- 12 hours ago
Widowed by Choice
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:01I saw my husband, John Sullivan, at a bar.
00:08Three months after he'd supposedly gone missing in a skiing accident,
00:12with his arm around that so-called girl buddy, he was laughing out loud.
00:17Thank God for your idea. I almost forgot what freedom felt like.
00:22His buddies kept raising their glasses, cheering him on and asking when he'd show up.
00:27He looked down and thought for a moment.
00:31Maybe in a week. I'll show up once she's gone totally crazy looking for me.
00:35I stood in the shadows, watching him bask in his freedom.
00:41Then I called a friend who worked at the county clerk's office.
00:44I've decided to cancel John's identity record.
00:47Not looking for him anymore?
00:49She hesitated. I looked over at John, who was whispering to Nancy Sean.
00:55My eyes stung. My voice caught.
00:59He can't be found.
01:02I hung up and went back to the private room.
01:05My best friend saw my face and shoved a drink into my hand.
01:09Winnie, John's been missing for three months.
01:13There's almost no chance he's alive.
01:15You need to move on.
01:16I looked down at the colorful drink, then knocked it back.
01:19The burn hit hard and brought tears to my eyes.
01:21I blinked fast, holding back the eight.
01:23Would someone really fake their disappearance just to fool their wife?
01:27She gave me a hard stare.
01:28What the hell are you saying?
01:30Anyone who'd do that is trash.
01:32Might as well be dead.
01:33I wiped my tears and grabbed my purse from the couch.
01:38You're right.
01:39It's time I let John go.
01:41I turned and left, heading home.
01:43The house was as quiet as always.
01:46I turned on all the lights.
01:50Brewed the coffee he liked.
01:52And left it on the table.
01:55Sitting on the couch.
01:57I picked up the figurines of us on the table.
02:05Back then, John leaned against me.
02:09Smiling as he pointed at them.
02:12When I'm not around, let these two keep you company.
02:17His irritated tone echoed in my head.
02:20Winnie used to be sweet and gentle.
02:22But after we got married, I don't know what happened.
02:24She got so clingy.
02:25Faking my death is kind of a lesson for her.
02:27Maybe next time she won't be so attached.
02:30Next to him, Nancy poured him another drink.
02:34See how good I am?
02:37We've been friends for years.
02:39And I never cling to you.
02:44Right.
02:46You're my best buddy.
02:47They talked like buddies.
02:49But their legs were tangled together.
02:51Just thinking about it made me sick.
02:54I tossed the figurines into the trash and grabbed my phone.
02:57I sent out a broadcast message.
02:59John passed away three months ago.
03:02The funeral is to be held next week.
03:05Almost instantly, his so-called buddies started flooding me with messages.
03:09He's not even found yet.
03:10How can you hold a funeral?
03:11Winnie Castillo, are you insane?
03:13John's not dead.
03:14If he comes back and sees his own funeral, he'll blow up.
03:16Are you sure you want to make him mad?
03:18I ignored the first few and only replied to the last one.
03:24He's dead.
03:26What's there to be mad about?
03:29I put down my phone and...
03:32...and started packing up John's things.
03:34The bedroom looked pretty much the same.
03:37But when I opened the closet, I froze.
03:39More than half his clothes were gone.
03:41The ones left were for the wrong season.
03:45My tears fell instantly.
03:47And I let out a bitter laugh.
03:49While I was falling apart on that mountain,
03:51John had quietly come home more than once just to take his stuff.
03:56I pulled up the home security footage and fast-forwarded through the past month.
04:02Early in the month,
04:04John walked in with his arm around Nancy.
04:07Two hours later,
04:09he left with a pile of clothes.
04:12Mid-month,
04:13he carried her in bridal style into the house.
04:16They didn't leave until the next morning.
04:18Just two nights ago,
04:20they slipped in under the cover of darkness and left yesterday at dawn.
04:24All those times,
04:25I'd been in another city,
04:27desperately searching for him.
04:28My tears kept falling as I watched not for John.
04:32But for myself,
04:33I gave everything for someone this disgusting.
04:36He wasn't worth it.
04:38I gripped the edge of the table,
04:40trying not to sob until I couldn't breathe.
04:42While I was losing sleep,
04:44worrying if he was alive or dead,
04:45he was in my house.
04:47With her.
04:48Maybe even in my bed.
04:49My phone started ringing from the living room.
04:51I didn't want to answer.
04:53But whoever it was kept calling,
04:54over and over.
04:59I took a deep breath,
05:01then walked over.
05:10The caller ID made me pause.
05:12It was Harvey Sullivan John's uncle by title.
05:14Though they weren't blood related.
05:17I picked it up fast.
05:20What's wrong,
05:21Harvey?
05:23John's not dead.
05:26Right after he sent me a video.
05:28I opened it.
05:29In the clip,
05:30John and Nancy were linking arms.
05:33Sipping wine like newlyweds.
05:35Their eyes locked like no one else existed.
05:39My breath caught.
05:40My hand shook as I whispered.
05:42Voice trembling.
05:48I know he's not dead.
05:51He was silent for a beat,
05:52then chuckled.
05:56And you're still throwing him a funeral?
05:59Everyone told me he was dead.
06:02I believed them.
06:05So yeah.
06:07I'm giving him a funeral.
06:09Harvey Sullivan paused.
06:12Widowed, huh?
06:14I replied with a soft.
06:18Yeah.
06:19He was the first to tell me John wasn't really dead.
06:22And I owed him for that.
06:27Harvey,
06:28if you're free,
06:29you can come pay respects in seven days.
06:32I will.
06:34Right after he sent me another video.
06:37Someone beside John held up a phone to show him something.
06:40He suddenly smashed his wine glass.
06:42Nancy beside him,
06:43flinched.
06:44She placed a hand on his chest,
06:45saying something to calm him down.
06:49The bar was noisy.
06:50I couldn't hear.
06:51But I saw his face soften.
06:54Even Barry into her shoulder.
06:57He must have seen the broadcast message I sent and lost it.
07:01Back then.
07:02Whenever he got mad at me,
07:04he'd make me reflect all night and apologize.
07:06And only then might he forgive me.
07:09I shut my stinging eyes and saved both videos.
07:14Just as I was about to put down my phone,
07:17Nancy called.
07:18Hmm.
07:23I answered.
07:25Music blared in my ear.
07:28Wendy,
07:29are you holding a funeral for John?
07:31Are you out of your mind?
07:32I'm telling you,
07:34cancel it,
07:35or you'll be dead when John gets back.
07:37I hung up mid-sentence,
07:39grabbed a blanket,
07:41curled up on the couch,
07:42and slept.
07:45It was the best sleep I've had in three months.
07:48The next morning,
07:50I brought my ID and
07:51canceled John's identity record.
07:54After that,
07:55I went to Nancy's place.
07:57The door stayed shut.
07:58I rang again and again until she finally opened.
08:02She stood in a thin silk robe,
08:04leaning on the doorframe,
08:05traces of intimacy running from her neck downward.
08:07Oh, it's you.
08:10What do you want?
08:12I glanced from her neck to her face
08:13and met her mocking gaze.
08:16I want you at John's funeral.
08:19You were his close friend, after all.
08:21She rolled her eyes,
08:22voice sharp.
08:24Gwenny, you're his wife.
08:26He's not dead.
08:27There's no body.
08:28You're not even looking for him,
08:30and you're holding a funeral?
08:31What if he's still alive?
08:33Are you cursing him to die?
08:34What kind of wife does that?
08:36I pulled out the death certificate
08:37I'd just gotten and laughed softly.
08:41Three months buried in snow.
08:43I couldn't find him.
08:44He's officially declared dead.
08:47Weren't you the ones who told me to move on?
08:50When the bad news came,
08:52I fainted on the spot.
08:55Woke up the next morning
08:56with all his so-called buddies
08:58gathered around my bed.
08:59Gwenny,
09:00the place where John went missing is rough.
09:03Might be best to let go.
09:06Yeah, it's way too dangerous.
09:08Better not go.
09:10I forced myself up.
09:12Bought a ticket.
09:14Hired a rescue team.
09:17And went straight into the mountains 15 days.
09:20No sleep.
09:21Searching non-stop.
09:24Back then,
09:24I didn't notice none of those buddies
09:26had even a trace of worry in their eyes.
09:28Only amusement.
09:31Right then,
09:31a loud bang came from inside Nancy's room.
09:33Her face changed.
09:34She glared.
09:35Gwenny,
09:35don't pull any stunts.
09:37John won't let you off when he's back.
09:39I ignored her.
09:40She shot me a death glare
09:41and slammed the door in my face from inside.
09:43John's muffled voice
09:44ratted.
09:44You're dead, Gwenny.
09:45You hear me?
09:47Dead!
09:49The shouting inside the room reached my ears.
09:52John must have heard his identity record was cancelled.
09:55But there was no way.
09:57I was letting him find me.
09:59He disappeared for three months.
10:00A few days of my vanishing wasn't too much to ask.
10:03I grabbed my pre-packed suitcase
10:05and asked my best friend to book a hotel under her ID.
10:08Seven days.
10:09I spent those days either buying funeral supplies
10:11or hiding in that hotel.
10:13When my best friend came to visit,
10:15she looked gleeful.
10:18Word is,
10:19someone's gone mad looking for you.
10:22About to tear all of Los Angeles apart.
10:25I glanced at the missing person ad on TV and smirked.
10:28So what if he does?
10:30If I don't want to be found,
10:32he won't find me.
10:33Didn't he say back then
10:35he'd only show up after I'd lost my mind searching?
10:38What?
10:39Can't hold back now?
10:40Serves him right.
10:42I swear,
10:43what kind of monster even does that?
10:45She kept cursing,
10:47getting more worked up.
10:48I quickly stopped her.
10:51Don't.
10:53Today's my husband's funeral.
10:56I should be grieving.
10:58I pulled out my makeup bag,
10:59covered my flushed skin with foundation.
11:03And painted on a look of grief,
11:05after confirming with her that I looked convincingly wrecked,
11:08we headed to the venue together.
11:12On the way,
11:13I handed her a USB with the video proof that John was alive.
11:17I told her when to play it.
11:19She'd follow my signal.
11:22Only after everything was in place did I send out the funeral location to everyone.
11:29Harvey arrived first,
11:31dressed in a black suit.
11:32He walked straight up to me,
11:34took the ribbon,
11:35and pinned it on his chest.
11:38My condolences.
11:39Next came a stream of clueless relatives and friends.
11:42Their grief was real.
11:44My heart ached just watching.
11:48Then came his so-called buddies.
11:50Each one looked worse than the last.
11:52Their hands were shaking as they took the ribbons from me.
11:56Finally, one of them pulled me aside.
11:59Winnie, you have to stop this.
12:02John's not dead.
12:04He's been losing his mind looking for you.
12:07Haven't you seen the missing person ads on TV?
12:09I blinked slowly and forced out to tears.
12:12Don't comfort me.
12:14I know.
12:15Nancy posted that missing person ad.
12:18The dead don't come back.
12:20I'm done hoping he's alive.
12:22He tried to say something else,
12:24but I shot my best friend a look.
12:25She quickly pulled him to a seat.
12:30Once the place was full,
12:32I stepped up to the mic.
12:35Thank you all for coming to my late husband's funeral.
12:38Before I could finish,
12:39a scream cut through the air.
12:42Winnie!
12:42Are you insane?
12:44I told you John isn't dead!
12:46Nancy stood at the entrance,
12:47eyes sharp and hateful.
12:49Are you even really his wife?
12:51He's only been missing for three months.
12:53No body, no nothing,
12:54and you're holding a funeral?
12:55I won't allow it!
12:57I looked behind her dot,
12:58no sign of John.
12:59Even now,
12:59he wouldn't show himself.
13:02I looked down at her,
13:04voice cold.
13:05You won't allow it?
13:07Who are you to say that?
13:09You said it yourself.
13:11I'm his wife.
13:12Her eyes widened,
13:14tears welling up.
13:15How can you be so cruel?
13:18John loved you so much,
13:20and you just declared him dead like it's nothing?
13:23What if he's still alive?
13:25My eyes dropped to the mark still visible on her neck.
13:29I smiled.
13:32Even if he is,
13:34a cheating man isn't worth my time.
13:37Nancy lunged forward,
13:39grabbing my arm.
13:43You're making a mistake at Wenny!
13:46He'll come back,
13:48and when he does...
13:49I pulled my arm free
13:51and had someone pull her aside.
13:54The funeral resumed.
13:57Just as I opened my mouth to speak,
13:59a disheveled,
14:00thin man appeared at the door.
14:02He choked out.
14:05I'm not dead, honey.
14:08I'm back.
14:11John ran toward me
14:12and pulled me into a tight hug,
14:13voice shaking as he called my name.
14:16Wenny,
14:17you have no idea how much I missed you.
14:24That day I fell while skiing.
14:26Multiple fractures.
14:28Luckily,
14:29a kind stranger took me to the hospital.
14:31It took me three months to recover
14:32before I could come to see you.
14:36I didn't die.
14:38Look,
14:39I'm fine.
14:43He grabbed my hand
14:44and moved it over his body
14:45like he needed to prove
14:46he'd barely escaped death.
14:48I just watched him.
14:50Cold and silent.
14:56When he finally started to feel awkward,
14:58I laughed.
15:00Done with your acting?
15:04That kind stranger
15:05who took you to the hospital?
15:07Was it Nancy?
15:08His expression froze,
15:10little by little.
15:11He opened his mouth
15:12and gave a helpless smile.
15:15Uh, Wenny,
15:16what are you talking about?
15:17I don't get it.
15:19I stared at his fake confusion.
15:21After three months
15:22of bottled up anger and pain,
15:23I finally couldn't hold it back.
15:25I slapped him.
15:36You hid
15:37for three months.
15:39Why stop now?
15:43Didn't you plan to show up
15:44only after I went crazy
15:46looking for you?
15:47Well,
15:48I'm not crazy yet.
15:51So why are you here?
15:54He stared at me,
15:55stunned.
15:57How do you know?
15:59I smiled.
16:01I know a lot more.
16:03Then I turned on the big screen behind me.
16:05It was meant for Liv streaming funeral services.
16:07I used it to play videos instead.
16:09A clip of him and Nancy
16:11drinking from the same glass at a bar.
16:13Footage of him sneaking into my home with her,
16:15more than once.
16:16And one video,
16:17taken after I left Nancy's place,
16:19of him walking out with his arm
16:20around her shoulders.
16:21John stared at his face on the screen.
16:23He turned pale.
16:27How did you find out?
16:29Who told you?
16:30His gaze turned sharp,
16:32scanning every person there.
16:34Was it one of you?
16:36Trying to wreck my marriage?
16:39Everyone he looked at shook their heads.
16:41Only then did he turn back to me.
16:49Honey, I don't know who sent you those videos.
16:52They're fake.
16:55All AI generated.
16:57I love you so much.
16:59Why would I ever betray you?
17:01As he spoke,
17:01he pulled out a snowflake-shaped necklace.
17:04Look,
17:05I even remembered to bring you a gift.
17:07I stared at the necklace without a word.
17:09My friend beside me pulled up the bar footage again,
17:11zoomed in on Nancy's neck,
17:13and projected it on the screen.
17:14She had the same snowflake necklace,
17:16identical.
17:17John's face darkened immediately.
17:19I let out a cold laugh.
17:21Still lying?
17:23Even now?
17:24I saw those videos myself.
17:26Some of them I filmed with my own hands.
17:31John,
17:32are you happy with how this turned out?
17:34He kept trying the same excuse.
17:37Nancy and I are just close friends.
17:40I nodded casually.
17:41Yeah.
17:44The type of close friends you sleep with.
17:47Low maintenance,
17:48no drama.
17:50The funeral guests were frozen in shock,
17:52after all.
17:53It's not every day you watch someone come back from the dead
17:56and get exposed for cheating.
18:00John's expression finally broke,
18:02rage written all over his face.
18:04Wenny,
18:05you knew I was alive
18:06and still deregistrated my identity record
18:09and filed for a death certificate.
18:11You did it on purpose, didn't you?
18:14Yes.
18:15I wasn't phased about being exposed.
18:17I wanted him to pay.
18:18If you want to restore your legal identity,
18:20you'll need me to do it.
18:22So I'll give you two options.
18:25I held out a divorce agreement.
18:30Sign this,
18:31and you can have your life back.
18:33Don't sign,
18:34and you'll stay a ghost in the system.
18:37His chest rose and fell with fury.
18:41He snatched the agreement,
18:43flipped to the section on asset division,
18:45and then threw it to the floor.
18:48Why the hell should I leave with nothing?
18:53John's face turned red,
18:54his eyes bloodshot,
18:56and his expression menacing.
18:59I used to be scared when he got mad.
19:01Now,
19:01all I could think of was one phrase.
19:03All bark,
19:04no bite.
19:06No leverage at all.
19:07Yet he still wanted to take advantage.
19:10I let out a cold laugh.
19:13Because you're a ghost in the system.
19:16Because you cheated.
19:20He stared at me,
19:22then suddenly chuckled.
19:23When did I cheat?
19:25I just spent the night with a buddy.
19:27We didn't do anything.
19:28Our eyes locked.
19:30I clearly saw the smugness in him.
19:32Wenny,
19:33if I were you,
19:34I'd be throwing myself into my husband's arms.
19:37Apologizing,
19:37and swearing it was a one-time mistake.
19:40You do that,
19:41and I'll forgive you.
19:42I'll stay away from Nancy.
19:45I pressed my lips together,
19:46silent.
19:48His shamelessness stunned me.
19:51The truth was,
19:52I didn't have solid proof.
19:54Even if I erased his identity record,
19:56he'd still find ways to cling to me.
19:59Just as I was about to speak,
20:02someone stepped in front of me.
20:11Proof of cheating,
20:12does this count?
20:15Harvey pulled out his finined plate of video,
20:17John and Nancy kissing in a booth.
20:22He smirked.
20:25Kiss like that,
20:27and you're still just close friends?
20:31Nancy screamed.
20:33Who are you?
20:35What gives you the right to record us?
20:38John went pale.
20:39The arrogance vanished,
20:41replaced by a fawning smile.
20:42He grabbed Nancy and covered her mouth.
20:47Uncle Harvey,
20:48you're here too?
20:49I'm fine.
20:50Sorry you had to make the trip.
20:53I know you're fine.
20:56I was the one who told Wenny you weren't dead.
20:59John's face twisted,
21:00but he still forced a smile.
21:03Really?
21:05I messed up and scared Wenny.
21:08I'm here today to apologize.
21:09This won't happen again.
21:11Harvey's expression didn't change.
21:12He bent down,
21:14picked up the divorce papers,
21:15pulled out a pen,
21:16and handed both to John.
21:20Sign it.
21:22John blinked.
21:24Uncle Harvey?
21:26We're not blood related.
21:28Don't call me that.
21:30Sign it.
21:31Otherwise,
21:32the Sullivan family won't help you.
21:34That hit him.
21:35Panic flashed across his face.
21:37He didn't argue about property anymore,
21:38and just signed the last page as fast as he could.
21:43I breathed out,
21:44grabbed the papers,
21:45and stuffed them into my bag.
21:47I was about to say thank you
21:49when I met Harvey's gaze.
21:51Wenny,
21:53I'll with you restore his identity record.
21:56Then I will get the divorce certificate.
21:58I blinked, surprised,
22:00and almost said no.
22:05Don't rush to decline.
22:08What if he refuses again when I'm not there?
22:11I thought for a moment.
22:13All right.
22:15Then I saw off the guests.
22:18Nancy refused to leave,
22:19insisting on staying with John.
22:21I didn't care.
22:25I got in Harvey's car
22:26and went to the county clerk's office.
22:31The staff there smiled when they saw me.
22:33Here today?
22:34I found John.
22:35I'm here to restore his record.
22:37I knew you'd find him.
22:38Congrats.
22:39I nodded and said nothing more.
22:41As we were leaving,
22:42John called out to me.
22:45Wenny,
22:46I really do love you.
22:47That day,
22:48at Nancy's place,
22:49I was,
22:50I was drunk.
22:50I thought she was you.
22:52I turned my head,
22:54my voice cold.
22:55Cut the crap.
22:59After getting the divorce certificate,
23:01I walked to the curb to hail a cab.
23:05Harvey pulled up in front of me.
23:08Where to?
23:09I'll give you a ride.
23:10I looked at him,
23:11hinting at something.
23:12Mr. Sullivan,
23:13I'm already divorced from John.
23:15So?
23:16So we were never really connected.
23:17No reason to start now.
23:19He hooked a finger,
23:21pulling down the sunglasses on his nose,
23:22revealing a pair of half-squinted,
23:24charming eyes.
23:25He had that charming kind of face eyes
23:27slightly upturned,
23:28narrowed just enough to make it feel like
23:30he had everything under control.
23:32Miss Castillo,
23:32I helped you get divorced.
23:34Kind of cold to cut me off like this,
23:36no?
23:36I kept a wary look in my eyes.
23:38He shrugged and changed his tone.
23:41Miss Castillo,
23:41let's talk business.
23:43Now that the company's all yours,
23:45I can finally work with peace of mind.
23:47I hesitated.
23:48The Sullivan Group was a giant,
23:50partnering.
23:50With him could only benefit me,
23:52but did I really want to get involved
23:54with another Sullivan man?
23:58I opened the car door
23:59and got into the passenger seat.
24:03Why is it you can only trust me
24:04with the company now?
24:05Harvey glanced at me
24:06and gave a short laugh.
24:07I know exactly what that adopted
24:08nephew of mine is worth.
24:10He can make small money.
24:12But big money?
24:14He didn't finish,
24:15but I got it,
24:16all those years building
24:17the company with John.
24:18His biggest asset was the surname
24:20that people were wary of
24:21most of the time.
24:22He just played CEO
24:23while fooling around.
24:24The real deals,
24:25the ones that kept the company alive
24:27were all mine.
24:29The contract's on my lap.
24:34Take a look.
24:37My eyes dropped to the papers
24:38resting near his thigh.
24:40I hesitated.
24:42Mr. Sullivan,
24:43can you hand it to me?
24:46I'm driving.
24:47Can't take my hands off the wheel.
24:48I coughed awkwardly,
24:49reached over,
24:51pinched the corner of the contract
24:52between my thumb and finger,
24:53and quickly pulled it over to my side.
24:56Everything in the contract
24:57was fair.
24:58But for someone like Harvey,
24:59fairness meant he was losing out.
25:03I closed the folder.
25:05Mr. Sullivan,
25:06let's cut the crap.
25:08You're offering generous terms?
25:12What exactly do you want from me?
25:16He kept his eyes on the road,
25:18tone steady.
25:20I want you to lead the project yourself.
25:22I was surprised but nodded.
25:25Of course.
25:28With a deal this big,
25:29I'd handle it personally anyway.
25:32As soon as I finished speaking,
25:33he handed me a pen.
25:34I remembered how he just made me
25:36grab the contract myself
25:37and rolled my eyes internally.
25:39Still,
25:40I took the pen and signed cleanly.
25:47To celebrate our new partnership,
25:49how about dinner?
25:51I didn't say no.
25:52We were working together now,
25:54no point refusing.
25:56He pulled up to a Cajun restaurant.
25:59I paused when I saw the name.
26:02Harvey stood behind me.
26:05Why are you spacing out?
26:07Don't you love Cajun food?
26:10I haven't had it in four years.
26:14I haven't had it in four years.
26:15For years with John,
26:16he couldn't eat spicy food.
26:18So I never stepped into a Cajun restaurant.
26:23Harvey tugged on my hoodie's drawstring
26:25and chuckled.
26:25Then tonight,
26:27we celebrate your divorce.
26:28You're having Cajun food.
26:31I laughed too
26:32and ordered enough food
26:33to cover the whole table.
26:34Over dinner,
26:35we went over some details
26:36of the partnership.
26:38Everything felt easy,
26:39even pleasant.
26:40By the time we finished,
26:42it was completely dark.
26:44Harvey insisted on driving me home.
26:47But just as we arrived,
26:50I saw an unexpected figure
26:52at my doorstep.
26:54John was sitting there,
26:56shivering in the cold.
26:57His eyes lit up when he saw me.
27:01Wenny,
27:02you're back.
27:05I raised a brow,
27:06not sure what game he was playing.
27:08John,
27:09what are you doing at my door?
27:10He jogged over and grabbed my hand,
27:12his icy fingers rubbing my palm.
27:14Aren't you cold?
27:15It's freezing today
27:16and you didn't even dress warmer.
27:18Do you know how much that worries me?
27:20My stomach turned.
27:21I nearly threw up all that meal
27:24because of him.
27:27I yanked my hand back.
27:29What are you doing?
27:33His eyes went red.
27:34I'm just worried about you.
27:36You love looking good,
27:37so you always wear less in winter.
27:38I don't want you to get sick.
27:40Wenny,
27:41what you do without me.
27:42At least that I can bring you a jacket
27:44and run your shows.
27:45Without me,
27:46then will you take care of yourself?
27:47Let's get back together, okay?
27:48I really love you.
27:49I looked into his eyes.
27:51There was real emotion there,
27:52and it was true he used to treat me with care.
27:55He'd bring me an umbrella when it rained
27:57and a coat when it snowed.
27:58I used to believe what we had was
28:00irreplaceable that we were the perfect love story.
28:04But that same man called me clingy,
28:06disappeared just to avoid me,
28:08and even cheated.
28:12Why should I?
28:14I stared coldly at him.
28:16I dress lightly because I go straight from the car to the office.
28:19I don't even feel the wind.
28:21I stepped closer,
28:22my voice dropping.
28:23John, why is it that when you want to be good to me,
28:25you are,
28:26and when you want to disappear,
28:27you do?
28:28And now you want me to remarry you just because you said so?
28:31I shook my head.
28:32I loved you because you treated me well.
28:34You made me think you were gentle and worth loving.
28:37But then I realized,
28:39you're not.
28:40My voice hardened.
28:41You're just a selfish liar who does whatever it takes to get what he wants.
28:44You vanished for three months for your own reasons,
28:47kept the people who cared about you in the dark,
28:49and watched them suffer without even a hint of guilt.
28:52And you think that's love?
28:53That's just pathetic.
28:55John stared at me,
28:56shaking.
28:57He wanted to deny it,
28:58but couldn't say a word.
29:00Anything else?
29:03If not,
29:04move.
29:04I want to go inside.
29:09He stood there,
29:10silent.
29:11He didn't even budge.
29:13I sighed,
29:14annoyed,
29:15and reached out to push him aside.
29:18But he suddenly pulled me into his arms.
29:20Wendy,
29:21I really messed up.
29:22There's nothing going on between me and Nancy.
29:24I was drunk that night.
29:26It was just a mistake,
29:27the kind all men make.
29:28I'll stay away from her,
29:29please.
29:30Just give me another chance.
29:32He held me tight.
29:33No matter how hard I struggled.
29:38Until someone yanked me away and into another embrace.
29:41I looked up and saw Harvey's sharp jawline.
29:46His voice came from above me.
29:48John,
29:49I told you that if you show up harassing Wensie again,
29:51the Sullivan family will no longer help you.
29:54John instantly let go of my hand.
29:58Uncle Harvey,
30:00this is between my wife and me.
30:02I actually laughed.
30:04Between the two of us?
30:05At,
30:06John,
30:06who told you to fake your disappearance?
30:09Don't tell me that was your own idea.
30:10You're not that smart.
30:11All you ever do is get played by Nancy.
30:13I stepped back,
30:14crossing my arms.
30:15She takes you out,
30:17and you say she's a close friend?
30:18You drink together,
30:20close friend.
30:20You lie to me together,
30:22still just a close friend?
30:23Even when you sleep together,
30:25is she your close friend?
30:26Tell me,
30:27do all close friends do that?
30:31Disgust flickered across his face.
30:33He messed up,
30:34but wouldn't even.
30:35Apologized,
30:36just kept making excuses.
30:37That only made me hate him more.
30:40Harvey shoved the frozen in place,
30:41John aside,
30:42and nudged me toward the door.
30:44Go rest.
30:45I'll handle him.
30:46I nodded,
30:47went inside,
30:48slammed the door,
30:49and went straight to my room.
30:53I had no idea what Harvey and John talked about that night.
30:56But after that,
30:58I didn't see John for a long time.
31:01Lately,
31:02I threw myself completely into work.
31:04I was either calling or meeting with Harvey almost every day.
31:08The frequent meetings
31:09gradually erased the awkwardness between us.
31:12We could even chat casually like normal friends sometimes.
31:17Harvey,
31:17what did you say to John that night?
31:20He hasn't shown up since.
31:24Harvey glanced at me,
31:25pulled out his phone,
31:26and swiped through some photos.
31:29All of them were John and Nancy.
31:31Once he knew you weren't going to forgive him,
31:33he dove straight into his close friend's arms.
31:40I casually flipped through the PICS.
31:43Then suddenly I froze.
31:46There was a photo of me from college.
31:53What's this?
31:54Why do you have a photo of me?
31:56The angle?
31:57Kind of looks like it was taken secretly.
31:59Harvey stiffened and snatched the phone back.
32:03You saw it wrong.
32:04I blinked and gave him a knowing.
32:06Oh,
32:07if I saw it wrong,
32:08then forget it.
32:08I was just about to ask if you wanted to date me,
32:10but I guess I was overthinking.
32:19You didn't see it wrong.
32:21Harvey pulled the photo back up and handed me the phone.
32:24You didn't see it wrong.
32:25I did take it secretly.
32:27I was at your college giving a talk.
32:30I saw you and snapped a photo, Ren.
32:32He looked at me,
32:33and for the first time,
32:34the feelings in his eyes weren't hidden.
32:37Everything was clear without needing to be said.
32:39But I married John.
32:41Isn't that a problem?
32:43Harvey's face turned serious.
32:44He scooted a bit closer.
32:45It's not a problem.
32:47John was just my brother's adopted son.
32:49When he became an adult,
32:50he screwed up badly and got kicked out of the family.
32:53I only helped him finish college out of respect for the dead.
32:56I nodded,
32:57reached out,
32:58and took his hand.
33:01Three-month trial.
33:02Whether you pass depends on your performance.
33:04Harvey nodded quickly.
33:06We're done with work for the day.
33:08How about Cajun food?
33:09Maybe it was because I hadn't had it for four years.
33:12But now I was hooked every two or three days.
33:14I had to have it.
33:15If not,
33:16I'd feel off.
33:20Harvey had eaten it with me countless times.
33:23But he never got sick of it.
33:25Harvey had eaten it with me countless times.
33:26Every time he'd find a new place for us to try,
33:28today was no different.
33:30I found another good one.
33:34Let's go.
33:37But just as we stepped out of the office,
33:39a figure suddenly dropped to her knees in front of me.
33:42Winnie, please!
33:43Go find John!
33:44He's been missing for three days!
33:45I can't find him anywhere!
33:48Nancy's eyes were bloodshot.
33:50She kept kneeling,
33:51begging me to help find John.
33:53I frowned and quickly stepped aside.
33:56Nancy, get up.
33:57Just tell me.
33:58What happened to John?
34:00She looked worn down,
34:02completely lost.
34:03He insisted on going skiing.
34:04I couldn't talk him out of it,
34:05so I went with him.
34:06But he disappeared again,
34:08in the same place he faked it last time.
34:10I've searched for three days and still can't find him.
34:12I've run out of money.
34:13Please, help me find him!
34:15I pressed my lips together.
34:17Nancy, did it ever occur to you that maybe he's faking it again?
34:21She shook her head hard,
34:22voice full of certainty.
34:25No!
34:26John would never lie to me!
34:29I sighed and let go of Harvey's hand.
34:35I've been to that place a few times.
34:37I'll go with Nancy to check.
34:39Harvey's gaze darkened.
34:40He stared at me.
34:42You still can't let him go?
34:44Of course not.
34:46Then I leaned close to his ear and whispered,
34:49I'm sure he's faking it again.
34:50If you've got time, come with me.
34:54Harvey didn't hesitate.
34:55He bought three plane tickets on the spot.
34:59I'll go with you.
35:02I contacted the search and rescue team again.
35:04The brothers of the rescue team
35:06had already met me inside in unison
35:08when they saw me.
35:10Mrs. Castillo,
35:12they said they couldn't find anyone.
35:14It's been such a long time,
35:16they definitely won't find them.
35:17I casually nodded.
35:20Just go through the motions.
35:22The person is not really missing.
35:23Just look around casually.
35:25I will still pay.
35:28The search team looked for three days.
35:31But they didn't even find a single hair of John's.
35:38Nancy was on the verge of a breakdown,
35:40crying almost every day.
35:43I looked at her.
35:44Without a trace of sympathy,
35:46it was because of her idea that I cried for three months
35:48and felt completely hopeless.
35:50Is it her turn now?
35:51Can she not handle it after just a few days?
35:55On the fourth night,
35:57John suddenly appeared.
35:58He rushed up and hugged me.
36:00His voice choked up.
36:07Winnie!
36:08I knew you still loved me!
36:15He gripped my arms,
36:17eyes desperate.
36:18Otherwise,
36:19it would have been impossible to hear
36:20that I had gone missing
36:21and come running from far away
36:23to look for me three days and three nights.
36:24I really knew I was wrong!
36:26Then his voice dropped to a whisper.
36:28It was Nancy's bad idea in the first place,
36:30and now I've made sure she can't find me either.
36:32You shouldn't have come.
36:34Then I could have hidden for a little longer,
36:35let her truly feel the pain you caused in the beginning.
36:37He pulled me tighter.
36:41But now that you're here,
36:43I'm even happier.
36:44He had just finished speaking
36:46when he was forcefully pulled down by Harvey.
36:51John,
36:52stay away from my girlfriend.
36:54John lay on the ground,
36:55watching Harvey carry me into his arms,
36:57his eyes filled with rage.
36:58What about your girlfriend?
37:00When he is my wife?
37:02Uncle Harvey!
37:04You are my uncle!
37:06Harvey looked down on him and sneered coldly.
37:09Did you forget?
37:10You were just the Sullivan family's foster child
37:13who was kicked out.
37:14John got up and rushed over swinging his fists.
37:18I opened my arms to shield Harvey,
37:20who was so scared that his face turned pale.
37:23Wenny!
37:24Who told you to stand in front of me?
37:26Are you crazy?
37:27I put on a pleasing expression to Harvey's angry face.
37:30You can criticize me later,
37:31I'll deal with John first.
37:33Harvey forcibly suppressed his anger.
37:37I looked towards the corner and said,
37:40Come out!
37:41Nancy walked out with tears streaming down her face.
37:43She stared at John,
37:45the love in her eyes completely gone.
37:46I said coldly.
37:48John,
37:49do you find it amusing to toy with the people
37:51who care about you time and time again?
37:53Are you happy watching us break down time after time?
37:56If Nancy hadn't begged me,
37:58even if you really died,
38:00I wouldn't have looked back.
38:01John's face was full of pain as he looked at me,
38:03his lips trembling.
38:05Did she go to beg you so you didn't come this time
38:07because you were worried about me?
38:08His voice rose, cracking.
38:10You came because such a despicable woman begged you?
38:13I heard his words.
38:15Anger surged with him.
38:16And suddenly I slapped him.
38:18You are such a scumbag.
38:19No matter how bad Nancy was,
38:21she truly loved you.
38:22Why would you have to slander her like this?
38:24I looked at Nancy and said,
38:26You two handle your own affairs from now on.
38:28Don't show up in front of me again.
38:30I get annoyed every time I see you.
38:34After saying that,
38:35I took Harvey back to the hotel.
38:38On the way,
38:39Harvey launched a harsh criticism against me
38:41for blocking him in front of him
38:43and ended with me admitting my mistake.
38:49Weeks turned into months.
38:52Harvey and I grew closer with every passing day.
38:59Proposed to me on our one-year anniversary of dating
39:02and then immediately began tirelessly preparing for the wedding.
39:09Everything was done by him personally.
39:12I had no idea
39:13and only found out that I was getting married
39:15when it came time to try on wedding dresses.
39:20At the wedding,
39:21Harvey invited John and Nancy.
39:25That moment,
39:26I finally knew what had happened
39:27after they two were left facing each other
39:29on the snowy mountain,
39:30out of love turned to hate.
39:32Nancy confronted John and,
39:34in a fit of anger and shame,
39:35pushed him off the cliff.
39:37This time,
39:38John really ended up just like he had lied about,
39:40breaking several bones
39:41and needing to use a wheelchair
39:42for the rest of his life.
39:44While Nancy took care of John,
39:46John was getting thinner
39:47and more haggard day by day.
39:49These two people tortured each other for a lifetime.
39:52Gays lingered on John's legs
39:54and Harvey forcefully turned my face
39:56and kissed me hard on the lips.
39:59What are you looking at?
40:01I'm getting jealous.
40:06I smiled,
40:07squinting my eyes
40:08and kissed him back.
40:11Don't be jealous.
40:12You are in my eyes
40:14and in my heart.
40:14I'm a sixties times with hats.
40:17Honestly, what are you looking at?
40:17You know that I move to my head.
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