- 17 minutes ago
They Left Me, Then They Left Everything 🍿 englishsub watchfull⚡️⚡️
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00:00:00At 12, two boys swore to protect me.
00:00:03Alexander gave me a supercar.
00:00:06Julian proposed on a rooftop.
00:00:07But on my wedding day, both had used me.
00:00:10When Lily Evans walked in, they let her take everything.
00:00:13Later, I signed a death waiver.
00:00:17Stole my car.
00:00:18Crashed through a blizzard.
00:00:23Six months later, I returned on General Carl's arm.
00:00:32I saw the two drained faces.
00:00:36I said, you both deserve to die.
00:00:43Alexander Sterling, the billionaire heir to the Sterling Empire,
00:00:46planned to publicly dump me for a club girl.
00:00:49A club girl named Lily Evans.
00:00:53Furious, my father Robert Vance pulled strings to blacklist her.
00:00:58He intended to ship her overseas to fend for herself.
00:01:02Unexpectedly, Alexander did not intervene.
00:01:05He did not fly into a rage.
00:01:07He simply watched.
00:01:09My 18th birthday was approaching.
00:01:12The entire upper class of Kingston was preparing for my birthday banquet at the Vance estate.
00:01:20Alexander and I had been engaged since we were children.
00:01:25Everyone said we were the perfect match.
00:01:30The Sterlings and the Vances.
00:01:32Two empires united through marriage.
00:01:36But something felt wrong.
00:01:38Alexander had been distant lately.cold, even.
00:01:41When I asked him about it, he dismissed me with a single word.
00:01:45Busy.
00:01:47That was all I got.
00:01:49I stood before the full-length mirror in my room,
00:01:52adjusting the sapphire necklace Alexander had given me last week.
00:01:55The stone matched my eyes, he'd said.
00:01:58Now I wondered if he'd even remember giving it to me.
00:02:02Downstairs, the orchestra was already tuning their instruments.
00:02:11Guests in haute couture gowns and tailored suits streamed through the marble foyer.
00:02:17My father descended the grand staircase beside me,
00:02:20his hand firm on the small of my back.
00:02:24Eleanor, tonight, keep your smile on.
00:02:27No matter what happens.
00:02:28He said under his breath.
00:02:30I looked up at him.
00:02:32His jaw was tight.
00:02:34What do you know that I don't?
00:02:37He didn't answer.
00:02:38He just squeezed my shoulder once and walked ahead to greet the first arrivals.
00:02:44Something was coming.
00:02:48I could feel it in the air,
00:02:50heavy and suffocating,
00:02:51like a storm gathering behind closed doors.
00:02:58The banquet hall glittered with crystal chandeliers and whispered secrets.
00:03:04I circulated through the crowd,
00:03:06smiling until my cheeks ached.
00:03:09Alexander arrived fashionably late, as always,
00:03:12but he didn't come alone.
00:03:14Lily Evans hung from his arm like a silk scarf draped over furniture.
00:03:18She wore red.
00:03:21Not just any red.
00:03:22The exact shade of crimson that Alexander had once told me was.
00:03:27Too bold for anyone but you, Eleanor.
00:03:31My stomach dropped.
00:03:33Guests exchanged glances.
00:03:35Murmurs rippled through the room like wind through wheat.
00:03:40Robert's face went dark across the room.
00:03:43He started moving toward us.
00:03:45His stride sharp and purposeful.
00:03:50I caught his eye and shook my head frantically.
00:03:53Not here, not now.
00:03:55Not in front of everyone.
00:03:58He stopped.
00:03:59But the damage was already done.
00:04:04Lily leaned into Alexander and giggled at something he whispered in her ear.
00:04:11Her fingers traced the lapel of his tuxedo.
00:04:15Possessive.deliberate, a declaration written in body language.
00:04:21I turned away before anyone could see my expression crack.
00:04:25The balcony doors were just ahead.
00:04:27I needed air.
00:04:29I needed to breathe.
00:04:31Behind me, I heard Alexander's voice cut through the music.
00:04:36Everyone.
00:04:37May I have your attention.
00:04:40The room fell silent.
00:04:42Every head turned toward him.
00:04:44Toward us.
00:04:45Toward Lily.
00:04:46Still clinging to his arm.
00:04:48Toward me.
00:04:49Standing alone near the glass doors that led out into the cold night.
00:04:57Alexander said.
00:05:00I have an announcement.
00:05:02His voice rang clear and confident through the banquet hall.
00:05:07Lily pressed closer to him.
00:05:10Her painted lips curving into a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
00:05:16I felt every pair of eyes in the room burning into my back.
00:05:22This engagement.
00:05:24Alexander continued.
00:05:25Was arranged by our families a long time ago.
00:05:28A pause.
00:05:29Deliberate.
00:05:30Calculated.
00:05:31But I've come to realize that neither Eleanor nor I are happy with this arrangement.
00:05:36Gasps.
00:05:37Scattered.
00:05:38Like broken glass across marble.
00:05:41So today, I am officially announcing the end of our engagement.
00:05:46The room erupted.
00:05:48Phones came out.
00:05:49Whispers became shouts.
00:05:51Someone was already live streaming.
00:05:54I stood frozen.
00:05:56My hands still resting on the balcony door handle.
00:05:59This was how it ended.
00:06:00Not in private.
00:06:01Not with decency.
00:06:03But in front of 300 people.
00:06:05Live streamed to the world.
00:06:08Thank you all for understanding.
00:06:10Lily stepped forward, wrapping both arms around Alexander's waist.
00:06:14She said, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
00:06:17Alexander and I are very much in love.
00:06:21Robert exploded across the room.
00:06:26You disgusting!
00:06:29Mr. Vance.
00:06:31One of them said evenly.
00:06:33We suggest you calm down.
00:06:34Alexander's bodyguards intercepted him before he could reach the stage.
00:06:38Calm down?
00:06:39You said you can't get a four in the end.
00:06:42Robert's voice cracked.
00:06:47Alexander looked down at my father with something close to pity.
00:06:52Eleanor will find someone else.
00:06:53She always was.
00:06:55Resilient.
00:06:58The way he said that word made my skin crawl resilient.
00:07:03Like I was a problem to be managed rather than a person to be loved.
00:07:07I pushed through the balcony doors and stepped out into the freezing night.
00:07:13The sound of the crowd faded behind me.
00:07:16Replaced by the lonely whistle of wind across the mansion's rooftop gardens.
00:07:23I gripped the railing until my knuckles turned white.
00:07:29I would not cry.
00:07:30Not here.
00:07:31Not ever in front of them again.
00:07:35I left the banquet through the garden exit, avoiding the main hall entirely.
00:07:40My white supercar waited in the circular driveway, gleaming under the decorative lights.
00:07:50One of the valets brought the keys to me.
00:07:53Ms. Vance, should I have the driver ready?
00:07:57No.
00:07:58I'm driving myself tonight.
00:08:00My voice came out steadier than I expected.
00:08:05I slid into the driver's seat.
00:08:10The leather still held the faint scent of the custom cologne Alexander had picked out for me on my birthday
00:08:14five years ago.
00:08:20Alexander had sat right where I was sitting now.
00:08:23He'd taken my hands in his and said,
00:08:26This car is yours, Eleanor.
00:08:28Only yours.
00:08:29No one else will ever sit in this seat.
00:08:32I started the engine.
00:08:33The roar vibrated through my chest.
00:08:35Familiar and comforting.
00:08:40I pulled out of the driveway and onto the main road.
00:08:45Kingston at night was beautiful.
00:08:47Skyscrapers glittered.
00:08:48Streetlights cast golden pools on wet pavement.
00:08:52I didn't know where I was going.
00:08:54I just drove.
00:08:5820 minutes later.
00:09:00The GPS signal flickered and died.
00:09:02The engine made a strange sound.
00:09:05A grinding cough that no sports car should ever make.
00:09:08Then the power steering failed.
00:09:10I wrestled with the wheel.
00:09:12Managing to guide the dying car toward the side of the road.
00:09:14It rolled to a stop in front of a narrow alley between two brick buildings.
00:09:18The neighborhood was wrong.
00:09:20Neon signs flickered in languages I didn't recognize.
00:09:23Figures loomed in doorways.
00:09:24Watching.
00:09:25I reached for my phone dead.
00:09:29The car's emergency system, usually so reliable, stayed silent.
00:09:37I unlocked the door and stepped out.
00:09:39My heels clicking on the grimy pavement.
00:09:44Lost princess?
00:09:50A voice from the shadows, then another.
00:09:53And another.
00:09:54Three men emerged from the alley's mouth.
00:09:56Forming a half circle around me.
00:09:59Their smiles held nothing human.
00:10:01I tried to run.
00:10:03My heel caught on a crack in the pavement and I went down hard.
00:10:06Palms scraping against rough concrete.
00:10:10Someone grabbed my hair, another wrenched my arms behind my back.
00:10:13The third.
00:10:14I never saw his face clearly.
00:10:16Forced something between my teeth.
00:10:18A bottle.
00:10:20Liquid burned down my throat.
00:10:21Bitter and chemical.
00:10:23Making my vision swim.
00:10:26Look at her.
00:10:28All dressed up like a doll.
00:10:31She's worth a fortune.
00:10:32Another said.
00:10:33Check her bag.
00:10:34Design her everything.
00:10:36One of them laughed.
00:10:40Another said.
00:10:42Phones came out.
00:10:43Flashes blinded me.
00:10:44They were recording everything.
00:10:46I wanted to scream.
00:10:47But my throat had clenched shut around the terror lodge there.
00:10:51My mind detached.
00:10:53It floated somewhere above my body.
00:10:55Watching the scene unfold like a bad movie I couldn't walk out of.
00:10:59This wasn't happening.
00:11:01This couldn't be happening.
00:11:02Not to me.
00:11:03Not to Eleanor Vance.
00:11:05Daughter of the Vance Medical Empire.
00:11:07Fiancé of Alexander Sterling.
00:11:09Time blurred.
00:11:12When I finally became aware of myself again.
00:11:15I was curled on the ground.
00:11:17My dress was torn.
00:11:19My body shook with cold or shock or both.
00:11:22The men were gone.
00:11:24Their laughter echoed somewhere in the distance.
00:11:26Fading into the city noise.
00:11:28I pushed myself upright.
00:11:31My phone was missing.
00:11:32My jewelry was gone.
00:11:34Even my shoes.
00:11:35One had fallen off during the struggle.
00:11:39I limped back to my car on bare feet.
00:11:43The engine wouldn't start.
00:11:45Of course it wouldn't.
00:11:47Someone had made sure of that.
00:11:51I slumped against the driver's side door and let the darkness swallow me whole.
00:11:55I don't know how long I lay there.
00:11:57An hour, maybe more.
00:11:59Headlights swept across the alley mouth.
00:12:01A black sedan slowed to a stop.
00:12:04Two men in dark suits stout.
00:12:07My father's security detail.
00:12:10They'd tracked my car's emergency beacon.
00:12:15Mrs. Vance?
00:12:17I couldn't speak.
00:12:20They helped me into the back seat.
00:12:22Wrapped me in a wool blanket.
00:12:24And drove me straight to Vance Manor.
00:12:28My father was waiting in the foyer.
00:12:30One look at me and his face crumpled.
00:12:33He didn't ask questions.
00:12:35He didn't demand answers.
00:12:37He simply carried me upstairs to my room, laid me on my bed, and called the family doctor.
00:12:44The examination was quick.
00:12:49No permanent physical injury, the doctor said gently.
00:12:53But the psychological toll.
00:12:55He left that sentence unfinished.
00:12:58Morning came to fast.
00:12:59I refused to leave my room.
00:13:01But the world refused to let me hide by noon.
00:13:04The story was everywhere.
00:13:06Photos, videos, speculation.
00:13:09The Vance heiress found intoxicated in red light district.
00:13:13Sterling Ayers X.
00:13:15Fiancie caught in compromising position.
00:13:18Sources say Alexander Sterling ended the engagement hours before the incident.
00:13:22My phone blew up with messages.
00:13:25Most were from people I'd once called friends.
00:13:28Are you okay?
00:13:29What happened?
00:13:30Oh my god.
00:13:32Eleanor, I'm so sorry.
00:13:33And then the other kind of message.
00:13:35The ones that came from numbers I didn't recognize.
00:13:40Slut.
00:13:41Whore.
00:13:42She deserved it.
00:13:44Damaged goods.
00:13:45I deleted them all, every single one.
00:13:49But the words had already burrowed under my skin.
00:13:52Where they would fester for a long time to come.
00:13:56Julian Montgomery arrived that afternoon.
00:14:00We'd grown up together.
00:14:02Alexander.
00:14:03Julian and I.
00:14:05The three of us had been inseparable since kindergarten.
00:14:10Julian was different from Alexander.
00:14:14Softer, more thoughtful.
00:14:20Where Alexander blazed, he sat beside my bed, holding my hand with careful gentleness.
00:14:29Eleanor.
00:14:31His voice was low, steady.
00:14:35I know you're going through hell right now.
00:14:37I said nothing.
00:14:39But I want you to know, none of this changes how I see you.
00:14:42I finally looked at him.
00:14:44His brown eyes held no judgment.
00:14:47No pity.
00:14:48Just something that might have been warmth.
00:14:51Marry me.
00:14:52He said.
00:14:53I blinked.
00:14:55What?
00:14:57Marry me, Eleanor.
00:14:59Not because of what happened.
00:15:02Not because I feel sorry for you.
00:15:07He squeezed my hand tighter.
00:15:13Marry me.
00:15:17Because I've loved you since we were kids.
00:15:19And I was too cowardly to say it until now.
00:15:24Marry me.
00:15:27Because I don't care about your reputation or what people are saying.
00:15:34The Montgomerys and the Vances have been allies for generations.
00:15:37Our families would celebrate this union.
00:15:40There isn't prayerless that you'll be called this afternoon this year.
00:15:44And most importantly,
00:15:47marry me.
00:15:49Because I will spend the rest of my life
00:15:51making sure no one ever hurts you again.
00:15:56I stared at him.
00:15:58This was Julian.
00:15:59My childhood friend.
00:16:01The boy who once carried me three miles through a rainstorm
00:16:04because I'd twisted my ankle.
00:16:09Julian was offering me a lifeline.
00:16:12A way out of the wreckage Alexander had made of my life.
00:16:18I...
00:16:19I need time.
00:16:20My voice caught.
00:16:23Take all the time you need.
00:16:24He smiled.
00:16:25And for a moment,
00:16:26it almost looked genuine.
00:16:27I'm not going anywhere.
00:16:29He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.
00:16:34Rest now, Eleanor.
00:16:35Everything is going to be okay.
00:16:37After he left,
00:16:38I lay in the dark staring at the ceiling.
00:16:40Everything was not going to be okay.
00:16:42I could feel it in my bones.
00:16:44The shape of the trap closing around me.
00:16:46The shape of the trap closing around me.
00:16:46Invisible but unmistakable.
00:16:49Julian's proposal was too convenient.
00:16:51Too perfectly timed.
00:16:53And something in his eyes when he mentioned Alexander's name.
00:16:57Something that didn't match the words coming out of his mouth.
00:16:59The marriage registration was scheduled for the following Monday.
00:17:03I wore white.
00:17:04Not a wedding dress.
00:17:06I wasn't ready for that.
00:17:08But a pristine white haute couture ensemble,
00:17:10it felt like armor against what was coming.
00:17:12The civil registry office was a modest building compared to the cathedral weddings the upper class usually favored.
00:17:18But Julian had insisted on simplicity.
00:17:27For us, it's not about the spectacle.
00:17:30It's about the commitment.
00:17:32He'd said.
00:17:33I stood in the lounge area,
00:17:35waiting for our appointment number to be called.
00:17:38Julian had stepped away to take a call.
00:17:40Through the half-open door of the adjacent conference room,
00:17:43I heard voices.
00:17:45Two women.
00:17:47Secretaries from the sound of it,
00:17:49their conversation drifted toward me like smoke.
00:17:52Did you hear about Mrs. Vance?
00:17:54I heard his menace sent to be like,
00:17:55we don't ever go to wear.
00:17:57A poor thing.
00:17:58Her reputation is ruined in the upper class,
00:18:01and in the end,
00:18:02she has to rely on Mr. Montgomery with pieces.
00:18:04My blood went cold.
00:18:06What do you know?
00:18:08To marry that little influencer, Lily Evans.
00:18:11Mr. Sterling orchestrated the trap to ruin Miss Vance.
00:18:15My hand flew to my mouth.
00:18:19He even paid those thugs to disappear.
00:18:21No witnesses.
00:18:22No evidence.
00:18:24He destroyed her just to clear the way for Lily.
00:18:29The second secretary lowered her voice further.
00:18:32And Mr. Montgomery.
00:18:34He doesn't love Miss Vance either.
00:18:36My heart stopped.
00:18:38He's only marrying her because he's afraid she used the Vance's power to take revenge on Lily.
00:18:46He wants to keep her under his nose where he can watch her.
00:18:49Withstanding it's a mauve and imbersed it is on it rape and imbersed for spurnoxus,
00:18:52this pre-smus can ditz and enceive you, Lebrex.
00:18:58It turned out that both of thee were in love with Lily.
00:19:02Despair, like an invisible hand, strangled my throat.
00:19:05Both of them, both of the men I trusted my entire life.
00:19:09They were both in love with the same woman, the woman who had taken everything from me.
00:19:13And Julian's proposal, it was never about saving me, it was about controlling me.
00:19:19I walked out of the registry office into the bright afternoon sun.
00:19:23My legs felt like they belonged to someone else.
00:19:27Julian was waiting by the fountain in the courtyard,
00:19:30wearing that same gentle, warm smile that had comforted me for days.
00:19:36Now it made me want to scream.
00:19:39He saw my expression change and his smile faltered.
00:19:43Eleanor?
00:19:46What's wrong?
00:19:48What's wrong?
00:19:49You look pale.
00:19:51I pulled the marriage registration papers from my bag.
00:19:54I looked at them for a long moment.
00:19:55All those carefully printed words.
00:19:57All those official stamps and signatures waiting to be added.
00:20:01All of it built on a foundation of lies.
00:20:03I ripped the papers in half.
00:20:05Then in quarters.
00:20:07Then I kept tearing until there was nothing left but white confetti scattered around my feet.
00:20:14I'm not marrying you, Julian.
00:20:16Julian, Julian's expression changed instantly.
00:20:19The warmth drained away, replaced by something sharp and calculating.
00:20:23He stepped forward, gripping my wrist tightly.
00:20:27Eleanor.
00:20:29Have you lost your mind?
00:20:31Right now, in all of Kingston, I'm the only one who doesn't mind your past.
00:20:35His voice was a low hiss, meant only for me.
00:20:39By breaking off the engagement, do you plan on being pointed at and judged for the rest of your life?
00:20:47I know you're still obsessed with Alexander, but if you really love him, shouldn't you just let him be happy
00:20:55with Lily?
00:20:56My nose stung.
00:20:57I looked up, forcing back the tears, and asked him with a cold sneer.
00:21:02So you love Lily, too?
00:21:04You're sacrificing yourself to marry me just to let her and Alexander be together?
00:21:10To stop me from hating her out of jealousy and causing trouble for Lily.
00:21:17You're marrying me as a decoration to keep me under surveillance, right?
00:21:23A trace of panic flashed across his face.
00:21:26But he kept denying it.
00:21:28His eyes rimmed with red.
00:21:31Eleanor, how can you think of me like that?
00:21:33We grew up together.
00:21:34You know I'm not that kind of person.
00:21:39Around us, guests and passersby had stopped to watch.
00:21:43The whispers started immediately.
00:21:46Mr. Montgomery is only marrying her for old time's sake.
00:21:49Yet she's throwing mud at him in public.
00:21:51What an ungrateful bitch.
00:21:53Since she doesn't appreciate his kindness, he should just cancel.
00:21:56I don't think anyone else would dare take her except him.
00:21:58Robert appeared at my side.
00:22:00His face dark with rage.
00:22:02He was about to open his mouth to defend me.
00:22:05To tell everyone the truth about that night.
00:22:08I hurriedly grabbed his hand.
00:22:10Shook my head at him.
00:22:12Leaned close and whispered in his ear.
00:22:15Dad, don't say it.
00:22:17If the Sterlins and the Montgomerys join forces, we can't win.
00:22:25Alexander just secured those major projects.
00:22:27He's untouchable right now.
00:22:30Alexander has everyone in his pocket now.
00:22:34He destroyed me for Lily.
00:22:36And he'd do it again.
00:22:41If we fight him, he'll bury us under his lies.
00:22:48No one will believe us now.
00:22:53They'll just think we're fishing for sympathy and slanting the two great families.
00:22:57Robert's chest heaved with violent anger.
00:23:00His fists clenched at his sides.
00:23:06Robert could only storm back into the building in frustration.
00:23:10Leaving me to face it alone.
00:23:13Julian took my hand again.
00:23:15Looking at me with deep affection that I now knew was an act.
00:23:19Eleanor, if you're in a bad mood today, I can wait.
00:23:24This engagement...
00:23:27stands forever.
00:23:32As long as you promise me not to harass Alexander and Lily anymore.
00:23:37I shook off his hand.
00:23:39My eyes were cold as ice.
00:23:43I won't marry you.
00:23:45Nor will I go look for Alexander again.
00:23:53Not in this lifetime.
00:23:59Because I'm about to...
00:24:01Just as I was about to reveal my plan.
00:24:03My real plan.
00:24:04A familiar engine roar cut through the air.
00:24:06A white supercar screeched to a curb nearby.
00:24:10Lily Evans stepped out.
00:24:11Dressed in haute couture Chanel.
00:24:14Swaying her hips like she owned the sidewalk.
00:24:16Her eyes found mine.
00:24:18And when she looked at Julian.
00:24:20There was a trace of subtle.
00:24:21Lingering affection in her gaze.
00:24:24A fragmented light instantly lit up in Julian's eyes.
00:24:27But he suppressed it just as quickly.
00:24:30Lily walked up to me.
00:24:32Tears flowing on command.
00:24:34Crocodile tears bathed in artificial sunlight.
00:24:39Eleanor, why did you still wear these clothes to go see Alexander today?
00:24:44I'd never been to the Sterling Manor today.
00:24:47She was lying.
00:24:51Why are you still clinging to him so tightly when you're about to get married?
00:24:54The surrounding whispers became even more piercing.
00:24:57Just now.
00:24:58She was swearing she wouldn't stalk Mr. Sterling.
00:25:00But the moment she turns around, the official girlfriend shows up.
00:25:04She really has no shame.
00:25:06Mr. Montgomery even spent a forge wing that pink diamond necklace for her.
00:25:10What a waste of genuine affection on a dog.
00:25:12This kind of woman should be blacklisted.
00:25:13Hearing that I had gone to see Alexander today, Julian's eyes turned cold.
00:25:17He instinctively shielded Lily, his tone full of reproach.
00:25:21Eleanor, I know you look down on Lily.
00:25:24You think she comes from a club.
00:25:25You think she isn't clean.
00:25:28That she isn't good enough for Alexander.
00:25:30But she only worked as a receptionist at the club.
00:25:32She never sold her body.
00:25:34She is still pure.
00:25:35Look at yourself, Eleanor.
00:25:38After what happened in that red light district.
00:25:40You're damaged goods.
00:25:41I took a deep breath.
00:25:43The winter wind sliced my face like a knife.
00:25:46Stabbing straight into my heart.
00:25:51Yes, to whitewash Lily's background.
00:25:55To make her worthy of the Sterling's family prestige.
00:25:58Alexander had forced several media outlets to change their stories overnight.
00:26:03He'd even had a university professor recognize her as his influential sponsor to rewrite her past.
00:26:09Overnight, I became the slut spurned by everyone in the upper class.
00:26:14She became the inspirational, innocent goddess, the apple of Mr. Sterling's eye.
00:26:19Lily suddenly pointed at the ruby necklace around my neck and screamed emotionally.
00:26:24You thief!
00:26:25You stole the necklace Alexander gave me!
00:26:28How could you put your filthy hands on my engagement gift?
00:26:31I froze.
00:26:33I looked at Julian with bloodshot eyes.
00:26:36Didn't you send this necklace to me last night?
00:26:40Julian's eyes flickered.
00:26:42He avoided my gaze.
00:26:43Yet his tone was unusually firm.
00:26:46I never gave you anything, Eleanor.
00:26:48I nemeth you, Ajan Alorsina.
00:26:49Don't lie just to cover up your own crimes.
00:26:52You're making yourself look pathetic.
00:26:54My ears filled with voices calling me a thief.
00:26:56Those vicious words smashed into me like stones, leaving me breathless.
00:27:02Enduring the tearing pain in my heart, I yanked the necklace off with trembling hands.
00:27:06I smashed it viciously onto the ground.
00:27:11The gem shattered.
00:27:13Shards grazed Lily's calf.
00:27:15I said, my voice flat.
00:27:19I've never been to the Sterling Manor.
00:27:21So how could I possibly steal this necklace?
00:27:24Lily clutched her leg.
00:27:25A flash of triumphant malice crossed her eyes.
00:27:29She wailed to the crowd.
00:27:30We missed the servants at the Sterling Manor.
00:27:33All saw her come by today.
00:27:35If you don't believe me, go ask them!
00:27:40A cold, deep male voice suddenly came from outside the crowd.
00:27:46Lily, it's just a necklace.
00:27:48If she wants to steal it, let her steal it.
00:27:56I'll win a better one for you at auction.
00:27:59After all, Eleanor and I grew up together.
00:28:03Let's not make things too ugly on her big day.
00:28:07Alexander parted the crowd and strode over.
00:28:10He unceremoniously shoved Julian aside.
00:28:14He wrapped an arm around Lily's shoulder, his eyes burning with undisguised possessiveness.
00:28:26Thank you, Mr. Montgomery, for looking out for Lily.
00:28:29You two carry on with your business.
00:28:33Lily and I are heading back.
00:28:36I called out to him.
00:28:39Alexander, you know perfectly well I never went to your house today.
00:28:46Why didn't you defend me?
00:28:49He stopped.
00:28:51Turned his head.
00:28:56Alexander's eyes were cold as ice.
00:28:58He leaned in close to my ear, whispering so only I could hear.
00:29:03I'm doing this so you'll finally get the message.
00:29:07I don't care how much you cry.
00:29:09You disgust me, Eleanor.
00:29:11Stay on disgust to you, Eleanor.
00:29:13Mitra Amasher, stay away from us, or I'll make sure you lose everything else.
00:29:19My eyes stung terribly, yet it felt as if my tears had already run dry.
00:29:26My memory drifted back to our childhood.
00:29:30Back then, no matter who wronged me, Alexander would be the first to step up and take them down.
00:29:36He used to say I was his little princess, no one was allowed to bully me.
00:29:41Yet now, to force me away, he allowed the woman he loved to frame me in front of everyone.
00:29:47He didn't know that even if I wanted to cling to him, I wouldn't have the chance anymore.
00:29:53After tomorrow, Eleanor would no longer exist in Kingston.
00:29:57After they left, Julian dispersed the onlookers.
00:30:01Seeing my face drained of color, he grabbed my hand.
00:30:05His tone laced with a trace of barely perceptible guilt.
00:30:10I'm sorry, Eleanor.
00:30:12I didn't actually buy that necklace.
00:30:14Lily just tossed it to me.
00:30:16I saw it looked expensive enough.
00:30:17And since you don't have much jewelry, I thought I'd use it to help you keep up appearances.
00:30:23I pulled my hand back expressionlessly.
00:30:26You didn't say that just now?
00:30:28What good does saying it now do?
00:30:30Alexander defended himself with self-righteous logic.
00:30:33If I had taken your side, Lily would have looked like a monster.
00:30:36Sir, you surprised.
00:30:36You don't out-rip her.
00:30:38So what's the thing if you know little one to my son?
00:30:39Lily was only trying to help.
00:30:41She's fighting so hard to fit in.
00:30:43Did you really want to destroy her life?
00:30:45She's the apple of Alexander's eye right now.
00:30:47She struggled so hard to gain a foothold in the upper class.
00:30:49Did you want to ruin her?
00:30:53Anyway, I know the truth.
00:30:55Knowing you are innocent is enough.
00:30:59We're the ones living our lives together in the future.
00:31:01You don't need to care about how others look at you.
00:31:06He was wrong.
00:31:07I no longer cared about anyone's opinion.
00:31:10I just felt a bone-deep chill of heartbreak toward both of them.
00:31:14It was a fact that Lily had framed me.
00:31:17Yet to shield that woman, he had personally branded me a thief.
00:31:21And then he had the nerve to blame me for being unreasonable.
00:31:25I couldn't bear to think about why the boy who once carried me for miles through a rainstorm had turned
00:31:30into this.
00:31:31I turned and walked into the villa.
00:31:34Returned to my room, Julian followed me.
00:31:37He watched as I frantically threw all those designer bags and clothes onto the floor like a mad woman.
00:31:46I curled up on the bed, hugging my knees, sobbing uncontrollably.
00:31:53Eleanor, stop crying.
00:31:55I was wrong about this.
00:31:56I'll make it up to you double in the future, okay?
00:31:59I grabbed a crystal ornament within reach.
00:32:02I smashed it violently toward him.
00:32:04The impact left a bloody gash on his forehead.
00:32:07I told you! I'm not marrying you! Get the hell out!
00:32:13His temper ignited instantly.
00:32:15His eyes snapped.
00:32:17He grabbed me by the throat.
00:32:19He slammed me against the wall so hard the pictures rattled on their nails.
00:32:24If you don't marry me, who else would want you?
00:32:28Do you want to go be a mistress for some low-class thug?
00:32:31Or do you want to be scorned and gossiped about for the rest of your life?
00:32:34I only agreed to marry you out of respect for our family's long-standing ties.
00:32:38Yet today, you tore up the marriage papers in public and completely humiliated the Montgomerys!
00:32:44I desperately clawed at his hand.
00:32:46I couldn't breathe.
00:32:48My face turned crimson.
00:32:50He released me abruptly.
00:32:51I coughed violently, gasping for air.
00:32:57Tears streamed down my face.
00:32:59I forced a smile that looked more painful than weeping.
00:33:05Why? Why have you all changed like this?
00:33:07Julian watched my breakdown with cold eyes as if looking at an insignificant stranger.
00:33:12I kicked him out.
00:33:13I sat alone in the room until darkness fell.
00:33:15That night, I packed my few documents and personal belongings.
00:33:20I intended to bid this city a final farewell.
00:33:24Passing the high-end jewelry store we used to frequent.
00:33:26I spotted Alexander and Lily walking out.
00:33:30I froze.
00:33:31I watched Alexander plant a kiss on Lily's forehead.
00:33:34Then, with eyes full of adoration, he slipped a pink diamond ring onto her ring finger.
00:33:40He said,
00:33:42It's beautiful. It suits you perfectly.
00:33:44Lily seemed to spot me standing in the shadows.
00:33:47She lifted her chin in a provocative gesture.
00:33:50Turning back, she cooed at Alexander.
00:33:53It's gorgeous.
00:33:55But, didn't you fly all the way to the Middle East, just to find this diamond for Eleanor?
00:34:00Are you sure I should have it?
00:34:01Alexander gently stroked her long hair.
00:34:03He whispered soothingly,
00:34:04I'll give you whatever you want.
00:34:05I'd even let you play with the sterling group if you asked.
00:34:12As for Eleanor, who is she?
00:34:15Lily, she doesn't even deserve to be compared to you.
00:34:19Lily cast a triumphant smile in my direction.
00:34:22She took Alexander's arm.
00:34:24The two of them walked intimately into the private club nearby.
00:34:28In December's Kingston, heavy snow suddenly began to fall.
00:34:32My heart turned completely cold.
00:34:35I didn't want to wait until tomorrow.
00:34:37I returned to the villa.
00:34:39I left a letter for my father on his desk.
00:34:43Then I put my white coat back on.
00:34:45It felt like putting on armor.
00:34:47The coat I'd worn to my volunteer medical shifts before everything fell apart.
00:34:53I took a taxi to Alexander's private garage.
00:34:58While the security guard wasn't looking,
00:35:01I slipped inside.
00:35:03My supercar.
00:35:05The white supercar sat in its usual spot.
00:35:08The one Alexander had given me on my 18th birthday.
00:35:11The one he'd just stolen back to give to Lily.
00:35:14I started the engine.
00:35:16The roar vibrated through my chest.
00:35:18Fierce and alive.
00:35:20I slammed on the gas.
00:35:22Clashed through the barrier.
00:35:24Sped away into the night.
00:35:26The guard couldn't stop me.
00:35:28He could only watch my taillights vanish into the darkness.
00:35:31I rolled down the window.
00:35:35Tell Alexander that I, Eleanor, am leaving for the Middle East right now!
00:35:41This car has been with me for five years.
00:35:44Let it take me on my final journey.
00:35:49I sped wildly.
00:35:51Tears burst forth.
00:35:52They were instantly scattered by the biting wind.
00:35:55Alexander.
00:35:56Julian.
00:35:57Our entanglement of over a decade ends today.
00:36:00Severed once and for all,
00:36:01the flustered security guard relayed the message to Alexander,
00:36:04who was drinking at the club.
00:36:06Hearing this, a sneer appeared on his face.
00:36:09Please, we all know it's an old doctor on that mission.
00:36:12Eleanor is just faking a suicide mission to get my attention.
00:36:15It's pathetic.
00:36:16But Lil likes that car.
00:36:17I can't let her drive it away.
00:36:18He threw on his coat, grabbed the keys to another sports car,
00:36:23and chased after me.
00:36:25He chased me all the way to the gate of the Vance's mansion.
00:36:29He honked the horn as well.
00:36:32Eleanor, leave the car here!
00:36:33Where the hell you go is your own business!
00:36:35After a long while, the butler opened the gate.
00:36:38His eyes were red.
00:36:39His voice choked with emotion.
00:36:44He parked his car directly across the entrance of our mansion.
00:36:48This is what I learned later happened after I'd left Kingston.
00:36:52Vivian!
00:36:55Mr. Sterling,
00:36:57Ms. Vance has already gone to the airport.
00:37:00She really is going to the Middle East.
00:37:02That was what his assistant apparently told him.
00:37:05Alexander refused to believe any of it.
00:37:08Eleanor, get the hell out here!
00:37:09Don't think making up some story about going to die in the Middle East
00:37:12will make me change my mind.
00:37:14Everyone knows you're a spoiled princess, Eleanor.
00:37:16Used to cry for hours over a scratched knee.
00:37:19My father walked out when he heard the commotion.
00:37:22I was told he gazed at the drifting snow.
00:37:25His eyes must have been terrifyingly hollow that day.
00:37:29Alexander, just leave.
00:37:30Eleanor is truly gone.
00:37:32What she went to process yesterday were her exit papers.
00:37:36She will never be a stain on your sight to you again.
00:37:39I heard that Alexander felt a chill under my father's gaze.
00:37:42But he forced a smile anyway.
00:37:45Mr. Vance,
00:37:46is it fun helping your daughter put on an act?
00:37:48You adore your daughter so much.
00:37:50How could you possibly bear to let her go to a place like that?
00:37:55Alexander's expression darkened.
00:37:57His tone turned vicious.
00:37:59Even if she lost her verju in the red light district,
00:38:02you wouldn't necessarily send her off to die, would you?
00:38:05My father gave a cold snert.
00:38:07The sound seemed squeezed through clenched teeth.
00:38:10You animals pushed her to the edge!
00:38:12Maybe a war zone is the only place left where she can finally find some peace!
00:38:16Away from you!
00:38:22Alexander stared at my father's face.
00:38:25He tried to find even the slightest crack in that calm.
00:38:29But all he found was despair and dead silence.
00:38:34A sudden panic seized him.
00:38:38He kicked open the door to my room.
00:38:41The room was empty,
00:38:42save for the mess scattered on the floor,
00:38:45in that heavy snow driving a sports car.
00:38:48Where else could I have gone?
00:38:50Alexander walks out of the bedroom angrily and heads to the mansion gate.
00:38:54No sooner had the words fallen than two figures appeared at the entrance of the mansion.
00:39:00Lily and Julian.
00:39:02Alexander, don't worry.
00:39:04She drove into some random direction.
00:39:10I don't care about that junk car anymore.
00:39:12Since Eleanor likes it so much,
00:39:14let her keep it as a breakup fee.
00:39:17His fists cracked as he clenched them.
00:39:21I never thought that just to get back at me,
00:39:24she would actually sink this low.
00:39:26Mr. Vance,
00:39:27you really raised your daughter well.
00:39:29As a big shot businessman,
00:39:31to think you'd help her spin such a massive lie.
00:39:35He wrapped his arm around Lily and walked out.
00:39:37He patted Julian on the shoulder as he passed.
00:39:42I truly feel for you, Julian,
00:39:44having to pick up trash like her.
00:39:46Once she's done with her little drama and crawls back,
00:39:49I'll throw you a massive wedding gift for taking her off my hands.
00:39:54Julian forced the corners of his mouth up into a smile that looked worse than crying.
00:40:00Just take good care of Lily for me.
00:40:02After seeing the two of them off,
00:40:04Julian turned on my father.
00:40:08Just now,
00:40:09the Sterling family bodyguards
00:40:10said Eleanor went to the Middle East.
00:40:13Is that actually true?
00:40:17Julian knew Lily had been lying just now,
00:40:19but he hadn't exposed her.
00:40:22After all,
00:40:22Lily had shown him a report.
00:40:24She'd said she was already carrying his child.
00:40:27So no matter what she said or did,
00:40:29he indulged her unconditionally.
00:40:32My father let out a long sigh.
00:40:34He shook his head.
00:40:35He seemed to age ten years in an instant.
00:40:39Mr. Montgomery,
00:40:40please go back as well.
00:40:42If you want to find Eleanor,
00:40:43go look in the Middle East.
00:40:44There is no longer anyone named Eleanor in case.
00:40:47With a final icy look,
00:40:49my father had the butler throw Julian out.
00:40:54Julian stood alone in the biting wind and snow.
00:40:57I imagine a cold,
00:40:59empty ache must have opened in his chest,
00:41:01like freezing wind tearing right through his ribs.
00:41:05My words outside the registry office
00:41:07must have flashed through his mind then.
00:41:10I won't marry you.
00:41:12Because I'm about to.
00:41:13Could it be?
00:41:14No.
00:41:15He refused to believe it.
00:41:16He drove like a madman
00:41:18to the international aid office.
00:41:20He didn't care about the cameras.
00:41:22He didn't care about the law.
00:41:24He shoved past the security guards
00:41:25and tried to block his path.
00:41:26He slammed his weight
00:41:28against the director's door
00:41:29and barged inside.
00:41:32Upon learning the truth,
00:41:34Julian collapsed entirely into the chair.
00:41:37How could you let her go?
00:41:39She is just an ordinary surgeon.
00:41:41That kind of place.
00:41:42The director looked at him coldly.
00:41:46Mr. Montgomery,
00:41:48this was Dr. Vance's own decision.
00:41:50She said she had no attachments left in Kingston.
00:41:53Here is her flight information
00:41:55and a copy of the sign Death We Veil.
00:41:58Julian took the paper with trembling hands,
00:42:00my signature,
00:42:01written with such force
00:42:02it nearly pierced through the page.
00:42:05Now that I was gone,
00:42:07he shouldn't have worried about me hurting Lily anymore.
00:42:11Nor should he be torn between sides.
00:42:14Yet why did his chest feel crushed by a heavy stone?
00:42:18Clutching that photocopy,
00:42:20he stumbled to the Sterling Manor.
00:42:22To his surprise,
00:42:23the family doctor was there as well.
00:42:26Congratulations, Mr. Sterling.
00:42:28Mrs. Evans is pregnant.
00:42:29It's been two months already.
00:42:31Alexander picked up Lily and spun her around.
00:42:35He thrilled like a child.
00:42:43Seeing Julian enter,
00:42:44the smile on Alexander's face hadn't faded yet.
00:42:48Julian!
00:42:49What are you doing here so late?
00:42:50Perfect timing.
00:42:51I have good news for you.
00:42:53Julian guiltily avoided Alexander's gaze.
00:42:55He handed over the photocopy.
00:42:58This is Eleanor's exit record.
00:43:01And the death favor.
00:43:03She really went to the Middle East.
00:43:04The smile froze on Alexander's face.
00:43:07He took the paper,
00:43:08glanced at it,
00:43:09tossed it aside with disdain.
00:43:11Anyone can fake a piece of paper.
00:43:12This is just another one of her desperate games to get me back.
00:43:15Julian's eyes were red.
00:43:16His voice trembled.
00:43:18It's real this time.
00:43:19I went to the office to verify it.
00:43:21The plane has already taken off.
00:43:23And she applied for the most dangerous combat zone.
00:43:26The mortality rate is extremely hot.
00:43:28Alexander frowned.
00:43:29An inexplicable irritation rose in him.
00:43:31Only a lunatic would go to a place like that.
00:43:34She must be hiding in some resort abroad,
00:43:36waiting for me to beg her to come back.
00:43:38Julian, don't be fooled by her.
00:43:40If she actually dared to go,
00:43:42I'll eat my hat.
00:43:43Julian was about to explain further
00:43:45when Lily suddenly clutched her belly.
00:43:49Lily collapsed onto the sofa,
00:43:52groaning in pain.
00:43:55Alexander, my stomach hurts so much.
00:43:58Something wrong with the baby?
00:43:59Alexander panicked instantly.
00:44:01He scooped Lily up and rushed upstairs.
00:44:04Julian, we'll talk about later.
00:44:05Nothing is more important than Lily and the baby.
00:44:07Julian watched Alexander's retreating figure.
00:44:10He opened his mouth,
00:44:12but swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue.
00:44:14An hour later,
00:44:15Alexander came downstairs,
00:44:17covered in sweat.
00:44:19Julian,
00:44:20what did you want to say just now?
00:44:22Julian took a deep breath.
00:44:24He repeated what he had said earlier.
00:44:27Eleanor really left.
00:44:29And I heard a new virus has broken out over there.
00:44:32Many doctors have been infected.
00:44:37Julian, why are you going crazy along with her?
00:44:39Aren't we's brothers?
00:44:40If Eleanor actually had that kind of dents,
00:44:42she wouldn't have called me crying then
00:44:44just because she was afraid of the dark.
00:44:48Julian raised his right hand.
00:44:50He pointed at the ceiling to swear an oath.
00:44:52Alexander,
00:44:53I'm not lying to you.
00:44:55You know me.
00:44:56I never joke about things like this.
00:44:59Hurry up and contact people over there to search for her.
00:45:01Or it really will be too late.
00:45:03The smile on Alexander's face finally faded.
00:45:05It was replaced by a panic he'd never felt before.
00:45:09He grabbed his car keys.
00:45:11He rushed into the wind and snow.
00:45:15He drove straight to our mansion.
00:45:17Arriving at the gate,
00:45:18he ignored the butler.
00:45:20He shouted,
00:45:21Eleanor, get out here.
00:45:23Stop playing games.
00:45:24As long as you come out,
00:45:26I can let you go back to work at the Sterling Hospital.
00:45:28I can give you the best resources.
00:45:30My father looked down from the balcony.
00:45:32His voice was as cold as ice.
00:45:35You're too late.
00:45:37She reached the Middle East days ago.
00:45:39The news just broke.
00:45:41Her camp was hit by an airstruck.
00:45:43Alexander's whole body shuddered.
00:45:44His legs went weak.
00:45:49Alexander ear-meaningly knelt on the ground.
00:45:51Without another word,
00:45:53he prepared to rush to the airport.
00:45:56Just as he got into the car,
00:45:58Lily ran out in thin pajamas.
00:46:00Alexander, you can't go!
00:46:03Lily, move!
00:46:04I have to go and confirm it!
00:46:06Julian also arrived,
00:46:07looking at the scene with a complicated expression.
00:46:10After a long while,
00:46:11he spoke slowly.
00:46:13Alexander, if you really want to go,
00:46:14I'll go with you.
00:46:16But as for Lily,
00:46:17she's pregnant.
00:46:18She can't handle the stress.
00:46:20Alexander looked at Lily.
00:46:23She was weeping like a pear blossom in rain.
00:46:26Then he checked the news notification on his phone.
00:46:28Medical camp in Country R,
00:46:30Middle East attacked.
00:46:32Casualties unknown.
00:46:33He gritted his teeth.
00:46:34He threw a plane ticket to Julian.
00:46:36You go!
00:46:36No matter how, what it costs,
00:46:37you must bring her back to me
00:46:38and ask her,
00:46:39why on earth did she leave so firmly?
00:46:41Lily, if she's doing this out of spite,
00:46:43I'll apologize to her personally.
00:46:45Alice, we grew together.
00:46:46I can't just watch her die.
00:46:51Alexander carried Lily back inside.
00:46:54Julian took the ticket
00:46:55and flew overnight to that war-torn nation.
00:46:57Lily had told him
00:46:58that he absolutely could not let Alexander go,
00:47:00only if Julian went.
00:47:01When could the matter be handled properly?
00:47:02As for how to handle it,
00:47:03that was a secret between them.
00:47:05After more than 20 hours of travel,
00:47:07Julian finally arrived at the temporary camp
00:47:09on the border of Country R dot sky-filling.
00:47:12Yellow sand and the pungent smell
00:47:14of disinfectant greeted him.
00:47:17Two mercenaries in camouflage blocked his way.
00:47:20Who are you looking for?
00:47:22I'm looking for Dr. Eleanor Vance.
00:47:25The mercenaries exchanged a glance.
00:47:27A meaningful smile spread across their faces.
00:47:30So you're looking for that female doctor from Asia?
00:47:34Our boss is spending some quality time
00:47:36with her right now.
00:47:39Julian's heart skipped a beat.
00:47:41He asked anxiously.
00:47:43Where is she?
00:47:45One of the mercenaries pointed
00:47:46to a tent in the distance.
00:47:50Over there.
00:47:53Honestly,
00:47:55I doubt she'll walk out of that tent in one piece.
00:48:01Julian burst into the tent
00:48:02like a madman.
00:48:06Julian ripped the curtain aside,
00:48:07but he froze in his tracks
00:48:09at the scene before him.
00:48:10I was still in my white doctor's coat.
00:48:13My hands were steady
00:48:14as I worked on a man covered in blood.
00:48:17I didn't even look up.
00:48:19The man had piercing eyes
00:48:20as sharp as a hawk's,
00:48:21the kind of eyes that looked like
00:48:22they had seen a thousand battles.
00:48:23But right now,
00:48:24he was looking at me
00:48:25with a strange gentleness.
00:48:28Eleanor,
00:48:30let the nurses handle the small stuff.
00:48:33I don't want you to overwork yourself.
00:48:35Julian stared.
00:48:36His mouth hung open.
00:48:38He knew exactly who this man was.
00:48:41Carl Anderson,
00:48:42the general known as the Desert Eagle
00:48:44in this part of North Africa.
00:48:45He was the man who really ran everything.
00:48:48I didn't even blink.
00:48:49My hands remained rock steady
00:48:51as I continued closing the gash in his side.
00:48:53My voice was low,
00:48:55professional,
00:48:56and utterly calm.
00:48:58Carl,
00:48:58as long as you're on my table,
00:49:00you're the patient
00:49:00and I'm the doctor.
00:49:02Stop moving.
00:49:03Carl let out a low,
00:49:04rough chuckle.
00:49:06There was a dangerous blint
00:49:07of amusement in his eyes
00:49:08as he finally stayed still.
00:49:13They told me Eleanor Vance
00:49:14was just another rich girl
00:49:15with a silver spoon in her mouth.
00:49:17I didn't expect your hands
00:49:18to be this steady with a scalpel.
00:49:21You actually had the balls
00:49:22to storm my compound alone
00:49:24just to save one life.
00:49:26You've definitely proven me wrong,
00:49:27doctor.
00:49:28As he spoke,
00:49:29he looked up.
00:49:30The moment he saw Julian
00:49:31who had just kicked the door open
00:49:32and stood there panting,
00:49:34Carl's eyes turned cold and lethal,
00:49:36as sharp as the edge of a blade.
00:49:38This uninvited guest
00:49:39is even more annoying
00:49:40than the desert sandstorms.
00:49:42Not a shred of manners.
00:49:43My hands never paused.
00:49:46Are you still here?
00:49:48Do you want to end up
00:49:49as a nameless corpse
00:49:50in this godforsaken place too?
00:49:53This isn't Kingston.
00:49:54Your power and influence
00:49:56mean nothing here.
00:49:57I turned to Carl.
00:49:59Here,
00:49:59the only things that matter
00:50:00are the scalpel in my hand
00:50:01and Carl's word.
00:50:02Julian stared at me
00:50:03in utter disbelief,
00:50:04as if he had seen a ghost.
00:50:06Eleanor,
00:50:06how could you,
00:50:06how could you associate
00:50:07with a cold-blooded killer like him?
00:50:12I smiled faintly.
00:50:13I tossed the bloody gauze
00:50:15into the tray.
00:50:17Julian,
00:50:19you know the answer
00:50:20perfectly well.
00:50:22Why ask me?
00:50:23Fighting back the nausea
00:50:24rising within me,
00:50:25I refused to look at him.
00:50:27Go back.
00:50:28Tell Alexander that I,
00:50:30Eleanor,
00:50:31will never return
00:50:32in this lifetime.
00:50:33Carl's murderous gaze
00:50:34locked onto Julian,
00:50:36forcing him to take
00:50:38a frightened half-step back.
00:50:40Before leaving,
00:50:41Julian left one last remark.
00:50:44Eleanor,
00:50:45seeing that you're doing well,
00:50:47I'm relieved.
00:50:48If you ever regret this,
00:50:50call me anytime.
00:50:52Alexander and I
00:50:53will come to get you.
00:50:54I merely chuckled
00:50:55at his words.
00:50:56Go back and tell Alexander
00:50:57that whatever bond
00:50:58we geared over the last decade
00:50:59ends today.
00:51:00We are finished.
00:51:01From now on in life,
00:51:03my soul belongs to this land.
00:51:04In death,
00:51:05I shall be buried
00:51:05beneath these deserts.
00:51:06Julian stood frozen
00:51:07for a long moment.
00:51:09The desert wind
00:51:09whipped sand against his face.
00:51:11He opened his mouth
00:51:12as if to say something else,
00:51:13but no words came out.
00:51:15He turned and walked away.
00:51:19Let's go inside.
00:51:20It's getting cold.
00:51:24I leaned into his warmth.
00:51:26From that day on,
00:51:28I stopped being
00:51:28the ruined girl
00:51:29from Kingston.
00:51:31Between my steady
00:51:31surgical hands
00:51:32and a raw grit
00:51:33they'd never seen
00:51:34in a woman,
00:51:34I did the impossible.
00:51:36I earned the respect
00:51:37of Carl and his men.
00:51:39Back home,
00:51:40people whispered
00:51:41about the ruthless general
00:51:42as if he were a monster
00:51:43from a nightmare.
00:51:44But up close,
00:51:46he wasn't the demon
00:51:47they made him out to be.
00:51:48He was a man of his word,
00:51:50fiercely loyal
00:51:51to those under his protection.
00:51:53I realized his cruelty
00:51:54wasn't born of malice.
00:51:55It was just his armor
00:51:57in this living hell
00:51:58where only the strongest survived.
00:52:00I had thought coming here
00:52:01would be a death sentence,
00:52:03but unexpectedly,
00:52:05this life of brushing shoulders
00:52:06with death every day
00:52:08gave me a newfound
00:52:09sense of purpose.
00:52:10Six months passed.
00:52:11An international medical organization
00:52:14was holding a charity gala
00:52:15in Kingston.
00:52:16They invited our team
00:52:17as special guests.
00:52:20Thinking it was
00:52:21a good opportunity
00:52:22to visit my father
00:52:23and settle
00:52:24the Vance family assets,
00:52:26Carl canceled
00:52:27his other engagements
00:52:28to accompany me back.
00:52:30We returned to Kingston
00:52:32in early summer.
00:52:33The city was filled
00:52:34with drifting willow catkins,
00:52:36warm breeze,
00:52:37golden sunlight.
00:52:39Everything looked the same
00:52:40and yet nothing
00:52:41was the same at all.
00:52:43The girl who had left
00:52:44this city broken
00:52:45and humiliated was gone.
00:52:46In her place stood a woman
00:52:48who had survived war zones,
00:52:49who had held beating hearts
00:52:51in her hands
00:52:52and learned that the only person
00:52:54she could count on
00:52:55was herself.
00:52:56Before the gala began,
00:52:58I went to the hotel's
00:53:00open air garden alone
00:53:01for some fresh air
00:53:02and I ran into
00:53:03a heavily pregnant woman,
00:53:04Lily.
00:53:06She stared at me
00:53:07for a long moment,
00:53:08as if struggling
00:53:09to recognize me.
00:53:10Then she let out a sneer.
00:53:13Well, well,
00:53:14isn't this Eleanor?
00:53:15I didn't expect you
00:53:15to be so tough.
00:53:16You actually made it
00:53:17back alive?
00:53:18I ignored her
00:53:19and turned to leave,
00:53:20but she rushed forward
00:53:21to block my path.
00:53:23Her eyes brimmed
00:53:24with triumph.
00:53:25I won.
00:53:26Are you still not convinced?
00:53:28Hearing her words,
00:53:29I only found it amusing.
00:53:31Why would I care about
00:53:33two pieces of trash
00:53:34that never belonged to me
00:53:35in the first place?
00:53:40Lily stroked
00:53:41her protruding belly.
00:53:42Her lips curved
00:53:43into an eerie smile.
00:53:46Guess whose child
00:53:47is in here?
00:53:50My gaze faltered slightly.
00:53:53Looked past her
00:53:53at two figures
00:53:54slowly approaching
00:53:55from the garden path,
00:53:56Alexander and Julian,
00:53:58having not seen them
00:53:59for six months.
00:54:00They seemed
00:54:01much more haggard.
00:54:04They had lost weight.
00:54:05Their eyes held
00:54:06an exhaustion
00:54:07they couldn't hide.
00:54:09The moment
00:54:10Alexander's gaze
00:54:11landed on me,
00:54:12he stopped dead
00:54:13in his tracks.
00:54:14His face went pale.
00:54:16Beside him,
00:54:18Julian's hand
00:54:18flew to his mouth.
00:54:20Eleanor?
00:54:21I didn't answer.
00:54:22I didn't even
00:54:22acknowledge them.
00:54:23I simply watched
00:54:25Lily preen.
00:54:26Utterly oblivious
00:54:27to the devastation
00:54:28spreading across
00:54:29both men's faces.
00:54:30She had no idea
00:54:31that her little victory
00:54:32speech was about
00:54:34to blow up
00:54:34in her face.
00:54:36I'm talking to you!
00:54:38Stop acting
00:54:38so high and mighty!
00:54:40Guess whose seed
00:54:41this child really is!
00:54:45I caught her wrist
00:54:46in mid-air.
00:54:51I smiled coldly.
00:54:54I don't know.
00:54:56Isn't it Alexander's?
00:54:57She tilted her head
00:54:58back arrogantly,
00:54:59her voice shrill.
00:55:02Of course it's!
00:55:03Not his, Ms.
00:55:04I was already pregnant
00:55:06before I even met him!
00:55:10Then is it Julian's?
00:55:15To tell you the truth,
00:55:17even I don't know
00:55:18which client
00:55:19this child belongs to.
00:55:21You're two good brothers.
00:55:23One treats me like a chebel
00:55:25and raises a bastard for me.
00:55:26While the other thinks
00:55:28the child is has
00:55:28and obeys my every command.
00:55:30It's hilarious.
00:55:32Tell me,
00:55:33wouldn't I
00:55:33your wind
00:55:33disround completely?
00:55:35I smirked.
00:55:36I looked at the pale-faced
00:55:38Alexander and Julian
00:55:39behind her.
00:55:42Did you both hear that?
00:55:44Lily rolled her eyes
00:55:45dismissively.
00:55:46Who are you trying to scare?
00:55:48It's not like
00:55:48Stanheim me is...
00:55:53She glanced back casually,
00:55:55but upon seeing
00:55:56two faces grimmer
00:55:57than death,
00:55:58she was so terrified
00:55:59she collapsed
00:56:00onto the ground.
00:56:00She clutched her belly
00:56:02and screamed.
00:56:03Why are you both here?
00:56:05Did Eleanor call you here?
00:56:06Those words weren't true.
00:56:07Eleanor forced me
00:56:08to say them.
00:56:11Lily scrambled
00:56:12frantically
00:56:12toward Alexander.
00:56:16Alexander,
00:56:17the child is yours.
00:56:19My stomach hurts so much.
00:56:21Please save our child.
00:56:23Alexander's face
00:56:24was dark as thunder.
00:56:26He looked as if
00:56:27he might collapse.
00:56:28Lily,
00:56:29Lily,
00:56:29you wretch.
00:56:30You've been lying
00:56:31to me for so long,
00:56:32but when I took you
00:56:33to the hospital
00:56:33for the checkup,
00:56:34the doctor clearly
00:56:35said it was my child.
00:56:36Were those test reports
00:56:37all fake?
00:56:38I let out a cold laugh.
00:56:40How hard is it
00:56:41to forge a report?
00:56:43How easy is it
00:56:44to bribe a doctor?
00:56:45Don't you understand
00:56:46these kinds of tricks?
00:56:48Julian rushed forward
00:56:48from the side.
00:56:49He slapped Lily
00:56:50viciously across
00:56:51the face twice.
00:56:52Those two slaps
00:56:53are for Eleanor
00:56:54and these two
00:56:54are to help you
00:56:55wake up and realize
00:56:56who the real fool is.
00:56:57Stop hitting me!
00:56:58Stop hitting me!
00:56:59I admit everything!
00:57:01Please just save me
00:57:02and the child first.
00:57:03The doctor said
00:57:04if I lose this pregnancy,
00:57:05I'll die.
00:57:05I know you both love me.
00:57:07You wouldn't have
00:57:07the heart to let me die,
00:57:08would you?
00:57:09Soon as the baby's born,
00:57:10I can take a parenting test.
00:57:12I beg you!
00:57:13Alexander pulled
00:57:13the self-defense dagger
00:57:14from his inner pocket.
00:57:16He walked toward Lily
00:57:17with hollow eyes.
00:57:19You and this bastard
00:57:21both deserve to die.
00:57:24I watched the circus
00:57:26unfold before me.
00:57:27My heart was as cold
00:57:29as stone.
00:57:30Not a single spark
00:57:31of pity remained.
00:57:32Alexander's eyes
00:57:33were beeloded,
00:57:34his face wet
00:57:35with useless tears.
00:57:37Eleanor,
00:57:37I failed you.
00:57:38I was blind.
00:57:39Please,
00:57:41can we just start over?
00:57:42Even if we're just friends?
00:57:45No.
00:57:47We're nothing.
00:57:48The word hung in the air
00:57:49between us
00:57:50like a death sentence.
00:57:52Alexander staggered back
00:57:53as if I had struck him.
00:57:55His hand reached toward me.
00:57:57Then it dropped to his side.
00:57:59He understood.
00:58:00There was no coming back
00:58:01from this.
00:58:02Not ever.
00:58:03Julian dropped to his knees
00:58:05with a heavy thud.
00:58:06He sobbed like a child.
00:58:08Eleanor,
00:58:08if you hate Alexander,
00:58:09fine.
00:58:10But please forgive me.
00:58:11I never wanted to hurt you.
00:58:13I just...
00:58:13You just what?
00:58:14Let me save you
00:58:14from that, General?
00:58:15I'll give you a life of luxury?
00:58:16You shouldn't be
00:58:17in this war-torn hell.
00:58:18I arched an eyebrow.
00:58:19Forgive me?
00:58:21You've got to be kidding me.
00:58:22You stood by and watched
00:58:24while Lily made me
00:58:25the city's punch tome.
00:58:27You were his partner in crime
00:58:28the day my life was ruined.
00:58:34Besides,
00:58:35I've already fallen for Carl.
00:58:37I'm spending the rest
00:58:38of my life with him.
00:58:40Impossible!
00:58:41How could you love
00:58:42a beast like him?
00:58:43He kills without
00:58:43a second thought.
00:58:45He isn't even half
00:58:45the man I am.
00:58:47Tell me the truth.
00:58:48Is he holding you hostage?
00:58:50Just say the word
00:58:51and I'll spend every cent
00:58:52I have to rescue you.
00:58:53Even if it bankrupts
00:58:54the Sterling Empire.
00:58:55I calmly smoothed
00:58:56the hem of my gown.
00:58:57I looked at them both
00:58:58like they were insects.
00:59:00You're overthinking it, Alexander.
00:59:01The Middle East
00:59:02is dangerous, sure.
00:59:04But I've never felt
00:59:05more free.
00:59:06Do you want to know why?
00:59:07The two exchanged glances.
00:59:09They shook their heads
00:59:10in turn.
00:59:11Because he truly
00:59:12understands me,
00:59:14cherishes me,
00:59:15and treats me like
00:59:16the only treasure
00:59:17in the world.
00:59:20He saves the best
00:59:21of everything
00:59:22for me immediately.
00:59:24Even if it's just
00:59:25a piece of candy,
00:59:26he'd cross half a desert
00:59:28just to bring it to me.
00:59:30Just like
00:59:30how you used to treat me
00:59:32when we were children.
00:59:33If you're willing,
00:59:34we can go back
00:59:35to how things were.
00:59:36We can be even better
00:59:37than before.
00:59:38Before their words
00:59:39could settle,
00:59:40Carl strode over.
00:59:41He was dressed
00:59:41in an immaculate suit,
00:59:43walking with purpose.
00:59:45Eleanor,
00:59:46the banquet
00:59:46is about to start.
00:59:47Why aren't you inside yet?
00:59:49What is there to talk about
00:59:50with such boring people?
00:59:52I'm coming right now.
00:59:57We can never go back.
00:59:59We can never go back.
01:00:00Not ever.
01:00:02With that,
01:00:03I linked my arm
01:00:04tighter through Carl's
01:00:05and walked away
01:00:06without looking back,
01:00:07leaving them with nothing
01:00:08but my firm silhouette
01:00:09fading into the golden
01:00:10afternoon light.
01:00:12I didn't glance back once.
01:00:16Not even when I heard
01:00:17Alexander's voice
01:00:18crack behind me.
01:00:19They were strangers
01:00:20to me now.
01:00:22Complete strangers.
01:00:23Not long after,
01:00:25news came from Kingston.
01:00:26Alexander and Julia
01:00:28had both committed suicide.
01:00:29It was said that
01:00:30the day after,
01:00:31Lily died from
01:00:32a massive hemorrhage
01:00:33following a miscarriage.
01:00:35They knelt outside
01:00:36the gates
01:00:36of our mansion
01:00:38for an entire night.
01:00:39Eventually,
01:00:40they were found dead
01:00:41in the freezing cold,
01:00:42still kneeling.
01:00:43They were tightly
01:00:44clutching the birthday gifts
01:00:46I had given them
01:00:47when we were children
01:00:48to engraved silver lockets
01:00:49bearing their names.
01:00:51Eleanor,
01:00:51I'm sorry.
01:00:52If there is a next life,
01:00:53I promise to cherish you
01:00:54with my life.
01:00:55The paper trembled
01:00:56slightly between my fingers.
01:00:58I'd already called my father.
01:01:00He was safe.
01:01:02He told me
01:01:03not to come back.
01:01:04Not for them.
01:01:05Not for anyone.
01:01:06Not from grief.
01:01:08From something
01:01:08I couldn't name.
01:01:10Carl's hand covered mine,
01:01:13steadying it.
01:01:13He didn't speak.
01:01:15He didn't need to.
01:01:17That night,
01:01:18I sat alone
01:01:19in Carl's tent
01:01:20and read the full report
01:01:21for the second time.
01:01:22The desert wind
01:01:23howled outside,
01:01:25carrying sand
01:01:26that stung like tiny needles
01:01:27against the canvas.
01:01:29Carl sat across from me,
01:01:32watching my face.
01:01:36Carl didn't ask
01:01:37how I felt.
01:01:38He didn't offer platitudes
01:01:39or empty condolences.
01:01:41He simply reached
01:01:42across the table
01:01:44and took my hand.
01:01:46His palm was rough,
01:01:48calloused from years
01:01:49of handling weapons,
01:01:50but warm,
01:01:51steady,
01:01:52real.
01:01:53Do you regret it?
01:01:55I thought about his question.
01:01:57I thought about the girl
01:01:59I used to be,
01:02:00the one who cried
01:02:00over scratched knees,
01:02:02who believed every promise,
01:02:04who thought love was enough.
01:02:06I thought about the woman
01:02:07lying in that alley,
01:02:09broken and bleeding,
01:02:10while the two men
01:02:11she trusted most
01:02:12were planning their futures
01:02:13with someone else.
01:02:14I thought about the surgeon
01:02:16who'd learned to hold
01:02:16a scalpel steadier
01:02:18than a sword,
01:02:19who'd walked through fire
01:02:20to save lives,
01:02:21who'd found that
01:02:22the only person
01:02:23worth trusting
01:02:24was the one
01:02:24who'd never lied to her.
01:02:26No,
01:02:27I'd regret
01:02:28a single choice I made.
01:02:32Carl lifted my hand
01:02:33to his lips
01:02:34and kissed my knuckles,
01:02:35one by one.
01:02:38Good,
01:02:39because neither do I.
01:02:40Outside,
01:02:41the desert stretched
01:02:42endless in every direction.
01:02:44Brutal,
01:02:45beautiful,
01:02:46and ours.
01:02:47Brutal,
01:02:49beautiful,
01:02:50beautiful,
01:02:50beautiful,
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