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00:00The Hartwell family heir, Blake, suffers from severe insomnia.
00:03He can only fall fast asleep when holding me in his arms.
00:05So ever since I was little, I was sent to his side to act as his personal human sleeping pillow.
00:09After growing up, he dated one lover after another, with none lasting more than three months.
00:13Yet I stayed by his side through it all.
00:15His rich friends always called me Blake's permanent shadow, a total clingy pest he could never shake off.
00:20He would always just chuckle and say nothing.
00:22I silently took all their snide remarks and sneers, and zero regret.
00:25Little did they know, Blake and I were actually in a secret relationship the year I graduated high school.
00:30I accidentally drank a glass of spiked pump at the prom.
00:32When I was burning up and miserable in my room, Blake found me and we spent a chaotic night together.
00:37Eve, be my girlfriend. I've fallen for you ages ago.
00:40But Mrs. Victoria would never let us be together.
00:42Victoria constantly degraded me, as a filthy rat from the slums.
00:45If I couldn't cure Blake's insomnia, she would have had her bodyguards throw me out years ago.
00:49Then we won't let her know. We'll keep it on the down low.
00:51Those lovers of his were just fake props. He hired to fool Mrs. Victoria.
00:54Whenever he called, I drop everything, whether I was in the lab or at the coffee shop, just to make
00:58sure he got some sleep.
00:58Today, I received a text message, along with a hotel location pin.
01:02I need you right now.
01:03Blake, why didn't you go find your little gutter girlfriend tonight?
01:06Girlfriend, give me a break. She's nothing more than a paid human pillow to help me pass out.
01:08Oh, but aren't you guys in a secret relationship for ten years?
01:10I just played her at the graduation prom.
01:12I slipped something into her juice and fed her that stupid secret lover's crap.
01:14The only way to keep her quietly in bed has a decent sedative, got it?
01:17In that case, why don't you let me try tonight, that I can get you to sleep a whole lot
01:20better.
01:21Show me what you've got, then.
01:22I couldn't bear to listen another second, clapping both hands over my mouth.
01:24So it was all just a damn lie.
01:26By not waiting for him at the villa tonight, I really pissed Blake off.
01:30My phone kept getting blasted with non-stop texts and missed calls from him.
01:34After leaving the hotel, I headed straight home and dug an employment contract out of my drawer.
01:38Last month, fully convinced I'd renew, Mrs. Victoria coldly slapped the contract down right in front of me.
01:43I'd been way too swamped back then and completely forgot to sign it.
01:46Looking back now, it was like a massive wake-up call from fate.
01:48A sudden knock hammered against the door outside.
01:50I instantly shoved the contract away out of sight.
01:52Blake wore an intensely irritated look.
01:53Eve, my head is fucking killing me.
01:55Get your ass out here right now.
01:56I'm not feeling well tonight.
01:57I cracked the door open.
01:58He ignored my feelings, yanked me violently into the room and threw me onto the bed.
02:01I struggled with everything I had, but I was no match for his strength, ending up trapped tightly in his
02:05arms.
02:05Stop moving unless you have a death wish.
02:06I swallowed down my sheer disgust.
02:07Waking up the next morning, the space beside me was ice cold and empty.
02:10Blake had already wolted.
02:12Sitting on the table was a gift box showcasing a diamond bracelet.
02:15Right next to it was a sticky note.
02:16Wait for me at the villa tonight and behave.
02:17I chucked the whole box straight into the trash can.
02:20That afternoon, Shala walked into the coffee shop surrounded by a group of friends.
02:23She slid off her sunglasses, her eyes instantly locked onto me behind the counter.
02:27I want five lattes.
02:28And listen up, skim milk only, high altitude South American beans.
02:31Mess up a single detail and you're dead.
02:33Got it.
02:33Give me a minute.
02:34Here are your coffees.
02:35Please be careful.
02:36I walked over carrying the tray, but the second I handed it to her, she deliberately let go.
02:39The boiling hot coffee splashered all over the floor.
02:42Shara let out a fake shriek.
02:43Are you fucking blind?
02:45You can't even hold a damn cup of coffee steady?
02:47Clumsy and totally useless.
02:48Just like I thought.
02:49Everyone around stared in our direction.
02:51Gritting my teeth, I grabbed a rug to wipe down the mess.
02:54Right then, Shara slyly slipped the diamond bracelet straight into my apron pocket.
02:58After cleaning up the mess and getting back behind the counter,
03:00it wasn't long before a piercing shriek echoed from the lounge area.
03:03My diamond bracelet is gone!
03:04That was a limited edition piece Blake bought me just last night.
03:07It's worth two million bucks!
03:08Nobody else even came near this table except that damn clerk.
03:10Was it you, you broken trash, who snatched my bracelet while everyone was distracted?
03:13I didn't touch a damn thing of yours.
03:15A start from a low-life minimum wage worker?
03:17Who can't even afford a decent outfit?
03:19Who else in their right mind would steal from me around here?
03:21I didn't steal it.
03:22If you don't believe me, call the cops and check the security footage.
03:25Who knows if the cameras are even working today?
03:27Before the cops show up, I'm searching for you myself.
03:30Shara suddenly lunged forward, aggressively shoving her hands straight into my pocket.
03:32I shoved her heart away from me.
03:33A glazing diamond bracelet dangled right from her fingertips.
03:36Look everyone!
03:36They pulled it right out of her pocket!
03:37Caught red-handed!
03:38You little thief.
03:39Got any excuses left now?
03:40I shook my head fetically, desperate.
03:42I turned to our male co-worker David like he was my last lifeline.
03:45David!
03:45You were standing right there the whole time.
03:46You saw what actually happened, right?
03:48David's eyes darted away guiltfully.
03:50Sharon was dripping in designer brands and came from crazy wealth.
03:52She was way out of his league to mess with.
03:54I saw Eve steal it with my own eyes.
03:55She took advantage of the moment when Mrs. Shara wasn't looking and stuffed it straight into
03:58her own pocket.
03:59David!
04:00What the hell are you talking about?
04:01Why are you guys doing this to frame me?
04:03Hear that?
04:03Even your own co-worker is backing it up.
04:05Someone like you who'd sell her body for cash, stealing is just in your dirty blood.
04:09With a deafened bang, a glass door of the coffee shop swung open.
04:12Blake strode aggressively right into the center of the crowd.
04:14Blake, it wasn't me!
04:16Shara instantly slapped on a look of utter grievance, lunging forward to loop her arm through
04:19Blake's.
04:20Blake, the limited edition bracelet you gave me was stolen by this sticky-fingered trash!
04:24They pulled it right out of her pocket, caught red-handed!
04:26I saw her steal it with my own two eyes!
04:28Blake's gaze cut like a cold blade.
04:30Blake, don't take that commoner too seriously.
04:33A woman you can buy and sleep with for a price.
04:35How is she any different from a whore?
04:36Blake looked down at my cheap, stain-covered uniform, his eyes swimming with absolute disdain.
04:40Blake, you know me better than anyone.
04:42In all these ten years, I've never-
04:43Ten years?
04:43Are you trying to remind me that you've been cashing checks from the Hartwell family for
04:46a whole decade?
04:47Every last shred of hope in my eyes shattered completely.
04:50Eve, spare me that pathetic look.
04:51Someone like you who'd sell her dignity and body for cash, seeing a two million dollar
04:54bracelet and getting greedy is hardly a surprise, is it?
04:56So, in his eyes, I wasn't just a living sleeping pill.
04:59I was a vicious thief who would stop at nothing for money.
05:02Hear that?
05:03Even Blake knows you're a total thief.
05:04Now get the hell out of here!
05:05The coffee shop owner popped up out of nowhere, bowing repeatedly to Blake.
05:08Please calm down.
05:09This is completely on our hiring oversight.
05:10Eve, you're fired.
05:11Get your sorry ass out of here, right now, before you offend the master and lady!
05:14What a shameless, disgusting piece of work.
05:17Fine.
05:17I'm leaving.
05:18Blake, I'll give you exactly what you want.
05:20Blake stared at my retreating figure, a strange look flashing deep in his eyes.
05:23Mrs. Victoria and her friends were enjoying their afternoon tea.
05:26Seeing me, Victoria frowned, looking at me like I was a stain on the rug.
05:29Who on earth is this?
05:31Just some insignificant maid.
05:32Her expression was dripping with total annoyance.
05:34Can't you see I'm busy?
05:34If you track me down out here, it better be about something actually important.
05:37I dug the employment contract straight out of my cloth bag.
05:39Ma'am, consider this contract officially done and overworked.
05:42Mrs. Victoria's expression turned brutally ugly.
05:44The payment from the Halvet family was too generous.
05:46She didn't believe anyone would turn it down.
05:47Have you actually thought this through?
05:49I placed the black card squarely onto the table.
05:52I had always believed that Blake and I shared true, genuine love, and I refused to let dirty
05:56money taint what we had.
05:57All these years, I hadn't touched a single dime of it.
06:00Mrs. Victoria let out a frosty, mocking Skeff.
06:02Blake and Shara are getting engaged next month.
06:05I was actually racking my brain trying to figure out how to kick you out gracefully, but walking
06:08in here to terminate the contract yourself, you just did me a massive favor.
06:12Hearing the word engaged made my mind go completely blank.
06:14When he was 13, Blake was kidnapped by a rival faction of the Hartwald family.
06:18Though he was eventually rescued safe and sound, his mental state was left shattered, making
06:22it impossible for him to sleep a wink every single night.
06:24That morning, he went out for a breath of fresh air.
06:27And because I had gotten up early to help my mother run her breakfast street stall, I was
06:31so exhausted I fell dead asleep right on the roadside.
06:33Just by looking at my peaceful sleeping face, an overwhelming wave of drowsiness washed right
06:38over him.
06:39And that was how it all started between Blake and me.
06:41I had witnessed countless nights when he hovered on the absolute brink of a breakdown.
06:46He would also show up right on time with his bodyguards whenever loan sharks raided our
06:50home, wiping out every single bit of trouble for us.
06:53That was the exact moment I started falling for him.
06:56He once made me a promise that he'd give me a lavish, grand wedding and let me stand proudly
07:01by his side out in the open.
07:02No more hiding in the shadows.
07:05He truly went to agonizing lengths to hide the truth and string me along.
07:08Now that Shirara is around to keep Blake company and calm his nerves, his sleep has improved
07:12drastically.
07:13We don't need you meddling or wearing yourself out anymore.
07:15I spoke with a bitter, hollow ache in my chest.
07:17I truly hope Blake recovers and heals completely as soon as possible.
07:21On my way out of the villa grounds, my phone rang.
07:24It was my academic advisor.
07:27The fully funded critical care fellowship at the Mayo Clinic is still locked in for you.
07:30Classes start next month.
07:31Are you seriously sure you want to turn down an opportunity this use of?
07:34Blake hated long-distance relationships.
07:35To stay by his side, I had repeatedly put such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on hold.
07:40No, I confirmed my acceptance of the invitation, and I will be there on time.
07:45Even though I had already initiated the contract termination, my agreement with them didn't
07:49officially expire until next month.
07:51That evening, I headed back up to the master bedroom in the villa.
07:55Blake stepped out of the bathroom wearing a bathrobe, fresh out of the shower.
07:58Catching sight of me, a satisfied smirk crossed his face as he reached out and yanked me
08:02straight into his arms.
08:03His hand slid up to stroke and traced my waist.
08:06Something hard was pressing firmly against me down below.
08:08The exact second Blake slipped and me kissed me, I jerked my head away.
08:10Not happening.
08:11What the hell is that supposed to mean?
08:13From now on, my only job is to help you sleep.
08:16You can share the bed to fall asleep, but nothing else.
08:18Blake's expression froze, turning icy bit by bit.
08:20Eve, are you still throwing a tantrum over that little incident at the coffee shop today?
08:23Shara didn't even press charges against you for stealing her stuff.
08:25She just had you fired.
08:27He let go of me, and as if a sudden realization hit him, his face cleared up.
08:30The look he gave me grew a hint of raw disgust.
08:32Oh, I get it now.
08:33You're trying to pull this stunt to bump up your contract payout, right?
08:35If you wanted more cash, you could have just asked instead of playing these cheap little
08:38games.
08:38The check fluttered down and landed right at my feet.
08:40Looks like Mrs. Victoria hadn't bothered telling him I already backed out of the contract.
08:43I forced out a strained, rigid smile.
08:45It's getting late.
08:46You should get some sleep.
08:47I forced down my discomfort and let him hold me as I drifted off to sleep.
08:50Once this month is over, everything's finally going to change for the better.
08:53Convinced I was just throwing a childish fit, Blake forcefully dragged me into his car the
08:57next day and hauled me off to a luxury shopping mall.
08:59He tried using the exact same tactics he used on past lovers to win me back over.
09:04He forced me into the fitting room to try on a designer dress and whispered a threat right
09:08against my ear.
09:08If you don't put it on, I've got all day to waste right here with you.
09:12I clenched my teeth and gragingly gave in.
09:15Stepping out of the dressing room in the dress, I stood frozen in front of the full-length
09:18mirror.
09:19Blake walked up behind me, placing his hands on my waist to measure it, and stared at
09:22me in the mirror.
09:24With a waste of this kinney?
09:25How the hell did you manage to take everything I dished out in bed before?
09:29Don't touch me.
09:30Blake took my refusal as flirting and just smiled without saying a word.
09:33While he was paying the bill, I slipped out the door.
09:35Blake caught up in a flash and grabbed my wrist.
09:37Eve, I've bought you all this stuff, so stop testing my patience.
09:41Shara's voice rang out suddenly.
09:43What a coincidence.
09:44Are you guys out shopping here too?
09:46Blake let go of my wrist instantly.
09:48Blake's bodyguard walked up just then, arms loaded with shopping bags.
09:50A look of absolute delight lit out Shari's face.
09:52Blake, are all these for me?
09:53These are literally my favorite styles.
09:55Blake stared right at me, his tone glacial.
09:57Yeah, they're all for you.
09:58Go ahead and take them.
09:59Shari hoisted the bags up smugly, shooting me a triumphant look.
10:02Darling, you need to punish her for me.
10:03She still hasn't apologized for stealing from me, so make her tag along today as my personal
10:07maid to carry all our shopping bags.
10:08Okay?
10:09Fine.
10:10She can stay and wait on you.
10:11I didn't steal a damn thing, and I won't sit here and take your humiliation either.
10:14I turned on my feel and started to walk away.
10:16Two burly men in black suits instantly stepped forward, blocking my path.
10:19Blake strode up and clamped down on my wrist again.
10:21Your contract isn't up yet, which means you do what I say.
10:23Cross me.
10:24And I've got a million ways to make your family's lives a living hell.
10:27I swallowed down the bitter lump rising in my throat.
10:29I get it.
10:29I'll do whatever you want.
10:30For the entire afternoon, I followed right behind the two of them, my hands loaded down
10:34with Shala's shopping bags.
10:35The heavy straps bit into my palms, turning my skin raw, red, and aching.
10:40Halfway through, Blake slipped away to use the mess room.
10:42Shara parked herself in a lounge area and ordered me to go buy her coffee.
10:45Before I could even hand the cup over, Shara deliberately threw her arm out and slammed
10:48into it.
10:49Most of the boiling hot coffee splashed all over my face, neck, and chest.
10:54Passersby stopped and stared at my pathetic, soaked appearance.
10:57What the hell happened here?
10:58Shara jumped in first to twist the story.
10:59Eve's been holding a massive grudge against me.
11:01The second you walked away, she tried to hurl this coffee right in my face.
11:04I dodged it, and she accidentally spilled the whole thing all over herself.
11:07Blake flicked his gaze over to me.
11:09Is that what happened?
11:10No.
11:10She deliberately rammed into me and dumped the coffee on me to frame me.
11:13Save it, Eve.
11:14Stop lying and dodging accountability over something so petty.
11:16Shara has zero reason to target you or dump coffee on you.
11:19On the other hand, you've been carrying a massive chip on your shoulder lately.
11:23Completely unstable.
11:24It's totally obvious you just wanted to take your anger out on me.
11:26I already knew deep down that no matter what I said, he'd only ever believe Shara's
11:29lies, and this punishment still wasn't over yet.
11:32They skipped heading back downtown and ordered the driver to head straight out toward the
11:35dark, desolate outskirts of the city.
11:37The car's totally packed with bags, so why don't you get out and walk the rest of the
11:40way?
11:41Consider it a little workout to make up for your screw-ups today.
11:43I stepped out of the car without a second thought.
11:45Blake froze in his seat, completely stunned that I just rolled over and walked off without
11:48a fight.
11:49He thought I would throw a fit.
11:50On the drive back, Shara glanced sideways at the silent Blake.
11:53We're practically getting engaged anyway, so you better stop tracking her down or messing with
11:56her.
11:57Blake's face drained of color, a flash of nervous panic flickering deep in his eyes.
12:00Did you go and tell her about our engagement?
12:02She already knew.
12:03What, are you seriously still hung up on her?
12:05Do you actually want to keep keeping this pathetic little tool around?
12:07Blake's look toward Shara turned bone cold as he issued a harsh warning.
12:10My business is not for you to meddle with.
12:11Blake didn't give the matter a second thought, because he was utterly convinced that I couldn't
12:14survive a single day once I left him.
12:17Before I knew it, the final night before my contact expiration had arrived, my luggage was
12:20packed and ready to go down to the last bag.
12:22I sat alone in the living room, waiting past midnight until 1am, but his call never came.
12:26Finally, his phone call buzzed through.
12:28Answering the call, my voice sounded calm and entirely mechanical.
12:31Blake, it's time for bed.
12:32On the other end of the line, Shara sounded bright over the top laughter rang out first.
12:36Wow, these fireworks are unreal.
12:38Blake, I love you.
12:39I'm not coming over tonight.
12:40I'll catch up with you tomorrow.
12:41Shara's voice piped up again instantly.
12:43No way, you promised to spend tomorrow with me.
12:45Blake let out a light chuckle.
12:46Fine, see you the day after tomorrow then.
12:48The second the call dropped, Shara posted a new video update to her Instagram story.
12:51In the video, Blake and Shala watched the fireworks from the deck of the yacht.
12:55Then they kissed under the fireworks.
12:57I turned the screen black.
12:58The very last shred of attachment in my heart vanished completely.
13:01The following morning at dawn, I boarded a flight bound overseas.
13:04I pulled out the SIM card I had used for years and popped in a brand new one.
13:08A voice deep inside kept telling me,
13:09Evie, keep moving forward and never look back.
13:12On the very night I left, Shara tried putting Blake to sleep, but it barely worked at all.
13:16Shala threw her arms around his neck and whispered a seductive hint right into his ear.
13:20Maybe a little extra workout in bed will help knock you out, huh?
13:22Tonight, he felt completely restless and on edge.
13:25At this hour, Eva should be sitting quietly under the lamp, reading a book.
13:28Back then, Blake loved pulling pranks on her.
13:30He'd yank the book right out of her hands and collapse across her lap.
13:34Eve rarely ever got mad at him, just smiling as she lowered her head to kiss his forehead.
13:38Lost in the memory, Blake smiled faintly and unlocked his phone screen.
13:41There wasn't a single text or notification from her.
13:44Blake instantly dialed her number.
13:46Sorry, the number you dialed is out of service.
13:48Shara pressed her body tightly against his, trying to seduce him.
13:50Come on, let's do something a lot more fun instead.
13:52A sudden wave of panic hit Blake, making him shove Shala away, grab his jacket, and storm out the door.
13:57Shara clenched her fists tightly.
13:59Blake drove straight to Eve's apartment building, kicking the door wide open.
14:02The place was completely hollow and stripped bare.
14:05Not a single piece of furniture remained.
14:06It looked as though nobody had ever lived here at all.
14:09Blake yanked out his phone and called his assistant, his face turning pitch black.
14:12Where the hell is Eve?
14:13Airline records show that Miss Eve boarded an overseas flight yesterday morning.
14:16And it was a one-way ticket.
14:18No return to a postage whatsoever.
14:19What do you mean?
14:20Isn't she supposed to stay by my side and put me to sleep?
14:22Where else could she possibly go?
14:23The assistant answered with extreme caution.
14:25She never signed that contract renewal.
14:27Blake's fury erupted instantly.
14:29Why the hell wasn't I told she refused to renew?
14:30I told you to watch her sign that contract!
14:33Blake locked his eyes onto his mother sitting on the sofa, gritting his teeth in pure rage.
14:37What the hell did you do to Eve?
14:38Why would she suddenly just up and leave?
14:41You're storming in here shouting at your own mother over some low-class maid?
14:44Answer me!
14:45What right did you have to drive her away?
14:47I simply handed her a contract renewal.
14:49She was the ungrateful fool who turned it down herself.
14:51A chilling empsiness washed over Blake's chest.
14:54When did that happen?
14:55And why the hell didn't you tell me?
14:56Mrs. Victoria named a specific date.
14:57Blake instantly realized that was the exact day he and Shara had publicly accused her of theft at the coffee
15:01shop.
15:02If she's gone, insomnia is going to drive me straight to my grave.
15:05Blake, get a grip on yourself.
15:06She was nothing more than a disposable sleeping tool.
15:09She isn't worth you losing your mind and screaming in this house.
15:12I refuse to believe that out of the entire world, Eve is the only person who can make her sleep.
15:18Blake's vision began to spin violently, his mother's arrogant face fracturing into countless blurry double images.
15:23Eve, save me.
15:24Blake clutched his chest.
15:26The next second, he collapsed to the floor and passed out cold.
15:28Panic bled instantly into Mrs. Victoria's voice.
15:31Blake, what's wrong with you?
15:34This was already the third consecutive night that Blake found herself entirely unable to fall asleep.
15:38Tens of thousands of steel needles seemed to be pulling and tearing inside his skull all at once.
15:43Clutching his head, Blake tossed and turned in agony across the mattress.
15:46That stupid woman.
15:47How dare she just vanish off the face of the earth like this?
15:50Without her faint scent of medicated soap, the air in this room feels as suffocating and toxic as poison gas.
15:55With a loud crash, Blake swept the bedside lamp and a whole row of sleeping pills straight off the table
15:59and onto the floor.
16:00Victoria's face was etched with deep anxiety.
16:01She turned her gaze to Shara, her tone stern.
16:03Didn't you promise me that you could calm Blake's nerves and get him to sleep?
16:06Don't worry, ma'am.
16:07My father knows a top-tier specialist who cures severe chronic insomnia.
16:10He's already on his way and will be here any second.
16:12But Victoria couldn't afford to wait.
16:13It'll take time for the doctor to get here, and Blake is completely out of control right now.
16:16Go on inside and try your best to sue him.
16:18Shara had never seen Blake so out of control.
16:20Today's Blake terrified her.
16:22Yet under Victoria's piercing gaze, she had nowhere to run.
16:25Shaking all over, Shara pushed the bedroom door open.
16:28Shara pressed herself against Blake's back from behind.
16:31Were you missing me?
16:32That annoying, poverty-strucken maid is finally gone for good tonight.
16:35Let me be the one to put you properly to sleep.
16:38She leaned in, her red lips brushing against his ear.
16:40That suffocating wave of perfume stabbed straight into Blake's nose.
16:44Blake!
16:44How dare you treat me like this?
16:46Get out.
16:47Get the hell out of my sight with your nauseating stench.
16:49You're completely useless.
16:50You can't cure my insomnia at all.
16:52The therapist hurried over.
16:55Victoria's face twisted with anxiety as she urged him forward.
16:57Doctor, get inside and check on Blake right now.
16:59Whatever the most expensive treatments cost, use them.
17:01Just cure him.
17:02Half an hour later, the doctor finished his initial examination of Blake, packed away his stethoscope,
17:06and wore a grave expression.
17:07With all due respect, every single conventional medical treatment is entirely ineffective for
17:11him right now.
17:12Victoria's voice carried a trace of fury.
17:15Impossible.
17:15The Hartwell family never lacks top-tier medical resources.
17:18How can you not cure a simple case of insomnia?
17:20The doctor slowly shook his head.
17:22Forced medical intervention will only aggravate his central nervous system and make his violent
17:25rages even worse.
17:26Shallow's face drained of color.
17:28Young Master Blake's neurological system has adapted entirely to Miss Eve's unique scent
17:32and her soothing methods over the years.
17:34Right now, tracking her down immediately is the only solution.
17:36Otherwise, no one can predict the outcome.
17:39Victoria froze completely.
17:41When I first arrived in London, it took me a long time to adjust.
17:44I rented a small apartment that was entire completely my own.
17:47With no acquaintances around, I poured all my energy into decorating my little home and
17:50throwing myself into my career.
17:52After finishing up a busy day at the lab, I went grocery shopping.
17:55My research partner, Leon, jogged up from behind to catch up with me.
17:58Morning, Eve.
17:59Good morning, Leon.
17:59Leon looked at me and couldn't help smiling.
18:01You look absolutely radiant today.
18:03Like, a completely transformed person.
18:05To be honest, you're like night and day compared to when you first reported for duty last week.
18:07I inhaled the scent of the sunflowers in my arms, and the smile at the corner of my
18:11limes deepened.
18:12That's because I just threw out an old, horribly ill-fitting piece of clothing that I'd worn
18:15for a whole decade.
18:16It feels so much lighter now.
18:17Sounds like London's air is really agreeing with you.
18:19Oh, by the way, our group is meeting up at the library this afternoon for the anatomy
18:22professor's seminar.
18:23Are you coming?
18:24Of course.
18:25I'll be there on time.
18:26That's awesome.
18:27I've already put together three case study atlases.
18:29I can send them over to you tonight.
18:31Leon and I chatted happily all the way down the street.
18:33I set the sunflowers and bread down on the table.
18:36At the same time, the phone in my pocket buzzed to life.
18:38It was a phone call from Mrs. Victoria.
18:41I tapped the screen and connected the call.
18:43Blake's insomnia is getting violently worse, and he needs you desperately right now.
18:46I expect you to fly back home as soon as possible to stabilize his condition.
18:50She still carried that exact same haughty, high-and-mighty demeanor.
18:53I let out a soft, mocking chuckle.
18:54The Hartwell family was arrogant as ever.
18:56In their eyes, the second they crooked a finger, commoners like us would come buzzing
18:59right back like flies.
19:00Ma'am, I distinctly remember you telling me back then that anything I could do, Shara
19:04could do as well.
19:05Besides, aside from me, Blake has plenty of women around him.
19:07He's hardly short of options.
19:08Please go find someone else.
19:10Mrs. Victoria's voice trembled.
19:13How can you be so cruel as to stand by and let him die?
19:15If you have even a shred of a conscience left, get your ass back here and save him right
19:19now.
19:20Given how insanely capable the Hartwell family is, I'm sure you'll pull through this just
19:24fine.
19:25Before she could spit out another word, I hung up the phone.
19:27Looking like a hollowed-out corpse, Blake sank deep into the oversized mattress.
19:31His eyes were sunken and hollow, his jaw covered in heavy stubble looking an absolute wreck.
19:35Footsteps approached him across the room.
19:36Get out.
19:37Ever since Eve walked out, Blake had been lingering in this half-dead state.
19:40His attitude toward Shara had turned utterly toxic, too.
19:42You think I actually want to hang out in this stinking mausoleum?
19:45Just sign the damn papers!
19:46I'm not wasting my life dragging down a lunatic who can't even sleep.
19:49Pay out my hefty breakup settlement, and we're officially done for good.
19:51So all this time, you only ever got close to me for my money?
19:55What else would it be for?
19:56Blake, I am completely sick and tired of your temper.
19:58You're always telling me to get lost.
20:00What right do you think you have?
20:01Do you honestly think Eve's sudden disappearance has nothing to do with you?
20:03That single line finally broke Blake's dead silence, triggering a reaction.
20:07What did you just say?
20:07That night at the hotel, every single word of our conversation in that room about how
20:10you drugged and plotted against her, weaving that web of lies about a secret romance,
20:14Eve stood right outside the door and heard every last bit of it.
20:16Blake had been in the shower at the time.
20:18Shara had fished his phone out of his pocket and texted Eve.
20:21Before Eve arrived, Shara cracked the door open just a bit, deliberately leaving a
20:25gap so Eve would overhear everything.
20:26Blake's eyes turned bloodshot as he stared at Shara in utter disbelief.
20:29Blake, now I finally see the truth.
20:30You're nothing more than a pathetic wretch who has desperately starved for love.
20:33Blake let out a forced roar.
20:34Shut up!
20:35Clutching his head, a searing pain tore through his chest as he remembered the sight of me
20:38crying back at the coffee shop.
20:39It was me.
20:39I was the one who threw away my own cure.
20:41I have to find her and bring her back.
20:43Mrs. Victoria appeared in the doorway, standing silently in the parlor.
20:47Blake, I support you going after her.
20:49The Hartwell family cannot afford to lose its heir.
20:51No matter what price we have to pay, bring Eve back.
20:54Leon and I had arranged yesterday to grab a table at a cafe to review some study points
20:58together after wrapping up our professor's seminar.
21:00However, our professor suddenly called Leon away for an urgent award.
21:04I pulled out my textbook, reading quietly as I waited for him to return.
21:07Suddenly, a hand snatched the book right out of my grasp.
21:10Dr. Eve, if my memory serves me right, you've been staring blandly at the exact same 3D cross-section
21:14of the cerebrum for the last 10 minutes straight.
21:17Stop messing around, Leon.
21:18I have a critical simulation surgery coming up next week.
21:21In that case, why don't you try diagnosing me first?
21:24You?
21:24You look healthy enough to wrestle a bull to the ground.
21:27You have no idea, Eve.
21:29Truth is, your eyes are sharper than any surgical scalpel.
21:32They cut straight past all my defenses.
21:33Your pickup lines are so aggressively outdated they belong in the last century.
21:37As long as it gets the job done.
21:39Are you free tomorrow night?
21:40There's an incredible French bistro nearby.
21:42Want to grab dinner there together?
21:43My treat.
21:45Since you're putting it that way, I guess I can't say no.
21:47Right then, a clinical question crossed my mind regarding Oprah-artemic neurological disorder
21:51intervention that had been stumping me for days.
21:54Since we had a moment, I decided to turn and consult Leon about it.
21:57At the table right next to ours, a couple of customers sat down and immediately started
22:01gossiping loudly.
22:02Have you guys heard?
22:03The head of the Alex family suffered a sudden, fatal medical emergency and passed away last
22:08night.
22:09Opposite me, Leon's expression turned instantly grave and heavy.
22:14Seriously?
22:15Seriously?
22:15So that massive corporate empire is completely headless now?
22:18I heard they've been hunting down their missing heir in secret all these years.
22:21Spot on.
22:22The primary line young master of that family cut all ties with them ages ago.
22:25He utterly despised the cold, ruthless corporate warfare and flat out refused to take over the
22:30family business.
22:31To pursue his own ideals, he vanished completely from both the family and high society.
22:35Now that the old patriarch has passed away, the entire Alex family is in absolute chaos,
22:39scouring the earth like madmen to track him down and force him back to take the throne.
22:43So I was wondering, what if we pair personalized emotional soothing intervention with a stepped
22:47medication reduction protocol?
22:49Leon suddenly fell silent, his expression turning strangely tense.
22:53Why'd you suddenly stop talking?
22:54Are you okay?
22:55I'm fine.
22:56Just zoned out for a second.
22:58Let's get back to what we were discussing.
23:00I didn't press him any further.
23:01A faint ripple of unease flickered through my mind.
23:06After finishing dinner together, Leon and I walked back down the street toward my apartment
23:10building.
23:10I had a wonderful time tonight, Eve.
23:12I hope I didn't bore you.
23:13Of course not.
23:14You're a fantastic conversationalist.
23:16Besides, the food at that French bistro was exceptional.
23:18Just as I was about to say my goodnights to Leon, a black Rolls Royce slammed to a violent,
23:23scratching halt right at the curb.
23:25Blake stumbled out of the car.
23:27He looked utterly haggard and drained to the bone.
23:30I finally found you.
23:31Come back with me.
23:32I'm begging you.
23:33Without you, I literally can't sleep a single wink.
23:36I stepped sharply backward.
23:38Mr. Hartwell, have you lost your mind from whatever sickness you have?
23:42The contract between us is finished and over with.
23:45Over?
23:46Because of this guy?
23:47What the hell can he possibly give you?
23:49Eve, the second you come back with me, name your price.
23:51I'll give you anything.
23:52I can...
23:52I can even make you my official girlfriend.
23:55Pal, do you not understand English?
23:58She told you to get lost.
23:59Who the hell do you think you are?
24:01Get your hands off me!
24:02If I let Blake keep making a scene out here, the entire apartment block would be whispering rumors about me
24:07within three days.
24:09I refuse to let Blake shatter the peace of my life again.
24:13Blake, let's talk.
24:17Eve, I was wrong.
24:19I destroyed everything.
24:20I lied to you.
24:21I used you.
24:23Every single night since you left has been pure torture.
24:25I can't sleep at all.
24:27Please come back with me, okay?
24:29I'll make up for every last mistake I made.
24:32Not a single ripple stirred in the depths of my heart.
24:36You never loved me for a single second.
24:38You drugged and plotted against me, stole my first time, and spent ten years draining and toying with me through
24:44a fake relationship.
24:45When others humiliated me in public, you never once stood up for me.
24:50You blindly accused me of stealing Shara's bracelet without checking the facts, turned me into an errand girl to run
24:55around after her, and finally dumped me out in the freezing, desolate suburbs until my legs felt like they were
25:01going to drop off.
25:02Blake, your apology is too little, too late.
25:06I don't accept it.
25:07Without another word, I turned my back and walked away.
25:12No.
25:13I'm never letting go.
25:15He's going to win Eve back and make amends for every mistake he's made.
25:20My professor and I are in the middle of discussing something.
25:24The dean walked in with a beaming smile, flanked by a group of executives, breaking our concentration.
25:29Trailing right beside the dean was Blake.
25:31My dear, he just dropped a massive donation on our medical school to fund a brand new, state-of-the
25:35-art surgical research facility.
25:37And get this, he specifically requested that you be the school's exclusive liaison for the whole project.
25:42Gasping murmurs rippled through the conference room.
25:44Blake curved his lips into a confident, self-barked smile, sliding the donation folders directly across the table toward me.
25:50Eve, I know your absolute dream is to become a top-tier surgeon.
25:53The second you agree to come back to me, every single resource I have is yours.
26:01You guys are secure. He's a good-sized messenger.
26:04I dragged him out into an empty, secluded stairwell.
26:06I slammed the stack of documents fiercely against his chest.
26:10Stop trying to play the savior to feed your own ego.
26:12My ambitions have never needed your blood money to validate them.
26:15Blake, your arrogance makes me sick.
26:17Eve, do you really have to push me this far?
26:19Footsteps echoed from the stairwell entrance.
26:22Leon walked up right beside me.
26:25The professor is still waiting for you.
26:27You should head back first.
26:28Seeing me turn to leave, Blake lunged forward to chase after me.
26:31Leon stepped smoothly into his path.
26:33Who the hell do you think you are?
26:34What gives you the right to meddle between me and Eve?
26:36Just some run-of-the-mill visiting fellow trying to stick your nose in my business?
26:39You're completely out of your league.
26:40Blake jammed a finger hard against Leon's chest.
26:42Know your damn place and keep your hands off Eve.
26:45Or I'll crush your entire career and choke out every single future prospect you have with a snap of my
26:49fingers.
26:50Try it.
26:54The assistant updated Victoria in the parlor on London.
26:57Victoria just twirled her teacup, totally unfazed.
27:00She knew Blake was too soft.
27:02If she won't turn back, I'll go fix reality for her myself.
27:06Terrified Blake would retaliate, Leon walked me home for days.
27:09I knew Blake.
27:10He wouldn't let it go.
27:11Thanks for defending me, but you can't tangle with Blake.
27:14His family's too massive.
27:15I don't want you targeted.
27:16I refused to let my own tangled, toxic past drag Leon down into the mud.
27:20From now on, keep your distance from me.
27:23I'm not worth you risking all this trouble.
27:25Leon gave a soft, for sharing smile.
27:27I don't do fear.
27:28Besides, is Blake tougher than a medical puzzle?
27:31His light-hearted joke instantly unspooled the tension that had gripped my nerves all evening.
27:35Leon gazed down at me with sincerity.
27:37To be completely honest, getting close to you has never been a burden.
27:40It's a choice I made willingly, with all my heart.
27:43A jolt went through my heart, as I understood the underlying meaning of his words.
27:48Sorry, it's getting late.
27:50You should head back and get some rest.
27:52My heart raced after he left.
27:53Blake's shadow still loomed too large.
27:55I wasn't ready to jump into anything new.
27:58I unlocked my apartment door.
28:00And a guy in black lunged out, clamping a hand over my face.
28:05Guards grabbed my arms, dragging me toward a black SUV.
28:08Victoria stormed out of the car.
28:11Grab her and throw her in.
28:13She's going to play her damn part as his anchor, whether she likes it or not.
28:16I fought back hard, thrashing against them.
28:18Get your hands off me!
28:19I'm not going anywhere with you!
28:21I don't belong to any of you freaks.
28:23You never had a choice.
28:24Right as those words dropped, the figure sprinted violently into view.
28:27Mom, enough!
28:28Stop treating her like garbage!
28:30Didn't you say you'd let me handle this myself?
28:31I gave you more than enough time, and you failed to drag her back.
28:34You're just too damn soft, son.
28:35She threw her hand down, barking out in order.
28:37Tie up my son, along with this ungrateful little bitch, and throw them both in the back.
28:41Several heavies swarmed forward instantly.
28:43Mom, are you seriously trying to force a total war between us?
28:46I'm doing this for your own damn good.
28:48Did you forget losing your mind back at the mansion last week?
28:50Force is the only language she'll ever understand to fall in line.
28:53Nobody is dragging her anywhere.
28:57Tears spilled over my lashes the second I saw Leon.
28:59Blake caught the look of raw emotion in my eyes.
29:01A crushing wave of devastation hollowed him out.
29:03You again?
29:04Some pathetic nobody sticking his nose into our family business over and over?
29:08Do you actually have a death wish?
29:12Leon letting out a cold laugh, snapping his fingers.
29:14An ear-shattering roar tore through the sky.
29:16Three elite helicopters bearing the crest of the Alex Syndicate,
29:19Europe's top old-money dynasty, hovered right over the square.
29:22Heavily armed Cessonaries rappled down, instantly surrounding Victoria's thugs.
29:26Staring at the family crest pinned to Leon's chest,
29:28Victoria's legs turned to jelly as she collapsed onto the pavement.
29:31The heir to the Alex Syndicate?
29:33Touch her again and see if the Hartwell family is ready to get wiped off the map.
29:37The sheer absurdity of it all left me frozen in my tracks, my mind going completely blank.
29:41Leon strode over to me as the bodyguard sensibly backed off and released my arms.
29:45Short every single stock the Hartwells hold on Wall Street.
29:47Total annihilation.
29:48Whatever it takes, do it in three minutes.
29:50No! You can't do this!
29:52An assistant hurried over, shoving a tablet into Leon's hands.
29:55On the screen, the Hartwell family portfolio was crashing into a sheer vertical freefall.
29:58Leon spun the tablet around, shoving the flashing red charts right in Victoria's face.
30:02Victoria dropped to her knees, begging me for mercy.
30:04Eve! I was wrong! I was so damn wrong!
30:06Please make him stop! Beg him to spare us! Save Blake!
30:09I glanced over at Blake, his face drained of all color.
30:12I hadn't forgotten that just moments ago, he actually stood up to his own mother to protect me.
30:16Stay with me, or walk away with them.
30:18Whatever you choose, I've got your back.
30:21Seconds ticked by. Both Victoria and Blake stared hard at me, holding their breath, waiting for my verdict.
30:26I slowly shook my head. Mercy to a monster is cruelty to yourself. Let's go, Leon.
30:30No.
30:31Realizing this was the end, Blake cracked completely, panic surging as he screamed out,
30:35Eve! Don't leave me!
30:36He dropped straight to his knees right at my feet.
30:38With shaking fingers, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a wrinkled, frayed piece of paper.
30:42Ten years ago, I had drawn him a homemade wish coupon. This is your exclusive VIP wish coupon.
30:47Any time in the future, whenever you pull this out and cash it in, I'll grant you any wish you
30:50want.
30:51Back then, Blake wasn't a total psycho yet. He was sweet, clean-cut, and warm.
30:55Then my only wish is for you to stay by my side forever and never, ever leave me.
30:58You can't cash this in yet. Save it for when you're in a real pinch. Using it now is a
31:02total waste.
31:03Fine. Then I'll keep it safe, and save it forever.
31:07I squatted down and pulled him into a slow, gentle hug.
31:11Blake reached out and hugged me back, a flicker of desperate hope sparking in his eyes.
31:15Blake, I don't love you anymore. No matter how hard you try to piece this wish coupon back together, we
31:20can't go back.
31:20Tears of pure regret streamed down Blake's face.
31:24I'm sorry, Eve. I ruined everything.
31:26Victoria pulled Blake away, and by the look on their faces, they wouldn't dare show their faces here ever again.
31:31Leon and I walked side by side down the street.
31:33The choppers and elite mercenaries from earlier had completely vanished without a trace.
31:37It all felt like a dream.
31:38Thank God you showed up, or I probably would have been dragged off.
31:41Thanks for having my back again.
31:42Leon stopped walking and turned to look at me.
31:44I'm sorry, Eve. I kept secrets from you. Are you mad?
31:47I shook my head. Everyone's got secrets. But why hide all that?
31:51Because my family is drowning in cold, cutthroat power struggles.
31:54I just wanted to be a real doctor who saves lives, far away from all those chains.
31:58From now on, no more secrets.
32:00Anything you want to know, it's all yours.
32:02The rumors say the Alex Syndicate controls half of Europe's business empire.
32:05Totally untouchable and terrifyingly powerful.
32:07Are those stories true? You're the sole heir.
32:10His gaze was totally honest and sincere.
32:12It's true. I broke away from all that old blood money.
32:14My only obsession along the way has been medicine, and my only selfish desire is you.
32:18I've never just wanted to be your partner, Eve. I'm in love with you.
32:22His ears flushed bright red.
32:23For ten years, I was drained and suffocated by Blake's toxic, fake love.
32:27But standing right here next to Leon, my heartbeat felt loud, clear, and alive.
32:31My heart never lies.
32:32I choose you, Leon.
32:34I want a real future with you.
32:35Leon leaned down and kissed me.
32:37The storm was finally over.
32:38In the feeling one of Azhale's
32:39We've all started opening night with us that is the waste of time to kiss you
32:39So I can take advantage of this game.
32:39And on my hand, we've been catching up to this game.
32:40And on my sidpassen, we can solve the best time we Bocklet for Mazem.
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