- 2 days ago
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00My sister was injured and lost her memory.
00:02She forgot everyone, except my husband, Carter Hayes.
00:05She believed he was her boyfriend.
00:07My mother broke down crying in the hospital hallway,
00:10clutching my arm and begging me to give Carter back to my sister.
00:16It's only temporary.
00:18Once her memory comes back, everything will go back to normal.
00:20But he didn't know that the moment he nodded,
00:23some things could never go back.
00:25Chloe, you should move out for now.
00:27Claire can't handle any stimulation.
00:30I'm bringing her here so I can take care of her.
00:32It's not convenient for you to stay.
00:35What if Clara never gets her memory back?
00:37Are you planning to play along with her forever?
00:40She's your sister.
00:41She's in terrible shape right now.
00:42Just give her some space.
00:46Go pack. Don't take too much.
00:47I'll have someone deal with the rest.
00:49He walked into the living room and pointed at the Tiffany lamp on the wall.
00:51Take that too. Clara doesn't like this style.
00:53I'll buy you a new one another day.
00:55That lamp was the first birthday gift he had ever given me.
00:58For five years of marriage, I wiped it clean every week.
01:01So in his eyes, it had been ready to throw away all along.
01:04Maybe it wasn't just the lamp he wanted to throw away.
01:07I carried the lamp downstairs to the trash bins.
01:10When I came back, the designer had already arrived.
01:13Carter was giving instructions.
01:16Persian cashmere rugs.
01:18Egyptian long-steption cotton bedding.
01:21He went into the study and tore down my sticky notes one by one.
01:25Crumpled them.
01:26And tossed them into the trash.
01:29Clear out all the sticky notes you left.
01:32Your sister knows your handwriting.
01:33Don't make her overthink.
01:34I stood in the entryway, watching the home I had lived in for five years slowly turn into another woman's.
01:40It wasn't that Carter didn't have time.
01:41He just didn't have time for me.
01:43I turned to leave.
01:43As I passed the study, I caught sight of a half-open drawer.
01:47Inside was a glimpse of gray-blue yarn.
01:48The scarf I had half-knitted three years ago.
01:50I thought he had thrown it away.
01:51I reached out to pull the drawer open.
01:53Chloe.
01:56Why are you still here?
01:58I didn't answer.
02:00I picked up the bag that held only a few changes of clothes.
02:03And walked out of the house that had once been mine.
02:09At the gate, I texted a real estate agent I hadn't contacted in a long time.
02:15Find me an apartment downtown as soon as possible.
02:18Don't tell my husband.
02:22When I checked into the Marriott downtown, Carter called.
02:27There's a college reunion tonight.
02:29Our old professor will be there.
02:31I'll take you and your sister.
02:32Clara's been recovering pretty well lately.
02:35He hung up after that without the slightest concern for me.
02:38That evening, I returned to my own home as a guest.
02:42Carter opened the door.
02:44The therapist said familiar things could help Clara recover.
02:49I didn't respond.
02:50A sour ache spread through my chest.
02:53Clara came downstairs, linked her arm through Carter's, and smiled at me.
02:58Chloe, you're still the same as in college.
03:01Always tagging along.
03:03All right.
03:04Stop teasing her.
03:14Remember freshman year at the football game?
03:17We were chosen as squad leaders.
03:19We secretly held hands and someone posted the photo on the forum.
03:22Of course I remember.
03:25And the spring formal.
03:26We hosted it together.
03:29Chloe was there too, right?
03:30I was in the audience.
03:33Back then, they were upstairs.
03:35I was below it.
03:37Even after I married Carter, I was still the invisible person in their story.
03:41In the private dining room, our classmates started cheering.
03:44The party queen and the fraternity president are here.
03:47Still holding hands?
03:49When are we getting invitations?
03:53I thought I heard Carter was married.
03:58You must have heard wrong, professor.
04:00I'm not married.
04:02Not yet.
04:03But soon.
04:06I looked away and took a sip of wine.
04:09It tasted bitter.
04:11After a few rounds of drinks, a fraternity member beside me lightly nodged my elbow.
04:15Chloe, are you seeing anyone?
04:17I always wanted to ask you out back in college.
04:21I'm married.
04:23I've been married for five years.
04:28That was when I suddenly understood.
04:31I had signed my own ticket to hell.
04:38You're married?
04:39To who?
04:42Her husband is a programmer at my company.
04:44He probably has to work late tonight.
04:46Right.
04:47That makes sense.
04:48No offense, but you and your sister were never on the same level.
04:53Chloe, you should bring your husband out to meet us sometime.
05:00Sure.
05:01When there's a chance.
05:04I couldn't sit there any longer, so I excused myself to the restroom.
05:09I was about to go back when I turned and met Carter's eyes.
05:12He had followed me out.
05:14Clara likes the pink Porsche you drove here.
05:16Give me the keys.
05:17What about me?
05:18It's pouring outside.
05:20If you take the car, how am I supposed to get back?
05:22My car is with the driver for maintenance.
05:24Clara's in bad shape.
05:26Give her some space.
05:27Wait for an Uber.
05:29Give.
05:30Since we were children, I gave Clara everything she wanted.
05:33I gave and gave and gave until I even gave away my husband.
05:37I waited in the restaurant until closing, but no Uber accepted the ride.
05:42It was past midnight when I finally hailed a car.
05:45I had just gotten in when my phone buzzed.
05:48It was a work message from Carter.
05:49The Europe Cloud architecture proposal is urgent.
05:52Go to the office and handle it.
05:53I was still his executive assistant.
05:55I told the driver to head to the office, but one encrypted key needed for the project was in his
06:00study.
06:01He didn't answer my calls.
06:02He didn't reply to my messages.
06:04I had no choice but to go home.
06:08No one answered the doorbell, so I entered the passcode and pushed the door open.
06:19Why are you here?
06:20Didn't I tell you not to come back before Clara recovers her memory?
06:23If she finds out about us, everything will be for nothing.
06:26I took out my phone and held up the dozen missed calls in front of him.
06:29The project you told me to handle needs the key file.
06:32You didn't answer a single call.
06:37So helping Clara recover her memory requires taking your clothes off.
06:41My clothes got wet.
06:43You've always been sensible.
06:45Don't make a fuss over something so small.
06:47Sensible.
06:47So I deserve to swallow every grievance.
06:50To wait all night in the rain for a ride.
06:52To be called into work in the middle of the night.
06:54To watch my husband hold another woman in his arms.
06:57For the first time, I felt that what I had exhausted on Carter was not just my youth, but myself.
07:02I'll carry Clara to the bedroom first.
07:04Go get the file from the study.
07:06Be quiet.
07:12I stood there and watched him disappear down the hallway.
07:16Then I went into the study and got the key file.
07:19But I was so tired.
07:21I couldn't tolerate it anymore.
07:24So the first thing I printed at the printer wasn't the proposal.
07:28It was my resignation letter.
07:31Near dawn, I sent the real estate agent a second message.
07:35Have you settled the apartment?
07:36I need to move in within the next two days.
07:40At daybreak, I rubbed my red, sleepless eyes and was about to return to the hotel.
07:45Clara found our marriage certificate.
07:47She's threatening to jump.
07:48Come back now.
07:49My mother's call came right after.
07:51Why didn't you take the marriage certificate when you moved out?
07:53You just can't stand to see your sister happy.
07:55Can't you apologize for once?
07:57If anything happens to Clara, don't ever call me your mother again.
08:07I wasn't even surprised anymore.
08:10Ever since we were children, whenever Clara was unhappy, I was the one who got blamed.
08:15I rushed to the community.
08:17I had barely reached the police line when Clara pointed at me and screamed.
08:21How could you marry behind my back at City Hall?
08:25The two people I loved most betrayed me together.
08:29Clara, the only person I've ever loved is you.
08:40Before I could even breathe, a powerful force slammed into me.
08:45I had just propped myself up.
08:47I don't know someone like you.
08:50I don't have a daughter like you.
08:57My hands shook as I called 911.
08:59Then everything went black.
09:02When I woke up, I was lying in a hospital bed.
09:05You were a little over six weeks pregnant.
09:08You've just had a miscarriage.
09:10We'll keep you under observation for an hour.
09:13After observation ended, I took my medication and slowly walked out.
09:17In the second floor hallway, I ran into Carter.
09:21Your sister has been traumatized.
09:22She can't see you right now.
09:26My mother and I will take good care of her.
09:28Of course I knew.
09:29And once again, he proved to me that Carter didn't love me at all.
09:32If he cared even a little, he wouldn't have missed how pale I looked.
09:36I turned to leave, but he grabbed my wrist.
09:39There's something else I need to tell you.
09:41Let's get divorced.
09:43Carter kept his grip on my wrist, speaking quickly, as if afraid I wouldn't agree.
09:47Chloe, I'm not really leaving you.
09:49The divorce is only temporary.
09:51Claire's condition is terrible right now.
09:52I just want to put her mind at ease.
09:54I pulled my hand back and cut him off.
09:56No need to explain.
09:58I agree.
10:00Even if he hadn't brought it up, I had already prepared the divorce papers.
10:02The lawyer arrived quickly.
10:13From now on, whatever happened between Carter and Clara had nothing to do with me.
10:18I tried to push open the stairwell door.
10:21I'll do it.
10:28I immediately pulled back and walked quickly out of the stairwell.
10:33His voice came from behind me, carrying a hint of surprise.
10:37Why are your hands so cold?
10:39Are you not feeling well?
10:41Why is your face so pale?
10:44I'm just tired.
10:45If there's nothing else, I'm going back to the hotel.
10:48But Carter thought I was trying to be brave.
10:50He took my hand and sighed.
10:52I only asked the lawyer to get a preliminary filing from the court to show Clara.
10:57Before the judge signs the final decree, I'll withdraw the petition.
11:00Don't overthink it.
11:02But I truly wanted the divorce.
11:04He assumed I was throwing a tantrum and pulled me outside.
11:07We haven't eaten together in a long time.
11:10My mother is taking care of Clara.
11:12Let's have a meal.
11:13He took me to a restaurant near the hospital.
11:15During the meal, he served food onto my plate, which was rare for him.
11:19Eat more.
11:20You've lost a lot of weight lately.
11:21His concern came too suddenly.
11:23It only made me lose my appetite.
11:25After only a few bites, I put down my fork and looked up at him.
11:29Is there something else you want to say?
11:34Chloe.
11:35Clara said she wants a wedding.
11:37The doctor said fulfilling her wishes may help her recover her memory, so I'm planning to hold a fake one
11:42with her.
11:44I hope you won't mind.
11:48Fine.
11:49Go ahead.
11:50He had probably prepared a long speech to persuade me.
11:53He didn't expect me to agree so easily.
11:55Thank you, Chloe.
11:56After dinner, Carter's lawyer returned from court and reported the next steps in the divorce process.
12:02In front of me, Carter specifically instructed the lawyer.
12:05When the judge is close to finalizing the case, make sure you remind me to withdraw the petition.
12:13I stood up.
12:16You two talk.
12:17I'm tired.
12:18I'm going back to the hotel.
12:21I'll drive you.
12:22No.
12:23Handle your business.
12:26Once I left the restaurant, I hailed a cab.
12:29After I got in, I called my lawyer.
12:31Hello, this is Chloe.
12:32I'd like to ask whether the divorce case just filed can be expedited.
12:36I'm preparing to leave California.
12:38Ms. Davis, since you and Mr. Hayes have both signed the settlement agreement and there are no disputes,
12:43we can apply to the judge for an expedited decree.
12:46The final judgment can be issued within 72 hours.
12:50Good.
12:54I hung up, leaned back in the seat, and slowly closed my eyes.
12:58It was the agent sending the apartment address along with one line,
13:02A New Life.
13:03I repeated those three words silently.
13:06Then, I opened my phone and blocked Carter's number.
13:09On the other side, Carter stayed at the hospital with Clara.
13:12All the work fell on me.
13:14I had to finish everything before I left.
13:16After three straight days of overtime, I finally completed all the projects on my desk.
13:22It was Carter's assistant.
13:24Ma'am, please lie down in Mr. Hayes' lounge for a bit.
13:26I'll handle the wrap-up.
13:29My heart was beating abnormally fast.
13:33I didn't refuse.
13:39I was wearing a camiselle and turned to look.
13:41When Clara burst through the door, I was standing in the lounge in a camiselle.
13:47What are you doing here?
13:48Chloe, do you have no shame?
13:49You're seducing your own sister's husband, and now you've followed him all the way to the office?
13:57Are you that desperate for a man?
14:00Carter and I are eating!
14:02Carter and I are getting married!
14:04No matter how hard you throw yourself at him, he won't even look at you!
14:11A Stanford graduate lowering herself to be someone's assistant, she brings private chef salads every day.
14:17And if the boss coughs once, she practically buys out the pharmacy.
14:20Turns out she's just a mistress.
14:32Carter, Carter, I saw her taking off her clothes in your lounge.
14:35She was trying to seduce you.
14:37Fire her, okay?
14:38I braked myself against the floor, trying to explain.
14:40But his voice came faster, colder, like a blade coming down.
14:44Fine, I'll fire Chloe right now.
14:46He confirmed in public that I was morally corrupt.
14:50With that one cut, he had destroyed my career in this industry.
14:57The pain in my soul drowned out every injury on my body.
15:01My mother rushed in.
15:03Chloe!
15:04Carter is your sister's husband!
15:07Get out!
15:08I don't want to see your face again!
15:15I lifted my head and looked at Carter.
15:18Secretary Davis, pack your things and leave the company now.
15:29Fine.
15:30I'll go.
15:32Carter, Clara, Mrs. Davis.
15:35Remember this.
15:36I, Chloe, have never done anything to betray any of you.
15:40You are the ones who wronged me.
15:41You are the ones who failed me.
15:43From this moment on, we have nothing to do with each other.
15:49I no longer wanted to hear it.
15:52Under my colleague's contemptuous stares, I walked out of the company step by step.
15:58Just as I left the building, Carter's assistant pulled up in front of me.
16:03Ma'am, Mr. Hayes asked me to take you back to the hotel.
16:07I was in terrible pain, so I got in.
16:12Sir still cares about you.
16:14He didn't mean to fire you.
16:16He only had to wrong you because of Miss Clara's condition.
16:19This card is tied to a $10 million trust fund.
16:24There's no peyine.
16:26Spend it however you like.
16:27In five years of marriage, this was the first bouquet of flowers I had ever received from him.
16:31I had wanted it so badly once.
16:34Now, looking at it, I only found it ironic.
16:37But I still took the card.
16:39I'll consider it compensation for five years of my youth.
16:42When I returned to the hotel, the front desk called out to me.
16:46Miss Davis, you have a package?
16:49I opened it.
16:54I clutched the decree in my hand.
16:56The heart that had been suspended in my chest for so long finally settled back into place.
17:01I booked a flight to Montana.
17:03I had just finished booking it when Carter called.
17:05Chloe, what happened today was only because I was afraid of triggering Clara.
17:09I've already contacted doctors at Johns Hopkins.
17:11In a month at most, I'll be back by your side.
17:12I told you, we have nothing to do with each other anymore.
17:19Are you angry?
17:21I'll come to the hotel later and stay with you.
17:23Once Clara gets better, we'll have a real win.
17:24He was bringing up something long expired, and somehow he didn't find it ridiculous.
17:29Are you free right now?
17:30There's something I need to give you.
17:31If you're not, I can send it to the office.
17:35I knew you were always understanding.
17:37Wait for me.
17:38I'll come over now.
17:39I thought he would stay with Clara and refuse to come.
17:44But I would never wait for him again.
17:47After hanging up, I immediately packed my bags and checked out.
17:50I placed the divorce decree in a gift box and handed it to the hotel manager.
17:54Carter Hayes will be here soon.
17:55Please make sure this is handed to him personally.
18:01Then I got into a taxi to the airport.
18:04I deleted every chat record on my phone and removed the wedding ring from my ring finger.
18:10I put the ring into my bag, leaned back against the seat, and closed my eyes.
18:17It was warm.
18:20Long after I left, a Maybox stopped at the hotel entrance.
18:28Miss Chloe asked before she checked out that this be handed directly to you.
18:39He had clearly instructed the lawyer to withdraw the petition before the final judgment.
18:43The review period wasn't even over yet.
18:48Carter, our wedding is tomorrow.
18:50Will you come with me to try on wedding dresses?
18:53All right.
18:53I'm coming back now.
18:57After hanging up, he called his assistant, his voice low.
19:01What did the Johns Hopkins doctor say?
19:03The doctor said he can't treat Miss Clara's condition.
19:06He believes there's nothing wrong with her.
19:08The Stanford specialist also said her brain scan shows no signs of trauma.
19:12If she's faking amnesia, it could constitute medical fraud.
19:17She had been lying to him all along.
19:20Those perfectly timed recoveries.
19:22Those emotional breakdowns that always happened right when Chloe appeared.
19:27He had never thought too deeply about them.
19:30He returned home.
19:33I spoke to the doctors.
19:35You never lost your memory.
19:42Carter, I don't know what you're talking about.
19:44Stop pretending.
19:46Chloe is gone.
19:48I'm done playing along with this show.
19:50He turned to leave.
19:53I only did it because I love you so much.
19:57Since you two are already divorced, why don't we...
20:01We ended a long time ago.
20:03I have only one wife, and that's Chloe.
20:07Since your illness was fake, this ends here too.
20:16He walked out without looking back.
20:20Before his plane landed in Montana, I went to the cathedral in San Francisco.
20:25I asked the priest to light a prayer candle.
20:28For the child who never had the chance to be born.
20:34I knelt before the pew, hands clasped, eyes closed.
20:39I only hoped that in his next life, he would be born into a complete family, with loving parents, warm
20:45embraces, and a lamp that would always be left on for him.
20:49After that, I flew to Big Sky, Montana.
20:52The ranch in Montana was peaceful and far from the world.
20:56I settled in.
20:58During the day, I wandered with the sheepdogs.
21:01At night, I sat on the porch and watched the stars.
21:06Until one day, a car stopped at the ranch entrance.
21:14Why did you come out of state without telling me?
21:17I was worried about your safety!
21:20Didn't you see the divorce decree?
21:22We're divorced. Where I go has nothing to do with you.
21:26Chloe, are you angry because I held a wedding with Clara?
21:29I only did it so her condition would improve faster.
21:32What happens between you and Clara has nothing to do with me.
21:35I don't care what you two do.
21:37The feelings I had as a girl had been worn down by this broken marriage until only disgust remained.
21:43Chloe, I never actually wanted to divorce you.
21:46In my heart, you've always been a good wife.
21:49I wasn't a good wife. I was a good NAMI.
21:51If you need a NAMI, hire one.
21:53I took care of you for free all these years.
21:56You should be satisfied.
22:02We should have ended long ago.
22:05When I went downstairs, only old Bill the cowboy was in the living room.
22:09I had just breathed a sigh of relief when he spoke.
22:11There's a man from California asking to stay here.
22:13He says his wife can't handle regular fast food.
22:15Is he your husband?
22:16No.
22:18The words had barely left my mouth when the kitchen door opened.
22:23I remember you used to love handmade pasta.
22:26I learned how to make it for you.
22:31So Carter knew how to cook.
22:34But in five years of marriage, he had never cooked a single meal for me.
22:38We had never truly known each other.
22:42I'm not hungry.
22:45The Montana night sky was dazzling with stars.
22:49Footsteps sounded behind me.
22:56Chloe, it's dark. Where are you going?
22:58Can you stay away from me?
22:59I already stepped aside for you and Clara.
23:04What else do you want?
23:06Clara and I ended a long time ago.
23:09She was pretending to have amnesia, saying she had headaches.
23:12She's her sister, after all.
23:14So you took care of her all the way into bed?
23:16I took care of her until I became known to everyone as the mistress who destroyed someone else's home?
23:27I looked at him, my voice very soft.
23:30Carter, I know you can't forget my sister.
23:32I've given up that place.
23:34From now on, we go our separate ways.
23:37Don't come after me again.
23:40I got up and walked into the night.
23:43I sat under the stars for a long time.
23:47Until the night wind chilled my face.
23:50Before I went back.
23:52At the cabin door.
23:55Bill had left dry bread and cheese for me.
23:57After eating, I opened my laptop and emailed a friend I hadn't contacted in a long time.
24:02Her name was Elena.
24:03Back then, she had invited me to start a company with her.
24:06But I had been so focused on Carter that I never considered any other path.
24:10Now, it was time to plan for myself.
24:15Before dawn, I left the ranch and flew straight to San Francisco.
24:22Chloe, you finally came to your senses!
24:26Welcome to my company.
24:28I invested money, took equity, and officially became a partner.
24:33Not long after, we attended a Silicon Valley reception together to raise funding.
24:44This is my wife, Chloe.
24:49When we were married, he insisted on keeping it secret.
24:53Now that we were divorced, he called me his wife.
24:58I didn't get angry.
25:00I simply smiled at everyone in a polite, business-like way.
25:03Mr. Hayes is joking. We're divorced.
25:09Then I turned and went to the restroom.
25:12Carter followed me in and watched me through the mirror.
25:16Chloe, if you want to build a company in the Bay Area, I'll support you.
25:20We don't have to hide our relationship anymore.
25:23I turned off the faucet and looked at him in the mirror without expression.
25:27The only thing you can do for me now is stay away from me.
25:31Seeing you makes me sick.
25:32I turned around.
25:34Stop meddling in my business?
25:36Is that so hard?
25:42Chloe, I just want to make it up to you.
25:43Do whatever you want.
25:46But don't mention our relationship to anyone.
25:48We're divorced.
25:50The court documents are final.
25:52Before, he was the one who wouldn't let me mention it.
25:55Now, I was the one who didn't want to.
25:58After all, being betrayed by my husband wasn't exactly something to be proud of.
26:03I walked out of the restroom without looking back.
26:07By the time the reception ended, I was slightly tipsy.
26:10Elena had already left.
26:12I had been drinking and couldn't drive.
26:14I had just opened Uber when a Benti stopped in front of me.
26:17This place is remote.
26:18It'll be hard to get a ride.
26:19Let me take you home.
26:20No need.
26:21I already called one.
26:27Chloe, since you and Carter are already divorced, can you stay away from him?
26:34Shouldn't you two be the ones staying away from me?
26:39I came to San Francisco for Chloe.
26:42There will never be anything between you and me again.
26:47My Uber arrived.
26:49Before getting in, I turned back and looked at them.
26:52Clara, I tolerated you before because you were my sister.
26:55But you'd better not bring your drama to me again.
26:57I have evidence of your affair.
26:59Don't force me to send it to the media and my lawyer.
27:04I opened the car door, got in, and never looked at them again.
27:11For the next few days, I was busy with the new project.
27:14Until one afternoon, my mother suddenly showed up at the company entrance with a crowd of tabloid reporters.
27:19Calling me a mistress who destroyed someone else's family.
27:21It's her!
27:22Chloe!
27:23She seduced her sister's husband!
27:25Film her!
27:30What an ungrateful daughter!
27:33Stealing your sister's husband, you heartless little ingrate!
27:40I acted as if I hadn't seen any of it and turned to enter the building.
27:44Security asked if they should remove her.
27:46I tugged at the corner of my mouth.
27:47No, let her make a scene.
27:49The bigger the scene, the better.
27:52The evidence in my hands had been waiting for a long time.
27:56When I returned to my office, Carter called.
28:02Chloe, don't worry.
28:03I'll handle this for you.
28:04I picked up a pen and spun it between my fingers, cutting him off.
28:08How exactly does Mr. Hayes plan to handle it?
28:11By announcing the truth that Clara faked her amnesia?
28:15Or by telling everyone you wanted to divorce me so you could hold a wedding with my sister?
28:20If you can't do any of that, what are you solving for me?
28:25Carter, I must have been blind to love you for so many years.
28:32For the next three days, my mother came downstairs to the company every day to make a scheme.
28:37Public opinion online kept spiraling.
28:39An employee exposial appeared on Carter's company's anonymous forum,
28:43claiming I had tried to seduce Carter and was caught in the at.
28:46But Carter quickly issued a statement clarifying that I was not a mistress
28:49and publicly revealed that he and I had been married for years.
28:54He also sent me a message.
28:57I'm sorry, I'll handle this.
29:00When I saw the message, I felt nothing.
29:03An apology and clarification that came too late meant nothing to me now.
29:09Clara suddenly started a live stream,
29:11accusing Carter of cheating on her with me while they were together.
29:16She looked ready to drag everyone down with her.
29:19I watched until public opinion had fermented enough,
29:22then contacted the legal department.
29:24That night, the company's legal department released all the evidence
29:27that Clara had faked her amnesia.
29:29Evidence that Carter had cheated during her so-called amnesia,
29:32and my miscarriage medical records.
29:35Less than ten minutes after the statement went out,
29:38Carter called.
29:39His voice was shaking.
29:41Chloe, our child is gone.
29:43Why didn't you tell me?
29:45Now you know.
29:46I'm sorry.
29:49I didn't know you were pregnant.
29:53Once again, I felt it was a blessing that child was never born.
29:58If you're only calling to apologize, don't bother.
30:01After all, you were the one who pushed that child away with your own hands.
30:04Not every wound can be smoothed over with one weightless apology.
30:10I hung up.
30:12Chloe, I won't let anyone hurt you again.
30:16He sent another message.
30:18I turned off my phone and didn't reply.
30:21With the evidence undeniable, Hayes Tech and Clara were soon disgraced,
30:25making headlines in Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal.
30:27Carter's company issued an apology statement, but its stock price kept falling.
30:32After public opinion turned, our company's projects moved forward unusually smoothly.
30:38The next morning, when I went to work, my mother came again and shouted at me.
30:43Clara is your own sister!
30:45How can you just watch people slander her?
30:47Now she doesn't even dare leave the house and she keeps threatening to kill yourself!
30:51Are you happy now?
30:55Remove her.
30:56If she refuses to leave, call the police and charge her with trespassing.
31:01This time, I didn't tolerate it anymore.
31:05I walked into the company without looking back.
31:09In my heart, she had long since become a stranger.
31:15After work, I walked to the parking lot and found Carter standing beside my car.
31:20He took a document from his briefcase.
31:22Chloe, give me a chance to make it up to you and our child.
31:25This is the equity transfer agreement for my company along with all the real estate under my name.
31:29It's all yours to control.
31:31I folded my arms and looked at him.
31:32Then I laughed.
31:33No.
31:34You would only make my child suffer too, forcing them to give way to Clara.
31:38I knew Carter too well.
31:40He wasn't truly stupid.
31:41He simply enjoyed being surrounded by women.
31:44In the end, he just didn't love me enough.
31:45He was about to press the agreement into my hand.
31:50Carter!
31:52You're already divorced!
31:55Why are you still transferring shares to her?
32:00I had no interest in watching them entangle themselves.
32:05I opened the door, started the engine, and left the parking lot.
32:11For the next few days, I automatically blocked out everything about Carter and Clara.
32:16That day, I had dinner with Lucas, a rising star in investment banking.
32:19After finalizing the contract, I walked out of the restaurant.
32:31I quietly pulled my hand free.
32:33Mr. Hayes, I don't see how that concerns you.
32:35Then I gave Lucas an apologetic smile.
32:38Lucas nodded and left.
32:40After he was gone, my expression darkened.
32:43Carter, what are you trying to do?
32:45You used to be gentle and considerate with me.
32:48Now I'm the only person you speak to so harshly.
32:50When did you become like this?
32:52I already told you, if you need a nanny, go hire one.
32:55Besides, we're divorced.
32:56What does it have to do with you if I start seeing someone new?
33:00Chloe, I can give you anything he can.
33:02Why can't you give me one more chance?
33:04Only a fool jumps into the same pit twice.
33:06Carter, let's both keep our dignity.
33:08Don't make this ugly for both of us.
33:10Otherwise, I won't hold back.
33:12Chloe, I'm not asking you to forgive me.
33:14I just want to help you.
33:15You've never started a company.
33:16You don't know how hard it is.
33:17Did you forget?
33:18When you started your company, I was the one running those deals with you.
33:22When it comes to the hardship of entrepreneurship, I've suffered no less than you.
33:25I left him there, hailed a taxi, and drove away.
33:29When work finally eased up, Elena suggested we go camping in Yosemite National Park to watch
33:35the meteor shower.
33:36I agreed.
33:40When we reached the mountain and were about to set up the tent, Elena tactically went
33:44back to the car.
33:45My face dartened.
33:46Why are you here?
33:49Chloe, I want to pursue you all over again.
33:51You were always the one chasing me before.
33:53This time, let me be the one circling around you.
33:56Okay?
33:57Aside from slight surprise, I felt nothing.
34:01I didn't know why Carter was so persistent.
34:05Was it really love?
34:07That would be ridiculous.
34:10He had never shown love during all those years of marriage, yet after the divorce, he
34:14suddenly fell for me.
34:16But I knew he wouldn't give up easily.
34:18Do whatever you want.
34:21No matter what he did now, he could no longer stir anything in me.
34:26Elena pulled me aside and asked in a low voice what was going on with my ex-husband.
34:33She disliked Carter very much.
34:35I laughed softly and folded my arms.
34:37Who knows what he's thinking?
34:38Back then I chased him, weathered every storm with him, and helped him build his company.
34:42Only after he successed it did he agree to be with me.
34:44I'd like to see how long he can last at chasing me.
34:47It would let him taste what it feels like to love someone and not be valued.
34:51Early the next morning, we came down from the mountain.
34:53As soon as I got home, an unfamiliar number called.
34:57Afraid it might's a client, I answered.
34:59It was Carter's assistant.
35:01Ma'am, Mr. Hayes went camping on the mountain last night and he still hasn't answered his
35:04phone.
35:04Could you please try contacting him?
35:05There's an important board meeting today.
35:07Don't call me ma'am again.
35:09If someone's missing, call 911.
35:10I'm busy with work.
35:11I hung up.
35:13Whatever happened to Carter had nothing to do with me.
35:16After the weekend, Elena caught a cold from overtime, so I went with her to the hospital.
35:21After picking up the medicine...
35:25Carter went up that mountain because of you!
35:27And he got into a car accident on the way back!
35:30If someone hadn't took him to the hospital!
35:31In the past, if Carter so much as had a fever, I would run through the rain to buy him
35:35medicine.
35:35But now, hearing that he had been in a car accident, let me completely unmoved.
35:39I only found Clara noisy.
35:41Is Mr. Hayes a minor?
35:42He drove carelessly himself.
35:44What does that have to do with Chloe?
35:46Chloe, this is the first time I've seen a mistress act so self-righteous.
35:52She's right.
35:53I went up the mountain on my own.
35:55Clara, stop being unreasonable.
35:57Let's go.
36:00In the car, Elena was still indignant on my behalf.
36:03I sighed.
36:04I'm used to it.
36:06But I have boundaries now.
36:08I won't keep giving in without a limit.
36:10Clara was disgraced now and could only cling to Carter.
36:13They couldn't stir up much trouble with me anymore.
36:15I arranged to meet Lucas at the equestrian grounds of the country club to go over the
36:18business proposal.
36:20I changed into my riding attire and came back, only to find the proposal was gone.
36:24But I didn't panic.
36:25Lucas wouldn't arrive for quite a while, and I had more than enough time to sort this out.
36:29Calmly, I went to find the riding grounds manager.
36:32Chloe, you say you don't want to get back together with Carter, but secretly, you're
36:35still after him, aren't you?
36:36I ignored her, but I noticed the flash of smugness in her eyes.
36:39The proposal doc in my left side, the changing room is missing.
36:42They involve trade seamets.
36:43Please pull the security footage.
36:45I'm calling the police.
36:50Does the missing proposal have anything to do with you?
36:56The manager had already brought over the surveillance footage.
37:00I took out my phone to call the police.
37:02Carter, help me.
37:03I don't want to go to jail.
37:05I was just jealous.
37:06Why are you so good to her?
37:07This is a federal offense.
37:09I was wrong about you.
37:11This wasn't his decision to make.
37:13I ignored them and called the police directly.
37:17I couldn't be bothered with her.
37:18I called Elena and explained the situation.
37:20Fortunately, the cloud backup was still there, so I printed a new copy on the spot.
37:24When the police arrived, Carter walked over looking like he wanted to say something.
37:27What?
37:27Are you going to plead for her?
37:28I won't interfere.
37:29I just wanted to ask whether the stolen proposal will affect the project.
37:31The best way you can help me is to stay out of my business.
37:36After I finished giving my statement at the police station,
37:44I pushed him aside and faced my mother coldly.
37:47Mrs. Davis, this is America.
37:49If you hit me, even if you're my biological mother, you can still face assault charges.
37:53Do you want to go inside and keep Carla company?
37:59I ignored them and got into the car.
38:02Clara self-harmed in detention and was sent to the hospital.
38:05For the sake of his company's reputation,
38:07Carter bailed her out and had her placed in a psychiatric hospital.
38:10My mother, realizing she had no one left to rely on, stopped me on the street.
38:13Chloe, your sister is sick.
38:15I only have you now.
38:16You can't abandon me.
38:18I took a step back.
38:19Now you're my mother again?
38:20You never attended a single parent-teacher meeting for me.
38:23I'll buy you a plane ticket back home and give you $200 a month for living expenses.
38:27Don't expect anything else.
38:33I shook her off and walked away.
38:36I had just turned around.
38:40If you die, all your money will belong to me and Clara!
38:46Before I could react, it was Carter.
38:51In truth, I had been prepared.
38:53I could have dodged.
38:55But I hadn't expected him to suddenly appear.
39:00I held him up and shouted for security.
39:03Security restrained my mother.
39:05I helped Carter into the car and took him to the hospital.
39:09Fortunately, the wound wasn't deep.
39:10I paid the fees, came back, and said to him,
39:13I've paid the medical bills.
39:15I'll hire a private nurse.
39:16If you want compensation, contact my lawyer.
39:19I turned to leave.
39:25The nurse brought over my test results.
39:39The doctor said I may only have six months left.
39:42For these last six months,
39:45can you stay by my side?
39:49Hearing that only made me clearer-headed.
39:52I placed the report part back on his lap.
39:54I'm sorry to hear that,
39:55but it's not a reason for you to make demands of me.
40:00Then can we be friends?
40:02Just consider it my final wish.
40:05Mr. Hayes shouldn't be short of friends.
40:07There's no need.
40:08As for the injury you took from me today,
40:10if you want money,
40:11I'll have finance transfer it to you.
40:13Anything else?
40:14Forget it.
40:16I turned and left the ward,
40:18even if something in my heart softened.
40:21The moment I thought of the past,
40:23it turned cold again.
40:25Whatever happened to Carter had nothing to do with me.
40:29Even if he had a terminal illness,
40:31what did that have to do with me?
40:33After working overtime,
40:35I saw Carter downstairs at the company.
40:37I didn't know how long he had been waited.
40:39Are you really planning to be with that Lucas?
40:41He has countless women around him.
40:43He's a notorious capitalist in the Bain area.
40:45If you offend him,
40:46he'll destroy your career.
40:48I had already looked into all of that.
40:52Lucas and I were purely business partners.
40:56That has nothing to do with you.
40:58I just don't want you to be deceived again.
41:02I don't expect you to come back to me,
41:04but I...
41:06I hope you find someone truly right for you.
41:12His illness suddenly came to mind.
41:15I had doubted whether the diagnosis was real,
41:18but now I began to believe it a little.
41:21If you're unwell, go to the hospital.
41:23Stop hanging around me.
41:25Perhaps Lucas' appearance had provoked him
41:27because Carter began showing up frequently again.
41:30He made excuses to drive me home,
41:33sent flowers and jewelry,
41:34and treated my employees for meals.
41:37That day, I ran into him at the company entrance.
41:40An irritation rose in me for no reason.
41:45Can't you focus on getting better
41:46and stop disturbing my life?
41:51Chloe, I don't have much time left.
41:53Can you go with me to a few places?
41:55Once we're done,
41:56I promise I'll never bother you again.
41:58Just take pity on me.
42:00I happened to have some free time then.
42:02To end this once and for all,
42:04I asked where.
42:05Colorado.
42:07I paused.
42:08The investor Elena had been trying to find
42:10happened to be vacationing there.
42:13Fine.
42:16The myth I had dreamed of in my youth
42:18was right in front of me.
42:20Yet I felt nothing.
42:23Love.
42:25Myths.
42:27So that was all they were.
42:29A little girl walked over and asked
42:31if we wanted Polaroids.
42:32Ten dollars each.
42:34I was just about to refuse.
42:39Take a few more.
42:41While we were taking photos,
42:43Carter leaned close beside me
42:44and lowered his voice.
42:46Chloe, whether you believe me or not,
42:48I truly love you.
42:50I felt nothing.
42:51Whether he loved me or not
42:52had nothing to do with me.
42:54I only wanted this to end quickly
42:56so I could return to my normal life.
42:58Just as we reached the hotel entrance,
43:00his assistant called.
43:01Go back and handle it.
43:03This trip ends here.
43:05He hung up and walked over to me,
43:07asking if he could make up
43:08the remaining two days.
43:10I took a step back.
43:12My time is limited.
43:13You're the one who has to leave.
43:16Why should I make up for it?
43:18Carter, don't forget what you promised.
43:21Your birthday is coming up.
43:23At least take this.
43:26You once said you loved pearls most.
43:28This is the Queen Pearl of South Australia.
43:30There's only one in the world.
43:32Chloe, this is my heart.
43:33I rubbed the pearl in my palm
43:35and laughed, full of irony.
43:36When I married you,
43:37I said I wanted to wear a pearl necklace
43:38at our wedding.
43:39You said diamonds suited me better.
43:41Later, there was no wedding.
43:43And every year on my birthday,
43:45you still gave me diamonds.
43:48Only later did I find out
43:49that the one who liked diamonds
43:51was Clara, not me.
43:55I don't like pearls anymore.
43:58And I don't like you anymore.
43:59Stop using the past to disgust me.
44:02I hailed a taxi by the road.
44:04After I returned to California,
44:06the internet was full of news
44:07about his terminal illness.
44:08My mother jumped out
44:09and accused Carter of imprisoning Clara,
44:11trying to force him to marry Clara
44:12so she could claim his inheritance.
44:14Carter called the police
44:15and had my mother taken to the station.
44:16Dogs biting dogs.
44:18Not long after,
44:19he released his latest medical report
44:20showing he was healthy.
44:23Just so he could keep circling around me.
44:24He was even willing to curse himself with a lie.
44:28He called me.
44:30I spoke first.
44:32Done pretending?
44:34I lied because I hoped you'd spare me
44:36even a little pity.
44:38With your status,
44:39I'm sure there are plenty of people
44:40willing to pity you.
44:42I lit a candle for our child at the church.
44:45You don't deserve to.
44:48I already did that.
44:49He hurriedly said Clara had escaped
44:51from the psychiatric hospital,
44:52that she had borderline personality disorder
44:55and was dangerous.
44:56I didn't answer.
44:57I hung up.
45:00That evening after work,
45:01I walked into the parking garage.
45:05Chloe,
45:06you ruined me.
45:07I won't let you have a good life.
45:10The next second.
45:13I had no time to react.
45:23I rushed toward that car.
45:33Chloe,
45:34are you okay?
45:36It was Carter.
45:39Why do you get to live better than me?
45:41How could Carter ever truly love someone like you?
45:45Chloe is wonderful.
45:47Clara,
45:48I always thought you were kind
45:49and I was terribly wrong.
45:52I felt nothing.
45:55Back then,
45:56you broke up with him because he was poor.
45:59After I built a life with him from nothing,
46:01you came back wanting to enjoy the rewards.
46:04You wanted too much.
46:07The ambulance arrived.
46:11Carter had intracranial bleeding
46:13and a spinal fracture.
46:15He might be paralyzed from the waist down.
46:18I waited outside the operating room
46:20until early the next morning
46:22when he was finally transferred out of the ICU.
46:25I was just about to return to the company
46:27and handle work.
46:28Your mother started a live stream.
46:30She's on the company rooftop
46:31threatening to jump.
46:32I rushed back.
46:37I want Chloe to drop the case,
46:40bail Clara out,
46:41and give me $10 million to go to Florida.
46:46Otherwise, I'll jump!
46:49Don't worry.
46:50She doesn't have the guts to jump.
46:53That's fair!
46:55That's fair!
46:58Impossible.
47:00In high school,
47:00she forced me to drop my SET prep course
47:02and work at a restaurant.
47:03I paid off my college loans myself.
47:06When my sister faked amnesia,
47:08you told me to give my husband to her.
47:10All of you took turns trying to kill me,
47:13trying to seize my property,
47:15and now you want me to pay
47:16for your comfortable life?
47:18I'm grown now.
47:20I won't give way to anyone anymore.
47:22Even if you jump today,
47:24I won't give you a thing.
47:26Firefighters rushed forward
47:27and brought her down from the rooftop.
47:29I crouched down and lowered my voice.
47:31Mrs. Davis,
47:32this is America.
47:34If I want to,
47:35with all the charges against you added together,
47:37you won't see the outside of a prison
47:39for the rest of your life.
47:41Public opinion turned in my favor.
47:44The company's image improved
47:45and partners came one after another.
47:48After finishing my work,
47:50I went to the hospital.
47:51I told him truthfully
47:52that he might be paralyzed from the waist down
47:54and that I had already contacted his assistant
47:57to take him back to Beverly Hills
47:58once he recovered.
48:00What goes around comes around, Chloe.
48:02I wronged you.
48:04This is my retribution.
48:05I accepted.
48:06Go back and recover properly.
48:08I've paid the medical bills.
48:09I still have work at the company.
48:11I'm leaving now.
48:14What happened with Clara
48:15was already in the past.
48:17It was only because she once saved me
48:19and I owed her.
48:20I lost my parents when I was young
48:22and was treated coldly in foster homes.
48:24You were the one who stayed with me
48:25through my hardest days.
48:27Chloe, I know you'll never want to see me again.
48:29I just want to say one more sorry,
48:31but I truly did love you.
48:33I tilted my head, smiled, and nodded generously.
48:36I accept your apology,
48:37but I don't forgive you.
48:41After Carter was discharged,
48:43he resigned as CEO and disappeared.
48:46Years later, I heard he had died of illness.
48:50By then, Elena and I had built our company
48:52into one of Silicon Valley's leading tech giants.
48:55I had become a prominent figure in tech.
48:59What was the best decision you ever made in your life?
49:02Loving myself.
49:04If you met your former lover again,
49:06what would you say to him?
49:07I thought for a moment
49:09and stayed silent for a few seconds.
49:12Nothing.
49:13There's nothing left to say.
Comments