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☕Spilling the Tea on the wildest drama of the year!
A harmless prank? Yeah, right. "A Joke Destroyed My Child" is serving major plot twists! Ryan thought he could play games with Hayley's heart, but karma has other plans. From a tragic heartbreak to an unstoppable independent queen, this show has it all. The regret? Real. The drama? Insane. You absolutely cannot miss this ultimate confrontation! 👀👇
⭐GENRE: Female, Modern, Pregnancy, Love After Divorce
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🍁Notice: Guilty Sheets Hub is an officially authorized publisher of ReelShort content.
☕Spilling the Tea on the wildest drama of the year!
A harmless prank? Yeah, right. "A Joke Destroyed My Child" is serving major plot twists! Ryan thought he could play games with Hayley's heart, but karma has other plans. From a tragic heartbreak to an unstoppable independent queen, this show has it all. The regret? Real. The drama? Insane. You absolutely cannot miss this ultimate confrontation! 👀👇
⭐GENRE: Female, Modern, Pregnancy, Love After Divorce
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微电影文字稿
00:00:05Every April Fool's Day, my husband Ryan Carter and his childhood friend Summer Brayen played a game of truth or
00:00:11dare.
00:00:12Remember? Eighth grade? I asked if you dared to skip the math exam.
00:00:17You tore the answer sheet paper airplane straight into pieces.
00:00:24That was nothing.
00:00:25Playing truth or dare on April Fool's Day is basically our tradition.
00:00:31Then do you dare to go get a marriage license with me right now?
00:00:39Whistles erupted all around.
00:00:41I stood in the doorway, my fingertips pinching a pregnancy test.
00:00:46Ryan turned to look at me, then laughed.
00:00:48Why wouldn't I dare?
00:00:50He stood up, came over, grabbed my arm, and dragged me into the hallway outside.
00:00:57Haley, it's just an April Fool's joke.
00:01:00Play along with me.
00:01:02Go handle the divorce paperwork first, and tomorrow morning we'll go to City Hall and get remarried.
00:01:07You know I can't back down in front of Summer.
00:01:10I stared at the man in front of me.
00:01:12For the sake of his so-called childhood game, I had compromised for five years.
00:01:16This time, I wasn't accepting it. I'm pregnant.
00:01:22Haley, that's a brilliant move!
00:01:25Ryan froze for half a beat, then burst out laughing.
00:01:28You made up a pregnancy just without me from winning? Nice.
00:01:31You're better at April Fool's than I am.
00:01:33Summer walked over. Hearing our conversation, she laughed too.
00:01:38Please, Haley, if you can't handle the game, just say so.
00:01:44Using pregnancy as an excuse? That's so low.
00:01:49Exactly.
00:01:51Let's go.
00:01:53Hurry up. If we're any later, City Hall will close.
00:01:56How am I supposed to get the license then?
00:01:59He dragged me outside, his steps long and urgent.
00:02:02I glanced at the hand gripping my wrist.
00:02:05The Patti Philippe on his wrist was the gift he had bought himself the day after the first volume of
00:02:09Dark Whispers hit number one on the bestseller list.
00:02:12And that April Fool's Day, the gift he gave me was kissing Summer in front of every executive in the
00:02:18company.
00:02:19On the way to City Hall, Ryan drove insanely fast.
00:02:24When we arrived at City Hall, what Ryan pulled from his briefcase was not a divorce agreement, but a thick
00:02:31stack of documents.
00:02:32The title read, Petition for Marriage Annulment and Waiver of All Rights.
00:02:38He slapped the documents in front of me and spoke quickly.
00:02:42Sign it.
00:02:43Declare that our marriage was fraudulent from the beginning because it was based on an April Falls joke.
00:02:49Once you sign this, our relationship will legally have never existed.
00:02:54Then I can register my marriage with Summer legally.
00:02:57I picked up the pen and let out a cold laugh.
00:03:00Fine.
00:03:02Then I'll give you both.
00:03:03What you want?
00:03:06I signed my name without the slightest pause.
00:03:10The City Hall seal came down and five years of marriage ended in absurdity.
00:03:16After getting the judgment, Ryan turned around, took a brand new Armani suit from the car and changed into it.
00:03:22Summer pulled a white veil from the trunk and pinned it into her hair.
00:03:25The two of them stood on the steps of City Hall, drawing looks from passersby.
00:03:29I sat on a bench and watched it all.
00:03:32Five years ago, on the day Ryan and I registered our marriage at City Hall, he wore an old polo
00:03:37shirt, ripped jeans, and beat up sneakers with no socks.
00:03:42When I reminded him to change, he said true love didn't need all that superficial packaging.
00:03:47Being real was what mattered.
00:03:48Now, he stood in a crisp suit, his arm wrapped tightly around Summer's waist, smiling brightly at the camera.
00:03:55With a click, the image froze, looking just like a perfect couple from a reality show.
00:03:59Not long after, Ryan walked up to me holding two marriage certificates.
00:04:04Honey, see that?
00:04:06I won again this time.
00:04:08We'll get remarried first thing tomorrow morning.
00:04:11Don't be mad.
00:04:12It's just a keepsake.
00:04:13Early pregnancy nausea churned through me, and I was almost too weak to keep standing.
00:04:17Take me back.
00:04:19I need to pack my things.
00:04:22I opened the passenger door, but before I could sit down, Summer squeezed over.
00:04:27Haley, if we're acting, we should go all the way.
00:04:32Since Ryan and I are legally married now, of course I should sit in the passenger seat.
00:04:37She opened the door and sat down as if it was only natural.
00:04:41With one casual sweep of her hand, she knocked my yoga mat and lumbar pillows from the passenger seat onto
00:04:46the floor map.
00:04:47Ryan stood at the front of the car and gave me an apologetic gesture.
00:04:50I turned and walked toward the south line, ready to call a rideshare.
00:04:54Ryan caught up in a few steps, opened the back door, and shoved me inside.
00:04:57Stop throwing a tantrum.
00:04:59It's hard to get a car here.
00:05:01Sit down and behave.
00:05:04Bruno Maz's Mary Ude was playing in the car.
00:05:06Summer hummed along to the beat.
00:05:08When it reached the high note, she grabbed Ryan's sleeve and shook it.
00:05:11It's a beautiful night.
00:05:13We're looking for something dumb to do.
00:05:16Ryan took the next line in perfect sync.
00:05:19They looked at each other and burst out laughing, with a bottle of mineral water.
00:05:23The two of them were as intimate as newlyweds.
00:05:26Ryan, your collar is crooked.
00:05:28Summer turned sideways and reached out to fix Ryan's tie.
00:05:31Her fingertips brushed his atom's belt, and most of her body leaned over him.
00:05:37Ryan didn't move away.
00:05:39Instead, he held the steering wheel with one hand and used the other to steady Summer's back.
00:05:44Stop messing around. I'm driving.
00:05:47That was what he said, but his tone was full of indulgence.
00:05:51I closed my eyes and placed my hand over my lower eboli.
00:05:56Today, this farce had to end.
00:05:59When we pushed open the front door, Catherine lifted Summer's hand and gently placed the antique diamond ring in her
00:06:05palm, her tone full of affection.
00:06:08This ring should have been on your hand five years ago, Summer.
00:06:12Before Ryan.
00:06:14Mistake.
00:06:15Then she turned her face toward me, and her eyes went cold.
00:06:18Haley, you're still here.
00:06:20Ryan walked over and stood between them.
00:06:23Mom, we're joking. It's April Fool's Day. We're just playing around.
00:06:27Well, I wish it could stay that way, forever.
00:06:30I didn't answer.
00:06:32I walked around them, went straight into the master bedroom, and pulled out a suitcase.
00:06:37I had barely taken out two pieces of clothings when Ryan followed me in.
00:06:41Haley, everyone's here today. Don't ruin the mood.
00:06:45Let's have dinner together tonight. Think of it as a celebration.
00:06:49The final book in your Dark Whispers trilogy launches tomorrow.
00:06:52I've invited the whole publishing tomb. Consider it a celebration dinner.
00:06:57I stopped moving. That novel had taken three years of my blood and sweat. Countless sleepless nights fueled by coffee
00:07:03and revisions.
00:07:04If I burned everything down at this exact moment, tomorrow's pre-sales and launch would inevitably be affected.
00:07:10I closed the suitcase. Fine. After this dinner.
00:07:14Ryan beamed, turned, and went to the living room to make calls and arrange everything.
00:07:19I would treat it as a farewell dinner with the team I had built with my own hands.
00:07:23Not long after, in the dining room, Summer didn't even look at the menu.
00:07:26She gave the waiter several dish names directly.
00:07:29I saw that Haley ordered only ordinary dishes.
00:07:33There's no way that can suit everyone's taste.
00:07:37I added a few dishes on my own.
00:07:39Anyway, I'm using my husband's card.
00:07:43The housekeeper took the day off.
00:07:45Haley, help out for a bit.
00:07:48The staff will be here soon.
00:07:51I glanced at the editorial team chatting happily in the living room.
00:07:54Took a deep breath and swallowed both my words and the acid rising in my stomach.
00:07:59Forget it. One last meal.
00:08:04I walked into the kitchen.
00:08:06The churning in my stomach hadn't settled and waves of cramping started in my lower abdomen.
00:08:11Chop the vegetables.
00:08:13Turn on the stove.
00:08:15Heat the pan.
00:08:17Add olive oil.
00:08:18Summer stood to the side, every inch the lady of the house.
00:08:22Add more lemon juice to the salmon.
00:08:24Ryan has hated fishiness since he was a kid.
00:08:27And don't overcook the kale.
00:08:29The editors arrived one after another.
00:08:32Emily, the executive editor, couldn't stand watching anymore.
00:08:35She rolled up her sleeves and came into the kitchen to help wash vegetables.
00:08:39Emily, you're a guest.
00:08:41Just sit and wait for dinner.
00:08:43I'll worry about things in here.
00:08:45After all, tonight I'm the hostess.
00:08:48Emily flushed with embarrassment and retreated to the living room.
00:08:51I brought out the final dish of roasted ribs.
00:08:56Six dishes filled the table.
00:08:58Just as I untied my apron, the doorbell rang.
00:09:01Summer ran to open the door and several delivery workers came in carrying large insulated bags.
00:09:06I saw that Haley only made home-style dishes.
00:09:10There's no way they'll satisfy everyone's appetite.
00:09:15So, I used my husband's credit card and ordered a few dishes myself.
00:09:24Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs, black truffle risotto.
00:09:29Face on the table was limited.
00:09:31Summer picked up the roasted ribs I had just made and dumped them, meat and bones together,
00:09:35into the nearby trash can to make room for her seafood.
00:09:38Ryan didn't think anything of it.
00:09:40He handed her a napkin to wipe her hands.
00:09:42You're always so thoughtful.
00:09:45I could no longer bear it and was about to step forward, but someone grabbed my sleeve.
00:09:50Emily leaned close to me, pushed her phone screen towards me, and lowered her voice.
00:09:55Haley, look at this.
00:09:56On the screen was the new book poster the marketing department had sent her for approval.
00:09:59In the author field, one name had been added before Haley Hart, Summer Bryant.
00:10:04I snatched up the phone and put it right in front of Ryan.
00:10:08Why?
00:10:09I turned my head and looked straight into Ryan's eyes.
00:10:13Ryan walked over, smiling as he said,
00:10:16Haley, this one's on me.
00:10:17I forgot to loop you in.
00:10:20I want you to share half the byline with her.
00:10:24I already promised Summer in advance.
00:10:27You love me so much.
00:10:29You'll help with this tiny favor, right?
00:10:32I typed this out word by word, three years over three years.
00:10:36What gives you the right?
00:10:39What gives me the right?
00:10:41Money.
00:10:43Without me pouring money into marketing, your manuscripts would still be sitting in a drawer.
00:10:48I made you a best-selling author, and I can turn you back into an ordinary nobody.
00:10:53Right now, the company needs to push Summer, and your book is the best springboard.
00:10:58It's that simple.
00:11:02The copyright is under my personal name.
00:11:05You have no right to add her name.
00:11:07If you dare do this, I'll see you in court.
00:11:15The food is getting cold.
00:11:18Do we really have to talk about this right now?
00:11:24Everyone is waiting.
00:11:28Let's eat first.
00:11:30Whatever it is, we'll talk tomorrow.
00:11:34I ignored the table full of people, grabbed my power keys, and rushed out the door.
00:11:40By the time I got to the publishing house, the giant poster had already been hung.
00:11:4580% of the entire layout was Summer, with a long personal introduction beside her, and even gossip about her
00:11:52and Ryan vacationing in the Hamptons.
00:11:57My name was squeezed into a corner, so small it was almost invisible.
00:12:05Derek, the head of the publishing house, was Ryan's fraternity brother from Yale.
00:12:11Hayley, there's nothing I can do.
00:12:14Personally.
00:12:16Ryan called personally and ordered us to print overnight.
00:12:20Besides, Carter Publishing belongs to you two as a couple.
00:12:26Does it really matter whose name is on it, as long as it makes money?
00:12:32He smoked a cigar in his office.
00:12:36A chill ran through me.
00:12:38Ryan's will talk tomorrow.
00:12:41It was nothing but a delaying tactic.
00:12:43I turned and went downstairs, then speeded all the way back to the Carter house.
00:12:49When I pushed open the door, the dinner was already over.
00:12:52Ryan was sitting on the sofa watching a new Netflix show in Summer.
00:12:56What gives you the right to do this?
00:12:58That book is my life's work!
00:13:01I'll say it again.
00:13:03We're only borrowing your fame for a while.
00:13:05Once Summer gets popular, I'll have her name removed from the reprint.
00:13:10Don't take it out on him, Hayley.
00:13:12We made this decision together.
00:13:18I was only helping him share the pressure at work.
00:13:24Some things really have been hard for you to handle lately.
00:13:30This has nothing to do with you.
00:13:33But Ryan pulled her tightly into his arms, and protected her completely.
00:13:38Pushing Summer forward is the company's established strategy.
00:13:44I hope you won't be jealous of her.
00:13:49I remember I just said it.
00:13:52Is your memory that bad?
00:13:56Oh, right.
00:13:58Tonight, Summer is Mrs. Carter.
00:14:01Maybe you should step out and cool off.
00:14:04I pulled the judgement from my bag, and threw it straight in his face.
00:14:10I was already leaving tonight.
00:14:14Now, there's not even a final thread left between us.
00:14:21Fine.
00:14:22You've got backbone.
00:14:24Since you don't want to be Mrs. Carter,
00:14:26I'll freeze your joint account and supplemental credit cards right now.
00:14:31He called the security company directly.
00:14:34Two private security guards stood at the door, looking awkward.
00:14:37I'm already divorced from this woman.
00:14:38She has now trespassed into my private residence.
00:14:41To harass me and my wife.
00:14:45Please remove her, and make sure she leaves my private property.
00:14:49The guards had no choice but to forcefully drag me out.
00:14:53Haley Hart, without me, you can't even afford a motel.
00:14:58I'll be waiting for you to come crawling back tomorrow to remarry me.
00:15:01As for that book, consider it your wedding gift to Summer today.
00:15:07The security guards pushed me out the gate.
00:15:09I stumbled and fell into a muddy patch of lawn, freshly swept by the sprinkler system.
00:15:13I braced myself against the ground, climbed up, held my stomach, and walked to the roadside.
00:15:17But an out-of-control dodge pickup came bearing straight towards me around the corner.
00:15:21I avoided the collision, but the momentum threw me hard onto the asphalt.
00:15:24A sharp spasm shot through my abdomen, more violent than any pain before.
00:15:28The 911 dispatcher said the ambulance would take another 45 minutes.
00:15:31With no other choice, I leaned against a street lamp and dialed my emergency contact.
00:15:36Ryan was close, so he arrived quickly.
00:15:39He opened the car door.
00:15:40When his gaze touched the blood on the hem of my skirt, his steps faltered.
00:15:44Haley, what happened to you?
00:15:47He bent down, ready to carry me into the car.
00:15:49But Summer's message popped up on his phone screen.
00:15:52It's almost midnight, husband.
00:15:53If you don't come now, this round counts as your loss.
00:15:57Ryan's hands stopped in miff air.
00:15:59He stared at the center display, then turned to look at me.
00:16:02Help me.
00:16:04I clutched his cuff with all my strength.
00:16:06Haley, do me a favor.
00:16:07Ryan plied my fingers open one by one.
00:16:09I've never lost at this stupid game in my entire life.
00:16:12I checked.
00:16:13You only sprained your ankle.
00:16:15I'll call emergency services for you right now.
00:16:18He pulled me out of the passenger seat,
00:16:20casually took two $20 bills from his wallet and stuffed them into my hand.
00:16:24I'll come see you at the hospital in a bit.
00:16:29Exhaust from the tailpipe blasted into my face.
00:16:31I lay in the puddle and screamed at the receding taillights.
00:16:35Ryan!
00:16:37I'm pregnant with your child, you bastard!
00:16:41Only the sound of rain answered me.
00:16:43The car never even lit its brake lights again.
00:16:46My vision began to blur.
00:16:47A white Toyota Camry stopped by the road.
00:16:50The window rolled down, revealing Emily's exhausted face.
00:16:54Oh my God, Haley!
00:16:56She rushed out of the car and half-dragged, half-carried me into the back seat.
00:17:01The hospital emergency department.
00:17:03When I woke up in the observation room,
00:17:05a social worker wearing an ID badge came over and handed me a stack of papers.
00:17:09Miss Hart, your emergency treatment has been completed,
00:17:12but transferring to a private room will require out-of-pocket payment.
00:17:16Also, when we tried to process your insurance, the system showed that your spouse's medical coverage has been frozen.
00:17:39Every April Fool's Day, my husband Ryan Carter and his childhood friend Summer Brayan played a game of truth or
00:17:45dare.
00:17:46Remember?
00:17:47Eighth grade?
00:17:48I asked if you dared to skip the math exam.
00:17:52You tore the answer sheet paper airplane straight into pieces.
00:17:58That was nothing.
00:18:00Playing truth or dare on April Fool's Day is basically our tradition.
00:18:06Then do you dare to go get a marriage license?
00:18:11With me?
00:18:12Right now?
00:18:14Whistles erupted all around.
00:18:16I stood in the doorway, my fingertips pinching a pregnancy test.
00:18:21Ryan turned to look at me, then laughed.
00:18:23Why wouldn't I dare?
00:18:25He stood up, came over, grabbed my arm, and dragged me into the hallway outside.
00:18:31Haley, it's just an April Fool's joke.
00:18:34Play along with me.
00:18:36Go handle the divorce paperwork first,
00:18:39and tomorrow morning we'll go to City Hall and get remarried.
00:18:42You know I can't back down in front of Summer.
00:18:45I stared at the man in front of me.
00:18:46For the sake of his so-called childhood game, I had compromised for five years.
00:18:50This time, I wasn't accepting it.
00:18:53I'm pregnant.
00:18:57Haley, that's a brilliant move!
00:18:59Ryan froze for half a beat, then burst out laughing.
00:19:03You made up a pregnancy, just got me from winning?
00:19:05Nice. You're better at April Fool's than I am.
00:19:08Summer walked over. Hearing our conversation, she laughed too.
00:19:13Please, Haley, if you can't handle the game, just say so.
00:19:19Using pregnancy as an excuse?
00:19:22That's so low.
00:19:23Exactly.
00:19:26Let's go.
00:19:28Hurry up.
00:19:29If were any later, City Hall will close.
00:19:31How am I supposed to get the license then?
00:19:33He dragged me outside, his steps long and urgent.
00:19:37I glanced at the hand gripping my wrist.
00:19:39The Pate Philippe on his wrist was the gift he had bought himself the day after the first volume of
00:19:44Dark Whispers hit number one on the bestseller list.
00:19:46And that April Fool's Day, the gift he gave me was kissing Summer in front of every executive in the
00:19:53company.
00:19:54On the way to City Hall, Ryan drove insanely fast.
00:19:58When we arrived at City Hall, what Ryan pulled from his briefcase was not a divorce agreement, but a thick
00:20:05stack of documents.
00:20:06The title read, Petition for Marriage Annulment and Waiver of All Rights.
00:20:13He slapped the documents in front of me and spoke quickly.
00:20:16Sign it.
00:20:18Declare that our marriage was fraudulent from the beginning because it was based on an April Falls joke.
00:20:24Once you sign this, our relationship will legally have never existed.
00:20:29Then I can register my marriage with Summer legally.
00:20:32I picked up the pen and let out a cold laugh.
00:20:35Fine.
00:20:36Then I'll give you both what you want.
00:20:41I signed my name without the slightest pause.
00:20:45The City Hall seal came down and five years of marriage ended in absurdity.
00:20:51After getting the judgment, Ryan turned around, took a brand new Armani suit from the car and changed into it.
00:20:57Summer pulled a white veil from the trunk and pinned it into her hair.
00:21:00The two of them stood on the steps of City Hall, drawing looks from passersby.
00:21:04I sat on a bench and watched it all.
00:21:07Five years ago, on the day Ryan and I registered our marriage at City Hall,
00:21:11he wore an old polo shirt, ripped jeans, and beat up sneakers with no socks.
00:21:16When I reminded him to change, he said true love didn't need all that superficial packaging.
00:21:21Being real was what mattered.
00:21:23Now, he stood in a crisp suit, his arm wrapped tightly around Summer's waist, smiling brightly at the camera.
00:21:29With a click, the image froze, looking just like a perfect couple from a reality show.
00:21:34Not long after, Ryan walked up to me holding two marriage certificates.
00:21:38Honey, see that?
00:21:40I won again this time.
00:21:42We'll get remarried first thing tomorrow morning.
00:21:45Don't be mad.
00:21:46It's just a keepsake.
00:21:48Early pregnancy nausea churned through me, and I was almost too weak to keep standing.
00:21:53Take me back.
00:21:54I need to pack my things.
00:21:56I opened the passenger door, but before I could sit down, Summer squeezed over.
00:22:01Haley, if we're acting, we should go all the way.
00:22:06Since Ryan and I are legally married now, of course I should sit in the passenger seat.
00:22:12She opened the door and sat down as if it was only natural.
00:22:15With one casual sweep of her hand, she knocked my yoga mat and lumbar pillows from the passenger seat onto
00:22:20the floor map.
00:22:22Ryan stood at the front of the car and gave me an apologetic gesture.
00:22:25I turned and walked toward the south line, ready to call a rideshare.
00:22:28Ryan caught up in a few steps, opened the back door, and shoved me inside.
00:22:32Stop throwing a tantrum.
00:22:34It's hard to get a car here.
00:22:36Sit down and behave.
00:22:38Bruno Maz's Mary Ude was playing in the car.
00:22:41Summer hummed along to the beat.
00:22:42When it reached the high note, she grabbed Ryan's sleeve and shook it.
00:22:46It's a beautiful night.
00:22:48We're looking for something dumb to do.
00:22:51Ryan took the next line in perfect sync.
00:22:53They looked at each other and burst out laughing, with a bottle of mineral water.
00:22:58The two of them were as intimate as newlyweds.
00:23:01Ryan, your collar is crooked.
00:23:03Summer turned sideways and reached out to fix Ryan's tie.
00:23:06Her fingertips brushed his Adam's belt, and most of her body leaned over him.
00:23:12Ryan didn't move away.
00:23:14Instead, he held the steering wheel with one hand and used the other to steady Summer's back.
00:23:18Stop messing around. I'm driving.
00:23:21That was what he said, but his tone was full of indulgence.
00:23:25I closed my eyes and placed my hand over my lower eboli.
00:23:30Today, this farce had to end.
00:23:34When we pushed open the front door, Catherine lifted Summer's hand and gently placed the antique diamond ring in her
00:23:40palm, her tone full of affection.
00:23:42This ring should have been on your hand five years ago, Summer.
00:23:47Before Ryan.
00:23:49Mistake.
00:23:49Then she turned her face toward me, and her eyes went cold.
00:23:53Haley, you're still here.
00:23:55Ryan walked over and stood between them.
00:23:57Mom, we're joking. It's April Fool's Day. We're just playing around.
00:24:02Well, I wish it could stay that way. Forever.
00:24:05I didn't answer.
00:24:06I walked around them, went straight into the master bedroom, and pulled out a suitcase.
00:24:11I had barely taken out two pieces of clothings when Ryan followed me in.
00:24:15Haley, everyone's here today. Don't ruin the mood.
00:24:20Let's have dinner together tonight. Think of it as a celebration.
00:24:23The final book in your Dark Whispers trilogy launches tomorrow.
00:24:27I've invited the whole publishing to. Consider it a celebration dinner.
00:24:30I stopped moving. That novel had taken three years of my blood and sweat.
00:24:36Countless sleepless nights fueled by coffee and revisions.
00:24:39If I burned everything down at this exact moment,
00:24:41tomorrow's pre-sales and launch would inevitably be affected.
00:24:44I closed the suitcase.
00:24:46Fine. After this dinner.
00:24:49Ryan beamed, turned, and went to the living room to make calls and arrange everything.
00:24:53I would treat it as a farewell dinner with the team I had built with my own hands.
00:24:57Not long after, in the dining room, Summer didn't even look at the menu.
00:25:01She gave the waiter several dish names directly.
00:25:04I saw that Haley ordered only ordinary dishes.
00:25:07There's no way that can suit everyone's taste.
00:25:12I added a few dishes on my own.
00:25:14Anyway, I'm using my husband's card.
00:25:17The housekeeper took the day off.
00:25:20Haley, help out for a bit.
00:25:23The staff will be here soon.
00:25:25I glanced at the editorial team, chatting happily in the living room.
00:25:29Took a deep breath, and swallowed both my words and the acid rising in my stomach.
00:25:33Forget it. One last meal.
00:25:38I walked into the kitchen.
00:25:40The churning in my stomach hadn't settled,
00:25:43and waves of cramping started in my lower abdomen.
00:25:46Chop the vegetables.
00:25:47Turn on the stove.
00:25:50Heat the pan.
00:25:51Add olive oil.
00:25:53Summer stood to the side, every inch the lady of the house.
00:25:57Add more lemon juice to the salmon.
00:25:59Ryan has hated fishiness, since he was a kid.
00:26:02And don't overcook the kale.
00:26:04The editors arrived one after another.
00:26:06Emily, the executive editor, couldn't stand watching anymore.
00:26:10She rolled up her sleeves and came into the kitchen to help wash vegetables.
00:26:14Emily, you're a guest.
00:26:15Just sit and wait for dinner.
00:26:17I'll worry about things in here.
00:26:20After all, tonight I'm the hostess.
00:26:23Emily flushed with embarrassment and retreated to the living room.
00:26:26I brought out the final dish of roasted ribs.
00:26:30Six dishes filled the table.
00:26:32Just as I untied my apron, the doorbell rang.
00:26:35Summer ran to open the door, and several delivery workers came in carrying large insulated bags.
00:26:40I saw that Haley only made home-style dishes.
00:26:45There's no way they'll satisfy everyone's appetite.
00:26:50So, I used my husband's credit card.
00:26:54And ordered a few dishes myself.
00:26:59Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs, black truffle risotto.
00:27:03Face on the table was limited.
00:27:05Summer picked up the roasted ribs I had just made and dumped them, meat and bones together,
00:27:09into the nearby trash can, to make room for her seafood.
00:27:13Ryan didn't think anything of it.
00:27:15He handed her a napkin to wipe her hands.
00:27:17You're always so thoughtful.
00:27:20I could no longer bear it and was about to step forward, but someone grabbed my sleeve.
00:27:25Emily leaned close to me, pushed her phone screen towards me, and lowered her voice.
00:27:29Haley, look at this.
00:27:30On the screen was the new book poster the marketing department had sent her for approval.
00:27:34In the author field, one name had been added before Haley Hart, Summer Bryant.
00:27:38I snatched up the phone and put it right in front of Ryan.
00:27:42Why?
00:27:44I turned my head and looked straight into Ryan's eyes.
00:27:47Ryan walked over, smiling as he said,
00:27:50Haley, this one's on me.
00:27:52I forgot to loop you in.
00:27:55I want you to share half the byline with her.
00:27:58I already promised Summer in advance.
00:28:01You love me so much.
00:28:04You'll help with this tiny favor, right?
00:28:07I typed this out word by word, three years over three years.
00:28:11What gives you the right?
00:28:14What gives me the right?
00:28:16Money.
00:28:17Without me pouring money into marketing, your manuscripts would still be sitting in a drawer.
00:28:22I made you a best-selling author, and I can turn you back into an ordinary nobody.
00:28:28Right now, the company needs to push Summer, and your book is the best springboard.
00:28:32It's that simple.
00:28:37The copyright is under my personal name.
00:28:39You have no right to add her name.
00:28:41If you dare do this, I'll see you in court.
00:28:49The food is getting cold.
00:28:52Do we really have to talk about this right now?
00:28:58Everyone is waiting.
00:29:02Let's eat first.
00:29:05Whatever it is, we'll talk tomorrow.
00:29:08I ignored the table full of people, grabbed my power keys, and rushed out the door.
00:29:14By the time I got to the publishing house, the giant poster had already been hung.
00:29:2080% of the entire layout was Summer, with a long personal introduction beside her, and even gossiped about her
00:29:26and Ryan vacationing in the Hamptons.
00:29:31My name was squeezed into a corner, so small it was almost invisible.
00:29:40Derek, the head of the publishing house, was Ryan's fraternity brother from Yale.
00:29:46Haley, there's nothing I can do.
00:29:49Personally.
00:29:51Ryan called personally and ordered us to print overnight.
00:29:55Besides, Carter Publishing belongs to you two as a couple.
00:30:01Does it really matter whose name is on it, as long as it makes money?
00:30:07He smoked a cigar in his office.
00:30:10A chill ran through me.
00:30:13Ryan's will talk tomorrow.
00:30:15It was nothing but a delaying tactic.
00:30:18I turned and went downstairs, then speeded all the way back to the Carter house.
00:30:23When I pushed open the door, the dinner was already over.
00:30:27Ryan was sitting on the sofa watching a new Netflix show in Summer.
00:30:30What gives you the right to do this?
00:30:32That book is my life's work!
00:30:36I'll say it again.
00:30:37We're only borrowing your fame for a while.
00:30:40Once Summer gets popular, I'll have her name removed from the reprint.
00:30:45Don't take it out on him, Haley.
00:30:47We made this decision together.
00:30:53I was only helping him share the pressure at work.
00:30:58Some things really have been hard for you to handle lately.
00:31:05This has nothing to do with you.
00:31:08But Ryan pulled her tightly into his arms and protected her completely.
00:31:13Pushing Summer forward is the company's established strategy.
00:31:19I hope you won't be jealous of her.
00:31:23I remember I just said it.
00:31:26Is your memory that bad?
00:31:30Oh, right.
00:31:32Tonight, Summer is Mrs. Carter.
00:31:36Maybe you should step out and cool off.
00:31:39I pulled the judgment from my bag and threw it straight in his face.
00:31:44I was already leaving tonight.
00:31:48Now, there's not even a final thread left between us.
00:31:55Fine.
00:31:57You've got backbone.
00:31:58Since you don't want to be Mrs. Carter,
00:32:01I'll freeze your joint account and supplemental credit cards right now.
00:32:06He called the security company directly.
00:32:08Two private security guards stood at the door, looking awkward.
00:32:11I'm already divorced from this woman.
00:32:13She has now trespassed into my private residence
00:32:16to harass me and my wife.
00:32:20Please remove her and make sure she leaves my private property.
00:32:23The guards had no choice but to forcefully drag me out.
00:32:27Haley Hart, without me, you can't even afford a motel.
00:32:32I'll be waiting for you to come crawling back tomorrow to remarry me.
00:32:36As for that book, consider it your wedding gift to Summer today.
00:32:42The security guards pushed me out the gate.
00:32:44I stumbled and fell into a muddy patch of lawn,
00:32:46freshly swept by the sprinkler system.
00:32:48I braced myself against the ground,
00:32:49climbed up, held my stomach, and walked to the roadside.
00:32:52But an out-of-control dodge pickup came bearing straight towards me around the corner.
00:32:55I avoided the collision, but the momentum threw me hard onto the asphalt.
00:32:58A sharp spasm shot through my abdomen, more violent than any pain before.
00:33:02The 911 dispatcher said the ambulance would take another 45 minutes.
00:33:06With no other choice, I leaned against a street lamp and dialed my emergency contact.
00:33:11Ryan was close, so he arrived quickly.
00:33:13He opened the car door.
00:33:14When his gaze touched the blood on the hem of my skirt, his steps faltered.
00:33:18Haley, what happened to you?
00:33:21He bent down, ready to carry me into the car.
00:33:24But Summer's message popped up on his phone screen.
00:33:26It's almost midnight, husband.
00:33:28If you don't come now, this round counts as your loss.
00:33:31Ryan's hands stopped in miff air.
00:33:33He stared at the center display, then turned to look at me.
00:33:37Help me.
00:33:38I clutched his cuff with all my strength.
00:33:41Haley, do me a favor.
00:33:42Ryan plied my fingers open one by one.
00:33:44I've never lost at this stupid game in my entire life.
00:33:46I checked.
00:33:48You only sprained your ankle.
00:33:49I'll call emerging services for you right now.
00:33:52He pulled me out of the passenger seat,
00:33:54casually took two $20 bills from his wallet and stuffed them into my hand.
00:33:58I'll come see you at the hospital in a bit.
00:34:04Exhaust from the tailpipe blasted into my face.
00:34:06I lay in the puddle and screamed at the receding taillights.
00:34:10Ryan!
00:34:12I'm pregnant with your child!
00:34:14You bastard!
00:34:16Only the sound of rain answered me.
00:34:18The car never even lit its brake lights again.
00:34:20My vision began to blur.
00:34:22A white Toyota Camry stopped by the road.
00:34:25The window rolled down, revealing Emily's exhausted face.
00:34:28Oh my god, Haley!
00:34:30She rushed out of the car and half-dragged, half-carried me into the back seat.
00:34:36The hospital emergency department.
00:34:38When I woke up in the observation room,
00:34:40a social worker wearing an ID badge came over and handed me a stack of papers.
00:34:44Miss Hart, your emergency treatment has been completed,
00:34:47but transferring to a private room will require out-of-pocket payment.
00:34:51Also, when we tried to process your insurance,
00:34:53the system showed that your spouse medical coverage has been frozen.
00:35:14Every April Fool's Day, my husband Ryan Carter and his childhood friend Summer Brayan played a game of truth or
00:35:20dare.
00:35:21Remember? Eighth grade?
00:35:23I asked if you dared to skip the math exam.
00:35:27You tore the answer sheet paper airplane straight into pieces.
00:35:33That was nothing.
00:35:35Playing truth or dare on April Fool's Day is basically our tradition.
00:35:41Then do you dare to go get a marriage license with me right now?
00:35:48Whistles erupted all around.
00:35:51I stood in the doorway, my fingertips pinching a pregnancy test.
00:35:55Ryan turned to look at me, then laughed.
00:35:58Why wouldn't I dare?
00:35:59He stood up, came over, grabbed my arm, and dragged me into the hallway outside.
00:36:06Haley, it's just an April Fool's joke.
00:36:09Play along with me.
00:36:11Go handle the divorce paperwork first, and tomorrow morning we'll go to City Hall and get remarried.
00:36:16You know I can't back down in front of Summer.
00:36:19I stared at the man in front of me.
00:36:21For the sake of his so-called childhood game, I had compromised for five years.
00:36:25This time, I wasn't accepting it.
00:36:28I'm pregnant.
00:36:31Haley, that's a brilliant move!
00:36:34Ryan froze for half a beat, then burst out laughing.
00:36:37You made up a pregnancy to stop me from winning?
00:36:40Nice. You're better at April Fool's than I am.
00:36:42Summer walked over. Hearing our conversation, she laughed too.
00:36:47Please, Haley, if you can't handle the game, just say so.
00:36:53Using pregnancy as an excuse?
00:36:56That's so low.
00:36:57Exactly.
00:37:00Let's go.
00:37:02Hurry up.
00:37:04If we're any later, City Hall will close.
00:37:06How am I supposed to get the license then?
00:37:08He dragged me outside, his steps long and urgent.
00:37:11I glanced at the hand gripping my wrist.
00:37:14The Pate Philippe on his wrist was the gift he had bought himself the day after the first volume of
00:37:18Dark Whispers hit number one on the bestseller list.
00:37:21And that April Fool's Day, the gift he gave me was kissing Summer in front of every executive in the
00:37:27company.
00:37:29On the way to City Hall, Ryan drove insanely fast.
00:37:33When we arrived at City Hall, what Ryan pulled from his briefcase was not a divorce agreement, but a thick
00:37:40stack of documents.
00:37:41The title read, Petition for Marriage Annulment and Waiver of All Rights.
00:37:47He slapped the documents in front of me and spoke quickly.
00:37:51Sign it.
00:37:52Declare that our marriage was fraudulent from the beginning because it was based on an April Falls joke.
00:37:58Once you sign this, our relationship will legally have never existed.
00:38:03Then I can register my marriage with Summer legally.
00:38:06I picked up the pen and let out a cold laugh.
00:38:09Fine.
00:38:11Then I'll give you both what you want.
00:38:15I signed my name without the slightest pause.
00:38:19The City Hall seal came down and five years of marriage ended in absurdity.
00:38:25After getting the judgment, Ryan turned around, took a brand new Armani suit from the car and changed into it.
00:38:31Summer pulled a white veil from the trunk and pinned it into her hair.
00:38:35The two of them stood on the steps of City Hall, drawing looks from passersby.
00:38:39I sat on a bench and watched it all.
00:38:41Five years ago, on the day Ryan and I registered our marriage at City Hall, he wore an old polo
00:38:47shirt, ripped jeans, and beat up sneakers with no socks.
00:38:51When I reminded him to change, he said true love didn't need all that superficial packaging.
00:38:56Being real was what mattered.
00:38:57Now, he stood in a crisp suit, his arm wrapped tightly around Summer's waist, smiling brightly at the camera.
00:39:04With a click, the image froze, looking just like a perfect couple from a reality show.
00:39:08Not long after, Ryan walked up to me holding two marriage certificates.
00:39:13Honey, see that?
00:39:15I won again this time.
00:39:17We'll get remarried first thing tomorrow morning.
00:39:20Don't be mad. It's just a keepsake.
00:39:22Early pregnancy nausea churned through me, and I was almost too weak to keep standing.
00:39:27Take me back. I need to pack my things.
00:39:31I opened the passenger door, but before I could sit down, Summer squeezed over.
00:39:36Haley, if we're acting, we should go all the way.
00:39:41Since Ryan and I are legally married now, of course I should sit in the passenger seat.
00:39:46She opened the door and sat down as if it was only natural.
00:39:50With one casual sweep of her hand, she knocked my yoga mat and lumbar pillows from the passenger seat onto
00:39:55the floor map.
00:39:56Ryan stood at the front of the car and gave me an apologetic gesture.
00:39:59I turned and walked toward the south line, ready to call a rideshare.
00:40:03Ryan caught up in a few steps, opened the back door, and shoved me inside.
00:40:07Stop throwing a tantrum. It's hard to get a car here. Sit down and behave.
00:40:13Bruno Maas' Mary Ud was playing in the car. Summer hummed along to the beat.
00:40:17When it reached the high note, she grabbed Ryan's sleeve and shook it.
00:40:20It's a beautiful night. We're looking for something dumb to do.
00:40:25Ryan took the next line in perfect sync.
00:40:28They looked at each other and burst out laughing, with a bottle of mineral water.
00:40:32The two of them were as intimate as newlyweds.
00:40:35Ryan, your collar is crooked.
00:40:37Summer turned sideways and reached out to fix Ryan's tie.
00:40:41Her fingertips brushed his Adam's belt, and most of her body leaned over him.
00:40:47Ryan didn't move away.
00:40:48Instead, he held the steering wheel with one hand and used the other to steady Summer's back.
00:40:53Stop messing around. I'm driving.
00:40:56That was what he said, but his tone was full of indulgence.
00:41:00I closed my eyes and placed my hand over my lower eboli.
00:41:05Today, this farce had to end.
00:41:09When we pushed open the front door, Catherine lifted Summer's hand and gently placed the antique diamond ring in her
00:41:15palm, her tone full of affection.
00:41:17This ring should have been on your hand five years ago, Summer.
00:41:21Before Ryan.
00:41:23Mistake.
00:41:24Then she turned her face toward me, and her eyes went cold.
00:41:28Haley, you're still here.
00:41:29Ryan walked over and stood between them.
00:41:32Mom, we're joking. It's April Fool's Day. We're just playing around.
00:41:36Well, I wish it could stay that way, forever.
00:41:39I didn't answer.
00:41:41I walked around them, went straight into the master bedroom, and pulled out a suitcase.
00:41:46I had barely taken out two pieces of clothings when Ryan followed me in.
00:41:50Haley, everyone's here today. Don't ruin the mood.
00:41:54Let's have dinner together tonight. Think of it as a celebration.
00:41:58The final book in your Dark Whispers trilogy launches tomorrow.
00:42:01I've invited the whole publishing to. Consider it a celebration dinner.
00:42:05I stopped moving. That novel had taken three years of my blood and sweat.
00:42:10Countless sleepless nights fueled by coffee and revisions.
00:42:13If I burned everything down at this exact moment,
00:42:16tomorrow's pre-sales and launch would inevitably be affected.
00:42:19I closed the suitcase.
00:42:20Fine. After this dinner.
00:42:23Ryan beamed, turned, and went to the living room to make calls and arrange everything.
00:42:28I would treat it as a farewell dinner with the team I had built with my own hands.
00:42:32Not long after, in the dining room, Summer didn't even look at the menu.
00:42:35She gave the waiter several dish names directly.
00:42:38I saw that Haley ordered only ordinary dishes.
00:42:42There's no way that can suit everyone's taste.
00:42:46I added a few dishes on my own.
00:42:49Anyway, I'm using my husband's card.
00:42:52The housekeeper took the day off.
00:42:55Haley, help out for a bit.
00:42:57The staff will be here soon.
00:43:00I glanced at the editorial team chatting happily in the living room.
00:43:04Took a deep breath and swallowed both my words and the acid rising in my stomach.
00:43:08Forget it. One last meal.
00:43:13I walked into the kitchen.
00:43:15The churning in my stomach hadn't settled and waves of cramping started in my lower abdomen.
00:43:20Chop the vegetables.
00:43:22Turn on the stove.
00:43:24Heat the pan.
00:43:25Add olive oil.
00:43:27Summer stood to the side, every inch the lady of the house.
00:43:31Add more lemon juice to the salmon.
00:43:33Ryan has hated fishiness since he was a kid.
00:43:37And don't overcook the kale.
00:43:38The editors arrived one after another.
00:43:41Emily, the executive editor, couldn't stand watching anymore.
00:43:44She rolled up her sleeves and came into the kitchen to help wash vegetables.
00:43:48Emily, you're a guest.
00:43:50Just sit and wait for dinner.
00:43:52I'll worry about things in here.
00:43:54After all, tonight I'm the hostess.
00:43:57Emily flushed with embarrassment and retreated to the living room.
00:44:01I brought out the final dish of roasted ribs.
00:44:05Six dishes filled the table.
00:44:07Just as I untied my apron, the doorbell rang.
00:44:10Summer ran to open the door and several delivery workers came in carrying large insulated bags.
00:44:15I saw that Haley only made home-style dishes.
00:44:19There's no way they'll satisfy everyone's appetite.
00:44:25So, I used my husband's credit card and ordered a few dishes myself.
00:44:33Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs, black truffle risotto.
00:44:38Face on the table was limited.
00:44:40Summer picked up the roasted ribs I had just made and dumped them, meat and bones together,
00:44:44into the nearby trash can to make room for her seafood.
00:44:48Ryan didn't think anything of it.
00:44:50He handed her a napkin to wipe her hands.
00:44:52You're always so thoughtful.
00:44:54I could no longer bear it and was about to step forward, but someone grabbed my sleeve.
00:44:59Emily leaned close to me, pushed her phone screen towards me, and lowered her voice.
00:45:04Haley, look at this.
00:45:05On the screen was the new book poster the marketing department had sent her for approval.
00:45:08In the author field, one name had been added before Haley Hart, Summer Bryant.
00:45:13I snatched up the phone and put it right in front of Ryan.
00:45:17Why?
00:45:19I turned my head and looked straight into Ryan's eyes.
00:45:22Ryan walked over, smiling as he said,
00:45:25Haley, this one's on me.
00:45:26I forgot to loop you in.
00:45:29I want you to share half the byline with her.
00:45:33I already promised Summer in advance.
00:45:36You love me so much.
00:45:38You'll help with this tiny favor, right?
00:45:41I typed this out word by word, three years over three years.
00:45:45What gives you the right?
00:45:49What gives me the right?
00:45:51Money.
00:45:52Without me pouring money into marketing, your manuscripts would still be sitting in a drawer.
00:45:57I made you a best-selling author, and I can turn you back into an ordinary nobody.
00:46:02Right now, the company needs to push Summer, and your book is the best springboard.
00:46:07It's that simple.
00:46:12The copyright is under my personal name.
00:46:14You have no right to add her name.
00:46:16If you dare do this, I'll see you in court.
00:46:24The food is getting cold.
00:46:27Do we really have to talk about this right now?
00:46:33Everyone is waiting.
00:46:37Let's eat first.
00:46:39Whatever it is, we'll talk tomorrow.
00:46:43I ignored the table full of people, grabbed my power keys, and rushed out the door.
00:46:49By the time I got to the publishing house, the giant poster had already been hung.
00:46:5580% of the entire layout was Summer.
00:46:57With a long personal introduction beside her, and even gossip about her and Ryan vacationing in the Hamptons.
00:47:06My name was squeezed into a corner, so small it was almost invisible.
00:47:14Derek, the head of the publishing house, was Ryan's fraternity brother from Yale.
00:47:20Hayley, there's nothing I can do.
00:47:23Personally.
00:47:25Ryan called personally and ordered us to print overnight.
00:47:29Besides, Carter Publishing belongs to you two as a couple.
00:47:36Does it really matter whose name is on it, as long as it makes money?
00:47:41He smoked a cigar in his office.
00:47:45A chill ran through me.
00:47:47Ryan's, we'll talk tomorrow.
00:47:50It was nothing but a delaying tactic.
00:47:52I turned and went downstairs, then speeded all the way back to the Carter house.
00:47:58When I pushed open the door, the dinner was already over.
00:48:01Ryan was sitting on the sofa watching a new Netflix show this summer.
00:48:05What gives you the right to do this?
00:48:07That book is my life's work!
00:48:10I'll say it again.
00:48:12We're only borrowing your fame for a while.
00:48:14Once Summer gets popular, I'll have her name removed from the reprint.
00:48:20Don't take it out on him, Hayley.
00:48:22We made this decision together.
00:48:27I was only helping him share the pressure at work.
00:48:33Some things really have been hard for you to handle lately.
00:48:40This has nothing to do with you.
00:48:42But Ryan pulled her tightly into his arms and protected her completely.
00:48:47Pushing Summer forward is the company's established strategy.
00:48:53I hope you won't be jealous of her.
00:48:58I remember I just said it.
00:49:01Is your memory that bad?
00:49:05Oh, right.
00:49:07Tonight, Summer is Mrs. Carter.
00:49:10Maybe you should step out and cool off.
00:49:13I pulled the judgment from my bag and threw it straight in his face.
00:49:19I was already leaving tonight.
00:49:23Now, there's not even a final thread left between us.
00:49:30Fine.
00:49:31You've got backbone.
00:49:33Since you don't want to be Mrs. Carter,
00:49:35I'll freeze your joint account and supplemental credit cards right now.
00:49:40He called the security company directly.
00:49:43Two private security guards stood at the door, looking awkward.
00:49:46I'm already divorced from this woman.
00:49:47She has now trespassed into my private residence
00:49:51to harass me and my wife.
00:49:54Please remove her and make sure she leaves my private property.
00:49:58The guards had no choice but to forcefully drag me out.
00:50:02Hayley Hart, without me, you can't even afford a motel.
00:50:07I'll be waiting for you to come crawling back tomorrow to remarry me.
00:50:11As for that book, consider it your wedding gift to Summer today.
00:50:17The security guards pushed me out the gate.
00:50:18I stumbled and fell into a muddy patch of lawn, freshly swept by the sprinkler system.
00:50:22I braced myself against the ground, climbed up, held my stomach, and walked to the roadside.
00:50:27But an out-of-control dodge pickup came bearing straight towards me around the corner.
00:50:30I avoided the collision, but the momentum threw me hard onto the asphalt.
00:50:33A sharp spasm shot through my abdomen, more violent than any pain before.
00:50:37The 911 dispatcher said the ambulance would take another 45 minutes.
00:50:40With no other choice, I leaned against a street lamp and dialed my emergency contact.
00:50:45Ryan was close, so he arrived quickly.
00:50:48He opened the car door.
00:50:49When his gaze touched the blood on the hem of my skirt, his steps faltered.
00:50:52Haley, what happened to you?
00:50:56He bent down, ready to carry me into the car.
00:50:58But Summer's message popped up on his phone screen.
00:51:01It's almost midnight, husband.
00:51:03If you don't come now, this round counts as your loss.
00:51:06Ryan's hands stopped in miff air.
00:51:08He stared at the center display, then turned to look at me.
00:51:11Help me.
00:51:13I clutched his cuff with all my strength.
00:51:15Haley, do me a favor.
00:51:16Ryan plied my fingers open one by one.
00:51:18I've never lost at this stupid game in my entire life.
00:51:21I checked.
00:51:22You only sprained your ankle.
00:51:24I'll call emergency services for you right now.
00:51:27He pulled me out of the passenger seat,
00:51:29casually took two $20 bills from his wallet and stuffed them into my hand.
00:51:33I'll come see you at the hospital in a bit.
00:51:38Exhaust from the tailpipe blasted into my face.
00:51:41I lay in the puddle and screamed at the receding taillights.
00:51:44Ryan!
00:51:47I'm pregnant with your child, you bastard!
00:51:50Only the sound of rain answered me.
00:51:52The car never even lit its brake lights again.
00:51:55My vision began to blur.
00:51:57A white Toyota Camry stopped by the road.
00:51:59The window rolled down, revealing Emily's exhausted face.
00:52:03Oh my god, Haley!
00:52:05She rushed out of the car and half-dragged, half-carried me into the back seat.
00:52:10The hospital emergency department.
00:52:12When I woke up in the observation room,
00:52:14a social worker wearing an ID badge came over and handed me a stack of papers.
00:52:19Miss Hart, your emergency treatment has been completed,
00:52:21but transferring to a private room will require out-of-pocket payment.
00:52:25Also, when we tried to process your insurance,
00:52:28the system showed that your spouse's medical coverage has been frozen.
00:52:48Every April Fool's Day, my husband Ryan Carter and his childhood friend Summer Brayan played a game of truth or
00:52:54dare.
00:52:55Remember?
00:52:56Eighth grade?
00:52:57I asked if you dared to skip the math exam.
00:53:01You tore the answer sheet paper airplane straight into pieces.
00:53:08That was nothing.
00:53:10Playing truth or dare on April Fool's Day is basically our tradition.
00:53:15Then do you dare to go get a marriage license?
00:53:20With me?
00:53:21Right now?
00:53:23Whistles erupted all around.
00:53:25I stood in the doorway, my fingertips pinching a pregnancy test.
00:53:30Ryan turned to look at me, then laughed.
00:53:32Why wouldn't I dare?
00:53:34He stood up, came over, grabbed my arm, and dragged me into the hallway outside.
00:53:41Haley, it's just an April Fool's joke.
00:53:44Play along with me.
00:53:45Go handle the divorce paperwork first,
00:53:48and tomorrow morning we'll go to City Hall and get remarried.
00:53:51You know I can't back down in front of Summer.
00:53:54I stared at the man in front of me.
00:53:56For the sake of his so-called childhood game, I had compromised for five years.
00:54:00This time, I wasn't accepting it.
00:54:02I'm pregnant.
00:54:06Haley, that's a brilliant move!
00:54:08Ryan froze for half a beat, then burst out laughing.
00:54:11You made up a pregnancy, just stopped me from winning?
00:54:14Nice. You're better at April Fool's than I am.
00:54:17Summer walked over. Hearing our conversation, she laughed too.
00:54:22Please, Haley, if you can't handle the game, just say so.
00:54:28Using pregnancy as an excuse?
00:54:31That's so low.
00:54:32Exactly.
00:54:35Let's go.
00:54:37Hurry up!
00:54:38If we're any later, City Hall will close.
00:54:40How am I supposed to get the license then?
00:54:42He dragged me outside, his steps long and urgent.
00:54:46I glanced at the hand gripping my wrist.
00:54:48The Paddy Philippe on his wrist was the gift he had bought himself the day after the first volume of
00:54:53Dark Whispers hit number one on the bestseller list.
00:54:56And that April Fool's Day, the gift he gave me was kissing Summer in front of every executive in the
00:55:02company.
00:55:03On the way to City Hall, Ryan drove insanely fast.
00:55:08When we arrived at City Hall, what Ryan pulled from his briefcase was not a divorce agreement, but a thick
00:55:15stack of documents.
00:55:16The title read, Petition for Marriage Annulment and Waiver of All Rights.
00:55:21He slapped the documents in front of me and spoke quickly.
00:55:25Sign it.
00:55:27Declare that our marriage was fraudulent from the beginning because it was based on an April Falls joke.
00:55:33Once you sign this, our relationship will legally have never existed.
00:55:38Then I can register my marriage with Summer legally.
00:55:41I picked up the pen and let out a cold laugh.
00:55:44Fine.
00:55:45Then I'll give you both what you want.
00:55:50I signed my name without the slightest pause.
00:55:54The City Hall seal came down and five years of marriage ended in absurdity.
00:56:00After getting the judgment, Ryan turned around, took a brand new Armani suit from the car and changed into it.
00:56:06Summer pulled a white veil from the trunk and pinned it into her hair.
00:56:09The two of them stood on the steps of City Hall, drawing looks from passersby.
00:56:13I sat on a bench and watched it all.
00:56:16Five years ago, on the day Ryan and I registered our marriage at City Hall, he wore an old polo
00:56:21shirt, ripped jeans, and beat up sneakers with no socks.
00:56:25When I reminded him to change, he said true love didn't need all that superficial packaging.
00:56:31Being real was what mattered.
00:56:32Now, he stood in a crisp suit, his arm wrapped tightly around Summer's waist, smiling brightly at the camera.
00:56:38With a click, the image froze, looking just like a perfect couple from a reality show.
00:56:43Not long after, Ryan walked up to me holding two marriage certificates.
00:56:47Honey, see that?
00:56:49I won again this time.
00:56:51We'll get remarried first thing tomorrow morning.
00:56:55Don't be mad.
00:56:55It's just a keepsake.
00:56:57Early pregnancy nausea churned through me, and I was almost too weak to keep standing.
00:57:02Take me back.
00:57:03I need to pack my things.
00:57:05I opened the passenger door, but before I could sit down, Summer squeezed over.
00:57:11Haley, if we're acting, we should go all the way.
00:57:15Since Ryan and I are legally married now, of course I should sit in the passenger seat.
00:57:21She opened the door and sat down as if it was only natural.
00:57:24With one casual sweep of her hand, she knocked my yoga mat and lumbar pillows from the passenger seat onto
00:57:29the floor map.
00:57:31Ryan stood at the front of the car and gave me an apologetic gesture.
00:57:34I turned and walked toward the south line, ready to call a rideshare.
00:57:37Ryan caught up in a few steps, opened the back door, and shoved me inside.
00:57:41Stop throwing a tantrum.
00:57:43It's hard to get a car here.
00:57:45Sit down and behave.
00:57:47Bruno Maz's Mary Ud was playing in the car.
00:57:50Summer hummed along to the beat.
00:57:51When it reached the high note, she grabbed Ryan's sleeve and shook it.
00:57:55It's a beautiful night.
00:57:57We're looking for something dumb to do.
00:58:00Ryan took the next line in perfect sync.
00:58:03They looked at each other and burst out laughing, with a bottle of mineral water.
00:58:07The two of them were as intimate as newlyweds.
00:58:10Ryan, your collar is crooked.
00:58:12Summer turned sideways and reached out to fix Ryan's tie.
00:58:15Her fingertips brushed his Adam's belt, and most of her body leaned over him.
00:58:21Ryan didn't move away.
00:58:23Instead, he held the steering wheel with one hand and used the other to steady Summer's back.
00:58:28Stop messing around. I'm driving.
00:58:30That was what he said, but his tone was full of indulgence.
00:58:34I closed my eyes and placed my hand over my lower eboli.
00:58:40Today, this farce had to end.
00:58:43When we pushed open the front door, Catherine lifted Summer's hand and gently placed the antique diamond ring in her
00:58:49palm, her tone full of affection.
00:58:52This ring should have been on your hand five years ago, Summer.
00:58:56Before Ryan.
00:58:58Mistake.
00:58:59Then she turned her face toward me, and her eyes went cold.
00:59:02Haley, you're still here.
00:59:04Ryan walked over and stood between them.
00:59:06Mom, we're joking. It's April Fool's Day. We're just playing around.
00:59:11Well, I wish it could stay that way, forever.
00:59:14I didn't answer.
00:59:16I walked around them, went straight into the master bedroom, and pulled out a suitcase.
00:59:21I had barely taken out two pieces of clothings when Ryan followed me in.
00:59:25Haley, everyone's here today.
00:59:27Don't ruin the mood.
00:59:29Let's have dinner together tonight.
00:59:31Think of it as a celebration.
00:59:32The final book in your Dark Whispers trilogy launches tomorrow.
00:59:36I've invited the whole publishing to.
00:59:38Consider it a celebration dinner.
00:59:40I stopped moving.
00:59:41That novel had taken three years of my blood and sweat.
00:59:45Countless sleepless nights fueled by coffee and revisions.
00:59:48If I burned everything down at this exact moment,
00:59:51tomorrow's pre-sales and launch would inevitably be affected.
00:59:54I closed the suitcase.
00:59:55Fine. After this dinner.
00:59:58Ryan beamed, turned, and went to the living room to make calls and arrange everything.
01:00:02I would treat it as a farewell dinner with the team I had built with my own hands.
01:00:07Not long after, in the dining room, Summer didn't even look at the menu.
01:00:10She gave the waiter several dish names directly.
01:00:13I saw that Haley ordered only ordinary dishes.
01:00:16There's no way that can suit everyone's taste.
01:00:21I added a few dishes on my own.
01:00:23Anyway, I'm using my husband's card.
01:00:26The housekeeper took the day off.
01:00:29Haley, help out for a bit.
01:00:32The staff will be here soon.
01:00:34I glanced at the editorial team chatting happily in the living room.
01:00:38Took a deep breath and swallowed both my words and the acid rising in my stomach.
01:00:42Forget it. One last meal.
01:00:47I walked into the kitchen.
01:00:50The churning in my stomach hadn't settled and waves of cramping started in my lower abdomen.
01:00:55Chop the vegetables.
01:00:56Turn on the stove.
01:00:59Heat the pan.
01:01:01Add olive oil.
01:01:02Summer stood to the side, every inch the lady of the house.
01:01:06Add more lemon juice to the salmon.
01:01:08Ryan has hated fishiness since he was a kid.
01:01:11And don't overcook the kale.
01:01:13The editors arrived one after another.
01:01:16Emily, the executive editor, couldn't stand watching anymore.
01:01:19She rolled up her sleeves and came into the kitchen to help wash vegetables.
01:01:23Emily, you're a guest.
01:01:25Just sit and wait for dinner.
01:01:27I'll worry about things in here.
01:01:29After all, tonight I'm the hostess.
01:01:32Emily flushed with embarrassment and retreated to the living room.
01:01:36I brought out the final dish of roasted ribs.
01:01:39Six dishes filled the table.
01:01:41Just as I untied my apron, the doorbell rang.
01:01:45Summer ran to open the door and several delivery workers came in carrying large insulated bags.
01:01:50I saw that Haley only made home-style dishes.
01:01:54There's no way they'll satisfy everyone's appetite.
01:01:59So, I used my husband's credit card and ordered a few dishes myself.
01:02:08Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs, black truffle risotto, face on the table was limited.
01:02:15Summer picked up the roasted ribs I had just made and dumped them, meat and bones together, into the nearby
01:02:19trash can to make room for her seafood.
01:02:22Ryan didn't think anything of it.
01:02:24He handed her a napkin to wipe her hands.
01:02:26You're always so thoughtful.
01:02:29I could no longer bear it and was about to step forward, but someone grabbed my sleeve.
01:02:34Emily leaned close to me, pushed her phone screen towards me, and lowered her voice.
01:02:38Haley, look at this.
01:02:39On the screen was the new book poster the marketing department had sent her for approval.
01:02:43In the author field, one name had been added before Haley Hart, Summer Bryant.
01:02:47I snatched up the phone and put it right in front of Ryan.
01:02:52Why?
01:02:53I turned my head and looked straight into Ryan's eyes.
01:02:57Ryan walked over, smiling as he said,
01:03:00Haley, this one's on me.
01:03:01I forgot to loop you in.
01:03:04I want you to share half the byline with her.
01:03:07I already promised Summer in advance.
01:03:11You love me so much.
01:03:13You'll help with this tiny favor, right?
01:03:16I typed this out word by word, three years over three years.
01:03:20What gives you the right?
01:03:23What gives me the right?
01:03:25Money.
01:03:27Without me pouring money into marketing, your manuscripts would still be sitting in a drawer.
01:03:31I made you a best-selling author, and I can turn you back into an ordinary nobody.
01:03:37Right now, the company needs to push Summer, and your book is the best springboard.
01:03:42It's that simple.
01:03:46The copyright is under my personal name.
01:03:49You have no right to add her name.
01:03:50If you dare do this, I'll see you in court.
01:03:58The food is getting cold.
01:04:01Do we really have to talk about this right now?
01:04:07Everyone is waiting.
01:04:11Let's eat first.
01:04:14Whatever it is, we'll talk tomorrow.
01:04:18I ignored the table full of people, grabbed my car keys, and rushed out the door.
01:04:23By the time I got to the publishing house, the giant poster had already been hung.
01:04:2980% of the entire layout was Summer.
01:04:31With a long personal introduction beside her, and even gossip about her and Ryan vacationing in the Hamptons.
01:04:41My name was squeezed into a corner, so small it was almost invisible.
01:04:49Derek, the head of the publishing house, was Ryan's fraternity brother from Yale.
01:04:55Haley, there's nothing I can do.
01:04:58Personally.
01:05:00Ryan called personally and ordered us to print overnight.
01:05:04Besides, Carter Publishing belongs to you two as a couple.
01:05:10Does it really matter whose name is on it, as long as it makes money?
01:05:16He smoked a cigar in his office.
01:05:20A chill ran through me.
01:05:22Ryan's will talk tomorrow.
01:05:24It was nothing but a delaying tactic.
01:05:27I turned and went downstairs, then speeded all the way back to the Carter house.
01:05:32When I pushed open the door, the dinner was already over.
01:05:36Ryan was sitting on the sofa watching a new Netflix show in Summer.
01:05:40What gives you the right to do this?
01:05:41That book is my life's work!
01:05:45I'll say it again.
01:05:46We're only borrowing your fame for a while.
01:05:49Once Summer gets popular, I'll have her name removed from the reprint.
01:05:54Don't take it out on him, Haley.
01:05:56We made this decision together.
01:06:02I was only helping him share the pressure at work.
01:06:07Some things really have been hard for you to handle lately.
01:06:14This has nothing to do with you.
01:06:17But Ryan pulled her tightly into his arms and protected her completely.
01:06:22Pushing Summer forward is the company's established strategy.
01:06:28I hope you won't be jealous of her.
01:06:32I remember I just said it.
01:06:35Is your memory that bad?
01:06:40Oh, right.
01:06:42Tonight, Summer is Mrs. Carter.
01:06:45Maybe you should step out and cool off.
01:06:48I pulled the judgment from my bag and threw it straight in his face.
01:06:53I was already leaving tonight.
01:06:58Now, there's not even a final thread left between us.
01:07:04Fine.
01:07:06You've got backbone.
01:07:08Since you don't want to be Mrs. Carter,
01:07:10I'll freeze your joint account and supplemental credit cards right now.
01:07:15He called the security company directly.
01:07:18Two private security guards stood at the door looking awkward.
01:07:20I'm already divorced from this woman.
01:07:22She has now trespassed into my private residence
01:07:25to harass me and my wife.
01:07:29Please remove her and make sure she leaves my private property.
01:07:32The guards had no choice but to forcefully drag me out.
01:07:36Hayley Hart, without me, you can't even afford a motel.
01:07:41I'll be waiting for you to come crawling back tomorrow to remarry me.
01:07:45As for that book, consider it your wedding gift to Summer today.
01:07:51The security guards pushed me out the gate.
01:07:53I stumbled and fell into a muddy patch of lawn,
01:07:55freshly swept by the sprinkler system.
01:07:57I braced myself against the ground, climbed up,
01:07:59held my stomach, and walked to the roadside.
01:08:01But an out-of-control dodge pickup came bearing straight towards me around the corner.
01:08:04I avoided the collision, but the momentum threw me hard onto the asphalt.
01:08:08A sharp spasm shot through my abdomen, more violent than any pain before.
01:08:11The 911 dispatcher said the ambulance would take another 45 minutes.
01:08:15With no other choice, I leaned against a street lamp and dialed my emergency contact.
01:08:20Ryan was close, so he arrived quickly.
01:08:22He opened the car door.
01:08:24When his gaze touched the blood on the hem of my skirt, his steps faltered.
01:08:28Hayley, what happened to you?
01:08:30He bent down, ready to carry me into the car.
01:08:33But Summer's message popped up on his phone screen.
01:08:35It's almost midnight, husband.
01:08:37If you don't come now, this round counts as your loss.
01:08:40Ryan's hands stopped in miff air.
01:08:43He stared at the center display, then turned to look at me.
01:08:46Help me.
01:08:47I clutched his cuff with all my strength.
01:08:50Hayley, do me a favor.
01:08:51Ryan plied my fingers open one by one.
01:08:53I've never lost at this stupid game in my entire life.
01:08:55I checked.
01:08:57You only sprained your ankle.
01:08:58I'll call emergency services for you right now.
01:09:02He pulled me out of the passenger seat,
01:09:03casually took two $20 bills from his wallet and stuffed them into my hand.
01:09:07I'll come see you at the hospital in a bit.
01:09:13Exhaust from the tailpipe blasted into my face.
01:09:15I lay in the puddle and screamed at the receding taillights.
01:09:19Ryan!
01:09:21I'm pregnant with your child!
01:09:23You bastard!
01:09:25Only the sound of rain answered me.
01:09:27The car never even lit its brake lights again.
01:09:29My vision began to blur.
01:09:31A white Toyota Camry stopped by the road.
01:09:34The window rolled down, revealing Emily's exhausted face.
01:09:37Oh my God, Hayley!
01:09:40She rushed out of the car and half-dragged, half-carried me into the back seat.
01:09:45The hospital emergency department.
01:09:47When I woke up in the observation room,
01:09:49a social worker wearing an ID badge came over and handed me a stack of papers.
01:09:53Miss Hart, your emergency treatment has been completed,
01:09:56but transferring to a private room will require out-of-pocket payment.
01:10:00Also, when we tried to process your insurance,
01:10:02the system showed that your spouse medical coverage has been frozen.
01:10:23Every April Fool's Day, my husband Ryan Carter and his childhood friend Summer Brayan played a game of truth or
01:10:29dare.
01:10:29Remember?
01:10:31Eighth grade?
01:10:32I asked if you dared to skip the math exam.
01:10:36You tore the answer sheet paper airplane straight into pieces.
01:10:42That was nothing.
01:10:44Playing truth or dare on April Fool's Day is basically our tradition.
01:10:50Then do you dare to go get a marriage license?
01:10:55With me?
01:10:56Right now?
01:10:58Whistles erupted all around.
01:11:00I stood in the doorway, my fingertips pinching a pregnancy test.
01:11:04Ryan turned to look at me, then laughed.
01:11:07Why wouldn't I dare?
01:11:09He stood up, came over, grabbed my arm, and dragged me into the hallway outside.
01:11:15Hayley, it's just an April Fool's joke.
01:11:18Play along with me.
01:11:20Go handle the divorce paperwork first, and tomorrow morning we'll go to City Hall and get remarried.
01:11:26You know I can't back down in front of Summer.
01:11:28I stared at the man in front of me.
01:11:30For the sake of his so-called childhood game, I had compromised for five years.
01:11:34This time, I wasn't accepting it.
01:11:37I'm pregnant.
01:11:41Hayley, that's a brilliant move!
01:11:43Ryan froze for half a beat, then burst out laughing.
01:11:46You made up a pregnancy to stop me from winning?
01:11:49Nice.
01:11:50You're better at April Fool's than I am.
01:11:52Summer walked over.
01:11:53Hearing our conversation, she laughed too.
01:11:56Please, Hayley.
01:11:58If you can't handle the game, just say so.
01:12:02Using pregnancy as an excuse?
01:12:05That's so low.
01:12:07Exactly.
01:12:10Let's go.
01:12:11Hurry up!
01:12:13If we're any later, City Hall will close.
01:12:15How am I supposed to get the license, then?
01:12:17He dragged me outside, his steps long and urgent.
01:12:21I glanced at the hand gripping my wrist.
01:12:23The Paddy Philippe on his wrist was the gift he had bought himself the day after the first volume of
01:12:28Dark Whispers hit number one on the bestseller list.
01:12:30And that April Fool's Day, the gift he gave me was kissing Summer in front of every executive in the
01:12:37company.
01:12:38On the way to City Hall, Ryan drove insanely fast.
01:12:42When we arrived at City Hall, what Ryan pulled from his briefcase was not a divorce agreement, but a thick
01:12:49stack of documents.
01:12:50The title read, Petition for Marriage Annulment and Waiver of All Rights.
01:12:56He slapped the documents in front of me and spoke quickly.
01:13:00Sign it.
01:13:01Declare that our marriage was fraudulent from the beginning because it was based on an April Falls joke.
01:13:07Once you sign this, our relationship will legally have never existed.
01:13:13Then I can register my marriage with Summer legally.
01:13:15I picked up the pen and let out a cold laugh.
01:13:19Fine.
01:13:20Then I'll give you both what you want.
01:13:25I signed my name without the slightest pause.
01:13:28The City Hall seal came down and five years of marriage ended in absurdity.
01:13:34After getting the judgment, Ryan turned around, took a brand new Armani suit from the car and changed into it.
01:13:41Summer pulled a white veil from the trunk and pinned it into her hair.
01:13:44The two of them stood on the steps of City Hall, drawing looks from passersby.
01:13:48I sat on a bench and watched it all.
01:13:51Five years ago, on the day Ryan and I registered our marriage at City Hall,
01:13:55he wore an old polo shirt, ripped jeans, and beat up sneakers with no socks.
01:14:00When I reminded him to change, he said true love didn't need all that superficial packaging.
01:14:05Being real was what mattered.
01:14:07Now, he stood in a crisp suit, his arm wrapped tightly around Summer's waist, smiling brightly at the camera.
01:14:13With a click, the image froze, looking just like a perfect couple from a reality show.
01:14:18Not long after, Ryan walked up to me holding two marriage certificates.
01:14:22Honey, see that?
01:14:24I won again this time.
01:14:26We'll get remarried first thing tomorrow morning.
01:14:29Don't be mad. It's just a keepsake.
01:14:32Early pregnancy nausea churned through me, and I was almost too weak to keep standing.
01:14:36Take me back. I need to pack my things.
01:14:40I opened the passenger door, but before I could sit down, Summer squeezed over.
01:14:46Haley, if we're acting, we should go all the way.
01:14:50Since Ryan and I are legally married now, of course I should sit in the passenger seat.
01:14:56She opened the door and sat down as if it was only natural.
01:14:59With one casual sweep of her hand, she knocked my yoga mat and lumbar pillows from the passenger seat onto
01:15:04the floor map.
01:15:06Ryan stood at the front of the car and gave me an apologetic gesture.
01:15:09I turned and walked toward the south line, ready to call a rideshare.
01:15:12Ryan caught up in a few steps, opened the back door, and shoved me inside.
01:15:16Stop throwing a tantrum. It's hard to get a car here. Sit down and behave.
01:15:22Bruno Maas' Mary Ud was playing in the car. Summer hummed along to the beat.
01:15:26When it reached the high note, she grabbed Ryan's sleeve and shook it.
01:15:29It's a beautiful night. We're looking for something dumb to do.
01:15:35Ryan took the next line in perfect sync.
01:15:38They looked at each other and burst out laughing, with a bottle of mineral water.
01:15:42The two of them were as intimate as newlyweds.
01:15:44Ryan, your collar is crooked.
01:15:47Summer turned sideways and reached out to fix Ryan's tie.
01:15:50Her fingertips brushed his Adam's belt, and most of her body leaned over him.
01:15:56Ryan didn't move away.
01:15:58Instead, he held the steering wheel with one hand and used the other to steady Summer's back.
01:16:02Stop messing around. I'm driving.
01:16:05That was what he said, but his tone was full of indulgence.
01:16:09I closed my eyes and placed my hand over my lower eboli.
01:16:14Today, this farce had to end.
01:16:18When we pushed open the front door, Catherine lifted Summer's hand and gently placed the antique diamond ring in her
01:16:24palm, her tone full of affection.
01:16:26This ring should have been on your hand five years ago, Summer.
01:16:30Before Ryan.
01:16:33Mistake.
01:16:34Then she turned her face toward me, and her eyes went cold.
01:16:37Haley, you're still here.
01:16:38Ryan walked over and stood between them.
01:16:41Mom, we're joking. It's April Fool's Day. We're just playing around.
01:16:45Well, I wish it could stay that way, forever.
01:16:48I didn't answer. I walked around them, went straight into the master bedroom, and pulled out a suitcase.
01:16:55I had barely taken out two pieces of clothings when Ryan followed me in.
01:16:59Haley, everyone's here today. Don't ruin the mood.
01:17:04Let's have dinner together tonight. Think of it as a celebration.
01:17:07The final book in your Dark Whispers trilogy launches tomorrow.
01:17:11I've invited the whole publishing to. Consider it a celebration dinner.
01:17:14I stopped moving. That novel had taken three years of my blood and sweat. Countless sleepless nights fueled by coffee
01:17:21and revisions.
01:17:22If I burned everything down at this exact moment, tomorrow's pre-sales and launch would inevitably be affected.
01:17:28I closed the suitcase.
01:17:29Fine. After this dinner.
01:17:33Ryan beamed, turned, and went to the living room to make calls and arrange everything.
01:17:37I would treat it as a farewell dinner with the team I had built with my own hands.
01:17:41Not long after, in the dining room, Summer didn't even look at the menu.
01:17:44She gave the waiter several dish names directly.
01:17:47I saw that Haley ordered only ordinary dishes.
01:17:51There's no way that can suit everyone's taste.
01:17:55I added a few dishes on my own.
01:17:58Anyway, I'm using my husband's card.
01:18:01The housekeeper took the day off.
01:18:04Haley, help out for a bit.
01:18:07The staff will be here soon.
01:18:09I glanced at the editorial team chatting happily in the living room.
01:18:13Took a deep breath and swallowed both my words and the acid rising in my stomach.
01:18:17Forget it. One last meal.
01:18:22I walked into the kitchen.
01:18:24The churning in my stomach hadn't settled and waves of cramping started in my lower abdomen.
01:18:29Chop the vegetables.
01:18:31Turn on the stove.
01:18:34Heat the pan.
01:18:35Add olive oil.
01:18:37Summer stood to the side, every inch the lady of the house.
01:18:40Add more lemon juice to the salmon.
01:18:42Ryan has hated fishiness since he was a kid.
01:18:46And don't overcook the kale.
01:18:48The editors arrived one after another.
01:18:50Emily, the executive editor, couldn't stand watching anymore.
01:18:54She rolled up her sleeves and came into the kitchen to help wash vegetables.
01:18:57Emily, you're a guest.
01:18:59Just sit and wait for dinner.
01:19:01I'll worry about things in here.
01:19:04After all, tonight I'm the hostess.
01:19:07Emily flushed with embarrassment and retreated to the living room.
01:19:10I brought out the final dish of roasted ribs.
01:19:14Six dishes filled the table.
01:19:16Just as I untied my apron, the doorbell rang.
01:19:19Summer ran to open the door and several delivery workers came in carrying large insulated bags.
01:19:24I saw that Haley only made home-style dishes.
01:19:29There's no way they'll satisfy everyone's appetite.
01:19:34So, I used my husband's credit card and ordered a few dishes myself.
01:19:43Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs, black truffle risotto, face on the table was limited.
01:19:49Summer picked up the roasted ribs I had just made and dumped them, meat and bones together,
01:19:53into the nearby trash can to make room for her seafood.
01:19:57Ryan didn't think anything of it.
01:19:59He handed her a napkin to wipe her hands.
01:20:01You're always so thoughtful.
01:20:03I could no longer bear it and was about to step forward, but someone grabbed my sleeve.
01:20:08Emily leaned close to me, pushed her phone screen towards me, and lowered her voice.
01:20:13Haley, look at this.
01:20:14On the screen was the new book poster the marketing department had sent her for approval.
01:20:18In the author field, one name had been added before Haley Hart, Summer Bryant.
01:20:22I snatched up the phone and put it right in front of Ryan.
01:20:26Why?
01:20:28I turned my head and looked straight into Ryan's eyes.
01:20:31Ryan walked over, smiling as he said,
01:20:34Haley, this one's on me.
01:20:36I forgot to loop you in.
01:20:38I want you to share half the byline with her.
01:20:42I already promised Summer in advance.
01:20:45You love me so much.
01:20:48You'll help with this tiny favor, right?
01:20:50I typed this out word by word, three years over three years.
01:20:55What gives you the right?
01:20:58What gives me the right?
01:21:00Money.
01:21:01Without me pouring money into marketing, your manuscripts would still be sitting in a drawer.
01:21:06I made you a best-selling author, and I can turn you back into an ordinary nobody.
01:21:11Right now, the company needs to push Summer, and your book is the best springboard.
01:21:16It's that simple.
01:21:21The copyright is under my personal name.
01:21:23You have no right to add her name.
01:21:25If you dare do this, I'll see you in court.
01:21:33The food is getting cold.
01:21:36Do we really have to talk about this right now?
01:21:42Everyone is waiting.
01:21:46Let's eat first.
01:21:49Whatever it is, we'll talk tomorrow.
01:21:52I ignored the table full of people, grabbed my car keys, and rushed out the door.
01:21:58By the time I got to the publishing house, the giant poster had already been hung.
01:22:0480% of the entire layout was Summer, with a long personal introduction beside her,
01:22:08and even gossiped about her and Ryan vacationing in the Hamptons.
01:22:15My name was squeezed into a corner, so small it was almost invisible.
01:22:23Derek, the head of the publishing house, was Ryan's fraternity brother from Yale.
01:22:29Haley, there's nothing I can do.
01:22:33Personally.
01:22:35Ryan called personally and ordered us to print overnight.
01:22:39Besides, Carter Publishing belongs to you two as a couple.
01:22:45Does it really matter whose name is on it, as long as it makes money?
01:22:50He smoked a cigar in his office.
01:22:54A chill ran through me.
01:22:57Ryan's we'll talk tomorrow.
01:22:59It was nothing but a delaying tactic.
01:23:01I turned and went downstairs, then speeded all the way back to the Carter house.
01:23:07When I pushed open the door, the dinner was already over.
01:23:11Ryan was sitting on the sofa watching a new Netflix show this summer.
01:23:14What gives you the right to do this?
01:23:16That book is my life's work!
01:23:20I'll say it again.
01:23:21We're only borrowing your fame for a while.
01:23:24Once summer gets popular, I'll have her name removed from the reprint.
01:23:29Don't take it out on him, Haley.
01:23:31We made this decision together.
01:23:37I was only helping him share the pressure at work.
01:23:42Some things really have been hard for you to handle lately.
01:23:49This has nothing to do with you.
01:23:51But Ryan pulled her tightly into his arms and protected her completely.
01:23:57Pushing Sommer forward is the company's established strategy.
01:24:02I hope you won't be jealous of her.
01:24:07I remember I just said it.
01:24:10Is your memory that bad?
01:24:14Oh, right.
01:24:16Tonight, summer is Mrs. Carter.
01:24:19Maybe you should step out and cool off.
01:24:22I pulled the judgment from my bag and threw it straight in his face.
01:24:28I was already leaving tonight.
01:24:32Now, there's not even a final thread left between us.
01:24:39Fine.
01:24:41You've got backbone.
01:24:42Since you don't want to be Mrs. Carter,
01:24:44I'll freeze your joint account and supplemental credit cards right now.
01:24:49He called the security company directly.
01:24:52Two private security guards stood at the door, looking awkward.
01:24:55I'm already divorced from this woman.
01:24:57She has now trespassed into my private residence
01:25:00to harass me and my wife.
01:25:03Please remove her and make sure she leaves my private property.
01:25:07The guards had no choice but to forcefully drag me out.
01:25:11Haley Hart, without me, you can't even afford a motel.
01:25:16I'll be waiting for you to come crawling back tomorrow to remarry me.
01:25:20As for that book, consider it your wedding gift to Sommer today.
01:25:26The security guards pushed me out the gate.
01:25:28I stumbled and fell into a muddy patch of lawn, freshly sweat by the sprinkler system.
01:25:32I braced myself against the ground, climbed up, held my stomach, and walked to the roadside.
01:25:36But an out-of-control dodge pickup came bearing straight towards me around the corner.
01:25:39I avoided the collision, but the momentum threw me hard onto the asphalt.
01:25:42A sharp spasm shot through my abdomen, more violent than any pain before.
01:25:46The 911 dispatcher said the ambulance would take another 45 minutes.
01:25:49With no other choice, I leaned against a street lamp and dialed my emergency contact.
01:25:55Ryan was close, so he arrived quickly.
01:25:57He opened the car door.
01:25:58When his gaze touched the blood on the hem of my skirt, his steps faltered.
01:26:02Haley, what happened to you?
01:26:05He bent down, ready to carry me into the car, but Sommer's message popped up on his phone screen.
01:26:10It's almost midnight, husband. If you don't come now, this round counts as your loss.
01:26:15Ryan's hands stopped in miff air.
01:26:17He stared at the center display, then turned to look at me.
01:26:21Help me.
01:26:22I clutched his cuff with all my strength.
01:26:24Haley, do me a favor.
01:26:26Ryan plied my fingers open one by one.
01:26:28I've never lost at this stupid game in my entire life.
01:26:30I checked.
01:26:31You only sprained your ankle.
01:26:33I'll call Emerging Services for you right now.
01:26:36He pulled me out of the passenger seat, casually took two $20 bills from his wallet, and stuffed them into
01:26:41my hand.
01:26:42I'll come see you at the hospital in a bit.
01:26:47Exhaust from the tailpipe blasted into my face.
01:26:50I lay in the puddle and screamed at the receding taillights.
01:26:53Ryan!
01:26:56I'm pregnant with your child, you bastard!
01:26:59Only the sound of rain answered me.
01:27:02The car never even lit its brake lights again.
01:27:04My vision began to blur.
01:27:06A white Toyota Camry stopped by the road.
01:27:09The window rolled down, revealing Emily's exhausted face.
01:27:12Oh my god, Haley!
01:27:14She rushed out of the car and half-dragged, half-carried me into the back seat.
01:27:20The hospital emergency department.
01:27:21When I woke up in the observation room,
01:27:23a social worker wearing an ID badge came over and handed me a stack of papers.
01:27:27Ms. Hart, your emergency treatment has been completed,
01:27:31but transferring to a private room will require out-of-pocket payment.
01:27:35Also, when we tried to process your insurance,
01:27:37the system showed that your spouse medical coverage has been frozen.
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