:09:51had publicly
01:09:51confessed his feelings
01:09:53to me at the banquet
01:09:53and I turned him down.
01:09:58Are you crazy?
01:10:00You turned down
01:10:01our CEO?
01:10:02Seriously!
01:10:03Marry him
01:10:03and you'd never
01:10:04have to worry
01:10:04about anything
01:10:05for the rest
01:10:06of your life!
01:10:06I smiled and said nothing.
01:10:09They didn't understand.
01:10:10Some things are more important
01:10:12than money.
01:10:13My phone buzzed.
01:10:15It was a message from Evan.
01:10:16What do you want
01:10:17for dinner tonight?
01:10:18I got paid today.
01:10:20I looked at the message
01:10:22and couldn't help
01:10:23but smile.
01:10:24But before my smile
01:10:25faded,
01:10:26a second message came.
01:10:28By the way,
01:10:29you saw Lawrence last night?
01:10:31What did he look like?
01:10:32Was he handsome?
01:10:34I stared at the screen.
01:10:36The question felt
01:10:38too deliberate.
01:10:38Would a man
01:10:39really not care
01:10:40that another man
01:10:41had confessed to his wife?
01:10:42I replied.
01:10:43He was wearing a mask.
01:10:45I couldn't his face.
01:10:49I put down my phone.
01:10:51Had a wilded guess.
01:10:55Could Lawrence
01:10:56and Evan
01:10:57be the same person?
01:11:02I stared at my phone screen.
01:11:04My mind a complete mess.
01:11:10No.
01:11:10That was impossible.
01:11:14If Evan were really the CEO,
01:11:17why would he pretend
01:11:18to be poor?
01:11:19Why would he live
01:11:20in that run-down place?
01:11:26I was just being paranoid.
01:11:29I had just gotten home
01:11:30from work
01:11:31when my phone rang.
01:11:32It was the hospital.
01:11:34Rose's liver source
01:11:35was ready,
01:11:36but I was still
01:11:37short on the surgery fee.
01:11:40I hung up.
01:11:41I felt frustrated.
01:11:47What's wrong?
01:11:49Rose's liver source
01:11:50is ready,
01:11:52but I still don't
01:11:53have enough money.
01:11:57Evan was quiet.
01:11:58for a moment.
01:12:00Then he took out
01:12:01my old sketches
01:12:01from the drawer
01:12:02and flipped through them
01:12:03one by one.
01:12:05Every time you paint,
01:12:06there's a light
01:12:07in your eyes.
01:12:08He looked up at me,
01:12:09his gaze both serious
01:12:10and gentle.
01:12:11Let's hold an exhibition.
01:12:15Let others see your work.
01:12:18But...
01:12:18would anyone buy them?
01:12:21I don't know.
01:12:24You'll never know
01:12:26if you don't try.
01:12:28His palm was warm.
01:12:30Warm enough
01:12:31to make me cry.
01:12:33This was the first time
01:12:34anyone had ever seen me
01:12:35like this.
01:12:38Not for my technique.
01:12:41Not for the awards
01:12:42I had won.
01:12:44He saw the message
01:12:46I'd hidden in my paintings.
01:12:47The night before
01:12:49the exhibition
01:12:49I tossed and turned
01:12:51unable to sleep.
01:12:54What if no one
01:12:55showed up?
01:12:56What if they hated
01:12:58my work?
01:13:00The day of the exhibition
01:13:02I stood in a corner
01:13:03palms sweating.
01:13:07People came in.
01:13:09One, two, three,
01:13:11more and more.
01:13:15Why are there
01:13:16so many people here?
01:13:25Because your art
01:13:27deserves to be seen.
01:13:29I watched strangers
01:13:31stop,
01:13:32disgust,
01:13:32and smile
01:13:33in front of my paintings.
01:13:36My heart pounded fast.
01:13:40Just then,
01:13:41my phone buzzed.
01:13:44Oh my.
01:13:46Someone bought
01:13:47several of my paintings
01:13:48at a high price.
01:13:49I stared at my account balance.
01:13:51My hands were shaking.
01:13:52It was enough
01:13:53for Rose's surgery.
01:13:54Evan!
01:13:54I've got enough money!
01:13:56Rose can have the surgery!
01:13:58I told you.
01:13:59You've got this.
01:14:03In that moment,
01:14:04I cried like a child.
01:14:07Still,
01:14:07a question popped
01:14:09into my mind.
01:14:10Who was that
01:14:11mysterious buyer
01:14:12who bought so many
01:14:14of my paintings
01:14:14at once?
01:14:15The moment
01:14:16the operating room
01:14:17doors opened,
01:14:18my legs went weak.
01:14:20The surgery was a success.
01:14:22She's recovering
01:14:22even better than expected.
01:14:24I watched Rose
01:14:24being wheeled out
01:14:25and tears
01:14:26poured down my face.
01:14:33Chloe,
01:14:34you've worked so hard.
01:14:38I'm really happy
01:14:39you're okay.
01:14:40I'm taking you home.
01:14:42I brought Rose
01:14:43to our home.
01:14:44She sat on the sofa,
01:14:46sunlight on her face.
01:14:49In that moment,
01:14:50my heart felt at peace.
01:14:53Evan walked over
01:14:54with a bowl
01:14:55of chicken soup
01:14:56and set it down
01:14:57in front of her.
01:15:03Thank you
01:15:04for being so kind
01:15:05to Chloe.
01:15:07Evan knelt down,
01:15:08held her hand,
01:15:09and spoke softly.
01:15:11I should be the one
01:15:12thanking her.
01:15:17She gave me a home.
01:15:19I stood at the kitchen door.
01:15:20At those words,
01:15:21my nose stung.
01:15:23Just then,
01:15:24my eyes caught
01:15:24an envelope by the door.
01:15:26On it were two words.
01:15:28Lawrence Black.
01:15:29My heart tightened.
01:15:31I stared at the envelope,
01:15:33my heart racing.
01:15:34Evan noticed my gaze.
01:15:35He stepped in front of me,
01:15:37blocking my view.
01:15:38Didn't you have something
01:15:38cooking in the kitchen?
01:15:39Smells like it's burning.
01:15:42My soup!
01:15:43I rushed into the kitchen.
01:15:45Luckily,
01:15:46it was just the bottom
01:15:47of the pot
01:15:48that was a little burnt.
01:15:50When I came out,
01:15:52Evan was no longer
01:15:53in the living room.
01:15:54I walked a door,
01:15:56picked up the envelope,
01:15:57and looked at it carefully.
01:15:59It read,
01:16:00Evan Black.
01:16:02So I was seeing things.
01:16:04That wasn't Lawrence's name on it.
01:16:07I let out a breath.
01:16:08Evan soon took Rose
01:16:10to a nursing home.
01:16:11I cleaned and tidied up
01:16:12the place by myself.
01:16:16When I was cleaning
01:16:17the bedroom,
01:16:18I felt a groove
01:16:19in the wall.
01:16:19I pushed it gently.
01:16:22Inside was a hidden room.
01:16:24Hanging on the walls
01:16:25of the room
01:16:26were three of the paintings
01:16:27I had sold.
01:16:30I opened the contract
01:16:31on the table.
01:16:33The buyer's signature read,
01:16:34Lawrence Black.
01:16:37So,
01:16:38Evan is
01:16:39Lawrence?
01:16:43Behind me,
01:16:44I heard the sound
01:16:45of a key
01:16:46turning in the lock.
01:16:48Evan was back.
01:16:50Evan stood at the entrance
01:16:51of the hidden room.
01:16:53I turned around stiffly,
01:16:55and our eyes met.
01:16:57On his face
01:16:58was a panic
01:16:58I had never seen before.
01:17:00The air frozen.
01:17:05Who?
01:17:08Are you?
01:17:09He didn't answer.
01:17:12But his silence
01:17:13was the answer.
01:17:15I stared at him.
01:17:16In that moment,
01:17:18my whole world shattered.
01:17:20Lawrence Black,
01:17:21you watched me beg for money.
01:17:23Watched me get humiliated.
01:17:25Was the show entertaining?
01:17:27It's not like that.
01:17:29Let me explain.
01:17:31Explain what?
01:17:35That you never trust me?
01:17:40No.
01:17:41I just wanted
01:17:43to protect you.
01:17:49Protect
01:17:50or play with?
01:17:58Was me just a joke
01:17:59to you?
01:18:01His mouth
01:18:01opened and closed,
01:18:03unable to form
01:18:04a single word.
01:18:06His silence
01:18:07made me more sick.
01:18:08I thought we were
01:18:09husband and wife.
01:18:11Turns out
01:18:12I was just your game.
01:18:17Rose is better.
01:18:19This contract marriage
01:18:20ends now.
01:18:22From today on,
01:18:23I never want
01:18:24to see you again.
01:18:29I dragged my suitcase
01:18:30toward the door.
01:18:35Chloe,
01:18:36please,
01:18:36just let me explain.
01:18:44Don't touch me.
01:18:45You're disgusting.
01:18:46Don't follow me.
01:18:50The door slammed
01:18:51shut behind me.
01:18:55This time,
01:18:56I was the one
01:18:57who turned away first.
01:18:58But why did it
01:18:59hurt so much?
01:19:01I dragged my suitcase
01:19:02behind me
01:19:03and turned into an alley.
01:19:05Finally,
01:19:06the tears fell.
01:19:10Suddenly,
01:19:11a hand clamped
01:19:12over my nose
01:19:12and mouth
01:19:13from behind.
01:19:14A sharp chemical smell
01:19:16filled my nose.
01:19:17I tried to scream,
01:19:19but no sound came.
01:19:22Everything went black.
01:19:24When I woke up,
01:19:25I was tied up
01:19:27in a dark,
01:19:27cramped room.
01:19:38I have nothing left.
01:19:42I lost my job.
01:19:44Grace dumped me.
01:19:47Zane?
01:19:48Are you insane?
01:19:49Let me go!
01:19:52Only you won't look down on me.
01:19:55You're mine.
01:19:57You're mine.
01:19:58You belong to me.
01:20:00I am not
01:20:01yours.
01:20:03You are nothing but trash
01:20:04that Grace used
01:20:05and threw away.
01:20:13Shut up!
01:20:14You're a loser.
01:20:16You're a loser.
01:20:17Even Grace didn't want you.
01:20:18You think I would?
01:20:20His eyes turned red.
01:20:23Like a trapped,
01:20:25mad beast.
01:20:28Why do you look down on me?
01:20:30Why?
01:20:31He choked me
01:20:32while frantically
01:20:33tearing at my clothes.
01:20:39It got harder
01:20:40for me to breathe.
01:20:42Darkness
01:20:43crept into my vision.
01:20:45I thought I was going to die.
01:20:48But just then,
01:20:49the door was kicked open.
01:20:51I saw Evan standing
01:20:52in the entrance.
01:20:54His eyes were bloodshot,
01:20:56like an enraged beast.
01:20:58Evan hit him again
01:20:59and again
01:20:59and Zane's face
01:21:00was soon covered in blood.
01:21:03How dare you!
01:21:04How dare you touch her!
01:21:14The guards dragged Zane away.
01:21:17Evan rushed over
01:21:19and held me tight.
01:21:20I'm sorry.
01:21:21I'm so sorry.
01:21:23I should have stayed with you.
01:21:25In his arms,
01:21:26my whole body trembled,
01:21:27but my heart
01:21:28was no longer afraid.
01:21:31Because he came
01:21:32to my rescue again.
01:21:35I knew he would come.
01:21:40I've only ever loved one woman.
01:21:43It's you.
01:21:45I was afraid of dragging you
01:21:46into the black family's mess,
01:21:48afraid of you getting hurt.
01:21:50That's why I hid who I was.
01:21:52But I was wrong.
01:21:54Without you,
01:21:54I can't live.
01:21:57From today on,
01:21:58I'll never keep anything from you.
01:22:02Forgive me, please.
01:22:05I looked into his eyes.
01:22:06I saw panic,
01:22:08guilt,
01:22:08fear,
01:22:09all because of me.
01:22:12Finally,
01:22:13my tears fell.
01:22:16Evan!
01:22:21We held each other tight.
01:22:22This time,
01:22:24I didn't want to let go.
01:22:26One week later,
01:22:27my wounds had almost healed.
01:22:29Evan gently traced my scars
01:22:31with his fingers,
01:22:32as gentle as if touching
01:22:33fragile porcelain.
01:22:36Does it still hurt?
01:22:39Not anymore.
01:22:41I reached up,
01:22:43wrapped my arms around his neck,
01:22:44and pulled him towards me.
01:22:46His lips came down on mine,
01:22:49trembling and restrained,
01:22:50as if asking for permission.
01:22:53Evan,
01:22:53I want you.
01:22:55I kissed him first.
01:22:58He froze for a second,
01:22:59the desire in his eyes
01:23:01finally spilling over.
01:23:03Then Evan kissed me passionately.
01:23:06Are you sure?
01:23:07This time,
01:23:08I won't stop.
01:23:11Who told you to stop?
01:23:19Clothes slipped off
01:23:20one by one.
01:23:22His kisses traveled
01:23:24from my lips
01:23:25to my chin
01:23:26to my collarbone
01:23:28and further down.
01:23:30His fingers traced my skin.
01:23:33When he thrust into me,
01:23:34the emptiness was gone.
01:23:37I finally felt whole.
01:23:40You're mine,
01:23:41and I'm yours.
01:23:44Forever,
01:23:45you and me.
01:23:47That night,
01:23:48we finally gave ourselves
01:23:49to each other,
01:23:50body and soul.
01:23:52Not a contract,
01:23:53not a transaction.
01:23:55It was two bruised hearts
01:23:56that finally found
01:23:57where they belong.
01:24:07The next day,
01:24:08Evan led me
01:24:10into the press conference.
01:24:11The flashbulbs
01:24:13were blinding.
01:24:14I
01:24:14am Lawrence Black,
01:24:17CEO
01:24:18of Sterling Group.
01:24:20The room exploded.
01:24:24Reporters frantically
01:24:25clicked their shutters.
01:24:28And this is my wife,
01:24:30Chloe.
01:24:31The only woman
01:24:32I ever loved.
01:24:34I stood beside him,
01:24:35palms sweating,
01:24:36but he didn't let go.
01:24:38He held on tighter.
01:24:40In that moment,
01:24:42all my anxiety
01:24:43melted away.
01:24:44He was telling me,
01:24:45in the grandest way possible,
01:24:47that I mattered a lot to him.
01:24:53In the crowd,
01:24:55I saw Grace and Daphne.
01:24:57Their expressions
01:24:58were twisted.
01:25:00Why her?
01:25:01That bitch
01:25:02gets to be
01:25:03the CEO's wife?
01:25:04That place
01:25:05should have been mine!
01:25:06Shh.
01:25:07Grace calmed down.
01:25:09She's just a lowly
01:25:10adopted daughter.
01:25:11If we can't have
01:25:12the black family's benefits,
01:25:13neither will she.
01:25:14They exchanged a smile.
01:25:16That smile
01:25:17sent a chill
01:25:18down my spine.
01:25:19I knew they wouldn't
01:25:20let this go,
01:25:21but I didn't expect
01:25:22that this time,
01:25:23they wanted to destroy
01:25:25everything I had.
01:25:27Overnight,
01:25:28the internet was flooded
01:25:29with news about me
01:25:30being a substitute bride.
01:25:32They called me a liar,
01:25:33a shameless woman.
01:25:35Chloe is just an adopted
01:25:36daughter from the countryside.
01:25:38She didn't even
01:25:39finish high school.
01:25:40How did she get
01:25:40into Sterling Group?
01:25:42She slept her way in.
01:25:43I thought I would get
01:25:44attacked when I went out,
01:25:45but Evan had already
01:25:46arranged bodyguards
01:25:47to protect me.
01:25:48Those people rushed at me
01:25:49with rotten vegetables,
01:25:50but they were stopped
01:25:51before they could get close.
01:25:52Dirty water,
01:25:52eggs, spit,
01:25:53all of it landed
01:25:54on the bodyguards.
01:25:55I stayed completely clean.
01:25:58Evan stepped out
01:25:59of the car
01:26:00and swept me
01:26:01into his arms.
01:26:02Don't be afraid.
01:26:03I'm here.
01:26:04No one will lay
01:26:05a finger on you.
01:26:06I leaned against
01:26:06his chest,
01:26:07my heart warm.
01:26:08So this was what
01:26:09it felt like
01:26:10to be cherished
01:26:11by someone.
01:26:12He held another
01:26:12press conference.
01:26:14I married Chloe,
01:26:16not her status.
01:26:17Every achievement
01:26:18she's made
01:26:18at Sterling Group
01:26:19came from her own efforts.
01:26:21And Grace,
01:26:22she stole my wife's boyfriend,
01:26:24forced to substitute marriage,
01:26:25stole her college spot.
01:26:27Today,
01:26:28I will expose
01:26:29every last thing
01:26:30she has done.
01:26:31He laid out
01:26:31all the evidence,
01:26:32and Grace's face
01:26:34turned white.
01:26:38Grace and Daphne
01:26:39were taken away
01:26:39by the police.
01:26:41Evan's hand held mine,
01:26:43and he never let go.
01:26:45So,
01:26:46you've done so much
01:26:47for me.
01:26:48From now on,
01:26:49with him by my side,
01:26:51I would never
01:26:51be hurt again.
01:26:53My life finally
01:26:54quieted down.
01:26:56I threw myself
01:26:57into work,
01:26:58drawing designs
01:26:59until the early hours.
01:27:01But lately,
01:27:03my stomach
01:27:04has been acting up.
01:27:05The smell of oil
01:27:07makes me nauseous.
01:27:11Have you been
01:27:12skipping meals again?
01:27:18I don't think so.
01:27:20Chloe,
01:27:20could you be pregnant?
01:27:22I froze.
01:27:24Pregnant?
01:27:32Evan instantly
01:27:33took me to the hospital.
01:27:38Congratulations.
01:27:40You're pregnant.
01:27:47And it's twins.
01:27:50I held the ultrasound image,
01:27:52my hands shaking.
01:27:54Tears welled up instantly.
01:28:02Back home,
01:28:03Evan got so excited,
01:28:05he scooped me up
01:28:06and spun me around.
01:28:07I'm buying you a mansion!
01:28:09Hiring ten nannies!
01:28:12So you're done
01:28:13pretending to be broke?
01:28:17I'm always your husband.
01:28:25In that moment,
01:28:26I felt like the luckiest person
01:28:28in the world.
01:28:29On our wedding day,
01:28:30Evan took me back
01:28:30to the same little church
01:28:31where I'd been a substitute bride.
01:28:33But this time,
01:28:33everything was different.
01:28:34A red carpet stretched
01:28:35from the door to the altar.
01:28:36Surrounded by a sea of white roses,
01:28:37guests filled every pew,
01:28:38flowers filled every corner.
01:28:40This was a real wedding.
01:28:40Evan stood before the altar
01:28:42in a tuxedo,
01:28:43his eyes slightly red.
01:28:46The first time here,
01:28:48I married a stranger,
01:28:49a substitute bride.
01:28:50Today,
01:28:51the one I want to marry is you.
01:28:53You are the only woman
01:28:54I ever love.
01:28:57I walked toward him
01:28:58in my long wedding gown.
01:29:00Every step said goodbye
01:29:01to the pain of the past.
01:29:03Evan,
01:29:05thank you for never giving up on me.
01:29:08Thank you for making me believe
01:29:10that I deserve to be loved.
01:29:14He knelt on one knee
01:29:16and took out the ring.
01:29:19This ring was once swapped,
01:29:21just like our relationship
01:29:22was once full of misunderstandings.
01:29:24But now,
01:29:25I want to put it back
01:29:26on your finger.
01:29:27Marry me, Chloe.
01:29:32I do.
01:29:33Rose and Evan's grandmother
01:29:35sat in the front row,
01:29:36beaming from ear to ear.
01:29:38We exchanged rings
01:29:40and kissed before the priest.
01:29:46This time,
01:29:47not a substitute bride,
01:29:49not a transaction.
01:29:50It was me,
01:29:51Chloe,
01:29:52with all my heart,
01:29:53marrying the man I love.
01:29:54They pushed me into hell.
01:29:55They never knew
01:29:56that hell shaped me.
01:29:57From this day on,
01:29:58the lights of this world
01:29:59would shine only for me.
01:30:01Cliff Lynch.
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