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00:00My parents died early. I have a broken family. That's why I only fall for family-oriented men.
00:05My sister Beth told me,
00:07We're all we have left.
00:08My boyfriend Cole promised.
00:10I'll give you a home.
00:12So I followed Cole back to our hometown Hollow Creek.
00:16But one night, when my sister was suffering from breast engorgement, she asked my boyfriend to help relieve it.
00:24My boyfriend took my sister's child to the hospital and left me alone with a bleeding stomach.
00:32I turned around and left for Verona City.
00:36Unexpectedly,
00:37Lena,
00:37my director from years ago became my real family.
00:41It was 2 a.m. when a baby's cries woke me up.
00:45My boyfriend Cole rushed into my sister's room, shirtless.
00:49He was bending over to lift the crying Mia out of the cradle, holding Mia in one arm and gently
00:53rocking her.
00:55How many times have I told you, let me take her at night?
00:58You always have to do everything yourself.
01:01He chuckled and gently pinched Beth's cheek.
01:03Then he looked up and saw me.
01:04The smile on his face faded completely in an instant.
01:10Lena, what are you standing there for?
01:15Can't you see Mia crying?
01:16Go, go make her a bottle.
01:18And you know Beth is not well.
01:19Why don't you help take care of Mia?
01:21I looked at them and couldn't say a word.
01:24Beth slapped his chest lightly.
01:26I'm engorged.
01:27I need to feed her.
01:28If you won't let me, are you going to deal with it?
01:32Watch your manners.
01:33I'm your girlfriend's big sister.
01:35Keep this up and I won't let me marry you.
01:38Cole dodged, glanced at me, and tickled her waist.
01:41Ask her yourself.
01:43You think she'd actually let me go?
01:45They looked exactly like a family.
01:47Tell your sister not to stay up till she makes herself sick.
01:50Then come crying to me again.
01:52I stood in the door room like a nanny,
01:54woken up in the middle of the night to make milk.
01:56My finger hovered over the phone screen for a moment.
01:59Then I opened Eli's chat window.
02:01The last message was sent three years ago.
02:04I thought of Eli's face.
02:05He was my director when I was an intern.
02:08He looked cold and untouchable.
02:09He lived for work and had no life outside it.
02:11His schedule was planned in 15 minute blocks
02:13with barely enough time between meetings for a cigarette.
02:18Actually, he was always very kind to me.
02:20But back then I was sure I didn't want big city life.
02:23So I moved back to the small town.
02:25The last message I sent him was a photo of the maple tree in town.
02:29Telling him I was moving back.
02:31I typed a line.
02:33I want to go back to New York.
02:35The moment I sent it, my heart was beating fast.
02:40He replied instantly.
02:41I'll come get you.
02:44Remember when you said you'd marry me?
02:46If you were still single at 30?
02:48Does that offer still stand?
02:51Beth's coquettish voice pulls me back to reality.
02:55I'm really uncomfortable.
02:57Mia needs to eat.
02:59How many times have I told you?
03:00Let me handle it.
03:01You're too worn out.
03:02You need to rest.
03:05Cole lightly patted Beth's butt.
03:09Keep ignoring me and I'm going to make sure you actually rest.
03:14Lena, go make Mia's milk right now.
03:17And bring the nutritional powder I prepared.
03:23The small town at night wasn't as bustling as the big city.
03:26I had nowhere to go.
03:28I could only walk to the big maple tree and stand there in a daze.
03:32My mind replayed everything from the past three months.
03:35Beth got divorced and had nowhere to go with her child.
03:38She was, after all, my only family.
03:41My heart softened and I let her move in.
03:44But less than a month later, I became the real outsider.
03:50For our anniversary, I took time off work a week in advance and booked a restaurant.
03:55Then Cole sent me a message saying,
03:58Mia has a bit of a fever.
03:59I'm taking them to the hospital.
04:01I might not be back tonight.
04:02I sat alone in the restaurant, all dressed up, facing the candles for six hours.
04:12When I got home, I saw Cole squatting on the floor, clapping his hands and saying,
04:16Call me dad.
04:18Dad.
04:19Da- daddy.
04:21Cole's eyes crinkled with laughter as he lifted the child high above his head.
04:25I stood in the doorway, not even having time to change my shoes.
04:29Beth saw me and grinned from ear to ear.
04:31Lena, I've checked him out for you.
04:33Cole is definitely a family-oriented man.
04:36Great with kids.
04:36She winked at me.
04:37I gave a slight smirk and stayed silent.
04:40Beth probably noticed I was upset.
04:42Her face stiffened and she suddenly picked up Mia and started packing her luggage.
04:48Fine, I'm in the way here, right?
04:51Cole stopped her at once.
04:52Where are you going alone with the kid?
04:54Do you know how dangerous it is outside?
04:59I don't need your help.
05:01I'm your sister's boyfriend.
05:03You are Lena's only family, so I'll protect you.
05:07Just stay here peacefully.
05:08Don't go anywhere.
05:10Cole was known as the most reliable man in town, but I suddenly thought he might be the
05:13most unreliable one.
05:14The icy night wind snapped me out of my spiraling thoughts, and I felt my heart go cold with
05:20it.
05:21Suddenly, a pair of hands reached over my shoulder, pulling the two sides of a black coat together,
05:26wrapping me tightly from behind.
05:28I felt warm.
05:30I trembled and turned around.
05:31It was Eli.
05:32How did you get here?
05:34From New York to anywhere in the U.S., a private jet takes no more than six hours.
05:39I thought about how many six hours Cole had made me wait.
05:43Let's get married.
05:45Eli stared at me blankly, and suddenly, a look of ecstasy appeared on his face.
05:50Are you serious?
05:54Okay.
05:55We'll get married the day after tomorrow.
06:00The next day, I got home from work.
06:03When I pushed open the door, I saw Cole and Beth sitting very close together on the sofa.
06:08To me, you're no different from a guy.
06:11Who would want you?
06:12Beth puffed out her chest.
06:13What, are you blind?
06:15You're telling me you don't notice these 30-60s?
06:17Cole glanced her up and down, deliberately curling his lip.
06:20Just so-so.
06:21Beth lunged at him, pounding his chest, and he laughed as he dodged.
06:26Nia was caught in the middle, higgling at the promotion.
06:29I stood in the entryway, watching them quietly.
06:32They finally realized something was wrong.
06:34Their laughter gradually died down.
06:36Beth let go of him and straightened her hair.
06:39Cole also schooled his expression and cleared his throat softly.
06:42I turned around and went back to my room.
06:44The moment the door closed, I heard their whispered voices from outside.
06:48Oh no, do you think Lena is angry?
06:50Ignore her.
06:51She'll get over it in a minute.
06:53I opened the wardrobe and started packing my things.
06:56I don't know how much time passed before the door opened.
06:59Cole walked in.
07:02Lena, your sister has it hard raising the kid alone.
07:05Be more sensible from now on.
07:08Don't let her get so tired.
07:10I rolled my eyes.
07:13Let me get this straight.
07:15I pull an all-nighter, work all day, and I'm still expected to babysit?
07:20Am I made of steel or something?
07:21He shrugged it off.
07:24If you're really that tired, just quit your job.
07:26It's not like I can't support you.
07:28You can stay home and help take care of Mia.
07:30I opened my mouth to end things with him.
07:32But the guy was so utterly out of his mind, I couldn't even...
07:36I pulled open the door and said,
07:38Get out!
07:39Cole stood frozen in the doorway at my get out, but he didn't move.
07:42He leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed,
07:45looking me up and down as if I were a pet that had suddenly misbehaved.
07:49What are you getting so mad at me for?
07:50He gave a short, fleeting smile.
07:53What did I say wrong?
07:54Then he turned his back to me and walked out.
07:58Do you think about it carefully?
08:00I'm not going to revolve around you.
08:02You weren't like this before.
08:03As he walked out, he called out,
08:05Beth, bring Mia and come get something delicious with me.
08:07I let go of the doorknob and closed the door.
08:10Then I turned around, picked up the calendar,
08:12and drew a star on the date for tomorrow.
08:16I had already submitted the marriage application with Eli,
08:19and he returned to New York first to handle work matters.
08:22But when I told other people that I had married someone else,
08:26most of them didn't believe me.
08:28Everyone in town watched our relationship grow.
08:30They all thought Cole was the best man.
08:33Saturday was the town's summer beer festival,
08:35and most people would go that day.
08:37So I decided to break up with Cole in public that day,
08:40cutting off all ties between us.
08:42There were a lot of people at the beer festival.
08:44My friend Lily and I searched through the crowd for a long time,
08:47and finally saw Cole.
08:55You lost, drink up!
08:56Cole's classmate said.
08:58Beth was just about to pick up the glass when Cole pressed her hand down.
09:02She's breastfeeding.
09:03She can't drink.
09:04I'll drink for her.
09:06What are you two doing?
09:07When they saw me, everyone froze for a moment,
09:09and the atmosphere suddenly turned awkward.
09:12Beth bit her lip, her eyes red, and looked at Cole aggrievedly.
09:15Cole was silent for two seconds,
09:17then pushed the wine glass in front of me.
09:21I was going to drink for your sister,
09:22but since someone is ungrateful, you can drink it yourself.
09:25I laughed angrily.
09:26I wanted to see just how unreasonable this man could be.
09:29I picked up the glass and drained it in one go.
09:32Beth kept playing.
09:33Terrible at the game, but eager to keep going,
09:35losing round after round.
09:37Every time she lost, she would let out a soft,
09:40oops, and then turn to look at Cole.
09:42Cole would push the wine glass in front of me.
09:45One glass, after another.
09:47I don't know how many glasses I drank.
09:49My stomach felt like someone had lit a fire inside,
09:52burning all the way from my throat down to my lower abdomen.
09:55The lights in front of me started to blur,
09:57the figures overlapped,
09:58and their laughter came to me as if through a layer of water.
10:01I slumped over the table,
10:03my nails digging into my palms.
10:05trying to stay conscious.
10:07I can't,
10:07I really can't drink anymore.
10:09Cole frowned.
10:10That's only a couple of shots.
10:11Don't ruin the fun.
10:14My stomach convulsed violently,
10:16and it felt like something was rising up,
10:18carrying blood with it.
10:23Just then,
10:24Beth suddenly clutched her chest,
10:25frowning in pain.
10:26It hurts.
10:27Cole bent down at once and lifted her up.
10:33Cole strode out without even glancing back.
10:35The car I bought with him disappeared into the night.
10:40Everyone else had been drinking,
10:41so no one was able to drive.
10:43Taxi took two straight hours to arrive.
10:47By the time I was taken to the hospital,
10:49I had already lost consciousness.
10:52The diagnosis,
10:53acute alcohol poisoning,
10:54and gastric bleeding,
10:55the nurse took out my phone,
10:57found the most recent contact,
10:58and dialed it over and over again.
11:01Finally,
11:02the call went through.
11:03An impatient voice came from the other end of the line.
11:06Are you ever going to stop?
11:08Your sister's running a fever of 101.
11:10Don't you know how dangerous that is?
11:12Instead of acting crazy here,
11:14you should hurry back and take care of Mia.
11:16Sir,
11:17your girlfriend is suffering from acute alcohol poisoning
11:19and gastric bleeding.
11:19Can you come here?
11:20Are you seriously pulling this right now?
11:22Beth gets a fever,
11:23and you suddenly conveniently get sick?
11:24I am not in the mood for your games.
11:27The other patients and their families
11:29were all looking at me,
11:30their eyes filled with sympathy and pity.
11:33The next day,
11:34the ward door was pushed open.
11:35Poe walked in and grabbed my arm roughly.
11:37Come on,
11:38go apologize to your sister.
11:39She's still running a fever and worrying about you,
11:41but you're here enjoying putting on a show.
11:42His grip hurt so bad,
11:43I winced.
11:44The nurse rushed over and pulled me away from him.
11:46Let go of her!
11:47The patient needs rest right now.
11:49Stop putting on an act.
11:51Hurry up and come apologize with me.
11:52I closed my eyes
11:53and mustered all my strength
11:54to say those words.
11:55We're done.
11:57What the hell is wrong with you?
11:59Your threats don't work on me.
12:06The ward door opened again.
12:07Beth walked in,
12:09dragging Cole by the ear.
12:11Lena, are you angry?
12:14How many times do I have to tell you?
12:17Apologize.
12:18Now!
12:18He steadied himself,
12:19raised a hand to rub the back of his head,
12:21and glanced at me.
12:25Apologize?
12:26For what?
12:27Beth stood in front of him,
12:28hands on her hips.
12:29Don't start with me.
12:31Lena is your girlfriend.
12:32You're the one who's wrong here.
12:35I'm telling you,
12:36no matter what happens,
12:38Lena comes first.
12:40Do you hear me?
12:41Cole nodded repeatedly,
12:42trying to reach out to steady her,
12:43but Beth slapped his hand away.
12:45You apologize first.
12:47Only then did he turn to me.
12:49Lena, I was wrong that day.
12:52Next time,
12:53I'll choose you first.
12:55Happy now?
12:56He had already looked away from my face
12:58and landed on Beth.
13:00You go back.
13:01You still have a fever.
13:03You'll feel worse later.
13:05Beth was about to say something else,
13:07but he had already put his hand on her shoulder
13:08and half-guided,
13:09half-pushed her toward the door.
13:11When he reached the door,
13:12he glanced back at me,
13:13his eyebrows slightly furrowed,
13:14as if he was looking at a misbehaving child.
13:16And you,
13:17just lie down and rest since you're sick.
13:19Stop making a fuss.
13:22As a doctor's girlfriend,
13:24don't you know that being angry is bad for recovery?
13:26I leaned against the pillow,
13:27the back of my head pressed against the iron bed,
13:28rail.
13:29I looked at his face for two seconds.
13:30I'm not angry.
13:31Beth let out a sigh of relief,
13:33a pleased smile spreading across her face.
13:35She took two steps back from the door,
13:37leaned over,
13:37and patted the back of my hand.
13:39Good.
13:40Don't worry.
13:40I have your back.
13:42I'll keep a close eye on him for you.
13:44Look at me.
13:45I've been divorced.
13:46I've learned my lessons.
13:48I'll watch him like a hawk,
13:49so he never steps out of line or hurts you again.
13:57What do you want to eat?
13:59I'll have the cafe send something up.
14:02No need.
14:03I'll just grab something.
14:06Take Beth back.
14:07It's time to feed Mia.
14:08Cole froze for a moment.
14:09He didn't seem to expect me to say that.
14:11He stood in the doorway,
14:12looking at me,
14:12his eyebrows twitching,
14:14as if searching my face for a reaction.
14:15I'm used to it.
14:16Cole was slightly stunned,
14:18staring at me for several seconds.
14:19Then his expression relaxed.
14:22Very well.
14:23You learned from your mistakes.
14:24He stepped closer and looked down at me
14:26with an almost approving smile.
14:29Your suffering wasn't for nothing.
14:30I drank until I vomited blood
14:31and was left there for two hours waiting for a ride.
14:34The doctor said ten more minutes,
14:35and I'd be dead.
14:38If you can keep being this mature and reasonable,
14:41maybe I'll consider setting a wedding date.
14:43I was too hurt to say anything.
14:46I just cursed his arrogance in my head.
14:48He thought I was speechless with joy
14:49and nodded in satisfaction.
14:51He turned,
14:52put a hand on Beth's shoulder,
14:54and walked out with her.
14:55I glanced down at my phone.
14:57Eli's last message was still there.
14:59I'll come find you.
15:01I typed three words.
15:02Meet me at the church this afternoon.
15:11Eli Anderson,
15:12do you take Lena Harper
15:13to be your lawfully wedded wife?
15:14I do.
15:16Lena Harper,
15:17do you take Eli Anderson
15:17to be your lawfully wedded husband?
15:19I do.
15:20The priest took off his reading glasses
15:22and smiled at us.
15:24Congratulations.
15:25When we stepped out of the oak doors,
15:26the sun just broke through the clouds,
15:28casting warm light on the red brick wall.
15:31But I saw three people
15:32standing at the bottom of the steps.
15:34Cole was holding Mia,
15:35Beth was holding his arm,
15:36and the three of them walked over with smiles.
15:40Lena, what are you doing here?
15:42I only said I was considering proposing.
15:44What do you mean by coming here now?
15:45Beth saw Eli and me
15:46standing side by side on the steps.
15:48Her smile froze.
15:54Lena, what do you think you're doing?
15:56You've been with Cole for years,
15:57and now you're cheating on him?
15:58Cole looked down and rocked the baby,
16:00but his eyes stayed fixed on me.
16:03Me cheating?
16:05Then what do you call
16:06kissing your sister's boyfriend?
16:07I always thought you were reasonable,
16:08but I was wrong.
16:09You can't even show basic respect
16:11to your own sister?
16:12How could you ever be a good wife?
16:13He stopped,
16:14because he saw Eli
16:15take something out of his pocket,
16:17flip it open,
16:18and hold it up flat in front of him.
16:19Who do you think you are
16:20telling my wife what to do?
16:27Lena, I know you're angry,
16:29but no matter how mad you are,
16:31you can't just marry
16:32some random man out of spite.
16:35Lena, did you hire an actor
16:37to put on a show with you?
16:38Forging government documents
16:39is a federal felony.
16:41Do you think life is too easy
16:42for you right now?
16:43Come back with me now,
16:45and I'll pretend this never happened.
16:47I looked at his face
16:48and felt a bitter irony.
16:49It suddenly hit me
16:50all those years ago.
16:52Eli was quietly being good to me,
16:54but back then,
16:54I only had eyes for Cole.
16:56Cole was the high school
16:57football captain,
16:58and after graduation,
16:59he became a doctor
17:00at the local town hospital.
17:02Everyone in the whole town
17:03knew him,
17:04trusted him,
17:05relied on him,
17:06including me.
17:06If I married him,
17:07I would have the approval
17:08of the entire town.
17:09When I turned Eli down,
17:11he stood in the rain
17:12and smiled.
17:13It's okay,
17:14as long as you're happy.
17:15Later,
17:15I poured all my energy
17:17into Cole.
17:17I learned to cook,
17:19memorized all his likes
17:20and dislikes.
17:21I thought that if I gave enough,
17:22I would always get
17:23something in return.
17:24But in the end,
17:25when I was lying on the ground
17:26vomiting blood,
17:27he picked up another woman
17:28and left without looking back.
17:30I lost half my life,
17:31and all I got in return was,
17:33you've grown up.
17:34And now,
17:35he was standing there with Beth,
17:36identical expressions
17:37on both their faces.
17:39condescending,
17:40self-righteous,
17:41as if I would always
17:42be the unreasonable child
17:43who needed to be taught
17:44a lesson by them.
17:48Are you guys characters
17:49from a TV drama?
17:50Cole froze.
17:52What did you say?
17:53I asked.
17:53What are you two doing
17:54at the church?
17:56I smiled and answered for them.
17:58You're here to get married,
17:59right?
18:02Lena,
18:03how can you think
18:03of me like that?
18:05I'm your own sister.
18:07I've been divorced.
18:08I've been hurt.
18:09I was just scared
18:10you'd get tricked
18:11by a guy, too.
18:13That's why I was
18:13testing him for you.
18:15I did all of this
18:16for your own good.
18:19If you don't appreciate it,
18:20fine.
18:20But how can you
18:21frame me like this?
18:22I looked at her acting
18:23and felt no ripple
18:24in my heart.
18:25Testing?
18:27You really went
18:28all out with your test.
18:30Let him enter your room
18:31in the middle of the night.
18:33Let him kiss you.
18:35Let him carry you
18:36and leave me behind
18:37in front of everyone.
18:38How far does your test
18:39have to go
18:39before it's over?
18:42Did you really
18:42have to test him
18:44all the way into bed
18:46to be satisfied?
18:47Beth suddenly lifted her head.
18:49Lena!
18:50His embrace was warm,
18:51reassuring,
18:52and strong.
18:53Ah!
18:56Ah!
18:57Ah!
18:57Ah!
18:58Ah!
18:59Stop acting here.
19:00You have nothing
19:00to do with me.
19:01Lena, I don't like you
19:02being intimate
19:03with other men.
19:03I took one look
19:04at Cole's frozen
19:05ugly face
19:06and just laughed.
19:06This is my husband.
19:08You're nobody.
19:10If you don't believe
19:11the marriage certificate
19:11is real,
19:12why don't you
19:12ask the priest?
19:14Ah!
19:15Beth's face
19:15also turned pale,
19:17and she quietly
19:17pinched Mia
19:18in her arms.
19:21At times like this
19:22before,
19:23Cole would immediately
19:24reach out
19:24to take the child,
19:25guiltfully hold her
19:26in his arms,
19:27and coax her softly.
19:27But this time,
19:28he didn't move.
19:29He didn't even glance
19:30at the child.
19:31He just stared
19:31straight at me,
19:32his eyes surging
19:33with an emotion
19:34I had never seen before.
19:37Lena,
19:39I've always loved you.
19:40From beginning to end,
19:41only you.
19:42I never meant to hurt you.
19:43Cole tried to approach me,
19:45but was blocked by Eli.
19:47Cole couldn't get close to me,
19:48but he continued to explain.
19:51You really misunderstood.
19:55I grew up without a father.
19:58My mom raised me alone.
20:00When I see Mia
20:01without a father,
20:03I think of my own childhood.
20:04When I see your sister
20:05struggling alone
20:06with the baby,
20:07I think of how my mom
20:07got through it back then.
20:08I wanted to be nicer to them
20:10to make up for the helpless
20:10little boy I used to be.
20:11I didn't mean to ignore you.
20:13He looked up at me,
20:14a trace of humble pleading
20:15in his eyes.
20:16I thought you would understand.
20:20You've always been so thoughtful.
20:22I listened quietly,
20:23then laughed.
20:25Then your chances come,
20:26I said.
20:27You can make up
20:27for not just your childhood,
20:28but your teenage years too.
20:31Honestly,
20:31just adopt her as your mom.
20:33Lena,
20:34how can you be so cruel?
20:36I'm your own sister.
20:38When mom and dad died,
20:40you were only 16.
20:41Who held you
20:42and comforted you
20:43to sleep in the middle
20:44of the night?
20:44She grew more
20:45and more agitated.
20:46Her voice trembling.
20:47You let me move in
20:48and I thought
20:49you really cared about me.
20:50I was just helping
20:51you test your boyfriend,
20:52but instead you turn around
20:53and bite me.
20:54I've had such awful luck.
20:56I ended up
20:57with a total scumbag,
20:58got a divorce,
20:58and now everyone treats me
20:59and my kid like trash.
21:02Cole looked at Beth,
21:03then at me,
21:04and finally withdrew his hand.
21:07I looked at her acting
21:08and felt no ripple
21:09in my heart.
21:10Done talking?
21:11Beth froze.
21:13You were helping me
21:14test my boyfriend?
21:15Or were you testing out
21:16a second husband
21:16for yourself?
21:18To test if he'd leave
21:19everything behind
21:19just to be with you and Mia?
21:23Congratulations.
21:24He really would.
21:26Beth opened her mouth
21:27but couldn't say
21:28a single word.
21:29Cole's face looked
21:30even worse.
21:30I smiled and continued.
21:32I'm telling you,
21:33the old Lena is dead.
21:34The two of you
21:35killed her together.
21:37She died in the two hours
21:38waiting for the designated driver.
21:40She died in the sight
21:41of the three of you
21:42driving away as a family.
21:46Eli snapped his fingers
21:47and black-clad bodyguards
21:48appeared out of nowhere
21:49blocking Cole and Beth.
21:51Lena.
21:52Cole called after me.
21:53You can't do this!
21:55We've been together
21:56for so many years.
21:57How much have I sacrificed
21:58for you?
21:59Will you just walk away
22:00like this?
22:01How can you do this to me?
22:02His voice grew louder,
22:04almost tearing at the seams.
22:05Come back!
22:07Give me a chance!
22:09Eli squeezed my hand tightly,
22:10leading me step by step
22:11down the steps.
22:12I didn't look back.
22:13Cole's worst shouts
22:14came from behind,
22:15one after another,
22:16as if he was going to
22:17scream his throat raw.
22:18You can't do this to me!
22:19The sun shone down on me,
22:20warm and comforting.
22:21The voices behind me
22:22grew farther and farther away,
22:24like a farce that had
22:24finally come to an end.
22:25Since we needed to
22:26handle my resignation,
22:27we stayed at a small inn
22:29in town that night.
22:30Thanks to Eli's efforts,
22:31I slept the first
22:32peaceful night
22:33I'd had in months.
22:35Beth stood outside the door.
22:37Her eyes red and swollen,
22:39as if she had been
22:40crying all night.
22:41I didn't want to
22:42open the door at first,
22:43but she kept knocking.
22:45Afraid of disturbing
22:46the other guests,
22:47I had to let her in.
22:48The moment she stepped in,
22:50she grabbed my hand.
22:52Lena, I stayed up all night
22:54last night.
22:56I thought a lot.
22:57And the more I thought,
22:59the more I feel I owe you.
23:00I said nothing,
23:00waiting for her to continue.
23:02She sighed.
23:03I know you hate me now
23:04and don't want to see me,
23:06but I still have to come.
23:09You're my only sister.
23:11I can't just stand here
23:13and watch you
23:13throw your life away.
23:16That Eli,
23:17how long have you known him?
23:19Does he have any debts?
23:20Look,
23:21I've been through it all.
23:22I've been hurt,
23:22I've been fooled,
23:23and I just don't want you
23:24to make the same mistakes.
23:26Just let me test
23:27the man for you, okay?
23:28She spoke with deep sincerity,
23:30tears welling up in her eyes.
23:31I leaned against the doorframe,
23:33looking at her.
23:35Lena,
23:35you and Cole
23:36have been together
23:36for so many years.
23:38I've seen how he treats you.
23:40It's all in my mind.
23:41He's just a bit careless,
23:43but he's not a bad choice.
23:44He already knows he was wrong.
23:47He was so regretful
23:48at home last night
23:49that he almost slapped himself.
23:51She wiped her tears.
23:53I was only trying to help you.
23:55I made him babysit on purpose
23:57just to see if he's
23:57a good father figure.
23:58I wanted to see
23:59if he could actually
24:00handle a family
24:01after you guys get married.
24:03I only did this
24:04because of you.
24:06After observing him
24:07for this period,
24:07he has preliminarily
24:08passed my test.
24:09Give him another chance, okay?
24:12I looked at her
24:12seemingly sincere face
24:14and suddenly felt very tired.
24:16Are you done?
24:18She froze for a moment.
24:19No way.
24:20You can leave now.
24:22Beth slammed her hand
24:24against the doorframe,
24:25panicked.
24:25Lena,
24:26I'm your sister.
24:28Why would I hurt you?
24:29As she spoke,
24:30she turned to look
24:31into the room
24:31and raised her voice.
24:32Eli, come out!
24:34Eli leaned against the wall,
24:36arms crossed,
24:37watching her.
24:38Beth puffed out her chest.
24:40Lena is my only sister.
24:42I won't feel comfortable
24:43handing her over
24:44to some man
24:44of unknown background.
24:46If you want to be with her,
24:47you have to get past me first.
24:49As long as I'm in this town
24:50for one more day,
24:51I won't agree.
24:52Eli laughed and turned to him.
24:53Darling,
24:54can we go back to New York
24:55right now?
24:55I don't want to talk
24:56to a promiscuous idiot.
24:57Beth's face flushed
24:58bright red in an instant.
25:00Did I say something wrong?
25:01Who called him
25:01into your bedroom
25:02late at night?
25:04You.
25:05Who kissed him.
25:06You.
25:07When he held you
25:08and left your sister stranded,
25:09did you ever try
25:10to push him off?
25:13Disgusting.
25:14Beth's mouth hung open.
25:15She couldn't say
25:16a single word.
25:17All her bravado
25:18deflated in an instant.
25:20She turned to look at me,
25:21tears dripping down her face.
25:22Lena,
25:23are you just going
25:24to stand there
25:25and let him bully
25:26your sister like this?
25:28Listen to my advice.
25:29You and Cole
25:30have been together
25:30for so many years.
25:32You can't just
25:32break it off like this.
25:34I looked at her,
25:34a faint smile
25:35playing on my lips.
25:36He regrets it?
25:38Beth nodded desperately.
25:40He regrets it.
25:41He really regrets it.
25:43Isn't that perfect?
25:44I broke up with him.
25:46Doesn't that just give you
25:47the perfect chance
25:47to make your move?
25:51Beth's face turned
25:52deathly pale
25:52in an instant.
25:54Lena,
25:55how can you say
25:56such a thing?
25:57I did all this
25:58for you?
26:00For me?
26:01You persuaded me
26:02to make up with him
26:03because you're afraid
26:04that if I fall out
26:05with you completely,
26:06you'll never be able
26:06to take advantage
26:07of me again, right?
26:08You're being too sensitive.
26:10Mia doesn't have a father,
26:11so what's wrong
26:12with her being close to Cole?
26:13As her aunt,
26:13why can't you understand
26:14the child?
26:15Everything I do
26:15is for the child.
26:16As she spoke,
26:17she reached out
26:18to grab me.
26:18Come on,
26:19come back with me.
26:20Talk it out with Cole
26:21face to face.
26:22Beth was intimidated
26:23by Eli's gaze.
26:24She slowly backed away
26:25and stepped out the door.
26:27Eli turned to look at me.
26:29Let's go inside.
26:30I nodded
26:30and Eli turned
26:31to close the door.
26:33In the afternoon,
26:35the doorbell rang again.
26:36I looked through the peephole.
26:38It was Cole.
26:39He stood outside the door,
26:40his hair a mess,
26:41eyes sunken,
26:42as if he'd stayed up
26:43all night without sleeping.
26:45His shirt was wrinkled,
26:46the top two buttons undone,
26:47his whole person
26:48exuding an air of defeat.
26:51Lena,
26:51I know you're in there.
26:54Open the door,
26:55let's talk,
26:55okay?
26:57Eli walked over
26:57and opened the door.
26:58The moment Cole saw him,
27:00a complex flash of emotion
27:01crossed his eyes.
27:02Jealousy,
27:03anger,
27:03humiliation,
27:04all tangled together,
27:05but he held it back,
27:06his gaze skipping over
27:07Eli's shoulder
27:08to land on me.
27:10Lena,
27:11I thought about it
27:12all night last night.
27:13I figured it out.
27:14I did a lot of things
27:15wrong before.
27:16Lena,
27:17I really know I was wrong.
27:20Give me a chance,
27:21let's start over,
27:21okay?
27:22I swear,
27:22I'll put you first
27:23from now on.
27:24Let's get married.
27:25I looked at him,
27:26at the ring in his hand,
27:27at his red-rimmed eyes,
27:28at that heartbreaking
27:29expression on his face.
27:31I only found it
27:32utterly ridiculous.
27:33Eli leaned against
27:34the doorframe
27:34and mocked him.
27:35Proposing to someone
27:36else's wife?
27:38Where were you before?
27:41Cole turned to him sharply,
27:42rage surging in his eyes.
27:44Shut up!
27:46This is between
27:47Lena and me.
27:48You have no right
27:49to interfere!
27:50Eli raised an eyebrow
27:51and gestured for him
27:52to continue.
27:53Cole turned back to me,
27:54his voice softening
27:55with a humble plea.
27:56Lena,
27:57believe me.
27:58I finally realized
27:59how I feel.
28:00I love you.
28:01I was nice to your sister
28:03because I grew up
28:04without a father
28:05and I saw myself in Mia.
28:07That's not love.
28:08That's just sympathy.
28:10Do you understand?
28:12The person I really love
28:14is you.
28:15He spoke with deep sincerity,
28:17tears streaming down
28:18his cheeks.
28:19A grown man of over
28:20six feet,
28:20crying like a child
28:21at the door.
28:22I watched him
28:23and felt nothing.
28:24Are you done?
28:25He froze for a moment.
28:27You say you love me.
28:28Then tell me,
28:30what's my favorite food?
28:31He opened his mouth,
28:32his expression freezing.
28:34What do I hate
28:34eating the most?
28:35He was silent
28:36for a few seconds,
28:37then spoke with difficulty.
28:39You're not a picky eater?
28:40Eli spoke.
28:42She loves tomatoes
28:43and she hates pork.
28:47You don't even know
28:48what I like to eat,
28:49yet you tell me
28:50you love me.
28:52Cole, you don't love me.
28:54You love the Lena
28:55who was always on call,
28:58never gave you any trouble,
28:59and was always sensible.
29:02His tears flowed
29:03even harder.
29:04Lena,
29:06give me one more chance.
29:09I can change.
29:10I promise you,
29:11I'll change everything.
29:12I scoffed.
29:14Whether you change or not
29:15has nothing to do with me.
29:18Heavy pounding came
29:20from the other side
29:20of the drawer.
29:21Lena!
29:23Lena!
29:24I was wrong!
29:25I really was wrong!
29:28Eli walked over
29:29and stood beside me,
29:31holding me nervously.
29:33I looked at him
29:34and smiled.
29:34Honey, I'm hungry.
29:36He smiled and nodded,
29:38picking up his coat.
29:40Let's go.
29:41I'll take you to get
29:42your favorite tomato beef stew.
29:45Late at night,
29:46in a bar,
29:47Cole slouched over
29:48the bar counter,
29:49one empty glass after another
29:50lining up in front of him.
29:52His wrinkled shirt
29:53hung loosely on him
29:54and stubble covered his face.
29:56He had been living like this
29:57for over three months.
29:58He would lie around
29:59listlessly all day,
30:00then come here to drink
30:01until he passed out at night.
30:03Passing out on the bar counter
30:04until dawn,
30:05he grabbed his glass
30:06and tilted his head back,
30:07downing another mouthful
30:08of alcohol.
30:09Liquid trickled down
30:10the corner of his mouth,
30:11dripping onto his grimy collar.
30:13Blurry thoughts drifted
30:14through his mind.
30:15If he hadn't carried Beth
30:17and left that night.
30:18If he had glanced back
30:19just once.
30:20If he had said,
30:21I'm coming right now,
30:23over the phone.
30:24If only.
30:25But there are
30:26no second chances.
30:28The door swung open,
30:29and a woman walked in.
30:30Beth had lost
30:31a significant amount of weight,
30:33her cheekbones protruding sharply,
30:35heavy dark circles
30:36under her eyes.
30:37She walked over
30:38to Cole's side.
30:39Cole, come home with me.
30:40Cole didn't even look at her,
30:42downing another gulp of alcohol.
30:44Beth bit her lip
30:45and reached out
30:45to tug at his arm.
30:47Look at the state you're in.
30:49Lena wouldn't be happy
30:50to see you like this.
30:51Don't mention her name.
30:53You don't deserve
30:54to mention her.
30:56Beth's hand froze midair.
30:57Her eyes reddened,
30:59her lips trembling slightly.
31:01I know you hate me.
31:03I hate myself too.
31:05But what's done is done.
31:07No matter how much
31:08you torment yourself,
31:10she's never coming back.
31:12Cole finally turned his head
31:13to look at her.
31:14Are you satisfied now?
31:15Beth froze.
31:16You drove her away.
31:17Are you satisfied now?
31:21Tears streamed down
31:22Beth's face instantly.
31:24I didn't drive her away.
31:25I was trying to help you
31:26keep her.
31:29Help me?
31:30Beth.
31:31Your way of helping me
31:32is really special.
31:33Beth's face was as pale
31:34as a sheet of paper.
31:35She opened her mouth
31:36to say something,
31:37but nothing came out.
31:38Cole stopped looking at her,
31:39turned back,
31:40and poured another glass of wine.
31:41Just go.
31:42And don't ever come
31:43look for me again.
31:44Beth sat there,
31:45tears silently streaming
31:46down her face.
31:47Suddenly,
31:47she remembered the scene
31:48of them being happy together
31:50three months ago.
31:51She thought she had won,
31:52that she had her sister's man
31:53firmly in her grasp,
31:55but now she understands
31:56she never won.
31:57She had only destroyed
31:57her sister's happiness
31:58with her own hands,
31:59only to find that
32:00all she got was an empty man.
32:01His heart had never belonged to her.
32:03She stood up
32:04and stumbled out of the bar.
32:05The night wind blew
32:06against her face,
32:07biting cold.
32:08She stood on the empty street.
32:10Suddenly,
32:10not knowing where to go,
32:12back in the bar,
32:13Cole finished another bottle.
32:14He lay on the bar counter,
32:15fumbled for his phone in a daze,
32:17and pulled up that familiar number,
32:19only to find that
32:20he had been blocked.
32:21He picked up his glass
32:22and drained it in one go.
32:24Then he collapsed on the bar.
32:31He realized he was in the hospital.
32:33He reached for the phone
32:34on the nightstand
32:35with his right hand.
32:36He scrolled through his contacts,
32:38found Lena,
32:39and dialed.
32:40The number you have dialed
32:41is no longer in service.
32:43The number you have dialed.
32:44He smashed the phone
32:45and lay back on the bed.
32:47His stomach began to ache.
32:49It was different
32:49from the burning sensation
32:50after drinking,
32:51deeper and duller,
32:53like something was churning
32:54and tightening inside.
32:55The doctor came on rounds
32:56the next morning.
32:58Dr. Keller said,
32:59You should transfer
32:59to another hospital.
33:00Cole froze for a moment.
33:01What?
33:02The equipment at the town hospital
33:04is insufficient.
33:05You need to go to Verona City
33:06for further tests.
33:07Keller took off his glasses,
33:09wiped them,
33:09and put them back on.
33:11What kind of illness?
33:12Keller handed him a test report
33:13and pointed to a shadowed area on it.
33:16Early stage cancer,
33:17but the location is not good.
33:19It's prone to metaggression.
33:20Cole stared at the shadow
33:21for a long time.
33:22That night he went back to his room,
33:24sat on the bed alone,
33:25his knees drawn up to his chest.
33:27He found his phone,
33:28unlocked it,
33:29scrolled to that familiar number,
33:30and dialed again.
33:31The number you have dialed
33:32is no longer in service.
33:33He thought,
33:34So this is what it feels like
33:35to be abandoned.
33:36This was exactly how Lena felt that night.
33:40Verona City,
33:41Midtown Manhattan,
33:42at the intersection of 5th Avenue
33:44and 42nd Street.
33:45I stood in front of the revolving door,
33:47looking up at the 30-story building
33:49towering into the sky.
33:51The glass reflected the afternoon sun,
33:53making me squint.
33:54Eli stood beside me,
33:56his hands in his coat pockets.
33:57Come on.
33:58This is your company.
34:00Hmm.
34:01Three years ago you-
34:02The company has grown quite well.
34:04Come on, I'll show you around.
34:05A young woman was sitting at the front desk.
34:07She stood up immediately
34:08when she saw Eli come in.
34:11Mr. Anderson,
34:11the afternoon meeting
34:12has been postponed to 4 o'clock.
34:14Got it.
34:15Eli nodded,
34:16then stepped half aside.
34:17This is my wife, Lena.
34:18The receptionist bowed slightly.
34:20He led me towards the elevator.
34:22Eli walked into the R&D center.
34:24A man wearing gold-rimmed glasses
34:26looked up,
34:26and his expression immediately
34:28turned serious when he saw him.
34:30Boss,
34:30the Phase 3 clinical data is out.
34:32It's better than expected.
34:34Our drug may offer
34:35an effective treatment for this cancer.
34:36Send it to my email.
34:37Okay.
34:38Also-
34:39The man glanced at me
34:39and nodded politely.
34:40Who is this?
34:42My wife.
34:43Eli said.
34:44The several people in the office
34:46simultaneously stopped
34:47what they were doing
34:47and looked up at me in unison.
34:49The man with gold-rimmed glasses
34:51reacted first.
34:52He smiled and held out his hand.
34:54Hello.
34:54I'm Mark,
34:55the R&D director.
34:56It's so nice to finally meet you.
34:59Finally?
34:59There's a photo on Eli's desk.
35:01Mark said.
35:01It's been there for several years.
35:02He pointed to the glass-partitioned office
35:05at the end of the corridor.
35:07Through the glass,
35:08I saw a small photo frame
35:09with a silver edge
35:10on the large black desk
35:11standing next to the computer.
35:13I couldn't see
35:14what was in the photo
35:14from far away.
35:16Eli walked over
35:17and pushed open the door.
35:18I followed him in,
35:19walked up to the desk
35:20and looked down
35:20at the photo frame.
35:21It was me.
35:23Why didn't you tell me?
35:24I asked.
35:25Tell you what?
35:26I looked up at him.
35:27He was standing
35:28in the afternoon sun,
35:29the light streaming
35:30through the glass window
35:31behind him,
35:32gilding the outline
35:33of his shoulders
35:34with warm gold.
35:35He smiled
35:36and turned the photo frame around
35:37so that the photo
35:38faced outward,
35:39directly towards the glass wall.
35:41All passing employees
35:42could see it.
35:44You might need to wait here
35:45for a moment,
35:46he said.
35:47I bought you coffee.
35:47The receptionist
35:48brought over a coffee,
35:49the temperature just right,
35:51three sugars
35:51and extra milk
35:52exactly the same
35:53as what I used to drink
35:54every day at the company
35:55three years ago.
35:56When I was in the small town,
35:57I ate lunch alone
35:58on the steps.
35:59No one remembered
36:00how much sugar
36:01I liked in my coffee,
36:02but someone remembered.
36:03He had always remembered.
36:06In the evening,
36:07Eli drove me home.
36:09The drive took
36:10about 40 minutes,
36:11leaving Manhattan,
36:12passing through Queens,
36:13and heading into a suburb
36:14whose name I didn't know.
36:16The buildings
36:17on both sides
36:17grew shorter,
36:18and there was more greenery.
36:20The street trees
36:21went from sparse
36:22to dense,
36:22until we finally turned
36:24onto a quiet side road.
36:27Eli slowed down the car,
36:29We're here.
36:30A cast iron gate
36:31opened automatically.
36:32As soon as the car
36:33entered the gate,
36:34I froze.
36:35The entire yard
36:36is enclosed
36:37by a low stone wall,
36:38and the grounds
36:39are full of trees.
36:40Especially,
36:41there are many maple trees
36:42planted in front
36:43of the windows.
36:44I got out of the car
36:46and stood on the gravel driveway,
36:47looking at the maple grove.
36:49What is this?
36:51He led me
36:52towards the maple grove.
36:54He stopped in front
36:55of the largest maple tree
36:56and reached out
36:57to pad its trunk.
36:58This tree is taller
36:59than the ones around it,
37:01and its leaves
37:01are an especially deep red,
37:03almost a burning orange
37:04in the afternoon sun.
37:08I planted this one
37:09three years ago.
37:10The air smelled
37:11of soil and grass,
37:12mixed with the faint,
37:13cool sweetness
37:14characteristic of autumn.
37:16Three years ago,
37:16I stood under
37:17that old maple tree
37:18at the entrance
37:18of the small town,
37:19thinking that was my home.
37:21But now I'm standing
37:22under this maple tree.
37:24This tree is mine.
37:29Do you like it?
37:32I looked up
37:33at the leaves.
37:36I like it.
37:37He looked at me,
37:37the corner of his mouth
37:38curving up,
37:39then turned towards the house.
37:40Let's go inside,
37:40it's warmer in there.
37:42I was looking
37:43at the maple trees
37:44outside the window.
37:47When Eli wrapped
37:48his arms around me
37:49from behind
37:50and kissed my ear.
37:53I haven't taken
37:54a shower yet.
37:55Can I take that
37:56as an invitation?
37:57How come I never knew
37:58you had this side?
38:01Lena.
38:03Hmm.
38:05What was I like back then
38:07that made you choose
38:07to return to the town?
38:09I fell silent.
38:11He started kissing me,
38:13teasing me,
38:14touching me.
38:14He whispered in my ear.
38:15I really couldn't resist.
38:17Tell me.
38:18I thought you weren't
38:19a family-oriented man.
38:23So you chose him.
38:25But you chose wrong.
38:28You weren't happy.
38:30I froze for a moment.
38:31Because you lived
38:32in Hollow Creek
38:32for three years
38:33and never posted
38:33a single online post.
38:35When you were in Verona City,
38:36you posted one
38:36every other day.
38:37His palm pressed
38:38against my lower back,
38:39rubbing gently,
38:40sliding downward.
38:41I tilted my head back
38:42and he kissed my forehead.
38:44Lena.
38:45I'll learn to put family first.
38:46His voice dropped a little.
38:48His warm breath
38:49and kisses
38:49landed on my skin together.
38:51I lifted my hand,
38:52grabbed his shirt,
38:53and tugged.
38:53The fabric tightened.
39:00One afternoon,
39:01I spotted several clumps
39:02of familiar plants
39:03in the eastern corner
39:04of the garden.
39:05I squatted down
39:06and stared for a long moment.
39:07Then I recognized them.
39:09They were the wildflowers
39:10that grew everywhere
39:11along the roadside
39:12at the entrance
39:12of Hollow Creek.
39:13Where did you get these?
39:14Eli was squatting
39:15on the other side,
39:16watering the tomatoes.
39:17He lifted his head
39:18and glanced over.
39:19I bought the seeds online.
39:20A native plant
39:21from Hollow Creek.
39:22I saw someone selling them
39:23on a forum.
39:25Yeah.
39:27I hope this makes you
39:27feel a bit more at home.
39:29I squatted beside him
39:31and reached out
39:31to brush the pale purple blooms.
39:33I pulled my hand back
39:34and turned to look at him.
39:35Eli?
39:37Hmm?
39:38I reached out
39:39and tapped his chest lightly.
39:40He looked at me.
39:41What?
39:42You're pretty good
39:43at growing tomatoes.
39:44He smiled faintly
39:45and turned back
39:45to keep adjusting the nozzle.
39:48I stretched out my hand,
39:49plucked a mint leaf nearby,
39:51crushed it,
39:52and held it under my nose
39:53to smell.
39:54Cool.
39:54Fresh.
39:55It's different from Hollow Creek.
39:57So much better.
40:00Shall I make tomato bis
40:01for you tonight?
40:02He nodded with a smile.
40:03The doorbell rang
40:04urgently that night.
40:05I walked through the entryway
40:07to answer the door.
40:08The moment the door opened,
40:10I almost didn't recognize him.
40:17He stands at the door.
40:20Lena.
40:21Both hands hanging at his sides,
40:22fingers slightly curled.
40:31He speaks.
40:32His pace is very slow.
40:34I came to find you and Eli
40:36about that new drug
40:37from your company,
40:38SCC7.
40:39I lean against the door frame,
40:40looking at him.
40:41I have stage 2 gastric cancer.
40:44My attending doctor said
40:45conventional chemotherapy
40:46has limited effect
40:47and suggested I apply for a spot
40:48in the experimental group.
40:49He lifts his eyes
40:50to look at me,
40:51full of pleading.
40:53That drug is very effective,
40:55but the spots in the experimental group
40:57are limited.
40:58There are too many people applying.
40:59His voice grows lower and lower.
41:00I was wondering,
41:03could you ask Eli for me?
41:04I step to the side,
41:05making way at the door.
41:07Come in first.
41:10Eli comes out of the kitchen,
41:11still wearing an apron.
41:12His expression doesn't change at all
41:14the moment he sees Cole.
41:16Cole looks at Eli,
41:17then at me,
41:17doesn't step forward,
41:19his lips trembling slightly.
41:21I came,
41:21Cole repeats,
41:22to apply for a spot
41:23in the experimental group
41:24for the drug SCC7.
41:25Eli looks at him for 2 seconds,
41:27then nods.
41:28I'll have the R&D department
41:29prioritize reviewing your case.
41:30If you meet the criteria,
41:32you'll be notified next Monday.
41:33Cole stands there,
41:34hands hanging at his sides,
41:35as if he doesn't know
41:36where to put them.
41:37He glances at me,
41:38his lips moving again.
41:41Eli turns and goes back
41:42to the kitchen,
41:43his footsteps fading
41:44down the hallway.
41:45Cole is still standing
41:46in the entryway.
41:47He looks at me and speaks.
41:49You look well.
41:51His voice so hoarse
41:52it barely sounds like his.
41:53I stand in the hallway,
41:55one hand resting
41:55on the doorframe.
41:57I'm fine.
41:59That night,
42:00I sat on the sofa
42:01with my knees hugged,
42:02staring at my blurry reflection
42:03in the floor-to-ceiling window.
42:05Hollow Creek,
42:06Cole,
42:07Beth,
42:07Mia,
42:08those names now sound like
42:09stories from someone else's life.
42:11In that small town,
42:12everyone knows you,
42:13everyone knows who you're with,
42:14and everyone just assumes
42:16you'll get married.
42:17In New York,
42:17no one knows you,
42:18and no one cares
42:19who you're with.
42:20Love is a choice.
42:22Love is choosing
42:23the same person every day.
42:25Still him?
42:26Yes.
42:27I'm really lucky,
42:28my second choice
42:29wasn't wrong.
42:30As I was thinking,
42:32Eli walked over
42:33holding two glasses of water.
42:34He set one down
42:35in front of me
42:36and sat beside me.
42:38The largest maple tree
42:39in the garden
42:39stood quietly
42:40in the moonlight.
42:43I leaned back
42:44against the sofa cushion,
42:45his hand resting
42:46on my knee.
42:47Eli?
42:48Hmm?
42:49Will the maple trees
42:50turn red again next year?
42:52Every year.
42:54I asked when I planted them.
42:56This variety
42:57can live for 80 years.
42:5980 years?
43:00Hmm.
43:02That's enough.
43:04On a weekend morning,
43:05sunlight seeped
43:06through the gaps
43:07in the curtains,
43:08drawing a golden line
43:09across the floor.
43:10I rolled over
43:11and felt the empty spot
43:12beside the bed.
43:13When I opened my eyes,
43:14I heard the clatter
43:15of pots and pans
43:16coming from the kitchen.
43:18I pulled on my coat
43:19and walked out,
43:20only to see Eli
43:21wearing an apron,
43:22frying toast.
43:26The milk on the stove
43:27was steaming,
43:28and beside it
43:29sat a plate
43:29of small cherry tomatoes
43:30and two peeled
43:31boiled eggs.
43:33I leaned against
43:34the door frame,
43:35watching his busy back.
43:36Sunlight streamed
43:37in through the window,
43:38falling on his shoulders
43:39and gilding them
43:40with a soft,
43:41fuzzy golden edge.
43:42Suddenly,
43:43I realized that this
43:44was exactly the life
43:45I wanted.
43:46No arguments,
43:47no scheming.
43:50Only the morning milk,
43:52the flowers in the garden,
43:53and someone who is willing
43:54to tie on an apron for me.
43:56He turned around
43:57and saw me still spacing out,
43:59walked over,
43:59and flicked my forehead
44:01lightly with his finger.
44:03What are you daydreaming about?
44:05The milk is gonna get cold.
44:07I leaned against his shoulder
44:08and thought to myself,
44:10so this is what happiness
44:11feels like.
44:15Isn't the company's new drug
44:16about to launch?
44:18How come you're not
44:19working overtime?
44:20Eli kissed me lightly.
44:22How dare I go to work
44:23on the weekend?
44:24What if my wife
44:25divorced me over it?
44:26I'm a real family man now.
44:28I'm a real family man now.