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00:00:00My name is Isabel. Smith. I chose this name myself. Smith is my mother's nername. I picked Isabel after going
00:00:07through a whole book of English names. It means God's promise. But I don't believe in God. I just refuse
00:00:12to keep the name that man gave me.
00:00:14He was my father, a man who lost everything on Wall Street and jumped to his death. That's all I
00:00:18know. I was 10 at his funeral, standing in the very last row. No one handed me a tissue. I
00:00:23wore a black dress a neighbor bought from a thrust store. It was two sizes too big with frayed cuffs.
00:00:26The priest's prayer blew right past my ears like the wind. I didn't take in a single word.
00:00:30Later, I put myself through college on scholarships, talked my way onto Wall Street with my wits, and worked like
00:00:35hell to become a quantum analyst. My model delivered a 37% annual return. My boss called me the money
00:00:41printer. They called me a genius.
00:00:43But geniuses don't live in a basement in Queens. Leaky ceiling, landlord tried fixing it three times and failed. Geniuses
00:00:49don't eat sandwiches on the subway for dinner, picking crumbs out of their keyboard with a toothpick and getting back
00:00:54to work. Geniuses don't shake so hard they can barely hold the phone when the hospital calls.
00:00:58Miss Isabel, your mother needs a liver transplant. The cost is $5 million. Insurance won't cover it.
00:01:04That voice sounded like it came from miles away, or from deep inside my own body. I stood at the
00:01:09subway exit, wind cutting into my collar, cold as a knife.
00:01:12$5 million. All my savings, my mom's house, my next 10 years of salary, none of it added up. But
00:01:17I couldn't let her die. She was my only family, the woman who raised me alone after my father was
00:01:20gone.
00:01:21She'd grown thin, her hair turned white, her eyes soaking. But every time I visited, she smiled and said,
00:01:25Isabel, you're too skinny. Eat more.
00:01:27I spent a month crunching numbers. Lone hoss, selling a kidney, marrying a rich guy. I didn't even seriously consider
00:01:33the first two.
00:01:34The third, I've screened my labo in my face. My fingers hovered over the keyboard for a long time.
00:01:37Then I typed, the richest bachelors in New York. First result, first name, Sebastian Black. Head of Black Group.
00:01:4332 years old, worth billions. Never linked to any scandal. Not because he was a saint, because he didn't need
00:01:48one.
00:01:48He needed an heir. A condition in the Black family trust.
00:01:51The heir must marry and have a child before 35, or the entire fortune goes to charity.
00:01:55He had three years left. I have no idea how he found me. Maybe through a headhunter, maybe my work
00:02:00email.
00:02:00His lawyer showed up at my office on a rainy day. Gray suit, black umbrella, not a single drop on
00:02:05his shoes.
00:02:06He slipped a contract across my desk, gold lettering on the cover like a hardcover book.
00:02:10Miss Smith, Mr. Black is offering you a three-year marriage contract. The payout is $5 million.
00:02:14I stared at him, not answering right way. Not because I hesitated, because I could barely.
00:02:18Riley was a scam, a joke, a hallucination, being too tired. But the rain outside was real.
00:02:22The words on the contract were real. The lawyer's breathing was real.
00:02:24During the term, you'll live in his apartment, attend required public events, and never reveal the true nature of this
00:02:29marriage.
00:02:29When the contract ends, you'll receive $5 million in a Manhattan condo.
00:02:33I picked up the pen and flipped through the contract. Over 300 pages of tense legal jargon.
00:02:37I didn't finish it. I didn't need to. Only one thing mattered. When the money would hit.
00:02:41Now.
00:02:42The lawyer slid a signed stamped check across the desk. I folded it and pressed it to my chest.
00:02:46Thin paper, but burning hot, like a branding iron.
00:02:49The wedding was at City Hall. No flowers, no music, no guests.
00:02:53Two witnesses, two lawyers, one priest.
00:02:56I wore a used wedding dress. Stained at the neck, yellowed lace.
00:03:00Bought for $35 at a Brooklyn thrift store.
00:03:02I'd once imagined it for my real wedding.
00:03:04Central Park lawn, perfect sunshine, a violinist playing.
00:03:07Now it was being used. But no sun, no lawn, no violin.
00:03:10Sebastian stood across from me in a black suit. He looked better than his photos.
00:03:14Or the photos were just bad. His eyes were dark gray, like a frozen lake in winter.
00:03:18Thin lips, pressed tight, no expression at all.
00:03:21His hair was perfectly combed, not a strand out of place. Just like him.
00:03:24Precise, restrained, flawless.
00:03:26Do you take Isabel to be your lawfully wedded wife? I do.
00:03:29His voice was flat, like he was reading a contract.
00:03:32Isabel, do you take Sebastian to be your lawfully wedded husband?
00:03:36I looked at the contract in the lawyer's hand. The $5 million was already in the hospital account.
00:03:41My mom's surgery was tomorrow morning.
00:03:44I do.
00:03:46So, place the ring on her finger.
00:03:47When we exchanged rings, his fingers were slender. The ring was a little tight. I had to push hard to
00:03:51get it on.
00:03:52He placed the ring on my finger gently. His fin tip brushed my hand, cold as glass.
00:03:56I stared at the ring. A plain platinum band. No design, no engraving, like a washer.
00:04:00You may kiss the bride.
00:04:01He hesitated for a few seconds. I saw his Adam's knuckle bomb. Then he leaned down and kissed my forehead.
00:04:07Not my lips, my forehead.
00:04:09Light as snowflakes landing on skin, barely there at all.
00:04:13After the wedding, he got into his black Maybach. I got into a taxi.
00:04:20Ma'am, where to?
00:04:22The hospital. My mother's in the ICU.
00:04:27We drove over the Manhattan Bridge. The river below was gray and foggy. I looked down at the ring on
00:04:33my finger.
00:04:34Twist it. It was a little loose.
00:04:37Mom's surgery was a success. When she opened her eyes in the recovery room, night had fallen.
00:04:42Only one bedside lamp was on, its warm glow turning her face into an old photograph.
00:04:46I held her hand. It was thin, bony, but warm.
00:04:50Isabelle, where did you get the money? Who did you marry?
00:04:54Someone good. She didn't push.
00:04:57She never asked about things I didn't want to talk about.
00:05:00That night, I sat on a bench in the hospital corridor all night. It was quiet.
00:05:04A nurse rolled a medicine cart past now and then, its wheels making a soft sound on the floor.
00:05:08I stared at the fluorescent light on the ceiling.
00:05:10One bulb was flickering, and it didn't burn out for a long time.
00:05:13My phone lit up, a text from an unknown number. It was his lawyer.
00:05:18Mr. Black asks me to inform you that you must move into his apartment tonight.
00:05:21The media may take photos, so you need to live together.
00:05:24Below is the address and the digital lock code.
00:05:26The apartment was in the tallest residential building in Manhattan, the top floor.
00:05:31The elevator required fingerprint recognition, and mine was already in the system.
00:05:36When the doors opened, I froze.
00:05:38The entrance was dim. Only one wall lamp on.
00:05:41The living room was huge.
00:05:42Floor-to-ceiling windows showed the entire Manhattan skyline.
00:05:46Empire State Building, World Trade Center, Central Park Greenery, all under our feet.
00:05:51The lights outside looked like an upside-down starry sky, endless and dense.
00:05:55But the decor was minimalist.
00:05:57Black, white, gray, no fourth color.
00:05:59No paintings, no photos, no trace of a human being on the walls.
00:06:03Nothing on the coffee table.
00:06:05Not even a magazine.
00:06:06The kitchen counter was bare.
00:06:08No spices, no bowls.
00:06:10Like no one had ever cooked there.
00:06:12It wasn't a home.
00:06:13It was a showroom.
00:06:15A model apartment waiting to be auctioned.
00:06:17He was away on business.
00:06:18A short-haired woman greeted me, his assistant, in a professional suit, with a face as cold as his.
00:06:25She showed me around the house, opening one door after another, with one sentence each time.
00:06:29This is the living room.
00:06:32This is the dining room.
00:06:34This is the study.
00:06:37This is your room.
00:06:38The guest room, next to the master bedroom.
00:06:41The sheets were gray, the pillows gray, without a single wrinkle.
00:06:44A few women's clothes in my size hung in the closet, tags still on.
00:06:48He didn't buy them, his assistant did.
00:06:51He wouldn't waste time on things like that.
00:06:53That night I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
00:06:55Blank.
00:06:56No cracks, no lines, nothing.
00:06:58No sound from next door, no footsteps.
00:07:01He wasn't even home.
00:07:02This hundred million dollar apartment was as quiet as a tomb.
00:07:05This hundred million dollar apartment was as quiet as a tomb.
00:07:08I tossed and turned, replaying one image in my head.
00:07:13Mom looking back at me as they wheeled her into the operating room.
00:07:17She didn't speak, but her lips moved.
00:07:19Later I guessed she was saying thank you.
00:07:21The next morning, there was a cup of coffee, a sandwich, and a note on the dining table.
00:07:28Breakfast.
00:07:29I have a dinner event tonight.
00:07:30Won't be home for dinner.
00:07:32No signature, no greeting.
00:07:35I picked up the coffee.
00:07:36It was cold.
00:07:37We barely spoke those days.
00:07:39We could count our words on one hand.
00:07:41Good morning, good night.
00:07:42Keys are in the drawer.
00:07:43Thanks.
00:07:43Coffee is on the table, okay.
00:07:45Sometimes we passed each other in the hallway.
00:07:47He'd step aside slightly, but never look at me.
00:07:49His eyes were always fixed ahead, like he was searching for something, or avoiding it.
00:07:53Once I carried a glass of water out of the kitchen, and he walked out of the studio.
00:07:56We met in the middle of the hallway.
00:07:58He paused, stepped sideways, his back against the wall.
00:08:02As I walked past, I caught his scent.
00:08:04Not cologne, but faint laundry detergent, like fresh grass after rain.
00:08:08Late that night, I heard the door open.
00:08:10Heavy footsteps.
00:08:10Then the sound of a bottle rolling.
00:08:12Then a dull thump of bone hitting wood.
00:08:14I opened the door and saw him sitting on the floor, leaning against the hallway wall, head
00:08:18buried in his knees.
00:08:19The air smelled of whiskey, strong like an entire bottle had been spilled.
00:08:23He was curled up into a ball, like a cat soaked in the rain.
00:08:27I knelt down.
00:08:28Are you okay?
00:08:29I'm fine.
00:08:30Go back.
00:08:30You're drunk.
00:08:31I know.
00:08:32I tried to help him up, reaching for his arm.
00:08:35He pushed my hand away.
00:08:36I said I'm fine.
00:08:37His palm was hot, his grip strong, like he was using all his strength to refuse.
00:08:42He pushed himself up against the wall, swaying like a tree blown sideways by the wind.
00:08:47I reached out instinctively to stable him, but he had already balanced himself.
00:08:51He walked into the master bedroom and closed the door.
00:08:55It wasn't locked, but I didn't follow.
00:08:58I was his contract bride, not his wife.
00:09:01The contract was clear.
00:09:02In the middle of the night, I was woken up by the sound of him throwing up.
00:09:05It came from the master bathroom, wave after wave, lasting a long time.
00:09:10That sound twisted my stomach.
00:09:12Not ordinary nausea, but his body forcing something out, like he was trying to vomit himself up.
00:09:17I poured a glass of warm water, left it at his door, knocked, then went back to my room.
00:09:24The hallway floor was cold.
00:09:26I walked back barefoot, my toes icy as stone.
00:09:29When I got up this morning, the cup outside his door was empty.
00:09:33But inside the trash can, there was a new addition.
00:09:36An empty wine bottle.
00:09:38It was green, bearing a foreign language label, and traces of a deep amber liquid still cling to its rim.
00:09:45His mother came that weekend.
00:09:47I'll never forget the sunlight that afternoon.
00:09:50Pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows, blinding bright, like melted gold on the floor.
00:09:57Dust particles spun slowly in the light, like tiny planets.
00:10:00I was reading in the living room, when the doorbell rang.
00:10:04Wearing an old sweat hurt and sweatpants, my head up loosely, a few strands falling by my face.
00:10:10I opened the door.
00:10:11A woman in a Chanel suit stood there, carrying in her mess bag, wearing high heels that clicked sharply on
00:10:17the marble floor.
00:10:18Her hair was perfectly styled, not a strand out of waste.
00:10:21No wrinkles on her face, but her eyes held a scrutinizing look.
00:10:25Like appraising a fake antique.
00:10:27She looked me up and down, her gaze pausing on my old sweat hurt for a short second, then moving
00:10:32to my face.
00:10:34You're Isabel?
00:10:35Hello, Mrs. Black.
00:10:36Don't call me Auntie, call me Mrs. Black.
00:10:38She walked past me, her heels clicking crisply in the entrance, each step like a nail driven into the floor.
00:10:42She looked around the living room, sofa, chalk table, floor-to-cleaned windows, her gaze critical, as if every corner
00:10:47wasn't clean enough.
00:10:48Do you know why my son married you?
00:10:51I do.
00:10:52Then you know you're just a stand-in?
00:10:53Not his stand-in.
00:10:54The family's stand-in.
00:10:56He needs a wife to meet the inheritance conditions.
00:10:58When your job is done, you can leave.
00:10:59The contract doesn't specify the job details.
00:11:01The contract can be amended.
00:11:03I won't sign it.
00:11:04She stood up, straightened her skirt, and looked down at me.
00:11:07Her shadow fell over me, covering me completely.
00:11:09Her lips were painted deep red, like a fresh cut.
00:11:12You will sign it, because you have no choice.
00:11:16By the way, was your mother's surgery successful?
00:11:18I hope she recovers soon.
00:11:20The daughter-in-law of the black family can't be held back by her maternal family.
00:11:24The sound of her heels echoed in the hallway for a long time, like nails being hammered into the floor
00:11:28one by one.
00:11:29I stood in the living room.
00:11:30The sun was on me, but I felt cold.
00:11:32Cold from the inside out, from my bones.
00:11:34He came back that night.
00:11:35I was waiting for him in the living room in pajamas with a coat over them, sitting on the sofa.
00:11:40The TV was on, but muted, pictures flashing.
00:11:42I wasn't watching anything.
00:11:46Mother came today.
00:11:49I know.
00:11:50She asked if we could have dinner together next week.
00:11:53Ignore her.
00:11:54We didn't talk about that before.
00:11:55We didn't.
00:11:56Will you change it?
00:11:57No.
00:11:58He walked into the study and closed the door.
00:12:00I heard the click of the lock, then the sound of a chair being pulled out.
00:12:03The light went out.
00:12:04Only neon light from outside seeped through the blinds, striping the floor like a pool of blood.
00:12:08I sat in the living room until the TV screen turned to static.
00:12:11My body started feeling strange.
00:12:14I gagged when brushing my teeth in the morning.
00:12:16The toothbrush barely touched my tongue, and my stomach chermed, acid rising to my throat.
00:12:22The smell of baking from the coffee shop made me nauseous.
00:12:25It used to be my favorite smell.
00:12:27Now it smelled like rancid oil.
00:12:28Someone ate an egg sandwich on the subway.
00:12:30I had to get off two stops early, squat by the trash can on the platform, and dry hoot for
00:12:36a while.
00:12:37I felt so sick.
00:12:38I thought it was just stress.
00:12:40I'd lost eight pounds in a month, a clear hollow under my collarbone.
00:12:44I couldn't sleep at night, and I still had to visit mom and in the hospital during the day.
00:12:49The nurse said I looked pale, asked if I hadn't eaten.
00:12:53I said I had, but I hadn't.
00:12:55I walked into a pharmacy on a whim and bought a pregnancy test.
00:12:59The cashier was a young girl with glasses.
00:13:01She glanced at me and said nothing.
00:13:03I stuffed the box into my coat pocket and walked home, my heart racing the whole way.
00:13:08Two lines.
00:13:08I came out of the bathroom and slid down the wall to the floor.
00:13:11The tile was cold, even through my pajamas.
00:13:14I held the white plastic stick.
00:13:15The two red lines were as clear as if carved with a knife.
00:13:18It can't be.
00:13:19He never touched me.
00:13:20The contract was clear, it was his own draft.
00:13:22He crossed out every clause involving physical contact.
00:13:25Got a business trip, back in a few days.
00:13:26He went on a business trip ahead of every so-called intimacy day.
00:13:30I once thought he hated me, or hated women, or hated everyone.
00:13:33But those two lines told me someone had touched me.
00:13:36When I didn't know.
00:13:37When I was unconscious.
00:13:41I placed the test on the dining table.
00:13:43White table, white stick, two red lines, like two silent witnesses.
00:13:47I waited for him to come home.
00:13:48The door lock clicked at 1am.
00:13:50He pushed the door open, saw the light on in the living room,
00:13:53saw me sitting at the table, saw the thing on it.
00:13:57Is that yours?
00:13:58You're pregnant?
00:14:00Yes.
00:14:01Who's the father?
00:14:04Yours.
00:14:05A long silence.
00:14:06The kitchen clock ticked.
00:14:08Like a countdown.
00:14:09The fridge compressor hummed for a while, then stopped.
00:14:12Manhattan was bright outside.
00:14:14But only one dining lamp was on inside,
00:14:16wrapping the two of us in its glow.
00:14:18I never touched you.
00:14:19You know that.
00:14:20I know.
00:14:21So you tell me.
00:14:22Who is the father?
00:14:23I didn't touch you.
00:14:25But someone else did.
00:14:27Who?
00:14:28Nick.
00:14:30My half-brother.
00:14:31Your brother?
00:14:32His mother was the one who broke my family apart.
00:14:35After my father died, I removed him from the family.
00:14:37He's been waiting for a chance to get revenge.
00:14:39Framing you and laking false rumors to the media,
00:14:41his goal isn't to hurt you.
00:14:43It's to destroy the black group's reputation.
00:14:45Black group chairman's wife caught in a fabricated scheme with his own brother.
00:14:48How much damage would that headline cause?
00:14:50What are you going to do?
00:14:55Terminate it.
00:14:56No.
00:14:58Why?
00:14:59Because it's a life.
00:15:01Not your tool.
00:15:02That's his child.
00:15:03Are you sure you want to keep it?
00:15:05I don't know whose child it is.
00:15:06But it's in my belly.
00:15:07It's mine.
00:15:08If you keep it, it will become Nick's tool.
00:15:10He'll use this child to control you to control me.
00:15:13So you're just going to let him win?
00:15:14He was silent.
00:15:16For a long time, a plane flew by outside.
00:15:19Its red indicator light blinked in the night sky, like a heartbeat.
00:15:23I need time.
00:15:26Nick didn't give me time.
00:15:28He didn't give Sebastian time either.
00:15:30The next morning, my phone was bombarded with messages.
00:15:33Notifications popped up one after another, too many to keep up with.
00:15:37Someone anonymously leaked on social media,
00:15:39a black group group don't should aunt Priyune with brother's child.
00:15:42No evidence, no photos, only a source is close to the matter.
00:15:45But that was enough.
00:15:46The stock opened down 8%.
00:15:49Financial analysts shook their heads on camera,
00:15:51saying black group face a crisis of confidence.
00:15:53Reporters blocked the company entrance.
00:15:55Flashes going off nonstop.
00:15:57Security had to put up a barricade.
00:15:58Sebastian didn't go to work.
00:16:00He locked himself in the study and was on the phone all morning.
00:16:03I sat in the living room.
00:16:04Through the closed door, I heard his voice.
00:16:06Low, urgent, occasionally raised like someone bargaining on the end of the edge of a cliff.
00:16:10I see.
00:16:12Then silence again.
00:16:13He looked terrible when he came out.
00:16:15The dark circles under his eyes were darker.
00:16:17His shirt was unbuttoned at the neck.
00:16:18His tie was gone.
00:16:19He walked to the kitchen, poured a glass of water, and drank it in one gulp.
00:16:22His atom joined bobbling.
00:16:23He said, setting the glass down, his voice harney.
00:16:26I found out.
00:16:27That DNA report, Nick already has it.
00:16:29He's gonna release it at tomorrow's press conference.
00:16:31My fingers turned cold.
00:16:33So cold I could barely hold my water glass.
00:16:36I set the cup down.
00:16:37The bass clicked sharply on the marble counter.
00:16:40How did you get this information?
00:16:42It doesn't matter.
00:16:43What do you want me to do?
00:16:45Admit the father's your ex-boyfriend.
00:16:47Which ex-boyfriend?
00:16:48Make one up.
00:16:49Sebastian, I don't want to lie.
00:16:51You already are.
00:16:52The day you signed the contract, you started lying.
00:16:54He was right.
00:16:55I lowered my head, my bangs covering my eyes.
00:16:58The soup in the bowl was cold.
00:17:00Oil had conrealed on the surface.
00:17:02A thin film, like ice on a winter river.
00:17:05I've had a statement prepared.
00:17:06You just need to read it.
00:17:08He pushed a file bracket over.
00:17:09Beige cap paper, sealed with wax, stamped with a black family crest, a lion and a rose.
00:17:13Opened it.
00:17:14Two pages, neatly printed in a formal searing font.
00:17:16It listed my ex-boyfriend's name, background, timeline of how we met, every detail perfectly
00:17:20fabricated.
00:17:21He was even good at this.
00:17:22I held the two pages.
00:17:23The paper was smooth, the ink fresh, still warm from the printer.
00:17:25If I read this, what happens to Nick?
00:17:27He loses all credibility.
00:17:28An unsubstantiated rumor, plus a denial from the person involved, he'll have nothing.
00:17:32What if he has other evidence?
00:17:35He glanced at me.
00:17:36It was a quick look, but I understood.
00:17:38He was saying we had to gamble.
00:17:40The press conference was held in the main hall of Black Group Headquarters.
00:17:44The hall was huge, with marble floors so polished they reflected light.
00:17:48The crystal chandelier overhead looked like a waterfall.
00:17:51Hundreds of media outsets.
00:17:52The red lights on cameras were dense, like a sea of fire.
00:17:55Flashes exploded like an avalanche.
00:17:57No, like a bomb.
00:17:59Wave after wave, endless.
00:18:00Sebastian stood on stage.
00:18:02Black suit, white shirt, dark blue tie.
00:18:04His expression was calm, like still water.
00:18:07I sat next to him.
00:18:08There was someone else's child in my belly.
00:18:11No, not someone else's.
00:18:12Mine.
00:18:12My hands rested on my knees, nailsing into my palms, the pain keeping me awake.
00:18:16Mrs. Black, are you pregnant?
00:18:17I looked at the camera.
00:18:19Those black lenses stared at me like countless eyes.
00:18:22Dark, without pupils, but able to see through everything.
00:18:25Yes.
00:18:25Who is the father?
00:18:27He took the microphone.
00:18:28His fingers were steady.
00:18:30No tremor in his wrist.
00:18:31I am.
00:18:31The room erupted in gasps.
00:18:33Someone inhaled sharply.
00:18:34Keyboards clapped loudly.
00:18:36People stood up from their seats.
00:18:37Flashes became even more intense, like a downpour.
00:18:39But you've only been married two months.
00:18:41He took my hand.
00:18:43His fingers were cold, but steady.
00:18:45Like Hassan's steel and concrete.
00:18:47We've known each other longer.
00:18:48We just didn't go public.
00:18:50Reporters in the audience bowed their heads and typed, fingers flying over keyboards.
00:18:54News stories were already on their way.
00:18:56No one pressed further.
00:18:57No one questioned.
00:18:58The word of a billionaire was worth more than the truth.
00:19:00After the press conference, we were escorted out by security.
00:19:03The corridor was long.
00:19:04Our footsteps echoed in the empty space.
00:19:06Nick didn't show up.
00:19:08He had an evidence left.
00:19:09His leak was ruled unsubsantiated rumor.
00:19:12His account temporarily suspended.
00:19:14But I knew he wouldn't give up.
00:19:15In the car, he leaned back and closed his eyes.
00:19:17Neon lights outside painted colorful shadows on his face.
00:19:20Red, blue, green, shifting like a silent firework show.
00:19:23It was the first time I thought he looked tired.
00:19:25Not physically tired, but mentally tired.
00:19:27The kind that couldn't be fixed by a single sleep.
00:19:29Rooted in his bones.
00:19:31What are you going to do about Nick?
00:19:34I gave him a large sum of money.
00:19:36Told him to leave New York.
00:19:40You bought off your enemy?
00:19:42Not bought off.
00:19:43Making him understand that destroying me is pointless.
00:19:46He can take the money and start over.
00:19:49Staying here will only lead to mutual destruction.
00:19:52Don't you hate me?
00:19:53No.
00:19:54Why?
00:19:55Because hating you is a waste of time.
00:19:57Ultrasound examination.
00:19:58The exam room was dim.
00:20:00Only the machine screen was lit.
00:20:02The doctor applied cold, sticky gel to my belly.
00:20:06I flinched.
00:20:07The probe glided over my skin, projecting a gray and white image on the screen.
00:20:12Two tiny shadows curled up, like two broad beans, or two babies hugging in their sleep.
00:20:17Their outlines weren't clear yet, but you could see heads, bodies, limbs, like two small
00:20:21moons taking shape.
00:20:23Heartbeats came from the speaker.
00:20:24One fast, one slow, like a duet.
00:20:27The faster one was like a pony running.
00:20:29The slower one was like a drummer beating.
00:20:32Congratulations, twins.
00:20:33Sebastian stood next to the ultrasound machine, hands in his pockets.
00:20:37He didn't speak, but I noticed his fingers curled slightly in his pockets, like he was
00:20:41holding something.
00:20:42His atoms doped and bobbed.
00:20:44The sun was shining brightly as we walked out of the hospital.
00:20:47Manhattan's sun was direct, unfiltered, hitting straight down.
00:20:51People walked on the street.
00:20:52No one looked at us.
00:20:54No one knew there were two heartbeats in my belly.
00:20:57He suddenly spoke.
00:20:59It's not safe for you to live alone.
00:21:00I'll move next to you.
00:21:03Aren't you already next door?
00:21:05With a wall between us.
00:21:06Not the same room.
00:21:08That afternoon, he had an old screen brought out of storage.
00:21:11He had it cleaned and moved into the bedroom.
00:21:14He placed the screen in the middle of the room, dividing it into two halves.
00:21:19I slept on the bed.
00:21:20He slept on the sofa.
00:21:22He tossed and turned the first night.
00:21:24The sofa was too small.
00:21:25His legs couldn't stretch out, knees pressed against the armrest, ankles hanging over the
00:21:29edge.
00:21:30I heard him change positions several times, shoving a cushion under his waist, then taking
00:21:34it out, flipping his pillow over and back.
00:21:37Insomnia?
00:21:38Yeah.
00:21:39I'll get used to it.
00:21:41Are you comforting me?
00:21:42Stating a fact?
00:21:43A soft chocker came from the dark.
00:21:45Very short, very light, like wind over water, a leaf falling on snow.
00:21:50It was the first time he'd smiled in front of me.
00:21:52Morning sickness got worse that afternoon.
00:21:54Not just in the morning.
00:21:56Anytime, anywhere.
00:21:57I threw up everything I ate, even plain water.
00:22:00Once I tried eating plain conch.
00:22:02I'd barely swallowed two spoonfuls when my stomach twisted, and everything came back
00:22:06up.
00:22:06I felt emptied out after throwing up, slumped on the bathroom floor, forehead against the
00:22:11cold tile.
00:22:12He took time off work to stay home.
00:22:14His study computer was always on.
00:22:16I could see the numbers and graphs on the screen through the door.
00:22:20But he poked his head out every 30 minutes to check on me, like a vigilant owl.
00:22:30I knelt by the toilet puking for a long time, till my stomach was empty, my throat stinging
00:22:34from the heartburn.
00:22:36His expression was serious.
00:22:38Brows furrowed, lips lightly parred, like he was solving a complicated math problem.
00:22:42I don't know what to do either.
00:22:44I know.
00:22:46Know what?
00:22:47I looked it up.
00:22:48It listed foods and methods to relieve morning sickness.
00:22:51Ginger tea, soda crackers, small frequent meals, wrist pressure points, lemon water,
00:22:56mints, bananas, toast.
00:22:57He pulled a crumpled list out of his pocket, folded twice, edges frayed.
00:23:01The handwriting was neat, like his signature.
00:23:04Every word was written properly.
00:23:06Not even a punctuation mark was sloppy.
00:23:10When did you look this up?
00:23:11Last night, after you fell asleep.
00:23:14I stared at him, stunned.
00:23:17This man who couldn't even be bothered to say goodnight to his wife, researching pregnancy
00:23:21recipes on his phone in the middle of the night.
00:23:24This man who slammed his fists on the boardroom table and struck fear into his rivals, squatting
00:23:29on the bathroom floor with a crumpled list.
00:23:31This billionaire, who never had to bow to anyone, staring at his phone late at night, copying
00:23:36down methods to relieve morning sickness word by word.
00:23:39That afternoon, he brought me a cup of ginger tea.
00:23:42It was strong.
00:23:44The ginger was cut into thin shreds, thinner than toothpicks.
00:23:47The knife work was too good for a first-time cook.
00:23:50The honey was just right.
00:23:51Not too sweet, not too plain, like it had been measured.
00:23:55His assistant didn't make it.
00:23:56He did.
00:23:57There was a layer of burnt residue on the bottom of the pot, black like a map.
00:24:01Ginger peels, honey wrappers, and a used knife were scattered on the stove.
00:24:05Thank you.
00:24:06He nodded, went back to the study, and closed the door.
00:24:09I held the ginger tea, sat on the sofa, and sipped it slowly.
00:24:13The spiciness of ginger and sweetness of honey mixed on my tongue.
00:24:17Warmth spread from my throat to my stomach.
00:24:19For the first time in a long while, I felt warmth in my body.
00:24:22My belly started to show.
00:24:24At first, just a small bump, like I'd swallow a small bowl.
00:24:28Then it looked like I was carrying a watermelon.
00:24:30Later, I couldn't see my toes when I walked, only my round belly.
00:24:33I went to the supermarket to buy groceries in a loose dress.
00:24:37Corn, tomatoes, eggs, into the shopping cart, pushing it along.
00:24:40A woman recognized me in the fresh produce section.
00:24:43This is black, you're pregnant.
00:24:43She wore a designer coat.
00:24:45Her dyed her hair a trendy pinkish brown,
00:24:46pushing a stroller with a matching designer bag charm hanging from it.
00:24:49She smiled warmly, but her eyes were sizing me up.
00:24:51From my hair to my belly to my shoes.
00:24:53I smiled and nodded.
00:24:54She glanced at my belly, then my face.
00:24:55Twins?
00:24:56Your belly is huge.
00:24:57I didn't explain.
00:24:57The entrance was piled high with delivery boxes when I got home.
00:25:00Big and small stacked together, like a small mountain.
00:25:02He was opening packages.
00:25:04A utility knife slicing through date neatly.
00:25:05Opening boxes one by one.
00:25:07Crib, strollers, baby bottles, diapers, baby monitors,
00:25:09pappers, bee bathtubs, thermonometers, wipe warmers.
00:25:12Two of everything.
00:25:12Foam packing peens scattered on the floor, white and crumbly,
00:25:15like a fresh snowfall.
00:25:16The air smelled of cardboard and plastic.
00:25:19When did you buy all this?
00:25:20Online.
00:25:20I don't know how to pick them.
00:25:21My assistant helped choose.
00:25:23We might not need them.
00:25:23We will.
00:25:24I'm going to be a father.
00:25:25He bent to pick up a box, his face appearing from behind it.
00:25:28It's not a contractual obligation.
00:25:30Then why?
00:25:30Because they're children, not tools.
00:25:33He carried the box into the nursery.
00:25:34I followed.
00:25:35He set the box on the floor, picked up a baby bottle,
00:25:37held it up to look at it, then put it back.
00:25:39I stood in the doorway watching his back.
00:25:41He squatted on the floor, stacking packs of diapers neatly into the cabinet.
00:25:44Movements clumsy but earnest.
00:25:45Sunlight streamed through the window, falling on him, turned his black hair light brown.
00:25:51In that moment, I thought maybe this man wasn't just an iceberg.
00:25:55Maybe beneath the ice, something was melting.
00:25:58That night, he didn't go back to the sofa.
00:26:00He leaned back in the chair by bed, closed his eyes.
00:26:03His breathing gradually became steady.
00:26:05His brows relaxed.
00:26:06His lips slightly parted.
00:26:07Moonlight fell on his face where long, casting all fan-shaped shadow under his eyes.
00:26:11I watched him for a long time.
00:26:13Then I closed my eyes too.
00:26:15Nick was gone, but the nightmares weren't.
00:26:17In my dream, he stood by my bed, holding a syringe, the needle glinting cold.
00:26:20His face flickered in the dark like a faulty light.
00:26:22He smiled, showing his teeth, blood on them.
00:26:24I tried to scream but couldn't make a sound.
00:26:25My mouth was open, but my throat was stuffed with cotton.
00:26:28I tried to move but couldn't.
00:26:29My arms and legs were nailed to the bed.
00:26:31He was coming closer.
00:26:32The syringe was coming closer.
00:26:34The needle was one decimeter from my arm.
00:26:37I screamed awake, covered in cold sweat.
00:26:39My pajamas were soaked, sticking to my back, icy cold.
00:26:43My heart was pounding like it would jump out of my chest.
00:26:45I was breathing fast like I just ran 800 meters.
00:26:47He was sitting by the bed, holding my hand.
00:26:49His hand was warm, large, dry, with thin calluses.
00:26:52From working out or holding a pen, I didn't know.
00:26:54I didn't know when he'd come, or how long he'd been sitting there.
00:26:56A glass of warm water was on the nightstand, still steaming,
00:27:00white mist curling up in the warm lamplight.
00:27:02Bad dream?
00:27:03Yeah.
00:27:04Nick isn't in New York anymore.
00:27:06I know.
00:27:07I won't let anyone hurt you.
00:27:08That sentence was soft, like stating a fact.
00:27:12But when he said anyone, my heart skipped a beat.
00:27:14Not fear.
00:27:15Something else.
00:27:16Like someone tapping on a frozen lake, water stirring beneath the ice.
00:27:20Why are you being nice to me?
00:27:22Because you're my wife.
00:27:24Contractual wife.
00:27:25On paper.
00:27:26But you're a person.
00:27:27He said you're a person in a flat tone,
00:27:29like saying today is Wednesday or the coffee is cold.
00:27:31But his fingers tightened slightly,
00:27:33his thumb brushing gently over the back of my hand.
00:27:35Moonlight streamed through the window onto the screen.
00:27:37Shadows of flowers and birds fell on the wall, like an ink painting.
00:27:42Plum flammer shadows swayed gently in the breeze,
00:27:45like real wind was blowing.
00:27:47Neither of us spoke.
00:27:48The day mom was discharged,
00:27:50I waited for her at the hospital entrance.
00:27:52The sun was warm, like a thin blanket covering me.
00:27:55The jinko trees at the door were turning yellow.
00:27:58Leaves shaking gently in the wind.
00:28:00A few falling down.
00:28:02Spinning.
00:28:02She wore a new sweater, bought by the nurse, sent by me.
00:28:06Light blue wool, with a circle of white patterns on the collar.
00:28:09She was in a wheelchair, pushed out by the caregiver.
00:28:11When she saw me, she smiled.
00:28:13The wrinkles on her face spreading like a flower blooming in the sun.
00:28:16She took my hand and looked at my belly.
00:28:18A mother's eyes were always sharper than anyone else's.
00:28:22Isabelle, you're pregnant?
00:28:23Yeah.
00:28:25I waited, but she didn't ask if the father was that good man.
00:28:29She just touched my belly and smiled.
00:28:32Grandma's finally going to be a grandma.
00:28:34Her palm was warm, pressed against my belly through my clothes.
00:28:38Something moved gently inside me.
00:28:40I couldn't tell if it was the baby or just my imagination.
00:28:43Sebastian didn't come to the hospital, but he sent a driver to pick us up.
00:28:47Mom got into the black Maybach, looked around, touched the leather seat,
00:28:51then pulled her hand back, like she was visiting a museum.
00:28:55Your husband is very rich.
00:28:57Yeah.
00:28:59Is he good to you?
00:29:02He's okay.
00:29:03She was quiet for a moment.
00:29:04The car drove out of the hospital gate,
00:29:07sunlight casting patches of light on the window.
00:29:10Okay isn't enough.
00:29:11Her face fleshered bright and dark in the light.
00:29:14I didn't answer.
00:29:16E drove over the Manhattan Bridge,
00:29:17the apartment in Brooklyn getting farther away.
00:29:20Seagulls flew over the river outside,
00:29:22white wings shining in the sun.
00:29:24Dot Mom looked out the window and suddenly said,
00:29:26Your father was rich too,
00:29:29but he wasn't good to you.
00:29:31I didn't know how to reply.
00:29:32She didn't say anything else either.
00:29:34The car stopped downstairs from the apartment.
00:29:37I helped her out.
00:29:38She stood steady, looked back at the building.
00:29:41It was tall,
00:29:42the top floor glass curtain wall reflecting the blue sky.
00:29:45Do you live on the top floor?
00:29:46Yeah.
00:29:47Is it cold?
00:29:48No.
00:29:49She nodded and walked slowly into the building.
00:29:52I followed behind,
00:29:54watching her thin back.
00:29:55Her hair was all white,
00:29:57like snow in the sun.
00:29:58I had to attend the Black Group Anniversary Gala.
00:30:01A designer came to take measurements,
00:30:03a Frenchman with a strong accent.
00:30:05He measured my best, waist, hips,
00:30:08shaking his head as he measured,
00:30:10muttering to himself.
00:30:11Finally,
00:30:12he delivered a dark blue velvet dress,
00:30:14high-waisted to cover my belly.
00:30:16The dress was light,
00:30:17sliding over my skin like water.
00:30:19The neckline was studded with tiny sequels
00:30:21that sparkled under the lights.
00:30:23A makeup artist did my hair,
00:30:25pulled back neatly,
00:30:26exposing my ears and neck.
00:30:27She put pearl earrings on me,
00:30:29two small ones,
00:30:30glowing softly under the light.
00:30:32The person in the mirror looked strange,
00:30:34not like a woman who'd signed her life away,
00:30:36but a real lady.
00:30:37He was waiting for me at the entrance of the banquet hall.
00:30:39He wore a new suit,
00:30:41dark gray,
00:30:41with a small white flower in his pocket.
00:30:46What's wrong?
00:30:47Nothing.
00:30:48His voice was calm,
00:30:50but I noticed the tip of his ear turning slightly red.
00:30:52His hand rested on my lower back,
00:30:54not too close,
00:30:55not too far,
00:30:56just right.
00:30:57Warmth came through the fabric of my dress,
00:30:59not cold,
00:31:00not hot,
00:31:01like a glass of warm water.
00:31:04People came to toast.
00:31:05He only drank sparkling water.
00:31:08She's pregnant.
00:31:09There was something natural about the way he said those three words.
00:31:12Mrs. Black,
00:31:13how did you two meet?
00:31:17Introduced by a friend.
00:31:19I looked down and sipped some juice.
00:31:21Introduced by a friend.
00:31:23Introduced by a contract.
00:31:24The human kept staring at me at me,
00:31:26her gaze unfriendly.
00:31:28She stood by the champagne tower in the corner,
00:31:30wearing a red dress,
00:31:32lipstick the same color.
00:31:33She looked at me like a knife,
00:31:35cutting me little by little from a veil.
00:31:36I later found out she was Nick's mother,
00:31:39my father's mistress.
00:31:40She didn't come over,
00:31:41didn't speak.
00:31:43But the way she looked at me reminded me of a word.
00:31:46Love me,
00:31:47hate my house.
00:31:48During the intermission,
00:31:49I went to the bathroom to touch my makeup.
00:31:52The bathroom was huge,
00:31:53bright lights.
00:31:54I had dark circles under my eyes,
00:31:56not from crying,
00:31:56but from smudged mascara.
00:31:57I wiped it off little by little with a cotton shrub
00:32:00and redid it.
00:32:00My hands shook a little,
00:32:01but right the lines were straight.
00:32:03I took three deep breaths in the mirror
00:32:05and walked out.
00:32:05He was standing in the corridor outside the bathroom,
00:32:08leaning against the wall,
00:32:10hands in his pockets.
00:32:11When he saw me come out,
00:32:13he stood straight,
00:32:14said nothing,
00:32:15just held out his hand.
00:32:17I looked at him
00:32:18and put my hand in his palm.
00:32:21The letter came tucked inside the newspaper.
00:32:23No postmark,
00:32:24no sender.
00:32:25My name was printed on the envelope.
00:32:28He didn't even dare to sign it.
00:32:30White envelope,
00:32:31plain A4 paper,
00:32:32folded three times.
00:32:34When I opened it,
00:32:35Sebastian was heating milk in the kitchen.
00:32:37I unfolded the letter,
00:32:38only a few lines,
00:32:40printed,
00:32:40default font.
00:32:42Dear sister-in-law,
00:32:43you think I'm gone?
00:32:44I'm not.
00:32:45I'm waiting for a better time.
00:32:47When your baby is born,
00:32:48when the media pays attention to the black family again,
00:32:51then I'll tell the whole world the truth.
00:32:53You signed a contract.
00:32:55You're carrying my child.
00:32:56Guess if Sebastian will still want you then?
00:33:00My fingers started shaking.
00:33:02The paper rustled in my hands.
00:33:04He walked toward me,
00:33:05holding a glass of milk.
00:33:06Upon seeing the contents of the letter in my hand,
00:33:09the cup he held froze in myth air.
00:33:11Is he back?
00:33:12He put the cup down,
00:33:14took the letter,
00:33:14and read it.
00:33:15His expression didn't change,
00:33:17but I saw his knuckles wide-eye
00:33:18as he held the letter.
00:33:19I'll protect you.
00:33:21You can't.
00:33:22He's everywhere.
00:33:23Then I'll take you somewhere he can't find you.
00:33:27Where?
00:33:28Switzerland.
00:33:29I have a house there.
00:33:30He turned around,
00:33:31picked up his phone,
00:33:32and dialed a number.
00:33:34Arrange a plane.
00:33:35Tomorrow.
00:33:36Yes, two people.
00:33:37No, three.
00:33:38He hang up and looked at me.
00:33:40Pack your things.
00:33:41Only the essentials.
00:33:43We'll buy the rest when we get there.
00:33:44My hands were still shaking as I packed.
00:33:47I folded my clothes neatly into the suitcase,
00:33:49one by one,
00:33:50as if forcing myself to do something thoughtless.
00:33:53He stood in the doorway,
00:33:55watching me pack.
00:33:56You don't need to bring that much.
00:33:59I'm used to being prepared.
00:34:02I'll prepare everything when we get there.
00:34:05I stopped and looked up at him.
00:34:08Why are you helping me?
00:34:10You're my wife.
00:34:12There it was again.
00:34:13Contractual wife,
00:34:14on paper wife.
00:34:16But the way he said it was different from before.
00:34:18Before it was like reading a document.
00:34:21Now, it was like saying something important.
00:34:24The villa by Lake Geneva was quiet.
00:34:26No reporters.
00:34:26No paparazzi.
00:34:27No Nick.
00:34:28Only snow.
00:34:29Only the lake.
00:34:30Only us.
00:34:30The villa was wooden.
00:34:32Hidden on the mount side.
00:34:33Surrounded pine trees.
00:34:34From the trondo you could saw the entire Lake Geneva.
00:34:36The lake was frozen,
00:34:37reflecting the gray sky,
00:34:38like a huge mirror.
00:34:39Snow was thick on the roof and grass,
00:34:41sinking up to the ankles when you stepped on it.
00:34:43The air was cold but clean.
00:34:44Every breath was like drinking ice water.
00:34:46He walked with me every day,
00:34:47along the lake, slowly.
00:34:49His hands were in his pockets,
00:34:50not holding me,
00:34:51but he stopped to wait for me.
00:34:53When the wind was strong,
00:34:54he stood sideways to block it.
00:34:56His ears read from the cold.
00:34:58The snow was slippery.
00:34:59I wore non-slip boots but still slipped a few times.
00:35:02Every time I tilted,
00:35:03his hand came out of his pocket to hold my arm,
00:35:05then quickly pulled back.
00:35:06Aren't you going to work?
00:35:07The company has a CEO.
00:35:08Aren't you worried about Nick?
00:35:09He's in New York, not Switzerland.
00:35:11Are you afraid of him?
00:35:12No, but I'm worried about you.
00:35:13He didn't look at me when he said worried about you,
00:35:15like he was talking to himself.
00:35:16His gaze fell on the distant lake,
00:35:18where a few people were skating,
00:35:19red coats standing out on the white ice.
00:35:21One day we walked far,
00:35:22to a small wooden bridge.
00:35:23The bridge was old,
00:35:24the planks blackened.
00:35:25The lake under it was frozen,
00:35:27thick ice,
00:35:27with bubbles visible below.
00:35:28White, round,
00:35:29frozen in the ice,
00:35:30like strings of pearls.
00:35:31He suddenly stopped.
00:35:33I came here when I was little.
00:35:34With your parents?
00:35:35With my mother.
00:35:35She loved Switzerland,
00:35:36said it was quiet,
00:35:37no one would bother us.
00:35:38What happened later?
00:35:39Later she died, cancer.
00:35:40She came to my mother's funeral,
00:35:41clad entirely in red.
00:35:42She is my current stepmother.
00:35:43His voice voice was of that calm,
00:35:44but I went and it was hidden under ice,
00:35:46you couldn't see it,
00:35:46but it was always flowing.
00:35:47The wind blew,
00:35:48snow falling from the pine trees,
00:35:50onto his shoulder.
00:35:51I wanted to say something,
00:35:53but nothing came out.
00:35:54I just reached out,
00:35:55and brushed the snow off his shoulder.
00:35:57He looked at me,
00:35:58said nothing,
00:35:59but didn't pull away.
00:36:00My feet swelled.
00:36:02I couldn't fit into any shoes,
00:36:04only wore slippers in the snow.
00:36:05My ankle is severely swollen,
00:36:07the skin stretched tight and shiny.
00:36:09When pressed,
00:36:09it turns slightly red,
00:36:10and it takes ages for the redness to fade.
00:36:12He bought a pair of soft-soled shoes,
00:36:15two sizes too big,
00:36:16plush lining,
00:36:17light brown,
00:36:18with a circle of white fur around the top,
00:36:21like Santa's boots.
00:36:22I froze when he took out the shoes.
00:36:24Where did you buy them?
00:36:26Online.
00:36:27You picked them yourself?
00:36:29Yeah.
00:36:29He placed the shoes on the ground,
00:36:31squatted down,
00:36:32and helped me put them on.
00:36:33His fingers were long and cold.
00:36:36I flinched when they touched my ankle.
00:36:41Cold.
00:36:42He pulled his hand back,
00:36:44rubbed it,
00:36:45then reached out again.
00:36:46Still cold,
00:36:47but not as cold.
00:36:48He held my ankle,
00:36:50slipped the shoe on,
00:36:51tied the laces,
00:36:52slowly,
00:36:53carefully,
00:36:54like my feet were made of porcelain.
00:36:56You don't have to do this.
00:36:57I said I'd protect you.
00:36:59You're protecting the baby.
00:37:00The baby is in your belly.
00:37:02How can I protect the baby without protecting you?
00:37:04I walked far in those shoes.
00:37:06Snow was still falling,
00:37:07on his hair,
00:37:08his shoulders.
00:37:09Small,
00:37:10fine snowflakes,
00:37:11like salt.
00:37:12His black hair turned grayish white.
00:37:14He didn't look like a billionaire,
00:37:16just an ordinary man walking with his pregnant wife.
00:37:19When we got back to the villa that day,
00:37:21he made melt wine.
00:37:22The smell of cinnamon and oranges filled the living room,
00:37:25warm,
00:37:25like wrapped in a blanket.
00:37:27The fireplace crackled,
00:37:28logs burning red,
00:37:30occasionally spitting sparks.
00:37:31I sat in front of the fireplace.
00:37:33He sat opposite.
00:37:34The firelight softened his sharp features.
00:37:36There was firelight reflected in his eyes,
00:37:39like two small pieces of charcoal.
00:37:41Ultrasound at the Swiss doctors.
00:37:43The clinic was small,
00:37:44on the second floor of an old building,
00:37:45window facing the lake.
00:37:47The doctor was an old man with white hair,
00:37:49gold-rimmed glasses,
00:37:50English with a German accent.
00:37:52He put the probe on my belly.
00:37:54Two small shadows appeared on the screen.
00:37:56The two shadows wiggled.
00:37:57One curled up,
00:37:58like a baby curled in its sleep.
00:37:59The other stretched its legs,
00:38:01like doing yoga.
00:38:02Their tiny fingers moved,
00:38:03five thin digits like starfish tentacles.
00:38:06Girls,
00:38:06both of them.
00:38:07He didn't speak,
00:38:08but his hand reached over,
00:38:10covering my belly through my clothes.
00:38:12Hi,
00:38:13I'm daddy.
00:38:13His voice was soft,
00:38:15like talking to a scared kitten.
00:38:16Hi.
00:38:17So soft,
00:38:17I almost missed it.
00:38:18Something fluttered inside me.
00:38:20Not the baby,
00:38:21but butterflies.
00:38:22Maybe they heard.
00:38:23The doctor stepped out.
00:38:24We were alone,
00:38:25except for the hum of the ultrasound machine.
00:38:27He knelt down and pressed his ear to my belly,
00:38:30listening for a secret.
00:38:31His hair rubbed against my clothes.
00:38:33A few white strands stood out in his black hair.
00:38:35They're calling you.
00:38:37Calling what?
00:38:38I don't know,
00:38:38but they're moving.
00:38:39He smiled.
00:38:40Not just a twitch of the mouth,
00:38:42a real smile.
00:38:43His eyes curved like crescent moons.
00:38:46Fine lines appeared at the corners.
00:38:48Cracks in the ice,
00:38:49but cracks didn't always mean broken.
00:38:51I looked at his smile,
00:38:52and suddenly my nose tingle.
00:38:55Not from sadness.
00:38:57From happiness.
00:39:00Nick found Switzerland with a fake passport.
00:39:03He stayed at a small hotel in town.
00:39:05The town only had one main street,
00:39:06with a bakery,
00:39:07post office,
00:39:08grocery store,
00:39:09and a red mailbox.
00:39:10The hotel was in a graystone building.
00:39:12The second floor window faced the street.
00:39:14Curtains tightly closed.
00:39:16He sent a text.
00:39:17I'm here.
00:39:18Surprise?
00:39:20I was peeling orange on the living room sofa.
00:39:23My phone lit up.
00:39:25I looked down,
00:39:26and the orange fell from my hand.
00:39:27I showed him the phone.
00:39:29He glanced at it,
00:39:29his face unchanged,
00:39:31but his hand was steady as he picked up his phone.
00:39:33He dialed a number.
00:39:35Hello?
00:39:36I need to report a crime.
00:39:38Someone entered the country illegally.
00:39:39His voice was calm,
00:39:41like making a restaurant reservation.
00:39:43He hung up and looked at me.
00:39:47It's okay.
00:39:49What will he do?
00:39:51The police will find him.
00:39:53Deport him.
00:39:54The Swiss police arrived at the hotel 20 minutes later.
00:39:57I stood at the entrance of the bakery across from the hotel and,
00:40:00through the glass window,
00:40:02caught sight of Nick's face.
00:40:03He smiled when he saw me.
00:40:05That smile was eerie,
00:40:06not one of anger,
00:40:07nor of triumph,
00:40:08but of relief.
00:40:09They seized him.
00:40:10He offered no resistance.
00:40:12He merely glanced back at me,
00:40:13then looked toward Sebastian.
00:40:15His lips moved.
00:40:16He said,
00:40:17Sorry.
00:40:18I didn't know who he was saying it to.
00:40:19He was taken away.
00:40:21The baker poked his head out to see the excitement,
00:40:24then went back to kneading dough.
00:40:28Everything went back to quiet,
00:40:30like nothing had happened.
00:40:32On the plane back to New York,
00:40:34Sebastian leaned back and closed his eyes.
00:40:37The cabin lights were dimmed.
00:40:39Only the reading light was on,
00:40:40casting a small glow on his face.
00:40:43His eyelashes were long.
00:40:44He didn't look like an iceberg when he slept.
00:40:46Just an ordinary person who got tired and had nightmares.
00:40:50He woke up when the plane landed and saw me looking at him.
00:40:53Did I fall asleep?
00:40:54Yeah.
00:40:55You were watching me the whole time?
00:40:57No.
00:40:58Yes.
00:40:59The corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
00:41:01New York unflowly in the night outside.
00:41:03Thousands of lights,
00:41:04like an upside-down starry sky.
00:41:06The nursery was ready.
00:41:07Two cribs stood side by side by the window.
00:41:09White railers,
00:41:10pink sheets,
00:41:10soft mattresses on the beds,
00:41:12slowly bouncing back when pressed.
00:41:13A comfort doll on each bed,
00:41:15a rabbit,
00:41:15a bear,
00:41:16both light pink,
00:41:16fluffy.
00:41:17Cartoon wallpaper on the walls,
00:41:18clam running on the grass,
00:41:19rabbits,
00:41:20squirrels,
00:41:20a hedge wearing a scarf.
00:41:21The wallpaper was matte,
00:41:23with a slight grainy feel.
00:41:26How did you know I like pink?
00:41:27I didn't,
00:41:28but girls probably like it.
00:41:29You should have asked me.
00:41:31You didn't ask.
00:41:32I'm asking you now.
00:41:33I like light purple.
00:41:34I'll change it next time.
00:41:38And he really did change it later.
00:41:40Not the wallpaper,
00:41:41but a set of light purple sheets and curtains,
00:41:44with a string of handmade lavender dried flowers hanging above the cribs.
00:41:48The dried flowers were light purple,
00:41:50strung with hemp rope,
00:41:51hanging on the white railings,
00:41:53swaying gently in the wind.
00:41:55I didn't know where he found them,
00:41:56maybe ordered from Pavan's.
00:41:58He wouldn't say.
00:41:59I wouldn't ask.
00:42:00That afternoon,
00:42:01I sat on the nursery floor,
00:42:02hanging the dried flowers one by one.
00:42:04He stood next to me,
00:42:06passing the rope.
00:42:08Sebastian?
00:42:09Yeah?
00:42:09Did you have a nursery when you were little?
00:42:11Yeah.
00:42:12What color?
00:42:13No.
00:42:14What color do you like?
00:42:15I don't know.
00:42:16Never thought about it.
00:42:17I looked at his side face.
00:42:18He was looking down,
00:42:19holding a string of dried flowers,
00:42:21serious as if signing a contract.
00:42:23Sunlight streamed through the window,
00:42:25falling on him,
00:42:25stretching his shadow long on the floor.
00:42:27You can think about it now.
00:42:28Light purple?
00:42:31Mom called.
00:42:32I was cooking conge in the kitchen,
00:42:34the rice bubbling,
00:42:35white soup forming circles around the pot.
00:42:38My phone was cashened between my ear and shoulder.
00:42:40I stirred the conge with one hand,
00:42:43held a spoon with the other.
00:42:44Isabel,
00:42:45I found a letter under the bed board in your old room.
00:42:48What letter?
00:42:49From your father.
00:42:51The conge boiled over,
00:42:53soup spilling onto the stove,
00:42:54hissing white smoke.
00:42:56I turned off the stove and put down the spoon.
00:42:59Did you read it?
00:43:00I did.
00:43:02He said he's sorry.
00:43:04Not sorry for going bankrupt.
00:43:07Sorry for not being there to watch you grow up.
00:43:09He said he hoped you'd have a better life than him,
00:43:11not to bet your life like he did.
00:43:13I stood in the kitchen,
00:43:15the smoke still rising from the stove,
00:43:16the smell of rice filling the air.
00:43:18Manhattan skyline sparked in the sun outside the window.
00:43:21I burned you, don't mind, do you?
00:43:23Good.
00:43:23She hung up.
00:43:25The conge was cold.
00:43:27The soup had kneedled on the stove into a white film.
00:43:30He walked in,
00:43:31saw me standing still,
00:43:32frowned.
00:43:33What's wrong?
00:43:34Mom found a letter.
00:43:36From dad.
00:43:37What did it say?
00:43:39He said he's sorry.
00:43:41He didn't speak.
00:43:41Walked to the stove,
00:43:43picked up a rag,
00:43:44wiped the spilled conge.
00:43:45Skilled movements.
00:43:46Not like he'd never done this before.
00:43:48You're not.
00:43:48I looked at him.
00:43:49He turned on the faucet,
00:43:51washed the rag,
00:43:52ringed it dry,
00:43:52folded it,
00:43:53put it by the sink.
00:43:54Then he turned to look at me.
00:43:55He didn't lose at the gambling table.
00:43:57He lost you.
00:43:58I don't know why,
00:43:59but when I heard that,
00:44:00tears fell.
00:44:01Not crying.
00:44:02Tears just fell one by one down my cheeks.
00:44:04He didn't speak,
00:44:05just stood there looking at me.
00:44:07No tissue,
00:44:07no hug,
00:44:08no don't cry.
00:44:09He just stood there and watched me cry.
00:44:11When I finished,
00:44:12he poured a glass of hot water
00:44:13and handed it to me.
00:44:15Drink.
00:44:19I took the cup and drank.
00:44:21The water was perfect temperature.
00:44:23Two babies moved inside me,
00:44:25like two little fish swimming around.
00:44:27Sometimes a kick on the left,
00:44:28a kick on the right,
00:44:29like fighting.
00:44:30Sometimes it moved at the same time,
00:44:32like having a party.
00:44:33My belly swelled and fell,
00:44:34like waves rolling.
00:44:35I put my hand on my bell,
00:44:36like telling me,
00:44:37we're here,
00:44:38we're okay.
00:44:39Sebastian came home late
00:44:40from a meeting one day.
00:44:41It was almost 11 when the door opened.
00:44:43He changed shoes at the entrance.
00:44:44I turned over when I heard him.
00:44:46The babies were still kicking,
00:44:47keeping me awake.
00:44:48He walked into the bedroom,
00:44:49saw me lying on my side,
00:44:51hand on my belly,
00:44:52frowning.
00:44:52still awake?
00:44:54They won't let me sleep.
00:45:00Stop kicking.
00:45:02Mommy needs to sleep.
00:45:03His voice was low,
00:45:05soft,
00:45:05like talking to two little babies.
00:45:07It got quiet inside me.
00:45:09Not right away,
00:45:10slowly.
00:45:11Like someone turning off a radio,
00:45:14turning the knob slowly,
00:45:16music fading away.
00:45:18I looked at him.
00:45:19They listen to you.
00:45:21They're scared of me.
00:45:23Why?
00:45:25Because I don't smile.
00:45:29You look good when you smile.
00:45:31He lowered his head,
00:45:32like thinking if I was serious.
00:45:34He didn't say anything later,
00:45:36walked behind the screen,
00:45:37turned off the light to sleep.
00:45:38I heard him turning over behind the screen,
00:45:41then quiet.
00:45:42Sebastian?
00:45:44Yeah?
00:45:45Good night.
00:45:48Good night.
00:45:49Nick was put on trial and sentenced to five years.
00:45:52He didn't appeal.
00:45:54Only a dozen seconds of footage aired on the news.
00:45:57Wearing an orange prison uniform,
00:45:58with short hair and a gone face,
00:46:01he was led into court by bailiffs,
00:46:03head hung low.
00:46:04Sebastian decided to go to see him once.
00:46:07He put on a dark gray sweater instead of his suit.
00:46:10He hesitated for a moment and hit the entrance,
00:46:13then picked up his keys and left.
00:46:20When he came back,
00:46:21he didn't say a word.
00:46:23How is he?
00:46:24He's okay.
00:46:26Do you hate him?
00:46:28No.
00:46:30Why?
00:46:31Because he made me realize
00:46:32family is more important than money.
00:46:34I broke the silence and asked him about Nick,
00:46:36and whether he still held hatred in his heart.
00:46:38To my surprise,
00:46:39he let it all go.
00:46:40This whole incident made him see the truth.
00:46:43Family means far more than wealth.
00:46:44He walked into the study and closed the door.
00:46:47I could hear him talking on the phone
00:46:48in a low voice inside.
00:46:49He went to bed early that night,
00:46:51curled up on the sofa like a cat.
00:46:53I covered him with a light purple fluffy blanket gently.
00:46:56He moved a little but didn't wake up.
00:46:58Moonlight fell on his face.
00:47:00His brows were relaxed and his lips slightly parted,
00:47:03as if he was talking in his sleep.
00:47:05I leaned close to listen,
00:47:06but heard nothing.
00:47:07An urge came over me to kiss his forehead.
00:47:10But I didn't.
00:47:11I was his contract bride,
00:47:13not his real wife.
00:47:14I pulled the blanket up over his shoulders,
00:47:16then walked back to my bed and turned off the light.
00:47:19Contractions started right after we got back from the supermarket.
00:47:22Bags held strawberries and yogurt.
00:47:23He carried them.
00:47:24I walked in front.
00:47:25The smell of strawberries came out of the bag,
00:47:27sour and tweet.
00:47:28The sun was bright,
00:47:29warm on my body.
00:47:29Suddenly my lower admi tightened,
00:47:31like someone twisting it inside.
00:47:33I stopped,
00:47:33held onto the wall.
00:47:34He dropped the bags and ran over.
00:47:36Bags fell on the ground,
00:47:37strawberries rolling everywhere.
00:47:38Red and white scattered on the gray ground like blood.
00:47:40What's wrong?
00:47:41Probably false contractions.
00:47:42What do you mean probably?
00:47:43It means maybe.
00:47:44He helped me sit down,
00:47:46then called the doctor.
00:47:47I heard him talking to the doctor in the hallway,
00:47:49urgent,
00:47:49fast,
00:47:50like negotiating.
00:47:51Later the doctor said it was normal,
00:47:52not premature,
00:47:53but to rest.
00:47:54He took a long leave.
00:47:55His study was moved next to the bedroom.
00:47:56Door open.
00:47:57The blue light from his computer screen shone on his face.
00:48:00He frowned,
00:48:01looking fierce.
00:48:01His phone rang.
00:48:02He answered in a cold tone,
00:48:04like talking to an enemy.
00:48:05He turned around when he hung up.
00:48:06Tone changed.
00:48:07Any discomfort?
00:48:08None.
00:48:09Just hungry.
00:48:10What do you want to eat?
00:48:12Tomato and egg noodles.
00:48:13He put down his computer and went to the kitchen.
00:48:15Sounds of chopping,
00:48:16water,
00:48:17spatula,
00:48:18the smell of tomatoes,
00:48:19eggs,
00:48:20and burnt oil filled the kitchen.
00:48:21He came out with a bowl of noodles,
00:48:23sweating.
00:48:23His wet bangs stuck to his forehead.
00:48:25Black stains were still on the spatula.
00:48:26Tomato sauce on his fingers.
00:48:28I took a bite.
00:48:29Is it salty?
00:48:30A little.
00:48:30I'll use less salt next time.
00:48:32When is next time?
00:48:33Tomorrow.
00:48:34I dreamed about mom,
00:48:35that she stood in white light,
00:48:37wearing a white dress,
00:48:38hair loose.
00:48:39She smiled at me,
00:48:40gently,
00:48:40like when she rocked me to sleep as a kid.
00:48:42Isabel,
00:48:43you're going to be a mom.
00:48:45Mom,
00:48:45I'm scared.
00:48:46Scared of what?
00:48:49Scared I won't be good at it?
00:48:50You will,
00:48:51because you're my daughter.
00:48:53I dreamed about mom.
00:48:54I woke up with a wet pillow.
00:48:56He was sitting by the bed,
00:48:57holding my hand.
00:48:58The desk lamp was on,
00:49:00warm light,
00:49:01casting his shadow on the wall.
00:49:03Bad dream?
00:49:04No.
00:49:05I dreamed about mom.
00:49:06What did she say?
00:49:08His thumb brushed the back of my hand.
00:49:10His hand was warm,
00:49:11thin calluses on his palm,
00:49:12rubbing my hand.
00:49:13A little rough,
00:49:14but reassuring.
00:49:15She's right.
00:49:15I looked at him.
00:49:16There were red lines in his eyes,
00:49:17from not sleeping or maybe crying.
00:49:19He wouldn't tell me.
00:49:20I wouldn't ask.
00:49:21The sky was just lightning outside.
00:49:22Manhattan's skyline was a gray-blue line
00:49:24in the morning light.
00:49:25The tip of the Empire State Bound
00:49:26was lit like a candle.
00:49:27Sebastian?
00:49:28Yeah?
00:49:29Have you ever dreamed about your mom?
00:49:30A long silence.
00:49:33Yes.
00:49:34What did she say?
00:49:36She said,
00:49:37you deserve to be happy.
00:49:38Naming our daughters.
00:49:39He showed me his phone.
00:49:40A long list of names.
00:49:42English, French, Italian.
00:49:43From A to Z,
00:49:44every letter.
00:49:44Each name had meaning and origin marked,
00:49:46like a research report.
00:49:47How do we choose?
00:49:49You decide.
00:49:50Why not you?
00:49:51I'm afraid I'll pick the wrong one.
00:49:53I froze.
00:49:54A man in charge of a billion-dollar empire,
00:49:57afraid of picking the wrong name for his daughters.
00:50:00I scrolled through.
00:50:01My finger slid across the screen.
00:50:03A, B, E, C.
00:50:05Stopped at one name.
00:50:06Isabella, for the older one.
00:50:09The younger one?
00:50:10Sophia.
00:50:11He typed the two names,
00:50:13stared at them for a long time.
00:50:14His finger stayed on the screen for a long time.
00:50:17Then he nodded.
00:50:18I woke up to drink water that night,
00:50:19heard his voice from the nursery,
00:50:21soft, like talking to someone.
00:50:23I quietly walked to the door,
00:50:24didn't push it open.
00:50:25Through the crack,
00:50:26I saw him standing by the critted,
00:50:27holding his phone,
00:50:28screen light on his face.
00:50:29Isabella, Sophia.
00:50:31Isabella, Sophia.
00:50:33Over and over,
00:50:34like practicing,
00:50:36like confirming,
00:50:37like carving the names into his bones.
00:50:39I woke up from a nap that afternoon
00:50:41and saw him carving on the crib head fold
00:50:42with a small knife,
00:50:44stroke by stroke,
00:50:45serious.
00:50:46Wood chips fell on his fingers,
00:50:47white, fine.
00:50:48He frowned,
00:50:49lips pressed tight,
00:50:50like doing something very important.
00:50:52I walked over to look.
00:50:53Isabella, Sophia.
00:50:54Neat handwriting,
00:50:55like his signature.
00:50:56Even strength,
00:50:57even spacing,
00:50:57like printed.
00:50:58How do you carve so neatly?
00:51:00I practiced.
00:51:02Where did you practice?
00:51:04He didn't answer.
00:51:06Later,
00:51:06I found a piece of mud
00:51:07in his studio drawer,
00:51:08covered with Isabella and Sophia,
00:51:10some crooked,
00:51:11some uneven.
00:51:12The last line was exactly the same
00:51:13as on the crib.
00:51:14He practiced many times on the wood
00:51:16before daring to puff on the real crib.
00:51:18My water broke.
00:51:193 a.m.
00:51:20I was asleep when I suddenly felt wetness beneath me.
00:51:23I woke up,
00:51:24lifted the kilt.
00:51:25Sebastian.
00:51:26Rustling sounds came from behind the screen.
00:51:28He ran over barefoot.
00:51:30What's wrong?
00:51:34My water broke.
00:51:35His face turned white instantly.
00:51:37He picked me up and ran to the garage.
00:51:40In the elevator,
00:51:42he kept looking at my face,
00:51:43lips trembling.
00:51:44I wanted to say it was okay,
00:51:46but contractions hit,
00:51:48too painful to speak.
00:51:49He drove himself.
00:51:51The streets were empty
00:51:52in the early morning.
00:51:54Streetlights were cloistered one by one.
00:51:56He held my hand the whole way,
00:51:59fingers intertwined,
00:52:00tight.
00:52:01He ran a few red lights.
00:52:02I didn't know.
00:52:07Nurses stopped him at the hospital.
00:52:09Family waits outside.
00:52:11I'm her husband.
00:52:12Please wait outside.
00:52:14He drove himself.
00:52:16Lights flashed overhead,
00:52:18upside down stars,
00:52:19upside down meteor shower.
00:52:20He yelled something behind me.
00:52:22I didn't catch it.
00:52:23The corridor was long.
00:52:24The Garni was fast.
00:52:26Wind blew past my ears,
00:52:27cold.
00:52:28I looked back.
00:52:29He stood at the end of the corridor
00:52:30behind the automatic door closing slowly.
00:52:32His figure got smaller and smaller,
00:52:34blurred,
00:52:34finally blocked by the door.
00:52:35I was in labor for 10 hours,
00:52:37maybe 12.
00:52:38Contractions came in waves,
00:52:40like ocean tides.
00:52:41Each contraction felt like someone twisting a towel in my stomach.
00:52:43Twist,
00:52:44release,
00:52:44twist again.
00:52:45I bit my lip.
00:52:46It broke,
00:52:46blood in my mouth.
00:52:47The nurse told me to breathe deeply.
00:52:49Inhale,
00:52:49exhale,
00:52:49inhale,
00:52:50exhale.
00:52:50I followed,
00:52:51but every breath felt like swallowing a blade.
00:52:53He stood outside the whole time,
00:52:54never left.
00:52:55Later,
00:52:55the nurse told me he moved a chair to the delivery room door
00:52:58and sat there,
00:52:59motionless.
00:53:00Nurses asked if he needed water.
00:53:02He shook his head.
00:53:03Asked if he needed to call someone.
00:53:04He shook his head.
00:53:05He just sat there,
00:53:06like a statue.
00:53:07One nurse said his lips were always white,
00:53:10face always gray.
00:53:11He stared at the delivery room door,
00:53:13not blinking,
00:53:14like waiting for news that would never come.
00:53:16The babies cried loud when they were born.
00:53:18Two,
00:53:19one after another.
00:53:21Isabella cried first,
00:53:22like a kitten,
00:53:23thin,
00:53:23sharp.
00:53:24Sophia followed,
00:53:25louder,
00:53:26more forceful,
00:53:27like protesting being woken up.
00:53:28Nurses brought them out.
00:53:29His hands shook as he took the first one.
00:53:32His whole hand shook,
00:53:33from fingertips to wrist,
00:53:35like a branch in cold wind.
00:53:37The other was held by another nurse.
00:53:39Twin baby girls,
00:53:40mom and babies are safe.
00:53:43His eyes turned red.
00:53:44I was wheeled out.
00:53:46He stood in the corridor.
00:53:47Red eyes,
00:53:48red nose,
00:53:49holding one daughter,
00:53:50the other in the stroller.
00:53:52Isabella was wrapped in light blue,
00:53:54eyes closed,
00:53:55mouth opening and closing.
00:53:56Sophia had her eyes open,
00:53:58black eyes moving around,
00:54:00looking at a strange world.
00:54:01Ella,
00:54:02you did so good.
00:54:04He called my name,
00:54:06not Isabelle.
00:54:07Ella.
00:54:08I froze,
00:54:09realizing it was my real name.
00:54:11The name I picked for myself.
00:54:13Isabelle was fake.
00:54:14Ella was real.
00:54:16But no one ever cared.
00:54:17How did he know?
00:54:19How did you know?
00:54:21Your assistant told me.
00:54:22Who do they look like?
00:54:24They look like you.
00:54:26Why are you crying?
00:54:28I'm not crying.
00:54:29He looked into my eyes,
00:54:30dark gray,
00:54:31no longer cold.
00:54:33There was light.
00:54:34His hand was still cold,
00:54:35but it didn't matter when I held it.
00:54:37Yeah.
00:54:38Sebastian,
00:54:39I love you.
00:54:45They'll get used to it.
00:54:46Yes.
00:54:48It was the first time he'd said yes,
00:54:50instead of maybe or perhaps.
00:54:51He said it with such certainty,
00:54:54like making a promise.
00:54:55We drove over the Manhattan Bridge.
00:54:57Seagulls flew over the river below.
00:54:59Their white wings shone in the sun,
00:55:01circling above the water,
00:55:03then diving down to catch a fish.
00:55:05Isabelle smiled in her sleep,
00:55:07probably dreaming of something nice.
00:55:09Ma was waiting for us at home.
00:55:10She stood up from her wayshare,
00:55:12tell the miniswad,
00:55:13and leaned on tuptoes to look into the car.
00:55:15Her hair was all white fluttering in the wind.
00:55:18Gensing's narrow,
00:55:19twitron slightly oakened,
00:55:20like she'd been waiting for something for a long time.
00:55:23Sebastian parked the car,
00:55:24opened the back door,
00:55:26and carefully unbuckled the safety seatbelt.
00:55:28He picked up Isabella,
00:55:30so gently,
00:55:30like holding a piece of porcelain dot.
00:55:33The baby was so tiny in his arms,
00:55:35like a little bird.
00:55:36Mom held out her hands.
00:55:37He hesitated for a moment,
00:55:39then handed her the baby.
00:55:40Mom held Isabella,
00:55:41looked at her wrinkled little face,
00:55:43and smiled.
00:55:45She looks like you.
00:55:46Like who?
00:55:47Like Isabella when she was little.
00:55:49Sebastian turned to look at me.
00:55:51Sunshine fell on the three of them.
00:55:53Didn't say a word.
00:55:55Suddenly,
00:55:55I realized this was what I'd always wanted.
00:55:58Not money.
00:55:59Not a contract.
00:56:00Not five million dollars.
00:56:01This.
00:56:02He wrote me a letter from prison.
00:56:05Handwritten.
00:56:06Messy handwriting.
00:56:07Some ink smudged like tears had fallen on it.
00:56:10The paper was prison issue.
00:56:12Gray.
00:56:13Rough.
00:56:13Worn at the edges.
00:56:14The envelope was stamped with the prison postmark.
00:56:17Dated last week.
00:56:18I read the letter twice.
00:56:19First time fast,
00:56:20like finishing a task.
00:56:21Second time slow,
00:56:22word by word.
00:56:23Then I put it in the drawer.
00:56:24No reply needed.
00:56:25He owed me more than an apology.
00:56:27He owed me five years of nightmares.
00:56:29But he was right.
00:56:30I wasn't a tool.
00:56:31He walked into the bedroom
00:56:32and saw me sitting by the bed,
00:56:33lost in thought.
00:56:35Nick's letter.
00:56:36Do you want to reply?
00:56:38No.
00:56:39Why?
00:56:40Because he already knows he was wrong.
00:56:42That's enough.
00:56:45Do you still have nightmares?
00:56:46Less.
00:56:47If you do,
00:56:49wake me up.
00:56:49You sleep so deeply,
00:56:51I can't wake you.
00:56:53If you call,
00:56:54I'll wake up.
00:56:55I looked into his eyes.
00:56:57Dark gray,
00:56:58no longer cold.
00:57:00There was light.
00:57:02Okay.
00:57:03Isabella and Sophia were three months old.
00:57:06They could smile.
00:57:07Isabella smiled with her mouth wide open,
00:57:10showing her pink gums.
00:57:12Sophia smiled with her eyes curved,
00:57:14exactly like Sebastian when he smiled.
00:57:16They could grab things.
00:57:18Isabella liked to pull my hair
00:57:19and wouldn't let go,
00:57:20making me wince.
00:57:21Sophia liked to grab Sebastian's tie,
00:57:23put it in her mouth,
00:57:24covering it with drool.
00:57:25They fought over the same rat.
00:57:31Sebastian got up at five every morning,
00:57:34fed them,
00:57:35changed diapers,
00:57:36put them to sleep,
00:57:37then went to work,
00:57:39often with milk stains
00:57:40and drool prints on his suit.
00:57:42No one dared to remind him.
00:57:44No one needed to.
00:57:46When he brought the girls to the office,
00:57:48everyone whispered,
00:57:49the boss has changed.
00:57:51Had he changed?
00:57:52I didn't know.
00:57:53But the way he looked at me had changed.
00:57:56Before,
00:57:57he looked at me through the cracks of the contract.
00:57:59Now,
00:58:00he'd put the contract away.
00:58:05Isabella,
00:58:06no.
00:58:07Yeah?
00:58:07Ella,
00:58:08the contract still has one year and ten months left.
00:58:11I know.
00:58:13I want to change it.
00:58:14Change what?
00:58:16To forever.
00:58:18For a second,
00:58:19I thought I'd misheard,
00:58:20but he looked me in the eye,
00:58:21didn't repeat,
00:58:22didn't explain.
00:58:23He just waited for my answer.
00:58:24The study light was dim,
00:58:26only the desk lamp on,
00:58:27wrapping him in glow,
00:58:28half his face bright,
00:58:29half in shadow,
00:58:30serious as signing a billion dollar contract.
00:58:33Why?
00:58:33Because I want to see you every morning
00:58:35when I walk downstairs.
00:58:36I want to watch Isabella and Sophia grow up.
00:58:38I want to sit in the front row with you
00:58:40at their wedding.
00:58:41Did the contract say any of that?
00:58:43No.
00:58:44Then how can you promise you'll do it?
00:58:46He stood up,
00:58:47walked around the desk to me.
00:58:50With this?
00:58:51He took my hand and pressed it to his heart.
00:58:53Through his shirt skin,
00:58:55I felt his heartbeat.
00:58:56Hotter than I imagined,
00:58:58stronger than I imagined.
00:59:00Thump,
00:59:00thump,
00:59:00like a drum.
00:59:01Sebastian,
00:59:01are you proposing to me?
00:59:02Yes.
00:59:04No ring,
00:59:04no flowers,
00:59:05no kneeling,
00:59:05what kind of proposal is this?
00:59:07The kind where I'm bad at this.
00:59:08No scene left.
00:59:09In Switzerland,
00:59:09the snow by the fireplace.
00:59:11But he still froze every time I laughed,
00:59:12like a child seeing flowers bloom for the first time.
00:59:14Okay then.
00:59:16Okay what?
00:59:17Okay.
00:59:18I accept.
00:59:20Forever.
00:59:20He just took a calendar the next day,
00:59:22crossed out the contract expiration date,
00:59:24and wrote forever.
00:59:26A small dot at the end of the last stroke-like hesitation.
00:59:29Like confirmation.
00:59:31I asked him why he didn't buy a ring.
00:59:33I was afraid you'd say no.
00:59:35Rings can be returned.
00:59:37Contracts can't.
00:59:38Aren't you afraid now?
00:59:39Not anymore.
00:59:41Because you already said yes.
00:59:44Sophia stood up holding the railing,
00:59:46smiled at us,
00:59:47two tiny white teeth showing white tiny,
00:59:49like two grains of rice.
00:59:50He picked up one daughter,
00:59:51the other reached for him too.
00:59:52He held one in each arm,
00:59:53both girls giggling.
00:59:54Isabella pulled his ear,
00:59:55Sophia grabbed his nose.
00:59:57He winced,
00:59:57but didn't let go.
01:00:01Dada.
01:00:02Say it again.
01:00:04Dada.
01:00:04He buried his face in her shoulder.
01:00:07I saw his shoulders shake slightly.
01:00:09I walked over,
01:00:11put my arms around all three of them.
01:00:13His body tensed,
01:00:14then slowly relaxed.
01:00:16He leaned his head on my shoulder,
01:00:18didn't say a word.
01:00:20We stood there,
01:00:21in the nursery,
01:00:22between the two cribs.
01:00:24Today is our second wedding anniversary.
01:00:26Not the correctional one,
01:00:28but the first day of forever.
01:00:30He brought me sunflowers instead of roses,
01:00:32golden petals and brown centers.
01:00:34like little suns.
01:00:36He said sunflowers were like me,
01:00:38always facing the light.
01:00:40But he was the one who brought light into my life.
01:00:42He tied my shoes in the snow,
01:00:44waited outside the delivery room all night,
01:00:46left notes for breakfast,
01:00:48researched pregnancy recipes late at night,
01:00:51carved names on the crib,
01:00:52and blocked the wind for me by the lake.
01:00:54These little lights pulled me out of the dark,
01:00:57little by little.
01:00:57We sat on the living room carpet.
01:01:00Isabella and Sophia played with
01:01:01colorful building blocks beside us.
01:01:04Isabella handed blocks to Sophia again and and again.
01:01:07Sebastian.
01:01:08Yeah.
01:01:08Do you remember the first time I went to see your mother?
01:01:10You lied.
01:01:10You said she passed away,
01:01:11but you just hit her.
01:01:14How'd you find out?
01:01:15Your assistant told me.
01:01:16When did you start checking on me?
01:01:17The first time you made me ginger tea,
01:01:19because a man who was kind to a contract wife
01:01:20will never treat his own mother badly.
01:01:22He held out his hand
01:01:23and laced our fingers together tightly,
01:01:25just like that day on the way to the hospital.
01:01:27His hands used to be cold,
01:01:28but now they were warm.
01:01:30The girls knocked over the block tower.
01:01:32Sophia froze,
01:01:33while Isabella laughed.
01:01:35The two little girls clapped and laughed happily.
01:01:37Outside,
01:01:37Manhattan's skyline lit up at dusk
01:01:39with thousands of lights.
01:01:40Our light was among them.
01:01:41It was not the brightest,
01:01:42but steady,
01:01:43and it would never go out.
01:01:44My name is Ella Black.
01:01:45I'm a dancer,
01:01:46a wife,
01:01:46and a mother.
01:01:47I once thought I was sold,
01:01:48but later I realized I earned all of this.
01:01:50It took a long time,
01:01:51but it was worth it.
01:01:52My name is Ella Black.
01:01:53Three years ago,
01:01:54I entered into an arrangement with a babilionaire.
01:01:56The contract's gone up in flames.
01:01:58Its ashes still lie in the kitchen sink.
01:02:00Today's my birthday,
01:02:01March 21st,
01:02:02the very first day of spring.
01:02:04Bathed in morning light,
01:02:05Manhattan's skyline glows like a golden streak outside the window.
01:02:08My girls are still asleep.
01:02:09I stand in the kitchen,
01:02:10brushing my fingers over the ashes in the sink with a soft smile.
01:02:13Sebastian told me last night he'd take us to Central Park
01:02:15to see the cherry blossoms today.
01:02:17It's six in the morning when the doorbell rings.
01:02:19It's not a delivery,
01:02:20nor a neighbor.
01:02:21It's the police.
01:02:22Through the peephole,
01:02:23I spot three officers in bulletproof vests,
01:02:26their metal badges glinting under the hallway lights.
01:02:28My heart skips a beat.
01:02:29I pull open the door,
01:02:30and a cold gust of wind sweeps inside.
01:02:32We have a search warrant.
01:02:33Your husband,
01:02:34Sebastian Black,
01:02:35is suspected of multiple financial irregularities,
01:02:37duty violations,
01:02:38and a serious criminal case.
01:02:39What criminal case is it?
01:02:41Nick Black,
01:02:41your brother-in-law.
01:02:42He passed away expectantly in his Brooklyn apartment early this morning,
01:02:45and the police have launched an investigation.
01:02:47At the end of the hallway,
01:02:48Sebastian walks down the stairs in his bathrobe.
01:02:50His hair is messy,
01:02:51yet his deep gray eyes are as calm as a frozen winter lake.
01:02:54Showing no emotion,
01:02:55he glances over at me.
01:02:56I didn't kill him.
01:03:03The officers pull out handcuffs.
01:03:05The clink of metal cuts sharply through the quiet morning living room.
01:03:08Cries ring out upstairs.
01:03:10Three-year-old Isabella has woken up.
01:03:12She doesn't understand what murder means,
01:03:13but she can hear the fear in my voice.
01:03:15Sophia starts crying too.
01:03:17Their combined wells splites through my heart like a dull blade.
01:03:19Mrs. Black,
01:03:20you can't go up there for now.
01:03:21Handcuffed,
01:03:22Sebastian heads for the door,
01:03:23his slippers tapping softly on the floor.
01:03:24Right before stepping outside,
01:03:26he stands with his back to me and makes our secret signal.
01:03:28Two fingers tapping twice on the handrail.
01:03:30It meant one thing,
01:03:31as we'd agreed.
01:03:32Don't be afraid.
01:03:33But I'm terrified.
01:03:34Not because he's being taken away,
01:03:35but because Nick is dead.
01:03:37And Sebastian didn't do it.
01:03:38Who's the real killer?
01:03:39Why frame him?
01:03:41The sound of the police car fades down the street.
01:03:43I stand in the doorway,
01:03:44my pajamas fluttering in the morning breeze,
01:03:46while my daughter's cries still echo upstairs.
01:03:51I stand in the doorway,
01:03:53my pajamas fluttering in the morning breeze,
01:03:55while my daughter's cries still echo upstairs.
01:03:59The police interrogation room has plain white walls and no windows.
01:04:03The fluorescent lights buzz nonstop,
01:04:05like flies trapped under glass.
01:04:07The air reeks of disinfectant mixed with the musty sench of old carpet.
01:04:10Sebastian sits in a bolted metal chair.
01:04:12His handcuffs are removed,
01:04:14leaving red marks around his wrists.
01:04:16Two detectives sit across from him.
01:04:18The older Morales,
01:04:19gray-haired,
01:04:20with heavy-lidded eyes,
01:04:22looking half-asleep.
01:04:23And the younger Chun,
01:04:24in his early thirties,
01:04:26sitting rigidly straight,
01:04:27with his shirt collar tight,
01:04:29tense as a coiled spring.
01:04:31Mr. Black,
01:04:31what was your relationship like with your brother Nick Black?
01:04:34Terrible.
01:04:35He got your wife pregnant, didn't he?
01:04:37Sebastian taps his left ring finger lightly on the table,
01:04:40a nervous habit he might not even realize he has.
01:04:43That was a misunderstanding.
01:04:45The girls are mine.
01:04:46Chen slides a report across the table to him,
01:04:48stamped with official red ink.
01:04:50DNA test results prove Nick Black is the biological father of the twins.
01:04:54On the other side of the one-way mirror,
01:04:56I clenched my fists until my nails dig into my palms.
01:04:59A DNA test.
01:05:00When was this done?
01:05:01Why was I never told?
01:05:03For three years,
01:05:04I believed these girls were his,
01:05:06and they are.
01:05:07No matter what the DNA says,
01:05:09he is their father.
01:05:10Where were you between 11 p.m. last night and 2 a.m. this morning?
01:05:13At home.
01:05:14Can anyone confirm that?
01:05:15My wife.
01:05:16Mr. Black,
01:05:17under New York state law,
01:05:19a spouse's testimony requires additional supporting evidence.
01:05:22Sebastian falls silent.
01:05:23He looks past the two detectives,
01:05:25straight at the one-way mirror.
01:05:26He knows I'm here.
01:05:27His lips move soundlessly,
01:05:28and I read them clearly.
01:05:29Don't be afraid.
01:05:30I didn't kill him,
01:05:31but I know who did.
01:05:32Who?
01:05:32Get me a phone,
01:05:33and I'll prove it.
01:05:35The door swings open,
01:05:36followed by the click of high heels.
01:05:38It's neither a police officer nor a lawyer.
01:05:40A stranger walks in.
01:05:42She's in her 40s,
01:05:43with short hair and a black business dress,
01:05:45her gaze sharp as a blade.
01:05:46She doesn't smile or introduce herself,
01:05:49just sits across from me and crosses her legs.
01:05:51Mrs. Black,
01:05:52I'm Vera Strong.
01:05:53I work for your husband's rivals.
01:05:55What rivals?
01:05:57Someone is willing to help you.
01:05:58The terms are simple.
01:05:59Make a public statement saying
01:06:01Sebastian Black is violent and controlling,
01:06:03that you've suffered abuse at his hands.
01:06:05Claim he had every reason to kill his brother.
01:06:11You want me to lie under oath.
01:06:13It's not a lie,
01:06:14just framing the truth differently.
01:06:16Has he ever thrown things?
01:06:18Raised his voice to you?
01:06:20Neglected you while you were pregnant?
01:06:21No.
01:06:28Your mother lives alone in Queens,
01:06:31doesn't she?
01:06:31She's all by herself.
01:06:33If something were to happen to her,
01:06:35who would look after her?
01:06:37You have 24 hours to think it over.
01:06:44The click of her heels echoes down the hallway,
01:06:46each step like a nail driven into my heart.
01:06:49I sit there,
01:06:51crumpling the business card in my hand.
01:06:53Night has fallen outside,
01:06:54and the orange glow of street laps spills across the floor like half-melted candle wax.
01:06:59I've been sitting in the witness waiting room for six hours.
01:07:02The hard plastic chair makes my tailbone ache.
01:07:04They took my phone so I can't call or text to check if the babysitter is looking after my girls.
01:07:08A faded painting of sailboats at sea hangs on the wall.
01:07:11As I stare at it,
01:07:12all I can hear are my daughter's cries from that morning,
01:07:14each one tightening around my throat.
01:07:16I'm released at 1 a.m.
01:07:18I don't get to see Sebastian.
01:07:19My lawyer Arthur waits for me outside the precinct,
01:07:22his dark windblown hair matching his ashen face.
01:07:26Mrs. Black,
01:07:27the prosecution has denied bail.
01:07:30Why?
01:07:31Mr. Black's fingerprints were found in three spots in Nick's apartment,
01:07:34the nightstand,
01:07:35coffee table,
01:07:36and kitchen sink.
01:07:37His cell phone signal was tracked near the apartment during the time of death.
01:07:40Security footage shows a figure with a 90% body match.
01:07:44The DA believes he's a flight risk.
01:07:46The fingerprints can be explained.
01:07:48He'd visited the place.
01:07:49Cell phone signals can be faked.
01:07:51That figure on camera isn't him.
01:07:54But I know words aren't enough.
01:07:56Courts need hard proof.
01:07:58Arthur drove me home.
01:07:59The streets of Manhattan flowed past the car window,
01:08:03neon lights trailing colorful stricks.
01:08:05My daughters were already asleep.
01:08:07The nanny was sitting on the living room sofa reading.
01:08:11Seeing me enter,
01:08:11she stood up and opened her mouth to speak,
01:08:13but said nothing.
01:08:15I settled her pay and let her go.
01:08:19I head to my daughter's bedroom.
01:08:22Isabella sleeps soundly with her mouth sleet open,
01:08:25breathing softly.
01:08:27Sophia curls up like a shrimp,
01:08:29having kicked her blanket onto the floor.
01:08:30I tuck her in,
01:08:32then sit on the floor between their two beds.
01:08:37My phone rings at 3 a.m.
01:08:39It's an unknown number.
01:08:40I answer,
01:08:41and distorted voice comes through the line,
01:08:44robotic and hollow,
01:08:45as if speaking from the bottom of a deep hell.
01:08:47Do you want to know who killed Nick?
01:08:49Who is this?
01:08:50Someone here to help you.
01:08:51Be a happy laundromat in Queens tomorrow at 3 p.m.
01:08:53Come alone and tell no one.
01:08:55Why help me?
01:08:56I owe you a favor.
01:08:58The call cuts off.
01:09:00I sit in the dark,
01:09:01the phone's pale blue screen illuminating my face like a forensic lamp.
01:09:05Manhattan glows brightly outside,
01:09:07as if nothing is wrong.
01:09:09But I know everything has changed from this moment on.
01:09:11Happy laundromat sits on a run-down commercial street in South Queens.
01:09:15Its faded sign is missing two letters.
01:09:17A dusty 24-hour self-service peels at the edges on the window.
01:09:20It's 3 p.m. and the place is empty.
01:09:21Rows of washing machines and dryers hum away,
01:09:24their rotating drums blending into a low bum.
01:09:25The door of the last dryer in the back is broken and taped shut.
01:09:29I pull it open.
01:09:30There are no clothes inside,
01:09:32just a plain beige envelope with no return address.
01:09:35I tear it open.
01:09:36My inside is a photo.
01:09:37My mother pushing a chapping cart outside a grocery store,
01:09:39wrapped in her old cotton coat with her hair blowing in the wind.
01:09:42A man stands beside her,
01:09:43his baseball cap pulled low to his face.
01:09:45A printed line on the back read,
01:09:46Your mom's all alone.
01:09:47I'm sure you don't want anything bad to happen to her.
01:09:49My blood runs cold in an instant.
01:09:51Sebastian didn't kill Nick.
01:09:52A man known as the Shepard did.
01:09:53The Shepard?
01:09:54Harold Swanson?
01:09:55He's in prison.
01:09:56He's out on parole.
01:09:56He hates you.
01:09:57He framed your husband for Nick's murder to lock him away.
01:09:59Next, he'll come for you.
01:10:00My mouth goes dry.
01:10:02Who exactly are you?
01:10:03Why tell me all this?
01:10:05I spin around, but there's no one there.
01:10:06The laundromat is empty except for the running machines.
01:10:08Sunlight streams through the grimy windows,
01:10:10casting beams through floating dust.
01:10:12I clutch the photo and envelope and walk outside.
01:10:14Victor's car is parked across the street.
01:10:15He sees how pale I am,
01:10:17says nothing,
01:10:17and starts the engine.
01:10:19When I get home,
01:10:20Arthur is waiting in the living room.
01:10:21He sits on the sofa with an untouched glass of water in front of him.
01:10:25In his 60s,
01:10:26bolding with thick-rimmed glasses,
01:10:27he speaks slowly,
01:10:28like reading a last-will entelement.
01:10:30I've trusted him for three years.
01:10:32He's handled all the Black family's legal work.
01:10:34Mrs. Black,
01:10:34the prosecution's case is rock solid.
01:10:37How solid?
01:10:40Mr. Black's fingerprints were found in three locations in Nick's apartment,
01:10:43the bedroom nightstand,
01:10:45living room coffee table,
01:10:46and kitchen sink.
01:10:47He visited the place a long time ago.
01:10:49Cell Tower Records place his phone near the apartment
01:10:51for roughly 40 minutes during the time Nick was killed.
01:10:54His phone could have been stolen,
01:10:55or the signals tampered with.
01:10:56Security footage captures a figure
01:10:57matching Mr. Black's height,
01:10:59build, and walk at 90%.
01:11:00The person wears a dark coat and hat,
01:11:02hiding their face.
01:11:03That's not him.
01:11:04Arthur takes off his glasses
01:11:05and polishes the lenses with his shirt head,
01:11:07a habit he's had for years.
01:11:08But this time,
01:11:09his hands tremble slightly.
01:11:10I can't tell if it's from the cold or something else.
01:11:12I believe you, Mrs. Black,
01:11:13but juries don't go by gut feelings.
01:11:16They go by evidence.
01:11:17Then we need proof that he's being framed.
01:11:19Who would frame him?
01:11:20Harold Swanson.
01:11:21The shepherd?
01:11:22I thought he was still in prison.
01:11:24He's out on parole.
01:11:25I hand him the photo
01:11:26and play the audio from the laundromat.
01:11:28He listens in long silence.
01:11:30The grandfather clock in the room ticks steadily,
01:11:32sounding like a countdown.
01:11:34This person who owes you a favor,
01:11:36who are they?
01:11:38I have no idea.
01:11:41We need to find them.
01:11:42I study his face,
01:11:44a face I've known for three years.
01:11:46Something feels off,
01:11:47but I can't put my finger on it.
01:11:49I head to Connecticut instead.
01:11:51Dot,
01:11:51it's a two-hour drive out of New York on the highway.
01:11:54City skyscrapers give way to forests,
01:11:56then small towns.
01:11:57Rebecca Swanson lives in a tiny town
01:11:59with just one main street,
01:12:01a bakery,
01:12:02a post office,
01:12:03and an elementary school.
01:12:04Red brick buildings line the road,
01:12:06and American flags flutter outside,
01:12:08their ropes slapping against the flag poles in the wind.
01:12:11I wait for her at the school gate when classes let out.
01:12:13Kids pour out with backpacks,
01:12:15laughing and chattering like a flock of free birds.
01:12:17Rebecca is the last to leave.
01:12:18She holds a young boy's hand and bends down to tie his scarf,
01:12:21moving slowly and gently,
01:12:22like a teacher who truly loves children.
01:12:26Mrs. Swanson?
01:12:28She looks up.
01:12:29She has brown hair and eyes,
01:12:30a thin face with high cheekbones.
01:12:32Her smile vanishes the second she sees me,
01:12:34snoffed out instantly like a light unplugged from the socket.
01:12:36Do I know you?
01:12:38My name is Ella Black.
01:12:39I need to talk to you about your father.
01:12:41She lets go of the boy's hand
01:12:43and tells him softly to go find the principal.
01:12:45He runs off,
01:12:46leaving the playground empty.
01:12:48Only the creak of swing chairs swaying in the wind
01:12:50breaks the silence.
01:12:51I don't talk about my father.
01:12:53How did your mother die?
01:12:55She found out what your father was doing
01:12:57then took her own life.
01:12:58She left a suicide note.
01:13:00And you have it.
01:13:01Who are you, really?
01:13:03Someone whose life your father ruined
01:13:05just like he ruined your mother's.
01:13:07We head to a cafe across from the school
01:13:09and sit in a corner booth by the window,
01:13:12watching cars pass by on the street.
01:13:14We're the only two customers.
01:13:16An old song plays on the counter radio.
01:13:19It's soft guitar notes drifting in from afar.
01:13:21Rebecca orders a hot chocolate
01:13:23and cups both hands around the mug,
01:13:25as if warming herself up.
01:13:27I don't rush her.
01:13:28I wait until her hands stop shaking before I speak.
01:13:30Has your father contacted you since he got parodied?
01:13:33He calls once a week.
01:13:35Did he ever say where he's staying?
01:13:36No.
01:13:37He never tells me.
01:13:45This isn't real evidence.
01:13:47It's just an anonymous call.
01:13:48I know, but I need your help.
01:13:50Next time he calls, casually ask where he is.
01:13:53Don't make him suspicious.
01:13:57What are you planning to do?
01:13:59Find him and make him turn himself, come to him.
01:14:02There's no naivety in her eyes,
01:14:04only despair.
01:14:05She already knows the answer,
01:14:07but she needs to hear me say it.
01:14:09I promise.
01:14:10I lied, and she knows it.
01:14:12Still, she nods her head.
01:14:14Three days later, Rebecca called.
01:14:16I was playing building blocks with my daughters in the living room,
01:14:19and my hands froze the second my phone vibrated.
01:14:26He's staying on Long Island,
01:14:27in a small house by the sea.
01:14:29It's registered under a friend's name.
01:14:31Her voice was rangy, like she'd been crying.
01:14:33How did you get him to tell you?
01:14:35I told him I wanted to visit.
01:14:36Then he said no, that it was too dangerous,
01:14:39because people were after him.
01:14:41And then he cried.
01:14:42Rebecca, are you alright?
01:14:44He's my dad, but he killed someone.
01:14:47He's done far worse things, you know that.
01:14:50I know.
01:14:51She hung up.
01:14:52I sat on the sofa holding my phone,
01:14:54watching the girls build a lopseg tower with blocks.
01:14:56Isabella put a little rabbit figurinoir on top,
01:14:59but Sophia took it away.
01:15:00Instead of crying, Isabella grabbed another one and set it down.
01:15:03They worked together perfectly, like old friends.
01:15:07I didn't go after Swampson right away.
01:15:09Instead, I headed to Brooklyn.
01:15:13The shelter was on a dark street, with no streetlights.
01:15:17Graffiti covered the house number,
01:15:19and you had to lean in to read it.
01:15:24Mrs. Black?
01:15:26What did Nick tell you before he died?
01:15:28He stared down at his dusty sandwich on the ground.
01:15:31He said someone wanted him to kill Sebastian.
01:15:33He refused.
01:15:34The man said he would kill him instead.
01:15:37Who was it?
01:15:39I don't know his real name.
01:15:41Everyone called him the Shepherd.
01:15:44I had three witnesses.
01:15:45The anonymous voice from the laundromap dryer, Rebecca, and Raymond.
01:15:48But none of their statements were solid enough.
01:15:50We couldn't trace the anonymous caller.
01:15:52The jury would doubt Rebecca's words because she swans his daughter.
01:15:54and Raymond, with his criminal record, would never be trusted in court.
01:15:57I needed physical evidence.
01:16:00Private Detective Victor called, his voice low and grave.
01:16:03Mrs. Black got something.
01:16:05Swanson bought a burner phone after his parole.
01:16:07The store's security camera caught him on tape.
01:16:08Can we get the footage?
01:16:09We don't have time to go through legal formality.
01:16:11There was a short pause on the line,
01:16:12followed by the steady clack of Victor typing on his keyboard.
01:16:15There's another way.
01:16:16We can pay the shop owner.
01:16:18How much?
01:16:20$5,000.
01:16:23I'll pay it.
01:16:25Victor came to my house with a USB drive.
01:16:27I plugged it into the computer and opened the file.
01:16:30It was a 30-second video.
01:16:31The quality was poor, but his face was clearly visible.
01:16:34It was Swanson.
01:16:35He wore a gray coat and a baseball cap pulled low over his forehead.
01:16:38He stood at the counter for less than a minute,
01:16:40paid in cash, grabbed the phone, and left.
01:16:42His face was on screen for barely two seconds,
01:16:44yet that was more than enough.
01:16:46I recognized those murky eyes,
01:16:47like mud left behind by the receding tide.
01:16:49Buying a disposable phone isn't a crime,
01:16:51but he was spotted at a gas station near Nick's apartment the day before.
01:16:54Another camera caught his vehicle.
01:16:55His own car?
01:16:56No.
01:16:56It was Rebecca's car.
01:16:58My heart sank since he used his own daughter's car.
01:17:00Did Rebecca know about it, or was she kept in the dark too?
01:17:02Pull up the gas station footage as well.
01:17:04Already done.
01:17:05Victor opened a second video.
01:17:07A gray Honda pulled up to a pump.
01:17:09Swanson got out, filled the tank, paid cash, then drove away.
01:17:12The whole thing took less than three minutes,
01:17:14and the license plate was plain to see.
01:17:15It belonged to Rebecca.
01:17:17I didn't call ahead.
01:17:18I drove straight to Rebecca's house.
01:17:20The small town was quiet at night, with no one walking the streets.
01:17:23Street lamps cast warm orange circles of light on the sidewalk.
01:17:26She lived in a cozy wooden cottage.
01:17:28Hydraintra bushes stood by the door,
01:17:30their flowers long gone, leaving only bare branches.
01:17:32I rang the doorbell and waited for a long while.
01:17:35When she finally answered,
01:17:36she was in her pajamas, with her hair loose and eyes swollen from crying.
01:17:40She kept the security chain on at first,
01:17:43then removed it when she saw it was me.
01:17:45You've been crying?
01:17:46She stepped aside and let me in.
01:17:48The living room was tiny,
01:17:49with blankets piled on the sofa and an empty wine glass on the cotch table,
01:17:53a faint red ring left at the bottom.
01:17:54He called me.
01:17:55He said he's running away, leaving the country for good.
01:17:59He told me he'd never come back, and he said he was sorry.
01:18:03I sat across from her and pulled up the gas station footage on my phone.
01:18:07He used your car?
01:18:10What car?
01:18:11I turned the screen toward her.
01:18:12She rushed to the garage, and I followed.
01:18:15The car was still there, but the automata read 200 more miles than it had the week before.
01:18:19She sank to the floor, knees pulled to her chest, and broke down completely.
01:18:22Her shoulders shook violently as deep, ragged sobs tore through her.
01:18:26I stole my keys while I was asleep.
01:18:27You don't lock your doors?
01:18:28This is a small town.
01:18:30No one locks their doors here.
01:18:31He used me.
01:18:33He's been using me all along.
01:18:34I knelt down and held her.
01:18:36She was so thin, her bones pressing against my arms.
01:18:39Cold lamplight streamed through the windows and fell across the floor.
01:18:42I handed all the new evidence over to Detective Morales.
01:18:45It wasn't proof of murder, but evidence of a fake cell tower.
01:18:48Samir, a young telecommunications engineer of Indian descent with thick-rimmed glasses,
01:18:53spoke quickly, as if reciting formulas.
01:18:55His report stated clearly, during the time of Nick's death, Sebastian's cell phone signal
01:18:59was picked up by a fake base station, not the official mobile network.
01:19:03Someone used a fake cell tower device to mimic Mr. Black's phone number and broadcast signals
01:19:07near Nick's apartment.
01:19:08That's how the network logged his presence there.
01:19:10Who could do something like this?
01:19:12You can buy these devices online for a few hundred dollars.
01:19:15It takes basic nickel know-how to operate, nothing too complicated.
01:19:18Will you testify in court?
01:19:20Yes.
01:19:20Morales read through the report twice.
01:19:22His eyes remained half-lisht, but I noticed his fingers tapped the table twice.
01:19:27Mrs. Black, I'll file for a full case review, but it will take time.
01:19:31How long?
01:19:32At least a week.
01:19:33Can I see my husband?
01:19:35This afternoon, I'll arrange the visit.
01:19:40The visiting room was separated by a thick sheet of glass, covered with countless scratches
01:19:44left to people pressing their hands against it over the years.
01:19:47He wore an orange inmate uniform.
01:19:49He hadn't shaved, his hair had grown longer, and dark bags hung under his eyes.
01:19:52Yet his deep gray eyes held no anger or fear when he looked at me, only a quiet, unshakable
01:19:57calm.
01:19:57I picked up the receiver, but he beat me to it on his side.
01:20:02Are you okay?
01:20:04No, I'm not.
01:20:06How are the girls?
01:20:07They're home with the babysitter.
01:20:09Don't come to places like this alone.
01:20:11It's not safe.
01:20:13I don't have a choice.
01:20:14He locked eyes with me through the glass and tapped his fingers twice on the counter, our
01:20:17old secret signal once again.
01:20:19Don't be afraid.
01:20:19Ella, listen to me.
01:20:20Stop fighting for me.
01:20:21Just take care of our daughters.
01:20:22What are you talking about?
01:20:24Swanson wants me, not you.
01:20:25If I plead guilty, he'll leave you and the girls alone.
01:20:28You're not guilty, so you won't plead guilty.
01:20:29I will, if it's the only way to keep you safe.
01:20:31You can't do that.
01:20:33What?
01:20:33Don't you dare plead guilty.
01:20:35I'm going to get you out of here.
01:20:37I hung up without saying goodbye.
01:20:38I saw his lips moving behind the glass, but I didn't stay to listen.
01:20:41I stood up and walked away.
01:20:43The hallway stretched long ahead, with lights flickering overhead.
01:20:45I kept my steps steady, yet silent tears fell onto the tiled floor.
01:20:49I made up my mind to find Swanson myself.
01:20:51Not through lawyers or police.
01:20:52I was going alone.
01:20:53Victor sat in my living room with his arms crossed, his brows drawn tight into a frown.
01:20:57It's far too dangerous.
01:20:58He won't kill me.
01:20:59If he does, he loses all his leverage.
01:21:01How can you be so sure?
01:21:03I thought through his question.
01:21:04What was Swanson's real goal?
01:21:06It wasn't to kill me.
01:21:07It was to destroy Sebastian, lock him up and leave him with nothing, to make him suffer.
01:21:11If I died, Sebastian would have nothing left to hold onto.
01:21:13He'd stop at nothing to get revenge.
01:21:15Swanson wasn't stupid enough to risk that.
01:21:17He only wants to ruin Sebastian.
01:21:19If I die, Sebastian has no more ties to hold him back.
01:21:21He'll fight back with everything he has.
01:21:23Swanson knows that.
01:21:24Victor fell silent for a long time.
01:21:27I'll go with you.
01:21:28I'll wait outside.
01:21:30All right.
01:21:31We drove to Long Island's coastline.
01:21:33Strong winds whipped my hair across my face.
01:21:36Swanson's hideout was a small wooden house with windows facing the ocean.
01:21:40An old Ford sat out front, its windshield covered in dust.
01:21:44I rang the doorbell, but there was no sound.
01:21:46It must have been broken.
01:21:48I knocked on the solid wooden door, the thud dull and heavy.
01:21:51No one answered.
01:21:53I pushed the door.
01:21:54It was unlocked.
01:21:55The living room was pitch dark with all the curtains drawn.
01:21:58Only a thin stream of light filtered in, illuminating floating dust motels.
01:22:01The air reeked of cigarette smoke, mildew, and spoiled over food.
01:22:05This is how cushions were indented, proof someone had been sitting there moments before.
01:22:08An ashtray on the coffee table was piled high with cigarette butts, many with bite marks on the filters.
01:22:12I walked across the room and pushed open the bedroom door.
01:22:15The bed was messy, covers thrown back, and a few strands of gray hair lay on the pillow.
01:22:20The closet door hung open, hangers lops way and several empty, like missing teeth.
01:22:25He'd taken clothes and fled.
01:22:29He's gone.
01:22:30The bed's still warm.
01:22:32Victor.
01:22:33I'll go after him. Stay in the car.
01:22:35I waited in the car for twenty minutes.
01:22:37Cold, salty sea wind slipped through the window cracks.
01:22:40My grip on the steering wheel was so tight my knuckles turned white.
01:22:43Victor finally returned, looking grimmier than the overcast sky above Long Island.
01:22:48I lost him.
01:22:49He took a narrow trail where cars can't go.
01:22:52Did he know we were coming?
01:22:54Someone must have tipped him off.
01:22:55Who?
01:22:57Victor didn't say a word, but his gaze spoke volumes.
01:23:00One name hung in the air.
01:23:02Arthur.
01:23:02My own lawyer, Arthur Goldstein.
01:23:05A traitor in our midst.
01:23:06I didn't confront Arthur right away.
01:23:08Instead, I had Victor launch an investigation.
01:23:11Victor had connections.
01:23:12A network of former military comrades, old colleagues, and confidential informants.
01:23:16In three days, he uncovered the darkest secret hidden behind Arthur Goldstein's spotless thirty-year legal career.
01:23:23A wire transfer of $50,000 hit his bank account.
01:23:27It came from a shell company.
01:23:28The same company that paid Monica years ago?
01:23:30The very same one.
01:23:32I was in a daze.
01:23:33Monica, the investigator from the Bureau of Child and Family Services.
01:23:38The one who repeatedly came to my house and drove my mother to fall down the stairs.
01:23:43He was bribed.
01:23:45How long has this been going on?
01:23:46At least a year ago, he was providing Swimson with information about your boyfriend.
01:23:50His schedule, his finances, everything.
01:23:52For three long years, the man I trusted had been working against us.
01:23:56What do we do now?
01:23:57We keep him in the dark and let him carry on as usual.
01:23:59But we need a new lawyer.
01:24:01Someone we can trust completely, working behind the scenes.
01:24:04Who?
01:24:05Erin Wolf.
01:24:05A top criminal defense attorney.
01:24:07She has a personal grudge against Swanson.
01:24:09Why?
01:24:10Swanson framed one of her clients, an innocent man and father who took his own life behind bars.
01:24:14She's been waiting for a chance to take Swanson down ever since.
01:24:17Erin Wolf was in her fifties, with short dark brown hair streaked with gray at the roots.
01:24:21She wore thin gold-rimmed glasses and spoke rapid fire, barely pausing between sentences.
01:24:26Her office occupied the top floor of an old Manhattan office building,
01:24:29with windows overlooking the East River and passing boats.
01:24:32She reviewed every piece of evidence, the fake cell tower report,
01:24:35gas station surveillance scam shots, transcripts of the laundromat audio,
01:24:39and Raymond's recorded statement.
01:24:40She read page after page in total silence, not even blinking.
01:24:45That's enough.
01:24:46Enough for what?
01:24:47Enough to get the charges against Sebastian dropped.
01:24:50But not enough to arrest Swanson.
01:24:51Then let's focus on getting my husband free first.
01:24:54There's one thing you'll need to do.
01:24:56What is it?
01:24:57You have to go public about the original marriage contract.
01:24:59Let the media know the truth.
01:25:01It will establish Swanson's motive for revenge.
01:25:03He'll be seen as someone out to destroy your husband because of your past conflict with him.
01:25:07The jury will follow that reasoning.
01:25:09This will ruin the black group's reputation.
01:25:11She took off her glasses and polished the lenses with her sleeve,
01:25:13a gesture identical to Arthur's.
01:25:15But their eyes were nothing alike.
01:25:16Arthur's were dull and clouded.
01:25:18Hers were sharp and clear.
01:25:19Is that worse than Sebastian spending years in prison?
01:25:21I looked out the window at the slate blue river, watching a barge drift past, leaving a long
01:25:26wake behind it.
01:25:30I'll do it.
01:25:31New York Times journalist Helen McClendon sat across from me.
01:25:34Her small, sober recorder sat on the table, sleek and pointed like a bullet.
01:25:38She jotted notes in a notebook with messy handwriting.
01:25:40Yet every question she asked struck straight to the core.
01:25:43Mrs. Black, are you absolutely sure you want to share this publicly?
01:25:46I'm sure.
01:25:48Let's begin.
01:25:49I took a deep breath.
01:25:51Sunlight streamed through the window onto my hands, which rest calmly on my knees, steady
01:25:55and unshaken.
01:25:56My marriage to Sebastian Black began with a formal contract.
01:26:00He paid me five million dollars to be his wife for three years.
01:26:04Helen's pen froze mid-air, her gaze locked on my face.
01:26:07Is the contract still in your possession?
01:26:09It was burned to ashes on my birthday.
01:26:11He burned it himself.
01:26:13Why are you choosing to tell everyone now?
01:26:15Because someone used this secret to frame him for murder.
01:26:18The man's name is Harold Swanson.
01:26:21He ran an extortion ring, and I was the one who put him behind bars.
01:26:25Now he's out on parole, and he's out for revenge.
01:26:28What evidence do you have to back these claims?
01:26:30Everything.
01:26:32Recordings, photos, witness statements.
01:26:34I'll release all of it.
01:26:35The article ran the next day with a bold headline.
01:26:39Billionaires' secret marriage and a devivious conspiracy.
01:26:41It hit over 10 million views within 24 hours.
01:26:44The internet erupted.
01:26:45The comment section was chaotic.
01:26:47Some called me a liar.
01:26:49Others hailed me as a hero.
01:26:50Many questioned my motives or wondered why I'd stayed silent for so long.
01:26:54But none of it mattered to me.
01:26:56For the first time, the general public learned Harold Swanson's name.
01:27:00Swanson lost his cool.
01:27:01He called me directly this time.
01:27:03No voice changer.
01:27:04No unknown number.
01:27:04I heard his real voice.
01:27:06Old, shorty, wheezy like a broken bellows.
01:27:09You think this will force me out of hiding?
01:27:11There was no threat in his tone.
01:27:13Only raw anger.
01:27:14The bitter resentment of an old man cornered by someone he'd always underestimated.
01:27:19You're already out in the lopen.
01:27:21You'll regret this.
01:27:23You've made me regret many things for years.
01:27:25Starting with that 15-year-old girl abused by her stepfather.
01:27:30Silence fell on the line.
01:27:31He held his breath completely.
01:27:34How do you know about her?
01:27:35Your daughter told me.
01:27:36It was all written in your wife's suicide note.
01:27:39Another long pause followed.
01:27:41Eventually, his ragged breathing returned, heavy and heartled as if he'd just ran a marathon.
01:27:46Ella Black, you won't win this.
01:27:48I've already won.
01:27:50You're on the run.
01:27:51Hiding away, too afraid to show your face.
01:27:54What else is that but defeat?
01:27:57He hung up the phone.
01:27:58I rose from the sofa and walked to the window.
01:28:01Outside, the Manhattan daylight spread across a bustling scene of towering buildings and a ceaseless stream of traffic.
01:28:08Yet I knew full well that in the shadows of this bustling metropolises, Swanson was lurking in some dark corner.
01:28:16Like a wild beast driven to the brink.
01:28:18And he would strike back.
01:28:21Sebastian was released from custody.
01:28:23The prosecution dropped all charges against him.
01:28:26Detective Morales came to escort him out personally.
01:28:28The heavy gunmetal gray doors of the detention center creaked open with a low rumbar.
01:28:33He stepped outside into the sunlight, which he hadn't seen in over 30 days.
01:28:36He squinted and raised the back of his hand to shield his eyes.
01:28:39He'd lost weight and looked older, with deeper lines around his eyes.
01:28:42Yet his gaze still shone bright.
01:28:44Those deep gray eyes were like a frozen winter lake, with life and movement hidden beneath the ice.
01:28:49I waited for him at the entrance, along with our daughters, who might ask the babysitter to bring along.
01:28:54The second Isabella spotted her father, she pulled free from my grasp and ran to throw her arms around his
01:28:59leg.
01:29:00Sophia was a little slower and clung to his other leg.
01:29:03Daddy's home! Daddy's home!
01:29:05He noted down and pulled both girls into his arms.
01:29:08His hands trembled, not from fear, but from holding back his emotions.
01:29:12His shoulders shook, yet no tears fell.
01:29:14He lifted his head and looked straight at me over the tops of our daughters' heads.
01:29:18How did you manage all this?
01:29:20I never gave up.
01:29:21He stood up, still holding Isabella in one arm, and reached out for me with his free hand.
01:29:26I took three steps forward, and he wrapped his arms around me, holding both me and our daughter close.
01:29:31Isabella giggled, squished between us.
01:29:33Thank you.
01:29:34There's no need. I owed you.
01:29:36You don't owe me anything. You love me.
01:29:41I said nothing in reply, because he was right.
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