Three at a Wedding, Two Lies - FULL | Reelshort
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Short filmTranscript
00:03My fiancé and I took part in a wedding reality show
00:05where 50 couples held live-streamed weddings at the same time.
00:08While he was downstairs taking on a challenge, I slipped out secretly.
00:12We wanted to become the first happy couple witnessed by the whole country.
00:15But to my shock, I ended up discovering his secret.
00:18Simon, you can't be serious.
00:19This is a live national TV wedding.
00:22You're going to use the chaos to marry Hazel's most hated sister?
00:25How do you think Hazel is going to take that?
00:27I froze. Then Simon sighed.
00:31What else am I supposed to do?
00:32My brother's been dead for three years, and my parents still hold Chloe responsible.
00:36If I marry her and make her a legal member of the family,
00:39they won't be able to keep going after her.
00:41As for Hazel, she and I have always been soulmates on a spiritual level.
00:45We don't need a marriage certificate.
00:47She wouldn't care about those formalities.
00:49The groomsmen still sounded uneasy.
00:50But you're forgetting what happened after your brother dumped Hazel for Chloe.
00:54Hazel nearly jumped into the river.
00:57It took you three years to pull her out of that darkness.
00:59If she finds out she's been robbed of a fiancé twice by her own half-sister, she'll lose her mind.
01:04Simon cut him off casually.
01:05This whole TV wedding is chaos by design.
01:08And at the final reveal, every bride will be under one of those thick, opaque veils.
01:13When the time comes, I'll just say I didn't recognize her.
01:16Besides, you all know I only got close to Hazel so Chloe could marry my brother smoothly.
01:22Now that he's gone, it's only right that I be the one to look after Chloe.
01:26Simon coldly turned to the other two men and said,
01:28You two go stand outside room 302.
01:30Don't let Hazel get out and make a scene.
01:32Once the license is signed and the broadcast is over, it'll be too late for my parents to object.
01:37At that, I just let out a quiet laugh.
01:39I went back to my room in silence, opened the group chat, and found the temporary match paired with Chloe
01:45today.
01:46Room 302 needs a groom? Interested.
01:49I set my phone down while the screen was still glowing.
01:51Hazel, lock the door! Now! Simon's already cleared the first challenge!
01:55My lips moved a little, but it wasn't really a smile.
01:59My friend Nora saw that I still hadn't moved and grabbed my arm.
02:02Come on, come on! Simon's already at the second round!
02:05When he gets up here, how are we to mess with him?
02:09No need to worry about that. I pulled my arm free.
02:12Nora blinked.
02:13What does that mean?
02:14I looked at her, my face gone cold.
02:16It means this wedding probably can't happen.
02:22She stared at me, confused.
02:24What happened? Haven't the two of you been waiting forever for this TV wedding?
02:28You worked so hard to get a slot. So how is it suddenly not happening?
02:33I didn't answer. Yeah. We had worked hard to get that slot.
02:37Three months ago, Simon put the application in front of me.
02:40He told me a TV station was holding a grand group wedding, signing live, witnessed by the whole internet.
02:45He said he'd stayed up for two straight nights just to secure us a place.
02:48He said if he was only getting married once in his life, it had to be grand.
02:52I hesitated.
02:53At the time, my mother had just been admitted to the ICU.
02:56She had always regretted never having a real wedding when she was young.
02:58Her mother died early, her family had no money, and they just got their marriage certificate.
03:02And that was it. She used to say she wanted to see me in a wedding dress someday,
03:06and personally place my hand in the groom's hand. I wanted her to have that.
03:10So, I took the application form to her hospital room and showed her the fine print.
03:15Due to venue and broadcast restrictions, this TV wedding will not include a parent escort and handoff.
03:21My mother said it was fine. As long as she lived to see me get married, that was enough.
03:26But when she turned to the page with the ceremony flow, she stared at it for a long time.
03:31Then I won't be able to see you walk through the door in your wedding dress?
03:34I broke down, crying, in the hospital hallway.
03:37That same night, I said to Simon,
03:39Can we not do the TV wedding?
03:42Can't we just have something small so my mom can walk me in herself and give me to you from
03:48her wheelchair?
03:49Simon held me and said how hard it had been to get the slot that I needed to stop being
03:53stubborn.
03:54He said the wedding would be broadcast nationwide,
03:56and my mother could watch it from the TV in her hospital room just the same.
04:00I said it wasn't the same.
04:01He said that once he found me, we could video call my mother, and it would be just as good.
04:05I didn't argue anymore, because when he said that, his eyes were red.
04:08He told me he wanted so much to give me the grandest wedding.
04:12I believed him.
04:14Later, my mother's condition worsened, and she was moved to respiratory care.
04:17On the last day, she was fully lucid. She held my hand.
04:21Mom's never going to get to see you in your wedding dress.
04:24I told her.
04:26You will.
04:28It's going to be on TV.
04:30Just make sure the nurse turns it to the right channel.
04:33She said okay.
04:34But today, my fiancé said,
04:37As for Hazel, she and I have always been soulmates on a spiritual level.
04:41We don't need marriage.
04:42She won't care about something as superficial as that.
04:45My mother was lying in a hospital bed, waiting in front of the television.
04:49And she had no idea her daughter didn't even deserve a marriage certificate.
04:54Suddenly, more footsteps sounded in the hallway outside.
04:57Nora leaned out to check and tensed at once.
04:59That's weird.
05:00Why are there only two groomsmen?
05:01Where's Simon?
05:02She turned back to look at me, completely confused.
05:04The challenges are over.
05:05Shouldn't he be running upstairs to find you first by now?
05:07I let out a small laugh.
05:08Nora, when the groom gets here, don't make it too hard on him.
05:12Nora blinked, then covered her mouth and laughed.
05:15Got it, got it.
05:16I knew you'd go soft on Simon.
05:19Fine.
05:19Since he spent three years chasing you, I'll tell the bridesmaids not to be too hard on him.
05:25At most, we'll make him do 20 puss-ups.
05:28As she spoke, she picked up her phone and sent a message to the other bridesmaids waiting outside.
05:34The bride says, don't be too brutal.
05:36Save him some face.
05:38The corner of my mouth lifted slightly, but I said nothing.
05:41Under normal circumstances, this would have been such a sweet moment.
05:44After sending the message, Nora came over and looped her arm through mine.
05:47Seriously, Simon must look incredible today.
05:51You've been together for three years, and he's barely even held your hand.
05:55Now you're about to be legally married?
05:58Aren't you nervous?
05:59No, I said.
06:00Nora laughed.
06:02You liar.
06:04Your lips are white.
06:06Just then, my phone started vibrating.
06:08It was my mother.
06:09She'd made a point of video calling me.
06:11She had just finished chemo.
06:12All her hair was gone.
06:14Her face was pale and yellow, but she was smiling so brightly.
06:17My beautiful girl, you look so lovely today.
06:22I'm watching the broadcast.
06:24Simon's working so hard to get through all those games just so he can marry you, so don't be too
06:30hard on him, all right?
06:32I forced a dry little laugh and nodded.
06:34My mother kept smiling.
06:36I can't wait to see the two of you sign.
06:38A nurse came in to change her medication and glanced at the screen.
06:41Oh, madam, your daughter is one of the brides today?
06:44She is.
06:45Fifty couples are getting married live on television today, and my daughter is one of them.
06:51My mother's voice was weak, but she could not hide how happy she was.
06:54My son-in-law is a good man.
06:55In all these years, he's never given me a single reason to worry.
06:58He's been so good to my daughter.
07:00I tightened my grip on the phone until my nails dug into my palm.
07:03She had no idea.
07:04The man who had chased me for three years, loved me for three years, and did everything he could to
07:09get me into this TV wedding,
07:10had only done it so he could use the chaos to marry Chloe, the half-sister my mother hated.
07:15Once, Chloe's mother stole my mother's husband.
07:17Now, Chloe was stealing my fiancé, too.
07:19For the second time, I took a deep breath and smiled at the screen.
07:22Okay, Mom.
07:23The signal's getting bad.
07:25I'll call you again after we sign.
07:26After I hung up, Nora stepped in to adjust the thick white veil they'd given me for the final reveal.
07:31Honestly, a group wedding isn't so bad.
07:33It's less exhausting, and it's being broadcast nationwide.
07:36She smiled and added,
07:37Your mom has to be thrilled.
07:39This probably helped her feel a little better already.
07:41She went over to the window and looked outside for a while.
07:44When she came back, she was muttering under her breath,
07:46What is taking Simon so long?
07:49The other rooms have all been picked up already.
07:51The host downstairs is already calling couple 28.
07:55She turned around, picked up a piece of candy from the table, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth.
07:59But seriously, who would have thought three years ago that you'd actually end up marrying him?
08:04I didn't answer.
08:05Nora chewed slowly, her gaze drifting.
08:06Back then, after his brother Mark hurt you like that, I was terrified.
08:10That bastard Mark really knew how to play the perfect man.
08:13When he was with you, he acted like he'd pull the stars out of the sky for you.
08:17We all thought the two of you were absolutely going to get married.
08:20As she spoke, her voice grew heavier.
08:22And then Chloe came out of nowhere.
08:24My fingers curled slightly.
08:25Chloe, I hadn't heard anyone say that name out loud in a long time.
08:29Six months after Simon and I started dating, he finally took me to meet his family.
08:32That was when I learned that Mark was his brother, and the woman who had once destroyed my relationship, my
08:37half-sister Chloe, was already married to him.
08:40I was shaking all over and turned to leave.
08:43Simon grabbed my hand and held on tight, his voice trembling.
08:45Hazel, give me a chance.
08:47I'll spend the rest of my life treating you right.
08:51Please, let the past stay in the past.
08:54I struggled with it for a long time.
08:56Every time I saw Mark and Chloe, my stomach turned.
08:59But Simon really had been good to me.
09:01He never forced me to be friendly with them.
09:03He helped block drinks for me and got me out of awkward situations.
09:06As long as he was there, Mark and Chloe never even got the chance to come near me.
09:11He always said,
09:14If you don't want to deal with them, then don't.
09:15They have nothing to do with you.
09:17But I didn't want to make things harder for him.
09:20He and Mark were family.
09:22Of course, there would be holidays, dinners, and occasions we couldn't avoid.
09:27And the better Simon was to me, the more guilty I felt for not being able to let the past
09:31go.
09:32I wrestled with it for over half a year.
09:35Then one day, at a family dinner, I picked up my wine glass, looked at Chloe, and forced a smile.
09:40Here's to you.
09:41Under the table, Simon squeezed my hand so tightly, his eyes turned red.
09:45After that, I let it go.
09:47But barely a few months later, Marcus played my car crash.
09:51And Chloe became a widow.
09:53I really didn't want to bring all this up on your big day, Nora said with a cold little laugh,
09:58cutting through my thoughts.
09:59It seriously makes me sick.
10:01My fiancé and I couldn't even get a spot in this wedding.
10:04How could someone so notorious get in?
10:06And the man-man marrying her is Simon's college roommate, Luke.
10:10The one who just got back to the States.
10:12Honestly, what is it with men?
10:14Why do they always fall for girls who wreck other people's relationships?
10:17The angrier she got, the more tightly she crushed the candy wrapper in her hand.
10:21When you were engaged to Mark, he left you standing there in front of both families,
10:26just because Chloe said she wasn't feeling well and needed him to take care of her.
10:30And what did that turn into?
10:33He took care of her all the way into bed!
10:36By then, Nora's voice was starting to break.
10:39That night, you went down to the river all by yourself?
10:43I lowered my eyes.
10:44My lashes trembled.
10:46If Simon hadn't jumped in after you and drugged you back out!
10:50She couldn't finish.
10:51She wiped at her eyes hard, and I handed her a tissue.
10:56Nora took it and forced a shaky smile.
10:59Simon!
11:01He was soaked through, shivering, his lips nearly purple from the cold,
11:05and he just squatted there telling you,
11:07Don't be afraid.
11:09I'm with you.
11:11How could someone who barely knew you be that gentle with you?
11:14As she went on, her tone lightened again,
11:17carrying that quiet relief of someone who had made it through the worst.
11:20He told you he understood.
11:22He said he knew what it was like to be lied to,
11:24and that he'd spend the rest of his life, rest of you heal.
11:28You know, you were scary thin back then.
11:32You barely spoke to anyone, and you wouldn't even eat unless he stayed with you.
11:36Nora twisted the tissue into a ball.
11:38We all thought God had sent him to save you.
11:41He spent three years pursuing you and couldn't even bear to touch your hand.
11:44Honestly, we even joked in private that maybe there was something wrong with his body.
11:49But now that I think about,
11:50what man could go that far unless he truly loved someone?
11:54By the time she said the last two words, her eyes had gone red again.
11:57I lifted my head and looked out the window.
12:00Then, I let out a quiet laugh.
12:02He doesn't love me.
12:05Nora went still.
12:06What did you just say?
12:07I forced a smile, but it came out ugly.
12:09He only got close to me so Chloe could marry Mark without any trouble.
12:13Nora froze.
12:14What do you mean?
12:16I looked at her and suddenly felt there was no point in saying more.
12:19Today was supposed to be a happy day.
12:20There was no need to ruin it for her too.
12:22All Nora ever saw was Simon saving me and treating me well.
12:25She never saw the way he treated Chloe differently.
12:27How I kept letting it slide again and again for years.
12:30That was my pain to carry, not Nora's.
12:32I should have seen it in the way he would go out late at night again and again to take
12:36Chloe's calls.
12:37In the way he kept asking me to be understanding because she was alone.
12:41In the way he would still eat with Chloe first and celebrate with me after on my birthdays
12:45and anniversaries.
12:47I should have woken up a long time ago.
12:49But I couldn't let go of the man who once pulled me out of hell.
12:52Nora stared at me, her eyes red.
12:54You always tell me the good parts and keep the rest to yourself.
12:57What happened?
12:59Don't think I didn't notice?
13:01Sometimes the way Simon treated Chloe just didn't feel right.
13:05I asked you about it before.
13:07Every time you said, it's fine.
13:09She's my sister and she's going to be Simon's sister-in-law.
13:12Of course he should look out for her.
13:14So I didn't push any further.
13:16She sniffed, her voice starting to shake.
13:17But it stayed in the back of my mind.
13:18Then the day he proposed, he got down on one knee in the plaza outside your office.
13:23The ground was covered in roses.
13:25And by the time he called your name, his voice was already horsey.
13:28All I could think was, how could a man like that not love you?
13:32As she spoke, Nora ended up smiling through her tears.
13:35So I guess none of that matters now.
13:38My Hazel is finally marrying the man she loves.
13:41The moment she finished, laughter and excited voices rose outside the door.
13:44Here! The groom's here!
13:46Nora's eyes lit up instantly.
13:47She wiped away her tears and broke into a smile.
13:49He's here! Simon's here!
13:51Hurry! Sit still!
13:54Pull your veil down! Don't let him see you yet!
13:57Oh no! Did I smudge my makeup?
14:00I watched Nora rush around, but I didn't move.
14:02She was smiling.
14:03I was smiling too.
14:04She was smiling because she thought Simon had finally come for me.
14:07I was smiling because the groom had finally arrived.
14:10The moment the door opened, Nora's smile froze.
14:13It wasn't Simon.
14:13Outside, the bridesmaids hired for the show were still laughing.
14:16Make the groom earn it!
14:18Come on, sing for her!
14:18They didn't know Simon.
14:19They just assumed the man at the door was the groom for this room.
14:22But Nora knew.
14:22She turned to me so fast it was almost jarring.
14:26Her eyes reddened instantly.
14:28Confusion.
14:29Panic.
14:30And beneath both, a flicker of despair, like she had already guessed the truth.
14:35I reached for her hand and gave it a light squeeze.
14:38Tears spilled down her face at once, but she didn't ask why.
14:43Maybe it was because of what I had told her earlier.
14:44He only got close to me so Chloe could marry Mark without any trouble.
14:48Or maybe it was because I sat there so calmly under my veil that she understood everything.
14:53Without another word, Nora bit down on her lip and stepped aside.
14:56Then she waved at the groom.
14:57He walked in without a word, took my hand, and led me out.
15:01The hallway was quiet.
15:02Every other bride had already been brought out in laughter and noise.
15:04Only suite 302 was different.
15:06The bride was let out in silence by a man she had never met.
15:09By the time we reached the lawn, 50 brides in white veils were already standing in five neat rows.
15:14The emcee lifted the microphone.
15:16All right, the last couple is in place.
15:18All 50 couples are here.
15:20Now it's time for the vows.
15:22Simon, who was talking and laughing with Chloe, frowned the second he heard all 50 couples.
15:27Wait!
15:28The host paused.
15:29The microphone held in midair.
15:30Simon frowned, his gaze sweeping from the front row and back again.
15:33The heavy veil hid the face, but something felt off.
15:36The best man beside him immediately ran over.
15:38Simon, the producer said we can't start the Grodkaskin without 50 couples.
15:42Luke said to just find any woman to pair up.
15:44Simon's frown eased.
15:46The best man could tell what he was thinking and hurried to reassure him.
15:49We've got two of the guys watching Hazel over there.
15:51She won't be able to get out.
15:53As for you, don't slow everyone down.
15:56Just get the vows over with and sign the marriage license.
15:58Simon nodded.
16:00Chloe tugged his sleeve from beside him.
16:03Simon, what's wrong?
16:06Nothing.
16:06His voice softened.
16:07Then he raised his hand to the host.
16:09It's fine.
16:09Continue.
16:10The host breathed out and lifted the microphone again.
16:13All grooms, please take your bride's hand.
16:16Fifty pairs of hands clasped at once.
16:18Grooms, face your brides.
16:20Simon turned to face Chloe.
16:22Lift the veil.
16:23Chloe smiled at him shyly, looking demure and lovely.
16:25He forced a smile and followed the host's words.
16:27I vow, from this day forward, whether in poverty or in wealth.
16:34The only flaw was that the face beneath the veil wasn't the one he had in his heart.
16:39After all, that was the person he'd poured his idealized affections into.
16:43Pure, unblemished, someone who didn't need a marriage certificate.
16:47The woman before him was different.
16:50With her, he only intended to give a legal status.
16:54In sickness and in health.
16:56After saying the final line, Simon inexplicably turned his head and glanced again at the last row.
17:02Luke had his head down, talking to the bride beside him.
17:05Chloe laughed and tugged him again.
17:07What are you thinking?
17:08It's time to go to the signing table.
17:10Simon drew his gaze back.
17:12Yeah.
17:13He took Chloe's hand and they moved forward.
17:15The 50 couples formed a long line and, in a grand procession, walked toward the registrar's signing table.
17:23Staff checked IDs, stamped, and signed.
17:26When it was Simon's turn, the official took his and Chloe's documents and said,
17:31Sign here.
17:31The moment the stamp came down, Simon felt an emptiness inside.
17:35He couldn't say why.
17:36He had prepared for this moment for three months.
17:39For those three months, he'd been coaxing Hazel every day, saying he wanted to give her an unforgettable wedding.
17:45That having the signing streamed on TV would be memorable.
17:47That she didn't need to worry about anything because he would arrange it all.
17:50Even though the televised wedding required everyone to dress the same.
17:54He still took her to try on wedding dresses, picked out a diamond for her,
17:58letting her still have the right every girl deserves to a wedding.
18:01For a moment, he nearly convinced himself he was truly going to walk down the aisle with Hazel today.
18:07Just now, as the stamp fell, the woman opposite him, Chloe, had pulled him back to reality.
18:12He drew a deep breath and told himself,
18:14The purpose was achieved.
18:15From today on, Chloe would no longer be berated by her parents as someone who brings bad luck.
18:20Her parents had said she must leave the city and be barred from enjoying any of the Davis family's resources,
18:25or else they would make her penniless and force her out of their social circle.
18:29With a legal marriage certificate, he could exchange for her staying safe in the family.
18:33And it was also a rebuke to her parents.
18:34Chloe took the marriage certificate, eyes red, and said,
18:38Simon, today on, I am your wife.
18:40Simon smiled and wiped her tears away.
18:42Why cry?
18:43This is the security I promised you.
18:46From now on, you're the Davis family's lawful wife.
18:49No one will dare treat you badly.
18:51Chloe forced a smile through her tears.
18:53They talked a little longer.
18:55Simon instructed her how to explain things to her parents.
18:58And Chloe agreed to each point.
19:00Then, out of the corner of his eye, something not far off caught his attention.
19:04And he suddenly froze.
19:06Luke was leading the pillar bride they'd found to make up the numbers toward the signing table.
19:11Weren't they just going to find someone to fill the spot and make up 50 couples?
19:15Why are they signing legal papers, too?
19:17Once that signature goes down, Luke will actually be married.
19:20Simon found himself taking an involuntary step forward.
19:23Chloe caught his arm just in time.
19:25Who's Luke's bride?
19:26She asked.
19:26All the brides wore the official gowns, their faces hidden.
19:29Even Simon couldn't tell who it was.
19:30Probably someone the production arranged at random.
19:33He said dismissively.
19:34Luke's just filling a slot.
19:35I hope he doesn't get carried away and take it seriously.
19:38Chloe smiled, covering her mouth, a faint blush on her cheeks.
19:41We should be grateful he helped.
19:43The others were too scared your parents' retaliation to sign up for the televisized wedding.
19:47Her voice softened.
19:48If he really hits it off with that girl, that's good, too.
19:50Love needs a little impulse, right?
19:52She lowered her head a little, waiting for Simon to reply.
19:55But his thoughts were already far away.
19:56The night Hazel stood by the river, when he rescued her, he'd acted on impulse.
20:00At that time, his whole heart and eyes were on Chloe.
20:02He hated his brother Mark for usurping love, but he couldn't hate the woman he loved.
20:06He only wanted her to be happy.
20:08When Mark and Hazel got engaged, he thought he finally had a chance.
20:12But at the last minute, the groom abandoned the bride to go after Chloe.
20:15Seeing Hazel fall into the water, a lightning-fast thought crossed his mind.
20:18If Hazel were saved by him, and loved by him, she wouldn't pursue Mark,
20:23and Chloe could quietly marry into the Davis family.
20:25If they lived under the same family roof, that would be another kind of fulfillment.
20:29He told himself their beginning was just a scheme, a favor granted.
20:32But once, when Hazel fell asleep on his shoulder,
20:35he sat there for more than an hour without moving, afraid to wake her.
20:38In that moment, a voice in him said,
20:40This is enough. A lifetime like this would be fine.
20:43He was grateful for that impulsive moment.
20:46No matter the motive, at least it had brought him to Hazel.
20:49He never expected Mark to die so soon.
20:51A traffic accident gone in an instant.
20:53Overnight, Chloe became a widow, and her parents poured their grief out on her, calling her a jinx.
20:58Chloe, eyes rimmed with red, begged him,
21:01Simon, please help me.
21:02Simon came back to himself, and found Chloe watching him.
21:05He took her hand.
21:07Let's go. We'll get out first.
21:09Chloe pressed her lips together, and said nothing more.
21:11She followed him toward the exit.
21:13Just as they stepped out of the hall, a voice called over.
21:16Simon! Bad news!
21:17Simon suddenly raised his hand and clapped his palm over the best man's mouth.
21:21He glanced at the nearby broadcast camera.
21:23Keep it down. The live feed's still on.
21:25The man swallowed the words back.
21:27Simon let go, stepped to the side to block the lens, and said,
21:30Speak.
21:30Simon!
21:31The other's voice trembled.
21:32Your bride ran off.
21:34Nora isn't in her room either.
21:36Simon frowned, but kept his composure.
21:38What happened?
21:39No sooner had the words left his mouth than the host's voice came over the plaza loudspeakers.
21:44Congratulations to the 50th couple on a successful signing.
21:49Now all newlyweds, please gather on the central lawn.
21:53Applause and cheers surged from every direction.
21:55Simon lifted his head.
21:56For some reason, it felt like he'd been stabbed.
21:59The best man who'd been posted at the door of room 302 looked close to tears.
22:03Simon, the two of us were standing guard at 302's door.
22:05Someone knocked us out from behind.
22:07When we came to, everyone was gone.
22:09Simon froze for a second, then his expression hardened.
22:12She must have found out.
22:14The best man's eyes widened.
22:15What do we do?
22:17What can we do?
22:18Simon straightened his bow tie, expressionless.
22:20I always expected she'd react like this.
22:23She seems docile, but she's stubborn through and through.
22:27Let her calm down first.
22:28In the past, whenever I paid a little more attention to Chloe, Hazel would show her displeasure.
22:32Even if she didn't say it aloud, I could tell.
22:34That's why I didn't ask Hazel to cooperate and marry me outright to trick her parents.
22:37She would never agree.
22:38This reality show wedding was an opportunity.
22:41Now that she discovered she'd been swapped, of course she'd be angry.
22:44But once she'd finished throwing a fit, I was confident he could soothe her.
22:49Three years ago, when she was pulled from the river and trembling in my arms,
22:53I stayed with her through the worst.
22:55I took her to restaurants, went with her to therapists, helped her regain a healthy weight.
23:00Every one of her friends knew me.
23:02Her mother treated me like a son.
23:04When she was hospitalized, she listened to no one but me.
23:07Let her be upset.
23:08Just not in front of the cameras and spoil the plan.
23:11Afterwards, I had a hundred ways to make it up to her.
23:14Simon turned to look at the lively crowd on the lawn.
23:17For some reason, he felt something was wrong, though he couldn't say why.
23:20He pushed the unease aside, gave Chloe a gentle smile, and said,
23:25Come on, let's go say hello to Luke.
23:27Chloe grabbed his arm.
23:28Simon, I just saw Luke.
23:30I think he's already left.
23:31Simon frowned.
23:32They hadn't seen each other in years.
23:34He'd been hoping to catch up while they had the chance.
23:36He stopped a nearby staff member.
23:37Aren't we doing the big group photo?
23:39How can we take it missing a couple?
23:40The staff checked the list and looked up.
23:43Oh, Mr. Luke's pair left early for a reason.
23:45They said the bride's mother had an emergency, a life or death situation,
23:49so the producers made a special allowance for them to go.
23:51A sudden pang tightened in Simon's chest.
23:54He couldn't help thinking of my mother, the woman lying in a hospital bed, hair gone,
23:58counting the days.
23:59She must be watching the broadcast, waiting to see her daughter sign.
24:02If she saw her chosen son-in-law vow and marry another woman, could she bear it?
24:06Simon's hand clenched without his realizing it.
24:09Chloe stepped closer, smiling.
24:10Looks like Luke and that girl are serious.
24:13Just married and rushing off to see her mother.
24:16We should give them a big present.
24:18Simon said nothing.
24:19Chloe moved even closer.
24:21Come on, let's go take the group photo.
24:22Her eyes sparkled as she waited for him to nod.
24:25Simon finally turned, glanced at Chloe, then at the dozens of couples gathering on the lawn,
24:29a sea of white veils festive and jubilant.
24:31His plan was proceeding smoothly, the signature was done,
24:34and the whole nation had watched the broadcast.
24:36Even if his parents wanted to oppose it, it would be too late.
24:40As for the group photo, Simon took a deep breath and suddenly said,
24:44Not doing it.
24:46I'm going to the hospital first.
24:48Chloe immediately realized what he meant and grabbed his arm.
24:51I'll go with you.
24:51What for?
24:52I'm worried about you.
24:53Chloe's voice softened.
24:54If you go alone and Auntie gets angry and scolds you, what will you do?
24:58I'll come so I can help explain a bit.
25:00Besides, today's mess started because of me.
25:04I should go apologize to Auntie.
25:06Simon hesitated for two seconds, then didn't refuse.
25:09The car sped off.
25:10Simon drove fast.
25:11Over the years, he'd learned Hazel's temper.
25:13When hurt, she never made a scene.
25:14She'd sneak off to her mother's side.
25:16This time he hadn't told her and had swapped brides.
25:18She'd probably be bawling.
25:20He'd already packed the jewelry and bouquet in the trunk for an apology.
25:23Going straight to the hospital was most convenient.
25:25They stopped under the hospital.
25:27Simon took a deep breath and got out.
25:30On the floor with Hazel's mother's ward, he rounded a corner and came to a sudden halt.
25:35Luke was leaning against the wall by the ward door, peeling an apple.
25:38Simon froze.
25:40Luke, what are you doing here?
25:42Luke looked up at him but kept peeling.
25:45My mom said she wanted to see me, so I came.
25:48Simon felt his head explode.
25:49Mom?
25:51Luke's mom?
25:51Something in his mind began to click together, bit by bit.
25:55Chloe smiled and greeted Luke.
25:56Luke, what a coincidence.
25:58Thanks for helping today.
25:59By the way, who were you paired with?
26:01We didn't get a chance to ask before you left.
26:03Luke said nothing and kept his head down, continuing to peel the apple.
26:06The smile on Chloe's face began to falter.
26:08He said he was helping but had been cold to her the whole time.
26:10She almost started to doubt her own charm.
26:12Just as she was about to ask again, the ward door, slightly ajar, let a familiar voice drift out.
26:17Honey, why are you taking so long to peel that apple?
26:20Mom's getting impatient.
26:22Simon went rigid.
26:23That voice.
26:24He'd heard it for three years and could recognize it with his eyes closed.
26:27She called him.
26:28Honey.
26:29Luke finally looked up and said slowly.
26:31Hear that?
26:32My wife just called me.
26:33Simon pushed the ward door open with force.
26:35It slammed against the wall with a loud bang.
26:37On the bed, Hazel's mother sat propped against the headboard, her face sallow.
26:41But the spirit remains relatively good, holding a gift box and shoving it into Hazel's hands.
26:45Hazel had her back to the door, still wearing the wedding gown from the broadcast.
26:49Her hair still pinned up, smiling and teasing.
26:51Mom, shouldn't you have given this to Luke yourself?
26:54At the sound of the door, Hazel turned.
26:56When she saw Simon, her smile didn't change.
26:59She only glanced at him briefly, then looked past him toward Luke at the doorway.
27:03Darling, aren't you going to come and accept the gift mom gave you?
27:07Simon took a step forward, his voice hoarse.
27:09Hazel, come outside with me for a moment.
27:12I need to talk to you.
27:14Luke stepped over, his hand naturally resting on Hazel's shoulder.
27:17Say it here.
27:18She's tired after a long day and doesn't want to move.
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