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The Barren Don S Secret Twins Full Drama Full Short Drama English Sub
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00:00:02I've never touched you. Whose baby is it?
00:00:03I'm mute. I married a mafia heir who can't have children, then I had my way with him.
00:00:19Everyone was waiting to laugh at me, then I got morning sickness at the family gala.
00:00:25I've never touched you. Whose baby is it?
00:00:28I never told him the babies were his. I disappeared and gave birth to boy-girl twins.
00:00:34As the boy started looking more and more like him, he couldn't stop thinking about it.
00:00:41So how did you get pregnant? Maybe we should try again.
00:00:47If you don't push me away, I'll take that as yes.
00:00:50Before I married Adrian, I already knew he couldn't have children.
00:00:54When he was 18, he climbed a tree. I heard he was helping a girl he'd grown up with rescue
00:00:59her cat.
00:01:01He fell, and a rock on the ground hit him right where it mattered.
00:01:05I heard his pants were soaked with blood.
00:01:08Once word got out, they laughed at him for a long time.
00:01:13After that, Adrian turned cold.
00:01:17Vanessa broke off their engagement because she thought there was something wrong with his body.
00:01:24My grandfather's an herbalist. He's kept our family herbal shop going for three generations.
00:01:28Walter has trusted my grandfather's herbal prescriptions for decades.
00:01:31They've been close a long time. Adrian was already 25 and still unmarried.
00:01:37Walter pushed and pressured Adrian into marrying me.
00:01:41No wife, no seat. I'll hand it to someone else.
00:01:48I knew Adrian didn't love me. I married him anyway.
00:01:53His family was worth billions, and he was the only heir.
00:01:57My family had run a herbal shop for three generations.
00:02:00Compared to his, I was marrying way up.
00:02:02And on top of all that, I was mute.
00:02:06Once word got out that Adrian had married a mute, the whole circle started watching for a scandal.
00:02:11Even with that issue, he's rich enough to have any woman he wants.
00:02:15And he married some nobody mute.
00:02:18I heard Adrian was cold through the whole wedding.
00:02:20He obviously wasn't happy about the match Walter arranged.
00:02:22So what if that little mute married into the family?
00:02:25Women in the circle don't have it easy.
00:02:27I knew Adrian didn't like me. I wasn't fooling myself.
00:02:30After we got married, I moved into the guest room.
00:02:32We lived under the same roof, but we were worse than strangers.
00:02:40Then one night, a year into our marriage, Adrian came home from work, drunk and soaked.
00:02:45By midnight, he was burning up. I went to his room to take care of him.
00:02:49He was out cold. I couldn't wake him.
00:02:51I checked his temperature. It was 103.
00:02:54He couldn't swallow the fever medicine, so I had to cool him down another way.
00:02:58I unbuttoned his shirt.
00:03:00My eyes fell to his abs, and I swallowed hard.
00:03:04Adrian had the face, the body, and the kind of background anyone would want.
00:03:09If it weren't for that problem, and Vanessa dumping him, he never would have ended up with me.
00:03:14I brought back a basin of warm water and wiped him down with a towel.
00:03:18The second I touched him, his skin was burning up.
00:03:21After I finished his upper body, I undid his belt too.
00:03:26Blushing, I wiped down his lower body.
00:03:29I couldn't look, but I didn't stop.
00:03:31I didn't expect him to be asleep and hard at the same time.
00:03:37He was quite something, more than I'd expected.
00:03:41And my mind went somewhere very inappropriate.
00:03:43I wanted to know what he'd be like burning up at 103 degrees.
00:03:48Part of me wanted to see if all that tonic soup I'd made him this past year had done anything.
00:03:52I spent hours brewing those remedies, hoping,
00:03:56hoping it would close the distance between us.
00:04:03That first year we were just polite.
00:04:07We never slept together.
00:04:09We never even held hands.
00:04:11Sleep.
00:04:11He lost that cold edge.
00:04:13He looked almost easy to bully.
00:04:15I tossed the towel aside, climbed on top of him, and lowered myself little by little.
00:04:20He was burning up, his skin damp with sweat.
00:04:23My hand braced on his chest.
00:04:25His heartbeat was fast.
00:04:28I was too scared to move.
00:04:30It hurt, more than I'd imagined.
00:04:32Tears rushed out.
00:04:34Then his hand suddenly came up and landed on my waist.
00:04:36Don't go.
00:04:38Don't go.
00:04:38That's not the way out.
00:04:40Wrong way.
00:04:41Come back.
00:04:42This way.
00:04:43I went rigid.
00:04:44Was he awake?
00:04:45I froze, too scared to move.
00:04:49No, he wasn't awake.
00:04:51He was delirious with fever.
00:04:52His breath was hot on my neck.
00:04:54I was relieved, yet disappointed.
00:04:57He didn't know who was on top of him, but I did.
00:05:00I breathed in whiskey and rain.
00:05:03Then I started to move.
00:05:08The pain came fast.
00:05:09It faded just as fast.
00:05:11Three minutes.
00:05:12My tears weren't even dry.
00:05:13Before he was done.
00:05:15I mean, he looked incredible, but wow, that was fast.
00:05:19Then, all at once, I got scared.
00:05:21When he wakes up and realizes I took advantage of him while he was asleep,
00:05:24is he going to lose it?
00:05:26One thought hit me.
00:05:27He can't find out.
00:05:28It wasn't even good anyway.
00:05:29I just pretend none of it happened.
00:05:31I got him dressed and slipped out of his room.
00:05:35The next day, Adrian's fever was gone.
00:05:37I went downstairs for breakfast.
00:05:39A nervous wreck.
00:05:40I couldn't even look at him.
00:05:42Thanks for last night.
00:05:44Martha said you stayed in my room half the night.
00:05:45That thank you made my hand jump.
00:05:49He looked away and said nothing else.
00:05:51Thank God he didn't seem to know what I'd done to him last night.
00:05:54He was as distant as ever.
00:05:55Like I was just another piece of furniture in this house.
00:05:57I was just as distant with him.
00:06:00I was born unable to speak.
00:06:02Around other people, I learned to stay quiet, make myself small, and disappear.
00:06:06We finished breakfast in silence, and he left to deal with the family business.
00:06:11I let out a breath.
00:06:12Last night became a secret I buried deep inside me.
00:06:14I thought we'd never talk about it again.
00:06:16But three months later, I found out I was pregnant.
00:06:19I thought he couldn't have children.
00:06:22So how did I get pregnant on the first try?
00:06:25Looks like my family's tonic soup really worked.
00:06:30I didn't know how to tell Adrian, and I still hadn't found the chance.
00:06:35That day, Adrian had a custom gown delivered to the house.
00:06:38I was still staring at the dress when he called.
00:06:42Did the dress arrive?
00:06:43Try it on.
00:06:44Make sure it fits.
00:06:45You're coming to the gala with me tonight.
00:06:47He knew I couldn't speak, and he still called.
00:06:49I couldn't even say no.
00:06:53In our whole first year of marriage, he'd never taken me to anything like this.
00:06:57Besides, I'd just look out of place there, and I didn't want to go.
00:07:01Grandpa wants you at the gala tonight.
00:07:02Get ready.
00:07:04If he was pulling Grandpa out, fine.
00:07:06I'd go with him.
00:07:07At eight o'clock that night, the driver came for me.
00:07:10I was used to simple clothes.
00:07:11In a custom gown like this, I felt awkward.
00:07:14The second the car door opened, I thought I saw a flicker of amazement in Adrian's eyes.
00:07:22The second I got in, he could tell I was nervous.
00:07:25You look beautiful.
00:07:26Be confident.
00:07:30I didn't know how much he meant it, but at least I didn't feel quite so small anymore.
00:07:35It was my first time at one of these society events.
00:07:39The second I walked into the ballroom behind Adrian, every eye turned to us.
00:07:43My hearing is sharp.
00:07:44I could already catch the whispers.
00:07:46Oh, so that's the mute wife the family's heir married?
00:07:49She's pretty, sure, but she doesn't exactly carry herself like she belongs here.
00:07:53You can tell she's some small-town girl who's never seen a room like this.
00:07:57Adrian actually brought her here?
00:07:59Isn't he embarrassed?
00:08:00My palms were slick with sweat.
00:08:02I just wanted to hide.
00:08:07Don't be afraid.
00:08:08Anyone who laughs at you won't have a family business left.
00:08:12He actually made me smile.
00:08:14I straightened up and kept walking.
00:08:17He handed me an apple juice.
00:08:19The smell hit me and I suddenly gagged.
00:08:21I covered my mouth and barely fought it down.
00:08:25I hurried toward the restroom.
00:08:27Behind me, two women dropped their voices.
00:08:29Oh, is Mrs. Marchino having morning sickness?
00:08:31But isn't Adrian infertile?
00:08:32Then how is she pregnant?
00:08:34What the hell are you talking about?
00:08:36My wife just has an upset stomach.
00:08:38We were just joking, Mr. Marcelli.
00:08:40Don't take it personally.
00:08:43When I came out of the restroom, Adrian was already waiting in the hall.
00:08:46You're not feeling well, so I'll take you home.
00:08:49Next time, if you don't want to come to one of these galas, just say no.
00:08:53I nodded and went home with him.
00:08:55The second we got home, Adrian had the family's private doctor check me over.
00:08:58I waved him off to show I was fine.
00:09:01I went back to my room to rest.
00:09:03The second I walked into the bathroom, the pregnancy test on the sink was gone.
00:09:06I ran downstairs to ask Martha if she'd seen it.
00:09:08It was on the stairs.
00:09:09I ran straight into Adrian.
00:09:11He was holding the pregnancy test stick.
00:09:18Sage, you're pregnant?
00:09:20So I can't hide it anymore.
00:09:21I never touched you.
00:09:23Whose baby is that?
00:09:24He never touched me, but I touched him.
00:09:28I stayed silent.
00:09:29I didn't know where to begin.
00:09:31How could I tell him that three months ago,
00:09:33while he was burning up and unconscious, I took advantage of him?
00:09:37There's nothing honorable about that.
00:09:39I couldn't say it.
00:09:40And I didn't have his consent.
00:09:42We were married, but I still went against his will.
00:09:44It was my fault.
00:09:45I lost my head.
00:09:46I wanted him, and I crossed a line.
00:09:49I'm guilty.
00:09:50I sighed.
00:09:51I'm sorry.
00:09:53I'm sorry.
00:09:55His face darkened even more.
00:09:56Maybe he thought I was admitting there was another man.
00:09:59He stayed silent for a long time before he finally spoke.
00:10:04You're keeping the baby?
00:10:05I'd already gone to the hospital.
00:10:07It was twins, and the doctor said they were healthy.
00:10:09Yes, I'm keeping them.
00:10:12Adrian's eyes were red, like he was holding back a storm.
00:10:15I respect your choice, but I'm not raising another man's children.
00:10:19I'll send you abroad until they're born, then we'll get divorced.
00:10:22He brought up divorce.
00:10:24Maybe it wasn't just the baby.
00:10:25He never liked me.
00:10:26He never wanted this marriage.
00:10:29The pregnancy just gave him an excuse to ask for a divorce.
00:10:33I pushed it down and nodded.
00:10:35If he still wanted a divorce when the time came, I'd let him go.
00:10:39I'll keep it from my grandfather for now.
00:10:41To everyone else, we'll say you're going abroad for voice treatment.
00:10:44I made the okay sign.
00:10:46Then he got up and left my room.
00:10:48Adrian kept my pregnancy quiet.
00:10:50He'd already warned the family doctor and everyone at the gala.
00:10:54He sent me to Switzerland and settled me in a villa on Lake Geneva.
00:11:02On top of the three nannies, he hired a driver and two doctors.
00:11:07One handled my prenatal care.
00:11:09The other was there to treat my vocal cords.
00:11:12He even gave me a no-limit card.
00:11:14He was taking good care of me.
00:11:17I could tell Adrian was warm underneath it all.
00:11:21And decent.
00:11:23Even believing I cheated on him and was carrying someone else's child.
00:11:27He still took care of me and the babies.
00:11:30Maybe it was easy because he didn't love me.
00:11:33Or maybe this was compensation for agreeing to the divorce and not fighting him.
00:11:40Right after I moved into the villa, the driver brought me a form for an emergency contact number.
00:11:45Without thinking, I wrote down Grandpa.
00:11:48Grandpa was too old and too far away.
00:11:51A call from the hospital would only scare him half to death.
00:11:54When I still hadn't filled it up, the driver took the form and stepped outside to make a call.
00:11:58A moment later, my phone lit up.
00:12:01Adrian had sent three words.
00:12:03Use mine.
00:12:05Use my name.
00:12:09I stared at the screen, then texted him back.
00:12:13I'll answer the call.
00:12:16I wrote down his name, then froze at the last line.
00:12:19It asked what he was to me.
00:12:21I wrote husband.
00:12:23Then I remembered what he'd said about divorcing me after the babies were born, and my pen drifted back.
00:12:32You don't need to cross that out.
00:12:34Mr. Adrian specifically said so.
00:12:37I gripped the pen and stopped.
00:12:39He wouldn't let me cross out that word.
00:12:41I didn't dare think about why.
00:12:44That night, the nanny put my two pregnancy meds beside my vitamins and snapped a photo.
00:12:51I reached out to stop her.
00:12:52She took it the wrong way.
00:12:56He just wants the names on the bottles, so he doesn't buy the wrong ones.
00:13:00He said if you feel sick, text him.
00:13:03Even in the middle of the night.
00:13:06After she left, I opened our chat.
00:13:10It was still sitting on his last message telling me to get ready to go abroad.
00:13:14I wanted to ask if those two kids really didn't bother him.
00:13:18I typed half of it, then deleted it.
00:13:21In the end, I sent one line.
00:13:26Send me a picture.
00:13:29He replied fast.
00:13:30I sent a photo of the list, and then nothing.
00:13:36The next day, the doctor came by to examine me.
00:13:39When she opened the folder, that form was right on top.
00:13:44Husband.
00:13:45Adrian.
00:13:47The babies weren't even here yet, and he'd already made himself the one they'd call when I needed someone.
00:13:56A month later, he flew to Switzerland and moved into the villa.
00:14:05I'm here on business.
00:14:06I don't like hotels.
00:14:14Adrian was always busy.
00:14:18On every other trip, the second he finished work, he'd book the first flight back.
00:14:23But this time, he stayed at the villa for three days.
00:14:28During the day, he handled the family business.
00:14:38When he finished up, he asked me like it was nothing.
00:14:42I'm thinking of going out.
00:14:44Want to come?
00:14:46I was scared of strangers.
00:14:48Usually, I'd make a list for the nanny or order things online.
00:14:52I couldn't handle crowds or eating out.
00:14:54I was scared people wouldn't understand my sign language and would laugh at me.
00:15:08We can just go to the grocery store, or dinner, a movie, a walk in the park, a museum.
00:15:14Don't stay shut up in the villa all day.
00:15:16So that was it.
00:15:18He'd gone the long way around because he wanted to take me out.
00:15:22Then, can we go to the grocery store?
00:15:26Going out with Adrian made me feel safe.
00:15:36He understood all my signs.
00:15:38He could speak for me.
00:15:40After the store, we got lunch.
00:15:43While we were waiting for the food, I asked him something.
00:15:48Adrian, how do you understand all my signs?
00:15:52I learned it.
00:15:55No wonder he was so good at it.
00:15:57I took a sip of the juice.
00:15:59It was my favorite flavor.
00:16:01When did you learn?
00:16:03Five years ago.
00:16:05I thought back to the first time we met.
00:16:08Five years ago, I was at the aquarium alone.
00:16:11That aquarium was enormous.
00:16:13Packed with people.
00:16:14Barely any signs.
00:16:15I was exhausted and still couldn't find the exit.
00:16:19I worked up the nerve and asked for directions in sign language.
00:16:25Are you mute?
00:16:27What's a mute girl doing at the aquarium by herself?
00:16:30What are you doing?
00:16:31Directing traffic?
00:16:31You look ridiculous.
00:16:32Not everybody understands sign.
00:16:34Next time, tape a note to your forehead that says mute.
00:16:39Pretty cute, aren't you?
00:16:40Call me big brother and I'll show you the way.
00:16:46I let my hands fall, swallowed my tears, and turned to get away.
00:16:51Then someone pushed through the crowd and called out to me.
00:16:56I can't find the exit, I'll take you out.
00:17:02That was the moment I remembered the kind stranger who showed me the way.
00:17:08He walked me to the aquarium exit and waited until I got into a cab.
00:17:14A year and a half ago, Walter said he wanted me to meet his grandson.
00:17:18I had no interest in marrying into a family like his.
00:17:25Sage, this is my grandson, Adrian.
00:17:29The second I saw Adrian, I recognized him.
00:17:31He was the man who'd given me directions.
00:17:34So I said yes.
00:17:35I didn't know if Adrian recognized me.
00:17:38He'd never brought it up after we got married.
00:17:41I figured it had been so long, he'd forgotten.
00:17:45But now he was saying he'd learned sign five years ago for someone.
00:17:49Could that really be a coincidence?
00:17:52After that, he started coming by more and more.
00:17:55Always for a business trip.
00:17:57Always staying at the villa.
00:18:00The first time, my phone was charging on the coffee table.
00:18:03I came downstairs and saw him holding my phone, scrolling through my contacts.
00:18:08There were only four numbers in it.
00:18:10Grandpa, Martha, Chloe, and him.
00:18:13It buzzed.
00:18:14I was just checking if someone was trying to reach you.
00:18:17My phone never buzzed.
00:18:19I didn't call him on it.
00:18:21He was looking for that man's number.
00:18:24These are the only four people in your phone?
00:18:27Yeah.
00:18:28What about friends?
00:18:30Just Chloe.
00:18:32That night, I went out to the garden for a walk.
00:18:36My belly was already big enough that I couldn't reach the back of my shoe.
00:18:40He crouched down, held my ankle in his hand, and slipped my shoe on.
00:18:45His palm was so warm, I didn't dare move.
00:18:49Next time, call me.
00:18:53When he looked up at me, there was no warmth in his eyes.
00:18:57Only scrutiny.
00:18:59Like he was searching my face for traces of someone else.
00:19:05He was looking for someone who didn't exist.
00:19:13The second time he came, I was asleep.
00:19:16On my way downstairs, I heard him questioning the nanny in the kitchen.
00:19:20I stepped back to the stairs, and waited for him to come out.
00:19:24Has anyone come looking for her these past few months?
00:19:27No, sir. She hardly ever even leaves the house.
00:19:31What about deliveries? Mail?
00:19:33We signed for all of it, sir.
00:19:35Phone calls?
00:19:36She can't speak, sir. She doesn't make phone calls.
00:19:41Got it.
00:19:42That afternoon, he took me to a baby store.
00:19:45At checkout, I noticed two extra items on the receipt.
00:19:53A pair of baby socks, and a baby towel.
00:19:56I held up two fingers, and pointed at my stomach.
00:20:00Two?
00:20:01He grabbed another pair of socks.
00:20:04Then after he paid, he stopped at the counter.
00:20:09Did that man know there were two?
00:20:11I nodded. He'd just found out.
00:20:15He knew it was twins, and still left you to carry that alone?
00:20:18That night, I was curled up on the couch with a book.
00:20:21He sat beside me, staring at my belly.
00:20:26After a while, he reached for me, then stopped himself.
00:20:33I took his hand and laid it on my belly.
00:20:35Even through my sweater, his palm felt hot.
00:20:37He didn't pull away.
00:20:40How far along are you?
00:20:41A little over five months.
00:20:43He did the math. His brow freddoed.
00:20:46Where were you five months ago?
00:20:49Nowhere.
00:20:51He was counting back the dates.
00:20:57My heart leapt.
00:20:59He was one step away from the truth about that night.
00:21:02But it never crossed his mind that it could be him.
00:21:06The third time, the night before he left, the baby kicked for the first time.
00:21:11I took his hand and pressed it to my belly.
00:21:14Once, then again.
00:21:16He went completely still.
00:21:18Then his eyes slowly reddened.
00:21:22He's moving?
00:21:25He didn't move his hand until the baby settled down again.
00:21:27He kept his head down, his voice soft.
00:21:30When he's born, what will he call me?
00:21:32My hand lifted, then fell.
00:21:34He didn't ask again, but I saw the hurt in his eyes.
00:21:37He was their father.
00:21:38He just didn't know it.
00:21:42The next day, he left.
00:21:44But after he left, a black car showed up outside the villa.
00:21:48It sat across the street for three days.
00:21:51One man got out once to smoke.
00:21:53Black suit.
00:21:55The engine stayed running.
00:22:01The driver was taking me to my prenatal checkup.
00:22:04That car hung back the whole way.
00:22:08Ma'am, that car's been following us the whole way.
00:22:13I glanced at it in the rearview mirror.
00:22:19Want me to call the police?
00:22:21I shook my head and signed three words.
00:22:23Adrian's men.
00:22:25By the third evening, I was at the second floor window, watching it.
00:22:29Whoever was in that car was watching the villa too.
00:22:35A street separated us, and neither of us moved.
00:22:50Then the car drove away.
00:22:53Three months passed.
00:22:55His people found nothing.
00:22:59Because no one was ever coming for me.
00:23:05Adrian never realized the answer had been with him all along.
00:23:11The fourth time.
00:23:13I woke up from my nap and saw him in the garden.
00:23:16A file in his hand.
00:23:17He kept flipping through it, back and forth, for a long time.
00:23:22Then he set it on the stone table.
00:23:24The wind flipped the pages open.
00:23:26It was blank.
00:23:27Every page.
00:23:29I guessed it was what his people had turned up after three months of digging into me.
00:23:33Who I'd seen, where I'd been, who I'd called.
00:23:36Nothing.
00:23:37He sat there all afternoon, until dark.
00:23:42Ma'am, he won't even eat dinner.
00:23:43What do we do?
00:23:46Let him.
00:23:48After dark, he came in.
00:23:52The nanny brought over a few crib layouts, and asked how I wanted the nursery set up.
00:23:58The two cribs were by the window, with a single bed beside them for an adult.
00:24:02Adrian took one look, and asked who the bed was for.
00:24:05For night time feedings and diaper changes, someone has to stay in here.
00:24:09I picked up a pen, about to write my name there.
00:24:16She just had two babies, and she's still supposed to get up at night?
00:24:19We'll have staff rotating in, sir.
00:24:21She just needs to rest.
00:24:22Only then did he let go, and move both cribs farther into the room.
00:24:28I pointed at the single bed, trying to say we could get rid of it.
00:24:31The room was crowded enough already.
00:24:34Leave it.
00:24:39In case they can't manage on their own.
00:24:42I suddenly wanted to ask him, once the babies are born, is he still leave?
00:24:48And yet he'd just spent an entire afternoon staring at an investigation report that had nothing in it.
00:24:53I set the pen down.
00:24:54On the sketch, beside the two cribs, the spot I'd saved for him was still empty.
00:24:59He never asked me to erase it.
00:25:01I was tired early that night.
00:25:03I fell asleep as soon as I lay down.
00:25:07Sometime after midnight, I cracked my eyes open, and saw someone sitting by my bed.
00:25:12Adrian never turned on the light. He just sat there.
00:25:14I stayed still, and he didn't know I was awake.
00:25:18After a while, he reached over and tucked the blanket around me.
00:25:22Sage, who is he?
00:25:24His voice was so low, I could barely hear it.
00:25:27It wasn't really a question. He wasn't expecting an answer.
00:25:31I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep.
00:25:34But my heart was pounding so hard, I thought he'd hear it.
00:25:37He'd been looking that whole time and come up empty.
00:25:40The answer was right in front of him.
00:25:42But he didn't know. I did. And I said nothing.
00:25:48A month after he went back to the States, he flew to Switzerland again.
00:25:51Business trip again?
00:25:54Couldn't get used to the hotel this time either?
00:26:00I didn't call him out on it.
00:26:02Before he came, Walter called me. That's how I found out Adrian was spending the weekend here with me.
00:26:07That weekend, Adrian took me to the aquarium.
00:26:10It wasn't crowded.
00:26:12Still, he kept hold of my hand, like he was afraid I'd get lost.
00:26:16When we passed the exit, he stopped and pointed at the sign.
00:26:21That's the exit. Got it?
00:26:28He remembered. He remembered meeting me five years ago.
00:26:32I went to the restroom. Adrian was waiting outside.
00:26:35When I came out, I saw him talking to a woman down the hall.
00:26:39If I was seeing it right, it was Vanessa.
00:26:42I recognized Vanessa from Adrian's graduation photo in his study.
00:26:45She was standing right in front of him. Vanessa was here too, at the aquarium.
00:26:53That didn't feel like a coincidence.
00:26:58I stayed in the restroom a little longer before I went back out.
00:27:03Vanessa left first. Adrian kept staring after her until I walked up to him.
00:27:11In that moment, I thought I knew what that look meant.
00:27:14The day after we got back from the aquarium, Adrian flew back to New York.
00:27:17Then I got a photo from an unknown number.
00:27:20In the photo, Adrian was asleep in first class.
00:27:22From the angle, whoever took it was sitting right next to him.
00:27:25I searched the number on social media.
00:27:26The profile baiter was Vanessa, so it was her.
00:27:28That photo sent my mind spinning.
00:27:29I figured Vanessa had flown back with Adrian.
00:27:30Was that why he came to Switzerland?
00:27:32To pick up Vanessa?
00:27:33Did he just stop by for me so Grandpa would get off his back?
00:27:35And I almost let myself believe him.
00:27:37After Adrian flew back, our mutual friend Chloe texted me.
00:27:41She said she spotted Adrian and Vanessa having coffee while she was out shopping.
00:27:44So she took a picture.
00:27:49Sage, if you don't come back now, Vanessa's going to steal Adrian from you.
00:27:53I stared at the message.
00:27:55It only made me more sure Adrian wanted a divorce.
00:27:58Because he still couldn't let Vanessa go.
00:28:04Adrian and Vanessa had history.
00:28:06If he wanted to go back to her, I had no right to stop him.
00:28:13Three days after Chloe sent that text, she showed up.
00:28:15Sage, I came to keep you company for a couple days.
00:28:19You out here all by yourself is just sad.
00:28:22I had the housekeeper get the guest room ready.
00:28:26At breakfast the next morning, Chloe set down her fork and said,
00:28:30Vanessa had dinner with him last week, right downstairs at the family hotel.
00:28:33I saw it myself.
00:28:34I looked down and kept drinking my soup.
00:28:37You're not even mad?
00:28:39It's his choice.
00:28:41Sage, you're way too easy going.
00:28:43If it were me, I'd have flown back already.
00:28:45I didn't answer.
00:28:47Chloe stayed two days.
00:28:48When she left, she hugged me.
00:28:51If you need anything, call me.
00:28:52I'm on your side.
00:28:57After Chloe left, the housekeeper found something under the nightstand in the guest room
00:29:00and brought it to me.
00:29:02It was a photo booth strip.
00:29:03Two girls, pressed cheek to cheek.
00:29:07One was Chloe.
00:29:09The other one.
00:29:10I stared at her for a long time.
00:29:14Then I remembered the graduation photo in Adrian's study.
00:29:17The girl standing in front of him.
00:29:20It was Vanessa.
00:29:22Vanessa was a little fuller in college.
00:29:24Her eyes crinkled when she smiled.
00:29:27Chloe knew Vanessa.
00:29:28Close enough to cram into a photo booth together.
00:29:31And Chloe never told me.
00:29:34I put the photo strip in the drawer.
00:29:36I didn't throw it out.
00:29:38I didn't believe a word Chloe said, but I couldn't prove she was lying.
00:29:43I only knew one thing.
00:29:45Chloe and Vanessa were both wrong about who the baby's father was.
00:29:48When I was eight months pregnant, Adrian came back.
00:29:52That evening, we were walking in the garden when Adrian stopped and asked me.
00:29:56Sage, tell me the truth.
00:29:58Who's the father of these babies?
00:30:00I tested him with a half-serious answer and sign.
00:30:03What, you think I got you pregnant with my mind?
00:30:06For a second, I almost told him the truth.
00:30:09But I stopped myself.
00:30:11If Adrian found out what happened while he was asleep, he'd hate me.
00:30:15I didn't want to ruin how he saw me.
00:30:17I didn't want him to hate me.
00:30:22The next day, Adrian took me shopping for baby clothes and supplies.
00:30:25He took it seriously.
00:30:27And again, I wanted to tell him the truth.
00:30:32I was just about to sign when his phone rang.
00:30:37I caught a glimpse out of the corner of my eye.
00:30:39It was Vanessa calling.
00:30:45I watched Adrian from across the store.
00:30:48It sounded like he was arguing with Vanessa.
00:30:50Arguing with someone.
00:30:51I couldn't even imagine it.
00:30:54My voice treatment wasn't going well.
00:30:56The doctor said it would take time.
00:31:01Adrian wanted someone who could talk to him, tease him, even argue back.
00:31:06Something that simple, and I still couldn't do it.
00:31:12After that call, I lost the nerve to tell him.
00:31:16What were you about to say?
00:31:19Nothing.
00:31:20Adrian went to pay.
00:31:21I couldn't even look at him.
00:31:24When he talked to me, I just nodded or shook my head.
00:31:27I didn't even want to sign.
00:31:32When we got home, I went straight to my room and locked the door.
00:31:38Thinking about Adrian on the phone with Vanessa made my chest ache.
00:31:41My eyes burnt.
00:31:44Sage, open the door.
00:31:46What is it?
00:31:48Have you been crying?
00:31:49No.
00:31:50Did that call upset you?
00:31:52I'm not upset.
00:31:53I'm just tired.
00:31:55No.
00:31:56I know you're upset.
00:31:58Don't hold it in, and don't shut me out.
00:32:02Talking isn't the only way to say it.
00:32:05Then Adrian took out his phone and opened his call log.
00:32:07He tapped Vanessa's new number.
00:32:09An option popped up on the screen.
00:32:11Will you block her for me?
00:32:14I think I finally got what Adrian meant.
00:32:16If I'm jealous, I don't have to keep it in.
00:32:19I tapped block.
00:32:21Turns out Vanessa's usual number was already in Adrian's block list.
00:32:24She called him from a new one.
00:32:26The second I blocked her new number myself, I felt better.
00:32:30Adrian pulled me into his arms.
00:32:32If I ever upset you again, bite me, okay?
00:32:34Let me know how you feel.
00:32:35Adrian used to say we'd divorce after I had the babies.
00:32:43We'll get a divorce once the baby is born.
00:32:45But everything he's done these past few months says otherwise.
00:32:49Like he really wants to make this work.
00:32:53In that moment, I wanted to hold him too, so I did.
00:32:58Adrian smiled, his hand gently stroking my back.
00:33:00If you can't say it, then show me another way, okay?
00:33:02He never asked me to become someone who could speak.
00:33:05He was just learning how to understand me as I am.
00:33:07Okay, I know now.
00:33:09Then I went into labor.
00:33:10I only found out later, Adrian was down at the docks that night.
00:33:16Someone owed the family money.
00:33:23You finish this.
00:33:26Adrian dropped everything and booked the first flight out.
00:33:36He came all the way here.
00:33:47I gave birth safely at the hospital to boy-girl twins.
00:33:54They'd just been born.
00:33:57It was too soon to tell who they looked like.
00:34:04Three days later, I pulled out the divorce agreement.
00:34:06I'd already drafted and handed it to Adrian.
00:34:08Truth was, I didn't want to divorce him.
00:34:10I just wanted to see what he'd do.
00:34:14It said I was voluntarily giving up any claim to the family fortune.
00:34:17Didn't you say we'd divorce after I had the babies?
00:34:19I already drew it up.
00:34:21If you don't have a problem with it, sign it.
00:34:23When Adrian finished reading it, his eyes went red.
00:34:26The babies are only three days old and you already want a divorce?
00:34:29What, their father can't wait for me to get out of the way?
00:34:31This has nothing to do with their father.
00:34:33I just want to set you free.
00:34:34You deserve someone better.
00:34:36Then he tore the agreement to pieces.
00:34:38We're not getting divorced.
00:34:39We're not?
00:34:40You want me to step aside for that man?
00:34:42Not happening.
00:34:43I've thought it through.
00:34:44Since I can't have children of my own, I was always going to adopt.
00:34:47I'd rather raise your kids than someone else's.
00:34:51I'm not about to raise another man's kids.
00:34:56I froze.
00:34:58Wasn't he the one who said he wasn't about to raise another man's kids?
00:35:01How did he talk himself into this?
00:35:05What is he waiting for me to step aside?
00:35:06He never showed up once while you were pregnant.
00:35:09That guy's a deadbeat.
00:35:09Is he really worth giving up this life?
00:35:15I can let the past go.
00:35:17I can accept these two kids and raise them as my own.
00:35:20But from now on, stay with me.
00:35:22No more seeing other men.
00:35:24I hadn't said a word, and he'd already said all that.
00:35:27I've been trying to get better.
00:35:29Drinking tonic soup every day.
00:35:31And if that still doesn't work, I'll buy you whatever you need.
00:35:36I almost laughed.
00:35:37What was he even thinking?
00:35:38Did he want to stay married this badly because grandpa was pressuring him?
00:35:45Okay, no divorce.
00:35:46But my voice treatment is slow.
00:35:49I won't be able to talk for a while, so don't start looking down on me.
00:35:53I've never looked down on me.
00:35:56I've got my own flaw too.
00:35:58Can you not hold it against me?
00:36:00Adrian still didn't know.
00:36:01He'd actually recovered.
00:36:03The twins were born healthy, and I got pregnant the first time.
00:36:07I don't look down on you.
00:36:09We don't hold each other in contempt.
00:36:11Something crossed Adrian's mind, and his ears suddenly turned red.
00:36:16Sage, actually, I...
00:36:18Hmm?
00:36:18I waited for him to finish.
00:36:23I think I like it.
00:36:25He cut himself off.
00:36:27It's nothing.
00:36:28Just focus on getting better.
00:36:30We can talk later.
00:36:31Before I could figure out what he hadn't said, the nanny came in with the Basinix.
00:36:38Lily was asleep, but Tio was scrunched up and fussy.
00:36:41Nothing calmed him down.
00:36:43Adrian reached out, then hesitated and pulled back.
00:36:47He took off his watch and rolled up his sleeves.
00:36:49The nanny showed him how to support the baby's head.
00:36:52Adrian stood ramrod straight.
00:36:54He'd never been this careful, not even with the family business.
00:36:58Theo's tiny hand slipped out of the blanket and wrapped around his index finger.
00:37:02Adrian lowered his head and stayed that way for a long time.
00:37:06Leaning against the headbed, I saw the torn divorce agreement still on the floor.
00:37:10One piece by his feet showed my signature.
00:37:15Get it out of here.
00:37:18Then Adrian came over to my bedside with the baby in his arms.
00:37:24I typed on my phone, asking if he wanted to put him back.
00:37:27His arms would get tired.
00:37:31I can still hold him.
00:37:33I pointed at Lily.
00:37:34There's still one more.
00:37:35Adrian looked at the baby in his arms, then at the Bassery.
00:37:38Finally, he set Theo down and washed his hands.
00:37:41When he came back for Lily, she opened her eyes.
00:37:44Like she'd answered him, the tension between his brows eased.
00:37:49I lifted my phone and took the picture.
00:37:51He saw the camera and didn't look away.
00:37:55Once both babies were asleep, Adrian finally held out his hand for my phone.
00:38:00I thought he didn't want the photo kept, and my fingers tightened around the phone.
00:38:05Send it to me.
00:38:10After I sent it, Adrian stared at the photo for a long time.
00:38:14I couldn't help asking.
00:38:17What if their father comes back for them someday?
00:38:20Adrian's previously softened face hardened again.
00:38:24Then he can come to me.
00:38:26I looked at Adrian, my heart racing.
00:38:31You're not allowed to see him behind my back.
00:38:36Don't go see him behind my back.
00:38:38I nodded.
00:38:40Only then did Adrian sit down again.
00:38:45When the twins were a month old, and cleared to fly, Adrian brought me home.
00:38:57Adrian told Walter this was our adopted child.
00:39:00Walter didn't say a word. He just sighed.
00:39:02Fine. This family line can't end here. Adopted or not, they're family.
00:39:07Then he started talking himself into it.
00:39:08Well, I'm a great grandfather after all. That's worth celebrating.
00:39:11Looks like Adrian got that generosity from Walter.
00:39:13Walter named them himself. The boy was Theo, the girl was Lily.
00:39:17This one's Theo, and this one's Lily.
00:39:23Walter called my grandpa with the news right away.
00:39:25Henry, you're a great grandpad. Sage and Adrian adopted twins.
00:39:33Sage told me we should celebrate.
00:39:37That night, the two old men opened a bottle of whiskey they'd been saving for decades.
00:39:50Walter adored Theo and Lily.
00:39:54He brought them to the family estate, and hired four nannies.
00:39:58I went to work at grandpa's herbal shop, mixing prescriptions in the back room.
00:40:02No talking required. It suited me.
00:40:06Every day at five, Adrian picked me up from work.
00:40:10We'd go to the family estate to see the kids.
00:40:13On weekends, we brought them home.
00:40:29I brought herbal prescriptions home from the shop and made Adrian tonic soup every day.
00:40:36He finished every bowl.
00:40:38That Sunday, we went to the family estate for dinner.
00:40:42The relatives were there too.
00:40:45I was pushing the stroller when I got to the dining room door.
00:40:50The mute wife's here with the adopted kids.
00:40:53Look at that. The whole little family showed up.
00:40:56Maybe it's better they can't call her mom. She wouldn't answer anyway.
00:41:01Adrian came up behind me and took the stroller.
00:41:06Those are my kids. If you can't handle that, leave.
00:41:12Adrian, come on. We're family. I was just joking.
00:41:14A joke? You think my wife and kids are your dinner entertainment?
00:41:17I wasn't saying anything against the kids. Don't twist it.
00:41:21Then take it back. Right here. Everyone heard you.
00:41:27I spoke out of line. Please don't take it to heart.
00:41:31Sit next to me. If anyone's got something to say, say it to me.
00:41:35It was the first time Adrian had ever said it in public.
00:41:39My kids.
00:41:43He thought he was defending someone else's family. I almost cried.
00:41:47Those two were his to protect all along.
00:41:53After dinner, Walter pulled out an old photo album.
00:41:58Sage, come look at Adrian as a kid.
00:42:03Walter pulled out a photo and held it next to Theo.
00:42:08Adrian used to scrunch up his face like that too.
00:42:11This kid looks a little like you.
00:42:14Adrian leaned in for a look and smiled.
00:42:17If you like somebody, they all look like me.
00:42:20Move. Let me look again. Adrian, move over. You're blocking the light.
00:42:26I reached for the album, but Walter covered the photo with his hand.
00:42:30Leave that one out. Don't put it back.
00:42:33Bring him over again tomorrow. I want another look.
00:42:41He just defended his own son and still had no idea.
00:42:44I wiped Theo's mouth and said nothing.
00:42:49That weekend, Adrian came to pick me up from work. He brought Theo.
00:42:53Lily was asleep back at the family estate. Theo wouldn't sleep, so the nanny was holding him by the car.
00:42:59I just put the medicine in the trunk when a customer stopped to coo at the baby.
00:43:04She saw me signing, looked at Adrian, and recognized us.
00:43:08So this is the adopted one? Cute kid, though.
00:43:11My hand froze.
00:43:13Have you found his real parents?
00:43:15What if they come back for him after you've raised him?
00:43:18Adrian took Theo from the nanny.
00:43:20If you're here for medicine, ask inside.
00:43:23He never raised his voice, but she didn't dare ask again.
00:43:26She slipped away, embarrassed.
00:43:29That word didn't hurt me.
00:43:30But when I saw Adrian take Theo, my nose suddenly sterk.
00:43:37Adrian thought I was upset by what she'd said, so he put Theo in my arms.
00:43:42Hold him tight. I'll block the wind.
00:43:45Theo squirreled in my arms, and drool smeared across Adrian's shirt.
00:43:49My hands were full, so I pointed at the wet spot.
00:43:52After I changed, I came back out. He still had that shirt on.
00:43:57Adrian was holding Theo, trying to put a soft ball in his hand.
00:44:01Theo couldn't hold it.
00:44:02The ball kept dropping, and Adrian just picked it up and tried again.
00:44:07Don't take it to heart.
00:44:09How many times have you heard that?
00:44:11I couldn't answer.
00:44:13Adrian set the ball down, and handed Theo to the nanny.
00:44:18If anyone says that to your face again, don't hold back.
00:44:21Cuss him out.
00:44:23If that happens, by the time I finish typing, they're already gone.
00:44:32Take a picture. Send it to me.
00:44:35They're my kids. I'll deal with them.
00:44:37I couldn't stop looking at him.
00:44:41My child.
00:44:45He said it like it was the most natural thing in the world.
00:44:48That night, I went downstairs for water.
00:44:51Adrian was in the kitchen too.
00:44:56When I finished and turned off the light to go back upstairs.
00:45:00Adrian pulled me into his arms.
00:45:03Babe, sleeping in separate rooms is bad for a marriage.
00:45:06Sleeping apart was my idea after we got married.
00:45:09Was he trying to share a room now?
00:45:11To get closer to me?
00:45:14But I wasn't ready. Not yet.
00:45:17When Adrian got no response from me, he didn't push.
00:45:20But he didn't let go either.
00:45:22He kissed me softly, like I might break.
00:45:27His kiss deepened, easing my lips apart.
00:45:30My heart raced, like something was pulling us closer and closer.
00:45:34I don't know how long it went on before he suddenly got a nosebleed.
00:45:40I turned on the light and grabbed tissues to wipe the blood from his nose.
00:45:45Looks like I should cut back on his tonner soup.
00:45:48Before it works a little too well.
00:45:52Adrian went back to his room and took a cold shower.
00:45:57For a long time.
00:46:00The next morning, I went downstairs for breakfast
00:46:02and found Adrian shoving the sheets into the washer.
00:46:05Martha usually took care of that.
00:46:09He wouldn't be washing his own sheets
00:46:10unless there was something on them he didn't want anyone to see.
00:46:13I looked at him and Adrian's ears went red.
00:46:16He wouldn't meet my eyes.
00:46:18On the way to drop me off at work, Adrian said quietly,
00:46:21You don't need the tonic soup anymore.
00:46:24So he's all better now?
00:46:26I kind of wanted to find out for myself.
00:46:29I shut that thought down fast.
00:46:31After that, Adrian didn't touch me for three days.
00:46:35Not even my hand.
00:46:38He sat stiff, staring straight ahead, like he was holding his breath.
00:46:43The next night, I came out of the bathroom, just as he was heading upstairs.
00:46:48The hallway was narrow.
00:46:50As we squeezed past each other, our shoulders brushed.
00:46:53We both stopped.
00:46:54He didn't look back, neither did I.
00:46:57It lasted about two seconds.
00:47:01Then he gave this awkward little cough and went back to his room.
00:47:05I just stood there, my face on fire.
00:47:07On the third day, I switched it to plain chicken soup.
00:47:10No herbs at all.
00:47:14No herbs in the soup today?
00:47:15Mm.
00:47:17Why?
00:47:19You said you didn't need it anymore.
00:47:21Adrian took another sip.
00:47:22Then he set the bowl down and stared at me for a long moment.
00:47:25He thought he'd only just gotten better, but he'd been fine a year ago.
00:47:29I knew.
00:47:30I never told him.
00:47:31Before I knew it, it was Walter's birthday.
00:47:33The gala was at the family hotel.
00:47:39Vanessa's family had been doing business with ours for two generations.
00:47:42They were invited too.
00:47:45I saw Vanessa at the gala.
00:47:48I saw Vanessa at the gala.
00:47:50Four years ago, the two families had planned a marriage.
00:47:54After Vanessa called off the engagement, she quickly married Adrian's best friend from college.
00:47:59I heard she got divorced a year ago.
00:48:02When I went to the restroom, Vanessa followed me in and touched up her lipstick in the mirror.
00:48:06She gave me a sideways look.
00:48:12Sage, you've got some nerve.
00:48:14Cheating was one thing.
00:48:15But having another man's kids and letting his family raise them?
00:48:17I said nothing.
00:48:19Right, I forgot your move.
00:48:22If Adrian and I hadn't broken off our engagement, you never would have married into this family.
00:48:27I'm divorced now.
00:48:29What do you think happens if I go after Adrian?
00:48:33He dumps you and comes back to me?
00:48:37You know men never forget the first woman they loved.
00:48:41I ignored her.
00:48:42When I came out, Vanessa was still by the sink.
00:48:45Sage, I may be divorced, but at least I'm not broken.
00:48:48Unlike you, you can't even talk.
00:48:52Being with you must be exhausting for Adrian.
00:48:54He can't stand the silent treatment.
00:48:56When we fought, if I ignored him for more than three hours, he'd come running.
00:49:02So what's it like with you?
00:49:03One long, silent treatment?
00:49:06He'll lose his mind.
00:49:08Adrian told me not to shut him out.
00:49:10He meant it.
00:49:17I typed a line in my phone and held it up for Vanessa.
00:49:23You done?
00:49:24This desperation is pathetic.
00:49:28You think this is funny?
00:49:30Fine.
00:49:31Just wait.
00:49:32In front of everyone, I'll humiliate you so badly, you'll never recover.
00:49:36Then she swept out.
00:49:39When I came out of the restroom, Adrian was waiting for me in the hall.
00:49:44I just saw Vanessa come out of there.
00:49:46What did she say to you?
00:49:49I pulled out my phone and played the recording.
00:49:52Right, I forgot your mute.
00:49:54If Adrian and I hadn't called off our engagement, the recording started there.
00:50:03Spend your life with a mute?
00:50:04It'd be one endless cold war.
00:50:06He'd go crazy.
00:50:07Adrian listened in silence.
00:50:08His face kept darkening.
00:50:12I was the one who refused that marriage.
00:50:14She's not the one I couldn't forget.
00:50:16You are.
00:50:18She wasn't the one I couldn't let go of.
00:50:21You were.
00:50:25I fell for you five years ago, the first time I saw you at the aquarium.
00:50:29I knew you were shy.
00:50:31And with my own condition, I kept my distance and watched over you.
00:50:52My grandfather didn't bring us together because he was close to your grandfather.
00:50:57He knew I'd been in love with you for years.
00:50:59I'm the one who asked to marry you.
00:51:03So that was the truth.
00:51:05I had him all wrong.
00:51:07When we first got married, I thought he didn't like me.
00:51:18That man who always looked so cold wasn't staying away because he didn't want me.
00:51:21He wanted me too much.
00:51:23He just thought something was wrong with him.
00:51:24And if he got too close, he wouldn't be able to hide it.
00:51:29Then what was going on with you and Vanessa at the aquarium?
00:51:33At the aquarium?
00:51:34In Switzerland?
00:51:35We just ran into her.
00:51:36She saw us there.
00:51:37And when you went to the restroom, she came over and asked me to take her off my block list.
00:51:40I said no.
00:51:55Later, when I went with you to the baby store, she called me from an unknown number.
00:52:00She begged me to take her back.
00:52:02I said if I didn't, she'd tell my grandfather you were pregnant.
00:52:07That's what we fought about.
00:52:09Her threats don't work on me.
00:52:11Vanessa and I never dated.
00:52:12We were barely even friends.
00:52:14And I climbed that tree to grab an apple, not to help her save a cat.
00:52:24Everything I'd believed would have made sense.
00:52:27If Adrian had just explained it.
00:52:30But neither of us asked.
00:52:33But I still had one question.
00:52:35I pulled up the photos Vanessa and Chloe had sent me.
00:52:38The first was from first class.
00:52:40Vanessa wasn't on that flight.
00:52:42The passenger next to me took that picture and sent it to her.
00:52:46The second was at a coffee shop.
00:52:48I was never at that coffee shop with her.
00:52:51That photo was doctored.
00:52:53Chloe and Vanessa were best friends in college.
00:52:56What they were after is obvious.
00:52:58So Vanessa got Chloe to drive us apart.
00:53:00That photo booth picture in the drawer had been telling me that all along.
00:53:04Adrian had come clean with me.
00:53:06It was my turn.
00:53:08My hand stopped mid-air.
00:53:10Mr. Adrian, Mrs. Adrian.
00:53:11Vanessa's causing a scene.
00:53:13Mr. Walter wants you in the ballroom.
00:53:15Again, the words were right there and I never got the chance to say them.
00:53:21I only heard what happened in those few minutes afterwards from the estate butler.
00:53:25Vanessa pulled out a stack of candid photos.
00:53:27In them, I was in Switzerland, visibly pregnant.
00:53:30While Adrian and I were gone, she told Walter everything.
00:53:33Walter, Sage lied to you.
00:53:35She said she and Adrian adopted those kids.
00:53:37They did not.
00:53:38Sage gave birth to them herself.
00:53:41She was with another man.
00:53:42She deceived your whole family.
00:53:44No way.
00:53:45Seriously?
00:53:46So that's why Sage disappeared for over half a year.
00:53:49She went abroad to have the babies.
00:53:52She's got some nerve having another man's babies and bringing them into this family.
00:53:56Adrian's a real saint raising another man's kids.
00:54:07Walter shut her down cold.
00:54:10What other man?
00:54:11These children are Adrian and Sage's.
00:54:13Adrian got better a long time ago.
00:54:19That's impossible.
00:54:21Didn't the doctor say he'd never have children of his own?
00:54:23How could he be better?
00:54:26Vanessa, shut up.
00:54:27Stop.
00:54:28Vanessa wouldn't stop.
00:54:29She was all in now.
00:54:31Walter, if you're going to protect Sage, there should be a limit.
00:54:35With this much family money at stake, how can you just name an heir like that?
00:54:39Shut up!
00:54:42Vanessa's father turned to Walter with a strange smile.
00:54:44Walter, my daughter has lost her mind.
00:54:47I'll take her home and discipline her.
00:54:48Please don't hold this against us.
00:54:51Our partnership ends today and now on we're not partners.
00:54:55We're enemies.
00:55:00Guards, throw them out.
00:55:03One word from Walter and it was over.
00:55:10The bodyguards threw Vanessa and her parents out of the hotel.
00:55:15Vanessa never saw it coming.
00:55:17Walter backed me without hesitation.
00:55:22By the time Adrian and I got there, she'd already been thrown out.
00:55:27I was about to explain, but Walter spoke first.
00:55:32These two children are Adrian and Sage's biological children.
00:55:36Adrian has recovered.
00:55:38Anyone who spreads rumors again is against this family.
00:55:42The ones who just called me a cheater all dropped their heads.
00:55:46None of them could look at me now.
00:55:50Walter took out a ring and had Adrian put it on me.
00:55:53This was your grandmother's ring.
00:55:56Now they finally believed me.
00:55:58That's his grandmother's ring.
00:55:59Only the woman of this family wears it.
00:56:01If those two kids weren't Adrian's, why would Walter give Sage that ring?
00:56:04My grandpa pulled me aside.
00:56:06Sage, before we came to the banquet, I already told Walter.
00:56:10The kids are yours and Adrian's.
00:56:12After we got back, grandpa started to suspect the twins were mine.
00:56:17He asked who their father was.
00:56:20I told him it was Adrian.
00:56:23He looked relieved and didn't ask anything else.
00:56:26The day before the gala, I went to the family estate.
00:56:30Grandpa said Walter was waiting for him in the estate study.
00:56:33The tea had gone cold.
00:56:35Once he sat down, he said just one thing.
00:56:41The children are Adrian's.
00:56:46How do you know?
00:56:49Sage told me herself.
00:56:51I shot grandpa a look.
00:56:52I signed it.
00:56:54Since when does that count as saying it out loud?
00:56:57Grandpa said Walter didn't say a word.
00:57:04Grandpa said Walter got up,
00:57:07pulled a jar of liquor from the cabinet,
00:57:10and dragged him into a drink.
00:57:15The two old men drank deep into the night.
00:57:21By the time grandpa left,
00:57:24Walter was still there alone,
00:57:26staring at the bottle.
00:57:29He cried.
00:57:30That old man has never cried in front of me in his entire life.
00:57:36My eyes started to sting.
00:57:38Grandpa patted my hand.
00:57:40What he said tonight was backing you and Adrian.
00:57:42Adrian still doesn't know, does he?
00:57:46When are you going to tell him?
00:57:48Soon.
00:57:50Grandpa sighed and let it go.
00:57:52No wonder Walter was so sure Adrian had recovered.
00:57:56Adrian was the only one still in the dark.
00:57:58He thought Walter was just saving his pride in front of everyone.
00:58:05I was waiting for the right moment to tell Adrian the truth.
00:58:08As the gala broke up, the same guests who'd been whispering earlier came crowding back around us.
00:58:15Those kids are clearly part of his family.
00:58:20Then why didn't you see it before?
00:58:23Adrian didn't bother with them again.
00:58:25He just took me to the car.
00:58:28I turned the ring on my finger and held it up for him to see.
00:58:32Grandpa's willing to protect you.
00:58:34You don't have to be afraid anymore.
00:58:35I looked at him, my chest tight with hurt and urgency.
00:58:45Everyone else heard the answer.
00:58:47He was the only one who wouldn't believe it.
00:58:51He thought Walter was just covering for us.
00:58:54Even the ring.
00:58:56He thought Walter was only standing up for me.
00:59:01Once Walter stepped in, Vanessa's family business fell apart fast.
00:59:07Vanessa wasn't a rich girl anymore.
00:59:09To make quick money, she became an escort.
00:59:12I saw the story while I was filling prescriptions at the herbal shop.
00:59:16She got caught in a prostitution stick, and it made the news.
00:59:20Her reputation was ruined.
00:59:23Hey, isn't that the iris from that family?
00:59:27I heard them talking, but I didn't look up.
00:59:30Theo and Lily were starting to grow into their faces.
00:59:33Lily looked like me.
00:59:34Theo looked more and more like Adrian.
00:59:37Walter kept pulling out Adrian's baby pictures and comparing them to Theo.
00:59:41Aren't they identical?
00:59:43Adrian saw it too.
00:59:45The kids looked like him, and he couldn't make sense of it.
00:59:49Walter spent longer and longer comparing the photos.
00:59:51At first, he'd just glance and laugh.
00:59:53Then he got out a magnifying glass and compared every feature.
00:59:56Later, those two 100-day photos ended up framed side by side in the living room.
01:00:02Look at that ear, exactly like yours as a baby.
01:00:06Grandpa cut it out, we're home.
01:00:08Who's putting on an act?
01:00:12Adrian didn't answer.
01:00:15But every time he passed that frame, he'd stop and stare.
01:00:20One night, I got up to feed Lily.
01:00:23The nursery door was a john.
01:00:25Adrian was standing by Theo's crib in the dark.
01:00:27He leaned over, brushed Theo's hair aside, and looked at his ear.
01:00:31Theo had a tiny fold on his right ear.
01:00:33Adrian had the same one.
01:00:37He looked at it for a long time, touched his own ear, and went back to our room.
01:00:43A few days later, we were having dinner when he suddenly set down his silverware and asked,
01:00:48What month was Theo born?
01:00:51March.
01:00:51Is he premature?
01:00:53No, full term.
01:00:56He lowered his head and tapped his fingers on the table, counting back.
01:01:00All the way back to that night, he had the fever.
01:01:04That night?
01:01:07Never mind.
01:01:08He counted it right. I knew it.
01:01:10But I didn't say anything.
01:01:13A few days later, the driver picked me up after work, and we made small talk on the way home.
01:01:18Ma'am, Mr. Adrian went to the hospital this morning.
01:01:21I don't know which department, but it wasn't internal medicine.
01:01:24He had me wait in the car while two bodyguards stood watch outside for two hours.
01:01:29He went to find out.
01:01:31I'd waited a year for this, but when it finally came, I was scared.
01:01:38That evening, I was folding the kids' clothes when I looked up and saw Adrian in the doorway.
01:01:44He was clutching a piece of paper. The hospital's name was printed across the top.
01:01:49He didn't come in or say a word.
01:01:50He just looked at me for a long time, then went into the bathroom.
01:01:54I knew what that paper said. Now he did too.
01:01:59That night, Adrian came to my room after his shower.
01:02:04Sage, are Theo and Lily really mine?
01:02:07I nodded. Adrian was so happy, he couldn't get the words out.
01:02:12But we've never...
01:02:15He pulled a crumpled report from his pocket. The page unopened, and two conclusions lay before me.
01:02:22Both kids are mine.
01:02:24I put my hand on the corner of the paper and didn't pull away. Not this time.
01:02:31And I trashed him right in front of you every day.
01:02:33I pressed my lips together. I couldn't deny it. After all that time, he'd finally been cursing the right man.
01:02:41So the divorce agreement was a test too?
01:02:46Don't ever test me with divorce again.
01:02:49Even after bracing myself, I still couldn't say it.
01:02:52I didn't know how.
01:02:54The bath's ready. I'll go first.
01:02:57My face burned.
01:02:59I grabbed the excuse and ran into the bathroom.
01:03:04When I came out of the shower, Adrian was still there.
01:03:07And he was on my bed, with three buttons on down.
01:03:11I'm sleeping in here tonight.
01:03:13I knew now he'd wanted me for five years.
01:03:16And he'd fought for this marriage.
01:03:20So why were we still sleeping in separate rooms?
01:03:22I climbed into bed and slipped under the covers.
01:03:26Adrian wrapped me in his arms and breathed me in.
01:03:30You smell so good.
01:03:31My ears burned, but I didn't pull away.
01:03:34I let him hold me.
01:03:38Soon, holding me wasn't enough.
01:03:41His hand slid up from my waist.
01:03:43He kissed me gently at first.
01:03:46When I didn't resist, he got bolder, kissing from the corner of my mouth down to my collarbone.
01:03:52How do you think we got those babies? Let's do it again.
01:03:56If you don't push me away, I'll take that as yes.
01:03:59I'm mute. How am I supposed to make a sound?
01:04:03But Adrian told me if I couldn't say how I felt, I could show him.
01:04:09I wrapped my arms around his neck.
01:04:13That was my yes.
01:04:17Last time, did you make the first move while I was fevery and barely conscious?
01:04:22I kissed him to stop him from saying another word.
01:04:25My kiss lit something up in him.
01:04:28He kissed me back like he meant it.
01:04:33His careful gentleness vanished.
01:04:35He kissed me deep and hard, like he wanted me under his skin.
01:04:38I remember that night clearly.
01:04:41He kissed my forehead, then my eyes, then my lips.
01:04:46He paused each time, waiting for me.
01:04:48I held on and didn't stop him.
01:04:51Then his kisses trailed lower, from my collarbone to places I'd never let anyone near.
01:04:55I undid his shirt myself.
01:04:57My hands were shaking too hard to get the buttons open.
01:05:00He laughed softly, took my hand, and helped me undo them one by one.
01:05:05Take your time.
01:05:07But he was breathing even harder than I was.
01:05:09Then the lamp went out.
01:05:11Moonlight slipped through the curtains and fell across his shoulder.
01:05:14He pinned me into the pillow, his voice rough and unfamiliar.
01:05:18Look at me.
01:05:20I looked at him.
01:05:22His eyes were red, just like the night he had that fever.
01:05:25But this time, he was awake.
01:05:27He knew it was me.
01:05:28Outside, the moonlight slowly faded.
01:05:31Once, twice, I lost count.
01:05:34All I remember is him holding me, wrapping me in the blanket, and kissing my hair over and over.
01:05:40By the time the morning light came in, my whole body was sore.
01:05:44I could barely close my legs, let alone lift a hand.
01:05:47And he still had plenty of energy.
01:05:49He was already thinking about round two.
01:05:53At dawn, he got up first and went downstairs to bring me breakfast.
01:05:57I was lying there, too weak to move a finger.
01:06:00He sat by the bed, fed me oatmeal, and said with a straight face.
01:06:04You worked hard last night.
01:06:06From now on, when you get home from work, you've got another shift with me.
01:06:10I shot him a look.
01:06:13He leaned down and whispered in my ear.
01:06:15I'll pay overtime.
01:06:17How?
01:06:18Tonight.
01:06:19I threw a pillow at him.
01:06:21He caught it, grinning so hard his eyes crinkled.
01:06:26I laid back down and thought of that night he had the fever.
01:06:29Three minutes.
01:06:30I was crying when it ended, and he had no idea.
01:06:33Now I knew.
01:06:34He wasn't just good looking.
01:06:36He was very good at it.
01:06:38Good enough that I couldn't get out of bed the next day.
01:06:41Adrian told me he had felt it that night, even through the fever.
01:06:45That night I had the fever.
01:06:46I felt it.
01:06:48I dream about you all the time.
01:06:50So I thought I was dreaming again.
01:06:52He thought it was just a dream.
01:06:54He had no idea it had really happened.
01:06:57After that, I threw myself into voice treatment.
01:06:59The doctor gave me a two-year plan to speak again.
01:07:02I couldn't wait for that day.
01:07:08Once Adrian got a taste, he couldn't get enough.
01:07:11Every night, he had to make up for what he'd missed.
01:07:14That night, he had the fever.
01:07:16That night, Adrian pulled me into his arms and whispered one thing.
01:07:20Babe, do what you did to me last time.
01:07:23Do it again.
01:07:25Babe, do that thing you did to me last time.
01:07:28Again.
01:07:31Just thinking about last time made me blush.
01:07:33No, I'm tired from work today.
01:07:36Then lie down.
01:07:37I'll rub your shoulders.
01:07:39I lay face down on the pillow.
01:07:41He really did just rub my shoulders.
01:07:45It felt so good I was almost falling asleep.
01:07:48He was so focused, so careful.
01:07:50I thought, maybe I wasn't that tired after all.
01:07:57If I didn't have to do any work, maybe I wouldn't mind.
01:08:01Then suddenly, he stopped.
01:08:05Babe, did you just make a sound?
01:08:08Did I?
01:08:09No.
01:08:10Something shifted in Adrian's eyes, like he realized I hadn't actually spoken.
01:08:14In the dark, the moonlight fell across my face.
01:08:18Adrian slowed down on purpose, but each touch got heavier.
01:08:23He kept watching my reaction.
01:08:26I never made a sound, but my body answered for me.
01:08:29A tear slipped from the corner of my eye.
01:08:32Right away, he kissed the tear away.
01:08:35What is it, you don't like it?
01:08:37I shook my head, but hooked my arm around his shoulder and wouldn't let him pull away.
01:08:42It was the first time I'd learned pleasure could bring tears, too.
01:08:45The corner of his mouth lifted, and he leaned down to my ear.
01:08:50Babe, I heard what your body was saying.
01:08:52You like it.