- 6 minutes ago
MIT After Heartbreak
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The night before high school graduation, Ethan Luciano pulled me into his bedroom.
00:05His hands were rough, his touch demanding, yet my heart overflowed with a decade's worth of unspoken longing.
00:13I have loved Ethan for ten years. Finally, my silent wish seems to have come true.
00:36After the tender moment, we tangled ourselves in his sheets. He whispered,
00:40After I graduate, I will marry you. When I take over the Luciano family business from my father,
00:46I will make you the most favored woman in the family. You'll be my queen.
00:50I believe it.
00:54The next morning, I curled up on his bare chest and listened as he casually told my brother-in-law
00:59Lucas about our situation. My cheeks were flushed, my heart was pounding, and I was still immersed
01:05in the sweetness of the previous night. But suddenly, their conversation switched to Italian.
01:10Non male. Per la prima volta, fate il bravo a scuola. Disca Poo, che cosa vuoi dire mia sorella?
01:15Guarda come un angelo, il letto si apre. Chi lo può pensare?
01:19Signor Presidente, onorabili colleghi, il gruppo del partito pole-europene si è pronunciato a favore
01:24di questa relazione.
01:26Non è niente. È solo un allenatore. Voglio insiguere le cheerleader Sylvia Dawson,
01:32ma non voglio che lei pensa che non ho capito niente a letto. Cynthia Savel, è solo un colpo.
01:37Non dirlo a Sylvia. Non voglio che pensi di più.
01:40They didn't know that I'd spent months secretly learning Italian, preparing for the life I thought
01:44I'd share with Ethan. I didn't say a word. Later that day, I quietly withdrew my early admission
01:49application from Caltech and instead applied to MIT in Massachusetts.
01:58The words hit me like a punch to the gut, freezing me in place.
02:05Classico Ethan. Anche la tua ragazza di allenamento è la ragazza dei sogni di qualcun altro.
02:10Hai preso sul serio, amico. Ragazzi, scuomio che i fanatichi di Cynthia perderebbero la testa
02:16se lo sapessero. Sicuramente. Cynthia, prego. Lei è tutta su di me. A malapena devo
02:25alzare un dito per portarla nel mio letto.
02:27Why were you two speaking Italian again? It's so annoying. I couldn't understand anything. You
02:34always do this. Just practicing my spoken Italian baby. You know I have that big meeting with the
02:40Italian partners next month. Were you tired after I fucked you so hard last night? Did it feel good,
02:46baby? Did you like how rough I was? They had no idea I'd secretly learned Italian, hoping to be the
02:52perfect partner for Ethan one day. And now, every cruel word they said echoed clearly in my mind.
02:59Ethan wrapped an arm around me, his lips brushing against my cheek as if he actually cared.
03:05If I didn't know better, I might have believed he really loved me.
03:13I... I need to use the bathroom for a moment. I shot to my feet, my legs trembling as I
03:20quickly
03:20grabbed my scattered clothes from the floor. I stumbled out of the room without looking back.
03:26The moment I locked myself in the bathroom stall, I clapped a hand tightly over my mouth.
03:32Tears poured down my face uncontrollably as I whispered hoarsely to myself between sobs.
03:37How stupid can I be? He doesn't love you. He never did. I bit down hard on my lip to
03:43stop myself
03:44from making any louder sound, tasting blood in my mouth. I couldn't stay here any longer. Wiping my
03:50tears roughly with the back of my hand, I took a deep, shaky breath, straightened my clothes as best
03:57as I could, and quietly slipped out of the bathroom. Without hesitation,
04:04I walked straight toward the exit, leaving Ethan and this suffocating room behind.
04:13My phone buzzed. It was a message from Ethan.
04:18Where'd you go? Can't take you to prom tonight. Something came up.
04:23And take the morning after pill. I didn't use protection last night. Don't want any accidents.
04:29Take care. My stomach twisted violently. I remembered him holding me afterwards,
04:34whispering how I finally belonged to him. I'd been so lost in the warmth of the moment that
04:41I didn't even care about it. But now, every word in that message felt like slap to the face.
04:48I wiped my tears roughly, forced myself to stand, and stumbled out to the nearest 24-hour pharmacy.
04:57The fluorescent lights were painfully bright as I approached the counter.
05:01Her eyes quickly scanned my disheveled hair, smudged makeup, and the coat I hadn't even zipped properly.
05:07Morning after pill?
05:10Yes. Please.
05:11Please. She didn't say anything else. She simply placed the small box on the counter,
05:16gave me another cold glance, and rang it up.
05:20I paid quickly, grabbed the small bag, and hurried out of the pharmacy.
05:27I swallowed the bitter bill dry. The taste burned on my tongue like regret.
05:31Without hesitation, I threw the remaining pills and the half-empty water bottle into the nearby trashcan.
05:37I was walking aimlessly down the quiet street when my phone suddenly rang.
05:41It was a video call from my best friend, Ava Trevor.
05:45Cynthia! Where are you? Why aren't you at prom? This is...
05:52Her voice suddenly paused.
05:55Through the phone, I could hear loud music and cheering in the background.
05:59The moment I entered the hall, the loud music and flashing lights hit me.
06:03My eyes instantly found the center of the dance floor.
06:06Ethan and Sylvia were locked in a deep, passionate kiss.
06:08The crowd around them cheered and whistled loudly.
06:12Just yesterday, when we were tangled in bed, I had leaned in to kiss him, but he turned his face
06:17away.
06:18Sorry.
06:19I just don't like kissing.
06:22The saliva thing. It makes me sick.
06:32Yet here he was, kissing Sylvia passionately in front of everyone, without any hesitation.
06:38So it wasn't that he didn't like kissing.
06:40He just didn't like kissing me.
06:43Cynthia, I'm so sorry.
06:45I didn't want you to see it like this.
06:46I turned around and walked out of the venue without a word.
06:49Back in my room, I sat silently in front of my laptop for a long time.
06:56I'm done.
06:59I opened the application portal, withdrew my Caltech application, and submitted a new one to MIT instead.
07:10I curled up on my bed, hugging my knees to my chest.
07:13My mind kept flipping between the Ethan who used to be so kind to me when we were kids and
07:18the cold, campless Ethan from today.
07:21I only managed to fall into a fitful sleep as dawn broke.
07:27The next morning, I felt myself being pulled into a warm, firm embrace.
07:32I jolted awake, my heart racing.
07:35The first thing I saw was the familiar curve of a defined jawline, the hint of stubble against smooth skin.
07:42It was Ethan.
07:43I had forgotten that he knew the passcode to my house, and that no one, not even my parents or
07:49the housekeeper, Mrs. Trippnan, would stop him from coming in.
07:53Noticing I was awake, Ethan chuckled softly, leaning in to blow gently into my ear.
07:59I yelped, pushing him away and scrambling to the far side of the bed.
08:03He followed, wrapping his arms around me from behind, his body radiating heat as he pressed close, lips grazing the
08:10sensitive skin of my neck.
08:13What's wrong? Don't want me anymore?
08:15You were screaming so deliciously last night, don't tell me you're not in the mood for another round.
08:20I clamped my mouth shut, refusing to respond, and my entire body tensed against his touch, pretending to be annoyed.
08:27You didn't even say goodnight to me last night. Do you know how worried I was?
08:30I'll let it owe this, but you have to make it up to me. I think you should use that
08:34pretty little mouth of yours.
08:36His fingers traced slow, teasing patterns along my skin, slipping beneath the edge of my shirt to caress the curve
08:42of my waist and the softness beneath, drawing shivers from deep within me.
08:47I shoved him off with all the strength I had, my heart pounding with a confusing mix of anger and
08:51betrayal.
08:53What's with the attitude? Is this about me not taking you to prom? About not being your date?
09:00Let me guess. Ava told you, right? You're mad because I took Sylvia to the dance? Seriously?
09:05She didn't have a date, and I was just helping her out. What's there to be jealous about?
09:09His casual tone made my chest tighten. I pulled the blanket tighter around myself. I'm not jealous. I'm just done.
09:19I don't want to do this anymore.
09:22Every word he said only made my blood boil, but I bit my tongue, unwilling to let him see how
09:27much he had hurt me.
09:29The house felt strangely empty with just Mrs. Trippian moving quietly in the kitchen.
09:33A moment later, Ethan followed me down, his face darkening as he realized I was still ignoring him.
09:38Normally, a cold shoulder from me would have set off a full-on silent war between us, but now, with
09:43Sylvia in the picture, he seemed more willing to tolerate my mood.
09:46Fine, fine. If you don't want to talk, at least have some breakfast.
09:50He shoved a plate of maple pancakes toward me.
09:52You've always loved the pancakes made by this chef, haven't you?
09:56I'm not hungry.
10:01I just want to be alone right now.
10:04I pushed the plate away, reaching for the simple bowl of cereal Mrs. Trippian had set out for me instead.
10:10What's your problem?
10:11I'm not upset. Why don't you go hang out with Sylvia?
10:15Ethan scoffed, slamming the pancake plate onto the table, the sound of shattering porcelain echoing through the kitchen.
10:22So, this really is about Sylvia, huh? You think you have a right to act all hurt?
10:28Just because we slept together once, you think that gives you a say in my life?
10:33The shattered pieces scattered across the tile floor, and I flinched at the sound, my whole body trembling.
10:39Hot tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them.
10:44Hey, hey, don't cry. Did I scare you? I didn't mean to...
10:51However, before he could finish, his phone buzzed on the counter.
10:55He glanced at the screen, and his expression instantly hardened.
10:58Without another word, he straightened, clearly more interested in his phone than my tears.
11:05I have something important to take care of. Just calm down. Not everything is about you, okay?
11:12With that, he walked out, leaving me alone in the echoing silence of the empty kitchen.
11:18Not long after Ethan left, Sylvia updated her Twitter.
11:22Mentioned pancakes in passing, and they showed up. Thanks for me so easy to brag about you.
11:28Ethan's chef never used to make pancakes, but Ethan had him learn because I loved them.
11:32He had once promised me that his special maple pancakes were just for me.
11:38I turned off my phone quietly, wiping away the tears that had welled up again.
11:44Just toss it out.
11:51Even that rug was a gift from Ethan.
11:55In fact, I went around the house, gathering every single thing he had ever given me,
11:59boxing them up to be thrown out.
12:01After all, every gift felt as carelessly thrown my way as those pancakes that morning.
12:07Ethan didn't reach out for days after that.
12:09Every other time we'd fought, it was always me who broke the silence first, but not this time.
12:13I blocked him on Twitter, and on my phone.
12:16I changed the security code for the house.
12:20Mrs. Trayton, in any case, don't let him in.
12:26Just as I finished packing, Ava called, inviting me to get away for a while.
12:31I phoned my parents, who were on a business trip,
12:34and told them I was planning to head to the Arctic to see the Northern Lights.
12:37I figured if I stayed with Ava until the end of summer,
12:40I could go straight to college without ever crossing paths with Ethan again.
12:44As I pulled my suitcase toward the front door,
12:46I ran into Ethan's mom, Mrs. Luciano, at the entrance to the villa.
12:52She'd always been kind to me,
12:54completely aware of the fallout between me and her son.
12:57Oh, are you going on a trip?
12:59Where's Ethan?
13:00Isn't he coming to pick you up?
13:01He told me he was taking you to Switzerland for a summer trip, and I fully support it.
13:06You two should travel while you're young.
13:08Ethan had once promised to take me to Switzerland,
13:10but he'd always complained it was too far and too much hassle.
13:14He never actually agreed to go.
13:17Furthermore, given our current situation,
13:19how could he possibly plan a trip with me now?
13:22I brushed it off, thinking it was just a misunderstanding,
13:26and continued to the airport.
13:28However, as I approached the departure gates,
13:31I saw them, Ethan and Sylvia.
13:33He was there, holding her bag with a casual, protective ease.
13:39On a particularly exhausting day,
13:41I had once asked Ethan to carry my bag for me.
13:44He had flatly refused, saying I should handle my own stuff.
13:48He had even mocked my bag, saying it didn't match his tough guy image.
13:53So, it turned out those little things weren't a bother at all
13:56when it came to someone you truly cared about.
13:59I took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind of him.
14:03Ava had arrived early, and was waiting for me at the gate.
14:07I kept my distance, following Ethan and Sylvia from afar,
14:12not wanting to draw his attention.
14:14Ethan seemed distracted,
14:15constantly checking his phone as if he was trying to call someone,
14:18but never quite succeeding.
14:21Sylvia boke to him a few times,
14:23but he seemed too lost in his thoughts to even hear her.
14:27Finally, I reached my gate and broke away from their path.
14:33Just as I met up with Ava, my phone rang.
14:37It was an unfamiliar number.
14:39I hesitated, but answered it.
14:42Cynthia, his voice came through, thick, with barely contained anger.
14:46Fine, ignore me for a few days, but what the hell is with blocking me?
14:49What's with the attitude?
14:50You've got some nerve.
14:52Just try and keep me blocked.
14:54Let's see who you run to for help when you're alone at college.
14:57His voice was rising, the tone I knew all too well.
15:01They were the warning signs of an incoming blow-up.
15:04Nevertheless, I didn't say a word.
15:07There was no way I was going to tell him that I had secretly changed my college plans.
15:12I'm boarding now.
15:13Just take me off your block list.
15:16I want to expect you, Mrs. That Ethan going abroad for a few days.
15:20So don't expect to hear from me.
15:22I bit my tongue, resisting the urge to curse him out, and simply hung up.
15:29From the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan in the distance,
15:32his face twisted with frustration,
15:34gripping the phone like he was about to hurl it at the floor.
15:38I grabbed Ava's hand,
15:40I grabbed Ava's hand,
15:41and kept walking toward the gate,
15:42never looking back,
15:43never looking back.
15:44In the Arctic,
15:45I kept myself busy on purpose.
15:47Ava and I watched the northern lights,
15:51chased whales and shields on a research ship,
15:54and packed our days with activities
15:56to keep my mind from drifting back to old memories.
16:03Despite his demands,
16:04I definitely didn't unblock Ethan.
16:07Regardless, Ava,
16:08who was always by my, my side,
16:10occasionally showed me his and Sylvia's Twitter updates.
16:13I could see they were having a great time in Switzerland.
16:17Strangely enough,
16:18Ethan,
16:18who never used to post much,
16:20now shared something almost every day.
16:22Sometimes it was a shot from the Aletz Glacier,
16:25other times it was a picture
16:26from the top of St. Peter's Basilica.
16:28Even though I was not keeping tabs on him like I used to,
16:31mutual friends still asked why I was not in these photos,
16:33or why I didn't go to Switzerland with him.
16:36After all, for years,
16:37I was the one always by his side in those shots.
16:39I just told them I had already promised Ava
16:41I'd go on this trip.
16:42Every mention of Ethan still hit a nerve.
16:46But I was trying not to shy away from his name.
16:49I kept telling myself that once I got past this withdrawal,
16:53I could finally move on.
16:57It had been almost two months without a word from him,
17:00the longest he had ever gone without talking since we first met.
17:03Before, I would always be the first to make up within a few days.
17:07Time really does heal.
17:09As the days went by,
17:10I found myself thinking less and less about Ethan
17:13and genuinely enjoying the Arctic landscapes.
17:17Just then, Ethan called.
17:21Cynthia, why did you go to the Arctic without telling me?
17:24Didn't we promise to see the Northern Lights together?
17:26He didn't seem to notice it,
17:28but there was a hint of unease in his voice.
17:30It was a tone I'd never heard from him before.
17:33I got my Caltech offer letter.
17:35You should have yours by now, too.
17:37When you get back,
17:38I have a surprise for you to celebrate.
17:40I resisted the urge to hang up.
17:42I'm not coming back.
17:44I'm going straight to school.
17:45You don't need to worry about me.
17:48Cynthia, how long are you going to keep this up?
17:50You blocked me,
17:51and I didn't even complain.
17:52Now I'm trying to make things right,
17:53and you still have a problem?
17:55If you don't come back,
17:55then don't ever bother looking for me again.
18:01I sighed and added that number to my blocked list, too.
18:05I was actually in the middle of packing.
18:08I had lied.
18:09I was planning to head back home,
18:11just without letting Ethan know.
18:13Then my dad called.
18:18Apparently, they just received a confirmation email from MIT,
18:22saying my spot was secured,
18:24and the tuition fees had been paid.
18:27It was only then that they realized
18:29I had changed my college plans.
18:32Did you and Ethan have a fight?
18:34You didn't tell anyone before changing your application.
18:38We're not trying to control your choices,
18:40but we're just worried.
18:42You might regret this later
18:44if you decide you want to be with Ethan after all.
18:46I could tell my parents were concerned,
18:48and I didn't want to keep them in the dark anymore,
18:51so I laid it all out.
18:53Ethan has a girlfriend now.
18:55I need my own life,
18:56not one that just revolves about him.
18:58Besides,
18:59Ava will be with me at MI2,
19:00so I won't be alone.
19:02Ethan doesn't know about my decision yet.
19:03Please keep this between us.
19:05I don't want to see him before I leave.
19:07They must have sensed the hurt I was holding back,
19:09so they didn't push further.
19:11They respected my wishes
19:12and promised to keep my secret.
19:17The day I returned home happened to be the night of Ethan's graduation party.
19:20His father, Mr. Luciano,
19:22was the current Don of the Mafia,
19:24and with Ethan heading off to college,
19:26he was expected to gradually start learning the ropes of the family business.
19:33So, while the event was framed as a celebration of his academic achievement,
19:37it was really just another networking affair for the family's business associates.
19:42Since part of my family's business still relied on Mr. Luciano,
19:46I didn't want to put my parents in a Tufts floss,
19:49so I agreed to attend.
19:51The moment I stepped into the Grand Hall,
19:53my eyes locked onto someone I hadn't seen in a long time.
19:56It was Ethan,
19:58dressed in a perfectly tailored suit.
20:00He looked even more mature and imposing than he had at prom.
20:03Seeing him again after two months stirred a confusing mix of emotions in me.
20:07I wasn't even sure what I felt.
20:09Maybe anger,
20:11maybe regret,
20:12or perhaps just the remnants of a once strong attachment.
20:15All I knew was that my first instinct was to avoid him.
20:21Ethan must have sensed my presence because he turned his head,
20:24and our eyes met for a brief electric moment.
20:28I quickly looked away,
20:30trying to slip into the crowd,
20:31but he strode over and caught my wrist before I could escape.
20:34He frowned,
20:36opening his mouth as if to say something,
20:38but before he could,
20:39Sylvia suddenly looped her arm through his,
20:41pressing herself close.
20:44She smiled at me,
20:46her tone dripping with saccharine sweetness.
20:50You must be Cynthia, right?
20:52I've heard so much about you.
20:55You're Ethan's best friend who's always looking out for him.
20:58Thank you for taking care of him last time.
21:01Her words were polite,
21:02but her posture made it clear she saw me as no more than a footnote in Ethan's life.
21:07Someone to be tolerated,
21:08not respected.
21:10Who said she's my friend?
21:13She's always throwing a tantrum over nothing.
21:16If she had any guts,
21:17she would have stayed in the Arctic and never come back.
21:19There was no point in arguing with him here,
21:22in front of all these people.
21:23I simply forced a smile at Sylvia and gave a small nod.
21:28Ethan's gaze remained dark and unreadable,
21:31his eyes never leaving my face.
21:33Sylvia's expression was the picture of polite perfection,
21:36but her eyes flicked between us,
21:39clearly trying to read the undercurrents.
21:41The atmosphere grew more uncomfortable by the second,
21:44the air practically crackling with unspoken tension.
21:47Thankfully,
21:47the party officially started,
21:48and Ethan had to step away for the obligatory greetings and handshakes.
21:52He scoffed under his breath,
21:54then turned and walked off,
21:55dragging Sylvia with him.
21:56Watching them retreat into the crowd,
21:58I was surprised to find I felt nothing.
22:00No sharp pan of jealousy,
22:02no lingering sadness,
22:03just a strange, hollow relief.
22:05The party was crowded,
22:06packed with business partners,
22:07family members, and old friends.
22:09Several people seemed genuinely surprised to see me there,
22:11their eyes darting between Ethan and me
22:13with thinly veiled curiosity.
22:15I pretended not to notice,
22:16offering polite smiles and small talk
22:18before slipping out onto the balcony for a moment of peace.
22:21Alas, my moment of solitude didn't last long.
22:24Ethan, a few of his friends,
22:26and even Lucas wandered out to the same balcony,
22:29their voices drifting over as they laughed and joked.
22:34Didn't Cynthia cut ties with you
22:36over the whole homecoming queen thing?
22:38She ran off to another country and now she's back?
22:41Please.
22:42She could never really leave me.
22:44Everyone knows Cynthia's been trailing after me since we were kids.
22:48What would she even do without me?
22:49Man, you're lucky.
22:51A childhood sweetheart who clings to you no matter what,
22:53plus the hottest girl in school crushing on you.
22:55Tough choice, huh?
22:56I know it's not fair to Cynthia,
22:58but just having one girl around all the time is boring.
23:00Before I take over the family business,
23:02I want to have some fun and chase after the girls I actually like.
23:04Besides, no matter what I do,
23:06Cynthia will always be there,
23:07waiting for me when I'm done playing around.
23:08I couldn't stand another second of it.
23:11I turned and walked away,
23:13my pulse pounding in my ears.
23:16Any lingering warmth I still felt for Ethan shattered in that moment.
23:22I couldn't believe I had ever been foolish enough to love a guy like him.
23:27I spent the entire party simmering with frustration,
23:29just waiting for it to end so I could leave.
23:32However, as the night drew to a close,
23:34Mrs. Luciano pulled me aside.
23:36Cynthia, I'm so glad you made it tonight.
23:38I've missed you, dear.
23:39She clapped my hands warmly,
23:41drawing me into a conversation that Sylvia couldn't break into,
23:45despite hovering nearby with a less than pleased expression.
23:48Unfazed by Sylvia's icy glares,
23:51Mrs. Luciano took my hand and placed it on Ethan's arm,
23:54speaking with the kind of earnest affection only a mother can muster.
23:59Earlier, Sylvia had tried to strike up a conversation with Mrs. Luciano,
24:03but the response had been noticeably cold.
24:06Ethan Luciano pulled me into his bedroom.
24:09When you two head off to college,
24:10you'll be each other's closest family.
24:12Ethan, you're the guy.
24:14You have to take good care of Cynthia.
24:15Don't upset her anymore.
24:18She doesn't need me to take care of her anymore.
24:22She hasn't even bothered to add my number back.
24:25There was a hint of something like hurt in his tone,
24:27which caught me off guard.
24:30Mrs. Luciano, I can look out for Ethan as well.
24:34Besides, Cynthia's going to MIT.
24:36That's pretty far from us,
24:38so it's not like they'll be seeing each other much anyway.
24:40MIT?
24:41He turned to me, eyes searching for an explanation,
24:44clearly not prepared for this revelation.
24:47Cynthia.
24:48You changed your college application?
24:50When did this happen?
24:52I sighed, realizing I couldn't keep this a secret any longer.
24:55I forced a small, apologetic smile and nodded.
24:59Yes, Mrs. Luciano.
25:00I realized MIT was a better fit for me, so I switched my application.
25:03I'm sorry I didn't mention it earlier.
25:05Ethan didn't seem to believe me.
25:07He grabbed my shoulders, his grip uncomfortably tight.
25:10But we applied to the same college together.
25:12Why would you suddenly change to another school?
25:15I winced, trying to twist out of his grasp.
25:18Why should I have to follow you to the same school?
25:21I have my own life, Ethan.
25:24MIT is a better fit for me, and Caltech was only ever a compromise for your sake.
25:28Nick, stop being so selfish.
25:30I'm not your property.
25:31I have the right to make my own choices.
25:36What the hell are you talking about?
25:38When have I ever treated you like you're just some tool for my convenience?
25:43Oh, then what was that night?
25:46You treat me like a convenient outlet whenever it suits you, and then you run off to chase
25:50someone else?
25:51In that instant, memories flooded back on Kumbhidim.
25:56His strong arms had wrapped around me like vines of fire, pulling me impossibly close as
26:01our bodies moved together in a passionate rhythm.
26:04The bed frame sang beneath us with every deep, rolling thrust, filling the moonlit room with
26:09the symphony of our desire.
26:11His warm breath brushed my flushed skin, whispering promises that made my heart tremble.
26:16I clung to him desperately, nails tracing delicate paths down his back as waves of pleasure washed
26:22over me again and again.
26:24He moved with powerful grace, our bodies glistening under the soft glow of night.
26:29He turned me gently into the sheets, lips trailing fire along my neck and shoulders, until the
26:34world narrowed to nothing but the overwhelming ecstasy that left us both breathless and trembling
26:38in each other's arms.
26:41That night had felt like love, but now I knew it was only an illusion.
26:46He looked stunned, his anger momentarily replaced by confusion.
26:51Are you seriously bringing that up?
26:54We're adults, Cynthia.
26:55What happened was mutual.
26:57It was your choice, too.
27:00I closed my eyes, trying to keep my temper in check.
27:03Ethan, if you like someone else, just be honest about it.
27:06I won't cling to you.
27:08But don't keep stringing me along while you chase after someone else.
27:10That's not fair.
27:11I chose my words carefield that I had overheard his conversation on the balcony earlier.
27:16For a moment, Ethan seemed at a loss for words, his usual confidence shaken.
27:22I never did that.
27:23I'm not that kind of person.
27:25You can keep telling yourself that, but we both know the truth.
27:28Are you lying to me or just to yourself?
27:31My words seemed to hit a nerve.
27:33His face twisted with a mix of anger and wounded pride.
27:36Cynthia, after all these years, this is what you think of me?
27:39You really disappoint me.
27:40I never thought he would react this way.
27:42If you don't apologize and promise to never say something like that again, I'll never forgive you.
27:46With that, he stormed off, his footsteps echoing sharply down the hall.
27:50I watched him go, too tired to feel anything but a deep, lingering sense of regret.
27:55How had I never realized just how immature Ethan really was?
27:59After Ethan declared he'd never forgive me, I didn't see him again.
28:03Ava sent me a screenshot of his and Sylvia's official relationship announcement on Twitter.
28:08I barely glanced at it before deleting the message.
28:10Why should I waste my time on someone who no longer had anything to do with me?
28:15I told Ava not to send me any more updates about Ethan.
28:20I genuinely believed that was the last I'd hear of him.
28:23However, on the day I left for college, I had the bad luck of running into Ethan and Sylvia at
28:28the airport.
28:30Ethan saw me, too, but clearly still sulking.
28:33He quickly looked away, pretending not to notice me.
28:36I turned my head as well and made my way to the boarding gate.
28:39I caught him shooting me a sharp glare when he realized I had no intention of talking to him.
28:44But Sylvia quickly pulled him along with a possessive grip.
28:48Ava, who had come to see me off, shot them a fierce glare of her own before linking her arm
28:54with mine and guiding me away.
28:58After that, Ethan and I truly fell out of contact.
29:01I had blocked him on every platform and made it clear to mutual friends that I didn't want to hear
29:06anything about him.
29:10Surprisingly, once I settled into my new life at MIT, I made a lot of great friends.
29:14I joined student clubs, traveled with professors for field work, and filled my days with new experiences.
29:24Looking back, I finally understood why Ethan had grown tired of me.
29:27Spending your whole life revolving around a single person really was stifling.
29:32The outside world was so much more interesting.
29:34Why should I have tied myself down so early in life?
29:37By my sophomore year, a few old high school friends came to visit us in Massachusetts.
29:43That was the first time in years I heard anything about Ethan.
29:48Shortly after entering university, Ethan broke up with Sylvia.
29:51Since then, he has had a few short relationships.
29:53You surely can't recognize him now.
29:55It's completely the aura of a patriarch.
29:57I just smiled, feeling oddly detached.
30:00Hearing his name no longer stirred anything in me.
30:04That winter break, when I flew home, Ethan actually waited for me at the airport.
30:11He looked taller and more reserved, with a few men standing silently behind them.
30:15They were clearly his family's bodyguards.
30:18It seemed he was already stepping into his role within the family.
30:23Catching the anxious looks on my parents' faces, I forced a smile and walked over.
30:28Ethan, what a coincidence.
30:30You're here too?
30:31Without missing a beat, I brushed past him to join my parents.
30:34Ethan's outstretched hand, poised to help with my luggage, froze mid-air.
30:37On the drive home, he stayed completely silent.
30:41I could sense that he wanted to say something.
30:44But I kept chatting with my parents, never giving him a chance to speak.
30:48By the time we reached home, we still hadn't exchanged a single word.
30:55During the break, Ethan tried to visit me a few times.
30:59But I always turned him down, using my studies as an excuse.
31:02On Christmas Day, to my surprise, Ethan showed up at our door.
31:07Mrs. Saville, my parents are out, and I'm spending Christmas alone this year.
31:10May I join you and your family?
31:11Ethan asked politely, and my parents couldn't refuse, so they invited him in.
31:16Ethan naturally sat down next to me.
31:19I wanted to move away, but it would be too obvious, so I just stayed where I was.
31:25The relatives who came over to celebrate the holiday with us
31:27didn't know that Ethan and I were no longer on good terms
31:31and continued to tease us like they always did.
31:34Ethan had been chatting happily with everyone,
31:37but as I explained things with a smile, his expression slowly darkened.
31:45When it was time for everyone to go to bed,
31:47I was about to head to my room, but Ethan grabbed my arm.
31:51Are you in such a hurry to clarify our relationship?
31:55What relationship do we have?
31:57My words left Ethan frozen in place.
31:59He seemed like he wanted to say something,
32:02but just as he was about to speak, my phone rang.
32:04It was Miles, my college classmate.
32:07I wasn't surprised.
32:13Since we met, Miles had been openly pursuing me with warmth and sincerity.
32:18At the time, I had just gotten out of Ethan's shadow
32:21and wasn't ready to get involved with anyone else.
32:24Miles was polite, not like Ethan with his overbearing presence.
32:28He quietly supported me, providing emotional comfort.
32:31I had a great time chatting with Miles.
32:34With him, I didn't need to force conversations,
32:36and we'd lose track of time talking.
32:40Merry Christmas, Cynthia.
32:42Merry Christmas.
32:43It was already past midnight when Miles reluctantly ended the call.
32:47After hanging up, I turned around to find Ethan still there.
32:50I wasn't sure how long he had been standing behind me,
32:52but I had gotten so absorbed in my conversation with Miles
32:55that I had completely forgotten Ethan was there.
32:57He looked upset, his voice tight with suppressed anger.
33:00Who was that?
33:01Why were you so happy talking to him?
33:02I repeated my earlier words,
33:04but this time with a colder tone.
33:06What relationship do we have?
33:08Why do you care?
33:09Ethan seemed like he wanted to yell at me like before,
33:11but when he saw my attitude, his anger quickly defaded.
33:14Is he your boyfriend?
33:16I shook my head, then nodded.
33:19Not yet, but he might be soon.
33:22When I saw Ethan this time,
33:23I realized I had already moved on.
33:26It was time for me to meet new people.
33:29I didn't pay attention to the dejected look on Ethan's face
33:32and turned to head to my room.
33:35Cynthia.
33:37Ignoring him as he called after me.
33:41I didn't see him again until I returned to school.
33:44I had already planned to watch a movie with Miles,
33:47but ran into Ethan at the school gate first.
33:50He looked worn out, disheveled,
33:52and was slumped against the gate,
33:54attracting a lot of attention from the girls around him.
34:00What are you doing here?
34:03I just wanted to see how you're doing here.
34:05We're not that far apart,
34:06so I can come visit you often.
34:08No need.
34:09I'm fine.
34:10At least let me take you out to eat.
34:12Ethan looked at me with a pleading expression.
34:14Just then, a figure stepped between Ethan and my...
34:16Sorry, man.
34:16I've made plans with Cynthia beforehand.
34:18The two of them locked eyes,
34:20tension palpable between them.
34:21Cynthia.
34:23Is this the guy who called you last time?
34:25Ethan's tone was laced with something I couldn't quite place.
34:28Jealous-lies?
34:29But how could Ethan feel jealous?
34:31I must have been hearing things.
34:32Sorry, Ethan, but we've already made plans.
34:35You can go eat on your own.
34:36I gently patted Miles on the arm,
34:38who had been standing protectively in front of me.
34:45After a couple of steps, I turned around.
34:48Ethan was still standing at the school gate,
34:50staring at us, his expression forlorn.
34:52When he saw my glance back, his eyes lit up with hope.
34:55Ethan, please don't come looking for me again.
34:57I'm not the little girl who was always waiting for you to turn around.
35:00I grabbed Miles' hand and walked away without looking back.
35:06Ethan probably didn't listen to my words.
35:09In the following days, I kept seeing him everywhere.
35:13I even started to suspect that he might be stalking me.
35:17But I didn't want to see him.
35:19I rejected all his invitations.
35:21Even returned the gifts he gave me, unopened.
35:24You're my whole world, Cynthia.
35:26At this time, Miles and I had just confirmed our relationship.
35:30Miles developed a strong animosity towards Ethan.
35:33Every time he saw him, he would pull me away and openly showed his jealousy and possessiveness.
35:39Until one day, when Ethan stopped Miles off campus and beat him up.
35:51I finally couldn't hold back and went to confront him.
35:55I really couldn't understand what he was thinking.
35:58Back then, it was he who didn't want to be with just me and wanted to experience me with other
36:03people.
36:04Now, he was pretending sentimental and disrupting my life.
36:08When he realized my intention, Ethan's emotions completely spread out of control.
36:11Cynthia, do you doubt me? I didn't send one to beat him up.
36:14It was my underlaw who wanted to teach that man a lesson.
36:16Whether or not she order, it still affected my boyfriend and me.
36:20Does ever soam in front of us.
36:22Ethan looked as if he had been struck by lightning.
36:25Boyfriend? Have you already agreed to be with him?
36:27Why can't you give me another chance?
36:29I know it was wrong of me to be with Sylvia back then, but I've realized my mistake.
36:33Is it really as you claim?
36:34Just being with Sylvia at the same time?
36:36Ethan avoided my gaze, stumbling over his words.
36:41Then, in a fit of rage, he kicked one of his underlings.
36:46You guys acted on your own! Apologize now!
36:55The underling who had kicked looked like he was purely Italian, and he spoke in Italian.
37:00Speak English.
37:02Cynthia can't understand Italian.
37:04No need. I've actually always understood Italian.
37:08Ethan froze for a moment, unable to process this.
37:12So, I understood everything you said to me in Italian.
37:17Seeing that Ethan still looked confused, I reminded him.
37:20Like when you said you wanted to pursue Sylvia but used me to practice first.
37:24I understood that too.
37:26Ethan stuffened suddenly, his lips trembling.
37:29He tried to explain but couldn't defend himself.
37:32No, I was just young and reckless.
37:35I didn't mean it that way.
37:37You just enjoyed the feeling of me liking you.
37:40You were always on top, thinking that no matter how you treated me, I would never leave you.
37:44Honestly, you never truly cared for me.
37:47My words hit him hard, and Ethan's eyes reddened.
37:50I did make a lot of mistakes in the past, but I've been reflecting on myself these past two years.
37:54I liked you back then, but I was too young and always distracted by other temptations.
37:58But now, after all these years, I realize I can't live without you.
38:00You're the one I love the most.
38:05Cynthia, I'm sorry.
38:06I owe you an apology.
38:08But I really didn't mean it.
38:09I can't imagine living without you from now on.
38:11For a fleeting second, my heart ached with the memory.
38:14The peace I once felt in his arms.
38:16Those countless nights of embracing each other.
38:18Bodies intertwined.
38:20Breaths blending together.
38:21As if the entire world was reduced to just us.
38:24The heat.
38:25The tenderness.
38:26The way he used to kiss me like I'd.
38:28I was the only thing that mattered.
38:30But those memories now felt like echoes from another lifetime.
38:35I silently watched Ethan, who was covering his face and crying.
38:40After a long pause, I finally spoke.
38:43But without you, I'm so much happier.
38:46After leaving you, I realized that love doesn't have to be all about accommodating each other.
38:51I can be willful.
38:53And I can have my little temper.
38:56Looking back, my youthful infatuation was probably just me confusing friendship with love.
39:01I thought I had found the person I was meant to spend my life with.
39:04And I convinced myself I was happy being with him.
39:09Ethan finally couldn't hold back his tears.
39:13Seeing him regretful, I felt a secret sense of satisfaction in my heart.
39:19So, he did care about me.
39:21Nevertheless, it was too late.
39:24I had already found someone who truly mattered to me.
39:27Ethan, don't ever come around me and Miles again.
39:30Because of the partnership between our families, we can still meet a few times a year out of respect for
39:34our elders.
39:35But if it happens again, don't blame me for being heartless.
39:38We will never meet again.
39:40Ethan, my decisive words made Ethan freeze as he reached for my hand.
39:45I turned and left, not looking back.
39:48In the distance, Miles was quietly waiting.
39:51He seemed completely unconcerned about me forgiving Ethan, smiling as he waited for me to run to him.
39:56The moment I took his hand, he naturally pulled me into an embrace.
40:00What do you want to eat?
40:02How about that Japanese restaurant you've been wanting to go to?
40:05Aren't you curious about what we talked about?
40:08To be honest, I was interested at first, but when you walked over to me, I wasn't curious anymore.
40:13I was just worried that after talking for so long, you might be hungry.
40:17I smiled, and then started to cry.
40:21Flustered, Miles wiped my tears away.
40:26Before we left, I saw Ethan still standing where he was.
40:31I hooked my arm around Miles' hand in hand and walked away.
40:38That was the last time I ever saw Ethan.
40:41Ethan.
40:42Ethan.
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