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00:00Miles told me that being attracted to men was disgusting and warned me to back off.
00:04Yet every woman he dated resembled me in one way or another.
00:08I never bothered explaining much.
00:11On the night of Arthur Whitmore's 75th birthday,
00:15Arthur asked whether my feelings for his grandson were serious.
00:19After a moment's silence, I nodded.
00:21Under the tablecloth, Graham took my hand.
00:23Then he spoke in front of everyone.
00:25Then there is no reason to keep hiding it.
00:28Ellicott is my boyfriend.
00:34He's with who?
00:37My brother!
00:39Miles held his birthday party at an exclusive rooftop lounge in Manhattan.
00:45He arrived late with a new girlfriend on his arm.
00:48She was tall, with light brown curls brushing her shoulders
00:52and a faint beauty mime beside the left side of her nose.
00:56His girlfriend's mole sat almost exactly where mine did.
00:59This wasn't even the first time.
01:01Every single of his ex-girlfriends shared my color.
01:03Some smiled like me.
01:05A few even raised an eyebrow the way I did.
01:08The woman beside him was number 12.
01:10With an arm around her waist, Miles stepped into the brightest pool of light and announced,
01:14This is Claire.
01:16It took me an entire month to win her over.
01:20From now on, treat her like the most important guest in the room.
01:24The crowd immediately erupted in teasing cheers.
01:28I sat on a sofa by the window, slowly swirling the bourbon in my glass.
01:33Our mutual friend, Owen, dropped into the seat beside me and lowered his voice.
01:38Elliot, stop pretending you're this calm.
01:40We can all see that Miles isn't completely indifferent to you.
01:42I pointed at myself.
01:44Me?
01:45Every girlfriend he has looks like you.
01:48The only problem is that he still refuses to admit it.
01:55Give him a little more time.
01:59Across the lounge, the man I actually loved was already watching me.
02:21I stared at him helplessly for a few seconds, before looking across the lounge.
02:26The man in the shadows wore a sharply tailored black suit.
02:30The man's expression was cool, but whenever his eyes met mine, a trace of amusement softened them.
02:36I've told you this plenty of times.
02:40I looked away.
02:41Who Miles dates has nothing to do with me.
02:44Owen packed my shoulder with an expression that said he understood everything, then stood and walked away.
02:49Great.
02:50Another explanation wasted.
02:54A moment later, Graham Whithall sat beside me.
02:57I spotted the drink in his hand, frowned, and took it away.
03:01Your doctor told you to cut back.
03:03If your stomach starts hurting again, don't expect sympathy from me.
03:07The backs of his fingers bruffed lightly against the side of my knee.
03:11You'd never leave me to suffer.
03:14I took a sip from the rim his lips had just touched.
03:17It's too loud in here.
03:19Come home with me later.
03:21At that moment, every light in the lounge went out as the staff reeled a birthday cake through the crowd.
03:25In the darkness, Graham did not kiss me.
03:28Instead, he pressed a cool keycard into my palm and slowly dragged his thumb across my knuckles.
03:33Be at my penthouse before midnight.
03:35Don't make me wait alone for too long.
03:39Once the candles were lit, everyone gathered around Miles and sang happy birthday.
03:44Graham and I remained in our corner.
03:47I slipped the keycard into my pocket and quietly promised to leave after Miles cut the cake.
03:53When the lights came back on, Owen suddenly called my name from the middle of the crowd.
03:57Before I could react, he had already dragged me in front of Miles.
04:01Miles smiled.
04:02You've been hiding in the back all night.
04:04You still haven't wished me a happy birthday impersonal.
04:06Claire glanced at me, then at Miles, obvious confusion in her eyes.
04:11Owen stood beside us, signaling frantically as though this were my perfect chance to impress Miles.
04:16Suppressing a sigh, I asked a server to place the gift box I had brought on the table.
04:22Happy birthday, Miles.
04:23Inside was a bottle of bourbon, out of production for years.
04:27One of the last my father ever collected.
04:29At his college graduation, Miles had once casually said that he wanted to open it on a truly important day.
04:33His eyes lit up when he recognized the label.
04:34The next second, however, he snapped his fingers at a server.
04:37With this many people here tonight, we should obviously open it now.
04:39Silence fell for several seconds.
04:42Miles poured the first glass himself and handed it to Claire.
04:46Then he smiled at me.
04:48You don't mind, do you?
04:49Once you give me a present, I get to decide when to drink it.
04:53Of course.
04:54It belongs to you now.
04:56He clinked glasses with Claire and bent down to kiss her.
05:00The cheering started again.
05:01Doubt Claire did not close her eyes immediately.
05:05Over Miles' shoulder, she looked at me, and confusion was no longer the only thing on her face.
05:09I stepped away from the crowd and returned to Graham.
05:11He stared at the bourbon spill into glasses casually, his expression frighteningly cold.
05:16I held out my hand to him.
05:17Let's go home.
05:21Graham took my hand and walked out without a word.
05:24He seemed to be in a bad mood.
05:27The penthouse door shut behind him.
05:30Graham walked straight into the open kitchen, loosened his tie, and dropped his car keys heavily onto the counter.
05:36I leaned against the island and watched him for a moment.
05:40What's wrong with you now?
05:41He turned, came back, and braced both hands on either side of me, trapping me against the marble without kissing
05:47me right away.
05:49I'm jealous.
05:51Miles had his arm around your shoulders all night, and he treated your treasured bourbon like potty lickle.
05:58Everyone our circle still thinks you're hopelessly in love with him, and no matter how much that idiot denies it,
06:03anyone with eyes can tell he feels more than friendship for you.
06:08I reached up and undoed his cufflinks.
06:11It was a birthday gift.
06:13Once I gave it to him,
06:18he did have the right to decide what to do with it.
06:22I understand the logic.
06:24Graham caught my wrist and kissed my palm.
06:27I'm still unhappy.
06:29He lifted me onto the counter and rested his forehead against mine.
06:33Everyone thinks my boyfriend is in love with someone else.
06:36I've explained it.
06:38I smiled.
06:40It's not my fault you share the Whitford name.
06:43A year and a half earlier, I had admitted that I liked men, and that the man I wanted was
06:48a Whitmore.
06:50Naturally, everyone decided I meant Miles.
06:53Graham was quiet for a moment.
06:56Let's go public.
07:00The smile on my face faded slightly.
07:06Arthur Whitmore had personally raised Graham to inherit the family empire.
07:11Miles could change girlfriends, throw parties, and create tabloid scandals, because Graham had always kept Whitmore Group steady.
07:19Arthur was not only worried about family gossip.
07:22He feared that our relationship would intensify the conflict between the brothers and weaken Graham's standing in the family trust
07:29in the company.
07:31Graham pressed his forehead to mine.
07:33If he forces me to choose between you and Whitmore, I'll leave the company.
07:40I laughed.
07:42What did your own company ever do to you?
07:44If Miles took over, Whitmore Group might not survive a single quarter.
07:48I wrapped my arms around Graham's neck and kissed him first.
07:53There's no rush.
07:54We'll take it slowly.
07:59My phone came with a message from Miles.
08:02Why did you leave early?
08:03Are you already home?
08:05I had only glanced at it when Graham turned the phone face down on the counter.
08:09A second later, his mouth was on mine again, and I forgot all about replying.
08:13I was one year older than Miles.
08:16The Parker and Whitmore families had known each other for years.
08:19During the hardest period of my father's career, Arthur had served as his business mentor and offered crucial advice.
08:25But our family's relationship had never been a debt that needed to be repaid.
08:29Miles and I had grown up together.
08:31In college, he had been especially talented at finding trouble.
08:35Getting drunk at late night parties, picking fights, and skipping important events at the last minute.
08:41I was usually the one who cleaned up the mess.
08:44He had also grown used to depending on me.
08:46After a breakup, he would show up at my apartment without warning.
08:49When he faced something he could not handle, my number was the first thing he thought of.
08:56Over time, people around us invented a romantic story.
09:00Then one question at a truth or dare game gave everyone the proof they thought they needed.
09:07A year and a half earlier, a group of us had played truth or dare at a vacation house.
09:12Someone asked whether I was attracted to men.
09:15I did not hide it.
09:16I said yes.
09:17Every pair of eyes immediately moved between Miles and me.
09:21Is the man you like a Whitmore?
09:24I nodded again.
09:25Owen nearly jumped off the sofa.
09:27I knew it!
09:28The man Elliot likes is-
09:29You like men?
09:30That's disgusting.
09:31The room went silent.
09:32I only smiled and did not argue.
09:34Later that night, Miles found me alone.
09:37He said he would never be attracted to a man and warned me not to think of him that way
09:41or we could not remain friends.
09:42You misunderstood.
09:44I like men, but I don't like you.
09:47You'd better not.
09:51After that, Miles began going through girlfriends at a noticeably faster rate.
09:55Every time he started seeing someone new, he made sure to introduce her to me immediately.
10:00Strangely, every woman resembled me in some way, and none of the relationships lasted long.
10:05He especially enjoyed hugging and kissing them in front of me, as though he were trying to prove something.
10:09Our friends kept telling me, he just hasn't accepted his feelings yet.
10:13Keep trying.
10:14I denied it for a year and a half.
10:16No one ever believed me.
10:19They had only guessed half the truth.
10:21I was in love with a Whitmore.
10:22But the Whitmore I loved was Miles' brother.
10:28At ten that night, my phone suddenly rang.
10:32Graham picked it up from the nightstand and deliberately placed it beside my hand.
10:37Aren't you going to answer?
10:39It's Miles.
10:40I gave him a look.
10:41Sometimes that man could be wicked with extraordinary patience.
10:45I answered the call.
10:47Miles spoke immediately.
10:49Elliot, I need a favor.
10:51At the party, I put my wallet in your coat pocket and forgot to take it back.
10:55The Langford, suite 407.
10:58Can you bring it over?
10:59Have your driver pick it up from my apartment.
11:02My voice broke.
11:04Without warning, I snapped my mouth shut and glared at the man above me.
11:08There was a pause on the other end.
11:10I hurled back under the covers.
11:11Hey, it's Miles.
11:12Not long afterward, Miles' voice carried in from outside.
11:15What took you so long?
11:17My legs are numb from standing in the hallway.
11:19Then his voice rose in surprise.
11:21Wait.
11:22What happened to your back?
11:23Did you bring someone home last night?
11:25Why had Miles come over this early?
11:27Graham ignored the question about Spout the Scratches and asked flatly,
11:30Where's Claire?
11:31I just dropped her off at Columbia.
11:33She has class this morning.
11:35I'm having lunch with Grandpa and my watch is being repaired.
11:38Lend me something formal.
11:39There are several in the guest room safe.
11:42Footsteps entered the apartment.
11:46Didn't you say Elliot twisted his ankle last night?
11:48Is it bad?
11:49I called him twice this morning, but he didn't answer.
11:52I reached for the phone beside the pillow and found two missed calls.
11:59Graham laughed.
12:01It's nothing serious.
12:02He's perfectly energetic.
12:05I heard him a little while checking it, so he scratched me.
12:08I silently tight my grip up on the blanket.
12:11You don't know how to take care of anyone.
12:13I'll go see him this afternoon.
12:15His voice drew closer.
12:17Use the guest room.
12:19Those are all sports watches.
12:20I want the black one in your bedroom closet.
12:23The bedroom doorknob turned lightly.
12:26I stared at the door and started considering whether I should wrap myself in the comforter
12:30and politely wish him good morning.
12:32Just before the door opened, Graham said lazily, don't go in.
12:37My boyfriend had a long night and is still asleep.
12:39The doorknob was released at once.
12:42Miles began to stummer.
12:43You brought your boyfriend home?
12:45You're serious about him?
12:46I'm always serious about the person I choose.
12:48Unlike you, I don't go through a dozen people a year.
12:51Miles gave an awkward laugh and did not ask anything else.
12:54He quickly took a different watch from the guest room and left.
12:57The front door closed.
12:59By the time Graham returned to the bedroom, I had washed up and was fastening my shirt
13:03cuffs.
13:04Were you nervous just now?
13:07I stepped on his foot without expression.
13:10If he'd walked in, I wouldn't have been the traumatized one.
13:14I hooked a finger into his waistband, pulled him back, and kissed his chin.
13:19But once we go public, the entire Whitmore family will know.
13:22Including your grandfather.
13:24Are you ready?
13:27Graham wrapped his arms around me and rocked us from side to side.
13:30I've been ready.
13:31I'm only waiting for you to say yes.
13:33After a moment, he added.
13:36Grandpa turned 75 in three days.
13:38You'll come, won't you?
13:40Arthur had always treated me well, so I did not refuse.
13:43I have class that afternoon.
13:45I'll come over afterward.
13:47Graham kissed the tip of my nose.
13:49I'll pick you up at the university.
13:51Arthur's birthday fell on a Friday.
13:53It was almost five by the time I finished my last class.
13:56The moment I stepped out of the building, several students surrounded me and began asking what
14:00would be on the final.
14:01I tapped each of them on the shoulder with my forwarder.
14:04It's clearly listed on the course site.
14:06If you're only checking now, you're already late.
14:08Elliot?
14:09Then a familiar voice called my name from behind the students.
14:12They laughed and scattered.
14:13I looked up and saw Miles standing nearby.
14:17I nodded in greeting and started to leave, but he stepped in my way.
14:21Hey, how's your ankle?
14:22Why wouldn't you let me come see you?
14:24You don't have to avoid me.
14:26Even if I can't return your feelings, we're still friends.
14:29I looked at him in silence for several seconds.
14:33After a year and a half, did he truly not understand?
14:35Or had he simply never listened to anything I said?
14:38Why are you on campus?
14:39Surely you didn't come just to see me.
14:41Miles faltered.
14:43Of course not.
14:44I'm picking up Claire.
14:45She's in the School of the Arts.
14:46We're going to Grandpa's together tonight.
14:48As soon as he finished, Claire hurried down the steps and took his arm.
14:52She greeted me with a slightly embarrassed smile.
14:54Professor Parker, I only found out later that you teach at Columbia, too.
14:58I'm sorry I didn't introduce self properly at the birthday party.
15:01We're in different schools.
15:02It's perfectly normal that we hadn't met.
15:04Miles took her hand.
15:06We're heading to Grandpa's now.
15:07You're going too, aren't you?
15:08You can ride with us.
15:10I refused immediately.
15:12He seemed about to say something else, but hesitated for so long that even Claire gave
15:16him a puzzled look.
15:17He was still looking at me when a car stopped at the curb behind us.
15:24Graham stepped out of the back seat and walked straight toward us.
15:30Miles asked in surprise,
15:33Graham, what are you doing at the university?
15:36Picking up my date.
15:38Miles immediately grinned.
15:39You're really dating someone?
15:41A student?
15:42Not a student.
15:44You'll meet him tonight.
15:46I waited for a few minutes beneath a plane tree by the road.
15:50After Miles finished speaking with Graham, he left with Claire.
15:53Graham came over and took my briefcase.
15:56I straightened the hem of his suit jacket and could not help looking at him a little longer.
16:01He raised an eyebrow.
16:03Mesmerized?
16:06Yes.
16:07Yes.
16:07When you're standing this close, it's difficult to notice anyone else.
16:10Then you clearly have excellent taste in men.
16:12We got into the car together.
16:14An hour later, the sedan entered the Whitmore Estate overlooking the Hudson River.
16:17Arthur disliked excessive spectacle, so his 75th birthday was marked by a private family
16:22dinner.
16:22Graham and Miles' parents were still in Europe and had not returned in time.
16:25Miles was already there.
16:27When we arrived, his expression changed.
16:30When he saw Graham and me together, you came together?
16:33We ran into each other outside the university.
16:35He gave me a ride.
16:37Miles glanced behind us.
16:39Seeing no one else, he asked Graham,
16:41Didn't you say you were bringing the person you're dating?
16:44Where is he?
16:45I lightly pinched Graham's wrist where Miles could not see.
16:49He only smiled and did not answer.
16:53Once dinner began, Arthur asked the younger members of the family about their lives and
16:58spoke briefly with Graham about the company.
17:00Then the conversation abruptly shifted to Miles.
17:04Miles, this is the first time you've formally brought a girlfriend home.
17:08I know her parents.
17:09They're good people.
17:09If the two of you are serious, invite them to dinner sometime.
17:12Claire blushed and looked at Miles expectantly.
17:13Miles full.
17:14His first instinct was not to look at Claire.
17:16His eyes found me first.
17:17I lowered my eyes and cut into my rake without acknowledging him.
17:19It's too early to talk more time about the future.
17:21Claire's smile stiffened, but she eventually nodded along.
17:23Elliot, I've watched you grow up too.
17:25Once you make a decision, you rarely turn back.
17:28Even if this relationship invites gossip and complicates your place in this family,
17:34are you still certain?
17:36I won't regret it, and I have no intention of choosing anyone else.
17:40Graham raised our joined hands and placed them on the table.
17:42Then there is no reason to keep hiding it.
17:44Elliot is my boyfriend.
17:46You have my blessing.
17:54He's with who?
17:59My brother!
18:02Out!
18:04Out!
18:06Sit down.
18:08When will you learn to control yourself in a formal setting?
18:15He barely spoke for the rest of dinner.
18:18Claire tried several times to engage him, but he acted as though he had not heard her.
18:22Graham placed a piece of roasted fish on my plate.
18:24Try it.
18:25If you like it, I'll make it for you next time.
18:27There was no longer any reason for us to hide.
18:29I smiled.
18:34Graham and I said our goodbyes first.
18:36Before we reached the car, Miles ran after us and blocked my path.
18:40His chest rose and fall violently, and anger made his voice shake.
18:45Elliot, are you that desperate for a man?
18:48You couldn't have me, so you seduced my brother?
18:52Speak to him like that again, and being my brother won't protect you.
18:56Am I wrong?
18:57I caught Graham's wrist and made him release his brother.
19:01You are wrong.
19:02I never wanted you.
19:04From the beginning, the man I loved was your brother.
19:11I looked directly into Miles' bloodshot eyes.
19:14For the past year and a half, I have told everyone again and again that I don't love you.
19:18Every word was true.
19:20But?
19:21But what?
19:22I cut him off.
19:24You kept demanding that I stop imagining anything between us.
19:27Now that you finally know I never did, shouldn't you be relieved?
19:30Graham and I love each other.
19:31What right do you have to stand here and interrogate me?
19:33I paused for a second and made the final sentence perfectly clear.
19:37Unless you're the one who cannot accept what this means.
19:41Miles opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
19:43A moment earlier, he had looked furious enough to lose his mind.
19:47Now he only looked lost.
19:49I took Graham's hand.
19:51Let's go.
19:52Elliot kept that bottle in his family collection for years.
19:55A birthday gift wasn't the only thing you wasted that night.
20:08What are you thinking about?
20:09How did you get Arthur to accept us?
20:12And why didn't you tell me beforehand?
20:15I had expected a long fight after we went public.
20:18Instead, Arthur had been remarkably calm that evening.
20:21If I'd told you, you would have tried to stop me.
20:24I put a signed resignation letter on his desk.
20:28I told him that if he insisted on making me choose between you and Whitford, the letter
20:33would go to the board the next morning.
20:35You were really prepared to give up the CEO position?
20:38I don't want to give it up.
20:40But I will never give you up.
20:42He made it sound simple.
20:43The conversation could not have been nearly as easy as he described.
20:45He had faced more than his grandfather's opposition.
20:47He had faced years of expectations, responsibility for the company, and the possibility of losing
20:51everything he had built.
20:52I did not question him further.
20:53I simply watched him in silence.
20:55A minute later, I expressionlessly removed the hand that had wandered toward the inside
20:58of my thigh and put it back on the steering wheel.
21:01Watch the road.
21:04You nearly ran a red light.
21:10By the time we showered and got into bed, it was nearly midnight.
21:15Before I could fall asleep, Owen's name flashed across my phone.
21:23I answered before the second ring.
21:25You finally answered!
21:26Miles is at a bar, so drunk he can barely stay conscious, and he keeps saying your name.
21:31What happened between you two?
21:33Can you come get him?
21:34Whenever something went wrong, Miles got drunk.
21:36Call Claire.
21:37She is the appropriate person to pick up her boyfriend.
21:41You think I didn't?
21:43Owen raised his voice immediately.
21:45Claire came, threw the bracelet he gave her onto the table, poured an entire glass of bourbon
21:50in his face, and broke up with him on the spot.
21:55Beside me, Graham laughed under his breath.
21:59He deserved it.
22:00Owen kept complaining.
22:02He just threw up on my jacket.
22:03If I don't get home soon, my girlfriend is going to lock me out.
22:07Elliot, he keeps calling your name.
22:09Isn't this your perfect opportunity?
22:11I could see Graham's jaw tighten in annoyance.
22:15Owen immediately asked.
22:16Is someone with you?
22:18Yes.
22:21I reached over and tapped Graham's chin.
22:24I'm with Graham.
22:27Perfect.
22:28You and Graham can come get his broth.
22:30Owen.
22:31Graham and I are dating.
22:34Arthur had given us his blessing, and there was no longer any reason to hide from our friends.
22:39The other end of the line went silent for several seconds.
22:42Fuck!
22:43Graham, is that you?
22:44Then a deafening curse exploded through the phone.
22:47I told Owen to text me the address and ended the call.
22:49Graham pinched my chin and narrowed his eyes dangerously.
22:53Are you planning to leave in the middle of the night to pick up another man in front of your
22:56boyfriend?
22:58I pushed the phone screen toward him.
23:01That man is your brother.
23:02Send a Whitmore driver.
23:09Only then did Graham kiss me in satisfaction and took the phone to arrange a drive.
23:14Stayed in bed for another half hour, washed up, and went downstairs to buy coffee.
23:19The moment I entered the lobby, I noticed a painfully disheveled man sitting in the lounge area.
23:24Miles?
23:26His body stiffened before he slowly raised his head.
23:32You really are here.
23:37I went to your apartment first.
23:38I knocked for a long time, but no one answered.
23:40If you weren't home, I thought this was the most likely place you'd be.
23:46Once I got here, I couldn't bring myself to ask the front desk to call upstairs.
23:51So I sat here and waited.
23:54I was afraid you'd really walk out of Graham's elevator.
23:56Miles looked up at me, and there was something almost pleading in his eyes.
24:00That morning, the person in Graham's bedroom was you too, wasn't it?
24:03He was waiting for me to deny it.
24:05I exhaled.
24:07Yes.
24:13Can I come upstairs for a while?
24:18I took Miles upstairs, poured him a glass of water, and sat on the sofa across from me.
24:23He still smelled of alcohol, and his shirt was covered in wrinkles.
24:27Miles drank some water before finally speaking.
24:31I thought about everything last night.
24:33I owe you an apology.
24:37I called you disgusting for liking men.
24:40Then last night, I said those horrible things to you.
24:43I'm sorry.
24:45I nodded.
24:47I accept it.
24:48But I'm not the only person you owe an apology to.
24:51Claire, and every woman you treated as some kind of substitute.
24:55Some of them genuinely cared about you.
25:00I know.
25:01I'll apologize to them.
25:03After a moment of silence, he asked,
25:06Do you remember sophomore year, when I got into a fight during charity weekend and nearly
25:10got suspended?
25:10You stayed up with me all night, helped me put together an account of what happened.
25:15And the night of graduation, when my father never showed up, I was sitting alone in the
25:20stadium, and you found me and stayed until sunrise.
25:23You were always so good to me.
25:26Miles looked at me cautiously, a trace of hope hidden in his eyes.
25:30If you never loved me, why did you do all that?
25:34You called me when you were facing suspension.
25:37Graham was overseas.
25:38Arthur had no idea what had happened.
25:40And I was the only sober person you knew.
25:42On graduation night, you were a friend whose family had failed to show up.
25:46No decent person would have left you alone in an empty stadium.
25:51Then why did everyone think you loved me?
25:55I looked at him and explained each word carefully.
25:58We grew up together.
26:00I was more accustomed than most people to looking after you.
26:03But I never crossed the boundary of friendship.
26:06The only thing that caused the misunderstanding was that truth or dare game.
26:09I admitted that I loved a Whitmore.
26:11But because Graham and I weren't public yet, I didn't say his name.
26:16After a long silence, he laughed bitterly at himself.
26:20So I was the one imagining everything all along.
26:29Baby, I'm home.
26:31I brought almond croissants from your favorite place.
26:35I was here this early to see my boyfriend.
26:41Wipe off the sweat first.
26:44Miles had not spoken since Graham came in.
26:47Graham casually wiped his forehead, then bent down and kissed me on the mouth.
26:51The croissants are best while they're warm.
26:52I'm going to shower.
26:55Do you want one?
26:57I never knew you liked the almond croissants from that bakery.
27:02I waited, but he still did not take the croissant.
27:07Because I never told you.
27:09Miles looked even more dejected.
27:11How did you and my brother start?
27:13I thought for a moment.
27:16Strictly speaking, I provoked him first.
27:20Miles looked up.
27:22We met at a charity auction for architectural preservation.
27:26Graham wanted to buy the original 19th century plans for historic hotel.
27:32At the last second, I raised the bid and took them from him.
27:35After the auction, I wrote my phone number on the back of my bidding pedal,
27:39slipped it into his jacket pocket,
27:40and told him to come find me if he wanted the plans back.
27:45Judging by the result, I suppose I seduced him first.
27:49Miles stared for several seconds before drawing a deep breath,
27:51as though he had finally made a decision.
27:55Elliot, I regret everything.
27:58I was arrogant and stupid.
28:00I refused to understand myself.
28:03If I'd admitted it sooner, if I had never said those things to you,
28:06would you have...
28:07No.
28:08I cut him off.
28:10There is no different answer to something that has already happened.
28:20Graham had finished showering and returned fully dressed.
28:24He sat beside me, his voice calm but carrying unmistakable pressure.
28:28Miles, I taught you growing up that an adult should act with dignity and self-respect.
28:32You may make an exception in front of the person you love.
28:36Showing up at someone else's home after drinking all night dressed in a wrinkled shirt isn't devotion.
28:41It's rude.
28:42As for trying to take someone from me, your courage is admirable.
28:46Your judgment is terrible.
28:47What do you have right now that deserves a second glance from Elliot?
28:50Hair like a bird's nest?
28:52Or the dark circles you earned by staying up all night?
28:55Miles' face flushed.
28:56But he could not produce a single reply.
29:00Graham picked up his car keys.
29:02I'm taking you home.
29:04Clean yourself up and start acting like an adult before you come back to talk.
29:08Miles eventually lowered his head, stood, and walked toward the door.
29:12Graham leaned down and kissed my cheek, his expression softening instantly.
29:17Wait for me.
29:18Graham was not gone for long.
29:21By the time he returned, the documentary I was watching had not reached the halfway point.
29:26He took off his coat about fair competition.
29:29As it turned out, Miles had not been speaking impulsively.
29:34When I taught on campus, he sometimes waited outside my building.
29:38When I was away, bouquets, exhibition tickets, and handwritten notes arrived at my office.
29:44Then the gif stopped, and Miles appeared in person.
29:49I returned every item, untouched.
29:52One rainy afternoon, I found him outside the building again.
29:55Miles had no umbrella.
29:57Rain soaked his expensive suit, and two tickets to an architecture exhibition were crumpled in his hand,
30:03their ink beginning to run.
30:05I stopped.
30:06What are you doing here?
30:08He looked down at the tickets, visibly uncertain.
30:12Claire came to see me.
30:13She accepted my apology and returned every piece of jewelry I ever gave her.
30:18I was going to invite you to the exhibition.
30:21It looks like the tickets are ruined now.
30:24I watched him for a long moment before asking seriously.
30:27What exactly are you trying to get from all this?
30:30I don't need flowers or tickets, and I don't need you appearing here every day.
30:34Miles hesitated.
30:36Concern between friends?
30:39I'm not an idiot.
30:41After a moment of silence, he finally admitted.
30:44I love you.
30:47I'm pursuing you.
30:49If you're attracted to men, why can't that man be me?
30:52His logic almost made me laugh from sheer disbelief.
30:56Being attracted to men doesn't mean I have to want every man in the world.
31:00More accurately, I don't love Graham because he's a man.
31:04I love him because he's Graham.
31:06I look directly into Miles' eyes.
31:08You once said that if I pursued you, it would make you uncomfortable.
31:11I have a boyfriend now, and you're waiting here every day, and constantly sending gifts
31:16makes me uncomfortable too.
31:17I'm telling you again, Miles.
31:21There will never be anything between us.
31:27I left no room for another Munder standing and turned away.
31:30After I had taken several steps, he shouted behind me.
31:33Elliot, I'm not giving up.
31:35I'll make you change your mind.
31:38I closed my eyes briefly.
31:40Change what mind?
31:42Perhaps Graham should send him to a private island with no scheduled flights.
31:46On the surface, Graham seemed completely unconcerned by his brother's pursuit.
31:51He had an almost arrogant level of confidence in himself.
31:54At night, however, Miles became excuse for Graham to demand more and more from me.
31:59He came to see you again today.
32:01I'm unhappy.
32:02You talk to him for three minutes.
32:05I need compensation.
32:06He sent you another gift, so tonight you have to love me more.
32:10After several days of this, I began to wonder whether I could throw both Whitfield's brothers
32:16out of my apartment.
32:18Before Miles' pursuit had completely ended, a new scandal erupted.
32:23Whitmore Group was about to hold its annual shareholders meeting when someone exposed
32:27my relationship with Graham.
32:29The secretly recorded footage had been deliberately edited.
32:32Graham was portrayed as an irresponsible heir consumed by his private life, while I became
32:38an opportunist who had used romance to get close to a billionaire.
32:42I knew Miles was not responsible.
32:44He was impulsive.
32:47But he would never hurt Graham in such a foolish way.
32:50And he would never deliberately push me into the public eye.
32:56Whitfield Group was too large not to attract enemies.
33:00There would always be someone willing to weaponize Graham's private life to weaken his position.
33:06Entertainment sites and social media were soon flooded with the story.
33:10People uncovered my name, university, degrees, and employment history.
33:15They even found my course email address.
33:18Colleagues messaged me to ask whether I was truly dating the CEO of Whitmore Group.
33:24I did not deny it.
33:26Miles called as well, speaking so quickly that I could barely interrupt.
33:30Don't worry.
33:31I'll contact everyone I know and get these stories taken down.
33:35Before I could answer, he hung up.
33:38Ten minutes later, Graham published a statement on his personal account.
33:42Yes, Elliot and I are in a relationship.
33:44He has never pursued my brother.
33:46Our attorneys will address the harassment and false allegations directed at him.
33:50The story did not disappear.
33:52Instead, Graham's statement immediately reached the top of every platform's trending list.
33:56My phone was overwhelmed by calls and messages.
34:00To protect both my eyes and my sanity, I told Graham what I was doing and turned it off.
34:05I thought turning off the phone would end the night.
34:11That evening, he returned to the apartment.
34:14After his shower, I dried his hair with a towel.
34:18Has this hurt the company?
34:21Graham pulled me into his arms and kissed me twice.
34:24Whitfield Group earns its money through hotels, real estate, and its brands,
34:27not through the CEO's dating life.
34:29I fell in love with a man.
34:30I didn't break the law or hurt anyone.
34:33If they think a few edited clips can force me out, they seriously underestimate me.
34:36When he finished, he took a ring box from the inside pocket of his coat.
34:40For once, he did not joke.
34:43Graham went down on one knee in front of me and looked up.
34:46This isn't public relations, and it isn't meant to silence anyone.
34:50Elliot Parker, will you marry me?
34:52I looked at him and deliberately remained silent for several seconds.
34:57Only when real nirveness did Gandashina show on Graham's face, did I hold out my hand.
35:01Yes.
35:02He immediately slipped the ring onto my finger, rose, and wrapped me in a fierce embrace.
35:08The day after our relationship was exposed,
35:11his legal team released the complete, unedited footage,
35:14and sent formal legal notice to the outlets that had first spread the false story.
35:24The full video showed Miles cornering me outside the building and me rejecting him without hesitation.
35:28Several major entertainment sites quickly changed their headlines,
35:31then removed their articles and issued corrections.
35:33Arthur did not hold a press conference.
35:35The Whitmore family office released only a brief statement.
35:38Whitmore family statement.
35:39Elliot is someone our family has chosen and cherishes.
35:43He and Graham have my full blessing as they prepare to marry.
35:47More students and colleagues began speaking publicly on my behalf.
35:51Some shared my academic record.
35:53Others described how I had helped students finish projects and secure scholarships.
35:59The hostility did not vanish overnight, but the cruelest accusations lost their foundation.
36:03Whitmore group also confirmed that the private footage had been leaked by an executive
36:06who wanted to weaken Graham before the shareholders meeting.
36:08The executive was dismissed immediately and placed under investigation for invasion of privacy
36:12and violation of a confidentiality agreement.
36:14Meanwhile, after Miles learned that I had accepted the proposal, he went drinking again.
36:18According to Owen, Miles cried while calling himself useless
36:21because he had not even managed to make one news story disappear even from me.
36:24Two days later, he sent me a message.
36:26I did not reply.
36:27Some relationships should end exactly there.
36:29Not long afterward, Miles told the family that he had accepted a one-year rotation
36:32at Weltmore's London Off while completing a management program.
36:35He no longer wanted to be a playboy who survived on his last name.
36:37Graham and I went to the airport to see him off.
36:39By the time we met him at the airport, Miles was noticeably quieter.
36:42He did not mention his feelings again or asked me for another answer.
36:46Before boarding, he only nodded to us.
36:47Perhaps when he returned, he would finally be a truly mature wit.
36:53Good.
36:54Both of you, look at the camera.
36:56The photographer stood behind the lens,
36:58trying to create a set of cool, powerful engagement fortitrets
37:02worthy of a business magazine cover.
37:04The problem was that Graham refused to cooperate.
37:07He stood perfectly straight, but his fingers kept teasing the small of my back.
37:11The instant the photographer pressed the shutter, I turned my head and laughed.
37:17Mr. Whitmore, please stop distracting Mr. Parker.
37:21Graham looked innocent.
37:22I haven't done anything.
37:24I turned toward him.
37:26Are you sure?
37:28Absolutely.
37:29He gave my waist another light squeeze.
37:31I nearly laughed again.
37:33The photographer sighed and repositioned us face to face.
37:36This time do nothing.
37:37Just look at each other.
37:38At last, Graham became still.
37:40He looked down at me, and the playful amusement in his eyes slowly softened into tenderness.
37:45Without realizing it, the rest of the crew grew quiet.
37:48Why are you looking at me like that?
37:49Because it still doesn't feel real.
37:52You actually agreed to marry me.
37:54I reached up and straightened his bow tie.
37:56You can still change your mind.
37:57In your dreams.
37:59He immediately took my hand and pressed a kiss to the ring.
38:02The shutter clicked at that exact moment.
38:04The photographer checked the screen and finally smiled in satisfaction.
38:09There.
38:10That one didn't need to be posed.
38:13In the photograph, Graham was not looking at the camera, and neither was I.
38:16We were only looking at each other, as though no one else existed in the studio.
38:20Afternoon sunlight flooded the floor to ceiling windows.
38:23Life was already good, and our future would be even better.
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