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Watch full-length drama films featuring powerful business leaders, hidden identities, family secrets, impossible love stories, revenge, and inspiring personal journeys. Every movie delivers engaging storytelling and memorable characters.
Enjoy high-quality drama entertainment with English subtitles and discover new trending stories uploaded on a regular basis.
#FullDrama #DramaMovies #LoveDrama #RomanceMovie #CEO #Billionaire #AsianMovies #Trending #DramaChannel #MovieLovers
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FunTranscript
00:00:00My ex-wife kicked me out because she couldn't handle me in bed.
00:00:03Get the fuck out.
00:00:04I wandered New York alone, and a flyer caught my eye.
00:00:08Wanted. A father for a four-year-old girl.
00:00:10Patience required. Room and board included.
00:00:13Less than 36 bucks left on my card, I didn't think twice.
00:00:17That very night, I walked straight into the Blackwood estate with a single duffel bag.
00:00:22Later, my ex-wife would ask me in that patronizing voice,
00:00:25Ethan, do you understand what you did wrong?
00:00:27The four-year-old feisty princess flew into a rage.
00:00:31Wrong? My dad is always right.
00:00:33Victoria slipped an arm around my waist.
00:00:35My husband is right, even when he's wrong.
00:00:39I never imagined the family behind the flyer would be the most powerful crime family on the East Coast.
00:00:45Now I stood at the gates of their estate.
00:00:48Mrs. Blackwood is looking for a father for her daughter, not a husband for herself.
00:00:53You'd do well to remember that.
00:00:54Perfect. I had ended one marriage that morning.
00:00:56Another woman was the last thing on my mind.
00:00:59But taking care of a child would put a roof over my head.
00:01:02For a man with nothing left, it was a lifeline.
00:01:06Understood. I won't cross the line.
00:01:09Miss Miller led me through a quiet service corridor.
00:01:11As we passed the study, then a gunshot rang out and a man crumpled to the floor instantly.
00:01:15You had your chance.
00:01:18A few minutes later, Miss Miller ushered me into the dining room.
00:01:22At the long walnut table, a young woman and a little girl were locked in a standoff.
00:01:27The woman held a bowl and spoon.
00:01:29The girl gripped the back of her chair, lips sealed.
00:01:32At last, she set the bowl down.
00:01:34One bite, Veronica. Just one.
00:01:36Is that too much to ask?
00:01:38I recognised that voice.
00:01:41Mrs Blackwood, another applicant is here.
00:01:44This one appears sensible.
00:01:46She was striking.
00:01:47Tall, sharp-featured, and impossible to ignore.
00:01:51I had seen Victoria Blackwood featured in business profiles and news reports.
00:01:57What's your name?
00:01:59Ethan Carter.
00:02:00She handed me the bowl.
00:02:03You try.
00:02:05Okay.
00:02:08So this was the interview.
00:02:10I carried the bowl toward Ronnie.
00:02:12Before I made it two steps, she shot under the table.
00:02:16Only her dark eyes remained visible.
00:02:18I don't want him. Make him leave.
00:02:20I won't let him feed me.
00:02:21They're all liars.
00:02:23It looked like she'd already been through lots of would-be stepfathers.
00:02:26I spotted two bunny dolls on the rug and crouched beside them.
00:02:29Relax. I'm not feeding you.
00:02:32Chef Bunny made lunch for Customer Bunny.
00:02:35Mmm, this is delicious.
00:02:37Ronnie peeked out from under the table.
00:02:40Oh no! I ordered too much! I can't eat another bite!
00:02:45Customer Bunny didn't like my food.
00:02:49I worked so hard.
00:02:51I guess I'll have to throw it all away.
00:02:53Don't be sad. I'll eat it.
00:02:56I had barely held the spoon out to her when she took a bite.
00:02:59Then another. Soon, the bowl was empty.
00:03:02See? I ate it all. Your food is good. Don't be sad.
00:03:07Thank you, Bunny Roni.
00:03:08I'll cook for you too in the future.
00:03:10The tension had left her face.
00:03:12The corner of her mouth lifted in faint approval.
00:03:15Just like that, I moved into the Blackwood Estate.
00:03:19Ronnie and I stayed on the second floor.
00:03:21Victoria occupied the third.
00:03:23Miss Miller warned me twice.
00:03:26Do not go upstairs without permission.
00:03:29One applicant tried to slip past security after midnight.
00:03:32He was off the estate before breakfast.
00:03:34Two weeks later, Victoria came home to find Ronnie and the Golden Retriever
00:03:38eating side by side on the front steps, both in red bandanas.
00:03:43His methods are unconventional.
00:03:47Roni has finished two plates and intends to defeat the dog.
00:03:52Victoria let out a breath, then walked into the house.
00:03:55Once both competitors were stuffed, I took them for a half-hour walk around the garden.
00:04:00I didn't realise Victoria was watching from an upstairs window
00:04:03as Roni chased Buddy across the lawn,
00:04:05barking and laughing until she could barely breathe.
00:04:07Two weeks ago, she barely ate, spoke, or left her room.
00:04:11I believe we found the right person.
00:04:13When I brought Ronnie inside, Victoria was sitting on the sofa.
00:04:27Ethan, we need to talk.
00:04:33You're good with children. Do you have any?
00:04:38No. I worked at a hospital.
00:04:40And I took care of my ex-wife's sister's son for two years.
00:04:43The Whitmores thought my salary was negligible next to Vanessa's income
00:04:46as the heiress to a medical device company.
00:04:49So they pressured me to quit and take care of the household.
00:04:55Because I had worked in healthcare,
00:04:57Vanessa's sister fired her nanny and simply dumped her son on me.
00:05:03Your file says you're divorced.
00:05:06Yes.
00:05:07Why?
00:05:12We came from different worlds.
00:05:13You saw the ad.
00:05:15Roni needs a father.
00:05:16She won't go to preschool.
00:05:18When she was little, my enemy terrified her.
00:05:20She's never felt safe ever since.
00:05:29I'm busy, so I need a patient man who can be a father to her.
00:05:35I'll draw up a prenuptial agreement
00:05:36with attorneys representing both of us present as witnesses.
00:05:40I see.
00:05:41That was how wealthy families operated.
00:05:44Vanessa and I had married for love,
00:05:46but the difference in our backgrounds was so great
00:05:48that I had signed a prenup anyway.
00:05:51By the time the love was gone and we divorced,
00:05:53I walked away with nothing.
00:05:54They even took back my wedding ring.
00:05:56A family as powerful as the Blackwoods
00:05:58would naturally be even more cautious about marriage.
00:06:00Honestly, a place to stay is enough for me.
00:06:02We don't need to get married.
00:06:04This is for Roni.
00:06:05I want her to have a father for life.
00:06:07Marriage is necessary.
00:06:10Then we'll follow the agreement.
00:06:13I'll deposit $10,000 a month
00:06:15into your personal account for your expenses.
00:06:18If this marriage ends, the money stays mine?
00:06:21That mattered a great deal to me.
00:06:23I'd been burned before.
00:06:24Of course.
00:06:27Then I agree.
00:06:30As for sex, I have no expectations.
00:06:32You'll stay on the second floor.
00:06:34Good.
00:06:35Neither do I.
00:06:38Less than a month after my divorce,
00:06:40I was married again.
00:06:41Like my last marriage, there was no wedding.
00:06:43Mr. Miller added several dishes to dinner.
00:06:45Victoria handed me a Blackwood family ring.
00:06:48Vanessa had never even given me her family ring.
00:06:52That isn't necessary.
00:06:53For Roni.
00:06:59All right.
00:07:00I will keep it.
00:07:03That night, after I took Roni back to her room,
00:07:05she caught my hand.
00:07:06What is it, sweetheart?
00:07:08Ethan, will you read me a story?
00:07:11What?
00:07:14I'll make Mom pay you more.
00:07:16If you don't want to, forget it.
00:07:21Sweetie, I'd love to.
00:07:22I tucked her in.
00:07:26She fell asleep before I finished the story.
00:07:31Victoria looked genuinely startled
00:07:33when Miss Miller told her the next morning.
00:07:38Ethan, thank you.
00:07:40I'll add another $5,000 a month.
00:07:43That's too much.
00:07:45I had given far more of myself for my first marriage
00:07:48and left without enough money for a motel.
00:07:53Her mother always said,
00:07:55We can afford staff,
00:07:56but unlike other husbands,
00:07:58Ethan doesn't bring home the bacon.
00:08:00He should contribute somehow.
00:08:04During the divorce,
00:08:06the Whitmore still claimed
00:08:07I had spent three years living off them.
00:08:11Your allowance is already generous.
00:08:13I like Roni.
00:08:14She's a good kid.
00:08:17Reading a book isn't extra work.
00:08:19Ronnie stood beside me,
00:08:20face solemn,
00:08:21eyes shining.
00:08:24The men before you cared about impressing me.
00:08:26None of them cared what Roni wanted.
00:08:30The increase stands.
00:08:36Miss Miller had warned me.
00:08:38Ronnie could panic
00:08:39if anyone tried to take her outside the gates.
00:08:41So one afternoon,
00:08:42I planned to see my psychiatrist
00:08:44about my depression medication alone.
00:08:46I'll be back soon.
00:08:49You can wait here and pick our next book.
00:08:54She thinks you're leaving for good.
00:09:00I'm not leaving.
00:09:01I'm going to see my doctor
00:09:03and then I'm coming home.
00:09:04Okay?
00:09:05Before I finished,
00:09:06Ronnie climbed into the SUV.
00:09:12You want to go with Ethan?
00:09:15Miss Miller pressed a hand to his chest.
00:09:18Thank God!
00:09:19She finally wants to leave the estate!
00:09:30Your depression is improving.
00:09:31Keep a steady routine
00:09:33and get enough sleep.
00:09:34Outside the office,
00:09:35Ronnie tugged on my sleeve.
00:09:37Ethan, are you sick?
00:09:39Search fire.
00:09:41A little.
00:09:42I didn't take care of myself for a long time.
00:09:45Don't make the same mistake I did.
00:09:46Does it hurt?
00:09:50If it does,
00:09:51you can have my chocolate.
00:09:53She pulled a wrapped piece of chocolate
00:09:54from her pocket
00:09:55and placed it in my palm.
00:09:56Mom says sugar makes bad days less bad.
00:09:59The tears came before I could stop them.
00:10:01I pulled Ronnie into my arms.
00:10:06I'll eat all my food.
00:10:07Then when I'm big,
00:10:08I can protect you.
00:10:12You'd better grow fast.
00:10:13Mm-hmm.
00:10:15When we stepped outside,
00:10:16an armored black SUV
00:10:17waited at the curb.
00:10:20Victoria leaned against it,
00:10:21drawing stares from half the sidewalk.
00:10:26My ex-wife kicked me out
00:10:28because she couldn't handle me in bed.
00:10:29Get the fuck out.
00:10:30I wandered New York alone
00:10:31and a flyer caught my eye.
00:10:34Wanted.
00:10:35A father for a four-year-old girl.
00:10:37Patience required.
00:10:38Room and board included.
00:10:40Less than 36 bucks left on my card,
00:10:42I didn't think twice.
00:10:43That very night,
00:10:44I walked straight into the Blackwood estate
00:10:46with a single duffel bag.
00:10:48Later, my ex-wife would ask me
00:10:50in that patronizing voice,
00:10:51Ethan, do you understand
00:10:53what you did wrong?
00:10:54The four-year-old feisty princess
00:10:56flew into a rage.
00:10:57Wrong?
00:10:58My dad is always right.
00:10:59Victoria slipped an arm around my waist.
00:11:01My husband is right,
00:11:02even when he's wrong.
00:11:06I never imagined the family
00:11:07behind the flyer
00:11:08would be the most powerful crime family
00:11:10on the East Coast.
00:11:11Now I stood at the gates
00:11:12of their estate.
00:11:15Mrs. Blackwood is looking
00:11:16for a father for her daughter,
00:11:18not a husband for herself.
00:11:19You'd do well to remember that.
00:11:21Perfect.
00:11:21I had ended one marriage
00:11:22that morning.
00:11:23Another woman was the last thing
00:11:25on my mind.
00:11:26But taking care of a child
00:11:27would put a roof over my head.
00:11:28For a man with nothing left,
00:11:30it was a lifeline.
00:11:33Understood.
00:11:34I won't cross the line.
00:11:35Miss Miller led me through
00:11:36a quiet service corridor.
00:11:38As we passed the study,
00:11:39then a gunshot rang out
00:11:40and a man crumpled
00:11:41to the floor instantly.
00:11:42You had your chance.
00:11:45A few minutes later,
00:11:46Miss Miller ushered me
00:11:47into the dining room.
00:11:48At the long walnut table,
00:11:50a young woman and a little girl
00:11:52were locked in a standoff.
00:11:53The woman held a bowl and spoon.
00:11:55The girl gripped the back
00:11:56of her chair,
00:11:57lips sealed.
00:11:58At last,
00:11:59she set the bowl down.
00:12:01One bite, Veronica.
00:12:02Just one.
00:12:03Is that too much to ask?
00:12:05I recognised that voice.
00:12:08Mrs. Blackwood,
00:12:09another applicant is here.
00:12:11This one appears sensible.
00:12:12She was striking,
00:12:14tall, sharp-featured
00:12:15and impossible to ignore.
00:12:17I had seen Victoria Blackwood
00:12:19featured in business profiles
00:12:20and news reports.
00:12:23What's your name?
00:12:25Ethan Carter.
00:12:27She handed me the bowl.
00:12:30You try.
00:12:35So this was the interview.
00:12:36I carried the bowl toward Ronnie.
00:12:39Before I made it two steps,
00:12:40she shot under the table.
00:12:42Only her dark eyes remained visible.
00:12:44I don't want him.
00:12:45Make him leave.
00:12:46I won't let him feed me.
00:12:48They're all liars.
00:12:49It looked like she'd already been through
00:12:51lots of would-be stepfathers.
00:12:53I spotted two bunny dolls on the rug
00:12:55and crouched beside them.
00:12:56Relax.
00:12:57I'm not feeding you.
00:12:58Chef Bunny made lunch
00:13:00for Customer Bunny.
00:13:01Mmm.
00:13:02This is delicious.
00:13:04Ronnie peeked out
00:13:05from under the table.
00:13:06Oh no!
00:13:07I ordered too much.
00:13:08I can't eat another bite.
00:13:11Customer Bunny didn't like my food.
00:13:15I worked so hard.
00:13:17I guess I'll have to throw it all away.
00:13:20Don't be sad.
00:13:21I'll eat it.
00:13:22I had barely held the spoon out to her
00:13:24when she took a bite.
00:13:25Then another.
00:13:26Soon, the bowl was empty.
00:13:29See?
00:13:29I ate it all.
00:13:31Your food is good.
00:13:32Don't be sad.
00:13:33Thank you, Bunny Roni.
00:13:35I'll cook for you too in the future.
00:13:37The tension had left her face.
00:13:38The corner of her mouth lifted in faint approval.
00:13:41Just like that,
00:13:42I moved into the Blackwood Estate.
00:13:45Ronnie and I stayed on the second floor.
00:13:48Victoria occupied the third.
00:13:50Miss Miller warned me twice.
00:13:52Do not go upstairs without permission.
00:13:55One applicant tried to slip past security after midnight.
00:13:58He was off the estate before breakfast.
00:14:01Two weeks later,
00:14:02Victoria came home to find Roni and the golden retriever
00:14:04eating side by side on the front steps,
00:14:07both in red bandanas.
00:14:09His methods are unconventional.
00:14:13Roni has finished two plates
00:14:15and intends to defeat the dog.
00:14:17Oh!
00:14:19Victoria let out a breath,
00:14:20then walked into the house.
00:14:22Once both competitors were stuffed,
00:14:23I took them for a half-hour walk around the garden.
00:14:26I didn't realise Victoria was watching
00:14:28from an upstairs window
00:14:29as Roni chased Buddy across the lawn,
00:14:32barking and laughing until she could barely breathe.
00:14:34Two weeks ago,
00:14:35she barely ate, spoke, or left her room.
00:14:38I believe we found the right person.
00:14:40When I brought Ronnie inside,
00:14:42Victoria was sitting on the sofa.
00:14:46Oh.
00:14:54Ethan, we need to talk.
00:15:00You're good with children.
00:15:01Do you have any?
00:15:04No.
00:15:05I worked at a hospital,
00:15:06and I took care of my ex-wife's sister's son
00:15:08for two years.
00:15:10The Whitmores thought my salary was negligible
00:15:12next to Vanessa's income
00:15:13as the heiress to a medical device company,
00:15:16so they pressured me to quit
00:15:17and take care of the household.
00:15:21Because I had worked in healthcare,
00:15:24Vanessa's sister fired her nanny
00:15:25and simply dumped her son on me.
00:15:30Your file says you're divorced.
00:15:32Yes.
00:15:34Why?
00:15:38We came from different worlds.
00:15:40You saw the ad.
00:15:41Roni needs a father.
00:15:43She won't go to preschool.
00:15:45When she was little,
00:15:45my enemy terrified her.
00:15:47She's never felt safe ever since.
00:15:56I'm busy,
00:15:57so I need a patient man
00:15:58who can be a father to her.
00:16:01I'll draw up a prenuptial agreement
00:16:03with attorneys representing both of us
00:16:05present as witnesses.
00:16:07I see.
00:16:08That was how wealthy families operated.
00:16:11Vanessa and I had married for love,
00:16:12but the difference in our backgrounds
00:16:14was so great
00:16:15that I had signed a prenup anyway.
00:16:18By the time the love was gone
00:16:19and we divorced,
00:16:20I walked away with nothing.
00:16:21They even took back my wedding ring.
00:16:23A family as powerful as the Blackwoods
00:16:24would naturally be even more cautious
00:16:26about marriage.
00:16:27Honestly,
00:16:27a place to stay is enough for me.
00:16:29We don't need to get married.
00:16:31This is for Roni.
00:16:32I want her to have a father for life.
00:16:34Marriage is necessary.
00:16:37Then we'll follow the agreement.
00:16:39I'll deposit $10,000 a month
00:16:41into your personal account
00:16:42for your expenses.
00:16:45If this marriage ends,
00:16:47the money stays mine?
00:16:48That mattered a great deal to me.
00:16:49I'd been burned before.
00:16:51Of course.
00:16:54Then I agree.
00:16:56As for sex,
00:16:57I have no expectations.
00:16:58You'll stay on the second floor.
00:17:01Good.
00:17:02Neither do I.
00:17:03Okay.
00:17:05Less than a month after my divorce,
00:17:07I was married again.
00:17:08Like my last marriage,
00:17:09there was no wedding.
00:17:10Mr. Miller added several dishes to dinner.
00:17:12Victoria handed me a Blackwood family ring.
00:17:14Vanessa had never even given me her family ring.
00:17:18That isn't necessary.
00:17:20For Roni.
00:17:26All right.
00:17:27I will keep it.
00:17:29That night,
00:17:30after I took Roni back to her room,
00:17:32she caught my hand.
00:17:33What is it, sweetheart?
00:17:35Ethan,
00:17:35will you read me a story?
00:17:38What?
00:17:41I'll make Mom pay you more.
00:17:42If you don't want to,
00:17:44forget it.
00:17:47Sweetie,
00:17:48I'd love to.
00:17:49I tucked her in.
00:17:53She fell asleep
00:17:54before I finished the story.
00:17:58Victoria looked genuinely startled
00:17:59when Miss Miller told her
00:18:00the next morning.
00:18:05Ethan,
00:18:05thank you.
00:18:06I'll add another
00:18:07five thousand a month.
00:18:09That's too much.
00:18:12I had given far more of myself
00:18:14in my first marriage
00:18:14and left without enough money
00:18:16for a motel.
00:18:20Her mother always said,
00:18:21We can afford staff,
00:18:23but unlike other husbands,
00:18:24Ethan doesn't bring home the bacon.
00:18:26He should contribute somehow.
00:18:31During the divorce,
00:18:33the Whitmore still claimed
00:18:34I had spent three years
00:18:35living off them.
00:18:38Your allowance
00:18:39is already generous.
00:18:40I like Roni.
00:18:41She's a good kid.
00:18:43Reading a book
00:18:44isn't extra work.
00:18:45Ronnie stood beside me,
00:18:47face solemn,
00:18:47eyes shining.
00:18:50The men before you
00:18:51cared about impressing me.
00:18:53None of them cared
00:18:54what Roni wanted.
00:18:56The increase stands.
00:19:03Miss Miller had warned me.
00:19:05Ronnie could panic
00:19:05if anyone tried
00:19:06to take her outside the gates.
00:19:08So one afternoon,
00:19:09I planned to see
00:19:10my psychiatrist
00:19:10about my depression
00:19:11medication alone.
00:19:13I'll be back soon.
00:19:15You can wait here
00:19:16and pick our next book.
00:19:21She thinks you're
00:19:22leaving for good.
00:19:26I'm not leaving.
00:19:28I'm going to see my doctor
00:19:29and then I'm coming home.
00:19:30Okay?
00:19:32Before I finished,
00:19:33Ronnie climbed into the SUV.
00:19:38You want to go with Ethan?
00:19:42Miss Miller pressed
00:19:42a hand to his chest.
00:19:44Thank God!
00:19:45She finally wants
00:19:46to leave the estate!
00:19:56Your depression is improving.
00:19:58Keep a steady routine
00:19:59and get enough sleep.
00:20:01Outside the office,
00:20:02Ronnie tugged on my sleeve.
00:20:03Ethan, are you sick?
00:20:05Emergency search fire.
00:20:08A little.
00:20:09I didn't take care of myself
00:20:10for a long time.
00:20:11Don't make the same mistake
00:20:12I did.
00:20:13Does it hurt?
00:20:16If it does,
00:20:18you can have my chocolate.
00:20:19She pulled a wrapped
00:20:20piece of chocolate
00:20:20from her pocket
00:20:21and placed it in my palm.
00:20:22Mom says sugar
00:20:23makes bad days less bad.
00:20:25The tears came
00:20:26before I could stop them.
00:20:27I pulled Ronnie
00:20:28into my arms.
00:20:32I'll eat all my food.
00:20:34Then when I'm big,
00:20:35I can protect you.
00:20:38You'd better grow fast.
00:20:41When we stepped outside,
00:20:42an armoured black SUV
00:20:44waited at the curb.
00:20:47Victoria leaned against it,
00:20:48drawing stares
00:20:49from half the sidewalk.
00:20:53My ex-wife kicked me out
00:20:54because she couldn't
00:20:55handle me in bed.
00:20:56Get the fuck out!
00:20:57I wandered New York alone
00:20:58and a flyer caught my eye.
00:21:00Wanted.
00:21:01A father for a four-year-old girl.
00:21:03Patience required.
00:21:05Room and board included.
00:21:07Less than 36 bucks
00:21:08left on my card,
00:21:09I didn't think twice.
00:21:10That very night,
00:21:11I walked straight
00:21:12into the Blackwood estate
00:21:12with a single duffel bag.
00:21:15Later,
00:21:15my ex-wife would ask me
00:21:17in that patronising voice,
00:21:18Ethan,
00:21:19do you understand
00:21:20what you did wrong?
00:21:21The four-year-old
00:21:21feisty princess
00:21:22flew into a rage.
00:21:24Wrong?
00:21:24My dad is always right!
00:21:26Victoria slipped
00:21:27an arm around my waist.
00:21:28My husband is right,
00:21:29even when he's wrong.
00:21:32I never imagined
00:21:33the family behind the flyer
00:21:35would be the most powerful
00:21:36crime family
00:21:36on the East Coast.
00:21:38Now I stood at the gates
00:21:39of their estate.
00:21:41Mrs. Blackwood is looking
00:21:42for a father for her daughter,
00:21:44not a husband for herself.
00:21:46You'd do well to remember that.
00:21:47Perfect.
00:21:48I had ended one marriage
00:21:49that morning.
00:21:50Another woman was the last
00:21:51thing on my mind.
00:21:52But taking care of a child
00:21:53would put a roof over my head.
00:21:55For a man with nothing left,
00:21:57it was a lifeline.
00:21:59Understood.
00:22:00I won't cross the line.
00:22:02Miss Miller led me through
00:22:03a quiet service corridor.
00:22:04As we passed the study,
00:22:05then a gunshot rang out
00:22:07and a man crumpled
00:22:07to the floor instantly.
00:22:08You had your chance.
00:22:11A few minutes later,
00:22:13Miss Miller ushered me
00:22:14into the dining room.
00:22:15At the long walnut table,
00:22:17a young woman and a little girl
00:22:18were locked in a standoff.
00:22:20The woman held a bowl and spoon.
00:22:22The girl gripped the back
00:22:23of her chair,
00:22:24lips sealed.
00:22:25At last,
00:22:26she set the bowl down.
00:22:27One bite, Veronica.
00:22:29Just one.
00:22:30Is that too much to ask?
00:22:32I recognised that voice.
00:22:34Mrs Blackwood,
00:22:36another applicant is here.
00:22:37This one appears sensible.
00:22:39She was striking,
00:22:40tall,
00:22:41sharp-featured
00:22:42and impossible to ignore.
00:22:44I had seen Victoria Blackwood
00:22:46featured in business profiles
00:22:47and news reports.
00:22:50What's your name?
00:22:52Ethan Carter.
00:22:53She handed me the bowl.
00:22:56You try.
00:22:58I'm sorry.
00:23:01So this was the interview.
00:23:03I carried the bowl toward Ronnie.
00:23:05Before I made it two steps,
00:23:07she shot under the table.
00:23:09Only her dark eyes
00:23:10remained visible.
00:23:11I don't want him.
00:23:12Make him leave.
00:23:13I won't let him feed me.
00:23:15They're all liars.
00:23:16It looked like she'd already
00:23:17been through lots of
00:23:18would-be stepfathers.
00:23:19I spotted two bunny dolls
00:23:21on the rug
00:23:21and crouched beside them.
00:23:22Relax.
00:23:23I'm not feeding you.
00:23:25Chef Bunny made lunch
00:23:26for Customer Bunny.
00:23:28Mmm.
00:23:29This is delicious.
00:23:30Ronnie peeked out
00:23:31from under the table.
00:23:33Oh no!
00:23:34I ordered too much!
00:23:35I can't eat another bite!
00:23:38Customer Bunny
00:23:38didn't like my food.
00:23:42I worked so hard.
00:23:44I guess I'll have
00:23:45to throw it all away.
00:23:46Don't be sad.
00:23:47I'll eat it.
00:23:49I had barely held
00:23:50the spoon out to her
00:23:50when she took a bite.
00:23:52Then another.
00:23:53Soon,
00:23:53the bowl was empty.
00:23:55See?
00:23:56I ate it all.
00:23:57Your food is good.
00:23:59Don't be sad.
00:24:00Thank you,
00:24:01Bunny Roni.
00:24:02I'll cook for you too
00:24:03in the future.
00:24:04The tension had left her face.
00:24:05The corner of her mouth
00:24:06lifted in faint approval.
00:24:08Just like that,
00:24:09I moved into
00:24:10the Blackwood Estate.
00:24:12Ronnie and I
00:24:13stayed on the second floor.
00:24:14Victoria occupied the third.
00:24:16Miss Miller warned me twice.
00:24:19Do not go upstairs
00:24:20without permission.
00:24:22One applicant tried
00:24:23to slip past security
00:24:24after midnight.
00:24:25He was off the estate
00:24:26before breakfast.
00:24:27Two weeks later,
00:24:28Victoria came home
00:24:29to find Roni
00:24:30and the Golden Retriever
00:24:31eating side by side
00:24:32on the front steps,
00:24:33both in red bandanas.
00:24:36His methods
00:24:37are unconventional.
00:24:40Roni has finished
00:24:41two plates
00:24:41and intends
00:24:42to defeat the dog.
00:24:45Victoria let out a breath,
00:24:47then walked
00:24:47into the house.
00:24:48Once both competitors
00:24:49were stuffed,
00:24:50I took them for a half-hour
00:24:51walk around the garden.
00:24:53I didn't realise
00:24:54Victoria was watching
00:24:55from an upstairs window
00:24:56as Roni chased
00:24:57Buddy across the lawn,
00:24:58barking and laughing
00:24:59until she could barely breathe.
00:25:01Two weeks ago,
00:25:02she barely ate,
00:25:03spoke,
00:25:03or left her room.
00:25:04I believe we found
00:25:05the right person.
00:25:07When I brought
00:25:07Ronnie inside,
00:25:08Victoria was sitting
00:25:09on the sofa.
00:25:20Ethan,
00:25:21we need to talk.
00:25:26You're good with children.
00:25:28Do you have any?
00:25:31No.
00:25:32I worked at a hospital
00:25:33and I took care
00:25:34of my ex-wife's
00:25:34sister's son
00:25:35for two years.
00:25:36The Whitmores
00:25:37thought my salary
00:25:37was negligible
00:25:38next to Vanessa's income
00:25:39as the heiress
00:25:40to a medical device company.
00:25:42So they pressured me
00:25:43to quit
00:25:44and take care
00:25:44of the household.
00:25:48Because I had worked
00:25:49in healthcare,
00:25:50Vanessa's sister
00:25:51fired her nanny
00:25:52and simply dumped
00:25:52her son on me.
00:25:56Your file says
00:25:57you're divorced.
00:25:59Yes.
00:26:00Why?
00:26:05We came from
00:26:05different worlds.
00:26:06You saw the ad.
00:26:08Roni needs a father.
00:26:10She won't go to preschool.
00:26:11When she was little,
00:26:12my enemy terrified her.
00:26:13She's never felt safe
00:26:14ever since.
00:26:23I'm busy,
00:26:23so I need a patient man
00:26:25who can be a father
00:26:25to her.
00:26:28I'll drop a prenuptial
00:26:29agreement
00:26:29with attorneys
00:26:30representing both of us
00:26:31present as witnesses.
00:26:33I see.
00:26:34That was how wealthy
00:26:35families operated.
00:26:37Vanessa and I
00:26:38had married for love,
00:26:39but the difference
00:26:40in our backgrounds
00:26:41was so great
00:26:41that I had signed
00:26:42a prenup anyway.
00:26:44By the time
00:26:45the love was gone
00:26:45and we divorced,
00:26:46I walked away
00:26:47with nothing.
00:26:47They even took back
00:26:48my wedding ring.
00:26:49A family as powerful
00:26:50as the Blackwoods
00:26:51would naturally be
00:26:52even more cautious
00:26:52about marriage.
00:26:53Honestly,
00:26:54a place to stay
00:26:54is enough for me.
00:26:56We don't need
00:26:56to get married.
00:26:57This is for Roni.
00:26:58I want her to have
00:26:59a father for life.
00:27:01Marriage is necessary.
00:27:03Then we'll follow
00:27:04the agreement.
00:27:06I'll deposit
00:27:07$10,000 a month
00:27:08into your personal
00:27:09account for your expenses.
00:27:12If this marriage ends,
00:27:13the money stays mine?
00:27:14That mattered
00:27:15a great deal to me.
00:27:16I've been burned before.
00:27:17Of course.
00:27:20Then I agree.
00:27:23As for sex,
00:27:24I have no expectations.
00:27:25You'll stay
00:27:25on the second floor.
00:27:27Good.
00:27:28Neither do I.
00:27:31Less than a month
00:27:32after my divorce,
00:27:33I was married again.
00:27:34Like my last marriage,
00:27:35there was no wedding.
00:27:36Mr. Miller added
00:27:37several dishes to dinner.
00:27:38Victoria handed me
00:27:39a Blackwood family ring.
00:27:41Vanessa had never
00:27:42even given me
00:27:43her family ring.
00:27:45That isn't necessary.
00:27:46For Roni.
00:27:52Right.
00:27:53I will keep it.
00:27:56That night,
00:27:57after I took Roni
00:27:57back to her room,
00:27:58she caught my hand.
00:28:00What is it, sweetheart?
00:28:01Ethan,
00:28:02will you read me
00:28:03a story?
00:28:04What?
00:28:07I'll make Mom
00:28:08pay you more.
00:28:09If you don't want to,
00:28:10forget it.
00:28:11Oh.
00:28:14Sweetie,
00:28:14I'd love to.
00:28:15I tucked her in.
00:28:19She fell asleep
00:28:20before I finished
00:28:21the story.
00:28:24Victoria looked
00:28:25genuinely startled
00:28:26when Miss Miller
00:28:26told her the next morning.
00:28:31Ethan,
00:28:32thank you.
00:28:33I'll add another
00:28:33$5,000 a month.
00:28:36That's too much.
00:28:38I had given
00:28:39far more of myself
00:28:40for my first marriage
00:28:41and left without
00:28:42enough money
00:28:42for a motel.
00:28:47Her mother
00:28:47always said,
00:28:48We can afford
00:28:49staff,
00:28:49but unlike
00:28:50other husbands,
00:28:51Ethan doesn't
00:28:51bring home
00:28:52the bacon.
00:28:53He should
00:28:53contribute somehow.
00:28:58During the divorce,
00:28:59the Whitmore
00:29:00still claimed
00:29:00I had spent
00:29:01three years
00:29:01living off them.
00:29:05Your allowance
00:29:05is already
00:29:06generous.
00:29:06I like Roni.
00:29:08She's a good kid.
00:29:10Reading a book
00:29:11isn't extra work.
00:29:11Roni stood beside me,
00:29:13face solemn,
00:29:14eyes shining.
00:29:17The men before you
00:29:18cared about impressing me.
00:29:19None of them
00:29:20cared what Roni wanted.
00:29:23The increase stands.
00:29:29Miss Miller
00:29:30had warned me
00:29:31Roni could panic
00:29:32if anyone tried
00:29:32to take her
00:29:33outside the gates.
00:29:34So one afternoon,
00:29:36I planned to see
00:29:36my psychiatrist
00:29:37about my depression
00:29:38medication alone.
00:29:39I'll be back soon.
00:29:42You can wait here
00:29:42and pick our next book.
00:29:48She thinks
00:29:48you're leaving
00:29:49for good.
00:29:53I'm not leaving.
00:29:54I'm going to see
00:29:55my doctor
00:29:56and then I'm
00:29:56coming home.
00:29:57Okay?
00:29:58Before I finished,
00:29:59Roni climbed
00:30:00into the SUV.
00:30:01Can I...
00:30:05You want to go
00:30:06with Ethan?
00:30:08Miss Miller
00:30:09pressed a hand
00:30:09to his chest.
00:30:11Thank God
00:30:12she finally wants
00:30:13to leave the estate.
00:30:23Your depression
00:30:24is improving.
00:30:25Keep a steady routine
00:30:26and get enough sleep.
00:30:27Outside the office,
00:30:28Roni tugged
00:30:29on my sleeve.
00:30:30Ethan,
00:30:30are you sick?
00:30:34a little.
00:30:35I didn't take care
00:30:36of myself
00:30:37for a long time.
00:30:38Don't make the same
00:30:39mistake I did.
00:30:40Does it hurt?
00:30:43If it does,
00:30:44you can have
00:30:45my chocolate.
00:30:46She pulled a wrapped
00:30:46piece of chocolate
00:30:47from her pocket
00:30:48and placed it
00:30:48in my palm.
00:30:49Mom says sugar
00:30:50makes bad days
00:30:51less bad.
00:30:52The tears came
00:30:53before I could
00:30:53stop them.
00:30:54I pulled Roni
00:30:54into my arms.
00:30:59I'll eat
00:30:59all my food.
00:31:00Then when I'm
00:31:01big,
00:31:02I can protect
00:31:02you.
00:31:05You'd better
00:31:05grow fast.
00:31:07When we
00:31:08stepped outside,
00:31:09an armored black
00:31:10SUV
00:31:10waited at the
00:31:11curb.
00:31:13Victoria leaned
00:31:14against it,
00:31:15drawing stairs
00:31:15from half the
00:31:16sidewalk.
00:31:19My ex-wife
00:31:20kicked me out
00:31:21because she
00:31:21couldn't handle
00:31:22me in bed.
00:31:22Get the fuck
00:31:23out.
00:31:23I wandered
00:31:24New York
00:31:24alone,
00:31:25and a flyer
00:31:26caught my eye.
00:31:27Wanted.
00:31:28A father for
00:31:29a four-year-old
00:31:29girl.
00:31:30Patience required,
00:31:31room and board
00:31:32included.
00:31:33Less than 36
00:31:34bucks left on my
00:31:35card, I didn't
00:31:36think twice.
00:31:37That very night,
00:31:37I walked straight
00:31:38into the Blackwood
00:31:39estate with a
00:31:39single duffel bag.
00:31:41Later, my ex-wife
00:31:43would ask me in
00:31:43that patronizing
00:31:44voice,
00:31:45Ethan, do you
00:31:46understand what
00:31:46you did wrong?
00:31:47The four-year-old
00:31:48feisty princess
00:31:49flew into a rage.
00:31:50Wrong?
00:31:51My dad is always
00:31:52right.
00:31:52Victoria slipped
00:31:53an arm around
00:31:54my waist.
00:31:54My husband is
00:31:55right, even
00:31:56when he's
00:31:56wrong.
00:31:59Never imagined
00:32:00the family behind
00:32:01the flyer would
00:32:01be the most
00:32:02powerful crime
00:32:03family on the
00:32:03East Coast.
00:32:04Now I stood
00:32:05at the gates
00:32:05of their
00:32:06estate.
00:32:08Mrs. Blackwood
00:32:09is looking for
00:32:09a father for
00:32:10her daughter,
00:32:11not a husband
00:32:11for herself.
00:32:12You'd do well
00:32:13to remember
00:32:13that.
00:32:14Perfect.
00:32:15I had ended
00:32:15one marriage
00:32:16that morning.
00:32:16Another woman
00:32:17was the last
00:32:18thing on my
00:32:18mind.
00:32:19But taking
00:32:19care of a
00:32:20child would put
00:32:20a roof over
00:32:21my head.
00:32:21For a man
00:32:22with nothing
00:32:22left, it was
00:32:24a lifeline.
00:32:26Understood.
00:32:27I won't cross
00:32:28the line.
00:32:29Miss Miller
00:32:29led me through
00:32:29a quiet service
00:32:30corridor.
00:32:31As we passed
00:32:31the study, then a
00:32:32gunshot rang out
00:32:33and a man crumpled
00:32:34to the floor
00:32:34instantly.
00:32:35You had your
00:32:36chance.
00:32:38A few minutes
00:32:39later, Miss
00:32:40Miller ushered
00:32:40me into the
00:32:41dining room.
00:32:41At the long
00:32:42walnut table, a
00:32:44young woman and
00:32:44a little girl were
00:32:45locked in a
00:32:46standoff.
00:32:46The woman held
00:32:47a bowl and
00:32:48spoon.
00:32:48The girl gripped
00:32:49the back of her
00:32:50chair, lips
00:32:51sealed.
00:32:52At last, she
00:32:53set the bowl
00:32:53down.
00:32:54One bite,
00:32:54Veronica.
00:32:55Just one.
00:32:56Is that too
00:32:57much to ask?
00:32:58I recognised
00:32:59that voice.
00:33:01Mrs. Blackwood,
00:33:02another applicant
00:33:03is here.
00:33:04This one appears
00:33:05sensible.
00:33:05She was
00:33:06striking, tall,
00:33:08sharp-featured, and
00:33:09impossible to
00:33:09ignore.
00:33:10I had seen
00:33:11Victoria Blackwood
00:33:12featured in
00:33:13business profiles
00:33:14and news reports.
00:33:17What's your name?
00:33:18Ethan Carter.
00:33:20She handed me
00:33:21the bowl.
00:33:23You try.
00:33:28So this was
00:33:29the interview.
00:33:30I carried the
00:33:30bowl toward Ronnie.
00:33:32Before I made it
00:33:33two steps, she
00:33:34shot under the
00:33:34table.
00:33:35Only her dark
00:33:36eyes remained
00:33:37visible.
00:33:37I don't want
00:33:38him.
00:33:39Make him leave.
00:33:39I won't let
00:33:40him feed me.
00:33:41They're all
00:33:42liars.
00:33:42It looked like
00:33:43she'd already
00:33:43been through lots
00:33:44of would-be
00:33:45stepfathers.
00:33:46I spotted two
00:33:47bunny dolls on
00:33:47the rug and
00:33:48crouched beside
00:33:49them.
00:33:49Relax.
00:33:50I'm not feeding
00:33:51you.
00:33:52Chef Bunny made
00:33:53lunch for
00:33:53Customer Bunny.
00:33:54Mmm, this is
00:33:56delicious.
00:33:57Ronnie peeked
00:33:58out from under
00:33:58the table.
00:33:59Oh no, I
00:34:01ordered too much.
00:34:01I can't eat
00:34:02another bite.
00:34:04Customer Bunny
00:34:05didn't like my
00:34:06food.
00:34:08I worked so
00:34:09hard.
00:34:10I guess I'll
00:34:11have to throw it
00:34:12all away.
00:34:13Don't be sad.
00:34:14I'll eat it.
00:34:15I had barely held
00:34:16the spoon out to
00:34:17her when she took
00:34:18a bite.
00:34:18Then another.
00:34:19Soon, the bowl
00:34:20was empty.
00:34:22See?
00:34:23I ate it all.
00:34:24Your food is good.
00:34:25Don't be sad.
00:34:26Thank you,
00:34:27Bunny Roni.
00:34:28I'll cook for you
00:34:29too in the future.
00:34:30The tension had
00:34:31left her face.
00:34:32The corner of her
00:34:33mouth lifted in
00:34:33faint approval.
00:34:34Just like that, I
00:34:36moved into the
00:34:36Blackwood estate.
00:34:38Ronnie and I
00:34:39stayed on the
00:34:40second floor.
00:34:41Victoria occupied
00:34:42the third.
00:34:43Miss Miller warned
00:34:44me twice.
00:34:45Do not go upstairs
00:34:47without permission.
00:34:48One applicant tried
00:34:49to slip past
00:34:50security after
00:34:51midnight.
00:34:51He was off the
00:34:52estate before
00:34:53breakfast.
00:34:54Two weeks
00:34:54later, Victoria
00:34:55came home to
00:34:56find Roni and
00:34:57the golden
00:34:57retriever eating
00:34:58side by side
00:34:59on the front
00:34:59steps, both
00:35:00in red bandanas.
00:35:03His methods
00:35:03are unconventional.
00:35:06Roni has
00:35:07finished two
00:35:07plates and
00:35:08intends to
00:35:09defeat the
00:35:09dog.
00:35:12Victoria let
00:35:12out a breath,
00:35:13then walked
00:35:14into the house.
00:35:15Once both
00:35:15competitors were
00:35:16stuffed, I took
00:35:17them for a
00:35:17half-hour walk
00:35:18around the
00:35:18garden.
00:35:20I didn't
00:35:20realise Victoria
00:35:21was watching
00:35:21from an upstairs
00:35:22window as
00:35:23Roni chased
00:35:23Buddy across
00:35:24the lawn,
00:35:25barking,
00:35:25and laughing
00:35:26until she
00:35:26could barely
00:35:27breathe.
00:35:27Two weeks
00:35:28ago, she
00:35:28barely ate,
00:35:29spoke, or
00:35:30left her
00:35:30room.
00:35:31I believe
00:35:31we found
00:35:32the right
00:35:32person.
00:35:33When I
00:35:34brought Roni
00:35:34inside,
00:35:35Victoria was
00:35:35sitting on
00:35:36the sofa.
00:35:47Ethan, we
00:35:47need to talk.
00:35:53You're good
00:35:53with children.
00:35:54Do you
00:35:55have any?
00:35:57No.
00:35:58I worked
00:35:59at a
00:35:59hospital, and
00:36:00I took care
00:36:00of my
00:36:00ex-wife's
00:36:01sister's son
00:36:01for two
00:36:02years.
00:36:03The
00:36:03Whitmores
00:36:03thought my
00:36:04salary was
00:36:04negligible,
00:36:05next to
00:36:05Vanessa's
00:36:06income, as
00:36:06the heiress to
00:36:07a medical
00:36:07device company,
00:36:09so they
00:36:10pressured me
00:36:10to quit and
00:36:11take care of
00:36:11the household.
00:36:14Because I
00:36:15had worked
00:36:15in healthcare,
00:36:17Vanessa's
00:36:17sister fired
00:36:18her nanny
00:36:18and simply
00:36:19dumped her
00:36:19son on me.
00:36:23Your file
00:36:23says you're
00:36:24divorced.
00:36:25Yes.
00:36:27Why?
00:36:31We came
00:36:32from different
00:36:32worlds.
00:36:33You saw
00:36:34the ad,
00:36:34Roni needs
00:36:35a father.
00:36:36She won't
00:36:37go to
00:36:37preschool.
00:36:38When she
00:36:38was little,
00:36:39my enemy
00:36:39terrified her.
00:36:40She's never
00:36:40felt safe
00:36:41ever since.
00:36:49I'm
00:36:50busy, so
00:36:50I need a
00:36:51patient man
00:36:51who can be
00:36:52a father to
00:36:52her.
00:36:54I'll
00:36:55drop a
00:36:55prenuptial
00:36:56agreement with
00:36:57attorneys representing
00:36:57both of us
00:36:58present as
00:36:58witnesses.
00:37:00I see.
00:37:01That was how
00:37:01wealthy families
00:37:02operated.
00:37:04Vanessa and
00:37:04I had
00:37:05married for
00:37:05love, but
00:37:06the difference
00:37:06in our
00:37:07backgrounds
00:37:07was so
00:37:08great that
00:37:08I had
00:37:08signed a
00:37:09prenup
00:37:09anyway.
00:37:11By the
00:37:11time the
00:37:11love was
00:37:12gone and
00:37:12we
00:37:12divorced, I
00:37:13walked away
00:37:13with nothing.
00:37:14They even
00:37:14took back my
00:37:15wedding ring.
00:37:16A family as
00:37:16powerful as the
00:37:17Blackwoods would
00:37:18naturally be even
00:37:18more cautious
00:37:19about marriage.
00:37:20Honestly, a
00:37:21place to stay is
00:37:21enough for me.
00:37:22We don't need
00:37:23to get married.
00:37:24This is for
00:37:24Roni.
00:37:25I want her to
00:37:26have a father
00:37:26for life.
00:37:27Marriage is
00:37:27necessary.
00:37:30Then we'll
00:37:31follow the
00:37:31agreement.
00:37:33I'll deposit
00:37:33$10,000 a
00:37:34month into
00:37:35your personal
00:37:35account for
00:37:36your expenses.
00:37:38If this
00:37:39marriage ends,
00:37:40the money
00:37:40stays mine?
00:37:41That mattered
00:37:41a great deal
00:37:42to me.
00:37:42I'd been
00:37:43burned before.
00:37:44Of course.
00:37:47Then I
00:37:48agree.
00:37:49As for sex,
00:37:50I have no
00:37:50expectations.
00:37:51You'll stay on
00:37:52the second
00:37:52floor.
00:37:54Good.
00:37:55Neither do
00:37:55I.
00:37:58Less than a
00:37:58month after my
00:37:59divorce, I was
00:38:00married again.
00:38:01Like my last
00:38:02marriage, there
00:38:02was no wedding.
00:38:03Mr. Miller
00:38:03added several
00:38:04dishes to
00:38:05dinner.
00:38:05Victoria handed
00:38:06me a Blackwood
00:38:06family ring.
00:38:08Vanessa had
00:38:08never even given
00:38:09me her family
00:38:10ring.
00:38:11That isn't
00:38:12necessary.
00:38:13For Roni.
00:38:19All right.
00:38:20I will keep
00:38:20it.
00:38:22That night, after
00:38:23I took Roni back
00:38:24to her room, she
00:38:25caught my hand.
00:38:26What is it,
00:38:27sweetheart?
00:38:28Ethan, will
00:38:29you read me a
00:38:29story?
00:38:31What?
00:38:34I'll make
00:38:34Mom pay you
00:38:35more.
00:38:36If you don't
00:38:36want to, forget
00:38:37it.
00:38:40Sweetie, I'd
00:38:41love to.
00:38:42I tucked her
00:38:43in.
00:38:46She fell asleep
00:38:47before I finished
00:38:48the story.
00:38:51Victoria looked
00:38:51genuinely startled
00:38:52when Miss Miller
00:38:53told her the next
00:38:54morning.
00:38:58Ethan, thank
00:38:58you.
00:38:59I'll add
00:39:00another $5,000
00:39:01a month.
00:39:03That's too
00:39:03much.
00:39:05I had given
00:39:06far more of
00:39:06myself in my
00:39:07first marriage
00:39:08and left without
00:39:08enough money for
00:39:09a motel.
00:39:13Her mother
00:39:14always said,
00:39:15We can afford
00:39:15staff, but
00:39:16unlike other
00:39:17husbands, Ethan
00:39:18doesn't bring home
00:39:18the bacon.
00:39:19He should
00:39:20contribute
00:39:20somehow.
00:39:24During the
00:39:25divorce, the
00:39:26Whitmores still
00:39:26claimed I had
00:39:27spent three years
00:39:28living off them.
00:39:31Your allowance is
00:39:32already generous.
00:39:33I like Roni.
00:39:34She's a good
00:39:35kid.
00:39:36reading a book
00:39:37isn't extra work.
00:39:38Roni stood
00:39:39beside me, face
00:39:40solemn, eyes
00:39:41shining.
00:39:43The men before
00:39:44you cared about
00:39:45impressing me.
00:39:46None of them
00:39:46cared what Roni
00:39:47wanted.
00:39:50The increase
00:39:50stands.
00:39:56Miss Miller
00:39:57had warned me.
00:39:58Roni could
00:39:58panic if anyone
00:39:59tried to take
00:39:59her outside the
00:40:00gates.
00:40:01So one
00:40:01afternoon, I
00:40:02planned to see
00:40:03my psychiatrist
00:40:04about my
00:40:04depression
00:40:04medication
00:40:05alone.
00:40:06I'll be back
00:40:07soon.
00:40:08You can wait
00:40:09here and pick
00:40:09our next book.
00:40:14She thinks
00:40:15you're leaving
00:40:15for good.
00:40:20I'm not
00:40:20leaving.
00:40:21I'm going to
00:40:22see my doctor
00:40:22and then I'm
00:40:23coming home,
00:40:24okay?
00:40:25Before I
00:40:25finished, Roni
00:40:26climbed into
00:40:27the SUV.
00:40:32You want to
00:40:32go with Ethan?
00:40:34Miss Miller
00:40:35pressed her
00:40:36hand to his
00:40:36chest.
00:40:37Thank God
00:40:38she finally
00:40:39wants to
00:40:39leave the
00:40:40estate.
00:40:49Your depression
00:40:50is improving.
00:40:51Keep a steady
00:40:52routine and get
00:40:53enough sleep.
00:40:54Outside the
00:40:54office, Roni
00:40:55tugged on my
00:40:56sleeve.
00:40:56Ethan, are you
00:40:57sick?
00:41:01a little.
00:41:02I didn't take
00:41:03care of myself
00:41:03for a long
00:41:04time.
00:41:05Don't make
00:41:05the same
00:41:05mistake I
00:41:06did.
00:41:06Does it
00:41:07hurt?
00:41:10If it does,
00:41:11you can have
00:41:11my chocolate.
00:41:12She pulled a
00:41:13wrapped piece of
00:41:13chocolate from her
00:41:14pocket and placed it
00:41:15in my palm.
00:41:16Mom says sugar
00:41:16makes bad days
00:41:17less bad.
00:41:18The tears came
00:41:19before I could
00:41:20stop them.
00:41:20I pulled Roni
00:41:21into my arms.
00:41:25I'll eat all
00:41:26my food.
00:41:27Then when I'm
00:41:28big, I can
00:41:28protect you.
00:41:31You'd better
00:41:32grow fast.
00:41:34When we
00:41:35stepped outside,
00:41:36an armored
00:41:36black SUV
00:41:37waited at the
00:41:38curve.
00:41:40Victoria leaned
00:41:40against it,
00:41:41drawing stairs
00:41:42from half the
00:41:42sidewalk.
00:41:46My ex-wife
00:41:47kicked me out
00:41:47because she
00:41:48couldn't handle
00:41:48me in bed.
00:41:50I wandered
00:41:50New York
00:41:51alone, and a
00:41:52flyer caught
00:41:52my eye.
00:41:54Wanted.
00:41:54A father for
00:41:55a four-year-old
00:41:56girl.
00:41:56Patience required.
00:41:58Room and board
00:41:59included.
00:42:00Less than
00:42:00thirty-six
00:42:01bucks left on
00:42:01my card, I
00:42:02didn't think
00:42:02twice.
00:42:03That very
00:42:04night, I
00:42:04walked straight
00:42:05into the
00:42:05Blackwood
00:42:05estate with
00:42:06a single
00:42:06duffel bag.
00:42:08Later, my
00:42:09ex-wife would
00:42:09ask me in that
00:42:10patronizing voice,
00:42:11Ethan, do you
00:42:12understand what
00:42:13you did wrong?
00:42:14The four-year-old
00:42:15feisty princess
00:42:16flew into a rage.
00:42:17Wrong?
00:42:17My dad is
00:42:18always right.
00:42:19Victoria slipped
00:42:20an arm around
00:42:20my waist.
00:42:21My husband is
00:42:22right, even when
00:42:23he's wrong.
00:42:26I never imagined
00:42:27the family behind
00:42:27the flyer would be
00:42:28the most powerful
00:42:29crime family on
00:42:30the East Coast.
00:42:31Now I stood at
00:42:32the gates of
00:42:32their estate.
00:42:34Mrs. Blackwood is
00:42:35looking for a
00:42:36father for her
00:42:37daughter, not a
00:42:38husband for
00:42:38herself.
00:42:39You'd do well to
00:42:40remember that.
00:42:40Perfect.
00:42:41I had ended one
00:42:42marriage that
00:42:42morning.
00:42:43Another woman was
00:42:44the last thing on
00:42:45my mind.
00:42:45But taking care of
00:42:46a child would put
00:42:47a roof over my
00:42:48head.
00:42:48For a man with
00:42:49nothing left, it
00:42:50was a lifeline.
00:42:52Understood.
00:42:53I won't cross the
00:42:54line.
00:42:55Miss Miller led me
00:42:56through a quiet
00:42:56service corridor.
00:42:57As we passed the
00:42:58study, then a gunshot
00:42:59rang out and a man
00:43:00crumpled to the floor
00:43:01instantly.
00:43:02You had your
00:43:02chance.
00:43:04A few minutes
00:43:05later, Miss Miller
00:43:06ushered me into the
00:43:07dining room.
00:43:08At the long walnut
00:43:09table, a young woman
00:43:11and a little girl
00:43:11were locked in a
00:43:12standoff.
00:43:13The woman held a
00:43:14bowl and spoon.
00:43:15The girl gripped the
00:43:16back of her chair, lips
00:43:17sealed.
00:43:18At last, she set the
00:43:19bowl down.
00:43:20One bite, Veronica.
00:43:22Just one.
00:43:23Was that too much to
00:43:24ask?
00:43:25I recognised that
00:43:26voice.
00:43:27Mrs Blackwood, another
00:43:29applicant is here.
00:43:30This one appears
00:43:31sensible.
00:43:32She was striking, tall,
00:43:34sharp-featured, and
00:43:35impossible to ignore.
00:43:37I had seen Victoria
00:43:38Blackwood featured in
00:43:39business profiles and
00:43:40news reports.
00:43:43What's your name?
00:43:45Ethan Carter.
00:43:47She handed me the
00:43:48bowl.
00:43:50You try.
00:43:54So this was the
00:43:55interview.
00:43:56I carried the bowl
00:43:57toward Ronnie.
00:43:58Before I made it two
00:44:00steps, she shot under
00:44:01the table.
00:44:02Only her dark eyes
00:44:03remained visible.
00:44:04I don't want him.
00:44:05Make him leave.
00:44:06I won't let him feed
00:44:07me.
00:44:08They're all liars.
00:44:09It looked like she'd
00:44:10already been through
00:44:10lots of would-be
00:44:11stepfathers.
00:44:12I spotted two bunny
00:44:13dolls on the rug and
00:44:14crouched beside them.
00:44:16Relax.
00:44:16I'm not feeding you.
00:44:18Chef Bunny made lunch
00:44:19for Customer Bunny.
00:44:21Mmm.
00:44:22This is delicious.
00:44:24Ronnie peeked out from
00:44:24under the table.
00:44:26Oh no!
00:44:27I ordered too much!
00:44:28I can't eat another
00:44:29bite!
00:44:31Customer Bunny
00:44:32didn't like my food.
00:44:35I worked so hard.
00:44:37I guess I'll have to
00:44:38throw it all away.
00:44:39Don't be sad.
00:44:41I'll eat it.
00:44:42I had barely held the
00:44:43spoon out to her when
00:44:44she took a bite.
00:44:45Then another.
00:44:46Soon, the bowl was
00:44:47empty.
00:44:48See?
00:44:49I ate it all.
00:44:50Your food is good.
00:44:52Don't be sad.
00:44:53Thank you, Bunny
00:44:54Roni.
00:44:55I'll cook for you too
00:44:56in the future.
00:44:56The tension had left
00:44:57her face.
00:44:58The corner of her
00:44:59mouth lifted in faint
00:45:00approval.
00:45:01Just like that,
00:45:02I moved into the
00:45:03Blackwood Estate.
00:45:05Roni and I stayed on
00:45:06the second floor.
00:45:07Victoria occupied the
00:45:08third.
00:45:10Miss Miller warned me
00:45:11twice.
00:45:12Do not go upstairs
00:45:13without permission.
00:45:15One applicant tried to
00:45:16slip past security
00:45:17after midnight.
00:45:18He was off the estate
00:45:19before breakfast.
00:45:21Two weeks later,
00:45:22Victoria came home to
00:45:23find Roni and the
00:45:23Golden Retriever eating
00:45:24side by side on the
00:45:25front steps, both in
00:45:27red bandanas.
00:45:29His methods are
00:45:30unconventional.
00:45:33Roni has finished
00:45:34two plates and
00:45:35intends to defeat
00:45:36the dog.
00:45:38Victoria let out
00:45:39a breath, then
00:45:40walked into the
00:45:41house.
00:45:41Once both competitors
00:45:42were stuffed, I took
00:45:44them for a half-hour
00:45:44walk around the
00:45:45garden.
00:45:46I didn't realise
00:45:47Victoria was watching
00:45:48from an upstairs window
00:45:49as Roni chased Buddy
00:45:50across the lawn,
00:45:51barking and laughing
00:45:52until she could barely
00:45:53breathe.
00:45:54Two weeks ago, she
00:45:55barely ate, spoke, or
00:45:56left her room.
00:45:57I believe we found
00:45:58the right person.
00:46:00When I brought
00:46:00Roni inside,
00:46:01Victoria was sitting
00:46:02on the sofa.
00:46:13Ethan, we need to
00:46:14talk.
00:46:19You're good with
00:46:20children.
00:46:21Do you have any?
00:46:24No.
00:46:25I worked at a
00:46:25hospital, and I took
00:46:27care of my ex-wife's
00:46:27sister's son for two
00:46:28years.
00:46:29The Whitmores thought
00:46:30my salary was
00:46:31negligible, next to
00:46:32Vanessa's income, as
00:46:33the heiress to a
00:46:34medical device company.
00:46:36So they pressured me
00:46:37to quit and take care
00:46:37of the household.
00:46:41Because I had worked
00:46:42in healthcare, Vanessa's
00:46:44sister fired her
00:46:44nanny and simply dumped
00:46:46her son on me.
00:46:49Your file says you're
00:46:50divorced.
00:46:52Yes.
00:46:54Why?
00:46:58We came from
00:46:59different worlds.
00:47:00You saw the ad,
00:47:01Roni needs a father.
00:47:03She won't go to
00:47:04preschool.
00:47:04When she was little,
00:47:05my enemy terrified her.
00:47:06She's never felt safe
00:47:07ever since.
00:47:16I'm busy, so I need
00:47:17a patient man who can
00:47:18be a father to her.
00:47:21I'll draw up a
00:47:22prenuptial agreement
00:47:23with attorneys
00:47:23representing both of
00:47:24us present as
00:47:25witnesses.
00:47:27I see.
00:47:28That was how wealthy
00:47:28families operated.
00:47:30Vanessa and I had
00:47:31married for love, but
00:47:33the difference in our
00:47:33backgrounds was so
00:47:34great that I had
00:47:35signed a prenup
00:47:36anyway.
00:47:37By the time the love
00:47:38was gone and we
00:47:39divorced, I walked
00:47:40away with nothing.
00:47:41They even took back
00:47:41my wedding ring.
00:47:42A family as powerful
00:47:43as the Blackwoods would
00:47:44naturally be even more
00:47:45cautious about marriage.
00:47:47Honestly, a place to
00:47:47stay is enough for me.
00:47:49We don't need to get
00:47:49married.
00:47:50This is for Roni.
00:47:51I want her to have a
00:47:53father for life.
00:47:54Marriage is necessary.
00:47:57Then we'll follow the
00:47:58agreement.
00:47:59I'll deposit $10,000 a
00:48:01month into your
00:48:01personal account for
00:48:02your expenses.
00:48:05If this marriage ends,
00:48:06the money stays mine?
00:48:07That mattered a great
00:48:08deal to me.
00:48:09I'd been burned before.
00:48:10Of course.
00:48:13Then I agree.
00:48:16As for sex, I have no
00:48:17expectations.
00:48:18You'll stay on the
00:48:18second floor.
00:48:21Good.
00:48:21Neither do I.
00:48:24Less than a month after
00:48:26my divorce, I was
00:48:27married again.
00:48:28Like my last marriage,
00:48:29there was no wedding.
00:48:30Mr. Miller added several
00:48:31dishes to dinner.
00:48:32Victoria handed me a
00:48:33Blackwood family ring.
00:48:34Vanessa had never even
00:48:35given me her family ring.
00:48:38That isn't necessary.
00:48:40For Roni.
00:48:45All right.
00:48:46I will keep it.
00:48:49That night, after I took
00:48:50Roni back to her room,
00:48:51she caught my hand.
00:48:53What is it, sweetheart?
00:48:55Ethan, will you read me a
00:48:56story?
00:48:58What?
00:49:00I'll make Mom pay you
00:49:02more.
00:49:02If you don't want to,
00:49:03forget it.
00:49:07Sweetie, I'd love to.
00:49:08I tucked her in.
00:49:12She fell asleep before I
00:49:14finished the story.
00:49:17Victoria looked genuinely
00:49:18startled when Miss Miller
00:49:20told her the next morning.
00:49:24Ethan, thank you.
00:49:26I'll add another $5,000 a
00:49:27month.
00:49:29That's too much.
00:49:31I had given far more of
00:49:33myself in my first marriage
00:49:34and left without enough
00:49:35money for a motel.
00:49:40Her mother always said,
00:49:41We can afford staff, but
00:49:43unlike other husbands,
00:49:44Ethan doesn't bring home
00:49:45the bacon.
00:49:46He should contribute
00:49:47somehow.
00:49:51During the divorce, the
00:49:52Whitmore still claimed I had
00:49:54spent three years living off
00:49:55them.
00:49:58Your allowance is already
00:49:59generous.
00:49:59I like Roni.
00:50:01She's a good kid.
00:50:03Reading a book isn't extra
00:50:04work.
00:50:05Ronnie stood beside me, face
00:50:06solemn, eyes shining.
00:50:10The men before you cared about
00:50:11impressing me.
00:50:13None of them cared what Roni
00:50:14wanted.
00:50:16The increase stands.
00:50:23Miss Miller had warned me.
00:50:24Roni could panic if anyone
00:50:25tried to take her outside the
00:50:26gates.
00:50:27So one afternoon, I planned to
00:50:29see my psychiatrist about my
00:50:31depression medication alone.
00:50:33I'll be back soon.
00:50:35You can wait here and pick our
00:50:36next book.
00:50:41She thinks you're leaving for
00:50:42good.
00:50:46I'm not leaving.
00:50:47I'm going to see my doctor and
00:50:49then I'm coming home.
00:50:50Okay?
00:50:51Before I finished, Roni climbed
00:50:53into the SUV.
00:50:58You want to go with Ethan?
00:51:01Miss Miller pressed a hand to
00:51:03his chest.
00:51:04Thank God she finally wants to
00:51:06leave the estate.
00:51:16Your depression is improving.
00:51:18Keep a steady routine and get
00:51:19enough sleep.
00:51:20Outside the office, Roni tugged
00:51:22on my sleeve.
00:51:23Ethan, are you sick?
00:51:25Merchant key.
00:51:26Search fire.
00:51:28A little.
00:51:28I didn't take care of myself for
00:51:30a long time.
00:51:31Don't make the same mistake I
00:51:32did.
00:51:33Does it hurt?
00:51:36If it does, you can have my
00:51:38chocolate.
00:51:39She pulled a wrapped piece of
00:51:40chocolate from her pocket and
00:51:41placed it in my palm.
00:51:42Mom says sugar makes bad days
00:51:44less bad.
00:51:45The tears came before I could
00:51:46stop them.
00:51:47I pulled Roni into my arms.
00:51:52I'll eat all my food.
00:51:53Then when I'm big, I can
00:51:55protect you.
00:51:58You'd better grow fast.
00:52:01When we stepped outside, an
00:52:02armored black SUV waited at the
00:52:04curb.
00:52:06Victoria leaned against it,
00:52:08drawing stairs from half the
00:52:09sidewalk.
00:52:12My ex-wife kicked me out because
00:52:14she couldn't handle me in bed.
00:52:15Get the fuck out.
00:52:16I wandered New York alone, and
00:52:18a flyer caught my eye.
00:52:20Wanted.
00:52:21A father for a four-year-old
00:52:22girl.
00:52:23Patience required.
00:52:24Room and board included.
00:52:26Less than 36 bucks left on my
00:52:28card.
00:52:28I didn't think twice.
00:52:30That very night, I walked
00:52:31straight into the Blackwood
00:52:32Estate with a single duffel bag.
00:52:34Later, my ex-wife would ask me in
00:52:36that patronizing voice,
00:52:38Ethan, do you understand what
00:52:39you did wrong?
00:52:40The four-year-old feisty princess
00:52:42flew into a rage.
00:52:43Wrong?
00:52:44My dad is always right.
00:52:46Victoria slipped an arm around
00:52:47my waist.
00:52:48My husband is right, even when
00:52:49he's wrong.
00:52:52I never imagined the family
00:52:54behind the flyer would be the
00:52:55most powerful crime family on
00:52:56the East Coast.
00:52:57Now I stood at the gates of
00:52:59their estate.
00:53:01Mrs. Blackwood is looking for a
00:53:02father for her daughter, not a
00:53:04husband for herself.
00:53:05You'd do well to remember that.
00:53:07Perfect.
00:53:08I had ended one marriage that
00:53:09morning.
00:53:10Another woman was the last thing
00:53:11on my mind.
00:53:12But taking care of a child would
00:53:13put a roof over my head.
00:53:15For a man with nothing left, it
00:53:17was a lifeline.
00:53:19Understood.
00:53:20I won't cross the line.
00:53:22Mrs. Miller led me through a
00:53:23quiet service corridor.
00:53:24As we passed the study, then a
00:53:25gunshot rang out and a man
00:53:27crumpled to the floor
00:53:27instantly.
00:53:28You had your chance.
00:53:31A few minutes later, Mrs. Miller
00:53:33ushered me into the dining room.
00:53:34At the long walnut table, a
00:53:37young woman and a little girl
00:53:38were locked in a standoff.
00:53:39The woman held a bowl and
00:53:41spoon.
00:53:41The girl gripped the back of her
00:53:43chair, lips sealed.
00:53:45At last, she set the bowl down.
00:53:47One bite, Veronica.
00:53:48Just one.
00:53:49Is that too much to ask?
00:53:51I recognised that voice.
00:53:54Mrs. Blackwood, another applicant
00:53:56is here.
00:53:57This one appears sensible.
00:53:59She was striking.
00:54:00Tall, sharp-featured, and
00:54:02impossible to ignore.
00:54:03I had seen Victoria Blackwood
00:54:05featured in business profiles and
00:54:07news reports.
00:54:10What's your name?
00:54:12Ethan Carter.
00:54:13She handed me the bowl.
00:54:16You try.
00:54:21So this was the interview.
00:54:23I carried the bowl toward Ronnie.
00:54:25Before I made it two steps, she shot
00:54:27under the table.
00:54:28Only her dark eyes remained visible.
00:54:30I don't want him.
00:54:32Make him leave.
00:54:33I won't let him feed me.
00:54:34They're all liars.
00:54:36It looked like she'd already been
00:54:37through lots of would-be stepfathers.
00:54:39I spotted two bunny dolls on the rug
00:54:41and crouched beside them.
00:54:42Relax.
00:54:43I'm not feeding you.
00:54:45Chef Bunny made lunch for
00:54:46Customer Bunny.
00:54:48Mmm.
00:54:48This is delicious.
00:54:50Ronnie peeked out from under the table.
00:54:53Oh no!
00:54:53I ordered too much!
00:54:55I can't eat another bite!
00:54:57Customer Bunny didn't like my food.
00:55:01I worked so hard.
00:55:03I guess I'll have to throw it all away.
00:55:06Don't be sad.
00:55:07I'll eat it.
00:55:08I had barely held the spoon out to her
00:55:10when she took a bite.
00:55:11Then another.
00:55:12Soon, the bowl was empty.
00:55:15See?
00:55:16I ate it all.
00:55:17Your food is good.
00:55:18Don't be sad.
00:55:20Thank you, Bunny Roni.
00:55:21I'll cook for you too in the future.
00:55:23The tension had left her face.
00:55:25The corner of her mouth lifted in faint approval.
00:55:27Just like that,
00:55:28I moved into the Blackwood Estate.
00:55:32Ronnie and I stayed on the second floor.
00:55:34Victoria occupied the third.
00:55:36Miss Miller warned me twice.
00:55:39Do not go upstairs without permission.
00:55:41One applicant tried to slip past security after midnight.
00:55:45He was off the estate before breakfast.
00:55:47Two weeks later,
00:55:48Victoria came home to find Roni and the golden retriever
00:55:51eating side by side on the front steps,
00:55:53both in red bandanas.
00:55:56His methods are unconventional.
00:55:59Roni has finished two plates
00:56:01and intends to defeat the dog.
00:56:05Victoria let out a breath,
00:56:06then walked into the house.
00:56:07Once both competitors were stuffed,
00:56:10I took them for a half-hour walk around the garden.
00:56:13I didn't realise Victoria was watching
00:56:15from an upstairs window
00:56:16as Roni chased Buddy across the lawn,
00:56:18barking and laughing until she could barely breathe.
00:56:20Two weeks ago,
00:56:21she barely ate, spoke, or left her room.
00:56:24I believe we found the right person.
00:56:26When I brought Ronnie inside,
00:56:28Victoria was sitting on the sofa.
00:56:40Ethan, we need to talk.
00:56:46You're good with children.
00:56:47Do you have any?
00:56:51No, I worked at a hospital
00:56:52and I took care of my ex-wife's sister's son
00:56:54for two years.
00:56:56The Whitmores thought my salary was negligible
00:56:58next to Vanessa's income
00:56:59as the heiress to a medical device company.
00:57:02So they pressured me to quit
00:57:03and take care of the household.
00:57:07Because I had worked in healthcare,
00:57:10Vanessa's sister fired her nanny
00:57:11and simply dumped her son on me.
00:57:16Your file says you're divorced.
00:57:19Yes.
00:57:20Why?
00:57:24We came from different worlds.
00:57:26You saw the ad.
00:57:27Roni needs a father.
00:57:29She won't go to preschool.
00:57:31When she was little,
00:57:32my enemy terrified her.
00:57:33She's never felt safe ever since.
00:57:42I'm busy,
00:57:43so I need a patient man
00:57:44who can be a father to her.
00:57:48I'll draw up a prenuptial agreement
00:57:49with attorneys representing
00:57:50both of us present as witnesses.
00:57:53I see.
00:57:54That was how wealthy families operated.
00:57:57Vanessa and I had married for love,
00:57:59but the difference in our backgrounds
00:58:00was so great
00:58:01that I had signed a prenup anyway.
00:58:04By the time the love was gone
00:58:05and we divorced,
00:58:06I walked away with nothing.
00:58:07They even took back my wedding ring.
00:58:09A family as powerful as the Blackwoods
00:58:11would naturally be
00:58:11even more cautious about marriage.
00:58:13Honestly, a place to stay
00:58:14is enough for me.
00:58:15We don't need to get married.
00:58:17This is for Roni.
00:58:18I want her to have a father for life.
00:58:20Marriage is necessary.
00:58:23Then we'll follow the agreement.
00:58:26I'll deposit $10,000 a month
00:58:28into your personal account
00:58:29for your expenses.
00:58:31If this marriage ends,
00:58:33the money stays mine?
00:58:34That mattered a great deal to me.
00:58:36I'd been burned before.
00:58:37Of course.
00:58:40Then I agree.
00:58:42As for sex,
00:58:43I have no expectations.
00:58:45You'll stay on the second floor.
00:58:47Good.
00:58:48Neither do I.
00:58:51Less than a month after my divorce,
00:58:53I was married again.
00:58:54Like my last marriage,
00:58:55there was no wedding.
00:58:56Mr. Miller added several dishes to dinner.
00:58:58Victoria handed me
00:58:59a Blackwood family ring.
00:59:01Vanessa had never even
00:59:02given me her family ring.
00:59:04That isn't necessary.
00:59:06For Roni.
00:59:12All right.
00:59:13I will keep it.
00:59:16That night,
00:59:16after I took Roni back to her room,
00:59:18she caught my hand.
00:59:19What is it, sweetheart?
00:59:21Ethan, will you read me a story?
00:59:24What?
00:59:27I'll make Mom pay you more.
00:59:29If you don't want to,
00:59:30forget it.
00:59:34Sweetie, I'd love to.
00:59:35I tucked her in.
00:59:39She fell asleep
00:59:40before I finished the story.
00:59:44Victoria looked genuinely startled
00:59:45when Miss Miller told her
00:59:47the next morning.
00:59:51Ethan, thank you.
00:59:52I'll add another $5,000 a month.
00:59:56That's too much.
00:59:58I had given far more of myself
01:00:00in my first marriage
01:00:01and left without enough money
01:00:02for a motel.
01:00:06Her mother always said,
01:00:08We can afford staff,
01:00:09but unlike other husbands,
01:00:11Ethan doesn't bring home the bacon.
01:00:12He should contribute somehow.
01:00:17During the divorce,
01:00:19the Whitmores still claimed
01:00:20I had spent three years
01:00:21living off them.
01:00:24Your allowance is already generous.
01:00:26I like Roni.
01:00:27She's a good kid.
01:00:29Reading a book isn't extra work.
01:00:32Roni stood beside me,
01:00:33face solemn,
01:00:34eyes shining.
01:00:37The men before you
01:00:38cared about impressing me.
01:00:39None of them cared
01:00:40what Roni wanted.
01:00:43The increase stands.
01:00:49Miss Miller had warned me.
01:00:51Roni could panic
01:00:51if anyone tried to take her
01:00:52outside the gates.
01:00:54So one afternoon,
01:00:55I planned to see my psychiatrist
01:00:57about my depression medication alone.
01:00:59I'll be back soon.
01:01:01You can wait here
01:01:02and pick our next book.
01:01:07She thinks you're leaving for good.
01:01:13I'm not leaving.
01:01:14I'm going to see my doctor
01:01:15and then I'm coming home.
01:01:17Okay?
01:01:18Before I finished,
01:01:19Roni climbed into the SUV.
01:01:25You want to go with Ethan?
01:01:28Miss Miller pressed a hand to his chest.
01:01:30Thank God!
01:01:32She finally wants to leave the estate!
01:01:42Your depression is improving.
01:01:44Keep a steady routine
01:01:45and get enough sleep.
01:01:47Outside the office,
01:01:48Roni tugged on my sleeve.
01:01:50Ethan, are you sick?
01:01:51Merchant tape.
01:01:52Search iron.
01:01:54A little.
01:01:55I didn't take care of myself
01:01:56for a long time.
01:01:58Don't make the same mistake I did.
01:01:59Does it hurt?
01:02:03If it does,
01:02:04you can have my chocolate.
01:02:05She pulled a wrapped piece of chocolate
01:02:07from her pocket
01:02:07and placed it in my palm.
01:02:09Mom says sugar makes bad days less bad.
01:02:11The tears came before I could stop them.
01:02:13I pulled Roni into my arms.
01:02:19I'll eat all my food.
01:02:20Then when I'm big,
01:02:21I can protect you.
01:02:25You'd better grow fast.
01:02:26Mm-hmm.
01:02:27When we stepped outside,
01:02:29an armored black SUV
01:02:30waited at the curve.
01:02:33Victoria leaned against it,
01:02:34drawing stairs from half the sidewalk.
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