I Was Never Adopted is an emotional short drama blending hidden identity, family betrayal, revenge, and shocking revelations. After growing up believing she was only an adopted child, the heroine discovers a truth that changes everything—she was never adopted at all. As long-buried secrets come to light, powerful relatives scramble to hide the past while she fights to reclaim her rightful place, expose those who deceived her, and rebuild the life that was stolen from her.
Watch the Full Episode (ENGSUB) and enjoy a compelling drama series filled with emotional twists, family conflict, redemption, and satisfying revenge.
#IWasNeverAdopted #ShortDrama #HiddenHeiress #FamilyDrama #FamilyBetrayal #RevengeDrama #HiddenIdentity #DramaSeries #ShortMovie #ShortFilm #FullEP #ENGSUB
Watch the Full Episode (ENGSUB) and enjoy a compelling drama series filled with emotional twists, family conflict, redemption, and satisfying revenge.
#IWasNeverAdopted #ShortDrama #HiddenHeiress #FamilyDrama #FamilyBetrayal #RevengeDrama #HiddenIdentity #DramaSeries #ShortMovie #ShortFilm #FullEP #ENGSUB
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Short filmTranscript
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.
00:32At the reception, my mother marched into my dressing room with tears in her eyes.
00:37Eileen!
00:38We raised you for 18 years!
00:40How 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.
00:50Her 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, their smiles freezing the instant their eyes landed
01:22on 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.
01:34I 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.
01:42Yilin!
01:44We're your parents!
01:46We've raised you for 18 years!
01:50How can you be so heartless?
01:53I 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.
02:02So 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, Eilin.
02:20It 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.
02:28I screwed the lens cap on firmly.
02:31Infuriated by my lack of response,
02:33Mom tightened her grip on my wrist.
02:35Eilin!
02:37Are you even listening?
02:3910 years!
02:41Not a single call or message!
02:45What is wrong with you?
02:47Even a pet would show more gratitude!
02:50I 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.
03:07I have work to do.
03:09She 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.
03:25Exhaustion and reproach heavy in his tone.
03:27Ely, how can you speak to your mom like that?
03:29We realize there 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, get lost, and 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, just 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,
04:03Dad tightened his hold on her arm.
04:07Dad drew a shaky breath.
04:09He forced a strained, conciliatory smile.
04:12Ely, 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.
04:34Please 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, I finally unwound.
05:10My phone vibrated.
05:12It was Kimberly Cooley, my business partner.
05:15Ellie, the final payment for today's wedding just came through.
05:19Oh, about that couple who confronted you, is everything okay?
05:23They looked really upset.
05:26It's fine, I said, keeping my voice level.
05:28They're just my adoptive parents.
05:32Kimberly paused before replying.
05:36Listen, we just got a very firm, non-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.
05:49A 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.
06:02Ten years.
06:03I had thought I'd gone far enough to escape their shadow.
06:06Yet with a single move, they could still disrupt the life I had fought so hard to build.
06:12Understood.
06:13I said, my throat tight.
06:16Send me the details.
06:17Kimberly replied softly after a pause.
06:19The wedding itinerary arrived a few minutes later.
06:24When my eyes landed on the groom's name Jeffrey Beasley, the tears I'd held back all day finally fell.
06:32Jeffrey was the boy who had been my only comfort during the darkest years of my youth.
06:37Kimberly'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.
06:46I typed back.
06:47I'm fine.
06:49Please compile the client-specific requests.
06:51We'll discuss tomorrow morning.
06:53She replied quickly.
06:55Okay.
06:56Eileen, whatever you decide, I'm with you.
06:58I put the phone down and walked to the window.
07:01The 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.
07:10Whenever I got scolded by my parents or pushed aside by Melanie Britt,
07:14I'd hide in the backyard and cry.
07:16He'd always climb over the low fence.
07:19Don't cry, Alili.
07:20Have this.
07:21He'd pull a piece of candy from his pocket like a magician.
07:24When we grow up, I'll take you away from here.
07:27We'll see the world.
07:31We'll both get into New York University.
07:34We'll always be together.
07:36Jeffrey was the only person who showed me kindness and care.
07:39He was the only one who, when the whole world made me feel worthless,
07:42would look me in the eye and say,
07:44You're good enough, Alili.
07:46You always have been.
07:48But now he was marrying Melanie.
07:50Memories, long held back, came rushing in.
07:54Until I was seven, I was the happiest child.
07:56When I was five, I got into a fight at preschool over a swing.
08:00I bit the other kid's arm, terrified 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, when mom found out, she 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.
08:21Then, when I was seven, Melanie came home.
08:26I 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, my world was never the same.
08:36My parents had kept my adoption a secret.
08:38But, afraid Melanie would feel insecure, they told her the truth.
08:42One afternoon, she stood before me.
08:44Her voice was young but cold.
08:46Eileen, did you know?
08:48You're not their real daughter.
08:50They adopted you because I was gone.
08:54They were so sad without me, so they got you to take my place.
08:57They're my mom and dad.
08:59Not yours.
09:01For a moment, I was too shocked to move.
09:03Then I ran.
09:04I had to find my parents and hear them say it wasn't true.
09:07I prayed they would hug me and say,
09:09Don'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 before he confirmed it.
09:16Ely, it's true.
09:18We adopted you because we missed Mel so much, but 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.
09:31I became quiet and cautious.
09:33I 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.
09:43I 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, she saw me as the one who had stolen her life.
09:59And my parents' attention and affection poured almost entirely into their returned biological
10:03daughter.
10:04They worried she might feel insecure and neglected.
10:07So I, the adopted daughter, naturally 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.
10:19I lived like a frightened bird.
10:21I was constantly terrified of being cast aside once more.
10:24Then, when I was 12, my worst fear came true.
10:31I 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.
10:40She 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.
10:59Give 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 what their adopted daughter complains about every day.
11:11With that, she darted out of the room.
11:14The diary was in her hand.
11:16Mel!
11:17I 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.
11:32Mom reached her first.
11:33When she saw Melanie's leg bent at an unnatural angle,
11:36she pointed a shaky finger straight at me.
11:39I 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.
12:05Eileen, how 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.
12:29His gaze was full of disappointment.
12:30Even though you're not our blood, we've never treated you poorly.
12:38But 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, she was still sobbing.
12:58Mom, I'm scared.
13:00Does Eileen hate me?
13:03Don't be afraid, sweetheart.
13:05I'm here.
13:07Mom 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.
13:16Mom 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, don't send me away!
13:31I'm sorry.
13:33I'll be good.
13:34I promise.
13:36Mel needs peace to recover.
13:37Mom looked down at me coldly.
13:39Seeing you will upset her.
13:41I won't bother her!
13:42I cried.
13:43I clutched at her legs.
13:45I can stay in the storage room.
13:47I 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.
13:59For 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.
14:14I 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, you can leave right now.
14:41I knelt on the floor.
14:42I looked at their distant looks.
14:44I finally understood what true hopelessness felt like.
14:47No matter how much I begged, they didn't want me anymore.
14:52The first night I moved into the old residence, I had a high fever.
14:56My forehead was burning.
14:57I shivered all over.
14:59I grabbed my phone and called my mom.
15:01Mom, I'm having a fever.
15:03I was so weak that my voice was hardly audible.
15:06There are fever reducers in the old house.
15:08Find them.
15:08Melanie has just undergone surgery.
15:11She needs a good rest.
15:12Knock it off.
15:13With that, mom hung up.
15:15Listening to the hang-up beeps, I 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.
15:27The 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.
15:46Sometimes, 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.
16:03Everything will be okay.
16:04He had comforted me.
16:06Eileen, 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.
16:27Melanie stood between them like a real princess, standing 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.
16:36But 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, I opened it swiftly with
16:47excitement.
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?
17:06I demanded.
17:08What's wrong with it?
17:09It's closed.
17:09Why did you change my application?
17:12Why?
17:13In a trembling voice, I snapped.
17:15Because we're your parents.
17:17Just 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.
17:33Her 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!
17:45Now, 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 when I was 12!
18:11You've neglected me for the past six years!
18:16Now, you're trying to destroy my future!
18:19What kind of parents are you?
18:21We've raised you for 18 years!
18:24Raised?
18:26It 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, don'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 seven.
19:26But 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.
19:41It was mine.
19:42Then, 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.
19:55Due 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.
20:05I wiped my tearful face.
20:07The sight of the message stung.
20:09I wondered if Melanie knew the truth.
20:10But it didn't matter.
20:12I went to the drawer.
20:13I took the DNA test report done many years ago.
20:16Since they'd invited me, I'd go to the wedding.
20:18They destroyed my life for Melanie's happiness.
20:21I'd see how happy she was.
20:25The light from the glaring chandelier on the ceiling of the hotel hall spilled on the lens
20:30of my camera.
20:31It 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.
20:54Lifting her skirt with pale hands, she stared at me in disbelief.
20:57As if I were something filthy that had barged into her life.
21:00Jeffrey stood behind her.
21:02One 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.
21:14The 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.
21:36The 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.
21:53One day, when I was 12, I had begged her on my knees not to tell on me.
21:57She had also smirked like that and said,
22:00You're unwelcome in this family anyway.
22:02Familiar footsteps came from the door.
22:05My parents walked over.
22:06Mom was in a crimson dress.
22:08She was oblivious to the fact that her pearl necklace was askew.
22:11Dad wore his tie loosely.
22:13At the sight of me, Mom stopped in her tracks.
22:16She 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.
22:37It was as if I were just an insignificant stranger.
22:41The wedding is about to begin.
22:43Knock it off!
22:44With a livid face, Melanie stared at me malevolently.
22:48She's a good photographer?
22:51She barely gets by with a camera.
22:54Mom and Dad raised you for 18 years.
22:57And you were away for 10 years.
23:00Now that you have a little money, you think you're better than us?
23:05Who bought dresses for you when you were a child?
23:08Who took you to kindergarten?
23:11Did you forget?
23:12The 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, Mom 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.
23:37He urged.
23:37There was no explanation.
23:39Neither of them defended me.
23:41Nor did they display a tinge of guilt.
23:44I looked down at my reflection in the mirror.
23:46I realized how pathetic I was.
23:4910 years had passed.
23:50And I was still expecting them to be fair.
23:53Fiona handed a cloth to me.
23:55I took it and wiped the lens slowly with it.
23:57I tried to repress the surging sadness.
24:00I'd come to work.
24:01Not to settle accounts with them, I told myself.
24:06After shooting the first section of the wedding, I 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.
24:21Beads 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.
24:29Ely, don't take what Mel said to heart.
24:33She was nervous about the wedding.
24:35Instead of taking the glass of orange juice, I took out my phone to transfer money.
24:40I'd calculated the amount countless times.
24:42$80,000.
24:44Including tuition from primary school to high school.
24:47Monthly allowances.
24:49Occasional meals the housekeeper made for me in the six years.
24:52Money couldn't buy back my youth.
24:55It couldn't make my altered application for university right.
24:58But at least, the accounts between us were even now.
25:02The notification for the successful transfer sounded particularly loud in the quiet lounge.
25:07Mom's face colored as she read the notification.
25:10Her hand shook.
25:12The juice stained her dress.
25:14But she paid no heed to it.
25:16Staring at me, she asked.
25:18Eileen, what do you mean?
25:20We raised you for 18 years!
25:24You think we're even now?
25:28What else?
25:29I put my phone back into my pocket.
25:31You raised me for 18 years, and I repaid you with $80,000.
25:37The 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.
25:56Do 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.
26:05Your dad carried you on his back for three kilometers to take you to the hospital.
26:09The first time you won a prize, I took you out to buy you a new dress.
26:13Do you forget all about this?
26:14Scenes from the past flashed across my mind like an old movie, carrying me on his back.
26:20Dad ran in the rain, but 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.
26:43I 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.
26:55Dad took her arm to support her.
26:57He looked at me.
26:58His 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!
27:12First, you left without saying goodbye!
27:15Now, you want to cut ties with them?
27:18As an adopted daughter,
27:21you should be grateful that they didn't let you starve!
27:24How dare you talk about fairness with them!
27:29What an ingrate!
27:30I turned to my parents.
27:32My 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.
27:43Dad 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.
27:58The blood drained from Mom's face.
28:00Dad clenched his fists tightly.
28:02His knuckles went pale.
28:03Mom, tell her where you adopted her.
28:06Show her the formalities.
28:08Dumbfounded,
28:09Melanie shook Mom's arm.
28:11Neither 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
28:18was shattered as 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
28:27as I fumbled the laminated DNA test report
28:30in my purse.
28:31I'd kept it for five years.
28:33I cried in bed every time I read the result.
28:36The possibility of paternity
28:38is in excess of 99.999%.
28:41I wasn't a substitute for Melanie.
28:44I 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,
28:57the 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.
29:08I continued in a flat voice.
29:10It expressed my 10 years of sadness.
29:12Then, why is the possibility of paternity
29:1499.999%?
29:16Why does the DNA test report
29:18say you're my biological parents?
29:20Melanie dashed over
29:21and snatched the report away.
29:23This can't be true.
29:24This report must be a forgery.
29:26You're using it to take everything away from me!
29:28A forgery?
29:29I looked at my parents.
29:31Ask your parents.
29:34Tears streamed down Mom's cheeks.
29:37They stained the report.
29:39Dad's face was as pale as paper.
29:41His lips were trembling.
29:43He was too emotionally overwhelmed to speak.
29:46Afraid 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
30:01into a sunroom for her.
30:02You moved my piano into the storage room.
30:05You changed my application for university
30:07to USC behind my back.
30:09When I was feverish,
30:10you couldn't be bothered to check on me.
30:12You asked me to find the medicine on my own.
30:15More and more guests gathered around us.
30:17They whispered to each other.
30:19Some 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
30:31were her biological parents.
30:33Suddenly, Mom dropped to her knees.
30:36Ely, 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,
30:49anything 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
31:00the familial affection inside me.
31:02My 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.
31:09Why did you lie to me?
31:13I'm also your daughter.
31:15Why do you only love her?
31:17Dad also knelt tearfully.
31:22Ely, I'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,
31:40but tears streamed down my face.
31:42At 12,
31:43I had to live alone in the old house.
31:46And I was too terrified to sleep!
31:49I could have been admitted to NYU,
31:51but 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
32:06by your simple apology?
32:09Nice try.
32:13Suddenly,
32:14Melanie tore the DNA test report.
32:16She tore it once.
32:17Then again,
32:18shreds of paper scattered across the floor like snow.
32:21I 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 18 years,
32:30she had been the real daughter,
32:32the cherished one.
32:32The one they sacrificed everything for and now,
32:35in 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.
32:41After a dazed moment,
32:42Jeffrey went after her.
32:43The director of the wedding ran to my dad in a fluster.
32:46Mr. Britt,
32:48the wedding...
32:50It's cancelled.
32:51Holding the camera,
32:52I said to Fiona,
32:53Put away the devices.
32:55We're done here.
32:56When I walked out of the lounge,
32:58Mom's sobs came from behind me.
32:59The guests were whispering.
33:01But I didn't look back.
33:02The years of agony were finally off my chest today.
33:05It might have.
33:05Happened to late.
33:06But at least I was no longer the adopted daughter.
33:11At the entrance to the hotel,
33:13the cold autumn wind blew in my face.
33:15It brought a sense of desolation.
33:17Fiona carried the devices for me.
33:18She walked briskly.
33:20Afraid 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.
33:31His 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.
33:38His 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.
33:51The 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.
33:57Now, the glitter in his eyes was gone.
33:59One day, in my senior year in high school,
34:01he 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,
34:20she found me one day.
34:21She told me you'd forgotten me.
34:23She said you'd gone to Los Angeles and would never come back.
34:26Jeffrey 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,
34:36but 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.
34:50I assumed he'd be waiting for me at the entrance.
34:52To my disappointment,
34:54I waited there all day.
34:55He never showed up afterward.
34:57I learned that he was already with Melanie back then.
35:01I wanted to be with you.
35:02Jeffrey's eyes reddened.
35:04They brimmed with tears.
35:07After the SET,
35:08I went to the old house to find you.
35:10Your parents told me you'd left and would never come back.
35:13I waited at the gate to the old house all night.
35:17The candy in my hand melted.
35:19Melted Dot like our terminated,
35:21long-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.
35:55He looked at me.
35:55Despair was plain in his eyes.
35:57The 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
36:02house with a melting sweet in his hand.
36:04The man who was about to marry my sister.
36:06They 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.
36:18He 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 nonstop.
36:30All calls were from my parents.
36:32I 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,
36:40your 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.
37:12She 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.
37:31You 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.
37:45Just a sense of irony after all these years.
37:47They finally learned the truth.
37:48But I stopped caring long ago.
37:50So what if I admitted it?
37:51Melanie screamed.
37:53She 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.
38:25Eileen has suffered so much over the years,
38:28and we never knew.
38:31Suffered?
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 Eileen.
38:49We owe her an apology.
38:51I didn't listen to the rest.
38:52I turned and went back to my apartment.
38:54I 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,
39:07Lella Valdez,
39:08or Melanie Britt.
39:09We will not interfere in each other's lives,
39:11nor 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 and 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.
39:55No.
39:56I 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.
40:12Three months after signing the severance agreement,
40:14I packed my bags and left Los Angeles.
40:16This city carried too many memories for me.
40:19Some good.
40:20Some 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.
40:29It bloomed with many fragrant white flowers in summer.
40:31Every morning, I took photos of the street.
40:33In the evenings, I sat on the balcony reading.
40:35Occasionally, I accepted a few photography jobs from out of town.
40:39Life was very peaceful.
40:41Kimberly would regularly send me messages about Los Angeles.
40:44Melanie 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.
40:54But 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,
41:05and Melanie cries.
41:06Their life is a complete mess.
41:08I looked at the messages.
41:10I felt nothing inside.
41:11Whether 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.
41:18Mom braiding my hair.
41:19Those warm scenes flashed through my mind like old movies,
41:21but quickly faded away.
41:25Two years later,
41:27I held a solo photography exhibition in the small town.
41:30Most of the photos on display were street.
41:31Scenes elderly people sitting at their doorsteps basking in the sun.
41:35They held palm fans.
41:37Children 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.
41:45None of the Brit family appeared in these photos.
41:47Nor was there any trace of Los Angeles.
41:49Only my life as it is now.
41:50On the day the exhibition opened,
41:52many people came.
41:53I 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.
42:02She was still wearing that dark red dress from years ago.
42:04Though it had faded from many washes.
42:06Dad leaned on a cane.
42:08His 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.
42:22I said nothing.
42:23I continued signing my name.
42:24My heart was beating a little fast.
42:26But I felt very calm inside.
42:28I 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.
42:39His 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.
42:51I took the envelope.
42:51It was thick.
42:52When my fingertips touched his hand, he quickly pulled away like a child who had done something wrong.
42:56We're leaving now.
42:58Take good care of yourself here.
43:01When it gets cold, remember to wear more clothes.
43:03Mom looked at me.
43:04Her eyes were red but not crying.
43:06Her 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, step by step, without looking back.
43:17The gallery lights were warm.
43:19I opened the envelope.
43:20I found several sheets of yellowed letter paper.
43:22The handwriting was crooked.
43:23It was Dad's writing.
43:25He wrote a lot.
43:26About the year.
43:27Melanie came back when I was 7, and how panicked they were about when I was 12 and got kicked
43:31out.
43:32How.
43:32He secretly went to the old house at night.
43:35How he saw me crying into my blanket, and how much it hurt him.
43:38About changing my college application when I was 18, and how much he regretted it, about how.
43:43Over the past 10 years, they tried to find me.
43:45And thought about me.
43:47The last line read.
43:48Ely, we're sorry.
43:50You must live well, better than us.
43:55Tears fell onto the letter.
43:56They blurred the ink.
43:58I read it again.
43:59And again, Dad's handwriting was crooked.
44:01Unsteady.
44:01The hand of an old man who had lost his fine motor skills.
44:05He wrote about the night they told Melanie I was adopted.
44:07How Mom had cried herself to sleep for 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 he 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 she 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.
44:40All these years.
44:41I 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.
44:48I put it in my bag.
44:49I walked to the window.
44:50I watched my parents' figures slowly disappear around the corner.
44:53Dad leaned heavily on his cane.
44:55Mom's arm was linked through his they.
44:57Walked like to people carrying a weight they knew they could never put down.
45:00The 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 knew I would.
45:08I knew I would.
45:09I knew I would.
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