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00:00:00Sous-titrage Société Radio-Canada
00:00:31I saw the two drained faces
00:00:36I said, you both deserve to die
00:00:43Alexander Sterling, the billionaire heir to the Sterling Empire, planned to publicly dump me for a club girl
00:00:49A club girl named Lily Evans
00:00:53Furious, my father Robert Vance pulled strings to blacklist her
00:00:57He intended to ship her overseas to fend for herself
00:01:02Unexpectedly, Alexander did not intervene
00:01:05He did not fly into a rage
00:01:06He simply watched
00:01:09My 18th birthday was approaching
00:01:12The entire upper class of Kingston was preparing for my birthday banquet at the Vance estate
00:01:20Alexander and I had been engaged since we were children
00:01:25Everyone said we were the perfect match
00:01:29The Sterlings and the Vances
00:01:32Two empires united through marriage
00:01:36But something felt wrong
00:01:37Alexander had been distant lately dot cold, even
00:01:41When I asked him about it, he dismissed me with a single word
00:01:45Busy
00:01:47That was all I got
00:01:49I stood before the full-length mirror in my room
00:01:51Adjusting the sapphire necklace Alexander had given me last week
00:01:54The stone matched my eyes, he'd said
00:01:58Now I wondered if he'd even remember giving it to me
00:02:02Downstairs, the orchestra was already tuning their instruments
00:02:11Guests in haute couture gowns and tailored suits streamed through the marble foyer
00:02:17My father descended the grand staircase beside me
00:02:20His hand firm on the small of my back
00:02:24Eleanor, tonight, keep your smile on
00:02:26No matter what happens
00:02:28He said under his breath
00:02:30I looked up at him
00:02:31His jaw was tight
00:02:33What? What do you know that I don't?
00:02:36He didn't answer
00:02:38He just squeezed my shoulder once and walked ahead to greet the first arrivals
00:02:44Something was coming
00:02:47I could feel it in the air
00:02:49Heavy and suffocating
00:02:51Like a storm gathering behind closed doors
00:02:58The banquet hall glittered with crystal chandeliers and whispered secrets
00:03:04I circulated through the crowd
00:03:05Smiling until my cheeks ached
00:03:09Alexander arrived fashionably late, as always, but he didn't come alone
00:03:14Lily Evans hung from his arm like a silk scarf draped over furniture
00:03:18She wore red
00:03:20Not just any red
00:03:22Not just any red
00:03:22The exact shade of crimson that Alexander had once told me was
00:03:27Too bold for anyone but you, Eleanor
00:03:30My stomach dropped
00:03:32Guests exchanged glances
00:03:34Murmurs rippled through the room like wind through wheat
00:03:40Robert's face went dark across the room
00:03:43He started moving toward us
00:03:45His stride sharp and purposeful
00:03:50I caught his eye and shook my head frantically
00:03:53Not here, not now
00:03:54Not in front of everyone
00:03:58He stopped
00:03:59But the damage was already done
00:04:04Lily leaned into Alexander and giggled at something he whispered in her ear
00:04:11Her fingers traced the lapel of his tuxedo
00:04:15Possessive.deliberate, a declaration written in body language
00:04:21I turned away before anyone could see my expression crack
00:04:24The balcony doors were just ahead
00:04:27I needed air
00:04:28I needed to breathe
00:04:31Behind me
00:04:32I heard Alexander's voice cut through the music
00:04:35Everyone
00:04:37May I have your attention
00:04:39The room fell silent
00:04:41Every head turned toward him
00:04:43Toward us
00:04:45Toward Lily
00:04:46Still clinging to his arm
00:04:47Toward me
00:04:48Standing alone near the glass doors that led out into the cold night
00:04:57Alexander said
00:05:00I have an announcement
00:05:01His voice rang clear and confident through the banquet hall
00:05:07Lily pressed closer to him
00:05:09Her painted lips curving into a smile that didn't reach her eyes
00:05:16I felt every pair of eyes in the room burning into my back
00:05:22This engagement
00:05:23Alexander continued
00:05:25Was arranged by our families a long time ago
00:05:28A pause
00:05:28Deliberate
00:05:29Calculated
00:05:31But I've come to realize that neither Eleanor nor I are happy with this arrangement
00:05:35Gasps
00:05:36Scattered
00:05:37Like broken glass across marble
00:05:40So today
00:05:42I am officially announcing the end of our engagement
00:05:46The room erupted
00:05:48Phones came out
00:05:49Whispers became shouts
00:05:50Someone was already live streaming
00:05:54I stood frozen
00:05:55My hands still resting on the balcony door handle
00:05:58This was how it ended
00:06:00Not in private
00:06:01Not with decency
00:06:02But in front of 300 people
00:06:05Live streamed to the world
00:06:08Thank you all for understanding
00:06:09Lily stepped forward
00:06:11Wrapping both arms around Alexander's waist
00:06:13She said
00:06:14Her voice dripping with false sweetness
00:06:16Alexander and I are very much in love
00:06:21Robert exploded across the room
00:06:26You disgusting
00:06:28Mr. Vance
00:06:30One of them said evenly
00:06:32We suggest you calm down
00:06:34Alexander's bodyguards intercepted him before he could reach the stage
00:06:37Calm down?
00:06:39You said
00:06:40You can't got a four in the end
00:06:42Robert's voice cracked
00:06:47Alexander looked down at my father with something close to pity
00:06:51Eleanor will find someone else
00:06:53She always was
00:06:54Resilient
00:06:58The way he said that word made my skin crawl resilient
00:07:03Like I was a problem to be managed rather than a person to be loved
00:07:06I pushed through the balcony doors and stepped out into the freezing night
00:07:13The sound of the crowd faded behind me
00:07:15Replaced by the lonely whistle of wind across the mansion's rooftop gardens
00:07:22I gripped the railing until my knuckles turned white
00:07:28I would not cry
00:07:30Not here
00:07:31Not ever in front of them again
00:07:34I left the banquet through the garden exit
00:07:37Avoiding the main hall entirely
00:07:39My white supercar waited in the circular driveway
00:07:43Gleaming under the decorative lights
00:07:49One of the valets brought the keys to me
00:07:53Miss Vance
00:07:54Should I have the driver ready?
00:07:57No
00:07:57I'm driving myself tonight
00:07:59My voice came out steadier than I expected
00:08:05I slid into the driver's seat
00:08:09The leather still held the faint scent of the custom cologne Alexander had picked out for me on my birthday
00:08:14five years ago
00:08:20Alexander had sat right where I was sitting now
00:08:22He'd taken my hands in his and said
00:08:26This car is yours Eleanor
00:08:27Only yours
00:08:29No one else will ever sit in this seat
00:08:31I started the engine
00:08:32The roar vibrated through my chest
00:08:35Familiar and comforting
00:08:39I pulled out of the driveway and onto the main road
00:08:44Kingston at night was beautiful
00:08:47Skyscrapers glittered
00:08:48Streetlights cast golden pools on wet pavement
00:08:51I didn't know where I was going
00:08:54I just drove
00:08:5820 minutes later
00:08:59The GPS signal flickered and died
00:09:02The engine made a strange sound
00:09:04A grinding cough that no sports car should ever make
00:09:07Then the power steering failed
00:09:10I wrestled with the wheel
00:09:11Managing to guide the dying car toward the side of the road
00:09:14It rolled to a stop in front of a narrow alley between two brick buildings
00:09:17The neighborhood was wrong
00:09:19Neon signs flickered in languages I didn't recognize
00:09:22Figures loomed in doorways
00:09:24Watching
00:09:25I reached for my phone dead
00:09:29The car's emergency system
00:09:31Usually so reliable
00:09:32Stayed silent
00:09:36I unlocked the door and stepped out
00:09:39My heels clicking on the grimy pavement
00:09:44Last princess
00:09:49A voice from the shadows
00:09:51Then another
00:09:52And another
00:09:53Three men emerged from the alley's mouth
00:09:56Forming a half circle around me
00:09:58Their smiles held nothing human
00:10:00I tried to run
00:10:02My heel caught on a crack in the pavement
00:10:04And I went down hard
00:10:06Palms scraping against rough concrete
00:10:09Someone grabbed my hair
00:10:11Another wrenched my arms behind my back
00:10:13The third
00:10:13I never saw his face clearly
00:10:15Forced something between my teeth
00:10:17A bottle
00:10:19Liquid burned down my throat
00:10:21Bitter and chemical
00:10:22Making my vision swim
00:10:26Look at her
00:10:27All dressed up like a doll
00:10:30She's worth a fortune
00:10:32Another said
00:10:33Check her bag
00:10:33Design her everything
00:10:35One of them laughed
00:10:40Another said
00:10:41Phones came out
00:10:43Flashes blinded me
00:10:44They were recording everything
00:10:45I wanted to scream
00:10:47But my throat had clenched shut
00:10:49Around the terror lodge there
00:10:50My mind detached
00:10:53It floated somewhere above my body
00:10:55Watching the scene unfold
00:10:56Like a bad movie
00:10:57I couldn't walk out of
00:10:58This wasn't happening
00:11:00This couldn't be happening
00:11:01Not to me
00:11:02Not to Eleanor Vance
00:11:04Daughter of the Vance medical empire
00:11:06Fiancé of Alexander Sterling
00:11:08Time blurred
00:11:12When I finally became aware of myself again
00:11:15I was curled on the ground
00:11:16My dress was torn
00:11:18My body shook with cold or shock or both
00:11:21The men were gone
00:11:23Their laughter echoed somewhere in the distance
00:11:25Fading into the city noise
00:11:28I pushed myself upright
00:11:30My phone was missing
00:11:31My jewelry was gone
00:11:33Even my shoes
00:11:34One had fallen off during the struggle
00:11:39I limped back to my car on bare feet
00:11:43The engine wouldn't start
00:11:45Of course it wouldn't
00:11:46Someone had made sure of that
00:11:50I slumped against the driver's side door
00:11:52And let the darkness swallow me whole
00:11:54I don't know how long I lay there
00:11:57An hour, maybe more
00:11:58Headlights swept across the alley mouth
00:12:01A black sedan slowed to a stop
00:12:03Two men in dark suits stout
00:12:07My father's security detail
00:12:09They'd tracked my car's emergency beacon
00:12:15Mrs. Vance?
00:12:16I couldn't speak
00:12:19They helped me into the back seat
00:12:21Wrapped me in a wool blanket
00:12:23And drove me straight to Vance Manor
00:12:27My father was waiting in the foyer
00:12:30One look at me and his face crumpled
00:12:32He didn't ask questions
00:12:34He didn't demand answers
00:12:37He simply carried me upstairs to my room
00:12:39Laid me on my bed
00:12:41And called the family doctor
00:12:44The examination was quick
00:12:49No permanent physical injury
00:12:51The doctor said gently
00:12:52But the psychological toll
00:12:54He left that sentence unfinished
00:12:56Morning came to fast
00:12:58I refused to leave my room
00:13:00But the world refused to let me hide
00:13:03By noon
00:13:04The story was everywhere
00:13:05Dot photos, videos, speculation
00:13:08The Vance heiress found intoxicated
00:13:11In red light district
00:13:12Sterling airs ex
00:13:14Fiancé caught in compromising position
00:13:16Sources say Alexander Sterling
00:13:19Ended the engagement hours
00:13:20Before the incident
00:13:21My phone blew up with messages
00:13:24Most were from people
00:13:25I'd once called friends
00:13:27Are you okay
00:13:28What happened
00:13:29Oh my god
00:13:31Eleanor
00:13:31I'm so sorry
00:13:33And then the other kind of message
00:13:34The ones that came from numbers
00:13:36I didn't recognize
00:13:39Slut
00:13:40Whore
00:13:41She deserved it
00:13:43Damaged goods
00:13:45I deleted them all
00:13:46Every single one
00:13:48But the words had already
00:13:50Burrowed under my skin
00:13:51Where they would fester
00:13:53For a long time to come
00:13:55Julian Montgomery arrived
00:13:57That afternoon
00:13:58We'd grown up together
00:14:01Alexander
00:14:02Julian
00:14:03And I
00:14:04The three of us
00:14:06Had been inseparable
00:14:07Since kindergarten
00:14:08Julian was different
00:14:11From Alexander
00:14:13Softer
00:14:14More thoughtful
00:14:19Where Alexander blazed
00:14:21Julian warmed
00:14:22He sat beside my bed
00:14:25Holding my hand
00:14:26With careful gentleness
00:14:28Eleanor
00:14:31His voice was low
00:14:32Steady
00:14:35I know you're going
00:14:36Through hell right now
00:14:37I said nothing
00:14:38But I want you to know
00:14:39None of this
00:14:40Changes how I see you
00:14:42I finally looked at him
00:14:43His brown eyes
00:14:45Held no judgment
00:14:46No pity
00:14:47Just something
00:14:48That might have been warmth
00:14:50Marry me
00:14:52He said
00:14:53I blinked
00:14:55What?
00:14:57Marry me Eleanor
00:14:59Not because of what happened
00:15:01Not because I feel sorry for you
00:15:06He squeezed my hand tighter
00:15:13Marry me
00:15:16Because I've loved you since we were kids
00:15:18And I was too cowardly to say it until now
00:15:23Marry me
00:15:24Because
00:15:26I don't care about your reputation
00:15:28Or what people are saying
00:15:33The Montgomery's and the Vance's
00:15:35Have been allies for generations
00:15:37Our families would celebrate this union
00:15:39There isn't prayerless
00:15:40Can you be called
00:15:41Perseptom this year's
00:15:43And most importantly
00:15:46Marry me
00:15:48Because I will spend the rest of my life
00:15:50Making sure no one ever hurts you again
00:15:56I stared at him
00:15:57This was Julian
00:15:58My childhood friend
00:16:00The boy who once carried me three miles
00:16:03Through a rainstorm
00:16:04Because I'd twisted my ankle
00:16:08Julian was offering me a lifeline
00:16:12A way out of the wreckage
00:16:13Alexander had made of my life
00:16:17I
00:16:18I need time
00:16:19My voice caught
00:16:22Take all the time you need
00:16:23He smiled
00:16:24And for a moment
00:16:25It almost looked genuine
00:16:26I'm not going anywhere
00:16:28He leaned down
00:16:30And pressed a soft kiss
00:16:31To my forehead
00:16:34Rest now Eleanor
00:16:35Everything is going to be okay
00:16:36After he left
00:16:37I lay in the dark
00:16:38Staring at the ceiling
00:16:39Everything was not going to be okay
00:16:41I could feel it in my bones
00:16:43The shape of the trap closing around me
00:16:45Invisible but unmistakable
00:16:48Julian's proposal was too convenient
00:16:50Too perfectly timed
00:16:52And something in his eyes
00:16:54When he mentioned Alexander's name
00:16:56Something that didn't match the words
00:16:57Coming out of his mouth
00:16:58The marriage registration was scheduled
00:17:01For the following Monday
00:17:02I wore white
00:17:04Not a wedding dress
00:17:05I wasn't ready for that
00:17:07But a pristine white oak couture ensemble
00:17:09It felt like armor against what was coming
00:17:11The civil registry office
00:17:13Was a modest building
00:17:14Compared to the cathedral weddings
00:17:16The upper class usually favored
00:17:17But Julian had insisted on simplicity
00:17:26For us
00:17:27It's not about the spectacle
00:17:29It's about the commitment
00:17:31He'd said
00:17:32I stood in the lounge area
00:17:34Waiting for our appointment number
00:17:36To be called
00:17:37Julian had stepped away
00:17:38To take a call
00:17:39Through the half-open door
00:17:41Of the adjacent conference room
00:17:42I heard voices
00:17:45Two women
00:17:47Secretaries
00:17:47From the sound of it
00:17:48Their conversation
00:17:49Drifted toward me like smoke
00:17:51Did you hear about Mrs. Vance?
00:17:53I heard it's been a cent of like
00:17:55We don't ever go to wear
00:17:56A poor thing
00:17:57Her reputation is ruined
00:17:59In the upper class
00:18:00And in the end
00:18:01She has to rely on Mr. Montgomery
00:18:03With pieces
00:18:03My blood went cold
00:18:06What do you know?
00:18:07To marry that little influencer
00:18:09Lily Evans
00:18:10Mr. Sterling orchestrated the trap
00:18:12To ruin Miss Vance
00:18:14My hand flew to my mouth
00:18:18He even paid those thugs to disappear
00:18:20No witnesses
00:18:21No evidence
00:18:23He destroyed her
00:18:24Just to clear the way for Lily
00:18:28The second secretary
00:18:30Lowered her voice further
00:18:31And Mr. Montgomery
00:18:33He doesn't love Mrs. Vance either
00:18:35My heart stopped
00:18:37He's only marrying her
00:18:38Because he's afraid
00:18:39She used the Vance's power
00:18:40To take revenge on Lily
00:18:45He wants to keep her under his nose
00:18:47Where he can watch her
00:18:48Withstanding it's a move
00:18:49And imbursed it is
00:18:50And it rape
00:18:50And imbursed for
00:18:51For noxus
00:18:51This pre's Miss
00:18:52Condits
00:18:57It turned out that both of thee
00:18:58Were in love with Lily
00:19:01Despair
00:19:01Like an invisible hand
00:19:03Strangled my throat
00:19:04Both of them
00:19:05Both of the men
00:19:06I trusted my entire life
00:19:08They were both in love
00:19:09With the same woman
00:19:10The woman who had
00:19:11Taken everything from me
00:19:12And Julian's proposal
00:19:13It was never about saving me
00:19:15It was about controlling me
00:19:18I walked out of the registry office
00:19:20Into the bright afternoon sun
00:19:22My legs felt like
00:19:23They belonged to someone else
00:19:26Julian was waiting
00:19:27By the fountain
00:19:28In the courtyard
00:19:29Wearing that same gentle
00:19:31Warm smile
00:19:32That had comforted me
00:19:33For days
00:19:36Now it made me want to scream
00:19:37He saw my expression change
00:19:40And his smile faltered
00:19:43Eleanor
00:19:45What's wrong
00:19:47What's wrong
00:19:49You look pale
00:19:50I pulled the marriage registration papers
00:19:52From my bag
00:19:53I looked at them for a long moment
00:19:54All those carefully printed words
00:19:56All those official stamps
00:19:58And signatures waiting to be added
00:20:00All of it built on a foundation of lies
00:20:02I ripped the papers in half
00:20:04Then in quarters
00:20:07Then I kept tearing
00:20:08Until there was nothing left
00:20:09But white confetti
00:20:10Scattered around my feet
00:20:14I'm not marrying you Julian
00:20:15Julian's expression
00:20:17Changed instantly
00:20:18The warmth drained away
00:20:20Replaced by something
00:20:21Sharp and calculating
00:20:22He stepped forward
00:20:23Gripping my wrists tightly
00:20:27Eleanor
00:20:28Have you lost your mind?
00:20:30Right now
00:20:31In all of Kingston
00:20:32I'm the only one
00:20:33Who doesn't mind your past
00:20:35His voice was a low hiss
00:20:36Meant only for me
00:20:38By breaking off the engagement
00:20:41Do you plan on being pointed at
00:20:43And judged
00:20:43For the rest of your life?
00:20:46I know you're still obsessed
00:20:48With Alexander
00:20:50But if you really love him
00:20:53Shouldn't you just let him
00:20:54Be happy with Lily?
00:20:55My nose stung
00:20:56I looked up
00:20:57Forcing back the tears
00:20:59And asked him with a cold sneer
00:21:01So you love Lily too?
00:21:03You're sacrificing yourself
00:21:04To marry me
00:21:05Just to let her and Alexander
00:21:06Be together?
00:21:09To stop me from hating her
00:21:12Out of jealousy
00:21:13And causing trouble for Lily
00:21:16You're marrying me
00:21:18As a decoration
00:21:19To keep me under surveillance
00:21:21Right?
00:21:22A trace of panic
00:21:24Flashed across his face
00:21:25But he kept denying it
00:21:27His eyes rimmed with red
00:21:30Eleanor how can you think of me like that?
00:21:32We grew up together
00:21:33You know I'm not that kind of person
00:21:38Around us
00:21:39Guests and passersby had stopped to watch
00:21:42The whispers started immediately
00:21:46Mr. Montgomery is only marrying her for old time's sake
00:21:48Yet she's throwing mud at him in public
00:21:50What an ungrateful bitch
00:21:51Since she doesn't appreciate his kindness
00:21:53He should just cancel
00:21:55I don't think anyone else would dare take her except him
00:21:58Robert appeared at my side
00:21:59His face dark with rage
00:22:01He was about to open his mouth to defend me
00:22:04To tell everyone the truth about that night
00:22:07I hurriedly grabbed his hand
00:22:09Shook my head at him
00:22:11Leaned close and whispered in his ear
00:22:14Dad, don't say it
00:22:15If the Sterlins and the Montgomerys join forces
00:22:18We can't win
00:22:24Alexander just secured those major projects
00:22:26He's untouchable right now
00:22:29Alexander has everyone in his pocket now
00:22:34He destroyed me for Lily
00:22:35And he'd do it again
00:22:41If we fight him
00:22:42He'll bury us under his lies
00:22:47No one will believe us now
00:22:53They'll just think we're fishing for sympathy
00:22:54And slanting the two great families
00:22:56Robert's chest heaved with violent anger
00:22:59His fists clenched at his sides
00:23:05Robert could only storm back into the building in frustration
00:23:10Leaving me to face it alone
00:23:12Julian took my hand again
00:23:14Looking at me with deep affection that I now knew was an act
00:23:18Eleanor
00:23:19If you're in a bad mood today I can wait
00:23:23This engagement
00:23:26Stands forever
00:23:31As long as you promise me not to harass Alexander and Lily anymore
00:23:36I shook off his hand
00:23:38My eyes were cold as ice
00:23:42I won't marry you
00:23:44Nor will I go look for Alexander again
00:23:52Not in this lifetime
00:23:58Because I'm about to
00:24:00Just as I was about to reveal my plan
00:24:02My real plan
00:24:03A familiar engine roar cut through the air
00:24:05A white supercar screeched to a curb nearby
00:24:08Lily Evans stepped out
00:24:10Dressed in haute couture Chanel
00:24:12Swaying her hips like she owned the sidewalk
00:24:15Her eyes found mine
00:24:16And when she looked at Julian
00:24:18There was a trace of subtle
00:24:20Lingering affection in her gaze
00:24:22A fragmented light instantly lit up in Julian's eyes
00:24:26But he suppressed it just as quickly
00:24:29Lily walked up to me
00:24:31Tears flowing on command
00:24:33Crocodile tears bathed in artificial sunlight
00:24:38Eleanor why did you still wear these clothes to go see Alexander today
00:24:43I'd never been to the sterling manor today
00:24:45She was lying
00:24:50Why are you still clinging to him so tightly when you're about to get married
00:24:53The surrounding whispers became even more piercing
00:24:55Just now she was swearing she wouldn't stalk Mr. Sterling
00:24:59But the moment she turns around
00:25:01The official girlfriend shows up
00:25:03She really has no shame
00:25:05Mr. Montgomery even spent a forge
00:25:07Wing that pink diamond necklace for her
00:25:09What a waste of genuine affection on a dog
00:25:11This kind of woman should be blacklisted
00:25:12Hearing that I had gone to see Alexander today
00:25:15Julian's eyes turned cold
00:25:16He instinctively shielded Lily
00:25:18His tone full of reproach
00:25:21Eleanor
00:25:21I know you look down on Lily
00:25:23You think she comes from a club
00:25:24You think she isn't clean
00:25:27That she isn't good enough for Alexander
00:25:29But she only worked as a receptionist at the club
00:25:31She never sold her body
00:25:33She is still pure
00:25:34Look at yourself Eleanor
00:25:36After what happened in that red light district
00:25:39You're damaged goods
00:25:40I took a deep breath
00:25:42The winter wind sliced my face like a knife
00:25:44Stabbing straight into my heart
00:25:50Yes
00:25:50To whitewash Lily's background
00:25:54To make her worthy of the Sterling's family prestige
00:25:57Alexander had forced several media outlets to change their stories overnight
00:26:02He'd even had a university professor recognize her as his influential sponsor
00:26:06To rewrite her past
00:26:08Overnight
00:26:09I became the slut spurned by everyone in the upper class
00:26:12She became the inspirational, innocent goddess
00:26:16The apple of Mr. Sterling's eye
00:26:18Lily suddenly pointed at the ruby necklace around my neck and screamed emotionally
00:26:23You thief
00:26:24You thief
00:26:25You stole the necklace Alexander gave me
00:26:27How could you put your filthy hands on my engagement gift
00:26:30I froze
00:26:31I looked at Julian with bloodshot eyes
00:26:35Didn't you send this necklace to me last night?
00:26:39Julian's eyes flickered
00:26:40He avoided my gaze
00:26:42Yet his tone was unusually firm
00:26:44I never gave you anything, Eleanor
00:26:46I never gave you ajanal or sinna
00:26:48Don't lie just to cover up your own crimes
00:26:51You're making yourself look pathetic
00:26:52My ears filled with voices calling me a thief
00:26:55Those vicious words smashed into me like stones
00:26:58Leaving me breathless
00:27:00Enduring the tearing pain in my heart
00:27:02I yanked the necklace off with trembling hands
00:27:05I smashed it viciously onto the ground
00:27:10The gem shattered
00:27:11Shards grazed Lily's calf
00:27:14I said
00:27:15My voice flat
00:27:18I've never been to the Sterling Manor
00:27:20So how could I possibly steal this necklace?
00:27:23Lily clutched her leg
00:27:24A flash of triumphant malice crossed her eyes
00:27:27She wailed to the crowd
00:27:29We missed the servants at the Sterling Manor
00:27:32All saw her come by today
00:27:34If you don't believe me, go ask them
00:27:39A cold, deep male voice suddenly came from outside the crowd
00:27:45Lily, it's just a necklace
00:27:47If she wants to steal it, let her steal it
00:27:55I'll win a better one for you at auction
00:27:58After all, Eleanor and I grew up together
00:28:02Let's not make things too ugly on her big day
00:28:06Alexander parted the crowd and strode over
00:28:09He unceremoniously shoved Julian aside
00:28:13He wrapped an arm around Lily's shoulder
00:28:16His eyes burning with undisguised possessiveness
00:28:25Thank you, Mr. Montgomery, for looking out for Lily
00:28:28You two carry on with your business
00:28:32Lily and I are heading back
00:28:35I called out to him
00:28:38Alexander, you know perfectly well I never went to your house today
00:28:44Why didn't you defend me?
00:28:48He stopped
00:28:49Turned his head
00:28:55Alexander's eyes were cold as ice
00:28:57He leaned in close to my ear
00:28:59Whispering so only I could hear
00:29:02I'm doing this so you'll finally get the message
00:29:06I don't care how much you cry
00:29:08You disgust me, Eleanor
00:29:10Stay on disgust to you, Eleanor
00:29:11Mitra Amashur
00:29:12Stay away from us
00:29:14Or I'll make sure you lose everything else
00:29:18My eyes stung terribly
00:29:19Yet it felt as if my tears had already run dry
00:29:25My memory drifted back to our childhood
00:29:29Back then, no matter who wronged me
00:29:31Alexander would be the first to step up and take them down
00:29:34He used to say I was his little princess
00:29:37No one was allowed to bully me
00:29:40Yet now, to force me away
00:29:43He allowed the woman he loved to frame me in front of everyone
00:29:46He didn't know that even if I wanted to cling to him
00:29:49I wouldn't have the chance anymore
00:29:51After tomorrow, Eleanor would no longer exist in Kingston
00:29:55After they left, Julian dispersed the onlookers
00:30:00Seeing my face drained of color
00:30:02He grabbed my hand
00:30:04His tone laced with a trace of barely perceptible guilt
00:30:09I'm sorry, Eleanor
00:30:11I didn't actually buy that necklace
00:30:12Lily just tossed it to me
00:30:14I saw it looked expensive enough
00:30:16And since you don't have much jewelry
00:30:18I thought I'd use it to help you keep up appearances
00:30:22I pulled my hand back expressionlessly
00:30:25You didn't say that just now
00:30:27What good does saying it now do?
00:30:29Alexander defended himself with self-righteous logic
00:30:32If I had taken your side, Lily would have looked like a monster
00:30:34Sir, you sidrives
00:30:35You don't out-hurt her?
00:30:37So what's the thing if you know level one to my son?
00:30:38Lily was only trying to help
00:30:40She's fighting so hard to fit in
00:30:41Did you really want to destroy her life?
00:30:44She's the apple of Alexander's eye right now
00:30:46She struggled so hard to gain a foothold in the upper class
00:30:48Did you want to ruin her?
00:30:52Anyway, I know the truth
00:30:54Knowing you are innocent is enough
00:30:58We're the ones living our lives together in the future
00:31:00You don't need to care about how others look at you
00:31:05He was wrong
00:31:06I no longer cared about anyone's opinion
00:31:08I just felt a bone-deep chill of heartbreak toward both of them
00:31:12It was a fact that Lily had framed me
00:31:15Yet to shield that woman
00:31:17He had personally branded me a thief
00:31:19And then he had the nerve to blame me for being unreasonable
00:31:24I couldn't bear to think about why the boy who once carried me for miles through a rainstorm had turned
00:31:29into this
00:31:30I turned and walked into the villa
00:31:32Returned to my room
00:31:34Julian followed me
00:31:35He watched as I frantically threw all those designer bags and clothes onto the floor like a mad woman
00:31:45I curled up on the bed
00:31:46Hugging my knees
00:31:48Sobbing uncontrollably
00:31:52Eleanor
00:31:52Stop crying
00:31:53I was wrong about this
00:31:55I'll make it up to you double in the future, okay?
00:31:58I grabbed a crystal ornament within reach
00:32:00I smashed it violently toward him
00:32:03The impact left a bloody gash on his forehead
00:32:06I told you, I'm not marrying you
00:32:09Get the hell out
00:32:11His temper ignited instantly
00:32:13His eyes snapped
00:32:15He grabbed me by the throat
00:32:17He slammed me against the wall so hard the pictures rattled on their nails
00:32:23If you don't marry me, who else would want you?
00:32:27Do you want to go be a mistress for some low-class thug?
00:32:30Or do you want to be scorned and gossiped about for the rest of your life?
00:32:33I only agreed to marry you out of respect for our family's long-standing ties
00:32:37Yet today, you tore up the marriage papers in public
00:32:40And completely humiliated the Montgomerys
00:32:42I desperately clawed at his hand
00:32:45I couldn't breathe
00:32:46My face turned crimson
00:32:48He released me abruptly
00:32:50I coughed violently
00:32:52Gasping for air
00:32:56Tears streamed down my face
00:32:58I forced a smile that looked more painful than weeping
00:33:03Why? Why have you all changed like this?
00:33:06Julian watched my breakdown with cold eyes
00:33:08As if looking at an insignificant stranger
00:33:10I kicked him out
00:33:11I sat alone in the room until darkness fell
00:33:14That night, I packed my few documents and personal belongings
00:33:19I intended to bid this city a final farewell
00:33:22Passing the high-end jewelry store we used to frequent
00:33:25I spotted Alexander and Lily walking out
00:33:28I froze
00:33:29I watched Alexander plant a kiss on Lily's forehead
00:33:33Then, with eyes full of adoration
00:33:36He slipped a pink diamond ring onto her ring finger
00:33:39He said
00:33:40It's beautiful, it suits you perfectly
00:33:42Lily seemed to spot me standing in the shadows
00:33:46She lifted her chin in a provocative gesture
00:33:48Turning back
00:33:50She cooed at Alexander
00:33:52It's gorgeous
00:33:54But, didn't you fly all the way to the Middle East
00:33:56Just to find this diamond for Eleanor?
00:33:58Are you sure I should have it?
00:34:00Alexander gently stroked her long hair
00:34:02He whispered soothingly
00:34:03I'll give you whatever you want
00:34:04I'd even let you play with the sterling group if you asked
00:34:11As for Eleanor
00:34:12Who is she?
00:34:14She doesn't even deserve to be compared to you
00:34:17Lily cast a triumphant smile in my direction
00:34:20She took Alexander's arm
00:34:22The two of them walked intimately into the private club nearby
00:34:27In December's Kingston
00:34:28Heavy snow suddenly began to fall
00:34:31My heart turned completely cold
00:34:33I didn't want to wait until tomorrow
00:34:35I returned to the villa
00:34:37I left a letter for my father on his desk
00:34:41Then I put my white coat back on
00:34:43It felt like putting on armor
00:34:46The coat I'd worn to my volunteer medical shifts
00:34:49Before everything fell apart
00:34:52I took a taxi to Alexander's private garage
00:34:57While the security guard wasn't looking
00:34:59I slipped inside
00:35:02My supercar
00:35:03The white supercar sat in its usual spot
00:35:06The one Alexander had given me on my 18th birthday
00:35:09The one he'd just stolen back to give to Lily
00:35:13I started the engine
00:35:14The roar vibrated through my chest
00:35:17Fierce and alive
00:35:18I slammed on the gas
00:35:20Clashed through the barrier
00:35:23Sped away into the night
00:35:24The guard couldn't stop me
00:35:27He could only watch my taillights vanish into the darkness
00:35:29I rolled down the window
00:35:34Tell Alexander that I, Eleanor
00:35:36Am leaving for the Middle East right now
00:35:39This car has been with me for five years
00:35:42Let it take me on my final journey
00:35:48I sped wildly
00:35:49Tears burst forth
00:35:51They were instantly scattered by the biting wind
00:35:53Alexander
00:35:54Julian
00:35:56Our entanglement of over a decade ends today
00:35:58Severed once and for all
00:36:00The flustered security guard relayed the message to Alexander
00:36:03Who was drinking at the club
00:36:04Hearing this
00:36:05A sneer appeared on his face
00:36:08Please
00:36:08We all know it's an old doctor on that mission
00:36:11Eleanor is just faking a suicide mission to get my attention
00:36:13It's pathetic
00:36:14But Lil likes that car
00:36:15I can't let her drive it away
00:36:17He threw on his coat
00:36:18Grabbed the keys to another sports car
00:36:22And chased after me
00:36:24He chased me all the way to the gate of the Vance's mansion
00:36:27He honked the poor neighbor
00:36:30Eleanor, leave the car here
00:36:32Where the hell you go is your own business
00:36:34After a long while, the butler opened the gate
00:36:36His eyes were red
00:36:37His voice choked with emotion
00:36:42He parked his car directly across the entrance of our mansion
00:36:47This is what I learned later happened after I'd left Kingston
00:36:51Vivian
00:36:53Mr. Sterling
00:36:55Ms. Vance has already gone to the airport
00:36:59She really is going to the Middle East
00:37:01That was what his assistant apparently told him
00:37:03Alexander refused to believe any of it
00:37:06Eleanor, get the hell out here
00:37:08Don't think making up some story about going to die in the Middle East
00:37:11Will make me change my mind
00:37:12Everyone knows you're a spoiled princess, Eleanor
00:37:15Used to cry for hours over a scratched knee
00:37:18My father walked out when he heard the commotion
00:37:20I was told he gazed at the drifting snow
00:37:23His eyes must have been terrifyingly hollow that day
00:37:27Alexander, just leave
00:37:29Eleanor is truly gone
00:37:30What she went to process yesterday were her exit papers
00:37:34She will never be a stain on your sight to you again
00:37:37I heard that Alexander felt a chill under my father's gaze
00:37:40But he forced a smile anyway
00:37:43Mr. Vance, is it fun helping your daughter put on an act?
00:37:47You adore your daughter so much
00:37:48How could you possibly bear to let her go to a place like that?
00:37:54Alexander's expression darkened
00:37:55His tone turned vicious
00:37:57Even if she lost her verju in the red light district
00:38:00You wouldn't necessarily send her off to die, would you?
00:38:04My father gave a cold snert
00:38:05The sound seemed squeezed through clenched teeth
00:38:08You animals pushed her to the edge
00:38:10Maybe a war zone is the only place left
00:38:13Where she can finally find some peace
00:38:14Away from you!
00:38:21Alexander stared at my father's face
00:38:24He tried to find even the slightest crack in that comm
00:38:28But all he found was despair
00:38:30And dead silence
00:38:33A sudden panic seized him
00:38:37He kicked open the door to my room
00:38:39The room was empty
00:38:40Save for the mess scattered on the floor
00:38:43In that heavy snow driving a sports car
00:38:46Where else could I have gone?
00:38:49Alexander walks out of the bedroom angrily
00:38:51And heads to the mansion gate
00:38:53No sooner had the words fallen
00:38:55Then two figures appeared at the entrance of the mansion
00:38:58Lily and Julian
00:39:00Alexander, don't worry
00:39:02She drove into some random direction
00:39:08I don't care about that junk car anymore
00:39:11Since Eleanor likes it so much
00:39:13Let her keep it as a breakup fee
00:39:15His fists cracked as he crunched them
00:39:20I never thought that just to get back at me
00:39:22She would actually sink this low
00:39:25Mr. Vance
00:39:25You really raised your daughter well
00:39:27As a big shot businessman
00:39:29To think you'd help her spin such a massive lie
00:39:33He wrapped his arm around Lily
00:39:35And walked out
00:39:36He patted Julian on the shoulder as he passed
00:39:41I truly feel for you Julian
00:39:42Having to pick up trash like her
00:39:45Once she's done with her little drama
00:39:46And crawls back
00:39:47I'll throw you a massive wedding gift
00:39:49For taking her off my hands
00:39:52Julian forced the corners of his mouth up
00:39:54Into a smile that looked worse than crying
00:39:58Just take good care of Lily for me
00:40:01After seeing the two of them off
00:40:03Julian turned on my father
00:40:06Just now
00:40:07The Sterling family bodyguards
00:40:09Said Eleanor went to the Middle East
00:40:11Is that actually true?
00:40:15Julian knew Lily had been lying just now
00:40:18But he hadn't exposed her
00:40:20After all
00:40:21Lily had shown him a report
00:40:22She'd said she was already carrying his child
00:40:26So no matter what she said or did
00:40:28He indulged her unconditionally
00:40:30My father let out a long sigh
00:40:32He shook his head
00:40:34He seemed to age 10 years in an instant
00:40:37Mr. Montgomery
00:40:38Please go back as well
00:40:40If you want to find Eleanor
00:40:41Go look in the Middle East
00:40:42There is no longer anyone named Eleanor in Kingston
00:40:45With a final icy look
00:40:47My father had the butler throw Julian out
00:40:52Julian stood alone in the biting wind and snow
00:40:55I imagine a cold, empty ache
00:40:58Must have opened in his chest
00:40:59Like freezing wind tearing right through his ribs
00:41:03My words outside the registry office
00:41:06Must have flashed through his mind then
00:41:07I won't marry you
00:41:10Because I'm about to
00:41:12Could it be?
00:41:13No
00:41:13He refused to believe it
00:41:15He drove like a madman to the international aid office
00:41:18He didn't care about the cameras
00:41:20He didn't care about the law
00:41:22He shoved past the security guards and tried to block his path
00:41:25He slammed his weight against the director's door and barged inside
00:41:30Upon learning the truth, Julian collapsed entirely into the chair
00:41:35How could you let her go?
00:41:37She is just an ordinary surgeon
00:41:39That kind of place
00:41:41The director looked at him coldly
00:41:45Mr. Montgomery
00:41:46This was Dr. Vance's own decision
00:41:48She said she had no attachments left in Kingston
00:41:51Here is her flight information
00:41:54And a copy of the sign Death We Vale
00:41:56Julian took the paper with trembling hands
00:41:58My signature
00:41:59Written with such force it nearly pierced through the page
00:42:03Now that I was gone
00:42:05He shouldn't have worried about me hurting Lily anymore
00:42:09Nor should he be torn between sides
00:42:12Yet why did his chest feel crushed by a heavy stone?
00:42:16Clutching that photocopy
00:42:18He stumbled to the Sterling Manor
00:42:20To his surprise
00:42:21The family doctor was there as well
00:42:24Congratulations Mr. Sterling
00:42:26Mrs. Evans is pregnant
00:42:27It's been two months already
00:42:29Alexander picked up Lily and spun her around
00:42:33He thrilled like a child
00:42:41Seeing Julian enter
00:42:42The smile on Alexander's face hadn't faded yet
00:42:45Julian!
00:42:47What are you doing here so late?
00:42:49Perfect timing
00:42:50I have good news for you
00:42:51Julian guiltily avoided Alexander's gaze
00:42:53He handed over the photocopy
00:42:56This is Eleanor's exit record
00:42:58And the death favor
00:43:01She really went to the Middle East
00:43:03The smile froze on Alexander's face
00:43:05He took the paper
00:43:06Glanced at it
00:43:07Tossed it aside with disdain
00:43:09Anyone can fake a piece of paper
00:43:10This is just another one of her desperate games to get me back
00:43:13Julian's eyes were red
00:43:14His voice trembled
00:43:16It's real this time
00:43:17I went to the office to verify it
00:43:19The plane has already taken off
00:43:21And she applied for the most dangerous combat zone
00:43:24The mortality rate is extremely hot
00:43:26Alexander frowned
00:43:27An inexplicable irritation rose in him
00:43:30Only a lunatic would go to a place like that
00:43:32She must be hiding in some resort abroad
00:43:34Waiting for me to beg her to come back
00:43:36Julian, don't be fooled by her
00:43:38If she actually dared to go
00:43:40I'll eat my hat
00:43:41Julian was about to explain further
00:43:43When Lily suddenly clutched her belly
00:43:47Lily collapsed onto the sofa
00:43:49Groaning in pain
00:43:53Alexander, my stomach hurts so much
00:43:55Is something wrong with the baby?
00:43:58Alexander panicked instantly
00:43:59He scooped Lily up and rushed upstairs
00:44:02Julian, we'll talk about later
00:44:03Nothing is more important than Lily and the baby
00:44:05Julian watched Alexander's retreating figure
00:44:08He opened his mouth
00:44:10But swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue
00:44:12An hour later, Alexander came downstairs
00:44:15Covered in sweat
00:44:18Julian, what did you want to say just now?
00:44:20Julian took a deep breath
00:44:22He repeated what he had said earlier
00:44:25Eleanor really left
00:44:27And I heard a new virus has broken out over there
00:44:30Many doctors have been infected
00:44:35Julian, why are you going crazy along with her?
00:44:37Aren't we's brothers?
00:44:38If Eleanor actually had that kind of dents
00:44:41She wouldn't have called me crying then
00:44:42Just because she was afraid of the dark
00:44:46Julian raised his right hand
00:44:48He pointed at the ceiling to swear an oath
00:44:51Alexander, I'm not lying to you
00:44:53You know me
00:44:54I never joke about things like this
00:44:56Hurry up and contact people over there to search for her
00:44:59Or it really will be too late
00:45:01The smile on Alexander's face finally faded
00:45:04It was replaced by a panic he'd never felt before
00:45:08He grabbed his car keys
00:45:09He rushed into the wind and snow
00:45:13He drove straight to our mansion
00:45:15Arriving at the gate, he ignored the butler
00:45:18He shouted
00:45:19Eleanor!
00:45:20Get out here!
00:45:21Stop playing games!
00:45:22As long as you come out
00:45:24I can let you go back to work at the Sterling Hospital
00:45:26I can give you the best resources!
00:45:28My father looked down from the balcony
00:45:30His voice was as cold as ice
00:45:33You're too late
00:45:35She reached the Middle East days ago
00:45:37The news just broke
00:45:39Her camp was hit by an airstruck
00:45:40Alexander's whole body shuddered
00:45:42His legs went weak
00:45:47Alexander earmeally knelt on the ground
00:45:49Without another word
00:45:51He prepared to rush to the airport
00:45:54Just as he got into the car
00:45:56Lily ran out in thin pajamas
00:45:58Alexander, you can't go!
00:46:01Lily, move!
00:46:02I have to go and confirm it!
00:46:04Julian also arrived
00:46:05Looking at the scene with a complicated expression
00:46:08After a long while, he spoke slowly
00:46:11Alexander, if you really want to go, I'll go with you
00:46:13But as for Lily, she's pregnant
00:46:16She can't handle the stress
00:46:18Alexander looked at Lily
00:46:21She was weeping like a pear blossom in rain
00:46:24Then he checked the news notification on his phone
00:46:26Medical camp in Country R, Middle East attack
00:46:29Casualties unknown
00:46:31He gritted his teeth
00:46:32He threw a plane ticket to Julian
00:46:34You go!
00:46:34No matter how, what it costs
00:46:36You must bring her back to me
00:46:37And ask her
00:46:38Why on earth did she leave so firmly?
00:46:40If she's doing this out of spite
00:46:41I'll apologize to her personally
00:46:43Alice, we grew together
00:46:44I can't just watch her die
00:46:50Alexander carried Lily back inside
00:46:52Julian took the ticket and flew overnight to that war-torn nation
00:46:55Lily had told him that he absolutely could not let Alexander go
00:46:58Only if Julian was
00:46:59When could the matter be handled properly?
00:47:00As for how to handle it, that was a secret between them
00:47:03After more than 20 hours of travel
00:47:05Julian finally arrived at the temporary camp on the border of Country R, Dot sky-filling
00:47:10Yellow sand and the pungent smell of disinfectant greeted him
00:47:14Two mercenaries in camouflage blocked his way
00:47:18Who are you looking for?
00:47:20I'm looking for Dr. Eleanor Vance
00:47:22The mercenaries exchanged a glance
00:47:25A meaningful smile spread across their faces
00:47:28So you're looking for that female doctor from Asia?
00:47:32Our boss is spending some quality time with her right now
00:47:37Julian's heart skipped a beat
00:47:39He asked anxiously
00:47:41Where is she?
00:47:43One of the mercenaries pointed to a tent in the distance
00:47:48Over there
00:47:51Honestly?
00:47:53I doubt she'll walk out of that tent in one piece
00:47:59Julian burst into the tent like a madman
00:48:03Julian ripped the curtain aside
00:48:05But he froze in his tracks at the scene before him
00:48:08I was still in my white doctor's coat
00:48:10My hands were steady as I worked on a man covered in blood
00:48:15I didn't even look up
00:48:16The man had piercing eyes as sharp as a hawk's
00:48:19The kind of eyes that looked like they had seen a thousand battles
00:48:21But right now
00:48:22He was looking at me with a strange gentleness
00:48:26Eleanor
00:48:28Let the nurses handle the small stuff
00:48:31I don't want you to overwork yourself
00:48:33Julian stared
00:48:35His mouth hung open
00:48:36He knew exactly who this man was
00:48:38Carl Anderson
00:48:40The general known as the Desert Eagle
00:48:42In this part of North Africa
00:48:43He was the man who really ran everything
00:48:46I didn't even blink
00:48:47My hands remained rock steady
00:48:49As I continued closing the gash in his side
00:48:51My voice was low
00:48:53Professional
00:48:53And utterly calm
00:48:56Carl as long as you're on my table
00:48:58You're the patient and I'm the doctor
00:48:59Stop moving
00:49:01Carl let out a low
00:49:02Rough chuckle
00:49:03There was a dangerous glint of amusement in his eyes
00:49:06As he finally stayed still
00:49:11They told me Eleanor Vance was just another rich girl
00:49:13With a silver spoon in her mouth
00:49:15I didn't expect your hands to be this steady with a scalpel
00:49:19You actually had the balls to storm my compound alone
00:49:22Just to save one life
00:49:24You've definitely proven me wrong doctor
00:49:25As he spoke
00:49:27He looked up
00:49:27The moment he saw Julian
00:49:29Who had just kicked the door open
00:49:30And stood there panting
00:49:31Carl's eyes turned cold and lethal
00:49:33As sharp as the edge of a blade
00:49:35This uninvited guest is even more annoying than the desert sandstorms
00:49:39Not a shred of manners
00:49:41My hands never paused
00:49:43Are you still here?
00:49:46Do you want to end up as a nameless corpse in this godforsaken place too?
00:49:51This isn't Kingston
00:49:52Your power and influence mean nothing here
00:49:55I turned to Carl
00:49:56Here
00:49:57The only things that matter are the scalpel in my hand and Carl's word
00:50:00Julian stared at me in utter disbelief
00:50:02As if he had seen a ghost
00:50:04Eleanor how could you
00:50:04How could you associate with a cold-blooded killer like him?
00:50:10I smiled faintly
00:50:11I tossed the bloody gauze into the tray
00:50:15Julian
00:50:17You know the answer perfectly well
00:50:19Why ask me?
00:50:21Fighting back the nausea rising within me
00:50:23I refused to look at him
00:50:25Go back
00:50:26Tell Alexander that I, Eleanor
00:50:29Will never return in this lifetime
00:50:30Carl's murderous gaze locked onto Julian
00:50:34Forcing him to take a frightened half-step back
00:50:37Before leaving, Julian left one last remark
00:50:42Eleanor
00:50:43Seeing that you're doing well, I'm relieved
00:50:45If you ever regret this
00:50:47Call me anytime
00:50:50Alexander and I will come to get you
00:50:52I merely chuckled at his words
00:50:54Go back and tell Alexander that whatever bond we geared over the last decade ends today
00:50:58We are finished
00:50:59From now on in life, my soul belongs to this land
00:51:02In death, I shall be buried beneath these deserts
00:51:04Julian stood frozen for a long moment
00:51:06The desert wind whipped sand against his face
00:51:09He opened his mouth as if to say something else
00:51:11But no words came out
00:51:13He turned and walked away
00:51:17Let's go inside
00:51:18It's getting cold
00:51:22I leaned into his warmth
00:51:24From that day on, I stopped being the ruined girl from Kingston
00:51:28Between my steady surgical hands and a raw grit they'd never seen in a woman
00:51:32I did the impossible
00:51:33I earned the respect of Carl and his men
00:51:37Back home, people whispered about the ruthless general
00:51:39As if he were a monster from a nightmare
00:51:42But up close, he wasn't the demon they made him out to be
00:51:46He was a man of his word
00:51:47Fiercely loyal to those under his protection
00:51:50I realized his cruelty wasn't born of malice
00:51:53It was just his armor in this living hell where only the strongest survived
00:51:58I had thought coming here would be a death sentence
00:52:00But unexpectedly
00:52:02This life of brushing shoulders with death every day gave me a newfound sense of purpose
00:52:07Six months passed
00:52:09An international medical organization was holding a charity gala in Kingston
00:52:13They invited our team as special guests
00:52:18Thinking it was a good opportunity to visit my father and settle the Vance family assets
00:52:23Carl cancelled his other engagements to accompany me back
00:52:28We returned to Kingston in early summer
00:52:30The city was filled with drifting willow catkins
00:52:33Warm breeze, golden sunlight
00:52:36Everything looked the same, and yet nothing was the same at all
00:52:40The girl who had left this city broken and humiliated was gone
00:52:44In her place stood a woman who had survived war zones
00:52:47Who had held beating hearts in her hands
00:52:50And learned that the only person she could count on was herself
00:52:54Before the gala began
00:52:56I went to the hotel's open-air garden alone for some fresh air
00:53:00And I ran into a heavily pregnant woman
00:53:02Lily
00:53:04She stared at me for a long moment
00:53:06As if struggling to recognize me
00:53:08Then she let out a sneer
00:53:11Well, well, isn't this Eleanor?
00:53:12I didn't expect you to be so tough
00:53:14You actually made it back alive?
00:53:16I ignored her and turned to leave
00:53:18But she rushed forward to block my path
00:53:20Her eyes brimmed with triumph
00:53:23I won!
00:53:24Are you still not convinced?
00:53:26Hearing her words, I only found it amusing
00:53:29Why would I care about two pieces of trash
00:53:32That never belonged to me in the first place?
00:53:37Lily stroked her protruding belly
00:53:39Her lips curved into an eerie smile
00:53:44Guess whose child is in here?
00:53:48My gaze faltered slightly
00:53:50Looked past her at two figures slowly approaching from the garden path
00:53:54Alexander and Julian
00:53:55Having not seen them for six months
00:53:57They seemed much more haggard
00:54:02They had lost weight
00:54:03Their eyes held an exhaustion they couldn't hide
00:54:07The moment Alexander's gaze landed on me
00:54:10He stopped dead in his tracks
00:54:12His face went pale
00:54:13Beside him
00:54:15Julian's hand flew to his mouth
00:54:18Eleanor?
00:54:19I didn't answer
00:54:19I didn't even acknowledge them
00:54:21I simply watched Lily Preen
00:54:23Utterly oblivious to the devastation spreading across both men's faces
00:54:27She had no idea that her little victory
00:54:30Speech was about to blow up in her face
00:54:33I'm talking to you
00:54:35Stop acting so high and mighty
00:54:37Guess whose seed this child really is
00:54:42I caught her wrist in mid-air
00:54:48I smiled coldly
00:54:51I don't know
00:54:53Isn't it Alexander's?
00:54:55She tilted her head back arrogantly
00:54:57Her voice shrill
00:54:59Of course it's not his Miz
00:55:02I was already pregnant before I even met him
00:55:08Then is it Julian's?
00:55:13To tell you the truth
00:55:14Even I don't know which client this child belongs to
00:55:19You're two good brothers
00:55:21One treats me like a chevel and raises a bastard for me
00:55:24While the other thinks the child is has and obeys my every command
00:55:28It's hilarious
00:55:29Tell me, wouldn't I your wind disround completely?
00:55:33I smirked
00:55:34I looked at the pale-faced Alexander and Julian behind her
00:55:40Did you both hear that?
00:55:41Lily rolled her eyes dismissively
00:55:44Who are you trying to scare?
00:55:46It's not like Stanheim me is
00:55:51She glanced back casually
00:55:52But upon seeing two faces grimmer than death
00:55:55She was so terrified
00:55:57She collapsed onto the ground
00:55:58She clutched her belly and screamed
00:56:00Why are you both here?
00:56:02Did Eleanor call you here?
00:56:04Those words weren't true
00:56:05Eleanor forced me to say them
00:56:08Lily scrambled frantically toward Alexander
00:56:14Alexander, the child is yours
00:56:16My stomach hurts so much
00:56:19Please save our child
00:56:21Alexander's face was dark as thunder
00:56:23He looked as if he might collapse
00:56:25Lily, Lily, you wretch
00:56:27You've been lying to me for so long
00:56:29But when I took you to the hospital for the checkup
00:56:31The doctor clearly said it was my child
00:56:33Were those test reports all fake?
00:56:36I let out a cold laugh
00:56:38How hard is it to forge a report?
00:56:40How easy is it to bribe a doctor?
00:56:43Don't you understand these kinds of tricks?
00:56:45Julian rushed forward from the side
00:56:47He slapped Lily viciously across the face twice
00:56:50Those two slaps are for Eleanor
00:56:51And these two are to help you wake up
00:56:53And realize who the real fool is
00:56:55Stop hitting me! Stop hitting me!
00:56:57I admit everything!
00:56:58Please just save me and the child first
00:57:00The doctor said if I lose this pregnancy I'll die
00:57:03I know you both love me
00:57:04You wouldn't have the heart to let me die, would you?
00:57:07As soon as the baby's born
00:57:08I can take a parenting test
00:57:09I beg you
00:57:10Alexander pulled a self-defense dagger
00:57:12From his inner pocket
00:57:13He walked toward Lily with hollow eyes
00:57:17You and this bastard both deserve to die
00:57:22I watched the circus unfold before me
00:57:25My heart was as cold as stone
00:57:27Not a single spark of pity remained
00:57:29Alexander's eyes would be eloded
00:57:31His face wet with useless tears
00:57:34Eleanor, I failed you
00:57:36I was blind
00:57:36Please
00:57:38Can we just start over?
00:57:40Even if we're just friends?
00:57:42No
00:57:44We're nothing
00:57:45The word hung in the air between us like a death sentence
00:57:49Alexander staggered back as if I had struck him
00:57:52His hand reached toward me
00:57:54Then it dropped to his side
00:57:56He understood
00:57:57There was no coming back from this
00:57:59Not ever
00:58:00Julian dropped to his knees with a heavy thud
00:58:03He sobbed like a child
00:58:05Eleanor, if you hate Alexander, fine
00:58:07But please forgive me
00:58:08I never wanted to hurt you
00:58:10I just...
00:58:11You just what?
00:58:11Let me save you from that, General?
00:58:13I'll give you a life of luxury?
00:58:14You shouldn't be in this war-torn hell
00:58:16I arched an eyebrow
00:58:17Forgive me?
00:58:18You've gotta be kidding me
00:58:20You stood by and watched
00:58:22While Lily made me the city's punch tone
00:58:24You were his partner in crime
00:58:26The day my life was ruined
00:58:32Besides, I've already fallen for Carl
00:58:35I'm spending the rest of my life with him
00:58:37Impossible!
00:58:38How could you love a beast like him?
00:58:40He kills without a second thought
00:58:42He isn't even half the man I am
00:58:44Tell me the truth
00:58:45Is he holding you hostage?
00:58:47Just say the word and I'll spend every cent I have to rescue you
00:58:50Even if it bankrupts the Sterling Empire
00:58:52I calmly smoothed the hem of my gown
00:58:54I looked at them both like they were insects
00:58:57You're overthinking it, Alexander
00:58:59The Middle East is dangerous, sure
00:59:01But I've never felt more free
00:59:03Do you want to know why?
00:59:05The two exchanged glances
00:59:06They shook their heads in turn
00:59:08Because he truly understands me
00:59:11Cherishens me
00:59:12And treats me like the only treasure in the world
00:59:18He saves the best of everything for me immediately
00:59:21Even if it's just a piece of candy
00:59:24He'd cross half a desert just to bring it to me
00:59:27Just like how you used to treat me when we were children
00:59:30If you're willing, we can go back to how things were
00:59:33We can be even better than before
00:59:35Before their words could settle
00:59:37Carl strode over
00:59:38He was dressed in an immaculate suit
00:59:40Walking with purpose
00:59:43Eleanor, the banquet is about to start
00:59:45Why aren't you inside yet?
00:59:47What is there to talk about with such boring people?
00:59:49I'm coming right now
00:59:55We can never go back
00:59:56We can never go back, not ever
00:59:59With that, I linked my arm tighter through Carl's
01:00:02And walked away without looking back
01:00:04Leaving them with nothing but my firm silhouette
01:00:07Fading into the golden afternoon light
01:00:09I didn't glance back once
01:00:13Not even when I heard Alexander's voice crack behind me
01:00:16They were strangers to me now
01:00:19Complete strangers
01:00:20Not long after
01:00:22News came from Kingston
01:00:23Alexander and Julia had both committed suicide
01:00:26It was said that the day after
01:00:28Lily died from a massive hemorrhage following a miscarriage
01:00:32They knelt outside the gates
01:00:34Of our mansion for an entire night
01:00:36Eventually they were found dead in the freezing cold
01:00:39Still kneeling
01:00:40They were tightly clutching the birthday gifts
01:00:43I had given them when we were children
01:00:45Two engraved silver lockets bearing their names
01:00:48Eleanor, I'm sorry
01:00:49If there is a next life, I promise to cherish you with my life
01:00:52The paper trembled slightly between my fingers
01:00:55I'd already called my father
01:00:57He was safe
01:00:59He told me not to come back
01:01:01Not for them, not for anyone
01:01:03Not from grief
01:01:05From something I couldn't name
01:01:08Carl's hand covered mine
01:01:09Steading it
01:01:11He didn't speak
01:01:12He didn't need to
01:01:15That night, I sat alone in Carl's tent
01:01:17And read the full report for the second time
01:01:19The desert wind howled outside
01:01:22Carrying sand that stung like tiny needles against the canvas
01:01:27Carl sat across from me
01:01:29Carl didn't ask how I felt
01:01:35He didn't offer platitudes or empty condolences
01:01:38He simply reached
01:01:40Across the table and took my hand
01:01:43His palm was rough
01:01:45Calloused from years of handling weapons
01:01:47But warm
01:01:48Steady
01:01:49Real
01:01:51Do you regret it?
01:01:53I thought about his question
01:01:54I thought about the girl I used to be
01:01:57The one who cried over scratched knees
01:01:59Who believed every promise
01:02:01Who thought love was enough
01:02:03I thought about the woman lying in that alley
01:02:06Broken and bleeding
01:02:07While the two men she trusted most were planning their futures with someone else
01:02:11I thought about the surgeon who'd learned to hold a scalpel steadier than a sword
01:02:16Who'd walked through fire to save lives
01:02:18Who'd found that the only person worth trusting was the one who'd never lied to her
01:02:24No, I'd regret a single choice I made
01:02:29Carl lifted my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles, one by one
01:02:35Good, because neither do I
01:02:37Outside, the desert stretched endless in every direction
01:02:42Brutal, beautiful and ours
01:02:44Brutal, beautiful and ours
01:02:44Brutal, beautiful and ours
01:02:44Brutal, beautiful and ours
01:02:45Brutal, beautiful and ours
01:02:45Brutal, beautiful and ours
01:02:46Brutal, beautiful and ours
01:02:47Brutal, beautiful and ours
01:02:48Brutal, beautiful and ours
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