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00:00The night of our engagement party, I pushed open the bedroom door and found my childhood
00:04sweetheart lying beside my half-conscious sister. Afterward, my parents told me to let her have the
00:10wedding. I only asked him one question. Were you sober? He stayed silent for a long moment.
00:16Yes. Don't blame her. In that moment, I knew. He had been reborn too. I nodded. My sister got what
00:26she wanted. She married him. On their wedding day, I still couldn't bring myself to call him my
00:32brother-in-law. So before the ceremony began, I bought a plane ticket and left. Three years of
00:38traveling abroad. My sister's Instagram was a daily showcase of married bliss. Sometimes it was warm
00:45milk waiting on the nightstand. Sometimes him in an apron turned sideways at the stove. Every caption
00:52dripped with smug affection. My husband looks way too good cooking. Lucky me, I don't have to hug him
00:58through a screen. That post had zero likes from our parents or mutual friends. I knew it was meant for
01:05me alone. I liked it anyway. Her latest post was a picture of a folic acid supplement with a simple
01:11caption, trying for a baby. This one, everyone liked. Our parents left comments doting on her.
01:19One comment stood out. Trying for a baby? Wasn't the wedding three years ago for Chloe? When did Mia
01:27get married? I recognized her, our college roommate, who'd been studying abroad and missed the ceremony.
01:34That comment was deleted fast. She reposted, wishing Mia a healthy baby. I'll send the wedding gift now.
01:41I let out a bitter laugh. Everyone was pretending they'd gotten amnesia about what happened three years
01:47ago, carefully avoiding anything to do with me. Sebastian and I, we were happy once, in our past
01:54life. The three of us grew up together. Mia and I are twins. He knew our parents doted on Mia,
02:00who was
02:01always the sickly one, so he made his preference for me impossible to miss. Only got me birthday
02:07presents. Only waited for me after school. Whenever someone asked if he ever mixed us up, he'd snap back.
02:13Do they even look alike? They don't even look alike. Chloe's clearly cuter.
02:21That day, my sister was standing outside the classroom. She heard everything. After school, she locked me
02:28in a bathroom stall, disguised herself as me, ran to the school gate, and kissed Sebastian. By the time I
02:35got
02:35out, I saw Sebastian's stormy face. And behind him, my sister. Head down, eyes red. Back then, I believed we
02:44were
02:44meant to be. We grew up and got engaged, just like everyone expected. But on the night of our engagement,
02:50Mia drugged herself and texted Sebastian. If you don't come, I'll find some random guy. When I saw that
02:58message, terror of losing Sebastian made me delete it without thinking. The next morning, Mia climbed onto
03:04the balcony. Satisfied Chloe? Then she threw herself off. My mother slapped me. Sebastian rushed over and
03:12held me tight. Mom, this isn't Chloe's fault. He took all the blame on himself. The next 20 years,
03:19I had a son. He was never close to me. I didn't understand why until the day Sebastian died.
03:26I held his hand, sobbing at his bedside, when my son rushed back from school and looked at me with
03:32contempt. Crocodile tears. If not for you, dad wouldn't have spent his miserable... died so
03:38young. I jerked my head up, but he wouldn't explain further. Then Sebastian pulled his hand from mine,
03:44gazed out the window, and whispered, Chloe, in the next life, don't delete your sister's text.
03:52He died young. Left me with a truth I couldn't bear. I followed him soon after. When I opened my
03:59eyes
04:00again, it was our engagement night. I was holding Sebastian's phone, staring at my sister's message.
04:06Sebastian, I took something. If you don't come save me, I'll find some random guy. This time,
04:12I quietly marked the message as unread. Just as I was about to set the phone down,
04:16a hand seized my wrist. Chloe, what you're doing? He looked almost savage. It was the first time I'd
04:23ever seen him frantic for someone else. Nothing. Your phone lit up. I was bringing it to you.
04:27He snatched it from my hand, glanced at the screen, and swallowed hard. Not a single word
04:33of explanation. He turned and bolted for the door. And then came the scene I knew was waiting.
04:40The messy bed, the bodies tangled together in bliss. My parents crying tears of joy before
04:46announcing the bride had been swapped. I accepted it all. I boarded a plane and began a three-year
04:53journey around the world. Maybe our old roommate's comment got under her skin again. My mother called
04:58me. The first call in three years. After so long without contact, we'd become strangers,
05:04the silence stretching thin between us. Hello? Mom? Is something wrong?
05:12I was the one to break through the wall first. She fumbled for a moment, then grabbed the lifeline.
05:18No. Nothing. Are you doing okay in Switzerland? Mom, I'm in in New Zealand. What? Since when
05:29your Instagram said- I couldn't bear her excuses anymore. That was six months ago. Just tell me
05:36why you called. You've always been so, so, so hard to love. Not sweet like your sister. I'd heard it
05:45all a thousand times. She could go two hours without repeating herself. She finally got to
05:50the point. It's been three years. A girl alone out there isn't safe. Plus, you're not getting any
05:58younger and you still haven't found a boyfriend. Your sister. She can't stop worrying about you.
06:05Worried about me or worried Sebastian still isn't over me. We both knew the truth. I couldn't pretend I
06:11wasn't disappointed. Finally understanding the purpose of this call. What do you want to say?
06:17My mother laughed awkwardly on the other end. Thought three years away would have given everyone
06:23time to cool down. They never needed to cool down. From the start, they'd always protected Mia.
06:29As for me, I was just the obstacle standing between them and giving her everything.
06:37Maybe she heard the chill in my voice, because the words seemed to get stuck in her throat.
06:43That's when my father stepped in as the stern patriarch, barking at me.
06:47Is that any way to talk to your mother? You ran off for years without a word.
06:52Come home. Your mother and I have found a match for you. Get married while you still can and stop
06:57making the whole family worry. It's the Kingsley boy. We've known his family forever. He came back
07:02from overseas three years ago and he's still single. His father's desperate too. Perfect timing. You two
07:07can meet. I blinked in surprise. Grant Kingsley. He was practically one of us growing up, except he
07:13barely spoke. Mia thought he was gorgeous at first and tried to get close, but he was too cold.
07:19Sebastian got along with him well enough. Whenever I asked to come watch, Grant would shut it down with
07:24that stone-cold face. I always thought he hated me. He agreed to this? Of course. We wouldn't have
07:31made the decision without asking. My fingers drummed against the balcony railing. Fine. I'll
07:36come home tomorrow. I got home close to midnight the next day. After three years away, the estate
07:41looked mostly unchanged, except the irises I'd planted in the garden were gone, replaced by bright
07:47red roses. The housekeeper followed my gaze and smiled as she explained. Mr. Cross planted those
07:52specially for Miss Mia. He's so afraid she'll prick herself. Every morning before he leaves, he goes out
07:58and removes all the new thorns. I murmured something in response, pulled my gaze away,
08:04and stepped inside. The living room was empty, just as I'd expected. Seeing my face, she rushed
08:10to explain. Miss Mia's been struggling with the pregnancy attempts because of her health. She threw
08:14a fit today. The master and madam wore themselves out calming her down. They said they'd freshen up and
08:19wait for you, but the moment they hit the bed they were out. I gave her a kind smile. It's
08:23fine.
08:24Just take my luggage to my room. The noise must have been louder than I realized, because when I
08:28reached the turn on the third floor, I came face to face with a figure in the hallway. He was
08:33in a
08:33bathrobe, said nothing. I followed the housekeeper and moved to walk past him. A hand closed around my
08:39wrist, forcing me to turn. I pulled my hand back. Brother-in-law, this isn't appropriate. He lowered his
08:48hand. Clenched it at his side. He asked, guarded. Why did you come back? I was tired. I didn't
08:55understand why everyone was so certain he could drop me and fall for Mia in an instant, but refused
08:59to believe I could get over him in three years. I looked up, about to answer. When the bedroom door
09:04behind him clipped open, Mia stood there in a silk slip. What took you so long? The moment she saw
09:09me,
09:09the flirtation in her eyes turned to shock. Chloe? Why are you back? She noticed the distance between us,
09:15grabbed Sebastian's arm, and pulled him back half a step, catching up with your brother-in-law the
09:20second you walked through the door. Chloe, don't tell me you're still not over him. The door to the
09:24master bedroom on the second floor swung open with a bang. My parents hurried out in their pajamas.
09:29Then they turned on me. You couldn't just come home quietly. You had to upset your sister the moment
09:33you walked in. I rubbed my temples. I was exhausted. I had no energy for this. I just ran into
09:38him.
09:39There are cameras in the hallway, aren't there? Watch the footage yourselves. I'm going to bed.
09:43Those cameras were installed when we were kids. Mia used to frame me on the stairs. I'd grit my
09:48teeth and refuse to confess, so my parents put in hidden cameras to catch me red-handed. Instead,
09:54what they caught was Mia faking a fall down the stairs. In the end, all they could manage was
09:58just stop provoking your sister. As I opened my bedroom door, I heard Sebastian's voice drift up
10:05from downstairs, perfectly measured. No need. I was just getting water. She called me brother-in-law
10:11and Mia came out. That's all. The word brother-in-law landed light as air, as if a century stretched
10:16between each syllable, like it burned his tongue. I closed the door and collapsed onto the bed. My
10:21phone buzzed with a new message. I opened it. Grant Kingsley. The newest message was from 8pm
10:27tonight. Tomorrow noon, I'll come to your place. I thought for a moment, then typed back. Are you sure
10:33you want to go through with this match-raking thing? You don't want to? I was surprised he
10:39was still awake at this hour. I stared at the line of text. I didn't feel any resistance. The
10:44typing indicator appeared. It hit me a second later. I'd basically just given him the classic
10:49rejection line for a setup. I wanted to backtrack, but then I realized it was the truth. A new message
10:54popped up. Then I'll have to bring my A-game tomorrow. I want Chloe Rivera to have at least one
10:59point of anticipation for our next meeting. I stared at the message and unexpectedly smiled.
11:04Work hard, Kingsley. Maybe coming home wasn't going to be completely suffocating after all.
11:09The next morning, my mother stopped me at the dining table. First thing in the morning,
11:13no greeting, no breakfast. Where are you running off to? I turned back and only then noticed everyone
11:18seated at the table. Sebastian and Mia on the other. His gaze followed my mother's reproach toward me,
11:23then dropped after a single glance. He slid his plate of cut toast over to Mia. Mia beamed.
11:28Thank you, honey. As she ate, she turned her head just slightly, a smug glance sliding toward me
11:33like she was marking her territory. I answered without blinking. Picking up some medicine,
11:39Sebastian's knife scraped against his plate with a sharp clink. Mia looked at him. He smiled at her.
11:43Still staring after all this time? Not tired of the view yet? She blushed and buried her face in
11:48the toast he'd cut for her. My mother's gaze swept over me. Are you sick? I shook my head. No.
11:54Picking up stomach medicine for a friend, his stomach's not great. The sound of
11:57Sebastian's knife on toast went quiet. I didn't look at him again. I turned and walked out.
12:02Wait. Your mother and I bought you a condo in Riverside Towers. When you come back tonight,
12:08move your things there. With your sister and brother-in-law married, it's inconvenient having
12:13you living upstairs in Downs. Mia's face flushed red to her ears. She snapped at my father,
12:18indignant. Dad, what are you saying to her?
12:20Mia. My mother shot her a disapproving look. Mia, don't defend your sister. Having a baby is your
12:27top priority. Your health is already fragile. With Chloe living upstairs, you two won't be able
12:33relax. Oh my god, mom. Not you two. She was scolding them with her words, but her eyes kept
12:39darting towards Sebastian. He set down his knife and fork, wiped his mouth, and spoke in a flat,
12:44even voice. Whatever mom and dad decide, it's on me anyway. I haven't been taking good enough care
12:50of Mia's health. I nodded without a flicker of hesitation. Fine. The room went still for a beat.
12:56All their prepared arguments went unused. Good, as long as you agree. Come back early pack.
13:03She paused, then tacked on an excuse. It's not just for your sister and brother-in-law.
13:09You're getting older, too. If you start seeing someone, you'll want your own space.
13:14Are you seeing someone? Sebastian's voice cut through, strangely abrupt. I didn't quite know
13:19how to answer, so I just said, you could say that? Assuming things go well at noons today?
13:25I'll be going then. I turned and walked through the garden. Behind me, I caught Mia's curious voice.
13:31Sebastian? What are you looking at? Dr. Harrison, I got back last night. The old man's eyes went red.
13:38He patted my shoulder and stepped aside. Come in. Come in.
13:43Have you eaten? Margaret made peerage. Have some?
13:48Finishing half a bowl.
13:51Dr. Harrison was the herbalist who'd treated Mia's health issues when we were younger.
13:55I was always the one who came to pick up her remedies. Over time, he figured out I wasn't
14:01exactly the favorite at home, and he'd take me in for lunch whenever I came by. Later,
14:06Mia complained the herbal concoctions were too bitter. My parents switched her to conventional
14:11doctors, but I kept the habit of visiting the old man. When I first learned Sebastian had stomach
14:17trouble, I asked Dr. Harrison for a formula, a special blend to heal the stomach lining. I brewed
14:23it for Sebastian for three years. After you left, no one came to pick up his medicine anymore. That boy,
14:30he got what he deserved. He said it with righteous fury, more protective of me than my own family had
14:36ever been. So, my girl, you didn't come all this waste to see an old man, did you?
14:41I felt a little embarrassed. Actually, Dr. Harrison, I was hoping to get more of that stomach remedy.
14:48His porridge bowl hit the table. You old fool, don't scare the girl.
14:51Scare her to death for all I care. That bastard married her sister,
14:55and she's still running here to get his medicine. He huffed through his nose. It's not for him.
15:00Dr. Harrison was still fuming. It's for Grant Kingsley. His eyes lit up. He clapped his hands
15:07with glee. Girl, are you and young Kingsley? I felt heat rising to my cheeks. Not yet.
15:15Our family's just suggested we meet. He slammed the table again and shot to his feet.
15:20Skip the meeting. Lock it down. That boy, I told you he was the one.
15:24I was completely lost.
15:26You told me? When? Back then? Didn't he act like he couldn't be bothered with anyone?
15:30Dr. Harrison put on a mysterious expression.
15:34That boy, back when you got together with Sebastian, he kept challenging Sebastian.
15:39What does that have to do with me? The old man was feeling smug now.
15:43What do you mean? What does it have to do with you? He kept challenging Sebastian to basketball to warn
15:48him.
15:50Treat Chloe right. Stay away from her sister.
15:53It was personal. He worried you'd feel sorry for Sebastian, so he only spanked his hips.
16:01Sebastian purposely endured hits to his face and arms, but all his silent longing glances went unseen.
16:09You never paid him any mind.
16:11Now it was my turn to go speechless. The basketball games. I knew about those. I always assumed it was
16:18just guys being guys.
16:19I never imagined that Grant Kingsley, with that permanent stone-cold face, had been fighting Sebastian over me.
16:26No wonder after every game, Sebastian would spend days lying face down at home, unwilling to talk to me.
16:32And he told me, Grant was the loser. He had no honor that he liked getting into street fights.
16:38So every time I saw Grant's bruises, I kept my distance.
16:43Now it was my turn to go speechless. The words wouldn't come.
16:48Dr. Harrison looked at me, sighed, and said nothing more.
16:51He went to the back and returned with the medicine.
16:59Knowing I was meeting Grant at noon, Dr. Harrison practically shoved me out the door.
17:04I carried the herbs to the car, my mind blank the whole way.
17:09Back at the house, Mia was sitting on the couch, clearly waiting for me.
17:13She saw the bag of herbs in my hand. She lunged forward to grab it.
17:17I stepped back and dodged.
17:19It's not for Sebastian.
17:21I said it before she could get a word out. With her, I didn't need her to speak.
17:25I always knew exactly what she was thinking.
17:28She glared at me. She settled back onto the couch.
17:31You'd better not keep away from your brother-in-law.
17:34Or do you want everyone around you to find out you're a bitch lusting after it or your sister's husband?
17:40Her face twisted as she said it.
17:42Even though I'd seen that face in the mirror a thousand times right now, it looked so ugly.
17:47You don't need to be so afraid of me. I'm not interested in someone else's leftovers.
17:52Behind me, I heard a vase shatter against the floor. I didn't flinch.
17:57At the stove, I pulled out the clay pot and began brewing the herbs.
18:01Only three hours until he arrived. I needed to hurry. Just one person's dose.
18:05By noon, the sound of an engine filled the driveway.
18:08A Rolls Royce pulled up to the entrance.
18:11The first thing I saw was a pair of polished leather shoes stepping out.
18:15My father received him with the stiff formality of an elder.
18:19Grant nodded politely, directing his assistant to unload the gifts.
18:23My father's face split into a grin.
18:26His satisfaction ticked up a few notches.
18:29Come in, come in. Lunch is just about ready.
18:33Grant smiled and nodded.
18:35As he passed me, he stopped.
18:38This is for you.
18:40I looked at the jewelry box he held out.
18:42It was slightly aged at the edges.
18:44When I opened it, inside was a purple gem necklace.
18:49My mother picked it out herself.
18:50Her grandmother gave it to her at her wedding.
18:53She said a young woman would prefer the purple.
18:55There's an emerald one too.
18:57She said the green is beautiful, but both intention and sincerity matters.
19:02Two is better than one.
19:04When I still didn't reach for it, his brow furrowed.
19:06Anyone else would have thought he was getting annoyed.
19:10But somehow I could see it.
19:12The nerves underneath.
19:13The faintest trace of hurt.
19:15I didn't want to embarrass him in front of everyone.
19:18I accepted both.
19:20Looking at the deep green gem in my hand.
19:22Jewelry that was clearly even more precious.
19:25I felt like I'd just accepted a mansion.
19:28My father nodded with approval.
19:30Purple jeet suits a young woman.
19:32Bring it up later so your sister can see it too.
19:35My fingers tightened around the boxes.
19:39Grant looked at my father.
19:42Sir, these pieces are precious.
19:44My mother chose them for her future daughter-in-law.
19:46As long as Chloe is happy, that's what matters.
19:54My father's face went dark.
19:57The Kingsley group had been on a meteoric rise for years.
20:00They were at the top of the industry now.
20:03But leaning on the title of potential father-in-law,
20:06my father still tried to defend Mia.
20:08Mia is an obedient girl.
20:10She would never steal from her sister.
20:16She stole the man.
20:18You think she'd hesitate over jewelry?
20:21I lifted my head to look at Grant,
20:23and I realized his had never left me.
20:26Suddenly, I didn't know where to look.
20:28We walked side by side down the garden path.
20:31Our shadows brushed against each other now and then.
20:34I could feel the tension radiating off him.
20:38Remembering what he'd just said,
20:39I couldn't resist teasing.
20:42Going after him like that, aren't you worried
20:44he'll refuse to let me marry you?
20:46He turned to look at me.
20:48Dead serious.
20:50As long as you're willing.
20:52He pressed his lips together.
20:54I wasn't trying to be rude.
20:56But he's not just biased, he's blind.
20:59I wanted to point it out.
21:02Are you upset?
21:03I ducked my head.
21:04At the dining table,
21:06my mother fussed over him.
21:07My father kept his face cold and said nothing.
21:11Grant, what brings you here all of a sudden?
21:14He paused mid-reach.
21:18First, we're not close.
21:20Call me Grant Kingsley, or Mr. Either Works.
21:24Second, I'm here to discuss marriage with Chloe.
21:27Heavy footsteps pounded in from the entryway.
21:30Who's?
21:31Marriage!
21:33Your sister-in-law's.
21:35Chloe Rivera.
21:36Sebastian?
21:37What are you doing home at lunch?
21:39This is Gr- Grant Kingsley.
21:42We all played together growing up.
21:44He even came to our wedding.
21:45You haven't gotten, have you?
21:47Of course I remember.
21:48How could I forget?
21:50My question was,
21:51what is he doing here discussing marriage?
21:54And to whom?
21:55Silly.
21:56There's only one unmarried girl in the house.
21:58It's hardly gonna be me.
21:59I couldn't take the atmosphere anymore.
22:01I'll go get the medicine.
22:03Something in Sebastian's expression shifted.
22:05His face went suddenly still.
22:07But under the table,
22:08I saw his expensive trousers crumpled in a death grip.
22:12When I came back with the bowl,
22:13two pairs of eyes tracked my every step.
22:16Stop staying up so late.
22:18It's bad for your stomach.
22:19When he looked at me,
22:21somehow they glowed,
22:22like a big dog wagging its tail.
22:24Don't trouble yourself, brother-in-law.
22:26The bowl's hot.
22:27The tray works fine.
22:28Chloe, are you this attentive with every guy you meet?
22:31I didn't want Grant to misunderstand.
22:33You're mistaken, brother-in-law.
22:35This is my first time meeting anyone.
22:37The implication was clear.
22:38I was only attentive to Grant.
22:41Maybe the person I used to be attentive to was him.
22:43But he'd proven he wasn't worth it.
22:45After that, he went quiet.
22:48Let's change the subject.
22:49Today is about matchmaking.
22:51We should hear from the two people who actually matter.
22:55Mr. and Mrs. Rivera, I'm 28.
22:57No dating history, no ambiguous entanglements.
22:59I have a strong aversion to mess,
23:01which means I'm incapable of two-timing.
23:02My parents have a stable, loving marriage.
23:04You know the rest.
23:05I'm fully on board.
23:06Everything else depends on Chloe.
23:07Your family, we know well.
23:09But we may not be as wealthy,
23:10and we won't allow our daughter to be shortchanged.
23:13Of course, before the wedding,
23:14I'll transfer 15% of Kingsley Group shares into Chloe's name,
23:17three properties in the city,
23:18one downtown penthouse,
23:19one hillside estate,
23:20one beachfront villa.
23:21Beyond that, it's family tradition.
23:24All income goes to the wife.
23:26In the event of divorce,
23:27all post-marital assets go to Chloe.
23:30Though, divorce won't be happening.
23:31My mother's satisfaction grew with every word.
23:35Chloe?
23:36What do you think?
23:37I glanced at Grant.
23:38Both his hands were on his lap,
23:41clenching, unclenching,
23:43unable to sit still.
23:44I smiled.
23:46I was about to answer when Sebastian cut in.
23:49Mom, marriage is a serious decision.
23:52One lunch isn't enough to decide.
23:54Let's take it slowly.
23:56Yes, I was just asking,
23:58what's Chloe's impression of Grant?
24:00I used the serving chopsticks
24:02to place a piece of fish on Grant's plate.
24:05I'm fine with it.
24:06We can start by spending time together.
24:09Let things develop naturally.
24:11A chair scraped violently against the floor.
24:14Every set of eyes turned to Sebastian.
24:16Even an idiot could read the room by now.
24:19Mia's eyes were rimmed red.
24:23Sebastian, you don't approve?
24:25He looked at his wife so close,
24:27and reason crept back in.
24:30Of course not.
24:31It's just, Chloe is your little sister.
24:34As her brother-in-law,
24:35it's my responsibility to vet any man properly.
24:38We can't make decisions this hastily.
24:41Well, arranged dating isn't the same as our love story,
24:44but if they're heading towards marriage,
24:46they should absolutely spend time together.
24:48Get to know each other, that's only right.
24:50His face stiffened.
24:52Still, he smiled.
24:54You're right.
24:54Grant's gaze lingered for a split second
24:56on the emerald bracelet on Mia's wrist.
24:58We've shown our sincerity.
25:00Now I'm curious.
25:02What does the Rivera family bring to the table?
25:06The enthusiasm from moments ago
25:08evaporated in an instant.
25:11One look told me everything.
25:13They hadn't prepared a single thing for my dowry.
25:16Every good thing in this house
25:18had always gone to Mia.
25:20We're marrying off a daughter,
25:22not closing a business deal.
25:24What matters is the couple's bond.
25:26That's the real wealth.
25:27Not a cent.
25:28He wasn't giving a single cent.
25:31Something in my chest went cold.
25:33I heard the late Mrs. Rivera
25:35left Chloe an emerald bracelet.
25:37It would pair beautifully
25:38with the emerald necklace my mother chose.
25:41On the wedding day,
25:43Chloe could wear them both.
25:44My head whipped toward him,
25:46toward that perfectly casual face.
25:49He'd gone through all this trouble
25:50just to get my bracelet back for me.
25:52It had sat on my wrist for half a day
25:55after my grandmother died.
25:56The moment she was in the ground,
25:59Mia snatched it from me.
26:01She'd said,
26:02Mom and Dad love me.
26:03Grandpa loves me.
26:04Grandma loved me too.
26:06Why would she leave the bracelet to you?
26:07Grandma did love her,
26:09but she cherished me more.
26:11She was the only person in that house
26:14who'd ever noticed my pain.
26:15That day, for the first time,
26:18I forgot all the instructions
26:19to take care of my sister.
26:21I fought for that bracelet like a wild animal.
26:25Mia fell to the floor.
26:26My father backhanded me so hard
26:28there was blood in my mouth.
26:30Grandma's things could go to anyone,
26:32that it didn't matter.
26:34But it did matter.
26:35Mia yanked her hand under the table.
26:37A warning look from my mother stopped her.
26:40Reluctantly, she slid the bracelet off.
26:43Here, just a cheap bracelet.
26:45Can't the Kingsley family afford better?
26:47Grant pulled out a handkerchief,
26:50wrapped the emerald bracelet carefully,
26:52and began wiping it clean slowly.
26:54We can, but this belongs to Chloe.
26:57And as the man pursuing her,
26:58I have an obligation to get it back.
27:00Mia's eyes flooded.
27:02She turned and fled the room.
27:05Sebastian hesitated.
27:06Then he rose and went after her.
27:08I walked Grant to the door.
27:10He was halfway down the path
27:12when he suddenly spun around and strode back.
27:16So, so tomorrow, we'll see each other?
27:19Yes.
27:20Actually, tonight.
27:22Help me move.
27:23He walked away, practically floating.
27:26Back in my room, I pushed the door open.
27:28A hand clamped around my wrist and yanked me inside.
27:31The door slammed shut behind me.
27:34My back hit the wood, hard.
27:36A shadow loomed over me.
27:38I turned my face away,
27:39but his breath landed hot against my neck.
27:42Warm, damp, and strangely sickening.
27:45Brother-in-law.
27:47Call me Sebastian.
27:48His mouth pressed toward me.
27:50Wet and cold grazed the side of my neck.
27:52I shoved him back with every ounce of strength I had.
27:58Get out!
27:59He stumbled back half a step,
28:01wiped the moisture from his lips with the back of his hand.
28:04His eyes closed in on me.
28:06Chloe.
28:08You don't love him.
28:10Feelings from an arranged match start at zero.
28:13Worst case,
28:15we marry first and fall in love later.
28:17I was trying to provoke him.
28:19It worked.
28:20He advanced on me,
28:22bracing one hand against the door beside my ear.
28:24Chloe, don't turn your marriage into a joke just to punish me.
28:28I lifted my chin.
28:30My lips were a centimeter from his.
28:33I looked him straight in the eye.
28:37What makes you think I won't fall in love with him?
28:40He moved closer, inch by inch.
28:44I've seen the way you love.
28:45I can tell in a single glance whether you're in love or not.
28:49I suddenly laughed.
28:51I looked at his mouth.
28:53So what?
28:54If I said I don't love him,
28:56if I said it's you I love,
28:58what would you do about it?
29:00He didn't close it.
29:02I leaned forward.
29:03His pupil shuddered.
29:05He recoiled half a step,
29:07his throat bobbing.
29:09Go on.
29:10Say it.
29:10Would you divorce Mia?
29:12Marry me?
29:13Maybe it was her name,
29:14Mia,
29:15that brought back the shame of being a married man.
29:18Or maybe divorce was the word that hit too close to home.
29:22Sebastian, you loved me so much back then.
29:24And I never noticed when you fell for Mia.
29:26So how can you be so sure I won't fall for Grant later?
29:30Love changes.
29:32You of all people should know that.
29:34If you won't leave,
29:35I will.
29:36Don't rush into this.
29:39Don't trouble yourself, brother-in-law.
29:41Go comfort Mia.
29:43That night, I moved out of the estate.
29:46I didn't have much.
29:47The only things worth bringing were in a single suitcase.
29:51Before Grant arrived,
29:53my father came to find me first.
29:56The Kingsley shares.
29:58Fifteen percent.
30:00When the time comes,
30:01have your sister sign the paperwork.
30:03My hand released the suitcase handle.
30:05I looked at him,
30:06searching for even a flicker of shame in his eyes.
30:10Nothing.
30:11With me,
30:12his only mode was entitlement.
30:14Dad.
30:16Maybe I really should call you Mr. Rivera.
30:20Because I honestly wonder if I'm even your daughter.
30:23I looked down at the weeds
30:24clinging stubbornly to the cracks in the stone steps.
30:28But unfortunately,
30:30the DNA test says I am.
30:33His face crumpled like the sky had collapsed on his head.
30:37You got a paternity test?
30:39Headlights cut through the dark at the end of the drive.
30:42It doesn't matter anymore.
30:43I won't sign anything over to her.
30:46If she wants shares,
30:47she can ask her husband for them.
30:49If your brother-in-law had any,
30:50do you think...
30:51He caught himself.
30:53I paused for half a beat,
30:55then let it go.
30:56Grant loaded my suitcase into the car.
30:59I reached for the seatbelt,
31:01but he leaned in before I could grab it.
31:03He pulled the belt across me
31:05and clicked it into place.
31:06Then,
31:07he straightened up,
31:08settled into the driver's seat.
31:10Something made me glance up at the second floor balcony.
31:13A tall silhouette stood there.
31:15I looked at Grant beside me,
31:17feigning perfect innocence.
31:19Didn't know you could be this childish.
31:21He gave a dismissive snort.
31:23I couldn't resist.
31:24I reached out and ruffled his hair.
31:27Drive, chauffeur Kingsley.
31:31A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
31:34On it.
31:36Grant helped me move house very quickly.
31:38The move was quick.
31:40He didn't dare stay long.
31:42Two steps, stretching into three.
31:44I suppressed my grin and closed the door.
31:49Down below,
31:50he stood outside the building for a long time,
31:53looking up.
31:54I was behind the curtain,
31:55but I stuck one hand out anyway,
31:58giving a little wave.
31:59The next day was my welcome back party.
32:02All our old friends came.
32:04Mia never missed a social event.
32:06Her arm hooked through Sebastian's.
32:09Every head turned.
32:10But the looks were awkward.
32:13After all,
32:14most of the people in that room
32:16had witnessed the great bride swap three years ago.
32:20Mia didn't seem to notice the stiffness in the air.
32:24Chloe,
32:25why didn't you invite us?
32:27We all grew up together, after all.
32:29The chatter around us thinned.
32:31One of our college friends jumped in to save the moment.
32:36Mia!
32:36We heard you're trying for a baby.
32:39Wishing you lots of luck and lots of kids.
32:41Tell me about it.
32:43My health makes it so hard.
32:45Sebastian's been working overtime on this for three years.
32:48The comment was a little explicit.
32:51The provocation was impossible to...
32:54Yeah, it's tough for everyone.
32:57Good thing our relationship is so stable.
32:59We've been together forever and still haven't gotten bored.
33:04Haven't you only been married three years?
33:08Okay.
33:09There are a lot of people here.
33:11Aren't you embarrassed?
33:13She smacked his hand away.
33:15You're the one who gets embarrassed, not me.
33:19You guys don't know this.
33:21Sophomore year of high school, I kissed him after class.
33:24His face went red as a tomato.
33:26Admit it.
33:27You already had feelings for me back then.
33:30You were just too proud to show it.
33:32Back then, Sebastian and I were the golden couple.
33:36Videos strangers posted of us together racked up millions of views.
33:40Everyone thought we'd make it.
33:42Nobody expected that the perfect love story they envied had been hiding rot all along.
33:48Disgusting.
33:50Isn't this supposed to be a party?
33:51Why is it so quiet?
33:52I develop Etileplus if I'm more than half a meter away from Chloe Rivera.
33:58Mia's face went dark.
34:00She elbowed Sebastian beside her.
34:02He didn't move.
34:04Honey, let's move.
34:05Give them space to...
34:07Bond.
34:09Sebastian pulled his gaze back, and as he stood, shot me a look of warning.
34:13I ignored it completely.
34:15The empty space left behind was big enough for two more people.
34:19Grant acted like he couldn't see that.
34:21He squeezed in right next to me.
34:23It looked like our clothes were touching, but I could feel the millimeter of air between
34:28his leg and mine.
34:29A cold, untouchable CEO, whether in novels or real life, was always the center of attention.
34:36This was no exception, especially with the way he was, ice-cold face, practically begging
34:43to be close to me.
34:46So, is there something going on here?
34:49Normally, he never spoke more than one sentence around our friends.
34:53Today, he was exceptionally patient.
34:56I follow Chloe's lead.
34:58Whatever she says, goes.
34:59If she says yes, it's yes.
35:01If she says not yet, then I've still got work to do.
35:04The teasing got louder.
35:05Beside the corner of the hall at night, Mia tugged at Sebastian's sleeve.
35:10Sebastian.
35:11Truth or dare?
35:12You in?
35:13His gaze pulled away from the figures at the center of the crowd.
35:17He processed.
35:18Just party games.
35:19See you at the karaoke bar late.
35:21Adult parties they played loose.
35:23It was never far from sex.
35:25A way to give the singles some sparks, and the couples a little fuel for the fire.
35:31Sebastian.
35:32Truth or dare?
35:33You in?
35:35Yes.
35:36Mia's smile turned victorious.
35:39She shot a look at the girl across from her.
35:41First round.
35:42The bottle spun and landed on Mia.
35:45Rules are rules.
35:46Mia, you've been married a while.
35:48Your kissing skills should have improved by now.
35:51Pick a guy and make out for one minute.
35:53Mia's face went red as a boiled shrimp, but there was zero surprise in her eyes.
35:58She ducked her head and tugged at Sebastian's sleeve.
36:02Two tugs.
36:03His lips were pressed tight, but in his line of sight, two heads were bent close.
36:09Whispering.
36:09He reached out, cupped the back of Mia's head, and kissed her.
36:13The room erupted in tears.
36:16I glanced over at the noise.
36:18I locked eyes with Sebastian.
36:20He was kissing his wife, but his eyes were on me, like a wolf ready to sink its teeth in.
36:27Kissing with his eyes open.
36:28One woman in his arms, another on his mind.
36:32Trash.
36:33The commotion across the room was dying down.
36:36Sebastian pulled back, his face half hidden, only the reddened rims of his eyes visible.
36:41Enough already!
36:42Keep going!
36:43The bottle spun again.
36:45This time, it stopped on me.
36:47Mia smiled.
36:48My husband.
36:49Or Grant Kingsley.
36:51Pick one.
36:51Have him swap coats with you.
36:54It was way too much.
36:56Come on, it's just a game.
36:57Mia took her punishment.
36:59Chloe's not gonna chicken out, is she?
37:01I looked at the speaker.
37:02The same girl as before.
37:05Enough.
37:08You seem pretty comfortable with this.
37:10Such nasty talk.
37:12Who knew someone so cold had such a filthy mind?
37:15Grant crossed his long legs, completely unbothered.
37:19Clean words are for clean people.
37:23I cut her off, picking up my glass.
37:25I forfeit.
37:26I'll drink.
37:27She sat back, smiling.
37:29One glass won't cut it.
37:31At least ten.
37:33Grant moved to drink for me.
37:35She sneered.
37:37Can't handle the punishment?
37:39Can't even handle the drinks?
37:40I pressed his hand down, signaling him to stay calm.
37:43It's fine.
37:45I can hold my liquor.
37:47Ten glasses.
37:48I barely got them down.
37:51I set the last one on the table.
37:53My vision was doubling.
37:54I pressed a hand to my temple.
37:57I'm heading out.
37:58You guys have fun.
38:00Should I get you something for the hangover?
38:02No need.
38:03I just need to sleep it off.
38:04Take me home?
38:05He guided me toward the door.
38:07As we passed Sebastian, his hands tightened on his lap.
38:11But he didn't get up.
38:15Mia, that was on purpose.
38:19What, feeling sorry for her?
38:23We ended a long time ago.
38:25You don't need to keep dragging it out.
38:28You think I won't let go?
38:30Or you're the one who never let go!
38:34Don't think I don't know.
38:35At the office, you wear the engagement ring from her.
38:38At night, you switch it for mine.
38:40She held back tears, chin high.
38:43What?
38:44Didn't think I'd find out?
38:47Your secretary?
38:48Your receptionist?
38:50Your directors?
38:51Everyone?
38:52They're all my eyes and ears.
38:53Sebastian turned to face her.
38:55The cold reached his eyes first.
38:57Then, for the sake of their years together, he forced it back down.
39:01You made your choice.
39:03Now live with the result.
39:04I'm not doing well by you.
39:06But Chloe, she's never crossed a line.
39:08At his confession, Mia laughed through her tears.
39:11Bitter, defiant.
39:12You really think she's over you?
39:15His gaze snapped tight.
39:17What did you do?
39:19I put something in those ten drinks.
39:21Same thing I took that night.
39:24Sebastian's hand flew to her throat, clamping down.
39:28Are you asking to die?
39:30Mia beat at his hand, her face purpling.
39:32Then the grip stopped, released.
39:37Sebastian, she's no better than me.
39:42You want to bet?
39:43Her first call will be to you, begging you to fix it.
39:48The man in the driver's seat didn't answer.
39:51But his breathing, suddenly ragged, betrayed everything.
39:57One minute passed.
39:58Five minutes, seven, nine, ten, until half an hour.
40:03An entire hour since I'd left.
40:06The pinned chat at the top of his phone stayed silent.
40:09Even Mia couldn't sit still.
40:12Impossible.
40:13She's a cheap whore who wants her sister's husband.
40:16How could she not call you?
40:18Sebastian couldn't hear her anymore.
40:20That figure helping her out the door.
40:22It wouldn't leave his mind.
40:24A ringing filled his ears.
40:26Get out!
40:28Mia opened her mouth, but one look at his eyes sent her scrambling out the door.
40:33The moment her feet hit the ground, the car tore away like an arrow loosed from a bow.
40:40Outside my apartment, Sebastian hammered the elevator button.
40:44Rush hour.
40:45Every car was packed.
40:47The people around him shrank back from the wild look on his face.
40:51He spun around and bolted for the stairwell.
40:54Twelfth floor.
40:55He took the stairs three at a time.
40:57His hair plastered to his forehead.
40:58His legs burned like hands were dragging him down.
41:01He'd charge to 1-2-0-1.
41:04Chloe, open up!
41:06Nothing.
41:07Then, the crash of a glass shattering.
41:09Chloe, get a grip.
41:11He's not me.
41:12I'm here now.
41:13Just open the door.
41:15Please!
41:16The neighbors did.
41:17She waved it at him.
41:18Listen here, young man.
41:19What's all this yelling?
41:20Your wife in there cheating on you or something?
41:22He turned.
41:23His bloodshot eyes looked like they wanted to kill.
41:26The woman slammed her door without a second thought.
41:29He knocked all night.
41:30Grant brought me back from the hospital in the morning.
41:33We ran straight into Sebastian, slumped against my door.
41:37I walked up and nudged him with my foot.
41:40Sebastian stirred, blinked awake.
41:42His voice came out rasping.
41:43Chloe.
41:45His eyes landed on the hospital discharge form in my hand.
41:48You animal!
41:50Grant caught his wrist, steady.
41:52Sebastian stared at me.
41:53Why?
41:54Why are you protecting him?
41:56Sebastian, take your madness home.
41:58He laughed, stumbled a few steps.
42:01Yeah, I've lost my mind.
42:03Because you, you're pathetic!
42:06To get back at me for choosing Mia, you got drubbed and you still let him sleep with you
42:10so bad you ended up in the hospital?
42:13Sebastian, not everyone is as disgusting as the two of you.
42:17Grant pulled the discharge papers from my hand.
42:19Chloe's right.
42:20Don't project your filth onto other people.
42:22Here's a tip.
42:23There's another way to handle being drubbed.
42:25It's called going to a hospital.
42:26They have actual medicine.
42:28Sebastian looked down at them.
42:30Before I closed the door, I told him, I've already called the police.
42:34This time, I'm not backing down just because she's my sister.
42:37After that, Sebastian and I didn't see each other for a long time.
42:41I heard my father was hospitalized from the stress.
42:45Mia, because she was pregnant, wasn't arrested.
42:49Sebastian spent a fortune pulling strings and had her confined to the family estate.
42:53The day Grant and I got married, my mother came, but only to beg mercy for Mia.
42:59I learned then, Mia had gotten paranoid.
43:02She'd been tailing Sebastian.
43:03She'd photographed several female clients and posted them online, labeling them as mistresses.
43:09Sebastian had to pay settlements.
43:1270% of the company's investments dried up.
43:15But Mia's spending habits never changed a bit.
43:17The debt collectors came knocking.
43:19He had to sell the mansion and move back into my parents' house with her.
43:23My father couldn't bear to see his precious daughter suffer, so he'd set his sights on my dowry.
43:28This time, he hit solid steel.
43:31If she's here to congratulate me, she can come in.
43:34If not, she's not welcome.
43:36She came in, sat in the seat of honor.
43:39Didn't say a single word to me the entire time.
43:41I didn't care, because the ceremony was starting.
43:45Originally, I was supposed to walk to Grant alone, but before the doors opened...
43:49A bride should have someone walk her down the aisle.
43:51Let me stand in for Dad.
43:53I'll hand you over to him.
43:56I took his arm.
43:58The doors swung open.
44:00Light gathered around us, flooding in.
44:02Chloe, you look beautiful in your wedding dress.
44:04I always knew he had feelings for you.
44:06Every basketball game, I called him delusional.
44:08He kept talking to himself.
44:10Never thought he'd actually win.
44:11He didn't win.
44:13You forfeited.
44:14I cut him off.
44:15If I hadn't chosen her, I'd be the one standing there.
44:19You chose me.
44:21And you resented me for the rest of your life.
44:24For the first time, that immovable face of his cracked.
44:27He opened his mouth to speak, but the walk had reached its end.
44:31Brother-in-law, time to give me my bride.
44:33Brother-in-law, time to give me my bride.
44:34Brother-in-law, time to give me my bride.
44:37Brother-in-law, time to give me my bride.
44:39Brother-in-law, time to give me my bride.
44:40Brother-in-law, time to give me my bride.
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