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00:00everything. Then Ophelia arrived, and in five years, she took it all. Tonight, her parents
00:05made the final demand. Marry a stranger in a coma, so their adopted daughter wouldn't have to.
00:10That's our girl. You're doing the right thing, Eleanor. Your fiancé is comatose, but he's handsome
00:15and he's loaded. He's been out for years, but what if he wakes up? He's still the heir.
00:20Relax. I said I'll do it. I won't back out, and I will protect your precious adopted daughter by
00:25this way. Don't talk like that. You're our biological daughter. We just can't stand seeing
00:29Ophelia hurt, and you know it, Eleanor. Griffin Hawthorne and Tristan Fairpan both adore her.
00:35Sending her into that marriage would be cruel. The Whitfields are planning the wedding. Pack your
00:39stuff. In two weeks, their people will come pick you up and take you to New York. She gave Ophelia
00:45her room, her trophies, her kidney. Every time she surrendered, she thought it would buy peace.
00:52Instead, Ophelia smiled and sharpened another blade.
01:03Hello? Ophelia, did you see that? We pushed Eleanor down the stairs. Believe us now? You're
01:08the one who matters to us. Stop being mad and come home. Eleanor, does it hurt? Ophelia said she
01:15didn't feel safe unless we proved it. We had to. She's just a girl, and she ran off. We were
01:21scared
01:22something might happen to her. Eleanor, Ophelia's lost. We can't risk her getting hurt. Go to the
01:26hospital yourself. They left her there. Her own brother. And the boy who once looked at her like
01:32she was the whole world. The pain in her skull was nothing compared to what had just ripped open in
01:37her chest. Eleanor woke alone. No Griffin. No Tristan. Her phone buzzed. Ophelia's photos. Griffin and
01:44Tristan spoil me so much. I'm literally the happiest girl in the world. She set the phone
01:50down. Next morning she went home. Three on the couch. Yesterday's blood scrubbed clean. She filled
01:54a box with everything she'd kept and carried it to the fire bowl. Tristan stepped out after her.
02:00Tristan Fairtail, you gave me this when you were seven. We were playing house, and you kept telling
02:04everyone I could only be your bride. You said this was the veil I'd wear at our wedding one day.
02:07She into the fire. She turned to Griffin. Griffin, you gave me this when you were 15. I was sick
02:14all
02:14the time, and you climbed every step at Mount San Lucia begging for me to be okay. Into the fire
02:21letters. A crystal shoe. A princess dress. Photos. All of it. Tristan lunged and grabbed her wrist.
02:27Stop. Ophelia's marrying into the Whitfield family for you. She doesn't have many good days left. You
02:32owe her that. You bumped your head. Ophelia's losing her entire future, and you can't even be half as
02:36considerate as she is. When marrying the Whitfields was her, not Ophelia. She said nothing. Watched the
02:41ash. Walked inside. Gift boxes by the door. Dumped them in the trash. Ophelia came downstairs just in
02:47time. You threw them out just because they're cheap greedies? Congrats. My whole family is yours now.
02:58Eleanor crawls up the mountain on her knees for Sebastian Whitfield, a man trapped in a coma
03:03for five years. She whispers the same prayer like a vow. Please, let my husband wake up. Let him be
03:07safe. Let him have a life worth living. Halfway up, she finds Tristan, Griffin, and Ophelia. Ophelia's
03:12eyes turn red instantly. Tristan and Griffin heard this church is the most effective one, so they
03:17insisted on coming to pray for me. Look at their legs. Eleanor doesn't answer. She takes another step
03:22behind her silent stretches. The three of them stare like they don't recognize her. Are you seriously
03:27planning to crawl all the way up on your knees? Nobody is worth this unless someone saved your life.
03:31So did she save your life? Ophelia's different. She's the most important person to me. When he
03:34was 17, he swore Eleanor was the only one. Now he says it like the past can be erased. A
03:39sharp,
03:39broken laugh escapes Eleanor. Yeah, the person I'm praying for is also the most important one to me.
03:44She pulls free and keeps climbing. I get it now. You're praying for me, right? Stop. I don't need
03:48you doing this. Eleanor, I don't need it either. Don't do this, please. She gives them one flat glance
03:53and keeps going. For the first time, they fall in behind Eleanor without meaning to, following her up the
03:58mountain. At the top, her knees are smeared with blood. She writes two letters on a slip of paper,
04:03SW. Tristan and Griffin see it and go sudded. Who is that? Tristan grabs her hands so hard his
04:08fingers bite into her skin, fury flashing in his eyes. He could accept her praying for Griffin.
04:13But another man? Griffin, Tristan, you two are injured too. Don't worry about me.
04:20But her knees still burned. Her muscles still trembled from the frall two days ago.
04:24Sis, can you help me inside? I just need to sit for off. She barely had the strength to stand,
04:30let alone fight. Sis, you don't seriously think crawling up those steps is going to make them
04:36look at you again, do you? Stop dreaming. What are you- I'm sorry! I was wrong! Please don't hit
04:42me!
04:43Eleanor lunged for her wrist. Ophelia twisted away perfectly, making it look like Eleanor had
04:49reached to strike again. Eleanor, Ophelia grew up with nothing. No parents, no safety, years of hell
04:58before she ever had a roof. Even here, she is still just the adopted kid. You've had everything
05:03since birth, so why do you keep going after her? Don't let her play innocent, Tristan. She's getting
05:08more and more out of control. Eleanor Hawthorne, this isn't the first time you've targeted Ophelia.
05:12Years ago, you could claim you were immature, but now she's about to get married and you still won't
05:16let her breathe. How vicious are you? It wasn't me. She did it herself. There are cameras right
05:21there. You can watch the footage. Wait, what wedding? Marry who? For a split second, their
05:25faces changed. The look of a secret that had just slipped. Nothing. You heard wrong. I'm taking you
05:31to the hospital now. They carried her away. Eleanor stood alone, blood sliding down her face, tears
05:36finally spilling over her fingers, found the St. Christopher metal case and clenched around it,
05:41the hard edges biting into her palm. Wrong, Griffin, Tristan. You've got it all wrong. Because
05:46the one marrying into the Whitfield family was her. A stranger sent Eleanor back to the hospital,
05:52second injury in one week. How does this keep happening to you? She had no answer. While
05:57waiting for stitches, Ophelia sent a video. Eleanor got hurt too. She's next door getting
06:01patched up. Griffin, Tristan, you should check on her. She'll be so sad. Griffin sat beside Ophelia,
06:06peeling fruit. She did this to you. Maybe a little pain will finally teach her a lesson. I don't have
06:12time for her right now. Eleanor laughed. Then it turned into tears. She locked her door until her
06:18birthday. Her mother held two dress bags, couture diamonds for Ophelia, an outdated hand-me-down for
06:23Eleanor. Is she really their biological daughter? It's her birthday and the expensive gown goes to the
06:27adopted one. Everyone knows Eleanor's prettier. When is she finally getting married off to the
06:29Whitefields? Everyone believed Ophelia was marrying the Whitfields. Only Eleanor knew it was
06:34her. The party began. Eleanor sat alone, allergic to every dish. She ate nothing. Ophelia, you look
06:39stunning. You're totally the star of the night. For our Ophelia, one downtown villa, a birthday
06:43surprise. I'm transferring half my Hawthorne group shares to you. Half the company? She's
06:47the adopted daughter and she's getting all this? Then Tristan stepped forward with a jewelry
06:51box. Ophelia opened it. A diamond necks blazed. Sold at auction days ago, rumored to symbolize
06:57true love. That necklace? Does this mean wedding bells? Tristan Fairfield wants to marry Ophelia
07:03Hawthorne? At her own birthday gala, Eleanor stands isolated while adopted sister Ophelia commands
07:09every gaze in the room. Ophelia spots the necklace's absence and weaponizes it instant.
07:13The necklace! The string of them! The one worth a fortune! It's gone! There's a thief here!
07:19All eyes turn to Eleanor. She keeps her composure and answers calmly.
07:23It wasn't me. I'm the Hawthorne daughter. It's just a necklace. Do you really think I need
07:28to steal one? Bea won't let it go. She pushes harder, demanding the ultimate humiliation.
07:33If you are not the thief, then who? Maybe a necklace doesn't matter to you, but it matters
07:37to me because Tristan gave it. You like him so much, so you must want it. I'll search you
07:41then. No! I said I don't have it. Why should I be humiliated by you like that?
07:45Ophelia turns to their parents and brothers, playing the wounded adopted daughter.
07:48Mom, Dad, Griffin, please. I'm telling the truth. Believe me. I know I'm only the adopted
07:52daughter and I usually let Eleanor have whatever she wants. Anything else, I'd give up. But
07:57that necklace, that was from you. That's the only thing I don't want to hand over.
08:01Her performance works. Griffin signals the guards. They grab Eleanor and tear her dress
08:05while the crowd watches and her family does nothing. Eleanor fights and screams.
08:09No! Get off me! This is insane! It wasn't me. I have security footage.
08:15The footage plays on the giant screen, crystal clear. Ophelia sliding the necklace into Eleanor's
08:20layered skirt. Every smug taunt caught on crystal audio. The room's mood flips instantly. Disgust
08:25replaces Glee. Hello? Someone here deliberately set me up. I didn't mean it. I was just joking,
08:30sis. Why are you taking it so seriously? It was just a harmless prank.
08:36Her family rushes in, circling Ophelia like she's the one who's been wronged.
08:41She's kind and pure. She would never do something as malicious as framing you. That video could be
08:46edited. We don't even know if it's real. Enough. This ends now. Don't call the cops for such a small
08:51thing. They usher Ophelia out like she's the victim. Eleanor watches them disappear from her
08:56life, completely alone. In the weeks that follows, she barely leaves her room, counting down until she
09:01can finally escape. The day she steps side to leave for good, a car slams into her at full speed.
09:08Oh my god, sis. I'm so sorry. I'm still learning to drive.
09:13I should call an ambulance, obviously. Wait. What's the number? 1119, 191, or 9991? Maybe I'll try them
09:22one by one. It might take a while, but you'll hang on. Right, sister? You have to. Okay.
09:28For a moment, it looked like everything had snapped back into place. But Eleanor knew.
09:33They were here to protect Ophelia. Eleanor, doctor said the pain is temporary. Just hang on,
09:38okay? You'll feel better little by little. And Ophelia didn't mean it. Please forgive her.
09:43This is my fault. I didn't teach her properly. She mixed up the petals. Just blame me. We're
09:48family. It was an accident. Just forget it and focus on healing. All morning, the same message
09:53in different voices. Their eyes were full of worry. Their words pulled one direction only.
09:58A girl fainted outside your room. She was crying really hard. Could someone come help?
10:02She didn't even say the name. Everyone knew. In the next second, all of them rushed out like a
10:07fire alarm. The room went silent. Eleanor lay alone, crying until her ribs scrummed and exhaustion
10:12pulled her under. Ophelia, we know you didn't mean it. Your sister won't blame you. Don't feel guilty.
10:20Don't cry, or your eyes will swell. Just get some rest. Eleanor just needs to rest a few days.
10:26It's not a big deal. Relax, okay? Each sentence landed like a needle, sinking deeper.
10:31One thought stayed. Sharp and absolute. On the day she got married, none of them were
10:36coming. Not one. She wrote a document to sever the parent-child relationship. She ripped
10:41out every tuplet Griffin had planted for her. She returned the heiress Trisha had placed in
10:46her hands like a promise. From now on, she wasn't a Hawthorne anymore.
10:50Mrs. Whitfield to be. I'm the Whitfieran family's butler. I'm here to take you to New York.
10:53All right. Let's go. Do you need to say goodbye to your family?
10:57No. No goodbye. Not now. Not ever. Because starting today, she had no family.
11:05After seven hours, Eleanor arrived. It was near midnight, and the Whitfield estate blazed with
11:12light. Grandma Hawthorne is in the center. Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne are on the left.
11:18It was a full lineup, like an inspection. A warm hand pressed her shoulder.
11:24Eleanor, you're injured. Don't be formal. Sit. You're home now.
11:28Matilda introduced everyone. By midnight, the group dispersed. A housekeeper wheeled her to
11:33a quiet bedroom. Grandma Hawthorne followed.
11:35Eleanor, I held you when you were born. You were so tiny. Your grandfather was still alive then.
11:41He teased that the family should become in-laws one day, and Sebastian was the little boy,
11:46but he liked you right away. He agreed like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
11:50Eleanor's throat tightened. She didn't remember any of it, but the sincerity in this woman's voice
11:55was real. The kind that came without conditions. Sebastian always remembered you. Even before the
12:00accident, he mentioned you. He said your birthday was coming up, and he wanted to visit. Then that
12:05happened. Grandma, my grandfather used to talk about you, too. He said you were warm-hearted but fearless.
12:12Did he really? Get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll go see Sebastian.
12:17After she left, Eleanor stepped into the walk-in closet. Every drawer stocked, skin care lined up
12:22by brand. Toiletries arranged as if the house had been waiting for her specifically, not just a bride.
12:28Two days ago abandoned in Los Angeles tonight. Welcomed into a Whitfield mansion in New York.
12:33Was I truly about to marry into this family?
12:36Eleanor wakes late at the Hawthorne mansion, expecting cold stares and complaints. Instead,
12:41the living room feels warm and lived in. Grandma Hawthorne is already up, sitting with Mr. and Mrs.
12:45Hawthorne sippy tea and chatting like any ordinary morning. She hurries downstairs, bracing herself,
12:48but the smiles that greet her catch her off guard. Eleanor, did you sleep okay? Is there anything you
12:52want for breakfast? Take your time on the stairs. You've been through a lot. Sleeping in is a good
12:57thing. No rush. Grandma clears the room and stays beside Eleanor, placing food on her plate like she's
13:03always done it. After the meal, she takes Eleanor for a full checkup. Blood work, scans, careful
13:09pressure along her ribs. If you don't push yourself, you'll recover steadily, but you need time.
13:15From the hospital, Grandma directs the driver to a private rehab facility. Eleanor's stomach
13:21tightens. They're going to see Sebastian. He's supposed to be unconscious and won't notice her
13:26shaking. How is Sebastian today? Same as the last few days. The doctor says his condition is very
13:31stable. The top floor is heavily guarded, silent except for the sound of her wheelchair. Eleanor
13:36looks up and meets calm, steady eyes. Sebastian is sitting on a couch, posture straight, gaze sharp,
13:41very much awake. Her mind goes blank. Sebastian, look who I brought you. Eleanor, this is Sebastian.
13:47Sebastian, this is Eleanor. Hi.
13:51Long time no see. The words hit her like a small shock. He remembers her from 20 years ago. Who
13:56remembers someone that clearly, after all that time, she forces her face into composure.
14:00Sebastian, Eleanor was injured back in Los Angeles. The doctor says she needs time to recover.
14:06Your rehab program is almost finished too. So how about we set the wedding for June?
14:11If Eleanor has no objections, I'm fine with it. Whatever Grandma wants, I'll follow her lead.
14:17Door clicks shut. The room goes quiet. Just the two of them. Strangers about to share a life.
14:24Grandma said you were injured. Was it a car accident? How are you feeling now?
14:28A car accident. Three broken ribs. Thought the flicker in her eyes the way her gaze slid
14:33away. He understood. So he changed direction.
14:36My family can be a lot. They mean well, but they're enthusiastic. Since this is all new
14:42to you, is there anything you're wondering about?
14:45She had been bracing for questions that would corner her. This shift catches her off guard.
14:50When did you wake up?
14:51Two months ago. The exact date was March her 15th. At night. After that, there were a lot of follow
14:55-up
14:55tests and rehabs so the news wasn't made public.
14:57March. Her parents had brought up the engagement that month. Quietly. Afraid Ophelia might overhear.
15:03For five years, the Whitfields stayed silent. Then two months ago, a family meeting without
15:06Ophelia. Same argument. It would be cruel to let her take Eleanor's place. He understands.
15:11So he changes direction.
15:12Your parents? They didn't come to New York with you?
15:15They're out of town for work. I came alone.
15:17Noticed. His gaze sharpened. Not intrusive. Just aware. He didn't push.
15:21Eleanor had clung to one last hope. Ten years of history between them all. Then Ophelia killed
15:25her dog. The one Eleanor had raised for a decade. The one that felt more like family
15:29than anyone in that house. Everyone protected Ophelia anyway. Eleanor buried her dog, and
15:33that was when she finally made up her mind. She surfaces from the memory. Sebastian is
15:36still watching her. Patient. Unhasting. She looks at him. This stranger who noticed the
15:40things she didn't say. Who asked the right questions, and accepted the closed doors for
15:44the first time since arriving in New York. Something in her chest unclenches.
15:52They talked through the afternoon, the awkward distance melting. She even began asking about
15:57his family.
15:58There are way too many relatives. Half the time I can't keep track either. Tell you what,
16:02once I'm discharged and move back home next week, we'll set aside time to pick out gifts
16:06together. I'll take you around New York too, so you can get your bearings.
16:09Thanks. Okay. That help. By the time the sky dimmed, Grandma Hawthorne came to get her.
16:17He watched her leave, filing away details she didn't realize she was giving him.
16:25Have someone find out exactly how she got those injuries. Yes, sir. And look into the Hawthorne's.
16:31If there's an opening, talk to their staff. I want to know what's been going on in that
16:34house lately. Understood.
16:39So, sweetheart, did you enjoy talking with Sebastian? What do you think of him?
16:42We talked a lot. He's easy to talk to, and he's really considerate. He's been looking out for me
16:46the whole time. We even made plans to go shopping together in a few days.
16:49Eleanor, I know you're new here, and everything feels unfamiliar, but you don't have to be tense.
16:54Isla and Hugh already like you. Sebastian's grandparents adore you, and Matilda's been excited
16:57since the moment she heard you were coming. You treat this like home. Say what you want, eat what you
17:01want,
17:01buy what you want. If anything feels off, you tell me. I told your grandfather a long time ago,
17:05whether you married into this family or not, I'd still treat you like my own granddaughter.
17:10Grandma, this is 20 years of red envelope money I've been saving. I've waited forever to hand it
17:14to you. Your grandfather gave Sebastian his a long time ago, so you don't get to refuse mine.
17:18Don't cry, sweetheart. Isla cooked tonight. She made something special. Let's get home and see if
17:23it suits your taste. Not on the plane. Wait until we get home. A few days, then you can open
17:30everything.
17:30Why won't you let me? Don't tell me those are gifts for Eleanor. I knew it. You still favor her.
17:33Whatever. I'm not talking to you. The gifts were for Ophithia. They believed she was marrying into
17:36the Whitfields. Bolly was a final stretch of freedom. No one had told her. Ophithia, these gifts
17:40are for you. Ophelia locked herself in the bathroom. Her parents spoke. Ophelia isn't marrying into the
17:46Whitfields. Relax. The shock flipped to joy. They agreed to call it off? That's huge. Bring Eleanor too.
17:53At Eleanor's name, their parents stiffened. Don't tell them yet. Wait until the Whitfields
17:59finalize the wedding. If these two start acting weird, Ophelia's going to get suspicious.
18:03Eleanor went to New York a couple days ago. There's a well-known integrative expert there.
18:09While secretly plotting against the Whitfields.
18:12So we arranged for her to rest and recover over there for a bit. They didn't question it.
18:17Ophelia returned. Griffin and Tristan rushed to her with gifts.
18:20A week later, her phone buzzed. Ophelia returned. She deleted everything.
18:27She rolled into the living room in a wheelchair. Sebastian gently helped her take a seat.
18:31My mom said Eleanor has to sit with Sebastian. I can't be a third wheel.
18:36The room laughed. Eleanor grabbed a juice. He pulled out a gift box.
18:43He tilted the snow globe. Glitter caught the light.
18:47No way! Thank you, Sebastian! Thank you, thanks, Sebastian! Thank you, Eleanor! You're the best!
18:56Matilda's mom laughed and pointed at the snow globe. That one was Eleanor's pick, wasn't it? He's terrible at this.
19:02Last time he gave Matilda schoolbooks, Eleanor turned to Sebastian, genuinely surprised.
19:07I listened. She wanted first place. I thought I was being supportive.
19:11Fine. But this time, Eleanor picks and you pay.
19:14Deal. And I'm picking the most expensive one, just so you feel properly apologized to me.
19:18I love you, Eleanor. I wish you and Sebastian a happy marriage and a forever love.
19:22The whole room laughed. This time, Eleanor laughed, too.
19:26Sebastian looked at her smile. Over the next two weeks, they finalized the wedding.
19:30Rings. Dress. Favors. Only the guest list kept stalling.
19:34She handed Sebastian the list. Her parents, Griffin, Tristan, crossed off.
19:39He scanned it. No reaction. He passed it along without a word.
19:43She sat with the anxiety for hours. Then she stopped him.
19:48Sebastian. I removed some names.
19:52I know. This is our wedding. The guest list should be what you're comfortable with.
19:56If you don't want them there, they don't come. I'll handle it.
19:59Eleanor braced herself for questions, for judgment.
20:02She had prepared for him to ask what kind of mess she was bringing into the family.
20:06Instead, he stepped forward and held her, drawing a line the world could not cross.
20:10You... how are you going to explain it?
20:12You've been in New York for this long and they still haven't reached out?
20:14That tells me everything I need to know about where you stand with them.
20:19If I can see that, Grandma and my parents can see it too.
20:24You've told me you like the atmosphere here.
20:27You've said you're grateful for how everyone's treated you.
20:30We weren't waiting to meet you. We were waiting for you to grow up.
20:34Weeks passed in Los Angeles.
20:36Griffin noticed the backyard tulips were gone, every last one of them.
20:39It was Miss Eleanor. She had the gardeners clear them out.
20:42He reached for his phone and found a month of unanswered messages.
20:46None of them replied. Tristan appeared in the doorway.
20:48Griffin, do you know where Eleanor is? She returned my family heirloom.
20:52I went to the hospital to find her. They said she was discharged age aggro.
20:56They went straight to their parents and pushed until the truth came out, ugly and unavoidable.
21:01The engagement wasn't cancelled.
21:03Eleanor told us herself she was willing to marry Sebastian Whitfield.
21:07And you two didn't want Ophelia's to go, so we agreed.
21:12We don't know what she was thinking.
21:13Maybe she saw how much you care about Ophelia and decided to do you a favor.
21:16Let you two be together.
21:17The words cut deeper than anything.
21:19Tristan's throat tightens.
21:20Griffin's eyes sharpen.
21:21Suddenly measuring his brother.
21:22Before either can see, Ophelia walks in.
21:24Ophelia, tell me the truth.
21:25Right now in front of my parents.
21:26Who do you actually like? Me or Tristan?
21:27She hesitates.
21:28The silence cuts deep.
21:30Griffin's voice turns desperate.
21:32Eleanor's getting married, Ophelia.
21:33If you're going to get married too, then tell me.
21:35Between me and Tristan, who are you choosing?
21:37To me, Griffin and Tristan are both important.
21:39If I could choose, I wouldn't marry either of you.
21:41I just want to stay by your sides forever.
21:43Gristan's face darkens.
21:45He wanted a real answer.
21:47Ophelia's eyes widen with sudden realization.
21:52Wait.
21:53Eleanor's getting married?
21:54To who?
21:55Since when?
21:56Why haven't I heard anything?
21:58They tell her about the childhood engagement.
22:00When she learns the groom was in a coma.
22:03Glee flashes across her face.
22:06She really agreed?
22:08A man who can't even wake up?
22:10Isn't that basically a living widow?
22:13The news hits the family like a slap.
22:15Eleanor had been preparing to marry Sebastian Whitstiel.
22:18Tristan stands frozen, face white.
22:21Uncle, Auntie, come on.
22:22Stop messing with me.
22:24Eleanor's never even met Sebastian Whitstiel.
22:26How could she agree to marry him?
22:28That's horrible.
22:29She's so pitiful.
22:35Eleanor would rather marry a stranger in a hospital bed than stay by his side.
22:40Tristan cannot pretend to be calm anymore.
22:42His refusal bursts out rough and immediate, like his body rejected the idea before his brain
22:46could even process it.
22:47No!
22:48I don't agree.
22:49Eleanor cannot marry into the Whitstiel.
22:51Where is she?
22:52I'm going to find her.
22:53Tristan, Elena agreed on her own.
22:55Why are you trying to stop?
22:56One of Julia's head snaps up, her eyes shifting sharp and suspicious.
22:59Tristan tries to argue, one sentence away from spilling the truth about the adoption.
23:03But Griffin cuts him off hard before he can finish, turning into a lecture.
23:07The engagement was always Eleanor's.
23:08That was the agreement from the start.
23:10How can we back out now?
23:11Do you even understand what kind of family the Whitfins are?
23:13Opia has adopted.
23:15If she went as a stand-in, people would talk.
23:17She'd get dragged.
23:19Why should she take that kind of humiliation?
23:20Exactly!
23:21This is Eleanor's marriage, not mine.
23:24Why should I suffer for her?
23:26She runs off crying loud and theatrical, sobbing hard enough that people stare.
23:30The whole family chases after her.
23:31Alone, Tristan learns the wedding is tomorrow.
23:34He books a flight and heads to the airport immediately.
23:37If you go to New York, don't contact me again.
23:39We're done.
23:40Ophelia, Eleanor is your sister.
23:41She's also the girl I grew up with.
23:43How am I supposed to just stand here and watch her walk into a disaster?
23:46I don't care.
23:46If you leave today, I'll never forgive you.
23:48I'll never talk to you again.
23:50Ophelia stumbles back, stunned.
23:51Griffin rushes in behind her, wrapping her up.
23:53She screams at Tristan.
23:54Tristan Fairbarchil, if you go after Eleanor today, I'll marry Griffin.
23:57Tristan stops mid-step.
23:59Ophelia would actually do it.
24:00She would marry Griffin just to punish him.
24:02He knows her that well.
24:03For a moment, he hesitates.
24:06But Eleanor gone for good would destroy him.
24:08He turns and walks toward the gate without looking back.
24:11Tristan cannot pretend to be calm anymore.
24:14His refusal bursts out rough and immediate, like his body rejected the idea before his
24:17brain could even process it.
24:19No!
24:20I don't agree.
24:21Eleanor can-
24:22Ophelia's face slowly goes white.
24:24Her lips press into a thin line.
24:25She grabs Griffin's hand and yanks him toward the exit like she can't breathe in the airport
24:29anymore.
24:31Ophelia, give me one day.
24:32Let me bring Eleanor back to Los Angeles first.
24:34Then we'll talk about everything.
24:35Griffin, we're going home.
24:36We're going to mom and dad.
24:37We're going to terminate the adoption papers.
24:38And then we're getting married.
24:39Griffin's shock flips straight into euphoria.
24:41The adoption is terminated.
24:42and the marriage license filed immediately.
24:44Her parents call Eleanor to share the good news.
24:47Hmm.
24:48Okay.
24:48What's wrong with you?
24:49Your brother got married and you can't even say congratulations.
24:52From now on, Ophelia's your sister-in-law.
24:54Better not bully her the way.
24:55Congratulations.
24:56Happy marriage.
24:57Forever love.
24:57Kids soon.
24:58All the usual stuff.
24:59Is that good enough?
24:59So what's your wedding day?
25:00Two weeks.
25:01Great.
25:01Then we'll go with your brother and your sister-in-law.
25:03Then the-
25:03Eleanor hangs up and returns to rehearsal.
25:05Sebastian drapes his jacket over her shoulders, gentle around her healing ribs.
25:09You've been on your feet all day, and we have to get up early tomorrow.
25:12Let's do one run-through and go home.
25:14They walk out hand in hand.
25:16A familiar voice cuts through the air.
25:18Eleanor, you're getting married and you didn't tell me?
25:20Tristan storms toward them.
25:22Sebastian steps in front of Eleanor, blocking his arm before it can touch her.
25:25Who the hell are you?
25:27I'm here for Eleanor.
25:28Move!
25:29Sebastian, go wait in the car.
25:31Please.
25:32I'll be right there.
25:33Sebastian hesitates but finally walks to the car.
25:36Eleanor faces Tristan alone.
25:37My wedding didn't include invitations for the Hawthorns or the Fair Talks.
25:42So why are you here?
25:44Tristan confronted Eleanor outside the hotel.
25:46Your parents are still your parents.
25:49We've known each other over 20 years, Eleanor.
25:53How can you say we have nothing to do with you?
25:57Oh yeah, then tell me.
25:59Whose daughter is Ophelia in that house?
26:02Who's the one you grew up with, Tristan?
26:04Me?
26:04Or her?
26:05Why do you always compete with Ophelia?
26:07We played favorites with her because she was marrying into the Whitfields on your behalf.
26:11Before she came, we treated you the same.
26:14After tomorrow, I won't have anything to do with the Hawthorns.
26:17Or with you.
26:18Make it up to whoever you want.
26:19I don't care.
26:21Come back to Los Angeles with me.
26:23I swear.
26:24Everything that happened before, it won't happen again.
26:26He reached for her hand like he still had the right.
26:29Don't.
26:32You're not leaving yourself any way back.
26:34You're just cutting everything off.
26:35Why-
26:36Save that way back for Ophelia.
26:37Tristan's expression cracked.
26:39She pressed deeper.
26:41I heard Griffin and Ophelia are married.
26:43So here's a message for Los Angeles.
26:46My wedding didn't invite them, and their wedding doesn't need to invite me.
26:49From now on, we all walk our own paths.
26:52No more pretending we're family.
26:54No more visits.
26:55No more contact.
26:56Eleanor turned and walked toward Sebastian.
26:58The moment she reached him, his hand found hers like it belonged there.
27:02Tristan stood unmoored.
27:03He pulled out his phone.
27:04Ophoto, Ophelia and Griffin, marriage certificate in hand, smiling like they'd won.
27:08On the drive home, the car was quiet.
27:12Sebastian didn't ask a single question.
27:15After a month with him, Eleanor understood it wasn't indifference.
27:18It was restraint.
27:22I need to tell you where I came from.
27:24After dinner, she found him and told him everything.
27:29Her voice didn't shake.
27:32The words came out flat and steady, like she was describing someone else's life.
27:39I know you've already moved past it, but thank you for trusting me.
27:44While I was asleep for five years, you were living through your own nightmare.
27:50It's over now.
27:52From here on out, you have me.
27:54She looked at their engagement photos.
27:57By the first time in her life, she wasn't dreading a wedding.
28:00She was actually looking forward to one.
28:05Then her phone started buzzing, message after message from Tristan.
28:09I'm sorry.
28:10Don't marry him.
28:12You promised you'd be my bride.
28:14Sebastian glanced at the screen.
28:15He didn't look jealous.
28:16He looked confused.
28:18In my parents' eyes, I'm still just a daughter.
28:21As to Tristan, he loved himself most.
28:24He liked being wanted.
28:25Now he has nothing, and losing feels unbearable.
28:28That's why he's chasing me.
28:29The room went quiet.
28:30Sebastian looked down at his phone, fingers moving.
28:32His expression was calm, but there was a cold edge in his eyes.
28:35Tomorrow, double the wedding security.
28:37If anyone causes trouble, no matter who it is, remove them immediately.
28:40Handle it.
28:40At noon in New York, Sebastian and Eleanor's wedding proceeded quietly, without a public
28:46announcement.
28:47Yet by morning, a tabloid had already snopped photos outside the hotel.
28:52Sebastian Whitfield wakes up.
28:54Mary's Hawthorne heiress today.
28:56In Los Angeles, Griffin saw the headline and froze.
28:59Sebastian was awake.
29:00Why hadn't Eleanor told them?
29:02He called her immediately.
29:04Blocked.
29:05He called Tristan instead.
29:06The line connected to the sound of shouting.
29:09A scuffle.
29:09Guards barring orders.
29:12Did you find Eleanor?
29:13Why does the news say she's getting married today?
29:16She didn't tell anyone.
29:17And she blocked me!
29:19It is today.
29:20She's still furious.
29:22She never planned to invite you.
29:24She told me she's cutting ties after this.
29:26Griffin immediately booked four tickets and rounded up the Hawthorns to fly to New York.
29:33When they arrived, Tristan was already waiting outside the hotel.
29:37A fresh bruise on his cheekbone, barred from entering.
29:41We're the bride's family.
29:44Step aside and let us in.
29:47All guests require an invitation to enter.
29:50Please present your invite.
29:52Call Eleanor out here!
29:53Let's see if she recognizes her own parents and brother!
29:56A wedding this big and you don't need to invite the bride's family?
29:59And as you still awaits, it's my fall in your marriage!
30:02She's still a Hawthorn daughter, isn't she?
30:05And this is how she treats her own family?
30:08Shameless and grateful brat.
30:13The ceremony is essentially over.
30:16The bride and groom may have already left.
30:19If you're truly her family, you should contact her directly.
30:22The wedding concluded without a hitch.
30:25On the ride back, raised voices at the estate gate cut through the quiet.
30:29Grandma, a group showed up claiming to be Mrs. Whitfield's family.
30:33They've been demanding to see you.
30:34The Hawthorns.
30:35The warmth drained from her face instantly.
30:38When the Los Angeles Hawthorns saw her, their arrogance evaporated.
30:42Ma'am, it's been a long time.
30:44Don't call me that.
30:45I have no need for the Hawthorn family's respect.
30:48You misunderstood.
30:48We just heard Eleanor and Sebastian got married.
30:51We didn't receive an invitation, so we came to ask...
30:53No invitation means you weren't welcome.
30:55Is that really too complicated for you to understand?
30:58Nobody dared to speak, except Ophelia.
31:00Eleanor is their biological daughter.
31:02How can she not invite her closest family?
31:04Sebastian was in a coma for five years, and we didn't cancel the engagement.
31:07That's already generous.
31:08Her parents lunged to cover her mouth.
31:10Too late.
31:12Grandma Hawthorn at phone let out a cold laugh.
31:16So this is the new daughter you've been cattling.
31:18If your father were alive to see you mistreat his precious granddaughter for a rude, ignorant girl,
31:23he'd come back from the grave just to scold you.
31:26Then Hugh stepped forward.
31:27This marriage was an agreement made twenty years ago.
31:29When Sebastian had his accident, we offered to call it off.
31:31You refused, worried about public opinion.
31:33The moment he woke up, we prepared the wedding to honor that promise.
31:35And what did you do?
31:36You secretly adopted a girl and planned to send her as a stand-in bride.
31:38You mistreated your own daughter for her, and you have the audacity to stand here acting
31:42like we owe you anything.
31:44Hawthorns went ashen.
31:45Then Eleanor arrived, and all their fury found an easier target.
31:49Getting married is a major event, and you didn't tell your family?
31:52Do you even remember your last name?
31:54Sebastian heard every word.
31:56He stepped in front of Eleanor, shielding her with his body.
32:00Eleanor is a Whitfield now.
32:02From this moment on, she has nothing to do with the Hawthorns.
32:05Her blood is still Hawthorn blood.
32:07We have every right to discipline our own daughter.
32:10Eleanor touched Sebastian's arm, then stepped forward herself.
32:14Why would I change my name?
32:16My name was given to me by my grandfather.
32:18This marriage was arranged by my grandfather.
32:21What does any of that have to do with you?
32:24The Eleanor Hawthorn who was your daughter died forty-five days ago.
32:28That was the day your precious Ophelia ran her over.
32:32Whatever bond remained between us was decettered right then.
32:35If you want to call me a traitor, go kneel at my grandfather's grave first and see if he forgives
32:40what you've done.
32:41Mrs. Hawthorn tried to retort until Grandma Hawthorn's voice cut through the air.
32:45Enough!
32:46Eleanor is my granddaughter-in-law.
32:48What gives you the right to make a scene here?
32:51Ophelia snapped, unable to stand being cornered.
32:54So you're a Whitfield now, and you think you're untouchable.
32:57If you're going to disrespect us like this, don't expect us to keep in touch.
33:00Sebastian didn't raise his voice.
33:03Then you'll get exactly what you asked for.
33:06Mr. Whitfield, effective immediately terminate every act of partnership with Hawthorn Group.
33:10Notify the industry.
33:11Whitfield Group will never collaborate with Hawthorn Group again.
33:14Security escorted the Hawthorns off the property.
33:16Later, inside the car, Eleanor broke, collapsing into Sebastian's chest, sobbing.
33:21I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
33:23I didn't handle my personal mess, and I dragged you and Grandma into it.
33:28Sebastian didn't let her finish apologizing.
33:31Eleanor, you're my wife now.
33:33Your problems are my problems.
33:35They're the Whitfield's problems.
33:37Grandma wasn't defending you as a personal favor.
33:39She was defending our family.
33:41You don't owe anyone an apology for that.
33:43Don't carry all the blame on your shoulders.
33:45Something in her chest unmoordered.
33:47Then a question she'd been holding back slipped out.
33:49We've only known each other for a month.
33:51Are you this good to me because you were so sure I'd marry you?
33:54It's not that we've only known each other for a month.
33:56It's just that you only remember this month.
33:58Cutting ties with the Hawthorns.
34:00Dad and Grandma discussed it last night.
34:02Those partnerships only existed because of the marriage alliance.
34:05If they can't even treat their own daughter with basic decency,
34:08why would anyone trust them in business?
34:11Ending the collaboration is simply risk mitigation.
34:13Eleanor blinked.
34:15Sebastian's voice stayed low and steady.
34:17I've known you a long time.
34:19Before I turned seven, you were basically my whole world.
34:22I watched you grow from a tiny kid into a girl who followed me everywhere.
34:25Calling me big brother like it was the safest word you knew.
34:28The day my family left Los Angeles, you cried until your voice went horsky.
34:32You tried to come with me.
34:33I promised I'd come back for you one day.
34:35But you still found your way to me.
34:37In the end, you came.
34:39That night, Sebastian took her through every room of his villa.
34:41Empty for five years.
34:42Now finally with its mistress.
34:44You used to say you wanted a huge garden filled with roses and lilies.
34:48Tell me if I missed anything.
34:50And you loved drawing.
34:52I set up a studio for you anyway.
34:55An art room.
34:56Clean canvases.
34:57Space that was hers.
34:59Your chest tightened.
35:01Not from pain, but from being so full, it ached.
35:05You got obsessed with the piano.
35:07You begged me to teach you.
35:09Said we'd do a four-hand duet.
35:11I've been learning all these years just to keep that promise.
35:21The Hawthorns had brutalized their biological daughter for years while cattling their adopted
35:25one.
35:25The birthday party humiliation.
35:27The torn dress.
35:28The car accident that wasn't an accident.
35:29All of it resurfaced.
35:30Within days, Hawthorn group stock plummeted.
35:33Hitting limit down after limit down.
35:35Partnerships were terminated.
35:37Cash flow dried up.
35:38Projects collapsed.
35:40The family desperately liquidated assets.
35:42Cars, properties, everything they could get their hands on.
35:46Then Mrs. Hawthorn remembered the bank cards she'd once dismissively called, Eleanor's
35:50dowry.
35:53I'm sorry.
35:53These funds were transferred out months ago.
35:56The balance is zero.
35:57The money was donated to a charitable organization.
36:00The charity's director reported their harassment to the media and publicly praised Eleanor's
36:05generous donation.
36:06Two stories hit the trending list back to back.
36:09Hawthorn family harasses charity.
36:11Whitfield Bride quietly donates a fortune.
36:13The Hawthorns tried to reach Eleanor.
36:16Every path was blocked.
36:17Then the doorbell rang.
36:19We received a report filed by Mrs. Eleanor Hawthorne.
36:23Ophithia Hawthorne is suspected of attempted murder.
36:25We are taking her into custody for questioning.
36:27Griffin exploded.
36:28He tried to block the officers and shoved one, and was detained on the spot.
36:33But Ophelia wasn't there.
36:35Hours later, police found her in a bar, clinging to a drunk Tristan.
36:40Tristan.
36:42I never really liked Griffin.
36:45The only person I ever wanted was you.
36:48If you hadn't abandoned me at the airport that day, I would have married you.
36:52I swear I would have.
36:53I know you still have feelings for me.
36:55But now the Hawthorne family is finished.
36:58I have nowhere to go.
37:00You're all I have now, Tristan.
37:02You're the only one.
37:03The day Ophelia was convicted, snow fell.
37:07Eleanor had never seen snow like this.
37:11She dragged Matilda into a snowball fight.
37:17You corrupted her.
37:18She used to let me win.
37:20This is your fault.
37:21Sebastian saw Eleanor laughing and stopped dodging.
37:25It's all your fault.
37:27How would someone like me end up bullying a ten-year-old?
37:30Completely my fault.
37:32How do you want to punish me?
37:34She slipped a snowball down his shirt.
37:36He jerked with a sharp inhale.
37:38Family poured outside.
37:41Her phone buzzed.
37:44Ophelia in prison.
37:45Tristan hospitalized.
37:47The Hawthorns bankrupt.
37:48Of course.
37:49You ate all the cream puffs.
37:51Matilda didn't even get one.
37:55You stole food from a kid?
37:58I'm gonna take you out!
38:00Matilda charged.
38:02Snow exploded everywhere.
38:04Sebastian hid behind Eleanor.
38:06Babe, control your partner in crime.
38:11Snow kept falling.
38:14Eleanor looked up and felt only peace.
38:18He cared.
38:18He cared.
38:19He cared.
38:19Now you're in trouble.
38:19The evil Pilot was also at South Carolina.
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