- 12 hours ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The term sister in all but blood implied less than innocent connotations.
00:04If Lucas Goodwin failed to give me a proper explanation on that day,
00:08I would cancel the engagement banquet.
00:10To my surprise, Lucas responded coldly.
00:13Who are you?
00:15Since when does a stranger like you get to question my relationship with Vivian?
00:19I was about to tell him that I was his fiancée, but he hung up abruptly.
00:22I became angry.
00:24How dare he not save my contact information?
00:26Meanwhile, Vivian Morrow, who was standing beside me,
00:30grinned triumphantly.
00:31You wench.
00:33Did you really think having Lucas's number makes you special?
00:36Keep dreaming.
00:38She looked at me with open contempt.
00:40Even the Janners at Goodwin's group dress better than you.
00:43I had always preferred simple, comfortable clothes and never cared about brand names.
00:48I never thought that would give people a reason to look down on me.
00:51I grew up abroad.
00:53My mother feared I might marry a foreign man,
00:55so she arranged an engagement for me with a talented and handsome man in Floodon.
00:59She insisted that I return home to get engaged.
01:02I came back and started shopping for an engagement dress at a luxury boutique.
01:06I selected an off-white strapless gown and decided to try it on.
01:10Suddenly, a woman nearby glanced at the dress in my hand and told the saleswoman,
01:15That's a unique design.
01:18Let me try it.
01:19The saleswoman immediately yanked it out of my hands.
01:22I protested indignantly.
01:24Excuse me, I was here first.
01:26Don't you understand the principle of first come, first served?
01:29Or do you just not care about common decency?
01:31The woman scoffed and retorted.
01:33This dress costs $188,000.
01:36Do you really think a broken body like you can even afford it?
01:40I'm Lucas Goodwin's sister in All But Blood.
01:43He's the chairman of Goodwin's group.
01:45In Floodon, the Goodwin family sets the rules.
01:48What a coincidence.
01:49Lucas Goodwin was my fiancé.
01:51I immediately called him and said,
01:53Hey, your sister in All But Blood just stole my engagement dress.
01:56Do something about it.
01:57What era are you even living in?
01:59To think you'd still be judging people by their looks.
02:02Lucas must be out of his mind to call you his sister in All But Blood.
02:06My mood for shopping was ruined, thanks to her antics.
02:08I grabbed the gown and headed straight to the checkout counter.
02:11The saleswoman hesitated before saying,
02:14Miss, I'm sorry, but we prioritize our members first.
02:18Vivian smirked and slammed her shiny gold membership card onto the counter.
02:22Only people who've spent over a million get this card.
02:24What's a broke loser like you even doing here?
02:28I was not usually one to pick fights, but on that day, Vivian had really crossed a line.
02:33I pulled out a black card and handed it to the saleswoman.
02:36I suppressed my anger and said,
02:38Sign me up for a membership.
02:40Then bagged the gown.
02:41Vivian glared at the saleswoman and threatened.
02:44The Goodwin's own Floodon.
02:46If you sell her that gown today, I'll have Luke's buy this store out tomorrow.
02:50The saleswoman shrank back timidly and said,
02:53Miss, I'm just an employee.
02:55I can't risk offending Goodwin's group.
02:57Several onlookers turned to me and offered me advice in whispers.
03:01That's Mrs. Moreau.
03:02I've seen her around.
03:03Lucas Goodwin's friends are rotten.
03:05You should just let it go.
03:06The last time someone crossed her, Goodwin's group drove them into bankruptcy.
03:10You may have some money, but it's pocket change compared to Goodwin's group.
03:14Just apologize to Mrs. Moreau now and beg her to spare you.
03:17Flattered by their words, Vivian's ego swelled like a balloon.
03:21You wench, get on your knees and say,
03:24I'm a worthless poser and I'm sorry.
03:27Maybe then I'll consider letting you off the hook.
03:29At 26 years of my life,
03:31I had never encountered anyone audacious enough to act so arrogantly in front of me.
03:36Pardon?
03:37What did you just ask me to say?
03:40What?
03:41What are you, deaf?
03:42Say I'm a worthless poser.
03:44I'm sorry.
03:45Do I need to spell it out for you?
03:47I smirked.
03:48I heard you.
03:49Since you're aware that you're a worthless poser,
03:52get out of my sight.
03:54Don't waste my time.
03:55When Vivian finally realized she was being mocked,
03:58she flailed her arms and charged at me.
04:00It was laughable to see her trying to attack me.
04:03I had a black belt in taekwondo.
04:05Did she really think her flimsy punches would scare me?
04:08I sent Vivian crashing to the floor with a single kick.
04:14She howled in pain.
04:16The onlookers stared at me in horror.
04:18Onlooker gosh.
04:19Did she just do that to Mrs. Morley?
04:21Mr. Goodwin is going to tear her to pieces once he hears about this.
04:26Yeah, good luck to her.
04:28Not even God can save her.
04:29I felt nothing when I heard their whispers.
04:32The Goodwin family had only achieved their current status through my mother's support.
04:36No one in this city could intimidate me.
04:38I slammed my card on the counter again and said to the cashier,
04:43Ring me up.
04:44The cashier, visibly shaken,
04:47fumbled as she processed my payment and wrapped up the gown.
04:50I turned to leave with the bag in hand.
04:52Vivian scrambled to stand up and blocked my path again.
04:55You're not going anywhere.
04:57I raised my fist and waved it in front of her face.
05:00What's the matter?
05:01Do you want to taste my fist again?
05:04Vivian clenched instinctively.
05:06I scoffed and strode past her.
05:08Just then, a black car pulled up in front of the store.
05:11A man stepped out.
05:13I felt my heart skip a beat.
05:15Vivian immediately rushed over tearfully to tattle.
05:18Luke, she stole my gown from me and even hit me.
05:22So, this was my fiancé.
05:24I had always been a sucker for good looks,
05:26and Lucas' appearance was exactly my type.
05:29Based on his looks alone,
05:31I felt I could forgive his previous rudeness.
05:34I gave him my best smile.
05:36Hi!
05:38I'm Lily Winsong, your fiancé.
05:41It was no wonder my mother said I would be satisfied with the man she had picked this time.
05:45She really knew me inside out.
05:47The onlookers immediately erupted in gasps.
05:50What?
05:52She's Mr. Goodwin's fiancé?
05:55Lucas looked at me coldly.
05:57Don't get ahead of yourself.
05:58My father arranged this engagement without my consent.
06:01I never agreed to it.
06:03Vivian, who stood beside him,
06:05wrapped her arm around his and leaned intimately against his shoulder.
06:09She shot me a provocative glance.
06:11Look at yourself.
06:12There is no way Lukes would ever marry an ugly creature like you!
06:15Someone chimed in.
06:17Exactly!
06:18If Mr. Goodwin were to marry,
06:19it would be to some rich girl from a proper family with equal status,
06:22not some country bumping like you.
06:24With her looks, Goodwin's group wouldn't even hire her to mop floors.
06:27I had never considered myself a stunning beauty,
06:29but I was certainly not ugly.
06:31How could they describe me in such derogatory terms?
06:35This proved how people instinctively curry favor with the powerful,
06:38and took advantage of those in Misfortune.
06:40Lucas Goodwin.
06:41Go home and tell your father that I'm calling off this engagement.
06:47You don't deserve me.
06:50According to my mother,
06:52his father had pulled countless strings
06:54to arrange this marriage alliance with our family.
06:56If he learned that his own son had ruined it,
06:59he'd skin Lucas alive.
07:00The thought lifted my mood a little.
07:02I could not be bothered to waste more time on these idiots,
07:05so I turned to leave.
07:07But Vivian, knowing that Lucas would back her up,
07:10refused to let it go.
07:11She blocked my path again.
07:13Don't even try to run, you wench.
07:15We're not done here.
07:17You stole my gown and hit me.
07:20I looked at her disdainfully.
07:21What exactly do you want?
07:23Mistaking my calm for fear,
07:24she raised her hand to slap me.
07:26I'll slap you until I feel satisfied.
07:29I caught her wrist mid-swing
07:31and slapped her across the face without hesitation.
07:34She stared at me in shock.
07:36Had enough?
07:37Vivian said angrily.
07:39Those two slaps wiped the arrogant look off Vivian's face.
07:42She burst into tears and cowered behind Lucas.
07:46Lucas, do something!
07:48Lucas shielded her protectively and snarled,
07:51Touch my girl again,
07:52and I'll end you.
07:53He signaled his bodyguards to grab me.
07:57I managed to take down the first bodyguard with a quick strike,
08:00but the second one pinned me down.
08:02After a barrage of blows,
08:04I collapsed to the floor.
08:05The two bodyguards hauled me up
08:07and forced me to my knees before Vivian and Lucas.
08:10They looked down at me.
08:11Lucas backed Vivian up and said,
08:13Vivi,
08:15Do whatever you want to her.
08:18I've got your back.
08:19With Lucas' reassurance,
08:21Vivian immediately gained confidence.
08:23She slapped me twice,
08:24then spat in my face.
08:26You wench.
08:27Where's all that attitude now?
08:30Huh?
08:31Come on.
08:33Show me how tough you are.
08:35Then she kicked me hard in the stomach.
08:38Clutching my aching abdomen,
08:40I raised my gaze to glare at her and Lucas.
08:43You'll regret this.
08:45I swear you'll pay for this.
08:49Vivian laughed arrogantly.
08:50The Goodwin family is one of the top three powerful families running this city.
08:54What can a broke loser like you even do against me?
08:58Today, I'll teach you what happens when you mess with me.
09:00She pulled out a nail clipper from her bag and slashed it across my face.
09:04Searing pain shot through my cheek as the skin swelled,
09:07and I felt blood seeping out.
09:09Someone sighed in pity.
09:11I told her not to cross the Goodwin family.
09:13I guess she had to learn the hard way.
09:15What a shame.
09:17Her pretty face is ruined now.
09:19Folks like us can't afford trouble.
09:21We'd better swallow our pride when we're out here.
09:23Vivian raised the nail clipper again,
09:25aiming for another slash at my face.
09:28Terror at the thought of disfigurement overwhelmed me,
09:31and I quickly begged for mercy.
09:33Fine, fine.
09:34I'm sorry.
09:36Take the dress.
09:37I shouldn't have fought you for it.
09:40Revenge could wait.
09:41At that moment, saving my face was the priority.
09:44However, Vivian still slashed the blade across my face again.
09:48Vivian laughed arrogantly.
09:50The Goodwin family is one of the top three powerful families running this city.
09:54What can a broke loser like you even do against me?
09:58Today, I'll teach you what happens when you mess with me.
10:00She pulled out a nail clipper from her bag and slashed it across my face.
10:04Searing pain shot through my cheek as the skin swelled,
10:07and I felt blood seeping out.
10:09Someone sighed in pity.
10:11I told her not to cross the Goodwin family.
10:13Guess she had to learn the hard way.
10:15What a shame.
10:17Her pretty face is ruined now.
10:19Folks like us can't afford trouble.
10:21We'd better swallow our pride when we're out here.
10:23Vivian raised the nail clipper again,
10:25aiming for another slash at my face.
10:27Terror at the thought of disfigurement overwhelmed me,
10:31and I quickly begged for mercy.
10:33Fine, fine, I'm sorry.
10:35Take the dress.
10:37I shouldn't have fought you for it.
10:40Revenge could wait.
10:41At that moment, saving my face was the priority.
10:44However, Vivian still slashed the blade across my face again.
10:48Oh, now you're sorry.
10:51Well, it's too late now.
10:54Wench, I won't let you go until I've vented every ounce of my rage.
10:58I screamed in pain and turned to Lucas for help.
11:01Lucas, you know my background.
11:03Aren't you afraid of the consequences?
11:05If you keep letting her humiliate me like this,
11:08you'll regret it.
11:09Lucas sneered.
11:10What status could you possibly have?
11:13Your mother bewitched my father into forcing this engagement on me.
11:17A vicious gleam flashed in Vivian's gaze.
11:20Your mother is a witch, and I bet you are one too.
11:25Strip off and let me see clearly.
11:29No!
11:30Just then, my phone rang from inside my bag.
11:32I struggled desperately to reach it,
11:34but Vivian snatched it first.
11:36She swiped to answer,
11:37and my mother's voice came through immediately.
11:40Lillabelt, how's the gown shopping going?
11:42I hurriedly shouted for help.
11:44Mom!
11:46Save me!
11:47Someone's hurting me!
11:49She's trying to strip me off!
11:51My mother panicked.
11:52What?
11:53Who's doing this to you?
11:55Vivian cut in arrogantly.
11:57Me!
11:57Your little witch daughter has been begging for attention,
12:00so I'm putting her in her place.
12:02My mother snapped.
12:03I don't care who you are.
12:04Let my daughter go now,
12:05or you'll pay for this when I get there.
12:07Try me!
12:08I'll be right here to catch you, you witch!
12:11With that, Vivian hung up my phone and hurled it to the floor.
12:14It shattered into pieces.
12:16She slapped me across the face again and sneered.
12:19The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
12:21Huh?
12:22When your mother shows up,
12:24I'll strip her down too.
12:26Time crawled by.
12:27It felt like half a century,
12:29but in reality,
12:30it had only been five minutes.
12:32Finally,
12:33a familiar stretched limousine appeared.
12:35My mother stepped out of the car and demanded,
12:38Let me see who dares threaten to strip me down.
12:41The instant I saw my mother,
12:43a wave of pent-up grievances surged through me.
12:46Mom!
12:47I cried as my voice broke with emotion.
12:49My mother's heart broke at the sight of me.
12:51She immediately rushed toward me
12:53and pulled me into her embrace.
12:55I finally felt safe when I leaned against my mother's chest.
12:58The surrounding onlookers gasped in astonishment
13:01at my mother's vehicle.
13:02Look!
13:02That's a limited edition stretch limousine.
13:05Only the extremely rich and powerful can own that car.
13:09It seems Vivian messed with the wrong person this time.
13:11Wrong person.
13:13Please.
13:14Even if she's got connections,
13:16nobody could possibly outrank the Goodwin family in this city.
13:19Vivian thought the same too.
13:21She charged toward my mother.
13:22So you're the witch who raised this brat?
13:25She dared to steal my dress and hit me.
13:28Tell me,
13:29how are you going to make this right?
13:30My mother raised her eyes to look at her.
13:32How am I going to make this right?
13:35Oblivious to my mother's murderous glare,
13:37Vivian made her demands without restraint.
13:40This was my dress.
13:41Until your trashy daughter put her hands on it.
13:44Now it's ruined.
13:46You'll pay ten times the price.
13:48And for those slaps,
13:50she'll kneel right here
13:51and slap herself twenty times in front of everyone.
13:54Most importantly,
13:56cancel her engagement with Luke.
13:58Do everything I say
13:59and maybe I'll let you walk out of here in one piece.
14:02Otherwise,
14:03you're not leaving this store alive.
14:05My mother laughed in disbelief
14:07when she heard Vivian's outrageous demands.
14:09She gave my shoulder a reassuring pat
14:11before walking toward Vivian.
14:13The engagement between Lillebeau
14:15and the Good Twin family
14:16will most certainly be cancelled.
14:18Lucas could never measure up
14:19to being part of our family.
14:21As for the rest of your demands...
14:23My mother raised her hand
14:25and slapped her face hard.
14:26Don't even dream about it.
14:28You're the ones who won't be walking out today.
14:30Vivian stood stunned for a second
14:32before attempting to retaliate.
14:34My mother's bodyguard kicked her to her knees,
14:36then pinned her arms down.
14:38After struggling futilely,
14:40Vivian lifted her head to plead with Lucas.
14:42Lucas!
14:44It hurts!
14:46Help me!
14:47Lucas signaled his bodyguards to intervene,
14:49but within seconds,
14:50they were overpowered and slammed to the floor.
14:53The most satisfying part followed.
14:55Lucas himself was forced to my knees before me.
14:58My mother did not hold back
14:59and slapped Lucas.
15:00I've never laid a finger on Lilibeth
15:02since she was born.
15:04And you dare humiliate her like this today,
15:07you'll repay this a thousand times over.
15:10My mother did not hold back
15:11and slapped Lucas.
15:13You old hag!
15:14How dare you hit me?
15:16I'm the chairman of Goodwin's group.
15:17You have no idea what consequences you'll face.
15:20How dare you hurt my daughter?
15:22I'd slap your father
15:23just like I slapped you if he's here.
15:24The onlookers grew even more shocked.
15:27Who does this woman think she is?
15:29Mr. Goodwin Sr. ran the underworld in his youth.
15:32After leaving that life behind,
15:34he built the Goodwin's group.
15:35Even now,
15:35everyone in Floaten shows him respect.
15:37She just struck
15:38Mr. Goodwin Sr.'s golden boy.
15:41There's no way she's walking away from this.
15:44My mother ignored their whispers.
15:45She gently touched my swollen, bleeding cheek.
15:48Oh, Lilibel,
15:50you've suffered enough.
15:52But I'm here now.
15:53Don't be afraid.
15:55Do you want payback?
15:56Just say the word.
15:57I was not the type
15:58to turn the other cheek to begin with.
16:00I certainly would not be
16:01after what Vivian just told.
16:03I stared at her with a furious gaze.
16:05First,
16:06I struck her repeatedly across the face
16:08to vent my anger.
16:10Then,
16:10I picked up the nail clipper
16:12she had used to slash my cheek
16:13and slowly brought it closer to her face.
16:16Vivian trembled violently.
16:18No!
16:19Don't you dare touch my face!
16:20I'll fight you to the death!
16:22Without hesitation,
16:23I made the first cut.
16:25She let out a blood-curdling scream
16:26as a bleeding gash swelled along one cheek.
16:29I slashed the blade repeatedly.
16:31Soon,
16:32her face was swollen beyond recognition.
16:34It looked bruised and bloody.
16:35She could do nothing
16:36but wail in helpless agony
16:38as she was pinned down
16:39by the bodyguards.
16:42My face...
16:43My face is ruined!
16:45It was true
16:46that a person
16:47would not know the pain
16:48until it was theirs to bear.
16:49When she tried to disfigure me,
16:51she should have expected retribution.
16:53Lucas,
16:54who was nearby,
16:55snarled at me.
16:56You psychotic wench!
16:57When my father finds out
16:59what you did to Vivi,
17:00he'll make you pay!
17:02My mother said coldly,
17:03Good.
17:04Let Bernard come.
17:06We'll see who he punishes.
17:07You or us.
17:09My mother immediately took out her phone
17:11and called Bernard Goodwin.
17:12He answered instantly,
17:15Hello, Denia.
17:16What's the matter?
17:17My mother replied coldly,
17:19Bernard,
17:20you've certainly raised
17:21an exceptional son.
17:23Recognizing her displeasure,
17:25Bernard responded
17:26with forced laughter,
17:27Denia.
17:28What has my useless son done now?
17:30Just say the word
17:31and I'll punish him severely.
17:33You know,
17:33Lilliville is my only daughter.
17:35I've cherished her
17:36like the apple of my eye
17:37since she was born.
17:38Yes, of course.
17:39Rest assured,
17:40when Mrs. Winsone
17:41marries into our family,
17:43I won't let her suffer
17:44even the slightest weakness.
17:46My mother's voice
17:47trembled with suppressed rage.
17:49Well,
17:50your precious boy, Lucas,
17:52has let Lilliville
17:53suffer a terrible humiliation.
17:54He tied her up
17:56and allowed her to be beaten
17:57and insulted
17:58for the sake of some
17:59pretend sister.
18:00How are you going
18:01to make this right?
18:02Bernard was in disbelief
18:04when he heard this.
18:05He then said,
18:06What?
18:07That brat
18:08hurt Mrs. Winsone.
18:09Skin him alive
18:10for all I care.
18:12Do whatever you want with her.
18:13Lucas,
18:14who was kneeling
18:14on the floor,
18:15shouted,
18:16Dad,
18:16has this witch
18:17cast a spell on you?
18:19These two witches are evil.
18:21They ruined Vivi's face
18:22and made me kneel.
18:24Instead of saving me,
18:26you're letting them
18:26have their way with me.
18:28I'm your son!
18:29Bernard roared furiously.
18:31You're a disgrace.
18:32After this disaster
18:34you caused,
18:35I wish I'd never had you.
18:37Lucas tried to speak again.
18:39My mother ended
18:39the call deliberately.
18:41She looked at him
18:41with contempt.
18:42Do you still think
18:43your father is going
18:44to save you?
18:45You black widow.
18:47Don't get cocky.
18:48He's just blowing off steam.
18:50I'm his flesh and blood.
18:52When he comes for me,
18:53you're dead.
18:55Ever since I could remember,
18:56my father's memory
18:57was my mother's
18:58most tender spot.
18:59No one would dare broach it.
19:01Lucas truly had a death wish
19:02and was walking straight
19:04into the line of fire.
19:05As expected,
19:06my mother's expression darkened.
19:08She looked at him
19:09with a murderous gaze.
19:10I swiftly kicked
19:11Lucas in the back.
19:12He sprawled face first
19:14onto the floor.
19:15Mom,
19:15don't waste your anger
19:17on this worthless fool.
19:18Let me handle him.
19:19I know exactly
19:20how to deal with them.
19:21With that,
19:22I ordered the bodyguards
19:23to take both of them away.
19:24I sidled up to mom
19:25and whined.
19:27Mom,
19:27my face really hurts.
19:29Will you come with me
19:30to get it treated first?
19:31My coaxing tone
19:32successfully snapped
19:33my mother back
19:34to rationality.
19:35She gently touched
19:36my injured cheek
19:37and accompanied me
19:38to the hospital.
19:39Floodon's top dermatologists
19:40and plastic surgeons
19:42gathered to examine me.
19:43After disinfecting
19:44my facial wounds,
19:45they discussed treatment plans
19:47to ensure no scars
19:48would remain.
19:49Once the treatment plan
19:50was finalized,
19:51the doctors gradually dispersed.
19:53Only my mother and I
19:54remained in the ward.
19:56I leaned my head
19:57against her shoulder
19:57and murmured reassuringly,
19:59Mom,
20:00don't take Lucas' words
20:01to heart.
20:02Lilibelt,
20:03your father really did die
20:04because of me.
20:05Do you hate me
20:05for making you grow up
20:06without a father?
20:07Her voice thickened
20:08with guilt and regret.
20:09I shook my head
20:10and hugged her tighter.
20:12I knew better than anyone
20:13how much she had suffered
20:14these years.
20:15My father had been part
20:16of the underworld.
20:17He had countless subordinates.
20:19Bernard was just
20:20one of his underlings.
20:21Everything changed
20:22when he met my mother.
20:23They fell in love
20:24at first sight.
20:25The violent womanizer
20:26who lived for fights
20:27and flings
20:28finally settled down.
20:30From that moment,
20:30his heart belonged
20:31only to my mother.
20:33But this gave my father
20:34a weakness.
20:35His enemies repeatedly
20:36targeted my mother.
20:37In the end,
20:38he sacrificed his life
20:39protecting her.
20:40I was less than a year old
20:41at the time.
20:42My grandparents said
20:43she would have followed
20:44my father in death
20:45had I not existed.
20:46For my sake,
20:47she dragged herself
20:48through the grief.
20:49She dissolved
20:50my father's
20:51underworld organization.
20:52From its members,
20:53she selected those
20:54with business acumen
20:55and funded their ventures.
20:57My mother understood
20:58the danger
20:58of drawing attention.
21:00To shield me
21:00from becoming a target,
21:01she maintained
21:02a low profile
21:03and never appeared
21:04before the media
21:05or public.
21:05It was no exaggeration
21:07to say my mother
21:07built three of
21:08Floden's major
21:09financial empires.
21:10Only a few
21:11knew this truth.
21:12This explained
21:13why idiots like Lucas
21:14remained ignorant
21:15of her true status.
21:17That was why
21:17he dared spew nonsense.
21:19After a week
21:20of medical treatment,
21:21my facial injuries
21:22healed completely.
21:24My skin became
21:24even smoother
21:25and more radiant
21:26than before.
21:27One day,
21:28the housekeeper
21:28brought over another
21:29gift from Bernard.
21:30It was a 1945
21:32Chateau Lafite.
21:33It was one
21:34of only a few
21:35left in the world.
21:36It was clear
21:36Bernard had gone
21:37to great lengths
21:38to save his son.
21:39After locking
21:40Lucas and Vivian
21:41up for a week,
21:42it was about time
21:43I paid them a visit.
21:44I instructed
21:44the housekeeper
21:45to inform Bernard
21:46who was waiting outside.
21:48Then,
21:48I had the bodyguards
21:49bring Lucas and Vivian
21:51up from the basement.
21:52Those seven short days
21:53had transformed them
21:54beyond recognition.
21:55Their hair was matted
21:57and their bodies
21:57reeked of foul odors.
21:59Vivian's facial wounds
22:00were left untreated.
22:02It had festered
22:03and swollen.
22:04Her entire face
22:05had turned into
22:06a bloated mess
22:06and was ruined
22:07beyond repair.
22:08When Lucas spotted Bernard,
22:10tears of relief
22:11streamed down his face.
22:12He scrambled over
22:14on hands and knees.
22:15Dad!
22:16You're finally here!
22:18You have no idea
22:19what I've been through
22:20these days.
22:21He pointed a shaking
22:22finger at me.
22:23It was her!
22:24She locked me
22:25in that water cell.
22:27She deprived me
22:28of sleep
22:29starved me
22:30and forced me
22:31to eat rotten food.
22:33I smiled slightly
22:34as I looked at him.
22:35Yet you always
22:36licked the bowl clean,
22:37though,
22:38didn't you,
22:39Mr. Goodwin?
22:40Human survival instincts
22:41were truly remarkable.
22:43I had ordered the guards
22:44to deliver just one meal
22:45of cold,
22:46rancid oatmeal per day.
22:48At first,
22:48Lucas proudly declared
22:50he would rather starve
22:51than touch such food.
22:52He was the chairman
22:53of Goodwin's group,
22:54after all.
22:55But after three days
22:56without food,
22:57pride became meaningless.
22:58They fought over
22:59that putrid oatmeal
23:00and even licked
23:01their bowls for him.
23:02Lucas glared at me
23:03savagely.
23:04You vicious witch.
23:06Now that my father
23:08is here,
23:09your little game
23:10is over.
23:11Sometimes I marveled
23:12at life's scales
23:13of balance.
23:13When it gave you
23:14one thing,
23:15it would always
23:16take away another.
23:17Clearly,
23:17Lucas's intelligence
23:18had been traded
23:19for his looks.
23:20Before he could
23:21finish his threat,
23:22Bernard struck him
23:23across the head.
23:24You disgrace!
23:25Are you trying
23:26to give me
23:27a heart attack?
23:29Get on your knees
23:30and apologize
23:31to Ms. Winshow
23:32right now!
23:33Lucas turned
23:34to his father,
23:35his face twisted
23:35in betrayal.
23:37Why should I apologize?
23:39She tortured me
23:40for days!
23:42Instead of having
23:43my back,
23:43why are you
23:44taking her side?
23:44Bernard looked at
23:46his clueless son
23:46in despair.
23:47He was truly
23:48at his wit's end.
23:49Since my mother
23:50had given
23:50strict instructions,
23:52Bernard could not
23:53reveal my identity.
23:54He could only
23:55vent his frustration
23:56by kicking Lucas
23:57behind the knees
23:57and forcing him
23:58to kneel before me.
23:59Bernard spoke
24:00with cautious
24:01deference.
24:02Mrs. Winsway,
24:03I know this worthless
24:04son of mine
24:05has angered you.
24:06Nothing he does
24:07will ever make up
24:08for it.
24:09But he's my
24:10only child.
24:12Please,
24:13spare his life.
24:14Witnessing his
24:15father's humiliating
24:16submission,
24:17Lucas finally
24:18realized that I
24:19was not just
24:20some nobody.
24:21Dad,
24:22who is she?
24:25We're the
24:25Goodwin family,
24:26one of the three
24:27most powerful
24:28families running
24:28this city.
24:29Since when has
24:30there been anyone
24:31we can't afford
24:31to offend?
24:32Bernard glared
24:33at him with disgust.
24:34You stupid
24:35brat!
24:36How many times
24:36have I told you
24:37there's always
24:38someone above us?
24:39I told you
24:40to behave,
24:41but you never
24:42listened!
24:43Let me make
24:44this clear.
24:45Mrs. Winsaw
24:46is exactly
24:47who we can't
24:48afford to offend.
24:50Whether you
24:51walk out of here
24:52depends entirely
24:53on her.
24:54Finally comprehending
24:55the gravity of
24:56the situation,
24:57Lucas' expression
24:58shifted from
24:59resentment to
24:59pure terror.
25:00He stammered
25:01and said,
25:02Mrs. Winswone,
25:03I've been a fool.
25:06Please,
25:07forgive me.
25:09I sat in my
25:10chair as I
25:10slowly sipped
25:11the coffee
25:12beside me
25:12before addressing
25:13them.
25:14Bernard,
25:14you're actually
25:15wrong about
25:15Lucas.
25:16He wasn't
25:17the one who
25:17offended me.
25:18It's his
25:18sister in all
25:19but blood
25:20that did.
25:20Lucas merely
25:21wanted to
25:21stand up for
25:22her.
25:22You're such
25:23a disgrace!
25:25Instead of
25:25learning proper
25:26conduct,
25:27you're messing
25:27around with
25:28some pretend
25:28sister.
25:29Get that
25:29woman out
25:30of my sight,
25:31now!
25:31Seeing this,
25:32Vivian instantly
25:33realized Lucas was
25:34barely keeping his
25:35own head above
25:36water at the
25:36moment.
25:37He could not
25:37save himself,
25:38much less her.
25:39Just remembering
25:40her time in the
25:41water cell,
25:42she vowed never
25:43to suffer like
25:43that again.
25:44Her legs gave
25:45out.
25:45She collapsed
25:46to her knees
25:47with a thud
25:47and started
25:48apologizing frantically.
25:49Mrs. Winswone,
25:51I'm sorry!
25:52I'm sorry!
25:53I'm the
25:54worthless poser!
25:55Please forgive
25:56me!
25:57Please spare me
25:58just this once!
26:00Please,
26:01please,
26:02I beg you!
26:03Please spare
26:04my miserable
26:05life!
26:07Her words
26:07echoed in the
26:08room as she
26:08repeatedly begged
26:09for forgiveness
26:10on her knees.
26:11Lucas finally
26:12lowered his
26:12proud head
26:13in submission.
26:14Mrs. Winsbone,
26:15I was blind
26:16and foolish
26:16to wrong you.
26:17I won't bully
26:18people or pull
26:20that privileged
26:20nonsense again.
26:22Please just
26:22give me this
26:23one chance.
26:23After finishing
26:24my coffee,
26:25I set the
26:25cup aside.
26:26I looked at
26:27the people
26:27around me
26:27and said
26:28calmly,
26:28my,
26:29you are all
26:29speaking as if
26:30I'm some
26:31homicidal
26:31maniac.
26:33This is a
26:34society governed
26:35by law.
26:36Do I really
26:36look like a
26:37criminal to you?
26:38Bernard ventured
26:39cautiously.
26:40Mrs. Winsbone,
26:41does this mean
26:42you're forgiving
26:43this idiot?
26:44I smiled.
26:45Of course.
26:46Though they'd
26:47hurt me,
26:48I've hurt them
26:49too.
26:50An eye for an eye
26:51leaves the whole
26:51world blind.
26:52I'll let this
26:53matter end here.
26:54Lucas and Vivian
26:55resumed frantically
26:56thanking me for
26:57their mercy.
26:58I cleared my throat
26:59before continuing.
27:00Not only do I
27:01forgive you,
27:02I intend to
27:03grant you a
27:03blessing.
27:05The three of
27:06them looked
27:06confused.
27:07After some
27:08digging,
27:08I discovered
27:09Vivian and
27:10Lucas have been
27:11dating all along.
27:12They adopted
27:13the pretend
27:13siblings pretense
27:14because you
27:15wouldn't approve,
27:16Bernard.
27:17Well,
27:18congratulations,
27:19lovebirds.
27:20You'll be heading
27:20straight to the
27:21city hall after
27:22this.
27:22You've got
27:22exactly seven
27:23days to throw
27:24a wedding and
27:25float on.
27:25My words were
27:26met with mixed
27:27reactions.
27:28Some were
27:28delighted,
27:29others horrified.
27:30Vivian had
27:31never expected
27:32this misfortune to
27:33turn into her
27:33lucky break.
27:34Her long-held
27:35dream of climbing
27:36society's ladder by
27:37marrying a wealthy
27:38man was finally
27:39coming true.
27:40A thrill of
27:40victory rose in
27:41her chest and
27:42she could not
27:43help but smile.
27:44However,
27:44that smile was
27:45particularly grotesque
27:47and unsettling on
27:48her nearly
27:48disfigured face.
27:49The one displeased
27:50by this turn of
27:51events was
27:52naturally Bernard.
27:53He had always
27:53looked down on
27:54Vivian's background
27:55and behavior.
27:56This disaster
27:57involving Lucas had
27:58been partly caused
27:59by her,
28:00deepening his
28:00disdain toward
28:01her.
28:02I observed the
28:02three of them,
28:03each lost in
28:04their own thoughts,
28:05and asked,
28:07Well,
28:08can you do it?
28:10When they gave me
28:11their agreement,
28:12I waved them off
28:13with a smile.
28:14There's a car
28:15waiting outside
28:16to take you
28:17love-largs to
28:18the city hall.
28:19They scrambled to
28:20their feet and
28:21dashed out,
28:22as if afraid I might
28:22change my mind if
28:23they delayed even a
28:24second.
28:25The filthy,
28:26foul-smelling Lucas
28:27and Vivian were
28:28delivered straight
28:28to the city hall's
28:29entrance.
28:30A staff member
28:31approached them.
28:32She suppressed her
28:33disgust at the stench.
28:35Sir,
28:36miss,
28:36how may I assist you?
28:38Lucas glanced at
28:39Vivian's swollen face
28:40and could not help
28:41but feel repulsed.
28:43Still high on the thrill
28:44of bagging a good one,
28:45Vivian blurted out,
28:47We're here to get
28:48married!
28:48even after years
28:49of handling registrations,
28:51this was the most
28:52bizarre couple the
28:53staff had ever
28:54encountered.
28:55Most couples dress
28:56their best when
28:56registering for marriage,
28:58but these two looked
28:59like refugees fleeing
29:00a disaster.
29:01The groom looked
29:02especially disgusted
29:03and reluctant.
29:04The staff processed
29:05their paperwork
29:06dutifully despite
29:06their appearance.
29:07When my driver
29:08reported they had
29:09successfully tied a
29:10knot, I felt the
29:11wicked satisfaction
29:12of a prankster
29:13seeing their scheme
29:14succeed.
29:15This particular prank,
29:16however, would haunt
29:17them for life.
29:19A week later,
29:21their wedding had
29:21the whole internet
29:22talking about the
29:23Goodwin family.
29:23The viral wedding
29:24coverage caused
29:25Goodwin's group
29:26stocks to plummet.
29:27Their assets were
29:28halved, knocking
29:28them out of
29:29Float On's top
29:30three spots.
29:31Though my orchestrated
29:32behind the scenes
29:32certainly helped.
29:34Bernard blamed
29:34Vivian entirely.
29:36He was convinced
29:37she had brought
29:38misfortune to the
29:39Goodwin family.
29:40From the moment
29:40she married in,
29:41he never showed
29:42her even a hint
29:43of kindness.
29:44After marriage,
29:45Lucas became a
29:46habitual womanizer
29:47who refused to go
29:48home and face
29:49Vivian's disfigured
29:50face due to the
29:51result of untreated
29:52wounds.
29:52Initially,
29:53Vivian had been
29:54overjoyed about
29:55marrying into the
29:56Goodwin family.
29:57As time passed,
29:58she realized even
29:59the housemaids did
30:00not regard her as
30:00Lucas's legitimate
30:01wife.
30:02Her influence within
30:03the Goodwin family
30:04was negligible.
30:05The meager monthly
30:06allowance she received
30:07was not even close
30:08to her imagined
30:09aristocratic lifestyle.
30:10They fought
30:11constantly about
30:11Lucas's repeated
30:12affairs.
30:13Through these
30:14constant fights,
30:15Vivian grew
30:15increasingly paranoid
30:16and unstable.
30:18After one particularly
30:19vicious quarrel,
30:20she snapped.
30:21She stabbed Lucas
30:22before ending
30:23her own life.
30:24I was vacationing
30:25abroad with my
30:26mother when we
30:27heard the news
30:27of their deaths.
30:28Sunlight sifted
30:29through the branches.
30:30A new day began
30:31in tranquility.
30:32money.
30:33Take care.
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