Presidents! Stop Fighting for Me English Dub Short Series

ShadowFrame

Transcript

00:00:04I'd secretly bought a wedding dress, worked up every ounce of courage to propose to him.

00:00:09But as luck would have it, I was a few minutes late to the party that night.

00:00:12I walked in just as he was talking with his friends.

00:00:15I stood by the door, listening to the voices inside.

00:00:18Quinn.

00:00:19He lit a cigarette, grinned lazily.

00:00:21Yeah, I'm over it.

00:00:23Seven years, man.

00:00:24Wouldn't you be?

00:00:26The others laughed along.

00:00:27Fair point.

00:00:28Seven years, even a goddess gets old.

00:00:31Though Quinn's genuinely stunning.

00:00:33That body, too.

00:00:34Remember Ethan's birthday last year?

00:00:36She wore that red dress and every guy in the room couldn't look away.

00:00:40Seriously, Ethan, you used to be so crazy about her.

00:00:43You really done?

00:00:44Ethan's voice was flat.

00:00:45When do I ever say things I don't mean?

00:00:48So, you wouldn't mind if I went after Quinn?

00:00:51He blew out a smoke ring, barely interested.

00:00:53Go for it.

00:00:54As long as you're both fine with it.

00:00:56Dude, have some self-respect!

00:00:58You really want Ethan's leftovers?

00:01:00More laughter.

00:01:01I didn't go into that room that night.

00:01:02I texted him some excuse about a headache and went home.

00:01:05Ethan didn't ask a single question, just hung up.

00:01:08Whatever was left of my will to stay, it died that night.

00:01:39He said he's разных people.

00:01:41I think it was safe.

00:01:41We're three hours, since we saw it.

00:01:41He said he was gonna dance in there.

00:01:41Oh, I was hunger that night waiting to do two times.

00:01:42If he walks in there, he still hasiami.

00:01:44And then I saw a few times they've she's got fans.

00:01:49He says it, you know how about it?

00:01:50The the story goes bald.

00:01:57See?ruct

00:01:58corsetassen.

00:01:58.

00:02:28.

00:02:58.

00:03:00.

00:03:05.

00:03:07.

00:03:19Two days later, everyone in their circle was talking.

00:03:22Ethan was chasing some sophomore, performing arts school.

00:03:25Young, soft, naive.

00:03:26He always pursued others in a grand fashion, just like he did with me back then,

00:03:31showering them with flowers, fancy cars, and jewelry.

00:03:34The girl couldn't resist his advances at all.

00:03:36They soon got together.

00:03:37At a friend's dinner, Ethan walked right in with her on his arm.

00:03:40The room went quiet the moment he stepped through the door.

00:03:43A few of my closer girlfriends shot me worried looks.

00:03:45I smiled.

00:03:46Why'd everyone go quiet?

00:03:47What are you all staring at?

00:03:49Ethan settled the girl into a seat and finally looked at me.

00:03:51Quinn.

00:03:53Perfect timing.

00:03:54Let's just say it plainly.

00:03:55Sure.

00:03:56Go ahead.

00:03:57Mia's young.

00:03:58She's genuine.

00:03:59I actually like her.

00:04:00I don't want to do her wrong.

00:04:01I gripped my hands together.

00:04:02The ring on my finger pressed into the flesh.

00:04:04Deep and sharp.

00:04:05But I couldn't feel a thing.

00:04:07He stroked the girl's hair.

00:04:08She deserves love real.

00:04:09I nodded lightly.

00:04:10I understand.

00:04:11We can still be friends.

00:04:13Anything you need, just say the word.

00:04:15That's okay.

00:04:15I smiled.

00:04:17Stood up.

00:04:17If it's over, let's make it clean.

00:04:19No point confusing anyone.

00:04:20Ethan raised an eyebrow.

00:04:21Slightly surprised.

00:04:23Fair enough.

00:04:24You all enjoy the dinner.

00:04:25I'll head out.

00:04:27Want the driver to take you?

00:04:28No.

00:04:28I'll grab a ride.

00:04:29I walked out and pulled the door shut behind me.

00:04:31Through the gap, I heard someone ask.

00:04:33How long do you give her this time?

00:04:35Two days.

00:04:37She seemed actually upset this time.

00:04:40I'll say a week.

00:04:40Ethan laughed cold.

00:04:42Three days.

00:04:43She'll be crying back to me before then.

00:04:46Every single time.

00:04:48Getting tired of watching it.

00:04:49Yeah, because Quinn's obsessed with you.

00:04:51Everyone knows how far gone she is.

00:04:53I smiled bitterly to myself, clutched my bag tighter, and walked fast toward the elevator.

00:05:12When the room comes in, she gets her to come.

00:05:16Each side of the clock goes.

00:05:16I cried terus.RETANNAL

00:05:20dear, no? It's okay.ое

00:05:21for the way she's

00:05:21not going now a seat in it. With it a long time.

00:05:24She goes up and town terribly

00:05:25for you. She gets home now as soon

00:05:25as she simultaneahi to come when she divides and masties. Israel, who tries to consume

00:05:30separate note, doesn't she start with pistols? Have been the ranking for the

00:05:30winter? ZERO. ZERO.

00:05:30At this point,

00:05:32And there's a bit good Monroe. You

00:05:38for those three days.

00:05:40.

00:06:16.

00:06:30Back at the apartment, I went to the back of the closet and lifted down the dress.

00:06:34I'd waited half a year for it.

00:06:36A custom order. No returns.

00:06:38Such a shame.

00:06:39I'd never get to wear it.

00:06:41I found a pair of scissors and cut it apart.

00:06:43It had no business being here anyway.

00:06:45Before I left, I took off the ring and set it on the coffee table.

00:06:48I didn't take much. My personal things.

00:06:51Everything else I left behind.

00:06:52I thought about it, then wrote him a note.

00:06:54The apartment and everything in it.

00:06:56Do whatever you want with it. Don't ask me.

00:06:58I booked the earliest flight to Miami.

00:07:00My best friend had moved there earlier that year.

00:07:02She dragged me out for shopping and afternoon coffee.

00:07:04That evening, there was a small get-together.

00:07:06Old classmates. Old friends.

00:07:08Midway through the drinks, the door swung open.

00:07:10A few of the girls immediately lit up.

00:07:12Lucas? Since when do you show up to things like this?

00:07:15Seriously, what brings you out tonight?

00:07:18Had a meeting next door. Heard there was a reunion. Figured I'd drop by.

00:07:22Lucas said this, never taking his eyes off me.

00:07:24My best friend pinched my arm.

00:07:26Quinn. He came for you.

00:07:28I looked at him through slightly unfocused eyes.

00:07:30Taller than Ethan by an inch or two.

00:07:32Black overcoat. Dark suit underneath.

00:07:35Sharp features. A great build.

00:07:37Legs that went on forever.

00:07:38I squinted at him for a moment, then shook my head.

00:07:41No way. We haven't talked in years.

00:07:43She wasn't listening. She called out to him directly.

00:07:46Lucas! Could you do me a favor and drive Quinn home later?

00:07:50We've all been drinking, and I don't trust her in a taxi.

00:07:52I looked up at Lucas, startled.

00:07:54His eyes traveled across the room and settled on my face.

00:07:57Then I saw him nod.

00:07:59Sure.

00:08:00My best friend sat back down, leaned close to my ear.

00:08:03Quinn. After seven years with one man, it's time to move on and embrace a new life.

00:08:07Even Ethan has done it.

00:08:10Why can't you start a second chapter of your own?

00:08:13Besides, a man like Lucas?

00:08:15If you don't take your shot, it's practically a crime.

00:08:18What makes you think he'd even want to?

00:08:20Babe, the way he looked at you?

00:08:22Trust me. I've been through 18 of them.

00:08:24I know what I'm talking about.

00:08:45Lucas drove me back to the hotel.

00:08:47When we pulled up downstairs, I unclipped my seatbelt.

00:08:51Thanks for the ride.

00:08:52Lucas glanced over at me.

00:08:53Don't mention it.

00:08:54I pushed the door open.

00:08:55Before I could think, I'd already spoken.

00:08:57Wanna come up for a drink?

00:08:58He helped me walk toward the hotel.

00:09:00Lucas kissed me in the elevator.

00:09:02I was already tipsy, and he was demanding.

00:09:04Relentless.

00:09:05I nearly blacked out just from the kiss.

00:09:07There's a camera.

00:09:08I gasped, cheeks burning, legs so weak I had to hold onto his waist just to stay upright.

00:09:14Lucas glanced at the lens, turned me, shifted the angle, and kissed me again.

00:09:18When the door swiped open, he stopped and looked at me.

00:09:20Quinn, if you regret this, I'll still back off.

00:09:23Regret what?

00:09:24I tilted my face up at him, fingers looping around his tie, pulling him closer.

00:09:28You kissed my lips halfway to swollen.

00:09:30A little late to talk about backing off.

00:09:33Lucas laughed then.

00:09:34He reached out and brushed his thumb across my lower lip.

00:09:36And don't go blaming me later.

00:09:39Our first night together, Lucas didn't even make it to the bedroom.

00:09:42He pinned me against the wall, and it was rough enough to hurt a little.

00:09:45I bit down on his shoulder in protest.

00:09:46Lucas, what is wrong with you?

00:09:49Ever heard of being gentle?

00:09:50His warm hands pressed against my back.

00:09:52Then he was breathing against my neck.

00:09:54Quinn, I'm not sure I can hold back.

00:10:17I can hold back.

00:10:25You just got a little ruptured on a inside.

00:10:25I've been telling you.

00:10:26I could do the right and say, no, you can quit.

00:10:26You can do it yourself.

00:10:26You're a little rain thing out of me.

00:10:26I cannot do it myself.

00:10:36I'm not sure I'm looking for some of your hands on my knees.

00:10:36Everybody's coming to do something else.

00:10:46You

00:10:57Five minutes later, I understood what he meant. He carried me to the bedroom. I buried my face in the

00:11:03pillow laughing

00:11:04Lucas, how long has it been for you? He gave me a look

00:11:08A while. Work's been everything lately. I stared at him, the laughter fading. A moment later, tears came out of

00:11:15nowhere

00:11:15I'm sorry. I shouldn't have...

00:11:18Quinn, don't. He fumbled to wipe my face, but the tears wouldn't stop. I shouldn't have dragged you into this

00:11:24But you already did. He leaned down, cupped my face in his hands, steady, almost serious. Quinn, since you started

00:11:31this

00:11:33You don't get to stop halfway.

00:12:03One of your emotions came out of nowhere.

00:12:03Either way pleaseяв, I got raised thinking back I saw something a little bit

00:12:09I saw you before. Iüş

00:12:09You just did not feel overwhelmed with it.ie

00:12:19He checked back on me.

00:12:32Key coeur

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00:14:23Serena of House Stavas.

00:14:25You are kind.

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00:14:27.

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00:14:29.

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00:14:36.

00:14:37.

00:15:07Day 7 in Miami.

00:15:09A friend from back home, Jamie, sent me a text.

00:15:11Quinn, when are you coming back?

00:15:13No plans to, for now. We all miss you.

00:15:15Ryan's birthday is in a few days.

00:15:17Come celebrate. Tell him I'm sorry.

00:15:19I'll mail a gift.

00:15:20Alright, take care of yourself.

00:15:21Back in the city, Jamie handed the phone to Ethan.

00:15:24Look, maybe you should call her.

00:15:25She'll listen to you.

00:15:26Ethan stared coldly at the screen.

00:15:28Then he stubbed out his cigarette and stood.

00:15:30She can rot out there for all I care.

00:15:32Ethan, don't be angry.

00:15:34She's just hurting.

00:15:35She even took the ring off this time.

00:15:37It's really crushed.

00:15:37And honestly, it's your fault for pushing it so far with that girl.

00:15:40We already broke up!

00:15:41What more does she want?

00:15:42Ethan snapped, voice rising.

00:15:44Listen up.

00:15:45Nobody contacts her!

00:15:47Not for anything!

00:15:48Okay, okay, we won't.

00:15:49Calm down.

00:15:50You just got out of the hospital two days ago.

00:15:53Your stomach.

00:15:54She was around and your stomach never acted up.

00:15:56She leaves for five days and you do this to yourself.

00:15:59With every word from his friends, Ethan's expression went darker.

00:16:02Eventually, he grabbed his jacket and walked out, slamming the door.

00:16:05He hit the street.

00:16:06Cold air rushed in.

00:16:07The anger still burned in his chest.

00:16:09Seven days.

00:16:10No calls.

00:16:11No texts.

00:16:12Not even one.

00:16:13He pulled out his phone.

00:16:14Blocked her number.

00:16:22Lucas called just as I typed the last line and hit send.

00:16:25I've been writing columns for magazines since college.

00:16:28It turned out to be enough to make a living.

00:16:30Freelance life.

00:16:31Laptop.

00:16:32Good Wi-Fi.

00:16:33And I could work from anywhere.

00:16:34So when it ended, I had no reason to stay in the city internet.

00:16:39Quinn, what do you want for dinner?

00:16:40His voice came through clearly.

00:16:41After an afternoon of work, something in me settled.

00:16:44I'm exhausted.

00:16:45You pick.

00:16:47How about steak?

00:16:49I know a place with a really good steak.

00:16:51You'll love it.

00:16:51I always like my steak rare.

00:16:53But Ethan used to say watching me eat it turned his stomach, so I stopped.

00:16:56Though I vaguely remembered Lucas preferring lighter food.

00:16:59Lucas, you don't have to do this for me.

00:17:01I'm not picky anymore.

00:17:02I actually want it too.

00:17:04Remember in college?

00:17:05There was that little joint near campus.

00:17:07The steak were amazing.

00:17:08Hearing him say that made me hungry for it too.

00:17:10That place was genuinely good.

00:17:12I ate there for four years and never got tired of it.

00:17:15Okay.

00:17:15Steak then.

00:17:17I'll come get you now.

00:17:18Sure.

00:17:21Lucas took me to a place that'd been in Miami for years.

00:17:24Old and a little cramped, but always packed.

00:17:27And Lucas in his tailored suit, sitting in that grimy booth, was a completely ridiculous visual.

00:17:32I watched him carefully wipe down my chair with a napkin.

00:17:34For someone like him, these small domestic gestures came surprisingly naturally.

00:17:39Lucas, your ex did a great job with you.

00:17:42I couldn't help saying it.

00:17:43In the beginning, when Ethan was still chasing me, I felt it.

00:17:47Being cared for.

00:17:48Being someone's priority.

00:17:49Then we moved in together the year after graduation.

00:17:52A little over a year.

00:17:53And I became the household.

00:17:55Managing his diet, his rest, his schedule.

00:17:58Like a wife before the wedding.

00:17:59But I understand now what I didn't then.

00:18:01I lost myself loving him.

00:18:03Forgot that you have to love yourself first.

00:18:05No wonder the love wore out.

00:18:07Lucas glanced up from tending the pot.

00:18:09Where'd you hear I had an ex?

00:18:17I paused.

00:18:18The girl who was always around you in college?

00:18:19Weren't you two childhood friends?

00:18:21You mean Sophie?

00:18:22He laughed once.

00:18:23We grew up together, yeah.

00:18:25But we never dated.

00:18:26I never felt that way about her.

00:18:28She was more like a little sister.

00:18:30So you haven't been with anyone all these years?

00:18:31Went on a few setups.

00:18:33It wasn't right, so...

00:18:35It ended.

00:18:36And after that?

00:18:37I looked down, thinking about that first night.

00:18:40Suddenly, it made complete sense.

00:18:41Quinn, I'll do better next time.

00:18:44His comment came out of nowhere.

00:18:45I blinked.

00:18:46Better at what?

00:18:47He turned his face away, cleared his throat quietly.

00:18:49His ears were deeply flushed.

00:18:51You'll see later.

00:18:52He kept his word.

00:18:53After dinner, back at the hotel.

00:18:55Once he'd carried me out of the bathroom and onto the bed.

00:18:57I finally understood what he'd meant.

00:18:59By then, I was completely undone.

00:19:02Lucas...

00:19:02I tried to glare at him, but my eyes were misted over.

00:19:04Which only made me look more helpless.

00:19:06His name in my mouth came out soft.

00:19:08Nowhere near as angry as I wanted.

00:19:10Lucas bowed his head and kissed me softly.

00:19:12Quinn, is this okay?

00:19:13I shook my head.

00:19:14Refused to answer.

00:19:15He didn't push.

00:19:16Just kept kissing me.

00:19:17Over and over.

00:19:18Patient and unhurried.

00:19:19I couldn't hold out.

00:19:21Tears were leaking from the corners of my eyes.

00:19:23Lucas...

00:19:23My nails pressed into his lower back.

00:19:25And there was a sound in my voice I couldn't quite control.

00:19:28Quinn, tell me now.

00:19:30Is this okay?

00:19:31Lucas's own eyes had gone red.

00:19:33Arms taut.

00:19:34Sweat falling in drops.

00:19:35I gave in.

00:19:36Voice small and wrecked.

00:19:37Yes.

00:19:38Yes, it is.

00:19:39As my last thought drifted away,

00:19:41Lucas put his lips to my ear and whispered very low.

00:19:43Quinn, if this is good, then promise you'll never leave me.

00:19:48Okay?

00:20:13Now the other woman was dead.

00:20:13Quick question.

00:20:13I said, my voice is lunged.

00:20:13Is that aimana?

00:20:14I mean, I'm like the thing this we go as an engine hack?

00:20:14Oh yes.

00:20:20Lin blah?

00:20:22I粉 això.

00:20:26I think I have no idea.

00:20:26Uh, the new belief is re- atrás.

00:20:32Are you ready when we actually don't work?

00:20:32.

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00:25:20The gift I'd sent from Miami made it to his party.

00:25:22Ethan sat on the couch, smoking,

00:25:24the bottle in front of him mostly empty.

00:25:26The gift had been chosen by Lucas and me together,

00:25:28a vintage pair of cufflinks from a high-end label Ryan loved.

00:25:31These are beautiful.

00:25:32Ryan laughed a little stiffly, reading Ethan's expression,

00:25:34and quickly had his girlfriend put them away.

00:25:36Let me see.

00:25:37Ethan spoke without warning.

00:25:39Ryan froze, but handed the box over without a word.

00:25:41Ethan stared at the pair of cufflinks.

00:25:43The brand's logo was discreet, almost invisible,

00:25:45but Ethan stared at it for a long moment.

00:25:47Put them away.

00:25:48He closed the box and pushed it aside.

00:25:50Ryan exhaled with relief and reached for it.

00:25:52Ethan snatched the empty bottle from the table

00:25:54and smashed it against the coffee table.

00:25:55Glass scattered.

00:25:56A long gash opened across the back of his hand.

00:25:59The room erupted.

00:26:00What happened?

00:26:01Why did you...

00:26:01That's a bad cut.

00:26:02It won't stop bleeding.

00:26:03Hospital...

00:26:04Ethan stood there, motionless, face dark, still as stone.

00:26:07Quinn never bought anything from that label.

00:26:09His voice was low and frayed.

00:26:11Ryan smiled quickly.

00:26:12So what?

00:26:12Quinn probably just picked something at random.

00:26:14Not like your birthday.

00:26:15She'd been planning your gift for six months.

00:26:19Exactly.

00:26:19You know what she means to you.

00:26:21None of us combined are worth a tenth of what she feels for you.

00:26:23Ethan laughed sharply.

00:26:25Feels for me.

00:26:26The noise in the room bled away, one degree at a time.

00:26:29Ethan, should I call Quinn?

00:26:31We need to deal with that cut first.

00:26:32Ryan suddenly worked up the nerve,

00:26:34picked up his phone,

00:26:35and photographed Ethan's torn up hand,

00:26:37then sent it to Quinn on the spot.

00:26:39Ethan didn't stop him.

00:27:06The room went still, about ten seconds passed.

00:27:09Then Ryan's phone rang.

00:27:10See?

00:27:11I knew she loved you more than anything.

00:27:14Look, Ethan, it's Quinn!

00:27:15The others noticed it too.

00:27:16The tension in Ethan's face had eased, just slightly.

00:27:19You want to take it?

00:27:20Ryan held out the phone.

00:27:21Ethan didn't look at it.

00:27:22He turned away.

00:27:23I'll get it, I'll get it.

00:27:24Ryan said eagerly, putting it on speaker.

00:27:26When Quinn's voice came through,

00:27:27Ethan's jaw locked.

00:27:28Ryan, are you okay?

00:27:30Are you hurt?

00:27:30It's not me, it's Ethan's hand.

00:27:32You have no idea how bad it is!

00:27:33Blood everywhere!

00:27:34He won't stop!

00:27:35Ryan rambled on.

00:27:36The other end went quiet.

00:27:37Quinn, are you there?

00:27:38Maybe, maybe you should come back.

00:27:40Ethan won't go to the hospital.

00:27:41He can't just keep bleeding like this.

00:27:42Ryan.

00:27:43Her voice was still soft, still the same.

00:27:45Yeah?

00:27:45Yeah, I'm here.

00:27:46Go on.

00:27:46Ryan signaled frantically to Ethan.

00:27:48Don't tell me about him anymore.

00:27:50Ryan's smile collapsed.

00:27:51Quinn?

00:27:52And happy birthday, Ryan.

00:27:53Wait, Quinn!

00:27:54Don't hang up!

00:27:55The line went dead.

00:27:56Ryan stood there, holding the phone like it had burned him.

00:27:58He wanted to slap himself.

00:27:59What was he thinking?

00:28:01Getting involved.

00:28:01Now look at the mess.

00:28:02Silence.

00:28:03Ethan looked around at everyone and smiled lightly.

00:28:05You all go mute?

00:28:06No one dared speak.

00:28:07He smiled again.

00:28:08What, nobody's got anything to say?

00:28:09Ethan, don't get worked up.

00:28:10The cut's bleeding more.

00:28:11Ethan, you know how Quinn is.

00:28:13From the corner, where she'd been sitting quietly through everything,

00:28:15Vera finally spoke.

00:28:16I've wanted to say this for a long time.

00:28:18What you did was cruel.

00:28:20Quinn's a woman.

00:28:21Women have pride.

00:28:22Even if you stopped loving her, you could have ended it cleanly.

00:28:24Who says I wanted it to end cleanly?

00:28:26Ethan smiled, sharp and cold.

00:28:28She gave me seven years.

00:28:30Seven years?

00:28:31You think that's nothing to me?

00:28:33Vera smiled very quietly.

00:28:34But did you ever stop to think?

00:28:36A girl only has so many seven years.

00:28:39What if Quinn never comes back?

00:28:41Impossible!

00:28:42No one caught it, but there was the faintest tremor at the end of that word.

00:28:45What's impossible in this world?

00:28:46Once the heart's been hurt badly enough, can you really warm it back up?

00:28:50Ethan, stop doing things you'll regret.

00:28:53Vera said nothing more.

00:28:54She picked up her bag and walked out.

00:28:56Across the room, Daniel watched her leave.

00:28:58His own wife of two years.

00:28:59His expression unreadable.

00:29:00Was she pitying Quinn?

00:29:02Defending her?

00:29:02Or was she talking about herself?

00:29:04Aren't you gonna go after her?

00:29:05Daniel curved his lips, lit a cigarette.

00:29:07She's not my wife tonight.

00:29:09My wife is on set.

00:29:10She's out of the production next month.

00:29:12You're gonna wreck yourself.

00:29:13His friend sighed.

00:29:14Daniel didn't respond.

00:29:16Vera and Quinn were different.

00:29:17Quinn had no family draining her.

00:29:19Earned her own money.

00:29:20A breakup just meant a softer lifestyle for a while.

00:29:22But Vera had her family's debt behind her.

00:29:24And a brother bedridden at home.

00:29:26She couldn't leave him.

00:29:27She wouldn't dare.

00:29:28No matter how many chances she had.

00:29:52iente Mountainhir生.

00:29:57A boyfriend.

00:30:10A woman.

00:30:11A wife.

00:30:12A wife.

00:30:12A man.

00:30:13A wife.

00:30:13A husband.

00:30:13A wife.

00:30:13A perseverance.

00:30:13A man.

00:30:13A wife.

00:30:14A wife.

00:30:16A wife.

00:30:17A wife.

00:30:22Aument.

00:30:22.

00:30:52.

00:31:22.

00:31:52.

00:32:22.

00:33:17I just ended the call when Lucas wrapped his arms around me from behind.

00:33:20He rested his chin on the side of my neck and said nothing.

00:33:22I laughed softly.

00:33:24What?

00:33:24Quinn, are you going back?

00:33:26Back where?

00:33:27Back home.

00:33:28Not right now.

00:33:30Eventually, maybe.

00:33:31It's not like I did anything I need to run from.

00:33:34My family's there.

00:33:35My apartment's there.

00:33:36I'm not staying away forever.

00:33:38Lucas went quiet again.

00:33:45I caught up.

00:33:46Are you asking if I'm gonna get back together with Ethan?

00:33:48Are you?

00:33:48If I say absolutely not, do you believe me?

00:33:52He lowered his eyes, that sharp nose brushing the side of my face.

00:33:55I want to.

00:33:56Lucas, I have a face and a spine.

00:33:58Do you still have feelings for him?

00:33:59I thought about it honestly.

00:34:00If I said there's nothing left, that wouldn't be true.

00:34:03It's been a long time.

00:34:05Lucas bit down on my shoulder, lightly.

00:34:07Don't say anymore, Quinn.

00:34:08Let me finish.

00:34:10But to say I still miss him, or that I can't let go, that's not right either.

00:34:14I touched his face gently.

00:34:15Leaving him didn't destroy me.

00:34:18So maybe I stopped loving him a long time ago.

00:34:20Maybe the moment he started coasting on this relationship, I'd already started preparing for the end.

00:34:25I won't.

00:34:25Won't what?

00:34:26I won't get distracted, won't play around, won't make you cry or hurt you.

00:34:30He held me tighter and tighter, and then he kissed me.

00:34:33Quinn, be with me for real.

00:34:40But I didn't kiss him back.

00:34:41In the end, I gently pushed him away.

00:34:43Lucas, I'm sorry.

00:34:46Why are you sorry?

00:34:47He looked down at me, his eyes faintly red.

00:34:49It's my issue.

00:34:51I looked away.

00:34:52I don't want to be in a relationship right now.

00:34:53Then what have we been doing?

00:34:55Lucas gripped my shoulders, voice unsteady.

00:34:57Quinn, what am I to you?

00:34:59I squeezed my hands tight and breathed.

00:35:01Think of it as two people getting what they need.

00:35:05If you want, we can keep things as they are.

00:35:07If you meet someone you actually want, you can end this whenever.

00:35:09Getting what they need, like I'm a tool for you?

00:35:13You can see it that way.

00:35:14I wouldn't look at him, afraid I'd cry if I did.

00:35:17Lucas, I'm truly sorry.

00:35:18If this arrangement makes you uncomfortable, I'll leave Miami right away.

00:35:22I swear I'll never bother you again.

00:35:25Quinn.

00:35:26His eyes burned red.

00:35:27He let go, stepped back slowly.

00:35:29Something in his expression was broken, even as he tried to smile.

00:35:32Quinn, you can't do this to me.

00:35:35Lucas.

00:35:36He turned, picked up his coat, and walked toward the door.

00:35:38I took one step after him, then stopped.

00:35:41He made it all the way to the door, hand on the knob.

00:35:43And then he turned and looked back at me, even managed a reassuring smile.

00:35:47Sorry, I just need a little time alone.

00:35:48I nodded.

00:35:49Go ahead, I won't bother you.

00:35:51Quinn, give me some time.

00:35:53I'll get back to you.

00:35:54He left.

00:35:55I sank slowly onto the couch.

00:35:57All the energy gone from my body.

00:35:58I felt something I couldn't name.

00:36:00It hurt in a way that wasn't pain, exactly.

00:36:02But I knew, clearly, that I couldn't do it.

00:36:04Couldn't throw myself into love again.

00:36:06Not like that.

00:36:06Not without walls.

00:36:07Not a new beginning.

00:36:08I was scared.

00:36:09Scared it would end the same way.

00:36:11Two people watching each other with contempt.

00:36:13The warmth gone cold.

00:36:14The cold gone freezing.

00:36:15I didn't want to go around again.

00:36:16I just shouldn't have gotten Lucas involved.

00:36:18If I'd known from the start that he had feelings for me, I never would have let him drive me

00:36:22home that night.

00:36:53Thank you so much.

00:37:14Thank you so much.

00:37:14105?

00:37:17Mental health care with me.

00:37:17The closure of God Hall, bookings P eden and San

00:37:18.

00:37:52It was past 3 a.m. when Lucas drove back to Quinn's motel.

00:37:55He got out of the car but didn't go in.

00:37:57He leaned against the door and lit a cigarette.

00:37:59Countless windows glowing above him.

00:38:00He couldn't tell which one was hers.

00:38:02But knowing she was there.

00:38:03Knowing she was in the same city as him.

00:38:05Knowing that if he'd walk through those doors, in 10 minutes he'd see her.

00:38:08That was enough.

00:38:09Something like contentment.

00:38:10It hadn't taken him two days to figure it out.

00:38:12Quietly, he'd talked himself down.

00:38:14Quinn had just come out of something long and damaging.

00:38:16Not wanting to dive back into a relationship made complete sense.

00:38:19Being disappointed in men, in love, in the idea of marriage, made even more sense.

00:38:23Maybe he'd pushed too hard.

00:38:24He shouldn't have cornered her like that.

00:38:26If keeping things loose made her feel lighter, easier, he didn't need a label.

00:38:29What's worse than wanting someone and never having them?

00:38:31Maybe a year and a half ago, when he found out Quinn had moved in with him.

00:38:34That was when he genuinely decided to let go.

00:38:37So he'd tried the setups.

00:38:38Tried to meet someone new.

00:38:39Tried to move forward.

00:38:40Couldn't do it.

00:38:41Recognized that quickly.

00:38:42Cut it off.

00:38:42After that, no matter how much pressure he had from his family,

00:38:45he never went back down that road.

00:38:46If Quinn hadn't left Ethan and come to Miami,

00:38:48if she hadn't invited him up that night,

00:38:50he probably would have stayed alone his whole life.

00:38:52Lucas stubbed out the cigarette.

00:38:53His eyes went still and settled.

00:38:55But Quinn did come to Miami.

00:38:56And she did ask him up.

00:38:57If the girl he'd loved for years came to him and he let her slip away anyway,

00:39:01then Lucas Shaw, you don't deserve the happiness you want.

00:39:20I'll see you next time.

00:39:21She was coming up.

00:39:21.

00:39:51.

00:40:43The night before I was set to leave Miami, I went out for drinks with my best friend.

00:40:46So, how's things with Lucas?

00:40:48She looked me over.

00:40:49Look at you.

00:40:50That glow.

00:40:51Your skin's been absolutely luminous all week.

00:40:54He's been good for you.

00:40:56I should stop.

00:40:57I don't want a relationship.

00:40:58I don't want to get married.

00:40:59Quinn, why are you punishing yourself for someone else's mistakes?

00:41:02And it's not fair to Lucas either.

00:41:03The saying goes, one person plants the tree, another enjoys the shade.

00:41:06Fine.

00:41:07But that doesn't mean the person who planted the tree gets to leave a storm behind for the

00:41:09next one.

00:41:10Ethan was terrible.

00:41:11But Lucas is a good man.

00:41:12One worth something real.

00:41:13Why should Ethan's garbage keep you from giving Lucas a real chance?

00:41:17It's not that I'm biased against him.

00:41:19I just haven't gotten over the damage yet.

00:41:21You haven't gotten over the damage.

00:41:23Babe, Ethan spent seven years running you down and you don't even know it.

00:41:27You think you're not worth being loved?

00:41:28I stared at her.

00:41:29Was she right?

00:41:30The exhaustion of the back and forth.

00:41:31The constant anxiety.

00:41:33The feeling of never being enough.

00:41:34Never being secure.

00:41:35So now my guard was up against everyone.

00:41:37Against the whole world.

00:41:38Convinced that no one would ever love me without conditions.

00:41:41But why shouldn't I deserve that?

00:41:42The ones who waste your love.

00:41:43Let them choke on it.

00:41:44The ones who love honestly.

00:41:45The universe opens a window for them.

00:41:47Babe, do you know how incredible you are?

00:41:49My best friend pulled me in.

00:41:50Swayed gently.

00:41:51You're gorgeous.

00:41:52You have an amazing body.

00:41:53You were making your own money since sophomore year.

00:41:56Paid your own rent and practically kept me fed too.

00:41:58You're talented and driven and kind.

00:42:01If I were a man, I'd fight anyone to marry you.

00:42:03You deserve to be loved, Quinn.

00:42:05Genuinely loved by the right person.

00:42:08Not ground down and wasted on someone like Ethan.

00:42:10Trust me on this.

00:42:12He will regret it.

00:42:13For the rest of his life, he won't be able to shake losing you.

00:42:15Now, call Lucas and cancel your flight home.

00:42:18Don't think I don't know you already rebooked it.

00:42:20My eyes were getting hot.

00:42:21But what if Lucas and I end up in the same place?

00:42:24What if it ends the same way?

00:42:25It won't.

00:42:26How do you know?

00:42:26Because a man with that kind of self-control who's never settled for less

00:42:29will not be stupid enough to throw away the girl he actually chose.

00:42:32He's not Ethan.

00:42:33I shook my head.

00:42:34He wasn't.

00:42:35He really wasn't.

00:42:35So, call him.

00:42:36You have no idea how happy it'll make him.

00:43:06I thought Lucas would be happy.

00:43:08I didn't think a man in his late 20s running a company could be that happy over a phone

00:43:12call.

00:43:12Like a kid on Christmas morning, my best friend beamed at me.

00:43:15Quinn, happy?

00:43:16I nodded slowly.

00:43:17I think, yeah.

00:43:18I think, yeah.

00:43:19Really happy.

00:43:19See?

00:43:20You're happy.

00:43:21Lucas is happier.

00:43:23What else is there to figure out?

00:43:24Then she laughed.

00:43:25Honestly?

00:43:26I just keep thinking about how miserable Ethan's going to be.

00:43:29That alone puts me in a great mood.

00:43:31Who knows?

00:43:32He's probably already moved on.

00:43:33I smiled faintly.

00:43:34Let's stop talking about him.

00:43:36In that moment, I could say it with no weight at all.

00:43:38Like he was just a name.

00:43:40Someone with no claim on me anymore.

00:43:41Lucas' car pulled up downstairs just as I stepped out of the bar.

00:43:44He stood in the night air with his arms open.

00:43:47I stopped and looked at him.

00:43:48Honestly, he was striking.

00:43:49Every feature exactly what I'd want.

00:43:51Men can like whoever they want.

00:43:53Overlap if they choose.

00:43:54The world hardly blinks.

00:43:55So why can't I, after a real ending, start something new?

00:43:58I walked toward him.

00:43:59He walked toward me.

00:44:00People moved around us.

00:44:02We kissed like no one was watching.

00:44:03His heart was pounding so fast.

00:44:05I reached up and touched the back of his neck.

00:44:07Burning hot.

00:44:08He was still warm when I pressed my forehead to his.

00:44:10Slightly breathless.

00:44:11Voice low.

00:44:12Quinn, do I have a fever?

00:44:14Maybe.

00:44:15Too much touching and this happens?

00:44:17I laughed and kissed under his chin.

00:44:19Maybe more of this and you'll be cured?

00:44:22His ears went redder.

00:44:23He cupped my face, eyes open and searching.

00:44:25Quinn, what am I to you right now?

00:44:27I teased him.

00:44:28What do you think?

00:44:30A hugger or a boyfriend?

00:44:31He asked, then immediately shook his head, pressing his face into my neck.

00:44:34Never mind, I don't want to know right now.

00:44:35I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him closer.

00:44:38You sure you don't want to know?

00:44:39Boyfriend.

00:45:05I'm going to watch this.

00:45:22I don't want to know right now.

00:45:23.

00:46:07Ethan's car stopped at the mouth of an alley.

00:46:09He got out and walked into the narrow street on foot.

00:46:11At the end of it lived an old tailor.

00:46:13His family had been in the trade for generations.

00:46:15Old world craft.

00:46:16Long retired.

00:46:17No longer taking clients.

00:46:18But Ethan had ways of getting to him.

00:46:20Quinn's shredded wedding dress had been brought here two weeks ago.

00:46:22Today it was nearly finished.

00:46:24He walked and thought.

00:46:25Ryan had been right.

00:46:26Every girl dreams of wearing a dress and marrying the person she loves.

00:46:29Seven years together and he'd never once thought about proposing.

00:46:31He'd never imagined Quinn would have thought about proposing to him.

00:46:34He'd been a wreck these past weeks.

00:46:36He knew it.

00:46:36But the other women had never meant anything.

00:46:38A moment's impulse.

00:46:39Nothing more.

00:46:40Even Mia, the one who'd actually triggered Quinn walking out.

00:46:42She lasted three days before he was already over it.

00:46:45He kept thinking about Quinn.

00:46:46Seven years had made him lazy, complacent.

00:46:48He'd taken it all for granted.

00:46:49But some people are like the air.

00:46:51You don't notice until they're gone.

00:46:52Since Quinn left, he couldn't focus on anything.

00:46:54He'd be with his friends and she'd be in the back of his mind the whole time.

00:46:57Especially when he drank.

00:46:58If Quinn were there, she'd fake scold him and try to slow him down.

00:47:00And if she couldn't stop him, she'd be up at 3am making soup.

00:47:03Letting him put his head in her lap.

00:47:05Rubbing his temples with her hands.

00:47:06Her fingers were soft.

00:47:07The little complaints she'd mutter.

00:47:08The way she'd fuss over him.

00:47:10It had annoyed him back then.

00:47:11Now he'd give anything to hear it again.

00:47:12This time when Quinn came home, he'd propose.

00:47:14He'd always known how much she wanted to marry him.

00:47:16Give her that and she'd feel safe.

00:47:18She'd forgive him.

00:47:19She would.

00:47:25She'd give her that and she'd give her that and she'd give her that and she'd give her that and

00:47:27she'd give her that and she'd give her that and she'd give her that and she'd give her that and

00:47:28she'd give her that and she'd give her that and she'd give her that and she'd give her that and

00:47:30she'd give her that and she'd give her that and she'd give her that and she'd give her that and

00:47:30she'd give her that

00:47:51.

00:48:21.

00:48:51.

00:49:21.

00:49:51.

00:49:59The old man's work was remarkable.

00:50:01The dress looked almost exactly as it had before.

00:50:04Ethan paid him and was heading out when his phone rang.

00:50:06His pulse spiked slightly until he saw Ryan's name on the screen.

00:50:09His heart slowed back down.

00:50:10Ethan, there's something I need to tell you.

00:50:12I wanted to think it over first.

00:50:13Go ahead.

00:50:14Just don't freak out, okay?

00:50:16It's probably just rumors.

00:50:17It could be nothing at all.

00:50:19What is it?

00:50:20It's about Quinn.

00:50:21Actually, forget it.

00:50:22I'm probably 80% sure it's someone making stuff up.

00:50:24Ryan, since when do you talk like this?

00:50:26What happened to Quinn?

00:50:27Did she come back?

00:50:29Ethan.

00:50:29Ryan suddenly felt sick.

00:50:30Of all the rumors that could have gotten out, why did it have to be Lucas Shaw?

00:50:33Ethan had been at each other's throats with Lucas for years.

00:50:36Two years ago, they'd gone head-to-head over a major contract.

00:50:39Ethan's company lost.

00:50:40First time he'd ever tasted defeat.

00:50:41It had poisoned what was already a tense relationship into something close to hatred.

00:50:44I said, don't freak out.

00:50:46This is all secondhand.

00:50:47There's no confirmation.

00:50:48Someone spotted Quinn in Miami.

00:50:49Ethan's grip on the phone tightened.

00:50:51His voice stayed controlled, barely.

00:50:53So she's in Miami.

00:50:54So what?

00:50:54She was with Lucas Shaw.

00:50:56Could just be dinner.

00:50:57Probably nothing.

00:50:58Got it.

00:50:58Ethan.

00:50:58Nothing else?

00:50:59I'm hanging up.

00:51:00The call cut off.

00:51:01Ethan stood in the narrow street, shopping bag in hand.

00:51:03The bag holding the dress Quinn had bought.

00:51:05He walked, step by step, through the cold of early winter,

00:51:08all the way to the mouth of the alley, back to his car.

00:51:10He stopped.

00:51:11A quiet smile crossed his face, slow, faint, laced with something sharp and bitter.

00:51:15And then, without hesitation, he dropped the elegant shopping bag into the trash can at the curb.

00:51:52So what's going on in the street?

00:52:15The LIKEusted cream.

00:52:15.

00:52:45.

00:53:15.

00:53:45.

00:54:16.

00:54:17.

00:54:20.

00:54:23.

00:54:24.

00:54:31.

00:54:32The second month after Quinn left, Ethan sent her a text.

00:54:34It went through, no response.

00:54:36The message read,

00:54:37Thinking about selling the apartment.

00:54:38What do you want to do with your clothes?

00:54:39Maybe he forgot she'd left a note saying to deal with everything herself.

00:54:42Dispose of it all however he liked.

00:54:44Or maybe it was intentional.

00:54:45An excuse to reach out.

00:54:46Maybe Ethan told himself he was giving her a way back in.

00:54:49She was smart.

00:54:50She'd know to take the out.

00:54:51His temper looked bad but he wasn't that hard to deal with.

00:54:53Quinn never replied.

00:54:54The apartment didn't sell.

00:54:55Her clothes and everything else stayed exactly as they were.

00:54:58Like she'd never left.

00:54:59Ethan came back late nights after going out.

00:55:01Lay down in her bed.

00:55:02Stared at the ceiling until almost dawn.

00:55:03The third month after she left.

00:55:05Same as always.

00:55:06Late and still.

00:55:07When the clock hands crept toward midnight, Ethan dialed her number.

00:55:21The second month after Quinn left.

00:55:27Quinn had been careful.

00:55:28Quiet.

00:55:28A good girl in the old fashioned sense.

00:55:30Her family was ordinary but comfortable.

00:55:32Her parents adored her.

00:55:33And because she'd been beautiful since she was young, they'd kept a close eye on her.

00:55:36It wasn't until the fall after graduation that Quinn moved in with Ethan.

00:55:39He still remembered that night.

00:55:40She'd been shaking from head to toe.

00:55:42Her skin flushed everywhere.

00:55:43A deep, burning pink.

00:55:44She was breathtaking.

00:55:45Fragile beneath him in a way that made his chest ache.

00:55:48When it was over, she cried for a long time.

00:55:50Over and over she said,

00:55:51Ethan, you're not allowed to hurt me.

00:55:53Not now.

00:55:54Not ever.

00:55:55You have to be good to me.

00:55:56You have to marry me.

00:55:58Ethan, we're gonna be together forever.

00:56:00Right?

00:56:01The girl who'd believed all of that.

00:56:02Who'd trusted with her whole self that she'd end up with the man she loved.

00:56:05He'd lost her a long time ago.

00:56:07Long enough that he couldn't even recall.

00:56:08The last time they'd said goodbye, what had her face looked like?

00:56:11Did she smile and nod?

00:56:12Or did her eyes go red?

00:56:13The phone rang for a while.

00:56:14He'd almost given up.

00:56:15Then it connected.

00:56:16In that moment, what he wanted to say was,

00:56:18Quinn, come home.

00:56:19But what came out of his mouth was,

00:56:21Quinn, you've made your point.

00:56:22Come home.

00:56:23His pathetic, idiotic words were cut off by a man's low laugh.

00:56:27That laugh landed like cold concrete.

00:56:29Ethan went rigid.

00:56:29Like he'd been encased in ice and couldn't move.

00:56:31Ethan, you snooze, you lose.

00:56:34Can't let a girl stew overnight or someone else steps in.

00:56:38Lucas Shaw?

00:56:40Ethan said the name through clenched teeth.

00:56:41Blood rushing into his eyes.

00:56:43It's me.

00:56:44Put Quinn on!

00:56:45Now!

00:56:46His eyes looked flooded.

00:56:47He gripped the phone, voice shaking low.

00:56:50Lucas, if you took advantage of-

00:56:52She could come to the phone.

00:56:53Lucas lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss to his girl's temple.

00:56:56Quinn's lashes were still wet.

00:56:57Her mouth in a small pout.

00:56:59Eyes closed.

00:56:59But everything on her face said one thing.

00:57:01I was hurt.

00:57:02His chest clenched.

00:57:03He kissed the corner of her eye.

00:57:04Drew away the tear that sat there.

00:57:06She's asleep, upset with me.

00:57:07I have to kiss her awake first.

00:57:09Lucas!

00:57:10Ethan's voice went dead silent.

00:57:11Lucas ended the call, turned off his phone.

00:57:13He brought his lips down to Quinn's, softly.

00:57:15Hey.

00:57:16Wake up.

00:57:29So when I saw Ethan you looked, Ethan is wrong.

00:57:45Overhead!

00:57:55I thought about what it would be like to see Ethan again.

00:57:57He came from money and he knew it.

00:57:59Pride��is!

00:57:59ran deep in him we'd ended things without a scene if we ever crossed paths he'd probably look right

00:58:04through me or we'd exchange a polite meaningless smile my family was in the city we had mutual

00:58:08friends it wasn't realistic to think we'd never be in the same room again but i never expected that

00:58:12never expected to see him come undone like that the day it happened i'd slept well and woken up

00:58:17in a good mood i was wearing a new blush pink cashmere dress makeup done feeling like myself

00:58:21again warm and whole like a ripe peach in september i had my hand tucked at lucas's arm we were

00:58:26laughing about something as we pushed through the revolving door and there was ethan stepping out

00:58:29of a car i stopped my feet stopped with me lucas's warm fingers closed around mine ethan's shirt was

00:58:34wrinkled no tie the exhaustion on his face was plain his brow heavy the whites of his eyes shot through

00:58:39with red people moved past us on both sides a fountain not far off played something cheerful

00:58:43the whole moment felt like a slow motion shot from a movie except i wasn't watching i was in it

00:58:48ethan

00:58:48looked more undone than i'd ever seen him lucas moved instinctively stepping slightly in front of me but

00:58:53ethan's expression was perfectly calm he said my name the way he used to back when things were good

00:58:57soft warm quinn i stood there and didn't move the music from the fountain kept playing and yet

00:59:03something in me ached quietly i didn't quite know why maybe for the girl who'd overheard those words

00:59:07that night maybe for the girl who'd gotten a breakup handed to her without warning maybe most of all for

00:59:12the girl who'd loved foolishly for seven years and let go in seven days quinn i came to bring you

00:59:17home he hadn't looked at lucas once his eyes were on my face and they were soft in a way

00:59:21i'd almost

00:59:21forgotten i couldn't even remember the last time he'd looked at me like that before we fell apart

00:59:25he stopped about a meter in front of me quinn come home we get married we do it right this

00:59:31time he

00:59:32meant every word he was so serious i almost let myself believe that the ethan who'd said he was

00:59:36giving another girl something real had been a figment of my imagination but it was too late ethan a broken

00:59:41heart doesn't reassemble itself and the new one that had grown up from the wreckage it already belonged

00:59:45to someone else

01:00:02you

01:00:25.

01:00:55.

01:01:25.

01:01:55.

01:02:25.

01:02:55.

01:03:25.

01:03:56.

01:03:57.

01:04:00.

01:04:23I shook my head gently.

01:04:25Ethan, please go.

01:04:27Quinn, I never touched Mia.

01:04:29Three days and I ended it.

01:04:31The dress you bought, I had it repaired.

01:04:33And our rings, I kept them both.

01:04:36Quinn, I had a custom ring made.

01:04:38I mean this-

01:04:39His eyes were getting redder.

01:04:40His voice had the faintest tremor.

01:04:42He held out a small velvet box, held it out to me like an offering.

01:04:45Everything in his face was careful, hoping, terrified.

01:04:48Looking at him, I couldn't pretend it didn't hurt at all.

01:04:51But it was only that, just a little hurt.

01:04:53Ethan, I have a boyfriend.

01:04:55I tightened my hand around Lucas's

01:04:57and stepped out from behind him to stand beside him, shoulder to shoulder.

01:05:00The color drained out of Ethan's face in an instant.

01:05:02His gaze dropped slowly and stopped, on our intertwined fingers,

01:05:06the matching bands on our ring fingers, just like it had been with us once.

01:05:09Quinn, are you serious?

01:05:12I took a breath, turned to look at Lucas and nodded.

01:05:14Yes, completely serious.

01:05:16Ethan laughed softly, just once.

01:05:18You think he's serious about you?

01:05:20You think you know how much of this is real?

01:05:22Two years ago, he fought me tooth and nail over a deal.

01:05:25And now he's going after you.

01:05:26Quinn, don't you think there's something in that?

01:05:28Some other motive?

01:05:29Can he honestly say he's pursuing you with absolutely nothing to prove to me?

01:05:32Quinn, you've always been too trusting.

01:05:34All men are the same in the end.

01:05:36You were with me for seven years.

01:05:37You know how much happened between us.

01:05:39You think Lucas won't care?

01:05:40You think it won't matter to him in the end?

01:05:42You think he's actually gonna stay?

01:05:43That you'll get your happy ending with him?

01:05:44Aren't you afraid that being with him just leads you to another seven years,

01:05:47exactly like this one?

01:05:52I shook my head gently.

01:05:54Ethan, please go.

01:05:56Quinn, I never touched Mia.

01:05:58Three days and I ended it.

01:06:00The dress you bought, I had it repaired.

01:06:07The fountain music stopped.

01:06:08Ethan stopped.

01:06:09A silence settled over me.

01:06:10Then came the smallest sound, like something very fine and thin, quietly breaking.

01:06:15And after that sound, relief, lightness.

01:06:17Whatever last piece of grief I'd been carrying was gone.

01:06:20Nothing left to lose now.

01:06:21It's just such a waste, I thought.

01:06:23Why does living always come with things you regret?

01:06:25Before today, I didn't regret loving Ethan.

01:06:27Good or bad, it was mine.

01:06:28It happened.

01:06:29But in this moment, I couldn't help grieving it.

01:06:31Seven years and I'd never seen clearly.

01:06:33Ethan, at his core, had never really looked at me.

01:06:35Not the way I deserved to be seen.

01:06:37Lucas pulled me into his arms, his eyes full of something pained.

01:06:40I was a little pale, but I smiled and shook my head.

01:06:42I'm okay.

01:06:43Come on, wait by the car.

01:06:44I've got this.

01:06:45I want to be here with you.

01:06:46I held his hand and wouldn't let go.

01:06:48Lucas looked at me for a long moment, then bowed his head and kissed me hard.

01:06:51Quinn, everything I've ever done, I've done with a clear conscience.

01:06:54No regrets.

01:06:56But right now, right now I genuinely regret not taking you from him when I had the chance.

01:07:01What gives you the right?

01:07:02Ethan cut in.

01:07:02Going after someone when they're at their lowest?

01:07:04What kind of man does that make you, Lucas?

01:07:06Ethan, you didn't deserve a single year of what Quinn gave you.

01:07:09Not one.

01:07:10Maybe those words finally broke something in Ethan.

01:07:12He lost control in a way he never had before.

01:07:14Words he'd never have said otherwise.

01:07:16Oh yeah?

01:07:17And you, Lucas?

01:07:18You go after a woman who spent seven years with me.

01:07:22What right do you have to stand there and lecture me?

01:07:24Tell me the truth.

01:07:25Do you actually love Quinn?

01:07:27Or do you love the idea of having something that was mine?

01:07:38Lucas put his fist through Ethan's face.

01:07:40Ethan wasn't one to absorb him.

01:07:41He came back swimming.

01:07:42They went at each other until both of them were marked up, split, and bruised.

01:07:46Security rushed over, finally managed to get between them.

01:07:48The two men stood there breathing hard, still glaring at each other, not giving an inch.

01:07:53Can we stop now?

01:07:54I was furious and scared, and my voice broke a little.

01:07:57Quinn.

01:07:57Ethan's face was cold.

01:07:58You saw it. Lucas threw the first punch. I'm not letting this go.

01:08:03Yes, he did. Mr. Harlow, I'll have him apologize to you. Whatever you want to do next, we'll cooperate.

01:08:09Quinn, he said it first!

01:08:10Lucas started immediately. I pressed my hand lightly over his, then turned back, calm.

01:08:14Mr. Harlow, I'll apologize on his behalf.

01:08:17You're defending him? Just like that?

01:08:19Ethan stepped toward me slowly.

01:08:20He hit me, Quinn.

01:08:21What would you like us to do about it?

01:08:23Quinn, I'm hurt.

01:08:24He gestured at his face.

01:08:25You can see this, right? This really hurts.

01:08:28I looked at it.

01:08:29We'll call you an ambulance. We'll cover everything.

01:08:32You know that's not what I want.

01:08:33He reached for my arm. I stepped back.

01:08:35Quinn!

01:08:35Everything Ethan had been holding up cracked all at once. The way he looked at me, loss,

01:08:39bare and unguarded. But my chest was still and quiet, genuinely still. Lucas made a sharp sound.

01:08:44Quinn, am I going to be scarred?

01:08:46I turned fast. His lip was split. His eye was swelling. His jaw had blood on it,

01:08:50and it looked worse than it was. I reached into my bag for a tissue and started cleaning it.

01:08:53Ow. Quinn, gently, gently.

01:08:55He winced and grimaced dramatically.

01:08:57Serves you right, I said quietly, but I was careful.

01:09:00You're going to need stitches.

01:09:01Then come with me. I pass out around needles.

01:09:04I gave him a look, but I nodded. Lucas immediately pulled me into a hug.

01:09:07And I need you to kiss it. Right here. It's killing me.

01:09:10I rose slowly on my toes and pressed my lips, gently, right to the wound.

01:09:37Ethan didn't say anything more. The late son stretched his shadow long and quiet behind him.

01:09:41Maybe it was the moment Quinn dabbed at Lucas' face. Maybe it was the moment she kissed him there,

01:09:46softly. That was when Ethan finally understood it. Quinn did not love him anymore.

01:09:50What Vera had asked that night had turned out to be true. Quinn was not coming back to him.

01:09:54He'd thought he was the one who could walk away from seven years easily.

01:09:56He'd thought he was the one who'd always held the upper hand.

01:09:59He'd thought he was always going to come out ahead.

01:10:01But standing here now, he understood. The one who couldn't let go was him.

01:10:04Quinn had been the string that held the kite to the sky.

01:10:06The string snapped, and the kite lost its way.

01:10:08It was never going to find home again.

01:10:17And in the middle of the Lindsay, they were the one who's 12 drunk.

01:10:18He was the one who'd always held the kite to the kite, and the dead man,

01:10:23And when he was 13 drunk, the kite's son,

01:10:28he was the one who'd always held the kite to the kite,

01:10:34and the youth of the kite.

01:10:34He'd thought he'd thought he'd hardly make the kite.

01:10:34He's the one who'd always hold the kite to the kite.

01:10:34And he did not want him to do anything.

01:10:54I watched Ethan turn and walk back to his car.

01:10:56I watched that solitary figure disappear.

01:10:58The sun at dusk slid below the horizon all at once.

01:11:01The sky shifted to a pale, soft blue.

01:11:03His car pulled away and got smaller.

01:11:05I felt like I could see it.

01:11:06All seven years, from 17 to 24, rushing away with that car.

01:11:10Gone.

01:11:10From this day on, I knew.

01:11:12His name would be like any ordinary name in the world.

01:11:14I wouldn't try to forget it.

01:11:16I just wouldn't think of it on my own.

01:11:17Quinn.

01:11:18Lucas wrapped me in his arms quietly.

01:11:20I turned and looked up at him, smiling lightly.

01:11:22Let's go.

01:11:23Hospital.

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