- 35 minutes ago
Welcome to Raw.Review . This is a Dailymotion channel dedicated to sharing Boy Love drama episodes and romantic short films. We focus on emotional storytelling, meaningful relationships, and beautifully crafted moments that explore love, connection, and youth. Whether you are a fan of BL series or romance stories, Raw.Review aims to be a place where heartfelt stories come into focus.
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00My husband and I, both double income, know kids retired together.
00:03We were planning to travel the world together when he suddenly came clean.
00:07I've publicly claimed we were child-free for 30 years.
00:10Now it's time to bring my children back home where they belong.
00:14But I had seen this coming long ago and smiled meaningfully.
00:17He thought I had lost my mind and continued.
00:19A man passing on his line is only natural.
00:22You couldn't have kids, so I played along.
00:25But now, I owe my children an explanation.
00:29He proposed a divorce, wanting to take his pair of children and their mother on a family trip together.
00:34I agreed immediately, gracefully stepping aside and leaving.
00:37When news of the divorce spread, everyone sympathized with me.
00:44An elderly neighbor felt my pain.
00:46At her age, abandoned by her husband? What a miserable old age. So tragic.
00:51A college girl from the same apartment complex fumed on my behalf.
00:55That old bastard Charles is such a scumbag.
00:58Back then, he said they'd never have kids.
01:00Just enjoy their twin stem.
01:02Now look, his own son and daughter are old enough to make him a grandfather.
01:06Chatting with old friends. They couldn't help but sign.
01:08You were so glamorous in your youth.
01:10Successful career, living freely.
01:12But you insisted on being child-free, and now you're old and all alone.
01:16Even my parents advised me.
01:17As long as you don't divorce, his children become yours.
01:21They'll care for you in old age.
01:23When we pass on, we'll have peace mind.
01:27They all thought I was forced into divorce.
01:30That I was devastated.
01:31That I had no one to rely on in old age.
01:33That my whole life had become a joke.
01:35I didn't explain.
01:37Nor could I be bothered to refute them one by one.
01:39How things would turn out for the two of us.
01:41When the time came, they would know.
01:43Charles, on the other hand, was writing high.
01:45He posted a family photo on social media with the caption.
01:48Starting today, I finally have a real family.
01:51In the photo, he stood in the center.
01:52A young man and woman on either side.
01:54Their faces radiating youthful pride.
01:56And the woman who could carry on his bloodline had her arm linked through his.
01:59Smiling warmly and gracefully.
02:02Someone commented.
02:03Look at that.
02:04Now that's a winner in life.
02:06Indeed, Charles had one big.
02:08In his youth, he enjoyed the twosome life with me.
02:10Living freely his whole life.
02:12Never suffering through midnight feedings and diaper changes.
02:15Yet, in his old age, he had both a son and a daughter to bring him joy.
02:19How could that not count as winning at life?
02:21Now that he was retired, his career and reputation would no longer be affected.
02:26And me, at my age, abandoned by my husband and left with nothing, naturally invited people's
02:30size.
02:31But little did they know, I had been prepared all along.
02:34In this marriage, he wasn't the only one acting.
02:42The divorce proceedings went quickly.
02:44So quickly I felt somewhat dazed.
02:46Charles personally drove me to the courthouse.
02:48When signing, his hand didn't tremble at all.
02:51Instead, it was as if he had finally shed some burden.
02:54Swift and decisive.
02:55He smiled at the clerk.
02:56What can you do?
02:57We're both old, and the love is gone.
02:59But at least, I still have my son and daughter with me.
03:03I can enjoy family happiness too.
03:05The clerk looked at me apologetically.
03:07Eyes full of sympathy and comfort.
03:09I smiled too, but said nothing.
03:10After the divorce, with a grand gesture, he hired people to clear out the bedroom I had
03:14lived in for over 30 years.
03:16Eagerly bringing Vivian and the children home.
03:18I didn't fight or argue.
03:19I didn't even bother hiring a lawyer.
03:21I just took my half of the savings and a few important items, and moved out cleanly and
03:25efficiently.
03:26The day Vivian moved in, I came back to pack up my last belongings.
03:29As soon as I opened the door, I saw brand new photos displayed in the living room.
03:34Our wedding photos had been replaced by their family portrait, the four of them.
03:39Charles sat in the center, Vivian holding his arm, with two similar looking young adults
03:44in their 20s standing on either side, full of vigor.
03:47When I walked in, the lively atmosphere instantly turned cold, as if announcing my unwelcome presence.
03:52Vivian greeted me with a smile.
03:57Oh, Stella!
03:58Did you leave something behind?
04:01Let me help you look for it.
04:03Playing the hostess like she owned the place.
04:04Just a few last things.
04:05I'll take them all today.
04:07I said indifferently.
04:08Charles sat on the sofa without looking up, as if waiting for me to get the hint and leave.
04:17Charles sat on the sofa, not even lifting his head, casually flipping through the newspaper,
04:22as if waiting for me to get the hint and leave on my own.
04:24Chloe and Connor stood to the side, their eyes filled with undisguised distance and wariness,
04:28treating me like a stranger who had barged in.
04:30Mom, this place looks a bit dated, and the living room is kind of dark.
04:34How about a renovation with a new style?
04:35Chloe said casually.
04:37Yeah, the sofa needs replacing too.
04:39So old-fashioned.
04:40How did dad live in a place like this?
04:41Connor chimed in.
04:42I listened to the nitpick and watched Charles remain silent.
04:45I felt like laughing.
04:45This was the home Charles and I had shared for 30 years.
04:48Every piece of furniture carefully chosen.
04:49Now I was being dismissed as worthless.
04:51Vivian affectionately held Charles' arm.
04:53See how opinionated the children are?
04:54This house needs a complete makeover.
04:56We can't short-charge ourselves.
04:58Charles finally looked up slowly and glanced at me.
05:00Stella, are you done packing?
05:02Take everything at once so you won't have to keep coming back.
05:05It's awkward for everyone.
05:05He meant for me to leave and never come back,
05:07so I wouldn't be an eyesore to their family of four.
05:09I looked away, picked up my bag, stood at the doorway,
05:12and glanced back one last time at what had once been my home.
05:15Vivian leaned weakly against Charles peeling an orange,
05:17while the two children sat side by side on the sofa watching TV,
05:20the three of them chatting and laughing,
05:22as if this home had always been like this,
05:24composed of their family of four, with no place for me.
05:26The way Charles looked at Vivian was with respect for the mother of his children,
05:29and guilt for having kept her as a secret lover all these years.
05:32As for me, I was just an old woman he had grown tired of,
05:35with no children by my side, deserving to fend for myself.
05:38A cold laugh echoed in my heart.
05:40Fine, since you want me gone, I'll leave cleanly,
05:42so you can enjoy this brief pretense of affection.
05:44After all, in a few days, it will be turning on each other.
05:48After the divorce, I moved into an apartment.
05:51It wasn't far from my former home, but it felt like a different world.
05:54I didn't feel any particular discomfort.
05:57Without Charles in the house, I actually enjoyed the peace and quiet,
06:00but outsiders didn't see it that way.
06:02No matter how capable and free-spirited you were in your youth,
06:05you still lost in the end.
06:07This was the shared opinion of relatives and friends.
06:09My mother couldn't hold back tears when she saw me.
06:11You're living alone now, with no one to take care of you.
06:14What if you get sick someday?
06:16You insisted on being child-free before.
06:18Look at you now.
06:19Wouldn't it be nice to have a child?
06:21At least you wouldn't end up like this.
06:23My father sighed, his face full of regret.
06:24We shouldn't have let you have your way back then.
06:26If we had persuaded you more, you wouldn't be in this situation now.
06:29Their words implicitly blamed me for insisting on being child-free,
06:32saying that's why I lost my husband's heart.
06:34The most ridiculous thing was that my friends also thought
06:36Charles hadn't done anything terribly wrong.
06:38A man needs to have children.
06:39Charles was willing to play along with you for so many years.
06:44That's already going above and beyond.
06:46You were too stubborn back then.
06:47All these years, I've never understood.
06:49What were you thinking?
06:50Honestly, you're both old now.
06:52Vivian would still have to call you Big Sister.
06:54Why not just make do and live together?
06:56I thought at most they'd advise me to accept Charles as children.
06:58I never imagined they'd suggest Vivian, and I share one husband.
07:01But they never considered that neither child shared a single drop of blood with me.
07:05Even if I stayed, how many good days could I possibly have?
07:07What they didn't know was that the infertile one had never been me.
07:13When I first insisted on being child-free, bearing the pressure from everyone,
07:17my declaration that I would never have children was denounced as selfish and unfilial.
07:21Charles' parents pressured him to divorce me, but he said he didn't mind,
07:25as long as we could live happily together.
07:27Moved by his words, I became even more resolute in my decision.
07:30For decades, I bore all the blame myself, protecting his reputation, even his confidence and dignity
07:36as a man, only to discover he had given me nothing but a complete and utter deception.
07:40He never pressured me to have children because I wasn't his only woman.
07:44If I didn't give birth, he could have other women bear his children,
07:47and he could maintain his reputation as a loving husband while gaining my parents' trust and support.
07:51Why wouldn't he play along?
07:52When I discovered the truth, I never imagined that my seemingly gentle husband was so deeply calculating.
07:58I was wrong, but my mistake was not having children.
08:01My mistake was taking it upon myself to protect his dignity as a man.
08:04For that, I was even willing to give up my right to be a mother.
08:07So I planned for years, waiting for the moment when his act fell apart,
08:11to deliver him a devastating blow.
08:14Soon, I received the wedding invitation for Charles and Vivian's wedding.
08:18The invitation was in Vivian's handwriting, saying that as Charles' ex-wife,
08:21I must want to see him happy too, and my presence would mean the world to them.
08:25I let out a derisive laugh.
08:26What beautiful words.
08:27So high-sounding they made me sick.
08:29Mean the world to them?
08:30Vivian had been Charles' secret lover for 30 years.
08:32Having finally made it to the altar, she naturally couldn't wait to gloat in front of me.
08:36I took the invitation and casually glanced at it.
08:38The ceremony was at the city's most luxurious five-star hotel.
08:41Quite an upscale venue.
08:42Charles must have wanted to compensate Vivian for 30 years of hidden suffering with the grand wedding.
08:47When my friends heard that Vivian had invited me to her wedding with Charles, they were all furious.
08:52What does he mean by this?
08:54He's obviously trying to humiliate you.
08:57Exactly.
08:57You just moved out, and he's already marrying his mistress in style.
09:01He's clearly trying to embarrass you.
09:03You absolutely shouldn't go.
09:05Going would just be asking for humiliation.
09:07I listened to their angry voices without feeling a single ripple in my heart.
09:10In fact, a smile crept to my lips.
09:12Of course I'm going.
09:13Don't worry.
09:14I'm not going to make myself miserable.
09:16My friend looked at me in confusion.
09:18I'm just going to watch a comedy show, Stella.
09:23The show is about to begin.
09:48Why is she here?
09:50Someone whispered.
09:51She's not here to cause trouble, is it?
09:54Well, who can blame her?
09:56Being abandoned by Charles, anyone would feel upset.
10:00They all thought I had come to cry, to argue, to seek sympathy.
10:03But they were wrong.
10:04If only one person could have the last laugh at this wedding, that person would definitely be me.
10:08I picked up a glass of champagne, walked slowly to Charles and Vivian, and smiled.
10:13Congratulations.
10:15You finally got what you wanted.
10:17A flicker of triumph flashed in Vivian's eyes.
10:19She leaned against Charles lightly, her tone gentle yet provocative.
10:22Thank you for coming.
10:23After all, back then, you pretended to be child-free because you couldn't conceive.
10:28Charles didn't want to hurt you, so he came up with this solution.
10:32The best of both worlds.
10:34Charles walked over with a drink and raised his glass to me.
10:36It's all in the past.
10:38I believe I stayed by your side and did my duty.
10:41Now I'm old and want to enjoy my later years surrounded by children.
10:47I hope you can understand.
10:49I lowered my head and chuckled softly, my gaze sweeping over Chloe and Connor behind them.
10:53Let them enjoy their moment of triumph for now.
10:55Because the storm is about to descend.
11:03The wedding proceeded as planned.
11:04On stage, Charles and Vivian were exchanging vows, holding hands and gazing at each other with tears in their eyes.
11:10Chloe and Connor went up to give them flowers.
11:12Charles looked at the two young adults in their prime, as if seeing his own youth reflected in them.
11:16He thought, perhaps this was the price of continuing one's bloodline.
11:20Stella would never understand this feeling, which is why he had resolutely abandoned her.
11:24Halfway through the wedding, Charles suddenly produced a property deed.
11:27I once thought I would die childless and alone in my old age.
11:31But heaven has been kind to me.
11:33My beloved Vivian has given me a son and a daughter, allowing me to live a complete life.
11:40Vivian looked at Charles, tears already glistening in her eyes.
11:42I have little to give them.
11:43So I've decided to transfer the property under my name to the two children to help them thrive.
11:51Cheers erupted from the audience.
11:53Chloe and Connor covered their mouths excitedly and looked at Vivian.
11:56The three of them were expressions of assured victory.
11:59But I stood up and shouted.
12:01I object!
12:02Vivian hadn't received the property deed yet.
12:04Interrupted by me, she was furious.
12:06Stella, today is a wonderful day for our family of four.
12:10What kind of trouble are you trying to cause?
12:12Charles looked at me with disgust.
12:14His eyes contemptuous yet resigned.
12:16Stella, I know you're upset about not being able to have children.
12:20And jealous seeing my family.
12:21But you have to accept reality.
12:25We're divorced.
12:26The house may have both our names on it, but we're old now.
12:30What use is it to us?
12:31Chloe and Connor nodded continuously, even encouraging the guests to boo me.
12:35The emcee also tried to persuade me.
12:37Mrs. Stella, as Mr. Charles' ex-wife, you must want him to have a harmonious family and someone to care
12:43for him in old age, right?
12:44I put down my glass and said indifferently.
12:47Of course.
12:50But I need to correct one thing.
12:52The one who can't have children isn't me.
12:56The hall fell into dead silence.
12:59Vivian was taken aback.
13:00And Charles frowned too.
13:01What do you mean by that?
13:02It means nothing special.
13:04I shook my head gently.
13:05A touch of pity in my eyes.
13:06My eggs are still frozen at the egg bank.
13:08Perfectly healthy.
13:10The doctor said they can be retrieved for embryo cultivation anytime.
13:14Charles understood I had frozen my eggs for IVF.
13:17And he was completely enraged.
13:18Didn't you say you didn't want children with me?
13:20Now we're divorced?
13:22And you want IVF?
13:24Are you out of your mind?
13:25You really don't want to bear my child that badly?
13:28I slapped him hard across the face.
13:30Rob the MC's microphone.
13:31And spoke loudly enough for everyone present to hear.
13:33Because the one who can't have children has never been me.
13:36It's you.
13:37Charles, you have severe aloxpermia.
13:40You have no fertility whatsoever.
13:42The hall fell into dead silence in an instant.
13:45Then came an uproar.
13:46Charles is infertile?
13:48Is that true?
13:49But Vivian already gave him two children, didn't she?
13:52Stella must have gone crazy.
13:53She couldn't have children herself.
13:55And now she's slandering Charles.
13:57The guests whispered among themselves.
13:59And many had already pulled out their phones to record.
14:01Charles' face turned dark with fury.
14:03Vivian stood frozen.
14:04Her face deathly pale.
14:05Her lips trembling slightly.
14:06What nonsense are you spouting?
14:08Charles stepped forward aggressively.
14:09His gaze so dark it seemed he wanted to tear me apart.
14:11I let out a derisive laugh.
14:13Reached into my bag.
14:14Pulled out my phone.
14:15And played a recording.
14:16The clear voice instantly filled the entire wedding hall through the microphone.
14:19Miss Stella, after examination, your fertility is completely normal.
14:22And your ovarian function is excellent.
14:24But Mr. Charles' situation is not very optimistic.
14:26What does that mean?
14:27His sperm motility is extremely low.
14:29Basically, there is virtually no chance of conception.
14:31His condition is quite severe.
14:32Almost no possibility.
14:34Even with IVF, the success rate would be extremely low.
14:37I understand, Dr. Lewis.
14:38Please don't tell him about this yet.
14:40Don't tell anyone else either.
14:41Let this be between you, me, and God.
14:43Miss Stella, this kind of thing can't be hidden forever.
14:45When you can't conceive after marriage, it will naturally come to light.
14:49It's fine.
14:50I'll tell him and our parents that I don't want children.
14:53That I insist on being child-free.
14:55That way, no one will know the problem lies with Charles.
14:59The recording finished playing.
15:00A deathly silence fell.
15:02All eyes turned to Vivian and her two children.
15:06Suddenly, everyone's eyes turned simultaneously toward Vivian and the two children behind her.
15:11Her face had turned completely white, and her fingertips were trembling.
15:14Chloe and Connor fidgeted restlessly, trying to flee the hall.
15:18Oh my god, so all these years, Stella insisted on being child-free?
15:22To protect Charles' dignity?
15:23Because he's the one who's infertile?
15:25Then Vivian's children-
15:27It's fake!
15:27Vivian's lips moved slightly, her voice trembling violently.
15:29You must have had someone forge it!
15:31I gave a cold laugh, opened a second file, and a video immediately began playing on the projection screen.
15:35The footage showed a dimly lit hotel room, with a man and woman entangled on the bed.
15:39The woman's face was flushed, panting softly, her voice seductive and triumphant.
15:43Honey, I'm pregnant.
15:45The man's voice followed, carrying a hint of panic and resistance.
15:48No way.
15:48This child can't be mine, can it?
15:50Vivian chuckled softly, her voice alluring and cunning.
15:52Of course it's yours.
15:54But don't worry.
15:56Neither I nor the child need you to take responsibility.
16:01What do you mean?
16:02Charles doesn't have children yet.
16:04His wife insists on being child-free, and he's desperate.
16:07He's been begging me to bear his children.
16:09I'll just say the child is his.
16:11He'll definitely treasure me like a gem.
16:13The man was silent for a moment, then laughed softly.
16:16You really are something else.
16:17Vivian hooked her arm around his neck, whispering softly.
16:19We'll seize all the property and inheritance.
16:24Then we can enjoy our golden years in peace.
16:27As soon as she finished speaking, the man got excited and lunged down to entangle with the woman beneath him
16:31again.
16:32The video ended abruptly there.
16:34Everyone was stunned.
16:35A silence like death.
16:36Vivian completely collapsed onto the floor, her hands clutching her wedding gown tightly, her eyes filled with terror and despair.
16:42Charles' face had reached its most terrible expression.
16:44He clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly, veins bulging at his temples.
16:49He was clearly at the peak of rage.
16:51He roared through gritted teeth.
16:57He roared through gritted teeth, wishing he could tear her limb from limb.
17:00Vivian's body shook, her eyes instantly reddening as she desperately tried to explain.
17:05No, it's not.
17:06Charles, please listen to me.
17:08Explain?
17:08What is there left to explain?
17:11Charles kicked the chair aside, grabbed a champagne glass from the table, and smashed it on the ground.
17:15The sound of shattering glass exploded in the quiet wedding venue, sharp and piercing.
17:19You bitch!
17:20How dare you deceive me!
17:22I was your secret lover for thirty years, and you dare to cuckler me!
17:28Charles' eyes turned red, as if he had lost all reason.
17:31He rushed forward, wrapped Vivian's shoulders, and slapped her heart across the face.
17:35The crisp sound of the slap echoed throughout the entire hall.
17:38Vivian staggered backward, clutching her cheek, tears streaming from her eyes.
17:43And you dare to cry?
17:44You deceived me for thirty years!
17:47Cuckled me!
17:48And I've spent so much money on these bastards!
17:51Charles!
17:51Charles!
17:52Calm down!
17:52Someone rushed up to restrain Charles, but he had already gone completely mad.
17:55He shoved everyone aside and, like an enraged feast, overturned the dining table.
17:59Plates, wine glasses, and flowers scattered everywhere.
18:01The scene was utter chaos.
18:02Chloe and Connor stood to the side, their faces ashen, their bodies trembling, completely at
18:06a loss.
18:07The guests erupted in an uproar, pulling out their phones to capture photos and videos.
18:11My god, how did this wedding turn into this?
18:13So Vivian's two children aren't even Charles's?
18:16This is incredible!
18:17It's the drama of the year!
18:19The entire wedding had completely spiraled out of control.
18:22Eventually, with security's intervention, Charles was forcibly pulled away.
18:26Vivian was dragged out of the hotel in disgrace, while Chloe and Connor fled in terror.
18:30The wedding had become a complete joke.
18:31I stood among the crowd, still holding half a glass of champagne, quietly savoring everything.
18:36The wedding had become a complete joke, and I had finally waited for this day.
18:42Wedding videos were uploaded online, and quickly shot to the top of trending topics.
18:47Topics like, paternity truth revealed at wedding, ex-wife's calm counterattack against
18:52cheaters, and child-free husband cuckolded for 30 years exploded across the internet.
18:56Charles had become a complete pariah.
18:59Wherever he went, there were pointing fingers and mocking jeers.
19:02He valued his face above all else.
19:04His reputation was the most important thing in his life.
19:07Now, his dignity had been completely shattered, turning him into a laughingstock known across
19:12the entire country.
19:13And I, on the contrary, had become the object of everyone's sympathy.
19:17Stella is so pitiful.
19:19To protect her husband's dignity, she took the blame herself, and then was treated like this.
19:24She's the truly good woman.
19:25She endured for 30 years.
19:28And still showed the scumbag some dignity.
19:30Vivian is the truly ruthless one.
19:32She tricked Charles into raising bastards for 30 years, and almost swallowed his entire fortune.
19:38Public opinion had completely turned around.
19:40But none of this mattered to me anymore.
19:42What mattered more was how this farce would end.
19:44After the wedding, Charles locked himself in his former home and hadn't stepped outside
19:48for three full days.
19:49He smashed everything in the house.
19:50Coffee table, TV, faces.
19:53The place was a complete mess.
19:54But after the destruction, he sat alone on the sofa, staring blankly at a family portrait
19:59hanging on the wall.
20:00It was a photo of him, Vivian, Chloe, and Connor, the four of them.
20:03In the photo, he was smiling happily, as if he owned the whole world.
20:07Now looking at it again, he only felt the irony.
20:13He picked up the frame and smashed it onto the ground.
20:16Glass shattered.
20:17The photo splintered into pieces.
20:19Fake.
20:19It's all fake.
20:20He held his head, curled up on the floor, like a helpless child.
20:24He had lost everything, while I was just beginning my new life.
20:29After the wedding, my life returned to peace.
20:32No, it was calmer and freer than before.
20:34I started doing things I truly enjoyed.
20:36I went to several art exhibitions, attended concerts, and enrolled in a pottery class.
20:41My friends laughed at me.
20:44You're living more freely than young people now.
20:47I smiled without saying a word.
20:49Actually, they had forgotten that I should have been living this way when I was young.
20:52It's just that back then, I had poured all my energy into Charles and the family.
20:56Now I finally had the chance to live for myself.
20:58One day, my mother called, her voice carrying a hint of relief.
21:02Stella, you seem different lately.
21:05Different?
21:06Yes, more energetic than before.
21:09As if you've let go of something.
21:11I smiled softly.
21:12Yes, I had let go.
21:12I had let go of the self that endured grievances to protect a man's dignity.
21:16I had let go of the foolish notion that endurance would bring happiness.
21:19I had let go of the man named Charles.
21:20Mom, I've made up my mind.
21:22About what?
21:24I want to donate my eggs.
21:25There was a long silence on the other end of the line.
21:28Have you thought this through?
21:30I have.
21:31My voice was firm.
21:32Since the eggs are still there, rather than keeping them frozen forever, I might as well
21:37help people who want children but can't have them.
21:40You, always thinking of others.
21:42I smiled without denying it.
21:44Letting go of the past.
21:45Donating eggs to help others.
21:47My life is starting anew.
21:49Meanwhile, Charles' days grew more unbearable by the day.
21:52Vivian had been thrown out of the house, and Chloe and Connor no longer acknowledged him
21:55as their father.
21:56After all, everything in the video was crystal clear.
21:59They weren't Charles' children, but Vivian's illegitimate children with another man.
22:03They left with Vivian, not even glancing back at Charles.
22:06Let's go.
22:07He's not our father.
22:08Chloe said coldly.
22:09Charles sat alone in the empty house, suddenly feeling a loneliness unlike anything he'd ever
22:14experienced.
22:15He had once believed that having Vivian and two children meant he had a real family.
22:19But now he realized this family had never belonged to him.
22:22He himself had been deceived by Vivian for a full 30 years.
22:25He opened his phone and saw news about me.
22:28The headline Stella decides to donate eggs to help infertile families jumped out at him.
22:32He stared at the screen, his fingers trembling slightly.
22:34The woman who had borne his shame for 30 years to protect his dignity was now doing something
22:39even more meaningful.
22:40And what about him?
22:41He had nothing left.
22:42No family, no children, no dignity.
22:45He had lost everything.
22:46Charles put down his phone, leaned back on the sofa, and closed his eyes.
22:49Images from 30 years ago flooded his mind.
22:52Back then, we were still young, building our careers together, planning our future.
22:56Stella when we're old, let's travel the world, just the two of us, he had once said with
23:00a smile.
23:01Sure, it's a promise.
23:01I had agreed without hesitation, but he had broken that promise.
23:05It wasn't that I wasn't willing to grow old with him.
23:07It was that he chose betrayal first.
23:09A tear slid from the corner of Charles' eye.
23:11He regretted it, but there's no medicine for regret in this world.
23:17After hesitating for a long time, Charles finally dialed my number.
23:20The phone rang for a long time before I answered.
23:23Hello?
23:25Stella, it's me.
23:26I was silent for a few seconds, then spoke calmly.
23:28Is something the matter?
23:30I... I want to see you.
23:32I chuckled.
23:34Charles, do you think there's anything left to say between us?
23:37I know I was wrong.
23:38His voice was hoarse.
23:39Stella, I truly know I was wrong.
23:41I said nothing.
23:42I know you're doing well now, and I know you don't want to see me.
23:46But I still want to tell you I'm sorry, face to face.
23:50I repeated, my tone indifferent.
23:52Charles, it's been 30 years.
23:53You're telling me sorry now?
23:55Don't you think it's a little too late?
23:57I know it's late, but...
23:59I cut him off.
24:00Charles, you chose betrayal, so you bear the consequences.
24:03That was your choice.
24:05There was a long silence on the other end.
24:07Stella, if we hadn't divorced, would you have forgiven me?
24:10I didn't answer.
24:11Because I didn't know the answer myself.
24:13Or rather, this question no longer needed an answer.
24:17Charles, live your life well.
24:18Those were my final words before hanging up.
24:23Live your life well.
24:24This was the last thing I could give him.
24:29The egg donation process was more complicated than I had imagined.
24:33It required a series of physical examinations, psychological evaluations, and legal procedures.
24:37But I walked through each step with steadiness.
24:39The doctor told me my egg quality was excellent.
24:41Even after being frozen for so many years, their viability remained very high.
24:46Mrs. Stella, your eggs are extremely valuable.
24:49They can help many families realize their dreams.
24:51I smiled.
24:52Valuable.
24:53I had once thought these eggs were the fruit of my love with Charles.
24:56The hope for our future children.
24:58But now, they had become a gift to help strangers.
25:01Perhaps this was better.
25:03At least they would no longer be bound by Charles' name.
25:06After news of my egg donation spread, many people started paying attention to me.
25:10The media wanted to interview me, asking why I was doing this.
25:13I simply answered indifferently.
25:16Because I have the ability to help others.
25:18It's that simple.
25:20And what about you and Mr. Charles?
25:22Do you hate him?
25:22The reporter pressed.
25:24I thought for a moment and said,
25:25I don't hate him.
25:26But I don't love him either.
25:28He was part of my life, but that's in the past.
25:31The reporter seemed somewhat disappointed by my answer.
25:34But I didn't care.
25:35I didn't need others to define my emotions.
25:37After the egg donation, I decided to travel.
25:39The round-the-world trip I had planned with Charles.
25:41Although I couldn't complete it with him, I could do it alone.
25:44My first stop was Paris.
25:46Standing beneath the Eiffel Tower, watching the sunset slowly descend.
25:49I felt a peace unlike anything I had ever experienced.
25:52This city had once been a dream destination for Charles and me.
25:54Now I had come alone, but I didn't feel lonely.
25:57Instead, I felt that this was truly my own moment.
26:00Without Charles, without the constraints of that marriage, I could finally be my true self.
26:04During my days in Paris, I visited the Louvre,
26:07walked along the Seine, and tasted authentic French pastries.
26:10Every day was fulfilling and joyful.
26:12Traveling alone, freedom alone, I have finally become myself again.
26:15During my travels, I occasionally received news from back home.
26:19I heard that after being thrown out of the Chen household, Vivian's life hadn't been easy.
26:23She had once relied on Charles' money to live.
26:25Now without a source of income, she could only make ends meet by doing odd jobs.
26:30Chloe and Connor no longer had anything to do with her either.
26:33After all, once the video was exposed, everyone knew the truth.
26:36They weren't Charles' children, but Vivian's illegitimate children with another man.
26:40This news was undoubtedly a devastating blow to Chloe and Connor.
26:43They had always believed they were of the Chen bloodline.
26:46Proud of it all these years.
26:47Only to discover they had no connection to the Chen family whatsoever.
26:52Chloe confronted Vivian.
26:54Mom, what exactly is going on?
26:56Don't believe those videos!
26:58They're all fake!
26:59Vivian was still trying to deny it.
27:00Mom, the video is crystal clear.
27:02You told someone else we were Charles' children and said you were going to swind his property!
27:07I was just...
27:08Enough!
27:09Chloe cut her off.
27:10I never want to hear your lies again.
27:12Chloe and Connor moved out of Vivian's house, found jobs, and started new lives.
27:15And Vivian curled up alone in a dilapidated rental apartment, crying day after day.
27:20Her former elegance and nobility had long since vanished.
27:23Mom, do you think Stella is feeling pretty pleased with herself right now?
27:27Chloe had once asked Vivian.
27:28Vivian didn't answer.
27:29Because she knew I was no longer an enemy they needed to worry about.
27:34I was living too well.
27:36So well that they didn't even have the right to be jealous.
27:42After leaving Paris, I flew to Kyoto.
27:44This ancient city had a completely different charm from Paris.
27:47I strolled along the bamboo grove path in Arashima,
27:51listening to the rustling of bamboo leaves in the wind, feeling exceptionally peaceful.
27:55Here, there was no Charles.
27:57No Vivian.
27:58None of those troubling memories from the past.
28:00Only myself.
28:01I stayed at a traditional Japanese inn, rising early each morning to soak in the hot springs
28:06and savor exquisite kaiseki cuisine.
28:08The innkeeper was a kind middle-aged woman.
28:10Seeing me alone, she couldn't help asking.
28:13Ma'am, are you traveling alone?
28:15Yes.
28:17I answered with a smile.
28:19Doesn't traveling alone feel lonely?
28:22I thought for a moment and said.
28:24Sometimes.
28:25But more often, it's a kind of freedom.
28:27The innkeeper nodded, showing an understanding smile.
28:30You're right.
28:31Freedom is more precious than anything.
28:34During my days in Kyoto, I also visited Kaya Mizudara and drew a fortune slip.
28:37The fortune read,
28:38Withered trees meet spring.
28:40Old matters become empty.
28:41The road ahead is bright.
28:42Freedom lies within the heart.
28:43I looked at the fortune and couldn't help but smile.
28:45Withered trees meet spring.
28:47Wasn't this exactly my current state?
28:49After 30 years of winter, I had finally welcomed my own spring.
28:52I carefully put away the fortune slip into my wallet.
28:54Old matters become empty.
28:56The road ahead is bright.
28:57These words, I would always keep in my heart.
29:00On the last night before leaving Kyoto,
29:02I sat in the inn's courtyard,
29:03gazing at the star-filled sky.
29:05My phone rang.
29:06It was an unfamiliar number.
29:08I hesitated for a moment but answered anyway.
29:10Hello?
29:10Stella, it's me.
29:12It was Charles' voice.
29:13He had come looking for me again.
29:21Charles, how did you get this number?
29:22I frowned.
29:23I asked your friend.
29:24His voice was hoarse.
29:25Stella, I want to see you.
29:26See me?
29:27I gave a cold laugh.
29:28Charles, what is there left for us to see?
29:31I know I was wrong.
29:32And I know you don't forgive me.
29:33But I really want to talk to you face to face.
29:36I was silent for a moment.
29:37Then finally sighed.
29:40Fine.
29:40I'm in Kyoto.
29:41Leaving tomorrow.
29:43I know.
29:44I'm already here.
29:45I was stunned.
29:46He was already here?
29:47Where are you?
29:48I asked.
29:48Downstairs at your inn.
29:49I walked to the window, pulled back the curtain,
29:51and sure enough, saw a familiar figure standing below.
29:53Charles was wearing a dark overcoat,
29:55carrying a suitcase.
29:56He looked much thinner and older than before.
29:58I hesitated,
29:58but eventually went downstairs to meet him.
30:01In the inn's tea room,
30:02we sat facing each other.
30:03Charles looked at me,
30:04his eyes complicated.
30:05Stella, you've changed.
30:07Have I?
30:07I picked up my teacup and took a sip.
30:10People always change.
30:11You would never have treated me like this before.
30:13His voice carried bitterness.
30:15The old you was always gentle and considerate,
30:18never willing to embarrass me.
30:20The old me was a fool.
30:21I put down my teacup,
30:22my tone calm.
30:23Charles, you betrayed me for 30 years,
30:25and now you come to me with this.
30:27Don't you find it ridiculous?
30:28Charles lowered his head,
30:30his hands tightly clasped.
30:32I know I don't deserve to ask for your forgiveness,
30:34but I truly regret it.
30:37I scoffed.
30:38Regret?
30:39Do you regret losing Vivian and the two children?
30:42Or do you regret being laughed at by the whole world?
30:46Charles' face turned pale.
30:48He opened his mouth but couldn't speak.
30:51Charles, you don't need to answer me.
30:53I stood up, looking down at him.
30:55Because your answer no longer matters to me.
30:58I turned to leave,
31:00but Charles suddenly stood up and grabbed my wrist.
31:02Stella, give me a chance.
31:04Let's start over, please.
31:06His voice was fleeting,
31:07his eyes full of desperation.
31:09I stopped and turned to look at him.
31:11This man I had once deeply loved now
31:13only felt like a stranger to me.
31:15Charles.
31:15I gently freed my hand from his,
31:17my tone calm yet firm.
31:20Some roads, once traveled,
31:22can never be retraced.
31:23We can.
31:24He said urgently.
31:25I know you hate me,
31:26but I can change.
31:27I can make it up to you.
31:28I can can-
31:28You can't.
31:29I cut him off.
31:31Charles, you can't make it up.
31:3330 years of betrayal
31:34cannot be erased by a single sorry.
31:36His eyes reddened,
31:37his voice trembling.
31:38Stella, do you really not love me anymore?
31:40I looked at him,
31:41not a single ripple in my heart.
31:43Love?
31:43I shook my head gently.
31:45Charles, I love the you from 30 years ago,
31:47not the you of today.
31:48That you,
31:49is already dead.
31:51Charles' body swayed,
31:52as if he had been struck hard.
31:53He released my hand,
31:54stepped back,
31:55looking as if he had aged 10 years in an instant.
31:57I understand.
31:58His voice was hoarse and low.
31:59Stella,
32:00I wish you happiness.
32:02I didn't answer,
32:03just nodded faintly,
32:04then turned and left.
32:05The moment I walked out of the tea room,
32:07I let out a long breath.
32:0930 years of entanglement had finally come to a close.
32:11I didn't look back,
32:12because I knew there were even more beautiful sights ahead waiting for me.
32:16I returned to my room,
32:17packed my luggage,
32:18and prepared for my next destination.
32:20My phone rang with a message from a friend.
32:22Stella,
32:23Charles came looking for you again,
32:25don't pay him any attention,
32:26he's just a scumbag.
32:28I smiled and replied.
32:30Don't worry,
32:31I've already let go.
32:32Letting go is not forgiving,
32:34but no longer being bound by the past.
32:36I dragged my suitcase,
32:37walked out of the inn,
32:38and strode forward into the morning sunlight.
32:41A new journey had begun.
32:43My brand new life.
32:47After leaving Kyoto,
32:49I went to many more places.
32:50Rome,
32:51Barcelona,
32:52Sydney,
32:52New York.
32:53Every city left its mark with my footsteps.
32:55I learned to eat alone,
32:57watch movies alone,
32:58go shopping alone.
33:00Things I once thought required two people to do.
33:02It turned out I could do perfectly well alone.
33:04One afternoon in Paris,
33:06I sat at a cafe by the seine,
33:07watching the passing crowds.
33:09Suddenly,
33:10a little girl ran over,
33:11looking at me with big wide eyes.
33:15Ma'am,
33:16you're so pretty.
33:17She said in her childish voice.
33:19I was taken aback,
33:20then smiled.
33:22Thank you,
33:23little one.
33:23Her mother walked over,
33:25and apologized with a smile.
33:26I'm sorry,
33:27my daughter is too playfy.
33:28It's fine,
33:29she's adorable.
33:30The little girl held her mother's hand,
33:32looked back at me,
33:32and suddenly shouted,
33:33Mommy,
33:34that lady has stars in her eyes!
33:37I was stunned.
33:38Stars?
33:39I subconsciously touched my own face.
33:41Perhaps I really had changed.
33:43No longer the woman who endured grievances
33:45to protect her husband's dignity.
33:47No longer the fool who took the blame
33:49for someone else's betrayal.
33:50The current me had light in my eyes
33:52and dreams in my heart.
33:53This was probably what people called,
33:55rebirth.
33:56Light in my eyes,
33:57dreams in my heart.
33:59This is my rebirth.
34:00After the trip,
34:01I returned home.
34:02There was new progress on the egg donation.
34:04The hospital told me my eggs
34:05had successfully helped
34:06three infertile couples conceive.
34:08Mrs. Stella,
34:09you are truly remarkable.
34:11The doctor said gratefully.
34:12I smiled.
34:13It's nothing remarkable.
34:14Just doing what I should.
34:17Actually,
34:18donating eggs
34:18wasn't just about helping others.
34:20It was also about making peace
34:21with my own regrets.
34:23Although I never had my own children,
34:25my eggs could help others realize
34:26their dream of becoming parents.
34:28This was probably
34:29the best possible ending.
34:30One day,
34:31I received a letter.
34:32It was from a mother
34:33who had received my eggs.
34:35Dear Ms. Stella,
34:36I don't know what words to use
34:37to express my gratitude.
34:39My husband and I
34:40have been married for 15 years
34:41and have never had children.
34:43We tried every method
34:45without success.
34:46Just when we were about to give up,
34:48we received news from the hospital
34:50that someone was willing
34:51to donate eggs.
34:52That person was you.
34:54Now,
34:54I am pregnant
34:55and the doctor says
34:56the baby is very healthy.
34:57I don't know how to thank you.
34:59I just want to tell you
35:00that you have given
35:01our family new hope.
35:02Thank you, Ms. Stella.
35:04You are the great benefactor
35:05of our entire family.
35:07After reading the letter,
35:08my eyes welled up with tears.
35:10It turned out that helping others
35:11truly could bring happiness
35:13to oneself.
35:14I carefully put the letter
35:15away in a drawer.
35:16This touching moment,
35:17I would forever treasure
35:19in my heart.
35:20Helping others
35:20is also healing oneself.
35:24After returning home,
35:26I started reconnecting
35:27with old friends.
35:28Because of the whole situation
35:29with Charles,
35:29I had grown distant
35:31from many people.
35:32Now,
35:32I wanted to pick up
35:33those relationships again.
35:34The first person
35:35I reached out to
35:35was my best friend,
35:36Linda.
35:36When she saw me,
35:38she was so excited
35:39she almost cried.
35:41Stella!
35:42You're finally back!
35:43I thought you'd never
35:45speak to me again!
35:46How could that be?
35:48I laughed and hugged her.
35:50I just went traveling
35:51for a while
35:52to clear my head.
35:54So how are you now?
35:55Has Charles caused you
35:57any more trouble?
35:58No, it's completely
35:59over between us.
36:01Linda breathed
36:01a sigh of relief.
36:03That's good.
36:04Stella, you deserve
36:05someone better.
36:06Someone better?
36:08I smiled.
36:10Linda, I don't need
36:11anyone else
36:12to define my worth
36:13right now.
36:13I am enough.
36:15Linda looked at me,
36:16surprise flashing
36:17in her eyes,
36:17then relief.
36:18Stella, you really
36:19have changed.
36:20Become better,
36:21stronger.
36:22Have I?
36:22Maybe.
36:23I picked up my coffee.
36:23After going through
36:24so much,
36:25you've got to learn
36:25something.
36:26So what are your
36:26plans next?
36:27Keep living, of course.
36:29I smiled.
36:29Work, travel,
36:30do what I love.
36:31What about love?
36:32Linda winked.
36:33Not considering
36:33finding someone new?
36:36I shook my head.
36:38Not for now.
36:39At this point in my life,
36:41I just want to love
36:42myself well.
36:43Linda laughed.
36:45Well said.
36:46Cheers to our new era.
36:48We clinked cups,
36:49the aroma of coffee
36:50filling the air.
36:51In this moment,
36:52I felt warmth.
36:53Not because of romance,
36:55but because of friendship.
36:56Not because of dependence,
36:57but because of independence.
36:59I finally understood that
37:00true happiness doesn't come
37:01from others,
37:02but from oneself.
37:04After returning home,
37:06I didn't stay idle.
37:07I started replanning my career.
37:09In my youth,
37:10I had given up many
37:11opportunities for Charles.
37:12Now,
37:13I would pick them up
37:14one by one.
37:14I open a small
37:15floral design studio.
37:16This was a dream
37:17I had in my youth
37:18that I never got to realize.
37:19Now,
37:20I finally had the chance
37:21to make it a reality.
37:22The studio wasn't big,
37:23but it was decorated warmly.
37:25Every morning,
37:25I would go to the flower market
37:26to select the freshest blooms.
37:28Then back at the studio,
37:30I would trim stems,
37:31match colors,
37:32and create beautiful bouquets.
37:34When customers came,
37:35I would recommend
37:36the most suitable flowers
37:37based on their needs.
37:39Your mom will definitely
37:40love this bouquet.
37:41These roses for your girlfriend,
37:43guaranteed to make her
37:44feel your love.
37:45Watching the satisfied
37:45smiles of my customers,
37:47my heart filled
37:48with a sense of accomplishment.
37:49Linda,
37:50a special customer
37:51walked into the studio.
37:52Come on in.
37:52A young woman,
37:53holding a baby in her arms.
37:55Hello.
37:55She said with a smile.
37:56I'd like to order a bouquet.
37:58Certainly.
37:58Who is it for?
38:01For myself.
38:03Her eyes sparkled.
38:05I just had a baby
38:06and want to treat myself.
38:07I was taken aback,
38:08then smiled.
38:10Congratulations,
38:10that's the best gift of all.
38:12I carefully arranged
38:13a bouquet of pink carnations
38:14and white baby's breath for her.
38:16She held the flowers,
38:17held her baby,
38:18smiling so happily.
38:20In that moment,
38:21I suddenly felt that
38:22my choice had been
38:23the right one.
38:24Although I didn't have
38:25a child of my own,
38:26I could bring happiness
38:27to others in other ways.
38:28This was probably
38:29the meaning of life.
38:31Bringing happiness
38:31to others is also
38:32the meaning of life.
38:34Time flies.
38:34In the blink of an eye,
38:36three years had passed.
38:37My floral studio
38:38had grown bigger and bigger,
38:39now with three branch locations.
38:41My name had also started
38:42to gain recognition
38:43in the industry.
38:44Many people didn't know
38:45what storms this elegant
38:46and composed florist
38:48had once weathered.
38:49And I no longer spoke of them.
38:50Because all of that
38:51was in the past.
38:52The present me
38:53only wanted to look forward.
38:55One day,
38:55I received a postcard
38:57from Alaska.
38:58No signature,
38:59just one sentence.
39:00May the rest of your life
39:01be happy.
39:02I knew who sent it.
39:03But I didn't write back.
39:04Some goodbyes
39:05don't need a response.
39:07I slipped the postcard
39:08into that fortune slip.
39:09Withered trees meet spring.
39:11Old matters become empty.
39:12The road ahead is bright.
39:14Freedom lies within the heart.
39:16These words,
39:17I had always kept in my heart.
39:19Charles,
39:19Vivian,
39:20Chloe,
39:20Connor,
39:21they had all become
39:22passersby in my life.
39:23And I had finally become
39:24the protagonist of my own story.
39:26The sun was setting.
39:27I sat by the studio window,
39:29watching the passing crowds outside.
39:31Holding a cup of hot tea,
39:32my heart felt a piece
39:34unlike anything before.
39:35My phone rang.
39:36It was a message
39:37from the hospital.
39:38Miss Stella,
39:39your donated eggs
39:40have successfully helped
39:41a fifth couple
39:42welcome their baby.
39:43Thank you for your great love.
39:45I smiled.
39:46My eyes were a bit moist.
39:47But my heart was full of happiness.
39:49Perhaps this was
39:50the best possible ending.
39:51I didn't have children,
39:52but I had helped many people
39:53realize their dreams.
39:54I didn't have romance,
39:55but I had true freedom.
39:57I didn't have a family,
39:58but I had created
39:59a world of my own.
40:00In this world,
40:01there were flowers,
40:02sunshine,
40:03laughter,
40:03and hope.
40:04That was enough.
40:05I raised my teacup
40:06and took a gentle sip.
40:07Outside the window,
40:08the afterglow of the sunset
40:09spilled across my face,
40:11warm and gentle.
40:12My life has only just begun.
Comments