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Welcome to Drama Royale 🎬
Enjoy addictive short dramas packed with romance, betrayal, revenge, emotional moments, and shocking plot twists.
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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
📺
TVTranscription
00:02I bought a boyfriend in college.
00:04It was on the ice at the University of Michigan.
00:08I watched Julian Wine, the broke kid in second-hand pads and borrowed skates, and made him an offer.
00:14Stay with me, and I'll pay your grandfather's medical bills.
00:18For three years, I mistook staying for love.
00:22He swallowed his pride, and I was naive enough to believe he loved me, until I got pregnant.
00:30Until my family went bankrupt, until the FBI seized everything we owned.
00:35He had just won the American College Hockey Championship, taking the MVP.
00:40I knew I couldn't jeopardize his future.
00:43I deleted his number, erased every trace, and disappeared with the baby growing inside me.
00:49I gave birth alone, to Julian's daughter and mine.
00:53He never knew we had a daughter.
00:55Six years later, to pay off my debts and raise her, I'm dancing at the Velvet Strip Club in Detroit
01:01to pay off my family's debts.
01:05He's the NHL's hottest new defenseman, a superstar with a $10 million contract, and an actress on his arm.
01:12I never expected to see Julian again, let alone here.
01:16Luna, Champagne Service, VIP Room 1, do not screw this up.
01:23Tonight's uniform, black lace bodysuit, six-inch stilettos, and a mask.
01:28I push past the heavy velvet curtains.
01:30Three men in expensive suits, two Instagram models, and...
01:35Julian.
01:36My knees go weak.
01:37The silver tray in my hands trembles.
01:40I lock my eyes on the ice bucket, terrified to look up.
01:43Julian, remember college?
01:46Didn't you date someone back at Michigan?
01:48I remember people saying she came from money.
01:51Yeah, I had one.
01:52Julian's voice hasn't changed.
01:54It's still that same low, chest-vibrating rumble.
01:58Whatever happened to her?
02:00Silence stretches out like a blade.
02:03She left.
02:04That's all I know.
02:07So cold.
02:10Learn from the best.
02:11My face burns.
02:12I set down the bottle, mumble something about checking on their next round, and turn for the door.
02:17Wait!
02:18My heart lurches to a stop.
02:20I freeze.
02:21Turn around.
02:23I froze.
02:25My back to the only man I'd ever loved.
02:27The father of my child.
02:29Is there a problem, sir?
02:31I forced my voice flat.
02:33Professional.
02:34Take off the mask.
02:36I can't.
02:37It's against club policy.
02:38I'll buy it.
02:43Take it off.
02:44My fingers found the silk ties at the back of my head.
02:48My body reacted before my mind could catch up.
02:52It remembered him.
02:54I heard the hitch in his breath.
02:57Eve.
02:59His voice broke on my name.
03:01Slowly, I turned.
03:03Up close, the boy I knew was gone.
03:06In his place stood someone harder, stronger, built from years of discipline and damage.
03:12But his eyes were the same.
03:14Still hungry.
03:15Still wounded.
03:17You have got to be kidding me.
03:21Mr. Wayne.
03:22Mr. Wayne?
03:23A sharp, broken laugh.
03:25Six years, Eve.
03:27Six years you vanished.
03:29Delete your number.
03:29Drop off the face of the earth.
03:30And now I'm Mr. Wynn?
03:32Maya was staring.
03:33The suits were staring.
03:35I didn't care.
03:37My only concern was the door.
03:40Twenty feet away, and the little girl waiting for her mom in the back.
03:44I have to go.
03:46He closed his hand around my wrist.
03:49Not hard, but enough to anchor me.
03:51We're talking.
03:53Let go of me!
03:55Not until you tell me why!
03:58You're making a scene!
04:00Someone's filming!
04:01He didn't let go.
04:03Why?
04:04His voice to something raw and quiet.
04:09Why did you just disappear?
04:11The real answer was burning a hole through my chest, because my family was destroyed.
04:16You had just been drafted, and I would not be the anchor that dragged you under.
04:20Because I got bored.
04:21It was just a college fling, Julian.
04:24It ran its course.
04:25His jaw locked.
04:27Something shattered behind his eyes.
04:29Fine.
04:31You want to do this the hard way?
04:34Fine.
04:35He pulled out his wallet.
04:37Five hundred dollars.
04:40Strip.
04:42Now.
04:43Now it was just me and Julian.
04:46He sat in the center of the velvet sofa.
04:49Knees spread.
04:50Elbows on his thighs.
04:52Watching me like I was a puzzle he'd lost the final piece to.
04:57Strip.
04:59What?
05:00You heard me.
05:03I paid.
05:05My hands were shaking.
05:06I bawled them into fists at my sides.
05:09That's not...
05:10I don't do that.
05:10I just serve drinks, Julian.
05:12I'm not a...
05:14Not a stripper?
05:17Who are you trying to fool, princess?
05:19Dressed like that, in a place like this?
05:22Serving champagne to men who are undressing you with their eyes?
05:27He glanced around the room, at the mirrors, the pole, the bed in the corner I always pretended
05:33wasn't there.
05:35What'd your father say?
05:38Oh, wait.
05:39He's in federal prison, isn't he?
05:41The blow landed exactly where he'd aimed it.
05:45I felt the blood drain from my face.
05:49You've been looking me up?
05:50Looking you up?
05:56I've been looking for you.
05:59Six years, Eve.
06:01Private investigators.
06:02Dark web searches.
06:04I even hired a hacker!
06:09You just vanished.
06:11Like you never existed.
06:13And this is where I find you?
06:15Hiding behind a cheap mask like you're ashamed?
06:20I am ashamed.
06:22Julian went still.
06:24The anger in his face fractured.
06:27Why?
06:28Why this?
06:29You could have gone anywhere, done anything.
06:32You were top of your class in computer science at Michigan.
06:35You could be writing code for a living.
06:37Why?
06:38Why do you look like you haven't slept in years?
06:44I don't owe you an explanation.
06:46You want a show?
06:47Fine.
06:48You want to humiliate me?
06:50Fine.
06:50But don't you dare pretend you care, Julian.
06:53You made it pretty clear a minute ago that you don't.
07:00I care enough to hate you.
07:04That should tell you something.
07:05He reached for me, and I flinched.
07:08Not because I thought he'd hurt me.
07:11Julian had never once hurt me.
07:13But because his touch could still undo me.
07:17Because I still remembered those hands sliding under my sweater.
07:28Don't.
07:31Don't.
07:33Don't.
07:34Don't what?
07:36Don't remember what you taste like.
07:39Don't remember that morning you left.
07:41How you kissed me.
07:43Told me you'd see me at graduation.
07:45How you...
07:49How you lied.
07:51I didn't lie.
07:52You said you loved me.
07:54I stared at him.
07:55At the pain he kept so carefully buried.
07:57At the boy I had walked away from because I loved him too much to let him burn his future
08:02down for mine.
08:03I did, I thought.
08:04Dropping my gaze.
08:05I still do.
08:07Daddy!
08:07The door crashed open.
08:09A tiny blur shot into the room and slammed straight into Julian's legs.
08:15Lily!
08:16My frantic eyes floon to Julian.
08:18Are you my daddy?
08:19Why are you making my mommy cry?
08:25She's...
08:26She's just confused.
08:28Eve.
08:29Who is this?
08:33My mouth opened, then snapped shut.
08:36Lily ducked under my arm and planted herself between me and the tall, dangerous stranger.
08:43You're very tall.
08:44Are you a giant?
08:46Julian stared down at her.
08:48At the mess of dark curls just like his.
08:51At the exact same shade of ice blue eyes.
08:54At the stubborn set of her jaw that was all me.
08:57No.
08:59I'm not a giant.
09:01I play hockey.
09:02What's hockey?
09:03It's a sport.
09:04On ice.
09:06Like in Frozen?
09:09Yeah.
09:11Something like that.
09:12Well, you made my mommy cry.
09:16You should say you're sorry.
09:20I...
09:20I'm sorry.
09:23His bewildered gaze found mine over her head.
09:25Eve, how old is she?
09:27Four.
09:30She's four.
09:31The lie sat between us like a stone.
09:33Four.
09:34Not five.
09:36One year's difference.
09:37Enough room for doubt.
09:39Enough to make her anyone's.
09:41My Lily.
09:42My sweet, fearless Lily.
09:44Reached out and took Julia's hand.
09:46Your hands are cold.
09:48Mommies get cold too.
09:49She says it's because we're part polar bear.
09:52She tugged on his fingers.
09:54Are you?
09:54Julian crouched down to her level.
09:56What's your name?
09:58Lily Hartley.
10:00It's a pleasure to meet you, mister.
10:05Wynn.
10:07Julian Wynn.
10:09The hockey player?
10:11Mommy has a picture of you.
10:14It's all old and wrinkly and she looks at it when she thinks I'm asleep.
10:19She says you're risen.
10:21Okay.
10:24Mommy, put me down.
10:26His hands are cold like ours.
10:28He could be a polar bear too.
10:30I want to be his friend.
10:32Eve.
10:36I didn't turn around.
10:37Is she mine?
10:39I clutched Lily tighter, her small heart beating against mine.
10:46No, I lied.
10:48She's not yours.
10:51Later that night, with Lily sprawled across my chest in a tangle of limbs, I watched the
10:56gentle rise and fall of her sleep.
10:58Her eyelashes were two perfect dark fans against her cheek.
11:01His eyelashes.
11:03My mind, the traitor it always was, dragged me back.
11:06It was the fall of my freshman year, on the ice at the University of Michigan.
11:11Julian Wynn stood out for all the wrong reasons.
11:13He was the kid in secondhand pads held together with hockey tape, skating on borrowed blades.
11:18His jersey had been washed so many times the number was barely legible.
11:21But he carried himself like none of it touched him.
11:25All sharp angles and coiled tension, like something waiting to strike.
11:30I loved the cold focus in his eyes.
11:33The hard line of his jaw that refused to yield to anyone.
11:37He was also drowning.
11:39His grandfather's medical bills were burying him alive.
11:42And the hockey scholarship he should have had was handed to a legacy kid who's famed the right coach speed
11:48dial.
11:49Feemley had the right consenscrabity.
11:51I wanted to help him.
11:53So one afternoon, I stopped him on the quad and took his calloused hand in mine.
11:57Julian, before I could lose my nerve.
11:59I really like you.
12:01And I have money.
12:02Enough to help with your grandfather's medical bills.
12:05Let me help you.
12:06Please.
12:07He looked at me like I'd just insulted everything he'd ever worked for.
12:11The wounded wolf.
12:12All teeth and fury.
12:15And thoroughb over live drangles of Wenfried at Admorina Fielmen.
12:19But I'd never lost at anything.
12:21The more he refused, the harder I pushed.
12:25Until the night his grandfather collapsed from a heart attack.
12:28The ICU bill was $20 a day.
12:32I paid it before he could argue.
12:36And Julian finally let me in.
12:39In my foolish, naive heart, I thought I'd saved him.
12:46It took me years to understand I'd just broken him differently.
12:51He never stopped working side jobs.
12:53Never stopped waking at four in the morning for extra ice time.
12:57He barely touched my money.
12:58But the damage was done.
13:00Whispers followed him through the locker room.
13:03Teammates looked through him or hit him a little too hard in practice.
13:06And I, still floating in my comfortable bubble, would just squeeze his hand and tell him they were jealous.
13:13They were thinned.
13:14I never once saw the war he was fighting on his own.
13:17Then came senior year.
13:19My family collapsed.
13:21My father was indicted for fraud.
13:24And the government froze every asset we had.
13:30I couldn't cover my own tuition.
13:32I went from heiress to broke overnight.
13:35And I didn't tell Julia.
13:37Because I had just found out I was pregnant.
13:40And he had just gotten his draft offer from the NHL.
13:44His entire future was finally in reach.
13:47So when the plus sign appeared on that stick, I made a choice.
13:51I called him to meet me outside.
13:53In the snow.
13:57I can't do this anymore.
14:00We're done.
14:02Why?
14:03I kept my face flat.
14:05You were fun for a while, Lanfin.
14:07For a while, Julian.
14:08But I'm moving on.
14:12Fine.
14:13I told myself he was relieved.
14:15That he was finally free of me.
14:16The girl whose money had made him a target.
14:18Whose help had cost him more than it gave.
14:20That night, I snapped my SIM card in half.
14:22Deleted every account I had.
14:24And caught a bus to Chicago, pregnant and alone.
14:27Disappearing into the dark.
14:29I ran from the debt collectors.
14:31From the city.
14:33From him.
14:34Detroit to Chicago to Milwaukee.
14:37City to city.
14:38Until I came back here three months ago.
14:41I never thought I'd see him this soon.
14:45Julian was more than fine.
14:46He was everything everyone knew he'd be.
14:48A defensive powerhouse in the NHL.
14:50The face of ESPN.
14:51His name on a contract with more zeros than I could count.
14:54And Maya Hart.
14:55The actress who'd ruled our college theater department.
14:57And now had a Netflix series to her name.
14:59Was apparently the woman on his arm.
15:00Good for him.
15:02I pressed my hand flat against my chest.
15:04Trying to hold the ache in.
15:08My phone buzzed on the nightstand at five in the morning.
15:12Pulling me out of the wreckage.
15:13Unknown number.
15:15We need to talk.
15:19Don't make me come back to that club to find you.
15:24I stared at the message until the screen burned my retinas.
15:28Then deleted it.
15:31And blocked the number.
15:36The next night, Marco pulled me aside before my shift.
15:40VIP room.
15:41He asked for you by name.
15:42I can't.
15:43Eve.
15:44Marco lowered his voice, still not meeting my eyes.
15:47He bought a $20,000 bottle.
15:49He's not going anywhere.
15:50Just go.
15:52Julian was in the same booth.
15:54Alone.
15:55In a leather jacket that cost more than my month's rent.
15:58He was turning an empty glass slowly between his fingers.
16:02I have other tables.
16:04I started.
16:06Sit down, Eve.
16:07I'm not leaving until we talk.
16:09Something in his voice made me sit.
16:11On the very edge of the cushion, ready to run.
16:14Why did you leave?
16:15He asked, his voice stripped raw.
16:18Were you really just done with me?
16:20He leaned forward, and there it was.
16:23That same predatory stillness he'd always had on the ice.
16:26Six years hadn't thawed the Michigan winter in his eyes.
16:29Your number was disconnected.
16:31Every account gone.
16:33I even called the university's alumni officer.
16:37You really didn't want to be found.
16:39I lifted my chin and made myself hold his gaze.
16:42No, I wanted to scream.
16:45I was pregnant.
16:47I wasn't going to let you throw away the NHL for me.
16:50But I didn't.
16:51You always knew what I was like.
16:53I said, forcing a brittle smile.
16:56I got bored.
16:57I moved on.
16:58That's who I am.
17:00A raw, red fury flared in his eyes.
17:03I don't believe you.
17:06Suit yourself.
17:09Is Lily my daughter?
17:10Like a blindside check.
17:12And I felt it in my teeth.
17:15No.
17:17Don't lie to me, Eve.
17:18Not about this.
17:20She's not yours.
17:22Then whose is she?
17:23Someone steady you found after everything fell apart?
17:26Your fiancé?
17:27Ivan?
17:28Is that his name?
17:29His voice cracked before he caught it.
17:32I spent six years looking for you.
17:34Six years asking myself what I did wrong.
17:37Why you left.
17:38Whether you were even still alive.
17:40And now I find out you have a daughter.
17:43I kept my voice level.
17:46You're in the NHL, Julian.
17:48You live in arenas and hotel rooms half the year with sports media tracking your every move.
17:53I just...
17:54I didn't expect a real future with you.
17:57Never expected a future.
17:59He repeated it slowly, like he was tasting something rotten.
18:02I wanted everything with you, Eve.
18:06Marriage.
18:07Kids.
18:09A real life.
18:10You were the one who walked out.
18:12Because I didn't have a choice.
18:14The words came out before I could stop them.
18:16I pressed my lips together.
18:18Steadied myself.
18:19Then looked up.
18:20You already know what happened.
18:21My family collapsed.
18:23My father's in federal prison.
18:25The debts are still not settled.
18:26I had nothing left.
18:28I would have faced all of that with you.
18:30That's easy to say now.
18:31I'm saying it because it's true.
18:33Do you know why I signed with Detroit?
18:36Twelve teams made offers.
18:37I had better money on the table from four of them.
18:39Better cities.
18:40Better odds.
18:41Why do you think I came back here?
18:43Why?
18:43I shook my head.
18:45You mentioned it once.
18:47He said.
18:48And a broken little laugh escaped him.
18:50We were fighting about where to live after graduation.
18:53You said you loved the snow.
18:55That you wanted to see the Great Lakes in winter.
18:57I thought if I stayed, you'd find your way back.
19:00You did come back, Eve.
19:02I came yesed.
19:04You got a job three miles from my apartment, and you still wouldn't even look at me.
19:08My mouth opened.
19:10Nothing came out.
19:12Is that it?
19:14Something hardened in his face.
19:16Is your pride really worth all of this?
19:20The great heartly Enris?
19:24Too ashamed to be seen working for tips?
19:27No!
19:27Oh my god, Eve!
19:29Is that actually you?
19:30Maya Hart came clicking toward our table on needle-thin stilettos, trailing Byred perfume,
19:35and six years of perfectly colded social media success.
19:38She was glossier than I remembered.
19:40The kind of polish that took real money to maintain.
19:43Where have you been?
19:44Everyone's been asking about you for years.
19:46Down south for a while.
19:47I manage.
19:48Of course.
19:49Her eyes did a slow, deliberate sweep of me.
19:51And they stopped on my jacket.
19:53Is that the same Levi's jacket from junior year?
19:56Eve!
19:56Eve!
19:57It has holes in it.
19:57I used to buy new clothes every season and never wore the same thing twice.
20:02She knew exactly what she was doing.
20:04I just didn't have enough left in me to care.
20:07It's vintage now, I said.
20:10Sustainable fashion.
20:11Maya gave me the smile of someone who understood perfectly.
20:13She opened her Chanel bag, produced a black Ames, and held it out.
20:17Listen, if you're going through something, don't be stubborn about it.
20:20Take this.
20:21You don't even have to pay me back.
20:22Thanks.
20:23I didn't reach for it.
20:25I'm good.
20:26My gaze moved from her pitying face to Julian's stone still one.
20:30I pulled up a smile.
20:34I'm getting married, actually.
20:36You'll probably hear about it.
20:38The words hit him like a body check into the boards.
20:41And his composure didn't crack so much as collapse.
20:44I wondered if he'd believe the lie.
20:48What?
20:52His name is Ivan.
20:54You'd know him from college.
20:55He was the one who couldn't take a hint around me.
21:00The trust fund kid.
21:02Yes.
21:03He paid off my family's debts.
21:07I'm marrying him.
21:11The color left Julian's face all at once.
21:18Do you love him?
21:23He's good to me.
21:24That's not what I asked, Eve.
21:29I didn't answer.
21:30I couldn't.
21:32It's time for you to go.
21:35I stood.
21:36Whatever we had is over.
21:38It's been over for a long time.
21:41He just sat there, frozen, like a statue carved from ice.
21:47The apartment was quiet when I got home.
21:50Lily was still up.
21:53Five years old, hair and two little pity tails.
21:56And every time I looked at her, I saw him.
21:59Same dark hair.
22:00Same deep-set blue eyes.
22:03Same crooked smile the moment she spotted me.
22:06Mommy!
22:08She launched herself into my arms.
22:10You're home early!
22:12Missed you too much.
22:17I held her tight and breathed in the strawberry of her shampoo.
22:21Bella appeared in the doorway, smiling.
22:24She drew a picture today.
22:26Said it was for her dad.
22:30Something tightened in my chest.
22:32Her dad?
22:35Lily was already scrambling down, running to her room.
22:39Coming back with a crayon drawing.
22:42Three figures.
22:44A bearded man, a woman with long hair, a small girl holding both their hands.
22:49This is Daddy.
22:51This is Mommy.
22:52This is me.
22:57Baby, your dad isn't here right now.
23:03But all the other kids' dads are.
23:05Her face crumpled.
23:07Isn't that hockey player my dad?
23:10Where did he go?
23:18I knelt down until I was level with her eyes.
23:25Daddy had to go somewhere far away.
23:28But he loves you.
23:31So much.
23:33When is he coming back?
23:38Soon, I whispered and kissed her forehead.
23:44Later, after she was asleep,
23:47I sat on the fire escape with a cigarette burn down between my fingers.
23:57My phone lit up on the still.
23:59Julian.
24:01What's your daughter's name?
24:07I left it.
24:09It buzzed again.
24:11I need to see you.
24:13I shut the phone off.
24:19But I knew it was useless.
24:22There was nowhere left to run.
24:24The next morning was Saturday.
24:26Park day.
24:27Lily was digging happily in the sandbox while I scrolled through my phone.
24:32My phone buzzed.
24:34Julian.
24:34I let it go to voicemail.
24:36It buzzed again.
24:37And again.
24:38On the third ring, I finally picked up.
24:43What are you talking about?
24:44I'm at the park.
24:46Behind you.
24:47Fifty yards.
24:48Under the big oak tree.
24:49I turned.
24:50He was there.
24:52Hoodie, jeans, baseball cap pulled low.
24:56How did you find me?
24:57I had your car tracked.
25:00You followed me?
25:01I was worried.
25:03Eve, we need to talk.
25:04No.
25:07Not here.
25:08My daughter.
25:10I know.
25:11I just want to see her.
25:14He was already at the edge of the sandbox.
25:17Lily looked up, squinting against the sun at the tall man standing over her.
25:20Her head tilted.
25:22Something moved across her face.
25:23Pure, unaguarded recognition.
25:26Then she beamed.
25:27Daddy!
25:28You came back!
25:30The denial tore out of me.
25:33Lily!
25:34Lily!
25:34Lily, no!
25:36He's not your daddy!
25:37But she pointed a soddy finger straight at Julian's face.
25:41He looks just like the daddy in my picture!
25:44Julian knelt down, and Lily threw her small arms around his neck.
25:48My mind just stopped.
25:50He looked up at me.
25:52His eyes were red.
25:53He said, barely a sound at all.
25:56Lily, how old is she?
26:00Four.
26:03You're lying.
26:05You never took it off.
26:07You never forgot me.
26:08Julian!
26:09Is she mine?
26:10Daddy, please don't go again, okay?
26:13Something cracked across his face.
26:15I turned away, knowing that was it.
26:18Julian pulled Lily into his arms.
26:19She locked her hands behind his neck and held on, the way kids do when they're afraid to
26:23let go of something they almost lost.
26:25You smell good, Daddy.
26:27Do I?
26:28So do you.
26:29I stood there with my hands at my sides, not sure what to do with them.
26:32After a few minutes, Lily's grip slowly loosened, her body going heavy against his chest with
26:37a wide, sleepy yawn.
26:39She needs her nap, I said.
26:40Julian looked at me.
26:41I'm taking you home.
26:43You don't have to-
26:43Eve.
26:44She was out before we reached the car.
26:47He carried her across the parking lot with both arms under her, slow arms steady under
26:53her, her, slow and deliberate, like he was afraid to joltle her awake.
26:59The drive was quiet.
27:01He kept his eyes on the road.
27:03I watched the city slide past the passenger window.
27:06Lily breathed softly in her car seat behind us.
27:10What does she like to eat, he asked.
27:14Pasta.
27:16Strawberries.
27:17Chicken nuggets.
27:19Allergies?
27:20No.
27:21Is she in school?
27:22Preschool.
27:23A beat of silence.
27:24You raised her alone five years?
27:27Yes.
27:29When's her birthday?
27:31February 17th.
27:32His grip tightened on the wheel.
27:34We broke up on June 10th.
27:36When you left, you were already pregnant.
27:41Julian!
27:42And you didn't tell me.
27:48Eve, why wouldn't you tell me?
27:50Because you were going to the NHL.
27:52You finally had your shot.
27:54After everything.
27:55And?
27:55And I wasn't going to be the reason you walked away from it!
28:00Eve, that was my child!
28:01He turned to face me, jaw tight, eyes raw.
28:05You were out there alone, pregnant, hiding it while I was on the ice, giving interviews
28:10about how damn much I missed you.
28:13I pressed my hand flat against my sternum.
28:15It didn't help.
28:16I'm sorry.
28:17I said.
28:18I thought I was doing the right thing.
28:20You didn't know.
28:22I said, holding his gaze.
28:24You didn't know about the pregnancy.
28:25So tell me.
28:27If I had told you, what would you have done?
28:29I would have-
28:30I know exactly what you would have done.
28:31You would have stayed.
28:33Given up the NHL.
28:34Married me.
28:35There's not to be Endurits.
28:37My with your own life and I done.
28:38I need just swafting off I-Fari.
28:40And spent the rest of your life resenting me for it.
28:43I wouldn't have-
28:44Yes, you would have.
28:45My voice stayed even.
28:48I needed it to.
28:49You would have felt trapped.
28:51Same as you did back in college.
28:53He went white.
28:54You think I hated you?
28:56Didn't you?
28:58I let out a short, broken laugh and the tears came before I could stop them.
29:04You were never really mine.
29:11I kept you with money for three years.
29:14We both knew that.
29:16If it hadn't been for your grandfather's hospital bills, you never would have stayed with me.
29:21You-
29:22We're here.
29:24I nodded toward the window.
29:26Let me out.
29:27He didn't move.
29:31Julian.
29:32Let me out.
29:33Slowly, his hands came off the steering wheel.
29:38Eve.
29:40There's something I never told you.
29:43What?
29:45I liked you before you ever paid for anything.
29:49I couldn't speak.
29:51First day of college?
29:52He said, his voice low.
29:55You were walking down the hall in this white dress.
29:58I remember thinking, I'm never going to forget that girl.
30:04Then why did you-
30:05He shut his eyes for a second.
30:08Because of the money.
30:11You paid my grandfather's medical bills.
30:16I couldn't tell if I wanted you or what you could do for me.
30:22I hated that I couldn't separate the two.
30:26The tears came harder.
30:28So when you said yes, when you actually stayed, was it only, Willy, because-
30:35Because even if it started that way, I still wanted to stay.
30:39He looked at me then.
30:42Even if you thought I was just someone you paid for.
30:50I broke completely.
31:02I broke completely.
31:07Daddy.
31:10Daddy.
31:10Daddy.
31:11Let me see her, he said.
31:16Let me be her dad.
31:18You already are.
31:20My voice cracked.
31:24She knew who you were the second she saw you.
31:29But I'm not ready to let you back in.
31:32Julian didn't leave that night.
31:34He stayed in my tiny apartment.
31:37Daddy, you build this part?
31:39You got it, princess.
31:40Are you coming back tomorrow?
31:42I am.
31:43Every day?
31:44Every single day.
31:46For one moment, something settled in my chest.
31:49This felt right.
31:51A text from Ivan.
31:53Meeting with the loan officer tomorrow to sign papers for your family's debt?
31:56Wear something nice, you still owe me 10 grand.
31:59My fingers went numb.
32:01After my father went bankrupt, Ivan had offered to clear our debts on one condition.
32:06That I marry him.
32:09Last month, I'd borrowed $10,000 from him.
32:13It was the opening he'd been waiting for.
32:17Who was that?
32:18No one.
32:19Was it even?
32:21How do you know that?
32:22I looked for you.
32:24After you disappeared, I never stopped.
32:26I wrote a facial recognition program.
32:29Fed it every photo I had of you.
32:31I finally got a hit in Detroit.
32:33Eve, the only reason I chose this team was you.
32:36So you came here, you actually-
32:39Mommy!
32:40Mommy, I'm hungry.
32:42Almost ready, sweetie.
32:43What are these?
32:45White roses, your favorite.
32:48Tears pricked my eyes as I stared at them.
32:53You never took off the bracelet.
32:56You never really let me go.
32:58Daddy loves Mommy!
33:00I buried my face in her hair.
33:03Julian couldn't see what was happening to me.
33:06Let me take care of you.
33:10For real this time.
33:12We both want it.
33:13I didn't answer.
33:14All I could think about was Ivan.
33:17$10,000.
33:18What Julian would do the second he found out,
33:21he would pay it.
33:22No hesitation.
33:24And we'd be right back where we started.
33:26Him.
33:27The man I'd bought.
33:28I couldn't do that to him again.
33:31I stepped out of his arms.
33:36I have to tell you something.
33:38What is it?
33:41I'm getting married.
33:43I turned Julian down.
33:45I told him we needed time to learn how to be us again.
33:48His eyes dimmed.
33:50But he didn't push it.
33:52When I woke up the next morning,
33:55Julian was already in the kitchen.
33:57He was wearing an apron,
34:00frying eggs,
34:01making toast,
34:02and slicing strawberries.
34:04Every piece was cut perfectly even,
34:07just the way I liked it.
34:08You used to slice them like that.
34:10He glanced back at me,
34:12his eyes soft.
34:13Because you like it.
34:15Lily ran in like a little cannonball.
34:17Mommy!
34:18Daddy made breakfast!
34:20Julian set a plate of sliced strawberries in front of her.
34:23Her eyes lit up.
34:26So sweet!
34:28Slow down.
34:30He smiled and patted her head.
34:32In that moment,
34:34it felt like we were a real family.
34:36If I hadn't left six years ago,
34:38maybe we would have had this all along.
34:41Buzz! Buzz!
34:43My phone vibrated.
34:48Eve!
34:49Maya, I hear you and Julian are back together.
34:51It was Maya.
34:53How did you know?
34:54News travels fast in our world.
34:56I just wanted to remind you that Julian is a public figure.
35:00If the press finds out, you work at a strip club.
35:03Are you threatening me?
35:06I'm helping you.
35:08Julian and I have an arrangement.
35:09As far as the world knows,
35:11I'm his girlfriend.
35:12Don't mess this up.
35:15I gripped my phone until my cuckles turned white.
35:19Julian walked over.
35:21What's wrong?
35:24It was Maya.
35:25His expression hardened.
35:27What did she say?
35:28She said,
35:29As far as the public is concerned,
35:31you're with her.
35:33That's a lie.
35:35She helped me out of a few PR messes,
35:37but we were never real.
35:39But she said she's your girlfriend.
35:41I need your ruster.
35:43Eve, who are you going to believe?
35:44Her or me?
35:46Lily called out from the table.
35:48Daddy, I want more strawberries.
35:50Julian gave me one last look,
35:52then turned back to slice the strawberries.
35:54I stood in the doorway,
35:56my mind a complete mess,
35:57his smile frozen on his face.
35:59What?
36:01What?
36:01I'm getting married, I repeated.
36:04To Ivan.
36:07Mommy's getting married?
36:09To who?
36:10Lily looked up at me.
36:12To Uncle Yvonne.
36:13I want Daddy!
36:15With Daddy!
36:17Julian picked her up and coaxed her softly.
36:20Don't cry.
36:22Daddy's here.
36:23He looked at me,
36:24his eyes turning cold.
36:26Are you serious?
36:28I am.
36:30Do you love him?
36:32That's not the point.
36:33I asked if you love him.
36:36Julian, that doesn't matter.
36:37It matters!
36:42He set Lily down and walked over.
36:45Eve, look me in the eye and tell me you love him.
36:49I looked up into his eyes.
36:50Those same eyes had looked at me in the snow six years ago,
36:54saying,
36:55Fine, let's break up.
36:57Six years later, in front of our daughter,
37:00those eyes were red.
37:03I...
37:04Mommy doesn't like Uncle Yvonne!
37:06Mommy never smiles when she sees Uncle Yvonne!
37:10Lily yelled from the side.
37:12I panicked.
37:13She's telling the truth.
37:16Eve, you're a terrible liar.
37:18The doorbell rang.
37:19I opened the door.
37:21Ivan stood in the doorway.
37:22He wore a suit.
37:23His hair slicked back with gel,
37:25holding a bottle of red wine.
37:26Eve, I'm here to pick you up for dinner.
37:29Who is...
37:29Ivan, this is my...
37:30I'm Lily's father.
37:31Julian walked over and stood in front of me.
37:34Julian Wine?
37:35The NHL guy?
37:37Yeah.
37:40Oh, didn't Eve dump you?
37:43The room went dead silent.
37:46Ivan, you should go.
37:48Go?
37:49I brought wine to celebrate.
37:52To celebrate you finally agreeing to marry me.
37:54I didn't agree.
37:56You did.
37:58He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.
38:02This is the paperwork.
38:04Sign it and I'll pay off the remaining 20 grand.
38:08Otherwise, the bank will take this apartment.
38:11You owe the bank money?
38:13My dad's debt.
38:15The apartment is in my mom's name, but it's mortgaged.
38:17How much?
38:19None of your business.
38:21Eve!
38:22Lily got scared and started crying.
38:25You're scaring her.
38:27I'm sorry, Lily.
38:29Daddy didn't mean it.
38:31How much does she owe?
38:33She owes me 10 grand.
38:35On top of that, there's 20 grand to the bank.
38:38All told, you're looking at 35 once the interest kicks in.
38:41I'll give you 50.
38:43Her debt is paid.
38:45Julian pulled out his phone.
38:4860.
38:50Ivan's face changed.
38:52What's your account number?
38:5570.
38:56Last chance.
38:58Otherwise, I'm calling my lawyers.
39:02Ivan took the money and left.
39:05I leaned against the wall, holding Lily.
39:08Julian, you didn't have to do that.
39:11It was worth it.
39:14He walked over and took Lily from my arms.
39:18Go pack your things.
39:20What?
39:21You're moving into my place.
39:24Tonight.
39:25He looked at me.
39:29Could I trust him?
39:31That night, I worked my shift at the club.
39:35Julian showed up again.
39:38He sat at the bar with a club soda.
39:41Like my own silent bodyguard.
39:44I'm taking you home.
39:45You don't have to come here every day.
39:47I want to.
39:48Aren't you worried about the paparazzi?
39:50Let them take photos.
39:51I've got nothing to hide.
39:53Is Lily asleep?
39:55Bella said she's asleep.
39:58Eve, we're doing a DNA test tomorrow.
40:01What?
40:02A paternity test.
40:03I need legal proof that Lily is my daughter.
40:06She already is.
40:07Then take the test.
40:09After that, I'm filing for joint custody.
40:13You're fighting me for custody?
40:16I'm not fighting you.
40:18Eve, I can't let my daughter grow up in a situation where she could be taken away at any second.
40:22I need legal security.
40:24I won't let anyone take her.
40:26What about you?
40:27You work nights at a strip club.
40:28Lily is five.
40:29She's going to find out eventually.
40:31I do it to pay her tuition.
40:32I know.
40:32So let me take care of you.
40:34I don't want your money.
40:38Then whose do you want?
40:40Ivans?
40:41You'd rather marry him than take anything from me?
40:43Because I don't want to owe you anymore.
40:46You never owed me a damn thing.
40:49Six years, Eve.
40:50Six years.
40:51You raised Lily all by yourself.
40:53Do you have any idea what I went through?
40:55I looked for you every single day.
40:57I even built a tracking program to find you!
41:02So you found me.
41:03Now what?
41:04Now I'm going to marry you.
41:06What?
41:07Let's get married.
41:08Not to settle some debt.
41:10Because I've loved you since I was 19 and that has never changed.
41:13I hesitated.
41:14I couldn't let Lily get caught in the crossfire of our mess.
41:18Not right now.
41:19When you're ready.
41:21But promise me one thing, Eve.
41:23Do not marry even.
41:25Okay.
41:27I've made up my mind.
41:29I can get back into coding.
41:30I was a top CS major at Michigan.
41:32I can start over.
41:36You're already an amazing mother, Eve.
41:39And you're brilliant.
41:42The next afternoon, someone knocked on my door.
41:47That afternoon, someone knocked on my door.
41:50This time it was a process server.
41:52A guy in a wrinkled buttoned up holding a Marilyn envelope.
41:55Miss Hartley?
41:57Yes.
41:57You've been served.
41:58Inside were court documents.
42:00Julian was filing for custody.
42:02Sole custody.
42:03He cited my unstable job history, my past deceptions, and the CPS investigation as proof.
42:10The papers claimed I was an unfit mother.
42:12I read the pages three times, trying to make the words make sense.
42:18He wanted to take her away.
42:23He was actually trying to steal my daughter.
42:26I looked over at Lily.
42:28She was sitting at the kitchen table, coloring.
42:30She looked up with a huge smile.
42:32Look, Mommy!
42:33I drew you a rainbow!
42:35My hands shook as I gently took the drawing.
42:38It's beautiful, baby.
42:40Are you sad?
42:41No, sweetie.
42:43Mommy's just a little tired.
42:44She crawled into my lap and wrapped her tiny arms around my neck.
42:48I love you, Mommy.
42:49I hugged her tight, making a silent vow.
42:52I will never let him take you.
42:53I grabbed Julian's business card and dialed his number.
43:01He picked up on the second ring.
43:03Eve.
43:04We need to talk.
43:06Right now, he gave me an address.
43:08It was his penthouse downtown, overlooking the Detroit River.
43:12The elevator opened directly into his place.
43:15It was massive.
43:17Floor-to-ceiling windows, designer furniture, and a kitchen straight out of a magazine.
43:22But right there, sitting on the fireplace mantle, was a framed photo.
43:27A picture of us from college.
43:29I stared at it, completely stunned.
43:31It was from one of his hockey games.
43:33My head rested on his shoulder.
43:35Both of us grinning like idiots.
43:37I remembered that night.
43:39It was his first college victory.
43:40I remembered how he picked me up on the ice and spun me around.
43:44I kept all of it.
43:45Everything.
43:46Every photo.
43:47Even those silly little notes you used to slip into my locker.
43:51I spun around to face him.
43:54He was in sweatpants.
43:55A light sheen of sweat on his forehead.
43:58He had clearly just gotten back from a workout.
44:00I reached into my bag.
44:02Pulled out the custody papers.
44:04And slammed them on the counter.
44:07You liar!
44:08I screamed.
44:09You swore you wouldn't fight me for custody!
44:11Julian's brow darkened.
44:13He snatched the papers, quickly scranning them.
44:16His face went dangerously hard.
44:19I didn't send these.
44:21What?
44:22Yes, I hired a lawyer.
44:24To establish paternity and set up visitation.
44:26But I would never try to take Lily away from you.
44:29He flipped to the second page.
44:31Sole custody?
44:33Supervised visitation?
44:34I never asked for any of this.
44:36I never authorized this.
44:37Then who?
44:38Maya.
44:39She's my agent's daughter.
44:40She's been overstepping lately.
44:42Maya filed for custody in your name?
44:43Behind my back.
44:44Without my permission.
44:46Julian slammed the papers back on the counter.
44:48His face dark.
44:48She's been trying to force her way into my personal life.
44:51I thought she was just being-
44:52Being what?
44:52I don't know.
44:53Overly professional?
44:54I trusted her because of her dad.
44:56She wants you.
44:57This isn't about Lily.
44:59She just wants me out of the picture.
45:01Julian didn't deny it.
45:03I never led her on.
45:04I never gave her any ideas.
45:06You don't have to do anything.
45:06You're successful.
45:07He looked at me.
45:08A sudden vulnerability in his eyes.
45:10You're gorgeous.
45:11And you're single.
45:13I'm not single, Eve.
45:15I haven't been single since I was 19.
45:17My heart skipped a beat.
45:19Don't.
45:20Don't say that.
45:21Why not?
45:21It's the truth.
45:22Because it doesn't change anything.
45:24I'm still a jobless ex-stripper with a felon for a father.
45:29And you're still a superstar hockey player with an actress on standby.
45:33We don't even live in the same world anymore.
45:36We never did.
45:37He fired back.
45:39That was the whole point.
45:41We made it work anyway.
45:44Right up until you decided we couldn't.
45:48I was trying to protect you.
45:50I didn't need your protection.
45:52His voice echoed out off the high ceilings.
45:55I needed you.
45:57I needed to know that when things got hard, we'd fight together.
46:01Not watch you pack up and disappear the second life got messy.
46:05My dad was going to federal prison.
46:07And my grandfather was dying.
46:08We both had our messes, Eve, but we didn't have to face them alone.
46:13We were both panting, standing inches gun apart.
46:16Six years of unspoken words hung heavy in the air between us.
46:20I was scared.
46:21I was so scared, Julian.
46:22Terrified of losing everything.
46:24Terrified of dragging you down.
46:27Terrified you'd end up resent me.
46:28I could never hate you.
46:30His voice finally softened.
46:32God knows I tried, but I never stopped loving you.
46:35The words hung between us.
46:36I couldn't breathe.
46:37Stop.
46:38I pleaded.
46:38My voice barely a whisper.
46:40Why?
46:40Because it complicates things?
46:42Because it makes it harder to pretend we feel nothing for each other?
46:45He stepped into my space, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off his chest.
46:50You mean everything to me, Eve.
46:52You always have.
46:53And now we have Lily.
46:55That has to mean something.
46:58What are you saying?
47:01I'm saying we try again.
47:04For Lily.
47:05A part of me wanted to believe him.
47:06I wanted to believe that six years apart hadn't completely ruined us.
47:09That we weren't beyond repair.
47:11But when you're used to the world pulling the rug out from under you,
47:13hoping just feels dangerous.
47:15I need to think about this.
47:17I need time.
47:18You have time.
47:19Until tomorrow.
47:20That's not nearly enough!
47:21Maya is hosting a charity gala tomorrow night.
47:23My entire team will be there.
47:25If you want to prove to the world and the courts that we're co-parenting amitably,
47:28this is your perfect chance.
47:30He handed me an invitation.
47:31Thick card stake with gold embossing.
47:34It radiated pure elegance.
47:35I pulled a garment bag from the very back of my closet.
47:38Inside was a dress I hadn't seen in six years.
47:40It was the only piece of my past I couldn't bear to sell.
47:43I held the fabric, remembering the girl I used to be.
47:45The fearless, invincible Eve Hartley.
47:47The gala was held at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
47:49Crystal chandeliers illuminated the marble floors,
47:51reflecting off a sea of custom-tailored gowns and tuxedos.
47:54These people were old money and pure influence.
47:56I was just a single mom with a GID,
47:58whose only real achievement was a little girl who thought I was a superhero.
48:01Eve!
48:02Julian appeared at the top of the staircase.
48:04He looked absolutely devastating in a crisp tuxedo.
48:07He descended the steps, his gaze sweeping over me with absolute awe.
48:12And...
48:13Adoration.
48:15You look beautiful.
48:17Shall we?
48:19We walked into the ballroom together and I felt the shift in the air immediately.
48:22Is that Eve Hartley?
48:23The one who just vanished?
48:24I heard she's been dancing at some strip club.
48:25I lifted my chin and tightened my grip on Julian's arm.
48:27I wasn't going to break.
48:29Not here.
48:29Maya found us near the bar.
48:31She was stunning in a vibrant red dress,
48:33her blonde hair swept into an elegant updo.
48:36Julian!
48:37Darling!
48:38There you are.
48:39I've been looking everywhere for you.
48:41Maya.
48:43You remember Eve.
48:45Of course.
48:46The ghost from your past.
48:49How...
48:50Interesting.
48:51She is Lily's mother.
48:53Show some respect.
48:58Lily?
48:59My daughter.
49:00She's five.
49:02Beautiful.
49:03Brilliant.
49:04And looks exactly like me.
49:06Eve and I are working out our custody arrangement.
49:08Completely imomicably.
49:11But the papers...
49:12You mean the papers you filed behind my back?
49:14We'll discuss that later.
49:16With my lawyers present.
49:19I was trying to help you!
49:22She hid your child from you!
49:24She's clearly unstable!
49:25Maya stared at him.
49:27Then glared at me.
49:28Her face a twisted mask of rage and humiliation.
49:31You're going to regret this.
49:33Before turning on her heel and storming off.
49:35Julian turned to face me.
49:37The hard edge in his expression instantly melted away.
49:40I'm sorry.
49:42I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.
49:44You said you loved me in front of everyone.
49:46I meant it.
49:49But Maya...
49:51He took both of my hands in his.
49:54I don't even see anyone else out there, Eve.
49:57I haven't.
49:59Not once over six years.
50:01I looked up into his eyes.
50:04For the first time in six years, I let myself feel a flicker of hope.
50:09Maybe we really could start over.
50:11Copper metaphor.
50:12Music
50:131
50:13DAY
50:142
50:1520
50:1522
50:1523
50:1528
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