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Discover captivating stories featuring powerful CEOs, hidden identities, second chances, family conflicts, best relationships, and dramatic life-changing moments. Every movie brings suspense, passion, and exciting plot twists that keep viewers watching until the very end.
From billionaire romances and secret marriages to revenge stories and inspiring journeys, these trending drama movies deliver entertainment, and compelling storytelling.
Watch in HD and explore a collection of engaging drama films loved by viewers around the world.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Subscribe and stay connected for more trending stories, love dramas, and unforgettable movie experiences.
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FunTranscript
00:00He stood me up four times.
00:01Ryan just slept in. Stop bothering him over nonsense.
00:04That man's bride never showed up either. You two could just get married.
00:07I turned around and married a billionaire CEO.
00:10Will you marry me right this second?
00:12Okay.
00:13Did you marry a random man just to get back at me?
00:16You belong to our Cole family forever!
00:20This is my husband.
00:22We are completely finished.
00:23And my fiancé went crazy with regret.
00:26The wedding photos were taken, the invitations were sent, the venue was booked.
00:31All that was missing was a marriage certificate.
00:33Ryan and I had set our wedding date a month ago.
00:37Today was the fourth time we'd scheduled to pick up our marriage license at City Hall.
00:41The first time, he said a last-minute emergency meeting came up at work.
00:45The second time, he said his car broke down on the way.
00:48The third time, he said his mother, Margaret, was having heart problems and he had to take her to the
00:53hospital.
00:54Every time, I believed him.
00:55I sat on the coal bench at City Hall from 9 in the morning until noon.
01:00The coffee in my hand had gone cold, just like my heart at this moment.
01:04I called him.
01:05No answer.
01:06I texted him.
01:08No reply.
01:09Sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows exposing every speck of dust in the hall
01:14and laying bare every ounce of my misery.
01:18All around me, couples came and went, their faces beaming with happiness.
01:23Those smiles were like needles piercing into my heart.
01:28I had become the only joke in this joyful place.
01:31I called Ryan one last time.
01:34This time, it finally connected.
01:36But the one who answered was Margaret.
01:39Her voice carried its usual air of condescending impatience.
01:43Emma, what are you rushing for?
01:45Ryan just slept in a little.
01:46Young people are under a lot of stress at work.
01:48Is it so hard to be understanding?
01:50Calling nonstop over something so trivial.
01:52You're not even in the family yet and you're already trying to control him.
01:55What kind of behavior is that?
01:57My hand gripped the phone, knuckles turning white from the pressure.
02:00It felt like a lump of cotton was stuck in my throat.
02:03I couldn't utter a single word.
02:05Slept in a little.
02:06It turned out that the most important day of my life, which I had waited all morning for,
02:11was nothing more than a trivial matter that could be derailed by sleeping in.
02:15All my anticipation and solemnity.
02:17Nothing but a one-woman show of self-delusion.
02:20Margaret was still rambling on the other end of the line.
02:23All right, all right.
02:24He's getting up now.
02:25Just wait a little longer.
02:26A daughter-in-law of the Cole family can't be this impatient.
02:29With that, she hung up with a sharp click.
02:31The dial tone rang in my ear, shrill and mocking, as if laughing at my stupidity.
02:37I slowly lowered the phone and looked at the lock screen.
02:40A photo of Ryan and me together.
02:42In the photo, he smiled tenderly, his eyes overflowing with love.
02:47But now, that face made me feel nothing but strangeness and disgust.
02:52It's never the last straw that breaks the camel's back.
02:55It's every single straw.
02:56Five years of feelings, consumed to nothing in this moment.
03:01My heart, completely dead.
03:03A staff member walked over with a cup of water.
03:06My lady, have you been waiting all this while?
03:09Sympathy on her face.
03:10She clearly recognized me by now.
03:12After all, coming here every week for a month straight, only to leave each time in a daze.
03:17It would be hard not to be remembered.
03:21I'm not waiting anymore.
03:23The woman sighed as if feeling it wasn't worth it for me.
03:26She pointed at a man sitting in the corner not far away.
03:30That gentleman has been waiting all morning too.
03:32He also got stood up.
03:33I looked in the direction she pointed.
03:35The man wore a simple white shirt and black dress pants.
03:38His posture was tall and straight.
03:40He kept his head down, looking at his phone.
03:42The lines of his profile were clean and sharp, and he radiated an icy, unapproachable aura.
03:49As if sensing my gaze, he looked up.
03:51Our eyes met.
03:52His eyes were deep, like an ancient well, clear yet profoundly still.
03:56There was no anger or anxiety from being stood up, only calm.
04:00The woman, having seen plenty of drama, joked casually.
04:04Why don't you two just pair up?
04:05You're both here for a marriage license anyway.
04:08Save yourselves another trip.
04:09A joke, but I, inexplicably, stood up.
04:13I walked step by step toward the man.
04:16Sir, your bride didn't show and my brewing broom didn't come either.
04:19I don't want to wait anymore, and I don't want to come back.
04:23Do you dare to marry me?
04:24The air seemed to freeze.
04:26Everyone in the hall turned to look at us.
04:28The clerk's mouth fell open in an O shape.
04:30The man looked at me for a full 30 seconds.
04:33I thought he'd think I was crazy, but he slowly stood up.
04:36He was a full head taller than me.
04:38His figure completely enveloping mine.
04:41He nodded, his voice low and pleasing.
04:43Okay.
04:44Ten minutes later, I walked out of City Hall side by side with a man I had known for less
04:48than a minute.
04:49The marriage certificate in my hand still carried a trace of warmth.
04:53I stopped and took out my phone.
04:55I found Ryan's text thread and sent him one final message.
04:58Don't bother coming.
05:00I'm already married.
05:01Done in one breath.
05:02After doing all this, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief.
05:06As if I had shed a heavy shackle I'd been carrying for five years.
05:10Mrs. Sterling.
05:11The man's low voice came from beside me.
05:14I froze for a moment before realizing he was talking to me.
05:16I looked up at him.
05:17My husband in the eyes of the law.
05:19Alexander.
05:21He stood on the steps, sunlight falling on his shoulders, outlining him in gold.
05:25His expression remained calm, but his eyes held a new seriousness.
05:30So, where to now?
05:31Alexander's question pulled me back to reality.
05:34Right, where to?
05:35The apartment Ryan and I shared was bought outright by my parents.
05:38It was in my name.
05:39For the past two years, Ryan had been living there.
05:42His things, his family's things filled every corner of the apartment.
05:46That place hadn't been my home for a long time.
05:48It was more like a free hotel belonging to his family and I, an hour ago, had been the lady
05:54of that hotel.
05:55Now, I was the one who was homeless.
05:56I looked at Alexander.
05:58He seemed to see right through my predicament, but didn't press the issue.
06:02He simply took out his phone and made a call.
06:05James, get the Park Avenue apartment cleaned up.
06:08Make it quick.
06:09His tone was flat, yet carried an undeniable command.
06:12After hanging up, he turned to me.
06:14I'm staying at a hotel for now.
06:16That apartment is empty.
06:17Until we figure out the next step, you can stay there.
06:20His arrangement was perfectly reasonable.
06:23Consider it to just the right degree.
06:24Not a trace of condescension, nor excessive eagerness.
06:28As if we weren't strangers who had just met, but old friends who had known each other for years.
06:32I nodded.
06:33Okay.
06:36On the way to home, the car was very quiet.
06:39Alexander drove a black custom sedan.
06:41Understated, but commanding.
06:43Just like the man himself.
06:44I sat in the passenger seat, watching the cityscape blur past outside.
06:49Everything felt like a dream.
06:50Too unreal.
06:51I even reached out and secretly pinched my own thigh.
06:55It hurt.
06:56It was real.
06:57I was married.
06:58To a man I had known for less than an hour.
07:01I turned my head and stole a glance at the man beside me.
07:04His driving posture was focused.
07:07His fingers were well-defined, clean, and slender.
07:10On his wrist was a limited edition Swiss timepiece.
07:13The kind I had seen in magazines but could never afford.
07:16He didn't seem like an ordinary person.
07:18So why had he also been stood up?
07:21And why had he agreed to my absurd proposal without hesitation?
07:24Red light.
07:25The car came to a steady stop.
07:27Alexander, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, suddenly spoke.
07:31Ask whatever you want to ask.
07:33My heart skipped.
07:34I felt a bit embarrassed.
07:35It's nothing.
07:36He turned to look at me.
07:38Emma, we are husband and wife now.
07:40Between spouses, there's no need for beating around the brish.
07:43His voice was calm, yet carried a power that put people at ease.
07:47My heart, which had been hanging in suspense from my impulsive decision, inexplicably settled.
07:52I licked my dry lips and asked the question that had been weighing on me.
07:56Why did you agree?
07:59He looked at the red light counting down.
08:013, 2, 1.
08:02Green light.
08:03The car pulled forward smoothly.
08:05Only then did he speak slowly.
08:06Because I also need a wife.
08:08And you seem suitable.
08:10His answer was so candid, it caught me off guard.
08:13Needs a wife.
08:13It sounded like a transaction.
08:16Fair enough.
08:16What I needed was also just a way out.
08:19An escape from my past.
08:20We each take what we need.
08:22A fair trade.
08:23Far better than a one-sided relationship where only one person gives.
08:27The car soon pulled into the underground garage of a luxury residential complex.
08:31Park Avenue.
08:32I knew this place.
08:33Every square inch was worth a fortune.
08:37The apartment was on the top floor like a sprawling flat.
08:40The decor was minimalist black, white, and gray.
08:43Cold, spacious, devoid of warmth, but spotlessly clean.
08:47Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows lay the glittering skyline of half the city.
08:51Get some rest.
08:52I'll go buy a few things.
08:54Alexander placed the keys on the entryway console and said to me.
08:57I nodded.
08:58The door closed and I was alone in the room.
09:00I walked to the massive floor-to-ceiling window and looked down at the traffic below.
09:04The stale air that had been pressing on my chest for so long finally exhaled slowly.
09:09My phone started ringing frantically.
09:11It was Ryan.
09:12He must have finally woken up.
09:13I let it ring.
09:14I didn't answer.
09:14Soon, the ringing stopped.
09:16A text message popped up.
09:18Emma, are you done throwing a tantrum?
09:21Open the door!
09:22Immediately after, the doorbell rang frantically as if trying to tear the door off its hinges.
09:27I frowned.
09:27How did he find this place?
09:29I didn't want to see him.
09:30But the doorbell grew louder and louder, accompanied by Margaret's shrill screaming.
09:34Emma!
09:35You disaster!
09:36Get out here!
09:37Are you hiding some strange man in there?
09:40You shameless thing!
09:41Afraid they would disturb the neighbors, I had no choice but to go open the door.
09:46The moment the door opened, Margaret's face, distorted with rage, appeared before me.
09:51She raised her hand to slap me.
09:53You bitch!
09:54How dare you go behind my son?
09:55Her wrist was caught by a stronger hand.
09:58It was Alexander.
09:59He had come back at some point, still carrying shopping bags.
10:01He stood in front of me like a wall, shielding me behind him.
10:04His expression was ice cold, his eyes like blades.
10:07Who are you?
10:08Margaret froze, then started making a scene.
10:11Who am I?
10:11I'm her mother-in-law!
10:13Who are you?
10:14Emma, you've got nerve!
10:16Found a new man already?
10:17Ryan followed behind her.
10:19When he saw Alexander, his face changed instantly.
10:23Emma!
10:23What's the meaning of this?
10:25What did that text mean?
10:27He stared at me, his eyes bloodshot.
10:29Who is he?
10:30Looking at his accusatory face, I found it laughable.
10:34A man who couldn't even bother to show up to get our marriage license was now interrogating me.
10:38I stepped out from behind Alexander and stood beside him.
10:42I raised my left hand, slipped the diamond ring Ryan had given me off my ring finger and threw it
10:47at him.
10:48Ryan, we're done.
10:49Then I linked my arm through Alexander's, lifted my chin, and looked at the mother and son.
10:53Every word crystal clear.
10:55As for him, he's my husband, Alexander.
10:59My words landed like a bomb, exploding in the hallway.
11:03All the color drained from Ryan's face.
11:05Husband?
11:06He looked at me in disbelief, then at Alexander, whose arm I was holding.
11:10Emma, have you lost your mind?
11:13You married some random man just to spy me?
11:16Margaret also processed what she'd heard and let out a shriek.
11:20Married?
11:21You two?
11:22Where's the marriage certificate?
11:24Emma, let me tell you, don't think you can pull some cheap trick to scam us.
11:28You're a coal for life!
11:30Don't even think about running around with other men!
11:32Alexander stepped forward, positioning himself between us.
11:35His height was imposing, his gaze cold as a knife.
11:38Get out.
11:38One word, simple, direct.
11:41Carrying an authority that brooked no argument.
11:44Margaret took a step back, intimidated by his presence.
11:46But quickly, she puffed up again, relying on her status as an elder.
11:50Who do you think you are?
11:52How dare you tell me to leave?
11:54This is my son and Emma's home!
11:58You're the one who should get out, stranger!
12:01Alexander's lips curved into a mocking smile.
12:04He said nothing.
12:05He simply took out his phone and dialed 911 right in front of them.
12:09Hello, police.
12:10Park Avenue, Tower A, Penthouse.
12:13There's an unlawful entrain, and they're making physical threats against my wife.
12:18Please send someone to handle this.
12:20Margaret's face went as white as the wall.
12:22No matter how unreasonable she was, she knew the police station was not a place to visit lightly.
12:27Ryan panicked, too.
12:28He grabbed Margaret, his tone softening.
12:31Emma, don't do this.
12:32Let's talk this out.
12:33Tell him to hang up the phone.
12:34Let's go in and talk.
12:35Let's go inside and talk.
12:37This is all a misunderstanding.
12:38A misunderstanding?
12:40There's nothing to talk about.
12:42Ryan, this is my apartment.
12:44I need you to leave now.
12:45You have 30 minutes to take all your and your mother's things out of my apartment.
12:50If you're still here in 30 minutes, I won't mind having the police help you move.
12:55With that, I pulled Alexander inside and shut the door.
12:58With a bang, the mother and son's hateful faces were shut out.
13:02Margaret's furious cursing came from outside the door, along with the sound of Ryan repeatedly
13:06pressing the doorbell and pounding on the door.
13:09I tuned it all out.
13:10I leaned against the door, feeling as if all the strength had been drained from my body.
13:15The bravado just now had consumed nearly all my energy.
13:19A warm hand gently rested on top of my head.
13:22You did well.
13:25I looked up and met his deep eyes.
13:28In them, there was no sympathy, no pity, only a faint, barely perceptible approval.
13:34He was like an outsider, calmly watching me handle everything.
13:38But when I needed him, he stood on my side without hesitation.
13:43It was a strange feeling.
13:45He pulled a bottle of water from the shopping bag, unscrewed it, and handed it to me.
13:49Drink some water first.
13:50We'll talk once they're gone.
13:51I took the water.
13:52The cold liquid sliding down my throat calmed my chaotic mind.
13:56The commotion outside continued.
13:58I grew irritated.
14:00Alexander seemed to read my mind.
14:02He walked to the living room and turned on the sound system.
14:06Soothing classical music flowed out.
14:08Not too loud, not too quiet, just enough to drown out the noise outside.
14:13This man's thoughtfulness was almost frightening.
14:16His consideration, equally so.
14:18Half an hour later, the hallway finally fell silent.
14:21I looked through the peephole.
14:23Ryan and Margaret were gone.
14:25I let out a breath of relief.
14:27Alexander turned off the music and sat down across from me.
14:30Now we can talk.
14:31Emma, I know our decision today was hasty.
14:33I won't force you to do anything.
14:36Please take a look at this agreement.
14:38He pulled two documents from his briefcase and pushed them toward me.
14:41A prenuptial property agreement and a marriage cooperation agreement.
14:44I was stunned.
14:46I thought he, like me, had acted on impulse.
14:49I never expected him to have agreements already prepared.
14:52It seemed he had planned for this marriage all along.
14:55I picked up the property agreement.
14:56It clearly listed all the assets under his name.
14:59Company shares, real estate, funds, stocks.
15:02The long string of zeros behind each figure made my head spin.
15:06I did a rough calculation.
15:07It was an astronomical number I wouldn't have dared to imagine.
15:11The final clause read,
15:13All assets listed above are the husband's sole premarital personal property, unrelated to the wife.
15:18During the marriage, all personal investment returns earned by the husband shall also belong solely to him.
15:24Fair, cold, and very realistic.
15:27I set down the property agreement and picked up the marriage cooperation agreement.
15:31The contents of this agreement shocked me even more.
15:34First, the marriage shall last one year.
15:37After one year, both parties may choose to divorce amicably or continue the cooperation.
15:43Second, during the marriage, both parties must play the role of a loving couple
15:47and jointly attend necessary family and business occasions.
15:50Third, the wife must move into the husband's designated residence
15:54and fulfill basic wifely duties, including caring for the husband's daily needs.
15:59Fourth, in return, the husband shall pay the wife $500,000 per month
16:03as compensation and cover all her living expenses.
16:07Fifth, the husband shall use all available resources to help the wife resolve any issues
16:11left by her former partner, including property division and reputation disputes.
16:16This wasn't a marriage.
16:17This was a job.
16:19A job playing the role of Mrs. Sterling.
16:21You can take your time to consider.
16:23If you agree, sign it.
16:25If you don't, we can go get a divorce tomorrow
16:27and I'll give you a compensation package.
16:30I can also help you resolve what happened today.
16:34He placed all the choices in my hands.
16:37Move forward or retreat.
16:39Entirely my decision.
16:40I looked at him.
16:41This mysterious, powerful man.
16:44I suddenly understood.
16:46What he needed was indeed just a wife who seemed suitable.
16:50A partner who could help him navigate certain occasions.
16:53And I, at the entrance of City Hall today, had walked right into his sights.
16:58Should I refuse?
17:00Refuse and go back to my messy life, continuing to be entangled with Ryan and his mother?
17:04Or accept?
17:05Accept this agreement, take the generous compensation,
17:08leverage his power to sever noise with the past, and start a new life?
17:11The answer didn't seem difficult at all.
17:13I picked up a pen and signed my name at the bottom of both agreements.
17:17Emma.
17:17After signing, I pushed the agreements back to him.
17:20Mr. Sterling, pleasure doing business.
17:23Alexander picked up the agreements and glanced at my signature.
17:26For the first time, the faintest trace of a smile appeared on his lips.
17:30Pleasure doing business, Mrs. Sterling.
17:32He extended his hand.
17:37Now give me your phone.
17:38I handed over the phone.
17:40Alexander took it, his fingers flying across the screen.
17:42His movements were focused, the contour of his profile especially sharp under the light.
17:47I watched him, feeling something I couldn't quite name.
17:50A man I had known for less than three hours, was helping me clean up a mess I had been
17:55tangled
17:55in for five years and handling it with such clean efficiency.
17:58Done.
17:59He handed the phone back to me.
18:01I've blocked all their numbers.
18:03Texts too.
18:04I also set up a keyword filter.
18:06From now on, any message containing their names will be automatically blocked.
18:10They won't be able to bother you anymore.
18:12I took the phone.
18:13The screen was as clean as if it were brand new.
18:16The missed calls, the malicious text messages, all gone.
18:19Along with the lingering irritability in my heart, they vanished too.
18:23I said, those two words were entirely sincere.
18:26Clause five of the agreement.
18:28This is what I'm supposed to do.
18:30He was always like this, attributing everything to that cold agreement.
18:34As if, between us, it really was just a transaction.
18:39Fair enough, it actually made me feel more at ease.
18:41Can you go back to the place you used to live?
18:44I shook my head.
18:44My parents bought it.
18:45It's in my name, but it's full of their stuff.
18:48The thought of that apartment, occupied by Ryan and his family, made my stomach turn.
18:52Do you still want the things inside?
18:54Alexander asked again.
18:55Yes.
18:56My things.
18:57Not a single item stays with them.
18:59Those weren't just objects.
19:01They were five years of my youth, my hard work, my dignity.
19:05I could let go of Ryan, but I had to take back what was mine, loud and clear.
19:09Alexander seemed satisfied with my answer.
19:12Very well.
19:12Tomorrow morning at nine, we'll go back.
19:14I'll have everything arranged.
19:16His tone carried that same effortless yet absolute control.
19:19I didn't know what he would arrange, but somehow, I just trusted him.
19:23After the business was settled, silence fell again.
19:26Only then did I belatedly feel a twinge of awkwardness, alone in a room with a strange man.
19:32A man who was, nominally, my husband.
19:36Alexander stood up.
19:37Get some rest early.
19:38The master bedroom is over there.
19:40It has its own en suite bathroom and walk-in closet.
19:43The other rooms are all guest rooms.
19:45You can take your pick.
19:46With that, he turned and walked toward the study on the other side.
19:48I stood there stunned.
19:50So his idea of caring for daily needs did not include sharing a bed.
19:55Our marriage, from the very beginning, had clear boundaries.
19:58The bedroom was mine.
20:00The study was his.
20:01I quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
20:03Though I had agreed to this arrangement, I wasn't ready to share a bed with a stranger.
20:08Alexander's arrangement suited me perfectly.
20:10I walked into the master bedroom.
20:12The room was astonishingly large.
20:15Bigger than my entire previous living room.
20:17The decor was the same cold black, white, and gray as the rest of the apartment.
20:22Massive floor-to-ceiling windows, plush carpet, and a bed that looked prohibitively expensive.
20:27The walk-in closet was completely empty.
20:30The bathroom, however, was fully stocked with brand new toiletries.
20:33I looked at the pale, exhausted face in the mirror.
20:36Emma.
20:37From today on, your life starts over.
20:39I took a hot shower and changed into the brand new silk nightgown Alexander had somehow placed on the bed.
20:45I lay on the impossibly soft bed, but sleep eluded me for a long time.
20:50Everything had happened too fast.
20:52Fast as a tornado.
20:54Sweeping me out of the mire and tossing me into a completely unfamiliar, glittering world.
20:59I didn't know what lay ahead, but I knew one thing.
21:01I would never again have to clean up after a drunk Ryan at 3 in the morning.
21:06Never again endure Margaret's caustic nitpicking and insults.
21:10Never again compromise and deplete myself for another person.
21:13That was enough.
21:15With that thought, I fell into a deep sleep.
21:17It was the most peaceful sleep I had in 5 years.
21:20The next morning, I was woken by the sunlight.
21:23I opened my eyes, an unfamiliar ceiling, an unfamiliar room.
21:28I sat up and saw a set of clothes placed on the nightstand.
21:32In my size.
21:33Next to it was a note.
21:35The handwriting was sharp, vigorous, and powerful.
21:38It was Alexander's writing.
21:40Clothes are in the closet.
21:41Breakfast at 8.30.
21:42I walked into the walk-in closet.
21:45The racks that had been empty yesterday were now filled with all kinds of clothes.
21:49From casual wear to formal gowns.
21:52From outerwear to underwear.
21:53Everything.
21:54All top-tier designer labels, current season.
21:57Next to them were a dozen pairs of shoes and an entire cabinet of bags.
22:02I was dumbfounded.
22:03This was what he meant by arranged?
22:07He'd moved an entire luxury boutique into my apartment overnight.
22:11I changed and stepped out of the bedroom, feeling uneasy.
22:15Alexander was sitting at the dining table, leisurely reading the financial times.
22:19Morning light poured through the windows, softening his entire demeanor.
22:24Sleeves rolled to his elbows, revealing toned forearms.
22:27Gold-rimmed glasses sat on his straight nose, adding a refined, aesthetic charm.
22:32An elaborate breakfast was laid out on the table.
22:35Oatmeal, croissants, and an assortment of fresh seasonal fruit.
22:38The aroma was mouth-watering.
22:40Awake?
22:41He looked up and glanced at me.
22:43Sit down and eat.
22:44I pulled out the chair across from him and sat down.
22:47Those clothes.
22:49I didn't know what to say.
22:50Clause 4 of the agreement.
22:52He turned a page of the newspaper without looking up.
22:54Covering all your living expenses, including clothing, food, housing, and transportation.
22:59A styling team will handle your image going forward.
23:02You don't need to worry about it.
23:03I was so stunned I couldn't speak.
23:06Fine.
23:06The agreement again.
23:07This man couldn't go three sentences without mentioning the agreement.
23:11I quietly ate my oatmeal.
23:13It was delicious.
23:14Exactly to my taste.
23:16He even knew what I liked?
23:17Or was it just a coincidence?
23:19We'll head out after breakfast.
23:20He sat down the newspaper and said,
23:22I've already had James make the arrangements.
23:24I nodded and quickened my eating pace.
23:26I was curious, and if I'm honest, a little excited,
23:30I wondered what kind of spectacle Alexander had prepared for me.
23:33We arrived at my apartment.
23:34Building downtown at exactly 9 o'clock.
23:37Alexander hadn't driven.
23:38His understated custom sedan.
23:40Instead, it was a commanding black luxury sedan.
23:43The license plate was 5.8S.
23:46Before the car even came to a full stop,
23:48I saw a crowd gathered outside the building.
23:50Ryan and Margaret were front and center.
23:52Beside them stood several people I didn't recognize.
23:55relatives by the look of it.
23:57Each one rolling up their sleeves indignant and raring for a fight.
24:01As if waiting to put me, the heartbreaker, on trial.
24:04I took a deep breath, my hand hesitating on the door.
24:07A warm, dry palm covered the back of my hand.
24:10It was Alexander.
24:11Don't be afraid.
24:12He looked at me, his gaze steady and powerful.
24:15Today, you don't have to do anything.
24:17Just watch.
24:18His words were like a tranquilizer.
24:20My tension and unease were instantly smoothed away.
24:23The driver got out and opened the door for us.
24:26Alexander and I stood side by side.
24:28In the sunlight, he was tall, straight back, and commanding.
24:32And I, wearing a perfectly tailored haute couture suit with impeccable makeup.
24:37Together, we looked like a picture-perfect couple.
24:40Ryan's eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw me.
24:42He had probably never seen me like this before.
24:45Margaret was the first to react.
24:46She charged at me like a firecracker, finger-pointed at my nose.
24:50Emma, you shameless little trat!
24:54You dare show your face!
24:56You ran off with the Cole family's engagement money and hooked up with some strange man!
25:01You're not leaving until you cough up every penny!
25:05That's right!
25:06Give back our family's money!
25:08Girls these days are unbelievable, scamming a marriage out of our family!
25:12Call the police!
25:13We need to have her arrested!
25:15Neighbors poked their heads out to watch the spectacle, pointing and whispering.
25:19I was trembling with rage.
25:20What Cole family engagement money?
25:22This apartment was bought outright by my parents.
25:25Their family hadn't contributed a single cent.
25:27Just as I was about to retort, Alexander gently pulled me back.
25:31He stepped forward, shielding me behind him.
25:34A man in a black suit who looked like an assistant approached Alexander quickly.
25:38It was James.
25:39He respectfully handed over a document.
25:41Mr. Sterling, everything is ready.
25:42Alexander didn't even glance at the screaming crowd.
25:45He simply waved his hand behind him.
25:47Then, something dramatic happened.
25:50Two massive moving trucks came roaring in and stopped squarely in front of the building.
25:55The doors opened and a dozen burly movers in uniform jumped out.
25:59They headed straight upstairs.
26:00Right after, a team of bodyguards in black uniforms emerged from another vehicle.
26:05They quickly cordoned off the area, keeping Ryan's group and the onlooking neighbors on the other side.
26:09Professional, well-trained.
26:11Ryan and Margaret watched in stunned disbelief.
26:14What?
26:15What are you doing?
26:16Margaret stammered.
26:17Alexander ignored her.
26:18He simply looked at me, his voice not loud but reaching every ear clearly.
26:23Mrs. Sterling, what would you like to keep from this apartment?
26:26And what would you like to throw away?
26:27I paused, then understood.
26:30This was my battlefield.
26:32And Alexander had handed me the supreme command.
26:34I looked at the ugly faces before me, at their features, twisted by greed and rage.
26:39Five years of grievance and resentment surged up in this moment.
26:43I lifted my chin and walked to the cordon.
26:45I looked at Margaret and spoke, word by word.
26:48This apartment is in my parents' name.
26:50The deed says, Emma.
26:51You've been living here, eating my food, using my things.
26:53I haven't charged a cent in rent.
26:55Now I'm married and I want this apartment for myself.
26:57Please take everything that belongs to you and leave.
26:59Bullshit!
27:00This is our marital home.
27:01It belongs to the Cole family.
27:04Marital home?
27:05Ryan, tell me yourself.
27:07Did you contribute a single penny to buying this apartment?
27:09When it was being renovated, did you lift a single finger?
27:12In five years, have you ever paid the utilities, the maintenance fee, even once?
27:17Ryan was rendered speechless, his face alternating between green and white.
27:22I stopped looking at him.
27:23I called out to the movers.
27:25Gentlemen, thank you for your help.
27:27Everything in that apartment that doesn't belong to me, throw it out.
27:31Yes, throw it.
27:32If anything breaks, it's on me.
27:35The workers, energized by the command, moved even faster.
27:38Soon, the first object came flying out of the entrance.
27:41It was Ryan's favorite limited edition game console.
27:44My console!
27:46Ryan let out a wail.
27:47Next came the battered old furniture Margaret had brought from her hometown,
27:51the liquor bottles and cigarette butts left behind by Ryan's drinking buddies.
27:55Every filthy trace his family had left in that apartment, item after item,
28:00tossed mercilessly out the window, as if conducting a grand trash disposal ceremony.
28:06Margaret lost her mind.
28:08She tried to break through the bodyguard line to get at me.
28:11My things!
28:12My treasures!
28:14Emma, you devil!
28:15I'll fight you!
28:17But two bodyguards held her firmly in place.
28:20She couldn't move.
28:21Ryan also charged forward, grabbing my arm, his eyes red.
28:24Emma!
28:26Do you have to be this ruthless?
28:28Five years together, is there nothing left at all?
28:31I looked at him and found it utterly ironic.
28:34Feelings?
28:35When you stood me up again and again, leaving me alone at City Hall like a fool, you want
28:40to talk about feelings?
28:41When your mother pointed at my nose and cursed me, and you didn't say a word you want to talk
28:47about feelings?
28:48Ryan, our feelings were ground to dust by you and your mother with your own hands.
28:53I shook off his hand.
28:54From today on, we owe each other nothing.
28:57Upstairs, my belongings were carefully packed and loaded onto another truck by the workers.
29:02My clothes, my books, the mementos my parents had left me.
29:06Everything in perfect order.
29:08Half an hour later, the apartment fell completely silent.
29:11James walked over and handed me a brand new key.
29:14Mrs. Sterling, the locks have been changed.
29:16Here is your new key.
29:17I took the key and looked at the wreckage below, at Ryan and his mother, slumped amid
29:22the pile of trash, wailing to the heavens.
29:25In my heart, not a single ripple.
29:28Only an unprecedented sense of liberation.
29:31Alexander walked to my side.
29:33It's over.
29:33He said.
29:34I nodded.
29:34Yes, it was over.
29:36I had made a clean break with my past.
29:39Thank you, Mr. Sterling.
29:41Today, if it hadn't been for you...
29:43He cut me off.
29:44Call me Alexander, or you could try calling me by my name.
29:49His name.
29:50Alexander.
29:50I looked at his face so close I could feel his breath and my heart skipped a beat.
29:55His eyes were so deep they seemed to pull you in.
29:58I awkwardly averted my gaze.
30:00Let's go home.
30:02He said nothing more, just gave a slight nod.
30:04We got in the car and left this battlefield, reeking of smoke and ugliness.
30:08Through the car window, the wailing of Ryan and his mother gradually faded, then disappeared
30:14entirely.
30:15Inside the car, it was so quiet I could hear our breathing.
30:18I was still wrapped in his warm overcoat.
30:20It carried a faint, pleasant cedar scent.
30:23Everything that happened today was like a fast-paced movie.
30:26And Alexander was the director who controlled every scene, omnipotent.
30:31I was suddenly filled with curiosity about him.
30:34Who was he really?
30:35How did he have such enormous power?
30:37And why did he choose me?
30:39What are you thinking about?
30:40His cool voice broke the silence.
30:42I turned and fell into his bottomless eyes.
30:45I hesitated, then asked anyway.
30:49Why did you help me?
30:50I knew he'd bring up the agreement again.
30:52But what he did for me today seemed to go beyond the scope of any agreement.
30:57He wasn't merely fulfilling an obligation.
30:59It was more like he was avenging me.
31:01Alexander looked at the scenery flying past the window and was silent for a moment.
31:06I don't like loose ends.
31:07If your past isn't cleaned up, it'll affect our future cooperation.
31:11Cooperation again, fine.
31:13This man never missed a chance to remind me that we were just a transaction.
31:17The tiny, inappropriate feelings that had just begun to sprout in my heart were instantly
31:23extinguished.
31:24I understand.
31:26I won't let these things affect our work anymore.
31:28He seemed to catch the disappointment in my voice.
31:31He turned and looked at me deeply.
31:33Emma, we are equal partners.
31:36If you have any problems, you can tell me directly.
31:39I don't want my partner working with emotional baggage.
31:41His words sounded like comfort.
31:43I nodded to show I understood.
31:45Back at Park Avenue.
31:46My packed belongings had already been neatly stacked in the living room by the workers.
31:51Alexander glanced at them.
31:53James will arrange for cleaning staff to help you organize.
31:56You've had a long day.
31:57Go rest.
31:58With that, he disappeared into his study again.
32:01Leaving me alone to face this spacious, gorgeous new home.
32:05I didn't go rest.
32:06I personally unpacked my things, one by one, blending them into this space that had belonged
32:12only to Alexander.
32:13My books went on the shelves.
32:15My college trophies were wiped clean and placed on the display shelf in the living room.
32:20When the apartment began to bear traces of me, I finally felt a sense of reality.
32:25This was my home now.
32:26Mine and Alexander's.
32:28That evening, Alexander didn't come out for dinner.
32:30James had five-star hotel meals delivered into the study as well.
32:34I felt like a kept canary.
32:36Living in the most luxurious apartment, enjoying the finest things money could buy.
32:41Yet with no real connection to the master of this house.
32:44Fair enough.
32:45This simple arrangement actually put me at ease.
32:49I didn't need to read his mind or please anyone.
32:51I just had to play the role of Mrs. Sterling, collect my salary, and that was that.
32:57These peaceful days lasted three days.
33:00In those three days, my interactions with Alexander were limited to chance encounters at the dining
33:05table morning and night.
33:07He was always busy, either handling business in the study or out at meetings.
33:11And I used those three days to completely reset my state of mind.
33:15I started planning my future.
33:17I had studied jewelry design in college but gave up my dream for Ryan taking an ordinary
33:21admin job at a regular company.
33:24Now, I had plenty of time and the unlimited funds Alexander provided.
33:28Maybe I could pick up my dream again.
33:30Just as I was about to sign up for a design course to sharpen my skills, Alexander called
33:34out to me.
33:35Emma.
33:36It was evening.
33:37He was, unusually, not in the study but sitting on the living room sofa.
33:41Friday evening, there's a family dinner.
33:44Get ready, you're coming with me.
33:45A family dinner.
33:46My heart dropped.
33:48Meeting his family, this soon?
33:50Clause 2 of the agreement.
33:52Jointly attend necessary family occasions.
33:54I had no right to refuse.
33:56Okay, what do I need to prepare?
33:58Nothing at all.
33:59A styling team will come Friday afternoon.
34:02All you need to do is play the part of a proper, gentle, and poised wife.
34:06Gentle and poised.
34:08I repeated those words silently in my heart.
34:10Friday arrived quickly.
34:11That afternoon, James arrived with a team of seven or eight people.
34:17Hair stylist, makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, accessories consultant.
34:21The production was on the scale of an awards ceremony.
34:25I sat like a mannequin, letting them work on my face and body for three hours.
34:29When I opened my eyes again and looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself.
34:34A moonlight white gown clung to a figure I didn't know I had.
34:38Silver threads embroidered in subtle patterns along the hem.
34:42Understated luxury.
34:43My hair was swept into an elegant updo, with a few loose strands framing my face, adding softness.
34:50The makeup was refined and understated, highlighting my features to perfection.
34:54The woman in the mirror was elegant and unrecognizable.
34:58Was this really me?
34:59Beautiful.
35:00Alexander's voice came from behind me.
35:02He had, at some point, changed into a dark bespoke suit.
35:05His frame was tall and imposing, his presence commanding.
35:08He walked to my side and, with natural ease, slipped his hand around my waist.
35:13My body went rigid.
35:14This was our first time having such close contact.
35:17Through the thin fabric, his palm radiated burning heat.
35:21Don't be nervous.
35:22He whispered by my ear.
35:23Remember, you are Alexander's wife.
35:26No matter what they ask or say, I've got you.
35:28His breath warm against my ear, I felt my face flushing completely beyond my control.
35:33The Sterling Estate sat halfway up the mountain on the western outskirts of the city.
35:38A sprawling Georgian manor.
35:40The neatly trimmed gardens and fountains were elegant and refined.
35:44The marble columns at the entrance spoke of the family's deep-rooted prestige and authority.
35:49The car pulled up at the main entrance.
35:51The butler had been waiting for some time.
35:54Young Mr. Madam, the old lady and the master and mistress are waiting for you in the drawing room.
35:59Alexander took my hand and led me into this grand, sprawling mansion.
36:04In the drawing room sat several people.
36:06At the head of the table was an elderly woman with silver hair, but a sharp, vigorous air about her.
36:12She wore a dark red cashmere shawl and rolled a string of pearls between her fingers.
36:17Her gaze was keen, commanding respect without any need for anger.
36:21This must be the old lady of the Sterling family.
36:24Alexander's grandmother.
36:26Below her sat a middle-aged couple.
36:28The man bore some resemblance to Alexander, though with a more severe expression.
36:33The woman was well-preserved and elegant in manner.
36:36They must be Alexander's parents.
36:39As we entered, all eyes fell on me.
36:41Scrutiny, curiosity, and a faint, almost imperceptible hint of judgment.
36:46I knew that tonight's family dinner was a trap.
36:48Laid for me.
36:49Laid for me.
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