2
#shortdrama #cdrama
#drama #romantic #love #movie
#review #movie #trailer
#Romance #Drama #CEO #ShortDrama #ChineseDrama #Movie #KDrama #FeelGoodDrama #MiniSeries
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00I stopped outside the half-open door when I heard Adrian's friend laugh.
00:04She's beautiful, and she isn't really your sister.
00:06You never thought about marrying her?
00:08Adrian turned the little teddy bear in his hand.
00:10Stella is pretty. Pretty things aren't always precious.
00:14I enjoy her when I want to. That doesn't mean I'll build my life around her.
00:18I stood there with my fingers pressed against the wall.
00:21That bear was paired to the implant under the scar at the back of my head.
00:25For five years, whenever Adrian touched it, my body answered.
00:29I used to think he carried it because he loved me.
00:31I did not cry. I walked away.
00:34That afternoon, Eleanor placed a folder of engagement candidates in front of me.
00:38If you don't like any of them, we can keep looking.
00:40I pointed to Theo Wilder's photo.
00:43Theo Wilder. Notorious playboy.
00:46A man society said had dated half of Manhattan.
00:49I like him. I want to marry him as soon as possible.
00:53Eleanor blinked, then smiled softly.
00:55Too eager. I'll speak with the Wilders.
00:57I'll treat you to a lavish wedding.
01:00I had just slipped the folder into my bag when a man's voice cut through the parlor.
01:05Who wants a lavish wedding?
01:07I turned. Adrian Foster stood in the doorway. Winter air still clinging to his black coat.
01:15Nothing had happened. His arms stretched along the back of the sofa.
01:20From across the room, it must have looked like he was holding me.
01:23Who wants a lavish wedding?
01:25Eleanor smiled.
01:27Stella is...
01:27I cut in before she could finish.
01:29A friend. She's getting married next month.
01:31I was asking Mrs. Foster what gift to buy.
01:34Eleanor looked at me once, but she did not expose me.
01:38Adrian took out a black Amex and held it toward me.
01:40Buy whatever you want.
01:42I kept my hands in my lap.
01:44Thank you, Adrian.
01:45Mrs. Foster already gave me enough.
01:47His eyes darkened.
01:49Eleanor opened another folder.
01:52Since you're home, choose.
01:54You're 30.
01:55It's time.
01:56Adrian flipped through photos of women born to marry men like him.
01:59I knew my place.
02:00I was the orphan Richard Foster had taken in after my parents died.
02:04Then Adrian tapped one photo.
02:05Her.
02:06Vivian Waverly smiled from the page.
02:08My fingers tightened until my nails hurt.
02:10Stella, what do you think?
02:12If Adrian likes her, she must be perfect.
02:15Adrian's phone rang.
02:16He walked to the terrace with the teddy bear in his hand.
02:18Through the glass, smoke blurred his face.
02:20He turned suddenly.
02:21I lowered my eyes and walked upstairs before he could see me break.
02:26I woke because I could not breathe.
02:28A mouth covered mine.
02:30A body pinned me under the blankets.
02:32My eyes flew open.
02:33Adrian was above me.
02:36Adrian!
02:37He looked down at me like my panic was only another language he owned.
02:42I've been gone for weeks.
02:43You didn't miss me?
02:44No.
02:45He smiled and fastened a necklace around my throat.
02:48Don't sulk.
02:49I brought you something.
02:51It was the very necklace I'd eyed a few times the other day.
02:53Leaning against him as I read a magazine.
02:55I gripped the pendant.
02:57After you get married, what happens to me?
02:59Adrian's hand settled at my waist.
03:00I'll take care of you for the rest of your life.
03:02As your hidden mistress.
03:04His face cooled.
03:05Then what position do you want?
03:06I pushed against his chest.
03:09I don't want this.
03:10Adrian lifted the teddy bear from his pocket.
03:12You gave me everything.
03:14Where would you go without me?
03:16His fingers pressed into the bear.
03:18The implant answered.
03:20An unspoken longing swept over me before I could react.
03:24And a soft, sweet tone escaped my lips.
03:27I bit my lip until blood touched my tongue.
03:29Adrian forced my mouth open to stop me from hurting myself.
03:33Why are you so stubborn?
03:35I don't want to.
03:37He stared at me, anger flaring up in an instant.
03:40Then he stood, walked out, and shut the door.
03:43Only then did I cry.
03:45The doctor pointed at the scan and did not smile.
03:48Miss Hayes, removing this device without the original surgical team could damage sensitive tissue.
03:53My hands tightened around my bag.
03:55Can anyone else do it?
03:59You should contact the doctor who implanted it.
04:01The original clinic was tied to Foster Holdings.
04:04There was one other way.
04:05The teddy bear had a control switch.
04:07If I could get it back, disable the connection, and destroy the device, the implant would go dormant.
04:12I remembered my 18th birthday.
04:14Eleanor had filled the estate with flowers and music.
04:17After everyone left, I cried alone in my room.
04:20Because my parents would never see me groan.
04:22Near midnight, Adrian knocked.
04:26Happy birthday.
04:27He had flown back from Europe just for me.
04:29When my fingers brushed his, I pulled away, burning.
04:32Stella, do you like me?
04:33That night, I gave him my heart.
04:34Five years later, I wanted it back.
04:37I applied for university housing.
04:39Adrian did not call.
04:41Theo Wilder added me online and said nothing.
04:44Two weeks later, Eleanor called.
04:46Vivian is coming to dinner.
04:47The driver is already on the way.
04:51Come home tonight as well.
04:52When I entered the parlor, Vivian leaned against Adrian's side.
04:56Adrian looked at her with a softness I used to beg for.
04:58Later, beside the pool, Vivian's smile vanished.
05:03Aren't you tired of pretending, Stella?
05:09Vivian shoved me into the pool.
05:11Cold water closed over my head.
05:13I kicked upward, coughing when I broke the surface.
05:15Vivian crouched at the edge.
05:17An orphan raised on charity thought she could want my man.
05:20Her hand pressed down on my head.
05:21Water swallowed my scream.
05:23I fought up once.
05:24She pushed me down again.
05:26When I surfaced the next time, I grabbed her wrist and pulled.
05:30Vivian screamed as she fell in.
05:32I dragged myself to the edge, shaking so badly I could barely breathe.
05:37Footsteps hit the stone.
05:39Adrian appeared.
05:40He jumped into the pool for Vivian first.
05:42What happened?
05:43She pushed.
05:44Vivian threw herself into his arms.
05:46She tried to help her, but she dragged me down.
05:48Why would she do that?
05:49Check the cameras.
05:52Apologize.
05:53I stared at him.
05:56You don't believe me?
05:58Vivian is my fiancé.
05:59Why would she lie?
06:01I asked why I would hurt someone I had just met.
06:04Adrian's voice stayed cold.
06:06Even if she lied, she is my fiancé.
06:08If she says you were wrong, then you were wrong.
06:11My knees touched the wet stone.
06:16I'll kneel.
06:19I knelt beside the pool until my knees stopped feeling like mine.
06:22My dress was soaked.
06:24Wind cut through the fabric.
06:25The terrace lights blurred at the edges.
06:27I swayed once.
06:28Then the pool rushed up toward me.
06:30Cold water swallowed me again.
06:32When I woke, bitter medicine touched my lips.
06:35Adrian's face hovered above mine.
06:39You have a fever.
06:40I blinked at him, too weak to move.
06:43He pulled me into his arms and kissed my cheek.
06:47Still angry?
06:48You pushed Vivian into the pool and think I shouldn't have punished you?
06:51I didn't.
06:52My voice disappeared under his ringing phone.
06:55Vivian's voice came through, soft and trembling.
07:00Adrian, I keep having nightmares.
07:02Can you come stay with me?
07:03Adrian paused.
07:05Don't be afraid. I'm coming.
07:07He stroked my hair like I was a child who had misbehaved.
07:10I looked at the teddy bear in his hand.
07:11Can I have it back?
07:13If anyone damages it, the implant echoes the harm back to me.
07:16Adrian smiled.
07:19I'll protect you.
07:20Then he walked out with my life still in his hand.
07:29Adrian's face filled my phone screen again.
07:31Another headline.
07:32Another photo.
07:33He stood beside Vivian in a private boutique, holding her shopping bags without impatience.
07:37I tapped, not interested.
07:39The next article showed him outbidding everyone at a charity auction for her necklace.
07:42I tapped it again.
07:44The third showed Vivian's custom wedding gown glittering under studio lights.
07:48My thumb hovered for one second.
07:50Then I tapped, not interested.
07:52I had already called Foster Medical Center in secret.
07:54The specialist who could remove my implant was overseas.
07:57I had to wait until after Adrian's wedding.
07:59So I stayed in my room, feverish and silent, while the world applauded him for loving another woman in public.
08:06Every headline pulled one thread of him out of me.
08:08After a week, I could finally stand.
08:10I put on a mask and went downstairs.
08:12Eleanor set down her teacup.
08:14Stella, are you feeling better?
08:18I'm fine.
08:20Thank you, Mrs. Foster.
08:22She studied my face.
08:24You've suffered.
08:25I sat across from her and forced my voice steady.
08:28Since I'll marry into the Wilder family as your daughter, I want to make it official.
08:31I want the adult adoption papers.
08:33I want to become Stella Foster.
08:34Eleanor froze.
08:35Why now?
08:37It might help Vivian feel secure.
08:41I stepped out of family court with temporary legal papers in my bag.
08:44Stella Hayes was becoming Stella Foster.
08:47My phone rang before I reached the curb.
08:50Vivian's birthday party is tonight.
08:51After the pool incident, she says she wants to hold a grudge.
08:54Don't cause trouble.
08:55I looked at the papers.
08:57Alright.
08:58By the time I reached the Manhattan hotel ballroom, the party had already started.
09:02Guests whispered near the doors.
09:04Adrian commissioned Juliet roses for Vivian.
09:07They're announcing the engagement tonight.
09:09He may propose.
09:10I looked inside.
09:12Adrian and Vivian stood beneath the chandeliers.
09:14Like a portrait made for old money.
09:16For five years.
09:17I had hidden in back seats and dark hotel rooms.
09:19He had never once let me stand beside him like that.
09:22So he knew how to honor a woman.
09:24He just never thought I was worth it.
09:26A woman laughed behind me.
09:28Ha!
09:29Jealous?
09:30Adrian was only playing with you.
09:32I turned.
09:33Three women blocked my way.
09:35The one in pink lifted her hand.
09:37The teddy bear dangled from her fingers.
09:39My whole body went still.
09:41I was thrown to the ground by the two women.
09:44I'd barely started to rise when I saw the woman in pink flip the switch on the teddy bear.
09:48A wave of throbbing warmth washed over me out of nowhere.
09:52My face went white.
09:53My legs turned to jelly.
09:55And I crumpled back before I could get to her.
09:57The women laughed while guests turned to stare.
10:01So it's true.
10:03Vivian wasn't exaggerating.
10:05Give it back.
10:06Two hands shoved me down again.
10:08The woman in pink pulled out a lighter.
10:11My voice cracked.
10:13No, don't!
10:15The flame touched the bear.
10:17Pain tore through me where there was no fire.
10:20I screamed.
10:22The ballroom went silent.
10:24Across the room, Adrian turned.
10:28Stella!
10:29Vivian reached for him.
10:31But he shook her off and came toward me.
10:34I looked at him through the blur.
10:35I had trusted him with my body.
10:37My safety.
10:39My life.
10:40And he had let someone else take it.
10:42I forced myself to the catering table and grabbed a small knife.
10:46Adrian's face changed.
10:48No!
10:49I pressed the blade beneath the old scar and triggered the emergency release.
10:54The implant disconnected.
10:56The pain vanished.
10:58The tiny device fell into my palm marked with his name.
11:02I crushed it between my fingers.
11:04Everything went black before my eyes.
11:06I collapsed to the ground and passed out.
11:09I caught Stella before she hit the floor.
11:10Her body hung limp in my arms.
11:13Blood stained my hands.
11:14A minute ago, she had looked at me like I was the person who had handed her to the fire.
11:18Now her eyes were closed.
11:20I looked at the burned ash of the teddy bear on the ballroom floor.
11:24Mr. Foster, we didn't know.
11:26It was just a joke.
11:27My voice came out low.
11:30A joke?
11:31I didn't know Stella was close enough to you for jokes.
11:34Vivian stepped closer in her silk dress.
11:37Adrian, tonight is our engagement announcement.
11:40Send Stella to the hospital first.
11:41We can handle this after.
11:43I looked at her once.
11:44Then I lifted Stella.
11:45Walked out.
11:46Vivian followed.
11:47You're leaving?
11:49We haven't announced anything yet.
11:51Get out of my way.
11:52At Foster Medical Center, staff took Stella to surgery.
11:56I stood outside the operating room, staring at the blood of my palms.
12:00Vivian's heels cracked down the water.
12:01There's nothing you can do here.
12:03Come back me.
12:03Everyone is waiting.
12:04My hand moved before I thought.
12:06The slap cracked through the hallway.
12:08Vivian stumbled against the wall.
12:10You hit me?
12:11I crouched in front of her and closed my hand around her throat.
12:15Just enough to make her stop moving.
12:18If anything happens to Stella, you will pay for it ten times over.
12:23Vivian stared up at me.
12:25You care about her that much?
12:27I stopped near the corner when security dragged three terrified women into the hospital corridor.
12:32The one in pink dropped to her knees.
12:34Mr. Foster, we're sorry.
12:36Vivian hinted Stella needed to be taught a lesson.
12:39Vivian's face went pale under the hallway lights.
12:43Eleanor stepped forward.
12:44What nonsense are you saying?
12:46Stella would never solucid Adrian.
12:48Her eyes snapped toward her son.
12:50I stood near the operating room with dried blood on my hands.
12:53Vivian's father turned on her.
12:54Have you lost your mind?
12:56You hired people to attack someone under Foster protection?
13:00Vivian's voice shook.
13:01He isn't even related to Adrian by blood.
13:04Be quiet if you still want to marry him.
13:06The corridor went silent.
13:07Then Vivian's father straightened his jacket and changed his tone.
13:10Vivian will apologize when Stella wakes.
13:12Waiver group will give Foster Hone another 20% on the Midtown project.
13:1720%.
13:17That was nearly everything the Waverless stood to make.
13:21Richard's face eased.
13:22If it was a misunderstanding, then we'll speak clearly when Stella wakes.
13:26I looked at Vivian.
13:27Her eyes were red.
13:28She stared at me like she was waiting for me to save her.
13:30I turned the ring on my finger once.
13:32The Waverless were bleeding profit to protect their daughter.
13:35My father wanted the project.
13:37Vivian's family wanted the wedding.
13:38And no one in that hallway was going to keep blaming Stella.
13:41That had been one reason I pushed this far.
13:43The corridor settled into a fragile silence.
13:45Everyone had something to hide.
13:47Everyone had something to gain.
13:48And Stella was still behind the operating room doors.
13:50Vivian's mother pulled her into the side corridor and pressed a tissue against her swollen cheek.
13:56Stella got Adrian to hit me.
13:58I didn't even lie.
14:00She deduce him.
14:02Her mother lowered her voice.
14:04So what if she did?
14:06Vivian froze.
14:07I stayed behind the wall and listened.
14:09The Waverleys are marrying up.
14:11A man like Adrian can keep one woman out the marriage door 10.
14:14What matters is whether any of them threaten your position.
14:18Vivian's fingers twisted in her skirt.
14:20Be gracious.
14:21Smile.
14:22Stella has no family.
14:23No power.
14:24No standing.
14:25You will be the wife.
14:26You will have the name.
14:27I looked down the corridor.
14:28Stella Hayes.
14:29I remembered a girl at the Foster Estate years ago.
14:32Quiet.
14:32Pretty.
14:33Always careful.
14:34Like she was trying not to take up space.
14:37I had pretended not to care back then.
14:39I had cared more than I admitted.
14:41At the end of the hall, Adrian stood alone before the operating room.
14:45The red light stayed on.
14:46He stared at the door without moving.
14:48I looked toward the red operating light.
14:50Well, isn't Stella Hayes supposed to be my fiancee?
14:54I woke to pain spreading from the back of my head.
14:57Adrian's hand tightened around mine.
14:59Stella?
15:00You're awake.
15:01How do you feel?
15:02I pulled my hand away.
15:04I'm fine.
15:05His eyes were bloodshot.
15:06His shirt cuffs were still marked faintly red.
15:08The implant is fully removed.
15:10The doctor said you'll recover.
15:13Okay.
15:14He reached for me again.
15:16The bear was stolen from my dressing room.
15:19I didn't give it to them.
15:21I-
15:22Okay.
15:23The door opened.
15:24Vivian walked in with careful makeup and a soft voice.
15:26Stella, please don't listen to those women.
15:28They acted on their own to please me.
15:30I would have stopped them.
15:32She bent to touch my hand.
15:33I moved away before her fingers reached me.
15:36Adrian stood beside my bed.
15:37Their families are facing consequences.
15:40They won't appear in front of you again.
15:42He blamed everything on the woman in pink.
15:44But Vivian was the real culprit.
15:46All Vivian did was mumble a few meaningless apologies.
15:49And that was it.
15:50I couldn't believe Adrian failed to see it.
15:52Yet he still chose to cover for her.
15:54Even when I almost died because of it.
15:56Later, Eleanor came in with warm soup.
15:58Still Mrs. Foster?
15:59You signed the papers.
16:01You should call me mom.
16:02My fingers tightened around the bowl.
16:04Mom.
16:05Her eyes reddened.
16:06Then she set the thermos down.
16:08Stella, you and Adrian need to end this.
16:10The spoon slipped from my fingers and hit the bowl.
16:13Eleanor watched me with gentle eyes.
16:14I know you're a good girl.
16:17That's why you agreed to marry Theo and become legally one of us.
16:22Her voice stayed soft.
16:23But Adrian challenged the Waveries for you.
16:27I don't think he'll let go easily.
16:29I stared at the blanket.
16:32He is the future of Foster Holdings.
16:35We cannot let you become a stain him.
16:37A stain.
16:38That was what I was.
16:39She took an envelope from her bag.
16:41Richard and I arranged everything.
16:42You'll leave for London after you recover.
16:44A plane ticket lay on the bedside table.
16:46My friends were in New York.
16:47My parents were buried there.
16:48I picked up the ticket anyway.
16:50All right.
16:51Eleanor's mouth trembled.
16:52After a few years, when Adrian settles down, you come back.
16:58When he had a wife, when he had children, when he forgot me.
17:01That evening, Adrian returned and pulled me into his arms.
17:04I bought the island you liked.
17:06After the wedding, I'll take you there.
17:09Just us.
17:10I looked over his shoulder at the ticket and my bag.
17:12His wedding date and my flight date were the same.
17:14Adrian still came to the hospital every day,
17:16but the wedding was so rushed that every visit was spent handling ceremony details.
17:21Beside my bed, he was usually approving flowers, schedules, security, or guest details
17:26in that calm, controlled voice of his.
17:29I leaned against the pillows and listened quietly.
17:32The irony was almost unbearable.
17:35Sometimes Vivian came too.
17:37She and Adrian would sit together on the small sofa in my hospital room discussing the wedding.
17:42They looked close again.
17:43Familiar.
17:44Almost natural.
17:45Vivian even asked for my opinion sometimes,
17:47smiling as if she truly saw me as a younger sister.
17:50She never used anything I said.
17:52I suspected she already knew I was leaving for London.
17:55But she did not attack me openly again.
17:58Not anymore.
17:59Three days later, I returned to the foster estate and packed.
18:02I owned less than I expected.
18:04At the bottom of a drawer, I found the velvet box.
18:08Inside was the white gold star pendant Adrian gave me when I turned 18.
18:12I carried it to his room and knocked.
18:14Adrian opened the door.
18:16Stella?
18:16Why aren't you asleep?
18:18I held out the box.
18:20A wedding gift.
18:22He opened it and frowned.
18:24I gave this to you.
18:26You loved it.
18:28Tomorrow's your wedding.
18:29I hope you stay safe.
18:31I hope you're happy.
18:32He pulled me into his arms.
18:35Be good.
18:35Wait for me at home.
18:37The next morning, his wedding motorcade rolled away.
18:39I stood at the front door with my suitcase.
18:42Goodbye, Adrian Foster.
18:45I was reaching for my phone to call Carr when a red sports car roared up the driveway.
18:51Theo Wilder stepped out in sunglasses.
18:52He looked even more dangerous than his photo.
18:55So you're the sheltered good girl who slept with Adrian Foster.
19:00I stared at him.
19:01Then I smiled.
19:03And you're the playboy who supposedly dated half of Manhattan?
19:07Theo laughed like I had passed a test.
19:09Theo took my suitcase before I could stop him.
19:11If you came to cancel the engagement, you could have messaged me.
19:16Who said I came to cancel?
19:19He tossed my suitcase into the car.
19:21My father is shipping me to London.
19:23Apparently, I need a fiancé to keep me from embarrassing the family.
19:27I looked at the empty driveway behind me.
19:29The foster wedding cars were already gone.
19:32Theo tapped the passenger door.
19:33Come on.
19:34We'll miss the flight.
19:36The sports car shot down the road.
19:38A few miles later, Theo passed the wedding motorcade.
19:41In the lead car, Adrian turned sharply toward us.
19:44I didn't look back.
19:45I did not look back.
19:47Eyes forward, Stella.
19:50The red sports car disappeared ahead of the motorcade.
19:52But I kept staring through the window.
19:55Nathan laughed beside me.
19:56That was probably Theo Wilder.
19:58His father finally shipped into London with a fiancé.
20:01My hand closed around Stella's pendant.
20:04Theo has a fiancé?
20:05That's what I heard.
20:07I told myself, Stella had nothing to do with him.
20:10She loved me.
20:11Only me.
20:13Nathan kept talking.
20:14Funny thing is, Theo's playboy rumors are mostly fake.
20:18He ruined his reputation so he wouldn't compete with his brother for Wilder Group.
20:21I looked at him.
20:23He asked about Stella once, too.
20:25Years ago.
20:27I think he had a crush.
20:29Did he tell her?
20:31No.
20:32I asked if she wanted to date.
20:34She said she only wanted to study.
20:37My grip loosened.
20:39At the hotel, I stood through the ceremony like a man reading lines.
20:44Vivian smiled beside me.
20:45I felt nothing.
20:48Halfway through, I stepped into the corridor.
20:52Eleanor was speaking with Theo's mother.
20:54The children should be on the plane by now.
20:56When Theo heard it was Stella, he without a thought a fight.
21:00I stepped forward and grabbed my mother's wrist.
21:05What does Theo Wilder have to do with Stella?
21:14The End
21:15Eleanor's face changed under the corridor lights.
21:18The Foster and Wilder families formed a marriage alliance.
21:21Stella and Theo are engaged.
21:23They left for London together.
21:24For a second, I heard nothing.
21:27Then, Stella's pendant slipped from my pocket.
21:29It hit the marble and split at the hinge.
21:32I dropped to one knee and gathered the pieces.
21:34The edge cut my finger.
21:35I did not care.
21:37I called Stella.
21:38Voicemail.
21:38Again.
21:39Voicemail.
21:39Again.
21:40Nothing.
21:43You sent her away without my permission?
21:45Eleanor stepped in front of me.
21:46This is your wedding.
21:48You cannot humiliate both families.
21:50Vivian rushed toward us in her wedding dress.
21:52Adrian, you can't go.
21:53Stella and Theo are already gone.
21:55I looked down at her.
21:57You knew?
21:58Vivian's chin lifted.
21:59So what if I did?
22:00I have money, family, status.
22:02What does she have?
22:03I pulled her arms off me.
22:05I told you this was a business marriage.
22:08I told you not to interfere.
22:10I knew what you were doing at the pool.
22:12Let it happen because I thought Stella would never leave.
22:16Vivian stumbled against the wall.
22:18Eleanor's voice cut through the wreckage.
22:20Stella chose Theo a month ago.
22:22The same day you chose Vivian's.
22:24A month ago.
22:26The folder in Stella's hand.
22:27Her refusal of my card.
22:29Her polite smile.
22:30Every detail returned too late.
22:32Eleanor opened her handbag and pushed a folder at me.
22:35Look.
22:36Stella asked for this herself.
22:38I opened it.
22:39Stella Foster.
22:41Her new legal name stared back at me.
22:43Eleanor's voice shook.
22:44She knew you wouldn't let go.
22:47This was her way of cutting off your hope.
22:51Why force your own legal sister?
22:54Vivian reached for my sleeve.
22:57Adrian, the ceremony is waiting.
22:59We can still finish the wedding.
23:04Get away from me.
23:06I stared at Stella's name until the letters blurred.
23:09Then I laughed.
23:10The sound made Vivian step back.
23:12You think paper can stop me?
23:15I tore the copies in half and threw them down.
23:18Eleanor began to cry.
23:19She doesn't want you.
23:22Are you going to force her?
23:26I closed my fist around the broken pendant and walked out.
23:30In the car, blood stained the white gold star in my palm.
23:34I called my assistant.
23:36El Trimifroni.
23:37Find Stella Foster and Theo Wilder.
23:40I want their exact location.
23:41Now.
23:43Understood.
23:45Even if she doesn't want me, I'm bringing her back.
23:48I opened Stella's bedroom door and found nothing.
23:52The bed was stripped.
23:53The closet was bare.
23:55Her desk had been cleared.
23:57Every trace of her had been removed.
23:59I stepped inside anyway.
24:01For one irrational second, I expected her to come out and explain.
24:05She did not.
24:06I lay on the bare mattress and stared at the ceiling.
24:09Why?
24:11Hours later, on the flight to London, I woke because Theo was complaining about airplane coffee.
24:16Hours later, I woke on the flight to London because Theo was complaining about airplane coffee.
24:20First class mine kids look expensive and still fail at their only job.
24:24I did not want to laugh.
24:25I almost did.
24:27He kept talking until I finally answered.
24:34Do you ever stop?
24:39Not when silence looks that miserable.
24:41I looked out the window.
24:43Because of him, I had not had time to picture Adrian at the altar.
24:47I remembered Theo years ago at the foster estate.
24:50He used to become strangely stiff whenever he saw me.
24:54Once he made a dramatic basketball shot, then hurt his back.
24:57What are you muttering about?
24:59Theo leaned closer.
25:00His face was too close.
25:02I looked away too quickly.
25:03How much longer?
25:06Theo checked his watch.
25:07About four hours.
25:08When he looked back, his eyes dropped to my burning ear.
25:12He went quiet for the first time.
25:14I reached into my purse and touched nothing but open lining.
25:18The zipper was wide open.
25:20My wallet was gone.
25:22No, no, no.
25:24What happened?
25:25Theo turned from the other side of the car.
25:27I dumped everything onto my lap.
25:29Lip balm, passport, tissues, nothing else.
25:31My wallet was stolen.
25:33The photo was inside.
25:35Theo leaned closer.
25:37What photo?
25:39My throat closed around the words.
25:41The only photo I had with my parents.
25:43After my parents died, relatives tore through the Hayes house.
25:47Albums disappeared.
25:48Boxes were thrown away.
25:49That one family photo was all I had left.
25:52The car was already moving away from Heathrow.
25:54The road blurred outside the window.
25:56I grabbed the door handle.
25:57Stop!
25:58Don't do that!
26:00Stella, look at me.
26:02Theo caught my wrist and pulled me back against him.
26:05I have nothing.
26:06That photo is all I have.
26:09My fingers twisted in his jacket.
26:11He held me firmly, not gently enough to let me fall apart.
26:14He looked at the driver.
26:15Back to the airport.
26:16Turn around.
26:17The car swore toward the curb.
26:19I clung to his sleeve while Heathrow came back into view.
26:21I promised, Stella.
26:23We're not leaving without it.
26:26The security footage played on a cold monitor.
26:29While I stood so close, my breath fogged the screen.
26:31A man bumped into me near arrivals.
26:33He apologized.
26:34I apologized back.
26:35Then he walked away, and my purse hung open at my side.
26:37That's him.
26:38Theo leaned over the desk.
26:39Follow him.
26:40The staff member clicked through another camera.
26:42The man entered a restroom.
26:43He never came out in the same clothes.
26:44People poured through the terminal in coats, hats, masks, and rolling luggage.
26:48Every face blurred into another.
26:49I gripped the edge of the desk.
26:51We can't find him.
26:52Theo did not answer right away.
26:54The airport staff member glanced at my face.
26:56Pickpockets often dump Waltz nearby after taking cash and cards.
27:00My head snapped up.
27:01Where?
27:02Any trash bin in arrivals.
27:04I looked through the glass wall.
27:06Heathrow stretched in every direction.
27:07There were too many bins.
27:08Too many people.
27:09Too much time already gone.
27:10Theo took my hand.
27:11Then we checked them.
27:12I stared at him.
27:13All of them?
27:14Theo looked toward the crowded arrivals hall.
27:17All of them.
27:19Theo opened the first trash bin before I could reach it.
27:23He wore clothes worth more than my monthly rent.
27:25But he dug through coffee cups and wrappers without flinching.
27:28I'll help.
27:29No.
27:30It's disgusting.
27:31Stand there and supervise.
27:33I stared at his bent shoulders.
27:34He did not look embarrassed.
27:35He looked focused.
27:37Theo.
27:37You're kind of amazing.
27:39Theo laughed.
27:41I know.
27:43Now stop crying before you fled the terminal.
27:46I joined him anyway.
27:47He glanced at me once and stopped arguing.
27:50An airport employee brought gloves and tools.
27:52For nearly three hours, we searched bin after bin.
27:55We found receipts, empty cups, broken headphones, and other stolen wallets.
28:00Not mine.
28:01My legs shook.
28:02My eyes burned.
28:03Then, Theo straightened.
28:04Suddenly.
28:05Stella.
28:06Here.
28:07Is this you as a kid?
28:08I ran to him.
28:09A small, pale pink wallet sat in his hand.
28:12He opened it.
28:13My family photo looked back at me.
28:15I crashed into his arms before I could think.
28:20It's mine!
28:21We found it!
28:22Theo froze for half a second.
28:25Then, his arms closed around me.
28:27War.
28:28Surrounded by trash, laughing like we had won a war.
28:32After I showered, I sat on the sofa with the rescued photo in both hands.
28:36My parents smiled from a life I could barely remember.
28:39Theo came out of the bathroom with wet hair and a towel around his neck.
28:43I looked up.
28:43I owe you.
28:44If you ever need anything, tell me.
28:47Theo dropped onto the sofa beside me.
28:49Actually, there is one thing.
28:51I blinked.
28:52Theo leaned closer, but his voice softened.
28:54My parents say I'm way too wild and out of hand.
28:56They want someone to rein me in.
28:58Like putting a leash on me.
29:00That's why I badly need fiancés.
29:02Care to take the job?
29:03Aren't our families already arranging that?
29:05They can arrange whatever they want.
29:07I'm asking what you want.
29:08I looked down at the photo.
29:10When I chose him, I had won a distance from Adrian.
29:12I had chosen Theo because everyone called him reckless.
29:15Now he had spent three hours digging through airport trash for my memories.
29:18You know about me and Adrian.
29:22Doesn't that bother you?
29:23Theo, round.
29:24Dating someone is not a stain.
29:26They blame you because you don't have power.
29:28Why don't they blame Adrian?
29:30The shame I had carried for years loosened in my chest.
29:33I met his eyes.
29:34Theo, do you like me?
29:37He stopped smiling.
29:38For once, he had no joke ready.
29:40I sat in Stella's old room with the lights off.
29:43The repaired white gold star pendant lay in my palm.
29:46The jeweler had fixed the hinge and polished the engraving.
29:49It looked almost the same.
29:50I knew it was not.
29:52Nothing broke and returned untouched.
29:54I called Stella again.
29:55Voicemail.
29:55Every message remained unread.
29:57Every account had blocked me.
29:59A knock sounded at the door.
30:01Adrian, you haven't eaten properly in days.
30:04Please come out.
30:05I did not answer.
30:07I had checked the school the Fosters arranged in London.
30:09Stella had never gone there.
30:11The Wilders claimed they did not know where she was.
30:14Another set of footsteps stopped outside.
30:17Vivian's voice cut through the door.
30:18How long are you going to lock yourself in there?
30:21If you cared so much, why didn't you marry her?
30:24My fingers closed around the pendant.
30:26Stella is Theo Wilder's fiancé now.
30:29She won't see you starving yourself.
30:31The words hit harder than I wanted.
30:32The door opened under my hand.
30:34Vivian stood frozen in the hallway.
30:36Adrian?
30:37I walked past her without looking.
30:39Vivian hurried after me down the hallway.
30:41Did you find her?
30:42I kept walking.
30:43Her heels struck the floor faster.
30:45Adrian, answer me!
30:47I did not slow down.
30:48She reached for my arm as we passed the pool terrace.
30:51The same pool where Stella had knelt soaked and shivering while I chose Vivian.
30:55Vivian grabbed.
30:55I shook her off.
30:57Water splashed behind me.
30:58I stopped and turned.
31:00Vivian surfaced in the pool, gasping.
31:02Her dress floating around her like torn silk.
31:04For one second, the scene overlapped with the past.
31:07Last time, I had jumped in for her.
31:09Last time, I had held her while Stella sat on the stone.
31:13Now, Vivian looked up at me with wet hair stuck to her face.
31:18Adrian!
31:19I looked down at her.
31:20Do not follow me.
31:22I did not turn toward my mother.
31:24Vivian slapped the water with both hands.
31:26You can't leave me like this!
31:29I walked away.
31:30Behind me, her scream broke across the pool.
31:33Ahead of me, the car waited to take me to Stella.
31:36I woke because someone was kissing me.
31:38A body pinned me to the mattress.
31:40A familiar cedarwood scent cut through the dark.
31:42Panic slammed through me.
31:43I bit down hard.
31:44The man above me made a low sound, but he did not move away.
31:47I reached for the lamp and switched it on.
31:49Adrian Foster stared down at me.
31:52Theo was away on Wilder Group business.
31:56I was alone in the apartment.
31:58Adrian had broken in and climbed into my bed.
32:00My hand moved before fear could stop it.
32:02The slap cracked across his face.
32:04Get off me!
32:05Adrian touched his cheek, then gave a quiet laugh.
32:09Was that enough? Hit me again if you need to.
32:10Then come home.
32:12My hand shook.
32:13You're insane!
32:14I'm fine here! I'm not going back!
32:17I tried to push out from under him.
32:18He caught both my wrists and pressed them above my head.
32:21His eyes were red.
32:22You disappeared without a word.
32:24You blocked me everywhere.
32:26I couldn't find you.
32:27Of course I went insane!
32:29I twisted against his grip.
32:31Get off me!
32:32We're nothing but step-siblings on paper.
32:34I don't have to report to you.
32:36I never have to again.
32:38A tear fell onto my cheek.
32:40It was not mine.
32:41I looked up.
32:41Adrian was crying.
32:42In all the years I had known him,
32:44I had never seen his eyes wet.
32:45He released my wrists and pulled me into his arms.
32:47I can fix the legal papers.
32:49We can undo the adoption.
32:51You can change your name back.
32:52My body trembled against him.
32:54He held my face between his hands.
32:56If you don't want me to marry anyone else, I won't.
32:58I'll marry you.
32:59My breathing, Brooke.
33:00When I learned you left with Thithio, I was furious.
33:03I wanted to drag you back and make you understand you were mine.
33:07I flinched.
33:08His thumb stopped against my cheek.
33:09Then I realized it was fear.
33:11I was afraid I would never see you again.
33:13He looked at me like he was searching for the girl who used to wait.
33:15When you gave me the bear, I thought you loved me enough to never leave.
33:19His forehead touched mine.
33:20I didn't know how to love anyone without controlling them.
33:23I was wrong.
33:24Give me one more chance.
33:25I cried harder, but I did not reach for him.
33:28Years ago, those words would have saved me.
33:30I would have run into Adrian's arms.
33:32I would have called his need love and forgiven everything.
33:35Now I only shook my head.
33:36Adrian, it's too late.
33:37His face went pale.
33:39No.
33:40We can still fix this.
33:42If you don't want New York, I'll stay in London.
33:45Adrian.
33:45My voice was quiet, but he stopped.
33:47I loved you.
33:48You were the sun in my world.
33:50I kept chasing your light even when it burned me.
33:52His hands loosened.
33:54I tried to become worthy.
33:55I studied harder.
33:57I behaved perfectly.
33:58I made myself quiet, useful, grateful.
34:00My throat hurt, but I kept going.
34:03You let me hide for five years.
34:05You chose another woman in front of me.
34:07You punished me beside that pool.
34:09You let Vivian hurt me, and even after I bled for my own freedom,
34:13you still protected her because she was useful.
34:15Images cut through me.
34:16Cold stone.
34:17Vivian's smile.
34:17The bear burning under chandelier light.
34:19When I removed that implant, I removed you from my heart with it.
34:23Adrian sat perfectly still.
34:25I don't regret loving you, but I'm done.
34:27I stepped away from him.
34:30Stay on your throne.
34:32I don't need your hand anymore.
34:34Theo stood in the doorway with his fists clenched.
34:37He looked at me once, then at Stella.
34:38He did not step between us.
34:40Stella walked toward him.
34:41Then she took his hand.
34:43Her fingers fit into his like she had chosen the shape herself.
34:47Adrian, Theo and I are engaged.
34:49I want to try building a life with him.
34:50I stared at their joined hands.
34:52Stella held him tighter.
34:53If you ever loved me, please stop disturbing us.
34:55Please bless us and let me go.
34:56I had come to London with money, power, lawyers, and every tool I had ever used to bend the world.
35:02None of it moved her.
35:03Her eyes no longer looked for me.
35:05They rested on Theo with a light I remembered too well.
35:08I stood.
35:08I did not know how I reached the street.
35:10Cold air hit my face.
35:11I looked up at her window and saw memories instead.
35:14A six-year-old orphan standing straight while children whispered.
35:16A fifteen-year-old girl asleep over her books.
35:19A shy girl in a pale dress, watching me when she thought I did not notice.
35:22A window opened above.
35:24Theo's voice burst into the night.
35:26She said yes!
35:28Stella Hayes agreed to marry me!
35:30Stella laughed.
35:31Oft.
35:32Free.
35:33A lot.
35:34Stella laughed.
35:35I stood below them with nothing left to hold on to.
35:38I had lost her forever.