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Court Métrage
Enjoy addictive short dramas packed with romance, betrayal, revenge, emotional moments, and shocking plot twists.
From billionaire love stories to hidden identities and dramatic relationships, Drama Royale delivers nonstop entertainment with fast-paced storytelling and unforgettable characters.
🔥 Viral Shorts Drama
💔 Romance & Heartbreak
⚡ Unexpected Plot Twists
🎭 Emotional Drama Series
New episodes uploaded regularly. Subscribe and enjoy the world of short drama entertainment with Drama Royale
#ShortDrama #DramaSeries
Catégorie
🎥
Court Métrage
Catégorie
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TVTranscription
00:02Asher burst into my office in a frantic rush, right as I stared at the vile comments flooding
00:07my phone screen. Who'd have thought a high society socialite sounds so raunchy and bad?
00:12Just like a cheap hooker. She's so shameless between the sheets. I'd kill to be the man
00:17in that audio. Is the guy in the recording CEO Harrington? Did he get cuckolded? He snatched
00:22my phone out of my hand. Don't read that. I've already ordered legal to handle everything.
00:28The trending searches are pulled and nearly all copies of the audio have been deleted.
00:32This will never happen again. I swear. I lifted my gaze to meet his. My eyes stung dry. Not a
00:38single
00:38tear would fall. A swear? Asher Harrington, what do you have to back up your promises? How many empty
00:45vows have you given me over these six years? He shifted his gaze awkwardly, avoiding my stare.
00:50She's still young. She doesn't grasp how serious this is. I stared at him. 20 years old. And you
00:56call her a child who doesn't understand? She intentionally labeled the file CEO Blair Weston's
01:03bedside audio. She did this on purpose. She wanted to ruin me. Asher reached out to touch my
01:09shoulder, but I stepped sharply backward, dodging him. He sighed, exasperated. Enough, Blair. My PR team
01:15will clean up this mess. It won't damage your reputation long term. Don't let your anger make you
01:20paint such cruel pictures of a kid. Cruel accusations? I let out a bitter laugh, staring
01:25straight through him. Do you even believe that line yourself? When she first moved into
01:29our house three years ago, she tossed our wedding rings down the toilet. You said she
01:33was too young to know better. Swore it would never repeat. That was ages ago. She was only
01:3710 back then. 12. On my birthday, she dumped full paint over my head, humiliating me in front
01:44of every guest. Again, you said she was just a clueless kid and promised it wouldn't happen
01:49again. Blair, those are all distant memories. 14. She slipped laxatives into my coffee, leaving
01:59me utterly humiliated in front of our business partners. You called it an over-the-top prank,
02:05excused her youth, and swore no more mistakes. I locked my eyes on his, enunciating every word,
02:11cold and clear. 15. She edited fake photos of me and spread them all across her school.
02:19Once more, you hid behind she's just young and gave me another worthless promise. I put
02:24up with all of it before, but this time? She tried to nail me to a cross-labeled immoral
02:28woman for the whole world to mock, and you're still set on shielding her?
02:35Regret flickered across his face. His voice softened into pleading. Blair, I know you're
02:39hurting, but Mia's still a child. Just forgive her this last time, I swear. I'm off with a sharp
02:45slap across his cheek. All his pleas died on his tongue. He froze, a bright red handprint blooming
02:51slowly across his skin. I don't want your promises or your compensation. Not anymore. With that,
02:57I grabbed my handbag and stormed out of the office. Today, Mia Lowell would finally get the lesson she
03:02deserved. Asher and I arrived home, one right after the other. Mia Lowell curled up on the living room
03:07sofa, glued to the TV with a giant tub of ice cream in her lap. Cream smudged all over her
03:13lips.
03:14Her face lit up the second she spotted us, before she forced a look of wounded innocence.
03:19Uncle?
03:20Her voice dripped saccharine softness. I didn't let her put on her performance any longer.
03:24I strode over, snatched the ice cream tub out of her hands, and hurled it onto the floor.
03:29Blair!
03:30Mia Lowell shrieked.
03:31What are you doing?
03:32A bitter, ugly smile tugged at my lips. I'm teaching you basic decency.
03:39Before she could react, I struck her once across each cheek. Two crisp, unmerciful cracks echoed
03:45through the room. Mia froze, clutching her burning cheeks, eyes blown wide with shock.
03:50Before she could react, I struck her once across each cheek. Two crisp, unmerciful cracks echoed
03:56through the room. Mia froze, clutching her burning cheeks, eyes blown wide with shock. Two seconds
04:01later, she erupted into deafening, wailing sobs.
04:04Uncle, she hit me!
04:06Asher sprinted forward and shoved me hard away from her. I lost my balance, stumbling straight
04:10into the sharp edge of the coffee table. A searing pain shot through my waist.
04:15Blair, what is wrong with you?
04:16He planted himself firmly in front of Mia, shielding her like a mother hen guarding her chicks.
04:21Why must you pick fights with a child?
04:23He didn't spare me another glance, only stroked Mia's tear-streaked face with tender concern.
04:29It's all right, Mia. Uncle's here.
04:31Mia threw herself into Asher's chest, crying hysterically.
04:35Uncle, I was just curious.
04:38Curious?
04:39Rage made my whole body shake.
04:41Leaking private bedroom recordings of me online tagging my full name? You call that curiosity?
04:48Asher Harrington took a deep breath, turned around, and pulled Mia Lowell into his arms.
04:52There now, don't cry. I'll make your aunt apologize to you.
04:55He lifted his gaze to me. Blair, regardless of what happened, you had no right to lay hands
05:00on Mia. Apologize to her at once. The sight stung my eyes fiercely. Six years. It had always been
05:06like this. Every single time. When Mia Lowell made a mistake, Asher Harrington would soothe her.
05:11When I demanded justice, Asher Harrington would say I lacked magnanimity. When I grew furious,
05:16Asher Harrington would call me overreacting. Now she'd gone even further, trying to ruin my reputation
05:21completely. Yet here he stood, ordering me to apologize. Asher. My voice steadied, calm to a
05:26degree that startled even myself. You have to choose today. Either she leaves, or I do.
05:33Asher Harrington spun around to stare at me in shock.
05:35Blair! What nonsense are you talking?
05:38It's not nonsense. I'm giving you one hour to decide. If you haven't packed her things and sent
05:43her away by then, I'll be the one walking out.
05:45I walked toward the staircase.
05:46Blair!
05:46Asher Harrington called after me. I did not look back. I climbed the stairs,
05:50entered our bedroom, and locked the door behind me. Sliding down to the floor against the door
05:54frame, I finally let myself break down and cry. Asher Harrington and I had grown up side by side,
06:00childhood sweethearts, and we married the second we reached the legal age. Six years ago,
06:04he'd traveled abroad on business and gotten caught up in civil unrest, nearly losing his life. It was
06:09Mia Lowell's mother who saved him. Shortly afterward, she passed away, entrusting her daughter to
06:14Asher Harrington's care. I'd once been genuinely grateful to Mia Lowell's mother, so I'd raised no
06:19objections when Asher decided to take Mia in. But everything changed the moment Mia Lowell stepped
06:24foot into our home. Six years. She'd grown fiercely possessive of Asher Harrington. Beyond what she
06:29called little pranks targeting me, she could not stand to see Asher and me share any affection.
06:34She did everything in her power to tear our marriage apart. Time and again, she'd pull Asher away
06:39right when we were sharing an intimate moment. Time and again, she'd sabotage every anniversary
06:44we planned. Back then, Asher would always say, Mia just lost her mother. She's fragile and sensitive.
06:51Cut her some slack. I'd never wanted to hold a grudge against a child. But six years later,
06:55the truth had finally sunk in. All my patience and understanding had only emboldened her recklessness
07:00and enabled Asher's increasingly blatant one-sided favoritism. I was worn out. I'd had enough. My phone
07:06vibrated. A message from my assistant popping up on the screen. Ms. Weston, legal team reports most
07:11platforms have removed the audio clip, though private circulation remains impossible to contain.
07:15Multiple journalists have reached out requesting interviews, asking whether your relationship with
07:20Mr. Harrington has collapsed, and pressing for details about the man heard in the recording.
07:24I wiped away my tears and typed a reply. No comment to all external inquiries. Release an official
07:29statement on the company website claiming the audio is maliciously fabricated. We have filed a police
07:34report. Also, Harrington Corporation issued an identical public statement just now.
07:39Reading my assistant's final line, a bitter laugh bubbled up inside me. Asher Harrington certainly moved
07:44fast, protecting his company, his reputation, his precious Mia, and ostensibly protecting me too.
07:49But what good was any of it? A single press release could not erase the traces scattered across the
07:54internet. My phone vibrated once more, this time a text from Asher Harrington. Blair, open the door.
07:59Stop throwing a tantrum. I ignored it. More messages rolled in from him. I know you're upset,
08:05but you can't corner me like this. Mia's still just a kid. Her mother's last words. I didn't finish
08:11reading the message and powered off my phone entirely. An hour later, I unlocked the bedroom
08:16door. Asher Harrington stood right outside, a document clutched in his hand. Blair, we need to talk.
08:22Talk about what? I asked flatly. Asher Harrington held out the document toward me. A divorce
08:27agreement. Hitting her left Mia with severe emotional trauma. She's completely unhinged,
08:32threatening to hurt himself if I don't divorce you. She just tried to cut her wrists. It took
08:35everything I had to restrain her. Her mother entrusted her to me on her deathbed. I cannot
08:39betray that trust. Let's get a nominal divorce for now, just to calm her down. I took the agreement,
08:44my fingers turning ice cold. Without skimming a single line, I flipped straight to the signature page
08:49and scrawled my name. Asher Harrington looked stunned by how readily I'd signed. He stepped
08:55forward to pulling into an embrace, but I gently pushed him away. Blair, it's all fake. Just a
09:00ruse to pacify a child. It's only temporary. You can move into the villa in the western suburbs for
09:04the time being, and once Mia's mood stabilizes, you'll come back. I'll come see you every night.
09:08Fine. I'll pack and leave at once. Blair, I know how wronged you feel. I'll make this up to you,
09:13I promise. Six years of empty promises to make it up to me. I no longer cared for any of
09:18them.
09:18I dragged my suitcases down the stairs, where Mia Lowell sat on the living room sofa eating fruit.
09:24The second she spotted me, she flinched like a frightened little rabbit and hid behind Asher
09:29Harrington's back. Don't be scared, Mia. I've sent the bad woman away.
09:34After speaking, Asher Harrington shot me a pleading look. I walked out of the house where we'd spent
09:39ten years of our lives, leaving him staring after me, waiting for remorse I would never give.
09:43The villa in the western suburbs sat far from the city center. I stood in the empty living room with
09:48only two suitcases beside me, holding my most important documents, a small selection of clothes,
09:53and a positive pregnancy test stick that showed two distinct lines. Asher Harrington and I had
09:58been married for a decade. Early on, we'd both wanted to build our careers first, to prove ourselves to
10:03our families, and cherished our undisturbed life as a couple, so we'd put off having children.
10:07By the time we were ready to start a family, Mia had already come to live with us. To spare
10:12Mia's feelings,
10:12we'd decided to wait a few more years. That delay had stretched all the way to today.
10:17I had not told Asher Harrington about the pregnancy. I feared Mia's all-consuming possessiveness would
10:22drive her to harm my child. Even if our divorce became official, I would keep this baby. After all,
10:28the Bai family needed an heir. It was past nine at night when Asher showed up. He brought late-night
10:33snacks, his face a mix of immense relief and faint, ingratiating eagerness. He set the food containers
10:39down on the table.
10:40Blair, have something to eat.
10:41I sidestepped him, and walked over to sink onto the sofa.
10:45How's Mia?
10:45Asher followed and sat beside me.
10:47Seeing the divorce papers calmed her down a little.
10:50Is that so?
10:51Asher took my hand, and this time, I didn't pull away right away.
10:54I know you took all the blame today, but try to understand me. Just hold on another two years.
11:01Once she turns 18, I'll give her a lump sum of money and send her away.
11:04He spoke with heartfelt sincerity, even glistening tears shimmering in his eyes.
11:09Once upon a time, I would have softened for him again. I slipped my hand free.
11:13I'm worn out. I want to turn in early.
11:15Asher stared at me, seemingly searching for more emotion on my face.
11:18All right, rest well. Everything you need is here. Tell me straight away if you're missing anything.
11:23I still need to head back to Mia's place after all the chaos today. I'm worried about her.
11:28I'll come see you tomorrow.
11:29I stood up, my voice calm and even, laced with a hint of thoughtful consideration.
11:33Fine. Tomorrow when you come over, we can head straight to the Civil Affairs Bureau to file for divorce.
11:38At my words, a blend of gratitude and overwhelming relief washed over Asher's face.
11:43He took a step forward, trying to embrace me once more, yet an accidental shift of my foot left him
11:49grasping thin air.
11:50Blair, thank you for thinking of me like this. Marrying you is the greatest fortune of my entire life. Asher's
11:55greatest luck.
11:56Drive safe.
11:57I offered no response to his so-called gratitude, merely turning to walk toward the staircase.
12:02It was only after I heard the hum of a car engine start and fade into the distance downstairs that
12:07I slowly exhaled the breath I'd been holding captive all along.
12:11Fortune?
12:12Asher.
12:12I won't grant you this kind of fortune any longer.
12:15The next day, Asher arrived bright and early to pick me up.
12:18He hurried to open the car door for me.
12:20Careful. Don't bump your head.
12:21His hand naturally hovering over the roof to shield my head.
12:25He'd done this for over a decade, ever since we were dating and all through our marriage.
12:29Never once faltering.
12:30Yet some things had long since changed beyond recognition.
12:33On the drive to the Civil Affairs Bureau, Asher turned on soft music.
12:37Chopin's Nocturne, the piece we'd played at our wedding.
12:40Blair, do you remember?
12:41When we were little, we'd play house.
12:43Every boy wanted to be your groom, but you turned all of them down and chose only me.
12:46I remember. You said back then that you'd marry me when we grew up.
12:50I did. Marrying you is the happiest thing that's ever happened to me.
12:54You have no idea how many people envy me.
12:56When our turn came, the clerk glanced up at us.
12:58She asked,
13:00Are you two filing for divorce of your own free will?
13:02Yes.
13:03I answered, without hesitation.
13:04Asher hesitated a beat before responding.
13:06Uh, yes.
13:08Have you brought all your documents?
13:10I unzipped my bag and handed over all the prepared paperwork one by one.
13:14Asher watched my movements, his eyes clouded with tangled emotions.
13:18All set. Here's your acceptance receipt.
13:21There's a 30-day cooling-off period.
13:23Either party may withdraw the application at any point during these 30 days.
13:27Once the period ends, you must both come back together to complete the official divorce procedures.
13:31The two thin slips of paper felt as heavy as lead weights.
13:35Asher took them and stuffed them straight into his briefcase.
13:38I'll take these back to show Mia.
13:40She nearly slit her wrist again last night.
13:42Seeing this ought to lift her spirits and stop her from doing anything reckless.
13:46I said nothing and headed straight for the parking lot.
13:49Inside the car, Asher opened his mouth several times as if wanting to speak, yet held back each time.
13:55We stopped at a red light, and he finally worked up the courage, his voice cautious and tentative.
14:00Blair, why aren't you saying anything? Are you upset?
14:03If you've changed your mind, we can turn around right now and revoke the application.
14:07I'm not upset. I just didn't sleep well last night.
14:11Right now, Mia's happiness matters more than anything.
14:14Once she's in a better headspace, we can remarry.
14:17I acted impulsively yesterday. I shouldn't have hit her.
14:21You go home and look after her.
14:23It was true. I hadn't slept a wink the night before.
14:26I'd tossed and turned, mapping out every step of my future.
14:30One hand resting lightly on my lower belly, silently promising the little one growing inside that they would grow up
14:36happy and fulfilled, even without a father.
14:38I didn't care whether Mia was happy or not.
14:41My only worry was that Asher would catch wind of my true intentions, making it far harder to finalize the
14:46divorce later on.
14:47I had to indulge him with a few placating words to ease his worries.
14:51This arrangement suited me fine.
14:53Oh, that's good. That's such a relief.
14:56I'll come pick you up this evening. Let's have dinner at Cloud Peak.
14:58I booked the window table. You can see the entire city skyline from there.
15:02You've had a rough day today. Let's unwind, just the two of us.
15:07I knew exactly what this candlelit dinner signified.
15:10It was his way of compensating and comforting me after I'd played the compliant, understanding wife in this fake divorce
15:17charade.
15:17It was the same cycle we'd fallen into over the past six years, every time conflict arose.
15:23Mia misbehaved, and he soothed her.
15:25I bore all the hurt, and he made it up to me.
15:28Only this time, the price of his compensation was the legal status of our marriage, the official document that would
15:34sever our bond in the eyes of the law.
15:36All right.
15:37I agreed.
15:39Asher's eyes lit up instantly, brimming with gratitude, relief.
15:42He lifted a hand to brush my cheek, but I turned my gaze forward, just in time.
15:46The light's green.
15:47I murmured.
15:48Oh, right.
15:48He pulled his hand back and restarted the car.
15:50The vehicle rolled to a stop outside the Weston Group headquarters.
15:53Asher spoke firmly.
15:54I'll pick you up after work.
15:56Don't drive yourself.
15:57You're worn out.
15:57All right.
15:58I unbuckled my seatbelt, ready to step out.
16:00Dear.
16:01He called out before I could leave.
16:02I glanced back at him.
16:03His lips parted, as if he had more to say, yet all that escaped was a soft murmur.
16:07I'll see you tonight.
16:08Tonight.
16:09I shut the car door and walked straight into the office tower, without a backward glance.
16:14I cleared my schedule and headed straight for my parents' house instead.
16:17Dear?
16:18What brings you by at this hour?
16:20You look dreadful.
16:22Mother set down her gardening magazine and hurried over to me.
16:24Father poked his head out of the study, his brows creasing into their familiar frown.
16:28Is something wrong at the company?
16:29Their faces, lined with concern, tightened my throat.
16:32For years, to spare them worry and cling to my foolish pride, I'd never laid out every
16:37ugly detail about Mia.
16:38They only knew Asher had taken in the daughter of the man who'd saved his life, and that
16:42I'd been generous and understanding.
16:44They had no idea how every single day beneath that veneer of grace had gnawed away at me.
16:50Mom.
16:50Dad.
16:51Forcing my voice to stay steady.
16:53I need to talk to you about something.
16:55Mother settled beside me and wrapped her warm hands around my cold ones.
16:58What's happened?
16:59Did you fight with Asher?
17:01I shook my head, pulled the receipt for our filed divorce application from my bag, and
17:05laid it gently on the coffee table.
17:06Silence crashed over the living room in an instant.
17:09This...
17:10What is this?
17:11Mother's voice trembled.
17:13Asher and I submitted our divorce registration today.
17:15There's a 30-day cooling-off period before the divorce is finalized.
17:18Why?
17:19Did Asher do something, or was it you...
17:21Dad.
17:22I cut him off and told them everything that had unfolded since Mia moved into our home.
17:26He suggested a fake separation, but I want a real divorce.
17:29Neither parent spoke for a long, heavy moment.
17:32Father was the first to break the hush.
17:34We understand, and we'll respect whatever choice you've fully thought through.
17:38Don't mention this to the Harringtons for now.
17:40We don't want complications.
17:41I've grown tired of staying cooped up at home lately anyway.
17:44It's high time I traveled a little.
17:46I read between father's lines easily.
17:48The Harrington partnership was no burden I needed to shoulder.
17:51Even if our marriage collapsed, he could secure other reliable business partners without hassle.
17:56It's true.
17:56I haven't caught up with my girlfriends in ages.
18:00I've missed them terribly.
18:01Mother's words carried another unspoken promise.
18:03No one would paint me as the one who ruined this marriage when word got out.
18:07More than that, she made it clear she could line up far better suitors for me the second the divorce
18:12went through.
18:13Thank you, both of you.
18:14Stepping out of my parents' home, a massive weight lifted from my chest.
18:17Arranged marriages tied two families together, not just two people.
18:21A divorce always demanded a carefully crafted public narrative.
18:24If word spread that I'd ended the marriage over a gratitude child,
18:27the Westins would suffer irreparable reputational damage.
18:30I couldn't let my parents be put in a vulnerable position,
18:32which was why I'd come to prepare them in advance.
18:34As for the Harringtons, this mess belonged to Asher Harrington alone.
18:38Dinner at the Cloudtop Restaurant was flawless.
18:41The skyline view was breathtaking, the cuisine exquisitely plated,
18:44and Asher unfailingly attentive.
18:46He'd splurged on an extravagant gift,
18:48far pricier than any previous peace offering he'd given me.
18:51I smiled and accepted it, leaning into warmer, softer affection toward him through the meal.
18:56After dinner, he drove me back to our West Suburban villa
18:59and naturally followed me out of the car and inside the house.
19:02If you stay here tonight, won't Mia throw a fit?
19:04She won't.
19:05Mia saw our divorce filing paperwork at the Civil Affairs Bureau today.
19:09I just called the Nancy.
19:11Mia's in a great mood.
19:12She even practiced her piano voluntarily tonight.
19:15I told her I'd be working overtime, and she didn't fuss one bit.
19:18Pride glowed across his face as he spoke.
19:20He stepped behind me, looping his arms around my waist,
19:24his warm breath fanning the shell of my ear.
19:27Dear, let me stay with you tonight.
19:30It's been days since we've been together.
19:32Pregnancy had left my body far more sensitive,
19:35my cravings sharper than usual.
19:37His touch sent a faint shiver racing down my spine.
19:40I knew exactly what he wanted,
19:42and I could feel my own body's quiet yearning.
19:45Legally, we were still spouses,
19:47bound by valid marriage papers.
19:48I did not push him away.
19:50Clothes scattered across the floor as the air thickened with heat.
19:53His lips crashed down on mine,
19:55and I squeezed my eyes shut,
19:57trying to lose myself in the physical sensation,
19:59to block out all the suffocating truths hanging over us.
20:03We were teetering on the edge of peak pleasure,
20:06barely clinging to self-control.
20:08When Asher's phone blared shrilly from the nightstand,
20:11it was a custom ringtone set exclusively for Mia.
20:15His entire body went rigid,
20:17his movements halted,
20:18and his hand instinctively shot out for the device.
20:21I gasped, tangling my arms tighter around his back.
20:24Asher, don't answer.
20:26I need you.
20:28Hold on, dear.
20:28It's Mia calling this late.
20:30She might be.
20:30He pulled away and sat upright,
20:32grabbing the phone and answering it instantly.
20:35Mia?
20:37What's wrong?
20:39His voice still carried a rough, breathless edge,
20:42yet overwhelming worry and fondness flooded every syllable.
20:46Mia's tearful, garbled sobs crackled through the line,
20:50something about being scared and having a nightmare.
20:53Don't be frightened, sweet girl.
20:54Uncle's here.
20:55I'll be right over, I promise.
20:57He didn't spare me a single glance after hanging up.
21:00He swung his legs over the bed
21:01and scrambled to dress in a panic.
21:03Dear, Mia's having night terrors.
21:05I have to go.
21:06Take good care of yourself.
21:07He turned to leave.
21:08Asher.
21:09My voice stopped him, eerily calm.
21:11He glanced over his shoulder,
21:12a messy mix of guilt, urgency,
21:15and thinly veiled irritation etched into his features.
21:18Dear, this isn't the time for a fight.
21:22I slowly sat up and pulled the quilt over myself.
21:25Asher, in your heart, does it mean that whenever she needs you,
21:29you can leave immediately?
21:30Even right now?
21:32A flicker of remorse crossed his face.
21:35Dear, you know she was frightened because you hit her.
21:37I promised her mother.
21:38Be good.
21:39Obey me.
21:39I'll make it up to you later.
21:41With that, he did not wait to hear another word from me
21:44and hurried away.
21:45The heat and emptiness his touch had stirred in me
21:48cut off all of a sudden,
21:49mixed with a sharp, stabbing pain in my chest,
21:52nearly suffocating me.
21:53I swung my legs over the bed
21:55and padded barefoot into the bathroom.
21:57I skipped the hot water
21:58and twisted the cold tap wide open.
22:00The cold water washed away the heat from my body
22:03and slowly cleared my muddled mind.
22:05A faint, protesting flutter stirred low in my abdomen
22:08and I turned the tap off immediately.
22:10I couldn't hurt the baby.
22:11To avoid seeing Asher
22:13and give myself more time to get over him,
22:15I told my assistant to arrange a month-long,
22:17in-depth market research trip to the southwest.
22:20My destination was the Alps,
22:21a place far enough away and breathtakingly beautiful.
22:25When the plane touched down at the airport,
22:27the highland sunlight was bright yet piercing.
22:29I checked into a secluded Mountain View Hotel,
22:32with the year-round snow-capped peaks of the Alps
22:34stretching right outside my window.
22:36No one here knew Blair,
22:37nor did anyone care about gossip surrounding Mrs. Harrington.
22:40I was merely a quiet traveler here to clear my head.
22:43My days fell into a calm, steady rhythm.
22:45By day, I handled work at the hotel,
22:47corresponding with my lawyer and Leah Carter
22:49to steadily push forward my plans.
22:51Occasionally, I wandered through ancient towns
22:53or hired a local guide to visit remote,
22:56little-frequented villages.
22:57The little life inside me stayed peaceful.
22:59I would often rest a hand on my stomach.
23:02I can give you a better life, all on my own.
23:04Asher video called me every single day.
23:07On the screen, dark, tired shadows hung beneath his eyes.
23:10Blair, I took Mia to see a therapist today,
23:14on a friend's advice.
23:15The doctor said her possessiveness towards me
23:18is trauma from when her mother died saving me back then.
23:21She lacks a sense of security and needs time to be guided.
23:24When she grows older and more sent of her,
23:26things will get better.
23:27I smiled softly at him.
23:28Yes, I understand.
23:30How are things with you?
23:31When will you come back?
23:32I miss you.
23:34The survey has just started,
23:36probably by the end of the month.
23:37I hung up the video call.
23:38The next day, Asher called again.
23:41The doctor says Mia's condition is improving.
23:44The treatment is working.
23:45That's excellent.
23:46All our efforts haven't been in vain.
23:48We video chatted every day,
23:50exchanging words of longing.
23:51He repeated over and over that he missed me
23:54and begged me to return.
23:56I always smiled and reminded him,
23:58if we head back now and Mia has an emotional relapse,
24:01won't all our efforts go to waste?
24:02If it weren't for your understanding,
24:04I really wouldn't know what to do.
24:06On the final day of our divorce cooling off period,
24:09I booked my return flight.
24:11At the same time,
24:11my phone buzzed with an encrypted email from Leah Carter.
24:15Ms. Weston,
24:16all investigation findings have been compiled.
24:18The truth is far more shocking
24:20than we could have imagined.
24:21The second I stepped out of the arrival's gate,
24:24Asher pulled me tightly into his arms.
24:26He'd brought flowers and gifts,
24:28thoughtful to a fault,
24:29as if trying to make amends for something.
24:31In the car,
24:32his grip on the steering wheel tightened.
24:33Blair,
24:35Mia's state has worsened recently.
24:36She somehow found out our divorce was fake.
24:39I hope we wouldn't have to take this final step,
24:41but it looks like we have to file the official paperwork.
24:44As long as she gets better,
24:45our sacrifices don't matter.
24:47I'd had the maid accidentally leak the truth
24:50about the fake divorce to Mia.
24:51I'd guessed she'd throw a fit.
24:53What I hadn't expected
24:54was how readily Asher agreed
24:56to finalize the divorce for good,
24:58without a single moment of hesitation.
25:00She was causing trouble every day,
25:02constantly questioning whether I was deceiving her
25:04and saying I was failing her mother's trust.
25:07She even threatened to hang herself,
25:09jump from buildings,
25:10or cut her wrists.
25:11I really-
25:12I understand.
25:13Children have strong possessiveness
25:14and cannot bear griefties.
25:15She will be better when she grows older.
25:17We headed straight to the civil affairs bureau afterward.
25:20Asher had clearly pulled strings ahead of time.
25:22The process was rushed through in minutes.
25:24The official steel stamp pressed down
25:26and two divorce certificates
25:27slid across the counter toward us.
25:28I let out a quiet sigh of relief.
25:31Outside the civil affairs bureau,
25:33Asher stared down.
25:33Please stay away for a while these days.
25:35Mia is too emotionally agitated.
25:37I'm afraid she might act again
25:38in an extreme way and hurt you.
25:40I said nothing,
25:41reaching into my bag
25:42and handing him a thick manila folder.
25:44What is this?
25:45During my time in the Alps,
25:47I couldn't understand it at all
25:49what kind of family could raise a child like Mia.
25:52So they had someone-
25:53I never got to finish my sentence
25:55before Mia came charging straight at us.
25:57That wicked woman bullied me,
25:59beat me,
25:59and even swollen my face.
26:01And you still met her secretly.
26:05I can't live on anymore.
26:07I'm gonna die right here for you to see.
26:10Mia, stop it.
26:11This is right outside the civil affairs bureau.
26:14Embarrassment and panic
26:15flashed across Asher's face.
26:17He tried to pry the girl,
26:18clinging to him like an octopus,
26:19off his body.
26:20But she held on for dear life.
26:22He quickly pulled the brand new divorce certificate
26:24from the inner pocket of his suit jacket.
26:26Look, I came here to divorce Blair.
26:29Legally, we have nothing to do with each other anymore.
26:31She won't be in our lives anymore
26:33and she definitely won't bully you again.
26:35Are you satisfied now?
26:36Mia's crying cut off abruptly.
26:38She snatched the divorce certificate.
26:40Seconds later,
26:41a brilliant, blinding smile spread across her face
26:44and she threw herself back into Asher's arms.
26:46I knew it!
26:47I knew!
26:48Uncle Ash loved me the most!
26:49That horrible woman's finally gone.
26:51It'll just be you and me from now on.
26:52Asher stiffened slightly,
26:54yet he lifted a hand to pat her back.
26:56All right,
26:56you've seen the certificate for yourself,
26:58so you have to believe me now.
27:00Stop throwing tantrums.
27:01Go back,
27:02take your medicine
27:03and cooperate with your doctor's treatment.
27:05I stood quietly off to the side the whole time,
27:07a mere bystander watching this farce
27:09that revolved around me.
27:10Only after they'd finished clinging to each other
27:12did I step forward slowly.
27:14Mia instantly sprang out of Asher's embrace
27:16like a wild beast
27:18whose territory had been invaded,
27:19throwing her arms wide to shield him.
27:21You shameless woman!
27:22Can't you take a hint?
27:24Uncle Ash already divorced you,
27:25why do you keep pestering him?
27:26Get lost!
27:28He's mine and he'll only ever be mine!
27:30Asher's gaze landed on me,
27:32filled with that familiar,
27:33almost pleading look I knew all too well.
27:35His eyes spoke a silent plea.
27:37Blair, don't upset her, please.
27:38She only just calmed down.
27:40I read him clearly,
27:41even offering him an understanding,
27:42knowing smile.
27:43Then I held out the manila envelope in my hands,
27:45my voice calm and steady.
27:47Mia,
27:48you've misunderstood.
27:49Your uncle and I are already divorced.
27:51I have no intention of plesting him.
27:53I only came to give him a parting gripped.
27:56After all,
27:56we were married once.
27:57Let's part on good times.
27:59For some reason,
28:00those words,
28:00that mention of a parting gift,
28:02enraged Mia in an instant.
28:04A gift?
28:05I don't want your lousy presents!
28:08She shrieked,
28:09shoving me hard.
28:10I was caught off guard.
28:11The envelope slipped from my grasp
28:13and fluttered to the ground,
28:14and her brute force
28:15sent me crashing to the floor.
28:16Asher's face paled.
28:18He rushed over to steady me,
28:19his tone tight with alarm.
28:21Blair!
28:21Are you alright?
28:22Did you hurt yourself?
28:24I winced,
28:24my hand flying instinctively
28:26to my lower abdomen.
28:27A dull,
28:27throbbing pain shot through me.
28:29My complexion drained of color
28:30in an instant,
28:31fine beads of cold sweat
28:33breaking out across my forehead.
28:35Asher,
28:36take me to the hospital.
28:37Hurry!
28:39Asher nodded frantically.
28:40Okay, okay,
28:41we'll go right now!
28:42And bent down to lift me
28:43into his arms.
28:44Uncle Alex!
28:45Mia let out another shrill scream.
28:46She lunged forward
28:47and shoved me away again.
28:49Stay away from him!
28:50I tumbled to the ground once more,
28:52rolling nearly two meters away.
28:53Mia planted herself squarely
28:55in front of Asher,
28:56arms outstretched to block him,
28:57tears streaming down her face,
28:59her eyes wild and desperate.
29:01I knew it!
29:02I knew you were lying to me!
29:04The second she acts hurt,
29:06you feel sorry for her!
29:07I don't want to live anymore!
29:09I'll kill myself right here!
29:12Asher glanced between
29:14the hysterical Mia and me,
29:15pale and sweating through my pain,
29:17his features twisted
29:18with raging conflict and agony.
29:20In the end,
29:21he shot me a begging look
29:22before pulling Mia tight
29:23into his embrace.
29:24Mia, darling,
29:25I didn't lie to you.
29:27Blair and I really are divorced.
29:28Look,
29:28you've got the certificate right there.
29:30But his tone sharpened slightly.
29:31It was wrong of you
29:32to push Blair like that.
29:33What if you seriously hurt her?
29:35Go apologize to her,
29:37and then we'll head home, okay?
29:38Mia stamped her feet low.
29:39I won't!
29:40She attacked me first!
29:41She deserves it!
29:42She brought you
29:43some stupid parting gift
29:44just to cling to you
29:45and seduce you again!
29:46I hate her!
29:47Still seething,
29:48her gaze snapped
29:49to the manila envelope
29:50lying on the ground.
29:51She darted over
29:51and stomped furiously,
29:53repeatedly crushing
29:54the envelope beneath her feet.
29:55Parting gift?
29:56I'll ruin your stupid
29:57parting gift!
29:58Trash!
29:59Uncle Ash doesn't want
30:00any of it!
30:01I'll stamp it to pieces!
30:03She ranted and cursed
30:04as she trampled it
30:05without mercy.
30:06The cramping in my abdomen
30:07grew worse by the second,
30:09and I could feel warm liquid
30:10slowly seeping down my legs.
30:12Panic surged through me,
30:13and I begged
30:14through gritted teeth.
30:15Take me to the hospital!
30:17Please!
30:18This is the last thing
30:19I'll ever ask!
30:20Asher stared at my contorted,
30:22agonized face,
30:23clear worry and guilt
30:24flickering across his features,
30:26panic flaring for a split second.
30:28His lips parted
30:29as if he meant to agree,
30:30but he turned away
30:31all the same.
30:32Blair,
30:33we're divorced now.
30:34It wouldn't be appropriate
30:35for me to drive you
30:36to the hospital.
30:37He fumbled for his phone
30:38and started dialing
30:38emergency services.
30:40Don't panic.
30:41I'll call an ambulance
30:42right away.
30:42It'll be here soon.
30:43The doctors will...
30:44Just then,
30:45a sharp-eyed,
30:46middle-aged woman
30:46in the crowd gasped,
30:48pointing at the ground
30:49beneath me.
30:50Good heavens!
30:51Look at all the blood!
30:52Could she be losing the baby?
30:55The words,
30:56losing the baby,
30:57crashed over Asher
30:58like a thunderclap.
30:59His finger froze mid-dial.
31:01He stood rigid as a statue,
31:02jerking his head up
31:03to stare at me,
31:04then darted a horrified glance
31:05at the dark, damp stain
31:06streaked with shocking scarlet
31:08at my feet.
31:09Mia clung tightly
31:10to Asher's arm,
31:11glowering at the woman
31:12who'd spoken.
31:12That's a lie!
31:13Don't talk nonsense!
31:14It's just her period!
31:16Everyone gets those!
31:17Stop overreacting!
31:18She's just faking pain
31:19to win Uncle Ash's
31:20sympathy,
31:21manipulative witch!
31:22Hearing that,
31:23Asher visibly relaxed.
31:24He did remember
31:25my cycle fell around
31:26these days.
31:26Yeah, that's enough.
31:27Let's go home.
31:28His voice carried
31:29unyielding firmness,
31:30yet beneath it
31:31rushed a desperate
31:32urge to escape.
31:33He took two steps forward,
31:34paused,
31:35but never turned back.
31:37Blair,
31:38the ambulance
31:39will arrive shortly.
31:40You'll be fine.
31:40As he left,
31:41he snatched the manila envelope
31:43off the ground
31:43while Mia wasn't looking.
31:44I watched his retreating back,
31:46a bitter, twisted laugh
31:47tearing out of me.
31:48Asher,
31:49everything between us
31:50is truly over.
31:51From this moment on,
31:53our paths diverge forever,
31:55never to cross again.
31:56I lost the baby.
31:57Do I regret it?
31:58More than anything.
31:59Do I hate?
32:00With every fiber of my being.
32:02That little life
32:03had been bound to me by blood.
32:05The doctor said
32:06if I'd received
32:06proper medical help
32:08just a few minutes sooner,
32:09there might have been hope.
32:10But there are no
32:11second chances in life.
32:12Perhaps the bond
32:13between me and my child
32:14was simply too fragile,
32:16too fleeting to last.
32:17I call the police.
32:18They arrive quickly.
32:19I lean back against
32:20the hospital bed
32:21and tell them
32:22everything that happened.
32:23The chain of evidence
32:24is complete.
32:24The facts are clear.
32:26By the time
32:26Asher Harrington gets there,
32:28the officers have just finished
32:29taking my statement.
32:30He freezes
32:31when he sees the police,
32:32then rushes over,
32:34tense and anxious.
32:35Blair,
32:36you look so pale.
32:38Whenever you had
32:39period cramps before,
32:40I was always the one
32:40taking care of you.
32:41I brought you
32:42brown sugar ginger tea.
32:43It's still warm.
32:44Have some.
32:45He tries to handle
32:45today's mess
32:46the way he always
32:47handled things before.
32:48I'm sorry, Blair.
32:49I really didn't mean
32:50for today to happen.
32:51I had no idea
32:52Mia would charge
32:53at you like that.
32:54I calmed her down
32:54and came straight over.
32:55Please don't be mad at me, okay?
32:57Before he can say
32:57another word,
32:58the young officer
32:58beside him
32:59speaks up sternly.
33:00You are Mia Lellard's
33:01current legal guardian,
33:02Mr. Harrington, correct?
33:03Asher Harrington blinks,
33:05turns, and nods,
33:06his voice already defensive.
33:07Yes, that's right.
33:08Mrs. Weston has filed
33:09a complaint against Mia Lover
33:10for assault causing
33:11bodily harm.
33:12As her guardian,
33:13you are required
33:14to cooperate
33:15with the investigation
33:16and arrange for Mia Lover
33:17to come in for questioning.
33:18The officer states
33:19that, matter of fact,
33:20Asher Harrington
33:20whips his head toward me
33:22as if I've just
33:22spoken nonsense.
33:23Blair!
33:24Do you even know
33:25what you're doing?
33:26This is a family matter!
33:28Mia's just a kid.
33:29She didn't know any better.
33:30She shoved you playigly.
33:31How could you call the police?
33:32Tell them it's
33:33a misunderstanding.
33:34Tell them
33:35this is a domestic issue
33:37that we can handle
33:38it ourselves.
33:38He softens his voice.
33:40Blair,
33:40I know you're angry
33:41I didn't bring you
33:42to the hospital.
33:43It's all my fault.
33:43I apologize.
33:44We're a family.
33:46Let's settle this at home.
33:47Don't air our dirty lumber
33:48in public, alright?
33:49I pull out the divorce certificate
33:50and hand it to the officer.
33:51Officer,
33:52we're divorced.
33:53This is not a domestic issue.
33:55Please proceed
33:55according to the law.
33:56Blair,
33:57you've lost your mind.
33:58The divorce was fake!
33:59It was just for Mia's sake!
34:02And you know it!
34:03Over something this small,
34:04you're gonna ruin Mia?
34:05She's still a child!
34:06Why do you have to make
34:07things so hard
34:08for a little kid
34:09so you fell?
34:10What's all this drama about?
34:11He turns to the officer
34:12trying to explain.
34:13Officer,
34:14don't listen to her.
34:15We have a great relationship.
34:16This is just a marital spit.
34:18She's emotional.
34:19Mr. Harrington,
34:20the divorce certificate
34:20is authentic.
34:22Legally,
34:22you are no longer married.
34:24The officer cuts him off,
34:25handing him the medical report
34:26with a stern tone.
34:27Take a good look.
34:28This is not a small matter.
34:30Ms. Weston was shoved
34:30with such force
34:31that she suffered
34:32abdominal trauma
34:32resulting in the arrest
34:33of embryo development
34:34at approximately eight weeks
34:35of pregnancy.
34:36That is a miscarriage.
34:37This is aggravated assault
34:38or playing around.
34:39Now I need you to cooperate
34:40immediately and arrange
34:41for Mia Losten to come in.
34:42If you refuse,
34:43we will go to your home
34:44and take her into custody.
34:45Miscarriage?
34:46No.
34:48That can't be...
34:49Asher Harrington
34:50doesn't believe it.
34:51He takes the report blankly,
34:52his eyes scanning it
34:53in a daze.
34:54When the cold medical turns,
34:55traumatic miscarriage,
34:57arrested embryonic development,
34:58hit him,
34:59his whole body jerks.
35:00His fingers go slack
35:01and the report flutters
35:02to the floor.
35:03He turns to me,
35:04voice trembling,
35:05Blair, tell me
35:06this isn't true, please.
35:07I don't look away.
35:08My eyes are red.
35:09It's true.
35:11The doctor said
35:11that if we had gotten here
35:12just a minute or two earlier,
35:14maybe the baby
35:14could have been saved.
35:15Thud.
35:16He drops straight
35:16to his knees
35:17beside the bed.
35:18It's my fault.
35:19I killed our child.
35:20If I had brought you
35:21to the hospital,
35:21I'm a monster!
35:23He slaps himself
35:24across the face,
35:25hard enough
35:25that his cheek
35:26reddens instantly.
35:27I'm so sorry, Blair.
35:29I regret it.
35:31I regret it so much!
35:33Slap after slap,
35:34his cheeks swell,
35:35his eyes turn bloodshot,
35:36tears and snout
35:37strewn down his face.
35:39He's completely shattered.
35:40I turn my head calmly
35:41and say to the officers,
35:43thank you for your help.
35:44And if you don't mind,
35:45could you get him out of here?
35:46He's very loud.
35:47The officers exchange a glance,
35:48then step forward
35:49and pull the still,
35:50self-flagellating
35:51Asher Harrington
35:52to his feet.
35:53Mr. Harrington,
35:54please come with us
35:54to the station
35:55for further investigation.
35:56As they drag him out,
35:57he struggles to look back at me,
35:59his gaze broken.
36:00Blair, I'm sorry.
36:01I'm so sorry.
36:02I'll make it up to you,
36:03I promise.
36:04I don't look at him.
36:05I don't listen.
36:05The ward door closes
36:07and all the noise
36:07is cut off.
36:08The world falls silent again.
36:10I lean back
36:11against the headboard,
36:12listening to my own
36:12steady breathing
36:13and the distant hum
36:14of traffic outside the window.
36:15My hand rests on my belly,
36:17empty now,
36:18still aching dully.
36:19Tears finally slip down silently.
36:21Not for the child,
36:21not for the farce
36:23of a marriage.
36:24For the woman
36:24who endured six years,
36:25waited six years
36:26and finally gave up
36:27completely.
36:28And now,
36:29that woman can finally
36:30be bound for good.
36:31Early the next morning,
36:32Asher Harrington arrives.
36:33He's carrying a thermos,
36:34dark circles under his eyes,
36:36stubble shadowing his jaw.
36:37He looks like
36:38he hasn't slept all night.
36:40Martha says a miscarriage
36:41really drains your energy,
36:42so you need proper nourishment.
36:46I had Martha
36:47buy the best old hin
36:49and I added Angelica
36:52red dates
36:53and gochi berries.
36:55I simmered it over low heat
36:57for over three hours,
36:58skipped off every bit of oil.
36:59Try it.
37:00Try it.
37:00It shouldn't be greasy.
37:01He places a small bowl
37:02of golden clear chicken soup
37:04in front of me,
37:05his gaze eager,
37:06even groveling.
37:07I don't take it.
37:08I don't even look at him.
37:09My eyes stay fixed
37:10on the gray sky
37:11outside the window.
37:12His hand freezes midair.
37:13Slowly,
37:14he sets the bowl back
37:15on the cabinet
37:15and sits down by my bed.
37:17He reaches out,
37:18trying to take the hand
37:19that rests on the blanket.
37:20I pull my hand away.
37:21Blair.
37:22His voice is hoarse,
37:23thick with tears,
37:24his eyes reddening again.
37:25I know I was wrong.
37:26I really,
37:27I know how terribly wrong I was.
37:29I didn't sleep all night.
37:31Every time I closed my eyes,
37:32I saw you lying in that pool of blood
37:33and our baby,
37:35we never got to meet.
37:36He lowered his head
37:37and rubbed his hands helplessly.
37:39I gave Mia a severe scolding.
37:42She knows she was wrong.
37:44She's been so scared
37:45she can't even eat.
37:46She's only 16.
37:48She lost her head for a moment.
37:50Blair, please,
37:51for her youth and ignorance,
37:53give her one last chance, okay?
37:55If she really goes in,
37:57if she got a criminal record,
37:59her whole life will be ruined.
38:01She's still so young.
38:02I can't just stand by and watch.
38:05He knelt before me again.
38:06I've made up my mind.
38:08Once you're discharged,
38:10we'll remarry.
38:11I'll send Mia
38:12to the best professional facility.
38:14From then on,
38:15I'll stay by your side,
38:17never leave you,
38:18and never let you suffer again.
38:19Finally,
38:20I turned my head
38:21and looked at him calmly.
38:23Asher,
38:24how magnimalist of you.
38:26For the person
38:27who killed your child,
38:30you're giving your all.
38:32Asher Harrington shuddered
38:33and closed his eyes in pain.
38:35It's my fault,
38:37all my fault.
38:38I shouldn't have left you.
38:40I was stupid.
38:41I was blind.
38:43Punish me if you want.
38:45Hit me.
38:46Curse me.
38:46Make me do anything.
38:47Please,
38:48just spare Mia this time.
38:49I'll compensate you.
38:51I'll compensate you for everything.
38:52Whatever you want,
38:53I'll give it.
38:53He collapsed by the bed,
38:55his forehead against the edge,
38:56his shoulders shaking violently.
38:59Blair,
39:00I know I've wronged you,
39:02wronged our child,
39:03but Mia's mother,
39:04she died saving me.
39:05She entrusted her only daughter to me.
39:07I have to take care of Mia.
39:08I can't abandon her.
39:09I really can't.
39:09He kept repeating his guilt,
39:11his helplessness,
39:13his debt of gratitude,
39:14each word dripping with blood,
39:15as if he were the most pitiable,
39:17most powerless person in the world.
39:19I was unmoved,
39:20only staring at him coldly.
39:22I understand,
39:23and I sympathize with your having no choice.
39:26But my child is not your sacrificial offering to repay a favor.
39:31You as a father can remain indifferent,
39:33but I as a mother must seek justice for her.
39:38He suddenly raised his head,
39:40a flash of resentment in his eyes.
39:42Blair,
39:44isn't there some responsibility on your side too?
39:47He looked at me with anger and grievance.
39:49You were pregnant.
39:51Why didn't you tell me?
39:53If you had told me earlier,
39:55even if Mia was raising hell at the time,
39:57I would have rushed you to the hospital immediately.
39:59Maybe the baby could have been saved.
40:02Is it,
40:02is it like Mia said,
40:05that you deliberately didn't tell me on purpose?
40:09That you wanted to see me,
40:11blame myself,
40:12see me feel guilty,
40:14and torture me this way?
40:21The sharp sound of a slap cut him off harshly.
40:23Asher Harrington's face was knocked to the side,
40:26and a clear handprint quickly appeared on his cheek.
40:29He held his face,
40:30staring at me in shock,
40:31as if he couldn't believe I would hit him.
40:34Asher Harrington,
40:35I must have been blind to fall for someone like you.
40:39Why didn't I tell you?
40:41Do you really not know?
40:42I leaned forward,
40:44staring into his stunned eyes.
40:46I just wanted to protect my child.
40:49I was afraid that if Mia found out,
40:51she would go crazy and harm my baby.
40:53I took every precaution,
40:55worried day and night,
40:57but in the end,
40:58I still couldn't prevent it.
40:59And you,
41:00who claimed to love me,
41:02were right there beside me,
41:03watching me in pain,
41:05watching me bleed,
41:07hearing my desperate pleas,
41:08and then you turned around
41:09and hugged the person who pushed me,
41:11leaving me to the ambulance like an afterthought.
41:13My voice trembled,
41:14not from sadness,
41:15but from sheer fury and absurdity.
41:18And now you have the nerve
41:19to turn the tables on me
41:20and stab me in the heart?
41:23Asher,
41:23we grew up together,
41:25over 20 years of bond.
41:28What did I ever do wrong
41:29to deserve this from you?
41:31The ward fell silent.
41:33Only my stifled breathing
41:34and his heavy,
41:35ragged breaths could be heard.
41:37The forced grievance
41:38and accusation on his face
41:39crumbled under my barrage of questions,
41:42leaving nothing but pale embarrassment
41:43and shame with nowhere to hide.
41:45He opened his mouth
41:46as if to defend himself,
41:48but no sound came out.
41:49I withdrew my gaze,
41:51no longer looking at him,
41:52and turned back to the window.
41:55I can sign a settlement agreement.
41:56His eyes lit up.
41:59Really?
42:01I knew it!
42:01I knew it!
42:02My Blair is the kindest!
42:04As long as you sign,
42:06I promise this is the last time.
42:08I'll send Mia far away
42:10and she'll never appear before you again.
42:12I'll use everything I have to compensate you,
42:15to make up for the pain of losing our child.
42:17We,
42:18we can still have children in the future.
42:21Then we'll have a boy and a girl,
42:22a son like me,
42:24a daughter like you,
42:24and we'll-
42:25Asher, don't get ahead of yourself.
42:27I cut off his rosy fantasy.
42:28Listen to my terms first.
42:31Name them!
42:32I'll agree to anything!
42:33He said eagerly.
42:34I looked him in the eye
42:35and word by word
42:36laid out the condition
42:37I had long prepared,
42:39one that would cripple him.
42:40First,
42:41the 20% of Harrington Corporation shares
42:44in your name
42:45must be unconditionally transferred
42:46to me in full.
42:48Second,
42:49all cash,
42:51real estate,
42:51and investment accounts
42:52in your personal name
42:53must also be unconditionally transferred to me.
42:56Every last cent.
42:57The air in the ward froze.
43:00All the color drained
43:01from Asher Harrington's face.
43:03He opened his mouth,
43:04but no sound came out.
43:0520% of Harrington Corporation shares,
43:08plus the 10% I already owned
43:10as a bridal gift.
43:1130%.
43:12That was already the largest private stake
43:14outside of his father's,
43:15enough to stir waves on the board
43:17and balance,
43:18even threaten,
43:19the Harrington's control
43:20and all his personal assets.
43:22That meant,
43:23if he signed,
43:24he would go from a billionaire heir
43:26of Harrington Corporation
43:27to an empty shell overnight
43:28with nothing but his family trust.
43:31No cash flow,
43:32no properties,
43:33no resources he could use freely.
43:35Watching Asher Harrington hesitate,
43:37I smiled softly.
43:38You can choose not to give it.
43:40Mia Latwell's intentional injury
43:42causing miscarriage
43:43is solidly proven.
43:44She's only 16,
43:46but she won't be spared
43:47one bit of the responsibility
43:49she must bear.
43:50He closed his eyes,
43:52and when he opened them again,
43:53his gaze was ashen.