- 5 hours ago
Who Is the Nobody Here New Ep,30
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The term sister in all but blood implied less than innocent connotations.
00:04If Lucas Goodwin failed to give me a proper explanation on that day, I would cancel the engagement banquet.
00:10To my surprise, Lucas responded coldly.
00:13Who are you? Since when does a stranger like you get to question my relationship with Vivian?
00:18I was about to tell him that I was his fiancée, but he hung up abruptly.
00:22I became angry. How dare he not save my contact information?
00:26Meanwhile, Vivian Morrow, who was standing beside me, grinned triumphantly.
00:31You wench. Did you really think having Lucas' number makes you special? Keep dreaming.
00:38She looked at me with open contempt. Even the Janners at Goodwin's group dress better than you.
00:43I had always preferred simple, comfortable clothes and never cared about brand names.
00:48I never thought that would give people a reason to look down on me.
00:51I grew up abroad. My mother feared I might marry a foreign man,
00:55so she arranged an engagement for me with a talented and handsome man in Float On.
00:59She insisted that I return home to get engaged.
01:02I came back and started shopping for an engagement dress at a luxury boutique.
01:06I selected an off-white strapless gown and decided to try it on.
01:10Suddenly, a woman nearby glanced at the dress in my hand and told the saleswoman,
01:15That's a unique design. Let me try it.
01:19The saleswoman immediately yanked it out of my hands.
01:22I protested indignantly. Excuse me, I was here first.
01:26Don't you understand the principle of first come, first served?
01:29Or do you just not care about common decency?
01:31The woman scoffed and retorted.
01:33This dress costs $188,000.
01:36Do you really think a broken body like you can even afford it?
01:39I'm Lucas Goodwin's sister in all but blood.
01:42He's the chairman of Goodwin's group.
01:45In Float On, the Goodwin family sets the rules.
01:48What a coincidence. Lucas Goodwin was my fiancé.
01:51I immediately called him and said,
01:53Hey, your sister in all but blood just stole my engagement dress.
01:56Do something about it.
01:57What era are you even living in?
01:59To think you'd still be judging people by their looks.
02:02Lucas must be out of his mind to call you his sister in all but blood.
02:05My mood for shopping was ruined, thanks to her antics.
02:08I grabbed the gown and headed straight to the checkout counter.
02:11The saleswoman hesitated before saying,
02:14Miss, I'm sorry, but we prioritize our members first.
02:17Vivian smirked and slammed her shiny gold membership card onto the counter.
02:21Only people who've spent over a million get this card.
02:24What's a broke loser like you even doing here?
02:27I was not usually one to pick fights, but on that day, Vivian had really crossed a line.
02:32I pulled out a black card and handed it to the saleswoman.
02:36I suppressed my anger and said,
02:38Sign me up for a membership.
02:40Then bagged the gown.
02:41Vivian glared at the saleswoman and threatened,
02:44The Goodwin's own Floaten.
02:46If you sell her that gown today, I'll have Luke's buy this store out tomorrow.
02:50The saleswoman shrank back timidly and said,
02:53Miss, I'm just an employee.
02:55I can't risk offending Goodwin's group.
02:57Several onlookers turned to me and offered me advice in whispers.
03:01That's Mrs. Moreau.
03:02I've seen her around.
03:03Lucas Goodwin's wounds are rotten.
03:05You should just let it go.
03:06The last time someone crossed her, Goodwin's group drove them into bankruptcy.
03:10You may have some money, but it's pocket change compared to Goodwin's group.
03:13Just apologize to Mrs. Moreau now and beg her to spare you.
03:17Flattered by their words, Vivian's ego swelled like a balloon.
03:21You wench, get on your knees and say,
03:24I'm a worthless poser and I'm sorry.
03:27Maybe then I'll consider letting you off the hook.
03:29At 26 years of my life,
03:31I had never encountered anyone audacious enough to act so arrogantly in front of me.
03:35Pardon?
03:37What did you just ask me to say?
03:40What?
03:40What are you, deaf?
03:42Say I'm a worthless poser.
03:44I'm sorry.
03:45Do I need to spell it out for you?
03:47I smirked.
03:48I heard you.
03:49Since you're aware that you're a worthless poser,
03:52get out of my sight.
03:54Don't waste my time.
03:55When Vivian finally realized she was being mocked,
03:58she flailed her arms and charged at me.
04:00It was laughable to see her trying to attack me.
04:03I had a black belt in taekwondo.
04:05Did she really think her flimsy punches would scare me?
04:08I sent Vivian crashing to the floor with a single kick.
04:14She howled in pain.
04:16The onlookers stared at me in horror.
04:18Onlooker gosh.
04:19Did she just do that to Mrs. Morley?
04:21Mr. Goodwin is going to tear her to pieces once he hears about this.
04:26Yeah, good luck to her.
04:27Not even God can save her.
04:29I felt nothing when I heard their whispers.
04:32The Goodwin family had only achieved their current status through my mother's support.
04:36No one in this city could intimidate me.
04:38I slammed my card on the counter again and said to the cashier,
04:43Ring me up.
04:44The cashier, visibly shaken,
04:47fumbled as she processed my payment and wrapped up the gown.
04:49I turned to leave with the bag in hand.
04:52Vivian scrambled to stand up and blocked my path again.
04:55You're not going anywhere!
04:57I raised my fist and waved it in front of her face.
05:00What's the matter?
05:01Do you want to taste my fist again?
05:04Vivian clenched instinctively.
05:06I scoffed and strode past her.
05:08Just then, a black car pulled up in front of the store.
05:11A man stepped out.
05:13I felt my heart skip a beat.
05:15Vivian immediately rushed over tearfully to tattle.
05:17Luke, she stole my gown from me and even hit me!
05:22So, this was my fiancé.
05:24I had always been a sucker for good looks,
05:26and Lucas' appearance was exactly my type.
05:29Based on his looks alone,
05:31I felt I could forgive his previous rudeness.
05:34I gave him my best smile.
05:36Hi!
05:38I'm Lily Winson, your fiancé.
05:41It was no wonder my mother said I would be satisfied with the man she had picked this time.
05:45She really knew me inside out.
05:47The onlookers immediately erupted in gasps.
05:50What?
05:51She's Mr. Goodwin's fiancé?
05:54Lucas looked at me coldly.
05:57Don't get ahead of yourself.
05:58My father arranged this engagement without my consent.
06:01I never agreed to it.
06:03Vivian, who stood beside him,
06:05wrapped her arm around his and leaned intimately against his shoulder.
06:08She shot me a provocative glance.
06:10Look at yourself!
06:11There is no way Lukas would ever marry an ugly creature like you!
06:16Someone chimed in.
06:17Exactly!
06:18If Mr. Goodwin were to marry,
06:19it would be to some rich girl from a proper family with equal status,
06:22not some country bumping like you.
06:24With her looks,
06:25Goodwin's group wouldn't even hire her to mop floors.
06:27I had never considered myself a stunning beauty,
06:29but I was certainly not ugly.
06:31How could they describe me in such derogatory terms?
06:34This proved how people instinctively curry favor with the powerful,
06:38and took advantage of those in misfortune.
06:40Lucas Goodwin,
06:41go home and tell your father
06:43that I'm calling off this engagement.
06:47You don't deserve me.
06:50According to my mother,
06:52his father had pulled countless strings
06:53to arrange this marriage alliance with our family.
06:56If he learned that his own son had ruined it,
06:59he'd skin Lucas alive.
07:00The thought lifted my mood a little.
07:02I could not be bothered to waste more time on these idiots,
07:05so I turned to leave.
07:06But Vivian,
07:08knowing that Lucas would back her up,
07:10refused to let it go.
07:11She blocked my path again.
07:13Don't even try to run, you wench.
07:15We're not done here.
07:17You stole my gown and hit me.
07:19I looked at her disdainfully.
07:21What exactly do you want?
07:23Mistaking my calm for fear,
07:24she raised her hand to slap me.
07:26I'll slap you until I feel satisfied.
07:29I caught her wrist mid-swing
07:30and slapped her across the face without hesitation.
07:33She stared at me in shock.
07:36Had enough?
07:37Vivian said angrily.
07:39Those two slaps wiped the arrogant look off Vivian's face.
07:42She burst into tears and cowered behind Lucas.
07:45Lucas, do something!
07:48Lucas shielded her protectively and snarled,
07:50Touch my girl again,
07:52and I'll end you.
07:53He signaled his bodyguards to grab me.
07:57I managed to take down the first bodyguard with a quick strike,
08:00but the second one pinned me down.
08:02After a barrage of blows,
08:04I collapsed to the floor.
08:05The two bodyguards hauled me up
08:07and forced me to my knees before Vivian and Lucas.
08:09They looked down at me.
08:11Lucas backed Vivian up and said,
08:13Vivi,
08:15do whatever you want to her.
08:18I've got your back.
08:19With Lucas's reassurance,
08:21Vivian immediately gained confidence.
08:22She slapped me twice,
08:24then spat in my face.
08:26You wench.
08:27Where's all that attitude now?
08:30Huh?
08:31Come on.
08:33Show me how tough you are.
08:35Then she kicked me hard in the stomach.
08:38Clutching my aching abdomen,
08:40I raised my gaze to glare at her and Lucas.
08:43You'll regret this.
08:45I swear you'll pay for this.
08:48Vivian laughed arrogantly.
08:50The Goodwin family is one of the top three powerful families running this city.
08:55What can a broke loser like you even do against me?
08:58Today, I'll teach you what happens when you mess with me.
09:00She pulled out a nail clipper from her bag and splashed it across my face.
09:04Searing pain shot through my cheek as the skin swelled,
09:07and I felt blood seeping out.
09:09Someone sighed in pity.
09:11I told her not to cross the Goodwin family.
09:13Guess she had to learn the hard way.
09:15What a shame.
09:17Her pretty face is ruined now.
09:18Folks like us can't afford trouble.
09:21We'd better swallow our pride when we're out here.
09:23Vivian raised the nail clipper again,
09:25aiming for another slash at my face.
09:28Terror at the thought of disfigurement overwhelmed me,
09:31and I quickly begged for mercy.
09:33Fine, fine, I'm sorry.
09:35Take the dress.
09:37I shouldn't have fought you for it.
09:40Revenge could wait.
09:41At that moment, saving my face was the priority.
09:44However, Vivian still slashed the blade across my face again.
09:48Vivian laughed arrogantly.
09:50The Goodwin family is one of the top three powerful families running this city.
09:54What can a broke loser like you even do against me?
09:58Today, I'll teach you what happens when you mess with me.
10:00She pulled out a nail clipper from her bag and slashed it across my face.
10:04Searing pain shot through my cheek as the skin swelled,
10:07and I felt blood seeping out.
10:09Someone sighed in pity.
10:11I told her not to cross the Goodwin family.
10:13Guess she had to learn the hard way.
10:14What a shame.
10:16Her pretty face is ruined now.
10:19Folks like us can't afford trouble.
10:21We'd better swallow our pride when we're out here.
10:23Vivian raised the nail clipper again,
10:25aiming for another slash at my face.
10:28Terror at the thought of disfigurement overwhelmed me,
10:30and I quickly begged for mercy.
10:33Fine, fine, I'm sorry.
10:35Take the dress.
10:37I shouldn't have fought you for it.
10:40Revenge could wait.
10:41At that moment, saving my face was the priority.
10:44However, Vivian still slashed the blade across my face again.
10:48Oh, now you're sorry.
10:51Well, it's too late now.
10:54Wench, I won't let you go until I've vented every ounce of my rage.
10:58I screamed in pain and turned to Lucas for help.
11:01Lucas, you know my background.
11:03Aren't you afraid of the consequences?
11:05If you keep letting her humiliate me like this,
11:08you'll regret it.
11:09Lucas sneered.
11:10What status could you possibly have?
11:13Your mother bewitched my father into forcing this engagement on me.
11:17A vicious gleam flashed in Vivian's gaze.
11:20Your mother is a witch, and I bet you are one too.
11:25Strip off and let me see clearly.
11:29No!
11:30Just then, my phone rang from inside my bag.
11:32I struggled desperately to reach it,
11:34but Vivian snatched it first.
11:35She swiped to answer,
11:37and my mother's voice came through immediately.
11:39Lillabelt?
11:40How's the gown shopping going?
11:42I hurriedly shouted for help.
11:44Mom!
11:46Save me!
11:47Someone's hurting me!
11:49She's trying to strip me off!
11:51My mother panicked.
11:52What?
11:53Who's doing this to you?
11:55Vivian cut in arrogantly.
11:56Me?
11:57Me?
11:58Your little witch daughter has been begging for attention,
12:00so I'm putting her in her place.
12:02My mother snapped.
12:03I don't care who you are.
12:04Let my daughter go now,
12:05or you'll pay for this when I get there.
12:07Try me!
12:08I'll be right here to catch you,
12:10you witch!
12:11With that,
12:12Vivian hung up my phone and hurled it to the floor.
12:14It shattered into pieces.
12:16She slapped me across the face again and sneered.
12:18The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
12:21Huh?
12:22When your mother shows up,
12:24I'll strip her down too.
12:26Time crawled by.
12:27It felt like half a century,
12:29but in reality,
12:30it had only been five minutes.
12:32Finally,
12:33a familiar stretched limousine appeared.
12:35My mother stepped out of the car and demanded,
12:38Let me see who dares threaten to strip me down.
12:40The instant I saw my mother,
12:43a wave of pent-up grievances surged through me.
12:46Mom!
12:47I cried as my voice broke with emotion.
12:49My mother's heart broke at the sight of me.
12:51She immediately rushed toward me
12:53and pulled me into her embrace.
12:55I finally felt safe when I leaned against my mother's chest.
12:58The surrounding onlookers gasped in astonishment
13:00at my mother's vehicle.
13:02Look!
13:02That's a limited edition stretch limousine.
13:05Only the extremely rich and powerful can own that car.
13:08It seems Vivian messed with the wrong person this time.
13:11Wrong person?
13:13Please.
13:14Even if she's got connections,
13:16nobody could possibly outrank the Goodwin family in this city.
13:19Vivian thought the same too.
13:21She charged toward my mother.
13:22So you're the witch who raised this brat?
13:24She dared to steal my dress and hit me.
13:28Tell me,
13:29how are you going to make this right?
13:30My mother raised her eyes to look at her.
13:32How am I going to make this right?
13:35Oblivious to my mother's murderous glare,
13:37Vivian made her demands without restraint.
13:40This was my dress
13:41until your trashy daughter put her hands on it.
13:44Now it's ruined.
13:46You'll pay ten times the price.
13:48And for those slaps,
13:50she'll kneel right here
13:51and slap herself twenty times in front of everyone.
13:54Most importantly,
13:56cancel her engagement with Luke.
13:57Do everything I say
13:59and maybe I'll let you walk out of here in one piece.
14:02Otherwise,
14:03you're not leaving this store alive.
14:05My mother laughed in disbelief
14:07when she heard Vivian's outrageous demands.
14:09She gave my shoulder a reassuring pat
14:11before walking toward Vivian.
14:13The engagement between Lillebeau
14:14and the Good Twin family
14:16will most certainly be cancelled.
14:18Lucas could never measure up
14:19to being part of our family.
14:21As for the rest of your demands...
14:23My mother raised her hand
14:24and slapped her face hard.
14:26Don't even dream about it.
14:28You're the ones who won't be walking out today.
14:30Vivian stood stunned for a second
14:32before attempting to retaliate.
14:34My mother's bodyguard kicked her to her knees
14:36then pinned her arms down.
14:38After struggling futilely,
14:40Vivian lifted her head to plead with Lucas.
14:42Lucas!
14:44It hurts!
14:45Help me!
14:46Lucas signaled his bodyguards to intervene
14:49but within seconds
14:50they were overpowered
14:51and slammed to the floor.
14:53The most satisfying part followed.
14:55Lucas himself was forced to my knees before me.
14:58My mother did not hold back
14:59and slapped Lucas.
15:00I've never laid a finger on Lilibeth
15:02since she was born.
15:04And you dare humiliate her like this today?
15:07You'll repay this a thousand times over.
15:10My mother did not hold back
15:11and slapped Lucas.
15:13You old hag!
15:14How dare you hit me?
15:15I'm the chairman of Goodwin's group.
15:17You have no idea
15:18what consequences you'll face.
15:20How dare you hurt my daughter?
15:21I'd slap your father
15:22just like I slapped you if he's here.
15:24The onlookers grew even more shocked.
15:27Who does this woman think she is?
15:29Mr. Goodwin Sr. ran the underworld in his youth.
15:32After leaving that life behind
15:33he built the Goodwin's group.
15:35Even now
15:35everyone in Floaten shows him respect.
15:37She just struck
15:38Mr. Goodwin Sr.'s golden boy.
15:41There's no way she's walking away from this.
15:44My mother ignored their whispers.
15:45She gently touched my swollen bleeding cheek.
15:48Oh Lilibel
15:49you've suffered enough.
15:52But I'm here now.
15:53Don't be afraid.
15:55Do you want payback?
15:56Just say the word.
15:57I was not the type
15:58to turn the other cheek to begin with.
16:00I certainly would not be
16:01after what Vivian just called.
16:03I stared at her with a furious gaze.
16:05First
16:06I struck her repeatedly across the face
16:08to vent my anger.
16:10Then
16:10I picked up the nail clipper
16:11she had used to slash my cheek
16:13and slowly brought it closer to her face.
16:16Vivian trembled violently.
16:17No!
16:18Don't you dare touch my face!
16:20I'll fight you to the death!
16:22Without hesitation
16:23I made the first cut.
16:25She let out a blood-curdling scream
16:26as a bleeding gash
16:28swelled along one cheek.
16:29I slashed the blade repeatedly.
16:31Soon her face was swollen
16:32beyond recognition.
16:34It looked bruised and bloody.
16:35She could do nothing
16:36but wail in helpless agony
16:38as she was pinned down
16:39by the bodyguards.
16:41My face
16:43My face is ruined!
16:45It was true that a person
16:46would not know the pain
16:47until it was theirs to bear.
16:49When she tried to disfigure me
16:51she should have expected retribution.
16:53Lucas
16:53who was nearby
16:54snarled at me.
16:55You psychotic wench!
16:58When my father finds out
16:59what you did to Vivi
17:00he'll make you pay!
17:01My mother said coldly
17:03Good
17:03Let Bernard come
17:05We'll see who he punishes
17:07You
17:08or us
17:09My mother immediately
17:10took out her phone
17:11and called Bernard Goodwin.
17:12He answered instantly
17:14Hello Denia
17:15What's the matter?
17:17My mother replied coldly
17:18Bernard
17:20You've certainly raised
17:21an exceptional son.
17:23Recognizing her displeasure
17:24Bernard responded
17:25with forced laughter
17:27Denia
17:27What has my useless son done now?
17:30Just say the word
17:31and I'll punish him severely.
17:33You know
17:33Lilliville is my only daughter.
17:35I've cherished her
17:36like the apple of my eye
17:37since she was born.
17:38Yes of course
17:39rest assured
17:40when Mrs. Winsone
17:41marries into our family
17:43I won't let her suffer
17:44even the slightest weakness.
17:46My mother's voice
17:47trembled with suppressed rage.
17:49Well
17:49your precious boy Lucas
17:52has let Lilliville
17:53suffer a terrible humiliation.
17:55He tied her up
17:56and allowed her
17:56to be beaten
17:57and insulted
17:57for the sake
17:58of some pretend sister.
18:00How are you going
18:01to make this right?
18:02Bernard was in disbelief
18:03when he heard this.
18:05He then said
18:05What?
18:07That brat
18:08hurt Mrs. Winsone?
18:09Skin him alive
18:10for all I care.
18:12Do whatever you want
18:13with her.
18:13Lucas
18:14who was kneeling
18:14on the floor
18:15shouted
18:15Dad
18:16has this witch
18:17cast a spell on you?
18:19These two witches
18:20are evil.
18:21They ruined
18:21Vivi's face
18:22and made me kneel.
18:24Instead of saving me
18:25you're letting them
18:26have their way with me.
18:28I'm your son!
18:29Bernard roared furiously.
18:31You're a disgrace
18:32after this disaster
18:34you've caused me.
18:35I wish I'd never had you!
18:37Lucas tried to speak again.
18:39My mother ended
18:39the call deliberately.
18:40She looked at him
18:41with contempt.
18:42Do you still think
18:43your father
18:44is going to save you?
18:45You black widow.
18:47Don't get cocky.
18:48He's just blowing off steam.
18:50I'm his flesh and blood.
18:52When he comes for me
18:53you're dead.
18:55Ever since I could remember
18:56my father's memory
18:57was my mother's
18:57most tender spot.
18:59No one would dare
19:00broach it.
19:00Lucas truly had
19:02a death wish
19:02and was walking
19:03straight into
19:04the line of fire.
19:05As expected
19:06my mother's expression
19:07darkened.
19:08She looked at him
19:09with a murderous gaze.
19:10I swiftly kicked
19:11Lucas in the back.
19:12He sprawled face first
19:13onto the floor.
19:15Mom
19:15don't waste your anger
19:17on this worthless fool.
19:18Let me handle him.
19:19I know exactly
19:20how to deal with them.
19:21With that
19:21I ordered the bodyguards
19:22to take both of them away.
19:24I sidled up to mom
19:25and whined.
19:26Mom
19:27my face really hurts.
19:29Will you come with me
19:30to get it treated first?
19:31My coaxing tone
19:32successfully snapped
19:33my mother back
19:34to rationality.
19:35She gently touched
19:36my injured cheek
19:37and accompanied me
19:38to the hospital.
19:39Floodon's top dermatologists
19:40and plastic surgeons
19:42gathered to examine me.
19:43After disinfecting
19:44my facial wounds
19:45they discussed
19:46treatment plans
19:47to ensure no scars
19:48would remain.
19:49Once the treatment plan
19:50was finalized
19:51the doctors
19:52gradually dispersed.
19:53Only my mother
19:54and I
19:54remained in the ward.
19:56I leaned my head
19:56against her shoulder
19:57and murmured
19:58reassuringly.
19:59Mom
19:59don't take Lucas's
20:01words to heart.
20:02Lilibelt
20:02your father
20:03really did die
20:04because of me.
20:05Do you hate me
20:05for making you
20:06grow up without a father?
20:07Her voice thickened
20:08with guilt and regret.
20:09I shook my head
20:10and hugged her tighter.
20:11I knew better than anyone
20:13how much she had
20:13suffered these years.
20:15My father had been
20:15part of the underworld.
20:17He had countless
20:17subordinates.
20:19Bernard was just
20:19one of his underlings.
20:21Everything changed
20:22when he met my mother.
20:23They fell in love
20:24at first sight.
20:25The violent womanizer
20:26who lived for fights
20:27and flings
20:28finally settled down.
20:29From that moment
20:30his heart belonged
20:31only to my mother.
20:32But this gave my father
20:34a weakness.
20:35His enemies
20:35repeatedly targeted
20:36my mother.
20:37In the end
20:38he sacrificed
20:39his life
20:39protecting her.
20:40I was less than
20:41a year old
20:41at the time.
20:42My grandparents
20:43said she would have
20:44followed my father
20:44in death
20:45had I not existed.
20:46For my sake
20:47she dragged herself
20:48through the grief.
20:49She dissolved
20:50my father's
20:50underworld organization.
20:52From its members
20:53she selected those
20:54with business acumen
20:55and funded their ventures.
20:57My mother understood
20:57the danger
20:58of drawing attention.
20:59To shield me
21:00from becoming a target
21:01she maintained
21:02a low profile
21:03and never appeared
21:04before the media
21:04or public.
21:05It was no exaggeration
21:06to say my mother
21:07built three of
21:08Floden's major
21:09financial empires.
21:10Only a few
21:11knew this truth.
21:12This explained
21:13why idiots like Lucas
21:14remained ignorant
21:15of her true status.
21:17That was why
21:17he dared spew nonsense.
21:19After a week
21:20of medical treatment
21:21my facial injuries
21:22healed completely.
21:23My skin became
21:24even smoother
21:25and more radiant
21:26than before.
21:27One day
21:27the housekeeper
21:28brought over
21:29another gift
21:29from Bernard.
21:30It was a 1945
21:32Chateau Lafite.
21:33It was one of only
21:34a few left in the world.
21:36It was clear
21:36Bernard had gone
21:37to great lengths
21:38to save his son.
21:39After locking
21:40Lucas and Vivian
21:41up for a week
21:42it was about time
21:43I paid them a visit.
21:43I instructed
21:44the housekeeper
21:45to inform Bernard
21:46who was waiting outside.
21:48Then I had the bodyguards
21:49bring Lucas and Vivian
21:50up from the basement.
21:52Those seven short days
21:53had transformed them
21:54beyond recognition.
21:55Their hair was matted
21:56and their bodies
21:57reeked of foul odors.
21:59Vivian's facial wounds
22:00were left untreated.
22:02It had festered
22:03and swollen.
22:04Her entire face
22:05had turned into
22:05a bloated mess
22:06and was ruined
22:07beyond repair.
22:08When Lucas spotted Bernard
22:10tears of relief
22:11streamed down his face.
22:12He scrambled over
22:13on hands and knees.
22:15Dad!
22:16You're finally here!
22:18You have no idea
22:19what I've been through
22:19these days.
22:20He pointed a shaking
22:22finger at me.
22:22It was her!
22:23She locked me
22:25in that water cell.
22:27She deprived me
22:28of sleep,
22:29starved me,
22:30and forced me
22:31to eat rotten food.
22:33I smiled slightly
22:34as I looked at him.
22:35Yet you always
22:36licked the bowl clean
22:37though,
22:38didn't you Mr. Goodwin?
22:40Human survival instincts
22:41were truly remarkable.
22:43I had ordered the guards
22:44to deliver just one meal
22:45of cold,
22:46rancid oatmeal
22:47per day.
22:47At first,
22:48Lucas proudly declared
22:50he would rather starve
22:51than touch such food.
22:52He was the chairman
22:53of Goodwin's group
22:54after all.
22:55But after three days
22:56without food,
22:57pride became meaningless.
22:58They fought over
22:59that putrid oatmeal
23:00and even licked
23:01their bowls for him.
23:02Lucas glared at me
23:03savagely.
23:04You vicious witch!
23:06Now that my father
23:08is here,
23:09your little game
23:10is over.
23:11Sometimes I marveled
23:12at life scales
23:12of balance.
23:13When it gave you
23:14one thing,
23:15it would always
23:15take away another.
23:17Clearly,
23:17Lucas' intelligence
23:18had been traded
23:19for his looks.
23:20Before he could
23:21finish his threat,
23:22Bernard struck him
23:23across the head.
23:24You disgrace!
23:25Are you trying
23:26to give me
23:27a heart attack?
23:28Get on your knees
23:30and apologize
23:31to Ms. Winshow
23:32right now!
23:33Lucas turned
23:34to his father,
23:34his face twisted
23:35in betrayal.
23:37Why should I apologize?
23:39She tortured me
23:40for days!
23:42Instead of having
23:43my back,
23:43why are you
23:43taking her side?
23:44Bernard looked
23:45at his clueless son
23:46in despair.
23:47He was truly
23:48at his wit's end.
23:49Since my mother
23:50had given
23:50strict instructions,
23:52Bernard could not
23:52reveal my identity.
23:54He could only
23:55vent his frustration
23:55by kicking Lucas
23:56behind the knees
23:57and forcing him
23:58to kneel before me.
23:59Bernard spoke
24:00with cautious deference.
24:02Mrs. Winsway,
24:03I know this worthless
24:04son of mine
24:05has angered you.
24:06Nothing he does
24:07will ever make up
24:08for it.
24:09But he's my
24:10only child.
24:12Please,
24:13spare his life.
24:14Witnessing his father's
24:15humiliating submission,
24:17Lucas finally realized
24:18that I was not
24:19just some nobody.
24:20Dad,
24:22who is she?
24:24We're the Goodwin family.
24:26One of the three
24:27most powerful families
24:28running this city.
24:29Since when has there
24:30been anyone
24:30we can't afford
24:31to offend?
24:32Bernard glared at him
24:33with disgust.
24:34You stupid brat!
24:36How many times
24:36have I told you
24:37there's always
24:38someone above us?
24:39I told you to behave,
24:41but you never listened!
24:43Let me make this clear.
24:45Mrs. Winsaw
24:46is exactly
24:47who we can't
24:48afford to offend.
24:50Whether you walk
24:51out of here
24:52depends entirely
24:53on her.
24:54Finally comprehending
24:55the gravity
24:56of the situation,
24:57Lucas' expression
24:58shifted from resentment
24:59to pure terror.
25:00He stammered
25:01and said,
25:02Mrs. Winsaw
25:02I've
25:04I've been a fool.
25:06Please
25:07forgive me.
25:08I sat in my chair
25:10as I slowly
25:11sipped the coffee
25:12beside me
25:12before addressing them.
25:13Bernard,
25:14you're actually
25:15wrong about Lucas.
25:16He wasn't the one
25:17who offended me.
25:18It's his sister
25:19in all but blood
25:19that did.
25:20Lucas merely
25:21wanted to stand up
25:22for her.
25:22You're such a disgrace!
25:25Instead of learning
25:25proper conduct,
25:27you're messing around
25:27with some pretend sister.
25:29Get that woman
25:29out of my sight.
25:30Now!
25:31Seeing this,
25:32Vivian instantly realized
25:34Lucas was barely
25:35keeping his own head
25:35above water at the moment.
25:37He could not save himself,
25:38much less her.
25:39Just remembering
25:40her time in the water cell,
25:42she vowed never
25:43to suffer like that again.
25:44Her legs gave out.
25:45She collapsed to her knees
25:46with a thud
25:47and started apologizing
25:48frantically.
25:49Mrs. Winsbone!
25:50I'm sorry!
25:52I'm sorry!
25:53I'm the worthless poser!
25:55Please forgive me!
25:57Please spare me
25:58just this once!
26:00Please!
26:01Please!
26:02I beg you!
26:03Please spare
26:04my miserable life!
26:06Her words echoed
26:07in the room
26:08as she repeatedly
26:09begged for forgiveness
26:10on her knees.
26:11Lucas finally lowered
26:12his proud head
26:13in submission.
26:13Mrs. Winsbone,
26:14I was blind
26:16and foolish
26:16to wrong you.
26:17I won't bully people
26:19or pull that
26:20privileged nonsense again.
26:22Please just give me
26:22this one chance.
26:23After finishing my coffee,
26:25I set the cup aside.
26:26I looked at the people
26:27around me
26:27and said calmly,
26:28My, you are all speaking
26:30as if I'm some
26:31homicidal maniac.
26:33This is a society
26:34governed by law.
26:36Do I really look
26:37like a criminal to you?
26:38Bernard ventured
26:39cautiously.
26:40Mrs. Winsbone,
26:41does this mean
26:42you're forgiving this idiot?
26:44I smiled.
26:45Of course.
26:46Though they'd hurt me,
26:48I've hurt them too.
26:49An eye for an eye
26:51leaves the whole world blind.
26:52I'll let this matter
26:53end here.
26:54Lucas and Vivian
26:55resumed frantically
26:56thanking me
26:57for their mercy.
26:58I cleared my throat
26:59before continuing.
27:00Not only do I forgive you,
27:02I intend to grant
27:03you a blessing.
27:05The three of them
27:06looked confused.
27:07After some digging,
27:08I discovered Vivian
27:10and Lucas
27:10have been dating
27:11all along.
27:12They adopted
27:12the pretend sibling's
27:14pretense
27:14because you wouldn't
27:15approve, Bernard.
27:17Well, congratulations,
27:19lovebirds.
27:19You'll be heading
27:20straight to the city hall
27:21after this.
27:22You've got exactly
27:23seven days to throw
27:24a wedding and float on.
27:25My words were met
27:26with mixed reactions.
27:28Some were delighted,
27:29others horrified.
27:30Vivian had never
27:31expected this misfortune
27:32to turn into
27:33her lucky break.
27:34Her long-held dream
27:35of climbing society's
27:36ladder by marrying
27:37a wealthy man
27:38was finally coming true.
27:39A thrill of victory
27:41rose in her chest.
27:42And she could not
27:43help but smile.
27:44However,
27:44that smile was
27:45particularly grotesque
27:47and unsettling
27:47on her nearly disfigured face.
27:49The one displeased
27:50by this turn of events
27:51was naturally Bernard.
27:53He had always
27:53looked down on
27:54Vivian's background
27:55and behavior.
27:56This disaster
27:57involving Lucas
27:58had been partly
27:58caused by her,
28:00deepening his disdain
28:01toward her.
28:01I observed the three
28:03of them,
28:03each lost in their
28:04own thoughts,
28:05and asked,
28:07well,
28:08can you do it?
28:10When they gave me
28:11their agreement,
28:12I waved them off
28:13with a smile.
28:14There's a car
28:15waiting outside
28:16to take you
28:17love-largs
28:18to the city hall.
28:19They scrambled
28:20to their feet
28:20and dashed out
28:21as if afraid
28:22I might change
28:23my mind
28:23if they delayed
28:24even a second.
28:24The filthy,
28:26foul-smelling
28:26Lucas and Vivian
28:27were delivered
28:28straight to the
28:29city hall's entrance.
28:30A staff member
28:31approached them.
28:32She suppressed
28:32her disgust
28:33at the stench.
28:35Sir,
28:36miss,
28:36how may I assist you?
28:38Lucas glanced
28:38at Vivian's
28:39swollen face
28:40and could not help
28:41but feel repulsed.
28:43Still high on the thrill
28:44of bagging a good one,
28:45Vivian blurted out,
28:46We're here
28:47to get married!
28:48even after years
28:49of handling registrations,
28:51this was the most
28:52bizarre couple
28:53the staff
28:53had ever encountered.
28:54Most couples
28:55dressed their best
28:56when registering
28:57for marriage,
28:58but these two
28:58looked like refugees
28:59fleeing a disaster.
29:01The groom looked
29:02especially disgusted
29:03and reluctant.
29:04The staff
29:04processed their paperwork
29:05dutifully
29:06despite their appearance.
29:07When my driver
29:08reported they had
29:09successfully tied a knot,
29:10I felt the wicked
29:12satisfaction
29:12of a prankster
29:13seeing their scheme
29:14succeed.
29:15This particular prank,
29:16however,
29:17would haunt them
29:17for life.
29:19A week later,
29:20their wedding
29:21had the whole internet
29:22talking about
29:22the Goodwin family.
29:23The viral wedding
29:24coverage caused
29:25Goodwin's group
29:26stocks to plummet.
29:27Their assets
29:27were halved,
29:28knocking them out
29:29of Floodon's
29:29top three spots.
29:31Though my orchestrated
29:32behind the scenes
29:32certainly helped.
29:33Bernard blamed
29:34Vivian entirely.
29:36He was convinced
29:37she had brought
29:38misfortune to the
29:39Goodwin family.
29:40From the moment
29:40she married in,
29:41he never showed her
29:42even a hint of kindness.
29:44After marriage,
29:45Lucas became a
29:46habitual womanizer
29:47who refused to go home
29:48and face Vivian's
29:49disfigured face
29:50due to the result
29:51of untreated wounds.
29:53Initially,
29:53Vivian had been
29:54overjoyed about
29:55marrying into
29:55the Goodwin family.
29:56As time passed,
29:58she realized even
29:59the housemaids did
29:59not regard her
30:00as Lucas's
30:01legitimate wife.
30:02Her influence
30:03within the Goodwin
30:03family was negligible.
30:05The meager monthly
30:06allowance she received
30:07was not even close
30:08to her imagined
30:08aristocratic lifestyle.
30:10They fought constantly
30:11about Lucas's
30:12repeated affairs.
30:13Through these
30:13constant fights,
30:14Vivian grew
30:15increasingly paranoid
30:16and unstable.
30:17After one particularly
30:19vicious quarrel,
30:20she snapped.
30:21She stabbed Lucas
30:22before ending
30:23her own life.
30:24I was vacationing
30:25abroad with my mother
30:26when we heard the
30:27news of their deaths.
30:28Sunlight sifted
30:29through the branches.
30:30A new day began
30:31in tranquility.
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