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- 6 weeks ago
Their Perfect Love Was Trap Part 1
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00:00On the day I found out I was pregnant, I braved the rain to head to a club that was
00:06one of Chester Gray's usual haunts.
00:09I stood outside a private room and dried my hair with some tissues, wanting to surprise him with the news
00:15of her pregnancy when he came out.
00:18I heard laughter through the agent door.
00:20Chester, you're supposed to be marrying Noel in a week. You're going to surprise her during the wedding, right? Is
00:23everything ready?
00:24Yeah.
00:24His usually calm and composed voice was edged with a hint of drunkenness.
00:29It'll be a day she'll never forget.
00:31I paused and smiled sweetly. I hadn't even lost my smile when an identical voice to Chester's cut in with
00:37a sneer.
00:38I want to bet she'll have a meltdown when she finds out the truth.
00:41She'll lose her mind on the big day when she discovers I've been pretending to be you and playing her
00:45this whole time.
00:46Someone else laughed.
00:47She'd never imagined Chester having an identical twin when she finds out he's the one who's been getting into her
00:52pants these past three years.
00:54She's always been so proud, hasn't she?
00:56I can already imagine the look on her face when she finds out her boyfriend's brother has toiled with her
01:00for three years.
01:02The men's malicious laughter made me freeze in place.
01:05The blood drained from my face.
01:07I could hardly believe my ears.
01:09My feet moved on their own, taking a step forward so I could peer into the room.
01:14The next second, I saw a man who looked exactly like Chester, sitting beside him.
01:18He was Chester's carbon copy.
01:20From his features to his hairstyle, even the tiny mole at the corner of his eye was identical.
01:25One was my fiancé Chester, the other was a twin brother no one had ever seen.
01:30That man scoffed and leaned back lazily.
01:32It's her fault for bullying Winona.
01:34Winona is Chester's darling.
01:36As punishment, he'll make her feel on top of the world before dropping her into the abyss.
01:41Gotta say that he's put in some serious work to achieve that.
01:44All those friendly faces were gone, now just hurling insults.
01:48Some even threw out sick, rude remarks.
01:50Tell me about it.
01:51Man, noise, face, and body.
01:53If she loses her mind after the wedding, how about you guys let us play with her first?
01:58Chester cooked up a plan like this for Winona.
02:00Put on an act for three years and still managed to keep himself untinted.
02:04He's a straight-up love saint.
02:08My mind buzzed and my blood ran cold.
02:11I couldn't breathe.
02:12Tears blurred her vision.
02:14I clamped a hand over my mouth, choking back any sound.
02:17Three years of love, three years of his sweet act.
02:20All of it was a lie.
02:22The bliss I thought I'd found was nothing but a web of lies.
02:25It was a trap that had been set for me for the sake of Winona, the girl who bullied me.
02:29I remembered the nights.
02:31Waking up screaming from Winona's bullying.
02:33Chester holding me, whispering comfort.
02:36Remembered pouring out my pain.
02:38And him staying by my side, taking me to therapy.
02:41Remembered all the doting, defying his family for me.
02:44Every bit of tenderness.
02:45Turns out it was all an act.
02:47The voices in the private room continue.
02:49Your voices are different.
02:51Hasn't she ever noticed anything?
02:52She's too big an idiot.
02:54I lower my voice, tell her I have pellet tries.
02:56That's enough to make a fuss opener.
02:59She gets up before the sun rises to make me something to soothe my throat.
03:04Everyone laughed.
03:17That's enough.
03:18Once the wedding is over, I'll give her a hefty sum as compensation.
03:22It'll be enough to ensure she's comfortable for life.
03:24My, my.
03:26Chester, you're not taking pity on her, are you?
03:27My heart flew to my throat, and I held my breath as I stared dog-ridly at Chester.
03:33After a heartbeat, he scoffed.
03:35As if.
03:36She's too filthy.
03:37Anyway, she's the one who begged for this wedding.
03:39I'm just paying her off so she won't pester me.
03:42There's not much time left, so you guys need to help me.
03:44I'm going to propose to Winona, in a week, after revealing the truth.
03:49That last line hit me like a poisoned blade, straight through the heart.
03:54I staggered, almost balkling.
03:57Then, my phone went wild in my hand.
04:00The screen flashed, care caber.
04:02Fingers trembling, I answered.
04:04A sobbing voice cut through the rain.
04:06Elle, come quick!
04:07Your grandmother's on the brink of death!
04:09The words slammed into me.
04:11My mind blanked, ears rang, legs went weak.
04:14Her grandma was her only family, her one weakness.
04:17I stumbled into traffic, waving wildly at cars.
04:20Drenched and freezing, I felt nothing.
04:22Car after car sped by.
04:24None would stop.
04:25Finally, one pulled over.
04:26I didn't even think.
04:28Threw myself inside.
04:29The hospital!
04:29Now!
04:30Please!
04:31By the time I reached the hospital, the doctor had already issued a critical notice.
04:35She has respiratory failure.
04:37There's no point in further recidication.
04:39You should spend these last moments with her.
04:41I dropped to my knees with a thud, her hands trembling as she clasped Maria's.
04:47Elle, don't cry.
04:48I'm sorry.
04:51I couldn't hold on long enough to see your wedding.
04:54I shook my head hard.
04:55I couldn't get any words out.
04:57Nor could she stop her low, aching sobs.
04:59Marie struggled to scan the room.
05:02Where's Chester?
05:03I want to see her.
05:04My voice was so shorny, it was barely there.
05:06Okay.
05:08I pulled out my phone and called Chester again and again.
05:11Busy signal.
05:12Hang up.
05:13Redial.
05:14I called, texted, begged countless times.
05:17Not a single word back.
05:20In that moment, none of it mattered.
05:22The betrayal.
05:23The lies.
05:23All I wanted was for Chester to show.
05:26To let my grandma go in peace.
05:28But he never came.
05:30I held back tears, forcing a smile.
05:34Grandma, I think Chester's tied up with something.
05:37We're getting along fine and our wedding is next week.
05:41I'll be happy, so please don't worry.
05:44Suddenly, Marie's grip tightened.
05:46She fixed her eyes on me and whispered.
05:48Elle, live well.
05:52Be happy.
05:53Her hand loosened and went limp.
05:56In her final moments, there was still worry in her gaze.
05:59I stared at our hands dazily, crying my heart out.
06:03That night, I numbly went through the process of dealing with Mary's affairs.
06:07Chester still didn't reply.
06:09I picked up my phone, unblocked Winona.
06:12The latest post was a shot of Winona at the airport.
06:15Chester wore a mascot costume and held flowers.
06:17His head was slick with sweat,
06:19looking at Winona with a tenderness Noese had never seen.
06:22The next day at noon, I returned to the hospital,
06:25hospital with Marie's urn in her arms.
06:27I did two things.
06:28First, I scheduled an abortion for three days later.
06:31Second, I submitted my application to join Doctors Without Borders.
06:35My superior, Tanya Brown, was shocked.
06:37Aren't you getting married soon?
06:38I lifted my head slowly.
06:40Not anymore.
06:42I want to leave, Dr. Brown.
06:43The faster, the better.
06:45Tanya didn't press for more information.
06:47When he saw my bloodshot eyes and urgent expression,
06:50You just barely caught the application deadline.
06:52I'll give you the next few days off to prepare.
06:55Gather at the hospital to depart in a week.
06:58Got it.
06:59A week from now was exactly the day I was supposed to marry Chester.
07:03Not only would I leave on that day,
07:04But I would also send him, Simon, and Winona a grand gift.
07:08One they would never forget.
07:16After the funeral,
07:17I slipped a lock of my grandma's hair and a pinch of ashes into a pendant.
07:22I knelt before the tombstone and whispered,
07:24I'll keep...
07:26I'll keep myself safe, Grandma.
07:30By the time I returned to the villa,
07:32It was already dusk.
07:34The moment I stepped inside,
07:36I heard laughter in the living room.
07:38Chester spotted me,
07:40Strowed over,
07:41And drew me in.
07:42Come on, let me introduce you to two friends.
07:46A man and a woman stood from the couch and turned to look at me.
07:50Somewhat malicious mischief flickering in their eyes.
07:53It was Winona and Simon.
07:55I couldn't stop the tremor that ran through me.
07:57It was my body's reflex whenever I faced Winona.
08:00Winona is a childhood friend,
08:02And Simon is my twin brother.
08:04Winona waved and flashed a sweet smile.
08:07They just got back from studying abroad
08:09And happened to make it in time for our wedding.
08:12Elle and I know each other.
08:13We were roommates in college.
08:15She bounced forward,
08:17Slipped her arm through mine,
08:20And whispered in my ear.
08:23Memories of Winona's bullying rushed back.
08:26I shuddered and shoved her away.
08:29Winona landed on the floor.
08:32Her face full of wounded innocence.
08:34Ellie, I just want to get along with you.
08:37Chester hurried over to help Winona up
08:39And glared at me.
08:40Both Chester's and Simon's expressions darkened.
08:44Apologize to her!
08:50I stared at the three of them,
08:52My hands balling into fists by my sides.
08:54I felt my heart tear open
08:56As I thought of what I'd overheard the night before,
08:58Leaving a raw and jagged wound.
09:01I turned in silence to leave.
09:03I'd barely taken two steps
09:05When Chester grabbed my wrist and yanked,
09:07The force nearly making me stumble.
09:09I looked up into Chester's eyes,
09:11Which boiled with rage.
09:12Who said you could go?
09:15He dragged me down to the basement
09:17And shoved me into a room there.
09:19Before I could react,
09:20The door slammed shut.
09:22The greys value manners.
09:24Think about what you've done.
09:25Total darkness swallowed me.
09:27Panic set in.
09:28In college,
09:29Winona had locked me in a dark room
09:31For three days.
09:32After that,
09:33I was left with claustrophobia.
09:34I kept every light on at night,
09:36Even sleeping that way.
09:38Chester had known this.
09:39He'd held me,
09:40Promised he'd always leave a light on for me.
09:42He'd initially tossed and turned in his sleep,
09:44Waking easily.
09:45But every time I tried to turn the light off,
09:47He'd refuse,
09:48Pull me in,
09:48And calm me down.
09:49But now,
09:50He and the others used my worst fear to punish me.
09:53It was just because I'd pushed Winona.
09:54I curled up in the corner,
09:56Hugging myself as I trembled,
09:58A dull ache throbbing in my chest.
10:00I finally saw it.
10:02Every tender moment had been a lie.
10:04Even this dark room,
10:05Was likely meant to be my claustrophobia chamber.
10:12Two days later,
10:14Chester opened the door with a pleased smile.
10:16Winona's not mad at you for what happened anymore.
10:18Clean yourself up.
10:19We're gonna try on wedding dresses and pick out rings.
10:23I was taken to a bridal boutique.
10:25Winona and Simon were already waiting inside.
10:28Winona greeted me warmly.
10:30Elle, you're here.
10:31I didn't get to congratulate you last time.
10:35Chester and I are best friends,
10:36So let me keep you a company
10:37And help you choose the perfect dress today.
10:40She smiled,
10:40Clearly waiting to see me lose my composure.
10:43But I showed neither fear nor disgust.
10:46I smiled back and said,
10:48I appreciate it.
10:50Winona's expression darkened for a split second
10:52Before she smiled again,
10:53Hooking her arms through Chester's and Simon's.
10:56Then I'll try some on with you.
10:57I'm going to be a bride very soon myself.
10:59I offered a calm smile.
11:02Congratulations.
11:03From that moment on,
11:04Any gown I so much as glanced at,
11:07Winona would flag down a sales associate
11:09And rush to be the first to try it.
11:12Each time she came out of the changing room,
11:14She would grab Chester's hand.
11:16Chester, what do you think?
11:17Isn't it gorgeous?
11:18So beautiful.
11:19And each time,
11:20Chester would stare at her as if enchanted.
11:22He would shower her with praise.
11:24Simon hovered at Winona's side too.
11:26But the two of them ignored me completely.
11:28A sales associate sighed with envy.
11:31This bride is so lucky.
11:33Winona let out a playful yaup,
11:35Batting her eyelashes.
11:36She thumped Chester's chest.
11:37Chester, what's wrong with you?
11:39How can you leave your own bride standing around?
11:41The sales associates looked embarrassed,
11:43And Simon's lips curved into a mocking smile.
11:46Only then did Chester look towards me.
11:48See anything you like?
11:50I picked one at random and went to try it on.
11:53When I came out,
11:55The three of them were already gone.
11:56A sales associate gave me a semi-sympathetic look.
11:59Mrs. Johnson said she was going to pick out ring smith.
12:02The two gentlemen went with her.
12:04You.
12:10I took off the dress,
12:11Handed it back,
12:12And walked out.
12:13Soon after,
12:14Winona updated her social media
12:16With a photo of a diamond ring,
12:17Embedded with pave gemstones.
12:19I glanced at it,
12:20Locked my screen,
12:21And went back to packing.
12:22Beyond clothes and daily essentials
12:24I needed to take with me,
12:25I gathered up everything else that belonged to me.
12:28Including the gifts I'd once given Chester,
12:30And threw them away or destroyed them.
12:32As for anything Chester had given me,
12:35I didn't touch at all.
12:36I had just finished packing a suitcase,
12:38And slipped it into the closet,
12:39When Chester walked in,
12:40Holding a blue velvet box.
12:42I bought you this ring at an auction.
12:44I recognized it.
12:45It was a free gift that had come with the ring,
12:47Winona had shared on her social media.
12:49I accepted it calmly,
12:51And set it aside.
12:52My reaction was so cool,
12:54That it made Chester frown.
12:55His gaze drifted and landed on the trash can,
12:58Where he saw the couple's mugs I used to cherish.
13:00A flicker of uneasy crossed his heart,
13:02And he raised a brow.
13:04Why'd you throw the mugs away?
13:05Are you mad?
13:06No.
13:07That only seemed to confirm it for Chester.
13:09Is it because of what happened at the bridal boutique?
13:11Winona's just a good friend of mine.
13:13We haven't seen each other in years.
13:15Of course I paid her a little extra attention.
13:17He wrapped his arms around me.
13:19There's no need to be jealous of her.
13:21If there was something between us,
13:23We would have gotten together long ago, right?
13:25You're my bride, Ellie.
13:27Don't you understand how I feel about you?
13:28At that, my heart lurched.
13:31She felt like a fist had clamped hard around it,
13:33Making a sharp pain shoot through it.
13:35Chester ruffled my hair when he noticed.
13:37I'm sorry, Ellie.
13:38I upset you.
13:39I wanted to ask if he had ever been sincere,
13:42But I held back.
13:43Chester's phone rang,
13:44And he immediately answered.
13:46Winona, I'll be right there.
13:48I've got something to take care of,
13:50So don't wait up for me.
13:51You'll be the most beautiful bride in a few days.
13:53He turned and left in a hurry without a second look.
13:56I sat on the bed and swallowed back my tears.
13:59Two hours later,
14:00I finished washing up and got into bed to hit the hay.
14:03Just as I was drifting off,
14:04The door swung open.
14:06Chester, who was supposed to be hosting a party at a bar with Winona,
14:09Walked in.
14:09He smelled of alcohol.
14:11He carelessly ripped open his shirt,
14:13Tossed back the covers,
14:15And pressed down on me.
14:16The instant their skin touched,
14:18My drowsiness was dispelled.
14:20I knew with blinding clarity that the man on top of me was Simon.
14:30My body went rigid,
14:31And my face drained of all color.
14:33I threw all my strength into shoving Simon off me,
14:36And curled up at the head of the bed.
14:38He frowned at me before lifting a brow.
14:40He rubbed his temples,
14:41His mannerisms exactly like Chester's.
14:44Even his voice, soaked with alcohol,
14:46Was indistinguishable.
14:46Simon leaned in again,
14:49Caging me in with his arms on either side of me.
14:51Our noses almost touched.
14:53He moved to kiss me.
14:54My eyes widened,
14:55And I jerked aside, gagging.
14:57I rattled until my eyes turned red.
15:00I couldn't stop.
15:01I shoved Simon away and ran for the bathroom.
15:07In the bathroom, I slid down the wall,
15:09Ending up in a squat on the floor.
15:11Outside the door, Simon's voice cut in abruptly.
15:14You guys heard that, right?
15:15He was gagging.
15:16Don't tell me she's pregnant.
15:18A burst of startled chatter followed.
15:20One of his buddies shouted,
15:22Don't let this get out of hand, Simon.
15:24What if she clings to you after the truth is out?
15:26I stiffed, and my blood ran cold.
15:29It hit me that Simon's phone had been on a call the whole time.
15:33Winona's voice came through.
15:35Chester, Simon, this is too much.
15:38Too much?
15:39She's been targeting you for ages.
15:41This is the punishment she deserves.
15:43Winona sounded worried.
15:45But what if she really is pregnant?
15:48Chester sounded merciless on the other end of the line.
15:50Even if she is, we'll make sure it's taken care of.
15:53Right, Simon?
15:55Of course.
15:56Simon's atom zucket bobbed.
15:58For some reason, he felt a sudden sharp twist in his chest.
16:01The next second, he saw me open the door and stare at him,
16:05my face as white as a sheet.
16:07His heart sank.
16:08He hurriedly hung up and stepped forward.
16:11What's wrong, Ellie?
16:11You look awful.
16:13Are you feeling okay?
16:15Are you pregnant?
16:16I held his gaze and curled my lip.
16:19No.
16:20My stomach's just acting up.
16:23The following morning,
16:24I went to the hospital for my scheduled abortion.
16:28Ellie, the baby already has a heartbeat at seven weeks,
16:30and all the indicators look good.
16:33Are you sure you want to terminate?
16:35I'm positive.
16:42It was noon by the time I left the hospital.
16:44Chester called,
16:45and his car pulled up at the entrance moments later.
16:49He hopped out and guided her into the passenger seat.
16:53Come on, I'm taking you to lunch.
16:55They rode in silence,
16:56a small smile playing on Chester's lips the whole time.
16:59The song playing in his car was Winona's favorite from their college days.
17:03It was also the one I hated most.
17:05As soon as they reached the restaurant,
17:07they saw Winona and Simon already waiting for them.
17:10Winona pointed at the cake on the table.
17:12Ella, I crossed the line yesterday,
17:14so I cuted for this trending cake to apologize.
17:17You have to try it.
17:20During the meal,
17:21she kept reminiscing about her Chester and Simon's kids.
17:25Chester and Simon have always spoiled me.
17:27When we played home,
17:29they'd fight over who got to be my groom.
17:31Once, I climbed a tree and couldn't get down.
17:34Chester's falled on the ground to be my cushion.
17:36In middle school,
17:37some goys cornered me,
17:39and the two of them got hurt badly trying to protect me.
17:41They were in the hospital for ages.
17:43Chester and Simon laughed along.
17:46The three of them chatted warmly,
17:47while I stayed silent.
17:49Elle,
17:50why aren't you saying anything?
17:51Do you have a problem with me?
17:53I know we had misunderstandings in college,
17:55but I hope we can be best friends now that you're marrying Chester.
17:58She lifted her glass and smirked at me.
18:01I didn't move for a long moment or even look at me.
18:04I suddenly clutched the front of my blouse
18:06as my breath came in gasps,
18:08angry red hives spread across her forearm,
18:10forming a shocking and raw sight.
18:14You're having an allergic reaction.
18:15I fumbled for my bag.
18:16I had a severe peanut allergy.
18:19I was usually careful,
18:21but in case of accidental exposure
18:23and no time to get help,
18:24I always kept an EpiPen in my bag.
18:27It was something that could save her life
18:29when seconds mattered.
18:30I'd already grabbed the EpiPen
18:32when Winona said weakly,
18:33Chester, I feel awful.
18:35She also clawed at her chest,
18:37her face looking pale as she fell back.
18:45Winona,
18:46Simon,
18:47who was sitting beside Winona,
18:49grabbed her.
18:51Chester,
18:51Winona looks like she's having an allergic reaction.
18:54Chester froze mid-stride,
18:55remembering that I had ordered seafood broth during the meal.
18:59His expression went cold in an instant
19:01as he turned and stormed over to me.
19:04I'd already hitched up my skirt
19:05and was about to inject myself.
19:07Suddenly,
19:08a hand clamped down on my wrist without warning
19:11and yanked the EpiJek out of my grip.
19:13I looked up in disbelief
19:14and met Chester's icy gaze.
19:16He marched straight to Winona
19:18and swiftly administered the injection
19:20without the slightest bit of hesitation.
19:22Sensing my stare,
19:24Simon said coolly,
19:25You're a doctor,
19:26you should have other ways of saving yourself.
19:29Winona doesn't know anything.
19:30She needs the EpiBag more.
19:33Chester finished the injection,
19:34scooped Winona into his arms and rushed out.
19:37Simon chased after them.
19:38I'll get the car!
19:38I collapsed to the floor.
19:40My bloodshot eyes locked on their retreating figures.
19:43From beginning to end,
19:44none of them looked back.
19:46I was unconscious for a full day.
19:47When I woke,
19:48Chester was seated at her bedside.
19:50He took my hand,
19:51his voice soft with concern.
19:53Elle, you're finally awake.
19:55Are you feeling any discomfort?
19:56I pulled my hand free
19:57and closed my eyes.
19:59Chester didn't get mad.
20:00He brushed a stray lock from my temple.
20:03Elle,
20:03I know you're mad at me.
20:05But the Gray and Johnson families have deep ties.
20:09We can't let anything happen to Winona on our watch.
20:12I had no choice.
20:13You're about to become a member of the Gray family.
20:16We have shared interests.
20:18You should be more understanding.
20:20You know,
20:20I love you most, don't you?
20:27Simon appeared in the doorway.
20:29Come on, Noelle.
20:31Chester had no choice.
20:32Affluent families like ours have our own problems.
20:34We have to put the bigger picture first.
20:37As your family,
20:38we can only ask you to bear with it for now.
20:41My hands balled into tight fists under the blanket.
20:43I opened my eyes and fixed my gaze on the two men
20:46as I smeared inwardly.
20:48They were leaving no stone unturned
20:50to sweet talk and brainwash me.
20:52I didn't want to argue with them,
20:53so I shut my eyes again.
20:55I didn't open my eyes until Chester and Simon were gone.
20:58I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.
21:01Hello?
21:02Am I speaking to a live streaming company?
21:05I'd like to place an order.
21:07After hanging up,
21:08my hand moved on instant
21:09to the pendant at my chest,
21:11only to grasp at nothing.
21:12The pendant containing Marie's hair and ashes was gone.
21:15Panic surged.
21:17I hurriedly searched the area around the hospital bed
21:19to no avail.
21:20I was about to go find a nurse
21:22when I received a text.
21:24Winona had sent a photo of my necklace.
21:25A crushing fury washed over me,
21:29almost making my vision go dark.
21:31My chest heaved with rage
21:33as I rushed to Winona's hospital room.
21:35Inside, Winona stood by the window,
21:38the necklace dangling from her fingertips.
21:40It swayed just outside the window, said,
21:43ready to drop at any moment.
21:45Winona Johnson, give me back my necklace!
21:47Winona's lips curled into a nasty smile.
21:50She shifted a bit further past the window sill.
21:52Get on your knees and prostrate yourself before me
21:55if you want it.
21:56Admit you're a pathetic hypocrite.
21:58Never!
22:01Don't push me too far, Winona!
22:04Winona laughed meanly.
22:06Her fingers flicked down.
22:08Silver flashed,
22:09and the necklace slipped,
22:10dropping fast.
22:11I screamed,
22:12launching to catch it,
22:14but I was too late.
22:15The necklace fell from more than ten floors up
22:17as I watched.
22:18I whirled to run downstairs,
22:19but Winona yanked tight on my clothes,
22:22holding my back.
22:23She sounded like she was about to cry
22:25as I pleaded.
22:26I'm sorry, Ellie.
22:27I won't go near Chester again.
22:29Please don't push me off.
22:31At the same time,
22:32a chorus of furious voices erupted behind them.
22:35Noelle Rutherford,
22:36what are you doing?
22:42Chester grabbed my wrist
22:43and flung me aside.
22:45I hit the floor hard,
22:46a sharp pain shooting up my tailbone.
22:48Chester and Simon rushed to Winona,
22:50scanning her anxiously.
22:51Winona, are you okay?
22:53She wept delicately.
22:54I'm sorry.
22:55It's all my fault.
22:56Chester, we should stop contacting each other from now on.
22:59What are you talking about?
23:01Don't worry.
23:02I won't let you suffer in silence.
23:04With that,
23:05he turned to me,
23:06glaring at me with disappointment and rage.
23:08I can't believe you're still bullying Winona
23:10after all these years,
23:11Noelle.
23:11My face was ashen with pain.
23:14Sweat beaded on my forehead.
23:15And my voice shook as I protested.
23:18But Chester cut me off with a roar.
23:21No, it's not what you saw.
23:23Even now, you're making excuses.
23:25Winona has always been gentle and timid.
23:27How could she ever bully anyone?
23:28You're the one who's at fault.
23:30Someone else bullied you,
23:31yet you took it out on her.
23:32My eyes widened.
23:35I didn't!
23:37She's the one who's been bullying me.
23:40She's tormented me this whole time.
23:44A brutal slap cracked across my face
23:46before I could finish.
23:47My right cheek went numb,
23:49and the metallic taste of blood flooded my mouth.
23:52You still won't see sense?
23:53If you aren't taught a lesson now,
23:55who knows what you'll do?
23:57You'll push someone out a window today,
23:59so will you start committing murder tomorrow?
24:01He and Simon grabbed me by the wrists,
24:04one on either side,
24:05and dragged me out of the room.
24:06Intense panic surged up inside me.
24:09My face turned white as I struggled.
24:11No matter how, I fought.
24:13Chester and Simon just hauled me forward in silence,
24:16their tight jawlines carved with fury.
24:19In one last glance back at the hospital room,
24:21I met Winona's eyes.
24:22They were smug, vicious, and triumphant.
24:32I was led to a bungee platform at the mountaintop.
24:35The tower rose over 300 feet,
24:37and the cliff yawned beneath my feet.
24:39The second I stepped onto it,
24:41my face went trock white,
24:42and my legs started to shake.
24:44Chester's and Simon's expressions remained icy.
24:47They took the safety locks from the staff
24:49and personally buckled them on me,
24:51forcing me to the edge of the jump platform.
24:53I stared into the abyss below,
24:55my whole body going rigid.
24:58All I could hear was the thundering of my own heartbeat.
25:00My voice trembled.
25:01Chester, you know I'm terrified of heights!
25:03I know.
25:04Since you tried to push Winona out the window,
25:06I'll give you a taste of what it's like to fall.
25:08He looked at me without a flicker of emotion.
25:10This is the punishment you deserve, Elle.
25:12The lady of the Grey Housel can't be a vicious woman.
25:14Learn your lesson today.
25:15If you're sincere about correcting your errors,
25:17we'll get married as planned.
25:18Simon pressed his lips into a hard line,
25:20his gaze clouded over.
25:22Don't be scared.
25:23You won't die.
25:24With that, they reached out and shoved me over the edge.
25:28The brutal drop seized me.
25:29My heartbeat stopped for a few seconds
25:31and my chest ached.
25:32Terror beyond words sealed my throat.
25:35I couldn't even scream.
25:36All that came out were strangled whipples
25:38and tears that scattered in the wind.
25:40My eyes held nothing but distillation and despair.
25:43I was left hanging upside down over the cliff
25:45for half an hour.
25:46Only when my breathing faltered,
25:48my consciousness began to crypt.
25:49Did they haul me back up?
25:51I collapsed on the platform,
25:52gasping for air.
25:53Trying to ease the tingling in my limbs
25:55from lack of oxygen.
25:56The next second,
25:57a staff member stepped forward.
26:00Ms. Rutherford,
26:01before Mr. Chester and Mr. Simon left,
26:04they ordered that you had to jump
26:06ten times before you could leave.
26:07I hadn't even processed the words
26:09when I was pushed off again.
26:17Once,
26:17twice,
26:18thrice,
26:19each time,
26:20I was left dangling over the cliff
26:21for half an hour.
26:22The brief breaks in between
26:23didn't ease the oxygen depreciation.
26:26As my mind grew fuzzier,
26:28the ten jumps were finally over.
26:31The sky was already pitch black.
26:33The platform's harsh white floodlights
26:36were all that held my last scraps of awareness.
26:38Only one staff member remained on sight.
26:41He unbuckled my safety rope.
26:43As he turned to leave,
26:45his pant leg was grabbed.
26:47Take me to the hospital.
26:49I'm sorry, Ms. Rutherford,
26:51Mr. Chester,
26:51and Mr. Simon made it clear
26:52that no one is to help you.
26:54The Gray family owns this area,
26:56and I don't want to lose my job.
26:58The glare of the floodlight
26:59stung my eyes,
27:01making tears slip down my face.
27:03I rested there for a while
27:05before forcing myself to stand
27:07and make my way down the mountain.
27:09I was halfway down it
27:10when I came across a kind tourist
27:12who was also on the way back.
27:13They brought me back to the city.
27:15I didn't go back to the villa.
27:16Instead,
27:17I went straight to the hospital
27:18and,
27:19with a flashlight,
27:20started searching G
27:21in the lawn beneath
27:22the enchanted department
27:24for the necklace.
27:25The branches
27:25and the hedges
27:26scraped my skin,
27:27and mosquitoes bit me
27:28until I was covered in welts.
27:30However,
27:31I didn't seem to notice.
27:32I combed the grass
27:33inch by inch.
27:34As time dragged on,
27:36I grew more frantic.
27:37Tears shimmered
27:38in my bloodshot eyes.
27:40Suddenly,
27:40a shout came
27:41from behind her.
27:42Who are you?
27:43What do you think you're doing?
27:44It was a hospital security guard.
27:46Please,
27:47I'm looking for something
27:48really important.
27:49Okay, come with me.
27:51She found the cleaner
27:52in charge of the lawn.
27:53Yeah, I did notice a necklace.
27:54I figured nobody wanted it
27:56and tossed it into the trash.
27:58Which trash can?
27:59The cleaner shook his head.
28:01It's already been cleared
28:02and sent to the dump.
28:03I'm afraid you won't be able
28:05to find it,
28:05even if you want it now.
28:07My tears fell at once.
28:09Which dump?
28:10That necklace
28:11is very important to me.
28:12I have to get it back.
28:19I searched the junkyard
28:20for an entire day.
28:21The moment I found the necklace,
28:23the tears I'd been holding back
28:25finally fell.
28:26But the next second,
28:27I realized the pendant was empty.
28:29The hair and ashes
28:31I'd stored inside
28:32were gone.
28:33My head buzzed
28:34and I ran for the hospital
28:35with the necklace
28:36crutched in my hand.
28:37Just as I reached the entrance,
28:39I ran into Winona,
28:40who had been discharged.
28:41Winona covered her nose
28:43and stepped back
28:44with exaggerated disgust.
28:46Oh my God!
28:47Which dumpster
28:48did this piece of garbage
28:49crawl out of?
28:50I stared her down.
28:52Where are the things
28:53that were in my pendant?
28:54Winona Beira's morrist
28:56glanced at the necklace
28:57in my hand
28:58and suddenly laughed.
29:00You mean that filthy stuff?
29:02I dumped them in the toilet
29:03and flushed them away ages ago.
29:10Winona Johnson!
29:12I shook with fury.
29:13My ears buzzed
29:15and my eyes blazed
29:16with hatred.
29:17I lunged forward,
29:18grabbed Winona by the collar
29:19and slapped her
29:20hard across the face
29:21with all my strength.
29:23Winona staggered backward,
29:24clutching her cheek.
29:25She fell into Chester's arms.
29:27I looked up,
29:28meeting his icy,
29:29murderous gaze.
29:30You still haven't learned
29:32your lesson, Noel.
29:33My eyes were bloodshot
29:35and my voice trembled
29:36as I said,
29:37She flushed my grandma's ashes
29:39down the toilet?
29:40That's enough!
29:43I can't believe
29:44you're even cursing
29:45your own grandmother
29:46to hurt Winona.
29:47You make me sick.
29:48The next second,
29:49he seized my wrist
29:50and shoved me hard.
29:52The driver of a speeding cab
29:53blared the horn,
29:54unable to break in time.
29:55He slammed into it.
29:56I was sent flying
29:58before landing
29:59in the flower bed.
30:05Agonizing pain
30:06tore through my chest.
30:07Thick blood spilled
30:08from the corner of my mouth.
30:10I instinctively looked
30:11towards Chester,
30:12only to see him
30:12shielding Winona
30:13with heartache in his eyes.
30:14He ushed her into the car
30:15Simon had brought around.
30:16From beginning to end,
30:18he didn't spare me
30:19a single glance.
30:20I blacked out.
30:21I lay in the hospital
30:23for two days.
30:24Through Winona's
30:24social media updates,
30:26I saw Chester escorting her
30:27to banquets
30:28and public events.
30:29With the wedding so close,
30:30he couldn't hold back anymore.
30:31He didn't even bother
30:32putting on an act.
30:33The afternoon before the wedding,
30:35Chester came to pick me up
30:36from the hospital.
30:37He brought my favorite
30:38bell flowers.
30:38I was too impulsive
30:39the other day,
30:40so this is my apology.
30:41But you need to stop
30:42targeting Winona, too.
30:44Tomorrow is our wedding.
30:45I've prepared a surprise
30:46for you.
30:47I looked at him quietly
30:48for a few seconds.
30:50Then, I suddenly smiled
30:52and took the bouquet
30:53from him.
30:54Perfect.
30:55I've prepared a surprise
30:56for you, too.
30:57Chester paused.
30:59A flicker of awkwardness
31:00flashed in his eyes
31:01before he smoothed it over.
31:02On the drive back
31:03to the villa,
31:04the weather turned
31:05and there was
31:05a tarotial downpour.
31:07When thunder cracked,
31:08Chester grew restless
31:09and on edge.
31:10He kept one hand
31:11on the wheel
31:12while dialing Winona
31:13over and over again
31:14with the other.
31:14The calls went unanswered.
31:16He abruptly slammed
31:17on the brakes,
31:18pulled over,
31:19and grabbed an umbrella
31:20from the car.
31:21He handed it to me.
31:22I've got something
31:23to deal with.
31:24You should grab a cab back.
31:30With that,
31:31he unbullished my seatbelt
31:32and leaned over
31:33to open my door.
31:34I didn't take the umbrella.
31:35I simply gave Chester
31:37an unreadedal look
31:38before Hempting,
31:39stepping out
31:40without a backward glance
31:41and shutting the door.
31:42He hesitated
31:43and stared at the umbrella
31:44in his hand.
31:45An odd feeling flickered
31:46through him.
31:47He moved to open
31:48the door again
31:49to bring me the umbrella,
31:50but Winona's call
31:51came at that moment.
31:52She sounded like
31:54she was on the verge
31:54of tears.
31:55Chester, I'm scared.
31:57Hurry up and come to me.
31:59Chester blanched.
32:00His hand moved away
32:01from the door hander,
32:01and he immediately
32:03drove off.
32:04I stood there,
32:04only just realizing
32:06that I'd carried
32:07the bouquet Chester
32:08had given me
32:08out of the car.
32:09As I watched
32:10the taillights vanish
32:11into the rain,
32:12I set the flowers
32:13on a trash can
32:14and hailed a cab.
32:15Back at the villa,
32:16I received a message
32:17from Chester.
32:19I didn't reply.
32:21Maybe it was because
32:22she'd been in the rain,
32:22but I ran a low fever
32:23that night,
32:24drifting in and out
32:25of dreams.
32:26One moment,
32:27I saw Winona
32:28beating me up
32:29until I couldn't stand.
32:30Then, I pressed a foot
32:31to my face
32:32to humiliate me.
32:33The next moment,
32:34I saw Chester
32:35smoothing me,
32:36cooking for me,
32:37and watching movies
32:38with me.
32:38Lastly, I saw
32:39the first time
32:40we'd slept together
32:41and the countless
32:42times after.
32:43Tears slid from
32:44the corners of my eyes.
32:45When I woke,
32:46my gaze was
32:47nothing but ice.
32:48At first light,
32:49I grabbed a cab
32:50to the hospital
32:50to join the group
32:51departure.
32:52On my way there,
32:53I checked her WhatsApp
32:54to confirm every detail
32:55and contingency
32:56for the wedding
32:57with the team.
32:57Then, I found
32:58a live stream channel
32:59I'd bookmockered
33:00and tapped in.
33:02On camera,
33:03a glamorous influencer
33:04greeted the audience.
33:05I stared at the phone screen,
33:08a cold, dark light
33:09glinting in her eyes.
33:15At the wedding venue,
33:17Chester wore
33:18a groom's tuxedo
33:19while Simon and Winona
33:20were dressed as
33:20the best man
33:21and maid of honor.
33:22The ceremony
33:23was a simple garden one
33:24and the guests
33:25were all young,
33:25familiar faces.
33:27Every guest knew
33:28exactly what they
33:28were waiting for,
33:29the show to begin.
33:31When the live stream
33:32crew walked in,
33:33Chester froze for a beat
33:35and stepped forward
33:36to ask what they
33:36were doing there.
33:37He frowned
33:38when he heard
33:39I had hired them.
33:40His brother hired us
33:40for the live stream.
33:40I know.
33:41He wanted to punish me,
33:42but he had no intention
33:44of making the debacle public.
33:45If this went out live
33:47to the whole internet,
33:48it would wreck
33:49my future career
33:50and life.
33:51I'm sorry,
33:52but it's inconvenient
33:53to live stream
33:54today's wedding.
33:55Please.
33:56Before he could finish,
33:57Winanda came over
33:58and tugged on his sleeve.
33:59She said sweetly,
34:01Chester,
34:02since Elle invited them,
34:04we should respect
34:05her wishes.
34:06She stood between
34:07the brothers
34:07and waved at the camera.
34:09Hi, everyone.
34:10I'm today's maid of honor
34:12and a childhood friend
34:13of both the groom
34:14and his best man.
34:15The Grey Brothers
34:16pressed their lips tight.
34:18In the end,
34:19they didn't say
34:19another word.
34:20I smiled mockingly
34:22as I watched things
34:23play out on my phone screen.
34:25It was time
34:25for the ceremony to start,
34:27yet the bride
34:28still hadn't arrived.
34:29Chester called Noelle
34:30again and again,
34:31only to be told
34:32each time
34:33that her phone
34:33was powered off.
34:35He frowned his brows
34:36and turned to his assistant.
34:38Check the hospital.
34:39See whether Noelle
34:40is with her grandmother.
34:41Yes, sir.
34:43He deliberately left Mari
34:45out of the ceremony
34:46that day,
34:47afraid that she would
34:48be upset or aggravated
34:49by what was about
34:50to happen.
34:51As he listened
34:52to the cool,
34:53robotic voice
34:53tell him that
34:54Noelle's phone was off,
34:55he grew increasingly anxious.
34:58Had I found something out?
35:08Just then,
35:09the massive screen
35:10behind them
35:11crackled to life
35:12with voices.
35:12Wanna bet she'll have
35:13a meltdown
35:14when she finds out
35:15the truth?
35:15She'll lose her mind
35:16on the big day
35:17when she discovers
35:17that she'd never
35:18imagined Chester
35:19having an identical twin.
35:20It's her fault
35:21for bullying Winona.
35:22Winona is Chester's darling.
35:24Gotta say that he's
35:25put in some serious work
35:27to achieve that.
35:28Chester's and Simon's
35:29faces drained of color.
35:30I had found out
35:31ahead of time.
35:32Panic surged
35:33in both of them.
35:34Before they could react,
35:35the footage on the screen
35:36cut to a new scene.
35:37In a bathroom,
35:38Winona ordered a group
35:39of young women
35:40to strip me
35:41and press lit cigarettes
35:42to my skin
35:42one by one to burn me.
35:44I also made them
35:45slap me across the face
35:46before finally
35:47shoveling my head
35:48down into a toilet.
35:49The crowd fell silent.
35:51Only my screams
35:52echoed through the stillness.
35:54On the screen,
35:54Winnetha's flawlessly
35:55made up face
35:56twisted with venom
35:57and arrogance.
35:58Noelle Rutherford,
35:59you've got nerve.
36:00Stealing my title
36:01as the campus bell.
36:02Get on your knees
36:03and grovel at my feet now,
36:05or I'll make the next
36:05four years of your life.
36:07Chester and Simon
36:07stood frozen in place
36:09as their blood ran cold.
36:10One thing after another
36:11showed Winona
36:12bullying me infestantly.
36:13The video finally froze
36:15on Winona's cruel expression.
36:17Only then did the brothers
36:18snap to their senses
36:19and stiffly turn
36:20to look at Winona.
36:21She'd been lying
36:22to them all along.
36:27Turn it off!
36:29Shut it off!
36:31Winona screamed
36:32like she'd lost her mind.
36:34Right then,
36:35the massive screen
36:37started playing
36:38the bullying footage again.
36:39This time, however,
36:41Winona looked younger.
36:43And the victim
36:44was someone else.
36:45A girl
36:46in a high school uniform.
36:49More clips popped up
36:50one after another
36:52and multiple videos
36:53played at once.
36:55Aside from Winona's
36:57frantic screams,
36:58there were all kinds
36:59of other screams.
37:01You're worth it!
37:01Winona lunged
37:02for the control booth,
37:03but a man
37:04who'd been standing by
37:05as security
37:06rushed out to block her.
37:07He slapped her hard,
37:09knocking her to the floor.
37:11It was you!
37:12You drove my daughter
37:14to jump to her death!
37:16You destroyed my family
37:17and forced us to leave!
37:19All the staff
37:20who were supposed
37:20to be doing their jobs
37:21charged out,
37:22accusing her of her crimes
37:24and beating her.
37:25Every single one of them
37:26was either a victim
37:27or a victim's family member.
37:30Winona had caused
37:31more than one person's death.
37:32It's too good for you!
37:33But whenever these people
37:34had tried to ask
37:35the internet
37:36or the police for help,
37:37their efforts
37:38had been suppressed
37:39almost immediately.
37:40There's no evidence.
37:40We can't help you.
37:41The victims had either died
37:42or begged for mercy
37:43until Winona was satisfied.
37:45Then, she'd moved on
37:47to the next target.
37:49I was her longest-lasting victim.
37:51She was also the one
37:52Winona hated most.
37:54The more I refused to break,
37:56the more Winona
37:57wanted to destroy me.
37:58At first,
37:59I had exposed Winona online
38:01and tried going to the police,
38:02but nothing worked.
38:04Later,
38:04I spent a lot of time
38:06gathering evidence
38:06of Winona bullying others.
38:08I put in a lot of effort,
38:10convincing these people
38:11to trust me
38:12and hand over their proof.
38:14I also persuaded them
38:15to side with me.
38:17Even during the years
38:18Winona was abroad,
38:19I hadn't given up
38:20on my plan for revenge.
38:22From the moment
38:23I'd overheard the plot
38:24against me
38:25while standing outside
38:26that private room,
38:27I decided to use
38:28this wedding
38:28to broadcast Winona's crimes
38:30live for everyone to see.
38:32Only if there were
38:33enough victims,
38:34only if public outrage
38:35grew big enough,
38:36would the Johnsons
38:37be unable to smother this.
38:40The venue fell into
38:41a dead hush,
38:42broken only by
38:43the victims' families'
38:44curses and punches.
38:46Chester, save me!
38:48Save me!
38:49Save me!
38:54Chester and Simon
38:55clenched their fists
38:56so tightly
38:57their bodies trembled,
38:58their eyes turned
38:59blood rest.
39:00The person they'd protected
39:02since childhood,
39:03someone they thought
39:04was gentle and timid,
39:06had turned out
39:07to be someone like this.
39:09For her,
39:10they'd set up
39:11a trap against me.
39:12They'd fancied themselves
39:14righteous judges,
39:15but they were actually
39:16accomplices to evil.
39:18They charged ahead
39:19and pushed into the crowd.
39:21Winona struggled
39:21toward them
39:22when she saw them.
39:23Chester, Simon,
39:25save me!
39:25But the next second,
39:27she met their
39:28bloodshot eyes
39:29that were cold
39:30and full of disgust.
39:33Chester grabbed her
39:34by the collar
39:34and hauled her up,
39:36his voice shaking
39:37with anger and pain
39:38as he roared.
39:39You've been lying
39:40to me all along,
39:41Winona.
39:41You egged me on
39:42to go after Noel!
39:44He thought of all
39:45the years of deception
39:46and how Noel
39:47already knew the truth.
39:48He thought about
39:49their confrontation
39:50in the hospital.
39:51I'd looked at him
39:52with disbelief and pain
39:53before the emotions
39:54had faded
39:55into dead hopelessness.
39:57He couldn't stop shaking
39:59as panic clawed up
40:00his chest.
40:01Meanwhile,
40:02Simon stood beside him,
40:04looking at Winona
40:05like he wanted
40:06to kill her.
40:07I...
40:08I didn't!
40:09That wretch, Noel,
40:10set me up!
40:11The videos are fake!
40:15You're still lying!
40:20She picked on me first!
40:21I was just fighting back!
40:23Chester,
40:24you have to believe me!
40:25Simon kicked her,
40:26square in the chest,
40:28sending her flying
40:29with a brutal thud.
40:31The crowd surged
40:32forward again,
40:34swarming her
40:35and beating her.
40:36Police officers
40:37stormed the garden.
40:39Police!
40:40Nobody move!
40:41Taking Winona
40:42and the victims
40:43in for investigation.
40:44They collected
40:45all the evidence
40:46before leaving.
40:47By then,
40:48I had already reached
40:49the airport.
40:50I exited the live stream
40:51and checked the news online.
40:53The internet had exploded.
40:55There were headlines
40:56everywhere about how
40:57Winona,
40:58the Johnson family's heiress,
41:00was a bully.
41:01Chester and Simon
41:01were also
41:02being cursed to hell
41:04and back
41:04for what they'd done.
41:05A faint smile
41:06tugged at my lips.
41:08I pulled my old phone
41:09out of my bag
41:10and turned it on.
41:11Then,
41:11I sent Chester and Simon
41:13some photos.
41:14My abortion procedure form,
41:16and the images
41:17of the aborted Embro.
41:19Then,
41:19I removed the SIM card,
41:21snapped it in two,
41:22and dropped the phone
41:23into an airport trash bin.
41:25I boarded my flight
41:26without another look back.
41:32As Winona was dragged
41:34past Chester,
41:35she fought back
41:36and grabbed his sleeve.
41:37The next second,
41:38she met a pair
41:39of bloodshot eyes
41:40that blazed
41:41with utrid.
41:41she froze,
41:43and he flung her off
41:45roughly.
41:45The venue fell silent,
41:47leaving only Chester
41:48and Simon behind,
41:49looking distraught.
41:53Mr. Chester,
41:54Ms. Rutherford
41:54isn't at the hospital.
41:55The nurse said
41:56her grandmother
41:56passed away
41:57a week ago.
41:58What?
41:59No way.
41:59Why didn't she say
42:00anything if her grandma died?
42:01The time of death
42:02was last Friday
42:02at 11 p.m.
42:03I double-checked.
42:04Last Friday,
42:05the night of their
42:06get-together
42:06in that private room,
42:08could it be that
42:09Noel had overheard
42:10their conversation
42:11and chosen not
42:12to tell them
42:13about Marie's death?
42:14Chester suddenly
42:15remembered how
42:15Winona had taken
42:16his phone to check
42:17on him when they'd
42:18been at the airport.
42:19He pulled it out
42:20and saw dozens
42:21of missed calls
42:22wiped from