▶ I Was Never Adopted - Full HD Movie - Full Short Drama - English Sub 2026 - Video Dailymotion — Full Episode
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Sáng tạoPhụ đề
00:00I hadn't spoken to my parents in 10 years
00:02Not since the day they screamed at me to get lost and never come back
00:06So when my business partner told me the Brit Group, my father's company, had requested me
00:11Personally as their wedding photographer, I almost laughed
00:14Then I saw the groom's name, Jeffrey Beasley
00:17The boy who used to climb over my backyard fence with candy in his pocket
00:21The one who promised
00:23When we grow up, I'll take you away from here
00:26We'll see the world
00:28He's marrying my sister
00:31At the reception, my mother marched into my dressing room with tears in her eyes
00:37Eileen! We raised you for 18 years! How can you be so heartless?
00:43I looked up at her, calm as ice
00:46Mrs. Britt, please release me
00:48I have work to do
00:49Her face went ghost-white.good
00:52Let her feel a fraction of what I felt at 12 years old
00:55When they packed my bags and sent me to live alone in an old house
00:58While my sister took my bedroom, my piano, my parents' love
01:02But what they don't know yet, what none of them know, is that I'm not adopted at all
01:06I'm their biological daughter
01:08And today, I'm bringing the DNA proof to destroy a wedding
01:12At a wedding shoot, I ran into my parents
01:15I hadn't spoken to them for a decade
01:17They were mingling with other guests
01:19Their smiles freezing the instant their eyes landed on me
01:22Once the reception ended, they marched straight into the backstage dressing room
01:26Why haven't you come home for the past 10 years?
01:29Mom blurted out her accusation
01:31Her eyes were rimmed red as she glared at me
01:33I didn't answer or look up
01:35I focused on cleaning my camera lens
01:37The next second, she stepped forward and seized my wrist
01:40Her voice rose to a raw pitch
01:42I lifted my head with a frown
01:55I was confused by her outburst
01:5710 years ago, they were the ones who told me to get lost and never come back
02:01I'd done exactly that, so what were they upset about now?
02:06Dad stood behind Mom
02:08His eyes darted between my face and my camera equipment
02:11He was clearly torn
02:13After a moment, he spoke, as if grasping for a neutral topic
02:17That's quite the camera, Eileen
02:19It must have cost a lot, right?
02:22It's a tough business for a young woman
02:23There was hesitation in his voice
02:25You must be struggling
02:26I remained silent
02:27I screwed the lens cap on firmly
02:31Infuriated by my lack of response
02:33Mom tightened her grip on my wrist
02:35Eileen!
02:37Are you even listening?
02:3910 years!
02:41Not a single call or message
02:44What is wrong with you?
02:47Even a pet would show more gratitude
02:49I studied her contorted expression
02:52A sharp pain shot through my wrist
02:56A decade had passed
02:58Yet their method of interrogation remained the same
03:01I lifted my gaze
03:02I spoke with deliberate calm
03:04Mrs. Britt, please release me
03:06I have work to do
03:08She released my wrist as if burned
03:12Mrs. Britt?
03:13She staggered back
03:15All color draining from her face
03:17I'm your mom!
03:19How dare you!
03:21Dad stepped in
03:22He steadied her trembling shoulders
03:24That's enough
03:24Exhaustion and reproach heavy in his tone
03:27Eileen, how can you speak to your mom like that?
03:29We realize
03:31There may have been misunderstandings back then
03:33But she hasn't stopped missing you for the past 10 years
03:38She's...
03:39I cut him off
03:40There were no misunderstandings
03:41My voice was soft as I placed the camera in its case
03:44I followed your instructions
03:46Get lost
03:47And never come back
03:49I did exactly as you told me
03:51I fixed my eyes on them with cold indifference
03:53I stayed away for 10 years
03:55Just as you demanded
03:57Their faces were ghastly pale
03:59So what is this about?
04:00Mom's lips quivered
04:01But before she could speak
04:02Dad tightened his hold on her arm
04:07Dad drew a shaky breath
04:09He forced a strained
04:10Conciliatory smile
04:12Eileen, sorry
04:14We shouldn't have said that back then
04:17But we are family
04:20Mel is getting married next month
04:22You'll be there, right?
04:23If you don't want to attend as her sister
04:26Maybe you could photograph the wedding?
04:28I stared at them
04:30I was struck by the sheer absurdity of it all
04:32My schedule is booked
04:33Please give Melanie my best wishes
04:37I won't be intruding
04:39With that, I turned and pushed open the door
04:41The sound of mom's broken accusations
04:43And dad's frantic attempts to calm her faded behind me
04:46I walked straight to the elevator without looking back
04:49Only when the doors closed did I breathe a sigh of relief
04:52I leaned against the cold metal wall
04:54A dull ache began to throb at the base of my skull
04:57It was a lingering after effect of a severe fever years ago
05:00It always flared up on rainy days
05:05Back at my temporary apartment
05:07I finally unwound
05:10My phone vibrated
05:11It was Kimberly Cooley
05:13My business partner
05:14Ellie
05:15The final payment for today's wedding just came through
05:19Oh
05:19About that couple who confronted you
05:22Is everything okay?
05:23They looked really upset
05:25It's fine
05:26I said
05:27Keeping my voice level
05:28They're just
05:28My adoptive parents
05:31Kimberly paused before replying
05:33Alright
05:35Listen
05:36We just got a very firm
05:38Non-negotiable collaboration request
05:41From the Brit group
05:42They're insisting you personally photograph a high-profile wedding
05:46The Brit group was owned by my dad
05:48A crushing sense of helplessness washed over me
05:51My heart sank
05:52Kimberly sounded worried
05:54I'm afraid
05:57We can't turn it down
05:59I gripped the phone until my knuckles turned white
06:01Ten years
06:02I had thought I'd gone far enough to escape their shadow
06:05Yet with a single move
06:07They could still disrupt the life I had fought so hard to build
06:12Understood
06:12I said
06:13My throat tight
06:15Send me the details
06:17Kimberly replied softly after a pause
06:19Okay
06:20The wedding itinerary arrived a few minutes later
06:23When my eyes landed on the groom's name Jeffrey Beasley
06:27The tears I'd held back all day finally fell
06:32Jeffrey was the boy who had been my only comfort
06:34During the darkest years of my youth
06:36Kimberly's message flashed again
06:40Ellie, are you okay?
06:42Do you want me to come over?
06:43I took a deep breath
06:44I wiped my face
06:45I typed back
06:47I'm fine
06:49Please compile the client's specific requests
06:51We'll discuss tomorrow morning
06:53She replied quickly
06:54Okay
06:55Eileen
06:56Whatever you decide
06:57I'm with you
06:58I put the phone down and walked to the window
07:00The night air was cool against my skin
07:03It helped to clear the chaos in my mind
07:05Jeffrey and I were so close once
07:07He lived next door
07:08We grew up together
07:39Whenever I got scolded by my parents
07:39Everyone who, when the whole world made me feel worthless
07:42Would look me in the eye and say
07:44You're good enough, Eileen
07:46You always have been
07:48But now he was marrying Melanie
07:50Memories
07:51Long held back
07:52Came rushing in
07:54Until I was seven
07:55I was the happiest child
07:56When I was five
07:57I got into a fight at preschool over a swing
08:00I bit the other kid's arm
08:01Terrified of getting in trouble
08:03I hid under the slide in our complex after school
08:06Dad found me
08:07He wasn't angry
08:08He actually whispered tips on how to win a fight next time
08:12That evening
08:13When mom found out
08:14She made us both stand in the corner
08:16Dad winked at me when she wasn't looking
08:18I thought that warmth would last forever
08:20Then, when I was seven
08:22Melanie came home
08:23I went from being their only child to being the adopted one
08:29Melanie was three years older
08:31She'd been kidnapped when she was three
08:33With her return
08:34My world was never the same
08:35My parents had kept my adoption a secret
08:38But, afraid Melanie would feel insecure
08:40They told her the truth
08:41One afternoon
08:42She stood before me
08:44Her voice was young but cold
08:45Eileen
08:46Did you know
08:47You're not their real daughter
08:50They adopted you
08:52Because I was gone
08:53They were so sad without me
08:55So they got you to take my place
08:57They're my mom and dad
08:59Not yours
09:00For a moment
09:01I was too shocked to move
09:03Then I ran
09:04I had to find my parents
09:05And hear them say it wasn't true
09:07I prayed they would hug me and say
09:08Don't listen to her nonsense, sweetheart
09:10You're our baby girl
09:12But mom looked away
09:13Dad was silent for a long time
09:15Before he confirmed it
09:16Eileen, it's true
09:17We adopted you because we missed Mel so much
09:20But we love you too
09:22I hated that word in that moment
09:24After that, nothing was the same
09:28The carefree, mischievous girl vanished
09:30I became quiet and cautious
09:32I stopped laughing loudly
09:34I stopped asking for things
09:36At meals, I only took the food closest to me
09:39I studied relentlessly
09:40I brought home one award after another
09:42I believed good girls didn't get abandoned
09:45I learned to please them and Melanie
09:47I gave her the new hair clip mom bought
09:49I handed over the cool toy dad brought back from a business trip
09:52But Melanie's eyes held nothing but resentment
09:55No matter what I did
09:56She saw me as the one who had stolen her life
09:58And my parents' attention and affection
10:00Poured almost entirely into their returned biological daughter
10:04They worried she might feel insecure and neglected
10:07So I, the adopted daughter
10:09Naturally became the one who could be overlooked
10:12The atmosphere at home grew tense and heavy
10:14I never stood in the corner with dad again
10:16I was too afraid to make any mistake
10:18I lived like a frightened bird
10:20I was constantly terrified of being cast aside once more
10:24Then, when I was 12
10:26My worst fear came true
10:30I got back from school that day to find Melanie in my room
10:34She was holding my diary
10:36What are you doing?
10:38I rushed to grab it back
10:39She easily sidestepped me
10:41A faint smirk played on her lips
10:43Just seeing what my dear little sister writes about every day
10:49I wish things were like before
10:53Why don't mom and dad love me anymore?
10:56It's so unfair
10:58Give it back!
11:00My voice trembled
11:01That diary held all my secrets and my fragile side
11:04She stood up
11:05She held it above her head
11:07Maybe mom and dad should see
11:09What their adopted daughter complains about every day
11:11With that, she darted out of the room
11:13The diary was in her hand
11:15Mel!
11:16I chased after her
11:18In the rush, she stumbled
11:20Her foot caught
11:21She tumbled down the stairs
11:24Her scream echoed through the house
11:29My parents burst from the study at the same time
11:31Mom reached her first
11:33When she saw Melanie's leg bent at an unnatural angle
11:36She pointed a shaky finger straight at me
11:38I was still standing at the top of the stairs
11:41She pushed me
11:44She blames me for everything in her diary
11:46And now this!
11:47That's not true!
11:49I...
11:49I rushed to explain
11:50Enough!
11:52Dad's roar was louder than I'd ever heard
11:54Mom's gaze was icy
11:56It frightened me
11:58Diary?
11:59She read my diary without...
12:01I tried to explain
12:02So you pushed her?
12:03Mom cut me off
12:04Eileen
12:05How could you be so cruel?
12:08I didn't push her!
12:09The tears finally spilled over
12:11She fell!
12:13Still lying?
12:14Mom's hand came up
12:16She struck my face hard
12:18The sting on my cheek was nothing compared to the ache in my chest
12:22Dad stood behind her
12:24Ellie
12:26We always thought you were a sensible girl
12:28His gaze was full of disappointment
12:30Even though you're not our blood
12:32We've never treated you poorly
12:37But you
12:40I said it wasn't me!
12:43My voice rose to a shout
12:44Why won't you ever believe me?
12:47Believe you?
12:48A liar?
12:50Mom's laugh was cold
12:52The ambulance arrived
12:53As the paramedics carried Melanie down on a stretcher
12:56She was still sobbing
12:57Mom, I'm scared
13:00Does Eileen hate me?
13:03Don't be afraid, sweetheart
13:05I'm here
13:06Mom held her hand tightly
13:08She didn't once look back at me
13:10My parents returned from the hospital late that night
13:13I heard their footsteps stop outside my door
13:15Mom pushed the door open
13:19Pack your things
13:20You're moving to the old house tomorrow
13:22I stared, frozen
13:24Then I dropped to my knees
13:26No!
13:27Please, Mom, Dad
13:29Don't send me away
13:31I'm sorry
13:33I'll be good
13:34I promise
13:35Mel needs peace to recover
13:37Mom looked down at me coldly
13:39Seeing you will upset her
13:40I won't bother her!
13:42I cried
13:43I clutched at her legs
13:44I can stay in the storage room
13:46I can come home after you're all asleep
13:49Please don't make me leave
13:55Dad sighed
13:56Eileen, this is for the best
13:58For you and for this family
14:01I won't go!
14:03This is my home!
14:05I was sobbing uncontrollably now
14:07The housekeeper will bring meals each week
14:10We'll transfer an allowance on time
14:12I turned to Dad
14:13I don't want money
14:16I want you
14:17I grasped his sleeve
14:18Dad, you used to love me most
14:21You said you'd always protect me
14:24His voice was choked
14:25Be reasonable, Eileen
14:28Once Mel is feeling better
14:29She'll never better!
14:31I screamed in despair
14:32She's lying!
14:34Why won't you ever believe me?
14:36Eileen!
14:38If you make another scene
14:39You can leave right now
14:40I knelt on the floor
14:42I looked at their distant looks
14:44I finally understood
14:45What true hopelessness felt like
14:47No matter how much I begged
14:48They didn't want me anymore
14:52The first night I moved into the old residence
14:54I had a high fever
14:56My forehead was burning
14:57I shivered all over
14:58I grabbed my phone and called my mom
15:01Mom, I'm having a fever
15:02I was so weak that my voice was hardly audible
15:05There are fever reducers in the old house
15:08Find them
15:08Melanie has just undergone surgery
15:10She needs a good rest
15:12Knock it off
15:13With that, mom hung up
15:14Listening to the hang-up beeps
15:16I felt a chill all over
15:17It started raining outside
15:19The rain splattered the window as if weeping for me
15:22For the next week, I was invalid on the bed alone
15:25The fever went back and forth
15:26The housekeeper found something was wrong with me when she came to cook
15:30She took me to the hospital
15:31I lived all alone since I was 12 till I was 18
15:36For parent-teacher conferences, the seat with my name on it was always empty
15:41Melanie went to the same school as I did
15:43Yet my parents always showed up for her
15:45Sometimes, I ran into them in the hallway
15:48Mom would look away with embarrassment
15:50Dad would pretend he didn't see me
15:52In those six years, Jeffrey was the only light ray in my life
15:56He would secretly climb over the short wall of the old house and bring me snacks
16:02Don't worry, everything will be okay
16:04He had comforted me
16:05Eileen, let's apply to New York University together
16:09In New York, no one can separate us
16:12I had believed him
16:13I studied as hard as I could
16:15After the set, I walked past a downtown hotel
16:18I saw a large, striking banner
16:20Congratulations on Melanie Britt's good grades
16:23My parents were receiving guests at the entrance
16:25They were beaming
16:26Melanie stood between them like a real princess
16:29Standing in a corner across the street
16:31I watched this celebration that had nothing to do with me
16:34I had thought I was dead inside
16:35But why did it still hurt so much?
16:38It didn't matter though
16:39I'd be gone soon anyway
16:43The day I received the acceptance letter from the university
16:46I opened it swiftly with excitement
16:48But it was the badge of the USC that I saw
16:50My blood turned cold instantly
16:52I recalled my parents' odd behavior from several days ago
16:56It dawned on me that they had altered my application form
16:59I barged into the so-called home
17:01It was the home from which I had been away for a long time
17:04I slammed the letter on the coffee table
17:05Why USC?
17:07I demanded
17:07What's wrong with it? It's closed
17:09Why did you change my application?
17:12Why?
17:13In a trembling voice, I snapped
17:15Because we're your parents
17:16Just then, Dad walked out of the study
17:19He explained
17:20Melanie also applied to New York University
17:23With you around, she'll feel insecure
17:28It's because of her again!
17:30The years of pent-up anger in my chest erupted
17:32Her insecurity is the reason for everything
17:36You said she read my diary because she felt insecure
17:40She fell down the stairs because she felt insecure
17:46Now, I have to go to a different university because she feels insecure
17:54Eileen, mind your tone
17:57What about my tone?
18:00What tone should I speak in?
18:03Tears streamed down my cheeks
18:05I tried to hold them back
18:06You kicked me out of the house
18:09When I was 12
18:10You neglected me
18:13For the past 6 years
18:15Now, you're trying to destroy my future
18:19What kind of parents are you?
18:21We've raised you for 18 years
18:24Raised?
18:25It was more like charity
18:28In your eyes, only Melanie is your daughter
18:31I'm only an unwanted substitute
18:34I wish you'd never adopted me
18:38Get out!
18:39Since you hate us so much
18:41Don't ever come back again
18:43I ran out
18:44I sobbed in the rain until I was soaking wet
18:47Why didn't they love me?
18:48Why was I adopted?
18:50Where were my biological parents?
18:52I cried and cried
18:53At midnight, I snuck back for my ID
18:55I happened to overhear my parents' conversation outside their bedroom
19:02We shouldn't have told Mel that Ailey was adopted
19:05But what's the point of being regretful now?
19:08I was too sad after Mel got lost
19:11I didn't find out I was pregnant with Ellie
19:15Mel was so sensitive when she returned
19:18We could only lie that Ely was adopted
19:21At least Ely was loved and happy before she was 7
19:25But Mel couldn't be
19:28She owes Mel
19:30Stunned, I had to press my hands against the wall for support
19:33My back slid down along the wall
19:35It turned out I was their biological daughter
19:37It turned out I had never stolen anybody's happy childhood
19:40It was mine
19:41Then, why did I have to suffer these years?
19:44That day, I left home and never came back
19:46After I reached USC, I changed my phone number
19:49I put my parents' contact information on the block list
19:52Jeffrey and I went to different universities
19:54Due to the distance, our relationship was nipped in the bud
19:58Afterward, I heard that he had a girlfriend
20:00Now, it seemed he was dating Melanie back then
20:03I opened my eyes
20:04I wiped my tearful face
20:07The sight of the message stung
20:08I wondered if Melanie knew the truth
20:10But it didn't matter
20:11I went to the drawer
20:12I took the DNA test report done many years ago
20:15Since they'd invited me, I'd go to the wedding
20:18They destroyed my life for Melanie's happiness
20:20I'd see how happy she was
20:25The light from the glaring chandelier on the ceiling of the hotel hall spilled on the lens of my camera
20:30It reflected my tense side face
20:33My employee Fiona Blevins was crouching to open the device case
20:37This was Melanie's wedding
20:38Of course, the whole team should be here
20:41I should have known better
20:42Aline?
20:43Came a female voice, as sharp as a needle
20:45My hands paused while holding the camera
20:47When Melanie turned around, the skirt of her wedding dress swept across my feet
20:52The pearls on the decoration hurt
20:53Lifting her skirt with pale hands
20:55She stared at me in disbelief
20:57As if I were something filthy that had barged into her life
21:00Jeffrey stood behind her
21:01One of the buttons on the cuff of his sleeve was loose
21:04Upon seeing me, he swiftly shifted his gaze to the dessert table far away
21:09Who asked you to come?
21:11Melanie raised her voice and took a step forward
21:13The guests all turned their heads to watch
21:16You don't even have a decent job
21:19You think you're good enough to be the photographer of my wedding?
21:26Frowning, Fiona attempted to step forward and make a retort
21:29I pulled at her blouse gently
21:31The coolness calmed me down a bit
21:33My fingertip touched the camera belt
21:35The host invited me
21:37Melanie scoffed
21:39The host?
21:40You mean my parents?
21:42Why would they invite an ingrate who refused to come home in the past 10 years?
21:47Her remarks hammered my heart
21:49They caused a dull pain
21:50The past flashed across my mind
21:52One day, when I was 12
21:54I had begged her on my knees not to tell on me
21:56She had also smirked like that and said
22:00You're unwelcome in this family anyway
22:02Familiar footsteps came from the door
22:04My parents walked over
22:06Mom was in a crimson dress
22:07She was oblivious to the fact that her pearl necklace was askew
22:11Dad wore his tie loosely
22:12At the sight of me
22:14Mom stopped in her tracks
22:15She had a complicated look in her eyes
22:18Your dad and I invited Eilie
22:21She's a good photographer
22:22And her price is fair
22:23Mom!
22:25Are you out of your minds?
22:27She's
22:30She's your younger sister
22:31Dad interrupted Melanie
22:33His tone was lukewarm
22:35He didn't spare a look at me
22:36It was as if I were just an insignificant stranger
22:41The wedding is about to begin
22:42Knock it off!
22:44With a livid face
22:45Melanie stared at me malevolently
22:48She's a good photographer
22:51She barely gets by with a camera
22:53Mom and dad raised you for 18 years
22:57And you were away for 10 years
22:59Now that you have a little money
23:01You think you're better than us?
23:04Who bought dresses for you when you were a child?
23:08Who took you to kindergarten?
23:11Did you forget?
23:13The guests talked with each other as she spoke louder and louder
23:16I tightened my grip on the camera
23:18The blood drained from my knuckles
23:20How I wish mom and dad could interfere
23:23Even if it was as simple as stop it
23:25To my dismay
23:26Mom just turned her head to look at the McCarens on the dessert table
23:30Dad took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket
23:33Then he tucked it back in restlessly
23:35Mel, the wedding first
23:36He urged
23:37There was no explanation
23:39Neither of them defended me
23:41Nor did they display a tinge of guilt
23:43I looked down at my reflection in the mirror
23:46I realized how pathetic I was
23:4810 years had passed
23:50And I was still expecting them to be fair
23:52Fiona handed a cloth to me
23:54I took it and wiped the lens slowly with it
23:57I tried to repress the surging sadness
23:59I'd come to work
24:01Not to settle accounts with them
24:03I told myself
24:06After shooting the first section of the wedding
24:08I drank water in a corner of the lounge
24:11The warm water in the plastic bottle was bland
24:14Like the meager concern my parents showed at this time
24:17Mom walked over with a glass of orange juice
24:20Beads of juice clung to the body of the glass
24:23She handed it to me
24:25The beads fell onto my pants
24:27They left wet marks on them
24:29Elie, don't take what Mel said to heart
24:33She was nervous about the wedding
24:35Instead of taking the glass of orange juice
24:37I took out my phone to transfer money
24:40I'd calculated the amount countless times
24:42$80,000
24:43Including tuition from primary school to high school
24:47Monthly allowances
24:49Occasional meals the housekeeper made for me in the 6 years
24:52Money couldn't buy back my youth
24:54It couldn't make my altered application for university right
24:58But at least
24:59The accounts between us were even now
25:01The notification for the successful transfer
25:04Sounded particularly loud in the quiet lounge
25:07Mom's face colored as she read the notification
25:10Her hand shook
25:11The juice stained her dress
25:13But she paid no heed to it
25:15Staring at me, she asked
25:18Elie, what do you mean?
25:21We raised you for 18 years
25:23You think we're even now?
25:28What else?
25:29I put my phone back into my pocket
25:31You raised me for 18 years
25:33And I repaid you with $80,000
25:36The extra is the interest
25:40With the account settled, now we're square
25:43Mom said in a choking voice
25:45Square?
25:46Her eyes read
25:47She attempted to touch my arm
25:49I took a step back to move away
25:51Her hand froze in midter
25:52Tears ran down her face
25:54They dropped on the floor
25:55Do you hate us so much?
25:59Is there no familial affection for us at all in your heart?
26:03You had a fever when you were five
26:04Your dad carried you on his back for three kilometers to take you to the hospital
26:08The first time you won a prize
26:10I took you out to buy you a new dress
26:12You forget all about this?
26:14Scenes from the past flashed across my mind like an old movie
26:18Carrying me on his back
26:20Dad ran in the rain
26:21But his back felt extremely warm
26:23There were floral patterns on the rim of the pink dress Mom bought me
26:27Sadly, these warm memories had waned after Melanie returned
26:31Looking her in the eye
26:32Yes
26:33I declared slowly
26:34I hate you for driving me into the old house when I was 12
26:39I hate you for altering my application when I was 18
26:42I hate you for asking me to knock it off when I had a fever of 39 degrees
26:50Mom stopped crying
26:52Her face was as pasty as death
26:54Dad took her arm to support her
26:56He looked at me
26:57His eyes dripped with disappointment
27:00Ely, we were wrong
27:02But what you're doing is ruthless
27:05Suddenly, Melanie marched over
27:08Dad and mom raised you for 18 years
27:11First, you left without saying goodbye
27:15Now, you want to cut ties with them?
27:18As an adopted daughter
27:20You should be grateful that they didn't let you starve
27:24How dare you talk about fairness with them?
27:28What an ingrate
27:30I turned to my parents
27:31My heart was racing
27:33Finally, the right time had come
27:35An adopted daughter?
27:38Is that what I am in your eyes?
27:40Mom's lips moved
27:41But no words came out
27:42Dad nodded with a sigh
27:44Ely, we were wrong
27:45But you're indeed adopted
27:48Don't fixate on it
27:49Laughing snidely
27:50I took a step forward
27:52In which children's home did you find me?
27:54Where are the adoption formalities?
27:55Can I have a look?
27:56A deathly silence ensued
27:57The blood drained from mom's face
27:59Dad clenched his fists tightly
28:01His knuckles went pale
28:03Mom, tell her where you adopted her
28:06Show her the formalities
28:08Dumbfounded, Melanie shook mom's arm
28:10Neither mom nor dad spoke
28:13They just stared at me
28:14Panic was plain in their eyes
28:16The last tad of hope in my heart was shattered
28:18As I met their gaze
28:19They couldn't even come up with a good lie
28:21But they'd fooled me for 10 years
28:26My fingers trembled as I fumbled
28:28The laminated DNA test report in my purse
28:30I'd kept it for 5 years
28:32I cried in bed every time I read the result
28:35The possibility of paternity
28:38Is in excess of 99.999%
28:41I wasn't a substitute for Melanie
28:43I was their biological daughter
28:46That was the truth
28:47However, they wouldn't admit it
28:49You can't say it?
28:52I will
28:53I handed the report to my parents
28:55Under the light
28:56The plastic cover glared
28:58They couldn't open their eyes
29:00Mom was breathing rapidly
29:02Dad wanted to take the report
29:04But he withdrew his hand on second thought
29:06You claim I'm adopted
29:07I continued in a flat voice
29:09It expressed my 10 years of sadness
29:12Then, why is the possibility of paternity 99.999%?
29:16Why does the DNA test report say you're my biological parents?
29:19Melanie dashed over and snatched the report away
29:22This can't be true
29:24This report must be a forgery
29:25You're using it to take everything away from me!
29:28A forgery?
29:29I looked at my parents
29:30Ask your parents
29:34Tears streamed down mom's cheeks
29:36They stained the report
29:38Dad's face was as pale as paper
29:40His lips were trembling
29:42He was too emotionally overwhelmed to speak
29:45Afraid to hurt Melanie's feelings
29:47You told her I was adopted
29:51I believed you
29:54I thought you'd love me all the same
29:56As long as I was obedient and humored her
29:58However, you turned my bedroom into a sunroom for her
30:02You moved my piano into the storage room
30:05You changed my application for university to USC behind my back
30:09When I was feverish, you couldn't be bothered to check on me
30:12You asked me to find the medicine on my own
30:14More and more guests gathered around us
30:17They whispered to each other
30:18Some of them took photos of this scene
30:21They're playing favorites!
30:24How could they treat their own daughter so horribly?
30:27For ten years
30:29She didn't know her adoptive parents were her biological parents
30:33Suddenly, mom dropped to her knees
30:35Ely, I was wrong
30:38We all were
30:40Your dad and I were confused
30:42We felt sorry for Mel and neglected you
30:45Will you forgive us?
30:47We'll give you the house, the company, anything you want
30:53I brushed mom's hands away
30:55I took a step back
30:56Her hands were cold and calloused
30:58However, the touch failed to invoke the familial affection inside me
31:01My heart could never be warm again
31:03I don't want your house or company
31:05I want the truth
31:07I announced in a hoarse voice
31:08Why did you lie to me?
31:12I'm also your daughter
31:15Why do you only love her?
31:17Dad also knelt tearfully
31:21Ely
31:22I'm sorry I let you down
31:25When Mel just came back
31:27She cried every day
31:30She was afraid that we wouldn't like her
31:32Out of options
31:33We told her you were adopted
31:36Sadly, that didn't happen
31:37We never meant to put you through all this
31:39I laughed aught, but tears streamed down my face
31:42At twelve, I had to live alone in the old house
31:46And I was too terrified to sleep
31:48I could have been admitted to NYU
31:50But I had to go to UCLA
31:53You know why I was away for a decade?
31:57Because you told me to never come back
32:01Not because I didn't want to return home
32:04You think you can undo all this by your simple apology?
32:09Nice try
32:13Suddenly, Melanie tore the DNA test report
32:15She tore it once
32:17Then again
32:17Shreds of paper scattered across the floor like snow
32:20I don't believe it!
32:23I'm your daughter!
32:24She's not!
32:25The wedding is off!
32:26Her face was twisted with rage and terror
32:29For eighteen years
32:30She had been the real daughter
32:31The cherished one
32:32The one they sacrificed everything for
32:34And now, in one moment
32:36She had become the lie
32:37She pulled off the veil
32:38She tossed it onto the floor
32:40She ran off
32:40After a dazed moment
32:42Jeffrey went after her
32:43The director of the wedding ran to my dad in a fluster
32:46Mr. Britt
32:47The wedding
32:49It's cancelled
32:50Holding the camera
32:51I said to Fiona
32:53Put away the devices
32:54We're done here
32:55When I walked out of the lounge
32:57Mom's sobs came from behind me
32:59The guests were whispering
33:00But I didn't look back
33:02The years of agony were finally off my chest today
33:04It might have
33:05Happened too late
33:06But at least I was no longer the adopted daughter
33:11At the entrance to the hotel
33:12The cold autumn wind blew in my face
33:14It brought a sense of desolation
33:16Fiona carried the devices for me
33:18She walked briskly
33:19Afraid to bother me
33:21As soon as I reached the roadside
33:22Urgent footsteps came from behind me
33:24Aline, wait!
33:25Someone called
33:26I turned around
33:27It was Jeffrey
33:28He had his suit jacket hanging from his arm
33:30His hair was a mess
33:32His forehead was sweaty
33:33He ran to me
33:34He was huffing and puffing
33:36His chest was heaving violently
33:37His eyes were full of guilt
33:39He apologized in a husky voice
33:42I'm sorry
33:44I'm sorry I didn't go to find you back then
33:47I'm sorry I got together with Melanie
33:48I gazed at him under the sunshine
33:50The fine wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were obvious
33:53When we were little
33:54He was always saying I had big doe eyes
33:56Now, the glitter in his eyes was gone
33:58One day, in my senior year in high school
34:00He climbed over the tall wall with a candy in his hand
34:03He said to me
34:04Ely
34:05After we're both admitted to New York University
34:08I'll take you to the sea
34:09The sweetness of the candy was vivid in my mind for many years
34:15Why were you with her?
34:16My low voice faded in the wind
34:18When I was in college, she found me one day
34:20She told me you'd forgotten me
34:23She said you'd gone to Los Angeles and would never come back
34:25Jeffrey clutched his jacket
34:27His knuckles were pale
34:29She said you hated me for not putting in a good word for you
34:34I panicked
34:35I looked for you, but you changed your phone number
34:38And the old house was empty
34:41I thought you didn't want to see me anymore
34:43An unbearable pang ran through my heart
34:45The day I enrolled at USC
34:48I came to New York University
34:49I assumed he'd be waiting for me at the entrance
34:52To my disappointment, I waited there all day
34:55He never showed up afterward
34:57I learned that he was already with Melanie back then
35:00I wanted to be with you
35:02Jeffrey's eyes reddened
35:04They brimmed with tears
35:06After the SET, I went to the old house to find you
35:11Your parents told me you'd left and would never come back
35:13I waited at the gate to the old house all night
35:16The candy in my hand melted
35:18Melted Dot like our terminated, long-gone relationship
35:22Melanie and I have broken up
35:24The wedding is off
35:25He took a step forward to hold my hand
35:27I retreated and moved away
35:30Ellie, can we start over?
35:31I was wrong
35:32I'll cherish you all the more
35:36I looked at Jeffrey calmly
35:38My youth adoration for him and expectations of our future had
35:41Elapsed with time
35:42They had worn out in lies
35:43Jeffrey, we're not meant to be
35:45He stiffened to hear my words
35:46His face gradually went pale
35:48All the color drained away
35:49Like a photograph left too long in the sun
35:51His lips parted slightly
35:52But no words came out of his mouth
35:54He just stood there
35:54He looked at me
35:55Despair was plain in his eyes
35:56The boy who used to climb over my fence with candy in his pocket
35:59The teenager who waited all night at the gate of the old house with a melting sweet in his hand
36:03The man who was about to marry my sister
36:05They were all the same person
36:07And none of them were the person I needed anymore
36:09I didn't eat the candy
36:10I turned around
36:11I said to Fiona
36:13Let's go
36:14I left resolutely without looking back
36:16Ely, I regret it
36:17He said softly in the wind
36:19I knew that
36:20But what difference did it make?
36:21Some things were lost forever
36:23Like New York University
36:24Like the teenager himself
36:28Over the next few days
36:29My phone kept ringing non-stop
36:30All calls were from my parents
36:31I set my phone to silent
36:33I put it in the drawer
36:34I didn't want to hear their apologies
36:35It was too late
36:36I didn't need them anymore
36:37Kimberly would tell me about their situation every day
36:39This morning, your mom was crying downstairs at the studio
36:43She was holding a photo of you as a child
36:47Your dad came too
36:48He was leaning on a cane
36:50He looked much older
36:52I just nodded
36:53I asked her to keep them outside
36:54I didn't let them in to disturb my work
36:56On Friday night
36:57After working overtime
36:58I left the studio
36:59As soon as I turned into the alley
37:00I heard familiar sounds of arguing
37:02It was Melanie and my parents
37:03Why do you get to apologize to her?
37:06Why do you give her the house?
37:08I'm your daughter!
37:09She was the one who pushed me down the stairs
37:11She wrote in her diary to insult me
37:14Have you forgotten it?
37:17How can you take her side?
37:22She didn't push you!
37:23Dad's voice was louder than ever
37:25It was filled with exhaustion and anger
37:27You fell on your own!
37:29You admitted it just yesterday!
37:32You even lied to us
37:33Saying she changed your homework
37:35Saying she stole your necklace
37:38How many things have you kept from us?
37:41I hid around the corner of the alley
37:43I felt nothing in particular
37:44Just a sense of irony
37:45After all these years
37:46They finally learned the truth
37:48But I stopped caring long ago
37:49So what if I admitted it?
37:51Melanie screamed
37:52She took my place for seven years!
37:58If not for her
37:59All your love would have been mine!
38:02I wanted her to suffer!
38:04Changing her college choices
38:06Driving her away
38:07It was all me who made you do it!
38:09Why blame me now?
38:11You spoiled me!
38:13You said you'd love me forever!
38:16Mom's sobs came through
38:17Mel, how could you say that?
38:19We thought you were just sensitive
38:22We never imagined you'd be so cruel
38:25Eili has suffered so much over the years
38:28And we never knew
38:30Suffered?
38:31What did she suffer?
38:33She lived in the old house
38:34But I was kidnapped by traffickers!
38:37I've had it much harder than her!
38:39You should make it up to me!
38:41Dad sighed
38:42His voice was hoarse
38:43We were wrong
38:44Wrong to always favor you
38:46Wrong not to trust Eili
38:49We owe her an apology
38:50I didn't listen to the rest
38:52I turned and went back to my apartment
38:53I took out the severance agreement
38:55I had prepared long ago from the drawer
39:00I had spent a long time writing that agreement
39:02It clearly stated
39:03From now on
39:04I have no familial relationship with Patrick Britt
39:06Lella Valdez
39:08Or Melanie Britt
39:08We will not interfere in each other's lives
39:10Nor bear any obligation
39:12Of support or care
39:13The Britt family's assets have nothing to do with me
39:15The next day
39:16I had my lawyer deliver the agreement to Dad's company
39:19When the lawyer returned
39:20He told me
39:21Mr. Britt's hands were shaking as he read the agreement
39:25Mrs. Britt cried
39:26And tore it up
39:28Then she picked up the pieces
39:30And carefully glued them back together before signing
39:33Melanie didn't sign and cursed you a few times
39:36I nodded without saying anything
39:38Whether she signed or not didn't matter
39:40My parents' signatures were enough
39:42Kimberly brought me a cup of hot coffee
39:44She said it in front of me
39:46Ely, do you really not regret it?
39:48After all, they're your parents
39:50I looked out at the trees beyond the window
39:52Their leaves were scattered all over the ground
39:54Bleak and desolate
39:54No
39:55I picked up the coffee and took a sip
39:57It was bitter
39:58I'm no longer the little girl who longed for their love
40:00Cutting ties is better for all of us
40:02All those years of grievances were like a cup of bitter coffee
40:05Once swallowed, you can never spit it out
40:07From now on, I only want to live for myself
40:11Three months after signing the severance agreement
40:14I packed my bags and left Los Angeles
40:16This city carried too many memories for me
40:18Some good
40:19Some bad
40:20And now it was time to let them go
40:22I went to a small town in the south
40:24I rented an apartment with a balcony
40:26Outside the balcony stood an old
40:27Locust tree
40:28It bloomed with many fragrant white flowers in summer
40:31Every morning
40:32I took photos of the street
40:33In the evenings
40:34I sat on the balcony reading
40:35Occasionally I accepted a few photography jobs from out of town
40:38Life was very peaceful
40:40Kimberly would regularly send me messages about Los Angeles
40:43Melanie was kicked out by her parents
40:46Because she secretly took the family's money to gamble
40:48She racked up a lot of debt
40:50Later, she went to find Jeffrey
40:52And the two of them still got married
40:53But they argue every day
40:56Jeffrey messed up his job too
40:58He got fired by the company
41:00Now, he spends every day drinking at home
41:02When he's drunk
41:03He yells at Melanie
41:04And Melanie cries
41:06Their life is a complete mess
41:08I looked at the messages
41:09I felt nothing inside
41:10Whether their days were good or bad
41:12It no longer had anything to do with me
41:14I only occasionally thought of my childhood
41:16Dad teaching me to ride a bike
41:17Mom braiding my hair
41:19Those warm scenes flashed through my mind like old movies
41:21But quickly faded away
41:25Two years later
41:26I held a solo photography exhibition in the small town
41:29Most of the photos on display were street
41:31Scenes elderly people sitting at their doorsteps
41:34Basking in the sun
41:35They held palm fans
41:36Children running through the alleys
41:38They clutched ice cream in their hands
41:40Some featured couples
41:41Holding hands and smiling sweetly under the old locust tree
41:44None of the Brit family appeared in these photos
41:46Nor was there any trace of Los Angeles
41:48Only my life as it is now
41:50On the day the exhibition opened
41:51Many people came
41:52I was signing my name in a corner of the gallery
41:54When someone gently tapped my arm
41:56I looked up
41:57I was stunned it was my parents
41:58Mom's hair had turned much grayer
42:00It was neatly combed
42:01She was still wearing that dark red dress from years ago
42:04Though it had faded from many washes
42:06Dad leaned on a cane
42:07His back was hunched
42:09Deep wrinkles were etched into his face
42:11He looked much older
42:12They stood in front of one of my photos
42:14It showed an old house
42:15It was very much like the one I used to live in
42:17Dad's fingers gently brushed the photo
42:19His eyes were full of nostalgia
42:21I said nothing
42:22I continued signing my name
42:24My heart was beating a little fast
42:26But I felt very calm inside
42:27I no longer hated them
42:29Nor did I love them
42:30They just felt a little unfamiliar
42:34Dad slowly walked over
42:36He held a brown envelope
42:37He handed it to me
42:38His hand was cold
42:40It was covered in calluses
42:41The result of years of holding a pen
42:43Ely this is an apology letter
42:46We know you won't forgive us
42:48But we still wanted to write it for you
42:50I took the envelope
42:51It was thick
42:52When my fingertips touched his hand
42:54He quickly pulled away
42:55Like a child who had done something wrong
42:56We're leaving now
42:58Take good care of yourself here
43:00When it gets cold remember to wear more clothes
43:03Mom looked at me
43:04Her eyes were red but not crying
43:05Her voice trembled a little
43:07Don't catch colds all the time like you did when you were little
43:10I nodded
43:11I said nothing
43:12They walked out slowly
43:13Dad moved very slowly
43:15Mom supported him
43:16Step by step
43:16Without looking back
43:17The gallery lights were warm
43:18I opened the envelope
43:20I found several sheets of yellowed letter paper
43:22The handwriting was crooked
43:23It was Dad's writing
43:24He wrote a lot
43:25About the year
43:27Melanie came back when I was 7
43:28And how panicked they were about when I was 12 and got kicked out
43:32How
43:32He secretly went to the old house at night
43:34How he saw me crying into my blanket
43:36And how much it hurt him
43:38About changing my college application when I was 18
43:40And how much he regretted it
43:42About how
43:43Over the past 10 years
43:44They tried to find me
43:45And thought about me
43:46The last line read
43:48Ely
43:49We're sorry
43:50You must live well
43:51Better than us
43:55Tears fell onto the letter
43:56They blurred the ink
43:57I read it again
43:58And again
43:59Dad's handwriting was crooked
44:01Unsteady
44:01The hand of an old man
44:03Who had lost his fine motor skills
44:04He wrote about the night
44:06They told Melanie I was adopted
44:07How Mom had cried herself to sleep
44:09For a week afterward
44:10How Dad had driven to the old house in the rain
44:12Just to check if the light was still on in my window
44:14He wrote about the day
44:15He changed my college application
44:17I knew it was wrong the moment I signed it
44:20But Melanie was crying
44:21She said she'd run away if I didn't
44:23I was a coward Ely
44:25I chose the easy path
44:26And you paid the price
44:28He wrote about the 10 years of silence
44:30How Mom saved every photo of me
44:31She could find in a shoebox under her bed
44:33How Dad drove past my old apartment building once a month
44:36I pressed the letter against my chest
44:38The paper was warm from my tears
44:39All these years
44:40I thought they had forgotten me
44:42They hadn't
44:43They were just too weak
44:44Too guilty
44:45Too broken to come find me
44:46I folded the letter
44:47I put it in my bag
44:49I walked to the window
44:50I watched my parents' figures slowly disappear around the corner
44:52Dad leaned heavily on his cane
44:54Mom's arm was linked through his they
44:56Walked like to people carrying a weight they knew they could never put down
44:59The wind was gentle
45:01It brushed my face
45:02It carried the scent of the old locust tree
45:04I knew I would
45:05But I would not hate them anymore either
45:06I don't know if they preferred to exemplo
45:08I'm the neighbor
45:08I'm the other man
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