The Billionaire Twins' Substitute Bride is a captivating billionaire romance short drama filled with hidden identities, family secrets, and irresistible chemistry. When fate forces an ordinary woman into the role of a substitute bride, she becomes entangled in the lives of two powerful billionaire twins. As love, betrayal, and shocking revelations unfold, she must decide where her heart truly belongs. Watch the Full Episode (ENGSUB) for an emotional journey packed with romance, suspense, and unforgettable twists.
#ShortDrama #BillionaireRomance #SubstituteBride #CEORomance #TwinBrothers #ModernRomance #RomanticDrama #DramaSeries #Drama #ShortFilm #ShortMovie #FullEP #ENGSUB #HiddenIdentity #LoveTriangle
#ShortDrama #BillionaireRomance #SubstituteBride #CEORomance #TwinBrothers #ModernRomance #RomanticDrama #DramaSeries #Drama #ShortFilm #ShortMovie #FullEP #ENGSUB #HiddenIdentity #LoveTriangle
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My boyfriend Jackson thinks I don't know that the man who spent the night with me was his twin brother,
00:04but I know, and I was very satisfied with Killian's performance last night.
00:09Buy me some soothing cream.
00:12What's wrong with you?
00:13You were too rough last night. You worked me so hard I'm red and swotin' it hurts to walk. I
00:18can still feel it pulsing.
00:20He goes still, but I smile. I knew the truth from day one.
00:23The man in my bed all night wasn't Jackson. It was his twin brother Killian Sterling.
00:27The billionaire whose name Wall Street barely dares to say out aloud.
00:32I fold. Ava is yours tonight.
00:35You sure about that?
00:38Sure. But she's been with me a year.
00:41If that bothers you, I don't care. She'll work.
00:45Fine. Have fun tonight, Killian.
00:49Jax, you're serious? That's Ava. You played nice for three months just to get her in bed and now you're
00:54already over it?
00:55I lost the bet. That's how it goes.
00:58She's just a woman.
01:00I thought Ava meant something to you.
01:02The hard-to-get act gets old after a while. Now?
01:05She's boring. She does whatever I say. It's pathetic. I can't even look at her anymore.
01:09In that case, Jax, mind if I get a turn next time?
01:15What if Killian actually goes through with it?
01:18Then what?
01:19He won't touch her.
01:21Killian's a control freak.
01:22He thinks women are more trouble than they're worth.
01:25I don't know about that.
01:27I saw him staring at Ava for a while the night she wore that slit dress.
01:31He probably just thought she looked easy.
01:33Let's make another bet.
01:34I think Killian actually goes for it tonight.
01:37And don't forget, that woman is obsessed with me.
01:39She's stubborn as hell.
01:41She'd sooner die than let another man near her.
01:43You'll lose your money betting against that.
01:50Out in the hallway, a girl in a tight dress was waiting.
01:53She giggled and pressed up against him.
01:56Jackson felt the bourbon hit his head.
01:58He grabbed her waist, shoved her against the wall and kissed her hard.
02:02Anything to shut up the noise in his head.
02:04I sat on the floor with my back against the cold door.
02:07I usually slept like a rock after drinking.
02:10That's why Jackson didn't bother keeping his voice down.
02:12But tonight a nightmare pulled me awake early.
02:15I heard every single word.
02:17Something cracked open in my chest.
02:18I didn't push the door open.
02:19I didn't scream.
02:21He'd bet me away.
02:22I was worth nothing to him.
02:23If I made a scene, I'd only humiliate myself.
02:25A man like him could wreck my life with one phone call.
02:28I crawled back to bed.
02:29Numb.
02:30Even under the heavy duver, I couldn't stop shaking.
02:33Then the door opened.
02:34Steady footsteps crossed the room toward the bed.
02:37I caught the scent of tobacco and cedar.
02:39I didn't recognize it.
02:40Jackson never smelled like that.
02:42I clenched my fists and kept my eyes shut.
02:44The dupie lifted gently.
02:46Ava, let's go home.
02:48Then I was lifted off the bed.
02:50His voice was deeper than Jackson's.
02:52Low and rough.
02:53I played along and reached up to wrap my arms around his neck.
02:56Jax, what took you so long?
02:58His whole body went ragged for a second.
03:00Have you been waiting long?
03:01Hmm.
03:02My head hurts.
03:03We'll get you some medicine at home.
03:05You'll feel better after some sleep.
03:06He carried me out, his arms like iron.
03:08His stride was steady, unhurried.
03:11I buried my face in his chest.
03:12Are you going to be as rough as you were last night?
03:15His Adam Junnel moved as he tightened his grip on me.
03:18Yeah.
03:19I'm going to make you cry tonight.
03:20We got back to the house.
03:22I took a shower.
03:23The moment I walked out of the bathroom, Kilvan grabbed my waist from behind.
03:28He leaned down to kiss me.
03:30I laughed softly.
03:32Why are you so impatient tonight, Jax?
03:35The kiss stopped suddenly.
03:37Call me something else.
03:38What do you want to hear?
03:39How do you usually call me?
03:41Jax, or Mr. Sterling.
03:44Sometimes babe.
03:48The kiss became fierce and hungry.
03:51Tonight, call me daddy.
03:53You have never called me that.
03:55Daddy?
03:55My eyes widened in surprise.
03:57He prized me onto the bed.
03:59I could barely breathe.
04:00He gripped my waist.
04:01His voice was thick with lust.
04:04Ava, say it again.
04:06I gasped for air.
04:07Mr. Sterling.
04:08He lost control completely.
04:10He drove into me with a heavy thrust.
04:12I cried out.
04:13Tears filled my eyes instantly.
04:15He kissed my tears away.
04:17His breath was ragged.
04:18What did I tell you?
04:19Did you forget?
04:21I stared at him through my tears.
04:23Daddy!
04:23I sobbed.
04:24My nails dug into his muscles.
04:26He flipped me over.
04:27My long hair spilled across the sheets.
04:29I felt a wave of tremors.
04:31He gripped my hips.
04:32He slammed into me again and again.
04:34Ava, don't stop.
04:36I cried and trembled.
04:37I obeyed him over and over.
04:39Daddy!
04:40Daddy!
04:41I opened my eyes at noon.
04:43The sun hit my face.
04:44My whole body ached.
04:45He had used me all night.
04:46The room was empty.
04:47Killen was already gone.
04:48The night felt like a dream.
04:50I forced myself out of bed.
04:51My legs shook with every step.
04:53My inner thighs felt swollen and hot.
04:55I went to the window.
04:56Jackson stood in the garden, smoking.
04:58He looked like he hadn't slept.
04:59I stared at the back of his head.
05:02Something inside me went still and cold.
05:04My nails bit into my palms.
05:06I buried it.
05:07I put on a soft, helpless face.
05:09I picked out a short slip dress.
05:11The marks on my neck were visible.
05:13I came downstairs slowly.
05:15I held the railing the whole way down.
05:18Jackson came in through the front door.
05:20He stared at my legs and froze.
05:22I avoided his eyes and touched his sleeve.
05:25I asked him to pick up some ointment for me.
05:27Jackson's expression went dark.
05:35He turned and bolted out the front door.
05:37I watched him go.
05:38The softness in my eyes dropped away.
05:41Nothing left but cold.
05:42I called the chef and ordered my favorite meal.
05:44A loud engine growled outside.
05:46I set down my fork and watched Killen climbed out of a black SUV.
05:50The twins were easier to tell apart than people thought.
05:53Killen was taller, broader in the shoulders.
05:54I knew the only way out of their sick game ran straight through Killen.
05:58He was built different from Jackson.
05:59Killen walked toward me.
06:00I smiled and threw myself into his arms.
06:03Jax, you're back.
06:04Killen looked down at me.
06:06He didn't say a word to correct me.
06:08His dark eyes were impossible to read.
06:10I wrapped my arm around his and playfully deg through his suit pockets.
06:15Where's the ointment?
06:16Hand it over.
06:17My hand slipped into his pants pocket.
06:19His warm hand pressed down over mine.
06:21What ointment?
06:21His voice was even lower than the night before.
06:24I stamped my foot.
06:24Stop playing dumb.
06:25I already told you it hurts.
06:27You were way too rough, La-
06:27Killen said nothing.
06:29His jaw tightened.
06:30He looked annoyed.
06:31He loosened his tie and fixed me with that burning stare.
06:33I just thought of something.
06:35I should check the injury myself.
06:36That way I can tell the doctor exactly what you need.
06:39My face went red and I acted offended.
06:41Jackson Sterling!
06:42Killen held my gaze.
06:44His eyes swept over the marks on my neck.
06:46His eyes were dark.
06:47What's got you shy, Ava?
06:49I've already seen every inch of you.
06:50Jerk!
06:51I'm leaving!
06:52I glared at him and turned to leave.
06:54Killen caught my wrist.
06:55He pulled me back against his chest.
06:57Okay.
06:57I'll stop.
06:58His arms locked around me from behind.
07:00My back pressed flat against his chest.
07:02He leaned down.
07:03His breath warm against my ear.
07:05I closed my eyes.
07:08Then tires shriek outside.
07:10We both turned.
07:11A black sports car skidded to a stop.
07:14The door swung open hard.
07:16The real Jackson got out.
07:17He stared at us, holding onto each other.
07:19His face was a storm.
07:20My eyes flew open.
07:22I stared at the man holding me.
07:24My whole body shaking.
07:25I yanked my hand free and stumbled back.
07:28Killen?
07:29Jax?
07:29I...
07:33Jackson walked over holding a brown paper bag.
07:36He wore a cold smile.
07:37His eyes locked on where Killen's hands had been.
07:41The blood drained from my face.
07:43Jax, I got confused.
07:45I thought it was you.
07:47My voice cracked as I dropped my head.
07:50My hair falling forward hid the look in my eyes.
07:53I needed them both to buy it.
07:55I needed it to make sense.
07:56The Jackson from last night left too deep an impression.
08:01Jackson stormed over and pulled me behind him.
08:04His grip was tight enough to bruise bone.
08:07Ava, you make me sick.
08:08You've been with me a year and you can't even recognize me?
08:11I'm sorry.
08:15It's not her fault.
08:17Twins are easy to mix up.
08:19Jax, don't take it out on her.
08:21Jackson sneered.
08:23His eyes went darker.
08:24He tipped his chin up.
08:26She's just dumb.
08:28Maybe I haven't been clear enough with her.
08:31She's only met me once.
08:34He turned and walked inside.
08:36Even leaving, he filled the whole room.
08:39Jackson stood there for a moment.
08:41His knuckles cracked as his fists tightened.
08:44Then he turned to me slow.
08:46He shook the paper bag in my face.
08:48His eyes had that sick, obsessive look.
08:51Stop embarrassing me.
08:53Get to your room.
08:54He leaned close to my ear.
08:56His breath was warm against my skin.
08:58Let me see how bad it is.
09:00I'll do it myself.
09:04My nails dug into my palms.
09:06Jackson had been with some other woman last night.
09:08And now he wanted to put those same hands on me.
09:11My stomach turned.
09:15I swallowed the nausea and followed him back.
09:18Jackson washed his hands.
09:20Slow and deliberate.
09:21He looked down at me.
09:23Cold.
09:24Take off your clothes.
09:25Get on the bed.
09:27I trembled and acted confused.
09:30Jax.
09:31Why are you being so mean today?
09:33For the past year, he had been patient.
09:36Playing the loving boyfriend.
09:38This was the first time he'd talked to me like this.
09:42Are you still upset because I mixed you up with Killian?
09:46Jackson cut her off.
09:47No.
09:48You're overthinking.
09:49I'm worried about you.
09:51Is it still bad?
09:52Let me see.
09:53His voice went soft again.
09:55Which somehow made it worse.
09:57I'd turned him down at first.
09:59I only said yes because I was scared.
10:03Someone had told me about his history.
10:06Jackson used to date a lead ballerina.
10:09He chased her for three months.
10:11She thought she was it for him.
10:13He was over it in less than six months.
10:19When she found out the truth, she slapped him at a gala.
10:24She made him a joke in front of everyone.
10:26A few days later, she fell off a stage during rehearsal.
10:31She's been paralyzed ever since.
10:33Ava, stay away from him.
10:35If you make him angry, he will destroy your life.
10:38I was scared for my life.
10:40Scared for my family.
10:42So I wore that mask of obedience for a whole year.
10:45I even let myself think he loved me.
10:48Instead, he traded me away like a chip on a poker table.
10:52Jackson pushed me back onto the bed.
10:53He knelt between my legs.
10:55You must have seduced me again last night, Ava.
10:58Otherwise, I wouldn't have been so rough.
11:00He chuckled.
11:01His eyes wrong.
11:02He slowly lifted the hem of my dress.
11:04I turned my head and bit down on my lip.
11:07I kept myself from throwing up.
11:10Somebody knocked at the door.
11:11Jackson, study.
11:13Now.
11:14Killian's voice came through the door.
11:15Ice cold.
11:16Jackson swore under his breath.
11:18He got up and has straightened his jacket.
11:20He shoved the tube into my hand.
11:22Do it yourself.
11:23I need to go deal with him.
11:24He left.
11:25My fingers closed around the tube.
11:27I sank down onto the bed and finally breathed.
11:30My phone buzzed.
11:32Unknown number.
11:33It's Killian.
11:34Save my number.
11:35I stared at the screen.
11:37My fingers went numb.
11:42I texted back after a long pause.
11:45Okay, Killian?
11:46He didn't reply.
11:48Jackson never came back to the room.
11:50He called later.
11:51His voice clipped with annoyance.
11:53The Seattle office had a serious problem.
11:56He had to fly out for a few days.
11:58Killian had clearly thrown a wrench in things.
12:00The tension in my chest eased.
12:02The next morning, after I got ready for class, I found Killian downstairs.
12:06He had on gold-rimmed glasses today.
12:08Cold professional.
12:10A completely different man.
12:11I put on my polite face.
12:13Good morning, Killian.
12:14He gave a brief nod and looked at me over his glasses.
12:17Heading back to campus?
12:19Yes.
12:20I'll drive you.
12:22It's on my way.
12:23I started to say no.
12:25He cut me off.
12:26Jackson's gone.
12:27I'll keep an eye on you.
12:28Eat something first.
12:29I sat down across from him.
12:31I barely touched my food.
12:33Killian didn't say anything.
12:35He just stood.
12:37I followed him out to the car.
12:39The door of the phantom clicked shut.
12:41Killian raised the partition.
12:43Killian?
12:44I pressed my legs together.
12:46He took off his glasses.
12:47His eyes were dark.
12:49Focused.
12:50How are you holding up?
12:51My face turned red.
12:54It's a lot better.
12:55He held out a small tube.
12:58This one's better for bruising.
13:00Take it.
13:01No, it's okay.
13:02Jackson already took care of it.
13:08Killian's face didn't change.
13:10The air in the car got thick.
13:13Take it.
13:14My eyes filled up.
13:17I really can't.
13:18Jackson's already upset about what happened.
13:21He'll lose it if he sees this.
13:23Killian watched me and slowly put it down.
13:25You really care about him that much?
13:26He's my first real boyfriend.
13:28He's good to me.
13:30I love him.
13:32Killian gave a short, dry laugh.
13:34He leaned back and turned to the window.
13:35He didn't say another word the whole ride.
13:38We pulled up to the school.
13:40Thanks for the ride.
13:41I'll head in.
13:42He nodded once.
13:43I reached for the door.
13:45Ava.
13:46I turned to look at him.
13:48This ointment is best for scars.
13:50Use it on the scar on your leg.
13:52I went still.
13:53How do you know about that?
13:55Killian didn't answer.
13:56He took my hand and pressed the tube into it.
13:58His thumb dragged across the back of my hand.
14:01I got out.
14:01The car pulled away fast.
14:03I stood there for a moment.
14:05I pulled out my phone and texted Jackson, smiling.
14:09Miss you.
14:09You back in 10 days?
14:11Probably.
14:11I'll wrap it up as fast as I can.
14:14Okay.
14:14I'll be here.
14:15The next 10 days were quiet.
14:17Things were calm with Jackson gone.
14:19Killian basically dropped off the map.
14:21He didn't reach out once.
14:23I second-guested myself sometimes.
14:25Had that really been Killian Sterling?
14:27Why would someone like him go along with it?
14:29Why play that kind of sick game with his own brother?
14:32Friday afternoon, Jackson called.
14:35He sounded up-dee and pushy, as usual.
14:38Baby, I'm heading back to New York tonight.
14:41Go to the house and wait up for me.
14:46After showering, I curled up on the leather sofa.
14:49I fell asleep with my phone in my hand.
14:53The sound of the front door opening woke me.
14:55I sat up.
14:56A tall figure stood in the dark.
14:59The room filled with the smell of tobacco.
15:02It was Killian.
15:03My heart tightened.
15:04He wasn't wearing his glasses.
15:06He looked exactly the way he had that night.
15:09Inwardly, I sneered.
15:11Outteriorly, I smiled.
15:13I opened my arms.
15:15Killian leaned down and held me.
15:17I tilted my face up and pressed my lips to his jaw.
15:20What took you so long?
15:22I almost fell asleep waiting for you.
15:28Killian's whole body went rigid.
15:29His arms locked tighter around me.
15:31He held me like he wanted to press me into nothing.
15:34I made a small sound.
15:36I pressed my face into his neck.
15:37You're hurting me again.
15:39The marks from before barely faded.
15:41Don't be so rough this time, Jackson.
15:43What did you just call me?
15:45Killian grabbed my chin.
15:46His grip was iron.
15:47He tilted my face up to his.
15:49His hot breath hit my face.
15:50He kissed me fiercely.
15:52He held back at first.
15:53Then it turned rough.
15:54You miss me?
15:55Yes.
15:56He wasn't satisfied.
15:57He squeezed my chin.
15:59Miss who?
16:00Say the name.
16:01I miss Jackson.
16:02He bit down on my lip.
16:03I tasted blood.
16:04My eyes stung.
16:05I tried again.
16:06He stopped me with another kiss.
16:08My breath was cut short.
16:09He pinned me to the bed and took me.
16:10Using me until I broke down completely.
16:13His hands cupped my face.
16:15He wiped the tears.
16:17Ava, one last time.
16:18What's my name?
16:19I sobbed and gave up.
16:20Daddy, daddy.
16:22Killian hovered over me, breathing hard.
16:24You like it when I'm like this with you?
16:26I cried until I had nothing left.
16:28I tried to shake my head.
16:30He kissed me until I stopped fighting it.
16:32All I could do was nod.
16:33His kisses finally went soft.
16:36I want this every day.
16:37Okay?
16:38I'll get hurt.
16:39It's too much.
16:40My voice shook.
16:41You've never been this rough before.
16:43Killian pressed me against his broad chest.
16:44Did I hurt you?
16:45I shook my head.
16:46He'd been harder on me than before.
16:48But the pleasure outran the pain.
16:50Did it feel good?
16:51I bit my lip.
16:53My face burned.
16:55Yes.
16:55The fire came back into Killian's eyes.
16:58He pinned me down again.
16:59He laced his fingers with mine.
17:04From here on, you only do this with me.
17:07Understood?
17:08I gave a small laugh.
17:10What is your problem tonight?
17:12Of course it's only you, Jackson.
17:14Don't say that name.
17:16Killian's voice went flat.
17:18What is your problem tonight?
17:19My eyes flew open.
17:21He released my hands.
17:22He covered my eyes with his hand.
17:24Ava, I love hearing you say that.
17:26It makes me want you even more.
17:27Say it from now on.
17:28I tried to peel his hand back.
17:30My fingers found a scar on the back of his hand.
17:33Something flickered in my memory.
17:35I couldn't hold on to it.
17:37Okay, daddy.
17:39Killian gave all the staff extended time off.
17:41He moved into every corner of my days.
17:43We spent the days together.
17:45He used me until I was exhausted at night.
17:47On the third night, he took me down to the Hudson.
17:50We ate at a seafood place on the pier.
17:52I had too much of the fruit wine.
17:53It hit me hard on the way back.
17:55I could barely walk.
17:57Killian didn't say anything.
17:58He just picked me up.
17:59His fingers grazed the old scar on my leg.
18:02Ava, where'd this scar come from?
18:04Looks like it was bad.
18:05I rested my head against his back.
18:08Eyes closed.
18:09Some rich kid.
18:11His family had money.
18:12He loved showing it off.
18:14I ignored him, so we kept at it.
18:18I was too busy to bother.
18:19Until we fought.
18:21He shoved me.
18:22I hit a marble planter.
18:24There was blood everywhere.
18:25I started laughing, but I bit back.
18:28Got his hand good.
18:29My mouth was full of blood.
18:30He bawled like a baby.
18:39I was getting sloppier.
18:41He wasn't all bad, though.
18:42He brought medicine later.
18:44He said the scar looked like a flower petal.
18:47And then what?
18:48He was quiet for a long time.
18:51I don't remember much.
18:53He moved back to the city.
18:55I had too much going on.
18:56I didn't think about him.
18:57I started to go under.
18:59Ava.
19:00I heard him whisper my name.
19:02He said something else.
19:03Low.
19:04The wind took his words.
19:06I didn't catch any of it.
19:08The night Jackson officially came back Sterling House.
19:11Killen arranged a formal dinner.
19:12I stood by the window watching at Kellan.
19:15Killen.
19:16Jax has been back for days.
19:18Why the dinner now?
19:20Killen stood in the dark corner of the room.
19:23His stare made my skin crawl.
19:25I pulled back.
19:26I could feel Killen's eyes on my back the entire time.
19:30At dinner, Jackson was in a foul mood.
19:32He was on his third glass of bourbon.
19:35I softly put my hand over his glass.
19:37Daddy.
19:38Stop drinking.
19:40It's bad for your stomach.
19:41The air went right out of the room.
19:43Two sets of eyes snapped to my face.
19:46Killen looked sharp in his dark suit.
19:47His knife scraped the tortling with a sharp screech.
19:50He looked up and fixed me with a hard stare.
19:52Jackson frowned.
19:54His voice went cold.
19:55What did you just call me?
19:57I opened my eyes wide and played innocent.
20:01Daddy, what's wrong?
20:06Ava Sterling!
20:09Jax.
20:10Who the hell are you calling that?
20:12Who put that in your head?
20:16You told me to!
20:17You said you liked it!
20:19You made me do it!
20:20That's a lie!
20:20I never said that!
20:22You said it yourself!
20:24You liked it when I gave in!
20:26You made me do it!
20:30The room felt airless.
20:32I let myself tremble.
20:34Killen looked at me for a moment.
20:36Don't do that.
20:37She's just a girl.
20:39Upstairs.
20:39Study.
20:40Now.
20:43My phone buzzed.
20:45Text Killian.
20:46Don't be scared.
20:48I've got you.
20:49I wiped my face and smiled in the dark.
20:52Does Killian think I'm stupid?
20:53Does he think I don't remember?
20:55I heard it at the gala the night he came back.
20:57People were congratulating him on his engagement to some European airsys.
21:01He didn't deny it.
21:02He just lifted his glass.
21:04He was walking into a political marriage.
21:07And still he played this sick game with his own brother.
21:10Maybe this was his last bit of chaos before becoming the perfect air.
21:15Getting one last taste of whatever this was.
21:18But where did that leave me?
21:20Why should I be a pawn in their sick little power game?
21:25Killian.
21:26Don't you think that was too far?
21:28Jackson was in the study.
21:30He glared across the desk.
21:32Twin brothers.
21:32But Jackson had always been the shadow to Killian's light.
21:36Killian had the brains and the discipline.
21:38The family handed him everything.
21:40Jackson was left to be the playboy.
21:42He'd always been jealous of At Killian.
21:44And terrified of him too.
21:47If I'm not mistaken, you lost her to me at cards.
21:50But you're a control freak!
21:52You never go near women!
21:53Jackson's voice cracked with panic.
21:55I thought she'd be too much for you!
21:58Jackson could never admit the truth.
22:00The bet was a jab.
22:03A way to insult Killian.
22:05He thought Killian would be disgusted by his used toy.
22:08He was dead wrong.
22:09Something shifted in Killian's eyes the second he saw Ava.
22:12Jackson watched it happen.
22:14Killian had looked at Ava twice that night.
22:16So Jackson played it.
22:17He wanted to use Ava to take a shot at his brother.
22:19He never expected Killian to actually take her up on it.
22:22Jackson didn't sleep the whole night.
22:24His mind kept going there.
22:26Was Killian with her?
22:28Did Ava know it wasn't him?
22:29The thoughts ate him alive.
22:31He raced back to the house at dawn.
22:33He breathed again when he heard Killian had left for the office.
22:37But then he saw Ava.
22:39She came downstairs covered in marks.
22:42She played sweet and shy.
22:44She complained he'd been too rough.
22:48Jackson didn't feel like he'd won.
22:51He felt a rage he couldn't name.
22:54He'd had plenty of women.
22:56He'd never cared about walking away from any of them.
22:59He thought Ava was just another one.
23:01He was dead wrong.
23:03Ava was the only one he'd actually chased.
23:06He'd thrown the one girl he cared about straight at a wolf.
23:11I don't know why you'd talk about her like that.
23:15He grabbed at Jackson by the collar.
23:18He shoved at Jackson into the wall.
23:20Say something like that about her again and see what happens.
23:23His voice was steady.
23:26His eyes were full of something else.
23:28Jackson didn't fight back.
23:30He stared up at his brother.
23:32He saw years of something he'd never noticed before.
23:37You set me up, didn't you?
23:40The whole bet was a setup.
23:42You wanted her from day one.
23:43You wanted to take her from me.
23:45If what you had was real, nobody could have taken her.
23:48So let me say this once, Jackson.
23:51You handed me the opening.
23:53You pushed her into my arms yourself.
23:56Jackson let out a wild laugh.
23:58So what?
24:00You think she'll stay with you on her own?
24:02She grew up with nothing.
24:03But she's proud and she's stubborn.
24:07What happens once when she finds you were pretending to be me?
24:10She'll hate you for it.
24:12Fake gentleman.
24:15So what?
24:16If I hadn't stepped in, you would have lost her to some random guy.
24:19I never would.
24:20Yes, you would have.
24:22Say it, Jackson.
24:23You were already bored of her.
24:25You lost her because you'd already moved on.
24:28There's some model waiting for you in a hotel room right now.
24:30Jackson.
24:31Be honest.
24:32Isn't that exactly right?
24:34Jackson's jaw went tight.
24:36He had nothing to say.
24:39Killen dropped his collar.
24:40He looked down at Jackson.
24:42Clean up your own mess first.
24:44The board wants someone to answer for Seattle.
24:46If you can't explain it, you're out.
24:49It clicked for Jackson.
24:51The moment Killen came back, Jackson's business started bleeding.
24:55He was calculated.
24:56He'd put the family's business at risk for Ava.
24:59And if I did, if you had any real ability, people couldn't push you around like this.
25:05Killen pulled out a cigarette.
25:06After a few drags, he was composed again.
25:09Are you going to tell her or am I?
25:11Why?
25:12Why do you always have to come out on top?
25:14You have everything.
25:15London, the engagement, the whole picture.
25:17Why do you have to take Ava too?
25:20Killen ground his cigarette out in the ashtray.
25:22I win because I'm better than you.
25:25And stealing?
25:26Killen looked at him like he was nothing.
25:29I never wanted any of your garbage.
25:31So then what is Ava to you?
25:34The door swung open.
25:36I was standing in the doorway.
25:38My whole body was shaking.
25:40My face was pale.
25:42My eyes were red.
25:45In college, I was in the drama club.
25:47I learned to control my breathing.
25:49I knew how to look like I was falling apart.
25:51Back then it was just for fun.
25:53Now it was the only weapon I had.
25:56Killen got to his feet.
25:57A frown crossed his face.
25:59I noticed his breathing was off.
26:01I didn't look at Killen.
26:03I turned to Jackson, whose face had gone white.
26:07Tears rolled down my face.
26:09In this game, guilt is worth more than diamonds.
26:12I needed to drive it in deep.
26:14Jackson Sterling.
26:16I whispered his name.
26:18Ava, let me explain.
26:19Don't touch me!
26:20He reached for my hand.
26:22I stepped back and screamed.
26:25Ava, I can fix this.
26:26I swear I can-
26:27You were my first love.
26:29I backed up with every word.
26:32My eyes were empty.
26:33If you don't love me, I'll go.
26:35If there's someone else's ass, I'll go.
26:37But I will not be someone's poker chimp.
26:39I was so happy this past year.
26:41I thought I was lucky.
26:43I thought I'd found someone real.
26:45And then...
26:48A broken laugh came out of me.
26:50Turns out my whole life was just someone else's dirty joke.
26:54Ava, it's not like that.
26:55I'll give you anything.
26:56I shook my head.
26:57I couldn't stop crying.
26:59It's over.
27:01Jackson.
27:01I'm done dreaming.
27:03I turned and ran.
27:04I ran for the second floor terrace.
27:06Below was the garden.
27:08Killen had the soil turned just yesterday.
27:10It would be soft.
27:11I'd done the math.
27:12At most, a twisted ankle.
27:15But this suicide act would haunt them forever.
27:18I was collecting on the bet.
27:19Behind me, both of them ran.
27:22Without hesitating, I climbed over the railing.
27:25I let myself fall backward, like I was done with everything.
27:29Ava!
27:30Their voices crashed together in the wind.
27:32Pure, helpless panic.
27:34In that one second of falling, I looked up at their faces.
27:37I let a smile touch my lips.
27:39Game on.
27:41The garden, moments later.
27:43The sterling house went into complete chaos.
27:46Killen was kneeling in the dirt.
27:48This was a billionaire.
27:49His clothes stayed perfect at the best galas in the world.
27:51Now his trousers were caked in blood and mud.
27:53His hands were shaking in the air.
27:55He wanted to hold me, but was afraid to make it worse.
27:58Ava, breathe.
27:59Look at me.
28:00Just breathe.
28:00He was trying to sound calm, but the terror was right there in his voice.
28:04I lay curled on the cold, wet ground.
28:06My right ankle was broken.
28:08I grint my teeth.
28:09Cold sweat soaked through my back.
28:11Jackson looked hollowed out.
28:13He stood a few steps back, white as a sheet.
28:15An ambulance siren cut through.
28:17I forced my eyes to stay open.
28:19I looked at both of them and spoke slowly.
28:21Don't take me anywhere.
28:22Don't bother saving me.
28:25Sweat and tears mixed on my face.
28:27I looked at Jackson and bit my lip until it bled.
28:29He flinched.
28:30His eyes were wide with it.
28:31I never want to see you again.
28:32Ava.
28:33His voice broke.
28:34He tried to step forward.
28:35I turned away from him.
28:36I found at Killen.
28:37The second our eyes met, the tears came.
28:40I don't want to see you either.
28:42Men always carry a quiet guilt about the women they've been with.
28:45I needed that guilt.
28:46Hospital first, Ava.
28:47You can hate me later.
28:48If you don't promise, I stay here.
28:51This is not the time for this.
28:53He pressed two fingers to his temple.
28:55His voice went sharp.
28:57Let the paramedics move you.
28:59Don't touch anything.
29:00I pushed myself up.
29:02Blood ran down and soaked into the petal-shaped scar on my leg.
29:05The blood turned the flower red.
29:09Killen's eyes went wide.
29:11His face drained.
29:12He was staring at the scar.
29:14Stop moving.
29:14I promise.
29:15Jackson and I will stay away from you.
29:18Both of us.
29:18I used the last of my strength to smile at him.
29:21The darkness started pulling me down.
29:23I leaned close to his ear.
29:25Just the two of us.
29:26Daddy.
29:27One last time.
29:28I'll trust you.
29:29Killen made that promise in front of everyone.
29:31He was the head of the Sterlings.
29:33His word meant something.
29:34I was in the hospital for two weeks.
29:36Neither of them came.
29:37The day I was discharged, Killen's head secretary showed up.
29:41He was holding a leather folder.
29:43Ava.
29:45Mr. Sterling said to give you whatever you want.
29:49I lay back against the pillow and watched the birds outside the window.
29:53I want money.
29:54A lot of it.
29:55And I want out of the country.
29:57The secretary bow his head.
29:59The trust is set up.
30:00Your family's taken care of.
30:01London, Paris, New York.
30:03Your choice.
30:04The acceptance letter will come tomorrow.
30:07Tell him I said thank you.
30:08The secretary got up but stopped.
30:11Ava.
30:13Is there anything else you want to say to him?
30:15To men like them I was fragile.
30:17Expendable.
30:18Just something to pass around.
30:20Maybe Killen felt something real during those nights.
30:22But feelings didn't stand a chance against family interest.
30:25Yes.
30:26The secretary's face lifted.
30:28Tell him I hope he has a long, quiet life.
30:30That's it.
30:31Nothing else?
30:32No asking him to come by or wait for you?
30:38He left with the answer he'd been dreading.
30:40As I left the hospital, Killian's black phantom was sitting outside.
30:44The windows were blacked out.
30:45It sat in the shadows.
30:46Engine off.
30:47I couldn't see through the glass, but I knew he was in there.
30:50He was a man of his word.
30:52I didn't look back.
30:54He watched her through the tinted glass.
30:56She turned a corner in Manhattan and was gone.
30:59Sir, should we follow?
31:00There is still time.
31:02No.
31:04Take me back to the office.
31:06The car pulled into the evening traffic.
31:08He leaned back and shut his eyes.
31:10He hadn't slept properly in days.
31:12A restless dream pulled him back to the night of the bet.
31:15He'd known about Jackson's plan from the beginning.
31:18That's why he'd gone to that party.
31:20He stepped into the game to protect her.
31:22The thought of some stranger getting her was unbearable.
31:25He hadn't planned to touch her.
31:27But she'd reached for him.
31:28She'd pressed her face to his chest and said his scent was familiar.
31:32And in that moment, want beat out reason.
31:34He told himself just once.
31:36Just the one night.
31:37But some lines can't be uncrossed.
31:39Once he had her, he didn't want to let her go.
31:42He lost control completely.
31:44He watched at Jackson yell at her.
31:45He heard Jackson say he wanted to check her wound.
31:48Something in him finally snapped.
31:50He figured they could all burn together.
31:52But he never expected her to jump.
31:54That fall wrecked both him and Jackson.
31:57She'd said she never wanted to see him again.
32:05Years ago, a little girl bit him with blood already on her lips.
32:09Her eyes had been full of hate even then.
32:11She'd said the exact same words.
32:17Second year at NYU.
32:19I ran into Atleo in the village.
32:20Old friend of Jackson's.
32:21Designer everything.
32:22Typical rich kid energy.
32:23He dragged me into some high-end steakhouse.
32:25Killen almost shipped him off to Southeast Asia.
32:26But he kept him around.
32:28Jackson changed.
32:29He's heads down on the business now.
32:31Obsessed with it.
32:32He hasn't been with anyone else.
32:33Someone brought your name up at a party recently.
32:35Ava.
32:36The look on his face.
32:37Like someone had ripped him open.
32:39I kept my smile and cut into my steak.
32:40I hadn't liked Jackson at first.
32:41The gap between our worlds was too wide.
32:43But he was good to me for a while and I had genuinely cared.
32:46Then reality hit.
32:47He and his brother are practically enemies now.
32:49They go at it openly in board meetings.
32:52Killen's big political engagement fell through.
32:55The heiress got engaged to someone else.
32:58Sorry, Leo.
32:58I've got class.
32:59I need to go.
33:00Ava.
33:01Is it actually over between you two?
33:03He was a mess.
33:03But there was a misunderstanding.
33:05He didn't actually do anything with that model that night.
33:07Leo, don't.
33:08Got it.
33:09Forget I said anything.
33:10I waved and stepped out into the cold Manhattan night.
33:13A black phantom rolled slowly past me.
33:15The windows were blacked out.
33:16I stopped.
33:17I felt someone staring at me through the tinted glass.
33:19The car didn't stop.
33:21It disappeared into traffic.
33:22I shook my head at myself and kept walking.
33:24The light turned at Washington Square Park.
33:26The wind cut sharp.
33:27I pushed my hair back.
33:28I stepped off the curb.
33:29A deep voice came from behind me.
33:31It hit me like a weight and I went still.
33:33Hey, Ava.
33:34The streetlights were low.
33:36I looked into a pair of dark eyes.
33:38Full of restraint.
33:40And something else.
33:41It was Killian.
33:42He wasn't wearing his glasses.
33:45The scar on his hand was plain in the cold light.
33:50The streetlights were low.
33:51The streetlights were low.
33:51The streetlights were low.
33:51The streetlights were low.
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