- 1 day ago
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🎈
FunTranscript
00:00Two months after the accident left me sightless, I overheard my boyfriend, Chase, talking to someone.
00:05Mia is so clingy. Since she lost her sight, she can't function without me.
00:08I got so sick of it, I asked Lucas to pretend to be me and take care of her for
00:11a few days.
00:11She didn't notice a thing.
00:13Lucas Holloway, Chase's good friend.
00:15I pretended I hadn't heard a word.
00:16I walked away.
00:17When I got home, a pair of arms wrapped around me from behind.
00:20Baby, where'd you go?
00:22I missed you so much.
00:26Can you stay with me tonight?
00:27Back to then, I was at the boutique door, heard Chase's voice.
00:31I thought my ears were broken.
00:32He was with friends.
00:33Someone mentioned me.
00:34Chase, she's blind now.
00:36You're really okay leaving her alone?
00:38What can I do?
00:39She won't let go of me since the accident.
00:40I leave for five minutes and she cries.
00:42It's exhausting.
00:44She loves you.
00:45If she can't see now, of course she's going to hold on tight.
00:49Still can't spoil her too much.
00:50So I had Lucas fill in for me, look after her for a few days.
00:54She didn't notice a thing.
00:56I finally get some breathing room.
00:58Lucas Holloway?
00:59He actually agreed?
01:00He's the only one close enough in belled and voice.
01:02Took forever to get him to agree.
01:04He made me promise a favor.
01:05What kind of favor?
01:06Didn't say what.
01:07Just said he'd bring it up in later.
01:09With his status, if anything, we owe him.
01:11He won't ask for anything crazy.
01:13But what if Mia figures it out?
01:15With Lucas there, not a chance.
01:17She's not exactly sharp.
01:18And she can't see.
01:19How would she know?
01:20And even if she did, I'd smooth it over.
01:22She loves me that much.
01:23She's not going anywhere.
01:26She's there in their cells.
01:28All right, enough about boring people and their mess.
01:30You all promised tonight was for me.
01:32Don't ruin my good mood.
01:33I knew that voice, Sloan.
01:34Chase's childhood best friend practically grew up in his house.
01:37The only girl in their circle.
01:39Yes, your highness.
01:40Chase's tone went warm, indulgent.
01:42This boutique just dropped their new designer collection.
01:44Pick whatever you want.
01:45My card.
01:47Hmm.
01:48Now you're talking.
01:50Slane, lay off Chase for once.
01:51You disappeared overseas by yourself, came back by yourself, one phone call and he got
01:55into an accident.
01:56He even ditches his girlfriend to be here with you tonight.
01:59Let it go already.
02:03I stood outside.
02:05My whole body got cold.
02:06Sloan's had it out for me from the beginning, but I don't care at all.
02:09I didn't like her either.
02:10Wasn't trying to squeeze into their circle.
02:12Until two months ago, I got sick with a fever.
02:14Chase skipped Sloan's party to stay with me.
02:16She lost it.
02:17Didn't tell anyone.
02:18Just flew overseas to blow off steam.
02:20Chase spent weeks worrying sick about her over there.
02:22The day of the accident, Chase was driving me to work.
02:25His phone rang mid-route.
02:26He lost control.
02:27Flipped the guardrail.
02:28I hit my head.
02:29Internal bleeding pressed against my optic nerve.
02:31Temporary blindness.
02:32Still hadn't recovered.
02:34The call Chase took that day.
02:35It was Sloan.
02:36Still standing there.
02:37Serves him right.
02:38Who skips his best friend's birthday for a girlfriend?
02:40He didn't mean to stand you up.
02:41His girlfriend was sick.
02:43Like she was actually sick.
02:45She probably faked it.
02:47I figured it out forever ago.
02:48That girl never liked me.
02:50She knows she can't compete with what Chase and I have.
02:52It eats her alive.
02:53Sick exactly on my birthday.
02:55Clinging to him so he can't leave.
02:56It's obvious what she was doing.
02:58You guys just can't see it.
03:00We grew up together.
03:01If anything was going to happen, it would have happened before she showed up.
03:04Chase, you know I don't take crap from anyone.
03:07But for you, I put up with a lot from her.
03:10You owe me.
03:11Don't even think about asking for forgiveness until you do.
03:14Fine.
03:15Whatever you want.
03:16I'm in.
03:19That's more like it.
03:20I stood by the door a little longer.
03:22A sales associate came over.
03:23Placed a small velvet box in my palm.
03:25Miss Carter, the custom couple's rings are ready.
03:28Need anything else?
03:30No.
03:31Put the box in my bag.
03:33I left in peace.
03:33As if I hadn't heard any of it.
03:35The apartment was quiet when I got.
03:36I fumbled to change my shoes.
03:38An arm slipped around my waist from behind.
03:40Warm breath at my neck.
03:41A low voice in my ear.
03:42Baby, where'd you go?
03:44I missed you so much.
03:49A follow-up appointment at the hospital.
03:51Why didn't you tell me?
03:52What if you'd gotten hurt?
03:55I'm fine.
03:56The driver took me.
03:58Besides, I wanted to go out alone anyway.
04:00I haven't left the house alone since the accident.
04:03What did the doctor say?
04:05Recovery is slow.
04:09Don't worry.
04:10I'm here.
04:11It'll be okay.
04:12I lied.
04:13The bleeding in my head had cleared up quite a bit.
04:15I still couldn't see clearly, but I could make out shapes.
04:18I watched him crouch, grab the bunny slippers, and kneel to slide them onto my feet.
04:22Everything was still soft and doubled.
04:24His thumbs traced my ankle.
04:25His hands shook.
04:26It felt like worship.
04:27I barely knew Lucas Holloway.
04:29Just that he was stupid rich.
04:30Even Chase, for all his big shot act, was practically kissing up to him.
04:34We barely talked before this.
04:35Just a few parties.
04:36He always sat in the corner.
04:38Kept everyone at arm's length.
04:39But every time I glanced back, I caught him looking at me, like a beast locked on its
04:42target.
04:43He held my gaze when I caught him.
04:45I told myself he probably hated me.
04:47But now.
04:48I think I was way off.
04:49Lucas scooped me up.
04:50He did have a similar build to Chase.
04:52But up close, he was taller and more solid.
04:54He sat me on the couch, leaned in, and kissed my cheek.
05:00Hungry?
05:01What do you want to eat?
05:02Spaghetti bolognese?
05:04He said sure.
05:04Flipped on my music channel and headed to the kitchen.
05:07We had a maid, but he cooked when he was there.
05:09I should have realized sooner.
05:10His voice sounded different at first.
05:12He blamed it on a cold.
05:14I didn't question it.
05:15Chase had never once been in the kitchen.
05:17During my hospital stay, he kept disappearing.
05:19Then I got home.
05:20Suddenly, he was all around.
05:22Nightmares hit.
05:22He wiped my face dry every time.
05:24He was always kissing me.
05:26Calling me baby.
05:26Chase never called me that in six months.
05:28He just called me Mia.
05:29I told myself he'd changed.
05:31That he was making up for the accident.
05:32But the truth was, my boyfriend had been replaced.
05:36After dinner, I wanted to shower.
05:37Lucas carried me into the bathroom.
05:39I caught his fingertips.
05:41What's wrong?
05:43The zipper on my dress.
05:44I can't reach it.
05:46Can you help?
05:47Yeah.
05:49Okay.
05:53Is that enough?
05:56Keep going.
05:57He did.
05:58His fingertips grazed my spine.
06:00The zipper reached my waist.
06:01Most of my back was bare.
06:03Behind me, his breathing changed.
06:05I turned, traced his arm to his face, and kissed his throat.
06:12Baby.
06:13I felt him hardening, so I pulled back, breathless.
06:18I need to shower.
06:20Be careful.
06:21Don't lock the door.
06:22Call me if you need anything.
06:23I had a long, comfortable soak.
06:24I nearly opened the door when I heard Lucas on the phone.
06:27Lucas, Mia doesn't know, right?
06:29No.
06:30She can't see.
06:31Just deal with her.
06:33Hmm.
06:34Thanks, buddy.
06:35Dinner sometime?
06:36Sure.
06:37I'm almost done here.
06:38Two more days, then we swap.
06:39No rush.
06:39Chase kept talking.
06:40I stopped listening.
06:41I reached out and knocked the aromatherapy cup off.
06:44The glass shattered loudly at my feet.
06:46The bathroom door slammed open a second later.
06:48Lucas came in fast.
06:49The phone is still connected.
06:51What happened?
06:52Are you hurt?
06:54I'm scared.
06:56It's okay, baby.
06:57I got you.
06:58Don't be scared.
06:59What on earth are you doing?
07:01I flinched, played startled.
07:03Who is that?
07:04Lucas radiated pure intimidation.
07:06He picked up the phone and ended the call.
07:08Nobody important.
07:09The line went dead.
07:11Let's get you to bed.
07:12I let him lead me out of the bathroom as if nothing had happened.
07:15And somewhere across the city, Chase was stuck on those three words.
07:19Chase stared at his phone, stood there for a long moment.
07:22Had me heard that right?
07:23Did Lucas just call me a baby?
07:25Something ugly twisted in his chest.
07:27No missed messages.
07:28No follow-up text from Lucas explaining himself.
07:30Chase started pacing.
07:32It had to be an act.
07:33He probably figured that's what couples do.
07:35Just staying in character so she wouldn't catch on.
07:39The closeness was because Mia didn't know the truth.
07:43Right.
07:44That's all it is.
07:45Lucas Holloway falling for Mia?
07:47Not a chance.
07:48He agreed to the favor under duress.
07:50Probably couldn't wait to be done with it.
07:53If Sloane hadn't flipped over her party, I'd never have thought up this ridiculous swap.
07:57Sloane has calmed down.
07:58Time to trade back with Lucas.
07:59When she got back, I would treat her better.
08:01Chase told himself this.
08:02Lucas carried me to the bedroom.
08:04Stay put.
08:05I'll be right back.
08:06Then he went back and swept up every last piece of glass.
08:08When he was done, he poured a glass of water.
08:10Fed it to me, sip by sip.
08:14Anything hurt?
08:16Nothing.
08:16I fumbled in the nightstand drawer until hit the velvet box.
08:19It's almost our 200th day together.
08:21This is your gift.
08:24I've been planning this for a while.
08:25Going out alone today was part of the surprise.
08:28You don't like them?
08:29No.
08:30I love anything you give me.
08:31I smiled and reached for the larger ring to slide it on his finger.
08:34It stopped halfway.
08:35I let my thumb press against the ring, pretending to struggle with it.
08:38But the truth was, I knew exactly why it didn't fit.
08:40Because this ring wasn't made for his finger.
08:42Huh.
08:43Did they get the size wrong?
08:46I gave them the exact measurement.
08:48Probably a mistake at the shop.
08:50He tucked the ring back into the box quickly.
08:52I'll take it in tomorrow and get it fixed.
08:54Sleep.
08:56I'll be right here.
08:57I closed my eyes.
08:59Pretend to be asleep.
09:00I was almost asleep.
09:03Something warm touched my forehead.
09:05Lucas kissed me.
09:06Then my cheek.
09:07Then the corner of my mouth.
09:11Then he stood and walked to the trash bin.
09:14Lucas made a low, dismissive sound.
09:16He dropped the velvet box with both rings into the trash.
09:20I can't help but wonder.
09:22What on earth is he trying to do?
09:24And why did he agree to help Chase in the first place?
09:27The next morning, Lucas made a show of going to get the rings resized.
09:30He took the bedroom trash with him on his way out.
09:33He'd hardly left before Sloane arrived.
09:35She came to invite me to her birthday party.
09:40Chase felt so bad about missing my birthday for you that he's throwing me a whole new party.
09:45I told him it wasn't necessary.
09:46But he insisted.
09:47You know how he gets when he's set on something.
09:49Nobody can talk him out of it.
09:50You know him.
09:51Once he's set on something, there's no stopping him.
09:53I was on the couch.
09:54Eating the apple Lucas had prepped for me.
09:56Sorry, I can't see now.
09:57Help yourself.
10:01I almost forgot you're blind.
10:03Honestly, I'm partly to blame.
10:05If I hadn't called Chase that day, he wouldn't have crashed.
10:07I already gave him an earful, so you're good.
10:09She paused, waiting for a reaction.
10:11I gave her nothing.
10:14Mia, don't read into things.
10:16You know Chase and I grew up together.
10:18Before you came along, we were close.
10:20That kind of history doesn't just disappear.
10:22You're not thirsty?
10:27Mia, I know you don't like me.
10:29For Chase's sake, I hope you come.
10:31I know him.
10:32He hates being in the middle.
10:34Sure, I'll come.
10:36Sloane stiffened, stood up.
10:39Good.
10:39I'll have the details sent over.
10:41Then she slammed the door behind her.
10:43I followed and heard her in the hall, her voice low and clipped on her phone.
10:47She said yes.
10:48You're already itching to go back?
10:49I called you out on dropping your friends for a girl, and I was right.
10:52You could have just switched back.
10:53Why use my party as an excuse?
10:54I was nice about it.
10:55She was cold the whole time.
10:56You have no idea how that felt.
10:58You better make this up to me.
10:59I rolled my eyes and went back to my apple.
11:01Three days later, Sloane's party went down at a private club.
11:04By the time I got there, the place was already buzzing.
11:07They saw Lucas behind me and went dead quiet.
11:09I pretended not to notice.
11:11Lucas didn't care either way.
11:13He guided me to the couch and sat me down.
11:16He grabbed a fork, picked up fruit from the platter, and fed me.
11:20His thumb brushed my lower lip afterward, wiping away a drop of juice.
11:26The room got so quiet, everyone's jaw hit the floor.
11:30Didn't someone say Lucas got talked into babysitting Mia?
11:33Doesn't look like he's suffering to me.
11:35They act more like a couple than real.
11:39Something's off.
11:39Go get Chase.
11:41A figure slipped out.
11:42I forgot my meds.
11:44I think I left it in your car.
11:45Can you grab it?
11:46His brow furrowed slightly.
11:47He didn't love leaving me alone.
11:48I'll stay right here.
11:49Won't move.
11:50Everyone will look after me.
11:51Lucas looked up slowly and swept the room.
11:53Of course.
11:54She's safe with us.
11:55He gave a short nod.
11:57I'll be right back.
12:01As soon as Lucas left, the room buzzed back to life.
12:04Everyone swarmed me.
12:05Some of them had never met a blind person.
12:07They were curious.
12:08Mia, can you pick me out by voice?
12:11Hmm.
12:13Jake?
12:14Oh my god!
12:15How did you know?
12:17What about me?
12:19Tyler?
12:21And me?
12:23Lily?
12:24A ripple of shocked whispers.
12:26I got every single one right.
12:27The game had barely begun when the door opened.
12:30The room went dead, quiet.
12:32Lucas and Chase were both at the doorway.
12:37What's going on?
12:39Um, Mia.
12:41Your boyfriend is here.
12:44Honey?
12:45Chase beamed.
12:45He went for my hand.
12:47But Sloan blocked him.
12:48Mia.
12:49Mia, you just picked out everyone here by voice.
12:52So let's play a game.
12:53What kind of game?
12:56Guess which one at the door is your boyfriend.
12:59Is it even a challenge?
13:00Mia knows Chase.
13:01She'll pick him out easy.
13:02Exactly.
13:03She loves him.
13:04No way she gets it wrong.
13:04So Manu grabbed my arm and steered me toward the door.
13:07Mia.
13:08I'm right here.
13:09Chase's voice.
13:10Sure of itself.
13:11I turned toward him and started walking.
13:13His grin widened as I walked closer.
13:15He was showing off that she always comes back to me.
13:17I stopped three feet away.
13:18His smile flickered.
13:19Mia.
13:20What are you doing?
13:21I didn't answer.
13:22Turned the other way.
13:24Honey?
13:25Why aren't you saying anything?
13:28Lucas's fist loosened.
13:30Shocked I was talking to him.
13:32Mia.
13:32Who are you talking to?
13:34I'm here.
13:35I ignored him.
13:36My hand reached out, searching.
13:39Then my palm found something solid.
13:42Honey.
13:43I'm scared.
13:48It's okay.
13:49I'm right here.
13:50Rune went silent.
13:51Someone's voice wavered.
13:53Well.
13:54That's that.
13:55Even Sloane hadn't seen this coming.
13:56She glanced at Chase.
13:58His expression dark and flat.
13:59Mia.
14:00Do you know what you're doing right now?
14:02Honey.
14:03I'm tired.
14:04Can we go home?
14:06Yeah.
14:07We were almost at the door when Chase's fingers locked around my wrist.
14:11Mia.
14:12Wrong guy.
14:13I'm Chase.
14:14Your boyfriend.
14:16He looked past me at Lucas.
14:17Man, she can't see.
14:19She's confused.
14:20Stop messing with her.
14:21Come on, Mia.
14:21Let me take you home.
14:22I pulled free and stepped back.
14:24Put myself against Lucas's chest.
14:27Lucas.
14:28Your friend is really committed to this bit.
14:31How could I not recognize my own boyfriend?
14:33Chase went very still.
14:36Mia.
14:38Stop.
14:39Don't scare me.
14:41You can't tell my voice?
14:42He reached for me again.
14:44Lucas stepped between us.
14:45You're bothering my girlfriend.
14:48Your girlfriend.
14:50Lucas.
14:51You're going to explain yourself?
14:53I trusted you.
14:55And you did this?
14:58You've been waiting for this, haven't you?
15:02What makes you think you can talk to me like that?
15:04Chase went pale.
15:05He couldn't find the words.
15:07If I recall, you said you'd owe me one.
15:09I'm calling it in.
15:10Come near her again.
15:12You are done in this city.
15:14Lucas took my hand and walked us straight out.
15:16We barely got down the hall when Chase started shouting.
15:19Then a crash.
15:21Security rushed past.
15:23Iken, a guest had lost it and wrecked the room.
15:27The drive home was quiet.
15:29Back at the apartment, I sat on the couch.
15:31Face blank, Lucas stood in front of me.
15:34He looked like a kid bracing for punishment.
15:36Why aren't you saying anything?
15:39Can you see?
15:40I nodded another silence.
15:45Nothing to say?
15:47Then leave.
15:53I'm sorry, baby.
15:55Please don't be angry.
15:57I didn't pull back, so he leaned in.
15:59Why didn't you call for me when I had to identify the guy just now?
16:03I knew you could see.
16:05I thought you were going to pick him.
16:06And if I had?
16:08Would you have just let me go?
16:09Just when I thought that was my answer.
16:11No.
16:12I will win you back.
16:14I was just afraid you'd hate me for it.
16:17Oh, really?
16:19Didn't seem scared when you were all over me?
16:21Something in Lucas relaxed.
16:22He looked up, brimming with possessiveness.
16:24Break up with him.
16:25Be with me.
16:27Lucas, you're pushing it.
16:29Yeah, I am.
16:30I'm shameless.
16:32I'm selfish.
16:33I'm the worst.
16:35But baby, I'm just glad you picked me.
16:37Lucas stood slowly, his knee pressed against mine.
16:40He leaned forward, hands braced couch, boxing me in.
16:43A feather-light kiss landed on my cheek.
16:48Be with me, okay?
16:50Please, baby.
16:53We'll see.
16:54I'm still angry.
16:55Then punish me.
16:57He took my hand and pressed it to his face.
17:00Whatever it takes to get you to stop being angry, I'll take it.
17:04I was about to speak.
17:05Then the front door shook with pounding.
17:10Mia, open up.
17:11It's Chase.
17:12I'm sorry.
17:13I lied to you.
17:13The person looking after you this past month wasn't me.
17:16It was Lucas!
17:17I just asked him a favor.
17:18I didn't expect him to use it to get close to you.
17:20He's been eyeing you all along.
17:22He set this up.
17:23Don't fall for it, Mia!
17:25I shifted.
17:25Lucas thought I was heading for the door,
17:27tightened his arms around me instantly.
17:29Don't go.
17:30You're not allowed.
17:32He's going to get a noise complaint.
17:34Let the neighbors call the cops.
17:37Mia, please let me in.
17:39I know I was wrong.
17:40I'm apologizing.
17:41Whatever happened, we handle it ourselves.
17:43Don't listen to Lucas.
17:43He's not a good person.
17:44Lucas let out a cold snort cover my ears.
17:46Then he leaned in and pressed little kisses across my cheek.
17:49One after another, finally he looked at me directly.
17:52Look at me, baby.
17:54Just ignore him.
17:58Chase's voice outside faded to something.
18:00I couldn't quite make out.
18:01Lucas lifted me and carried me to the bedroom.
18:04Scorching kisses rained down on me.
18:10I pushed at his shoulder on reflex.
18:12He pulled back and gave me air.
18:14But he didn't stop.
18:15He whispered by my ear.
18:16So how do you want to punish me?
18:23I was too dazed to think straight.
18:25No ideas?
18:27I'll go with my own idea.
18:29He laced his fingers through mine, lifted my hand, and studied it.
18:32He slipped a ring onto my finger.
18:34On his hand, he wore the matching one.
18:38Beautiful.
18:39His lips came down again.
18:41My hand found his hair without deciding to.
18:43He looked up.
18:44His mouth was still wet.
18:45It didn't hit me until I was wrecked, barely hanging on.
18:48This had not been his punishment at all.
18:50It had been entirely his reward.
18:51I slept until well past noon the next day.
18:54When I woke up, Lucas was watching me.
18:56He passed me water the moment I was upright.
19:00Hungry?
19:02I made breakfast.
19:04Everything you like.
19:05I was about to snap back when my stomach made a loud, embarrassing noise.
19:09Fine.
19:10Food first.
19:11After we ate, Lucas came with me to the hospital for my follow-up.
19:15When I opened the front door, Chase was in the hallway.
19:18He was tucked against the wall.
19:20Bloodshot.
19:22He had kept at the door until the neighbors threatened to call the police.
19:25Then it had gone quiet.
19:26I assumed he'd left.
19:28He had been there all night.
19:29The sound of the door brought him upright fast.
19:31Before he could get close, an arm from behind shoved him into the wall.
19:35Lucas pulled me behind him.
19:36Careful, baby.
19:37Someone's loitering.
19:39Chase combustly.
19:40Lucas!
19:42Back away from her.
19:43I called you a friend.
19:44I can't believe you.
19:45What did you do to her last night?
19:48Oh, it's you.
19:49Lucas's voice was even.
19:50Couples keep themselves busy.
19:51You know how it is.
19:53Anyway, guess my words yesterday didn't stick.
19:56Chase's hands balled into fists.
19:58He looked at me.
19:59Mia, everything I did was wrong.
20:01I'm apologizing.
20:02Forgive me.
20:03Please.
20:03I swear I'll make it up to you.
20:05Don't trust Lucas.
20:05Don't be with him.
20:07Give me one chance to fix this.
20:08I looked at him.
20:09Chase, there's no chance left.
20:12Who I'm with is none of your business.
20:14Don't come near me again.
20:15You make me sick.
20:18His face went slack.
20:19Mia.
20:20I'm the one who ended it.
20:21Remember that.
20:23We didn't look at him again, walked to the elevator.
20:27For the next few days, Chase kept up his watch outside.
20:30During the day, Lucas made a point of going out to the balcony to hang laundry.
20:35At night, he held me by the window, the lamp behind us throwing our shadows on the curtain.
20:39I shook my head at him.
20:40You're so childish.
20:42Lucas bit my shoulder lightly.
20:43Unbothered, Chase went crazy.
20:45Calls.
20:46Texts.
20:46Banging on the door.
20:47I let it burn itself out.
20:49On the third day, he was gone.
20:50I didn't think much of it, just relieved to be rid of him.
20:53A month later, I heard through a mutual friend that his and Sloan's family bankrupt.
20:57Sloan showed up to apologize.
20:59I didn't answer the door.
21:00Chase had apparently disappeared.
21:01Word was his whole family had left city.
21:04Much later, late one night, I got a call from an unknown number.
21:07I answered twice.
21:08No one spoke.
21:09Lucas glanced at the caller ID'd with a flat look.
21:12His eyes went dark.
21:15He grabbed my wrist and pressed it above my head.
21:17His mouth came down on mine.
21:27Focus, baby.
21:28He reached over and hung up for me.
21:30Then he got rougher, and I was all in.
21:36When did you start liking me?
21:37Lucas was still breathing hard against my neck when I asked.
21:40He went still, pulled back just enough to look at me.
21:42His eyes searched mine, like he was trying to figure out if I was serious.
21:46Really?
21:46Now talk this?
21:47I nodded.
21:48Really?
21:49Just now?
21:52He smiled and sighed.
21:53Rolled onto his back.
21:54He pulled me with him so my head rested on his chest.
21:57First time I saw you?
21:58I frowned.
21:59That party.
22:00You barely looked at me.
22:02He laughed quietly, shook his head.
22:04Wrong.
22:05I couldn't stop.
22:06I sat in the corner, thought if I stared too long someone would notice.
22:09So I kept looking down, but every time you laughed my eyes went right back up.
22:13I don't know what you're laughing at, but that smile just made my heart go crazy.
22:17I thought, she's not like the rest of them.
22:20I propped my chin on his chest, stared at him.
22:22That's it?
22:23That's your big story?
22:25He laughed, tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
22:28No.
22:29The real one was later.
22:37You were at the garden party?
22:39The one Chase dragged you to?
22:40I remembered, bored out of my mind.
22:42Chase had left me alone for an hour to go drink with his friends.
22:45I was on the terrace.
22:46You didn't see me.
22:47I was standing behind the pillar.
22:48You had your shoes off, feet dangling over the edge, your dress was getting dirty and
22:51you didn't care.
22:52You looked like you wanted to jump.
22:53I blinked.
22:54I was just tired.
22:55Chase had abandoned me.
22:58I know, but I thought, if she jumped I'd go after her.
23:03His thumb traced my jaw, gently.
23:06Then Chase called your name.
23:07Mia?
23:08And you turned, and you smiled at him, like he was the only person in the world.
23:13Something in me broke.
23:16I stared at him, throat went tight.
23:19You liked me for that long?
23:21He met my eyes, didn't blink.
23:24Longer.
23:25I didn't say anything because you were his.
23:27I told myself to stay away, that it wasn't my place.
23:30But when he asked me to take his place, I told myself it was just a favor.
23:34I lied.
23:35First night I touched you, I knew.
23:37No one was taking you from me.
23:40I leaned in and kissed him.
23:44Good answer.
23:46A week later, Lucas took me to his family's estate for the first time.
23:49His mother was polite but cold.
23:51She asked about my family, my job, my condition.
23:54I answered like I was interviewing for a job I didn't even want.
23:57Lucas held my hand under the table the entire time.
24:03When his mother said,
24:04She's not exactly what I expected.
24:07Lucas set down his fork.
24:08Good.
24:09I wasn't asking for your approval.
24:11His mother's face went rigid.
24:13The rest of the meal passed in silence.
24:15On the drive back, I said,
24:17You didn't have to do that.
24:19He glanced at me.
24:20Yes, I did.
24:21She'll come around.
24:22If she doesn't, she won't see us much.
24:25I turned to the window, smiled to myself.
24:27Nobody had ever chosen me like that before.
24:31Chase's call stopped completely after that night.
24:34But Sloane showed up at my office one afternoon.
24:36She looked different, softer.
24:39She said,
24:40I'm not here to fight.
24:42I just wanted to say you were right about everything.
24:46I leaned back in my chair.
24:49That's new.
24:50She laughed, but it was hollow.
24:52My family lost everything.
24:54Chase's two.
24:55He ran.
24:56Left me to deal with the mess.
24:57Turns out he never really cared.
24:59He just liked being needed.
25:00I didn't say anything.
25:02She stood.
25:05I'm not asking for forgiveness.
25:06I just wanted to tell you,
25:08you deserved better.
25:09She walked out.
25:10I sat there for a long moment.
25:12Then I called Lucas.
25:17Pick me up early.
25:19I want to go home.
25:21When he arrived,
25:21he noticed there was something wrong with me.
25:23He didn't ask why.
25:24Just took my bag,
25:25opened the car door,
25:25and drove.
25:27Halfway home, I said.
25:29Sloane came to see me.
25:31His jaw tightened.
25:32Did she cause any trouble?
25:34No.
25:35She apologized.
25:36He was silent for a beat.
25:40And you're okay?
25:41I reached over and put my hand on his thigh.
25:43Yeah.
25:44I'm okay.
25:45He relaxed,
25:46grabbed my hand,
25:47and kissed my knuckles.
25:49You know,
25:50you never told me what the favor was.
25:53What favor?
25:54The one Chase owed you
25:55for taking his place.
25:59Lucas's lips curved.
26:01I said I'd call it in later.
26:04Are you going to tell me?
26:06He glanced at me, eyes dark.
26:07I already called it in.
26:09When?
26:10The night you kissed me in the bathroom.
26:12I stared at him.
26:14That was the favor?
26:15He nodded.
26:16I told Chase I wanted one thing.
26:17You.
26:19After the swap was done,
26:20you were mine.
26:21No argument,
26:22no taking it back.
26:23He didn't take me seriously.
26:24Thought I was joking.
26:26I turned his words over in my head.
26:29Wait,
26:29that means
26:30before I even knew about the swap,
26:32you'd already claimed me?
26:34Yes.
26:39And if I'd picked Chase at the party?
26:41I would have waited.
26:44Waited for what?
26:45For you to realize he wasn't worth it?
26:47Then I would have come back.
26:48I shook my head.
26:49You're insane.
26:50Probably.
26:52He said it like it was a compliment.
26:54I didn't argue.
26:55I just leaned over the console
26:57and kissed him.
27:04Two months later,
27:06Lucas took me back
27:06to his family estate.
27:08His mother met us at the door.
27:09Her attitude was different.
27:10Cautious,
27:11but not cold.
27:12She even made my favorite dish.
27:14At dinner,
27:14she said,
27:15You've become important to him.
27:17I see it.
27:18She paused.
27:21I'd like to start over,
27:22if you'll let me.
27:24I looked at Lucas.
27:25He didn't say anything,
27:27just watched.
27:30I turned back to his mother and said,
27:32I'd like that.
27:34After dinner,
27:34Lucas and I walked through the garden,
27:36the same garden where I'd once sat alone,
27:38feeling invisible.
27:39Now he held my hand
27:40and walked beside me
27:40like I was the only person in the world.
27:46Happy?
27:46He asked.
27:47I stopped and faced him.
27:49Yeah.
27:50I think I am.
27:51He cupped my face
27:52and kissed me slow and sure.
27:57I've got you, baby.
27:59Always.
28:00And for the first time in my life,
28:02I believed it.
28:03I asked Lucas about it on the drive home.
28:05Your mom.
28:06She was different this time.
28:08What changed?
28:09He shrugged.
28:10She did some digging.
28:11My stomach dropped.
28:12Digging?
28:12She had someone look into you.
28:14Your family.
28:15Your work.
28:16Everything.
28:17And?
28:18And she found out
28:18you never asked me for anything.
28:20Money.
28:21Connections.
28:21Favors.
28:22I didn't say anything.
28:24Her friend's daughters
28:25all wanted one thing.
28:26Status.
28:27She expected the same from you.
28:29But I didn't.
28:30No.
28:31You didn't even know who I was.
28:33Not really.
28:34I stared out the window.
28:38So she likes me now
28:39because I'm not a gold digger?
28:40No.
28:41She likes you now
28:41because she couldn't find
28:42a single thing wrong with you.
28:43I turned to him.
28:44And if she had found something?
28:46Doesn't matter.
28:47I wasn't asking for her approval.
28:52But you still wanted it.
28:53He was quiet for a moment.
28:55Yeah.
28:55I did.
28:56For you.
28:57I reached over
28:58and squeezed his hand.
28:59He squeezed back.
29:02Next time we visit
29:03she'll probably hug you,
29:04he said.
29:05Don't push it.
29:06But I was smiling
29:07and so was he.
29:08to be with me.
29:12Don't push it.
29:14To be 12 parties.
29:15I'll be happy for your love.
29:15I could leave her
29:15and say to me.
29:15Hold it in here in the next to me.
29:15I have to be a angel.
29:15I have to have my um Alpha
29:15I have to be someans
29:15to be quiet here in the next hole.
29:16You