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Short filmTranscript
00:03After a year of not seeing my husband due to our long-distance marriage, I stumble upon his
00:07sister-in-law's Instagram, my dear niece. In the photo, my husband Ethan holds a baby in one arm
00:12and wraps the other around a woman I do not know. I quietly notes down the address and close the
00:17post. On the weekend, I go to the address. The place is lively. A pretty woman stands at the
00:22entrance, holding a one-year-old girl as she greets guests. She smiles and says to me,
00:28You're Ethan's colleague, right? Come in. I glance at the little girl in her arms. I keep my face
00:33blank and ask, Where is Ethan? I do not see him anywhere, but I do see a few familiar faces
00:38from
00:39Ethan's family. Ethan went to pick up his parents. He'll be back soon. Two days ago, my in-laws told
00:44me they signed up for a two-week tour. I wanted to treat them, so I covered part of their
00:49trip and
00:50sent them a thousand dollars as a gift. She leads me into the banquet hall. As soon as I get
00:55closer,
00:56a middle-aged man says to Hannah with envy, I really envy Ethan. Not only is his wife beautiful,
01:01but his daughter is even more beautiful. Several people chime in, one after another. Hannah,
01:08when you left your career to return to the family, we worried about you. Now it looks like you made
01:12the right choice. More than six years have passed, and you and Ethan are still so happy. Now you even
01:18have a daughter. I'm really happy for you. My hand curls into a fist, my nails digging into my palm.
01:25Our marriage has lasted just seven years, and he has been cheating with Hannah for more than six
01:30of those years. What is even more ridiculous is that in these long seven years, I knew nothing.
01:36Even this morning, he sent me a good morning text like always. Honey, I miss you. For these seven
01:41years, his salary goes into our joint account. He only keeps a small allowance. The rest goes to
01:47household expenses and savings. Every year, he buys me a piece of Tiffany jewelry with his year-end bonus.
01:53I have collected quite a few of those little blue boxes at home. A year ago, he discussed it with
01:59me.
02:00The company wanted to transfer him to the Boston branch with a $5,000 monthly raise. He said it
02:06was for our son's future. He wanted to earn more to save for our son. After thinking it through,
02:14I agreed to let him go to Boston.
02:19One of Ethan's colleagues lifts his glass and sighs.
02:23Ethan is unreal. Three years in a row, top sales in the entire region. He works so hard and treats
02:30his wife so well. That kind of man is rare.
02:33Hannah's face glows with a bright smile. Time flies. I attended your wedding six years ago,
02:40and now you already have a child. So they even had a grand wedding.
02:46When I married Ethan, we only went back to his hometown and held a small party. Only his parents
02:52and a few relatives were there. He did not invite any friends or colleagues. I stand in the crowd,
02:58quietly listening to the secrets of my husband I never knew. A woman loops her arm through Hannah's
03:05and asks eagerly, Hannah, how do you do it? Ethan practically loves you. Teach me your secret.
03:11Her smile is full of happiness. It's just that Ethan is a great man. I'm lucky to have met him.
03:18A friend beside her shakes the bracelet on her wrist. It is a new Tiffany piece.
03:25Let me tell you how good Ethan is to her. Every year, he buys Hannah one as a gift.
03:32Hannah laughs and lightly taps her. Don't say everything out loud. Her friend shrugs.
03:40What's there to hide? Your husband's heart is completely with you.
03:45They chat enthusiastically, not noticing at all that I stand there like an outsider.
03:50Hannah's phone rings. Ethan is calling me. Hold her for a moment.
03:55As she speaks, she casually places the baby in my arms. The soft little girl lies quietly in my arms.
04:02Not crying, not fussing. Hannah stands right beside me. Ethan's voice comes clearly through the phone.
04:08Baby, don't tire yourself out. I picked up my parents. There's some traffic. Don't worry.
04:14Hannah answers gently. I'm not tired. Take your time driving. Don't rush. As soon as she hangs up,
04:19a wave of envy rises around us. You two are so in love. At the office, he texts you every
04:26hour.
04:27Hannah, you really found a good man. Even if every man in the world cheats, Ethan never would.
04:34I used to think Ethan cared deeply about me. He calls me once a day and sends me a message,
04:40even though the calls are short, usually under a minute. I have never doubted him.
04:47I never thought he was sharing every detail of his life with another woman.
04:55I hold the baby and find an empty seat. By accident, I notice a custom cross necklace around her neck.
05:05Seven years ago, right after I found out I was pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl,
05:11my mom had a pair of necklaces specially made. She even took them to church and asked a priest to
05:18bless.
05:18But fate had other plans. Something went wrong during delivery. Only my son survived.
05:28The one meant for my daughter, I have kept carefully in the safe at home.
05:33Every time I think of the child who never got to be born, I hold that necklace and cry until
05:39I can't breathe.
05:42My hands bowl as I touch this necklace and gently turn it over.
05:49A name is clearly engraved on the back.
05:52Joy Shaw.
05:55Hannah walks over with a smile and sits beside me.
05:58My daughter's name is Joy Shaw.
06:01Ethan picked it.
06:02This necklace was also custom made by Ethan.
06:05You have no idea how much he loves his daughter.
06:08He treats you really well.
06:10You must be pretty new at the company, right?
06:12I know all the old employees.
06:14Some left later.
06:16Ethan said there are quite a few new hires now.
06:19Yeah.
06:22The company benefits are good, but there's always business trips.
06:27Ethan only stopped traveling this past year.
06:29Before that, he was always on the road.
06:31Sometimes we wouldn't see each other for a whole month.
06:33Good thing we got through it.
06:35Yeah.
06:36Hannah makes no move to take the baby back.
06:40From time to time, she gets up to greet new guests.
06:44My daughter really likes you.
06:46When my friends hold her, she cries right away.
06:51But you've been holding her for so long and she hasn't cried at all.
06:55That's amazing.
06:57I reply lightly.
06:59Maybe it's because I have a child too.
07:02I'm used to it.
07:03And Shu leaned.
07:04Then I'll trouble you to hold her longer.
07:06I need to greet her over some new guests.
07:09She walks off without worry.
07:11I look at the large banner hanging in the middle of the hall.
07:15Happy first birthday, Joy.
07:17Daddy and Mommy love you.
07:19My son never had a birthday party.
07:22Now he can throw a joyful birthday party.
07:25Only I still remember the daughter who never got to be born.
07:29Suddenly, my mother-in-law calls me.
07:33Claire, I sent you a text.
07:35Did you see it?
07:36No.
07:37Are you at the grocery store?
07:39It's so loud on your end.
07:41Check the text I sent you.
07:43I can barely hear you.
07:45Just text me back.
07:46I open my phone and see the message she sent 20 minutes ago.
07:51Claire, one of Ethan's cousins just had a baby.
07:55I need to send a gift.
07:57Can you trance me $500?
07:59You know how it is.
08:01It's family.
08:02My fingers tighten around the phone, turning pale as anger surges through me.
08:08I do not reply.
08:10Another message comes in.
08:11Did you transfer it, Claire?
08:13It's urgent.
08:14I still do not respond.
08:16Soon, another message pops up.
08:21She starts blaming me.
08:23I always thought you were sensible.
08:25I didn't expect you to be this kind of person.
08:28Fine.
08:29Forget it.
08:30I'll figure it out myself.
08:32When Hannah comes back, she is on the phone.
08:35I clearly hear Ethan's voice through the receiver.
08:38Baby, my mom got another piece of jewelry for our little girl.
08:42You don't need to buy more.
08:44Our baby already has plenty.
08:47Ethan adds,
08:48This one is different.
08:50It was blessed by a priest at church.
08:53Two days ago, my son left for summer camp.
08:57Before he left, my mother-in-law told him to take off his necklace so he would not lose it.
09:03After he took it off, he casually handed it to her for safekeeping.
09:07I never thought she would use my son's necklace as a gift for Ethan's illegitimate daughter.
09:14Hannah smiles sweetly.
09:15Then thank mom for me.
09:17She's so thoughtful.
09:19My mother-in-law's voice comes through the phone.
09:21What's there to thank?
09:22This is what I should do as a grandmother.
09:25You gave me such a precious granddaughter.
09:28I should be thanking you.
09:30We'll be there soon.
09:32As soon as the call ends, Hannah reaches out to take the baby.
09:36But then she notices new guests arriving not far away.
09:40She turns to greet them again.
09:41I keep holding their illegitimate daughter.
09:46Your birthday party will be unforgettable for everyone.
09:51Finally, I hear Ethan's family arriving late.
09:53Their voices carrying through the crowd.
09:55Holding his illegitimate daughter, I walk up to the stage.
09:59Just as he asks Hannah.
10:01Baby, where's our girl?
10:04Dear, your bastard child is in my arms.
10:08All eyes turn to me on the stage.
10:11Then chaos erupts.
10:13Hannah runs to me, holding back her emotions, and speaks gently.
10:17I don't even know how to address you.
10:20I thought you were Ethan's colleague.
10:23Ma'am, do you have some conflict with Ethan?
10:27We can talk this through.
10:29Can you give me the baby first?
10:30I do not give the baby back.
10:32Instead, I tell her,
10:34I am his wife of seven years.
10:38We have a six-year-old son.
10:40Tell me, do we have a conflict?
10:44Hannah's face turns pale.
10:45She staggers back a step.
10:47Shock fills her eyes, and tears stream down her face.
10:51How is that possible?
10:53Darling, tell me, how many years have we been married?
10:57All eyes burn toward him.
11:00Voices rise from the crowd.
11:02I always thought Ethan was on his second marriage.
11:04Turns out, he never divorced.
11:06So who is his real wife?
11:08Why are there suddenly two wives?
11:10No wonder the woman on stage was so quiet earlier.
11:13I knew something was off.
11:15I look at my in-laws, just as humiliated, and say on purpose,
11:19Dad, Mom, tell them, who is your daughter-in-law?
11:23My in-laws lower their heads and say nothing.
11:26Ethan looks like a knife is pressed to his throat.
11:28As he slowly walks onto the stage,
11:31Hannah grabs his arm, crying.
11:35Say something!
11:37What is going on?
11:41Which one of us is the other woman?
11:44Don't get worked up.
11:45I'll explain everything to you slowly.
11:49Hannah refuses to back down.
11:52No.
11:54I want you to say it now.
11:56She showed up at our baby's birthday party and made a scene.
11:59This has to be made clear in front of everyone.
12:02Whether I'm the other woman, or she is,
12:05we were both deceived.
12:06We're both victims.
12:09I recognize that ring.
12:11When I married Ethan,
12:12I fell in love with that exact design at first sight.
12:16But it was too expensive, so I chose a simpler one.
12:20Back then, Ethan's eyes turned red with guilt.
12:23As he promised me,
12:24that one day, when he could afford it,
12:26he would buy me that ring.
12:28Now he can afford it,
12:30but the ring is on another woman's hand.
12:33Ethan looks at me.
12:34His eyes are filled with tangled emotions.
12:37Shame weighing on him.
12:39His lips move with difficulty.
12:41I'm sorry.
12:42Please stop making a scene.
12:44Can we talk?
12:45At home?
12:46Dear,
12:47what did you say?
12:48Go home?
12:50Which home?
12:53Do you mean the home we share,
12:55or the one you share with Hannah?
12:57He looks even more ashamed,
12:59unable to face me.
13:00He steps forward and reaches for my microphone.
13:03I'm begging you.
13:05Stop this.
13:06I take a step back and pull my arm away.
13:09I do not let him take the microphone.
13:12Answer me.
13:14Who is your wife?
13:16What are you doing here today?
13:19Hannah rushes forward,
13:20grabbing his arm,
13:21her voice shaking.
13:23Say it!
13:24Ethan is forced into a corner.
13:26He has no choice but to answer.
13:30You are my wife.
13:32I'm sorry.
13:33I shouldn't have cheated.
13:35The crowd explodes.
13:41Hannah breaks down,
13:42crying as she hits him over and over.
13:44Then what am I?
13:47How could you do this to me,
13:49Ethan?
13:53She suddenly remembers something
13:55and clutches his arm tightly.
13:56No.
13:57No, that's not right.
13:58We have a marriage certificate.
14:00I'm your legal wife.
14:03The certificate is fake.
14:08Hannah's legs give out.
14:10She collapses to the floor,
14:11her sobs tearing through the room.
14:14It's not fake.
14:15She cries out,
14:17her voice breaking.
14:19You gave me a ring.
14:22You gave me a wedding.
14:25You stood in a church
14:27and made vows in front of everyone.
14:31Now we even have a child
14:33and you're telling me
14:34and you're telling me
14:34and you're telling me it was all fake?
14:36Ethan,
14:37how could you do this to me?
14:41He treats you better
14:42than he treats me.
14:44He buys you real Tiffany every year.
14:47The ones he gives me are fake.
14:51He told me he was transferred to Boston for work.
14:55That was a lie too.
14:57He's been living with you openly
14:59as your husband.
15:03I lift the necklace
15:04from her daughter's neck.
15:06Do you know where this necklace came from?
15:09Seven years ago,
15:11I was pregnant with twins for Ethan.
15:15My mom specially had a pair of necklaces made.
15:19She even had the names engraved on the back
15:22and took them to church for a priest blessing.
15:25And the name your daughter has now
15:27was the name I chose for my unborn daughter.
15:31I never thought
15:33he would give my daughter's things to your daughter.
15:36I turned to my in-laws
15:38standing in the middle of the crowd.
15:40My dear mother-in-law
15:42even planned to give the necklace
15:44my son is wearing now
15:45to this illegitimate child.
15:48Seven years of marriage.
15:51How have I treated you?
15:55You always said we're family.
15:58Is this what you call love?
16:01In these seven years,
16:03you Charles in and out hospital.
16:05I was the one taking care of you.
16:09Even your night crew update
16:10and wadding mom,
16:11I soshed him by hand for seven years.
16:14Since I married Ethan,
16:16you have not cooked a single meal.
16:19Two days ago,
16:20you said you were going on a trip.
16:23I even gave you a thousand dollars.
16:25I treated you like my own parents.
16:28And you?
16:30How did you treat me?
16:32How did you treat your only grandson?
16:34My mother-in-law is called out
16:36in front of everyone.
16:39She is so ashamed,
16:41she cannot even lift her head.
16:43The whispers from the crowd
16:44strips away every last bit
16:46of their dignity.
16:48Unbelievable.
16:50Ethan cheats?
16:51And his parents were in on it
16:52the whole time?
16:54Apple doesn't fall far
16:55from the tree,
16:56does it?
16:57That poor woman gave seven years
16:59to this family.
17:01What a waste.
17:03Ethan walks toward me again.
17:05He pulls me into a tight embrace.
17:07Claire, I'm sorry.
17:09I'm a piece of shit.
17:11His voice breaks,
17:13thick with tears.
17:14I'll never do it again.
17:17Forgive me.
17:18Just this once.
17:20Please.
17:21Held in his arms.
17:22I start crying.
17:24Hannah watches him hold me
17:26and apologize.
17:27She cries.
17:28Then lets out a bitter laugh, too.
17:33She gets up from the floor,
17:35grabs Ethan's arm,
17:37pulls us apart.
17:39What about me?
17:40How are you going to answer to me?
17:43You bastard!
17:45She almost falls again.
17:46Her whole body trembles.
17:48She sways,
17:49her makeup ruined by tears.
17:51I'm sorry.
17:52I lied to you
17:53and I wasted your time.
17:55You'll meet someone better.
17:56Not someone like me.
18:01Hannah bursts into hysterical laughter.
18:05Trash!
18:06Ethan does not spare her another glance.
18:09Honey,
18:11can we go home?
18:14What about her?
18:15What are you going to do?
18:17I know you've always wanted a daughter.
18:19If you're willing to raise her,
18:20we can keep her with us.
18:23Hannah stumbles toward me
18:24and drops to her knees.
18:29Claire.
18:31Claire,
18:32I'm begging you.
18:33Give me my child.
18:37I won't fight you for Ethan.
18:39I'll give him back to you.
18:42She cries so hard
18:44she can barely breathe.
18:48My child can't go with you.
18:50I didn't mean to be the other woman.
18:52I truly didn't know he had a family.
18:55Please give my baby back to me.
19:00I reach out and take off the necklace
19:02from the baby's neck.
19:04Don't worry.
19:05I won't hurt her.
19:07If I wanted to,
19:09I wouldn't have waited until now.
19:11As I speak,
19:12I remove the necklace.
19:14The baby whimmers.
19:15Probably hungry.
19:17Hannah pleads.
19:18She's hungry.
19:20Please,
19:21let me feed her.
19:21Can I have her back?
19:22I need you to answer a few questions.
19:25Don't worry.
19:26I won't take your child.
19:27I have my own.
19:29She nods.
19:30It seems she will answer anything she knows.
19:33Since you've been together,
19:35how much money has Ethan give you?
19:37The wedding cost about $50,000.
19:40After we got married,
19:42he gave me $10,000 a month
19:43and every year he buys me jewelry.
19:46In these six years,
19:48it's about $800,000.
19:51After I married him,
19:53I stopped working.
19:56I really didn't know
19:57he was already married.
19:59I really didn't know
20:00he was already married.
20:03I know you'll sue
20:04to get back every dollar
20:05he spent on me.
20:11So I won't lie to you.
20:14I calm down a little
20:16and ask her,
20:17If I ask you to return the money,
20:19will you?
20:20She nods without hesitation.
20:22Yes.
20:23I'll write you a check.
20:24Right now.
20:31Hannah takes out her checkbook
20:33without a second thought.
20:35She lowers her head,
20:36writes quickly,
20:37I've returned the money.
20:39I'm giving the man back to you too.
20:43I only want my child.
20:45Can you give her back to me?
20:54This is your child.
20:56No one can take her from you.
21:01I'll take the money.
21:03I don't want the man.
21:04As soon as I finish speaking,
21:06I walk out without looking back.
21:09Ethan does not hesitate.
21:11He immediately runs after me.
21:16We return to the home
21:17we have lived in for seven years.
21:19Ethan comes closer,
21:20reaching out to hold me,
21:22apologizing sincerely.
21:24There won't be a next time.
21:26Just this once.
21:29We shove his arm away.
21:30Don't touch me!
21:32Ethan does not dare to come for closer.
21:34He keeps begging for forgiveness.
21:35Honey,
21:37I'm sorry.
21:39I really lost my head
21:40for a moment.
21:43I promise
21:44I'll cut her off.
21:46From now on,
21:47our family
21:47will live a good life together.
21:49Okay?
21:50My in-laws come back.
21:51My mother-in-law speaks
21:52with a trace of guilt,
21:54her tone heavy.
21:55Claire,
21:56I know
21:56this has hurt you deeply,
21:58but there's nothing I can do.
22:01That child out there
22:02is still Ethan's.
22:04I hope
22:05you don't dwell on this.
22:07Just live your life
22:09as usual.
22:10My father-in-law adds,
22:12This is already blown up today.
22:15Let's not bring it up again.
22:17Just
22:20live your life
22:22properly.
22:23This marriage
22:24is over.
22:27Ethan,
22:28you disgust me.
22:31My eyes re-reddens
22:33despite myself.
22:34He looks at me helplessly.
22:37Then tell me,
22:39what will it take
22:40for you to forgive me?
22:42As long as I can do it,
22:44I'll do anything for you.
22:46Hatred surges up
22:48from deep inside me.
22:49The words spill out.
22:52Then,
22:52go die.
22:54Just go die!
22:59I go back to the bedroom
23:00and lock the door.
23:02Still in my shoes,
23:03I step up onto the bed.
23:08I take the photo down
23:10and stab Ethan's face
23:11over and over with scissors.
23:15The deeper I once loved,
23:18the deeper I now hate.
23:20It tears my heart apart.
23:23Outside the door,
23:25Ethan keeps trying to coax me.
23:27Where?
23:29Please?
23:31Open!
23:38After I calm down,
23:40I start packing
23:41my personal belongings.
23:44I send a message
23:45to my lawyer
23:46that I want a divorce.
23:47Riffle
23:47you
23:47that I want
23:47and
23:47after I
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