- 14 hours ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The term sister in all but blood implied less than innocent connotations.
00:04If Lucas Goodwin failed to give me a proper explanation on that day, I would cancel the engagement banquet.
00:10To my surprise, Lucas responded coldly.
00:13Who are you? Since when does a stranger like you get to question my relationship with Vivian?
00:18I was about to tell him that I was his fiancée, but he hung up abruptly.
00:22I became angry. How dare he not save my contact information?
00:26Meanwhile, Vivian Morrow, who was standing beside me, grinned triumphantly.
00:31You wench. Did you really think having Lucas' number makes you special? Keep dreaming.
00:38She looked at me with open contempt. Even the Janners at Goodwin's group dress better than you.
00:43I had always preferred simple, comfortable clothes and never cared about brand names.
00:48I never thought that would give people a reason to look down on me.
00:51I grew up abroad. My mother feared I might marry a foreign man,
00:55so she arranged an engagement for me with a talented and handsome man in float-on.
00:59She insisted that I return home to get engaged.
01:02I came back and started shopping for an engagement dress at a luxury boutique.
01:06I selected an off-white strapless gown and decided to try it on.
01:10Suddenly, a woman nearby glanced at the dress in my hand and told the saleswoman,
01:15That's a unique design. Let me try it.
01:19The saleswoman immediately yanked it out of my hands.
01:22I protested indignantly. Excuse me, I was here first.
01:26Don't you understand the principle of first come, first served?
01:29Or do you just not care about common decency?
01:31The woman scoffed and retorted.
01:33This dress costs $188,000?
01:36Do you really think a broken body like you can even afford it?
01:40I'm Lucas Goodwin's sister in all but blood.
01:43He's the chairman of Goodwin's group.
01:45In Float On, the Goodwin family sets the rules.
01:48What a coincidence. Lucas Goodwin was my fiancé.
01:51I immediately called him and said,
01:53Hey, your sister in all but blood just stole my engagement dress.
01:56Do something about it.
01:57What era are you even living in?
01:59To think you'd still be judging people by their looks.
02:02Lucas must be out of his mind to call you his sister in all but blood.
02:05My mood for shopping was ruined, thanks to her antics.
02:08I grabbed the gown and headed straight to the checkout counter.
02:11The saleswoman hesitated before saying,
02:14Miss, I'm sorry, but we prioritize our members first.
02:17Vivian smirked and slammed her shiny gold membership card onto the counter.
02:22Only people who've spent over a million get this card.
02:24What's a broke loser like you even doing here?
02:27I was not usually one to pick fights, but on that day, Vivian had really crossed a line.
02:32I pulled out a black card and handed it to the saleswoman.
02:36I suppressed my anger and said,
02:38Sign me up for a membership.
02:40Then bagged the gown.
02:41Vivian glared at the saleswoman and threatened,
02:44The Goodwins' own Floaten.
02:46If you sell her that gown today, I'll have Luke's buy this store out tomorrow.
02:50The saleswoman shrank back timidly and said,
02:53Miss, I'm just an employee.
02:55I can't risk offending Goodwins' group.
02:57Several onlookers turned to me and offered me advice in whispers.
03:01That's Mrs. Moreau.
03:02I've seen her around.
03:03Lucas Goodwins' form is forgotten.
03:05You should just let it go.
03:06The last time someone crossed her,
03:08Goodwins' group drove them into bankruptcy.
03:10You may have some money, but it's pocket change compared to Goodwins' group.
03:13Just apologize to Mrs. Moreau now and beg her to spare you.
03:17Flattered by their words, Vivian's ego swelled like a balloon.
03:21You wench, get on your knees and say,
03:24I'm a worthless poser and I'm sorry.
03:27Maybe then I'll consider letting you off the hook.
03:29At 26 years of my life,
03:31I had never encountered anyone audacious enough to act so arrogantly in front of me.
03:36Pardon?
03:37What did you just ask me to say?
03:40What?
03:41What are you, deaf?
03:42Say I'm a worthless poser.
03:44I'm sorry.
03:45Do I need to spell it out for you?
03:47I smirked.
03:48I heard you.
03:49Since you're aware that you're a worthless poser,
03:52get out of my sight.
03:54Don't waste my time.
03:55When Vivian finally realized she was being mocked,
03:58she flailed her arms and charged at me.
04:00It was laughable to see her trying to attack me.
04:03I had a black belt in Taekwondo.
04:05Did she really think her flimsy punches would scare me?
04:08I sent Vivian crashing to the floor with a single kick.
04:14She howled in pain.
04:16The onlookers stared at me in horror.
04:18Onlooker gosh.
04:19Did she just do that to Mrs. Morley?
04:21Mr. Goodwin is going to tear her to pieces once he hears about this.
04:26Yeah, good luck to her.
04:27Not even God can save her.
04:30I felt nothing when I heard their whispers.
04:32The Goodwin family had only achieved their current status through my mother's support.
04:36No one in this city could intimidate me.
04:38I slammed my card on the counter again and said to the cashier,
04:43Ring me up.
04:44The cashier, visibly shaken,
04:47fumbled as she processed my payment and wrapped up the gown.
04:49I turned to leave with the bag in hand.
04:52Vivian scrambled to stand up and blocked my path again.
04:55You're not going anywhere!
04:57I raised my fist and waved it in front of her face.
05:00What's the matter?
05:01Do you want to taste my fist again?
05:04Vivian flinched instinctively.
05:06I scoffed and strode past her.
05:08Just then, a black car pulled up in front of the store.
05:11A man stepped out.
05:13I felt my heart skip a beat.
05:15Vivian immediately rushed over tearfully to tattle.
05:18Luke!
05:18She stole my gown from me!
05:20And even hit me!
05:22So, this was my fiancé.
05:24I had always been a sucker for good looks.
05:26And Lucas' appearance was exactly my type.
05:29Based on his looks alone,
05:30I felt I could forgive his previous rudeness.
05:34I gave him my best smile.
05:36Hi!
05:38I'm Lily Winson, your fiancé.
05:41It was no wonder my mother said I would be satisfied with the man she had picked this time.
05:45She really knew me inside out.
05:47The onlookers immediately erupted in gasps.
05:50What?
05:51She's Mr. Goodwin's fiancé?
05:55Lucas looked at me coldly.
05:57Don't get ahead of yourself.
05:58My father arranged this engagement without my consent.
06:01I never agreed to it.
06:03Vivian, who stood beside him,
06:05wrapped her arm around his and leaned intimately against his shoulder.
06:08She shot me a provocative glance.
06:11Look at yourself.
06:11There is no way Lukes would ever marry an ugly creature like you!
06:15Someone chimed in.
06:17Exactly!
06:18If Mr. Goodwin were to marry,
06:19it would be to some rich girl from a proper family with equal status,
06:22not some country bumping like you.
06:24With her looks, Goodwin's group wouldn't even hire her to mop floors.
06:27I had never considered myself a stunning beauty,
06:29but I was certainly not ugly.
06:31How could they describe me in such derogatory terms?
06:34This proved how people instinctively curry favor with the powerful
06:38and took advantage of those in misfortune.
06:40Lucas Goodwin.
06:41Go home and tell your father that I'm calling off this engagement.
06:47You don't deserve me.
06:50According to my mother, his father had pulled countless strings
06:54to arrange this marriage alliance with our family.
06:56If he learned that his own son had ruined it,
06:59he'd skin Lucas alive.
07:00The thought lifted my mood a little.
07:02I could not be bothered to waste more time on these idiots,
07:05so I turned to leave.
07:06But Vivian, knowing that Lucas would back her up,
07:10refused to let it go.
07:11She blocked my path again.
07:13Don't even try to run, you wench.
07:15We're not done here.
07:17You stole my gown and hit me.
07:19I looked at her disdainfully.
07:21What exactly do you want?
07:23Mistaking my calm for fear,
07:24she raised her hand to slap me.
07:26I'll slap you until I feel satisfied.
07:29I caught her wrist mid-swing
07:31and slapped her across the face without hesitation.
07:33She stared at me in shock.
07:36Had enough?
07:37Vivian said angrily.
07:39Those two slaps wiped the arrogant look off Vivian's face.
07:42She burst into tears and cowered behind Lucas.
07:46Lucas, do something!
07:48Lucas shielded her protectively and snarled,
07:51Touch my girl again, and I'll end you.
07:53He signaled his bodyguards to grab me.
07:57I managed to take down the first bodyguard with a quick strike,
08:00but the second one pinned me down.
08:02After a barrage of blows, I collapsed to the floor.
08:05The two bodyguards hauled me up and forced me to my knees before Vivian and Lucas.
08:09They looked down at me.
08:11Lucas backed Vivian up and said,
08:13Vivi,
08:15do whatever you want to her.
08:18I've got your back.
08:19With Lucas' reassurance, Vivian immediately gained confidence.
08:23She slapped me twice, then spat in my face.
08:26You wench.
08:27Where's all that attitude now?
08:30Huh?
08:31Come on.
08:33Show me how tough you are.
08:35Then she kicked me hard in the stomach.
08:38Clutching my aching abdomen,
08:40I raised my gaze to glare at her and Lucas.
08:43You'll regret this.
08:45I swear you'll pay for this.
08:48Vivian laughed arrogantly.
08:50The Goodwin family is one of the top three powerful families running this city.
08:54What can a broke loser like you even do against me?
08:58Today, I'll teach you what happens when you mess with me.
09:00She pulled out a nail clipper from her bag and slashed it across my face.
09:04Searing pain shot through my cheek as the skin swelled,
09:07and I felt blood seeping out.
09:09Someone sighed in pity.
09:11I told her not to cross the Goodwin family.
09:13Guess she had to learn the hard way.
09:15What a shame.
09:17Her pretty face is ruined now.
09:19Folks like us can't afford trouble.
09:21We'd better swallow our pride when we're out here.
09:23Vivian raised the nail clipper again,
09:25aiming for another slash at my face.
09:28Terror at the thought of disfigurement overwhelmed me,
09:31and I quickly begged for mercy.
09:33Fine.
09:33Fine.
09:34I'm sorry.
09:35Take the dress.
09:37I shouldn't have fought you for it.
09:40Revenge could wait.
09:41At that moment, saving my face was the priority.
09:44However, Vivian still slashed the blade across my face again.
09:48Vivian laughed arrogantly.
09:50The Goodwin family is one of the top three powerful families running this city.
09:54What can a broke loser like you even do against me?
09:58Today, I'll teach you what happens when you mess with me.
10:00She pulled out a nail clipper from her bag and slashed it across my face.
10:04Searing pain shot through my cheek as the skin swelled,
10:07and I felt blood seeping out.
10:09Someone sighed in pity.
10:11I told her not to cross the Goodwin family.
10:13Guess she had to learn the hard way.
10:15What a shame.
10:17Her pretty face is ruined now.
10:19Folks like us can't afford trouble.
10:21We'd better swallow our pride when we're out here.
10:23Vivian raised the nail clipper again,
10:25aiming for another slash at my face.
10:27Terror at the thought of disfigurement overwhelmed me,
10:31and I quickly begged for mercy.
10:33Fine, fine, I'm sorry.
10:35Take the dress.
10:37I shouldn't have fought you for it.
10:40Revenge could wait.
10:41At that moment, saving my face was the priority.
10:44However, Vivian still slashed the blade across my face again.
10:48Oh, now you're sorry.
10:51Well, it's too late now.
10:54Wench, I won't let you go until I've vented every ounce of my rage.
10:58I screamed in pain and turned to Lucas for help.
11:01Lucas, you know my background.
11:03Aren't you afraid of the consequences?
11:05If you keep letting her humiliate me like this,
11:08you'll regret it.
11:09Lucas sneered.
11:10What status could you possibly have?
11:13Your mother bewitched my father into forcing this engagement on me.
11:17A vicious gleam flashed in Vivian's gaze.
11:20Your mother is a witch,
11:22and I bet you are one too.
11:25Strip off and let me see clearly.
11:29No!
11:30Just then, my phone rang from inside my bag.
11:32I struggled desperately to reach it,
11:34but Vivian snatched it first.
11:36She swiped to answer,
11:37and my mother's voice came through immediately.
11:40Lillabelt, how's the gown shopping going?
11:42I hurriedly shouted for help.
11:44Mom!
11:46Save me!
11:47Someone's hurting me!
11:49She's trying to strip me off!
11:51My mother panicked.
11:52What?
11:53Who's doing this to you?
11:55Vivian cut in arrogantly.
11:57Me!
11:57Your little witch daughter has been begging for attention,
12:00so I'm putting her in her place.
12:02My mother snapped.
12:03I don't care who you are.
12:04Let my daughter go now,
12:05or you'll pay for this when I get there.
12:07Try me!
12:08I'll be right here to catch you,
12:10you witch!
12:11With that, Vivian hung up my phone
12:13and furled it to the floor.
12:14It shattered into pieces.
12:16She slapped me across the face again and sneered.
12:19The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
12:21Huh?
12:22When your mother shows up,
12:24I'll strip her down too.
12:26Time crawled by.
12:27It felt like half a century,
12:29but in reality,
12:30it had only been five minutes.
12:32Finally,
12:32a familiar stretched limousine appeared.
12:35My mother stepped out of the car and demanded,
12:38Let me see who dares threaten to strip me down.
12:41The instant I saw my mother,
12:43a wave of pent-up grievances surged through me.
12:46Mom!
12:47I cried as my voice broke with emotion.
12:49My mother's heart broke at the sight of me.
12:51She immediately rushed toward me
12:53and pulled me into her embrace.
12:55I finally felt safe
12:56when I leaned against my mother's chest.
12:58The surrounding onlookers gasped in astonishment
13:00at my mother's vehicle.
13:02Look!
13:02That's a limited edition stretch limousine.
13:05Only the extremely rich and powerful can own that car.
13:09It seems Vivian messed with the wrong person this time.
13:11Wrong person.
13:13Please.
13:14Even if she's got connections,
13:16nobody could possibly outrank the Goodwin family in this city.
13:19Vivian thought the same too.
13:21She charged toward my mother.
13:22So you're the witch who raised this brat?
13:25She dared to steal my dress
13:26and hit me.
13:28Tell me,
13:29how are you gonna make this right?
13:30My mother raised her eyes to look at her.
13:32How am I going to make this right?
13:35Oblivious to my mother's murderous glare,
13:37Vivian made her demands without restraint.
13:40This was my dress
13:41until your trashy daughter put her hands on it.
13:44Now it's ruined.
13:46You'll pay ten times the price.
13:48And for those slaps,
13:50she'll kneel right here
13:51and slap herself twenty times in front of everyone.
13:54Most importantly,
13:56cancel her engagement with Luke.
13:58Do everything I say
13:59and maybe I'll let you walk out of here in one piece.
14:02Otherwise,
14:03you're not leaving this store alive.
14:05My mother laughed in disbelief
14:07when she heard Vivian's outrageous demands.
14:09She gave my shoulder a reassuring pat
14:11before walking toward Vivian.
14:13The engagement between Lillebeau
14:15and the Goodwin family
14:16will most certainly be cancelled.
14:18Lucas could never measure up
14:19to being part of our family.
14:21As for the rest of your demands,
14:23my mother raised her hand
14:25and slapped her face hard.
14:26Don't even dream about it.
14:28You're the ones who won't be walking out today.
14:30Vivian stood stunned for a second
14:32before attempting to retaliate.
14:34My mother's bodyguard kicked her to her knees
14:36then pinned her arms down.
14:38After struggling futilely,
14:40Vivian lifted her head to plead with Lucas.
14:42Lucas!
14:44It hurts!
14:45Help me!
14:47Lucas signaled his bodyguards to intervene
14:49but within seconds they were overpowered
14:51and slammed to the floor.
14:53The most satisfying part followed.
14:55Lucas himself was forced to my knees before me.
14:58My mother did not hold back and slapped Lucas.
15:00I've never laid a finger on Lilibeth
15:02since she was born.
15:04And you dare humiliate her like this today.
15:07You'll repay this a thousand times over.
15:10My mother did not hold back and slapped Lucas.
15:13You old hag!
15:14How dare you hit me?
15:16I'm the chairman of Goodwin's group.
15:17You have no idea what consequences you'll face.
15:20How dare you hurt my daughter?
15:21I'd slap your father just like I slapped you if he's here.
15:24The onlookers grew even more shocked.
15:27Who does this woman think she is?
15:29Mr. Goodwin Sr. ran the underworld in his youth.
15:32After leaving that life behind,
15:33he built the Goodwin's group.
15:35Even now, everyone in Floating shows him respect.
15:37She just struck Mr. Goodwin Sr.'s golden boy.
15:41There's no way she's walking away from this.
15:43My mother ignored their whispers.
15:45She gently touched my swollen, bleeding cheek.
15:48Oh, Lilibel, you've suffered enough.
15:52But I'm here now.
15:53Don't be afraid.
15:55Do you want payback?
15:56Just say the word.
15:57I was not the type to turn the other cheek to begin with.
16:00I certainly would not be after what Vivian just told.
16:03I stared at her with a furious gaze.
16:05First, I struck her repeatedly across the face to vent my anger.
16:09Then, I picked up the nail clipper she had used to slash my cheek
16:13and slowly brought it closer to her face.
16:16Vivian trembled violently.
16:17No!
16:19Don't you dare touch my face!
16:20I'll fight you to the death!
16:22Without hesitation, I made the first cut.
16:25She let out a blood-curdling scream
16:26as a bleeding gash swelled along one cheek.
16:29I slashed the blade repeatedly.
16:31Soon, her face was swollen beyond recognition.
16:34It looked bruised and bloody.
16:35She could do nothing but wail in helpless agony
16:38as she was pinned down by the bodyguards.
16:42My face...
16:43My face is ruined!
16:45It was true that a person would not know the pain
16:48until it was theirs to bear.
16:49When she tried to disfigure me,
16:51she should have expected retribution.
16:53Lucas, who was nearby, snarled at me.
16:56You psychotic wench!
16:58When my father finds out what you did to Vivi,
17:00he'll make you pay!
17:01My mother said coldly,
17:03Good. Let Bernard come.
17:05We'll see who he punishes.
17:07You or us.
17:09My mother immediately took out her phone
17:11and called Bernard Goodwin.
17:12He answered instantly.
17:14Hello, Denia.
17:16What's the matter?
17:17My mother replied coldly,
17:19Bernard,
17:20you've certainly raised an exceptional son.
17:23Recognizing her displeasure,
17:25Bernard responded with forced laughter.
17:27Denia, what has my useless son done now?
17:30Just say the word,
17:31and I'll punish him severely.
17:33You know, Lilliville is my only daughter.
17:35I've cherished her like the apple of my eye since she was born.
17:38Yes, of course.
17:39Rest assured,
17:40when Mrs. Winsone marries into our family,
17:43I won't let her suffer even the slightest weakness.
17:46My mother's voice trembled with suppressed rage.
17:49Well,
17:50your precious boy, Lucas,
17:52has let Lilliville suffer a terrible humiliation.
17:55He tied her up
17:56and allowed her to be beaten and insulted
17:58for the sake of some pretend sister.
18:00How are you going to make this right?
18:02Bernard was in disbelief when he heard this.
18:05He then said,
18:06What?
18:07That brat hurt Mrs. Winsone.
18:09Skin him alive for all I care.
18:12Do whatever you want with her.
18:13Lucas, who was kneeling on the floor, shouted,
18:16Dad,
18:16has this witch cast a spell on you?
18:19These two witches are evil.
18:20They ruined Vivi's face
18:22and made me kneel.
18:24Instead of saving me,
18:26you're letting them have their way with me.
18:28I'm your son!
18:29Bernard roared furiously.
18:31You're a disgrace.
18:32After this disaster you caused,
18:35I wish I'd never had you!
18:37Lucas tried to speak again.
18:38My mother ended the call deliberately.
18:41She looked at him with contempt.
18:42Do you still think your father is going to save you?
18:45You black widow.
18:47Don't get cocky.
18:48He's just blowing off steam.
18:50I'm his flesh and blood.
18:52When he comes for me,
18:53you're dead.
18:54Ever since I could remember,
18:56my father's memory was my mother's most tender spot.
18:59No one would dare broach it.
19:00Lucas truly had a death wish
19:02and was walking straight into the line of fire.
19:05As expected,
19:06my mother's expression darkened.
19:08She looked at him with a murderous gaze.
19:10I swiftly kicked Lucas in the back.
19:12He sprawled face first onto the floor.
19:15Mom,
19:15don't waste your anger on this worthless fool.
19:18Let me handle him.
19:19I know exactly how to deal with them.
19:21With that,
19:21I ordered the bodyguards to take both of them away.
19:24I sidled up to mom and whined.
19:26Mom,
19:27my face really hurts.
19:29Will you come with me to get it treated first?
19:31My coaxing tone successfully snapped my mother back to rationality.
19:35She gently touched my injured cheek and accompanied me to the hospital.
19:39Floodon's top dermatologists and plastic surgeons gathered to examine me.
19:43After disinfecting my facial wounds,
19:45they discussed treatment plans to ensure no scars would remain.
19:49Once the treatment plan was finalized,
19:51the doctors gradually dispersed.
19:53Only my mother and I remained in the ward.
19:56I leaned my head against her shoulder and murmured reassuringly.
19:59Mom,
20:00don't take Lucas's words to heart.
20:02Lilibelt,
20:03your father really did die because of me.
20:05Do you hate me for making you grow up without a father?
20:07Her voice thickened with guilt and regret.
20:09I shook my head and hugged her tighter.
20:11I knew better than anyone how much she had suffered these years.
20:14My father had been part of the underworld.
20:17He had countless subordinates.
20:18Bernard was just one of his underlings.
20:21Everything changed when he met my mother.
20:23They fell in love at first sight.
20:25The violent womanizer who lived for fights and flings finally settled down.
20:29From that moment,
20:30his heart belonged only to my mother.
20:32But this gave my father a weakness.
20:35His enemies repeatedly targeted my mother.
20:37In the end,
20:38he sacrificed his life protecting her.
20:40I was less than a year old at the time.
20:42My grandparents said she would have followed my father in death had I not existed.
20:46For my sake,
20:47she dragged herself through the grief.
20:49She dissolved my father's underworld organization.
20:52From its members,
20:53she selected those with business acumen and funded their ventures.
20:56My mother understood the danger of drawing attention.
20:59To shield me from becoming a target,
21:01she maintained a low profile and never appeared before the media or public.
21:05It was no exaggeration to say my mother built three of Floden's major financial empires.
21:10Only a few knew this truth.
21:12This explained why idiots like Lucas remained ignorant of her true status.
21:17That was why he dared spew nonsense.
21:19After a week of medical treatment,
21:21my facial injuries healed completely.
21:23My skin became even smoother and more radiant than before.
21:27One day,
21:28the housekeeper brought over another gift from Bernard.
21:30It was a 1945 Chateau Lafite.
21:33It was one of only a few left in the world.
21:35It was clear Bernard had gone to great lengths to save his son.
21:39After locking Lucas and Vivian up for a week,
21:42it was about time I paid them a visit.
21:44I instructed the housekeeper to inform Bernard who was waiting outside.
21:48Then,
21:48I had the bodyguards bring Lucas and Vivian up from the basement.
21:52Those seven short days had transformed them beyond recognition.
21:55Their hair was matted and their bodies reeked of foul odors.
21:59Vivian's facial wounds were left untreated.
22:02It had festered and swollen.
22:04Her entire face had turned into a bloated mess and was ruined beyond repair.
22:08When Lucas spotted Bernard,
22:10tears of relief streamed down his face.
22:12He scrambled over on hands and knees.
22:15Dad!
22:16You're finally here!
22:18You have no idea what I've been through these days.
22:21He pointed a shaking finger at me.
22:22It was her!
22:23She locked me in that water cell.
22:27She deprived me of sleep,
22:29starved me,
22:30and forced me to eat rotten food.
22:33I smiled slightly as I looked at him.
22:35Yet you always licked the bowl clean, though.
22:38Didn't you, Mr. Goodwin?
22:40Human survival instincts were truly remarkable.
22:43I had ordered the guards to deliver just one meal of cold, rancid oatmeal per day.
22:48At first,
22:48Lucas proudly declared he would rather starve than touch such food.
22:52He was the chairman of Goodwin's group, after all.
22:55But after three days without food,
22:57pride became meaningless.
22:58They fought over that putrid oatmeal,
23:00and even licked their bowls for him.
23:02Lucas glared at me savagely.
23:04You vicious witch.
23:06Now that my father is here,
23:09your little game is over.
23:11Sometimes I marveled at life's scales of balance.
23:13When it gave you one thing,
23:15it would always take away another.
23:17Clearly,
23:17Lucas's intelligence had been traded for his looks.
23:20Before he could finish his threat,
23:22Bernard struck him across the head.
23:23You disgrace!
23:25Are you trying to give me a heart attack?
23:29Get on your knees and apologize to Ms. Winshow right now!
23:33Lucas turned to his father,
23:34his face twisted in betrayal.
23:37Why should I apologize?
23:39She tortured me for days!
23:42Instead of having my back,
23:43why are you taking her side?
23:45Bernard looked at his clueless son in despair.
23:47He was truly at his wits' end.
23:49Since my mother had given strict instructions,
23:52Bernard could not reveal my identity.
23:54He could only vent his frustration
23:56by kicking Lucas behind the knees
23:57and forcing him to kneel before me.
23:59Bernard spoke with cautious deference.
24:02Mrs. Winsway,
24:03I know this worthless son of mine has angered you.
24:06Nothing he does will ever make up for it.
24:09But he's my only child.
24:12Please,
24:13spare his life.
24:14Witnessing his father's humiliating submission,
24:17Lucas finally realized
24:18that I was not just some nobody.
24:20Dad,
24:22who is she?
24:25We're the Goodwin family.
24:26One of the three most powerful families
24:28running this city.
24:29Since when has there been anyone
24:30we can't afford to offend?
24:32Bernard glared at him with disgust.
24:34You stupid brat!
24:36How many times have I told you
24:37there's always someone above us?
24:39I told you to behave,
24:41but you never listened!
24:43Let me make this clear.
24:44Mrs. Winsaw
24:46is exactly who he can't afford to offend.
24:50Whether you walk out of here
24:52depends entirely on her.
24:54Finally comprehending the gravity of the situation,
24:57Lucas's expression shifted from resentment
24:59to pure terror.
25:00He stammered and said,
25:02Mrs. Winsfone,
25:03I've,
25:04I've been a fool.
25:06Please,
25:07forgive me.
25:08I sat in my chair
25:10as I slowly sipped the coffee beside me
25:12before addressing them.
25:14Bernard,
25:14you're actually wrong about Lucas.
25:16He wasn't the one who offended me.
25:18It's his sister in all but blood that did.
25:20Lucas merely wanted to stand up for her.
25:22You're such a disgrace!
25:25Instead of learning proper conduct,
25:27you're messing around with some pretend sister.
25:29Get that woman out of my sight.
25:31Now.
25:31Seeing this,
25:32Vivian instantly realized
25:34Lucas was barely keeping his own head above water
25:36at the moment.
25:37He could not save himself,
25:38much less her.
25:39Just remembering her time in the water cell,
25:42she vowed never to suffer like that again.
25:44Her legs gave out.
25:45She collapsed to her knees with a thud
25:47and started apologizing frantically.
25:49Mrs. Winsfone,
25:51I'm sorry.
25:52I'm sorry.
25:53I'm the worthless poser.
25:55Please forgive me.
25:57Please spare me just this once.
26:00Please.
26:01Please.
26:02I beg you.
26:03Please spare my miserable life.
26:06Her words echoed in the room
26:08as she repeatedly begged for forgiveness on her knees.
26:11Lucas finally lowered his proud head in submission.
26:14Mrs. Winsfone,
26:14I was blind and foolish to wrong you.
26:17I won't bully people
26:19or pull that privileged nonsense again.
26:22Please just give me this one chance.
26:23After finishing my coffee,
26:25I set the cup aside.
26:26I looked at the people around me and said calmly,
26:28My, you are all speaking
26:30as if I'm some homicidal maniac.
26:33This is a society governed by law.
26:36Do I really look like a criminal to you?
26:38Bernard ventured cautiously.
26:40Mrs. Winsfone,
26:41does this mean you're forgiving this idiot?
26:44I smiled.
26:45Of course.
26:46Though they'd hurt me,
26:48I've hurt them too.
26:50An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.
26:52I'll let this matter end here.
26:54Lucas and Vivian resumed frantically thanking me for your mercy.
26:57I cleared my throat before continuing.
27:00Not only do I forgive you,
27:02I intend to grant you a blessing.
27:05The three of them looked confused.
27:07After some digging,
27:08I discovered Vivian and Lucas have been dating all along.
27:12They adopted the pretend sibling's pretense
27:14because you wouldn't approve, Bernard.
27:17Well, congratulations, lovebirds.
27:20You'll be heading straight to the city hall after this.
27:22You've got exactly seven days to throw a wedding and float on.
27:25My words were met with mixed reactions.
27:27Some were delighted,
27:29others horrified.
27:30Vivian had never expected this misfortune
27:32to turn into her lucky break.
27:34Her long-held dream of climbing society's ladder
27:37by marrying a wealthy man was finally coming true.
27:39A thrill of victory rose in her chest,
27:42and she could not help but smile.
27:44However, that smile was particularly grotesque
27:47and unsettling on her nearly disfigured face.
27:49The one displeased by this turn of events
27:51was naturally Bernard.
27:53He had always looked down on Vivian's background and behavior.
27:56This disaster involving Lucas had been partly caused by her,
28:00deepening his disdain toward her.
28:01I observed the three of them,
28:03each lost in their own thoughts,
28:05and asked,
28:07Well, can you do it?
28:10When they gave me their agreement,
28:12I waved them off with a smile.
28:14There's a car waiting outside.
28:16To take you love-largs to the city hall.
28:19They scrambled to their feet and dashed out,
28:21as if afraid I might change my mind if they delayed even a second.
28:25The filthy, foul-smelling Lucas and Vivian
28:27were delivered straight to the city hall's entrance.
28:30A staff member approached them.
28:32She suppressed her disgust at the stench.
28:35Sir, miss, how may I assist you?
28:38Lucas glanced at Vivian's swollen face
28:40and could not help but feel repulsed.
28:43Still high on the thrill of bagging a good win,
28:45Vivian blurted out,
28:47We're here to get married!
28:48Even after years of handling registrations,
28:51this was the most bizarre couple the staff had ever encountered.
28:55Most couples dress their best when registering for marriage,
28:58but these two looked like refugees fleeing a disaster.
29:01The groom looked especially disgusted and reluctant.
29:04The staff processed their paperwork dutifully despite their appearance.
29:07When my driver reported they had successfully tied a knot,
29:11I felt the wicked satisfaction of a prankster seeing their scheme succeed.
29:15This particular prank, however, would haunt them for life.
29:19A week later, their wedding had the whole internet talking about the Goodwin family.
29:23The viral wedding coverage caused Goodwin's group stocks to plummet.
29:27Their assets were halved, knocking them out of Float On's top three spots.
29:31Though my orchestrated behind-the-scenes certainly helped.
29:33Bernard blamed Vivian entirely.
29:36He was convinced she had brought misfortune to the Goodwin family.
29:40From the moment she married in, he never showed her even a hint of kindness.
29:44After marriage, Lucas became a habitual womanizer
29:47who refused to go home and face Vivian's disfigured face
29:50due to the result of untreated wounds.
29:53Initially, Vivian had been overjoyed about marrying into the Goodwin family.
29:56As time passed, she realized even the housemaids did not regard her as Lucas's legitimate wife.
30:02Her influence within the Goodwin family was negligible.
30:05The meager monthly allowance she received was not even close to her imagined aristocratic lifestyle.
30:10They fought constantly about Lucas's repeated affairs.
30:13Through these constant fights, Vivian grew increasingly paranoid and unstable.
30:17After one particularly vicious quarrel, she snapped.
30:21She stabbed Lucas before ending her own life.
30:23I was vacationing abroad with my mother when we heard the news of their deaths.
30:28Sunlight sifted through the branches.
30:30A new day began in tranquility.
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