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Watch The Don Wants Me Episodes 1 27 on Dailymotion (2026).
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00:00I followed my husband's mistress.
00:03She lived like a rich girl in a gated mansion district, driving a six-figure luxury car.
00:08But when she was out with my husband, she always left right on time.
00:13Sorry, my daddy is really strict. I have to go home.
00:17To save my marriage, I secretly took photos of her with my husband.
00:21Then I sent them to her strict daddy.
00:24Did you know your daughter is sleeping with a married man?
00:29After 30 minutes, he replied.
00:31Got it. I've been cheated on.
00:33I stared at my phone. Why did he say he was betrayed too?
00:37I was the victim. Maybe he typed it wrong.
00:39Any father would panic after hearing his daughter was someone's mistress.
00:42So I corrected him.
00:44Sir, I'm the one who got cheated on.
00:46Your daughter and my husband are having a secret affair.
00:49I thought for a second, then added another message.
00:52If texting is hard, we can talk on the phone.
00:55This time, he replied quickly.
00:58Let's meet.
01:00Before we met, I thought Natalie's daddy would be at least 50.
01:04But the man across from me was young and pressful.
01:06I tried to find a decent way to start an ugly topic.
01:11You're younger than I expected.
01:1333.
01:15Sorry?
01:16My age, 33.
01:20Then you must have had her very young.
01:23Actually, I'm not her biological father.
01:25So you're her stepfather?
01:27Something like that.
01:35Vincent Ashford, let's get to the point.
01:42Tell me everything about Natalie and your husband.
01:47My husband, Daniel Reed, owned a well-known piano academy.
01:51And Natalie had been his private student for over a year.
01:55Three months ago, I went to the academy to find Daniel and saw them kissing on the piano bench.
02:00I froze outside the door.
02:01But I memorized her face and found her file in the office.
02:08$160,000.
02:10For a girl her age, that is a lot of money.
02:13She asked me for $200,000.
02:15So Natalie pocketed $40,000.
02:17How sweet, Daddy.
02:18This time, I was not spoke out.
02:20I had only caught them once, so I didn't know if it was a mistake or an affair.
02:24For two weeks, I followed Natalie as she slept until afternoon, drove luxury cars,
02:29and filled her days with brunch, golf, and tennis.
02:32By the end, I was honestly getting depressed.
02:36Honestly, I don't understand what she sees in my husband.
02:40Your husband was a rich guy or very powerful?
02:44No.
02:45He has a PhD in music.
02:47Before opening the academy, he had a university job.
02:50His annual income just reached seven figures.
02:53A million?
02:57So, is he very handsome?
02:59I showed him Daniel's photo.
03:01He's good, just not as good-looking as you.
03:03Vincent suddenly serious.
03:07You think I'm better-looking than your husband?
03:09I went quiet again.
03:10Why did I say this?
03:12No, I mean, we're ordinary people.
03:14Not like you and Natalie.
03:15You are unusually good-looking.
03:20He's average.
03:22You're not.
03:22My heart jumped.
03:24I quickly pulled my phone out of his hand.
03:26Mr. Ashford, I came here so you could control Natalie.
03:29I will.
03:30But do you really think that will save your marriage?
03:32His words hit the sorest place in me.
03:35No.
03:35And I don't want it saved.
03:37I just don't want my future ex-husband landing a rich woman.
03:40Vincent leaned back and looked at me with interest.
03:44What's your name?
03:47Grace.
03:51When I got home, Daniel was moving his things into the study.
03:55You're sleeping in the study right now?
03:56I've been working late.
03:57I don't want to wake you.
03:58Fine.
03:59Maybe he was keeping himself pure for Natalie.
04:01I went back to the bedroom and searched Vincent Ashford's name online.
04:05When I saw his name tied to the Ashford's, the city's most powerful mafia family,
04:09I realized he was more than rich.
04:10He was the king of the underworld.
04:12No wonder he looked confused when I said Daniel was only a piano teacher, earning seven figures.
04:17Honey, I made you coffee.
04:19I shut my laptop at once, afraid he'd spot it.
04:22I have a student from a very wealthy family.
04:24I've been looking for investors, so I invited her over for dinner tonight.
04:29Which student?
04:30Natalie Cross.
04:32Bingo, same person I was thinking of.
04:33He said her name calmly.
04:35Great.
04:36Do you want me to cook?
04:37No.
04:38I'll handle it.
04:39You don't have to do anything.
04:41For one second, I almost forgot I had seen him kiss another woman.
04:45Vincent called Daniel average, but to me, he was handsome, gentle, educated, and successful.
04:51He was the kind of man everyone thought I was lucky to marry.
04:53So if his heart had changed, why was he still playing the role?
04:56At six, Natalie arrived.
04:58Daniel went to the kitchen and asked me to keep her company.
05:01Natalie took the coffee from me and said,
05:02I didn't expect you to be so pretty, Mrs. Reed.
05:05Is that surprising?
05:06Then she looked at Daniel's back in the kitchen.
05:08It must be tiring, pretending everything is fine.
05:10She turned back to me and lowered her voice.
05:12Do you know why I came here tonight?
05:15The HOA told me someone has been asking about me.
05:17My hand tightened around the cup.
05:19She knew.
05:20I came to warn you.
05:22I'm not someone you can mess with.
05:25I remember the reports of Vincent walking away untouched from every crime tied to him.
05:30My palms started to sweat.
05:31Then Daniel's voice came from,
05:33Dinner's ready.
05:34Natalie leaned back like nothing had happened.
05:36Next, Daniel talked to her while placing food on my plate.
05:40I did not touch it.
05:41Who was this performance even for?
05:43Finally, Natalie glanced toward the study and smiled.
05:45Daniel, are you sleeping in the study now?
05:48Grace and I have both been busy.
05:49Sleeping separately helps us rest.
05:51He made it sound like our marriage was already dead.
05:53I did not correct him.
05:55Natalie believed him and gave me a smug little smile.
05:57This was getting boring.
05:58I stood up.
05:59Excuse me, bathroom.
06:01Daniel, let's talk about the expansion.
06:02You need two million, right?
06:04My family said I can try making some investments.
06:07Don't rush.
06:07I'll send you the proposal first.
06:09Okay.
06:10Whatever you say.
06:11I stood around the corner, took out my phone, and texted Vincent.
06:15Mr. Ashford, Natalie is at my house.
06:17Please, come get her before this gets any worse.
06:19One minute later, he replied, my hands are full.
06:22I stared at the screen.
06:23His daughter was at my table, and he told me to slap her myself.
06:26What was wrong with this man?
06:27I returned to the table, where Natalie looked even happier than before.
06:30Daniel, if I invest in your academy, does that make me the lady boss?
06:33Would your wife mind?
06:34You would be a co-boss.
06:35That is a lot of money.
06:37Can you really make that decision on your own, Miss Cross?
06:40It's nothing to me.
06:41If I want it, my family will support me.
06:45Daniel touched my arm and gave me a warning note.
06:48I'm just worried she's over-promising.
06:49Since you need investors, send me the proposal too.
06:52I happen to know a man very successful.
06:54Vincent Ashford?
06:56The Don?
06:57Across from me, Natalie's face went pale.
06:59All her confidence disappeared.
07:01She stared at the card, then at me.
07:09It's my daddy.
07:10I need to take this.
07:13I almost smiled, so Vincent finally found time.
07:17Daniel picked up the card and looked at me.
07:19How do you know Don Vincent?
07:20I don't.
07:21A friend knows his assistant.
07:24Then I'll keep it.
07:25Less than a minute later, Natalie came out with a drained face.
07:28She said she had to go home and refused Daniel's offer to drive her.
07:31After she left, Daniel stood at the door.
07:34What was that about?
07:35Daddy's girl.
07:36Strict household.
07:37After she left, everything suddenly felt boring.
07:40Then Daniel suddenly hugged me from behind.
07:42Honey.
07:46Didn't you say you were sleeping in the study?
07:49I...
07:50I...
07:51Good night, then.
07:52I walked into the bedroom alone.
07:54After that dinner, Daniel told me that Natalie stopped coming to lessons.
07:58Daniel kept scrolling through phone in front of me.
08:00Do you think something happened to her?
08:02Maybe she couldn't get the investment money and ran away.
08:05You were counting on her, weren't you?
08:07Where are you going?
08:10To meet a friend.
08:12You've been going out alone a lot lately.
08:16Want to come?
08:17He nodded.
08:18Really was going to come with me.
08:19Then his phone buzzed.
08:21Daniel looked at the screen.
08:22Then looked at me with fake regret.
08:24Something came up.
08:25I need...
08:25Of course.
08:27I need...
08:28Of course.
08:29You do.
08:31I left before he could explain.
08:32The friend I was meeting was a divorce lawyer.
08:35She pushed a draft agreement across the table.
08:37The divorce agreement is ready.
08:39I handed her the photos I had taken of Daniel and Natalie.
08:42Mostly hand-holding, hugging, and dates.
08:45This proves inappropriate contact, but not enough for a full advantage in divorce.
08:53How much proof do I need to take everything?
08:59Everything?
09:01Yes.
09:02Every asset under his name.
09:05Before I left, she told me I needed more direct evidence.
09:08So I opened my phone, checked the tracker on Daniel's car, and drove to the location.
09:13A winding mountain road.
09:15Daniel and Natalie were standing by the roadside.
09:17I could not hear them, but Natalie reached for his hand.
09:21Daniel shook her off.
09:22I sat in my car and took photos.
09:25Then I looked at the screen and realized Daniel was looking straight at me.
09:28He knew my car.
09:29My heart jumped.
09:30Daniel was already walking toward me.
09:34I threw the car into reverse and drove off.
09:37Daniel's car appeared in my rearview mirror.
09:39I couldn't let him catch me.
09:41I stepped on the gas.
09:42Then another car appeared around the bend.
09:44I slammed the brakes, turned the wheel, and still scraped against it hard.
09:50Worse, it was a luxury car.
09:52I went out to apologize, and then Vincent stepped out of the car.
09:56He looked at my car, then at me.
09:58Practicing drifting, Mrs. Grace?
10:00Help!
10:01He saw me, my husband.
10:02He is right behind me.
10:04Vincent looked past me, said nothing, and told his driver to fix my car.
10:08Oh.
10:08Then I got into the passenger seat of his car.
10:12Daniel's name flashed on my phone.
10:14I hung up.
10:15It rang again.
10:16Vincent glanced over.
10:18Answer it.
10:22Honey, are you nearby?
10:23I think I saw your car on the road.
10:26My car got hit.
10:27Someone is taking it to the shop.
10:30Are you okay?
10:32I'm fine.
10:34Where are you?
10:35I'll come get you.
10:35I glanced at Vincent.
10:37No need.
10:38I called a ride.
10:42I hung up.
10:43Husband and wife.
10:45Both excellent liars.
10:47I said nothing.
10:48The car kept moving through the mountains.
10:50After a while, I looked out the window and frowned.
10:53Mr. Ashford?
10:54This isn't the way back to the city?
10:56No.
10:57I have dinner plans.
10:59Then what am I supposed to do?
11:01You got into my car, so you go where I go.
11:04No.
11:05I'm going home.
11:06This is kidnapping.
11:08You should know who I am.
11:10No judge in this city would convict me.
11:12And you hit my car and left the scene.
11:14That sounds like a hit and run.
11:16I shut my mouth, forced to follow Vincent to dinner.
11:19The restaurant was hidden deep in the woods, private and quiet.
11:23His mafia friends were already there.
11:26You're never late.
11:27What happened?
11:28Car accident.
11:29Barely survived.
11:32Who dared to murder our Don?
11:34I knew who he was, but hearing the title still made me nervous.
11:38And Daniel still called me.
11:39I stood up to take the call.
11:41One of Vincent's friends looked over.
11:44Her husband keeps her on a tight leash.
11:47Need me to take care of any trouble, beautiful?
11:50It's fine.
11:51Thank you.
11:52I answered the call.
11:53Why didn't you answer?
12:03I'm having dinner with a friend.
12:05Who?
12:06A man or woman?
12:07Do I know them?
12:08You don't.
12:09I hung up and returned to the private room.
12:12Before I reached the table, I heard one of Vincent's K-Boss speak.
12:16A married woman at a family dinner?
12:18Risky, boss.
12:19She's a friend.
12:21The room fell silent when they saw me.
12:24I sat down and ignored their stares.
12:30Mrs. Grace, how long have you been married?
12:33How long?
12:35Three years.
12:37What do you do?
12:39Right.
12:40You're...
12:40A music professor.
12:42Good.
12:43Boss, you seem...
12:45don't know about her.
12:46Her husband cheated.
12:47Her marriage is over.
12:48She'll be divorced soon.
12:49What else matters?
12:50The table went dead silent.
12:52I could not sit there and eat.
12:53I'm done eating.
12:54I'll head out first.
13:00I walked out of the room,
13:02but the moment I reached the entrance,
13:03I saw Natalie coming from a distance.
13:06She was here for Vincent.
13:10I turned to avoid her
13:11and ran straight into someone's chest.
13:13Vincent looked down at me.
13:14Still hungry?
13:15Going back for seconds?
13:17Natalie is here.
13:20Vincent saw her finally.
13:22Then he grabbed my wrist,
13:24pushed me into his car,
13:25and shut the door.
13:28Before he could get in,
13:29Natalie rushed over.
13:31She stood in front of him,
13:32eyes red, voice shaken,
13:33and I cracked the window,
13:34tried to hear them.
13:35You said you wanted to learn piano
13:37so you could play for me.
13:38I did.
13:39I really did.
13:40Mr. Ashford,
13:41whatever you heard about Daniel and me,
13:42it's not true.
13:43It doesn't matter.
13:45We're done.
13:49He opened the car door.
13:54Mr. Ashford,
13:55I know I was wrong.
13:56Please don't let me leave.
13:57I looked at this.
13:59The same woman who had smirked at me
14:00like a winner of a dinner
14:01was now kneeling on the roadside.
14:03Don't make a scene.
14:05At this time,
14:07I'm going bust.
14:08I silenced it fast,
14:10but Natalie heard it anyway.
14:16She tried to look into the car,
14:18but Vincent stepped forward
14:19and blocked her view.
14:20Her face turning pale,
14:22she understood.
14:22A second later,
14:24Vincent got in
14:25and raised the window.
14:26Heard everything?
14:28I looked away
14:29to calm my heartbeat.
14:31You're not her father.
14:32I never said I was.
14:34I said something like that.
14:35Then what are you?
14:37Sugar Daddy.
14:38I had nothing to say.
14:39The car drove down the mountain road,
14:40a classic music played.
14:42I really felt like this man
14:43was going to drive me crazy.
14:44Who knew reporting a mistress
14:45would lead me straight
14:46to her sugar daddy?
14:47I'm sorry.
14:48My husband cheated
14:49with your mistress.
14:51What a perfect wife.
14:53Do you have a problem with me?
14:55I was so mad,
14:56I laughed.
15:01Great,
15:02your family fucked my girl
15:03and you shout me?
15:04I glanced at his ring,
15:05remember?
15:06He was the mafia Don.
15:08I got cheated on too,
15:09so it's hard
15:10to tolerate your tone.
15:12Oh.
15:13So your husband
15:14is the only man
15:15you tolerate.
15:17You...
15:18The car turned hard,
15:20throwing me back
15:20and swallowing the words
15:21before I could say it.
15:26This is my favorite
15:27stretch of road.
15:28I looked out
15:28at the deep green curves
15:30of the mountain road.
15:31It is my thing.
15:33But my phone broke
15:34in the short piece.
15:35Daniel again and again,
15:37Vincent glanced at the screen.
15:38He calls every ten minutes.
15:40I don't know
15:40what's wrong with him lately.
15:42Cheaters panic harder
15:43than loyal people.
15:44They know exactly
15:45what unanswered calls can mean.
15:46So now he suspects me?
15:48So you're not planning
15:49to cheat for revenge?
15:51I said nothing.
15:55Then Vincent spoke.
15:57He frowned at the number
15:58and answered through
15:59the car's speaker.
16:01Hello?
16:02Excuse me.
16:03Is this Mr. Ashford's assistant?
16:07I am Vincent Ashford.
16:09How did you get
16:10my private number?
16:13I'm Grace's husband.
16:16Mr. Ashford,
16:17sorry to bother you.
16:18I can't reach Grace.
16:19She said she was
16:20having dinner with you.
16:21Is she still there?
16:26I shook my head hard.
16:27I had never said that.
16:29Daniel was testing him.
16:30Vincent understood.
16:31Maybe I got it wrong then.
16:33Sorry to bother you.
16:35But Mr. Reed,
16:36if your wife is missing,
16:38you should call the police,
16:39not a stranger's private number.
16:41Don't you think
16:41that's out of line?
16:44Daniel stayed quiet
16:45for a few seconds.
16:47Then his voice dropped.
16:48Mr. Ashford,
16:49you've never been married.
16:51You don't know
16:51what it feels like
16:52to sit at home,
16:53calling everyone you can,
16:55looking pathetic,
16:56but still needing to know
16:57where your wife is.
16:58And who is trying
16:59to ruin my marriage?
17:01Even the most powerful man.
17:04Vincent's smile disappeared.
17:06So tell me,
17:07Mr. Ashford,
17:08am I really the one
17:09out of line?
17:13I pointed at the phone
17:14and mouthed one word,
17:15hang up.
17:16I am busy.
17:17Nice talk, bye.
17:19I never told you
17:20my name is Reed.
17:23Son of a bitch.
17:27You two deserve each other.
17:29You both dare speak
17:30to me that way.
17:31You're a lady,
17:32so I'll forgive you,
17:33but he'll pay.
17:34Can you bear that?
17:36He didn't mean it.
17:38A short silliance.
17:39Vincent checked his phone.
17:40How did he get my number?
17:42Your business card.
17:43He took it.
17:45Good couple.
17:46He tapped his screen,
17:48then looked at me.
17:49I sent you a contact request.
17:51Accept it.
17:53He was done with Natalie,
17:54so we had no reason
17:55to stay in touch.
17:56Watching Natalie kneel
17:57before him,
17:58I finally understood
17:59what the call Dawn truly meant.
18:00Mr. Ashford,
18:01I'm still married.
18:02We probably shouldn't
18:02keep in contact.
18:03His eyes went still.
18:05What does that mean?
18:10I chose my words carefully.
18:12I'm a decent woman.
18:14Good, I'm not decent.
18:15Before I could explain,
18:17he unbuckled his seatbelt,
18:18got out,
18:19walked around the car,
18:20opened my door,
18:21and pulled me out
18:22by the wrist.
18:23What are you doing?
18:25Vincent Ashford,
18:26this is a civilized country.
18:27There are cameras everywhere.
18:28He dragged me
18:29to the front of the car
18:30and pressed me
18:31toward the damaged side.
18:32Now you remember civilization?
18:34I looked at the scraped paint
18:35and went quiet.
18:36You came flying down
18:37that mountain road.
18:38The speed limit is 25.
18:39How fast were you going?
18:4150.
18:4350?
18:44His voice rose.
18:45If I hadn't been driving slowly,
18:47you would have killed me.
18:48I swallowed.
18:49Mr. Ashford,
18:50I'm sorry.
18:50It was my fault.
18:51He leaned closer,
18:52voice low and dangerous.
18:54Then accept my contact request.
18:56I took out my phone at once.
18:59Okay, I'll accept it.
19:01Pin me.
19:02I looked up.
19:03What?
19:06My car is expensive.
19:07I'll send you the repair bill.
19:09Don't ignore me.
19:10Fine.
19:12Don't hide your social media from me.
19:14Fine.
19:14I should be pinned above your husband.
19:16I frowned at him.
19:17Never mind.
19:18Husband comes first.
19:19And just like that,
19:20we reached an agreement.
19:22Half an hour later,
19:23Vincent's car entered the city
19:24and I told him to drop me
19:26at the entrance of my neighborhood
19:27before Daniel saw his car.
19:28Vincent glanced at me.
19:30So what if he sees?
19:31I ignored him
19:32and tried to open the door.
19:33It would not open.
19:35What a stupid car.
19:37Vincent looked at me.
19:38First time in a nice car, right?
19:39Then he leaned across me.
19:40I moved back at once,
19:41but he only reached up,
19:43flipped a switch near the roof,
19:44then looked at me calmly.
19:45It's open.
19:46I shoved him away,
19:47got out fast,
19:48and stepped back from the car.
19:50When I turned around,
19:51his car was already speeding away,
19:53so he only drove slowly
19:55when I was inside.
19:56I walked toward home.
19:57Exhausted,
19:58Daniel was standing ahead of me.
20:00What are you doing here?
20:03Daniel pulled me into his arms
20:05as if nothing had happened.
20:06You said you called a ride.
20:07They usually stop at this corner.
20:09He smiled faintly.
20:10So I waited.
20:11I did not know
20:11if he had seen Vincent's black car.
20:13Since he said nothing,
20:15neither did I.
20:16No alcohol,
20:17perfume,
20:17and gasoline?
20:18His nose was sharper
20:19than a bloodhound's.
20:21I pushed him away.
20:22I told you my car was hit.
20:23Of course I smell like gasoline.
20:25As long as you're okay.
20:26He reached for my hand.
20:27I pulled away.
20:29What's wrong?
20:30I looked at his innocent face
20:31and stopped fighting.
20:32Nothing.
20:32Let's go.
20:33Let's keep going.
20:34Let's wait until this finally ends.
20:37Back home.
20:38Dinner sat cold on the table.
20:40I already ate.
20:42Daniel's hand froze on the cabinet.
20:43I was too tired
20:44to care about his move.
20:45I ran a bath,
20:47leaned against the tub,
20:48and opened my phone.
20:49Vincent had no personal posts.
20:52Black.
20:55Boring enough to cure insomnia,
20:57Daniel came in
20:58to collect the laundry.
20:59I turned my back to him
21:00by instinct.
21:01Then the bathroom went quiet.
21:03Two fingers touched
21:04the back of my neck.
21:06How did you get this?
21:08I hit something
21:09during the accident.
21:10I did not turn around.
21:12Daniel rubbed the mark.
21:13Be more careful.
21:14He left with the laundry.
21:16I stared at the doorway.
21:17My mind blank.
21:19After drying my hair,
21:21I entered the bedroom.
21:22The bed was made
21:22with two pillows.
21:23I'm sleeping here again.
21:25Work is slowing down.
21:26I said nothing
21:27and got under the covers.
21:30The lights went out.
21:32The mattress dipped beside me.
21:33Daniel wrapped an arm
21:34around my waist.
21:35Baby.
21:36He leaned closer,
21:37his breath touching my ear.
21:39Who did you have dinner with?
21:43I kept my eyes closed
21:44and pretended to sleep.
21:46A moment later,
21:47his hands slipped
21:47under my nightgown.
21:48I opened my eyes
21:50and caught his wrist.
21:51Daniel looked at me.
21:52You were awake.
21:52I stared back at him.
21:54Who I eat with
21:54is my business.
21:55Calling people to track me down
21:56is pathetic.
21:57I didn't call everyone.
21:58I only asked one of your colleagues
21:59if you were at the university.
22:01And one other person?
22:02His grip tightened
22:03around my wrist.
22:04I called Don Vincent.
22:06The room went silent.
22:07Daniel's voice cut through the dark.
22:09How did you know I called him?
22:12Did he tell you?
22:13His fingers dug into my wrist.
22:15Or were you beside him
22:16listening while he lied to me?
22:18I stared at him in the dark.
22:19Daniel, are you accusing me?
22:21You can explain.
22:23We're friends.
22:24I hid his car
22:25and he drove me home.
22:26That's all.
22:29I turned away
22:30and pulled up the blanket.
22:31Daniel remained stiff
22:32for a long time.
22:33I believe you.
22:34A moment later,
22:35he moved closer
22:35and kissed my ear.
22:37He knew it was my weak spot.
22:39Honey?
22:42I'm tired.
22:43I moved away.
22:44But it's been so long.
22:46I did not answer.
22:47Daniel fell silent.
22:50My eyes stayed closed,
22:51but sleep never came.
22:53Since seeing him kiss Natalie,
22:54I had not let him touch me.
22:56Maybe I had loved him too much.
22:57Every time I imagined his hands
22:59on another woman,
23:00my stomach turned.
23:01At 2.30,
23:02Daniel finally fell asleep.
23:03I took his phone
23:04and opened his messages.
23:05I opened it.
23:06Only a few unread messages remained.
23:08I have family problems.
23:09I won't come to lessons
23:10for a few days.
23:11I kind of miss you.
23:13Did you catch her?
23:14Was that your wife's car?
23:15If she's really stalking us,
23:17that's disgusting.
23:18I stared at the last word
23:20until my eyes burned.
23:22Disgusting.
23:23Me.
23:28The wife trying to save her marriage
23:30had become the disgusting one.
23:31The rest of their messages were gone.
23:33His payment records were clean too.
23:36Daniel had erased everything carefully.
23:38I put his phone back.
23:40In his sleep,
23:40Daniel reached toward my side
23:42and touched the empty sheets.
23:43I walked onto the balcony,
23:45wrapped myself in a blanket,
23:47and looked at the starless sky.
23:48I remembered my first birthday
23:50in this home.
23:51The balcony had been covered in flowers.
23:53Daniel stood there with a cake,
23:55candlelight in his eyes.
23:57Now the same place was cold and empty.
24:00I wiped my face and turned around.
24:03Daniel stood in the doorway.
24:04I did not know how long he had been there.
24:07Can't sleep?
24:08Thinking about someone?
24:10I looked at him.
24:11The man I loved had died without a sound.
24:13Only this stranger remained.
24:16If I said I was thinking about you,
24:18would you believe me?
24:19Daniel laughed bitterly.
24:21Neither of us spoke again.
24:22He walked onto the balcony.
24:23I returned to bed alone.
24:29The next morning,
24:30Daniel followed me into the elevator.
24:32Let me drive you.
24:33He reached for my bag.
24:35I looked at him without moving.
24:37Daniel pulled back his hand
24:39and pressed the button.
24:40Your car is being repaired.
24:41I'm going near the university anyway.
24:43I'll call a ride.
24:46Before I could open the app,
24:47he took my phone.
24:48I'm driving you.
24:50The elevator fell silent.
24:52Then my phone rang with a special alert.
24:55Daniel frowned at the screen.
24:56I took it back before he could read the message.
24:58I thought you hated special alerted's.
25:01That was before.
25:04I opened Vincent's message.
25:06New car.
25:07Yours?
25:07I frowned and replied.
25:09Breakfast.
25:10My treat.
25:12I'm busy.
25:14The elevator doors opened.
25:17We're here.
25:18Downstairs, Daniel told me to wait
25:20while he got the car.
25:21Before he could leave,
25:23a pink luxury sedan
25:24stopped in front of us.
25:26A man in a dark suit
25:27stepped out
25:28and lowered his head.
25:30Then he handed me the keys.
25:33Miss Grace,
25:34this is your loner
25:35until your car is repaired.
25:40A loner?
25:41Yes.
25:42Our team contacted you this morning.
25:44Daniel looked over the luxury car.
25:48Dealerships give out cars like this now?
25:50He leaned closer.
25:52Come with me.
25:52I'll be your driver.
25:54I got into the loner.
25:56No need.
25:57Focus on your work.
25:58In the mirror,
25:59Daniel stood still,
26:00his face unriverable.
26:00I looked away
26:01and noticed flowers
26:02and breakfast
26:03on the passenger seat.
26:04The food was still warm.
26:06For some reason,
26:07the pressure in my chest eased.
26:11At noon,
26:12the real dealership called.
26:13Mrs. Grace,
26:14your husband requested
26:15your GPS history
26:16and dash cam footage.
26:17My hand tightened
26:17around the phone.
26:19Did you give it to him?
26:20He said it was
26:21for the insurance claim.
26:22I forced my voice
26:23to remain steady.
26:24Right.
26:25The claim.
26:26He also said
26:27you needed a loner.
26:27Should we send one?
26:28No.
26:30Thank you.
26:31I hung up.
26:32A colleague looked out the window.
26:34New car?
26:35Your husband's business
26:36must be doing well.
26:40It belongs to a friend.
26:42She leaned closer.
26:43A friend?
26:44Man or woman?
26:45Single?
26:47Before I could answer,
26:48someone knocked.
26:49My colleague looked up.
26:51Daniel's here.
26:52Guess I'm eating alone.
26:54Daniel stood outside,
26:55smiling.
26:56What are you doing near campus?
26:58Looking at new locations.
27:00The academy is expanding.
27:01The old place is too small
27:03and there are more students here.
27:04My fork stopped.
27:06The investment worked out?
27:08Natalie's family was careful.
27:10They only gave her $500,000.
27:11With my money,
27:12it's enough to start.
27:13He took my hand.
27:15It won't be easy,
27:16but I'll build it properly.
27:18Then I can drive you
27:19to work every day.
27:20Vincent had already
27:21cut Natalie off.
27:22Where did she get $500,000?
27:25Natalie has that much money?
27:26I've seen her home.
27:27Her family is rich.
27:29Daniel squeezed my hand.
27:31The money has already been wired.
27:36I had nothing to say.
27:38Daniel studied my face.
27:40You saw Natalie in me yesterday.
27:42I stayed silent.
27:44We were discussing the investment.
27:46We barely spoke.
27:47Then I saw your car
27:48and followed you.
27:49His voice dropped.
27:50Grace,
27:51I never meant for you to crash.
27:52I only wanted to explain.
27:53I pulled my hand away.
27:55Daniel stared at his empty palm.
27:57Since leaving the university,
27:58I've been under so much pressure.
28:00Sometimes I hide in the bathroom
28:02just to breathe.
28:02His eyes turned red.
28:04I didn't want to burden you,
28:06but I know I failed you.
28:08Then his voice grew firm.
28:10I know what I did wrong.
28:11We can still fix this.
28:12We can be better than before.
28:14Every word sounded reasonable.
28:15I believed none of it.
28:18My break is over.
28:20After work,
28:21I drove to Natalie's gated complex
28:22to see if Vincent
28:23had really cut her off.
28:25The loner was registered to Vincent.
28:27The guard saw the plates
28:28and opened the gates
28:29without a question.
28:33Natalie stood by the curb
28:35with three suitcases
28:36and a moving truck.
28:37The moment I parked,
28:38she rushed over
28:39and photographed the car.
28:41I stepped out.
28:43Finished?
28:44This is your car?
28:45I did not explain.
28:48You're moving?
28:49Natalie raised her chin.
28:51I got bored here.
28:52I bought a place downtown.
28:53She was clearly being thrown out,
28:55but I let her keep the lie.
28:56Congratulations.
28:58Natalie stepped closer
28:59and lowered her voice.
29:00Starting today,
29:01I'm serious about Daniel.
29:02Before,
29:03I was only playing,
29:04so I didn't care about you.
29:05I looked at her.
29:08Thanks for proving
29:08how bad my taste is.
29:11You...
29:11Before she could continue,
29:13two men in dark suits approached.
29:15One was Vincent's right-hand man.
29:17He recognized me at once.
29:18Miss Harpin,
29:19what brings you here?
29:20Then he smiled.
29:22Mr. Ashford is selling
29:23one of his homes here.
29:24Are you interested?
29:25I brought the agent.
29:27You're joking.
29:28I can't afford this place.
29:29The boss owns several homes here.
29:31If you want one,
29:32he'll make it work.
29:36I looked away.
29:38When I turned back,
29:39Natalie was gone.
29:40So were her suitcases
29:41and the moving truck.
29:42Vincent's man only smiled.
29:44What about the repair bill?
29:46Mr. Ashford is handling
29:47the claim personally.
29:48A man that busy
29:49still cares about one car?
29:50The boss doesn't let anyone else
29:51handle that car.
29:52Unbelievable.
29:54Vincent called
29:55and told me to join him
29:56for a private dinner
29:57on the lake.
29:58That evening,
29:59a boat waited
30:00beneath the city lights.
30:01Vincent arrived
30:02with two men in dark suits.
30:04They remained on oar
30:05as he stepped aboard.
30:06I stood,
30:06but the boat rocked beneath me.
30:08I stumbled straight into him.
30:09Vincent caught my arm
30:10without changing his expression.
30:12Easy.
30:12Maybe it was the darkness,
30:14but he did not mock me.
30:15We sat across from each other.
30:17Vincent went straight to business.
30:19I sent the bill.
30:20Any objections?
30:21Mr. Ashford,
30:22I know your car is expensive,
30:24but why am I paying
30:25for lost income
30:26and emotional damage?
30:27It was the weekend.
30:28I work weekends.
30:30That amount for lost income
30:31is too high.
30:32My time is expensive.
30:33My insurance won't cover it.
30:35Then pay me directly.
30:36I took a breath.
30:37Vincent Ashford,
30:38are you scamming me?
30:42Vincent's face remained cold.
30:44My lawyers can explain
30:45every number.
30:46He only raised his eyes,
30:47calm and certain
30:48he had already won.
30:49I sighed and sat down.
30:51Mr. Ashford,
30:52I'm only a professor.
30:53I make $5,000 a month.
30:55My husband is cheating
30:56with his student.
30:57I'm unlucky enough.
30:58Can't you show me some mercy?
31:00Vincent slowly cut into his steak.
31:03That sounds like an offer.
31:05His eyes moved over me once.
31:07I have money.
31:08You have looks.
31:09I took a breath,
31:10but one corner of his mouth lifted.
31:12Too bad I'm a decent man.
31:14That trick won't clear your debt.
31:15I stared at him,
31:16then laughed.
31:17You're the one thinking dirty.
31:18You know I'm broke.
31:19Did you send the car,
31:20flowers, and breakfast
31:21just to collect money?
31:22Vincent placed his knife down
31:23with deliberate care.
31:25His smile disappeared.
31:27His dark eyes locked on mine.
31:29I want you, Grace,
31:30and I always get what I want.