- 2 days ago
Fake Death The Mafia King's Regret.
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00:00Anniversary.
00:01My husband planned to divorce me with nothing.
00:04He just forgot one thing.
00:05I knew.
00:07So I played the obedient wife.
00:10I smiled at his mistress.
00:12I waited for the room to fill.
00:15And when the projector turned on,
00:16so did his downfall.
00:25He wanted freedom.
00:27I gave him ruin.
00:32My husband brought his childhood friend
00:35to our anniversary dinner.
00:36He sat in my seat,
00:38wore the necklace I'd been begging him for.
00:40He introduced her as
00:42The most important woman in my life.
00:44Our guests fell silent.
00:46My mother-in-law smirked.
00:49I smiled,
00:50raised my glass,
00:51and said,
00:52Congratulations.
00:53Two deserve each other.
00:57I walked out of my own anniversary party.
01:00Three years.
01:02Three years of marriage to Nathan Cole,
01:04the golden boy of Cole Industries.
01:06And I'd finally learned the truth.
01:08It wasn't his wife.
01:09It was his placelader.
01:11The woman in my seat was Mia Cather,
01:13his so-called childhood best friend.
01:19Same woman who called him at 2am just to talk.
01:22The same woman he rushed to help.
01:25Something's wrong with Mia.
01:26I'll go see.
01:27Never she had a crisis.
01:29Same woman he swore meant nothing to me.
01:31I should have seen it coming.
01:32Last month,
01:34I spent weeks planning our anniversary.
01:36Booked the restaurant Nathan mentioned wanting to try.
01:40Bought a new dress.
01:41Even learned to make his favourite dessert.
01:44When I reminded him that morning,
01:46he frowned.
01:47Booked the restaurant you said you wanted to try.
01:49Can we reschedule?
01:50Mia needs help moving.
01:53I didn't reschedule.
01:55Waited at the restaurant.
01:56Alone for two hours.
01:58Never showed.
01:59Never called.
01:59Never call aside.
02:01He finally came home at midnight.
02:03Smelling like her perfume.
02:05Said I was being...
02:07Dramatic.
02:08She's just a friend, Olivia.
02:10Stop being so insecure.
02:12Insecure.
02:13That was his favourite word for me.
02:17I asked why Mia had a key to our apartment.
02:20Insecure.
02:21When I questioned why he bought her jewellery for her birthday,
02:25but forgot mine.
02:26Insecure.
02:27I found her hair on our bed.
02:29Paranoid and crazy.
02:31Tonight,
02:31watching her sit in my chair.
02:34Wearing my necklace.
02:36Being introduced as the most important woman in his life.
02:39I finally understood.
02:40I wasn't insecure.
02:42I was right.
02:43Three years of cooking his meals.
02:46Three years of managing his social calounder.
02:48Three years of giving up my career as a designer
02:51because he said a CEO's wife should focus on the home.
02:54Three years of slowly disappearing.
02:56And for what?
02:57My phone buzzed.
02:59I stared at the message.
03:01Apologize.
03:02Wanted me to apologize.
03:04Laughed.
03:04A hollow, bitter sound that echoed in the empty parking lot.
03:08Three years I apologized for everything.
03:10Being too tired.
03:11Being cheerful enough.
03:12Questioning him about Mia.
03:14Brief find it the same way.
03:16Crying.
03:17Him cold and distant.
03:18Begging for forgiveness just to restore peace.
03:20Not anymore.
03:22I typed back.
03:23I'm done apologizing.
03:25Then I blocked his number.
03:27I called a taxi and gave an address I hadn't visited in three years.
03:31Old apartment.
03:32One I kept paying rent on just in case.
03:35The taxi pulled away.
03:36Saw Nathan burst through the restaurant doors.
03:38Told the driver to go faster.
03:40Accelerate.
03:42Through the rear window, I watched Nathan standing in the middle of the parking lot.
03:46The press to his ear is twisted with rage.
03:49Wasn't used to being left.
03:51Wasn't used to me fighting back.
03:52Good.
03:53Let him feel what I felt for three years.
03:56Confused.
03:57Abandoned.
03:57And completely alone.
03:59The phone buzzed again.
04:00Unknown number.
04:01Probably Nathan calling from someone else's phone.
04:04Turned it off.
04:06Tonight, I would sleep alone for the first time in three years.
04:09And I would sleep peacefully.
04:30I woke up to 47 missed calls Nathan.
04:33His mother.
04:34His sister.
04:35Even his secretary.
04:36The voicemails ranged from demanding to threatening to pathetically pleading.
04:42Olivia.
04:42This is ridiculous.
04:44Come home immediately.
04:46My son told me what you did.
04:48How dare you embarrass our family.
04:50Mrs. Cole.
04:51Mr. Cole asked me to inform you that your behavior was unacceptable.
04:55Baby, please.
04:56Let's talk about this.
04:57I don't TK know what I did wrong.
04:59That last one made me laugh.
05:02He didn't know what he did wrong.
05:03Of course he didn't.
05:05In Nathan's mind, he never did anything wrong.
05:08Every problem in our marriage was my fault.
05:11My insecurity.
05:12My jealousy.
05:14My inability to understand his special friendship with Mia.
05:17I deleted all the voicemails without listening to the rest.
05:20Then I made coffee in my old kitchen.
05:23Sat by the window I used to love.
05:25And watched the sunrise.
05:27I hadn't watched a sunrise in three years.
05:29Nathan hated mornings.
05:31He liked to sleep until noon on weekends.
05:34And I was expected to keep the apartment silent.
05:36No coffee grinding.
05:38No music.
05:39No living.
05:40But here alone, I could do whatever I wanted.
05:43The freedom felt strange.
05:45Almost frightening.
05:46I'd spent so long molding myself into the perfect wife.
05:49That I'd forgotten who I was before Nathan.
05:52I used to be a designer.
05:53A good one.
05:54I had clients.
05:55A growing portfolio.
05:57Dreams of starting my own firm.
05:59Then I met Nathan at a charity gala.
06:01He was charming.
06:02Attentive.
06:03Everything I thought I wanted.
06:05Within six months, we were married.
06:08Within a year, I'd given up my career.
06:10A CEO's wife doesn't need to work.
06:14Focus on us.
06:16Focus on making our home beautiful.
06:18So I did.
06:20I poured all my creativity into our apartment.
06:23Our dinner parties.
06:24Our image.
06:26And he poured all his attention into Mia.
06:30My laptop sat dusty in the corner.
06:32I hadn't opened it in months.
06:34I walked over, plugged it in, and waited for it to boot up.
06:38My old design software was still there.
06:41My portfolio.
06:42My client contacts.
06:43Everything I'd abandoned for a man who didn't love me.
06:46I spent the morning reaching out to old colleagues.
06:49And researching the current design market.
06:52By noon, I had three potential freelance opportunities.
06:56By evening, I had my first client meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
07:00It felt like waking up from a three-year coma.
07:03Around 8 PM, someone knocked on my door.
07:06I froze.
07:13No one knew I was here.
07:14My heart pounded.
07:17Olivia, I know you're in there.
07:20Nathan's voice.
07:21But not with fear.
07:22With anger.
07:23Open the door.
07:24We need to talk.
07:25I didn't move.
07:27I tracked your phone before you turned it off.
07:29I know about this apartment.
07:32Did you really think you could hide from me?
07:35Of course.
07:36Of course he tracked my phone.
07:38He probably had access to my emails too.
07:40My bank accounts.
07:41Everything.
07:42I was such a fool.
07:44Go away, Nathan!
07:45Not until you talk to me.
07:47There's nothing to talk about.
07:49Then his voice changed.
07:51Softer.
07:52The voice he used when he wanted something.
07:54Baby, please.
07:55I don't understand what happened.
07:57One minute we're at dinner, the next you're gone.
08:01Just tell me what I did wrong.
08:03And I'll fix it.
08:04I almost laughed.
08:05You introduced Mia as the most important woman in your life.
08:09At our anniversary dinner.
08:10While she wore the necklace I asked you for.
08:13More silence.
08:15That was a misunderstanding.
08:16I meant she's the most important friend.
08:21You're my wife.
08:23That's different.
08:25She sat in my seat, Nathan.
08:28The seating was arranged wrong.
08:30It wasn't intentional.
08:31You forgot our anniversary last month.
08:34You spent it helping her move.
08:37She needed me.
08:39Her ex was harassing her and...
08:41She always needs you!
08:44Every single time, she needs you more than I do.
08:48Every crisis.
08:50Every holiday.
08:52Every moment that should be ours.
08:54She's there!
08:55I was shaking now.
08:57No one!
08:58Three years of suppressed rage finally breaking free.
09:01And every time I say something, I'm insecure.
09:03I'm dramatic.
09:05I'm crazy.
09:07Well, I'm done being crazy, Nathan.
09:09I'm done being the villain in a story where I did nothing wrong.
09:14The door handle rattled.
09:15He was trying to get in.
09:17Olivia!
09:18Open this door!
09:19Right now!
09:21No!
09:22I'm your husband!
09:29Then act like it!
09:31For once in three years, act like you actually married me!
09:36The rattling stopped.
09:38When he spoke again, his voice was ice cold.
09:41Fine.
09:42Stay here and snulk.
09:44But when you're ready to apologize,
09:47you know where to find me.
09:55I stared at my phone,
09:57watching the narrative spin out of control.
09:59The comments were brutal.
10:01Nathan's PR team worked fast.
10:04Within hours, I'd gone from wronged wife to unstable villain.
10:07This was Nathan's specialty.
10:09Controlling the story.
10:11Making himself the victim.
10:13Making me the monster.
10:15I'd seen him do it to business rivals.
10:18To employees who displeased him.
10:20Now, it was my turn.
10:22My hands trembled.
10:23My phone rang.
10:25Unknown number.
10:26Against my better judgment, I answered.
10:29Mrs. Cole?
10:29Who is this?
10:31It's Sarah.
10:32Sarah Kim.
10:33I used to be Mr. Cole's assistant before...
10:35Well, before he fired me.
10:37I remembered Sarah.
10:38Young.
10:39Efficient.
10:40Dedicated.
10:41She'd been let go suddenly about a year ago.
10:43I saw the news.
10:45And I thought you should know something.
10:47What?
10:48The reason I was fired is because I saw something I wasn't supposed to see.
10:53What did you see?
10:55Sarah hesitated.
10:57When she spoke again, her voice was barely a whisper.
10:59Mia Cather has been on Cole Industries payroll for the past three years.
11:04She received a monthly consulting fee of $15,000.
11:08Directly approved by Mr. Cole.
11:10The room spun.
11:11$15,000 a month for three years.
11:13That was over half a million dollars.
11:15He's been... supporting her?
11:18This whole time?
11:19It's more than support, Mrs. Cole.
11:21I found emails.
11:22Receipts.
11:22Hotel bookings under fake names.
11:25I'm sorry.
11:25I should have told you sooner, but I was scared.
11:29He threatened to destroy my career if I talked.
11:32I couldn't breathe.
11:34Three years.
11:35Three years of being told I was paranoid, insecure.
11:38Crazy.
11:39Three years of gaslighting, while he funded his mistress's entire lifestyle with company money.
11:46Why are you telling me now?
11:48Because I saw the news.
11:49I saw what he's doing to you.
11:51And I can't stay silent anymore.
11:53I kept copies of everything, Mrs. Cole.
11:56Emails.
11:57Financial records.
11:58Hotel receipts.
12:00If you want them, they're yours.
12:02I thought of Nathan's smug face.
12:04His demands for an apology.
12:06His complete certainty that I would come crawling back.
12:10Send me everything.
12:16Sarah's files arrived within the hour.
12:19Three years of betrayal.
12:21Documented in spreadsheets and emails and photographs.
12:25Hotel suites booked under Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
12:28Jewelry purchases that never came home to me.
12:33Soon, baby.
12:35Once the prenup expires, we can finally be together.
12:40The prenup.
12:41I'd almost forgotten.
12:42Nathan had insisted on a prenup before our wedding.
12:45If we divorced within five years, I'd get nothing.
12:48But if we stayed married past five years, our fifth anniversary was in three months.
12:52Suddenly, everything made sense.
12:55Nathan didn't love me.
12:56He never had.
12:57I was just a placeholder.
12:59A respectable wife to maintain his image while he waited out the prenup with Mia.
13:03The anniversary dinner.
13:04The public humiliation.
13:06The media smear campaign.
13:07He wanted me to file for divorce.
13:10He wanted me to leave before the five years were up.
13:12He wanted me gone, but on his terms.
13:15Nathan Cole thought he was so clever.
13:17He thought he'd planned everything perfectly.
13:19But he'd made one crucial mistake.
13:21He'd underestimated me.
13:23I picked up my phone and called the best divorce attorney in the city.
13:28Miss Cather.
13:30This is Olivia Cole.
13:32I need to make an appointment.
13:34Mrs. Cole, I've seen the news.
13:36I have to be honest.
13:37Your husband's legal team is formidable.
13:40And without evidence of wronged wooing.
13:42I have evidence.
13:43Three years of evidence.
13:45Financial fraud, embezzlement, adultery.
13:47Enough to bury him.
13:48How soon can you come in?
13:51Today.
13:57Victoria Cather's office was sleek, modern, and intimidating much like the woman herself.
14:02She reviewed Sarah's files with the focus of a surgeon.
14:05Occasionally marking pages.
14:07Occasionally raising an eyebrow.
14:09When she finally looked up, she was smiling.
14:11Mrs. Cole, your husband is an idiot.
14:14Excuse me?
14:15He used company funds for personal expenses.
14:18That's embezzlement.
14:19He falsified consulting contracts.
14:21That's fraud.
14:22And he documented his affair in company emails.
14:24That's just stupidity.
14:26So I have a case?
14:27You have more than a case.
14:29You have leverage.
14:32The Cole family fortune comes from the company.
14:34If this goes public, stock prices crash, the board gets involved, investors flee.
14:40They'll want to settle quietly.
14:42Exactly.
14:44And since your prenup has a fidelity clause.
14:46It does.
14:48Victoria pulled out a document.
14:50Standard language.
14:51Buried in section 12.
14:53In the event of proven infidelity, the prenuptial agreement becomes void.
14:58Nathan's lawyers let him sign that.
15:01His lawyers probably assumed he'd never get caught.
15:05They were wrong.
15:05For the first time in weeks, I felt hope.
15:09What do we do now?
15:10Now, we wait.
15:12We gather more evidence.
15:13We let your husband think he's winning.
15:15And when the time is right, we strike.
15:20How long?
15:21Three months.
15:22Until your fifth anniversary.
15:25Let's make it a celebration he'll never forget.
15:30The next few weeks were torture.
15:32I had to pretend nothing had changed.
15:36I moved back into the apartment, not to reconcile, but to gather evidence.
15:42Nathan was thrilled.
15:44I knew you'd come to your senses.
15:46He kissed my forehead.
15:48Let's put this whole mess behind us.
15:49I smiled and said nothing.
15:52At night, while he slept, I photographed documents.
15:56I recorded conversations.
15:58I noted every lie, every excuse, every manipulation.
16:10Mia continued to call.
16:13I'm on my way.
16:15Nathan continued to run to her, and I continued to document everything.
16:21One evening, Nathan announced we were having dinner with his mother.
16:26She wants to discuss the anniversary party. We need to present a united front.
16:30Of course.
16:32Whatever you need.
16:34Nathan looked surprised by my compliance.
16:37Good.
16:38Let him think he'd won.
16:40The anniversary party.
16:42Three months away.
16:44The event that would mark five years of marriage and the end of the prenup.
16:50Dinner with Eleanor Cole was exactly as unpleasant as expected.
16:59I hope you've learned your lesson.
17:02That little stunt at the restaurant was humiliating.
17:07I apologize.
17:08You should.
17:10Nathan has been nothing but patient with you.
17:12Some wives would be grateful for such a devoted husband.
17:16Devoted? The word almost made me laugh.
17:19I am grateful.
17:20Still, more than you know, Eleanor seemed satisfied.
17:24Nathan beamed.
17:27But, they had no idea what was coming.
17:38Two months before the anniversary, Mia made her move.
17:42I came home early from a client meeting to find her in my living room, wearing my robe, drinking from
17:48my favorite mug.
17:51Oh! Olivia! I didn't expect you back so soon!
17:54I stared at her.
17:56At my robe. At my mug.
17:59At the comfortable way she lounged in my home like she owned it.
18:04Nathan said I could wait here.
18:05He's picking up lunch for us.
18:10No, thank you. I have work to do.
18:13I walked past her to the bedroom, ignoring her disappointed expression.
18:18She wanted drama.
18:20I wouldn't give her the satisfaction.
18:22She wanted me to confront her.
18:24To make a scene.
18:25To give Nathan another excuse to call me crazy.
18:28But I did set up a hidden camera in the living room before leaving.
18:32That night, I reviewed the footage.
18:36Mia and Nathan are intimate together on the sofa.
18:39Laughing. Touching.
18:43And then a conversation.
18:44She's being so calm, it's creepy.
18:50Don't worry about it.
18:52She's just trying to make it to the anniversary.
18:54Once the prenup is secure, she'll show her true colors again.
18:58And then?
18:59And then I'll have grounds for divorce.
19:02Unreasonable behavior, emotional instability, whatever we need.
19:05By this time next year, you'll be Mrs. Cole.
19:09Promise?
19:10Promise.
19:11I watched the footage three times.
19:13Then I sent it to Victoria.
19:15She replied, this is perfect.
19:17The next few weeks, I became an actress.
19:20I smiled at Nathan's lies.
19:22I tolerated Mia's presence.
19:24I played the role of devoted wife so convincingly that even Eleanor complimented my improvement.
19:30Meanwhile, I rebuilt my career in secret.
19:34I rented a small studio space.
19:36My old clients welcomed me back.
19:39New clients found me through referrals.
19:42Within weeks, I had more work than I could handle.
19:44Hired an assistant.
19:45I started building something that was mine alone.
19:48One evening, I received a call from an unknown number.
19:56Mrs. Cole.
19:57My heart skipped.
19:59Who is this?
20:01My name is David.
20:02David Park.
20:03I was Mia's boyfriend before Nathan.
20:06I saw the news a few months ago about your anniversary dinner.
20:12And I think you should know the truth about Mia.
20:21I'm listening.
20:28Armed with David's information, I dug deeper into Mia's past.
20:34What I found was disturbing.
20:37Three previous relationships with wealthy men.
20:40All ended badly for the men.
20:43One lost his company.
20:45One lost custody of his children.
20:48One attempted suicide.
20:50And Mia walked away from each situation richer than before.
20:54She wasn't just Nathan's mistress.
20:56She was a professional predator.
20:58I shared everything with Victoria.
21:03Victoria's expression darkened.
21:08This changes things.
21:11We're not just dealing with adultery anymore.
21:13This is a pattern of financial exploitation.
21:17Can we use it?
21:18Absolutely.
21:19But we need to be careful.
21:21Mia is clearly experienced at this game.
21:24If she senses we're onto her, she might accelerate her timeline.
21:28What do you mean?
21:29I mean she might push Nathan to divorce you before the five years are up.
21:33Or worse.
21:36Worse?
21:37Her last target?
21:38The one who attempted suicide?
21:40He claims Mia drugged him and staged the whole thing.
21:43Made it look like he was unstable so she could take control of his assets.
21:46A kill ran down my spine.
21:48You think she'd do that to me?
21:52I think we shouldn't underestimate her.
21:55Is emotionally understable.
21:58Nathan doesn't like you.
22:06That night, I couldn't sleep.
22:08I lay in bed next to Nathan, listening to his breathing.
22:12Wondering how I'd ended up here.
22:15Married to a man who was planning to destroy me.
22:18Hunted by a woman who'd made a career of ruining lives.
22:21But I wasn't the naive girl Nathan had married anymore.
22:25Three years of manipulation had taught me how to survive.
22:28And I would survive this too.
22:33One month before the anniversary, Eleanor summoned me to lunch.
22:40The party planning is going well.
22:43She said, not bothering with pleasantries.
22:47But I have concerns.
22:49About what?
22:51About you.
23:04You've been too agreeable lately. It's suspicious.
23:10I'm trying to be a good wife.
23:13Eleanor's eyes were cold.
23:15Are you or are you planning something?
23:18For a moment, I considered telling her everything.
23:21About Nathan's affair.
23:23About Mia's schemes.
23:24About the evidence I'd gathered.
23:26But Eleanor had always chosen Nathan over truth.
23:29She'd ignored his affairs, excused his cruelty, enabled his worst impulses.
23:34She wouldn't believe me.
23:35And even if she did, she wouldn't care.
23:37I'm not planning anything.
23:40I just want our marriage to work.
23:43Eleanor studied me for a long moment.
23:47I hope that's true.
23:50Because if you do anything to embarrass this family again, I will personally ensure you leave this marriage with nothing.
23:58I smiled sweetly.
24:00I understand completely.
24:08Two weeks before the anniversary party, Mia played her trump card.
24:12She announced she was pregnant.
24:14Nathan told me over dinner, his face a careful mask of concern.
24:18Mia's having some health issues.
24:20She needs support right now.
24:23What kind of health issues?
24:26It's... complicated.
24:27He wouldn't meet my eyes.
24:29I might need to spend more time with her.
24:33Nathan, is there something you want to tell me?
24:35What? No, I just...
24:37She's my friend, Olivia. She needs me.
24:39Of course. Whatever she needs.
24:41Nathan looked relieved. And confused.
24:43He'd expected a fight.
24:45I gave him nothing.
24:46That night, I called David Park.
24:50She used a pregnancy trick on YouTube.
24:53Twice. Both times were fake.
24:55She'd claim complications, demand money for medical bills, and then conveniently lose the baby.
25:00How do I prove it's fake?
25:02You probably can't. Not until after the fact.
25:05But you can prepare for what comes next.
25:09What comes next?
25:11She'll use the pregnancy to pressure Nathan into leaving you.
25:14She'll claim you're stressing her out and endangering the baby.
25:18She'll make him choose.
25:20Thank you, David.
25:22Good luck, Olivia. You're going to need it.
25:25The next week was chaos.
25:27Mia called constantly.
25:29Nathan was always running to help her.
25:31The pregnancy became an excuse for everything.
25:33The doctor says she needs bed rest.
25:35I have to bring her groceries.
25:36She's having anxiety attacks.
25:38I need to stay with her tonight.
25:40The stress is bad for the baby.
25:42We need to postpone the anniversary party.
25:45This last demand finally broke my silence.
25:49Postpone the party?
25:51Just until Mia's feeling better.
25:52It's the right thing to do.
25:54I stared at my husband.
25:56At the man who'd promised to love me.
25:57At the stranger he'd become.
25:59No.
26:01What?
26:01I said no.
26:03We're not postponing our anniversary party for your mistress's fake pregnancy.
26:07The room went silent.
26:09Nathan's face transformed.
26:10The mask of concern melted into cold fury.
26:13What did you just say?
26:14You heard me.
26:15I know about Mia.
26:17I know about the money, the apartment, the emails.
26:20I know about everything, Nathan.
26:22For a moment, he looked genuinely afraid.
26:25You don't know anything.
26:27You're just jealous like always.
26:31I have evidence.
26:33I have evidence.
26:33Three years of evidence.
26:35Want to see more?
26:44Where did you get that?
26:45Does it matter?
26:46The party happens as scheduled, and after that, we're going to have a very interesting conversation
26:51about our future.
26:53I turned and walked out of the room, leaving Nathan standing in stunned silence.
26:57The game had changed.
26:58And he knew it.
27:00The night before the anniversary party, Mia showed up at our apartment, pushing past
27:06me into the living room.
27:07I let her in.
27:09Let her think she had control.
27:11We need to talk.
27:12About what?
27:13Mia's sweet facade had vanished.
27:15About you backing off.
27:17Nathan told me you know about us.
27:19That was a mistake.
27:20Her eyes were hard.
27:22Was it?
27:26You should have stayed quiet.
27:28Played along until the divorce.
27:31Now things are going to get ugly.
27:38Things have been ugly for three years.
27:40I just didn't realize it.
27:43You really are naive.
27:45Do you think you're the first wife I've dealt with?
27:47The first obstacle?
27:51No.
27:52I know about the others.
27:53David Park sends his regards.
27:55For the first time, Mia's composure cracked.
27:59David!
27:59That pathetic.
28:01He's lying.
28:02Whatever he told you.
28:03He told me about the fake pregnancies.
28:06The stage breakdowns.
28:07The way you systematically destroyed three men before Nathan.
28:12Lies.
28:13All lies.
28:14Is it?
28:15Because I also spoke to Thomas Reed.
28:18And Marcus Wong.
28:20They were very eager to share their experiences.
28:24Mia's face had gone white.
28:26You're bluffing.
28:27Am I?
28:28I pulled out a folder.
28:30Financial records.
28:32Medical documents.
28:33Court filings.
28:35Three separate cases.
28:37Same pattern.
28:40Your game is over, Mia.
28:42She stared at the folder like it was a snake.
28:45What do you want?
28:47I want you gone.
28:49Disappear from Nathan's life.
28:50From this city.
28:51From my existence.
28:52Do that, and I'll let you walk away clean.
28:55And if I don't?
28:58Then everything in that full kit goes to the press.
29:01The police.
29:01The previous victim's lawyers.
29:05Your choice.
29:07Mia was silent for a long moment.
29:10Then she laughed.
29:16You think you've won?
29:17You have no idea who you're dealing with.
29:20She grabbed the folder and stormed out.
29:23I watched her go, my heart pounding.
29:26I'd made my move.
29:28Now, I had to wait for hers.
29:35The anniversary party was magnificent.
29:39200 guests.
29:40Crystal chandeliers.
29:41A live orchestra.
29:43Eleanor had spared no expense to celebrate her son's perfect marriage.
29:47I wore white.
29:48A deliberate choice.
29:50Bridal.
29:50Innocent.
29:51Victorious.
29:52Nathan stood beside me.
29:53His smile fixed.
29:54His eyes worried.
29:55He'd barely spoken to me since our confrontation.
29:58He didn't know what I was planning.
30:00That terrified him.
30:01Smile.
30:02Everyone's watching.
30:04He smiled.
30:05It looked painful.
30:06The evening progressed smoothly.
30:08Toasts were made.
30:10Speeches were given.
30:11Everyone praised our beautiful relationship.
30:13And inspiring love story.
30:15If only they knew.
30:17Around 10pm.
30:18The lights dimmed for a special presentation.
30:21And now.
30:21The MC announced.
30:23A tribute to the happy couple.
30:24A screen descended.
30:26A projector word to life.
30:28Nathan relaxed slightly.
30:29This was Eleanor's idea.
30:31A slideshow of our relationship.
30:33But the first image wasn't from our wedding.
30:35It was a hotel receipt.
30:36Nathan's name.
30:37A room for two.
30:39The crowd murmured in confusion.
30:41The next image.
30:42An email.
30:42Missing you already.
30:44Last night was perfect.
30:45Then another.
30:46Nathan and Mia.
30:47Kissing in what was clearly our bedroom.
30:49The murmurs became gasps.
30:52Nathan lunged toward the projector.
30:54But security, security I'd hired.
30:56Blocked his path.
30:58What is this?
30:59Turn it off!
31:01But the images kept coming.
31:03Financial records.
31:04Text messages.
31:05The video of Nathan promising Mia she'd be Mrs. Cole.
31:08By the time it ended, the room was silent.
31:11200 people stared at Nathan Cole.
31:13The golden boy.
31:14The perfect husband.
31:16Exposed as a liar and a cheat.
31:17I stepped up to the microphone.
31:20I apologize for the interruption.
31:22But I thought our guests deserved to know the truth.
31:26About the man they've been celebrating.
31:28I turned to Nathan.
31:30Whose face was purple with rage.
31:32Happy anniversary darling.
31:34Then I walked out of my own party.
31:36For the last time.
31:42The aftermath was everything I'd hoped for.
31:45The video went viral.
31:47Coal industry stock plummeted.
31:49The board demanded Nathan's resignation.
31:51Eleanor tried to spin the narrative.
31:53But it was too late.
31:54Too many people had seen.
31:56Too many people knew.
31:57Nathan called me 47 times that night.
32:00I didn't answer.
32:01Mia disappeared literally.
32:03Her apartment was empty.
32:04Her accounts closed.
32:06Her social media deleted.
32:07I suspected she'd moved on to her next victim.
32:10Some other city.
32:11Some other wealthy fool.
32:12But that wasn't my problem anymore.
32:15Victoria filed the divorce papers the next morning.
32:18Given the evidence of infidelity.
32:21The pre-up is void.
32:22You're entitled to half of everything.
32:24I don't want his money.
32:26Are you sure?
32:27We're talking about millions.
32:29I'm sure.
32:30I just want my freedom.
32:33The divorce was finalized in record time.
32:36Nathan didn't contest it.
32:38He was too busy fighting to save his company and his reputation.
32:41I moved into a new apartment.
32:43Expanded my design business.
32:45Started building a life that was entirely my own.
32:48For the first time in years, I was happy.
32:51Three months later, Nathan appeared at my office.
32:54He looked terrible.
32:55Thinner.
32:56Older.
32:56The golden boy was gone.
32:58Replaced by a hollow shell.
32:59Olivia.
33:01Please.
33:02Can we talk?
33:02I considered refusing.
33:04But I was curious.
33:06Five minutes.
33:06He collapsed into a chair.
33:08Head in his hands.
33:10I lost everything.
33:11The company.
33:13My family's respect.
33:15My reputation.
33:16Mia.
33:18She took everything I had left.
33:20Cleaned out my accounts and disappeared.
33:22I felt nothing.
33:24No sympathy.
33:25No satisfaction.
33:26Just emptiness.
33:28Why are you telling me this?
33:30Because I need you to know I'm sorry.
33:33I was a fool.
33:35I threw away the best thing in my life for someone who never cared about me.
33:40You're right.
33:41You were a fool.
33:43Can you ever forgive me?
33:44I studied the man I'd once loved.
33:46The man I'd sacrificed everything for.
33:48The man who'd almost destroyed me.
33:50No, I can't.
33:53Nathan's face crumpled.
33:57But I can thank you.
33:59Thank you for showing me what I'm worth.
34:02Thank you for teaching me to never settle for less than I deserve.
34:05I stood up, straightening my jacket.
34:09Goodbye, Nathan.
34:11I walked out of my office, leaving him crying in the chair.
34:15I didn't look back.
34:23A year later, I received an invitation to a gallery opening.
34:27My gallery opening.
34:29My design work had attracted attention.
34:31Critics praised my style.
34:33Clients lined up for my services.
34:35And now, a prestigious gallery wanted to showcase my pieces.
34:38I stood in the center of the exhibition, surrounded by my creations overwhelmed with pride.
34:46Congratulations.
34:48He looked better than the last time I'd seen him.
34:50Still worn, but less desperate.
34:52What are you doing here?
34:54I saw the announcement.
34:56I wanted to see your work.
34:57It's beautiful, Olivia.
34:59You're incredibly talented.
35:01I know.
35:03I deserve that.
35:05We stood in awkward silence.
35:08I've been in therapy, working through everything.
35:12Why I did what I did.
35:14Why I treated you the way I did.
35:16Good for you.
35:17I'm not asking for forgiveness.
35:20I know I don't deserve it.
35:22I just wanted you to know that I see now.
35:25I see what I lost.
35:26I considered his words.
35:28A year ago, this confession would have meant everything to me.
35:32Now, it meant nothing.
35:33I hope you find peace, Nathan.
35:35I really do.
35:37But...
35:38I have guests to attend to.
35:41I walked away toward the crowd of admirers and collectors.
35:44Toward my future.
35:52Two years after the divorce, I fell in love again.
35:55His name was James.
35:57A fellow artist.
35:59Kind.
36:00Honest.
36:01Supportive.
36:02Everything Nathan wasn't.
36:04He loved my ambition.
36:06Celebrated my success.
36:09Never made me feel small or insecure.
36:12You're amazing.
36:13He said one evening, watching me work.
36:16Do you know that?
36:17I'm starting to believe it.
36:19He kissed my forehead.
36:23Good.
36:25Because I'll keep telling you until you do.
36:28For the first time, I understood what healthy love looked like.
36:32It wasn't about sacrifice or submission.
36:35It wasn't about losing yourself in someone else.
36:40It was about two whole people choosing each other.
36:43Every day.
36:44James proposed on a Tuesday.
36:46Nothing fancy.
36:47Just the two of us.
36:48A home cooked dinner.
36:49And a simple question.
36:50Will you marry me?
36:52I thought about my first marriage.
36:54The red flags I'd ignored.
36:56The warnings I'd dismissed.
36:59I thought about how far I'd come.
37:01How much I'd learned.
37:03How strong I'd become.
37:07Yes.
37:09A thousand times yes.
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