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Each movie brings exciting characters, surprising plot twists, touching relationships, and powerful stories that keep you watching until the final scene. From billionaire romances to inspiring life journeys, every film offers a unique experience.
Enjoy HD movies with English subtitles and stay tuned for regular uploads of the latest popular drama films.
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00:02My 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?
00:21He 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.
00:53When I looked up, I saw Joseph's hand still hanging in the air.
00:57Joseph, 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.
01:10But 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.
01:39Lucilia, 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.
02:00I 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.
02:21Joseph had never been a patient man with me, but this was the first time he had ever hit me.
02:26In fact, it was the first time in my entire life that anyone had ever slapped me.
02:31I 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.
02:39Sunlight slanted in from the window at the end of the corridor, stretching his shadow out so long that it
02:44just touched my toes.
02:46We 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, destined to
02:55walk life's path together one day.
02:58I remembered one bitterly cold winter in second grade, when a boy named Humbert Chapman, sitting behind me, stuck his
03:04chewed gum in my ponytail.
03:05The whole class burst into mocking laughter.
03:08I burst into tears, but my homegrown 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.
03:24The 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.
03:34Lucia is my sister. Try bullying her again, and I'll beat you up.
03:39As he left, he gave me a reassuring pat on the head with a smile.
03:43From then on, I followed Joseph around like a shadow, and no matter how he tried, he just couldn't shake
03:48me.
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, and waiting for him until the sun stretched our shadows long.
04:01He'd eventually come over, pull me up by the arm.
04:04Lucia, what are you, glue to the spot?
04:05Still, 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, tucking a loose strand of hair behind
04:22my ear,
04:22or even just napping with my head on the desk, I could always feel his eyes on me.
04:26His gaze would brush past me, as light and fleeting as a summer breeze.
04:30The night our parents suggested we should get engaged, he dragged me into the fire escape.
04:36As the motion sensor light flickered overhead, his hand, clammy and tense, squeezed mine so tightly that it almost hurt.
04:44You need to think this through. You'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, flashing a big cheerful smile.
05:29Hey, everyone. I'm Yvonne. Can't wait to work with you guys.
05:34When she reached me, she stopped mid-action.
05:37Whoa!
05:40Are you actually using a thermos with cartoon characters on it? That's so tacky.
05:45Seeing me stay quiet, she nibbled her lip.
05:47Sorry, it's just my blunt honesty.
05:50I 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,
06:12right 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.
06:32The shame was so overwhelming, and I just wanted the ground to swallow me up.
06:35Sorry, Lucille. Guess I'm just super blunt.
06:41Come on, Lucille. Don'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.
07:01Sunlight 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
07:09who'd throw punches for me without a second thought.
07:12Yvonne pouted, clearly annoyed.
07:14I 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.
07:40There'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.
07:54She 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.
08:06I'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?
08:17Let's get one thing straight, we're not friends.
08:19And for the record, those skin-tight clothes you're so proud of,
08:22they're not giving what you think they are.
08:24Her perfectly drawn eyeliner twitching with anger.
08:29Lucy, you've gone too far.
08:32I've gone too far?
08:35Looks like I'm just crashing your little party.
08:37Spinning on my heel to leave.
08:39Joseph instinctively pulled me close,
08:41just like he did back in middle school when those punks cornered 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, Chanel with that thing?
09:08Lucille, what a bold choice.
09:11I'm honestly speechless.
09:12Who even still likes that stuff?
09:15All the cool kids are into edgy collectibles now.
09:18Get with the times, Bumpard.
09:20The guys around me burst out laughing.
09:22At lunch, I gave my cutlery a quick wipe with a napkin.
09:26Yvonne immediately nudged the guy beside her.
09:29Oh 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,
09:41I lugged my monitor across the office, my arms aching.
09:45Just as I paused to catch my breath,
09:48Check it out, our princess can't even move her own monitor.
09:51Any knights want to come to her rescue?
09:53She and the crew as well.
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, he nodded in agreement.
10:18She really is a bit introverted.
10:20Girls these days are just so fragile.
10:23Yvonne couldn't help but laugh,
10:25Giving 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.
10:35That 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,
10:45The 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.
11:03Oh my!
11:05Lucia, 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.
11:31Joseph just stood there, right by her side,
11:33Catching my eye with that little smirk, like 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, I 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?
12:01She sputtered, desperately scrubbing at her ruined face.
12:04Clumps of mascara sticking to her fingers and cheeks.
12:07I gave a cold laugh, mimicking her mocking tone.
12:10Wow.
12:11And 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.
12:24Some tomboy you are.
12:26People jumped in to hold me back,
12:27And Joseph snatched the cup right out of my hand.
12:31Lucille, apologize.
12:33I locked eyes with him, feeling my nose sting.
12:36You were laughing when she made fun of me.
12:38Now that I finally say the truth,
12:40You 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.
12:51Apologize?
12:51Hell no.
12:53Before 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
13:01And the whispers of my co-workers.
13:03With that one slap, 18 years of shared history
13:06And every last shred of my feeling for him shattered.
13:09I slowly raised my head, looking at Joseph.
13:12The same boy who once stood up for me.
13:14Real classy, Joseph.
13:16We're done.
13:18I burst into my room,
13:20Rifling through drawers and tossing clothes around
13:23Like 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.
13:32The 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.
13:57Mom, call off the engagement.
13:59Joseph and I are over.
14:01When 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...
14:26What's going on?
14:27Your 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, not in all her life.
14:43Joseph 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.
14:51That 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
15:01fever.
15:01She'd cradle me the whole night through.
15:04I mumbled, pressing my face into her shoulder.
15:08Am I being too selfish?
15:10Will 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.
15:24And 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.
15:42Lucille, 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.
16:02I swear I didn't use that much force.
16:04I let out a cold laugh.
16:06I'm sorry, Lucille.
16:07I 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.
16:32And don't ever come knocking on my door again like you did today.
16:35Get lost, Joseph.
16:37Joseph 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.
17:02The 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.
17:17Joseph stood there.
17:18His face went still, like he didn't even recognize me.
17:21He 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?
17:36I shook my head.
17:37Save it.
17:39Joseph, don't ever come after me again.
17:43Joseph grabbed my wrist suddenly.
17:45His eyes were red and fierce.
17:48Really?
17:49You're throwing away 20 years over one slap?
17:52Lucille, since when did you become so unreasonable?
17:55Watching him rage.
17:57It reminded me of the middle school years when a guy tried to mess with me.
18:01Joseph 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.
18:12So 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.
18:25Just don't come crying back to me.
18:27As he turned to leave, he knocked over a potted plant.
18:31The sound of the shattering pot triggered the garden's motion sensor light.
18:35I stood in the flickering light, watching his back vanish around the corner.
18:39It 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.
18:49Everyone 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.
18:58Joe, let's go to my favorite restaurant tonight to celebrate.
19:02Joseph'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.
19:12I 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?
19:19I closed the chat and remembered last month's team dinner,
19:21when Yvonne raised her glass and said,
19:23I really don't like being around women.
19:25They're always so loud and chatty.
19:28It'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,
19:42getting iced out by the girls at work again.
19:44I guess telling the truth just gets you excluded.
19:47The 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.
20:02Isn'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.
20:14Now that I thought back, that was probably the moment I became the petty, gossipy girl in his eyes,
20:19while 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.
20:37When I used to help him with his slides, he would always point out flaws,
20:40telling me the logic 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,
21:13Yvonne'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,
21:25I 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, the girl whose smiles were reserved for Joseph,
22:03had 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, but 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.
22:17As time went on, their public displays of affection grew even more obvious.
22:22Yvonne 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
22:48now looked like something from a poorly written romance drama.
22:52Everything continued until one evening,
22:55when 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.
23:04Lucille, 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,
23:14his palm burning hot as he squeezed with bone-crushing force.
23:17Lucy, I was wrong.
23:19I only dated Yvonne to make you jealous.
23:23Let'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
23:30than 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,
23:41her 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
23:52as 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?
24:20Why?
24:21You 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.
24:52Sir,
24:53a true gentleman doesn't force a woman.
24:56My head snapped up and I found myself locked into a pair of smiling, captivating eyes.
25:01It was Charlie Foley, the legendary senior from law school,
25:04the sharp-tongued debater known for leaving his opponents utterly speechless.
25:09Charlie.
25:09I stood there frozen.
25:11It had been three years since the college debate finals, but we haven'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, he 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, I walked straight to my car and drove away without looking back.
25:35In my rearview mirror, I 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, I wasn't feeling well.
25:47The sun beat down mercilessly as I trailed at the back of the group,
25:51my 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.
25:59As my knees hit the gravel...
26:00Lucille!
26:01...Joseph's familiar scent enveloped me as 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, though 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,
26:37don't take it out on yourself like this.
26:39The sound of quick footsteps approached
26:41as 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
27:12to 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
27:39with 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.
27:52Is it your low blood sugar again?
27:53He pulled a piece of candy from his coat pocket,
27:56like magic.
27:57Strawberry, I heard you like these.
27:59I 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.
28:11When rain fell,
28:12he'd limp alongside me under his umbrella
28:14all the way to my car.
28:16It was funny how this debate champion,
28:18who 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,
28:29he said,
28:29fiddling with a loose thread on his bandage.
28:31I think we'd be good together.
28:34We're both single.
28:35Would you ever think about dating me?
28:38The 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.
29:06It would be a shame to waste it.
29:08By Friday,
29:10he 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?
29:30Charlie 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
29:44totally saw his V-line.
29:47Outside the glass door,
29:49Charlie was bent over,
29:50fixing my jammed drawer.
29:52With every movement,
29:53his neatly tucked shirt
29:54rode up just enough
29:55to reveal a strip of his toned waist.
29:57He was a complete distraction.
29:59And I bet
29:59he was flaunting it on purpose.
30:01Okay, for real though,
30:03are Charlie's abs
30:04as rock hard as they say?
30:07I heard when he sweats,
30:09his muscles actually gleam.
30:11How many abs does he have?
30:13What 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
30:22to wipe his face.
30:23I think eight?
30:26But it was just a glimpse.
30:29Oh my Lucille!
30:31You lucky girl!
30:32I lunged to cover her mouth,
30:33my face burning.
30:34Right then,
30:34the sharp crack of shattering glass
30:36cut through the office.
30:37Joseph stood frozen
30:38in a circle of wreckage.
30:39Blood dripped from his fingers,
30:41blooming into ugly red stains
30:42on the papers below.
30:44Yvonne 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
30:52his entire world end.
30:54A warm weight settled on my shoulder.
30:56I hadn't even heard
30:56Charlie come up behind me.
30:58Dinner's booked, Lucille.
30:59My treat after work.
31:00The sound seemed to snap
31:01something in Joseph.
31:02He dropped to his knees,
31:04clawing 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
31:11on the beige carpet.
31:12He stopped in front of me,
31:13his eyes fixed on mine
31:14with the desperate focus
31:15of a gambler
31:16making his final bet.
31:17Lucy.
31:19I'm hurt.
31:20Can I have a band-aid?
31:21My gaze automatically
31:22dropped 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
31:29from middle school.
31:30From all the times
31:31Joseph would get hurt
31:32playing 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.
31:43Mr. Shaw.
31:43Charlie stepped between us.
31:45Here.
31:47Use this.
31:48He gave a meaningful glance
31:49at Joseph's bloody hand.
31:51Though it probably won't be enough.
31:52Joseph staggered back.
31:54He looked down at his bloody hand
31:55and let out a harsh,
31:56broken laugh.
31:57You're ruthless, Lucille.
31:58Yvonne rushed to his side
31:59and tugged his arm.
32:00Joe, come on.
32:01Let me take you to the hospital.
32:02Get off me.
32:03He said,
32:03shaking her hand away.
32:05The blood kept dripping
32:06from Joseph's hand,
32:07a small, vivid pool
32:08spreading on the floor.
32:10It took me back
32:11to a rainy day
32:11in sixth grade.
32:12Joseph had cornered the boy
32:14who'd pulled my hair
32:15and left him
32:16a 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.
32:24Later,
32:24for paper,
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
32:30in a pile of shattered glass,
32:32trying clumsily
32:33to hide the wound
32:34on his arm.
32:35Don't cry.
32:36It's fine.
32:37Just a scratch.
32:38But blood was already
32:39welling up
32:39between his fingers.
32:40That night,
32:42I ran to three
32:42different pharmacies
32:43and came home
32:44with a whole box
32:45of cartoon band-aids.
32:46When I rolled up
32:47his sleeve the next day,
32:48his ears turned bright red.
32:50Don't you feel shy, Lucille?
32:52But he still let me
32:53cover every cut
32:54and bruise on his arm
32:55with those pink
32:56kitten band-aids.
32:58But everything
32:59changed 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?
33:09At the time,
33:11Joseph stood behind her,
33:12watching with a faint smile.
33:14I don't carry
33:14band-aids anymore,
33:16I 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,
33:25me on my toes,
33:26placing a band-aid
33:27on his cheek.
33:29I broke our gaze
33:30and looked down.
33:31His hand hung in the air.
33:32Blood dripped
33:33from his fingers,
33:34dotting the floor
33:35like tiny red petals.
33:36He let out
33:37a quiet laugh,
33:38his smile
33:39as fragile
33:39as cracked ice.
33:42Fine.
33:42The words seemed
33:43to take everything
33:44he had left.
33:45Turning away,
33:46I watched his retreating back
33:48until 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.
33:55Back then,
33:56the 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
34:03into the break room
34:04and locked the door.
34:05Lucille.
34:05She said,
34:06Tell me this was all
34:07on purpose.
34:08I slowly stirred my coffee,
34:10watching the foam swirl.
34:11I don't know what you mean.
34:12She suddenly grabbed
34:13the sugar jar
34:14and hurled it at the wall.
34:16Glass shards
34:16sprayed near my feet.
34:18Cut the act!
34:19She was breathing hard,
34:20her chest rising
34:21and falling.
34:22Does it make you happy?
34:23Seeing Joe miserable
34:25over you?
34:25I set my cup down,
34:27the bottom making
34:28a crisp clack
34:28against the marble counter.
34:30Miss Foster,
34:31you've got two things
34:32very wrong.
34:33I said,
34:34First,
34:35Joseph and I are done.
34:37The engagement is off.
34:38There's nothing left
34:39between us.
34:40I turned on the tap,
34:41the water rushing
34:42to fill the silence
34:43between her heavy breaths.
34:45Second,
34:46I don't care
34:47what he's going through.
34:48Stop coming to me
34:49with his problems.
34:51And I dried my hands
34:52and moved past her,
34:54her 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.
35:07The harsh break room lights
35:08made Yvonne look pale.
35:10You think you're so special?
35:11Her voice was raw.
35:14The only reason you matter
35:15is because he can't forget you.
35:18Want to know the real difference
35:20between 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
35:27we 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
35:35little princess like you
35:36possibly understand?
35:37I understand enough.
35:39I know Joseph sent you.
35:40I leaned in.
35:41And I know this must be killing you.
35:45She 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.
35:53When I say it's over,
35:54I mean it.
35:55I don't look back.
35:56So do me a favor
35:58and tell Joseph.
35:59We're done.
36:00Yvonne's face
36:01went through a series of emotions.
36:02As I walked away,
36:04her voice trailed after me.
36:05Lucille,
36:06so you left him
36:07just because he hit you?
36:09Yes.
36:09I replied calmly.
36:11Just because he hit me.
36:12My answer was still the same.
36:14That 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
36:21suddenly 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
36:36and 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.
36:46The soft sound
36:47of pages rustling
36:48came through the phone.
36:49Joseph's voice broke.
36:51On page 2 and 17.
36:55You wrote that you'd
36:56show me this 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?
37:12There was just silence
37:13on the other end.
37:14It reads,
37:15I stressed each syllable.
37:18Today,
37:19I threw this gyrie away.
37:23Goodbye to 18 years
37:25of loving Joseph.
37:27I 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.
37:39Did you even check
37:40the date
37:40on that last entry?
37:41Joseph went
37:42completely 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.
37:59After that,
38:00I hung up.
38:03On my 24th birthday,
38:05my parents decided
38:06to throw me a party
38:07and told me
38:08to invite all my friends.
38:11I hadn't planned
38:12on inviting Joseph,
38:13but remembering
38:14how kind
38:14and his parents
38:15had 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.
38:22During the party,
38:23I was pouring
38:23Edward some coffee
38:24when Joseph walked
38:25in with Yvonne.
38:27You've grown up, Lucy.
38:28Edward said.
38:31That stupid boy
38:32doesn't deserve you.
38:33Let's not talk
38:34about that,
38:35I 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
38:45to enjoy a moment
38:45of peace
38:46in the cool autumn air.
38:48Suddenly,
38:48I heard footsteps
38:49behind me.
38:50Lucy.
38:51Joseph's voice
38:52was hoarse
38:52and strained.
38:53His suit was crumpled,
38:55his tie askew,
38:56and he reeked of alcohol.
38:57He said,
38:58suddenly grabbing my wrist.
39:00I don't understand.
39:01How did we end up
39:02like this?
39:03We were so close
39:04to getting married.
39:05We were supposed
39:06to build our happiness
39:07together.
39:07So now it's my fault?
39:08The night breeze
39:10cut through me,
39:11suddenly bone-chilling.
39:12I laughed coldly.
39:13Because I didn't
39:14forgive you
39:15for slapping me?
39:16He flinched,
39:17my words clearly
39:18hitting a nerve.
39:19And why should
39:20I forgive you?
39:21I asked.
39:22I heard everything
39:24that 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
39:31my sleeves.
39:32You lost,
39:33Joseph.
39:34You made your bed,
39:35now lie in it.
39:37The bar was smoky
39:38that night,
39:39the stale smell
39:39of alcohol
39:40making my eyes water.
39:41As I reached the booth,
39:42I heard Joseph's friends
39:43teasing him.
39:44You've got some nerve,
39:45Joseph.
39:46Stringing the Chandler
39:47Andrus along for years.
39:49Not worried
39:49she'll finally 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
40:12his shoulder.
40:13Honestly,
40:15someone like Lucille
40:16is so easy
40:17to manipulate.
40:19Her red lips
40:20curved into a smirk.
40:21Bet if you slapped
40:22her in public
40:23and then sweet talked
40:24her later,
40:25she'd come crawling back
40:26like a puppy,
40:27begging you
40:28to stay.
40:29I know these
40:30lovestruck girls
40:31all too well.
40:33No way!
40:34Go on,
40:35Joseph.
40:36Give it a shot.
40:37Under the buzzing lights,
40:38Joseph chucked his beer
40:39to the sound
40:40of everyone's laughter.
40:42Fine,
40:43I'll try.
40:43He said.
40:44That was when
40:45I realized it.
40:46Our 18 years
40:47of childhood friendship
40:48meant nothing.
40:49Just another
40:49bar bet to him.
40:50In that moment,
40:51the bitter alcohol
40:51seemed to burn
40:52right through my chest.
40:54Now,
40:54on the terrace,
40:55Joseph stood pale-faced.
40:57You heard everything.
40:58He stumbled forward,
40:59reaching for my hand.
41:00Lucy,
41:01I was drunk.
41:02It 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
41:23talking behind people's
41:24backs is wrong?
41:31Joseph's face
41:32went pale instantly.
41:33In the moonlight,
41:34he gave a weak smile.
41:36His 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
41:49as he whispered,
41:50I was wrong.
41:51I was wondering
41:52at the time.
41:53I stepped forward,
41:56what were you thinking?
41:59That I'd just
41:59quietly forgive you?
42:01Or like Yvonne said,
42:03that I'd come
42:04crawling back
42:05like a puppy
42:05with just a few
42:06sweet 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
42:16to me now.
42:17Why should I waste
42:18feelings on a stranger?
42:21That's not true.
42:22See?
42:23You still won't
42:24admit it.
42:25You never really
42:26respected me.
42:27If that night,
42:28if I hadn't made
42:29that bet,
42:30we'll-
42:30No!
42:31You had doubts
42:32about us,
42:32Joseph,
42:33didn't you?
42:33There was a moment
42:34you thought marrying me
42:36would be boring.
42:37Then Yvonne came along
42:39and she made you feel alive
42:41in 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
42:50not enough.
42:51You called me beautiful
42:52but you thought
42:53I was boring.
42:54We knew each other
42:55too well.
42:55The excitement was gone.
42:56But Yvonne was different.
42:59She was my opposite
43:00and you were hooked.
43:02Joseph,
43:03even without Elilon,
43:05there would have been
43:05someone else.
43:07another pretty young thing
43:08who's not like me.
43:10You just didn't have to
43:11put me down
43:11to make yourself feel better.
43:14How dare you hit me?
43:16No one's ever
43:17laid a hand on me.
43:18Who do you think
43:19you 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.
43:26I'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
43:43beneath him.
43:44In his perfectly fitted suit,
43:46he looked completely empty,
43:47like a ghost of himself.
43:49You don't love me anymore,
43:50do you?
43:51The words left his lips
43:52in a fragile whisper,
43:53a question he already
43:54knew the answer to.
43:55I looked at the boy
43:56I had idolized
43:57all my youth,
43:58now broken
43:58and lost like 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
44:13strawberry candies
44:14when I felt Wayne.
44:17The Joseph I knew
44:18died that night
44:19in the bar
44:20because of your bet.
44:21Silent tears
44:22traced 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
44:37toward the warm glow
44:37of the party,
44:38leaving the sound
44:40of his choked sobs
44:41behind 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.
44:49Later,
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.
44:57He became a constant
44:58presence in my life,
44:59a quiet shadow.
45:02Every morning,
45:03a warm cup of milk
45:04and bread
45:05would be waiting
45:05on my desk.
45:06During lunch,
45:07he'd have the quietest corner
45:09in the cafeteria
45:10saved for me.
45:11After work,
45:12his footsteps
45:12would follow mine,
45:14always 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.
45:25I'd saved every bit
45:26of my allowance
45:27for three months
45:27to get those.
45:29I just...
45:31I just needed
45:31to pay you back
45:33for everything.
45:36Don't.
45:36Staying away from me
45:37is the only payment
45:39I 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,
45:46I just had a quiet
45:47goodbye lunch
45:47with a few co-workers
45:48I was close to.
45:49Joseph was the last
45:50to know I was leaving
45:52for 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
46:06as his figure shrank
46:07in the rearview mirror.
46:08His white shirt
46:09flapped wildly
46:10in the wind
46:10like a bird
46:11that had lost its flight.
46:12My mom glanced
46:13at me, concerned.
46:14His running figure
46:15shrank into the distance,
46:17vanishing beneath
46:17the trees at the corner.
46:19As 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
46:31to heavy drinking
46:32and was constantly
46:33getting into fights
46:34at bars.
46:35They told me
46:36he'd become
46:36a sharp business prodigy
46:38with a ruthless reputation.
46:39They also joked
46:40that his relationships
46:41had the lifespan
46:42of a clean shirt.
46:44One 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
46:56ask you out?
46:58For the entire
46:59two 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
47:08of liqueur
47:08I'd mentioned
47:09in my post.
47:10Other times,
47:11a 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.
47:18I always accepted them,
47:19but never actually
47:20opened any.
47:20They just ended up
47:22piled in the corner,
47:23gathering dust.
47:24On graduation day,
47:26Charlie was waiting
47:26for me outside the library
47:28under an umbrella,
47:29his shoulders sprinkled
47:30with cherry blossom petals.
47:32He wore a graduation pin
47:34identical 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,
47:46I couldn't help
47:46but laugh softly
47:47before giving him
47:48a clear,
47:49happy nod.
47:50We later ended up
47:51working in the same
47:52office building,
47:53and every day,
47:54he 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
48:01extravagant one
48:02being a delivery
48:03of 999 roses.
48:06All those unopened gifts
48:08stored in the supply room
48:09were finally discovered
48:10by Charlie one weekend.
48:12He crouched in front
48:13of the cardboard boxes,
48:15looking 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 and hugged me,
48:23his clothes carrying
48:23a light scent of cedar wood.
48:25Actually, it seems like
48:26a waste to just
48:27discard 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,
48:44holding up the plush toys
48:45with radiant smiles.
48:47One of those once
48:48meticulously wrapped
48:49gift 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
49:01the top of my head
49:02and whispered,
49:03Happy birthday, Lucille.
49:04It was a happy birthday,
49:05indeed.
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