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  • 8 hours ago
The Billionaire Twins' Substitute Bride
Transcript
00:00My boyfriend Jackson thinks I don't know that the man who spent the night with me was his twin
00:03brother. But I know. And I was very satisfied with Killian's performance last night.
00:09Buy me some soothing cream. What's wrong with you? You were too rough last night. You worked me so
00:15hard I'm red and swotin' it hurts to walk. I can still feel it pulsing. He goes still, but I
00:21smile.
00:21I knew the truth from day one. The man in my bed all night wasn't Jackson. It was his twin
00:26brother
00:26Killian Sterling, the billionaire whose name Wall Street barely dares to say out aloud.
00:31I fold. Ava is yours tonight. You sure about that? Sure. But she's been with me a year.
00:41If that bothers you, I don't care. She'll work. Fine. Have fun tonight, Killian.
00:48Jax, you're serious? That's Ava. You played nice for three months just to get her in bed and now
00:54you're already over it? I lost the bet. That's how it goes. She's just a woman. I thought Ava meant
01:00something to you. The hard to get act gets old after a while. Now? She's boring. She does whatever
01:06I say. It's pathetic. I can't even look at her anymore. In that case, Jax, mind if I get a
01:12turn
01:12next time? What if Killian actually goes through with it? Then what? He won't touch her. Killian's a
01:21control freak. He thinks women are more trouble than they're worth. I don't know about that. I saw
01:27him staring at Ava for a while the night she wore that slit dress. He probably just thought she looked
01:32easy. Let's make another bet. Think Killian actually goes for it tonight? And don't forget, that woman
01:38is obsessed with me. She's stubborn as hell. She'd sooner die than let another man near her.
01:42You'll lose your money betting against that.
02:12But tonight a nightmare pulled me awake early. I heard every single word. Something cracked open
02:17in my chest. I didn't push the door open. I didn't scream. He'd bet me away. I was worth nothing
02:22to
02:23him. If I made a scene, I'd only humiliate myself. A man like him could wreck my life with one
02:27phone
02:27call. I crawled back to bed. Numb. Even under the heavy duper, I couldn't stop shaking. Then the door
02:33opened. Steady footsteps crossed the room toward the bed. I caught the scent of tobacco and cedar. I didn't
02:39recognize it. Jackson never smelled like that. I clenched my fists and kept my eyes shut. The
02:44dupee lifted gently. Ava, let's go home. Then I was lifted off the bed. His voice was deeper than
02:51Jackson's. Low and rough. I played along and reached up to wrap my arms around his neck.
02:56Jax, what took you so long? His whole body went ragged for a second. Have you been waiting long?
03:01Hmm, my head hurts. We'll get you some medicine at home. You'll feel better after some sleep. He carried
03:06me out, his arms like iron. His stride was steady, unhurried. I buried my face in his chest.
03:12Are you gonna be as rough as you were last night? His Adam Junnell moved as he tightened his grip
03:17on
03:17me. Yeah, I'm gonna make you cry tonight. We got back to the house. I took a shower. The moment
03:23I
03:24walked out of the bathroom, Kilvan grabbed my waist from behind. He leaned down to kiss me. I laughed
03:31softly. Why are you so impatient tonight, Jax? The kiss stopped suddenly. Call me something else.
03:38What do you want to hear? How do you usually call me? Jax? Or Mr. Sterling? Sometimes babe?
03:48The kiss became fierce and hungry. Tonight, call me daddy. You have never called me that. Daddy?
03:55My eyes widened in surprise. He prized me onto the bed. I could barely breathe. He gripped my waist.
04:01His voice was thick with lust. Ava, say it again. I gasped for air. Mr. Sterling. He lost control
04:09completely. He drove into me with a heavy thrust. I cried out. Tears filled my eyes instantly. He
04:15kissed my tears away. His breath was ragged. What did I tell you? Did you forget? I stared at him
04:21through my tears. Daddy. I sobbed. My nails dug into his muscles. He flipped me over. My long hair
04:28spilled across the sheets. I felt a wave of tremors. He gripped my hips. He slammed into me again and
04:34again.
04:34Ava, don't stop. I cried and trembled. I obeyed him over and over. Daddy. Daddy. I opened my eyes at
04:42noon. The sun hit my face. My whole body ached. He had used me all night. The room was empty.
04:47Kilvan was
04:47already gone. The night felt like a dream. I forced myself out of bed. My legs shook with every step.
04:53My inner thighs felt swollen and hot. I went to the window. Jackson stood in the garden, smoking.
04:57He looked like he hadn't slept. I stared at the back of his head. Something inside me went still
05:03and cold. My nails bit into my palms. I buried it. I put on a soft, helpless face. I picked
05:10out a short
05:10slip dress. The marks on my neck were visible. I came downstairs slowly. I held the railing the whole
05:16way down. Jackson came in through the front door. He stared at my legs and froze. I avoided his eyes
05:23and touched his sleeve. I asked him to pick up some ointment for me. Jackson's expression went dark.
05:32Stay home. Don't go anywhere. He turned and bolted out the front door. I watched him go. The softness in
05:39my eyes dropped away. Nothing left but cold. I called the chef and ordered my favorite meal. A loud engine
05:45growled outside. I set down my fork and watched Killian climb out of a black SUV. The twins were
05:50easier to tell apart than people thought. Killian was taller, broader in the shoulders. I knew the
05:55only way out of their sick game ran straight through Killian. He was built different from Jackson.
05:59Killian walked toward me. I smiled and threw myself into his arms.
06:02Jax, you're back. Killian looked down at me. He didn't say a word to correct me. His dark eyes were
06:08impossible to read. I wrapped my arm around his and playfully deg through his suit pockets.
06:15Where's the ointment? Hand it over. My hand slipped into his pants pocket. His warm hand pressed down
06:20over mine. What ointment? His voice was even lower than the night before. I stamped my foot. Stop playing
06:25dumb. I already told you it hurts. You were way too rough. Killian said nothing. His jaw tightened. He looked
06:30annoyed. He loosened his tie and fixed me with that burning stare. I just thought of something. I should check
06:35the injury myself. That way I can tell the doctor exactly what you need. My face went red and I
06:40acted
06:40offended. Jackson Sterling! Killian held my gaze. His eyes swept over the marks on my neck. His eyes
06:46were dark. What's got you shy, Ava? I've already seen every inch of you. Jerk! I'm leaving! I glared at
06:52him and turned to leave. Killian caught my wrist. He pulled me back against his chest. Okay, I'll stop.
06:58His arms locked around me from behind. My back pressed flat against his chest. He leaned down,
07:03his breath warm against my ear. I closed my eyes. Then tires shriek outside. We both turned. A black
07:12sports car skidded to a stop. The door swung open hard. The real Jackson got out. He stared at us,
07:18holding onto each other. His face was a storm. My eyes flew open. I stared at the man holding me.
07:23My whole body shaking. I yanked my hand free and stumbled back. Killian? Jax? I...
07:32Jackson walked over holding a brown paper bag. He wore a cold smile. His eyes locked on where
07:39Killian's hands had been. The blood drained from my face. Jax, I got confused. I thought it was you.
07:47My voice cracked as I dropped my head. My hair falling forward hid the look in my eyes. I needed
07:53them both to buy it. I needed it to make sense. The Jackson from last night left too deep an
07:59impression. Jackson stormed over and pulled me behind him. His grip was tight enough to bruise
08:06bone. Ava, you make me sick. You've been with me a year and you can't even recognize me? I'm sorry.
08:15It's not her fault. Twins are easy to mix up. Jax, don't take it out on her.
08:21Jackson sneered. His eyes went darker. He tipped his chin up. She's just dumb. Maybe I haven't been
08:29clear enough with her. She's only met me once. He turned and walked inside. Even leaving,
08:36he filled the whole room. Jackson stood there for a moment. His knuckles cracked as his fists
08:43tightened. Then he turned to me slow. He shook the paper bag in my face. His eyes had that sick,
08:50obsessive look. Stop embarrassing me. Get to your room. He leaned close to my ear. His breath was warm
08:57against my skin. Let me see how bad it is. I'll do it myself.
09:04My nails dug into my palms. Jackson had been with some other woman last night. And now he
09:09wanted to put those same hands on me. My stomach turned. I swallowed the nausea and followed him
09:17back. Jackson washed his hands, slow and deliberate. He looked down at me, cold.
09:23Take off your clothes. Get on the bed. I trembled and acted confused.
09:30Jax, why are you being so mean today? For the past year, he had been patient,
09:36playing the loving boyfriend. This was the first time he'd talked to me like this.
09:42Are you still upset because I mixed you up with Killian? Jackson cut her off.
09:47No. You're overthinking. I'm worried about you. Is it still bad? Let me see.
09:53His voice went soft again, which somehow made it worse. I turned him down at first. I only said yes
10:00because I was scared. Someone had told me about his history. Jackson used to date a lead ballerina.
10:08He chased her for three months. She thought she was it for him. He was over it in less than
10:14six months.
10:19When she found out the truth, she slapped him at a gala. She made him a joke in front of
10:25everyone.
10:26A few days later, she fell off a stage during rehearsal. She's been paralyzed ever since.
10:33Ava, stay away from him. If you make him angry, he will destroy your life. I was scared for my
10:39life,
10:40scared for my family. So I wore that mask of obedience for a whole year.
10:45I even let myself think he loved me. Instead, he traded me away like a chip on a poker table.
10:51Jackson pushed me back onto the bed. He knelt between my legs.
10:55You must have seduced me again last night, Ava. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been so rough.
11:00He chuckled, his eyes wrong. He slowly lifted the hem of my dress.
11:04I turned my head and bit down on my lip. I kept myself from throwing up.
11:09Somebody knocked at the door. Jackson, study. Now.
11:13Killian's voice came through the door. Ice cold. Jackson swore under his breath.
11:18He got up and just straightened his jacket. He shoved the tube into my hand.
11:21Do it yourself. I need to go deal with him.
11:24He left. My fingers closed around the tube. I sank down onto the bed and finally breathed.
11:30My phone buzzed. Unknown number.
11:33It's Killian. Save my number.
11:35I stared at the screen. My 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. His voice clipped with annoyance.
11:53The Seattle office had a serious problem.
11:55He had to fly out for a few days.
11:57Killian 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.
12:05He had on gold-rimmed glasses today.
12:08Cold professional.
12:09A 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. It's on my way.
12:23I started to say no. He cut me off.
12:25Jackson's gone. I'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.
12:36I 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.
12:45He took off his glasses.
12:47His eyes were dark.
12:48Focused.
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.
13:00No, it's okay.
13:02Jackson already took care of it.
13:07Killian's face didn't change.
13:10The air in the car got thick.
13:13Take it.
13:14My eyes filled up.
13:16I really can't.
13:18Jackson's already upset about what happened.
13:21He'll lose it if he sees this.
13:22Killian watched me and slowly put it down.
13:24You really care about him that much?
13:26He's my first real boyfriend.
13:28He's good to me.
13:29I love him.
13:31Killian gave a short, dry laugh.
13:33He 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?
13:54Killian didn't answer.
13:55He took my hand and pressed the tube into it.
13:58His thumb dragged across the back of my hand.
14:00I 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.
14:08Miss you.
14:09You back in ten days?
14:10Probably.
14:11I'll wrap it up as fast as I can.
14:14Okay.
14:14I'll be here.
14:15The next ten 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.
14:34He 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.
14:45After showering, I curled up on the leather sofa.
14:49I fell asleep with my phone in my hand.
14:52The 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.
15:01It 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.
15:14Killian 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.
15:27Killian'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.
15:35I pressed my face into his neck.
15:37You're hurting me again.
15:38The marks from before barely faded.
15:41Don't be so rough this time, Jackson.
15:43What did you just call me?
15:44Killian grabbed my chin.
15:46His grip was iron.
15:47He tilted my face up to his.
15:48His hot breath hit my face.
15:50He kissed me fiercely.
15:51He held back at first.
15:53Then it turned rough.
15:54You missed 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.
16:07My breath was cut short.
16:08He 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.
16:16Ava, one last time.
16:18What's my name?
16:19I sobbed and gave up.
16:20Daddy, daddy.
16:21Killian 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.
16:29He kissed me until I stopped fighting it.
16:32All I could do was nod.
16:33His kisses finally went soft.
16:35I 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.
16:42Killian 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.
16:54Yes.
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.
17:06Understood?
17:08I gave a small laugh.
17:10What is your problem tonight?
17:11Of 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.
17:20He released my hands.
17:22He covered my eyes with his hand.
17:23Ava, 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?
17:38Killian gave all the staff extended time off.
17:41He moved into every corner of my days.
17:43We spent the days together.
17:44He used me until I was exhausted at night.
17:47On the third night, he took me down to the Hudson.
17:49We ate at a seafood place on the pier.
17:51I had too much of the fruit wine.
17:53It hit me hard on the way back.
17:55I could barely walk.
17:56Killian 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.
18:10His family had money.
18:12He loved showing it off.
18:14I ignored him, so we kept at it.
18:17I was too busy to bother.
18:19Until we fought.
18:21He shoved me.
18:22I hit a marble planter.
18:23There was blood everywhere.
18:25I started laughing, but I bit back.
18:27Got 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.
18:58Ava.
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.
19:07The night Jackson officially came back Sterling House.
19:11Killen arranged a formal dinner.
19:12I stood by the window watching at Kellan.
19:15Killen.
19:15Jax has been back for days.
19:17Why the dinner now?
19:20Killen stood in the dark corner of the room.
19:22His stare made my skin crawl.
19:25I pulled back.
19:26I could feel Killen's eyes on my back the entire time.
19:29At dinner, Jackson was in a foul mood.
19:32He was on his third glass of bourbon.
19:34I softly put my hand over his glass.
19:37Daddy.
19:38Stop drinking.
19:39It'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.
19:53His 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!
20:18You made me do it!
20:19That's a lie!
20:20I never said that!
20:22You said it yourself!
20:23You 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.
20:35Don'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.
20:51Does 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.
21:00He 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.
21:14Getting one last taste of whatever this was.
21:17But 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.
21:31Twin 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!
21:51You never go near women!
21:53Jackson's voice cracked with panic.
21:55I thought she'd be too much for you!
21:57Jackson could never admit the truth.
22:00The bet was a jab.
22:02A way to insult Killian.
22:04He 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.
22:15So 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?
22:27Did 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.
22:36But 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.
22:50He felt a rage he couldn't name.
22:53He'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.
23:05He'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.
23:25His 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.
23:41You 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?
23:59You 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.
24:21Say it, Jackson.
24:23You were already bored of her.
24:25You lost her because you'd already moved on.
24:27There's some model waiting for you in a hotel room right now.
24:30Jackson, be honest.
24:32Isn't that exactly right?
24:34Jackson's jaw went tight.
24:36He had nothing to say.
24:38Killen 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.
24:54He was calculated.
24:56He'd put the family's business at risk for Ava.
24:58And if I did, if you had any real ability, people couldn't push you around like this.
25:04Killen 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?
25:11Why do you always have to come out on top?
25:13You have everything.
25:15London, the engagement, the whole picture.
25:17Why do you have to take Ava too?
25:19Killen 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.
25:28I never wanted any of your garbage.
25:31So then what is Ava to you?
25:33The 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.
26:06Tears rolled down my face.
26:08In this game, guilt is worth more than diamonds.
26:12I needed to drive it in deep.
26:14Jackson Sterling.
26:15I 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.
26:24Ava, I can fix this.
26:26I swear I can-
26:27You were my first love.
26:29I backed up with every word.
26:31My eyes were empty.
26:33If you don't love me, I'll go.
26:34If there's someone else's eyes, 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.
26:46And then...
26:47A 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.
27:00Jackson.
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.
27:14But this suicide act would haunt them forever.
27:17I 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.
27:38Game on.
27:41The garden, moments later.
27:43The sterling house went into complete chaos.
27:46Killen was kneeling in the dirt.
27:47This 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.
27:54His hands were shaking in the air.
27:55He wanted to hold me, but was afraid to make it worse.
27:57Ava, breathe.
27:58Look at me.
27:59Just 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.
28:07I grint my teeth.
28:09Cold sweat soaked through my back.
28:11Jackson looked hollowed out.
28:12He 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.
28:23Don'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.
28:33He tried to step forward.
28:35I turned away from him.
28:36I found that 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.
28:44I needed that guilt.
28:45Hospital 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.
28:52He pressed two fingers to his temple.
28:54His voice went sharp.
28:57Let the paramedics move you.
28:58Don't touch anything.
29:00I pushed myself up.
29:01Blood 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.
29:13Stop moving.
29:14I promise.
29:15Jackson and I will stay away from you.
29:17Both 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.
29:32His 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.
29:48I 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.
29:58The trust is set up.
29:59Your 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.
30:09The 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.
30:19Maybe 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?
30:37He 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.
31:05The 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.
31:17That's why he'd gone to that party.
31:19He 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.
31:26But 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.
31:43He 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.
32:18I 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.
32:24Killen almost shipped him off to Southeast Asia.
32:26But he kept him around.
32:27Jackson changed.
32:29He's heads down on the business now.
32:31Obsessed with it.
32:31He hasn't been with anyone else.
32:33Someone brought your name up at a party recently.
32:35Ava.
32:35The look on his face.
32:37Like someone had ripped him open.
32:38I 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.
32:52Kilton's big political engagement fell through.
32:55The heiress got engaged to someone else.
32:57Sorry, Leo.
32:58I've got class.
32:59I need to go.
33:00Ava.
33:00Is it actually over between you two?
33:02He was a mess.
33:03But there was a misunderstanding.
33:04He didn't actually do anything with that model that night.
33:07Leo, don't.
33:08Got it.
33:08Forget 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.
33:20It 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.
33:50I was saying, I'm not going to see you.
33:50I didn't feel like the pain.
33:50I just said...
33:50I was like, Oh my God.
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