- 6 hours ago
Their Kiss Cam Betrayal : New 🔝
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:03My bestie and I have known each other for 20 years, but today my bestie and my husband betrayed me
00:09together.
00:13Jessica, did you go to that Coolfly concert? I heard the live show was amazing.
00:19Yeah, I saw clips online. I wish I were there. Come back soon and we can go together.
00:26Let's go to the kiss camp.
00:35On the third day of my business trip to the West Coast, I saw a video of my husband kissing
00:41my bestie at the Coolplay concert.
00:47On my wedding day, she cried her eyes out.
00:50Wishing you forever happiness.
00:57After a few moments of silence, I called her.
01:04Jessica, did you go to that Coolfly concert?
01:07I heard the live show was amazing.
01:09Yeah, I saw clips online. I wish I were there. Come back soon and we can go together. Okay.
01:16I hung up and caught the first flight straight to her place.
01:23Jessica, I'll protect you.
01:25Emily, you are the hero in my life.
01:28After 20 years, I had to ask her, why did you lie to me?
01:32My flight landed in Boston at exactly 9pm. Perfect time for a date.
01:38What took you so long?
01:40I went straight to Jessica's apartment and knocked.
01:46She opened the door and the moment she saw me, her face went pale.
01:56Emily, what are you doing back? Weren't you in Los Angeles for work?
02:00Didn't speak.
02:01My eyes locked onto her nightgown.
02:03It was a black lace see-through nightgown.
02:05Week ago, I went shopping with her.
02:07A woman needs to feel like a woman.
02:09This is my secret weapon.
02:11Now this secret weapon I helped her pick out,
02:14was it going to be used on my husband?
02:21I wanted to laugh, but my eyes got red first.
02:26Jessica and I had been best friends since we were little.
02:30At 7, I chased away the boys who bullied her.
02:35Jessica, I'll protect you.
02:37Emily, you are the hero in my life.
02:40At 13, I was the one who grabbed a mop and charged into the bathroom.
02:44You bullies, don't you dare hurt my friend!
02:52At 17, we went to different high schools.
02:55Her parents were fighting and separated.
02:57Emily, I can't go on anymore.
02:59Driving on $20 a month, she dropped from 135 LBS to 80 LBS.
03:07I sneaked out of my boarding school that night and ran home.
03:10I knelt in front of my parents, begging them to sponsor her.
03:13Thus, she made it through and got into an Ivy League from 7 to 27.
03:18We'd known each other for 20 years.
03:20She said so many times that I was the hero in her girlhood.
03:24Now, she was wearing the sexy nightgown I helped her pick out, ready to climb into my husband's bed.
03:30Thinking about this, I wanted to laugh but couldn't.
03:33I tried to stay calm and asked her.
03:37Do you have a date tonight?
03:38My voice was natural as ever.
03:41Who is he? Do I know him? Tell me bestie.
03:43But her face went completely white.
03:53It's just a colleague.
03:56You don't know him.
03:58She was still lying to me.
04:00My eyes scanned her panicked face, then landing on her wrist.
04:05I smiled slightly.
04:07That's a pretty bracelet.
04:10Did your colleague give you that too?
04:13Last Valentine's Day, I went through Chad's purchase history.
04:17A pair of gold earrings.
04:19Van Cleef & Arpel's ruby bracelet.
04:22The earrings were $5,000.
04:24I was wearing them.
04:25The bracelet was $38,000.
04:28He gave it to Jessica.
04:29They look beautiful on you.
04:34She immediately hid her left hand behind her back.
04:38Yeah, from my colleague.
04:40She couldn't even lie convincingly.
04:42And yet, she'd been hiding this from me for so long.
04:46Forget it.
04:47I won't interrupt your date.
04:49See you tomorrow.
04:51I turned and walked away.
04:53The smile disappeared from my face.
04:59On the way home, they called my father.
05:01Dad, I need your help.
05:03Chad's job.
05:04Jessica's apartment.
05:06And every penny they've spent of my money over the years.
05:08Hire a lawyer and get it all back.
05:10Emily, are you sure?
05:12Yeah.
05:13They're together.
05:14And I won't be taken advantage of.
05:17I understand.
05:22My dad moved fast.
05:24I had just gotten home when the divorce lawyer sent me the email.
05:27Three gigabytes of evidence and documents.
05:29Opened it.
05:30Besides photos and hotel records, there was a video account I'd never seen before.
05:35Every single one had my husband Chad in it.
05:37I found out their first kiss was on my 23rd birthday.
05:40While I went out to get the cake, they were in the living room.
05:44Like their lives depended on it.
05:46Her first time was during that city-wide storm.
05:48Jessica's neighborhood lost power.
05:50I knew she was afraid of the dark.
05:52So when I couldn't reach her, I drove through the storm to check on her.
05:55I was completely soaked.
05:57Jessica's door was locked.
05:58I was afraid something had happened to her and kept knocking in the dark for an hour.
06:02Now I know.
06:02She was in a hotel suite with Chad that night, having a candlelit dinner.
06:07They slept together for the first time.
06:09And the latest video, uploaded 10 minutes ago, it was shot at Jessica's apartment.
06:13She was still wearing that sexy nightgown, smiling innocently at the camera.
06:17Shhh, almost got caught.
06:21But Mr. Thompson said he'll make it up to me tonight.
06:25He's not allowed to go home.
06:27The voice was so natural.
06:29Not even a trace of guilt.
06:31Four years, 83 videos, from my birthday to the stormy night.
06:35Every moment I thought they hated each other.
06:37They were behind my back, kissing and cheating.
06:42My hand gripped the mouse until my knuckles went white.
06:45Suddenly remembered my wedding day.
06:47Jessica wore the bridesmaid dress we picked out together.
06:50She was crying her eyes out.
06:52She held my hand and threatened Chad.
06:54Emily is my best friend.
06:57If you ever hurt her, I will make you pay.
07:00The bouquet toss, everyone in the crowd was reaching for the bouquet.
07:04But I walked through the crowd and handed the bouquet directly to her.
07:07Jessica, I hope you find happiness too.
07:14She froze for a second, then sobbed uncontrollably.
07:18She shouted in my ear.
07:19Emily, I hope you are happy forever!
07:23Scenes flashed before my eyes.
07:25I sat on the couch, tears streaming silently down my face.
07:29My phone rang.
07:30It was Chad.
07:31His voice was half-cautious, half-complaining.
07:33Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?
07:36I wouldn't have known if Jessica hadn't told me.
07:39His voice was half-cautious, half-complaining.
07:42Where are you now?
07:44Do you want me to pick you up?
07:46Didn't speak. My eyes were fixed on Jessica's latest video.
07:50I'm at the airport.
07:52Came back to get some files.
07:56Leaving again soon.
07:58Okay, honey.
08:01I'm still at work, so I won't be able to see you off.
08:04Let me know when you're back.
08:05I hung up.
08:07My lawyer, Ms. Smith, looked at me hesitantly.
08:11So, what's your plan now?
08:13Mrs. Smith, if I catch them in the act, does that help my case in divorce court?
08:20I'm still at work.
08:21I'm still at work.
08:22My hand gripped the mouse until my knuckles went white.
08:26Suddenly remembered my wedding day.
08:27Jessica wore the bridesmaid dress we picked out together.
08:30She was crying her eyes out.
08:32She held my hand and threatened Chad.
08:34Emily is my best friend.
08:36If you ever hurt her, I will make you pay.
08:38At the bouquet toss, everyone in the crowd was reaching for the bouquet.
08:42But I walked through the crowd and handed the bouquet directly to her.
08:45Jessica, I hope you find happiness too.
08:51She froze for a second, then sobbed uncontrollably.
08:55She shouted in my ear,
08:56Emily, I hope you are happy forever!
08:59Scenes flashed before my eyes.
09:01I sat on the couch, tears streaming silently down my face.
09:04My phone rang. It was Chad.
09:06His voice was half-cautious, half-complaining.
09:09Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?
09:11I wouldn't have known if Jessica hadn't told me.
09:13His voice was half-cautious, half-complaining.
09:16Where are you now?
09:19Do you want me to pick you up?
09:20Didn't speak. My eyes were fixed on Jessica's latest video.
09:23I'm at the airport.
09:25Came back to get some files.
09:29Leaving again soon.
09:31Okay, honey.
09:33I'm still at work, so I won't be able to see you off.
09:36Let me know when you're back.
09:37I hung up.
09:39My lawyer, Ms. Smith, looked at me hesitantly.
09:42So, what's your plan now?
09:45Mrs. Smith, if I catch them in the act, does that help my case in divorce court?
09:53Yes, it can help.
09:55I pulled out my phone and called a few important people.
09:58First, my dad.
09:59Dad.
10:00Major player in Boston finance.
10:02Also, Chad's boss.
10:03Meet me at Jessica's building.
10:05Tonight.
10:05For my sake, after Memorial Day, he was going to promote Chad.
10:09Send me the address.
10:10Second, Jessica's parents.
10:11Mr. Miller, please come to Jessica's apartment tonight.
10:14There's something you both need to see.
10:16Please meet me at Jessica's building.
10:19Come with me and witness a big surprise.
10:20And Chad's parents, his brother, I called everyone I could think of.
10:25I told them all to meet me at the place.
10:29Today, I wanted to see their faces when they found their daughter in bed with my husband.
10:34I thought a lot.
10:35I remembered the first time Jessica and Chad met.
10:37I carefully played peacemaker.
10:39Chad, this is my cousin Jessica.
10:40Jessica, this is Chad.
10:41I hate him.
10:44We don't get along.
10:46I can't stand her.
10:47Don't put us together.
10:50Jessica said you're young and promising.
10:53She said that?
10:55Chad picked this for you.
10:57I gave Jessica gifts and told her they were from Chad.
11:00I thought I was protecting my love and my friendship.
11:03Looking back now, the biggest laughing stock was me.
11:10That's okay.
11:11Soon, they won't be laughing anymore.
11:19Emily.
11:20Everyone's here.
11:21Sith's voice brought me back, got out of the car and looked at all the familiar faces.
11:25Everyone came.
11:27Jessica's parents grabbed my hand eagerly.
11:29Emily.
11:30You've done so much for our family over the years.
11:32What surprise are you giving Jessica this time?
11:34What your Jessica.
11:35This is definitely about Chad's promotion.
11:38I brought a camera.
11:39Don't worry, Emily.
11:40I know how to capture a surprise.
11:42Smith pulled me aside and whispered.
11:44Emily, are you sure you want to do this?
11:47If you go through with this tonight, there's no going back.
11:51Looked up at the light coming from Jessica's apartment.
11:54Remembered that summer, you were walking hand in hand down the street, sharing an ice cream.
11:58Emily, will we be best friends forever?
12:01Besties, forever!
12:02Knew I loved the ocean.
12:04He rented out an entire beach on Cape Cod to propose.
12:07Emily Carter, I love you and I'll love you forever.
12:10Will you marry me?
12:13But at 28, they chose to betray me without a word.
12:17Looked away.
12:18The lights upstairs had gone dark.
12:19They must be asleep.
12:20I'm sure.
12:24Gathered myself and gave everyone behind me a carefree smile.
12:29Let's go.
12:31Upstairs.
12:33There's a surprise.
12:36I led the group into the elevator.
12:38The elevator was cramped.
12:40Jessica's parents were still buttering me up.
12:42Emily.
12:43Our Jessica always says the luckiest thing in her life was meeting you.
12:48She always says meeting you changed her life.
12:51Yes, she says you're better to her than a real sister.
12:54We're truly grateful.
12:55They went on and on, hinting that our families should grow closer.
12:58Chad's parents weren't about to be outdone.
13:00They pushed in and grabbed my other hand.
13:01Emily, don't listen to them.
13:03Our Chad is the one who truly loves you.
13:05He's been waiting for that marketing director position for so long.
13:08Thanks to you and your father for making this happen.
13:11Dad Richard stood behind me.
13:12He placed a hand on my shoulder and held me gently.
13:14Could feel the warmth and strength in his palm.
13:17Could also feel the fury he was holding back.
13:19So was I.
13:20Took a deep breath and walked to Jessica's door.
13:22First, I called her phone.
13:24Her voice was sleepy and cautious.
13:26Hello?
13:27Emily?
13:27It's late.
13:28What's up?
13:29Nothing important.
13:30I just wanted to ask if you're home alone.
13:32I need to talk to you about something.
13:36Jessica was wide awake now.
13:37Her voice turned panicked.
13:39I'm home alone, but I'm already in bed.
13:41Emily, can we talk tomorrow?
13:42I'm really tired.
13:43She was still lying.
13:44The fear and guilt in her voice were impossible to miss.
13:47Okay.
13:47Get some sleep.
13:48Without hesitating, I called Chad.
13:50Asked him the exact same question.
13:52Honey, are you home alone?
13:53I need to talk to you about something.
13:55Yeah, I'm home alone.
13:57Lots of work.
13:58Just finished.
13:58He paused, probably realizing he sounded too tense.
14:01Then he added jokingly.
14:02What's up?
14:03You miss me?
14:05If it weren't so late, I'd fly to you right now.
14:08How ridiculous.
14:10He was lying in another woman's bed,
14:12telling me sweet nothings without missing a beat.
14:14I smiled to myself and hung up.
14:15In that moment, the crowd behind me went completely silent.
14:19Jessica's parents.
14:20Chad's parents.
14:21All of them sensed something was off.
14:22Their expressions shifted from excitement and anticipation to nervous confusion.
14:27Emily, what's going on?
14:29So you call us all here for...
14:31To give you a surprise.
14:33Then, under their horrified gaze,
14:35I pulled out the spare key Jessica had once forced into my hand.
14:39You're my best friend.
14:39I believe in you.
14:45I pushed the door open and flipped the light switch.
14:48The harsh light flooded the room.
14:50Jessica and Chad were tangled together, naked, sleeping soundly.
14:53The black nightgown I helped her pick out was tossed on the floor.
14:57His pants and shirt were scattered beside it.
14:59The air smelled of sex, mixed with perfume, sickening.
15:02But in that moment, I felt no pain.
15:04After being crushed by betrayal, all that was left was a cold, satisfying rush.
15:08Jessica was the first to react.
15:10She blinked groggily and let out a soft moan.
15:12Then she saw me standing at the foot of the bed.
15:14That moan turned into a piercing scream.
15:16She grabbed the blanket like a frightened animal and hit against Chad.
15:20Chad woke up, frowning and about to snap.
15:22And he turned and saw me.
15:23Emily?
15:24He shoved Jessica away instinctively, like she was something dirty.
15:27He froze.
15:28The entire room went dead silent.
15:30I looked at the two of them, panicked, humiliated, pathetic.
15:34The corner of my mouth curled up.
15:37Surprise.
15:39Jessica and Chad's faces went white as two sheets of paper.
15:44Ah, you shameless bitch!
15:46Jessica's mother let out a shriek.
15:48She lunged like a mad lioness and started swinging her.
15:51I'll kill you!
15:52You've disgraced our entire family!
15:54How dare you!
15:55Emily has been so good to you and to our family.
15:58Any man in the world and you choose hers?
16:00Jessica's father was purple with rage, shaking uncontrollably.
16:04He pointed at his daughter and couldn't even speak.
16:06Finally forced out one word.
16:09Disgrace!
16:09On the other side, Chad's parents finally snapped at him.
16:13They didn't scold their son.
16:14Instead, they ran straight to me.
16:16Emily, this is all a misunderstanding.
16:18Chad's mother grabbed him and forced his head down, making him kneel.
16:21You bastard!
16:22Neil!
16:23Beg your wife to forgive you!
16:25Chad realized he was finished.
16:27It was her!
16:28Jessica seduced me!
16:30I didn't mean for this to happen!
16:31I was just confused!
16:31As he spoke, he slapped himself twice.
16:34Honey, I made a mistake.
16:35A mistake any man could make.
16:37I swear I'll never do it again.
16:39Please forgive me.
16:40Just this once.
16:42Chad couldn't have started this.
16:43Someone must have seduced him.
16:45Chad's mother wasn't done.
16:46She turned and spat in Jessica's direction.
16:49Slut!
16:50Homewrecker!
16:51Look at yourself in the mirror before you go after our Chad!
16:55That was the spark.
16:56Jessica's father exploded, stepped forward, and slapped Jessica across the face with everything he did.
17:03Jessica and Chad's faces went white as two sheets of paper.
17:07Ah!
17:09You shameless bitch!
17:10Jessica's mother let out a shriek.
17:12She lunged like a mad lioness and started swinging her.
17:15I'll kill you!
17:16You've disgraced our entire family!
17:18How dare you!
17:19Emily has been so good to you and to our family.
17:21Any man in the world and you choose hers?
17:24Jessica's father was purple with rage, shaking uncontrollably.
17:28He pointed at his daughter and couldn't even speak.
17:30Finally forced out one word.
17:33Disgrace!
17:33On the other side, Chad's parents finally snapped at him.
17:37They didn't scold their son.
17:38Instead, they ran straight to me.
17:40Emily, this is all a misunderstanding.
17:42Chad's mother grabbed him and forced his head down, making him kneel.
17:45You bastard!
17:46Kneel!
17:47Beg your wife to forgive you!
17:49Chad realized he was finished.
17:51It was her!
17:52Jessica seduced me!
17:53I didn't mean for this to happen!
17:54I was just confused!
17:55As he spoke, he slapped himself twice.
17:58Honey, I made a mistake.
17:59A mistake any man could make.
18:01I swear I'll never do it again.
18:03Please forgive me.
18:04Just this once.
18:06Chad couldn't have started this.
18:07Someone must have seduced him.
18:09Chad's mother wasn't done.
18:10She turned and spat in Jessica's direction.
18:13Slut!
18:14Homewrecker!
18:15Look at yourself in the mirror before you go after our Chad!
18:19That was the spark.
18:20Jessica's father exploded, stepped forward, and slapped Jessica across the face with everything he had.
18:28You've disgraced me.
18:30Completely.
18:32Jessica held her face.
18:33Then she started laughing like she'd just heard the funniest joke in the world.
18:37Laughing.
18:38Crying.
18:38Tears streaming.
18:39She looked up at her father with hateful, insane eyes.
18:43Now you want to parent me?
18:45Now you're embarrassed?
18:46When you two divorced over your affairs and threw me away like garbage!
18:52Did you think about parenting me then?
18:57The voice was sharp and desperate, and she looked around the room at every single person.
19:06Finally, her eyes landed on me.
19:08She threw off the blanket, completely naked, and screamed.
19:12Fine!
19:13I'm cheap!
19:14I love stealing other women's men!
19:18Chad and his parents stared at her like she was insane, and Jessica herself kept laughing crazily.
19:23Then my voice came out.
19:25Jessica, did you really think no one loved you?
19:29Jessica's smirk froze on her face.
19:32She turned her head slowly and met and looked at her.
19:35At this face I had known for 20 years.
19:38All the memories I had buried came rushing out like a flood.
19:41Seven years old.
19:42You had just transferred to our school.
19:44The boys made fun of your Texas accent, pushed you down.
19:47You sat on the ground and cried.
19:48Who was it that ran at them, chased them all away?
19:51Who pounded her chest and told you, I'll protect you?
19:53Thirteen years old, you were insecure about your acne.
19:57The mean girls cornered you in the bathroom and tried to force you to drink mop water.
20:01Who got your call and ran without a second thought?
20:04Grabbing a mop and running from the third floor to the first.
20:07Tell me who risked getting expelled herself to save you?
20:10Spoke slowly, very slowly.
20:12You know it.
20:14It was always me.
20:18The room was quiet.
20:19Just my choked voice and Jessica's rapid sobs.
20:22Tears were falling like broken beads.
20:24Looked at her and kept going.
20:26High school.
20:27Your parents were divorcing.
20:29Neither of them wanted you.
20:31You lived on $20 a month.
20:34You ate two slices of toast a day just to save money,
20:38soon dropping from 135 pounds to 80 pounds.
20:41You got your call when you said you couldn't keep studying.
20:45You snuck out of her dorm and ran home,
20:48kneeling in front of her parents for two hours,
20:50begging them to pay for your school.
20:51And my wedding.
20:52You wore the bridesmaid dress we picked out together.
20:55You cried harder than I did.
20:56Everyone was reaching for the bouquet,
20:58but I walked through the crowd and handed it to you.
21:04You screamed in my ear that day.
21:06You wished me happiness forever.
21:09Was that a lie too?
21:14Jessica finally broke down.
21:16No.
21:17No, I meant it then.
21:19I really, really, really wanted you to be happy.
21:21She could barely breathe between sobs.
21:24But then, then I saw how good Chad was to you.
21:27He treated you like a princess.
21:32He bought you everything you wanted.
21:37He took you everywhere you dreamed of.
21:41I saw how happy you were, how you shone.
21:45And I couldn't stand it.
21:47I was jealous.
21:51Emily, at first I really did think of you as my best friend.
21:54When you begged your parents to pay for my school.
21:55Don't have a stand to dress the brains.
21:57I was so grateful.
21:59I swore I would pay you back.
22:02But later, I got into an Ivy League.
22:04I worked so hard.
22:06I got scholarships every year.
22:08But when I graduated, I hit walls everywhere.
22:11And you.
22:12You didn't study as hard as me.
22:13You didn't work as hard as me.
22:15But the day you graduated, your dad handed you the best job.
22:18That's when I started hating you.
22:19Why?
22:20Why were you born with everything?
22:22Why did I have to fight so hard and get nothing?
22:26Couldn't believe my ears.
22:27Even this back bay apartment you're living in now, my dad bought it and rented to you for $200 a
22:33month.
22:33Did you forget all of that?
22:37My question was met with a bitter laugh.
22:39I didn't forget.
22:41How could I forget?
22:44But that's exactly it.
22:45It was charity.
22:47The kinder you were to me, the more your dad helped me, the more it felt like charity.
22:52Like you were looking down on me from above.
22:54Like you were reminding me that Jessica Miller is nothing without the Carters.
22:59So I had to get back at you.
23:01I had to take the thing you loved most.
23:04I wanted you to taste what it felt like to fall.
23:07What kind of twisted logic is that?
23:09What kind of sick, broken mind thinks like that?
23:12Because I was good to her?
23:13She wanted revenge?
23:14I looked at this woman who had become a stranger.
23:17The last bit of feeling in my heart was crushed to dust.
23:21Jessica.
23:22After today, 20 years of friendship.
23:25Dead.
23:26Chad, tomorrow morning, 9 o'clock, come home and sign the divorce papers.
23:29Didn't give them any time to respond.
23:31He turned and walked out.
23:36I left that disgusting apartment and immediately notified my lawyer, Missa Smith.
23:41Need the divorce papers drafted as soon as possible.
23:44One demand.
23:45Chad gets nothing in the divorce.
23:47I also set up a team to recover every penny my family had spent on Jessica and Chad over the
23:52years.
23:53I'm Emily Carter.
23:54I don't get taken advantage of.
23:56Her karma came faster and harder than I expected.
23:59First, Chad.
24:00The story of him cheating on the boss's daughter with her best friend spread through the entire company overnight.
24:05He came to work the next day and was met with stares.
24:08Disgust.
24:09Mockery.
24:10Smug satisfaction.
24:11Everyone who used to suck up to him now avoided him like he was toxic.
24:15People pointed and whispered behind his back.
24:18Called him a failed social climber.
24:20A marketing director position he'd been chasing for three years.
24:23Next afternoon, HR sent out not a promotion letter, but a termination letter.
24:28My dad, Richard, went even further.
24:30He used every connection he had in Boston's finance world to blacklist Chad.
24:34Which meant Chad not only lost his high paying job,
24:37he couldn't find work anywhere in all of Massachusetts.
24:42Jessica's fate was just as ugly.
24:44She worked at a Fortune 500 company.
24:46The president of the Boston branch was an old friend of my dad's.
24:49One phone call from my dad, and they gave her an easy, cushy job.
24:53She just had to show up on time and do some basic paperwork.
24:56$20,000 a month.
24:58Easy money.
24:59The job was gone.
25:00The apartment my dad had let her use?
25:02Taken back.
25:03She went home to find all her belongings packed up and left at the curb like trash.
25:08With nowhere to go, she dragged her suitcase back to her parents' house.
25:12But Jessica's parents never really cared about her.
25:14They were nice to her before because she had money and connections to our Carter family.
25:18Now she had no job, no reputation.
25:21She was a homewrecker.
25:23For them, she was nothing but shame.
25:25They fought in front of her every day, blaming each other.
25:28It's your fault.
25:30You raised such a terrible daughter.
25:32Divorce!
25:32Jessica couldn't handle the fall.
25:34She couldn't handle her parents' cold stares and constant fighting.
25:38A few days later, she left Boston alone.
25:41Went back to that small Texas town she once swore she'd never returned to.
25:45I heard later she found a job on a factory assembly line.
25:48Same repetitive work every day.
25:51Tiny paycheck.
25:52Meanwhile, Chad kept showing up to beg for my forgiveness.
25:55Every time, crying and pleading.
25:57Every time, blaming everything on Jessica, calling her every name in the book.
26:01He never once looked at himself.
26:02I raised my hand and slapped him across the face.
26:06Chad, you're pathetic.
26:10Jessica's fate was just as ugly.
26:12She worked at a Fortune 500 company.
26:14The president of the Boston branch was an old friend of my dad's.
26:17One phone call from my dad, and they gave her an easy, cushy job.
26:21She just had to show up on time and do some basic paperwork.
26:24$20,000 a month.
26:26Easy money.
26:27The job was gone.
26:28The apartment my dad had let her use?
26:30Taken back.
26:32She went home to find all her belongings packed up and left at the curb like trash.
26:37Nowhere to go, she dragged her suitcase back to her parents' house.
26:40But Jessica's parents never really cared about her.
26:43They were nice to her before because she had money and connections to our Carter family.
26:47Now she had no job, no reputation.
26:50She was a homewrecker.
26:51For them, she was nothing but shame.
26:53We fought in front of her every day, blaming each other.
26:57It's your fault.
26:58You raised such a terrible daughter.
27:00Divorce!
27:01Jessica couldn't handle the fall.
27:03She couldn't handle her parents' cold stares and constant fighting.
27:07A few days later, she left Boston alone.
27:09Went back to that small Texas town she once swore she'd never returned to.
27:13I heard later she found a job on a factory assembly line.
27:16Same repetitive work every day.
27:19Tiny paycheck.
27:20Meanwhile, Chad kept showing up to beg for my forgiveness.
27:23Every time, crying and pleading.
27:25Every time, blaming everything on Jessica.
27:27Calling her every name in the book.
27:29He never once looked at himself.
27:31I raised my hand and slapped him across the face.
27:35Chad, you're pathetic.
27:38I pointed at his face and let him have it.
27:41You screw up and you blame the woman every time.
27:44You don't have the right to call her anything.
27:46You're worse than she is.
27:47Sign the divorce papers and get out of my life.
27:50Or I promise you won't even find a job washing dishes in Boston.
27:55Maybe it was the look in my eyes.
27:56Maybe the threat finally landed.
27:59Chad caved.
28:00He covered his face and didn't say another word.
28:02Next day, he signed the papers.
28:04Chad and I were divorced.
28:06Left with nothing.
28:07Slipped out of the city like a ghost.
28:09After getting rid of those two, I was exhausted.
28:12I decided to travel.
28:13I went to Norway, Italy, Spain.
28:16City after city.
28:17One day, I was sitting in a square eating ice cream.
28:20A photographer was taking pictures of the sunset.
28:22She walked over and asked me very naturally.
28:25Can I take your picture?
28:26I was surprised, but I nodded.
28:28She showed me the photo afterward.
28:30I was wearing a white shirt.
28:31My hair was messy from the wind.
28:33Half melted ice cream in my hand.
28:34Looking at the sunset.
28:35I looked at the ice cream in that photo.
28:37And I realized something clearly for the first time.
28:40I was getting better.
28:41Not pretending.
28:41Really better.
28:42Less tense.
28:43Less hateful.
28:44Finally free.
28:44Back in Boston, I changed the curtains.
28:46Couch.
28:47The art on the walls.
28:48The whole apartment felt brighter.
28:50New.
28:50My mom made me soup.
28:52My dad pretended to complain about me traveling so much, but then told me to be happy.
28:56In that moment, I realized I had wasted so much time and energy on people who didn't
29:01deserve it.
29:02The people who really loved me had been here all along.
29:07Three days after coming home, I got a postcard.
29:10A return address.
29:11On the back, one sentence.
29:12I'm sorry.
29:13Recognized the handwriting.
29:14Then after all these years, I knew it.
29:17In the corner, she had drawn a tiny ice cream.
29:19I stared at that ice cream for a long time.
29:21Emily, will we be best friends forever?
29:24Forever.
29:25Bestie.
29:25But some, forevers, aren't real.
29:28Or maybe they only exist for a certain age.
29:30When you grow up, they break.
29:31I wasn't sad.
29:32I wasn't angry.
29:34I didn't want to look back.
29:35I just put the postcard back in its envelope.
29:37Then I walked to the trashcan.
29:39I let go.
29:40I fell in softly.
29:42Like a past that should have been thrown away long ago.
29:44A message came in.
29:45From the photographer.
29:47Have you decided where to next?
29:48I smiled and typed back.
29:50Where?
29:51I thought for a moment.
29:53Then I typed two words.
29:55Far away.
29:56Then I closed my suitcase.
29:58Picked up my bag.
29:59Opened the door.
30:00This time, I didn't look back.
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