- 8 hours ago
The Last of 99 Goodbyes Series 30 eps HD
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I stayed in the hospital for three days, and for those three days, my phone stayed silent.
00:04I didn't receive a single call from my family.
00:06I didn't call anyone either.
00:08I didn't scroll through their Instagram reads like I used to, trying to keep up with every little update in
00:12their lives.
00:13Instead, I just quietly rested in my hospital bed and dragged my weak body around for checkups and payments.
00:18Even on the day I was discharged, I didn't tell a soul.
00:21I simply packed my own things, endured the pain in my abdomen, and slowly made my way home.
00:26When I pushed the door open, the laughter inside the house abruptly stopped.
00:30Everyone was gathered in the living room.
00:32My fiancé Joel was sitting beside Yaida with his arm casually draped around her shoulders.
00:37The moment he saw me, he pulled his hand back and gave me an awkward smile.
00:41Sophia, you're back. Where have you been these past few days?
00:44My brother, Joshua Norton, let out a cold snort.
00:48Where else would she have gone to? She just didn't want to show up to Yatet's birthday party.
00:51She always has to ruin things for her since she can't stand seeing Vivi happy.
00:56I didn't say a word. I just headed straight for my room.
01:00Joshua seemed surprised that I didn't argue with him.
01:03Wait, Sophia!
01:06Normally, whenever he accused me of being selfish, I would break down in tears and desperately defend myself.
01:12But this time, I'd kept quiet.
01:15My mom rushed over to me with a glass of juice.
01:17Sophia, we were so busy with Vivi's birthday the other day that we missed your calls.
01:22Don't be mad at us, okay?
01:24She placed a glass of mango juice in my hand.
01:26Although my heart had long since stopped expecting anything, it still arced faintly.
01:31I was allergic to mangoes, but Vivi loved them.
01:34There was always mango-flavored food and drinks in the house because of that.
01:37But no matter how many times I reminded them, no one ever remembered that I couldn't have mangoes.
01:42I handed the glass back to mom and quietly stepped back.
01:45I'm not mad. I'll just go to my room.
01:47Just as I turned around, a loud noise came from my living room.
01:51Dad abruptly stood up and slammed his hand on the table.
01:53Why have you been walking around with that sour face ever since you came in?
01:56Your mother already apologized and even gave you your favorite drink.
01:59What's with that attitude?
02:00It looks like we've spoiled you too much.
02:03My heart twisted and even breathing hurt.
02:06Tears blurred my vision, but I still lifted the glass from mom's hand and drank it all in one go.
02:11I then gently set the empty glass down and wiped away my tears.
02:15I calmly looked at dad.
02:17Yvette's the one who likes mangoes.
02:18I am not, I'm allergic to them.
02:20But it doesn't matter.
02:21I already drank it all.
02:22Can I go to my room now?
02:24Sophia!
02:24Why didn't you say something earlier if you were allergic to it?
02:27Who told you to drink it?
02:29You're so stubborn!
02:30Mom panicked and quickly patted my back.
02:32Dad looked embarrassed, but he still harshly replied.
02:35You could have just explained yourself.
02:36You've always had that unlikable attitude.
02:39You're nothing like Vivi.
02:40She knows how to communicate.
02:42Yvette's voice drifted over from the couch.
02:44Dad, don't say that about Sophia.
02:46You'll make her sad.
02:47She sounded gentle, but the smugness in her eyes was impossible to hide.
02:52Yvette had always used my dullness to highlight her perfection.
02:55No matter what it was, she loved comparing herself to me.
02:58She would only be satisfied when she got to trample me.
03:01I should have felt hurt, but my heart only felt numb.
03:04Even when faced with such humiliation, I felt no emotions anymore.
03:08I'm sorry.
03:09It won't happen again.
03:10The moment the words left my mouth, everyone in the room stared at me in shock.
03:18My obedience caught everyone off guard.
03:21After a brief silence, Dad finally said,
03:24That's more like it.
03:25We're family.
03:26There's nothing we can't talk about.
03:28I only say these things for your own good.
03:31Yeah, I know.
03:33I obediently nodded with a numb smile fixed on my face.
03:36Upon seeing that I wasn't upset, they relaxed and returned to the living room with Yvette.
03:40I paused for a moment and continued up the stairs toward my room.
03:43But just as I stepped onto the staircase, someone grabbed my wrist.
03:47Joel had come up beside me without my noticing.
03:49He leaned in close and whispered,
03:52Are you really not angry?
03:54His gentle tone made my eyes sting all over again.
03:57I felt a rush of grievance rise in my chest, but I could only shake my head.
04:02My throat tightened and I couldn't utter a single word.
04:05Joel, however, looked relieved.
04:06I knew you'd be the sensible one.
04:08You never get upset over the little things.
04:10Actually, there's something I wanted to talk to you about.
04:16He turned his head away, avoiding my eyes.
04:20We should postpone the wedding next week.
04:23I promised your sister that I'd take her to see the northern lights at Aurora Bay when she turns 18.
04:28Now that her birthday's over, she won't stop begging me to keep my promise.
04:33So I thought, why not take the whole family along for a trip?
04:37What do you think?
04:40The invitations haven't gone out yet.
04:42It's just a wedding, so pushing it back a few days won't matter.
04:45He said with a faint smile and a hint of affection in his eyes.
04:48After being abandoned 99 times, why would I still expect any love them?
04:53When I didn't respond, Jolie impatiently scrapped his head.
04:56Come on, Seth.
04:57Evelde's never been abroad before.
04:58It's her first time going somewhere that far.
05:00As her family, we should be there for her.
05:02Besides, you've never seen the northern lights either.
05:04Think of it as an early honeymoon.
05:06I didn't answer immediately.
05:07I lifted my head and looked straight at my heart flutter.
05:09Now filled with nothing but entitlement and carelessness.
05:12Joel, do you even remember what I'm allergic to or my favorite color?
05:15The dish I like the most?
05:16The song I hum when I'm happy?
05:18With every question I ask, Joel's gaze splintered away a little more.
05:21He instinctively wanted to say something, but I gently raised man to stop him.
05:24You don't know, do you?
05:25After all these years together, you don't know the first thing about me.
05:28Seth, what's the point of all this?
05:29We're talking about the wedding.
05:31You're right.
05:31There's no point.
05:32You want to take Yevil to see the northern lights?
05:34You want to postpone the wedding and you want me to be understanding and considerate?
05:38Fine.
05:38I've been sensible my whole life, but from now on, I never want to be that person again.
05:44Sure.
05:46What did you say?
05:49I said I agree to cancel the wedding.
05:58He corrected me with a frown on his face.
06:01Cancel?
06:02No one's canceling anything.
06:04I said postpone.
06:05We can't just cancel the wedding.
06:07I lowered my head.
06:08A faint, bitter smile tugged at my lips.
06:11Was there really a difference?
06:13As long as Yvette was around, she would never let our wedding happen.
06:16Joel was still waiting for my answer, but I didn't want to say another word.
06:19I turned and walked toward the stairs.
06:25Seth, wait!
06:26He reached out to grab me.
06:27The moment his fingers touched my wrist, I shook him off.
06:30Don't touch me!
06:31My voice wasn't loud, but it cut through the air like a blade.
06:35Joel froze, a flash of embarrassment crossing his face.
06:38You want to postpone the wedding?
06:40Fine.
06:41Take her to see the northern lights?
06:43Fine.
06:43I said yes to everything.
06:45What else do you need from me?
06:48I just thought you'd be more understanding.
06:55I understand.
06:57Perfectly.
06:57I understand that I will never come first.
07:00Not to you.
07:02Not to anyone in this house.
07:04I looked at him with no anger.
07:06No tears.
07:07Just the calm of someone who had completely let go.
07:09Joel opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
07:12Are you upset because I'm going to Aurora Bay with Joel?
07:14Yvette's voice came from behind me, dripping with false innocence.
07:17I ignored her and kept walking.
07:19Yvette had always been that way.
07:20Even if I did nothing, all she had to do was cry or pout in front of our family,
07:24and everyone would rush to defend her.
07:25Joshua was the first to lose his temper.
07:27That's enough, Seth.
07:28Didn't you hear Vivi talking to you?
07:30One moment you say you're not angry, and at the next you're giving everyone an attitude.
07:34Is this how you treat your family?
07:35I didn't look back.
07:36I kept climbing.
07:37One step, two steps.
07:38My skin began to prinkle.
07:40A tightness spread at the back of my throat.
07:42I needed to get to my room and take my medication.
07:46But Joshua clearly wasn't done with me.
07:49Where do you think you're going?
07:50We're not done talking.
07:54I need my medicine.
07:56The mango juice.
07:58Don't give me that.
07:59You're just trying to get attention, like always.
08:03His hand grabbed my hair and yanked backward.
08:06Pain exploded.
08:08I lost my balance and fell down the stairs.
08:16I fell to the floor, and pain shot through both my knees.
08:21Don't be mad at Sophia, Yvette said, wiping the corners of her eyes.
08:27It's all my fault.
08:28I shouldn't have turned 18 so soon.
08:30If I had waited a little longer, then the trip wouldn't have clashed with her wedding.
08:36I caught the tiny smirk tugging at her lips.
08:39You're being ridiculous.
08:41You can't decide when you grow up.
08:43This happened because she picked the wrong date for her wedding.
08:46It's not because of you.
08:48Joshua snapped.
08:49He stared at me, irritation written all over his face.
08:53You love sulking, right?
08:55Fine.
08:56Stay here and sulk.
08:57Joshua grabbed me and shoved me into the storage room next to the stairs.
09:02I started to panic and fumbled for the handle,
09:04but I heard the click of a lock from the other side before I could reach for it.
09:09He had locked the door.
09:11Stay put.
09:12Joshua coldly said,
09:14you can come out when you've had the time to think about your actions.
09:18No!
09:19Please let me out!
09:20I'm allergic to mangoes!
09:21I need my medication!
09:24I screamed!
09:26But Joshua's voice was already fading as he pushed Yethryn out the main door.
09:31I made a reservation at a seafood restaurant.
09:36It's almost time for our reservation, so we should leave soon, he said.
09:44But Sophia, she'll be fine.
09:47A few hours in there will teach her a lesson.
09:50Joshua replied,
09:52Yeah, she has such a bad temper.
09:56Locking her in there might be a good idea.
09:59I'll bring her some of her favorite shrimp later.
10:02Come on, Joel.
10:04She'll be fine in there for a few hours.
10:07Instantly, terror surged through me.
10:09I pounded on the door with all my strength and screamed,
10:12I'm not mad anymore!
10:13I'll apologize to you, Matt!
10:15I'll do anything!
10:16Just let me out!
10:17I can't breathe!
10:19I'll die if I don't take my medication!
10:23My voice cracked into a shrill plea,
10:25but no one answered.
10:27I crumpled to the floor.
10:30The itching spread from my back to my face.
10:34And soon, my throat began to close as well.
10:38Mom and Dad had seen me drink the mango juice.
10:40They knew I was allergic to it,
10:42but they forgot about me.
10:43They remembered Yvette's favorite seafood restaurant,
10:45but forgot that I had downed a glass of mango juice just five minutes ago.
10:49Desperation pushed me to my feet.
10:51I twisted the doorknob with all my might,
10:53but the door was locked from the outside and wouldn't budge.
10:58I frantically searched my pockets,
11:00but the foam I had been holding onto must have flown somewhere when Joshua had grabbed me.
11:04Soon, the rash spread all over my body.
11:06My face had swollen up from the reaction,
11:08and I could barely see through my eyes.
11:09Not to mention, breathing became difficult too.
11:12If I couldn't escape, I would die in the storage room.
11:14As I searched for something to break the lock,
11:16I finally spotted my phone that had been tossed to the corner.
11:19Overjoyed, I picked it up with trembling hands.
11:27However, neither my parents, my brother, nor Joel answered my calls.
11:40Suddenly, a message from Joshua popped up on the screen.
11:44Don't come to Aurora Bay with us.
11:45You'll make Yvette sad if you do.
11:47Tears spilled from the corners of my swollen eyes.
11:50I should have known better than to expect anything from them.
11:53In the end, I dialed for emergency services.
11:56My fingers trembled so violently that I nearly dropped the phone.
11:59The screen was swam before my eyes.
12:01Blurry, doubled, then blurry again.
12:02I forced myself to focus, pressing the phone against my...
12:05I opened my mouth.
12:07911, what's your emergency?
12:09My throat had swollen nearly shut.
12:14Please!
12:16Storage room!
12:17Can't breathe!
12:20I wasn't even sure if the dispatcher heard me.
12:23Ma'am, I can't understand you.
12:26Are you having a medical emergency?
12:28Can you tell me your address?
12:30I could hear the voice, but it was growing distant, as if someone were slowly turning down
12:35the volume of the world.
12:37The light seeping through the crack under the door dim, or maybe my eyes were failing.
12:44Darkness crept in from the edges of my vision.
12:48I slid down the wall, my body too heavy to hold upright.
12:54The phone slipped from my hand and clattered to the floor.
12:58At the seafood restaurant, Joshua had ordered enough expensive seafood to cover the table.
13:04It made Yvette's mouth water.
13:06There's way too much.
13:07I can't possibly finish all of this, Josh.
13:09Maybe we should cancel an order or two?
13:10It's fine.
13:10We got all the dishes you said you wanted to try.
13:12We can just ask for takeout if we can't finish them.
13:15Yvette's lips curled upward slightly, but she pretended to protest.
13:19Wouldn't letting Sophia eat our leftovers be a little rude?
13:24What's wrong with that?
13:25She's never had any of this before.
13:27At least she can finally get a taste of these dishes thanks to you.
13:29The moment Joshua said that, the table fell silent.
13:32Suddenly, it hit everyone that I really hadn't tasted any of these dishes before.
13:37Despite being five years older than Yvette, they had never once taken me out for a nice meal.
13:42Joshua's the first child and the pride of the family.
13:45My parents had poured all their time and attention into him.
13:48By the time I came along, they were too busy tutoring Joshua and expanding their business to pay much attention
13:53to me.
13:54They had simply left my care to a nanny.
13:56When Yvette arrived, their careers were flourishing.
13:59Every bit of the affection they felt guilty for not giving me went straight to her.
14:03Unaware of the silence around the table, Yvette kept up her innocent act.
14:08Maybe you should order a separate portion for Sophia.
14:11If she finds out she's eating my leftovers, she'll probably get upset again.
14:14Mom hesitated for a moment before saying,
14:17Don't serve the shrimp or the lobster just yet.
14:19We'll have them to go when we leave.
14:20Your sister loves those things, but she hasn't had them in a while.
14:24Yvette froze.
14:25She hadn't expected her performance to backfire.
14:28But mom, I wanted some lobster too.
14:32Vivi, be good.
14:33We already have more than we can eat.
14:35Let those two dishes be for your sister.
14:37I'll bring you back here next time.
14:39Mom said,
14:40Yvette was visibly unhappy.
14:43She had always gotten the first pick of everything,
14:45so she couldn't stand that I was being prioritized now.
14:48But I hadn't had lobster in months.
14:50Why does she get to have it all?
14:52Dad frowned.
14:53Vivi, there's already the king crab and prime beef on the table.
14:57Your mother's only saving the cheapest dish for your sister.
15:01Why are you making a fuss?
15:03Yvette's heart skipped a beat.
15:04She realized she had gone too far and had aroused mom's and dad's suspicion.
15:09I just wanted to save the best for Sophia.
15:11I'll take the cheaper dishes.
15:13She deserves the fancy ones.
15:14That's my good girl.
15:15Don't worry about it.
15:16Sophia doesn't understand much about these things.
15:19You don't need to give in to her.
15:20Exactly.
15:21Sophia can't handle expensive food anyway.
15:23She's allergic to mangoes.
15:24Who knows what seafood might do to her?
15:25Just then, there was a loud clang as the spoon slipped from mom's hand.
15:29But she didn't notice the mess.
15:30Instead, her face went pale as she jumped to her feet.
15:32Didn't Sophia drink mango juice earlier?
15:34Joshua locked her in the storage room.
15:36Will she be okay?
15:37Dad's expression darkened as the realization hit him too.
15:39Meanwhile, Joshua was still confused.
15:41What are you talking about?
15:42What allergy?
15:42He had been on the phone when I drank the mango juice earlier.
15:45He hadn't heard my conversation with mom and dad.
15:48Joel didn't waste another second.
15:49He grabbed the car keys and said,
15:51I'm going back.
15:52She has to be fine.
15:53We'll come with you.
15:55Yvette was in disbelief.
15:56What about dinner?
15:57Where are you guys going?
15:59But no one answered her.
16:00By the time they'd rushed back home,
16:01the front gate of the villa had already been broken open.
16:04Neighbors had gathered outside too,
16:05whispering and pointing towards the house.
16:07As they approached the crowd,
16:08Mrs. Watson next hit his raised her voice over the noise.
16:10The police came about two hours ago and broke your door down.
16:13They carried someone out under a white sheet.
16:17Mrs. Watson's words hit like a thunderbolt.
16:20Mom let out a sharp, broken cry and staggered backward until she hit the garden fence.
16:25Her hands flew to her mouth, but a scream still escaped through her fingers.
16:30Sophia, my baby!
16:31No, no, no!
16:32She clawed at the air as if trying to grab her daughter back from death.
16:36Dad didn't speak.
16:37He just turned and limped toward the house,
16:39his polished shoes slipping on the gravel.
16:41He fell once, got up, and crashed through the broken front door.
16:45Inside, he saw the storage room.
16:46Door splintered, floor scuffed,
16:48an empty syringe wrapper left behind by the paramedics.
16:50He dropped to his knees right there and pressed his forehead to the cold tiles,
16:53his shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
16:55Joel pulled out his phone with trembling hands and dialed Sophia again.
16:58The call went straight to voicemail.
16:59He tried three more times, then threw the phone against the car.
17:02It shattered.
17:02He didn't care.
17:03He slid down the side of the car, buried his face in his hands, and whispered,
17:06I was going to take her sister to see the lights.
17:08I postponed our wedding.
17:09God, I'm a monster!
17:10Behind them, Evelte watched it all.
17:12She bit her lower lip, not to hold back tears, but to suppress a smile.
17:15Then she walked over to Joel, crouched down, and gently placed a hand on his back.
17:18Joel, don't blame yourself.
17:20Sophia would have wanted you to be happy.
17:22Her voice was soft, soothing, and utterly fake.
17:24As she spoke, shut the broken door of the villa and allowed herself one satisfied.
17:28She's really gone.
17:29Mom's eyes rolled back, and she collapsed.
17:32Joshua caught her just in time.
17:34Dad's face went pale as he stumbled into the house.
17:36When he saw the storage room door that had been forced open, he fell to the floor.
17:40My daughter!
17:41Sophia!
17:43Panic flooded Joel's face.
17:44His voice trembled as he said,
17:46No, that can't be.
17:47Stuff was just fine just now.
17:49She has to be fine now, too.
17:51When he finally snapped out of his panicked state, he turned to rush outside, but Yavit stopped him.
17:55Joel, don't go!
17:56Mom fainted!
17:57You have to get her to the hospital!
17:58Joshua was holding Mom upright as he helplessly looked at Joel.
18:01Joel gritted his teeth.
18:03Get her in the car.
18:04We'll go to the hospital and see Soph, too.
18:07By the end of his sentence, his voice was already breaking.
18:11With that, they hurried to the hospital.
18:13The moment they arrived, Mom woke up.
18:16Sophia!
18:17She cried out, tightly grabbing Joshua's hand.
18:19She's fine, right?
18:20She's still in the storage room.
18:22Go let her out already.
18:23Joshua looked away.
18:24He couldn't meet Mom's gaze.
18:26Soph isn't in the storage room anymore.
18:28We're gonna see her now.
18:29Joshua said guiltily,
18:30See her?
18:31What do you mean, see her?
18:32Mom blankly murmured.
18:33When the nurse led them to the morgue up, she nearly fainted again.
18:37The only patient brought in today could not be saved, the nurse said.
18:41Please come in and take a look.
18:42Opening the door with pity in her eyes.
18:44This is your fault!
18:46Why did you lock her in there?
18:48You killed her!
18:49Give me back my daughter!
18:51No, that's impossible.
18:53It was just an allergy.
18:56How could she be dead?
18:58It's my fault!
19:00Why did I make her drink that juice?
19:02Why didn't I remember she was allergic?
19:06In the center of the room stood a single bed covered with a white sheet.
19:08Mom suddenly broke down and pounded on Joshua's chest.
19:11Joshua stumbled back from her blows,
19:13but all he could do was numbly fix his eyes on the body before him.
19:16He was filled with disbelief.
19:18Dad fell to his nose.
19:20He tore at his hair in anguish.
19:21Joel staggered toward the bed.
19:23His hands shook as he tried to lift the sheet, but he failed multiple times.
19:28Everyone was drowning in grief, but only Yoren stared at the body with cold eyes.
19:33Her lips were curled outward.
19:35She was clearly in a good mood.
19:36Now that I was dead, she was probably the happiest of them all.
19:42No one would compete with her for mom's and dad's love anymore.
19:47Everyone, including Joel, would belong to her alone.
19:51Mom, dad, Joshua, Joel, Yvette said with false sympathy.
19:57Sophia wouldn't want to see you like this.
19:59It was just an accident.
20:01None of this is anyone's fault.
20:03Please, don't blame yourselves.
20:05She lowered her gaze, trying her best to hide her smirk.
20:09As she stepped closer to the bed, she turned to Joel with feigned curiosity.
20:13I heard that sudden deaths can distort the face, but Sophia loved looking pretty.
20:18I'm sure she still looks beautiful now.
20:20With that, she eagerly lifted the white sheet.
20:22She wanted to expose me at my ugliest moment so that they would be horrified by how I look.
20:27Don't!
20:28Joel shouted.
20:29He squeezed his eyes shut.
20:30He couldn't bring himself to look at the body.
20:32Just then, Alanda's scream pierced the air.
20:34No!
20:35That's not Sophia!
20:36Joel's eyes flow open.
20:38Beneath the sheet was the body of a man in his 50s or 60s.
20:41What's going on?
20:42If that's not Sophia, then where is she?
20:43Mom and dad hurried forward.
20:45The moment they saw the body, their eyes wowed in.
20:48It's not Sophia!
20:49Thank goodness!
20:50Wait!
20:51Where's Sophia?
20:51Sophia, if she isn't here, where could she have gone?
20:53It's weird on her lips.
20:54She's probably hiding somewhere.
20:56Laugh at us.
20:56She knows how worried everyone gets, so she's pretending to be dead just to see all of you
21:01cry for her!
21:02Dad's face flushed red.
21:04He let out a snort.
21:05Ridiculous!
21:05Sophia's gone too far this time.
21:07Doesn't she know how worried we'd be?
21:09Joshua's and Joel's faces darkened as well.
21:11Their early embarrassment now mixed with a renewed resentment toward me.
21:14Joel immediately pulled out his phone to call me.
21:16When the line wouldn't connect, he tapped the screen in anger.
21:19That's enough, Sophia!
21:20Sophia, do you think this is funny?
21:22How could you place such a cruel prank on us?
21:25You'd better come back and apologize right now or I'll cancel the wedding.
21:29At the same time, Joshua sent me his own the storage room doesn't mean you can take revenge
21:33on me message.
21:34If you have any decency, don't...
21:36Having calmed down from the shock, mom and dad were now more embarrassed than heartbroken
21:40too.
21:41None of them wanted to see me anymore.
21:43Mr. Jones served our family for over 20 years.
21:46He was one of us.
21:47We'll give him a proper burial.
21:49Now they turned their attention fully to our butler, Alfred Jones' funeral.
21:53No one bothered to ask where I went.
21:56Yvette was the only one happy about my disappearance.
22:01Even during the funeral, she couldn't stop humming to herself.
22:08When they got home, she was the first to speak up.
22:11Even though Sophia's gone, we shouldn't break off the engagement with the Graham family.
22:15I'm willing to marry Joel in her place.
22:18She shyly lowered her head, but everyone stared at her in shock.
22:22Vivi, what are you saying?
22:23Your sister's just upset.
22:25Your sister's just upset.
22:26She'll come back sooner or later.
22:28Joel is her fiancé.
22:29Whether or not the engagement goes on has nothing to do with you.
22:32Dad said, disagreeing without hesitation, even Joel looked uncomfortable.
22:37Vivi, I've always thought of him as a sister.
22:40The only woman I love is Sophia.
22:43I could never marry you.
22:45Yvette's face was filled with disbelief.
22:48Why?
22:50You all say you love me more, so why does that bitch always get what's best?
22:55Yvette!
22:57Watch your mouth!
22:58She's your sister!
23:00Mom snapped, her tone harder than Yvette had ever heard before.
23:03She's not my sister!
23:04She's not my sister!
23:06I wish you'd just die!
23:09Yvette screamed and bolted upstairs to her room.
23:12Everyone exchanged glances as they silently stood in the living room.
23:17Then, Mom's eyes fell on the takeout boxes of seafood on the table.
23:21She asked,
23:21Sophia's never had any of this, has she?
23:24They began to realize how little I had mattered in the household.
23:27Mom and Bat always asked about Joshua's grades and checked on Yvette's routines, pampering her in every way.
23:32Yet, they didn't even know what I liked or what I was allergic to.
23:35They didn't even know how my studies were going.
23:37I was like a dispensable presence to them.
23:40And now that I was gone, they'd finally realized how much they'd neglected me.
23:43We can't really blame Sophia for what she did.
23:46If she comes back, I'll forgive her for everything.
23:48By the time the paramedics broke down the door, I had already passed out in the storage room.
23:53Fortunately, they were professionals.
23:56One of them immediately administered an epinephrine shot, dragging me back from the edge of death.
24:01Your throat swelled up due to a severe allergic reaction.
24:03The doctor said as he helped me onto a stretcher.
24:05The swelling's gone down now, but you should still go to the hospital for a full checkup.
24:08Just then, Alfred the butler came running in from the backyard.
24:11The sight of the paramedics crowding the house made him freeze.
24:14What's going on here? How did you get in?
24:16He turned and saw me lying on the stretcher with a swollen face.
24:20Immediately, his breathing stopped, and he clutched his chest before collapsing to the floor.
24:26The doctor was shocked.
24:28Quick! Get him into the ambulance!
24:30After a moment of chaos, the doctor turned to me and said...
24:33Hang on. I'm sorry. That man just went into cardiac arrest.
24:36We have to rush him to the hospital right now.
24:37The ambulance can't fit another patient.
24:39I summoned the last of my strength and said,
24:42Save him first. I'm fine now. I'll go to the hospital later.
24:46I'll transfer you the money, but just make sure he survives.
24:53After the ambulance took Alfred away, I weakly returned to my bedroom.
24:58There was barely anything in there.
25:00There were just a few sets of clothes, an old diary, and a nearly empty bottle of facial cleanser.
25:05There weren't any jewelry or bags in there.
25:08Upon thinking of Yvette's huge walk-in closet and her vanity full of accessories,
25:13I couldn't help but let out a bitter smile.
25:15This closet is perfect.
25:17I had never mattered and mattered in this family.
25:20So, I should leave.
25:21There was no place for me here anymore.
25:23I casually packed my clothes into an old suitcase
25:26and looked at the diary filled with 99 entries of hurt and disappointment.
25:30I didn't take it with me and left it in the corner of the room.
25:35When I was little, I wrote an entry every time I felt ignored.
25:38I had believed that if I were obedient enough,
25:41my parents and brother would one day notice me and love me a little more.
25:44But I was wrong.
25:45No matter how good I was,
25:47no matter how much I tried,
25:48I could never compete with Yvette's slightest frown.
25:50I should have left earlier,
25:51I said to myself,
25:52nodding as I lifted the heavy leather Sokus.
25:55But it's not too late now.
25:56I took the little money I had saved to buy them gifts
25:58and kept it all for myself.
25:59When the plane took off,
26:01all the pain from being left behind
26:02and all the love I'd never received
26:04stayed behind in that house.
26:05After studying vocal music,
26:07I had always dreamed of going to Vendonia to continue my studies,
26:09but I never dared to leave home.
26:11I had saved up some money to buy gifts for my family
26:13and to get Joel an expensive watch,
26:14but I'd never thought of saving even a little for myself.
26:17Now, I would take back all the love I'd given them.
26:19If no one loved me, then I'd love myself.
26:20Vendonia truly was the city of music.
26:23Everything I had dreamed of learning was here.
26:25So, I threw myself into my studies day and night.
26:28When I'd first arrived in this foreign country,
26:30everything had felt strange,
26:31but I filled my time by practicing music,
26:34absorbing knowledge like a sponge.
26:37Even the strictest professor eventually sighed and said,
26:42Relax a little, Sophia.
26:43At this rate, you'll collapse in class.
26:46Don't worry, professor.
26:47I still have plenty of energy.
26:49I replied with a smile.
26:50In one year, I completed all my vocal performance credits.
26:54During my second year, I took up music composition and dance.
26:59By my third year, my mentor invited me to perform at his concert.
27:05Me?
27:07No way!
27:08I've never performed on stage before!
27:10But my mentor simply patted my shoulder and confidently smiled.
27:14Don't underestimate yourself.
27:15He said,
27:16You're my most gifted student.
27:19Your tone is pure and has a rare quality to it.
27:24He looked at me with a deep gaze.
27:26There's also something in your music that tells stories.
27:28Something that moves people to tears.
27:31I don't know what you've been through.
27:33To write songs filled with such sorrow.
27:35But let me tell you,
27:36every bit of suffering you've endured
27:38will become part of the path that leads you to success.
27:41Believe in yourself, Sophia.
27:44Show them what you can do.
27:46You deserve to shine.
27:49Instantly, my tears fell.
27:55So someone really could hear my pain through my music.
27:58They could feel my story just by listening to it.
28:00That was the power of music.
28:02And that was the reason I was willing to dedicate my life to it.
28:07The concert was a huge success.
28:09I performed an original piece of mine
28:11and stunned the audience.
28:12Everyone remembered my distinct tone
28:14and the emotion behind my pieces.
28:17As my mentor had said,
28:19my past didn't break me.
28:21It lifted me higher.
28:22Inspiration flowed endlessly.
28:24My pieces evolved from raging at fate
28:26to forgiving my past
28:28to celebrating life's brief beauty.
28:31I poured my journey into every note,
28:34letting people witness my transformation.
28:37Soon, my name spread everywhere.
28:39They called me the generation's most legendary musician.
28:42My mentor took me on tour.
28:43In my fifth year away from home,
28:45I finally returned to my home.
28:46Performed my new song.
28:49When the last note faded,
28:51the applause didn't stop for a long time.
28:52On my way backstage,
28:54I suddenly saw faces I hadn't seen in five years.
28:57Mom, Dad, Joshua, and Joel.
28:59They all looked emotional.
29:01Sophia, it's really you.
29:03We finally found you.
29:04Mom cried as she stepped forward with trembling hands.
29:07Why did you block all of us?
29:09It's been five years with no word from you.
29:11We thought something had happened to you.
29:12Before I could answer,
29:13Joel rushed towards me.
29:14He looked worn out,
29:15his eyes red and hollow.
29:16He had an air of sadness
29:17I'd never seen in him before.
29:19Sif, are you okay?
29:21I've missed you so much.
29:22His voice was heavy with longing.
29:24Back then,
29:25I might have felt my heart stir.
29:26But now,
29:27I simply stepped back and calmly said,
29:30I told you I was calling off the engagement five years ago.
29:33We're over.
29:35When I boarded the plane back then,
29:37I had blocked them all.
29:39Before blocking Joel specifically,
29:41I'd sent him a breakup message.
29:42That was my way of giving our failed relationship a decent goodbye.
29:47But he clearly didn't see it that way.
29:49His eyes grew redder.
29:50I never agreed to call it off.
29:52We didn't break up.
29:53We were just fighting.
29:54Breakups don't need mutual consent.
29:57And wasn't it better that I'd walked away?
30:00You're free to be with Yvonne now,
30:03I said.
30:04Joel's face tightened.
30:06That's not true.
30:08I've only ever loved you.
30:10Yvonne is just a sister to me.
30:13I nodded.
30:14Right.
30:14And to protect your sister,
30:16you canceled our wedding.
30:17You left me again and again for her.
30:20She's your sister too.
30:21Can't you just be more understanding?
30:23He reflectively said,
30:24But the moment those words left his mouth,
30:26regret flashed across his face.
30:28I stared at Joel until he looked away in guilt.
30:30Only then did I nod and said,
30:32You're right.
30:32I should make room for her.
30:34That's why I decided to give you to her.
30:36Isn't that the perfect outcome?
30:37Joel opened his mouth to respond,
30:38but I waved him off.
30:39My feelings for you faded a long time ago
30:41when you'd repeatedly told me to step aside.
30:42I don't love you anymore,
30:43and I'm done sacrificing myself for you.
30:45No one cherished me,
30:46but I learned to cherish myself.
30:47I didn't spare him another glance
30:49and started walking towards the backstage exit.
30:50But before I could leave,
30:52the others blocked my way.
30:54Joshua looked at me with a conflicted expression.
30:57You've really made something of yourself
30:58over these past few years.
31:00Sophia, we read your diary.
31:02We had no idea you had gone through so much pain.
31:04He said, sighing deeply.
31:06I remember tossing that diary into a corner before I left.
31:10I didn't think they would dig it up and read it.
31:12Dad's voice grew heavy,
31:13like he was carrying the weight of a great misunderstanding
31:16that hadn't been resolved for years.
31:18He explained how they had poured everything into their careers
31:21to give us a better life,
31:23and in the process,
31:24they had neglected me.
31:25Yvette's birth made them feel guilty
31:27about the childhood I had missed,
31:28and to make up for that,
31:30they'd showered her with love.
31:32He said that they had ignored me for so long
31:35that they didn't know how to connect with me anymore.
31:38They had simply forgotten how to love me.
31:41I listened quietly,
31:43offering no response.
31:45Mom's eyes shimmering and whipped.
31:47We were wrong to forget about your allergy that day.
31:50You must have been in so much pain.
31:52She said in a trembling voice,
31:54his tears welled up in her eyes.
31:56You must have felt so awful.
31:58It was all our fault.
31:59Your father and I are sorry, Sophia.
32:02We can make it up to you.
32:05Will you forgive us?
32:06Those were the words I had wanted to hear so badly
32:09when I was a teenager.
32:10Every time they abandoned me,
32:12I dreamed that one day they would finally realize
32:14how much they had hurt me and apologize for it.
32:17But now, it was too late.
32:19I wasn't the little girl who was waiting for them
32:21to love her anymore.
32:22Noticing my silence,
32:23their faces turned even sadder.
32:25Mom and dad wanted to keep talking,
32:27but I had already lost my patience.
32:29All right.
32:30Are you done?
32:31You can leave if you are.
32:32I have another show to prepare for.
32:34Don't waste my time.
32:35I coolly said,
32:36How can you call this a waste of time apologizing to you?
32:39Joshua said, raising his voice.
32:41He couldn't understand why I was so cold to them.
32:44He thought it was just a misunderstanding.
32:46I had once loved them,
32:47so he wondered how I had ended up the way I was now.
32:50Does an apology always have to be accepted?
32:52I flatly asked.
32:54Joshua went silent.
32:55We were standing backstage at the concert hall,
32:57so people were passing by.
32:59Most of them were visitors from abroad
33:01who didn't understand our language,
33:02but they still slowed down to watch the scene unfold.
33:05I'd never liked being a spectacle,
33:07especially now, as a public figure.
33:09I had to be careful with every move I made,
33:11but right then, anger consumed me,
33:13and I let everything I had held inside spill out.
33:15You always said you gave Yavelle the love
33:17that was meant for me,
33:18but why?
33:18I was the one you wronged,
33:20so why was she the one who got all the love?
33:22My eyes stung as memories of being invisible
33:24for years resurfaced.
33:26I thought I had already made peace with it,
33:28but my chest ached just as much as it used to.
33:30You had expectations for Joshua
33:32and affection for Yavelle,
33:33but what about me?
33:34I was just there.
33:36Joshua was your pride,
33:37and Yavelle, your precious darling.
33:39I said, pausing to take a shaky breath.
33:42If you never wanted me,
33:43why did you bring me into this world at all?
33:46My voice softened to a whisper as I said,
33:48I left you.
33:49I'm far away from all of you now.
33:52Isn't it better this way?
33:54By then, Mom's tears were streaming down her face.
33:57Sophia, we were wrong.
33:58We all were.
33:59You're our daughter, too.
34:01Blood ties can't be dissevered just like this.
34:03I'd rather not be your daughter at all.
34:05With that, I turned and walked backstage
34:07without looking back at the family now sobbing behind me.
34:10Maybe my words had cut too deep
34:11because the Nortons never appeared before me again
34:13for a long time after that.
34:15But somehow, my past got dug up.
34:17The incident of me getting locked in that storage room
34:19and the wedding Joel had postponed to take Yavelle
34:21on a vacation became known to my fans.
34:23The people who loved my songs now cried for the girl behind them.
34:26They condemned the heartless Norton family
34:27and my ex-fiancé for betraying me.
34:29A housekeeper who had always pitied me
34:31also spread word that Yvette once said
34:32she'd take my place in marrying Joel
34:34and wanted me to die online.
34:35My fans hit personally,
34:36so they stormed the Norton residence
34:37and pelsled Yavite with rotten vegetables and eggs.
34:40Joel's company was hit hard.
34:41His products were bullcotted
34:43and the company's market value dropped by a billion overnight.
34:46None of them dared to appear before me anymore.
34:48As for Yvette, she was silently sent abroad.
34:51Before leaving, she had sneered.
34:53You think Sophia's the only one with musical talent?
34:56I'm even better than she is!
34:59Just wait until I come back.
35:00I'll make sure the first thing I do is crush her under my feet.
35:03She demanded to study in Vendonia too.
35:04She even went out of her way to find out
35:06what major and courses I had taken back then,
35:07hoping to replicate my path to success.
35:09But Yvette never cared about music.
35:11She refused to take her lessons seriously.
35:12During her three years abroad, she learned nothing.
35:14She partied every night,
35:15drifting from one man to the next.
35:16When she ran out of money,
35:18she resorted to various excuses
35:20to get money from mom and dad.
35:21She even nearly depleted their entire savings.
35:24Joshua sensed something was wrong,
35:26so he flew to Vendonia himself to check on her.
35:29Soon, he uncovered all her lies.
35:31I wouldn't have had to lie!
35:33Aren't I the one you love the most?
35:34Or are you saving all your money for that bitch, Sophia?
35:40Joshua tried to talk some sense into her,
35:43but Eileen grabbed a knife
35:45and stabbed him during the argument.
35:52Joshua survived,
35:53but the injury left him with lasting complications.
35:55His body would never fully recover.
35:58My parents called it a family curse,
35:59and they cut off Yvette completely.
36:02Without money,
36:02Yvette spiraled even further,
36:04and one day,
36:04she simply disappeared.
36:06The shock hit my parents hard.
36:08They had worked all their lives,
36:10only to spend their old age
36:11drowning in worry for their children.
36:14They wanted to visit me,
36:15but I was already a well-known musician
36:17with years of bookings.
36:19They couldn't reach me even if they tried.
36:21As for Joel,
36:22once he realized I would never go back to him,
36:25he fell apart.
36:27He stopped caring about work
36:29and spent his days drinking,
36:31sending me endless messages
36:32trying to win back my love.
36:37But I never read any of them.
36:39I blocked every new number he texted me from.
36:41After my career took off,
36:43I changed my number for good,
36:44severing the last thread
36:45that tied me to the past.
36:47My music would carry my name
36:48to greater heights
36:49and forge me a brilliant future.
36:51Those people no longer deserved
36:52a place in my thoughts.
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