- 27 minutes ago
I Divorced His Whole Family Hot
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Short filmTranscript
00:00For three years, my husband took his whole family on trips without me.
00:03Just smiled as I waved them off.
00:05The moment they left, I listed the house for sale.
00:07Two weeks later, Liam dragged his suitcase home.
00:09The locks were changed.
00:10A stranger was living inside.
00:11I sent one text.
00:13Houses sold.
00:14Divorce papers are filed.
00:16It's the same as usual this year, Emily.
00:17I stopped wiping the table.
00:19I looked at him.
00:20At his mother Margaret and father Richard behind him.
00:22At his sister Jennifer and her husband David beside him.
00:24At their young son, little Mike, holding their hands.
00:27A family of six.
00:27Off to the Maldivos for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
00:30The tickets are expensive and you'd be bored alone.
00:33Someone has to watch the house.
00:34Yeah, Emily, we'll be back soon.
00:36For three years, it had been these same lines.
00:38Word for word.
00:39The first year, I cried.
00:41The second year, I fought.
00:42This was the third year.
00:43I smiled.
00:44Okay.
00:45He'd probably rehearsed a whole arsenal of arguments.
00:48Ready for my questions, my tears, my hysteria.
00:50Well, be good at home.
00:51Text if you need anything.
00:52Okay, it was all useless.
00:53Enough money?
00:54Plenty.
00:55Alright then, we're off.
01:08Ryan, it's Emily.
01:10Emily, finally came around?
01:12Finally did.
01:13Sell the house.
01:14Great.
01:15I'll bring people over right away.
01:17I'll get you a great price.
01:18Don't bother.
01:21Ryan, I need it sold fast.
01:23Price, you can go 10% below market.
01:25Sweetheart, you sure that's not pocket, Chuck?
01:27I'm sure.
01:28Sell it now.
01:29Red one I'd brought with me when I married him three years ago.
01:31Now it was time for it to leave with me too.
01:33This house, I didn't want it anymore.
01:35This so-called husband, I didn't want him either.
01:37His family loved being all together, so I'd grant them their wish.
01:40I folded my clothes, one by one, placing them in the suitcase.
01:44Slowly, like saying goodbye.
01:45Goodbye to three years of foolishness.
01:47I didn't have much of my own.
01:48One suitcase.
01:50Held it all.
01:50Finally, from the very back of the nightstand, I took out a document.
01:53The deed.
01:54Only my name was on it.
01:55My parents' gift.
01:56My only solid ground.
01:57I put the document in my innermost pocket.
01:59Stood up.
02:00Took one last look at the room.
02:01The curtains I chose.
02:02The bedsheets I picked.
02:04Our wedding photo still hung on the wall.
02:05Liam looked so gentle in that picture.
02:07I looked so happy.
02:08How ironic.
02:09I walked over.
02:10Took the photo down.
02:12Smashed it on the floor.
02:13The sound of shattering glass was crisp.
02:16The most beautiful sound this house had heard in three years.
02:24Sweetheart, I'm at your community gate.
02:26Brought two clients, both serious all-cash buyers.
02:29Come on up.
02:30The door's unlocked.
02:32Emily, let me introduce you.
02:34Both gentlemen are interested in your place.
02:36Mr. Robert, Mr. Lucas.
02:38Look around.
02:42Nice finishes, good location, but fresh fight?
02:46No.
02:47Fresh divorce.
02:51Ladies got guts.
02:53I like dealing with people who have guts.
02:55I'll take Ryan's price.
02:5710% under market, all cash.
02:58We can sign today.
03:04Ma'am, can you decide?
03:06I thought of three years ago, the first time I argued with Liam in this house, because
03:11Margaret said her room had to be the biggest, and the master bedroom was the biggest.
03:14Liam asked me to give it up.
03:16Emily, she's my mom.
03:17Just respect your elders.
03:18I refused.
03:19It was my marital home, bought by my parent.
03:22Why are you being so difficult?
03:23Liam's face turned cold for the first time.
03:25In the end, I gave in.
03:27We moved to the smaller guest room.
03:28I thought my compromises would bring family harmony.
03:30Instead, it only brought their escalating demands.
03:33They saw me as an accessory in this house.
03:35A disposable piece of furniture.
03:37Now, I was going to set everything right.
03:41I can decide.
03:43Let's go to your office and sign the contract now.
03:46Deal!
03:47Ma'am, I'm buying your house.
03:49Great, great.
03:51Let's go get it done.
03:52It went smoother than I could have imagined.
03:54By 4 p.m., we were in the contract room at the real estate office.
03:57Lucas brought his lawyer.
03:58I'd called my best friend, Sarah.
04:00She's a lawyer.
04:00When Sarah got my call, she thought I'd lost my mind.
04:03Emily, are you really sure?
04:04I've never been more sure.
04:09Okay, I'm with you.
04:11That man isn't worth it.
04:13Total price, $700,000.
04:15Lucas would pay a 50% deposit upfront $350,000.
04:18The remaining balance upon completion of the title transfer.
04:20Since it was premarital property, only my name was on the deed.
04:23The transaction was very simple.
04:25No signature from Liam required.
04:27Signed, finger-pinted.
04:29Your account has received a deposit of $350,000.
04:34I looked at that string of numbers.
04:36Felt nothing.
04:38Emily!
04:39You did it!
04:40I just smiled.
04:44Pleasure doing business.
04:46Likewise.
04:47Can I take possession now?
04:49Of course.
04:51Here are the keys.
04:53Liam's key.
04:54Margaret's key.
04:55Jennifer's.
04:56All their SPEP keys were on it.
04:58Now, they weren't mine anymore.
05:01Then I won't stand on ceremony.
05:03I'll head over to change the rocks now.
05:04Alright.
05:10It's over.
05:12No.
05:13This is just the beginning.
05:15I had one last step.
05:18Divorce.
05:21They should be arriving in the Maldives around now.
05:24No rush.
05:25I'd wait for him to return.
05:27I wanted to see his face when he stood before a home that was no longer his.
05:31I wanted him to taste what having nothing felt like.
05:34What's your plan?
05:35Rent an apartment first?
05:36Yeah.
05:36I can help you look.
05:37No need.
05:38I'll do it myself.
05:38From now on, I'd make all my own decisions.
05:40I booked a hotel to stay in temporarily.
05:42Then started looking for apartments online.
05:44A small one-bedroom would be enough.
05:46Close to my office.
05:47I still had my job.
05:48My life wouldn't stop because of a man.
05:49That evening, Liam texted me.
05:51A picture.
05:51Blue skies and white clouds over the Maldives.
05:53He even remembered he had a wife.
05:55I looked at the photo.
05:55In the corner was Jennifer's peace sign and Margaret's profile and sunglasses.
05:59They looked so happy.
06:00Good.
06:00I was glad.
06:01I locked my phone screen.
06:02I hope they enjoyed themselves out there.
06:04I stayed at the hotel for three days.
06:06In three days, I found a new apartment.
06:08One bedroom, one bath, fully furnished, move-in ready.
06:10Just two blocks from my office.
06:12I used the deposit money to pay a full year's rent up front.
06:14Sarah helped me move.
06:15There wasn't much to move.
06:16Just one suitcase and a bank account with $260,000.
06:19You're a little rich lady now.
06:21Not enough.
06:22Once I get the final payment, I'm going to look for a small condo downtown.
06:27I'm buying a place that's completely, 100% mine.
06:31No one else gets to live in it but me.
06:33Emily, you've changed.
06:35You used to always say family harmony was the most important thing.
06:38Yeah, I liked that I was so stupid back then.
06:40I kept thinking if I took a step back, the sky would clear.
06:43Instead, I took a hundred steps back and they wanted me to jump off a cliff.
06:46Honey, you work so hard.
06:48I'll take care of you from now on.
06:49Three years ago, just married.
06:50Liam was busy with work, so I quit my job to take care of the home.
06:53I cooked different meals for him every day.
06:55Treated his parents like my own.
06:56Treated his sister like a real sister.
06:57I thought I could become part of their family.
06:59In their eyes.
07:00A tool for bearing Liam's children and taking care of their lives.
07:03First New Year's holiday.
07:04The family said they were going to Miami.
07:05I said, great, I'll book the tickets.
07:07Plan the itinerary.
07:08They went without me.
07:08Oh, Emily, you better not come.
07:10Who will take care of all the things at home?
07:12Yeah, honey, the tickets are pretty expensive too.
07:14Think of it as saving money for us.
07:15That was the first time they went on a holiday without me.
07:17Alone, I guarded the empty house.
07:19Watched the fireworks outside the window.
07:21Cried the whole night.
07:22The second year, they were going to the Bahamas.
07:24Same reason.
07:25You watch the house.
07:27This time, I had a huge fight with Liam.
07:29Emily!
07:30Can't you be more understanding?
07:31My mom's not well.
07:32It's not easy for her to travel.
07:33Can't you just let her be happy?
07:35We're a family!
07:36Do you have to draw lines like this?
07:37You're really disappointing me.
07:39That was the second time they went on a holiday without me.
07:41Alone, I guarded the empty house.
07:43My heart slowly turned to ice.
07:45This year, they were going to the Malgives.
07:47Even farther.
07:48They announced it at the family dinner table.
07:50No one asked for my opinion.
07:51As if I didn't exist at all.
07:52I put down my fork.
07:53I didn't want to fight them any.
07:54It was pointless.
07:55I just wanted to leave.
07:56Clean.
07:58What are you thinking about?
08:02Nothing.
08:03It's all in the past.
08:05The new place was small but cozy.
08:07I bought myself a bouquet of flowers.
08:10Put them in a vase.
08:12These past few days, Liam texted me every day.
08:15Sometimes a Maldives beach.
08:16Sometimes an ocean view.
08:18I replied, yes.
08:19He never said more.
08:20He was just going through the motions.
08:21A routine of I still care about you.
08:24He couldn't even be bothered to call.
08:26How laughable.
08:28Emily, all the title transfer paperwork is done.
08:30When's a good time to settle the final payment?
08:33Anytime.
08:33How about tomorrow?
08:3410 a.m. at the bank?
08:36Sure.
08:36The next day, I got the remaining $350,000.
08:40$700,000 total.
08:41Every cent.
08:42The first thing I did was transfer $10,000 to Sarah for your legal fees.
08:46Are you crazy?
08:47We're friends.
08:48We don't talk about money.
08:50You have to take it.
08:51I sent it again.
08:52This isn't about the money.
08:54It's about my stance.
08:55I want all unclear accounts from the past settled.
08:58For good.
08:59Whether it's emotional debts or financial ones.
09:03You helped me.
09:04You deserve to be paid.
09:06That's the rule.
09:07This was a friend.
09:08This was family.
09:09Not those people who sucked your blood under the banner of for your own good.
09:14One last thing.
09:16Hello.
09:17I'd like to consult about filing for divorce.
09:19What's the situation, ma'am?
09:21My husband has subjected me to long-term emotional abuse during the marriage.
09:24He and his family have consistently excluded and isolated me.
09:27I have evidence they left me home alone for holidays for three consecutive years.
09:32The house in my name has already been sold.
09:34It's pre-marriage property.
09:36No dispute there.
09:37I don't have other demands.
09:38I just want a divorce.
09:40Immediately.
09:41Sufficient evidence.
09:43Clear facts.
09:44Your request is straightforward.
09:45We can prepare the petition for you right away.
09:50Okay.
09:53Leaving the law form, the sky was blue.
09:56I calculated the timing.
09:58In a few more days, Liam and his family should be back.
10:01I was kind of looking forward to it.
10:03Looking forward to the expression on his face when he saw the new lock on the door.
10:07My new apartment key was just a single one.
10:09I placed it on the entryway tray.
10:11No more heavy key ring with Liam's, Margaret's, Jennifer's names on it.
10:16That feeling was called freedom.
10:17I started working again.
10:19Three years away from the job market, I was a bit rusty.
10:23But my brain still worked.
10:25My skills were still there.
10:27I quickly got back into the rhythm.
10:30Emily.
10:31Your resume had a gap for the past few years.
10:34I was a bit worried when I hired you.
10:36But, your performance this past week has been a pleasant surprise.
10:41Keep it up.
10:43Thank you, director.
10:45I left the office, went back to my desk.
10:47A news alert popped up in the bottom corner of my computer screen.
10:51Return travel peak for the holidays, airports packed.
10:53I did the math.
10:55Tomorrow was New Year's Eve.
10:56Liam and his family should be back soon.
10:59My phone vibrated.
11:01A text from Liam.
11:02He sent a picture of Genefee's son, Little Mike.
11:05Little Mike riding a dolphin plush toy, laughing happily every day.
11:08I looked at that sentence.
11:10Found it ironic.
11:11His whole family were great actors.
11:14Last year, Little Mike threw the new backpack I bought him on the ground and stepped on it.
11:18Because his mom Jennifer said,
11:19Things your aunt buys are cheap, low class.
11:21I was right there.
11:22Jennifer saw me.
11:23Showed no embarrassment.
11:25Emily.
11:25Don't mind him.
11:26Kids don't know any better.
11:27I believed it then.
11:29Now I realized, kids understand everything.
11:31The one who didn't know better was me.
11:34I texted Liam back.
11:35Okay.
11:36He quickly sent another.
11:37Honey, did you do the big house cleaning?
11:40It's the new year.
11:41Should be nice and clean.
11:42I read that text.
11:43Could almost see him leaning back on a sofa, enjoying Maldivian sunshine,
11:47taking it for granted to give me orders.
11:49I replied, done.
11:51He was probably satisfied with my compliance.
11:53Sent another.
11:54Thanks, honey.
11:54We'll bring you back a gift.
11:55A gift?
11:56I didn't need it anymore.
11:58Their leaving was the best gift.
11:59I closed the chat window, focused on work.
12:02After work, I didn't go straight home.
12:04Went to a mall.
12:05Bought myself a new coat.
12:06Camel colored.
12:07Expensive.
12:07A brand I would never have dared buy before.
12:09Bought myself a new skincare set, too.
12:12Stood in front of the mirror.
12:13Looked at myself.
12:14Pale, but my eyes were bright.
12:15A light of having come back to life.
12:18That night, I slept well.
12:20No dreams.
12:21Slept straight through till morning.
12:23Next day was New Year's Eve.
12:25The company let out half a day early.
12:29Emily.
12:29Emily, alone tonight?
12:30Yeah.
12:30Hey, if you want to come over, we're doing a thing at my place.
12:33My parents were asking about you, too.
12:34No, Sarah.
12:35I want to be alone.
12:37Okay.
12:38Well, if you need anything, call, okay?
12:40All right.
12:41Hung up.
12:42Went to the supermarket downstairs.
12:44Bought a lot of groceries.
12:45All things I liked.
12:48I cooked myself a lavish New Year's Eve dinner.
12:51Main course with salad and soup.
12:53Opened a bottle of red wine.
12:55Poured myself a glass.
12:56The TV showed the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration.
13:00Lively.
13:02This quiet made me feel at peace.
13:04At 10 p.m., my phone rang.
13:06A video call request.
13:09I hesitated, then answered.
13:11On screen, his whole family's faces appeared.
13:14Background was a fancy restaurant, brightly lit.
13:16Happy New Year!
13:19Look at the lobster we're eating!
13:20Don't skimp on dinner alone at home, okay?
13:23Okay.
13:27Honey, Happy New Year.
13:29We're coming back tomorrow.
13:31They all had happy, beaming smiles.
13:33They thought I, on this end, would be envious.
13:35Jealous.
13:36Would force a smile in like previous years and say,
13:39Have fun!
13:40I looked at them.
13:41And smiled.
13:42Happy New Year.
13:45Then, I turned the camera towards my dining table.
13:47Lavish dinner.
13:48Glass of red wine.
13:50My dinner is pretty good, too.
13:52On the other end, everyone smiles frozen.
13:55Especially Margaret.
13:57She probably never imagined I could live so well alone.
14:00Alright, won't disturb you all anymore.
14:03Have a safe trip.
14:11I knew this was the last calm before the storm.
14:15Liam's return flight was scheduled to land at 10 a.m. the next day.
14:17From the airport home with traffic meaning they'd arrive before noon.
14:20I woke up at 7 a.m. as usual.
14:21Made myself a simple breakfast.
14:22Changed.
14:23Went to the office.
14:23It was New Year's Day, company holiday.
14:25But I'd requested to work.
14:26Sitting in the empty office, I started tackling the backlog from the past few days.
14:29Time ticked up.
14:309 a.m.
14:3110 a.m.
14:3111 a.m.
14:32My phone stayed quiet.
14:33Unusually quiet.
14:34Maybe the flight was delayed.
14:35Maybe they were busy with luggage after landing.
14:37Hadn't gotten around to it yet.
14:38I didn't think too much.
14:39Kept working.
14:4011.30 a.m.
14:41My phone finally started vibrating.
14:43First call.
14:43From Liam.
14:44I watched the name flash on screen.
14:45Didn't answer.
14:46Let it ring.
14:47Let it stop.
14:47Then, a second.
14:48A third.
14:49He was persistent.
14:50Before the fourth call came, a text arrived.
14:51I read those lines, imagined him downstairs, sticking that now unsless key into the new
14:56lock cylinder over and over.
14:58A few times.
14:59I didn't reply.
15:00The phone vibrations came intense.
15:02Not just from Liam anymore.
15:03His call came in.
15:04Gattle Keys' call came in.
15:05They took turns bombarding me like crazy.
15:07I flipped my phone over, screened down on the desk.
15:09Out of sight.
15:10Out of mind.
15:11But the text notation sound couldn't be turned off.
15:14One after another, popping up in the bottom corner of my computer screen.
15:17Now, where the hell are you?
15:19What's your problem?
15:20Locking us out.
15:20Answer, what the hell are you?
15:22Their patience was running out fast.
15:23Their tone shifted from confusion to anger.
15:26I turned off the computer notifications for texts.
15:29Stood up.
15:29Went to the pantry to make myself a coffee.
15:31The coffee smelled good.
15:33Holding the cup, I stood by the window.
15:35Downstairs was empty.
15:37No pedestrians.
15:37It was a quiet new year.
15:39My new year.
15:41Noon.
15:41The phone bombardage paused for a bit.
15:43I guess they might have called a locksmith.
15:45Or were asking neighbors about me.
15:47Sure enough, not long after, texts came again.
15:50What the fuck are you doing?
15:54A bit later, he sent a voice message.
15:57I played it.
15:58Background noise was chaotic, strilding, impatient complaints.
16:01I'm giving you one last chance.
16:02Appear in front of me right now in this door.
16:04Or face the consequences.
16:05Consequences?
16:06I laughed.
16:07Hadn't I been facing the consequences for the past three years?
16:10I didn't reply.
16:11Quietly finished the last sip of coffee.
16:13Then, I picked up my phone.
16:15Unlocked it.
16:16Opened contacts.
16:17Found a number.
16:18Lucas.
16:19The buzzed up guy who bought my house.
16:21I sent a text.
16:22Happy New Year.
16:23Sorry to bother you.
16:24Did you go to the house I sold today?
16:25Happy New Year.
16:26Now I've got two buddies hanging out.
16:26I'll sit there.
16:27Why?
16:27I said there are some people at the door.
16:28My ex-husband and his family.
16:30Trying to bring you up your buddies handle it.
16:31If they don't leave, call the police.
16:32Holy shit.
16:34The nerve got it.
16:34I'll handle this.
16:35I replied, thanks.
16:37I put down the phone.
16:38I knew the real show was about to start.
16:41They weren't facing the compliant yielding me anymore.
16:44They were facing someone they couldn't mess with.
16:50You psycho.
16:51Who the hell did you rent our house to?
16:53Who the hell is your wife?
16:54This is my buddy's house.
16:56Get lost now or I'll break your legs.
16:58Ow!
16:58He hit me.
16:59Is there no law anymore?
17:01Law!
17:01I am the law!
17:02Get the hell out!
17:07Emily, where are you?
17:08Who did you rent to?
17:10Who are they?
17:11They threw us out.
17:12Our luggage is still in the hallway.
17:13For the first time, a trace of fear colored his tone.
17:17He probably thought I'd gotten some gang members involved.
17:19I waited a bit.
17:20Waited for his emotions to settle slightly, but not completely.
17:23Then, I started typing.
17:24Slowly, one character at a time.
17:26I imagined him standing in the cold community wind,
17:28guarding six or seven large suitcases,
17:30embarrassed family beside him,
17:31anxiously waiting for my reply,
17:33like a prisoner awaiting sentencing.
17:34I finished editing that message.
17:36Checked it once.
17:37No type aids.
17:38Then, I pressed send.
17:40The house isn't rented.
17:41It's sold.
17:42And we're done.
17:43My lawyer will send you the divorce papers.
17:45May your whole family spend the new year together and homeless.
17:48Message sent.
17:49I saw the dialogue box appear.
17:51Then, I performed one final action.
17:54Held down Liam's number.
17:55Clicked.
17:56Block this caller.
17:57Found Margaret.
17:58Blocked.
17:58Jennifer.
17:59Blocked.
17:59Every single person connected to his family,
18:01I cleaned them out, one by one.
18:03After finishing, I threw the phone on the desk.
18:05Let out a long, deep breath.
18:07Like removing a heavy stone plaid I'd carried for three years.
18:09Sunlight through the blinds cast dappled light and shadow on the desk.
18:13The world had never felt so clear.
18:15I knew it wasn't completely over yet.
18:17They'd try to find me.
18:18Come to my office or go to my parents' place.
18:20But I was prepared for everything.
18:21It's begun.
18:22Sarah replied.
18:23Got it.
18:23We'll deal with whatever comes.
18:25Don't worry, I'm here.
18:25I briefed the company receptionist.
18:27If anyone came asking for me, say I was on a business trip.
18:30I called my parents.
18:31Told them I was getting a divorce.
18:33Sold the house.
18:35On the other end, my dad was silent for a long time.
18:38Just said one sentence.
18:40Come home, sweetheart.
18:42Our door is always open for you.
18:44My tears finally fell then.
18:46But they weren't tears of sadness.
18:48They were tears of grievance.
18:50Of release.
18:51Of rebirth.
18:52I wiped my tears.
18:54Looked out the window.
18:55I knew my life was truly starting over from this day.
18:58As for Liam and his family, how long would they stand downstairs?
19:01How would they handle that mountain of luggage?
19:03Where would they sleep tonight?
19:04A hotel?
19:05Or some friend's cold living room?
19:06I didn't know.
19:07And I didn't want to know.
19:09Their story was no longer related with mine.
19:16Impossible.
19:17How could Emily dare?
19:21She'd gone crazy.
19:23She must have lost her mind.
19:24What's going on?
19:26What did that bitch say?
19:35She sold?
19:36She sold our house?
19:39Mom, keep your voice down.
19:41For three holidays, this family left grandly, leaving Emily to house sit.
19:45Everyone in the community knew.
19:46Now they were like stray dogs, locked out of their own home.
19:49All their dignity shattered into pieces at this moment.
19:51Liam, what do we do now?
19:53Where do we stay tonight?
19:54Little Mike is freezing.
19:55Stop arguing.
19:56Find a place to stay first.
19:58Where?
19:58A hotel?
19:59Hotels are so expensive during the holidays.
20:01We spent all our money in the Maldives.
20:03You useless old man.
20:05All you do is talk.
20:07He dialed my number again and again.
20:09Always hearing the number you have dialed is currently unavailable.
20:11He knew.
20:11He was blocked.
20:12He used his mom's phone.
20:13His sister's phone.
20:14Same result.
20:15A massive panic mixed with boundless rage gripped his heart.
20:17He really couldn't reach her anymore.
20:18The woman he thought would always rage for, he'd vanish.
20:20Let's go.
20:21Home.
20:22Which home?
20:23Ours was sold.
20:24To my parents' place!
20:47He couldn't figure it out.
20:49Dot, where did he go wrong?
20:50Was it the first Miami trip three years ago without her?
20:53Or yelling at her last year for being difficult?
20:55Or this year announcing the mall's trip at De Ante?
20:57Ignoring her completely.
20:59He couldn't remember.
21:00He thought this time would be the same.
21:02He only remembered Emily was always compliant.
21:04Always eating.
21:05A bottle of perfume to appease her.
21:07How laughable that seemed now.
21:22Only one thought filled his mind.
21:24Find Emily.
21:25He had to find her.
21:26He refused to believe she could disappear into thin air.
21:28He still had waves.
21:29It could go to her office.
21:30He could go to her parents.
21:31He'd drag her back.
21:32Make her kneel and apologize.
21:34Make her cough up the house.
21:35The money.
21:36Yes, it had to work.
21:37He didn't realize from the moment he had that thought.
21:39He'd already lost.
21:41Lost completely.
21:49Emily?
21:50Why are you here today?
21:52Nothing to do at home.
21:53Thought I'd come in.
21:55Dedication is good.
21:56But rest is important too.
21:58Go home.
21:59Happy New Year.
22:00Thanks, Director.
22:01Happy New Year.
22:24I knew this wasn't the end.
22:29Liam's personality, he wouldn't give up so easily.
22:33He'd try everything to find me.
22:36Midway through the movie, my other phone rang.
22:38The one I used only for family.
22:40Caller ID.
22:41Dad.
22:41I answered.
22:42Hey, Dad.
22:43Emily.
22:45My dad's voice sounded steady.
22:49Liam just called us.
22:51My heart dropped, but I wasn't surprised.
22:54What did he say?
22:56What do you think?
22:58First, pretended to care.
23:00Asked if you were home.
23:01Said he couldn't reach you.
23:02Was worried.
23:03I said, don't worry about her.
23:05She's fine.
23:06Then he started questioning.
23:08Asked why you sold the house.
23:09Why you weren't answering his calls.
23:10His tone was very aggressive.
23:12Like we owed him something.
23:13I could imagine Liam's furious rant over the phone.
23:18Dad, you didn't get angry, did you?
23:20Why would I be angry?
23:21I just found it laughable.
23:23What he did, doesn't know.
23:25And he comes questioning us?
23:30I told him.
23:31First, the house is your premarital property.
23:33You sell it if you want.
23:34None of his business.
23:35Second, your marriage is over.
23:37After the holidays, my lawyer will contact him directly about the divorce.
23:41Finally, I told him never to call our house again.
23:43He's not welcome here.
23:45Hearing my dad's clear, firm words.
23:48My nose stung.
23:49I used to think my dad was too nice, not good with words.
23:53Turns out, when protecting me, he could be so resoluvit.
23:57Dad, thank you.
23:59Silly child.
24:01No need to thank your dad.
24:02He didn't bully you, did he?
24:05No.
24:06I'm fine.
24:07Good.
24:08Remember, your mom and I are here for anything.
24:11The sky won't fall.
24:14Yeah.
24:15After hanging up, I hugged my knees, sat on the sofa for a long time.
24:20Outside, the sky darkened bit by bit.
24:23City lights came on, one by one.
24:26Countless warm lights, but not a single one for Liam and his family.
24:39What did I do to deserve this?
24:41Letting such a disaster into our home.
24:44She's ruined us.
24:46Exactly.
24:47Look at her dad's attitude, just like her.
24:49So arrogant.
24:50That whole family is rotten.
25:00Calling Emily's parents was his last hope.
25:02He thought old people were always soft-hearted, always wanted their children's families to
25:05be harmonious.
25:06If he acted humble, said some sweet words, they'd surely help persuade Emily.
25:10He never expected he couldn't even get past Emily's father thought the other side was
25:14harder than stone, and said a lawyer would contact him.
25:17A lawyer.
25:18Hearing that word made Liam's scalp tingle.
25:21He didn't know much about the law, but he knew once it went to court, he had no advantage.
25:26The house was Emily's premarital property.
25:29The money from the sale was in Emily's account.
25:32He'd get nothing.
25:33Three years of marriage, and the result was getting kicked out with nothing.
25:36He couldn't accept that.
25:38All his anger, after hitting a wall, started turning into a cold calculation.
25:43Dot if force didn't work, he'd try soft tactics.
25:46If she hid from him, he'd go where she had to appear.
25:48Her office.
25:49He took out his phone, started searching online for Emily's company address.
25:54He'd go tomorrow, wait for her downstairs, at her office, dot ask her, in front of all
25:59her colleagues, just what she thought she was doing.
26:02He'd make her lose face, make her unable to stay at her job.
26:05He thought it was a brilliant plan.
26:07If he could seize Emily's concern for face, she'd have to yield.
26:10A ferocious smile finally appeared on his face.
26:12The next day, third day of the new year, I went to work as usual.
26:16Not many people in the office yet.
26:18Quiet.
26:19I needed this quiet to think about my next steps.
26:21I knew Liam wouldn't give up.
26:23After hitting a wall with my parents, the only place he could think of was my office.
26:27I'd already briefed the receptionist and security.
26:30Described what he looked like for me.
26:31No matter who the reason, don't let him in and notify me immediately.
26:3410 a.m., the receptionist's internal line ran.
26:37Emily, there's a Mr. Liam Wilson here to see you.
26:39Says he's your husband.
26:40I know, do as I said.
26:41Okay.
26:42I didn't go downstairs.
26:43Didn't even walk to the window to look.
26:44I just opened the office internal network monitoring system.
26:47Hold up the lobby feed.
26:48On screen.
26:49Wore the camel coat.
26:50He'd return from the Malgeves Inn.
26:52His hair looked somewhat styled, but couldn't hide his haggardness and anxiety.
26:55Sir, I'm sorry.
26:56Without appointment, you can't go up.
26:57I'm her husband.
26:58I need an appointment to see my wife.
26:59Sorry, sir.
27:00Company policy.
27:01Tell Emily to come down.
27:02Tell her I'm here waiting.
27:03I've already notified her, but Emily says she's in a meeting and can't see guests.
27:08A meeting?
27:10Bullshit!
27:11Sir, please calm down.
27:13Don't cause a disturbance here.
27:15Let go of me!
27:17Do you know who I am?
27:18In the lobby, the few employees coming and go cast curious and disdainful glances.
27:22He was like a clown, putting on a pathetic solo act on someone else's turf.
27:26I watched him on screen.
27:27Felt no anger, no pleasure, not even a ripple.
27:29This man was the one.
27:30The one I loved for three years.
27:32Gave my youth to.
27:33So this was what he looked like once you stripped away the gentle disguise.
27:36So desirable.
27:44Sir, if you cause any more trouble here, we will call the police.
27:51He knew I was in there somewhere, watching him like a joke.
27:56A huge sense of powerlessness and humiliation overwhelmed him.
28:01He realized he might have really, truly lost me.
28:05Lost everything.
28:10Emily, he's gone.
28:11Thanks for your help.
28:13Of course.
28:14But, Emily, you look like you won't give up easily.
28:16Be careful coming and going.
28:18Okay.
28:19I know.
28:21First round.
28:21I won.
28:22And won effortlessly.
28:24All of Liam's moves were within my expectations.
28:26He was like a fly, trapped in a glass jar.
28:29Could see me, but never touch me.
28:31Could only smash against the glass wall, over and over.
28:34Getting badly hurt.
28:35Someone like him, after corner dog complete despair, was capable of anything.
28:39I needed to be prepared for his next, more crazy move.
28:46He came to the office, made a scene, or ambush you.
28:50I looked at the words protective order, felt a slight heaviness in my heart.
28:56I never imagined the day would come when I'd need such a legal weapon between Liam and me.
29:10I looked at that sentence, fell silent.
29:14Maybe Sarah was right.
29:16My battle was far from over.
29:18I needed to be tougher.
29:21More resolute.
29:23News of Liam's scene at the office spread through the company like wildfire the next day.
29:29Walking into the office, I could clearly feel the glances cast on my back.
29:33Curiosity, sympathy, shand in four.
29:37In the pantry, colleagues would whisper.
29:41When I entered, they'd immediately stop, awkwardly scatter.
29:46I didn't care.
29:48As usual, made coffee, handled emails, attended meetings.
29:52My calmness became better gossip fooder for them.
29:55Look at her, acting like nothing's wrong. Such strong nerves.
29:57I heard her husband was quite handsome. How did it come to this?
30:01Who knows? Every family has its troubles.
30:04Afternoon, the director called me in again.
30:06This time, his expression was more serious.
30:09Emily, we don't interfere in personal matters in principle.
30:12But what happened yesterday had a very bad impact.
30:16I hope it's the last time.
30:18Director, I promise, it won't happen again.
30:21Because soon, he won't be my husband anymore.
30:27All right, I get it. Go back to work.
30:34Back at my desk, a text from Sarah popped up.
30:36How's work?
30:37Fine. A little storm, manageable.
30:39Good. I just talked with my colleague at the firm.
30:41Liam's behavior constitutes harassment.
30:43If you need, we can apply to the court for a protective order to keep him away from you and
30:46your workplace.
30:47Let's wait a bit more.
30:50I want to see what other tricks he has.
30:53I wasn't preserving his dignity.
30:56I was collecting evidence.
31:00The crazier, the more out of line he was, the better for me in court.
31:06I didn't just want a successful divorce.
31:10I wanted him to pay the legal price for everything he'd done to me.
31:15That little witch's heart is so black, can't even get into her office trying to kill us!
31:20Liam, I asked our company's legal advisor today.
31:23He said Emily's house is pre-marital property.
31:26We get none of the money from the sale.
31:28Fighting in court is pointless.
31:32Get nothing? Why?
31:34I was married to her for three years.
31:37I supported her for three years.
31:39She says divorce, sells the house like it's nothing.
31:42There's no such good deal in the world.
31:44What can we do then?
31:48She hides, don't see us, phone blocks, office won't let us in.
31:53What can we do?
32:04She cares about face, right?
32:05She cares about her job, her reputation, right?
32:08Good. If she won't let me have peace, then she won't have any either.
32:13Liam, what are you planning?
32:17Your parents' hometown, Pine Valley.
32:19I'll move the battlefield there.
32:21I'll pour this dirty water on the family you care most about.
32:25I'll make you completely ruined in reputation.
32:29Life went on.
32:31I started looking at new property listings.
32:33The $700,000 from selling the old house, minus rent and Sarah's fee, left over $600,000.
32:38I wanted to buy a small condo downtown.
32:40Didn't need to be big.
32:41Six or 700 square feet.
32:42But location good, amenities complete.
32:44It would be true completely owned home.
32:46A fortress with only my name on it.
32:47This weekend, I met Sarah for dinner.
32:49We chose a new restaurant.
32:51Nice atmosphere.
32:52Decided which one to buy?
32:54Looked at a few.
32:55Not decided yet.
32:56No rush.
32:57I'll take my time.
32:58Right.
32:58You're a wealthy single lady now.
33:00Gotta plan carefully.
33:01Yeah.
33:02My only worry now is how to spend the money.
33:04We chatted, drank wine, relaxed.
33:06Looking at the city nights out the windows, I felt if in a dream.
33:08Just half a week ago, I was the humble housewife guarding an empty house waiting for
33:12her husband's scraps of attention.
33:14Now I could sit here, calmly planning the rest of my life.
33:17Freedom tasted really good.
33:18Seriously.
33:19Once all this is over, any plans?
33:21Plans?
33:22Yeah.
33:22Like start a new relationship?
33:24Not for now.
33:25Once bitten, twice shy.
33:26Right now I just want to work hard, live well, love myself.
33:29Men would just slow down my money making speed.
33:31Well said.
33:32A toast to us, new independent women.
33:36While Sarah and I enjoyed friendship and good food, Liam's family was squeezed onto a long
33:41distance bus heading to my parents' town.
33:51Why are we going to this lousy place, dirty and chaotic?
33:55Shut up!
33:56It's all because of that bitch Emily.
33:58She took all our money.
34:00When we get to her hometown, we'll make a scene right at her door.
34:04Tell all her relatives and neighbors what kind of trash she is.
34:08Yes!
34:09We'll say she had an affair.
34:11Stole all the family money.
34:12See where her parents find their faces.
34:14And go to her parents' workplace?
34:16Her dad's a civil servant, right?
34:18Cares most about face.
34:19We'll make a scene at his office.
34:21See how he shows his face.
34:23As if they could already see my family's life turned upside down by them.
34:27Forced to yield.
34:27Only a sick sense of pleasure.
34:30Oh, you care about your family, right?
34:34I'll tear it all to pieces.
34:35Let you know what happens when you fight me.
34:37The bus drove on the highway.
34:38Carrying this family's malice and madness.
34:41Roaring towards my peaceful life.
34:43The storm hit when I was least prepared.
34:45It was a Monday.
34:46I was in a departmental weekly meeting.
34:47My mom called, over and over.
34:49My mom rarely called during work hours unless urgent.
34:52My heart sank.
34:52Excuse myself from the director.
34:54Stepped out to take the call.
34:57Mom, what's wrong?
35:01Emily, Liam and his family, they're at our house!
35:06My heart plummeted into an ice pellet.
35:09What are they doing?
35:10They, they making a scene downstairs.
35:11Holding banners saying you unfully.
35:13Saying you had an affair.
35:14Ran off with the money.
35:15Neighbors are all watching.
35:16Had an affair.
35:17Your dad's, your dad's face is white with anger.
35:19Jay's words were like knives stabbing my heart.
35:21I could picture it.
35:23Liam's family, like a bunch of hooligans, put on a show of distorting the truth in the
35:26community where I grew us.
35:28Liam had truly hit my weak spot.
35:30Mom, don't be afraid.
35:31You and dad, don't go downstairs.
35:33Don't have any contact.
35:34Whatever they say, it locked the doors in the door.
35:35Emily, what are you going to do?
35:37They're trying to force you back.
35:38I know.
35:38I said, I won't come back.
35:39But I'll handle it.
35:40After hanging up, my hands and feet were icy.
35:42But my mind was extremely clear.
35:44Anger wasn't enough to describe what I felt.
35:46It was a cold desire to fight back from having my bottom line crossed.
35:48Erased the last bit of pity I had for you.
35:50I didn't return to the meeting.
35:51Grabbed my phone and car keys.
35:52Left the office.
35:53I didn't go to my parents' house.
35:54I knew going now would play right into their hands.
35:56Make things worse.
35:57I needed to strike at the root.
35:58While driving, I called Sarah.
36:00Put it on speaker.
36:01They're at my parents' place.
36:03Banners, slander.
36:04I stated the score on the other end.
36:05Holy shit, this family's setting new lows for shamelessness.
36:07I need you to do a few things now.
36:09First, immediately file a complaint in my name against Liam, Margaret, Jennifery for slander.
36:13Use the photos of the banners at my parents as evidence.
36:15If neighbors have videos, get them.
36:17Second, help me contact a reliable private investigator.
36:19Investigate what?
36:20Liam, all his bank records for the past three years, hotel stays, chat lines.
36:23I don't believe he's as clean as he claims.
36:25Someone so selfish, how could he stay faithful for the family's sake?
36:28He's hiding something.
36:29You wanna?
36:30My voice held no warmth.
36:32Give him a taste of his own medicine.
36:33He likes destroying reputations?
36:35Then I'll dig up all his dirty deeds, one by one, and make them public.
36:38He made my parents lose face in their small town.
36:41I'll make him socially ruined in the whole city.
36:43Even the whole internet.
36:44Got it.
36:44I'll do it now.
36:45For the investigator, don't worry.
36:46A close friend of mine does this.
36:47Absolutely professional and reliable.
36:48Good.
36:49I didn't go home, didn't go back to the office.
36:51I drove straight to Liam's parents' old house.
36:53He liked raiding homes, then let him taste having his own nest destroyed.
36:57He thought he chose the battlefield.
36:58He was wrong.
36:59From the moment he hurt my family, the rules of war were mine to set.
37:02The old community where Liam's parents lived, Oak Ridge.
37:05It was built nearly 30 years ago.
37:07Buildings were worn and shabby, wires crawling on walls like aging wrinkles.
37:11I parked outside the community, didn't drive in.
37:13I knew this place.
37:15First year of marriage.
37:16I lived here for half a year.
37:17I knew the biggest power in Oak Ridge wasn't the police, but the group of retired ladies who
37:22had afternoon tea at the cafe, precisely at 3 pm.
37:25They knew all the community's secrets and controlled the gossip.
37:28I walked into town, straight to the cafe.
37:31Sure enough, several ladies were chatting.
37:33The leader was Mrs. Smith, who lived across from Liam's family.
37:36Sharp-eyed, she saw me first.
37:38Oh, isn't that the Wilson's daughter-in-law?
37:41All eyes turned to me.
37:46Mrs. Smith, ladies.
37:48Long time no see.
37:50Oh, it really is, Emily.
37:53You haven't been around in ages.
37:56You've lost so much weight.
38:06What's wrong, dear?
38:10Had a fight with Liam?
38:12No, Mrs. Smith.
38:16We're getting a divorce.
38:19What?
38:19What happened?
38:20Luam seemed like such a nice boy.
38:22Yeah, you've only been married three years.
38:29Ladies, you know for the past three holidays, his whole family went abroad, left me to house-sit?
38:40I used to think I wasn't good enough, that's why they wouldn't accept me.
38:44I thought if I endured, if I yielded, someday they'd see me as family.
38:50I was wrong.
38:56They went to my parents' house, right at my parents' doorstep, held up banners, crowsed me, slandered me,
39:02so I ran off with their money.
39:05Ladies, you tell me.
39:07My voice wasn't loud, but every word reached their ears clearly.
39:10When I married Liam, the house we lived in was fully paid for by my parents.
39:14Only my name is on the deed.
39:15Is that their family's money?
39:17Now, I don't want to stay with them anymore.
39:19I sold my own house.
39:20Is that running off with money?
39:22His whole family used my money to froll it in the Maldives.
39:26Came back, found no home, went to my 70-year-old parents' doorstep,
39:29sturdick if thrula make trouble, almost gave my dad a heart attack.
39:34Is there any justice in this world?
39:37I didn't accuse them hysterically, just stated facts calmly.
39:40But this calmness stirred more sympathy than any crying fit.
39:42The lady's expressions shifted from gop to anger.
39:45That family's just awful!
39:46Yeah, spending the girl's money, then bullying her parents.
39:48Margaret always acted so proper.
39:49Who knew she was like this behind the scenes?
39:51I came today just to tell you ladies.
39:53From now on, I have no relation to the Wilson family.
39:56So they won't drag me into whatever mess they make next.
40:04I didn't knock on that familiar door.
40:06Didn't confront the emptiness inside.
40:08I knew within half an hour, the latest news about the Smith families in Great Edede,
40:13bullying their daughter C, and driving her parents to the hospital
40:16would spread to every corner of the community.
40:18The face Margaret cared so much about, I'd help her tear it to shreds with my own hands.
40:24No justice! Married such a vicious woman!
40:28She tricked us! Secretly sold the house!
40:31Hundreds of thousands, all swallowed by her alone!
40:38You say Emily sold the house!
40:40Whose name was on the deed? Dare to tell the truth?
40:47Green Mimi! Eat bad your share, Tasha!
40:50Thou could sell it all!
40:51That's not what the flaw says.
40:52Pre-My Bantha Mybrae, Gerniel sold her own house perfectly justified.
40:55What are you making a scene here?
41:02Who's causing a public disturbance here?
41:04Officer! You have to help us! My daughter-in-law, she ran off with the money!
41:09Get up first! Talk properly!
41:11Emily, marital affair, run off with fortune.
41:15You put this up? Yes.
41:18Evidence, you say she had an affair.
41:20Proof, you say she ran off with money, police report.
41:23Without evidence, this is public slander. Illegal. You know that?
41:26And your behavior has seriously disturbed public order and damaged the victim's reputation.
41:30Now immediately, take down those banners and leave, or we'll take you all to the station!
41:34We... we're the victims!
41:36Whether you're victims, tell the court! Banners here solve nothing!
41:40Take it down! Now!
41:45So shameful! Making a fool of themselves in another place!
41:48Yeah, thought they were so right! Turns out they're just being unreasonable!
41:55Liam! You need to come back! Big trouble!
41:58What's wrong, Mrs. Smith? Emily was just here! She told us everything!
42:01Said the house was hers! Said you went to her hometown to bully her parents!
42:04Now the whole community knows! Says your family are in grace!
42:07How will your mom ever show her face outside again?
42:10The call was a bolt from the blue. His entire body going cold.
42:13His carefully planned plan. The move he thought would checkmate me.
42:15Had not only completely failed, I'd counter-attacked and destroyed his own home.
42:18Dual defeat. He'd lost. Lost completely.
42:21Liam's family fled back to the city overnight. They didn't even wait for the long-distance bus.
42:25A lot of expensive train tickets. No one spoke the whole way.
42:27The carriage was terrifyingly quiet. Magritte didn't cry or fuss anymore.
42:30Liam Meinge kept replaying Mrs. Smith's words on the police warning.
42:33All his plans, all his leverage, had collapsed.
42:38Back in that cold, damped house, the family seemed drained of all energy.
42:42Liam, what now?
42:46Divorce.
42:47He knew he had no other choice. If he kept making trouble, he'd only lose worse.
42:52His only hope now is to maybe get some money out of the 700,000 in the divorce.
42:56Even a few thousand would let him breathe. He was so naive.
42:59He thought all I wanted was divorce and the house. He didn't know I wanted him to pay for everything
43:03he'd done.
43:04A week later, Emily, guess what I-
43:06What? Liam, he's been seeing someone. Though I'd expected it, hearing it confirmed still sent a ripple through me.
43:14Not sadness. A cold laugh of I knew it. His only hope now was to maybe get some money out
43:20of the
43:21700,000 in the divorce. Even a few thousand would let him breathe. He was so naive. He thought all
43:27I
43:28wanted was divorce and the house. He didn't know I wanted him to pay for everything he'd done.
43:33The key thing is, the account he uses to transfer money to that woman is a supplementary card under his
43:38name.
43:38The primary card's consumption text mails get sent to his mother Margaret's phone.
43:42What?
43:43Meaning, Margaret knew from the beginning. Her son was supporting another woman.
43:48Not only knew, she helped cover for your husband. Every time Liam transferred money,
43:52she'd get the alert. Then come up with excuses to you, like the family bought some big appliances
43:57or his dad was sick and needed medicine to explain the expense.
44:00Boom. My mind exploded. I remembered. The past two years, there were many times,
44:04Margaret would suddenly say the fridge broke, bought a new one, or Richard had a full medical
44:07checkup, cost a lot. I never doubted it, because those amounts weren't outraging for our family
44:10income then. So that's it. That money all went into another woman's pocket, and his dear mother was
44:13his biggest accomplice. Coffee spilled scalding my hand. A feeling more disgusting than betrayal,
44:16more humiliating than deception, instantly overwhelmed me. I took a deep breath. When I spoke again,
44:19my voice was terrifyingly calm. Gather all the evidence, bank records, transfer history,
44:24that woman's photos, address, everything. Compile it. You want to drop it in court? No. I looked out the window.
44:28The city's traffic
44:29was a blur of light in my eyes. Court is too easy on them. Print all that stuff. Color. A
44:33hundred copies.
44:33I want to send a set to every department at Liam's company. Up and down. Slip a set under every
44:36neighbor's door in his community. And give a set to each of Margaret's old lady friends. Jennifer
44:39Worker's hand deliver. Then I'll let him taste what real, complete, and eternal ruin feels like.
44:43All here.
44:46I opened it. Stacks of neatly printed A4 paper. All high quality color. First page. A selfie of the college
44:54girl. She smiled sweetly. Starting second page. Dense bank statements. From two years ago. Every
45:00month. Transfer of a few thousand from Liam's supplementary card to this girl's account. Memo.
45:03Living spades. Further on. Movie ticket stubs from their outings. Receipts from different restaurants.
45:07Even a reservation springs hotel in a closing irrebutable. I flipped through page by page.
45:10No expression on my face. But my heart felt like countless ants crawling. Not jealousy. Not heartbreak.
45:14A deep nausea from being deceived and played for a fool. So while I was scrimping and saving for this
45:17family. Hesitating to buy new clothes. My husband was using our shared resources to give another
45:20woman a princess-like life. And his mother, my mother-in-law, knew all alone and even covered for it.
45:23They weren't a family. They were a criminal gang. And I was the victim they united to exploit to
45:25the footest. 120 sets total. 30 sets will be sent by anonymous courier to Liam's company's
45:29executive office, HR, and every colleague in the department by noon today. 50 sets. I've got someone
45:33who will slip them under every door and into every mailbox in his parents' community tonight. 30 sets
45:36will be delivered to Jennifer Fee's kindergarten tomorrow. Every teacher will see. Last 10. Backup.
45:40Her plan was more thorough than I thought. Thank you. Don't mention it. I was just afraid you'd soften.
45:44We start. There's no turning back. Why would I turn back? When they held banners, stood at my parents' doorstep,
45:49slandering me with the worst words, did they give me a way back? When his mom helped him lie to
45:52me like a fool for two years,
45:53did they think of leaving me a way out? I'm not softening. Right now, I just want to see them
45:58burn.
45:58Okay, I understand. Packages go out at noon. Tomorrow, the show begins.
46:05Do it. Make this judgment hit harder. That afternoon, I didn't go back to the office. I went
46:11to see the small condo I'd had my eye on. Over 700 square feet, one bedroom with a large south
46:17-facing
46:17balcony. I signed the contract on the spot and paid in full. Holding that purchase contract in my own
46:23name, I stood in the empty, unfinished space. Sunlight through the windows fell on me. Warm.
46:29I knew starting tomorrow the sun would set for Liam and his family. And my sun was just beginning to
46:34rise.
46:34You one had a depressing couple of days. Didn't dare go out, afraid neighbors would point fingers at her.
46:39Everyone went to work getting strange looks. Everyone vented their resentment on Boom. He'd get
46:43nothing. He still thought maybe he could talk to me again, play the victim. Maybe my heart would
46:47soften. Holding onto that fantasy, he went to work. He immediately sensed something was wrong. Walking in,
46:53all his colleagues looked at him strangely. Not the previous sympathy or gossip, but a mix of contempt,
46:57disgust, and mockery, like looking at garbage. His heart sank. An ominous premonition crept in. Back at his desk,
47:03he saw an unmarked yellow manual envelope. Puzzled, he opened it. When he saw the contents, his mind went
47:07completely blank. The girl's photo, every transfer record, the hot springs hotel reservation. These secrets he
47:11thought were tightly hidden were now printed and laid out in the most humiliating way before him. His hands shook
47:15and cold sweat instantly soaked his back. My God, the affair rumor was true. Supporting a college student? How
47:20extravagant. Look at these transfers. His mom was in on it. This family is exceptional in the worst way. No
47:24wonder his wife
47:25sold the house and divorced him. I couldn't stand it either. Those whispers were like poison knives,
47:28stabbing his ears and tearing at his insides. He tried to gather the papers, but his shaking hands made them
47:32scatter on the floor. He squatted down in embarrassment to pick them up. Just then, his manager's internal
47:37line rang. His voice was cold as ice. My office. Now, he walked stiffly into the manager's office.
47:44Saw the same file on the manager's desk. The manager didn't even let him sit.
47:48The company received many copies of your personal resume today. Very interesting content. I… I… I…
47:57Don't bother. Narget1, your personal life isn't our business, but your behavior has severely affected
48:02the company's reputation and work environment. HR will talk to you. Go process your termination.
48:07Our company has no room for talent like you. Fired. He was fired. Didn't remember how he left
48:14the manager's office. He was like a puppet whose soul had been taken away. Went back to his desk and
48:20packed his things under all his colleague's stairs. Big trouble. Huge trouble. Our whole building.
48:30Every apartment door got your photos and those… those things shoved under them. I can't live anymore. I really can't.
48:40What the hell did you do? The parent group chat at my kindergarten exploded. The principal told me not
48:44to come tomorrow. I lost my job. It's all your fault. One thing after another. Job. Family. Relatives.
48:49Everything he had worked so hard to build collapsed completely within this day. This hour. Gone without
48:53a trace. He'd lost. He knew he had completely lost. Emily didn't fight him. Didn't argue. She just moved a
49:05finger. And sent him into an irreversible hell. Three days later, I got a call from Liam. It was from
49:12an unknown number. But I knew it was him. I'm downstairs at your new place. I know you changed
49:15jobs and bought a new condo. Emily, you're really something. Come up. Sarah had warned me not to meet
49:19him alone. But I knew he had no strength left. He was just a toothless stray dog. I needed one
49:23last goodbye
49:24to put a period on all this. Sit. No. I got fired. My mom stays home now, afraid to go
49:44out. My sister got
49:46fired too. Her husband's divorcing her. My dad had a stroke two nights ago. He's still in the hospital.
49:52He was disappointed. My face showed nothing. Is that why you came? To say I went too far?
49:57Emily, I admit I was wrong. I shouldn't have had someone else. I shouldn't have lied. I shouldn't
50:01have gone to your parents' place. I apologize. Can we not get divorced? The money? The house?
50:04I don't want it. I don't want anything. I just want you back. Let's start over.
50:07If it were a month ago, I might have softened. Now I just found ridiculous. Start over.
50:11Do you think everyone has your memory? Did you forget how you and your mom used my money to support
50:15that college girl? Did you forget leaving me alone to house stick for three holidays? Did you
50:19forget pointing your finger in my face and calling me difficult? Did you forget taking
50:23your whole family to my parents' doorstep with banners to slander me? With each sentence,
50:27his face paled. My parents treated you like their own son. You repaid them by making them lose face
50:31in front of all their neighbors. I treated your family like my own. You repaid me by treating me
50:35like a fool you could deceive and sacrifice. You didn't end up here because of me. You brought this
50:39on yourself. You loved your family, right? Thought families should be all together? Well,
50:42now your family? Jobless, getting divorced and hospitalized seems pretty all together too.
50:45I... The divorce papers my lawyer already sent them. Sign it. This is the last thing we need to
50:51do together. After you sign, we're even. From then on, whether you live or die, whether you're rich
50:57or poor, it has nothing to do with me. Fine.
51:08He came. I'm fine. He's gone. Are you okay? He didn't do anything to you? He's got no strength
51:13left. True. After your combination of moves, even iron would break. Now, we just wait for his
51:20signature. Don't worry. I'll handle it. I hung up. I ran myself a hot bath and added essential oils
51:24and bath salts. Soaked in the warm water, I closed my eyes. My mind was no longer filled with images
51:28of
51:29Liam and his family or those humiliating and angry past events. I thought about how to decorate my new
51:32home. Lickany filled with gardenias and succulents. Bedroom walls painted my favorite tiles online.
51:37I even started could finally revolve only about me. Two days later, Pimir 2 placed a file before my
51:41the divorce agreement. On the last page, a signature, Liam Wilson. The handwriting was
51:45scrabbled and weak, as if signing those few words had drained all his strength. He didn't make any
51:48demands. He walks away with nothing. He accepted it. He had no choice. Right. His lawyer said when he
51:52came to sign, he looked like a lost soul. He signed left and didn't said a word. I picked up
51:56the
51:56agreement and looked at those words. Felt calm. I thought I'd feel the joy of revenge fulfilled. I didn't.
52:02It was like walking and getting mud on your shoe. You scrape it off with some effort. You don't
52:06celebrate victory over the fallen mud. You just feel your foot is finally clean. Emily and I went to
52:11the courthouse to finish the last formalities. When the clerk handed me the final divorce decree,
52:15I let out a long, deep breath. The three-year nightmare was finally, legally, over. Leaving
52:21the courthouse, the sun was shining brightly. Congratulations, Ms. Pichuan reborn. Likewise.
52:25Who wins another beautiful case? Of course. Dinner's on you tonight. The fanciest French
52:29deal. I looked at the divorce decree in my hand, then placed it in the deepest part of my bag.
52:33I
52:33probably would never take it out again. Your dad, the hospital is asking for payment again.
52:39How much? Another 30,000. Liam, do you have any money left?
52:47Mom, I, I'll figure something out. Figure something out? What could he do? His life seemed to be at a
52:53dead
52:53end. He suddenly thought of Emily. Her standing in that bright new home, looking down at him. What
52:58rose in his heart wasn't hatred, but a desperate regret he couldn't re-difficult. If this year he
53:01had insisted she come to the Malvives, would every change as possible? Time passed quickly. Summer
53:07arrived. My new home was decorated and aired out for three months. I officially moved in. All the
53:12furniture and decorations were of my own choices. The Galtonys on the Altony Blim Climb, filling the
53:17place with a sweet fragrance. I changed jobs. A foreign company, position, marketing manager.
53:22Salary was significantly higher. New colleagues were friendly, and the work atmosphere was good.
53:26I completely said goodbye to my old social circle and those gossipy rumors. On weekends,
53:29I was no longer tied to the kitchen. I'd meet Sarah or work up a sweat at the gym. I
53:33signed up
53:33for French classes. Twice a week, starting from the basic bonjour. I wasn't my buddy, but my
53:37complexion improved. Men started showing interest. Work contacts was now the gym trainer. I didn't need
53:42someone else to make it better. In July, my company had a chance to attend an industry summit
53:46in Paris, France. The director gave the spifle tower and took a photo to me. Posted it on my
53:51Instagram. No caption. So quickly liked it and commented. I mean the person. I looked at the
53:55post, though. The woman in a long dress smiling brightly, yet extremely familiar. So this was what
53:59it felt like to live for yourself, not for anyone else. So happy. Meanwhile, on the other side of the
54:04city, Liam's family's life was a mess. After a stroke, he was paralyzed on one side and needed constant
54:09care. Margaret couldn't handle it alone, completely losing her former vitality. She cried all day and
54:13aged rapid. Jennifer finally got divorced. Her child went to live with ex-husband. Job she moved
54:17out of her parents' house and her face filled with the utmost base in chief of despair and regret.
54:22Looked for work for a long time, but failed for various reasons. His reputation in that circle
54:26was completely ruined. Finally, he started driving for a rideshare service. One day, he picked up
54:31passengers, going to the airport. The passengers, a young couple with a kid heading to the Maldives.
54:35He listened to their excited discussions about the Maldivian scenery in the backseat. Every word felt like a
54:40needle piercing his heart. He couldn't help glancing at the young wife in the rearview mirror. She was
54:44gently wiping sweat from her husband's forehead. Her husband looked at her with full of Emily,
54:48remembered she used to look at him like that, and he had personally shattered that tenderness.
54:52He leaned on the steering wheel and finally cried bitterly like a child.
55:04Emily. Mrs. Smith told me today that the Wilson's old house was sold. Oh? Heard it was to pay for
55:11Richard's, his dad's medical bills. Sold for over 800,000, paid off a lot of debts, and the rest is
55:17only enough to cover about a year's hospital expenses. The family moved to rent a place farther out in the
55:21suburbs. Heard the place doesn't even have a decent grocery store nearby. Hmm. And that Liam,
55:26it seems he came back to our area a few days ago, went to your Uncle Johnson's, asked if he
55:31could pull
55:31some strings to get him a job. Your Uncle Johnson chased him away with scolding. Heard he looks
55:35especially down and out now. Those people, those events, even Nors went his last or his last entry.
55:40Emily. Do you still hate them? I looked in the mirror, peeled off the mask, and saw my radiant self.
55:47I smiled. Mom, it's not hate anymore. Now I just want to live my own life well. Whether they're
55:53doing well or not, it has nothing to do with me. Yes. Nothing. That was true letting go. Not felling
55:58the house. Not getting divorced. Not taking revenge. But when their names appear in your life again,
56:02your heart doesn't stir a single ripple. They become background noise in your life. Blurry.
56:06Unimportant. Hung up. I poured myself a glass of red wine and walked to the balcony. The summer night
56:11breeze carried a coolness. The city's neon lights flickered in the distance, like a bright galaxy.
56:17My phone dinged. It was Sarah. I smiled and replied. Maybe. I didn't agree immediately,
56:22nor did I refuse. My heart was open. My future held endless possibilities. I could choose to go,
56:28or not. I could choose to meet new people, or keep enjoying the peace of being alone.
56:31This feeling of being fully in control of my own life made me extremely at ease. I took a sip
56:36of wine.
56:36Remembered three years ago, when I married Liam, I thought marriage was my final destination.
56:41Later I understood. No one is your final destination. You yourself are. When you become strong and
56:46complete, you no longer need anyone to prove your worth. That door to the past was completely closed.
56:51Before me was sunlight, and the entire world.
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