- 4 hours ago
Never Again
Category
š„
Short filmTranscript
00:00For four years I was his secret. Every night he came to my bed. Then one night after making love
00:06he lit a cigarette and said
00:08I'm getting engaged. Don't make this difficult. I didn't cry. Just smiled. Perfect timing. I'm leaving tomorrow.
00:16Two years later I thought I'd never see him again. Until I walked into my new job and found out
00:22he was my boss.
00:23I didn't expect him to be here. Rowan Hale. At the head of the room. The man who just bought
00:29our company. He looks exactly the same. My manager grabs my arm.
00:34Wren. Go. This is your moment. My fingers are cold around my glass. She pushes me forward anyway.
00:42Mr. Hale. This is our head of strategy. Ivy League. Top of her class.
00:48He looks up. His eyes pass over my face. Pause. Move on. Is that so?
00:54I know what he sees. The same girl. Wrong shoes. Wrong zip code. Wrong everything.
01:00Wren. Go ahead. Toast Mr. Hale. I reach for my glass.
01:05That won't be necessary. His voice. Quiet.
01:09She's allergic to alcohol. My chest tightens. Junior year.
01:13A party. Someone shoving drinks at Rowan. And me stepping in without thinking.
01:18One glass. My face went red in 30 seconds. He tilted my chin up. Almost laughing.
01:25Idiot. That's an alcohol allergy. You don't drink when I'm not around. Understood?
01:32My manager stares.
01:33Mr. Hale. You two know each other?
01:36Rowan says nothing. Four years of a secret. Neither of us is going to explain it here.
01:41I smile. Same university. Old connection.
01:45I lift my glass and drink it down in one go.
01:48To you, Mr. Hale.
01:50His jaw tightens. Just barely. I've had five years to build a tolerance.
01:55The allergy isn't the point anymore.
01:57He looks at me for a moment. Then turns away.
02:00Wren can be difficult. Hope she hasn't caused you trouble.
02:04Not at all. She's one of our best.
02:07I don't wait for the rest. I find the hallway. I breathe.
02:11My colleagues materialize out of nowhere.
02:13Wrenk! How do you know him? Isn't he engaged to Isla Mitchell?
02:18Same school, that's all.
02:20I glance back through the glass doors. Five years.
02:23He still doesn't have to try. Some things don't change.
02:29Seven years ago, in the fall, I met Rowan for the first time.
02:33He came to our small town with his father for a development project.
02:37That same week, my father got drunk, tore through my school books, and told me I was done with school.
02:44I ended up sitting on the curb with my books pressed to my chest, trying not to cry where anyone
02:49could see.
02:50Then I looked up and saw a boy at the gate. He was beside a glossy black car, frowning at
02:55me like he had no idea what to do with someone like me.
02:59His shoes were spotless. He looked impossible in that dusty street, like he had stepped out of a different life.
03:05I looked down at my own scuffed shoes and tucked them under me. I had never seen anyone so beautiful.
03:11The rich boy from every book I had ever borrowed from the library, he was real.
03:16Out of pity, or kindness, or maybe something in between, his father let me stay with the Hales so I
03:22could finish school.
03:24I rode with them from our small town to the city. Rowan frowned the entire way.
03:28He looked annoyed, like I was one more problem someone had dropped into his life.
03:33He didn't know money could open a door without making you feel welcome inside.
03:37On my first day there, he tossed a pair of sneakers at me.
03:41Don't track dirt all over the floor.
03:42They were pale and pretty and half a size too small.
03:46I wore them anyway, one painful step at a time.
03:49Rowan was a star at school. Smart, confident, and ridiculously good-looking.
03:54We moved in parallel, same space, never touching.
03:58When our paths crossed,
04:00I walked faster.
04:04He liked the cheer captain, Islam Mercer.
04:07Bright, perfect, and from the right family.
04:09Even teachers praised them as the golden couple.
04:12I stayed in the dorm and only returned to the Hale house during breaks.
04:16The room beside the staff wing was mine.
04:19Every day, I tried to stay invisible while helping Rowan.
04:22I ran errands, did laundry, cooked meals.
04:25I wanted to show value, but not get noticed.
04:28School was precious.
04:30I feared angering him and being sent away.
04:32I felt like a thief, peeking at a life that wasn't mine.
04:36Rowan had everything. Looks, status, family.
04:40Everyone adored him.
04:41Then one day, I saw him sneaking smoke in the attic.
04:44I caught him watching things he definitely shouldn't have been watching.
04:48He wasn't untouchable.
04:50One time, his friends saw me.
04:52They asked who I was.
04:53I help around the house.
04:55Someone stared at me.
04:56Rowan raised his fist.
04:59Get lost!
05:00He shouted.
05:01It was the first time I saw him angry.
05:03It wasn't about me.
05:05Isla had left for college overseas.
05:07Rowan was expected to stay behind and become exactly who his family needed him to be.
05:13He was miserable.
05:14That night, he stayed in the attic for a long time.
05:17I knocked carefully.
05:18The room was dark.
05:20He stared at me.
05:21Brent, do you want to kiss me?
05:28It was never supposed to be more than once.
05:31Then it was twice.
05:32Then it stopped being counted.
05:34The library after midnight.
05:36His car.
05:37The roof of the humanities building.
05:39He would kiss me in all those places.
05:41He changed.
05:42Slowly.
05:43He asked if I was tired.
05:45He asked what gifts I wanted.
05:47Sometimes, he would touch my hair and say.
05:51By the time we went to college, we were in the same city.
05:54Without the Hale House watching us, we almost looked like a normal couple.
05:59He started bringing me to things.
06:01Parties.
06:02Dinners.
06:02I let myself think it meant something.
06:05Then one night, his friend pulled him aside and said, loud enough for me to hear.
06:09Man, are you actually into her?
06:12Rowan laughed.
06:13She's easy to be around.
06:14I'd miss her.
06:19My dad would kill me, though.
06:21I woke from my fantasy.
06:23No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't change the truth.
06:26I wasn't the kind of girl who could step into his world.
06:29After that, I stopped using the gifts he gave me.
06:32He noticed.
06:33You never wear any of it.
06:35What do you actually want?
06:36A gold bracelet.
06:38He laughed.
06:40That's so...
06:41Practical.
06:42I want something real.
06:43He thought I was joking.
06:45He bought it anyway.
06:46I put it in the bottom of my bag, under everything else.
06:50The thing about gold is it holds its value.
06:52I'd learned early.
06:53Pretty things depreciate.
06:55Pretty things can be taken back.
06:57Gold is different.
06:58Gold you can keep.
07:02It was never supposed to be more than once.
07:05Then it was twice.
07:06Then it stopped being counted.
07:08The library after midnight.
07:10His car.
07:11The roof of the humanities building.
07:13He would kiss me in all those places.
07:15He changed.
07:16Slowly.
07:17He asked if I was tired.
07:19He asked what gifts I wanted.
07:21Sometimes.
07:22He would touch my hair and say.
07:24You're so good.
07:24By the time we went to college.
07:27We were in the same city.
07:29Without the Hale House watching us.
07:31We almost looked like a normal couple.
07:33He started bringing me to things.
07:35Parties.
07:36Dinners.
07:37I let myself think it meant something.
07:39Then one night.
07:40His friend pulled him aside and said.
07:42Loud enough for me to hear.
07:44Man are you actually into her?
07:46Rowan laughed.
07:47She's easy to be around.
07:48I'd miss her.
07:53My dad would kill me though.
07:55I woke from my fantasy.
07:57No matter how hard I tried.
07:59I couldn't change the truth.
08:00I wasn't the kind of girl who could step into his world.
08:03After that.
08:04I stopped using the gifts he gave me.
08:07He noticed.
08:07You never wear any of it.
08:09What do you actually want?
08:11A gold bracelet.
08:12He laughed.
08:14That's so.
08:15Practical.
08:16I want something real.
08:18He thought I was joking.
08:19He bought it anyway.
08:20I put it in the bottom of my bag.
08:22Under everything else.
08:24The thing about gold is it holds its value.
08:26I'd learned early.
08:28Pretty things depreciate.
08:29Pretty things can be taken back.
08:31Gold is different.
08:33Gold you can keep.
08:37Senior year.
08:38His family started making calls.
08:40The right family.
08:41The right name.
08:42The right merger.
08:43I knew before he said anything.
08:45The last time I saw him was at his apartment.
08:48He was in a good mood that night.
08:50After.
08:51He leaned against the headboard and lit a cigarette.
08:54I'm getting engaged.
08:56I was already reaching for my clothes.
08:58My hands slowed.
08:59Just for a second.
09:01I knew Isla was back.
09:02The Mercer family had been bleeding money for years.
09:05They made the first move.
09:08Don't make this difficult.
09:10Of course.
09:12I won't be a problem.
09:14He came up behind me.
09:16Kissed my cheek.
09:17That easy?
09:17I reached past him and slipped the gold bracelet into my bag.
09:22I got into Stanford.
09:23I leave next week.
09:24The room went quiet.
09:26Since when?
09:27He'd been busy.
09:28Dinners with his friends.
09:29Nights with Isla.
09:30He hadn't asked about me in months.
09:32Brynn.
09:33Who said you could leave?
09:35I turned around.
09:36Rowan.
09:38Did our arrangement ever require permission?
09:41Something moved across his face.
09:43Then he laughed.
09:44Short and hard.
09:45Fine.
09:46Good.
09:46Actually.
09:47Four years.
09:48I was getting bored anyway.
09:49He dressed.
09:50Slammed the door.
09:51I tidied up after him.
09:54Took everything of mine.
09:55Left no trace.
09:56That was five years ago.
09:58Two years of grad school.
10:00Three years of building something.
10:01Over 1800 days.
10:03Things expire.
10:04Things lose value.
10:06People come and go.
10:07The bracelet doubled in price.
10:09Then doubled again.
10:11My phone buzzed.
10:12It was a message from my boyfriend, Joel.
10:14I took my phone away and waved to my colleagues as I walked out.
10:18At the corner of the hallway, a hand grabbed my wrist.
10:24I was pulled into a dim corridor.
10:26I couldn't see his face, but I knew the smell.
10:29Rowan pressed me against the wall.
10:31Faint alcohol on his breath.
10:33Where are you running?
10:34He stared at me, like he was trying to find something.
10:37Mr. Hale.
10:39Let go.
10:40You're drunk.
10:41I couldn't pull free.
10:42His hand found my waist.
10:44Rowan!
10:46Still so sensitive.
10:47A low laugh.
10:48Did you think about me?
10:50These past five years?
10:51He was smiling now.
10:53That smile.
10:53He pressed a key card into my palm.
10:56I missed you.
10:57One more time?
10:57I looked up at him.
10:59Same face.
11:00Same certainty.
11:01Five years.
11:02And he still assumed I'd come if he reached out.
11:05I shook my head.
11:06Sorry.
11:07I've changed my preferences.
11:09Is that right?
11:10Someone new?
11:12Colleague?
11:13Client?
11:14What's he worth?
11:15In his mind, that was my ceiling.
11:18Him.
11:18The highest I could ever reach.
11:20He used to say people can't earn beyond their own understanding.
11:24Same logic.
11:25Same world.
11:26Nothing impressive.
11:27Just a few years younger than Mr. Hale.
11:30His expression shifted.
11:31I tucked the key card back into his jacket pocket.
11:35It's not that you're not enough, Rowan.
11:37I just don't date anyone over 20 anymore.
11:41Something dangerous crossed his face.
11:45Joel was waiting downstairs.
11:47Engine running.
11:48Heat on.
11:49The seat was warm when I got in.
11:51Did you drink?
11:51He turned to look at me.
11:53One glass.
11:54He handed me a cup of hot milk.
11:56The mug warm in my hands.
11:58I took it and sipped.
11:59Looking down.
12:00He held my other hand, warming it slowly.
12:03You're freezing.
12:05It's cold out there.
12:06Looks like it's going to snow.
12:07The words were barely out before a horn sounded behind us.
12:11Short.
12:11Sharp.
12:12A maybach pressed close to our car.
12:14The headlights were on full, blinding the mirrors.
12:17Someone tapped on the window.
12:19I rolled it down.
12:20Rowan was standing outside.
12:22Move, please.
12:24You're in the way.
12:25I smirked.
12:27Sure, Mr. Hale.
12:28Right away.
12:29His eyes fell on our joined hands and lingered for a moment.
12:33Boyfriend, huh?
12:34I didn't deny it.
12:35Joel leaned over and waved.
12:36Hi, sir.
12:37Rowan didn't respond.
12:38He turned and walked away.
12:40That was weird.
12:42The road's completely clear.
12:43Why did he need us to move?
12:45I didn't say anything.
12:46I knew why.
12:47Rowan was curious.
12:49He'd always assumed that without him, I wouldn't find anything better.
12:53But when he saw Joel, he froze for a second.
12:56No fame.
12:57No wealth.
12:57Just young and good looking.
12:59Joel was 19.
13:00Eight years younger than Rowan.
13:02When I first met him, he was a restaurant server.
13:07When I first met him, he was a restaurant server.
13:10Quiet.
13:11Careful.
13:11He noticed when I occasionally held my stomach and would replace my cold water with hot tea from the kitchen.
13:17I left him a 50% tip.
13:20He froze, a little flustered.
13:22Too much.
13:23You should give less.
13:25He stammered.
13:26I smiled.
13:27How old are you?
13:2919.
13:30So young and not in school?
13:32He looked down.
13:34I had a sports scholarship.
13:37Knee injury.
13:39I had to take a leave.
13:40I thought about Rowan.
13:42The first time he saw me.
13:44A girl crying on the street.
13:46Someone to pity.
13:46I recognized the look.
13:48The story that followed was simple.
13:50I paid for his recovery.
13:52Then we became a couple.
13:53With Rowan.
13:54I had always looked up to him.
13:56But Joel treated me like an idol.
13:58He opened doors.
13:59Handed me hot milk.
14:01And offered his shoulder when I was down.
14:03I wasn't sure what to do with that.
14:05At first.
14:06Being looked after.
14:07Not owed anything in return.
14:09Rowan took over the company and started cutting things apart.
14:13I'll give him this.
14:14He was sharp.
14:15He saw problems no one else had named yet.
14:18Right after a meeting.
14:19Isla arrived with coffee.
14:21Whispers filled the office.
14:24When I first met him.
14:26He was a restaurant server.
14:28Quiet.
14:28Careful.
14:29He noticed when I occasionally held my stomach.
14:32And would replace my cold water with hot tea from the kitchen.
14:35I left him a 50% tip.
14:37He froze.
14:38A little flustered.
14:39Too much.
14:41You should give less.
14:43He stammered.
14:44I smiled.
14:44How old are you?
14:4619.
14:48So young and not in school?
14:50He looked down.
14:51I had a sports scholarship.
14:55Knee injury.
14:56I had to take a leave.
14:59I thought about Rowan.
15:00The first time he saw me.
15:01A girl crying on the street.
15:03Someone to pity.
15:04I recognized the look.
15:06The story that followed was simple.
15:08I paid for his recovery.
15:10Then we became a couple.
15:11With Rowan.
15:12I had always looked up to him.
15:14But Joel treated me like an idol.
15:16He opened doors.
15:17Handed me hot milk.
15:19And offered his shoulder when I was down.
15:21I wasn't sure what to do with that.
15:23At first.
15:24Being looked after.
15:25Not owed anything in return.
15:27Rowan took over the company.
15:28And started cutting things apart.
15:30I'll give him this.
15:31He was sharp.
15:32He saw problems no one else had named yet.
15:35Right after a meeting.
15:36Isla arrived with coffee.
15:38Whispers filled the office.
15:42So this is the boss's fiance?
15:45God she's stunning.
15:46They look like a magazine spread.
15:48But soon.
15:48Isla knocked on my office door.
15:53Didn't expect to see you here.
15:54She sat down across from me.
15:56Still smiling.
15:58I remember you.
15:59From the Hale house.
16:01You were the scholarship girl.
16:03Right?
16:04The one his father brought up from.
16:06Where was it?
16:07I looked at her.
16:08Didn't answer.
16:09Four years I was away.
16:10Thanks for keeping him company.
16:12A small pause.
16:13In another era.
16:14Maybe that makes you a mistress.
16:17But I think the modern word is slut.
16:20Isn't it?
16:20I let her finish.
16:22Then I smiled.
16:23Your imagination is impressive Miss Merson.
16:26When Rowan and I were together.
16:28You two had already broken up.
16:30When you came back.
16:32We were already done.
16:34That's not a triangle.
16:35That's just a timeline.
16:37Her smile tightened.
16:40Together?
16:41You were together?
16:43You're right.
16:44That's generous.
16:46We were sleeping together.
16:48Four years.
16:49Then we weren't.
16:50She stared.
16:51Though.
16:51The fact that you went back to a man who kept a four year hookuck.
16:56I'd call that its own kind of dedication Miss Mercer.
16:59You.
17:00She stopped.
17:01Recovered.
17:02Well.
17:03You've certainly changed.
17:08You used to barely say a word.
17:10People grow up.
17:11You haven't changed much though.
17:14Still walk into rooms like you own them.
17:17Her face went still.
17:18She remembered.
17:19I could tell.
17:20Freshman here.
17:21My desk.
17:22Being.
17:23The name she got the whole floor to call me.
17:25I remembered too.
17:27The door opened.
17:28Rowan walked in.
17:29Isla linked her arm through his immediately.
17:32I was just catching up with Wynne.
17:34She's done so well for herself, hasn't she?
17:37He didn't say anything.
17:39Oh.
17:40My friend is looking to move companies.
17:42I sent you her resume last week.
17:45I was thinking Rin's position would be a good fit for her.
17:49Rowan looked at me briefly.
17:50The match is reasonable.
17:52Perfect.
17:53And Rink, we go way back, right?
17:56We can find you something with a lighter load.
17:59Sure.
18:00Whatever you think.
18:01I kept my face neutral.
18:03Kept my voice even.
18:05Kept everything in.
18:08I knocked on this door.
18:10Mr. Hale, I'd like you to consider my record.
18:13Three years in this role.
18:15A plus every review cycle.
18:17He didn't look up.
18:18Ms. Cole, personnel decisions are based on operational fit.
18:22The company has its process.
18:24I didn't push.
18:25He was covering for Isla.
18:27He wasn't going to consider my position.
18:29It was snowing by the time I got downstairs.
18:32Joel was waiting at the entrance.
18:34Umbrella already opened.
18:35He saw me and started forward.
18:38I was halfway to him when a hand closed around my wrist.
18:41Rowan, he pulled me behind one of the columns, out of the light.
18:45Upset?
18:46I pulled my arm back.
18:47Mr. Hale, let go.
18:50He didn't.
18:50Wynn, your numbers have been strong for three years.
18:54The regional manager appointment went out last week.
18:57You didn't check your email?
18:59He hadn't moved her friend into my position.
19:01He promoted me out of it.
19:03His eyes moved past my shoulder.
19:05Does he know about us?
19:08What's your point?
19:10He smiled.
19:11I couldn't read it.
19:12Something between amusement and something else entirely.
19:15Nothing.
19:16Just remembered a detail on the Henderson project.
19:20I need you to stay late.
19:22A pause.
19:22Tell your boyfriend not to wait.
19:27I texted Joel.
19:28He replied with a thumbs up.
19:30No questions asked.
19:31We worked until 9.
19:33Then Rowan said the team should eat together.
19:35At the table, somewhere between the appetizers and the main course, my drink was replaced with juice.
19:42Mr. Hale, you're so careful with Wynn.
19:45She can handle herself.
19:47I've seen her drink a whole bottle of red to close a client deal.
19:51Rowan set down his fork.
19:53Is that right?
19:54He looked at me.
19:55Showing off.
19:56He said flatly.
19:58The table laughed.
19:59I didn't respond.
20:00I felt him still watching.
20:02Checking something.
20:03Like he was trying to figure out how much of me he no longer recognized.
20:07The snow was still coming down when we filed out.
20:10Joel hadn't left.
20:11He was standing under the streetlight.
20:13Umbrella white with snow.
20:15Hands in his pockets.
20:17Wynn.
20:17I turned.
20:18Rowan was at the top of the steps.
20:20Snow on his coat.
20:22Is it just because he's younger?
20:23A short laugh.
20:25It's not like you haven't been with someone young before.
20:27We were 18.
20:29Four years after that, we worked.
20:31Rowan.
20:32I stopped him.
20:33You ended it.
20:35You knew exactly what you were doing.
20:38So what is this?
20:42Silence.
20:43Snow falling between us.
20:45Quiet and steady.
20:46I want you back.
20:47He said.
20:48All these years.
20:50Being with you was the easiest thing I've ever had.
20:53I smiled.
20:54You're not an option anymore.
20:55He looked at me.
20:56Curious.
20:57Almost.
20:58What does he have that I don't?
20:59He shows up.
21:00I said.
21:01He listens.
21:02He's there when I need him.
21:04I can give you more than that.
21:06Us.
21:06The way it used to be.
21:08Better.
21:09Everything better.
21:10I looked at him for a moment.
21:11Then shook my head.
21:12Before, I needed what you could offer.
21:15The stability.
21:16The connections.
21:17The way forward.
21:19I don't need any of that now.
21:21Do you understand?
21:23He went very still.
21:25Like someone had hit him and he hadn't seen it coming.
21:28So that's what it was.
21:30You were with me for what I could give you.
21:32What else would it have been?
21:35Love?
21:37His expression shifted.
21:39Rin.
21:39You never felt anything?
21:41Did you?
21:42I asked.
21:43Wasn't that exactly what you wanted?
21:45Someone easy.
21:48Someone who wouldn't ask for more than you were willing to give.
21:51Closed around my wrist.
21:53Whatever you want.
21:54Tell me.
21:54I can give it to you.
21:55I looked at him.
21:56The snow was heavier now.
21:58Coming down fast.
22:00Marry me then.
22:01I said.
22:02He was quiet.
22:03Of course he was.
22:05I'm joking Rowan.
22:08I never wanted that.
22:10Some people are born in Rome.
22:12His family had been on the printed and money magazines for as long as I could remember.
22:17His future wife was already decided by the logic of his world.
22:21The right name.
22:22The right background.
22:24The right everything.
22:24A girl from nowhere.
22:26Ohio.
22:27On a full scholarship.
22:28That was never going to be me.
22:34Silence.
22:34Snow falling between us.
22:36Quiet and steady.
22:37I want you back.
22:39He said.
22:39All these years.
22:41Being with you was the easiest thing I've ever had.
22:44I smiled.
22:45You're not an option anymore.
22:46He looked at me.
22:48Curious.
22:48Almost.
22:49What does he have that I don't?
22:51He shows up.
22:52I said.
22:52He listens.
22:53He's there when I need him.
22:55I can give you more than that.
22:57Us.
22:57The way it used to be.
22:59Better.
23:00Everything better.
23:01I looked at him for a moment.
23:03Then shook my head.
23:04Before I needed what you could offer.
23:06The stability.
23:07The connections.
23:09The way forward.
23:10I don't need any of that now.
23:12Do you understand?
23:14He went very still.
23:16Like someone had hit him and he hadn't seen it coming.
23:19So that's what it was.
23:21You were with me for what I could give you.
23:24What else would it have been?
23:27Love?
23:28His expression shifted.
23:30Rin.
23:31You never felt anything.
23:32Did you?
23:33I asked.
23:34Wasn't that exactly what you wanted?
23:37Someone easy.
23:39Someone who wouldn't ask for more than you were willing to give.
23:42Closed around my wrist.
23:44Whatever you want.
23:45Tell me.
23:46I can give it to you.
23:47I looked at him.
23:48The snow was heavier now.
23:49Coming down fast.
23:51Marry me then.
23:52I said.
23:53He was quiet.
23:54Of course he was.
23:56I'm joking, Rowan.
24:00I never wanted that.
24:02Some people are born in Rome.
24:04His family had been on the printed and money magazines for as long as I could remember.
24:08His future wife was already decided by the logic of his world.
24:13The right name.
24:14The right background.
24:15The right everything.
24:16A girl from nowhere.
24:17Ohio.
24:18On a full scholarship.
24:20That was never going to be me.
24:24Joel was still there.
24:26I took his hand.
24:27It was cold all the way through.
24:29I'm sorry.
24:31You waited so long.
24:33I had time.
24:34He turned the heat up without being asked.
24:37The car was quiet.
24:38Warm air.
24:39Windows fogging at the edges.
24:41He didn't ask about Rowan.
24:43Didn't ask why my eyes were red.
24:45He drove me home.
24:46Came upstairs.
24:47That night he was gentle.
24:49And then he wasn't.
24:50After, he lay on his side with his arms around me.
24:53I stared at the ceiling.
24:54Joel, doesn't your team have an overseas training camp?
24:57The one in the spring?
24:59Yeah.
25:00Apply.
25:01I'll cover the cost.
25:03Silence.
25:03Then he pushed himself up.
25:05His eyes were red.
25:06Baby, is this about him?
25:08His voice was tight.
25:10Are you asking me to go?
25:12It has nothing to do with him.
25:14We agreed at the start.
25:16Either of us could end it.
25:18No hard feelings.
25:21Wren, I actually...
25:23Joel!
25:24I looked at him.
25:26Gratitude isn't love.
25:27When you feel like you owe someone, that's not the same thing as wanting them.
25:33You know that.
25:34He didn't speak.
25:35You're young.
25:36You should be out there.
25:37Training, applying, building something.
25:40Not stuck in something that's costing you more than it's giving.
25:42I've been happy with you.
25:44But things at work are changing.
25:46I'm going to be busy.
25:47I won't be able to show up the way you deserve.
25:50Get your application materials together.
25:52Ask me if you need help.
25:54He didn't say anything.
25:55I turned to look at him.
25:57He was watching me.
25:58Eyes wet.
25:59Just one word.
26:00Quiet.
26:00Okay.
26:03I was ready to submit my resignation.
26:06Just as I stepped into the office, Isla stormed in.
26:10The slap landed before I could react.
26:12The whole floor went quiet.
26:14You slept your way up here.
26:16And you think you can take him from me?
26:19You're nothing.
26:20You were always nothing.
26:23If I hadn't left, he never would have looked at you twice.
26:27Crowds gathered.
26:28Whisper spread.
26:29Is that the original girlfriend?
26:32I always wondered how Wink made regional manager so fast.
26:37That's why.
26:38He's not going to throw away his whole future for her.
26:41I looked at Isla.
26:42Then I hit her back.
26:43She stumbled.
26:44Hand over her face.
26:46Staring.
26:47You hit me.
26:49You hit me first.
26:50I said.
26:51If a dog bites you, you bite back.
26:55I'm Rowan's fiance.
26:57I'm this company.
26:59You're his fiance, not a queen.
27:02And I signed an employment contract, not a deed of ownership.
27:07She couldn't find the words.
27:09The crowd split.
27:10Rowan walked in.
27:11He saw my face, grabbed Isla by the arm and pulled her back.
27:15What are you doing?
27:19Isla's eyes failed.
27:21She crumpled to the floor.
27:23Rowan, I waited five years.
27:25And now you're ending our engagement for her.
27:29You left.
27:31That's why we broke up.
27:33Rin had nothing to do with it.
27:34You haven't married anyone in five years.
27:38It's because of her, isn't it?
27:40She looked up at him, shaking.
27:42But it doesn't matter.
27:44They'll never let you be with her.
27:46She'll never be someone you can stand next to in public.
27:50Rowan didn't respond to that.
27:51He walked over to me.
27:53Are you hurt?
27:53He reached for my face.
27:55I stepped back.
27:56Mr. Hale, please handle your own affairs.
28:00If this happens again, I'm calling the police.
28:03His hand stopped in the air.
28:05It won't happen again.
28:06I took the resignation letter out of my bag and held it out.
28:09He looked down at it.
28:11His hand tightened around it.
28:12Rin, don't do this over one incident.
28:15One incident?
28:17I almost laughed.
28:18You let this whole office wonder about us.
28:21You let her walk in here and hit me.
28:23And now I'm the one everyone thinks broke something up?
28:26It's always been like this.
28:28I'm the one who pays.
28:30His face shifted.
28:31Something like guilt.
28:32Rin, I'm sorry.
28:34I'll have Issa apologize to you personally.
28:37Rodan!
28:37I cut him off.
28:39I don't want to see you anymore.
28:41I turned to go.
28:42His hand caught my arm.
28:46Issa's eyes failed.
28:48She crumpled to the floor.
28:50Rowan, I waited five years.
28:53And now you're ending our engagement for her.
28:57You left.
28:58That's why we broke up.
29:00Rin had nothing to do with it.
29:02You haven't married anyone in five years.
29:05It's because of her, isn't it?
29:07She looked up at him, shaking.
29:10But it doesn't matter.
29:11They'll never let you be with her.
29:13She'll never be someone you can stand next to in public.
29:17Rowan didn't respond to that.
29:19He walked over to me.
29:20Are you hurt?
29:21He reached for my face.
29:23I stepped back.
29:24Mr. Hale, please handle your own affairs.
29:27If this happens again, I'm calling the police.
29:30His hand stopped in the air.
29:32It won't happen again.
29:33I took the resignation letter out of my bag and held it out.
29:37He looked down at it.
29:38His hand tightened around it.
29:40Rin, don't do this over one incident.
29:43One incident?
29:44I almost laughed.
29:45You let this whole office wonder about us.
29:48You let her walk in here and hit me.
29:50And now I'm the one everyone thinks broke something up?
29:53It's always been like this.
29:55I'm the one who pays.
29:57His face shifted.
29:59Something like guilt.
30:00Rin, I'm sorry.
30:01I'll have Issa apologize to you personally.
30:04Rodan, I cut him off.
30:06I don't want to see you anymore.
30:08I turned to go.
30:09His hand caught my arm.
30:14Don't.
30:15You ask me if I ever felt anything.
30:18I didn't answer.
30:19But I do.
30:20I did.
30:21His hand was shaking.
30:23I just didn't know it until too late.
30:25He looked at me.
30:27After you left.
30:28I don't know how to explain it.
30:30The apartment felt wrong.
30:32I couldn't sleep.
30:34You didn't leave anything behind.
30:36Not one thing.
30:37And somehow that made it worse.
30:40His voice dropped.
30:41I used to think you were just comfort.
30:44That anyone could have filled that space.
30:49I was wrong.
30:50It was only ever you.
30:52Give me time.
30:53I'll sort everything out.
30:55We can do this properly.
30:57In the open.
30:58I listened until he finished.
31:00Then I pulled my arm free.
31:02Rowan.
31:03If I hadn't left five years ago.
31:06If I'd stayed and kept reaching for you.
31:09Would you still want me?
31:10He opened his mouth.
31:12Couldn't answer.
31:13You wouldn't.
31:14I said.
31:15You would have gotten tired of me.
31:17You would have stopped seeing me altogether.
31:19You don't miss me.
31:20You just can't stand that I stopped caring.
31:23You're not used to it.
31:25Something that was always there.
31:27Suddenly out of reach.
31:29That's not.
31:33I lied.
31:34I said quietly.
31:35That night on the stairs.
31:36When you asked if I ever felt anything.
31:39I liked you for years.
31:41So many years.
31:42I didn't know what to call it.
31:44I just knew I couldn't stop watching you.
31:47I was like a thief.
31:49Watching you fall for someone else.
31:51Living in a house that wasn't mine.
31:54Thinking.
31:55If I had been born into this.
31:59Maybe I could have kept up with you.
32:01When you first kissed me.
32:03I felt cheap.
32:04And then I felt something worse.
32:06Grateful.
32:07Like I'd finally gotten to hold something I'd wanted for so long.
32:11Those four years were the happiest.
32:13And the most painful of my life.
32:15I kept telling myself there was no future.
32:19And I kept going back anyway.
32:23Cutting away at something that kept growing back.
32:26Even after I left.
32:27I'd wake up in the middle of the night and it would just...
32:31Hurt.
32:32Right here.
32:34I never want to feel that again.
32:36He was quiet.
32:38His eyes were red.
32:39Rowan.
32:41Love is something I can take or leave now.
32:44It could be anyone.
32:46But it won't be you.
32:47He didn't speak.
32:49I'm sorry.
32:50Don't be.
32:51I shook my head.
32:52I don't hate you.
32:53I don't blame you.
32:54If anything, thank you.
32:56Without you, I wouldn't have had the chance to study.
32:58To become this.
33:00To get here.
33:01I looked at him one last time.
33:03Let's not see each other anymore.
33:05And please, don't reach out again.
33:11I turned around.
33:12And walked.
33:13One step.
33:14Then the next.
33:15I didn't look back.
33:16Behind me, very quietly, I heard.
33:20I started a company with a few friends.
33:23Quitting my job had been planned for a while.
33:25Over the years, my ambition had grown.
33:28I was done working for others.
33:29I wanted to build something of my own.
33:32During my two years abroad, I met many talented people.
33:35We talked for nights, shared ideas, and decided to start together.
33:40On the day we invested, I brought half a box of gold bars to the office.
33:45Rin, are you secretly rich?
33:47Did you rob a bank?
33:48One of them picked up a bar, weighing it in his hand.
33:51This is real?
33:52I smiled but said nothing about where they came from.
33:55People say diamonds mean love.
33:57To me, gold was something you could actually hold.
34:00Not long after, Isla asked to meet.
34:03This time, she wasn't arrogant.
34:05Rin, I'm sorry.
34:07I lost control last time.
34:10My family still needs the Hal family.
34:12I'll be honest.
34:14A family like theirs won't accept you as his wife.
34:17But you can still be with him.
34:19He can take care of you.
34:22I won't interfere.
34:23I almost laughed.
34:24I won't be with Rowan.
34:26I won't be with Rowan.
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