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Watch full-length drama films featuring powerful business leaders, hidden identities, family secrets, impossible love stories, revenge, and inspiring personal journeys. Every movie delivers engaging storytelling and memorable characters.
Enjoy high-quality drama entertainment with English subtitles and discover new trending stories uploaded on a regular basis.
#FullDrama #DramaMovies #LoveDrama #RomanceMovie #CEO #Billionaire #AsianMovies #Trending #DramaChannel #MovieLovers
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FunTranscript
00:00From the moment I was born, I was so beautiful that the nurse who delivered me dropped dead.
00:04But my father was terrifying to look at, and my mother was covered in scars.
00:08To protect me, she always kept my face hidden behind a veil.
00:12She insists, hiding my face is to protect me.
00:15But she's dead wrong.
00:17It only makes my mafia fiancé, Samuel Corrigan, think I'm a freak.
00:25The wedding is days away, but Samuel has already secretly replaced me.
00:29His new bride is Mariah, the only daughter of the Voss family.
00:33There is no way I'm letting my parents become the city's laughingstock.
00:37So, I storm to his doorstep, ready to raise hell.
00:43The whole city knows her family is a freak show.
00:46A scarred mother and a deformed dad? You do the math it.
00:48There's no way that girl isn't ugly as sin.
00:51If my mom hadn't shoved this wedding down my through, I wouldn't even look at her twice.
00:54Mariah's my wife now.
00:55That ugly-ass freak stays in the dark as my little side pig.
00:59And if she's actually hot? No regrets?
01:03The most beautiful woman in the world? I've already seen her.
01:06I rip the lace veil off my face and walk away.
01:08Back home, I draft two documents.
01:11First, a notice to the Corrigans, letting them know the wedding is dead.
01:15Second, a formal yes to the dawn of the Payne family.
01:19The most powerful mafia in New York.
01:23Give this to Leon Payne.
01:25He won't be sick much longer.
01:28At dinner, my father looks like he's aged a decade.
01:32Evelyn, are you sure?
01:33Once that letter hits his desk, there's no turning back.
01:37It's over.
01:38The Corrigans go way back in this country.
01:41Samuel Corrigan is the city's golden boy.
01:44Rich, lethal, and every girl's wet dream.
01:48My parents have spent their lives taking shit for their looks.
01:51They are terrified I'd get dragged down with them.
01:54Five years ago, my dad pulled Samuel's mom out of a car accident.
01:58He begged for the engagement to shield me.
02:00I'll admit, the protection of the Corrigan name did buy us some peace.
02:04No one has the balls to insult my parents to their faces anymore.
02:07But things went south.
02:09Before the wedding, Samuel visited us in Philly under his mother's orders.
02:13He took one look at my father's face and ran for the hills.
02:17By the time we moved to New York for the wedding, he was already married.
02:22Dad, you can't force a spark that isn't there.
02:26Did he?
02:27Did he ever see your face?
02:29My hand freezes for a split second.
02:32Unlike my parents, I was born dangerously beautiful.
02:35And beauty brings trouble.
02:37That's why they hid me.
02:39Yeah.
02:40He saw me.
02:42A total lie.
02:43Samuel wants nothing to do with me.
02:45And I'm fine with that.
02:46I'm not going to get in the way of his new life.
02:48What he thinks of my face doesn't matter anymore.
02:53I thought Samuel and I were done.
02:55But this afternoon, he shows up out of nowhere at my clinic.
02:59Evelyn Selwyn, what the hell are you playing at?
03:02Well, look who it is.
03:03The little prince is pissed that I was the one to dump him.
03:05Mr. Coravin, don't tell me you're missing me already.
03:10In your dreams, being tied to you was humiliating enough.
03:15Then put a leash on your dogs.
03:17Stop harassing my family.
03:20Ever since we moved to New York, thugs have been trashing the clinic.
03:24My parents think it's a bad neighborhood.
03:26But I know better.
03:27The Corrigans are putting the squeeze on us.
03:29They're done with this engagement.
03:32Now they want us out of town to keep the breakup quiet.
03:34You figured it out, huh?
03:36Smart girl.
03:37I stay quiet.
03:38Suddenly, his voice softens, his eyes searching mine.
03:42You're from Philly.
03:43Were you at the Riverside Echo Fest?
03:45There was a girl there.
03:46Beautiful.
03:47She had a mile right by her eye.
03:49No.
03:50Figures.
03:50Someone as ugly as you?
03:52You're probably so sick of your own face you can't even stand a mirror.
03:54You wouldn't dare look a real ten in the eye, let alone remember one.
03:57Miria's been riding my ass for two days because of you.
03:59You have ten days.
04:00Either find a new backer and marry him,
04:01or get your freak parents the hell out of New York.
04:05Staring at my reflection, I touch the mole by my eye.
04:07I'm at that festival every year, but it has to be a fluke.
04:11No way Samuel saw me.
04:12I reach into my drawer and pull out the letter that arrived this morning.
04:16It's from Leon Payne.
04:20This Saturday, I'm coming to meet your parents.
04:26Leon Payne used to be my father's patient.
04:28Two years ago, he was in Philly for business and got jumped by a rival crew.
04:32He was half dead when his guys hauled him into our clinic.
04:35My father performed the surgery.
04:39But I was the one who saw him through the recovery.
04:44Leon is massive, lethal, and always wears this stone-cold expression.
04:48Changing his bandages felt like diffusing a live bomb.
04:51To break the silence, I tell him little stories about the neighborhood.
04:54Mr. White is 80 and demanding a DNA test on his son.
04:57Why?
04:58Because the son has a full head of hair,
04:59but the family has been bald for two centuries.
05:02Remember Mrs. Porter?
05:03The one you saw last time?
05:04She thought she was just packing on the pounds this past year,
05:07but get this.
05:08She delivered triplets in her bathroom this morning.
05:10She had no clue she was even pregnant.
05:12Leon interrupted me suddenly.
05:14Evelyn.
05:18Keep it up, and you're going to pop my stitches.
05:21Outside, kids pass the window, chanting that same old rhyme.
05:24Sell when mom, sell when dad, ugly girl must be what they had.
05:32Who are they singing about?
05:35Me.
05:37The world calls me the ghost.
05:39They say I'm a monster.
05:40I guess I finally met my match.
05:42Seeing a more human side to the most feared man in the city.
05:45It honestly made my day.
05:47At dinner, I mentioned our talk to my parents.
05:50Leon is actually pretty good at cheering people up.
05:54Cheering people up?
05:56More like putting them in the ground.
05:58I'll never forget his men holding a gun to my head while I was operating on him.
06:03Dad shivered.
06:05Mom and I caught each other's eyes and burst out laughing.
06:08Leon stayed with us for two weeks to heal.
06:13The day he left, a fleet of luxury cars lined up outside the clinic.
06:17I watched the motorcade pull away, feeling a sudden, sharp ache of loneliness.
06:21As we turned to go back inside, a voice called out.
06:24Evelyn!
06:24I spun around.
06:25Leon's car had screeched to a halt and doubled back.
06:28He jumped out and marched straight up to me.
06:30I want you, Evelyn.
06:32Stay by my side.
06:33My heart was hammering against my ribs.
06:35I couldn't even breathe, but before I could say a word, my father jumped in.
06:39Leon, listen to me.
06:41You don't know what you're asking.
06:44One look at her face and you'd walk away and never look back.
06:46Trust me, it's better this way.
06:48I don't give a damn about her face.
06:49I know the woman behind the veil, and that's who I want.
06:53She can't.
06:54Evelyn is already engaged.
06:55I didn't fight him.
06:56Nobody messes with the Corrigans and lives to tell the tale.
06:59I never saw Leon again.
07:00Rumor has it he went back to New York and started wasting away.
07:03Even the top doctors in the country can't find the cause.
07:07The entire Payne family is in a tailspin.
07:11That was two years ago.
07:12Now, Leon Payne has recovered and is engaged.
07:15The news is rocking New York.
07:16Who's the doctor that finally cured the ghost?
07:18Cured, please.
07:19The man was Love Suck.
07:20My buddy pulled the same act last year.
07:21Saturday morning, Leon arrives at my house with a mountain of expensive gifts.
07:25He's ordering his men to haul the crates inside.
07:27That's when I spot a familiar car idling at the curb.
07:29Samuel Corrigan.
07:30He rolls down the window and lets out a sharp whistle.
07:32What are you doing here?
07:33Just passing through.
07:34I never pegged our great Don Payne for the type to go slumbering.
07:37I was expecting a bride with a real pedigree, not someone from a place like this.
07:41It's all a bit low rent, don't you think?
07:43Lots of free time, Samuel.
07:45Samuel's face darkens.
07:46He's a newlywed, but the honeymoon is a nightmare.
07:48Mariah is the most spoiled brat in the underworld.
07:51She found a stranger's portrait in his study and flipped.
07:53Nearly torched the whole house.
07:58If I found her, she'd be the one wearing my ring.
08:02The girl you're marrying, she lives here.
08:04You know her.
08:22I don't, but I'll give you some free advice.
08:24Marry into this family, and it'll be the biggest mistake of your life.
08:27Is that so?
08:28Well, since we're such good friends, I'll be sure to send you an invite.
08:31See you at the wedding.
08:34Damn it!
08:35The living room is packed with Leon's gifts.
08:37His men stand in the corners, silent as statues.
08:39The three of us sit across from Leon on the sofa.
08:41My parents look like they're waiting for the axe to fall.
08:43What is he thinking?
08:45Is he trying to shove us into the spotlight?
08:47Does he want to make us a laughingstock?
08:49I know that fear.
08:50We've spent our whole lives trying to stay hidden.
08:52Mr. and Mrs. Selway, Evelyn and I are getting married.
08:55Even when he's playing nice, the man commands the room.
08:58He's used to being obeyed.
08:59My father finally snaps.
09:00Get your men out of here.
09:02Now!
09:03She's not marrying you.
09:05Don't you see what you're doing?
09:07You're putting a target on her back.
09:09All this attention, all these eyes on us.
09:12You're going to get her killed!
09:14Dad's voice breaks.
09:16Mom ducks her head, hiding her eyes.
09:17Mr. Selved, I know this is a lot.
09:19But I don't choose a woman for her face.
09:21I choose her.
09:23Evelyn is done hiding in the shadows.
09:25She deserves to stand by my side without that veil.
09:27He looks at my father, then my mother.
09:29Suddenly, he pulls a knife and presses it against his cheek.
09:32If you think I don't fit in, I can fix that.
09:36Stop!
09:36You're scaring them!
09:43Leon is right, sweetie.
09:46It's time you stepped into the light.
09:51The wedding is set for September.
09:53Mom and Dad are busy stocking up on makeup for the big day.
09:56In the living room, Mom's finishing Dad's face.
09:58He checks the mirror and finally lets out a breath.
10:02See?
10:03I'm not even scary anymore.
10:04Mom covers her mouth, laughing.
10:06Later, I'm at the mall when I spot Samuel leaning against a wall.
10:09He freezes the second he sees me.
10:11I turn to leave, but he reaches out and snatches my wrist.
10:15Miss.
10:15Then he notices the lace and his face hardens.
10:17The aggression is back in a heartbeat.
10:19You?
10:20Why the hell are you wearing that dress?
10:22It's a dress, Samuel.
10:23They sell them to anyone.
10:24Get over yourself.
10:25The truth is, Mom custom made this dress for me.
10:27It's got a very specific butterfly embroidery right on the chest.
10:30The last time I wore it was at the Riverside Echo Fest.
10:33Take it off.
10:34Now.
10:36You really don't quit, do you?
10:38First you snagged Leon Payne, and now you're wearing this just to get under my skin.
10:43You gonna hit me?
10:46Maybe I should rip this off and show the world what's underneath.
10:50Let's see how fast Leon's stomach turns once he gets a good look at that face.
10:53Samuel?
10:53What are you doing?
10:56So, this is the famous Evelyn Selvin, the ex-fiancé.
11:01I spot it the second I see her.
11:03Mariah has a mole in the exact same spot as mine.
11:06She glances at me, then at Samuel.
11:08I'm not a petty woman, Samuel.
11:10If you really want her, I might let you keep her as a little son.
11:12Don't be ridiculous, Mariah.
11:13I'm not that desperate.
11:15Besides, she's Leon's problem now.
11:18Leon Payne?
11:19The ghost and the freak?
11:20Oh my god, it's a match made in hell.
11:22I tune them out and walk away.
11:24Don't even make it ten feet before they are at it again.
11:26Philly again?
11:27Who the hell are you seeing there?
11:28You know it's my birthday.
11:29Samuel!
11:30Get back here!
11:32As the wedding draws near, my dad's anxiety hits the roof.
11:36God, Leon has been staring at my face a lot lately.
11:39What if he has some kind of weird fetish?
11:41I'm feeling the nerves, too.
11:42It's not the face.
11:43It's the habit.
11:44After years behind this veil, I'm not ready to ditch it yet.
11:47Leon never pushes.
11:49He handles me with such care, like I'm something fragile.
11:51I keep trying to find the words to tell him I'm nothing like the rumors.
11:54But whatever.
11:55At the wedding, we'll see for himself.
11:58Samuel loses count of how many times he's been back to Philly.
12:01Even the park rangers know him by sight now.
12:03Mr. Corrigan, back again?
12:09Sir, are you sure that girl was real?
12:12There isn't a soul on earth that Corrigan can't find.
12:15Samuel is certain it was real.
12:16The first time he went to the Riverside Echo Fest, he was on a VIP yacht.
12:20The flowers, the scenery, the whole damn event, he couldn't have cared less.
12:24Until he looked at the shore.
12:25In the middle of the crowd, a girl was reaching for falling petals.
12:29Her veil snagged and ripped away.
12:31One look at her face was enough to stop his heart.
12:33By the time he got off the boat, she was a ghost.
12:38But everything changed a few days ago when he saw my dress.
12:41That was the final piece of the puzzle.
12:43He's hitting every shop in Philly with that sketch.
12:45Finally, a custom boutique pays off.
12:47My wife made this.
12:49It's one of a kind.
12:51That's impossible.
12:52I remember it clearly.
12:53The girl was odd.
12:55Most girls can't wait to see themselves in a dress like that.
12:57But she wouldn't even look in the mirror.
12:59Her mother paid the bill and they nearly bolted out of here.
13:02I still have the name on the order.
13:04Miss Seldo.
13:11Today's the day.
13:12I'm sitting at the vanity in my wedding dress.
13:14Nerves eating me alive.
13:15The door creaks open and mom walks in, clutching a small box.
13:19She takes one look at me and her eyes well up.
13:21Baby, you're breathtaking.
13:26You too, mom.
13:27She waves toward the hallway.
13:29Come on, stop hiding.
13:31Get in here.
13:31I glance over, wondering what's going on.
13:33Dad peeks around the door frame.
13:35Oh my god, dad?
13:37He's in a sharp suit, hair slicked back, looking completely out of his element.
13:41I told your mother this was too much.
13:43I feel ridiculous.
13:45I should go change into something less.
13:47I stand up and adjust his tie.
13:49Don't you dare.
13:50You look incredible.
13:51In all my life, I've never seen him look like this.
13:54He's always stayed so under the radar, doing everything he could not to be noticed.
13:58I pull him into a hug.
13:59Thank you for doing this for me.
14:04You guys are being so sappy.
14:07Evelyn, sit back down.
14:09We have something for you.
14:10Dad nudges me back toward the vanity and makes me sit down again.
14:13I watch them both, curious about what's going on.
14:15Mom opens the box, and there it is.
14:17A comb set with a blue sapphire.
14:19We wanted to give you something special for your big day.
14:23This was your grandmother's comb, but we had a blue sapphire set into it.
14:26I look at the beautiful piece, and it clicks.
14:28Something old, something blue.
14:32Mom slides it into my hair.
14:33She stares at my reflection, lost in thought.
14:37You look just like I used to.
14:39I know that look.
14:39She's thinking about how she used to be.
14:41Before the fire, my mom was a total knockout.
14:44She hugs me from behind, and I gently pat her arm.
14:50Leon is waiting downstairs.
14:51With the lace veil set, Mom pins the bridal veil over it.
14:55One deep breath later, I'm heading down.
14:57The second I hit the stairs, the room goes silent.
14:59Every head in the room turns.
15:01Mom leads me to Leon and places my hand in his.
15:03Leon looks deep into my eyes, with so much love in his gaze.
15:07You are stunning.
15:08His touch is warm, making my heart race.
15:11Soon, we're in the back of a luxury car, heading for the pain estate.
15:15But the drive is a mess.
15:16People are lying in the middle of the road, blocking traffic.
15:19At every red light, drunk men throw themselves onto the hood, making a scene.
15:23This isn't random, it's a setup.
15:25Someone is stalling for time.
15:26Suddenly, two black SUVs box us in, forcing our driver to slam on the brakes.
15:31A man steps out and taps on the window.
15:33Leon rolls it down, but he doesn't even look at the guy.
15:36He squeezes my hand, telling me it's okay.
15:38What do the Koreggies want?
15:39The Koregans?
15:40I didn't see that coming.
15:41Sorry, Mr. Payton.
15:42The wedding's on hold until our boss gets back.
15:45I don't wait.
15:46I just clear the path.
15:48It's my wedding day.
15:50I'm trying to be a nice guy.
15:51Don't make me paint the street red in front of my wife.
15:54Move.
15:54The air is thick with tension.
15:56Both sides are ready to draw blood.
15:58Just as things are about to snap, Mariah pulls up in her car.
16:01She orders the Koregan men to clear the road.
16:05My apologies.
16:06Something went missing from the house,
16:08and my guys were following a bad lead.
16:10Mr. and Mrs. Payne, I'll see you at the reception tonight.
16:13I have a gift I'd like to give you.
16:18Leon knows nothing about my history with Samuel.
16:21I didn't think it mattered, so I never told him.
16:23I had no clue how deep Mariah's hatred really went.
16:26As the only daughter of the Vos Don,
16:28she's used to being the center of the universe.
16:30The fact that her husband is obsessed with an ugly freak
16:33is eating her alive.
16:36After the ceremony,
16:37I change into a sleek silk gown for the after party.
16:40Leon takes my hand,
16:41and we walk out to the lawn party together.
16:44Kiss.
16:45Kiss.
16:46I'm feeling a bit shy,
16:47but Leon doesn't mind one bit.
16:49He leans down and kisses me softly through the lace.
16:52Right in the thick of the party,
16:53Leon catches a nod from one of his men.
16:55I'll be right back.
16:56I nod,
16:56watching him disappear inside with his crew.
16:59I'm left on my own to handle the toasts and the small talk.
17:01Mariah is standing nearby with her clique.
17:04I can feel her glare burning into the back of my head.
17:09Aren't you dying to see what's under all that lace?
17:12Let's unmask her.
17:13Are we really doing this?
17:14I'm getting cold feet.
17:15Please,
17:15the only one being humiliated tonight
17:17is Leon and his precious family legacy.
17:18She leads her clique toward me,
17:20hunting for blood.
17:20Hey, Evelyn.
17:21You're the star of the show,
17:22yet we haven't even seen your face.
17:24Take it off.
17:25Let's see what you're hiding.
17:26Suddenly,
17:26a cold barrel presses against Mariah's temple.
17:29The crowd gasps.
17:30Mariah's smug grin freezes.
17:32Mr. Payne.
17:33You walking out of here,
17:34or are you leaving in a body bag?
17:36You wouldn't dare.
17:38My father will have your head.
17:40Besides,
17:40we all know why she's hidden.
17:42You're ashamed of your freak bride.
17:44I step up and gently lower Leon's gun.
17:46It's okay, Leon.
17:48If they want to see,
17:49let them see.
17:55Mariah rolls her eyes.
17:57Nice act.
17:57Leon radiates a lethal,
17:59suffocating energy.
18:00The other women realize they've overstepped
18:02and try to shrink into the shadows.
18:04Dawn,
18:04this is a misunderstanding.
18:05We meant no harm.
18:05Right.
18:06We'll just go.
18:08We shouldn't be prying.
18:10The tension is about to break
18:11when the doors burst open.
18:12Samuel ignores the staff
18:14and storms into the party.
18:15Mariah sees him and snaps.
18:17While Leon is distracted
18:18by Samuel's entrance,
18:20she lunges and rips the veil
18:21from my face.
18:22Tonight,
18:22I'm ending this!
18:33How...
18:33How are you the one?
18:35The room goes tomb silent.
18:36Wait,
18:37who said the bride was ugly?
18:39She's a total smoke show.
18:40No wonder the dawn kept her under wraps.
18:42I've never seen a woman
18:43that beautiful in my life.
18:45Samuel stands in the center of the room,
18:47disheveled,
18:47covered in dirt,
18:48his hands wrapped in bloody bandages.
18:50He stares at me,
18:51his eyes bloodshot.
18:52It really is you.
18:56The guests catch the vibe
18:57and clear out fast.
18:59Soon,
18:59it's just us on the lawn.
19:01Samuel isn't moving.
19:03He's staring a hole through me.
19:05I glance at Leon.
19:06He's been silent for too long.
19:08I tug on his sleeve.
19:10He snaps out of his daze.
19:11His breathing hitches.
19:13He forced his emotions down.
19:14Eyes off her.
19:16Now.
19:16Samuel looks like he hasn't slept in a week.
19:19He spots the wedding ring on my finger
19:20and his jaw tightens.
19:22Do you have any idea?
19:23Evelyn was supposed to be mine!
19:25Mariah collapses onto the grass,
19:27sobbing hysterically.
19:29Why?
19:30Why are you the woman from the portrait?
19:33I hate you, Evelyn!
19:35You destroyed my marriage!
19:37Finally,
19:37I have my answer.
19:38I really am the girl he's been hunting for.
19:41Mariah is a mess of smeared makeup
19:43and ruined pride.
19:46Mariah,
19:47did I destroy your marriage?
19:50Or did the two of you do that yourselves?
19:52I'm looking at Samuel when I say it.
19:54Both of them freeze.
19:55Leon steps in front of me,
19:56blocking Samuel's view.
19:57Unless you plan on joining us for the wedding night,
20:00get the hell out.
20:03Evelyn,
20:04come with me!
20:06You forgot about our engagement?
20:13I reach out and lock my fingers with Leon's.
20:16Mr. Corrigan,
20:17I sent you the termination notice weeks ago.
20:21Bullshit.
20:22I never got it.
20:23It's in the study!
20:24I found it stashed in your desk!
20:27You're dead.
20:30You're the one who thought she was a freak?
20:32Now you realize she's your dream girl
20:34and you're throwing a tantrum?
20:36Samuel's bandaged handshakes.
20:37His men rush in,
20:39looking panicked.
20:40Sir,
20:40you just survived a car wreck.
20:42The doctor said you need to go back
20:43to the hospital immediately.
20:44Samuel ignores them,
20:46staring at me like a man on death row.
20:48At the Riverside Echo Fest.
20:51Before he can finish,
20:53Leon sweeps me up into his arms.
20:55Butler,
20:56show them out.
20:58And make sure Mr. Corrigan gets home in one piece.
21:01For now.
21:05Leon carries me to our suite
21:06and tosses me onto the king-size bed.
21:09He doesn't give me a second to speak.
21:10He crashes his lips onto mine,
21:12hungry,
21:13desperate,
21:14and possessive.
21:15The man is a beast,
21:16a predator,
21:17and he uses every bit of that strength.
21:19By the time I drift off,
21:20I am spent.
21:21When I wake,
21:22he is propped up on one elbow,
21:24watching me.
21:24He looks like he hasn't slept a wink.
21:27Evelyn,
21:28you kept me in the dark.
21:30You played me cruelsly.
21:31I tell him everything.
21:32The veil,
21:33the Corrigans,
21:34the whole mess.
21:35As for why he stormed in last night?
21:38He's just bitter.
21:39He spent months trashing you
21:40and now he realizes what he threw away.
21:45Let's just stay away from him.
21:47Leon hides a dark smirk.
21:48After we dress,
21:49he leads me to breakfast.
21:51I can hear his mother barking orders from down the hall.
21:54Evelyn is the most important person in this house now.
21:57Her word is law.
21:58Whatever she wants,
21:59she gets.
22:01Most of the staff are still in the dark.
22:03They've seen my parents,
22:04so they're expecting a monster.
22:06A maid spots me first and lets out a sharp gasp.
22:10How many times do I have to tell you to keep your composure?
22:14Then she turns and sees my face.
22:16The ceramic cup in her hand hits the floor,
22:18shattering into a million pieces.
22:25High society has no secrets.
22:27The ghost Dawn marrying a literal goddess
22:29is the only thing New York talks about.
22:32No wonder he kept her hidden.
22:33With a reputation like his,
22:36the guy hit the jackpot.
22:38Seriously, the Dawn is lethal.
22:40I heard he knocked out Samuel Corrigan's front teeth a few weeks back.
22:46I hold my coffee cup,
22:47my fingers tensing for a split second.
22:49I'm supposed to meet a friend,
22:51but she's a no-show.
22:52I reach for my phone,
22:53but a shadow falls over the table.
22:55I look up.
22:55It's Samuel.
22:56He's hollowed out since the wedding,
22:58his face still mapped with fading bruises.
23:01What do you think you're doing?
23:03It's fine.
23:04Samuel ignores her,
23:05his eyes anchored on me.
23:07Since the wedding,
23:09is he good to you?
23:10I shake my head slowly.
23:12A spark of pathetic hope flares in Samuel's eyes.
23:15Truth is,
23:17the way he treats me,
23:19from day one until now,
23:21it hasn't changed a bit.
23:24He's perfect.
23:30If I hadn't married Morier first,
23:34would it be me standing next to you?
23:38Never.
23:39My answer is instant.
23:41That engagement was a debt my father cashed in
23:44because he saved your mother's life.
23:46It should never have existed.
23:48When we first moved here,
23:50I actually went to your house.
23:52I wanted to apologize for my father's persistence
23:56and call the whole thing off.
23:59But I heard you talking.
24:01I heard how much I disgusted you.
24:03So I left without showing my face
24:06and mailed the termination notice instead.
24:09He closes his eyes,
24:10drowning in a sea of regret.
24:14I never hated you.
24:16How could I ever hate you?
24:20I get it now.
24:23Why he only needed two weeks to know
24:26he had to have you.
24:27I stand to leave.
24:29Samuel motions to his man,
24:31who brings over a pile of designer bags,
24:33perfume,
24:34jewelry,
24:34custom gowns.
24:35I recognize them.
24:36I saw them in a boutique window earlier,
24:38but I was in too much of a rush to buy them.
24:40The bastard has been stalking me all day.
24:43I give him an icy nod.
24:45But since this is a wedding gift for Leon,
24:49you should save it.
24:52Leon till he can collect it from you in person.
24:56Samuel's hand freezes midair.
24:58I brush past him and don't look back.
25:03Leon returns to the bedroom late.
25:05He takes a towel and begins gently drying my damp hair.
25:07I watch his reflection in the mirror,
25:09weighing my words.
25:11Next time you run into Samuel,
25:14don't tangle with him.
25:16He misinterprets me,
25:17his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits.
25:20You worried about him?
25:21I'm worried about you.
25:24Every time you two clash,
25:26the rumors fly
25:26and the Payne family takes a hit.
25:30I don't want you catching heat for a man like him.
25:33Just like that,
25:34his temper evaporates.
25:35He smiles and switches on the blow dryer.
25:37I heard Samuel used a fake name
25:39to trick you into that meeting today.
25:42Did he say anything stupid?
25:44I shake my head.
25:48Once my hair is dry,
25:50Leon scoops me up
25:51and tucks me into bed.
25:53He kisses my forehead.
25:55Good night.
25:58He doesn't push,
25:59but even in his sleep,
26:00his brow is furrowed.
26:01The man is a vault of secrets.
26:03I can feel it.
26:04He's hiding something massive.
26:09The morning papers explode.
26:10Samuel and Mariah are divorced.
26:12The fallout is a circus.
26:14Mariah had a breakdown,
26:15took a nasty fall,
26:16and lost the baby.
26:17She's currently hemorrhaging in a hospital bed.
26:19The Voss family brought the hammer down on the Corrigans.
26:22Samuel had to stay on his knees for three days straight
26:24just to keep the Voss Don from declaring a total turf war.
26:27Later that evening,
26:28I'm walking through the shopping district.
26:30My arm looped through Leon's.
26:32He steps into a bakery to grab my favorite pastries
26:35while I wait on the sidewalk.
26:36Two bystanders are gossiping nearby.
26:38Samuel was always obsessed with someone else.
26:42Mariah had to play dirty to trap him.
26:45With a mouth like hers,
26:46who else would have taken her?
26:50Suddenly,
26:51a panicked horse bolts from a nearby equestrian club,
26:54tearing down the street.
26:55A terrified kid is frozen in the middle of the road.
26:58Get out of the way!
26:59I lunge forward,
27:00shoving the child clear,
27:01but I'm too late to dodge.
27:05The crowd screams.
27:08Mr. Payne!
27:09Mr. Coribert!
27:11When I open my eyes,
27:13I'm in a familiar,
27:14iron-tight embrace.
27:16Leon has his arms wrapped around my waist.
27:18Don't cry.
27:19You're safe.
27:21I grab his chest,
27:22checking him over,
27:23my heart hammering against my ribs.
27:25Are you hurt?
27:27Leon cups my face,
27:28grounding me.
27:29I'm fine, Evelyn.
27:31Don't worry.
27:33Relief washes over me,
27:34but then a shout rings out across the asphalt.
27:36Mr. Coribert!
27:38Sir!
27:38Can you hear me?
27:45I look over.
27:48Samuel is down,
27:49clutching his chest,
27:50blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.
27:52Leon looks annoyed,
27:54but he explains anyway.
27:56He took a kick to the ribs trying to stop the horse.
28:01For the record,
28:02I didn't need his help to keep you safe.
28:05I nudge his arm,
28:06smiling.
28:07I know.
28:09You're my rock.
28:11The scowl vanishes from Leon's face instantly.
28:15I take one last look at Samuel.
28:17His men are already swarming him.
28:19As I pull Leon away,
28:21one of Samuel's guards sprints over.
28:23Please, Mr. Payne.
28:26Can Miss Selvin just say a few words?
28:30He hasn't touched food in three days.
28:32Leon turns to me.
28:34Begging me won't work.
28:35It's her call.
28:37I look at Samuel from the distance
28:39and give the guard a message.
28:41Tell him.
28:42From now on,
28:43we're just friends.
28:45When the guard passes the message,
28:49the last spark of life dies in Samuel's eyes.
28:53Suddenly,
28:54a hysterical woman shoves through the crowd.
28:57Mariah.
28:59How pathetic, Samuel!
29:04You're wasting away for her!
29:07And she won't even look you in the eye!
29:13Ever since the miscarriage,
29:15Mariah has lost her grip on reality.
29:17People cross the street to avoid her like she's a plague.
29:19She lunges, grabbing my arm.
29:21Leon moves to toss her off,
29:22but I stop him with a look.
29:23Do you know Evelyn?
29:24Samuel fell for a stranger in Philly.
29:26After that trip,
29:27he spent every single day staring at her portrait in his studio.
29:30But I grew up with him!
29:31I loved him my whole life!
29:32How could he love a shadow?!
29:34So I spaked his drink!
29:36We slept together,
29:37and I used my father's power to force the marriage!
29:40Mariah laughs,
29:40tears carving tracks through her messy makeup.
29:43When people asked why Samuel married me,
29:45he told them his fiancée was too hideous,
29:47so he chose a beauty instead.
29:49It wasn't until I saw your face that I realized
29:52the woman he couldn't forget was you all along,
29:55Evelyn Selvin.
29:59Mariah lets go of my arm,
30:00her strength gone.
30:01She sinks to the pavement beside Samuel.
30:04She reaches out,
30:05wiping the blood from his lip one last time.
30:07Samuel loving you.
30:08That's the only thing I regret.
30:10Mariah turns and walks away without a backward glance.
30:13Leon and I follow.
30:14Samuel watches us leave.
30:18Tears of regret finally hitting the asphalt.
30:22My mind drifts back to that day
30:24at the Riverside Echo Fest in Philly.
30:26Three years ago.
30:27The custom dress.
30:28Falling petals by the lake.
30:29I remember seeing a man standing on a yacht,
30:31in the distance.
30:32But the sun was too bright to see his face.
30:34The boat drifted away,
30:35and I was swallowed by the crowd.
30:40Friday morning.
30:40A portrait arrives from the Corrigan estate.
30:43I stare at it for a long time
30:44before picking up a pen to write a final note.
30:46I did see you at the festival three years ago,
30:48but that chapter is closed.
30:50I hope you find the happiness you truly deserve.
30:52After he reads my letter,
30:53Samuel finally begins to eat again.
30:55But the vast dawn is still out for blood,
30:57blaming Samuel for the loss of his grandchild.
30:59Since Samuel isn't the primary heir,
31:01the Corrigan family decides to ship him off to Italy
31:04to run their overseas operations,
31:05partly to protect him,
31:06partly to save the family business.
31:08Leon actually goes to the airport to see him off.
31:10Samuel is still a prick,
31:11even at the gate.
31:12The pains have a lot of enemies.
31:14I hope some ghost takes you out,
31:16or at least leaves you a cripple.
31:17Then I'll come back and take her from you.
31:20I'll outlive you, Samuel.
31:22Count on it.
31:23Pity.
31:24Samuel looks past Leon toward the terminal entrance.
31:27The sunset bleeds through the glass,
31:28making his eyes look raw and bloodshot.
31:33I thought we were friends.
31:35Where is Evelyn?
31:37Forget it.
31:38I already know.
31:39She's not coming.
31:42He turns his back and disappears into the jet ridge.
31:45As Leon walks toward the exit,
31:46I'm waiting for him with a smile,
31:48holding a bottle of water.
31:49He arches an eyebrow.
31:50You here to send him off?
31:51No.
31:52I'm here to pick you up.
31:56Sunday morning,
31:57Leon drags me to mass.
31:58He's still stewing over Samuel's little death wish at the airport.
32:01After the service,
32:02we take a long walk down a quiet country road.
32:05Leon stops,
32:06looking like he's fighting with himself.
32:08Samuel liked you so much before.
32:10Didn't you feel even a tiny spark?
32:12I arch an eyebrow.
32:13If I even hint at a yes,
32:15he might actually blow a fuse.
32:16I stop and look him dead in the eye.
32:19Do you know why we moved to New York?
32:20Clinic is packed these days.
32:22People trust my father.
32:23My mother has real friends now.
32:25She doesn't have to hide her face in the shadows.
32:27A fresh start?
32:29The pizza?
32:30He's not entirely wrong about the pizza.
32:32I lean in,
32:33standing on my tiptoes to press a kiss to his lips.
32:35I moved here to marry you, Leon.
32:36It was always you.