Behind a seemingly perfect relationship lies years of silent pain, sacrifice, and heartbreaking choices. The Childless Marriage explores love, family pressure, emotional distance, and the struggle to hold a marriage together when life doesn’t go as planned. This touching short drama delivers emotional storytelling, relationship conflicts, and powerful human emotions. Watch the full episode now.
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Short filmTranscript
00:00We were planning to travel the world together long ago and smiled meaningfully.
00:04He thought I had lost my mind and continued.
00:06A man passing on his line is only natural.
00:09You couldn't have kids, so I played along.
00:12But now, I owe my children an explanation.
00:16He proposed a divorce, wanting to take his pair of children and their mother on a family trip together.
00:21I agreed immediately, gracefully stepping aside and leaving.
00:25When news of the divorce spread, everyone sympathized with me.
00:31An elderly neighbor felt my pain.
00:33At her age, abandoned by her husband.
00:35What a miserable old age.
00:37So tragic.
00:38A college girl from the same apartment complex fumed on my behalf.
00:42That old bastard Charles is such a scumbag.
00:45Back then, he said they'd never have kids.
00:47Just enjoy their twin stem.
00:49Now look, his own son and daughter are old enough to make him a grandfather.
00:53Chatting with old friends, they couldn't help but find...
00:55You were so glamorous in your youth.
00:57Successful career, living freely.
00:59But you insisted on being child-free, and now you're old and all alone.
01:03Even my parents advised me...
01:05As long as you don't divorce, his children become yours.
01:08They'll care for you in old age.
01:10When we pass on, we'll have peace mind.
01:15They all thought I was forced into divorce, that I was devastated, that I had no one to
01:19rely on in old age, that my whole life had become a joke.
01:23I didn't explain, nor could I be bothered to refute them one by one.
01:26How things would turn out for the two of us, when the time came, they would know.
01:30Charles, on the other hand, was writing hi.
01:33He posted a family photo on social media with the caption,
01:35Starting today, I finally have a real family.
01:38In the photo, he stood in the center, a young man and woman on either side,
01:41their faces radiating youthful pride.
01:43And the woman who could carry on his bloodline had her arm linked through his,
01:47smiling warmly and gracefully.
01:49Someone commented,
01:50Look at that.
01:51Now that's a winner in life.
01:53Indeed, Charles had won big.
01:55In his youth, he enjoyed the twosome life with me,
01:58living freely his whole life,
01:59never suffering through midnight beatings and diaper changes.
02:02Yet, in his old age, he had both a son and a daughter to bring him joy.
02:06How could that not count as winning at life?
02:08Now that he was retired, his career and reputation would no longer be affected.
02:13And me, at my age, abandoned by my husband and left with nothing,
02:17naturally invited people's sides.
02:18But little did they know, I had been prepared all along.
02:21In this marriage, he wasn't the only one acting.
02:29The divorce proceedings went quickly.
02:31So quickly I felt somewhat dazed.
02:33Charles personally drove me to the courthouse.
02:36When signing, his hand didn't tremble at all.
02:38Instead, it was as if he had finally shed some burden.
02:41Swift and decisive, he smiled at the clerk.
02:43What can you do?
02:44We're both old, and the love is gone.
02:47But at least, I still have my son and daughter with me.
02:50I can enjoy family happiness too.
02:52The clerk looked at me apologetically, eyes full of sympathy and comfort.
02:56I smiled too, but said nothing.
02:58After the divorce, with a grand gesture, he hired people to clear out the bedroom I had lived in for
03:02over 30 years.
03:03Eagerly bringing Vivian and the children home.
03:05I didn't fight or argue.
03:06I didn't even bother hiring a lawyer.
03:09I just took my half of the savings and a few important items, and moved out cleanly and efficiently.
03:13The day Vivian moved in, I came back to pack up my last belongings.
03:17As soon as I opened the door, I saw brand new photos displayed in the living room.
03:21Our wedding photos had been replaced by their family portrait, the four of them.
03:27Charles sat in the center, Vivian holding his arm, with two similar looking young adults in their 20s standing on
03:33either side, full of vigor.
03:34When I walked in, the lively atmosphere instantly turned cold, as if announcing my unwelcome presence.
03:40Vivian greeted me with a smile.
03:44Oh, Stella!
03:46Did you leave something behind?
03:48Let me help you look for it.
03:50Playing the hostess like she owned the place.
03:52Just a few last things.
03:53I'll take them all today.
03:54I said indifferently.
03:56Charles sat on the sofa without looking up, as if waiting for me to get the hint and leave.
04:05Charles sat on the sofa, not even lifting his head, casually flipping through the newspaper, as if waiting for me
04:10to get the hint and leave on my own.
04:12Chloe and Connor stood to the side, their eyes filled with undisguised distance and wariness, treating me like a stranger
04:17who had barged in.
04:18Mom, this place looks a bit dated, and the living room is kind of dark.
04:22How about a renovation with a new style?
04:23Chloe said casually.
04:25Yeah, the sofa needs replacing too.
04:27So old-fashioned.
04:28How did dad live in a place like this?
04:29Connor chimed in.
04:30I listened to the nitpick and watched Charles remain silent.
04:32I felt like laughing.
04:33This was the home Charles and I had shared for 30 years.
04:36Every piece of furniture carefully chosen.
04:37Now I was being dismissed as worthless.
04:39Vivian affectionately held Charles' arm.
04:41See how opinionated the children are?
04:42This house needs a complete makeover.
04:44We can't short charge ourselves.
04:46Charles finally looked up slowly and glanced at me.
04:48Stella, are you done packing?
04:50Take everything at once so you won't have to keep coming back.
04:52It's awkward for everyone.
04:53He meant for me to leave and never come back, so I wouldn't be an eyesore to their family of
04:57four.
04:57I looked away, picked up my bag, stood at the doorway, and glanced back one last time at what had
05:01once been my home.
05:02Vivian leaned weakly against Charles peeling an orange, while the two children sat side by side on the sofa watching
05:07TV, the three of them chatting and laughing, as if this home had always been like this, composed of their
05:12family of four, with no place for me.
05:14The way Charles looked at Vivian was with respect for the mother of his children, and guilt for having kept
05:18her as a secret lover all these years.
05:20As for me, I was just an old woman he had grown tired of, with no children by my side,
05:24deserving to fend for myself.
05:26A cold laugh echoed in my heart.
05:27Fine, since you want me gone, I'll leave cleanly, so you can enjoy this brief pretense of affection.
05:32After all, in a few days it will be turning on each other.
05:36After the divorce, I moved into an apartment.
05:39It wasn't far from my former home, but it felt like a different world.
05:43I didn't feel any particular discomfort.
05:45Without Charles in the house, I actually enjoyed the peace and quiet, but outsiders didn't see it that way.
05:50No matter how capable and free-spirited you were in your youth, you still lost in the end.
05:55This was the shared opinion of relatives and friends.
05:57My mother couldn't hold back tears when she saw me.
06:00You're living alone now, with no one to take care of you.
06:02What if you get sick someday?
06:04You insisted on being child-free before.
06:06Look at you now.
06:08Wouldn't it be nice to have a child?
06:09At least you wouldn't end up like this.
06:11My father sighed, his face full of regret.
06:13We shouldn't have let you have your way back then.
06:14If we had persuaded you more, you wouldn't be in this situation now.
06:18Their words implicitly blamed me for insisting on being child-free,
06:21saying that's why I lost my husband's heart.
06:22The most ridiculous thing was that my friends also thought Charles hadn't done anything terribly wrong.
06:26A man needs to have children.
06:27Charles was willing to play along with you for so many years.
06:32That's already going above and beyond.
06:34You were too stubborn back then.
06:35All these years, I've never understood.
06:37What were you thinking?
06:38Honestly, you're both old now.
06:40Vivian would still have to call you Big Sister.
06:42Why not just make do and live together?
06:44I thought at most they'd advise me to accept Charles as children.
06:47I never imagined they'd suggest Vivian, and I share one husband.
06:50But they never considered that neither child shared a single drop of blood with me.
06:53Even if I stayed, how many good days could I possibly have?
06:56What they didn't know was that the infertile one had never been me.
07:02When I first insisted on being child-free, bearing the pressure from everyone,
07:06my declaration that I would never have children was denounced as selfish and unfilial.
07:10Charles' parents pressured him to divorce me, but he said he didn't mind,
07:14as long as we could live happily together.
07:16Moved by his words, I became even more resolute in my decision.
07:19For decades, I bore all the blame myself, protecting his reputation, even his confidence and dignity
07:25as a man, only to discover he had given me nothing but a complete and utter deception.
07:29He never pressured me to have children because I wasn't his only woman.
07:32If I didn't give birth, he could have other women bear his children, and he could maintain
07:36his reputation as a loving husband while gaining my parents' trust and support.
07:40Why wouldn't he play along?
07:41When I discovered the truth, I never imagined that my seemingly gentle husband was so deeply
07:45calculating.
07:46I was wrong, but my mistake was in not having children.
07:49My mistake was taking it upon myself to protect his dignity as a man.
07:53For that, I was even willing to give up my right to be a mother.
07:56So I planned for years, waiting for the moment when his act fell apart, to deliver him a devastating
08:01blow.
08:03Soon, I received the wedding invitation for Charles and Vivian's wedding.
08:07The invitation was in Vivian's handwriting, saying that as Charles' ex-wife, I must want
08:11to see him happy too, and my presence would mean the world to them.
08:14I let out a derisive laugh.
08:15What beautiful words.
08:16So high-sounding they made me sick.
08:18Mean the world to them?
08:19Vivian had been Charles' secret lover for 30 years.
08:21Having finally made it to the altar, she naturally couldn't wait to gloat in front of
08:25me.
08:25I took the invitation and casually glanced at it.
08:27The ceremony was at the city's most luxurious five-star hotel.
08:30Quite an upscale venue.
08:31Charles must have wanted to compensate Vivian for 30 years of hidden suffering with the
08:35grand wedding.
08:36When my friends heard that Vivian had invited me to her wedding with Charles, they were all
08:39furious.
08:41What does he mean by this?
08:43He's obviously trying to humiliate you.
08:46Exactly.
08:46You just moved out, and he's already marrying his mistress in style.
08:50He's clearly trying to embarrass you.
08:52You absolutely shouldn't go.
08:54Going would just be asking for humiliation.
08:56I listened to their angry voices without feeling a single ripple in my heart.
08:59In fact, a smile crept to my lips.
09:01Of course I'm going.
09:02Don't worry.
09:03I'm not going to make myself miserable.
09:05My friend looked at me in confusion.
09:07I'm just going to watch a comedy show, Stella.
09:12The show is about to begin.
09:18On the wedding day, the ballroom was decorated magnificently.
09:22Charles stood in the center of the crowd, receiving blessings from relatives and friends,
09:25while Vivian held his arm, smiling warmly and elegantly.
09:29The picture of a dignified hostess.
09:31And I walked in with a confident expression, completely unabashed.
09:34When the guests saw me, the smiles on their faces instantly became knowing and significant.
09:38Why is she here?
09:39Someone whispered.
09:40She's not here to cause trouble, is it?
09:43Well, who can blame her?
09:45Being abandoned by Charles, anyone would feel upset.
09:49They all thought I had come to cry, to argue, to seek sympathy.
09:53But they were wrong.
09:54If only one person could have the last laugh at this wedding, that person would definitely be me.
09:58I picked up a glass of champagne, walked slowly to Charles and Vivian, and smiled.
10:03Congratulations.
10:04You finally got what you wanted.
10:06A flicker of triumph flashed in Vivian's eyes.
10:08She leaned against Charles lightly, her tone gentle yet provocative.
10:11Thank you for coming.
10:13After all, back then, you pretended to be child-free because you couldn't conceive.
10:18Charles didn't want to hurt you, so he came up with this solution.
10:21The best of both worlds.
10:23Charles walked over with a drink and raised his glass to me.
10:26It's all in the past.
10:27I believe I stayed by your side and did my duty.
10:31Now I'm old and want to enjoy my later years surrounded by children.
10:36I hope you can understand.
10:38I lowered my head and chuckled softly, my gaze sweeping over Chloe and Connor behind them.
10:43Let them enjoy their moment of triumph for now, because the storm is about to descend.
10:52The wedding proceeded as planned.
10:54On stage, Charles and Vivian were exchanging vows, holding hands and gazing at each other with tears in their eyes.
11:00Chloe and Connor went up to give them flowers.
11:02Charles looked at the two young adults in their prime, as if seeing his own youth reflected in them.
11:06He thought, perhaps this was the price of continuing one's bloodline.
11:10Stella would never understand this feeling, which is why he had resolutely abandoned her.
11:13Halfway through the wedding, Charles suddenly produced a property deed.
11:17I once thought I would die childless and alone in my old age, but heaven has been kind to me.
11:23My beloved Vivian has given me a son and a daughter, allowing me to live a complete life.
11:29Vivian looked at Charles, tears already glistening in her eyes.
11:32I have little to give them, so I've decided to transfer the property under my name to the two children
11:38to help them thrive.
11:40Cheers erupted from the audience.
11:42Chloe and Connor covered their mouths excitedly and looked at Vivian.
11:46The three of them were expressions of assured victory, but I stood up and shouted.
11:51I object!
11:52Vivian hadn't received the property deed yet.
11:54Interrupted by me, she was furious.
11:56Stella, today is a wonderful day for our family of four.
12:00What kind of trouble are you trying to cause?
12:02Charles looked at me with disgust, his eyes contemptuous yet resigned.
12:05Stella, I know you're upset about not being able to have children and jealous seeing my family, but you have
12:12to accept reality.
12:15We're divorced.
12:16The house may have both our names on it, but we're old now.
12:20What use is it to us?
12:21Chloe and Connor nodded continuously, even encouraging the guests to boo me.
12:25The emcee also tried to persuade me.
12:27Mrs. Stella, as Mr. Charles' ex-wife, you must want him to have a harmonious family and someone to care
12:33for him in old age, right?
12:34I put down my glass and said indifferently.
12:37Of course.
12:40But I need to correct one thing.
12:42The one who can't have children isn't me.
12:45The hall fell into dead silence.
12:49Vivian was taken aback, and Charles frowned too.
12:51What do you mean by that?
12:52It means nothing special.
12:54I shook my head gently, a touch of pity in my eyes.
12:56My eggs are still frozen at the egg bank, perfectly healthy.
13:00The doctor said, they can be retrieved for embryo cultivation anytime.
13:04Charles understood I had frozen my eggs for IVF, and he was completely enraged.
13:08Didn't you say you didn't want children with me?
13:10Now we're divorced, and you want IVF?
13:14Are you out of your mind?
13:15You really don't want to bear my child that badly?
13:18I slapped him hard across the face, robbed the emcee's microphone, and spoke loudly enough for everyone present to hear.
13:23Because the one who can't have children has never been me.
13:26It's you.
13:27Charles, you have severe aloxpermia.
13:30You have no fertility whatsoever.
13:32The hall fell into dead silence in an instant.
13:35Then came an uproar.
13:36Charles is infertile?
13:38Is that true?
13:39But Vivian already gave him two children, didn't she?
13:42Stella must have gone crazy.
13:44She couldn't have children herself, and now she's slandering Charles.
13:47The guests whispered among themselves, and many had already pulled out their phones to record.
13:51Charles' face turned dark with fury.
13:52Vivian stood frozen, her face deathly pale, her lips trembling slightly.
13:56What nonsense are you spouting?
13:58Charles stepped forward aggressively.
13:59His gaze so dark it seemed he wanted to tear me apart.
14:02I let out a derisive laugh, reached into my bag, pulled out my phone, and played a recording.
14:06The clear voice instantly filled the entire wedding hall through the microphone.
14:09Sister Stella, after examination, your fertility is completely normal, and your ovarian function is excellent.
14:14But Mr. Charles' situation is not very optimistic.
14:16What does that mean?
14:17His sperm motility is extremely low.
14:19Basically, there is virtually no chance of conception.
14:21His condition is quite severe, but almost no possibility.
14:24Even with IVF, the success rate would be extremely low.
14:27I understand, Dr. Lewis.
14:28Please don't tell him about this yet.
14:30Don't tell anyone else either.
14:31Let this be between you, me, and God.
14:33Miss Stella, this kind of thing can't be hidden forever.
14:36When you can't conceive after marriage, it will naturally come to light.
14:39It's fine.
14:40I'll tell him and our parents that I don't want children, that I insist on being child-free.
14:45That way, no one will know the problem lies with Charles.
14:49The recording finished playing.
14:50A deathly silence fell.
14:52All eyes turned to Vivian and her two children.
14:57Suddenly, everyone's eyes turned simultaneously toward Vivian and the two children behind her.
15:01Her face had turned completely white, and her fingertips were trembling.
15:05Chloe and Connor fidgeted restlessly, trying to flee the hall.
15:08Oh my god, so all these years, Stella insisted on being child-free to protect Charles' dignity
15:14because he's the one who's infertile?
15:16Then Vivian's children-
15:17It's me!
15:17Vivian's lips moved slightly, her voice trembling violently.
15:19You must have had someone forge it!
15:21I gave a cold laugh, opened a second file, and a video immediately began playing on the
15:25projection screen.
15:26The footage showed a dimly lit hotel room, with a man and woman entangled on the bed.
15:30The woman's face was flushed, panting softly, her voice seductive and triumphant.
15:33Honey, I'm pregnant.
15:36The man's voice followed, carrying a hint of panic and resistance.
15:38No way.
15:39This child can't be mine, can it?
15:40Vivian chuckled softly, her voice alluring and cunning.
15:43Of course it's yours.
15:45But don't worry.
15:46Neither I nor the child need you to take responsibility.
15:51What do you mean?
15:52Charles doesn't have children yet.
15:54His wife insists on being child-free, and he's desperate.
15:57He's been begging me to bear his children.
16:00I'll just say the child is his.
16:02He'll definitely treasure me like a gem.
16:04The man was silent for a moment, then laughed softly.
16:06You really are something else.
16:07Vivian hooked her arm around his neck, whispering softly.
16:10We'll seize all the property and inheritance.
16:14Then we can enjoy our golden years in peace.
16:17As soon as she finished speaking, the man got excited and lunged down to entangle with the
16:21woman beneath him again.
16:22The video ended abruptly there.
16:24Everyone was stunned.
16:26A silence like death.
16:27Vivian completely collapsed onto the floor, her hands clutching her wedding gown tightly.
16:30Her eyes filled with terror and despair.
16:33Charles' face had reached its most terrible expression.
16:35He clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly, veins bulging at his temples.
16:39He was clearly at the peak of rage.
16:41Vivian!
16:42He roared through gritted teeth.
16:48Vivian!
16:48He roared through gritted teeth, wishing he could tear her limb from limb.
16:51Vivian's body shook, her eyes instantly reddening as she desperately tried to explain.
16:55It's not!
16:57Charles, please listen to me!
16:58Explain!
16:59What is there left to explain?
17:01Charles kicked the chair aside, grabbed a champagne glass from the table, and smashed
17:05it on the ground.
17:06The sound of shattering glass exploded in the quiet wedding venue.
17:09Sharp and piercing.
17:10You bitch!
17:11How dare you deceive me!
17:13I was your secret lover for thirty years, and you dare to cuckler me!
17:18Charles' eyes turned red, as if he had lost all reason.
17:21He rushed forward, wrapped Vivian's shoulders, and slapped her heart across the face.
17:26The crisp sound of the slap echoed throughout the entire hall.
17:29Vivian staggered backward, clutching her cheeks, tears streaming from her eyes.
17:34And you dare to cry?
17:35You deceived me for thirty years!
17:38Cuckled me!
17:39And I've spent so much money on these bastards!
17:42Charles!
17:42Charles!
17:43Calm down!
17:43Someone rushed up to restrain Charles, but he had already gone completely mad.
17:46He shoved everyone aside and, like an enraged beast, overturned the dining table, plates,
17:50wine glasses, and flowers scattered everywhere.
17:52The scene was utter chaos.
17:54Chloe and Connor stood to the side, their faces ashen, their bodies trembling, completely
17:57at a loss.
17:58The guests erupted in an uproar, pulling out their phones to capture photos and videos.
18:01Oh!
18:02My god, how did this wedding turn into this?
18:05So Vivian's two children aren't even Charles's?
18:07This is incredible!
18:09It's the drama of the year!
18:10The entire wedding had completely spiraled out of control.
18:13Eventually, with security's intervention, Charles was forcibly pulled away.
18:17Vivian was dragged out of the hotel in disgrace.
18:19While Chloe and Connor fled in terror.
18:21The wedding had become a complete joke.
18:23I stood among the crowd, still holding half a glass of champagne, quietly savoring everything.
18:27The wedding had become a complete joke, and I had finally waited for this day.
18:34Wedding videos were uploaded online and quickly shot to the top of trending topics.
18:38Topics like, paternity truth revealed at wedding, ex-wife's calm counterattack against
18:43cheaters, and child-free husband cuckolded for 30 years exploded across the internet.
18:47Charles had become a complete pariah.
18:50Wherever he went, there were pointing fingers and mocking jeers.
18:53He valued his face above all else.
18:55His reputation was the most important thing in his life.
18:58Now, his dignity had been completely shattered, turning him into a laughingstock known across
19:03the entire country.
19:04And I, on the contrary, had become the object of everyone's sympathy.
19:08Stella is so pitiful.
19:10To protect her husband's dignity, she took the blame herself, and then was treated like
19:15this.
19:15She's the truly good woman.
19:17She endured for 30 years.
19:19And still showed the scumbag some dignity.
19:21Vivian is the truly ruthless one.
19:23She tricked Charles into raising bastards for 30 years, and almost swallowed his entire fortune.
19:29Public opinion had completely turned around.
19:31But none of this mattered to me anymore.
19:33What mattered more was how this farce would end.
19:35After the wedding, Charles locked himself in his former home and hadn't stepped outside
19:39for three full days.
19:40He smashed everything in the house.
19:42Coffee table, TV, faces.
19:44The place was a complete mess.
19:46But after the destruction, he sat alone on the sofa, staring blankly at a family portrait
19:50hanging on the wall.
19:51It was a photo of him, Vivian, Chloe, and Connor, the four of them.
19:55In the photo, he was smiling happily, as if he owned the whole world.
19:59Now looking at it again, he only felt the irony.
20:04He picked up the frame and smashed it onto the ground.
20:07Glass shattered.
20:08The photo splintered into pieces.
20:10Fake.
20:11It's all fake.
20:12He held his head, curled up on the floor, like a helpless child.
20:15He had lost everything, while I was just beginning my new life.
20:21After the wedding, my life returned to peace.
20:23No, it was calmer and freer than before.
20:26I started doing things I truly enjoyed.
20:28I went to several art exhibitions, attended concerts, and enrolled in a pottery class.
20:33My friends laughed at me.
20:36You're living more freely than young people now.
20:38I smiled without saying a word.
20:41Actually, they had forgotten that I should have been living this way when I was young.
20:44It's just that back then, I had poured all my energy into Charles and the family.
20:48Now I finally had the chance to live for myself.
20:50One day, my mother called, her voice carrying a hint of relief.
20:54Stella, you seem different lately.
20:56Different?
20:58Yes, more energetic than before.
21:00As if you've let go of something.
21:02I smiled softly.
21:03Yes, I had let go.
21:04I had let go of the self that endured grievances to protect a man's dignity.
21:07I had let go of the foolish notion that endurance would bring happiness.
21:10I had let go of the man named Charles.
21:12Mom, I've made up my mind.
21:14About what?
21:15I want to donate my eggs.
21:17There was a long silence on the other end of the line.
21:20Have you thought this through?
21:21I have.
21:23My voice was firm.
21:24Since the eggs are still there, rather than keeping them frozen forever, I might as well
21:29help people who want children but can't have them.
21:32You, always thinking of others.
21:34I smiled without denying it.
21:36Letting go of the past.
21:37Donating eggs to help others.
21:38My life is starting anew.
21:41Meanwhile, Charles' days grew more unbearable by the day.
21:44Vivian had been thrown out of the house, and Chloe and Connor no longer acknowledged him
21:47as their father.
21:48After all, everything in the video was crystal clear.
21:51They weren't Charles' children, but Vivian's illegitimate children with another man.
21:55They left with Vivian, not even glancing back at Charles.
21:58Let's go.
21:59He's not our father.
22:00Chloe said coldly.
22:01Charles sat alone in the empty house, suddenly feeling a loneliness unlike anything he'd ever
22:06experienced.
22:07He had once believed that having Vivian and two children meant he had a real family.
22:11But now he realized this family had never belonged to him.
22:14He himself had been deceived by Vivian for a full 30 years.
22:18He opened his phone and saw news about me.
22:20The headline Stella decides to donate eggs to help infertile families jumped out at him.
22:24He stared at the screen, his fingers trembling slightly.
22:26The woman who had borne his shame for 30 years to protect his dignity was now doing something
22:31even more meaningful.
22:32And what about him?
22:33He had nothing left.
22:34No family, no children, no dignity.
22:37He had lost everything.
22:38Charles put down his phone, leaned back on the sofa, and closed his eyes.
22:41Images from 30 years ago flooded his mind.
22:44Back then, we were still young, building our careers together, planning our future.
22:48Stella when we're old, let's travel the world, just the two of us, he had once said with
22:52a smile.
22:53Sure, it's a promise.
22:54I had agreed without hesitation, but he had broken that promise.
22:57It wasn't that I wasn't willing to grow old with him.
22:59It was that he chose betrayal first.
23:01A tear slid from the corner of Charles' eye.
23:03He regretted it, but there's no medicine for regret in this world.
23:09After hesitating for a long time, Charles finally dialed my number.
23:13The phone rang for a long time before I answered.
23:15Hello?
23:17Stella, it's me.
23:18I was silent for a few seconds, then spoke calmly.
23:21Is something the matter?
23:22I...
23:23I want to see you.
23:25I chuckled.
23:26Charles, do you think there's anything left to say between us?
23:29I know I was wrong.
23:31His voice was hoarse.
23:32Stella, I truly know I was wrong.
23:34I said nothing.
23:35I know you're doing well now, and I know you don't want to see me.
23:38But I still want to tell you I'm sorry, face to face.
23:42I repeat it, my tone indifferent.
23:44Charles, it's been 30 years.
23:46You're telling me sorry now?
23:48Don't you think it's a little too late?
23:50I know it's late, but...
23:51I cut him off.
23:52Charles, you chose betrayal, so you bear the consequences.
23:56That was your choice.
23:57There was a long silence on the other end.
23:59Stella, if we hadn't divorced, would you have forgiven me?
24:03I didn't answer, because I didn't know the answer myself.
24:06Or rather, this question no longer needed an answer.
24:09Charles, live your life well.
24:11Those were my final words before hanging up.
24:16Live your life well.
24:17This was the last thing I could give him.
24:22The egg donation process was more complicated than I had imagined.
24:25It required a series of physical examinations, psychological evaluations, and legal procedures.
24:30But I walked through each step with steadiness.
24:32The doctor told me my egg quality was excellent.
24:34Even after being frozen for so many years, their viability remained very high.
24:38Mrs. Stella, your eggs are extremely valuable.
24:41They can help many families realize their dreams.
24:44I smiled.
24:45Valuable.
24:46I had once thought these eggs were the fruit of my love with Charles.
24:49The hope for our future children.
24:51But now, they had become a gift to help strangers.
24:54Perhaps this was better.
24:56At least they would no longer be bound by Charles' name.
24:58After news of my egg donation spread, many people started paying attention to me.
25:03The media wanted to interview me, asking why I was doing this.
25:06I simply answered indifferently.
25:08Because I have the ability to help others.
25:11It's that simple.
25:13And what about you and Mr. Charles?
25:14Do you hate him?
25:15The reporter pressed.
25:16I thought for a moment and said,
25:18I don't hate him.
25:19But I don't love him either.
25:21He was part of my life, but that's in the past.
25:24The reporter seemed somewhat disappointed by my answer.
25:26But I didn't care.
25:28I didn't need others to define my emotions.
25:30After the egg donation, I decided to travel.
25:32The round-the-world trip I had planned with Charles.
25:34Although I couldn't complete it with him.
25:35I could do it alone.
25:37My first stop was Paris.
25:38Standing beneath the Eiffel Tower.
25:40Watching the sunset slowly descend.
25:42I felt a peace unlike anything I had ever experienced.
25:44This city had once been a dream destination for Charles and me.
25:47Now I had come alone.
25:48But I didn't feel lonely.
25:50Instead, I felt that this was truly my own moment.
25:53Without Charles.
25:54Without the constraints of that marriage.
25:55I could finally be my true self.
25:57During my days in Paris.
25:58I visited the Louvre.
26:00Walked along the Seine.
26:01And tasted authentic French pastries.
26:03Every day was fulfilling and joyful.
26:04Traveling alone.
26:05Freedom alone.
26:06I have finally become myself again.
26:08During my travels.
26:10I occasionally received news from back home.
26:12I heard that after being thrown out of the Chan household.
26:14Vivian's life hadn't been easy.
26:16She had once relied on Charles's money to live.
26:19Now without a source of income.
26:20She could only make ends meet by doing odd jobs.
26:23Chloe and Connor no longer had anything to do with her either.
26:26After all.
26:26Once the video was exposed.
26:28Everyone knew the truth.
26:29They weren't Charles's children.
26:30But Vivian's illegitimate children with another man.
26:33This news was undoubtedly a devastating blow to Chloe and Connor.
26:37They had always believed they were of the Chan bloodline.
26:39Proud of it all these years.
26:41Only to discover they had no connection to the Chan family whatsoever.
26:45Chloe confronted Vivian.
26:47Mom!
26:47What exactly is going on?
26:49Don't believe those videos!
26:51They're all fake!
26:52Vivian was still trying to deny it.
26:53Mom, the video is crystal clear.
26:55You told someone else we were Charles's children and said you were going to swing his property!
27:00I was just...
27:02Enough!
27:02Chloe cut her off.
27:03I never want to hear your lies again.
27:05Chloe and Connor moved out of Vivian's house, found jobs, and started new lives.
27:08And Vivian curled up alone in a dilapidated rental apartment, crying day after day.
27:13Her former elegance and nobility had long since vanished.
27:16Mom, do you think Stella is feeling pretty pleased with herself right now?
27:20Chloe had once asked Vivian.
27:21Vivian didn't answer.
27:22Because she knew I was no longer an enemy they needed to worry about.
27:27I was living too well, so well that they didn't even have the right to be jealous.
27:35After leaving Paris, I flew to Kyoto.
27:38This ancient city had a completely different charm from Paris.
27:41I strolled along the bamboo grove path in Arashima,
27:44listening to the rustling of bamboo leaves in the wind, feeling exceptionally peaceful.
27:48Here, there was no Charles, no Vivian,
27:51none of those troubling memories from the past, only myself.
27:55I stayed at a traditional Japanese inn,
27:57rising early each morning to soak in the hot springs and savor exquisite kaiseki cuisine.
28:01The innkeeper was a kind middle-aged woman.
28:04Seeing me alone, she couldn't help asking.
28:06Ma'am, are you traveling alone?
28:09Yes.
28:10I answered with a smile.
28:13Doesn't traveling alone feel lonely?
28:15I thought for a moment and said.
28:18Sometimes, but more often it's a kind of freedom.
28:21The innkeeper nodded, showing an understanding smile.
28:24You're right.
28:25Freedom is more precious than anything.
28:27During my days in Kyoto, I also visited Kaya Mizudara and drew a fortune slip.
28:31The fortune read,
28:32Withered trees meet spring.
28:33Old matters become empty.
28:34The road ahead is bright.
28:35Freedom lies within the heart.
28:37I looked at the fortune and couldn't help but smile.
28:39Withered trees meet spring.
28:40Wasn't this exactly my current state?
28:42After 30 years of winter, I had finally welcomed my own spring.
28:45I carefully put away the fortune slip into my wallet.
28:48Old matters become empty.
28:49The road ahead is bright.
28:51These words, I would always keep in my heart.
28:53On the last night before leaving Kyoto, I sat in the inn's courtyard, gazing at the star-filled sky.
28:59My phone rang.
28:59It was an unfamiliar number.
29:01I hesitated for a moment but answered anyway.
29:03Hello?
29:04Stella, it's me.
29:06It was Charles' voice.
29:07He had come looking for me again.
29:14Charles, how did you get this number?
29:16I frowned.
29:17I asked your friend.
29:17His voice was hoarse.
29:18Stella, I want to see you.
29:20See me?
29:21I gave a cold laugh.
29:22Charles, what is there left for us to see?
29:24I know I was wrong.
29:26And I know you don't forgive me.
29:27But I really want to talk to you face to face.
29:29I was silent for a moment.
29:31Then finally sighed.
29:33Fine.
29:34I'm in Kyoto.
29:36Leaving tomorrow.
29:37I know.
29:38I'm already here.
29:39I was stunned.
29:40He was already here?
29:41Where are you?
29:42I asked.
29:43Downstairs at your inn.
29:43I walked to the window, pulled back the curtain, and sure enough, saw a familiar figure standing
29:47below.
29:48Charles was wearing a dark overcoat, carrying a suitcase.
29:50He looked much thinner and older than before.
29:52I hesitated, but eventually went downstairs to meet him.
29:55In the inn's tea room, we sat facing each other.
29:57Charles looked at me, his eyes complicated.
29:59Stella, you've changed.
30:01Have I?
30:02I picked up my teacup and took a sip.
30:04People always change.
30:05You would never have treated me like this before.
30:08His voice carried bitterness.
30:10The old you was always gentle and considerate, never willing to embarrass me.
30:14The old me was a fool.
30:16I put down my teacup, my tone calm.
30:18Charles, you betrayed me for 30 years, and now you come to me with this?
30:21Don't you find it ridiculous?
30:23Charles lowered his head, his hands tightly clasped.
30:26I know I don't deserve to ask for your forgiveness, but I truly regret it.
30:31I scoffed.
30:34Do you regret losing Vivian and the two children?
30:37Or do you regret being laughed at by the whole world?
30:41Charles' face turned pale.
30:42He opened his mouth but couldn't speak.
30:45Charles, you don't need to answer me.
30:47I stood up, looking down at him.
30:49Because your answer no longer matters to me.
30:53I turned to leave, but Charles suddenly stood up and grabbed my wrist.
30:56Stella, give me a chance.
30:59Let's start over, please.
31:01His voice was pleading, his eyes full of desperation.
31:04I stopped and turned to look at him.
31:06This man I had once deeply loved now only felt like a stranger to me.
31:09Charles.
31:10I gently freed my hand from his, my tone calm yet firm.
31:14Some roads, once traveled, can never be retraced.
31:18We can.
31:19He said urgently.
31:20I know you hate me, but I can change.
31:21I can make it up to you.
31:23I can-
31:23You can't.
31:24I cut him off.
31:26Charles, you can't make it up.
31:2730 years of betrayal cannot be erased by a single sorry.
31:31His eyes reddened, his voice trembling.
31:32Stella, do you really not love me anymore?
31:35I looked at him, not a single ripple in my heart.
31:38Love?
31:38I shook my head gently.
31:40Charles, I love the you from 30 years ago, not the you of today.
31:43That you, is already dead.
31:45Charles' body swayed, as if he had been struck hard.
31:48He released my hand, stepped back, looking as if he had aged 10 years in an instant.
31:52I understand.
31:53His voice was hoarse and low.
31:54Stella, I wish you happiness.
31:57I didn't answer, just nodded faintly, then turned and left.
32:00The moment I walked out of the tea room, I let out a long breath.
32:0430 years of entanglement had finally come to a close.
32:06I didn't look back, because I knew there were even more beautiful sights ahead waiting for me.
32:10I returned to my room, packed my luggage, and prepared for my next destination.
32:15My phone rang with a message from a friend.
32:17Stella, Charles came looking for you again.
32:20Don't pay him any attention, he's just a scumbag.
32:22I smiled and replied.
32:24Don't worry, I've already let go.
32:27Letting go is not forgiving, but no longer being bound by the past.
32:30I dragged my suitcase, walked out of the inn, and strode forward into the morning sunlight.
32:36A new journey had begun.
32:37My brand new life.
32:42After leaving Kyoto, I went to many more places.
32:45Rome, Barcelona, Sydney, New York.
32:48Every city left its mark with my footsteps.
32:50I learned to eat alone.
32:52Watch movies alone.
32:53Go shopping alone.
32:55Things I once thought required two people to do.
32:57It turned out I could do perfectly well alone.
32:59One afternoon in Paris, I sat at a cafe by the seine, watching the passing crowds.
33:04Suddenly, a little girl ran over, looking at me with big wide eyes.
33:10Ma'am, you're so pretty.
33:12She said in her childish voice.
33:14I was taken aback, then smiled.
33:17Thank you, little one.
33:18Her mother walked over and apologized with a smile.
33:21I'm sorry, my daughter is too playfee.
33:23It's fine, she's adorable.
33:25The little girl held her mother's hand, looked back at me, and suddenly shouted,
33:28Mommy, that lady has stars in her eyes!
33:32I was stunned.
33:33Stars?
33:34I subconsciously touched my own face.
33:36Perhaps I really had changed.
33:38No longer the woman who endured grievances to protect her husband's dignity.
33:42No longer the fool who took the blame for someone else's betrayal.
33:45The current me had light in my eyes and dreams in my heart.
33:48This was probably what people called, rebirth.
33:51Light in my eyes, dreams in my heart.
33:54This is my rebirth.
33:56After the trip, I returned home.
33:58There was new progress on the egg donation.
33:59The hospital told me my eggs had successfully helped three infertile couples conceive.
34:03Mrs. Stella, you are truly remarkable.
34:06The doctor said gratefully.
34:08I smiled.
34:08It's nothing remarkable.
34:10Just doing what I should.
34:12Actually, donating eggs wasn't just about helping others.
34:15It was also about making peace with my own regrets.
34:18Although I never had my own children, my eggs could help others realize their dream of becoming parents.
34:23This was probably the best possible ending.
34:26One day, I received a letter.
34:27It was from a mother who had received my eggs.
34:30Dear Ms. Stella, I don't know what words to use to express my gratitude.
34:34My husband and I have been married for 15 years and have never had children.
34:39We tried every method without success.
34:41Just when we were about to give up, we received news from the hospital that someone was willing to donate
34:47eggs.
34:47That person was you.
34:49Now, I am pregnant and the doctor says the baby is very healthy.
34:53I don't know how to thank you.
34:54I just want to tell you that you have given our family new hope.
34:58Thank you, Ms. Stella.
34:59You are the great benefactor of our entire family.
35:02After reading the letter, my eyes welled up with tears.
35:05It turned out that helping others truly could bring happiness to oneself.
35:09I carefully put the letter away in a drawer.
35:11This touching moment, I would forever treasure in my heart.
35:15Helping others is also healing oneself.
35:20After returning home, I started reconnecting with old friends.
35:24Because of the whole situation with Charles, I had grown distant from many people.
35:27Now, I wanted to pick up those relationships again.
35:30The first person I reached out to was my best friend, Linda.
35:32When she saw me, she was so excited she almost cried.
35:37Stella!
35:37You're finally back!
35:39I thought you'd never speak to me again!
35:42How could that be?
35:43I laughed and hugged her.
35:45I just went traveling for a while to clear my head.
35:50So how are you now?
35:51Has Charles caused you any more trouble?
35:54No, it's completely over between us.
35:56Linda breathed a sigh of relief.
35:59That's good.
36:00Stella, you deserve someone better.
36:02Someone better?
36:03I smiled.
36:05Linda, I don't need anyone else to define my worth right now.
36:09I am enough.
36:10Linda looked at me, surprise flashing in her eyes.
36:13Then relief.
36:14Stella, you really have changed.
36:16Become better, stronger.
36:17Have I?
36:18Maybe.
36:19I picked up my coffee cup.
36:19After going through so much, you've got to learn something.
36:22So what are your plans next?
36:23Keep living, of course.
36:25I smiled.
36:25Work, travel, do what I love.
36:27What about love?
36:28Linda winked.
36:29Not considering finding someone new?
36:32I shook my head.
36:34Not for now.
36:35At this point in my life, I just want to love myself well.
36:39Linda laughed.
36:41Well said.
36:42Cheers to our new era.
36:44We clinked cups.
36:45The aroma of coffee filling the air.
36:47In this moment, I felt warmth.
36:49Not because of romance, but because of friendship.
36:52Not because of dependence, but because of independence.
36:54I finally understood that true happiness doesn't come from others, but from oneself.
37:00After returning home, I didn't stay idle.
37:03I started replanning my career.
37:05In my youth, I had given up many opportunities for Charles.
37:08Now, I would pick them up one by one.
37:10I opened a small floral design studio.
37:13This was a dream I had in my youth that I never got to realize.
37:16Now, I finally had the chance to make it a reality.
37:18The studio wasn't big, but it was decorated warmly.
37:21Every morning, I would go to the flower market to select the freshest blooms.
37:24Then back at the studio, I would trim stems, match colors, and create beautiful bouquets.
37:30When customers came, I would recommend the most suitable flowers based on their needs.
37:35Your mom will definitely love this bouquet.
37:37These roses for your girlfriend, guaranteed to make her feel your love.
37:41Watching the satisfied smiles of my customers, my heart filled with a sense of accomplishment.
37:45Linda, a special customer walked into the studio.
37:48Come on in.
37:48A young woman, holding a baby in her arms.
37:51Hello.
37:51She said with a smile.
37:52I'd like to order a bouquet.
37:54Certainly.
37:55Who is it for?
37:58For myself.
37:59Her eyes sparkled.
38:01I just had a baby and want to treat myself.
38:03I was taken aback, then smiled.
38:06Congratulations, that's the best gift of all.
38:08I carefully arranged a bouquet of pink carnations and white baby's breath for her.
38:12She held the flowers, held her baby, smiling so happily.
38:16In that moment, I suddenly felt that my choice had been the right one.
38:20Although I didn't have a child of my own, I could bring happiness to others in other ways.
38:24This was probably the meaning of life.
38:27Bringing happiness to others is also the meaning of life.
38:30Time flies.
38:31In the blink of an eye, three years had passed.
38:33My floral studio had grown bigger and bigger, now with three branch locations.
38:38My name had also started to gain recognition in the industry.
38:41Many people didn't know what storms this elegant and composed florist had once weathered.
38:45And I no longer spoke of them.
38:47Because all of that was in the past.
38:49The present me only wanted to look forward.
38:51One day, I received a postcard from Alaska.
38:54No signature, just one sentence.
38:56May the rest of your life be happy.
38:58I knew who sent it, but I didn't write back.
39:01Some goodbyes don't need a response.
39:03I slipped the postcard into that fortune slip.
39:06Withered trees meet spring.
39:08Old matters become empty.
39:09The road ahead is bright.
39:11Freedom lies within the heart.
39:12These words, I had always kept in my heart.
39:15Charles, Vivian, Chloe, Connor, they had all become passersby in my life.
39:19And I had finally become the protagonist of my own story.
39:22The sun was setting.
39:24I sat by the studio window, watching the passing crowds outside.
39:27Holding a cup of hot tea, my heart felt a peace unlike anything before.
39:32My phone rang.
39:33It was a message from the hospital.
39:35Miss Stella, your donated eggs have successfully helped a fifth couple welcome their baby.
39:40Thank you for your great love.
39:41I smiled.
39:42My eyes were a bit moist.
39:44But my heart was full of happiness.
39:46Perhaps this was the best possible ending.
39:48I didn't have children, but I had helped many people realize their dreams.
39:51I didn't have romance, but I had true freedom.
39:53I didn't have a family, but I had created a world of my own.
39:57In this world, there were flowers, sunshine, laughter, and hope.
40:00That was enough.
40:01I raised my teacup and took a gentle sip.
40:04Outside the window, the afterglow of the sunset spilled across my face, warm and gentle.
40:09My life has only just begun.
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