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00:01To get out of after work social events, my proudly single best friend invented a controlling boyfriend for herself.
00:09Her social media was suddenly filled with photos of my boyfriend, Ethan Carter.
00:13My boyfriend's strict, so I'm heading out early tonight.
00:15My boyfriend doesn't like me coming home late, so I'll have to skip drinks.
00:18All her co-workers envied her for having such a devoted boyfriend, while I could never shake the uneasy feeling
00:24it gave me.
00:25At first, she claimed she was only borrowing his photos to avoid unwanted attention.
00:30Then they started going to fancy restaurants behind my back and taking pictures of themselves holding hands.
00:37She even had Ethan pick her up from work.
00:40Bestie, thank God for your Ethan. Otherwise, I'd still be stuck at the office slaving away from my boss.
00:45Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him for you after work.
00:47And when you two get married next year, you'd bet make me your bridesmaid.
00:50But one night, during a downpour, I waited two hours for Ethan and ended up soaked to the bone.
00:56The fever lasted three days.
00:58This year, my boyfriend and I had agreed that he would come home with me for Christmas to meet my
01:03parents.
01:04But on the day we were supposed to leave, Maddie walked in carrying two red matching sweaters and casually tossed
01:10one to Ethan.
01:11Put this on. Quick, my relatives don't believe I have a boyfriend. It's an emergency.
01:16Ethan complained, but he was already pulling the sweater over his head.
01:20You and your emergencies. Let's make it quick, I still have to meet Nora's parents.
01:24Blushing, Maddie took his hand.
01:26Dressed in matching sweaters, they looked like a pair of newlyweds.
01:29A message from mom appeared on my phone.
01:32What time will you be here?
01:33Your dad even ironed his shirt.
01:35We're just waiting to meet your boyfriend.
01:37I deleted Maddie's and Ethan's contact information.
01:40Mom, don't wait for us. I'm coming home alone this Christmas.
01:44After sending the message, I turned off my phone and opened my suitcase.
01:48I didn't take a single thing Ethan had bought me.
01:51I packed only my documents, laptop, and a few changes of clothes.
01:55In the living room, Maddie was rushing him.
01:58Hurry up! My aunt and everyone else are already there.
02:01Ethan pulled on the sweater and stood in front of the mirror, tugging at the collar.
02:05It fit him perfectly.
02:07Even the sleeves were exactly the right length.
02:09But I distinctly remembered Maddie saying she'd bought it on the way over.
02:15When Ethan saw me come out with my suitcase, he frowned.
02:19You're leaving now?
02:21Yeah.
02:22Didn't I tell you to wait?
02:24I'll meet her relatives, make an appearance with Maddie, and come right back.
02:28An hour. Tops.
02:29Maddie looped her arm through his and winked at me.
02:31Bestie, your parents adore you.
02:35It won't kill them to meet your boyfriend a little later.
02:38My relatives are impossible.
02:40If they find out I lied, they'll nag me about it at every family gathering for the rest of my
02:45life.
02:47You've waited plenty of times before.
02:49One more won't hurt.
02:51So you think my parents and I should wait too?
02:55You know they don't like eating late?
02:57They won't touch dinner until we get there.
02:59He sighed, his face full of exasperation.
03:02Nora, they're your family. You can see them anytime.
03:05Maddie's relatives only get together once a year.
03:08Get your priorities straight.
03:09My family.
03:11A bitter taste filled my mouth, and I shook my head with a humorless laugh.
03:15So being family meant they were always expected to come last.
03:19Ethan didn't notice my reaction.
03:21He bent down and casually picked up the gift box by the door.
03:25Inside was a bottle of bourbon my father had wanted for years,
03:28but could never bring himself to buy,
03:30along with a cashmere scarf my mother would love.
03:34I'll take these so I don't show up empty-handed.
03:36Her family might think I'm not serious about Maddie otherwise.
03:39I put my hand on the box.
03:43Those are for my parents.
03:45His expression darkened.
03:46I'm only borrowing them.
03:48I'll buy replacements later.
03:50Your parents aren't going to make a big deal over something this small, are they?
03:53I suddenly laughed.
03:55If it's such a small thing, why can't you go empty-handed?
03:59Ethan froze.
04:00Maddie's eyes instantly welled with tears.
04:02Forget it, Ethan.
04:03I don't want them.
04:04If Nora doesn't want us to take them, then don't.
04:07Please don't fight because of me.
04:08She said she didn't want them, but her grip on his arm only tightened.
04:16Ethan's face immediately turned cold.
04:18Do you have to make it sound so awful?
04:20Maddie just wants to put her relatives' minds at ease.
04:23It's not like she's actually trying to steal me from you.
04:25I stared at him in silence for a few seconds.
04:28Suddenly, the whole thing felt pointless.
04:31I let go of the gift box.
04:33Take it.
04:34If she wanted it so badly, she could have the box.
04:37And the man along with it.
04:39After they left, I placed my spare key on the table.
04:42The tablet screen lit up with an order notification.
04:45Matching rings.
04:46Delivery confirmed.
04:47Seller's note.
04:49Good luck with the proposal, man.
04:51The order had been placed a month ago, and the recipient was Ethan Carter.
04:55I opened the order details.
04:57Only then did I discover that Ethan had also purchased matching pajamas, matching slippers,
05:03and two rings engraved with initials.
05:05Everything had been delivered to Maddie's house.
05:08They had spent an entire month preparing for today's so-called emergency.
05:12Maybe he even planned to propose in front of her relatives.
05:15While I was still staring at the screen, a message from Ethan popped up.
05:20Be good, Nora.
05:21Don't sulk.
05:22Just explain things to your parents for me.
05:24Tell them I got called in to work, and I'll be there soon.
05:27I let out a disbelieving laugh.
05:30The whole thing was so absurd that I didn't even know what to feel anymore.
05:33Ethan Carter this time, I was done waiting for you.
05:38I didn't reply.
05:39I simply saved screenshots of the order.
05:41Then I contacted the landlord and told him I wanted to end the lease.
05:45I had paid the security deposit.
05:47I had bought the furniture.
05:49The framed photos on the walls.
05:50The matching toothbrushes in the bathroom.
05:53I had chosen every last thing myself.
05:56Yet Ethan always called this place our home.
05:59Looking back, it had clearly only ever been my fantasy.
06:03Everything I owned didn't even fill half a suitcase.
06:06I slipped the cheap ring Ethan had casually given me off my finger and gently placed it
06:11on the table.
06:12Halfway through packing, someone posted a video in our mutual friend's group chat.
06:17In the video, Maddie walked into a private dining room with her arm linked through Ethan's.
06:21They were both wearing matching bright red sweaters.
06:25Ethan carried her purse in one hand.
06:27His other arm wrapped protectively around her waist.
06:30Everyone in the room immediately started cheering and teasing them.
06:34Maddie, you've got great taste.
06:36Your boyfriend is tall and handsome.
06:38So when are you two getting married?
06:39Maddie blushed and hid behind Ethan.
06:41Stop asking.
06:42You're going to embarrass him.
06:43Ethan didn't deny anything.
06:45He simply smiled and drank with her.
06:48Someone tagged me in the group chat.
06:51Ethan's parents are there too?
06:53Wow, they're really committing to this act.
06:56I almost thought Ethan and Maddie were the actual couple.
06:59The message was deleted a second later.
07:02A few minutes later, Maddie video called me.
07:04I answered.
07:06She was sitting beside Ethan, wearing a delicate bracelet around her wrist.
07:10Nora, Ethan's mom insisted on giving me this as a welcome gift.
07:14I tried to refuse, but she wouldn't take no for an answer.
07:17Don't read too much into it, okay?
07:18We're just trying to make the whole thing convincing.
07:20I'll give it to you when I get back.
07:22Ethan was peeling shrimp for her.
07:24At her words, he looked up.
07:26Why are you explaining all that to her?
07:28Surely Nora isn't going to get jealous over something like this.
07:31My mom gave it to you, so keep it.
07:33You barely have any decent jewelry anyway.
07:34You need something presentable for formal occasions.
07:37It's not like Nora needs another bracelet.
07:39Maddie pouted.
07:40I'm just worried Nora might get the wrong idea.
07:42Then she opened her mouth and accepted the shrimp Ethan held to her lips.
07:46The gesture was seamless, without the slightest hint of hesitation.
07:50That was when I saw the ring.
07:51It was new and gleaming.
07:54Engraved on it were the initials M.H. Maddie's initials.
08:00Ethan, bring Maddie over and say hello to everyone.
08:02Ethan, your parents are there too?
08:04He looked at me with a faint frown.
08:06If we're putting on an act, we have to make it convincing.
08:09My parents happened to be free, so they came along.
08:12Don't overthink it.
08:13I'll head back as soon as I'm done helping Maddie with her family.
08:17Go ahead and wait for me at the station.
08:18I'll meet you there.
08:19Do you even know what time my train leaves?
08:21He froze.
08:22I had sent him the train information a week ago.
08:25He hadn't remembered.
08:27Yet he remembered that Maddie couldn't handle spicy food.
08:30He even remembered what kind of bracelets she liked.
08:33I ended the call, feeling nothing but calm.
08:36On the way to the station, Mom sent me a photo.
08:39Dad stood beside a table covered with hot dishes, wearing his freshly ironed shirt.
08:44He looked almost nervous.
08:45Mom asked, how far away are you?
08:48Should I wait before putting the food on the table?
08:50Before I could reply, Maddie posted a new Instagram update.
08:53In the photo, she was leaning against Ethan's shoulder, their hands intertwined.
08:58The caption read, brought my boyfriend home to meet the family.
09:02Mission accomplished.
09:03Ethan didn't deny it.
09:04He even commented, happy now Maddie?
09:07Maddie replied with playful affection.
09:09Depends on how well you behave.
09:11In the comments, Maddie's Aunt Carol wrote,
09:14Ethan gets more handsome every year.
09:16You two were still so shy around each other when you came last year.
09:20Last year.
09:22I stared at those two words, my fingers turning cold.
09:25On New Year's Eve a year ago,
09:28Ethan had told me his company was sending him to a neighboring city on a business trip.
09:32But that day hadn't just been New Year's Eve.
09:35It had also been my birthday.
09:36I had waited until midnight, only to receive a single message from him.
09:41Swamped with the project.
09:42I'll make up the gift to you later.
09:44So he hadn't been on a business trip.
09:47He had been at Maddie's family gathering.
09:49I opened her Aunt Carol's Instagram profile.
09:52There was a family photo from the previous year.
09:54At the very edge of the picture,
09:56Ethan was looking down as he adjusted Maddie's scarf.
09:59He was wearing the coat I had given him.
10:01And in Maddie's arms was the birthday present I had bought for him.
10:05Even back then, her relatives had believed they were a couple.
10:07This so-called last-minute emergency was nothing more than the same lie he had used on me before.
10:13I didn't confront him.
10:15When the car reached the train station, I opened my banking app.
10:20Ethan and I had a joint savings account meant for the deposit on our future home.
10:24There was a total of $280,000 in it.
10:28$250,000 had come from my salary and bonuses.
10:31The remaining $30,000 was money he had deposited here and there over time.
10:36I had just transferred all the money that belonged to me when an unknown number called.
10:42I answered.
10:44Ethan's voice came through.
10:45His anger barely contained.
10:47Did you transfer the money out?
10:49Yes.
10:50Who gave you permission to touch that account?
10:52Why would I need anyone's permission to move my own money?
10:55There was a brief silence on the other end.
10:58His tone quickly softened.
10:59Are you still throwing a tantrum over what happened today?
11:03Come on, Nora.
11:04I arranged this dinner and the whole family is here.
11:08Don't make things awkward for everyone.
11:11Besides, you can take me to meet your parents anytime.
11:14Why does it have to be today?
11:16I watched the crowds passing through the station.
11:18The pain in my chest seemed to have faded, leaving only numbness behind.
11:23I spoke calmly.
11:25Because you promised it would be today.
11:27You also promised to pick me up the night of the storm.
11:30When you went to that romantic restaurant with her, you said you were only helping her take pictures.
11:36When she posted that photo of you holding hands, you said she was just borrowing you for a post.
11:41Now you're wearing matching sweaters, bringing your parents to meet her family, and asking me to lie to my own
11:46parents for you.
11:49Ethan, I'm not going to wait for you forever.
11:51His breathing grew heavier.
11:52What's the point of dredging up all this old crap?
11:55Nora, don't blame him.
11:56This is all my fault.
11:57I had heard that line too many times.
11:59Now it only seemed laughable.
12:01Transfer $10,000 back.
12:02All her relatives are here today.
12:04We can't let Maddie embarrass herself.
12:05I laughed out loud.
12:08What does her embarrassment have to do with me?
12:10She's your best friend.
12:12She stopped being my best friend the day she introduced my boyfriend as hers.
12:15Ethan finally snapped.
12:17Fine.
12:17You really want to make a scene?
12:19Just wait until I get back, then we'll see how you explain yourself.
12:21I looked at the boarding notice on the screen and answered calmly.
12:25Don't bother coming back.
12:28Ethan, we're done.
12:31There was a brief silence on the other end before Ethan suddenly laughed.
12:35Don't try to scare me with a breakup.
12:37You'd never leave me.
12:38I didn't argue.
12:39There was no point explaining myself to someone who was convinced I would never walk away.
12:44I ended the call and blocked the number.
12:46Then I immediately contacted the wedding venue and cancelled our reservation for the following spring.
12:51I had paid the deposit.
12:53I had stayed up night after night putting together the entire wedding plan.
12:57Ethan had glanced at it once and told me he didn't care.
13:00Yet when it came to helping Maddie put on an act, he was willing to make every last detail perfect.
13:06You never had to teach someone how to treat the person they truly loved.
13:10The boarding announcement came over the speakers.
13:13Just as I was about to stand, Maddie's mother sent me a message.
13:17Nora, you're the woman who won't stop clinging to Ethan, aren't you?
13:20I suggest you face reality.
13:23How is my Maddie any less than you?
13:25The most important thing for a woman is self-respect.
13:29Ethan and Maddie are so happy together, but you insist on forcing your way between them.
13:34It won't end well for you.
13:35I'm only telling you this because I used to think of you as a daughter, but now you're
13:40making a scene and taking money out of a joint account without permission.
13:44You're only making people lose respect for you.
13:47My fingertips turned cold.
13:49Anger churned in my stomach.
13:51In Maddie's mother's eyes, I was the one who had come between them.
13:55I replied,
13:56You've misunderstood.
13:58Ethan Carter is my boyfriend.
14:00As if I had just told her a joke, she immediately sent me more than a dozen photos.
14:05There was one from a family dinner two years ago, with Maddie clinging to Ethan's arm.
14:10Another showed Ethan setting off fireworks with the children in Maddie's family last Christmas.
14:15At a birthday party this year, he stood beside Maddie as they cut the cake together.
14:20Under the photos, her relatives were all urging them to get married soon.
14:24And every one of those times, Ethan had told me he was working late or attending a business function.
14:30Maddie's mother sent another voice message.
14:32Ethan has been Maddie's boyfriend for years.
14:35He goes with her to every family gathering to call yourself his girlfriend?
14:37Maddie is kind-hearted.
14:38That's the only reason she's tolerated you as the other woman for so long.
14:42If I were you, I'd return the money and find somewhere to calm down.
14:46If you don't give the money back, don't even think about leaving.
14:49I let out a cold laugh, deleted the messages, and wheeled my suitcase toward the ticket gate.
15:00Just as my ticket was about to be scanned, two station employees suddenly stopped me.
15:05Ma'am, please step to the side.
15:07Someone has reported that you may have transferred jointly owned assets.
15:11We need you to cooperate while we verify the situation.
15:16After checking my name, one of them turned serious.
15:20Ma'am, please don't board the train yet.
15:23Someone reported that you transferred a large sum of money.
15:26He stepped aside.
15:27Not far away, Ethan was walking toward me with a dark expression, holding Maddie's hand.
15:33One of the employees looked at him.
15:36Are you the one who made the report?
15:41Yes.
15:43Ethan released Maddie's hand and spoke urgently.
15:46She transferred all $280,000 out of our joint account, then blocked me.
15:51I was afraid someone had manipulated her into doing it, so I reported it.
15:55I asked you to stop her before she left.
15:57With just a few words, he had twisted his accusation into an act of concern for me.
16:03Maddie stepped forward as well.
16:05Nora, Ethan's only worried about you.
16:07If you're mad, take it out on me.
16:09Don't risk your wedding fun just to get back at him.
16:11I gave a quiet scoff and held up my phone.
16:17Funny.
16:17I called the police, too.
16:19The moment I heard Maddie's mother threaten me, I knew this wouldn't be that simple.
16:24Two police officers made their way through the crowd.
16:27Ma'am, are you the one who called?
16:30Yes.
16:33I pulled up the bank statements and the threatening messages.
16:36Of the $280,000 in that account, $250,000 came from my salary and bonuses.
16:42I only transferred the money that belonged to me.
16:45He deliberately exaggerated what happened when he filed his report,
16:48then teamed up with Maddie to stop me from leaving.
16:50I turned my phone toward Ethan.
16:52Now, say it again in front of the police.
16:55Whose money did I steal?
16:57Ethan's expression changed instantly.
16:59After reviewing the bank statements and the report,
17:02the officers' faces darkened as well.
17:05This doesn't match what you told us earlier.
17:07Ethan stiffened.
17:08But that was money we saved together to buy a house.
17:11We were already planning to get married.
17:13Why split hairs over what belonged to whom?
17:17I looked at him.
17:18If it didn't matter whose money it was, why did you use mine to pay for her?
17:22I turned toward Maddie.
17:24The bracelet was still on her wrist, and a brand new designer bag hung from her hand.
17:30Ethan frowned deeply.
17:32I was only borrowing it.
17:34She had so many relatives there today.
17:36I couldn't let her embarrass herself in front of everyone.
17:38There it was again.
17:40Maddie couldn't be made to look bad.
17:42She couldn't be hurt.
17:43She couldn't let her relatives gossip about her.
17:46But I could be abandoned in the pouring rain.
17:50My parents could be left waiting.
17:53My money could be used to help the two of them keep up appearances.
17:59I held up the screenshots Maddie's mother had sent and showed them to him.
18:04Then what about this?
18:05In the screenshot Maddie had written,
18:08He still hasn't broken up with that woman.
18:10I can't push him too hard.
18:13Once he's met her parents, he'll find a chance to clear things up with her.
18:17Ethan's face changed dramatically.
18:22Who sent that?
18:26Your fake girlfriend.
18:28Maddie lunged forward to snatch my phone.
18:30That's fake!
18:31One of the officers immediately stepped between us.
18:35Please calm down.
18:45Ethan stared hard at Maddie.
18:47You told me today was just a last minute emergency?
18:50Did you let her find out on purpose?
18:53Maddie's eyes reddened.
18:55I just wanted to know which one of us mattered more to you.
18:59You're always telling me you love me, but you refuse to break up with her!
19:04The station office fell silent.
19:07Ethan hurriedly turned to me.
19:09Nora, she's lying.
19:11I never said anything like that.
19:12Maddie looked as though she had just heard a joke.
19:16Scared now, Ethan?
19:18Who was the one who taught me to use your photos as an alibi and tell her you were working
19:22late?
19:24And who said she was a pussover and all you had to do was sweet talk her a little?
19:28Ethan lowered his voice.
19:30Shut up.
19:31Why should I?
19:35Maddie yanked her hand out of his grasp.
19:38You want to dump all the blame on me?
19:40Fine.
19:41Let's put everything out in the open today.
19:44She pulled out her phone and played a recording.
19:47Ethan's voice came through loud and clear.
19:51Post whatever you want on social media.
19:53Just hide it from her.
19:54Even if she finds out, she'll never have the guts to leave me.
19:58The recording continued.
20:00Maddie asked with a laugh.
20:02Would it be too much if I introduced you to my co-workers?
20:06Ethan didn't seem bothered in the slightest.
20:08Just tell them I'm your boyfriend.
20:10It's only to get your co-workers off your back.
20:13It's not going to hurt anyone.
20:15If Nora gets upset, I'll smooth things over when I get home.
20:20The recording ended.
20:22Ethan reached for her phone, but Maddie quickly backed away.
20:25I have backups.
20:27Touch me and I'll post everything.
20:29The couple who had looked so loving moments ago were now openly turning on each other.
20:35The police questioned Ethan again about his report.
20:39Faced with the actual bank records, he had no choice but to admit that he had exaggerated the amount.
20:46I just wanted to stop her from leaving.
20:48She walks out whenever she's angry.
20:49I was afraid she might do something reckless.
20:52One of the officers responded coldly.
20:54You weren't worried she'd do something reckless.
20:56You were worried she'd leave with her own money.
20:58Ethan's expression darkened.
21:01After completing the necessary paperwork, I prepared to buy another ticket.
21:07He followed me outside and grabbed my arm.
21:13Nora, let me explain.
21:15That recording is from two years ago.
21:18Maddie's boss kept pressuring her to attend after-work functionees, so I casually suggested a way out.
21:23I never thought she'd actually take it seriously.
21:26I wrenched my arm free.
21:29Did she force you to go to that romantic restaurant, too?
21:32Did she physically made you hold her hand for that photo?
21:36And the night of the storm, did she force you to stand me up?
21:40Ethan's lips moved.
21:42That night was different.
21:43Maddie followed us out and let out a cold laugh.
21:46How was it different?
21:47You'd already driven all the way to Nora's office.
21:49You only left because I said I wasn't feeling well and asked you to pick me up.
21:55The chill of that rainy night crept up my spine all over again.
22:00That night, I had stood by the side of the road beneath a broken umbrella.
22:05Rainwater had flooded my shoes, and my phone had shut down after getting soaked.
22:10I waited for two hours.
22:12In the end, a passerby noticed how sick I looked and called a cab for me.
22:17I ran a high fever for three days, and Ethan only visited me once.
22:22He told me he had been called into an emergency meeting at work.
22:26But he had been there.
22:28He just hadn't stopped for me.
22:30Ethan hurried to explain.
22:32Maddie really was feeling awful.
22:33You live nearby.
22:34You could have just taken a cab home.
22:35I asked calmly.
22:36So she couldn't be left out in the rain, but I could?
22:40That's not what I meant.
22:41Then what did you mean?
22:44He had no answer.
22:46I looked him in the eye.
22:49You knew exactly where the line was.
22:53You just never thought you had to respect it with me.
22:58Panic finally flickered across his face.
23:00I admit I neglected you, but we've been together for years.
23:03We can't throw all that away over a few pictures.
23:06This isn't about the pictures.
23:09It's about how every time one of those pictures was taken, you chose her over me.
23:16Maddie folded her arms and suddenly laughed.
23:19Of course he never planned to break up with you.
23:21You save money for him, cook for him, and never ask for anything in return.
23:25If I were him, I wouldn't want to give up someone so useful either.
23:31Ethan raised his hand and slapped her across the face.
23:34The sharp crack stunned everyone.
23:37Maddie clutched her cheek and stared at him in disbelief.
23:40A second later, she lost control and lunged at him.
23:44You hit me?
23:45You didn't have a problem with my attitude when you used her money to buy me a car!
23:49I stopped in my tracks.
23:51A car?
23:52Maddie abruptly fell silent.
23:55But all the color had already drained from Ethan's face.
23:59Ethan and I had a joint savings account.
24:02On top of that, I had paid a $200,000 deposit on a house.
24:08Two weeks earlier, Ethan had told me there was a problem with the mortgage approval and asked me to be
24:13patient.
24:17I immediately called the real estate agent.
24:21He sounded surprised when he heard my name.
24:26Wasn't your home purchase already cancelled?
24:30The refund request was processed two weeks ago.
24:34The money has already been returned to the account on file.
24:37My grip on the phone slowly tightened.
24:40Whose account was the refund sent to?
24:42He gave me Ethan's name.
24:45Mattie had picked up her new car the day after the refund was issued.
24:50I opened her profile.
24:53In one photo, she stood beaming in front of a brand new car.
24:57The caption read,
24:59A Christmas present from my boyfriend.
25:01Here's to the road ahead together.
25:06At the time, Ethan had told me Mattie had financed the car herself.
25:10I had even liked the post.
25:12So the so-called gift he had given her was my house.
25:17Ethan hurriedly grabbed my arm.
25:19I was only borrowing the money temporarily.
25:21She was short on the down payment for her car.
25:24Since we hadn't officially closed on the house yet, I figured I could use the money for now.
25:28I'll replace it as soon as I get my bonus.
25:31I stared at him.
25:33Who gave you permission to cancel the purchase?
25:37We're a couple.
25:39Humiliation turned his anger defensive.
25:41We were going to get married anyway.
25:43Why do you have to keep track of every little thing that's yours and mine?
25:46So you used my money to buy another woman a car?
25:50I didn't give it to her.
25:52It was a loan.
25:54Mattie immediately cut in.
25:55You told me it was a gift.
25:57You also said that once you married her, you'd have access to all her money anyway.
26:02Ethan's face turned livid.
26:05What the hell are you talking about?
26:07You think I'm making it up?
26:09Mattie took out her phone and pulled up their messages.
26:11Buy the car now.
26:13If she finds out, I'll handle her.
26:16Once we're married, her money will be marital property anyway.
26:20Ethan had nothing left to say.
26:22I asked the real estate agent to send me the refund request and all related documents.
26:27My signature was on the request.
26:30But I had never signed it.
26:33On the date shown beside the signature,
26:36I had been in the hospital receiving treatment.
26:40Ethan had visited me for 10 minutes and taken the folder containing my identification and insurance documents.
26:47He claimed he needed them to sort out my health insurance.
26:51In reality, he had taken my documents so he could request the refund.
26:57I handed everything to the police.
27:00I want to file a report.
27:04Ethan grabbed my shoulders.
27:07Nora, don't take this too far.
27:09I'll pay back the $200,000.
27:11This is between us.
27:12We can go home and talk it through.
27:15I broke free of his grip.
27:17Did you think about not taking things too far when you called the police to stop me?
27:21That was different!
27:23How?
27:25You only lost the chance to use my money to pay for her.
27:29I lost the home where I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with you.
27:34His lips trembled.
27:37Maddie began to panic too.
27:39Nora, I didn't know the signature was forged.
27:42He transferred the money to me.
27:43I thought you'd agreed to it.
27:45I opened the screenshots of her messages with her mother.
27:49One of them clearly read,
27:51He's using her house deposit to buy me a car.
27:54What if she finds out?
27:56Ethan had replied,
27:58She can't leave me.
27:59She'll just have to accept it.
28:01I held the phone up in front of Maddie.
28:05You didn't know?
28:09The tears in her eyes went still.
28:13You've already taken more than enough from me.
28:15Now you're going to give it all back.
28:17One thing at a time.