Presidents! Stop Fighting For Me Billionaire Romance - Ep - FULL ✅ #fullmovie #engsub #tvseries #trending2026 #dramaseries #romancemovies #fullhd
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00:00:28Ethan Harlow
00:00:30Even a goddess gets old
00:00:31Though Quinn's genuinely stunning
00:00:33That body too
00:00:34Remember Ethan's birthday last year?
00:00:36She wore that red dress
00:00:37And every guy in the room couldn't look away
00:00:40Seriously Ethan, you used to be so crazy about her
00:00:43You really done?
00:00:44Ethan's voice was flat
00:00:45When do I ever say things I don't mean?
00:00:49So, you wouldn't mind if I went after Quinn?
00:00:51He blew out a smoke ring, barely interested
00:00:54Go for it
00:00:55As long as you're both fine with it
00:00:56Dude, have some self-respect
00:00:58You really want Ethan's leftovers?
00:01:00More laughter
00:01:01I didn't go into that room that night
00:01:03I texted him some excuse about a headache and went home
00:01:05Ethan didn't ask a single question
00:01:07Just hung up
00:01:08Whatever was left of my will to stay
00:01:10It died that night
00:01:28What's his own what's happening?
00:01:29Josh百来
00:01:57I
00:01:57I
00:01:57I'T
00:04:53I smiled bitterly to myself, clutched my bag tighter, and walked fast toward the elevator.
00:06:30Back at the apartment, I went to the back of the closet and lifted down the dress.
00:06:34I'd waited half a year for it.
00:06:36A custom order.
00:06:37No returns.
00:06:39Such a shame.
00:06:40I'd never get to wear it.
00:06:41I found a pair of scissors and cut it apart.
00:06:43It had no business being here anyway.
00:06:46Before I left, I took off the ring and set it on the coffee table.
00:06:49I didn't take much.
00:06:50My personal things.
00:06:51Everything else I left behind.
00:06:53I thought about it, then wrote him a note.
00:06:54The apartment and everything in it.
00:06:56Do whatever you want with it.
00:06:57Don't ask me.
00:06:58I booked the earliest flight to Miami.
00:07:00My best friend had moved there earlier that year.
00:07:02She dragged me out for shopping and afternoon coffee.
00:07:05That evening, there was a small get-together.
00:07:06Old classmates.
00:07:08Old friends.
00:07:08Midway through the drinks, the door swung open.
00:07:10A few of the girls immediately lit up.
00:07:12Lucas?
00:07:13Since when do you show up to things like this?
00:07:15Seriously, what brings you out tonight?
00:07:18I had a meeting next door.
00:07:20Heard there was a reunion.
00:07:21Figured I'd drop by.
00:07:22Lucas said this, never taking his eyes off me.
00:07:25My best friend pinched my arm.
00:07:26Quinn, he came for you.
00:07:28I looked at him through slightly unfocused eyes.
00:07:31Taller than Ethan by an inch or two.
00:07:33Black overcoat.
00:07:34Dark suit underneath.
00:07:35Sharp features.
00:07:36A great build.
00:07:37Legs that went on forever.
00:07:39I squinted at him for a moment, then shook my head.
00:07:42No way.
00:07:42We haven't talked in years.
00:07:44She wasn't listening.
00:07:45She called out to him directly.
00:07:47Lucas, could you do me a favor and drive Quinn home later?
00:07:50We've all been drinking, and I don't trust her in a taxi.
00:07:53I looked up at Lucas, startled.
00:07:55His eyes traveled across the room and settled on my face.
00:07:58Then I saw him nod.
00:08:00Sure.
00:08:00My best friend sat back down, leaned close to my ear.
00:08:03Quinn, after seven years with one man, it's time to move on and embrace a new life.
00:08:08Even Ethan has done it.
00:08:10Why can't you start a second chapter of your own?
00:08:13Besides, a man like Lucas?
00:08:16If you don't take your shot, it's practically a crime.
00:08:18What makes you think he'd even want to?
00:08:21Babe, the way he looked at you?
00:08:22Trust me, I've been through 18 of them.
00:08:24I know what I'm talking about.
00:08:45Lucas drove me back to the hotel.
00:08:47When we pulled up downstairs, I uncliffed my seatbelt.
00:08:51Thanks for the ride.
00:08:52Lucas glanced over at me.
00:08:53Don't mention it.
00:08:54I pushed the door open.
00:08:56Before I could think, I'd already spoken.
00:08:58Want to come up for a drink?
00:08:59He helped me walk toward the hotel.
00:09:00Lucas kissed me in the elevator.
00:09:02I was already tipsy, and he was demanding.
00:09:05Relentless.
00:09:05I nearly blacked out just from the kiss.
00:09:08There's a camera.
00:09:09I gasped, cheeks burning, legs so weak I had to hold onto his waist just to stay upright.
00:09:14Lucas glanced at the lens, turned me, shifted the angle, and kissed me again.
00:09:18When the door swiped open, he stopped and looked at me.
00:09:21Quinn, if you regret this, I'll still back off.
00:09:23Regret what?
00:09:24I tilted my face up at him, fingers looping around his tie, pulling him closer.
00:09:28You kissed my lips halfway to swollen?
00:09:31A little late to talk about backing off.
00:09:33Lucas laughed then.
00:09:34He reached out and brushed his thumb across my lower lip.
00:09:37And don't go blaming me later.
00:09:39Our first night together, Lucas didn't even make it to the bedroom.
00:09:42He pinned me against the wall, and it was rough enough to hurt a little.
00:09:45I bit down on his shoulder in protest.
00:09:47Lucas, what is wrong with you?
00:09:49Ever heard of being gentle?
00:09:51His warm hands pressed against my back.
00:09:53Then he was breathing against my neck.
00:09:54Quinn, I'm not sure I can hold back.
00:10:01Once the 20th time happened to be off, let me move on a pen.
00:10:16in the You can transform my hands now. While
00:10:16okay. I of
00:10:16course not doing. I would
00:10:16also walk out and finish my tie. muddy walk
00:10:22through and take you through the door. If I
00:10:22want me to find you through the door. Isabella
00:10:22you through the door up and do Todd we have? I want
00:10:24to breathe. You walk
00:10:29the wild returns.
00:10:57Five minutes later,
00:10:59I understood what he'd meant.
00:11:00He carried me to the bedroom.
00:11:02I buried my face in the pillow, laughing.
00:11:05Lucas, how long has it been for you?
00:11:07He gave me a look.
00:11:09A while.
00:11:10Work's been everything lately.
00:11:11I stared at him, the laughter fading.
00:11:13A moment later, tears came out of nowhere.
00:11:16I'm sorry.
00:11:17I shouldn't have...
00:11:18Quinn, don't.
00:11:20He fumbled to wipe my face,
00:11:21but the tears wouldn't stop.
00:11:23I shouldn't have dragged you into this.
00:11:25But you already did.
00:11:26He leaned down, cupped my face in his hands,
00:11:28steady, almost serious.
00:11:30Quinn, since you started this,
00:11:33you don't get to stop halfway.
00:12:09You're welcome.
00:12:16I wasn't ready to go.
00:12:17I'm sorry.
00:12:17I just did it for you.
00:12:17I just thought,
00:12:17I'm the one next time.
00:12:18I'm going to go.
00:12:18I'm going to go.
00:12:19I'm like,
00:12:19I'm like,
00:12:19I'm going to go.
00:14:23Serena of House Stavos, you are kind.
00:15:24Look, maybe you should call her. She'll listen to you.
00:15:26Ethan stared coldly at the screen.
00:15:29Then he stubbed out his cigarette and stood.
00:15:30She can rot out there for all I care.
00:15:32Ethan, don't be angry.
00:15:34She's just hurting. She even took the ring off this time.
00:15:37It's really crushed and honestly it's your fault for pushing it so far with that girl.
00:15:40We already broke up! What more does she want?
00:15:42Ethan snapped, voice rising.
00:15:44Listen up. Nobody contacts her! Not for anything!
00:15:48Okay, okay, we won't. Calm down. You just got out of the hospital two days ago. Your stomach.
00:15:54She was around and your stomach never acted up. She leaves for five days and you do this to yourself.
00:15:59With every word from his friends, Ethan's expression went darker. Eventually he grabbed his jacket and walked out. Slammed the
00:16:05door. He hit the street. Cold air rushed in. The anger still burned in his chest. Seven days. No calls.
00:16:12No texts. Not even one. He pulled out his phone. Blocked her number.
00:16:23Lucas called just as I typed the last line and hit send. I've been writing columns for magazines since college.
00:16:28It turned out to be enough to make a living. Freelance life. Laptop, good Wi-Fi, and I could work
00:16:34from anywhere. So when it ended, I had no reason to stay in the city and hurt.
00:16:39Quinn, what do you want for dinner?
00:16:40His voice came through clearly. After an afternoon of work, something in me settled.
00:16:44I'm exhausted. You pick.
00:16:47How about steak? I know a place with a really good steak. You'll love it.
00:16:52I always like my steak rare. But Ethan used to say watching me eat it turned his stomach, so I
00:16:56stopped. Though I vaguely remembered Lucas preferring lighter food. Lucas, you don't have to do this for me. I'm not
00:17:02picky anymore.
00:17:03I actually want it too. Remember in college? There was that little joint near campus? The steak were amazing.
00:17:08Hearing him say that made me hungry for it too. That place was genuinely good. I ate there for four
00:17:13years and never got tired of it.
00:17:15Okay. Steak then.
00:17:17I'll come get you now.
00:17:19Sure.
00:17:21Lucas took me to a place that'd been in Miami for years. Old and a little cramped but always packed.
00:17:27And Lucas in his tailored suit, sitting in that grimy booth, was a completely ridiculous visual.
00:17:32I watched him carefully wipe down my chair with a napkin. For someone like him, these small domestic gestures came
00:17:38surprisingly naturally.
00:17:40Lucas, your ex did a great job with you. I couldn't help saying it. In the beginning, when Ethan was
00:17:45still chasing me, I felt it. Being cared for. Being someone's priority.
00:17:50Then we moved in together the year after graduation. A little over a year. And I became the household. Managing
00:17:56his diet, his rest, his schedule. Like a wife before the wedding.
00:18:00But I understand now what I didn't then. I lost myself loving him. Forgot that you have to love yourself
00:18:05first. No wonder the love wore out. Lucas glanced up from tending the pot.
00:18:10Where'd you hear I had an ex?
00:18:17I paused. The girl who was always around you in college? Weren't you two childhood friends?
00:18:22You mean Sophie?
00:18:23He laughed once.
00:18:24We grew up together, yeah. But we never dated. I never felt that way about her. She was more like
00:18:29a little sister.
00:18:30So you haven't been with anyone all these years?
00:18:32Went on a few setups. It wasn't right, so it ended.
00:18:37And after that, I looked down, thinking about that first night. Suddenly, it made complete sense.
00:18:42Quinn, I'll do better next time.
00:18:44His comment came out of nowhere. I blinked.
00:18:46Better at what?
00:18:47He turned his face away, cleared his throat quietly. His ears were deeply flushed.
00:18:51You'll see later.
00:18:52He kept his word. After dinner, back at the hotel, once he'd carried me out of the bathroom and onto
00:18:57the bed, I finally understood what he'd meant. By then, I was completely undone.
00:19:02Lucas.
00:19:02I tried to glare at him, but my eyes were misted over, which only made me look more helpless. His
00:19:07name in my mouth came out soft, nowhere near as angry as I wanted. Lucas bowed his head and kissed
00:19:12me softly.
00:19:12Quinn, is this okay?
00:19:13I shook my head, refused to answer. He didn't push, just kept kissing me, over and over, patient and unhurried.
00:19:20I couldn't hold out. Tears were leaking from the corners of my eyes.
00:19:23Lucas.
00:19:24My nails pressed into his lower back, and there was a sound in my voice I couldn't quite control.
00:19:28Quinn, tell me now. Is this okay?
00:19:31Lucas' own eyes had gone red, arms taut, sweat falling in drops. I gave in, voice small and wrecked.
00:19:38Yes. Yes, it is.
00:19:39As my last thought drifted away, Lucas put his lips to my ear and whispered very low.
00:19:44Quinn, if this is good, then promise you'll never leave me, okay?
00:20:02All right.
00:20:03Heknack'd.
00:20:30He can't go wrong.
00:20:31What did he twenty-sport here?
00:20:31I don't feel right.
00:20:31Great aeroport.
00:20:31He's taken ninth time.
00:20:31He dies.
00:25:31These are beautiful.
00:25:32Ryan laughed a little stiffly, reading Ethan's expression, and quickly had his girlfriend
00:25:36put them away.
00:25:37Let me see.
00:25:38Ethan spoke without warning.
00:25:39Ryan froze but handed the box over without a word.
00:25:41Ethan stared at the pair of cufflinks.
00:25:43The brand's logo was discreet, almost invisible, but Ethan stared at it for a long moment.
00:25:48Put them away.
00:25:48He closed the door, he closed the door.
00:25:49He closed the box and pushed it aside.
00:25:50He closed the box and pushed it aside.
00:25:50Ryan exhaled with relief and reached for it.
00:25:52Ethan snatched the empty bottle from the table and smashed it against the coffee table.
00:25:56Glass scattered.
00:25:57A long gash opened across the back of his hand.
00:25:59The room erupted.
00:26:00What happened?
00:26:01Why did you-?
00:26:02That's a bad cut.
00:26:03It won't stop bleeding.
00:26:04Hospital-
00:26:04Ethan stood there, emotionless, face dark, still as stone.
00:26:07Quinn never bought anything from that label.
00:26:09His voice was low and frayed.
00:26:11Ryan smiled quickly.
00:26:12So what?
00:26:13Quinn probably just picked something at random.
00:26:14Not like your birthday.
00:26:16She'd been planning your gift for six months.
00:26:19Exactly.
00:26:20You know what she means to you.
00:26:21None of us combined are worth a tenth of what she feels for you.
00:26:24Ethan laughed sharply.
00:26:25Feels for me.
00:26:27The noise in the room bled away, one degree at a time.
00:26:30Ethan, should I call Quinn?
00:26:31We need to deal with that cut first-
00:26:33Ryan suddenly worked up the nerve, picked up his phone, and photographed Ethan's torn-up hand,
00:26:37then sent it to Quinn on the spot.
00:26:39Ethan didn't stop him.
00:27:06The room went still, about 10 seconds passed, then Ryan's phone rang.
00:27:10See?
00:27:11I knew she loved you more than anything.
00:27:14Look, Ethan, it's Quinn!
00:27:16The others noticed it too.
00:27:17The tension in Ethan's face had eased, just slightly.
00:27:20You wanna take it?
00:27:20Ryan held out the phone.
00:27:21Ethan didn't look at it.
00:27:22He turned away.
00:27:23I-I'll get it, I'll get it.
00:27:24Ryan said eagerly, putting it on speaker.
00:27:26When Quinn's voice came through, Ethan's jaw locked.
00:27:29Ryan, are you okay?
00:27:30Are you hurt?
00:27:31It's not me.
00:27:31It's Ethan's hand.
00:27:32You have no idea how bad it is!
00:27:34Blood everywhere!
00:27:35He won't stop!
00:27:36Ryan rambled on.
00:27:36The other end went quiet.
00:27:38Quinn, are you there?
00:27:39Maybe...
00:27:39Maybe you should come back.
00:27:40Ethan won't go to the hospital.
00:27:41He can't just keep bleeding like this.
00:27:43Ryan...
00:27:43Her voice was still soft, still the same.
00:27:45Yeah?
00:27:45Yeah, I'm here.
00:27:46Go on.
00:27:47Ryan signaled frantically to Ethan.
00:27:48Don't tell me about him anymore.
00:27:50Ryan's smile collapsed.
00:27:51Quinn?
00:27:52And happy birthday, Ryan.
00:27:54Wait, Quinn!
00:27:55Don't hang up!
00:27:55The line went dead.
00:27:57Ryan stood there holding the phone like it had burned him.
00:27:59He wanted to slap himself.
00:28:00What was he thinking?
00:28:01Getting involved.
00:28:01Now look at the mess.
00:28:03Silence.
00:28:04Ethan looked around at everyone and smiled lightly.
00:28:06You all go mute?
00:28:07No one dared speak.
00:28:08He smiled again.
00:28:09What, nobody's got anything to say?
00:28:10Ethan, don't get worked up.
00:28:11The cut's bleeding more.
00:28:12Ethan, you know how Quinn is.
00:28:13From the corner, where she'd been sitting quietly through everything, Vera finally spoke.
00:28:17I've wanted to say this for a long time.
00:28:19What you did was cruel.
00:28:20Quinn's a woman.
00:28:21Women have pride.
00:28:22Even if you stopped loving her, you could have ended it cleanly.
00:28:25Who says I wanted it to end cleanly?
00:28:27Ethan smiled, sharp and cold.
00:28:28She gave me seven years.
00:28:31SEVEN YEARS YOU THINK THAT'S NOTHING TO ME?!
00:28:33Vera smiled very quietly.
00:28:35But did you ever stop to think?
00:28:36A girl only has so many seven years.
00:28:39What if Quinn never comes back?
00:28:41Impossible!
00:28:42No one caught it, but there was the faintest tremor at the end of that word.
00:28:45What's impossible in this world?
00:28:47Once the heart's been hurt badly enough, can you really warm it back up?
00:28:50Ethan, stop doing things you'll regret.
00:28:53Vera said nothing more.
00:28:54She picked up her bag and walked out.
00:28:56Across the room, Daniel watched her leave.
00:28:58His own wife of two years, his expression unreadable.
00:29:01Was she pitying Quinn?
00:29:02Defending her?
00:29:03Or was she talking about herself?
00:29:04Aren't you gonna go after her?
00:29:06Daniel curved his lips, lit a cigarette.
00:29:08She's not my wife tonight, my wife is on set.
00:29:10She's out of the production next month.
00:29:12You're gonna wreck yourself.
00:29:14His friend sighed.
00:29:15Daniel didn't respond.
00:29:16Vera and Quinn were different.
00:29:17Quinn had no family draining her.
00:29:19Earned her own money.
00:29:20A breakup just meant a softer lifestyle for a while.
00:29:23But Vera had her family's debt behind her.
00:29:25And a brother bedridden at home.
00:29:26She couldn't leave him.
00:29:27She wouldn't dare.
00:29:28No matter how many chances she had.
00:30:00In the fabulous case, she couldn't leave him.
00:30:00She couldn't leave.
00:30:01But now, if she's a supporter of her,
00:30:07I couldn't leave her.
00:30:07If she doesn't have he's like 15 minutes to leave.
00:30:12I'm so sorry.
00:30:12This isn't just my partner.
00:30:12You're not a woman.
00:30:15I don't have to be a man.
00:30:15I hear you.
00:30:16I don't have to be a Jew.
00:30:16My son.
00:30:17I'm a man.
00:30:17I'm a man.
00:30:19I'm a man.
00:30:20I'm a man.
00:33:24What?
00:33:25Quinn, are you going back?
00:33:26Back where?
00:33:27Back home.
00:33:29Not right now.
00:33:30Eventually, maybe.
00:33:31It's not like I did anything I need to run from.
00:33:34My family's there.
00:33:36My family's there.
00:33:36My apartment's there.
00:33:37I'm not staying away forever.
00:33:38Lucas went quiet again.
00:33:45I caught up.
00:33:46Are you asking if I'm going to get back together with Ethan?
00:33:48Are you?
00:33:49If I say absolutely not, do you believe me?
00:33:52He lowered his eyes, that sharp nose brushing the side of my face.
00:33:55I want to.
00:33:56Lucas, I have a face and a spine.
00:33:58Do you still have feelings for him?
00:33:59I thought about it honestly.
00:34:01If I said there's nothing left, that wouldn't be true.
00:34:04It's been a long time.
00:34:05Lucas bit down on my shoulder, lightly.
00:34:07Don't say anymore, Quinn.
00:34:08Let me finish.
00:34:10But to say I still miss him, or that I can't let go, that's not right either.
00:34:14I touched his face gently.
00:34:16Leaving him didn't destroy me.
00:34:18So maybe I stopped loving him a long time ago.
00:34:20Maybe the moment he started coasting on this relationship, I'd already started preparing
00:34:24for the end.
00:34:25I won't.
00:34:26Won't what?
00:34:26I won't get distracted.
00:34:28Won't play around.
00:34:29Won't make you cry or hurt you.
00:34:31He held me tighter and tighter, and then he kissed me.
00:34:33Quinn, be with me for real.
00:34:40But I didn't kiss him back.
00:34:42In the end, I gently pushed him away.
00:34:44Lucas, I'm sorry.
00:34:46Why are you sorry?
00:34:47He looked down at me, his eyes faintly red.
00:34:50It's my issue.
00:34:51I looked away.
00:34:52I don't want to be in a relationship right now.
00:34:54Then what have we been doing?
00:34:55Lucas gripped my shoulders, voice unsteady.
00:34:58Quinn, what am I to you?
00:35:00I squeezed my hands tight and breathed.
00:35:02Think of it as two people getting what they need.
00:35:05If you want, we can keep things as they are.
00:35:07If you meet someone you actually want, you can end this whenever.
00:35:10Getting what they need.
00:35:11Like I'm a tool for you.
00:35:13You can see it that way.
00:35:15I wouldn't look at him, afraid I'd cry if I did.
00:35:17Lucas, I'm truly sorry.
00:35:19If this arrangement makes you uncomfortable, I'll leave Miami right away.
00:35:23I swear I'll never bother you again.
00:35:25Quinn.
00:35:26His eyes burned red.
00:35:27He let go, stepped back slowly.
00:35:29Something in his expression was broken, even as he tried to smile.
00:35:32Quinn, you can't do this to me.
00:35:35Lucas.
00:35:36He turned, picked up his coat, and walked toward the door.
00:35:39I took one step after him, then stopped.
00:35:41He made it all the way to the door, hand on the knob.
00:35:43And then he turned and looked back at me, even managed a reassuring smile.
00:35:47Sorry, I just need a little time alone.
00:35:49I nodded.
00:35:50Go ahead, I won't bother you.
00:35:51Quinn, give me some time.
00:35:53I'll get back to you.
00:35:55He left.
00:35:55I sank slowly onto the couch, all the energy gone from my body.
00:35:59I felt something I couldn't name.
00:36:00It hurt in a way that wasn't pain exactly.
00:36:02But I knew, clearly, that I couldn't do it.
00:36:05Couldn't throw myself into love again.
00:36:06Not like that.
00:36:07Not without walls.
00:36:08Not a new beginning.
00:36:09I was scared.
00:36:10Scared it would end the same way.
00:36:11Two people watching each other with contempt.
00:36:13The warmth gone cold.
00:36:14The cold gone freezing.
00:36:15I didn't want to go around again.
00:36:17I just shouldn't have gotten Lucas involved.
00:36:18If I'd known from the start that he had feelings for me,
00:36:21I never would have let him drive me home that night.
00:36:42I just shouldn't have let him drive me home.
00:37:01Excuse me, please.
00:37:53It was past 3 a.m. when Lucas drove back to Quinn's motel.
00:37:55He got out of the car but didn't go in.
00:37:57He leaned against the door and lit a cigarette, countless windows glowing above him.
00:38:01He couldn't tell which one was hers.
00:38:02But knowing she was there, knowing she was in the same city as him,
00:38:05knowing that if he walked through those doors, in 10 minutes, he'd see her.
00:38:08That was enough.
00:38:09Something like contentment.
00:38:10It hadn't taken him two days to figure it out.
00:38:13Quietly, he'd talked himself down.
00:38:14Quinn had just come out of something long and damaging.
00:38:16Not wanting to dive back into a relationship made complete sense.
00:38:19Being disappointed in men, in love, in the idea of marriage, made even more sense.
00:38:23Maybe he'd pushed too hard.
00:38:25He shouldn't have cornered her like that.
00:38:26If keeping things loose made her feel lighter, easier, he didn't need a label.
00:38:30What's worse than wanting someone and never having them?
00:38:32Maybe a year and a half ago, when he found out Quinn had moved in with Ethan.
00:38:35That was when he genuinely decided to let go.
00:38:37So he'd tried the setups.
00:38:38Tried to meet someone new.
00:38:39Tried to move forward.
00:38:40Couldn't do it.
00:38:41Recognized that quickly.
00:38:42Cut it off.
00:38:43After that, no matter how much pressure came from his family, he never went back down that road.
00:38:47If Quinn hadn't left Ethan and come to Miami, if she hadn't invited him up that night,
00:38:50he probably would have stayed alone his whole life.
00:38:52Lucas stubbed out the cigarette.
00:38:53His eyes went still and settled.
00:38:55But Quinn did come to Miami.
00:38:56And she did ask him up.
00:38:58If the girl he'd loved for years came to him and he let her slip away anyway,
00:39:01then Lucas Shaw, you don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:46:19but Ethan had ways of getting to him. Quinn's shredded wedding dress had been brought here
00:46:22two weeks ago. Today, it was nearly finished. He walked and thought. Ryan had been right.
00:46:26Every girl dreams of wearing a dress and marrying the person she loves. Seven years together and
00:46:30he'd never once thought about proposing. He'd never imagined Quinn would have thought about
00:46:34proposing to him. He'd been a wreck these past weeks. He knew it. But the other women had never
00:46:38meant anything. A moment's impulse. Nothing more. Even Mia, the one who'd actually triggered Quinn
00:46:42walking out. She lasted three days before he was already over it. He kept thinking about Quinn.
00:46:46Seven years had made him lazy, complacent. He'd taken it all for granted. But some people are
00:46:50like the air. You don't notice until they're gone. Since Quinn left, he couldn't focus on anything.
00:46:54He'd be with his friends and she'd be in the back of his mind the whole time. Especially when he
00:46:58drank.
00:46:58If Quinn were there, she'd fake scold him and try to slow him down. And if she couldn't stop him,
00:47:02she'd be up at 3am making soup. Letting him put his head in her lap. Rubbing his temples with her
00:47:06hands. Her fingers were soft. The little complaints she'd mutter. The way she'd fuss over him. It had
00:47:10annoyed him back then. Now he'd give anything to hear it again. This time when Quinn came home,
00:47:14he'd propose. He'd always known how much she wanted to marry him. Give her that and she'd feel safe.
00:47:18She'd forgive him. She would.
00:47:44She'd ask him. She'd discounted him. She'd be frank.
00:48:04Or are they...
00:48:04She'd be considering all the genes of the young person.
00:48:05I'm about to get her from somewhere.
00:48:05I'm about to get her.
00:48:05Well, that's been terrible with my proclamation too.
00:48:05And if my hero on this issue...
00:48:05And the Gyставs...
00:48:06So basically, we'll get her back at the end of this elft.
00:48:13And this is the blah.
00:50:14Go ahead.
00:50:15Just don't freak out, okay?
00:50:16It's probably just rumors.
00:50:18Could be nothing at all.
00:50:19What is it?
00:50:20It's about Quinn.
00:50:21Actually, forget it.
00:50:22I'm probably 80% sure it's someone making stuff up.
00:50:24Ryan, since when do you talk like this?
00:50:26What happened to Quinn?
00:50:28Did she come back?
00:50:29Ethan.
00:50:29Ryan suddenly felt sick.
00:50:31Of all the rumors that could have gotten out, why did it have to be Lucas Shaw?
00:50:34Ethan had been at each other's throats with Lucas for years.
00:50:36Two years ago, they'd gone head to head over a major contract.
00:50:39Ethan's company lost.
00:50:40First time he'd ever tasted defeat.
00:50:42It had poisoned what was already a tense relationship into something close to hatred.
00:50:45I said, don't freak out.
00:50:46This is all secondhand.
00:50:47There's no confirmation.
00:50:48Someone spotted Quinn in Miami.
00:50:50Ethan's grip on the phone tightened.
00:50:51His voice stayed controlled, barely.
00:50:53So she's in Miami.
00:50:54So what?
00:50:55She was with Lucas Shaw.
00:50:56Could just be dinner?
00:50:57Probably nothing.
00:50:58Got it.
00:50:58Ethan.
00:50:59Nothing else?
00:51:00I'm hanging up.
00:51:00The call cut off.
00:51:01Ethan stood in the narrow street, shopping bag in hand.
00:51:04The bag holding the dress Quinn had bought.
00:51:05He walked, step by step, through the cold of early winter, all the way to the mouth of
00:51:09the alley, back to his car.
00:51:10He stopped.
00:51:11A quiet smile crossed his face, slow, faint, laced with something sharp and bitter.
00:51:15And then, without hesitation, he dropped the elegant shopping bag into the trash can at
00:51:19the curb.
01:04:24I shook my head gently.
01:04:25Ethan, please go.
01:04:27Quinn, I never touched Mia.
01:04:29Three days and I ended it.
01:04:31The dress you bought, I had it repaired.
01:04:34And our rings, I kept them both.
01:04:37Quinn, I had a custom ring made.
01:04:39I mean this-
01:04:39His eyes were getting redder.
01:04:40His voice had the faintest tremor.
01:04:42He held out a small velvet box, held it out to me like an offering.
01:04:45Everything in his face was careful, hoping, terrified.
01:04:49Looking at him, I couldn't pretend it didn't hurt at all.
01:04:51But it was only that, just a little hurt.
01:04:53Ethan, I have a boyfriend.
01:04:56I tightened my hand around Lucas's and stepped out from behind him to stand beside him, shoulder to shoulder.
01:05:00The color drained out of Ethan's face in an instant.
01:05:03His gaze dropped slowly and stopped.
01:05:05On our intertwined fingers, the matching bands on our ring fingers.
01:05:08Just like it had been with us, once.
01:05:10Quinn, are you serious?
01:05:12I took a breath, turned to look at Lucas and nodded.
01:05:14Yes.
01:05:16Completely serious.
01:05:17Ethan laughed softly, just once.
01:05:19You think he's serious about you?
01:05:20You think you know how much of this is real?
01:05:22Two years ago, he fought me tooth and nail over a deal!
01:05:25And now he's going after you!
01:05:27Quinn, don't you think there's something in that?
01:05:28Some other motive?
01:05:29Can he honestly say he's pursuing you with absolutely nothing to prove to me?
01:05:33Quinn, you've always been too trusting.
01:05:34All men are the same in the end.
01:05:36You were with me for seven years.
01:05:38You know how much happened between us.
01:05:39You think Lucas won't care?
01:05:40You think it won't matter to him in the end?
01:05:42You think he's actually gonna stay?
01:05:43That you'll get your happy ending with him?
01:05:45Aren't you afraid that being with him just leads you to another seven years exactly like this one?
01:05:53I shook my head gently.
01:05:54Ethan, please go.
01:05:56Quinn, I never touched Mia.
01:05:59Three days and I ended it.
01:06:00The dress you bought, I had it repaired.
01:06:07The fountain music stopped.
01:06:08Ethan stopped.
01:06:09A silence settled over me.
01:06:11Then came the smallest sound, like something very fine and thin, quietly breaking.
01:06:15And after that sound?
01:06:16Relief.
01:06:17Lightness.
01:06:17Whatever last piece of grief I'd been carrying was gone.
01:06:20Nothing left to lose now.
01:06:21It's just such a waste, I thought.
01:06:23Why does living always come with things you regret?
01:06:25Before today, I didn't regret loving Ethan.
01:06:27Good or bad, it was mine.
01:06:29It happened.
01:06:29But in this moment, I couldn't help grieving it.
01:06:31Seven years and I'd never seen clearly.
01:06:33Ethan, at his core, had never really looked at me.
01:06:36Not the way I deserved to be seen.
01:06:37Lucas pulled me into his arms, his eyes full of something pained.
01:06:40I was a little pale, but I smiled and shook my head.
01:06:42I'm okay.
01:06:43Come on, wait by the car.
01:06:45I've got this.
01:06:46I want to be here with you.
01:06:47I held his hand and wouldn't let go.
01:06:49Lucas looked at me for a long moment, then bowed his head and kissed me hard.
01:06:52Quinn, everything I've ever done, I've done with a clear conscience.
01:06:55No regrets.
01:06:56But right now, right now I genuinely regret not taking you from him when I had the chance.
01:07:01What gives you the right?
01:07:02Ethan cut in.
01:07:03Going after someone when they're at their lowest?
01:07:04What kind of man does that make you, Lucas?
01:07:06Ethan, you didn't deserve a single year of what Quinn gave you.
01:07:09Not one.
01:07:10Maybe those words finally broke something in Ethan.
01:07:12He lost control in a way he never had before.
01:07:15Words he'd never have said otherwise.
01:07:16Oh yeah?
01:07:17And you, Lucas?
01:07:19You go after a woman who spent seven years with me.
01:07:22What right do you have to stand there and lecture me?
01:07:25Tell me the truth.
01:07:26Do you actually love Quinn?
01:07:27Or do you love the idea of having something that was mine?
01:07:33Or do you love the idea of having something that was mine?
01:07:34Or do you love it?
01:07:38Lucas put his fist through Ethan's face.
01:07:40Ethan wasn't one to absorb him.
01:07:42He came back sweating.
01:07:43They went at each other until both of them were marked up, split, and bruised.
01:07:46Security rushed over, finally managed to get between them.
01:07:49The two men stood there breathing hard, still glaring at each other, not giving an inch.
01:07:53Can we stop now?
01:07:54I was furious and scared, and my voice broke a little.
01:07:57Quinn.
01:07:57Ethan's face was cold.
01:07:59You saw it.
01:08:00Lucas threw the first punch.
01:08:01I'm not letting this go.
01:08:03Yes, he did.
01:08:04Mr. Harlow, I'll have him apologize to you.
01:08:07Whatever you want to do next, we'll cooperate.
01:08:09Quinn, he said it first!
01:08:10Lucas started immediately.
01:08:12I pressed my hand lightly over his, then turned back, calm.
01:08:14Mr. Harlow, I'll apologize on his behalf.
01:08:17You're defending him?
01:08:18Just like that?
01:08:19Ethan stepped toward me slowly.
01:08:21He hit me, Quinn.
01:08:21What would you like us to do about it?
01:08:23Quinn, I'm hurt.
01:08:25He gestured at his face.
01:08:26You can see this, right?
01:08:27This really hurts.
01:08:29I looked at it.
01:08:29We'll call you an ambulance.
01:08:31We'll cover everything.
01:08:32You know that's not what I want.
01:08:33He reached for my arm.
01:08:34I stepped back.
01:08:35Quinn!
01:08:36Everything Ethan had been holding up cracked all at once.
01:08:38The way he looked at me, lost, bare and unguarded.
01:08:41But my chest was still and quiet, genuinely still.
01:08:43Lucas made a sharp sound.
01:08:45Quinn, am I going to be scarred?
01:08:46I turned fast.
01:08:47His lip was split.
01:08:48His eye was swelling.
01:08:49His jaw had blood on it, and it looked worse than it was.
01:08:51I reached into my bag for a tissue and started cleaning it.
01:08:54Ow.
01:08:54Quinn, gently, gently.
01:08:56He winced and grimaced dramatically.
01:08:57Serves you right.
01:08:58I said quietly, but I was careful.
01:09:00You're going to need stitches.
01:09:02Then come with me.
01:09:03I pass out around needles.
01:09:04I gave him a look, but I nodded.
01:09:05Lucas immediately pulled me into a hug.
01:09:07And I need you to kiss it.
01:09:09Right here.
01:09:10It's killing me.
01:09:11I rose slowly on my toes and pressed my lips, gently, right to the wound.
01:09:37Ethan didn't say anything more.
01:09:39The late son stretched his shadow long and quiet behind him.
01:09:42Maybe it was the moment Quinn dabbed at Lucas's face.
01:09:44Maybe it was the moment she kissed him there, softly.
01:09:47That was when Ethan finally understood it.
01:09:49Quinn did not love him anymore.
01:09:50What Vera had asked that night had turned out to be true.
01:09:52Quinn was not coming back to him.
01:09:54He'd thought he was the one who could walk away from seven years easily.
01:09:57He'd thought he was the one who'd always held the upper hand.
01:09:59He'd thought he was always going to come out ahead.
01:10:01But standing here now, he understood.
01:10:03The one who couldn't let go was him.
01:10:05Quinn had been the string that held the kite to the sky.
01:10:07The string snapped and the kite lost its way.
01:10:09It was never going to find home again.
01:10:37All right.
01:10:54I watched Ethan turn and walk back to his car.
01:10:57I watched that solitary figure disappear.
01:10:59The sun at dusk slid below the horizon all at once.
01:11:02The sky shifted to a pale, soft blue.
01:11:04His car pulled away and got smaller.
01:11:05I felt like I could see it.
01:11:07All seven years, from 17 to 24,
01:11:09rushing away with that car, gone.
01:11:11From this day on, I knew.
01:11:12His name would be like any ordinary name in the world.
01:11:15I wouldn't try to forget it.
01:11:16I just wouldn't think of it on my own.
01:11:18Quinn.
01:11:18Lucas wrapped me in his arms quietly.
01:11:20I turned and looked up at him, smiling lightly.
01:11:22Let's go.
01:11:24Hospital.
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