- 2 days ago
Presidents! Stop Fighting For Me Billionaire Romance
Category
š„
Short filmTranscript
00:00:04I'd secretly bought a wedding dress, worked up every ounce of courage to propose to him.
00:00:09But as luck would have it, I was a few minutes late to the party that night.
00:00:13I walked in just as he was talking with his friends.
00:00:15I stood by the door, listening to the voices inside.
00:00:19Quinn.
00:00:19He lit a cigarette, grinned lazily.
00:00:21Yeah, I'm over it.
00:00:23Seven years, man.
00:00:25Wouldn't you be?
00:00:26The others laughed along.
00:00:27Fair point. Seven years, even a goddess gets old.
00:00:31Though Quinn's genuinely stunning.
00:00:33That body, too. Remember Ethan's birthday last year?
00:00:36She wore that red dress and every guy in the room couldn't look away.
00:00:40Seriously, Ethan, you used to be so crazy about her. You really done?
00:00:44Ethan's voice was flat.
00:00:45When do I ever say things I don't mean?
00:00:48So, you wouldn't mind if I went after Quinn?
00:00:51He blew out a smoke ring, barely interested.
00:00:53Go for it. As 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.
00:01:03I texted him some excuse about a headache and went home.
00:01:05Ethan didn't ask a single question, just hung up.
00:01:08Whatever was left of my will to stay, it died that night.
00:01:31See you out there.
00:01:31I'm sorry.
00:01:51But, you know that Matt did you too.
00:01:51Oh yeah.
00:01:51.
00:02:21.
00:02:52.
00:02:52.
00:02:52.
00:02:52.
00:02:52.
00:02:52.
00:02:52.
00:02:52.
00:02:53.
00:02:54.
00:02:55.
00:02:56.
00:02:57.
00:02:57.
00:02:57.
00:02:58.
00:02:58.
00:03:07.
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.
00:03:27He 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.
00:04:04Deep and sharp.
00:04:05But I couldn't feel a thing.
00:04:07He stroked the girl's hair.
00:04:08She deserves love real.
00:04:09I nodded lightly.
00:04:10I understand.
00:04:11We can still be friends.
00:04:13Anything you need, just say the word.
00:04:15That's okay.
00:04:16I smiled.
00:04:17Stood up.
00:04:17If it's over, let's make it clean.
00:04:19No point confusing anyone.
00:04:20Ethan raised an eyebrow.
00:04:22Slightly surprised.
00:04:23Fair enough.
00:04:24You all enjoy the dinner.
00:04:25I'll head out.
00:04:27Want the driver to take you?
00:04:28No.
00:04:28I'll grab a ride.
00:04:29I walked out and pulled the door shut behind me.
00:04:31Through the gap, I heard someone ask,
00:04:33How long do you give her this time?
00:04:35Two days.
00:04:37She seemed actually upset this time.
00:04:40I'll say a week.
00:04:41Ethan laughed cold.
00:04:42Three days.
00:04:43She'll be crying back to me before then.
00:04:46Every single time.
00:04:48Getting tired of watching it.
00:04:49Yeah, because Quinn's obsessed with you.
00:04:51Everyone knows how far gone she is.
00:04:54I smiled bitterly to myself.
00:04:55Clutched my bag tighter.
00:04:57And walked fast toward the elevator.
00:05:13When he ran out.
00:05:31No point confusing.
00:05:31I asked him to move away.
00:05:32She's...
00:05:32She's a hard-wantity.
00:05:34In 1910.
00:05:34But how will we graduate?
00:05:34She'll be escorting.
00:05:34She's a nice day.
00:05:35I want to move away.
00:05:37I want to go.
00:05:37.
00:06:30Back at the apartment, I went to the back of the closet and lifted down the dress.
00:06:34I'd waited half a year for it. A custom order. No returns. Such a shame. I'd never
00:06:40get to wear it. I found a pair of scissors and cut it apart. It had no business being
00:06:45here anyway. Before I left, I took off the ring and set it on the coffee table. I didn't
00:06:49take much. My personal things. Everything else I left behind. I thought about it, then
00:06:53wrote him a note. The apartment and everything in it. Do whatever you want with it. Don't
00:06:57ask me. I booked the earliest flight to Miami. My best friend had moved there earlier that
00:07:02year. She dragged me out for shopping and afternoon coffee. That evening, there was a small get-together.
00:07:06Old classmates. Old friends. Midway through the drinks, the door swung open. A few of the
00:07:11girls immediately lit up. Lucas? Since when do you show up to things like this? Seriously,
00:07:15what brings you out tonight? Had a meeting next door. Heard there was a reunion. Figured I'd
00:07:21drop by. Lucas said this, never taking his eyes off me. My best friend pinched my arm. Quinn,
00:07:26he came for you. I looked at him through slightly unfocused eyes. Taller than Ethan by an inch
00:07:32or two. Black overcoat. Dark suit underneath. Sharp features. A great build. Legs that went
00:07:38on forever. I squinted at him for a moment, then shook my head. No way. We haven't talked
00:07:43in years. She wasn't listening. She called out to him directly. Lucas, could you do me a favor
00:07:48and drive Quinn home later? We've all been drinking, and I don't trust her in a taxi.
00:07:52I looked up at Lucas, startled. His eyes traveled across the room and settled on my face.
00:07:57Then I saw him nod. Sure. My best friend sat back down, leaned close to my ear. Quinn,
00:08:04after seven years with one man, it's time to move on and embrace a new life. Even Ethan has done
00:08:09it.
00:08:10Why can't you start a second chapter of your own? Besides, a man like Lucas? If you don't take your
00:08:16shot, it's practically a crime. What makes you think he'd even want to? Babe, the way he looked at you?
00:08:22Trust me. I've been through 18 of them. I know what I'm talking about.
00:08:45Lucas drove me back to the hotel. When we pulled up downstairs, I un-clipped my seatbelt.
00:08:51Thanks for the ride. Lucas glanced over at me. Don't mention it.
00:08:54I pushed the door open. Before I could think, I'd already spoken.
00:08:57Want to come up for a drink? He helped me walk toward the hotel.
00:09:00Lucas kissed me in the elevator. I was already tipsy, and he was demanding. Relentless.
00:09:05I nearly blacked out just from the kiss. There's a camera.
00:09:08I gasped, cheeks burning, legs so weak I had to hold onto his waist just to stay upright.
00:09:14Lucas glanced at the lens, turned me, shifted the angle, and kissed me again.
00:09:18When the door swiped open, he stopped and looked at me.
00:09:20Quinn, if you regret this, I'll still back off.
00:09:23Regret what?
00:09:24I tilted my face up at him, fingers looping around his tie, pulling him closer.
00:09:28You kissed my lips halfway to swollen? A little late to talk about backing off?
00:09:33Lucas laughed then. He reached out and brushed his thumb across my lower lip.
00:09:37And don't go blaming me later.
00:09:38Our first night together, Lucas didn't even make it to the bedroom.
00:09:42He pinned me against the wall, and it was rough enough to hurt a little.
00:09:44I bit down on his shoulder in protest.
00:09:47Lucas, what is wrong with you? Ever heard of being gentle?
00:09:50His warm hands pressed against my back. Then he was breathing against my neck.
00:09:54Quinn, I'm not sure I can hold back.
00:10:17leadingARD to the business?
00:10:18I feel like they're dropping again.
00:10:22usefuluring veces around hisactor's hands.
00:10:22I used to have crooked eyes.
00:10:22downstream, I ended up sayingļæ½.
00:10:23What got him with you?
00:10:44I hope heumbered so halfway in a moment.
00:10:57Five minutes later, I understood what he'd meant.
00:11:00He carried me to the bedroom.
00:11:02I buried my face in the pillow, laughing.
00:11:04Lucas, how long has it been for you?
00:11:07He gave me a look.
00:11:08A while.
00:11:09Work's been everything lately.
00:11:11I stared at him, the laughter fading.
00:11:13A moment later, tears came out of nowhere.
00:11:15I'm sorry.
00:11:17I shouldn't have...
00:11:18Quinn, don't.
00:11:20He fumbled to wipe my face, but the tears wouldn't stop.
00:11:23I shouldn't have dragged you into this.
00:11:25But you already did.
00:11:26He leaned down, cupped my face in his hands, steady, almost serious.
00:11:30Quinn, since you started this, you don't get to stop halfway.
00:11:53I didn't get to stop talking.
00:11:54I knew you were saying, whoa.
00:11:54I'm sorry.
00:11:54I just silly.
00:11:54You just pubed to wipe my face.
00:11:54You why I saw this, because the electric guitar machine has REALLY
00:11:59changed the time again.
00:12:12I don't need to stop facing something, let's go out of nowhere.
00:12:12You can find better schools otherwise, you'll see not be muted in thisŃŠ»ŠøŠ½gue.
00:12:13.
00:12:44.
00:13:13.
00:13:13.
00:13:13.
00:13:14.
00:13:16.
00:13:20.
00:13:21.
00:13:21.
00:13:24.
00:13:26.
00:13:27.
00:13:27.
00:13:30.
00:13:51.
00:13:52.
00:13:52.
00:13:52.
00:13:52.
00:13:53.
00:13:58.
00:13:58.
00:13:58.
00:13:58.
00:13:58.
00:13:58.
00:13:58.
00:14:04.
00:14:06.
00:14:06.
00:14:06.
00:14:06.
00:14:06.
00:14:06.
00:14:06.
00:14:11.
00:14:11.
00:14:13.
00:14:13.
00:14:14.
00:14:14.
00:14:14.
00:14:14.
00:14:14.
00:14:14.
00:14:15.
00:14:24.
00:14:24.
00:14:24House Stavos. You are kind.
00:15:07Day 7 in Miami. A friend from back home, Jamie, sent me a text.
00:15:11Quinn, when are you coming back? No plans to, for now. We all miss you.
00:15:15Ryan's birthday's in a few days. Come celebrate. Tell him I'm sorry. I'll mail a gift.
00:15:20Alright, take care of yourself. Back in the city, Jamie handed the phone to Ethan.
00:15:23Look, maybe you should call her. She'll listen to you.
00:15:27Ethan stared coldly at the screen. Then 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. She's just hurting. She 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! What more does she want?
00:15:42Ethan snapped, voice rising.
00:15:44Listen up. Nobody contacts her! Not for anything!
00:15:48Okay, okay, we won't. Calm down. You just got out of the hospital two days ago.
00:15:52Your stomach.
00:15:54She was around and your stomach never acted up.
00:15:56She leaves for five days and you do this to yourself.
00:15:59With every word from his friends, Ethan's expression went darker.
00:16:02Eventually, he grabbed his jacket and walked out, slamming the door.
00:16:05He hit the street. Cold air rushed in.
00:16:08The anger still burned in his chest.
00:16:10Seven days. No calls. No texts.
00:16:12Not even one. He pulled out his phone.
00:16:14Blocked her number.
00:16:22Luke has called just as I typed the last line and hit send.
00:16:25I've been writing columns for magazines since college.
00:16:28It turned out to be enough to make a living.
00:16:30Freelance life.
00:16:31Laptop, good Wi-Fi, and I could work from anywhere.
00:16:34So when it ended, I had no reason to stay in the city and hurt.
00:16:39Quinn, what do you want for dinner?
00:16:40His voice came through clearly.
00:16:42After an afternoon of work, something in me settled.
00:16:44I'm exhausted. You pick.
00:16:47How about steak?
00:16:49I know a place with a really good steak. You'll love it.
00:16:51I always like my steak rare.
00:16:53But Ethan used to say watching me eat it turned his stomach, so I stopped.
00:16:56Though I vaguely remembered Lucas preferring lighter food.
00:16:59Lucas, you don't have to do this for me.
00:17:01I'm not picky anymore.
00:17:02I actually want it too.
00:17:04Remember in college?
00:17:05There was that little joint near campus.
00:17:07The steak were amazing.
00:17:08Hearing him say that made me hungry for it too.
00:17:10That place was genuinely good.
00:17:12I ate there for four years and never got tired of it.
00:17:14Okay. Steak then.
00:17:17I'll come get you now.
00:17:18Sure.
00:17:21Lucas took me to a place that'd been in Miami for years.
00:17:24Old and a little cramped, but always packed.
00:17:27And 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.
00:17:43In the beginning, when Ethan was still chasing me, I felt it.
00:17:47Being cared for.
00:17:48Being someone's priority.
00:17:50Then we moved in together the year after graduation.
00:17:52A little over a year.
00:17:53And I became the household.
00:17:55Managing his diet, his rest, his schedule.
00:17:58Like a wife before the wedding.
00:18:00But I understand now what I didn't then.
00:18:02I 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?
00:18:11I 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.
00:18:57I finally understood what he'd meant.
00:18:59By then, I was completely undone.
00:19:01Lucas.
00:19:02I tried to glare at him, but my eyes were misted over, which only made me look more helpless.
00:19:06His name in my mouth came out soft, nowhere near as angry as I wanted.
00:19:10Lucas bowed his head and kissed me softly.
00:19:12Quinn, is this okay?
00:19:13I shook my head, refused to answer.
00:19:15He didn't push, just kept kissing me, over and over, patient and unhurried.
00:19:20I couldn't hold out.
00:19:21Tears were leaking from the corners of my eyes.
00:19:23Lucas.
00:19:23My nails pressed into his lower back, and there was a sound in my voice I couldn't quite control.
00:19:28Quinn, tell me now.
00:19:30Is this okay?
00:19:31Lucas' own eyes had gone red, arms taut, sweat falling in drops.
00:19:35I gave in, voice small and wrecked.
00:19:37Yes.
00:19:38Yes, it is.
00:19:39As my last thought drifted away, Lucas put his lips to my ear and whispered very low.
00:19:43Quinn, if this is good, then promise you'll never leave me, okay?
00:20:01Oh, that's good.
00:20:02Yes.
00:20:03Yes.
00:20:04.
00:20:34.
00:21:04.
00:21:34.
00:22:04.
00:22:34.
00:23:04.
00:23:05.
00:23:05.
00:23:06.
00:23:08.
00:23:11.
00:23:13.
00:23:13.
00:23:14.
00:23:15.
00:23:16.
00:23:20.
00:23:22.
00:23:22.
00:23:22.
00:23:24.
00:23:25.
00:23:29.
00:23:30.
00:23:31.
00:23:31.
00:23:32.
00:23:34.
00:23:38.
00:23:39.
00:23:40.
00:23:40.
00:23:41.
00:23:43.
00:23:47.
00:23:48.
00:23:49.
00:23:49.
00:23:50.
00:23:52.
00:23:55.
00:23:57.
00:24:27.
00:25:19The night of Ryan's birthday, the gift I'd sent from Miami made it to his party.
00:25:22Ethan sat on the couch, smoking, the bottle in front of him mostly empty.
00:25:26The gift had been chosen by Lucas and me together,
00:25:28a vintage pair of cufflinks from a high-end label Ryan loved.
00:25:31These are beautiful.
00:25:32Ryan laughed a little stiffly, reading Ethan's expression,
00:25:34and quickly had his girlfriend put them away.
00:25:37Let me see.
00:25:37Ethan spoke without warning.
00:25:39Ryan froze but handed the box over without a word.
00:25:41Ethan stared at the pair of cufflinks.
00:25:43The brand's logo was discreet, almost invisible,
00:25:45but Ethan stared at it for a long moment.
00:25:47Put them away.
00:25:48He closed the box and pushed it aside.
00:25:50Ryan exhaled with relief and reached for it.
00:25:52Ethan snatched the empty bottle from the table and smashed it against the coffee table.
00:25:56Glass scattered.
00:25:57A long gash opened across the back of his hand.
00:25:59The room erupted.
00:26:00What happened?
00:26:01Why did you-
00:26:01That's a bad cut.
00:26:02It won't stop bleeding.
00:26:04Hospital-
00:26:04Ethan stood there, emotionless, face dark, still as stone.
00:26:07Quinn never bought anything from that label.
00:26:09His voice was low and frayed.
00:26:11Ryan smiled quickly.
00:26:12So what?
00:26:12Quinn probably just picked something at random.
00:26:14Not like your birthday.
00:26:16She'd been planning your gift for six months.
00:26:18Exactly.
00:26:19You know what she means to you.
00:26:21None of us combined are worth a tenth of what she feels for you.
00:26:24Ethan laughed sharply.
00:26:25Feels for me.
00:26:27The noise in the room bled away, one degree at a time.
00:26:29Ethan, should I call Quinn?
00:26:31We need to deal with that cut first.
00:26:33Ryan suddenly worked up the nerve,
00:26:34picked up his phone,
00:26:35and photographed Ethan's torn up hand,
00:26:37then sent it to Quinn on the spot.
00:26:39Ethan didn't stop him.
00:27:06The room went still.
00:27:08About ten seconds passed.
00:27:09Then Ryan's phone rang.
00:27:10See?
00:27:11I knew she loved you more than anything.
00:27:14Look, Ethan, it's Quinn!
00:27:15The others noticed it too.
00:27:16The tension in Ethan's face had eased, just slightly.
00:27:19You want to take it?
00:27:20Ryan held out the phone.
00:27:21Ethan didn't look at it.
00:27:22He turned away.
00:27:23I'll get it, I'll get it.
00:27:24Ryan said eagerly, putting it on speaker.
00:27:26When Quinn's voice came through,
00:27:27Ethan's jaw locked.
00:27:29Ryan, are you okay?
00:27:30Are you hurt?
00:27:30It's not me.
00:27:31It's Ethan's hand.
00:27:32You have no idea how bad it is!
00:27:34Blood everywhere!
00:27:34He won't stop!
00:27:35Ryan rambled on.
00:27:36The other end went quiet.
00:27:38Quinn, are you there?
00:27:39Maybe, maybe you should come back.
00:27:40Ethan won't go to the hospital.
00:27:41He can't just keep bleeding like this.
00:27:42Ryan.
00:27:43Her voice was still soft, still the same.
00:27:45Yeah?
00:27:45Yeah, I'm here.
00:27:46Go on.
00:27:46Ryan signaled frantically to Ethan.
00:27:48Don't tell me about him anymore.
00:27:50Ryan's smile collapsed.
00:27:51Quinn?
00:27:52And happy birthday, Ryan.
00:27:54Wait, Quinn!
00:27:54Don't hang up!
00:27:55The line went dead.
00:27:56Ryan stood there holding the phone like it had burned him.
00:27:58He wanted to slap himself.
00:28:00What was he thinking?
00:28:01Getting involved.
00:28:01Now look at the mess.
00:28:02Silence.
00:28:03Ethan looked around at everyone and smiled lightly.
00:28:05You all go mute?
00:28:06No one dared speak.
00:28:07He smiled again.
00:28:08What?
00:28:09Nobody's got anything to say?
00:28:10Ethan, don't get worked up.
00:28:10The cut's bleeding more.
00:28:11Ethan, you know how Quinn is.
00:28:13From the corner, where she'd been sitting quietly through everything, Vera finally spoke.
00:28:17I've wanted to say this for a long time.
00:28:18What you did was cruel.
00:28:20Quinn's a woman.
00:28:21Women have pride.
00:28:22Even if you stopped loving her, you could have ended it cleanly.
00:28:24Who says I wanted it to end cleanly?
00:28:26Ethan smiled, sharp and cold.
00:28:28She gave me seven years.
00:28:31Seven years?
00:28:31You think that's nothing to me?
00:28:33Vera smiled very quietly.
00:28:34But did you ever stop to think?
00:28:36A girl only has so many seven years.
00:28:39What if Quinn never comes back?
00:28:41Impossible!
00:28:42No one caught it, but there was the faintest tremor at the end of that word.
00:28:45What's impossible in this world?
00:28:46Once the heart's been hurt badly enough, can you really warm it back up?
00:28:50Ethan, stop doing things you'll regret.
00:28:53Vera said nothing more.
00:28:54She picked up her bag and walked out.
00:28:55Across the room, Daniel watched her leave.
00:28:58His own wife of two years.
00:28:59His expression unreadable.
00:29:00Was she pitying Quinn?
00:29:02Defending her?
00:29:02Or was she talking about herself?
00:29:04Aren't you gonna go after her?
00:29:05Daniel curved his lips, lit a cigarette.
00:29:07She's not my wife tonight.
00:29:09My wife is on set.
00:29:10She's out of the production next month.
00:29:12You're gonna wreck yourself.
00:29:13His friend sighed.
00:29:14Daniel didn't respond.
00:29:16Vera and Quinn were different.
00:29:17Quinn had no family draining her.
00:29:19Earned her own money.
00:29:20A breakup just meant a softer lifestyle for a while.
00:29:22But Vera had her family's debt behind her.
00:29:24And a brother bedridden at home.
00:29:26She couldn't leave him.
00:29:27She wouldn't dare.
00:29:28No matter how many chances she had.
00:29:55She couldn'tsky.
00:29:58She couldn't leave her.
00:30:00I got a new trust.
00:30:00Cause her ź°ź³ her manyLA ģ¹“ķ”.
00:30:05She waszÄ
, Ā«Sixie was a produit that was a combination of her.
00:30:08He was working on.
00:30:13The client estem for all the wijč§ē available,
00:30:14But often when it comes to her family's debt.
00:30:14She's not doing it.
00:30:14She's not doing it.
00:30:14She wants to do it.
00:30:15She does not do it.
00:30:16It's going to do it.
00:30:20So she loves doing it.
00:30:24It was like alimentary oil,
00:30:24.
00:30:54.
00:31:24.
00:31:54.
00:32:24.
00:32:55.
00:32:55.
00:32:55.
00:32:55.
00:32:56.
00:32:56.
00:33:00.
00:33:01.
00:33:01.
00:33:03.
00:33:17I just ended the call when Lucas wrapped his arms around me from behind.
00:33:20He rested his chin on the side of my neck and said nothing.
00:33:22I laughed softly.
00:33:23What?
00:33:24Quinn, are you going back?
00:33:26Back where?
00:33:27Back home.
00:33:29Not right now.
00:33:30Eventually, maybe.
00:33:31It's not like I did anything I need to run from.
00:33:34My family's there.
00:33:35My apartment's there.
00:33:36I'm not staying away forever.
00:33:38Lucas went quiet again.
00:33:45I caught up.
00:33:46Are you asking if I'm gonna get back together with Ethan?
00:33:48Are you?
00:33:48If I say absolutely not, do you believe me?
00:33:52He lowered his eyes, that sharp nose brushing the side of my face.
00:33:55I want to.
00:33:56Lucas, I have a face and a spine.
00:33:58Do you still have feelings for him?
00:33:59I thought about it honestly.
00:34:01If I said there's nothing left, that wouldn't be true.
00:34:03It's been a long time.
00:34:05Lucas bit down on my shoulder, lightly.
00:34:07Don't say anymore, Quinn.
00:34:08Let me finish.
00:34:10But to say I still miss him, 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, won't play around, won't make you cry or hurt you.
00:34:31He held me tighter and tighter, and then he kissed me.
00:34:33Quinn, be with me for real.
00:34:40But I didn't kiss him back.
00:34:42In the end, I gently pushed him away.
00:34:43Lucas, 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.
00:34:53Then what have we been doing?
00:34:55Lucas gripped my shoulders, voice unsteady.
00:34:57Quinn, what am I to you?
00:35:00I squeezed my hands tight and breathed.
00:35:02Think of it as two people getting what they need.
00:35:05If you want, we can keep things as they are.
00:35:07If you meet someone you actually want, you can end this whenever.
00:35:10Getting what they need.
00:35:11Like I'm a tool for you.
00:35:13You can see it that way.
00:35:14I wouldn't look at him, afraid I'd cry if I did.
00:35:17Lucas, I'm truly sorry.
00:35:18If this arrangement makes you uncomfortable, I'll leave Miami right away.
00:35:22I 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.
00:35:40He 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, all 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.
00:36:39I said, well, you know, it was a little bit of trouble.
00:36:43116, 176, 186, 186, 189.
00:36:43I don't know back then.
00:36:44I don't know back then.
00:37:05Kind of Tampa.
00:37:05But I don't know when I don't take action.
00:37:05I don't think he was trembling as well.
00:37:06You serial killer from the self-absorption is kinda bad.
00:37:07The way you can't becıcared in the test.
00:37:08The trial and you can see the trial is true.
00:43:22is happier. What else is there to figure out? Then she laughed. Honestly, I just keep thinking about
00:43:27how miserable Ethan's going to be. That alone puts me in a great mood. Who knows, he's probably
00:43:33already moved on. I smiled faintly. Let's stop talking about him. In that moment, I could say
00:43:37it with no weight at all. Like he was just a name. Someone with no claim on me anymore. Lucas's
00:43:42car
00:43:42pulled up downstairs just as I stepped out of the bar. He stood in the night air with his arms
00:43:46open.
00:43:47I stopped and looked at him. Honestly, he was striking. Every feature exactly what I'd want.
00:43:51Men can like whoever they want. Overlap if they choose. The world hardly blinks. So why can't
00:43:56I, after a real ending, start something new? I walked toward him. He walked toward me. People
00:44:01moved around us. We kissed like no one was watching. His heart was pounding so fast. I reached up
00:44:06and touched the back of his neck. Burning hot. He was still warm when I pressed my forehead
00:44:10to his. Slightly breathless. Voiceless. Quinn, do I have a fever? Maybe. Too much touching
00:44:16and this happens? I laughed and kissed under his chin. Maybe more of this and you'll be
00:44:21cured? His ears went redder. He cupped my face, eyes open and searching. Quinn, what
00:44:26am I to you right now? I teased him. What do you think? A hugger or a boyfriend? He asked,
00:44:32then immediately shook his head, pressing his face into my neck. Never mind. I don't want
00:44:35to know right now. I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him closer. You sure you
00:44:38don't want to know? Boyfriend.
00:44:51liberalized. frying her. t
00:44:52well in he killed. in hell. you're good in there. I'm done. Maybe I ain't
00:45:21about to know right now. He just wants to know gotta be, but she had to know right now.
00:45:21.
00:46:07Ethan's car stopped at the mouth of an alley.
00:46:09He got out and walked into the narrow street on Fletcher.
00:46:11At the end of it lived an old tailor.
00:46:13His family had been in the trade for generations.
00:46:15Old world craft.
00:46:16Long retired.
00:46:17No longer taking clients.
00:46:18But Ethan had ways of getting to him.
00:46:20Quinn's shredded wedding dress had been brought here two weeks ago.
00:46:23Today it was nearly finished.
00:46:24He walked and thought.
00:46:25Ryan had been right.
00:46:26Every girl dreams of wearing a dress and marrying the person she loves.
00:46:29Seven years together and he'd never once thought about proposing.
00:46:32He'd never imagined Quinn would have thought about proposing to him.
00:46:34He'd been a wreck these past weeks.
00:46:36He knew it.
00:46:37But the other women had never meant anything.
00:46:38A moment's impulse.
00:46:39Nothing more.
00:46:40Even Mia, the one who'd actually triggered Quinn walking out.
00:46:43She lasted three days before he was already over it.
00:46:45He kept thinking about Quinn.
00:46:46Seven years had made him lazy.
00:46:47Complacent.
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.
00:47:14He'd always known how much she wanted to marry him.
00:47:16Give her that and she'd feel safe.
00:47:18She'd forgive him.
00:47:19She would.
00:48:14.
00:48:44.
00:49:14.
00:50:00The old man's work was remarkable.
00:50:02The dress looked almost exactly as it had before.
00:50:04Ethan paid him and was heading out when his phone rang.
00:50:06His pulse spiked slightly until he saw Ryan's name on the screen.
00:50:09His heart slowed back down.
00:50:10Ethan, there's something I need to tell you.
00:50:12Wanted to think it over first.
00:50:13Go ahead.
00:50:14Just don't freak out, okay?
00:50:16It's probably just rumors.
00:50:17Could be nothing at all.
00:50:19What is it?
00:50:20It's about Quinn.
00:50:21Actually, forget it.
00:50:22I'm probably 80% sure it's someone making stuff up.
00:50:24Ryan, since when do you talk like this?
00:50:26What happened to Quinn?
00:50:27Did she come back?
00:50:29Ethan.
00:50:29Ryan suddenly felt sick.
00:50:31Of all the rumors that could have gotten out, why did it have to be Lucas Shaw?
00:50:34Ethan had been at each other's throats with Lucas for years.
00:50:36Two years ago, they'd gone head-to-head over a major contract.
00:50:39Ethan's company lost.
00:50:40First time he'd ever tasted defeat.
00:50:41It had poisoned what was already a tense relationship into something close to hatred.
00:50:44I said, don't freak out.
00:50:46This is all secondhand.
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, the bag holding the dress Quinn
00:51:05had bought.
00:51:05He walked, step by step, through the cold of early winter, all the way to the mouth of
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.
00:52:16Thanks for listening.
00:52:19.
00:52:49.
00:53:19.
00:53:49.
00:54:19.
00:54:20.
00:54:20.
00:54:21.
00:54:24.
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, an 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.
00:55:28Quiet.
00:55:28A good girl in the old fashioned sense.
00:55:30Her family was ordinary but comfortable.
00:55:32Her parents adored her.
00:55:33And because she'd been beautiful since she was young,
00:55:35they'd kept a close eye on her.
00:55:36It wasn't until the fall after graduation that Quinn moved in with Ethan.
00:55:39He still remembered that night.
00:55:40She'd been shaking from head to toe.
00:55:42Her skin flushed everywhere.
00:55:43A deep burning pink.
00:55:44She was breathtaking.
00:55:46Fragile beneath him in a way that made his chest ache.
00:55:48When it was over she cried for a long time.
00:55:50Over and over she said,
00:55:51Ethan you're not allowed to hurt me.
00:55:53Not now.
00:55:54Not ever.
00:55:55You have to be good to me.
00:55:56You have to marry me.
00:55:58Ethan.
00:55:58We're gonna be together forever.
00:56:00Right?
00:56:01The girl who'd believed all of that.
00:56:03Who trusted with her whole self that she'd end up with the man she loved.
00:56:05He'd lost her a long time ago.
00:56:07Long enough that he couldn't even recall.
00:56:08The last time they'd said goodbye.
00:56:10What had her face looked like?
00:56:11Did she smile and nod?
00:56:12Or did her eyes go red?
00:56:13The phone rang for a while.
00:56:15He'd almost given up.
00:56:16Then it connected.
00:56:16In that moment, what he wanted to say was,
00:56:18Quinn, come home.
00:56:19But what came out of his mouth was,
00:56:21Quinn, you've made your point.
00:56:23Come home.
00:56:23His pathetic, idiotic words were cut off by a man's low laugh.
00:56:27That laugh landed like cold concrete.
00:56:29Ethan went rigid.
00:56:30Like he'd been encased in ice and couldn't move.
00:56:31Ethan.
00:56:32You snooze, you lose.
00:56:34Can't let a girl stew overnight or someone else steps in.
00:56:39Lucas Shaw?
00:56:39Ethan said the name through clenched teeth, blood rushing into his eyes.
00:56:43It's me.
00:56:44Put Quinn on!
00:56:45Now!
00:56:46His eyes looked flooded.
00:56:47He gripped the phone, voice shaking low.
00:56:50Lucas, if you took advantage of-
00:56:52She could come to the phone.
00:56:53Lucas lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss to his girl's temple.
00:56:56Quinn's lashes were still wet, her mouth in a small pout.
00:56:59Eyes closed, but everything on her face said one thing.
00:57:01I was hurt.
00:57:02His chest clenched.
00:57:03He kissed the corner of her eye, drew away the tear that sat there.
00:57:06She's asleep, upset with me.
00:57:08I have to kiss her awake first.
00:57:09Lucas!
00:57:10Ethan's voice went dead silent.
00:57:11Lucas ended the call, turned off his phone.
00:57:13He brought his lips down to Quinn's, softly.
00:57:15Hey.
00:57:17Wake up.
00:57:55I thought about what it would be like to see Ethan again.
00:57:58He came from money, and he knew it.
00:57:59Pride ran deep in him.
00:58:00We'd ended things without a scene.
00:58:02If we ever crossed paths, he'd probably look right through me.
00:58:04Or we'd exchange a polite, meaningless smile.
00:58:06My family was in the city.
00:58:08We had mutual friends.
00:58:09It wasn't realistic to think we'd never be in the same room again.
00:58:11But I never expected that.
00:58:12Never expected to see him come undone like that.
00:58:15The day it happened, I'd slept well and woken up in a good mood.
00:58:17I was wearing a new blush pink cashmere dress.
00:58:20Makeup done.
00:58:20Feeling like myself again.
00:58:21Warm and whole.
00:58:22Like a ripe peach in September.
00:58:24I had my hand tucked 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.
00:58:30My feet stopped with me.
00:58:32Lucas's warm fingers closed around mine.
00:58:33Ethan's shirt was wrinkled.
00:58:35No tie.
00:58:35The exhaustion on his face was plain.
00:58:37His brow heavy.
00:58:38The whites of his eyes shot through with red.
00:58:40People moved past us on both sides.
00:58:41A fountain not far off played something cheerful.
00:58:44The whole moment felt like a slow motion shot from a movie.
00:58:46Except I wasn't watching.
00:58:47I was in it.
00:58:48Ethan looked more undone than I'd ever seen him.
00:58:50Lucas moved instinctively.
00:58:52Stepping slightly in front of me.
00:58:53But Ethan's expression was perfectly calm.
00:58:55He said my name the way he used to.
00:58:57Back when things were good.
00:58:58Soft.
00:58:58Warm.
00:58:59I stood there and didn't move.
00:59:01The music from the fountain kept playing.
00:59:03And yet something in me ached.
00:59:04Quietly.
00:59:05I didn't quite know why.
00:59:06Maybe for the girl who'd overheard those words that night.
00:59:08Maybe for the girl who'd gotten a breakup handed to her without warning.
00:59:11Maybe most of all for the girl who'd loved foolishly for seven years and let go in seven
00:59:15days.
00:59:15Quinn.
00:59:16I came to bring you home.
00:59:17He hadn't looked at Lucas once.
00:59:19His eyes were on my face.
00:59:20And they were soft in a way I'd almost forgotten.
00:59:22I couldn't even remember the last time he'd looked at me like that before we fell apart.
00:59:25He stopped about a meter in front of me.
00:59:27Quinn.
00:59:28Come home.
00:59:28Quinn.
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
00:59:38my 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.
01:00:06He probably just wanted to do something new.
01:00:19You've saved me when learning, depending on how you're not getting through
01:00:20so you've got them to see it.
01:00:28.
01:00:58.
01:01:28.
01:01:58.
01:02:28.
01:02:58.
01:03:28.
01:03:28.
01:03:28.
01:03:30.
01:03:31.
01:03:35.
01:03:37.
01:03:37.
01:03:37.
01:03:38.
01:03:40.
01:03:44.
01:03:45.
01:03:46.
01:03:46.
01:03:47.
01:03:49.
01:03:53.
01:03:55.
01:03:55.
01:03:55.
01:03:55.
01:03:55.
01:03:55.
01:04:23I shook my head gently.
01:04:24Ethan, please go.
01:04:27Quinn, I never touched Mia.
01:04:29Three days and I ended it.
01:04:31The dress you bought, I had it repaired.
01:04:33And our rings, I kept them both.
01:04:36Quinn, I had a custom ring made.
01:04:38I mean this-
01:04:39His eyes were getting redder.
01:04:40His 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.
01:04:51But 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.
01:05:03His gaze dropped slowly and stopped, on our intertwined fingers, the matching bands on our ring fingers.
01:05:08Just 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.
01:05:16Ethan laughed softly, just once.
01:05:18You think he's serious about you?
01:05:20You think you know how much of this is real?
01:05:22Two years ago, he fought me tooth and nail over a deal.
01:05:25And now he's going after you.
01:05:26Quinn, don't you think there's something in that?
01:05:28Some 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.
01:05:34All men are the same in the end.
01:05:36You were with me for seven years.
01:05:38You know how much happened between us.
01:05:39You think Lucas won't care?
01:05:40You think it won't matter to him in the end?
01:05:42You think he's actually gonna stay?
01:05:43That 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.
01:05:58Three days and I ended it.
01:06:00The dress you bought, I had it repaired.
01:06:07The fountain music stopped.
01:06:08Ethan 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?
01:06:16Relief.
01:06:17Lightness.
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.
01:06:28It happened.
01:06:29But in this moment, I couldn't help grieving it.
01:06:31Seven years and I'd never seen clearly.
01:06:33Ethan, at his core, had never really looked at me.
01:06:35Not the way I deserved to be seen.
01:06:37Lucas pulled me into his arms, his eyes full of something pained.
01:06:40I was a little pale, but I smiled and shook my head.
01:06:42I'm okay.
01:06:43Come on, wait by the car.
01:06:44I've got this.
01:06:45I want to be here with you.
01:06:47I held his hand and wouldn't let go.
01:06:48Lucas looked at me for a long moment, then bowed his head and kissed me hard.
01:06:52Quinn, everything I've ever done, I've done with a clear conscience.
01:06:54No regrets.
01:06:56But right now, right now I genuinely regret not taking you from him when I had the chance.
01:07:01What gives you the right?
01:07:02Ethan cut in.
01:07:02Going after someone when they're at their lowest?
01:07:04What kind of man does that make you, Lucas?
01:07:06Ethan, you didn't deserve a single year of what Quinn gave you.
01:07:09Not one.
01:07:10Maybe those words finally broke something in Ethan.
01:07:12He lost control in a way he never had before.
01:07:14Words he'd never have said otherwise.
01:07:16Oh yeah?
01:07:17And you, Lucas?
01:07:18You go after a woman who spent seven years with me.
01:07:22What right do you have to stand there and lecture me?
01:07:25Tell me the truth.
01:07:25Do you actually love Quinn?
01:07:27Or do you love the idea of having something that was mine?
01:07:38Lucas put his fist through Ethan's face.
01:07:40Ethan wasn't one to absorb him.
01:07:41He came back swimming.
01:07:43They went at each other until both of them were marked up, split and bruised.
01:07:46Security rushed over, finally managed to get between them.
01:07:49The two men stood there breathing hard, still glaring at each other, not giving an inch.
01:07:53Can we stop now?
01:07:54I was furious and scared, and my voice broke a little.
01:07:57Quinn.
01:07:57Ethan's face was cold.
01:07:58You saw it.
01:07:59Lucas threw the first punch.
01:08:01I'm not letting this go.
01:08:03Yes, he did.
01:08:04Mr. Harlow, I'll have him apologize to you.
01:08:06Whatever you want to do next, we'll cooperate.
01:08:09Quinn, he said it first!
01:08:10Lucas started immediately.
01:08:11I pressed my hand lightly over his, then turned back, calm.
01:08:14Mr. Harlow, I'll apologize on his behalf.
01:08:17You're defending him?
01:08:18Just like that?
01:08:19Ethan stepped toward me slowly.
01:08:20He hit me, Quinn.
01:08:21What would you like us to do about it?
01:08:23Quinn, I'm hurt.
01:08:24He gestured at his face.
01:08:26You can see this, right?
01:08:27This really hurts.
01:08:28I looked at it.
01:08:29We'll call you an ambulance.
01:08:30We'll cover everything.
01:08:32You know that's not what I want.
01:08:33He reached for my arm.
01:08:34I stepped back.
01:08:35Quinn.
01:08:35Everything Ethan had been holding up cracked all at once.
01:08:38The way he looked at me.
01:08:39Loss.
01:08:40Bare and unguarded.
01:08:41But my chest was still and quiet.
01:08:42Genuinely still.
01:08:43Lucas made a sharp sound.
01:08:44Quinn, am I going to be scarred?
01:08:46I turned fast.
01:08:47His lip was split.
01:08:48His eye was swelling.
01:08:49His jaw had blood on it, and it looked worse than it was.
01:08:51I reached into my bag for a tissue and started cleaning it.
01:08:53Ow.
01:08:54Quinn, gently, gently.
01:08:55He winced and grimaced dramatically.
01:08:57Serves you right.
01:08:58I 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.
01:09:42Maybe it was the moment Quinn dabbed at Lucas's 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.
01:10:54I watched Ethan turn and walk back to his car.
01:10:56I watched that solitary figure disappear.
01:10:59The sun at dusk slid below the horizon all at once.
01:11:01The sky shifted to a pale, soft blue.
01:11:03His car pulled away and got smaller.
01:11:05I felt like I could see it.
01:11:06All seven years, from 17 to 24, rushing away with that car.
01:11:10Gone.
01:11:10From this day on, I knew.
01:11:12His name would be like any ordinary name in the world.
01:11:14I wouldn't try to forget it.
01:11:16I just wouldn't think of it on my own.
01:11:17Quinn.
01:11:18Lucas wrapped me in his arms quietly.
01:11:20I turned and looked up at him, smiling lightly.
01:11:22Let's go.
01:11:24Hospital.
01:11:27Hospital.
01:11:27Hospital.
01:11:28Hospital.
01:11:28You
Comments