The Single Mom Returned... And the CEO Lost Control is an emotional short drama filled with romance, second chances, family secrets, and unforgettable love. Years after disappearing with her child, a determined single mother returns stronger than ever. But when the powerful CEO sees her again, the emotions he buried come rushing back, forcing him to confront his greatest regret.
Enjoy the Full Movie featuring billionaire romance, hidden truths, unexpected reunions, and heartwarming family moments in this captivating modern love story.
#TheSingleMomReturnedAndTheCEOLostControl #SingleMom #CEO #BillionaireRomance #SecondChanceLove #RomanceDrama #ShortDrama #DramaSeries #FullMovie #FullEpisode #ModernRomance #FamilyDrama #LoveStory #CEODrama #EnglishDrama #ShortFilm #ShortMovie
Enjoy the Full Movie featuring billionaire romance, hidden truths, unexpected reunions, and heartwarming family moments in this captivating modern love story.
#TheSingleMomReturnedAndTheCEOLostControl #SingleMom #CEO #BillionaireRomance #SecondChanceLove #RomanceDrama #ShortDrama #DramaSeries #FullMovie #FullEpisode #ModernRomance #FamilyDrama #LoveStory #CEODrama #EnglishDrama #ShortFilm #ShortMovie
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00My sister married the man I'd secretly loved for years.
00:03But on her wedding night, the one sent into his room wasn't her, it was me.
00:08Do what I say, or your mom won't make it out alive.
00:12All because she wasn't a virgin.
00:14She had messed around in high school, gotten pregnant, had an abortion.
00:18And she wasn't worried I'd spill the truth because I'm mute?
00:21What she didn't know was that I was only pretending to be mute.
00:24And what I didn't expect was that just one night would leave me pregnant with his twins.
00:29My sister married the man I'd secretly loved for years, a powerful big shot from Hollywood.
00:34But on her wedding night, the one sent into his room wasn't her, it was me.
00:38All because my sister messed around with some thug back in high school,
00:42got pregnant, and had an abortion.
00:45She wasn't a virgin.
00:46And she wasn't worried I'd spill the truth because I'm mute.
00:49What she didn't know was that I was only pretending to be mute.
00:53And what I didn't expect was that just one night would leave me pregnant with his twins.
00:59Do what I say, or your mom won't make it out alive.
01:02My sister, Leora Corbin, shoved me into the walk-in closet.
01:07Today was her wedding day with Raymond Merrick.
01:09I'm here to support her as part of her family on her wedding day.
01:13She was still in her custom-made designer gown, looking as stunning as ever,
01:17even with that vicious expression twisting her face.
01:20She pulled out a sharp fruit knife.
01:23The blade pressed against my cheek.
01:25I widened my eyes and pretended to be too scared to make a sound.
01:31Leora gave a sly smile.
01:33Tonight, you'll keep Roman company for me.
01:36If you impress me, there'll be good things coming your way.
01:41She'd been obsessed with Raymond for years but was willing to send me into his bed.
01:45Just because she is not a virgin.
01:47Back in high school, she'd been messing around with the school delinquent,
01:51smoking, drinking, sneaking out wild stuff.
01:54When it all came out, her mom pulled strings and got the guy thrown in jail to keep things quiet.
02:00Now, to avoid being disliked by Raymond,
02:03Leora had carefully chosen me to be her bridesmaid.
02:06I'm her half-sister.
02:07We share the same father.
02:09We look alike similar build,
02:11similar features maybe 60-70% alike.
02:14She figured she could pull this off.
02:16Switching between threats and sweet talk, she added darkly,
02:20If you screw this up,
02:22your crazy mother can kiss her life goodbye.
02:24I bit my lip and nodded with a frightened look on my face.
02:28Only then did she relax,
02:29telling me to hide in the wardrobe and wait.
02:34A few minutes later,
02:36I heard the door open in footsteps.
02:38Raymond walked in,
02:40long-legged strides full of silent authority.
02:42He wore a deep gray tailored suit,
02:45refined yet dangerous.
02:46Every step echoed with a pressure that couldn't be ignored.
02:49His sharp, chiseled features seemed as if they had been carved from stone.
02:53His sword-like brows slanted back toward his temples,
02:56and his eyes were as piercing as a hawk's,
02:59seeming to see right through everything when he narrowed them slightly.
03:03An almost chilling sense of pressure radiated from his gaze.
03:09I didn't even dare to breathe behind the closet door.
03:12Leora sat obediently on the bed.
03:14Raymond barely spared her a glance before turning to pour himself a cup of tea.
03:19She quickly walked over.
03:20Let me do it, honey.
03:22She took the cup from him,
03:24using the moment to slip some powder hidden under her nail into the tea.
03:27It was an aphrodisiac.
03:29She had someone prepare it specially.
03:31Raymond took a few sips,
03:33and soon,
03:34his face flushed, breath quickening.
03:36He turned a sharp glare on her.
03:40What did you make me drink?
03:44Leora played innocent.
03:46Huh?
03:47That was just something the housekeeper gave me.
03:49They said it'd help us get closer as a couple.
03:53I didn't know what it was.
03:55Raymond slammed the cup down, furious.
03:57She flinched.
03:58You think I'm not enough of a man already?
04:00What the hell are you playing at?
04:01Afraid I'll go easy on you?
04:03His voice was thunderous,
04:04and as the heat overtook him,
04:06he tugged at his collar,
04:08clearly struggling.
04:10Leora put on her best pitiful act.
04:12I'm sorry, honey.
04:15I was wrong.
04:16I won't do it again.
04:18Raymond didn't respond.
04:19The drug was kicking in.
04:21His eyes darkened, wild and hungry,
04:24like a beast about to devour its prey.
04:26I shrank behind the door,
04:28a chill running down my spine.
04:30Leora helped him onto the bed
04:32and turned off the lights.
04:33The room went pitch black,
04:35only his heavy breathing filling the silence.
04:37Then she yanked me out and shoved me onto him.
04:40Raymond's arms instantly wrapped around my waist.
04:43Pressed against him,
04:44I could smell the strong,
04:46masculine scent on his skin.
04:48He grabbed the back of my head and his hot,
04:50wet lips crashed into mine.
04:53I gasped,
04:54my dress was already being ripped away.
04:58Morning light leaked through the curtains.
05:01My legs were trembling as I forced myself to crawl out of bed.
05:05Raymond was still fast asleep.
05:06When I looked down,
05:08I saw dried blood on my calves' dark red stains
05:11that felt like they were slicing straight through my heart.
05:14All the strength I'd faked last night crumbled in an instant.
05:18Everything that happened was still vivid in my mind.
05:21Leora had drugged him and set him up,
05:23and Raymond was furious.
05:24He must have thought I was her.
05:28There wasn't an ounce of tenderness.
05:30No matter how hard I gritted my teeth,
05:32I couldn't stop the cries of pain from slipping out.
05:35She was the one who did all this yet,
05:37I was the one who had to suffer the consequences.
05:40I clenched my fists.
05:41Compared to my mom's life,
05:43none of this pain mattered.
05:45I blinked hard,
05:46forcing the tears back down.
05:48Gathering the clothes scattered all over the floor,
05:51I struggled to put them back on.
05:52I was shaking as I stepped out of the bedroom.
05:55The moment I did,
05:57I saw Leora lying on the couch outside.
05:59She had just woken up.
06:01She shot me a venomous glare,
06:03her voice sharp and full of spite.
06:06Get lost.
06:09I took a deep breath and forced myself to keep walking.
06:13I staggered out of the building,
06:15hailed a cab,
06:16and headed back to the Corbin's residence.
06:18As soon as I got back to my room,
06:20I rushed into the bathroom to wash myself clean.
06:23But the moment I started undracing,
06:25I realized there was something new on my wrist,
06:28a crystal bracelet.
06:29It took me a second to remember Raymond had put it on me last night
06:32after taking my virginity.
06:34I think he mentioned that it was a Merrick family heirloom,
06:37something passed down to the daughter-in-law.
06:39If Leora saw this,
06:41I'd be in deep trouble.
06:42I yanked at the bracelet as hard as I could,
06:45but maybe I was too anxious it wouldn't budge.
06:47It was stuck tight on my wrist.
06:49Sweat broke out on my forehead.
06:51In the end, I gave up.
06:53I'd just wear long sleeves to hide it
06:55and wait until I could take it off
06:56and return it to Leora without her noticing.
06:59Leora got what she wanted.
07:01Raymond never realized it wasn't she
07:03who spent the wedding night with him.
07:05She thought she was finally going to live happily ever after.
07:08But what she didn't expect was this on the very next day.
07:11Raymond got an urgent call
07:13and had to fly overseas to handle business
07:15at one of their international branches.
07:17Traveling with him was his childhood friend,
07:20Sophia Monroe.
07:23Leora went back to the Corbin's residence
07:25and couldn't help venting to her mom,
07:27Zoe Corbin.
07:29Raymond's dad wanted him to marry Sophia.
07:31Thank God I made the first move.
07:34Now that little Vixie's tagging along with him
07:36on a business trip for months.
07:39What if she seduces him while they're away?
07:41I hadn't meant to eavesdrop.
07:43I was just in the kitchen making soup
07:44to take to the rehab center for my mom.
07:47I heard Zoe sigh.
07:49The Merrick family won't register the marriage
07:51until you give them a child.
07:53That's how they're protecting their assets.
07:56If Sophia gets pregnant first, we're screwed.
07:59Leora was clearly paneled.
08:02The doctor said even if I do get pregnant,
08:05I'm likely to miss Karen.
08:07That's why I had to send Joanne in on our wedding night!
08:11Zoe snapped.
08:18Raymond's dad is deeply concerned about family lineage.
08:25My scalp tingled with unease.
08:27So it turned out Leora had wrecked her own body
08:30that's why she'd taken such a desperate gamble.
08:33Instinctively, I touched my lower abdomen,
08:36suddenly recalling that my period was late.
08:38That afternoon,
08:39I brought the soup to my mom's private room
08:42at the rehab center.
08:43She sat on the bed with her hair a tangled mess,
08:46smiling vacantly at nothing.
08:48With how vicious Leora and her mother were,
08:51if they ever found out I was carrying Raymond's child,
08:54I had no doubt they'd find some sick way
08:56to torment both me and my mom.
08:58But I knew exactly what Leora feared most.
09:01At that moment,
09:02a plan quietly formed in my mind.
09:04A few days later,
09:06I dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans,
09:08holding a bouquet I had arranged myself
09:10and went to the Merrick Group's building.
09:13I waited in the parking lot.
09:15Soon,
09:16a sleek, luxury business van
09:18pulled into the reserved space.
09:19The door opened,
09:21and a tall, handsome young man stepped out.
09:23It was Raymond's younger brother Felix Merrick.
09:26He was the one I had been waiting for.
09:28I timed it just right,
09:30circling to walk in front of him casually,
09:32as if by chance.
09:37A warm, clear voice called out from behind me.
09:41Leora?
09:42What are you doing here?
09:43I turned my head slightly dazed.
09:46My long black hair fanned out in a soft arc.
09:49Felix's expression changed the moment
09:51he saw my face,
09:52his eyes lit up with a flicker of stunned admiration.
09:55He swallowed hard and apologized quickly.
09:57Sorry, I thought you were someone else.
09:59I nodded slightly and walked straight into the building lobby
10:02with the bouquet in hand.
10:04I handed the flowers to the receptionist.
10:06Inside the bouquet was a card with my name on it.
10:09That night,
10:10after my shower,
10:12I sat at my vanity,
10:13combing my hair,
10:14when the door was suddenly kicked open.
10:17Leora stormed in,
10:18eyes blazing.
10:19She grabbed a fistful of my hair
10:21and slapped me across the face.
10:23You little bitch!
10:25You sent flowers to the office on purpose!
10:27You wanted Felix to see you!
10:29I let out a silent cry as I hit the floor.
10:32Zoe followed in behind her.
10:34What?
10:35That mute dared to flirt with Felix?
10:37Leora smacked me again and screamed wildly.
10:42Slut!
10:43Don't think I don't know what you're up to!
10:45Trying to climb your way up by seducing Felix?
10:48You think you deserve someone like him?
10:51I crawled to the vanity,
10:54grabbed my phone,
10:55and quickly typed out a message.
10:57I held the screen up for her to see.
10:59If you don't send me and my mom back to our hometown,
11:02I'll seduce Felix and bear the air first.
11:07Zoe paused.
11:09Her expression darkened
11:10as she pulled Leora out into the hallway.
11:12A few minutes later,
11:14she came back in with a fake smile plastered on her face.
11:17Well,
11:18since you're being such a dutiful daughter,
11:21I'll help make it happen.
11:23I bowed deeply in thanks.
11:26To them,
11:27I had no value left.
11:29Leora and her mother wouldn't want someone like me hanging around,
11:32stealing the spotlight.
11:33The next morning,
11:35I took my mom and left,
11:37catching a cab straight to the train station.
11:39Only when the train finally pulled away from the platform
11:41did I let myself breathe again.
11:43Holding my mom's hand,
11:45I broke into tears of joy.
11:48Mom,
11:48we've left the Corbin family!
11:50I don't have to pretend to be mute anymore,
11:52and you don't have to act insane!
11:54Years ago,
11:55my father,
11:56Derek Corbin,
11:57had pretended to be single when he chased my mother.
12:00She was kind-hearted and naive,
12:02completely unaware of the truth.
12:04When I was five,
12:05my mother got pregnant with my younger brother.
12:09But one day,
12:10on her way to work,
12:11she was hit by a motorcycle and lost the baby.
12:15It was no accident Zoe had hired the driver.
12:20My father wanted to divorce Zoe,
12:22but in the end,
12:23my grandfather stepped in to mediate.
12:26He allowed me to be acknowledged as part of the Corbin family,
12:29but my mother was never allowed through the door.
12:32While my mom was hospitalized,
12:34Zoe tortured her both openly and in secret.
12:37To survive,
12:38my mother had to feign madness and play dumb just to protect both me and her.
12:42When I was 10,
12:43I won first place in a singing contest.
12:46Leora only came in second.
12:48That night,
12:49I drank the soup Zoe had made for me and woke up with a raging fever.
12:53My throat felt like razor blades had slashed it.
12:56The doctor said my throat lining had been severely damaged
12:59and that it might affect my voice permanently.
13:02Zoe denied everything.
13:03My dad was so furious he slapped her,
13:06but it was no use.
13:07Though I could still speak,
13:08my voice was never the same again.
13:11The sweetness it once had was gone.
13:13When my mother found out,
13:15she held me and cried uncontrollably.
13:20My mother warned me,
13:22if I wanted to survive in the Corbin family,
13:24I had to endure.
13:25I couldn't ever outshine Leora.
13:27So,
13:28I started pretending to be mute.
13:30I endured it for 12 long years,
13:33but I was done living under their control.
13:35I wiped away my mother's tears and said firmly,
13:39Mom,
13:40let's cut ties with the Corbin family for good.
13:42She nodded through her tears.
13:45Okay,
13:46we'll go to Chicago and stay with your aunt.
13:49I heard she opened a charity home with a friend.
13:52It's called Haven House.
13:55Four years later,
13:57in the backyard of Haven House,
13:59I was watering the garden with my daughter,
14:02Yvonne Sullivan.
14:03I wore a thin,
14:05long-sleeved shirt for sun protection.
14:07The crystal bracelet on my wrist
14:08gleamed faintly beneath the sleeve.
14:10Over the years,
14:11my wrist had filled out slightly
14:13and the bracelet had tightened,
14:15making it impossible to remove.
14:17I thought to myself that
14:19since I'd never have to face Raymond or Leora again,
14:21I didn't mind.
14:22My son,
14:24Cedric Sullivan,
14:25was being mischievous,
14:26chasing the cats
14:27and scattering them all over the place.
14:31I warned him.
14:33Cedric,
14:34we have guests coming to inspect the charity home today.
14:37Don't go out to the front yard,
14:38okay?
14:39Got it!
14:40Cedric scooped up a kitten with one hand
14:42and went outside,
14:43playing with it.
14:45Suddenly,
14:45there was a clatter of hurried footsteps outside.
14:48I set down what I was doing
14:50and peeked toward the door.
14:52I saw my aunt,
14:53Tanya Sullivan,
14:54and the director of Haven House
14:56walking with an elderly lady
14:57whose silver hair gleamed
14:58and whose cheeks glowed rosy red.
15:00Behind them was a large group of people.
15:03It was Raymond,
15:04his mother,
15:05Evelyn Merrick,
15:06and Leora.
15:07Raymond wore a dark gray suit
15:09over a black shirt,
15:10exuding a cold,
15:11almost ascetic aura.
15:13His sculpted face
15:14was perfectly elegant and noble
15:15as if born that way.
15:17Leading the group of high society ladies
15:19was none other than Raymond's grandmother,
15:21Regina Merrick.
15:23I was utterly flustered
15:24and didn't know what to do.
15:26Cedric gently set down the kitten
15:27and shyly bowed to the group,
15:29greeting them with a childish voice.
15:32Hello everyone,
15:34I'm Cedric.
15:35Regina studied Cedric carefully,
15:37then said softly,
15:38This child
15:39looks just like Raymond did
15:41when he was young.
15:45Evelyn and Leora
15:46both gathered around.
15:47They looked at Cedric,
15:49then turned to glance at Raymond.
15:50Raymond raised an eyebrow slightly,
15:53his expression unreadable.
15:54He walked over to Cedric,
15:56crouched down,
15:57and looked him in the eye.
15:59Evelyn exclaimed,
16:01Really?
16:02Those eyebrows
16:03and that face shape
16:04are exactly Raymond the Samans
16:06when he was child!
16:07Regina sighed regretfully.
16:08Such an adorable
16:10and smart child
16:11and yet he's an orphan?
16:12Tanya quickly explained,
16:14This child is just staying
16:15at our home temporarily
16:16with his mother.
16:17Raymond was the first
16:18to speak to Cedric.
16:19Hey kid,
16:20where's your mom?
16:21Cedric pointed toward the yard.
16:23My mom is over there.
16:26I knew I couldn't keep hiding.
16:28Raymond and Evelyn
16:29only had a brief encounter
16:30with me before,
16:31so they probably wouldn't
16:33remember someone like me.
16:34As for Leora,
16:36as long as I firmly
16:37denied everything,
16:38there was no way
16:39she could embarrass me
16:40in front of so many witnesses.
16:41I took a few steps forward
16:43and gave a slight nod
16:44to everyone gathered.
16:48Welcome to Haven House.
16:50All eyes turned to me.
16:51Raymond examined me
16:53with a complicated expression,
16:54full of hidden meaning.
16:56Leora was shocked
16:57and visibly unsettled,
16:58her mouth agape.
17:00Hearing me,
17:01a supposed mute,
17:02actually speak
17:03left her dumbfounded.
17:04Cedric called out,
17:06Mom!
17:07and threw his little arms
17:08around me.
17:09The director introduced me
17:11to the Merrick family.
17:12This is Miss Sullivan,
17:14also one of our staff
17:15here at the home.
17:16Yvonne ran over too,
17:18tugging shyly on my shirt hem
17:19and hiding behind me.
17:20Regina smiled even more warmly.
17:23Are they twins?
17:26Such lovely children.
17:27She asked Yvonne's name
17:29and Yvonne obediently answered.
17:31I politely invited.
17:33Would you all like
17:33to come inside for some tea?
17:35Regina eagerly agreed.
17:37Yes,
17:38that would be lovely.
17:39Please excuse us.
17:40I led them indoors.
17:42The whole group crowded
17:43into the already small yard.
17:45I brewed the tea
17:46while Cedric and Yvonne
17:47handed out cups
17:48to the guests.
17:49Regina gently patted
17:51the kids on the head.
17:55Yvonne and Cedric,
17:56you're such good kids.
17:58Leora sneered sarcastically.
18:00I wonder what
18:01Miss Sullivan's full name is.
18:03That surname is quite rare.
18:07My father once got tangled up
18:09with a vixen
18:09who was also surnamed Sullivan.
18:12I stayed calm,
18:13deflecting her jab.
18:15Yes,
18:16quite a coincidence.
18:17Leora tried to probe further,
18:19but Evelyn shot her a glare
18:20and she quietly stepped back.
18:23Regina warmly said,
18:24Mrs. Sullivan,
18:25if you have any difficulties,
18:27just let me know.
18:29My grandson has set up
18:31a charitable fund.
18:32You can talk to the director
18:34about applying.
18:35The process is simple
18:37and you can get financial aid.
18:40I lowered my gaze politely.
18:42Thank you.
18:43The director has always been
18:45very kind to us.
18:46I'm doing some side work now
18:48so I can manage our needs.
18:50I believe aid should go to children
18:52who need it more.
18:54Raymond,
18:55who had been silent until then,
18:56suddenly cut in.
18:58Miss Sullivan,
18:58you're raising your children alone.
19:00Doesn't their father
19:01take any responsibility?
19:02I was taken aback.
19:04Leora and Evelyn look surprised
19:05that Raymond would ask
19:06such a question.
19:10Seeing his serious gaze,
19:12I had no choice but to answer.
19:13I broke up
19:15with the kid's father.
19:16If you've broken up,
19:18you should still bear
19:19your legal responsibilities.
19:21Mrs. Sullivan,
19:22do you need legal assistance?
19:24Raymond said matter of factly.
19:26I pursed my lips awkwardly,
19:28not responding.
19:30Regina laughed lightly
19:31to ease the tension.
19:33Enough, enough.
19:35Once it's over,
19:37it's over.
19:37I nodded in agreement.
19:39Regina reached out
19:40to grab my wrist
19:41but accidentally touched
19:42the bracelet on my left hand.
19:44Curious,
19:45she looked down
19:45and pulled up my sleeve,
19:47revealing the crystal bracelet
19:48to everyone's eyes.
19:49I shivered with a chill
19:51running down my spine.
19:52Evelyn peeked at it
19:53and exclaimed in surprise.
19:55That bracelet!
19:56Why does it look so much
19:58like the family heirloom we have?
20:00Leora asked.
20:01That one?
20:02Evelyn ignored her
20:03and focused on studying
20:04the crystal bracelet
20:05on my wrist with Regina.
20:06My legs trembled.
20:07I wanted to pull my hand back
20:09but feared that reacting
20:11to strongly
20:11would only raise
20:12more suspicion.
20:13Regina narrowed her eyes
20:14saying,
20:15It does look similar.
20:19Evelyn cut straight
20:20to the point.
20:21Mrs. Sullivan,
20:22where did you get
20:23that bracelet?
20:24I forced myself
20:25to stay calm.
20:27My mom gave it to me.
20:29It's just a low-quality piece.
20:31Evelyn shot me
20:31a skeptical glance
20:32before turning
20:33to ask Raymond.
20:34Raymond,
20:36do you remember
20:36the bracelet
20:37I gave you before?
20:39I said I would
20:40give it to your future wife.
20:41Raymond answered calmly.
20:43It's in the safe.
20:44I knew he was lying.
20:45I didn't dare look at him
20:47but I could feel
20:48his gaze burning
20:48hotter and hotter
20:49on me.
20:50Evelyn pressed on.
20:52Mrs. Sullivan,
20:53that bracelet
20:55looks like a high-quality piece.
20:58How much did you pay for it?
20:59I was vague.
21:00My mom bought it online.
21:02I don't know.
21:03Tanya noticed my discomfort
21:04and quickly came
21:05to my defense.
21:07I doubt it's that valuable.
21:09It can't compare
21:10to your family heirloom.
21:12At that moment,
21:13the director and Regina
21:14started discussing
21:15the charity home's affairs
21:16and the topic shifted
21:18away from the bracelet.
21:20Regina doted
21:21on the two children,
21:22holding them close
21:23as she spoke to them.
21:27Leora couldn't help
21:28but remember,
21:28Regina,
21:30it's getting late.
21:31Maybe we should go eat?
21:32As soon as she spoke,
21:34Evelyn immediately scolded.
21:35Why are you in such a hurry?
21:37Regina wants to stay longer.
21:40You just wait.
21:42Leora swallowed her frustration.
21:44I'm just worried
21:45she might be hungry.
21:46I observed quietly Evelyn
21:48publicly reprimanding Leora
21:49without holding back,
21:51showing their relationship
21:52was far from warm.
21:53With Leora's reminder,
21:55Regina reluctantly agreed
21:56it was time to leave.
21:58She advised me
21:59to take care
21:59and said she'd visit again.
22:01Before leaving,
22:03Regina hugged Cedric
22:04and Yvonne
22:04with reluctance and sighed.
22:06When will I get to hold
22:08a great-grandchild of mine?
22:11Evelyn rolled her eyes
22:12at Leora,
22:13who looked embarrassed
22:14and pursed her lips
22:15in resentment.
22:16I took it all in quietly
22:17and calmly saw them out.
22:19Maybe I was imagining things,
22:21but I felt like Raymond
22:22deliberately glanced our way
22:24a few times
22:24before they left.
22:26Once they were gone,
22:27I rushed back inside to pack.
22:30Cedric looked puzzled.
22:32Mom, where are we going?
22:34The kids were confused.
22:38I explained.
22:40Cedric, Yvonne,
22:41Mom and Grandma
22:43are taking you on a trip, okay?
22:46Whether Leora saw through
22:48my act or not,
22:49with her nature,
22:50she wouldn't let this go easily.
22:52She and Raymond
22:53hadn't had kids yet,
22:54so my two kids
22:55would either be taken away
22:56by her,
22:57or worse,
22:58destroyed.
22:59I would never allow anyone
23:00to harm a single hair
23:01on my children's heads.
23:03Though I was reluctant
23:04to leave the home
23:05we'd lived in for four years,
23:06I couldn't risk gambling
23:08on Leora's mercy.
23:09I hurriedly fed the kids
23:11and continued packing.
23:12When my mother returned
23:13and learned what was happening,
23:15she was also completely shaken.
23:17Let's get out of here.
23:19The farther we go,
23:20the better.
23:21She urged anxiously.
23:22I planned carefully.
23:24Tanya and the director
23:25are still with them.
23:27It's not a good time
23:28to call or text.
23:29I'll leave a note for Tanya
23:31explaining we have an emergency
23:32and need to take the kids
23:33away for a while.
23:34We don't know
23:35when we'll be back.
23:36I handed the note
23:36to the gatekeeper
23:37and with my family,
23:39we left Haven House
23:40before dark.
23:41We checked into
23:42a modest little inn.
23:46My mother and the kids
23:47quickly fell asleep.
23:48I stared out
23:49at the hazy light
23:50filtering through the window.
23:52Even though we had
23:52left Haven House,
23:53I couldn't relax.
23:55Our departure
23:56only confirmed
23:56Leora's suspicions.
23:58I didn't know
23:59what terrible,
24:00crazy things
24:00she might do next.
24:02Gradually,
24:03sleepiness crept over me.
24:04I yawned repeatedly
24:05and forced my eyes shut.
24:07The inn's thin walls
24:09let in the sound
24:09of footsteps
24:10creaking outside the door.
24:11I heard a man's voice
24:13low and urgent.
24:14Hurry up.
24:15Don't let them notice.
24:16I snapped wide awake.
24:18Holding my breath,
24:19I tiptoed to the door.
24:21Through the peephole,
24:22I saw several masked men
24:23pouring gasoline
24:24at the doorstep
24:25and then flicking a lighter.
24:26Could Leora have sent them?
24:28The masked men
24:29fled immediately
24:30after setting the fire.
24:31I rushed to my mother's side
24:33and shook her awake.
24:35Mom!
24:36Wake up!
24:37There's a fire!
24:41My mother was startled awake
24:42while the kids
24:43still looked half asleep.
24:44My mother and I
24:46each grabbed a child
24:47and we burst out
24:48through the door.
24:49Just after we escaped,
24:50the fire quickly
24:51spiraled out of control.
24:53We ran while shouting.
24:55Fire!
24:56Run!
24:57Everyone!
24:57The guests scrambled
24:58in panic to escape
25:00and nearby people gathered,
25:02watching the chaos.
25:03We stood outside the inn,
25:05holding the kids.
25:06I stared as thick smoke
25:08billowed from the windows.
25:09The smoke blackened
25:10the children's little faces
25:12and they coughed occasionally.
25:14My mother looked
25:15deeply troubled.
25:16The fire truck arrived shortly
25:18and quickly put out the blaze.
25:20Fortunately,
25:21it was caught early
25:22and no one was hurt,
25:23though all our luggage
25:24got soaked.
25:25The inn surveillance cameras
25:27were too outdated
25:28to catch the arsonists.
25:29The firefighters
25:30questioned me
25:31about the cause
25:32and I provided them
25:33with a detailed account
25:34of everything I saw.
25:36One asked,
25:37Was this aimed at you?
25:38Did you offend anyone?
25:40I knew exactly
25:41who was behind it,
25:42but Leora had the backing
25:43of both the Corbin family
25:45and the Merrick family.
25:46How could I ever fight her?
25:50Even if the arsonists
25:51were caught,
25:52Leora would wash
25:53her hands of it
25:54just like how her mother
25:55once hired people
25:56to hit my mom.
25:57Feeling frustrated,
25:58I told the firefighter,
26:00No.
26:01I don't know who did it.
26:02He asked a few more questions
26:04and said they'd investigate
26:05nearby cameras thoroughly
26:06and catch the suspects
26:07as soon as possible.
26:08I forced myself
26:10to stay strong
26:10and led my family
26:11away from the scene.
26:13I was afraid
26:14of dragging others
26:15into trouble,
26:16so I didn't dare
26:17stay at another hotel.
26:18My mother asked,
26:20What do we do now?
26:21After thinking it over,
26:22I said,
26:23Let's spend the night
26:24at the train station.
26:25There's security
26:26and cameras there.
26:27Tomorrow morning,
26:28we'll leave by train.
26:29I opened a ride-hailing app,
26:31but it was already
26:31past 1 a.m.,
26:33and no drivers
26:34accepted my request
26:35for a long time.
26:36The kids kept yawning,
26:38so I decided to walk
26:39with them toward
26:39a nearby park.
26:41Suddenly,
26:42a van crept up
26:43slowly behind us.
26:44The door flew open,
26:45and 3 masked men
26:47jumped out.
26:48They charged us
26:49with murderous intent.
26:52I was terrified
26:53and shouted,
26:56Run!
26:58My mother grabbed the kids,
27:00sprinting as Cedric
27:01and Yvonne shouted,
27:02Mom!
27:03behind her.
27:07I stood my ground,
27:09hurling a luggage bag
27:10at the attackers.
27:11One burly man circled around
27:13and grabbed my arm tightly.
27:14I gritted my teeth
27:16and kicked him hard.
27:17By then,
27:17the other two had caught up
27:19with my mother and the kids.
27:20I screamed.
27:22Help!
27:22Before I could finish,
27:24someone clamped a hand
27:25over my mouth.
27:25The same hand grabbed me roughly,
27:28dragging me toward the van.
27:29I kicked and fought desperately.
27:31I saw my mother and children
27:33also being grabbed.
27:34Panic flooded my eyes
27:36as a sudden burst
27:37of movement appeared.
27:38A group of men in black suits
27:39came rushing toward us.
27:41Run!
27:42Run!
27:42Run!
27:43Run!
27:43Run!
27:43Run!
27:44She moved swiftly
27:44and efficiently,
27:45knocking down and subduing
27:47the masked men
27:47with punches and kicks.
27:49Breaking free,
27:50I stumbled to my mother
27:51and the kids.
27:53Mom!
27:54Are you okay?
27:55She shook her head,
27:56crying.
27:56I'm fine.
27:57What about you?
27:59I bit back the pain
28:00in my arm
28:00and shook my head.
28:02I'm okay.
28:03The kids were crying hysterically.
28:05I felt both guilty
28:06and frustrated
28:07but held back tears
28:08as I hugged them close.
28:09Footsteps echoed behind me.
28:11I immediately turned,
28:13alert.
28:16A pair of brown crocodile skin shoes
28:18appeared first,
28:19followed by long legs
28:21clad in charcoal gray suit pants.
28:23My heart pounded wildly.
28:25I held my breath
28:26and lifted my gaze
28:26to meet an extraordinarily
28:27handsome face.
28:29Raymond looked down at me,
28:31the shadow cast by his brow
28:32sharpening the cold light
28:33in his eyes.
28:34He leaned slightly
28:35and extended his hand
28:36to help me up.
28:37The moment he touched me,
28:39my whole body trembled
28:40uncontrollably.
28:42Right then,
28:43I didn't want to question
28:44why Raymond was here,
28:45I just wanted to get away
28:46as fast as possible.
28:47I stepped back
28:48and lowered my head.
28:50Thank you for saving us.
28:51Raymond raised an eyebrow.
28:53Is that all?
28:56Just to thank you?
28:58There's a chance later.
29:00I'll repain you.
29:01I need to take my family
29:02to report this to the police.
29:04I have to go.
29:05Raymond suddenly stepped closer.
29:06His gaze deep and piercing.
29:08A half smile
29:09playing on his lips.
29:11Don't you recognize me anymore?
29:13I feigned ignorance.
29:14How could I not?
29:16Mr. Merrick,
29:17we met earlier today
29:18at the charity home.
29:19Raymond cut me off.
29:21Joanne,
29:22stop pretending.
29:26He actually knew my real name.
29:28I was stunned.
29:29My blood running cold all over.
29:31An hour later,
29:33Raymond brought us to a hotel.
29:34My mother and the kids
29:36were settled into a room to rest.
29:38I was forced into Raymond's
29:40presidential suite.
29:41He sat in the boss chair,
29:43his jacket off,
29:44two buttons undone at the collar.
29:46Broad shoulders filling
29:47the well-tailored shirt,
29:48his waist cinched tight.
29:50I stood before him,
29:52nervously twisting my fingers.
29:54Raymond held up his phone.
29:55My grandmother really likes
29:57your children.
29:58She asked me to bring you
29:59all back to Los Angeles.
30:01I didn't expect you to run off
30:02in the middle of the night.
30:03It took me a long time
30:04to find you.
30:05So it was Regina
30:06who sent him.
30:07I muttered,
30:08Thank you, Mr. Merrick,
30:09and thank you to Mrs. Merrick
30:10for her kindness.
30:12But I don't plan
30:13to take the kids back.
30:14I didn't want any connection
30:16with Leora or Raymond,
30:17even the slightest.
30:19Raymond ignored my words
30:20and went on.
30:22Those guys earlier
30:23were local thugs.
30:24Don't worry.
30:28I'll find out
30:29who's behind this soon.
30:30Who else could be
30:31behind this but Leora?
30:33Raymond wouldn't cause trouble
30:34for his own wife
30:35just because his grandmother
30:36liked my kids, right?
30:38I couldn't afford
30:39to offend Leora,
30:40and Raymond wouldn't
30:41let us go.
30:42Even if we left,
30:43the rest of our lives
30:44would be lived
30:45in constant fear.
30:46My mind tangled
30:47with worries.
30:48Raymond put down
30:49his phone
30:49and came beside me.
30:51Sit down.
30:52Let's talk.
30:53Thank you, Mr. Merrick.
30:54I sat cautiously
30:55on the sofa,
30:56turning sideways.
30:58Raymond smiled
30:59ambiguously and teased.
31:01The first time I saw you,
31:03you were fierce and fiery.
31:05Why do you look like
31:06such a pushover now?
31:07First time,
31:08fierce and fiery.
31:10Suddenly,
31:11it clicked
31:11memories flooded back.
31:13When I was 14,
31:14my school organized
31:16a viewing of a tennis match.
31:18Raymond was a seated player,
31:20a senior in high school,
31:21the aloof heartthrob
31:22sweeping the campus.
31:24He was confident
31:25and skillful.
31:26Every shot hit
31:27the hearts of the girls.
31:31When he won
31:32the last point,
31:33the crowd erupted
31:34in deafening cheers
31:35and applause.
31:36Leora and her girlfriends
31:37huddled,
31:38their hearts fluttering,
31:39gossiping about
31:40how handsome Raymond was,
31:42asking if he had
31:43a girlfriend.
31:44I was bored
31:45and slipped away alone.
31:46I wandered
31:47to the tennis court's garden,
31:49circled around,
31:50and squatted
31:50by some flowers,
31:52watching butterflies
31:53sipping nectar.
31:54Lost in thought,
31:55a curly-haired boy
31:56in a prestigious school uniform
31:58approached me.
31:59He sneered.
32:00You're that illegitimate daughter
32:01of the Corbin family,
32:02Joanne?
32:02His lecherous eyes
32:03and immediately calling me
32:05an illegitimate daughter
32:06made it clear
32:06he meant trouble.
32:07At school,
32:09Leora and her followers
32:10had bullied me relentlessly.
32:12I stood up at once
32:13and tried to walk away.
32:15The curly-haired boy
32:16blocked my way.
32:18I heard you're mute.
32:19Why not go to a school
32:21for the deaf and mute?
32:23But,
32:25you're pretty good looking.
32:26I recoiled from him
32:27with disgust.
32:28He stubbornly chased
32:29after me,
32:30shouting,
32:30Quiet girl,
32:31where are you running?
32:32I'm bored!
32:33Play with me!
32:34Like a hungry wolf,
32:36he grabbed me
32:36from behind,
32:37trying to slip his hand
32:38inside my clothes.
32:42In a panic,
32:44I grabbed a hairpin
32:44from my head
32:45and stabbed deep
32:46into his hand.
32:47The boy roared
32:48and shoved me away.
32:50I steadied myself
32:51by leaning on a tree.
32:53Clenching the hairpin,
32:55I glared at him
32:56with a deathly stare.
32:58If he dared to assault me,
32:59I would fight him
33:00to the death.
33:01The boy clutched
33:03his bleeding hand,
33:04cursing.
33:05Damn, bitch!
33:06I tried to play nice,
33:07but you had to push it!
33:09He raised his other hand
33:10to hit me,
33:11but his wrist
33:11was suddenly grabbed.
33:13Turning around to curse,
33:15the boy saw who it was
33:16and instantly wilted.
33:20Raymond,
33:20it's you!
33:21His smile was replaced
33:22with a sycophantic grin.
33:24The newcomer
33:25was none other than Raymond,
33:26who had just made
33:27a grand entrance.
33:29Raymond glanced
33:30briefly at me,
33:31then looked at the boy
33:32with pure contempt.
33:34What are you doing?
33:35The boy tried to explain.
33:38This girl offended me.
33:40I just wanted to scold her.
33:43Raymond tightened his grip,
33:44and the boy howled in pain,
33:46begging for mercy.
33:49Raymond sneered.
33:50Do you think I'm blind?
33:52The boy's face went pale.
33:54No!
33:55Raymond,
33:55please let me go!
33:56Raymond narrowed his eyes,
33:58threatening.
33:59How did you get that injury?
34:01The boy honestly answered.
34:03She stabbed me.
34:05As soon as he said it,
34:06Raymond squeezed harder.
34:07With a wicked smile,
34:09Raymond said,
34:10Say that again?
34:11I could almost hear
34:12the sound of the boy's bones cracking.
34:14The boy was about to faint
34:15from the pain,
34:16crying.
34:16No!
34:17I did it to myself!
34:19Please, Raymond!
34:21Have mercy!
34:22Only then did Raymond let go.
34:24The boy ran away,
34:25face contorted in pain.
34:27I gave Raymond a slight bow
34:29and turned to leave.
34:30His voice came from behind.
34:32I saved you,
34:33and you can't even say thank you?
34:35I was helpless,
34:36so I picked up a stick
34:37to write thank you on the ground.
34:39Raymond raised an eyebrow.
34:41Can't you speak?
34:43I ignored him,
34:44threw down the stick,
34:45and decisively walked away.
34:49Back to the present.
34:51It had been ten years
34:52since I first met Raymond.
34:54Later,
34:55we met again
34:55at his wedding with Leora.
34:57I thought Raymond
34:58wouldn't recognize me.
35:00Unexpectedly,
35:01he saw right through me
35:02at a glance.
35:03Raymond sat on the sofa,
35:05legs crossed,
35:06teasing.
35:07So,
35:07you can talk now?
35:09I answered calmly
35:10without blushing or gasping.
35:12It's healed.
35:13Raymond didn't pry further
35:14and just said,
35:15Oh.
35:15Then he asked,
35:17Since you can speak now,
35:19is there anything
35:19you want to tell me?
35:20My heart tightened.
35:22It felt like there was
35:23more to his words.
35:24I had so much to tell him,
35:26but I had to consider
35:27the consequences.
35:29With the kind of relationship
35:30we had,
35:31would he even believe me?
35:33After thinking for a moment,
35:35I shook my head and lied.
35:37Nothing.
35:37Raymond's eyes darkened
35:39as he glanced at me coldly.
35:42Go rest in your room first.
35:43I wanted to ask
35:44how he planned to handle us,
35:46but seeing his expression,
35:47I swallowed my words.
35:52The next day,
35:54our whole family got into
35:55a seven-seater SUV
35:56and left Chicago.
35:58Raymond didn't come.
36:00He just told his assistant
36:01to escort us.
36:02As expected,
36:04the car took the highway
36:05back to Los Angeles.
36:07I thought I'd never set foot
36:09in here again this lifetime,
36:10but fate had other plans.
36:12Back in Los Angeles,
36:14Raymond placed us
36:15in his manor villa.
36:16I'd heard before that
36:18Raymond had reserved
36:19the best spot
36:19in the company's
36:20new development for himself,
36:22a private courtyard
36:23called Lagoon Pavilion.
36:25It was his personal sanctuary,
36:27so private that even his family
36:29wasn't allowed in
36:30without permission.
36:31Cedric and Yvonne
36:32ran around happily in the yard,
36:34but I couldn't relax.
36:36My mother quietly asked,
36:38What's going on
36:39between you and Mr. Merrick?
36:41Does he know?
36:44I'm not sure.
36:47I don't dare tell him directly.
36:49My mother sighed.
36:50Don't make the same mistake I did,
36:52being clueless
36:53until the wife
36:54showed up at my door.
36:55And everything hit me
36:56all at once.
36:58My mind was full of thoughts.
37:02A few days later,
37:04when I learned Raymond was back,
37:06I gathered my courage
37:07to find him in the study.
37:09Mr. Merrick,
37:10thank you for your care,
37:11but the kids are too meschievous.
37:13I'm afraid they'll trouble you.
37:16Could we maybe move somewhere else?
37:18If outsiders found out
37:19Raymond was letting a woman
37:20with two kids stay in his villa,
37:23how many rumors
37:24would that stir up?
37:25I didn't care what people said,
37:27but Raymond couldn't afford that.
37:30Besides,
37:31if Leora found out,
37:32she'd definitely try to kill us.
37:35Raymond was focused on his computer
37:37and said lightly,
37:38Where do you want to go?
37:39This place has perfect security
37:41no unwanted visitors get in.
37:43I clenched my fists and said,
37:46Mr. Merrick,
37:47I can't just live off you for free.
37:48Maybe you can give me some work?
37:50I'm fine with hard or dirty jobs.
37:52He glanced at me sideways.
37:54Do I need someone
37:55to do manual labor here?
37:58But we...
37:59Raymond cut me off.
38:01Joanne,
38:03I always thought you were straightforward.
38:06Said what you meant.
38:09Don't beat around the bush.
38:11How I wished I could be straightforward.
38:13But now I had a weakness.
38:16I had to protect my kids.
38:18If it were only my life,
38:20I wouldn't mind.
38:22I risked it.
38:24Mr. Merrick,
38:25I just don't want to ruin your reputation!
38:27If you're only taking care of us
38:29because of Mrs. Merrick's orders,
38:31could you place us somewhere
38:32far from Los Angeles?
38:35Even if it's remote,
38:36that's fine.
38:37Raymond's tone darkened.
38:39If it's no problem for you,
38:41what about the two kids?
38:43Should they suffer?
38:44Suffering is better than losing their lives!
38:46Raymond closed his laptop and stood up.
38:49His shadow loomed over me.
38:51I stubbornly looked up to meet his gaze.
38:54At that moment,
38:55his eyes were unreadable anger
38:57mixed with restraint
38:58and even a trace of pity.
39:00After a few moments,
39:02he sighed and asked,
39:04You don't trust me?
39:05Think I can't even keep you all alive?
39:09I didn't want to be presumptuous,
39:11but I answered firmly.
39:13Mr. Merrick,
39:14you're not family.
39:15I can't accept your care.
39:17Raymond opened his mouth
39:18to say something
39:19but swallowed it back.
39:21He neither agreed
39:22nor denied it.
39:23Just wait and see.
39:24I didn't know what he meant
39:26by wait and see.
39:27The next day,
39:28someone delivered a batch
39:30of luxury brand clothes.
39:31There were kids' clothes
39:33and women's clothes,
39:34complete with shoes,
39:36hats,
39:37bags,
39:37and accessories.
39:39The housekeeper had us change
39:41into the new clothes,
39:42and Raymond said
39:43he'd take us out shortly.
39:45I asked the housekeeper
39:47where we were going,
39:48but he said he didn't know either.
39:50After we were dressed,
39:52the four of us
39:52got into the SUV
39:53and followed Raymond out.
39:55We drove for over half an hour
39:57before finally arriving
39:58at our destination,
40:00Regina's Villa.
40:01I felt uneasy
40:02as my mother and the kids
40:04paid their respects to Regina.
40:06Regina greeted us warmly.
40:07We're family.
40:08No need for formalities.
40:10I was quietly surprised.
40:12Family.
40:13Why would she say that?
40:17Regina had servants set out tea.
40:20fruit,
40:20and snacks
40:21and welcomed us cheerfully.
40:23During the visit,
40:24she held the two children
40:26and played with them,
40:27even giving them
40:28a pair of gold pendants
40:29as gifts.
40:30My mother and I
40:31sat on pins and needles,
40:33answering her questions cautiously.
40:36Raymond suddenly said,
40:37Grandma,
40:38since you like Yvonne and Cedric,
40:40why not let them stay
40:41and keep you company?
40:42What did he mean by that?
40:43I looked at him in shock.
40:46Regina leaned.
40:47Of course,
40:48that would be lovely.
40:50Though,
40:51I wonder if Miss Sullivan
40:53would be willing
40:53to part with them.
40:55I...
40:56I was about to politely refuse
40:58when Raymond interrupted.
41:00Grandma,
41:00you're still short
41:01a personal assistant, right?
41:03Miss Sullivan used to be a nurse.
41:05Why not let her stay as well?
41:06It'll be convenient
41:07for taking care of the kids.
41:08Regina nodded.
41:10That sounds good.
41:12Mrs. Sullivan,
41:13are you willing?
41:14Raymond added.
41:15$50,000 a month,
41:16room and Beth included,
41:17plus full insurance.
41:19How does that sound?
41:23I was tempted.
41:24I could earn money
41:25and still take care of the kids.
41:27Not to mention,
41:28my mother was happy.
41:30And Regina was approachable.
41:32She already had plenty of people
41:33to care for her.
41:35This personal assistant role
41:36was probably just a formality.
41:38My mother and I exchanged glances.
41:40I didn't want to miss this chance.
41:43So I signaled to her with my eyes,
41:45it's okay.
41:46And she agreed immediately.
41:49Thank you.
41:51I'd like to give it a try.
41:52So,
41:53my mother and the kids
41:54were settled at Regina's house.
41:56Only when I returned
41:57to Lagoon Pavilion
41:58did it feel like
41:59waking from a dream.
42:01Raymond had taken us out
42:03and solved the problem
42:04that had been weighing on my heart.
42:06But that phrase from Regina,
42:08we're family,
42:10couldn't help but make me suspicious.
42:13Could it be that Raymond
42:14knew something?
42:16Uneasy,
42:17my feelings unsettled,
42:19Raymond added fuel to the fire.
42:21He bluntly asked me,
42:23Is there something you want to tell me?
42:25Those two kids are your own flesh and blood?
42:28Do you know that?
42:29That sentence twisted around
42:31my tongue several times,
42:33but I couldn't bring myself to say it.
42:37If I broke through that fragile barrier,
42:40how would I face things afterward?
42:43Did I want to ask him for recognition?
42:46The official wife of Raymond was Lee
42:48or I didn't have the standing to compete.
42:51And I could never be Raymond's mistress.
42:53Nor would I let my kids
42:55become illegitimate children
42:56despised like I was.
42:58If Raymond knew the children were his,
43:00he would naturally protect them.
43:02As for me and him,
43:04there was no need for further entanglement.
43:07In the end,
43:08my thousands of words boiled down to two simple ones.
43:12Thank you.
43:12I said it like that.
43:14Raymond frowned slightly,
43:16muttering in dissatisfaction.
43:18That's it?
43:19I added,
43:21Mr. Merrick,
43:21I will never forget the great kindness you've shown us.
43:25Raymond seemed a little disappointed
43:27but quickly switched to a carefree tone.
43:30If that's the case,
43:31you can stay here without worry, right?
43:34I sincerely said,
43:35Mr. Merrick,
43:36I graduated from culinary school.
43:38If you don't mind,
43:40I could be the cook.
43:44Raymond's mouth twitched.
43:45There was a hint of helplessness
43:47mixed with displeasure.
43:49Keep pretending you don't get it.
43:50You know that's not what I meant.
43:52Raymond turned and left.
43:54I spent some peaceful days
43:56at Lagoon Pavilion.
43:57Every weekend,
43:59Raymond would take me to see my mother
44:01and the kids
44:01or bring them out to play.
44:03My mother's complexion grew rosy
44:05and her smile came more easily.
44:08She looked like she had finally found
44:09some sweetness after hardship.
44:11Worried I'd get bored,
44:13Raymond had his childhood friend Sophia
44:15come keep me company.
44:17Leora had treated Sophia as a rival,
44:19but no one knew Sophia already
44:21had a longtime foreign boyfriend.
44:23Sophia and I went shopping,
44:25did beauty treatments,
44:27and visited exhibitions together.
44:29I felt doing nothing all day wasn't good,
44:32so I asked Raymond to enroll me
44:34in a pastry training course.
44:36Back at Haven House,
44:38I often took orders online
44:39and made pastries myself.
44:41Raymond agreed,
44:43and Sophia was interested,
44:45so she joined me.
44:46After we got close,
44:48Sophia told me,
44:50Don't feel burdened being with Raymond.
44:52He and Lurila never officially
44:54registered their marriage.
44:55Not long ago,
44:57Raymond gave her the final ultimatum.
44:59He told her to get lost.
45:03I was puzzled.
45:05Why?
45:06Did she do something wrong?
45:07Sophia sneered.
45:09She has done many despicable things.
45:12Sir Corbyn helped the Merrick family
45:14many years ago,
45:15and the Corbyn family wanted to repay the favor
45:18by forcing Raymond to marry Leorla.
45:20Raymond seemed quite satisfied
45:22when he saw her.
45:23But Evelyn had someone investigated Leorla,
45:26and found out that she got pregnant
45:28at a young age by a thug,
45:30and even had an abortion.
45:33As someone who was in the know,
45:35I was not surprised.
45:36Sophia continued.
45:38Raymond initially defended her,
45:40saying that it might be people
45:41jealous of her spreading rumors.
45:43However,
45:44Leorla secretly contacted
45:46a surrogacy agency
45:47to have a child for her,
45:48which Raymond found out about
45:49and ignored her for a long time.
45:51I couldn't help but ask,
45:53Did these things happen recently?
45:55Sophia said.
45:56It was two years ago.
45:58Raymond wanted to save face
46:00for the Corbyn family,
46:01so he didn't make a big scene.
46:03Plus, Raymond always had a soft spot
46:05for Leora,
46:06hoping she would turn over a new leaf.
46:09Recently,
46:10Raymond suddenly saw the light
46:12and finally kicked her out.
46:16Sophia went on to say many more things,
46:19but I was not paying attention.
46:21Leora was just being kicked out.
46:23She was just a cheap.
46:25She repeatedly put me
46:26in a life-threatening situation.
46:28It's not that I didn't want
46:30to seek revenge.
46:31I just haven't found
46:32the right opportunity.
46:33The only ones I worried about
46:35were my mother and children.
46:36I didn't want to carry hatred
46:38in my heart all the time.
46:40However,
46:41people without harming tigers
46:43have malicious intentions
46:44towards humans.
46:45What was supposed to come
46:47still didn't escape.
46:49That day,
46:50I arrived at the cooking class
46:52as usual.
46:53Sophia didn't come today,
46:55so I put on my apron,
46:57mask,
46:58and chef's hat
46:59and was about to start working.
47:01Several burly men
47:02suddenly burst in
47:03from outside the door
47:04and the female teacher
47:06was about to ask.
47:09Excuse me,
47:10is there something wrong?
47:11One of the burly men
47:12with a beard
47:13shouted rudely.
47:15Who is that Corbin?
47:18The students looked
47:19at each other
47:20and I thought to myself,
47:22is this directed at me?
47:23The teacher blocked
47:24the way and said,
47:25What's the matter with you?
47:26This is a classroom.
47:28Unauthorized personal
47:29cannot enter in Sanley.
47:31Jaden pushed
47:31the teacher in cursive.
47:33Get out of here!
47:34God!
47:35Spit flying from his mouth.
47:37The students were all
47:38wearing masks
47:39and Jaden ordered.
47:41Take off your masks!
47:47I immediately realized
47:48that it must have been
47:49Leora who came to bother me.
47:51I crouched behind
47:52the kitchen counter,
47:54quietly took out my phone
47:55to dial the emergency number,
47:57and also slipped a pair of scissors
47:59into the pocket of my apron.
48:01Most people obediently
48:03took off their masks.
48:04I seized the opportunity
48:05and rushed towards
48:06the window inside.
48:08The group of villains
48:08belatedly shouted,
48:10It's her!
48:11Grab her!
48:12Grab her!
48:13The classroom was located
48:14on the third floor,
48:16and there was a tree
48:17right outside.
48:18I have no shortage
48:19of experience
48:20in escaping
48:20by climbing walls.
48:22I climbed out
48:23of the window,
48:24grabbed onto the branches
48:25for support,
48:26and then landed
48:27on the ground.
48:29The bandits also
48:30jumped down
48:30one by one.
48:31I ran frantically
48:33while shouting,
48:34Help!
48:35Help!
48:36Jaden and the others
48:37chased relentlessly,
48:39attracting the attention
48:40of passersby.
48:41I ran to the corner
48:42of the intersection
48:43and suddenly
48:44two people sprang out.
48:45I couldn't stop my steps,
48:47got knocked down,
48:49and they quickly
48:50picked me up
48:50and shoved me
48:51into the van next to me.
48:53The car door slammed shut,
48:55and I gradually
48:55climbed to my feet,
48:57my gaze meeting
48:58Leora's shadowed eyes.
49:00She sat across from me
49:01with her legs crossed,
49:03looking at me
49:04with a cold smile.
49:05The car started,
49:06and my phone in my pocket
49:08was still connected.
49:09The dice had already
49:10fallen into her hands,
49:12so I simply gave up
49:13struggling.
49:14I sat up straight
49:16and deliberately asked
49:17in a loud voice,
49:18Leora,
49:19why did you kidnap me?
49:21Leora exploded
49:23in anger.
49:24Bitch!
49:24How dare you
49:26ask me why?
49:28You dare
49:29to steal my man?
49:31You're sick of living!
49:32I sneered.
49:33It was you
49:34who forced me
49:35in the first place.
49:37You created
49:37your own troubles.
49:39Why involve others?
49:41Leora was so angry
49:42that her eyes
49:43were about to burst.
49:45Shut!
49:46You and your mother
49:47are both our goals
49:48raised by the Corbin family!
49:50I want you to live!
49:51You live!
49:52I want you to die!
49:54You die!
49:55I shook my head
49:56and said,
49:57Leora,
49:58this is a society
49:59ruled by law now.
50:02Your actions
50:03have already
50:03seriously violated
50:04the law.
50:06I advise you
50:07to turn back
50:07while you still can.
50:10Go to hell!
50:12Leora slapped me
50:13in the face.
50:16As long as she
50:17made the first move,
50:19I could act
50:19in self-defense.
50:21I quickly took out
50:22the scissors
50:22from my pocket
50:23and stabbed fiercely
50:24into Leora's arm.
50:26She let out
50:27a pig-like scream.
50:28We fought together
50:29and at that moment,
50:31it was about
50:32who could be
50:32more daring.
50:33I exploded
50:34with hatred
50:35towards Leora,
50:36unleashing a brute force
50:38and continuing
50:38to stab her fiercely.
50:40She cursed in pain.
50:41Bastard!
50:41Go die!
50:42Just die for me!
50:44I retorted.
50:45Damn you!
50:46The other people
50:46on the car
50:47hurriedly pulled us apart
50:48while the men
50:49grabbed my hand
50:50and took away
50:51the scissors.
50:52Leora was covered
50:53in blood.
50:54She screamed madly.
50:56Kill her for me!
50:58Kill her!
50:59She's been anything!
51:00Struggling,
51:01my phone fell out.
51:03Jaden picked it up
51:04and was shocked.
51:05Damn!
51:06She called the police!
51:07Leora was speechless,
51:09as if she had been hit
51:10by a petrifying spell.
51:12I gave a cold smile.
51:14The police will soon locate us
51:16based on the positioning.
51:19How many years do you think
51:20we will be sentenced to?
51:22Jaden was so scared
51:23that he threw his phone
51:25out of the window
51:25and the criminals
51:26were also at a loss.
51:28Leora stubbornly said,
51:29What am I afraid of her for?
51:31Kill her and then we'll talk!
51:33I could see that her followers
51:34were a motley crew,
51:36only interested in money,
51:38not loyal at all.
51:39I quickly came up with a plan
51:41and provoked Jaden,
51:42saying,
51:43The police heard all of my conversation
51:45with Atle Rea just now.
51:46She is the mastermind
51:47and will get the heaviest sentence.
51:49If you release me now,
51:50I will plead for leniency
51:51on your behalf.
51:52At most,
51:52it will be a light sentence.
51:54If you really harm me,
51:55it will be a minimum
51:56of ten years.
51:56You won't have a chance
51:57to spend the money you earned.
51:58After I finished
51:59my persuasive speech,
52:01Jaden and the others
52:02clearly showed
52:03a look of hesitation.
52:05Leora roared angrily.
52:06Shut up!
52:07You despicable person!
52:08You don't know anything!
52:10You illiterate it in law!
52:12Are you trying to drag
52:13everyone down with you?
52:14I shouted back at her louder.
52:16If you do this,
52:17the Merrick family
52:19will not let you off the hook!
52:20Jaden interrupted.
52:22What about the Merrick family?
52:24I had to use Raymond's name
52:25to intimidate him.
52:26It's the Merrick group.
52:29This woman deceived
52:30the CEO of the Merrick family,
52:32Raymond.
52:33Raymond was so angry
52:34that he kicked her out
52:35and she deliberately
52:36sought revenge on me.
52:38I gave birth to two children
52:40for Raymond.
52:40If you dare to harm me,
52:42be prepared to spend
52:43the rest of your life
52:44in prison.
52:45Jaden asked Leora.
52:48Is what she said true?
52:50Leora stammered nervously.
52:51You all don't listen
52:52to her nonsense!
52:54The driver who was driving
52:56interrupted.
52:57Boss!
52:58Let this woman go!
52:59We can't afford
53:00to offend the Merrick family!
53:01The rest of the gangsters
53:03also chimed in
53:04with their own opinions.
53:05This person was acting
53:06like a madman.
53:08She might have a mental illness
53:09and not be afraid
53:10of going to jail.
53:12I thought she was just
53:13trying to scare me,
53:14but she really wanted
53:15to kill me.
53:16Leora exclaimed hysterically.
53:18You took my money!
53:20How dare you betray me!
53:22I pursued aggressively,
53:24saying,
53:24How much did she give you?
53:26I'll offer double.
53:27Just let me go.
53:29Jaden was annoyed
53:30and decisively said,
53:31Get rid of both of them!
53:33Let them kill each other!
53:34The driver pulled
53:35the car over.
53:36The thugs opened the door
53:38and kicked Leora
53:39and me out of the car.
53:40As soon as I got off the car,
53:42I headed straight
53:43for the crowded area,
53:44with Leora frantically
53:46chasing after me
53:47from behind.
53:48In the end,
53:49she collapsed
53:50and could not get up
53:51due to excessive bleeding
53:52and physical exhaustion.
53:54Passersby helped
53:55make an emergency call.
53:58One hour later,
53:59Raymond and the police
54:00both arrived at the hospital.
54:02Raymond nervously
54:03held onto my shoulder.
54:05How were you injured?
54:06There were bruises
54:07of all sizes on my body,
54:09but compared to Leora,
54:10they were nothing.
54:12I shook my head and said,
54:14I have nothing to do.
54:16The police came over
54:17to take a statement,
54:18and I recounted
54:19the whole incident
54:20in detail.
54:21Raymond said grimly,
54:23I want Leora
54:25to spend the rest
54:26of her life in prison.
54:27I asked anxiously,
54:29aren't you afraid
54:30of being pursued
54:30by the Corbin family?
54:34Raymond held my hand.
54:36The Corbin family
54:37had a bunch of bad debts.
54:38Previously,
54:39I smoothed things over
54:40for them
54:41because of Lyra's face.
54:42Now,
54:43I have to settle accounts
54:44with them all at once.
54:45I remembered Sophia
54:47saying that Raymond
54:48always had a filter
54:49on Leora,
54:50so I couldn't help
54:51but ask curiously,
54:52Why do you always
54:53defend Leora?
54:55Do you actually
54:56have feelings for her?
54:58I couldn't help
54:59feeling a little sour
55:00in the end.
55:01Raymond was stunned
55:02for a moment,
55:03then immediately protested,
55:05I have never liked her.
55:07I have always liked you.
55:09I looked at him
55:10suspiciously.
55:11How is that possible?
55:12You didn't even know
55:14who I was before.
55:15Raymond told me the story
55:16in a slow
55:17and detailed manner.
55:19Originally,
55:20when I first met him
55:21over a decade ago,
55:22he fell in love
55:23with me at first sight.
55:25According to him,
55:26he felt like I had
55:27the appearance of a rabbit,
55:29but inside lived a wolf.
55:31The contrast was too strong,
55:33making it unforgettable for him.
55:35But as time passed,
55:37my image in his memory
55:38also gradually became blurred.
55:40It wasn't until
55:41the Corbin family
55:42was about to marry
55:43the Merrick family
55:44that Raymond saw Leora,
55:46who bore a resemblance to me,
55:48and immediately agreed
55:49to the marriage.
55:51When the two of them
55:52were getting married,
55:53I quietly hid
55:54among the bridesmaids,
55:55and he didn't notice me either.
56:00He regretted.
56:02On the night of our wedding,
56:04I always felt something was off,
56:06but Leoria drugged me
56:07and I couldn't figure it out.
56:09When I came back
56:10from my business trip
56:11and asked her about
56:12the bracelet I gave her,
56:14she was evasive.
56:15It wasn't until I saw you
56:16that I tardily realized.
56:19I've been mistaking her
56:20for you all along.
56:21I had the butler
56:22check the surveillance footage,
56:23but it was difficult
56:24to recover the footage
56:25from five years ago.
56:26After a lot of effort,
56:28it was finally confirmed
56:30that it was you
56:32who was with me that night.
56:34I was filled
56:35with mixed emotions.
56:36Is this the belated justice?
56:39Raymond looked at me
56:40sincerely and said,
56:41I have always hoped
56:43that you could be honest
56:43with me,
56:45but you have too many concerns
56:47and never trust me.
56:48Now that the truth is out,
56:51can you live a good life
56:52with me?
56:53This sounds like a proposal,
56:54I muttered.
56:56Forget it.
56:57Mrs. Merrick's not easy
56:59to deal with.
57:00It's fine for the child
57:02to have my last name now.
57:04Heartless guy.
57:06Don't you understand
57:07my feelings for you at all?
57:09After Raymond finished
57:10complaining,
57:11he angrily kissed me
57:13on the lips.
57:13In order to give the children
57:15a complete family,
57:16I eventually married Raymond.
57:19After the child
57:20went to school,
57:21I was bored.
57:22He funded me
57:23to start a food brand,
57:24which allowed me
57:25to show my skills.
57:27Over at the Corbin family,
57:29under Raymond's leadership,
57:31my father was kicked out
57:32of the board
57:33for making a mistake.
57:34And ever since Leora
57:35was sent to prison,
57:37my father has completely
57:38fallen out with Zoe.
57:40After the divorce,
57:41Zoe was left with nothing
57:43and died in a car accident.
57:45Later,
57:46my father wanted
57:47to reconcile with my mother,
57:49but he was rejected.
57:51Shortly after,
57:52he suffered a stroke
57:53and became paralyzed,
57:55losing control
57:56of his bladder and bowels.
57:57He spent his final days
57:59lonely and isolated
58:00in a nursing home,
58:01cause and effect cycle.
58:03This is the echo of destiny.
58:05Good and evil
58:06will eventually
58:07be rewarded in the end.
Comments