- 3 hours ago
- #romance
A breathtaking modern romance tracking a cold corporate tycoon who falls completely crazy for a brilliant independent lady partner. #Romance
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Short filmTranscript
00:14The night before our wedding, my boyfriend left to take care of his childhood sweetheart.
00:19I called Marcus Cole, my nemesis.
00:22I'm short a groom today.
00:25You want to step in?
00:29Sophie's really sick.
00:30High fever.
00:31She's been like this since we were kids.
00:32And every time I was there for her, I can't just leave her.
00:35It used to hurt to hear it.
00:36It didn't anymore.
00:38My birthday.
00:39Sophie scraped her knee on set.
00:40He drove four hours to her.
00:43Our anniversary.
00:44Sophie got a death threat from a troll.
00:46He left me at the restaurant and spent the entire night at her apartment.
00:50And now, the night before our wedding, he booked a flight without telling me
00:54and flew out to be with her.
00:56Ryan, I'm asking one, one more time.
01:01Can you make it back for the 11 o'clock ceremony?
01:03Lily, there's no way.
01:06Can we just push it back one day, please?
01:08Push it back?
01:12Every single guest is either already at the venue or on their way.
01:16And you're asking me to postpone the wedding?
01:19On what bounds-ins?
01:21Lily.
01:22Because you're a jerk?
01:23Or Sophie's just that good at playing the victim?
01:26Lily.
01:28I'm telling you, there's nothing going on between me and Sophie.
01:32You two should just marry each other.
01:34Why drag me into this for four years?
01:37If you're not back today, we're done.
01:39I told you, I literally cannot make it.
01:41If you don't want to lose me, you'll postpone the wedding.
01:45I turned around, grabbed a chair, and threw it directly at the engagement photo on the wall.
01:53Lily.
01:54What did that jerk say?
01:56It's okay, baby.
01:58It's okay not to get married.
01:59I looked at her.
02:00I forced a smile.
02:02Who said I'm not getting married?
02:04I called Marcus Cole, my nemesis.
02:07Freshman year, I have a good relationship with the class monitor.
02:11Marcus appeared out of nowhere and drank the whole thing.
02:15The class president never talked to me again after that.
02:18I'd always suspected that was when he decided to make my life difficult.
02:23After graduation, I thought I was done with him.
02:25No such luck.
02:27His family's business competed directly with mine.
02:30We kept ending up at the same table, bidding on the same projects.
02:34Lily?
02:36A few months back, when he found out I was getting married, he'd laughed and said,
02:42You should have married me.
02:43We are a powerful alliance.
02:45Yeah, it's me.
02:46I'm short a groom today.
02:48You want to step in?
02:50One second.
02:51Two seconds.
02:51Three.
02:52My heart was going too fast.
02:54Lily, is this a joke?
02:56If you don't want to, forget I...
02:58I'm in.
02:58You're actually saying yes?
03:01Yeah.
03:03But one condition.
03:04I'm not a prop.
03:07What does that mean?
03:08When I get married, I want a real wife.
03:10Someone who will actually be there.
03:12You understand?
03:14Deal.
03:16So, what do I need to do right now?
03:20Get to the Grand Hotel by 11.
03:22You won't be disappointed.
03:24We hung up.
03:26Everyone around me looked stunned.
03:28Marcus?
03:29The Marcus Cole you're always talking about?
03:31Your business rival?
03:34Yes.
03:35But how is that okay?
03:38He's your enemy.
03:39What if he uses this against you?
03:41Marcus is gorgeous.
03:42He built his company from scratch.
03:44He is so much better than Ryan.
03:46Ryan, I'm actually excited you.
03:49Marcus and I were using each other.
03:52But it didn't matter.
03:53I needed this wedding to happen.
03:55Ryan's parents called, trying to talk me down on his behalf.
03:59Be reasonable.
04:01Push it to tomorrow.
04:02If you want to be one of us...
04:04Lily, you need to learn to soften up a little.
04:07I hung up.
04:09Marry into their family?
04:12Keep dreaming.
04:13My parents had one kid.
04:15So they'd bought a townhouse, two doors down from our family home.
04:19And set it up as our wedding house.
04:20After the ceremony, once we signed everything, it would transfer to our names.
04:25By 9.30, I was in the dress.
04:27I knew I'd called Marcus in as a last minute stand-in.
04:31I knew I was going to have to carry most of this myself.
04:34However bad it got, I was going to make it look perfect.
04:37When we were getting ready to leave, fireworks went off downstairs.
04:41The whole street smelled like a celebration.
04:44My other bridesmaid, Jessica, ran back into the room.
04:48Lily!
04:48Marcus is here!
04:50You have to see this motor trade!
04:52Come on, we have to go down and meet him!
04:54A long, perfect row of white cars lined the street.
04:58I didn't expect him to show up at my door.
05:00No one does that.
05:02Amber!
05:03Shoes!
05:03Now, let's go!
05:04My parents have already gone downstairs to pick him up.
05:07I had no idea what Marcus was up to.
05:10Lily!
05:11Hello.
05:12Mrs. Cole?
05:13Mom, dial it back a little.
05:15You're going to scare her.
05:19Marcus!
05:20What are you doing?
05:23What are you doing?
05:24I'm getting married.
05:26You...
05:27I told you to meet me at the venue!
05:29I'm going to the venue.
05:31I'm picking up my bride first.
05:35What, you're upset?
05:36If I just show up at the venue, what does that look like?
05:39What does everyone around me think?
05:43Marcus, how did you manage to get all this done in such a short time?
05:48Compared to you, that's nothing.
05:52What?
05:53Nothing.
05:55Shouldn't we be heading out?
05:56We're going to be cutting it close.
05:57My face went warm, but I nodded.
06:00Yeah, let's go.
06:01I never imagined my husband would be Marcus Cole.
06:04In my head, he'd always been the guy with the sharpest tongue in any room.
06:09The person I once thought of beating up turned out to be my husband.
06:14Eleven o'clock.
06:15The wedding began.
06:16When we walked onto the stage, the room erupted.
06:19Wait, that's not Ryan?
06:21I thought the groom was Ryan Kellerman.
06:23What is going on?
06:26Whoever this guy is, he's way taller.
06:29Way better looking.
06:31Has anyone noticed the Kellibert family isn't here?
06:33Did she switch grooms?
06:35This is insane.
06:37I was about to reach for the MC's mic to say something.
06:40Marcus got there first.
06:41I glanced at him.
06:43You've got some nerve.
06:44But I had underestimated him.
06:46Hi, everyone.
06:47I'm Marcus Cole, Lilissy's husband.
06:50Thank you all for being here to celebrate with us today.
06:52This is a love story that took some serious detours to get here, but we made it.
06:56He had apparently already briefed the MC because the entire script had been rewritten.
07:01The MC launched into a story about two evenly matched rivals,
07:05seven years of tension that turned out to be something else entirely.
07:09The right person has always been there.
07:12Everyone else is just there for the sake of it.
07:15Then the MC moved us forward, and we started exchanging rings.
07:19I was going to use the rings I'd bought for Ryan.
07:22But when the rings came out, I stopped.
07:24That wasn't the same box.
07:25I looked at Marcus.
07:26He was already opening it.
07:28A diamond caught the light and practically blinded the front row.
07:32Oh my god, is that 10 carats?
07:35At least.
07:36She is so lucky.
07:38Why does stuff like this never happen to me?
07:40Marcus put the ring on my finger.
07:42It fit perfectly.
07:44At the same time, Marcus leaned down and kissed me, mouth to mouth.
07:48I was already running on fumes, but the reception wasn't the end of it.
07:52After dinner, a handful of guests, some out of curiosity and some probably hoping to watch us fail,
07:59said they wanted to see the place.
08:00Marcus had done everything else.
08:02He couldn't have had time to set up a whole house.
08:05I was about to make excuses for us.
08:07Come on, everyone follow the cars!
08:10I thought he'd lost his mind.
08:12The whole ride over, I was tense.
08:14I didn't want to walk into an empty house and have everyone stare.
08:19Marcus reached over and took my hand.
08:22Hey.
08:24Stop worrying.
08:24When we got there, I understood why he told me not to worry.
08:29He had set everything up.
08:30White roses and red roses shaped into archways at every doorway.
08:35The decorators just left.
08:36Marcus leaned in close and then I saw the photos.
08:40My engagement photos.
08:41From the shoot I'd done with Ryan.
08:43Except, Ryan was gone.
08:45In his place, a photo of Marcus in a suit.
08:48How?
08:49Money.
08:49By the end of the day, I was completely exhausted.
08:53I showered, changed into pajamas, climbed into the king-sized bed, and didn't move.
08:58Marcus came out after his shower.
09:00I sat up.
09:01The photos.
09:02How did you actually have those?
09:04What if I told you Ryan gave them to me?
09:06Ryan gave them to you?
09:08Why would Ryan give you our engagement photos?
09:12Guess.
09:14Fine, forget it.
09:15He walked toward the bed.
09:16I looked away fast, cleared my throat.
09:20I want to sleep alone tonight.
09:22Separate bedrooms?
09:24Is that okay?
09:27Three days, that's all I'm asking.
09:30Can we maybe...
09:32No.
09:33Don't even think about pulling a fast one on me.
09:35Then he walked over to the large sofa opposite and lay down.
09:39What are you doing?
09:41Sleeping.
09:44I said I wanted to sleep alone.
09:46You are sleeping alone.
09:48I meant in this room, by myself.
09:51You go sleep in the guest room.
09:52Not a chance.
09:53You care about appearances.
09:55Great.
09:56So do I.
09:57I showed up out of nowhere as a last-minute groom.
10:00My family is going out on a limb for me here.
10:03They're trusting me.
10:04And you want me sleeping in the guest room?
10:06He had a point.
10:07My phone rang.
10:08I grabbed it off the nightstand.
10:10Ryan.
10:10Marcus guessed it.
10:12He was off the couch fast.
10:13Ryan?
10:14I looked at the phone.
10:15Then I picked up.
10:17Before I could say a word, Ryan's voice came through.
10:20Like nothing had happened and he hadn't abandoned our wedding.
10:23Lily.
10:23I'm about to board.
10:25Land in two hours.
10:26Come pick me up, okay?
10:28Ryan.
10:29Do you have amnesia?
10:30I was wrong.
10:31I know.
10:31I'm sorry.
10:32I even got you something.
10:32Ryan.
10:33I got married today.
10:36He actually laughed.
10:38Okay, babe.
10:39Come on.
10:39My whole family didn't show up.
10:41Who exactly did you marry?
10:42You're right.
10:43Your family wasn't there.
10:44This wedding, my family planned it.
10:45We paid for it.
10:46We built it.
10:47And when you couldn't show up, your family didn't even try to help me manage it.
10:50One phone call and they told me to postpone it.
10:52Like that was my problem to solve.
10:54But Ryan.
10:55Ryan, you are not the only man in the world.
10:57What are you saying, Lily?
10:59What are you saying right now?
11:01Marcus held out his hand.
11:02I thought about it for a second.
11:04Then I handed him the phone.
11:06Lily, answer me.
11:07Answer what?
11:09It's the middle of the night.
11:11You can call whoever you want.
11:13But you don't get to talk to my wife.
11:15Marcus?
11:16Is that Marcus Cole?
11:18Yeah.
11:19You can stop playing dumb.
11:20Who is your wife?
11:21What are you doing with Lily's phone?
11:23My wife is Lily.
11:25You knew what you were doing.
11:27Don't come around here anymore.
11:29You won't like how it ends for you.
11:31You two are unbelievable.
11:33Marcus hung up.
11:35The phone rang again immediately.
11:37I blocked the number.
11:38By the end of that night, I was running on empty.
11:41But my mind wouldn't quiet down.
11:43I was sure I'd lie there until morning.
11:45Instead, at some point, I fell asleep.
11:47When I woke up, pale light was leaking around the curtains.
11:51I grabbed my phone.
11:52After nine, I sat up fast.
11:55I got up, washed my face, was about to shower when I remembered I'd only packed one change
12:00of clothes.
12:01No shower then.
12:02Just make up and go.
12:04I came out of the bathroom and stopped.
12:06A full outfit was folded neatly on the couch.
12:09Everything.
12:09The right size.
12:10Marcus?
12:11This man I'd written off as arrogant and difficult for years.
12:15Turns out he had this side too.
12:17Marcus was at the table with his laptop, working.
12:20He stood when he heard me, came over and took my hand.
12:24Wow.
12:25All dressed up.
12:26Big meeting?
12:27No.
12:28I plan to go home today.
12:30And my grandpa had sat through the entire wedding without saying a word.
12:34That silence had weight.
12:36Right.
12:37Almost forgot.
12:39Breakfast first.
12:40He sat me down and brought out a small pot of oatmeal with fruit, a basket of warm croissants,
12:46fresh pressed orange juice, and two soft poached eggs.
12:50He filled my bowl.
12:51I took a bite.
12:52It was really good.
12:53Your chef is excellent.
12:56I don't have a chef.
12:58You made this?
12:59Yeah.
13:00If you like it, I'll cook for you more.
13:01I know a lot of other things.
13:02He said it like it was nothing.
13:04I didn't know what to do with that.
13:06This person I'd always seen as untouchable, all sharp edges and control, could just cook.
13:12I picked up the orange juice.
13:14He looked at me.
13:15Did you press this yourself?
13:16Mrs. Cole, you can trust that I'm going to take good care of you.
13:21I didn't know where to look.
13:22I put my head down and ate.
13:24After breakfast, I reached for the dishes.
13:27Marcus caught my hand.
13:28Hands like yours don't do dishes.
13:30That's what husbands are for.
13:31He loaded the dishwasher.
13:33I stood there watching.
13:34I thought about a dinner I'd made at Ryan's apartment once.
13:38The results were fine.
13:39Nothing special.
13:40Ryan finished everything and wrapped his arms around me from behind.
13:44I'm the luckiest guy alive.
13:46But Marcus said my hands were too nice for dishes.
13:49I wasn't comparing.
13:50I just noticed the difference.
13:52Marcus appeared at my elbow, face close, breath warm.
13:56What are you thinking about?
13:58Nothing.
13:59His arm came around my waist and he pressed a kiss to my forehead before I could move.
14:04I pushed him off and basically fled to the other room.
14:08We were almost out the door when my mom called.
14:10Ryan's family was at the house.
14:12We got there fast.
14:13I heard Ryan's mom before I was through the door.
14:17Your daughter has no shame.
14:19Hooking up with some other man behind my son's back.
14:24The man with no shame is Ryan.
14:26Marcus's voice cut through the room.
14:29You two little...
14:30Enough!
14:32Does anyone here think I'm dead?
14:34With all due respect, your granddaughter is the one in the wrong here.
14:39A man who doesn't even attend his own wedding.
14:43Who leaves his fiance to go be with another woman.
14:46And you're standing in my house telling me my family is in the wrong?
14:52Get out!
14:53We came here for an apology.
14:55Not one word and now out!
14:59Fine.
15:00We'll go.
15:01But that townhouse they were supposed to get?
15:04Sell it.
15:05We want half.
15:06I almost laughed.
15:08Half of what?
15:09On what basis?
15:11On the basis that it was part of an agreement between our families.
15:16What agreement?
15:17Ryan is nothing to us now.
15:20We always said that house would go to Lily and her husband after the wedding.
15:24Her husband is right here.
15:26His name is...
15:27Marcus Cole.
15:29Marcus Cole.
15:30Not Ryan Kellerman.
15:31Ryan Kellerman is nobody.
15:33You cheated on my son,
15:35and you're standing there acting righteous?
15:37I will tell everyone.
15:38I will make sure everyone knows what you did.
15:42The only thing anyone needs to know,
15:44that with parents like you,
15:46Ryan never stood a chance.
15:49You'll regret this, Lily.
15:51A second later, Marcus' phone buzzed.
15:53He stepped outside to take it.
15:55I followed.
15:56His assistant was at the gate,
15:58passing a sealed envelope through the bars.
16:00Then, as Ryan's parents reached the sidewalk,
16:02he held it out to them.
16:04Take this home.
16:05Read it carefully.
16:06I have more where that came from.
16:08You're welcome to go public.
16:10I'd actually enjoy watching how that plays out for your family.
16:13Ryan's parents looked at the envelope,
16:14at Marcus,
16:15at each other.
16:16They took it and left.
16:18Later, I asked him what was inside.
16:20He just smiled.
16:21Whatever it is,
16:22I thank God Lily didn't end up with that family.
16:25I always thought Ryan was decent enough,
16:27a stable job,
16:28educated,
16:29polite.
16:29I wasn't paying close enough attention.
16:32This turned out better.
16:34After everything settled and the extra people had gone,
16:37Marcus went out to his car.
16:39He came back carrying a long,
16:41rectangular box and two smaller ones.
16:43What is all this?
16:45Come here.
16:46Take these.
16:47I held them carefully.
16:48Marcus carried the long box over to my grandpa
16:51and set it on the table in front of him.
16:54My parents asked me to bring this for you, sir.
16:57We're family now.
16:58You don't need to bring anything.
17:00It's not much.
17:01I heard you collect antique pocket watches.
17:03This watch has been sitting in my house for a long time.
17:05Everyone's tired of looking at them.
17:07I thought you might give it a better home.
17:12Pocket watches?
17:13I'd love your opinion, sir.
17:15A gold pocket watch,
17:16engraved case,
17:17the kind that caught light and held it.
17:19My grandpa reached for it
17:21before he could stop himself.
17:2317 jewel movement,
17:25clean a cappiment.
17:26This is a serious piece.
17:28Glad it meets your standard.
17:30It's too much.
17:32Take it home.
17:33The most valuable thing in this family
17:35just walked through my door.
17:36A watch is nothing.
17:38If you're willing to accept me as your grandson-in-law,
17:41I'd be honored if you kept it.
17:42He kept the watch.
17:44The first smaller box.
17:46My dad's preference, somehow.
17:47The second smaller box.
17:49A delicate antique brooch.
17:51My mom wore vintage pieces whenever she could.
17:53How Marcus had found out all of this about my family.
17:56My dad and Marcus opened the scotch Marcus had brought.
17:59Marcus knew exactly what he was doing.
18:02Talking about it like he'd been studying for years.
18:05Distillery.
18:05Aging process.
18:06Tasting notes.
18:07Then he sat across from my grandpa
18:09and played cribbage with him for two hours.
18:11My mom was half-watching a drama in the corner.
18:15Marcus managed to drop a few comments
18:17about the lead actor that had her
18:18and asking questions.
18:20By the end of the day,
18:21my entire family was calling him by his first name.
18:25Sweetheart.
18:25I was stunned.
18:28Sweetheart?
18:54If you're not ready yet, there's no need to rush to get a make-it official.
18:58I'll think of something to tell them.
19:00On the drive back, Marcus said it without looking at me.
19:03Okay.
19:04Tired?
19:06Not really.
19:07He reached over without warning and messed up my hair gently.
19:10Marcus!
19:13Yeah?
19:14I looked at the clean line of his jaw
19:16and held back what I'd been about to say.
19:18We had been enemies for years.
19:21You went quiet.
19:23Why did you say yes?
19:24When I called you.
19:26Why wouldn't I?
19:27You're smart.
19:28You're driven.
19:29You're easy on the eyes.
19:30We run in the same world.
19:31You're the obvious choice.
19:32And honestly,
19:34once I marry you,
19:35I lose my most dangerous competitor.
19:37He just called me easy on the eyes
19:39and a worthy opponent in the same breath.
19:41Back to business.
19:42Whatever happens between us,
19:44I want to keep our company separate.
19:45Assets stay divided.
19:47Fine.
19:48No hesitation.
19:49I figured we were equals anyway.
19:51Except the next morning at the office,
19:53my assistant came in practically glowing.
19:56Lily!
19:57We got the Harrington Project.
20:00Really?
20:01I'd done my homework.
20:02Cole Group had been in that bid
20:03and they'd had the edge.
20:04Cole Group pulled out.
20:06So we're in!
20:07She was new.
20:08She didn't know yet.
20:09They withdraw?
20:10Yes.
20:11I sat with that for a moment.
20:13Thanks.
20:14You can go.
20:15That evening,
20:16I asked him straight.
20:18Why did you hand us the Harrington Project?
20:20You could handle it.
20:21We had other options.
20:22That's not a real answer.
20:23Before?
20:23Yes, I would have fought you for it.
20:25But that was when you were someone else's girlfriend.
20:27You're my wife now.
20:28I'm not going to compete with my own wife.
20:30Soup's almost ready.
20:32Go change.
20:33Wash your hands.
20:33He'd shifted gears so cleanly,
20:35I almost missed it.
20:37But I was also actually hungry.
20:40Wine?
20:42Sure.
20:43Dear dishes,
20:44every one of them something I liked.
20:46Didn't realize we had the same taste.
20:49Better than expected.
20:51Eat more.
20:52You're too thin.
20:53Will it feel no soft to the touch?
20:56I automatically finished the thought in my head.
20:58Before bed,
20:59I went to the bathroom to do my skincare routine.
21:02After I came out,
21:03I found five missed calls,
21:05all from unknown numbers.
21:06The last one had been called three minutes earlier.
21:09Why didn't you call me when I had missed calls?
21:11Marcus was by the window.
21:13Someone outside.
21:16I came to stand beside him.
21:18A car was parked at the bottom of the driveway.
21:20In the light above the front gate,
21:22a figure stood on the sidewalk.
21:25Ryan.
21:25I turned to look at Marcus.
21:27How does he know your address?
21:29Big wedding,
21:30a lot of guests.
21:31Someone always likes to stir things up.
21:32My phone buzzed.
21:33A text from the unknown number.
21:35Lily,
21:36I'm outside.
21:36I know you can see me.
21:37Come down.
21:38I need to talk to you.
21:39You want to go?
21:41If you don't come out,
21:42I'll stay here all night.
21:44Please.
21:44Just down.
21:45One last conversation.
21:46I didn't answer.
21:47Another text.
21:48I hesitated.
21:49Then I turned from the window.
21:51Marcus moved fast.
21:52One hand on my arm.
21:54You sure about this?
21:57Yeah.
21:59Last time.
22:01I'll come with you.
22:03Do what you want.
22:04The front door opened.
22:05Ryan was already moving toward me.
22:07Lily,
22:08you finally-
22:09He saw Marcus behind me.
22:10His expression changed.
22:12I need to talk to her alone.
22:13He doesn't get to be here.
22:15I glanced past Ryan to the woman standing by the car.
22:18Sophie's standing right there.
22:19So why exactly can't my husband be here?
22:21Ryan's face cracked.
22:23Husband.
22:23So you really were sneaking around behind my back.
22:26You're such a-
22:27The sound of my hand connecting with his face was very loud.
22:30My palms stung.
22:32Ryan stood there for a few seconds with his hand over his cheek.
22:35We're done, Ryan.
22:36Whatever you think happened, we're done.
22:38You know exactly when it started going wrong between you and Sophie.
22:43You made a choice.
22:47You knew?
22:51Ask her.
22:52She sent me the photos herself.
22:54You told me you'd never let her find out!
22:56Sophie said nothing.
22:57And just like that, I didn't hate her anymore.
23:00She was pathetic and pitiable in equal measure.
23:03Keep whatever dignity you have left.
23:05We're done.
23:06That's it.
23:09I turned to go back inside.
23:11Ryan's voice came from behind me, sharp and mocking.
23:15You finally got what you wanted, didn't you, Marcus?
23:17Must feel good.
23:18I stopped and turned around.
23:20What does that mean?
23:22I should have seen it.
23:24I should have been watching you the whole time.
23:26Marcus said nothing.
23:27He turned and walked away.
23:29Whatever came next for them was none of my business.
23:32I looked at Marcus, leaning against the doorframe.
23:35He looked at me.
23:36The corner of his mouth lifted.
23:39Who got what they wanted.
23:43You did, Mrs. Cole.
23:44Marcus had been in love with me this whole time.
23:47I kept turning this over and couldn't make it fit.
23:50And Ryan had known.
23:52Back in the bedroom, I pushed until I got the full story.
23:56Senior year of college, Ryan found Marcus's wallet, which contained a small photo of me.
24:01And he discovered the secret.
24:03The year we graduated, I started dating Ryan.
24:06Ryan knew Marcus liked me.
24:08So when the wedding photos were done, Ryan sent him a copy.
24:11He only said one sentence.
24:13You're done.
24:14Move on.
24:15After that, Marcus had stopped paying attention to me entirely.
24:19He told me all of this and then went and lay on the couch and stared at the ceiling and
24:24refused to say another word.
24:26Until I said,
24:27But we were enemies, weren't we?
24:31Who wanted to be your enemy?
24:33What?
24:34Nothing.
24:35I like you.
24:36That's the whole story.
24:37I leaned over the edge of the couch and looked at him up close.
24:41His ears were red.
24:43He was embarrassed.
24:44His sharp-tongued, unshakable man, embarrassed.
24:47Marcus.
24:49Are you blushing right now?
24:51Be honest.
24:52Oh my god.
24:53He sat up fast, grabbed my wrist and pulled.
24:56Laugh one more time.
24:58See what happens.
25:00I held my breath.
25:01Didn't blink.
25:03He held the look for another second.
25:05Then pushed off and walked away.
25:09I jumped up off the couch, ran to the bed and pulled the covers over my head.
25:14Somehow, after all of that, I fell asleep.
25:17The next morning, Marcus was up before me.
25:19He came to the side of the bed and tugged the blanket.
25:22It's early.
25:23Sleep in.
25:24I'll call you when breakfast is ready.
25:26Mmm.
25:27At 7.10, my phone rang.
25:29Marcus.
25:30I came downstairs.
25:31Breakfast was already on the table.
25:34After we ate, he said.
25:36My mom mentioned she'd love to have us over for dinner tonight.
25:38Does that work for you?
25:40It works.
25:42I'll drop you at the office this morning and pick you up after.
25:44Okay.
25:44But that afternoon, a piece of gravel that fell from the construction site hit me on the head.
25:50My company's project manager, Amber, had taken me along to do a site walkthrough.
25:55Call an ambulance quickly!
25:56A loose chunk of concrete came off the upper level.
25:59We went straight to the emergency room.
26:01Severe concussion.
26:02The doctor wanted me admitted.
26:04A serious concussion.
26:05We'd barely gotten through the intake when Marcus walked through the door.
26:08What's going on?
26:08He talked to the doctor.
26:09Yeah, you'll get a nice piece.
26:11Only then did his expression ease.
26:13He went to handle the admission paperwork.
26:15How did he even know I was here?
26:21He, he's my cousin.
26:23Cousins?
26:25You've been hiding this for years?
26:27You two were at each other's throats constantly.
26:29Every time you brought him up, you sounded like you wanted to commit a crime.
26:32I stayed out of it.
26:33I swear I never told him anything about the company.
26:36That part I believe.
26:38But my personal life, my family's preferences, my taste in food, that was all you, wasn't
26:44it?
26:45He's my cousin.
26:46I helped where I could.
26:49Case closed.
26:50The doctor recommended three days of observation.
26:54That evening, both sets of parents came.
26:57I'll stay and take care of you.
26:58She's his wife.
26:59He takes care of her.
27:00You go rest.
27:00You've done enough.
27:01Marcus had already gone home, packed what I needed, and brought it all back.
27:06I hit my head.
27:07I can walk.
27:07I don't need anyone staying.
27:09Marcus stayed anyway.
27:11Three days.
27:12Every meal, every errand, every small thing.
27:16He handled it.
27:17On the fourth day, I was cleared to go home.
27:20Does it still hurt?
27:23Not really.
27:24I'd rather be home than here.
27:26Fair enough.
27:28Sit.
27:29I've got it.
27:32Thanks, Mom.
27:33Mom, you're not from here originally, are you?
27:36Your accent.
27:37No, we're not.
27:39Marcus didn't tell you?
27:40I didn't know.
27:46There's something I've been wanting to tell you.
27:48Marcus studied business management to take over from his father.
27:51His second year of college, he asked his dad to shift the company's base of operations here.
27:54His father had a contact in the city who was developing a major real estate project and needed an investment
27:59partner.
27:59That gave us the opening.
28:01We moved the business here gradually over the next few years.
28:04That makes sense.
28:07For his father, that was the reason.
28:09For Marcus, there was another one.
28:13I only found out a couple of years ago.
28:16There was a girl he liked.
28:18She was here.
28:19The night before your wedding, Amber called me.
28:21She said the girl Marcus had been carrying a loach for was about to get married.
28:25I was worried about him, so I went over.
28:27He had your pictures up on his laptop.
28:30I thought, that's her.
28:31The one.
28:32And she's marrying someone else tomorrow.
28:34Then the next morning, he called me out of nowhere and said he was getting married.
28:37I thought he'd lost it completely.
28:38I asked him who to, the girl I love.
28:41And I could hear it in his voice, this joy he couldn't even pretend to contain.
28:44He told us not to ask questions, just trust him.
28:47Things were moving fast.
28:48Follow his lead.
28:49She stopped.
28:50Her eyes were bright.
28:51Marcus has not cried since he was five years old.
28:53But that night when I came over, he was drinking alone and there were tears on his face.
28:57Lily, please take care of him.
29:00Because he loves you.
29:01He really, truly loves you.
29:03I will.
29:04We'd barely left the hospital when his mom suggested I come stay with them for a while.
29:09I've got it, mom.
29:10She's my wife.
29:11Thank you for today.
29:12We'll see you soon.
29:13He picked up my bag, put his hand on my back, and steered me toward the car.
29:18On the way home, I kept glancing at him.
29:20I was trying to picture it.
29:22Marcus.
29:22Alone.
29:23With tears on his face.
29:25I laughed before I could stop myself.
29:27Lily.
29:27If something is actually wrong with you, say the word.
29:30And we'll turn around right now.
29:32I laughed harder.
29:33Which made the stitches pull.
29:35Which made everything worse.
29:38You're being incredibly mean to an injured person.
29:42You're staring at your husband like he's a circus act.
29:44How is that my fault?
29:46The light turned red.
29:48Confess.
29:49I'll make your favorite for dinner.
29:51And if I don't confess?
29:53Still making your favorite for dinner.
29:57Then we have nothing to negotiate.
29:59He'd made a promise.
30:01Three days.
30:02The three days were up.
30:03I got into bed first.
30:05Looked at him.
30:06You don't thrash in your sleep, right?
30:08Of course not.
30:09I barely move.
30:10I promise.
30:11I won't go anywhere near your stitches.
30:14Then get in.
30:15He climbed in fast.
30:16Okay.
30:17You're okay.
30:19I'm not touching you.
30:20Sleep.
30:21I closed my eyes.
30:23Then he leaned over and kissed the corner of my mouth.
30:28Good night.
30:29I stared at the ceiling.
30:31Just out of nowhere.
30:33A few more days at home.
30:35Marcus mostly.
30:35He stayed close.
30:37The stitches came out a week and a half later.
30:39The doctor had shaved a small patch on my head.
30:42I hated the look of it.
30:43So I wore a clip in at the office until it grew back.
30:46Marcus had decided I couldn't eat certain things until I was fully healed.
30:51He enforced this without apology.
30:53Three meals a day.
30:54Cooked.
30:55If he genuinely couldn't do it, his mom sent something over.
30:59Word had spread through the company.
31:00My husband was Marcus Cole.
31:03And I was apparently on good terms with his mother.
31:06Marcus's mom and I are getting our nails done.
31:09Marcus's mom invited me to her book club.
31:11I introduced Marcus's mom to historical cosplay.
31:14We're planning a trip together.
31:15The person who benefited most from all of this was my mom.
31:19As for me, Marcus had slowly ruined me for normal life.
31:23I'd become lazy in a way I hadn't noticed until it was too late.
31:27He blew my hair dry for me after showers.
31:30One morning, I came up behind him while he was cooking and wrapped my arms around him and said,
31:35Are you trying to make me useless?
31:37He turned my hand over and pressed his lips to the inside of my wrist.
31:41Like you were doing any of this before I came along.
31:44Here's the thing.
31:45Once you've had this, you can't go back.
31:48I'm doing this on purpose.
31:50I want you so used to being taken care of that you can't imagine life without me.
31:54That's the plan.
31:56What if you change your mind someday and leave?
31:58Then I'm in real trouble.
31:59He turned all the way around, tipped my chin up, and kissed me once.
32:03Seven years.
32:06I had you in my head for seven years.
32:08I finally got here.
32:09You think I'm letting go?
32:11Go change.
32:12Dinner in ten.
32:13We never filed the marriage license.
32:15I don't know how he explained it to my family, but no one pushed.
32:19He told them he was waiting for me.
32:21Waiting until I was ready to choose it for real.
32:24Four months after the wedding, I found out I was pregnant.
32:27I looked down at the man holding my hand.
32:31Marcus, let's go make it official.
32:35Right now?
32:37For real?
32:38He'd had the folder sitting in his car for months.
32:41IDs, the marriage license applications, all of it.
32:45I thought he'd ask, is this just because of the baby?
32:48He never asked.
32:49All the way through the process and after, when we came out with the paper in hand,
32:54he held me, let go, kissed me, held me again.
32:58Thank you, Mrs. Cole.
33:01Mr. Cole is very, very in love with you.
33:03That's not changing.
33:04Before we made it home, sitting in the car,
33:07he took a photo of the license and the ultrasound printout and posted it.
33:11I opened Instagram and liked his post.
33:14Then I posted one of our wedding photos.
33:16Caption.
33:17For the rest of it, I'm staying.
33:19She was beautiful.
33:20But what got me wasn't her face.
33:23It was the way she laughed.
33:24I fell for her on the spot.
33:26I'd never liked anyone before.
33:28I didn't know how to do it.
33:29So I just kept showing up.
33:31Kept making her notice me.
33:33And I got it completely wrong.
33:35She thought I was picking fights.
33:37Thought I didn't like her.
33:38That I was going out of my way to make her life difficult.
33:41I wasn't.
33:42I just liked her.
33:44Liked her so much that on quiet nights,
33:46when the room was empty and everyone was out,
33:49I'd lie on my bed and think about her.
33:51And feel, inexplicably, fine.
33:53I really liked her.
33:55She genuinely couldn't stand me.
33:57Marcus is the most annoying.
34:00So everything I did, I kept quiet about.
34:03Because when someone you dislike does something for you,
34:06it doesn't feel like kindness.
34:07It feels like a motive.
34:09I didn't want her more on guard.
34:11I didn't know what else to do.
34:13So I just kept liking her.
34:15Let it grow, because I couldn't stop it.
34:17Senior year, her thesis files were wiped by a virus.
34:20I recovered her system and got everything back.
34:23This time, I'd gone to her.
34:25She had to know it was me.
34:27Marcus, thank you.
34:29Don't mention it.
34:30But she looked at me.
34:32That was enough to run on for weeks.
34:34And when she said my name, I thought,
34:36Huh, my name sounds like that.
34:38Then I thought, her name, Lily.
34:41I'd been saying it in my head for years.
34:43It never got old.
34:44It still doesn't.
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