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00:00:02The year we were poorest, I got pregnant by accident.
00:00:12Dante maxed out his credit cards to pay for the abortion.
00:00:16In the days after the abortion, the most nourishing thing I ate was frozen chicken legs from the supermarket.
00:00:20$1.90 a pound. My heart ached for Dante.
00:00:23He hauled cement at a construction site all day, then delivered food all night.
00:00:27To ease his load, I rested only three days, then started part-time as a server at the club where
00:00:33Lily worked.
00:00:36People fight for this job. Good daily pay plus tips.
00:00:39I only brought you in because you're really struggling.
00:00:42Relax. All you have to do is serve drinks, nothing else.
00:00:45It's completely clean.
00:00:49That night, I saw Dante sitting dead center in a private room with a crowd around him.
00:00:57The wine was $25,000 a bottle. He opened seven or eight.
00:01:03The watch he tossed to a hostess on a whimper was worth $200,000, they said.
00:01:10Around dawn, he wiped the lipstick off his face, picked up the yellow delivery helmet beside him, and stood up,
00:01:16saying he was going home.
00:01:17Boss, you're still going back to that woman? Still playing the broke delivery boy in your little love game?
00:01:24Isn't the old man pushing you to lock down the engagement? End it. Fast.
00:01:28If she ever finds out who you really are, watch out, she'll latch onto you.
00:01:32She could never pull that off.
00:01:34I stood quietly in the dark corner, head bowed, obedient.
00:01:37My abortion, $2,000.
00:01:39Three days of eating better, another $100.
00:01:41$2,100.
00:01:42Worth exactly one fruit platter in this private room.
00:01:45I was that cheap.
00:01:49Dante got home before I did.
00:01:53When he called, I'd just changed out of my uniform and gotten paid for the night, $500.
00:01:58I held the money quietly.
00:02:03A whole month at the warehouse only got me $20,400.
00:02:06If we're short again, you're coming back?
00:02:09I hesitated for two seconds, then shook my head.
00:02:16Grandma taught me to earn things the honest way.
00:02:18The money came easy, but it didn't sit right with me.
00:02:21Alright, be careful getting home and text me when you get there.
00:02:24The night bus always took forever.
00:02:26I'd been on my feet all night, out in the cold wind.
00:02:30My head hurt, and so did my belly.
00:02:33Dante had already called eight times.
00:02:36I finally picked up on the ninth.
00:02:38Where were you? Why weren't you answering?
00:02:40You left without saying a word. Do you know how worried I was?
00:02:42I said nothing. He realized he'd come on too strong.
00:02:46I took a few deep breaths, and softened his voice.
00:02:49Where are you? I'll come get you and take you home, okay?
00:02:52The bus pulled in. I got on, and tapped my card.
00:02:59No, I'm almost there.
00:03:07When I got off, Dante was waiting at the stop, still in his dirty delivery uniform.
00:03:12The streetlight hit his sharp features just right.
00:03:14Truth was, he never looked like a delivery guy.
00:03:17Even in that uniform, he looked like he was shooting an ad.
00:03:19Back then, I thought it was just because I loved him.
00:03:22Everything looked good on him.
00:03:23An old t-shirt looked good.
00:03:25Flip-fleeps looked good.
00:03:26Even his hair flattened by the helmet looked good.
00:03:29Everything about him looked good.
00:03:31Everything about him made me love him more.
00:03:34When Dante saw me, he didn't say a word.
00:03:36He just took my canvas bag and touched my cheek.
00:03:40Then he wrapped my cold hand tight in his.
00:03:44You hungry? I got you fried rice. Extra egg.
00:03:47Back when we were broke, even an extra egg was a luxury.
00:03:51He always asked for an extra egg.
00:03:53It was always for me.
00:03:55Dante wouldn't eat a single bite.
00:03:57He gave it all to me.
00:03:59Back then, I treasured every one of those memories.
00:04:02I gave him my whole heart.
00:04:04As long as we were together, I could take anything.
00:04:09But to Dante, I didn't matter.
00:04:12Not me, not my love, not even my child.
00:04:15All of it together was worth one fruit platter.
00:04:25The second we got home, Dante shoved the fried rice in front of me.
00:04:30I couldn't taste anything.
00:04:31I just kept eating, one bite after another.
00:04:35None.
00:04:38Ellie, I know you've been hurting these past couple of days.
00:04:42But right now, we really can't have this baby.
00:04:45I can suffer through it.
00:04:47But how can I let you and the baby suffer with me?
00:04:51Don't be sad, okay?
00:04:52I promise.
00:04:53We'll have a baby someday.
00:04:55Once I make something of myself, I'll give you and our baby the best life.
00:05:00The best.
00:05:02I froze.
00:05:03And then the tears just came.
00:05:05Dante scrambled to wipe my tears, then pulled me tight against him and tried to calm me down.
00:05:11Ellie, don't cry.
00:05:12I'm not good enough. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
00:05:14His voice was catching too.
00:05:16He sounded so sad.
00:05:18But all I could see was him in that private room, laughing with those women, his hands all over them.
00:05:23And that careless scoff of his.
00:05:25She could never pull that off.
00:05:27I clutched his shirt, wanting to ask,
00:05:30What are you hiding from me?
00:05:32Why did you hide it from me?
00:05:34Was this fun for you?
00:05:35Did you lie to me on purpose?
00:05:38Or did you hide who you were because you thought I was after your money?
00:05:41But I couldn't ask any of it.
00:05:42All I could think about was everything we'd been through together.
00:05:45All those days.
00:05:46So sweet.
00:05:47So true.
00:05:48The two of us inseparable.
00:05:49Were they a lie?
00:05:50When I was cried out, I went quiet in his arms.
00:05:54Dante, do you love me?
00:05:56Silly girl. How could I not love you?
00:05:59I'd asked him that so many times before.
00:06:01Not because I doubted him.
00:06:03I just wanted to hear him say it.
00:06:05But this time, I couldn't look him in the eye.
00:06:08No. You don't love me.
00:06:11Dante, you never loved me.
00:06:16Early the next morning, Dante woke to his alarm.
00:06:20Usually, I'd already have breakfast made and be waking him up.
00:06:26But that morning, I just lay there with my back to him.
00:06:28He didn't say anything.
00:06:30He got up quietly, washed up, then came back and kissed my forehead.
00:06:36Ellie, I'm heading to work.
00:06:37Get some rest.
00:06:38I made $150 doing food delivery yesterday.
00:06:40I sent you $120 for spending money.
00:06:42If you go out, let me know first.
00:06:44Don't disappear on me like last night, okay?
00:06:46I kept my eyes shut and ignored him.
00:06:48He didn't mind.
00:06:49He gently stroked my hair and left.
00:06:52The door clicked shut.
00:06:53I opened my eyes and got up.
00:06:56Ten minutes later, I was dressed and downstairs.
00:06:59Just in time to see Dante ride off on his motorcycle around the corner.
00:07:04I flagged down a cab and told the driver to follow him.
00:07:07I had to find out where he was really going.
00:07:09The cab kept its distance from the motorcycle.
00:07:12You tailing a cheating boyfriend?
00:07:14Maybe.
00:07:15The motorcycle turned into a luxury apartment complex.
00:07:18The cab couldn't get in.
00:07:19I stayed patient and had the driver park nearby.
00:07:23About half an hour later, a black sedan came out.
00:07:25The rear window was halfway down and I saw Dante in the back seat.
00:07:30Rolls Royce.
00:07:31Guy's got real money.
00:07:32That car's expensive?
00:07:34Very.
00:07:35Even the cheapest one runs over $500,000.
00:07:38I followed Dante all day.
00:07:40I saw a world I'd never known.
00:07:42He rode in a car worth over half a million dollars.
00:07:45With his own chauffeur.
00:07:46He went into a bespoke suit shop.
00:07:48One suit started at $20,000.
00:07:50At a jewelry store whose name I couldn't even pronounce.
00:07:52He bought a full set.
00:07:56How much would a set like that cost?
00:07:58Cheap ones are tens of thousands.
00:08:00Expensive ones? Millions.
00:08:01I just know that brand is insanely expensive.
00:08:04When night fell, the Rolls Royce drove into the gated calamity they called the most expensive.
00:08:10So, you're still waiting?
00:08:12No, thanks.
00:08:14I got out and handed the driver the Fae for the whole day.
00:08:17Security's tight here.
00:08:18Owners okay or nobody gets in.
00:08:20I nodded.
00:08:21I'd never been anywhere like this.
00:08:24Maybe God was done watching me make a fool of myself.
00:08:27So he showed me enough to make me give up for good.
00:08:30At the guard booth, I saw Lily signing in.
00:08:36Lily and I were from the same small town, but we barely knew each other.
00:08:40Last year, she had her appendix out.
00:08:43I signed the consent form and took care of her for a few days.
00:08:46So if she was helping me find work now, it was probably her way of returning the favour.
00:08:53Lily, this isn't a place for you.
00:08:55I have a friend in there, I just want to see him.
00:08:58Don't worry, I won't make trouble for you.
00:09:00She thought it over, then nodded.
00:09:03The gated community was so big, they had shuttle carts running inside it.
00:09:07I had no idea which house Dante had gone into.
00:09:10But as luck would have it, I saw him, in the yard of the very house Lily was delivering the
00:09:14club's wine to.
00:09:16The backyard was huge, bright as day, with guests coming and going.
00:09:20Dante was at the centre of it all, surrounded by people, talking politely to a woman in a beautiful dress.
00:09:26That's Dante, the head of the Russo family.
00:09:29You know who they are?
00:09:31The docks, the casinos, the clubs, half the underground business in the city belongs to their family.
00:09:36Around here, nobody dares cross the Russos.
00:09:39You know him?
00:09:40I shook my head, then nodded.
00:09:45Lily lit a cigarette, took a dreb, then spoke.
00:09:48For the last couple years, guys like that have been playing a game.
00:09:52They pick a pretty girl with no money and pretend they're broke.
00:09:55At first, it was just a bet.
00:09:58Who could play poor best without getting caught?
00:10:01Then they figured out poor girls were easy to fool.
00:10:04Every last one bought it.
00:10:07Then the bet got uglier.
00:10:09Who could get a girl pregnant, make her lose the baby, and still keep her devoted?
00:10:15I heard not long ago, Dante made a few hundred grand off that bet.
00:10:21Her eyes landed on me, one brow lifted.
00:10:24The woman who got pregnant by Dante, lost the baby, and won him a few hundred grand.
00:10:29So it was you.
00:10:34That night, Dante came home very late.
00:10:37He came in, kicked off his shoes.
00:10:40Ellie.
00:10:41And called my name.
00:10:44I sat on the couch and looked up at him.
00:10:47He came over with a little cake box in his hand, all mysterious about it.
00:10:53Look, a customer gave it to me on a delivery.
00:10:55It's her birthday, she said she'd treat me to cake.
00:10:57I looked it up, this bakery was expensive.
00:11:00Come on, try it, tell me if it's good.
00:11:02He opened it carefully, and looked at me, waiting.
00:11:07Over the years, Dante would sometimes bring home expensive food.
00:11:11Not often.
00:11:12Every time, he said some nice customer gave it to me.
00:11:16Back then, I'd light up, throw myself into his arms, and say there were still good people in the world.
00:11:22He usually wouldn't take a bite.
00:11:24He said he wanted to save the best for me.
00:11:25Back then, it moved me.
00:11:29Now I knew better.
00:11:30All those things I could never have, they were just leftovers from his parties.
00:11:35Of course he didn't want them.
00:11:37Of course he couldn't stomach them.
00:11:39I forced a smile and felt ridiculous.
00:11:42Why aren't you eating?
00:11:43Just try it.
00:11:44When I start making money, I'll buy you a bigger one.
00:11:47I stiffly took a bite of cake.
00:11:50I guess it tasted good.
00:11:52But I couldn't tell how fancy the cream was, or who made it.
00:11:56I reached up, and pulled a chestnut brown hair from his collar.
00:12:01Thin. Long. Slightly curled.
00:12:05That's weird. Where'd that come from?
00:12:07I haven't been around any woman but you.
00:12:09Oh, right. The customer who gave me the cake tonight had long brown curls.
00:12:13Must have caught on my collar.
00:12:14He said it so naturally.
00:12:16Then I remembered. This wasn't the first time.
00:12:19Sometimes he'd come home smelling faintly like perfume.
00:12:22Or alcohol.
00:12:23It was always the customer wore too much perfume, or this customer orders delivery to hotels too.
00:12:29And every time, that was the end of it.
00:12:31I never doubted him.
00:12:34I'm gonna take a shower.
00:12:37He wound the hair around his finger, and flicked it into the trash.
00:12:41I set down the spoon, and watched him walk away in silence.
00:12:46All I could see was him laughing with that woman tonight.
00:12:49That's Dante's fiancé. Tonight is her birthday party.
00:12:52The two of them were about to get engaged.
00:12:54Lily even showed me the digital invitation.
00:12:57He was handsome. She was beautiful.
00:12:59They looked perfect together.
00:13:01Ellie cut Dante off. Fast.
00:13:04His fiancé's family is in the underworld too, and she's not someone you wanna cross.
00:13:08If she finds out about you and Dante, I can't promise what she'll do.
00:13:12And don't expect Dante to protect you.
00:13:14To him, you matter less than one of his family's dogs.
00:13:19What Lily said was harsh.
00:13:21But the truth usually is.
00:13:23Maybe I was a fool.
00:13:25But not enough of one to miss what was right in front of me.
00:13:36Lily, can I still work here?
00:13:39Didn't you say no before?
00:13:40What changed?
00:13:42I'm broke.
00:13:43Honestly, all my cards together have don't even add up to $200.
00:13:46The warehouse job's too hard.
00:13:49My body can't take it right now.
00:13:53But it's almost the end of the month.
00:13:56I have to send my aunt the money.
00:13:59Or they'll throw grandpa out.
00:14:02My mom got around when she was young.
00:14:04I still don't know who my father is.
00:14:08Then she got sick and died.
00:14:09And grandma raised me.
00:14:11My uncle and aunt always resented it.
00:14:16Grandma's too old to live alone now.
00:14:18But she won't come to the city with me.
00:14:21So I made a deal with my uncle and aunt.
00:14:23I pay them $1,800 a month to look after grandma.
00:14:26One day late, and they throw grandma out.
00:14:29Lily had probably already heard about my family, so she didn't ask.
00:14:33Be here at 6. Don't be late.
00:14:35While I was changing, she asked me one thing.
00:14:38You done with Dante?
00:14:40No. Honestly, I wanted to do what they do on TV.
00:14:42Just walk away clean.
00:14:43But the truth is, I can't even make rent.
00:14:45Where was I supposed to go? Sleep on the street?
00:14:47Lily sighed.
00:14:48She looked like she wanted to say something, but stopped herself.
00:14:50I didn't ask if I could stay with her.
00:14:52And you can't keep depending on other people forever.
00:14:55Getting me this job was enough.
00:14:57In my time working at the club, I ran into Dante twice more.
00:15:01He still didn't recognize me.
00:15:03Still threw money around.
00:15:05Still sat in the middle, surrounded by people.
00:15:08I was seeing that other side of him more and more clearly.
00:15:11Or maybe I was finally seeing the real him.
00:15:14On the 25th, I scraped together enough and sent it to my aunt.
00:15:19I had a little over 600 left.
00:15:22I figured I'd find some cheap place in the next couple days and move out.
00:15:27Dante had already noticed my silence.
00:15:30He kept asking what was wrong.
00:15:32I didn't know what to say.
00:15:34Maybe I was a coward.
00:15:35I couldn't stand what the truth would look like out in the open.
00:15:39Better to just leave without a word.
00:15:41But fate had other plans.
00:15:44The night before I was going to leave,
00:15:48my uncle called.
00:15:56Your grandma fell down the stairs.
00:15:58Her bones are shattered.
00:16:03My mind went blank.
00:16:06I stood there for a few seconds before I could even speak.
00:16:10Then I'll come back right now.
00:16:12What for? You got money to burn?
00:16:14Save the fare and send it to me.
00:16:16How much?
00:16:18Send $20,000 for now.
00:16:20If it's not enough, I'll ask for more.
00:16:22Hurry up! The hospital's demanding payment!
00:16:25The call ended.
00:16:26I just stood there, not knowing how long.
00:16:35Dante came in, looked at me, then at the half-packed suitcase by my feet.
00:16:42And frowned.
00:16:45Ellie, what are you doing?
00:16:49I snapped out of it and spoke, my voice harpy.
00:16:54Dante, Grandma fell down the stairs.
00:16:57My uncle says we need $20,000.
00:17:01Can you lend me some money?
00:17:04Dante said nothing.
00:17:05He just stood there, avoiding my eyes.
00:17:09Ellie, it's not that I don't want to help.
00:17:13You know, my cards are maxed out.
00:17:15My credit's shot.
00:17:17And no bank will lend me a dime.
00:17:21In that moment, I wanted to ask him how he could say that.
00:17:25You'd open $25,000 bottles of wine.
00:17:28Seven or eight in a night.
00:17:30I was only asking to borrow $20,000.
00:17:32Alone, not a handout.
00:17:34I'd cried with you, laughed with you, given you every first I had.
00:17:38I even had an abortion for you.
00:17:40And you turned me down just like that.
00:17:43Couldn't you even hesitate for two seconds?
00:17:48The room went quiet.
00:17:51I nodded.
00:17:53Okay.
00:17:54I get it.
00:17:56Dante stepped closer.
00:17:59Then, what are you gonna do?
00:18:01It's okay.
00:18:02I can apply for a loan.
00:18:07But I knew my situation.
00:18:10I never wasted money.
00:18:12So the loan apps never gave me much.
00:18:15But it was fine.
00:18:16I'd scrape it together somehow.
00:18:19I sat there quietly,
00:18:21trying one loan app after another,
00:18:23adding up how much I could piece together.
00:18:25Dante quietly made me a bowl of noodles.
00:18:31He was always bad at that kind of thing.
00:18:34At first, he couldn't even prep vegetables.
00:18:36Half the time, he'd peel an apple down to the core.
00:18:39I never minded.
00:18:40I thought when two people are together, you help each other.
00:18:43I could do more, so I did.
00:18:46Can you pull it together?
00:18:47If you're still short, I'll go ask my friends.
00:18:50I looked up at him.
00:18:52Right in front of me, he started making calls.
00:18:55Every call was on speaker.
00:19:01Every one of them was a no.
00:19:04Most of the time, the second he said he needed to borrow money,
00:19:07they either hung up or said they were strapped too.
00:19:14Forget it, Dante. I'm tired.
00:19:17I didn't have the energy to watch you put on a show for me anymore.
00:19:21Dante looked at me, started to say something, then stopped.
00:19:26By the end, the noodles had clumped together, cold.
00:19:33I didn't throw them out.
00:19:34I added a little hot water, stirred them, and ate.
00:19:41When you're poor, you don't get to have pride.
00:19:44I couldn't bear to waste it.
00:19:50Then I took the clothes out of that half-packed suitcase
00:19:53and put them back, one by one.
00:20:01Grandma was still in the hospital.
00:20:04I couldn't go anywhere now.
00:20:07Like Dante, I started leaving at dawn and coming home late.
00:20:20Besides the club, I picked up day labour shifts
00:20:22at a warehouse through an agency.
00:20:33Little by little, I was coming home even later than he was.
00:20:38He stopped asking why I was late.
00:20:41We slept in the same bed, back to back, in silence.
00:20:46I knew he wanted to reach over and touch me, more than once.
00:20:51I just squeezed closer to the edge of the bed.
00:20:54One more inch, and I'd have hit the floor.
00:20:58I pieced together the limits on every loan app.
00:21:02And finally paid the hospital its $20,000 deposit.
00:21:08They pulled grandpa through.
00:21:10She called me from uncle's phone.
00:21:17I know you have no money.
00:21:21At my age, I've lived long enough.
00:21:25I'm done with treatment.
00:21:27No way!
00:21:28You're getting treated!
00:21:29If you actually died, that'd be the end of it.
00:21:32But if you skip the surgery now, you'll be paralyzed!
00:21:37Your granddaughter's living it up in the big city,
00:21:40and meanwhile you get to run your son and his wife into the burn.
00:21:42Is that it?
00:21:44Then uncle just grabbed the phone away.
00:21:46The doctor says the old lady needs that hip replacement surgery.
00:21:50I asked.
00:21:51All in, it's $100,000.
00:21:53Start raising the money.
00:21:57I won't beat around the bush.
00:21:58If she ends up paralyzed, there's no way we're taking care of her.
00:22:01If you don't pay, then starting today, your aunt and I are not setting foot in that hospital again.
00:22:07I closed my eyes.
00:22:08My nails dug into my palms until they bled.
00:22:11Give me a little time. I'll get the money together.
00:22:13Make it fast. The hospital won't wait.
00:22:15I hung up, took a few deep breaths, wiped my tears, put on a smile, and turned around.
00:22:21Behind me stood a man, watching me with an unreadable look.
00:22:24The club's hallways were thickly carpeted.
00:22:27Footsteps made no sound at all.
00:22:28I had no idea how long he'd been standing behind me.
00:22:32I'm sorry, sir.
00:22:33I shouldn't have taken a call on shift.
00:22:35Every guest in that club was rich or powerful,
00:22:38not one of them someone I could afford to offend.
00:22:40His eyes stayed on me.
00:22:41It was a long moment before he spoke with a soft laugh.
00:22:45They used to say every club server had the same story.
00:22:48A gambling dad, a sick mom, a little brother in school, and a broken home.
00:22:52I thought that routine had gone out of style.
00:22:54So what's next for you? Warming some clients' bed?
00:22:58Not necessarily. Maybe I'll sell my blood instead.
00:23:01I guess when you're pushed far enough, your brain stops working.
00:23:05I no longer cared what talking back to a guest would cost.
00:23:08Losing my job, or dragging Lily into it.
00:23:11But the moment the words were out, I regretted them.
00:23:15I'm sorry, sir. My head isn't right today.
00:23:17Please don't hold it against me.
00:23:20Fine. Off you go. I'll let it slide. I'm not that penny.
00:23:24I hunched my shoulders and hurried away.
00:23:29After the shift, I stopped Lily and told her what had happened.
00:23:32It's fine. Don't stress. Not every guest keeps score.
00:23:35I twisted the fringe of my shirt and steadied myself.
00:23:39Lily, could I maybe stop working as a server?
00:23:43She looked at me. She clearly knew what I meant.
00:23:47I know you need money right now. Your family's trouble.
00:23:51Have you told Dante?
00:23:53I have. I wanted to borrow $20,000 from him.
00:23:57He said there was nothing he could do.
00:23:58Lily gave a scornful little laugh, then quickly put it away.
00:24:03Let me think. Don't worry. Since we're from the same town, I'll do my best not to throw you to
00:24:08the wolves.
00:24:19She didn't keep me waiting long. Lily called first thing the next morning.
00:24:23Skip the warehouse today. Come to the club early this afternoon. I've booked you a makeup artist and a stylist.
00:24:29Okay.
00:24:30Don't eat anything with a strong smell.
00:24:33Okay.
00:24:34After a pause, she added,
00:24:36You can still back out.
00:24:38I've got enough regrets already. I don't want this to be one of them.
00:24:46By the time Dante got up, breakfast was ready.
00:24:51You're not going to the warehouse today?
00:24:53No. Not today.
00:24:58He studied my face.
00:25:00I guess he thought I was in a good mood. Because he softened too.
00:25:04He came over, pulled me into his arms, and gently rocked me.
00:25:13Is grandma doing any better?
00:25:16She's awake.
00:25:18The doctor says she needs a hip replacement. We need a hundred thousand dollars.
00:25:23The air went dead still.
00:25:29But my uncle said they confront it, and I'll pay it back slowly.
00:25:35I've been wiped out lately. I just want today off.
00:25:40Ellie, I-
00:25:41Eat.
00:25:43I don't want to talk about this today.
00:25:47The oatmeal was warm and sweet.
00:25:49I had half a bowl.
00:25:52Then I'm skipping work too.
00:25:54I'll stay home with you today.
00:25:57You don't have to.
00:25:59I'm going shopping with a friend.
00:26:01Go to work.
00:26:02Really, don't worry about me.
00:26:07He hesitated.
00:26:09Still worried.
00:26:10Then sent me two hundred dollars.
00:26:13Go eat something good.
00:26:16Don't cheap out.
00:26:17You've gotten too skinny.
00:26:23Right before he left, he ruffled my hair and kissed my cheek.
00:26:31Wait for me.
00:26:33Okay.
00:26:39I watched him leave.
00:26:46Then I took a breath, cleaned the whole place, and packed up everything that was mine.
00:27:12A little afternoon, I headed out.
00:27:23When I got there, Lily got straight to it.
00:27:28I found a man to keep you.
00:27:30The man you met that night.
00:27:34His name's Marcus.
00:27:36He's five years older than you.
00:27:38Bit of a player, but no nasty habits.
00:27:46He's into you.
00:27:47Wants to keep you for a while.
00:27:50Sign this, and a hundred thousand dollars hits your account.
00:27:57I opened the contract and just stared at it.
00:28:03I thought I was here to pour drinks.
00:28:06One man.
00:28:07No drinking with clients.
00:28:08No working the room.
00:28:10It's better than serving in private rooms.
00:28:13I asked around.
00:28:15The women who were with Marceau mostly parted on good terms.
00:28:21When he's done, you take the money, go back home, buy a place, bring grandma, and start over.
00:28:34Ellie, you need to take this chance.
00:28:36You still have a life ahead of you.
00:28:39Don't give up on yourself.
00:28:43It was the first time Lily had ever looked at me that seriously.
00:28:54They did my makeup, fixed my hair, and had me try on a bunch of dresses.
00:29:00For once, the woman in the mirror looked beautiful.
00:29:06Not bad.
00:29:07Come on, don't keep them waiting.
00:29:15In the private room, Marcus looked me over from head to toe.
00:29:21Then nodded.
00:29:24Not bad.
00:29:26Money well spent.
00:29:29You look good without makeup too.
00:29:31Just tired.
00:29:32Guess you haven't been sleeping.
00:29:39Lily.
00:29:40Lily, set her up with a few good med spas.
00:29:42A woman's gotta take care of herself or she ages fast.
00:29:47Lily flashed an okay sign, shot me a look, and let herself out.
00:29:53Come here.
00:29:56I walked over stiffly.
00:29:58I almost twisted my ankle, but I caught myself.
00:30:02Relax.
00:30:03I'm not gonna bite.
00:30:04Lily explained it, right?
00:30:06This is your choice.
00:30:08I'm not forcing you.
00:30:10I nodded obediently.
00:30:12Where are you staying?
00:30:14I froze for a second, then gave him the address.
00:30:18South side?
00:30:19That old apartment complex?
00:30:21Yes.
00:30:23Let's go.
00:30:25Where to?
00:30:26To move you out.
00:30:29I'm not coming back to a dump like that to find you.
00:30:32He walked fast.
00:30:33In heels, I had to half run to keep up.
00:30:38You gonna make it?
00:30:39Don't roll an ankle.
00:30:42He'd given me that much money.
00:30:44Whether I could or not, I had to keep up.
00:30:49Forget it.
00:30:50Take my arm.
00:30:53I took his arm carefully.
00:30:55When he didn't pull away, I finally relaxed.
00:31:03The moment we stepped out of the club, I saw them.
00:31:06Dante and his people, standing right by the door.
00:31:10They were laughing.
00:31:11I caught bits of it.
00:31:13A bet. $100,000.
00:31:16Maybe she'll even cry tears of gratitude.
00:31:19I lowered my head without thinking, afraid he'd see me.
00:31:23Then my phone lit up.
00:31:25Dante was calling.
00:31:27Phone call?
00:31:28Take it.
00:31:29I hesitated for two seconds, then answered.
00:31:33Ellie, guess what?
00:31:34I've got good news.
00:31:36No idea.
00:31:38A friend of mine won the lottery.
00:31:41He'll lend us $100,000.
00:31:44Isn't that great?
00:31:46Grandma's surgery is covered.
00:31:49While he talked, his friends stood there with their hands over their mouths, shaking with laughter.
00:31:56He wasn't exactly keeping his voice down.
00:32:00Marcus gave a quiet, contemptuous snot.
00:32:04Thanks.
00:32:07But I don't need it anymore.
00:32:08I already got the money.
00:32:10What?
00:32:13I hung up.
00:32:16At the same time, the valet pulled up Marcus' sports car.
00:32:20Get in, poor thing.
00:32:23They all turned to look at us.
00:32:26I looked up and met Dante's eyes.
00:32:31He froze for two seconds, then started towards us.
00:32:35I looked away and got in the car.
00:32:39Ellie?
00:32:41When I ignored him, he came faster, louder.
00:32:44Then he shouted my full name.
00:32:47Elena Carter!
00:32:50You know him?
00:32:53No.
00:32:55Marcus stopped Dante in his tracks.
00:32:57Mr. Russo, I was here first.
00:32:59She's with me now.
00:33:03What the hell are you talking about?
00:33:05She's my girlfriend!
00:33:08Ellie, get out of the car!
00:33:10I can explain!
00:33:12Oh?
00:33:14She says she doesn't know you, Mr. Russo.
00:33:18Delusions at your age?
00:33:23You should get that checked out.
00:33:25Then he got in and started the car.
00:33:28Dante pounded on my window, trying to get me out.
00:33:31I just kept looking straight ahead.
00:33:34I'd left my feelings with him for far too long.
00:33:39And in that moment, I took them all back.
00:33:47Marcus followed me back to the apartment.
00:33:51He'd probably never been anywhere this rundown.
00:33:55The whole way in, he kept looking around.
00:33:58I opened the door and went into the bedroom to pack.
00:34:02When I came back out, he was holding a framed photo.
00:34:07It was me and Dante.
00:34:10I thought you said you didn't know him.
00:34:12Looks like you two were pretty damn close.
00:34:17I lied to you.
00:34:20Are you mad?
00:34:23Not that mad.
00:34:25I told you, I'm not that petty.
00:34:27Besides, I don't dig into a woman's past.
00:34:30That's all you're taking?
00:34:33Yeah.
00:34:38Then I grabbed another bag and stuffed in the rest of the pictures.
00:34:42I was going to throw them out downstairs.
00:34:46We're leaving already?
00:34:48Yeah.
00:34:49I don't want any trouble.
00:34:55I didn't want to hear Dante out or answer his questions.
00:34:59I just wanted to get away from him.
00:35:01As far as I could.
00:35:12On the way down, I threw the bag of photos in the dumpster outside.
00:35:18By the way, did Lila tell you?
00:35:19Most of my business is in London, not here.
00:35:23So you're taking me with you?
00:35:25I wasn't planning on it.
00:35:27I was interested because I was feeling nostalgic.
00:35:30It's been a while since I'd seen a woman this pitiful.
00:35:33But tonight, you got me a little more interested.
00:35:38So, you coming with me?
00:35:45But I don't even have a passport.
00:35:50Maybe it was how casual he sounded.
00:35:53And are we leaving right away?
00:35:56I want to go back to my hometown first.
00:35:59See Grandma.
00:36:01Where's back home?
00:36:03But my place isn't in town.
00:36:06After the train, it's another hour's drive out in the country.
00:36:15That pitiful look of yours never lets up, does it?
00:36:18Fine. I'll go with you.
00:36:21I stared at him, stunned.
00:36:25I grew up in the city.
00:36:26I've never seen the real countryside.
00:36:28You can show me around.
00:36:31He flashed me a grin.
00:36:38Somewhere through the haze, I suddenly had a feeling.
00:36:42Maybe God was fair after all.
00:36:45There are men like Dante, who treat people's hearts like toys.
00:36:49And men like Marcus, who do something kind like it's nothing.
00:36:57I took Marcus back to my hometown.
00:37:00I figured a rich guy like him would make a big entrance.
00:37:04Maybe even bring in a helicopter.
00:37:10Watch less TV. I'm not that over the top.
00:37:15The train went straight to the town closest to home.
00:37:18I'd taken it plenty of times.
00:37:21Always in the cheapest seat.
00:37:22Thanks to him, I was in first class for the first time.
00:37:27I had no idea how to use any of those buttons.
00:37:38You're hopeless.
00:37:42I even got the train meal.
00:37:49You think that's good?
00:37:52Not really.
00:37:53Mine's better.
00:37:54But I wasn't about to waste food.
00:37:57What are you saying? You want to cook for me?
00:37:59Trying to win a man's heart through his stomach?
00:38:01No.
00:38:02I cooked for Dante for three years.
00:38:04Didn't win his heart or his stomach.
00:38:06Besides, people like you have real chefs.
00:38:08I wouldn't stand a chance.
00:38:12Tell me your story.
00:38:14I like stories.
00:38:16There wasn't much to tell in my 20-some years.
00:38:18So I told him everything from the start.
00:38:21Even the part with Dante.
00:38:25Lily told me not to be too honest with men.
00:38:27Leave a little mystery.
00:38:29But Marcus had seen it all.
00:38:30Anything I tried to hide would have looked clumsy.
00:38:33He gave me the money without hesitation.
00:38:35I had nothing else to give him.
00:38:37The least I could do was satisfy his curiosity.
00:38:41When we got off the train, a driver was waiting with a sign.
00:38:47That was thoughtful.
00:38:48It's hard to get a ride out here now.
00:38:53By the way, my family is definitely going to think you're my boyfriend.
00:38:56You're young and you're handsome.
00:38:58If they say anything, don't take it seriously.
00:39:02I'm always polite to my elders, okay?
00:39:07I ignored him and checked the money in my account again.
00:39:12I came back for two reasons.
00:39:14To see grandma and bring the money for her surgery.
00:39:20It was too much money for me.
00:39:21I didn't feel safe wiring it to Joe.
00:39:26I had to hand it to the hospital myself before I could rest easy.
00:39:32When Marcus wasn't smiling, he had a real edge to him.
00:39:36Anybody could see he had money.
00:39:39Joe and May had always been snobs.
00:39:41Their one redeeming quality was knowing who they couldn't afford to offend.
00:39:46So they were extra polite to Marcus.
00:39:50Grandma looked pale, but she was so happy to see me.
00:39:56She held my hand and kept talking.
00:40:01So when are you two getting married?
00:40:05Married? Not a chance.
00:40:07I wasn't planning to marry anyone.
00:40:10Marcus was especially gentle with grandpa.
00:40:13Whatever she said, he just went along with it.
00:40:17It seemed he really hadn't lied.
00:40:20He was polite to his elders.
00:40:27When I came out of the room, I spoke to the doctor again about grandma.
00:40:34She was old.
00:40:38The surgery wouldn't be easy.
00:40:49I got a specialist surgeon.
00:40:51He'll handle the operation.
00:40:53I'd never heard the name.
00:40:55The doctor had.
00:40:57He practically jumped.
00:40:59Don't look at me like that.
00:41:01Can you stop acting like you're nothing?
00:41:04That look is exactly what makes you seem cheap.
00:41:09You know that?
00:41:11But you paid for the surgery.
00:41:14Got grandma a specialist, came back home with me, and you've been good to me.
00:41:21I'm not short on money.
00:41:24Grandma's surgery costs less than one meal for me.
00:41:27And that specialist?
00:41:29One phone call.
00:41:32I went back home with you because I was curious about small town life.
00:41:39I treat you well because I'm a normal person.
00:41:44You didn't do anything to me.
00:41:47So what, I'm supposed to snap at you for no reason?
00:41:56Your stories, who you are, the fun you bring me.
00:42:02That's worth every dollar I've spent on you.
00:42:05At least in that, we're even.
00:42:10If I didn't think you were worth it,
00:42:13I wouldn't spend a dime on you.
00:42:16So stop selling yourself short.
00:42:23Compared to me, sure, your price tag's lower.
00:42:25But you're not that cheap.
00:42:31The more he said, the more it got to me.
00:42:34So he rushed to get the warnings out first.
00:42:38I'm warning you.
00:42:41A lot of women fall for me because I'm good to them.
00:42:46Don't be one of them.
00:42:49I could lose interest in you any time.
00:42:51This arrangement could end any time too.
00:42:54So behave yourself.
00:42:57Don't get ideas.
00:42:59I smiled.
00:43:00For once.
00:43:02There was nothing dark in it.
00:43:04Don't worry.
00:43:05I'm as well behaved as they come.
00:43:12I took Marcus to see the old house I used to live in back home.
00:43:17It had been empty for years.
00:43:20Half the old clapboard farmhouse had already caved in.
00:43:27So where are you staying while you're back?
00:43:30At my uncle's place.
00:43:32Just a few days.
00:43:33I'll cover my share.
00:43:35They don't treat you well, do they?
00:43:39They're leeches.
00:43:42And out here, how is your grandma costing $1,800 a month?
00:43:49Honestly, I get it.
00:43:52My uncle has two sons.
00:43:54One just got married and had a baby.
00:43:56And the other is still in school.
00:43:59My uncle and aunt only pick up odd jobs nearby.
00:44:03And they still have grandpa to look after.
00:44:08They're under a lot of pressure.
00:44:11They weren't exactly good to me.
00:44:14But when I was little, they did buy me a few sets of new clothes.
00:44:18And they went to my parent-teacher conferences.
00:44:23That's what poor people's lives are like.
00:44:25One big tangle.
00:44:28They'll grab a little advantage where they can.
00:44:33But there's no real malice in them.
00:44:35Nobody's wishing anyone harm.
00:44:38Marcus said nothing.
00:44:41You think I'm stupid, don't you?
00:44:42Always making excuses for everyone?
00:44:45A little.
00:44:46Work on that.
00:44:49Otherwise, you'll never hold on to money.
00:44:51I do have my limits.
00:44:58I even thought about saving up and fixing this place.
00:45:02Doesn't look like it, but my family still has some land.
00:45:05If I really can't make it in the city.
00:45:08I can come back and farm.
00:45:09I won't starve.
00:45:13But I have to support grandpa now.
00:45:16I need to make money.
00:45:20Oh.
00:45:21So that's why you asked me for another $2,000 last night?
00:45:27No, I just...
00:45:28Grandma still needs money to recover after surgery.
00:45:31That's why I asked to borrow it.
00:45:34I said I'd pay you back.
00:45:36Oh, please.
00:45:39If I actually took that $2,000 back,
00:45:43you'd be calling me cheap in your head.
00:45:47I would not.
00:45:50And if you're gonna ask me for money,
00:45:51at least go big.
00:45:53Last night, I would have said yes to anything.
00:45:56And you asked for $2,000?
00:46:00I stopped talking.
00:46:06After all, I was a decent woman.
00:46:08I couldn't say whatever I wanted like he did.
00:46:16I didn't know if Dante had looked for me.
00:46:23I had a new phone.
00:46:25A new number.
00:46:27Whether he looked or not didn't matter anymore.
00:46:30I stayed back home for a week.
00:46:40Grandma's surgery went well.
00:46:42So I stayed two more days to take care of her.
00:46:48Grandma sat there in her wheelchair.
00:46:50Smiling.
00:46:51Telling me to live well.
00:46:57The day my passport came through,
00:46:59Marcus and I left.
00:47:03Honestly, I didn't think Marcus would stay interested for long.
00:47:14Maybe in two months, I'd be back fixing up the house and staying with Grandma at the airport.
00:47:19The plane took off.
00:47:21It was my first time on a plane.
00:47:28We broke through the white clouds into a bright blue sky.
00:47:31It was beautiful.
00:47:38What's so great about it?
00:47:40That's what he said.
00:47:41But he didn't make me close the shade.
00:47:45You want to try the airplane food?
00:47:47It's awful too.
00:47:52Marcus?
00:47:54Yeah?
00:47:59Marcus froze for two seconds.
00:48:04Are you blushing?
00:48:06Shut up.
00:48:07Sleep.
00:48:11You were at it till midnight last night.
00:48:13How do you still have this much energy?
00:48:18I told you.
00:48:19I used to do day labor at a warehouse.
00:48:21That kind of work takes real stamina.
00:48:29I mean it, Marcus.
00:48:34I want good things for you.
00:48:39You're not scared I tricked you out of the country so I could sell you?
00:48:43I'm not.
00:48:45I'd never even left the country.
00:48:48But with Marcus there, I wasn't scared at all.
00:48:54I hoped that one day, I could stand on my own too.
00:48:59When Dante got home, everything Ellie owned was gone.
00:49:05She left clean.
00:49:08Took only what was hers and their photos off the shelf.
00:49:16He had no right to feel hurt.
00:49:20It had been a lie from the start.
00:49:23To him, Ellie was still weak.
00:49:27Even after she learned the truth, she never even demanded an explanation.
00:49:40For the first time, the light felt harsh.
00:49:43He threw an arm over his eyes.
00:49:46He kept wondering.
00:49:48When did Ellie find out?
00:49:50Why was she at the club?
00:49:52On the empty streets before dawn.
00:49:55He pushed the car to 120 miles an hour.
00:50:07He went to the club and had them pull the security footage.
00:50:12Then it led back to Lily.
00:50:14He knew this Lily.
00:50:15A junior floor manager.
00:50:17Sharp chin.
00:50:18Shrewd face.
00:50:22Word was, she'd been burned by that fake poor game too.
00:50:28You'd better tell me everything about Ellie.
00:50:32Lily took a drag and played innocent.
00:50:35Ellie?
00:50:36Yeah, I brought her in.
00:50:37But we weren't close.
00:50:38She said she was broke.
00:50:41We're from the same town, so I got her a job as a server.
00:50:44Honestly, she's pretty.
00:50:46She could have made a lot more drinking with clients, but she wouldn't do it.
00:50:53Then a couple days ago, she called me out of nowhere.
00:50:56Said something happened back home and she needed money fast.
00:51:03As for how she got together with Marcus, I wouldn't know.
00:51:07Ellie's got that innocent look and pretty eyes.
00:51:10Was it really so strange that someone took a liking to her?
00:51:16Mr. Russo, don't make this my problem.
00:51:20I really didn't know you two had a thing.
00:51:24With your name, your status.
00:51:27You expect me to believe she was your girlfriend?
00:51:31Even hearing it from you, I'd hardly dare believe it.
00:51:40So he went out there himself.
00:51:42To Ellie's hometown.
00:51:50He spent a week searching her hometown.
00:51:53Nothing.
00:51:57He was with Ellie for three years.
00:52:00Every Christmas, she'd ask him to go back home with her.
00:52:03And meet Grandpa.
00:52:07He knew she wanted to marry him.
00:52:10And she wanted to keep the baby.
00:52:13Maybe, in some of those moments, Dante felt something real too.
00:52:20A lot of times, he thought about coming clean.
00:52:24Ellie wouldn't have cared that he'd hidden the truth.
00:52:27It was just that with her, even the hard days tasted sweet.
00:52:32He knew it instinctively.
00:52:35The second he went back to who he really was,
00:52:38there'd be no going back for them.
00:52:41So he stalled.
00:52:43He won the bet.
00:52:45But with every delay, he grew more uneasy.
00:52:49Like a landmine buried under his feet.
00:52:52Now the mine had finally gone off.
00:52:56Just not in any way he imagined.
00:52:59He knew Marcus was behind it.
00:53:02But Marcus was across the ocean.
00:53:04Even Dante couldn't reach that far.
00:53:07In the end, he got on the flight home.
00:53:10Beaten down.
00:53:16What he'd never know was this.
00:53:19One minute before he walked into the lounge.
00:53:23Ellie and Marcus had just boarded.
00:53:30The world is small.
00:53:34Some people always find each other.
00:53:38And the world is big.
00:53:43Miss someone once, and you may never see them again.
00:53:48The second year after Ellie left, Dante got married.
00:53:53It was a marriage alliance between two families.
00:54:01It wasn't love.
00:54:05He felt like something in him had changed.
00:54:11Or rather, something in him had died.
00:54:15Sometimes he dreamed about Ellie.
00:54:18Sometimes, in the dream, he told her everything.
00:54:21They got married, had a child.
00:54:23Sometimes Ellie slapped him, cursed him for lying, and walked away for good.
00:54:29But Ellie chose neither.
00:54:32She just watched him play at love, then quietly walked away.
00:54:44That's when the obsession took hold of Dante.
00:54:47He needed to know.
00:54:49Did Ellie hate him?
00:54:51Or did she still love him?
00:54:53Even a little?
00:54:54Any chance he got, he flew to London and asked around about Ellie.
00:54:58Sometimes, he ran into Marcus at the year-end cocktail parties.
00:55:04Where's Ellie?
00:55:06Who?
00:55:07Ellie?
00:55:08Never heard of her.
00:55:11Stop playing games with me.
00:55:13Wasn't she your girlfriend?
00:55:14If you don't know where she is, why would I?
00:55:19Whether he asked around or confronted him to his face, Marcus never gave him a word.
00:55:25That same year, Dante was in a car crash.
00:55:30On the street, he caught sight of someone from behind who looked just like Ellie.
00:55:36He chased her, calling her name.
00:55:45Then he ran into traffic and got hit.
00:55:48He survived, but the leg was ruined.
00:55:55He walked with a cane from then on.
00:55:58In the fourth year of that marriage, he got divorced.
00:56:02His moods kept getting worse.
00:56:04She'd married for the alliance, not to put up with his temper.
00:56:10The divorce broke the alliance between the two families.
00:56:16Their business was a mess for a long time after that.
00:56:20In the chaos, Marcus' company snatched away several major deals.
00:56:25Sometimes Dante wanted to lay it all out for Marcus.
00:56:33What'll it take for you to tell me where Ellie is?
00:56:37Ten years after Ellie left, Dante finally saw her again.
00:56:41A hotel by the sea.
00:56:43He'd come to close a business deal.
00:56:49Ellie stepped out of the elevator in sunglasses, holding a little girl's hand.
00:56:53The little girl scuffed beside her, chattering up at her the whole way.
00:56:57Her smile was the same soft one he remembered.
00:57:01Time hadn't touched her at all.
00:57:04Ellie.
00:57:05In that moment, nothing else mattered to him.
00:57:08He forgot all about the cane and limped after her anyway.
00:57:13Reckless and desperate.
00:57:14Ellie looked over, surprised.
00:57:18Their eyes met, and Dante's voice was already breaking.
00:57:24Ellie.
00:57:25Truth was, even he didn't know where this obsession came from.
00:57:31Mommy, who is that man?
00:57:35Maybe she left too suddenly, and he never got over it.
00:57:40Dante thought of the child he and Ellie had lost.
00:57:43If that baby had been born.
00:57:45If Ellie hadn't left.
00:57:49A thousand thoughts hit him at once.
00:57:56But Ellie only looked at him calmly, and gave a small nod.
00:58:01It's been a long time, Dante.
00:58:05It was as if they'd never loved each other at all.
00:58:09Maybe they never really had.
00:58:12What kind of love starts with a lie, and still gets called love?
00:58:26You're married?
00:58:28Your daughter.
00:58:29How old is she?
00:58:31Does he treat you well?
00:58:33I am.
00:58:34He treats me very well.
00:58:36She's six.
00:58:38Mommy, I want to go play in the water.
00:58:40Daddy said he'd build me a sand castle.
00:58:43Maybe it's already done.
00:58:46We'll be going then.
00:58:47Goodbye.
00:58:48Wait!
00:58:51Ellie just stepped back and frowned.
00:58:54She was still gentle, just not weak anymore.
00:58:59Mr. Russo, keep your hands to yourself.
00:59:06I've been looking for you for years.
00:59:08Marcus kept you from me.
00:59:09I owe you an explanation.
00:59:11I need to tell you what happened-
00:59:13You don't need to explain anything.
00:59:14It doesn't matter.
00:59:17All those years we had together, none of it matters to you?
00:59:23No, it doesn't.
00:59:27So don't look for me again.
00:59:30Marcus didn't hide me, I just didn't want to see you.
00:59:35Do you hate me?
00:59:37Ellie just smiled.
00:59:39She picked up her daughter, and walked away without looking back.
00:59:43Dante started after her, then stopped when he saw Marcus.
00:59:46Marcus saw him too.
00:59:48He only gave him a cold look.
00:59:50Then he turned to Ellie and their daughter, and his face softened.
00:59:54He lifted his daughter with one arm, and took Ellie's hand with the other.
01:00:00A happy family of three.
01:00:02And Dante looked like a pediful stray dog.
01:00:05Dante knew this was the end of them.
01:00:08But this wasn't how it was supposed to end.
01:00:12He thought the man beside Ellie, holding their daughter and her hand, should have been him.
01:00:20The more he thought about it, the more wrong it felt.
01:00:24He thought he had to be dreaming, a nightmare.
01:00:27He had to find a way to wake up.
01:00:30He'd always had trouble sleeping.
01:00:32But that night, he slept hard.
01:00:36In the dream, he was back in the real world.
01:00:40Ellie lay in his arms, looking at him like she still loved him.
01:00:45Today was their 10th anniversary.
01:00:51Later, Dante lost his mind.
01:00:55He told anyone who'd listen he was married, that he had a daughter.
01:01:00He said his wife's name was Ellie, his daughter was 10, and they were a happy family.
01:01:11The day they took him to a psychiatric hospital, he saw a food delivery rider on a motorcycle by the
01:01:17road.
01:01:19He screamed that the delivery rider had stolen his life.
01:01:23He lunged.
01:01:30The motorcycle couldn't swervel in time and sent him flying into the roadside grass.
01:01:37The back of his head hit a rock.
01:01:40Blood poured out.
01:01:42Dante stared up at the blue sky, a dazed smile on his face.
01:01:50He still had the delivery rider's helmet clenched in his hand.
01:01:58Ellie, I'm home.
01:01:59I got you fried rice.
01:02:01Extra egg.