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The Girl Who Refused To Be A Victim englishsub fullmovie
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00Everyone at the University of San Francisco's law school knew me, striking, bold, and passionate.
00:00:09I was also a scholarship winner year after year.
00:00:16Then a link about me went viral from the dark web.
00:00:20Overnight, it spread across campus.
00:00:24Everyone who clicked and signed up could earn points to do certain things with me.
00:00:32A thousand points would secure a movie date with me.
00:00:36Three thousand points would unlock a video of me in a suggestive bunny outfit, moaning and cooing.
00:00:43Ten thousand points would earn a passionate night with me.
00:00:49This trended on the campus network for three straight days, and my reputation was left in tatters.
00:00:56Girls stormed into my classes, calling me shameless and demanding that the school expel me,
00:01:01while guys took every chance to grope me.
00:01:06Blinking back tears, I clicked the trending link.
00:01:09Every video in the reward list was real.
00:01:15The only person who could have gotten those videos was my boyfriend, Ezekiel Willard, who was also my classmate.
00:01:24My heart aching, I ran to Ezekiel's place to confront him.
00:01:32Outside the door, I heard one of his friends say,
00:01:35Hey Zek, you're a legend.
00:01:37Now all my friends are asking for the link, talking about the fastest way to rack up points.
00:01:40Not only do you get revenge for Aaliyah, but you also get all that free labor.
00:01:43Another guy said,
00:01:45Come on, Zek is a trust fund kid, he doesn't make bad deals.
00:01:48Serves her right for stealing Aaliyah's scholarship.
00:01:50True.
00:01:51She deserves to be destroyed.
00:01:53But damn, her voice and her body, top treat.
00:01:58Every time I watch her video on my screen, I'm about to lose it.
00:02:02But Zek, her mom is a murderer.
00:02:05Aren't you worried she'll figure out it's you and cause trouble?
00:02:08Ezekiel swirled his wine glass, his gaze cold and detached.
00:02:12She's boring.
00:02:14Once this is over, you can have your fun with her.
00:02:16As for trouble?
00:02:18She has severe depression and always gets on her knees begging me not to leave after every fight.
00:02:22What kind of trouble can she possibly cause?
00:02:25Find some place to go die?
00:02:27Who'd feel sorry for trash like her?
00:02:29With a murderer mother and a stepdad who almost assaulted her?
00:02:38Just keep your mouth shut.
00:02:41No one leaks anything until I'm finished.
00:02:44Got it?
00:02:48My whole body went cold.
00:02:50I slumped to the floor, my clothes was soaked with cold sweat.
00:02:55Years ago, after my mother remarried, my stepfather started harassing me.
00:03:03On my birthday, he spiked my drink.
00:03:14When I realized what was happening, the heat was already spreading through my limbs.
00:03:25I bit his ear hard enough to break free and fled the house.
00:03:33Half conscious, I collapsed into Ezekiel's arms.
00:03:37I was tearing at my own clothes, desperate for relief.
00:03:41But he held me tight, his voice soft.
00:03:44A girl's reputation is everything.
00:03:47Hang on.
00:03:48I'm taking you to the hospital.
00:03:52The whole way there, I was in such torment that I bit his arm until it bled.
00:04:01He never made a sound and stayed by my hospital bed all night.
00:04:08Finally, as dawn broke and my mind cleared, I saw his tired, bloodshot eyes.
00:04:15I knew right then I was gone for him.
00:04:18We started dating after that.
00:04:25He treated me like I was the most precious thing in the world.
00:04:28Tending to my every need and slowly helping me heal from my trauma.
00:04:34I thought I'd finally found happiness.
00:04:38Instead, I'd walked straight into something even more twisted.
00:04:44Every moment we'd shared,
00:04:47he'd been using it to get back at me for another woman.
00:04:53A crack of thunder split the sky.
00:04:56The power went out, plunging everything.
00:05:03I curled on the dark floor.
00:05:05I didn't know how I got home.
00:05:11When my senses returned,
00:05:13I realized my palms were bleeding from where my nails had dug in.
00:05:20Blankly, I opened my phone.
00:05:24The screen showed several missed calls.
00:05:29With trembling fingers, I called back.
00:05:32Mr. Smithson, I've changed my mind.
00:05:34I'll join the legal department at Rodway Group in New York after graduation.
00:05:42I didn't go back to school that day.
00:05:45And instead, I locked myself in the bathroom and scrubbed my skin raw.
00:05:50Ten times over, trying to wash away every trace of him.
00:05:54But he wouldn't just let me disappear.
00:06:00Later that evening, Ezekiel came back to our apartment.
00:06:05He didn't even ask why I had skipped class.
00:06:08He was only desperate to cover his own tracks.
00:06:11About the dark web listing, he brushed it off with a flimsy explanation.
00:06:15Lena, listen.
00:06:17I sent my laptop in for repair.
00:06:19Some intern there must have stolen the hard drive and sold it.
00:06:22It's all my fault.
00:06:23I promise I'll do everything to find whoever leaked that link and make this right.
00:06:26He sounded so sincere.
00:06:28But the hidden videos I had already copied onto my USB drive made a complete mockery of his words.
00:06:35I remained completely silent the whole time, just watching him put on his little show.
00:06:43My suffocating silence was broken by a sudden ding from my laptop.
00:06:48It was an email from the Rodway Group, confirming my start date in New York in exactly one week.
00:06:55It was the escape route I desperately needed.
00:07:01What's that?
00:07:03Ezekiel was annoyed by my silence and indifference.
00:07:08Just spram.
00:07:12I wouldn't tell him my decision, and there was no need to.
00:07:16He pushed me onto the couch, murmuring against my ear as he kissed it.
00:07:23Lena, it's been days.
00:07:25I want you.
00:07:32His voice was as tender as ever, but his hands were rougher than I'd ever felt.
00:07:38I pushed him off with force.
00:07:43Not tonight.
00:07:44I can't.
00:07:45Ezekiel froze.
00:07:47It was the first time I had ever refused him so bluntly.
00:07:50His brow frowdled.
00:07:53Still upset about the trending thing?
00:07:55Don't worry.
00:07:56I'll always love you.
00:07:58A shiver ran through me, my stomach turning with nausea.
00:08:02But I couldn't let on that I knew.
00:08:04Who knew what this lunaturk would do then?
00:08:08I stood and straightened my clothes.
00:08:11I really don't feel well.
00:08:13I'm going to bed.
00:08:15Ezekiel studied me for a long moment but found nothing in Smith's.
00:08:20About tomorrow's law school debate, you think you could take it easy on them?
00:08:24The negative team has a friend of mine.
00:08:28I already told her you'd go easy on them.
00:08:30You wouldn't let me look bad, right?
00:08:33I knew instantly who that friend was.
00:08:37My hands clenched into fists behind my back.
00:08:42Fine.
00:08:44I'll send you my prepared arguments.
00:08:46Your friend can use them to figure out how to counter.
00:08:49I just knew you loved me the most!
00:08:52Getting what he wanted,
00:08:54Ezekiel planted a loud kiss on my cheek.
00:08:57I'll forwards it now.
00:08:58Can't wait to watch you kill it tomorrow!
00:09:01Without another word, he grabbed his car keys and left the apartment.
00:09:06I let out a bitter laugh,
00:09:08my eyes falling on the box of gifts I'd left by the door.
00:09:13If he had paid just a little more attention,
00:09:16he would have noticed and sensed what I was planning.
00:09:26Ezekiel never truly cared about those things,
00:09:28just as he had never truly cared about me.
00:09:37...under my eyes.
00:09:39Every person in the room turned to look,
00:09:42their gazes full of contempt,
00:09:44their whispers pointed.
00:09:52...for the affirmative team.
00:09:56Soon, the negative team entered.
00:09:58A bright, smiling female student was at the center,
00:10:02flanked by Ezekiel.
00:10:04She said something, playfully punching his chest,
00:10:07and he caught her fist.
00:10:11That was Felicia Veer.
00:10:16I forced my eyes down to my debate notes.
00:10:21The debate began.
00:10:24I'd just finished presenting my point.
00:10:26When Felicia rose from her seat,
00:10:29a smug smile curling her lips.
00:10:31Does the affirmative team have no respect for this debate?
00:10:35Why else would you decide to let a student with no morals compete?
00:10:42This wasn't the first time Felicia had come after me.
00:10:46A spoiled, trust fund kid from San Francisco,
00:10:49Felicia skipped class and barely studied.
00:10:53Once, her father promised her a sports car,
00:10:56if she won a scholarship.
00:10:58So, she paid off a professor for the exam answers.
00:11:04The top place still went to me.
00:11:08As a student council member,
00:11:10when I gave her standard Domenes for misconduct,
00:11:12Felicia saw it as a personal attack.
00:11:16That's when the bad blood started.
00:11:21This is a formal debate.
00:11:24Besides, there's no proof for those online rumors.
00:11:32I couldn't let my anger cost my team the win.
00:11:36But wouldn't let it go.
00:11:37With a cold snort, she stood.
00:11:39I refuse to talk to a cheap slut.
00:11:43It's disgusting!
00:11:44The audience erupted.
00:11:48The head judge stood up,
00:11:50slamming his hand on the table.
00:11:53Order!
00:11:55Order in the hall!
00:11:58Miss Vale,
00:11:59personal attacks and foul language
00:12:01are strict violations of debate rules.
00:12:04Sit down immediately,
00:12:06or your team will be disqualified.
00:12:12Felicia pouted,
00:12:13her eyes red,
00:12:15shooting me a hateful glare
00:12:16before finally sitting back down.
00:12:19Just then,
00:12:21Ezekiel stood from the audience
00:12:22and spoke to the school dean.
00:12:24Mr. Yatin,
00:12:25I think Felicia has a point.
00:12:28There are videos of Paulina circulating,
00:12:30and no one has confirmed-
00:12:36The words cut me deeply.
00:12:38I tried to defend myself.
00:12:41Those videos were-
00:12:42Ezekiel cut me off before I could finish.
00:12:45He held up his phone to the dean.
00:12:48See for yourself.
00:12:50Felicia isn't lying.
00:12:51I'm concerned for the school's reputation.
00:12:54Then he looked at the other judges.
00:12:55The Willard family was one of USF's major donors.
00:12:59A lot of the faculty had reasons to stay in Ezekiel's good graces.
00:13:03They were quick to chime in.
00:13:06One said,
00:13:09Mr. Yatin,
00:13:11our law school has been strict.
00:13:14This sort of scandal invites criticism.
00:13:17Another chimed in.
00:13:19We've all heard rumors about this student's conduct.
00:13:23Some even say she
00:13:26engages in compensated dating.
00:13:29I got caught in the teeth of the storm,
00:13:32feeling hurt.
00:13:34The dean said to me,
00:13:37In that case, Paulina,
00:13:40please step down now.
00:13:42You're graduating soon anyway.
00:13:45Finish this week's specialized courses
00:13:47and leave before the school ends.
00:13:49Under the hostile stairs of hundreds,
00:13:50I stumbled out of the auditorium.
00:13:54Someone held up their phone,
00:13:56showing one of the screenshots from the viral post,
00:13:58waving it at me.
00:14:00Better run,
00:14:01or we'll project it on the big screen.
00:14:07I broke into a frantic run.
00:14:09Every last shred of my dignity violated.
00:14:12My foot caught on a loose piece of pavement.
00:14:14I crashed down hard,
00:14:16skinning my palm.
00:14:18Blood dripped onto the ground,
00:14:20but I felt no pain.
00:14:24Tears streamed down my face
00:14:26as I silently talked to myself.
00:14:28Just hold on a little longer, Paulina.
00:14:30Hang in there.
00:14:31You're leaving soon anyway.
00:14:32It can't get any worse.
00:14:34You're about to start over.
00:14:38I had no idea this was only the beginning of the storm.
00:14:43I returned to the dormitory in the afternoon,
00:14:46humiliated and dejected.
00:14:48In the hallway,
00:14:49Felicia was insulting me before a crowd.
00:14:52Look at her!
00:14:53A slut and a disgrace to our university!
00:14:56She even tried to seduce that professor for exam answers!
00:14:59Everyone knows what she does at night.
00:15:01Trash like her doesn't belong here.
00:15:04She spoke with utmost spite and made things up.
00:15:10Watching from a distance,
00:15:12I felt like I had been thrown into the snow naked.
00:15:15Fed up, I darted over,
00:15:17shoved Felicia,
00:15:18and roared hysterically.
00:15:19Liar! I didn't do it!
00:15:24Seeing me,
00:15:25she dashed to me with a sneer,
00:15:27grabbed my hair,
00:15:28and conned my head against the wall.
00:15:31A thud came,
00:15:33and blood was everywhere.
00:15:37I felt woozy instantly.
00:15:38It hurt like hell.
00:15:41You didn't do it?
00:15:42Who cares?
00:15:43Felicia G'd and strutted away,
00:15:45laughing.
00:15:47Right.
00:15:48It was the rich kid's words against mine.
00:15:51Although it was slander,
00:15:54I...
00:15:54didn't stand a chance of winning this battle.
00:16:01In the evening,
00:16:03the university released a notice.
00:16:04I was punished for attacking a classmate
00:16:07and broken campus rules.
00:16:09The students present all witnessed Paulina hitting Felicia.
00:16:13What Felicia did was self-defense.
00:16:15It wasn't a fight.
00:16:17So, Paulina must apologize openly,
00:16:19or she'll be expelled.
00:16:21Downstairs at the dormitory,
00:16:23over ten department directors
00:16:24and university leaders
00:16:26surrounded me and looked at me disdainfully.
00:16:29Holding Felicia's hand,
00:16:30Ezequiel announced loudly,
00:16:32Professors!
00:16:33I took Felicia to the infirmary.
00:16:35Her Achilles tendon was almost broken.
00:16:37Paulina's behavior
00:16:39was on the border of a severe assault.
00:16:42I looked at him.
00:16:43I couldn't believe my ears.
00:16:46The hurt was unbearable.
00:16:47Bumped into the wall,
00:16:49my forehead was lacerated.
00:16:51The injury was plain.
00:16:52Anyone with eyes could see it.
00:16:54It didn't take a doctor to tell them that.
00:16:58On the other hand,
00:17:00Felicia was standing there intact.
00:17:02Yet I was...
00:17:04severely assaulted?
00:17:05It was absurd.
00:17:07The director of their department
00:17:09listened to Ezequiel with a grim face
00:17:12and said,
00:17:13In this case,
00:17:15Paulina deserves harder punishment.
00:17:18I interrupted him.
00:17:20My phone camera was on when it happened.
00:17:22I recorded everything.
00:17:24You'll know the truth after watching the video.
00:17:27The gloat on Felicia's face froze.
00:17:29She stomped her feet anxiously
00:17:31and pulled hard at Ezequiel's clothes.
00:17:35He patted her head gently
00:17:37and comforted her in a soft voice.
00:17:41I'm here.
00:17:42Don't worry.
00:17:46Slowly,
00:17:47he walked to the director and smiled.
00:17:51Sir,
00:17:52I know how adept she is at video splessing and editing.
00:17:56Her so-called evidence is dubious.
00:17:58I, on the other hand,
00:18:00can prove the attack was premeditated.
00:18:02She's always jealous of Felicia.
00:18:04We both know the law.
00:18:06I believe you value the validity of evidence more than I do.
00:18:10What evidence do you have?
00:18:12The director asked.
00:18:14Looking at me, Ezequiel said slowly,
00:18:19Paulina works outside the university as an escort.
00:18:22Felicia caught her in the act.
00:18:24She's been holding a grudge since.
00:18:27Everyone present was dumbfounded.
00:18:29The students passing by walked over
00:18:31and talked about it, causing an uproar.
00:18:35Everyone look.
00:18:37This is the video.
00:18:39The screen displayed the muddle-headed me
00:18:41snuggling in a man's arms in a dim private room of a bar.
00:18:46It looked like.
00:18:47I was drunk.
00:18:50The man took out a wad of banknotes from his wallet,
00:18:53counted them, and put them in my school bag.
00:18:58The next second, Felicia flung the door open, pointed at them and said,
00:19:03Paulina!
00:19:03You're such a disgrace to our university!
00:19:07That was all the video showed.
00:19:09It was brief.
00:19:10But it turned my heart into an ice cellar.
00:19:15I remembered the background of the video, of course.
00:19:19It was Ezequiel's birthday several months ago.
00:19:23That day he kept urging me to drink.
00:19:26Now I knew why.
00:19:28He set me up to fabricate this video.
00:19:33As much as I had seen through Ezequiel, I still felt my heart being wrung and torn.
00:19:38It hurt so much I couldn't breathe.
00:19:41People were pointing and calling my names.
00:19:44Under such humiliation, I just wanted to run.
00:19:48If only the ground would crack and give me a way out.
00:19:54In the end, I was to write a 5,000-word self-critical and apologetic letter and read it at
00:20:00the assembly.
00:20:03Finally, the crowd disperted.
00:20:07I was left alone.
00:20:10I couldn't go to the dorm.
00:20:12More humiliation would await me.
00:20:16I could only go back to my apartment.
00:20:19Hardly had I walked out of the gate when a vehicle sped over from the opposite direction and almost hit
00:20:24me.
00:20:29Terrified, I slept onto the ground.
00:20:31The angry driver craned his head out of the car window and cursed.
00:20:35Unable to take it anymore, I sobbed.
00:20:38All this was too painful.
00:20:41What was I living for, anyway?
00:20:44My life was meaningless.
00:20:45Looking through my blurry vision at the heavy traffic,
00:20:49I stood up and walked toward the middle of the road.
00:20:55Are you out of your mind?!
00:20:56Someone suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the speeding vehicles and into a firm chest.
00:21:02A familiar refreshing scent wafted into my nostrils.
00:21:05What's the big deal?
00:21:06You were giving up on your own life because of such a trifle?
00:21:11Ezekiel glossed it over, as if the torment from a while ago was just my delusion.
00:21:16Pinching my cheek, he pressed his nose against mine.
00:21:20Knock it off.
00:21:21I'm taking you to your favorite restaurant, alright?
00:21:23How could he?
00:21:24How could he pretend nothing had happened after hurting me deeply and making me miserable?
00:21:28I broke free from him, took several steps back, and glared at him.
00:21:33Ezekiel, are you happy now?
00:21:35He shrugged, looking relaxed.
00:21:38But his face dartened.
00:21:46I was only telling the truth.
00:21:48You were hurting someone innocent.
00:21:51I couldn't be biased in your favor just because you're my girlfriend.
00:21:56The truth?
00:21:58I sneered, trembling all over with rage.
00:22:01You mean the video you forged by setting me up?
00:22:05You're shameless!
00:22:06With a livid face, Ezekiel stared at me, his eyes sinister.
00:22:11Paulina, enough is enough.
00:22:14I must have indulged you too much.
00:22:17I wouldn't have released the video if you hadn't attacked Aaliyah like a crazy woman.
00:22:24It was just a final.
00:22:25Would it have killed me if I had let Felicia come first?
00:22:28He didn't understand.
00:22:30Why I made such a fuss over it.
00:22:33As a result, there was still tension between Felicia and her father to this day.
00:22:38And there was no way to easy it.
00:22:45Lena, you know what?
00:22:47Elia's mother passed away when she was little.
00:22:49Her stepmother is never nice to her.
00:22:51Her family doesn't give her birthday presents unless she does well on exams.
00:22:56But you killed her hope.
00:22:57She's so devastated she doesn't want to live.
00:23:00Why doesn't she die?
00:23:02Isn't it my fault that she don't work hard?
00:23:05Everyone earns what they want.
00:23:07Why do I have to give her what she wants?
00:23:11I shouted hysterically, unleashing the penned-up anguish in my chest.
00:23:15Losing control, I ran toward Ezekiel and showered him with punches.
00:23:21Ezekiel, leave me alone!
00:23:22I don't want you anymore!
00:23:24Stay the hell out of my life with Felicia!
00:23:28He had never seen me in such despair.
00:23:35Graduation is around the corner.
00:23:38Even though your reputation is ruined in the law industry in San Francisco,
00:23:44you still have me.
00:23:46I can help you get a job at my family's company.
00:23:50Okay?
00:23:50Too exhausted to argue, I just wanted to stay away from him.
00:23:55Unaware of this, Ezekiel took my hand and continued.
00:23:59Are you done with your tantrum?
00:24:01Shall we go to the restaurant?
00:24:03I withdrew my hand and declared.
00:24:09Ezekiel, I wasn't joking.
00:24:12Nor was I throwing a tantrum.
00:24:16Let me rephrase it if you don't understand.
00:24:21I'm breaking up with you.
00:24:23Dumbstruck, Ezekiel stared at me, irritation tensifying inside him.
00:24:26He scratched his hair irritably and said,
00:24:29Okay, Paulina, good for you!
00:24:31You'll crawl back to me and ask for my forgiveness sooner or later!
00:24:35Here!
00:24:40With that, he left.
00:24:42Blank-minded, I crouched and hugged my knees.
00:24:45I didn't take his threat seriously.
00:24:48However, a mere few days later, I realized that Ezekiel was serious.
00:24:56At the assembly, I walked to the Dawes like a zombie and read my letter of confession in a mechanical
00:25:02voice.
00:25:06Before long, an egg was thrown at me.
00:25:10Then came decaying vegetable leaves, red paint, bottles of toilet water.
00:25:16The event became chaotic.
00:25:18Everyone was pointing and yelling at me.
00:25:22Get out!
00:25:24Go away!
00:25:26Drop out!
00:25:27I was flustered.
00:25:28Even the management of the university lost control over the scene.
00:25:32Only then did the person who had started the tinker shout it.
00:25:34Politize to Mr. Willard or you can't graduate!
00:25:37Although Ezekiel was just a student,
00:25:40with his wealthy family as a sponsor of the university,
00:25:43he was too important for any of them to trifle with.
00:25:46Unnerved by the scene, one of the university's leaders said to me,
00:25:49Paulina, what are you waiting for? Go apologize now!
00:25:52Don't you want your diploma?
00:25:53Of course I wanted my diploma.
00:25:55Without it, I wouldn't be able to join the Rodway group in New York and leave this hellish place.
00:25:59Left with no choice, I went to the stadium and found on the basketball court,
00:26:04Ezekiel, how will you have those people stop making trouble for me?
00:26:07What do you want me to do?
00:26:09I stood in front of him, clenching my hands.
00:26:16Fine.
00:26:16I said in a rakey voice-
00:26:17I'll apologize to you. Please ask them to stop.
00:26:20I said in a shaker voice, holding at Felicia in his arms, glanced at me indifferently.
00:26:28Apologize? Like this? How sincere.
00:26:33Felicia stood up, pinching her nose.
00:26:35She eyed the filth-covered me and pursed her lips thromphantly.
00:26:38Paulina, there you go.
00:26:39This is your style. It suits you perfectly.
00:26:42Trash belongs with trash. Don't daydream again.
00:26:45Then, she poured the hot water from her thermos cup all over me.
00:26:52Scalded, my skin was burned, and I shrieked.
00:26:54Felicia slapped me across the face and said,
00:26:56Thanks to you, my dad whipped me.
00:26:59Ten lashes, Paulina!
00:27:01You think I'll forget about it just because you apologize?
00:27:04No way!
00:27:06Ezekiel peered down at me with a wicked smile and crooked his fingers to summon his guys.
00:27:13You want forgiveness? No problem.
00:27:16Clean their sneakers.
00:27:18Looking at him silently, I felt as if a blunt knife was slicing my heart bit by Adit.
00:27:22Okay, I'll do it.
00:27:23I nodded with a bitter smile.
00:27:26I turned around, squatted down, and cleaned the sneak ears with a wet napkin one by one.
00:27:33Overwhelming humiliation flooded my heart.
00:27:36Nevertheless, this wasn't good enough for Felina.
00:27:39She pushed me forcefully and made me kneel.
00:27:42Down on your knees!
00:27:44Squatting, how can you see the smerges?
00:27:49Finally, the last pair was cleaned.
00:27:51I had lost feeling in my knees.
00:27:54Okay. I forgive you.
00:27:57Ezekiel said slowly in an apathetic voice.
00:28:00Now, apologize to Aaliyah on your knees.
00:28:03The whole thing will be over.
00:28:06I raised my head mechanically.
00:28:08I didn't know whether my heart or my knees irked more.
00:28:13Apologize to her!
00:28:15Not gonna happen!
00:28:17I had done nothing wrong, and Felicia had been hurting me.
00:28:20Why should I apologize?
00:28:23Taken aback, Ezekiel looked at my red, swollen eyes.
00:28:27Panic seized him again as it had the other night.
00:28:30Why not this?
00:28:32Paulina! What do you want?
00:28:34Wise up!
00:28:35Remember the videos online?
00:28:37You don't want to be stripped naked and act those things out in front of my basketball teammates, do you?
00:28:45Don't push me.
00:28:49Don't push him?
00:28:50I had to laugh.
00:28:52I didn't do anything to Felicia.
00:28:54She slacked off and couldn't get full marks even after memorizing the answers.
00:28:58How is it my fault?
00:29:00Ezekiel, I will not apologize to her!
00:29:03No! Never!
00:29:04A loud bang came.
00:29:06Ezekiel smashed the bottle in his hand on the floor and hunt.
00:29:10Bravo, Paulina.
00:29:12Don't blame me for what I'm about to do.
00:29:14You asked for it.
00:29:16Hardly had he finished speaking when the boys surrounded me and knocked me down to the floor.
00:29:22Wearing a sinister smile,
00:29:24Felina tore my clothes with one hand and struck me mercilily with a ball picker with her other hand.
00:29:31Bitch!
00:29:32I'll destroy you today!
00:29:36I resisted with all my strength and screamed, but it was useless.
00:29:40They made me bend over a stool on my knees.
00:29:42As if chained with shackles, I couldn't move at all.
00:29:45My clothes were torn and ripped, revealing my fair skin.
00:29:48No!
00:29:49Get off me!
00:29:50Get off, Ezekiel!
00:29:51You can't do this to me!
00:29:52Just then, Felina swung the ball picker and hit me hard in the head.
00:29:57Bitch!
00:29:58You're too loud!
00:29:59Just then, Felina swung the ball picker and hit me hard in the head.
00:30:05Guys, fun time.
00:30:08Take pictures of her.
00:30:09My head was spinning.
00:30:11Kicks landed on me one after another.
00:30:13It was excruciating, as if my body were falling apart.
00:30:19I wanted to hug myself, but I couldn't budge.
00:30:24Fluid was coming out of my eyes.
00:30:26I didn't know whether it was blood or tears.
00:30:31I couldn't open my eyes.
00:30:36At last, someone grabbed my hair and dragged me around the court.
00:30:41Take pictures, guys!
00:30:43Aunt Paulina looks like a stray dog.
00:30:46Standing there, Ezekiel watched nonchartily.
00:30:49He didn't stop them or say anything.
00:30:53The trace of softness that surfaced was repressed at once.
00:30:59I was too stubborn.
00:31:03He thought I would stay by his side and forget about breaking up with him only if my dignity was
00:31:09crushed.
00:31:10My consciousness became bloody as the pain aggravated.
00:31:15Everything before my eyes was turning.
00:31:18It seemed I was going to die here in these people's hands.
00:31:23Ezekiel, check this out.
00:31:25Someone got 10,000 points.
00:31:27The guy just called and wanted you to deliver your promise.
00:31:31My mind cleared up immediately as immense fear engulfed me.
00:31:35Ezekiel walked to the door with the others to learn more about the person who had scored 10,000 points.
00:31:43This was a golden opportunity for me.
00:31:46I stood up with all my might and ran toward the exit.
00:31:51She is running!
00:31:53Away!
00:31:54Catch her!
00:31:57Rapid and chaotic footsteps came from behind me.
00:32:00I ran like crazy.
00:32:02When I was about to reach the exit,
00:32:05I staggered from exhaustion and fainted.
00:32:08Before my lingering consciousness left me completely,
00:32:11I seemed to hear Ezekiel's panicky voice.
00:32:13Then, the security guards came.
00:32:15Suckily, it was just a fracture.
00:32:17My life was out of danger.
00:32:19Ride Smitherson returned from abroad in advance.
00:32:22When he knew what had happened to me, he was furious.
00:32:25He knew me well.
00:32:26I would never act like that.
00:32:31The university leaders who had forced me to apologize all received a warning privately.
00:32:37Reet prepared my diploma quickly and helped me as much as he could.
00:32:45When I woke up, Reet was sitting by my bed.
00:32:49Kid, I'm sorry you've suffered so much.
00:32:52I've contacted the Rodway group.
00:32:54You can start your job earlier.
00:32:55They'll send someone to pick you up today.
00:32:58Tears ran down my face.
00:33:03I sobbed in Reet's arms, letting out all my sadness.
00:33:08Three hours later, I got on the plane bound for New York.
00:33:15Outside the window, the clouds were getting thicker.
00:33:18Nothing could hold me back here.
00:33:20A new life awaited me ahead.
00:33:24During my stay in the hospital, the school head staff stationed at my room around the clock, keeping outsiders at
00:33:31bay.
00:33:34With Reet's intervention, many students came forward and admitted that I didn't attack Felicia in the hallway that day.
00:33:41Because the incident involved an injured student, the school handled it privately and did not announce the outcome.
00:33:48In the apartment, Ezekiel had been on edge all day.
00:33:52Ever since he watched me fall down the stairs, nightmares of me lying in a pool of blood plagued him
00:33:59every night.
00:34:00His heart throbbed painfully, like it was rotting from the inside.
00:34:04He tried calling me, but my phone was turned off.
00:34:12He even went to the hospital to see me, but the teachers blocked him at the door.
00:34:21Later, he heard that I had left the hospital, yet I never sought him out, and nobody knew where I
00:34:27had gone, as if I had vanished into thin air.
00:34:31Ezekiel's fidgetness escalated into full-blown panic, because he knew I had no one to rely on in San Francisco.
00:34:38Besides this apartment and the school dorm, I had no place to stay.
00:34:42He was desperate to find me, though even he couldn't explain why.
00:34:46Just then, the doorbell rang.
00:34:49Ezekiel's heart leaped with joy.
00:34:51He rose and sprinted for the door.
00:34:54His calf slammed into the coffee table, and the pain doubled him over, but he clenched his teeth and staggered
00:35:00on.
00:35:00To his shock, the person standing outside the door was Felina.
00:35:04She pouted, tears welling in her eyes.
00:35:09Ezekiel!
00:35:10I have no idea what that bitch Paulina did to turn the whole school against me!
00:35:15You're accusing me of framing her!
00:35:18I can't face this alone!
00:35:19I need your help!
00:35:21As she spoke, she threw herself into Ezekiel's arms.
00:35:26In the past, Ezekiel would always relent and take care of everything for her.
00:35:31But this time...
00:35:33He stood, moatmanless, gazing at the beautiful girl in front of him,
00:35:37yet all he could think of was that diaphiled face of me.
00:35:42As radiant and stunning as a fiery rose.
00:35:47He gently pulled Felina's hands away and said,
00:35:53Elya, you should go.
00:35:55I still have other things to deal with.
00:36:00Felia was stunned.
00:36:02She stubbly gripped his hands, her voice sharp.
00:36:09Ezekiel, you're not abandoning me, are you?
00:36:11You promised you would always look out for me.
00:36:14How can you go back on your word?
00:36:17How can you leave me high and dry?
00:36:20If my dad hears those lies, he'll beat me to death!
00:36:24Felicia was guilt-tricking him again.
00:36:28For the first time, Ezekiel could commiserate with me.
00:36:32And I was...
00:36:34He could not understand what right Felicia had to use her misfortunes as a weapon and him to her will.
00:36:42Yet he didn't say anything and patiently soothed her.
00:36:47All right, Elya.
00:36:49Go home.
00:36:50Just give me some time.
00:36:52I promise I'll handle it, okay?
00:36:55Hearing him, Felicia finally simmered down and left reluctantly.
00:37:01As Ezekiel watched her disappear into the elevator, he breathed out a long sigh.
00:37:07A dull pain still lingered in his calf.
00:37:11Once again, a wave of frustration weighed on his heart.
00:37:19Ezekiel could no longer stay at home.
00:37:25He grabbed his phone, threw on a coat, and headed out.
00:37:28Walking into his favorite bar, he was immediately greeted by a ruckus.
00:37:32But the moment he saw the person being teased, his jaw dropped.
00:37:41Amid the red and green lights of the bar, a man and a woman were passionately kissing.
00:37:50They were Felina and Ezekiel's best friend.
00:37:53It was also him who first suggested that Eziele design a link targeting me.
00:37:58So now he knew I would be completely ruined socially.
00:38:01All to vent Felicia's anger.
00:38:10Everyone applauded, and the sound of whistles was deafening.
00:38:14The lively atmosphere seemed to ignite the air around them.
00:38:18But Ezekiel felt as cold as if he had fallen into an ice cave.
00:38:23At that moment, the kiss ended.
00:38:26Felina raised her bottle and shouted to the crowd.
00:38:32Order whatever you want tonight.
00:38:35Ezekiel the idiot will pay for everything.
00:38:39Someone laughed and asked.
00:38:44Elia, aren't you the one who likes Ezekhesirad the most?
00:38:48Aren't you afraid he'll get angry if he finds out you that?
00:38:54Unexpectedly, Felicia sneered out loud.
00:38:57Angry? Am I supposed to be afraid of him getting angry?
00:39:01Now that Paulina, that bitch, is gone, he's completely useless to me.
00:39:07He really thinks I like him? To hell with him.
00:39:10Arrogant and conceited.
00:39:12He's not even the first insere of the Willard family, yet he acts like he's some treasure.
00:39:19I only used him to deal with Paulina.
00:39:23That annoying bitch.
00:39:25Everyone burst into laughter.
00:39:34The sharp laughter pierced Ezekiel's heart like a sword.
00:39:38But the conversation did not end.
00:39:41Felicia, drunk, raised her bottle and climbed onto the table, boasting.
00:39:48Do you know why Ezekiel has always been so good to me?
00:39:53Everyone was intrigued and corred.
00:39:56Go!
00:39:58Fight!
00:40:02Felicia raised her hand to her mouth in a mysterious gesture, as if she was about to whisper.
00:40:08Her voice did not lower at all.
00:40:11Because he thinks that three years ago at Twin Peaks, the person who saved him was me!
00:40:19Me!
00:40:23Actually, it wasn't me at all.
00:40:26He would never imagine that it was Paulina.
00:40:29But that woman pretends to be so noble.
00:40:33So I just borrowed the title of savior for myself.
00:40:37Ezekiel was completely stunned, standing there in a daze, unable to recover for a long time.
00:40:45Three years ago, he had been tricked into going up the mountain, only to fall into a trap set early
00:40:51in the morning.
00:40:52His legs were severely injured and he could not move.
00:40:57Almost dying in the forest.
00:40:59A girl had saved him, using her frail shoulders to carry him down the mountain and take him to the
00:41:04hospital.
00:41:06When he opened his eyes, at Felicia was sitting beside him.
00:41:14I was the one who saved him.
00:41:16But in fact, she was nothing but a shameless imposter.
00:41:24And Ezekiel had been used by her, personally hurting his true savior.
00:41:32As Ezekiel felt like he was going insane.
00:41:34He grabbed a nearby bottle of liquor and rushed it at Felicia, who was still laughing.
00:41:39He smashed it hard against her head.
00:41:42Blood mixed with the liquor dripped down, and she screamed, clutching her head.
00:41:50When she saw Ezekiel clearly, all color instantly drained from her face.
00:42:10Ezekiel's eyes were cold and fierce, like a ghost crawling out of hell.
00:42:14He stepped forward, grabbed her hair, and forced her face up to look at him.
00:42:29Felicia had never seen Ezekiel like this before and was completely terrified.
00:42:34Her tears and snot mixed with the blood on her head, dirty and smeared all over her cheeks.
00:42:42It was Paulina.
00:42:44But Zek, I really like you.
00:42:47I lied because I wanted to be with you.
00:42:52Ezekiel looked coldly at the woman in front of him, whose mouth was full of lies, and threw her heart
00:42:58onto the ground.
00:42:59The guests around were all stunned, and when they saw it was Ezekiel, they even didn't dare to breathe.
00:43:07The person who had just kissed Felicia's legs went weak and knelted on the ground.
00:43:14Ezekiel, I was wrong! It was this woman who seduced you! Please forgive me!
00:43:20Ezekiel coldly curled his lips. His eyes were filled with extreme cruelty.
00:43:28Forgive you?
00:43:31How could you do that after you risked your life so recklessly?
00:43:36Ezekiel left the bar.
00:43:40He searched frantically through every place I might have gone but found nothing.
00:43:46In the end, exhausted, he collapsed on the playground.
00:43:52Staring blankly at the field across from him, his heart ached, as if it were being cruelly squeezed by a
00:43:58pair of invisible hands.
00:44:06He collapsed in agony on the pavement nearby.
00:44:14Tears streaming controllably down his face, as he called out again and again.
00:44:19Lina, where are you?
00:44:22Please come out and see me, will you?
00:44:30I was wrong! I truly knew I was wrong!
00:44:37The students passing by all looked at him as if he were some kind of monster, they pointed and talked
00:44:42about him.
00:44:47Ezekiel did not know how much time had passed before he finally dried his eyes.
00:44:52Numbly, he got up, took out his phone and dialed a number.
00:44:59Donate $2 million to the University of San Francisco.
00:45:03Have them thoroughly investigate how Felicia obtained the final exam questions in advance and cheated.
00:45:09And also investigate her framing of classmates and her extremely vicious acts of campus bullying.
00:45:14Hand the case over to the judicial authorities and expel her from school.
00:45:20Also, help me find someone even if you have to dig three feet into the ground.
00:45:26You must find her.
00:45:29Ezekiel returned to his apartment, deleted all the back-end data of that post,
00:45:34then opened the campus forum, published a statement,
00:45:38and lay down on the big bed that no longer carried any trace of Paulina, breathing greedily.
00:45:46He tried in vain to find even the slightest trace.
00:45:50But there was nothing.
00:45:52He did not sleep at all that night.
00:45:55The next day, the campus forum of the University of San Francisco exploded.
00:46:00The top trending news was Ezekiel's statement.
00:46:04I am Ezekiel from the law department, also Paulina's boyfriend.
00:46:08I was the one who framed Paulina and used our intimate photos taken during our normal relationship to create the
00:46:14viral post online.
00:46:16In fact, she never did any of the things reported in the news.
00:46:21Immediately after was the disciplinary decision regarding Felicia.
00:46:31Felicia from the law department, for bribing teachers before the exam, cheating, and committing severe campus bullying,
00:46:38is ordered to withdraw and is expelled from the university.
00:46:41The legal issues involved will be further handed over to the relevant authorities for processing.
00:46:47For a time, the entire University of San Francisco was in an uproar.
00:46:52The students who had once hurt me were all in a panic, afraid of retaliation.
00:47:01Others, just as they had once cursed me, now turned all their anger towards Felicia.
00:47:09When Felicia packed her things and was taken away from the school by the Vale family,
00:47:14everyone hurled ridicule and insults at her.
00:47:17No one knew who threw the first bottle, but soon a barrage of trash and debris was thrown at her.
00:47:22You bitch, get out of the University of San Francisco!
00:47:25You're nothing but a troublemaker! Go to hell!
00:47:26It's all because of you that Paulina left the school!
00:47:29I still had so many case studies I wanted to ask her about!
00:47:33Felicia covered her head and fled in panic.
00:47:37But she knew very well, that an even more brutal storm from the Vilek family was waited for her.
00:47:46As she walked out the school gate, Ezikarni happened to be coming in.
00:47:54She rushed over in tears, melt at his feet, and clung tightly to his pant leg.
00:48:01Zach, please save me! I know I was wrong! I really know I was wrong! Please save me!
00:48:09Ezekiel lifted his foot and kicked her hard to the ground, his eyes devoid of any warmth.
00:48:22Felicia, I was the one who asked the school to deal with you strictly, so how could I possibly save
00:48:27you?
00:48:30And by the way, I just spoke to your father on the phone and told him that I,
00:48:36the useless second young master of the Willard family, wanted him to teach you a good lesson.
00:48:46Do you think it will work?
00:48:49When Felicia heard this, her whole body trembled like a leaf, all the color drained from her face.
00:48:55And her eyes rolled back as she fainted on the spot.
00:49:00The plane landed at JFK Airport, I followed behind the staff of the Rodway Group.
00:49:06Walking quickly toward the parking lot, I felt a bit excited, but even more uneasy.
00:49:15The Rodway Group in New York was an existence that even the Willard family in San Francisco could not compare
00:49:21to.
00:49:22And their legal department was famously known as the strongest on earth.
00:49:31Of course, I did not doubt my own abilities, but I worried whether my future work and life would go
00:49:37smoothly,
00:49:38and whether my boss would appreciate my working style.
00:49:41Lost in my thoughts, I failed to see the road ahead and accidentally bumped straight into a broad chest.
00:49:51I looked up in surprise, just about to apologize, when I saw a familiar gentle smile.
00:49:59Kieran?
00:50:03Kieran Rodway was my direct senior, and also the one who had partnered with me to win the San Francisco
00:50:09Legal Model Competition three years in a row.
00:50:11Row, after he graduated last year, we had not seen each other again.
00:50:16Had he really come to New York?
00:50:18Wait a minute Kieran Rodway, Rodway.
00:50:21Kieran looked at me with amusement as my expression changed several times.
00:50:25And as the confusion in my eyes gradually turned to surprise, he finally spoke.
00:50:32Paulina, you are as observant and analytical as ever.
00:50:36That's right.
00:50:37I am your new boss.
00:50:39The president of the Rodway Group.
00:50:42Welcome to my world.
00:50:44I looked up, staring at him in a daze.
00:50:47The last bit of coldness in my heart completely melted away in that dazzling smile.
00:50:54Kieran must have learned about my situation and taken the initiative to ask Rhett,
00:50:59reaching out to help me just when I was about to fall into utter despair.
00:51:06At this moment, my eyes turned red, and only one voice remained in my heart.
00:51:14Kieran, it was truly wonderful to see you, thank you.
00:51:19In the following half year, my work in the Rodway Group's legal department made me feel as if I had
00:51:25come back to life.
00:51:29I quickly developed perfect rapport with my colleagues.
00:51:32Everyone here was as easy to get along with as Kieran.
00:51:36And they often teased me.
00:51:39Paulina, if you keep this up, us old folks will be outshined by you.
00:51:44But as the new generation surpasses the old, seeing such outstanding newcomers, we feel comforted.
00:51:50With you and the Rodway Group's legal department, we are all at ease about its future.
00:51:59Kieran also often found various reasons to come see me.
00:52:03Showing concern and care, everyone noticed what was going on.
00:52:07So they deliberately left us space to be alone, intentionally helping us along.
00:52:13That day, the legal department had a dinner gathering.
00:52:16To everyone's surprise, Kieran, the big boss, also attended.
00:52:21He sat right next to me, listening to everyone's conversation throughout the evening, not saying much himself.
00:52:29But taking care of those around him, at just the right moments.
00:52:35I turned to look at him, and was immediately startled by the burning intensity in his deep eyes.
00:52:41I quickly looked away, my heart pounding like a drum.
00:52:44After the gathering ended, Kieran, as usual, drove me downstairs, as I pushed open the car door to get out.
00:52:51I blurted out, almost involuntarily.
00:52:55Would you like to come up for some tea?
00:52:57I have the green tea you like.
00:52:59We started kissing as soon as we entered the elevator, fueled by the alcohol.
00:53:04I poured out the last bit of concern I had been hiding in my heart.
00:53:09Kieran, I'm not the same pure Paulina I used to be you.
00:53:12My words were completely sealed by his kiss.
00:53:17He kissed me even more fiercely than before, stealing my breath.
00:53:23Lina, I love you.
00:53:25I loved you since college.
00:53:30I loved you.
00:53:34For the three years I knew you.
00:53:37And every day after I left, I regretted not confessing earlier.
00:53:42But at that time, my family was in the middle of internal strife.
00:53:46I couldn't give you a future.
00:53:50I thought I would wait until everything settled down to find you.
00:53:53But by then, someone else was already by your side.
00:54:02Finally, when we reached the door, Kieran suddenly stopped.
00:54:05Kieran pressed me against the door, breathing heavily.
00:54:10Lina, I'm giving you one last chance.
00:54:13Will you be with me?
00:54:15I don't care about your past.
00:54:17I just feel sorry for you.
00:54:19But let me tell you.
00:54:21Once you're with me,
00:54:23breaking up is not allowed.
00:54:26I'm very possessive.
00:54:28I can't stand you leaving again-
00:54:30Yes!
00:54:31Before he could finish, I spoke first.
00:54:34I want to!
00:54:36I want to be with you!
00:54:41Our passion ignited instantly.
00:54:43It was unstoppable.
00:54:45We moved from the doorway to the living room.
00:54:48From the sofa to the balcony.
00:54:51From the bedroom to the bathroom again and again.
00:54:54Over and over.
00:54:57Insatiable and tireless.
00:55:02When the surging tide finally calmed, the sky was already turning pale, Kieran held me in his arms and gently
00:55:09kissed the top of my head.
00:55:12Lina.
00:55:14I love you.
00:55:16I love you.
00:55:16On the other side.
00:55:18After Ezekiel graduated and left school.
00:55:21He joined the Willard group.
00:55:26Yet he still did not give up searching for me, but no matter how many people he sent out, he
00:55:31could not find me, he was like a furious, trapped beast that had lost its way, turning all of San
00:55:37Francisco upside down.
00:55:39He even mobilized all the connections the Willard family had accumulated over the years, both in the underworld and the
00:55:46upper world, among all walks of life, and set a reward of $10 million.
00:55:52But his hopes were still dashed.
00:55:55He planted informants everywhere, at the docks, stations, and airports, from the initial notices to the current CityWid search, I
00:56:04once again became the talk of San Francisco.
00:56:08My photos kept spreading, and the information was repeatedly filtered.
00:56:16But after a full six months, I still could not be found.
00:56:20It was as if Paulina had vanished into thin air from Ezekiel's world.
00:56:25Late at night, Ezekiel did not return to the Willard family villa, but still lived in the apartment where he
00:56:30and Paulina had spent so much time together.
00:56:32He sat at the bedside, downed an entire bottle of strong liquor, and let his tears fall silently.
00:56:39In half a year, he had lost four pounds, becoming so haggard and dispirited that he seemed like a different
00:56:44person.
00:56:45He stared fixedly at my photo still on his phone, confusion flashing in his eyes before it turned into obsession.
00:56:54I won't give up, Lena.
00:56:56Even if I have to go to heaven or hell.
00:56:59No matter what the cost, I will find you.
00:57:05Thinking of this, he dialed his assistant again.
00:57:09Make arrangements. Starting tomorrow, expand the search to the mainland and raise the reward to $20 million.
00:57:14After speaking, he thought for a moment and then asked.
00:57:20How is Felicia?
00:57:22Is she dead yet?
00:57:24Since graduating and joining the Willard group.
00:57:27Apart from work and searching for me, the most important thing for him was taking revenge on Felicia.
00:57:35After she was bailed out of prison, she was beaten and scolded by her father every day, with not a
00:57:41single uninjured spot left on her body.
00:57:45But Ezekiel still felt it was not enough.
00:57:49Tell Mr. Veal, send her to Mexico, and I'll let him handle the South Bay project.
00:57:57Three days later, a shocking murder case broke out in San Francisco.
00:58:06Miss Felicia of the Veal family poisoned the food, causing the deaths of all 15 members of the Veal family,
00:58:12and she is now on the run.
00:58:18The assistant held a tablet and reported to Ezekiel at his desk, constantly observing his reaction out of the corner
00:58:25of his eye.
00:58:27On the run!
00:58:29As Ezekiel slammed his fist on the desk.
00:58:32What are those useless people doing?
00:58:34They can't find Lina!
00:58:36And now...
00:58:36And now they've let Felicia escape too?!
00:58:40Catch her.
00:58:41Send her to the police.
00:58:43Hire the best lawyers.
00:58:45I want her to never leave prison for the rest of her life!
00:58:51As soon as he finished speaking, the door to his office was suddenly pushed open, a person dressed as a
00:58:56cleaner walked in.
00:58:57And before Ezekiel could react, pulled out a gun and fired at him, bang!
00:59:01At the moment the gunshot rang out.
00:59:04Ezekiel was shot in the chest, the tremendous impact made him stagger and fall to the ground, blood gushing out
00:59:10instantly.
00:59:11The cleaner also took off her mask, revealing Felicia's scarred face.
00:59:15And charged at him viciously, ready to fire another shot, the assistant reacted quickly, grabbing the marble stand nearby and
00:59:21smashing it hard against her head.
00:59:24With that blow, her brains splattered everywhere.
00:59:30The handgun fell to the ground, and she collapsed in a pool of blood.
00:59:38The blood flowing from her body snaked forward, mixing with Ezekiel's.
00:59:45Ezekiel's vision darkened, the pain and blood loss blurring his sight.
00:59:49Before losing consciousness, he was still thinking.
00:59:52What bad luck, getting myself stained with her blood.
00:59:57Felina was imprisoned and sentenced to life in prison.
01:00:03Ezekiel was hospitalized with serious injuries.
01:00:07After a full day and night of emergency treatment, his life was barely saved.
01:00:12However, his limbs and body were still affected, and he could only sit in a wheelchair for the time being.
01:00:20Ezekiel's grandfather, Peter Willard, heard that there was a sanatorium in New York specializing in severe paralysis cases like his,
01:00:29and immediately arranged for him to be transferred there by private jet.
01:00:34Yet during the long rehabilitation, Ezekiel simply could not calm his mind to cooperate with the treatment.
01:00:40His heart and thoughts were filled with the hope of finding me as soon as possible.
01:00:46On this day, his assistant pushed him out of the sanatorium for a walk in the marina district.
01:00:52And a couple walking hand in hand nearby instantly stung his eyes.
01:01:01He looked at me and Kylan.
01:01:03I held a large bouquet of roses in my arms, leaning against Keelan.
01:01:13Unconsciously, Ezekiel's heart skipped a beat.
01:01:16But then, it sank heavily.
01:01:19For at Keelan's face was all too familiar to him.
01:01:26Keelan, president of the Broadway group in New York.
01:01:29Keelan appeared on the front page of financial news every day, and a single word from him could cause a
01:01:35financial earthquake in the country.
01:01:36Keelan had also once been a prodigy in the law department at the University of San Francisco, a top student.
01:01:43No wonder, no matter how many methods Ezekiel used or how much money he offered as a reward, he could
01:01:49never find me.
01:01:50It turned out that someone had protected me well, completely sheltering me under his invincible wings.
01:01:55This, Ezekiel, who had once feared nothing, and commanded the winds and clouds at the University of San Francisco and
01:02:01throughout San Francisco, for the first time felt uncontrollable fear in front of the one he loved.
01:02:06I already had another lover. Healthy, successful in his career, academically outstanding. Each quality so exceptional, that ordinary people could
01:02:15only look up to him.
01:02:16Even Ezekiel himself had to admit that he simply could not compare to Keelan.
01:02:21It was not until my figure gradually disappeared into the distance that he, like a stranded fish, clinged to the
01:02:27armpit of his wheelchair and gasped for breath. The assistant saw everything and tentatively asked,
01:02:32Mr. Willard, why be flying out to Mrs. Quincy?
01:02:36Ezekiel let out a self-mocking laugh, and as he spoke, tears welled up in his eyes. In the past
01:02:41six months, he had almost shed all the tears of his life, all for me.
01:02:51Call out to her? On what grounds? Because I've become a cripple? Or because that man, with a flick of
01:03:06his finger, could make all my efforts over the past six months amount to nothing, leaving me unable to find
01:03:12a single trace of Lena?
01:03:13He was not discouraged. He hated himself.
01:03:19After returning, Ezekiel began to have an intense revelation in Regine.
01:03:25He trained like a madman, as if he wanted to exhaust himself to death on the rehabilitation equipment.
01:03:35Finally, on the day he could stand up on his own again, he went to the building of the Rodway
01:03:40Group and waited quietly in his car.
01:03:43He waited until nightfall, as groups of employees left the company.
01:03:51Only then did that familiar figure finally appear at the entrance.
01:04:00I carried my laptop bag, looked exhaustedly toward the exit of the underground parking lot, and slowly walked to the
01:04:08roadside.
01:04:09Ezekiel opened the car door and finally called out my name.
01:04:13Lena
01:04:15I had lost weight, but my complexion was remarkably good.
01:04:20My fair skin still glowed with a moist radiance under the moonlight, tinged with a faint blush.
01:04:27Yet my gaze showed not the slightest ripple, unusually calm.
01:04:32Those lively eyes, now unperturbed, resembled a deep, bottomless cold pool.
01:04:39Without joy or sorrow, love or hate.
01:04:44Instead, they reflected his current embarrassment and agitation with even greater clarity.
01:04:53That look was clearly directed at a stranger.
01:04:58Ezekiel suddenly recalled every late night in the past, when my heart and eyes had been filled with his presence.
01:05:05Now, however, I was so distant and indifferent.
01:05:14Lena
01:05:16He spoke with a haussy voice, cautiously.
01:05:20I've been looking for you for so long.
01:05:22I even went to the hospital to see you, but I was blocked every time.
01:05:27I called you countless times, from your phone being turned off at first to eventually being disconnected.
01:05:34I-
01:05:36Ezekiel was somewhat incoherent.
01:05:38He was too agitated, and too fearful.
01:05:41He was terrified I would disappear again.
01:05:45I'm sorry I miss you so much.
01:05:48I really miss you.
01:05:50For more than half a year, not a moment passed without me thinking of you, searching for you.
01:05:58I found out the person who saved me on the mountain was you.
01:06:03Lena, I was wrong.
01:06:06It was because Felicia lied to me, saying she was the one who saved me, that I helped her hurt
01:06:11you.
01:06:11I finally lifted my eyes and looked directly at him.
01:06:16But it was not because I was moved.
01:06:19It was because, behind him, Kieran's car had already driven out of the underground garage and was approaching slowly.
01:06:26Yet this reaction, in Ezekiel's eyes, took on a different meaning.
01:06:34He was greatly encouraged and continued.
01:06:38I've already punished myself.
01:06:39I had the hacker delete the link from the push notification, and at school, I also did things for you.
01:06:46However, he did not finish his sentence.
01:06:49I suddenly smiled, waved behind him and walked around him, leaving straight away.
01:06:59I did not leave a single word.
01:07:02Ezekiel watched my departing figure and involuntarily pressed his thin lips together.
01:07:08He hurried forward, trying to grab my arm.
01:07:12Lena, don't go! I still have something to say!
01:07:19However, just as he was about to touch me, the car door nearby slowly opened.
01:07:24Kenan stepped out and tightly embraced me.
01:07:26Mr. Willard.
01:07:28It's not very appropriate for you to cumbly pestle my girlfriend.
01:07:31At what my place is, is it?
01:07:33Kieran's expression was indifferent, without any emotion.
01:07:36In contrast, at Ezekiel's face was filled with urgency and panic.
01:07:40Kieran used his tall figure to shield me behind him, his eyes carrying an undisguised warning.
01:07:45Ezekiel quickly calmed down, his brows tightly frowned as he sized up the cold and stern man before him, refusing
01:07:51to back down.
01:07:53Mr. Rodbay, this is between Lena and me.
01:07:56It has nothing to do with you.
01:07:58He was confident that as long as he sincerely apologized, I would surely forgive him.
01:08:03After all, I had loved him so deeply.
01:08:05However, at Kieran, Rodway let out a low laugh.
01:08:09Out Lena's matters are my matters.
01:08:12Besides, do you need me to remind you what you've done?
01:08:14If I were you, I'd wish to smash my head and die.
01:08:19He took a deep breath before continuing.
01:08:22The Willard family is truly unfortunate to have a son like you.
01:08:25If you keep pestering Lina, I won't mind having your family come over to properly enforce the family rules.
01:08:30There was already a hint of threat in Kieran's words, but at Ezimiel Willard did not care at all.
01:08:35Even if you can use your power to force me back.
01:08:38You can't change the fact that most beloved person is always me.
01:08:42I made mistakes.
01:08:43I can punish myself however I want, but I will never give up on her.
01:08:48Kieran Rodway, do you dare to compete with me fairly?
01:08:53Oui.
01:08:54He did not finish his sentence as I suddenly interrupted him.
01:08:57Ezekiel, there's no need to compete.
01:09:01Both men looked at me at the same time.
01:09:03The person I love now is at Kieran.
01:09:06No one can compete with him.
01:09:08As for you, I feel utterly disgusted and regretful for ever loving you.
01:09:13That is the greatest shame of my life!
01:09:16Ezekiel was struck, as if by lightning.
01:09:19He staggered back several steps, almost collapsing to the ground in embarrassment.
01:09:23It was as if all his strength had been instantly drained from his body,
01:09:26and even maintaining the last bit of dignity was becoming a luxury.
01:09:30Impossible.
01:09:33I don't believe it.
01:09:34You clearly love me so much, you said you would love me for your whole life!
01:09:41Lina, this joke isn't funny at all.
01:09:42I was wrong.
01:09:44I really was wrong.
01:09:45Please forgive me.
01:09:46Don't be so cruel to me.
01:09:48I swear.
01:09:50I will spend the rest of my life making up for what I owe you.
01:09:53I won't let you suffer any more harm.
01:09:56I'm begging you, Lina, don't treat me like this.
01:09:59As he spoke, he reached out to grab my hand.
01:10:02But his hand was slapped away harshly.
01:10:04I looked at him coldly, my eyes completely unherherbed.
01:10:08Ezekiel, go back.
01:10:09Your very presence makes me sick.
01:10:11If you truly feel sorry for me,
01:10:14then please get out of my world completely and never bother me again.
01:10:19In the days that followed, I briefly regained a period of peace.
01:10:24On this day, I was invited to Columbia University to participate in a month-long teaching seminar.
01:10:30The transition from student to teacher felt novel to me,
01:10:33and the gloom that Ezekiel had cast over my mood was swept away.
01:10:37After the first day ended, a student ran over and said,
01:10:40Ms. Quincy, there's someone waiting for you outside the lecture hall.
01:10:43He's a very handsome man.
01:10:45I thought it was Kieran, so I quickly packed my things and ran outside.
01:10:50I had to admit that I was relying and more and more on Kyran.
01:10:53No matter what I did, I wanted to share my feelings with him first.
01:10:57But when I saw At-Ezekiel standing before me, all the blood in my body turned cold.
01:11:02He really was like a lingering ghost.
01:11:04I turned to leave, but At-Ezekiel caught up with me in a few quick steps.
01:11:08He hugged me tightly from behind.
01:11:10His eyes filled with obsessive emotion.
01:11:12Don't go, Lina. Let's talk, please.
01:11:15I really can't live without you.
01:11:18I know you've been wronged, so why don't you hit me?
01:11:20Use a knife, or a stick, anything you want.
01:11:24Even if you want to kill me, that's fine.
01:11:27Just don't ignore me, please.
01:11:29Since you left, I haven't had a single good night's sleep.
01:11:32It took me so long to find you, but now there's another man by your side.
01:11:36Do you know I'm about to lose my mind?
01:11:38I felt a wave of nausea rise in my heart.
01:11:42During those days when I couldn't control my feelings for him,
01:11:45when I hoped he would give me a little love,
01:11:47I had imagined countless times that he would truly love me,
01:11:50but from beginning to end, all gave me was cruel hurt.
01:11:55From the moment I walked out of the campus, the Paulina of the past had already died.
01:12:00I had died on on the basketball court on the third floor of the school gymtasium.
01:12:04I broke free from Adzekiel's embrace with disgust, looked at him indifferently, and spoke coldly.
01:12:10Ezekiel, if you keep pestering me, I'm going to call the police.
01:12:14Ezekiel's eyes suddenly turned red.
01:12:16He had searched for me for such a long time, and never once had he thought about giving up.
01:12:21He ignored my resistance, trapping me tightly with his arms, and tried to kiss my ear and hair.
01:12:26Lena, please don't treat me like this.
01:12:30Didn't we agree to get married after graduation?
01:12:32I can marry you right now.
01:12:34I've already bought the engagement ring.
01:12:36You left me without a word, and I really corned me with this.
01:12:39Are you still blaming me?
01:12:41I know I'm sorry I didn't understand my own heart, but I really will change.
01:12:44His hot breath poured over the back of my ear, made me so uncomfortable that my hair stood on Ed,
01:12:50but his disgusting behavior continued.
01:12:52I know you've already found out about the pushlink thing.
01:12:54I admit I did it, but now I've erased them all.
01:12:58Even the ones others got, I destroyed them with one click.
01:13:01I was so furious that I shook.
01:13:03I bit at Ezekiel's arm hard, and while he was in pain, I quickly turned around and saw him hard
01:13:07across the face.
01:13:09Ezekiel, no matter what you do to make up for it, I will never love you again.
01:13:14In my eyes, you are a complete bastard.
01:13:16You disgust me.
01:13:17You make me hate you.
01:13:18And even hearing your name makes me sick.
01:13:23To me, the at Paulina of the past died long ago.
01:13:27Died at the University of San Francisco.
01:13:29Died in your abuse and harm.
01:13:31What gives you the right to ask for my forgiveness?
01:13:33Why should I come back?
01:13:35Just because you regret it.
01:13:37Tell me, why?
01:13:38Early spring in New York was still a bit coley, and I curled up my body.
01:13:42Then, as if I remembered something, I slowly rolled up my sleeve.
01:13:47The exposed skin was covered with Chris's crossing scars.
01:13:50Who knew how many years it would take to fully heal, or perhaps it would never heal at all.
01:13:54I pointed at those scars and said word by word,
01:13:57Ezekiel, these are your crimes, and they will never be erased.
01:14:01You should stay as far away from me as possible.
01:14:03If you had even a shred of guilt,
01:14:06you wouldn't be so self-righteous as to harass my hard-won peaceful life and make it a mess again.
01:14:11You are just so selfish and shameless.
01:14:17Ezekiel stood frozen in place, unable to move for a long time.
01:14:21Kiran suddenly launched an attack.
01:14:23Kiran precisely targeted all the projects of the Willard family.
01:14:27The family crisis was all because Ezekiel went to harass someone else's girlfriend.
01:14:32Peter was furious and immediately sent people to bring him Welkai.
01:14:35But Ezekiel seemed bewitched and would still sneak off to New York.
01:14:39Although Kiran had already arranged bodyguards around me,
01:14:42they would drive him away before he could get close.
01:14:45Yet he only wanted to see me from afar.
01:14:47It was only at this very moment that Ezekiel finally understood
01:14:51the inexplicable panic that had suddenly arisen in his heart back then.
01:14:55It turned out that from that time on, he had been afraid of losing me.
01:14:58He had also become clearly aware that his actions might make it impossible to win my back.
01:15:05So I was right.
01:15:06He deserved it.
01:15:07He was shameless.
01:15:08He knew the outcome but still did it.
01:15:10Simply because he was convinced my love would never change.
01:15:13He publicly announced his separation from the Willard family,
01:15:16gave up all inheritance rights, and stayed alone in New York.
01:15:20He could not succeed in anything in New York,
01:15:22because Kiran's people were always watching him.
01:15:25So he could only take odd jobs everywhere, living a miserable life.
01:15:29All just to catch a glimpse of Paulina from time to time.
01:15:32On the day I got married, Ezekiel waited early in the grass outside the Rodway mansion.
01:15:37He watched helplessly as I gave my hand to Kiran.
01:15:40He went mad.
01:15:41He rushed back to his rented room and stabbed himself again and again.
01:15:45Just before losing consciousness, he dialed the emergency center and said,
01:15:51Please I'm about to die.
01:15:54Please let me see Lena, just let me see her one more time, please.
01:15:58When woke up again, he was already laying in a ward at New York Pristerian Hospital.
01:16:03He had previously suffered a gunshot wound, and his body had long been severely weakened.
01:16:07After this ordeal, he seemed completely broken.
01:16:10I filed a lawsuit against him.
01:16:12I personally served as my own attorney.
01:16:15Accusing him of violating citizens' privacy,
01:16:18distributing obscene materials, intentional injury, and several other charges.
01:16:22In court, I fought wore my lawyer's robe, spoke clearly and logically,
01:16:27and spurred novitically presented all the evidence in detail.
01:16:30Over the years, I had never given up seeking justice for myself.
01:16:34Now that I was married, I had the strongest support and no longer had any worries.
01:16:38And the chain of evidence was finally completely intact.
01:16:42Ezekiel did not hire a lawyer, nor did he apply to defend himself.
01:16:46He cooperated silently with all the procedures.
01:16:48He pleaded guilty in court and would not appeal.
01:16:51He was subsequently convicted of multiple crimes and sentenced to seven years in prison.
01:16:56On the day he entered prison, Ezekiel knelt on the ground and begged the prison guard to let him see
01:17:02me.
01:17:02But I replied, you will never see me again in this lifetime.
01:17:06Seven years had passed in the blink of an eye.
01:17:09I had given birth to a daughter, named Emily Roadway.
01:17:12I gently raised the Hild, nurturing her to be independent and optimist, my heart overflowing with Fortis' eyes.
01:17:18Kieran accompanied me back to San Francisco to pay respects to my mother.
01:17:22The three of us bowed before the gravestone.
01:17:25Mom, I am very happy now.
01:17:28My family is harmonious and blissful.
01:17:31All the pain from the past, I have already forgotten.
01:17:35Please rest assured.
01:17:36Emily hopped around, earnestly wiping the gravestone for her grandmother,
01:17:40her little face shrouded in solemnly.
01:17:43With her childish voice, she said,
01:17:45Grandma!
01:17:46I will take good care of Mom, so don't worry!
01:17:49Kieran and I were amused and burst into laughter.
01:17:53It was not until the sun slanted west and the cemetery was about to close
01:17:57that the three of us, left hand in hand, we did not notice that,
01:18:01not far away in the bushes, two pairs of eyes were watching us,
01:18:05one burning with intensity, the other cold and sinister.
01:18:09Before returning to New York, I visited the University of San Francisco to see Reet.
01:18:14Seeing Reet, whose hair had long since turned white,
01:18:17my eyes could not help but grow moister.
01:18:20Mr. Smithison, there is something I have never told you all these years.
01:18:23I came here today, especially to tell you, thank you.
01:18:27Truly, thank you.
01:18:28If you hadn't contacted Kieran back then, there would be no Paulina today.
01:18:33You are like a second parent to me!
01:18:35Riot was moved to tears as well and we talked for quite a while.
01:18:38When I left, it was already noon.
01:18:40The students had gone to lunch and there were not many people on campus.
01:18:44I walked alone along the familiar path and a message from Kieran popped up on my phone.
01:18:49My work is finished and I am almost at the University of San Francisco.
01:18:53I smiled softly, my face full of tenderness.
01:18:55Just then, a figure suddenly darted out from behind a tree, blocking my way.
01:19:02Paulina, after all these years, I have finally waited for you.
01:19:06I looked up and saw at Felicia.
01:19:08I was utterly shocked and took two steps back, my eyes wide with caution.
01:19:12Weren't you sentenced to life imprisonment?
01:19:14How are you here?
01:19:16Felicia let out a bitter laugh, her voice completely horny.
01:19:19Inside, I lived a life of utter darkness.
01:19:23Tortured until I developed cancer.
01:19:26So I applied for medical parole.
01:19:30All so I could find a chance before I die to drag you to hell with me.
01:19:35I kept retreating, trying hard to stay calm.
01:19:38Felicia, I never wronged you.
01:19:39In fact, you have always hurt me.
01:19:42Why do you hate me so much?
01:19:44Felicia's eyes glinted with ferocity.
01:19:46The knife in her hand waved ceaselessly.
01:19:50Of course I hate you!
01:19:52You are an orphan.
01:19:53You should have lived like a worm in the mud.
01:19:56So why are you better than me in every way?
01:19:59You were always top of the class.
01:20:01Teachers liked you, and even when you went hiking,
01:20:04you managed to save the youngest son of the most powerful Willard family in San Francisco.
01:20:09Why, Paulina, why is your luck so good?
01:20:11How could I not hate you?
01:20:14I just want to destroy you to make you fall into the abyss with me.
01:20:18With that, she lunged straight at me with the knife.
01:20:23Just as the sharp blade was about to pierce my body,
01:20:26a stern shout rang out from nearby.
01:20:29Kieran and the recently released Ezekiel were running toward me at the same time.
01:20:34Felicia saw Ezekiel, and her eyes grew even redder.
01:20:37She suddenly turned the knife and stabbed fiercely at the charging Ezekiel.
01:20:41Ezekiel!
01:20:42I didn't kill you last time, so this time we'll die together!
01:20:46The sound of the blade piercing skin echoed and Ezekiel's heart was strapped through.
01:20:51He did not even have time to say a word before he collapsed.
01:20:55Even in death, he was still looking in my direction.
01:20:58Felicia wildly turned her head, her body covered in blood as she looked at me.
01:21:03Paulina, I really dislike you, but I also envy you.
01:21:07As soon as she finished speaking, she plunged the blooded knife into her own heart.
01:21:13Kieran raised his hand to cover my eyes, holding me tightly in his arms.
01:21:18Don't be afraid, Lena. I'm here.
01:21:21I'm here.
01:21:22This was the most beautiful love conflation I had ever heard.
01:21:25My heart, too, settled into peace.
01:21:28A week later, Kieran and I returned to New York.
01:21:31When we got off the plane, the evening glow happened to be in the sky.
01:21:35We held hands and gazed into each other's eyes.
01:21:41We were surrounded by the radiance of happiness.
01:21:44We were surrounded by the other wind and the other's eyes.
01:21:45He moved my eyes and saw the new life and the second place in the morning.
01:21:46A week later, Kieran turned into the Righteous community.
01:21:51We were surrounded by the First and the Years of all-time,
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