- 10 hours ago
The Childless Marriage Episode Strong Woman's Revenge, Family Secrets, Romantic Drama
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Both double income, no kids retired together.
00:02We were planning to travel the world together when he suddenly came clean.
00:06I've publicly claimed we were child-free for 30 years.
00:09Now it's time to bring my children back home where they belong.
00:13But I had seen this coming long ago and smiled meaningfully.
00:16He thought I had lost my mind and continued.
00:18A man passing on his line is only natural.
00:21You couldn't have kids, so I played along.
00:24But now, I owe my children an explanation.
00:28He proposed a divorce.
00:30Wanting to take his pair of children and their mother on a family trip together.
00:33I agreed immediately, gracefully stepping aside and leaving.
00:36When news of the divorce spread, everyone sympathized with me.
00:43An elderly neighbor felt my pain.
00:45At her age, abandoned by her husband.
00:47What a miserable old age.
00:49So tragic.
00:50A college girl from the same apartment complex fumed on my behalf.
00:54That old bastard Charles is such a scumbag.
00:57Back then, he said they'd never have kids.
00:59Just enjoy their twin stem.
01:01Now look, his own son and daughter are old enough to make him a grandfather.
01:05Chatting with old friends.
01:06They couldn't help but sign.
01:07You were so glamorous in your youth.
01:09Successful career.
01:10Living freely.
01:11But you insisted on being child-free and now you're old and all alone.
01:15Even my parents advised me.
01:16As long as you don't divorce, his children become yours.
01:20They'll care for you in old age.
01:22When we pass on, we'll have peace mind.
01:27They all thought I was forced into divorce.
01:29That I was devastated.
01:30That I had no one to rely on in old age.
01:32That my whole life had become a joke.
01:34I didn't explain.
01:36Nor could I be bothered to refute them one by one.
01:38How things would turn out for the two of us.
01:40When the time came, they would know.
01:42Charles, on the other hand, was writing hi.
01:44He posted a family photo on social media with the caption.
01:47Starting today, I finally have a real family.
01:50In the photo, he stood in the center.
01:52A young man and woman on either side.
01:53Their faces radiating youthful pride.
01:55And the woman who could carry on his bloodline had her arm linked through his.
01:59Smiling warmly and gracefully.
02:01Someone commented.
02:02Look at that.
02:03Now that's a winner in life.
02:05Indeed, Charles had one big.
02:07In his youth, he enjoyed the twosome life with me.
02:10Living freely his whole life.
02:11Never suffering through midnight beatings and diaper changes.
02:14Yet, in his old age, he had both a son and a daughter to bring him joy.
02:18How could that not count as winning at life?
02:20Now that he was retired, his career and reputation would no longer be affected.
02:25And me, at my age, abandoned by my husband and left with nothing, naturally invited people's
02:29sides.
02:30But little did they know, I had been prepared all along.
02:33In this marriage, he wasn't the only one acting.
02:41The divorce proceedings went quickly.
02:43So quickly, I felt somewhat dazed.
02:45Charles personally drove me to the courthouse.
02:48When signing, his hand didn't tremble at all.
02:50Instead, it was as if he had finally shed some burden.
02:53Swift and decisive.
02:54He smiled at the clerk.
02:55What can you do?
02:56We're both old, and the love is gone.
02:59But at least, I still have my son and daughter with me.
03:02I can enjoy family happiness too.
03:05The clerk looked at me apologetically.
03:07Eyes full of sympathy and comfort.
03:08I smiled too, but said nothing.
03:10After the divorce, with a grand gesture, he hired people to clear out the bedroom I had
03:14lived in for over 30 years.
03:15Eagerly bringing Vivian and the children home.
03:17I didn't fight or argue.
03:19I didn't even bother hiring a lawyer.
03:21I just took my half of the savings and a few important items, and moved out cleanly and
03:25efficiently.
03:25The day Vivian moved in, I came back to pack up my last belongings.
03:29As soon as I opened the door, I saw brand new photos displayed in the living room.
03:33Our wedding photos had been replaced by their family portrait.
03:36The four of them.
03:39Charles sat in the center, Vivian holding his arm, with two similar-looking young adults
03:43in their 20s standing on either side, full of vigor.
03:46When I walked in, the lively atmosphere instantly turned cold, as if announcing my unwelcome presence.
03:52Vivian greeted me with a smile.
03:56Oh, Stella!
03:58Did you leave something behind?
04:00Let me help you look for it.
04:02Playing the hostess like she owned the place.
04:04Just a few last things.
04:05I'll take them all today.
04:06I said indifferently.
04:08Charles sat on the sofa without looking up, as if waiting for me to get the hint and leave.
04:17Charles sat on the sofa, not even lifting his head, casually flipping through the newspaper,
04:22as if waiting for me to get the hint and leave on my own.
04:24Chloe and Connor stood to the side, their eyes filled with undisguised distance and wariness,
04:28treating me like a stranger who had barged in.
04:30Mom, this place looks a bit dated, and the living room is kind of dark.
04:34How about a renovation with a new style?
04:36Chloe said casually.
04:37Yeah, the sofa needs replacing too.
04:39So old-fashioned.
04:40How did dad live in a place like this?
04:41Connor chimed in.
04:42I listened to the nitpick and watched Charles remain silent.
04:45I felt like laughing.
04:46This was the home Charles and I had shared for 30 years.
04:48Every piece of furniture carefully chosen.
04:49Now I was being dismissed as worthless.
04:51Vivian affectionately held Charles' arm.
04:53See how opinionated the children are?
04:54This house needs a complete makeover.
04:56We can't short charge ourselves.
04:57Charles finally looked up slowly and glanced at me.
05:01Stella, are you done packing?
05:02Take everything at once so you won't have to keep coming back.
05:05It's awkward for everyone.
05:06He meant for me to leave and never come back, so I wouldn't be an eyesore to their family
05:08of four.
05:09I looked away, picked up my bag, stood at the doorway, and glanced back one last time
05:13at what had once been my home.
05:15Vivian leaned weakly against Charles peeling an orange, while the two children sat side
05:18by side on the sofa watching TV, the three of them chatting and laughing, as if this
05:22home had always been like this, composed of their family of four, with no place for
05:26me.
05:27The way Charles looked at Vivian was with respect for the mother of his children, and guilt
05:30for having kept her as a secret lover all these years.
05:32As for me, I was just an old woman he had grown tired of, with no children by my side,
05:36deserving to fend for myself.
05:38A cold laugh echoed in my heart.
05:40Fine, since you want me gone, I'll leave cleanly, so you can enjoy this brief pretense
05:43of affection.
05:44After all, in a few days it will be turning on each other.
05:49After the divorce, I moved into an apartment.
05:51It wasn't far from my former home, but it felt like a different world.
05:55I didn't feel any particular discomfort.
05:57Without Charles in the house, I actually enjoyed the peace and quiet, but outsiders didn't see
06:01it that way.
06:03No matter how capable and free-spirited you were in your youth, you still lost in the
06:07end.
06:07This was the shared opinion of relatives and friends.
06:10My mother couldn't hold back tears when she saw me.
06:12You're living alone now, with no one to take care of you.
06:15What if you get sick someday?
06:16You insisted on being child-free before.
06:19Look at you now.
06:20Wouldn't it be nice to have a child?
06:22At least you wouldn't end up like this.
06:23My father sighed, his face full of regret.
06:25We shouldn't have let you have your way back then.
06:27If we had persuaded you more, you wouldn't be in this situation now.
06:30Their words implicitly blamed me for insisting on being child-free, saying that's why I lost
06:34my husband's heart.
06:35The most ridiculous thing was that my friends also thought Charles hadn't done anything
06:38terribly wrong.
06:38A man needs to have children.
06:40Charles was willing to play along with you for so many years.
06:45That's already going above and beyond.
06:46You were too stubborn back then.
06:48All these years, I've never understood.
06:50What were you thinking?
06:51Honestly, you're both old now.
06:52Well, Vivian would still have to call you Big Sister.
06:55Why not just make do and live together?
06:57I thought at most they'd advise me to accept Charles' children.
06:59I never imagined they'd suggest Vivian and I share one husband.
07:02But they never considered that neither child shared a single drop of blood with me.
07:05Even if I stayed, how many good days could I possibly have?
07:08What they didn't know was that the infertile one had never been me.
07:15When I first insisted on being child-free, bearing the pressure from everyone, my declaration
07:19that I would never have children was denounced as selfish and unfilial.
07:22Charles' parents pressured him to divorce me, but he said he didn't mind, as long as we
07:27could live happily together.
07:28Moved by his words, I became even more resolute in my decision.
07:31For decades, I bore all the blame myself, protecting his reputation, even his confidence and dignity
07:37as a man, only to discover he had given me nothing but a complete and utter deception.
07:41He never pressured me to have children because I wasn't his only woman.
07:44If I didn't give birth, he could have other women bear his children.
07:48And he could maintain his reputation as a loving husband while gaining my parents' trust
07:51and support.
07:52Why wouldn't he play along?
07:53When I discovered the truth, I never imagined that my seemingly gentle husband was so deeply
07:58calculating.
07:59I was wrong, but my mistake was not having children.
08:02My mistake was taking it upon myself to protect his dignity as a man.
08:05For that, I was even willing to give up my right to be a mother.
08:08So I planned for years, waiting for the moment when his act fell apart, to deliver him a devastating
08:13blow.
08:16Soon, I received the wedding invitation for Charles and Vivian's wedding.
08:19The invitation was in Vivian's handwriting, saying that as Charles' ex-wife, I must want
08:23to see him happy too, and my presence would mean the world to them.
08:26I let out a derisive laugh.
08:28What beautiful words.
08:29So high-sounding they made me sick.
08:31Mean the world to them?
08:31Vivian had been Charles' secret lover for 30 years.
08:34Having finally made it to the altar, she naturally couldn't wait to gloat in front of me.
08:37I took the invitation and casually glanced at it.
08:40The ceremony was at the city's most luxurious five-star hotel.
08:43Quite an upscale venue.
08:44Charles must have wanted to compensate Vivian for 30 years of hidden suffering with the
08:47grand wedding.
08:48When my friends heard that Vivian had invited me to her wedding with Charles, they were all
08:52furious.
08:54What does he mean by this?
08:56He's obviously trying to humiliate you.
08:58Exactly.
08:59You just moved out, and he's already marrying his mistress in style.
09:02He's clearly trying to embarrass you.
09:04You absolutely shouldn't go.
09:06Going would just be asking for humiliation.
09:08I listen to their angry voices without feeling a single ripple in my heart.
09:12In fact, a smile cropped to my lips.
09:13Of course I'm going.
09:14Don't worry.
09:15I'm not going to make myself miserable.
09:17My friend looked at me in confusion.
09:20I'm just going to watch a comedy show, Stella.
09:24The show is about to begin.
09:31On the wedding day, the ballroom was decorated magnificently.
09:34Charles stood in the center of the crowd, receiving blessings from relatives and friends,
09:38while Vivian held his arm, smiling warmly and elegantly.
09:42The picture of a dignified hostess.
09:43And I walked in with a confident expression, completely unabashed.
09:46When the guests saw me, the smiles on their faces instantly became knowing and significant.
09:51Why is she here?
09:52Someone whispered.
09:53She's not here to cause trouble, is it?
09:56Well, who can blame her?
09:58Being abandoned by Charles, anyone would feel upset.
10:02They all thought I had come to cry, to argue, to seek sympathy.
10:05But they were wrong.
10:06If only one person could have the last laugh at this wedding, that person would definitely be me.
10:10I picked up a glass of champagne, walked slowly to Charles and Vivian, and smiled.
10:15Congratulations.
10:17You finally got what you wanted.
10:19A flicker of triumph flashed in Vivian's eyes.
10:21She leaned against Charles lightly, her tone gentle yet provocative.
10:24Thank you for coming.
10:25After all, back then, you pretended to be child-free because you couldn't conceive.
10:30Charles didn't want to hurt you, so he came up with this solution.
10:34The best of both worlds.
10:36Charles walked over with a drink and raised his glass to me.
10:38It's all in the past.
10:40I believe I stayed by your side and did my duty.
10:44Now I'm old and want to enjoy my later years surrounded by children.
10:49I hope you can understand.
10:51I lowered my head and chuckled softly, my gaze sweeping over Chloe and Connor behind them.
10:55Let them enjoy their moment of triumph for now.
10:57Because the storm is about to descend.
11:05The wedding proceeded as planned.
11:07On stage, Charles and Vivian were exchanging vows, holding hands and gazing at each other with tears in their eyes.
11:13Chloe and Connor went up to give them flowers.
11:15Charles looked at the two young adults in their prime, as if seeing his own youth reflected in them.
11:19He thought, perhaps this was the price of continuing one's bloodline.
11:22Stella would never understand this feeling, which is why he had resolutely abandoned her.
11:27Halfway through the wedding, Charles suddenly produced a property deed.
11:29I once thought I would die childless and alone in my old age, but heaven has been kind to me.
11:36My beloved Vivian has given me a son and a daughter, allowing me to live a complete life.
11:42Vivian looked at Charles, tears already glistening in her eyes.
11:45I have little to give them, so I've decided to transfer the property under my name to the two children
11:51to help them thrive.
11:53Cheers erupted from the audience.
11:56Chloe and Connor covered their mouths excitedly and looked at Vivian.
11:59The three of them were expressions of assured victory, but I stood up and shouted.
12:04I object!
12:05Vivian hadn't received the property deed yet.
12:07Interrupted by me, she was furious.
12:09Stella, today is a wonderful day for our family of four.
12:13What kind of trouble are you trying to cause?
12:15Charles looked at me with disgust, his eyes contemptuous yet resigned.
12:18Stella, I know you're upset about not being able to have children and jealous seeing my family, but you have
12:25to accept reality.
12:28We're divorced.
12:29The house may have both our names on it, but we're old now.
12:33What use is it to us?
12:34Chloe and Connor nodded continuously, even encouraging the guests to boo me.
12:38The emcee also tried to persuade me.
12:39Mrs. Stella, as Mr. Charles' ex-wife, you must want him to have a harmonious family and someone to care
12:46for him in old age, right?
12:47I put down my glass and said indifferently.
12:50Of course.
12:53But I need to correct one thing.
12:54The one who can't have children isn't me.
12:58The hall fell into dead silence.
13:02Vivian was taken aback, and Charles frowned too.
13:04What do you mean by that?
13:05It means nothing special.
13:07I shook my head gently, a touch of pity in my eyes.
13:09My eggs are still frozen at the egg bank, perfectly healthy.
13:13The doctor said they can be retrieved for embryo cultivation anytime.
13:17Charles understood I had frozen my eggs for IVF, and he was completely enraged.
13:21Didn't you say you didn't want children with me?
13:23Now we're divorced, and you want IVF?
13:27Are you out of your mind?
13:28You really don't want to bear my child that badly?
13:31I slapped him hard across the face, robbed the emcee's microphone,
13:34and spoke loudly enough for everyone present to hear.
13:36Because the one who can't have children has never been me.
13:39It's you.
13:40Charles, you have severe aloxpermia.
13:43You have no fertility whatsoever.
13:45The hall fell into dead silence in an instant.
13:48Then came an uproar.
13:49Charles is infertile?
13:51Is that true?
13:52But Vivian already gave him two children, didn't she?
13:55Stella must have gone crazy.
13:57She couldn't have children herself, and now she's slandering Charles.
14:00The guests whispered among themselves, and many had already pulled out their phones to record.
14:04Charles' face turned dark with fury.
14:06Vivian stood frozen, her face deathly pale, her lips trembling slightly.
14:09What nonsense are you spouting?
14:11Charles stepped forward aggressively.
14:12His gaze so dark, it seemed he wanted to tear me apart.
14:15I let out a derisive laugh, reached into my bag, pulled out my phone, and played a recording.
14:19The clear voice instantly filled the entire wedding hall through the microphone.
14:22Miss Stella, after examination, your fertility is completely normal, and your ovarian function
14:26is excellent.
14:27But Mr. Charles' situation is not very optimistic.
14:29What does that mean?
14:30His sperm motility is extremely low.
14:32Basically, there is virtually no chance of conception.
14:34His condition is quite severe, but almost no possibility.
14:37Even with IVF, the success rate would be extremely low.
14:40I understand, Dr. Lewis.
14:41Please don't tell him about this yet.
14:43Don't tell anyone else either.
14:44Let this be between you, me, and God.
14:46Miss Stella, this kind of thing can't be hidden forever.
14:49When you can't conceive after marriage, it will naturally come to light.
14:52It's fine.
14:53I'll tell him and our parents that I don't want children, that I insist on being child-free.
14:59That way, no one will know the problem lies with Charles.
15:02The recording finished playing.
15:04A deathly silence fell.
15:05All eyes turned to Vivian and her two children.
15:10Suddenly, everyone's eyes turned simultaneously toward Vivian and the two children behind her.
15:14Her face had turned completely white, and her fingertips were trembling.
15:18Chloe and Connor fidgeted restlessly, trying to flee the hall.
15:21Oh my god, so all these years, Stella insisted on being child-free to protect Charles' dignity
15:27because he's the one who's infertile?
15:29Then Vivian's children-
15:30It's me!
15:30Vivian's lips moved slightly, her voice trembling violently.
15:32You must have had someone forge it!
15:34I gave a cold laugh, opened a second file, and a video immediately began playing on the projection screen.
15:39The footage showed a dimly lit hotel room, with a man and woman entangled on the bed.
15:43The woman's face was flushed, panting softly, her voice seductive and triumphant.
15:46Honey, I'm pregnant.
15:49The man's voice followed, carrying a hint of panic and resistance.
15:51No way.
15:52This child can't be mine, can it?
15:54Vivian chuckled softly, her voice alluring and cunning.
15:56Of course it's yours.
15:58But don't worry.
15:59Neither I nor the child need you to take responsibility.
16:04What do you mean?
16:05Charles doesn't have children yet.
16:07His wife insists on being child-free, and he's desperate.
16:11He's been begging me to bear his children.
16:13I'll just say the child is his.
16:15He'll definitely treasure me like a gem.
16:17The man was silent for a moment, then laughed softly.
16:19You really are something else.
16:20Vivian hooked her arm around his neck, whispering softly.
16:23We'll seize all the property and inheritance.
16:27Then we can enjoy our golden years in peace.
16:31As soon as she finished speaking, the man got excited and lunged down to entangle with
16:34the woman beneath him again.
16:35The video ended abruptly there.
16:37Everyone was stunned.
16:39A silence like death.
16:40Vivian completely collapsed onto the floor, her hands clutching her wedding gown tightly,
16:44her eyes filled with terror and despair.
16:46Charles' face had reached its most terrible expression.
16:48He clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly, veins bulging at his temples.
16:52He was clearly at the peak of rage.
16:54Vivian!
16:55He roared through gritted teeth.
17:01Vivian!
17:02He roared through gritted teeth, wishing he could tear her limb from limb.
17:04Vivian's body shook, her eyes instantly reddening as she desperately tried to explain.
17:09It's not.
17:10Charles, please listen to me.
17:12Explain?
17:13What is there left to explain?
17:15Charles kicked the chair aside, grabbed a champagne glass from the table, and smashed it on the ground.
17:19The sound of shattering glass exploded in the quiet wedding venue.
17:22Sharp and piercing.
17:23You bitch!
17:24How dare you deceive me!
17:26I was your secret lover for thirty years, and you dare to cuckler me!
17:32Charles' eyes turned red, as if he had lost all reason.
17:35He rushed forward, grabbed Vivian's shoulders, and slapped her heart across the face.
17:39The crisp sound of the slap echoed throughout the entire hall.
17:42Vivian staggered backward, clutching her cheek, tears streaming from her eyes.
17:47And you dare to cry?
17:48You deceived me for thirty years!
17:51Cuckled me!
17:52And I've spent so much money on these bastards!
17:55Charles!
17:55Charles!
17:56Calm down!
17:56Someone rushed up to restrain Charles, but he had already gone completely mad.
17:59He shoved everyone aside and, like an enraged feast, overturned the dining table.
18:03Plates, wine glasses, and flowers scattered everywhere.
18:05The scene was utter chaos.
18:07Chloe and Connor stood to the side, their faces ashen, their bodies trembling, completely at a loss.
18:10The guests erupted in an uproar, pulling out their phones to capture photos and videos.
18:15My god, how did this wedding turn into this?
18:18So Vivian's two children aren't even Charles's?
18:20This is incredible!
18:22It's the drama of the year!
18:23The entire wedding had completely spiraled out of control.
18:26Eventually, with security's intervention, Charles was forcibly pulled away.
18:30Vivian was dragged out of the hotel in disgrace, while Chloe and Connor fled in terror.
18:34The wedding had become a complete joke.
18:36I stood among the crowd, still holding half a glass of champagne, quietly savoring everything.
18:40The wedding had become a complete joke, and I had finally waited for this day.
18:47Wedding videos were uploaded online and quickly shot to the top of trending topics.
18:52Topics like paternity truth revealed at wedding, ex-wife's calm counterattack against cheaters,
18:57and child-free husband cuckolded for 30 years exploded across the internet.
19:01Charles had become a complete pariah.
19:03Wherever he went, there were pointing fingers and mocking jeers.
19:06He valued his face above all else.
19:08His reputation was the most important thing in his life.
19:11Now, his dignity had been completely shattered, turning him into a laughingstock known across
19:16the entire country.
19:17And I, on the contrary, had become the object of everyone's sympathy.
19:21Stella is so pitiful.
19:23To protect her husband's dignity, she took the blame herself, and then was treated like this.
19:28She's the truly good woman.
19:30She endured for 30 years and still showed the scumbag some dignity.
19:35Vivian is the truly ruthless one.
19:36She tricked Charles into raising bastards for 30 years and almost swallowed his entire
19:41fortune.
19:42Public opinion had completely turned around, but none of this mattered to me anymore.
19:46What mattered more was how this farce would end.
19:49After the wedding, Charles locked himself in his former home and hadn't stepped outside for
19:52three full days.
19:53He smashed everything in the house, coffee table, TV, faces.
19:57The place was a complete mess.
19:59But after the destruction, he sat alone on the sofa, staring blankly at a family portrait
20:03hanging on the wall.
20:04It was a photo of him, Vivian, Chloe, and Connor, the four of them.
20:08In the photo, he was smiling happily, as if he owned the whole world.
20:12Now looking at it again, he only felt the irony.
20:17He picked up the frame and smashed it onto the ground.
20:20Glass shattered.
20:21The photos splintered into pieces.
20:23Fake.
20:24It's all fake.
20:25He held his head, curled up on the floor, like a helpless child.
20:28He had lost everything, while I was just beginning my new life.
20:34After the wedding, my life returned to peace.
20:37No, it was calmer and freer than before.
20:39I started doing things I truly enjoyed.
20:41I went to several art exhibitions, attended concerts, and enrolled in a pottery class.
20:46My friends laughed at me.
20:49You're living more freely than young people now.
20:52I smiled without saying a word.
20:54Actually, they had forgotten that I should have been living this way when I was young.
20:57It's just that back then, I had poured all my energy into Charles and the family.
21:01Now I finally had the chance to live for myself.
21:03One day, my mother called, her voice carrying a hint of relief.
21:07Stella, you seem different lately.
21:10Different?
21:11Yes, more energetic than before.
21:14As if you've let go of something.
21:16I smiled softly.
21:17Yes, I had let go.
21:17I had let go of the self that endured grievances to protect a man's dignity.
21:21I had let go of the foolish notion that endurance would bring happiness.
21:24I had let go of the man named Charles.
21:25Mom, I've made up my mind.
21:27About what?
21:29I want to donate my eggs.
21:30There was a long silence on the other end of the line.
21:33Have you thought this through?
21:34I have.
21:36My voice was firm.
21:37Since the eggs are still there, rather than keeping them frozen forever, I might as well help people who want
21:43children but can't have them.
21:45You, always thinking of others.
21:47I smiled without denying it.
21:49Letting go of the past.
21:50Donating eggs to help others.
21:52My life is starting anew.
21:54Meanwhile, Charles' days grew more unbearable by the day.
21:57Vivian had been thrown out of the house, and Chloe and Connor no longer acknowledged him as their father.
22:02After all, everything in the video was crystal clear.
22:04They weren't Charles' children, but Vivian's illegitimate children with another man.
22:08They left with Vivian, not even glancing back at Charles.
22:11Let's go.
22:12He's not our father.
22:13Chloe said coldly.
22:15Charles sat alone in the empty house, suddenly feeling a loneliness unlike anything he'd ever experienced.
22:21He had once believed that having Vivian and two children meant he had a real family.
22:25But now he realized this family had never belonged to him.
22:28He himself had been deceived by Vivian for a full 30 years.
22:31He opened his phone and saw news about me.
22:33The headline Stella decides to donate eggs to help infertile families jumped out at him.
22:37He stared at the screen, his fingers trembling slightly.
22:40The woman who had borne his shame for 30 years to protect his dignity was now doing something even more
22:45meaningful.
22:45And what about him?
22:46He had nothing left.
22:48No family, no children, no dignity.
22:50He had lost everything.
22:52Charles put down his phone, leaned back on the sofa, and closed his eyes.
22:55Images from 30 years ago flooded his mind.
22:57Back then, we were still young, building our careers together, planning our future.
23:01Stella when we're old, let's travel the world, just the two of us, he had once said with a smile.
23:06Sure, it's a promise.
23:07I had agreed without hesitation, but he had broken that promise.
23:10It wasn't that I wasn't willing to grow old with him.
23:12It was that he chose betrayal first.
23:14A tear slid from the corner of Charles' eye.
23:16He regretted it, but there's no medicine for regret in this world.
23:23After hesitating for a long time, Charles finally dialed my number.
23:26The phone rang for a long time before I answered.
23:29Hello?
23:31Stella, it's me.
23:32I was silent for a few seconds, then spoke calmly.
23:34Is something the matter?
23:36I...
23:36I want to see you.
23:38I chuckled.
23:40Charles, do you think there's anything left to say between us?
23:43I know I was wrong.
23:44His voice was hoarse.
23:45Stella, I truly know I was wrong.
23:47I said nothing.
23:48I know you're doing well now, and I know you don't want to see me.
23:52But I still want to tell you I'm sorry, face to face.
23:56I repeat it, my tone indifferent.
23:57Charles, it's been 30 years.
24:00You're telling me sorry now?
24:01Don't you think it's a little too late?
24:03I know it's late, but...
24:05I cut him off.
24:06Charles, you chose betrayal, so you bear the consequences.
24:09That was your choice.
24:11There was a long silence on the other end.
24:13Stella, if we hadn't divorced, would you have forgiven me?
24:16I didn't answer, because I didn't know the answer myself.
24:19Or rather, this question no longer needed an answer.
24:23Charles, live your life well.
24:24Those were my final words before hanging up.
24:29Live your life well.
24:30This was the last thing I could give him.
24:36The egg donation process was more complicated than I had imagined.
24:39It required a series of physical examinations, psychological evaluations, and legal procedures.
24:44But I walked through each step with steadiness.
24:46The doctor told me my egg quality was excellent.
24:48Even after being frozen for so many years, their viability remained very high.
24:52Mrs. Stella, your eggs are extremely valuable.
24:55They can help many families realize their dreams.
24:57I smiled.
24:59Valuable.
24:59I had once thought these eggs were the fruit of my love with Charles.
25:03The hope for our future children.
25:04But now, they had become a gift to help strangers.
25:08Perhaps this was better.
25:09At least they would no longer be bound by Charles' name.
25:12After news of my egg donation spread, many people started paying attention to me.
25:16The media wanted to interview me, asking why I was doing this.
25:20I simply answered indifferently.
25:22Because I have the ability to help others.
25:25It's that simple.
25:26And what about you and Mr. Charles?
25:28Do you hate him?
25:29The reporter pressed.
25:30I thought for a moment and said,
25:31I don't hate him.
25:32But I don't love him either.
25:35He was part of my life, but that's in the past.
25:38The reporter seemed somewhat disappointed by my answer, but I didn't care.
25:41I didn't need others to define my emotions.
25:43After the egg donation, I decided to travel.
25:46The round-the-world trip I had planned with Charles.
25:48Although I couldn't complete it with him, I could do it alone.
25:51My first stop was Paris.
25:52Standing beneath the Eiffel Tower.
25:54Watching the sunset slowly descend.
25:55I felt a peace unlike anything I had ever experienced.
25:58This city had once been a dream destination for Charles and me.
26:01Now, I had come alone, but I didn't feel lonely.
26:03Instead, I felt that this was truly my own moment.
26:06Without Charles, without the constraints of that marriage,
26:09I could finally be my true self.
26:11During my days in Paris, I visited the Louvre,
26:13walked along the Seine, and tasted authentic French pastries.
26:16Every day was fulfilling and joyful.
26:18Traveling alone, freedom alone, I have finally become myself again.
26:22During my travels, I occasionally received news from back home.
26:26I heard that after being thrown out of the Chen household,
26:28Vivian's life hadn't been easy.
26:30She had once relied on Charles' money to live.
26:32Now, without a source of income,
26:34she could only make ends meet by doing odd jobs.
26:37Chloe and Connor no longer had anything to do with her either.
26:39After all, once the video was exposed, everyone knew the truth.
26:43They weren't Charles' children,
26:44but Vivian's illegitimate children with another man.
26:47This news was undoubtedly a devastating blow to Chloe and Connor.
26:50They had always believed they were of the Chen bloodline.
26:53Proud of it all these years.
26:54Only to discover they had no connection to the Chen family whatsoever.
26:59Chloe confronted Vivian.
27:01Mom, what exactly is going on?
27:03Don't believe those videos!
27:05They're all fake!
27:06Vivian was still trying to deny it.
27:07Mom, the video is crystal clear.
27:09You told someone else we were Charles' children,
27:12and said you were going to swind his property!
27:14I was just...
27:15Enough!
27:16Chloe cut her off.
27:17I never want to hear your lies again.
27:18Chloe and Connor moved out of Vivian's house,
27:20found jobs,
27:21and started new lives.
27:22And Vivian curled up alone in a dilapidated rental apartment,
27:26crying day after day.
27:27Her former elegance and nobility had long since vanished.
27:30Mom, do you think Stella is feeling pretty pleased with herself right now?
27:33Chloe had once asked Vivian.
27:35Vivian didn't answer,
27:36because she knew I was no longer an enemy they needed to worry about.
27:41I was living too well,
27:43so well that they didn't even have the right to be jealous.
27:49After leaving Paris,
27:51I flew to Kyoto.
27:52This ancient city had a completely different charm from Paris.
27:55I strolled along the bamboo grove path in Arashima,
27:58listening to the rustling of bamboo leaves in the wind,
28:01feeling exceptionally peaceful.
28:02Here, there was no Charles,
28:05no Vivian,
28:05none of those troubling memories from the past,
28:07only myself.
28:09I stayed at a traditional Japanese inn,
28:11rising early each morning to soak in the hot springs
28:13and savor exquisite kaiseki cuisine.
28:15The innkeeper was a kind middle-aged woman.
28:18Seeing me alone,
28:19she couldn't help asking,
28:20Ma'am,
28:21are you traveling alone?
28:22Yes.
28:24I answered with a smile.
28:27Doesn't traveling alone feel lonely?
28:29I thought for a moment and said,
28:31Sometimes,
28:32but more often it's a kind of freedom.
28:35The innkeeper nodded,
28:36showing an understanding smile.
28:38You're right.
28:39Freedom is more precious than anything.
28:41During my days in Kyoto,
28:42I also visited Kaya Mizudara and drew a fortune slip.
28:44The fortune read,
28:46Withered trees meet spring.
28:47Old matters become empty.
28:48The road ahead is bright.
28:49Freedom lies within the heart.
28:51I looked at the fortune and couldn't help but smile.
28:53Withered trees meet spring.
28:54Wasn't this exactly my current state?
28:56After 30 years of winter,
28:57I had finally welcomed my own spring.
28:59I carefully put away the fortune slip into my wallet.
29:02Old matters become empty.
29:03The road ahead is bright.
29:05These words,
29:06I would always keep in my heart.
29:07On the last night before leaving Kyoto,
29:09I sat in the inn's courtyard,
29:11gazing at the star-filled sky.
29:13My phone rang.
29:13It was an unfamiliar number.
29:15I hesitated for a moment but answered anyway.
29:17Hello?
29:18Stella,
29:19it's me.
29:19It was Charles' voice.
29:20He had come looking for me again.
29:29Charles,
29:29how did you get this number?
29:30I frowned.
29:31I asked your friend.
29:31His voice was hoarse.
29:33Stella,
29:33I want to see you.
29:34See me?
29:35I gave a cold laugh.
29:36Charles,
29:37what is there left for us to see?
29:39I know I was wrong,
29:40and I know you don't forgive me,
29:41but I really want to talk to you face to face.
29:44I was silent for a moment,
29:45then finally sighed.
29:47Fine,
29:48I'm in Kyoto,
29:49leaving tomorrow.
29:51I know,
29:51I'm already here.
29:52I was stunned.
29:53He was already here?
29:55Where are you?
29:56I asked.
29:56Downstairs at your inn.
29:57I walked to the window,
29:58pulled back the curtain,
29:59and sure enough,
29:59saw a familiar figure standing below.
30:01Charles was wearing a dark overcoat,
30:03carrying a suitcase.
30:03He looked much thinner and older than before.
30:06I hesitated,
30:06but eventually went downstairs to meet him.
30:08In the inn's tearoom,
30:09we sat facing each other.
30:11Charles looked at me,
30:12his eyes complicated.
30:13Stella,
30:13you've changed.
30:14Have I?
30:15I picked up my teacup and took a sip.
30:18People always change.
30:19You would never have treated me like this before.
30:21His voice carried bitterness.
30:23The old you was always gentle and considerate,
30:26never willing to embarrass me.
30:27The old me was a fool.
30:29I put down my teacup,
30:30my tone calm.
30:31Charles,
30:32you betrayed me for 30 years,
30:33and now you come to me with this.
30:35Don't you find it ridiculous?
30:36Charles lowered his head,
30:38his hands tightly clasped.
30:40I know I don't deserve to ask for your forgiveness,
30:42but I truly regret it.
30:45I scoffed.
30:46Regret?
30:47Do you regret losing Vivian and the two children?
30:50Or do you regret being laughed at by the whole world?
30:54Charles' face turned pale.
30:56He opened his mouth but couldn't speak.
30:59Charles,
30:59you don't need to answer me.
31:01I stood up,
31:02looking down at him.
31:03Because your answer no longer matters to me.
31:07I turned to leave,
31:08but Charles suddenly stood up and grabbed my wrist.
31:10Stella,
31:11give me a chance.
31:12Let's start over,
31:14please.
31:14His voice was fleeting,
31:16his eyes full of desperation.
31:17I stopped and turned to look at him.
31:19This man I had once deeply loved now only felt like a stranger to me.
31:23Charles.
31:24I gently freed my hand from his.
31:26My tone calm yet firm.
31:28Some roads,
31:29once traveled,
31:30can never be retraced.
31:32We can.
31:32He said urgently.
31:33I know you hate me,
31:34but I can change.
31:35I can make it up to you.
31:36I can-
31:37You can't.
31:37I cut him off.
31:39Charles,
31:40you can't make it up.
31:41Thirty years of betrayal cannot be erased by a single sorry.
31:44His eyes reddened,
31:45his voice trembling.
31:46Stella,
31:47do you really not love me anymore?
31:49I looked at him,
31:50not a single ripple in my heart.
31:51Love?
31:52I shook my head gently.
31:53Charles,
31:54I love the you from thirty years ago,
31:56not the you of today.
31:57That you,
31:58is already dead.
31:59Charles' body swayed,
32:00as if he had been struck hard.
32:01He released my hand,
32:03stepped back,
32:03looking as if he had aged ten years in an instant.
32:05I understand.
32:06His voice was hoarse and low.
32:08Stella,
32:09I wish you happiness.
32:10I didn't answer,
32:11just nodded faintly,
32:13then turned and left.
32:14The moment I walked out of the tea room,
32:16I let out a long breath.
32:17Thirty years of entanglement had finally come to a close.
32:20I didn't look back,
32:21because I knew there were even more beautiful sights ahead waiting for me.
32:24I returned to my room,
32:26packed my luggage,
32:27and prepared for my next destination.
32:29My phone rang with a message from a friend.
32:31Stella,
32:31Charles came looking for you again,
32:33don't pay him any attention,
32:34he's just a scumbag.
32:36I smiled and replied.
32:38Don't worry,
32:39I've already let go.
32:40Letting go is not forgiving,
32:42but no longer being bound by the past.
32:44I dragged my suitcase,
32:46walked out of the inn,
32:47and strode forward into the morning sunlight.
32:49A new journey had begun.
32:51My brand new life.
32:56After leaving Kyoto,
32:57I went to many more places.
32:59Rome,
33:00Barcelona,
33:01Sydney,
33:01New York.
33:02Every city left its mark with my footsteps.
33:04I learned to eat alone,
33:05watch movies alone,
33:07go shopping alone.
33:08Things I once thought required two people to do.
33:11It turned out I could do perfectly well alone.
33:13One afternoon in Paris,
33:14I sat at a cafe by the Seine,
33:16watching the passing crowds.
33:18Suddenly,
33:19a little girl ran over,
33:20looking at me with big wide eyes.
33:24Ma'am,
33:25you're so pretty.
33:26She said in her childish voice.
33:28I was taken aback,
33:29then smiled.
33:31Thank you,
33:32little one.
33:32Her mother walked over,
33:33and apologized with a smile.
33:35I'm sorry.
33:36My daughter is too playfy.
33:37It's fine.
33:38She's adorable.
33:39The little girl held her mother's hand,
33:40looked back at me,
33:41and suddenly shouted,
33:42Mommy,
33:43that lady has stars in her eyes!
33:46I was stunned.
33:47Stars?
33:48I subconsciously touched my own face.
33:50Perhaps I really had changed.
33:52No longer the woman who endured grievances
33:54to protect her husband's dignity.
33:56No longer the fool who took the blame
33:58for someone else's betrayal.
33:59The current me had light in my eyes
34:01and dreams in my heart.
34:02This was probably what people called rebirth.
34:05Light in my eyes,
34:06dreams in my heart.
34:08This is my rebirth.
34:10After the trip,
34:11I returned home.
34:11There was new progress on the egg donation.
34:13The hospital told me my eggs
34:14had successfully helped
34:15three infertile couples conceive.
34:17Mrs. Stella,
34:18you are truly remarkable.
34:20The doctor said gratefully.
34:21I smiled.
34:22It's nothing remarkable.
34:24Just doing what I should.
34:26Actually,
34:27donating eggs
34:28wasn't just about helping others.
34:29It was also about making peace
34:31with my own regrets.
34:32Although I never had my own children,
34:34my eggs could help others
34:35realize their dream
34:36of becoming parents.
34:37This was probably
34:38the best possible ending.
34:40One day,
34:40I received a letter.
34:41It was from a mother
34:42who had received my eggs.
34:44Dear Ms. Stella,
34:45I don't know what words
34:46to use to express my gratitude.
34:48My husband and I have been married
34:50for 15 years
34:51and have never had children.
34:52We tried every method
34:54without success.
34:55Just when we were about to give up,
34:57we received news from the hospital
34:59that someone was willing
35:00to donate eggs.
35:01That person was you.
35:03Now,
35:04I am pregnant
35:04and the doctor says
35:05the baby is very healthy.
35:07I don't know how to thank you.
35:08I just want to tell you
35:09that you have given
35:10our family new hope.
35:12Thank you,
35:12Ms. Stella.
35:13You are the great benefactor
35:15of our entire family.
35:16After reading the letter,
35:17my eyes welled up with tears.
35:19It turned out that helping others
35:21truly could bring happiness
35:22to oneself.
35:23I carefully put the letter
35:24away in a drawer.
35:25This touching moment,
35:27I would forever treasure
35:28in my heart.
35:29Helping others
35:30is also healing oneself.
35:34After returning home,
35:36I started reconnecting
35:37with old friends.
35:38Because of the whole situation
35:39with Charles,
35:39I had grown distant
35:40from many people.
35:41Now,
35:42I wanted to pick up
35:43those relationships again.
35:44The first person I reached out to
35:45was my best friend, Linda.
35:46When she saw me,
35:47she was so excited
35:48she almost cried.
35:50Stella!
35:51You're finally back!
35:53I thought you'd never
35:54speak to me again!
35:56How could that be?
35:57I laughed and hugged her.
35:59I just went traveling
36:01for a while
36:01to clear my head.
36:04So how are you now?
36:05Has Charles caused you
36:07any more trouble?
36:08No,
36:08it's completely over
36:09between us.
36:10Linda breathed
36:11a sigh of relief.
36:13That's good.
36:14Stella,
36:14you deserve someone better.
36:16Someone better?
36:17I smiled.
36:19Linda,
36:20I don't need anyone else
36:21to define my worth
36:23right now.
36:23I am enough.
36:24Linda looked at me,
36:26surprise flashing
36:26in her eyes,
36:27then relief.
36:28Stella,
36:29you really have changed,
36:30become better,
36:31stronger.
36:31Have I?
36:32Maybe.
36:33I picked up my coffee cup.
36:33After going through so much,
36:34you've got to learn something.
36:36So what are your plans next?
36:37Keep living, of course.
36:39I smiled.
36:39Work, travel,
36:40do what I love.
36:41What about love?
36:42Linda winked.
36:43Not considering
36:43finding someone new?
36:46I shook my head.
36:47Not for now.
36:49At this point in my life,
36:51I just want to love myself well.
36:53Linda laughed.
36:55Well said.
36:56Cheers to our new era.
36:58We clinked cups,
36:59the aroma of coffee
37:00filling the air.
37:01In this moment,
37:02I felt warmth.
37:03Not because of romance,
37:04but because of friendship.
37:06Not because of dependence,
37:07but because of independence.
37:09I finally understood
37:10that true happiness
37:11doesn't come from others,
37:12but from oneself.
37:14After returning home,
37:16I didn't stay idle.
37:17I started replanning my career.
37:19In my youth,
37:20I had given up
37:21many opportunities for Charles.
37:23Now,
37:23I would pick them up one by one.
37:24I open a small floral design studio.
37:27This was a dream I had in my youth
37:28that I never got to realize.
37:30Now,
37:30I finally had the chance
37:31to make it a reality.
37:32The studio wasn't big,
37:33but it was decorated warmly.
37:35Every morning,
37:35I would go to the flower market
37:37to select the freshest blooms.
37:39Then back at the studio,
37:40I would trim stems,
37:41match colors,
37:42and create beautiful bouquets.
37:44When customers came,
37:46I would recommend
37:46the most suitable flowers
37:47based on their needs.
37:49Your mom will definitely
37:50love this bouquet.
37:51These roses for your girlfriend,
37:53guaranteed to make her
37:54feel your love.
37:55Watching the satisfied smiles
37:56of my customers,
37:57my heart filled
37:58with a sense of accomplishment.
38:00Linda,
38:00a special customer
38:01walked into the studio.
38:02Come on in.
38:02A young woman,
38:03holding a baby in her arms.
38:05Hello.
38:05She said with a smile.
38:06I'd like to order a bouquet.
38:08Certainly.
38:09Who is it for?
38:12For myself.
38:13Her eyes sparkled.
38:15I just had a baby
38:16and want to treat myself.
38:17I was taken aback,
38:18then smiled.
38:20Congratulations,
38:21that's the best gift of all.
38:22I carefully arranged
38:23a bouquet of pink carnations
38:24and white baby's breath for her.
38:26She held the flowers,
38:28held her baby,
38:29smiling so happily.
38:30In that moment,
38:31I suddenly felt that my choice
38:33had been the right one.
38:34Although I didn't have
38:35a child of my own,
38:36I could bring happiness
38:37to others in other ways.
38:39This was probably
38:39the meaning of life.
38:41Bringing happiness to others
38:42is also the meaning of life.
38:44Time flies.
38:45In the blink of an eye,
38:46three years had passed.
38:48My floral studio
38:49had grown bigger and bigger,
38:50now with three branch locations.
38:52My name had also started
38:53to gain recognition
38:54in the industry.
38:55Many people didn't know
38:56what storms this elegant
38:57and composed florist
38:58had once weathered.
38:59And I no longer spoke of them.
39:01Because all of that
39:02was in the past.
39:03The present me
39:04only wanted to look forward.
39:05One day,
39:06I received a postcard
39:07from Alaska.
39:08No signature,
39:09just one sentence.
39:10May the rest of your life
39:12be happy.
39:12I knew who sent it.
39:14But I didn't write back.
39:15Some goodbyes
39:16don't need a response.
39:17I slipped the postcard
39:19into that fortune slip.
39:20Withered trees meet spring.
39:22Old matters become empty.
39:23The road ahead is bright.
39:25Freedom lies within the heart.
39:26These words,
39:27I had always kept in my heart.
39:29Charles, Vivian, Chloe, Connor,
39:31they had all become
39:32passersby in my life.
39:34And I had finally become
39:35the protagonist
39:35of my own story.
39:36The sun was setting.
39:38I sat by the studio window,
39:40watching the passing crowds outside.
39:42Holding a cup of hot tea.
39:43My heart felt a peace
39:44unlike anything before.
39:46My phone rang.
39:47It was a message
39:48from the hospital.
39:49Miss Stella,
39:50your donated eggs
39:50have successfully helped
39:52a fifth couple
39:52welcome their baby.
39:54Thank you for your great love.
39:55I smiled.
39:56My eyes were a bit moist.
39:58But my heart
39:58was full of happiness.
40:00Perhaps this was
40:00the best possible ending.
40:02I didn't have children,
40:03but I had helped
40:03many people realize
40:04their dreams.
40:05I didn't have romance,
40:06but I had true freedom.
40:07I didn't have a family,
40:09but I had created
40:09a world of my own.
40:11In this world,
40:12there were flowers,
40:13sunshine,
40:13laughter,
40:14and hope.
40:15That was enough.
40:16I raised my teacup
40:17and took a gentle sip.
40:18Outside the window,
40:19the afterglow of the sunset
40:20spilled across my face,
40:22warm and gentle.
40:23My life has only just begun.
40:26Lines,
40:27because the night
40:27In this world,
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