A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
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AmusantTranscription
00:00The three wolves I saved wanted me in bed every single day.
00:03But the truth is, they didn't like me.
00:05They just wanted to use me to get close to my sister.
00:08So I called her and asked to switch mates.
00:11Three horny wolves in exchange for one cold serpent.
00:14Today, after being fully claimed, I fell into sound sleep.
00:18God, look at her. That body, that stamina.
00:21And she thought she could handle three of us.
00:23Doesn't matter. The second she taps out, she'll hand us off to her sister.
00:26She can't even get out of bed right now.
00:27A few more days of this and she'll give up on us for good.
00:30The conversation from the living room kept going.
00:32They thought I was still asleep.
00:34I kept my eyes low, watching the marks on my wrists and legs
00:37and the amber glow of the bedside lamp.
00:39Every single one of them. Unmistakable.
00:41She's not going to hand all three of us over to her sister.
00:44Right. Which means at least one of us stays.
00:46Ugh.
00:47Elena's dull and boring.
00:48You want to stay? Go ahead. I don't.
00:51Same.
00:51Whatever.
00:52Fate decides. Is she up yet?
00:55No way. She was crying so hard she nearly passed out.
00:57She's not waking up anytime soon.
00:59So weak.
01:00Let's get her up in a bit.
01:01A few more days of this and she'll give up on us.
01:03My vision went dark.
01:04I reached for my phone, face pale, and called Chloe.
01:07She picked up fast.
01:09What's wrong, sis?
01:11Weren't you just saying you were unsatisfied?
01:14Take all three of mine.
01:16Give me that celibate snake shifter of yours.
01:20Is that okay? Are they willing?
01:22They like you.
01:23She understood because it was the truth.
01:26Everyone liked Chloe more.
01:29Alright, your place is small anyway.
01:31Not really ideal for them.
01:32But my snake shifter, sis?
01:35He's cold.
01:36If he weren't celibic, I wouldn't have asked for him in the first place.
01:39I'm completely wrecked.
01:43I just need someone to handle the housework.
01:48I just hope he doesn't turn out like these three wolves.
01:52Don't worry.
01:53I haven't managed to tame him yet.
01:55He's not going to be interested in you.
01:57I'll come pick them up this afternoon.
01:59The line went dead.
02:00That exact second, the bedroom door swung open.
02:03You're up?
02:03He crossed the room and reached for my blanket.
02:06Wait!
02:07What is it, mistress?
02:08I'm exhausted. I need to rest.
02:10Can't do that, he said easily.
02:12Mistress, you took us in. That means you're responsible for us.
02:14We're nowhere near satisfied. If you rest, what are we supposed to do?
02:19Chloe's coming to take all of you this afternoon.
02:22He went still.
02:24The two leaning in the doorway froze too.
02:26Which two of us?
02:29All of you.
02:30I found the three wolf pups on a wet, gray afternoon.
02:34They were collapsed on the concrete.
02:36Fur matted, blood soaked from the rain.
02:39I almost walked away.
02:40But then, one of them flicked its tail.
02:42Just twice, slow and weak.
02:44Then curled it around my ankle.
02:46I couldn't leave them.
02:47I brought them home.
02:48Under my care, they recovered fast.
02:50A few months later, they hit their maturation phase.
02:53And all three of them shifted into men.
02:56I should have brought them to a shifter registry.
02:58But the registry told me they'd already bonded.
03:00Recognized me completely as their owner.
03:03Releasing them without care would cause serious psychological harm.
03:06I looked at those three pairs of beautiful eyes and caved.
03:09I let them stay.
03:10They said they had no names.
03:12So I gave them some.
03:13Oldest to youngest.
03:14Ethan, Eric, Evan.
03:16Young, hot-blooded wolf shifters with energy to burn.
03:20Even in human form, they couldn't stop their ears and tails from flickering.
03:24Clinging to me every hour of every day.
03:26Then one afternoon, Chloe called.
03:29Sis, aren't you going to come home for the arranged marriage?
03:32The man has had three wives die on him.
03:33And he's ugly.
03:34But his family has money.
03:36I looked away.
03:37That was exactly why my family had cut me off after I fought the arrangement.
03:41They couldn't bring themselves to send Chloe in my place.
03:44So instead, they applied steady, relentless pressure on me.
03:48Eric, who always read the room perfectly.
03:50Don't like the call?
03:51Hang up.
03:51What was that voice?
03:52I took the opening to change the subject.
03:54I rescued three injured wolf pups a while back.
03:57They just shifted recently and they won't leave me alone.
04:00We can barely keep up.
04:02A few seconds of silence.
04:03I'm honestly jealous.
04:05My snake shifter won't even let me touch him.
04:08He'll warm up eventually.
04:10Chloe just gave a soft, unconvinced hum.
04:12The next day, she showed up at my door with bags upon bags.
04:15She wore a pretty little white dress, beaming at me.
04:19Surprise, sis.
04:21I turned around.
04:22All three shifters' eyes went straight to her.
04:25I quietly turned back.
04:27I was used to it, honestly.
04:28Everyone gravitated toward Chloe.
04:30She was radiant and magnetic.
04:31Every gesture, every smile pulled at people without even trying.
04:35Standing next to her, I felt exactly like what I was.
04:38Plain and unremarkable.
04:40Chloe glanced around.
04:41Your apartment is so much smaller than the family estate.
04:44Is there even enough room for them?
04:46It's fine.
04:47Then I watched Ethan, usually disinterested in everything,
04:50let his gaze drift to Chloe.
04:52Eric's devastating smile turned itself on her instead.
04:56Even Evan, the moody one, propped his head up to stare at her,
04:59his wolf ears flickering nonstop.
05:01Chloe didn't seem to notice.
05:03She sipped her water with perfect innocence.
05:05In that moment, I knew.
05:07My things were about to drift quietly toward Chloe again.
05:11After that, the gentle, clingy warmth disappeared.
05:14They became crueler, like they wanted me destroyed,
05:17like they couldn't stop themselves.
05:18Until I heard their conversation, I'd been right all along.
05:22One look at Chloe, and they'd fallen.
05:24The afternoon came fast.
05:26A knock at the door.
05:27Chloe arrived.
05:28The silence that had settled over the apartment deepened into something heavier.
05:32You're really giving all three of us to her?
05:35Yes.
05:36Not keeping one for yourself?
05:37Which of you wants to stay with me?
05:39The air curdled.
05:40No one answered.
05:41Finally, Evan got up and went to open the door.
05:44He rolled his eyes, a flick of contempt on his face.
05:47Stop pretending to be decent.
05:48Both of you.
05:50Chloe's bright smile filled the frame.
05:52Hi, boys.
05:54My sister already explained things, right?
05:56You all belong to me now.
05:58Hey there, new mistress.
06:01Chloe looked him over with satisfaction,
06:02then let her gaze sweep across Eric and Ethan.
06:06You're all gorgeous.
06:07Did you pack?
06:09Actually, never mind.
06:10I'm sure my sister couldn't afford to buy you much anyway.
06:13We'll get everything new at the villa.
06:15Ethan gave a lazy murmur of agreement.
06:17Eric glanced at Chloe,
06:18then slid his eyes over to me.
06:20I kept my face blank.
06:22Every set of eyes in the room landed on me at once.
06:25Chloe noticed.
06:25She walked up to me.
06:26Don't worry, sis.
06:28I'll take better care of them.
06:29And when you're done playing house,
06:31just come home and do the arranged marriage.
06:34Stop stressing mom and dad.
06:37Arranged marriage?
06:38What arranged marriage?
06:40Chloe didn't explain.
06:41She studied my expression.
06:43Nothing there.
06:43Maybe one of them should stay with you.
06:45You seem upset.
06:47Evan didn't move from Chloe's side.
06:49Ethan leaned against the wall, bored.
06:51Eric's smile stayed thin and cool.
06:54No one spoke.
06:55Chloe wasn't surprised.
06:56She gave me a small, comforting smile.
06:58Between the two of us,
07:00I was never the one who got chosen.
07:02We'd both made peace with that a long time ago.
07:05And him?
07:05Add my words,
07:06Chloe's posture barely shifted.
07:08Then she turned towards the door.
07:10Come in!
07:11Heavy footsteps,
07:12a man stepped forward,
07:14tall,
07:15with an almost aggressive stillness to him.
07:17The next second,
07:19I was looking directly into a pair of dark,
07:22shadow-filled eyes.
07:25Hello.
07:26His gaze came from above,
07:27sticky,
07:28appraising.
07:29I broke out in goosebumps.
07:31He didn't acknowledge me.
07:32He's just like this, sis.
07:34If it's too much,
07:35tell me and I'll take him back.
07:37Who is he?
07:38Chloe clearly didn't want to explain.
07:41I didn't know where to begin either.
07:42She smiled and pivoted.
07:45The car's waiting downstairs.
07:47Shall we?
07:47The wolves were quiet for a beat,
07:49then didn't push further.
07:51They followed Chloe out on long strides.
07:54The snake shifter stayed.
07:55I was about to close the door when
07:57Eric looked back at me.
07:59Something unreadable in his face,
08:01and the man beside me
08:02suddenly contracted his pupils
08:04into a cold,
08:05a smooth tail wound around my waist.
08:08A strange, overwhelming scent
08:10burst through the air.
08:14You, you're in heat!
08:19But his tail cushioned the impact.
08:21It didn't hurt.
08:22His breath spilled across my neck.
08:24My skin broke into shivers.
08:26Then, sharp knocking at the door,
08:27Eric's voice from outside.
08:29Are you okay?
08:30My fingers stirred.
08:31The pale, cold, gold, vertical pupils
08:33staring down at me
08:34seemed to darken.
08:35The coil around my waist tightened.
08:37I didn't reach for the door.
08:39Are you in pain?
08:40Let me get you some heat suppresses, okay?
08:42The pressure around me paused.
08:44The mating scent that had been thickening
08:46stopped spreading.
08:47More knocking.
08:48Harder now.
08:48Chloe's voice uncertain.
08:49Sis?
08:50Are you both okay in there?
08:52I thought I'd calmed him down.
08:53I let out a breath.
08:54I was about to speak.
08:56A coldness at my neck.
08:57He bit me.
08:58Not soft, like claiming something.
09:00And yet beneath it,
09:01a trace of something almost indulgent.
09:03I muffled a sound.
09:05My voice came out slightly adrift.
09:06We're fine.
09:07You can go.
09:09Ethan's drawl.
09:10You sure?
09:12Mm-hmm.
09:12She said she's fine.
09:13Evan cut in impatient.
09:14Then, a beat later.
09:15Elena, that snake didn't hit you, did he?
09:18No.
09:19I bit my lower lip.
09:20Behind my neck,
09:21a cool tongue traced over the mark.
09:23Good thing the door had closed in time.
09:25The scent hadn't drifted out.
09:26The footsteps faded.
09:28I pushed the snake shifter off
09:29and didn't let myself look at his tail.
09:31I rummaged quickly for the heat suppressants.
09:33The same ones I'd used on Ethan,
09:35Eric, and Evan during their heat cycles.
09:38When it became too much,
09:39even for me.
09:40Plenty left.
09:40I tossed them to him,
09:41then went to wash my face.
09:43When I came back to the living room,
09:45his tail was gone.
09:46The man was draped across the couch,
09:48long legs crossed,
09:49expression back to its cold,
09:51shuttered default.
09:52He glanced up at me.
09:53I thought you were...
09:55I started confused.
09:56Celibate?
09:56His voice was low and rough.
09:58It's a theological response.
09:59It's been too long since my last suppressor.
10:01Oh.
10:01Knowing Chloe's personality,
10:03if she'd actually wanted to sleep with him,
10:05she wouldn't have kept him on suppressants.
10:06And judging by what had just happened,
10:08it wasn't like he could hold back indefinitely.
10:09So how had he been managing before?
10:11But if he didn't want to say,
10:12I wasn't going to pry.
10:13I poured a glass of warm water
10:15and handed it to him.
10:16Rest today.
10:16You can help with the housework tomorrow.
10:18And if you need more recovery time,
10:20take it.
10:20He cut me off.
10:21You treated them the same way?
10:22I blinked.
10:23Them.
10:24He meant Ethan and the others.
10:26I was quiet for a second,
10:27then nodded.
10:28Equality between pure humans and shifters
10:30was the standard now,
10:32technically.
10:32But given a shifter's nature,
10:34the bonding,
10:35the recognition of owners,
10:36there was always emphasis
10:37on extending extra consideration to them.
10:40Long quietness.
10:42My name is Vance.
10:43I registered it and smiled.
10:44Nice to meet you.
10:45I'm Elena.
10:45He stood, expressionless,
10:47and walked toward the balcony.
10:49The bedroom isn't that way.
10:50Wait, are you going to jump?
10:52If you don't like it here,
10:53I can ask Chloe to take you back.
10:54I rushed after him.
10:55Found him bent over the washing machine,
10:57pulling out clean laundry,
10:58piece by piece,
10:59hanging it to dry.
10:59Eric had put my clothes in the wash that morning.
11:01He hadn't taken them out before he left.
11:03I watched Vance's long fingers handle my clothes
11:06and scratched my cheek.
11:08I'll buy a dryer in a few days,
11:09then you won't have to do this.
11:10Vance said nothing.
11:11I never got the chance to buy that dryer.
11:13The next morning,
11:14an uninvited guest appeared.
11:16The Ashford Estate's butler
11:18stood at my door with measured deference.
11:21Miss, your father says you've had enough time.
11:24It's time to return
11:26and proceed with the arranged marriage.
11:28No.
11:29The butler smiled.
11:31Miss, this is the wish of both the master and madam.
11:36He stepped aside.
11:38Several bodyguards materialized behind him.
11:41I laughed coldly.
11:42Aren't you worried I'll stab the man
11:44with a knife on the wedding day
11:45and then kill myself?
11:46The butler's expression faltered.
11:48The master said,
11:49should you agree to the marriage,
11:51you will receive 5% of the Ashford group shares.
11:55My hand on the door went still.
11:56The butler seemed to have anticipated exactly this.
11:59The car is waiting downstairs.
12:02Also,
12:04the second miss asked that you bring Mr. Vance along.
12:07I glanced back at Vance.
12:09We made eye contact.
12:10His dark eyes were as unreadable as ever.
12:14Yet somehow,
12:15a chill crawled down my spine.
12:17Back at the Ashford estate.
12:19The entire first floor.
12:21Just Ethan,
12:22Eric,
12:22and Evan.
12:23The atmosphere was awkward.
12:25Evan set down his game controller
12:27and glanced up,
12:28eyes tracking from me to Vance.
12:30Ethan drawled.
12:32Why are you here?
12:34It's my house.
12:35Can I come back?
12:36Ethan's expression didn't change,
12:37but the corner of his mouth curved up slightly.
12:39I stared.
12:40Eric set down the fruit he'd been arranging
12:42and walked toward me.
12:45Chloe said you refused to come home for months,
12:47and now you show up.
12:48Did you miss us?
12:50I stepped back.
12:51Before I could speak,
12:51Evan scoffed.
12:52Don't even wonder.
12:53Without us,
12:54she couldn't last a day.
12:55She doesn't look particularly heartbroken to me.
12:59Ethan's eyes snapped up.
13:01Who asked you?
13:02Sharp,
13:03hostile energy surged through the room.
13:05I reached back quickly
13:06and pressed my hand over Vance's,
13:08cool beneath my palm,
13:09trying to calm him,
13:10the same as yesterday.
13:11Wolves and snakes were both apex level shifters.
13:14If they actually fought,
13:15it wouldn't end clean.
13:17What,
13:17you brought him here to make us jealous?
13:21Snakes are cold-blooded.
13:22And from what Chloe says,
13:24this one's worse than most.
13:25No feelings at all.
13:28You don't actually think you can change him,
13:30do you?
13:30Then,
13:31Eric grabbed my jaw.
13:33Fingers tight.
13:34Uncomfortably tight.
13:35His stare locked onto my neck.
13:38The mark from last night.
13:39His voice came down slow and deliberate.
13:41What's that?
13:42A hickey?
13:44That single sentence detonated.
13:46Evan unfolded himself from the couch,
13:48pulling that sharp grin.
13:50Come again?
13:51Then a cool hand yanked me behind him.
13:54Vance smiled,
13:55barely.
13:56Back off.
13:57Eric's expression hardened.
13:58What did you just say?
13:59The tension in the room snapped taut.
14:02Then Chloe came down from upstairs,
14:04all brightness.
14:04I could hear you from my room.
14:06What's going on?
14:07They think the mark on my neck is a hickey.
14:10They seem unhappy about it and want to investigate.
14:14Predictably,
14:15Chloe's smile flickered.
14:17Her gaze settled on my neck.
14:21So is it?
14:23What do you think?
14:24I deflected.
14:25She didn't answer.
14:26Silence.
14:27Ethan sauntered over,
14:29hands in his pocket.
14:30You always covered marks like that.
14:32Why show it today?
14:34Probably because I don't consider this a hiccup.
14:36That seemed to click for the others.
14:38Evan blinked.
14:38Now that you mention it,
14:40you used to cover everything.
14:41Eric's eyes narrowed.
14:43Sis,
14:43father wants you in his study.
14:45You don't need to follow her up.
14:46I slipped my hand quietly from Vance's grip
14:49and paused.
14:50I looked back at the room.
14:51Don't give him trouble.
14:55We give him trouble?
14:58Elena,
14:58in your eyes we're-
15:00I turned and walked away before he could finish.
15:02Silence behind me.
15:03Register the marriage first.
15:05Hold the wedding after.
15:06Father leaned back in his chair and sift his tea.
15:09Once everything is settled,
15:11I'll transfer the 5%.
15:12I didn't hesitate.
15:14I want the shares the moment the certificate is signed.
15:16The teacup hit the saucer hard.
15:18The lines around his eyes deepened with irritation.
15:20You really have that little faith in your own family?
15:22I sighed.
15:23I'm just worried Chloe might throw a fit
15:25and my share disappears again.
15:26He flinched, visibly.
15:28The irritation held,
15:29but after a long beat,
15:30he relented.
15:31Come back with your husband and the marriage certificate.
15:34It said everything about what my compliance meant to them.
15:36And beyond that,
15:37this share transfer would also serve
15:38as a gesture of loyalty to the man I was marrying.
15:41After all,
15:42assets acquired during marriage get split between spouses.
15:45I didn't comment on any of that
15:47and stood to leave.
15:48You'll stay at the estate until the wedding.
15:51No wandering off.
15:52And those shifters,
15:53cut that off before the ceremony.
15:57I came back downstairs to the same quiet.
16:00I walked over to Vance.
16:02I also had something to say to him.
16:04Let me show you my room.
16:06Evan looked at me suspiciously.
16:07You haven't been back in months.
16:09What's there to see?
16:13Want to come too?
16:15Who said I did?
16:16Chloe was picking through the fruit bowl.
16:18Father's still home.
16:20Maybe it's not appropriate.
16:22Her voice was deliberate.
16:23You have three shifters with you.
16:25I'm bringing one to my room.
16:27What exactly isn't appropriate?
16:31We never...
16:34You make a fair point, sis.
16:37But Vance still has to be willing.
16:39Every pair of eyes in the room
16:41turned to the man with the perfectly unreadable face.
16:44Let's go.
16:45I nodded and gestured for him to follow.
16:47Whatever the others looked like behind me,
16:49I didn't care to check.
16:51My room was white and minimal.
16:52Clean.
16:53Someone had kept it dusted.
16:54I cleared my throat.
16:55Ready to speak.
16:56Something coiled around my waist.
16:58The tail.
16:59Your scent is so strong here.
17:04I haven't lived here in months.
17:05It's still that strong?
17:08Something dangerous spread through the air.
17:10I genuinely feared he'd consume me.
17:12His sharp teeth dragged against my collarbone.
17:17You just took us to presses yesterday.
17:20I brought you up here to tell you something.
17:23I'm getting married.
17:25Vance didn't release me the way I expected.
17:27Instead, his tail coiled tighter,
17:29and I was lifted and dropped onto the bed.
17:31He loomed over me.
17:33Then his tail slipped beneath the hem of my shirt.
17:36I grabbed it on instinct,
17:37then looked away fast.
17:39He watched me, gaze darkening.
17:42You dislike me?
17:46No, that's not...
17:47Aren't you my owner?
17:48Shadow fell over me.
17:50Or are you afraid?
17:51Honestly, a little.
17:53First, snakes were notoriously insatiable.
17:56Snake shifters, even more so.
17:58If Chloe hadn't said he was celibate,
18:00I never would have asked for him.
18:02Second, certain things were simply too much.
18:04But I really am getting married,
18:07so I'll probably need to give you back to Chloe for now.
18:09She won't be marrying anytime soon.
18:11Something moved behind Vance's eyes at last,
18:14right as something brutal flickered across his gaze.
18:16I asked quietly,
18:17Do you wanna...
18:19go back to Chloe?
18:21Have I made you miserable?
18:24No.
18:25You're actually pretty proactive about the housework.
18:28The next second,
18:29he lowered himself over me,
18:31his shadow swallowing everything.
18:35Then don't even think about getting rid of me.
18:38I was quiet.
18:40Then I reached out,
18:41and gently touched his tail.
18:43Don't worry.
18:45About what, exactly?
18:47I shook my head inwardly.
18:48I had a plan already.
18:49A few days later,
18:51a private room,
18:51at a cafe.
18:52I took a calm sip of coffee.
18:54I looked across the table,
18:55and cut straight to the point.
18:57I know you're in love with Chloe.
18:58He looked up,
18:59surprised,
19:00set his phone down.
19:01I also know you've been approaching our family
19:03with a marriage proposal.
19:05You want Chloe,
19:07but they keep deflecting you with the excuse
19:08that the eldest daughter has to marry first.
19:11Who wouldn't prefer your sister?
19:13She's not indifferent to me either.
19:15She just says she won't compete with you
19:17because you liked me first.
19:19I have a way to get you what you want.
19:22What way?
19:23We get a fake marriage certificate.
19:26If Chloe really does feel something for you,
19:28she'll get jealous when she sees us together.
19:31Right?
19:31A fake certificate?
19:33People only realize what they want
19:34when they think they're losing it.
19:37If you act close to me,
19:38let her see it,
19:39she'll be devastated.
19:40Then,
19:41at the ceremony itself,
19:43I disappear.
19:44No bride.
19:45She won't be able to stand
19:47watching you humiliated in front of everyone.
19:49She'll step in.
19:54Then you tell her,
19:56it's always been her.
19:57Have a ring ready.
19:58Something chosen just for her.
20:00She'll be moved.
20:02That's not wrong.
20:08I know we'd never make each other happy.
20:09You love Chloe that deeply
20:11and she feels something for you.
20:13I'd rather the two of you get to be happy.
20:16Miss Ashford,
20:17I misjudged you.
20:18I had no idea you were so generous.
20:22As long as you're both happy.
20:24The day I came home with a marriage certificate
20:26and my fake husband,
20:28the entire Ashford family
20:29was seated at the dining table.
20:31Everyone's face said something different.
20:33The news about the arranged marriage
20:34had already spread through the household.
20:36I caught Vance's eye from across the room.
20:39A small, reassuring look.
20:41His expression was flat,
20:42but I could feel it.
20:43The suppressed hostility simmering underneath.
20:45The faint darkness around him.
20:47It was fine.
20:48Once everything was resolved,
20:49I had a place for him and what came next.
20:51I gave him a small, calm smile from across the room.
20:53He glanced at me once,
20:55then looked away.
20:56When I slipped into the kitchen to help carry dishes,
20:59Eric was at the sink.
21:00You don't like him.
21:02Who?
21:02Your husband.
21:04Eric smiled pleasantly.
21:08Elena, ask me nicely and I'll help you run.
21:11I looked at him.
21:11He clarified.
21:12The other two are on board too.
21:14The other two.
21:14Ethan and Evan.
21:16That explained why all three of them had been off today.
21:18Eric's voice dropped,
21:19just a shade too deliberate.
21:20You don't want to spend the rest of your life
21:22with someone you don't even like, do you?
21:24Mind your own business.
21:26You'll regret this, Elena.
21:28Regret?
21:30After dinner,
21:31Chloe chatted brightly with my fake husband,
21:34effortless and radiant.
21:36I slipped away to the study alone
21:38and signed the share transfer documents.
21:41Next week, the grand wedding
21:43and the show was just getting started.
21:45The days before the wedding,
21:46I was perfectly calm.
21:48I tried on jewelry.
21:49The estate, meanwhile,
21:50had developed its own sustained low pressure system.
21:53Even Chloe,
21:54who normally at least maintained the pretense of civility,
21:57stopped by to take a shot.
21:58Didn't expect 5% of the shares to be enough to break you.
22:01I had no reaction.
22:02That seemed to infuriate her more.
22:04Do you know how much I'll have eventually?
22:06When father's gone,
22:08all of it comes to me.
22:10I paused.
22:11I actually looked at her.
22:12She looked satisfied.
22:14Jealous?
22:15The filial piety in this household is truly something.
22:19I couldn't help but think.
22:21Pathetic.
22:22Evan kept his face blank.
22:23Eric nodded.
22:24Ethan scrolled through his phone and said nothing.
22:27Pathetic?
22:27Are they talking about me?
22:29I didn't care what they thought.
22:30I was watching Vance.
22:31He wasn't as dark as I'd expected.
22:33He just lifted his gaze.
22:35And those black,
22:36fathomless eyes met mine.
22:38That's when I realized it.
22:40When his eyes weren't carrying that cold hostility,
22:43they were beautiful.
22:44The shape subtle.
22:45The outer corners lifting just slightly.
22:47An unintentional,
22:48almost lazy quality to the look.
22:50The wedding day arrived.
22:52The city's most prestigious hotel.
22:54Over 30,000 white roses cascading from the ceiling.
22:57Crystal chandeliers threading through the waterfall of petals.
23:00Long tables draped in ivory jacquard.
23:02Champagne flutes standing in neat rows.
23:04Catching the light with a faint golden tint.
23:06Every detail was breathtaking.
23:08Big budget.
23:08I took one look,
23:09then was ushered into the backstage dressing room.
23:11Over the next three hours,
23:12the guest list filled.
23:14From backstage,
23:14I heard the steady murmur of congratulations.
23:17My parents appeared several times
23:18to confirm I was still there and cooperating.
23:20I looked at myself in the mirror.
23:22Flawless makeup.
23:23Then I checked the clock.
23:24The ceremony was about to begin.
23:25I'd already taken care of the makeup artist
23:27and assistant in advance.
23:28I gathered the heavy skirt and slipped out.
23:31Elena, the bathroom's straight ahead.
23:32The assistant kept pace,
23:34so no one in the hallway questioned it.
23:38Once inside,
23:40I stripped off the gown efficiently
23:41and changed into the clothes she'd stashed in her bag.
23:44Something light,
23:44with sneakers,
23:45and opened the window.
23:46A black car was parked close by.
23:48First floor.
23:49I climbed onto the sill and dropped down cleanly.
23:54Once in the car,
23:55I called Vance.
23:59Two rings.
24:00No answer.
24:01I frowned.
24:01Maybe the venue was too loud.
24:03He didn't hear it.
24:04Head to the airport.
24:05The car pulled into traffic.
24:06I opened my phone and found the live stream.
24:08My fake husband had insisted on broadcasting the ceremony.
24:11He wanted the world to see the moment
24:13Chloe stepped forward out of love.
24:15Lucky for me,
24:16that made watching very convenient.
24:17Please welcome our bride and groom from both sides!
24:21Both doors opened simultaneously.
24:23The right side,
24:24where I was supposed to stand,
24:25was empty.
24:26I laughed.
24:27Then I looked at the left side,
24:28a shadow,
24:29there for just a second.
24:30My smile faded.
24:33Vance?
24:34The left side was also empty.
24:36The venue erupted.
24:37I stared at the screen.
24:38Two minutes later,
24:39my fake husband rushed in.
24:41He recovered,
24:42took the microphone.
24:43Actually,
24:44today's bride was never Elena Ashfun.
24:46The bride I've been waiting for
24:48is my true love,
24:50Miss Chloe Ashfun!
24:52That was when Vance's call came through.
24:57Where are you?
24:58On the way to the airport.
24:59You...
25:00Before I could finish asking,
25:02a news alert pushed to my screen.
25:03Male family heir confirmed for tonight's high-profile wedding.
25:07Not a pure human.
25:08Reports indicate he is a shifter.
25:09I tapped it immediately.
25:11A tall,
25:11unmistakable silhouette.
25:13Comments below.
25:14Looks like a snake shifter.
25:15Cold-blooded running a corporation.
25:16Actually kind of fitting.
25:18Something clicked in my mind.
25:20Vance,
25:20were you just trying to...
25:21Crashed the wedding.
25:22I swallowed it back.
25:23I'm planning to lay low abroad for a while
25:24until things settle.
25:25I hung up.
25:26If Vance wanted to follow,
25:27he would.
25:28If not,
25:28I didn't mind either way.
25:29I turned back to the live stream.
25:31Total chaos at the venue.
25:33Chloe's perfect face
25:34was streaked with tears.
25:36Shaking her head.
25:37Backing behind my father.
25:38Father's face was iron gray.
25:40Where's Elena?
25:41Find her!
25:42She's gone too far!
25:43You said you had feelings for me.
25:45Her sister was willing to step aside for us
25:46and you can't even...
25:47I have no idea what's going on.
25:49Since my son loves Chloe,
25:50why not let Chloe take her place?
25:51It's still a happy occasion for both families.
25:53I'd had the foresight to block my parents,
25:55the butler,
25:56and Chloe before leaving.
25:57Even with the groom's mother
25:58trying to smooth things over,
26:00they couldn't afford to make a scene.
26:01My mother went still,
26:02then looked at Chloe.
26:03Chloe bit her lip.
26:04Her voice came out.
26:06No!
26:07What do you mean no?
26:08Were you lying to me this whole time?
26:09Don't you have feelings for me?
26:10I don't!
26:11You had three wives die on you!
26:12Why would I ever like you?
26:14Complete chaos.
26:18I watched with genuine satisfaction.
26:20Then I spotted Ethan, Eric, and Evan
26:22in the corner of the frame.
26:24Their expressions were something else entirely.
26:26At the airport, my phone rang.
26:31The fake husband.
26:32His voice was hard.
26:34Come back.
26:35Marry me.
26:35What's your problem?
26:37You're not worth it.
26:38I blocked him, too.
26:41Honestly, I'd overlooked him.
26:43I hadn't thought he'd be this delusional.
26:46I'd been waiting for a while
26:47when a shadow fell across me.
26:49I smiled without looking up.
26:50You're here.
26:51I raised my eyes.
26:52Ethan.
26:52I blinked.
26:53What's that face?
26:56Disappointed?
26:58Who were you expecting?
26:59Vance.
27:00His expression went cold.
27:01You really can't catch a break.
27:02He's not coming.
27:03I nodded, kept my face easy.
27:06Ethan dropped into the seat beside me.
27:08I didn't expect you to actually pull off an escape.
27:10Don't bother me.
27:11I really...
27:11I cut him off.
27:12He shut his mouth.
27:13Bit down on his back teeth.
27:14He switched tactics.
27:15No cold edge this time.
27:17Where are you going?
27:17Not your business.
27:19Elena.
27:19Where are Eric and Evan?
27:22Ethan's expression changed.
27:25They're blocking Vance, aren't they?
27:28His face went tight.
27:30Then I saw him.
27:31Vance came through the crowd in long strides,
27:33a dried cut at his temple,
27:34marks on his neck,
27:35something low and dark in the set of his expression.
27:38When he reached me,
27:38the sharp smell of blood came with him.
27:41Are you okay?
27:42Ethan clenched his jaw.
27:46What did you do to them?
27:52Vance settled behind me,
27:54his chin coming to rest on my shoulder,
27:56one arm loosely circling my waist,
27:58an embrace, cool as winter air.
28:01I'm talking to you.
28:02Vance smiled.
28:04Why?
28:05Something unsettling in it.
28:06Would it make you happy if something happened to them?
28:09I paused.
28:10Eric and Evan were Ethan's brothers.
28:12Why would their getting hurt make him happy?
28:15Ethan's throat moved.
28:18Where are they?
28:19No idea.
28:20Probably close to dead, though.
28:23Ice went through me.
28:24But Ethan,
28:25but Ethan,
28:26contrary to everything I'd expected,
28:28didn't turn and run.
28:29You're both leaving.
28:31Together.
28:33Isn't it obvious?
28:35Why are you taking him?
28:36The vein at Ethan's temple stood out.
28:38Are you alright?
28:40Chloe gave him to me.
28:42I'm his owner.
28:44Then you're still mine!
28:45You all belong to Chloe now.
28:47Don't you remember?
28:51You're the one who sent me to her.
28:53Something dark pooled in his eyes.
28:55I heard everything you said in the living room that morning.
28:59How much you all liked Chloe.
29:01I was doing you a favor.
29:03And now you're turning it around on me?
29:05You heard all of that?
29:07I had nothing more to say to him.
29:09I pulled Vance by the hand
29:10and turned to go.
29:12Ethan moved to follow
29:13and was stopped by the airport security
29:15I'd quietly arranged in advance.
29:17Vance sat beside me on the flight.
29:19He looked down,
29:20long lashes casting a faint shadow across his cheeks.
29:24So,
29:26you really were gonna take the groom's place and marry me?
29:30Hmm.
29:33You move fast.
29:34After realizing I wasn't there,
29:36it slipped out immediately.
29:37That brief shadow on the live stream?
29:39Only I would have recognized it.
29:41Your scent went faint.
29:43Right.
29:43The terrifying thing about shifters
29:45was their sense of smell.
29:46Precise and absolute.
29:49I'll be overseas for a while.
29:50Until the timing is right to come back.
29:53Vance leaned in close.
29:54That cool, faint air of his
29:56wrapped around me.
29:58His lips pressed lightly
30:00to the side of my neck.
30:01This time,
30:02he didn't bite.
30:03I almost smiled.
30:04They said wolves were canines.
30:05Bonded hard.
30:06But this cold-blooded snake
30:08seemed more bonded
30:09than any of them.
30:10Over the months that followed,
30:12the Ashford family fell into disarray.
30:14I switched to an overseas number.
30:16No one could reach me.
30:17Chloe never ended up marrying the man.
30:19The two families became enemies.
30:21When I returned,
30:22my parents had aged.
30:23My father spent most of his time
30:24in a hospital bed.
30:25They couldn't trust the extended family
30:27with the company,
30:28so they'd given it to Chloe.
30:29But under Chloe's management,
30:31the group was declining.
30:32Steadily.
30:33Then I walked through the door.
30:35My mother's hand rose on instinct.
30:36She was going to slap me.
30:38I stepped back.
30:39I smiled.
30:40Are you sure?
30:41I'm the only one who can save you now.
30:43I froze mid-air.
30:44I looked over.
30:45Chloe had her eyes locked on me,
30:47sharp and searching,
30:48but she looked nothing like before.
30:50The polish was gone.
30:51She was frayed,
30:53worn down by everything
30:54she'd been holding together
30:55and led her to.
30:56Long time no see,
30:57little sister.
30:58For her gaze away
30:58and burst into tears.
31:00Chloe had hated her sister
31:01since childhood.
31:03Why?
31:03It started in primary school.
31:05Her sister always had people around her,
31:07boys and girls,
31:08a full crowd.
31:09Her sister stood in the middle of them,
31:10smiling.
31:11Then she noticed Chloe
31:12and waved.
31:18Chloe!
31:19Come here!
31:20When the others saw Chloe,
31:22their expressions shifted
31:23to something like wonder.
31:25Chloe walked over.
31:26Her sister reached into her pocket
31:28and pressed a candy into her hand.
31:30I saved this for you.
31:33Strawberry, your favorite.
31:35Chloe took it happily.
31:36Then one of the girls said,
31:39Elena is so thoughtful.
31:41She remembers everyone's favorite.
31:43Chloe's smile went stiff.
31:44Why?
31:45She was her sister.
31:46Why was she this nice to everyone?
31:47Shouldn't she save the best of herself for Chloe?
31:50Chloe turned and walked away.
31:55Behind her, voices floated.
31:58Is that your sister?
32:00She's gorgeous.
32:01Like a doll.
32:02Her eyes are so big.
32:04Her skin's...
32:04She didn't hear what her sister said back.
32:06She turned the corner
32:07and dropped the strawberry candy
32:09into a trash can.
32:11As they got older,
32:12Chloe learned something.
32:13She was prettier than her sister.
32:14Not that her sister was ugly.
32:15She was genuinely lovely
32:16in a quiet, clean way.
32:18But Chloe had inherited
32:19every striking feature
32:20with perfect precision,
32:22head to toe.
32:23So the pattern became this.
32:24Those who saw Chloe first,
32:25then her sister,
32:26looked vaguely let down.
32:28Those who saw her sister first,
32:29then Chloe,
32:30looked stunned.
32:32Every time this happened,
32:33Chloe thought to herself,
32:34her sister must be so hurt,
32:36so humiliated.
32:38When they were teenagers,
32:39her sister drew attention.
32:40The Ashford family's eldest daughter,
32:42graceful enough
32:43that boys noticed,
32:44despite everything.
32:45Inevitably,
32:46those boys noticed Chloe
32:47and redirected.
32:48Of course they did.
32:49She was brighter,
32:50prettier,
32:50warmer,
32:51pathetic,
32:51shallow idiots.
32:52Chloe thought it internally,
32:53all contempt.
32:55But honestly,
32:55if they'd spent more time
32:56with her sister,
32:57they'd have found out.
32:58Her sister was smarter
32:59and more interesting
33:00than anyone gave her credit for.
33:01Too bad they lacked the patience
33:03to look past the surface.
33:04At that thought,
33:05Chloe would feel something
33:06almost like pity.
33:08Poor thing.
33:08No matter how kind
33:09her sister was to everyone,
33:10people still chose Chloe.
33:12She imagined her sister in the dark,
33:14seething with jealousy,
33:15hating her.
33:15Somehow,
33:16that thought made the exhaustion
33:18of performing warmth
33:19all day vanish.
33:20Chloe would hum to herself,
33:22lighter.
33:22Then she met a snake shifter.
33:25Tall,
33:25striking,
33:26almost violently beautiful.
33:27She recognized him.
33:29Her sister,
33:29as a child,
33:30had found a half-dead,
33:31venomous snake
33:32and refused to leave it alone.
33:33Chloe had screamed at her then.
33:34Get away from it!
33:36Are you insane?
33:37Her kind,
33:37oblivious sister hadn't listened.
33:39She'd nursed the snake
33:40back to health.
33:41Her sister had probably
33:41forgotten all about it.
33:43Chloe remembered,
33:43so she brought Vance home.
33:44She knew why he agreed.
33:46He could smell her sister's
33:47presence in the house.
33:48Traces left from childhood.
33:49Here to repay a kindness?
33:51What a pity.
33:51My sister won't even know
33:52who you are.
33:53Vance didn't like Chloe.
33:54Not even a little.
33:55And the more he didn't,
33:56the more she wanted that to change.
33:58It never did.
33:58Then her sister called,
34:00wanting to trade.
34:00Chloe barely thought about it
34:02and said,
34:02yes,
34:02good.
34:03Let this cold snake
34:04see exactly what kind of person
34:05her sister is.
34:06How she opens her hands
34:07for everyone
34:08and how quickly
34:09she can close them.
34:10As expected,
34:10the three wolves took to Chloe
34:11almost instantly.
34:13But what she hadn't expected,
34:14her sister had genuinely
34:15forgotten Vance.
34:16And yet,
34:17she still treated him gently,
34:18instinctively.
34:19Why?
34:20After everything that's been done to her,
34:21why can't she just stop?
34:22A dying snake as a child,
34:24a litter of abandoned wolf pups.
34:25She picked them all up.
34:27Impossible.
34:28Infuriating.
34:28It was fine.
34:29Her sister was about to be forced
34:30into a marriage
34:31with a man who'd outlasted
34:32three wives.
34:33The pressure would crush her.
34:34Would she come crawling
34:35to Chloe then?
34:36The way Chloe used to visit?
34:37Bringing gifts
34:38to that small apartment
34:39playing the generous sibling.
34:41Would she finally be desperate enough
34:42to need Chloe's help?
34:43That would be the right choice.
34:45Come to her sister,
34:45not scatter kindness
34:46into the void.
34:47Chloe thought about all of it
34:48with something close to pleasure
34:50until she realized
34:51her sister had played her.
34:53I stepped into the role
34:54Chloe had been holding
34:55and I was better at it.
34:57The group began to stabilize.
34:59My father's condition
35:00improved somewhat.
35:01I mentioned it to Vance
35:03absently
35:03in the top floor office.
35:08When a sick person
35:09suddenly gets better,
35:10sometimes it's a last flare
35:12of strength before the end.
35:13Vance's pale fingers
35:15wound slowly
35:16through a strand of my hair.
35:18I see.
35:22Father got worse again.
35:24His current condition
35:26left him with no real grip
35:27on the company.
35:28He knew it.
35:29I went to visit him.
35:34Sign over whatever shares
35:36you have left.
35:37All of them.
35:38The man in the hospital bed,
35:40frail now,
35:41aged past recognition,
35:43erupted in fury
35:44but all he could do
35:45was cough.
35:46You built this company?
35:48Do you want to watch
35:49Chloe run it into the ground?
35:51He glared.
35:52I smiled.
35:53Give a little now
35:55and I'll make sure
35:56she's taken care of.
35:57You've already seen
35:58what she becomes without me.
36:00That's your precious daughter
36:02when you're not watching.
36:07father,
36:09I'm your daughter too.
36:11I have your blood.
36:14Who better to leave it with?
36:16He stared at me for a long time.
36:18Something painful
36:19moved behind his eyes.
36:21I smiled.
36:23Everything was in place.
36:25Vance was often with me
36:26when I worked.
36:27Sometimes,
36:28when I'd been absorbed
36:29in something too long,
36:30a cool,
36:31smooth tail
36:31would drift over
36:32and coil slowly
36:34around my waist.
36:35Why is he so clingy?
36:36I sighed,
36:37more fond than exasperated
36:39and stroked a tail
36:40in what I hoped
36:41was reassuring.
36:42Human form this time, please?
36:44Shifter form is
36:46genuinely too much for me.
36:51Okay.
36:52I never asked
36:53about his other identity,
36:55whether he was the heir
36:56to some family
36:57or the head
36:57of some organization,
36:58what his name meant
36:59in the world
37:00outside these walls.
37:01I wasn't curious.
37:02I only needed him here.
37:04That was enough.
37:05The way Ethan
37:05had once said
37:06at the airport.
37:07We actually have
37:08our own names.
37:09I don't need to know
37:10and I don't want to.
37:11That had been the end of it.
37:12As for the business deals
37:14Vance had quietly helped
37:15put into motion,
37:16I chose not to notice.
37:17I simply rewarded him
37:18from time to time.
37:20Small things,
37:21warmly given.
37:22Vance had hurt
37:22Eric and Evan
37:23badly enough
37:24that it had taken time
37:25for them to recover.
37:26By the time they were well,
37:27I was gone.
37:28They couldn't find me.
37:29Eventually,
37:30it seemed they'd left
37:31the Ashford estate too,
37:32until recently.
37:37Director Ashford,
37:38there are three people
37:39downstairs requesting
37:40to see you.
37:41They say their names
37:42are Ethan,
37:43Eric,
37:43and Evan.
37:46Put them through.
37:47Yes, ma'am.
37:49Elena?
37:51You're back in the country?
37:53I am.
37:55Come meet us.
37:57No time.
37:59Not interested.
38:02Afraid the snake
38:03gets jealous?
38:05His feelings
38:06aren't my concern.
38:07But I genuinely
38:08can't be bothered
38:08to see you.
38:09I'm not your owner anymore.
38:11You are!
38:11We never thought of
38:13Chloe as our owner!
38:14We never touched her either!
38:16If you'd wanted,
38:17we would have helped you
38:19disappear from that wedding
38:20a long time ago!
38:21So in your eyes,
38:23I'm still your owner.
38:25But in mine,
38:26you haven't been worth that
38:27in a long time.
38:33Director Ashford,
38:34these contracts
38:35need your review.
38:36Come in.
38:37I set the pen down.
38:40Before you go,
38:41let everyone know
38:42those three shifters
38:43downstairs
38:44are not to be let up.
38:45If they come back,
38:46have security remove them.
38:48understood,
38:49director.
38:49Also,
38:50you have a meeting shortly.
38:51What coffee would you like?
38:52Oh,
38:53right.
38:54The meeting.
38:55I picked up my phone
38:56and sent Vance
38:57a small emoji.
38:58A little pat.
38:59Might be home late.
39:00Be good and wait for me.
39:02Without waiting for a reply,
39:03I stood,
39:04smoothed the front of my jacket
39:05and walked out.
39:08Actually,
39:09no coffee.
39:10Just water.
39:11Tell everyone
39:11the conference room.
39:12Of course.
39:14Director Ashford.
39:15and I'll see you next time.
39:16Bye bye.
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