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She Wore My Life. I Make Her Wear the Fate She Took Back - Short Drama Full HD 1080p #ASR
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Short filmTranscript
00:00childhood. You are ugly. The housekeeper's daughter crushed me my entire childhood.
00:05You are ugly. Designer clothes are wasted on a girl like you. Your parents travel constantly
00:13because they can't stand to look at you. I believed her. I spent my past life shrinking,
00:19never wearing anything nice, never telling anyone who I was. Meanwhile, Chloe Miller wore the clothes
00:24my parents sent me. She spent my allowance. She led the whole school against me. The night before my
00:31last SET, she slipped sleeping pills into my milk. I missed the exam. When I finally woke, it was
00:38already afternoon. I ran. I took out the phone trying to call my boyfriend Jason, but Chloe picked
00:44up the phone and- Gosh, you taste tense. I throw only you. Bill Miller hit me with the Rolls
00:52-Royce in
00:52the middle of the room. When I woke up again, I realized I have come back. Anyone who runs their
00:59mouth at me this time gets that mouth torn apart. Avery, Chloe's bored. Bark like a dog. Now.
01:08Barking isn't enough. Crawl two. The humiliation was so loud. Hurry up. I'm already hitting record.
01:14Unreal. I could barely process it. Then a familiar, sugary, sweet voice cut through. Avery, this wasn't
01:20my idea. Everyone just wants a little show. Jason, the boy who took my first time, now hugged
01:27Chloe in his arms with a devilish smile on his face. Come on, don't be a buzzkill. Yeah.
01:33You don't want to make people hate you more, right? I stared at Chloe Miller's pretty face.
01:38Then it hit me. I was back in junior year. Rage detonated behind my eyes.
01:48I stared at Chloe Miller's pretty face. Then it hit me. I was back in junior year. Rage detonated
01:54behind my eyes. My parents were always traveling when I was little. The company kept them overseas
02:02almost every month. So they hired a full-time live-in housekeeper. That housekeeper was Chloe
02:08Miller's mother, Mrs. Miller. At first, Mrs. Miller was kind. Until she figured out I had no one
02:14watching over me. Then she made herself the lady of the house. She moved Chloe in to enjoy the same
02:20life I had. She even gave her husband a job as our chauffeur. The three of them were a crazy
02:27little
02:27family. I became the extra. Your parents stayed away because you embarrassed them. You're too ugly
02:33and too dumb to be the heir of a billionaire. I bought every word. Your liability. I spent my past
02:43life hiding, never revealing who I was, never dressing like I belonged to my own family. Meanwhile, Chloe
02:50wore the designer clothes and jewelry my parents shipped to me. She spent my card. She played rich girl in
02:56front of the whole school. On top of that, she orchestrated every act of bullying against me.
03:01The night before the SAT slipped sleeping pills into my milk. So I'd miss the exam. But I didn't
03:07expect to hear my boyfriend Jason doing her over the phone. I was the only one who ever talked to
03:11me
03:11in school. Nor that I was standing in the middle of the world. My future is ruined. My life gone.
03:18Given a second chance, I will watch Chloe Miller fall into hell. One step at a time. I walked straight
03:25up
03:25to her. Cracked my knuckles. Grabbed a fistful of her hair and slapped her across the face.
03:37Her response hit the hallway. My stare must have been something. Because not one of her usual puppies
03:43stepped forward to stop me. When her cheek finally swelled up like a bruise, I lowered my hand and smiled
03:50at the circle of onlookers. Getting me to bark was a big ask. But I hate killing the mood. So
03:56I'll give you
03:57all a different show. Watch me slap a snake. Avery Sterling, you hit Chloe? Do you know who her father
04:02is?
04:02He's the richest man in the city. Check the obituaries this week. Start writing your own. Keep your pathetic
04:09pride. It's just barking. Why the drama? Avery, you have crossed the line. Apologize to Chloe right now.
04:16Jason grabbed me by the collar. Someone I must have snitched. Jason. The teacher appeared. Chloe
04:22pointed at me, barely able to speak through her swollen face. That's her. She did this. Punish her.
04:28The teacher looked at Chloe's face and inhaled sharply. Avery Sterling, I cannot believe you would
04:33attack sweet, kind Chloe for no reason. This is completely unacceptable. Call your parents right now.
04:41We are discussing compensation. If you can't pay, you will face legal consequences. Call your parents
04:47right now. Perfect. I'll call them now. I have a few things to catch them up on anyway. Chloe went
04:55white.
04:55Her entire family's comfortable life depended on my parents. And none of them had actual talent. If
05:01they fell out of favor, they would never find another job that paid this well. She lunged forward
05:05and played it gracious. We're all classmates. No reason to make this ugly. And honestly, Avery's
05:11family doesn't have much money. I'm sure she can't afford damages anyway. I forgive her.
05:19Put the phone away, Avery. No need to bother your parents. The teacher practically melted.
05:25Chloe, you are too good for this world. Your kindness is your only weakness. The class piled on up.
05:34You're literally a princess, Chloe. We will protect you always. Avery, drop to your knees and thank
05:40her. I laughed cold and quiet. Then I pocketed the phone like they asked. Chloe exhaled. Her whole
05:47body softened. She had no idea she was being played. Every move I made now pulled her on a
05:53string. Did you think this was over, Chloe? This is only the opening move. After school,
06:02I stood by the gate. Usually I would go to take the subway while Chloe got into my family's
06:07fancy car driven by her dad. But today I waited just like her. As I caught the sight of Roll's
06:13voice in the distance, I was to walk toward it when I heard footsteps drawing near. Avery.
06:17I didn't turn around immediately. I already knew the voice. Jason, with his usual arrogant
06:28smile. I looked at him once, then kept walking. Can you slow down for a second? I just want
06:34to talk. So talk. Look, what happened today was a lot. Chloe's still upset, and the teacher,
06:40the whole class, you've made enemies out of everyone in one morning. Are you here to give
06:43me advice, Jason, or to deliver a message? I'm here because I'm worried about you.
06:48He laughed a little stiff. I turned and looked at him the way you look at something that used
06:52to fool you and doesn't anymore. He was wearing a new watch, not his usual brand. Patek Philippe,
06:58rose gold. The kind that cost more than most people's first car. I knew that watch. I'd seen
07:03it in the delivery slip that came to my house three months ago. A gift from my father's business
07:08partner, addressed to me. I'd gone to look for it and found it was gone. Now I knew where
07:13it had gone. Nice watch. He looked down. A beat too long. Birthday gift. From who?
07:22A friend. I smiled pleasantly. Beautiful. My dad actually has the same one. Exact same model.
07:27Funny coincidence. I know. Avery, I'm serious. Chloe's dad has connections. Bill Miller knows
07:33people. If you keep pushing... Bill what? He stopped. Jason, you took my first time. I trusted
07:40you more than anyone. And the whole time, you were with her. I'm not angry anymore. That's
07:46the honest truth. I just need you to understand one thing. What? You're not a friend. You're
07:50not an ex. You're not someone who gets to warn me about anything. You are a loose end.
07:56Avery. Go back to Chloe. Tell her whatever you want. But I'd keep that watch somewhere safe
08:01if I were you. It would be a shame if someone traced where it came from.
08:05Just then, I watched Chloe glide into a Rolls. Royce under a shower of envious stares. The
08:10driver was her biological father, Bill Miller. My parents bought that car to drive me to
08:14school. Somehow it became Chloe's private ride. She had a luxury car for every errand and a
08:20crowd of admirers cheering her on. I woke up an hour early every morning to take the subway.
08:25Toaday was no different until I stepped directly in front of the Rolls.
08:31Bill Miller slammed the brakes so hard the car rocked. He was out in seconds, finger in
08:36my face. Are you insane? You want to die? Do it somewhere else. Don't hold up Chloe's
08:41ride. My parents bought this car for me. When exactly did it become Chloe Miller's personal
08:45vehicle? Keeper's daughter really deserve a Ross? And the servants' quarters, do you call that
08:55home? Chloe hadn't seen it coming. Avery, I know you're jealous of the car, but you can't slander me
09:02in public like this. The face drained, but she recovered fast, flipping to the victim script.
09:07It was a weak excuse. The crowd believed it anyway. Suddenly, I was the villain. Avery
09:13Stierling is delusional. If that's her car, I'll eat the pavement. Chloe's wardrobe alone costs more
09:18than a sugar makes. Use your brain. I only know you as poor. I didn't know you were a liar,
09:22too.
09:23You see? Even the truth sounds insane coming out of your mouth.
09:27I looked down at her, then I laughed. You think I stopped the car to expose you?
09:31No. I stopped it to tell you I found a buyer. This car is sold. I never use it anyway.
09:36I'd rather
09:36have the cash. Bill, I'll text you an address. Drop it off there.
09:40The truth was I needed that car gone. Every time I saw it, I saw myself getting hit. The crowd
09:46went feral. Did she just say she's selling Chloe's car for pocket money? A Rolls Royce
09:51for pocket money? Big talk. Let's see if that car is still there tomorrow. Can't wait for the
09:55embarrassment. Chloe's too nice. I'd have already knocked Avery flat. Who do you think you are?
10:00Nobody is touching that car without my say-off. I dare any buyer to try. Back off, Avery. Sell that
10:06car and you're done at the school. Some people forget their staff. They stay comfortable so long
10:11they start acting like owners. I dialed my dad and held out the phone to Bill Miller.
10:16My dad already approved the sale. If you have problems, take them up with him.
10:23Bill Miller had no nerve to argue with my father. He went from loudmouth to nodding lapdog the
10:28second the call connected. When he hung up, all the color was gone from his face. He muttered
10:33something under his breath. Chloe finally understood I wasn't bluffing. Panic cracked through her
10:38expression. She reached for my hand and pressed out a smile. Avery, we can work something out.
10:44You hate the subway. At least let my dad give you a ride when he picks me up. I pulled
10:48my hand away
10:49like she was something unclean. Who exactly do you think you are negotiating with me? We are employer
10:55and employee. You do what I say. Where is all this extra commentary coming from? I walked away without
11:00looking back. I didn't take the subway home that day. I went to eat first. A long, good meal. Mrs.
11:06Miller only
11:06cooked for her own family anyway. Going home meant going hungry. By the time I got back,
11:12it was dark. I stepped inside and found Chloe sobbing into her mother's chest. Mrs. Miller looked
11:18up at me, face full of fury. Avery Sterling, you have the nerve to come back here?
11:26Why did you hit my daughter today? Why did you humiliate her in front of the whole school over
11:31some car? If you can't give me a good reason, you sleep on the street tonight. She said it like
11:36she
11:36owned the place. She seemed to have forgotten she was the housekeeper. Mom, she's just jealous.
11:41She's always been jealous of me. Destroy her. No wonder your parents can't stand being home.
11:47If I had a daughter as rotten as you, I'd send her back.
11:53Since your parents can't handle you, I'll do it for them.
11:56Something ignited inside me. In my past life, those words broke me. I believed them. I thought
12:02my parents hated me. I was too scared to even call them. This life, I refuse to break. And
12:07anyone who talks that filth gets hit. Before Mrs. Miller's hand could connect, I tackled her
12:12to the ground and sat on top of her and slapped her until the palm went in.
12:18Chloe and Bill Miller froze in shock. Half of them moved to intervene.
12:22Get off my mom! Hang on, I'm coming!
12:27Turned and looked at them with one flat, absolute stare. Try it. If I get even one scratch, I tell
12:33my
12:33parents everything you've done. Termination will be the least of your problems. My stare must have
12:38landed because Chloe and Bill Miller both stumbled backward and exchanged a look. Honey, why'd you go
12:44provoke her? We live under that roof. Just take it. Chloe stared at the floor, too guilty to look up.
12:51With no
12:51one stopping me. Who gave you the right to discipline me? You eat my family's food. You sleep under my
12:57family's roof. And you think you'd run this house? You had one inch of kindness and decided you were
13:04the master? Chloe and Bill Miller seethed but said nothing. They were terrified of the call I could
13:10make. When I was done, I walked into Chloe's room and threw everything onto the floor.
13:16My Chanel cushion compact! My designer lipsticks! Avery, do you know what those cost? Stop!
13:22I did not stop. I threw harder. When her room was done, I walked into Mrs. Miller's room and started
13:28there. Bill Miller's face went dark. Avery Sterling, are you done? You want to burn this whole house down?
13:35This is my house. You don't belong in it. Get to the servants' quarters. Now!
13:41Finally, Bill Miller broke first with a forced, toothy smile.
13:45Mr. Sterling, we overstepped. We're sorry. We'll move to the servants' quarter right now.
13:50Mrs. Miller and Chloe looked furious and opened their mouths. Bill Miller silenced them with a look.
13:55I had no interest in reading their schemes. I went to bed feeling lighter than I had in years.
14:02The next morning, Chloe took the subway and nearly missed first period at lunch.
14:08Chloe, how come your dad didn't pick you up in the rolls this morning?
14:11The question landed like a grenade. Everyone remembered what I'd said yesterday.
14:17Simona whispered. Wait, is that car actually Avery's?
14:21So does that make Chloe a fake hero.
14:26Chloe shot up in her seat.
14:29I am not a fake heiress. She met my eyes, then looked away, flustered.
14:33I just didn't want to show off. Some people get so jealous, they spread disgusting rumors.
14:37Every ear nodded like they got it, but to kill the doubt completely.
14:41Enough of this. Junior year is brutal and everyone is stressed.
14:47Tonight, I'm taking the entire class out. The bar downtown. My treat.
14:54Then they turned and started piling on me, saying the ugliest things they could think of.
14:59I ignored them. I texted my dad quietly.
15:03Dad, my card got lost. Freeze it immediately.
15:06Done. I watched Chloe across the room with the newslet.
15:09This girl was about to spend her parents holding up money on people.
15:13I saw her in a second. It ran out.
15:14Let's see how loyal her crowd is with an empty card.
15:17That night we showed up at the best bar in the city.
15:19Chloe booked a private room. She waved her hand with flair.
15:23Order anything. Don't hold back.
15:25Oh my god, Chloe. We are so lucky to know you.
15:28Can I order a bottle that's 20,000? I want to see what it tastes like.
15:33Of course. Money is replaceable. A good mood isn't.
15:37Jason sat closest to Chloe, one arm draped across the back of the chair like he'd earned that meat.
15:41That's what separates real money from fake money.
15:44Real money doesn't hesitate. Some people show up to other people's parties and don't order a thing.
15:50Too proud to admit they can't afford it.
15:52A wave of laughter went for the win. Chloe leaned into him, pleased.
15:57Face won't be nice.
16:02With Chloe's blessing, all classmates went absolutely wild with the money.
16:06The empty bottles alone took up the entire table. Within an hour, the room was closed.
16:10I watched them pour out thousands of dollars worth of wine on the floor and felt something like anticipation.
16:15How are you going to get out of this room, Chloe?
16:18I didn't belong to this scene, Chloe noticed.
16:23Avery, why aren't you eating? Am I not being a good enough host?
16:26Right on cue, the whole room became her attack dog.
16:29Ignore her, Chloe. She's just bitter she can't afford any of this.
16:32A broke girl with that much attitude. Chloe's practically a saint for tolerating it.
16:36Chloe can buy a $20,000 bottle of wine. Can you, Avery?
16:41I stayed silent. They got bored and moved on. At last, the night ended.
16:46The total is $850,000. Who will be settling the bill?
16:49Chloe extended her card with perfect composure.
16:54Just run it. The class erupted in air. She's so rich and so beautiful. I want that life.
17:00A woman who pays is the most attractive thing alive. Then the server frowned.
17:05Miss, this card has been frozen. The words hit Chloe like a slap.
17:11What? Frozen? Run it again. You must have done something wrong.
17:14I am certain this card cannot be used. You'll need another payment method.
17:25Chloe's composure collapsed entirely. She had no way out. Then her eyes found me. Her jaw locked.
17:31Avery Sterling! You did this! Fix it! Right now! Or I will make your life miserable!
17:38I blinked at her innocently. I don't have the power to freeze someone else's card. But hey,
17:43you could just call your rich dad. It's one dinner. Or are you saying your whole family
17:47went broke in the last hour? The class still hadn't grasped the situation fully.
17:51Chloe, just call your dad and close out the tab. It's late. We have school tomorrow.
17:58$850,000? That's pocket change for you, Chloe.
18:02I just asked my dad for $100,000 a few days ago. If I ask again now, he'll think I'm
18:07reckless.
18:08What if everyone just chips in? It's less than $20,000 per person.
18:12Chloe, you promised. You can't go back on that now.
18:14$20,000 could literally kill me. I'm from a normal family.
18:17The complaints got married.
18:20I don't have the money right now. If you can't cover it, nobody's leaving. And honestly,
18:27you ordered all of this for good wine on the floor. You deserve to sit here and think about that.
18:37Fury detonated across the room.
18:43The manager appeared.
18:47He heard the situation and called the police.
18:50911, what's the nature of your emergency?
18:52Yes.
18:53Panic swept through 45 juniors who had sats in less than a year.
18:59They started pooling money. Sick about it, but terrified. I watched Jason during all of it.
19:05Now he sat very still, doing a quiet calculation behind his eyes. When the others came to him
19:11with their share of the bill, he spread his hands apologetically.
19:14I honestly didn't bring enough cash tonight. I thought Chloe had it covered.
19:18He said it smoothly. Jason, you have a car. It's maxed out.
19:23Been meaning to sort that out. No embarrassment. Just someone neatly stepping off a sinking ship.
19:28When it came to me, I looked at the wreckage on the table and laughed.
19:31I didn't order a single thing. I didn't eat anything. Why am I being asked to pay?
19:35You are all using me as your personal piggy bank.
19:40Avri Sterling, nobody knows what you did or didn't eat. You were here. You pay.
19:55I turned calmly to the manager and pulled out a black card. Sir, I believe this is your VIP card.
20:07My parents were business people. They had a lot of client dinners. They'd spend enough here that
20:13their account had quietly upgraded to VIP tier without anyone noticing. I never expected to use
20:19it myself. The manager took the card, studied it carefully, and straightened up immediately.
20:26For a valued guest of this level, we would never trouble you with a tab like this. Please,
20:32don't give it another thought. The room went silent. Wait, I thought Avery Sterling was broke.
20:40How does she have a black card at this place?
20:45Has Chloe Miller been lying this whole time? Is Avery the actual rich girl?
20:49Chloe shattered. She pointed at me, screaming.
20:51Avery, if you had a black card, why didn't you say something earlier? You just sat there watching us
20:58panic on purpose. Here's your chance to redeem yourself. Use that card to cover everyone's bill.
21:06Otherwise, you will regret every day at this school. That last line did its job. The class dropped their
21:14anger at Chloe and pivoted at me. I looked at them all, bored. What exactly does any of this have
21:20to do with me?
21:21If you want to make my life difficult going forward, be my guest. I'll be ready.
21:28On my way out, Jason caught up to me near the exit. He wasn't sneering now.
21:33Hey, can we just talk for a second without all the noise? I kept walking.
21:40Avery. Not aggressive. Just there. Taking up space the way he always had.
21:45I think I've been an idiot about a lot of things. You didn't deserve the way I treated you.
21:50Is this the part where I forgive you? I looked at him for a long moment.
21:55No, I just… I want you to know I see it now. The card… The card… Her parents being your
22:02staff…
22:02I had no idea how much she'd lie to everyone. Including me.
22:07He ran a hand through his hair. It was a practiced gesture. He'd always known it looked good.
22:12Avery. I chose the wrong person. I think you know what I mean.
22:18I understood exactly what he meant. He'd watched the power shift in that room, done the arithmetic,
22:24and arrived at a new conclusion. I almost admired the speed of it.
22:29Jason. You are exactly the same person you were an hour ago.
22:34The only thing that changed is the card I'm holding. I'll see you in school.
22:45I walked out, passing a reflective window. I stopped for a moment, and actually looked at myself.
22:52The sweater I was wearing had been through three years of washes. The sneakers on my feet were Chloe's
22:57cast-offs. You are ugly.
22:58The moment Chloe told me nice clothes looked cheap on me. Designer clothes are wasted on a girl.
23:02I basically stopped buying them entirely. I decided I was done with that. I hailed a car and went to
23:08the mall and spent with intent. By the time I got home, it was late, but I still heard Bill
23:16Miller's voice booming from the living room. I told you Avery Sternly switched up on us. She's not the
23:22soft target she used to be. Don't provoke her. You ignored me. Someone says a few words and you go
23:29blow
23:3060 people's dinner money. Now we're the laughing stock. Chloe, we need to be patient. Find the right
23:37moment. Hit her once and make it count. I wasn't scared of them. These people always thought they
23:43were the smartest ones in the room. I walked inside without slowing down.
23:49Chloe saw all my shopping bags and her eyes went rigid.
23:56Avery Sterling, you are vicious! You had money the entire time and let us scramble for nothing?
24:02You just made an enemy of every single person in that class. Enjoy it. I tilted my head at her.
24:08My
24:09relationship with that class was never good. So what's actually different?
24:13Worry about yourself, Chloe. You're the one who has to face 43 angry people tomorrow morning.
24:18Chloe swayed like something knocked her out of bounds. And sure enough, the next morning, the class buried her.
24:24I knew she had enough and slapped the loudest one across the face.
24:27Please, you are all beneath me. After everything I've done for you people. And the money, 85,000 is
24:33nothing to me. I said I'd pay you back next month. So, what is your problem? If any of you
24:39come at me
24:39again, not one of you sees a cent. That shut them up. This crowd only responded to threats. After final
24:45bell, Chloe grabbed her bag and headed for the subway. And I fell in step behind her. At the school
24:50gate,
24:50I saw a Maybach parked outside. Half the students were openly staring.
24:57I watched Chloe drift toward the Maybach like something pulled her. She reached out and touched
25:01it. She wasn't claiming it. But the crowd read it differently.
25:05Look! Chloe's touching the Maybach! Is that hers?
25:07Who else at this school has that kind of money? Now nobody can say she's a fake!
25:14I was already about to leave when the car door opened. I looked once, just once, and nearly fell
25:20over. The person stepping out was my dad. And right behind him, poised and put together, was my mother.
25:27No wonder Chloe's so beautiful! Look at her parents! Princess from a fairy tale. Lucky forever.
25:33The crowd reacted instantly. But then the crowd noticed something was off. Because those two adults
25:39didn't even glance at Chloe. They were already running toward me. Avery. My baby girl. Mom missed
25:50you so much. Mom pulled me in and held on. I felt her warmth and my throat closed. Mom. Dad,
25:57I thought
25:57you were buried in work. What happened? This was the question I carried my whole past life. I never got
26:04to ask it before I died. Dad looked at me with guilt all over his face. Averyn, you started texting
26:11us.
26:11Sharing things. Small things. And your mom and I realized we'd been treating you like you didn't
26:18need us. Your SETs are coming. We cleared everything. We wanted to surprise you. We want to be here for
26:24the final stretch. I cried. Ugly. Open. Completely undone.
26:29Then I stepped into their car and left. Right in front of everyone. We got home to find Mrs. Miller
26:35horizontal on the sofa, watching videos on her phone. Mom took one look at the state of the house
26:40and her voice went cold. Mrs. Miller, would you like to explain what you're doing? The house is a mess
26:46and you're scrolling. Right now. If I see this a second time, you're done.
26:54Mrs. Miller scrambled upright. Ma'am, I had no idea you were coming back.
26:59If you'd warned me. Mom cut her off.
27:03Mrs. Miller, why exactly would I need to warn you? Cleaning is in your job description.
27:08That is why I pay you what I pay you. Now go make Avery dinner. She just got home from
27:13school.
27:14Mrs. Miller went to the kitchen without another word. With my parents home,
27:19the Miller family barely breathed too loud. Dinner came out dish by dish.
27:25Chloe instinctively moved toward a chair at the table. Bill Miller grabbed her elbow.
27:31Don't embarrass us. We're staff. We don't sit at their table.
27:35Chloe pulled away red-eyed like she'd been punished.
27:39Mom and Dad frowned at the whole thing. Then Mom spotted something new. Her voice shifted to
27:44something sharp. Mrs. Miller, come here. Mrs. Miller appeared immediately.
27:48Is the food not to your taste, ma'am? Mom pointed at a dish of peanuts.
27:54Before I left the country, I specifically told you three times that Avery is allergic to peanuts.
28:00Why is this on the table?
28:05Mrs. Miller snatched the dish up. I'll replace it right now, ma'am.
28:10Give me a minute.
28:16Mom waved her hand. Don't bother.
28:22After everything I've seen today, I'm starting to wonder if you've been neglecting Avery for years.
28:28Effective immediately, you don't need to come back.
28:32Ma'am, please. Our whole family lives under your roof.
28:37You can't fire us. Please.
28:41Bill Miller had been hiding in the hallway. He couldn't hold it any longer.
28:45He stormed out and slapped Mrs. Miller across the face three times.
28:50Then turned to my mother with a grin.
28:53Ma'am, if my wife did anything wrong, just hit her. Just please. Just don't let us go.
29:00Dad's eye twitched. I knew that look. He despised men who hit women.
29:05But I couldn't let them get fired. Not yet. I stepped in.
29:11Mom, let it go for now. I'm used to Mrs. Miller. It would be weird not having her around.
29:17Mom looked at me and relented, though barely.
29:19Maybe give her one more chance. Keep an eye on her and see.
29:26Mrs. Miller, if Avery comes to me with one more complaint, I don't care what either of us says,
29:31you are gone.
29:32Mrs. Miller nodded furiously and retreated like a dog that'd been kicked.
29:37She is Ming Anh.
29:40The next morning dad drove me to school in Lj6 Immune.
29:43The next morning dad drove me to school in Lj7 Immune.
29:50The next morning dad drove me to school in My Vak.
30:04The whole class looked at me differently when I walked in.
30:11Finally, someone cracked.
30:13Avery Sterling, is that Maybach actually yours?
30:16I didn't answer directly. I looked at Chloe instead.
30:19Ask her. She'd know better than anyone.
30:27Since the bar incident...
30:29I am certain. This card cannot be used. You'll need another payment method.
30:34Chloe had been trying to make herself invisible.
30:37My sudden spotlight on her hit like a dart.
30:40Why are you asking me, Avery?
30:49I stripped the lie bare without softening it.
30:51Because your parents work for my family.
30:54That makes you the most credible witness.
30:57The class went off.
31:04Someone raised a hand.
31:06But Chloe's wardrobe doesn't exactly scream housekeeper's kid.
31:10I smiled.
31:13It shouldn't.
31:14She's been wearing my clothes and spending from my card.
31:19Without those resources, she couldn't afford any of it.
31:21Chloe cracked completely.
31:25Avery Sterling.
31:27Just because you have money doesn't give you the right to humiliate me.
31:33So what if I wore your clothes and used your card?
31:37You never said anything.
31:39You let it happen.
31:41The room turned on her the moment she said it out loud.
31:45Chloe's been pretending to be rich.
31:47I actually envied her.
31:52Honestly, something felt off at the bar.
31:54A real IRS doesn't flinch at 85,000.
31:58Chloe's humiliation was total.
32:00She buried her face on her desk.
32:02But under the desk, both fists were clenched white.
32:08Jason had been quiet through all of it.
32:10That was unlike him.
32:12He was usually the first one to lead the room.
32:15When class ended and the crowd dispersed,
32:18he stayed in his seat until it was nearly empty.
32:21Then he walked over to my desk.
32:23I was already packing my bag.
32:26That was brutal, he said.
32:29Was it?
32:30You didn't have to do it in front of everyone.
32:32I looked up at him.
32:34Jason, when you filmed me in this hallway
32:36and made me perform for the class,
32:39did you do that privately or in front of everyone?
32:43He had the grace to be quiet.
32:46That, that was different.
32:48You're right, I said.
32:50It was much worse.
32:51I slung my bag over one shoulder.
32:54I noticed you've been putting some distance
32:56between yourself and Chloe this week.
32:58He said nothing.
33:00Smart, I said.
33:02Rats always know when to leave.
33:04Something moved behind his eyes.
33:06Not anger.
33:07Something more complicated than that.
33:09Avery, I genuinely...
33:11You genuinely nothing, I said.
33:13You are someone who made calculations
33:15and landed on the wrong side.
33:19And now you're trying to make new calculations?
33:21I'm just telling you.
33:22Whatever you think I owe you, I'll pay it.
33:26Whatever it takes.
33:28I paused.
33:29That was interesting.
33:31Whatever it takes.
33:33I repeated.
33:34Yes.
33:35Okay, I'll let you know.
33:37I said.
33:37I walked out.
33:38I could feel his eyes still on my back.
33:42After Chloe's real identity came out,
33:45every day became a punishment.
33:46Every person she'd ever wronged,
33:48and everyone who'd once flattered her,
33:50came back for payback.
33:52Each morning Chloe checked her chair for glue before sitting.
33:55She never let her water bottle out of sight.
33:58She was terrified something had been slipped into it.
34:01Between classes she had to absorb the cruelty in the hallways.
34:05Her parents weren't doing better.
34:07With mom and dad back home,
34:10Mrs. Miller got dressed down daily.
34:12She'd gotten too comfortable in the easy life.
34:15Coming back to actual labor wrecked her.
34:19Her performance was sloppy and slow.
34:21That alone made mom furious.
34:23The only reason Mrs. Miller still had a job
34:26was because I'd publicly vouched for her.
34:28Bill Miller, meanwhile,
34:29had been reassigned by my dad to security duty.
34:32On the surface,
34:33the three of them were obedient.
34:36Compliant.
34:38But I knew better.
34:40They were vipers waiting for the exact right moment
34:43to sink their teeth in.
34:46Jason, to his credit,
34:48was smarter than the Millers.
34:50He didn't wait.
34:52He started making moves.
34:54That week he found reasons to appear wherever I was.
34:58Outside my next class.
35:01Near the vending machines.
35:03At the library.
35:05He carried himself differently around me now.
35:08Quieter.
35:09Less performance.
35:10He did my homework once.
35:11Slipping a folder onto my desk without a word.
35:14He had someone deliver coffee to me during a free period.
35:18He walked up to the boy who made a comment about me in the corridor.
35:22And told him, flatly, to stop.
35:24On the surface it looked like penance.
35:26Underneath it was a campaign.
35:27He wanted to get close enough that when I moved against the Millers,
35:31he'd already be standing on the right side.
35:33He had underestimated one thing.
35:35I had already decided what I wanted from him.
35:37And it wasn't proximity.
35:39The days passed.
35:40The sats were closing in.
35:41Then, the night before the exam,
35:43my parents got a call.
35:45They looked frightened.
35:46They booked a late night flight overseas.
35:53Mom looked apologetic at the door.
35:55I'm so sorry, Avery.
35:57I want to be here for your exam.
35:58But this deal can't wait.
35:59I said I understood.
36:01I understood.
36:03But in the car to the airport,
36:04I cried the whole drive anyway.
36:06When I got home,
36:07Chloe came to comfort me.
36:08She played the role beautifully.
36:10Then Mrs. Miller appeared with two glasses of milk.
36:13She sighed warmly.
36:13Don't be sad, Avery.
36:15Big exam tomorrow.
36:16You need a full night's sleep.
36:17I made both of you a glass.
36:18Drink up before bed.
36:21I drank mine right there in front of them.
36:24Then I pushed them out of my room.
36:26The door was almost shut when I saw it.
36:28A flash of excitement in Mrs. Miller's eyes and Chloe's.
36:32I smiled to myself, alone in the dark.
36:35Last time around,
36:36they used this exact trick to make me miss the sats.
36:40This time, I'd make sure the punishment came back to them.
36:43On exam morning,
36:44I walked out refreshed and ready.
36:46Bill Miller screamed when he saw me.
36:48Avery, why are you awake?
36:50I smiled pleasantly.
36:53I have the SATs today.
36:55Naturally, I can't be late.
36:57Mrs. Miller's face changed.
36:59She sprinted to Chloe's room.
37:01Too late.
37:09By the end of the first day of testing,
37:11I swung by to enjoy what was left of Chloe's morning.
37:13Mrs. Miller had managed to drag her to the exam for me,
37:16but the dose had been too heavy.
37:18Chloe slept through every section.
37:20Chloe was barely functioning.
37:21She refused to sit for the remaining days.
37:25Wow, Chloe.
37:26Sleeping in during the SATs?
37:28Really bold choice.
37:29Shut your mouth!
37:30Mrs. Miller's eyes were red.
37:33You did this!
37:34You switched the drink!
37:35She was supposed to be the one sleeping!
37:37You ruined my daughter's future!
37:40I want to see you try to make me pay for that.
37:42Then a voice I recognized cut through the hall.
37:45My parents, who should have been overseas, walked in.
37:48Three police officers followed them.
37:49You left.
37:51You both left.
37:52Why are you here?
37:53If I hadn't left, how else would you feel safe enough to make you move?
37:57Mrs. Miller, you are exactly the kind of person who belongs behind bars.
38:00I installed a camera in the kitchen weeks ago.
38:03I added, helpfully,
38:05I've seen everything.
38:07An officer stepped forward.
38:08You've been reported for deliberate poisoning.
38:10You'll need to come with us.
38:15Mrs. Miller collapsed to the floor.
38:18Her eyes were hollow.
38:19The sentencing came down the same day my Ivy League acceptance letter arrived.
38:26Mrs. Miller was convicted of intentional bodily harm.
38:30Six years, Bill Miller had been involved in the dosing plan.
38:33He received three years.
38:35Chloe had already been removed from the house weeks earlier.
38:37The last time I saw her was outside the courthouse.
38:39The girl who once owned every hallway looked crumpled with sunken eyes.
38:43Zero energy.
38:44Something had clearly gone very wrong for her recently.
38:47When she saw me, she started crying.
38:50Avery, please.
38:51I swear the sleep we grew up in this had nothing to do with me.
38:55Take me back in.
38:56I have no degree.
38:57I have no work history.
38:58Nobody will hire me.
39:00My parents are both in prison.
39:02She kept going, cataloging every miserable detail of her current existence.
39:06I listened to all of it like it was a story someone else told.
39:09The wicked get what they deserve.
39:11All I did was make sure I was there to watch the ending.
39:13Then I heard footsteps behind me.
39:15I turned.
39:16Jason, he looked like he hadn't been sleeping well.
39:19His eyes had lost their old ease.
39:20Avery.
39:21I waited.
39:22I heard about Mrs. Miller and Bill and I know about the SAT thing.
39:28He stopped and started twice.
39:30Last year, she mentioned she had a plan.
39:34To make you miss the exam.
39:36I didn't ask details.
39:38I told myself it wasn't my problem.
39:42I should have said something.
39:43I know that.
39:44Yes.
39:45You should have.
39:47Is that what you're going to use?
39:50Against me?
39:51What makes you think I need to use anything?
39:55He looked at me for a long moment.
39:59Because you've been waiting.
40:01I've been watching you work through every single person.
40:04The Millers are done.
40:06Chloe's done.
40:08I'm the only one left.
40:09He was more perceptive than I'd given him credit for.
40:12I did what you said.
40:14When you told me that day, whatever it takes, I meant it.
40:17I've been waiting for you to name it.
40:19And you thought if you waited long enough, I'd soften?
40:22He didn't answer.
40:23I reached into my bag and took out a folder.
40:26Pedic Philippe.
40:28Rose gold.
40:29Model 5227.
40:30Reported missing from the sterling homehold 14 months ago.
40:34There's a receipt somewhere in there.
40:36Also a record of your bank deposits from that same period.
40:40Chloe made five transfers to you over six months.
40:44Petty cash from my card.
40:47You had this the whole time?
40:50Since our first conversation after the slap.
40:54Then why didn't you?
40:55Because destroying you in October would have been efficient.
40:59But watching you spend months trying to win me over,
41:03knowing this was in a drawer somewhere,
41:06that was more interesting.
41:09What happens now?
41:14You're going to give a full written statement to my family's lawyer.
41:17Everything you know about the sleeping pills plan.
41:19Everything Chloe told you.
41:21Every transfer.
41:22Every instruction.
41:23And if I do that?
41:25Then the watch stays between us.
41:27And the transfer.
41:29He nodded slowly.
41:30That's it?
41:32That's it.
41:32He looked at me for a long time.
41:34You're not going to make me beg.
41:36I don't want anything from you, Jason.
41:38I don't want your apology, and I don't want your suffering.
41:40I just need your signature on a document.
41:43You are nothing to me.
41:45That's not cruelty.
41:46It's just the truth.
41:47I picked up my bag.
41:49The lawyer's office is on 7th.
41:50He's expecting you Thursday morning.
41:52I walked away from him the way I'd walked away from all of them.
41:55Without looking back.
41:56Without anger.
41:57Or without anything left to prove.
41:59The file was already in motion.
42:01Jason's statement would seal the millers' additional charges.
42:04And confirm the premeditated nature of the poisoning.
42:11He had made his calculation, and he had been wrong about the outcome.
42:15Just like all the others.
42:16The only difference was that his punishment was quieter, more private.
42:19He would spend the next several years explaining himself to the police, to the courts, to every
42:25school and job application, but asked about his junior year.
42:28He would never be charged.
42:30But he would never be clean either.
42:31Some people destroy you loudly.
42:33Some people just stand nearby and let it happen.
42:36They all get what they deserve eventually.
42:38The only thing that changes is the shape of the ending.
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