- 10 hours ago
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00The night I pick out my wedding dress, Adrian never showed up.
00:04When I went to his law firm, the office was buzzing with celebration.
00:07Congrats, Adrian. Winning the case and the beauty.
00:10That's right. After these years, Serena's back by your side again.
00:13Adrian, does this mean your wedding with Tessa is postponed indefinitely?
00:18Don't compare Tessa to Serena. Serena will die without me. Tessa won't.
00:23I stood outside. I threw the bottle of wine I made for him into the trash can.
00:27Adrian, I don't care for your love anymore.
00:30When I walked out of the firm, my phone rang. It was Adrian.
00:34Tess, the firm is throwing a victory party tonight. Can we push back the dress picking?
00:38I watched Serena walk into the firm.
00:40Sure. Actually, no need to pick anymore.
00:43Tess, you're always so sweet.
00:45I had heard that exact line many times. I used to think it meant trust and security.
00:49But now, it felt like an absolute mockery. Only someone who doesn't care will never mind your choices.
00:55Okay. I'll handle it.
00:56After hanging up, I called the bridal and canceled the appointment.
01:00The stone in my heart sank, and I didn't feel a single trace of reluctance.
01:04I never doubted my feelings for Adrian.
01:06I believed we were deeply in love.
01:09We met through wine.
01:10In the cellar, his clear profile added a touch of sweetness to the air.
01:13From then, my wine carried a new note called longing.
01:16Adrian, I made a new batch. Try it.
01:20Adrian, smell this aroma. Do you like it?
01:23Adrian, what do you think of this flavor profile?
01:26Gradually, we began talking and drinking together.
01:29He patiently acted as the taster for my vintages.
01:31I willingly acted as the cure for his loneliness.
01:34Until one night, after a few glasses too many...
01:37Adrian, I love you.
01:38...that ended 30 days of ambiguous silence.
01:41My love was active, but Adrian, like a puppet, he mechanically agreed to my requests, accepting my love.
01:46Yet, I believed that was unconditional favoritism.
01:49Until I saw Serena that I finally understood.
01:52In the time we spent together, it seems he was always searching for her shadow.
01:56I was just a remedy for his solitude.
02:02I was about to drive away.
02:04Tessa, Adrian is busy now.
02:06Could you bring two bottles of wine over?
02:09Adrian specifically asked for always.
02:11He keeps telling me the wine you make tastes just like me.
02:13Thank you for keeping my memory alive for him.
02:15Always was the wine Adrian and I created.
02:18I provided the winemaking skill.
02:20He provided the palate.
02:22Until I had brewed wine 20 times that I finally won his smile.
02:26Afterward, Adrian named it, always.
02:28Always on mind.
02:29Never forgotten.
02:30I used to think that represented our love.
02:32I locked them carefully.
02:34But I never expected that his first love surpass everything.
02:37My hands trembled hard I couldn't type a response.
02:39It was time to wake up from this one-sided dream.
02:42I went back to the cellar and brought out four bottles of always.
02:45Always's output stayed very low.
02:47Not because I couldn't make more.
02:49But because Adrian had forbidden it.
02:51He said this wine belonged to the two of us.
02:53He didn't want to share it with anyone else.
02:55So we only bring out it on our anniversaries.
02:57I believed he loved me to his core.
02:59Only now did I realize he was longing for another woman.
03:02Inside the private room, Adrian was taking drink after drink on Serena's behalf.
03:07He didn't notice me at the doorway at all.
03:09In three years, I had never seen him look like this.
03:12Joyful.
03:13Satisfied.
03:13Not the way he was with me.
03:15Always careful.
03:20Let's congratulate Mr. Hayes getting his happy ending.
03:23He doesn't look like a gloomy, lonely man anymore.
03:26Serena, you have no idea.
03:28When you got married years ago, Adrian vanished for an entire month.
03:32We were worried sick.
03:33Right.
03:34Luckily, he ran into Tessa back then.
03:36Otherwise, who knows what state he'd be in.
03:38As soon as my name was mentioned, everyone fell silent.
03:41I looked at the silent crowd deep down.
03:43I still craved a bit of validation from Adrian.
03:46After a long silence, Adrian wrapped his fingers tightly around Serena's hand.
03:51Serena is my only cure.
03:53Serena had already noticed me standing at the doorway.
03:56I knew this loud, cheerful room had no place for me.
03:59So I signaled the server to bring the wine inside.
04:03Mr. Hayes, here is the wine.
04:05Just as he stood up to walk the room, Serena kissed him without a moment's hesitation.
04:10I walked away from the battle.
04:11When it came to love, I was a coward.
04:14I lacked the courage to reclaim everything in front of everyone.
04:17Serena's messages kept flashing.
04:19A video message.
04:21Serena, this is the wine I crafted for you.
04:23Do you like it?
04:24Serena, this wine represents my life.
04:27And so do you.
04:33Tessa, thank you for making the wine.
04:36Adrian never belonged to you.
04:37I hope you have self-awareness.
04:39When I got home, memories flooded the empty hallway like poison.
04:43The matching couple's slippers sat neatly, but Adrian's pair looked brand new.
04:47The matching coffee mugs were bright, but his mug was covered in a layer of dust.
04:51The matching pajamas swayed in the breeze, but his set had never been worn once.
04:55Our life together was an empty structure, like two lines that crossed for a brief second,
04:59before pulling apart forever.
05:01We shared an address, but our souls were completely distant.
05:04He didn't like anything I prepared for him, yet he accepted it all for Serena.
05:09Adrian had never betrayed Serena.
05:11I was an accidental.
05:15Miss Bennett, I heard you canceled the dress appointment.
05:18What about tomorrow's engagement photo shoot?
05:20Cancel that as well.
05:21I was about to throw out all them when the front door unlocked.
05:25Thank you, my sweet Tess.
05:26You're always so generous.
05:28I love the wine tonight.
05:30Serena loved it too.
05:32Serena and I grew up together, as you know.
05:34We're practically childhood friends.
05:36You're not jealous, are you?
05:38My Tess is so good.
05:39I know you won't jealous.
05:45Adrian always acted differently when he was intoxicated.
05:48He became soft, responsive, and obedient, like a loyal pet.
05:52Adrian, say you love me.
05:54Tess, I love you.
05:56Adrian, tell me you miss me.
05:59Tess, I miss you.
06:00Adrian, call me baby.
06:03Tess, my babe.
06:04All the words he withheld while sober flowed out whenever he was drunk.
06:07I secretly rejoiced over this for a long time.
06:10I used to believe alcohol revealed his true, hidden feelings.
06:14So I used those repeated questions to reassure myself of my place in his heart.
06:18I filled my insecurities with those intoxicated promises.
06:22But now, I was tired of hearing them.
06:25It was time to wake up.
06:26Adrian, do you love Serena?
06:28Yep.
06:29Serena, I love you.
06:30That was the secret he had guarded for three years.
06:33Adrian, do you want to marry Serena?
06:36Yeah.
06:36I want to, I want to more than anything.
06:39Serena, will you marry me?
06:41Fueled by alcohol, he mistook me for Serena.
06:44The proud, high-powered law attorney was begging.
06:47His words hit me like sharp blades, tearing into my chest.
06:50I trembled with pain.
06:51He had never loved me.
06:53I was just a shadow.
06:54I didn't humiliate myself further.
06:56I gave him no answer.
06:57The large apartment filled only with the ticking of the clock.
07:03I stood frozen in place, letting him lean he against me, letting his body heat surround me.
07:08I didn't move until my legs went numb and his strength completely gave out.
07:12That night, we slept separately for the very first time.
07:15Nearly the next morning, Adrian's phone woke me up.
07:20Adrian, you and Serena move fast.
07:22The wedding planner has been waiting for an hour and Serena's already here.
07:26Hurry over.
07:27Wait, Adrian, what about your wedding with Tessa?
07:30Do you need me to call and cancel it?
07:32Adrian had hired that wedding planner himself a month ago.
07:35He said I was too busy handling the wedding arrangements on my own and wanted to help share the load.
07:40I had smiled happily at his thoughtfulness, entirely unaware that he was designing a wedding for Serena all along.
07:46Keep it down. Don't let Tessa hear you.
07:50Tessa, I'm sorry I couldn't pick out dresses with you yesterday.
07:53Did you pick one? Do you have pictures?
07:56You'll look beautiful in anything.
08:00Adrian, do you actually want to marry me?
08:05A week ago, Adrian had proposed out of nowhere. No flowers, no ring.
08:10Tess, do you want to get married?
08:11I hadn't questioned it. I treated it as a wonderful surprise.
08:15Tess, do you really want to marry me?
08:16I do.
08:17Yet, I had never asked him if he wanted to marry me.
08:20I needed an answer that would kill my remaining hope completely.
08:23What's wrong?
08:25Are you stressed about the wedding prep?
08:27It's fine if you can't finish the custom wedding wine in time.
08:30Don't put so much pressure on yourself.
08:32Be good.
08:33Something came up at the firm.
08:34We'll talk tonight, okay?
08:36But we had an appointment to take wedding photos today.
08:39Adrian hated my stubbornness.
08:41Didn't I tell you something came up at the firm?
08:43What's wrong with you today, Tessa?
08:45If you want, go shoot them yourself.
08:47Just leave a space open and have them smoke me in later.
08:50And forget about printed invitations.
08:52The firm took on a major case.
08:54Let's just get the marriage certificate first.
08:56Overnight, Adrian felt like a complete stranger.
08:59That was how a man moved when he was rushing to see the woman he loved.
09:06Over the next few days, he always left early and returned late.
09:09Through Serena's social media, I watched them carry out my three-year plan in three short days.
09:14Day one, they chose wedding attire together.
09:16Day two, they took romantic portraits together.
09:19Day three, they wrote custom invitations together.
09:21And I, too, completely gave up everything with Adrian.
09:25Day one, I finalized the lease transfer for my San Francisco tasting space.
09:29Day two, I liquidated my wine inventory.
09:32Day three, I packed my suitcases alone.
09:34Day four was Adrian and Serena's wedding ceremony.
09:37It was also the day I left.
09:39At four in the morning, Adrian got up, claiming he had an early court hearing.
09:45Adrian, this wine is my newly brewed.
09:47Wish you all the best.
09:49Thanks, Tess.
09:50Once I finish this busy stretch, we'll drink it together.
09:53Take it with you.
09:54If you win, consider it a celebratory drink.
09:57He didn't have time to dwell on my behavior.
09:59His bride was waiting for him.
10:01He couldn't bear to keep her waiting.
10:03At the private venue, Serena spotted the bottle in Adrian's hand.
10:07Adrian, can we use this bottle for our reception toast?
10:10You know my tolerance is low, but Tella's wine always has a sweet.
10:14It's perfect for today, isn't it?
10:17Sure.
10:21The moment the liquid hit his tongue, his body froze.
10:25Adrian, everyone is waiting.
10:27Let's go toast the guests.
10:28Adrian, hurry up!
10:30What are you doing?
10:32Man, did getting married turn you stupid?
10:34Get moving!
10:36As I boarded my flight, my phone buzzed in my hand.
10:43Adrian preferred wines with a sweet profile.
10:46When we first met, he drank glass after glass in my cellar.
10:50Tess's wine is so sweet.
10:52I absolutely love it.
10:54If I ever stop loving you, you'll only taste bitterness in my wine.
10:59Then I'll make sure my Tess loves me forever.
11:02I'm only drinking the sweetest wine.
11:04But now, an intense bitterness exploded in his mouth.
11:08Memories rushed back into his mind all at once.
11:11Adrian!
11:12Today is our wedding!
11:14Where do you think you're going?
11:16Serena, let's hold the wedding another time.
11:18The guests are close friends, they'll understand.
11:20Because it was put together hastily, and because Adrian wanted to protect Serena's privacy.
11:25The ceremony was small, attended only by close associates.
11:29That was why Adrian could leave without a second thought.
11:32He is always like that.
11:33No one could change his mind once it was set.
11:39His life had been too smooth.
11:41He believed the world revolved around his needs.
11:43He wanted to obtain everything that belonged to him.
11:46Selfishly, he drove to my winery.
11:48Finding the display racks, still stocked with wines.
11:52He knew those wines were my hard work.
11:54He convinced himself I hadn't left.
11:56Amidst his relief, upon returning home,
11:58he didn't forget to bring the leftover invitations from the car.
12:01He opened the door quickly,
12:03changed into the pair of couple slippers I had prepared for him.
12:06Tess, come check out this invitation layout.
12:08Do you like it?
12:10Tess, I saved a few wedding dress photos.
12:12Look at these styles.
12:15Tess, I booked a new photographer for us.
12:16Are you free tomorrow?
12:17Adrian answered every question I had asked him.
12:20Yet no voice answered him.
12:22Next to Adrian's name, the line for the bride remained empty.
12:26Looking around the unchanged apartment,
12:28Adrian's tense expression smoothed out.
12:30He foolishly believed I could never truly let go of three years of devotion.
12:34He sat down at his desk and began planning a wedding all over again.
12:41When I arrived in Belrose, the Chris Bear of wine country greeted me.
12:45Belrose was a small, quiet town, but for winemakers, it was a hidden paradise.
12:49The unique microclimate and rich soil produced distinctive grape varieties that yielded complex, vibrantness.
12:56The winery was running smoothly under Ethan's care.
12:59The tasting room had clean display windows, organized inventory records, and clear vintage labels.
13:05Thanks to his practical management, it gave me time to lock myself in the barrel room and focus on winemaking.
13:11Without Adrian in my life, I stopped feeling anxious and insecure.
13:15Seeing genuine smiles on visitors' faces gave me actual satisfaction.
13:20Yet Adrian, who had always maintained emotional distance, suddenly began pestering me relentlessly.
13:25His messages flooded my text inbox from an unknown number.
13:29Tess, I ordered the tuxued today.
13:32Look at it. Doesn't it look pretty?
13:34Tess, I scheduled the photo session for Thursday.
13:37Even if you can't make it, I'll have them add you in seamlessly.
13:40It was the exact outcome I had prayed for over three years.
13:43Now, looking at the images, my heart didn't produce a single ripple.
13:51It was simply playing a game of self-serving guilt.
13:54Once the game lost its novelty, he would move on.
13:56I didn't reply to a single text.
13:59Yet Adrian refused to stop.
14:01He bought a set of diamond bands.
14:02He ordered custom floral arrangements.
14:05He reserved an outdoor venue in Napa Valley.
14:07He acted as if I had simply taken a business trip and would walk through the apartment door any day
14:12now.
14:13Until my phone rejected his calls with an automated message.
14:16Until a month passed without a single word from me.
14:19He finally panicked and drove north.
14:21The town was filled mostly with grape growers and winemakers.
14:24The older growers affectionately called me Tess.
14:27Even though I was younger, they respected my winemaking knowledge.
14:30I was laughing alongside them when the cheerful mood evaporated.
14:34Tessa, why did you block my number?
14:36Why didn't you answer my calls?
14:37Before I could speak, he marched over and pulled me into a tight hug.
14:41Adrian had never shown public affection when we lived in San Francisco.
14:48I used to think he was reserved or uncomfortable with attention.
14:52Now he was making a dramatic display right in front of my neighbors.
14:55I had no desire to become the town gossip.
14:58My confusion outweighed my surprise.
15:00A man who preferred another woman, he was now standing in my winery, acting heartbroken.
15:08Adrian, what are you doing here?
15:11Tess, did you forget tomorrow was supposed to be our wedding day?
15:14I came to take you back.
15:15Let's do the ceremony properly, okay?
15:18Tess, I miss your wine.
15:19I miss you so much.
15:21I haven't been able to sleep a single night without you.
15:23Adrian poured out his sudden need for me like a heavy rainstorm.
15:27His desperate eyes almost made me waver, but I caught myself.
15:31Adrian, do you even hear yourself?
15:33Your bride is Serena, not me.
15:39He had hidden his arrangements so carefully, he couldn't figure out how I knew everything.
15:45Tess, it's not what you think.
15:47Marrying Serena was just to fulfill an old promise.
15:50Serena is sick.
15:51Her ex-husband treated her terribly, and having a wedding ceremony was her ultimate dream.
15:56I promised her years ago that I would protect her and give her a memorable wedding ceremony.
16:02That's hilarious, Adrian.
16:03What kind of promise requires signing a marriage document?
16:06What's your next step?
16:08If Serena says her dream is to have your child, will you agree to that too?
16:12If her ultimate wish is for you to die together, are you going to jump off a cliff with her?
16:17Have you run out of believable excuses?
16:21Tess, I was wrong.
16:22I won't play the savior anymore.
16:25I'll hire the best medical team for Serena.
16:27I'll cut off all contact with her, I promise.
16:30Come back to San Francisco with me.
16:32Let's get married.
16:36Adrian had always been quick to offer fixes whenever problems arose in his career.
16:41He assumed every conflict could be resolved.
16:44I wasn't a client, and I didn't care about his plan.
16:47When you realize something is rotten, you throw it away.
16:50When a man doesn't love you, you walk away.
16:53Adrian, I don't love you anymore.
16:55We broke up.
16:56I'm never going back.
16:57Why, Tessa?
16:58Why don't you love me anymore?
17:00We promise to stay together forever.
17:03We promise to visit vineyards all over the world.
17:05His desperate tone was familiar.
17:07He used to mumble similar pleas in his sleep, crying for a woman who had abandoned him.
17:12Back then, I foolishly stayed up all night, holding his head against my chest, whispering sweet reassurances.
17:19Adrian, I'm here.
17:20I'm right here.
17:21Looking back, I had been an absolute fool.
17:24Adrian, stop playing the victim in front of me.
17:27You're an emotional liar.
17:29Serena left you, which had nothing to do with me.
17:32She's come back to you now.
17:33Why are you coming here to harass me?
17:39I used every harsh word I could think of, hoping to shatter his delusion.
17:42I wanted him to realize how pathetic he looked.
17:45He listened quietly, making no effort to interrupt or defend himself.
17:49He seemed to believe that if he took my verbal lashings, I would forgive him.
17:52When I finally stopped talking, he exhaled slowly and spoke in a small, tentative voice.
17:57Tess, if you don't want to go back, we can hold the wedding right here.
18:01Before I could answer, he turned and ran out the door.
18:04I don't care about what he said.
18:06My day had been thoroughly ruined by his sudden arrival.
18:08I asked Ethan to close the tasting room early.
18:11Before heading home, Ethan suggested taking a walk through the upper vineyard block.
18:15Ethan and I were college classmates.
18:17We co-founded Bell Rose Cellars right after graduation.
18:19He was always all smiles with everyone.
18:21The only time we had our first argument was three years ago, when I was about to leave with Adrian.
18:30After that argument, our connection grew distant.
18:33Every month, he sends me the liquor he needs, and I ship it back to him on schedule.
18:37When I returned a month ago, Ethan kept a respectful distance.
18:40He didn't pry into my broken engagement.
18:43Our conversations were only focused on harvest, barrel selections, and retail orders.
18:48Toe Night, however, he was unusually attentive.
18:51Tess, do you want me to pick up some hot cider?
18:54Tess, do you want to sample the new vintage?
18:56The Pinot grapes are almost ready for harvest.
18:59Do you want a taste with me tomorrow?
19:01His careful manner reminded me of how I used to treat Adrian.
19:04Let's see if your winemaking instincts have gotten any better.
19:07Ethan and I drank glass after glass.
19:09Neither of us brought up our argument from three years ago, because we all know it has passed.
19:13The next morning, loud outside woke me up.
19:16The hangover gave me a splitting headache.
19:18I struggled to get up, seeing him wait at the doorway with a group of people.
19:26Tess, look at these options.
19:28Classic silk gowns, modern lace, and custom bohemian styles.
19:32How about we shoot photos in every single style today?
19:34Adrian was a man of extreme action.
19:37Once he sets his mind on something, he is determined to see it through.
19:40I despised his utter disregard for my boundaries.
19:43It made me feel suffocated.
19:45Adrian, wasn't I clear yesterday?
19:47I am not marrying you.
19:49Pack up your circus and leave.
19:51Adrian didn't look hurt.
19:52He smiled obediently, dismissed the crew, and stayed behind.
19:56After that, he became an inescapable shadow.
19:59When I worked in the vineyard, he followed me with a pair of shears, asking what kind of diamond cut
20:04I preferred.
20:05When I washed glasses in the tasting room, he picked up a towel, asking if I wanted a coastal venue
20:10or a mountain estate.
20:11When I organized wooden crates in the storage room, he pulled out his phone to discuss guest seating charts.
20:17I rejected every single question and repeatedly told him to leave.
20:23This persistent harassment reached a boiling point on an evening.
20:27Darina arrived.
20:28She threw a thick folder of medical records at my face.
20:31Tessa, you were nothing but my shadow for three years.
20:36How dare you treat Adrian like this?
20:38Do you know why I got divorced?
20:40Adrian convinced me to leave my ex-husband.
20:44He swore he would take care of me for the rest of my life.
20:48I forced him into that wedding by threatening to end my life.
20:53Can you love a man with your entire life?
20:56No, you can't, but I can.
20:59I lost three years with him.
21:03If you hadn't barged into his life, he would have waited for me.
21:07Serena sobbed hysterically, dumping her frustration and bitterness directly onto me.
21:12I stood behind the counter, waiting for her to finish her outburst.
21:16Serena, if you're sick, go to a hospital.
21:19I didn't cause your illness, so stop coming here to put on a show.
21:26If you don't value your own life, don't blame me for it.
21:30If you believe desperate threats can keep a man, hold on to him tight.
21:34Stop letting him hang around my business like thrown away trash.
21:37If you love Adrian, take him away and lock him up.
21:40Just keep him out of my sight.
21:42Every word I spoke hit her like a cold slap.
21:45This wasn't the timid, passive woman she expected to confront.
21:48Serena brought the depression upon herself.
21:50Years ago, she abandoned Adrian to pursue wealth.
21:53When her marriage turned sour, she began romanticizing her past with Adrian,
21:58indulging in self-pity and guilt until her mental health fractured.
22:02She believed her suffering gave her complete entitlement over Adrian's life.
22:06She succeeded in breaking up my engagement, but Adrian refused to play his assigned part.
22:12She was losing control of the narrative she built.
22:14Losing her temper completely, Serena grabbed a wine bottle from her splay shell and smashed it against the counter.
22:24She raised another full bottle, aiming it directly at my head.
22:28Before she could swing, Ethan rushed out from the back room.
22:31At that exact moment, Adrian ran through the entrance and grabbed Serena's arms.
22:35Adrian!
22:36Why don't you want me anymore?
22:38I don't want to go to a clinic.
22:40Take me home.
22:41I'm your wife.
22:43I belong with you.
22:44This time, Adrian didn't show a hint of hesitation.
22:47He shoved her away firmly.
22:49Serena, stop this madness.
22:51The game is over.
22:52I am not marrying you.
22:54I am in love with Tessa.
22:56Stop coming between us.
22:57Late arriving affection was worse than garbage.
23:00I didn't give him a single second of attention.
23:03Ethan, are you okay?
23:08Where are you hurt?
23:10Here?
23:10Or your back?
23:11Red liquid soaked through his gray work shirt, making it impossible to tell if it was red wine or blood.
23:16My hands shook.
23:17I tried to unbutton his collar to inspect the injury.
23:20Seeing me panic over another man, the fragile control Adrian maintained completely snapped.
23:24Tessa!
23:25Are you deaf?
23:26I just told you I love you!
23:28After three long years, Adrian finally said those words while fully sober.
23:33I had spent years longing to hear them.
23:35Now, they sounded utterly revolting.
23:37I heard you, and your words make me sick.
23:42Take this unhinged woman and get out of my winery.
23:45Go throw a scene in San Francisco.
23:47Don't ruin my business!
23:48Adrian didn't back down.
23:49His stubborn arrogance took a dangerous turn.
23:52He let out a bitter smile, dropping to his knees on the floor, right on top of the glass shards
23:57and spilled wine.
23:58Glass cut through his trousers, but he didn't even flinch.
24:01Tessa, I beg you.
24:03Just tell me you still love me.
24:04Just once!
24:05Looking at them, I realized Adrian and Serena were perfect for each other.
24:09One was addicted to tragic drama.
24:11The other was addicted to self-sacrificing guilt.
24:14Their endless drama had nothing to do with me anymore.
24:19Man I once loved had vanished three years ago.
24:22I had zero affection left to give him.
24:24I refused to waste another breath on either of them.
24:27I wrapped Ethan's arm around my shoulder, supporting his weight as we walked toward the door.
24:32Just as we reached the threshold, Adrian pulled a metal lighter from his coat pocket.
24:38Tess, I'm going to burn right here.
24:41Are you going to save him or save me?
24:44Adrian, are you insane?
24:46Get out of there.
24:47Tess, save me.
24:49Come save me.
24:50Tessa, please save Adrian.
24:52I won't compete with you anymore.
24:53Just save him.
24:54I didn't have time to process their absurdity.
24:56I grabbed a fire extinguisher from the wall mount, prepared to charge inside.
25:00Before I could step forward, two local growers grabbed me by the arms and pulled me back.
25:08What idiot set a fire?
25:10Are you completely out of your mind?
25:12Throwing a deadly tantrum over a breakup?
25:15Pathetic!
25:16Within five minutes, the fire was suppressed, and two farmers dragged Adrian out into the courtyard.
25:21Tessa, why?
25:23Why won't you look at me?
25:24Ethan was rushed to the nearby medical clinic.
25:27Fortunately, the heavy canvas shirt had absorbed most of the impact.
25:30The cuts on his back were shallow and only required minor sutures.
25:35When I helped Ethan out of the clinic, Adrian was standing near the entrance.
25:38The polished, untouchable San Francisco attorney was completely gone.
25:42He stood there humbly, but I felt zero sympathy.
25:46Adrian, your life doesn't mean a single thing to me.
25:49You disgust me.
25:50Get out of Bellpru.
25:52Tess, do you really?
25:54Not care about me at all?
25:55No.
25:56And I never will again.
26:00He had asked that question dozens of times over the past week, desperate for a different answer.
26:05My feelings for him were dead.
26:07Adrian broke down, sobbing uncontrollably right outside the clinic doors.
26:11But Tess, I love you.
26:13I love you so much.
26:14What am I supposed to do?
26:17I thought when Serena came back, I wouldn't need you anymore.
26:21But I was wrong!
26:22I need you!
26:23I can't function without you!
26:27Please love me again, Tessa.
26:28Just one more time.
26:30I turned my head away, unwilling to look at his pathetic display.
26:34Adrian, I beg you to, stop loving me.
26:39Did you ever actually love me during those three years?
26:42You loved the wine I crafted.
26:44You loved the shadow of Serena I provided.
26:47Once Serena came back and lost her ideal image, she couldn't give you that romantic illusion anymore.
26:54That's why you ran back to me.
26:57If I ever stopped fitting your ideal image, you would replace me just as quickly.
27:03Wake up, Adrian.
27:04Stop lying to yourself.
27:06Without waiting for his response, I turned and walked away, supporting Ethan's arm.
27:14Two weeks later, after the tasting room floor was fully restored, Ethan and I threw a dinner gathering for our
27:20neighbors.
27:20It was to thank them for their quick help during the fire, and to mark a clean break from my
27:24past.
27:25Laughter and music filled the courtyard late into the night.
27:28My life gradually returned to a calm, satisfying rhythm.
27:32Monitoring grape sugar, overseeing harvest, and crafting small batches filled my days entirely.
27:37A month later, a heavy parcel arrived at Bell Rose Cellars.
27:41Inside was the final bottle of Always, returned completely intact, along with a signed legal release waiving all rights to
27:47the brand name.
27:48I didn't open the bottle.
27:49I tossed it directly into the outdoor recycling bin.
27:52On my walk home, the evening church bells echoed across the valley.
27:55Growers were heading back to their farmhouses under the golden sunset.
27:59I walked with light, steady steps toward the winery porch, where Ethan was waiting for me.
28:51It's binge Folk with Kodrock playing at Bell Rose Cellars.
28:51I turned on the
28:52.
29:22.
29:52.
30:22.
30:52.
30:52.
30:52.
30:52.
30:53.
30:53.
30:55.
30:59.
31:00.
31:01.
31:01.
31:01.
31:02.
31:02.
31:05.
31:06.
31:08.
31:08.
31:08.
31:09.
31:10.
31:10.
31:10.
31:10.
31:10.
31:10.
31:10.
31:10.
31:10.
31:10.
31:12.
31:12.
31:12.
31:12.
31:12.
31:12.
31:12.
31:12.
31:12.
31:12.
31:13.