- 3 minutes ago
Widowed by Choice
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:01I saw my husband, John Sullivan, at a bar.
00:08Three months after he'd supposedly gone missing in a skiing accident,
00:12with his arm around that so-called girl buddy,
00:15he was laughing out loud.
00:17Thank God for your idea. I almost forgot what freedom felt like.
00:22His buddies kept raising their glasses,
00:24cheering him on and asking when he'd show up.
00:27He looked down and thought for a moment.
00:30Maybe in a week. I'll show up once she's gone totally crazy looking for me.
00:35I stood in the shadows, watching him bask in his freedom.
00:41Then I called a friend who worked at the county clerk's office.
00:44I've decided to cancel John's identity record.
00:47Not looking for him anymore?
00:49She hesitated. I looked over at John,
00:53who was whispering to Nancy Sean.
00:55My eyes stung, my voice caught.
00:59He can't be found.
01:01I hung up and went back to the private room.
01:05My best friend saw my face and shoved a drink into my hand.
01:09Winnie,
01:11John's been missing for three months.
01:13There's almost no chance he's alive.
01:15You need to move on.
01:16I looked down at the colorful drink,
01:18then knocked it back.
01:19The burn hit hard and brought tears to my eyes.
01:21I blinked fast, holding back the eight.
01:23Would someone really fake their disappearance just to fool their wife?
01:26She gave me a hard stare.
01:28What the hell are you saying?
01:30Anyone who'd do that is trash.
01:31Might as well be dead.
01:33I wiped my tears and grabbed my purse from the couch.
01:38You're right.
01:39It's time I let John go.
01:40I turned and left, heading home.
01:43The house was as quiet as always.
01:46I turned on all the lights,
01:50brewed the coffee he liked,
01:52and left it on the table.
01:55Sitting on the couch,
01:57I picked up the figurines of us on the table.
02:05Back then,
02:06John leaned against me,
02:08smiling as he pointed at them.
02:12When I'm not around,
02:14let these two keep you company.
02:17His irritated tone echoed in my head.
02:19Winnie used to be sweet and gentle.
02:22But after we got married,
02:23I don't know what happened.
02:24She got so clingy.
02:25Faking my death is kind of a lesson for her.
02:27Maybe next time she won't be so attached.
02:30Next to him,
02:31Nancy poured him another drink.
02:34See how good I am?
02:37We've been friends for years,
02:39and I never cling to you.
02:44Right.
02:45You're my best buddy.
02:47They talked like buddies,
02:48but their legs were tangled together.
02:50Just thinking about it made me sick.
02:54I tossed the figurines into the trash
02:56and grabbed my phone.
02:57I sent out a broadcast message.
02:59John passed away three months ago.
03:02The funeral is to be held next week.
03:05Almost instantly,
03:06his so-called buddies started flooding me with messages.
03:08He's not even found yet.
03:10How can you hold a funeral?
03:11Winnie Castillo?
03:12Are you insane?
03:13John's not dead.
03:14If he comes back and sees his own funeral,
03:16he'll blow up.
03:16Are you sure you want to make him mad?
03:18I ignored the first few and only replied to the last one.
03:24He's dead.
03:26What's there to be mad about?
03:29I put down my phone and
03:32started packing up John's things.
03:34The bedroom looked pretty much the same.
03:37But when I opened the closet,
03:38I froze.
03:39More than half his clothes were gone.
03:41The ones left were for the wrong season.
03:44My tears fell instantly.
03:46And I let out a bitter laugh.
03:48While I was falling apart on that mountain,
03:51John had quietly come home more than once just to take his stuff.
03:55I pulled up the home security footage and fast-forwarded through the past month.
04:02Early in the month,
04:03John walked in with his arm around Nancy.
04:07Two hours later,
04:09he left with a pile of clothes.
04:11Mid-month,
04:13he carried her in bridal style into the house.
04:15They didn't leave until the next morning.
04:18Just two nights ago,
04:19they slipped in under the cover of darkness and left yesterday at dawn.
04:24All those times,
04:25I'd been in another city.
04:27Desperately searching for him.
04:29My tears kept falling as I watched not for John.
04:31But for myself,
04:33I gave everything for someone this disgusting.
04:35He wasn't worth it.
04:37I gripped the edge of the table.
04:39Trying not to sob until I couldn't breathe.
04:42While I was losing sleep.
04:43Worrying if he was alive or dead.
04:45He was in my house.
04:47With her.
04:48Maybe even in my bed.
04:49My phone started ringing from the living room.
04:51I didn't want to answer.
04:52But whoever it was kept calling.
04:54Over and over.
04:59I took a deep breath.
05:01Then walked over.
05:09The caller ID made me pause.
05:12It was Harvey Sullivan John's uncle by title.
05:14Though they weren't blood related.
05:17I picked it up fast.
05:20What's wrong Harvey?
05:22John's not dead.
05:25Right after he sent me a video.
05:28I opened it.
05:29In the clip.
05:30John and Nancy were linking arms.
05:33Sipping wine like newlyweds.
05:35Their eyes locked like no one else existed.
05:39My breath caught.
05:40My hand shook as I whispered.
05:42Voice trembling.
05:48I know he's not dead.
05:50He was silent for a beat.
05:52Then chuckled.
05:56And you're still throwing him a funeral?
05:59Everyone told me he was dead.
06:02I believed them.
06:04So yeah.
06:07I'm giving him a funeral.
06:09Harvey Sullivan paused.
06:11Widowed, huh?
06:14I replied with a soft.
06:17Yeah.
06:19He was the first to tell me John wasn't really dead.
06:21And I owed him for that.
06:27Harvey, if you're free you can come pay respects in seven days.
06:32I will.
06:34Right after he sent me another video.
06:37Someone beside John held up a phone to show him something.
06:40He suddenly smashed his wine glass.
06:42Nancy beside him, flinched.
06:43She placed a hand on his chest, saying something to calm him down.
06:49The bar was noisy I couldn't hear.
06:51But I saw his face soften.
06:53Even Barry into her shoulder.
06:57He must have seen the broadcast message I sent and lost it.
07:01Back then.
07:02Whenever he got mad at me, he'd make me reflect all night and apologize.
07:06And only then might he forgive me.
07:09I shut my stinging eyes and saved both videos.
07:14Just as I was about to put down my phone, Nancy called.
07:23I answered.
07:25Music blared in my ear.
07:27When Z, are you holding a funeral for John?
07:31Are you out of your mind?
07:32I'm telling you, cancel it!
07:34Or you'll be dead when John gets back.
07:37I hung up mid-sentence.
07:39Grabbed a blanket.
07:41Curled up on the couch.
07:42And slept.
07:45It was the best sleep I've had in three months.
07:48The next morning, I brought my ID and canceled John's identity record.
07:54After that, I went to Nancy's place.
07:57The door stayed shut.
07:58I rang again and again until she finally opened.
08:01She stood in a thin silk robe, leaning on the doorframe, traces of intimacy running from her neck downward.
08:06Oh, it's you.
08:09What do you want?
08:11I glanced from her neck to her face and met her mocking gaze.
08:16I want you at John's funeral.
08:18You were his close friend, after all.
08:21She rolled her eyes, voice sharp.
08:24Winnie, you're his wife.
08:25He's not dead.
08:26There's no body.
08:28You're not even looking for him and you're holding a funeral?
08:31What if he's still alive?
08:33Are you cursing him to die?
08:34What kind of wife does that?
08:35I pulled out the death certificate I'd just gotten and laughed softly.
08:41Three months buried in snow.
08:43I couldn't find him.
08:44He's officially declared dead.
08:46Weren't you the ones who told me to move on?
08:50When the bad news came, I fainted on the spot.
08:55Woke up the next morning with all his so-called buddies gathered around my bed.
08:59Winnie, the place where John went missing is rough.
09:03Might be best to let go.
09:05Yeah, it's way too dangerous.
09:08Better not go.
09:10I forced myself up.
09:12Bought a ticket.
09:14Hired a rescue team.
09:17And went straight into the mountains 15 days.
09:20No sleep.
09:21Searching non-stop.
09:23Back then, I didn't notice none of those buddies had even a trace of worry in their eyes.
09:28Only amusement.
09:30Right then, a loud bang came from inside Nancy's room.
09:33Her face changed.
09:34She glared.
09:34Winnie, don't pull any stunts.
09:36John won't let you off when he's back.
09:39I ignored her.
09:39She shot me a death glare and slammed the door in my face from inside.
09:43John's muffled voice rather granted.
09:44You're dead, Winnie.
09:45You hear me?
09:47Dead!
09:49The shouting inside the room reached my ears.
09:52John must have heard his identity record was cancelled.
09:55But there was no way.
09:57I was letting him find me.
09:58He disappeared for three months.
10:00A few days of my vanishing wasn't too much to ask.
10:02I grabbed my pre-packed suitcase and asked my best friend to book a hotel under her ID.
10:08Seven days.
10:09I spent those days either buying funeral supplies or hiding in that hotel.
10:13When my best friend came to visit, she looked gleeful.
10:18Word is, someone's gone mad looking for you.
10:22About to tear all of Los Angeles apart.
10:25I glanced at the missing person ad on TV and smirked.
10:28So what if he does?
10:30If I don't want to be found, he won't find me.
10:33Didn't he say back then he'd only show up after I'd lost my mind searching?
10:38What?
10:38Can't hold back now?
10:40Serves him right!
10:42I swear, what kind of monster even does that?
10:45She kept cursing, getting more worked up.
10:48I quickly stopped her.
10:51Don't.
10:53Today's my husband's funeral.
10:56I should be grieving.
10:57I pulled out my makeup bag.
10:59Covered my flushed skin with foundation.
11:03And painted on a look of grief.
11:05After confirming with her that I looked convincingly wrecked.
11:07We headed to the venue together.
11:12On the way, I handed her a USB with the video proof that John was alive.
11:17I told her when to play it.
11:19She'd follow my signal.
11:22Only after everything was in place did I send out the funeral location to everyone.
11:29Harvey arrived first, dressed in a black suit.
11:32He walked straight up to me, took the ribbon, and pinned it on his chest.
11:37My condolences.
11:39Next came a stream of clueless relatives and friends.
11:42Their grief was real.
11:44My heart ached just watching.
11:48Then came his so-called buddies.
11:50Each one looked worse than the last.
11:52Their hands were shaking as they took the ribbons from me.
11:56Finally, one of them pulled me aside.
11:59Winnie, you have to stop this.
12:02John's not dead.
12:04He's been losing his mind looking for you.
12:07Haven't you seen the missing person ads on TV?
12:09I blinked slowly and forced out to tears.
12:12Don't comfort me.
12:14I know.
12:15Nancy posted that missing person ad.
12:17The dead don't come back.
12:19I'm done hoping he's alive.
12:22He tried to say something else, but I shot my best friend a look.
12:25She quickly pulled him to a seat.
12:30Once the place was full, I stepped up to the mic.
12:35Thank you all for coming to my late husband's funeral.
12:38Before I could finish, a scream cut through the air.
12:41Winnie!
12:42Are you insane?
12:43I told you John isn't dead!
12:45Nancy stood at the entrance, eyes sharp and hateful.
12:48Are you even really his wife?
12:50He's only been missing for three months.
12:52No body, no nothing, and you're holding a funeral?
12:55I won't allow it!
12:56I looked behind her dot, no sign of John.
12:59Even now, he wouldn't show himself.
13:02I looked down at her, voice cold.
13:05You won't allow it?
13:07Who are you to say that?
13:09You said it yourself.
13:11I'm his wife.
13:12Her eyes widened, tears welling up.
13:15How can you be so cruel?
13:18John loved you so much, and you just declared him dead like it's nothing?
13:23What if he's still alive?
13:25My eyes dropped to the mark still visible on her neck.
13:29I smiled.
13:32Even if he is, a cheating man isn't worth my time.
13:37Nancy lunged forward, grabbing my arm.
13:42You're making a mistake at Wenny!
13:46He'll come back!
13:47And when he does!
13:49I pulled my arm free and had someone pull her aside.
13:53The funeral resumed.
13:56Just as I opened my mouth to speak, a disheveled, thin man appeared at the door.
14:01He choked out.
14:05I'm not dead, honey.
14:08I'm back.
14:10John ran toward me and pulled me into a tight hug, voice shaking as he called my name.
14:16Wenny, you have no idea how much I missed you.
14:24That day I fell while skiing.
14:26Multiple fractures.
14:28Luckily, a kind stranger took me to the hospital.
14:31It took me three months to recover before I could come to see you.
14:35I didn't die.
14:38Look, I'm fine.
14:43He grabbed my hand and moved it over his body like he needed to prove he'd barely escaped death.
14:48I just watched him.
14:50Cold and silent.
14:55When he finally started to feel awkward, I laughed.
15:00Done with your acting?
15:04That kind stranger who took you to the hospital?
15:07Was it Nancy?
15:08His expression froze, little by little.
15:11He opened his mouth and gave a helpless smile.
15:14Uh, Wenny, what are you talking about?
15:17I don't get it.
15:18I stared at his fake confusion.
15:20After three months of bottled up anger and pain, I finally couldn't hold it back.
15:25I slapped him.
15:36You hid!
15:37For three months.
15:39Why stop now?
15:43Didn't you plan to show up only after I went crazy looking for you?
15:47Well, I'm not crazy yet.
15:51So why are you here?
15:54He stared at me, stunned.
15:56How do you know?
15:58I smiled.
16:01I know a lot more.
16:03Then I turned on the big screen behind me.
16:04It was meant for Liv streaming funeral services.
16:07I used it to play videos instead.
16:09A clip of him and Nancy drinking from the same glass at a bar.
16:13Footage of him sneaking into my home with her more than once, and one video taken after I left Nancy's
16:18place of him walking out with his arm around her shoulders.
16:21John stared at his face on the screen.
16:23He turned pale.
16:26How did you find out?
16:29Who told you?
16:30His gaze turned sharp, scanning every person there.
16:34Was it one of you?
16:36Trying to wreck my marriage?
16:39Everyone he looked at shook their heads.
16:41Only then did he turn back to me.
16:49Honey, I don't know who sent you those videos.
16:51They're fake.
16:55All AI generated.
16:57I love you so much.
16:59Why would I ever betray you?
17:00As he spoke, he pulled out a snowflake-shaped necklace.
17:04Look, I even remembered to bring you a gift.
17:06I stared at the necklace without a word.
17:09My friend beside me pulled up the bar footage again,
17:11zoomed in on Nancy's neck, and projected it on the screen.
17:14She had the same snowflake necklace, identical.
17:17John's face darkened immediately.
17:19I let out a cold laugh.
17:21Still lying?
17:23Even now?
17:24I saw those videos myself.
17:26Some of them I filmed with my own hands.
17:31John, are you happy with how this turned out?
17:34He kept trying the same excuse.
17:37Nancy and I are just close friends.
17:39I nodded casually.
17:40Yeah.
17:44The type of close friends you sleep with.
17:47Low maintenance, no drama.
17:50The funeral guests were frozen in shock, after all.
17:53It's not every day you watch someone come back from the dead and get exposed for cheating.
18:00John's expression finally broke, rage written all over his face.
18:03Wenny, you knew I was alive and still deregistrated my identity record and filed for a death certificate.
18:11You did it on purpose, didn't you?
18:14Yes, I wasn't phased about being exposed.
18:17I wanted him to pay.
18:18If you want to restore your legal identity, you'll need me to do it, so I'll give you two options.
18:25I held out a divorce agreement.
18:30Sign this, and you can have your life back.
18:33Don't sign, and you'll stay a ghost in the system.
18:37His chest rose and fell with fury.
18:41He snatched the agreement, flipped to the section on asset division, and then threw it to the floor.
18:48Why the hell should I leave with nothing?
18:52John's face turned red, his eyes bloodshot, and his expression menacing.
18:58I used to be scared when he got mad.
19:00Now, all I could think of was one phrase.
19:03All bark, no bite.
19:05No leverage at all.
19:07Yet he still wanted to take advantage.
19:10I let out a cold laugh.
19:13Because you're a ghost in the system.
19:16Because you cheated.
19:20He stared at me, then suddenly chuckled.
19:23When did I cheat?
19:24I just spent the night with a buddy.
19:26We didn't do anything!
19:28Our eyes locked.
19:30I clearly saw the smugness in him.
19:32Wenny, if I were you, I'd be throwing myself into my husband's arms,
19:37apologizing, and swearing it was a one-time mistake.
19:40You do that, and I'll forgive you.
19:42I'll stay away from Nancy.
19:45I pressed my lips together, silent.
19:47His shamelessness stunned me.
19:50The truth was, I didn't have solid proof.
19:54Even if I erased his identity record,
19:56he'd still find ways to cling to me.
19:59Just as I was about to speak,
20:02someone stepped in front of me.
20:11Proof of cheating?
20:12Does this count?
20:15Harvey pulled out his finined plate of video John and Nancy kissing in a booth.
20:21He smirked.
20:25Kiss like that, and you're still just close friends?
20:31Nancy screamed.
20:33Who are you?
20:35What gives you the right to record us?
20:38John went pale.
20:39The arrogance vanished, replaced by a fawning smile.
20:42He grabbed Nancy and covered her mouth.
20:47Uncle Harvey, you're here too?
20:49I'm fine.
20:50Sorry you had to make the trip.
20:53I know you're fine.
20:55I was the one who told Wenny you weren't dead.
20:58John's face twisted, but he still forced a smile.
21:03Really?
21:05I messed up and scared Wenny.
21:07I'm here today to apologize.
21:09This won't happen again.
21:10Harvey's expression didn't change.
21:12He bent down, picked up the divorce papers,
21:15pulled out a pen,
21:16and handed both to John.
21:20Sign it.
21:21John blinked.
21:24Uncle Harvey?
21:26We're not blood-related.
21:28Don't call me that.
21:30Sign it.
21:31Otherwise, the Sullivan family won't help you.
21:34That hit him.
21:35Panic flashed across his face.
21:36He didn't argue about property anymore,
21:38and just signed the last page as fast as he could.
21:43I breathed out, grabbed the papers,
21:45and stuffed them into my bag.
21:47I was about to say thank you when I met Harvey's gaze.
21:51Wenny.
21:53I'll with you restore his identity record.
21:56Then I will get the divorce certificate.
21:58I blinked, surprised, and almost said no.
22:05Don't rush to decline.
22:08What if he refuses again when I'm not there?
22:10I thought for a moment.
22:13All right.
22:15Then I saw off the guests.
22:17Nancy refused to leave,
22:19insisting on staying with John.
22:21I didn't care.
22:25I got in Harvey's car and went to the county clerk's office.
22:31The staff there smiled when they saw me.
22:33Here today?
22:34I found John.
22:35I'm here to restore his record.
22:36I knew you'd find him.
22:38Congrats.
22:39I nodded and said nothing more.
22:41As we were leaving,
22:42John called out to me.
22:44Wenny.
22:45I really do love you.
22:47That day at Nancy's place,
22:49I was drunk.
22:50I thought she was you.
22:52I turned my head,
22:53my voice cold.
22:55Cut the crap.
22:59After getting the divorce certificate,
23:01I walked to the curb to hail a cab.
23:05Harvey pulled up in front of me.
23:08Where to?
23:08I'll give you a ride.
23:10I looked at him,
23:11hinting at something.
23:12Mr. Sullivan,
23:13I'm already divorced from John.
23:15So?
23:15So we were never really connected.
23:17No reason to start now.
23:19He hooked a finger,
23:20pulling down the sunglasses on his nose,
23:22revealing a pair of half-squinted,
23:24charming eyes.
23:25He had that charming kind of face eyes
23:27slightly upturned,
23:28narrowed just enough to make it feel like
23:29he had everything under control.
23:31Miss Castillo,
23:32I helped you get divorced.
23:34Kinda cold to cut me off like this, no?
23:36I kept a wary look in my eyes.
23:38He shrugged and changed his tone.
23:40Miss Castillo,
23:41let's talk business.
23:43Now that the company's all yours,
23:44I can finally work with peace of mind.
23:47I hesitated.
23:48The Sullivan Group was a giant,
23:49partnering.
23:50With him could only benefit me,
23:52but did I really want to get involved
23:53with another Sullivan man?
23:58I opened the car door
23:59and got into the passenger seat.
24:03Why is it you can only trust me
24:04with the company now?
24:05Harvey glanced at me
24:06and gave a short laugh.
24:07I know exactly what that adopted
24:08nephew of mine is worth.
24:10He can make small money.
24:12But big money?
24:14He didn't finish,
24:15but I got it,
24:16all those years building
24:17the company with John.
24:18His biggest asset was the surname
24:20that people were wary of
24:21most of the time.
24:22He just played CEO
24:23while fooling around.
24:24The real deals,
24:25the ones that kept the company alive
24:26were all mine.
24:29The contract's on my lap.
24:34Take a look.
24:36My eyes dropped to the papers
24:38resting near his thigh.
24:40I hesitated.
24:42Mr. Sullivan,
24:43can you hand it to me?
24:46I'm driving.
24:47Can't take my hands off the wheel.
24:48I coughed awkwardly,
24:49reached over,
24:50pinched the corner of the contract
24:52between my thumb and finger,
24:53and quickly pulled it over to my side.
24:56Everything in the contract was fair,
24:57but for someone like Harvey,
24:59fairness meant he was losing out.
25:03I closed the folder.
25:05Mr. Sullivan,
25:06let's cut the crap.
25:08You're offering generous terms?
25:12What exactly do you want from me?
25:15He kept his eyes on the road,
25:17tone steady.
25:20I want you to lead the project yourself.
25:22I was surprised,
25:23but nodded.
25:25Of course.
25:27With a deal this big,
25:29I'd handle it personally anyway.
25:31As soon as I finished speaking,
25:33he handed me a pen.
25:34I remembered how he just made me
25:36grab the contract myself
25:37and rolled my eyes internally.
25:39Still,
25:40I took the pen and signed cleanly.
25:47To celebrate our new partnership,
25:49how about dinner?
25:51I didn't say no.
25:52We were working together,
25:54now no point refusing.
25:56He pulled up to a Cajun restaurant.
25:59I paused when I saw the name.
26:02Harvey stood behind me.
26:05Why are you spacing out?
26:07Don't you love Cajun food?
26:10I haven't had it in four years.
26:15For years with John,
26:16he couldn't eat spicy food,
26:17so I never stepped into a Cajun restaurant.
26:22Harvey tugged on my hoodie's drawstring
26:24and chuckled.
26:25Then tonight,
26:26we celebrate your divorce.
26:28You're having Cajun food.
26:30I laughed too
26:31and ordered enough food
26:32to cover the whole table
26:33over dinner.
26:35We went over some details
26:36of the partnership.
26:37Everything felt easy,
26:38even pleasant.
26:40By the time we finished,
26:42it was completely dark.
26:44Harvey insisted on driving me home.
26:47But just as we arrived,
26:50I saw an unexpected figure
26:51at my doorstep.
26:54John was sitting there,
26:56shivering in the cold.
26:57His eyes lit up
26:58when he saw me.
27:01Wenny!
27:02You're back!
27:04I raised a brow,
27:06not sure what game
27:06he was playing.
27:08John,
27:08what are you doing
27:09at my door?
27:09He jogged over
27:10and grabbed my hand,
27:11his icy fingers
27:12rubbing my palm.
27:14Aren't you cold?
27:15It's freezing today
27:16and you didn't even
27:17dress warmer.
27:18Do you know how much
27:19that worries me?
27:20My stomach turned.
27:21I nearly threw up
27:23all that meal
27:23because of him.
27:27I yanked my hand back.
27:29What are you doing?
27:32His eyes went red.
27:34I'm just worried about you.
27:36You love looking good
27:36so you always wear less
27:38in winter.
27:38I don't want you to get sick.
27:40Wenny,
27:40what you do without me.
27:42At least that I can
27:43bring you a jacket
27:44and run your shows.
27:45Without me,
27:45then will you take
27:46care of yourself?
27:47Let's get back together,
27:48okay?
27:48I really love you.
27:49I looked into his eyes.
27:51There was real emotion there
27:52and it was true
27:53he used to treat me
27:54with care.
27:55He'd bring me an umbrella
27:56when it rained
27:57and a coat
27:57when it snowed.
27:58I used to believe
27:59what we had was
28:00irreplaceable
28:01that we were
28:01the perfect love story.
28:04But that same man
28:05called me clingy,
28:06disappeared just to avoid me
28:08and even cheated.
28:12Why should I?
28:13I stared coldly at him.
28:16I dress lightly
28:16because I go straight
28:17from the car to the office.
28:19I don't even feel the wind.
28:21I stepped closer,
28:22my voice dropping.
28:23John,
28:24why is it that
28:24when you want to be good to me,
28:25you are,
28:26and when you want to disappear,
28:27you do?
28:28And now you want me
28:29to remarry you
28:29just because you said so?
28:31I shook my head.
28:32I loved you
28:33because you treated me well.
28:34You made me think
28:35you were gentle
28:36and worth loving.
28:37But then I realized,
28:39you're not.
28:39My voice hardened.
28:41You're just a selfish liar
28:42who does whatever it takes
28:43to get what he wants.
28:44You vanished for three months
28:46for your own reasons,
28:47kept the people
28:48who cared about you
28:48in the dark,
28:49and watched them suffer
28:50without even a hint of guilt.
28:51And you think that's love?
28:53That's just pathetic.
28:55John stared at me,
28:56shaking.
28:56He wanted to deny it,
28:58but couldn't say a word.
29:00Anything else?
29:03If not, move.
29:04I want to go inside.
29:09He stood there, silent.
29:11He didn't even budge.
29:13I sighed, annoyed,
29:15and reached out
29:16to push him aside.
29:18But he suddenly
29:19pulled me into his arms.
29:20Wendy, I really messed up.
29:22There's nothing going on
29:23between me and Nancy.
29:24I was drunk that night.
29:26It was just a mistake
29:27the kind all men make.
29:28I'll stay away from her, please.
29:29Just give me another chance.
29:32He held me tight.
29:33No matter how hard
29:34I struggled.
29:38Until someone yanked me away
29:39and into another embrace,
29:41I looked up
29:41and saw Harvey's
29:42sharp jawline.
29:45His voice came
29:46from above me.
29:48John, I told you
29:49that if you show up
29:50harassing Wensi again,
29:51the Sullivan family
29:52will no longer help you.
29:54John instantly
29:55let go of my hand.
29:58Uncle Harvey,
30:00this is between
30:01my wife and me.
30:01I actually laughed.
30:03Between the two of us?
30:05At John,
30:06who told you
30:07to fake your disappearance?
30:08Don't tell me
30:09that was your own idea.
30:10You're not that smart.
30:11All you ever do
30:12is get played by Nancy.
30:13I stepped back,
30:14crossing my arms.
30:15She takes you out
30:16and you say
30:17she's a close friend?
30:18You drink together,
30:20close friend.
30:20You lie to me together,
30:22still just a close friend?
30:23Even when you sleep together,
30:25is she your close friend?
30:26Tell me,
30:27do all close friends do that?
30:28What?
30:31Disgust flickered
30:31across his face.
30:33He messed up
30:33but wouldn't even.
30:35Apologized,
30:35just kept making excuses.
30:37That only made me
30:38hate him more.
30:39Harvey shoved
30:40the frozen in place
30:41John aside
30:42and nudged me
30:42toward the door.
30:43Go rest.
30:44I'll handle him.
30:46I nodded,
30:47went inside,
30:48slammed the door
30:48and went straight
30:49to my room.
30:52I had no idea
30:54what Harvey and John
30:54talked about that night.
30:56But after that,
30:58I didn't see John
30:58for a long time.
31:01Lately,
31:02I threw myself
31:03completely into work.
31:04I was either calling
31:05or meeting with Harvey
31:06almost every day.
31:07The frequent meetings
31:08gradually erased
31:10the awkwardness
31:10between us.
31:12We could even chat
31:13casually like normal
31:14friends sometimes.
31:17Harvey,
31:18what did you say
31:18to John that night?
31:20He hasn't shown up since.
31:23Harvey glanced at me,
31:25pulled out his phone,
31:26and swiped through
31:27some photos.
31:28All of them
31:29were John and Nancy.
31:31Once he knew
31:31you weren't gonna forgive him,
31:33he dove straight
31:33into his close friend's arms.
31:40I casually flipped
31:41through the PICS.
31:43Then suddenly I froze.
31:46There was a photo
31:47of me from college.
31:53What's this?
31:54Why do you have
31:55a photo of me?
31:56The angle
31:57kinda looks like
31:58it was taken secretly.
31:59Harvey stiffened
31:59and snatched the phone back.
32:03You saw it wrong.
32:04I blinked
32:05and gave him a knowing.
32:06Oh,
32:06if I saw it wrong,
32:07then forget it.
32:08I was just about to ask
32:09if you wanted to date me,
32:10but I guess
32:11I was overthinking.
32:19You didn't see it wrong.
32:20Harvey pulled the photo
32:21back up
32:22and handed me the phone.
32:24You didn't see it wrong.
32:25I did take it secretly.
32:27I was at your college
32:28giving a talk.
32:30I saw you
32:31and snapped a photo, Ren.
32:32He looked at me,
32:33and for the first time,
32:34the feelings in his eyes
32:35weren't hidden.
32:37Everything was clear
32:38without needing to be said.
32:39But I married John.
32:40Isn't that a problem?
32:43Harvey's face turned serious.
32:44He scooted a bit closer.
32:45It's not a problem.
32:47John was just
32:47my brother's adopted son.
32:49When he became an adult,
32:50he screwed up badly
32:51and got kicked out
32:52of the family.
32:53I only helped him
32:54finish college
32:55out of respect for the dead.
32:56I nodded,
32:57reached out,
32:57and took his hand.
33:01Three-month trial.
33:02Whether you pass
33:03depends on your performance.
33:04Harvey nodded quickly.
33:06We're done with work
33:07for the day.
33:08How about Cajun food?
33:09Maybe it was because
33:10I hadn't had it
33:11for four years.
33:12But now I was hooked
33:13every two or three days.
33:14I had to have it.
33:15If not,
33:16I'd feel off.
33:20Harvey had eaten it
33:21with me countless times,
33:22but he never got sick of it.
33:25Harvey had eaten it
33:25every time he'd find
33:26a new place for us to try.
33:28Today was no different.
33:30I found another good one.
33:34Let's go.
33:36But just as we stepped
33:38out of the office,
33:39a figure suddenly dropped
33:40to her knees in front of me.
33:41Winnie, please!
33:42Go find John!
33:43He's been missing
33:44for three days!
33:45I can't find him anywhere!
33:48Nancy's eyes were bloodshot.
33:49She kept kneeling,
33:51begging me to help find John.
33:53I frowned and quickly
33:54stepped aside.
33:55Nancy, get up.
33:57Just tell me.
33:58What happened to John?
34:00She looked worn down,
34:01completely lost.
34:02He insisted on going skiing.
34:04I couldn't talk him out of it,
34:05so I went with him.
34:06But he disappeared again,
34:07in the same place
34:08he faked it last time.
34:09I've searched for three days
34:11and still can't find him.
34:12I've run out of money.
34:13Please, help me find him!
34:15I pressed my lips together.
34:17Nancy, did it ever occur to you
34:18that maybe he's faking it again?
34:21She shook her head hard,
34:22voice full of certainty.
34:25No!
34:26John would never lie to me!
34:28I sighed and let go
34:29of Harvey's hand.
34:35I've been to that place
34:36a few times.
34:37I'll go with Nancy to check.
34:39Harvey's gaze darkened.
34:40He stared at me.
34:42You still can't let him go?
34:44Of course not.
34:46Then I leaned close to his ear
34:48and whispered,
34:48I'm sure he's faking it again.
34:50If you've got time,
34:51come with me.
34:53Harvey didn't hesitate.
34:55He bought three plane tickets
34:56on the spot.
34:59I'll go with you.
35:01I contacted the search
35:03and rescue team again.
35:04The brothers
35:05of the rescue team
35:06had already met me
35:07inside in unison
35:08when they saw me.
35:10Mrs. Castillo,
35:12they said they couldn't
35:13find anyone.
35:14It's been such a long time
35:15they definitely won't find them.
35:17I casually nodded.
35:20Just go through the motions.
35:21The person is not really missing.
35:23Just look around casually.
35:25I will still pay.
35:28The search team
35:29looked for three days.
35:31But they didn't even find
35:32a single hair of John's.
35:37Nancy was on the verge
35:39of a breakdown,
35:40crying almost every day.
35:43I looked at her.
35:44Without a trace of sympathy,
35:46it was because of her idea
35:47that I cried for three months
35:48and felt completely hopeless.
35:49Is it her turn now?
35:51Can she not handle it
35:52after just a few days?
35:55On the fourth night,
35:57John suddenly appeared.
35:58He rushed up and hugged me.
35:59His voice choked up.
36:07Winnie!
36:07I knew you still loved me!
36:15He gripped my arms,
36:17eyes desperate.
36:18Otherwise,
36:19it would have been impossible
36:20to hear that I had gone missing
36:21and come running from far away
36:22to look for me
36:23three days and three nights.
36:24I really knew I was wrong!
36:26Then his voice dropped
36:27to a whisper.
36:28It was Nancy's bad idea
36:29in the first place,
36:30and now I've made sure
36:31she can't find me either.
36:32You shouldn't have come.
36:33Then I could have hidden
36:34for a little longer,
36:35let her truly feel the pain
36:36you caused in the beginning.
36:37He pulled me tighter.
36:41But now that you're here,
36:43I'm even happier.
36:44He had just finished speaking
36:46when he was forcefully
36:46pulled down by Harvey.
36:51John!
36:52Stay away from my girlfriend!
36:54John lay on the ground,
36:55watching Harvey carry me
36:56into his arms,
36:57his eyes filled with rage.
36:58What about your girlfriend?
37:00Winnie is my wife!
37:02Uncle Harvey!
37:04You are my uncle!
37:06Harvey looked down on him
37:07and sneered coldly.
37:08Did you forget?
37:10You were just the Sullivan family's
37:12foster child who was kicked out.
37:14John got up and rushed over
37:16swinging his fists.
37:18I opened my arms to shield Harvey,
37:20who was so scared
37:21that his face turned pale.
37:22Winnie!
37:23Who told you to stand
37:25in front of me?
37:26Are you crazy?
37:27I put on a pleasing expression
37:28to Harvey's angry face.
37:30You can criticize me later,
37:31I'll deal with John first.
37:33Harvey forcibly suppressed
37:34his anger.
37:37I looked towards the corner
37:39and said,
37:40Come out!
37:41Nancy walked out with tears
37:42streaming down her face.
37:43She stared at John,
37:44the love in her eyes
37:45completely gone.
37:46I said coldly,
37:47John,
37:48do you find it amusing
37:50to toy with the people
37:51who care about you
37:52time and time again?
37:53Are you happy watching us
37:54break down time after time?
37:56If Nancy hadn't begged me,
37:58even if you really died,
38:00I wouldn't have looked back.
38:01John's face was full of pain
38:02as he looked at me,
38:03his lips trembling.
38:04Did she go to beg you
38:05so you didn't come this time
38:06because you were worried
38:07about me?
38:08His voice rose, cracking.
38:10You came because
38:11such a despicable woman
38:12begged you?
38:13I heard his words.
38:14Anger surged with him
38:15and suddenly I slapped him.
38:17You are such a scumbag.
38:19No matter how bad Nancy was,
38:21she truly loved you.
38:22Why would you have
38:22to slander her like this?
38:24I looked at Nancy and said,
38:25You two handle
38:26your own affairs from now on.
38:28Don't show up
38:29in front of me again.
38:30I get annoyed
38:31every time I see you.
38:34After saying that,
38:35I took Harvey back
38:36to the hotel.
38:38On the way,
38:39Harvey launched
38:40a harsh criticism
38:41against me
38:41for blocking him
38:42in front of him
38:42and ended with me
38:44admitting my mistake.
38:49Weeks turned into months.
38:52Harvey and I grew closer
38:53with every passing day.
38:58Proposed to me
38:59on our one-year
39:00anniversary of dating
39:02and then immediately
39:03began tirelessly
39:04preparing for the wedding.
39:09Everything was done
39:10by him personally.
39:12I had no idea
39:13and only found out
39:14that I was getting married
39:15when it came time
39:16to try on wedding dresses.
39:20At the wedding,
39:21Harvey invited
39:22John and Nancy.
39:25That moment,
39:26I finally knew
39:27what had happened
39:27after they two
39:28were left facing each other
39:29on the snowy mountain,
39:30out of love turned to hate.
39:32Nancy confronted John
39:33and,
39:33in a fit of anger
39:34and shame,
39:35pushed him off the cliff.
39:37This time,
39:38John really ended up
39:39just like he had lied about,
39:40breaking several bones
39:41and needing to use
39:42a wheelchair
39:42for the rest of his life.
39:44While Nancy took care of John,
39:46John was getting thinner
39:47and more haggard
39:48day by day.
39:49These two people
39:49tortured each other
39:50for a lifetime.
39:52Gaze lingered
39:53on John's legs
39:54and Harvey forcefully
39:55turned my face
39:56and kissed me hard
39:57on the lips.
39:59What are you looking at?
40:01I'm getting jealous.
40:05I smiled,
40:07squinting my eyes
40:08and kissed him back.
40:11Don't be jealous.
40:12You are in my eyes
40:13and in my heart.
40:14and in my heart.
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