The Day I Quit Loving You - Full HD
Watch the full short drama with English subtitles. CEO, billionaire, revenge, betrayal — complete story in one video.
#shortdrama #ceodrama #drama #revenge #fullmovie #englishsub #reelshort #dramabox #miniseries #love #betrayal #drama2026
Watch the full short drama with English subtitles. CEO, billionaire, revenge, betrayal — complete story in one video.
#shortdrama #ceodrama #drama #revenge #fullmovie #englishsub #reelshort #dramabox #miniseries #love #betrayal #drama2026
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My ex-husband asked me to remarry him. I said yes. Not because I loved him, but because my
00:06daughter needed stability. I stopped fighting for his attention. I stopped competing with the woman
00:11he always prioritized. I stopped caring, and that was when he fell apart. Honey. Honey, why aren't
00:18you angry? Kara, why don't you cling to me like you used to? I looked at him calmly, because the
00:23answer was simple. We had simply stopped loving him. After completing the remarriage procedures,
00:28Kara and I followed Rodney O'Connor home. Rodney came up behind us as we stood at
00:34the door. Why aren't you going in? The passcode has been changed. I kept my voice
00:40calm. Just then, the door opened from inside. Wearing an apron, Lindsay Mons said
00:48in a playful, complaining tone. Rod, why are you back so late? Polly's been asking
00:55for you. Miss Wright? I nodded politely. She hurriedly explained. Miss Wright, please don't
01:06misunderstand. Rod has been swamped with work lately, so I just came over to make some soup
01:11for him. I kept forgetting the passcode, so he changed it to my birthday. I'll change
01:18it back right away. Despite her words, she didn't move. The glint of triumph in her eyes
01:24was unmistakable. Daddy! A small figure threw herself at Rodney's leg. Lindsay hastily covered
01:33her mouth, looking terrified of me. Polly, what did I say? Call him Rodney. Rodney looked
01:41at Kara and me, seeming embarrassed. But we didn't make a scene as we used to. A flicker
01:46of surprise crossed his face. Kara's room was now filled with unfamiliar items. Lindsay
01:53bit her lip gently.
01:58Polly sometimes stays the night here. I could feel Kara's hand, which I was holding, clenched
02:03tightly.
02:08Mommy, I can stay in a different room.
02:12Her voice was soft. I had remained numb through it all, but now, as she said this, a sudden,
02:18dull ache spread through my heart.
02:21In the past, when Kara saw Rodney taking care of Polly, she'd always pout and cry her eyes
02:26out, shouting.
02:30Daddy is mine! Only mine! Daddy is mine! Only mine!
02:35Every time, Rodney would scold me for failing to teach her properly. But now, seeing her
02:40room so changed, she just stared at it calmly. Children were sensitive. She might be young,
02:46but she already knew, only those who were loved and favored had the right to act spoiled.
02:52Rodney frowned. Lindsay quickly said,
02:56I'll pack up Polly's things. Mrs. Wright, Kara, please don't be upset with us.
03:02Lindsay and Polly huddled together, trembling slightly, looking pitiful. In the past, her
03:08suggestive words always set me off, leading to arguments with Rodney. But today, I just
03:15looked at them without a word or change in expression. Just then, Rodney turned to Lindsay.
03:24It's probably best if you don't come and go so freely here anymore. You're a single mother,
03:29and you can't afford gossip. After packing her things, Polly said in a teary voice,
03:35Daddy, walk us out. Hesitating, Rodney looked at me. I smiled.
03:43You and Ms. Mann go way back. It's only right that you see them off.
03:47He opened his mouth to say something, but I had already turned to fill the kettle.
03:51Let's talk when I get back.
03:52He left hastily. Only after they left did Kara and I finally relax completely.
03:58Soon, a new message appeared on my phone. It was from Lindsay.
04:04I'm sorry, Ms. Wright. Polly is used to watching cartoons with Rod. He'll be home later.
04:10I'm sorry again.
04:12All right.
04:13A humorless smile formed on my lips.
04:17Rodney didn't return until the next day.
04:20I was reading Kara a story before her nap when he pushed the door open and entered.
04:30I didn't question why he was back so late.
04:34If I acted jealous and made a scene like before, he'd be displeased with me,
04:38and Kara would be dragged into the mess.
04:40After Kara fell asleep, Rodney handed me a box.
04:44It was the black diamond necklace I once wanted but lost to another bidder.
04:49If this were before, I would have probably thrown myself into his arms, overjoyed.
04:54But now, I felt nothing but calm.
04:56I used to adore jewelry.
04:58But after I moved to the shantytown with Kara, one day, a thief yanked the necklace from around my neck.
05:08I fell down the stairs and hit my head hard enough to open a gash.
05:12Blood trickled down.
05:13From that day on, I realized jewelry was fancy but useless.
05:16It could even be fatal sometimes.
05:19His expression shifted subtly, his tone inscrutable.
05:25Let me put it on for you.
05:26I smiled, avoiding his hands.
05:30But I'm no longer into jewelry.
05:32He froze slightly.
05:33I went to the kitchen to cut fruit.
05:35When I returned, he had already left.
05:39And I didn't care.
05:41That was new.
05:42In the afternoon, I took Kara out.
05:48Money had been tight these past few years.
05:51And Kara often wore hand-me-downs from the landlord's daughter.
05:56Finally, I could afford to buy her properly fitting clothes.
06:08As we entered a children's clothing store, we saw Lindsay and Polly.
06:12And Rodney, who was with them.
06:22Mr. O'Connell, Mrs. O'Connell, this just arrived yesterday.
06:26A clerk introduced eagerly.
06:28It would look perfect on Polly.
06:30She's such an absolute darling.
06:33I want it.
06:36With a smile, Rodney paid for it with his card.
06:44Another clerk came up to me.
06:46Ma'am, how may I help you?
06:49I'd like to buy something.
06:51Mine my daughter can wear now.
06:53Hearing my voice, the three looked over.
06:56Taking Kara's hand, I walked further inside as if I didn't see them.
07:09When we walked out of the fitting room, Lindsay and Polly were gone.
07:13Rodney looked at me, his expression complicated.
07:24It's Polly's birthday today.
07:25I bought her a dress as a gift.
07:28All right.
07:29Please pass along my birthday wishes to her.
07:35Then I turned to the puzzled clerk.
07:37We'll take both sets.
07:41As I went to pay, Rodney grabbed my wrist.
07:44I quickly pulled it away.
07:50The clerk's gaze shifted between us.
07:55Ma'am, you and Mr. O'Connell are...
07:58I smiled.
08:00We're acquaintances.
08:01A clattering sound came from behind.
08:05Mr. O'Connor, you dropped your phone?
08:07A clerk reminded Rodney.
08:09I turned to see him staring at me intently.
08:14What are you talking about?
08:15I looked puzzled.
08:19Aren't you gonna be with them?
08:20It's Polly's birthday.
08:22He just glared at me, not saying a word, his chest heaving.
08:25Though I still didn't understand his anger, I didn't dare provoke him.
08:29Taking Kara's hand, I walked out.
08:31I could feel his eyes on my back.
08:36Outside the store, Rodney grabbed my wrist again.
08:43You just let them misunderstand our relationship?
08:46Aren't you gonna clarify?
08:47His voice was deep.
08:49You care about Lindsay's reputation more than anything, don't you?
08:54I smiled.
08:55My words left him speechless.
08:57He fell silent for a long moment before finally asking,
09:00his voice low.
09:02Why are you so different now?
09:04I used to bicker with him over things like this.
09:08And he'd snap impatiently every time.
09:12Don't be unreasonable.
09:13Life isn't easy for Lynn as it is.
09:16A single mother with a young daughter.
09:18Having the title Mrs. O'Connor at least means she won't be picked on.
09:23Now, I felt nothing.
09:25What was the point of fighting with Lindsay over these things?
09:28I just wanted to raise Kara well and let her have the carefree, comfortable life she deserved.
09:34This is how you've always wanted me to be, isn't it?
09:40With a livid face, Rodney turned and left angrily.
09:43But I didn't care.
09:45I took Kara to eat, drink, and buy many things.
09:48I no longer had to sweat for a living.
09:51It almost felt like I was back in the days before the divorce.
09:54But the scars of those years never really faded.
09:57They were just waiting to be remembered.
10:02It hadn't always been this cold between us.
10:05I remembered how it started.
10:06After marrying Rodney, I became a full-time homemaker.
10:10Everyone envied me, a daughter from a wealthy family who had married a self-made man with a bright future.
10:15I believed my fairy tale life would go on forever.
10:20That illusion was shattered when Lindsay got divorced.
10:24The first time Rodney missed Valentine's Day, he claimed he had to work overtime.
10:39But the moment he came home, Lindsay showed up at our door holding his tie.
10:55Confused, I looked at him.
10:59He merely pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
11:03Lynn was working late, too.
11:05She just returned it on her way home.
11:07Though questions swirled in my mind, his exhausted expression made me swallow them.
11:11I had lived a sheltered life while he had worked so hard.
11:17Perhaps I was being unfair.
11:19He didn't deserve my suspicion.
11:21But deep down, the doubt had already taken root.
11:29I reminded myself that trust was the bedrock of marriage.
11:32And jealousy was a poison.
11:37But such coincidences began piling up, and I kept making excuses for every single one.
11:44On our wedding anniversary, Rodney left me sitting alone at the restaurant because Lindsay's landlord was giving her a hard
11:51time.
11:55Kara and I got stranded at the early learning center during a sudden downpour, while Rodney drove Lindsay and Polly
12:01home.
12:10I stood in the rain with my daughter, watching their car pass by.
12:14When Kara came down with influenza A, spiking a fever and seizing, I couldn't reach Rodney.
12:21I rushed her to the hospital alone, only to find him directing a team of specialists, to examine a minor
12:28scratch on Polly's hand.
12:30Every time, Lindsay would text me, reporting his whereabouts.
12:35I'm sorry, Ms. Wright.
12:37Rod insisted I shouldn't stay here and arranged for Polly and me to move to his apartment.
12:48I'm sorry, Ms. Wright.
12:50I felt dizzy.
12:51It was all my fault.
12:52After dropping us off, Rod will come to pick you up.
12:59I'm sorry, Mrs. Wright.
13:02Rod was so worried about Polly.
13:05Please don't blame him, alright?
13:07I'll talk to him.
13:09I couldn't hold back anymore.
13:10The dam of patience I'd built was finally breaking.
13:17Time and again, I confronted Rodney, questioning.
13:21Who are your real wife and daughter?
13:24At first, Rodney was patient enough to explain.
13:29Lynn and I go way back.
13:31Of course I should help when I can.
13:33But gradually, his patience were thin.
13:36You come from money.
13:37You have no idea how ordinary people struggle.
13:41Is a little empathy too much to ask?
13:43Lynn is raising Polly all by herself.
13:46That's hard enough.
13:47Why do you keep making things hard for her?
13:50Why do you keep making things hard for her?
13:55Can't you handle things yourself?
13:56I'm swamped at work.
13:59I can't drop everything for you and Kara every single time.
14:03If you can't teach Kara properly, get someone who can.
14:06She's bullying Polly already.
14:11At her age, what does that say about her future?
14:17Kara and I stopped waiting for him with hopeful hearts.
14:21Because every time he came home, it ended in a fight.
14:28And every fight left scars.
14:30Kara grew quieter and quieter.
14:37She stopped asking when daddy was coming home.
14:41Even her kindergarten teacher asked me if everything was alright at home.
14:48What finally made me decide on divorce was the day of Rodney's company's annual gala.
14:53Rodney told me he had to work overtime.
14:56At the time, I was often exhausted and drowsy.
14:58So the dinner slipped my mind.
15:00Until I stumbled upon a local tweet.
15:03The CEO of Phoenix Tech and his wife are absolute couple goals.
15:07Are we sure they're not straight out of a TV drama?
15:10The attached photo showed Rodney and Lindsay, standing side by side.
15:14I called him at least five or six times, but he didn't answer.
15:18On the seventh try, it finally connected, only for Lindsay's voice to come through.
15:26Mrs. Wright?
15:28Mrs. Wright?
15:29Rod is tied up at the moment.
15:31If it's important, you can relay it through me.
15:33I demanded to speak to Rodney directly.
15:35But she only gave a light, knowing laugh.
15:38Her voice dripping with syrup.
15:41Ms. Wright?
15:42I'm Rod's personal secretary.
15:45He keeps no secrets from me.
15:48You know, so many people today have said,
15:51I'd make a far better Mrs. O'Connor.
15:54Trembling from head to toe, I slammed the phone down and rushed out the door in my slippers.
15:58Straight to the annual gala venue.
16:05When I arrived, I saw Lindsay's arms wrapped around Rodney's waist as she leaned into him.
16:10I yanked them apart and glared at him.
16:14So this is your overtime?
16:17Hugging and cuddling with your secretary?
16:19Lindsay hurried over to pull me aside.
16:25Mrs. Wright, I had a bit too much to drink.
16:31Please don't misunderstand.
16:33I shoved her hands away and shot a furious glance at her.
16:36Don't touch me, you shameless homewrecker!
16:39I hadn't pushed her hard, but she let out a delicate cry and crumpled to the floor.
16:44Beneath Wright?
16:46Have you lost your mind?
16:48Rodney shoved me aside roughly before crouching to help Lindsay up.
16:51His eyes filled with concern as he checked her for possible injuries.
16:56My lower back slammed into the sharp corner of a table.
17:00A bolt of pain shot through me, bringing instant tears to my eyes.
17:04Eyes reddening, Lindsay stifled her tears.
17:07Her performance was flawless.
17:09And Rodney, as always, was her perfect audience.
17:13It's all my fault.
17:14Please don't fight because of me.
17:19Rodney immediately comforted her.
17:23This has nothing to do with you.
17:25Bernice just being paranoid again.
17:27When Rodney turned back to me, his voice had turned to ice.
17:31How many times do I have to tell you, Bernice?
17:35Before Lynn's mother passed, she entrusted Lynn to my care.
17:42Do you have any idea how difficult her life has been?
17:47Michi to Lynn's?
17:49Raising Polly alone?
17:50You're a woman too!
17:52How can you be so vicious?
17:53Calling her a homewrecker?
17:55How dare you?
17:56His gaze as it fell upon me was cold, laced with disgust.
17:59My patience has its limits.
18:01Don't push me.
18:03Don't make me regret the day I married you.
18:05My ears were ringing.
18:06I stared at Rodney in utter disbelief.
18:09He was my husband.
18:10How could he take another woman's side?
18:12Lindsay kept flaunting their closeness, rubbing my face in it.
18:16Did he truly not know?
18:17The urge to expose her true colors on that call rose in my throat.
18:21But all the words stuck there.
18:23After a long moment I simply said,
18:28Let's get a divorce.
18:29The moment I said that, I felt a profound relief.
18:32I couldn't even be bothered to care about the gloating look on Lindsay's face.
18:38After a stunned pause, Rodney let out a derisive scoff.
18:46A divorce?
18:48Bernice, seriously?
18:50That's your masterstroke?
18:51Stop it.
18:52Don't you have anything better to do than getting jealous and competing for attention?
18:58With that, he helped Lindsay to her feet and led her away.
19:03That night, I sat in the living room until dawn.
19:08Only when Kara burst into tears did I realize there was blood all over my legs.
19:12The second baby had quietly arrived and it had slipped away just as quietly.
19:17A week later, Rodney and I finalized the divorce.
19:21I was granted full custody of Kara.
19:24Soon after, my father's company ran into serious trouble.
19:30Several key projects were maliciously poached,
19:32and within half a year, he was forced to file for bankruptcy.
19:36He suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized.
19:39Despite several attempts to save him, he passed away.
19:42I used what was left of the assets to pay the employees their final wages.
19:46From a sheltered, wealthy heiress,
19:48I became a single mother struggling to make ends meet in a shantytown.
19:52Kara suffered alongside me.
19:58Countless nights, I woke up crying from dreams,
20:01filled with regret for dragging her into this mess.
20:04This time, I wouldn't get jealous.
20:06I wouldn't compete for attention.
20:09I just wanted a decent life for myself and Kara.
20:12For that, I could overlook Lynn.
20:14I'd even turn a blind eye if Rodney had 10-20 other women.
20:18That was why, when Rodney asked me to remarry,
20:21I said yes.
20:22Without hesitation.
20:27After leaving that day, Rodney never came home.
20:30Three days later, Kara started at her new kindergarten,
20:33and I began setting up my online store.
20:35Back when I was selling on the streets,
20:37I'd made pet clothes and accessories by hand
20:40and built up a loyal following.
20:42Many customers had encouraged me to open a proper shop.
20:45But at the time, I was working day shifts as a waitress
20:48and could only sell at night.
20:49Besides, I couldn't produce enough inventory.
20:54Now, with a bit of capital saved,
20:56I could finally launch it.
21:01I hadn't worked during my marriage to Rodney,
21:03but my family had kept a room for me as a sewing space.
21:08It now became my studio.
21:10I bought some basic equipment to live stream my crafting process.
21:15I was eating when Rodney came back.
21:17He walked into the kitchen and looked around.
21:21You didn't make a portion for me?
21:23I didn't think you were coming back.
21:25He fell silent for a moment.
21:27I quickly stood up.
21:30I'll make something now.
21:32It won't take long.
21:33It felt like playing house,
21:34going through the motions of a marriage that no longer existed.
21:42While washing vegetables,
21:43it suddenly hit me, in the past.
21:45I used to cook and wait for Rodney every night.
21:50Whether he came home or not.
21:55I kept up the habit even when Rodney didn't show.
21:58Usually ending up throwing the food away.
22:03But today, I'd genuinely forgotten.
22:06I sighed.
22:06This couldn't happen again.
22:08We ate in silence.
22:09Rodney was the one who broke the silence.
22:12One of the projects ran into issues,
22:14so I've been staying at the office these days.
22:16I nodded.
22:18You must be tired.
22:20I'll run a bath for you.
22:26He looked at me for a long moment,
22:28then wiped his face,
22:29his voice somewhat weary.
22:33You didn't reach out to me once,
22:35these past few days.
22:40I used to be unable to resist sharing every little thing with him.
22:44Afraid of disturbing his work,
22:46I never called, just texted.
22:48I sent him dozens of messages a day,
22:50even though he rarely replied.
22:52But I wasn't that foolish woman anymore,
22:54the one whose world revolved only around him.
22:57I didn't want to bother you,
22:59I explained.
23:00Rodney kept his eyes on me,
23:02his tone layered with something I couldn't decipher.
23:05Bother me?
23:05What did you think I was doing?
23:07I smiled.
23:09Whatever you were doing,
23:10I hated to interrupt.
23:11This time, he said nothing.
23:13The silence stretched again.
23:15In that silence,
23:16something was breaking,
23:18and I wasn't the one breaking it.
23:22I cleared the table and went to the kitchen.
23:24Rodney followed.
23:34What's with all the delivery boxes in the living room?
23:42What did you buy?
23:44After a brief hesitation,
23:45I answered truthfully.
23:49I opened an online store.
23:51They're just materials.
23:52He nodded,
23:53not saying anything.
23:54A few minutes later,
23:56my phone buzzed with a notification.
23:57He had transferred a large sum to my account.
24:03Rodney's hand,
24:04reaching for the fruit plate,
24:06stilled.
24:06You're my wife.
24:07My money is yours.
24:09No need to thank me.
24:11I smiled but said nothing.
24:13Just then,
24:14his phone rang.
24:16My eyes inadvertently caught the name on the screen,
24:18Lindsay.
24:19He glanced at me and answered right there,
24:21but I wasn't interested.
24:29I tactfully slipped out to the balcony to gather the dried laundry.
24:33Lynn needs...
24:34Lynn,
24:34you go...
24:34I handed him his coat.
24:37Go.
24:38He glanced at me deeply.
24:40I'll be back soon.
24:42Not long after Rodney left,
24:44Kara's kindergarten teacher called.
24:52Mrs. O'Connor.
24:53Kara fell off the slide.
24:58As I rushed to the hospital,
25:00the teacher explained along the way.
25:04Kara had a disagreement with another child.
25:06Just as she finished,
25:08we reached the examination room door.
25:11The other child's parents were being led over as well.
25:15It was Lindsay and Rodney.
25:18Rodney's expression changed.
25:21Kara was hurt?
25:23I ignored him and walked straight into the emergency room.
25:34Kara had a fractured arm and a mild concussion.
25:41Kara's little face was pale as she curled listlessly against me.
25:47The kindergarten director showed us the footage from the incident.
25:51Kara had gone onto the slide first.
25:53Seeing Polly behind her,
25:55she had politely offered to let Polly go ahead.
25:57Polly turned around,
25:58said something,
25:59and Kara stood back.
26:00But then Polly suddenly lurched forward,
26:02shoving into Kara's back.
26:03Kara lost her balance and tumbled from the top of the slide.
26:06Furious,
26:07I shot a cold glare at Polly.
26:11She shrank behind Lindsay and whimpered in a sobbing voice.
26:15Mommy.
26:18Both Lindsay and Polly had their shoulders hunched,
26:21eyes red.
26:22They looked almost like the victims.
26:33I'm so sorry,
26:34Miss Wright.
26:35I'll cover all of Kara's medical bills.
26:40Tears welled up in Lindsay's eyes as she glanced pleadingly at Rodney.
26:50And I'll make sure Polly learns her lesson.
26:53Please don't blame her.
26:58I'm sure she didn't mean to.
27:06Kara,
27:07who had been quiet the whole time,
27:09suddenly spoke up.
27:10Polly said Daddy didn't want me anymore and that he would kick Mommy and me out soon.
27:21Lindsay's expression changed drastically as she quickly pulled Polly close,
27:25stopping Polly from saying anything else.
27:30Kara,
27:30you mustn't make up stories like that.
27:33Lying is wrong.
27:34After a pause,
27:35she added meaningfully.
27:38Did someone tell you to say that?
27:43You used to.
27:45My slap cut her off.
27:46I lowered my hand.
27:48My goddess.
27:51That's to remind you to watch your mouth.
27:55Lindsay covered her cheek,
27:57tears now glistening in her eyes,
27:59making her look even more pitiful.
28:07Mrs. Wright,
28:08I understand how you feel about me.
28:11But Polly has never done anything to you.
28:14Rod has watched her grow up.
28:16He knows her better than anyone.
28:18I let out a cold laugh and turned away,
28:20disgust twisting in my gut at her act.
28:27Kara seemed to want to say more,
28:29but after glancing at Rodney,
28:31she bit her lip and stayed quiet.
28:33Her teacher gently coaxed.
28:38Kara,
28:38is there anything else you want to tell us?
28:40She shook her head and buried her face in my chest,
28:43her voice muffled.
28:43Only mommy believes me.
28:46It's always been like that.
28:48My heart ached so fiercely,
28:50my hands trembled.
28:52Rodney frowned.
28:55Kara?
28:56I looked at him coldly,
28:58unable to hold back my anger any longer.
29:02My daughter is hurt.
29:04You may not feel anything,
29:06but I do.
29:06It breaks my heart.
29:08Stunned,
29:09Rodney stepped closer to take my wrist.
29:12That's not what I meant.
29:14Instinctively,
29:15I stepped back,
29:16holding Kara tighter.
29:17His voice died abruptly as he stared at me,
29:20disbelief etched across his face.
29:25You don't trust me?
29:30No.
29:31I didn't.
29:33Between Polly and Kara,
29:35he had always favored Polly.
29:41Polly said she liked Kara's birthday gift,
29:44so he gave it to her
29:45even as Kara cried her eyes out.
29:48Polly cut up her own dress
29:50and claimed that Kara wouldn't let her wear it,
29:54so he threw away all of Kara's favorite dresses.
30:00Polly fell down the stairs
30:02and blamed Kara for pushing her,
30:04so he locked Kara in her room
30:05without even asking for the truth.
30:07The list went on.
30:08There were too many instances to count.
30:14Truthfully,
30:15there was another reason I had asked for a divorce.
30:18I didn't want Kara to suffer anymore.
30:23It wasn't fair to her, Dot,
30:24with that thought.
30:25I turned my face away.
30:32I don't want my daughter
30:33to stay in the same kindergarten as that child.
30:36Either she leaves,
30:37or we do.
30:40Lindsay immediately pulled Polly
30:42into a deep bow,
30:43her voice choked with tears.
30:45Every word out of her mouth felt calculated.
30:47Every tear seemed like a weapon.
30:49Mrs. Wright,
30:49I'm so sorry.
30:53I know you don't like Polly and me.
30:58But Polly has growns to this kindergarten.
31:00She loves it here.
31:02She turned to Rodney,
31:03her eyes leading.
31:04I promise I'll discipline her.
31:06She'll never bother Kara again.
31:08Please,
31:10don't make us leave.
31:12Rodney looked away,
31:14making no move to help her up
31:15as he usually would.
31:16For once,
31:17he wasn't rushing to her rescue.
31:18Lindsay's eyes widened.
31:20This time,
31:21her panic seemed real.
31:22She clutched at the hem of his shirt.
31:26Rod...
31:26I was so fed up with the farce,
31:29the years of patience,
31:30the swallowing of pride.
31:31It all shattered in that instant.
31:34Enough, Lindsay.
31:35Lindsay, I'm tired of your lame act.
31:37Just admit it.
31:39You want Rodney,
31:40don't you?
31:42Fine.
31:43You can have him.
31:44I don't care anymore.
31:46I looked at Rodney.
31:47I want a divorce.
31:49And this time,
31:50I meant it.
31:51His face went pale.
31:56Rodney roughly shook off Lindsay's hand
31:58and walked over to me,
31:59his voice urgent.
32:00Bernie, I'll fix this.
32:01I know you're speaking out of anger.
32:03You don't mean it.
32:04Rodney reached out to stroke Kara's hair.
32:06Kara,
32:07I will make it up to you.
32:08But Kara turned her face away,
32:10avoiding his touch.
32:11His hand froze in midter.
32:13I spoke calmly.
32:15Rodney,
32:15I mean every word.
32:17I remarried you
32:18because I wanted to give Kara
32:19a stable life.
32:21But now,
32:23I glanced toward Lindsay and Polly.
32:26It seems our lives can't be peaceful
32:29with you in the picture.
32:30Lindsay put on a remorseful expression.
32:33It's all Polly's fault.
32:35And mine.
32:37Please just don't fight because of us.
32:39Despite her words,
32:40the gloat in her eyes was unmistakable.
32:42Suddenly,
32:43Rodney barked.
32:44Shut up!
32:44He had never spoken to her in that tone before.
32:47Her eyes widened in shock.
32:49Rod!
32:50But he didn't look at her again.
32:52His chest rose and fell heavily
32:53as he stared silently at me.
32:55The kindergarten director tried to mediate,
32:57suggesting we return to the kindergarten
32:59to discuss the matter further.
33:01I shook my head.
33:03My decision is made.
33:06Kara and Polly,
33:07only one stays at that kindergarten.
33:11The rest is up to you.
33:14After returning home to pack a bag
33:15for Kara's hospital stay,
33:17I contacted a lowyer.
33:18This time,
33:19I wouldn't walk away empty-handed
33:21like a fool again.
33:22Soon,
33:23Rodney came back to the hospital too.
33:26Bernie?
33:30I've found what's airy then,
33:31Wisconsin-situ.
33:34I've transferred Polly
33:35to another kindergarten.
33:37Kara won't see her again.
33:40My tone remained even.
33:42I see.
33:43And does that heal Kara's arm?
33:49He fell silent for a moment
33:50before saying,
33:56I'm Kara's father.
34:01It hurts me to see her hurt too.
34:04I know you're upset,
34:05but that doesn't mean you can say
34:07whatever comes to mind
34:08in the heat of the moment.
34:09I cut him off,
34:10my calm finally cracking.
34:11Rodney,
34:12this isn't heat of the moment.
34:14I could live with you
34:15keeping Lindsley and her daughter.
34:19But I will never tolerate them
34:21hurting Kara
34:22under the shelter of your favoritism.
34:24Looking agitated,
34:26Rodney insisted.
34:27I haven't favored them.
34:29You and Kara are my family.
34:32Why would I-
34:33A cold laugh escaped me.
34:38Oh, really?
34:40A wave of weariness washed over me,
34:42and I closed my eyes briefly.
34:45Rodney,
34:47do you remember
34:48why we divorced the first time?
34:49He fell silent.
34:51After a long pause,
34:52he answered with difficulty,
34:54his voice rough.
34:57Yes.
35:00Before I could speak,
35:02he continued urgently.
35:04But I only agreed
35:06to that divorce
35:08because I was angry
35:09you didn't trust me.
35:11Later,
35:11when your family
35:11fell on hard times,
35:17I waited for you
35:18to come back to me.
35:19I smiled sarcastically.
35:23So you knew exactly
35:25how hard
35:26things were
35:27for Kara and me.
35:28Yet he had chosen
35:29to sit back
35:29and do nothing
35:30just to force me
35:31to surrender.
35:33Rodney shifted his gaze
35:34uneasily.
35:36I came to you.
35:38I looked straight at him,
35:39each word deliberate.
35:40I came to you
35:41when Kara had appendicitis,
35:43but your company's
35:44security guards
35:44threw me out.
35:46I had been truly
35:47desperate then.
35:48After paying rent,
35:49I only had $50 left.
35:52After rushing Kara
35:53to the hospital,
35:54I realized my bag
35:55had been slashed open.
35:56the money was gone.
35:58That day,
35:59I waited outside
36:00the Phoenix Tech building
36:01for over an hour,
36:02only to be dragged
36:03away by security.
36:06They'd said with contempt,
36:08Mr. O'Connor said
36:09he never wants
36:09to see you again
36:10in this lifetime.
36:15Rodney was visibly shaken.
36:18He blurted out
36:19his hands trembling.
36:22That's impossible.
36:23I would never say
36:24something like that.
36:25I lowered my gaze.
36:26It doesn't matter now.
36:28I used to think
36:29that if Kara and I
36:30were just understanding
36:31enough,
36:31we could have a stable
36:32life with you.
36:40But I was wrong.
36:43Rodney,
36:44you're not fit
36:45to be my husband
36:46or Kara's father.
36:48This remarriage
36:49was a mistake.
36:51From the very beginning,
36:52Rodney stood frozen,
36:54staring at me intently.
36:56His lips parted,
36:57but for a long time,
36:58no sound came out.
36:59Rodney turned to leave.
37:07Pausing at the door,
37:08his back still to me.
37:10Bernie,
37:11I'll make things right.
37:14I'm not signing
37:15the divorce papers.
37:17I didn't feel anxious.
37:19I knew.
37:20He just couldn't accept
37:21me leaving him again.
37:23It was only a matter of time
37:24before he agreed.
37:26The next day,
37:26Rodney returned to the hospital.
37:30Bernie,
37:31I brought the cupcakes
37:33you like
37:33and the macaroons
37:34Kara loves.
37:35I accepted them naturally
37:37and shared them with Kara.
37:39She chatted with me
37:40the whole time,
37:41not once looking
37:42Rodney's way.
37:46The hurt in his eyes
37:47was unmistakable.
37:50After we finished,
37:51Rodney cleared the table
37:52and washed some fruit.
37:53While Kara watched cartoons,
37:55I worked quietly
37:56on a handmade accessory nearby.
37:58Rodney sat for a while
37:59before leaning toward Kara.
38:03What are you watching, Kara?
38:04She lifted her clear eyes
38:06to look at him,
38:06then silently looked back down.
38:08He couldn't keep the smile
38:10on his face any longer
38:11and left soon after,
38:12making up some excuse.
38:15He was trying,
38:16in his own clumsy way.
38:18But trying wasn't enough.
38:19Not anymore.
38:27Another evening,
38:29just before visiting hours ended,
38:31Rodney rushed into the hospital.
38:32I happened to step out
38:34to fetch water
38:34when Rodney pulled me
38:35into a tight embrace.
38:37I struggled
38:38but couldn't break free.
38:40His voice trembled
38:42with remorse.
38:43I found one of the security guards.
38:45He admitted Lindsay
38:46told them to kick you out.
38:49Bernie, I'm sorry.
38:50I didn't know
38:51she'd do something like that.
38:54I'm letting her go!
38:55I pushed him away expressionlessly.
38:57That was the least
38:58he should have done.
38:59Back then,
39:00a kind doctor
39:01had paid Kara's
39:02surgery deposit in advance.
39:04Otherwise,
39:05she wouldn't have gotten
39:06the appendectomy in time.
39:07Yet Rodney,
39:09her own father,
39:09had sat high
39:10and untouchable,
39:11waiting for us
39:12to crawl back to him.
39:18I walked back
39:19into the room
39:20and handed him
39:21the divorce papers.
39:24Kara stays with me.
39:28Look over the rest
39:29if acceptable,
39:30sign it.
39:34Rodney's hand went slack
39:35and the papers
39:36fluttered to the floor.
39:37He gripped my shoulders.
39:39Pleading.
39:43Bernie, I swear.
39:46I'll cut Lindsay out completely.
39:48Let's start over.
39:49We can still build
39:50a good life together.
39:52Alright?
39:53I met his gaze evenly.
39:59Rodney,
40:00if you'd been like this
40:01three years ago,
40:02we wouldn't be here now.
40:08I met his gaze evenly.
40:10If you won't sign,
40:12fine.
40:12I'll take it to court.
40:17I'll take it to court.
40:17Phoenix Tech is about
40:18to go public,
40:19isn't it?
40:20He stumbled back
40:20a few steps,
40:21regret written
40:22across his face.
40:26But I didn't care anymore.
40:27I turned and went back inside.
40:32Rodney still didn't sign,
40:34so I emailed him
40:34the electronic version.
40:36Over the next few days,
40:38Rodney came to the hospital
40:39every day
40:39as if nothing had happened,
40:41checking on Kara
40:41and staying a while.
40:43After Kara was discharged,
40:44we moved to a new apartment.
40:46I didn't want the villa
40:47we'd shared before,
40:48it felt tainted now.
40:50Rodney's mother,
40:51Jeanette O'Connor,
40:52showed up at our door
40:53just as Kara and I
40:54were bathing the puppy
40:55we just adopted.
41:03Bernie,
41:04you and Rod
41:05have been through
41:05so much over the years.
41:08Now that you're back together,
41:10don't make waves.
41:12Kara's still little.
41:14Could you really let her grow up
41:16without a father?
41:17Seeing my calm expression,
41:19Jeanette seemed displeased.
41:21You young people
41:22make everything so dramatic.
41:24Lynn and Rod grew up together,
41:26so what if he looks out for her?
41:29If there were really anything
41:30between them
41:31they'd have married years ago,
41:32you wouldn't have even
41:33been in the picture.
41:36Realizing she'd gone too far,
41:38she cleared her throat softly.
41:40Anyway,
41:41just think about Kara
41:42before you decide.
41:44Besides,
41:45what decent man
41:47wants a divorced woman
41:48with a child?
41:51I listened with detached calm,
41:53neither arguing nor agreeing.
41:55So pretentious.
41:57Her voice was barely audible
41:58as she walked away.
41:59I texted Rodney afterward.
42:01Don't send anyone else
42:02to change my mind.
42:03It won't work.
42:04I want to divorce Rodney.
42:08He never replied.
42:10A few nights later,
42:11the doorbell rang unexpectedly.
42:13Rodney's assistant stood outside,
42:16panting slightly.
42:18Mrs. O'Connor.
42:19Mr. O'Connor is drunk.
42:21Could you open the door?
42:25I instinctively wanted to refuse,
42:26but at the sight of Kara's
42:28upturned face,
42:29I sighed.
42:30I didn't want to see Rodney,
42:32but the truth remained.
42:33He was Kara's father.
42:35Rodney's assistant left soon
42:36after putting him on the bed.
42:37I tossed a wet towel
42:39onto his face.
42:51Stop the act.
42:54I know how well
42:55you hold your liquor.
43:00After a moment of silence,
43:01he sat up and looked at me.
43:03His eyes rimmed red.
43:07If I hadn't pretended to be drunk,
43:09you wouldn't have let me in.
43:11I looked at him without a word.
43:13He ran a hand slowly
43:14through his hair,
43:15his voice suddenly rough
43:16with emotion.
43:17Bernie, I'm so sorry.
43:22I truly didn't know Lindsay
43:24would go against you like that.
43:26She used
43:29Phoenix Tech's name
43:30to contact several business partners
43:32and targeted your father
43:33all behind my back.
43:35Then she kept undermining
43:36your job hunt.
43:37I stood up, shocked.
43:39Everything made sense now.
43:41No wonder I'd been fired
43:42from every job
43:43for no real reason,
43:44even with a degree
43:45from a top university.
43:46Later,
43:47no company would even call me
43:49for an interview.
43:50In the end,
43:51I'd had to make a living
43:52selling my crafts on the street.
43:56Rodney looked at me,
43:57eyes bloodshot,
43:58his face etched with remorse.
43:59I'm sorry.
44:01You never came to me
44:02and I was so angry.
44:05I just stopped paying attention.
44:07Rodney stepped closer,
44:08his lowered gaze full of sorrow.
44:10Will you
44:11never forgive me?
44:13Suddenly,
44:14fragments of memory
44:15washed over me.
44:16The Rodney who was at a loss
44:18when I first told him
44:18how I felt about him.
44:21The Rodney who skipped class
44:23to take me to the hospital
44:24after I sprained my ankle in gym.
44:26The Rodney who was so thrilled
44:28to learn I was pregnant
44:29that he drove the wrong way home.
44:30And the Rodney who looked at me
44:32with disgust
44:33and said he regretted marrying me.
44:36After the first divorce,
44:38I'd been too busy surviving
44:39to dwell on emotions.
44:41But now,
44:42I finally understood,
44:43I had completely let go.
44:45I shook my head.
44:46I don't hate you.
44:50So forgiveness
44:51doesn't even come into it.
44:52Rodney's eyes clouded
44:53instantly with moisture.
44:55Ashamed,
44:55he turned away to hide it.
44:57From now on,
44:58the only relationship we have
44:59is as Kara's co-parents.
45:01Then I returned to the bedroom.
45:03I didn't know how much time
45:04had passed before I heard
45:05the main door close softly.
45:07When I came out,
45:08the signed divorce papers
45:09lay on the coffee table.
45:11He had revised the terms.
45:13He gave me more assets.
45:14Now I was wealthier than he was.
45:18My lawyer had all the materials ready
45:20and filed a suit against Lindsay.
45:22Demanding she return
45:23the marital assets
45:24she'd received from Rodney.
45:26On the day of the hearing,
45:28Lindsay appeared,
45:28stripped of all luxury.
45:30The radiant aura
45:31she once had was gone.
45:33Dropping her delicate,
45:34harmless facade,
45:35she glared at me
45:36with naked hatred.
45:37With solid proof,
45:39transfer records
45:39and purchase receipts.
45:41The amount she was ordered
45:42to return exceeded $350,000.
45:45While I had struggled
45:46to put food on the table,
45:48Rodney had been lavishing
45:49a fortune on his friend.
45:50I felt a gaze fixed on me,
45:52but I pretended not to notice.
45:54Once the judgment was announced,
45:56I walked straight out.
45:57Lindsay charged after me,
45:59shouting furiously,
46:00Bernita,
46:01don't think you've won!
46:02I stopped and turned
46:04with a derisive scoff.
46:06Everything you fought
46:08so desperately for
46:09is something I no longer want.
46:11You?
46:13You're nothing but a trash collector.
46:19Furious,
46:20she stomped her foot
46:21and lunged to slap me,
46:22no longer caring about her image,
46:24only to be yanked back
46:25and shoved away
46:26by a strong hand.
46:27After a cold glance at her,
46:28Rodney walked toward me.
46:29Behind him,
46:30she shrieked miserably.
46:32Rodney!
46:33I've,
46:33I've waited for you
46:34all these years!
46:37How could you do this to me?
46:40You promised my mom
46:42you'd take care of me forever!
46:44Have you forgotten?
46:50Rodney's expression darkened.
46:52He hurriedly explained to me.
46:55Bernie,
46:56nothing ever happened
46:57between Lindsay and me.
46:58I smiled indifferently
46:59and turned to leave.
47:01Now that we were divorcing,
47:03I didn't give a damn
47:04what had or hadn't
47:04happened between them.
47:06My heart was closed,
47:08and no explanation
47:09could open it.
47:13Rodney sued Lindsay
47:14for leaking company secrets
47:16and embezzling funds.
47:17The evidence was solid.
47:19Lindsay was sentenced
47:20to three years in prison.
47:22Three years.
47:22It would never undo
47:24what she'd done.
47:25A month later,
47:26Rodney and I
47:27finalized our divorce.
47:28I had dressed up
47:29and had my hair done.
47:30When I walked out
47:31with the divorce certificate
47:32in hand,
47:33I felt lighter than ever.
47:35Even the air felt clearer
47:36for the first time in years.
47:38I could breathe.
47:40Ernie,
47:40Rodney's voice came
47:41from behind me.
47:43Could we have
47:44one last meal together?
47:46I turned these days.
47:48Rodney had looked
47:48worn down.
47:49He looked like a man
47:50who'd lost everything
47:51because he had.
47:52His hair was untidy,
47:54bangs falling across
47:55his eyes.
47:56Dark circles shadowed
47:57his cheeks.
47:58His beard was unshaven,
48:00and his face
48:00seemed thinner.
48:01The second divorce
48:02seemed to have
48:03hit him hard.
48:04Good.
48:05It was about time
48:05he felt something.
48:07I smiled.
48:08I'll pass.
48:10I have things to do.
48:11With that,
48:12I drove away.
48:13I didn't look back.
48:14Not even once,
48:15it was over.
48:17Back when I was
48:18at the hospital,
48:19a nurse had bought
48:20a few pet clothes
48:21from me.
48:23The nurse posted
48:25photos of her cat
48:25wearing them online,
48:26and they unexpectedly
48:27went viral.
48:29Orders for my online
48:30shop flooded in
48:31within days.
48:32The apartment was
48:33overrun by my
48:34work materials.
48:35After looking around,
48:36I rented a studio.
48:37The renovation was
48:38nearly done,
48:39and we were airing
48:40it out.
48:41Standing before
48:41the tidy work tables
48:42and neatly organized
48:43materials.
48:44I couldn't help
48:45recording a short clip
48:46and posting it
48:47on my social account.
48:48Every piece I made
48:49carried a story,
48:50my story,
48:51not anyone else's.
48:52For the first time,
48:53I was building something
48:53that couldn't be taken away.
48:55I used to anchor
48:55my entire life to Rodney.
48:57Looking back now,
48:58I realized how foolish
48:59I had been.
49:00I should have shed
49:00the label of
49:01full-time homemaker
49:02long ago
49:03and found my own worth.
49:04This studio marked
49:05the beginning
49:05of a new chapter.
49:07Right after I posted,
49:08the video received a like
49:09from an account
49:10named Ro.
49:14Ro.
49:15Rodney O'Connor.
49:17Still watching,
49:18still too late.
49:19Children's bones
49:19healed quickly.
49:21Kara recovered well
49:22and after a final checkup
49:23was cleared
49:24to return to school.
49:25One day,
49:26I went to pick her up.
49:28The moment we returned
49:29to the car,
49:29we saw a boy
49:30sitting in the back seat.
49:33Lewis,
49:34what are you doing
49:35in my mommy's car?
49:37I almost laughed
49:38at the indignation
49:38in her voice.
49:40Lewis Blanchard
49:41covered her mouth.
49:49If my uncle hears you,
49:51I'm dead.
49:52Just then,
49:53a deep voice
49:53sounded outside.
49:55Lewis,
49:55out.
49:56I turned to see
49:57a tall,
49:58sharp-featured man
49:59standing beside the car.
50:00Lewis kicked
50:01and protested,
50:02but the man
50:03lifted him out
50:03effortlessly.
50:04After apologizing to me,
50:06he carried Lewis
50:07away by the collar.
50:11Lewis is the
50:12class bully from D2.
50:14Mrs. Bryant told us
50:15to stay away from him.
50:17She scrunched up
50:17her little brow.
50:25Mommy,
50:26what's a rich,
50:28eligible bachelor?
50:31At nap time,
50:32Miss Bryant said,
50:34Lewis's uncle
50:35is a rich,
50:36eligible bachelor.
50:38I chuckled,
50:39gently pinching her cheek.
50:41Caught you.
50:42You weren't napping,
50:44were you?
50:45Life was slowly
50:46piecing itself back together
50:47over the next six months.
50:48My studio gained momentum.
50:52I partnered with a factory
50:53to add batch-produced lines
50:55alongside my handmade items.
50:57I wanted to build my own brand
50:58step-by-step.
51:00This brand was mine,
51:01every stitch,
51:02every design,
51:03every late night.
51:04Not as someone's wife,
51:06not as someone's mother,
51:08just me.
51:08One day,
51:09while at the factory
51:10to tweak a design detail,
51:12I saw the director
51:13seeing someone out.
51:14It was Lewis' uncle.
51:15We'd only met once,
51:17so I simply nodded
51:18and turned to leave.
51:19But he called out to me.
51:24Carlton Gilbert.
51:26He introduced himself.
51:27Executive director
51:28at Starlight Group.
51:30He had seen my studio's
51:31samples at the factory
51:32and was very interested.
51:33Starlight Group
51:34was preparing year-end gifts,
51:35small in quantity,
51:36but with high design standards.
51:38He hadn't yet found
51:39a design that clicked.
51:40Of course,
51:41I wouldn't miss
51:42a business opportunity.
51:43Not after everything
51:44I'd fought for.
51:46We exchanged contacts.
51:48Something about his directness
51:49was refreshing.
51:50No games.
51:51No hidden agendas.
51:53Just business.
51:54I had no idea
51:55that my past
51:56was already waiting
51:57for me at the studio.
51:59As soon as I returned
52:01to the studio,
52:02my newly hired assistant,
52:03Neil Hull,
52:04told me someone was waiting.
52:05It felt like a long time
52:07since I'd last seen Rodney.
52:09I hadn't wanted to.
52:11He looked even more haggard
52:13than on the day of the divorce.
52:15His suit hung loosely.
52:16His eyes lit up
52:17when he saw me,
52:18the joy on his face undisguised.
52:22That joy cut deeper
52:24than any accusation.
52:25Because I couldn't return it.
52:27Not anymore.
52:28He had set up
52:29a trust fund for Kara.
52:31Kara.
52:35Kara.
52:37I don't think I'll get
52:38to see her grow up.
52:40Stunned,
52:40I looked up at him.
52:41His eyes were rimmed red.
52:47Maybe this is karma.
52:49Last month,
52:50I was diagnosed
52:51with liver cancer.
52:54Late stage.
52:54I opened my mouth
52:56but didn't know what to say.
52:58What do you say
52:58to someone who's dying?
53:00Someone you used to love?
53:02Silence filled the room.
53:03The light in Rodney's eyes
53:04slowly faded
53:05and he smiled self-mockingly.
53:07Before leaving,
53:07he suddenly pulled me
53:08into his embrace.
53:09I felt the heat of tears
53:10against my neck.
53:11I'm sorry.
53:12His voice was choked.
53:14I stood frozen,
53:15my hands at my sides.
53:18Rodney died for months later.
53:20He had notarized
53:21his will in advance,
53:22dividing his company shares
53:24among me,
53:25Kara and Jeanette.
53:28At least your ex-husband
53:30did one decent thing
53:31before he died.
53:32Carlton swapped
53:32his neatly cut steak
53:33for mine.
53:37It's been a while
53:38since the divorce.
53:40Aren't you thinking
53:40of letting someone new
53:41into the picture?
53:42I met his gaze.
53:43Mr. Gilbert,
53:44is that someone new?
53:55I won't argue
53:56if that's what you think.
53:58We clinked glasses
53:58and smiled at each other.
54:00The seasons changed.
54:01My studio grew
54:02from a small workshop
54:03into a brand
54:04that people recognized.
54:05Kara started first grade,
54:06top of her class,
54:08with a smile
54:08that could light up
54:09any room.
54:10She still didn't talk
54:11much about Rodney.
54:13But sometimes,
54:14I'd catch her sitting quietly,
54:16looking at old photos,
54:17her small fingers
54:18tracing his face.
54:20Carlton was there,
54:21steady,
54:22undemanding,
54:22sure,
54:23never pushing,
54:24always present.
54:25For the first time in years,
54:26I wasn't looking back.
54:27I was just,
54:28here,
54:28and that was enough.
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