- 4 hours ago
Bound To The Alpha Heir - Ep
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00:00I wanted a baby. But as a defective Omega, my chances of conceiving were painfully slim.
00:06The doctor said only a top-grade alpha could get me pregnant. Top-grade alphas were as rare as
00:11unicorns. Then the first found him Roderick, the S-class heir of the Dunlap family, collapsed on
00:17the pavement. I hauled him home, humming all the way. Oh, and I made a quick detour to buy ropes,
00:24chains and handcuffs. I'm a defective Omega. To have a baby, I locked the heir of the Dunlap
00:29family, Roderick Dunlap, inside my apartment. He called me a sick pervert, telling me to keep
00:36my hands off him. But when I actually straddled him, he was the one who got impatient.
00:43Do you know how to do this or not? You're moving at a snail's pace. I wanted a baby. But
00:51as a
00:52defective Omega, my chances of conceiving were painfully slim. The doctor said only a top-grade
00:57alpha could get me pregnant. My heart sank. Even regular alphas probably wouldn't be interested
01:02in a defective Omega like me, let alone a top-grade one. And top-grade alphas were as
01:07rare as unicorns. I'd be lucky to ever meet one in my lifetime. Sighing, I took off my work apron
01:14and headed out the bar's back door toward home. After taking just a few steps, I spotted a man collapsed
01:20on the pavement, motionless as if he'd dropped dead. It was 3 a.m., not a soul in sight. I
01:28had to check
01:28on him. The moment I crouched down, I was hit by the pungent smell of alcohol, so strong it made
01:34my
01:34eyes water. I held my nose, then turned his face toward the streetlight with the other hand, finally
01:39getting a good look at him. With chiseled features and fair skin, he was breathtakingly gorgeous. I had no
01:45idea how much he'd drunk, but he was completely unconscious. The longer I looked, the more familiar
01:51he seemed, as if I'd seen him somewhere before. I searched my memory, finally remembering who he
01:57was. The man was Roderick, the Dunlap family's heir, had failed to present after coming of age,
02:03sending his father, Conrad Dunlap, into a panic. They'd consulted every specialist, but no one could
02:10explain the delay. Then, at his 20th birthday party last month, he finally presented as an alpha.
02:17His pheromones were so intense that they overwhelmed everyone in the mansion except the betas.
02:22Roderick was rushed to the hospital, where tests confirmed he was an S-class alpha,
02:27the highest designation. It made headlines for a solid week, causing a sensation.
02:33And now, lying right here before me, was that same Roderick, a top-grade alpha was delivered to my
02:38doorstep. I almost jumped for joy. I could already imagine a cutie-patootie toddling toward me,
02:44calling me daddy in an adorable voice. It seemed fate finally smiled at me. I murmured thanks in my heart.
02:52Then, I hauled Roderick into my car, humming all the way home.
02:58Oh, and I made a quick detour to buy ropes, chains, and handcuffs.
03:04After a shower and securing Roderick to the bed, I collapsed into exhausted sleep.
03:10When I woke, Roderick was still asleep. I lay beside him, chin propped on my hands,
03:16just admiring his beauty. It was said that heavy sleepers had strong kidneys.
03:21I patted his cheek impatiently. Wake up. Roderick stirred awake, disoriented. Beneath those long lashes,
03:29his captivating eyes blinked slowly devastatingly charming. I fluttered my eyelashes and grinned.
03:35Hey Roderick, you looking for a partner? He stared blankly for seconds before narrowing his eyes.
03:44Who are you? Why are you in my bed? Actually, this is my bed, I corrected gently. That was when
03:53he
03:53noticed something was wrong. His eyes traveled downward, and his expression shattered. His face went pale,
03:59then beat red. God damn it! He snarled, then he glared at me with pure murder in his eyes.
04:05He bit out each word. You are dead. I understood his rage. He was completely naked,
04:11save for a small blanket over his hips. Chains fastened his ankles to the bedposts,
04:16forcing his legs apart. His wrists were cuffed to a collar, pulling his arms above his head.
04:21He was utterly exposed and vulnerable. I'd been too tired last night for nuance. I just focused on
04:28practicality. Now it looked like some bizarre fetish scene. I cleared my throat, adopting a business-like
04:36tone. Relax, I just need your sperm. Once I'm pregnant, I'll release you unharmed. No further contact.
04:44His expression remained stormy. I tried bargaining. It's not for free. I can pay you. Name your price,
04:53money, anything I have. This seemed to infuriate him further. His face contorted, chest heaving.
05:00Touch me, and I'll kill you. He said through gritted teeth. His glare felt like physical blows.
05:07Worried he'd choke on his anger, I gently patted his chest. My finger accidentally grazed his nipple.
05:13He flinched violently. Get your filthy hands off me!
05:18He yelled. I didn't enjoy coercion, as forced love did not last. But I was here for reproduction,
05:25not romance. Besides, he was restrained. He couldn't stop me.
05:30Ignoring his lethal glare, I climbed between his legs and lifted the blanket.
05:36His body was fully exposed, broad shoulders, tapered waist, long legs, defined ABS.
05:43What are you doing? He demanded, panic flashing across his face. A sudden urge to tease him
05:49surfaced. I licked my lips and smirked. He stared, stunned, then flushed crimson.
05:57You, you, you. He sputtered, finally erupting. You pervert!
06:02Roderick had been pampered his entire life. His skin was so fair it almost glowed.
06:07When he got angry, a faint pink flush would spread across his skin. I swallowed hard. How
06:13could every single part of him be so perfectly attuned to my desires?
06:18I leaned down and sank my teeth into his inner thigh. He gasped, and the curses started pouring
06:23out again. I turned my head away, and the quality of his sounds abruptly changed.
06:29Somehow, the stream of insults from the bed had shifted, transforming into low, breathy pants.
06:35Curious, I glanced up and met his deep, intense stare. Roderick was watching me through heavy-lidded
06:41eyes. His lips slightly parted. Just then, a breeze lifted the curtain, letting a shaft of sunlight fall
06:48directly across my face. His gaze sharpened. He fell completely silent, staring as if transfixed,
06:55lost in some private thought. He had it all. Money, model-grade looks, and the power of an S-class
07:02alpha. Even from this unforgiving angle, his face remained devastatingly handsome.
07:08Unable to speak, I settled for winking at him. Stop staring. He snapped back. He pressed his lips
07:15into a tight line and looked away, his expression awkward. I felt a sudden tension in my throat.
07:21He set his jaw. His unyielding pride the only thing left to him. But suddenly,
07:25it was like a switch had flipped in him then. He stopped fighting and cursing. Everything was fine
07:31except for the fact he never looked away. My hands faltered on my waistband.
07:36Could you stop watching me? I finally had to ask. Anyone would feel embarrassed under that kind of
07:42scrutiny. He immediately got defensive. I can look wherever I want. Mind your own business.
07:52You weren't so shy when you were tearing my clothes off. He snorted, his gaze dropping pointedly to where
07:58my hands clutched my pants. He had a point. I cursed myself for not buying those blindfolds the shop
08:05clerk had recommended last night. Gritting my teeth, I pushed my pants down. His stare followed,
08:12settling heavily on my thighs. His eyes darkened. Maybe it was my imagination, but it felt like he was
08:19staring with a kind of possessive hunger. A chill ran down my spine. Was he actually planning to kill me?
08:24I knew what I was doing was wrong, but surely not that wrong. When I didn't move, his impatience surfaced.
08:33Hey! Why did you stop? Get on with it! The urgency in his voice confused me. Seriously,
08:38man. Is this really the right reaction? I thought. He seemed to realize it too, quickly explaining.
08:47Don't get the wrong idea. It's just your pheromones. They're getting to me.
08:52That shocked me even more. You can smell my pheromones? I blurted out.
08:59When I presented, I released no scent. I couldn't smell anyone else's pheromones either.
09:05I was as neutral as a beta, so I'd always believed I was one until the day a burning fever
09:09hit.
09:10My glands swelled, and I barely dragged myself to the hospital. They told me I was an omega,
09:16and what I was experiencing was heat. Defective omegas did have pheromones. They were just incredibly
09:22faint, so faint I couldn't even detect them myself. No one had ever smelled mine before. Roderick was
09:28the first. A thrill shot through me. I swung a leg over him, sat on his abdomen, pulled his head
09:34up,
09:34and pressed my scent gland close to his face. Quick, tell me. What do I smell like? His head
09:42shifted against my shoulder. I felt his hot, ragged breath against my gland. The sensation made me
09:48shiver. Having lived my whole life as a beta, I had no idea that offering my gland to an alpha
09:54like this
09:54was an open invitation. Thinking he needed a stronger scent, I pushed closer, enduring the tingling.
10:02Roderick's body went taut beneath me. His hard abs pressed uncomfortably against me,
10:07and I shifted my weight. Then his voice, strained and furious, sounded in my ear.
10:14Stop teasing me. Baffled, I lifted my head. My cheek brushed lightly against something soft.
10:20The contact was fleeting, and I ignored it, my focus entirely on my scent.
10:26Well, can you tell? He pressed his lips together, his gaze fixed on my left cheek.
10:33Thinking there was something on my face, I reached up instinctively and touched the spot.
10:38There was nothing. I asked him again. He gritted his teeth and said,
10:43Smells like shit!
10:45My confidence was shattered. His disgust seemed genuine. He must have been telling the truth.
10:50I wanted to cry. What kind of person had pheromones that smelled like shit?
10:55But I'd always been good at bouncing back. I accepted it quickly. Anyway, no one else would
11:01ever smell it, but I'd always been good at it. Maybe I could even use it against Roderick.
11:05I patted his cheek threateningly. You'd better cooperate and get me pregnant, kid.
11:10Or I'll make sure you get a daily whiff of this.
11:14To my surprise, a blush spread across his face.
11:19Then stop talking and just do it! He snapped.
11:25I decided Roderick was a fascinating study in contradictions.
11:29Just earlier, he'd been fighting me tooth and nail, but now he seemed completely on board.
11:34I had barely settled onto him before he started complaining.
11:39Do you know how to do this or not?
11:43You're moving at a snail's pace.
11:46I was already struggling, and his nagging just made it worse.
11:49I shot him an annoyed look.
11:51Easy for you to say.
11:53You want to take over?
11:55Then take the cuss off.
11:57He was serious. He shook his wrists, urging me to unlock them.
12:02Seeing my hesitation, he turned serious.
12:05I promise you.
12:07He said, his voice low.
12:11I won't run.
12:12I won't hit you.
12:15I'll just fuck you.
12:18He emphasized the last two words, grinding them out like a threat.
12:22I almost laughed.
12:25After a quick risk assessment, I decided to unlock him.
12:29This was exhausting work anyway.
12:31It would be better to leave it to a professional someone with the stamina and technique he clearly possessed.
12:37That decision cost me dearly.
12:39At first, watching the sweat beat at his temples and his cheeks flush, I reveled in the luxury of lying
12:44back.
12:45My hands roamed over his solid ABS, and my mouth didn't stay quiet either.
12:50Chance of, you're amazing Roderick, and so powerful, and what a glorious way to go, spilled out.
12:59He clamped a hand over my mouth, grabbing my wrist, his expression a mix of fury and embarrassment.
13:06Keep that up, and I won't hold back.
13:09I just grinned, flashing my small canines.
13:12Fine by me.
13:13Show me what you've got.
13:15The moment the words left my mouth, a wave of pheromones ten times more potent than any ordinary alphas crashed
13:21over me.
13:22Later, I was a sobbing, tear-streaked mess.
13:26My vision blurred, and I tried to crawl away on legs trembling uncontrollably, begging him to stop.
13:31I didn't make it far before a hand dragged me back.
13:35He pressed against me from behind, turning my face toward his.
13:39He licked the tears from my cheeks, slowly moving toward my lips.
13:44At the last second, a shred of sanity made me cover my mouth.
13:48Not there.
13:49I pleaded, my voice shaking.
13:52We weren't in a relationship.
13:54Kissing felt intimate.
13:57My refusal clearly angered him.
14:00I said I want to.
14:01He insisted.
14:02He pried my hand away, and the cool scent of mint filled my senses as his mouth claimed mine.
14:08My breath was stolen.
14:10My last bit of resolve shattered.
14:12A wave of panic surged through me.
14:14My hand flailed, searching for an anchor until his fingers laced tightly with mine.
14:19The gesture calmed me.
14:21I let myself fall with him into the abyss.
14:23Later, as my consciousness faded, I felt a searing hand press against my lower stomach.
14:29A voice, dark and possessive, whispered in my ear.
14:33You wanted to get pregnant, didn't you?
14:36This little bit isn't nearly enough.
14:37A persistent feeling of being watched pulled me from sleep.
14:41I opened my eyes to find a devastatingly handsome face staring intently at me.
14:45It took me a moment to possess.
14:48Right.
14:48It was the air I'd imprisoned.
14:50The one I'd spent the night with.
14:52Roderick's arm was draped over my waist.
14:54He offered me a shy, almost timid smile.
14:58You're awake?
14:59Honestly, his face was a masterpiece.
15:02That smile alone could captivate a soul.
15:05How did he manage to look so good, even now?
15:08It was almost unreal.
15:09The thought jolted me fully awake.
15:12I realized how close we were our breaths mingling.
15:15Faces barely 10 centimeters apart.
15:18His erection pressed against me.
15:21Our legs tangled together.
15:22Wasn't one night enough.
15:24I tried to shift back, but my whole body screamed in protest.
15:27Aching as if I'd been thoroughly beaten, especially from my waist down to my knees.
15:32On top of that, I was starving.
15:34My stomach feeling utterly hollow after a day and night without food.
15:38Meanwhile, the culprit looked refreshed, glowing, and was smiling at me with an infuriatingly
15:44innocent expression.
15:45The injustice of it all boiled over.
15:47I lifted my hand and slapped him twice across the face.
15:51Were you trying to get back at me?
15:53Roderick stared at me, his beautiful eyes wide with shock.
15:56He held his cheek.
15:59You hit me?
16:00He exclaimed, disbelief coloring his voice.
16:03I glared back, tears welling in my eyes.
16:06Yeah, I did.
16:07What about it?
16:08Roderick sat up abruptly, clutching his chest, the tips of his ears turning red.
16:13That's...
16:14That's cheating!
16:16His movement dislodged the blanket, which slid down to my waist.
16:20I watched his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed.
16:24Fine.
16:25I'll let it go.
16:27He said, his voice slightly hoarse.
16:29I stared at him, completely baffled.
16:32What a strange person.
16:34I decided to get out of bed and put some distance between us.
16:37Seeing me move, Roderick quickly leaned over me, bracing his arms on either side.
16:43He struggled for a moment before awkwardly blurting out,
16:47It was my first time.
16:48He looked at me expectantly.
16:52I racked my brain, trying to figure out what he wanted me to say.
16:56To head off any potential drama, I laid on the praise thick.
17:00Roderick, wow, you were incredible for your first time.
17:04I'm so lucky.
17:08We're definitely going to have a healthy baby.
17:12My praise made him blush.
17:14I couldn't help it.
17:15A laugh burst out of me.
17:17Roderick stared at me blankly, then suddenly leaned in and planted a firm kiss on my lips.
17:22I'll take responsibility, he stated seriously.
17:25He looked completely genuine, not like he was joking at all.
17:29My smile faded.
17:30This was bad.
17:31Because of my own messed up family, I'd never believed in marriage or romantic love.
17:36I opened my mouth to set him straight, but Roderick cupped my face and kissed me again,
17:41swallowing my words.
17:43I thought about it.
17:44Maybe having him feel responsible would actually work in my favor.
17:48So I decided to drop it.
17:49I didn't need his commitment anyway.
17:51I could just quietly send him back when the time came.
17:54I knew this was unfair to Roderick, but so what?
17:57I was never a good person to begin with.
18:00Otherwise, I wouldn't have resorted to kidnapping.
18:03Time flew by.
18:05Before I knew it, a whole month had passed with Roderick.
18:08He seemed pretty enthusiastic about our activities, too.
18:11The moment I got home, he'd look at me with eager eyes.
18:15You're back so late.
18:17Did you forget about me already?
18:19Even while complaining, his hands would efficiently strip off his clothes.
18:22He'd lie down obediently, waiting for my attention.
18:26Ever since he promised to take responsibility, his attitude toward me had changed totally.
18:31He became docile, dependable, and annoyingly clingy.
18:35He never even tried to escape.
18:37So I'd replaced the heavy restraints with a single chain on his left ankle,
18:41long enough to let him move freely around the room.
18:44A month indoors had made his skin even fairer.
18:47Several scratches I'd unconsciously left on him stood out vividly.
18:52I awkwardly looked away and took a sip of water.
18:55Not tonight.
18:57Roderick shot up from the bed and closed the distance between us in a few quick strides.
19:02Why?
19:03He asked, panic in his eyes.
19:05Did I do something wrong, babe?
19:06I'd never been the shy type.
19:08Being intimate with Roderick, trying different positions none of it ever embarrassed me.
19:13But hearing him call me babe made my cheeks burn.
19:15I set the glass down.
19:17Don't call me that.
19:18Don't call me that.
19:19He misunderstood.
19:20Is it because I called you babe?
19:22I'll stop.
19:23I promise.
19:24Please don't be mad at me.
19:26He nuzzled his nose against my cheek.
19:29Please.
19:30His mouth grazed my jaw.
19:32The contact was light but persistent, leaving a trail of sensation that was part tickle.
19:36Part comfort.
19:38I couldn't resist him when he acted like this.
19:40I'm not angry.
19:42I explained.
19:44I wrapped my arms around the man squirming in my embrace, unable to hold back my news any longer.
19:51I'm pregnant, Roderick.
19:55You made my wish come true.
19:58Seeing those two lines on the test stick, I found my hands shaking.
20:02I went to the hospital to be sure.
20:04Only after getting the same result did I finally relax.
20:09After I shared the news, I felt Roderick go still.
20:12He lowered his gaze and placed a hand on my stomach.
20:15After a moment, he asked in a subdued voice.
20:18Does being pregnant mean we can't have sex?
20:20The doctor hadn't mentioned that.
20:22Not necessarily.
20:23I answered honestly.
20:25He looked up at me.
20:27Then why not tonight?
20:28It was because I achieved my goal and needed to send him back.
20:32Obviously, I couldn't say that.
20:34I quickly pulled out the bottle of alcohol I'd bought on the way home.
20:38Because we need to celebrate it.
20:41You can't drink while pregnant.
20:43Roderick frowned, snatched the bottle from my hand, and threw it in the trash.
20:49Hey!
20:50I scrambled for the bottle, blurting out.
20:53I'm not drinking.
20:54You drink it.
20:55I didn't realize how suspicious that sounded until it was too late.
20:59When I stood up, Roderick's intense gaze was locked on me,
21:03his eyes swirling with unreadable emotion.
21:06Why are you so insistent that I drink?
21:08He took a step closer, his warm breath hitting my face.
21:12Then he asked quietly,
21:13You're not going to leave me, are you, babe?
21:15My heart lurched.
21:16How did he know?
21:17Did I give myself away?
21:19That didn't seem possible.
21:21He was definitely bluffing.
21:23I forced calmness and put on a flattering smile.
21:28Of course not.
21:29Why would you think that?
21:31Roderick watched me, unblinking.
21:33The strained smile on my face was trembling when he finally offered a faint smile.
21:37I believe you, babe.
21:39In the end, Roderick did drink.
21:41One glass was enough to put him under.
21:43He really couldn't handle alcohol.
21:45But he was a quiet drunk, just sleeping peacefully with his head on the table.
21:49I watched his profile in silence.
21:52A faint sadness welled up inside me.
21:55The truth was, I would miss him a little.
21:58Our month together wasn't meaningless.
22:00Everyone would get attached to a cat after that long, let alone a person.
22:04But this was all borrowed time.
22:07The gap between his wealth and my reality was too wide.
22:10Those divides never truly close.
22:12I couldn't keep him locked in this tiny room forever.
22:15Without me, his life would be better.
22:17Most importantly, I couldn't live with myself if I did.
22:20My parents had loved each other once too.
22:23But within a few years, all that was left was fighting, cheating, screaming, and hitting.
22:29They took their anger out on me as well.
22:32Eventually, they split up and started new families, leaving me behind alone.
22:36I never really got over it.
22:39The reason I wanted a child was to know whether it was so hard to love my own kid.
22:44Thinking of this made me feel a little better.
22:46I unlocked the cuff around Roderick's ankle.
22:49Gently rubbing the mark at left, I whispered.
22:54You're free now.
22:55An enraged voice exploded above me as I finished speaking.
22:58You liar, Wilson!
23:00The shout was so loud it made me jump.
23:03I lost my balance, landing hard on the floor, the key slipping from my hand.
23:07I looked up, stunned.
23:09Roderick was now sitting upright.
23:11There was no trace of drunkenness in his eyes.
23:14Only raw fury at my betrayal.
23:17You lied to me!
23:20How could you?
23:21I trusted you!
23:23You faked being drunk.
23:25I muttered in weak defense.
23:27His face flushed red with anger.
23:29How dare you talk back!
23:31His eyes darted to a spot behind me and paused.
23:34My curiosity spiked, and I started to turn my head.
23:37But Roderick dropped to his knees, caging me in with his arms.
23:41The faint scent of mint wrapped around us.
23:44You promised you wouldn't leave me.
23:46He accused, his voice thick with hurt.
23:49And now you're leaving me?
23:51Do you have any idea how much that hurts?
23:54Up close, I could see his eyes were also red, looking on the verge of tears.
23:59Guilt washed over me.
24:01I'm sorry, I said, my voice low with shame.
24:05I had started this, and now I was trying to run away.
24:09I almost wished he would just yell at me.
24:11It would have been easier to take.
24:13Instead, he whispered a fragile plea.
24:16Just hold me, babe.
24:17That made me feel even worse.
24:19I immediately wrapped my arms around him without another word.
24:23He shifted in my embrace.
24:24I thought he was just getting comfortable until I felt something cold brush against my ankle.
24:29A sharp click echoed in the room.
24:31I looked down and felt my blood run cold.
24:35Roderick had clamped the very shackles I'd removed from him onto my own ankle.
24:39Liar.
24:40I panicked.
24:41Roderick!
24:42What are you doing?
24:44Take it off!
24:45He held me tighter.
24:46I'm not letting you go.
24:48Remembering the dropped key, I shoved him away and scrambled to find it.
24:52But it was nowhere in sight.
24:54Looking for this?
24:56Roderick dangled the key in front of me.
24:58I made a grab for it, but he pulled back his arm and hurled it out the open window.
25:04Furious, I swung my fist at his face.
25:06He didn't flinch.
25:08The punch landed squarely, and a red mark quickly bloomed on his skin.
25:12Do you hate me that much?
25:14Tears welled in his eyes as he looked at me, utterly shattered.
25:18Just tell me what's wrong with me.
25:21I can change.
25:23He cried, looking so vulnerable and pitiful that my anger dissolved into a puddle of helpless softness.
25:29But we still needed to talk this through.
25:32I looked him straight in the eye and pointed at my own chest.
25:35Roderick, I have too much baggage.
25:42I don't believe in relationships.
25:44I can't believe anyone would actually want to be with me, and I refuse to let myself care about anyone
25:49else.
25:50Keeping me locked up won't change that.
25:53Someone who'd only seen the worst in people found it hard to believe in anything real.
25:58Then why did you start this with me?
26:02Why wait until now to say this?
26:10What's the point?
26:12He grabbed my wrist and pressed my palm hard against his chest.
26:15My heart's already made its choice.
26:24Unless, lest you can stop it from wanting you, you're stuck with me.
26:28For life.
26:29As if proving his words true, his heart hammered against my palm.
26:34A frantic beat that sent a jolt straight through me.
26:38For a second, my own mind went numb, and my chest tingled.
26:42I pulled my hand back, flustered, that approach was getting us nowhere.
26:46I tried a different angle.
26:49We don't make omega any sense together.
26:52I counted off the reasons.
26:53You're a prime alpha.
26:55Handsome.
26:56Young.
26:57Loaded.
26:57A defective omega.
26:59Average.
27:00Older.
27:01Broke.
27:03You'd be slumming it.
27:05People would say you're wasting yourself on me.
27:07I don't care!
27:08I want to waste myself!
27:10Roderick stood his ground.
27:12Stubborn.
27:13I told him it would never work.
27:14He said I wouldn't know unless we tried.
27:16I asked if he was even listening.
27:19He said I should try making sense first.
27:21We went back and forth until I was worn out.
27:24Even if you keep me here, you'll never win my heart!
27:27I finally snapped.
27:29After a brief silence, his reply exploded through the room.
27:33I don't care!
27:35The words hung in the air when I kept ignoring him.
27:38Roderick's eyes reddened with frustration.
27:40He pulled over a stool, sat by the bed, and quietly cried while watching me.
27:45I couldn't take his stare, so I turned toward the wall.
27:48He just picked up the stool, moved to the foot of the bed, and continued his tearful vigil.
27:54I closed my eyes, but his tear-streaked face was burned behind my eyelids.
27:59He was doing this on purpose, playing on my sympathy.
28:02My head knew it, but my heart wasn't listening.
28:05Damn manipulator!
28:06He always accused me of tempting him, but he was the real expert here.
28:10I thought.
28:11I finally gave in.
28:13As a last resort, I tried to bring up his parents.
28:16Families like his never accepted people like me.
28:19I got out of bed and walked over.
28:21He looked up at me.
28:22I wiped his tears.
28:24Roderick, have you really thought this through?
28:27Your parents would never approve of someone like me.
28:29But his eyes lit up.
28:31He wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin against my stomach.
28:35Then we'll run away together!
28:36I shut that down immediately.
28:39No.
28:40I have my principals.
28:42If your family doesn't accept me, I won't be with you.
28:46He thought about it for a moment.
28:48Alright.
28:49He finally said,
28:50I'll go talk to them tomorrow.
28:52Roderick went back to his home first thing in the morning.
28:55The moment he left, I called a locksmith to remove the ankle cuff.
28:59Just as I expected, Roderick didn't return.
29:01Instead, his mother, Teresa Dunlap, showed up.
29:06I had been half hoping she would slap a check in my face and sneer.
29:13Here's one million dollars.
29:15Stay away from my son.
29:17Reality was different.
29:19She pulled an expensive looking thermal container from a designer bag.
29:22She unpacked it meticulously, setting for delicious looking dishes and a soup before me.
29:28Sorry for the delay, dear.
29:30She said kindly.
29:31You must be hungry.
29:33Please, eat while it's hot.
29:35I stared at the aromatic food, then at the softly smiling woman, completely thrown.
29:40My mind raced, but I couldn't figure out her game.
29:43Was this the new strategy for wealthy families in a tough economy,
29:47ditching the cash and going with home-cooked meals?
29:50Well, it made sense.
29:52The job market was tough for everyone.
29:54And she was being so polite.
29:56I had no reason to complain.
29:58So I took the initiative.
29:59You don't have to say it.
30:01I know how this goes.
30:03Don't worry.
30:04I won't cling to your son.
30:06You won't be seeing me again.
30:08Teresa looked puzzled.
30:10Don't you like Roderick?
30:11He said you'd marry him if his father and I agreed.
30:16Thinking she was accusing me, I quickly replied.
30:20Don't worry.
30:21I was just lying to him.
30:22She studied me for a long moment.
30:25I see.
30:26She said finally.
30:28Well, I won't disturb you.
30:29Roderick is still resting at home and I need to care for him.
30:32She stood to leave.
30:33Alarmed, I moved to stop her.
30:36Wait.
30:37What happened to Roderick?
30:39I thought I saw a flicker of amusement in her eyes, but it was gone instantly.
30:43Her voice choked up.
30:46He came home insisting on marrying you.
30:49His father refused.
30:50They argued terribly.
30:53His father lost his temper and threw a heavy ashtray.
30:57There was so much blood.
30:59He's still unconscious.
31:00Tears welled in her eyes.
31:02The doctors say.
31:06They don't know when he'll wake up.
31:08My mouth opened, but I couldn't speak.
31:11How come?
31:12I thought they'd just lock him away.
31:14I never should have let him go back.
31:16I wanted to slap myself.
31:17This was all my fault.
31:19Swallowing my pride, I pleaded with Teresa.
31:22Please, can I see him?
31:24Teresa took me to his room.
31:26Conrad was there as well.
31:28He scrutinized me the moment I walked in.
31:30I walked past him and slowly approached the bed.
31:35Roderick lay motionless, his head swathed in thick bandages.
31:39His normally vibrant, handsome face was pale and drained of color.
31:43He looked utterly lifeless.
31:45He had been perfectly fine this morning.
31:47I had taken such good care of him, one trip home, and they had reduced him to this state.
31:53A sudden, hot anger flared inside me.
31:55I turned and walked straight up to Conrad.
31:58Don't you think you've gone too far?
32:00I said, my voice tight with anger.
32:03Roderick is your son, not your puppet.
32:05Who he loves is his own choice.
32:07Just because you're his father doesn't give you the right to control him.
32:11Is our relationship a crime?
32:14Why force your will onto him?
32:18I know you look down on me.
32:21You think I'm not good enough, that I can't bring your family more money or power or status.
32:27But you can't take any of that with you when you die.
32:30Are those things really more important than your own son?
32:34No matter what you do in the future, I'm staying with him.
32:37And don't you ever hit him again.
32:40If you have to hit someone, hit me.
32:47For some reason, Conrad kept glancing over at his wife.
32:51I was about to say more when his mother fake-coughed several times, blinking pointedly toward the bed.
32:58Roderick.
32:59She announced.
32:59You're awake.
33:01I spun around.
33:03Babe.
33:04Roderick called out excitedly.
33:06He started to throw the covers off as if to get up.
33:09Teresa fake-coughed loudly again.
33:11I gave her a puzzled look.
33:14Just a little throat irritation.
33:17She claimed.
33:19Roderick immediately lay back down, clutching his head.
33:22It hurts so much.
33:24Worried.
33:25I hurried over to check on him.
33:27He instantly wrapped his arms around me, nuzzling his face against my chest.
33:31Babe.
33:34Did you mean what you said before?
33:38You'll really be with me?
33:39Roderick's feelings were straightforward and intense.
33:42I realized I'd already fallen for him during our time together, though I'd been deliberately ignoring it.
33:48My own baggage held me back, making me unwilling to take that step.
33:52But now I wanted to let go and try.
33:54Regardless of the outcome, I didn't want any regrets.
33:57Maybe Roderick was right.
33:59How would I know if I didn't try?
34:01Perhaps he was the one fate sent to bring some warmth into my life.
34:05I nodded.
34:07Yes, I meant it.
34:08He released me, raising his arms in triumph.
34:12Yes!
34:13I have a partner!
34:14Why was he so energetic all of a sudden?
34:17I looked at him suspiciously.
34:19Does your head not hurt anymore?
34:21Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a faint white stain on my shirt over my chest.
34:26What's this?
34:27I lowered my head to get a better look.
34:30Roderick panicked, cupped my face, and kissed me.
34:35Sweetheart, let's go get married tomorrow.
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