1
- 9 hours ago
Category
✨
PeopleTranscript
00:02I hid who I really was, a Volkov, the Dawn's daughter, to marry Julian Ashby.
00:07But I never thought that the day before the wedding, I'd end up in a crash.
00:10When I woke again, I was blind.
00:12In the dark, I heard Julian talking to his aide.
00:14Don't worry, boss.
00:15The driver and the doctors are all taken care of.
00:18Not one of them will breathe a word.
00:19It's just, Miss Volkleck loves to paint.
00:22Once we take her corneals, they'll never see again.
00:24What if she wakes and can't handle it?
00:27She's strong, not like Chelsea.
00:29Chelsea couldn't survive without her sight.
00:31Besides, Elena has me.
00:33I'll provide for her as long as I live.
00:35I love her, but I can't lose Chelsea.
00:37The man paused.
00:38His hoarse voice came again.
00:40And tell the doctor to take out Elena's womb while they're in the surgery.
00:46If Chelsea ever saw a child that was mine and Elena's, it'd drive her mad.
00:50The aide hesitated, uneasy.
00:51But boss, isn't that too cruel to Miss Volski?
00:54She's been with you since she was 18.
00:56Just do as you're told.
00:57Don't ask questions.
00:59Cold flooded through me.
01:00I couldn't stop shaking.
01:01So the man I'd loved without condition had already fallen for the charity case I'd pulled out from slum.
01:06And for her, he was willing to destroy everything I was.
01:09Footsteps came into the room.
01:10I forced myself calm and played unconscious.
01:13Boss, Miss Volkleck just gave up her corneals.
01:15She's very weak.
01:16If we take her womb now, her body might not survive it.
01:19It could kill her.
01:19I'd advise waiting a before...
01:21I pay you to work, not to advise me.
01:22This is an order, not a discussion.
01:23But if anything happens to Elena, you know what comes next.
01:26The doctor swallowed.
01:27Yes, boss.
01:28I felt the burning warmth of Julian's fingers on my cheek.
01:30His voice was hoarse and tender.
01:32Elena, soon this will all be over.
01:36Don't worry.
01:37I'll be at your side forever.
01:39I love you, Ellie.
01:40A tremor I couldn't control ran through me.
01:43My cheek went cold again.
01:44Julian must have stood.
01:45Sensing I was about to wake, he gave the order.
01:47Ice in his voice.
01:48Where's the doctor?
01:49Prep the surgery.
01:50Get it done before she wakes.
01:52I opened my eyes in fear and saw nothing.
01:54Only darkness.
01:55Tears slipped out on their own.
01:57I reached into the air, grasping at nothing.
01:59Why?
01:59Why can't I see?
02:01Don't be afraid, Elena.
02:03I'm here.
02:04I'm right here.
02:05Julian pulled me tight against him, his warm hand stroking my hair, his low voice full
02:10of what sounded like pain.
02:11You were in a crash.
02:12The doctor says the blindness is only temporary.
02:15I'll take good care of you, Elena.
02:16He seemed to nod.
02:18Easy now.
02:19You're not recovered yet.
02:20You can't get worked up.
02:21Let the doctor give you a vitamin drip.
02:23If I hadn't woken early and heard him with the doctor, I'd have believed every word.
02:27But now I knew.
02:28The so-called vitamin drip was a sedative to knock me out.
02:31I clutched his arm and shook my head, my voice breaking.
02:35No, Julian, I don't want the drip.
02:37I want to go home.
02:39Let's go home, please.
02:40Before I could finish, a cold needle broke my skin.
02:43Before my mind went dark, I heard his voice, as gentle as ever.
02:47Be good, Ellie.
02:48Sleep, and it'll pass.
02:50With me here, you'll be fine.
02:52Tears ran down my cheeks without a sound.
02:54My body went numb, but my heart wouldn't stop aching.
02:57I closed my eyes in despair.
02:58In the dark, I could almost see Julian at 18, sitting by my bed, eyes red from crying,
03:03calling me a fool for taking a blade meant for him.
03:06The boy's young, fierce voice echoed in my head.
03:08I swear to you, Elena, as long as I live, I'll never let anyone hurt you again.
03:13But now, the one who hurt me most was him.
03:16When I woke again, I'd lost my eyes, lost the man I loved, and I'd never have a child of
03:21my own.
03:21I opened my eyes.
03:22The room was silent, but for the weak sound of my breathing.
03:25Soon, I caught the faint sound of a man and woman arguing.
03:28Elena was in a crash.
03:29I have to go take care of her.
03:31She was so good to me.
03:32If it weren't for her, I'd still be in the slum.
03:34I owe her everything.
03:36Don't try to stop me.
03:37It was Chelsea, the girl I'd pulled out from slum.
03:40Julian, who never let anyone defy him, didn't sound the least bit annoyed, his voice gentle than ever.
03:45Be good, Chelsea.
03:46Your sight only just came back.
03:47The doctor said you can't be moving around yet.
03:50You need rest.
03:51Elena has people to look after her.
03:53Don't worry about it.
03:53My hand tightened on the blanket.
03:55When had Chelsea ever gone blind?
03:56Why didn't I know?
03:58A sharp sting shot through the back of my hand.
04:00A needle jabbed fast into my skin.
04:02The nurse snapped, impatient.
04:04Hold still.
04:05She pressed harder, like a deliberate warning.
04:08Just my luck.
04:10Why do they get to wait on Miss Chelsea while I'm stuck with a blind girl like you?
04:15If Miss Chelsea puts in a good word for me with the boss, I'll never have to look at sickly
04:18patients like you.
04:19A medicine vial shattering against the floor cut off her muttering.
04:23Who dares?
04:23The nurse's fury turned to terror.
04:25Boss!
04:26When did you get here?
04:28Julian's voice tore through the room, blistering enough to freeze the blood.
04:32Get out.
04:33Don't ever let me see your face again.
04:37A warm, familiar heat wrapped around me.
04:39His body seemed to tremble faintly, his voice thick with guilt.
04:42I came too late.
04:44I let them do this to you.
04:45I'm sorry.
04:46A bitter smile tugged at my mouth.
04:48Next to him carving out my corneas and my womb, this was nothing at all.
04:52But he seemed to hate himself for it, holding me so tight I could hardly breathe.
04:55I don't want to stay in the hospital.
04:56I want to go home.
04:57I mumbled.
04:58His warm breath brushed my neck.
05:00Once the doctors checked you over, I'll take you home.
05:02He didn't know the home I meant wasn't his house.
05:04It was the Volkov family, far away in New York, the most feared name in the country.
05:10Years ago, when the Volkov family tore itself apart from the inside, my father hid me away
05:15in Havenport.
05:16Even so, the wrong people caught wind of me.
05:18When they cornered me at the mouth of a corner, Julian was the one who stepped in and took the
05:22killing blade for me.
05:23In that moment, love at first sight became something real for me.
05:27Later, we got into the same university, fell hard, spent every day glued to each other.
05:31Everyone around us envied what we had.
05:34Chelsea appeared around then too.
05:35I pitied her, living on nothing but dry bread, so I took her in and paid her way.
05:40Chelsea wept with gratitude.
05:42After that, we became besties and were inseparable.
05:45What I never knew was when she and Julian had ended up in the same bed, or when he'd fallen
05:49in love with her.
05:50Julian tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his voice gentler than it had ever been.
05:54Elena, let's hold the wedding tomorrow, as planned.
05:57I want you as my wife so badly, I want you to be Mrs. Ashley.
06:00The wedding I'd once dreamed of now looked like a nightmare.
06:03I shook my head.
06:04No.
06:04He hadn't expected me to refuse.
06:06He let me go and explained, patient for once.
06:09I know you're scared.
06:10Don't worry, I'll handle everything.
06:12No one will dare say a word about you.
06:15Chelsea will be your maid of honor.
06:17She'll help you.
06:18The man officiating is Nikolai Voloff.
06:20Have you ever heard of him?
06:22He was the Don's eldest son, one of the most powerful men in New York.
06:25I promised you the grandest wedding there is, and I'll give it to you.
06:29At my eldest brother's name, my hand clenched around his sleeve.
06:32My family's had no idea I was in Havenport, still less that I was Julian's bride.
06:36Years back, after I refused an arranged marriage to the heir of a rival family, I'd stormed off, left home,
06:42and never contacted them again.
06:44Something sour rose in my chest.
06:46I couldn't picture the look on my eldest brother's face if he saw me wrecked like this.
06:50A sudden weight dropped against my arm, along with a bright, anxious voice.
06:54Elena, I was worried sick.
06:55From now on, I'll be your eyes.
06:57I'll take care of you for the rest of your life.
06:59Julian cut her off, a guilt in his voice almost too faint to catch.
07:03Don't talk nonsense.
07:05Elena's blindness is only temporary.
07:07Chelsea took the hint.
07:09She rested her head on my shoulder and said sweetly,
07:11Right, my mistake.
07:12Maybe by tomorrow, Elena's eyes will be better.
07:15And she'll put on her fancy gown and marry you.
07:18I'm so happy for you, Elena.
07:20It was this innocent, harmless act of hers that had fooled me all along.
07:23But after the aide brought in the wedding dress,
07:26then it was just Chelsea and me in the room.
07:28She changed her face immediately.
07:30Elena, I heard you design this gown yourself.
07:32It's gorgeous.
07:34Though it'd be a little too big on me.
07:35The sound of tearing fabric was gone in a silent room.
07:38I knew she'd ruined my dress.
07:40A blind woman like you, what's the point of a gown this pretty?
07:44That hospital gown suits you better.
07:46A splash.
07:47Violent pain seared across my eyes, burning like fire.
07:51The pain stole my voice.
07:52My hands shook as I tried to wipe the liquid from my eyes with my sleeve.
07:56Chelsea clamped down on my wrist.
07:57Her voice came venomous against my ear.
08:00Elena, I'll tell you that you didn't go blind from the crash.
08:02One offhand word from me,
08:03and Julian carved out your kormas for me without hesitation,
08:06and I didn't even want them.
08:07Too filthy.
08:08A dog wouldn't touch them.
08:10If you know what's good for you, you'll leave him on your own.
08:12Otherwise, maybe one more word from me would have him take your life.
08:16The acid ate at my eyes,
08:18but it was nothing next to the pain in my chest.
08:20Hearing footsteps draw near,
08:22Chelsea roughly wiped the liquid from the corners of my eyes
08:25and yanked my hand up high.
08:26Slap.
08:27My hand hit something.
08:28My palms stung, hot and raw.
08:31Before I could react, a hard shove sent me flying.
08:34My head slammed into the wall behind me,
08:36and my ears wouldn't stop ringing.
08:38Elena, you've lost your sight, not your mind.
08:41Why would you raise a hand to Chelsea?
08:43I couldn't see Julian's face,
08:45but from the fury in his voice,
08:46I knew he'd lost control.
08:48In all our years,
08:49it was the first time he'd raged at me like this.
08:51His voice, thick with menace,
08:54came from above me.
08:55Apologize to Chelsea,
08:57or the wedding's off tomorrow.
08:59He knew how much I wanted this wedding.
09:01For years, my greatest wish had been to put on that gown and marry him,
09:04just as he'd expected.
09:06I lowered my head like a child caught doing wrong,
09:09the leftover liquid in my eyes stinging in waves.
09:12The pain made my voice tremble.
09:14I'm sorry, Chelsea.
09:16Someone will come for you at 8 tomorrow morning.
09:18From the doorway, his voice came cold.
09:20Then came the sound of the door closing.
09:22Everyone had left,
09:23but Julian didn't know that tomorrow's wedding,
09:26to me,
09:26was going to be the day I'd leave him forever.
09:29The next morning,
09:30the aide came to take me to the wedding car.
09:32Just as Chelsea ordered,
09:33I arrived at the venue in my hospital gown.
09:35Chelsea's couture dress brushed my bare ankle.
09:38She pulled the veil down over my head
09:39and let out a snort of laughter.
09:43Happy wedding day, Elena.
09:44But don't think a veil makes you the bride?
09:46It's just to hide those blind eyes of yours.
09:49Save you the embarrassment.
09:51But Chelsea hadn't gotten the despair she wanted on my face.
09:54She was about to lash out.
09:55Julian's displeased voice cut in beside me.
09:58Where's the gown I had made for you?
09:59Elena, are you doing this to spite you mean to marry me looking like that?
10:03Go change.
10:04Chelsea didn't dare say much with Julian in the room,
10:07but blindness had sharpened my hearing.
10:09I heard her slip away and dial someone.
10:11I'll help Elena.
10:12Don't worry.
10:12She came back and said it sweetly to Julian.
10:14Then she steadied me toward the changing room.
10:16But once we were out of Julian's sight,
10:18she shoved me hard through the door.
10:20Go put your gown on, bitch.
10:21Then she shut the door behind me.
10:23The shove sent me stumbling,
10:24but I caught the wall in time and steadied myself.
10:26I felt my way to the spare dress laid out on the couch.
10:29I was about to take off the hospital gown
10:31when a strange, eager voice sounded behind me.
10:33Blind or not, she's not bad to look at.
10:35Be a grown.
10:35Don't scream.
10:36I'll treat you right.
10:37His hands started tearing at my clothes,
10:39rough and greedy.
10:40I threw everything I had into pushing him off
10:42and couldn't move him an inch.
10:44I bit down hard, sinking my teeth into him.
10:46You little bitch, you wanna die?
10:48No!
10:50The man flung me to the floor,
10:51his ragged breath hot on my neck.
10:54No!
10:55Get out!
10:56I struggled, but I was too weak,
10:58and the man didn't budge an inch.
11:00My clothes had just been ripped open
11:01when a shrill, shocked voice came from the doorway.
11:04Elena!
11:05How could you do something like this at your own wedding?
11:07How could you face Julian?
11:09The man in front of me froze
11:10and spoke up brazenly, still panting.
11:15She threw herself at me.
11:16A blind girl, I wouldn't even want her.
11:18The words had barely left him
11:19when accusations erupted all around,
11:21vicious voices striking at me like a nest of snakes.
11:23I never thought the boss's bride was a blind woman.
11:26Nongre, she went blind,
11:28throwing away a man like Boss to sneak around.
11:31Disgraceful.
11:35Shameless little trap.
11:36I clutched at my torn clothes in a panic,
11:39buried my face in my knees,
11:40and shook all over.
11:41Then the air fell silent,
11:42but for heavy footsteps.
11:44Elena,
11:45you dared betray me.
11:47A hand seized my throat.
11:49Julian's eyes were bloodshot,
11:51the veins standing out on his hand.
11:52I forced out a few words with all my strength.
11:54I didn't...
11:56Suffocation closed in around me.
11:58Julian suddenly let go,
11:59only to grip my chin instead.
12:02Elena,
12:03after all these years,
12:04you know I hate betrayal most of all.
12:06You've lost your mind ending up with a man like that?
12:08Fine.
12:08You won't be attending this wedding.
12:12Take her.
12:13Send her to the psychiatric hospital.
12:15As they hauled me up by force,
12:16my heart plunged to the bottom.
12:18If I was sent to a psychiatric hospital like this,
12:20I'd never get back to the bloodshops in this lifetime.
12:23I thought,
12:23I thought with everything I had,
12:25tore free,
12:26took a breath,
12:26and ran.
12:27Grab her!
12:28Julian's furious voice came from behind,
12:30along with a rush of footsteps.
12:31My heart pounded wildly.
12:33There was only darkness ahead.
12:34I couldn't see a thing,
12:35but I didn't dare stop.
12:37Running was my only sliver of a chance.
12:38Then I crashed into a warm embrace.
12:43Ellie.
12:44It was my eldest brother, Nikolai.
12:46My whole body went weak.
12:47I couldn't stand,
12:48and I collapsed against him.
12:52Looking at my face,
12:53pale and drained of color,
12:54Nikolai reached out and touched my cheek,
12:56his voice trembling almost imperceptibly.
12:59Ellie, how did you let yourself get like this?
13:01Where have you been all these years?
13:04I finally found you.
13:06A tear fell onto my face.
13:08I reached up,
13:09wanting to wipe it away,
13:10but I didn't know where his face was.
13:12Nikolai caught what was wrong.
13:13Ellie, what happened to your eyes?
13:15I was about to speak when Julian's strained voice came from above.
13:19Elena, come here.
13:20I flinched on instinct.
13:22Sensing my fear,
13:24Nikolai patted my back and soothed me softly.
13:26Don't be afraid, Ellie.
13:28I'm here.
13:29No one is ever going to hurt you again.
13:31I nodded,
13:32choked past words,
13:33my body and mind slowly easing.
13:35Seeing me close my eyes
13:37and rest peaceably
13:38against Nikolai's shoulder,
13:39Julian's face sank to the bottom.
13:41He looked at Nikolai,
13:42cold.
13:43Let go of my bribe.
13:44Something startled flickered through Nikolai's eyes.
13:46In an instant,
13:47he'd more or less guessed the truth,
13:49and a chill rose off him.
13:51As the standoff sharpened,
13:52Chelsea stepped between the two men.
13:54Taking in Nikolai's striking,
13:56refined bearing,
13:57she smiled meekly.
13:58Sir, her name is Elena.
14:00She's the boss's bride.
14:01She went blind recently
14:03and took a bit of a shock.
14:04She's completely lost her mind.
14:05Nikolai's eyes filled with shadow.
14:07You should hand her back to us for treatment
14:09before she hurts you by accident.
14:13Get away.
14:15Humiliation spread across Chelsea's face,
14:17tears welling in her eyes.
14:19Julian pulled her into his arms
14:21and waved a hand,
14:22his voice low.
14:23Whoever you are,
14:24you're not walking out of here today.
14:26A crowd of bodyguards in black closed in.
14:28The corner of Nikolai's mouth
14:30lifted in a smile no one could read.
14:32It's been a long time
14:33since anyone was this eager to die.
14:36At his light, casual whistle,
14:38three big men rushed in,
14:40each with a black wolf
14:41inked along the side of his arm.
14:43In moments,
14:44Julian's bodyguards lay sprawled across the floor.
14:46Someone among the guests cried out.
14:48Those are the Volkov's top enforcers.
14:50They said Nikolai Volkov himself
14:52was invited today.
14:53I didn't think it was true.
14:55The crowd broke into an uproar.
14:57Seeing the darkness on Nikolai's face,
14:59more than a few timid guests
15:00slipped out of the hotel,
15:01terrified of getting caught in it.
15:03Chelsea's face filled with shock.
15:05She'd never dreamed the man shielding me
15:07was actually Nikolai Volkov himself.
15:09Her nails bit into her palms,
15:11the envy in her eyes nearly spilling over,
15:13resentment churning inside her.
15:15Mr. Volkov,
15:16there's surely some misunderstanding here.
15:18A blind woman like this isn't worth it.
15:21A second ago,
15:22she was in another man's arms.
15:23There's no need for-
15:25Before she could finish,
15:26the crack of a slap rang out,
15:27over and over,
15:29followed by Chelsea's shrill scream.
15:31Everyone who's hurt Ellie
15:33ends the same way.
15:35Death.
15:38Watching the woman he'd cradled in his palm
15:40get slapped around like a punching bag,
15:42Julian felt both anguish and rage.
15:44He yanked Chelsea back to his side
15:46and studied the man radiating cold in front of him.
15:49Mr. Volkov,
15:50this is Havenport.
15:51You don't come onto another man's turf
15:52and call the shots.
15:53You know how it works.
15:54What's more,
15:55we had never crossed the Volkovs.
15:56I even thought we are friends.
15:57That's why I invite you to my wedding.
15:59Now you took my bride and struck my people.
16:01Don't you owe me an explanation?
16:04Nikolai raised an eyebrow,
16:05his eyes dark as ink.
16:06Funny.
16:08When did I ever agree
16:09that my own sister was marrying you?
16:11Julian couldn't hide the shock on his face.
16:13He remembered I'd never once spoken of my family.
16:16Every time he asked,
16:17I'd only put him off,
16:18saying they weren't in a position to appear.
16:21He murmured under his breath with shock.
16:23Elena Volkov.
16:25Elena is one of the Volcocks.
16:27The Volkovs had three sons,
16:29each of them steeped in power,
16:30and one youngest daughter
16:32who had never once appeared in public.
16:33Looking at the man before him,
16:35face dark as thunder,
16:37Julian felt a flicker of panic.
16:38His gaze fell on my face,
16:40eyes shut tight,
16:41and his fists clenched
16:42without his meaning them to.
16:45Don't.
16:47My eyes.
16:48Half conscious,
16:49I trembled in fear,
16:50my murmuring reaching everyone in the room.
16:52Nikolai stroked the back of my head,
16:54pained,
16:55then lifted me sideways into his arms
16:57and walked toward the door,
16:58past the man standing stunned.
17:00Listening to the footsteps fade away,
17:02something wrenched hard in Julian's chest.
17:04He suddenly realized
17:05he might be losing me this time.
17:07Julian turned and rushed in front of Nikolai,
17:09his eyes set.
17:10Mr. Volkov,
17:12Elena is my bride.
17:13Even if you're her eldest brother,
17:15you can't just take her.
17:16Today is our wedding.
17:17I promised her a grand one.
17:19I don't mind turning it into a...
17:22a funeral.
17:24He drove his foot hard
17:25into the back of the man's knee.
17:27Julian's knees cracked against the floor.
17:29Julian Ashbury,
17:31you know what the Volkovs are capable of.
17:34The sound of a helicopter engine reached my ears.
17:37A cup of water was pressed to my lips.
17:39Nikolai lifted me carefully,
17:40his movements so gentle,
17:41it was as if I'd shatter at a touch.
17:43Around by his arms,
17:45my ice-cold body began to hold a little heat.
17:47Nikolai swiped through a tablet,
17:48watched the videos his assistant sent,
17:50his eyes going darker and darker.
17:52When he saw that I'd been forced to give up my corneas,
17:54that someone had cut out my womb,
17:56the beast he'd caged inside him for so long
17:58nearly broke loose.
17:59He held it back with everything he had,
18:01afraid of frightening me.
18:02Nikolai felt he was going out of his mind.
18:04A low, muffled sound of grief reached me faintly.
18:07I tilted my head up and spoke softly.
18:09Niko...
18:11I couldn't even protect my only sister.
18:13I don't deserve to be your brother.
18:16I'm sorry, Ellie.
18:17This is all my fault.
18:19His trembling voice was thick with self-reproach.
18:21Feeling the faint shaking of his body,
18:23I couldn't stop my own tears from falling.
18:25Cold fingers wiped away my burning tears.
18:27Nikolai's gentle voice carried a hidden edge of murder.
18:30Leave everyone who heard you to me, alright?
18:31I shook my head gently.
18:33This debt, I'll collect it myself.
18:36A few hours later,
18:37the helicopter touched down at the Volkov state.
18:41Victor and Anton,
18:42my other two brothers had gotten the news
18:44and were already waiting inside,
18:46had been for a long while.
18:47The sound of their heavy breathing reached me.
18:49I put out my hand, wanting to comfort them.
18:51Victor, Anton, I'm fine.
18:54Don't worry.
18:54The three Volkov brothers,
18:55known for being cold and merciless,
18:57all had red rims around their eyes now.
18:59They took my hand in their trembling ones.
19:01Welcome home, little sister.
19:03After they brought me to the bedroom,
19:05the family doctor examined me and spoke with deep regret.
19:08Miss Voltauk, you'll never be able to bear children.
19:11And right now, your body is extremely weak.
19:13You'll need bed rest and careful recovery for some time,
19:16or you'll be left with serious lasting damage.
19:18The doctor paused.
19:24Julian's long black eyes surfaced in my mind.
19:27I wondered whether when he sat by my hospital bed
19:29swearing to be my eyes for the rest of my life,
19:31there had been a single ounce of truth in those beautiful eyes.
19:34I'd given up on him completely,
19:35and still my chest wouldn't stop aching.
19:38Maybe only when he was gone would my heart stop hurting.
19:40Back at the house,
19:41Julian looked at the home I'd put together with my own hands.
19:44It was as if he could see my face glowing with happiness.
19:46He stepped inside to a house full of the little touches I'd left everywhere.
19:50Soft, warm light.
19:51A row of flowers I'd planted myself blooming on the windowsill.
19:54Maybe the warmth of it pierced something in him.
19:56Julian clutched his chest and leaned against the wall,
19:59gulping down air.
20:00His phone buzzed.
20:01A message from his aide.
20:02Miss Elena has returned to the Volkovs in New York.
20:05Julian drew a deep breath and dialed my number.
20:07He got only the cold mechanical tone.
20:09He drifted over to the vanity that used to belong to me.
20:12Lost.
20:12A ring sat there on the surface,
20:14the one I'd left behind the day I fled.
20:15Julian picked it up,
20:17his fingertips tightening around it.
20:18He pulled open the drawer to put it away.
20:20And his movement stilled.
20:21Inside sat a watch case.
20:23And beside it an unsealed letter.
20:24He opened the case.
20:25An expensive Rolex gave off a cold gleam under the light.
20:28The wedding gift I'd picked out for him.
20:30Julian's hand trembled faintly as he drew out the letter.
20:32It was an equity transfer agreement.
20:34I want to sign over half my shares in the Volkov company to him.
20:37As our wedding gift too.
20:38A weightless sheet of paper worth hundreds of millions.
20:41This was what I'd prepared for him.
20:42Everything a daughter of the Volkovs had to give.
20:45Julian understood it in an instant.
20:47I'd planned to reveal who I was to him on our wedding day.
20:49Fragments flashed through his mind.
20:51He suddenly remembered that every time his business hit a financial crisis,
20:54the moment I appeared,
20:55a new investor would always show up to pull him through.
20:58All along, I'd been behind him.
21:00Quietly supporting him.
21:01Helping him.
21:02Julian tore the contracts to shreds.
21:04His voice ragged as he roared.
21:06The one I love is Elena, not some Volkov heiress.
21:09I only want my Elena!
21:11He grabbed his phone and dialed my number and got only the cold mechanical tone.
21:15His messages sank like stones into the sea.
21:17An unfamiliar panic welled up in Julian.
21:20He could hardly imagine how to get through the days without me.
21:22His phone rang.
21:23The doctor's respectful voice came through.
21:26Sorry to disturb you, boss.
21:27Just reminding you again.
21:28Miss Elena was frail to begin with,
21:30and in a single day she lost her corneals and her womb.
21:33Her body is in ruins now.
21:35She must rest properly, or her life will be in danger.
21:38Something struck Julian all at once.
21:40He had nearly killed me.
21:41A message from his aide popped up.
21:43It was the surveillance footage from the venue's changing room.
21:45When he saw the man hidden behind the curtain appear and tear open my top,
21:49his eyes went black as a pit, as though they'd swallow a person whole.
21:52Find out who this man is.
21:54His voice tangled with pain.
21:56And look into Chelsea.
21:58He looked at the wedding photos covering the wall,
22:00the countless pictures of the two of us from before.
22:02Julian drove his fist into the wall,
22:04threads of blood seeping out.
22:07Elena, I'll get you back!
22:09You said it yourself.
22:10No matter what happened, you'd never leave me.
22:13Julian, what's wrong?
22:15You're hurt.
22:16Chelsea's soft hand stroked over the man's palm,
22:18and she wrapped herself tight around him.
22:20I never thought Elena was a Volklok hairness.
22:23She kept it from us all this time.
22:25Doesn't that mean she never really had us in her heart at all?
22:28It's like Elena never even wanted to be your bride.
22:30Chelsea rose onto her toes, tilting her face up,
22:33her warm lips brushing his cold one.
22:35Julian, I'll do it.
22:37I'll be your bride.
22:38His phone buzzed again.
22:40The aide had sent images and a video.
22:42Julian looked down and opened it.
22:43A crisp female voice rang out.
22:45Forge me a blindness diagnosis.
22:47I want Elena's corneas.
22:49You know how to handle it, don't you?
22:50Every trace of tenderness vanished from Chelsea's eyes,
22:53replaced by alarm.
22:54The video played on.
22:55Let the man have her in the changing room.
22:57Two million, and it's yours.
23:00Julian's face went dark,
23:01veins standing out on the back of his hand.
23:04Chelsea lunged, snatched the phone,
23:05and smashed it to the floor.
23:07She clutched his hand, eyes brimming with tears.
23:10The picture of something wronged.
23:12No, it's not like that.
23:13Julian, this is all fake.
23:15Elena must have faked it to frame me.
23:17She's jealous of me.
23:18She's jealous of how good you are to me.
23:20You have to believe me, Julian.
23:22Listening tears dropped onto the back of his hand.
23:24He couldn't remember how many times
23:26Chelsea had cried in front of him now.
23:27It was these tears that had made him soften again and again.
23:30Made him abandon his limits again and again.
23:33It was these tears that had made him hurt me so badly.
23:36Julian reached out and wiped the tears
23:37from the corners of her eyes,
23:38his voice giving nothing away.
23:40There, don't cry.
23:42It'd be a shame to cry yourself blind.
23:43Then his hand shot out and clamped down
23:45hard on Chelsea's tender throat.
23:46His eyes were full of hatred.
23:48Who gave you the nerve to hurt Elena?
23:51His grip kept tightening
23:52as if he'd take her life on the spot.
23:54Julian's reason was swallowed whole by rage.
23:56Chelsea beat at his hand,
23:58forcing out a few words.
23:59Even if I die,
24:00Elena won't forgive you either.
24:03Julian let go,
24:04looking down at the woman
24:04coughing violently beneath him.
24:07Then you'll be what buys her forgiveness.
24:11You don't get to die.
24:12Your wound and your choreos,
24:14they all go back to Elena.
24:15Chelsea's head snapped up.
24:17She knelt on the floor,
24:18clinging to the hem of his trousers,
24:20begging,
24:20but he wouldn't spare her a glance.
24:22Watching Julian's merciless back,
24:24Chelsea let out a burst of laughter.
24:25Julian, you're a joke.
24:27The one who hurt Elena was you.
24:28Her womb and her corneas,
24:30you carved them out.
24:31You think sacrificing me
24:32will win her forgiveness?
24:33You think the Volkoffs will let you live?
24:35Come down to hell with me.
24:37The man's steps faltered,
24:38but he didn't turn around.
24:39He walked out of the house.
24:40The garden was thick
24:41with the sweet scent of jasmine.
24:42My voice, brimming with love,
24:44echoed through his mind.
24:46When the rose blooms,
24:47I'll marry you.
24:49Hears slid down without a sound.
24:50On the breeze came his forced voice.
24:53I'm sorry, Elena.
24:55I was the one who was wrong.
24:57Julian dialed his aid.
24:59It took me the fastest flight to New York.
25:01After being turned away
25:02by the Volkov butler for the tenth time,
25:04Julian,
25:05who'd gone nearly a week
25:06without food or water,
25:07reached the limit
25:07of what his body could bear.
25:09His vision went black,
25:10and he collapsed
25:10in front of the Volkov estate.
25:12From a distance,
25:12I watched the man fall to the ground,
25:14my eyes calm as still water.
25:16Take him to the hospital.
25:17Yes, ma'am.
25:18When Julian opened his eyes again,
25:19a pure white ceiling met him.
25:21He sat up
25:22and looked straight into my cold eyes.
25:24Elena,
25:25you finally won't see me.
25:27Goodbye.
25:27Are you disappointed?
25:30Julian lowered his head,
25:31his voice low and full of pain.
25:33I'm sorry, Elena.
25:34I hurt you before.
25:37I went mad.
25:38I can't believe I
25:40did something like that.
25:41I don't even know
25:42what came over me.
25:43This was all Chelsea.
25:45She seduced me.
25:46I lost my mind for a moment
25:47and fell for her trap.
25:48I brought her here.
25:49Do whatever you want with her.
25:50I've arranged doctors for you.
25:54Everything you lost,
25:55I'll take it back for you.
25:57Give me a chance
25:58to make it up to you, please.
25:59Just as his hand
26:00was about to touch me,
26:01I stepped back
26:01and looked at him
26:02with something close to amusement.
26:04Julian,
26:04after all these years together,
26:06only now do I learn
26:07what a coward you are.
26:08I really was blind back then.
26:10You pin every fault on Chelsea,
26:12but if you hadn't fallen for her,
26:13would you have done
26:14any of this to me?
26:15In all of it,
26:15you're the one most at fault.
26:17Even without Chelsea,
26:18there'd have been someone else.
26:19Julian slowly sank to his knees,
26:21tilting up a face
26:21with red, remorseful eyes.
26:23Elena,
26:23what do I have to do
26:24for you to forgive me?
26:25Believe me,
26:26I'm done with Chelsea for good.
26:29The only woman
26:30I've ever truly loved
26:31from beginning to end
26:33is you.
26:34Julian,
26:34who had always stood
26:35so far above everyone,
26:37would kneel to keep me.
26:38His hoarse voice
26:39pleaded again.
26:40Elena,
26:41I'm begging you.
26:42Give me one more chance,
26:43please.
26:44If I hadn't run into my brother,
26:46I'd be a cold corpse by now.
26:47My voice was cold,
26:48without a trace of warmth.
26:49Julian,
26:50you owe me a life,
26:51but I don't want your life.
26:53It's filthy.
26:54Get away the city,
26:55and don't ever appear
26:56in front of me again.
26:57The moment I turned,
26:58Julian shuffled forward
26:59on his knees,
27:00and caught the hem
27:00of my clothes.
27:01Elena,
27:01who doesn't make mistakes
27:03in one lifetime?
27:04I'll pay you back
27:04with my life.
27:05Give me one more chance.
27:06Let me stay by your side,
27:08even if not as your husband.
27:10Just let me stay near you,
27:11take care of you,
27:12see you smile,
27:13and I'll be satisfied.
27:14I yanked the fabric
27:15back hard,
27:15and turned my head,
27:16my eyes full of disgust.
27:18Julian,
27:19you make me sick.
27:20Walking out of the room,
27:21Nikolai draped his coat
27:22over my shoulders,
27:23and looked at me,
27:24a little puzzled.
27:25Ellie, Julian deserves
27:26nothing less than death.
27:27Why not let us deal with him,
27:29after what he did to you?
27:30Nikolai,
27:31there's no need to dirty
27:32the Volkovs' hands.
27:33My brother took the hint.
27:35He leaked the news
27:36of Julian's affair with Chelsea,
27:37then had paparazzi dig up
27:39that Chelsea had been moonlighting
27:40at a string of nightclubs.
27:41Opinion Online tilted
27:42all one way,
27:43nothing but curses
27:44for the scumbag and the tramp,
27:46and plenty of mockery
27:47aimed at Julian.
27:48What a blind fool,
27:49throwing away a devoted
27:50Volkov heiress
27:51to sneak around.
27:52He likes what other men
27:53have used,
27:54but his company's stock
27:55crashed straight to the bottom.
27:57Having crossed the Volkovs,
27:58they found no partner
27:59would ever work with them again.
28:00Just as I'd expected,
28:02three days later,
28:03the news pushed word
28:03of the Ashby group's bankruptcy.
28:05In the photos the media caught,
28:07Julian's face was covered
28:08in stubble,
28:08dark circles under his eyes,
28:10not a trace left
28:11of the man who'd once had it all.
28:12He looked like he'd aged
28:1310 years in a matter of days.
28:15I reached a bar
28:16and walked into a cramped little room.
28:17The door opened
28:18onto a sharp, foul smell.
28:20Chelsea lay on the floor,
28:21clothes in disarray,
28:22not a drop of color
28:23in her face.
28:24The skin left bare,
28:25covered in bruises.
28:26She forced her eyes open
28:27and saw me,
28:28and something vicious
28:29rose in her lifeless gaze.
28:31Elena,
28:32you did this.
28:33You had someone destroy me.
28:35I'll kill you.
28:37I waved for the bodyguards
28:38to turn away.
28:39My red heels drew closer to her,
28:41step by step.
28:42I bent down
28:42and gave her a brilliant smile.
28:44If it weren't for me,
28:46you'd have frozen to death
28:48outside your uncle's door
28:49long ago.
28:51Chelsea, tell me why.
28:53Why do you do these to me?
28:55Chelsea wiped away her tears
28:56and lowered her head,
28:57a self-mocking smile
28:59pulling at her mouth.
29:00Why were you born above everyone
29:02while I fought rats
29:04for scraps in the gutter?
29:05It isn't fair.
29:06She paused,
29:07then looked up at me,
29:08the venom and envy
29:09gone from her eyes,
29:10just as she'd been
29:10the first time I saw her
29:11five years ago,
29:12clear and clean.
29:14Her voice was very soft,
29:15heavy with sorrow.
29:16Elena, I lost.
29:17I admit it.
29:18The truth is,
29:19I never loved Julian.
29:21To me,
29:22he was just a man
29:23with money in his pockets.
29:24The one I really loved
29:25died under a creditor's knife
29:27long ago.
29:28A hothouse flower like you
29:29will never understand
29:30that kind of pain.
29:31I took off my coat
29:32and draped it over her,
29:33then walked to the door
29:34and stopped.
29:35Chelsea,
29:36I never once hurt you.
29:37Do you believe
29:38in what comes around?
29:39I didn't wait
29:39for her to answer.
29:40I left the room thick
29:41with its foul smell.
29:43Nikolai stepped up
29:44to hold an umbrella over me,
29:45his lowered eyes
29:46filling with self-reproach.
29:48Ellie, did I do wrong?
29:49I raised you to be kind
29:51and good,
29:52and it left you prey
29:53to everyone's scheming,
29:55everyone's cruelty.
29:57I'm sorry, Ellie.
29:59I took his cool hand
30:00in mine and said softly,
30:02Nikolai,
30:03this isn't your fault.
30:05Nikolai opened his mouth
30:06and said nothing.
30:07I hugged him tight,
30:08the way I used to
30:08as a child.
30:09I'm so lucky
30:10to be a daughter
30:11of the Volkovs,
30:12to have a brother
30:14as good as you.
30:15So us aren't as good?
30:16Victor and Anton
30:17walked over,
30:18looking at me
30:18with faces full
30:19of mock grievance.
30:20My brothers
30:21are the best
30:21in the world.
30:22Back at the estate,
30:24the three Volkov sons,
30:25who cut down
30:26all rivals
30:27in the business world,
30:28were in a flustered
30:29scramble in the kitchen.
30:30The television
30:30was playing the news,
30:32a voice coming through
30:33without feeling.
30:34Two bodies
30:34were found by the river.
30:35The coroner
30:36has confirmed them
30:37as Julian Ashby
30:38and his girlfriend Chelsea.
30:39Preliminary findings
30:40indicate both drowned.
30:41I switched off the television,
30:43walked into the kitchen,
30:44watched Nikolai
30:45clumsily peeling
30:46the potatoes,
30:47and teased,
30:48Nikolai,
30:49if you keep going
30:50like this,
30:50we'll be eating
30:51nothing but potato peels.
30:53Nikolai looked up
30:54and gave an embarrassed
30:55little smile.
30:56A while later,
30:58eight dishes
30:58finally sat on the table.
31:00We raised our glasses
31:01and clinked them together.
31:02To Elena
31:03and her new life.
31:05Three days after
31:06Julian and Chelsea
31:07were pulled from the river,
31:08the Volkov estate
31:09returned to silence.
31:10At breakfast,
31:11Nikolai folded the newspaper
31:12and pushed it away.
31:14You don't need to read this.
31:16I already did.
31:17The headline called
31:18their deaths
31:18a lover's suicide.
31:20I almost laughed.
31:21Chelsea had hated Julian.
31:23Neither of them
31:23would have chosen
31:24to die together.
31:25Victor entered
31:26with a sealed folder.
31:27The coroner sent
31:28the full report.
31:29Anton leaned closer.
31:30What's wrong?
31:31Chelsea had been dead
31:32for nearly 12 hours.
31:34Julian died less than
31:35one hour before
31:35they were found.
31:37The room went still.
31:38I studied the photographs.
31:40Their faces were swollen,
31:41almost unrecognizable.
31:44Were the identities confirmed?
31:45Dental records
31:46and fingerprints.
31:48Both can be altered.
31:49My brothers exchanged
31:50a look.
31:51Nikolai lowered his voice.
31:52Ellie, let us handle this.
31:54No.
31:54I closed the folder.
31:56I spent years
31:57letting other people
31:57decide what I could survive.
31:59Now I want to make
32:00my own choice.
32:01I rose and faced
32:02the windows.
32:03Snow covered the gardens,
32:04hiding every footprint.
32:05I made a phone call.
32:06Find out who claimed
32:07the bodies.
32:08Find whoever signed
32:09the reports.
32:10Bring me the doctor
32:10who precoform sets
32:11the autopsies.
32:12Anton gave a grim smile.
32:14Where's our sister?
32:16The butler hurried in
32:17carrying a long black box.
32:19It was left at the gate
32:20for Miss Elena.
32:21Inside lay one white rose.
32:23Beneath it was a card.
32:24You buried the wrong people.
32:26A letter of provocation.
32:28A blatant challenge.
32:30Nikolai burned the card
32:31in the fireplace.
32:32The paper turned to ash,
32:33but the words stayed with me.
32:34You buried the wrong people.
32:36Lock down the estate.
32:37No one enters or leaves.
32:38I'm not a prisoner.
32:40You're a target.
32:41I've always been a target.
32:43I just didn't know it.
32:45Victor examined the box
32:46with gloved hands.
32:47No prints.
32:48Whoever sent it
32:49knew our security routes.
32:50Anton looked toward the windows.
32:52An insider?
32:52That afternoon,
32:53I went to the greenhouse alone.
32:55I touched one petal,
32:56remembering acid
32:57burning my empty eyes.
32:58A faint click
32:59sounded behind me.
33:00A man in a gardener's coat
33:02stood near the door.
33:03Miss Volkov.
33:05Before I could call out,
33:06he placed something
33:07on the table and ran.
33:08Guards rushed after him.
33:10I remained still,
33:11staring at the glass jar
33:12he had left behind.
33:14Inside floated
33:15blood-stained surgical gauze.
33:17Nikolai arrived
33:17and pulled me behind him.
33:19What is that?
33:23My stomach twisted.
33:25Anton read it and swore.
33:30This came from the hospital.
33:32No, that hospital
33:33destroyed its records.
33:35A phone hidden beneath
33:36the jar began to ring.
33:37Nikolai reached for it,
33:39but I answered first.
33:40A distorted voice
33:41whispered through the speaker.
33:42Your surgery
33:43was not Julian's idea.
33:45Then the line went dead.
33:46I froze.
33:49It wasn't Julian's idea?
33:51Then whose was it?
33:53What did they want from me?
33:54How did they want from me?
33:57How did they want her?
33:57How did they want from me?