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🔥 Get ready for the ultimate short drama addiction! Packed with breathless romance, shocking betrayals, and massive plot twists that will keep you hooked until the very last second. 💔👑🕶️
🚀 Hit FOLLOW now for daily addictive mini-series! 👇
#shortdrama #miniseries #drama #romance #betrayal #mafia #shortfilm
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Short filmTranscript
00:02My billionaire husband threw me into a slum on our first anniversary.
00:07My father's illegitimate daughter Serena was on his arm, wearing my wedding ring.
00:12One year ago, the night before my wedding, she had drugged me, sleeping pills in my tea.
00:18I was out before midnight, she climbed into my bridal car, took my name, my groom, and every wedding gift
00:24my mother had spent months preparing.
00:25The accounts, the jewelry, all of it, I came to before the vows were done.
00:30I walked into that ceremony hall in my ruined dress.
00:33That's not me!
00:35The room went silent. Serena turned around under the veil.
00:38Every camera in the room found her face. She dropped her knees on the carpet.
00:43Sister, I just wanted to be loved.
00:46I had security tie her up, dragged out. I married Damien. I took back everything.
00:51Or so I thought. Until now, a year later.
00:54I became the one bound hand and foot on the floor of an abandoned building.
00:59Damien and Serena stood over me. Damien adjusted his cufflinks.
01:03Your father is bankrupt.
01:04A pause.
01:06If I didn't still need to manage the fallout, humiliating Serena would be worth your death a thousand times over.
01:11You're not even worth a dog.
01:13Serena tilted her head.
01:14Sister, you humiliated me once. Rod in here and make amends. Damien belongs to me now.
01:22Damien raised his hand. Three men filed in from the hallway. The way they looked at me made my skin
01:28fall. One of them was holding a camera.
01:30Do whatever you want with her. Send me the footage when it's over.
01:42I couldn't take it anymore. I pulled free from the restraints, crossed the room, and threw myself through the open
01:49window. The pain I was bracing for never came. When I opened my eyes again, I was back.
01:54The morning of the wedding. I dragged myself out of bed and opened the door. Mom was just coming back
01:59down the hall. A maid holding her arm. Dad beside her.
02:03She looked up. Saw me standing at the top of the stairs. She froze. Dad frowned. He recovered first.
02:10Vivian, what are you doing here? Then who just got into the boss car?
02:15I pressed a hand to my chest. What? Someone took my place?
02:19Last night, Serena said she couldn't bear to see me go. She made a calming tea for me. Said it
02:24would help me sleep. I took two sips and woke up just now. The noise in the room died instantly.
02:30Everyone looked at each other. No one said a word. Mom's legs almost gave out from fury.
02:35She steadied herself and immediately ordered the staff to grab Mrs. Ward, who was already trying to slip through the
02:41crowd toward the back.
02:43There it is. I thought something was off. Clinging to the bride's hands during the send-off, crying harder than
02:48me. I thought you were just sentimental. Turns out it's exactly what you raised!
02:52Mrs. Ward dropped to her knees, eyes darting. Ma'am, I don't know what you mean. Miss Viviana overslept. How
02:59is any of that my syrup Serena's fault?
03:01Before anyone could respond, the doorman rushed in.
03:04Sir, ma'am, the Callum family's procession has arrived. They're waiting at the front gate. Mom's face went cold. Where
03:09is Serena? Bring her here.
03:11I looked down and hid the smile in my eyes. Where else? She was in Damien Ross's bed.
03:16When the wedding was arranged, Damien had insisted on one look that the bride kept her face veiled the entire
03:22time. By now, the vows were done. They were in the suite.
03:25I watched the corner of Mrs. Ward's mouth. That small, barely contained flicker of triumph. This woman and her daughter
03:31were a matching set.
03:32Mrs. Ward had been our housekeeper for years. She'd drugged my father, gotten into his bed, and produced Serena.
03:38She'd been living comfortably off our family ever since. Now Serena had drugged me, stolen my identity, and walked into
03:45my wedding.
03:45It was fait accompli, done before anyone could stop it. That left only one door open for me. Married Callum,
03:51took the marriage Serena didn't want.
03:52The Callum family were new money, but it developed so fast. Two years in and already everywhere. The one problem
03:58was the man. He was in a wheelchair.
04:00If I accepted, the city would hear by mourning that the legitimate Harrington daughter had married a disabled man.
04:06Our family would be a joke across every social circle in town. In my last life, that was exactly how
04:12she kept me under her heel for good.
04:14But last time, I'd made a scene at the wedding. Dad and Mom had backed me. The Voss family needed
04:19Harrington money, so they'd had Serena physically removed from the suite.
04:22I'd gotten what I wanted. I became Mrs. Voss. What I didn't know then was that the man who acted
04:28devoted to my face had already gotten Serena pregnant in secret, waiting for the right moment to bring my family
04:34down completely.
04:35The maid's gasp snapped me back.
04:38Ma'am, Serena isn't in her room, and neither is her jewelry, and we found something in her room.
04:43Dad picked it up and looked. Intimate photos of Damien and Serena in bed. Dad's face went the color of
04:49stone.
04:50He threw the photos directly at Mrs. Ward's face.
04:53This is what your parenting produced. She's gonna drag the entire Harrington name through the dirt.
04:58The doorman was still hovering.
05:00Sir, the Callum family is asking at the gate. What should we do?
05:03Get someone to the Voss estate immediately. Find Serena and drag her back.
05:08I took the chance caught Dad's sleeve, pressed my nails into my thigh.
05:11Dad, let the tears fall.
05:12Let it go. Serena and Damien already slept together. He set up this whole scheme on his own wedding day
05:18to humiliate us.
05:19A man like that, I don't want him. I wiped the corner of my eye. In business, your word is
05:23everything.
05:25I don't want you to be seen as someone who breaks promises. I'll go. I'll marry into the Callum family.
05:30Dad looked at me, stunned and moved at the same time.
05:33Vivian, but you are the Harrington heir. And that Zane Callum is-
05:38His eyes said everything. I smiled and finished for him.
05:41Dad, the Callum group ranked only ten spots below the Voss family on last year's Forbes list.
05:46The Voss empire has been around for generations. The Callum group is two years old.
05:52Zane's disability doesn't affect his ability. And he's a genuine business mind.
05:56With me there, with Harrington backing, the Callum trajectory is anyone's guess.
06:00Everyone in the room could see the difference. One daughter who'd stolen her sister's wedding, chasing wealth any way she
06:06could get it.
06:07One daughter who held her composure in a crisis and chose her family's honor over her own comfort.
06:12Mom was already pulling me into her arms, holding on.
06:17Even so, no one gets to treat my daughter however they like.
06:21Vivian, I want you to know, you made the right call not marrying Damien.
06:25By the time we arrived at the Voss estate, the newlyweds were already in the suite.
06:29But the banquet was still in full swing.
06:32When we walked in, the whole room went silent.
06:35Isn't that Vivian Harrington? She's the bride. Why is she here?
06:39That can't be right. The bride was taken to the suite half an hour ago.
06:42If it's not her, then who's in there?
06:44Mom's smile was sharp.
06:46We apologize for the spectacle.
06:48The woman you saw earlier is also a Harrington daughter, the illegitimate one.
06:52She stole her sister's wedding.
06:54Damien shoved through the crowd, face-
06:56Vivian! Stop making a scene. How is any of this Sarana's fault?
07:00You overslept and missed your own ceremony.
07:02That's on you. I thought she was you when we went to the bed.
07:05As a man, I have to take responsibility for her.
07:08You came here to swap her out, didn't you?
07:10I know you've been devoted to me for years.
07:12Here's what I offer.
07:13Serena and I will file legally.
07:15But I'll only name a child of yours as my heir.
07:18How about that?
07:20I couldn't help it.
07:21I covered my mouth and laughed.
07:23He wanted to marry Serena and keep me as a mistress.
07:26The Voss family had been skating on borrowed time for years.
07:29If it weren't Harrington's support, they'd have dissolved long ago.
07:33And now he wanted both Harrington's daughters.
07:35Before Damien could continue, Serena ran in a red silk robe.
07:39She dropped to her knees in front of me and cried beautifully.
07:42Sister, it was all my fault.
07:45I lost control of my feelings and I did something I can't take back.
07:48But Damien and I are legally married now.
07:50I know you don't care about me if you keep push a Harrington name that takes the damage.
07:54But are you really willing to burn the family reputation over this?
07:57She dressed up her own filth as weakness.
08:00She framed me demanding accountability as recklessness.
08:04The nerve was breathtaking.
08:05You're saying you drugged me? Stole my wedding? Took my place in that suite?
08:09And now I'm the one damaging the family?
08:11I raised my voice deliberately.
08:13Made sure the whole room heard every detail.
08:16If you really loved Damien, why didn't you say something sooner?
08:18You had to wait until the actual wedding day to pull something this ugly?
08:21Who exactly is the one grinding the Harrington name into the floor?
08:24Or is it simpler than that?
08:26Did you want Damien or did you just want everything that was mine?
08:30Serena's face went white. Her eyes slid away.
08:34I did. I really do love him.
08:36Every person in that room had seen enough of the world to know exactly what she was.
08:42Oh, that scheming girl.
08:44An illegitimate daughter who doesn't know her place.
08:46Stealing from her own sister and she wants to call it a love story. God knows what she'd do next.
08:52Damien's mother had gone pale as chalk, shaking so hard she could barely stand.
08:57She slapped him hard across the face.
08:58Get on your knees and apologize to Vivian's parents right now!
09:03And promise me you will file with her by end of day.
09:06She turned toward me, reaching for my hand.
09:08I moved before she could touch me.
09:10Her face stiffened, then rearranged itself into something warm.
09:13Vivian, you've been treated arably.
09:15Whatever you want, Damien will do it.
09:17I promise you, nothing like this will ever happen again.
09:21Damien pressed his hand against his cheek.
09:23The look he gave me was pure venom, like I had ruined something that was his.
09:27Mom, Serena is the only woman I will ever love.
09:30I will not marry anyone else.
09:33Vivian is arrogant and entitled.
09:35If I take her, the whole Vos family pays the price.
09:38The only woman who belongs in this family is Serena.
09:41If she's smart, she'll take what I'm offering.
09:43I'll give her a child, one she should be grateful for.
09:47If she isn't smart, she can wait and see what it feels like to be the woman who got rejected
09:51by the Vos family.
09:52Let's see who in this city dares touch her after that.
09:55I looked at this man, the one I had given years to.
09:59After Damien's father died, the empire landed on someone completely mediocre.
10:04In six months, he'd learned every important investor relationship.
10:08Combined debt in the billions.
10:10Investors running.
10:11Selling off every asset accumulated over generations and still not enough to cover the hole.
10:16Someone had made him crawl across the floor of a party for entertainment.
10:20Paid him by the crawl.
10:21I was the one who reached out.
10:22I took care of him.
10:24I encouraged him.
10:25I talked my father into backing him.
10:27He knelt in front of my father and wept.
10:29Swore that if he ever betrayed me, he deserved every punishment God could invent.
10:34Only two years, and he'd already forgotten every word of it.
10:37Now he stood here telling me being his mistress was a gift.
10:40The entire room was watching him like he'd lost his mind.
10:43No one could understand how a man who owed his survival to his fiancee had the nerve to talk to
10:49her like this.
10:50Damien didn't seem to notice.
10:51He saw my silence and decided I was devastated, too in love to speak.
10:55He pulled Serena closer, smirking.
10:57Vivian, kneel down and serve Serena her tea.
11:00Acknowledge her as the lady of this house.
11:02Do that and I'll let you stay.
11:04If you behave, I might let you move in.
11:07You'd still get to see the children.
11:08I looked at his self-satisfied face and felt something close to relief.
11:12Let Serena have this idiot.
11:14She was practically doing me a favor.
11:16Dad had reached the limit.
11:18He laughed.
11:19The Voss family really has grown wings.
11:22Big enough to talk to me like that.
11:24Then I suppose the Harrington group has been punching above its weight.
11:28As for you...
11:29He pointed at Serena.
11:30No daughter of mine trades her sister's wedding for a seat at this table.
11:34I'm opening the family records tonight.
11:36You're out.
11:37From now on, whatever life you end up with has nothing to do with us.
11:40Serena's eyes went red.
11:41Dad, I'm your daughter too.
11:44How can you be this cruel to me?
11:46Damien not wanting Vivian is her own failure.
11:50Why should all the good things automatically go to her?
11:53Dad's expression didn't move.
11:54Fine.
11:55I'll honor your fight.
11:56Everyone here is a witness.
11:57You are no longer a Harrington.
11:59Good luck.
12:00Someone go collect my daughter's assets from this estate.
12:0350 cases of certified funds.
12:0515 sets of jewelry.
12:07Three vehicles.
12:07One equity agreement covering a 20% stair.
12:10Five property deeds for the harbor residences.
12:13Every last item comes home with us.
12:15The room inhaled sharply.
12:16Half of them were already looking at Damien like he was the stupidest person alive.
12:21No!
12:22Those are mine!
12:23That asset belongs to me!
12:25Mom's palm connected with the side of her face.
12:28You stole her wedding and now you want her assets too.
12:31What world are you living in?
12:33Every item in that collection was prepared for Viviana.
12:35You are nothing.
12:36You want assets?
12:38Go ask your mother.
12:39The security team moved toward the assets.
12:41Touch those assets and half the Harrington group belongs to me by morning.
12:44He looked at Dad.
12:45The pre-Nwedel agreement we signed said a Harrington daughter.
12:47No specific name.
12:49I honored the contract.
12:50I promised to take care of a Harrington daughter for life.
12:52Serena hasn't been mistreated.
12:53You pulling those assets is a breach.
12:55Under the terms, a breach by the Harrington side triggers a transfer of 50% equity to me.
13:00He produced the agreement.
13:01His lawyer read the clause aloud to the room.
13:04If the groom upholds his obligations to a Harrington daughter and the Harrington family withdraws the assets, the Harrington party
13:10is in breach and shall compensate the groom with 50% of voting shares.
13:13Dead silence.
13:14Impossible.
13:15There is no way I signed that.
13:16Dad's face went the color of old paper.
13:19Damien smiled.
13:20He tilted his chin toward the screen behind him.
13:23The footage played.
13:24You're a man who can make half this city shake with one phone call.
13:28Surely you're not going to pretend you don't remember your own signature.
13:31The document is notarized.
13:32It's legally binding.
13:33If you want to make a scene in a courtroom, go ahead and take those assets.
13:37Dad's chest heaved.
13:39He pressed a hand over his heart, struggling to breathe.
13:42Mom's eyes were red, shaking with fury, completely cornered.
13:46Serena curved against Damien's side, smiling like she'd won every hand at the table.
13:51Sister.
13:52I know I can't back home anymore.
13:54But if you kneel and apologize to me right now, I might be in a generous mood.
13:58I could put in a good word with Damien.
14:00Stay out of the shareholder vote.
14:02Let Dad keep his chairman seat.
14:04Those old men on the board will tear him apart otherwise.
14:06As for your assets, I'll take good care of it.
14:10All of you.
14:10The Voss staff shoved past me.
14:12The assets were about to walk out the door.
14:14Mom rushed to block them.
14:16One of the Voss people pushed me.
14:17She hit the floor hard.
14:19Ma'am, this is Voss family business.
14:21You inserted yourself.
14:23If you get hurt, that's on you.
14:25I helped Mama.
14:26Looked at both of them without blinking.
14:28Without that assets, you've got nothing left to buy yourself a husband.
14:32Out of respect for the history between us, come work for Serena for three years.
14:36Keep your head down.
14:38I'll consider giving you a child for security.
14:40When I didn't respond, he grabbed my shoulder and dragged me in front of Serena.
14:44Then he kicked the back of my knee.
14:45Just as he moved to force me down, the ballroom door slammed open.
14:51We've received a report of illegal seizure of private assets along to the Harrington family.
14:55Who here is Damien Voss?
14:57Right on time.
14:58I turned around, then stopped.
15:00Walking in behind the investigators was Zane Cowan.
15:03He was in his wheelchair, moving through the crowd, following the lead investigator into the room.
15:08His eyes swept the space.
15:10Cool.
15:10Measured.
15:11When they landed on me, just for a second, the corner of his mouth moved.
15:16What happened here?
15:16Before I could speak, Damien lunged forward.
15:19Officer, it's all there in writing.
15:22We are law-abiding citizens.
15:23We haven't done anything wrong.
15:25These people are refusing Damien to honor a legal contract and trying to buy time.
15:30Then he looked at Zane with open contempt.
15:32You called this in, didn't you?
15:34The man whose fiance ran off and can't say a word about it.
15:38This is the best you've got?
15:39Pathetic.
15:40You think marrying Serena means you get her assets too?
15:43Look in the mirror.
15:43I'd advise you to drop this right now.
15:46A man in a wheelchair playing hero.
15:48I'll tip your chair over myself.
15:51Oh?
15:51Zane raised an eyebrow slightly.
15:53You mean me?
15:54He stood up.
15:55The entire room went silent.
15:57Every jaw...
15:58The head of the Callum group, in a wheelchair for five years.
16:02Standing up.
16:03In the middle of a situation where his fiance had run off.
16:06His future bride's assets had been stolen and everything had gone sideways at once.
16:11I hadn't fully processed it myself.
16:13Serena had gone wide enough to show through her foundation.
16:16Zane straightened.
16:17He was taller than Damien by a full head.
16:19The kind of height that changed the weight of a room.
16:22I recovered two years ago.
16:24I kept the chair out of habit.
16:26Turns out some people genuinely believed I was useless.
16:29Damien swallowed and gripped his document tighter.
16:31Forcing the casual tone.
16:33So a man who can walk now can walk.
16:35Doesn't change what you are.
16:37You scraped your way into the room on luck.
16:39Vivian isn't the type to settle for someone like you.
16:41I see exactly what you're doing.
16:43Don't come crying when it blows up in your face.
16:46Zane glanced at him once.
16:47Then turned to the screen on the far wall.
16:49A new video started playing.
16:51Private dining room.
16:53A server pouring something into a glass from a small vial.
16:56My father drinking it.
16:57The server was brought in.
16:58That's him.
16:59He's the one.
17:00He gave me a packet and said to put it in the drink of whoever came to that table.
17:04He said a million dollars.
17:06My son is sick.
17:07I needed the money.
17:09I never thought it would be something that made a person lost control to himself.
17:12She was already crying.
17:13Turning to my father.
17:14He said he was your son-in-law.
17:16I thought it couldn't be anything dangerous.
17:18I didn't know it was something that's frilled your memory.
17:21I'm so sorry.
17:23You're lying.
17:24Damien's composure shredded.
17:25He was screaming.
17:27Some broke little server is gonna walk in here and accuse me.
17:31I will sue you into nothing.
17:34The server pulled out her phone.
17:36I figured rich people like you would say that.
17:39I kept the photos and I recorded everything.
17:42The evidence was airtight.
17:44Under the law, any contract signed while a party was chemically impaired was void.
17:48The room turned on Damien.
17:50The Harringtons funded him.
17:52He repaid them by going after their assets and humiliating their daughter, rotten to the core.
17:57Good thing Vivi never legally married him.
17:59Otherwise, she'd have let a predator into the house and never seen it coming.
18:03And that's Serena.
18:04If my son brought home someone like that, I'd break both his legs.
18:07Damien's mother was shaking so hard she could barely breathe.
18:10She reached out and slapped Serena across the face with everything she had.
18:14You!
18:14You did this!
18:16You seduced my son until he lost his mind!
18:18He gave up a perfect match for someone like you!
18:21Look what we have now!
18:23Get out or I will drag you out of this house myself!
18:26Serena crumpled against Damien.
18:28Tears streaming.
18:29Even now, she was the love of his life.
18:31He pulled her in.
18:32Voice strained.
18:32Mom.
18:33I'm not leaving Serena.
18:34If you throw her out now, you're killing me.
18:38If she doesn't go, I die here.
18:40Damien's mother grabbed a sharp disaster from the table and pressed it to her own throat.
18:44This woman has destroyed everything.
18:47If you keep protecting her, I'll bleed out right here in front of you!
18:51He lurched toward her.
18:52Serena grabbed his arm and wouldn't let go.
18:54You can't leave me.
18:57Damien, it's her or me.
18:58Are you gonna watch your mother die?
19:01He was already coming apart.
19:02He was about to pull free when Serena screamed it.
19:05You can't abandon me!
19:07I'm carrying your child!
19:09Damien spun around.
19:10His face split open with something unguarded.
19:12Is that true?
19:13Serena's eyes were wet.
19:14She nodded, small and fragile.
19:17Twelve weeks.
19:18The doctor said it's a boy.
19:20Damien's mother made a sound like something had closed around her throat.
19:23She couldn't get a single word out.
19:25Mom, this is my first.
19:28Serena did this for our family.
19:29Please, for the baby, accept her.
19:32Damien's mother aged ten years in ten seconds.
19:35She closed her eyes, pressed her lips together, and walked out of the room without speaking.
19:40I gave the signal to my security without ceremony.
19:43Serena snapped out of it the moment they grabbed her.
19:45What are you doing?
19:47The investigators are right here.
19:49You just directed staff to assault my mother.
19:51She has a heart condition.
19:53She's dizzy and nauseous right now.
19:55You tell me what I'm doing.
19:56Mom registered the queue after two seconds and started playing her part, groaning convincingly.
20:02Given that you're pregnant, I'll settle for apology on your knees.
20:06You're...
20:07You're cheating!
20:08I narrowed my eyes.
20:10Then we take it to court.
20:11She understood exactly what that meant.
20:13She folded onto the floor and started screaming.
20:16You can't do this to me!
20:17Damien looked like he was about to go through the wall.
20:19Vivian!
20:20You wanna fight?
20:21Fight me!
20:21Don't touch Serena!
20:23He had already decided I was acting on a partner.
20:25The self-assurance was nauseating.
20:27You think you're walking away from this?
20:30You drugged my father.
20:32You had a fraudulent contract signed.
20:34I will make sure you spend the rest of your life answering for it.
20:38Every drop of color left Damien's face.
20:41I didn't look at him again.
20:42I walked out with my parents and our assets.
20:45Zane caught up with us outside.
20:46This is my personal stake in the Callum group.
20:49Half.
20:50I know it's not what you're used to.
20:52I'll have the formal proposal ready and come to you properly.
20:58Just wait for me.
20:59I looked at the paperwork.
21:01Notarized.
21:01Official.
21:02Tens of millions of dollars in equity.
21:04Didn't you have an arrangement with Serena?
21:05Why didn't this go to her?
21:07It was always meant for you.
21:08You're the one I wanted to marry.
21:09I knew I wasn't in a position to ask.
21:12But when your father offered the second daughter, I already knew she and Damien were involved.
21:16I looked at him carefully.
21:18You knew all of that.
21:19And you still showed up today.
21:21His expression shifted slightly.
21:23Because I knew she'd swap.
21:25And I knew you'd say yes.
21:28The man had calculated every move before anyone else had taken their first step.
21:33He extended his hand.
21:34Brushed a strand of hair back from my face with quiet ease.
21:38I know you don't like people who can't think.
21:40Give me three years.
21:41I will build the Callum Group to Harrington level without a single dollar of your family's money.
21:46Equal footing with the Harringtons?
21:47Now that was interesting.
21:49I liked a man who could think.
21:50Go home.
21:51Come back with a formal proposal.
21:54Back at the estate, Mrs. Ward had been kept under watch.
21:58When she saw me walk in with the family, she broke into a wide smile.
22:03Miss Vivian, I heard the Voss family sent you back.
22:05I knew it.
22:07My daughter is the real prize.
22:08You brought this on yourself going over there to make a scene.
22:11What did it feel like being thrown out in front of everyone?
22:13The Voss name belongs to my Serena.
22:16From now on, show some respect to me.
22:19Everything that was yours goes to my daughter now.
22:22She's the one carrying the Harrington torch.
22:23I watched her hold herself up as straight as she could manage and almost laughed out loud.
22:28The Voss family?
22:29Your daughter and that failure really are a perfect match.
22:32Mrs. Ward's eyes went wide.
22:34Impossible.
22:35The Voss family is the top name in this city.
22:38You're just bitter.
22:40Sour grapes because you're jealous of my Serena.
22:43I shrugged.
22:44Believe what you want.
22:45I turned and walked away.
22:47I didn't look back at whatever her face was doing.
22:49Zane said he'd prepare a formal proposal before coming over.
22:53He showed up the next day with a proposal gift list, the thickness of a book.
22:56He'd clearly had this ready for a long time.
22:59Dad reviewed it and nodded.
23:01He asked what I thought.
23:02I respected Zane's mind and his nerve.
23:05We were evenly matched.
23:06Of course, I agreed.
23:07The families finalized the wedding timeline quickly.
23:10The venue was a private island Zane had bought outright.
23:12We kept the guest list to people we actually trusted.
23:15No one expected Daniel to find his way into the dressing room.
23:18No one knew how he got through.
23:19The room went tense.
23:21Nobody moved fast enough.
23:23He looked at me like his heart was shaking.
23:24Vivian!
23:25You can't marry Zane Callum!
23:27I frowned.
23:28The air in the room felt contaminated just from him being in it.
23:32Damien, who I marry is none of your business.
23:35If you don't want me calling security to remove you, leave now.
23:38He ignored it.
23:39He grabbed my hand.
23:40Full performance mode.
23:42Tragic and sincere.
23:43Vivian, I was wrong.
23:46Serena manufactured everything.
23:48She played the victim to get close to me.
23:51A woman that's selfish and calculating.
23:53She doesn't come close to you.
23:54Since you left, I can't eat.
23:55Can't sleep.
23:56The doctor says it's emotional collapse.
23:59That's when I understood.
24:00You were always the one.
24:01I can't survive without you.
24:03I've thought it through.
24:04Say the word and I'll file for divorce from Serena today.
24:06We'll register properly.
24:07I'll make you my wife.
24:09I had heard enough of his speeches to be completely immune.
24:12I felt nothing, except a mild urge to laugh.
24:15What about Serena's baby?
24:17If you agree to leave with me, I'll have her scheduled for a termination tonight.
24:21It's just a pregnancy.
24:23It's not a problem.
24:24We'll have plenty of children.
24:26When he loved her, he wouldn't flinch even when his own mother threatened to die.
24:30When he didn't, she was disposable.
24:32The child was disposable.
24:33His love was cheap enough to be embarrassing.
24:35My best friend had run out of patience.
24:38She stepped forward and slapped him clean across the face.
24:41Every time you open your mouth, I think someone near Bay must have stepped in some shit.
24:45Your family was broke and Vivian still chose you.
24:48Now you're a second-hand disaster with another woman's baby and you're asking her to come rescue you again?
24:53Are you having some kind of episode?
24:55Damien's face went dark red.
24:57His ego had taken a direct hit.
24:59He turned on me.
25:00Vivian, if you don't come back to me, I'll walk out of here right now and tell every person in
25:05this city that you were mine years ago.
25:07Let's see if Zane Callum still wants you after.
25:09I went cold.
25:11I was about to respond.
25:12Then the back of Damien's collar was ramped upward.
25:15He didn't have time to make a sound before Zane showed up and pulled him into the adjacent bathroom.
25:20The door swung shut.
25:22The people outside heard water running and Damien coughing in broken intervals.
25:27My best friend pulled me two steps sideways and waved her hand in front of her face.
25:32Men, let them handle it. We're drinking coffee.
25:34The door opened. Zane came out with his sleeves rolled to the elbow, hands still damp.
25:39His expression was exactly the same as it always was.
25:43Damien was carried out by security, care soaked, toilet water running down his face.
25:48He'd gone completely limp.
25:49Take him out, Zane said.
25:51Don't let him near my wedding.
25:52Damien got one moment of coherence back and twisted to look at me.
25:56Vivian, you think marrying him means you won. I'm telling you!
26:00Security tightened their grip. His voice disappeared down the hallway.
26:04Zane's already dry hand settled over mine. He looked down at me.
26:08You alright?
26:09I shook my head slightly.
26:11I was about to mention tightening the perimeter when something shattered outside the door.
26:15Serena.
26:15The next second, a full bucket of red paint came flying at us without any warning.
26:20I didn't have time to move.
26:21Zane was already in front of me, body completely angled to cover mine.
26:25The paint hit him across the back of his jacket.
26:28Serena hadn't expected him to take it. She faltered.
26:31Zane, I wasn't aiming at you. I wanted to hit Vivian.
26:35Zane checked me first, made sure I was clean.
26:38Then he turned, and his face had gone completely flat.
26:41She is my wife. Coming for her means coming for me.
26:45Serena's eyes filled. She pushed against the security holding her, trying to get closer to Zane.
26:50I know you'll never forgive me. I came today because I needed you to know the truth.
26:54Vivian drugged me. Damien took advantage of me. I wanted to end my life.
26:58But I couldn't watch you get deceived by someone like her.
27:01If you actually marry this woman, you'll regret it.
27:04I'll die and it will be on your conscience.
27:06She was completely convinced. The broken expression was flawless.
27:09She'd even gotten her eyes swollen.
27:12Zane watched her the way you watch a magician whose trick you've already seen explained.
27:15So Damien assaulted you. She thought he was softening.
27:19Yes. I had no choice. I'm a victim.
27:22Then it's a criminal matter. Zane said.
27:24I have a nine-unprofit legal team. I can refer you to someone who handles cases like this at no
27:28cost.
27:29With the evidence you have, Damien is looking at serious time.
27:32Serena's face drained. She was still forming a response when a voice came screaming from the far end of the
27:36corridor.
27:37Damien. Soaked. Unraveling. He spotted her and his expression went peril.
27:42He closed the distance and grabbed her by the door. Serena screamed.
27:46Damien, what are you doing? Let go of me!
27:49Let go of you?
27:49His voice had gone somewhere past anger.
27:52You went behind my back to find Zane Callum. What are you? You're nothing!
27:56I didn't. I didn't go to find him. They set you up. They're lying to you.
27:59Set me up.
28:00He dragged her out the room. Serena stumbling to keep up.
28:04I watched you walk in here myself. Give me one reason. Say it.
28:10I came to find you. I came to find you. Damien, listen to me.
28:14He let go. She hit the floor. Her elbow caught the edge of the hardwood.
28:18She inhaled sharply through her teeth and looked up at him.
28:22Damien, calm down.
28:26Calm down.
28:27He stood over her.
28:28My company is gone. My mother is in the hospital.
28:31All because of you! Tell me how to calm down!
28:35Serena shifted back against the wall.
28:37The company failing isn't my fault. You don't get to blame everything on me.
28:41He grabbed the front of the address, hauled her up, voice cracking.
28:44You'd already gotten to me before any of this started. You planned this. Every step, didn't you?
28:50Let go of me! You're sick! Let go!
28:53I am sick. I was sick the day I let you anywhere near me.
28:58Vivian was right there and I walked away from her. What was wrong with me?
29:02Zane was already behind me, putting his body between me and the hallway.
29:06Get them out.
29:07They moved immediately. Down the hall, Serena's voice breaking into pieces.
29:11Damien kept shouting. Then his voice dropped. Then there was only her. Then nothing.
29:16Zane walked beside me out of the building. Outside there was salt air and light,
29:20and the wedding music still drifting from the lawn. He held my hand once.
29:24Don't look back. I have it.
29:26I didn't look back.
29:28The news was everywhere within days.
29:30Damien Voss had a breakdown at a society wedding and beat his wife to death.
29:35Arrested on the spot.
29:37The day of sentencing, the gallery was nearly full.
29:39Some came because they'd lost money in his projects.
29:43Some came because they just needed to see the end.
29:45Damien sat in the defendant's chair, looking nothing like the man from the wedding.
29:49The hands that used to pull women close were cuffed and folded in his lap.
29:53His mother had died of cardiac arrest the night Serena died.
29:56He was in custody when he got the news.
29:58He spent that entire morning not speaking.
30:00The prosecutor laid it out, item by item.
30:03Drugging a man.
30:04Fraudulent contract.
30:05Attempted asset seizure.
30:06Felony assault resulting in death.
30:08Multiple charges compounded.
30:10The judge delivered the verdict.
30:11Life sentence.
30:12Damien pushed back against the chair.
30:14Tipped his head up and stared at the ceiling of the courtroom.
30:17Nothing on his face at all.
30:19Before the sentencing was done, someone in the gallery recognized me.
30:22Isn't that the daughter of Harrington family?
30:24The Callum wife?
30:25Her ex-fiancee just got life?
30:26Deserved every year of it.
30:28Humiliated her publicly.
30:30Now he's in a cage with nothing to show for it.
30:32Lost everything.
30:33Cost himself and his mother their lives.
30:36I didn't respond or turn around.
30:38This chapter was done.
30:40It had nothing to do with me anymore.
30:42Zane glanced over.
30:44Dinner?
30:45I said.
30:46Sure.
30:47You pick.
30:48His mouth moved up slightly.
30:50He looked down at his phone to make a reservation.
30:52Zane looked up.
30:53His expression didn't shift.
30:55Mrs. Ward is outside the courthouse.
30:56She wants to come in.
30:57I thought about it for a second.
30:59Let her in.
31:00Mrs. Ward came in held up by two court officers.
31:03Hair everywhere.
31:04Makeup destroyed.
31:05Eyes completely hollow.
31:06She was murmuring to herself when they brought her in.
31:09And the moment the doors opened, she lunged toward the defendant's area.
31:12Both officers barely holding.
31:14Let me go!
31:16Where is she?
31:17Where is my daughter?
31:18Damon!
31:19Damon, you son of-
31:21Damien heard the noise and slowly turned his head.
31:24Mrs. Ward saw him.
31:25She fought harder.
31:26Her voice dropping into something that didn't sound entirely human.
31:30Give me back my daughter!
31:31Give her back!
31:34Damien's face didn't move.
31:36I killed her.
31:36That's on me.
31:37He said it the way you read something off a form.
31:40It landed like a needle.
31:42Mrs. Ward stopped fighting.
31:43She stood where she was, tears running silently.
31:46She looked at him for a long time.
31:48Her lips shook.
31:49Finally, she got one sentence up.
31:51Why did I ever let her near you?
31:53They took her out.
31:54Her crying echoed down the corridor.
31:56No one in that room knew it wasn't over yet.
31:58Three days later, a footage circulated everywhere.
32:01Mrs. Ward appeared at the courthouse entrance in a coat that sat wrong on her body.
32:05Security flagged her immediately.
32:07She didn't resist.
32:08She stood there, looked down at her own hands and said something under her breath that nobody caught.
32:13Then, the moment security turned away, she was through the door.
32:17Everyone stepped back.
32:18The sound of the end of the corridor shook the whole hallway.
32:21The official report used the words, sudden incident.
32:25Damien was rushed to surgery.
32:27They brought him back, but both legs were gone.
32:30Permanent bed care for the rest of his life.
32:32Mrs. Ward was declared dead at the scene.
32:34I was home when the news came through.
32:36Zane was sitting next to me, having his lunch.
32:38He read it, set his phone face down on the table.
32:42That's the end of it.
32:44Yes.
32:45Outside the window, the afternoon was clear.
32:47Sun across the whole living room.
32:50My parents are coming for dinner tonight.
32:52Tell the kitchen to add two more dishes.
32:55Okay.
32:57Bye.
32:58Bye.
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