- 7 hours ago
Presidents! Stop fighting for me HD vibesh
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Short filmTranscript
00:09You're seven with Ethan Harlow.
00:11I'd secretly bought a wedding dress, worked up every ounce of courage to propose to him.
00:16But as luck would have it, I was a few minutes late to the party that night.
00:20I walked in just as he was talking with his friends.
00:22I stood by the door, listening to the voices inside.
00:26Quinn.
00:26He lit a cigarette, grinned lazily.
00:28Yeah, I'm over it.
00:30Seven years, man.
00:31Wouldn't you be?
00:33The others laughed along.
00:34Fair point.
00:35Seven years, even a goddess gets old.
00:38Though Quinn's genuinely stunning.
00:40That body too.
00:41Remember Ethan's birthday last year?
00:43She wore that red dress and every guy in the room couldn't look away.
00:47Seriously, Ethan, you used to be so crazy about her.
00:50You really done?
00:51Ethan's voice was flat.
00:52When do I ever say things I don't mean?
00:55So, you wouldn't mind if I went after Quinn?
00:58He blew out a smoke ring, barely interested.
01:01Go for it.
01:02As long as you're both fine with it.
01:03Dude, have some self-respect.
01:05You really want Ethan's leftovers?
01:07More laughter.
01:08I didn't go into that room that night.
01:10I texted him some excuse about a headache and went home.
01:12Ethan didn't ask a single question.
01:14Just hung up.
01:15Whatever was left of my will to stay, it died that night.
01:17Two days later, everyone in their circle was talking.
01:20Ethan was chasing some sophomore, performing arts school.
01:23Young, soft, naive.
01:25He always pursued others in a grand fashion, just like he did with me back then.
01:29Showering them with flowers, fancy cars, and jewelry.
01:32The girl couldn't resist his advances at all.
01:34They soon got together.
01:36At a friend's dinner, Ethan walked right in with her on his arm.
01:39The room went quiet the moment he stepped through the door.
01:41A few of my closer girlfriends shot me worried looks.
01:44I smiled.
01:45Why'd everyone go quiet?
01:46What are you all staring at?
01:47Ethan settled the girl into a seat and finally looked at me.
01:50Quinn.
01:51Perfect timing.
01:52Let's just say it plainly.
01:54Sure.
01:54Go ahead.
01:55Mia's young.
01:56She's genuine.
01:57I actually like her.
01:58I don't want to do her wrong.
01:59I gripped my hands together.
02:01The ring on my finger pressed into the flesh, deep and sharp.
02:04But I couldn't feel a thing.
02:05He stroked the girl's hair.
02:06She deserves love real.
02:08I nodded lightly.
02:09I understand.
02:10We can still be friends.
02:11Anything you need, just say the word.
02:13That's okay.
02:14I smiled.
02:15Stood up.
02:16If it's over, let's make it clean.
02:17No point confusing anyone.
02:19Ethan raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.
02:21Fair enough.
02:22You all enjoy the dinner.
02:23I'll head out.
02:25Want the driver to take you?
02:26No.
02:27I'll grab a ride.
02:28I walked out and pulled the door shut behind me.
02:30Through the gap, I heard someone ask,
02:31How long do you give her this time?
02:33Two days.
02:36She seemed actually upset this time.
02:38I'll say a week.
02:39Ethan laughed cold.
02:40Three days.
02:42She'll be crying back to me before then.
02:44Every single time.
02:46Getting tired of watching it.
02:47Yeah, because Quinn's obsessed with you.
02:49Everyone knows how far gone she is.
02:52I smiled bitterly to myself, clutched my bag tighter, and walked fast toward the elevator.
02:57Back at the apartment, I went to the back of the closet and lifted down the dress.
03:01I'd waited half a year for it.
03:03A custom order.
03:04No returns.
03:05Such a shame.
03:06I'd never get to wear it.
03:07I found a pair of scissors and cut it apart.
03:10It had no business being here anyway.
03:12Before I left, I took off the ring and set it on the coffee table.
03:15I didn't take much.
03:16My personal things.
03:17Everything else I left behind.
03:19I thought about it, then wrote him a note.
03:21The apartment and everything in it.
03:23Do whatever you want with it.
03:24Don't ask me.
03:25I booked the earliest flight to Miami.
03:27My best friend had moved there earlier that year.
03:28She dragged me out for shopping and afternoon coffee.
03:31That evening, there was a small get-together.
03:33Old classmates.
03:34Old friends.
03:35Midway through the drinks, the door swung open.
03:37A few of the girls immediately lit up.
03:39Lucas?
03:39Since when do you show up to things like this?
03:41Seriously, what brings you out tonight?
03:44Had a meeting next door.
03:46Heard there was a reunion.
03:47Figured I'd drop by.
03:48Lucas said this, never taking his eyes off me.
03:51My best friend pinched my arm.
03:53Quinn, he came for you.
03:55I looked at him through slightly unfocused eyes.
03:57Taller than Ethan by an inch or two.
03:59Black overcoat.
04:00Dark suit underneath.
04:02Sharp features.
04:03A great build.
04:04Legs that went on forever.
04:05I squinted at him for a moment, then shook my head.
04:08No way.
04:09We haven't talked in years.
04:10She wasn't listening.
04:11She called out to him directly.
04:13Lucas, could you do me a favor and drive Quinn home later?
04:16We've all been drinking, and I don't trust her in a taxi.
04:19I looked up at Lucas, startled.
04:21His eyes traveled across the room and settled on my face.
04:24Then I saw him nod.
04:26Sure.
04:27My best friend sat back down, leaned close to my ear.
04:30Quinn, after seven years with one man, it's time to move on and embrace a new life.
04:35Even Ethan has done it.
04:36Why can't you start a second chapter of your own?
04:40Besides, a man like Lucas?
04:42If you don't take your shot, it's practically a crime.
04:45What makes you think he'd even want to?
04:47Babe, the way he looked at you?
04:49Trust me, I've been through 18 of them.
04:51I know what I'm talking about.
04:54Lucas drove me back to the hotel.
04:56When we pulled up downstairs, I un-clipped my seatbelt.
05:00Thanks for the ride.
05:01Lucas glanced over at me.
05:02Don't mention it.
05:03I pushed the door open.
05:05Before I could think, I'd already spoken.
05:06Want to come up for a drink?
05:08He helped me walk toward the hotel.
05:09Lucas kissed me in the elevator.
05:11I was already tipsy, and he was demanding, relentless.
05:14I nearly blacked out just from the kiss.
05:16There's a camera.
05:18I gasped, cheeks burning, legs so weak I had to hold onto his waist just to stay upright.
05:23Lucas glanced at the lens, turned me, shifted the angle, and kissed me again.
05:27When the door swiped open, he stopped and looked at me.
05:29Quinn, if you regret this, I'll still back off.
05:32Regret what?
05:33I tilted my face up at him, fingers looping around his tie, pulling him closer.
05:37You kissed my lips halfway to swollen?
05:39A little late to talk about backing off?
05:42Lucas laughed then.
05:43He reached out and brushed his thumb across my lower lip.
05:46Then don't go blaming me later.
05:48Our first night together, Lucas didn't even make it to the bedroom.
05:51He pinned me against the wall, and it was rough enough to hurt a little.
05:54I bit down on his shoulder in protest.
05:56Lucas, what is wrong with you?
05:58Ever heard of being gentle?
05:59His warm hands pressed against my back.
06:01Then he was breathing against my neck.
06:03Quinn, I'm not sure I can hold back.
06:06Five minutes later, I understood what he'd meant.
06:09He carried me to the bedroom.
06:10I buried my face in the pillow, laughing.
06:13Lucas, how long has it been for you?
06:15He gave me a look.
06:17A while.
06:18Work's been everything lately.
06:19I stared at him, the laughter fading.
06:21A moment later, tears came out of nowhere.
06:24I'm sorry.
06:25I shouldn't have...
06:26Quinn, don't.
06:28He fumbled to wipe my face, but the tears wouldn't stop.
06:31I shouldn't have dragged you into this.
06:33But you already did.
06:34He leaned down, cupped my face in his hands.
06:36Steady, almost serious.
06:38Quinn, since you started this, you don't get to stop halfway.
06:43Day seven in Miami.
06:45A friend from back home, Jamie, sent me a text.
06:47Quinn, when are you coming back?
06:49No plans to, for now.
06:50We all miss you.
06:51Ryan's birthday's in a few days.
06:53Come celebrate.
06:54Tell him I'm sorry.
06:55I'll mail a gift.
06:55All right, take care of yourself.
06:57Back in the city, Jamie handed the phone to Ethan.
07:00Look, maybe you should call her.
07:01She'll listen to you.
07:02Ethan stared coldly at the screen.
07:04Then he stubbed out his cigarette and stood.
07:06She can rot out there for all I care.
07:08Ethan, don't be angry.
07:10She's just hurting.
07:11She even took the ring off this time.
07:12It's really crushed, and honestly, it's your fault for pushing it so far with that girl.
07:16We already broke up!
07:17What more does she want?
07:18Ethan snapped, voice rising.
07:20Listen up.
07:21Nobody contacts her!
07:23Not for anything!
07:24Okay, okay, we won't.
07:25Calm down.
07:26You just got out of the hospital two days ago.
07:29Your stomach.
07:30She was around, and your stomach never acted up.
07:32She leaves for five days, and you do this to yourself.
07:35With every word from his friends, Ethan's expression went darker.
07:38Eventually, he grabbed his jacket and walked out, slammed the door.
07:41He hit the street.
07:42Cold air rushed in.
07:43The anger still burned in his chest.
07:45Seven days.
07:46No calls.
07:47No texts.
07:48Not even one.
07:49He pulled out his phone, blocked her number.
07:51Lucas called just as I typed the last line and hit send.
07:54I've been writing columns for magazines since college.
07:57It turned out to be enough to make a living.
07:59Freelance life.
08:00Laptop, good Wi-Fi, and I could work from anywhere.
08:03So when it ended, I had no reason to stay in the city and hurt.
08:08Quinn, what do you want for dinner?
08:09His voice came through clearly.
08:10After an afternoon of work, something in me settled.
08:13I'm exhausted.
08:14You pick.
08:16How about steak?
08:17I know a place with a really good steak.
08:19You'll love it.
08:20I always like my steak rare.
08:22But Ethan used to say watching me eat it turned his stomach, so I stopped.
08:25Though I vaguely remembered Lucas preferring lighter food.
08:28Lucas, you don't have to do this for me.
08:30I'm not picky anymore.
08:31I actually want it too.
08:33Remember in college?
08:34There was that little joint near campus.
08:36The steak were amazing.
08:37Hearing him say that made me hungry for it too.
08:39That place was genuinely good.
08:40I ate there for four years and never got tired of it.
08:43Okay.
08:44Steak then.
08:46I'll come get you now.
08:47Sure.
08:50Lucas took me to a place that'd been in Miami for years.
08:53Old and a little cramped, but always packed.
08:55And Lucas in his tailored suit, sitting in that grimy booth, was a completely ridiculous visual.
09:01I watched him carefully wipe down my chair with a napkin.
09:03For someone like him, these small domestic gestures came surprisingly naturally.
09:08Lucas, your ex did a great job with you.
09:11I couldn't help saying it.
09:12In the beginning, when Ethan was still chasing me, I felt it.
09:15Being cared for.
09:17Being someone's priority.
09:18Then we moved in together the year after graduation.
09:21A little over a year.
09:22And I became the household.
09:24Managing his diet, his rest, his schedule.
09:27Like a wife before the wedding.
09:28But I understand now what I didn't then.
09:30I lost myself loving him.
09:32Forgot that you have to love yourself first.
09:34No wonder the love wore out.
09:36Lucas glanced up from tending the pot.
09:38Where'd you hear I had an ex?
09:40I paused.
09:40The girl who was always around you in college?
09:42Weren't you two childhood friends?
09:44You mean Sophie?
09:45He laughed once.
09:46We grew up together, yeah.
09:48But we never dated.
09:49I never felt that way about her.
09:50She was more like a little sister.
09:52So you haven't been with anyone all these years?
09:54Went on a few setups.
09:56It wasn't right, so...
09:58It ended.
09:59And after that, I looked down.
10:01Thinking about that first night.
10:02Suddenly, it made complete sense.
10:04Quinn, I'll do better next time.
10:06His comment came out of nowhere.
10:08I blinked.
10:08Better at what?
10:09He turned his face away, cleared his throat quietly.
10:12His ears were deeply flushed.
10:14You'll see later.
10:15He kept his word.
10:16After dinner, back at the hotel.
10:17Once he'd carried me out of the bathroom and onto the bed.
10:20I finally understood what he'd meant.
10:22By then, I was completely undone.
10:24Lucas.
10:25I tried to glare at him, but my eyes were misted over.
10:27Which only made me look more helpless.
10:29His name in my mouth came out soft.
10:31Nowhere near as angry as I wanted.
10:32Lucas bowed his head and kissed me softly.
10:35Quinn, is this okay?
10:36I shook my head.
10:37Refused to answer.
10:38He didn't push.
10:39Just kept kissing me.
10:40Over and over.
10:41Patient and unhurried.
10:42I couldn't hold out.
10:43Tears were leaking from the corners of my eyes.
10:45Lucas.
10:46My nails pressed into his lower back.
10:47And there was a sound in my voice I couldn't quite control.
10:50Quinn, tell me now.
10:53Is this okay?
10:54Lucas' own eyes had gone red.
10:55Arms taut.
10:56Sweat falling in drops.
10:58I gave in.
10:59Voice small and wrecked.
11:00Yes.
11:00Yes, it is.
11:02As my last thought drifted away, Lucas put his lips to my ear and whispered very low.
11:06Quinn, if this is good, then promise you'll never leave me.
11:10Okay?
11:11The night of Ryan's birthday, the gift I'd sent from Miami made it to his party.
11:15Ethan sat on the couch, smoking.
11:16The bottle in front of him mostly empty.
11:18The gift had been chosen by Lucas and me together.
11:20A vintage pair of cufflinks from a high-end label Ryan loved.
11:23These are beautiful.
11:24Ryan laughed a little stiffly, reading Ethan's expression,
11:27and quickly had his girlfriend put them away.
11:28Let me see.
11:30Ethan spoke without warning.
11:31Ryan froze, but handed the box over without a word.
11:33Ethan stared at the pair of cufflinks.
11:35The brand's logo was discreet, almost invisible.
11:37But Ethan stared at it for a long moment.
11:39Put them away.
11:40He closed the box and pushed it aside.
11:42Ryan exhaled with relief and reached for it.
11:44Ethan snatched the empty bottle from the table and smashed it against the coffee table.
11:48Glass scattered.
11:49A long gash opened across the back of his hand.
11:51The room erupted.
11:52What happened?
11:53Why did you...
11:53That's a bad cut.
11:54It won't stop bleeding.
11:56Hospital...
11:56Ethan stood there, emotionless, face dark, still as stone.
11:59Quinn never bought anything from that label.
12:01His voice was low and frayed.
12:03Ryan smiled quickly.
12:04So what?
12:05Quinn probably just picked something at random.
12:06Not like your birthday.
12:08She'd been planning your gift for six months.
12:11Exactly.
12:12You know what she means to you.
12:13None of us combined are worth a tenth of what she feels for you.
12:16Ethan laughed sharply.
12:17Feels for me.
12:18The noise in the room bled away, one degree at a time.
12:22Ethan, should I call Quinn?
12:23We need to deal with that cut first.
12:25Ryan suddenly worked up the nerve, picked up his phone, and photographed Ethan's torn-up hand,
12:29then sent it to Quinn on the spot.
12:31Ethan didn't stop him.
12:32The room went still.
12:33About ten seconds passed.
12:34Then Ryan's phone rang.
12:36See?
12:37I knew she loved you more than anything.
12:39Look, Ethan, it's Quinn!
12:41The others noticed it too.
12:42The tension in Ethan's face had eased, just slightly.
12:45You want to take it?
12:46Ryan held out the phone.
12:47Ethan didn't look at it.
12:48He turned away.
12:49I'll get it, I'll get it.
12:50Ryan said eagerly, putting it on speaker.
12:52When Quinn's voice came through, Ethan's jaw locked.
12:54Ryan, are you okay?
12:55Are you hurt?
12:56It's not me.
12:57It's Ethan's hand.
12:58You have no idea how bad it is!
12:59Blood everywhere!
13:00He won't stop!
13:01Ryan rambled on.
13:02The other end went quiet.
13:03Quinn, are you there?
13:04Maybe, maybe you should come back.
13:06Ethan won't go to the hospital.
13:07He can't just keep bleeding like this.
13:08Ryan.
13:08Her voice was still soft, still the same.
13:10Yeah?
13:11Yeah, I'm here.
13:12Go on.
13:12Ryan signaled frantically to Ethan.
13:14Don't tell me about him anymore.
13:15Ryan's smile collapsed.
13:17Quinn?
13:18And happy birthday, Ryan.
13:19Wait, Quinn!
13:20Don't hang up!
13:21The line went dead.
13:22Ryan stood there holding the phone like it had burned him.
13:24He wanted to slap himself.
13:25What was he thinking?
13:26Getting involved.
13:27Now look at the mess.
13:28Silence.
13:29Ethan looked around at everyone and smiled lightly.
13:31You all go mute?
13:32No one dared speak.
13:33He smiled again.
13:34What, nobody's got anything to say?
13:35Ethan, don't get worked up.
13:36The cut's bleeding more.
13:37Ethan, you know how Quinn is.
13:38From the corner, where she'd been sitting quietly through everything,
13:41Vera finally spoke.
13:42Look, I've wanted to say this for a long time.
13:44What you did was cruel.
13:45Quinn's a woman.
13:47Women have pride.
13:48Even if you stopped loving her, you could have ended it cleanly.
13:50Who says I wanted it to end cleanly?
13:52Ethan smiled, sharp and cold.
13:54She gave me seven years.
13:56Seven years?
13:57You think that's nothing to me?
13:58Vera smiled very quietly.
14:00But did you ever stop to think?
14:02A girl only has so many seven years.
14:05What if Quinn never comes back?
14:07Impossible!
14:07No one caught it, but there was the faintest tremor at the end of that word.
14:11What's impossible in this world?
14:12Once the heart's been hurt badly enough, can you really warm it back up?
14:16Ethan, stop doing things you'll regret.
14:18Vera said nothing more.
14:20She picked up her bag and walked out.
14:21Across the room, Daniel watched her leave.
14:23His own wife of two years.
14:25His expression unreadable.
14:26Was she pitying Quinn?
14:27Defending her?
14:28Or was she talking about herself?
14:30Aren't you gonna go after her?
14:31Daniel curved his lips, lit a cigarette.
14:33She's not my wife tonight.
14:34My wife is on set.
14:35She's out of the production next month.
14:38You're gonna wreck yourself.
14:39His friend sighed.
14:40Daniel didn't respond.
14:41Vera and Quinn were different.
14:43Quinn had no family draining her.
14:45Earned her own money.
14:46A breakup just meant a softer lifestyle for a while.
14:48But Vera had her family's debt behind her.
14:50And a brother bedridden at home.
14:52She couldn't leave him.
14:53She wouldn't dare.
14:54No matter how many chances she had.
14:55I just ended the call when Lucas wrapped his arms around me from behind.
14:58He rested his chin on the side of my neck and said nothing.
15:01I laughed softly.
15:02What?
15:03Quinn, are you going back?
15:04Back where?
15:05Back home.
15:07Not right now.
15:08Eventually, maybe.
15:10It's not like I did anything I need to run from.
15:12My family's there.
15:14My apartment's there.
15:15I'm not staying away forever.
15:16Lucas went quiet again.
15:18I caught up.
15:18Are you asking if I'm gonna get back together with Ethan?
15:20Are you?
15:21If I say absolutely not.
15:23Do you believe me?
15:24He lowered his eyes.
15:25That sharp nose brushing the side of my face.
15:27I want to.
15:28Lucas, I have a face and a spine.
15:31Do you still have feelings for him?
15:32I thought about it honestly.
15:33If I said there's nothing left, that wouldn't be true.
15:36It's been a long time.
15:38Lucas bit down on my shoulder, lightly.
15:40Don't say anymore, Quinn.
15:41Let me finish.
15:42But to say I still miss him, or that I can't let go, that's not right either.
15:47I touched his face gently.
15:48Leaving him didn't destroy me.
15:50So maybe I stopped loving him a long time ago.
15:53Maybe the moment he started coasting on this relationship, I'd already started preparing
15:56for the end.
15:57I won't.
15:58Won't what?
15:59I won't get distracted.
16:00Won't play around.
16:01Won't make you cry or hurt you.
16:03He held me tighter and tighter.
16:05And then he kissed me.
16:06Quinn, be with me for real.
16:08But I didn't kiss him back.
16:09In the end, I gently pushed him away.
16:11Lucas, I'm sorry.
16:14Why are you sorry?
16:15He looked down at me, his eyes faintly red.
16:17It's my issue.
16:18I looked away.
16:19I don't want to be in a relationship right now.
16:21Then what have we been doing?
16:23Lucas gripped my shoulders, voice unsteady.
16:25Quinn, what am I to you?
16:27I squeezed my hands tight and breathed.
16:29Think of it as two people getting what they need.
16:32If you want, we can keep things as they are.
16:34If you meet someone you actually want, you can end this whenever.
16:37Getting what they need.
16:39Like I'm a tool for you.
16:41You can see it that way.
16:42I wouldn't look at him, afraid I'd cry if I did.
16:44Lucas, I'm truly sorry.
16:46If this arrangement makes you uncomfortable, I'll leave Miami right away.
16:50I swear I'll never bother you again.
16:53Quinn.
16:53His eyes burned red.
16:55He let go, stepped back slowly.
16:57Something in his expression was broken, even as he tried to smile.
17:00Quinn, you can't do this to me.
17:03Lucas.
17:03He turned, picked up his coat, and walked toward the door.
17:06I took one step after him, then stopped.
17:08He made it all the way to the door, hand on the knob.
17:11And then he turned and looked back at me, even managed a reassuring smile.
17:14Sorry, I just need a little time alone.
17:16I nodded.
17:17Go ahead, I won't bother you.
17:19Quinn, give me some time.
17:21I'll get back to you.
17:22He left.
17:23I sank slowly onto the couch, all the energy gone from my body.
17:26I felt something I couldn't name.
17:28It hurt in a way that wasn't pain, exactly.
17:30But I knew, clearly, that I couldn't do it.
17:32Couldn't throw myself into love again.
17:33Not like that.
17:34Not without walls.
17:35Not a new beginning.
17:36I was scared.
17:37Scared it would end the same way.
17:38Two people watching each other with contempt.
17:40The warmth gone cold.
17:42The cold gone freezing.
17:43I didn't want to go around again.
17:44I just shouldn't have gotten Lucas involved.
17:46If I'd known from the start that he had feelings for me,
17:48I never would have let him drive me home that night.
17:50It was past 3 a.m. when Lucas drove back to Quincy Town.
17:53He got out of the car, but didn't go in.
17:55He leaned against the door and lit a cigarette.
17:56Countless windows glowing above him.
17:58He couldn't tell which one was hers.
17:59But knowing she was there.
18:01Knowing she was in the same city as him.
18:02Knowing that if he walked through those doors,
18:04in 10 minutes, he'd see her.
18:06That was enough.
18:07Something like contentment.
18:08It hadn't taken him two days to figure it out.
18:10Quietly, he'd talked himself down.
18:12Quinn had just come out of something long and damaging.
18:14Not wanting to dive back into a relationship made complete sense.
18:17Being disappointed in men, in love, in the idea of marriage,
18:20made even more sense.
18:21Maybe he'd pushed too hard.
18:22He shouldn't have cornered her like that.
18:24If keeping things loose made her feel lighter, easier,
18:26he didn't need a label.
18:27What's worse than wanting someone and never having them?
18:29Maybe a year and a half ago,
18:30when he found out Quinn had moved in with him,
18:32that was when he genuinely decided to let go.
18:34So he'd tried the setups,
18:36tried to meet someone new,
18:37tried to move forward.
18:37Couldn't do it.
18:38Recognized that quickly.
18:40Cut it off.
18:40After that, no matter how much pressure came from his family,
18:43he never went back down that road.
18:44If Quinn hadn't left Ethan and come to Miami,
18:46if she hadn't invited him up that night,
18:48he probably would have stayed alone his whole life.
18:50Lucas stubbed out the cigarette.
18:51His eyes went still and settled.
18:53But Quinn did come to Miami.
18:54And she did ask him up.
18:55If the girl he'd loved for years came to him
18:57and he let her slip away anyway,
18:58then Lucas Shaw,
18:59you don't deserve the happiness you want.
19:01The night before I was set to leave Miami,
19:03I went out for drinks with my best friend.
19:04So, how's things with Lucas?
19:06She looked me over.
19:07Look at you.
19:08That glow.
19:09Your skin's been absolutely luminous all week.
19:12He's been good for you.
19:13I should stop.
19:15I don't want a relationship.
19:16I don't want to get married.
19:17Quinn, why are you punishing yourself for someone else's mistakes?
19:20And it's not fair to Lucas either.
19:21The saying goes,
19:22one person plants the tree,
19:23another enjoys the shade.
19:24Fine.
19:25But that doesn't mean the person who planted the tree
19:26gets to leave a storm behind for the next one.
19:28Ethan was terrible.
19:29But Lucas is a good man.
19:30One worth something real.
19:31Why should Ethan's garbage
19:33keep you from giving Lucas a real chance?
19:35It's not that I'm biased against him.
19:37I just haven't gotten over the damage yet.
19:39You haven't gotten over the damage.
19:41Babe, Ethan spent seven years running you down
19:44and you don't even know it.
19:45You think you're not worth being loved?
19:46I stared at her.
19:47Was she right?
19:48The exhaustion of the back and forth.
19:50The constant anxiety.
19:51The feeling of never being enough.
19:53Never being secure.
19:54So now my guard was up against everyone.
19:55Against the whole world.
19:56Convinced that no one would ever love me without conditions.
19:59But why shouldn't I deserve that?
20:00The ones who waste your love,
20:01let them choke on it.
20:02The ones who love honestly,
20:03the universe opens a window for them.
20:05Babe, do you know how incredible you are?
20:07My best friend pulled me in,
20:08swayed gently.
20:09You're gorgeous.
20:09You have an amazing body.
20:11You were making your own money since sophomore year.
20:13Paid your own rent and practically kept me fed too.
20:16You're talented and driven and kind.
20:19If I were a man, I'd fight anyone to marry you.
20:21You deserve to be loved, Quinn.
20:23Genuinely loved by the right person.
20:26Not ground down and wasted on someone like Ethan.
20:28Trust me on this.
20:30He will regret it.
20:31For the rest of his life,
20:32he won't be able to shake losing you.
20:34Now, call Lucas and cancel your flight home.
20:36Don't think I don't know you already rebooked it.
20:38My eyes were getting hot.
20:39But what if Lucas and I end up in the same place?
20:42What if it ends the same way?
20:43It won't.
20:44How do you know?
20:44Because a man with that kind of self-control
20:46who's never settled for less
20:47will not be stupid enough
20:48to throw away the girl he actually chose.
20:50He's not Ethan.
20:51I shook my head.
20:52He wasn't.
20:53He really wasn't.
20:53So, call him.
20:54You have no idea how happy it'll make him.
20:56I thought Lucas would be happy.
20:58I didn't think a man in his late 20s
20:59running a company
21:00could be that happy over a phone call.
21:02Like a kid on Christmas morning,
21:04my best friend beamed at me.
21:05Quinn?
21:06Happy?
21:06I nodded slowly.
21:07I think, yeah.
21:09Really happy.
21:10See?
21:10You're happy.
21:12Lucas is happier.
21:13What else is there to figure out?
21:14Then she laughed.
21:15Honestly?
21:16I just keep thinking about
21:17how miserable Ethan's going to be.
21:19That alone puts me in a great mood.
21:21Who knows?
21:22He's probably already moved on.
21:24I smiled faintly.
21:25Let's stop talking about him.
21:26In that moment,
21:27I could say it with no weight at all.
21:29Like he was just a name.
21:30Someone with no claim on me anymore.
21:32Lucas' car pulled up downstairs
21:33just as I stepped out of the bar.
21:34He stood in the night air with his arms open.
21:37I stopped and looked at him.
21:38Honestly, he was striking.
21:40Every feature exactly what I'd want.
21:42Men can like whoever they want.
21:43Overlap if they choose.
21:44The world hardly blinks.
21:46So why can't I, after a real ending,
21:48start something new?
21:49I walked toward him.
21:49He walked toward me.
21:51People moved around us.
21:52We kissed like no one was watching.
21:53His heart was pounding so fast.
21:55I reached up and touched the back of his neck,
21:57burning hot.
21:58He was still warm when I pressed my forehead to his.
22:00Slightly breathless.
22:01Voice low.
22:02Quinn, do I have a fever?
22:04Maybe.
22:05Too much touching and this happens?
22:08I laughed and kissed under his chin.
22:09Maybe more of this and you'll be cured?
22:12His ears went redder.
22:13He cupped my face, eyes open and searching.
22:15Quinn, what am I to you right now?
22:17I teased him.
22:18What do you think?
22:20A hugger or a boyfriend?
22:21He asked, then immediately shook his head,
22:23pressing his face into my neck.
22:24Never mind, I don't want to know right now.
22:25I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him closer.
22:28You sure you don't want to know?
22:30Boyfriend.
22:30Ethan's car stopped at the mouth of an alley.
22:32He got out and walked into the narrow street on foot.
22:34At the end of it lived an old tailor.
22:36His family had been in the trade for generations.
22:38Old world craft.
22:39Long retired.
22:40No longer taking credits.
22:42But Ethan had ways of getting to him.
22:43Quinn's shredded wedding dress had been brought here two weeks ago.
22:46Today, it was nearly finished.
22:47He walked and thought.
22:48Ryan had been right.
22:49Every girl dreams of wearing a dress and marrying the person she loves.
22:52Seven years together and he'd never once thought about proposing.
22:55He'd never imagined Quinn would have thought about proposing to him.
22:57He'd been a wreck these past weeks.
22:59He knew it.
23:00But the other women had never meant anything.
23:01A moment's impulse.
23:02Nothing more.
23:03Even Mia, the one who'd actually triggered Quinn walking out.
23:06She lasted three days before he was already over it.
23:08He kept thinking about Quinn.
23:09Seven years had made him lazy, complacent.
23:11He'd taken it all for granted.
23:13But some people are like the air.
23:14You don't notice until they're gone.
23:15Since Quinn left, he couldn't focus on anything.
23:17He'd be with his friends and she'd be in the back of his mind the whole time.
23:20Especially when he drank.
23:21If Quinn were there, she'd fake scold him and try to slow him down.
23:24And if she couldn't stop him, she'd be up at 3am making soup.
23:27Letting him put his head in her lap.
23:28Rubbing his temples with her hands.
23:29Her fingers were soft.
23:30The little complaints she'd mutter.
23:32The way she'd fuss over him.
23:33It had annoyed him back then.
23:34Now he'd give anything to hear it again.
23:36This time when Quinn came home, he'd propose.
23:38He'd always known how much she wanted to marry him.
23:40Give her that and she'd feel safe.
23:41She'd forgive him.
23:42She would.
23:42The old man's work was remarkable.
23:44The dress looked almost exactly as it had before.
23:46Ethan paid him and was heading out when his phone rang.
23:48His pulse spiked slightly until he saw Ryan's name on the screen.
23:51His heart slowed back down.
23:52Ethan, there's something I need to tell you.
23:55Wanted to think it over first.
23:56Go ahead.
23:57Just don't freak out, okay?
23:58It's probably just rumors.
24:00Could be nothing at all.
24:01What is it?
24:02It's about Quinn.
24:04Actually, forget it.
24:04I'm probably 80% sure it's someone making stuff up.
24:06Ryan, since when do you talk like this?
24:09What happened to Quinn?
24:10Did she come back?
24:11Ethan.
24:12Ryan suddenly felt sick.
24:13Of all the rumors that could have gotten out,
24:15why did it have to be Lucas Shaw?
24:16Ethan had been at each other's throats with Lucas for years.
24:19Two years ago, they'd gone head to head over a major contract.
24:21Ethan's company lost.
24:22First time he'd ever tasted defeat.
24:24It had poisoned what was already a tense relationship into something close to hatred.
24:27I said, don't freak out.
24:29This is all secondhand.
24:30There's no confirmation.
24:31Someone spotted Quinn in Miami.
24:32Ethan's grip on the phone tightened.
24:33His voice stayed controlled, barely.
24:35So she's in Miami.
24:36So what?
24:37She was with Lucas Shaw.
24:38Could just be dinner?
24:39Probably nothing.
24:40Got it.
24:41Ethan.
24:41Nothing else?
24:42I'm hanging up.
24:43The call cut off.
24:43Ethan stood in the narrow street, shopping bag in hand.
24:46The bag holding the dress Quinn had bought.
24:48He walked, step by step, through the cold of early winter, all the way to the mouth of
24:51the alley, back to his car.
24:53He stopped.
24:53A quiet smile crossed his face.
24:55Slow, faint.
24:56Laced with something sharp and bitter.
24:58And then, without hesitation, he dropped the elegant shopping bag into the trash can at
25:02the curb.
25:02The second month after Quinn left, Ethan sent her a text.
25:05It went through.
25:05No response.
25:06The message read, thinking about selling the apartment, what do you want to do with
25:09your clothes?
25:10Maybe he forgot she'd left a note saying to deal with everything herself.
25:13Dispose of it all however he liked.
25:14Or maybe it was intentional.
25:16An excuse to reach out.
25:17Maybe Ethan told himself he was giving her a way back in.
25:19She was smart.
25:20She'd know to take the out.
25:21His temper looked bad, but he wasn't that hard to deal with.
25:24Quinn never replied.
25:25The apartment didn't sell.
25:26Her clothes and everything else stayed exactly as they were.
25:28Like she'd never left.
25:29Ethan came back late nights, after going out.
25:31Lay down in her bed, stared at the ceiling until almost dawn.
25:34The third month after she left.
25:35Same as always.
25:36Late and still.
25:37When the clock hands crept toward midnight, Ethan dialed her number.
25:40Quinn had been careful, quiet.
25:41A good girl in the old-fashioned sense.
25:43Her family was ordinary, but comfortable.
25:45Her parents adored her.
25:46And because she'd been beautiful since she was young, they'd kept a close eye on her.
25:49It wasn't until the fall after graduation that Quinn moved in with Ethan.
25:52He still remembered that night.
25:53She'd been shaking from head to toe.
25:55Her skin flushed everywhere.
25:56A deep, burning pink.
25:58She was breathtaking.
25:59Fragile beneath him in a way that made his chest ache.
26:01When it was over, she cried for a long time.
26:03Over and over, she said,
26:04Ethan, you're not allowed to hurt me.
26:06Not now.
26:07Not ever.
26:08You have to be good to me.
26:09You have to marry me.
26:11Ethan, we're gonna be together forever.
26:14Right?
26:14The girl who'd believed all of that.
26:16Who'd trusted with her whole self that she'd end up with the man she loved.
26:18He'd lost her a long time ago.
26:20Long enough that he couldn't even recall.
26:21The last time they'd said goodbye, what had her face looked like?
26:24Did she smile and nod?
26:25Or did her eyes go red?
26:26The phone rang for a while.
26:28He'd almost given up.
26:29Then it connected.
26:29In that moment, what he wanted to say was,
26:31Quinn, come home.
26:32But what came out of his mouth was,
26:34Quinn, you've made your point.
26:36Come home.
26:37His pathetic, idiotic words were cut off by a man's low laugh.
26:40That laugh landed like cold concrete.
26:42Ethan went rigid, like he'd been encased in ice and couldn't move.
26:44Ethan, you snooze, you lose.
26:48Can't let a girl stew overnight or someone else steps in.
26:52Lucas Shaw?
26:53Ethan said the name through clenched teeth,
26:55blood rushing into his eyes.
26:56It's me.
26:57Put Quinn on!
26:58Now!
26:59His eyes looked flooded.
27:01He gripped the phone, voice shaking low.
27:03Lucas, if you took advantage of...
27:05She could come to the phone.
27:06Lucas lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss to his girl's temple.
27:09Quinn's lashes were still wet, her mouth in a small pout.
27:12Eyes closed, but everything on her face said one thing.
27:15I was hurt.
27:15His chest clenched.
27:16He kissed the corner of her eye,
27:18drew away the tear that sat there.
27:19She's asleep, upset with me.
27:21I have to kiss her awake first.
27:22Lucas!
27:23Ethan's voice went dead silent.
27:25Lucas ended the call, turned off his phone.
27:27He brought his lips down to Quinn's, softly.
27:29Hey, wake up.
27:31I thought about what it would be like to see Ethan again.
27:33He came from money, and he knew it.
27:34Pride ran deep in him.
27:36We'd ended things without a scene.
27:37If we ever crossed paths,
27:38he'd probably look right through me,
27:40or we'd exchange a polite, meaningless smile.
27:42My family was in the city.
27:43We had mutual friends.
27:44It wasn't realistic to think we'd never be in the same room again.
27:46But I never expected that.
27:48Never expected to see him come undone like that.
27:50The day it happened, I'd slept well and woken up in a good mood.
27:53I was wearing a new blush pink cashmere dress.
27:55Makeup done.
27:56Feeling like myself again.
27:57Warm and whole.
27:58Like a ripe peach in September.
27:59I had my hand tucked at Lucas's arm.
28:01We were laughing about something as we pushed through the revolving door.
28:03And there was Ethan, stepping out of a car.
28:05I stopped.
28:06My feet stopped with me.
28:07Lucas's warm fingers closed around mine.
28:09Ethan's shirt was wrinkled.
28:10No tie.
28:11The exhaustion on his face was plain.
28:12His brow heavy.
28:13The whites of his eyes shot through with red.
28:15People moved past us on both sides.
28:17A fountain not far off played something cheerful.
28:19The whole moment felt like a slow motion shot from a movie.
28:22Except I wasn't watching.
28:23I was in it.
28:24Ethan looked more undone than I'd ever seen him.
28:26Lucas moved instinctively, stepping slightly in front of me.
28:28But Ethan's expression was perfectly calm.
28:30He said my name the way he used to, back when things were good.
28:33Soft.
28:34Warm.
28:34Quinn.
28:35I stood there and didn't move.
28:36The music from the fountain kept playing.
28:38And yet something in me ached.
28:40Quietly.
28:40I didn't quite know why.
28:41Maybe for the girl who'd overheard those words that night.
28:43Maybe for the girl who'd gotten a breakup handed to her without warning.
28:46Maybe most of all for the girl who'd loved foolishly for seven years and let go in seven
28:50days.
28:51Quinn.
28:51I came to bring you home.
28:53He hadn't looked at Lucas once.
28:54His eyes were on my face.
28:55And they were soft in a way I'd almost forgotten.
28:57I couldn't even remember the last time he'd looked at me like that before we fell apart.
29:00He stopped about a meter in front of me.
29:02Quinn.
29:03Come home.
29:05We get married.
29:06We do it right this time.
29:07He meant every word.
29:08He was so serious I almost let myself believe that the Ethan who'd said he was giving another
29:12girl something real had been a figment of my imagination.
29:14But it was too late, Ethan.
29:16A broken heart doesn't reassemble itself.
29:17And the new one that had grown up from the wreckage, it already belonged to someone else.
29:21I shook my head gently.
29:22Ethan.
29:23Please go.
29:24Quinn.
29:25I never touched Mia.
29:27Three days and I ended it.
29:29The dress you bought, I had it repaired.
29:31And our rings, I kept them both.
29:34Quinn, I had a custom ring made.
29:36I mean this-
29:36His eyes were getting redder.
29:38His voice had the faintest tremor.
29:39He held out a small velvet box, held it out to me like an offering.
29:43Everything in his face was careful, hoping, terrified.
29:46Looking at him, I couldn't pretend it didn't hurt at all.
29:48But it was only that.
29:49Just a little hurt.
29:50Ethan.
29:51I have a boyfriend.
29:53I tightened my hand around Lucas's and stepped out from behind him to stand beside him, shoulder
29:57to shoulder.
29:58The color drained out of Ethan's face in an instant.
30:00His gaze dropped slowly and stopped, on our intertwined fingers, the matching bands on
30:04our ring fingers, just like it had been with us once.
30:07Quinn.
30:08Are you serious?
30:09I took a breath, turned to look at Lucas and nodded.
30:12Yes.
30:13Completely serious.
30:14Ethan laughed softly, just once.
30:16You think he's serious about you?
30:18You think you know how much of this is real?
30:20Two years ago, he fought me tooth and nail over a deal.
30:22And now he's going after you.
30:24Quinn, don't you think there's something in that?
30:25Some other motive?
30:26Can he honestly say he's pursuing you with absolutely nothing to prove to me?
30:30Quinn, you've always been too trusting.
30:32All men are the same in the end.
30:33You were with me for seven years.
30:35You know how much happened between us.
30:37You think Lucas won't care?
30:38You think it won't matter to him in the end?
30:39You think he's actually going to stay?
30:40That you'll get your happy ending with him?
30:42Aren't you afraid that being with him just leads you to another seven years exactly like this one?
30:46The fountain music stopped.
30:47Ethan stopped.
30:48A silence settled over me.
30:50Then came the smallest sound, like something very fine and thin, quietly breaking.
30:54And after that sound?
30:55Relief.
30:56Lightness.
30:56Whatever last piece of grief I'd been carrying was gone.
30:59Nothing left to lose now.
31:00It's just such a waste, I thought.
31:02Why does living always come with things you regret?
31:04Before today, I didn't regret loving Ethan.
31:06Good or bad, it was mine.
31:08It happened.
31:08But in this moment, I couldn't help grieving it.
31:10Seven years, and I'd never seen clearly.
31:12Ethan, at his core, had never really looked at me.
31:15Not the way I deserved to be seen.
31:16Lucas pulled me into his arms, his eyes full of something pained.
31:19I was a little pale, but I smiled and shook my head.
31:21I'm okay.
31:22Come on, wait by the car.
31:23I've got this.
31:25I want to be here with you.
31:26I held his hand and wouldn't let go.
31:27Lucas looked at me for a long moment, then bowed his head and kissed me hard.
31:31Quinn, everything I've ever done, I've done with a clear conscience.
31:34No regrets.
31:35But right now, right now I genuinely regret not taking you from him when I had the chance.
31:40What gives you the right?
31:41Ethan cut in.
31:42Going after someone when they're at their lowest?
31:43What kind of man does that make you, Lucas?
31:45Ethan, you didn't deserve a single year of what Quinn gave you.
31:48Not one.
31:49Maybe those words finally broke something in Ethan.
31:51He lost control in a way he never had before.
31:54Words he'd never have said otherwise.
31:55Oh yeah?
31:56And you, Lucas?
31:57You go after a woman who spent seven years with me.
32:01What right do you have to stand there and lecture me?
32:04Tell me the truth.
32:05Do you actually love Quinn?
32:06Or do you love the idea of having something that was mine?
32:09Lucas put his fist through Ethan's face.
32:11Ethan wasn't one to absorb him.
32:12He came back swimming.
32:14They went at each other until both of them were marked up, split and bruised.
32:17Security rushed over, finally managed to get between them.
32:20The two men stood there breathing hard, still glaring at each other, not giving an inch.
32:24Can we stop now?
32:25I was furious and scared, and my voice broke a little.
32:28Quinn.
32:28Ethan's face was cold.
32:29You saw it.
32:30Lucas threw the first punch.
32:32I'm not letting this go.
32:34Yes, he did.
32:35Mr. Harlow, I'll have him apologize to you.
32:38Whatever you want to do next, we'll cooperate.
32:40Quinn, he said it first!
32:41Lucas started immediately.
32:42I pressed my hand lightly over his, then turned back, calm.
32:45Mr. Harlow, I'll apologize on his behalf.
32:48You're defending him?
32:49Just like that?
32:50Ethan stepped toward me slowly.
32:51He hit me, Quinn.
32:52What would you like us to do about it?
32:54Quinn, I'm hurt.
32:55He gestured at his face.
32:57You can see this, right?
32:58This really hurts.
32:59I looked at it.
33:00We'll call you an ambulance.
33:02We'll cover everything.
33:03You know that's not what I want.
33:04He reached for my arm.
33:05I stepped back.
33:06Quinn!
33:07Everything Ethan had been holding up cracked all at once.
33:09The way he looked at me.
33:10Loss, bare, and unguarded.
33:12But my chest was still and quiet.
33:13Genuinely still.
33:14Lucas made a sharp sound.
33:15Quinn, am I going to be scarred?
33:17I turned fast.
33:18His lip was split.
33:19His eye was swelling.
33:20His jaw had blood on it, and it looked worse than it was.
33:22I reached into my bag for a tissue and started cleaning it.
33:24Ow.
33:25Quinn, gently, gently.
33:26He winced and grimaced dramatically.
33:28Serves you right.
33:29I said quietly.
33:30But I was careful.
33:31You're going to need stitches.
33:32Then come with me.
33:33I pass out around needles.
33:35I gave him a look, but I nodded.
33:36Lucas immediately pulled me into a hug.
33:38And I need you to kiss it.
33:39Right here.
33:40It's killing me.
33:42I rose slowly on my toes and pressed my lips, gently, right to the wound.
33:45Ethan didn't say anything more.
33:47The late son stretched his shadow long and quiet behind him.
33:50Maybe it was the moment Quinn dabbed at Lucas' face.
33:52Maybe it was the moment she kissed him there, softly.
33:54That was when Ethan finally understood it.
33:56Quinn did not love him anymore.
33:58What Vera had asked that night had turned out to be true.
34:00Quinn was not coming back to him.
34:02He'd thought he was the one who could walk away from seven years easily.
34:04He'd thought he was the one who'd always held the upper hand.
34:07He'd thought he was always going to come out ahead.
34:09But standing here now, he understood.
34:11The one who couldn't let go was him.
34:12Quinn had been the string that held the kite to the sky.
34:14The string snapped and the kite lost its way.
34:17It was never going to find home again.
34:18I watched Ethan turn and walk back to his car.
34:21I watched that solitary figure disappear.
34:23The sun at dusk slid below the horizon all at once.
34:25The sky shifted to a pale, soft blue.
34:27His car pulled away and got smaller.
34:29I felt like I could see it.
34:30All seven years, from 17 to 24.
34:33Rushing away with that car.
34:34Gone.
34:34From this day on, I knew.
34:36His name would be like any ordinary name in the world.
34:38I wouldn't try to forget it.
34:40I just wouldn't think of it on my own.
34:41Quinn.
34:42Lucas wrapped me in his arms quietly.
34:44I turned and looked up at him, smiling lightly.
34:46Let's go.
34:47Hospital.
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