- 1 day ago
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00:02My husband, Jax, was just crowned on.
00:05At his celebration, he yanked me onto his lap.
00:07His mouth crashed down on mine in a deep, possessive kiss.
00:10His big hands roamed my curves.
00:12I could feel how hard he was, his desire undeniable.
00:15I leaned in.
00:16Not here.
00:19Save it for home.
00:21He let me go reluctantly and handed me a glass of my favorite red wine.
00:24His most trusted underboss suddenly said in Italian.
00:33My blood ran cold.
00:35I expected Jax to shut him down instantly.
00:38Instead, he pressed a lingering, fake kiss to my temple before replying in fluent Italian.
00:54My knuckles turned white around the stem of my wine glass.
00:57They didn't know my grandfather was from Sicily.
00:59I understood every single word.
01:01I already knew my husband was keeping a little pet on the side.
01:04I didn't scream.
01:05I didn't throw a fit.
01:07I pulled out my phone, opened my email, and silently accepted my long-sealed offer for
01:11the top-secret medical program.
01:13Three days from now, I'll be gone from Jax's life for good.
01:18Jax's eyes flicked to my untouched wine.
01:20He offered a concerned smile and asked in English.
01:22What's wrong, baby?
01:24His perfect, loving facade almost made me laugh.
01:27One minute.
01:28He's talking trash about another woman in my grandfather's tongue.
01:31The next, he's looking at me like I'm his entire world.
01:34Nothing.
01:34What were you guys talking about?
01:36Just family business.
01:38I didn't want to ruin your mood with that dark shit.
01:40So we switched from English.
01:42I scoffed.
01:43He must be fucking her so much he'd forgotten I was half Italian.
01:46He forgot I could understand him.
01:47I forced a smile, but a suffocating pain gripped my chest.
01:50Carry on then.
01:51I'm going out for some fresh air.
01:52I pushed him away and walked to the balcony alone.
01:56Along the way, the envious whispers of the guests filled my ears.
02:00Even with Aurora's family wiped away, her position as Donna is rock solid.
02:04Everyone knows the boss worships her.
02:06For her last birthday, he bought off a whole bay in Hawaii just for her fireworks.
02:09He flew in 90,000 roses.
02:11They nearly covered the entire beach.
02:13I'd kill for a man like that.
02:15Those words used to fill me with warmth.
02:17No, nothing.
02:19Just a hollow echo.
02:20Nobody knew that this man, who supposedly lived and breathed only for me, had already betrayed me.
02:27Just yesterday, I snuck into his office at the underground club to surprise him with a coronation gift.
02:32I waited in his private lounge so long I almost fell asleep.
02:35Then, a muffled moan woke me up.
02:37I opened my eyes.
02:38Through the one-way glass, I saw the man who swore to be faithful to me forever.
02:42He had Sparlet, his club manager, pinned against his desk.
02:46He was fucking her brains out.
02:47He was so rough, so desperate.
02:50His suit jacket was tossed on the floor.
02:52His shirt was ripped open, exposing his tense, sculpted muscles.
02:56At their peak, he let her bite his neck.
02:58Right on the tattoo.
02:59My initials.
03:01Did I hurt you?
03:03Boss, I want a mark too.
03:05I watched Jack's chuckle.
03:07He thrust into her brutally, his hot breath hitting her ear.
03:11Done.
03:12I'll brand my name on you.
03:14Somewhere sweet.
03:16Somewhere only I can see it.
03:18Her scream of ecstasy was the sound of my soul shattering.
03:21I knew right then.
03:22My marriage died.
03:26My phone buzzed.
03:27It was my advisor, Professor Luca Moretti.
03:30Ever since I graduated grad school, he'd asked me to join his research more than once.
03:34Aurora, I saw you accepted the offer.
03:37Five years ago you gave up everything for Jack's and now I'm glad you're back.
03:40The military will send for you in three days.
03:43You can spend these days saying goodbye to your family.
03:45The word family stuns so bad it burned my eyes.
03:48Ever since my parents died in the accident, Jack's was the only family I had.
03:51But now, he didn't deserve that title.
03:54Professor, I'm not telling him.
03:56Please use the project's highest security clearance to wipe my identity completely.
04:02Why, once your identity's gone, you'll vanish off the face of the earth.
04:06Jack's would lose his mind if he can't find you.
04:10You two were supposed to be it, weren't you?
04:12I gripped the phone tightly, my nose stinging.
04:14Right.
04:15In everyone's eyes, Jack's was the man who would lose his damn mind if he didn't see me for a
04:19single day.
04:20That was exactly why I gave up my research career to stay by his side.
04:23But now, I faced the freezing wind and let out a mocking laugh.
04:26My eyes burned.
04:29Because he betrayed me.
04:30Five years, five invitations.
04:33These hands that were supposed to cure diseases only ever stitched Jack's wounds and pulled out shrapnel.
04:37I gave up everything and got nothing in return.
04:40Yesterday when you accepted out of the blue, I knew something was off.
04:44But, alright, I'll arrange it.
04:47Just take care of your things these next three days.
04:49I finally let out a breath when he agreed.
04:51Having my identity wiped meant I didn't have to scheme or stress over how to leave Jack's anymore.
04:55Thank you, professor.
04:56The moment I hung up, a deep voice sounded from behind me.
04:59Who betrayed who?
05:04I turned around and met Jack's concerned eyes.
05:07Who betrayed who?
05:08A friend's husband.
05:11Jack's tense gaze searched my face.
05:13Finding nothing unusual, he finally relaxed.
05:16He pulled me into his arms and pressed a kiss to the top of my head.
05:22Don't worry, baby.
05:24Betrayal is something that will never happen with me.
05:27What if it does?
05:28My heart, my body, they're yours.
05:32Only yours.
05:32I said, what if?
05:41Then punish me by making it so I can never find you.
05:45You need to know I can't live without you.
05:47If you vanish, it would hurt worse than dying.
05:51Jack's, your punishment is coming soon.
05:54In three days, I will evaporate from your world entirely.
05:59Boss, everything is ready.
06:02Scarlet walked past us holding a tray, wearing a fiery red, skin-tight gown.
06:06Her tone was strictly business, not even sparing Jack's a glance.
06:09Jack's just nodded expressionlessly and waved her off.
06:13Their flawless act made my stomach turn.
06:15They both deserved an Oscar.
06:17If I hadn't seen them going at it like animals on that desk yesterday,
06:20I'd still be playing the fool.
06:22Jack's covered my eyes with his large hand.
06:24His warm breath brushed against my ear.
06:26Baby, I have a surprise for you.
06:29Five, four, three, two, one, zero.
06:34I opened my eyes.
06:35The entire Chicago sky exploded in light.
06:39Fireworks bloomed into roses, my favorite.
06:42Finally, they burned a massive J and a into the darkness.
06:45Jack's wrapped his arms around me from behind, his voice emotional.
06:49Baby, we've been together for ten whole years.
06:52I stared up at the beautiful lies in the sky, feeling a bit dazed.
06:56Yeah, ten years.
06:58Nineteen to twenty-nine.
07:00A decade.
07:01Long enough to turn the boy who adored me into a complete stranger.
07:04Long enough to turn a passionate romance into cold, calculated deceit.
07:08Jack's turned me around.
07:09He looked at me with deep affection and slowly leaned in for a kiss.
07:13Just as I was about to turn my head away,
07:15the private phone in his pocket buzzed.
07:17A flash of annoyance crossed his face.
07:21I gave orders.
07:22No interruptions today.
07:25But when he saw the name on the screen, he went stiff for a split second.
07:31Out of the corner of my eye,
07:33I caught a glimpse of a single letter glowing on the screen, S.
07:36Jack's cleared his throat,
07:37smoothly tilting the screen away from me as he typed out a quick reply.
07:40The familiar fire of lust was reignited in his eyes.
07:43Baby, I'm so sorry.
07:44Emergency at the club.
07:46I have to go.
07:47Go.
07:48Business first.
07:49Jack's let out a breath of relief.
07:51Normally, he wouldn't leave without a deep, passionate kiss.
07:54But this time,
07:55he just rushed a quick peck to my forehead and strode away.
07:59Then, I told the butler to handle the rest of the party and quietly followed Jack's.
08:03He drove like a maniac all the way to the underground parking garage.
08:15The moment the car door opened,
08:17she pouted her red lips and jumped right into his arms.
08:21Jack's, those fireworks were gorgeous.
08:23I'm so jealous I'm going crazy.
08:26Jack's pinched her chin.
08:28I gave you a club for your birthday.
08:30Wasn't that enough?
08:32I made you a promise.
08:33Be a good girl,
08:35keep Aurora out of it,
08:36and I'll make it up to you.
08:38You know I will.
08:40Hearing that,
08:40it suddenly clicked.
08:42My nails dug hard into my palms.
08:46Last month,
08:47Jack's was caught up in a gang war in the west side,
08:49and the rival faction was uprooted overnight.
08:56He was carried back covered in blood,
08:57shot three times.
08:59I stayed awake for three whole days and nights,
09:01pulling him back from the brink of death.
09:02The day he regained consciousness,
09:04he stroked my haggard face with tender remorse.
09:07Baby, they struck first.
09:09I couldn't back down.
09:11Now I finally understood.
09:13All that bloodshed was nothing more than a gift to please his little mistress.
09:17And I was nothing but a ridiculous joke.
09:23Scarlet hummed,
09:24tracing circles on his solid chest with her finger.
09:26Jack's grabbed her wandering hand.
09:28I was just jealous.
09:30Didn't you say you had something good to show me?
09:32Scarlet yanked his tie,
09:34pulling her body flush against his.
09:36The boss has to unwrap it himself.
09:40I promise to make you feel so good.
09:44You'll think you died and went to heaven.
09:45He scooped her up effortlessly and shoved her into the backseat of his bulletproof escalade.
09:50Scarlet let out a gasp before Jack swallowed the rest of her words with a savage kiss.
09:55Leaning against the freezing concrete pillar,
09:57I finally let my tears fall.
09:59They hit the ground in heavy drops.
10:01I had literally watched them fuck yesterday.
10:04But seeing this again today,
10:05my heart still ached like I caught a bullet to the chest.
10:08When we first got married,
10:09Jack swore he'd only celebrate every important occasion with me from then on.
10:12But one text from Scarlet,
10:14and he dumped me to run to her.
10:16Was he that obsessed with her?
10:20I closed my eyes and forced the suffocating emotions down.
10:23Just three more days,
10:24and this would all be over.
10:28I didn't go back to the party.
10:30I went straight home.
10:31In the middle of the night,
10:33a loud crash woke me up.
10:34Jack stood in the doorway,
10:36reeking of alcohol and blood.
10:37His tense body didn't relax until his eyes landed on me.
10:40Baby why did you leave without telling me?
10:42I finished dealing with the rat and went to find you but you were gone.
10:45I was losing my damn mind.
10:46I glanced at the clock.
10:483 a.m.
10:49I had been home since 9 p.m.
10:51He and Scarlet had been screwing for 6 solid hours.
10:54What a joke.
10:57I wasn't feeling well,
10:58so I came back early.
11:00Forgot to text you.
11:02Maybe from hearing so many lies,
11:03I was now able to bullshit him without batting an eye.
11:06Jack slipped genuinely terrified.
11:09Next time,
11:09you have to tell me baby.
11:11If you ever disappear on me,
11:13I swear to god I don't know what crazy shit I'd do.
11:17Promise me you'll never leave me.
11:18I closed my eyes and didn't answer.
11:20After all,
11:21in 3 days,
11:22he would never find me again.
11:24The next morning,
11:25perhaps out of guilt,
11:26Jack said someone deliver an extremely rare pink diamond necklace.
11:30Baby,
11:31yesterday was my fault.
11:32Please don't be mad at me.
11:34I barely glanced at the diamonds before tossing them aside.
11:37I picked up a different velvet box and handed it to him.
11:41I'm not mad.
11:43This is my gift for you,
11:44but you have to open it in 2 days.
11:47Originally,
11:48I got him custom made cufflinks.
11:50But the day I found out he was cheating on me,
11:52I threw them in the fireplace and replaced them with divorce papers.
11:55This would be the last thing I ever gave him.
11:57Jack took the box.
11:59Why 2 days?
12:00Because it's a surprise.
12:01It won't mean anything unless you open it in 2 days.
12:04Okay.
12:05Whatever you say baby,
12:072 days.
12:08The doorbell rang.
12:09When the door opened,
12:10Scarlett stood there,
12:11her face drenched in tears.
12:15Pure panic flashed across Jax's face.
12:18Baby,
12:19it's urgent gang business.
12:20I'll handle it in the garden so I don't ruin your breakfast.
12:23He immediately dragged her toward the backyard.
12:25I walked to the study window on the second floor just in time to watch the scene unfold below.
12:30Jax furiously shook off Scarlett's hand.
12:32Are you out of your fucking mind?
12:34I warned you never to come here!
12:37If Aurora finds out,
12:38I will skin you alive.
12:43I know I shouldn't be here,
12:44but I'm pregnant.
12:46The doctor said
12:48we were too rough.
12:49The baby isn't stable.
12:51I'm so scared, Jax.
12:53Is our baby gonna be okay?
12:54This is your first child.
12:56My whole body froze.
12:57It felt like a giant.
12:59Invisible hand had just crushed my heart.
13:01I couldn't breathe.
13:02Scarlett was pregnant.
13:04When we first got married,
13:05we talked about having kids.
13:07Jax told me children would be a weakness,
13:09and he only wanted to give all his love to me.
13:12Back then,
13:12I was so mooked by his devotion.
13:14Now I finally understood.
13:16He didn't not want kids.
13:18He just didn't want me to have them.
13:20The fury in his eyes twisted into a dark, complex ecstasy.
13:24Nine weeks?
13:25We do need to be careful.
13:27Go wait in the car.
13:28I'll take you to the best private hospital right now.
13:30Nobody is gonna let anything happen to my kid.
13:32Scarlett finally smiled through her tears,
13:34standing on her tiptoes to kiss him.
13:36Jax's eyes darkened.
13:38He took control,
13:39gripping the back of her head to deepen the kiss.
13:41They made out fiercely until Scarlett was gasping for air.
13:44Jax pulled back,
13:45his voice ragged.
13:46You're pregnant and still trying to seduce me?
13:49Be a good girl and wait in the car.
13:56I calmly walked downstairs and sat back down at the dining table.
14:00At that moment,
14:01I actually felt a sick wave of relief.
14:03Thank God we didn't have kids.
14:05Now I could leave without any strings attached.
14:07That familiar apologetic look was back on his face.
14:11Baby,
14:12an emergency came up when on the west coast.
14:14I have to go deal with it right now.
14:15Stay home and be good.
14:18I'll bring you a present when I get back.
14:20I nodded.
14:21Seeing my calm expression,
14:22he finally left with peace of mind.
14:24Two days left.
14:25This was probably the last time I'd ever see him.
14:28That afternoon,
14:29I got a text from an unknown number.
14:31It was a picture of the ultrasound scan.
14:33I'm pregnant with Jax's baby.
14:35His first child,
14:36you useless orphan.
14:38If you have any sense,
14:39you'll pack your shit
14:40and get out of that mansion.
14:41Make room for me and my baby.
14:43I knew it was Scarlet.
14:45I guess the kid in her belly
14:46gave her the balls to challenge me.
14:48But I was already leaving
14:49and my heart was already dead to Jax.
14:51Seeing that scan made me feel absolutely nothing.
14:54For the next two days,
14:56Jax didn't come home.
14:57I used the time to erase
14:58every single trace of myself from that house.
15:01I donated what I could,
15:02burned the rest,
15:03and only kept the bare essentials.
15:07On the day I left,
15:09I woke up early.
15:10I left my suitcase by the door
15:12and waited for the lab's car.
15:13Just as I was about to call my professor,
15:16Scarlet texted me again.
15:17It was a photo.
15:19Jax proposed to me.
15:20We're getting married today.
15:22He's giving me and our baby
15:24the status we deserve.
15:25This is just the beginning.
15:27He said it's rushed,
15:28but he's giving me the best of everything
15:30to make me the happiest bride in the world.
15:32The next time he comes home,
15:34he'll be throwing divorce papers in your face.
15:36Have some dignity and walk out yourself.
15:39I'm going to be the lady of that house real soon.
15:42This time, I replied,
15:44congratulations.
15:45Right after I hit send,
15:47my ride arrived.
15:48I dragged my suitcase out and got in the car.
15:50We were stopped at a red light
15:51when a convoy of black SUVs roared past us.
15:54I looked over out of habit.
15:56Jax was in the back of the Rolls Royce
15:58in a sharp tailored suit.
15:59He was looking at Scarlet
16:00with eyes full of tenderness.
16:02He suddenly turned his head.
16:04Through the gap in the window,
16:05our eyes locked across the rushing traffic.
16:08His eyes,
16:09which had been full of lust just a second ago,
16:11widened.
16:12The moment he recognized me,
16:13his pupils shrank.
16:16Raw terror and sheer despair flooded them.
16:19I told my driver to roll up the window.
16:21The next second,
16:23my phone started vibrating like crazy.
16:25I stared at the name Jax flashing on the screen.
16:28I didn't answer.
16:31As the car drove over a bridge,
16:33I rolled the window down and tossed the phone
16:35straight into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan
16:37without a second thought.
16:39At the private airstrip,
16:41I met my professor's men
16:42and boarded the private jet
16:43heading to the black site research base.
16:45Meanwhile,
16:46Jack stared at his unanswered phone,
16:48desperately trying to convince himself.
16:50Aurora is just sleeping.
16:51That was just someone who looked like her.
16:54Scarlet noticed him losing his mind,
16:56a flash of jealousy crossing her eyes.
16:58It was their wedding day,
16:59and he was still thinking about that woman.
17:01But remembering my tactful reply,
17:03she felt smug again.
17:04She figured she was about to become
17:06the official Donna in no time.
17:08And in health and forsaking all others,
17:10keep yourself only unto her,
17:13so long as you both shall live.
17:14The mansion's butler called.
17:16The image of her in that car,
17:18that ghost,
17:18burned in his mind.
17:20He instinctively moved to answer it.
17:22Jax,
17:23the wedding isn't over yet.
17:26I'm sure our baby wants to see
17:28mommy and daddy's other vows, right?
17:31At the mention of the kid,
17:33Jax pulled his hand back.
17:34It wasn't until the ceremony ended
17:36that he finally called back.
17:38The second the call connected,
17:39the butler's panicked voice rang out.
17:41Boss,
17:42something's wrong.
17:43The Donna,
17:44she's gone.
17:47Jax's blood ran cold.
17:48In a flash,
17:49that brief glance at the intersection
17:51played in slow motion in his head.
17:53Those dead,
17:53cold eyes.
17:55He finally realized
17:56it wasn't just a lookalike.
17:57It was really Aurora.
17:59She didn't just leave him.
18:00She saw his betrayal
18:02with her own eyes
18:02before she left.
18:04She might have even watched
18:05the whole damn wedding.
18:06What the fuck are you talking about?
18:10What do you mean Aurora is gone?
18:12He didn't even change out of his tuxedo
18:14before rushing for the door.
18:16Scarlet grabbed his arm.
18:17She wanted to play
18:18the spoiled new wife.
18:19Jax,
18:20my stomach hurts.
18:22I think the baby is kicking.
18:23She wouldn't let that woman
18:25steal Jax's attention again.
18:27But Jax was consumed by panic.
18:29He couldn't care less about her.
18:30Get off me!
18:34I'm going to find Aurora.
18:36Scarlet hit the marble floor
18:37of the church.
18:38She pushed down her panic
18:39and faked an understanding tone.
18:41Jax,
18:42go.
18:43I understand.
18:45Aurora must have an emergency.
18:49In her head,
18:50she cursed viciously.
18:52I hope you never find
18:53that useless bitch.
18:56He made frantic calls on the road.
18:58Track Aurora's every move.
18:59Airports,
19:00train stations,
19:01hotels.
19:01Pull every damn security tape.
19:03Boss,
19:03there are no departure records
19:05for the Donna.
19:05Keep looking!
19:06She couldn't just,
19:07Boss, vanish!
19:07Boss,
19:08no hotel has any checking
19:09under her name!
19:09But every answer was exactly the same.
19:12No such person.
19:13A top-secret military clearance
19:15was in effect.
19:16Aurora had completely evaporated
19:17from the face of the earth.
19:19The car roared back to the mansion.
19:21Jax barged through the front doors.
19:23The sight hit him like a physical blow.
19:25It was even emptier than the butler
19:27had said.
19:28Her half of the walk-in closet
19:29was bare.
19:30All the clothes that belonged
19:31to her were gone.
19:32Her manuscripts and laptop
19:34were missing from the study.
19:35Even the bathroom only had
19:37his toiletries left.
19:38It was like she had
19:39never lived there.
19:40Jax was losing his mind.
19:42It's not a lover's spit.
19:43Aurora isn't like that.
19:47Someone must have kidnapped her.
19:49The boss knew damn well
19:50why his wife left.
19:51For the next 24 hours,
19:53Jax questioned every friend
19:54and relative.
19:55He had his men
19:56turn Chicago upside down.
19:58He used every connection,
20:00even his moles in the FBI.
20:01Nothing.
20:02Aurora was a ghost.
20:04He sat alone
20:05in the empty mansion all night,
20:06clutching our wedding photo.
20:08His eyes were hollow
20:09like a dead man's.
20:10Just as Jax was about
20:11to tap into the dark web
20:13to find her,
20:14his underboss Marco rushed in.
20:15He carefully handed over a phone.
20:17The screen was shattered.
20:19Boss,
20:20the divers found this
20:21at the bottom of Lake Michigan.
20:23The tech guys recovered
20:24the data overnight.
20:25Jax's heart leaped to his throat.
20:27He instantly recognized it
20:29as Aurora's personal phone.
20:31He had picked out
20:32that pink case himself,
20:33saying it matched her skin.
20:35Why was it in the lake?
20:36Did Aurora really?
20:38No.
20:38Impossible.
20:41He pressed the power button,
20:43his fingers trembling.
20:44The screen lit up.
20:46The messaging app
20:47was frozen on a chat
20:48between Aurora
20:48and an unknown number.
20:50Jax's pupils shrank.
20:51He didn't know the number,
20:53but the texts
20:53made his blood freeze.
20:54A photo of an ultrasound.
20:56A photo of Scarlett
20:57in her wedding dress.
20:59And those arrogant,
21:00taunting messages.
21:01I'm pregnant with Jax's baby.
21:03His first child,
21:04you useless orphan.
21:06If you have any sense,
21:07you'll pack your shit
21:08and get out of that mansion.
21:10Jax proposed to me.
21:11We're getting married today.
21:13He's giving me
21:14and our baby
21:14the status we deserve.
21:16The next time he comes home,
21:17he'll be throwing
21:18divorce papers in your face.
21:19Have some dignity
21:20and walk out yourself.
21:22And she only replied
21:23with one word.
21:24Congratulations.
21:25Aurora's effortless congratulations
21:27hit Jax like a brutal slap
21:28across the face,
21:29shattering his delusions.
21:30His eyes went bloodshot,
21:32burning with rage.
21:33He finally understood.
21:34She wasn't throwing
21:36a jealous tantrum.
21:37She had seen right
21:38through his betrayal
21:38and calmly walked away
21:39from this marriage,
21:40like walking to the gallows.
21:42That bitch.
21:44Smashing the phone
21:45against the wall,
21:46it shattered into pieces,
21:47just like his heart.
21:49He immediately took his men
21:50and stormed the luxury condo
21:52on the west side.
21:53It was the bridal suite
21:54he bought for Scarlett,
21:55decorated like a palace.
21:57Just days ago,
21:58he had been looking forward
21:59to their new life there.
22:01Now,
22:01he only wanted to rip apart
22:03the woman who ruined everything.
22:06Scarlett was lying on silk sheets
22:08in a see-through nightgown.
22:09She swallowed the humiliation
22:11of being left at the altar,
22:12waiting for her new husband
22:14to come back and comfort her.
22:15Hearing the door open,
22:17she turned with a seductive smile.
22:19Jax,
22:19you're finally here.
22:20I thought...
22:21Who gave you the nerve
22:23to provoke my wife?
22:27Jax,
22:28I don't know
22:29what you're talking about.
22:30You don't know?
22:32Jax sneered.
22:33He let go,
22:34letting her collapse
22:35onto the bed.
22:35He pulled out a spare phone
22:37and brought up the chat logs.
22:38Here's your damn proof.
22:44Jax,
22:45I just...
22:45I just wanted to be official.
22:47Aurora is gone now.
22:49We can...
22:49Shut up!
22:50Jax roared,
22:51delivering a vicious backhand
22:52to her face.
22:53Scarlet crashed to the floor.
22:55She cried,
22:56hugging Jax's leg.
22:57Jax,
22:58you can't do this to me.
23:00I'm carrying your baby.
23:02Your first child.
23:04He needs a father.
23:06He promised us a family.
23:08At the word baby,
23:09a complicated look
23:10flashed across Jax's eyes.
23:14It was true.
23:16It was his first child
23:17and he had been thrilled.
23:18But now,
23:19he finally saw
23:19the unborn child
23:20not as his heir,
23:21but as the very weapon
23:22Scarlet used to destroy
23:23his marriage,
23:24his anticipation
23:25instantly turned into
23:26pure,
23:27murderous hatred.
23:28I warned you.
23:29The title of Donna
23:30belongs to Aurora,
23:32always.
23:32You're just a toy.
23:33A replacement.
23:35You thought a baby
23:36would make you
23:36the boss's wife?
23:37Keep dreaming.
23:38Scarlet hit rock bottom.
23:40She realized
23:41she hadn't just lost Jax.
23:42She was going to lose
23:43the baby.
23:44Jax,
23:45I'm begging you.
23:46This is our baby.
23:47We just got married.
23:48But Jax was completely
23:50swallowed by rage and pain.
23:51He clapped his hands.
23:53Two massive bodyguards
23:54walked in,
23:55standing deadpanned
23:56by the bed.
23:57They were his most
23:57ruthless enforcers,
23:59the ones who handled
23:59his messy problems.
24:02Boss.
24:02Jax looked at the
24:03shivering Scarlet
24:04without an ounce of pity.
24:05She cost him Aurora.
24:07She cost him the only
24:08true love of his life.
24:09She had to pay.
24:11It's just an embryo.
24:12Get rid of it.
24:14No, Jax,
24:15you can't.
24:16Take her to a clinic.
24:18Clean it out
24:18then dump her
24:19outside of Chicago.
24:20Make sure she never
24:21comes back.
24:25Jax,
24:26I'm begging you
24:28for what we had
24:29for the baby.
24:33Scarlet's voice was hoarse,
24:35tears streaming down
24:36her face.
24:37Hours ago,
24:38she was a radiant bride.
24:39Now,
24:40she was a stray dog.
24:41The fall from heaven
24:42to hell was driving
24:43her insane.
24:43But Jax just turned
24:45his back to her
24:45and walked to the window.
24:47I gave you a chance.
24:48Aurora is my life.
24:50You touched her
24:50so you chose death.
24:52Scarlet's desperate
24:53screams were shut
24:53behind the door.
24:55Jax didn't even
24:55bother to look back.
24:57He stood by the
24:58floor-to-ceiling window,
24:59staring at the
24:59Chicago skyline.
25:01He only had one thought,
25:02find Aurora.
25:03Jax threw his entire
25:04empire into finding her.
25:06He used every connection,
25:07called his FBI moles,
25:09and even blew a fortune
25:10on top-tier
25:11international private eyes.
25:13But everyone gave him
25:14the exact same answer.
25:16Boss,
25:16the Donna
25:17is truly gone.
25:18Days later,
25:19coming back to the
25:20empty mansion felt
25:20like sheer hell for Jax.
25:22Their memories haunted
25:23him like ghosts,
25:24keeping him awake.
25:27Her favorite coffee mug
25:28was still in the kitchen.
25:30Her half-read book
25:31was still in the study,
25:32a bookmark wedged
25:33at page 237.
25:35The bedroom even
25:35still carried the
25:36faint scent of her perfume.
25:38A month went by.
25:39Suddenly,
25:40something hit Jax.
25:41The box Aurora gave him
25:43before she left,
25:43the one she told him
25:44to open in two days.
25:46Back then,
25:47he was too wrapped up
25:48in Scarlet's bed to care.
25:51Now,
25:51he realized it might be
25:52the last clue Aurora left him.
25:54With shaking hands,
25:55Jax pulled the elegant box
25:57from the safe.
25:58His heart was pounding
25:59like a drum,
25:59his fingers trembling.
26:01Maybe it was a letter
26:02explaining why she left.
26:03Maybe a photo
26:04of their beautiful past.
26:06He took a deep breath.
26:07With the desperate hope
26:08of a dying man,
26:09he slowly opened it.
26:10But there was no gift inside.
26:12No letter.
26:13Just a set of divorce papers.
26:16Already signed with her name.
26:18Black and white.
26:19Cold and ruthless.
26:21Due to irreconcilable differences,
26:23the parties agreed to divorce.
26:26Aurora forfeits all joint assets
26:28and walks away with nothing.
26:30Aurora.
26:33Jax's world caved in.
26:35The last spark of hope
26:36was brutally snuffed out.
26:38The painful truth hit him.
26:39The moment she handed him that box
26:41without batting an eye,
26:42she had already handed down
26:43the death sentence
26:44for their marriage.
26:45And he,
26:46like a fucking idiot,
26:48was still playing
26:48the devoted husband.
26:50Aurora.
26:51He choked out her name.
26:52For a cheap thrill,
26:53he had lost the only
26:54true love of his life.
26:56Jax dropped to his knees,
26:57clutching the papers
26:58tightly to his chest
26:59as tears streamed down his face.
27:01But she was never coming back.
27:03Meanwhile,
27:04I had long left
27:05my toxic past behind.
27:06Deep within a top secret
27:08military medical base,
27:09I threw myself wholeheartedly
27:10into medical technology research.
27:12It was completely isolated.
27:14No cell service,
27:15no outside noise,
27:17just the most advanced labs,
27:18top-tier equipment,
27:19and pure science.
27:21My mentor gave me a codename,
27:22Phoenix.
27:23A bird reborn from the fire.
27:25It suited me perfectly.
27:27From the ashes of Jack,
27:28I rose again.
27:30High-intensity experiments
27:31consumed all my time.
27:33I woke up at 5 a.m.
27:34and worked until midnight,
27:36standing at the lab bench
27:37for over a dozen hours straight.
27:39My hands grew rough
27:40from the gloves,
27:40and my eyes burned
27:41from staring at screens.
27:43But I had never felt
27:43more fulfilled.
27:46Before I knew it,
27:48six months had passed.
27:49The project made
27:50a massive breakthrough.
27:51We successfully developed
27:53a targeted anti-cancer preparation.
27:55It can not only drastically
27:56lower the postoperative
27:57infection rate
27:58to an extremely low level,
28:00but also effectively
28:01curb the spread
28:01and metastasis
28:02of cancer cells.
28:03This is arguably
28:04the most pivotal breakthrough
28:05in humanity's battle
28:06against malignant tumors.
28:08The superiors was thrilled
28:09and cleared even more
28:10funding for us.
28:11The team decided
28:12to throw a celebration banquet
28:14just outside the base
28:15for this milestone.
28:15I put on an evening gown
28:17for the first time in forever
28:19and did some light makeup.
28:20The woman in the mirror
28:21was still beautiful,
28:22but her eyes held a new,
28:24cold maturity.
28:25The banquet was at a high-end hotel.
28:27Only 14 members
28:28and senior base administrators
28:30were invited.
28:31Holding a glass of champagne,
28:32I chatted with colleagues
28:33about data and research.
28:35This pure, academic vibe
28:37gave me a joy I'd never known.
28:38The hotel manager walked over
28:40and respectfully announced.
28:41Ladies and gentlemen,
28:42we have a special guest
28:43making a toast tonight.
28:45He is the largest private investor
28:47in our project.
28:48I frowned.
28:49The project was military classified.
28:51Why was there a private investor?
28:53A second later,
28:54a familiar figure
28:55appeared at the ballroom door.
29:01It was Jax.
29:03General Smith,
29:04the head of the project,
29:05stood up and personally
29:06escorted Jax to the head table.
29:07Everyone,
29:08this is our biggest private investor.
29:09Thanks to his funding,
29:11our research has reached
29:12this milestone today.
29:13My champagne glass
29:14trembled slightly in my hand.
29:15Please take a seat, everyone.
29:17No need to stand.
29:17That's when I realized
29:18Jax hadn't just used
29:20his mafia ties.
29:21He had liquidated
29:22half of his clean corporate empire,
29:24funneling billions
29:25through anonymous tech foundations
29:26just to secure a spot
29:27as a crucial civilian contractor
29:29for the military.
29:30All just to buy
29:31a single ticket into the base.
29:34The mighty godfather
29:35of the Chicago mafia
29:36had practically bankrupted
29:37his legitimate fronts
29:38just to see my face.
29:40At the table,
29:41Jax's eyes never left me.
29:43They tracked my every move,
29:45burning and desperate.
29:46I could feel his stare
29:47like a physical weight,
29:48but I ignored him completely.
29:52I cut my stake elegantly,
29:54discussing data
29:54with a researcher next to me,
29:56acting as if Jax
29:57didn't exist in this world.
29:58Six months of science
29:59had taught me absolute composure,
30:01when the banquet ended.
30:03Miss Phoenix,
30:03wait a moment.
30:04Our investor would like
30:05a private word with you
30:06regarding our next phase.
30:08I nodded,
30:09giving a professional smile.
30:12Of course, General.
30:13I walked quickly
30:14toward the base dorms,
30:15wanting to end this awkward charade
30:17as soon as possible,
30:18but on the heavily guarded
30:19tree-lined path,
30:20Jax blocked my way.
30:21Aurora, please.
30:22His eyes bloodshot
30:23like a desperate,
30:24cornered beast.
30:25Just listen to me.
30:26The once-arrogant mafia godfather
30:28now looked pathetic.
30:30His tailored suit
30:31hung loosely on his frame.
30:32He looked like a shell
30:33of his former self.
30:34I spent six months
30:35looking for you.
30:37I donated every liquid asset I had,
30:40laundered half my empire
30:41just to buy this one meeting.
30:44Sir,
30:45I think you have the wrong person.
30:47Aurora doesn't exist anymore.
30:49I'm just a researcher
30:50named Phoenix now,
30:51and I am nobody's wife.
30:54Besides,
30:55your new wife Scarlet
30:56should be due soon, right?
30:58Congratulations on being a father.
30:59No.
31:00Aurora,
31:00let me explain.
31:01He was losing it.
31:03I took care of Scarlet
31:04and the baby.
31:05You'll never see them again.
31:07I was wrong.
31:08I was so fucking wrong.
31:11Please come home with me.
31:12We can start over.
31:13I watched him quietly.
31:15Far from being moved.
31:16I felt a bone deep chill.
31:18He was actually that cruel
31:19to his own flesh and blood.
31:21A baby he had been
31:22absolutely thrilled about
31:23not long ago.
31:24He killed his own unborn child
31:26without a second thought.
31:27This man was cold blooded
31:28to the core.
31:29Only now did I truly see
31:30the monster I used to love.
31:32You know what Jax?
31:33Even without Scarlet
31:34we were done.
31:35The second you bent her
31:36over your desk in that office
31:37it was over.
31:40No.
31:41No.
31:43Aurora,
31:43I can change.
31:44I'll do anything
31:45to make it up to you.
31:47He begged like a dog
31:48his eyes swimming in despair.
31:50Please forgive me
31:51just this once.
31:53I stepped back
31:54putting distance between us.
31:55I swear I will never
31:57You betray me once
31:58you're dead to me.
32:01Jax.
32:01In my book
32:02you've already been handed
32:03a death sentence.
32:04There are no pardons.
32:06My voice was terrifyingly calm.
32:08The Aurora you want
32:09died six months ago.
32:10The woman standing
32:11in front of you is Phoenix.
32:12Base security
32:13noticed the commotion
32:14and jogged over.
32:15Miss Phoenix?
32:15Is there a problem?
32:16No.
32:17This gentleman
32:17just mistook me
32:18for someone else.
32:19The guard stepped in
32:20grabbing a hysterical Jax.
32:21Sir you need to come with us.
32:22Aurora?
32:23If I hadn't cheated
32:24if I had stopped in time
32:26would you have stayed?
32:28If I had never touched Scarlet
32:29would we still be together?
32:31My footsteps paused
32:32for a split second.
32:33If
32:34if you hadn't betrayed me
32:35yes
32:36we'd still be deeply in love.
32:38But
32:38in this world
32:40there are no ifs.
32:47Three months later.
32:49Jax's reckless fire sale
32:50of his assets
32:51to fund his desperate
32:52search for Aurora
32:53combined with his daily
32:54binge drinking
32:54have completely drained
32:55the family's coffers.
32:57The men who used to
32:58bow to him were
32:58bleeding money
32:59and getting restless.
33:01Marco
33:01his trusted underboss
33:02who once mocked Aurora
33:03in Russian
33:04used the financial ruin
33:05as the perfect excuse.
33:07He teamed up with Vincent
33:08Jax's exiled uncle
33:10and staged a brutal coup.
33:12That day
33:13Marco and his crew
33:13stormed the underground club
33:15where Jax and Scarlet
33:16used to mess around.
33:17Jax was slumped
33:18on a leather sofa
33:18drunk out of his mind
33:20hugging a bottle of vodka.
33:22Boss
33:22actually ex-boss
33:25you lost an entire empire
33:27over a woman
33:29now it's my turn
33:30to run the show.
33:31A flash of sobriety
33:32in his eyes.
33:33Marco
33:34you're crossing me!
33:38Marco
33:39you're crossing me!
33:40Crossing you?
33:42You betrayed
33:43the family first.
33:44Look at what you did
33:45to the empire
33:45for that bitch!
33:48This is your punishment
33:49you piece of trash.
33:52Two shots rang out
33:53completely shattering
33:54Jax's kneecaps.
33:55He screamed like
33:56a gutted animal
33:57and collapsed
33:58into a pool
33:58of his own blood.
33:59Dump him
34:00in the slums.
34:01Let him rot
34:02with the junkies.
34:03A few heavies
34:04dragged Jax out
34:04and tossed him
34:05into the filthiest gutter
34:06on the south side
34:07like literal garbage.
34:08The once untouchable
34:09mafia godfather
34:10was now a cripple.
34:11He could only drag himself
34:12through the mud
34:13with his hands
34:13scraping by
34:14like a dying dog.
34:16Days later
34:17in a trash filled alley
34:18Jax ran into
34:19a familiar face.
34:21Scarlet
34:25The brutal forced abortion
34:26had completely
34:27shattered her mind.
34:28Her hair was
34:29a rat's nest
34:30her face
34:30caked in dirt.
34:32Baby
34:33where's my baby?
34:34Jax said
34:35he'd give us a home.
34:36She didn't recognize Jax.
34:38Her eyes locked
34:39onto the last thing
34:40he had left
34:40a pocket watch
34:41in his coat.
34:42It was Aurora's
34:43wedding gift to him
34:43with her photo
34:44tucked inside.
34:46Shiny
34:47so pretty
34:48No!
34:48No!
34:49That's Aurora's!
34:49Jax fought desperately
34:50to protect it
34:51but as a cripple
34:52he was no match
34:53for a crazed woman.
34:54She quickly ripped
34:55the watch from his grip.
34:56When Scarlet popped it
34:57open and saw Aurora's
34:58photo inside
34:59This bitch!
35:00She stole my man!
35:01She stole my baby!
35:03She moved to rip
35:04the picture.
35:05No!
35:06Please don't!
35:08Jax sobbed
35:09dragging himself
35:10over to stop her.
35:12Just then
35:13a few vagrants
35:14noticed the shiny watch
35:15and wanted in
35:15on the action.
35:16A chaotic brawl
35:17broke out.
35:18In the filthy alley
35:19Jax was beaten
35:20black and blue
35:21and kicked against
35:22a dumpster.
35:22The watch vanished.
35:24Her photo was gone.
35:25He lost his
35:26absolute last
35:27piece of her.
35:30Meanwhile
35:30in Stockholm
35:31Sweden
35:32I stood on the podium
35:33for the Lasker Award
35:34for Clinical Medical Research
35:36the world's top
35:37clinical medicine honor.
35:38I wore a stunning
35:39evening gown
35:40bathed in brilliant
35:41spotlights.
35:41The audience was packed
35:42with top global
35:43scientists and politicians.
35:45Dr. Phoenix
35:46the cure you developed
35:48has already saved
35:49countless lives.
35:50What would you like
35:51to say to the world?
35:52The host handed me
35:53the microphone
35:54looking out at the
35:55sea of admiring faces
35:56I felt a profound peace.
35:59I want to say that
36:01when a woman
36:02throws off
36:03the rotten chains
36:04of love
36:04and embraces
36:06a higher purpose
36:08she finds
36:09true freedom.
36:10I used to
36:11sacrifice my dreams
36:12for a man
36:14who wasn't worth
36:14my time
36:16but now
36:16I stand
36:18at the top
36:19of the world
36:20I've created
36:21something of true value
36:23with my own hands.
36:25Thunderous applause
36:26erupted through the hall.
36:27Hundreds of millions
36:28watched this historic moment
36:30live around the globe.
36:31Back in a dark
36:32foul-smelling Chicago alley
36:33Jack's
36:34covered in sores
36:35leaned against a dumpster.
36:36Through the window
36:37of a run-down
36:38electronics shop
36:39he watched me
36:40shining on the TV screen
36:41reaching out a filthy hand
36:42trying to touch
36:43the untouchable woman
36:44on the screen.
36:45But he didn't even
36:46have the strength to stand.
36:47Months of starvation
36:48and infection
36:49had completely
36:50broken his body.
36:51He started
36:52coughing up
36:52mouthfuls of blood
36:53the deep red mixing
36:54of his tears.
36:56Aurora
36:57I'm sorry
36:59I'm so sorry
37:01The bitter wind
37:01held as Jack's
37:02body slowly
37:03turned cold.
37:04The only thing left
37:05was a hollow shell
37:05reflected in the glass
37:06waiting to die
37:07in the freezing dark.
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