Presidents! Stop fighting for me

MicroVerse

21 hours ago

Transcript

00:00:03Ethan Harlow

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

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

00:00:09But as luck would have it

00:00:10I was a few minutes late to the party that night

00:00:12I walked in just as he was talking with his friends

00:00:15I stood by the door

00:00:16Listening to the voices inside

00:00:18Quinn

00:00:19He lit a cigarette, grinned lazily

00:00:21Yeah, I'm over it

00:00:23Seven years, man

00:00:24Wouldn't you be?

00:00:26The others laughed along

00:00:27Fair point

00:00:28Seven years

00:00:29Even a goddess gets old

00:00:31Though Quinn's genuinely stunning

00:00:33That body, too

00:00:34Remember Ethan's birthday last year?

00:00:36She wore that red dress

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

00:00:40Seriously, Ethan

00:00:41You used to be so crazy about her

00:00:43You really done?

00:00:44Ethan's voice was flat

00:00:45When do I ever say things I don't mean?

00:00:48So

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

00:00:51He blew out a smoke ring

00:00:52Barely interested

00:00:53Go for it

00:00:54As long as you're both fine with it

00:00:56Dude, have some self-respect

00:00:58You really want Ethan's leftovers?

00:01:00More laughter

00:01:01I didn't go into that room that night

00:01:02I texted him some excuse about a headache and went home

00:01:05Ethan didn't ask a single question

00:01:07Just hung up

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

00:01:09It died that night

00:01:37I wasn't even seen

00:01:41I didn't know

00:01:41What are you talking about?

00:01:51I don't know

00:01:51It's about the same

00:01:51So

00:01:52I go in

00:01:52I Zeit

00:01:52I go out

00:01:52That was a good weekend

00:01:52I just called me

00:01:57I do

00:01:58.

00:02:28.

00:03:01.

00:03:19Two days later, everyone in their circle was talking.

00:03:22Ethan was chasing some sophomore, performing arts school.

00:03:25Young, soft, naive.

00:03:26He always pursued others in a grand fashion, just like he did with me back then,

00:03:31showering them with flowers, fancy cars, and jewelry.

00:03:34The girl couldn't resist his advances at all.

00:03:36They soon got together.

00:03:37At a friend's dinner, Ethan walked right in with her on his arm.

00:03:40The room went quiet the moment he stepped through the door.

00:03:43A few of my closer girlfriends shot me worried looks.

00:03:45I smiled.

00:03:46Why'd everyone go quiet?

00:03:48What are you all staring at?

00:03:49Ethan settled the girl into a seat and finally looked at me.

00:03:52Quinn.

00:03:53Perfect timing.

00:03:54Let's just say it plainly.

00:03:55Sure.

00:03:56Go ahead.

00:03:57Mia's young.

00:03:58She's genuine.

00:03:59I actually like her.

00:04:00I don't want to do her wrong.

00:04:01I gripped my hands together.

00:04:02The ring on my finger pressed into the flesh, deep and sharp.

00:04:05But I couldn't feel a thing.

00:04:07He stroked the girl's hair.

00:04:08She deserves love real.

00:04:09I nodded lightly.

00:04:10I understand.

00:04:11We can still be friends.

00:04:13Anything you need, just say the word.

00:04:15That's okay.

00:04:16I smiled.

00:04:17Stood up.

00:04:17If it's over, let's make it clean.

00:04:19No point confusing anyone.

00:04:20Ethan raised an eyebrow.

00:04:22Slightly surprised.

00:04:23Fair enough.

00:04:24You all enjoy the dinner.

00:04:25I'll head out.

00:04:27Want the driver to take you?

00:04:28No.

00:04:28I'll grab a ride.

00:04:29I walked out and pulled the door shut behind me.

00:04:31Through the gap, I heard someone ask,

00:04:33How long do you give her this time?

00:04:35Two days.

00:04:37She seemed actually upset this time.

00:04:40I'll say a week.

00:04:41Ethan laughed cold.

00:04:42Three days.

00:04:43She'll be crying back to me before then.

00:04:46Every single time.

00:04:48Getting tired of watching it.

00:04:49Yeah, because Quinn's obsessed with you.

00:04:51Everyone knows how far gone she is.

00:04:54I smiled bitterly to myself, clutched my bag tighter,

00:04:57and walked fast toward the elevator.

00:05:13He's waiting, right?

00:05:14Okay.

00:05:15Never, let's go through and go out and wurde ako,

00:05:16and I said I'm stunned!

00:05:16I didn't go out and the staff member of parents.

00:05:17I killed them and have died brother long enough.

00:05:22Besides your family downplaying Jinx to your family.

00:05:22and I walked around for years that are here.

00:05:22today I did not know you.

00:05:33.

00:06:30Back at the apartment,

00:06:31I went to the back of the closet and lifted down the dress.

00:06:34I'd waited half a year for it.

00:06:36A custom order.

00:06:37No returns.

00:06:38Such a shame.

00:06:40I'd never get to wear it.

00:06:41I found a pair of scissors and cut it apart.

00:06:43It had no business being here anyway.

00:06:45Before I left,

00:06:46I took off the ring and set it on the coffee table.

00:06:48I didn't take much.

00:06:50My personal things.

00:06:51Everything else I left behind.

00:06:52I thought about it,

00:06:53then wrote him a note.

00:06:54The apartment and everything in it.

00:06:56Do whatever you want with it.

00:06:57Don't ask me.

00:06:58I booked the earliest flight to Miami.

00:07:00My best friend had moved there earlier that year.

00:07:02She dragged me out for shopping and afternoon coffee.

00:07:04That evening,

00:07:05there was a small get-together.

00:07:06Old classmates.

00:07:07Old friends.

00:07:08Midway through the drinks,

00:07:09the door swung open.

00:07:10A few of the girls immediately lit up.

00:07:12Lucas?

00:07:13Since when do you show up to things like this?

00:07:15Seriously,

00:07:15what brings you out tonight?

00:07:18Had a meeting next door.

00:07:19Heard there was a reunion.

00:07:21Figured I'd drop by.

00:07:22Lucas said this,

00:07:23never taking his eyes off me.

00:07:24My best friend pinched my arm.

00:07:26Quinn,

00:07:27he came for you.

00:07:28I looked at him through slightly unfocused eyes.

00:07:30Taller than Ethan by an inch or two.

00:07:32Black overcoat.

00:07:34Dark suit underneath.

00:07:35Sharp features.

00:07:36A great build.

00:07:37Legs that went on forever.

00:07:39I squinted at him for a moment,

00:07:40then shook my head.

00:07:41No way.

00:07:42We haven't talked in years.

00:07:44She wasn't listening.

00:07:45She called out to him directly.

00:07:46Lucas,

00:07:47could you do me a favor

00:07:48and drive Quinn home later?

00:07:50We've all been drinking,

00:07:51and I don't trust her in a taxi.

00:07:52I looked up at Lucas,

00:07:54startled.

00:07:54His eyes traveled across the room

00:07:56and settled on my face.

00:07:57Then I saw him nod.

00:08:00Sure.

00:08:00My best friend sat back down,

00:08:02leaned close to my ear.

00:08:03Quinn,

00:08:04after seven years with one man,

00:08:05it's time to move on

00:08:06and embrace a new life.

00:08:08Even Ethan has done it.

00:08:10Why can't you start a second chapter of your own?

00:08:13Besides,

00:08:14a man like Lucas?

00:08:15If you don't take your shot,

00:08:17it's practically a crime.

00:08:18What makes you think he'd even want to?

00:08:20Babe,

00:08:21the way he looked at you?

00:08:22Trust me,

00:08:23I've been through 18 of them.

00:08:24I know what I'm talking about.

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

00:08:47When we pulled up downstairs,

00:08:49I un-clipped my seatbelt.

00:08:51Thanks for the ride.

00:08:52Lucas glanced over at me.

00:08:53Don't mention it.

00:08:54I pushed the door open.

00:08:55Before I could think,

00:08:56I'd already spoken.

00:08:57Want to come up for a drink?

00:08:58He helped me walk toward the hotel.

00:09:00Lucas kissed me in the elevator.

00:09:02I was already tipsy,

00:09:03and he was demanding,

00:09:04relentless.

00:09:05I nearly blacked out just from the kiss.

00:09:07There's a camera.

00:09:09I gasped,

00:09:09cheeks burning,

00:09:10legs so weak,

00:09:11I had to hold onto his waist

00:09:12just to stay upright.

00:09:14Lucas glanced at the lens,

00:09:15turned me,

00:09:16shifted the angle,

00:09:17and kissed me again.

00:09:18When the door swiped open,

00:09:19he stopped and looked at me.

00:09:20Quinn,

00:09:21if you regret this,

00:09:22I'll still back off.

00:09:23Regret what?

00:09:24I tilted my face up at him,

00:09:26fingers looping around his tie,

00:09:27pulling him closer.

00:09:28You kissed my lips halfway to swollen?

00:09:30A little late to talk about backing off.

00:09:33Lucas laughed then.

00:09:34He reached out and brushed his thumb

00:09:36across my lower lip.

00:09:37Then don't go blaming me later.

00:09:38Our first night together,

00:09:40Lucas didn't even make it to the bedroom.

00:09:42He pinned me against the wall

00:09:43and it was rough enough to hurt a little.

00:09:45I bit down on his shoulder in protest.

00:09:47Lucas,

00:09:47what is wrong with you?

00:09:49Ever heard of being gentle?

00:09:50His warm hands pressed against my back.

00:09:52Then he was breathing against my neck.

00:09:54Quinn,

00:09:55I'm not sure I can hold back.

00:10:10Thanks for being gentle.

00:10:11Thanks for being sipping.

00:10:15Take care.

00:10:16Until now,

00:10:16y'all haven't this much experienced?

00:10:17Good night.

00:10:29I can't bring someettreford手.

00:10:29What is natural for a little rollercoaster?

00:10:29Maybe I'll have you again!"

00:10:29Blow your face is a doctor.

00:10:29Then he j presentations with me.

00:10:37Jack will be friends.

00:10:48You

00:10:57Five minutes later, I understood what he meant. He carried me to the bedroom. I buried my face in the

00:11:03pillow laughing

00:11:04Lucas, how long has it been for you? He gave me a look

00:11:08A while. Work's been everything lately. I stared at him, the laughter fading. A moment later, tears came out of

00:11:15nowhere

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

00:11:19He fumbled to wipe my face, but the tears wouldn't stop

00:11:22I shouldn't have dragged you into this

00:11:24But you already did

00:11:25He leaned down, cupped my face in his hands, steady, almost serious

00:11:29Quinn, since you started this, you don't get to stop halfway

00:12:00processing

00:12:01You

00:12:01Are

00:12:01You

00:12:02You

00:12:06You

00:12:15You

00:12:16.

00:12:46.

00:13:16.

00:13:17.

00:13:18.

00:13:19.

00:13:24.

00:13:46.

00:14:17.

00:14:23Serena of House Stavoss.

00:14:25.

00:14:26.

00:14:26Good night.

00:15:07Day 7 in Miami.

00:15:09A friend from back home, Jamie, sent me a text.

00:15:11Quinn, when are you coming back?

00:15:13No plans to, for now.

00:15:14We all miss you.

00:15:15Ryan's birthday's in a few days.

00:15:17Come celebrate.

00:15:18Tell him I'm sorry.

00:15:19I'll mail a gift.

00:15:20Alright, take care of yourself.

00:15:21Back in the city, Jamie handed the phone to Ethan.

00:15:24Look, maybe you should call her.

00:15:25She'll listen to you.

00:15:26Ethan stared coldly at the screen.

00:15:28Then he stubbed out his cigarette and stood.

00:15:30She can rot out there for all I care.

00:15:32Ethan, don't be angry.

00:15:34She's just hurting.

00:15:35She even took the ring off this time.

00:15:37It's really crushed and honestly it's your fault for pushing it so far with that girl.

00:15:40We already broke up!

00:15:41What more does she want?

00:15:42Ethan snapped, voice rising.

00:15:44Listen up.

00:15:45Nobody contacts her!

00:15:47Not for anything!

00:15:48Okay, okay, we won't.

00:15:49Calm down.

00:15:50You just got out of the hospital two days ago.

00:15:53Your stomach.

00:15:54She was around and your stomach never acted up.

00:15:57She leaves for five days and you do this to yourself.

00:15:59With every word from his friends, Ethan's expression went darker.

00:16:02Eventually, he grabbed his jacket and walked out, slamming the door.

00:16:05He hit the street.

00:16:06Cold air rushed in.

00:16:08The anger still burned in his chest.

00:16:10Seven days.

00:16:10No calls.

00:16:11No texts.

00:16:12Not even one.

00:16:13He pulled out his phone.

00:16:14Blocked her number.

00:16:22Lucas called just as I typed the last line and hit send.

00:16:25I've been writing columns for magazines since college.

00:16:28It turned out to be enough to make a living.

00:16:30Freelance life.

00:16:31Laptop.

00:16:32Good Wi-Fi.

00:16:33And I could work from anywhere.

00:16:34So when it ended, I had no reason to stay in the city and hurt.

00:16:39Quinn, what do you want for dinner?

00:16:40His voice came through clearly.

00:16:42After an afternoon of work, something in me settled.

00:16:44I'm exhausted.

00:16:45You pick.

00:16:47How about steak?

00:16:49I know a place with a really good steak.

00:16:51You'll love it.

00:16:51I always like my steak rare.

00:16:53But Ethan used to say watching me eat it turned his stomach, so I stopped.

00:16:56Though I vaguely remembered Lucas preferring lighter food.

00:16:59Lucas, you don't have to do this for me.

00:17:01I'm not picky anymore.

00:17:02I actually want it too.

00:17:04Remember in college?

00:17:05There was that little joint near campus.

00:17:07The steak were amazing.

00:17:08Hearing him say that made me hungry for it too.

00:17:10That place was genuinely good.

00:17:12I ate there for four years and never got tired of it.

00:17:15Okay.

00:17:15Steak then.

00:17:17I'll come get you now.

00:17:18Sure.

00:17:21Lucas took me to a place that had been in Miami for years.

00:17:24Old and a little cramped, but always packed.

00:17:27And Lucas in his tailored suit, sitting in that grimy booth, was a completely ridiculous visual.

00:17:32I watched him carefully wipe down my chair with a napkin.

00:17:35For someone like him, these small domestic gestures came surprisingly naturally.

00:17:39Lucas, your ex did a great job with you.

00:17:42I couldn't help saying it.

00:17:44In the beginning, when Ethan was still chasing me, I felt it.

00:17:47Being cared for.

00:17:48Being someone's priority.

00:17:49Then we moved in together the year after graduation.

00:17:52A little over a year.

00:17:53And I became the household.

00:17:55Managing his diet, his rest, his schedule.

00:17:58Like a wife before the wedding.

00:17:59But I understand now what I didn't then.

00:18:02I lost myself loving him.

00:18:03Forgot that you have to love yourself first.

00:18:05No wonder the love wore out.

00:18:07Lucas glanced up from tending the pot.

00:18:09Where'd you hear I had an ex?

00:18:17I paused.

00:18:18The girl who was always around you in college?

00:18:19Weren't you two childhood friends?

00:18:21You mean Sophie?

00:18:22He laughed once.

00:18:24We grew up together, yeah.

00:18:25But we never dated.

00:18:26I never felt that way about her.

00:18:28She was more like a little sister.

00:18:30So you haven't been with anyone all these years?

00:18:32Went on a few setups.

00:18:33It wasn't right, so...

00:18:35It ended.

00:18:36And after that, I looked down, thinking about that first night.

00:18:40Suddenly, it made complete sense.

00:18:42Quinn, I'll do better next time.

00:18:44His comment came out of nowhere.

00:18:45I blinked.

00:18:46Better at what?

00:18:47He turned his face away, cleared his throat quietly.

00:18:49His ears were deeply flushed.

00:18:51You'll see later.

00:18:52He kept his word.

00:18:53After dinner, back at the hotel.

00:18:55Once he'd carried me out of the bathroom and onto the bed, I finally understood what

00:18:59he'd meant.

00:18:59By then, I was completely undone.

00:19:02Lucas.

00:19:02I tried to glare at him, but my eyes were misted over, which only made me look more helpless.

00:19:06His name in my mouth came out soft, nowhere near as angry as I wanted.

00:19:10Lucas bowed his head and kissed me softly.

00:19:12Quinn, is this okay?

00:19:13I shook my head, refused to answer.

00:19:15He didn't push, just kept kissing me, over and over, patient and unhurried.

00:19:20I couldn't hold out.

00:19:21Tears were leaking from the corners of my eyes.

00:19:23Lucas.

00:19:23My nails pressed into his lower back, and there was a sound in my voice I couldn't quite

00:19:27control.

00:19:28Quinn, tell me now.

00:19:30Is this okay?

00:19:31Lucas' own eyes had gone red, arms taut, sweat falling in drops.

00:19:35I gave in, voice small and wrecked.

00:19:37Yes.

00:19:38Yes, it is.

00:19:39As my last thought drifted away, Lucas put his lips to my ear and whispered very low.

00:19:44Quinn, if this is good, then promise you'll never leave me, okay?

00:20:03Bye.

00:20:04Stop it.

00:20:20I'll see you on the next episode.

00:20:20I'll see you on the next one.

00:20:21Hi, you're welcome.

00:20:21I'll see you on the next one.

00:20:30man. Bye. Ella Millie.

00:20:31That no

00:20:31.

00:21:01.

00:21:31.

00:22:01.

00:22:31.

00:23:01.

00:23:31.

00:24:01.

00:24:02.

00:24:03.

00:24:04.

00:24:08.

00:24:10.

00:24:11.

00:24:13.

00:24:14.

00:24:18.

00:24:19.

00:24:20.

00:24:21.

00:24:22.

00:24:24.

00:24:28.

00:24:29.

00:24:30.

00:24:31.

00:24:32.

00:24:34.

00:24:37.

00:24:39.

00:24:41.

00:24:42.

00:24:46.

00:24:48.

00:24:49.

00:24:51.

00:24:55.

00:24:56.

00:24:58.

00:25:07.

00:25:08.

00:25:10.

00:25:20.

00:25:22.

00:25:23.

00:25:23the couch smoking the bottle in front of him mostly empty the gift had been chosen by lucas

00:25:27and me together a vintage pair of cufflinks from a high-end label ryan loved these are beautiful

00:25:32ryan laughed a little stiffly reading ethan's expression and quickly had his girlfriend put

00:25:36them away let me see ethan spoke without warning ryan froze but handed the box over without a word

00:25:41ethan stared at the pair of cufflinks the brand's logo was discreet almost invisible but ethan

00:25:46stared at it for a long moment put them away he closed the box and pushed it aside ryan exhaled

00:25:51with relief and reached for it ethan snatched the empty bottle from the table and smashed it

00:25:54against the coffee table glass scattered a long gash opened across the back of his hand the room

00:25:59erupted what happened why did you that's a bad cut it won't stop bleeding hospital ethan stood there

00:26:05emotionless face dark still as stone quinn never bought anything from that label his voice was

00:26:10low and frayed ryan smiled quickly so what quinn probably just picked something at random not

00:26:14like your birthday she'd been planning your gift for six months exactly you know what she means

00:26:20to you none of us combined are worth a tenth of what she feels for you ethan laughed sharply

00:26:25feels for me the noise in the room bled away one degree at a time ethan should i call quinn

00:26:31we need

00:26:32to deal with that cut first ryan suddenly worked up the nerve picked up his phone and photographed

00:26:36ethan's torn up hand then sent it to quinn on the spot ethan didn't stop him

00:27:06the room went still about 10 seconds past then ryan's phone rang see i knew she loved you more than

00:27:13anything look ethan it's quinn the others noticed it too the tension in ethan's face had eased just

00:27:19slightly you want to take it ryan held out the phone ethan didn't look at it he turned away i'll

00:27:23get it

00:27:24i'll get it ryan said eagerly putting it on speaker when quinn's voice came through ethan's jaw locked

00:27:28ryan are you okay are you hurt it's not me it's ethan's hand you have no idea how bad it

00:27:33is blood

00:27:34everywhere he won't stop ryan rambled on the other end went quiet quinn are you there maybe maybe you

00:27:40should come back ethan won't go to the hospital he can't just keep bleeding like this ryan her voice

00:27:43was still soft still the same yeah yeah i'm here go on ryan signaled frantically to ethan don't tell

00:27:49me about him anymore ryan's smile collapsed quinn and happy birthday ryan wait quinn don't hang up

00:27:55the line went dead ryan stood there holding the phone like it had burned him he wanted to slap

00:27:59himself what was he thinking getting involved now look at the mess silence ethan looked around at everyone

00:28:04and smiled lightly you all go mute no one dared speak he smiled again what nobody's got anything to say

00:28:09ethan don't get worked up the cut's bleeding more ethan you know how quinn is from the corner where

00:28:14she'd been sitting quietly through everything vera finally spoke i've wanted to say this for a long

00:28:18time what you did was cruel quinn's a woman women have pride even if you stopped loving her you could

00:28:24have ended it cleanly who says i wanted it to end cleanly ethan smiled sharp and cold she gave me

00:28:29seven

00:28:30years seven years you think that's nothing to me vera smiled very quietly but did you ever stop to think

00:28:36a girl only has so many seven years what if quinn never comes back impossible no one caught it but

00:28:43there was the faintest tremor at the end of that word what's impossible in this world once the heart's

00:28:47been hurt badly enough can you really warm it back up ethan stop doing things you'll regret vera said

00:28:53nothing more she picked up her bag and walked out across the room daniel watched her leave his own

00:28:58wife of two years his expression unreadable was she pitying quinn defending her or was she talking about

00:29:03herself aren't you gonna go after her daniel curved his lips lit a cigarette she's not my wife tonight

00:29:09my wife is on set she's out of the production next month you're gonna wreck yourself his friend sighed

00:29:14daniel didn't respond vera and quinn were different quinn had no family draining her earned her own money

00:29:20a breakup just meant a softer lifestyle for a while but vera had her family's debt behind her and a

00:29:25brother bedridden at home she couldn't leave him she wouldn't dare no matter how many chances she had

00:29:34she were attracted to her and she didn't respond to her but it was her mother she wanted her to

00:29:40and she was like a girl with her baby you know what's her okay but she was like she was

00:29:40like she's like oh go OC and so she got a girl and she got a girl with her baby

00:29:48you know what's her

00:29:59like oh go see she got a girl and so oh she got a girl and so I felt her

00:30:03baby she got a girl in the

00:30:03.

00:30:33.

00:31:03.

00:31:33.

00:32:03.

00:32:33.

00:33:03.

00:33:04.

00:33:05.

00:33:09.

00:33:16.

00:33:16I just ended the call when Lucas wrapped his arms around me from behind.

00:33:20He rested his chin on the side of my neck and said nothing.

00:33:22I laughed softly.

00:33:24What?

00:33:24Quinn, are you going back?

00:33:26Back where?

00:33:27Back home.

00:33:28Not right now.

00:33:30Eventually, maybe.

00:33:31It's not like I did anything I need to run from.

00:33:34My family's there.

00:33:35My apartment's there.

00:33:36I'm not staying away forever.

00:33:38Lucas went quiet again.

00:33:45I caught up.

00:33:46Are you asking if I'm going to get back together with Ethan?

00:33:48Are you?

00:33:48If I say absolutely not, do you believe me?

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

00:33:55I want to.

00:33:56Lucas, I have a face and a spine.

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

00:33:59I thought about it honestly.

00:34:00If I said there's nothing left, that wouldn't be true.

00:34:03It's been a long time.

00:34:05Lucas bit down on my shoulder, lightly.

00:34:07Don't say anymore, Quinn.

00:34:08Let me finish.

00:34:10But to say I still miss him, or that I can't let go, that's not right either.

00:34:14I touched his face gently.

00:34:15Leaving him didn't destroy me.

00:34:18So maybe I stopped loving him a long time ago.

00:34:20Maybe the moment he started coasting on this relationship, I'd already started preparing for the end.

00:34:25I won't.

00:34:25Won't what?

00:34:26I won't get distracted.

00:34:28Won't play around.

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

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

00:34:32And then he kissed me.

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

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

00:34:41In the end, I gently pushed him away.

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

00:34:46Why are you sorry?

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

00:34:50It's my issue.

00:34:51I looked away.

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

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

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

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

00:34:59I squeezed my hands tight and breathed.

00:35:02Think of it as two people getting what they need.

00:35:05If you want, we can keep things as they are.

00:35:07If you meet someone you actually want, you can end this whenever.

00:35:10Getting what they need.

00:35:11Like I'm a tool for you.

00:35:13You can see it that way.

00:35:14I wouldn't look at him, afraid I'd cry if I did.

00:35:17Lucas, I'm truly sorry.

00:35:19If this arrangement makes you uncomfortable, I'll leave Miami right away.

00:35:22I swear I'll never bother you again.

00:35:25Quinn.

00:35:26His eyes burned red.

00:35:27He let go, stepped back slowly.

00:35:29Something in his expression was broken, even as he tried to smile.

00:35:32Quinn, you can't do this to me.

00:35:35Lucas.

00:35:36He turned, picked up his coat, and walked toward the door.

00:35:38I took one step after him, then stopped.

00:35:41He made it all the way to the door, hand on the knob.

00:35:43And then he turned and looked back at me, even managed a reassuring smile.

00:35:47Sorry, I just need a little time alone.

00:35:48I nodded.

00:35:49Go ahead, I won't bother you.

00:35:51Quinn, give me some time.

00:35:53I'll get back to you.

00:35:54He left.

00:35:55I sank slowly onto the couch.

00:35:57All the energy gone from my body.

00:35:58I felt something I couldn't name.

00:36:00It hurt in a way that wasn't pain, exactly.

00:36:02But I knew, clearly, that I couldn't do it.

00:36:04Couldn't throw myself into love again.

00:36:06Not like that.

00:36:07Not without walls.

00:36:08Not a new beginning.

00:36:08I was scared.

00:36:09Scared it would end the same way.

00:36:11Two people watching each other with contempt.

00:36:13The warmth gone cold.

00:36:14The cold gone freezing.

00:36:15I didn't want to go around again.

00:36:16I just shouldn't have gotten Lucas involved.

00:36:18If I'd known from the start that he had feelings for me,

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

00:36:28He won the same thing to never be,

00:36:29It's a real mount on Пока Mick,

00:36:29If we could not believe him.

00:36:44If we named him,

00:36:52our already had him and to defend him.

00:36:52He is a camera and to where he's awake and open.

00:36:52His eyesou're on camera is walking down,

00:36:53crosstalk 007

00:40:56I should stop.

00:40:57I don't want a relationship.

00:40:58I don't want to get married.

00:40:59Quinn, why are you punishing yourself for someone else's mistakes?

00:41:02And it's not fair to Lucas either.

00:41:03The saying goes, one person plants the tree, another enjoys the shade, fine.

00:41:07But that doesn't mean the person who planted the tree gets to leave a storm behind for

00:41:09the next one.

00:41:10Ethan was terrible.

00:41:11But Lucas is a good man.

00:41:12One worth something real.

00:41:14Why should Ethan's garbage keep you from giving Lucas a real chance?

00:41:17It's not that I'm biased against him.

00:41:19I just haven't gotten over the damage yet.

00:41:21You haven't gotten over the damage.

00:41:23Babe, Ethan spent seven years running you down and you don't even know it.

00:41:27You think you're not worth being loved?

00:41:29I stared at her.

00:41:29Was she right?

00:41:30The exhaustion of the back and forth.

00:41:32The constant anxiety.

00:41:33The feeling of never being enough.

00:41:35Never being secure.

00:41:35So now my guard was up against everyone.

00:41:37Against the whole world.

00:41:38Convinced that no one would ever love me without conditions.

00:41:41But why shouldn't I deserve that?

00:41:42The ones who waste your love.

00:41:43Let them choke on it.

00:41:44The ones who love honestly.

00:41:46The universe opens a window for them.

00:41:47Babe, do you know how incredible you are?

00:41:49My best friend pulled me in.

00:41:50Swayed gently.

00:41:51You're gorgeous.

00:41:52You have an amazing body.

00:41:53You were making your own money since sophomore year.

00:41:56Paid your own rent and practically kept me fed too.

00:41:58You're talented and driven and kind.

00:42:01If I were a man, I'd fight anyone to marry you.

00:42:03You deserve to be loved, Quinn.

00:42:05Genuinely loved.

00:42:06By the right person.

00:42:08Not ground down and wasted on someone like Ethan.

00:42:11Trust me on this.

00:42:12He will regret it.

00:42:13For the rest of his life, he won't be able to shake losing you.

00:42:16Now, call Lucas.

00:42:17And cancel your flight home.

00:42:18Don't think I don't know you already rebooked it.

00:42:20My eyes were getting hot.

00:42:21But what if Lucas and I end up in the same place?

00:42:24What if it ends the same way?

00:42:25It won't.

00:42:26How do you know?

00:42:26Because a man with that kind of self-control,

00:42:28who's never settled for less,

00:42:29will not be stupid enough to throw away the girl he actually chose.

00:42:32He's not Ethan.

00:42:33I shook my head.

00:42:34He wasn't.

00:42:35He really wasn't.

00:42:36So, call him.

00:42:37You have no idea how happy it'll make him.

00:43:06I thought Lucas would be happy.

00:43:08I didn't think a man in his late 20s, running a company,

00:43:10could be that happy over a phone call.

00:43:12Like a kid on Christmas morning, my best friend beamed at me.

00:43:15Quinn?

00:43:16Happy?

00:43:16I nodded slowly.

00:43:17I think, yeah.

00:43:19Really happy.

00:43:20See?

00:43:20You're happy.

00:43:22Lucas is happier.

00:43:23What else is there to figure out?

00:43:24Then she laughed.

00:43:25Honestly?

00:43:26I just keep thinking about how miserable Ethan's going to be.

00:43:29That alone puts me in a great mood.

00:43:31Who knows?

00:43:32He's probably already moved on.

00:43:34I smiled faintly.

00:43:35Let's stop talking about him.

00:43:36In that moment, I could say it with no weight at all.

00:43:38Like he was just a name.

00:43:40Someone with no claim on me anymore.

00:43:42Lucas' car pulled up downstairs just as I stepped out of the bar.

00:43:45He stood in the night air with his arms open.

00:43:47I stopped and looked at him.

00:43:48Honestly, he was striking.

00:43:50Every feature exactly what I'd want.

00:43:51Men can like whoever they want.

00:43:53Overlap if they choose.

00:43:54The world hardly blinks.

00:43:55So why can't I, after a real ending, start something new?

00:43:58I walked toward him.

00:43:59He walked toward me.

00:44:00People moved around us.

00:44:02We kissed like no one was watching.

00:44:03His heart was pounding so fast.

00:44:05I reached up and touched the back of his neck.

00:44:07Burning hot.

00:44:08He was still warm when I pressed my forehead to his.

00:44:10Slightly breathless.

00:44:11Voiceless.

00:44:12Quinn, do I have a fever?

00:44:14Maybe.

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

00:44:17I laughed and kissed under his chin.

00:44:19Maybe more of this and you'll be cured?

00:44:22His ears went redder.

00:44:23He cupped my face, eyes open and searching.

00:44:25Quinn, what am I to you right now?

00:44:27I teased him.

00:44:28What do you think?

00:44:30A hugger or a boyfriend?

00:44:31He asked, then immediately shook his head, pressing his face into my neck.

00:44:34Never mind, I don't want to know right now.

00:44:35I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him closer.

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

00:44:40Boyfriend.

00:44:50Can you treat another.

00:45:19I'll offer a blanket at

00:45:19of the door.

00:45:19That's what's up and was just a zip hook.

00:45:19.

00:46:07Ethan's car stopped at the mouth of an alley.

00:46:09He got out and walked into the narrow street on foot.

00:46:11At the end of it lived in Old Taylor.

00:46:13His family had been in the trade for generations.

00:46:15Old world craft.

00:46:16Long retired.

00:46:17No longer taking clients.

00:46:18But Ethan had ways of getting to him.

00:46:20Quinn's shredded wedding dress had been brought here two weeks ago.

00:46:23Today it was nearly finished.

00:46:24He walked and thought.

00:46:25Ryan had been right.

00:46:26Every girl dreams of wearing a dress and marrying the person she loves.

00:46:29Seven years together and he'd never once thought about proposing.

00:46:32He'd never imagined Quinn would have thought about proposing to him.

00:46:34He'd been a wreck these past weeks.

00:46:36He knew it.

00:46:37But the other women had never meant anything.

00:46:38A moment's impulse.

00:46:39Nothing more.

00:46:40Even Mia, the one who'd actually triggered Quinn walking out.

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

00:46:45He kept thinking about Quinn.

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

00:46:48Complacent.

00:46:48He'd taken it all for granted.

00:46:49But some people are like the air.

00:46:51You don't notice until they're gone.

00:46:52Since Quinn left, he couldn't focus on anything.

00:46:54He'd be with his friends and she'd be in the back of his mind the whole time.

00:46:57Especially when he drank.

00:46:58If Quinn were there, she'd fake scold him and try to slow him down.

00:47:01And if she couldn't stop him, she'd be up at 3am making soup.

00:47:03Letting him put his head in her lap.

00:47:05Rubbing his temples with her hands.

00:47:06Her fingers were soft.

00:47:07The little complaints she'd mutter.

00:47:08The way she'd fuss over him.

00:47:10It had annoyed him back then.

00:47:11Now he'd give anything to hear it again.

00:47:12This time, when Quinn came home, he'd propose.

00:47:15He'd always known how much she wanted to marry him.

00:47:16Give her that and she'd feel safe.

00:47:18She'd forgive him.

00:47:19She would.

00:47:38She'docarfts.

00:47:42Have a good night.

00:47:57See you next time.

00:47:58Bye.

00:48:01Bye.

00:48:08.

00:48:38.

00:49:08.

00:49:39.

00:49:40.

00:49:45.

00:50:00The old man's work was remarkable.

00:50:01The dress looked almost exactly as it had before.

00:50:04Ethan paid him and was heading out when his phone rang.

00:50:06His pulse spiked slightly until he saw Ryan's name on the screen.

00:50:09His heart slowed back down.

00:50:10Ethan.

00:50:10There's something I need to tell you.

00:50:12I wanted to think it over first.

00:50:14Go ahead.

00:50:14Just don't freak out, okay?

00:50:16It's probably just rumors.

00:50:17Could be nothing at all.

00:50:19What is it?

00:50:20It's about Quinn.

00:50:21Actually, forget it.

00:50:22I'm probably 80% sure it's someone making stuff up.

00:50:24Ryan, since when do you talk like this?

00:50:26What happened to Quinn?

00:50:27Did she come back?

00:50:29Ethan.

00:50:29Ryan suddenly felt sick.

00:50:31Of all the rumors that could have gotten out, why did it have to be Lucas Shaw?

00:50:33Ethan had been at each other's throats with Lucas for years.

00:50:36Two years ago, they'd gone head to head over a major contract.

00:50:39Ethan's company lost.

00:50:40First time he'd ever tasted defeat.

00:50:41It had poisoned what was already a tense relationship into something close to hatred.

00:50:45I said, don't freak out.

00:50:46This is all second hand.

00:50:47There's no confirmation.

00:50:48Someone spotted Quinn in Miami.

00:50:50Ethan's grip on the phone tightened.

00:50:51His voice stayed controlled, barely.

00:50:53So she's in Miami.

00:50:54So what?

00:50:54She was with Lucas Shaw.

00:50:56Could just be dinner.

00:50:57Probably nothing.

00:50:58Got it.

00:50:58Ethan.

00:50:59Nothing else?

00:50:59I'm hanging up.

00:51:00The call cut off.

00:51:01Ethan stood in the narrow street, shopping bag in hand.

00:51:03The bag holding the dress Quinn had bought.

00:51:05He walked, step by step, through the cold of early winter, all the way to the mouth of

00:51:09the alley, back to his car.

00:51:10He stopped.

00:51:11A quiet smile crossed his face, slow, faint, laced with something sharp and bitter.

00:51:15And then, without hesitation, he dropped the elegant shopping bag into the trash can at

00:51:19the curb.

00:51:30He just noticed a car.

00:51:49He was going to be the first.

00:51:49He was going to find his face.

00:51:49He played an eye on his face.

00:51:50It was a good idea.

00:51:50He's going to give up his way.

00:51:50He was going to get him.

00:51:50He was going to have to tell him to see how man.

00:52:00.

00:52:30.

00:53:00.

00:53:30.

00:54:00.

00:54:30.

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

00:54:34It went through.

00:54:35No response.

00:54:36The message read,

00:54:37Thinking about selling the apartment.

00:54:38What do you want to do with your clothes?

00:54:39Maybe he forgot she'd left a note saying to deal with everything herself.

00:54:42Dispose of it all however he liked.

00:54:44Or maybe it was intentional.

00:54:45An excuse to reach out.

00:54:46Maybe Ethan told himself he was giving her a way back in.

00:54:49She was smart.

00:54:50She'd know to take the out.

00:54:51His temper looked bad but he wasn't that hard to deal with.

00:54:53Quinn never replied.

00:54:54The apartment didn't sell.

00:54:55Her clothes and everything else stayed exactly as they were.

00:54:58Like she'd never left.

00:54:59Ethan came back late nights after going out.

00:55:01Lay down in her bed.

00:55:02Stared at the ceiling until almost dawn.

00:55:04The third month after she left.

00:55:05Same as always.

00:55:06Late and still.

00:55:07When the clock hands crept toward midnight, Ethan dialed her number.

00:55:21The second month after Quinn left.

00:55:27Quinn had been careful, quiet.

00:55:28A good girl in the old fashioned sense.

00:55:30Her family was ordinary but comfortable.

00:55:32Her parents adored her.

00:55:33And because she'd been beautiful since she was young, they'd kept a close eye on her.

00:55:36It wasn't until the fall after graduation that Quinn moved in with Ethan.

00:55:39He still remembered that night.

00:55:40She'd been shaking from head to toe.

00:55:42Her skin flushed everywhere.

00:55:43A deep burning pink.

00:55:44She was breathtaking.

00:55:46Fragile beneath him in a way that made his chest ache.

00:55:48When it was over, she cried for a long time.

00:55:50Over and over, she said,

00:55:51Ethan, you're not allowed to hurt me.

00:55:53Not now.

00:55:54Not ever.

00:55:55You have to be good to me.

00:55:56You have to marry me.

00:55:57Ethan, we're gonna be together forever.

00:56:01Right?

00:56:01The girl who'd believed all of that.

00:56:03Who'd trusted with her whole self that she'd end up with the man she loved.

00:56:05He'd lost her a long time ago.

00:56:07Long enough that he couldn't even recall.

00:56:08The last time they'd said goodbye, what had her face looked like?

00:56:11Did she smile and nod?

00:56:12Or did her eyes go red?

00:56:13The phone rang for a while.

00:56:15He'd almost given up.

00:56:15Then it connected.

00:56:16In that moment, what he wanted to say was,

00:56:18Quinn, come home.

00:56:19But what came out of his mouth was,

00:56:21Quinn, you've made your point.

00:56:23Come home.

00:56:23His pathetic, idiotic words were cut off by a man's low laugh.

00:56:26That laugh landed like cold concrete.

00:56:29Ethan went rigid.

00:56:30Like he'd been encased in ice and couldn't move.

00:56:31Ethan.

00:56:32You snooze, you lose.

00:56:34Can't let a girl stew overnight or someone else steps in.

00:56:38Lucas Shaw?

00:56:40Ethan said the name through clenched teeth.

00:56:41Blood rushing into his eyes.

00:56:43It's me.

00:56:44Put Quinn on!

00:56:45Now!

00:56:46His eyes looked flooded.

00:56:48He gripped the phone, voice shaking low.

00:56:50Lucas, if you took advantage of-

00:56:52She could come to the phone.

00:56:53Lucas lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss to his girl's temple.

00:56:56Quinn's lashes were still wet.

00:56:57Her mouth in a small pout.

00:56:59Eyes closed.

00:57:00But everything on her face said one thing.

00:57:01I was hurt.

00:57:02His chest clenched.

00:57:03He kissed the corner of her eye.

00:57:05Drew away the tear that sat there.

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

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

00:57:09Lucas!

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

00:57:11Lucas ended the call, turned off his phone.

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

00:57:15Hey, wake up.

00:57:26I told her he was the two.

00:57:27I told her.

00:57:32He was one of the three times.

00:57:32I told her that he had to kiss her.

00:57:32He was a Herman.

00:57:39He's done alone.

00:57:39It's a hot seal.

00:57:40Dr. Koinaez, you were so cool.

00:57:40I did not do it.

00:57:40Like that, nothing.

00:57:41I did not do anything.

00:57:43I thought I wanted to examine the answer.

00:57:43I had to say hey, why, I did not do it.

00:58:00To be continued...

00:58:22Like a ripe peach in September

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

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

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

00:58:30I stopped, my feet stopped with me

00:58:31Lucas's warm fingers closed around mine

00:58:34Ethan's shirt was wrinkled, no tie

00:58:35The exhaustion on his face was plain, his brow heavy

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

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

00:58:41A fountain not far off played something cheerful

00:58:43The whole moment felt like a slow motion shot from a movie

00:58:46Except I wasn't watching, I was in it

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

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

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

00:58:55He said my name the way he used to, back when things were good

00:58:58Soft, warm

00:58:59Quinn

00:58:59I stood there and didn't move

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

00:59:03And yet something in me ached, quietly

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

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

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

00:59:11Maybe most of all for the girl who'd loved foolishly for 7 years

00:59:14And let go in 7 days

00:59:15Quinn, I came to bring you home

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

00:59:18His eyes were on my face

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

00:59:22I couldn't even remember the last time he'd looked at me like that before we fell apart

00:59:25He stopped about a meter in front of me

00:59:27Quinn, come home

00:59:29We get married

00:59:30We do it right this time

00:59:32He meant every word

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

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

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

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

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

00:59:44It already belonged to someone else

00:59:46And the new one that had grown up from the wreckage

00:59:50And the new one that had grown up from the wreckage

00:59:53And the new one that had grown up from the wreckage

00:59:55And the new one that had grown up from the wreckage

00:59:56And the new one that had grown up from the wreckage

00:59:57And the new one that had grown up from the wreckage

01:00:02And the new one that had grown up from the wreckage

01:00:15.

01:00:45.

01:01:15.

01:01:45.

01:02:15.

01:02:45.

01:03:15.

01:03:45.

01:03:47.

01:03:48.

01:03:52.

01:03:54.

01:03:55.

01:03:56.

01:04:00.

01:04:01.

01:04:02.

01:04:04.

01:04:11.

01:04:12.

01:04:24.

01:04:25.

01:04:26.

01:04:27.

01:04:28.

01:04:29.

01:04:30.

01:04:31.

01:04:32.

01:04:33.

01:04:34.

01:04:35.

01:04:36.

01:04:37Quinn, I had a custom ring made. I mean this-

01:04:39His eyes were getting redder. His voice had the faintest tremor.

01:04:42He held out a small velvet box, held it out to me like an offering.

01:04:45Everything in his face was careful, hoping, terrified.

01:04:49Looking at him, I couldn't pretend it didn't hurt at all, but it was only that, just a little hurt.

01:04:53Ethan, I have a boyfriend.

01:04:55I tightened my hand around Lucas's and stepped out from behind him to stand beside him, shoulder to shoulder.

01:05:00The color drained out of Ethan's face in an instant.

01:05:02His gaze dropped slowly and stopped.

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

01:05:10Quinn, are you serious?

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

01:05:14Yes, completely serious.

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

01:05:19You think he's serious about you? You think you know how much of this is real?

01:05:22Two years ago, he fought me tooth and nail over a deal, and now he's going after you!

01:05:26Quinn, don't you think there's something in that? Some other motive?

01:05:29Can he honestly say he's pursuing you with absolutely nothing to prove to me?

01:05:32Quinn, you've always been too trusting. All men are the same in the end.

01:05:36You were with me for seven years. You know how much happened between us.

01:05:39You think Lucas won't care? You think it won't matter to him in the end?

01:05:42You think he's actually going to stay? That you'll get your happy ending with him?

01:05:44Aren't you afraid that being with him just leads you to another seven years exactly like this one?

01:05:52I shook my head gently.

01:05:54Ethan, please go.

01:05:56Quinn, I never touched Mia. Three days and I ended it.

01:06:00The dress you bought, I had it repaired.

01:06:07The fountain music stopped. Ethan stopped.

01:06:09A silence settled over me.

01:06:10Then came the smallest sound, like something very fine and thin, quietly breaking.

01:06:15And after that sound? Relief. Lightness.

01:06:17Whatever last piece of grief I'd been carrying was gone.

01:06:20Nothing left to lose now.

01:06:21It's just such a waste, I thought.

01:06:23Why does living always come with things you regret?

01:06:25Before today, I didn't regret loving Ethan.

01:06:27Good or bad, it was mine. It happened.

01:06:29But in this moment, I couldn't help grieving it.

01:06:31Seven years and I'd never seen clearly.

01:06:33Ethan, at his core, had never really looked at me.

01:06:35Not the way I deserved to be seen.

01:06:37Lucas pulled me into his arms, his eyes full of something pained.

01:06:40I was a little pale, but I smiled and shook my head.

01:06:42I'm okay.

01:06:43Come on, wait by the car. I've got this.

01:06:45I want to be here with you.

01:06:47I held his hand and wouldn't let go.

01:06:48Lucas looked at me for a long moment, then bowed his head and kissed me hard.

01:06:52Quinn, everything I've ever done, I've done with a clear conscience.

01:06:54No regrets.

01:06:56But right now, right now, I genuinely regret not taking you from him when I had the chance.

01:07:01What gives you the right?

01:07:02Ethan cut in.

01:07:03Going after someone when they're at their lowest?

01:07:04What kind of man does that make you, Lucas?

01:07:06Ethan, you didn't deserve a single year of what Quinn gave you.

01:07:09Not one.

01:07:10Maybe those words finally broke something in Ethan.

01:07:12He lost control in a way he never had before.

01:07:14Words he'd never have said otherwise.

01:07:16Oh yeah?

01:07:17And you, Lucas?

01:07:18You go after a woman who spent seven years with me.

01:07:22What right do you have to stand there and lecture me?

01:07:25Tell me the truth.

01:07:25Do you actually love Quinn?

01:07:27Or do you love the idea of having something that was mine?

01:07:38Lucas put his fist through Ethan's face.

01:07:40Ethan wasn't one to absorb him.

01:07:41He came back swimming.

01:07:43They went at each other until both of them were marked up, split and bruised.

01:07:46Security rushed over, finally managed to get between them.

01:07:49The two men stood there breathing hard, still glaring at each other, not giving an inch.

01:07:53Can we stop now?

01:07:54I was furious and scared, and my voice broke a little.

01:07:57Quinn.

01:07:57Ethan's face was cold.

01:07:58You saw it.

01:07:59Lucas threw the first punch.

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

01:08:03Yes, he did.

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

01:08:06Whatever you want to do next, we'll cooperate.

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

01:08:10Lucas started immediately.

01:08:11I pressed my hand lightly over his, then turned back, calm.

01:08:14Mr. Harlow, I'll apologize on his behalf.

01:08:17You're defending him? Just like that?

01:08:19Ethan stepped toward me slowly.

01:08:20He hit me, Quinn.

01:08:21What would you like us to do about it?

01:08:23Quinn, I'm hurt.

01:08:24He gestured at his face.

01:08:26You can see this, right? This really hurts.

01:08:28I looked at it.

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

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

01:08:33He reached for my arm. I stepped back.

01:08:35Quinn.

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

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

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

01:08:43Lucas made a sharp sound.

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

01:08:46I turned fast.

01:08:47His lip was split.

01:08:48His eye was swelling.

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

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

01:08:53Ow, Quinn. Gently, gently.

01:08:55He winced and grimaced dramatically.

01:08:57Serves you right, I said quietly.

01:08:59But I was careful.

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

01:09:01Then come with me.

01:09:02I pass out around needles.

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

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

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

01:09:08Right here.

01:09:09It's killing me.

01:09:10I rose slowly on my toes and pressed my lips, gently, right to the wound.

01:09:37Ethan didn't say anything more.

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

01:09:41Maybe it was the moment Quinn dabbed at Lucas' face.

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

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

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

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

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

01:09:54He'd thought he was the one who could walk away from seven years easily.

01:09:56He'd thought he was the one who'd always held the upper hand.

01:09:59He'd thought he was always going to come out ahead.

01:10:01But standing here now, he understood.

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

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

01:10:06The string snapped, and the kite lost its way.

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

01:10:12Quinn had been the string that looked down.

01:10:14Rich

01:10:14Quinn

01:10:14made it even hard to be...

01:10:16Time to marry

01:10:41Quinn´s

01:10:54I watched Ethan turn and walk back to his car.

01:10:57I watched that solitary figure disappear.

01:10:59The sun at dusk slid below the horizon all at once.

01:11:01The sky shifted to a pale, soft blue.

01:11:03His car pulled away and got smaller.

01:11:05I felt like I could see it.

01:11:06All seven years, from 17 to 24, rushing away with that car.

01:11:10Gone.

01:11:10From this day on, I knew.

01:11:12His name would be like any ordinary name in the world.

01:11:15I wouldn't try to forget it.

01:11:16I just wouldn't think of it on my own.

01:11:17Quinn.

01:11:18Lucas wrapped me in his arms quietly.

01:11:20I turned and looked up at him, smiling lightly.

01:11:22Let's go.

01:11:24Hospital.

01:11:24Pltown.

01:11:28I don't know.

01:11:29Go.

01:11:29You

Presidents! Stop fighting for me

Category

Transcript

Comments

Recommended