- 10 hours ago
خيانة بيضاء
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:02It's Christmas Eve.
00:04My husband Damien just kicked our three-year-old daughter out of the car.
00:11Get out of the car!
00:12The current outside temperature is minus five degrees Celsius.
00:17All because his mistress's daughter didn't want to sit with a dirty kid.
00:22When the car pulled over on the highway shoulder,
00:24I thought Damien just needed a restroom break.
00:29Aurora is asleep. Don't wake her.
00:32Damien didn't even look back. He just tapped the steering wheel.
00:37Clara, take Aurora and get out of the car.
00:40What?
00:41Damien, it's fine. We can just squeeze in.
00:44But her daughter Briar started screaming.
00:47No! I won't sit with that dirty kid! She's coughing!
00:51Did you hear that? Get out.
00:53Mira is on her way. She'll be here in 30 minutes. Just wait here.
00:58I held my three-year-old daughter and watched him drive away.
01:03The taillights faded into the snow until they were gone.
01:07Mommy, where's Daddy?
01:09Aurora whispered.
01:11Her biometric wristband began to pulse with a yellow warning light.
01:17Daddy, went to Grandma's first. Auntie Mira is coming to get us.
01:21I hit the dial for a video call to Tina.
01:29Clara?
01:30Her background was a chaotic blur of noise and pulsing neon.
01:34She was at a party.
01:36Mira, Damien told you to pick us up. Where are you?
01:40Just wait. I'll come later.
01:42Mira, it's freezing!
01:44Aurora can't stay out here!
01:46My brother said Celeste and Briar can't be out in the cold.
01:49They had to get home.
01:50You're just waiting. It's not like you'll die.
01:53Aurora shivered in my arms.
01:55Mommy, I wanna go home.
01:59Soon, baby. We'll be home very soon.
02:02My heart broke.
02:04After four years of marriage, I never knew Damien could be this cruel.
02:09To dump his wife and child on a highway because another woman's kid called us dirty.
02:15Suddenly, headlights appeared.
02:17I waved like crazy.
02:19A black SUV pulled over.
02:27Need a hand?
02:30Please, can you give us a ride to the next service station?
02:33Get in.
02:34I reached for the door, but then a voice stopped me.
02:37Clara?
02:38It was Felix, Damien's father.
02:41What are you doing here? Where's my brother?
02:43I quickly told him everything.
02:46Felix's face turned pale with rage.
02:49Is he insane?
02:50He left you and Aurora here?
02:53So Celeste's daughter matters.
02:55But his own doesn't?
02:57Owen, let them in.
02:58We'll squeeze.
02:59But the car was full.
03:01There's no room.
03:02The driver said, looking worried.
03:04You guys go.
03:05I'll wait here.
03:06Felix pushed me toward the seat.
03:11Aurora's face is turning purple.
03:13She can't stay in the cold another second.
03:16Felix, it's freezing out there.
03:19What about you?
03:20I'm a grown man.
03:22I can handle a little cold.
03:23Take care of the kid first.
03:25Just go.
03:26The car started.
03:27I looked through the back window.
03:30Felix stood there alone in the blizzard.
03:33His figure grew smaller and smaller.
03:36Aurora fell asleep in my arms, but her face was a terrifying shade of red.
03:43Sir, can you go any faster?
03:45My daughter has a fever!
03:46The driver nodded and stepped on the gas.
03:49I tried to call Mira again.
03:51No signal.
03:53How much longer to the service station?
03:5620 kilometers.
03:57In this weather, at least 30 minutes.
04:00What?
04:01I held Aurora tighter.
04:03She was getting hotter by the second.
04:06She opened her eyes weakly.
04:08Suddenly, she started coughing.
04:10Her face turned a deep, sickly purple.
04:14Please!
04:15Please go faster!
04:17I'm trying!
04:18This is as fast as it goes!
04:20The roads are pure ice!
04:22I unzipped Aurora's coat.
04:24Her chest was heaving.
04:26Aurora, look at mommy!
04:27Don't close your eyes!
04:31I'll tell you a story about the little rabbit.
04:35I began pounding on the car window like a mad woman.
04:39Help!
04:40My daughter is dying!
04:42Somebody help us!
04:45But on the highway, there was nothing but wind and snow.
04:51Finally, the car pulled into a service station.
05:00Is there a doctor?
05:01My daughter is dying!
05:03Help us!
05:04The clerk froze.
05:06There's no doctor here.
05:07Call one!
05:08Now!
05:09The signal tower was destroyed by the blizzard.
05:12We can't get a call out.
05:13My legs gave out.
05:15I almost collapsed.
05:17The shop owner searched through the back and found some medicine.
05:22Try this.
05:24Aurora lay on my lap.
05:26Her breath was so faint, it felt like it could snap at any second.
05:31I tried to feed her, but she didn't even have the strength to swallow.
05:36The owner couldn't watch anymore.
05:39I'll drive you to the nearest clinic.
05:42But the roads might be blocked.
05:45Go!
05:45We have to go now!
05:47The car crawled through the deep snow.
05:50With every bump, Aurora's body grew limp.
05:54Aurora, you said you wanted to see the Northern Lights, remember?
05:57Mommy will take you.
05:59We'll take the fastest train, all the way to the Arctic Circle.
06:04Her eyelashes fluttered.
06:07But she never opened her eyes.
06:10Suddenly, my watch vibrated.
06:13Signal!
06:14With trembling hands, I dialed Damien's video call.
06:18It rang for a long time.
06:21Finally, he picked up.
06:23Hello?
06:23The background was quiet.
06:26Damien.
06:28Aurora is sick.
06:29It's bad.
06:30Really bad.
06:31Where are you?
06:32On the way to a clinic.
06:34Please.
06:34You have to come.
06:36Didn't Mira pick you up yet?
06:41She didn't come!
06:42She never showed up!
06:44Possible.
06:44She just posted an update saying she's on her way.
06:47I opened the hologram projection on my watch.
06:50Mira's latest post from ten minutes ago.
06:53The location tag was at exit 87 on the interstate.
06:58112 kilometers away from us.
07:00She hadn't moved an inch.
07:03She was lying to you.
07:05And she was lying to me!
07:07Mira will be there soon.
07:08Just wait a little longer.
07:11Wait!
07:12We can't!
07:13Aurora is dying!
07:14Our daughter is dying, Damien!
07:18Clara, it's Christmas Eve.
07:20Don't say such unlucky things.
07:21No one is dying.
07:23Celesta and Briar just arrived.
07:25And my mom is very happy.
07:27Don't ruin the mood.
07:28Just go to the hospital when Mira gets there.
07:30Kids get fevers all the time.
07:32She's not gonna die.
07:33He hung up.
07:34As the projection faded, my blood turned to ice.
07:38The shop owner looked at me through the rear-view mirror.
07:41Your husband?
07:42I nodded.
07:45Scumbag.
07:46Hmph.
07:47Hang on tight.
07:48I'm taking a shortcut.
07:53We're not letting this baby die.
07:55The car turned onto a mountain road.
07:58Aurora's breathing was almost gone.
08:01I checked her heartbeat.
08:02It was so weak it felt like an illusion.
08:05I pulled a button-sized communicator from my inner pocket.
08:09My father had given it to me.
08:11He said that once I pressed it, his people would arrive within three hours.
08:17Finally, we reached the nearest medical station.
08:21I burst into the emergency room, clutching Aurora.
08:27Acute pneumonia!
08:32Heart rate is dropping! Prepare for recitation!
08:35I was stopped outside the emergency room.
08:38Through the glass, I watched the doctors intubate Aurora and hook her up to the monitors.
08:44She looked like she could vanish at any second.
08:48I collapsed in the corner, shaking.
08:51My watch rang again.
08:54I'm...
08:54Clara, where are you? My mom is waiting for dinner.
08:58I struggled to find my voice.
09:00The clinic?
09:02Aurora is being resuscitated.
09:04What? Why are you at a clinic? Where's Mira?
09:08She never came.
09:10Impossible. She just messaged me saying she picked you up.
09:13He sent me a screenshot.
09:15It was a blurry photo from 20 minutes ago.
09:18In the passenger seat was a woman's back, wearing a jacket just like mine.
09:23She's lying, Damien.
09:25Come to the clinic. Now!
09:27Are you lying just because you're jealous of Celeste?
09:30Daughter is still being resuscitated? And you think this is jealous?
09:33What else? Why would Mira need to lie to me?
09:37Damien, if Aurora dies today, I will never forgive you as long as I live.
09:41Whatever, Clara. That's your choice.
09:45The call disconnected.
09:47I listened to the dial tone and slowly slid down to the floor.
09:51The ER doors swung open.
09:53We saved her, but she was deprived of oxygen for too long.
09:56There's significant brain damage.
09:58It could affect her cognitive development.
10:00She might even face permanent paralysis.
10:03I leaned against the wall to keep from collapsing.
10:07How is that possible?
10:10She's so small.
10:11She's just a baby.
10:15We did our best.
10:16You need to admit her now.
10:18The follow-up treatments won't be cheap.
10:20I walked to the payment kiosk, moving like a ghost.
10:23I tapped my wrist against the sensor.
10:26Insufficient funds.
10:27Damien only gave me $3,000 a month, claiming it was more than enough for a child.
10:33I called him, my hands trembling.
10:37Aurora needs surgery.
10:39I need $50,000.
10:40$50,000?
10:43Clara, do I look like an ATM to you?
10:45Damien, she is your daughter!
10:48Are you going to transfer the money or not?
10:50No. If you're so capable, earn it yourself.
10:54After Christmas, we're filing for divorce.
10:55The house is mine.
10:57You didn't put a cent in, so you get nothing.
11:00I stood there, staring at the clerk through the glass.
11:05Can you start the treatment first?
11:07I'll pay you back.
11:08I promise.
11:10I'm sorry.
11:11Facility policy, no deposit, no admission.
11:15I walked out of the clinic and stood in the freezing snow.
11:19My hologram flared to life.
11:22It was Felix.
11:24Clara!
11:25Where are you?
11:26Damien said Mira picked you guys up?
11:28Felix, do me a favor.
11:30If anything happens to me, take care of Aurora.
11:34What are you talking about?
11:35I have no money. Aurora has no hope.
11:38I can't keep her either.
11:40Just put her in the adoption system.
11:42At least she'll live.
11:43Clara, don't do anything reckless! Where are you? I'm coming now!
11:46Don't bother.
11:47I cut the connection and killed the hologram.
11:49I walked back to the ward.
11:52I'm sorry baby in the next life.
11:54Don't be mine.
11:56The clinic roof was a blur of wind and snow.
11:59From the edge, the world below looked tiny.
12:03One step, and the pain would finally end.
12:06I closed my eyes and let myself fall forward.
12:10Suddenly, a hand gripped my wrist.
12:13Suddenly, a hand gripped my wrist.
12:15A violent tug pulled me back.
12:17I collapsed onto the ground and looked up.
12:19Several men in black suits stood before me.
12:22Their leader, a man in his 50s, removed his sunglasses.
12:25His eyes were bloodshot.
12:27Clara.
12:29Dad!
12:30I was rushed onto a medical transport pod.
12:33Aurora was carried in right behind me, immediately taken over by a team of flight medics.
12:38Intracranial pressure is spiking. We need to operate now.
12:42Contact the main hospital.
12:43Open the neurosurgery green channel.
12:46Put the nano repair team on standby.
12:48My father held my hand, his own trembling uncontrollably.
12:51I'm sorry Clara. Dad was too late. I'm so sorry.
12:56Dad, I thought you were just a...
12:59farmer back in the village.
13:01He faltered, a bitter smile touching his lips.
13:06A farmer. That was a lie.
13:08You were so determined to marry Damien.
13:11I was afraid that if he knew we were wealthy, he'd only marry you for the money.
13:16So...
13:17I played poor for four years.
13:20I thought as long as he treated you well, it didn't matter if we lived simply.
13:24He looked at the unconscious Aurora, tears finally falling.
13:28But I never imagined...
13:29I never imagined they could be this heartless to abuse my granddaughter like this.
13:34Medical transport pod landed on the roof of Whitfield Medical Center.
13:38Aurora was rushed straight into surgery.
13:40The best specialists, the cutting edge equipment, everything was ready.
13:44My father stood outside the operating room and dialed an encrypted channel.
13:49Vance Group. I want to see their stock hit rock bottom before the market opens tomorrow.
13:54Terminate all partnerships. Everything.
13:57And the banks.
13:58You know what to do.
14:01He hung up and sat beside me.
14:03Clara, I'm giving you two choices.
14:04First, divorce him.
14:07Take the money and take Aurora abroad.
14:12Never look back.
14:15Second, stay.
14:17Watch the Vance family crumble.
14:21Watch Damien crawl to his knees and beg for your mercy.
14:25I thought for a moment.
14:27The second one.
14:29But I have one condition.
14:32Name it.
14:33Prepare two bionic decoys.
14:35One identical to me.
14:37And one identical to Aurora.
14:40Make them look like they froze to death on the side of the highway.
14:44Dress them in the clothes we wore today.
14:46And put her bioband on the decoy.
14:48You wanna?
14:50I want them to think I'm dead.
14:55Then, I wanna see exactly how they celebrate.
14:58I wanna watch them throw a party while Aurora and I are dead.
15:03My father remained silent for a long time before nodding.
15:06Fine.
15:08The bionic decoys were incredibly lifelike.
15:11One large, one small, lying in the snow on the highway.
15:14When found, they were already frozen solid.
15:17An automated road patrol drone discovered them and flagged the nearest highway patrol.
15:22Based on the ID found on the body, the police contacted Damien.
15:26The call came through while the Vance family was having Christmas dinner.
15:29The table was overflowing with food, filled with laughter.
15:33Celeste sat next to Damien, putting food on his plate.
15:36Priscilla beamed, stroking Briar's hair.
15:38Celeste is so much better.
15:40Even the daughter she raised are well behaved.
15:42Unlike that brat Clara had.
15:44Always crying, never obedient.
15:47An absolute nuisance.
15:49Damien's wrist vibrated.
15:50He glanced at it, frowning.
15:52The police?
15:55Hello?
15:56Is this Mr. Damien Vance?
15:58Is your wife, Clara, currently on the highway with your daughter?
16:01Yes, why?
16:02We found two bodies by the roadside.
16:05Preliminary assessment suggests they froze to death.
16:08The female victim has an ID card identifying her as Clara.
16:12There is also a female child, approximately three years old.
16:16We need you to come and identify them.
16:18What did you say?
16:19Sir, your wife and daughter.
16:21They didn't make it.
16:22The dinner table fell silent.
16:24Priscilla asked,
16:25Who is it?
16:26Calling during the holidays.
16:28It's bad luck.
16:29Damien stood up, his face pale.
16:31Claire and Aurora?
16:33Froze to death?
16:35By the time Damien reached the morgue, his legs were like jelly.
16:38The police led him into the cold storage room.
16:41The drawer pulled open, revealing two bodies, one large, one small.
16:46Is it them?
16:46Damien opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
16:49He reached out, wanting to touch my face, his hand shaking violently.
16:53It's impossible.
16:56Mira said she went to pick them up.
16:58The officer pulled up the records on his terminal.
17:01We checked the automated highway patrol logs.
17:04Your sister's car never even entered the highway.
17:06She drove in circles around the city before heading home.
17:10Furthermore, the victim's final outgoing call was to you.
17:15It was at 7pm last night.
17:17She told you the child was sick and begged for help.
17:20You said, you said, if you're so capable, earn it yourself.
17:25I thought, I thought she was lying.
17:29I, I didn't know she was actually.
17:31And if you had known, would you have gone?
17:35There was a heavy silence.
17:36Damien had no answer.
17:38The morgue doors swung open as Priscilla burst in.
17:41She froze for a moment upon seeing the bodies, then collapsed onto the floor, wailing and slapping her thighs.
17:47Oh, my granddaughter! My poor baby! How could you leave me like this?
17:52After a few cries, she abruptly stopped and grabbed Damien.
17:55Son, this is actually a good thing!
17:57It's a blessing in disguise!
17:59Now that Clara's dead, you can finally marry Celesta!
18:02Mom, that was my daughter.
18:04So what if she was your daughter? She's dead now. This is perfect.
18:08Now we don't have to worry about splitting the assets in a divorce.
18:11Ma'am, these are two human lives we're talking about!
18:13What about them? This is family business, it's none of your concern!
18:16Let's go! Celeste is still waiting for us to finish dinner!
18:19Damien allowed himself to be pulled away for a moment.
18:22Then, he looked back at the cold storage unit.
18:25Wait.
18:26He shook off his mother's hand and walked back.
18:28He knelt beside the bodies for a long time.
18:31Then, he reached out, gently smoothing the hair and straightening the clothes on the decoy.
18:36Clara, I'm so sorry.
18:39I was wrong. I really… I didn't know it would end like this.
18:44Why are you apologizing to her?
18:46It's her own fault for having such a short life!
18:49She deserved it!
18:50Shut up!
18:52Damien stood up and addressed the officer.
18:55I'm taking the bodies back.
18:57I'm going to hold a grand funeral.
18:59Two flickering lamps stood by the Vance Estate entrance.
19:02The viewing room was in the side hall, right next to the room I lived in before.
19:07Celeste and Briar had already moved into the master suite.
19:10The whole house was busy catering to them.
19:12But Damien…
19:13He sat in the viewing room, guarding the caskets.
19:16Two cryo caskets, side by side, cold and silent.
19:19Mira showed up once. He kicked her out.
19:21Get out!
19:22Damien, I didn't mean it!
19:25I was just out with friends and lost track of time.
19:29Damien looked at her, his eyes bloodshot with rage.
19:32How was I supposed to know they would actually die?
19:35You lost track of time?
19:37Two lives are gone and you think losing track of time fixes it?
19:40Then what do you want from me? You want me to die for her?
19:44Is she even worth it?
19:46She was just a low-class woman. She's gone, so what?
19:50Damien struck her hard. Mira froze in shock.
19:53Get out! If I ever see your face again, you are no longer my sister.
19:58Then Celeste arrived.
19:59Damien, please, let it go.
20:02I'm sure she wouldn't want to see you like this from the other side.
20:05Damien looked up at her, cold as ice.
20:07Do you know what they were doing while you were celebrating?
20:09I was at your house having dinner.
20:15They were in the snow waiting to die.
20:20Waiting for someone who was never coming to save them.
20:23Celeste turned pale.
20:24That was your sister's fault! What does that have to do with me?
20:27With me!
20:27Your mother was the one who insisted I come back for Christmas.
20:30I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of traveling for the holidays if it wasn't for her!
20:34And besides, you're the one who kicked them out of the car!
20:37Right. You went through so much trouble.
20:39But they froze to death.
20:40They literally froze to death.
20:42Celeste went silent.
20:44Damien stood up and walked to the cryo casket, gently brushing his hand against the cold glass.
20:49I keep thinking, what if I had just answered that video call?
20:52What if I had gone to pick them up?
20:55What if I hadn't said those things?
20:57Celeste bit her lip and turned to leave.
20:59Damien, don't forget.
21:00I'm the one carrying the family heir now.
21:02That dead woman? She's useless now.
21:05The heavy doors of the viewing room clicked shut.
21:08Damien collapsed, sliding down against the side of the casket until he hit the floor.
21:12On the surveillance feed, I watched his shoulders shake.
21:15How pathetic.
21:17He didn't care when we were breathing.
21:18Now that we're dead, he acts like he has a heart.
21:21I raised my wrist and sent an encrypted message to my father.
21:24Can we start?
21:25My father's reply popped up instantly.
21:27Anytime.
21:28The Vance Group's empire began to collapse.
21:31First, their biggest client abruptly canceled their contract, jumping ship to sign a 10-year deal with a rival.
21:37Then, the banks pulled their credit lines, snapping the company's financial backbone.
21:42Suppliers swarmed the headquarters demanding payment all at once.
21:46Damien was drowning.
21:47He started sleeping at the office every night.
21:50Priscilla screamed at him through the comms.
21:52You're never home.
21:54What if Celeste gets upset?
21:56The company is dying.
21:57Do you even understand?
21:59So what if it is?
22:01We have plenty of money.
22:03Mom, we're about to be bankrupt.
22:04The house, the cars, the accounts, it's all being liquidated to pay the debt.
22:08Soon you might not even be able to afford a meal.
22:10That's impossible.
22:11Is it?
22:12Damien cut the transmission.
22:14He sat in his office, staring out the window at the skyline.
22:17Everything he had built over the last 10 years, gone overnight.
22:22Suddenly, his wristband vibrated.
22:24An encrypted string of numbers flashed on the display.
22:26No hologram.
22:27No ID.
22:31A man's voice came through the comms.
22:34Mr. Vance, did you receive my gift?
22:38Who is this?
22:39You don't need to know who I am.
22:41You just need to know that this is only the beginning.
22:45The debt you owe will be paid with the entire Vance group.
22:49The connection cut to static.
22:52Damien tried to dial back, but a gray notification flashed on his terminal.
22:56The ID you are trying to reach does not exist.
22:59His hand began to shake as he gripped the device.
23:02Vance group officially entered bankruptcy liquidation.
23:06The estate, the cars, every single asset was auctioned off.
23:10Priscilla was forced out of the mansion and into a cramped rental unit.
23:14Celeste took Briar and left, clutching the last bit of credits she could scavenge.
23:18I can't suffer with you.
23:20Damien, Briar has her schooling to think about.
23:24Damien moved into the small side wing where the caskets were kept.
23:27He had managed to keep the cryo units.
23:29He spread a blanket on the floor and slept right there beside them.
23:33Mira came to find him once.
23:35You've thrown away the entire family empire for a dead woman!
23:39How can you do this to mom?
23:41Then who is going to make things right for Clara?
23:44Damien looked at her, his voice a ghost of its former self.
23:48Who is going to make it right for Aurora?
23:50Mira never came back.
23:52Damien started looking for work.
23:53But in this city, the reputation of a bankrupt CEO spreads faster than a virus.
23:59No one would hire him.
24:00He ended up at a construction site in the Old District, $200 a day working until his back felt like
24:05it would snap.
24:06At night, he'd return to the viewing room and eat cheap bread from a convenience store.
24:10Then he'd sit by the caskets and talk to himself.
24:12Clara, the foreman yelled at me today, said I was weak, said I didn't work like a real man.
24:21I remembered how you used to tell me to slow down, but my health was more important.
24:25I thought you were just nagging, nagging back then.
24:32Now I realize, you were the only one who actually cared about me.
24:38He pulled out a crumpled cigarette and lit it.
24:40If Aurora were still here, she'd be starting preschool about now.
24:44Clara, you always said you wanted her to take piano lessons.
24:49I told you it was a waste of money. I'm such a scumbag.
24:52The cigarette burned down to his fingers, but he didn't even feel it.
24:55In the surveillance room, my father looked at me.
24:58Have you seen enough?
25:00I shook my head.
25:01No, I've seen enough.
25:03Get everything ready.
25:04I'm going back to the company next week.
25:07You're taking over?
25:08Yes.
25:09The Vance group has fallen.
25:11My debt is settled.
25:13It's time to start my own life now.
25:15My father nodded.
25:16Fine.
25:16But there's one thing you should know.
25:18What is it?
25:19Damien is looking for you.
25:21It looks like he figured out the Android double was a fake.
25:24And Damien had.
25:25While going through my remains, he found something that didn't add up.
25:28Tucked inside the pocket of my old winter coat was a crumpled store receipt.
25:32The date on it was three days after I had supposedly died.
25:36It was for a strawberry shortcake, Aurora's favorite.
25:39Dead people don't buy cake.
25:42Damien stared at the receipt, his hands trembling violently.
25:44I was the one who made sure he found it.
25:47He went straight to that bakery to check the security footage.
25:50On the screen, a woman in a mask was holding a little girl's hand.
25:53Even with her face covered, that silhouette, that walk.
25:57It was Clara and Aurora.
25:59Damien sprinted out of the store like a madman.
26:02He went everywhere we used to go.
26:04The parks, the malls, the playground.
26:06Finally, outside a private preschool, he saw Aurora.
26:09She was wearing a pink dress with her hair and pigtails.
26:12A man in a suit was holding her hand, leading her toward a car.
26:16Aurora!
26:17Aurora froze, then immediately hid behind the man in the suit.
26:20Damien tried to grab her, but the man blocked him.
26:22Sir, what are you doing?
26:24That's my daughter!
26:25Where's Clara?
26:26Where's her mother?
26:28I don't know anyone named Clara.
26:30This is my employer's daughter.
26:32Move aside.
26:33Damien didn't believe him.
26:34He reached out to pull Aurora toward him.
26:37Suddenly, Aurora burst into tears.
26:39Batman, you're a bad man!
26:40You made mommy cry!
26:43Damien went stiff.
26:46Aurora, I'm your daddy!
26:47No, you're not!
26:49My daddy is dead!
26:53Mommy said so!
26:54She said he didn't want us and now he's dead!
26:59Damien looked like he'd been struck by lightning.
27:02Just then, a sleek black sedan pulled up to the curb.
27:05The window rolled down slowly.
27:07I sat in the back seat, watching them.
27:09Long time no see, Damien.
27:11Damien turned.
27:12When he saw me, his pupils blown wide with shock.
27:14Clara!
27:16You really...
27:17You're not dead!
27:18I stepped out of the car,
27:20walked over to Aurora,
27:21and swept her into my arms.
27:22No thanks to you, I'm still breathing.
27:25Mommy!
27:26That scary man tried to grab me!
27:28It's okay, baby. Mommy's here.
27:31You played me.
27:32You lied to me this whole time.
27:35I did.
27:36The android double was a fake.
27:38My death was a setup.
27:40How else was I supposed to make you feel
27:42what it's like to lose everything?
27:43How could you be so cruel?
27:46Cruel?
27:46Damien, were you cruel when you kicked your wife and daughter
27:49out onto the highway in a blizzard?
27:50Were you cruel when you refused to pay for her medical bills?
27:54Damien opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
27:57The black sedan's engine hummed softly.
28:00Holding Aurora in my arms,
28:01I turned to get into the car.
28:03Damien suddenly lunged at us like a madman.
28:06Clara!
28:07Don't go!
28:08Please!
28:09I know I was wrong!
28:10I really know I was wrong!
28:11Just give me one more chance!
28:13I'll make it up to you!
28:15I'll be a good father!
28:16A good husband!
28:18Bad man!
28:20Don't want bad man!
28:22A chance?
28:23When you abandoned us on the highway in minus five degrees,
28:26did you give us a chance?
28:29When your daughter was fighting for her life
28:31and you refused to pay a single cent,
28:33did you give us a chance?
28:36I raised my hand and signaled the driver.
28:39Drive the car!
28:41The driver stepped on the gas immediately.
28:43Damien was dragged forward two steps.
28:45Clara!
28:46I'll find you!
28:47I swear I'll find you both!
28:50Through the rear view mirror,
28:51I gave him one last glance.
28:53Like looking at a bug that had been completely crushed.
28:58Three days later,
29:00in the top floor office of Whitfield Group.
29:02The entire wall is covered in holographic screens,
29:06blasting breaking news from all over the city.
29:09My dad sits in his leather chair,
29:12tapping his fingers on the desk.
29:15He's still looking for you.
29:16I set my glass down and slide a legal document across the desk to him.
29:21Custody lawsuit.
29:23Plaintiff, Clara Whitfield.
29:25Defendant, Damien Vance.
29:27I'm going to make him admit every single one of his crimes in open court.
29:31I'm going to make sure he legally loses the right to ever get close to Aurora again.
29:35I want the whole world to see what a piece of trash he really is.
29:40My girl.
29:41You've finally grown up.
29:43Suddenly, my smart band flashes a bright red emergency light.
29:47It's Felix.
29:48I answer it, my heart dropping.
29:51His voice is shaking, completely panicked.
29:54Clara, grab Aurora and run right now.
29:58Damien has lost his mind.
29:59He found out where you live!
30:03Outside the villa gates,
30:05Damien clutched a printed sheet with an address on it in his hand.
30:09I want to see my daughter.
30:10She's my daughter.
30:12Sir, this is private property.
30:15No one enters without permission.
30:16Get out of my way!
30:18That's my child!
30:19I have the right to see her!
30:21He violently shoved the guard aside and charged toward the villa.
30:25Clara!
30:26Open the door!
30:27I know you're in there!
30:29Aurora!
30:30Daddy's here!
30:31Daddy's here to take you home!
30:33The door slowly opened, but it wasn't me.
30:36Let go of me!
30:37What right do you have to touch me?
30:39Upstairs, I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window with Aurora in my arms, my father beside me.
30:46Sunlight spilled across my body.
30:48Warm, bright, untouchable.
30:51Still struggling, Damien looked up.
30:54The moment he saw me, he froze.
30:56Aurora, remember this.
30:59This man is not your father.
31:00He's just a stranger who tried to hurt you and mommy.
31:03Stranger!
31:05Bad man!
31:08One week later, the Supreme Court.
31:11The courtroom is packed for the public trial.
31:14Damien stands in the defendant's box.
31:17His hair has gone grey.
31:18He looks like he aged 10 years overnight.
31:21At the plaintiff's table, I sat calmly in a simple tailored suit, composed and unshaken.
31:27My lawyer presents all the evidence, piece by piece.
31:32Highway security footage.
31:34Proof that he kicked his own wife and daughter out of the car.
31:38Phone records.
31:40Proof that he blocked my calls and refused to pay for emergency medical bills.
31:44Damien, she is your daughter!
31:46Are you going to transfer the money or not?
31:48No.
31:49The judge bangs the gavel.
31:51Defendant Damien Vance, how do you plead to these charges?
31:54Damien looks up at me.
31:55I... I plead guilty.
32:00I ruined my own family. I'm so sorry.
32:03The judge bangs the gavel again to deliver the verdict.
32:07Damien Vance is permanently stripped of all custody and visitation rights for Aurora Whitsfield.
32:12A lifetime restraining order is issued.
32:15Damien Vance must pay full child support until Aurora is an adult,
32:19along with massive emotional damages and medical bills.
32:22For child abandonment and endangering a minor, Damien Vance is sentenced to community service
32:27and will be permanently blacklisted on all financial and social credits.
32:31The final gavel falls.
32:33I stand up, take Aurora's hand and turn my back on him.
32:37We walk out of the courtroom and the sunlight covers us both.
32:44Three months later, the Aurora Express Arctic Circle.
32:49I'm sitting by the window, holding Aurora in my arms.
32:53Outside, the green northern lights cover the entire night sky like a flowing river of stars.
32:59She looks healthy, bright, and her eyes are sparkling.
33:05Mommy, look! The lights are so pretty!
33:08Yeah, baby. Mommy brought you here to see them.
33:12And we're gonna come back every single year.
33:16Mommy, will that bad man ever come back?
33:20Never again.
33:22Starting today, nobody can ever hurt you.
33:27Mommy will protect you forever.
33:30My smart band lights up with a soft chime.
33:33It's a text from my dad.
33:35All remaining Vance Group assets have been merged into Whitfield.
33:39Damien is stuck breaking his back on a construction site to his debts he's completely finished.
33:44Celise, Mira, and Priscilla are all broke and hate each other now.
33:48Welcome home, my little princess.
33:50I shut off the screen.
33:52The northern lights dance outside the window.
33:56Aurora falls fast asleep in my arms, safe and sound.
34:00I look out into the night and speak softly under my breath.
34:04Damien, look at us now.
34:06Everything you threw away, I took it all back.
34:09Everything you destroyed, I rebuilt it all.
34:12Everything you owed us, you'll spend the rest of your life paying for it.
34:16And me and Aurora, we are going to be happy forever.
34:19The train speeds through the northern lights, heading straight into a future full of endless light.
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