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The Eighth Draw of Fate：I Abandoned Him Episode DramaRush
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00:00I have deeply loved Sebastian for a full eight years. Looking at the photo of Sebastian and me in my
00:05hand, I stood before the door and murmured softly,
00:09This is my last chance. This time, can I become Sebastian's fiancé?
00:15At the moment I reached out and was about to open the door, I suddenly froze, because I heard Sebastian's
00:20mother questioning him with anger and disappointment.
00:22Sebastian, tell me, why, for seven successive years, have you secretly replaced all the slips of paper with your name
00:29on them with blank ones?
00:30You know perfectly well that if she doesn't draw your name, Eleanor can never become your fiancé. Doesn't it hurt
00:37your heart to watch her cry in disappointment every year?
00:40She has been crying for seven years. One more time won't make a difference.
00:45But Lillian just came back from Switzerland, and her emotions are very unstable.
00:49I promised to accompany her through her treatment for seven years.
00:54He then gave a light chuckle.
00:56Anyway, Eleanor and I have been together for eight years.
01:00Her family and friends all think we are definitely getting married.
01:03Other than waiting for me, she has no other choice.
01:09Don't worry. Next year, I will give her a very grand proposal ceremony.
01:14Consider it an explanation to her for these past few years.
01:17I think she will definitely be very satisfied with this arraignment.
01:20After saying that, he threw the slip of paper with Sebastian Ashford, written on it into the paper shredder.
01:26Listen, the sound of this paper shredder is indeed much better than Eleanor's disappointed crying every year.
01:34Standing outside the door, I heard those words and stared blankly at the photo in my hand.
01:39Turns out, he wasn't blind to my tears, nor was he unaware of my disappointment.
01:44These seven years of blank slips were just a joke he used to trample on my true feelings.
01:50I clearly remember the Ashford family's rules.
01:53To become Sebastian's fiancée, one must draw a slip of paper from the lottery box at the grand charity banquet.
01:59She can only become his fiancée if she draws the slip with his name on it.
02:03And for these seven years, I have tried every possible method just to be able to become his fiancée.
02:08I thought he loved me truly, so I did all this willingly.
02:11Yet the hidden truth cuts deep and hurts so much.
02:14What do all my years striving to be his fiancée count for?
02:17It's nothing but a joke.
02:19But now, my heart suddenly let go completely.
02:21I loosened my grip, letting the slip of paper in my hand fall to the ground and turned to walk
02:26away.
02:27Since your name still isn't in the box for the eighth time,
02:30then I will just marry someone else.
02:32Sebastian adjusted his cuffs and left the lounge without a care.
02:36He arrived at the banquet hall, which was filled with wealthy people in gorgeous clothes.
02:40This was the eighth gala, hosted by the Ashfords, the most powerful family in New York,
02:46to select a fiancée for their heir.
02:48He walked straight toward Lillian, who was surrounded by a group of wealthy young ladies talking.
02:54Sebastian.
02:55Lillian's eyes were red, looking deeply wronged, and she threw herself into his arms.
02:59They said I have no right to stand here, that I'm the one ruining the relationship between you and Eleanor.
03:04Sebastian frowned deeply, his eyes sweeping fiercely across the entire hall,
03:10finally landing on those wealthy young ladies who were gossiping.
03:14Who dares to say she has no right?
03:16The rules I, Sebastian, have set are the rules of New York's Upper East Ed High Society.
03:21Lillian is an important guest I invited.
03:23Whoever makes her unhappy, makes me unhappy.
03:26The entire hall instantly became so quiet that even breathing could be heard.
03:30In the midst of this silence, the crystal chandelier in the banquet hall suddenly dimmed by half.
03:35Only a few wall lamps gave off a faint glow.
03:38Immediately after, a beam of cold white spotlights suddenly lit up.
03:42I pushed the doors open and walked in.
03:45Every step was unhurried and composed.
04:01Those wealthy young ladies looked at me.
04:03After all, for the past seven years, I was publicly recognised by everyone as Sebastian's fiancée,
04:08and the only woman he allowed to stay by his side constantly.
04:12Everyone thought I would definitely make a scene and drive Lillian away or, like the previous seven years,
04:19question him with red eyes about why he was protecting another woman.
04:23But this time, I didn't even give them half a glance.
04:26Without stopping, I walked straight toward a waiter in the banquet hall.
04:30I picked up a glass of champagne from the waiter's tray and took a small sip.
04:34The cold liquid slid down my throat, suppressing the very last bit of affection in my heart.
04:41Eleanor, aren't you going to do something about it?
04:44Someone asked me in a very low voice.
04:46I smiled, but there was not a hint of a smile in my eyes.
04:49Young Master Ashfield is standing up for a beauty.
04:52Why would I go over there and interfere?
04:55Besides, I swirled the wine glass in my hand, with a bit of a spectator's look in my eyes.
05:00I'm also quite curious to see if Sebastian's name is actually in the raffle box this year.
05:07Sebastian's body instantly stiffened.
05:09He subconsciously turned to look at me, as if completely unexpected that I would have this reaction.
05:16In the past, at times like this, I would have already been crying and making a scene to drive Lillian
05:21away.
05:21But today, I was as quiet as someone entirely unconnected to this matter.
05:27A flash of impatience crossed his eyes.
05:30He let go of Lillian and strode toward me.
05:34Eleanor, what kind of temper are you throwing again?
05:37Lillian just came back from Switzerland.
05:39Her health is poor and she can't be frightened.
05:42You are the eldest daughter of the Walker family.
05:45Can't you be a bit broad-minded?
05:47Broad-minded.
05:48I looked at this man in front of me, whom I had loved for over a decade.
05:52Suddenly, he felt very foreign.
05:55Seven years.
05:56More than 2,500 days a night.
05:59To cater to his preferences, I put away my own temper and skills, learning to make him French desserts and
06:04English afternoon tea.
06:06To get his name to appear in that damn box, I bribed the Ashford's butler, curried favour with Sebastian's mother,
06:13and exhausted all possible means.
06:15And the result?
06:17What I got in exchange was his phrase, be a bit more broad-minded, and my sincere heart, shredded to
06:22pieces in the paper shredder.
06:24Sebastian, I put down the wine glass in my hand.
06:27The glass clinked crisply against the marble table.
06:29I am not throwing a temper.
06:31I just think you are right.
06:33Miss Lillian is delicate, and does indeed need someone to properly accompany her through her treatment.
06:40Sebastian was stunned.
06:41He stared into my eyes, as if trying to find a hint of petulance, or jealousy, in them.
06:47Unfortunately, he found nothing.
06:49My heart was completely peaceful, without a single ripple.
06:52This feeling of being out of his control made him inexplicably panicked.
06:55He reached out, trying to grab my wrist.
07:03I turned sideways, dodging his hand. My tone was as flat, as if discussing today's weather.
07:10My grandfather said the same thing can only be done, at most, eight times.
07:14Tonight is the eighth time.
07:16If your name is still not drawn, then we are done.
07:19Seeing this, Lillian quickly walked over and stood in front of me.
07:23Eleanor, stop throwing a tantrum and just apologize to Sebastian.
07:27He still loves you deep down.
07:30It's just that since I returned, my actions have been so unstable.
07:34And he is just worried about me.
07:36Besides, everyone knows that you would never marry anyone but Sebastian.
07:43As soon as her voice fell, a crisp slap suddenly sounded.
07:47My eyes were full of mockery.
07:48When is it an outsider's turn to dictate my affairs?
07:52Sebastian's face suddenly changed, and he stepped directly in front of Lillian.
07:57Eleanor, you have gone too far. Apologize to Lillian.
08:02Apologize? On what grounds?
08:04Because she's your darling? Or because she's thick-shitted?
08:08Sebastian, have you forgotten that tonight is my home court?
08:11As long as the drawing haven't started, I am still your fiancé in name.
08:14What's the problem with teaching an outsider who doesn't know the rules a lesson?
08:20The surrounding guests began to whisper.
08:22Mrs. Ashford also hurried over upon hearing the commotion.
08:26Seeing this scene, she frowned deeply.
08:29What are you arguing about? Isn't this embarrassing?
08:32She glared at Sebastian, then looked at me.
08:34Her eyes were complex.
08:37Eleanor, it's almost time for the drawing.
08:39Don't let irrelevant people ruin the big event.
08:42Mrs. Ashford liked me very much.
08:44She genuinely hoped I could marry into the Ashford family.
08:47It was a pity.
08:48That good son of hers personally destroyed all of this.
08:52Sebastian took a deep breath, suppressing the anger in his heart.
08:55He reached out to put his arm around Lillian's shoulder and patted her comfortingly.
08:59Then he looked at me, his tone cold.
09:03Fine. Since you want to play so much, let's begin.
09:06I want to see the moment you draw a blank slip.
09:09Whether you can still be as sharp-tongued as you are now.
09:13After saying that, he turned and walked toward the high platform in the center of the hall.
09:18There lay an exquisite box.
09:20It was also the judgment stand that would decide my fate.
09:23I watched his back.
09:25My eyes gradually turned cold.
09:27Sebastian, you think you control everything.
09:30But little do you know, this time, you are the prey.
09:34In the center of the hall, the crystal lights were dazzling.
09:37Everyone's gaze focused on that carved oak box.
09:40According to family rules, there were a hundred slips of paper placed in the box.
09:44Only one of them had Sebastian's name written on it.
09:47Drawing it would be the arrangement of fate, resulting in an engagement on the spot.
09:51Failing to draw it meant fate hadn't arrived, and we would try again next year.
09:55For the past seven years, every time, I reached my hand in full of hope.
10:00Every time.
10:01What I pulled out was completely blank.
10:03I thought it was just my bad luck.
10:04I thought it was God testing our relationship.
10:07It wasn't until today that I learned that among those hundred slips of paper,
10:11Sebastian's name was never there at all.
10:13They were all blank papers he had personally substituted.
10:16Eleanor, go on.
10:18I specifically asked the priest for a blessing.
10:21The priest said, you will find your beloved this year.
10:24Beloved, perhaps.
10:26It's just that this person is not Sebastian.
10:29Lifting my dress, I walked step by step onto the high platform.
10:33Sebastian stood next to the box, one hand in his pocket looking proud.
10:36The way he looked at me was like looking at an unreasonable child.
10:40Eleanor, as long as you apologize to Lithian now.
10:43Next year, I promise to let you draw the name.
10:45Wouldn't even need to wait until next year.
10:47As long as you behave and stop targeting Lillian.
10:50I can consider ending this game early.
10:52Game.
10:53In his eyes.
10:54These seven years of torment.
10:56My youth.
10:56My dignity.
10:57Were nothing but a game he could call a halt to at any time.
11:00I stopped in my tracks.
11:02Standing across from him.
11:03There were only a few inches of distance between us.
11:06But our hearts were separated by an entire world.
11:09Sebastian.
11:10I looked into his eyes and asked softly.
11:12Do you really think I must marry you?
11:14Sebastian was taken aback for a moment.
11:16Then he sneered out loud.
11:18Who else?
11:20Besides Moo could tolerate your bad temper.
11:22Besides the Ashford family who is worthy of your Walker family.
11:25Eleanor, accept your fate.
11:27In this life, you are destined to only be the woman of me.
11:32Sebastian Ashford.
11:33He was too confident.
11:34Confident to the point of conceit.
11:36He thought that by grasping my weakness,
11:38he could trample on my bottom line unscrupulously.
11:41I lowered my eyes.
11:42Hiding the mockery in my gaze.
11:44Is that so?
11:46Then let's see.
11:47Exactly who is the one who should accept their fate.
11:50I took a deep breath.
11:52Slowly raised my right hand.
11:54And reached into that pitch black box.
11:57My fingertips touched the cold paper.
11:59One slip.
12:00Two slips.
12:01Countless slips.
12:02Each one was like a knife.
12:04Cutting into my heart.
12:06There was absolute silence below the stage.
12:09Lillian stood at the forefront of the crowd.
12:11A victor's smile on her lip.
12:13She knew the box was full of blank papers.
12:15She was waiting to see me make a fool of myself in public and cry bitterly.
12:20Sebastian also looked away casually.
12:22Seeming to have already foreseen the ending.
12:24I closed my eyes.
12:26My fingers fumbled at the bottom of the box.
12:28Finally.
12:29My fingertips touched a slip of paper with a slightly different texture.
12:33That was the one.
12:34I had someone slip in during the chaos before entering.
12:37And it was also the final way out I left for myself.
12:40I snapped my eyes open.
12:42With a strong flick of my wrist.
12:44I pulled out that slip of paper.
12:46Young Master Ashfield.
12:47I held up the slip in my hand.
12:49My voice clear.
12:50Spreading throughout the hall.
12:52It seems.
12:53Your promise.
12:55Is about to become inviled.
12:58Sebastian's casual expression froze on his face.
13:00He subconsciously looked at the slip in my hand.
13:03A trace of confusion flashed in his eyes.
13:05Impossible.
13:06He clearly had personally replaced all the slips with names with blank ones.
13:10Even just to be safe.
13:12Right before the banquet started.
13:13He had specifically checked again.
13:15There absolutely could not be any words in the box.
13:18Eleanor.
13:18Who are you trying to scare with a blank piece of paper?
13:21He scoffed coldly.
13:23Stop making a scene and letting everyone laugh at us.
13:26Whether it's a blank paper or not.
13:28Won't we know once it read out loud?
13:30A bright, radiant smile curled at the corners of my lips.
13:34Since Young Master Ashford don't believe it,
13:36then invite a highly respected elder to read it.
13:40I looked at the patriarch of the Walker family below the stage.
13:43He was also my grandfather.
13:46Grandfather, please help your granddaughter check.
13:48Whose name is written on this?
13:51Grandfather leaned on his cane and tremblingly walked up to the stage.
13:55He took the slip from my hand.
13:57Unfolded it.
13:58The eyes widened fiercely.
14:00Immediately after, he burst into a hearty laugh.
14:04Good.
14:05It's destiny.
14:06This is the arrangement of destiny.
14:09The unease in Sebastian's heart grew stronger and stronger.
14:13He abandoned all etiquette.
14:15Rushing forward to see what was going on.
14:18Grandfather, let me see it.
14:21But Grandfather suddenly put away the slip.
14:23Turned around.
14:24Facing the hundreds of guests below.
14:26According to the century-old family rules of the Walker and Ashford families,
14:31Miss Eleanor Walker has successfully drawn her husband in the eighth destiny drawing.
14:36This is the arrangement of destiny.
14:38The whole crowd was in an uproar.
14:40Mrs. Ashford was moved to tears.
14:42The smile on Lillian's face stiffened, her nails digging deeply into her flesh.
14:47Sebastian was struck as if by lightning.
14:49Impossible!
14:51The box clearly!
14:52The words reached his lips, but he forcefully swallowed them back down.
14:56He couldn't say it.
14:57Saying it would mean admitting he cheated.
14:59It would mean admitting he lied to Eleanor.
15:02He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
15:05Grandfather, did you misread it?
15:07How is this possible?
15:09Why is it impossible?
15:10I took the slip back from Grandfather's hand.
15:13Slowly unfolded it.
15:14Displaying it in front of everyone.
15:16Black ink on white paper.
15:18The stroke was vigorous and powerful.
15:20Clearly right.
15:20Alexander Thorn.
15:28A dead silence, even more terrifying than before.
15:31The color in Sebastian's face instantly drained away.
15:34He stared deadly at those two words.
15:37Alexander Thorn.
15:38This is impossible.
15:40How could his name be in the box?
15:42Your box can only have my name.
15:44He bellowed out of control, like an enraged lion.
15:47I watched his crazy behavior, and only felt it was laughable.
15:51Young Master Ashford.
15:53The family rules only say to draw a slip to decide a husband.
15:57But they never said that this box can only hold the name of you.
16:03Sebastian Ashford alone.
16:06I turned around, looking into the corner of the crowd,
16:09at the man who had remained silent all along,
16:11yet stood tall and straight like a pine.
16:13Mr. Thorn, since this is the arrangement of destiny,
16:17I wonder if you are willing to marry me as your wife.
16:24The crowd automatically parted to make a path.
16:27All eyes converged on that corner.
16:29Alexander Thorn.
16:30Wall Street's most low-key, yet also most mysterious billionaire.
16:34It was said he was ruthless and stayed away from women.
16:37He was the Ashford group's biggest mortal enemy in the global market.
16:40No one expected that his name would appear in the Walker family's raffle box,
16:44and even less expected,
16:45that I would propose to him in public.
16:47Alexander walked up to the high platform step by step.
16:50Every step seemed to trample on the very tip of Sebastian's heart,
16:53until he stood in front of me.
16:55He finally stopped.
16:56Reflected in his deep eyes was my current disheveled yet resolute appearance.
17:00Miss Walker.
17:01His voice was deep and magnetic,
17:03carrying a trace of imperceptible indulgence.
17:06You were the one who said it,
17:08in front of all the elites of New York.
17:11No going back on your word.
17:13My heart trembled.
17:14Actually, I wasn't familiar with him.
17:16I had only heard his name and knew he didn't get along with Sebastian.
17:20Putting his name in was purely to take revenge on Sebastian,
17:23and also to find myself a sufficiently powerful backer.
17:27I didn't expect that he would agree so readily.
17:30I absolutely won't go back on it.
17:32Alexander hooked his lips into a smile.
17:34In that instant, he reached out to take the slip from my hand,
17:37carefully folded it,
17:38and placed it in the pocket closest to his heart.
17:41Then, right in front of Sebastian,
17:43he went down on one knee,
17:45took out an already prepared diamond ring from his pocket.
17:48Eleanor Walker, marry me.
17:50I will make you the happiest woman in all of New York.
17:54The whole venue exploded.
17:55This reversal came too fast, too thrilling.
17:58Sebastian went completely crazy,
17:59and he upended the lottery box.
18:02Alexander, you're asking for death.
18:04Eleanor is my fiancé.
18:06What right do you have to propose?
18:08The box overturned on the ground.
18:10The slips of paper inside scattered all over the floor.
18:13Sebastian acted like he had caught a lifesaver.
18:15He squatted down to pick up those slips.
18:17I want everyone to see.
18:18These are all blank papers inside.
18:21It is you, Eleanor, who cheated.
18:23You teamed up with an outsider to humiliate me.
18:25He grabbed a handful of slips,
18:27and held them up in front of everyone.
18:29Look! They are all empty!
18:31There are no names at all!
18:33This drawing doesn't count!
18:35However, the next second,
18:37his voice came to an abrupt halt,
18:38because he saw,
18:40on that floor full of slips,
18:41every slip of paper bore the same single sentence.
18:44I don't love you anymore.
18:46Sebastian's hands began to tremble.
18:48The slips in his hand slipped away.
18:50He looked up in disbelief,
18:51looking at me standing condescendingly above him,
18:53his eyes full of terror and despair.
18:55Eleanor!
18:56You!
18:57I took Alexander's arm,
18:58looking coldly at the man on the ground.
19:01Sebastian, I said it,
19:03the eighth time.
19:04If you're still not in the box,
19:05then I will marry someone else.
19:08Now, you can get lost.
19:10Sebastian slumped on the floor,
19:11surrounded entirely by slips of paper
19:13that read,
19:13I don't love you anymore.
19:15No.
19:17It is not like this.
19:18He muttered to himself,
19:19trying to find a slip with his name
19:21written on it from the floor,
19:22even if it was just one.
19:23It could prove I still had him in my heart.
19:26Unfortunately, not a single one.
19:29Eleanor!
19:30You lied to me!
19:31He suddenly raised his head,
19:33his eyes crimson.
19:34You clearly loved me so much.
19:35How could you not love me?
19:37Is it because of Lillian?
19:39Is it because I replaced the names with blank paper?
19:42I will change.
19:43I will not replace them anymore.
19:45I will write my name on them,
19:46right now!
19:47He frantically pulled out a fountain pen,
19:49grabbed a slip from the floor,
19:51and was about to write.
19:52Enough.
19:53Alexander's stepping on the hand
19:54he was holding the pen with.
19:56Young Master Ashford,
19:57harassing my fiancé right in front of me.
20:00Are you not completely ignoring my existence?
20:05He looked up and glared angrily at Alexander.
20:08What kind of thing are you?
20:10Eleanor and I grew up together.
20:12You are nothing but a petty man
20:15taking advantage of a vulnerable moment!
20:17Grew up together?
20:18Alexander let out a scoff,
20:20applying pressure with his foot,
20:21crushing Sebastian's knuckles until they crack.
20:24Does growing up together mean
20:25making her wait three hours in a blizzard for you?
20:28Does growing up together mean
20:29making her make a fool of herself in public for seven years?
20:33Does growing up together mean
20:34putting her sincere heart into a paper shredder?
20:37Sebastian's face was deathly pale.
20:39How do you know?
20:41About the paper shredder.
20:42Only he and Lillian knew.
20:44How could Alexander know?
20:45I looked at his horrified expression
20:47and spoke faintly.
20:48Because I heard it too, Sebastian.
20:51Right before the banquet started,
20:53at the door of the lounge.
20:55Every word you said I heard clearly!
20:57Sebastian's whole body shook,
20:58as if all his strength had been drained away.
21:01Eleanor, listen to my explanation.
21:03He crawled over,
21:05wanting to grab the hem of my dress.
21:06I was lying to Lillian.
21:08I only told those lies to comfort Lillian.
21:11I only have you in my heart.
21:13I promise to give you a grand proposal next year.
21:16Believe me this once.
21:18Okay?
21:18I took a step back,
21:20avoiding his hand.
21:21My eyes looked at him
21:22as if looking at a pile of garbage.
21:24Lie to Lillian?
21:25So in order to lie to her,
21:27you had to sacrifice me?
21:29Sebastian,
21:30your love is too cheap.
21:31Lie to Lillian?
21:33So in order to lie to her,
21:35you had to sacrifice me?
21:36Sebastian,
21:37your love is too cheap.
21:39I,
21:40Eleanor Walker,
21:41no longer want you.
21:43After finishing my sentence,
21:44I didn't give him another glance.
21:46Holding Alexander's hand,
21:47I turned and left.
21:49Sebastian,
21:50you are bleeding.
21:51Quick, call a doctor!
21:52It is a sin!
21:53What a sin!
21:55My footsteps didn't stop,
21:56walking out the doors of the banquet hall.
21:58The night breeze was slightly cool,
22:00blowing away the noise and foulness inside.
22:03Are you cold?
22:04I shook my head.
22:06Alexander?
22:06Hmm?
22:08You are welcome.
22:09He squeezed my hand tightly,
22:11his palm warm.
22:14Eleanor,
22:15the good show has only just begun.
22:18Sebastian became Wall Street's biggest joke.
22:20The heir publicly rejected,
22:22the fiancé marrying his mortal enemy.
22:24The Ashford group's stock crashed the next day.
22:26The Walkers withdrew capital,
22:27and the Thorn group attacked.
22:29The Ashford family teetered on collapse.
22:32Mrs. Ashford was hospitalized.
22:33Mr. Ashford threatened to disown Sebastian.
22:36Meanwhile,
22:37I sat in Alexander's private villa,
22:39startled by the documents in my hands.
22:41Are these real?
22:42I pointed at photos of Lillian partying on a yacht,
22:45embracing them,
22:46with no sign of illness.
22:47Absolutely true.
22:48During those seven years in Switzerland,
22:50she squandered his money,
22:52keeping male models,
22:53gambling,
22:54taking drugs.
22:55I felt utterly disgusted.
22:57Sebastian played the fool,
22:58and hurt me for seven years because of her.
23:00Does Sebastian know?
23:01He'll know very soon.
23:02Alexander smiled slyly.
23:04I serve justice for everyone in the Ashford family.
23:07I gasped at the ruthless move.
23:09Lillian would have no place left,
23:11and Sebastian would be entirely abandoned.
23:14Alexander leaned closer.
23:15Are you worried about him?
23:17Not at all.
23:18He brought this upon himself.
23:20And you personally sent him to his doom?
23:23Alexander laughed,
23:24scraping my nose.
23:25Such a sweet mouth.
23:27Clearing obstacles for you is what a husband ought to do.
23:31Just then,
23:32my phone rang.
23:33It was Sebastian.
23:34I answered on speaker.
23:36Eleanor!
23:36Are you with Alexander?
23:38Do you know what Lillian's...
23:39What about her?
23:40I interrupted him differently.
23:41Was she kicked out of her apartment?
23:43You knew she was lying?
23:44Why didn't you tell me?
23:46I laughed out of anger.
23:47If I told you,
23:48you would just think I was jealous.
23:50Now that the truth is bare,
23:51you don't reflect your vast stupidity,
23:53but blame me?
23:53The phone went silent,
23:55save for heavy breathing.
23:56Finally,
23:57Sebastian spoke hoarsely.
23:58Eleanor,
23:59I was wrong.
24:00I kicked Libony out.
24:02Come back, okay?
24:03I will marry you immediately
24:05and listen to you for everything.
24:06I looked at the sunlight,
24:07feeling immense irony.
24:09Deep affection that comes too late is worthless.
24:11Sebastian,
24:13it's too late.
24:14I am now Mrs. Thorne.
24:16The words Mrs. Thorne
24:18shattered his last hope.
24:19He smashed the phone,
24:20leaving only a busy tone.
24:22Satisfied?
24:23Not yet.
24:24This is just the start.
24:25Days later,
24:26Alexander launched a fierce commercial attack,
24:28seizing Ashford's asset.
24:30Sebastian begged for help,
24:31but former friends all avoided him.
24:33Our engagement party became the talk of the city.
24:36On its eve,
24:36I went to try on my wedding dress.
24:38Outside the boutique,
24:39Lillian blocked my way.
24:41She looked haggard in shabby clothes.
24:43Elinor, you ruined me!
24:45She screamed and lunged at me.
24:46Bodyguards held her down at once.
24:49Greed, vanity, and lies destroyed yourself.
24:53Liar!
24:54Sebastian loves only me!
24:55You are just a substitute, too!
24:57She retorted.
24:58I pitied her ignorance.
25:00He loves no one but himself.
25:02He enjoyed being fought over.
25:04Now his pride is hurt,
25:06and that is why he is crazy.
25:08Lillian stared blankly.
25:09I told the guards to send her away.
25:11We are all fools!
25:12She cried bitterly.
25:13Just then,
25:14Sebastian arrived in a Bentley,
25:15worn out.
25:16This dress was meant for me!
25:18He said painfully.
25:19I ignored him,
25:20and got into Alexander's car.
25:21Do not marry him!
25:23Sebastian shouted desperately.
25:25The car drove off,
25:26leaving him stranded in the cold wind.
25:28The engagement party was lavish,
25:30held at Manhattan's Top Hotel.
25:31Alexander stayed close to me,
25:33caring for me tenderly,
25:34making other guests envious.
25:36As we prepared to exchange rings,
25:38Sebastian burst in,
25:39drunk and messy.
25:41Stop this engagement!
25:42Alexander let him come forward.
25:44Sebastian stumbled onto the stage.
25:46Take off that ring.
25:48I will give you everything I have.
25:50He said,
25:51holding out a crumpled bank card.
25:52You are bankrupt.
25:53This card cannot even buy alcohol.
25:56I replied calmly.
25:57I have lost my family,
25:58company,
25:59and money.
26:01But I still have you.
26:03Will you not stay with me?
26:04Alexander stepped between us.
26:06Respect yourself.
26:08She is my fiancée,
26:09not your savior.
26:10Sebastian was pushed to the ground
26:12and wept like a child.
26:14The crowd looked on with scorn.
26:15No apology can fix everything.
26:17You chose this path,
26:18and you have to see it through,
26:20I told him.
26:21I turned to Alexander.
26:23Put the ring on me.
26:24He slipped the diamond ring onto my finger.
26:26The ceremony ended.
26:28Sebastian stood in the corner,
26:29finally accepting he had lost me forever.
26:31Three years later,
26:33heavy snow covered New York.
26:34Our daughter was just a month old,
26:36and Alexander doted on her deeply.
26:39It is time for work.
26:41Not today.
26:42My daughter comes first.
26:44I heard Sebastian passed away.
26:47He froze to death,
26:48under the Brooklyn Bridge,
26:50together with Lillian.
26:51They fought over a burger
26:53and fell into the river.
26:54I fell silent.
26:55Once prominent figures,
26:56they ended up miserably.
26:58It was their just deserts.
26:59Are you thinking of him?
27:00I kissed him with a smile.
27:04I am planning a candlelit dinner tonight.
27:07His mood brightened at once.
27:08He held our daughter in one arm,
27:10and wrapped the other around me.
27:11Thank you for choosing me.
27:13Thank you for giving me a home.
27:16Leaning on his chest,
27:17the snow fell harder,
27:18burying the sad past.
27:20Our warm and happy life
27:21had only just begun.
27:22WONDON
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