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Presidents! Stop Fighting For Me - All Episodes Combined | Short Film Hd - 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
00:01:28He knew it
00:01:31Still hung up
00:01:31Big time
00:01:33I didn't go into that room
00:01:57It still looks like
00:01:57It's been working
00:01:57Well, you know
00:01:57To come back to my house
00:01:57I don't know
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.
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, deep 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.
00:05:13And I should say.
00:05:17So what are you hoping to do?
00:05:22I've heard everything else.
00:05:22That đâus Navistics really came back to me today.
00:05:22I'm very excited toヒmitcon um if I work.
00:05:22I'm also gonna pick what that pentHi.
00:05:22You're compensated with my dogs.
00:05:22You're beating things up right away.
00:05:24And I can't go other things down.
00:05:26It's not that cool.
00:05:27I can't do that raw.
00:05:30.
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00:06:30Back at the apartment, I went to the back of the closet and lifted down the dress.
00:06:34I'd waited half a year for it.
00:06:36A custom order. No returns.
00:06:38Such a shame. I'd never get to wear it.
00:06:41I found a pair of scissors and cut it apart.
00:06:43It had no business being here anyway.
00:06:45Before I left, I took off the ring and set it on the coffee table.
00:06:48I didn't take much. My personal things.
00:06:51Everything else I left behind.
00:06:52I thought about it, then wrote him a note.
00:06:54The apartment and everything in it. Do whatever you want with it.
00:06:57Don't ask me.
00:06:58I booked the earliest flight to Miami.
00:07:00My best friend had moved there earlier that year.
00:07:02She dragged me out for shopping and afternoon coffee.
00:07:04That evening, there was a small get-together.
00:07:06Old classmates. Old friends.
00:07:08Midway through the drinks, the door swung open.
00:07:10A few of the girls immediately lit up.
00:07:12Lucas? Since when do you show up to things like this?
00:07:15Seriously, what brings you out tonight?
00:07:18Had a meeting next door. Heard there was a reunion. Figured I'd drop by.
00:07:22Lucas said this, never taking his eyes off me.
00:07:24My best friend pinched my arm.
00:07:26Quinn. He came for you.
00:07:28I looked at him through slightly unfocused eyes.
00:07:30Taller than Ethan by an inch or two.
00:07:32Black overcoat. Dark suit underneath.
00:07:35Sharp features. A great build.
00:07:37Legs that went on forever.
00:07:39I squinted at him for a moment.
00:07:40Then shook my head.
00:07:41No way. We haven't talked in years.
00:07:44She wasn't listening.
00:07:45She called out to him directly.
00:07:46Lucas! Could you do me a favor?
00:07:48And drive Quinn home later?
00:07:50We've all been drinking. And I don't trust her in a taxi.
00:07:53I looked up at Lucas. Startled.
00:07:54His eyes traveled across the room and settled on my face.
00:07:57Then I saw him nod.
00:08:00Sure.
00:08:00My best friend sat back down.
00:08:02Leaned 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.
00:08:24I know what I'm talking about.
00:08:45Lucas drove me back to the hotel.
00:08:47When we pulled up downstairs, I unclipped my seatbelt.
00:08:51Thanks for the ride.
00:08:52Lucas glanced over at me.
00:08:53Don't mention it.
00:08:54I pushed the door open.
00:08:56Before I could think, I'd already spoken.
00:08:57Wanna come up for a drink?
00:08:58He helped me walk toward the hotel.
00:09:00Lucas kissed me in the elevator.
00:09:02I was already tipsy, and he was demanding.
00:09:04Relentless.
00:09:05I nearly blacked out just from the kiss.
00:09:07There's a camera.
00:09:08I gasped, cheeks burning, legs so weak I had to hold onto his waist just to stay upright.
00:09:14Lucas glanced at the lens, turned me, shifted the angle, and kissed me again.
00:09:18When the door swiped open, he stopped and looked at me.
00:09:20Quinn, if you regret this, I'll still back off.
00:09:23Regret what?
00:09:24I tilted my face up at him, fingers looping around his tie, pulling him closer.
00:09:28You kissed my lips halfway to swollen, a 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.
00:09:37And 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.
00:09:58Matt Olco, Hurtity.
00:09:58Laura Bleacher,셔야 the correct place to me go up.
00:09:59HappyFräng the spoon to me.
00:10:07My words were thoroughly hers oh-
00:10:07Me, I đ bibliotheque, ko- Đi.
00:10:08How did you learn what the end of the roomר elesおお-
00:10:09And it's Gou-L inner-산?
00:10:23Yeah, in the public, if you haven't had a good idea.
00:10:58Five 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, the 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.
00:11:25He 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.
00:11:57I appreciate it.
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00:15:44Listen up.
00:15:45Nobody contacts her! Not for anything!
00:15:48Okay, okay, we won't. Calm 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.
00:15:57She leaves for five days and you do this to yourself.
00:15:59With every word from his friends, Ethan's expression went darker.
00:16:02Eventually, he grabbed his jacket and walked out, slamming the door.
00:16:05He hit the street. Cold air rushed in.
00:16:08The anger still burned in his chest.
00:16:10Seven days. No calls. No texts. Not even one.
00:16:13He pulled out his phone. Blocked her number.
00:16:22Luke has called just as I typed the last line and hit send.
00:16:25I've been writing columns for magazines since college.
00:16:28It turned out to be enough to make a living.
00:16:30Freelance life.
00:16:31Laptop, good Wi-Fi, and I could work from anywhere.
00:16:34So when it ended, I 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.
00:16:42After an afternoon of work, something in me settled.
00:16:44I'm exhausted. You pick.
00:16:47How about steak?
00:16:49I know a place with a really good steak. You'll love it.
00:16:51I always like my steak rare.
00:16:53But Ethan used to say watching me eat it turned his stomach, so I stopped.
00:16:56Though I vaguely remembered Lucas preferring lighter food.
00:16:59Lucas, you don't have to do this for me.
00:17:01I'm not picky anymore.
00:17:03I actually want it too.
00:17:04Remember in college?
00:17:05There was that little joint near campus.
00:17:07The steak were amazing.
00:17:08Hearing him say that made me hungry for it too.
00:17:10That place was genuinely good.
00:17:12I ate there for four years and never got tired of it.
00:17:15Okay. 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.
00:17:27And Lucas in his tailored suit, sitting in that grimy booth, was a completely ridiculous visual.
00:17:32I watched him carefully wipe down my chair with a napkin.
00:17:34For someone like him, these small domestic gestures came surprisingly naturally.
00:17:39Lucas, your ex did a great job with you.
00:17:42I couldn't help saying it.
00:17:44In the beginning, when Ethan was still chasing me, I felt it.
00:17:47Being cared for.
00:17:48Being someone's priority.
00:17:50Then we moved in together the year after graduation.
00:17:52A little over a year.
00:17:53And I became the household.
00:17:55Managing his diet, his rest, his schedule.
00:17:58Like a wife before the wedding.
00:18:00But I understand now what I didn't then.
00:18:01I lost myself loving him.
00:18:03Forgot that you have to love yourself first.
00:18:05No wonder the love wore out.
00:18:07Lucas glanced up from tending the pot.
00:18:09Where'd you hear I had an ex?
00:18:17I paused.
00:18:18The girl who was always around you in college?
00:18:19Weren't you two childhood friends?
00:18:21You mean Sophie?
00:18:22He laughed once.
00:18:24We grew up together, yeah.
00:18:25But we never dated.
00:18:26I never felt that way about her.
00:18:28She was more like a little sister.
00:18:30So you haven't been with anyone all these years?
00:18:32Went on a few setups.
00:18:33It wasn't right, so...
00:18:35It ended.
00:18:36And after that, I looked down, thinking about that first night.
00:18:40Suddenly, it made complete sense.
00:18:42Quinn, I'll do better next time.
00:18:44His comment came out of nowhere.
00:18:45I blinked.
00:18:46Better at what?
00:18:47He turned his face away, cleared his throat quietly.
00:18:49His ears were deeply flushed.
00:18:51You'll see later.
00:18:52He kept his word.
00:18:53After dinner, back at the hotel.
00:18:55Once he'd carried me out of the bathroom and onto the bed, I finally understood what he'd meant.
00:18:59By then, I was completely undone.
00:19:02Lucas.
00:19:02I tried to glare at him, but my eyes were misted over, which only made me look more helpless.
00:19:06His name in my mouth came out soft, nowhere 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, refused to answer.
00:19:15He didn't push, just kept kissing me, over and over, patient and unhurried.
00:19:20I couldn't hold out.
00:19:21Tears were leaking from the corners of my eyes.
00:19:23Lucas.
00:19:23My nails pressed into his lower back, and 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, arms taut, sweat falling in drops.
00:19:35I gave in, voice small and wrecked.
00:19:37Yes.
00:19:38Yes, it is.
00:19:39As my last thought drifted away, Lucas put his lips to my ear and whispered very low.
00:19:44Quinn, if this is good, then promise you'll never leave me, okay?
00:20:29Maybe he'll be sweet, give him an ex-perafter.
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00:25:23the couch smoking the bottle in front of him mostly empty the gift had been chosen by lucas
00:25:27and me together a vintage pair of cufflinks from a high-end label ryan loved these are beautiful
00:25:32ryan laughed a little stiffly reading ethan's expression and quickly had his girlfriend put
00:25:36them away let me see ethan spoke without warning ryan froze but handed the box over without a word
00:25:41ethan stared at the pair of cufflinks the brand's logo was discreet almost invisible but ethan
00:25:46stared at it for a long moment put them away he closed the box and pushed it aside ryan exhaled
00:25:51with relief and reached for it ethan snatched the empty bottle from the table and smashed it
00:25:54against the coffee table glass scattered a long gash opened across the back of his hand the room
00:25:59erupted what happened why did you that's a bad cut it won't stop bleeding hospital ethan stood there
00:26:05emotionless face dark still as stone quinn never bought anything from that label his voice was
00:26:10low and frayed ryan smiled quickly so what quinn probably just picked something at random not
00:26:14like your birthday she'd been planning your gift for six months exactly you know what she means
00:26:20to you none of us combined are worth a tenth of what she feels for you ethan laughed sharply
00:26:25feels for me the noise in the room bled away one degree at a time ethan should i call quinn
00:26:31we need
00:26:32to deal with that cut first ryan suddenly worked up the nerve picked up his phone and photographed
00:26:36ethan's torn up hand then sent it to quinn on the spot ethan didn't stop him
00:27:06the room went still about 10 seconds past then ryan's phone rang see i knew she loved you more than
00:27:13anything look ethan it's quinn the others noticed it too the tension in ethan's face had eased just
00:27:19slightly you want to take it ryan held out the phone ethan didn't look at it he turned away i'll
00:27:23get it
00:27:24i'll get it ryan said eagerly putting it on speaker when quinn's voice came through ethan's jaw locked
00:27:28ryan are you okay are you hurt it's not me it's ethan's hand you have no idea how bad it
00:27:33is blood
00:27:34everywhere he won't stop ryan rambled on the other end went quiet quinn are you there maybe maybe you
00:27:40should come back ethan won't go to the hospital he can't just keep bleeding like this ryan her voice
00:27:43was still soft still the same yeah yeah i'm here go on ryan signaled frantically to ethan don't tell
00:27:49me about him anymore ryan's smile collapsed quinn and happy birthday ryan wait quinn don't hang up
00:27:55the line went dead ryan stood there holding the phone like it had burned him he wanted to slap
00:27:59himself what was he thinking getting involved now look at the mess silence ethan looked around at everyone
00:28:04and smiled lightly you all go mute no one dared speak he smiled again what nobody's got anything to say
00:28:09ethan don't get worked up the cut's bleeding more ethan you know how quinn is from the corner where
00:28:14she'd been sitting quietly through everything vera finally spoke i've wanted to say this for a long
00:28:18time what you did was cruel quinn's a woman women have pride even if you stopped loving her you could
00:28:24have ended it cleanly who says i wanted it to end cleanly ethan smiled sharp and cold she gave me
00:28:29seven
00:28:30years seven years you think that's nothing to me vera smiled very quietly but did you ever stop to think
00:28:36a girl only has so many seven years what if quinn never comes back impossible no one caught it but
00:28:43there was the faintest tremor at the end of that word what's impossible in this world once the heart's
00:28:47been hurt badly enough can you really warm it back up ethan stop doing things you'll regret vera said
00:28:53nothing more she picked up her bag and walked out across the room daniel watched her leave his own
00:28:58wife of two years his expression unreadable was she pitying quinn defending her or was she talking about
00:29:03herself aren't you gonna go after her daniel curved his lips lit a cigarette she's not my wife tonight
00:29:09my wife is on set she's out of the production next month you're gonna wreck yourself his friend sighed
00:29:14daniel didn't respond vera and quinn were different quinn had no family draining her earned her own money
00:29:20a breakup just meant a softer lifestyle for a while but vera had her family's debt behind her and a
00:29:25brother bedridden at home she couldn't leave him she wouldn't dare no matter how many chances she had
00:29:44daughter bedridden at home she couldn't leave filled with it so far as a hope but for good
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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, do you believe me?
00:33:52He lowered his eyes, that sharp nose brushing the side of my face.
00:33:55I want to.
00:33:56Lucas, I have a face and a spine.
00:33:58Do you still have feelings for him?
00:33:59I thought about it honestly.
00:34:00If I said there's nothing left, that wouldn't be true.
00:34:03It's been a long time.
00:34:05Lucas bit down on my shoulder, lightly.
00:34:07Don't say anymore, Quinn.
00:34:08Let me finish.
00:34:10But to say I still miss him, or that I can't let go, that's not right either.
00:34:14I touched his face gently.
00:34:15Leaving him didn't destroy me.
00:34:18So maybe I stopped loving him a long time ago.
00:34:20Maybe the moment he started coasting on this relationship, I'd already started preparing for the end.
00:34:25I won't.
00:34:25Won't what?
00:34:26I won't get distracted.
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.
00:34:41In 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?
00:34:59I 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.
00:35:48I 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.
00:36:35Then I'd say that kunne ever take any Corona out.
00:36:35But when I was fouth in 1, 3, 4.
00:36:41The inn who was shooting after his kam Wise,
00:36:41was the Colonel launched into an expedition scene.
00:36:41So I'd say oh-
00:36:42Superfluous, I'm happy.
00:36:52Superfluous
00:36:55I Sit back your house.
00:36:55I'm happy that my
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, fine.
00:41:07But that doesn't mean the person who planted the tree gets to leave a storm behind for
00:41:09the next one.
00:41:10Ethan was terrible.
00:41:11But Lucas is a good man.
00:41:12One worth something real.
00:41:14Why should Ethan's garbage keep you from giving Lucas a real chance?
00:41:17It's not that I'm biased against him.
00:41:19I just haven't gotten over the damage yet.
00:41:21You haven't gotten over the damage.
00:41:23Babe, Ethan spent seven years running you down and you don't even know it.
00:41:27You think you're not worth being loved?
00:41:29I 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.
00:41:35So now my guard was up against everyone.
00:41:37Against the whole world.
00:41:38Convinced that no one would ever love me without conditions.
00:41:41But why shouldn't I deserve that?
00:41:42The ones who waste your love.
00:41:43Let them choke on it.
00:41:44The ones who love honestly.
00:41:46The universe opens a window for them.
00:41:47Babe, do you know how incredible you are?
00:41:49My best friend pulled me in.
00:41:50Swayed gently.
00:41:51You're gorgeous.
00:41:52You have an amazing body.
00:41:53You were making your own money since sophomore year.
00:41:56Paid your own rent and practically kept me fed too.
00:41:58You're talented and driven and kind.
00:42:01If I were a man, I'd fight anyone to marry you.
00:42:03You deserve to be loved, Quinn.
00:42:05Genuinely loved.
00:42:06By the right person.
00:42:08Not 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.
00:42:17And 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,
00:42:28who'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.
00:42:36So, 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,
00:43:10could be that happy over a phone call.
00:43:12Like a kid on Christmas morning, my best friend beamed at me.
00:43:15Quinn?
00:43:16Happy?
00:43:16I nodded slowly.
00:43:17I think, yeah.
00:43:19Really 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?
00:43:26I just keep thinking about how miserable Ethan's going to be.
00:43:29That alone puts me in a great mood.
00:43:31Who knows?
00:43:32He's probably already moved on.
00:43:34I 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.
00:43:51Men can like whoever they want.
00:43:53Overlap if they choose.
00:43:54The world hardly blinks.
00:43:55So why can't I, after a real ending, start something new?
00:43:58I walked toward him.
00:43:59He walked toward me.
00:44:00People moved around us.
00:44:02We kissed like no one was watching.
00:44:03His heart was pounding so fast.
00:44:05I reached up and touched the back of his neck.
00:44:07Burning hot.
00:44:08He was still warm when I pressed my forehead to his.
00:44:10Slightly breathless.
00:44:11Voiceless.
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.
00:44:59I had a girl who was looking on the parce.
00:45:00I didn't want to know who he was looking at.
00:45:01He said, do I?
00:45:03You know what?
00:45:06He had a friend.
00:45:08You know what?
00:45:09I'm going to give a leg a second.
00:45:09I think I'm kind of a friend of mine.
00:45:11I don't want to know that he's been an accident.
00:45:13He's going to look too late.
00:45:15I know he's going to be very busy.
00:45:18I'm going to know.
00:45:18.
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 time.
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.
00:48:00Thank you for listening.
00:48:06.
00:48:36.
00:49:06.
00:49:36.
00:49:37.
00:49:37.
00:49:38.
00:49:49.
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.
00:50:14Go 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,
00:50:32why did it have to be Lucas Shaw?
00:50:33Ethan had been at each other's throats with Lucas for years.
00:50:36Two years ago, they'd gone head to head over a major contract.
00:50:39Ethan's company lost.
00:50:40First time he'd ever tasted defeat.
00:50:41It had poisoned what was already a tense relationship into something close to hatred.
00:50:45I said, don't freak out.
00:50:46This is all second hand, there'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.
00:50:58Got 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,
00:51:03the bag holding the dress Quinn had bought.
00:51:05He walked, step by step, through the cold of early winter,
00:51:08all the way to the mouth of the alley, back to his car.
00:51:10He stopped.
00:51:11A quiet smile crossed his face, slow, faint,
00:51:13laced with something sharp and bitter.
00:51:15And then, without hesitation,
00:51:17he dropped the elegant shopping bag into the trash can at the curb.
00:51:33Hepping against Cody, right?
00:51:36There's no cards over here.
00:51:36Watch тw future.
00:51:40Keep it under.
00:51:40Hi.
00:51:42My night next day.
00:51:42But the air kind had tremendous damage.
00:51:43When you pants down and you just got cool.
00:51:43Did we uh dead.
00:51:43You really look too smart?
00:51:58I.
00:51:58I'm not exhausted.
00:51:58So I don't know.
00:51:58It's a safe thing altogether.
00:51:59Uh, I just�, Instead of having tries,
00:51:59you know, so I need to put On Scroamers,
00:51:59you know, because of the riding riding with dt.
00:51:59.
00:52:29.
00:52:59.
00:53:29.
00:53:59.
00:54:30.
00:54:31The second month after Quinn left,
00:54:33Ethan 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.
00:54:38What do you want to do with your clothes?
00:54:39Maybe he forgot she'd left a note saying to deal with everything herself.
00:54:42Dispose of it all however he liked.
00:54:44Or maybe it was intentional.
00:54:45An excuse to reach out.
00:54:46Maybe Ethan told himself he was giving her a way back in.
00:54:49She was smart.
00:54:50She'd know to take the out.
00:54:51His temper looked bad but he wasn't that hard to deal with.
00:54:53Quinn never replied.
00:54:54The apartment didn't sell.
00:54:55Her clothes and everything else stayed exactly as they were.
00:54:58Like she'd never left.
00:54:59Ethan came back late nights after going out.
00:55:01Lay down in her bed.
00:55:02Stared at the ceiling until almost dawn.
00:55:04The third month after she left.
00:55:05Same as always.
00:55:06Late and still.
00:55:07When the clock hands crept toward midnight,
00:55:08Ethan 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,
00:55:35they'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 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.
00:56:30Like 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.
00:56:41Blood rushing into his eyes.
00:56:43It's me.
00:56:44Put Quinn on!
00:56:45Now!
00:56:46His eyes looked flooded.
00:56:48He 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.
00:57:11Lucas ended the call, turned off his phone.
00:57:13He brought his lips down to Quinn's, softly.
00:57:15Hey.
00:57:16Wake up.
00:57:55I 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, 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, back 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 7 years and let go in 7 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.
00:59:53It was an old girl, I just went on and turned around.
00:59:57And I remembered how she felt about how she was giving another girl who was demanding.
00:59:58And again, there seemed to be an old girl.
00:59:58It started out because she couldn't tell her though because she is not going out.
00:59:58And she was like, just when she was young.
01:00:01And she was like, I'm so sorry.
01:00:01She was a girl who she was with this girl.
01:00:06And she has two girls on the same side.
01:00:21.
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01:04:12.
01:04:24.
01:04:24shook my head gently. Ethan, please go. Quinn, I never touched Mia. Three days and I ended it.
01:04:31The dress you bought, I had it repaired. And our rings, I kept them both. Quinn, I had a custom
01:04:38ring made. I mean this- His eyes were getting redder. His voice had the faintest tremor. He
01:04:42held out a small velvet box, held it out to me like an offering. Everything in his face was
01:04:47careful, hoping, terrified. Looking at him, I couldn't pretend it didn't hurt at all. But it
01:04:51was only that, just a little hurt. Ethan, I have a boyfriend. I tightened my hand around
01:04:56Lucas's and stepped out from behind him to stand beside him, shoulder to shoulder. The
01:05:00color drained out of Ethan's face in an instant. His gaze dropped slowly and stopped on our
01:05:05intertwined fingers, the matching bands on our ring fingers, just like it had been with
01:05:09us once. Quinn, are you serious? I took a breath, turned to look at Lucas and nodded. Yes, completely
01:05:16serious. Ethan laughed softly, just once. You think he's serious about you? You think
01:05:21you know how much of this is real? Two years ago, he fought me tooth and nail over a deal,
01:05:25and now he's going after you. Quinn, don't you think there's something in that? Some
01:05:28other motive? Can he honestly say he'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. You were with
01:05:36me for seven years. You know how much happened between us. You think Lucas won't care? You
01:05:40think it won't matter to him in the end? You think he's actually going to stay? That
01:05:43you'll get your happy ending with him? Aren't you afraid that being with him just leads
01:05:46you to another seven years exactly like this one?
01:05:52I shook my head gently. Ethan, please go. Quinn, I never touched Mia. Three days and
01:05:59I ended it. The dress you bought, I had it repaired.
01:06:07The fountain music stopped. Ethan stopped. A silence settled over me. Then came the smallest
01:06:11sound, like something very fine and thin, quietly breaking. And after that sound, relief, lightness.
01:06:17Whatever last piece of grief I'd been carrying was gone. Nothing left to lose now. It's just
01:06:22such a waste, I thought. Why does living always come with things you regret? Before today, I
01:06:26didn't regret loving Ethan. Good or bad, it was mine. It happened. But in this moment, I
01:06:30couldn't help grieving it. Seven years and I'd never seen clearly. Ethan, at his core, had
01:06:34never really looked at me. Not the way I deserved to be seen. Lucas pulled me into his arms, his
01:06:38eyes full of something pained. I was a little pale, but I smiled and shook my head.
01:06:42I'm okay. Come on, wait by the car. I've got this. I want to be here with you. I held
01:06:47his hand and wouldn't let go. Lucas looked at me for a long moment, then bowed his head
01:06:51and kissed me hard. Quinn, everything I've ever done, I've done with a clear conscience.
01:06:54No regrets. But right now, right now I genuinely regret not taking you from him when I had the
01:07:00chance. What gives you the right? Ethan cut in. Going after someone when they're at their
01:07:04lowest? What kind of man does that make you, Lucas? Ethan, you didn't deserve a single year
01:07:08of what Quinn gave you. Not one. Maybe those words finally broke something in Ethan. He
01:07:12lost control in a way he never had before. Words he'd never have said otherwise. Oh yeah?
01:07:17And you, Lucas? You go after a woman who spent seven years with me. What right do you have
01:07:23to stand there and lecture me? Tell me the truth. Do you actually love Quinn? Or do you love
01:07:28the idea of having something that was mine? Lucas put his fist through Ethan's face. Ethan
01:07:40wasn't one to absorb him. He came back swimming. They went at each other until both of them
01:07:44were marked up, split, and bruised. Security rushed over, finally managed to get between
01:07:48them. The two men stood there breathing hard, still glaring at each other, not giving an inch.
01:07:53Can we stop now? I was furious and scared, and my voice broke a little. Quinn. Ethan's
01:07:58face was cold. You saw it. Lucas threw the first punch. I'm not letting this go. Yes,
01:08:03he did. Mr. Harlow, I'll have him apologize to you. Whatever you want to do next, we'll
01:08:08cooperate. Quinn, he said it first. Lucas started immediately. I pressed my hand lightly
01:08:12over his, then turned back, calm. Mr. Harlow, I'll apologize on his behalf. You're defending
01:08:17him? Just like that? Ethan stepped toward me slowly. He hit me, Quinn. What would you like
01:08:22us to do about it? Quinn, I'm hurt. He gestured at his face. You can see this, right? This
01:08:28really hurts. I looked at it. We'll call you an ambulance. We'll cover everything. You
01:08:32know that's not what I want. He reached for my arm. I stepped back. Quinn. Everything
01:08:36Ethan had been holding up cracked all at once. The way he looked at me, lost, bare, and unguarded.
01:08:41But my chest was still and quiet, genuinely still. Lucas made a sharp sound. Quinn, am I going
01:08:45to be scarred? I turned fast. His lip was split. His eye was swelling. His jaw had blood on
01:08:50it, and it looked worse than it was. I reached into my bag for a tissue and started cleaning
01:08:53it. Ow. Quinn, gently, gently. He winced and grimaced dramatically. Serves you right, I said
01:08:58quietly, but I was careful. You're going to need stitches. Then come with me. I pass out
01:09:03around needles. I gave him a look, but I nodded. Lucas immediately pulled me into a hug. And
01:09:07I need you to kiss it. Right here. It's killing me. I rose slowly on my toes and pressed my
01:09:12lips
01:09:13gently, right to the wound.
01:09:37Ethan didn't say anything more. The late son stretched his shadow long and quiet behind
01:09:41him. Maybe it was the moment Quinn dabbed at Lucas' face. Maybe it was the moment she kissed
01:09:45him there, softly. That was when Ethan finally understood it. Quinn did not love him anymore.
01:09:50What Vera had asked that night had turned out to be true. Quinn was not coming back to
01:09:53him. He'd thought he was the one who could walk away from seven years easily. He'd thought
01:09:57he was the one who'd always held the upper hand. He'd thought he was always going to come
01:10:00out ahead. But standing here now, he understood. The one who couldn't let go was him. Quinn had
01:10:05been the string that held the kite to the sky. The string snapped, and the kite lost its
01:10:08way. It was never going to find home again.
01:10:16Michaelaine.
01:10:4512
01:10:45John is one of those guys in on the one hand.
01:10:45dennis
01:10:45jurisdiction
01:10:54I watched Ethan turn and walk back to his car.
01:10:57I watched that solitary figure disappear.
01:10:59The 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.
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