- 8 hours ago
Presidents! Stop Fighting For Me - Ep - FULL ✅
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
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
00:01:28You really looked at the night
00:01:29I saw the woman's editorial
00:01:31I saw the man'sあっ
00:01:32Well, that's not a good job
00:01:38I saw this
00:01:38She did all the animals
00:01:38And she loved it
00:01:57I saw the man's
00:01:58.
00:02:28.
00:03:01.
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?
00:03:48What are you all staring at?
00:03:49Ethan settled the girl into a seat and finally looked at me.
00:03:52Quinn, perfect 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.
00:04:16I 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,
00:04:57and walked fast toward the elevator.
00:05:03She eventually bezged.
00:05:05She cried, holding a Gesprank off of her chair.
00:05:08She finallyoped.
00:05:12She then surrendered.
00:05:14What about Vors。
00:05:14And this time?
00:05:19She needed lightening damage.
00:05:25Was every single time.
00:05:25Could she have been disappointed yet?
00:05:25Yes mom is 544 women.
00:05:30오른 accompagged hospitals.
00:05:31Yeah, 16% big.
00:05:33.
00:06:30Back at the apartment,
00:06:31I went to the back of the closet and lifted
00:06:33down the dress. I'd waited half
00:06:35a year for it. A custom order.
00:06:37No returns. Such a shame.
00:06:40I'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
00:06:47and set it on the coffee table. I didn't take
00:06:49much. My personal things. Everything
00:06:51else I left behind. I thought about it,
00:06:53then wrote him a note. The apartment
00:06:55and everything in it. Do whatever you want with it.
00:06:57Don't ask me. I booked the earliest
00:06:59flight to Miami. My best friend had moved
00:07:01there earlier that year. She dragged me out for
00:07:03shopping and afternoon coffee. That evening,
00:07:05there was a small get-together. Old classmates.
00:07:07Old friends. Midway through the drinks,
00:07:09the door swung open. A few of the girls
00:07:11immediately lit up. Lucas? Since when
00:07:13do you show up to things like this?
00:07:15Seriously, what brings you out tonight?
00:07:18Had a meeting next door.
00:07:19Heard there was a reunion.
00:07:21Figured I'd drop by. Lucas said this,
00:07:23never taking his eyes off me. My best
00:07:25friend pinched my arm. Quinn,
00:07:27he came for you. I looked at him through
00:07:29slightly unfocused eyes. Taller
00:07:31than Ethan by an inch or two. Black
00:07:33overcoat. Dark suit underneath.
00:07:35Sharp features. A great build.
00:07:37Legs that went on forever.
00:07:39I squinted at him for a moment, then shook my head.
00:07:41No way. We haven't talked in
00:07:43years. She wasn't listening.
00:07:45She called out to him directly. Lucas,
00:07:47could you do me a favor and drive Quinn
00:07:49home later? We've all been drinking
00:07:51and I don't trust her in a taxi. I looked
00:07:53up at Lucas, startled. His eyes
00:07:55traveled across the room and settled on my face.
00:07:57Then I saw him nod.
00:08:00Sure. My best
00:08:01friend sat back down, leaned close to my ear.
00:08:03Quinn, after seven years with
00:08:05one man, it's time to move on and embrace
00:08:07a new life. Even Ethan has done
00:08:09it. Why can't you start
00:08:11a second chapter of your own?
00:08:13Besides, a man like Lucas?
00:08:15If you don't take your shot, it's
00:08:17practically a crime. What makes you think
00:08:19he'd even want to? Babe,
00:08:21the way he looked at you? Trust me,
00:08:23I've been through 18 of them. I know what I'm talking
00:08:43about.
00:08:45Lucas drove me back
00:08:46to the hotel. When we pulled up
00:08:48downstairs, I unclipped my seatbelt.
00:08:51Thanks for the ride.
00:08:52Lucas glanced over at me. Don't mention it.
00:08:54I pushed the door open. Before I could
00:08:56think, I'd already spoken. Want to come up
00:08:58for a drink? He 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. I nearly blacked out
00:09:06just from the kiss.
00:09:07There's a camera. I gasped, cheeks burning,
00:09:10legs so weak I had to hold
00:09:12onto his waist just to stay upright.
00:09:14Lucas glanced at the lens, turned me,
00:09:16shifted the angle, and kissed me again.
00:09:18When the door swiped open, he stopped
00:09:20and looked at me. Quinn, if you regret this,
00:09:22I'll still back off. Regret what?
00:09:24I tilted my face up at him,
00:09:26fingers looping around his tie, pulling him
00:09:27closer. You kissed my lips halfway to swollen?
00:09:30A little late to talk about
00:09:32backing off? Lucas laughed then.
00:09:34He reached out and brushed his thumb
00:09:36across my lower lip. And don't go blaming me
00:09:38later. Our first night together,
00:09:40Lucas didn't even make it to the bedroom.
00:09:42He pinned me against the wall and it was
00:09:43rough enough to hurt a little. I bit down on
00:09:45his 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.
00:10:22I was thinking that. I'm not sure I can hold back.
00:10:31I'm not sure I can hold back.
00:10:31You guys were breathing against me.
00:10:31What am I going to do when I do when I can
00:10:31I feel like I'm feeling good.
00:10:31I feel like you're a little bit
00:10:32like you're feeling good.
00:10:32And I'm feeling good at, but do you know,
00:10:36I'm feeling good at.
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.
00:11:05Lucas, how long has it been for you?
00:11:07He gave me a look.
00:11:09A while.
00:11:09Work's been everything lately.
00:11:11I stared at him.
00:11:12The laughter fading.
00:11:13A moment later, tears came out of nowhere.
00:11:15I'm sorry.
00:11:17I 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.
00:11:28Steady, almost serious.
00:11:30Quinn, since you started this, you don't get to stop halfway.
00:11:42You got the salesperson that has resting in that office.
00:11:46I don't know if you are sick, but the record was done.
00:11:57Come on in.
00:11:58Don't nee.
00:11:58Right?
00:12:05Come on just watch it.
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00:14:23Serena of House Stavas, you are kind.
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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
00:15:14We all miss you
00:15:15Ryan's birthday is in a few days
00:15:17Come celebrate
00:15:17Tell 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
00:15:23Look, 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
00:15:38For 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
00:16:00Ethan's expression went darker
00:16:02Eventually, he grabbed his jacket and walked out
00:16:04Slamming 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
00:16:27It turned out to be enough to make a living
00:16:30Freelance life
00:16:31Laptop, good wifi
00:16:32And I could work from anywhere
00:16:34So when it ended
00:16:35I had no reason to stay in the city and hurt
00:16:39Quinn, what do you want for dinner?
00:16:40His voice came through clearly
00:16:41After an afternoon of work
00:16:43Something 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
00:16:55So 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
00:17:14Okay, steak 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
00:17:26And Lucas in his tailored suit
00:17:28Sitting in that grimy booth
00:17:30Was a completely ridiculous visual
00:17:32I watched him carefully wipe down my chair with a napkin
00:17:34For someone like him
00:17:36These 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
00:17:46I felt it
00:17:46Being 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
00:17:56His rest
00:17:57His 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?
00:18:20Weren'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
00:18:29So you haven't been with anyone all these years?
00:18:32Went 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
00:18:38Thinking about that first night
00:18:40Suddenly
00:18:40It made complete sense
00:18:41Quinn
00:18:42I'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
00:18:48Cleared 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
00:18:54Back at the hotel
00:18:55Once he'd carried me out of the bathroom
00:18:57And onto the bed
00:18:57I finally understood what he'd meant
00:18:59By then
00:19:00I was completely undone
00:19:01Lucas
00:19:02I tried to glare at him
00:19:03But my eyes were misted over
00:19:05Which 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
00:19:20Tears 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' 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
00:19:42And whispered very low
00:19:43Quinn
00:19:44If this is good
00:19:46Then promise you'll never leave me
00:19:48Okay?
00:19:58ták室
00:19:58What else can we do?
00:19:592
00:19:59Summer
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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.
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00:25:31That's what beautiful.
00:25:32Ryan laughed a little stiffly reading Ethan's expression, and quickly had his girlfriend put
00:25:36them away .
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00:25:38Ryan 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 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, 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.
00:26:16She'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,
00:26:37then sent it to Quinn on the spot.
00:26:39Ethan didn't stop him.
00:27:06The room went still.
00:27:08About 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.
00:27:17The 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.
00:27:46Go 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!
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.
00:28:00What 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.
00:28:28She 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?
00:28:47Once 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.
00:29:01Was 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.
00:29:07She'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.
00:29:14His 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.
00:29:22But 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.
00:30:01You're gonna buy her.
00:30:06I think it's a person that I was reading the whole world.
00:30:07And I'll walk out of my mind with her dad.
00:30:07She was saying a couple of zouden.
00:30:18Going away from the experience.
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.
00:33:23I laughed softly.
00:33:24What?
00:33:25Quinn, are you going back?
00:33:26Back where?
00:33:27Back home.
00:33:29Not 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.
00:34:01If 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?
00:34:12Or that I can't let go?
00:34:13That'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,
00:34:23I'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, and 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.
00:35:18If this arrangement makes you uncomfortable, I'll leave Miami right away.
00:35:23I 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.
00:36:07Not 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 was scared.
00:36:42I was scared.
00:36:43I was scared.
00:36:44I was scared.
00:36:44I was scared.
00:36:44I was scared.
00:36:44I was scared.
00:36:44I was scared.
00:36:45I was scared.
00:36:46I was scared.
00:36:48I was scared.
00:36:49I was scared.
00:38:20In love, in the idea of marriage, made even more sense.
00:38:23Maybe he'd push 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?
00:38:32Maybe a year and a half ago, when he found out Quinn had moved in with Ethan, that was
00:38:35when he genuinely decided to let go.
00:38:37So he'd tried the setups, tried to meet someone new, tried 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, he never went back down
00:38:46that road.
00:38:46If Quinn hadn't left Ethan and come to Miami, if 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, then Lucas
00:39:01Shaw, you don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:39:20You don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:39:47love of that God is하면.
00:39:51You don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:39:53You don't deserve this happiness you want.
00:39:54What are you, Nathan?
00:39:55Sounds weird.
00:39:55Come to him.iasi
00:40:01hQueen for the happiness of locaports. He's
00:40:01when I wanted to come back, he wasn't available at DC anyway. This house
00:40:10But if
00:40:10that's all for you. You're
00:40:11climbing on vacation. The Giving
00:40:15Fight Show is on the back end. Along with
00:40:16Michael Waving having the same phone as well. What are
00:40:16you doing? I hope
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 next 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.
00:41:22You 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?
00:41:29I stared at her.
00:41:29Was she right?
00:41:30The exhaustion of the back and forth.
00:41:32The constant anxiety.
00:41:33The feeling of never being enough.
00:41:35Never being secure.
00:41:36So 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, let them choke on it.
00:41:44The ones who love honestly, the universe opens a window for them.
00:41:47Babe, do you know how incredible you are?
00:41:49My best friend pulled me in, swayed 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.
00:42:07And not ground down and wasted on someone like Ethan.
00:42:11Trust 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.
00:42:16Now, 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.
00:42:37You 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 call.
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, really happy.
00:43:20See?
00:43:20You're happy.
00:43:22Lucas is happier.
00:43:23What else is there to figure out?
00:43:24Then she laughed.
00:43:25Honestly, I 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.
00:43:34I smiled faintly.
00:43:35Let'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.
00:43:42Lucas' car pulled up downstairs just as I stepped out of the bar.
00:43:45He stood in the night air with his arms open.
00:43:47I stopped and looked at him.
00:43:48Honestly, he was striking.
00:43:50Every feature exactly what I'd want.
00:43:52Men 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.
00:44:01People 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, burning hot.
00:44:08He was still warm when I pressed my forehead to his.
00:44:10Slightly breathless, voiceless.
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?
00:44:40Boyfriend.
00:45:07I don't want to know.
00:45:08And now you're in my head's echo.
00:45:08I'm very well sissy and guy.
00:45:08You're better than budgeting.
00:45:26You're better than having my 입 also.
00:45:26I'm so satisfied I do mean I spend my window for testing.
00:45:27But Empress?
00:45:27He might be壊ード I always go through.
00:45:27He might be using COVID and nothing.
00:45:27I'm so satisfied.
00:45:27He might be using the testing and challenging.
00:45:27.
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, 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.
00:47:01And 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.
00:47:24He'd Erstvie'd love to marry you.
00:47:28He'd worst about it.
00:47:29He'd 2 minus 1 in the Interinosaur of T Ray.
00:47:34What's bad of it?
00:47:43Stephanie.
00:47:43Stephanie.
00:47:43Stephanie.
00:47:45Stephanie.
00:47:45Stephanie.
00:47:46.
00:48:16.
00:48:46.
00:49:16.
00:49:46.
00:49:46.
00:49:46.
00:49:46.
00:49:47.
00:49:48.
00:49:54.
00:50:00The 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.
00:50:17Could 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.
00:50:31Of all the rumors that could have gotten out, why did it have to be Lucas Shaw?
00:50:34Ethan 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.
00:50:45I said, don't freak out.
00:50:46This is all second-hand.
00:50:47There's no confirmation.
00:50:48Someone spotted Quinn in Miami.
00:50:50Ethan'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.
00:50:57Got it.
00:50:58Ethan.
00:50:59Nothing 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, the bag holding the dress Quinn
00:51:05had bought.
00:51:05He walked, step by step, through the cold of early winter, all the way to the mouth of the
00:51:09alley, 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
00:51:19the curb.
00:51:37And if you want to make the stuff, you can go this all right.
00:51:38So we don't talk to our friend.
00:51:38You say a little requested in line.
00:51:38Mom just says, take a while.
00:51:41Have a deal then?
00:51:46Look, we didn't have any questions, and we don't decide why.
00:51:47Play the room for theıyorlar?
00:51:47He went, ''Ey, there's a way that makes the summers one mile go down to the cows.
00:51:56Mazun's day before the cowsake98長 ville Lena made to the cowsakey's center.'
00:51:57And there were a curly czasie that put your soggy CPU in the water for an explanation when
00:51:57he goes to the cowsake with a heart that he was chasing me.
00:51:57I think this is the probably the opposite side boss, but that 1969 will notash where him
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, no response.
00:54:36The message read, thinking 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, dispose of it all however he liked.
00:54:44Or maybe it was intentional, an excuse to reach out.
00:54:47Maybe Ethan told himself he was giving her a way back in.
00:54:49She was smart, she'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, the 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.
00:55:01Lay 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.
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.
00:55:46Fragile 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.
00:56:03Who'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.
00:56:10What 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.
00:56:34Can'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!
00:56:45Now!
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'd 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.
00:57:11Lucas 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.
00:58:22Like a ripe peach in September.
00:58:24I had my hand tucked at Lucas's arm.
00:58:26We 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.
00:58:52Stepping 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
00:59:38imagination.
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.
01:00:12Because it wasn't much like that.
01:00:12He was so he should use coffee when he was building it.
01:00:12It was really potrzebbing coffee when the insane person ran around the wreckage.
01:00:13He needed a giant.
01:00:13It really was more deanny.
01:00:13Again?
01:00:13.
01:00:43.
01:01:13.
01:01:43.
01:02:13.
01:02:43.
01:03:13.
01:03:43.
01:03:44.
01:03:44.
01:03:44.
01:03:45.
01:03:47.
01:03:51.
01:03:52.
01:03:53.
01:03:53.
01:03:53.
01:03:54.
01:03:55.
01:03:59.
01:04:02.
01:04:02.
01:04:02.
01:04:02.
01:04:02.
01:04:02.
01:04:02.
01:04:03.
01:04:03.
01:04:03.
01:04:03.
01:04:03.
01:04:10.
01:04:11.
01:04:11.
01:04:11.
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.
01:04:34And our rings, I kept them both.
01:04:36Quinn, I had a custom ring made.
01:04:38I mean this-
01:04:39.
01:04:39.
01:04:39.
01:04:39.
01:04:39.
01:04:40.
01:04:40.
01:04:40.
01:04:40.
01:05:01.
01:05:01.
01:05:01.
01:05:01.
01:05:01.
01:05:01.
01:05:01Ethan's face in an instant. His 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.
01:05:10Quinn, are you serious? I took a breath, turned to look at Lucas and nodded.
01:05:14Yes, completely serious. Ethan laughed softly, just once.
01:05:19You think he's serious about you? You 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? Some other motive? Can he honestly say
01:05:30he's pursuing you with absolutely nothing to prove to me?
01:05:32Quinn, you've always been too trusting. All men are the same in the end.
01:05:36You were with me for seven years. You know how much happened between us.
01:05:39You think Lucas won't care? You think it won't matter to him in the end?
01:05:42You think he's actually going to stay? That 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?
01:05:53I shook my head gently.
01:05:54Ethan, please go.
01:05:56Quinn, I never touched Mia. Three days and I ended it.
01:06:00The dress you bought, I had it repaired.
01:06:07The fountain music stopped. Ethan stopped. A 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. It 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.
01:07:14Words 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?
01:07:25Tell 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.
01:07:59Lucas threw the first punch.
01:08:01I'm not letting this go.
01:08:03Yes, he did.
01:08:04Mr. Harlow, I'll have him apologize to you.
01:08:06Whatever 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, lost, 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, I 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.
01:09:11I 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.
01:09:54He'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.
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.
01:10:54I watched Ethan turn and walk back to his car.
01:10:57I 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.
01:11:24Hospital.
01:11:24Hospital.
01:11:25Hospital.
01:11:26Hospital.
01:11:27Hospital.
01:11:28Hospital.
01:11:29Hospital.
01:11:29Hospital.
01:11:29Hospital.
01:11:29Hospital.
01:11:29You
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