Marked by destiny, she becomes the chosen Blood Bride in a world ruled by vampires, ancient curses, and dangerous secrets. As powerful rivals compete for her fate, forbidden love and shocking betrayals threaten to reshape the vampire kingdom forever.
Watch the Full Episode of this gripping short drama featuring vampire romance, dark fantasy, supernatural mysteries, revenge, and unforgettable emotional twists. Perfect for fans of gothic romance, paranormal love stories, and fantasy drama series.
#ShortDrama #DramaUrbano #VampireRomance #DarkFantasy #DramaSeries #VampireBride #SupernaturalRomance #GothicRomance #FantasyRomance #ParanormalRomance #FullEpisode #ShortFilm #ShortMovie #ENGSUB
Watch the Full Episode of this gripping short drama featuring vampire romance, dark fantasy, supernatural mysteries, revenge, and unforgettable emotional twists. Perfect for fans of gothic romance, paranormal love stories, and fantasy drama series.
#ShortDrama #DramaUrbano #VampireRomance #DarkFantasy #DramaSeries #VampireBride #SupernaturalRomance #GothicRomance #FantasyRomance #ParanormalRomance #FullEpisode #ShortFilm #ShortMovie #ENGSUB
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Memento's fingers traced my cheek after we made love.
00:04Warm. Gentle.
00:05The same touch I'd craved for five years of marriage.
00:09You did well.
00:10I smiled against his pillow, believed every word.
00:12My period was two weeks late, and for the first time in my hollow life,
00:16I felt hope blooming inside me.
00:18A child. His child. Ours.
00:20Then the study door stood a jive.
00:22Just a crack, maybe an inch.
00:24And I heard his voice from the other side.
00:26Cold. Clinical.
00:28Like he was reading a lab report.
00:30The antibodies are almost mature.
00:3297%.
00:33His brother Enrique laughed.
00:35Low. Cruel.
00:36All those nights in bed.
00:38I almost thought you were starting to enjoy it.
00:41Memento's response cut through me like glass.
00:45I can barely stand her.
00:47Every time I touch her, I feel like scrubbing my skin raw.
00:50If her blood didn't have the antibodies Sile needs,
00:54I wouldn't even look at her.
00:55My hand flew to my mouth.
00:57I was just a stand-in.
00:58A blood bag with a pulse.
01:00For five years, I wasn't even real to him.
01:03The man who called me his only star had been counting down the days until he could throw me away.
01:07Night had fettled in.
01:08The bedroom still held the scent of skin and shared heat.
01:11I lay curled on the bed, my wrist bandage stained with blood.
01:14Clemente traced my cheek, his eyes full of tenderness.
01:17You did well.
01:18He murmured.
01:20I don't know what I'd do without you.
01:21I managed a weak smile.
01:23Anything for you.
01:24I'd married him five years ago to save my crumbling family.
01:28My father arrested, mother bedridden, sister in a vegetative state.
01:32In business, Clemente was cold and merciless.
01:35But with me, he was gentle, caring, loving.
01:38Or so I thought.
01:40400 milliliters tomorrow.
01:41He said.
01:42He pressed a kiss to my forehead.
01:44The host personality has been getting more unstable.
01:47But my mind had already drifted elsewhere.
01:49My period was two weeks late.
01:51The nausea that morning stirred a fragile hope inside me.
01:54I might be pregnant.
01:55The idea both thrilled and frightened me.
01:58Donating that much blood would be dangerous for a pregnant woman.
02:01I ventured carefully.
02:03Clem.
02:04Do you think we could take a little less tomorrow?
02:07His eyes flickered, then soft again.
02:09Probably just a cold.
02:10I lied.
02:11I needed to be sure first.
02:12If it were true, I'd tell him as a surprise.
02:15The best kind.
02:16Just see how you feel tomorrow.
02:17He said.
02:18I'll be in the study for a bit.
02:19Get some rest.
02:20The door closed softly behind him.
02:22I lay still for a moment.
02:24Excitement bubbled up inside me.
02:26I wanted to tell him.
02:27I wanted to see his face when he found out.
02:31The study door stood ajar.
02:33I stepped closer.
02:34Then stopped short at the sound of voices inside.
02:36Clementez.
02:37And another I recognized instantly.
02:40Enrique Tate.
02:40His closest friend.
02:42My younger sister Sylvia Ritter's fiance.
02:44The antibodies are almost fully mature.
02:47Clementez's voice was clinical.
02:5097%.
02:50Two more draws at most.
02:52And we can extract everything.
02:55Sylve's really going to pull through.
02:57Enrique said.
02:58I heard him let out a breath.
03:00You've been at this for a year.
03:01Playing along every day.
03:02Seeing her face.
03:04That had to be rough.
03:06I froze outside the door.
03:08My hand was halfway to the knob.
03:10It's nothing.
03:11Clementez said.
03:12I heard the scoff in his voice.
03:14She's just a stand-in.
03:15Every time I see a hint of Sel in her face.
03:18I remember what she did to Sylve.
03:21All the pretending is worth it.
03:22You really threw yourself into it.
03:24Enrique said.
03:25I could hear the grin in his voice.
03:28All those nights in bed.
03:29He chuckled.
03:30I almost thought you were starting to enjoy it.
03:34Enjoy it?
03:35Clementez barked aloud.
03:36I can barely stand her.
03:37Every time I touch her.
03:38I feel like scrubbing my skin raw.
03:41If her blood didn't have the antibodies Sile needs, I wouldn't even look at her.
03:46I clapped a hand over my mouth before a sound could escape.
03:50When Syl wakes up, what happens to Marcella?
03:54Enrique asked.
03:55Fall for her?
03:56Enrique scoffed.
03:58Sylve's the only one I care about.
04:00Marcella's just a look-alike.
04:01Do what you want.
04:03Clemente said.
04:04Clemente had told me there were two versions of him.
04:07Clemente and Enrique stepped out, watching me flee with cold eyes.
04:11Get her.
04:12Clemente demanded.
04:14Dwayne Hickman the hitman I'd saved by accident three years ago.
04:17Ella, where are you going at this hour?
04:20Clemente and Enrique sat on the couch, relaxed, almost amused.
04:24In a robe?
04:25Enrique raised a brow.
04:27Did you hear something?
04:28I backed up until my shoulders hit the door.
04:30Clemente stepped forward, eyes sharp and icy.
04:35Stop lying.
04:37Well, well.
04:38Our stand-in's not behaving.
04:40You've been using me this whole time?
04:42My voice cracked.
04:43The blood?
04:44The marriage?
04:46All of it was fake?
04:49What else would it be?
04:51He gripped my chin.
04:52You really thought I'd fall for the woman who ruined Sile?
04:55Sylve saw you last.
04:56Enrique said flatly.
04:57The final message on her phone.
04:59Ella needs me.
05:00It's urgent.
05:01Then she crashed into a coma.
05:03And somehow you ended up in Clem's bed.
05:07I didn't send that message.
05:09I realized.
05:09It was you.
05:10You set me up.
05:12Clemente's grip tightened.
05:14Sharp enough to make me gasp.
05:15You figured it out too late.
05:17His voice soft in a way that made my skin crawl.
05:19Your dad's company?
05:21Your mom's illness?
05:22The crash?
05:23All arranged.
05:24We needed you desperate enough to give blood willingly.
05:29Clemente and Enrique closed in.
05:31So you can't bring yourself to do it, can you?
05:34Enrique lounged on the couch.
05:35Clemente's face darkened.
05:37Enrique?
05:38Mind your words.
05:40Clemente grabbed Enrique by the collar.
05:42I saw it a flicker of hesitation in Clemente's eyes.
05:45I clutched my belly, voice shaking.
05:48I've been meaning to tell you.
05:50Please, for the sake of our child, let me go.
05:54Enrique recovered from the shock.
05:56Pregnant?
05:57Perfect timing.
05:58Your other self never ceases to surprise.
06:00Then the butler burst in, face beaming.
06:02She passed out again.
06:03But the doctor says she needs antibodies urgently.
06:06Or else, start the car.
06:08Clemente commanded.
06:10What about her?
06:11Enrique pointed at me.
06:13Clemente cast a cold glance.
06:16Bring her along.
06:17We need her blood now.
06:18No!
06:19Word ripped.
06:19I'm pregnant!
06:21I can't!
06:22To bodyguards charged in, flanking me.
06:25I thrashed wildly.
06:26Clemente, that's your own flesh and blood!
06:28Enrique stepped forward, smirked.
06:31Before I could scream again, he seized my chin and twisted.
06:34I couldn't make a single coherent sound.
06:36Tears and blood ran together down my face.
06:39Much quieter.
06:40Enrique said.
06:41And she won't be running away now.
06:43I curled on the floor.
06:45Agony blurred my vision.
06:46With my last strength, I shot Clemente a beseeching glance.
06:49Those eyes once full of love and trust now held only despair.
06:52He shut his own eyes.
06:53When they opened again, nothing.
06:55His pant leg slipped from my grasp.
06:57I was dragged out.
06:59Shoved into the trunk.
07:01At the hospital, Enrique dragged me from the trunk into a wheelchair.
07:05What happened to her?
07:07My mother set down her teacup, voice dripping with disgust.
07:10She didn't cooperate.
07:11Enrique pushed the wheelchair forward.
07:13Even tried to threaten Clem by saying she was pregnant.
07:17Pregnant?
07:17My mother shot to her feet.
07:19Slapped me across the face.
07:20I struggled to speak.
07:22Jaw agony.
07:23Nothing came out.
07:24Know what?
07:25That you'd harm your own sister for a man?
07:28Sylvia is your own flesh and blood!
07:30Then the door swung open.
07:32A nurse wheeled Sylvia in.
07:34Enrique drove a sharp kick into my abdomen.
07:36My baby.
07:38I mouthed silently at Clemente.
07:40He stood beside Sylvia's bed.
07:42Holding her hand, sensing my gaze, he turned.
07:44Then looked away.
07:46Continue.
07:47Enrique said coldly.
07:48Stop!
07:48A doctor shouted.
07:49Her blood pressure is dropping.
07:51One more draw and she could die.
07:54Take the blood.
07:55Clemente ordered.
07:56Use drugs.
07:57Keep her alive.
07:58When the fifth bag was full, blood pooled beneath me.
08:01She had a miscarriage!
08:02The nurse explained.
08:04Only then did Enrique notice.
08:06His gaze flickered.
08:07He sneered.
08:09Clem, go.
08:10Stay with Syl.
08:11Leave this to me.
08:12Clemente nodded.
08:14Walked away.
08:15After the door clicked shut, Enrique crouched down.
08:17Grabbed my chin.
08:19Think you can use a baby to level with Clem?
08:22Never gonna happen.
08:23He turned to the doctor.
08:25Perform the abortion.
08:27And remove her uterus.
08:29In case she tries again.
08:32Sylve, don't get upset.
08:34Enrique soothed her.
08:35No, I wanna talk to Marski.
08:38Sylvia grabbed his hand.
08:39Enrique sighed.
08:40Kissed her forehead.
08:41Five minutes.
08:42I'll be waiting outside.
08:43The door clicked shut.
08:44He hadn't left.
08:45Turned back.
08:46Leaned close.
08:47Lips at my ear.
08:48If Sile sheds one tear, I'd break a bone.
08:52He pulled out his phone that held the screen in my face.
08:55A video.
08:56Me and Clemente.
08:57In our bedroom.
08:58My face visible.
08:59Clear as daylight.
09:00Dazed.
09:01Cooperate.
09:02Thumb hovered over the screen.
09:03Or this reeks.
09:05I stared at him.
09:06Hatred burning.
09:06Nodded.
09:07Understood.
09:08The door burst open.
09:10Clemente rushed in.
09:11Saw Enrique leaning over me.
09:13What's going on here?
09:15Sylvia called.
09:16Clem?
09:17Why are you here?
09:19Marcella.
09:20I'm talking to you.
09:21Play dumb.
09:22He sneered.
09:23Uncorked the bottle.
09:25Fill the syringe.
09:26Then never speak again.
09:28I spat one word.
09:30Sure.
09:31Sure.
09:32Xavier and my mother walked in with nurses.
09:34Bill, go back.
09:35My mother snapped.
09:37She's not worth it.
09:39While I lay there invisible, Clemente's hand quivered on the syringe.
09:45He remembered a year ago.
09:47Me in his arms.
09:49Clem.
09:50If I lose my voice, will you remember how I sound?
09:53Give the injection or not.
09:56Enrique's voice snapped him back.
09:58Clemente gathered himself.
10:01Clem.
10:02Sylvia called weakly.
10:03He closed his eyes.
10:04Opened them nothing but ice remained.
10:06Silence fell like a shroud.
10:09I woke to pain.
10:10No sense of time passed.
10:12My throat burned like fire.
10:13The drug had taken effect.
10:15Sylvia sat beside my bed, peeling an apple.
10:17Finally awake.
10:19How does it feel to lose your voice forever?
10:22She took a bite.
10:23Don't look at me like that.
10:25Blame yourself for taking what's mine.
10:27Clemente.
10:28Enrique.
10:29Our parents.
10:31Their love belongs to me.
10:33What makes you think you can claim even a fraction of it?
10:36I shakily wrote on paper.
10:37Did you plan the car crash?
10:39She glanced down.
10:41Grinned widened.
10:41Bravo.
10:42Yes, it was me.
10:43I sent that message.
10:45Planned the crash.
10:46Severe but not fatal.
10:48She leaned in.
10:49Hissing like a snake.
10:50Why?
10:52Do you know what the funnest part was?
10:54I pretended to be sick.
10:56Said terrible things about you.
10:59Clemente believed I saved him.
11:01Enrique believed you bullied me.
11:04Even our parents believed it.
11:06I wrote, they are my family.
11:10Your family?
11:12In this family, there can only be one princess.
11:16Mom and dad chose me.
11:18From the first toy you gave me.
11:20Your birthday cake?
11:22They accepted everything yours should be mine.
11:24She smoothed her clothes gracefully.
11:26But don't worry.
11:27Once I'm well, I'll take good care of you.
11:31A mute girl with mental issues gets shipped off to a far-flung asylum.
11:36Makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
11:38And now, it's time to become the rightful Mrs. McNeil.
11:42Suddenly my gaze fell on the family portrait by the bedside, taken on my 18th birthday.
11:46I pointed at it with a shaking finger.
11:48Sylvia followed.
11:50Smile deepened.
11:52Oh, that?
11:53Mom and dad know everything.
11:55They support every decision I make.
11:57Dad cooked the books to bankrupt the company.
12:00Mom played sick to drive you to the wall.
12:03We pulled it off flawlessly, didn't we?
12:05Her voice sweet yet cruel.
12:07Marcy?
12:07In fact, you were never meant to exist.
12:10If only I were the only twin to survive in my mom's womb, everything would have been perfect.
12:15The last flicker of light died in my eyes.
12:17I closed them.
12:19Tears fell silently.
12:20Sylvia chuckled.
12:21Are you crying?
12:23Save it.
12:24No one is gonna pity you.
12:26Just then faint footsteps outside.
12:27Clemente and Enrique came back.
12:30Sylvia's eyes flashed.
12:31She grabbed the knife.
12:33Slashed at her own neck.
12:34Blood gushed out.
12:35Sylvia screamed.
12:37Slumped to the door.
12:40Door banged open.
12:42Syl!
12:42Clemente charged and cursed.
12:44Saw the blood.
12:45Face darkened.
12:45Enrique followed.
12:46Eyes burning with rage.
12:48What the hell is going on?
12:50Sylvia lifted a trembling hand.
12:52Pointed at me.
12:54Marcine, why?
12:55I just wanted to peel an apple for you.
12:57Marcella!
12:58What have you done to her?
13:00Enrique yanked me off the bed.
13:02How dare you hurt Syl!
13:04I'll make you pay!
13:05My right leg, in a cast,
13:07slammed into the bed.
13:08Pain darkened my vision.
13:09I wanted to defend myself,
13:11yet only broken gurgles came out.
13:13Drop the ass!
13:14Enrique raised his leg to kick.
13:16Clemente shuckled.
13:16Enough!
13:17Save Syl first!
13:20Locked in the hospital room.
13:22No food.
13:23No water.
13:24I curled in the corner.
13:26Watching light brighten and fade outside the window.
13:29Clemente stopped in front of me.
13:31Syl woke up.
13:32But psychological trauma is severe.
13:34She screams when she sees red.
13:37Doctor says, extreme fear.
13:39He squatted down.
13:41Marcella, how could you do it?
13:43She's your sister.
13:44I was in too much pain to respond.
13:46But it doesn't matter anymore.
13:48He stood.
13:49Antibite extraction complete.
13:50We don't need you.
13:51A doctor handed him a psychiatric evaluation report.
13:56Severe depression.
13:58Schizophrenic tendencies.
14:00Violent behavior.
14:02Recommendation, immediate transfer to specialized institution.
14:06As for Mrs. Mcnail, that position belongs to Sile.
14:10She saved my life.
14:11Eight years ago.
14:13Rushed into a fire to pull me out.
14:15That summer, I was sketching near an abandoned factory.
14:19Sylve got a permanent scar saving me.
14:21Clemento's eyes grew complicated.
14:23So I promised to marry her.
14:25Take care of her forever.
14:27Marrying you was only to keep you stable.
14:29Make blood draws easier.
14:31From beginning to end.
14:34The only one I love is Sylve.
14:36Enrique walked in, eyes filled with disgust.
14:39Sylve is kind-hearted.
14:41Like a little son since childhood.
14:44If she hadn't played with me back then.
14:46As an illegitimate child, I'd have been bullied to death.
14:48She even saved my life.
14:50Fell into water once.
14:52She jumped in and pulled me out.
14:53They stood shoulder to shoulder.
14:55You shouldn't stand in Sylve's way.
14:57Enrique said coldly.
14:59I began to tremble all over.
15:01It's not like this.
15:03It's not like this.
15:04Eight years ago.
15:06The one who rushed into the fire was me.
15:09I carried unconscious Clemente from the flames.
15:11My left arm struck by a falling beam.
15:14Still aches on rainy days.
15:16And when Enrico fell into the water, it was me who jumped in.
15:19Dragged the drowning boy ashore.
15:23Nearly developed pneumonia afterward.
15:25Sylvia Hu always looked down on everyone.
15:27Who wouldn't spare Encrick a glance since childhood?
15:32How could Esiji have saved them?
15:34I screamed in utter collapse.
15:36I wanted to speak.
15:37Wanted to tear apart every lie.
15:41Still making a scene?
15:43Enrique frowned.
15:45Bodyguards.
15:45Four burly men rushed in.
15:47Surrounded me.
15:48Beating.
15:49Kicking.
15:50I protected my head.
15:52Curled on the ground.
15:54Enough.
15:55Clemente finally spoke.
15:56Take her away.
15:57I was dragged out through the corridor.
15:59A Sylvia being coached by our parents to take medicine.
16:02Seeing me, she silently mouthed,
16:03Farewell forever.
16:05I closed my eyes.
16:06Gave up all resistance.
16:09The car drove out of the hospital onto winding mountain roads in the suburbs.
16:13Night to the end.
16:13Roads twisted.
16:15Suddenly dash blinding high beams from the heart.
16:17Another car sped up from behind.
16:19Both cars crashed into mine simultaneously.
16:22Deafening collision echoing through mountains.
16:24Trapped in the deformed backseat.
16:26Blood blurring my vision.
16:28Gasoline spilled everywhere.
16:29Pungent smell.
16:30A figure stepped from the opposite car.
16:33Enrique's personal subordinate.
16:35Staring at me with a sinister look.
16:37Throat splitting gesture.
16:38It was Enrique.
16:39He wanted me dead.
16:41Gakuin met electric spark.
16:43Boom dash flames engulfed the car.
16:45Wave of heat.
16:45I pounded on the window.
16:47Useless.
16:47I turned saw cars parked in the distance.
16:50Clemente's people.
16:51Watching coldly.
16:53No intention of rescuing.
16:54Fire grew fiercer.
16:56Smoke choking my lungs.
16:58Consciousness fading.
16:59Just when I thought I was doomed, a dark figure rushed into the flames like a goat.
17:03Car window smashed.
17:04A face appeared outside.
17:06Familiar somehow.
17:07Strong hands reached in.
17:09Unlocked the door.
17:10Dragged me from the sea of fire.
17:12Hold on tight.
17:13Hoisted onto his back.
17:14Knife in one hand.
17:16Shielding me with the other.
17:17Blade carved bloody past the attackers.
17:19Bullet whizzed.
17:21New wounds appeared on his body.
17:22But he didn't retreat a single step.
17:24Ahead only Cliff's edge.
17:26Below.
17:26Surging to the river.
17:28Hold on.
17:28With me on his back, he leaped into the void.
17:31I see Bainchillin River swallowed us both.
17:34River swallowed me whole.
17:36I see water rushed into nose.
17:38Mouth.
17:38Lungs.
17:39Couldn't breathe.
17:40Couldn't scream.
17:41Dwayne's arm around my waist.
17:43Dwayne Hickman the hitman I'd saved three years ago.
17:45The one I'd texted from the storage room.
17:48Help me.
17:49He'd come.
17:50Too late to stop them but not too late to save my life.
17:52Current tearing at us.
17:53Pulling apart.
17:54Broken leg throbbed.
17:55Burned forearm stung.
17:56Every wound screaming at once.
17:58Darkness crept from edges of vision.
18:00Fought to keep eyes open.
18:01Surface grew farther and farther away.
18:03Voices above.
18:04Muffled distant.
18:05Jumped into the river.
18:06Find them.
18:07Alive or dead.
18:08Even here.
18:08Even drowning.
18:09I recognized his voice.
18:11Of course he did.
18:12I'd outlived my usefulness.
18:14Blood drained.
18:14Child taken.
18:15Voice silenced.
18:16What was left?
18:17I was nothing to them.
18:19Current spun me like a rag doll.
18:20Sank.
18:21Rose.
18:21Sank again.
18:22Each time I surfaced.
18:24Gasped for air that wasn't there.
18:27Fingers numb.
18:29Couldn't feel Dwan's grip anymore.
18:31Had I lost him?
18:32He'd saved me once.
18:34He wouldn't let go.
18:36Another fragment of sound.
18:39Organize a rescue team.
18:40Search upstream and downstream.
18:42That voice.
18:43Clemente.
18:45Was he looking for me?
18:46Should have brought relief.
18:48Instead tasted like ash.
18:50He'd watched me burn.
18:52Ordered me dragged.
18:53Seen nothing worth saving.
18:54Now he wanted to play hero?
18:57I laughed underwater.
19:00Bubbles escaped.
19:02Last breath wasted on mockery.
19:05Let them search.
19:06Let them argue.
19:08Because I was gone.
19:10Could feel it.
19:12Cold spreading through veins.
19:14Reaching for my heart.
19:16Sometime later consciousness flickered back.
19:18Damp sand beneath my cheek.
19:19Small fire crackling nearby.
19:22Dwayne's jacket wrapped around me.
19:24He knelt beside me.
19:25Checking my injuries.
19:27Cast on right leg loose.
19:28Forehead wounds still bleeding.
19:30Worst problems.
19:31Hypothermia.
19:32Lack of oxygen.
19:34His voice low.
19:35Hold on.
19:37We have to out of here.
19:39I nodded.
19:39Trembling.
19:41He seemed to read my thoughts.
19:45Don't talk.
19:46You saved me once.
19:48I owe you my life.
19:49Now paying my debt.
19:51He lifted me onto his back.
19:53Walked downstream along the bank.
19:55As dawn broke a remote fishing village appeared.
19:58Rest there.
19:59You need clean clothes.
20:00Food.
20:01But as we approached, Dwayne stopped.
20:03Muscles tensed.
20:05What's wrong?
20:07I mouthed.
20:09He didn't answer.
20:10Quickly hid me under an abandoned fishing boat.
20:13Stay here.
20:14No matter what happens.
20:16Don't come out.
20:17I tried to grab him.
20:19Already gone.
20:19Running opposite direction.
20:21Then I saw them.
20:22Three men in black.
20:23Emerging like wolves.
20:24Movements to smooth.
20:25Two trained.
20:26Professional killers.
20:27It was Enrique.
20:28He hadn't just wanted me dead.
20:29He wanted Dwayne's life too.
20:31Twenty million dollars worth of dead.
20:33I clenched my jaw until it hurt.
20:34Couldn't hide here while Dwayne fought alone.
20:36This was my mess.
20:37Should end with me.
20:38I dragged myself out from under the boat.
20:40Broken legs screamed.
20:44The assassin grinned.
20:45Come here first.
20:46I took a step forward.
20:48His hand reached for my arm.
20:49I drove my elbow hard into his throat.
20:52He staggered back.
20:53Coughing.
20:53Choking.
20:54Recovered the fist.
20:55Eyes vicious.
20:57You refuse a toast.
20:59You drink a 40.
21:01My hand moved on its own.
21:03Snatched second gun from his waist.
21:05Pressed to his temple.
21:06Frozen.
21:07Him staring at my trembling finger.
21:08Him staring down barrel of my own cowardice.
21:10You don't have the guts.
21:12My blood went.
21:12A pampered young lady.
21:14Ever killed a chicken?
21:15He was right.
21:18Finger on trigger.
21:19Couldn't make it move.
21:23Gunshots split the air.
21:25Killer's eyes went wide.
21:27Red hole in forehead.
21:28Collapsed like puppet with strings cut.
21:30Dwayne stood behind him.
21:32Smoke curling from gun barrel.
21:34Other to lay dead at his feet.
21:35I lowered gun.
21:37Hands shaking.
21:39I told you not to come out.
21:41Voice like ice.
21:43Moved fast checking bodice.
21:45Cleaning evidence.
21:46Professional.
21:47Efficient.
21:48Cold.
21:48Then I remembered something.
21:50Hand to neck.
21:50Amulet hanging there.
21:52Rico's name engraved on gold.
21:53Enrique's nickname.
21:54Birthday gift from years ago.
21:56One of a pair.
21:57He wore the other.
21:58I tore chain off.
21:59Hesitated one second.
22:01Tossed amulet beside the corpse.
22:02He deserves it.
22:05I mouthed.
22:05Dwayne saw.
22:06Frown slightly.
22:07Didn't object.
22:08Police coming soon.
22:09We need to move.
22:10Disappeared into bamboo forest.
22:13Days later.
22:15Hiding in shack on village edge.
22:17Dwayne finally spoke.
22:20Enrique found your amulet at the scene.
22:22Showed Sylvia a photo.
22:24Asked how it ended up with you.
22:26She said couldn't remember.
22:28Played amnesia card.
22:29Same act for years.
22:30But something shifted in him after that.
22:33I see it in how he looks at her now.
22:36Like seeing a stranger.
22:38What question?
22:40My voice barely a whisper.
22:42Dwayne met my eyes.
22:44He asked Clementis.
22:46That fire eight years ago.
22:47The person who saved you.
22:49Are you sure it was Syl?
22:51Clemento froze.
22:52Said of course.
22:54Parents told him so.
22:55Syl showed Scar on her back.
22:57But Enrico pressed.
22:59Did you see it with your own eyes?
23:01When you woke.
23:02Who was by your bed?
23:04Clemento was in coma three days.
23:06Woke.
23:07Syl was there.
23:08Showed Scar.
23:09Believed her.
23:12But Enrique asked something else.
23:15Can you really tell difference?
23:17Between a burn scar and any other scar?
23:21Silence stretched between us.
23:23Truth was right there.
23:24Waiting.
23:25If person who saved Clemente wasn't Syl.
23:28If person who saved Enrique wasn't Syl either.
23:31Then everything they'd done to me.
23:33Every drop of blood taken.
23:35Every bone broken.
23:37Built on a lie.
23:38A lie Sylvia had told.
23:41A lie they chose to believe.
23:44Dwayne's phone buzzed.
23:46He glanced at screen.
23:47Expression shifted.
23:49What is it?
23:52My contact inside Tate's organization.
23:54Lowered voice.
23:55Enrique got call while still in Clemento's office.
23:59From his assassinates.
24:01One's hunting us.
24:03They found us.
24:08Where?
24:09Westridge Hill.
24:10The cliff.
24:12My blood went cold.
24:14Dwayne seriously injured.
24:16You were shot too.
24:17Nowhere left to run.
24:19You jumped.
24:20Dwayne's voice flat.
24:22Reciting facts.
24:23Sheer drop.
24:25Rocks below.
24:25They're saying we shouldn't have survived.
24:30I stared at him.
24:31But then something happened.
24:33Enrico's contact said Enrique went completely still after hearing that report.
24:38Grabbed phone.
24:39Shouted one word.
24:41Stop!
24:42Ordered pursuit called off immediately.
24:44Send teams down to search.
24:45Wants us alive.
24:46Dwayne looked at me.
24:47If we're dead, he couldn't finish this.
24:51He needs answers.
24:52For first time, I think he's afraid those answers might destroy him.
24:57Outside, wind picked up.
25:02Somewhere across those mountains, a man who tried to kill me, now desperate to find me alive.
25:09Irony tasted like ash.
25:13But something shifted in Enrique after that.
25:16I could see it in his eyes when he looked at her like seeing her for the first time.
25:21Dwayne's hand rested on my shoulder.
25:24Ella.
25:25They want to see you.
25:27I looked up from my cot.
25:28Clemente and Enrique stood in doorway.
25:30Faces pale, hollow, gaunt, like men who hadn't slept in days.
25:34We found everything.
25:36Enrique said, voice rough.
25:37Medical records, the lies, all of it.
25:41Sylvia was never sick?
25:42I mouthed.
25:43Never.
25:44Clemente's jaw tightened.
25:45Not once.
25:46Every bag of blood taken from me, every night lying weak in hospital bed while she played victim.
25:51All of it a performance.
25:57She's out of state now.
25:58Enrique said.
26:00Going to confront her.
26:02But you should be there too.
26:05You deserve to watch her fall.
26:09Sylvia stood straight.
26:11Mask shattering.
26:12Because I refuse to accept it!
26:15Ever since we were kids, whatever Markella had, I took from her.
26:21Eyes sweeping room.
26:22Moment toward my corner.
26:24She didn't see me.
26:25I saw everything.
26:27Toys.
26:28Clothes.
26:30Presents.
26:31Smile twisted.
26:32Why did you two revolve around her?
26:33Pointed at Enrique.
26:35You!
26:35Marcy protected you from bullies.
26:38Moment she turned away, you crawled after me.
26:41Turned on Clemente.
26:42And you?
26:43Her only starlight.
26:46Disgusting!
26:47If I hadn't...
26:49faked saving you from that fire...
26:52The Ryder family can only have one princess!
26:55Sylvia laughed.
26:56Me.
26:57Marcy is my shadow.
26:59Two idiots I've been playing for fools.
27:01I never wanted either of you.
27:04Marcy treasured you.
27:06So I took you.
27:08Enrique stepped forward.
27:09Smacked palm connected with her cheek so hard she hit floor.
27:12Blood circled from lip.
27:14Breath caught.
27:15This slap is for Ella.
27:18Clemente looked down at her.
27:20So Ella really saved me from the fire.
27:26Clem, no!
27:27It was me!
27:29Sylvia's face drained white.
27:31Enough.
27:31Clemente's eyes turned to cold steel.
27:33Biggest mistake of my life.
27:35Trusting you.
27:36Only person you love is yourself.
27:39You destroyed Ella.
27:41You destroyed me!
27:43Stepped back.
27:44I'm leaving her to you.
27:47What are you doing?
27:49Rico!
27:50Clem!
27:50I was wrong!
27:51I beg you!
27:53Enrique crouched.
27:55Gripped her chin.
27:56Remember what you said?
27:58After it's done?
27:59Ruin Ella's face?
28:01Throw her on black market.
28:05First slash opened her left cheek from eye to jaw.
28:08Screams filled the study.
28:10Faded to whimpers.
28:14When they released her Sylvia collapsed.
28:17Bloody ruin on Marvel.
28:19Enrique looked down without pity.
28:22What she owes Ella, she'll repay for a lifetime.
28:27Then Clemente turned.
28:29For first time in months.
28:32I didn't feel like hiding.
28:34Justice.
28:35At long last.
28:38I didn't get rest days they promised.
28:41Third morning.
28:42Woke to Dwayne rigid by window.
28:44What?
28:44Before I finished I heard it engines.
28:47Multiple engines.
28:48Getting closer.
28:49Dwayne's hand already on my arm.
28:51They found us.
28:52Pulled me up.
28:53Leg buckled.
28:54He caught me.
28:55Slipped out through back of shack into gray dawn.
28:57Village still asleep around us.
28:59But past those hills cars coming.
29:01Dwayne moved fast half carrying me toward tree line.
29:04Behind.
29:05Doors slamming.
29:06Voices shouting.
29:07Already here.
29:08Plunged into coastal jungle.
29:10For three days ran.
29:12Hid by day.
29:13Moved by night.
29:14Dwayne set traps.
29:15Hunted food with bare hands.
29:17Always gave me bigger portion.
29:19This man had killed people for money.
29:21Now keeping me alive with everything he had.
29:23Never asked thanks.
29:25Never complained.
29:26Third night a cave.
29:27Deep enough.
29:28Dry enough.
29:29Dwayne built fire.
29:30Grilled fish.
29:31Handed me best piece.
29:33Ate almost nothing himself.
29:35I wanted to ask why.
29:36Why risk everything for me?
29:38My voice was gone.
29:39Somehow he already knew answer.
29:42I slept fitlessly that night.
29:47Sometime after midnight.
29:49Footsteps outside cave.
29:50Soft.
29:51Deliberate.
29:52Eyes snapped open.
29:53Dwayne.
29:55Dwayne already on feet.
29:56Dwayne already on feet.
29:56Moving silently toward entrance.
29:58Something in posture.
30:00Not danger.
30:01Not yet.
30:02But important.
30:03Pushed myself up.
30:05Followed.
30:06Legs screaming.
30:07Ignored.
30:08Outside.
30:09Moonlight painted jungle silver.
30:11Dwan faced stranger.
30:13Man I'd never seen.
30:15Middle-aged.
30:16Weathered eyes.
30:18Dwayne.
30:19Stranger's voice low.
30:20Urgent.
30:21Your debt has been repaid.
30:24I froze behind tree.
30:26McNeil's and Tatev's.
30:27Both hunting her now.
30:29Words hit like stones.
30:31She goes back.
30:32She's fine.
30:33They'll forgive everything.
30:36But keep hiding her.
30:38Offending two most powerful families in country.
30:41Dwayne said nothing.
30:43Stranger stepped closer.
30:46Are you crazy?
30:48Worth dying for a woman who has nothing to do with you?
30:52Send her back, Dwayne.
30:53Walk away clean.
30:55Today.
30:55I leaned against Bark.
30:57Chest aching.
30:59He was right.
31:01Going back meant another cage.
31:03Another round of games.
31:05But at least Dwan wouldn't be dragged down.
31:08At least one survives.
31:10Turned quietly.
31:11Prepared to slip back.
31:13Leave before hearing expected answer.
31:15Then Dwayne spoke.
31:16One word.
31:18Clear as bell.
31:19No.
31:22She saved my life.
31:24Dwayne's voice resolute.
31:25When I was at my most desperate.
31:27She reached out.
31:29Now she needs me.
31:30Won't abandon her.
31:32You'll die.
31:34Then let me die.
31:36Palm.
31:36Won't hand her over to people who don't deserve her.
31:39He pulled package from Jacket.
31:42Pressed into stranger's hands.
31:45ID papers inside.
31:46Both of us.
31:47Money.
31:48Enough to start somewhere new.
31:50Head south.
31:51Town called Clearwater.
31:53Small.
31:53Quiet.
31:54Nobody asks questions.
31:56Don't thank me.
31:57Clapped shoulder.
32:00You're my brother.
32:02Take care.
32:03Don't contact me again.
32:04If tracked through me, we're both done.
32:10I slipped under blanket before he returned.
32:13Pretended sleep.
32:14Ella.
32:15Taking you away from here.
32:16Somewhere no one knows us.
32:18Start over.
32:19Just two of us.
32:20Tears soaked into dry grass beneath my head.
32:26Next day chaotic footsteps from deep within jungle.
32:30Surrounded Doc Clemente and Enrique emerged from woods.
32:33Both gaunt.
32:34Former confidence gone.
32:35Only defeat and anxiety.
32:37Moment they saw me both men's eyes turned red.
32:40Ella.
32:41Clemente's voice broken.
32:42Finally found you.
32:44Tried step forward.
32:45Dwayne blocked him with blade.
32:47Enrique fell to knees.
32:48Thud.
32:48This proud man now kneeling in mud.
32:50Ella.
32:51I was wrong.
32:52So wrong.
32:54Please.
32:54Come back.
32:56Begging you.
32:57Hit me.
32:58Curse me.
33:00Kill me if you want.
33:01Just don't leave again.
33:03Same man who kicked me until I couldn't scream.
33:05Who ordered my uterus removed.
33:07Who laughed while I bled out child on hospital floor.
33:10Not a flicker of emotion in my chest.
33:12Nothing.
33:15You don't believe me.
33:16Voice shook.
33:17Enrique's hand went to waste.
33:18Dwayne tensed.
33:20Blade ready.
33:20Not reaching for gun.
33:22Pulled dagger.
33:23Drove into own right shoulder.
33:26Clemente shouted.
33:27Rico!
33:28Blood doomed across shirt.
33:29Yanked blade out.
33:31Stabbed into right shoulder.
33:33Is this enough?
33:34Horse.
33:35Steady despite blood.
33:36If still not satisfied.
33:37Raised blade again.
33:38Aimed for chest.
33:39Disgust curdled in stomach.
33:41My voice came out flat cold.
33:43Stop putting on a show.
33:45It's sickening.
33:46Stepped back.
33:47Not an act.
33:48Voice fractured.
33:50Ella, I really...
33:51Really regret it?
33:52I looked at him.
33:53My child can come back?
33:55My voice?
33:57My leg?
33:58Can any of it be undone?
33:59Each question their faces grew paler.
34:02Tears burned behind eyes.
34:03Refused to fall.
34:04Stop pretending.
34:06All I want.
34:07Leave with Duany.
34:09Step aside.
34:11Clemente's gaze dropped to my hand clutching Duane's sleeve.
34:15Pain twisted expression.
34:16Raw ugly.
34:17Ella.
34:17Calm.
34:18Know you hate us.
34:19But at least give us chance.
34:22Word tasted like poison.
34:24How many chances did I give you?
34:27Every single time you had to choose.
34:30You chose her.
34:31Name hung between us.
34:33Done begging.
34:35Done hoping.
34:36Done being your stand-in.
34:37Clemente and Enrique exchanged glance.
34:39Something shifted in Enrique's eyes.
34:41Pleading died.
34:43Cold calculation replaced it.
34:45Ella.
34:45Voice hardened.
34:46Can't let you leave with him.
34:47Raised hand.
34:48From surrounding woods they poured out.
34:50Dozens of bodyguards armed, encircling from every side.
34:54Duane pulled tighter behind him.
34:56Blade up.
34:57If want her.
34:58Step over my dead body first.
35:00Enrique's lip curled.
35:02Think I won't dare?
35:03Circle tightened.
35:04Blades drawn.
35:05Guns raised.
35:06Duane's body tense in front of mine.
35:08Could feel wounds, hidden ones from saving me.
35:10Protecting me.
35:11Carrying through three days of jungle.
35:13Running on nothing but will.
35:15About to tear him apart.
35:18Duane, don't.
35:19Grabbed his arm.
35:21Go.
35:22They're after me.
35:23You don't have to.
35:24Told you.
35:25Cut me off.
35:27Firm.
35:27Final.
35:28Won't leave you behind.
35:29Face to men who destroyed my life.
35:32Gaze sharp as hawk.
35:34If want to take her.
35:36Kill me first.
35:39He walks free.
35:40Never trouble him again.
35:42Not today.
35:44Not ever.
35:45Clemente didn't hesitate.
35:46I swear.
35:47Voice cracking.
35:47As long as Duane leaves.
35:49Never hunt him again.
35:51On my life.
35:55Enrique's jaw worked.
35:57Wounded shoulders trembling.
35:59Didn't matter.
35:59What mattered?
36:00Getting Duane out alive.
36:02Cut him off.
36:03You're injured.
36:04Forcing yourself for days.
36:06See it?
36:07Hands tightened.
36:08Covered them.
36:09Pulled away.
36:10Turned.
36:11Walked toward them step by step.
36:14From behind another group surged forward.
36:17More men.
36:18Far more than either side brought.
36:20Leading them one-eyed man I didn't recognize.
36:23Well, well.
36:26Arms wide.
36:27Never thought I'd see you both this desperate.
36:29Everyone's here.
36:31Settle this together.
36:33Today.
36:38Short blade carved through first attacker's throat.
36:42Spun.
36:43Elbow into second jaw.
36:45Clemente fought beside him.
36:47No gun.
36:49Fists in desperation.
36:51Didn't flinch.
36:52Threw attacker aside.
36:54Step back.
36:55Two fresh wounds.
36:57Bleeding through shirt.
36:59On top of shoulder wounds he gave himself.
37:08Dwayne's blade.
37:10Clemente's fist.
37:12Enrique's body throwing itself in front of mine.
37:16Dwayne dropped to one knee.
37:18Blood pouring from wounds I couldn't count.
37:20Clemente clutched chest.
37:23White-faced.
37:24Deeper than looked.
37:27Enrique collapsed onto hands and knees.
37:30Fat blood onto jungle floor.
37:37All three broken.
37:39Because of me.
37:42Staggered to Dwayne.
37:43Grabbed shoulders.
37:44Held him up.
37:49Dwayne.
37:50Voice cracked.
37:51Are you-
37:52Won't die.
37:53Sorry.
37:55Promise to get you out.
37:57Torstrip from dress.
37:58Hands taken.
37:59Pressed against worst wound.
38:01Clemente and Enrique.
38:02Standing there.
38:03Watching me tend another man's wounds.
38:06Enrique couldn't hold himself up.
38:07Pitched forward.
38:09Mouthful of blood.
38:10Clemente gripped tree trunk.
38:11Chest heaving.
38:12Each breath shallow.
38:14Looked at both.
38:15Cold empty.
38:16Past anger.
38:17Past pain.
38:17Clemente's voice barely whisper.
38:19Ella.
38:22We.
38:23Enrique's bloody lips twisted.
38:25Not quite smile.
38:28Do oaths still count?
38:30They.
38:31They count.
38:32Pulled Dwayne's arm over shoulder.
38:34Helped stand.
38:35Supported Dwayne step by step into deepening jungle.
38:37Behind two men collapsed and was in love.
38:40Watching only woman they ever loved walk away.
38:43Some people once lost are gone forever.
38:46Jungle came alive around us.
38:48Insects.
38:48Distant cries.
38:49Rustle of things moving in darkness.
38:51Dwayne's breathing only thing grounding me.
38:57Sometime before dawn footsteps behind us.
39:01Pressed flat against hollow wall.
39:03Hand over Dwayne's mouth.
39:06Clemente.
39:07Clemente.
39:07Enrique.
39:08Stumbling through underbrush like wounded animals.
39:11Enrique went down hard against tree trunk.
39:13Didn't get up.
39:18Clemente stopped beside him.
39:20Tried pulling to feet.
39:24Enrique shoved him away.
39:28To broken men staring into darkness where I disappeared.
39:32Turned back to Dwayne.
39:34Held his hand until morning.
39:40Three days later.
39:41Arrived at Black Market.
39:43Air thick with smoke.
39:45Sweat.
39:46Blood.
39:46Been hiding and running for two weeks.
39:48Clemente and Enrique hunting like madmen.
39:51Bounty staggering.
39:53Underground auction tonight.
39:55Dwayne whispered.
39:56Sneak in.
39:57Leave city through secret passage.
39:59I nodded.
40:03Auction held underground.
40:05Dim yellow bulbs strung along ceiling.
40:07Crowd.
40:08Faces I never wanted to see again.
40:09Arms dealers.
40:10Traffickers.
40:11Dead eyes.
40:12Too much money.
40:14Dwayne found corner spot.
40:16Pulled me behind him.
40:17Hand on blade always.
40:19Auction crawled forward.
40:21Items I didn't want to know.
40:22Prices made me sick.
40:24Then host's voice changed.
40:26Next item.
40:27Very special.
40:29Excitement rippled through crowd.
40:30Once darling of Ryder family.
40:33Sylvia.
40:34Arms wide.
40:36Iron cage rolled onto stage.
40:38Inside woman in rags.
40:39Curled in ball.
40:40Hair matted.
40:41Skin gray with filth.
40:43Hineous jagged scars carved across both cheeks.
40:46Eye corners to jawline.
40:48Even like this.
40:49Even destroyed.
40:51Sylvia.
40:52Starting bid.
40:5320,000.
40:55Host grinned.
40:57Do whatever you want.
40:58Just don't kill her.
41:00Laughter erupted.
41:01Bids shouted from every direction.
41:02At girl who stole everything from me.
41:04Who lied about saving Clemente.
41:06Faked illnesses.
41:08Orchestrated my torture.
41:09Now sold like cattle.
41:11Knew whose work this was.
41:12Enrico.
41:13Promised.
41:14Ruin her face.
41:15Throw on black market.
41:17Done exactly that.
41:18Seeing it.
41:19Ice through veins.
41:22Let's go.
41:23Dwayne felt me trembling.
41:25Now.
41:25Before anyone notices.
41:28Every light and then we died at once.
41:33Darkness.
41:34Total.
41:35Absolute.
41:35What's going on?
41:36Power cut.
41:37Don't push me.
41:38Panic erupted.
41:39Bottles crashing.
41:41Sharks.
41:41Horses.
41:42Reached for Dwayne's hand in blackness.
41:44Found nothing but air.
41:46Do I?
41:47Large hand clamped over mouth from behind.
41:49Another arm locked around waist.
41:51Yanked backward feet dragging across concrete doors somewhere couldn't see.
41:56Bit down hard.
41:57Tasted blood.
41:58Grip didn't loosen.
42:00Dwayne's voice sharp with terror.
42:01Ella!
42:03Then.
42:04Gunfire.
42:04Multiple shots.
42:06Deathly in an enclosed space.
42:07Muzzle flashes lit darkness and stroboscopic bursts.
42:12In one flash saw him.
42:14Dwayne.
42:15Running toward him.
42:16Blade drowning.
42:17Eyes wild.
42:20Another flash.
42:21Body jerked.
42:22Red bloomed across chest.
42:24He fell.
42:29Word ripped from throat.
42:31Vision tunneled.
42:32Darkened.
42:32Blasping.
42:33Registered Dwayne's body hidden concrete.
42:35Still.
42:36Not moving.
42:36Then nothing.
42:38Mattress beneath me.
42:40Clean sheets.
42:41Lavender scent.
42:42White ceiling.
42:44Curtains drawn halfway.
42:45Sunlight filtering through.
42:46Clemente.
42:47Enqui.
42:48Stood at foot of bed.
42:49Cautious.
42:50Watchful.
42:52Like men approaching wounded animal that might bite.
42:56Clemente's voice.
42:57Soft.
42:58Too soft.
42:59Ella.
43:00Are you feeling alright anywhere?
43:02Enrique half stepped forward.
43:04Hesitated.
43:05Hungry?
43:06Kitchen made favorite porridge.
43:08Still warm.
43:09As if they hadn't broken leg.
43:11Forced mute drugs.
43:12Driven me off cliff into frozen river.
43:14Hand moved.
43:15Slowly.
43:16Silently.
43:17Under pillow.
43:18Yanked knife out.
43:20Enrique staggered.
43:21Stayed standing.
43:22Turned toward Clemente.
43:24He saw bloodied knife in my hand.
43:27Saw a look in my eyes.
43:29Did unthinkable.
43:30Stepped forward.
43:32Closer.
43:33Into range.
43:35Here.
43:36Pressed hand to own chest.
43:37Over heart.
43:39Stab me here.
43:39Voice steady.
43:40Calm.
43:41Like waiting for this.
43:42Like wanting it.
43:43I stabbed him.
43:44Second stab.
43:45Third.
43:46Fourth.
43:47Lost count.
43:47Arm rose and fell like machine.
43:50Each thrust punctuated by wet sound of steel entering flesh.
43:54Neither moved.
43:54Not once.
43:58They let me.
43:59Stood there.
43:59Let me bury knife over and over.
44:02Blood soaking clothes.
44:03Dripping to floor.
44:05Clemente's face grew paler with each wound.
44:10Enrico clutched stomach.
44:13Swaying.
44:14Wouldn't fall.
44:15Wouldn't give satisfaction of making me stop.
44:18At last legs gave out.
44:20Both collapsed.
44:21Pool of blood spread beneath them.
44:23Dark.
44:23Spreading.
44:24Stood over them.
44:25Knife in hand.
44:27Dipping red.
44:29Started laughing.
44:31Broken horse.
44:32Torn deep in chest.
44:33Tears streamed as I laughed.
44:35Knife slipped from fingers.
44:36Could barely speak.
44:38Throat burned.
44:40Name cracked like glass.
44:42You think this enough?
44:43Few stabs make us even?
44:46He's dead!
44:47Because of you!
44:49Enrique clutched wound.
44:51Voice thin.
44:52Ragged.
44:53Ella.
44:54Dwan was killer.
44:56Wanted by half underworld.
44:59Laugh turned sharper.
45:01Being with you peaceful?
45:03Blood drained until collapsed?
45:05Legs shattered?
45:06Mute drugs forced?
45:07Chased off cliff into river?
45:09That is peace you gave me?
45:12Clemente spoke from floor.
45:14Each word struggle.
45:16We're wrong.
45:17Give us a chance.
45:19Looked down.
45:20Two powerful men bleeding on bedroom floor.
45:23Give me back Duaney.
45:26Give him back.
45:28And forgive you.
45:29No answer.
45:31We'll never live alone again.
45:33Keep locked here forever.
45:35Can't imprison corpse.
45:36Exchanged glance across blood.
45:38Eyes held something new.
45:39Understanding.
45:40Woman before them didn't love anymore.
45:43Didn't hate either not leaving room for redemption.
45:45Only emptiness.
45:47Complete.
45:47Years of warmth and pretense burned to ash.
45:50Nothing but hatred carved into bone.
45:52Enrique's voice shook.
45:53Pale.
45:54Losing blood.
45:56What if told you Duane isn't dead?
46:00Clemente pushed up on one elbow.
46:02Wincing blood on lips.
46:04A shootout planned.
46:05By us.
46:06Wanted force him to leave you.
46:08Never meant actually kill.
46:10Seriously injured.
46:12But alive Ella.
46:13Still alive.
46:14For one heartbeat endless.
46:15Suspended everything stopped.
46:17Saw both men flinch at sight of it.
46:19Burned more than any knife ever could.
46:21Already on feet.
46:22Stepping over blood.
46:23Toward door.
46:25Take me to him.
46:26Now.
46:27Half hour later.
46:28Secluded clinic on outskirts.
46:30Duane lay on hospital bed.
46:32Body wrapped in bandages.
46:34Still alive.
46:36Duane!
46:37Rushed to bedside.
46:38Grasped hand.
46:39Tears fell onto back of his hand.
46:41Duane opened eyes.
46:43Saw me.
46:43Weak smile.
46:46Ella.
46:47Safe.
46:49I'm fine.
46:50Really fine.
46:52I stared.
46:52Sorry.
46:53All because of me.
46:56Clemente and Enrique stood at doorway.
46:58Watching.
46:59Hearts torn apart.
47:00Long silence.
47:02Take him away.
47:03Both turned.
47:03Then Enrique spoke hoarse.
47:05Ruined.
47:09Cancelled every warrant.
47:10Every...
47:15Each word costs something.
47:17Prepared new identities.
47:20Passports.
47:22Accounts.
47:23Enough money to disappear completely.
47:27Jaw tightened.
47:29Go.
47:30Far away.
47:32Somewhere can never find you.
47:34Stared at them.
47:35Reek smile bitter.
47:36Broken.
47:36This last time.
47:38Truly letting go.
47:40Real this time.
47:42Walked to bedside.
47:43Looked at Duane.
47:44Expression complicated grief.
47:46Regret.
47:46Respect.
47:47Treat her well.
47:48Voice dropped low.
47:49Dangerous.
47:50If suffers.
47:51Even little.
47:52No matter where go.
47:54We'll find you.
47:56Duane nodded.
47:57Without flinching.
47:58We'll protect her with my life.
48:01Go.
48:02Clemente turned away.
48:04Voice caught.
48:05Before change minds.
48:08Helped Duane up.
48:10Arm draped over shoulder.
48:11Mine wrapped around waist.
48:13Step by step toward door.
48:18Clemente and Enrique stood on either side of frame.
48:21Passed between them.
48:22For single moment footsteps faltered.
48:25One second.
48:26Maybe less.
48:27Kept walking.
48:28Didn't look back.
48:29Not once.
48:30Door clicked shut.
48:31Never looked back again.
48:33In that room two men stood motionless long time.
48:36Sunlight poured through window.
48:38Bright.
48:38Warm.
48:39Indifferent.
48:40All they felt was cold.
48:41Cold with nothing to do with temperature.
48:43He watched me eat it.
48:44Look on face.
48:45Tender.
48:46Quiet.
48:46Complete.
48:47Afternoon.
48:48Lound in reading chair.
48:49Duane trimmed flowers at work table.
48:52Old television hummed in corner.
48:53Midday news.
48:54Group president Enrique Tate.
48:56Serious car accident last night.
48:58ICU condition critical.
49:02ICU's former McNeil group president Clemente McNeil.
49:06A coma three years after cerebral hemorrhage.
49:09Enrique's confident portrait.
49:11Clemente's gentle profile from years ago.
49:13Waited for something.
49:14Anger.
49:14Grief.
49:15Anything.
49:16Like watching strangers stories on evening news.
49:18Nothing came.
49:19Duane came over.
49:20Turned off TV.
49:22Boring news.
49:23Don't watch.
49:24Nodded.
49:25Continued reading.
49:26Some mistakes cannot be undone.
49:28Some people, once lost are gone forever.
49:31But ahead simple life.
49:32Countless tomorrows.
49:33Hand in hand.
49:34End in hand.
49:35Piano gumbo.
49:35Hey.
49:36Thanks 110.
49:36bye bye bye.
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