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Short filmTranscript
00:00It's Christmas Eve.
00:02My husband Damien just kicked our 3-year-old daughter out of the car.
00:08Get out of the car!
00:10The current outside temperature is minus 5 degrees Celsius.
00:14All because his mistress' daughter didn't want to sit with a dirty kid.
00:19When the car pulled over on the highway shoulder, I thought Damien just needed a restroom break.
00:26Aurora is asleep.
00:28Don't wake her.
00:30Damien didn't even look back.
00:32He just tapped the steering wheel.
00:34Clara, take Aurora and get out of the car.
00:37What?
00:38Damien, it's fine.
00:40We can just squeeze in.
00:41But her daughter Briar started screaming.
00:44No!
00:45I won't sit with that dirty kid!
00:47She's coughing!
00:49Did you hear that?
00:50Get out.
00:51Mira is on her way.
00:52She'll be here in 30 minutes.
00:54Just wait here.
00:56I held my 3-year-old daughter and watched him drive away.
00:59The taillights faded into the snow until they were gone.
01:04Mommy, where's Daddy?
01:07Aurora whispered.
01:08Her biometric wristband began to pulse with a yellow warning light.
01:13Daddy, went to Grandma's first.
01:16Auntie Mira is coming to get us.
01:19I hit the dial for a video call to Tina.
01:26Clara?
01:27Her background was a chaotic blur of noise and pulsing neon.
01:31She was at a party.
01:33Mira, Damien told you to pick us up.
01:35Where are you?
01:36Just wait.
01:38I'll come later.
01:39Mira, it's freezing.
01:41Aurora can't stay out here.
01:43My brother said Celeste and Briar can't be out in the cold.
01:46They had to get home.
01:47You're just waiting.
01:48It's not like you'll die.
01:50Aurora shivered in my arms.
01:52Mommy, I want to go home.
01:56Soon, baby.
01:57We'll be home very soon.
02:00My heart broke.
02:01After four years of marriage, I never knew Damien could be this cruel.
02:06To dump his wife and child on a highway because another woman's kid called us dirty.
02:12Suddenly, headlights appeared.
02:14I waved like crazy.
02:17A black SUV pulled over.
02:20A black SUV pulled over.
02:25Need a hand?
02:27Please, can you give us a ride to the next service station?
02:30Get in.
02:31I reached for the door, but then a voice stopped me.
02:34Clara?
02:35It was Felix, Damien's bother.
02:38What are you doing here?
02:39Where's my brother?
02:40I quickly told him everything.
02:43Felix's face turned pale with rage.
02:46Is he insane?
02:48He left you and Aurora here?
02:50So Celeste's daughter matters.
02:52But his own doesn't?
02:54Owen, let them in.
02:55We'll squeeze.
02:56But the car was full.
02:58There's no room.
02:59The driver said, looking worried.
03:02You guys go.
03:02I'll wait here.
03:04Felix pushed me toward the seat.
03:08Aurora's face is turning purple.
03:10She can't stay in the cold another second.
03:13Felix, it's freezing out there.
03:16What about you?
03:18I'm a grown man.
03:19I can handle a little cold.
03:21Take care of the kid first.
03:22Just go.
03:23The car started.
03:25I looked through the back window.
03:27Felix stood there alone in the blizzard.
03:30His figure grew smaller and smaller.
03:33Aurora fell asleep in my arms, but her face was a terrifying shade of red.
03:40Sir, can you go any faster?
03:42My daughter has a fever.
03:43The driver nodded and stepped on the gas.
03:46I tried to call Mira again.
03:48No signal.
03:50How much longer to the service station?
03:5320 kilometers.
03:54In this weather, at least 30 minutes.
03:58I held Aurora tighter.
04:00She was getting hotter by the second.
04:03She opened her eyes weakly.
04:05Suddenly, she started coughing.
04:08Her face turned a deep, sickly purple.
04:10Please, please go faster!
04:14I'm trying!
04:15This is as fast as it goes!
04:17The roads are pure ice!
04:19I unzipped Aurora's coat.
04:21Her chest was heaving.
04:23Aurora, look at Mommy.
04:25Don't close your eyes.
04:28I'll tell you a story.
04:30About the little rabbit?
04:32I began pounding on the car window like a mad woman.
04:36Help!
04:37My daughter is dying!
04:39Somebody help us!
04:43But on the highway, there was nothing but wind and snow.
04:49Finally, the car pulled into a service station.
04:57Is there a doctor?
04:59My daughter is dying!
05:00Help us!
05:01The clerk froze.
05:03There's no doctor here.
05:04Call one!
05:05Now!
05:06The signal tower was destroyed by the blizzard.
05:09We can't get a call out.
05:11My legs gave out.
05:12I almost collapsed.
05:15The shop owner searched through the back and found some medicine.
05:19Try this.
05:21Aurora lay on my lap.
05:23Her breath was so faint, it felt like it could snap at any second.
05:28I tried to feed her, but she didn't even have the strength to swallow.
05:33The owner couldn't watch anymore.
05:36I'll drive you to the nearest clinic.
05:39But the roads might be blocked.
05:42Go!
05:43We have to go now!
05:44The car crawled through the deep snow.
05:47With every bump, Aurora's body grew limp.
05:51Aurora, you said you wanted to see the northern lights, remember?
05:54Mommy will take you.
05:57We'll take the fastest train, all the way to the Arctic Circle.
06:01Her eyelashes fluttered, but she never opened her eyes.
06:08Suddenly, my watch vibrated.
06:10Signal!
06:11With trembling hands, I dialed Damien's video call.
06:15It rang for a long time.
06:18Finally, he picked up.
06:20Hello?
06:21The background was quiet.
06:23Damien!
06:25Aurora is sick.
06:26It's bad.
06:27Really bad.
06:28Where are you?
06:29On the way to a clinic.
06:31Please.
06:32You have to come.
06:33Didn't Mira pick you up yet?
06:38She didn't come!
06:39She never showed up!
06:41Possible.
06:42She just posted an update saying she's on her way.
06:45I opened the hologram projection on my watch.
06:48Mira's latest post from ten minutes ago.
06:50The location tag was at exit 87 on the interstate.
06:55112 kilometers away from us.
06:58She hadn't moved an inch.
07:00She was lying to you.
07:02And she was lying to me.
07:04Mira will be there soon.
07:06Just wait a little longer.
07:08Wait!
07:09We can't!
07:10Aurora is dying!
07:12Our daughter is dying, Damien!
07:15Clara, it's Christmas Eve.
07:17Don't say such unlucky things.
07:19No one is dying.
07:20Celesta and Briar just arrived.
07:22And my mom is very happy.
07:24Don't ruin the mood.
07:25Just go to the hospital when Mira gets there.
07:27Kids get fevers all the time.
07:29She's not gonna die.
07:30He hung up.
07:32As the projection faded, my blood turned to ice.
07:35The shop owner looked at me through the rearview mirror.
07:38Your husband?
07:39I nodded.
07:42Scumbag.
07:43Hmph.
07:45Hang on tight.
07:45I'm taking a shortcut.
07:50We're not letting this baby die.
07:52The car turned onto a mountain road.
07:56Aurora's breathing was almost gone.
07:58I checked her heartbeat.
08:00It was so weak it felt like an illusion.
08:02I pulled a button-sized communicator from my inner pocket.
08:06My father had given it to me.
08:09He said that once I pressed it, his people would arrive within three hours.
08:14Finally, we reached the nearest medical station.
08:18I burst into the emergency room, clutching Aurora.
08:24Acute pneumonia!
08:29Heart rate is dropping!
08:31Prepare for recitation!
08:33I was stopped outside the emergency room.
08:36Through the glass, I watched the doctors intubate Aurora and hook her up to the monitors.
08:41She looked like she could vanish at any second.
08:45I collapsed in the corner, shaking.
08:48My watch rang again.
08:51I'm...
08:52Clara, where are you?
08:54My mom is waiting for dinner.
08:55I struggled to find my voice.
08:58The clinic?
09:00Aurora is being resuscitated.
09:02What?
09:03Why are you at a clinic?
09:04Where's Mira?
09:05She never came.
09:07Impossible.
09:08She just messaged me saying she picked you up.
09:10She sent me a screenshot.
09:12It was a blurry photo from 20 minutes ago.
09:15In the passenger seat was a woman's back, wearing a jacket just like mine.
09:20She's lying, Damien.
09:22Come to the clinic.
09:23Now!
09:24Are you lying just because you're jealous of Celeste?
09:27Daughter is still being resuscitated, and you think this is jealous?
09:31What else?
09:32Why would Mira need to lie to me?
09:34Damien, if Aurora dies today, I will never forgive you as long as I live.
09:39Whatever, Clara.
09:40That's your choice.
09:43The call disconnected.
09:45I listened to the dial tone and slowly slid down to the floor.
09:48The ER doors swung open.
09:50We saved her, but she was deprived of oxygen for too long.
09:54There's significant brain damage.
09:55It could affect her cognitive development.
09:58She might even face permanent paralysis.
10:00I leaned against the wall to keep from collapsing.
10:04How is that possible?
10:07She's so small.
10:09She's just a baby.
10:12We did our best.
10:13You need to admit her now.
10:15The follow-up treatments won't be cheap.
10:17I walked to the payment kiosk, moving like a ghost.
10:21I tapped my wrist against the sensor.
10:24Insufficient funds.
10:25Damien only gave me $3,000 a month, claiming it was more than enough for a child.
10:31I called him, my hands trembling.
10:34Aurora needs surgery.
10:36I need $50,000.
10:38$50,000?
10:40Clara, do I look like an ATM to you?
10:43Damien, she is your daughter!
10:45Are you going to transfer the money or not?
10:47No.
10:48If you're so capable, earn it yourself.
10:51After Christmas, we're filing for divorce.
10:53The house is mine.
10:54You didn't put a cent in, so you get nothing.
10:58I stood there, staring at the clerk through the glass.
11:02Can you start the treatment first?
11:04I'll pay you back.
11:06I promise.
11:07I'm sorry.
11:09Facility policy.
11:10No deposit.
11:11No admission.
11:13I walked out of the clinic and stood in the freezing snow.
11:17My hologram flared to life.
11:19It was Felix.
11:21Clara!
11:22Where are you?
11:23Damien said Mira picked you guys up.
11:26Felix, do me a favor.
11:27If anything happens to me, take care of Aurora.
11:31What are you talking about?
11:33I have no money.
11:34Aurora has no hope.
11:36I can't keep her either.
11:37Just put her in the adoption system.
11:39At least she'll live.
11:40Clara, don't do anything reckless.
11:42Where are you?
11:42I'm coming now.
11:43Don't bother.
11:44I cut the connection and killed the hologram.
11:47I walked back to the ward.
11:49I'm sorry, baby.
11:50In the next life, don't be mine.
11:53The clinic roof was a blur of wind and snow.
11:57From the edge, the world below looked tiny.
12:00One step, and the pain would finally end.
12:03I closed my eyes and let myself fall forward.
12:07Suddenly, a hand gripped my wrist.
12:10Suddenly, a hand gripped my wrist.
12:12A violent slug pulled me back.
12:14I collapsed onto the ground and looked up.
12:17Several men in black suits stood before me.
12:19Their leader, a man in his 50s, removed his sunglasses.
12:22His eyes were bloodshot.
12:24Clara.
12:27I was rushed onto a medical transport quad.
12:30Aurora was carried in right behind me, immediately taken over by a team of flight medics.
12:35Intracranial pressure is spiking.
12:37We need to operate now.
12:39Contact the main hospital.
12:40Open the neurosurgery green channel.
12:43Put the nano repair team on standby.
12:45My father held my hand, his own trembling uncontrollably.
12:49I'm sorry, Clara.
12:50Dad was too late.
12:52I'm so sorry.
12:53Dad, I thought you were just a...
12:56farmer back in the village.
12:58He faltered, a bitter smile touching his lips.
13:03A farmer.
13:04That was a lie.
13:06You were so determined to marry Damien.
13:08I was afraid that if he knew we were wealthy, he'd only marry you for the money.
13:12So, I played poor for four years.
13:17I thought as long as he treated you well, it didn't matter if you lived simply.
13:22He looked at the unconscious Aurora, tears finally falling.
13:25But I never imagined...
13:27I never imagined they could be this heartless to abuse my granddaughter like this.
13:32Medical transport pod landed on the roof of Whitfield Medical Center.
13:36Aurora was rushed straight into surgery.
13:38The best specialist, the cutting-edge equipment, everything was ready.
13:41My father stood outside the operating room and dialed an encrypted channel.
13:46Vance Group.
13:47I want to see their stock hit rock bottom before the market opens tomorrow.
13:51Terminate all partnerships.
13:53Everything.
13:54And the banks.
13:56You know what to do.
13:58He hung up and sat beside me.
14:00Clara, I'm giving you two choices.
14:02First, divorce him.
14:05Take the money and take Aurora abroad.
14:09Never look back.
14:12Second.
14:13Stay.
14:15Watch the Vance family crumble.
14:19Watch Damien crawl to his knees and beg for your mercy.
14:23I thought for a moment.
14:24The second one.
14:26But I have one condition.
14:29Name it.
14:30Prepare two bionic decoys.
14:32One identical to me.
14:34And one identical to Aurora.
14:37Make them look like they froze to death on the side of the highway.
14:41Dress them in the clothes we wore today.
14:43And put her bioband on the decoy.
14:46You want it.
14:48I want them to think I'm dead.
14:52Then I want to see exactly how they celebrate.
14:55I want to watch them throw a party while Aurora and I are dead.
15:00My father remained silent for a long time before nodding.
15:04Fine.
15:04The bionic decoys were incredibly lifelike.
15:08One large, one small, lying in the snow on the highway.
15:12When found, they were already frozen solid.
15:14An automated road patrol drone discovered them and flagged the nearest highway patrol.
15:19Based on the ID found on the body, the police contacted Damien.
15:23The call came through while the Vance family was having Christmas dinner.
15:27The table was overflowing with food, filled with laughter.
15:30Celeste sat next to Damien, putting food on his plate.
15:33Priscilla beamed, stroking Briar's hair.
15:35Celeste is so much better.
15:37Even the daughter she raised are well-behaved.
15:40Unlike that brat Clara had.
15:42Always crying, never obedient.
15:44An absolute nuisance.
15:46Damien's wrist vibrated.
15:47He glanced at it, frowning.
15:49The police?
15:52Hello?
15:53Is this Mr. Damien Vance?
15:55Is your wife, Clara, currently on the highway with your daughter?
15:59Yes, why?
16:00We found two bodies by the roadside.
16:03Preliminary assessment suggests they froze to death.
16:06The female victim has an ID card identifying her as Clara.
16:09There is also a female child, approximately three years old.
16:13We need you to come and identify them.
16:15What did you say?
16:16Sir, your wife and daughter.
16:19They didn't make it.
16:20The dinner table fell silent.
16:22Priscilla asked,
16:23Who is it?
16:24Calling during the holidays.
16:25It's bad luck.
16:27Damien stood up, his face pale.
16:28Claire and Aurora?
16:31Froze to death?
16:32By the time Damien reached the morgue, his legs were like jelly.
16:35The police led him into the cold storage room.
16:38The drawer pulled open, revealing two bodies.
16:41One large, one small.
16:43Is it them?
16:44Damien opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
16:47He reached out, wanting to touch my face, his hand shaking violently.
16:50It's impossible.
16:53Mira said she went to pick them up.
16:55The officer pulled up the records on his terminal.
16:58We checked the automated highway patrol logs.
17:01Your sister's car never even entered the highway.
17:04She drove in circles around the city before heading home.
17:07Furthermore, the victim's final outgoing call was to you.
17:12It was at 7 p.m. last night.
17:14She told you the child was sick and begged for help.
17:18You said, you said, if you're so capable, earn it yourself.
17:23I thought, I thought she was lying.
17:26I, I didn't know she was actually.
17:29And if you had known, would you have gone?
17:32There was a heavy silence.
17:34Damien had no answer.
17:35The morgue doors swung open as Priscilla burst in.
17:39She froze for a moment upon seeing the bodies,
17:41then collapsed onto the floor, wailing and slapping her thighs.
17:44Oh, my granddaughter, my poor baby.
17:48How could you leave me like this?
17:50After a few cries, she abruptly stopped and grabbed Damien.
17:53Son, this is actually a good thing.
17:55It's a blessing in disguise.
17:57Now that Clara's dead, you can finally marry Celesta.
17:59Mom, that was my daughter.
18:02So what if she was your daughter?
18:03She's dead now.
18:04This is perfect.
18:05Now we don't have to worry about splitting the assets in a divorce.
18:08Ma'am, these are two human lives we're talking about.
18:10What about them?
18:11This is family business.
18:13It's none of your concern.
18:14Let's go.
18:15Celeste is still waiting for us to finish dinner.
18:17Damien allowed himself to be pulled away for a moment.
18:19Then he looked back at the cold storage unit.
18:23Wait.
18:24He shook off his mother's hand and walked back.
18:26He knelt beside the bodies for a long time.
18:28Then he reached out, gently smoothing the hair and straightening the clothes on the decoy.
18:33Clara, I'm so sorry.
18:37I was wrong.
18:38I really, I didn't know it would end like this.
18:41Why are you apologizing to her?
18:44It's her own fault for having such a short life.
18:46She deserved it.
18:48Shut up!
18:49Damien stood up and addressed the officer.
18:52I'm taking the bodies back.
18:54I'm going to hold a grand funeral.
18:57Two flickering lamps stood by the Vance estate entrance.
18:59The viewing room was in the side hall, right next to the room I lived in before.
19:04Celeste and Briar had already moved into the master suite.
19:07The whole house was busy catering to them.
19:09But Damien...
19:10He sat in the viewing room, guarding the caskets.
19:13Two cryo caskets side by side, cold and silent.
19:17Mira showed up once.
19:18He kicked her out.
19:19Get out.
19:20Damien, I didn't mean it.
19:23I was just out with friends and lost track of time.
19:27Damien looked at her, his eyes bloodshot with rage.
19:29How was I supposed to know they would actually die?
19:32You lost track of time?
19:35Two lives are gone and you think losing track of time fixes it?
19:38Then what do you want from me?
19:39You want me to die for her?
19:41Is she even worth it?
19:44She was just a low-class woman.
19:46She's gone, so what?
19:47Damien struck her hard.
19:49Mira froze in shock.
19:50Get out!
19:51If I ever see your face again, you are no longer my sister.
19:55Then Celeste arrived.
19:57Damien, please.
19:58Let it go.
19:59I'm sure she wouldn't want to see you like this from the other side.
20:02Damien looked up at her, cold as ice.
20:05Do you know what they were doing while you were celebrating?
20:07I was at your house having dinner.
20:12They were in the snow waiting to die.
20:17Waiting for someone who was never coming to save them.
20:21Celeste turned pale.
20:22That was your sister's fault!
20:23What does that have to do with me?
20:24You with me!
20:25Your mother was the one who insisted I come back for Christmas.
20:28I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of traveling for the holidays if it wasn't for her!
20:32And besides, you're the one who kicked them out of the car!
20:34Right. You went through so much trouble.
20:36But they froze to death.
20:38They literally froze to death.
20:40Celeste went silent.
20:41Damien stood up and walked to the cryo casket, gently brushing his hand against the coal glass.
20:46I keep thinking, what if I had just answered that video call?
20:50What if I had gone to pick them up?
20:52What if I hadn't said those things?
20:54Celeste bit her lip and turned to leave.
20:56Damien, don't forget.
20:57I'm the one carrying the family heir now.
21:00That dead woman?
21:01She's useless now.
21:03The heavy doors of the viewing room clicked shut.
21:05Damien collapsed, sliding down against the side of the casket until he hit the floor.
21:10On the surveillance feed, I watched his shoulders shake.
21:13How pathetic.
21:14He didn't care when we were breathing.
21:16Now that we're dead, he acts like he has a heart.
21:19I raised my wrist and sent an encrypted message to my father.
21:22Can we start?
21:22My father's reply popped up instantly.
21:25Anytime.
21:25The Vance Group's empire began to collapse.
21:28First, their biggest client abruptly canceled their contract, jumping ship to sign a 10-year deal with a rival.
21:35Then, the banks pulled their credit lines, snapping the company's financial backbone.
21:39Suppliers swarmed the headquarters demanding payment all at once.
21:43Damien was drowning.
21:45He started sleeping at the office every night.
21:47Priscilla screamed at him through the comms.
21:49You're never home.
21:51What if Celeste gets upset?
21:53The company is dying.
21:55Do you even understand?
21:57So what if it is?
21:58We have plenty of money.
22:00Mom, we're about to be bankrupt.
22:01The house, the cars, the accounts, it's all being liquidated to pay the debt.
22:05Soon, you might not even be able to afford a meal.
22:07That's impossible.
22:09Is it?
22:10Damien cut the transmission.
22:12He sat in his office, staring out the window at the skyline.
22:15Everything he had built over the last 10 years, gone overnight.
22:19Suddenly, his wristband vibrated.
22:21An encrypted string of numbers flashed on the display.
22:24No hologram.
22:25No ID.
22:29A man's voice came through the comms.
22:31Mr. Vance, did you receive my gift?
22:36Who is this?
22:37You don't need to know who I am.
22:39You just need to know that this is only the beginning.
22:42The debt you owe will be paid with the entire Vance Group.
22:47The connection cut to static.
22:49Damien tried to dial back, but a gray notification flashed on his terminal.
22:53The ID you are trying to reach does not exist.
22:57His hand began to shake as he gripped the device.
23:00The Vance Group officially entered bankruptcy liquidation.
23:03The estate, the cars, every single asset was auctioned off.
23:07Priscilla was forced out of the mansion and into a cramped rental unit.
23:11Celeste took Briar and left, clutching the last bit of credits she could scavenge.
23:16I can't suffer with you.
23:17Damien, Briar has her schooling to think about.
23:21Damien moved into the small side wing where the caskets were kept.
23:25He had managed to keep the cryo units.
23:27He spread a blanket on the floor and slept right there beside them.
23:31Mira came to find him once.
23:32You've thrown away the entire family empire for a dead woman!
23:36How can you do this to Mom?
23:38Then who is going to make things right for Clara?
23:41Damien looked at her, his voice a ghost of its former self.
23:45Who is going to make it right for Aurora?
23:48Mira never came back.
23:49Damien started looking for work.
23:51But in this city, the reputation of a bankrupt CEO spreads faster than a virus.
23:56No one would hire him.
23:57He ended up at a construction site in the Old District, $200 a day, working until his back
24:02felt like it would snap.
24:03At night, he'd return to the viewing room and eat cheap bread from a convenience store.
24:07Then he'd sit by the caskets and talk to himself.
24:10Clara, the foreman yelled at me today.
24:13Said I was weak.
24:15Said I didn't work like a real man.
24:18I remembered how you used to tell me to slow down, but my health was more important.
24:24I thought you were just nagging, nagging back then.
24:29Now I realize you were the only one who actually cared about me.
24:36He pulled out a crumpled cigarette and lit it.
24:38If Aurora were still here, she'd be starting preschool about now.
24:42Clara, you always said you wanted her to take piano lessons.
24:46I told you it was a waste of money.
24:48I'm such a scumbag.
24:50The cigarette burned down to his fingers, but he didn't even feel it.
24:53In the surveillance room, my father looked at me.
24:56Have you seen enough?
24:57I shook my head.
24:58No, I've seen enough.
25:01Get everything ready.
25:02I'm going back to the company next week.
25:04You're taking over?
25:06Yes.
25:07The Vance Group has fallen.
25:08My debt is settled.
25:10It's time to start my own life now.
25:12My father nodded.
25:13Fine.
25:14But there's one thing you should know.
25:16What is it?
25:17Damien is looking for you.
25:18It looks like he figured out the android double was a fake.
25:21And Damien had.
25:22While going through my remains, he found something that didn't add up.
25:26Tucked inside the pocket of my old winter coat was a crumpled store receipt.
25:30The date on it was three days after I had supposedly died.
25:34It was for a strawberry shortcake, Aurora's favorite.
25:37Dead people don't buy cake.
25:39Damien stared at the receipt, his hands trembling violently.
25:42I was the one who made sure he found it.
25:44He went straight to that bakery to check the security footage.
25:47On the screen, a woman in a mask was holding a little girl's hand.
25:51Even with her face covered.
25:52That silhouette.
25:54That walk.
25:54It was Clara and Aurora.
25:56Damien sprinted out of the store like a madman.
25:59He went everywhere we used to go.
26:01The parks, the malls, the playground.
26:04Finally, outside a private preschool, he saw Aurora.
26:07She was wearing a pink dress with her hair and pigtails.
26:09A man in a suit was holding her hand, leading her toward a car.
26:14Aurora!
26:15Aurora froze, then immediately hid behind the man in the suit.
26:18Damien tried to grab her, but the man blocked him.
26:20Sir, what are you doing?
26:21That's my daughter!
26:23Where's Clara?
26:24Where's her mother?
26:25I don't know anyone named Clara.
26:28This is my employer's daughter.
26:29Move aside.
26:30Damien didn't believe him.
26:32He reached out to pull Aurora toward him.
26:34Suddenly, Aurora burst into tears.
26:36Batman!
26:37You're a Batman!
26:38You made Mommy cry!
26:40Damien went stiff.
26:43Aurora, I'm your daddy.
26:45No, you're not!
26:47My daddy is dead!
26:50Mommy said so!
26:52She said he didn't want us and now he's dead!
26:57Damien looked like he'd been struck by lightning.
26:59Just then, a sleek black sedan pulled up to the curb.
27:03The window rolled down slowly.
27:05I sat in the backseat watching them.
27:07Long time no see, Damien.
27:09Damien turned.
27:10When he saw me, his pupils blown wide with shock.
27:12Clara!
27:14You really...
27:15You're not dead!
27:16I stepped out of the car, walked over to Aurora, and swept her into my arms.
27:20No thanks to you, I'm still breathing.
27:23Mommy!
27:24That scary man tried to grab me!
27:26It's okay, baby.
27:27Mommy's here.
27:28You played me.
27:30You lied to me this whole time.
27:32I did.
27:34The android double was a fake.
27:36My death was a setup.
27:37How else was I supposed to make you feel what it's like to lose everything?
27:41How could you be so cruel?
27:43Cruel?
27:44Damien, were you cruel when you kicked your wife and daughter out onto the highway in a
27:48blizzard?
27:48Were you cruel when you refused to pay for her medical bills?
27:52Damien opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
27:54The black sedan's engine hummed softly.
27:57Holding Aurora in my arms, I turned to get into the car.
28:01Damien suddenly lunged at us like a madman.
28:04Clara, don't go.
28:06Please.
28:07I know I was wrong.
28:08I really know I was wrong.
28:09Just give me one more chance.
28:11I'll make it up to you.
28:12I'll be a good father.
28:14A good husband.
28:16Bad man.
28:17Don't want bad man.
28:19A chance?
28:21When you abandoned us on the highway in minus five degrees, did you give us a chance?
28:26When your daughter was fighting for her life and you refused to pay a single cent, did
28:31you give us a chance?
28:34I raised my hand and signaled the driver.
28:37Drive the car.
28:38The driver stepped on the gas immediately.
28:41Damien was dragged forward two steps.
28:43Clara!
28:44I'll find you!
28:45I swear I'll find you both!
28:47Through the rearview mirror, I gave him one last glance.
28:51Like looking at a bug that had been completely crushed.
28:56Three days later, in the top floor office of Whitfield Group,
29:00the entire wall is covered in holographic screens,
29:03blasting breaking news from all over the city.
29:07My dad sits in his leather chair, tapping his fingers on the desk.
29:12He's still looking for you.
29:14I set my glass down and slide a legal document across the desk to him.
29:19Custody lawsuit.
29:20Plaintiff.
29:21Clara Whitfield.
29:23Defendant.
29:24Damien Vance.
29:25I'm going to make him admit every single one of his crimes in open court.
29:29I'm going to make sure he legally loses the right to ever get close to Aurora again.
29:33I want the whole world to see what a piece of trash he really is.
29:37My girl, you've finally grown up.
29:41Suddenly, my smart band flashes a bright red emergency light.
29:45It's Felix.
29:46I answer it, my heart dropping.
29:49His voice is shaking, completely panicked.
29:52Clara, grab Aurora and run right now.
29:55Damien has lost his mind.
29:57He found out where you live.
30:01Outside the villa gates,
30:03Damien clutched a printed sheet with an address on it in his hand.
30:06I want to see my daughter.
30:08She's my daughter.
30:10Sir, this is private property.
30:12No one enters without permission.
30:14Get out of my way.
30:15That's my child.
30:17I have the right to see her.
30:19He violently shoved the guard aside and charged toward the villa.
30:23Clara, open the door.
30:25I know you're in there.
30:27Aurora, daddy's here.
30:29Daddy's here to take you home.
30:30The door slowly opened, but it wasn't me.
30:33Let go of me.
30:35What right do you have to touch me?
30:37Upstairs, I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window with Aurora in my arms,
30:41my father beside me.
30:43Sunlight spilled across my body.
30:46Warm, bright, untouchable.
30:49Still struggling, Damien looked up.
30:52The moment he saw me, he froze.
30:54Aurora, remember this.
30:56This man is not your father.
30:58He's just a stranger who tried to hurt you and mommy.
31:01Stranger!
31:03Bad man!
31:06One week later, the Supreme Court.
31:09The courtroom is packed for the public trial.
31:12Damien stands in the defendant's box.
31:14His hair has gone gray.
31:16He looks like he aged 10 years overnight.
31:18At the plaintiff's table, I sat calmly in a simple tailored suit, composed and unshaken.
31:26My lawyer presents all the evidence, piece by piece.
31:30Highway security footage.
31:32Proof that he kicked his own wife and daughter out of the car.
31:36Phone records.
31:38Proof that he blocked my calls and refused to pay for emergency medical bills.
31:41Damien, she is your daughter!
31:43Are you going to transfer the money or not?
31:46No.
31:47The judge bangs the gavel.
31:48Defendant Damien Bounce, how do you plead to these charges?
31:51Damien looks up at me.
31:53I plead guilty.
31:57I ruined my own family.
31:59I'm so sorry.
32:01The judge bangs the gavel again to deliver the verdict.
32:05Damien Bounce is permanently stripped of all custody and visitation rights for Aurora
32:09Whitsfield.
32:10A lifetime restraining order is issued.
32:13Damien Bounce must pay full child support until Aurora is an adult, along with massive
32:17emotional damages and medical bills.
32:19For child abandonment and endangering a minor, Damien Bounce is sentenced to community service
32:24and will be permanently blacklisted on all financial and social credits.
32:29The final gavel falls.
32:31I stand up, take Aurora's hand, and turn my back on him.
32:35We walk out of the courtroom, and the sunlight covers us both.
32:42Three months later, the Aurora Express Arctic Circle.
32:46I'm sitting by the window, holding Aurora in my arms.
32:51Outside, the green northern lights cover the entire night sky like a flowing river of stars.
32:58She looks healthy, bright, and her eyes are sparkling.
33:03Mommy, look!
33:04The lights are so pretty!
33:06Yeah, baby.
33:07Mommy brought you here to see them.
33:09And we're going to come back every single year.
33:14Mommy, will that bad man ever come back?
33:18Never again.
33:20Starting today, nobody can ever hurt you.
33:25Mommy will protect you forever.
33:27My smart band lights up with a soft chime.
33:31It's a text from my dad.
33:33All remaining Vance Group assets have been merged into Whitfield.
33:37Damien is stuck breaking his back on a construction site.
33:40His debts was completely finished.
33:42Celise, Mira, and Priscilla are all broke and hate each other now.
33:46Welcome home, my little princess.
33:47I shut off the screen.
33:50The northern lights dance outside the window.
33:53Aurora falls fast asleep in my arms, safe and sound.
33:58I look out into the night and speak softly under my breath.
34:02Damien, look at us now.
34:04Everything you threw away, I took it all back.
34:06Everything you destroyed, I rebuilt it all.
34:10Everything you owed us, you'll spend the rest of your life paying for it.
34:13And me and Aurora, we are going to be happy forever.
34:17The train speeds through the northern lights, heading straight into a future full of endless light.
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