- 1 day ago
[AI GL] She Begged Me to Come Back
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CreativityTranscript
00:03It was the darkest day of my life.
00:06Someone leaked an intimate video from my phone,
00:08and I became the laughingstock of the entire school.
00:13Oh, Evelyn, you always seem so above it all,
00:16but in private, you're downright slutty.
00:21I don't want someone else's hand-me-down.
00:23We're done.
00:26The scandal cost me my overseas scholarship and my boyfriend.
00:30Mike.
00:30My stepsister, Sophia, ended up with both.
00:33I had lost everything.
00:35I had no reason to live.
00:39Just as I was about to jump off the roof,
00:41a hand grabbed me from behind.
00:46Evelyn, I'll protect you.
00:48No one will ever hurt you again.
00:53Victoria Ashford was my only friend.
00:55She came from old money,
00:56and her family was deeply influential.
00:58It took her just three days to erase every online scandal about me.
01:04For three years, I was her secretary in the office
01:07and her secret lover behind closed doors.
01:10She said her conservative family wouldn't allow our relationship to be public,
01:13and I believed her.
01:16Then one afternoon,
01:18I walked up to her office door with a proposal titled Reset Your Life.
01:22That's when I overheard Victoria and her mother talking.
01:25Sophia's coming back next week.
01:27Are you really making her chief designer?
01:30Chief designer had always been what I wanted,
01:32but Victoria said she couldn't find a better secretary than me.
01:37Yes.
01:40What about Evelyn?
01:42She's been with you for three years.
01:44I think we don't know.
01:45We just never objected.
01:46They never objected?
01:48My eyes widened in shock,
01:50my fingers tightening until the document bent in my hands.
01:53Mom, you know Sophia is the one I've always loved.
01:55I clamped a hand over my mouth to keep from making a sound.
01:59Tears filled my eyes as my body shook involuntarily.
02:03I kept Evelyn on as my secretary.
02:05As long as she stays out of design,
02:08Sophia has no competition.
02:10Her career will go smoothly.
02:12Victoria's every word cut like a knife.
02:14I pressed my palm against the wall,
02:16gasping as my nails nearly broke.
02:19I got Evelyn's designs revised,
02:21credited them to Sophia,
02:22and submitted them to the judging panel.
02:24If everything works out,
02:26Sophia will achieve her dream
02:27and take home the industry's top award.
02:29Sweetheart, you're being cruel to Evelyn.
02:31You'll regret it.
02:32I heard Victoria let out a quiet, cold laugh.
02:35She was nothing more than a tool to pave the way for Sophia.
02:38I could never love her, and I regret nothing.
02:41I stood outside the door,
02:42feeling the whole world spin.
02:46Three years ago, she grabbed my hand on the rooftop.
02:49I thought she'd saved me.
02:50But now I knew she was just clearing the path
02:53for another woman.
03:00I bit my lip,
03:02terrified that any sound would expose me.
03:04I stumbled away in a panic,
03:06like a failure who couldn't bear to be seen.
03:10Each word I'd just heard
03:12still felt like a nail boring into my bones.
03:16The pain stole my breath,
03:18and I couldn't stop crying.
03:29Someone's here.
03:30Get out.
03:31She'd push me away without hesitation.
03:44No pictures.
03:45You know we can't go public.
03:47She wouldn't even take a photo with me.
03:54A lot of press knew I was at that restaurant tonight.
03:57This could make people suspect we're together.
04:00Sometimes I couldn't help posting subtle updates,
04:03just our meal,
04:04not even a glimpse of her,
04:05but she would still get angry.
04:06I was upset and bitter,
04:08but I swallowed my pride,
04:10because I understood the weight she was carrying.
04:12I thought family was the reason she kept me a secret.
04:15Turns out I was never worth admitting to.
04:17Yet now,
04:18she dared to tell her mother
04:19she loved Sophia.
04:21Any family constraints were just a lie.
04:23She didn't love me.
04:24I stared at those words for a long time.
04:26Then I picked up my phone
04:27and dialed the number on the proposal.
04:31I want to sign up.
04:33Miss Cross,
04:34are you sure?
04:34This means you'll have to give up
04:36your current identity,
04:37memories,
04:37and all your relationships.
04:38I'm sure.
04:40All right.
04:40Fill out the application form,
04:42photograph it,
04:42and email it to us.
04:43In seven days,
04:44we'll stage an accident for you.
04:46Everyone will believe you died in it
04:47and will start a new life
04:48under a new identity.
04:50Okay.
04:50I filled out the application
04:51and sent it off without hesitation.
04:53Seven days,
04:54that's also the day
04:55Sophia begins her new role.
04:57I wiped away my tears
04:58and looked at myself in the mirror.
05:00Perfect timing.
05:01Now that the real one's here,
05:02this pawn can step aside.
05:09Evelyn Cross,
05:10no more crying.
05:11You don't owe anyone anything.
05:13As I was walking down the hall,
05:15a pair of arms
05:16wrapped around my waist from behind.
05:19What took you so long?
05:20Her voice was low and intimate,
05:22carrying a warmth I used to melt into.
05:24Back then,
05:24a single hug from her
05:25could keep me light for an entire day.
05:27But now,
05:27all I felt was her arms around my waist
05:29cold and suffocating.
05:31Nothing.
05:31I was touching up my makeup.
05:34What do you want for dinner?
05:35I booked that French place
05:36you've been wanting to try.
05:38She lowered her head
05:39and brushed her lips
05:40against my earlope.
05:41My whole body tense,
05:42not from desire,
05:43but because I caught someone
05:45coming down the hall
05:45out of the corner of my eye.
05:47Someone's coming.
05:48Victoria's hand fell away instinctively.
05:50She stepped back,
05:51smoothed her cuff,
05:52and nodded coolly
05:53to a passing employee.
05:55All tenderness gone.
05:56Look how practiced she is.
05:57For three years,
05:58she's been practicing
05:59pushing me away in public,
06:00and I've long since learned
06:01to play along.
06:02I headed into the office.
06:03Victoria followed
06:04and shut the door.
06:06About earlier.
06:07I was done making excuses for her,
06:09so I asked her directly.
06:10Victoria,
06:11when can we go public?
06:12Victoria stiffened,
06:13then forced a bitter smile.
06:14You know how my mother is
06:16and my family's traditions.
06:18Just give me a little more time.
06:20More time?
06:21I've been hearing that
06:22for three years.
06:23It's okay.
06:24I understand.
06:25I understand.
06:25You never meant
06:26to give me any standing.
06:28I was just a stepping stone
06:29for the woman you loved.
06:33Victoria picked papers up
06:34and spotted a Reset Your Life
06:36volunteer form
06:37filled out in my name.
06:38What's this?
06:44Calmly,
06:45I took the paper back
06:46from Victoria
06:46and set the proposal
06:48on the table.
06:48It's a new biotech project
06:50called Reset Your Life.
06:51I think it has great potential.
06:52Victoria nodded vaguely.
06:54If you think it's good,
06:54I'm sure it is.
06:56Victoria skimmed a few pages,
06:58then signed the last.
06:59Just as I expected,
07:01she had not even noticed
07:02my name on the application.
07:03She was already lost
07:05in the thought
07:05of seeing Sophia.
07:07A faint smile
07:08played on her lips
07:09and her fingers
07:10tapped the table
07:11like piano keys.
07:12She only did that
07:13when she was truly happy.
07:16Victoria checked her phone.
07:19I'm afraid
07:20I have to cancel dinner.
07:21I have a reception tonight.
07:23Since neither of us drinks,
07:24I'll take Linda with me.
07:25Victoria cupped my face,
07:27kissed me softly,
07:28and left.
07:29Oh, and print the files
07:30on my desktop
07:31and leave them on my desk.
07:32Of course.
07:34The door shut.
07:35I sat down
07:35at Victoria's computer
07:37and suddenly saw a message
07:38from someone I knew.
07:40My hand froze on the mouse.
07:42Vicky,
07:43thanks for the
07:43chief designer role.
07:44And if you hadn't helped me
07:45with that video back then,
07:47I never would have gotten
07:47the scholarship
07:48or Mike that easily.
07:50Love you.
07:51About the video?
07:52Could it be?
07:54My fingers shook,
07:56but I settled them
07:57and typed a reply
07:58in Victoria's voice.
08:00You still remember the video?
08:02Three seconds later,
08:04Sophia replied,
08:05Of course.
08:06You had Evelyn's computer
08:07hacked and post her private video
08:08on the campus forum.
08:09You said that once
08:10she was ruined,
08:11her scholarship and boyfriend
08:12would both be mine.
08:13Vicky,
08:14I was really touched.
08:15I collapsed into the chair.
08:18What?
08:19The video's all over campus,
08:20yet she still acts innocent.
08:22I heard her mother
08:23was a home wrecker.
08:24Like mother,
08:24like daughter.
08:28We're done.
08:32Those voices,
08:33the ones I had buried
08:34three years ago,
08:35they came flooding back,
08:37swallowing me whole.
08:39I always thought
08:41Victoria was a light
08:42in my darkest days.
08:43She pulled me off
08:44that rooftop,
08:45erased the scandal,
08:46and gave me a place
08:47to hide.
08:49But she was the one
08:50who first brought darkness
08:51into my life.
08:58Something in me snapped.
08:59I swept everything
09:00off the desk.
09:01Papers flew everywhere
09:02like snowflakes.
09:04The monitor and keyboard
09:05hit the floor
09:05with a dull plug,
09:06and the penhells
09:07had tilted over,
09:08sending pens rolling everywhere.
09:11I was breathing hard,
09:13my eyes burning.
09:14I looked at the mess
09:15around me,
09:16and the pain inside me
09:17seemed to expand
09:18like a black hole.
09:19I wiped away
09:20my last tear.
09:21Victoria Ashford,
09:22you destroyed my past.
09:24You stole my work.
09:25For three whole years,
09:26you trampled on
09:27everything I gave you
09:28and gave it to another woman.
09:30This time,
09:31I'm not looking back.
09:35The reception's over.
09:37Come pick me up.
09:38Back then,
09:38no matter what I was doing,
09:39if I saw a message
09:40from Victoria,
09:41I'd drop everything
09:42and rush to her.
09:43But today,
09:43I stared at her message,
09:45my finger frozen
09:45above the screen.
09:46The screen died.
09:49I don't want to go.
09:50This was the first time
09:51I ignored her request.
09:53Hot water ran down
09:54my shoulders,
09:55as if it could wash
09:56every emotion
09:56down the drain.
09:57The bathroom door
09:58flew open.
09:59Victoria leaned
10:00in the doorway,
10:01tie loose.
10:03Why didn't you
10:04come pick me up?
10:05I waited two hours
10:07for you.
10:10You've never done
10:11that before.
10:12I shut off the shower
10:13and steadied my voice.
10:14I wasn't feeling well
10:15and my phone died.
10:17Victoria studied me,
10:18then touched my forehead.
10:19Her voice softened.
10:20You do look pale.
10:21Have you taken your medicine?
10:23I turned my head
10:24away from her hand.
10:25I'm fine.
10:26I just need some sleep.
10:28As I sat on the bed
10:29drying my hair,
10:30Victoria walked up to me,
10:31her eyes bright
10:32with barely contained excitement.
10:33I forgot to tell you.
10:35Sophia's coming back
10:36and I'll hire her
10:37as chief designer
10:37at a high salary.
10:38She finally told me.
10:39I didn't react.
10:40I just quietly dried my hair.
10:42She's your sister.
10:44Once she starts working here,
10:45you two can look out
10:46for each other.
10:46I lowered the towel
10:47and met her eyes.
10:49Victoria,
10:50if Sophia joins the company,
10:51I'm quitting.
10:52Her voice went cold.
10:54What did you say?
10:55I said,
10:56if she comes,
10:57I'm leaving.
10:58Evelyn,
10:58don't make this hard for me.
11:00She's the best candidate
11:01for chief designer.
11:02I finally laughed.
11:03It was quiet,
11:04but laced with sarcasm.
11:05Chief designer?
11:07Victoria,
11:07do you remember?
11:09Sophia didn't even make it
11:10past the first round
11:11of that design competition.
11:12I was the champion.
11:14Victoria's pupils
11:15narrowed slightly.
11:16I stood up to face her.
11:17What qualifies her
11:18to be chief designer?
11:20If you need a designer,
11:21why can't it be me?
11:23Or do you think
11:24being your secretary
11:25is all I'm good for?
11:30Evelyn,
11:30do you really have to do this?
11:31She studied me,
11:32trying to read my thoughts,
11:34but she couldn't.
11:35I'm kidding.
11:36Look how scared you are.
11:39What?
11:40Sophia's my sister.
11:41Of course I don't mind
11:42her working here.
11:42Victoria sighed
11:43and shook her head.
11:44Don't joke about that again.
11:45I nodded,
11:46smiling.
11:47Okay.
11:47I won't.
11:48Of course I won't.
11:49I'll be gone in seven days.
11:51None of this will have
11:51anything to do with me anymore.
11:55I'd already cleaned up the office
11:56so Victoria didn't notice a thing.
11:58Over the next few days,
12:00Victoria became much more considerate.
12:08I knew what she was making up for.
12:11Don't work so hard.
12:12Get some rest.
12:13But I knew she was doing all this
12:15to pave the way for Sophia.
12:17She didn't understand Sophia or me.
12:19Sophia was the one who always picked fights.
12:22Just when I thought my remaining days here
12:23might be peaceful,
12:25the storm came early.
12:26Vicky, surprise.
12:27I'm back early
12:28and I'm right outside your house.
12:29Open the door.
12:30The night before Sophia started her new job,
12:32she messaged Victoria.
12:34Victoria snatched up the phone.
12:35Shock turned to panic,
12:37then to a joy I had never seen in her.
12:39She's back already?
12:40Victoria leaped out of bed barefoot
12:42without even looking at me.
12:44I watched her fumble into her coat
12:47and rush out,
12:48her footsteps fading in the hall,
12:50faster and faster.
12:54Sophia burst in,
12:56threw herself into Victoria's arms
12:57and let her suitcase fall.
12:59Sophia squealed in delight.
13:02Vicky!
13:03I missed you so much!
13:05Flustered.
13:06Victoria hugged her back
13:07and languered before letting go.
13:09I'd only ever seen her be decisive
13:11and forceful in business.
13:13This cautious side of her felt unfamiliar.
13:16Why are you back early?
13:17Didn't you go home?
13:18Sophia's voice turned sweet and coaching.
13:21I wanted to surprise you.
13:22I haven't told my family yet.
13:25It okay if I stay here tonight?
13:27Of course.
13:30Victoria quietly helped Sophia
13:32with her suitcase
13:33and took off her coat.
13:36She had always take it for granted
13:38that I'd do those things for her.
13:40Sophia sank onto the sofa.
13:43Your career is really taking off.
13:46I'm really glad to be joining your company.
13:48I heard Evelyn is your secretary now?
13:51Sophia smirked,
13:52missing the shift in Victoria's face.
13:55After that huge scandal,
13:56you're probably the only person
13:57who would take her in.
13:58Everyone saw her make a fool of herself,
14:00right?
14:01God, if I had humiliated myself like that,
14:03I would have-
14:03Sophia, don't.
14:04Victoria cut in.
14:06But just then,
14:07I came downstairs,
14:09smiling,
14:09and said,
14:10what would you do?
14:12Sophia froze at the sight of me,
14:13then sprang up.
14:15Evelyn?
14:15It's been a while, little sister.
14:20Sophia smiled.
14:21It was the expression she'd perfected,
14:23sweet, harmless,
14:24and as sticky as honey.
14:25She hurried over,
14:27took my hand warmly,
14:28and gave Victoria a knowing smile.
14:31Vicky?
14:32So you two live together now?
14:34Are you-
14:35Victoria hurriedly tried to explain.
14:38No.
14:38We're just friends.
14:40Don't get the wrong idea.
14:41Friends.
14:42I gave Victoria a bitter smile.
14:44What kind of friends have sex every night?
14:47Victoria couldn't bring herself to look at me.
14:51Maybe hiding our relationship
14:52was never about whether I was worth it.
14:54Maybe she just didn't want Sophia to know.
14:56Come to think of it,
14:57I really should thank Evelyn.
14:59My eyelashes fluttered slightly.
15:02If that scandal hadn't happened,
15:04I never would have gotten Mike
15:05or the scholarship.
15:07When she mentioned Mike,
15:08her tone was breezy,
15:09and she gave me a playful wink.
15:11I already dumped Mike.
15:13If you're still hung up on him,
15:14I can give you his number.
15:16I cut her off.
15:18No need.
15:19I don't touch other people's trash.
15:23Sophia composed herself.
15:25I still have to thank you.
15:26That scholarship helped me realize my dream
15:29of becoming a chief designer.
15:31Evelyn, after doing secretarial work,
15:33serving coffee and making coffees.
15:36Have you forgotten how to be a designer?
15:38What a shame.
15:39If it weren't for that video,
15:40I looked at her and suddenly found it all absurd.
15:42My voice was soft,
15:44but every word was clear.
15:45Sophia,
15:46I haven't touched design in three years,
15:48and I'm still miles ahead of you.
15:50Once I return,
15:51you'll be nothing.
15:51Sophia's smile vanished
15:53as her face flushed red.
15:55Enough!
15:56Victoria turned to Sophia,
15:57her voice softening.
15:59You must be exhausted after your flight.
16:02Go get some rest.
16:03Sophia gave Victoria a wounded look
16:05and bit her lip.
16:06Fine.
16:17Victoria turned to me.
16:19Evelyn,
16:20Sophia didn't mean anything by it.
16:22Don't take it personally.
16:23She took my hand,
16:24her eyes full of pity,
16:25but I knew it was fake.
16:27Don't talk about going back to design.
16:29You know I can't do without you.
16:31Sophia taunted me and mocked me,
16:32but Victoria heard none of it.
16:35She only heard me saying
16:36I might go back to design.
16:38She feared I really would,
16:39and that I'd end up blocking Sophia's path.
16:41Get some rest.
16:43I'll sleep in the study tonight.
16:44Okay.
16:46Good night.
16:47I went upstairs.
16:50Victoria,
16:50I hope you keep your word
16:52and never regret this.
16:58It's raining again.
17:00Whenever it rains,
17:02my body feels like it's being torn apart.
17:04It was a complication from the surgery.
17:07In college,
17:08Victoria suffered acute kidney failure
17:10and needed a kidney transplant to survive.
17:13She was my only friend back then,
17:15and I couldn't let her die.
17:16Without telling her I got tested,
17:18signed the consent form,
17:18and gave her one of my kidneys.
17:20Miss Cross,
17:21are you sure you want to donate a kidney?
17:22It's a major surgery
17:24and will permanently affect your health.
17:26I'm sure.
17:27As long as it saves her.
17:33I never told Victoria about this.
17:35Back then,
17:36I was still confused about my feelings.
17:39I knew she was special to me,
17:41but I was afraid of scaring her away.
17:44I never meant to use it to win her gratitude.
17:46Back then,
17:47whenever the pain got unbearable on rainy days,
17:51Victoria would hold me in her arms.
17:54She'd wrap her arms around me,
17:56rest her chin on my head,
17:57and gently pat my back,
17:58like soothing a child.
17:59Her warmth seeped through my pajamas
18:01and worked better than any painkiller.
18:05I'm leaving tomorrow.
18:08Just one last time,
18:10I want her to hold me again.
18:16Victoria,
18:17I don't feel well.
18:19Could you come here?
18:21Victoria's expression shifted.
18:23She set down the papers and stood up.
18:25Are you in pain again?
18:27I'll be right there.
18:28Sophia stood in the study doorway.
18:30I had no idea how long she'd been there.
18:32A thin blanket covered her shoulders
18:33as she hugged a pillow,
18:35her eyes gleaming in the dark.
18:36Vicky?
18:39It's thundering outside.
18:40I'm scared.
18:41Could you stay with me for a bit?
18:46Victoria caught her instinctively and swallowed.
18:49Victoria?
18:50Are you still there?
18:51It hurts.
18:52I need you.
18:54Vicky, don't go.
18:56I'm really scared.
19:00Victoria listened to my pleas over the phone
19:03while the woman she loved begged her to stay.
19:05In the end,
19:06she turned off her phone
19:07and spoke softly to Sophia.
19:10Don't be afraid.
19:12I'm right here.
19:14The call suddenly ended.
19:16She didn't come.
19:25It hurts.
19:27Victoria.
19:29Where are you?
19:31I stared at the door for a long while.
19:34Long enough for the sharp pain to turn dull and heavy.
19:38Long enough for my body to go numb.
19:41Victoria still hasn't shown up.
19:52I don't know what got me back on my feet.
19:54Maybe I needed to know why Victoria hadn't come.
19:58I leaned against the wall and made my way to the study.
20:02Each slow step felt like walking on knives.
20:05Victoria sat on the couch with Sophia curled up in her arms,
20:08her head resting against Victoria's chest.
20:12Victoria's arm was around Sophia's shoulders
20:14and her hand gently pat her back,
20:17just as she once did for me.
20:19A blanket lay over the couch
20:20and two cups of hot chocolate sat on the coffee table
20:23with the sweet scent of marshmallows in the air.
20:25Vicky, you're so kind.
20:27With you here, I'm not scared.
20:29I smiled faintly,
20:31not the least bit surprised.
20:32Of course it was Sophia.
20:34Was that Evelyn on the phone?
20:35Are you sure it's okay not to go see her?
20:38It's okay.
20:39Victoria spoke gently to Sophia.
20:41Sophia, you saved my life.
20:45Protecting and caring for you is my life's purpose.
20:47A sudden clap of thunder
20:49kept me from hearing what Victoria said to Sophia at the end.
20:52But I don't care anymore.
20:54I didn't push the door open,
20:56cry, or make a sound.
20:58I simply turned and left.
21:00Tomorrow, I'll leave.
21:02I shouldn't have held on to anything.
21:05Victoria stared at the gap under the door
21:07as if she could sense I'd been there.
21:10I didn't know whether she felt a twinch of pain,
21:13but she still couldn't bring herself to let go of Sophia.
21:19Victoria opened the passenger door
21:21and Sophia got in,
21:23buckling her seatbelt as if she'd always belong there.
21:26For three years, that seat had been mine.
21:29Victoria drove, and I sat beside her.
21:32We commuted to work together and home again.
21:35Those drives were the few times in three years
21:38when I could openly stay by her side.
21:40Now Sophia sat there,
21:41and Victoria didn't think anything was wrong
21:43as she took the wheel.
21:45Evelyn, why aren't you getting in?
21:51It's fine.
21:52It's my last day anyway.
21:53Everyone, this is Sophia Cross.
21:57Starting today, she'll be Ashford Group's chief designer.
22:00The company will hold a welcome party at 6 tonight.
22:03All staff are expected to attend.
22:08Thank you, everyone.
22:11I look forward to working with you.
22:14I stood in the back of the crowd without applauding.
22:17On my last day,
22:19I carried out my usual secretarial duties.
22:22Sophia suddenly stopped me
22:23and ordered me around in front of everyone.
22:26Hey, Evelyn, could you get me a coffee?
22:28Black, no sugar.
22:30She shoved papers into my hands.
22:32Make ten copies of these,
22:34bind them, and bring them to my office.
22:36I glanced down at the documents,
22:38then looked up and handed them back to Sophia.
22:42Sophia, the coffee machine is in the break room.
22:44The coputer in the print room.
22:46I'm the CEO's secretary, not yours.
22:49Sophia froze.
22:50The employees behind her began whispering.
22:53Humiliated, Sophia let out a cold laugh
22:55and raised her voice.
22:56Aren't secretaries supposed to serve people?
22:58My hands are for creating award-winning works,
23:00not for fetching tea or running errands.
23:02I stepped half a pace closer and met her gaze.
23:05We were close enough for me to see the anger in her eyes.
23:07Sophia, you know exactly where those award-winning designs came from.
23:10Sophia's eyes widened.
23:12Those designs, every sketch, every line were mine.
23:15If I pursue this, you'll have nothing left.
23:17Sophia went pale, flushed, then pale again,
23:20clutching the papers until her knuckles whitened.
23:23Unless you need anything else, I'll get back to work.
23:26Evelyn, who do you think you are?
23:35You think you won?
23:37You probably don't know this,
23:39but I've kept this video for three years.
23:43Tonight's welcome party will have the whole company there.
23:46I'm going to make everyone see who you really are.
23:50Just before work ended, my phone buzzed.
23:54Miss Cross, your reset is scheduled.
23:57At 8 o'clock tonight,
23:58a black sedan will be waiting at the intersection of Central Street and 7th Avenue.
24:02We'll send you the plate number at 755.
24:05Get in the car, and we'll handle the rest.
24:078 o'clock tonight.
24:09Less than three hours away.
24:12Tonight, it all ends.
24:16To Sophia, you're so young and promising.
24:18At the party, some toasted Sophia,
24:21while others praised how young and promising she was,
24:23or asked about her relationship with Victoria.
24:26Victoria will be late because she's in a business meeting.
24:29I don't know if I'll get to see her one time before I leave.
24:33Sophia clapped, her voice bright and sweet.
24:37Everyone, thank you all for coming to my welcome party.
24:41I'd like to take this chance to present my award-winning work.
24:45Feel free to share your thoughts.
24:50Wow, the colors are incredible.
24:52She's a genius.
24:53The room erupted in praise for her work.
24:55Sophia smiled as she swiped through the photos one by one.
24:59Every single one had been stolen from me.
25:02Sophia's thumb hovered over the screen.
25:04She shot me a cold look and hit play.
25:06The banquet hall fell silent.
25:09My blood ran cold.
25:10On screen, a half-naked girl was caught on camera doing something intimate.
25:15Her face was clearly visible.
25:17It was my face.
25:19It was the video that ruined my life three years ago.
25:22Everyone in the banquet hall stood frozen, as if under a spell.
25:26Every eye moved from the screen to me.
25:29Beside the screen, Sophia hid a faint smile behind feigned panic.
25:33Sorry, Evelyn.
25:35I clicked the video by accident.
25:37I couldn't even make out what she was saying.
25:40I just felt everyone's eyes piercing through me.
25:43Shock, disgust, morbid curiosity, pity.
25:48Their stares flooded over me, threatening to drown me.
25:53I snapped back, rushed to the projector, and yanked out the cable.
25:57Then I grabbed Sophia's phone from the table and threw it into the beer keg.
26:01Sophia, what the hell are you trying to do?
26:03I told you, it was an accident.
26:05I slapped her.
26:06She clutched her cheek, staring at me in disbelief.
26:09Evelyn, who the hell do you think you are hitting me?
26:12Her face twisted with rage as she screamed at me.
26:15You dared to film it, but you can't stand people watching?
26:18Were you thinking about someone while touching yourself for the camera?
26:21Heads turned between Sophia and me.
26:23Some covered their mouths.
26:25Others began recording.
26:26Whispers spread, but no one intervened.
26:29A cruel smile curled at Sophia's lips.
26:31Was it your boyfriend at the time?
26:34Or Victoria?
26:36What?
26:37Her and the CEO?
26:38Three years ago, her sex tape spread all over campus.
26:42Three years later, she crawled into her boss's bed.
26:45What else is she but a slut?
26:47You deserve to be exposed for what you really are, Evelyn Cross.
26:51You're absolutely disgusting!
26:53I stood there listening, my body trembling.
26:56Three years ago, I heard the very same words.
26:59Slut.
26:59Whore.
27:00Shameless.
27:01But I'm not the Evelyn I was three years ago.
27:04The one who could do nothing but cry.
27:05I did nothing wrong.
27:08Sophia, you have no right to judge me.
27:10You stole my work, my scholarship, and everything from me.
27:14You stepped on my life to get where you wanted, then turned around and called me filthy?
27:19The filthy one was you all along.
27:22Shut up!
27:23You should shut up.
27:24I grabbed her hair and slammed her onto the table.
27:27The table shook hard, spilling wine everywhere.
27:30Her cheek flattened against the table as she struggled under my grip.
27:35Apologize!
27:38Evelyn!
27:40What are you doing?
27:45Victoria shoved me so hard that I hit the table and it was being shot for me.
27:50Enough.
27:51Sophia curled into Victoria's arms like a frightened bird, tears streaming.
27:59Vicky, she hit me.
28:01She pinned my head down in front of everyone.
28:03How am I supposed to keep working here after this?
28:05Victoria fought to contain her anger as she demanded an answer.
28:09Evelyn, when did you get so rude?
28:12Suddenly, it all seemed ridiculous.
28:14Rude?
28:15You didn't even ask why I hit her.
28:17You just judged me guilty.
28:19Whatever happened, you had no right to treat her that way.
28:22The employees traded uneasy looks.
28:24No one spoke.
28:25Those gosling about the video moments where we are now stared at the floor, trying to disappear.
28:29Vicky, she's jealous of me.
28:32You don't know how obsessed she is with you.
28:34She couldn't stand seeing us together, so that's why she did this to me.
28:37Victoria looked livid and turned to Evelyn.
28:41Evelyn, have you lost your mind?
28:43What did you say in front of everyone?
28:44To me, you, she paused.
28:46In that brief moment, I saw her throat bob as she swallowed.
28:49You're just a friend, my employee.
28:52Nothing more.
28:52A friend, an employee, nothing else.
28:55For three years, every night, every kiss, every time she whispered in my ear, don't leave me.
29:00All were erased in one sentence, in front of everyone.
29:04Victoria took a deep breath.
29:06Her voice was non-negotiable.
29:08Evelyn, apologize to Sophia.
29:10I looked at Victoria and spoke quietly.
29:12What did you say?
29:13I said, apologize, and I'll act like this never happened.
29:16I laughed as if I'd heard the funniest joke in the world.
29:19Apologize to Sophia?
29:20My smile slowly faded, and my eyes filled with resolution and disgust.
29:24I can't.
29:25That's disgusting.
29:27Victoria had never expected me to defy her publicly.
29:30She let go of Sophia, stepped closer to me, and looked down at me, each word sounding like a command.
29:35Evelyn, I'll give you one last chance.
29:38Apologize.
29:39Victoria had never expected me.
29:41I'll say it again.
29:42She doesn't deserve it.
29:45Victoria's pupils contracted slightly.
29:47She'd probably never seen me like this.
29:49For three years, I'd been obedient and considerate, and never fought back.
29:52Her secretary.
29:53Her lover.
29:53But now I was defying her.
29:55Panic flickered in her eyes before she gave me a cold stare.
29:58Evelyn, you...
29:59Sophia cut in, her voice silky soft.
30:02Vicky, let it go.
30:03She held out the glass to me.
30:05Evelyn, you're my sister.
30:07Why make a scene?
30:08Drink this, and let's pretend none of this ever happened, okay?
30:12Its dark red surface shimmered under the light, like congealed blood.
30:16Victoria instinctively blocked the drink.
30:19Sophia, she can't drink.
30:20She stopped.
30:21She probably didn't even know why she stopped Sophia.
30:24She only remembered that for three years, no matter the occasion, I had never touched alcohol.
30:29But she didn't know why.
30:30Seeing Victoria take the drink for me, Sophia put on a hurt look.
30:34Vicky, maybe I shouldn't have come back.
30:35I should just leave.
30:36Sophia turned to leave, but Victoria stopped her, gentle yet firm.
30:41No one is making you leave.
30:43Victoria took the glass from Sophia, grabbed my chin, and forced the wine into my mouth.
30:48I pushed her away, coughing vidently.
30:51Evelyn, drink it.
30:54I can't drink.
30:56You're not leaving tonight, until you drink.
30:59My tears finally fell.
31:01I remembered that operating room, the moment I signed my name, and the doctor's warning never to drink again.
31:08Victoria, I don't drink for the same reason you don't.
31:10We only have one kidney each, and our bodies can't handle alcohol.
31:14My voice was trembling.
31:16Victoria?
31:18Why are you doing this to me?
31:19All for Sophia?
31:21Victoria was silent for a moment.
31:22Pity crossed her face, but she said it anyway.
31:26Sophia saved my life.
31:29I swore I'd never let her suffer even a little.
31:32No one can hurt her.
31:33She saved your life?
31:34Could she be talking about the kidney transplant?
31:37Shock ran through me like electricity, and my voice rose against my will.
31:42No!
31:43No!
31:44Victoria, she wasn't the one who saved you!
31:46Tears poured down my face, and every word felt torn from my chest.
31:50I won!
31:54Victoria swayed, her voice trembling.
31:56What did you say?
31:58My tears kept falling, but my voice was strangely clear.
32:01When you developed acute kidney failure, I got tested, signed the surgery consent form, and gave you one of my
32:06kidneys.
32:09If that's why you've always been so kind to Sophia, then you're talking to the wrong person!
32:13I laughed kidly through my tears.
32:15I was the one on that operating table.
32:17I was the one they cut open.
32:18My kidney is in you, so how could she get the credit?
32:21Panic flashed through Sophia's eyes.
32:24She knew everything she had was stolen from me.
32:27Victoria's lips moved, but she said nothing.
32:29A few seconds later, she let out a cold laugh, shook her head, and looked at me with disappointment.
32:35Evelyn, you've lost your mind.
32:38I froze.
32:39You're making up a lie just to avoid apologizing and drinking?
32:42I know who donated the kidney.
32:44It was Sophia.
32:45I saw the last name on the donor consent form.
32:48It was Cross.
32:49Victoria turned to Sophia, her gaze gentle.
32:52When I woke up, Sophia was sitting beside my bed.
32:55She was wearing a hospital gown, pale.
32:58With an IV still in her arm.
33:00Victoria looked at me, her eyes turning cold.
33:04Back then, you were off fooling around with Mike.
33:07How dare you say you saved me?
33:08No, that's not what happened.
33:10I had just come out of surgery, and the anesthesia hadn't fully worn off.
33:14I felt hollowed out, and even breathing hurt.
33:17But I just wanted to see her, to make sure she was alive.
33:21But the pain was too much, and I fainted at the door.
33:25Sophia showed up, took off my hospital gown, put it on herself, and took all the credit.
33:31I looked at Victoria and shook my head, disappointed.
33:34At that moment, I didn't feel like explaining anymore.
33:37She wouldn't believe me.
33:38Anything I said was pointless.
33:51Victoria paused at the door without looking at me.
33:54Her voice was as cold as a freezing wind.
33:58Evelyn, we'll talk later.
34:00I lowered my head, my voice barely above a whisper.
34:04Victoria, we don't have later.
34:05Victoria seemed to hear me.
34:07She stopped, looked back at me, and frowned.
34:12Victoria hesitated for a moment before asking me.
34:15What did you say?
34:16I did not repeat myself.
34:18Victoria finally shook her head, a little impatiently.
34:21Never mind.
34:22We'll talk later.
34:24Victoria always said later.
34:26She'd make us official later.
34:27Make our relationship public later.
34:29Even hearing my explanation had to wait until later.
34:32After Victoria left, the staff in the banquet hall began drifting out like a receding tide.
34:38Just when I thought everyone had left, a hand gently rested on my shoulder.
34:41I turned to see Linda.
34:43She was my intern, and my best assistant secretary.
34:46Evelyn, are you okay?
34:48I believe you.
34:49She hesitated, then continued.
34:51I've always known about you and Victoria.
34:54The way you look at each other makes it obvious you're in love.
34:57Victoria only treated you that way tonight because she didn't know about the video.
35:01If she knew Sophia had played it, she would never-
35:02I gently shook my head, cutting her off.
35:05It doesn't matter anymore.
35:07Thanks, Linny.
35:08You should go now.
35:10Linda opened her mouth but said nothing.
35:12She nodded and left.
35:15Alone in the banquet hall, I looked at my reflection in the glass,
35:18at the wine still on my lips,
35:20and wiped it away hard with the back of my hand.
35:24Then my phone vibrated.
35:25The Reset Your Life team.
35:27Program representative.
35:29License plate XX7742.
35:31A black sedan at the corner of Central Street and 7th Avenue.
35:34755.
35:35Please arrive on time.
35:36This will be your final mission as Elelyn Cross.
35:39We wish you a happy new life.
35:40It's time.
35:53I stood at the corner watching the car.
35:56It was like a silent beast waiting to swallow me whole and spit out someone new.
36:01I opened the door and got in without hesitation.
36:08Mrs. Ashfield, Sophia is fine.
36:10All her readings are normal.
36:11She was probably just frightened and needs some rest.
36:13I was irritated.
36:14I thought Sophia was seriously ill, so I left Evelyn.
36:17At that moment, I just wanted to turn and walk away.
36:20Sophia, since you're alright, I'll be going...
36:22Vicky!
36:23I feel terrible.
36:24Will you stay with me?
36:27I said nothing.
36:29I stood beside the hospital bed.
36:30My gaze drifting to the window as a vague sense of unease crept over me.
36:36I raised a hand to my chest.
36:38My heart suddenly jolted as if an invisible hand had clamped down on it, then let go.
36:43Vicky?
36:45Are you not feeling well?
36:49I'm fine.
36:50I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself, but it didn't help.
36:54My heart pounded faster and faster, until I was starting to panic.
36:58I felt hollow, as if something important were draining away from me.
37:02Evelyn.
37:05Outside the car window was the city I'd lived in for over 20 years.
37:08I was born here, grew up here, fell in love with Victoria here, and lost myself here.
37:13Soon, the Reset Your Life program would erase all my memories and give me a new beginning.
37:17But before that, I still had two more things to do.
37:22Dr. White, I'm Evelyn Cross.
37:23Three years ago, you oversaw my kidney donation for Victoria Ashford.
37:27I'd like to have my donor identity disclosed, and the relevant medical records sent to the Ashfords.
37:32Ms. Cross, I remember you.
37:34Of course, we'll respect your decision and reveal your identity.
37:37After hanging up, I sent the design competition's organizers everything I had,
37:40to prove Sophia had plagiarized my work.
37:42The original layered files, creation timestanks, email exchanges, and more.
37:47Sophia, even if I no longer want what you stole of from me,
37:50you'll never get to keep it.
37:53Once I was done, I leaned back and closed my eyes.
37:58Goodbye, Victoria.
38:02That strange feeling suddenly grew overwhelming.
38:05I shuggered, clutching my chest, my face turning deathly pale.
38:10It was an indescribable pain, like something was being ripped out of me by the roots.
38:15Vicky! What's wrong?
38:17My chest. It hurts.
38:19I'll get a doctor!
38:20I stopped her. I don't think a doctor could help.
38:23This pain wasn't physical.
38:24It came from somewhere deeper, from a corner of myself I'd never faced.
38:30No need.
38:31I'm looking for Evelyn.
38:33She'll know how to fix this.
38:35I'm waiting.
38:36Every second feels like an eternity.
38:38Whenever something happened, I'd call Evelyn.
38:40She always picked up right away and gently told me,
38:43I'm here.
38:44No matter how hard things got, she always handled them for me.
38:47For three years, that had been my surest habit, more natural than breathing.
38:51But this time, no matter how many times I called, Evelyn didn't answer.
38:55When my phone lit up, I let out a relieved sigh.
39:00It had to be Evelyn calling from another number because her phone had died.
39:05She never kept me waiting long.
39:08I answered the phone nervously.
39:10Evelyn?
39:11Hello, is this Ms. Ashford?
39:13This is the Central Street Traffic Division.
39:15My smile froze.
39:17In that instant, I heard my heart skip a beat.
39:19We found your number on a phone recovered from the accident scene.
39:22You're listed as Evelyn Cross's emergency contact.
39:26What accident?
39:27A black set exploded on the elevated bridge, killing a woman.
39:31Preliminary reports identify her as the phone's owner, Evelyn Cross.
39:35What?
39:36The world suddenly went silent.
39:37All I could hear was a ringing in my ears.
39:40I heard every word clearly.
39:41But together, they made no sense.
39:46No!
39:48Impossible!
39:50I shouted into the phone, my voice sounding foreign even to me.
39:55I don't accept it.
39:58Someone must be playing a sick joke on me.
40:01Who gave you the nerve to play a prank on me?
40:03Evelyn can't be dead!
40:06Please stay calm.
40:08A death notice will be sent to your address shortly.
40:11They'd already hung up, but I was still swearing.
40:15I couldn't stop.
40:17As if yelling loud enough could make it untrue.
40:21What nonsense!
40:23Don't let me catch you!
40:27Sophia grabbed my hand and tried to say something.
40:31I jerked free and glared at her.
40:33Right now, anyone's touch made me want to throw up.
40:37Don't touch me!
40:38Seeing me lose control left Sophia a little resentful.
40:42Vicky, isn't this a bit much?
40:44Evelyn probably disappeared on purpose to get your attention.
40:51I slowly turned to Sophia, my eyes full of fury and warning.
40:56Sophia swallowed hard and stepped aside.
41:01I had to find Evelyn, and I had to find her now.
41:04I needed to hear her voice.
41:06No matter how many times I called Evelyn, I couldn't reach her.
41:10I wanted to ask about Evelyn, but I didn't know who to call.
41:15Mom, has Evelyn called you?
41:17No.
41:17What is it, sweetheart?
41:19Didn't you always hate having Evelyn around us?
41:21I hung up in frustration, nearly consumed by helpless terror.
41:26I once thought the best way to control Evelyn was to isolate her from friends and family.
41:31I never realized that once she was gone, I'd lose all contact with her.
41:36I called Linda.
41:38Linda, did Evelyn say anything to you?
41:42I paused and glanced at the ward door.
41:45Let me ask you this.
41:46What exactly happened between Evelyn and Sophia at tonight's party?
41:51Linda hesitated so long that I started to feel uneasy.
41:55Mrs. Ashfield, I recorded it.
41:57I'll send you the video, and you'll understand when you see it.
42:00While waiting for Lina's video, I saw Sophia through the crack in the door.
42:05Sophia was excitedly patting the blanket.
42:09You should have seen her face when I played that video in front of the whole company today.
42:13You dared to film it, but you can't stand people watching?
42:16My entire body went rigid, and my eyes widened in shock.
42:20My blood turned to ice.
42:24You played her private video in front of everyone?
42:29I looked calm, but rage consumed me.
42:33How could you do that?
42:34Sophia gasped for air as I tightened my grip on her collar.
42:38She's your sister!
42:40How could you show her private video to the whole company?
42:43Three years ago, she nearly killed herself over that video, and you want to push her to do it again?
42:47You destroyed her!
42:49Sophia suddenly let out a sharp laugh.
42:52It sliced through my ears like shattered glass.
42:55I destroyed her?
42:57Victoria, what are you playing at?
42:59Three years ago, wasn't it you who hired someone to hack into her computer and post that video on the
43:04school forum?
43:05My face went deathly pale.
43:06I felt drained of all strength and took a step back.
43:09You destroyed her yourself and ruined her reputation.
43:12And now you're asking how I could do this?
43:14Her voice grew louder.
43:16Victoria, you're the last person who has any right to say that.
43:20I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.
43:23I destroyed her, pretended to save her, then kept her by my side for three years.
43:28I stole her work, trampled her feelings, forced her to drink, and apologized to Sophia and told her,
43:34You're just a friend.
43:35I never thought that three years later, I'd be the one who regretted it most.
43:44Sophia, I never should have hired you as chief designer.
43:47Leave.
43:47I'll recommend you to another company.
43:49How could you do this to me?
43:51I gave you a kidney, don't you remember?
43:52I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, then opened them again.
43:55My gaze held only exhaustion and resolve.
43:58Her kidney donation once made me indulge every demand she made.
44:01But now, I don't want to hear about it anymore.
44:03Sophia, you saved my life, and I'm grateful.
44:05But I've already done enough for you.
44:08From now on, I won't do anything for you anymore.
44:11Especially if it means hurting Evelyn.
44:19You're in love with her, aren't you?
44:21I paused for a moment.
44:22I didn't deny it.
44:24I opened the door and stepped outside.
44:26Mobilize all our family's resources.
44:28Search the entire city for Evelyn at once.
44:30I shouted into the phone.
44:31I rarely spoke like that, and I'd never lost control like that over anyone before.
44:36Now, I didn't care about any of it anymore.
44:38Family reputation, business etiquette, or staying calm and poised.
44:41I just wanted to find her.
44:42I don't believe a word the police say.
44:44I want to see Evelyn alive or dead.
44:46Whatever it costs, I have to see her again.
44:51I don't believe a word the police say.
44:51I don't believe a word the police say.
44:52I don't believe a word the police say.
44:53I don't believe a word the police say.
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