Presidents! Stop Fighting For Me - Ep - FULL ✅ - video Dailymotion

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Presidents! Stop Fighting For Me - Ep - FULL ✅

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00:00:03Ethan Harlow

00:00:04I'd secretly bought a wedding dress

00:00:06Worked up every ounce of courage to propose to him

00:00:09But as luck would have it

00:00:10I 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

00:00:16Listening 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

00:00:29Even 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

00:00:37And every guy in the room couldn't look away

00:00:40Seriously, Ethan

00:00:41You 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

00:00:49You wouldn't mind if I went after Quinn?

00:00:51He blew out a smoke ring

00:00:52Barely 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

00:01:07Just hung up

00:01:08Whatever was left of my will to stay

00:01:09It died that night

00:01:42Welcome to the morning

00:01:42I'm in the morning

00:01:42I love you

00:01:42How about you

00:01:42I love you

00:01:42You're a little bit

00:01:54I love you

00:01:57.

00:02:27.

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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.

00:03:27He always pursued others in a grand fashion,

00:03:29just 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?

00:03:48What 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.

00:04:22Slightly 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.

00:04:41Ethan 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.

00:04:54I smiled bitterly to myself, clutched my bag tighter, and walked fast toward the elevator.

00:05:22I'll say it's not one day.

00:05:23I'll get startled, but my goodness.

00:05:23It's not a life.

00:05:25What are you doing?

00:05:26Yeah, thanks.

00:05:31Hey, guys.

00:05:31I will be running.

00:05:31I'm not hoping that you can get the glasses on your face.

00:05:31I'm getting ready.

00:05:32I'm getting ready, right?

00:05:32I'm getting ready.

00:05:33And I'm getting ready.

00:05:37I'm getting ready.

00:05:37.

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. A custom order. No returns. Such a shame. I'd never get to wear

00:06:41it.

00:06:41I found a pair of scissors and cut it apart. It had no business being here anyway.

00:06:45Before I left, I took off the ring and set it on the coffee table. I didn't take much. My

00:06:50personal things.

00:06:51Everything else I left behind. I thought about it, then wrote him a note.

00:06:54The apartment and everything in it. Do whatever you want with it. Don't ask me.

00:06:58I booked the earliest flight to Miami. My best friend had moved there earlier that year.

00:07:02She dragged me out for shopping and afternoon coffee. That evening, there was a small get-together.

00:07:06Old classmates. Old friends. Midway 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? Seriously, 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. My best friend pinched my arm.

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

00:07:28I looked at him through slightly unfocused eyes. Taller than Ethan by an inch or two.

00:07:32Black overcoat. Dark suit underneath. Sharp features. A great build. Legs that went on forever.

00:07:38I squinted at him for a moment. Then shook my head. No way. We haven't talked in years.

00:07:44She 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. His eyes traveled across the room and settled on my face.

00:07:57Then I saw him nod.

00:08:00Sure.

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.

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

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

00:08:47When we pulled up downstairs, I un-clipped 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. Before 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.

00:09:09I gasped. Cheeks burning.

00:09:10Legs 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.

00:09:47Lucas, 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.

00:10:06.

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00:10:39.

00:10:57Five minutes later, I understood what he'd meant.

00:11:00He carried me to the bedroom.

00:11:02I buried my face in the pillow, laughing.

00:11:04Lucas, how long has it been for you?

00:11:07He gave me a look.

00:11:08A while. Work's been everything lately.

00:11:11I stared at him, the laughter fading.

00:11:13A moment later, tears came out of nowhere.

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

00:11:18Quinn, don't.

00:11:20He fumbled to wipe my face, but the tears wouldn't stop.

00:11:23I shouldn't have dragged you into this.

00:11:25But you already did.

00:11:26He leaned down, cupped my face in his hands, steady, almost serious.

00:11:30Quinn, since you started this, you don't get to stop halfway.

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00:15:16in a few days come celebrate tell him i'm sorry i'll mail a gift all right take care of yourself

00:15:21back in the city jamie handed the phone to ethan look maybe you should call her she'll listen to

00:15:26you ethan stared coldly at the screen then he stubbed out his cigarette and stood she can rot

00:15:31out there for all i care ethan don't be angry she's just hurting she even took the ring off

00:15:36this time it's really crushed and honestly it's your fault for pushing it so far with that girl

00:15:40we already broke up what more does she want ethan snapped voice rising listen up nobody contacts her

00:15:47not for anything okay okay we won't calm down you just got out of the hospital two days ago

00:15:52your stomach she was around and your stomach never acted up she leaves for five days and you do this

00:15:58to yourself with every word from his friends ethan's expression went darker eventually he grabbed his

00:16:03jacket and walked out slamming the door he hit the street cold air rushed in the anger still burned in

00:16:09his chest seven days no calls no texts not even one he pulled out his phone blocked her number

00:16:22lucas called just as i typed the last line and hit send i've been writing columns for magazines since

00:16:27college it turned out to be enough to make a living freelance life laptop good wi-fi and i could

00:16:33work

00:16:33from anywhere so when it ended i had no reason to stay in the city and hurt

00:16:39quinn what do you want for dinner his voice came through clearly after an afternoon of work

00:16:43something in me settled i'm exhausted you pick

00:16:47how about steak i know a place with a really good steak you'll love it i always like my steak

00:16:52rare

00:16:53but ethan used to say watching me eat it turned his stomach so i stopped though i vaguely remembered

00:16:57lucas preferring lighter food lucas you don't have to do this for me

00:17:01i'm not picky anymore i actually want it too remember in college there was that little joint

00:17:06near campus the steak were amazing hearing him say that made me hungry for it too that place was

00:17:11genuinely good i ate there for four years and never got tired of it okay steak then i'll come get

00:17:18you

00:17:18now sure lucas took me to a place that been in miami for years old and a little cramped but

00:17:26always

00:17:26packed and 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 for someone like him these small domestic

00:17:37gestures came surprisingly naturally lucas your ex did a great job with you i couldn't help saying it

00:17:43in the beginning when ethan was still chasing me i felt it being cared for being someone's priority

00:17:49then we moved in together the year after graduation a little over a year and i became the household

00:17:55managing his diet his rest his schedule like a wife before the wedding but i understand now what

00:18:01i didn't then i lost myself loving him forgot that you have to love yourself first no wonder the love

00:18:06wore out lucas glanced up from tending the pot where'd you hear i had an ex

00:18:17i paused the girl who was always around you in college weren't you two childhood friends

00:18:21you mean sophie he laughed once we grew up together yeah but we never dated i never felt

00:18:27that way about her she was more like a little sister so you haven't been with anyone all these

00:18:31years went on a few setups it wasn't right so it ended and after that i looked down thinking

00:18:39about that first night suddenly it made complete sense quinn i'll do better next time his comment

00:18:44came out of nowhere i blinked better at what he turned his face away cleared his throat quietly

00:18:49his ears were deeply flushed you'll see later he kept his word after dinner back at the hotel

00:18:55once he'd carried me out of the bathroom and onto the bed i finally understood what he'd meant by then

00:19:00i was completely undone lucas i tried to glare at him but my eyes were misted over which only made

00:19:05me

00:19:06look more helpless his name in my mouth came out soft nowhere near as angry as i wanted lucas bowed

00:19:11his head and kissed me softly quinn is this okay i shook my head refused to answer he didn't push

00:19:16just kept kissing me over and over patient and unhurried i couldn't hold out tears were leaking

00:19:21from the corners of my eyes lucas my nails pressed into his lower back and there was a sound in

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00:19:26voice i couldn't quite control quinn tell me now is this okay lucas's own eyes had gone red arms

00:19:33taut sweat falling in drops i gave in voice small and wrecked yes yes it is as my last thought

00:19:40drifted away lucas put his lips to my ear and whispered very low quinn if this is good then

00:19:46promise you'll never leave me okay

00:20:12you

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00:25:19The night of Ryan's birthday, the gift I'd sent from Miami made it to his party.

00:25:22Ethan sat on the couch, smoking, the bottle in front of him mostly empty.

00:25:26The gift had been chosen by Lucas and me together, a vintage pair of cufflinks from a high-end

00:25:30label Ryan loved.

00:25:31These are beautiful.

00:25:32Ryan laughed a little stiffly, reading Ethan's expression, and quickly had his girlfriend

00:25:36put them away.

00:25:37Let 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, but 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 and smashed it against the coffee table.

00:25:56Glass scattered.

00:25:57A 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.

00:26:04Hospital...

00:26:04Ethan stood there, motionless.

00:26:05Face dark.

00:26:06Still 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.

00:26:16She'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.

00:26:24Ethan laughed sharply.

00:26:25Feels for me.

00:26:27The noise in the room bled away, one degree at a time.

00:26:30Ethan, should I call Quinn?

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

00:26:33Ryan suddenly worked up the nerve, picked up his phone,

00:26:35and photographed Ethan's torn up hand, then sent it to Quinn on the spot.

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

00:27:06The room went still, about 10 seconds passed, then 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, Ethan's jaw locked.

00:27:29Ryan, 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!

00:27:34Blood everywhere!

00:27:34He won't stop!

00:27:35Ryan rambled on.

00:27:36The other end went quiet.

00:27:38Quinn, are you there?

00:27:39Maybe, 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, go on.

00:27:47Ryan 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.

00:27:54Wait, Quinn, don'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.

00:28:00What was he thinking?

00:28:01Getting involved.

00:28:02Now look at the mess.

00:28:03Silence.

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?

00:28:10Ethan, 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.

00:28:17I've wanted to say this for a long time.

00:28:19What 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.

00:28:29She gave me seven years.

00:28:31SEVEN 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?

00:29:03Or was she talking about herself?

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

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

00:29:08She'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.

00:29:14His friend sighed.

00:29:15Daniel 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.

00:29:23But Vera had her family's debt behind her.

00:29:25And 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.

00:29:31Go outside Bobby's house.

00:29:31But without you Kara.

00:30:00What's up at heart!

00:30:00Or do you have any friends or friends or you?

00:30:00y.

00:30:00IWeep 17

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00:33:16I 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 going to get back together with Ethan?

00:33:48Are you?

00:33:48If I say absolutely not.

00:33:50Do you believe me?

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

00:33:55I want to.

00:33:55Lucas, I have a face and a spine.

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

00:33:59I thought about it honestly.

00:34:01If 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.

00:34:28Won't play around.

00:34:29Won't make you cry or hurt you.

00:34:31He held me tighter and tighter.

00:34:32And then he kissed me.

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

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

00:34:42In the end, I gently pushed him away.

00:34:44Lucas, I'm sorry.

00:34:46Why are you sorry?

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

00:34:50It's my issue.

00:34:51I looked away.

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

00:34:54Then what have we been doing?

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

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

00:35:00I squeezed my hands tight and breathed.

00:35:02Think 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.

00:35:10Getting what they need.

00:35:11Like 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.

00:35:19If 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.

00:35:49I 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.

00:36:07Not without walls.

00:36:08Not 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,

00:36:21I never would have let him drive me home that night.

00:36:35I don't think so.

00:36:35I could have let him find.

00:36:43I'm not even aware of that.

00:36:44I don't know.

00:36:44But I don't think so.

00:36:44But, I'm not gettingпервых.

00:36:44I can do it.

00:36:46And I don't know of course.

00:36:48I do know what he's going to look.

00:42:34shook my head. He wasn't. He really wasn't. So, call him. You have no idea how happy it'll make him.

00:43:06I thought Lucas would be happy. I didn't think a man in his late 20s running a company could be

00:43:11that happy over a phone call. Like a kid on Christmas morning, my best friend beamed at me. Quinn, happy?

00:43:16I nodded slowly. I think, yeah, really happy. See, you're happy. Lucas is happier. What else is there to figure

00:43:24out? Then she laughed. Honestly, I just keep thinking about how miserable Ethan's going to be. That alone puts me

00:43:30in a great mood. Who knows, he's probably already moved on.

00:43:34I smiled faintly. Let's stop talking about him. In that moment, I could say it with no weight at all.

00:43:38Like he was just a name. Someone with no claim on me anymore. Lucas' car pulled up downstairs just as

00:43:44I stepped out of the bar. He stood in the night air with his arms open. I stopped and looked

00:43:48at him. Honestly, he was striking. Every feature exactly what I'd want. Men can like whoever they want. Overlap if

00:43:54they choose. The world hardly blinks. So why can't I, after a real ending, start something new? I walked toward

00:43:59him. He walked toward me. People moved around us. We kissed like no one was watching.

00:44:03His heart was pounding so fast. I reached up and touched the back of his neck, burning hot. He was

00:44:08still warm when I pressed my forehead to his. Slightly breathless, voice low. Quinn, do I have a fever? Maybe.

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

00:44:17I laughed and kissed under his chin. Maybe more of this and you'll be cured? His ears went redder. He

00:44:23cupped my face, eyes open and searching. Quinn, what am I to you right now? I teased him. What do

00:44:29you think?

00:44:30A hugger or a boyfriend? He asked, then immediately shook his head, pressing his face into my neck.

00:44:34Never mind, I don't want to know right now. I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him closer.

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

00:44:59You sure you don't want to know? Boyfriend.

00:45:01You sure you don't want to know? Boyfriend.

00:45:04Boyfriend.

00:45:05Boyfriend.

00:45:06Boyfriend.

00:45:08Boyfriend.

00:45:10Boyfriend.

00:45:10.

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.

00:46:23Today 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.

00:46:32He'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.

00:46:37But 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.

00:46:43She lasted three days before he was already over it.

00:46:45He kept thinking about Quinn.

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

00:46:48Complacent.

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.

00:47:01And 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.

00:47:09The 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.

00:47:15He'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.

00:47:46She'd better not learn how much she wanted to marry him.

00:47:46She'd be cladded but she'd never loved him.

00:47:46She'd be able to marry him.

00:47:47She'd even care more like.

00:47:47He's been taken of this one?

00:47:50I feel like he's raised with his hand too.

00:47:55He called himself in the book.

00:47:56.

00:48:26.

00:48:56.

00:49:26.

00:49:56.

00:50:00.

00:50:01.

00:50:02.

00:50:02almost exactly as it had before. Ethan 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. His heart slowed back down.

00:50:10Ethan, there's something I need to tell you. I wanted to think it over first.

00:50:14Go ahead. Just don't freak out, okay? It's probably just rumors. Could be nothing at all.

00:50:19What is it? It's about Quinn. Actually, forget it. I'm probably 80% sure it's someone making

00:50:23stuff up. Ryan, since when do you talk like this? What happened to Quinn? Did she come back?

00:50:29Ethan. Ryan suddenly felt sick. Of all the rumors that could have gotten out,

00:50:32why did it have to be Lucas Shaw? Ethan 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. Ethan's company lost. First time

00:50:40he'd ever tasted defeat. It had poisoned what was already a tense relationship into something close

00:50:44to hatred. I said, don't freak out. This is all secondhand. There's no confirmation. Someone

00:50:48spotted Quinn in Miami. Ethan's grip on the phone tightened. His voice stayed controlled, barely.

00:50:53So she's in Miami. So what? She was with Lucas Shaw. Could just be dinner. Probably nothing.

00:50:57Got it. Ethan. Nothing else? I'm hanging up. The call cut off. Ethan stood in the narrow

00:51:02street, shopping bag in hand, the bag holding the dress Quinn had bought. He walked, step by

00:51:06step, through the cold of early winter, all the way to the mouth of the alley, back to his car.

00:51:10He stopped. A 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.

00:51:27.

00:51:57.

00:52:27.

00:52:57.

00:53:27.

00:53:57.

00:54:31The second month after Quinn left, Ethan sent her a text.

00:54:34It went through.

00:54:35No response.

00:54:36The message read,

00:54:37Thinking about selling the apartment, what 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, an 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, like she'd never left.

00:54:59Ethan came back late nights after going out, lay down in her bed, stared at the ceiling until almost dawn.

00:55:04The third month after she left, same as always, late 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, quiet, a 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.

00:55:46Fragile 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.

00:56:01Right?

00:56:01The girl who'd believed all of that, who trusted with her whole self that she'd end up with the man

00:56:05she 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.

00:56:15He'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.

00:56:23Come 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, like he'd been encased in ice and couldn't move.

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

00:56:35Can't let a girl stew overnight or someone else steps in.

00:56:39Lucas Shaw?

00:56:40Ethan said the name through clenched teeth, blood rushing into his eyes.

00:56:43It's me.

00:56:44Put Quinn on, now!

00:56:46His eyes looked flooded.

00:56:48He 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, her mouth in a small pout.

00:56:59Eyes closed, but 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, drew away the tear that sat there.

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

00:57:08I have to kiss her awake first.

00:57:09Lucas!

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

00:57:12Lucas ended the call, turned off his phone.

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

00:57:15Hey, wake up.

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

00:57:58He came from money, and he knew it.

00:57:59Pride ran deep in him.

00:58:00We'd ended things without a scene.

00:58:02If we ever crossed paths, he'd probably look right through me.

00:58:04Or we'd exchange a polite, meaningless smile.

00:58:06My family was in the city.

00:58:08We had mutual friends.

00:58:09It wasn't realistic to think we'd never be in the same room again.

00:58:11But I never expected that.

00:58:12Never expected to see him come undone like that.

00:58:15The day it happened, I'd slept well and woken up in a good mood.

00:58:17I was wearing a new blush pink cashmere dress.

00:58:20Makeup done.

00:58:20Feeling like myself again.

00:58:21Warm and whole, like a ripe peach in September.

00:58:24I had my hand tucked at Lucas's arm.

00:58:25We were laughing about something as we pushed through the revolving door.

00:58:28And there was Ethan, stepping out of a car.

00:58:30I stopped.

00:58:31My feet stopped with me.

00:58:32Lucas's warm fingers closed around mine.

00:58:34Ethan's shirt was wrinkled.

00:58:35No tie.

00:58:36The exhaustion on his face was plain.

00:58:37His brow heavy.

00:58:38The whites of his eyes shot through with red.

00:58:40People moved past us on both sides.

00:58:42A fountain not far off played something cheerful.

00:58:44The whole moment felt like a slow motion shot from a movie.

00:58:46Except I wasn't watching.

00:58:48I was in it.

00:58:48Ethan looked more undone than I'd ever seen him.

00:58:50Lucas moved instinctively, stepping slightly in front of me.

00:58:53But Ethan's expression was perfectly calm.

00:58:55He said my name the way he used to.

00:58:57Back when things were good.

00:58:58Soft.

00:58:58Warm.

00:58:59Quinn.

00:59:00I stood there and didn't move.

00:59:01The music from the fountain kept playing.

00:59:03And yet something in me ached.

00:59:04Quietly.

00:59:05I didn't quite know why.

00:59:06Maybe for the girl who'd overheard those words that night.

00:59:08Maybe for the girl who'd gotten a breakup handed to her without warning.

00:59:11Maybe most of all for the girl who'd loved foolishly for seven years.

00:59:14And let go in seven days.

00:59:15Quinn.

00:59:16I came to bring you home.

00:59:17He hadn't looked at Lucas once.

00:59:19His eyes were on my face.

00:59:20And they were soft in a way I'd almost forgotten.

00:59:22I 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.

00:59:27Quinn.

00:59:28Come home.

00:59:29We get married.

00:59:30We do it right this time.

00:59:32He meant every word.

00:59:33He was so serious I almost let myself believe.

00:59:35That the Ethan who'd said he was giving another girl something real had been a figment of my imagination.

00:59:39But it was too late, Ethan.

00:59:40A broken heart doesn't reassemble itself.

00:59:42And the new one that had grown up from the wreckage.

00:59:44It already belonged to someone else.

00:59:53He playing.

01:00:09We break things up.

01:00:10And then we kicked theilot to someone else.

01:00:11And then we ended up beating an enemy.

01:00:11To the back end.

01:00:11advance No, cares about your face.

01:00:13We were leaving another girl Asia,ぉous

01:00:21you guys and verbally let else promises.

01:00:22.

01:00:52.

01:01:22.

01:01:52.

01:02:22.

01:02:52.

01:03:22.

01:03:52.

01:03:53.

01:03:55.

01:03:59.

01:04:01.

01:04:02.

01:04:05.

01:04:06.

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.

01:04:49Looking 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 and 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.

01:05:04On our intertwined fingers, the matching bands on our ring fingers, just like it had been with us, once.

01:05:10Quinn, are you serious?

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

01:05:14Yes, completely serious.

01:05:17Ethan laughed softly, just once.

01:05:19You 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, and 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 going to 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 exactly 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?

01:06:16Relief.

01:06:17Lightness.

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.

01:06:47I 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.

01:06:52Quinn, 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.

01:07:15Words 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?

01:07:25Tell 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.

01:07:43They 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.

01:07:49The 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.

01:08:00Lucas threw the first punch.

01:08:01I'm not letting this go.

01:08:02Yes, he did.

01:08:04Mr. Harlow, I'll have him apologize to you.

01:08:07Whatever you want to do next, we'll cooperate.

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

01:08:10Lucas started immediately.

01:08:11I 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?

01:08:18Just 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.

01:08:26You can see this, right?

01:08:27This really hurts.

01:08:28I looked at it.

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

01:08:31We'll cover everything.

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

01:08:33He reached for my arm.

01:08:34I stepped back.

01:08:35Quinn!

01:08:36Everything Ethan had been holding up cracked all at once.

01:08:38The way he looked at me, loss, bare and unguarded.

01:08:41But my chest was still and quiet, genuinely still.

01:08:43Lucas made a sharp sound.

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

01:08:46I turned fast.

01:08:47His lip was split.

01:08:48His eye was swelling.

01:08:49His jaw had blood on it, and it looked worse than it was.

01:08:51I reached into my bag for a tissue and started cleaning it.

01:08:53Ow.

01:08:54Quinn, gently, gently.

01:08:55He winced and grimaced dramatically.

01:08:57Serves you right.

01:08:58I said quietly, but I was careful.

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

01:09:01Then come with me.

01:09:02I pass out around needles.

01:09:04I gave him a look, but I nodded.

01:09:05Lucas immediately pulled me into a hug.

01:09:07And I need you to kiss it.

01:09:08Right here.

01:09:09It'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.

01:09:39The late son stretched his shadow long and quiet behind him.

01:09:42Maybe it was the moment Quinn dabbed at Lucas' face.

01:09:44Maybe it was the moment she kissed him there, softly.

01:09:46That was when Ethan finally understood it.

01:09:48Quinn did not love him anymore.

01:09:50What Vera had asked that night had turned out to be true.

01:09:52Quinn was not coming back to him.

01:09:53He'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.

01:10:03The one who couldn't let go was him.

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

01:10:07The string snapped and the kite lost its way.

01:10:09It was never going to find home again.

01:10:24He'd thought he was twice as if.

01:10:26All the way.

01:10:54I watched Ethan turn and walk back

01:10:56to his car. I watched that solitary figure disappear. The sun at dusk slid below the

01:11:00horizon all at once. The sky shifted to a pale soft blue. His car pulled away and got smaller.

01:11:05I felt like I could see it. All seven years from 17 to 24. Rushing away with that car. Gone.

01:11:10From this day on I knew his name would be like any ordinary name in the world. I wouldn't try

01:11:15to forget it. I just wouldn't think of it on my own. Quinn. Lucas wrapped me in his arms quietly.

01:11:20I turned and looked up at him smiling lightly. Let's go. Hospital.

01:11:26Hospital.

01:11:27Hospital.

01:11:28Hospital.

01:11:28You

Presidents! Stop Fighting For Me - Ep - FULL ✅

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