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00:01My fiancé slapped me right in front of everyone, all to defend another woman.
00:07I blocked him on everything before the day was out.
00:10To everyone, it was unthinkable.
00:13Joseph Shaw and I had been a pair since we were six.
00:16For 18 years, I was just his shadow.
00:19Is that really why?
00:20He asked, voice full of confusion.
00:23Because I slapped you?
00:24Yes, just because you slapped me.
00:27When that slap landed, everything around me went dead silent.
00:31Joseph Shaw's hand came down with a fierce rush of air, and the sharp crack made my head jerk violently
00:37to the side.
00:38The coppery taste of blood filled my mouth, and I could hear a high, thin ringing that drowned out everything
00:44else.
00:45I stumbled, grabbing onto the desk for support, my fingers trembling.
00:49My left cheek went numb, and then erupted in a searing heat.
00:52When I looked up, I saw Joseph's hand still hanging in the air.
00:56Joseph, my childhood sweetheart and my fiancé, was standing up for his secretary, Yvonne Foster, and had just slapped me
01:04in front of everyone.
01:05Joseph realized what he'd done, and for a split second, his face went stiff.
01:09But then anger and impatience took over.
01:12Lucilia, can you just stop making a scene?
01:15A few low snickers cut through the office.
01:17The rest just watched in silence, enjoying the drama.
01:20Yvonne's chestnut brown curls gleamed with a honeyed sheen under the light.
01:24She leaned against Joseph, her red lips pulling into a mocking smirk.
01:29Joe, don't be so harsh.
01:30See how frightened she is?
01:32She's almost in tears.
01:35Joseph's jaw clenched, the fire still burning in his eyes.
01:38Lucilia, this is a place of business, not your personal wayground.
01:43Can you knock it off?
01:44His voice cut through the air, sharp and cold.
01:47More snickers rippled through the office.
01:49I had endured his temper for 18 years.
01:51I just never knew a slap from him could hurt this much.
01:54Shame, humiliation, and fury churned inside me as I dug my nails deep into my palms.
01:59I didn't care what Joseph had to say next.
02:02I was done listening.
02:03As I grabbed my bag and rushed out the glass doors, I caught someone whispering behind me.
02:08Oh my god, if I were her, I'd never show my face here again.
02:13I had no idea where to go, but I couldn't stand the thought of going back to work.
02:17No way was I sticking around to face everyone there.
02:20Joseph had never been a patient man with me, but this was the first time he had ever hit me.
02:25In fact, it was the first time in my entire life that anyone had ever slapped me.
02:30I was six when my family moved into our new home.
02:33The day we moved in, Joseph was squatting in the hallway, playing with his toy cars.
02:38Sunlight slanted in from the window at the end of the corridor,
02:42stretching his shadow out so long that it just touched my toes.
02:45We lived next door to each other, and our family shared a small garden.
02:49My mother always said that Joseph and I were like two young trees growing up side by side,
02:54destined to walk life's path together one day.
02:57I remembered one bitterly cold winter in second grade,
03:00when a boy named Humbert Chapman, sitting behind me, stuck his chewed gum in my ponytail.
03:05The whole class burst into mocking laughter.
03:08I burst into tears, but my homeroom teacher just brushed it off, saying,
03:12Boys mess with you because you're pretty.
03:14He's just trying to get your attention. Don't cry.
03:17When Joseph's father, Edward Shaw, found out,
03:20Joseph, go have a word with that boy from the second grade class tomorrow.
03:23The next day, during recess, Joseph walked in through the back door of our classroom.
03:29He walked straight over to Humbert's desk.
03:31Listen up.
03:33Lucia is my sister.
03:35Try bullying her again, and I'll beat you up.
03:38As he left, he gave me a reassuring pat on the head with a smile.
03:42From then on, I followed Joseph around like a shadow,
03:46and no matter how he tried, he just couldn't shake me.
03:49In middle school, after every soccer game, Joseph always went for ice cream with his teammates.
03:54I'd just squat by the field, hugging my backpack,
03:57and waiting for him until the sun stretched our shadows long.
04:00He'd eventually come over, pull me up by the arm.
04:04Lucille, what are you, glue to the spot?
04:06Still, despite the complaints, he'd split his strawberry popsicle in half and give me my share.
04:12I caught Joseph sneaking glances at me more times than I could count.
04:16Whether I was chewing on my pen while working through a math problem,
04:20tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear,
04:22or even just napping with my head on the desk,
04:24I could always feel his eyes on me.
04:26His gaze would brush past me, as light and fleeting as a summer breeze.
04:31The night our parents suggested we should get engaged,
04:34he dragged me into the fire escape.
04:36As the motion sensor light flickered overhead,
04:39his hand, clammy and tense,
04:40squeezed mine so tightly that it almost hurt.
04:44You need to think this through.
04:46You're still young.
04:48What if you find someone better someday and...
04:52Joseph, you're the best person in the entire world.
04:55He shivered, and then suddenly pressed me back against the wall and kissed me.
04:59In the dark, my fingers lingered over the scar at the back of his neck.
05:03That night, the moonlight slipped through the iron bars and scattered over us in patches,
05:08making me almost fool myself into thinking we really were in love.
05:12After college, I joined the Shaw Group and ended up working under Joseph.
05:16Just when we were about to get engaged, Yvonne walked into our lives.
05:20She was the newest intern in the company.
05:22On her first day, Yvonne came in with coffee for everyone,
05:25flashing a big cheerful smile.
05:29Hey, everyone. I'm Yvonne.
05:32Can't wait to work with you guys.
05:34When she reached me, she stopped mid-action.
05:37Whoa!
05:39Are you actually using a thermos with cartoon characters on it?
05:43That's so tacky.
05:45Seeing me stay quiet, she nibbled her lip.
05:47Sorry, it's just my blunt honesty.
05:49I swear, I wasn't trying to say you have bad taste.
05:53But really, Lucille, how old are you?
05:56Still this childish?
05:57I always thought women in the office were supposed to be all classy and have great style.
06:02Every eye in the office locked onto me.
06:05My workspace was completely covered in cute characters,
06:08from the cartoon-themed keyboard and collectible figurines,
06:11right down to the decorative stickers lining my monitor.
06:14What Joseph used to jokingly call Lucille's little treasures was now sitting there on display,
06:20being judged like evidence in court, with everyone staring.
06:23A high-pitched whine filled my ears, so loud that it felt like a drill boring into my skull.
06:28This was the first time I'd ever been maliciously mocked in public.
06:31The shame was so overwhelming, and I just wanted the ground to swallow me up.
06:35Sorry, Lucille.
06:37Guess I'm just super blunt.
06:41Come on, Lucille.
06:43Don't tell me you're so uptight that you can't even make a joke.
06:47I gripped my skirt tightly, trying hard not to show how shaken I was.
06:52That's enough.
06:53Joseph's voice cut through the tension from behind me.
06:56When I turned around, I saw his lips pressed into a thin line of displeasure.
07:00Sunlight poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows behind him,
07:04gilding his silhouette.
07:05For a split second, he looked just like that middle school boy
07:08who'd throw punches for me without a second thought.
07:12Yvonne pouted, clearly annoyed.
07:13I was just messing around with Lucia.
07:16Seriously, Mr. Shaw, you have to step in for this kind of thing?
07:19This isn't a lounge for chit-chat, Yvonne.
07:21If you're so eager to make small talk,
07:23maybe you should resign and chat to your heart's content elsewhere.
07:25Yvonne had no choice but to drag herself back to her desk, clearly sulking.
07:31I hadn't even noticed when Joseph and Yvonne started hitting it off.
07:35Then one day, the housekeeper showed up with lunch for three instead of just two.
07:39There's nothing here I like.
07:42We're eating healthy today.
07:45Yvonne says it's good to cleanse our systems once in a while.
07:48Yvonne settled in next to me, coffee in hand.
07:50Sorry, Lucille.
07:52I shot her a look.
07:53She arched her brow, lips curled into a wickedly amused smile.
07:58Oops.
07:59I forgot you're not into this healthy stuff.
08:01But you should really try eating lighter, Lucia.
08:05I've just noticed your clothes are fitting a bit tighter lately.
08:11Unlike me.
08:14You really do love to hear yourself talk, don't you?
08:16Let's get one thing straight.
08:17We're not friends.
08:19And for the record, those skin-tight clothes you're so proud of, they're not giving what
08:23you think they are.
08:24Her perfectly drawn eyeliner twitching with anger.
08:29Lucy, you've gone too far.
08:32I've gone too far?
08:34Looks like I'm just crashing your little party.
08:37Spinning on my heel to leave.
08:39Joseph instinctively pulled me close, just like he did back in middle school when those punks
08:43cornered me in an alley.
08:45But this time, his arms carried the scent of another woman's perfume.
08:50Fine.
08:50I'll have the housekeeper make something you like tomorrow.
08:54Don't be upset, okay?
08:56Yvonne's face instantly darkened.
08:58From the next day on, Yvonne's digs at me got even more ruthless.
09:03Wow.
09:04Chanel with that thing?
09:08Lucille, what a bold choice.
09:10I'm honestly speechless.
09:12Who even still likes that stuff?
09:14All the cool kids are into edgy collectibles now.
09:18Get with the times, Bumpard.
09:19The guys around the room were first out laughing.
09:22At lunch, I gave my cutlery a quick wipe with a napkin.
09:26Yvonne immediately nudged the guy beside her.
09:28Oh my god, are we two fans for ordinary cutlery now?
09:32What's wrong?
09:33Is the royal palace missing its precious princess?
09:38When it was time for the annual desk shuffle at work, I lugged my monitor across the office,
09:43my arms aching.
09:44Just as I paused to catch my breath,
09:47Check it out!
09:48Our princess can't even move her own monitor.
09:51Any knights want to come to her rescue?
09:53She and Lecrae is dead.
09:55Some of them even blatantly snapping pictures and filming like it was showtime.
10:01Alright, don't take it too far.
10:03But Yvonne giggled coquettishly.
10:05Oh come on, it was just a joke.
10:08Lucy is always so proper.
10:10I was just trying to help her come out of her shell a little.
10:13Joseph was silent for a moment,
10:15and then, to my surprise,
10:16he nodded in agreement.
10:17She really is a bit introverted.
10:20Girls these days are just so fragile.
10:23Yvonne couldn't help but laugh,
10:24giving Joseph a light punch on the arm.
10:27Hey, don't lump everyone together.
10:29I'm definitely not like that.
10:31Joseph smiled at her,
10:32his eyes showing his quiet approval.
10:34That day, after holding it in for so long,
10:37I finally reached my breaking point.
10:39During one holiday,
10:41my parents and I went to Salaston.
10:43The sea breeze was gentle,
10:44the sun was relentless,
10:46and I was having the time of my life.
10:48By the time we got back,
10:50my skin was peeling and patchy from the sun.
10:52Usually, my skin would clear up on its own after a while,
10:56so I never worried about it.
10:57But on my first day back,
10:59immediately felt the sharp, assessing stare of Yvonne.
11:02Oh my!
11:04Lucia, honey, look at the state of your skin.
11:08What a disaster!
11:12No way you pass for a princess now.
11:14Look at that patchy skin never in the storybooks, is it?
11:18Then she shot an exaggerated wink at the guys next to her.
11:22Seriously, she's turning into the ugly duckling right before our eyes.
11:26I froze in place, heat flooding my cheeks as humiliation burned through me.
11:30Joseph just stood there, right by her side,
11:33catching my eye with that little smirk,
11:35like he didn't care at all.
11:36And in that instant, I felt something deep inside me break.
11:40Perhaps the ghost of our 18 years as childhood sweethearts,
11:43or the last fragment of a dream where I'd once marry him.
11:47Before I knew it,
11:48I grabbed my coffee and splashed it right into Yvonne's face.
11:51And her makeup melted instantly as coffee dripped down her cheeks,
11:55mascara trailing in inky rivers like tears.
11:58Lucia, are you insane?
12:00She sputtered, desperately scrubbing at her ruined face,
12:03clumps of mascara sticking to her fingers and cheeks.
12:07I gave a cold laugh, mimicking her mocking tone.
12:10Wow, and here you go on about how you act like one of the boys.
12:14Since when do guys show up to work with a full face of makeup?
12:18With all that eyelid tape, mascara, and lipstick?
12:21You're more prompt than anyone I know.
12:23Some tomboy you are.
12:25People jumped in to hold me back,
12:27and Joseph snatched the cup right out of my hand.
12:31Lucille, apologize.
12:32I locked eyes with him, feeling my nose sting.
12:35You were laughing when she made fun of me.
12:38Now that I finally say the truth, you want me to say sorry?
12:42Cut it out with the childish tantrum.
12:44Fights are one thing, but drenching someone with coffee is just wrong.
12:47You crossed the line, so take responsibility and apologize.
12:50Apologize? Hell no.
12:52Before I knew it, he slapped me hard.
12:55The sound echoed in the room.
12:57My ears rang, yet I could still hear Yvonne's pleased sniffling and the whispers of my co-workers.
13:03With that one slap, 18 years of shared history and every last shred of my feeling for him shattered.
13:09I slowly raised my head, looking at Joseph, the same boy who once stood up for me.
13:14Real classy, Joseph.
13:16We're done.
13:18I burst into my room, rifling through drawers and tossing clothes around like I'd completely lost it.
13:24The delicate figurine perched on the top shelf of my bookcase.
13:28The pink hoodie Joseph once gave me buried deep in the closet.
13:31The faded movie ticket stubs in the drawer.
13:34Anything and everything with Joseph's mark.
13:37I shoved them all, violently, into a cardboard box.
13:40A glass jar of stars fell from the bookshelf, and broken glass scattered everywhere.
13:45It was the stars Joseph had stayed up all night, folding for my 18th birthday.
13:49I lugged the heavy box outside and dumped it in the trash, startling a couple of sparrows.
13:54I finally picked up the phone and called my mother.
13:56Mom, call off the engagement.
13:59Joseph and I are over.
14:00When my mother got home, I was holding an ice pack to my face.
14:04Who did this to you?
14:06I buried my face in her shoulder, the familiar scent of laundry detergent filling my senses.
14:11And just like that, I was a little kid again, sobbing uncontrollably against her.
14:16After hearing the whole story, my mother, she just stormed out the door.
14:21When Joseph's mother, Fiona Shaw, opened the door...
14:25What's going on?
14:26Your son hit Lucy because of some intern.
14:32Fiona, to be honest, our family has always treated yours with nothing but respect.
14:39I've never once raised a hand to my own daughter.
14:41Not in all her life.
14:42Joseph would never do that on purpose.
14:44I'm sure it's...
14:46There's nothing more to say.
14:47The engagement between our families is over.
14:50That night, my mother held me close as we sat on the bay window.
14:55The familiar scent of rose clung to her, reminding me of those nights when I was little and had a
15:00fever.
15:01She'd cradle me the whole night through.
15:04I mumbled, pressing my face into her shoulder.
15:07Am I being too selfish?
15:09Will this ruin our family's business?
15:12Mom softly combed through my hair.
15:14I'd be lying if I said this won't shake things up.
15:17But honey, that's nothing you need to worry about.
15:20All I want is for you to be happy every single day.
15:23And if the world comes crashing down, your dad is there to hold it all up for you.
15:28The next day, Joseph was hammering on my door like a rainstorm, each knock sharper and more frantic than the
15:35last.
15:36When I opened the door, he was there beneath the dim yellow porch light.
15:41Lucille, what crazy stunt are you pulling this time?
15:44I silently tilted my face up, letting him get a clear look at the hideous handprint on my left cheek.
15:50A whole night later, the slap mark had only swelled and darkened.
15:54How... how come...
15:57He reached out, his fingers trembling and pausing just before touching my cheek.
16:01I swear, I didn't use that much force.
16:04I let out a cold laugh.
16:06I'm sorry, Lucille. I didn't mean to.
16:09When I saw you treating that intern like that at work, I just lost my temper.
16:14I didn't let him finish.
16:16Since you're here, let's get this straight.
16:18Starting now, we're done.
16:20The engagement between the Chandler and Shaw families is over.
16:24Joseph, from now on we'll treat each other like strangers.
16:28If you run into me on the street, keep your distance.
16:31And don't ever come knocking on my door again like you did today.
16:35Get lost, Joseph.
16:36Joseph stared at me.
16:38So is this all because I defended Yvonne?
16:41Or is it just because I slapped you?
16:45Since when are you so petty, Lucille?
16:47It was one slap.
16:49If it means that much to you, then hit me back.
16:52Joseph, this was never about the slap.
16:55It's about you choosing to stand with the people who hurt me.
17:00And I am done with you.
17:01The motion sensor light in the hallway suddenly switched off.
17:04Just before the darkness took us, my last sight was of his eyes, red and glistening.
17:09They flickered and became the eyes of that boy from years past.
17:13The one who'd get into fights for me and then just laugh off his bruises.
17:16Joseph stood there.
17:18His face went still, like he didn't even recognize me.
17:20He had seen me cry, laugh, whine, and mess around.
17:24But he had never seen me like this, cold as ice.
17:28I didn't mean it, Lucille.
17:30I just lost control for a minute, okay?
17:35I shook my head.
17:37Save it.
17:38Joseph, don't ever come after me again.
17:43Joseph grabbed my wrist suddenly.
17:45His eyes were red and fierce.
17:47Really?
17:48You're throwing away 20 years over one slap?
17:52Lucille, since when did you become so unreasonable?
17:55Watching him rage.
17:56It reminded me of the middle school years when a guy tried to mess with me.
18:00Joseph had the same cold look as he beat that guy until he begged.
18:04Now, that fury was directed at me.
18:08It is a big deal, Joseph.
18:11So know your place.
18:13Joseph let out a bitter laugh.
18:16Fine.
18:17Remember your words.
18:18He let go of my hand.
18:21We're done.
18:23You've got nerve, Lucille.
18:24Just don't come crying back to me.
18:27As he turned to leave, he knocked over a potted plant.
18:30The sound of the shattering pot triggered the garden's motion sensor light.
18:34I stood in the flickering light, watching his back vanish around the corner.
18:38It felt like watching the boy who once fought for me disappear from my life forever.
18:43The next day at work, gossip spread like wildfire through the office break room.
18:48Everyone was talking.
18:50Joseph and Yvonne were officially dating.
18:53As I walked by with my coffee, I saw Yvonne on her toes, fixing Joseph's tie.
18:57Joe, let's go to my favorite restaurant tonight to celebrate.
19:01Joseph's gaze shifted over her shoulder and suddenly met mine.
19:05He tried to step back, but Yvonne wrapped her arm around his neck.
19:09Back at my desk, my group chat was blowing up.
19:11I heard Yvonne arrived in Mr. Shaw's car this morning.
19:15I saw a hickey on her neck.
19:16Is Ms. Chandler going to be okay?
19:18I closed the chat and remembered last month's team dinner, when Yvonne raised her glass and
19:23said,
19:23I really don't like being around women.
19:25They're always so loud and chatty.
19:27It's just better hanging out with guys.
19:30They don't have fragile egos like some girls.
19:33You can say whatever you want.
19:34The moment she finished speaking, the other women in the office exchanged knowing looks.
19:38First thing the next morning, Yvonne posted a pitiful update, getting iced out by the girls
19:43at work again.
19:44I guess telling the truth just gets you excluded.
19:46The post featured a picture of the Bulgari necklace Joseph had bought to comfort her.
19:52After work that day, I curled up on the sofa and vented to my parents about it.
19:57I've met plenty like her.
19:59Don't get too close, sweetie, or you'll get hurt.
20:01Isn't it wrong to talk about someone behind their back?
20:04He was carrying the fruits his father had sent over, but his eyes were ice cold.
20:09The living room fell dead silent, except for the sharp snipping of the flower scissors.
20:13Now that I thought back, that was probably the moment I became the petty, gossipy girl
20:18in his eyes, while Yvonne became his pure, genuine ideal.
20:22I later heard the gossip from co-workers.
20:25At some point, Joseph and Yvonne had formed a deep friendship.
20:29Yvonne made beautiful slides with smooth...
20:31She could even make data visualization look simple.
20:34Something Joseph always struggled with.
20:36When I used to help him with his slides, he would always point out flaws, telling me the
20:41logic was off or the colors were too harsh.
20:44Yvonne never made those mistakes.
20:46She would just lean close to the screen and say,
20:49Joe, I made this chart animated for you.
20:52His ears would turn red.
20:57Last time, we played pool.
20:59Most of the women, including me, stayed back.
21:02But Yvonne cleared the table in one turn and got cheers from all the guys.
21:09One of Joseph's friends slung an arm around him and joked,
21:12Yvonne's way more fun, a lot better than that sensitive girl you used to be with.
21:17I'd seen some of their private messages by accident.
21:20Yvonne had sent an exaggerated crying emoji, along with a message,
21:24I need your comfort.
21:26Ms. Chandler was mean to me again today.
21:28Joseph had replied,
21:30Just ignore her.
21:31She's probably on her period.
21:32Once, after a department meeting, Yvonne brazenly sat on Joseph's lap.
21:39We're in a real relationship.
21:41Not like some people who only got engaged out of childhood obligation.
21:44Oh, don't tell me.
21:46You think I'm talking about you.
21:47In that moment, I finally understood.
21:50Childhood sweethearts couldn't compete with a sudden new plane.
21:5318 years of history had lost to a three-month infatuation.
21:57After all, the whole company knew that I,
22:00the girl whose smiles were reserved for Joseph,
22:02had now become the punchline to his new love story.
22:06A cold snort came from Joseph at the conference room door.
22:09I never looked up,
22:11but I could feel his gaze burning into the top of my head,
22:14like a cigarette that refused to go out.
22:16I never looked up.
22:16As time went on,
22:18their public displays of affection grew even more obvious.
22:21Yvonne would slip her strawberry-patterned hair tie around Joseph's wrist,
22:25the pink elastic pressing into his tan skin like a mark of ownership.
22:30Soft breaths and the sound of kissing sometimes drifted from the fire escape
22:34until the day the cleaning lady walked in on them.
22:39After work, she always walked with her arm wrapped around his,
22:42and he would simply smile and allow it.
22:44It was strange how those same scenes that once made my heart flutter
22:47now looked like something from a poorly written romance drama.
22:52Everything continued until one evening,
22:54when Joseph cornered me in the parking lot after work.
22:58He carried the scent of Yvonne's perfume,
23:00but his expression was tangled and unfamiliar.
23:05Lucille, let's get back together.
23:07I met his plea with a cold laugh and a firm refusal.
23:10Joseph's hand clamped around my wrist like a vice,
23:13his palm burning hot as he squeezed with bone-crushing force.
23:16Lucy, I was wrong.
23:19I only dated Yvonne to make you jealous.
23:22Let's get back together.
23:24Just say yes, and I'll break up with her immediately.
23:27I laughed at the thought that Joseph saw me as nothing more than a convenient backup plan.
23:32I jerked my hand free and said,
23:34Joseph, listen up.
23:36I...
23:37Before I could finish, the elevator dinged open to reveal Yvonne,
23:40her face ghostly pale as she rushed out.
23:43Without any makeup, she clutched a medical report in her hand.
23:47Joe the baby.
23:48Our baby is gone.
23:50Joseph's expression instantly hardened as he released me and turned to support her,
23:55only to be violently pushed away.
23:57Are you happy now, Lucille?
24:01This is all your fault for forcing me to work overtime yesterday.
24:05Now Joe's and my baby is gone.
24:08Are you finally satisfied?
24:10Joseph's hand clamped around my wrist like a hot brand.
24:13I could feel my own pulse throbbing against his palm.
24:17His gaze was terrifyingly dark.
24:19Why?
24:20You did this intentionally.
24:23I didn't.
24:25Believe whatever you want.
24:28Lucille, when did you become so cruel?
24:30I slammed my heel into his knee,
24:32leaving a scuff mark on his tailored trousers.
24:37I told you I didn't do it.
24:39Now back off and don't touch me.
24:41Just as Joseph released me in pain and tried to grab me again,
24:45a hand with distinct knuckles suddenly slid between us.
24:48The slender fingers rested casually on Joseph's wrist.
24:51Sir,
24:53a true gentleman doesn't force a woman.
24:56My head snapped up,
24:57and I found myself locked into a pair of smiling, captivating eyes.
25:00It was Charlie Foley, the legendary senior from law school,
25:04the sharp-tongued debater known for leaving his opponents utterly speechless.
25:08Charlie.
25:09I stood there frozen.
25:11It had been three years since the college debate finals,
25:13and we hadn't spoken since.
25:15I never expected our reunion would happen in a situation like this.
25:19Just play along, Lucille.
25:21As his warm breath brushed my ear,
25:23he suddenly applied pressure to Joseph's wrist.
25:25Joseph grunted in pain and released his grip.
25:28I didn't wait to see what would happen next.
25:31Turning on my heel,
25:32I walked straight to my car and drove away without looking back.
25:35In my rearview mirror,
25:36I saw Charlie standing in front of Joseph,
25:38adjusting his cuff with a single fluid motion.
25:41He looked both calm and dangerous, like a guard cat.
25:44The next day during the team outing,
25:45I wasn't feeling well.
25:47The sun beat down mercilessly,
25:48as I trailed at the back of the group,
25:50my shirt already soaked with cold sweat.
25:53Only when black spots began dancing at the edge of my vision,
25:56did I realize how serious things were.
25:58As my knees hit the gravel path,
26:00Lucille!
26:01Joseph's familiar scent enveloped me
26:03as his arm wrapped around my waist,
26:05holding me so tightly that it felt like my ribs might break.
26:08His fingers trembled against me,
26:10though he tried to keep his voice steady.
26:12You skipped breakfast again, didn't you?
26:15Yvonne stood a few steps away,
26:17her manicured nails digging so hard into a water bottle
26:20that the plastic cracked loudly in the stillness.
26:25Let me go.
26:27I'm fine.
26:28Just release me.
26:30Do you have to be like this?
26:32Joseph's eyes glistened with unshed tears.
26:34Even if you hate me,
26:36don't take it out on yourself like this.
26:39The sound of quick footsteps approached
26:40as a first aid attendant parted the crowd,
26:43holding a torn open glucose packet.
26:45A colleague knelt beside me,
26:47helping me drink the glucose,
26:49before glancing pointedly at Joseph.
26:52Your girlfriend seems to need you more right now, Mr. Shaw.
26:54Everyone followed her gaze
26:56to where Yvonne was now hunched over,
26:58clutching her stomach.
26:59Joseph stood frozen for a moment
27:01before his grip finally slackened.
27:03I took the glucose and drank it straight down.
27:06The sweet taste brought back a sudden memory
27:08of when I was 16,
27:09when Joseph had rushed across the basketball court
27:11to press a strawberry candy into my hand
27:14during a hypoglycemic episode.
27:16The team outing finally concluded
27:18when an HR colleague dropped me off at my doorstep.
27:21The moment my mother saw my injured knee,
27:23she grew terribly worried
27:24and insisted on taking me to the hospital for a checkup.
27:27I found myself at the nearest general hospital that evening.
27:30The waiting area was empty,
27:32except for one figure sitting in the corner.
27:35Hey, Lucille.
27:36Charlie looked up.
27:37His knee was wrapped in thick bandages
27:38with dark red blood already seeping through the layers.
27:41What happened to you?
27:44It's nothing.
27:45Got into a fender bender today.
27:47He needed eight stitches in his knee
27:49and still calls it nothing.
27:50You're looking pale.
27:51Is it your low blood sugar again?
27:53He pulled a piece of candy from his coat pocket,
27:55like magic.
27:56Strawberry, I heard you like these.
27:58I couldn't bring myself to say no,
28:00so I just nodded and accepted it.
28:02Over the next few days,
28:04we kept running into each other at the hospital.
28:06He was there for his regular bandage changes
28:09while I came for blood sugar checkups.
28:10When rain fell,
28:12he'd limp alongside me under his umbrella
28:14all the way to my car.
28:15It was funny how this debate champion,
28:17who could destroy opponents with his words,
28:20turned out to be so gentle.
28:21That afternoon,
28:22sunlight streamed through the hospital windows
28:24as Charlie sat on the treatment bed,
28:26his ears flushed crimson.
28:28Lucille,
28:28he said,
28:29fiddling with a loose thread on his bandage.
28:31I think we'd be good together.
28:33We're both single.
28:35Would you ever think about dating me?
28:37The medical report slipped from my fingers,
28:40fluttering to the floor.
28:41Sorry, I...
28:42No need to rush your answer.
28:44Charlie bent to pick up the papers
28:45without even wincing when his injury pulled.
28:48I can wait.
28:49A week later,
28:50Charlie started showing up outside my office.
28:52On Monday,
28:53he appeared with pink tulips still wet with morning dew,
28:56saying they'd reminded him of me
28:58when he passed the flower shop.
29:00On Wednesday,
29:01it was a limited edition strawberry cake.
29:04Buy one and get one free.
29:05It would be a shame to waste it.
29:08By Friday,
29:09he was buying drinks for everyone in my office.
29:12The craziest part
29:13was when my desk neighbor
29:14actually offered him her seat
29:16while winking at me.
29:17Miss Chandler,
29:18Mr. Foley says he's here for a business meeting.
29:23The break room gossip kept getting wilder.
29:25During lunch,
29:26a close co-worker cornered me in the restroom.
29:29Is it true?
29:29Charlie has an eight pack.
29:31I have no idea.
29:33Oh, don't give me that!
29:35He shook my shoulders playfully.
29:37When he brought flowers yesterday,
29:39his shirt was so tight
29:42that our receptionist totally saw his V-line.
29:47Outside the glass door,
29:49Charlie was bent over,
29:50fixing my jammed drawer.
29:51With every movement,
29:53his neatly tucked shirt rode up just enough
29:55to reveal a strip of his toned waist.
29:57He was a complete distraction,
29:58and I bet he was flaunting it on purpose.
30:01Okay, for real though,
30:03are Charlie's abs as rock hard as they say?
30:07I heard when he sweats,
30:09his muscles actually gleam.
30:11How many abs does he have?
30:12What do they feel like?
30:15I bit my straw,
30:16remembering that summer afternoon
30:18after he won the tennis championship,
30:20the way he hiked his shirt up
30:21to wipe his face.
30:23I think...
30:24eight?
30:26But it was just a glimpse.
30:29Oh my Lucille!
30:30You lucky girl!
30:32I lunged to cover her mouth,
30:33my face burning.
30:33Right then,
30:34the sharp crack of shattering glass
30:36cut through the office.
30:37Joseph stood frozen in a circle of wreckage.
30:39Blood dripped from his fingers,
30:41blooming into ugly red stains
30:42on the papers below.
30:43Yvonne rushed over with a tissue,
30:45but he wrenched his arm away.
30:47Don't touch me.
30:48But his eyes weren't on her.
30:49They were fixed on me.
30:50He stared at me
30:51like he was watching his entire world end.
30:54A warm weight settled on my shoulder.
30:55I hadn't even heard Charlie come up behind me.
30:58Dinner's booked, Lucille.
30:59My treat after work.
31:00The sound seemed to snap something in Joseph.
31:02He dropped to his knees,
31:03clawing at the shards of glass.
31:05They cut into his palm,
31:06but he didn't seem to feel it.
31:07Blood welled up
31:08and dripped from his watch strap,
31:09drawing crooked red lines on the beige carpet.
31:12He stopped in front of me,
31:13his eyes fixed on mine
31:14with the desperate focus of a gambler
31:16making his final bet.
31:17Lucy.
31:19I'm hurt.
31:20Can I have a band-aid?
31:21My gaze automatically dropped to my bag.
31:23I always had band-aids in there.
31:25The cartoon kind.
31:26Waterproof.
31:27Stuff like that.
31:28It was a habit from middle school,
31:30from all the times
31:31Joseph would get hurt playing soccer.
31:34I don't have any.
31:36In an instant,
31:37his hand shot out
31:38and locked around my wrist.
31:41You always do.
31:42Mr. Shaw.
31:43Charlie stepped between us.
31:45Here.
31:46Use this.
31:47He gave a meaningful glance
31:49at Joseph's bloody hand.
31:51Though it probably won't be enough.
31:52Joseph staggered back.
31:53He looked down at his bloody hand
31:55and let out a harsh, broken laugh.
31:56You're ruthless, Lucille.
31:58Yvonne rushed to his side
31:59and tugged his arm.
32:00Joe, come on.
32:00Let me take you to the hospital.
32:02Get off me.
32:03He said,
32:03shaking her hand away.
32:04The blood kept dripping
32:06from Joseph's hand,
32:07a small, vivid pool
32:08spreading on the floor.
32:09It took me back
32:10to a rainy day in sixth grade.
32:12Joseph had cornered the boy
32:14who'd pulled my hair
32:15and left him a mess of bruises.
32:17Walking home,
32:18he shook out his sore wrist
32:19and shot me a grin.
32:21You're such an ugly crying, Lucille.
32:23Later, for Cable,
32:25that boy and his friends
32:26pushed Joseph
32:27out of a second story window.
32:28When I finally found him,
32:30he was sitting in a pile
32:31of shattered glass,
32:32trying clumsily
32:33to hide the wound on his arm.
32:34Don't cry.
32:35It's fine.
32:36Just a scratch.
32:38But blood was already
32:39welling up between his fingers.
32:40That night,
32:41I ran to three different pharmacies
32:43and came home
32:44with a whole box
32:44of cartoon band-aids.
32:46When I rolled up his sleeve
32:47the next day,
32:48his ears turned bright red.
32:50Don't you feel shy, Lucille?
32:52But he still let me cover
32:53every cut and bruise
32:55on his arm
32:55with those pink kitten band-aids.
32:58But everything changed later.
33:00One day,
33:01Yvonne walked by my desk
33:02in her tall heels
33:03and made a show
33:04of knocking my bag
33:05off the chair.
33:06Oh my God,
33:07are you 12?
33:08Who still uses these?
33:10At the time,
33:11Joseph stood behind her,
33:12watching with a faint smile.
33:13I don't carry band-aids anymore,
33:15I said,
33:16my eyes locked on Joseph's.
33:18I quit a long time ago.
33:20A shudder ran through him,
33:22grasping at the memory
33:23of a different summer night,
33:24me on my toes,
33:26placing a band-aid
33:27on his cheek.
33:28I broke our gaze
33:29and looked down.
33:30His hand hung in the air.
33:32Blood dripped from his fingers,
33:34dotting the floor
33:35like tiny red petals.
33:36He let out a quiet laugh,
33:38his smile as fragile
33:39as cracked ice.
33:41Fine.
33:42The words seemed
33:43to take everything
33:43he had left.
33:44Turning away,
33:46I watched his retreating back
33:47until the elevator doors closed
33:49and it hit me.
33:50I'd seen that same figure
33:52when we were 16,
33:53after he'd fought for me.
33:54Back then,
33:55the evening sun
33:56stretched his shadow
33:57so far
33:58that it could swallow me whole.
34:00One day,
34:01after a meeting,
34:02Yvonne followed me
34:02into the break room
34:03and locked the door.
34:05Lucille.
34:05She said,
34:06tell me this was all on purpose.
34:08I slowly stirred my coffee,
34:09watching the foam swirl.
34:11I don't know what you mean.
34:12She suddenly grabbed the sugar jar
34:14and hurled it at the wall.
34:15Glass shards sprayed near my feet.
34:17Cut the act!
34:19She was breathing hard,
34:20her chest rising and falling.
34:21Does it make you happy?
34:23Seeing Joe miserable over you?
34:25I set my cup down,
34:27the bottom making a crisp clack
34:28against the marble counter.
34:30Miss Foster,
34:31you've got two things very wrong,
34:33I said.
34:34First,
34:35Joseph and I are done.
34:37The engagement is off.
34:38There's nothing left between us.
34:40I turned on the tap,
34:41the water rushing to fill the silence
34:43between her heavy breaths.
34:45Second,
34:46I don't care what he's going through.
34:48Stop coming to me with his problems.
34:51And I dried my hands
34:52and moved past her,
34:53her body stiff,
34:54and her voice shattered
34:55the quiet behind me.
34:57You think you've won?
34:59No,
35:00I said.
35:00I know how to move on.
35:02He's just a man.
35:03If you want him,
35:04he's yours.
35:06The harsh break room lights
35:08made Yvonne look pale.
35:09You think you're so special?
35:11Her voice was raw.
35:13The only reason you matter
35:15is because he can't forget you.
35:18Want to know the real difference
35:19between us and animals?
35:21A hurt animal will beg for mercy.
35:23A person fights back.
35:25He slapped me,
35:26and that was the day we were done.
35:28Her hand snapped out,
35:29nails digging into my wrist.
35:31Don't you look down on me.
35:33What could a sheltered little princess
35:35like you possibly understand?
35:37I understand enough.
35:39I know Joseph sent you.
35:40I leaned in.
35:41And I know this must be killing you.
35:44She froze as a slow smile
35:46spread across my face.
35:48How pathetic,
35:49being sent by your boyfriend
35:50to his ex.
35:51But relax.
35:52When I say it's over,
35:54I mean it.
35:55I don't look back.
35:56So do me a favor
35:57and tell Joseph.
35:59We're done.
36:00Yvonne's face
36:00went through a series of emotions.
36:02As I walked away,
36:03her voice trailed after me.
36:05Lucille,
36:06so you left him
36:07just because he hit you?
36:08Yes.
36:09I replied calmly.
36:10Just because he hit me.
36:12My answer was still the same.
36:13That evening,
36:15I got a call
36:15from an unknown number.
36:17Without thinking much,
36:18I picked up.
36:19The breathing on the other end
36:20suddenly went so quiet.
36:23Lucy.
36:24Joseph's voice was rough.
36:25I'm sorry.
36:27I read your diary.
36:29I knew he was referring
36:30to that pink satin diary.
36:32He'd searched half the city
36:33for my 10th birthday.
36:35He'd shown up sweaty and beaming,
36:37telling me,
36:38Lucille,
36:38you have to write
36:39all your secrets in here.
36:41We'll read them together
36:42when we're old.
36:43So,
36:44I said,
36:44my voice cold.
36:45The soft sound of pages rustling
36:48came through the phone.
36:49Joseph's voice broke.
36:51On page 2 and 17,
36:55you wrote that you'd show me
36:56this diary
36:59on our wedding night.
37:01Outside my window,
37:02the neon lights blurred
37:03into streaks of color.
37:04I wiped my eyes hard
37:05and found my palm wet
37:06with tears.
37:07Joseph.
37:08I began.
37:09Do you know what I wrote
37:10on the last page?
37:11There was just silence
37:12on the other end.
37:13It reads,
37:14I stressed each syllable.
37:18Today,
37:19I threw this diary away.
37:23goodbye to 18 years
37:25of loving Joseph.
37:26I could hear pages
37:28shuffling hurriedly
37:29on the other end.
37:31I'm sorry.
37:32Lucy.
37:33He whispered,
37:34I looked out
37:34at the falling snow.
37:36That's enough.
37:37I interrupted quietly.
37:38Did you even check the date
37:40on that last entry?
37:41Joseph went completely silent.
37:43It was the same day
37:44you slapped me
37:46in front of everyone.
37:48Nothing you say now
37:49matters to me.
37:51Don't come looking for me.
37:53I paused,
37:54then added,
37:55A good ex
37:56should stay gone.
37:58After that,
37:59I hung up.
38:03On my 24th birthday,
38:05my parents decided
38:06to throw me a party
38:07and told me to invite
38:08all my friends.
38:10I hadn't planned
38:11on inviting Joseph,
38:13but remembering
38:13how kind his parents
38:14had always been to me,
38:16I sent him
38:16an invitation anyway.
38:18Charlie, of course,
38:19asked me for an invite
38:20as if I would say no.
38:21During the party,
38:23I was pouring Edward
38:24some coffee
38:24when Joseph walked in
38:25with Yvonne.
38:27You've grown up, Lucy.
38:28Edward said.
38:30That stupid boy
38:32doesn't deserve you.
38:33Let's not talk about that,
38:34I said with a smile,
38:36refilling his cup.
38:38Try the coffee.
38:39It's really good.
38:40The party went perfectly.
38:42As it was winding down,
38:43I slipped away
38:44to the terrace
38:44to enjoy a moment of peace
38:46in the cool autumn air.
38:47Suddenly,
38:48I heard footsteps behind me.
38:50Lucy.
38:51Joseph's voice
38:52was hoarse and strained.
38:53His suit was crumpled,
38:54his tie askew,
38:55and he reeked of alcohol.
38:57He said,
38:58suddenly grabbing my wrist.
38:59I don't understand.
39:00How did we end up like this?
39:02We were so close
39:03to getting married.
39:05We were supposed to build
39:06our happiness together.
39:07So now it's my fault?
39:09The night breeze
39:09cut through me,
39:10suddenly bone-chilling.
39:12I laughed coldly.
39:13Because I didn't forgive you
39:15for slapping me?
39:15He flinched,
39:17my words clearly
39:18hitting a nerve.
39:19And why should I forgive you?
39:21I asked.
39:22I heard everything
39:23that night at the bar.
39:25Joseph staggered back,
39:27as if all the strength
39:28had left him.
39:29I heard your little bet,
39:30calmly straightening my sleeves.
39:32You lost, Joseph.
39:34You made your bed
39:35now lie in it.
39:37The bar was smoky that night,
39:39the stale smell of alcohol
39:40making my eyes water.
39:41As I reached the booth,
39:42I heard Joseph's friends
39:43teasing him.
39:43You've got some nerve, Joseph.
39:45stringing the Chandler Andrus
39:47along for years.
39:48Not worried she'll
39:50finally dump you?
39:51Joseph leaned back
39:52in his chair
39:52with a smug grin.
39:54She just needs
39:55a little sweet talk.
40:01After all this time,
40:04I know exactly
40:05how to handle her.
40:07Then,
40:08Yvonne leaned in closer,
40:10her chestnut curls
40:11brushing against his shoulder.
40:12Honestly,
40:15someone like Lucille
40:16is so easy
40:17to manipulate.
40:19Her red lips
40:19curved into a smirk.
40:21Bet if you slapped her
40:22in public
40:23and then sweet talked
40:24her later,
40:24she'd come crawling back
40:25like a puppy,
40:27begging you
40:28to stay.
40:29I know these
40:30love-struck girls
40:31all too well.
40:32No way!
40:34Go on, Joseph.
40:35Give it a shot.
40:36Under the buzzing lights,
40:38Joseph chucked his fear
40:39to the sound
40:39of everyone's laughter.
40:42Fine, I'll try.
40:43He said.
40:44That was when I realized it.
40:46Our 18 years
40:47of childhood friendship
40:47meant nothing,
40:48just another bar bet to him.
40:50In that moment,
40:51the bitter alcohol
40:51seemed to burn
40:52right through my chest.
40:53Now,
40:54on the terrace,
40:55Joseph stood pale-faced.
40:57You heard everything.
40:58He stumbled forward,
40:59reaching for my hand.
41:00Lucy, I was drunk.
41:01It was just bar talk.
41:03It didn't mean anything.
41:05Bar talk?
41:06But you went ahead
41:08and tried it the next day.
41:09That's not what I meant!
41:11I interrupted,
41:12touching my cheek.
41:13Joseph,
41:15don't even try to deny it.
41:16You're just making
41:17this embarrassing.
41:18He stood there,
41:19completely frozen.
41:20I looked right at him.
41:21Aren't you the one
41:22who always says
41:22talking behind people's
41:23backs is wrong?
41:24Look at you.
41:26Making bets
41:27about your own fiancé
41:28behind her back.
41:29How pathetic is that?
41:31Joseph's face
41:32went pale instantly.
41:33In the moonlight,
41:34he gave a weak smile.
41:35His lips parted,
41:37but in the end,
41:38he just let his arms
41:39fall to his sides.
41:40The night breeze
41:41stirred the terrace curtains.
41:42His suit looked gray
41:43in the moonlight,
41:44making him look like a statue,
41:46slowly turning to dust.
41:47His lips trembled
41:48as he whispered,
41:49I was wrong.
41:51I was wondering at the time.
41:53I stepped forward.
41:56What were you thinking?
41:58That I'd just quietly forgive you?
42:01Or like Yvonne said,
42:02that I'd come crawling back
42:04like a puppy
42:05with just a few sweet words?
42:08Joseph looked up sharply,
42:09his eyes bloodshot.
42:10I held his gaze.
42:11It doesn't matter anymore.
42:13I don't care who you are
42:14or what you think.
42:15None of it matters to me now.
42:17Why should I waste feelings
42:18on a stranger?
42:21That's not true.
42:22See?
42:23You still won't admit it.
42:25You never really respected me.
42:27If that night,
42:28if I hadn't made that bet,
42:30we'll-
42:30No, you had doubts
42:31about us, Joseph,
42:33didn't you?
42:33There was a moment
42:34you thought marrying me
42:35would be boring.
42:37Then Yvonne came along
42:39and she made you feel alive
42:40in ways I never could.
42:42It's understandable.
42:43You liked me
42:44because we grew up together
42:45and our families matched.
42:47But the truth is
42:48you never truly loved me
42:49or at least not enough.
42:51You called me beautiful
42:52but you thought I was boring.
42:54We knew each other too well.
42:55The excitement was gone.
42:56But Yvonne was different.
42:58She was my opposite
43:00and you were hooked.
43:02Joseph,
43:03even without Elilon,
43:04there would have been
43:05someone else.
43:07Another pretty young thing
43:08who's not like me.
43:10You just didn't have to put me down
43:11to make yourself feel better.
43:14How dare you hit me?
43:16No one's ever laid a hand on me.
43:18Who do you think you are, Joseph?
43:20What gave you the right?
43:22Who made you so sure
43:23you could get away with it?
43:24Joseph's face went pale.
43:25I'd hit a nerve,
43:27exposing his darkest,
43:28most selfish thoughts.
43:29He had no comeback.
43:31Lucy, have I lost you?
43:33Joseph.
43:37You didn't lose me.
43:38You lost yourself.
43:40The cold moonlight
43:41cut across the terrace,
43:42trapping his shadow beneath him.
43:44In his perfectly fitted suit,
43:46he looked completely empty,
43:47like a ghost of himself.
43:48You don't love me anymore,
43:50do you?
43:50The words left his lips
43:51in a fragile whisper,
43:52a question he already
43:54knew the answer to.
43:54I looked at the boy
43:56I had idolized all my youth,
43:58now broken and lost
43:59like a child.
44:00I never loved you.
44:05What?
44:06What did you say?
44:07The boy I loved
44:08was the one
44:09who would fight for me.
44:11The one who slipped me
44:12strawberry candies
44:14when I felt Wayne.
44:17The Joseph I knew
44:18died that night in the bar
44:19because of your bet.
44:21Silent tears traced paths
44:22down Joseph's face.
44:23He tried to speak,
44:25but no words came.
44:26You know what?
44:28I'm so glad
44:29we never got married.
44:30I took one last look
44:31at the man
44:32who felt like a stranger now.
44:35I turned and walked
44:36toward the warm glow
44:37of the party,
44:38leaving the sound
44:39of his choked sobs
44:40behind me.
44:42The cheerful noise
44:43of the party
44:44quickly swallowed the sound,
44:45just as time would erase
44:47everything we once had.
44:48Later,
44:49Yvonne was let go
44:50from the company.
44:51Rumor had it
44:52Joseph broke up
44:53with her too.
44:54After that,
44:55Joseph was a changed man.
44:56He became a constant
44:58presence in my life,
44:59a quiet shadow.
45:02Every morning,
45:03a warm cup of milk
45:04and bread
45:04would be waiting
45:05on my desk.
45:06During lunch,
45:07he'd have the quietest corner
45:08in the cafeteria
45:09saved for me.
45:11After work,
45:12his footsteps
45:12would follow mine,
45:13always keeping a distance
45:15of about 30 feet.
45:16What are you trying
45:17to achieve?
45:18I finally confronted him
45:19at the stairwell landing.
45:21He still had on
45:22the cufflinks I bought
45:23for his 18th birthday.
45:24I'd saved every bit
45:26of my allowance
45:27for three months
45:27to get those.
45:29I just...
45:30I just needed
45:31to pay you back
45:33for everything.
45:35Don't.
45:36Staying away from me
45:37is the only payment
45:38I want.
45:39Joseph,
45:40don't make me
45:40look down on you.
45:42I didn't tell a soul
45:43I was quitting my job.
45:44On my last day,
45:45I just had a quiet
45:46goodbye lunch
45:47with a few co-workers
45:48I was close to.
45:49Joseph was the last
45:50to know I was leaving
45:51for grad school overseas.
45:53I wasn't sure
45:54how he found out.
45:55But when I left,
45:56he chased the car,
45:57running after us
45:58until he couldn't.
45:59Through the window,
46:00I watched him running.
46:01The proud boy
46:02I once knew
46:03now completely shattered.
46:04The trees flew by
46:05as his figure shrank
46:07in the rearview mirror.
46:08His white shirt
46:09flapped wildly in the wind
46:10like a bird
46:11that had lost its flight.
46:12My mom glanced
46:13at me,
46:13concerned.
46:14His running figure
46:15shrank into the distance,
46:16banishing beneath
46:17the trees at the corner.
46:18As the plane took off,
46:20I opened the shade.
46:2130,000 feet up,
46:23the sun was shining bright.
46:26Word about Joseph
46:27still reached me
46:28now and then.
46:29According to my friends,
46:31he had taken to heavy drinking
46:32and was constantly
46:33getting into fights at bars.
46:35They told me
46:36he'd become
46:36a sharp business prodigy
46:37with a ruthless reputation.
46:39They also joked
46:40that his relationships
46:41had the lifespan
46:42of a clean shirt.
46:43One afternoon
46:44in Lavisburg,
46:45I hurried into the classroom
46:47and almost ran
46:48right into Charlie.
46:49He looked surprised.
46:51It's been a while, Lucille.
46:54Does this mean
46:55I can finally ask you out?
46:58For the entire two years
47:00I was abroad,
47:01a mysterious package
47:02would arrive at my door
47:03for every birthday.
47:04The contents
47:05were always thoughtful.
47:07Sometimes a bottle
47:07of liqueur
47:08I'd mentioned in my post.
47:09other times
47:10a hard-to-find art book
47:12I'd liked on Instagram.
47:13One year,
47:14it was even the same
47:15orange-scented hand cream
47:16I'd used as a child.
47:17I always accepted them,
47:19but never actually opened any.
47:21They just ended up
47:22piled in the corner,
47:23gathering dust.
47:24On graduation day,
47:25Charlie was waiting for me
47:27outside the library
47:28under an umbrella,
47:29his shoulders sprinkled
47:30with cherry blossom petals.
47:32He wore a graduation pin
47:33identical to mine,
47:35and his smile
47:36was brighter than the sun,
47:37finally breaking
47:38through the clouds.
47:39Lucille,
47:41would you consider
47:42giving me a chance?
47:43Seeing his fingers
47:44tremble with nerves,
47:45I couldn't help
47:46but laugh softly
47:47before giving him
47:48a clear, happy nod.
47:49We later ended up
47:51working in the same
47:51office building,
47:52and every day,
47:53he would find
47:54some new creative way
47:55to have a gift
47:56sent to my office.
47:57The gifts ranged
47:58from hot chocolate
47:59to handwritten cards,
48:01with the most extravagant one
48:02being a delivery
48:03of 999 roses.
48:06All those unopened gifts
48:07stored in the supply room
48:09were finally discovered
48:10by Charlie one weekend.
48:12He crouched in front
48:13of the cardboard boxes,
48:14looking at them
48:15for a long while,
48:16before suddenly glancing up.
48:18Should we throw them out?
48:19I thought it over
48:19for a moment,
48:20and then nodded.
48:21He stood up
48:22and hugged me,
48:22his clothes carrying
48:23a light scent
48:24of cedar wood.
48:25Actually,
48:25it seems like a waste
48:26to just discard them.
48:28What if we donated
48:29everything to an orphanage
48:30instead?
48:34A long time afterward,
48:36Charlie suddenly pointed
48:37at his phone screen
48:38one day and said,
48:39Look at this.
48:40The final photo
48:41showed the children
48:42who received the donations,
48:43holding up the plush toys
48:45with radiant smiles.
48:47One of those
48:47once meticulously
48:48wrapped gift boxes
48:50was now resting peacefully
48:51in a child's hands.
48:53Outside the window,
48:55the first snowflake
48:56of the year
48:56landed gently
48:57on the window frame.
48:59Charlie softly kissed
49:00the top of my head
49:01and whispered,
49:02Happy birthday, Lucille.
49:04It was a happy birthday,
49:05indeed.
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