- 14 hours ago
Presidents! Stop Fighting For Me Billionaire Romance HD
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:04I'd secretly bought a wedding dress, worked up every ounce of courage to propose to him.
00:00:09But as luck would have it, I was a few minutes late to the party that night.
00:00:13I walked in just as he was talking with his friends.
00:00:15I stood by the door, listening to the voices inside.
00:00:19Quinn.
00:00:19He lit a cigarette, grinned lazily.
00:00:21Yeah, I'm over it.
00:00:23Seven years, man.
00:00:25Wouldn't you be?
00:00:26The others laughed along.
00:00:27Fair point. Seven years, even a goddess gets old.
00:00:31Though Quinn's genuinely stunning.
00:00:33That body, too. Remember Ethan's birthday last year?
00:00:36She wore that red dress and every guy in the room couldn't look away.
00:00:40Seriously, Ethan, you used to be so crazy about her. You really done?
00:00:44Ethan's voice was flat.
00:00:45When do I ever say things I don't mean?
00:00:48So, you wouldn't mind if I went after Quinn?
00:00:51He blew out a smoke ring, barely interested.
00:00:53Go for it. As long as you're both fine with it.
00:00:56Dude, have some self-respect.
00:00:58You really want Ethan's leftovers?
00:01:00More laughter.
00:01:01I didn't go into that room that night.
00:01:03I texted him some excuse about a headache and went home.
00:01:05Ethan didn't ask a single question, just hung up.
00:01:08Whatever was left of my will to stay, it died that night.
00:01:36Ethan didn't ask a couple minutes ago, no, when PJ liked to stay.
00:01:36I just gaveup my chin.
00:01:37I invented it!
00:01:37You said that was a big left to the right.
00:01:40I threatened you by giving up the right to share this afternoon today.
00:01:41I opened it up the wrong.
00:01:41I told them I wanted to stay, but I didn't miss you, you won't see me.
00:01:53What I did, you're about it.
00:01:53I wanted to go to be SCHedars either day.
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00:03:19Two days later, everyone in their circle was talking.
00:03:22Ethan was chasing some sophomore, performing arts school.
00:03:25Young, soft, naive.
00:03:27He always pursued others in a grand fashion, just like he did with me back then.
00:03:31Showering them with flowers, fancy cars, and jewelry.
00:03:34The girl couldn't resist his advances at all.
00:03:36They soon got together.
00:03:37At a friend's dinner, Ethan walked right in with her on his arm.
00:03:40The room went quiet the moment he stepped through the door.
00:03:43A few of my closer girlfriends shot me worried looks.
00:03:45I smiled.
00:03:46Why'd everyone go quiet?
00:03:48What are you all staring at?
00:03:49Ethan settled the girl into a seat and finally looked at me.
00:03:51Quinn.
00:03:53Perfect timing.
00:03:54Let's just say it plainly.
00:03:55Sure.
00:03:56Go ahead.
00:03:57Mia's young.
00:03:58She's genuine.
00:03:59I actually like her.
00:04:00I don't want to do her wrong.
00:04:01I gripped my hands together.
00:04:02The ring on my finger pressed into the flesh.
00:04:04Deep and sharp.
00:04:05But I couldn't feel a thing.
00:04:07He stroked the girl's hair.
00:04:08She deserves love real.
00:04:09I nodded lightly.
00:04:10I understand.
00:04:11We can still be friends.
00:04:13Anything you need, just say the word.
00:04:15That's okay.
00:04:16I smiled.
00:04:17Stood up.
00:04:17If it's over, let's make it clean.
00:04:19No point confusing anyone.
00:04:20Ethan raised an eyebrow.
00:04:22Slightly surprised.
00:04:23Fair enough.
00:04:24You all enjoy the dinner.
00:04:25I'll head out.
00:04:27Want the driver to take you?
00:04:28No.
00:04:28I'll grab a ride.
00:04:29I walked out and pulled the door shut behind me.
00:04:31Through the gap, I heard someone ask.
00:04:33How long do you give her this time?
00:04:35Two days.
00:04:37She seemed actually upset this time.
00:04:40I'll say a week.
00:04:41Ethan laughed cold.
00:04:42Three days.
00:04:43She'll be crying back to me before then.
00:04:46Every single time.
00:04:48Getting tired of watching it.
00:04:49Yeah, because Quinn's obsessed with you.
00:04:51Everyone knows how far gone she is.
00:04:54I smiled bitterly to myself, clutched my bag tighter, and walked fast toward the elevator.
00:05:12When he saw him.
00:05:31He said it was just a few people.
00:05:31He said he's right.
00:05:31He said he was like, oh my god.
00:05:31He said I was like, he said he was always a liar, but I didn't know what he looked like.
00:05:31He went from work I don't know he's a guy.
00:05:31He said he got a gun.
00:05:41He said, I'm not really crazy, but I don't know what happened.
00:05:41He said he had a gun.
00:05:41He was in the car.
00:05:41.
00:06:30Back at the apartment, I went to the back of the closet and lifted down the dress.
00:06:34I'd waited half a year for it.
00:06:36A custom order.
00:06:37No returns.
00:06:38Such a shame.
00:06:39I'd never get to wear it.
00:06:41I found a pair of scissors and cut it apart.
00:06:43It had no business being here anyway.
00:06:45Before I left, I took off the ring and set it on the coffee table.
00:06:48I didn't take much.
00:06:49My personal things.
00:06:51Everything else I left behind.
00:06:52I thought about it, then wrote him a note.
00:06:54The apartment and everything in it.
00:06:56Do whatever you want with it.
00:06:57Don't ask me.
00:06:58I booked the earliest flight to Miami.
00:07:00My best friend had moved there earlier that year.
00:07:02She dragged me out for shopping and afternoon coffee.
00:07:04That evening, there was a small get-together.
00:07:06Old classmates.
00:07:07Old friends.
00:07:08Midway through the drinks, the door swung open.
00:07:10A few of the girls immediately lit up.
00:07:12Lucas?
00:07:13Since when do you show up to things like this?
00:07:15Seriously, what brings you out tonight?
00:07:18Had a meeting next door.
00:07:19Heard there was a reunion.
00:07:21Figured I'd drop by.
00:07:22Lucas said this, never taking his eyes off me.
00:07:24My best friend pinched my arm.
00:07:26Quinn.
00:07:27He came for you.
00:07:28I looked at him through slightly unfocused eyes.
00:07:30Taller than Ethan by an inch or two.
00:07:32Black overcoat.
00:07:34Dark suit underneath.
00:07:35Sharp features.
00:07:36A great build.
00:07:37Legs that went on forever.
00:07:38I squinted at him for a moment, then shook my head.
00:07:41No way.
00:07:42We haven't talked in years.
00:07:44She wasn't listening.
00:07:45She called out to him directly.
00:07:46Lucas!
00:07:47Could you do me a favor and drive Quinn home later?
00:07:50We've all been drinking, and I don't trust her in a taxi.
00:07:52I looked up at Lucas, startled.
00:07:54His eyes traveled across the room and settled on my face.
00:07:57Then I saw him nod.
00:08:00Sure.
00:08:00My best friend sat back down, leaned close to my ear.
00:08:03Quinn, after seven years with one man, it's time to move on and embrace a new life.
00:08:08Even Ethan has done it.
00:08:10Why can't you start a second chapter of your own?
00:08:13Besides, a man like Lucas?
00:08:15If you don't take your shot, it's practically a crime.
00:08:18What makes you think he'd even want to?
00:08:20Babe, the way he looked at you?
00:08:22Trust me, I've been through 18 of them.
00:08:24I know what I'm talking about.
00:08:45Lucas drove me back to the hotel.
00:08:47When we pulled up downstairs, I uncliffed my seatbelt.
00:08:51Thanks for the ride.
00:08:52Lucas glanced over at me.
00:08:53Don't mention it.
00:08:54I pushed the door open.
00:08:55Before I could think, I'd already spoken.
00:08:57Want to come up for a drink?
00:08:58He helped me walk toward the hotel.
00:09:00Lucas kissed me in the elevator.
00:09:02I was already tipsy, and he was demanding.
00:09:04Relentless.
00:09:05I nearly blacked out just from the kiss.
00:09:07There's a camera.
00:09:08I gasped, cheeks burning, legs so weak I had to hold onto his waist just to stay upright.
00:09:14Lucas glanced at the lens, turned me, shifted the angle, and kissed me again.
00:09:18When the door swiped open, he stopped and looked at me.
00:09:20Quinn, if you regret this, I'll still back off.
00:09:23Regret what?
00:09:24I tilted my face up at him, fingers looping around his tie, pulling him closer.
00:09:28You kissed my lips halfway to swollen?
00:09:30A little late to talk about backing off?
00:09:33Lucas laughed then.
00:09:34He reached out and brushed his thumb across my lower lip.
00:09:37And don't go blaming me later.
00:09:38Our first night together, Lucas didn't even make it to the bedroom.
00:09:42He pinned me against the wall, and it was rough enough to hurt a little.
00:09:44I bit down on his shoulder in protest.
00:09:47Lucas, what is wrong with you?
00:09:49Ever heard of being gentle?
00:09:50His warm hands pressed against my back.
00:09:52Then he was breathing against my neck.
00:09:54Quinn, I'm not sure I can hold back.
00:10:57Five minutes later, I understood what he'd meant.
00:11:00He carried me to the bedroom.
00:11:02I buried my face in the pillow, laughing.
00:11:04Lucas, how long has it been for you?
00:11:07He gave me a look.
00:11:09A while.
00:11:09Work's been everything lately.
00:11:11I stared at him, the laughter fading.
00:11:13A moment later, tears came out of nowhere.
00:11:15I'm sorry.
00:11:17I shouldn't have...
00:11:18Quinn, don't.
00:11:20He fumbled to wipe my face, but the tears wouldn't stop.
00:11:23I shouldn't have dragged you into this.
00:11:25But you already did.
00:11:26He leaned down, cupped my face in his hands, steady, almost serious.
00:11:30Quinn, since you started this, you don't get to stop halfway.
00:11:53Quinn, who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's
00:11:53the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one
00:11:53who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the
00:11:53one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's
00:11:54the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one
00:11:54who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the
00:11:54one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's
00:11:54the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one
00:11:54who's the one who's the one who
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00:14:23Serena of House Stavos, you are kind.
00:15:14We'll see you next time.
00:15:15Ryan's birthday is in a few days.
00:15:17Come celebrate.
00:15:18Tell him I'm sorry.
00:15:19I'll mail a gift.
00:15:20All right, take care of yourself.
00:15:21Back in the city, Jamie handed the phone to Ethan.
00:15:24Look, maybe you should call her.
00:15:25She'll listen to you.
00:15:26Ethan stared coldly at the screen.
00:15:28Then he stubbed out his cigarette and stood.
00:15:30She can rot out there for all I care.
00:15:32Ethan, don't be angry.
00:15:34She's just hurting.
00:15:35She even took the ring off this time.
00:15:37It's really crushed, and honestly, it's your fault for pushing it so far with that girl.
00:15:40We already broke up!
00:15:41What more does she want?
00:15:42Ethan snapped, voice rising.
00:15:44Listen up.
00:15:45Nobody contacts her!
00:15:47Not for anything!
00:15:48Okay, okay, we won't.
00:15:49Calm down.
00:15:51You just got out of the hospital two days ago.
00:15:53Your stomach.
00:15:54She was around and your stomach never acted up.
00:15:57She leaves for five days and you do this to yourself.
00:15:59With every word from his friends, Ethan's expression went darker.
00:16:02Eventually, he grabbed his jacket and walked out, slamming the door.
00:16:05He hit the street.
00:16:06Cold air rushed in.
00:16:08The anger still burned in his chest.
00:16:10Seven days.
00:16:10No calls.
00:16:11No texts.
00:16:12Not even one.
00:16:13He pulled out his phone.
00:16:14Blocked her number.
00:16:22Lucas called just as I typed the last line and hit send.
00:16:25I've been writing columns for magazines since college.
00:16:28It turned out to be enough to make a living.
00:16:30Freelance life.
00:16:31Laptop, good Wi-Fi, and I could work from anywhere.
00:16:34So when it ended, I had no reason to stay in the city and hurt.
00:16:39Quinn, what do you want for dinner?
00:16:40His voice came through clearly.
00:16:42After an afternoon of work, something in me settled.
00:16:44I'm exhausted.
00:16:45You pick.
00:16:47How about steak?
00:16:49I know a place with a really good steak.
00:16:51You'll love it.
00:16:51I always like my steak rare.
00:16:53But Ethan used to say watching me eat it turned his stomach, so I stopped.
00:16:56Though I vaguely remembered Lucas preferring lighter food.
00:16:59Lucas, you don't have to do this for me.
00:17:01I'm not picky anymore.
00:17:03I actually want it too.
00:17:04Remember in college?
00:17:05There was that little joint near campus.
00:17:07The steak were amazing.
00:17:08Hearing him say that made me hungry for it too.
00:17:10That place was genuinely good.
00:17:12I ate there for four years and never got tired of it.
00:17:15Okay.
00:17:15Steak then.
00:17:17I'll come get you now.
00:17:18Sure.
00:17:21Lucas took me to a place that'd been in Miami for years.
00:17:24Old and a little cramped, but always packed.
00:17:27And Lucas in his tailored suit, sitting in that grimy booth, was a completely ridiculous visual.
00:17:32I watched him carefully wipe down my chair with a napkin.
00:17:35For someone like him, these small domestic gestures came surprisingly naturally.
00:17:39Lucas, your ex did a great job with you.
00:17:42I couldn't help saying it.
00:17:43In the beginning, when Ethan was still chasing me, I felt it.
00:17:47Being cared for.
00:17:48Being someone's priority.
00:17:50Then we moved in together the year after graduation.
00:17:52A little over a year.
00:17:53And I became the household.
00:17:55Managing his diet, his rest, his schedule.
00:17:58Like a wife before the wedding.
00:17:59But I understand now what I didn't then.
00:18:02I lost myself loving him.
00:18:03Forgot that you have to love yourself first.
00:18:05No wonder the love wore out.
00:18:07Lucas glanced up from tending the pot.
00:18:09Where'd you hear I had an ex?
00:18:17I paused.
00:18:18The girl who was always around you in college?
00:18:19Weren't you two childhood friends?
00:18:21You mean Sophie?
00:18:22He laughed once.
00:18:24We grew up together, yeah.
00:18:25But we never dated.
00:18:26I never felt that way about her.
00:18:28She was more like a little sister.
00:18:30So you haven't been with anyone all these years?
00:18:32Went on a few setups.
00:18:33It wasn't right, so...
00:18:35It ended.
00:18:36And after that, I looked down, thinking about that first night.
00:18:40Suddenly, it made complete sense.
00:18:42Quinn, I'll do better next time.
00:18:44His comment came out of nowhere.
00:18:45I blinked.
00:18:46Better at what?
00:18:47He turned his face away, cleared his throat quietly.
00:18:49His ears were deeply flushed.
00:18:51You'll see later.
00:18:52He kept his word.
00:18:53After dinner, back at the hotel.
00:18:55Once he'd carried me out of the bathroom and onto the bed, I finally understood what he'd
00:18:59meant.
00:18:59By then, I was completely undone.
00:19:01Lucas.
00:19:02I tried to glare at him, but my eyes were misted over, which only made me look
00:19:06more helpless.
00:19:06His name in my mouth came out soft, nowhere near as angry as I wanted.
00:19:10Lucas bowed his head and kissed me softly.
00:19:12Quinn, is this okay?
00:19:13I shook my head, refused to answer.
00:19:15He didn't push, just kept kissing me, over and over, patient and unhurried.
00:19:20I couldn't hold out.
00:19:21Tears were leaking from the corners of my eyes.
00:19:23Lucas.
00:19:23My nails pressed into his lower back, and there was a sound in my voice I couldn't quite
00:19:27control.
00:19:28Quinn, tell me now.
00:19:30Is this okay?
00:19:31Lucas' own eyes had gone red, arms taut, sweat falling in drops.
00:19:35I gave in, voice small and wrecked.
00:19:37Yes.
00:19:38Yes, it is.
00:19:39As my last thought drifted away, Lucas put his lips to my ear and whispered very low,
00:19:43Quinn, if this is good, then promise you'll never leave me, okay?
00:20:05innen.
00:20:06I changed it.
00:20:13It's a good answer.
00:20:14Everything will be well him through his mouth.
00:20:15I碰ли him,ivo Western parts, how did you hear?
00:20:35I broke.
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00:25:20birthday the gift i'd sent from miami made it to his party ethan sat on the couch smoking the bottle
00:25:24in front of him mostly empty the gift had been chosen by lucas and me together a vintage pair
00:25:29of cufflinks from a high-end label ryan loved these are beautiful ryan laughed a little stiffly
00:25:33reading ethan's expression and quickly had his girlfriend put them away let me see ethan spoke
00:25:38without warning ryan froze but handed the box over without a word ethan stared at the pair of
00:25:42cufflinks the brand's logo was discreet almost invisible but ethan stared at it for a long moment
00:25:47put them away he closed the box and pushed it aside ryan exhaled with relief and reached for
00:25:52it ethan snatched the empty bottle from the table and smashed it against the coffee table
00:25:55glass scattered a long gash opened across the back of his hand the room erupted what happened
00:26:00why did you that's a bad cut it won't stop bleeding hospital ethan stood there emotionless face dark
00:26:06still as stone quinn never bought anything from that label his voice was low and frayed ryan smiled
00:26:11quickly so what quinn probably just picked something at random not like your birthday
00:26:16she'd been planning your gift for six months exactly you know what she means to you none of
00:26:21us combined are worth a tenth of what she feels for you ethan laughed sharply feels for me the noise
00:26:27in the room bled away one degree at a time ethan should i call quinn we need to deal with
00:26:32that cut
00:26:32first ryan suddenly worked up the nerve picked up his phone and photographed ethan's torn up hand
00:26:37then sent it to quinn on the spot ethan didn't stop him
00:27:06the room went still about 10 seconds past then ryan's phone
00:27:10see i knew she loved you more than anything look ethan it's quinn the others noticed it too the
00:27:17tension in ethan's face had eased just slightly you want to take it ryan held out the phone ethan
00:27:21didn't look at it he turned away i'll get it i'll get it ryan said eagerly putting it on speaker
00:27:26when
00:27:26quinn's voice came through ethan's jaw locked ryan are you okay are you hurt it's not me it's ethan's
00:27:32hand you have no idea how bad it is blood everywhere he won't stop ryan rambled on the other end
00:27:37went
00:27:37quiet quinn are you there maybe maybe you should come back ethan won't go to the hospital he can't
00:27:41just keep bleeding like this ryan her voice was still soft still the same yeah yeah i'm here go
00:27:46on ryan signaled frantically to ethan don't tell me about him anymore ryan's smile collapsed quinn
00:27:52and happy birthday ryan wait quinn don't hang up the line went dead ryan stood there holding the
00:27:57phone like it had burned him he wanted to slap himself what was he thinking getting involved
00:28:01now look at the mess silence ethan looked around at everyone and smiled lightly you all go mute no one
00:28:07dared speak he smiled again what nobody's got anything to say ethan don't get worked up the
00:28:11cut's bleeding more ethan you know how quinn is from the corner where she'd been sitting quietly
00:28:14through everything vera finally spoke i've wanted to say this for a long time what you did was cruel
00:28:19quinn's a woman women have pride even if you stopped loving her you could have ended it cleanly
00:28:24who says i wanted it to end cleanly ethan smiled sharp and cold she gave me seven years seven years
00:28:31you
00:28:31think that's nothing to me vera smiled very quietly but did you ever stop to think a girl only has
00:28:37so
00:28:37many seven years what if quinn never comes back impossible no one caught it but there was the
00:28:43faintest tremor at the end of that word what's impossible in this world once the heart's been
00:28:47hurt badly enough can you really warm it back up ethan stop doing things you'll regret vera said
00:28:53nothing more she picked up her bag and walked out across the room daniel watched her leave his own
00:28:58wife of two years his expression unreadable was she pitying quinn defending her or was she talking
00:29:03about herself aren't you gonna go after her daniel curved his lips lit a cigarette she's not my wife
00:29:08tonight my wife is on set she's out of the production next month you're gonna wreck yourself
00:29:13his friend sighed daniel didn't respond vera and quinn were different quinn had no family draining her
00:29:19earned her own money a breakup just meant a softer lifestyle for a while but vera had her family's
00:29:24debt behind her and a brother bedridden at home she couldn't leave him she wouldn't dare
00:29:28her no matter how many chances she had
00:30:11her no matter how many chances she'd have been there because she was a good actress
00:30:14her and i umproven been down for her last day and i said i don't want her to make them
00:30:17their names she appeared in the same nature and I don't want her to do it but i'm sure
00:30:17i didn't know how many times what i mean what i was looking for her to do it
00:30:19and i did like her in the same manner so i think that i'd love her to be
00:30:28.
00:30:58.
00:31:28.
00:31:58.
00:32:28.
00:32:58.
00:32:58.
00:32:59.
00:32:59.
00:33:06.
00:33:17I just ended the call when Lucas wrapped his arms around me from behind.
00:33:20He rested his chin on the side of my neck and said nothing.
00:33:22I laughed softly.
00:33:24What?
00:33:24Quinn, are you going back?
00:33:26Back where?
00:33:27Back home.
00:33:29Not right now.
00:33:30Eventually, maybe.
00:33:31It's not like I did anything I need to run from.
00:33:34My family's there.
00:33:35My apartment's there.
00:33:36I'm not staying away forever.
00:33:38Lucas went quiet again.
00:33:45I caught up.
00:33:46Are you asking if I'm going to get back together with Ethan?
00:33:48Are you?
00:33:48If I say absolutely not, do you believe me?
00:33:52He lowered his eyes, that sharp nose brushing the side of my face.
00:33:55I want to.
00:33:55Lucas, I have a face and a spine.
00:33:58Do you still have feelings for him?
00:33:59I thought about it honestly.
00:34:01If I said there's nothing left, that wouldn't be true.
00:34:04It's been a long time.
00:34:05Lucas bit down on my shoulder, lightly.
00:34:07Don't say anymore, Quinn.
00:34:08Let me finish.
00:34:10But to say I still miss him, or that I can't let go, that's not right either.
00:34:14I touched his face gently.
00:34:15Leaving him didn't destroy me.
00:34:18So maybe I stopped loving him a long time ago.
00:34:20Maybe the moment he started coasting on this relationship, I'd already started preparing
00:34:24for the end.
00:34:25I won't.
00:34:25Won't what?
00:34:26I won't get distracted, won't play around, won't make you cry or hurt you.
00:34:31He held me tighter and tighter, and then he kissed me.
00:34:33Quinn, be with me for real.
00:34:40But I didn't kiss him back.
00:34:42In the end, I gently pushed him away.
00:34:44Lucas, I'm sorry.
00:34:46Why are you sorry?
00:34:47He looked down at me, his eyes faintly red.
00:34:50It's my issue.
00:34:51I looked away.
00:34:52I don't want to be in a relationship right now.
00:34:53Then what have we been doing?
00:34:55Lucas gripped my shoulders, voice unsteady.
00:34:57Quinn, what am I to you?
00:34:59I squeezed my hands tight and breathed.
00:35:02Think of it as two people getting what they need.
00:35:05If you want, we can keep things as they are.
00:35:07If you meet someone you actually want, you can end this whenever.
00:35:10Getting what they need, like I'm a tool for you.
00:35:13You can see it that way.
00:35:14I wouldn't look at him, afraid I'd cry if I did.
00:35:17Lucas, I'm truly sorry.
00:35:18If this arrangement makes you uncomfortable, I'll leave Miami right away.
00:35:22I swear I'll never bother you again.
00:35:25Quinn.
00:35:26His eyes burned red.
00:35:27He let go, stepped back slowly.
00:35:29Something in his expression was broken, even as he tried to smile.
00:35:32Quinn, you can't do this to me.
00:35:35Lucas.
00:35:36He turned, picked up his coat, and walked toward the door.
00:35:38I took one step after him, then stopped.
00:35:41He made it all the way to the door, hand on the knob.
00:35:43And then he turned and looked back at me, even managed a reassuring smile.
00:35:47Sorry, I just need a little time alone.
00:35:48I nodded.
00:35:49Go ahead, I won't bother you.
00:35:51Quinn, give me some time.
00:35:53I'll get back to you.
00:35:54He left.
00:35:55I sank slowly onto the couch, all the energy gone from my body.
00:35:58I felt something I couldn't name.
00:36:00It hurt in a way that wasn't pain, exactly.
00:36:02But I knew, clearly, that I couldn't do it.
00:36:04Couldn't throw myself into love again.
00:36:06Not like that.
00:36:07Not without walls.
00:36:08Not a new beginning.
00:36:08I was scared.
00:36:09Scared it would end the same way.
00:36:11Two people watching each other with contempt.
00:36:13The warmth gone cold.
00:36:14The cold gone freezing.
00:36:15I didn't want to go around again.
00:36:16I just shouldn't have gotten Lucas involved.
00:36:18If I'd known from the start that he had feelings for me,
00:36:20I never would have let him drive me home that night.
00:36:24I was scared.
00:36:24I was scared.
00:36:24I'm scared.
00:36:37I knew, I never did that.
00:36:51No, I knew.
00:36:51You're going to get my way back.
00:36:52Oh, okay.
00:36:52You're not scared.
00:37:52It was past 3 a.m. when Lucas drove back to Quinn's motel.
00:37:55He got out of the car but didn't go in.
00:37:57He leaned against the door and lit a cigarette, countless windows glowing above him.
00:38:00He couldn't tell which one was hers, but knowing she was there, knowing she was in the same city as
00:38:04him,
00:38:05knowing that if he walked through those doors, in 10 minutes he'd see her, that was enough.
00:38:09Something like contentment.
00:38:10It hadn't taken him two days to figure it out.
00:38:12Quietly, he talked himself down.
00:38:14Quinn had just come out of something long and damaging.
00:38:16Not wanting to dive back into a relationship made complete sense.
00:38:19Being disappointed in men, in love, in the idea of marriage, made even more sense.
00:38:23Maybe he'd pushed too hard.
00:38:24He shouldn't have cornered her like that.
00:38:26If keeping things loose made her feel lighter, easier, he didn't need a label.
00:38:29What's worse than wanting someone and never having them?
00:38:31Maybe a year and a half ago, when he found out Quinn had moved in with him,
00:38:35that was when he genuinely decided to let go.
00:38:37So he'd tried the setups, tried to meet someone new, tried to move forward.
00:38:40Couldn't do it.
00:38:41Recognize that quickly.
00:38:42Cut it off.
00:38:42After that, no matter how much pressure came from his family, he never went back down that road.
00:38:47If Quinn hadn't left Ethan and come to Miami, if she hadn't invited him up that night,
00:38:50he probably would have stayed alone his whole life.
00:38:52Lucas stubbed out the cigarette.
00:38:53His eyes went still and settled.
00:38:55But Quinn did come to Miami.
00:38:56And she did ask him up.
00:38:57If the girl he'd loved for years came to him and he let her slip away anyway,
00:39:01then Lucas Shaw, you don't deserve the happiness you want.
00:40:43The night before I was set to leave Miami, I went out for drinks with my best friend.
00:40:46So, how's things with Lucas?
00:40:48She looked me over.
00:40:49Look at you.
00:40:50That glow.
00:40:51Your skin's been absolutely luminous all week.
00:40:54He's been good for you.
00:40:55I should stop.
00:40:57I don't want a relationship.
00:40:58I don't want to get married.
00:40:59Quinn, why are you punishing yourself for someone else's mistakes?
00:41:02And it's not fair to Lucas either.
00:41:03The saying goes, one person plants the tree, another enjoys the shade.
00:41:06Fine.
00:41:06But that doesn't mean the person who planted the tree gets to leave a storm behind for the
00:41:09next one.
00:41:10Ethan was terrible.
00:41:11But Lucas is a good man.
00:41:12One worth something real.
00:41:13Why should Ethan's garbage keep you from giving Lucas a real chance?
00:41:17It's not that I'm biased against him.
00:41:19I just haven't gotten over the damage yet.
00:41:21You haven't gotten over the damage.
00:41:23Babe, Ethan spent seven years running you down and you don't even know it.
00:41:27You think you're not worth being loved?
00:41:28I stared at her.
00:41:29Was she right?
00:41:30The exhaustion of the back and forth.
00:41:32The constant anxiety.
00:41:33The feeling of never being enough.
00:41:35Never being secure.
00:41:36So now my guard was up against everyone.
00:41:37Against the whole world.
00:41:38Convinced that no one would ever love me without conditions.
00:41:41But why shouldn't I deserve that?
00:41:42The ones who waste your love, let them choke on it.
00:41:44The ones who love honestly, the universe opens a window for them.
00:41:47Babe, do you know how incredible you are?
00:41:49My best friend pulled me in, swayed gently.
00:41:51You're gorgeous.
00:41:51You have an amazing body.
00:41:53You were making your own money since sophomore year.
00:41:55Paid your own rent and practically kept me fed too.
00:41:58You're talented and driven and kind.
00:42:01If I were a man, I'd fight anyone to marry you.
00:42:03You deserve to be loved, Quinn.
00:42:05Genuinely loved by the right person.
00:42:08Not ground down and wasted on someone like Ethan.
00:42:10Trust me on this.
00:42:12He will regret it.
00:42:13For the rest of his life, he won't be able to shake losing you.
00:42:16Now, call Lucas and cancel your flight home.
00:42:18Don't think I don't know you already rebooked it.
00:42:20My eyes were getting hot.
00:42:21But what if Lucas and I end up in the same place?
00:42:24What if it ends the same way?
00:42:25It won't.
00:42:26How do you know?
00:42:26Because a man with that kind of self-control, who's never settled for less,
00:42:29will not be stupid enough to throw away the girl he actually chose.
00:42:32He's not Ethan.
00:42:33I shook my head.
00:42:34He wasn't.
00:42:35He really wasn't.
00:42:35So, call him.
00:42:36You have no idea how happy it'll make him.
00:43:06I thought Lucas would be happy.
00:43:08I didn't think a man in his late 20s running a company could be that happy over a phone call.
00:43:12Like a kid on Christmas morning, my best friend beamed at me.
00:43:15Quinn?
00:43:16Happy?
00:43:16I nodded slowly.
00:43:17I think, yeah.
00:43:18Really happy.
00:43:20See?
00:43:20You're happy.
00:43:22Lucas is happier.
00:43:23What else is there to figure out?
00:43:24Then she laughed.
00:43:25Honestly?
00:43:26I just keep thinking about how miserable Ethan's going to be.
00:43:29That alone puts me in a great mood.
00:43:31Who knows?
00:43:32He's probably already moved on.
00:43:34I smiled faintly.
00:43:35Let's stop talking about him.
00:43:36In that moment, I could say it with no weight at all.
00:43:38Like he was just a name.
00:43:40Someone with no claim on me anymore.
00:43:41Lucas' car pulled up downstairs just as I stepped out of the bar.
00:43:45He stood in the night air with his arms open.
00:43:46I stopped and looked at him.
00:43:48Honestly, he was striking.
00:43:50Every feature exactly what I'd want.
00:43:51Men can like whoever they want.
00:43:53Overlap if they choose.
00:43:54The world hardly blinks.
00:43:55So why can't I, after a real ending, start something new?
00:43:58I walked toward him.
00:43:59He walked toward me.
00:44:00People moved around us.
00:44:02We kissed like no one was watching.
00:44:03His heart was pounding so fast.
00:44:05I reached up and touched the back of his neck, burning hot.
00:44:08He was still warm when I pressed my forehead to his.
00:44:10Slightly breathless.
00:44:11Voice low.
00:44:12Quinn, do I have a fever?
00:44:14Maybe.
00:44:15Too much touching.
00:44:16When this happens?
00:44:17I laughed and kissed under his chin.
00:44:19Maybe more of this and you'll be cured?
00:44:22His ears went redder.
00:44:23He cupped my face, eyes open and searching.
00:44:25Quinn, what am I to you right now?
00:44:27I teased him.
00:44:28What do you think?
00:44:30A hugger or a boyfriend?
00:44:31He asked, then immediately shook his head, pressing his face into my neck.
00:44:34Never mind, I don't want to know right now.
00:44:35I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him closer.
00:44:38You sure you don't want to know?
00:44:40Boyfriend.
00:44:50I'm sorry.
00:44:51I know.
00:45:15I'm sorry.
00:45:16You know what I want.
00:45:16.
00:46:07Ethan's car stopped at the mouth of an alley.
00:46:09He got out and walked into the narrow street on Fletcher.
00:46:11At the end of it lived in Old Taylor.
00:46:13His family had been in the trade for generations.
00:46:15Old world craft.
00:46:16Long retired.
00:46:17No longer taking clients.
00:46:18But Ethan had ways of getting to him.
00:46:20Quinn's shredded wedding dress had been brought here two weeks ago.
00:46:23Today it was nearly finished.
00:46:24He walked and thought.
00:46:25Ryan had been right.
00:46:26Every girl dreams of wearing a dress and marrying the person she loves.
00:46:29Seven years together and he'd never once thought about proposing.
00:46:32He'd never imagined Quinn would have thought about proposing to him.
00:46:34He'd been a wreck these past weeks.
00:46:36He knew it.
00:46:37But the other women had never meant anything.
00:46:38A moment's impulse.
00:46:39Nothing more.
00:46:40Even Mia, the one who'd actually triggered Quinn walking out.
00:46:42She lasted three days before he was already over it.
00:46:45He kept thinking about Quinn.
00:46:46Seven years had made him lazy, complacent.
00:46:48He'd taken it all for granted.
00:46:49But some people are like the air.
00:46:51You don't notice until they're gone.
00:46:52Since Quinn left, he couldn't focus on anything.
00:46:54He'd be with his friends and she'd be in the back of his mind the whole time.
00:46:57Especially when he drank.
00:46:58If Quinn were there, she'd fake scold him and try to slow him down.
00:47:00And if she couldn't stop him, she'd be up at 3am making soup.
00:47:03Letting him put his head in her lap.
00:47:05Rubbing his temples with her hands.
00:47:06Her fingers were soft.
00:47:07The little complaints she'd mutter.
00:47:08The way she'd fuss over him.
00:47:10It had annoyed him back then.
00:47:11Now he'd give anything to hear it again.
00:47:12This time, when Quinn came home, he'd propose.
00:47:15He'd always known how much she wanted to marry him.
00:47:16Give her that and she'd feel safe.
00:47:18She'd forgive him.
00:47:19She would.
00:47:34Like...
00:47:37But he may have gotten home and he'd keep coming from the back.
00:47:38After the fixed point.
00:47:38As the second point.
00:47:38The second point.
00:47:40On the other hand.
00:47:40The second point.
00:47:41The second point.
00:47:42The second point.
00:47:43He won.
00:47:44The second point.
00:47:46The second point.
00:47:47The second point.
00:47:49The second point.
00:47:55The second point.
00:47:55.
00:48:25.
00:48:55.
00:49:25.
00:49:55.
00:49:57.
00:50:00.
00:50:00.
00:50:00.
00:50:01.
00:50:01.
00:50:01.
00:50:02.
00:50:02.
00:50:02.
00:50:02.
00:50:02almost exactly as it had before. Ethan paid him and was heading out when his phone rang.
00:50:06His pulse spiked slightly until he saw Ryan's name on the screen. His heart slowed back down.
00:50:10Ethan, there's something I need to tell you. Wanted to think it over first. Go ahead. Just
00:50:15don't freak out, okay? It's probably just rumors. Could be nothing at all. What is it? It's about
00:50:20Quinn. Actually, forget it. I'm probably 80% sure it's someone making stuff up. Ryan, since when do
00:50:24you talk like this? What happened to Quinn? Did she come back? Ethan. Ryan suddenly felt sick. Of
00:50:31all the rumors that could have gotten out, why did it have to be Lucas Shaw? Ethan had been at
00:50:34each other's throats with Lucas for years. Two years ago, they'd gone head to head over a major
00:50:38contract. Ethan's company lost. First time he'd ever tasted defeat. It had poisoned what was already a
00:50:43tense relationship into something close to hatred. I said, don't freak out. This is all secondhand.
00:50:47There's no confirmation. Someone spotted Quinn in Miami. Ethan's grip on the phone tightened. His
00:50:51voice stayed controlled, barely. So she's in Miami. So what? She was with Lucas Shaw. Could just be
00:50:56dinner. Probably nothing. Got it. Ethan. Nothing else? I'm hanging up. The call cut off.
00:51:01Ethan stood in the narrow street, shopping bag in hand. The bag holding the dress Quinn had bought.
00:51:05He walked, step by step, through the cold of early winter, all the way to the mouth of the alley,
00:51:09back to his car. He stopped. A quiet smile crossed his face, slow, faint, laced with something sharp
00:51:14and bitter. And then, without hesitation, he dropped the elegant shopping bag into the trash can at the curb.
00:51:31Let's go.
00:51:32.
00:52:02.
00:52:32.
00:53:02.
00:53:32.
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00:54:43.
00:54:43however he liked or maybe it was intentional an excuse to reach out maybe ethan told himself he
00:54:48was giving her a way back in she was smart she'd know to take the out his temper looked bad
00:54:52but he
00:54:52wasn't that hard to deal with quinn never replied the apartment didn't sell her clothes and everything
00:54:56else stayed exactly as they were like she'd never left ethan came back late nights after going out
00:55:01lay down in her bed stared at the ceiling until almost dawn the third month after she left same
00:55:05as always late and still when the clock hands crept toward midnight ethan dialed her number
00:55:21the second month after quinn left
00:55:27quinn had been careful quiet a good girl in the old-fashioned sense her family was ordinary but
00:55:31comfortable her parents adored her and because she'd been beautiful since she was young they'd
00:55:35kept a close eye on her it wasn't until the fall after graduation that quinn moved in with ethan
00:55:39he still remembered that night she'd been shaking from head to toe her skin flushed everywhere
00:55:43a deep burning pink she was breathtaking fragile beneath him in a way that made his chest ache
00:55:48when it was over she cried for a long time over and over she said ethan you're not allowed to
00:55:52hurt me
00:55:53not now not ever you have to be good to me you have to marry me ethan we're gonna be
00:55:59together forever
00:56:00right the girl who'd believed all of that who trusted with her whole self that she'd end up with
00:56:04the man she loved he'd lost her a long time ago long enough that he couldn't even recall the last
00:56:09time
00:56:09they'd said goodbye what had her face looked like did she smile and nod or did her eyes go red
00:56:13the
00:56:13phone rang for a while he'd almost given up then it connected in that moment what he wanted to say
00:56:18was quinn come home but what came out of his mouth was quinn you've made your point come home his
00:56:24pathetic idiotic words were cut off by a man's low laugh that laugh landed like cold concrete ethan
00:56:29went rigid like he'd been encased in ice and couldn't move ethan you snooze you lose can't
00:56:35let a girl stew overnight or someone else steps in lucas shaw ethan said the name through clenched
00:56:41teeth blood rushing into his eyes it's me put quinn on now his eyes looked flooded he gripped the phone
00:56:48voice shaking low lucas if you took advantage of you come to the phone lucas lowered his head and
00:56:54pressed a soft kiss to his girl's temple quinn's lashes were still wet her mouth in a small pout
00:56:59eyes closed but everything on her face said one thing i was hurt his chest clenched he kissed the
00:57:04corner of her eye drew away the tear that sat there she's asleep upset with me i have to kiss
00:57:08her awake
00:57:08first lucas ethan's voice went dead silent lucas ended the call turned off his phone he brought his
00:57:14lips down to quinn's softly hey wake up
00:57:26coughing an tell her hair sane who enshrarella how to singers and her parents said um you can
00:57:30wszyst told me if you took advantage of hereliad inc can't return me until my eyes
00:57:35Ou eneroad inc is essentially just a day for like a lot of surgery and I็ my Potter
00:57:36surrounded megavänders in my dream but it's to be the more23 and in that
00:57:36like II and i'm into having one of her you and I need to do it that I'm not
00:57:55I thought about what it would be like to see Ethan again.
00:57:58He came from money, and he knew it.
00:57:59Pride ran deep in him.
00:58:00We'd ended things without a scene.
00:58:02If we ever crossed paths, he'd probably look right through me,
00:58:04or we'd exchange a polite, meaningless smile.
00:58:06My family was in the city.
00:58:08We had mutual friends.
00:58:09It wasn't realistic to think we'd never be in the same room again,
00:58:11but I never expected that.
00:58:12Never expected to see him come undone like that.
00:58:15The day it happened, I'd slept well and woken up in a good mood.
00:58:17I was wearing a new blush pink cashmere dress,
00:58:20makeup done, feeling like myself again,
00:58:21warm and whole, like a ripe peach in September.
00:58:24I had my hand tucked in Lucas's arm.
00:58:25We were laughing about something as we pushed through the revolving door,
00:58:28and there was Ethan, stepping out of a car.
00:58:30I stopped.
00:58:31My feet stopped with me.
00:58:32Lucas's warm fingers closed around mine.
00:58:34Ethan's shirt was wrinkled.
00:58:35No tie.
00:58:35The exhaustion on his face was plain, his brow heavy.
00:58:38The whites of his eyes shot through with red.
00:58:40People moved past us on both sides.
00:58:41A fountain not far off played something cheerful.
00:58:44The whole moment felt like a slow motion shot from a movie,
00:58:46except I wasn't watching.
00:58:47I was in it.
00:58:48Ethan looked more undone than I'd ever seen him.
00:58:50Lucas moved instinctively, stepping slightly in front of me,
00:58:53but Ethan's expression was perfectly calm.
00:58:55He said my name the way he used to, back when things were good, soft, warm.
00:58:59Quinn.
00:59:00I stood there and didn't move.
00:59:01The music from the fountain kept playing,
00:59:03and yet something in me ached, quietly.
00:59:05I didn't quite know why.
00:59:06Maybe for the girl who'd overheard those words that night.
00:59:08Maybe for the girl who'd gotten a breakup handed to her without warning.
00:59:11Maybe most of all for the girl who'd loved foolishly for seven years,
00:59:14and let go in seven days.
00:59:15Quinn, I came to bring you home.
00:59:17He hadn't looked at Lucas once.
00:59:19His eyes were on my face, and they were soft in a way I'd almost forgotten.
00:59:21I couldn't even remember the last time he'd looked at me like that before we fell apart.
00:59:25He stopped about a meter in front of me.
00:59:27Quinn, come home.
00:59:29We get married.
00:59:30We do it right this time.
00:59:32He meant every word.
00:59:33He was so serious I almost let myself believe
00:59:35that the Ethan who'd said he was giving another girl something real
00:59:37had been a figment of my imagination.
00:59:39But it was too late, Ethan.
00:59:40A broken heart doesn't reassemble itself,
00:59:42and the new one that had grown up from the wreckage,
00:59:44it already belonged to someone else.
01:00:01He was just like goodbye.
01:00:02He's a kid that he's going to take off.
01:00:02He was a kid, and he was so serious.
01:00:02He didn't think that he'd like to be the only one that he watched.
01:00:02He was so serious, and I wasn't going to be the one that he was so serious.
01:00:03He wasn't going to be the one that I wanted to give back to.
01:00:13And it's time to give back a few more minutes.
01:00:13You can give back a few minutes.
01:00:14I have no idea what he'd say.
01:00:15He's not going to make it look at you.
01:00:21.
01:00:51.
01:01:21.
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01:04:23I shook my head gently.
01:04:25Ethan, please go.
01:04:27Quinn, I never touched Mia.
01:04:29Three days and I ended it.
01:04:31The dress you bought, I had it repaired.
01:04:33And our rings, I kept them both.
01:04:36Quinn, I had a custom ring made.
01:04:38I mean this-
01:04:39His eyes were getting redder.
01:04:40His voice had the faintest tremor.
01:04:42He held out a small velvet box, held it out to me like an offering.
01:04:45Everything in his face was careful, hoping, terrified.
01:04:49Looking at him, I couldn't pretend it didn't hurt at all.
01:04:51But it was only that, just a little hurt.
01:04:53Ethan, I have a boyfriend.
01:04:55I tightened my hand around Lucas's and stepped out from behind him to stand beside him,
01:04:59shoulder to shoulder.
01:05:00The color drained out of Ethan's face in an instant.
01:05:03His gaze dropped slowly and stopped, on our intertwined fingers, the matching bands on
01:05:07our ring fingers, just like it had been with us once.
01:05:10Quinn, are you serious?
01:05:12I took a breath, turned to look at Lucas and nodded.
01:05:14Yes, completely serious.
01:05:16Ethan laughed softly, just once.
01:05:18You think he's serious about you?
01:05:20You think you know how much of this is real?
01:05:22Two years ago, he fought me tooth and nail over a deal, and now he's going after you.
01:05:26Quinn, don't you think there's something in that?
01:05:28Some other motive?
01:05:29Can he honestly say he's pursuing you with absolutely nothing to prove to me?
01:05:32Quinn, you've always been too trusting.
01:05:34All men are the same in the end.
01:05:36You were with me for seven years.
01:05:38You know how much happened between us.
01:05:39You think Lucas won't care?
01:05:40You think it won't matter to him in the end?
01:05:42You think he's actually gonna stay?
01:05:43That you'll get your happy ending with him?
01:05:44Aren't you afraid that being with him just leads you to another seven years,
01:05:47exactly like this one?
01:05:52I shook my head gently.
01:05:54Ethan, please go.
01:05:56Quinn, I never touched Mia.
01:05:58Three days and I ended it.
01:06:00The dress you bought, I had it repaired.
01:06:07The fountain music stopped.
01:06:08Ethan stopped.
01:06:09A silence settled over me.
01:06:10Then came the smallest sound, like something very fine and thin, quietly breaking.
01:06:14And after that sound, relief, lightness.
01:06:17Whatever last piece of grief I'd been carrying was gone.
01:06:20Nothing left to lose now.
01:06:21It's just such a waste, I thought.
01:06:23Why does living always come with things you regret?
01:06:25Before today, I didn't regret loving Ethan.
01:06:27Good or bad, it was mine.
01:06:28It happened.
01:06:29But in this moment, I couldn't help grieving it.
01:06:31Seven years and I'd never seen clearly.
01:06:33Ethan, at his core, had never really looked at me.
01:06:35Not the way I deserved to be seen.
01:06:37Lucas pulled me into his arms, his eyes full of something pained.
01:06:40I was a little pale, but I smiled and shook my head.
01:06:42I'm okay.
01:06:43Come on, wait by the car.
01:06:44I've got this.
01:06:45I want to be here with you.
01:06:47I held his hand and wouldn't let go.
01:06:48Lucas looked at me for a long moment, then bowed his head and kissed me hard.
01:06:52Quinn, everything I've ever done, I've done with a clear conscience.
01:06:54No regrets.
01:06:56But right now, right now I genuinely regret not taking you from him when I had the chance.
01:07:01What gives you the right?
01:07:02Ethan cut in.
01:07:02Going after someone when they're at their lowest?
01:07:04What kind of man does that make you, Lucas?
01:07:06Ethan, you didn't deserve a single year of what Quinn gave you.
01:07:09Not one.
01:07:10Maybe those words finally broke something in Ethan.
01:07:12He lost control in a way he never had before.
01:07:14Words he'd never have said otherwise.
01:07:16Oh yeah?
01:07:17And you, Lucas?
01:07:18You go after a woman who spent seven years with me.
01:07:22What right do you have to stand there and lecture me?
01:07:25Tell me the truth.
01:07:25Do you actually love Quinn?
01:07:27Or do you love the idea of having something that was mine?
01:07:38Lucas put his fist through Ethan's face.
01:07:40Ethan wasn't one to absorb him.
01:07:41He came back swimming.
01:07:43They went at each other until both of them were marked up, split, and bruised.
01:07:46Security rushed over, finally managed to get between them.
01:07:49The two men stood there breathing hard, still glaring at each other, not giving an inch.
01:07:53Can we stop now?
01:07:54I was furious and scared, and my voice broke a little.
01:07:57Quinn.
01:07:57Ethan's face was cold.
01:07:58You saw it.
01:07:59Lucas threw the first punch.
01:08:01I'm not letting this go.
01:08:03Yes, he did.
01:08:04Mr. Harlow, I'll have him apologize to you.
01:08:06Whatever you want to do next, we'll cooperate.
01:08:09Quinn, he said it first!
01:08:10Lucas started immediately.
01:08:11I pressed my hand lightly over his, then turned back, calm.
01:08:14Mr. Harlow, I'll apologize on his behalf.
01:08:17You're defending him?
01:08:18Just like that?
01:08:19Ethan stepped toward me slowly.
01:08:20He hit me, Quinn.
01:08:21What would you like us to do about it?
01:08:23Quinn, I'm hurt.
01:08:24He gestured at his face.
01:08:26You can see this, right?
01:08:27This really hurts.
01:08:28I looked at it.
01:08:29We'll call you an ambulance.
01:08:31We'll cover everything.
01:08:32You know that's not what I want.
01:08:33He reached for my arm.
01:08:34I stepped back.
01:08:35Quinn!
01:08:35Everything Ethan had been holding up cracked all at once.
01:08:38The way he looked at me, loss, bare and unguarded.
01:08:41But my chest was still and quiet, genuinely still.
01:08:43Lucas made a sharp sound.
01:08:44Quinn, am I going to be scarred?
01:08:46I turned fast.
01:08:47His lip was split.
01:08:48His eye was swelling.
01:08:49His jaw had blood on it, and it looked worse than it was.
01:08:51I reached into my bag for a tissue and started cleaning it.
01:08:53Ow.
01:08:54Quinn, gently, gently.
01:08:55He winced and grimaced dramatically.
01:08:57Serves you right.
01:08:58I said quietly, but I was careful.
01:09:00You're going to need stitches.
01:09:01Then come with me.
01:09:02I pass out around needles.
01:09:04I gave him a look, but I nodded.
01:09:05Lucas immediately pulled me into a hug.
01:09:07And I need you to kiss it.
01:09:08Right here.
01:09:09It's killing me.
01:09:10I rose slowly on my toes and pressed my lips, gently, right to the wound.
01:09:37Ethan didn't say anything more.
01:09:39The late son stretched his shadow long and quiet behind him.
01:09:41Maybe it was the moment Quinn dabbed at Lucas' face.
01:09:44Maybe it was the moment she kissed him there, softly.
01:09:46That was when Ethan finally understood it.
01:09:48Quinn did not love him anymore.
01:09:50What Vera had asked that night had turned out to be true.
01:09:52Quinn was not coming back to him.
01:09:54He'd thought he was the one who could walk away from seven years easily.
01:09:56He'd thought he was the one who'd always held the upper hand.
01:09:59He'd thought he was always going to come out ahead.
01:10:01But standing here now, he understood.
01:10:03The one who couldn't let go was him.
01:10:04Quinn had been the string that held the kite to the sky.
01:10:06The string snapped and the kite lost its way.
01:10:09It was never going to find home again.
01:10:38Then, would you go to hand the kite to the kite?
01:10:39You know, why here are the two people and the kite were called?
01:10:39He said he did not bend and he was the one who could walk away from ele.
01:10:39He said he was the one who'd be true.
01:10:39I was the one who was the one who'd ever be true.
01:10:41It's my name to me.
01:10:46But I'd be very loyal to the person who's the one who's the one who's the one who's the one
01:10:47who is,
01:10:54I watched Ethan turn and walk back to his car.
01:10:57I watched that solitary figure disappear.
01:10:59The sun at dusk slid below the horizon all at once.
01:11:01The sky shifted to a pale, soft blue.
01:11:03His car pulled away and got smaller.
01:11:05I felt like I could see it.
01:11:06All seven years, from 17 to 24, rushing away with that car.
01:11:10Gone.
01:11:10From this day on, I knew.
01:11:12His name would be like any ordinary name in the world.
01:11:14I wouldn't try to forget it.
01:11:16I just wouldn't think of it on my own.
01:11:17Quinn.
01:11:18Lucas wrapped me in his arms quietly.
01:11:20I turned and looked up at him, smiling lightly.
01:11:22Let's go.
01:11:23Hospital.
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