A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
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FunTranscript
00:00Roderick ripped my shirt open and froze.
00:02My back was covered in scars, old and new, all from whippings.
00:07What the hell happened here?
00:08I misbehaved. They punished me for it.
00:11My voice was flat, like I was talking about someone else's body.
00:15He stared at the scars he'd never seen.
00:17Then he said,
00:17You deserved it.
00:18He sent me to that place three years ago to cure me of loving him.
00:22I spent three years locked inside that place.
00:25Now, I stopped loving him, just as he wanted.
00:28Then he came running back and said,
00:30I regret it.
00:31For eight years, I was a fixture by Roderick Dunfall's side.
00:34Everyone said I was addicted to him.
00:36I was so obsessed with him that I'd run off any woman who got close to him.
00:40Whatever it took.
00:42Once, I offered one of them money to leave Roderick.
00:45The woman laughed in my face.
00:47Being with Roderick meant an endless supply of cash.
00:50Why would anyone walk away for such a pathetic amount?
00:53Then that woman took a staid fall down a flight of stairs.
00:56Roderick thought I pushed her,
00:58and I ended up being sent to a rehab center by him.
01:01Others there to quit smoking, drinking, or gaming.
01:05I was there to let go of Roderick.
01:07In the end, I succeeded,
01:10only for him to tell me he regretted it.
01:12The moment I stepped out of the rehab center,
01:14I saw an Audi parked there.
01:15It looked totally out of place.
01:17I glanced at it and lowered my head,
01:20preparing to walk away.
01:21The perrin who get out of the car called out to me.
01:23It was Roderick.
01:25He had grown more mature in the last three years.
01:28I glanced at him once, then looked away.
01:30The staff at the center taught us that staring was rude,
01:34especially at someone we like.
01:36Yes, after three years, I had been completely reformed.
01:43Roderick told me to get in, and I did so,
01:45sitting quietly in the back seat.
01:47I kept my head down, staring at my lap and not moving a muscle.
01:51Roderick sat beside me.
01:53I could feel the weight of his intense gaze.
01:56The car was dead quiet.
01:57I held my breath, scared to make a peep.
01:59But a cough escaped me anyway.
02:01It was just my old cough.
02:03The car pulled up at the Dunlips Mansion.
02:05Roderick's grandmother, Maggie Dunfar, lived there.
02:09Today, as I remembered, marked her 80th birthday.
02:13Then it hit me why Roderick had come to get me.
02:16He started to walk in.
02:18I hesitated for a second, then blurted out,
02:20Um, Roderick, I didn't bring a gift.
02:24When he turned around, my heart was pounding out of my chest.
02:27I quickly looked down.
02:29I knew my quickened heartbeat was from fear, not from affection.
02:33Somehow, I'd turned into a total coward.
02:36If someone even glanced my way, I'd get a jolt of fear.
02:40I'd toss and turn all night in nightmares,
02:43haunted by those staring eyes.
02:47Follow me.
02:48Roderick brushed off my worry.
02:49He was as cold as always.
02:52Or maybe he only saved that coldness for me.
02:54I had to jog a little just to keep up with him.
02:56Bari, you're back!
02:58Come in, dear!
02:59Maggie was right there at the front door, waiting for me.
03:02Maggie had always had my back,
03:04always encouraged my crush on Roderick,
03:06and even snuck me info on his plans.
03:09I walked over to her.
03:11Hello, Maggie.
03:12Maria, honey,
03:14why are you being so distant?
03:16You're not mad at me for what happened, are you?
03:19Maggie stroked my hair,
03:21her eyes full of affection.
03:22I shook my head.
03:24I could never be mad at her.
03:26Three years ago,
03:27if Maggie hadn't threatened to harm out herself,
03:29I probably would have been sent to jail instead.
03:31On the outside,
03:33it looked like a regular school.
03:35But only the people who'd been locked up there
03:37knew what real torture was like.
03:42During the meal,
03:43I kept my head down,
03:44shoveling down Sighetti as fast as I could.
03:47I didn't make a sound,
03:49didn't reach for anything else,
03:51just ate fast,
03:52like I hadn't had a meal in a month.
03:54Marianne!
03:56Yes, sir!
03:57Hearing my name,
03:59I set down my fork and stood up straight.
04:01We all froze.
04:03Me,
04:03Roderick,
04:04and Maggie.
04:05I met their shocked stares for a slip second.
04:07Then I looked down at the silverware I'd set neatly on the table.
04:10Even with how panicked I was,
04:12I just stood there,
04:13confused.
04:14It hit me then.
04:15I'd forgotten I wasn't at the center anymore.
04:18I had no idea why Roderick had called me.
04:21You scared her,
04:23you big idiot!
04:23Maggie swatted Roderick's arm before turning to me.
04:27Sit down, Mary.
04:29You're home now, sweetie.
04:31Just relax.
04:32I did what Maggie said and sat back down,
04:34but I couldn't eat another bite.
04:37Something about the way they looked at me told me they'd noticed.
04:40The girl who walked in three years ago was gone,
04:42and the one sitting here now was someone they didn't recognize.
04:49Grandma was talking to you.
04:50Why weren't you listening?
04:52Roderick's tone was sharp.
04:53I couldn't tell if he was mad I'd ignored Maggie,
04:56or just ticked off about getting swatted.
04:59I'm sorry, Maggie.
05:00I was just very hungry.
05:02I didn't hear you.
05:03I gave her an apologetic look.
05:05The countlers at the center always drilled it into us.
05:08Apologies have to be sincere.
05:09Only I knew the truth.
05:11It wasn't hunger.
05:11It was fear.
05:14Fear of getting punished for not eating fast enough,
05:17or for leaving food on my plate.
05:19I vaguely recall her telling me to try the other food.
05:23I'd heard her, but I just couldn't react fast enough.
05:25So Roderick called out to me.
05:27By the time dinner was over, my forehead was covered in a light sweat.
05:31I wasn't sure if it was from the heat in the room, or my own anxiety.
05:35Three years in that place had taught me one thing.
05:37Never let your guard down, not even at a dinner table.
05:42After dinner, I returned to Grandpa's old house.
05:45Thank you for the ride.
05:46I gave Roderick a small bow.
05:48Maggie had wanted me to stay the night, but I'd turned her down.
05:51I didn't want any more contact with them than I had to.
05:54So I'd ask Roderick to drive me home.
05:56You really want to stay here?
05:58Roderick frowned.
05:59I glanced back at the house.
06:01It hadn't been touched in three years.
06:04Now it was completely overgrown with weeds, but I nodded.
06:08I had nowhere else to go anyway.
06:10I was flat broke, and the clothes I was wearing were from three years ago.
06:15The rehab center had given us uniforms, so these clothes had never even been worn out.
06:20I bent down to pull some weeds.
06:22The little critters living there scurried away.
06:24I saw cockroaches, mice, and a snake.
06:27Coiled in the corner, too lazy to move.
06:29Once upon a time, I would have jumped straight into Roderick's arms.
06:33Now, I just stared at them calmly and looked for a stick to shoo the snake away.
06:39Roderick pulled me back toward the car.
06:41What's wrong?
06:42I didn't even realize he was still there.
06:44Didn't you see that snake?
06:45Oh, right.
06:47I'd forgotten Roderick hated reptiles.
06:49I saw it.
06:50It's fine.
06:51I'll just shoo it away with a stick.
06:53If it bothers you, you can just leave.
06:55I caught myself reassuring him.
06:57I reached for the door handle, ready to hop out.
07:00But Roderick locked the doors and drove off.
07:03I quickly buckled my seatbelt.
07:05Wh-where are you taking me?
07:06He didn't say a word.
07:08I didn't dare ask again.
07:09He took me to his private apartment.
07:11He closed the door behind us without a word.
07:14I couldn't leave.
07:14It was a keypad lock.
07:16He went straight to the shower.
07:17Probably trying to wash off the creeps from seeing all those critters.
07:21I sat straight on the living room couch.
07:23About an hour later, Roderick came downstairs in pajamas, his hair still wet.
07:27I knew better than to stare.
07:29Stay here until your place is cleaned up.
07:31You can sleep here tonight.
07:32I thought about it for a second, then nodded.
07:35That house was a mess.
07:36Tackling it all alone would have kept me going way past midnight.
07:40He walked over.
07:41I stood up and stepped aside without thinking.
07:44Roderick grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him.
07:47So you're over me?
07:48His expression was questioning.
07:50Yes, I didn't hesitate for a second.
07:53Any delay would have felt like an insult to everything I'd been through.
07:56That night, the nightmare returned.
07:58In my dream, countless eyes stared back at me, filled with hatred, disgust, and contempt.
08:05Every single one of them belonged to Roderick.
08:10The next day, when Roderick left for work, I asked him to drop me off downtown.
08:16He didn't seem to mind, as long as I wasn't in his way.
08:19I hesitated in front of a florist's hiring sign.
08:23I didn't have a college degree.
08:24I never finished college because Roderick had me sent to that rehab center.
08:29Hunting for a job?
08:30The shop owner noticed me staring at the sign but not coming in, so he finally asked.
08:35I nodded that the owner looked to be in his mid-twenties, and he seemed pretty nice.
08:40The pay was $3,000 monthly, and no diploma was required.
08:45I just had to be on time to help out at the shop every day.
08:48I asked the owner for a $1,000 advance.
08:51Money makes the world go round.
08:53I needed it for everything.
08:54My official start date was the next day.
08:57And to my surprise, he trusted me.
08:59I spent $400 on a used electric scooter from a local shop.
09:03Once upon a time, $400 wouldn't have meant squat to me.
09:08Now, I had to haggle just to get it for that price.
09:11It's not like I was an orphan or anything.
09:14Three years ago, my parents disowned me.
09:16To protect the company and the family's reputation.
09:20The only person who'd ever really loved me grandpa was gone a long time ago.
09:24If he were still here, I probably never would have ended up like this.
09:30I rode the scooter back to grandpa's old house.
09:33The weeds outside were already gone.
09:35Roderick must have sent someone to clear them.
09:37Inside, everything was covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs.
09:42It took me four hours just to make the place halfway livable.
09:45Most of the stuff inside was broken beyond fixin'.
09:49I was trying to carry out the junk when I tripped.
09:51Everything went flying all over the floor.
09:53I was a mess.
09:54My knee hurt, and I was covered in dirt.
09:57I saw a pair of shiny leather shoes stop in front of me.
10:00I didn't even have to look up to know who they belonged to.
10:02I got up slowly, my knee throbbing with pain.
10:06Mr. Dunlap, can I help you with something?
10:08I'd gone from calling him Rod, Roderick, and now to Mr. Dunlap.
10:12It was better this way, keeping my distance.
10:16I never wanted to go back to that hellhole ever again.
10:19Grandma sent me to check on how you're doing.
10:22Roderick's brow was farrowed.
10:23Please tell her I'm fine, and she doesn't have to worry about me.
10:27I crouched back down to clean up the mess.
10:29That fall had just made everything worse.
10:34Roderick grabbed me by the back of my collar.
10:36With a tear, my shirt split right open.
10:40It was the same shirt I'd worn yesterday, and the same one I'd had three years ago.
10:45The fabric was so thin, it tore almost instantly.
10:48Mr. Dunlap, have some respect.
10:51My voice was sharp with anger as I clutched the torn fabric.
10:56Thank God it was only the back that tore.
10:58But it was my only shirt.
11:00I hadn't had time to buy new clothes, and now, how was I supposed to go shopping?
11:04But Roderick's eyes were fixed on the scars on my back.
11:07What the hell happened here?
11:09I misbehaved.
11:11They punished me for it.
11:12My voice was flat, like I was talking about someone else's pain.
11:17You deserved it.
11:19He walked out.
11:21I glanced over my shoulder.
11:23My back was covered in scars.
11:25Old and new, all from whippings.
11:28The newest ones were probably from a few days ago.
11:32I couldn't even remember exactly which day.
11:34They hadn't even fully healed yet.
11:39I found a dusty shirt in the closet, shook it off, and slipped it on right away.
11:44Pretty soon, I felt an itch on my back, right over the wounds.
11:48They probably got infected.
11:51Of course, just as I was heading out to buy new clothes, Roderick came back.
11:54Was he back to laugh at me?
11:56He tossed a bag at me.
11:58Change into these.
11:59I refused.
12:00He had a girlfriend, and it felt wrong for him to be buying me clothes.
12:05But it'd been three years.
12:07Maybe Chelsea was his wife now.
12:09Not that I cared.
12:11Roderick pulled me roughly back inside the house.
12:14I sat down and did what he told me.
12:17He cleaned the wounds on my back with antiseptic and rubbing alcohol.
12:21It stung, but I didn't make a sound.
12:23It was nothing next to what I'd been through.
12:26His hands were rough, but strangely careful.
12:29Like he was trying to undo something he couldn't name.
12:34Why is this one right here across your waist?
12:36Roderick pointed to a particularly ugly scar.
12:39It wasn't just a surface scratch.
12:41Whoever hit me had right for my kidneys.
12:43I shook my head.
12:44I don't know.
12:45He finished up cleaning the wounds and helped pull my shirt down.
12:48Why did they do this to you?
12:50I was already wearing a new shirt because I misbehaved.
12:55Then, as if worried he might not believe me, I added,
12:58But I'm good now.
12:59What did you do?
13:00Roderick pushed, clearly unsatisfied with my answer.
13:03One of the counselors caught me after I dropped some food on the table.
13:08Roderick frowned but said nothing.
13:10I glanced at him nervously.
13:12After a long pause,
13:15Elsewhere, where else did they hurt you?
13:17I shook my head.
13:18It's not like they chose to go for my back.
13:20I'd curl up into a ball, so my back was just the only part left exposed.
13:25It's getting late.
13:26You should go now.
13:28I didn't want to be in the same room as him.
13:30It felt suffocating.
13:32Besides, it was already dark outside.
13:34Oh, it's fine.
13:35I'll crash here for the night.
13:37Silence hung between us.
13:38I didn't argue, but I stayed awake long aglack long after the lights went out.
13:45I hadn't eaten since breakfast at his apartment.
13:49Using the groceries I'd picked up earlier,
13:51I whipped up a simple meal on the old hot pole.
13:55Thank God Grandpa never used gas.
13:58Otherwise, I'd have had nothing to eat.
14:00You're not at the center anymore.
14:02You don't have to eat so fast.
14:04Roderick's voice reached me as I hurried through the meal.
14:08But I was already finished,
14:09and Roderick had barely touched his food.
14:12Old habits die hard.
14:14Roderick took my bedroom,
14:16so I slept in Grandpa's old room.
14:18Late that night,
14:20my knee and back started throbbing.
14:22My head felt heavy and dizzy.
14:24When I opened my eyes again,
14:25I was staring at a white ceiling.
14:28The sharp smell of disinfectant was everywhere.
14:30I didn't have time to wonder how I'd gotten here.
14:33I had no idea what I was doing.
14:35I tiptoed over to put on my shoes,
14:37careful not to wake Roderick.
14:39Where are you off to?
14:40His sleepy voice stopped me right as I was almost out the door.
14:43I got a job.
14:44I'm going to be late for work.
14:45Do you even know you're running a fever?
14:47He sounded annoyed.
14:49Was it because he'd had to pay for the medical bills?
14:52Don't worry, Mr. Dunkar.
14:55I'll pay you back as soon as I get my first paycheck.
14:58I gave him a quick, polite bow
15:00and slipped out the door.
15:03Thankfully, I made it to work just in time.
15:08It was Valentine's Day
15:10and the flower shop was absolutely packed.
15:13My job was simple,
15:14just working the register.
15:17I didn't know how to do anything else yet.
15:20The shop was small,
15:21but the owner was amazing
15:23and customers just kept coming in.
15:25But out of all the people who could have walked in,
15:28I never thought I'd see Chelsea Harvey,
15:30arm in arm with Roderick,
15:32laughing and talking up a storm.
15:35Chelsea,
15:36the same girlfriend Roderick had brought home
15:39all those years ago.
15:41Chelsea, Rod.
15:42The shop owner walked over to greet them politely.
15:46My mind went completely blank
15:48and I froze in place.
15:50It turned out the owner was Chelsea's brother.
15:54My life was starting to feel like a bad Sopra all over again.
15:57I'd suffered for three years because of Chelsea
16:00and now here I was working for her brother.
16:03How pathetic was that?
16:09Chelsea spotted me,
16:11flinched in fake fear
16:13and buried her face in Roderick's chest.
16:15Cliffy, Cliffy, what is she doing here?
16:18She's, she's the one who...
16:20Chelsea pointed a shaking finger right at me.
16:23Clifford Harvey stared at me in shock,
16:25then his face twisted with disgust.
16:27He grabbed me by the arm and shoved me right out the door.
16:31It all happened so fast I stumbled and crashed to the ground.
16:35Roderick just stood there and watched.
16:37Cold as ice.
16:39Humiliated.
16:39I got up and ran all the way back to the old house.
16:42I locked myself in grandpa's room.
16:44It was the only place I ever felt safe.
16:47Thanks to that,
16:48I had to find a new job.
16:49And I had to pay back that $1,000 advance.
16:53I hated owing anyone anything.
16:56Job hunting sucked for days,
16:58until I finally got hired as a dishwasher.
17:01It was tiring,
17:02but it kept me busy,
17:03kept my mind off things.
17:05I thought maybe I could finally live a quiet life,
17:08but some people just couldn't stand to see me happy.
17:11Chelsea's shadow followed me wherever I went.
17:18Well, look who it is.
17:20The Crawford group, Harris.
17:23Oh wait, I mean a pathetic little shadow nobody wants around.
17:27The floor manager had told me to bring the clean dishes out to be sanitized.
17:32As I walked through the dining area,
17:34a few girls blocked my way,
17:36their voices thick with sarcasm.
17:38They were my old college classmates,
17:40also Chelsea's little minions.
17:42Chelsea was standing right behind them,
17:45watching it all go down no sign of her usual innocent act.
17:49I tried to ignore them and walk past I didn't want any trouble.
17:52Did I say you could leave?
17:54Someone yanked my hair so hard it sent a sharp pain shooting through my scalp.
17:58The stack of plates in my hands crashed to the floor.
18:01The noise set off a commotion.
18:04All I could think about was the plates I'd have to pay for them.
18:07Roderick's voice cut through the noise from behind me.
18:10What's going on here?
18:12My hands, busy picking up the broken pieces,
18:15froze for a second, distracted.
18:17I cut my finger on a shard.
18:19It didn't even hurt.
18:20I knew something way worse was about to happen.
18:25Sure enough,
18:26I heard Chelsea's fake sweet voice complaining to Roderick.
18:30Rod, we were just trying to make up with Mary.
18:35Just catch up a little.
18:37But then she...
18:39Before Chelsea could finish, another girl cut in.
18:42But then she lost her temper and tried to hit Chelsea with a plate!
18:47What perfect little team they made.
18:49I kept picking up the broken pieces calmly.
18:52I knew I was going to lose this job too.
18:55The floor manager rushed over and chewed me out.
18:57I handed over almost all the cash I had on me all but ten bucks.
19:02I mumbled an apology and left.
19:04With my last ten bucks, I stopped at a pharmacy, then headed home.
19:08Back at the house, I went into Grandpa's room, picked up his photo and held it tight.
19:14I m sorry, Grandpa.
19:16I didn't turn out the way you hoped I would.
19:18You taught me that loving someone means having the courage to go for them.
19:22So you never regret it?
19:25But Grandpa, I m so tired.
19:28I can't do this anymore.
19:29I m giving up.
19:30What if I come to be with you instead?
19:34You re not saying no, so I ll take that as a yes.
19:39I downed all the sleeping pills I d bought at the pharmacy.
19:42I was scared Roderick would use this as an excuse to send me back to that center.
19:46I couldn't live like that anymore.
19:49I couldn't find a single reason to keep going anymore.
19:52But sleeping pills were supposed to put you to sleep.
19:55Why did it hurt so much instead?
19:57A sharp cramp hit my stomach, and I could feel my eyes starting to close.
20:02Right as my eyes closed for good, I thought I saw Roderick standing in the doorway.
20:10When is she going to wake up?
20:12She s been asleep for days.
20:14When I came to, it seemed I heard Roderick s voice.
20:17Why was he still clinging to me even after death?
20:20It wasn t until a team of doctors began examining me that I understood.
20:24Roderick had rushed me here to have my stomach pumped.
20:27I d been given a second chance.
20:29That figure I saw hadn t been an illusion.
20:32It was him.
20:34Are you sending me back?
20:36I looked at his darkened expression.
20:39The doctor says you may be suffering from depression.
20:41Roderick avoided my question.
20:43I nodded, but that wasn't the point.
20:46All I cared about was whether I had to be sent back.
20:49Why didn't you tell me?
20:51Would you have believed me if I had?
20:53Telling him would only have made him think I was making excuses to leave that place.
21:00I had reached out to him.
21:02Each resident was granted a scheduled call to family twice a year.
21:05I'm sick.
21:07I cough up blood sometimes, and they hit us.
21:10Can I please come home?
21:12I promise I won't bother you anymore.
21:14What did he say back then?
21:16Find a better excuse next time.
21:18Then he hung up.
21:19After that call, I was beaten again.
21:22I never called him after that.
21:23Why did I cough up blood?
21:25Their blows had landed on my back, over and over.
21:29The internal damage eventually affected my stomach and lungs.
21:32Seeing Roderick fall silent, I knew he still didn't believe me.
21:37I lowered my head and didn't ask again whether he'd send me back.
21:41Should I be sent back?
21:42I won't leave alive.
21:44In a place like that, no one would notice whether a person was breathing.
21:48I thought once I got out, I could start over.
21:51But I was wrong.
21:53My peace was always shattered whenever Roderick came into the picture.
21:59The doctor called Roderick out,
22:01saying some test results were ready.
22:04The door swung open as Roderick strode back in.
22:07He yanked the blanket aside, then my hospital gown.
22:11An ugly, jagged scar was exposed.
22:14Your kidney, where is it?
22:16His eyes were bloodshot, a vein throbbing on his forehead as he stared at me.
22:20He looked terrifying just like the staff at the center.
22:24They had that same look in their eyes.
22:26That look always came right before a beating.
22:28I pulled the blanket up and hid underneath it.
22:31The bed shifted as Roderick sat down beside me.
22:34He gently tugged at the covers.
22:37Mary, come out.
22:38You'll suffocate.
22:39His voice softened, as if he'd realized he'd scared me.
22:43Promise you won't hit me?
22:44My voice was muffled under the blanket.
22:47Only after he promised did I poke my head.
22:50He asked again, patient this time.
22:53What happened to your kidney?
22:54I shook my head.
22:56I don't know.
22:57Roderick took out his phone and said he would investigate this thoroughly.
23:03Ever since learning about my depression, Roderick had barely left my side.
23:08It was as if he was afraid I might try something again.
23:11But I saw that the rehab center had been shut down on television.
23:15No doubt it was Roderick's doing.
23:17It had posed as an educational institution, behind closed doors.
23:22It ran vile operations.
23:24Roderick pointed at the screen.
23:26Did he do this to you too?
23:28The man being interviewed was the infamous director.
23:31He spoke excitedly to the reporter.
23:33I was helping them.
23:35They should be thankful.
23:37Without my guidance, do you think they'd be so compliant now?
23:41Go ask their parents.
23:42Their children are model citizens now, aren't they?
23:45I took a kidney as my fair compensation.
23:47My method was simple.
23:49Add something to their bedtime milk, then proceed with the removal.
23:54I'd watch them wake up in agony.
23:56The man grew more animated as he spoke.
23:58I felt a wave of dread seep into my bones.
24:01The bloody scene felt like it had happened yesterday.
24:05That night, I went to bed as usual.
24:07Before lights out, we all had to drink the milk the attendants brought.
24:11Refusal meant a beating.
24:13In my sleep, I felt like I was being restrained.
24:17Then, slowly, a sharp pain pierced my side.
24:20My eyes flew open to see the director's horrifying face leaning over me.
24:25It wasn't a dream.
24:26He was staring intently at my waist.
24:29The pain made me black out.
24:31He threatened me if I ever spoke a word.
24:33My other kidney would meet the same fate.
24:36No wonder so many people there moved stiffly.
24:38And no one ever said a thing.
24:40Mari!
24:41Roderick called me.
24:42I stared at him, my gaze empty.
24:45Then a mouthful of blood surged up and spilled over.
24:48I collapsed.
24:51I had no idea how long I was out.
24:54When I woke up, I was still connected to a ventilator.
24:57I shifted my fingers, trying to wake Roderick.
25:01His weight was resting on my hand.
25:03And it had gone numb.
25:06You're awake.
25:07How do you feel?
25:08You were in shock.
25:10Did you realize?
25:11But I was in shock.
25:12How would I know?
25:13But was this really Roderick?
25:16His jaw was shadowed with stubble.
25:18His eyes streaked with red.
25:20This wasn't the same cool, collected man I remembered.
25:24I tried to speak, but had no strength left.
25:27I just lay still.
25:29Let the doctors and Roderick do what they needed to do.
25:32I learned I'd been unconscious for four days.
25:36Roderick had stayed by my side the whole time.
25:42That afternoon, a doctor removed the ventilator.
25:45I could talk again.
25:47What's the prognosis?
25:48Weeks?
25:49Months?
25:50I knew my time was running out.
25:52Roderick's hand, which had been holding a spoon to feed me broth, paused.
25:56After a long moment.
25:59Six months.
26:00Maybe less.
26:02A faint smile of relief touched my lips good.
26:04I could get to see grandpa soon.
26:07Lung cancer?
26:08I phrased it as a question, but I was sure.
26:11Even after I'd learned to behave and the beatings mostly stopped,
26:14Ty kept coughing up blood.
26:16The depression only made things worse.
26:19Roderick nodded.
26:20Can I get back to work?
26:21Is there any way you could keep your wife from interfering?
26:24If they'd just leave me alone, I could work in peace.
26:27I still owed Clifford $1,000 after all.
26:31She's not my wife.
26:32Roderick frowned, putting a clear distance between himself and Chelsea.
26:37I didn't care what Chelsea was.
26:39I just needed her to stay away.
26:44I started a small street stall on a decent block, selling burritos.
26:48I had planned to find a regular job, but Roderick forbade it.
26:52When he set his mind to something, no one could change it.
26:56He offered me to options, start my own small business or stay home.
27:01Doing something I chose, with the time I had left, was a good idea.
27:06I stood nervously behind my cart, worried no customers would come.
27:11The location was close to campus, steady foot traffic from students and professionals.
27:16It was a fully licensed area for street vendors to operate.
27:19Best of all, it was close to grandpa's house.
27:23Hey, how much for a burrito?
27:25I was lost in thought when a guy with a bright, easy smile walked up to my stall.
27:30I looked up and met his clear eyes.
27:32He had faint dimples, wearing a basketball jersey,
27:36a ball in his hand as if he'd just come from a game.
27:39I was caught off guard for a second.
27:41He spoke again before I came out of my trance.
27:44For some reason, looking into his eyes didn't make me uneasy at all.
27:48Usually, any eye contact filled me with dread so many pairs of eyes haunted my nights.
27:56Would you like to try one?
27:58It's free.
28:00Why free?
28:01Is it because I'm so good looking?
28:02He grinned and rubbed his chin playfully.
28:05His playful tone made my face grow warm.
28:08No, it's my first day. If it turns out unpasteable, I couldn't possibly take your money.
28:14I'd practiced at home over and over, but doing it for real felt completely different.
28:19Oh, so I'm your gimme pig.
28:22No.
28:24I thought I'd scared him off.
28:28He laughed warmly.
28:30Just kidding. Go ahead, I'll eat it however it turns out.
28:33Most vendors could make one in three to five minutes.
28:37My clumsy attempt took nearly seven.
28:39The outside was crispy, though not burnt.
28:44Maybe I should make you another one?
28:46This is perfect.
28:47He took the wrapped burrito and bit into it.
28:51It's great, seriously. This is how it should be. Nice and crispy.
28:54His compliment made me smile.
28:56So, how much? You're not going to charge me an arm and a leg, are you?
29:00He widened his eyes in alarm.
29:02No. This one's complimentary. A lucky start for my first day.
29:07As he turned to leave, he glanced back and waved.
29:10I'm Leonard Williams, by the way.
29:12I watched him walk away. It struck me then how distant my own college days felt. If I hadn't
29:17been so reckless back then, I would have graduated a year ago.
29:24As the day went on, more customers came. I was almost too busy to keep up. But I got quicker
29:30and more
29:30confident with each one. I didn't pack up until I'd run out of ingredients.
29:35I'll drive you home. Roderick pulled up beside me in his car.
29:39It's fine. I have my scooter. I nodded toward my scooter parked nearby.
29:43It's getting chilly tonight. You'll catch a cold.
29:46I won't die from it.
29:48Marion, how long are you going to keep fighting me on everything?
29:53Roderick caught my wrist as I started to walk away.
29:58Mr. Dunlap, do not forget. I was the one who pushed your girlfriend down the stairs.
30:04I'm the one to blame.
30:06In that moment, to cut any last tie between us, I claimed the guilt.
30:11Mary, stop lying. I know the truth now. She fell on her own.
30:17Suddenly, his arms came around me from behind.
30:22My body stiffened in his hold. So he knew. Hadn't he told me to protect Chelsea?
30:28Chelsea. So you were protecting her? While I bore all the blame?
30:32No. I was afraid once you knew the truth, you'd hate me for not believing you sooner.
30:38I was wrong. I'm sorry. His arms tightened around me.
30:42I only found out two days ago. I went to tell Chelsea to stay away from you, and we argued.
30:48She let it slip.
30:50I could no longer hold back my tears. They fell onto the back of his hand. At least I would
30:55clear my
30:56name before I died. Don't cry, Mary. He released me, bending down to wipe my tears. I sobbed
31:03uncontrollably in his arms. For a moment, neither of us spoke. Three years of silence, three years of
31:09pain I'd swallowed without a word. And now, finally, someone believed me.
31:18Rod, here. I pointed to my chest.
31:22It doesn't beat for you anymore. Rod, if I could, I'd wish we had never met.
31:27I wiped my tears and gave a faint smile. This is the last time I'll call you that. From now
31:33on,
31:34let's each live our own lives. I'd treat this as a goodbye. A proper end to those eight years I
31:40spent
31:40loving him. I could never forget the three years in that place. And the person who'd sent me there
31:46was Roderick himself. Mari. He reached for me, but I stepped back. Mr. Dunlap, please don't disturb me
31:54again. I want my remaining time to be peaceful. With that, I left. I drove my scooter home. Roderick's
32:02car followed at a distance in the rearview mirror. I ignored him.
32:09I went to my stall as usual every day. Roderick watched from a distance. I just ignored him.
32:16Hey, I'm back. Brought my classmates to try your burritos.
32:19It was Leonard, my first customer. I glanced at the two boys behind him and gave a slight nod and
32:26greeting. What kind would you like? A real sense of ease washed over me,
32:30something I hadn't felt in a long time. Whatever you recommend. Maybe one of each.
32:36I'll take some back for my roommates too. One of his buddies said, eyeing the ingredients.
32:41So how much? You didn't let me pay last time. You've got to charge me today or I won't come
32:46back.
32:47I hadn't said I wouldn't charge him. I still needed to pay back my debt.
32:51$6 each. Cash only though. If you don't have any, you can get change at the store down the block.
32:57I pointed to the sign on my cart and then toward the store down the block.
33:00Wait right here. I'll be back.
33:02I watched Leonard walk away and sighed. The young seemed so full of life.
33:06It was easy to forget I was only a year older than him. Yet my life felt worlds apart.
33:14Hey, isn't he good looking? And he's single. Maybe give him a shot.
33:19His classmates clearly thought my glance at Leonard meant more than it did.
33:23I shook my head and stayed silent. I was making around three to four hundred dollars a day.
33:28Soon, I had enough to repay my debt. Clifford seemed to have been waiting for me. He looked different
33:34guilty. Almost. I heard what really happened. Chelsea admitted the truth to Roderick. I'm sorry
33:43for what I did to you. I didn't reply. I placed the money on the counter and left. Finally, I
33:49was free
33:49of that burden. Why did Leonard keep coming to my stall? Did he really love burritos that much?
33:56Do you really like burritos that much? I finally asked. No. Why? Taking another bite.
34:03Why do you come every day? Were you short on money for meals? But he didn't look like he was
34:09struggling. Because you're here. Between bites, I didn't fully process his words. Not until he
34:16swallowed, leaned closer, and looked at me seriously. My girlfriend?