- 15 hours ago
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:01Cut it out, we're in public.
00:02You sure didn't act this reserved back when we talked online?
00:05Chase Sterling, the school golden boy, bullied me for three years.
00:08So I did the craziest thing I could think of to get back at him.
00:11I stole his name, his photos, and his perfect privileged image.
00:15Then I used it all to start an online romance with a filthy rich woman.
00:18She was gentle, polite, and paved my way through four years of college.
00:22Then I just ghosted her. Only later did I find out.
00:25She was the don of the deadliest crime family.
00:27Her only flaw was her overwhelming sex drive.
00:30On late night calls, she could say the filthiest things in the calmest, most proper voice.
00:34And pretty soon, with enough sweet talk, teasing, and sexy pics,
00:37I got her to pay for all four years of my college tuition.
00:40The day I decided to break up with her, I asked casually,
00:43Baby, what would you do if I suddenly disappeared?
00:45She laughed, but her tone turned dangerous.
00:47Babe, don't joke about that. I don't like it.
00:49Gentle voice, dangerous edge. I ignored the warning and deleted her.
00:53And then fate played a sick joke.
00:54Chase and I became interns at Moretti Secure Systems.
00:57On our first day, the CEO came from headquarters for an inspection.
01:00I stood at the back of the crowd.
01:02When I looked up, I saw an achingly familiar face.
01:04Before I could react, the woman looked at Chase.
01:06Her eyes lit up.
01:07The woman I had dated online for three years was standing right in front of me.
01:10The shock blanked my mind for several seconds.
01:13She was taller and more beautiful than in her photos.
01:15I could hardly look away.
01:16A gold signet ring gleamed on her pinky.
01:18Then she turned sharply and walked straight toward us.
01:20My heart hammered.
01:21Dana Mitchell, our manager, spoke quietly.
01:24Don't be nervous.
01:25Mrs. Moretti's just here to inspect the office.
01:26Second she finished, that ring slipped off her finger.
01:28It rolled past my shoe.
01:29Then it stopped precisely at Chase's feet.
01:31Alessandra stopped in front of us.
01:33More precisely, she stopped in front of Chase.
01:35They looked perfect together.
01:36I held my breath.
01:37Only one thought came to mind.
01:39She just didn't know the guy behind that face was standing right beside her.
01:42The fuck as hail.
01:43Alessandra's assistant moved at once to pick up the ring.
01:46But Alessandra lifted one hand and stopped him.
01:49Chase blinked.
01:49Then he seemed to understand.
01:51He bent down and picked up the gold signet ring.
01:53His face reddened as he held it out to her.
01:56Miss Moretti, you dropped this.
01:58Alessandra did not take it.
01:59She walked two slow steps toward Chase.
02:01I stood right beside him.
02:02The closer she came, the stronger her fragrance became.
02:05Fur and citrus.
02:06Cool.
02:06Clean.
02:07With a trace of warmth.
02:08That scent was unmistakable.
02:09I picked it out for her as our one year online anniversary gift.
02:12Finding the right one had taken store after store.
02:15Bottle after bottle.
02:15I pressed my lips together and looked away.
02:17Alessandra was staring at Chase like nobody else in the room existed.
02:21Something dark moved through her eyes.
02:23Joy at finding someone she had lost.
02:25Excitement after a long separation.
02:27And a trace of pain from being abandoned.
02:29Chase kept holding out the ring.
02:31Alessandra still did not move.
02:32Miss Moretti?
02:33The sound pulled her back.
02:34Then she reached out and took the ring.
02:35Her fingertips brushed lightly across Chase's palm.
02:38Chase.
02:39Yes.
02:40I'm Chase.
02:41Miss Moretti.
02:42Alessandra kept staring at his face.
02:43Long enough that people around the office started trading looks.
02:47Then she finally turned and walked away.
02:48Only then did I dare to breathe.
02:50My co-workers smelled gossip and immediately crowded around Chase.
02:53I don't know Miss Moretti.
02:55Today was the first time I met her.
02:57Wait.
02:58I just remembered.
02:59Miss Moretti went to my high school.
03:01She graduated a few years before me.
03:03I was the school golden boy back then.
03:04A lot of girls had crushes on me.
03:07Maybe...
03:07He let the word hang.
03:09The whole office filled with laughter.
03:10I did not hear another word.
03:12I stared at the search results on my phone.
03:14Frozen in place.
03:15Alessandra Moretti.
03:16CEO of Moretti Global.
03:18Heiress to the Moretti Empire.
03:19The Moretti family was not just rich.
03:21It was the deadliest time family in New York.
03:24And Alessandra Moretti was its dawn.
03:26I sucked in a sharp breath.
03:27OMG.
03:27I had sexted a mob boss for three years.
03:29Then ghosted her.
03:32Alessandra had barely walked away when my phone buzzed.
03:34Unknown number.
03:35Chase.
03:36Please don't leave me.
03:37Every word sounded like a plea from someone who had been abandoned without a reason.
03:41But I was not Chase.
03:42The memory sent a shiver through me.
03:43I looked up.
03:44Everyone in the office was staring at me.
03:46I forced a smile.
03:47W-what?
03:48The others only smiled.
03:49Chase was the only one who walked over.
03:51His expression was perfectly innocent.
03:53Evan, didn't you hear us?
03:55Everyone wants to try that new coffee shop.
03:56Would you go get the drinks for us?
03:57It's only three or four blocks away.
03:59Just bike there.
04:00It'll be easy.
04:00Senior employees bullying an intern was nothing unusual.
04:04But Chase had already become one of them.
04:06All because Alessandra had treated him differently.
04:08If I refused, they would tear into me for him.
04:10Fine.
04:11Then Chase turned back to the others with a bright smile.
04:14Nobody needs to feel bad.
04:15Evan's mother used to be our housekeeper.
04:17He grew up helping her work.
04:19Running errands is what he does best.
04:21If you need anything done, just ask him.
04:24He loves it.
04:25Whenever Chase entered a new place, he told everyone that my mother had worked for his
04:29family.
04:29He had done it for years.
04:30I was used to it.
04:31Besides, I needed some air.
04:33I ignored him.
04:33Then I turned away with my phone in my hand and walked straight into someone.
04:36I looked up.
04:37Marcus Hale looked like he was in a hurry.
04:39He shoved me aside without patience.
04:41The push sent me stumbling backward.
04:42My knees slammed into the leg of a desk.
04:44He didn't apologize.
04:45He didn't even look.
04:46Excuse me.
04:47Which one of you is Mr. Chase Sterling?
04:49Ms. Marati wants to see him.
04:51I'm Chase Sterling.
04:52What does she need?
04:53Marcus looked him over.
04:54His tone became noticeably more polite.
04:56The CEO's office needs another assistant.
04:58Ms. Morelli wants you to fill in for a while.
05:00Me?
05:00Ms. Morelli wants me working beside her?
05:02She told you to come get me herself?
05:05Marcus frowned so slightly that almost no one noticed.
05:07Then he smiled and nodded.
05:09Yes.
05:10You.
05:10Get your things and come with me.
05:11Chase could not hide his delight.
05:13He hurried to grab his bag.
05:14Mr. Hale, I don't have much here.
05:15I can go right now.
05:16Marcus nodded.
05:17Fine.
05:17Follow me.
05:18Then he deliberately walked past me.
05:20Evan.
05:21Move out of the way.
05:21Ms. Morelli wants me on level 34.
05:23You're blocking me.
05:24Keep working hard.
05:25Maybe in another ten years we can sit together on level 34.
05:28I said nothing.
05:29Pain kept pulsing through my knee.
05:30Chase's polished dress shoes clicked across the floor.
05:33He eagerly followed Marcus.
05:35The other employees watched until he disappeared.
05:37Then the office exploded.
05:38Could that new intern become the boss's future husband?
05:40Even if he doesn't become her husband, he could at least be her boyfriend for a while.
05:43Did you see how interested she was?
05:46She personally moved him upstairs to work beside her.
05:49Then someone called my name.
05:50Evan.
05:51You came in with Chase, right?
05:52Do you know what is going on between them?
05:54I forced down the emotion lodged in my throat.
05:56I...
05:57I don't know.
05:58They had no idea I had dated Alessandra online for three years.
06:01On late night voice calls, she could say the filthiest things in the calmest, most proper voice.
06:06Her elegant, untouchable, heiress image fell apart.
06:09Baby, make some noise.
06:10Don't stop.
06:11I want to hear you say my name.
06:13Just like yesterday.
06:14Finally, I could not take it anymore.
06:16You're shameless.
06:17She only chuckled.
06:18It's only for you, babe.
06:19I only found out later that Alessandra had severe insomnia.
06:22It came from living on edge for too long.
06:24She was used to darkness, gunshots, and betrayal.
06:27Danger could find her at any second.
06:28Kills did nothing.
06:29Neither did therapy.
06:30But somehow, she would relax when she was on the phone with me.
06:32I talked about the dumbest little things.
06:34What I had eaten that day.
06:35Which professor had lost it again.
06:37Whether the stray cat downstairs had stolen someone's food.
06:40Alessandra just listened.
06:41Every now and then, she answered with a quiet word.
06:43Then I would hear her breathing go slow and deep through the phone.
06:46Like a wary kitten finally learning to trust me.
06:50After Chase left, as the only new intern left down here, I caught everything nobody else wanted.
06:55By the time I finished, I was just packing up my things when a voice suddenly sounded directly above me.
06:59It's late.
07:00Why are you still here?
07:01It scared me.
07:02After a moment, I remember Dana introducing him.
07:04He was another one of Alessandra's assistants, Ben Foster.
07:07Some work kept me late.
07:09I was just about to leave.
07:10Ben pressed both hands against his stomach.
07:12Pain twisted his entire face.
07:14Do you have a driver's license?
07:16Can you drive?
07:17I paused.
07:17Then I nodded.
07:18Yes, I can...
07:19Before I could finish, he tossed a set of car keys into my hands.
07:22Oh, thank God.
07:24My stomach is killing me.
07:26The boss's car is downstairs.
07:29Just take it back for me tonight.
07:31Yeah?
07:31Please.
07:32God, that hurts.
07:33No!
07:34I can't!
07:34I...
07:35I stood there a while, waiting for him to come back out.
07:37He didn't.
07:37So I took the keys and went downstairs.
07:40A black car waited in the garage.
07:41I opened the driver's door and sat down.
07:43Then I reached up to adjust the rear view mirror.
07:45That was when I saw her.
07:46Alessandra was sitting in the back seat with her eyes closed.
07:49Even asleep, she looked lazily seductive.
07:52She was so beautiful, she almost didn't look real.
07:54My head buzzed.
07:55I covered the mirror with one hand.
07:57An illusion.
07:58It had to be an illusion.
07:59I tried to calm myself.
08:01Then I gathered enough courage to peek through my fingers.
08:03Alessandra's eyes were open.
08:05Her dark gaze fixed on me through the mirror.
08:07Our eyes met.
08:09My hands locked around the steering wheel.
08:10It was too late to jump out and run.
08:12I forced my thoughts into order.
08:14Then I deliberately lowered my voice.
08:15Miss Moretti, Ben got sick.
08:17He asked me to drive your car back.
08:19I didn't know you were inside.
08:20I knew she could not possibly recognize me.
08:23Still, I relaxed when she closed her eyes.
08:26The relief lasted only a second.
08:28Then I noticed another problem.
08:29Where was the ignition?
08:30What kind of ridiculous car hit the place where it started?
08:33I almost wanted to pull the entire driver's seat apart.
08:36You don't know how to drive?
08:38I sat up straight.
08:39Miss Moretti, I-
08:40Whenever I got nervous, I picked up my fingers.
08:42I had carried that habit for more than twenty years.
08:46Alessandra was staring at my hands.
08:47I started to pull them away.
08:48But she had already looked toward the window.
08:50I carefully took out my phone.
08:51Then I opened the browser.
08:53I had only typed half the question when a shadow fell over me.
08:56The soft scent of citrus wrapped around me.
08:58Her warm breath brushed across my skin.
09:00She was close enough that I could feel the warmth coming off her.
09:03Close enough for the ends of her hair to brush my cheek.
09:05I did not dare to move.
09:07Alessandra paused for a few seconds.
09:09Then she calmly sat back in her seat.
09:11I tried to steady myself.
09:12My movements felt mechanical.
09:14I drove in stiff silence.
09:15Neither of us spoke.
09:16At last, we reached the garage beneath Alessandra's-
09:19Miss Moretti, I'm leaving.
09:20Good night!
09:21I jumped out of the car.
09:22I did not wait for her answer.
09:24I turned and ran.
09:25I didn't even notice Alessandra watching me from behind.
09:29My sleep was filled with some very inappropriate dreams.
09:32The next morning, I washed my face and dragged myself to work.
09:35The moment I entered the office, I stopped.
09:38Yes.
09:38The boss sent me back down.
09:39The boss said I wouldn't have time to make friends if I went straight to level 34.
09:42She thought I might get lonely up there by myself.
09:44I think she was worried I wouldn't fit in.
09:46She made a good point, so I came back.
09:47Then Chase noticed me.
09:48He quickly walked over and put an arm around my shoulder.
09:50Hey buddy, aren't you happy to see me?
09:52The moment he acted friendly, I knew he was about to use me again.
09:56Before I could think, I pulled away from his arm.
09:58The mood in the office changed.
09:59Alright guys, listen up.
10:01We're having a team outing tonight.
10:02It's to welcome Evan and Chase to the department.
10:04Luckily, Dana Mitchell walked in and broke the silence.
10:07Will the big boss be there?
10:08As soon as he asked, everyone instinctively looked at Chase.
10:11Miss Marati has too much work, she won't be there.
10:13So relax and enjoy yourselves.
10:15Everyone laughed.
10:16The tension finally eased.
10:18Before I knew it, work was over.
10:19I had stained my trousers at lunch, so I went home to change.
10:22By the time I reached the karaoke lounge, they had already been singing for more than an hour.
10:27I pushed open the door.
10:28Alessandra was the first person I saw.
10:31The shifting lights moved across her beautiful face.
10:33Beautiful. Dangerous.
10:35From the corner of my eye, I saw Alessandra turn her head.
10:37Her gaze seemed to pass over me.
10:39I did not dare to look at her.
10:41I lowered my head and searched for the darkest corner.
10:43Then Dana pushed me forward.
10:44Sit down, you're late.
10:46That's the only seat left.
10:47I could not say a word.
10:49The empty seat was beside Alessandra.
10:53Then I sat beside her as stiffly as I could.
10:56The fabric of her trousers brushed my legs.
10:58I quickly pulled away.
11:00Less than 30 seconds later, it happened again.
11:02Then Alessandra's knee settled against mine.
11:05There were two layers of fabric between us, but the heat of her body almost burned me.
11:10Alessandra still did not look at me.
11:12She lifted her glass and took a small sit.
11:14Then her arm lightly brushed my shoulder.
11:16I-I-I need the restroom.
11:18At the end of the karaoke lounge hallway, there was a single all-gender restroom.
11:22I turned on the faucet.
11:24Cold water rushed over my fingers.
11:26My heart was still pounding.
11:28Those few accidental touches back in the room still felt like they were on my skin.
11:33Then I heard footsteps behind me.
11:35I looked up.
11:36A figure appeared in the mirror.
11:39Alessandra stood in the doorway.
11:40Mr. Vitale, you need the restroom too?
11:42No.
11:44Then she walked closer.
11:45She stopped right behind me.
11:50Why are you hiding?
11:52I'm not.
11:53I-I...
11:55Evan?
11:56Her voice was calm.
11:57Almost casual.
11:58Tell me.
11:59What part of my body haven't you seen?
12:01My mind went blank.
12:02My face in the mirror turned white.
12:04One thought filled my head.
12:06She knew.
12:08She...
12:08You know?
12:09She knew everything.
12:10I already knew the answer.
12:12But part of me still clung to hope.
12:15Know what?
12:15Alessandra did not answer at once.
12:18She watched me in silence.
12:20Every emotion inside me stopped.
12:22I hesitated.
12:23Alessandra became even quieter behind me.
12:25My heart slowly began to settle.
12:27Then she spoke without warning.
12:29Was it fun lying to me, Evan Reed?
12:31A breath caught.
12:33I spun around.
12:34Alessandra's smile was gone.
12:35Her expression had turned cold and dark.
12:38She stepped toward me.
12:39One slow step at a time.
12:42The day I brought Chase upstairs, I knew something was wrong.
12:45He had the right name, but nothing about him felt right.
12:49Then I saw you in the car that night.
12:50My instincts became even stronger.
12:53So I had someone investigated.
12:55She stopped in front of me.
12:57Chase Sterling was never Chase.
12:59You were.
13:00No wonder I could never find you.
13:02No wonder you disappeared without mercy.
13:05No wonder you deleted me.
13:06No wonder you ignored every email I sent.
13:09You lied about your name.
13:11You lied about who you were.
13:13You lied about everything.
13:16Even your feelings for me were a lie.
13:17I had never seen Alexandra like this.
13:21Cold fear crept through me.
13:22I stepped backward without thinking.
13:25Shame covered my face.
13:26I could not speak.
13:28Alessandra paused.
13:30She swallowed hard.
13:31It looked like she was forcing something down.
13:34Then she looked directly into my eyes.
13:36Evan.
13:38I've said all of this.
13:39Is there anything you want to deny?
13:42The moment everything was exposed, something strange happened.
13:45I had expected panic.
13:47I had expected myself to run.
13:49But hearing the truth from Alessandra made something inside me settle.
13:53I felt strangely calm.
13:55I'm sorry Alessandra.
13:58Everything was my fault.
13:59I used Chase's identity because I wanted revenge.
14:02Then I used it to deceive you.
14:04I'm not a good man.
14:06You can punish me however you want.
14:09I deserve it.
14:10I'm sorry.
14:13I'm truly sorry.
14:14Alexandra pressed her lips together.
14:17Her hand slowly became a fist.
14:19One finger at a time.
14:21Her knuckles turned white.
14:23She was holding back something powerful.
14:25I thought she wanted to hit me.
14:27A woman like her had been made a fool of for three years.
14:31Of course she wanted to close my eyes.
14:33Then her silently voice came again.
14:35Slow.
14:37Controlled.
14:39Is that all?
14:40I said so much.
14:42Do you really have nothing to deny?
14:44What else was there?
14:46Then I remembered.
14:48The money.
14:50I opened my eyes.
14:52There is one more thing.
14:55The money you gave me paid my tuition.
14:57I'll repay every dollar when I can.
15:00If you want to report me, I'll cooperate.
15:02Evan!
15:03Her voice cracked through the room.
15:05Then she forced it lower.
15:08Do you really think money is what matters most between us?
15:11I blinked.
15:13My mind had not caught up.
15:15Money is money.
15:17Silence filled the restroom.
15:19A vein pulsed at Elisandra's temple.
15:22She looked like she might laugh from anger.
15:24Or cry.
15:24I bit my lip and thought again.
15:25Then I slowly shook my head.
15:28I have nothing else to deny.
15:30I'm sorry.
15:32It was all my-
15:33Alisandra grabbed my hand before I could finish.
15:35She fought to control herself.
15:37But her eyes had turned red.
15:39You have nothing to deny?
15:42Then your feelings were lies too?
15:45Everything you felt for me was fake?
15:48I stared at her.
15:50What?
15:51Her grip tightened.
15:54What was I to you?
15:57Did you ever like me?
15:59Not even once?
16:02I froze.
16:03I understood every word.
16:05Together they sounded like another language.
16:07This was nothing like what I had imagined.
16:09I had pictured her anger.
16:11Her disgust.
16:13Her cold order for me to disappear.
16:15I had even pictured her revenge.
16:17I had never imagined Alisandra looking like an abandoned puppy.
16:21Asking if I had ever loved her.
16:22It should not have been like this.
16:24I was the one who had deceived her.
16:26My stunned silence seemed to hurt her.
16:28She closed her eyes.
16:30Then she released me.
16:32Fine.
16:33I understand.
16:35I finally came back to myself.
16:38Alexandra, I-
16:40I reached for her sleeve.
16:41My fingers caught nothing.
16:43She pulled away and walked out.
16:46I watched her leave.
16:47The warmth of her hand slowly faded from my skin.
16:51Alisandra never returned to the branch office.
16:54For days I tried to gather enough courage to contact her.
16:57I sent one request after another.
16:59None received an answer.
17:01Maybe she would never speak to me again.
17:03I stared at my phone.
17:05The screen brightened.
17:06Then it went dark.
17:07My mother called before I could decide what else to do.
17:10I pushed my computer aside and entered the stairwell.
17:14Mom?
17:15I only wanted to ask how things are going with your coworkers.
17:18I fell silent.
17:20Cold wind came through the open window.
17:22It slipped beneath my collar.
17:24I touched my neck.
17:25Then I thought of Alisandra.
17:27A dull pain spread through my chest.
17:29My mother heard something in my silence.
17:32Evan?
17:32Is someone bullying you?
17:35If they are, buy them lunch.
17:37Once they accept your food, they'll feel too guilty to keep bullying you.
17:41Right?
17:42That makes sense, doesn't it?
17:44That advice again.
17:46Pain throbbed at my temples.
17:48Mom, I still have work.
17:50I have to go.
17:53I ended the call.
17:54The stairwell light went dark.
17:56I stood there for two seconds.
17:58Then I returned to my desk.
18:00The air smelled sweet.
18:01Like coffee.
18:03Brown liquid ran down my computer screen.
18:05Drop after drop struck the keyboard.
18:07The computer was dead.
18:08The folders beside it were soaked.
18:10Days of work had never been backed up.
18:12Now all of it was gone.
18:14I stood beside my desk.
18:16An empty cup was still in his hand.
18:20Sorry, Evan.
18:22I accidentally spilled coffee on your computer.
18:25It's probably fine.
18:28I didn't mean to do it.
18:30I had no time for him.
18:32I grabbed some paper towels and wiped frantically.
18:35It was useless.
18:37Chase covered his mouth and laughed.
18:40It's fine.
18:42You can just write everything again.
18:46That shouldn't be too much trouble, right?
18:49My scalp prickled.
18:50I turned toward him.
18:52His gluting voice dragged up memories I had buried for years.
18:56Suddenly, I was back in my senior year.
18:58I stood inside the principal's office.
19:00My fingers gripped my school uniform.
19:02My knuckles had turned white.
19:03I forced myself to describe every way Chase had bullied me.
19:07My body shook with every word.
19:09Inside my head, I kept repeating the same things.
19:12Don't be afraid, Evan.
19:13You're standing up for yourself.
19:15There's nothing to fear.
19:16You're brave.
19:17Chase only leaned against the wall and scratched his ear.
19:20His eyes silently asked one question.
19:22What could I possibly do to him?
19:24Nothing, as it turned out.
19:26When my father arrived, he never asked if I was hurt.
19:28He shoved me instead.
19:30What bullying?
19:32They're just kids messing around.
19:34Evan has always been too sensitive.
19:36Just ignore him.
19:39Chase smiled and shook his head.
19:41Exactly, Evan.
19:42You're too sensitive.
19:43It was only a joke.
19:45If you're upset, I'll apologize.
19:48He stretched out the final word.
19:50His eyes curved with amusement.
19:52Apologize for what?
19:53My father demanded.
19:55He shoved me aside and patted Chase's shoulder.
19:58You're a good kid.
19:59You don't owe him an apology.
20:01Then he ordered me to shake Chase's hand.
20:04He only wants to be your friend.
20:06Why are you so difficult?
20:08No one will want you around.
20:10I stared at my father like he was a stranger.
20:13Cold spread through every part of me.
20:15Behind everyone, Chase stuck his tongue out at me.
20:18The memory vanished.
20:19He wore that same innocent expression now.
20:22Endure it.
20:22That was what my parents always taught me.
20:24What had enduring it ever given me?
20:26I crushed the paper towels in my fist.
20:28My nails cut into my palm.
20:30The emotions felt like waterlogged cotton growing heavier against my chest.
20:34Today, the weight finally became too much.
20:36Something inside me broke.
20:38Why did Chase keep hurting me?
20:40Why did I keep letting him?
20:41Even my revenge had been cowardly and twisted.
20:44I hated myself for it.
20:45Chase was still whining that he had not meant it.
20:47Then he shamelessly reached out to pat my shoulder.
20:50The body moved before I could think.
20:52I lunged forward and grabbed Chase by the hair.
20:55I slapped him once.
20:57Then again.
20:59He staggered backward.
21:01Years of running errands with my mother had made me strong.
21:04Chase screamed.
21:05He had never expected me to fight back.
21:07I dragged him down.
21:08His knee struck the desk.
21:10Bastard!
21:12You actually hit me?!
21:15I kicked him twice.
21:18Then I tackled him and kept swinging.
21:21We crashed into the chairs.
21:23Folders scattered across the floor.
21:25Dana rushed into the office.
21:27What are you waiting for?
21:28Pull them apart!
21:30Several co-workers grabbed my arms.
21:32Marcus tore Chase away from me.
21:34I glared at him.
21:35Then I slapped him too.
21:37His glasses flew across the room.
21:39They finally forced me into a chair.
21:41My hair was de-shambled.
21:42My sleeve had been pulled crooked.
21:44Chase's hair was still clenched in my fist.
21:46Across from me, his face was badly swollen.
21:48He stared at me with pure hatred.
21:51Dana's face had turned grey with anger.
21:53She opened her mouth to scold me.
21:55Then the doorway went silent.
21:57Someone spoke in a low voice.
22:00The crowd parted.
22:02Alessandra stood in the doorway.
22:04Her expression was unreadable.
22:06She looked like she had just left a meeting.
22:08Her tailored suit was immaculate.
22:09She did not belong in the wreckage around us.
22:12I finally calmed down.
22:14Without speaking, I covered the wound on my arm.
22:17Chase was more popular than I was.
22:20Almost everyone took his side.
22:21Evan, how could you attack him?
22:23We all saw you grab his hair first.
22:26He always seemed so quiet.
22:28How could he be this crazy?
22:31Chase sat on the floor.
22:32His eyes turned red.
22:34Tears rolled silently down his swollen face.
22:37Somehow, it made him look far more pitiful than loud sobbing would have.
22:40He ignored everyone defending him.
22:43Instead, he reached for Alessandra's trouser leg.
22:46Miss Moriti, Evan suddenly attacked me.
22:48I don't know why.
22:50I was terrified.
22:51His fingers almost touched her suit.
22:54Alessandra looked down.
22:55Then she used one polished shoe to push his wrist aside.
22:59Not hard, but with the same indifference she might show a piece of trash.
23:03Chase's hand fell to the floor.
23:05His entire body went sidgic.
23:07Alessandra never looked at him again.
23:09She walked straight through the crowd.
23:11Her heels stepped over the scattered folders.
23:13Then she stopped in front of me.
23:14She lowered her head.
23:16One by one, she gently opened the fingers covering my wound.
23:19Her touch was careful.
23:21Let go.
23:21Let me see.
23:24Alessandra pulled my fingers away.
23:25The wound met the air and burned.
23:27My mind reeled.
23:28I opened my mouth to say I was fine.
23:31Before I could, she took my hand.
23:33Then she pulled me with her.
23:34That familiar citrus scent surrounded me.
23:36I forgot to resist.
23:38The office gasped behind us.
23:40Alessandra never looked back.
23:41She led me through everyone and headed for her office.
23:44I stumbled by half to her.
23:45Maybe fighting Chase had finally knocked some courage into me.
23:48My throat tightened as I watched her straight back.
23:52Alessandra, my feelings for you weren't fake.
23:54I knew what I did was wrong.
23:56I shouldn't have used Chase's identity or pretended to be him.
23:59I wanted revenge, but I chose the worst possible way and I hurt you.
24:02I'm sorry.
24:03I'm so sorry.
24:05I really do love you.
24:07Leaving you hurt me too.
24:09I'm a coward.
24:10I twist myself into knots and ruin everything.
24:14But I never wanted to hurt you.
24:17I love you.
24:18I love you more than I know how to explain.
24:21Alessandra gave me nothing.
24:23She did not slow down.
24:24She never turned.
24:26The hallway seemed endless.
24:27My heart sank with every step.
24:29She did not want me anymore.
24:31My eyes burned.
24:33I locked my jaw and refused to make a sound.
24:35My hands started slipping from hers.
24:37Alessandra suddenly tightened her grip.
24:39Hard enough to make my bones ache.
24:42Alexandra pushed open her office door.
24:44She pulled me inside.
24:45I stumbled forward two steps.
24:48The door closed behind us.
24:50Before I could steady myself, my back struck the cold wood.
24:54Alexandra.
24:55She kissed me before I could finish.
24:57There was nothing gentle about it.
24:59She held me against the door.
25:01I had nowhere to move.
25:02Her tongue pushed past my lips and tangled with mine.
25:05Her breath was hot enough to burn.
25:06My hands locked around the front of her shirt.
25:09Seconds passed.
25:10Then more.
25:11The force of her kiss slowly softened.
25:13She caught my lower lip between hers.
25:15Again and again.
25:16One hand rested beside my head.
25:18It slowly moved down and closed around my waist.
25:20She pulled me firmly against her.
25:23Our bodies pressed together.
25:24Heat passed through the thin layers of our clothes.
25:27I lost track of time.
25:29Finally, Alessandra drew back.
25:31Only a little.
25:32Her forehead stayed against mine.
25:34Her voice had gone rough.
25:36I finally got to kiss you.
25:38It was exactly how I imagined.
25:40Don't say things like that.
25:42I wiped my eyes and looked away.
25:45Heat climbed up my neck.
25:47Then Alessandra frowned.
25:50Wait.
25:51When did you send me Chase's pictures?
25:54Are you sure you remember that correctly?
25:57She took out her phone and handed it to me.
26:00I accepted Alessandra's phone.
26:02My fingers were still shaking.
26:04I scrolled through our old messages.
26:06The old exchanges made my ears burn.
26:08Her messages were blunt and shameless.
26:09She had saved several of my voice notes.
26:12I kept scrolling.
26:13Then I reached the pictures we had exchanged.
26:15The angles were intimate.
26:16My shirt hung open at the collar.
26:18Her clothes were hardly more proper.
26:20Every picture remained inside the conversation.
26:23Alexandra watched the screen beside me.
26:25Her breathing lost its rhythm.
26:27I avoided her eyes.
26:29I kept scrolling until I reached the day we met.
26:31There was nothing.
26:32Chase's pictures had never reached her.
26:34I went still.
26:36If you never saw him, how did you know Chase on the first day?
26:40You told me you were coming here for an internship.
26:43You gave me the date and the name.
26:45There was only one Chase Sterkling.
26:47She stepped closer.
26:49Did you really think I loved you because of a face?
26:52Then she held my face between both hands.
26:55Her eyes stayed on mine.
26:57Evan, there's something between us.
26:59Like gravity.
27:00That night in the car, I never opened my eyes.
27:05But every instinct I had started screaming that you were the one beside me.
27:09Your voice has always made me feel safe.
27:13Sometimes I think I must be your dog.
27:15Why else would hearing your voice calm me so completely?
27:19Laugh escaped me.
27:20I wrapped my arms around Alessandra and pulled her close.
27:24But you didn't know what I looked like.
27:26What if you hated my face?
27:29She paused.
27:30I never thought about it.
27:32But I would love you no matter what you looked like.
27:35It's strange.
27:36I can't control how I feel about you.
27:38For once, I believed her.
27:41I stepped back and held out my hand.
27:44Then let's start over properly.
27:46Her eyebrow lifted.
27:48I'm Evan Reed.
27:49I'm the man who lied to you.
27:51I'm also the man who love you.
27:53And I'll spend as long as it takes making this right.
27:57Alexandra studied me.
27:58Then she placed her hand in mine.
28:01Alexandra Moretti.
28:03CEO.
28:04Don.
28:05And the woman you abandoned without a word.
28:07I winched.
28:08You're never letting that go, are you?
28:10Not in this lifetime.
28:12Then her expression turned serious.
28:15If you stay, there will be no more borrowed names.
28:17No more disappearing.
28:19And no more deciding what I can handle without asking me.
28:21I tightened my hand around hers.
28:23I promise.
28:24She moved closer and touched the back of my neck.
28:28I don't need your guilt, Evan.
28:29I need you to stay.
28:31Then I'll stay.
28:32This time, I gave her my real name.
28:34My real face.
28:36And my word.
28:38By the time I returned to the office, my arm was bandaged.
28:41The entire floor went silent.
28:44Dana called Chase and me into a meeting room.
28:46Marcus was already there.
28:47A bruise darkened his cheek.
28:49His glasses were held together with tape.
28:51I faced him first.
28:53I shouldn't have hit you.
28:55I'm sorry.
28:56Marcus stared at me.
28:57Then he gave one stiff nod.
28:59Security had already reviewed the office footage.
29:01The camera showed Chase approaching my desk with a full cup.
29:05It showed him looking around.
29:06Then it showed him pouring the coffee across my computer.
29:09His claim about an accident collapsed.
29:11I still admitted everything I had done.
29:13I attacked him first.
29:15I lost control.
29:16I'll accept the consequences.
29:19Alessandra did not attend the meeting.
29:20She left the decision to company policy.
29:23I received a final warning and three days of unpaid leave.
29:27I also paid for Marcus's new glasses.
29:29Chase received formal discipline for destroying company property.
29:32He had to pay for the computer.
29:34He was also removed from every assignment involving the executive floor.
29:37When we left the room, he stopped beside me.
29:39His face was still bruised.
29:41His usual smile had vanished.
29:43For years, my parents had made me swallow every injustice.
29:45This time, I had fought back.
29:47I had also accepted the price.
29:49For the first time, the shame belonged to Chase.
29:52Not me.
29:54A week after I returned to work, I stayed late at Alessandra's home.
29:58At two in the morning, light still shunned beneath her study door.
30:01I found her behind a wall of documents.
30:03Her eyes were bloodshot.
30:05Her shoulders were rigid.
30:06You haven't slept.
30:07It was the same lie I always used.
30:11I closed her laptop.
30:13Then I took her hand and pulled her toward the sofa.
30:17Alessandra raised one eyebrow, but she followed me.
30:20I sat down and drew her against my chest.
30:24Close your eyes.
30:27I'm not tired.
30:29Then humor me.
30:30I put one arm around her.
30:32With my other hand, I slowly stroked her hair.
30:35Then I started talking.
30:37Dana had spent ten minutes fighting the printer.
30:39The vending machine had stolen my last dollar.
30:42The stray cat downstairs had escaped with someone's hot dog.
30:45Alessandra said nothing.
30:46Her weight slowly settled against me.
30:48Her breathing softened.
30:50Then it became deep and even.
30:52I looked down.
30:53The most feared woman in New York was asleep in my arms.
30:56No guards.
30:58No guards.
30:58No threats.
30:59No mask.
31:00Only trust.
31:01I reached for the blanket and covered her.
31:05Her fingers suddenly tightened around my shirt.
31:09Don't disappear again.
31:11She whispered.
31:13She was still asleep.
31:15I held her closer.
31:17I won't.
31:19She could not hear my answer.
31:21I gave it anyway.
31:23Six months later, Chase's name spread across every social feed.
31:27One of his college roommates had posted an entire archive.
31:30There were dates, messages, photos, videos.
31:35Together they showed years of humiliation, threats, and destroyed belongings.
31:39There was too much evidence to dismiss as a joke.
31:41By the time I reached work, Chase's desk was empty.
31:44His computer had been removed.
31:46His access badge no longer worked.
31:48The office was silent.
31:50Everyone stared at their phones.
31:51The same people who had defended him now avoided looking at me.
31:55One co-worker finally approached my desk.
31:59We should have believed you.
32:00I looked at him.
32:02You should have listened before strangers online forced you to.
32:05His face tightened.
32:07Then he lowered his head.
32:09You're right.
32:10I'm sorry.
32:12Others came over after him.
32:14Their apologies sounded awkward.
32:16But for once, no one told me I was too sensitive.
32:19No one called it harmless teasing.
32:21No one asked me to forgive Chase so everyone else could feel comfortable.
32:24I looked at his empty desk.
32:26I had imagined this moment for years.
32:28I thought victory would feel hot and satisfying.
32:30Instead, it felt quiet.
32:32Like finally setting down something heavy.
32:34I did not need revenge anymore.
32:36I did not need another apology from Chase.
32:38He had finally run out of people willing to call cruelty a joke.
32:41And I no longer had to endure him.
32:44My parents called that Friday night.
32:46My mother sounded careful.
32:49Evan, I'm sorry.
32:51I saw what happened with Chase.
32:54You told us for years that he was bullying you.
32:58I never took it seriously.
33:00I thought avoiding trouble was best.
33:02I kept telling you to endure it.
33:05I was wrong.
33:06My father spoke behind her.
33:08I was wrong too.
33:10I held the phone in silence.
33:12The old answer rose automatically.
33:15It's fine.
33:17Forget it.
33:18I swallowed the words.
33:20No.
33:21It wasn't fine.
33:23The line went quiet.
33:25You made me shake his hand after he hurt me.
33:27You taught me that defending myself made me difficult.
33:31Every time Chase attacked me, I wondered if I deserved it.
33:35My mother started crying.
33:37I tightened my grip on the phone.
33:38I did not apologize for making her cry.
33:41I'm not saying this to punish you.
33:44But one phone call can't erase everything.
33:46I need time.
33:48And if we're going to have a relationship,
33:50you need to listen when I say I'm hurting.
33:52Don't ask me to suffer just so everyone else can stay comfortable.
33:56My mother took a shaking breath.
33:58Okay.
33:59My father answered more quietly.
34:02We understand.
34:04Maybe they did.
34:05Maybe they were only beginning to.
34:07For now, that was enough.
34:10I ended the call.
34:11My hands were steady.
34:13I was no longer the frightened boy waiting for permission to protect himself.
34:18I stood beside the window after the call.
34:20The silence did not feel empty.
34:23Alexandra came up behind me.
34:24She placed a mug of warm milk in my hand.
34:26She did not ask what they had said.
34:28She did not tell me how I should feel.
34:30She only rested one hand on my shoulder.
34:32I set the mug aside.
34:33I turned and pulled her into my arms.
34:36I finally told them the truth.
34:39Alexandra looked up at me.
34:41All of it?
34:43That's enough for tonight.
34:45I gave a quiet laugh.
34:47I'm starting to learn.
34:49I kissed her cheek.
34:50Her arms tightened around my waist.
34:53For years, I had believed love was something I had to earn by staying silent.
34:57By being useful.
34:58By accepting whatever other people gave me.
35:01Alexandra had given me many things.
35:03Money.
35:03Trouble.
35:04Fear.
35:05A second chance.
35:07But the most important thing was a choice.
35:09I could leave.
35:10I could stay.
35:12I could speak.
35:13And she would still see me.
35:15The milk is getting cold.
35:17She murmured.
35:19So let it.
35:19You made me warm it.
35:20I'll make you another one.
35:23Her mouth curved.
35:25Are you planning to stay long enough to do that?
35:27I held her gaze.
35:29As long as you'll have me.
35:32Alessandra laughed softly and pulled me closer.
35:35This time, I did not hide behind another man's face.
35:38I stayed as myself.
35:50Left is full.
35:51I went there.
35:51I fell there.
35:51I have no opinion on theнос.
35:51I was in mind by selecting hours and Musik, and I have not been sick.
35:51Going back to another lip debrief.
35:52I've missed a second.
35:52I should talk a concert on where I am .
35:52Mitt will win every single day.