- 1 week ago
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00:00You stole Liam's scholarship application?
00:03Ethan, you've disappointed me!
00:06Ethan, I never wanted it to come to this, but it was mine.
00:09I didn't steal it. I explained over and over, but no one listened.
00:13They always believed Liam. The rain poured harder.
00:16I stood by the roadside with my suitcase. Nowhere to go.
00:20Then headlights pierced the rain.
00:22A black umbrella appeared above me.
00:25Get in.
00:26Ryder is heir to the town's richest family and captain of my ice hockey team.
00:30Aloof to nearly everyone, yet his gaze softens whenever it finds me.
00:33He asked nothing. He got me into the shotgun seat, blasted the heat,
00:37and wrapped my trembling shoulders in a towel.
00:39In that moment, I thought he was my salvation.
00:42For the next three years, we were the best duo on the ice.
00:47By day, we crashed into each other on the rink.
00:50By night, we crashed into each other on the bed even harder.
01:02I turned down scholarships from overseas team twice.
01:07Because I couldn't leave him.
01:14Every kiss from him feels like heaven.
01:21Who's calling?
01:23Coach, get yourself together first.
01:26The door's closed.
01:27As I straighten my clothes, my phone lights up.
01:32Another email from that overseas team.
01:34The third one.
01:35I sigh, ready to relieve it like always.
01:38But the car's speakers come on.
01:40It's Ryder's call with the coach.
01:41Ryder, are you really putting Ethan's stepbrother Liam on the team?
01:45He isn't starter material.
01:46Doesn't matter.
01:47I want him on the ice five days from now.
01:49And I want him starting.
01:50Ethan is our starting forward.
01:52You want Liam replacing him?
01:54Put Ethan on support.
01:56That game belongs to Liam.
01:57Both his family and his girlfriends treat him like he's nothing.
02:00I'm getting a win.
02:01My hand froze around my phone.
02:02Coach spoke again, cautiously.
02:05Ryder, I've always wanted to ask.
02:07What is Ethan to you?
02:09I know you're together, but never made it public.
02:12Rain pounds against the car.
02:14Every word Ryder said hits me like a hammer.
02:18You really think I like him?
02:19I only care about Liam.
02:21If he weren't straight, I never would have been with Ethan.
02:25Don't you think the two of them look alike?
02:27My fingers go numb.
02:28A low sneer drifts through the speakers.
02:31I cover the mole under Ethan's eye.
02:33And he looks almost like me.
02:35I thought Ryder loved my face.
02:38Every time we had sex, he'd caress it so tenderly.
02:43Now I know I was only a substitute.
02:46I can't stop shaking.
02:48I look at my rumpled collar, then the spot he kissed moments ago.
02:53Everything I thought was love had been nothing but a lie.
03:03I really like your face, except for that moan.
03:11When are you getting rid of that moan?
03:14Hmm?
03:21I really like you.
03:23I am.
03:24It was so obvious.
03:26He'd see someone else through me every time.
03:29I never knew.
03:30I gave him everything like a fool.
03:32The call keeps playing.
03:34Then what about Ethan?
03:36I hold my breath, still hoping for a different answer.
03:39To put it bluntly, it's just physical.
03:42Nothing more.
03:46His words are like a dull blade,
03:48hacking away at the part of me I thought was still alive.
03:51I cover the mole beneath my eye with my thumb.
03:55In the window, my reflection becomes Liam.
03:58All that separates me from the man Ryder loves is a mole.
04:02Nausea hits me.
04:03I turn away, unable to look at myself in the window anymore.
04:07Outside, Ryder is still on the phone,
04:09his back to me, rain soaking his shoulders.
04:12Suddenly he turns and looks at me.
04:14There's no warmth in his eyes.
04:16That is his real expression.
04:18Cold, detached, and appraising.
04:21Every tender look he ever gave was meant for Liam.
04:25My body trembles, but my hand stays steady as I open the email.
04:29I've ignored it twice and hit call.
04:32I accept the offer.
04:34Ethan, great. We've waited two years.
04:36On one condition.
04:38I need a new identity as soon as possible and wipe my identity here.
04:42Are you sure?
04:42That means cutting all ties with this place.
04:44I am sure.
04:45All right. It'll take time.
04:47You'll receive a confirmation email in five days.
04:49Once it arrives, you're all set.
04:51In five days, I hang up and look at the calendar.
04:54That's the league's most important game.
04:57After that, I'll disappear for good.
04:59Ryder, you won't have to look past my mole anymore.
05:02This face will be gone from your world.
05:10Why are you so pale?
05:11He reaches for my forehead.
05:13I instinctively pull away.
05:14It's nothing. I'm just cold.
05:16Before, those words would have made my whole day.
05:18Now they only make my chest ache.
05:20Everything he said on the phone still echoed in my head.
05:23Ryder doesn't press further.
05:24He takes out a gift bag.
05:26This is for you.
05:27Wear it at the game in five days.
05:28I open it.
05:29Inside is a pair of custom wrist guards.
05:31My number, 17, is stitched into the ice blue lining.
05:35It's beautifully made.
05:37Don't get hurt.
05:38That game matters.
05:40Of course, it matters to him.
05:42It's the stage he's built for Liam.
05:45I close the box without thanking him.
05:47Too caught up in his own excitement.
05:49He doesn't notice my coldness.
05:52Oh, one more thing.
05:53Liam's joining our team.
05:55My hand freezes.
05:57He continues cautiously.
05:58Coach approved it.
06:00Liam starting in five days.
06:02Ethan, you'll be on support for that one.
06:04I turn and meet his eyes.
06:06Do you remember why I was cast out of my family?
06:09Liam accused me of stealing his scholarship application.
06:13No one believed me.
06:14And my dad threw me out.
06:16He was just not that mature back then.
06:17Now he's learned his lesson.
06:19Besides, the team needs fresh blood.
06:21He pauses, then adds.
06:23If you're really against it, I'll tell Coach to pull him instead.
06:25As he speaks, his fingers tap the steering wheel twice.
06:28That is his tell when he lies.
06:30I've known him for three years.
06:32He's never turned Liam down, and no one can change his mind.
06:35No.
06:36Let him join.
06:37Ryder blinks in surprise.
06:39Then the corners of his mouth lift.
06:41He hides it quickly, but I still catch that flash of joy.
06:45He rarely smiles, but he does for Liam.
06:48My phone buzzes.
06:50A new email pops up.
06:52Subject, green card application instructions.
06:56What's that?
07:01Nothing.
07:02Just spam.
07:04I flip my phone over.
07:06Ryder watches me for a couple of seconds.
07:08Then starts the car.
07:09I stand in front of the photo wall.
07:11Three years of memories.
07:12The day we won our first league title.
07:14Him carrying me on his shoulders.
07:16Me smearing birthday cake on his face.
07:17In every picture, I was smiling.
07:20Riley never was.
07:21I thought he was warm underneath.
07:22Now I knew his heart just never warmed for me.
07:24The shower stops.
07:25Ryder walks up behind me, warm from the shower, and wraps his arms around my waist.
07:31About what we started in the car.
07:34His hands start moving down.
07:36Sudden.
07:37Rough.
07:38Forceful.
07:38As always.
07:41Before, I would have embraced it.
07:43But today, as he pushes me onto the couch, his lips against my neck, I notice his phone
07:48on the table.
07:50The screen lights up.
07:54Shocked, I shove Riley away.
07:56What's wrong?
07:57I'm not feeling well.
08:00I stumble into the bathroom, lock the door, and slide down against it.
08:05I've secretly kept track of every time Riley came looking for me.
08:08I thought it was our sweet little secret.
08:10But now I see.
08:11I open my notes.
08:13Then Liam's social media, and compare them one by one.
08:17Every time Ryder wants me, it's right after Liam posts about his girlfriend.
08:29Have you lost it, Ryder?
08:31I don't care.
08:34I want you.
08:36I want you.
08:36I want you.
08:37I want you to see us on the floor.
08:49Have you lost it, Ryder?
08:51My hands sink down under the water.
08:52Hands over my face as silent sobs shake my body.
08:55Ryder, it was never because you wanted me.
08:57It was because you couldn't have him.
08:59Then what am I?
09:01Three years.
09:02More than a thousand days and nights.
09:03My love.
09:04My trust.
09:05Everything.
09:05Was a joke.
09:06I look up through the steam at my face.
09:08The mole beneath my eye looks like a stigma.
09:11Ryder, from now on, I won't love you anymore.
09:17I stay in the bathroom until the water washes away my tears and until he falls asleep.
09:22What is he dreaming about?
09:24Not me.
09:25I didn't wake him.
09:27I used to wait for him so we could leave together.
09:30But not anymore.
09:46I practice alone for hours before the rest of the team arrives.
09:57Ethan?
09:58You're here early today.
09:59Where's Ryder?
10:00You always show up together.
10:02I'm on the bench drinking water when Ryder walks in.
10:05Dark practice skier, hair immaculate, steps unhurrient until he sees me.
10:10He frowns and heads over.
10:12Why didn't you wait for me?
10:14His voice carries a hint of blame.
10:16Waiting for him is always expected.
10:18Not waiting somehow made me wrong.
10:20I cap my bottle and look up calmly.
10:23I got up early for extra practice.
10:25Ryder is about to say something when coach's whistle cut him off.
10:29Gather up.
10:30I've got an announcement.
10:33Coach glances meaningfully at Ryder.
10:35We've got a new player.
10:36Liam will start it forward in our game against the Panthers in five days.
10:40I notice Ryder tense up.
10:41He swallows, his fingers curling and relaxing at his side.
10:44It's the kind of anticipation your body feels when you're about to see the person you love.
10:47Liam?
10:48The guy who quit years ago?
10:50The game against the Panthers is huge.
10:52Is he up for it?
10:53I listen, look at Ryder, then speak calmly.
10:57Liam quit because he couldn't get up for morning practice.
11:00I assume he's improved since then.
11:05Ethan, stop bringing up the past.
11:07A faint smile tugs at my lips, too faint to reveal what I'm feeling.
11:11Okay, I won't.
11:12After all, I'll be gone in a few days.
11:14You can protect Liam all you want.
11:16It's not my concern.
11:22Ryder brings us to meet Liam.
11:23But the first to arrive are my father and his wife.
11:27We're staying here before the game, and they bring Liam's things.
11:31After my mom died, my father brought home his mistress and her son.
11:35He stopped loving me.
11:36He never carried a thing for me.
11:38When he kicked me out, he left my suitcase in the rain.
11:40My father glances at me like a stranger.
11:42Then he turns to Ryder with a warm smile.
11:46Ryder, Liam's counting on you.
11:48He's always looked up to you.
11:50Lead him to victory.
11:52Don't worry.
11:54One more thing.
11:55Be careful around Ethan.
11:58He's envied Liam since childhood.
12:00He even stole Liam's scholarship application.
12:04Just be careful.
12:06I didn't explain.
12:07I've done it countless times.
12:09The application was mine.
12:11Liam blamed me because he didn't get one.
12:13No one trusted me.
12:14Explaining would only humiliate myself again.
12:17Ryder's face darkens.
12:18He steps away from my father.
12:20Ethan's my best partner.
12:22I trust him.
12:24I know him the best.
12:25Ryder defends me.
12:27Once I'd have been touched.
12:28Now I only feel humiliated.
12:31You trust me?
12:32Yet you love Liam and see him in me?
12:36Liam wears a brand new practice jersey.
12:39His hair perfectly styled.
12:40Spotting Ryder, he hugs him at once.
12:43Hey, Captain Ryder.
12:45When they part, Ryder's hands hang awkwardly in midair.
12:48Friendship is easy.
12:49Love is careful.
12:50He never hesitates with me when we hug.
12:52Long time no see, brother.
12:53His smile looks harmless, but I know better.
12:56That smile hides all kinds of cool things.
12:59This is what we've trained for.
13:01Let's go!
13:03We've got to beat the Panthers!
13:05Ryder and Liam stand side by side, soaking in the cheers.
13:09Liam is the center of attention, wearing a confident smile.
13:13Liam's gonna put a shine today.
13:15A win will be great for the family business.
13:17Of course.
13:18That's our son.
13:19They never looked at me.
13:21We walked right past them, but I was like invisible to them.
13:24Ryder sees them.
13:25His grip tightens around his stick until his knuckles turn white.
13:28His jaw locks into a hard line.
13:30Whenever he sees Liam with his girlfriend, he comes to me.
13:33His eyes, red with jealousy, lock on mine.
13:35Then he prints me against the nearest wall, bench, or locker.
13:37He needs a body to pour his desire for someone else.
13:40I used to think it was love.
13:41Now I know it's release.
13:43He wants Liam, but takes it out on me.
13:45Ethan.
13:46I know that desire in the air too well, but I feel nothing.
13:50You.
13:50His hand reaches for my shoulder, then stops.
13:53We're on the rink, the last place he can force me.
13:56After a pause, he slowly pulls back.
13:59I meet his eyes, calm enough to make him falter.
14:03Game on, captain.
14:07Ryder, I'll give this last game all I've got.
14:10Consider it my thanks for taking me in.
14:12When it's over, so are we.
14:18Less than three minutes in, I strip the puck from their forward.
14:22Liam is wide open on the left, so I pass.
14:24He hesitates, and a defenseman pokes it away.
14:27Great steal by Ethan.
14:28He feeds Liam.
14:30Oh!
14:31Wide of the net.
14:33Liam just isn't himself today.
14:35Sighs sweep through the crowd.
14:37I glance at the scoreboard, down by two, with little time left.
14:40The next time I get the puck, I keep it.
14:42I'm taking the shot.
14:43Just as I swing, someone slams into me.
14:45It's Liam.
14:46My pupils blow wide, my balance gone.
14:48I am sent flying, crashing toward the ice.
14:50I'm falling toward a downed opponent, his scape blade pointing straight up.
14:54Liam is headed for the boards with nothing in his way.
14:56Ryder is only a few strides away.
14:58Panic flashes across his face.
15:00His eyes dart between Liam and Lee.
15:05Before Liam hit the boards, Ryder catches him.
15:08They slide safely across the ice together.
15:10The blade pierces my shoulder.
15:12Blood spills onto the ice.
15:13What was I expecting?
15:15That he'd save me?
15:16I'm nobody.
15:17Of course he'd choose Liam.
15:19Strangely, my shoulder barely hurt.
15:21Nothing could hurt more than my heart.
15:24As my teammates help me into the locker room, an argument breaks out.
15:30We're down this bad.
15:31How are we going to win?
15:33Ethan's hurt.
15:34A huge gap.
15:35The Panthers have all the momentum now.
15:37I shove my teammates aside, grab Liam by the collar and slam him against a locker.
15:41Blood seeped through my bandage.
15:43Liam!
15:44Why did you hit me?
15:45I had that goal.
15:46I fed you again and again and you blew every chance.
15:49So I went for it myself and you hit me?
15:59Liam's eyes re-heading instantly.
16:01His lips tremble as if he's terrified.
16:05I didn't mean to.
16:07You should have passed to me.
16:10That's why I-
16:11Passed to you?
16:12Could you even score?
16:15Ethan.
16:17Enough.
16:23I stare at Ryder in disbelief.
16:25The hand that has yanked mine away now rests gently on Liam's shoulder.
16:29Liam's eyes are red, his voice trembling like he's been wrong.
16:32I'm sorry, Ethan.
16:34I really didn't mean it.
16:35You should have passed to me.
16:37When you didn't, I panicked.
16:38Ryder gently patted Liam's shoulder, like soothing a startling pet.
16:42Don't cry.
16:42It's not your fault.
16:44Ryder, Liam is never wrong to you.
16:46Not when he cost us the game.
16:47Not when he got me hurt.
16:49Ethan, you're forward next period.
16:51Liam stays in the starting lineup.
16:52No more hurting teammates.
16:53He gives me a warning look.
16:55No matter who, he knows exactly who hurt whom.
16:57Yet he makes it sound like I'm the threat.
16:59He can't bear to blame Liam.
17:01So he warns me instead.
17:03Fine.
17:04It won't happen again.
17:05Ryder freezes.
17:06He didn't expect me to agree so easily.
17:08After a moment, he walks over and looks at my shoulder.
17:11How's your shoulder?
17:12His voice softens.
17:13I know, I should have saved you, but he's still pretending he cares.
17:17It's fine.
17:18I'm okay.
17:19The pain is unbearable.
17:20Every breath pulls at the wound.
17:21But I have to finish this game.
17:23For what I owed him.
17:24And for my coach and teammates.
17:25Good.
17:26Get ready then.
17:29I look down.
17:30Blood has soaked through the bandage.
17:32I tighten it, pick up my stick, and head back out.
17:35As I head to the rink, I hear a noise from the storage room.
17:38I stop.
17:39The door is slightly ajar.
17:40I peer through the narrow crap.
17:42Liam wipes his mouth.
17:43The label on the bottle is unmistakable.
17:46A band performance enhance who's in drug.
17:52Liam, you took a band drug?
17:54Liam panics for only a second, then calms down.
17:56Nothing like the man crying in the locker room.
17:58He tosses the empty bottle into the trash.
18:00Are you insane?
18:01Doping is banned if they catch you, we'll lose everything.
18:03The whole team could be suspended.
18:05I'm telling Ryder.
18:11Liam's mask dropped.
18:12His eyes gleamed with smug satisfaction.
18:15You think anyone would believe you?
18:16He yanks a chain off the shelf, grabs my wrist, and chains me to the metal rack.
18:20I try to fight back, but my injured shoulder gives out.
18:23Liam!
18:24Aren't you afraid Ryder will find out?
18:26Liam smiles at me.
18:27The grin sends a chill down my spine.
18:30Afraid?
18:31Of what?
18:32He crouches close and whispers, soft as a snake's hisk.
18:37Don't you know how much Riley loves me?
18:41Don't you know you're just my substitute?
18:43Even if you died here, he'd never blame me.
18:45So he knows.
18:46He knows Ryder loves him.
18:47He knows I'm only a substitute.
18:49And he's enjoyed it all, watching me make a fool of myself around Ryder.
18:53The final period's about to start.
18:54I have to win.
18:55As for you, my dear brother, stay right here.
18:57Liam walks out and shuts the door.
18:59I hear the key turns twice.
19:07The coach blows his whistle, urging everyone onto the ice.
19:11Game's starting!
19:12Move it!
19:13Coach!
19:13Ethan's not here yet!
19:15The coach frowns.
19:16The team exchanges looks.
19:19Only Liam speaks up.
19:21Maybe Ethan got chewed out and bailed out of spite?
19:25We have no time!
19:27Move it!
19:28The team head out.
19:30Ryder glances back.
19:32I'm still nowhere to be seen.
19:34Disappointment flickers across his face.
19:36He believes Liam.
19:38He really thinks I walked away out of spite.
19:44I yanked at the chain with all my strength.
19:46Metal screech against metal as it tears into my wrists.
19:49I push the pain aside.
19:51I won't let Liam ruin this game.
19:54We're a champion!
19:57Not just for Ryder.
19:58For the team and coach.
19:59We fought too hard to lose everything to Liam.
20:03At last, I break free.
20:04My shoulder is soaked in blood.
20:06I stagger to the door and shove it.
20:07It doesn't pudge.
20:08Liam has locked it.
20:09I kick it.
20:10Once, twice, three times.
20:11The door shakes but the lock holds.
20:13My legs give out and I drop to my knees gasping.
20:15There is a window.
20:17Small, but maybe big enough.
20:34What a game from Liam.
20:36This is nothing like we've seen before.
20:38What's gotten of him?
20:40He's a completely different player today.
20:47What a game from Liam.
20:51What a coast-to-coast ball.
20:57Ryder, what are you looking for?
20:58For someone?
20:59Don't you think I walked out?
21:01Then why do you keep looking this way?
21:16By the time I got there, it was over.
21:18Let's go!
21:24Ethan?
21:26What happened?
21:27Why are you covered in blood?
21:31Concern flashes across Ryder's face, but anger quickly takes over.
21:36Ethan, where the hell were you?
21:37You're on this team and you just don't show up?
21:39Without Liam, we wouldn't have won today.
21:42I look at Ryder and take a deep breath.
21:44My voice is rationed but steady.
21:46Liam locked me in the storage room.
21:48Silence falls.
21:50And he used performance enhancers.
21:52The team is shocked.
21:53Some gasp.
21:54Others stare at Liam in disbelief.
21:56Liam's smile freezes.
21:57His eyes re-heading and his lips begin to tremble.
22:00I don't know what you're talking about.
22:03I know I'm not as good as you, but I tried my best today.
22:06Why would you accuse me?
22:07I didn't use anything.
22:09I never locked you up.
22:11You skipped the game on purpose, didn't you?
22:14Then prove it.
22:15Take the test.
22:17Let go.
22:18Let go of me.
22:19Ethan, stop.
22:25Enough.
22:26Both of you.
22:27Ryder waves everyone off.
22:28Pack up.
22:29Head to the celebration.
22:31Don't keep coach waiting.
22:33Before Liam leaves with teammates, he glances back with a smug smile.
22:37I know it too well.
22:39He wore that same smile when my dad cast me out.
22:51Give me your hand.
22:52He dabs antiseptic onto my wrist with a cotton swab, careful not to hurt me.
22:59He's always gentlest at moments like this.
23:02Ryder.
23:03Yes?
23:04Do you believe me?
23:05It doesn't matter now.
23:06Why?
23:07I pull my hand away.
23:09He looks up at me.
23:10If Liam really doped, our records would be wiped and we may even get suspended.
23:15Everything we earned will be gone.
23:19Ethan, when are you going to end this farce?
23:21Freeze.
23:22Why'd you quit on the team?
23:23Because Liam played better than you?
23:25Because I gave him your spot?
23:26Now that he's proven himself, you're accusing him of doping?
23:29Just test him.
23:30Then you'll know if I'm lying.
23:31Enough.
23:32I'm not wasting time on baseless accusations.
23:35At least Liam won us this game.
23:37He didn't run away.
23:38He looked at me, like a final warning.
23:41Stop this.
23:41And this never happened.
23:43We're still partners, on and off the ice.
23:46We always work well together, don't we?
23:48He still thinks I'm throwing a tantrum.
23:50I lower my head and reply softly.
23:52We're done.
23:53Ryder freezes.
23:54What?
23:57What did you say?
23:58He hasn't heard me.
23:59It doesn't matter anymore.
24:02Come on, everyone's waiting at the celebration.
24:04I don't take his hand.
24:05He probably never expects me to refuse him.
24:09Ryder, I have a question.
24:11I look up in the eye.
24:12The application incident from three years ago.
24:14Do you believe me or Liam?
24:16Ryder looks away.
24:17You already know.
24:19I freeze.
24:20So you never believed me?
24:22Ethan, I know you've always resented your father's favoritism.
24:25So I understood the scholarship incident.
24:28But today, you went too far.
24:30So he never believed me.
24:32Three years ago, he showed up with an umbrella.
24:35And I thought he was the only one who believed me.
24:37I was wrong.
24:39He wasn't.
24:40I don't need his trust anyway.
24:42Yeah.
24:43On my way.
24:45Ryder turns back to me.
24:46Calm again.
24:47I'm heading over first.
24:48Clean yourself up and come.
24:50Apologize to Liam.
24:51And everything will go back to the way it was.
24:54Apologize to Liam?
24:55Ryder, you make me sick.
25:02Green card approved.
25:04Flight details.
25:05Identity removal confirmation.
25:07Dear Mr. Ethan,
25:09your green card has been approved.
25:11Please arrive at the airport by 8 p.m. for flight DL-773.
25:14Once the flight exits national airspace,
25:17your old identity will be erased.
25:19Safe travels.
25:20It's finally time to leave.
25:21Back in the storage room,
25:23I recorded everything.
25:24I set the video to send in 30 minutes
25:26to the league committee and the banquet organizer.
25:28I know they'll replay the game's highlights on the big screen.
25:30When they do,
25:31my video will play for everyone to see.
25:33Goodbye, Ryder.
25:34Goodbye, my three-year joke.
25:38Ethan, where are you?
25:40No reply.
25:41Don't keep everyone waiting.
25:43Still no reply.
25:48Ryder, I really owe you one.
25:50For the first time,
25:52Liam's approach irritates Ryder.
25:53He waves him off,
25:55steps into a corner,
25:56and makes a call.
25:59The number you dialed is powered out.
26:02Ryder's expression changes.
26:04Unease creeps into his eyes.
26:08Ryder makes another call.
26:11Track Ethan's phone.
26:12Now.
26:13Yes, sir.
26:13Ryder keeps a tracker on my phone.
26:15He never let me out of his control.
26:17But this time,
26:18it's beyond his control.
26:20Everything goes smoothly.
26:21I go through the gate.
26:23I board an international plane.
26:25It takes off.
26:27Everything is over.
26:28Mr. Ryder,
26:29we can't locate Mr. Ethan's phone,
26:30but we just found-
26:31Go on!
26:31Mr. Ethan is on an international flight.
26:34He just took off.
26:35One way.
26:36The celebration goes on,
26:38but all sound fades for Ryder.
26:39What?
26:40His reflection stares back from the glass.
26:43Fear fills his eyes for the first time.
26:45Is he afraid of losing me,
26:47or losing control of me?
26:48Ryder's eyes flare as he shouts into the phone.
26:51Where did he go?
26:52What country?
26:53What city?
26:54Rapid typing fills the line,
26:56then silence for a while.
26:57We can't find anything.
26:58All of Mr. Ethan's records are invalid.
27:01Ryder frowns,
27:02his voice turning icy.
27:04What?
27:05Phone number,
27:06social accounts,
27:06bank records,
27:07immigration records,
27:08everything's gone.
27:09It's as if-
27:09He doesn't finish,
27:10but Ryder knows.
27:12It's as if Ethan has never existed.
27:14Impossible!
27:14Keep digging!
27:15You must find him!
27:18Ryder!
27:18Congrats!
27:19I knew you'd make it!
27:21Trusting Liam to you was the right call!
27:23Ryder ignores the toast.
27:24He looks past Ethan's father and fixes a cold stare on Liam.
27:29Liam's smile freezes.
27:31I'll pass.
27:33The room falls silent.
27:35Ethan's father hand hangs frozen in midair.
27:38His stepwoman's smile vanishes.
27:41Ryder, come on.
27:42Cheer up.
27:43We're champions.
27:44I said I'll pass.
27:46Liam stiffens.
27:48He doesn't expect Ryder to treat him as cold.
27:50Panic flickers across his face.
27:52The highlights are on.
27:54Come!
27:54Liam's big moments.
27:55Ryder, cheer up.
27:56Come watch.
27:57Today's our championship day.
27:58Liam stands in the middle,
28:00basking in the cheers with a smug grind.
28:03But it doesn't last.
28:04Everyone stares at the screen in shock.
28:06A glass shatters on the floor.
28:08Liam's smile vanishes,
28:10his face turning white.
28:11You think anyone would believe you?
28:13Don't you know how much Riley loves me?
28:15Don't you know you're just my substitute?
28:17Even if you died here,
28:18he'd never blame me.
28:19Ryder stares for the rest of the screen,
28:21face drained of color.
28:23Something inside him snaps.
28:24He grabs Liam by the collar.
28:26What did you do to Ethan?
28:28Liam goes deadly pale.
28:30He shakes his head wildly,
28:32grabbing Ryder's wrist.
28:33His voice is trembling.
28:35No.
28:35It's fake.
28:37Ryder, please believe me.
28:38Ethan framed me.
28:40He's always been jealous of me.
28:41He faked that video.
28:42Whispers sweep through the room.
28:44Liam's performance is far beyond
28:46anything he's shown before
28:48and raises suspicions.
28:50There is only one explanation.
28:51Doping.
28:52So no one believes him.
28:54Ryder lets go of Liam.
28:56A sharp pain hits his chest.
28:58Ethan,
28:59I know you've always resented
29:00your father's favoritism,
29:01so I understood the scholarship incident.
29:03But today,
29:04you went too far.
29:05Those words come rushing back.
29:07Ryder could barely breathe.
29:09I should have trusted him.
29:10Ryder, I made a mistake.
29:12I just wanted to prove myself.
29:14Help me.
29:15Just this once.
29:16Ryder looks down at the man begging him.
29:18For the first time,
29:18he feels nothing but disgust.
29:20He's heard nothing for him.
29:21He violently shakes Liam off.
29:23Don't touch me.
29:24You disgrace this team.
29:26You'll pay for this.
29:27Despair fills Liam's eyes.
29:29His parents and girlfriend
29:30are staring at him
29:31in utter disappointment.
29:33You?
29:33You took performance enhancers?
29:35Liam lowers his head in silence.
29:37You locked Ethan in the storage room?
29:39You caused his injuries too?
29:41Yeah!
29:42I did it!
29:43So what?
29:44Liam completely snaps.
29:46Ethan was always better than me.
29:47I finally got you to throw him out,
29:49but the family still didn't see me.
29:51That spotlight was supposed to be mine.
29:56You've...
29:56You've disappointed me!
29:58Liam's girlfriend shakes her head
29:59and walks away.
30:00Liam drops to his knees,
30:02clutching his hair.
30:06Mr. Liam,
30:07you've been reported for doping
30:08and assaulting a teammate.
30:09You're coming with us
30:10for investigation.
30:11The committee escorts Liam away.
30:14The celebration ends
30:15in utter disgrace.
30:16On the bench lies
30:17a pair of blood-stained wrist guards,
30:18the one Ryder has given Ethan.
30:20He cruddles it carefully
30:21in both hands.
30:22His chest aches
30:22in sharp bursts.
30:23Then his phone rings.
30:25Mr. Ryder,
30:25it's confirmed.
30:26Every record tied to Mr. Ethan
30:27has been erased.
30:28His phone,
30:29social media,
30:30bank accounts,
30:31exit and entry records,
30:32all gone.
30:33Mr. Ethan
30:33isn't coming back.
30:35Ryder stands frozen,
30:36chest heaving,
30:36fingers clenched white
30:37around the wrist guards.
30:38No way!
30:39Keep looking,
30:40tear the world apart
30:40if you have to!
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