- 10 hours ago
I Gasped for Air, He Held Her He chose her over my last breath New Ep,20 SM
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Rain slammed against the glass walls of Walton Tower hard enough to shake the building.
00:04Then the elevator jerked violently and froze between floors.
00:07Mr. Walton, I hate elevators.
00:10It's okay.
00:10I stared at him.
00:12He never sounded like that with me.
00:14Then my chest tightened.
00:15I reached for my inhaler automatically and realized it wasn't there.
00:19I'd moved it into the side pocket of my bag that morning.
00:21Ethan, my inhaler.
00:25Please.
00:28You're scaring Teresa.
00:30Hey, look at me.
00:33I've got you.
00:35Vanilla perfume filled the elevator.
00:37The exact smell he said he hated.
00:39By the time maintenance forced the elevator doors open, my vision was already fading.
00:45I dated Ethan Walton for three years.
00:48In those three years, he never touched me.
00:50Not once.
00:52He told me the first time I leaned in to kiss him.
00:55Perfume gives me headaches.
00:56He told me he had severe contamination anxiety.
00:58He hated perfume, hated physical contact, hated the smell of skincare products on the skin.
01:04I believed him.
01:06Why wouldn't I?
01:07Ethan looked like the kind of man nobody questioned.
01:10I stopped wearing perfume.
01:12Changed the bedsheets every day because even laundry detergent bothered him.
01:15A mask was pressed over my face.
01:18Oxygen.
01:19Where's her inhaler?
01:20I pointed weakly toward my bag beside Ethan's feet.
01:23It's her personal stuff.
01:24I didn't know where it was.
01:25Even the paramedic looked stunned.
01:27When my best friend Rue arrived at the hospital, I was already hooked to a floor in the emergency room.
01:32The doctor asked Ethan to sign paperwork.
01:35He stayed outside the curtain.
01:37I'm not her family member.
01:38But she listed you as her fiancé.
01:41She's a friend.
01:42Rue looked at him like he'd lost his mind.
01:44Ethan Walton, she's been with you for three years.
01:47Teresa's frightened.
01:48I'm taking her home first.
01:50Then he walked out with Teresa in his coat.
01:52I woke up the next morning to a text message.
01:55Teresa cried all night.
01:56Don't make this harder for her.
01:58I stared at the screen silently.
02:01Rue snatched the phone from my hand.
02:03Babe, stop looking at him before I do something illegal.
02:05I laughed weakly.
02:07Rue handed me her phone.
02:08Someone from Walton's had posted a picture in the company group chat.
02:11Ethan standing outside the hospital.
02:13Teresa in the passenger seat wearing his coat.
02:16His watch on her wrist.
02:18I touched that watch once.
02:20Ethan shoved me back so hard I almost fell.
02:22Keep your hands off my watch.
02:25When I returned to Ethan's apartment that evening.
02:29Oh.
02:31Miss Brown.
02:32You're back.
02:35You just got discharged.
02:37Go shower first.
02:39You think I'm disgusting?
02:41That's not what I said.
02:43Miss Brown, it's not like that.
02:45I got a fever after the storm yesterday.
02:47So Mr. Walton let me stay the night.
02:50Why is she wearing my slippers on her feet and my necklace around her neck,
02:54enjoying everything that belongs to me?
02:57They're slippers, Liz!
02:59I'm sorry.
03:00I didn't know they were yours.
03:01Whatever.
03:03They're ruined now anyway.
03:06The inhaler was beside your feet.
03:08Teresa was panicking.
03:11What about me?
03:12You know how to handle asthma.
03:15She doesn't.
03:17Ethan Walton, we're done.
03:18You really think your business survives without the Waltons?
03:21You'd be broke in a month.
03:25The next morning, I still went to Walton Group with my presentation.
03:29My studio's final payment from Waltons was due next month.
03:32Without it, I couldn't pay salaries.
03:34I walked into the meeting room and only saw Teresa, like she already owned the place.
03:39Miss Brown?
03:40Waltons usually goes for something more current.
03:44Remake it.
03:45The collection launches in two weeks.
03:47Work faster.
03:50Sorry, Miss Brown still smells like a hospital.
03:53It's making me a little dizzy.
03:57Open the windows.
03:58Give Teresa some space.
04:03While I was packing up to return to the studio, Teresa came in.
04:06As she passed the sample rack, coffee splashed across the rack.
04:10Dark coffee splashed directly across the centerpiece garment of my collection.
04:13My mother made that fabric before she died.
04:16What the hell?
04:18Sorry, I burnt my hand.
04:21Jesus, Liz.
04:23You could have hurt her.
04:24At this point, you're crossing a line.
04:27Your studio's off the project temporarily.
04:30Teresa's stepping onto the project.
04:32She'll assist with the transition.
04:33Back at the studio, my employees kept asking when Walton's payment was coming.
04:37I locked myself in my office and stared at the accounts until midnight.
04:41Then Ethan came in.
04:43Give Teresa the velvet collection.
04:47What?
04:48She's entering the emerging designers competition.
04:51She needs a real shot at winning.
04:52I actually laughed.
04:55You want my work handed to your intern?
04:58Liz, stop making everything emotional.
05:00The velvet collection wasn't just work.
05:02No.
05:02My mother made that fabric.
05:04You already have a business.
05:06Because of who?
05:07A voice message suddenly played from his phone.
05:09Mr. Walton, please don't fight because of me.
05:13She's being nicer to you than you've ever been to her.
05:15I actually laughed.
05:17Was he hearing himself?
05:19I went to shower because I needed a shower after that conversation.
05:22When I came back out, the study drawer was open.
05:25The file box containing my original velvet sketches was gone.
05:28I ran downstairs just as his car pulled away.
05:31I arrived backstage at the emerging designers competition.
05:34Teresa stood beneath bright camera lights holding my sketch box against her chest.
05:38My box.
05:40One of the most exciting young designers this year.
05:42The interviewer announced excitedly.
05:44The crowd applauded.
05:47Teresa Shaw!
05:49Teresa's expression changed the second she saw me.
05:52You stole my work.
05:53My collection.
05:54Was anything ever enough for you?
05:55Or do you need my life too?
06:00Don't touch me!
06:01People were already staring.
06:03Phones out.
06:04Cameras recording.
06:05My mother's things are inside that box.
06:08For a second.
06:09Then suddenly she let go.
06:11The box slipped from her hands straight into a huge vat of red dye.
06:15I dropped to my knees instantly and grabbed the fabric before it disappeared under the dye.
06:19Teresa whispered softly enough only I could hear.
06:21I know exactly what's inside that box.
06:24Then Ethan arrived.
06:27Mr. Walton.
06:28Liz suddenly grabbed me.
06:30Ethan pulled her protectively behind him.
06:32That's enough.
06:34Check the surveillance footage.
06:36No, don't.
06:37I don't want to make a scene.
06:39Delete the footage.
06:40The manager hesitated.
06:42I'll handle it.
06:43I stared at him.
06:44He chose her again.
06:46Right in front of me.
06:48Then I slowly stood up holding ruined velvet against my chest.
06:51Outside the venue, giant screens lit up the night sky.
06:54Teresa Shaw, most promising young designer of the year.
06:57Inside the audience, Ethan applauded for her.
07:00That night, Ethan finally texted me.
07:03Don't be so dramatic.
07:04I'll buy you another studio.
07:10Stop being dramatic.
07:12I'll buy you another studio.
07:14I stared at the message for a long time before turning my phone face down on the table.
07:18Typical Ethan.
07:20The apartment felt strangely empty without him there.
07:23Or maybe I'd been alone the whole time.
07:26I walked into the study and turned on the printer, Walton's collaboration termination forms.
07:30Page after page slid slowly into the tray while rain tapped softly against the windows.
07:35The next afternoon, I gathered everyone from the studio together.
07:38I used my savings to pay everyone severance.
07:41After everyone left, I sat alone in the empty office.
07:44The fabric was still stained red.
07:46My mother's stitching was barely visible now.
07:49I could barely see her stitching anymore.
07:51I placed it carefully on top of the breakup papers anyway.
07:55Rue was waiting downstairs when I finally walked out carrying one suitcase.
07:59Damn, you're really leaving him.
08:01Rue didn't try to stop me after that.
08:04She just walked with me toward the car together.
08:06On the way to the airport, Ethan was blowing up my phone.
08:0912 missed calls.
08:103 years.
08:11I waited for that man to fight for me.
08:14At the boarding gate, I opened our message thread one last time.
08:17Then I typed, Ethan Walton, it's over.
08:20I pressed send without shaking, then went to the airport.
08:26Hotel first?
08:28I need to switch my number.
08:30Liz, are you really throwing everything away?
08:33I just can't go back anymore.
08:35I just can't keep living like that.
08:37Southport was the city where I interned during college.
08:40For the first time in years, I was somewhere Ethan couldn't reach me.
08:43I rented a tiny storefront in the old neighborhood near the fabric market.
08:47The entire place barely fit one sewing machine and a cutting table.
08:52What kind of business are you opening?
08:54Clothing, repairs, and laundry too.
08:58That still pays the bills?
09:01Business was slow at first.
09:03I wasn't making much.
09:04I spent entire afternoons hemming school uniforms, fixing sleeves, shortening pants for elderly
09:09customers.
09:11One afternoon, two months later, I went to the fabric market to restock materials.
09:16An older vendor was measuring linen for me when I heard a familiar voice behind me.
09:20Do you have vintage silk jackapod?
09:25Vintage floral jack wear.
09:27I turned slightly.
09:28Ethan stood a few feet away wearing a dark coat.
09:30He looked like he hadn't slept in days.
09:32Mr. Walton, we've searched three cities already.
09:35The fabric she used in the velvet collection.
09:37Some weaving techniques disappeared decades ago.
09:41What you're looking for isn't fabric anymore.
09:44It's someone's memories.
09:45And once those are destroyed, doesn't matter how rich you are.
09:49You still want the linen, miss?
09:51Yes.
09:52Two meters.
10:01Ethan suddenly looked toward my direction.
10:03I was wearing a mask.
10:05My hair was shorter.
10:06Still, his eyes stayed fixed on me for several long seconds.
10:09So I turned and walked away first.
10:12Back at the shop, my hands shook the rest of the afternoon.
10:15The next morning, my shop received the biggest order I'd gotten so far.
10:19A company needed performance outfits altered for a corporate event and specifically requested
10:23on-site measurements.
10:24I almost refused.
10:26Then I thought about rent.
10:27So I said yes.
10:29An hour later, I walked into a conference room.
10:32The door opened behind me, and Ethan Walton walked in.
10:37I froze.
10:38So did he.
10:39Mr. Walton, this is the tailor I mentioned.
10:43Her work is excellent.
10:44If Mr. Walton feels uncomfortable, you can replace me.
10:48No need.
10:49I kept my distance while taking measurements.
10:52The tape brushed across his shoulder line.
10:54My fingers barely got close before he suddenly spoke.
10:57Your voice sounds familiar.
11:01People say that all the time.
11:02He lowered his eyes toward me slowly.
11:04I pulled the tape back immediately.
11:07After finishing the measurements, I turned to leave and Ethan spoke behind me.
11:11Send me the fabric supplier's info.
11:13I had barely reached my shop when my landlord called.
11:19Liz, come back quickly.
11:21The whole street's getting redeveloped.
11:23What?
11:23They said Walton Group bought the property nearby.
11:26Most of us may have to leave.
11:28That night, I started packing the shop quietly.
11:32They might not kick us out right away.
11:34Don't panic.
11:35I was thinking about moving somewhere quieter anyway.
11:37I don't understand relationships between young people.
11:40But that Walton man came yesterday.
11:43He just stood out there staring at the shop.
11:45Never came in.
11:47He asked me if you were doing well.
11:51I told him you finally started looking alive again, so he should stop bothering you.
12:00The next morning, I left Southport before sunrise.
12:03My new shop tucked into a quiet neighborhood street.
12:06Every morning, the first customers were usually mothers bringing school uniforms for alterations.
12:11The sleeves are too long.
12:12The waist doesn't fit anymore.
12:15My son needs this tomorrow.
12:16Can you rush it?
12:17I never turned them away.
12:19After a while, older customers started coming in too.
12:22One grandmother brought me an old wool coat and carefully placed it on the table.
12:26My husband loved this coat on me.
12:29But the buttons broke.
12:31I replaced them one by one while she watched.
12:34When I handed it back, she smoothed her hand over the fabric again and again.
12:39Young lady, old things still matter.
12:42Take care of them, and they last.
12:45People throw things away too easily now.
12:48That evening, the shop door opened again.
12:54Liz.
12:55So this is where you disappeared to.
13:00How did you find me?
13:01People talk?
13:02Your work's good?
13:04I'm here as a customer.
13:06That's not a problem, is it?
13:08I'm not taking your order.
13:11Liz, relax.
13:12I'm not here to fight.
13:15I came here to apologize.
13:18The competition.
13:19I know I crossed a line.
13:21But at the time, I wanted one real opportunity.
13:25So you stole my work?
13:27You had everything.
13:28Talent, studios, Ethan.
13:30You were already chosen.
13:32I had nothing.
13:33Most people would have stayed broken.
13:35But you just keep starting over.
13:37You always land on your feet somehow.
13:40How do you always survive?
13:43Did you know my mother's fabric was destroyed while Ethan was clapping for you?
13:47Liz, people move on.
13:49Ethan's not doing well either.
13:52He's still looking for you.
13:54If you really believed he chose you,
13:56you wouldn't be sitting in my shop trying to see whether I still care.
14:00You want to know if I still hate you?
14:02If I still hurt?
14:03If I still react when his name comes up?
14:05You act so above this.
14:08But if you truly moved on,
14:09why won't you even touch my clothes?
14:12Because I think they're dirty.
14:14Get out.
14:15Small businesses survive on reviews, don't they?
14:19I'm just saying,
14:21you should be careful who you piss off.
14:27Three hours later,
14:29local marketing accounts started reposting my shop information online.
14:32Then screenshots from a local Facebook group appeared on local forums.
14:36She ruined my dress and refused compensation.
14:38Terrible attitude toward elderly customers.
14:41None of the damaged clothing belonged to actual orders from my shop.
14:44I filed reports immediately.
14:46The platform response was automatic.
14:48This may take several business days.
14:51At 11 that night,
14:52Rue called me.
14:55Liz,
14:56those posts are spreading fast.
14:57People online are saying they're coming to your shop tomorrow.
15:00Call the police.
15:01I will.
15:03But if Teresa's doing this,
15:04this isn't about reviews anymore.
15:07You really think it's her?
15:09Besides Teresa,
15:11nobody else would spend money trying to ruin me.
15:13The next morning,
15:14look at this, everyone.
15:16This place ruined my dress.
15:20$3,000 gone.
15:22And she refused to pay for it.
15:24I pulled the metal shutter open fully.
15:27That dress was never altered here.
15:29You hear that?
15:30She's denying it already.
15:33Every customer order is registered.
15:35Names,
15:36numbers,
15:37everything's documented.
15:38Tell me when you place the order and I'll check it right now.
15:40And who knows whether you deleted the records beforehand.
15:43Bet she scams people all the time.
15:45Knew this place looked shady.
15:48Oh,
15:48now you want police?
15:50Everyone look.
15:51She's threatening customers now.
15:55Former designer dropped by Walton Group after plazerism controversy.
16:00Everything around me blurred for a second.
16:02I thought I'd escaped that story.
16:07What?
16:08Feeling guilty?
16:09Someone suddenly threw a bucket of filthy water towards the storefront.
16:18Don't touch those.
16:19A man shoved into the store and yanked open one of the cabinets.
16:23Maybe she hides stolen clothes in here.
16:25If you touch anything else, I'll press charges.
16:29Yesterday, the old man handed it to me carefully.
16:32My wife's memorial ceremony is next week.
16:35She always liked me dressed properly.
16:37Blood spread across my hand instantly.
16:38But I barely felt it.
16:40Because one of the garments lying on the floor was an elderly customer's funeral jacket.
16:46This one, you can't touch this one.
16:48Everyone seeing this?
16:49She's protecting it this much.
16:51Looks suspicious to me.
16:54How much did they pay you to come here?
16:57Don't accuse people of things you can't prove.
16:59Then stay here when the police check your bank transfers.
17:06Stop changing the subject.
17:08Either you compensate me today or get on your knees and apologize.
17:13And maybe I won't let them destroy your shop.
17:18I didn't do anything wrong.
17:20Tear the place apart.
17:22A hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder and slammed him hard against the wall.
17:25Someone ripped the live stream phone out of the woman's hand and shut it off.
17:29What the hell is this?
17:30You can't just take my phone!
17:35Full order records.
17:37Surveillance backups.
17:38Records showing who got paid.
17:40They've already been submitted to the police.
17:42And if you touch her again, you're going to jail.
17:45Ethan finally looked at my bleeding hand.
17:47His voice dropped lower.
17:49Liz.
17:51Don't call me that.
17:54The police began separating people for questioning while the lawyers photographed the destroyed
17:58shop and documented everything.
17:59The live stream woman was still trying to defend herself while officers questioned her.
18:04I was just helping consumers protect their rights.
18:06She received payment through burner accounts.
18:08We also recovered messages instructing participants what to say during the live stream.
18:13She organized fake complaint groups and coordinated the live stream harassment.
18:18I'm just hired staff.
18:20I didn't know it would become this serious.
18:23We already traced who paid everyone involved.
18:25Teresa Shaw.
18:26Of course it was Teresa.
18:28Nothing about this surprised me anymore.
18:30Ethan couldn't look me in the eye.
18:32For the first time since I met him, I saw something close to disgust directed at himself instead of me.
18:36I'll handle this.
18:40No.
18:41Your people already got what they came for.
18:43You can leave now.
18:46Let me see your hand.
18:48Don't.
18:51You used to act like I was dirty.
18:55Now it's my turn.
18:57In the elevator that day,
19:01I saw your inhaler.
19:04I knew you couldn't breathe.
19:05I could have helped you.
19:07But I chose not to.
19:09I watched you struggle.
19:10So?
19:12So I don't have an excuse.
19:14I was cruel.
19:17I'm not a germaphobe.
19:20At least not the way you thought.
19:24What now?
19:25You want me to feel sorry for you?
19:26No.
19:27I'm going to tell you I was wrong.
19:29My mom used to wear this perfume.
19:32After she left, I couldn't stand the smell anymore.
19:35And after that, for years, certain smells just made me angry.
19:40I pushed everyone away.
19:41His fingers tightened at his sides.
19:44I called it contamination anxiety because it sounded easier than admitting I was broken.
19:48I said nothing.
19:49So everyone around me adjusted.
19:52What about Teresa?
19:55At first, I thought she made me better.
19:58Turns out I was wrong.
19:59She cried about being abandoned.
20:01Needed reassurance constantly.
20:03Looked at me like I was saving her.
20:04And I liked it.
20:05I liked being needed.
20:07Liked feeling important to someone weaker than me.
20:09But after you left, I realized I wasn't healed.
20:14I was just feeding the ugliest parts of myself.
20:19Competition footage.
20:21They missed the cloud backups.
20:23The files deleted on site were only local copies.
20:26There's footage of Teresa taking your designs.
20:30The payment records.
20:31The fake review accounts.
20:32Everything.
20:36It'll all be released publicly.
20:39I know it won't replace the original.
20:41I didn't know what else to do.
20:42Small stitch swatches attached page by page.
20:44I opened it slowly.
20:46The very first page held a recreation of my mother's fabric pattern.
20:50Ethan, it's not just the fabric that can't be restored.
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