- 20 hours ago
The Hunters Witch Bride
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00He had no idea that the one waiting to die was himself.
00:03Santino said his dad had a heart attack in Milan.
00:05I checked his phone location.
00:07He was at a private marina.
00:08His arm wrapped around a young influencer, Mia.
00:11Elaine? What are you doing here?
00:13I'm Santino's wife, Elaine.
00:15Santino told me you have ALS.
00:16I opened the PDF. It was his name.
00:19He thought I was the sick one.
00:20Elaine, maybe it's better not to treat it.
00:21It'll just drag the rest of us down with you.
00:23You do 20 years, and you never see your boy again.
00:26To keep my mom and Leo safe, I picked up the pen.
00:29An urgent email came through from our private clinic in Manhattan.
00:32Santino had been complaining of muscle aches.
00:34So we both got checked a few days ago.
00:36At the time, busy texting someone else.
00:38He barely glanced at the notification on my iPad.
00:41Just naturally assumed it was me.
00:43I opened the PDF. It was his name.
00:45That night, he cooked a lavish dinner.
00:47We ate in silence.
00:49After dinner, he set his silverware down.
00:51Elaine, maybe it's better not to treat it.
00:54No.
00:55The doctor said the right treatment can buy a few more good years.
00:57Treating ALS is a black hole.
01:00That's half a million a year just to delay the inevitable.
01:04Don't worry about the money.
01:05We can afford it.
01:07Elaine, Leo's starting prep school.
01:09We can't dump all of it into this.
01:12It won't cure you.
01:13It'll just drag the rest of us down with you.
01:14Drop it.
01:15What do you mean?
01:16If it were me, I wouldn't treat it either.
01:18I'd never become a burden to you and Leo.
01:20You have to understand.
01:22Okay.
01:23I understand you.
01:25No treatment then.
01:27He visibly relaxed.
01:28That's when I realized it.
01:30He never checked the name.
01:31He thought I was the sick one.
01:33He had no idea that the one waiting to die was himself.
01:38The next day, Santino said his dad had a heart attack in Milan.
01:42He had to fly out for a week.
01:44Sounding almost guilty.
01:45I feel awful.
01:47I really wanted to take you and Leo to the Caribbean.
01:50We'll have to rain check.
01:51I checked his phone location.
01:53He was at a private marina.
01:55He never left New York.
01:56I drove straight to the marina and boarded his luxury yacht.
01:59The door was cracked open.
02:01Thanks for coming out, everyone.
02:03Any friend of Mia's is a friend of mine.
02:07Mr. Rossi spoils you, Mia.
02:09When are you going to make it official with her?
02:14Santino sat on the sofa, his arm wrapped around a young influencer, Mia.
02:20So this is your sick father?
02:25Elaine?
02:25What are you doing here?
02:27If I wasn't here, I'd miss out on all the fun.
02:30Relax, Elaine.
02:31Mia is my new assistant.
02:33We just closed a big deal, so I took the team out to celebrate.
02:36Save it.
02:36I know your staff, Santino.
02:38No one here works for you.
02:40Let me introduce myself.
02:43I'm Santino's wife, Elaine.
02:46Oh, you're Elaine.
02:48Santino told me you have ALS.
02:50You don't have long left, so why are you still here?
02:53You've been his side piece for two seconds.
02:56And you already know my diagnosis.
02:58Are you that desperate to be the wife?
03:01Are you done acting crazy, Elaine?
03:04Stop embarrassing yourself!
03:07Staring at him in pure disbelief.
03:09I loved this man for seven years.
03:11And he just hit me in public over a mistress he met three months ago.
03:14Mia leaned into his chest with a smug smile.
03:18You want to make a scene?
03:20Fine.
03:21We're getting divorced.
03:23Leo stays with me.
03:24You get nothing.
03:26Not a single dime.
03:27Get out of my life!
03:29Pop the Romanekonte from the teller.
03:32Let's keep the party going for Mia's friends.
03:34That bottle costs 20 grand.
03:36He popped it for his mistress without blinking.
03:38But my ALS treatment was too expensive.
03:40The next day...
03:41My lawyers are dedrafting the papers.
03:43Sign them and move out.
03:44You're not getting custody of Leo.
03:46With what?
03:46You don't work.
03:48Your money is mine.
03:49The trust owns this penthouse.
03:51You have nothing.
03:53So you've been playing me for seven years.
03:55I'm not signing anything.
03:57Let's drag it out.
03:58You think you have time?
04:00ALS kills in three years.
04:02If you don't sign, I'll just wait for you to die.
04:04Leo stays with me and you get nothing.
04:06Then let's see who dies first.
04:09Marrying you was the biggest mistake of my life!
04:15Follow the money.
04:16I want every Rossi asset traced.
04:20Mommy, are you and Dad getting a divorce?
04:25If Mommy and Dad live apart, will you hate me?
04:28It's not your fault.
04:30Dad kissed that lady.
04:32I caught him.
04:33It was a photo of Santino kissing Mia in our living room.
04:36I tucked it away.
04:38That evening, I was cooking dinner for Leo.
04:40The front door was kicked wide open.
04:45Santino busted in with Mia and five mob goons.
04:48The vibe was instantly lethal.
04:50Cut the crap, Elaine.
04:51Sign the papers and get out today.
04:54Mia slammed a document onto the coffee table.
04:56The terms were brutal.
04:57House, cash, company shares, all to Santino.
05:01Full custody of Leo to him.
05:02I walk away with Zero.
05:04The lead enforcer stepped up, staring dead at me.
05:07Sign the papers.
05:08Or tomorrow, the cops find two kilos of coke in your trunk.
05:12You do twenty years.
05:14And you never see your boy again.
05:16Santino, are you out of your mind?
05:19She's your wife!
05:20The enforcer slapped her so hard she crashed to the floor.
05:23I rushed to help her up.
05:24Mia kicked me hard in the knee.
05:25Santino gripped my throat.
05:27Sign it.
05:29Now.
05:30Or I let them handle this their way.
05:34The thugs closed in.
05:35Fists clenched.
05:37To keep my mom and Leo safe, I picked up the pen.
05:39My hand shook as I signed my name.
05:41Santino snatched the signed divorce papers.
05:43He and Mia smirked.
05:46Three days.
05:47My poor girl!
05:49This is so unfair!
05:53Mom, the game just started.
05:55Mom, the game just started.
05:59An urgent email came through from our private clinic in Manhattan.
06:03Santino had been complaining of muscle aches.
06:05So we both got checked a few days ago.
06:07At the time, busy texting someone else.
06:09He barely glanced at the notification on my iPad.
06:12Just naturally assumed it was me.
06:13I opened the PDF.
06:15It was his name.
06:16That night, he cooked a lavish dinner.
06:18We ate in silence.
06:19After dinner, he set his silverware down.
06:22Elaine, maybe it's better not to treat it.
06:24No.
06:25The doctor said the right treatment can buy a few more good years.
06:28Treating ALS is a black hole.
06:30That's half a million a year just to delay the inevitable.
06:34Don't worry about the money.
06:36We can afford it.
06:37Elaine, Leo's starting prep school.
06:39We can't dump all of it into this.
06:42It won't cure you.
06:43It'll just drag the rest of us down with you.
06:45Drop it.
06:46What do you mean?
06:46If it were me, I wouldn't treat it either.
06:48I'd never become a burden to you and Leo.
06:51You have to understand.
06:53Okay.
06:54I understand you.
06:56No treatment then.
06:57He visibly relaxed.
06:59That's when I realized it.
07:01He never checked the name.
07:02He thought I was the sick one.
07:04He had no idea that the one waiting to die was himself.
07:09The next day, Santino said his dad had a heart attack in Milan.
07:13He had to fly out for a week.
07:14Sounding almost guilty.
07:16I feel awful.
07:17I really wanted to take you and Leo to the Caribbean.
07:21We'll have to rain check.
07:22I checked his phone location.
07:23He was at a private marina.
07:25He never left New York.
07:26I drove straight to the marina and boarded his luxury yacht.
07:30The door was cracked open.
07:32Thanks for coming out, everyone.
07:34Any friend of Mia's is a friend of mine.
07:38Mr. Rossi spoils you, Mia.
07:40When are you going to make it official with her?
07:44Santino sat on the sofa.
07:46His arm wrapped around a young influencer, Mia.
07:50So this is your sick father?
07:55Elaine, what are you doing here?
07:58If I wasn't here, I'd miss out on all the fun.
08:01Relax, Elaine.
08:02Mia is my new assistant.
08:03We just closed a big deal, so I took the team out to celebrate.
08:06Save it.
08:07I know your staff, Santino.
08:09No one here works for you.
08:11Let me introduce myself.
08:13I'm Santino's wife, Elaine.
08:17Oh, you're Elaine.
08:19Santino told me you have ALS.
08:21You don't have long left, so why are you still here?
08:24You've been his side piece for two seconds.
08:26And you already know my diagnosis.
08:28Are you that desperate to be the wife?
08:32Are you done acting crazy, Elaine?
08:35Stop embarrassing yourself!
08:38Staring at him in pure disbelief.
08:40I loved this man for seven years.
08:42And he just hit me in public over a mistress he met three months ago.
08:45Mia leaned into his chest with a smug smile.
08:49You want to make a scene?
08:51Fine.
08:52We're getting divorced.
08:53Leo stays with me.
08:55You get nothing.
08:56Not a single dime.
08:58Get out of my life!
08:59Pop the Romanekonte from the teller.
09:03Let's keep the party going for Mia's friends.
09:05That bottle costs 20 grand.
09:06He popped it for his mistress without blinking.
09:08But my ALS treatment was too expensive.
09:11The next day...
09:11My lawyers are dedrafting the papers.
09:13Sign them and move out.
09:15You're not getting custody of Leo.
09:16With what?
09:17You don't work.
09:18Your money is mine.
09:20The trust owns this penthouse.
09:22You have nothing.
09:23So you've been playing me for seven years.
09:26I'm not signing anything.
09:27Let's drag it out.
09:29You think you have time?
09:31ALS kills in three years.
09:33If you don't sign, I'll just wait for you to die.
09:35Leo stays with me, and you get nothing.
09:37Then let's see who dies first.
09:39Marrying you was the biggest mistake of my life!
09:45Follow the money.
09:47I want every Rossi asset traced.
09:50Mommy, are you and Dad getting a divorce?
09:55If Mommy and Dad live apart, will you hate me?
09:59It's not your fault.
10:01Dad kissed that lady.
10:03I caught him.
10:04It was a photo of Santino kissing Mia in our living room.
10:07I tucked it away.
10:08That evening, I was cooking dinner for Leo.
10:10The front door was kicked wide open.
10:16Santino busted in with Mia and five mob goons.
10:18The vibe was instantly lethal.
10:20Cut the crap, Elaine.
10:22Sign the papers and get out today.
10:24Mia slammed a document onto the coffee table.
10:27The terms were brutal.
10:28House, cash, company shares, all to Santino.
10:31Full custody of Leo to him.
10:33I walk away with Zero.
10:35The lead enforcer stepped up, staring dead at me.
10:38Sign the papers.
10:39Or tomorrow, the cops find two kilos of coke in your trunk.
10:43You do twenty years, and you never see your boy again.
10:47Santino, are you out of your mind?
10:49She's your wife!
10:51The enforcer slapped her so hard she crashed to the floor.
10:53I rushed to help her up.
10:55Mia kicked me hard in the knee.
10:56Santino gripped my throat.
10:58Sign it.
11:00Now.
11:00Or I let them handle this their way.
11:04The thugs closed in.
11:06Fists clenched.
11:07To keep my mom and Leo safe, I picked up the pen.
11:10My hand shook as I signed my name.
11:12Santino snatched the signed divorce papers.
11:14He and Mia smirked.
11:16Three days.
11:17My poor girl.
11:19This is so unfair.
11:24Mom, the game just started.
11:27Home to surprise hubby.
11:29Relax, I'm definitely getting this divorce.
11:31With this divorce, she's been divorced twice already.
11:34People have stabbed her in the back long enough, there's no way she'd dare go through
11:37with a third one.
11:37You really know how to play it, handing over the divorce papers on April Fool's Day.
11:41Even if she kicks up a fuss afterward, you just turn around and say it was a joke, sweet
11:44tunker a bit, and it'll blow over.
11:46Could she seriously hold it against you?
11:49Don't forget the pact we made back in our senior year of high school.
11:52Wendy's wedding is next week, and for her bachelorette party, all of us have to be single.
11:59I turned and walked away, taking shelter in the cafe across from the residential complex.
12:04Clutching the coffee cup tightly, memories of the past flooded back.
12:07The first time I got married, it was to help my childhood friend Sean fight for the family
12:12inheritance.
12:13His grandfather was satisfied with my family background and status, and handed the inheritance
12:18rights to him, the youngest grandson.
12:20The second time I got married, it was to help my sworn brother Chris escape an arranged marriage.
12:25All the socialites in town heard I'd married him.
12:28All gave up.
12:29I never thought all I'd given would become their excuse to judge me.
12:33I sat in the cafe for a full hour before I finally headed back home.
12:36Seeing me come back, Ethan walked over to take my luggage.
12:39Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?
12:41I would've come to pick you up.
12:42Just as gentle as always.
12:43Have you eaten?
12:44Yes, I have.
12:45Oh, right, honey.
12:46There's something I need to talk to you about.
12:48I set down the things in my hand and turned to look at him.
12:54Companies run into some trouble, and we need to do an asset isolation.
12:57Our lawyer suggested we go through the divorce procedures first, just as a formality.
13:01I glanced down, and it was a divorce agreement.
13:03He had everything ready so quickly.
13:06Once the heat dies down, we'll get remarried.
13:08It'll only be a couple of months.
13:11I know this is a bit out of the blue, but Sean and Chris called today, and they kept sneering
13:15at me, saying you didn't hesitate for a second when you helped them, but you'd refuse to
13:19do the same for me.
13:21They also said a woman who's been divorced twice would never dare to do it a third time,
13:25that you definitely wouldn't have the nerve to go through with it.
13:28I've already got it all figured out.
13:30Tomorrow just happens to be April Fool's Day.
13:32Let's go handle it that day, then we can slam the divorce certificate in their faces, shock
13:37them silly, and make sure they never dare to look down on you again.
13:39It's April Fool's Day anyway.
13:41Anything we say can be passed off as a joke.
13:42Once the heat on the company dies down, we'll get our marriage certificate back properly,
13:46and no one will say a thing.
13:47Honey, you're not actually going to let them look down on me, are you?
13:50I looked into his eyes, had just been clinking glasses with those two men, celebrating and
13:55saying,
13:56She won't make a fuss.
13:57Won't.
13:58Then you get some rest first.
14:00Tomorrow's the start of the month.
14:01We'll sign the agreement first thing, and then head over.
14:03I took the pen, flipped to the last page, and signed my name neatly and swiftly.
14:09Give them a call.
14:10Tell them to stop going on about it.
14:13He smiled and put the agreement away, then leaned in and kissed me.
14:16My wife is the best.
14:17He took the agreement to the study to make a call.
14:19His voice wasn't loud, but through the closed door, I still heard every word.
14:23She signed it.
14:24What did I tell you?
14:26Scarlet is the easiest to fool.
14:28Alright, you two help me keep Wendy steady on your end.
14:30I'll head over once I'm done here.
14:32I sat in the room for a very long time.
14:34My phone buzzed once.
14:35It was a message from Chris.
14:37Haven't seen you in ages.
14:38Wanna meet up?
14:39Once, I would have replied,
14:40Yes.
14:41I would have thought carefully about what to wear,
14:43what makeup to put on.
14:45I would have thought about how to uphold Ethan's dignity in front of them,
14:48to let them know I'd married well.
14:50I would have tried to make them stop feuding with Ethan.
14:53After all, on one side were the friends I'd grown up with.
14:56On the other was the husband I loved deeply.
14:59They were all people I cared about deeply.
15:01I didn't want them to be stuck in this hostile state for the rest of their lives.
15:05But now, I couldn't even be bothered to reply.
15:08I flipped the phone face down on the coffee table, stood up, and went to the balcony to
15:12bring in the laundry.
15:13As I passed the study, Ethan was still on the phone.
15:15His voice was very low, but carried a kind of laughter I had never heard before.
15:20That kind of laugh, as if he no longer needed to act, to pretend.
15:24It suddenly hit me that in all the time we'd been together, he'd never spoken to me like
15:28that.
15:28The wind was strong on the balcony.
15:30I took the clothes off the hangers one by one, folded them neatly, and put them in the
15:34laundry basket.
15:35When I'd put away the last piece, my phone lit up again.
15:38This time, it was a message from Sean.
15:40Heard you're getting divorced again.
15:42Ethan is such a jerk.
15:43He doesn't deserve you.
15:43Don't be upset.
15:44Your grandfather's 81st birthday party is in a few days.
15:47Chris and I are going to wish him a happy birthday.
15:48We should catch up properly.
15:49I let out a bitter laugh.
15:51What beautiful words.
15:52As if he wasn't one of the three in that living room that day.
15:54Big deal out of it?
15:57I suddenly felt an overwhelming curiosity to find out what kind of person my stepsister Wendy
16:02really was.
16:03It was worth the three of them going through so much scheming to keep a pact, treating me
16:07as a tool to achieve their goal.
16:09None of it mattered.
16:11I picked up the laundry basket and turned back into the house.
16:14As I passed the study, I didn't pause my steps for a second.
16:17Warm yellow light seeped through the crack in the door.
16:20Starting tomorrow, none of this has anything to do with me anymore.
16:22I just set down the laundry basket when the doorbell rang.
16:26I walked to open the door, but Ethan got there before me.
16:28Standing outside the door was a very drunk Wendy.
16:30I knew you'd still be awake.
16:32Ethan instinctively glanced back at me.
16:34What are you doing here?
16:34She didn't answer until he saw me in the living room.
16:37Oh, you're here too, sister-in-law?
16:38Wendy's had too much to drink.
16:40We were taking her home, but she insisted on coming over here to check things out.
16:44Chris stood in the doorway and glanced at me with a rather awkward expression on his
16:47face.
16:47Then his gaze swept to Ethan, his tone turning sharp and cold.
16:51Ethan?
16:52Your wife is home.
16:53Don't you know to keep a proper distance?
16:55You're the one who got her this drunk and dragged her to my house, and you're telling
16:59me to keep a proper distance?
17:00I got her drunk?
17:01It was you who posted that stupid moments about being single again.
17:04Fine.
17:05You're the noble, upstanding one.
17:08I've delivered the person who got drunk over you.
17:10Do with it what you will.
17:12The atmosphere was thick with awkwardness.
17:14All right, all right, stop fighting.
17:15Wen just wanted to stop by on her way.
17:17I stood in the living room watching them.
17:18Their coordination was flawless.
17:20If I hadn't heard them clinking glasses and plodding together with my own ears, I would
17:24have truly believed they hated each other's guts.
17:26For the longest time, I'd thought the bond between Sean, Chris, and me was unbreakable,
17:31impenetrable.
17:31I had even married both of them.
17:33My parents had passed away when I was young, and my grandfather was always busy with work.
17:38When I was upset as a kid, Sean was always there to comfort me.
17:41But when did it start that the three of us, the best of friends, turned into this?
17:45It was probably the year my father remarried, and my stepmother moved into our house with
17:49Wendy.
17:49I'd just started high school back then, and Wendy was a year younger than me.
17:53At first, I didn't resent this new stepsister at all.
17:56I even wanted to get along with her well.
17:58But little by little, she started to take everything from me, intentionally or not.
18:02The attention of my friends, the affection of my elders, and in the end, even the people
18:07I liked were drawn to her one by one.
18:10I withdrew my gaze and looked at them no more.
18:12Some cracks didn't just appear today.
18:14It's just that today, I was finally willing to see them.
18:16You've come at the perfect time.
18:18There's something I'd like you all to witness in person.
18:20I walked to the coffee table and picked up the divorce agreement.
18:23Two copies.
18:24I've already signed.
18:25Since everyone's here, why not take a good look in person?
18:27Ethan reacted quickly.
18:28I was voluntarily bringing up the divorce in front of Sean and Chris.
18:31I was proving to them just how far I could go for him.
18:36Scarlett, we can discuss this privately.
18:38There's no need to-
18:38Since sister-in-law has already brought it out, then may I ask one question?
18:43When are you moving out?
18:44The living room fell silent for a moment.
18:46Ethan frowned slightly.
18:47Wendy didn't look at him, just looked at me, her expression innocent.
18:51This house, it's under my name.
18:54You can't just keep living here forever, can you?
18:56I froze.
18:57The house.
18:59Under her name.
19:01I instinctively looked at Ethan.
19:02But he avoided my gaze.
19:05In that instant, countless images surged through my mind.
19:08The day we moved in, he held my hand and said,
19:10This is our home.
19:11I'll handle all the paperwork.
19:12Don't you worry about a thing.
19:13Happily, I took charge of picking out the curtains, the sofa, the dining table.
19:18Every piece of furniture here, I picked out trip after trip to the home furnishing mall.
19:22The decor here, all according to his preferences, I never cared whose name was on the property deed.
19:27But I never thought our marital home, belonging to us as husband and wife,
19:32would be under my stepsister's name.
19:35I'm leaving right now.
19:37Scarlet.
19:38Tomorrow, 9 o'clock.
19:39The city hall.
19:41I didn't look back.
19:42I pulled my suitcase to the door, changed my shoes, opened the door.
19:45I could still hear the sounds coming from inside.
19:48Nailed it.
19:49Even more cooperative than when I begged her to get the certificate.
19:52Laughter mixed with voices erupted dully from behind the door.
19:55I stood at the elevator, listening to this story that felt so unfamiliar.
19:59My reflection in the mirror looked calmer than I had imagined.
20:01It wasn't until I got into a taxi that my phone finally buzzed.
20:04A message from Ethan.
20:06About the house.
20:06I'll explain to you.
20:07Be good.
20:08Find a place to stay for now.
20:09I'll come pick you up in a few days.
20:10I stared at the screen for a few seconds, then flipped the phone over and laid it face
20:14down on my lap.
20:15Outside the car window, the streetlights receded one by one.
20:18Come pick me up in a few days.
20:19Saying it as if I had merely stepped out to buy groceries and would be back soon.
20:23I leaned back in the seat and closed my eyes.
20:25No need, Ethan.
20:26No need for you to come pick me up.
20:29I walked to open the door, but Ethan got there before me.
20:32Standing outside the door was a very drunk Wendy.
20:34I knew you'd still be awake.
20:35Ethan instinctively glanced back at me.
20:37What are you doing here?
20:38She didn't answer until he saw me in the living room.
20:40Oh, you're here too, sister-in-law?
20:42Wendy's had too much to drink.
20:43We were taking her home, but she insisted on coming over here to check things out.
20:47Chris stood in the doorway and glanced at me with a rather awkward expression on his face.
20:51Then his gaze swept to Ethan, his tone turning sharp and cold.
20:54Ethan, your wife is home.
20:57Don't you know to keep a proper distance?
20:58You're the one who got her this drunk and dragged her to my house,
21:01and you're telling me to keep a proper distance?
21:03I got her drunk?
21:04It was you who posted that stupid moments about being single again.
21:07Fine, you're the noble, upstanding one.
21:11I've delivered the person who got drunk over you.
21:13Do with it what you will.
21:15The atmosphere was thick with awkwardness.
21:17Alright, alright, stop fighting.
21:18Wen just wanted to stop by on her way.
21:20I stood in the living room watching them.
21:21Their coordination was flawless.
21:23If I hadn't heard them clinking glasses and plodding together with my own ears,
21:27I would have truly believed they hated each other's guts.
21:29For the longest time, I'd thought the bond between Sean, Chris, and me was unbreakable, impenetrable.
21:34I had even married both of them.
21:36My parents had passed away when I was young, and my grandfather was always busy with work.
21:41When I was upset as a kid, Sean was always there to comfort me.
21:44But when did it start that the three of us, the best of friends, turned into this?
21:48It was probably the year my father remarried, and my stepmother moved into our house with Wendy.
21:52I'd just started high school back then, and Wendy was a year younger than me.
21:56At first, I didn't resent this new stepsister at all.
21:58I even wanted to get along with her well.
22:00But little by little, she started to take everything from me, intentionally or not.
22:05The attention of my friends, the affection of my elders, and in the end, even the people
22:10I liked were drawn to her one by one.
22:12I withdrew my gaze and looked at them no more.
22:14Some cracks didn't just appear today.
22:16It's just that today, I was finally willing to see them.
22:19You've come at the perfect time.
22:20There's something I'd like you all to witness in person.
22:22I walked to the coffee table and picked up the divorce agreement.
22:25Two copies.
22:26I've already signed.
22:27Since everyone's here, why not take a good look in person?
22:29Ethan reacted quickly.
22:30I was voluntarily bringing up the divorce in front of Sean and Chris.
22:34I was proving to them just how far I could go for him.
22:38Scarlett, we can discuss this privately.
22:40There's no need to...
22:41Since sister-in-law has already brought it out, then may I ask one question?
22:45When are you moving out?
22:46The living room fell silent for a moment.
22:48Ethan frowned slightly.
22:49Wendy didn't look at him, just looked at me, her expression innocent.
22:53This house, it's under my name.
22:56You can't just keep living here forever, can you?
22:58I froze.
22:59The house.
23:01Under her name.
23:02I instinctively looked at Ethan.
23:04But he avoided my gaze.
23:06In that instant, countless images surged through my mind.
23:10The day we moved in, he held my hand and said,
23:12This is our home.
23:13I'll handle all the paperwork.
23:14Don't you worry about a thing.
23:16Happily, I took charge of picking out the curtains, the sofa, the dining table.
23:20Every piece of furniture here, I picked out trip after trip to the home furnishing mall.
23:24The decor here, all according to his preferences, I never cared whose name was on the property deed.
23:29But I never thought our marital home, belonging to us as husband and wife,
23:33would be under my stepsister's name.
23:36I'm leaving right now.
23:38Scarlet.
23:39Tomorrow, 9 o'clock.
23:41The city hall.
23:42I didn't look back.
23:43I pulled my suitcase to the door, changed my shoes, opened the door.
23:47I could still hear the sounds coming from inside.
23:49Ha ha, now sit.
23:51Even more cooperative than when I begged her to get the certificate.
23:54Laughter mixed with voices erupted dully from behind the door.
23:57I stood at the elevator, listening to this story that felt so unfamiliar.
24:00My reflection in the mirror looked calmer than I had imagined.
24:02It wasn't until I got into a taxi that my phone finally buzzed.
24:06A message from Ethan.
24:07About the house.
24:08I'll explain to you.
24:08Be good.
24:09Find a place to stay for now.
24:10I'll come pick you up in a few days.
24:11I stared at the screen for a few seconds, then flipped the phone over and laid it face
24:15down on my lap.
24:16Outside the car window, the streetlights receded one by one.
24:19Come pick me up in a few days.
24:20Saying it as if I had merely stepped out to buy groceries and would be back soon.
24:24I leaned back in the seat and closed my eyes.
24:26No need, Ethan.
24:27No need for you to come pick me up.
24:47Dirt under his nails would feed me for four years.
24:49This is a full scholarship.
24:50It won't cost you a penny.
24:52Why even study?
24:53Books won't benefit a girl at all.
24:55I sent you to college so you could hook a rich guy.
24:5724-7.
24:58One call away.
24:59Zero complaints.
24:59Why do you have to grovel and be these rich people's dog?
25:02Kyle truly did save my life.
25:04Only I can tease her.
25:05No one else is allowed.
25:06I want to stay in school, Kyle.
25:07I need him to stop controlling me and stop coming after my money forever.
25:11If you ever come after Lila for money again, I'll dig up your old debts with the casino and
25:14let Collette...
25:23Young Master, welcome back to campus.
25:25Good work, everyone.
25:26Double pay this month.
25:30Asshole, cocky, filthy rich, and blows cash on anyone who strokes his ego.
25:34Dirt under his nails would feed me for four years.
25:37Errands, food runs, writing papers, taking the blame.
25:40I can do all of it.
25:4124-7.
25:41One call away.
25:42Zero complaints.
25:44You're always right.
25:45And you're always the best.
25:46I'm your most loyal personal assistant.
25:48Sleep with you too.
25:50Clean, no strings attached.
25:53Paper time works.
25:56Your name?
25:58Lila.
26:01Lila.
26:02What a weird name.
26:04Who gave it to you?
26:07Shit.
26:08What an idiot.
26:23Got this month's rent sorted.
26:24I'm always the one running errands for him.
26:26Dropping off Zoe's breakfast, coffee, even those anonymous love letters.
26:30And every time, they just get sent right back.
26:32Like I'm nothing more than a delivery stop that doesn't even get a tip.
26:36I'm not.
26:45Can't even finish small tasks.
26:46What good are you?
26:49Keep sending them.
26:50She'll see my sincerity someday.
26:57Lila, you really are like a dog.
26:58We all got into this school on our own merit.
27:00Why do you have to grovel and be these rich people's dog?
27:02Do you have any idea?
27:03You're bringing shame on all of us special admission students.
27:11Lila, did Kyle save your life?
27:14How could you stoop this low?
27:15Yeah, the young master once saved my life.
27:18You're hopeless.
27:23They have no idea that I'm not hopeless.
27:27Kyle truly did save my life.
27:31Why even study?
27:33Books won't benefit a girl at all.
27:35Go get a factory job and earn cash from me right away.
27:41This is a full scholarship.
27:43It won't cost you a penny.
27:51Full scholarship?
27:55Look at you.
27:57So pretty, sweetheart.
27:59Go find yourself a rich husband.
28:01Otherwise, you're staying locked in this house forever.
28:06I sent you to college so you could hook a rich guy.
28:08Those rich kids' dogs wear designer clothes,
28:10and you can't even make a buck.
28:12Forget your damn schooling.
28:13Don't go to school.
28:15You give me money,
28:16then maybe I'll let you out.
28:29People say your life flashes before your eyes before you die.
28:34Nobody told me I'd see my boss in mine.
28:37No.
28:49Uh, boss?
28:50Thanks for this.
28:52Lila,
28:53you never ask me for anything,
28:54so why are you always hanging around me?
28:58Because you feed me.
29:01That's not enough.
29:03I've got plenty to offer.
29:04What you want from me should be more than that.
29:13Tell me, Lila.
29:15What do you want from me, right?
29:16Anything.
29:17Just say it.
29:17And I'll make it happen.
29:20I want to stay in school, Kyle.
29:23Help me deal with Ron.
29:25Please.
29:26No police record.
29:27I can't let this ruin my future.
29:29I need him to stop controlling me
29:30and stop coming after my money forever.
29:43You're so stupid.
29:45If you ever come after Lila for money again,
29:47I'll dig up your old debts with the casino
29:48and let collectors deal with you.
30:00Kyle reckons you chow down like you haven't eaten him forever.
30:03Looks super appealing.
30:04We wondered what it was like,
30:06so we fetched you here.
30:08I'm not hungry at the moment.
30:10So what?
30:11Too picky for our scraps?
30:13You survive on charity.
30:14Don't talk about self-respect.
30:16Come on.
30:17Come on.
30:17I could never afford nice food like this normally.
30:25Thanks for treating me.
30:26I bet no one in this school eats with more appetite than me.
30:34Why force yourself to do what you hate?
30:37I'd go through anything for the boss.
30:39A nice meal's nothing compared to that.
30:41What exactly do you want from me?
30:43Could it be true what they say that you actually-
30:44Boss.
30:46Today's your birthday.
30:48Nothing I offer would ever satisfy you.
30:51Happy birthday.
30:56Who lets you bring her here?
30:58Wait, didn't you say she eats really well?
31:01Only I can tease her.
31:02No one else is allowed.
31:04If you dare do this again,
31:05don't follow me anymore.
31:21What are you staring at?
31:23Boss?
31:24Are you secretly in love with me?
31:27You wish.
31:30Everyone sneaks glances at him.
31:31He always pretends to read that German book.
31:33I have no idea if he even understands it,
31:35but it's been the same book for half a year.
31:37Total show-off.
31:39But somehow,
31:40this show-off young master,
31:41he really saved my life.
31:44Defeat, dog!
31:47Useless idiots.
31:49Boss,
31:50want me to trash talk them for you?
31:55Go ahead.
31:57Do you even know how to play?
31:58I swear a random dog would have better map awarenessness than our support.
32:04Seriously!
32:04Unstalled the game!
32:05You're stressing me out just watching this!
32:07Ha ha ha ha!
32:09Ha ha ha!
32:10Ha ha ha ha!
32:19You're the only one who won't leave.
32:19Lila,
32:20you're the only one who won't leave.
32:23Ha ha ha!
32:24Ha ha ha ha!
32:28Ha ha ha ha!
32:33Why are you still here?
32:36Deadline's tomorrow.
32:37Aren't you supposed to be my sleep companion?
32:39Aren't you supposed to be my sleep companion?
32:40Jake and Clay ficou here.
32:41That's just my side-job.
32:42My real job is getting into an Iively Leagues school.
32:48Yeah.
32:49Right.
33:02I think it's going to be a test.
33:03It's going to be awesome.
33:06We'll leave aside recip bags by leaving this edenEMIEFction.
33:12she's really odd she only takes cash and won't accept too much money
33:16she only picks two or three bills out of a hundred
33:22go ahead eat i'm allergic to cats so don't get any ideas and quit whining at me acting
33:26cute won't work but whining at
33:32jeez you're such a pain stay right there i'll call someone to pick you up his place can keep
33:36you hey quit rubbing on my pants what you want to come with me huh guess your taste isn't bad
33:42too
33:42bad you've got zero survival in mistakes watching him like this he's serious mad when people insult
33:47him secretly happy when people praise him how is this person this cute i'll tell zoe i like her
33:57tomorrow just one last sum and we're all set
34:12i'll go out with you but send your sidekick away first
34:19get out lila leave right now
34:40all expenses for my three years in grad school are all set
34:43man thank god no longer stuck being his paid assistant
34:53a nice meal is nothing compared to that
34:54what exactly do you want from me could it be true what they say that you actually
34:58boss
35:00today's your birthday nothing i offer would ever satisfy you
35:04happy birthday
35:09who let's you bring her here wait didn't you say she eats really well
35:14only i can tease her no one else is allowed if you dare do this again don't follow me anymore
35:34what are you staring at
35:37boss are you secretly in love with me
35:41you wish
35:43everyone sneaks glances at him he always pretends to read that german book
35:47i have no idea if he even understands it but it's been the same book for half a year
35:51total show-off but somehow this show-off young master he really saved my life
36:00useless idiots
36:03boss want me to trash talk them for you
36:09go ahead
36:10do you even know how to play i swear a random dog would have better map awarenessness than our support
36:18seriously unstalled the game you're stressing me out just watching this
36:33you're the only one who won't leave
36:46why are you still here
36:49deadlines tomorrow
36:51aren't you supposed to be my sleep companion
36:54that's just my side job
36:55my real job is getting into an ivy league school
37:25she's really odd she only takes cash and won't accept too much money
37:29she only picks two or three bills out of a hundred
37:35go ahead eat i'm allergic to cats so don't get any ideas
37:38and quit whining at me acting cute won't work
37:40they're whining at
37:46jeez you're such a pain
37:47stay right there i'll call someone to pick you up his place can keep you
37:51hey quit rubbing on my pants
37:52what you want to come with me
37:53huh guess your taste isn't bad
37:55too bad you've got zero survival in mystics
37:57watching him like this
37:58he's serious mad when people insult him
38:00secretly happy when people praise him
38:02how is this person this cute
38:06i'll tell zoe i like her tomorrow
38:16just one last sum and we're all set
38:26i'll go out with you but send your sidekick away first
38:32get out lila
38:34leave right now
38:51fucking finally
38:53all expenses for my three years in grad school are all set
38:56man thank god no longer stuck being his paid assistant
39:06because the whole pack knew i had been in love with him for 10 years
39:09i was the only daughter of the beta
39:10the destiny bracelet in my hand held his fate
39:13if he didn't receive it tonight
39:15he would be sent to the northlands
39:17but he walked past me
39:18and tied the destiny bracelet around the wrist of a trembling girl standing in the corner
39:22the bastard
39:23nobody's daughter
39:23the claim has been made
39:25aria
39:26are you really watching him ride north to his death
39:28you knew all along so why did you embarrass me tonight
39:30i chose lyra because she like me is a bastard for years
39:35if i hadn't chosen her tonight
39:36she would have been handed over to some old man as his mistress
39:38two weeks later before dawn
39:40i personally escorted his convoy to the border
39:48the great hall smelled like candle smoke and dread
39:50a dozen low-ranking pack members stood with their heads bowed
39:53waiting to be chosen
39:55they were the forgotten ones and nobody wanted
39:58and prince kieran knew it
40:00but he stood among them with his shoulders loose
40:02and his chin lifted
40:03because the whole pack knew i had been in love with him for 10 years
40:06i was the only daughter of the beta
40:08the most powerful beta outside the alpha
40:11the destiny bracelet in my hand held his fate
40:14if he didn't receive it tonight
40:16he would be sent to the northlands as a hostage to the rogue alpha
40:20but he walked past me
40:21he crossed the hall and tied the destiny bracelet
40:24around the wrist of a trembling girl standing in the corner
40:26a bastard
40:27nobody's daughter
40:28shaking like she might shatter
40:31we're the same
40:33aria
40:34you'll always look out for me won't you
40:37the ceremonial bell rang
40:38the elder's voice rose above the crowd
40:41the claim has been made
40:44i watched the tension drain from kieran's shoulders
40:46and i smiled
40:48so be it
40:49two weeks later
40:51before dawn
40:53i personally escorted his convoy to the border
40:56aria
41:00two weeks later
41:01before dawn
41:03i personally escorted his convoy to the border
41:08aria
41:10are you really watching him ride north to his death
41:13i followed his gaze
41:14kieran was bent over the girl
41:16lyra
41:18they called her
41:20around them
41:21the other low-ranking pack members watched with that particular look
41:24it was his choice
41:29he walks his own road
41:30what would you have me do
41:34rogue-blooded fool
41:36he thinks ten years of your love means he can do anything
41:39he doesn't understand
41:41if he had taken your claim tonight if he had the baits house behind him
41:45he wouldn't just be avoiding the northlands
41:48he could have gone for the alpha throne itself
41:51and in the searing you
41:52watch your words
41:53my father has never interfered in succession
41:56he never will
41:58then kieran saw us standing together
42:00he pushed through the crowd
42:01lyra drifted after him
42:04sebastian
42:05aria is my unclaimed mate
42:07the ceremony is in two weeks
42:08step back
42:10what did he say to you
42:14aria
42:14the whole pack is expecting our mating ceremony
42:17don't forget where you stand
42:19you
42:19prince kyan
42:20we have no relation whatsoever
42:24you're making a mountain out of a molehill
42:26i chose lyra because she
42:28like me
42:28is a bastard
42:29her stepmother has made her life a living hell for years
42:32if i hadn't chosen her tonight
42:33she would have been handed over to some old man as his mistress
42:36behind him
42:37lyra bowed her head
42:38her shoulders shook
42:39tears dropped off her chin in a steady stream
42:42in the past i would have gone up and slapped him
42:44but now i feel it doesn't matter
42:47i have somewhere to be
42:48i turned to go
42:49what kind of attitude is that
42:52i looked back at him
42:54what attitude would you prefer
42:56you dragged my family's name through the dirt tonight
42:58did you expect me to smile
43:00did you actually think tonight's election was a formality
43:02his expression darkened
43:04i know exactly what it was
43:06it's an old tradition designed to cut the weakest of us loose
43:10but you're naria
43:12everyone knows as long as you're standing next to me
43:14nothing can touch me
43:15my father earned alpha's trust to lyrite
43:17not politics
43:19what made kieran think the beta would break a century's
43:21old tradition for him
43:23lyra cut in her voice barely above a whisper
43:27please don't blame him
43:28it's my fault
43:29i had nowhere else to turn
43:30my stepmother
43:32she swallowed
43:33i had no one
43:34i just needed him to help me with this once
43:36you knew all along
43:39so why did you embarrass me tonight
43:42because i want to mate with her
43:45kieran's voice cracked through the hall
43:46cutting me off
43:47every head turned
43:54because the whole pack knew i had been in love with him for 10 years
43:57i was the only daughter of the beta
43:58the destiny bracelet in my hand held his fate
44:01if he didn't receive it tonight
44:03he would be sent to the northlands
44:05but he walked past me
44:06and tied the destiny bracelet around the wrist of a trembling girl standing in the corner
44:09the bastard
44:11nobody's daughter
44:11the claim has been made
44:13aria
44:13are you really watching him ride north to his death
44:16you knew all along
44:17so why did you embarrass me tonight
44:18i chose lyra because she
44:20like me
44:21is a bastard
44:22for years
44:22if i hadn't chosen her tonight
44:24she would have been handed over to some old man as his mistress
44:26two weeks later
44:27before dawn
44:28i personally escorted his convoy to the border
44:36the great hall smelled like candle smoke and dread
44:38a dozen low-ranking pack members stood with their heads bowed
44:41waiting to be chosen
44:43they were the forgotten ones and nobody wanted
44:46and prince kieran knew it
44:47but he stood among them with his shoulders loose
44:49and his chin lifted
44:51because the whole pack knew i had been in love with him for 10 years
44:54i was the only daughter of the beta
44:56the most powerful beta outside the alpha
44:59the destiny bracelet in my hand held his fate
45:02if he didn't receive it tonight
45:04he would be sent to the northlands as a hostage to the rogue alpha
45:08but he walked past me
45:09he crossed the hall and tied the destiny bracelet around the wrist of a
45:12trembling girl standing in the corner
45:14a bastard
45:15nobody's daughter
45:16shaking like she might shatter
45:18we're the same
45:21aria
45:22you'll always look out for me won't you
45:24the ceremonial bell rang
45:26the elder's voice rose above the crowd
45:28the claim has been made
45:32i watched the tension drain from kieran's shoulders
45:34and i smiled
45:36so be it
45:37two weeks later
45:38before dawn
45:41i personally escorted his convoy to the border
45:43aria
45:48two weeks later
45:49before dawn
45:51i personally escorted his convoy to the border
45:56aria
45:58are you really watch him ride north to his death
46:01i followed his gaze
46:03kieran was bent over the girl
46:05lyra
46:05they called her
46:08around them
46:09the other low-ranking pack members watched with that particular look
46:12it was his choice
46:16he walks his own road
46:18what would you have me do
46:22rogue-blooded fool
46:24he thinks ten years of your love means he can do anything
46:27he doesn't understand
46:29if he had taken your claim tonight
46:31if he had the bates house behind him
46:33he wouldn't just be avoiding the northlands
46:36he could have gone for the alpha throne itself
46:39and in the searing you
46:40watch your words
46:41my father has never interfered in succession
46:43he never will
46:45then kieran saw us standing together
46:48he pushed through the crowd
46:49lyra drifted after him
46:51sebastian
46:53aria is my unclaimed mate
46:54the ceremony is in two weeks
46:56step back
46:57what did he say to you
47:02aria
47:02the whole pack is expecting our mating ceremony
47:04don't forget where you stand
47:07you
47:07prince kyan
47:08we have no relation whatsoever
47:12you're making a mountain out of a molehill
47:14i chose lyra because she
47:15like me
47:16is a bastard
47:17her stepmother has made her life a living hell for years
47:19if i hadn't chosen her tonight
47:21she would have been handed over to some old man as his mistress
47:23behind him
47:24lyra bowed her head
47:26her shoulders shook
47:27tears dropped off her chin in a steady stream
47:29in the past i would have gone up and slapped him
47:32but now i feel it doesn't matter
47:35i have somewhere to be
47:36i turned to go
47:37what kind of attitude is that
47:40i looked back at him
47:41what attitude would you prefer
47:43you dragged my family's name through the dirt tonight
47:46did you expect me to smile
47:48did you actually think tonight's election was a formality
47:50his expression darkened
47:52i know exactly what it was
47:54it's an old tradition designed to cut the weakest of us loose
47:58but you're naria
47:59everyone knows as long as you're standing next to me
48:02nothing can touch me
48:03my father earned alpha's trust to lirito
48:05not politics
48:06what made kieran think the beta would break a century's
48:09old tradition for him
48:11lyra cut in her voice barely above a whisper
48:14please don't blame him
48:16it's my fault
48:17i had nowhere else to turn
48:18my stepmother
48:19she swallowed
48:21i had no one
48:22i just needed him to help me with this once
48:24you knew all along
48:26so why did you embarrass me tonight
48:30because i want to mate with her
48:32kieran's voice cracked through the hall
48:34cutting me off
48:35every head turned
48:36she found
48:36and there's a Culrum
48:38that the closest news
48:39is actually this
48:39that you know
48:39could pick a few
48:39now
48:39they stopped
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