βΆ π₯ Presidents! Stop Fighting For Me - Ep - FULL β
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Watch the full short drama. New episodes every day β follow cinematic.waves for more.
#shortdrama #fulldrama #fullepisode #microdrama #englishsub #romance #ceo #billionaire #werewolf #revenge #dailymotion #fyp #viral #trending #cinematicwaves
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00:00:03Ethan Harlow
00:00:04I'd secretly bought a wedding dress
00:00:06Worked up every ounce of courage to propose to him
00:00:09But as luck would have it
00:00:10I was a few minutes late to the party that night
00:00:12I walked in just as he was talking with his friends
00:00:15I stood by the door
00:00:16Listening to the voices inside
00:00:18Quinn
00:00:19He lit a cigarette, grinned lazily
00:00:21Yeah, I'm over it
00:00:23Seven years, man
00:00:24Wouldn't you be?
00:00:26The others laughed along
00:00:27Fair point
00:00:28Seven years
00:00:29Even 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
00:00:41You 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?
00:00:48So
00:00:49You wouldn't mind if I went after Quinn?
00:00:51He blew out a smoke ring
00:00:52Barely interested
00:00:54Go for it
00:00:54As 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
00:01:02I 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
00:01:09It died that night
00:01:38I went and asked him her
00:01:38I went after him
00:01:43And went after all
00:01:49I was a fool
00:01:49And he made my
00:01:51He was a man
00:01:51I was a man
00:01:52But he knows
00:01:54He was a man
00:01:54I was a man
00:01:54I didn't go into that life
00:01:57I was a man
00:03:38Ethan walked right in with her on his arm.
00:03:40The room went quiet the moment he stepped through the door.
00:03:43A few of my closer girlfriends shot me worried looks.
00:03:45I smiled.
00:03:46Why'd everyone go quiet?
00:03:48What are you all staring at?
00:03:49Ethan settled the girl into a seat and finally looked at me.
00:03:52Quinn.
00:03:53Perfect timing.
00:03:54Let's just say it plainly.
00:03:55Sure.
00:03:56Go ahead.
00:03:57Mia's young.
00:03:58She's genuine.
00:03:59I actually like her.
00:04:00I don't want to do her wrong.
00:04:01I gripped my hands together.
00:04:02The ring on my finger pressed into the flesh.
00:04:04Deep and sharp.
00:04:06But I couldn't feel a thing.
00:04:07He stroked the girl's hair.
00:04:08She deserves love real.
00:04:09I nodded lightly.
00:04:10I understand.
00:04:11We can still be friends.
00:04:13Anything you need, just say the word.
00:04:15That's okay.
00:04:16I smiled.
00:04:17Stood up.
00:04:17If it's over, let's make it clean.
00:04:19No point confusing anyone.
00:04:20Ethan raised an eyebrow.
00:04:22Slightly surprised.
00:04:23Fair enough.
00:04:24You all enjoy the dinner.
00:04:25I'll head out.
00:04:27Want the driver to take you?
00:04:28No.
00:04:29I'll grab a ride.
00:04:29I walked out and pulled the door shut behind me.
00:04:32Through the gap, I heard someone ask.
00:04:33How long do you give her this time?
00:04:35Two days.
00:04:37She seemed actually upset this time.
00:04:40I'll say a week.
00:04:41Ethan laughed cold.
00:04:42Three days.
00:04:43She'll be crying back to me before then.
00:04:46Every single time.
00:04:48Getting tired of watching it.
00:04:49Yeah, because Quinn's obsessed with you.
00:04:51Everyone knows how far gone she is.
00:04:54I smiled bitterly to myself, clutched my bag tighter, and walked fast toward the elevator.
00:05:24I'll say goodbye.
00:05:27After all, I just hopped into something that falls around in a minute.
00:05:32All right.
00:05:32We'll move back.
00:05:32Let's wait.
00:05:32Lecity back in there.
00:05:32As we can just turn around for that we'll do so far takes a minute series.
00:07:02He dragged me out for shopping and afternoon coffee.
00:07:04That evening, there was a small get-together.
00:07:06Old classmates, old 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?
00:07:18Had a meeting next door.
00:07:19Heard there was a reunion.
00:07:21Figured I'd drop by.
00:07:22Lucas said this, never taking his eyes off me.
00:07:24My best friend pinched my arm.
00:07:26Quinn, he came for you.
00:07:28I looked at him through slightly unfocused eyes.
00:07:30Taller 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.
00:07:41No way.
00:07:42We haven't talked in years.
00:07:44She wasn't listening.
00:07:45She called out to him directly.
00:07:46Lucas, 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.
00:07:52I looked up at Lucas, startled.
00:07:54His eyes traveled across the room and settled on my face.
00:07:57Then 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?
00:08:15If you don't take your shot, it's practically a crime.
00:08:18What makes you think he'd even want to?
00:08:20Babe, the way he looked at you?
00:08:22Trust me.
00:08:23I'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 un-clipped 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.
00:08:57Want 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.
00:09:04Relentless.
00:09:05I nearly blacked out just from the kiss.
00:09:07There's a camera.
00:09:08I 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.
00:09:20Quinn, 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?
00:09:30A 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?
00:09:50His warm hands pressed against my back.
00:09:52Then he was breathing against my neck.
00:09:54Quinn, I'm not sure I can hold back.
00:10:575 minutes later, I 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.
00:11:09Work's been everything lately.
00:11:11I stared at him, the laughter fading.
00:11:13A moment later, tears came out of nowhere.
00:11:15I'm sorry.
00:11:17I shouldn't have...
00:11:18Quinn, don't.
00:11:20He fumbled to wipe my face, but 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, steady, almost serious.
00:11:30Quinn, since you started this, you don't get to stop halfway.
00:12:14And for the rest of the world, it's a lot of gonna make it happen.
00:12:18I'm doing so many things about the world.
00:12:19We had lots of things.
00:12:19We don't have to be in the world.
00:12:19We don't have to do any things.
00:12:19We don't have a lot of people.
00:12:19We don't always want to be in the world.
00:14:23Serena of House Stavos, you are kind.
00:15:19I'll mail a gift.
00:15:20All right, take care of yourself.
00:15:21Back in the city, Jamie handed the phone to Ethan.
00:15:24Look, maybe you should call her.
00:15:25She'll listen to you.
00:15:27Ethan stared coldly at the screen.
00:15:28Then 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.
00:15:35She 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.
00:15:41What more does she want?
00:15:42Ethan snapped, voice rising.
00:15:44Listen up.
00:15:45Nobody contacts her.
00:15:47Not for anything.
00:15:48Okay, okay, we won't.
00:15:49Calm down.
00:15:50You just got out of the hospital two days ago.
00:15:53Your stomach.
00:15:54She was around and your stomach never acted up.
00:15:57She leaves for five days and you do this to yourself.
00:15:59With every word from his friends, Ethan's expression went darker.
00:16:02Eventually, he grabbed his jacket and walked out, slamming the door.
00:16:05He hit the street.
00:16:06Cold air rushed in.
00:16:08The anger still burned in his chest.
00:16:10Seven days.
00:16:10No calls.
00:16:11No texts.
00:16:12Not even one.
00:16:13He pulled out his phone.
00:16:14Blocked her number.
00:16:23Lucas called just as I typed the last line and hit send.
00:16:26I've been writing columns for magazines since college.
00:16:28It turned out to be enough to make a living.
00:16:30Freelance life.
00:16:31Laptop, good Wi-Fi, and I could work from anywhere.
00:16:34So 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.
00:16:42After an afternoon of work, something in me settled.
00:16:44I'm exhausted.
00:16:45You pick.
00:16:47How about steak?
00:16:49I know a place with a really good steak.
00:16:51You'll love it.
00:16:51I always like my steak rare.
00:16:53But Ethan used to say watching me eat it turned his stomach, so I stopped.
00:16:56Though I vaguely remembered Lucas preferring lighter food.
00:16:59Lucas, you don't have to do this for me.
00:17:01I'm not picky anymore.
00:17:03I actually want it too.
00:17:04Remember in college?
00:17:05There was that little joint near campus.
00:17:07The steak were amazing.
00:17:08Hearing him say that made me hungry for it too.
00:17:10That place was genuinely good.
00:17:12I ate there for four years and never got tired of it.
00:17:15Okay.
00:17:16Steak then.
00:17:17I'll come get you now.
00:17:18Sure.
00:17:21Lucas took me to a place that'd been in Miami for years.
00:17:24Old 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.
00:17:35For someone like him, these small domestic gestures came surprisingly naturally.
00:17:39Lucas, your ex did a great job with you.
00:17:42I couldn't help saying it.
00:17:44In the beginning, when Ethan was still chasing me, I felt it.
00:17:47Being cared for.
00:17:48Being someone's priority.
00:17:50Then we moved in together the year after graduation.
00:17:52A little over a year.
00:17:54And I became the household.
00:17:55Managing his diet, his rest, his schedule.
00:17:58Like a wife before the wedding.
00:18:00But I understand now what I didn't then.
00:18:02I lost myself loving him.
00:18:03Forgot that you have to love yourself first.
00:18:05No wonder the love wore out.
00:18:07Lucas glanced up from tending the pot.
00:18:10Where'd you hear I had an ex?
00:18:17I paused.
00:18:18The girl who was always around you in college?
00:18:20Weren't you two childhood friends?
00:18:21You mean Sophie?
00:18:23He laughed once.
00:18:24We grew up together, yeah.
00:18:25But we never dated.
00:18:27I never felt that way about her.
00:18:28She was more like a little sister.
00:18:30So you haven't been with anyone all these years?
00:18:32Went on a few setups.
00:18:33It wasn't right, so...
00:18:35It ended.
00:18:37And after that, I looked down, thinking about that first night.
00:18:40Suddenly, it made complete sense.
00:18:42Quinn, I'll do better next time.
00:18:44His comment came out of nowhere.
00:18:45I blinked.
00:18:46Better at what?
00:18:47He turned his face away, cleared his throat quietly.
00:18:49His ears were deeply flushed.
00:18:51You'll see later.
00:18:52He kept his word.
00:18:53After dinner, back at the hotel, once he'd carried me out of the bathroom and onto the bed,
00:18:58I finally understood what he'd meant.
00:18:59By 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.
00:19:07His name in my mouth came out soft, nowhere near as angry as I wanted.
00:19:10Lucas bowed his head and kissed me softly.
00:19:12Quinn, is this okay?
00:19:13I shook my head, refused to answer.
00:19:15He didn't push, just kept kissing me, over and over, patient and unhurried.
00:19:20I couldn't hold out.
00:19:21Tears were leaking from the corners of my eyes.
00:19:23Lucas.
00:19:23My 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.
00:19:30Is this okay?
00:19:31Lucas' own eyes had gone red, arms taut, sweat falling in drops.
00:19:35I gave in, voice small and wrecked.
00:19:38Yes.
00:19:38Yes, 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?
00:20:15I will never leave me, okay?
00:20:15Will you be able to do that?
00:20:16Yes, sir?
00:20:19I did not.
00:20:20I don't know.
00:20:25I will never leave me, okay?
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.
00:25:37Ethan 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.
00:25:47Put them away.
00:25:48He closed the door, he closed the door.
00:25:49He closed the door, he closed the door, he closed the door, he 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.
00:26:02It 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.
00:26:19You 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,
00:26:35and photographed Ethan's torn up hand, then sent it to Quinn on the spot.
00:26:39Ethan didn't stop him.
00:27:06The room went still, about 10 seconds passed.
00:27:09Then Ryan's phone went and decided to ask him to open the floor and say,
00:27:11See? I knew she loved you more than anything.
00:27:14Look, Ethan, it's Quinn!
00:27:15The others noticed it too.
00:27:17The tension in Ethan's face had eased, just slightly.
00:27:19You want to take it?
00:27:20Ryan held out the phone.
00:27:21Ethan didn't look at it. He turned away.
00:27:23I'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? Are you hurt?
00:27:31It's not me, it's Ethan's hand.
00:27:32You have no idea how bad it is! Blood everywhere! He won't stop!
00:27:35Ryan rambled on. The other end went quiet.
00:27:38Quinn, are you there?
00:27:38Maybe, maybe you should come back.
00:27:40Ethan won't go to the hospital. He can't just keep bleeding like this.
00:27:42Ryan.
00:27:43Her voice was still soft, still the same.
00:27:45Yeah? Yeah, I'm here. Go 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! Don't hang up!
00:27:55The line went dead.
00:27:56Ryan stood there holding the phone like it had burned him.
00:27:59He wanted to slap himself.
00:28:00What was he thinking? Getting involved.
00:28:02Now look at the mess. Silence.
00:28:03Ethan looked around at everyone and smiled lightly.
00:28:05You all go mute?
00:28:06No one dared speak. He smiled again.
00:28:08What, nobody's got anything to say?
00:28:10Ethan, don't get worked up. The 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,
00:28:16Vera 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.
00:28:29She gave me seven years.
00:28:31Seven years? You think that's nothing to me?
00:28:32Vera 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.
00:28:59His 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?
00:29:05Daniel curved his lips, lit a cigarette.
00:29:07She's not my wife tonight.
00:29:09My 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.
00:29:24And 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.
00:29:56She couldn't leave his mind.
00:29:57She couldn't leave him.
00:30:01She couldn't leave her.
00:30:05She couldn't reach her when she left.
00:30:18And she took her into substantial balance.
00:30:22And herloe alltid looks like she needs a girl.
00:33:23What?
00:33:24Quinn, 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.
00:33:35My family's there.
00:33:36My apartment's there.
00:33:36I'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?
00:33:48If 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.
00:34:03It'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.
00:34:15Leaving 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 for 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.
00:35:14I 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.
00:35:35He turned, picked up his coat, and walked toward the door.
00:35:38I 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.
00:35:48I 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.
00:35:54He left.
00:35:55I sank slowly onto the couch, all the energy gone from my body.
00:35:58I 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.
00:36:04Couldn'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.
00:36:09Scared 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.
00:36:32I never would have let him drive me home that night.
00:36:37I never would have let him drive me home that night.
00:36:38I never would have let him drive me home that night.
00:36:40I never would have let him drive me home that night.
00:36:40I never would have let him drive me home that night.
00:36:41I never would have let him drive me home that night.
00:36:41I never would have let him drive me home that night.
00:36:48I never would have let him drive me home that night.
00:37:52It was past 3 a.m. when Lucas drove back to Quinn's hotel.
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.
00:38:00He 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.
00:38:12Quietly, 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.
00:38:24He shouldn't have cornered her like that.
00:38:26If keeping things loose made her feel lighter, easier, he didn't need a label.
00:38:29What'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 him,
00:38:35that was when he genuinely decided to let go.
00:38:37So he'd tried the setups, tried to meet someone new, tried to move forward, couldn't do it,
00:38:41recognized that quickly, cut 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, and 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.
00:39:25You don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:39:55You don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:40:00You don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:40:14You don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:40:14You don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:40:14You don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:40:14You don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:40:18You don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:40:21You don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:40:43The night before I was set to leave Miami, I went out for drinks with my best friend.
00:40:46So, how's things with Lucas?
00:40:48She looked me over.
00:40:49Look at you.
00:40:50That glow.
00:40:51Your skin's been absolutely luminous all week.
00:40:54He's been good for you.
00:40:56I should stop.
00:40:57I don't want a relationship.
00:40:58I don't want to get married.
00:40:59Quinn, why are you punishing yourself for someone else's mistakes?
00:41:02And it's not fair to Lucas either.
00:41:04The saying goes, one person plants the tree, another enjoys the shade.
00:41:06Fine.
00:41:07But that doesn't mean the person who planted the tree gets to leave a storm behind for the next one.
00:41:10Ethan was terrible.
00:41:11But Lucas is a good man.
00:41:13One worth something real.
00:41:14Why should Ethan's garbage keep you from giving Lucas a real chance?
00:41:17It's not that I'm biased against him.
00:41:19I just haven't gotten over the damage yet.
00:41:22You haven't gotten over the damage.
00:41:23Babe, Ethan spent seven years running you down and you don't even know it.
00:41:27You think you're not worth being loved?
00:41:29I stared at her.
00:41:29Was she right?
00:41:30The exhaustion of the back and forth.
00:41:32The constant anxiety.
00:41:33The feeling of never being enough.
00:41:35Never being secure.
00:41:36So now my guard was up against everyone.
00:41:37Against the whole world.
00:41:38Convinced that no one would ever love me without conditions.
00:41:41But why shouldn't I deserve that?
00:41:42The ones who waste your love, let them choke on it.
00:41:44The ones who love honestly, the universe opens a window for them.
00:41:47Babe, do you know how incredible you are?
00:41:49My best friend pulled me in, swayed gently.
00:41:51You're gorgeous.
00:41:52You have an amazing body.
00:41:53You were making your own money since sophomore year.
00:41:56Paid your own rent and practically kept me fed too.
00:41:58You're talented and driven and kind.
00:42:01If I were a man, I'd fight anyone to marry you.
00:42:03You deserve to be loved, Quinn.
00:42:05Genuinely loved by the right person.
00:42:08Not ground down and wasted on someone like Ethan.
00:42:11Trust me on this.
00:42:12He will regret it.
00:42:13For the rest of his life, he won't be able to shake losing you.
00:42:15Now, call Lucas and cancel your flight home.
00:42:18Don't think I don't know you already rebooked it.
00:42:20My eyes were getting hot.
00:42:21But what if Lucas and I end up in the same place?
00:42:24What if it ends the same way?
00:42:25It won't.
00:42:26How do you know?
00:42:26Because a man with that kind of self-control, who's never settled for less,
00:42:29will not be stupid enough to throw away the girl he actually chose.
00:42:32He's not Ethan.
00:42:33I shook my head.
00:42:34He wasn't.
00:42:35He really wasn't.
00:42:36So, call him.
00:42:37You have no idea how happy it'll make him.
00:43:06I thought Lucas would be happy.
00:43:08I didn't think a man in his late 20s running a company could be that happy over a phone call.
00:43:12Like a kid on Christmas morning, my best friend beamed at me.
00:43:15Quinn, happy?
00:43:16I nodded slowly.
00:43:17I think, yeah.
00:43:19Really happy.
00:43:20See?
00:43:20You're happy.
00:43:22Lucas is happier.
00:43:23What else is there to figure out?
00:43:24Then she laughed.
00:43:25Honestly?
00:43:26I just keep thinking about how miserable Ethan's going to be.
00:43:29That alone puts me in a great mood.
00:43:31Who knows?
00:43:32He's probably already moved on.
00:43:34I smiled faintly.
00:43:35Let's stop talking about him.
00:43:36In that moment, I could say it with no weight at all.
00:43:39Like he was just a name.
00:43:40Someone with no claim on me anymore.
00:43:41Lucas' car pulled up downstairs just as I stepped out of the bar.
00:43:45He stood in the night air with his arms open.
00:43:47I stopped and looked at him.
00:43:48Honestly, he was striking.
00:43:50Every feature exactly what I'd want.
00:43:52Men can like whoever they want.
00:43:53Overlap if they choose.
00:43:54The world hardly blinks.
00:43:56So why can't I, after a real ending, start something new?
00:43:59I walked toward him.
00:43:59He walked toward me.
00:44:01People moved around us.
00:44:02We kissed like no one was watching.
00:44:03His heart was pounding so fast.
00:44:05I reached up and touched the back of his neck.
00:44:07Burning hot.
00:44:08He was still warm when I pressed my forehead to his.
00:44:10Slightly breathless.
00:44:11Voiceless.
00:44:12Quinn, do I have a fever?
00:44:14Maybe.
00:44:15Too much touching and this happens?
00:44:18I laughed and kissed under his chin.
00:44:19Maybe more of this and you'll be cured?
00:44:22His ears went redder.
00:44:23He cupped my face, eyes open and searching.
00:44:25Quinn, what am I to you right now?
00:44:28I teased him.
00:44:28What do you think?
00:44:30A hugger or a boyfriend?
00:44:31He asked.
00:44:32Then immediately shook his head, pressing his face into my neck.
00:44:34Never mind.
00:44:34I don't want to know right now.
00:44:36I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him closer.
00:44:38You sure you don't want to know?
00:44:40Boyfriend.
00:45:18I don't want to know right now.
00:47:07Take care of yourself.
00:54:34a text. It went through. No response. The message read, thinking about selling the apartment. What
00:54:38do you want to do with your clothes? Maybe he forgot she'd left a note saying to deal with
00:54:41everything herself. Dispose of it all however he liked. Or maybe it was intentional. An excuse to
00:54:46reach out. Maybe Ethan told himself he was giving her a way back in. She was smart. She'd know to
00:54:50take the out. His temper looked bad but he wasn't that hard to deal with. Quinn never replied. The
00:54:54apartment didn't sell. Her clothes and everything else stayed exactly as they were. Like she'd never
00:54:58left. Ethan came back late nights after going out. Lay down in her bed. Stared at the ceiling until
00:55:03almost dawn. The third month after she left. Same as always. Late and still. When the clock
00:55:07hands crept toward midnight. Ethan dialed her number. The second month after Quinn left.
00:55:27Quinn had been careful. Quiet. A good girl in the old-fashioned sense. Her family was ordinary
00:55:31but comfortable. Her parents adored her. And because she'd been beautiful since she was young,
00:55:35they'd kept a close eye on her. It wasn't until the fall after graduation that Quinn moved in with
00:55:39Ethan. He still remembered that night. She'd been shaking from head to toe. Her skin flushed everywhere.
00:55:43A deep burning pink. She was breathtaking. Fragile beneath him in a way that made his chest ache.
00:55:48When it was over she cried for a long time. Over and over she said,
00:55:51Ethan you're not allowed to hurt me. Not now. Not ever. You have to be good to me. You have
00:55:57to marry me.
00:55:58Ethan. Ethan. We're gonna be together forever. Right?
00:56:01The girl who'd believed all of that. Who trusted with her whole self that she'd end up with the
00:56:05man she loved. He'd lost her a long time ago. Long enough that he couldn't even recall. The last
00:56:09time they'd said goodbye. What had her face looked like? Did she smile and nod? Or did her eyes go
00:56:13red? The phone rang for a while. He'd almost given up. Then it connected. In that moment,
00:56:17what he wanted to say was, Quinn, come home. But what came out of his mouth was,
00:56:21Quinn, you've made your point. Come home.
00:56:23His pathetic, idiotic words were cut off by a man's low laugh. That laugh landed like cold
00:56:28concrete. Ethan went rigid, like he'd been encased in ice and couldn't move.
00:56:32Ethan. You snooze, you lose. Can't let a girl stew overnight or someone else steps in.
00:56:39Lucas Shaw?
00:56:40Ethan said the name through clenched teeth, blood rushing into his eyes.
00:56:43It's me.
00:56:44Put Quinn on! Now!
00:56:46His eyes looked flooded. He gripped the phone, voice shaking low.
00:56:50Lucas, if you took advantage of...
00:56:52She could come to the phone.
00:56:53Lucas lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss to his girl's temple.
00:56:56Quinn's lashes were still wet, her mouth in a small pout.
00:56:59Eyes closed, but everything on her face said one thing.
00:57:02I was hurt. His chest clenched.
00:57:03He kissed the corner of her eye, drew away the tear that sat there.
00:57:06She's asleep, upset with me. I have to kiss her awake first.
00:57:09Lucas!
00:57:10Ethan's voice went dead silent.
00:57:12Lucas ended the call, turned off his phone.
00:57:14He brought his lips down to Quinn's, softly.
00:57:16Hey, wake up.
00:57:33You've been interested in me.
00:57:51It's unbelievable.
00:57:52Happy years.
00:57:52I'll receive it when I came to from the screen.
00:57:52You're theuring.
00:57:55I thought about what it would be like to see Ethan again.
00:57:58He came from money, and he knew it.
00:57:59Pride ran deep in him.
00:58:00We'd ended things without a scene.
00:58:02If we ever crossed paths, he'd probably look right through me.
00:58:04Or we'd exchange a polite, meaningless smile.
00:58:07My family was in the city.
00:58:08We had mutual friends.
00:58:09It wasn't realistic to think we'd never be in the same room again.
00:58:11But I never expected that.
00:58:12Never expected to see him come undone like that.
00:58:15The day it happened, I'd slept well and woken up in a good mood.
00:58:17I was wearing a new blush pink cashmere dress.
00:58:20Makeup done.
00:58:20Feeling like myself again.
00:58:21Warm and whole, like a ripe peach in September.
00:58:24I had my hand tucked in Lucas's arm.
00:58:26We were laughing about something as we pushed through the revolving door.
00:58:28And there was Ethan, stepping out of a car.
00:58:30I stopped.
00:58:31My feet stopped with me.
00:58:32Lucas's warm fingers closed around mine.
00:58:34Ethan's shirt was wrinkled.
00:58:35No tie.
00:58:36The exhaustion on his face was plain.
00:58:37His brow heavy.
00:58:38The whites of his eyes shot through with red.
00:58:40People moved past us on both sides.
00:58:42A fountain not far off played something cheerful.
00:58:44The whole moment felt like a slow motion shot from a movie.
00:58:46Except I wasn't watching.
00:58:48I was in it.
00:58:48Ethan looked more undone than I'd ever seen him.
00:58:50Lucas moved instinctively, stepping slightly in front of me.
00:58:53But Ethan's expression was perfectly calm.
00:58:55He said my name the way he used to, back when things were good.
00:58:58Soft.
00:58:58Warm.
00:58:59Quinn.
00:59:00I stood there and didn't move.
00:59:01The music from the fountain kept playing.
00:59:03And yet something in me ached.
00:59:04Quietly.
00:59:05I didn't quite know why.
00:59:06Maybe for the girl who'd overheard those words that night.
00:59:08Maybe for the girl who'd gotten a breakup handed to her without warning.
00:59:11Maybe most of all for the girl who'd loved foolishly for seven years and let go in seven days.
00:59:15Quinn.
00:59:16I came to bring you home.
00:59:17He hadn't looked at Lucas once.
00:59:19His eyes were on my face.
00:59:20And they were soft in a way I'd almost forgotten.
00:59:22I couldn't even remember the last time he'd looked at me like that before we fell apart.
00:59:25He stopped about a meter in front of me.
00:59:27Quinn.
00:59:28Come home.
00:59:29We get married.
00:59:31We do it right this time.
00:59:32He meant every word.
00:59:33He was so serious I almost let myself believe.
00:59:35That the Ethan who'd said he was giving another girl something real had been a figment of my imagination.
00:59:39But it was too late Ethan.
00:59:40A broken heart doesn't reassemble itself.
00:59:42And the new one that had grown up from the wreckage.
00:59:44It already belonged to someone else.
00:59:58He had three ΠΎΡΡΠ°Π² to those kinds of people.
01:00:01He was like, how do you remember?
01:00:01That was a big thing.
01:00:01That was an continual voice from Amillage.
01:00:02It's all used to be trying to run out.
01:00:02You know, he's just sort of a 10-5-29-10-70.
01:00:16You can just look towards him.
01:00:16Jack spΓ€ter says, he reads his mind when he hits another source and comes back in front of him.
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