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00:00On the night of the graduation ceremony, I, all 200 pounds of me, slept the whole night with the most
00:05attractive guy in school.
00:07The next morning, I woke up to his friends laughing outside.
00:10Did Jason really give his keycard to Tiffany? Obviously. They're a perfect match.
00:15Imagine if it was that fat pig Ellie. Gross.
00:17Thinking about her in his bed makes me gag.
00:21The keycard in my bag wasn't meant for me, and the name he gasped in the dark was Tiff.
00:27Humiliated, I vanished from his life.
00:32Six years later, my first film just got shelved. My agent drags me to a VIP suite.
00:38The guy in the middle holds the fate of your film. Do whatever it takes to get on his good
00:41side.
00:42I push the heavy doors open and freeze. That man is Jason.
00:46The moment my eyes locked with Jason's, my heart stopped. My agent only said the new boss was named Jason.
00:53She left out his last name, Jason Cross. The man who controls two, thirds of the industry's distribution networks.
01:00For the past six months, since he took over, countless actresses had tried to throw themselves at him, only to
01:05be blacklisted.
01:06I was desperate. Major distributors blacklisted my first film.
01:10This was my absolute last resort.
01:12But the second I stepped into the VIP suite.
01:15Who the hell let this gold dagger in?
01:17Don't you know Mr. Cross hates women trying to crawl into his bed?
01:20Get lost.
01:20Another cheap girl trying to sleep her way in?
01:22Jason, you really are a magnet for these pests.
01:25Jason lit a cigarette and glanced up.
01:27His eyes were cold as ice, like he was looking at a stranger.
01:31And that is when it hit me.
01:32I am no longer the 200-pound fat girl he used to know in high school.
01:36He didn't recognize me.
01:38Relief washed over me.
01:39I flashed a smile and raised my glass.
01:42My apologies for crashing, Mr. Cross.
01:44Let me make it up to you.
01:45Cheers.
01:45I tilted my head and downed the liquor.
01:48Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jason's brow twitch slightly, but he remained silent.
01:53I'm Elena Lane, a new actress.
01:55I just starred in Chasing Shadows.
01:57Save it.
01:58A-Leister stripped for him and he didn't blink.
02:00Get out before he gets mad.
02:02You really don't want to cross him.
02:03My heart sank, it was expected, yet it still stung.
02:06I took one last look at Jason, who sat there like an untouchable god silent.
02:10Sorry to disturb you.
02:12I turned to leave.
02:13But the next second, a deep, lazy, painfully familiar voice echoed from behind me.
02:18Chasing Shadows?
02:19I think I've heard of it.
02:21As soon as those words left his mouth, the sneers in the room vanished.
02:25The silence was deafening.
02:26I turned back, stunned.
02:28Jason sat in the dim light, his features sharper now.
02:31He still had that boyish edge, but with a new, dangerous weight to it, it still pulled at my heart.
02:36I heard the film has potential, but the rating board flagged a few controversial scenes, stalling its wide release.
02:43Am I correct?
02:44I nodded eagerly, hope flaring in my chest.
02:47Yes, exactly.
02:50Our producers have offered to recut those scenes, but the major distributor still won't give us a straight answer.
02:57My heart pounded against my ribs.
02:58Jason stood up at six foot three.
03:01He towered over me.
03:02The pressure of his gaze was suffocating.
03:04You're asking the wrong man.
03:06That's not my department.
03:07He turned to leave.
03:08Panic gripped me.
03:09As he brushed past, I reached out and grabbed his arm.
03:12They say Jason Cross can make anything happen.
03:15Please, there must be a way.
03:17Jason froze.
03:18His dark eyes dropped to my hand.
03:19I yanked it back, palms sweating, and forced myself to speak.
03:23I know you don't lack anything, Mr. Cross, but if you help me with this, I promise to do whatever's
03:28in my power to repay you in the future.
03:30Just name your terms.
03:32Whatever is in your power?
03:34Jason turned slowly.
03:35His gaze snapped back to my face, dark and intense.
03:38He stared for a few seconds, a mocking smirk on his lips.
03:41I'm afraid what I want, Elena, is something you are not prepared to give.
03:46Before I could speak, Jason pushed the door open and walked out.
03:49Defeated, I dragged myself down to the underground parking garage.
03:53How did it go?
03:54Did you see Jason?
03:55What did he say?
03:57I shook my head in silence.
03:59Chloe sighed, patting my shoulder.
04:01Hey, it's okay.
04:02It was a long shot anyway.
04:03I heard an Oscar winner tried to buy him a drink last week and he dumped it right in front
04:07of her.
04:08I only had you try because you guys went to the same high school.
04:12I thought maybe, just maybe, there was a slim chance.
04:15She nudged me into the van, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
04:19But seriously, did you really not know him back then?
04:23With a face like that, he must have been the ultimate school heart stream.
04:26I paused before stepping in, trying to sound completely indifferent.
04:29I have no idea.
04:31Maybe he got a massive glow up or some serious plastic surgery after graduation.
04:36It's pretty as common these days.
04:38Suddenly, Chloe choked, coughing.
04:41She shot me a wide.
04:42I'd glare, gesturing for me to shut my mouth.
04:45Parked right behind us was a sleek, deep blue Rolls Royce Phantom.
04:48The tinted rear window rolled down just an inch,
04:51revealing Jason's face cloaked in the shadows of the backseat.
04:54His assistant walked up to me, respectfully handing over a gold-embossed black card.
04:58Ms. Lane, Mr. Cross invites you to have dinner at his private lounge tomorrow night.
05:02The assistant cleared his throat, looking slightly uncomfortable.
05:05Oh, and Mr. Cross said you can personally verify tomorrow if he's ever had any work done.
05:10What is Jason after?
05:12A casual fling?
05:14Chloe examined the card.
05:16Wait, is this a room key?
05:19A key card.
05:21A flood of buried memories hit me.
05:23I never expected that after all these years, his habits hadn't changed.
05:27But Jason rejected an Oscar winner.
05:29Why would he send you a key card?
05:30Be honest, did you two have a history?
05:32How is that possible?
05:34You've seen my old photos.
05:35I was as round as a balloon.
05:37Why would someone like he ever look at me?
05:39True.
05:39You were invisible back then.
05:41But who knew you'd turn into a stunner after losing the weight?
05:44Your face is literally made for the big screen.
05:46I offered a fake smile.
05:48Chloe was wrong.
05:49I wasn't invisible.
05:50I was the school's most famous joke.
05:53My name was chained to Jason's for two years.
05:55He hated me for it.
05:57In junior year, Jason transferred to our school and immediately became the ultimate golden boy.
06:02Like every other girl, I fell for him at first sight.
06:06But I had self-awareness.
06:08I was ballooned to 200 pounds due to steroid medication.
06:13While other girls screamed his name from the sidelines, I hid on the second floor balcony,
06:18watching from afar.
06:19While they stuffed love letters in his desk, I only dared to steal a glance when he walked
06:24past me to the water fountain.
06:26I poured it all into a diary.
06:28It was supposed to be a harmless crush.
06:31Until one day, the class bully snatched my diary and read it aloud to the classroom.
06:36Jason, I don't know why I love you so much.
06:39We've never spoken a word.
06:40I only dare to look at your back.
06:48Laughter erupted.
06:49Holy crap!
06:51Fat Ellie actually has a crush on Jason?
06:53The bully slammed my diary onto Jane's desk.
06:56Hey Jason! How does it feel to be crowed by a fat pig?
06:59Everyone stared.
07:00I squeezed my eyes shut, tears threatening to spill.
07:03I looked at Jason.
07:04He didn't laugh.
07:05He put down his book, picked up my diary, and walked over to my desk.
07:09Thank you.
07:10But please, don't write this anymore.
07:12I could literally hear my dignity shatter.
07:14Trembling, I took the book back.
07:16Okay, I won't.
07:17Tears finally spilled.
07:18I shoved the diary into my desk, wanting to disappear.
07:21Well, we're talking now, aren't we?
07:23I looked up, sniffing, confused.
07:26Jason stood against the sunlight, his dark eyes glittering.
07:29Didn't you write that we've never spoken?
07:31A faint smile touched his lips.
07:34Now we have.
07:35Because Jason didn't push me away, the bullying only grew worse.
07:39My classmates turned it into relentless mockery.
07:41Ellie, you're only grossing him out because he's too nice to say anything.
07:45Look in a mirror, mirror.
07:46Jason has Tiffany.
07:46He'd never look at you.
07:48Jason and Tiffany were the school's star hosts.
07:51One day, Tiffany walked into our classroom, loud and proud.
07:56Jason, can we talk?
07:57I saw your mom at my dad's company this morning.
08:00She asked me to bring you this jacket.
08:01Whispers and giggles erupted.
08:03I shrank into the corner of the hallway.
08:05What is wrong with that girl, Ellie?
08:07She keeps stalking you.
08:08How can someone be so shameless?
08:10Stop.
08:11Jason frowned.
08:12She's just a classmate.
08:13My ears buzzed.
08:14The rest of their words faded.
08:16Covering my mouth, I fled.
08:19The verbal rejection still crushed me.
08:21I started avoiding him.
08:23Wherever he went, I hid.
08:24But the bullies grew bored of me hiding.
08:27During swim class, a girl stopped me outside the locker room.
08:30The girl's locker room door is broken.
08:32You have to change in the second floor lounge.
08:34I didn't think twice.
08:36I took my swimsuit and pushed the lounge door open.
08:39A shirtless guy stood inside.
08:41Broad shoulders, sharp obliques.
08:43I'm sorry.
08:44I didn't know anyone was in here.
08:45The guy threw on a t-shirt and turned around.
08:48It was Jason.
08:50Suddenly, the door burst open.
08:52A crowd of classmates stood there.
08:54Phones ready, shouting.
08:57Holy crap, Ellie!
08:58Are you seriously peeping on Jason?
09:00She's trying to force herself on him!
09:02My face burned with rage.
09:04Stop lying!
09:05The girl's locker room is broken!
09:06No, it's not.
09:07I just saw girls going in.
09:09You're just desperate to get into his pants.
09:10Man, I'm scared to change her now.
09:11What if she targets me next?
09:13Lack of the camera.
09:14Jason's face darkened to pitch black.
09:16Get out!
09:17Everyone, get the hell out!
09:19His voice shaking the walls.
09:22I ran, tears streaming down my face.
09:25That was the last time I saw him in high school.
09:27Soon after, I had to leave school because of my health and switch to homeschooling.
09:31Then came the graduation party.
09:33Drunk, I took the wrong key card, slept with him, and fled.
09:37He flew across the ocean the next day.
09:40We never saw each other again.
09:42The next day, I arrived at the private lounge owned by Cross Enterprises.
09:46Before I went inside, Chloe grabbed my hand.
09:50If things look bad, call me.
09:52I'll get you out.
09:54These billionaires play sick games.
09:56No role is worth your soul.
09:58I patted her hand.
10:01I'll be fine.
10:02But we both knew the truth.
10:03New talent popped up every day.
10:06This was my only shot.
10:07I expected a trap.
10:08The casting couch.
10:10Instead, Jason introduced me to the industry's biggest players.
10:14Several top directors and powerful executives sat around the table.
10:18By the end of the night, my head was spinning from the line.
10:22Jason slid a glass of water in front of me and spoke to the lead distributor.
10:26She's a rookie.
10:27Look into her movie's release, will you?
10:30For you, Mr. Cross, of course.
10:32Once they recut those scenes, we'll clear it.
10:34The distributor glanced at me with a knowing smile.
10:37You're a lucky girl, Ms. Lane.
10:39Mr. Cross doesn't do favors, not even for Oscar winners.
10:41When the dinner ended, I told Chloe to head back first and got into Jason's car.
10:46The connection he had just handed me was something other actresses spent lifetimes chasing.
10:52The price for this favor was obvious.
10:54He was my high school crush.
10:56We had slept together once.
10:58I wasn't going to play the naive victim.
11:00My only regret was that he wanted the glamorous Elena.
11:04Not the fat, invisible Ellie who used to love him from the shadows.
11:08The back seat was dead silent.
11:10I opened my mouth to speak, but Jason beat me to it.
11:14I heard we went to the same high school.
11:17Mrs. Lane, did you really never see me back then?
11:22My heart leaped.
11:24He'd kept quiet all night, catching me off guard.
11:28I hid my panic and forced a smile.
11:31I don't understand, Mr. Cross.
11:33Should I have seen you?
11:35Jason scoffed, turning to face me.
11:37In high school, I hosted almost every event.
11:41Most people knew my face.
11:43He leaned in, his gaze burning.
11:46At least, enough not to claim I've had work done.
11:50My palms began to sweat.
11:52I didn't know if he suspected me, but I hadn't come unprepared.
11:57I'm sorry, Mr. Cross.
11:59I spoke without thinking.
12:00I graduated from Oatridge High, class of 2019.
12:05Were we in the same year?
12:07Before my debut, my agency had forged my entire history.
12:10My name, my age, my school records.
12:14I never expected to use them against Jason.
12:17Jason's brow furrowed as he scanned the screen.
12:20Before I could add anything, he chuckled.
12:23We weren't in the same year.
12:26I'd already graduated.
12:28No wonder.
12:29With the danger gone, it was time to pay my debt.
12:32Mr. Cross, are we going to your hotel or your place?
12:36Jason stared at me.
12:38Every second of silence felt like torture.
12:40Finally, he gestured to the driver.
12:42Take Ms. Lane home first.
12:44Jason brought me back.
12:46Chloe couldn't wrap her head around it.
12:49What is his game?
12:51He hooks you up with top directors?
12:53Clears your movie's ban?
12:55Sends you home?
12:56It makes zero sense.
12:58My head throbbed.
13:00I rubbed my temples.
13:02Maybe he's not who you think he is.
13:04Don't be naive, Ellie.
13:07Chloe shot me a serious look.
13:09These billionaires are all the same.
13:13They marry for business.
13:15Keep a string of miswises.
13:17And call themselves loyal if they only have one.
13:20But in this industry, you don't survive without backing.
13:23That's why I asked if you were really ready for this.
13:26Two years ago, when my mom was critically ill,
13:29I signed with Chloe's indie agency just for the advance on her hospital bills.
13:33No budget.
13:34No team.
13:35But Chloe was different.
13:36She actually protected me from the wolves.
13:39I'm already in.
13:41I still owe the agency money anyway.
13:43I can't just quit.
13:45Chloe's phone buzzed.
13:46She stepped out to answer.
13:47When she came back, her face was completely blank.
13:52Ellie, I think your golden ticket just arrived.
13:54Within days, Cross Pictures paid off my debt and bought out my contract for a fortune.
13:59I was now their top priority talent.
14:01My only condition was bringing Chloe with me.
14:03A week later on set, my phone buzzed.
14:05A text from an unknown number, Jason Cross.
14:08My hand shook.
14:09I saved the contact and sent a cute sticker.
14:11Hi, Mr. Cross.
14:12It was ironic.
14:14Ever since I joined, everyone from the VP to the crew treated me like royalty.
14:18On my first day, a co-star teased.
14:22Elena, when is Mr. Cross dropping by?
14:24He rejected an Oscar winner, so how do you know him?
14:26I insisted he was just my boss, but no one believed me.
14:29Seriously, what kind of mistress only gets her sugar daddy's number today?
14:33Right then, Jason texted.
14:35Getting used to the set.
14:36It's fine.
14:37Not many scenes today.
14:38It was a film by legendary director, Marcus.
14:41I wasn't the lead, just playing a key supporting role.
14:44Understood.
14:45Short and dry, the chat went cold.
14:48After a few exhausting takes, I collapsed into my chair.
14:51Someone handed me a bottle of water.
14:54I took a sip.
14:57You're Elena, right?
14:58Great acting.
14:59I nearly choked.
15:01It was Christian, the Elyst star and my absolute idol.
15:05I stared at the bottle he'd just handed me.
15:07Suddenly wanting to keep it forever.
15:12You're too kind, Christian.
15:14So, you're the new face of Cross Pictures.
15:16Mr. Cross has good taste.
15:18You misunderstand, Christian.
15:20My relationship with Mr. Cross is strictly professional.
15:23A sudden silence fell over the set.
15:25Christian looked past me, raising an eyebrow.
15:28Well, speak of the devil.
15:29Mr. Cross, got some free time to visit the set?
15:33My heart dropped.
15:34I turned around.
15:36My eyes met Jason's dark, bottomless gaze.
15:40You're flattering yourself, Christian.
15:43His eyes shifting to me.
15:45I'm only here to visit my employee.
15:48The air in the backseat was suffocating.
15:50I knew Jason was angry, but I had no idea why.
15:53We had never even held hands, let alone to find whatever this was.
15:57Jason asked out of nowhere.
15:58You like Christian?
16:00Yes.
16:01I've liked him since college.
16:02Back then, Christian had just debuted and won a Golden Globe for an indie film, making
16:07him the youngest best actor.
16:08He was the biggest star in the industry.
16:10You're unbelievable.
16:11Jason let out a bitter laugh, tugging at his collar.
16:14Then, he dropped a bombshell.
16:16Forget about him.
16:18He's secretly married.
16:19Before I could react, he slammed the car door and stormed out.
16:23He dragged me into a private party.
16:25It was a gathering of old money airs, discussing politics and business mergers.
16:29I stayed in the corner, focusing on the dessert plate.
16:32When my plate emptied, Jason slid a new pastry in front of me before stepping out to the
16:37balcony to take a call.
16:38His friend leaned in, breaking the silence.
16:40You're even prettier than the rumors, Mrs. Lane.
16:43No wonder Jason fell for you.
16:45Honestly, we thought he was done with women after that trauma.
16:49I paused my glass hovering, trauma?
16:51The friend glanced at Jason on the balcony, lowering his voice.
16:55It was years ago.
16:56His mom located to Oak Ridge for work, and he went with her.
16:59This fat girl became obsessed with him.
17:01Who knows what she did, but she somehow dragged him to bed and took his V-card.
17:06He hasn't touched a woman since.
17:08Even mentioning it makes him look sick.
17:10She seriously scarred him.
17:12It felt like a lightning strike.
17:14My grip on the glass tightened until my knuckles turned white.
17:17So that night had traumatized him that deeply.
17:20If I could turn back time, I would never have gone to that graduation party.
17:24I would have made sure Ellie never existed in his life.
17:27I looked toward the balcony.
17:29Jason had finished his call.
17:30He was leaning against the glass door.
17:32His dark eyes locked onto me.
17:34Shaking.
17:35I grabbed my bag and bolted.
17:36Heavy footsteps chased after me.
17:38I quickened my pace, but Jason's roar echoed through the hall.
17:41How much longer are you going to run?
17:45Ellie!
17:46My feet felt glued to the floor.
17:49A cold shiver ran down my spine.
17:51He knew exactly who I was.
17:53That explains the cold rejection when I threw myself at him.
17:57I just disgusted him.
17:59The mere thought of touching me made him sick.
18:01Clenching my fists, I turned with a bitter smile.
18:05You recognized me?
18:06Since when?
18:08The VIP suite.
18:09The first night.
18:11That early.
18:13It made my whole act pathetic.
18:16I was just a clown playing dress-up.
18:19An empty ache carved through my chest.
18:22Remembering his friend's words, I forced the apology out.
18:26I'm sorry, Jason.
18:27I didn't know I traumatized you so badly.
18:32It was my fault.
18:33Someone put your room key in my bag.
18:36I took the wrong key, entered the wrong room.
18:39And when I saw you passed out on the couch, I shamelessly-
18:43Tears finally spilled.
18:45I choked on my words, unable to finish.
18:48Before I could say more, Jason's face darkened.
18:51He stormed over, grabbing my wrist.
18:53The next second, he pulled me against his chest, smelling of fresh cedar.
18:58I froze.
18:59Jason leaned down, his voice cracking.
19:02You did nothing wrong.
19:04I put that room key in your bag myself.
19:10Jason's words made the world spin.
19:12I swallowed hard, shaking my head.
19:16You're joking.
19:17That's impossible.
19:19Why is it impossible?
19:21Jason let go of me, staring into my eyes.
19:24You were a genius.
19:26You didn't even have to study to top the class.
19:29In my eyes, you were brilliant.
19:32And you always stood up for me.
19:35Remember when that guy spread rumors about me playing the field?
19:38You yelled right in his face?
19:42You couldn't even get a stray dog to look at you, let alone juggle women.
19:47I never forgot that.
19:49Jason chuckles, wiping a tear from my cheek.
19:52They called you fat, but I never saw you that way.
19:54You're five foot seven.
19:56You had curves in all the right places.
19:59You were just cute.
20:00I stared at him, stunned.
20:02The girl he described was entirely different from the monster.
20:06The bullies made me believe I was.
20:08But the old wounds still stung.
20:10I looked down, my throat tight.
20:12But you told me to stop writing that diary.
20:16And you told Tiffany we were just classmates.
20:19Jason's gaze softened.
20:22I told you to stop because I was terrified they would find it again and hurt you.
20:26Tiffany was obsessive.
20:28If I hadn't shut her down, she and her friends would make your life hell.
20:32I had to keep a target off your back.
20:34That's why we could only be classmates.
20:37Jason stepped closer, cutting off my next question.
20:41But I didn't want to stay class mix.
20:44At the graduation party, I heard you playing,
20:46Never Have I Ever with those girls.
20:50One of them joked about sleeping with me.
20:54And you put your finger down, Ellie.
20:56My mouth fell open.
20:58Jason reached out, cupping my cheek.
21:01If anyone did something shameless that night, it was me.
21:05I wanted to tempt you.
21:06When I passed your bag,
21:07I slipped my room key inside.
21:11I drank for courage, but I wasn't drunk.
21:14I wanted to confess the next morning, but you vanished.
21:18I actually thought I was so bad in bed that you ran away.
21:22So that was his trauma.
21:24That was why he avoided women for six years.
21:27Because he thought he had failed me.
21:30Suddenly, the doors clicked open.
21:33Voices drifted into the hallway.
21:35Jason grabbed my hand,
21:37pulling me quickly toward the exit.
21:42The villa door closed behind us.
21:45Jason reached for the light switch.
21:47I grabbed his hand, stopping him.
21:50Don't.
21:51I'm still self-conscious.
21:54Jason paused.
21:55He stared down at me in the dark.
21:57Okay.
21:59The air grew thick and heavy.
22:01His warm fingers brushed the hair from my forehead.
22:05He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to my brow.
22:08Your forehead is beautiful.
22:10His lips drifted down to the corner of my eye.
22:14Your eyes, too.
22:16Then my nose, my cheeks, my earlobes.
22:20I love you, Ellie.
22:22His warm breath traced my neck, sending shivers down my spine.
22:26I swallowed hard.
22:27The next second, his lips claimed mine.
22:33The world spun.
22:36I didn't even realize how we ended up on the bed.
22:39My legs weak.
22:40My body melting into his.
22:43His strong hands gripped my waist, pulling me under him.
22:48I didn't do so well the first time.
22:51Don't hate me.
22:52I've spent six years studying how to do this right.
22:55Want me to show you?
22:57He proved he was a fast learner.
22:59During our graduation night, I didn't think he was bad at all.
23:03But now, his standard of doing well was on an entirely different level.
23:07Every time I tried to crawl away, shaking and breathless,
23:10his hand clamped around my ankle, dragging me back.
23:14Jason smirked, his eyes dark with desire.
23:18Baby, running away once you've had your fill?
23:21That's not very fair.
23:22The night was long and breathless.
23:24Drained and slick with sweat, I let Jason carry me to the bathroom.
23:29Warm water rippled around us, pulling us even deeper into the endless night.
23:34The next morning, the sharp ring of the doorbell woke me.
23:37Jason was already in the bathroom, the shower running, yawning.
23:41I dragged myself out of bed.
23:43and opened the front door.
23:45A loud, familiar voice immediately cut through the morning air.
23:49Jason!
23:50Look what I got from your mom.
23:51Those gourmet corissons you love.
23:53Surprise!
23:54I never expected to run into Tiffany like this.
23:57This was Jason's penthouse.
23:59And I was wearing nothing but his bathrobe.
24:01Worse, my neck was covered in hickeys from last night.
24:05Tiffany didn't recognize me.
24:06Her eyes welled with tears.
24:08Who the hell are you?
24:10Where is Jason?
24:11I stepped aside, letting her in.
24:13Jason walked out of the bathroom, still drying his hair.
24:16He frowned at the sight of her.
24:18What are you doing here?
24:19I drove by the Cross Estate this morning.
24:22Your mother asked me to bring you these.
24:24Tiffany slammed the box of croissants onto the kitchen island, pointing a shaking finger
24:28at me.
24:29Jason, who is she?
24:31You hate gold dingers.
24:32Since when do you sleep with C-list actresses?
24:35Jason ignored her.
24:37He poured a glass of warm water and handed it to me.
24:40Watch your mouth.
24:41Meet my girlfriend, Elena Lane.
24:44Your girlfriend?
24:45Then what about me?
24:47Your mother said I'm going to be your wife.
24:49Do you even care how I feel?
24:51I shrank back.
24:52Chloe's warning echoed in my mind.
24:54In this circle, men keep a wife at home and mistresses on the side.
24:58I trusted Jason.
24:59But Tiffany's confidence made me doubt.
25:01Jason noticed.
25:02He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
25:04He smirked at Tiffany.
25:05Let's get one thing straight.
25:06Whoever makes the promise has to keep it.
25:08If my mother promised you'd join the family, why don't you ask her to adopt you?
25:11You can play the dutiful daughter.
25:13Or you could try my dad.
25:15He just dumped his latest mistress.
25:17Maybe you're his type.
25:17Tiffany's face flushed with pure rage.
25:19Jason, you're a jerk!
25:20She ran out, sobbing.
25:22I stared at the closed door.
25:23Will she be okay?
25:25Jason cupped my chin, leaning in to steal a quick kiss.
25:28You're seriously worrying about your rival?
25:30I pushed him away.
25:31I mean, what if she complains to your mother?
25:33What if they ruin our careers?
25:35They won't.
25:37Jason lit a cigarette.
25:39Through the rising smoke, his sharp features looked colder.
25:41Almost ruthless.
25:42I remembered what Chloe had told me.
25:44In the six months since Jason took over cross-pictures,
25:47he'd aggressively restructured the board,
25:49forcing out the old guard and sidelining his own father.
25:52He was in absolute control now.
25:54The glowing tip of his cigarette cut through the dim light.
25:57If they wanted to control me, they shouldn't have given me a seat at the table.
26:00Now that I'm in, they'll never touch me again.
26:04I didn't care about their power games.
26:06All I wanted was to act, and to give my recovering mother a better life.
26:10I looked up at him, a lingering doubt creeping back.
26:13Then why didn't you tell her I was Ellie?
26:15Are you ashamed of me?
26:16Jason snubbed out his cigarette, turning to pinch my cheek.
26:21Ouch!
26:22I glared at him, rubbing my face.
26:24Jason chuckled, his eyes softening.
26:26What goes on in that head of yours?
26:28You changed your name to Elena for a reason.
26:31Whether you want to be Ellie again is your choice.
26:33It's your privacy, and I will never take that from you.
26:36It was a miracle.
26:38Chasing Shadows was released, generating a massive buzz online,
26:41just like Christian's movies always did.
26:44The film even landed me a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
26:48But on the day of the nomination, a hashtag exploded on X.
26:52Number Ellen Allen, a plastic surgery.
26:53Number 200-pound stalker, someone leaked my high school photos.
26:57Side by sides with my face now.
26:58The internet went wild.
27:00Trolls accused me of being a gold digger,
27:02claiming I slept my way to the nomination.
27:04Cross Pictures' PR team released a statement explaining it was just weight loss, not surgery.
27:09But the internet didn't care.
27:11An Oak Ridge alumnus even posted.
27:13I went to high school with Ellie.
27:15She was a total creep who stalked our school hardy tick and peeped on him in the locker room.
27:19How does a predator like her become a star?
27:21Hollywood's bar is on the floor.
27:23I heard she was fat back then because of depression meds.
27:26Please.
27:27Everyone uses mental illness as an excuse these days.
27:30I ignored the comments, leaving them to the PR team, and focused on my new script.
27:34But Jason stared at his phone, dead silent.
27:37He looked up.
27:38Your weight back then, was it because of depression meds?
27:40Yeah, my dad had just passed away and I was in a really bad place.
27:44I had to take them.
27:45But I'm fine now.
27:46Jason walked over, wrapping his arms around me from behind.
27:49He pressed a soft kiss to my face.
27:53I'm sorry.
27:54I'm so sorry I wasn't there.
27:56The smear campaign was highly coordinated, but Cross Picture's legal team moved faster.
28:01They traced the source back to Tiffany and her best friend, an actress who had lost the Golden Globe nomination
28:07to me.
28:08When the cease and desist letters for defamation arrived,
28:11Jason, please, for the sake of our high school days, don't do this to me.
28:15Jason's voice was ice.
28:17Did you think about our high school days when you tried to destroy Ellie?
28:21He hung up and blocked her number.
28:23That afternoon, Jason created an official account on X.
28:27His very first post read,
28:29Meet my girlfriend, Elaine Elaine.
28:30She is also Ellie, the girl I have loved for years.
28:34With Cross Pictures driving the narrative,
28:37the truth about the locker room incident
28:39was finally exposed as a cruel high school prank.
28:43Former teachers from Oak Ridge High even stepped up,
28:46verifying my medical leave for depression.
28:48Then, Christian posted on X, tagging me.
28:52I've worked with Elena.
28:54Whether she's Ellie or Elena,
28:56she is a phenomenal, dedicated actress.
28:58Proud to work with her.
29:00The internet shifted overnight.
29:02Ellie was literally a victim of severe bullying.
29:06Why was she the one getting dragged?
29:08Overcoming depression,
29:10getting healthy,
29:11and landing a nomination.
29:13She's a survivor and a queen.
29:15I'm buying tickets to her movie right now.
29:17Success is the best revenge.
29:20I stared at my phone,
29:22tears blurring my vision.
29:24For the first time in my life,
29:26I knew what it felt like to be protected.
29:28What it felt like to have someone stand firmly in front of me,
29:32shielding me from the storm.
29:33I opened my account and uploaded a simple post.
29:36A split photo of my teenage self,
29:39chubby and smiling,
29:41next to my current headshot.
29:42Hi, everyone.
29:44I'm Elena Lane,
29:45but you can still call me Ellie.
29:47I was curled up on Jason's couch,
29:49wearing nothing but his white button-down,
29:51the hem barely reaching my thighs.
29:53Jason walked out of the shower,
29:55towel slung low on his hips,
29:57water still trailing down his abs.
30:00He froze.
30:01His eyes traveled from my bare legs
30:03to the open collar of his shirt,
30:05where the fabric gaped just enough
30:07to show the curve of my chest.
30:09You're wearing my shirt.
30:14You have 12 of the same one.
30:16You won't miss it.
30:16He crossed the room in three strides,
30:18closed my laptop,
30:20and set it on the coffee table.
30:22Jason, I'm working.
30:23He braced both arms on either side of me,
30:26leaning down until his lips grazed my ear.
30:29His hand slid under the hem.
30:31You're sitting on my couch in my shirt
30:33with nothing underneath,
30:34and you expect me to let you work?
30:37Fingertips trailing up my inner thigh,
30:39slow and deliberate.
30:40That's not very realistic, Ms. Lane.
30:43My breath hitched.
30:45The script was forgotten.
30:47He lifted me effortlessly,
30:49my legs wrapping around his waist,
30:51and carried me toward the bedroom.
30:53Jason, it's two in the afternoon.
30:56And?
30:57He kicked the door shut behind us.
30:59Later.
31:00Much later.
31:01I was draped across Jason's chest,
31:04boneless and half asleep,
31:05when my phone buzzed a noodle number.
31:07You think you've won?
31:10That room key was never yours.
31:12Ask Jason whose name he called that night.
31:14The warmth drained from my body.
31:17Six years.
31:18I'd spent six years burying that memory.
31:20The humiliation.
31:21The laughter through the hotel door.
31:23I thought Jason's love had healed it.
31:25But one text.
31:27And I was back to being the 200-pound girl crying under the covers.
31:31I deleted the message.
31:33My hands wouldn't stop shaking.
31:34Jason stirred beside me.
31:38What's wrong?
31:39Nothing.
31:40Just tired.
31:41He didn't believe me.
31:43But he just kissed the top of my head and pulled me closer.
31:46That night, for the first time since we got back together,
31:49I couldn't fall asleep in his arms.
31:51Who sent that text?
31:52And how did they know about graduation night?
31:55The record of my film was nearly finished.
31:58Everything was falling into place until the production meeting.
32:02The investor's representative walked in with a woman I hadn't seen in six years.
32:06Tiffany Moore, sharper cheekbones.
32:09Designer dress cut low enough to leave nothing to imagination.
32:12A smile that could slice glass.
32:14Ellie!
32:15She pulled me into a suffocating hug.
32:17Oh my God, you look incredible.
32:19I barely recognized you.
32:21You've lost so much weight.
32:22She said it loudly, deliberately.
32:25Every head in the room turned.
32:26She wanted them all to picture what I used to look like.
32:29I'm attached to the project.
32:32Supporting actress.
32:33The investors loved my audition.
32:37We'll be working together.
32:39Just like old times.
32:41There were no old times.
32:43There was only the worst night of my life.
32:45And her name nodded in the center of it.
32:48After the meeting, I locked myself in the bathroom.
32:51My hands were trembling again.
32:53And I couldn't shake the feeling.
32:55Was Tiffany the one who sent that text?
32:58Tiffany texted that evening.
33:00Coffee tomorrow?
33:02Just us girls.
33:03Clear the air before filming starts.
33:06I should have said no.
33:07I said yes.
33:08She stirred her latte, then looked me dead in the eyes.
33:11I don't have bad intentions, Ellie.
33:13I just think you deserve the truth.
33:14Graduation night, Jason asked his roommate to deliver a room key.
33:18To me.
33:19She pulled out a photograph from her clutch.
33:21Old creased.
33:22Her manicured hand holding a hotel key card.
33:24Same hotel.
33:25Same floor.
33:26You getting that key was a mix-up.
33:28An accident.
33:29I'm not here to steal him.
33:31I just thought you should know.
33:33To him.
33:35You might have only ever been a body in the dark.
33:37A substitute.
33:38I didn't cry.
33:39I didn't give her that.
33:40But at home, I stared at the ceiling until 4am.
33:44Tiff.
33:44That was the name he'd whispered that night.
33:47I heard it.
33:48Wasn't I sure?
33:49I pulled away from Jason for three days.
33:52Flinching when he touched my waist.
33:54Dodging his kisses.
33:56Keeping every conversation surface level.
33:59On the fourth day, he cornered me in the kitchen.
34:02Ellie.
34:03Talk to me.
34:04I gripped the counter's edge.
34:06Graduation night.
34:07The room key.
34:09Who did you ask your roommate to deliver it to?
34:12His jaw tightened.
34:14Who told you to ask me that?
34:16Tiffany says it was meant for her.
34:18She has a photo.
34:19Same hotel.
34:20Same floor.
34:21Jason stood so still, he looked carved from stone.
34:24Then he pulled out his phone.
34:27Run a full background on Tiffany Moore.
34:30Every contact, every transaction.
34:32Six years deep.
34:34By morning.
34:35He hung up and turned to me.
34:38Ellie.
34:39I need you to trust me for 48 hours.
34:42Can you do that?
34:43I wanted to.
34:44God.
34:45I wanted to.
34:46But the 200 pound girl inside me whispered.
34:49Why would someone like him ever choose someone like you?
34:51I sat on the edge of the bed.
34:53He followed me in.
34:54And then, Jason Cross, the man whose name made boardrooms go silent, dropped to his knees on the hardwood floor
35:01in front of me.
35:02Don't leave again.
35:07I can't do another six years.
35:09His hands gripped my hips.
35:10Not with desire, but with desperation.
35:13I ran my fingers through his hair.
35:15His hands gripped my hips.
35:16Not with desire, but with desperation.
35:18His mouth trailed higher.
35:20My hand tightened in his hair.
35:22Jason!
35:23Let me prove it.
35:24That key was always for you.
35:26Every word I said in that room was to you, Ellie.
35:29Only you.
35:32His breath was warm on my skin.
35:35I stopped fighting.
35:37I let him prove it.
35:39Slowly, thoroughly, until the only name in the dark was mine.
35:44But 48 hours.
35:46He asked for 48 hours.
35:49What was he going to find?
35:52She sat in the back of a black sedan, phone pressed to her ear.
35:56Phase one complete.
35:57She's pulling away from him.
35:59The voice on the other end was male.
36:01Cold.
36:01Controlled.
36:02Good.
36:03How deep is the crack?
36:05Deep enough.
36:06She's been carrying that insecurity for six years.
36:08All I had to do was poke it.
36:10Perfect.
36:12When Cross is distracted, I'll make my move on the board.
36:15And my end of the deal?
36:17You'll get your career back, Tiffany.
36:19A lead role, as promised.
36:22She hung up and stared out the tinted window.
36:25For a split second, guilt flickered across her face.
36:28Then it was gone.
36:29Tiffany wasn't acting alone.
36:31Someone was pulling the strings.
36:33And their target wasn't me.
36:35It was Jason.
36:36Jason dropped a manila envelope on the table.
36:39Inside.
36:40Surveillance screenshots from the hotel's security system.
36:44Dated graduation night.
36:458.47 p.m.
36:47Jason hands a room key to his roommate Matt.
36:50Handwriting visible on the back.
36:52He points toward the east wing.
36:53My dorm, 8.52 p.m.
36:56Tiffany intercepts Matt in the stairwell.
36:58She's holding a different key card.
37:008.53 p.m.
37:02Matt continues.
37:03Reaches my door.
37:04Slides the original card under it.
37:068.55 p.m.
37:08Tiffany walks to the front desk and checks into her own room.
37:11Same hotel.
37:13Same floor.
37:14Different room.
37:15Jason tapped the final timestamp.
37:17Matt gave you my key.
37:18Tiffany's card was her own room.
37:20She staged that photo.
37:21I stared until the images blurred.
37:26She kept this going for six years.
37:29Jason's voice was ice.
37:30She didn't act alone.
37:32But there was still one piece that didn't fit.
37:35The voices outside the door.
37:37The morning after.
37:39Your friends outside the door.
37:41I heard them, Jason.
37:42They said the key was for Tiffany.
37:44They called me a...
37:45I couldn't finish fat pig.
37:47Jason slid a phone across the table.
37:49An audio file glowed on screen.
37:51He pressed play.
37:52A man's voice.
37:53Nervous.
37:53Halting.
37:54Tiffany paid me $5,000.
37:55She told me exactly what to say and where to stand.
37:58She said if the fat girl heard it, she'd leave on her own and never come back.
38:03I didn't even know Jason.
38:05I was just some guy hired to read lines outside a hotel door.
38:08The room tilted.
38:10Six years of hating myself.
38:12Six years of believing I was someone's punchline.
38:14Six years of running from a man who chose me from the start.
38:17All built on a script some stranger read for $5,000.
38:21The tears came.
38:23The kind that shake your whole body and steal your breath.
38:26Jason pulled me into his chest.
38:29I'm sorry.
38:30He whispered.
38:31I'm so sorry I didn't find you sooner.
38:34And suddenly the memories I'd buried for six years came flooding back.
38:37Not the shame.
38:38The other ones.
38:39His hands fumbling with my bra clasped in the dark.
38:41Nervous.
38:42Gentle.
38:43Sorry, I've never...
38:44It's okay.
38:45I'd guided his fingers.
38:47My heart hammering.
38:48When he finally unhooked it, his palms slid up my sides, slow, reverent, memorizing me by touch.
38:55God, Ellie.
38:56He'd buried his face between my breasts and just breathed.
38:59His whole body trembling against mine.
39:02I'd been so sure, back then, that he was trembling with disgust.
39:06Now I knew.
39:07He was trembling because it was his first time.
39:10He'd wanted to confess the next morning.
39:13But I'd vanished.
39:14He'd thought he was so bad I ran.
39:17And that became the trauma that kept him from touching another woman for six years.
39:22He'd chosen to spend his first time with me.
39:25And I'd thrown it away because of $5,000 and a stranger's script.
39:30When my tears stopped, Jason talked.
39:32For the first time, everything.
39:34You disappeared.
39:35I searched every building.
39:37Your roommate said you packed at 5 a.m.
39:39Phone disconnected by Ed New.
39:42I hired a private investigator that same week.
39:46You changed your name.
39:47Moved cities twice.
39:49Lost the weight.
39:49Cut your hair.
39:50Entered the industry under a manager nobody in my circle knew.
39:54Three years to find you.
39:56Two more to get close without scaring you off.
39:59You think it was a coincidence I invested in your film?
40:02The mysterious VIP.
40:04The meeting where I pushed open the door and saw his face.
40:08None of it was coincidence.
40:09You sabotaged my movie to force a meeting?
40:12He had the decency to look guilty.
40:16I needed a reason you couldn't refuse.
40:18Then his voice dropped.
40:20You want to know what I actually remember from that night?
40:22I remember how you smelled.
40:24Vanilla and something warm.
40:25Like fresh laundry on a Sunday.
40:27I remember how soft you were.
40:29Every curve.
40:30Every inch.
40:31I couldn't stop touching you.
40:33You were shaking.
40:34I thought I'd done something wrong.
40:36But then you pulled me closer.
40:37You were so warm, Ellie.
40:39200 pounds of the warmest thing I'd ever held.
40:43When you held on to me, I couldn't breathe.
40:45Not because of anything else.
40:46Because no one had ever held on to me like they actually wanted me to stay.
40:50You kept whispering my name that night.
40:52You held on to me like you were afraid to let go.
40:55I was 18.
40:56I was scared, inexperienced, and completely overwhelmed.
40:59The way you looked at me that night, like I was the only person in the world I would have
41:02given you anything.
41:03That's what I remember.
41:04Not a fat girl.
41:06Not a mistake.
41:08The only woman who ever made me feel like I was enough.
41:10I didn't have words, so I grabbed his collar and kissed him like I was trying to make up for
41:16six lost years in a single breath.
41:18He responded instantly, hands sliding under my shirt, lifting me onto the kitchen counter.
41:23My legs locked around his waist.
41:26Six years of research, huh?
41:28Show me what you've learned.
41:30He groaned, low and rough, and pulled my hips flush against his.
41:34Careful what you ask for.
41:37I'm done being careful.
41:38It wasn't sweet.
41:39It wasn't tender.
41:40It was six years of longing crashing into six years of grief.
41:44Urgent.
41:45Breathless.
41:45Raw.
41:46At one point he pinned my wrists above my head.
41:49His body pressed entirely against mine.
41:51Say you're not leaving.
41:52I'm not leaving.
41:54Again?
41:56I'm not leaving, Jason.
41:59He released my wrists and pulled me closer.
42:03Good.
42:04Because I'm never letting you go.
42:09Every time I tried to pull away, shaking and breathless, his hand clamped around my ankle, dragging me back.
42:17Baby, running away once you've had your fill?
42:20That's not very fair.
42:21The night was long, but by morning I'd made a decision.
42:24Tiffany wanted to play.
42:26Fine.
42:27But this time, I was writing the script.
42:32I called my editor.
42:35The film I want to add a subplot.
42:37A new character.
42:38What kind?
42:39A woman who destroys another woman's life out of jealousy.
42:42Fake evidence.
42:43Hired actors.
42:44Six years of manipulation.
42:46Is this based on a true story?
42:47Every word.
42:49Then I called Tiffany.
42:50Tiffany.
42:51The investors want to expand your role.
42:54More screen time.
42:55You'd be the emotional core of the second act.
42:59Tiffany's voice dripped with triumph.
43:02Ellie, that's so generous.
43:04What are old friends for?
43:06I hung up and smiled.
43:08For the first time in six years, the 200.
43:11Pound girl inside me wasn't hiding.
43:13She was furious.
43:14Tiffany had no idea she'd just agreed to star in her own confession tape.
43:19Tiffany threw herself into the new scenes.
43:21She was good.
43:22Real talent buried under all that venom.
43:24The character I'd written was a socialite who sabotages her classmate's relationship.
43:29Every scene mirrored the truth.
43:31The fake evidence.
43:33The hired voices.
43:34Years of manipulation.
43:36Tiffany didn't see it.
43:37Or her ego wouldn't let her believe I'd dare.
43:40Final day of shooting.
43:42Action!
43:42Climactic confrontation.
43:44Her scripted line.
43:45She didn't deserve him.
43:47Instead, in the heat of the moment, she ad-libbed.
43:49She looked directly into the camera and spat.
43:52She deserved nothing!
43:55Who does a fat, desperate nobody think she is trying to be with someone like him?
43:59The crew went dead silent.
44:01That line wasn't in the script.
44:03That was Tiffany.
44:04Raw, unfiltered.
44:05Real.
44:06I glanced at my cinematographer.
44:08Small nod.
44:09Every camera was rolling.
44:11Now I had everything I needed, almost.
44:16I was alone in the editing room that night.
44:18Cutting Tiffany's footage.
44:19When the door slammed open.
44:21No designer smile.
44:22No fake warmth.
44:23Eyes wild.
44:24You think you're so clever, don't you?
44:27Tiffany.
44:28You should not.
44:29She stormed toward me.
44:30Heels cracking like gunshots.
44:32I know what you're doing.
44:33You rewrote the script.
44:34You're turning my character into me.
44:36I didn't flinch.
44:37If the shoe fits.
44:38Her hand slammed on the desk.
44:39You are not nothing!
44:40A 200-pound joke who couldn't walk across campus without people laughing!
44:44And yet, on graduation night, Jason gave his room key to me.
44:50Not you.
44:51That key was supposed to be mine!
44:53I planned everything!
44:54And then you stumbled in like the clumsy, desperate, fat girl you've always been and ruined it!
44:59So you admit it.
45:00You intercepted Matt.
45:02You hired someone to call me a fat pig so I'd run.
45:05She laughed, sharp, brittle, unhinged.
45:08$5,000.
45:09That's all it cost?
45:10Best money I ever spent.
45:12Then she grabbed my arm, nails digging in like claws.
45:15I will burn this film before I let you-
45:18Your what?
45:18The voice came from the doorway.
45:20Low.
45:20Quiet.
45:21Lethally calm.
45:22Jason shied her against the frame.
45:23Arms crossed.
45:24The kind of stillness that comes right before absolute destruction.
45:28Tiffany released my arm like it burned her.
45:30Jason, I was just-
45:31We're confessing.
45:32He stepped inside.
45:33Each footstep echoed.
45:34$5,000.
45:35A hired actor.
45:37A staged photo.
45:39Your words, Tiffany.
45:40That's out of context.
45:43The editing room has security cameras.
45:46Audio enabled.
45:48Rolling since you walked in.
45:49Color drained from her face.
45:51Jason moved past her, didn't even look at her, and stopped in front of me.
45:55He lifted my arm gently.
45:56Four red crescents where her nails had broken the skin.
45:59A thin line of blood on one.
46:01His jaw clenched so hard, I heard his teeth grind.
46:05Six years ago, I gave my room key to the only girl I'd ever wanted.
46:09I wrote her name on the back.
46:11To Ellie.
46:13Only Ellie.
46:14Always.
46:15His voice barely above a whisper.
46:17You spent six years trying to make her believe she wasn't worth that.
46:20I spent three years searching for her.
46:22He stepped toward Tiffany.
46:24Two more getting close.
46:26And I will spend every day I have left making sure she never doubts herself again.
46:31Because of what you did.
46:33Tiffany's back hit the wall.
46:34You're done in this industry.
46:35Not because of me.
46:36Because every word you just screamed is on that camera.
46:39Jason, please.
46:39Get out.
46:40She looked at me one last time, searching for mercy.
46:44She found none.
46:45The door clicked shut.
46:46Jason cupped my face and pressed his forehead to mine.
46:49Are you okay?
46:50I'm fine.
46:51You're shaking.
46:52He kissed each crescent on my arm, one by one.
46:54Soft against the broken skin.
46:56Nobody touches you like that.
46:58Never again.
46:59I buried my face in his chest.
47:01For the first time in six years, I didn't need to be strong by myself.
47:06Jason's investigation went deeper than Tiffany.
47:09Her phone records led to a name.
47:10Derek Hale.
47:11Former business partner.
47:12I cut him out six years ago for embezzlement.
47:16He's been waiting for revenge.
47:17Derek's plan.
47:18Use Tiffany to shatter us.
47:20Destabilize Jason.
47:21Then launch a hostile takeover of cross pictures.
47:23He knew about graduation night?
47:25He was there.
47:26One of the real guys standing outside the door.
47:29He heard everything and sat on it like ammunition.
47:32Jason looked at me.
47:33And for the first time, I saw fear in his eyes.
47:36He almost took you from me twice, Ellie.
47:40There won't be a third time.
47:42The premiere was in five days.
47:44Jason and I would make our moves simultaneously.
47:46His target, Derek Hale.
47:48Mine.
47:49Tiffany Moore.
47:51The film premiered on a Friday.
47:52Every major outlet.
47:54Industry executives.
47:55Critics.
47:56Third row.
47:57Every person from our graduating class Jason could find.
48:00The lights dimmed.
48:01The film played.
48:02When Tiffany's ad-libbed scene hit the screen.
48:04Who does a fat, desperate nobody think she is?
48:07The theater went dead silent.
48:10Credits rolled.
48:10I walked onto the stage.
48:12Thank you for coming.
48:13Before we celebrate, something personal.
48:17I pressed plays on the screen behind me.
48:19Surveillance footage from graduation night.
48:22Jason's key card delivered to my door.
48:24Tiffany intercepting Matt.
48:26Tiffany checking into her own room.
48:28The confession recording.
48:29She paid me $5,000 to read lines outside a hotel door.
48:33And finally, the editing room security tape.
48:36Tiffany grabbing my arm.
48:37Screaming.
48:38Confessing everything.
48:39Tiffany shot to her feet.
48:41Face white.
48:41That's out of context.
48:43I was acting.
48:44I leaned into the microphone.
48:46You paid $5,000 to destroy six years of my life.
48:51Tonight, I'm taking every one of them back.
48:54While I held the premiere, Jason made his move.
48:57His legal team filed a 200-page dossier with federal prosecutors.
49:01Six years of Derek Hale's fraud, market manipulation, and corporate espionage.
49:06Derek was arrested at 9.
49:0847 p.m.
49:09My audience was still on their feet.
49:11Tiffany's phone rang as she stumbled out of the theater.
49:14Derek's lawyer.
49:17He's in custody.
49:19You're on your own.
49:20She dropped her phone on the sidewalk.
49:23Nobody picked it up backstage.
49:25My phone buzzed.
49:26Jason.
49:27It's done on my end.
49:28I leaned against the wall, exhaling for what felt like the first time in six years.
49:35It's done on mine too.
49:36A pause.
49:38Come home, Ellie.
49:40One month later, the film opened to the best numbers of the season.
49:44The headline that mattered.
49:46Best new director, Ellie Lane.
49:48Not the 200-pound girl.
49:51Not Jason Cross's girlfriend.
49:53Just Ellie Lane.
49:55At the wrap party, Jason stood up in front of everyone and reached into his jacket.
50:00A hotel key card.
50:01Old.
50:01Yellowed at the edges.
50:03Six years ago, I never got to give this to you myself.
50:06He placed it in my palm.
50:08I turned it over.
50:09On the back, in faded ink, his handwriting to Ellie.
50:12Only Ellie.
50:13Always.
50:14Always.
50:14You wrote a love note on a key card?
50:16I was 18 and terrified.
50:18It was the best I could do.
50:20I thought you'd see it in the morning and know that you were gone before sunrise.
50:25So you spent six years hunting me down, sabotaged my movie, exposed a fraud ring, and took down
50:31a corporate conspiracy, all because I didn't flip over a hotel key?
50:36He pulled me close.
50:38I'd do it all again, every single day, for the rest of my life.
50:42If you'd just handed me this yourself, none of this would have happened.
50:45I held up the yellowed card.
50:47I know.
50:48Back at his apartment, you'd have saved yourself six years.
50:52Ellie.
50:54What?
50:54He took the card and tossed it on the nightstand.
50:58Stop talking.
50:59His mouth found that spot behind my ear.
51:02The one he'd spent six years mapping.
51:04We didn't make it to the bed.
51:05Hallway wall first.
51:06His hands pinning my wrists above my head.
51:09Every hard line of him pressed against me through thin fabric.
51:14Then the shower.
51:15My back against cool tile.
51:18Steam swirling.
51:19His hands gripping my thighs.
51:21Somewhere around 3 a.m., I lay on his chest.
51:24Jason.
51:26Hmm.
51:27You said your first time was bad.
51:30That you thought you were so terrible I ran away.
51:34It wasn't bad.
51:36I was just too scared to tell you it was my first time, too.
51:40His arms tightened.
51:41Long silence.
51:42Six years.
51:43I could have known that for six years.
51:47Well, now you know.
51:48He rolled me onto my back, hovering over me.
51:51That same reckless grin from 18.
51:53Then I owe you six years of making up for a first time neither of us knew how to talk
51:56about.
51:59Jason, it's 3 a.m.
52:02And?
52:02Every time I tried to crawl away, he'd pull me back by the waist.
52:07Baby, running away once you've had your fill?
52:09That's not very fair.
52:11Some things never change.
52:13And for the first time in six years, the girl who once weighed 200 pounds and believed she was no
52:19one's first choice, finally understood the truth.
52:22She was always the only choice.
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