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00:01I was born with the power to make wishes come true. If the condition is a sure thing,
00:04the outcome comes true. If my parents love me, I won't be late for school today.
00:08If my parents love me, I'll get into the college I want. Then my parents died
00:13in a car crash.
00:16Julian Vance was my childhood sweetheart. At the funeral, he took my hands and swore he'd love
00:19me and never leave me. After that, the condition for every wish changed to if Julian loves me.
00:24Julian, ever the rational scientist, didn't believe in superpowers, but he'd still smile
00:27and indulge me, letting me make a wish before anything big. Then his lab hired a sharp-tongued
00:31new grad student, Wren Ashby. The first time she heard me make a wish, she warned me flat out.
00:35Julian is the best astrophysicist in the country. You're his girlfriend, but you're not acting your
00:39age. How could a waste of space like you ever deserve him? She used to chew me out until I
00:42cried.
00:43I was too soft. Every time, Julian would sigh and pat my head.
00:47Don't take it personally. That's just how she is. She comes at me the same way.
00:52He said he didn't even like her. She was loud and brash. He only put up with her because of
00:56work.
00:57But the time he gave her kept adding up. One day, it was helping her revise her paper.
01:01The next, it was flying to Perrion with her for a conference. Then he blew me off for the eighth
01:05time to go to an international summit with Wren. I stopped outside a convenience store.
01:10I wished out of pure spite. If Julian doesn't love me anymore, let me win $10 million.
01:15I bought a scratch-off and scratched it. The clerk's voice shot up.
01:18Ma'am, you just hit the jackpot. $10 million!
01:21I stared at the $10 million on the scratch-off and felt my blood run cold.
01:24How? My wishes never missed. The clerk gave me a puzzled look.
01:29Right. Anyone else would have been screaming. I looked like my world was ending.
01:34I memorized the address he gave me for the prize payment center.
01:37I forced a smile and put the ticket away. My phone rang. It was Julian.
01:44His voice was as mental as ever.
01:46Nora, some new students joined the group. Come eat with us.
01:51I hung up and went to the restaurant. Wren and Julian were at the head of the table,
01:54heads together, laughing. When he saw me, Julian stood and put an arm around my shoulders.
01:58This is my girlfriend, Nora Whitfield.
02:00The table erupted.
02:01Wow, you two are perfect together.
02:03Only Wren smiled with disdain.
02:04Let me teach you something. Don't pick a girlfriend based on looks.
02:09Check her brain. Otherwise, you end up like your P.I. stuck with a dumbass.
02:13I asked her why stars twinkle. She hemmed and hawed and finally said she didn't know.
02:18The looks around the table turned weird. They were all top students from the best universities in the country.
02:22They had fought for a spot in Julian's lab. To them, he belonged with a genius like Wren.
02:26Wren, that's enough.
02:28Julian said it lightly, then squeezed my shoulder. It was always like this.
02:31He said Wren was smart, proud, and hot-tempered. I was soft and more easygoing, so I should be more
02:36tolerant.
02:37Every time Wren chewed me out until I cried, he'd wipe my tears like I was a child and tell
02:40me I was sweet and easy.
02:41But this time, I was done being easy. I rubbed the edge of the ticket in my pocket and took
02:46out a quarter.
02:47I have a question. If I flip a coin ten times, what are the odds I get heads every time?
02:5550-50.
02:56Ten in a row is one in 1,024.
02:59Basically zero.
03:00I nodded, then looked at Wren.
03:03Want to play a game?
03:04She gave me a challenging look.
03:07Sure.
03:09What, are we wishing on a star now?
03:11I set the quarter on the table.
03:14If you're in love with Julian, I'll flip heads ten times in a row. How about it?
03:19The laughter stopped. Julian's face tightened and reached for my arm.
03:23Nora, what are you doing?
03:26Wren laughed until her eyes watered.
03:28She wiped the corner of her eye and casually slipped her arm through Julian's.
03:33It's fine, Julian. Let her play.
03:36I can take a game.
03:38Everyone's eyes bounced between the three of us.
03:40They didn't know what was going on, but they could smell trouble.
03:44I asked the servant for a paper cup, shook the coin inside, and slammed it upside down on the table.
03:51Heads.
03:52Rent scoshed.
03:54Beginner's luck.
03:55Don't tell me you actually think you're a witch.
03:57Heads again.
03:59Heads a third time.
04:00She shut up.
04:01By the eighth flip, the whole table had gone quiet.
04:04All eyes were on me.
04:05I lifted the cup.
04:07Heads.
04:10Someone jumped out of their chair.
04:12Holy shit!
04:13Statistics is dead.
04:14Julian's expression turned ugly.
04:16He looked at me.
04:17Nora, stop.
04:18This is supposed to be a fun dinner.
04:20I'm having a great time.
04:22Isn't everybody?
04:23A few people mumbled yes.
04:24Rain was the only one glaring at me, looking furious.
04:26Heads on the ninth.
04:28Julian put his hand over mine.
04:30A warning in his voice.
04:31Nora Whitfield, I said stop.
04:33I held back the tears and reached for the cup anyway.
04:35He knocked it out of my hand.
04:37The coin hit the floor and rolled.
04:39When it stopped, it was heads.
04:41Nobody breathed.
04:42Rent spoke first.
04:43Her eyes were red, but her jaw was set.
04:46Julian?
04:47What is that supposed to mean?
04:49He went pale.
04:50Rent, let me explain.
04:51She didn't look at him.
04:52Then looked at me.
04:53Nora, I do like Julian.
04:55But I never meant to come between you two.
04:56You didn't have to humiliate me in front of everyone.
04:58She walked right up to Julian and poured her juice down the front of his shirt.
05:01You win.
05:02I'm out.
05:03Be happy.
05:04Julian caught her forearm before she could turn.
05:06Don't go.
05:10She yanked free and gave him a dead smile.
05:12What do you take me for?
05:14I'm nobody's other woman.
05:17She gave me a long look, then turned and walked out with her head up.
05:20Julian rubbed his forehead and looked at me in irritation.
05:23How long have you known?
05:24Are you happy now?
05:26So he'd known how she felt all along, but kept it from me.
05:29Which meant every cheap shop she'd ever taken at me, he'd understood exactly what was behind it.
05:34He'd let it happen anyway and let her take it all out on his girlfriend.
05:38Everything he couldn't say out loud.
05:39A fist closed around my heart and squeezed.
05:42Julian gave me a disappointed look and sighed.
05:44Take a cab home.
05:46It's late.
05:46She shouldn't be out there alone.
05:48He went after her.
05:50I don't know how long I stood there.
05:51Half the restaurant had watched.
05:53Some pitied me, some sympathized, but most just laughed.
05:55A girl from the lab slid a napkin towards me.
05:57Hey, you okay?
05:59I'm fine.
05:59You're crying.
06:00I touched my face.
06:01She was right.
06:02I dried my eyes and paid the bill.
06:04I made sure everybody had a ride.
06:05Then I left.
06:08The next day, I took the day off and drove to the state lottery headquarters to claim my prize.
06:12After the initial withholding, I was left with just under $7 million.
06:15It hit my account.
06:16That sense of security put my mind at ease.
06:19I didn't get home until almost noon.
06:21The smell of home cooking hit me the second I walked in.
06:23Julian had dark circles under his eyes.
06:25He smiled when he saw me and took off his apron.
06:27You're home.
06:28Sit down.
06:29It's ready.
06:29I sat down.
06:31The table was covered with my favorite dishes.
06:34Julian reached out to pat my head.
06:36I pulled away.
06:36He didn't get upset.
06:38Just put some asparagus in my bowl.
06:40The store didn't have any last night.
06:41I went to the farmer's market this morning and got some for you.
06:44He was as thoughtful as ever.
06:46If it hadn't been for that lottery ticket, we might have been happy.
06:50Halfway through dinner, he asked out of nowhere.
06:52Nora, you still have the settlement from your parents' accident, right?
06:55My fork stopped halfway to my mouth.
06:58My parents died in a car crash five years ago.
07:01The settlement was a million dollars.
07:03To me, it was blood money.
07:04I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.
07:06In the college, I would rather live on rumen and work part-time jobs until two in the morning
07:11than touch a dime of that money.
07:12He knew that.
07:13He sighed.
07:16You backed Rin into a corner last night in front of the whole group.
07:19You know how proud she is.
07:20She turned in her withdrawal papers this morning.
07:22I said flatly,
07:23So?
07:24I want to set her up with the project she's been gunning for.
07:26My cash is tied up.
07:28I need to borrow 120 grand.
07:30Once we land funding, you get it straight back.
07:32The kitchen went quiet.
07:34I laughed.
07:36You really do care about her.
07:37Nora, you don't get it.
07:39She's the most gifted person I've ever worked with.
07:41She matters to this field.
07:43I'd heard the words so many times.
07:45From the day Wendt got into the program,
07:46I'd heard her name more than once from a reserved Julian.
07:49She'd applied for mathematics,
07:50got placed in astrophysics,
07:52and ended up as Julian's only junior grad student.
07:55At first, every mention of her came with a frown.
07:58She spent her days campaigning to transfer
08:00and made no secret of hating the field.
08:02Then it changed.
08:03She was brilliant, he said.
08:05Off the top of her head,
08:06she cracked a problem that had eaten his whole week.
08:09I thought it was two sharp minds recognizing each other.
08:11It wasn't until yesterday that I realized the feeling was mutual.
08:15I'm not touching that settlement.
08:16Don't even think about it.
08:17His voice stayed patient.
08:19Nora, you'd let that much talent go to waste?
08:22That's your opinion.
08:23It's got nothing to do with me.
08:24He put his fork down and grabbed his coat.
08:26I know you're still angry.
08:28Nothing happened between us.
08:29She loves me, but I never cheated on you.
08:31I stayed in my chair.
08:32He left without turning around.
08:35I was done guessing who he loved.
08:37I took out my phone and booked a flight south.
08:42I put in my notice.
08:44My boss couldn't believe it
08:45and tried to talk me into staying.
08:47He even offered me a raise.
08:49I smiled and explained.
08:51I won $10 million.
08:53I'm set for life.
08:54He didn't know whether to laugh or fry.
08:56He signed my resignation.
08:58I packed up my things.
08:59As soon as the money was in my account,
09:01I put a deposit down on an oceanfront beach house on Sandpiper Key.
09:06Once I was mostly packed,
09:07I went to the house my parents left me.
09:09My office was on the west side of town.
09:11The house my parents left me was on the east side.
09:14It was close to Julian's lab.
09:16He'd been living there.
09:17Then he bought his own place and moved out.
09:20I planned to clean the place from top to bottom before I left.
09:23But the second I reached the front door,
09:25the smell of piled up garbage bags hit me.
09:27I stepped back.
09:29I figured a neighbor had left them there
09:31and fought back the nausea and hauled them to the curb.
09:34But when I turned the knob,
09:35the door opened from the inside.
09:37A middle-aged woman's voice came from inside.
09:39Who is it?
09:40I froze with my hand on the door.
09:42This was my house.
09:43No one had lived here since Julian moved out.
09:46Why would anyone be inside?
09:48The second I opened the door,
09:49the smell of smoke hit me in the face.
09:51In the entryway,
09:52my father's favorite vase was shattered,
09:54shards piled by the door.
09:55A man was lounging on the couch,
09:57bare feet up on my mother's favorite coffee table.
09:59I was shaking all over.
10:01Who are you?
10:05What are you doing in my house?
10:07The woman looked annoyed.
10:08I should be asking you that.
10:10How do you have a key to my daughter's place?
10:13This is my house.
10:14Get out.
10:16Both of you.
10:17I grabbed the man's arm and tried to pull him out.
10:19He didn't budge.
10:21Instead, they shoved me to the floor.
10:23A lit cigarette on the floor burned the back of my hand.
10:27Damn.
10:28Just my luck.
10:29Where did you come from?
10:31Trebe, call Ren.
10:32Tell her some psycho broke in.
10:34Ren.
10:35Ren Ashby.
10:36The rage had almost burned away every rational thought,
10:38but a sliver of clarity returned.
10:40My hands were shaking as I pulled out my phone and called Julian.
10:43He picked up quickly.
10:44Nora, did you change your mind?
10:46He sounded pleased.
10:47Julian, there are strangers in my parents' house.
10:50Did you know?
10:50There was a pause.
10:51I let Wen stay there.
10:53Nothing else.
10:54She had a falling out with her roommates and had nowhere to go.
10:57I was gripping the phone so hard it could have cracked.
11:00You have ten minutes to get here and clean up this mess.
11:03Or I'm calling the cops.
11:05You crazy woman.
11:06You broke into our house.
11:07We should be the ones calling the cops.
11:09I don't care what Julian told you.
11:11This is my home.
11:12All of you, get out.
11:14Julian panicked when he heard me yelling.
11:16Nora, don't fight with Rick's family.
11:18I'm on my way.
11:21The man claiming to be Wrynn's brother spat at me.
11:24Then he came at me with a nasty look and shoved me.
11:27I grabbed his arm and bit down hard.
11:29He scroomed.
11:30His arm started to bleed.
11:32The woman screamed and grabbed my hair with both hands.
11:35You laid a hand on my son.
11:37I'll kill you.
11:38That was the scene Julian and Red walked into.
11:41Me on the floor, scuffling with Red's mother.
11:45He rushed over and pulled us apart.
11:47Nora, show some respect for her mother.
11:49Wrynn checked on her mother, then shoved me down again.
11:51Nora Whitfield, how dare you put your hands on my mom.
11:54You're going to regret that.
11:55I won't let you get away with this.
11:57I hit the floor.
11:59Julian rushed to help me.
12:00Are you okay, Nora?
12:01I was seeing Red.
12:03I slapped him.
12:05Give me my key back.
12:06Julian greeted his teeth and took it.
12:08Nora, let me explain.
12:10Wrynn told me she lived alone.
12:11Her mother and brother just came to stay for a couple of days.
12:14They're leaving.
12:15Give it back!
12:16Rent sneered and threw the key on the floor.
12:19Nora, stop playing the victim.
12:20No one here owes you anything.
12:22Julian picked up the key and handed it to me.
12:24He reached out to pat my head.
12:26I knocked his hand away.
12:27He sighed.
12:28Nora, you've hit me.
12:29Have you calmed down?
12:30Let's talk.
12:33I had no strength left.
12:35My voice was quiet but firm.
12:38There's nothing to talk about.
12:39We're done.
12:40As of right now.
12:41Julian, I'm breaking up with you.
12:42The color drained from Julian's face.
12:45Nora, let's talk.
12:46I didn't even have the strength to push him back.
12:48I looked around the house.
12:50Julian looked shocked at the place he once knew.
12:52Dirty shoes were piled up at the door.
12:54Takeout containers were everywhere.
12:56The other rooms were the same.
12:57My mother's plants on the balcony had been kicked over.
13:00Cigarette butts filled the pots.
13:02The air was stale and dirty.
13:04The warmth I remembered was gone.
13:06The only family photo I had was thrown in the corner of the couch.
13:09The glass was cracked.
13:11Dust covered it.
13:13He reached for me with shaking hands.
13:16Nora, are you okay?
13:17I knelt on the floor and picked up the broken frame, trying to put it back together.
13:22My hands were bleeding and I didn't notice.
13:24Julian looked terrified.
13:25He grabbed my hands.
13:27Nora, snap out of it!
13:28Hot tears dripped onto his hand.
13:30He stared at me, lips moving but no words came.
13:32He pulled me into his arms and rubbed my neck.
13:35Nora, don't scare me.
13:36It's all my fault.
13:37Don't scare me, okay?
13:39I broke down sobbing.
13:42This house was the last memory my parents left me.
13:45After they died, this house was the only proof that the two loving people had existed in this world and
13:49loved me.
13:50The door was yanked open.
13:52Outside stood a locksmith, Rin, and her brother.
13:55Wentz saw me in Julian's arms and sneered.
13:57Weren't you just saying you were done?
13:58Nora Witweird, are you that cheap?
14:02Julian saw red.
14:03Shut up!
14:04Julian had never yelled at Wynne before.
14:07She got angry.
14:09Julian, you're yelling at me?
14:10If you had told me this was Nora's old house, I would never have come.
14:14What a creepy old place where someone died.
14:18Disgusting.
14:18You should be on your knees begging me.
14:21Wren's brother laughed wildly.
14:22How dare you talk to her?
14:24Get on your knees and take it.
14:27I heard none of it.
14:28I just knelt on the floor, holding the frame, staring at nothing.
14:31Julian's neck was corded.
14:32He walked up and slapped Wren across the face.
14:35Didn't I tell you when I gave you that key?
14:37Nothing in this house gets damaged.
14:39What did you and your family do to it?
14:41Wren held her face, stunned.
14:43Julian, you hit me.
14:45Julian was still furious.
14:46So what if I did?
14:48You shoved Nora, remember?
14:50Wren laughed until tears came.
14:52Julian, you idiot.
14:54Can't you see she's using the breakup to make you pick a side?
14:59She pointed at me.
15:00Nora Whitfield, you're a jinx.
15:02You killed your own parents.
15:04Nothing good happens to anyone close to you.
15:06Your parents are dead.
15:07Why don't you just die?
15:09How do you live with yourself?
15:10I froze.
15:11My voice was haske.
15:12What did you say?
15:14What are you doing?
15:15Shut up!
15:16Julian panicked and grabbed her by the collar.
15:18I said she killed her own parents.
15:20Julian told me.
15:21But the words were already out.
15:22On your 18th birthday, you threw a fit for a cake from a bakery across town.
15:26Your parents drove out at midnight to get it.
15:28A truck hit them.
15:30Are you a jinx or what?
15:31Wren's brother mocked me too.
15:33So she's the orphan who killed her whole family.
15:35No wonder nobody's got your back.
15:37I coughed up blood.
15:38The truth I had tried so hard to forget came back.
15:42On my 18th birthday, my parents had gotten me so many gifts.
15:45But I still wasn't satisfied.
15:47I begged them for a cake from that bakery across town.
15:49You little foodie.
15:51All you think about is food.
15:52Mom tapped my nose.
15:53Dad already had his coat on and grabbed his keys by the door.
15:56He smiled.
15:57That's on me.
16:00I watched them leave and yelled out the window.
16:03Mom, Dad, remember!
16:05I want chocolate filling!
16:09Dad waved without turning around.
16:11Mom blew me a kiss with both hands.
16:14While I was waiting for my cake, I got the news my parents were dead.
16:18On the way back with the cake, their car broke down halfway home.
16:21So they wouldn't miss my birthday, they decided to walk.
16:24While crossing the street, a fully loaded truck ran a red light and hit them.
16:28Just like that, on my 18th birthday, I lost the two people who love me most in the world.
16:33I've dreamed a thousand times of going back, begging my past elf not to be so spoiled.
16:37But there are no do-overs.
16:39I passed out.
16:40The last thing I heard was Julian's voice cracking as he called my name.
16:44I woke up in a hospital bed.
16:46Julian's eyes were red-rimmed.
16:48Nora, you're awake.
16:49I pulled my hand free and stared at the ceiling.
16:51The smile faded from Julian's face.
16:54He sounded anxious.
16:55Nora, I had Rest Family move out.
16:58I hired someone to clean the house.
17:00Can you forgive me?
17:01After a long moment, I asked him.
17:04Tell me the truth.
17:06Do you also think I killed my parents?
17:08Julian was quick to correct me.
17:10How could that be your fault?
17:12It was the driver who ran the red light.
17:15He swallowed hard.
17:16It's my fault.
17:18Ryan asked me that day and I told her.
17:20I didn't mean anything by it.
17:23I didn't know she'd take it that way.
17:28I coughed twice.
17:30He had just helped me sit up when his phone went off.
17:33He frowned at the screen but answered anyway.
17:37Wint was screaming on the other end.
17:38Julian!
17:39I'm warning you.
17:41Get here within the hour.
17:42If you don't come today, don't bother coming back to the lab.
17:46Wint, stop.
17:47Nora isn't doing well.
17:49Doesn't she always play the helpless act?
17:51How long are you going to let her lead you around by the nose?
17:54Her voice was shrill.
17:56I could hear it clearly even without speakerphone.
17:59If you hadn't said those things to set her off, would she be like this?
18:02Julian, I didn't do anything wrong.
18:05That's all I have to say.
18:06If you're not here within the hour, you'll regret it.
18:09The call ended.
18:11Julian's face darkened.
18:12He looked cornered.
18:14Nora, Wren doesn't have empathy.
18:15Don't take it personally.
18:17It's not worth getting sick over.
18:18So my house was destroyed by her family?
18:20And I don't even deserve an apology?
18:22My voice was flat.
18:23I wasn't hysterical.
18:25Nora, can I apologize on her behalf?
18:27I looked at his torn expression and felt powerless.
18:31Leave.
18:32After a long moment, he said,
18:34I'll come back tonight.
18:35I nodded, expressionless.
18:40After he left, I checked myself out of the hospital.
18:43I had the locks changed on my parents' house and moved my flight to 2 that afternoon.
18:48I deleted and blocked Julian and everyone connected to him.
18:51My parents were gone.
18:53The house was wrecked.
18:55There was nothing left for me in that city.
18:57I settled on Sandpire Kit.
18:59Along the way, I rescued a stray dog and named him Lucky.
19:02I'd never had a pet, so I learned from videos how to take care of a dog.
19:06It was just the two of us.
19:08Until one day, three months later, Julian, who I hadn't seen in months, showed up outside
19:12my beach house.
19:13He'd lost weight.
19:14Dark stubble covered his jaw.
19:16The second he saw me, his eyes went red.
19:18Nora, how could you leave without a word?
19:21I wasn't surprised to see him.
19:23I walked past him with Lucky on the strash, my face blank.
19:26He fell in beside me, trying to take the leash, then trying to pick up after Lucky.
19:30When I didn't answer, he started explaining how he'd found me.
19:33We still shared a few accounts.
19:35The house I bought was on a real estate app we used to browse together.
19:39Remember?
19:40You used to cling to me and say you wanted to settle down on Sandpiper Key with me.
19:45I didn't expect you to get here first.
19:47The memories came back.
19:49The good ones were still clear.
19:51Now they just hurt.
19:52I didn't answer.
19:53I just kept playing with Lucky.
19:55He was still behind me when we got home from the walk.
19:58I held the door open and let him in.
20:03His exhaustion seemed to vanish.
20:05His eyes lit up.
20:06He hurried inside.
20:07I poured him a glass of water.
20:09Julian wrapped both hands around the glass, his eyes red again.
20:13Nora, I know I messed up.
20:14These months without you, I've been dying.
20:17I realized I can't live without you.
20:19Can you give me one more chance?
20:21I sat across from him, holding my cup, and looked around the house.
20:26Do you know where this house came from?
20:28He asked carefully.
20:30Didn't you buy it with the money your parents left you?
20:32I shook my head.
20:33Remember the day you told me you were going to an international summit with Rin on my birthday?
20:39I stopped at a convenience store and made a wish.
20:41If you didn't love me anymore, I'd win $10 million.
20:47And I won.
20:49You never believed in my superpower, but it's real.
20:52My wishes have never failed.
20:54He cut me off.
20:56So this is your reason for thinking I don't love you?
20:59Nora, the odds of winning $10 million are low, but they're not zero.
21:03Is it possible your condition was wrong this time, and you just got lucky?
21:06I looked at the certainty in his eyes.
21:08My fingers curled on the table.
21:13He kept going.
21:15I can't accept that we're over, because you think I don't love you.
21:19I swear on the stars and galaxies I've spent my whole life studying.
21:25I, Julian Vance, have never stopped loving you for a single moment.
21:29Maybe I handled things with Wynne badly.
21:32She likes me.
21:32I never told you that's on me.
21:34I was afraid you'd overthink it.
21:37Or maybe I was too sure of us.
21:40And got completioned.
21:41It's all my fault.
21:42I'm asking you to give me one more chance.
21:46He took out a quarter.
21:47If you don't believe me, flip it right now.
21:49A hundred times.
21:50A thousand times.
21:51I like my odds.
21:53I looked at the sincerity in his eyes and took the coin.
21:57Julian, there's no chance for us.
21:59Not because of you.
22:00Because I don't love you anymore.
22:02The smile in his eyes froze.
22:04He went rigid.
22:05He shook his head, voice shaking.
22:07Nora, you're joking, right?
22:10We grew up together.
22:11We've been together ten years.
22:12How can you just stop loving me?
22:15If you don't believe me, I'll flip the coin right now and show you.
22:20I looked at him without blinking.
22:21He didn't speak.
22:22So I made the wish.
22:23If I don't love Julian Val anymore, the coin lands heads.
22:30I was about to flip it when he lunged forward and grabbed my wrist.
22:34I stared at him.
22:36He was crying.
22:37It was the first time I'd ever seen Julian Vance cry.
22:40Then he laughed through the tears.
22:43Don't be so cruel to me.
22:45Please.
22:46I pulled my hand free and studied his tears.
22:49So this is what you look like when you cry.
22:52A man who was always above everyone else?
22:55Breaking down.
22:56That was the only way I could put it.
22:59For some reason, it gave me a strange sense of satisfaction.
23:03So this was what he felt.
23:05Every time he watched me cry.
23:07Julian didn't speak.
23:08He didn't want to joke around like we were friends.
23:11He stood up and turned his back to me.
23:14But Nora, I'm not giving up.
23:16I'm not asking you to love me again right away.
23:19I'll show you.
23:20He meant it.
23:21He moved into the house, across from mine.
23:24He started showing up on my morning walks.
23:26Two weeks straight.
23:27Not one day missed.
23:29Then one afternoon, while he was jogging to catch up
23:32and trying to win lucky over with jerky,
23:35Wren stepped out from behind a parked car in big sunglasses.
23:40Julian, tell me this isn't what you've been doing with your time.
23:44She looked me over with the same contempt.
23:47Nora Whitweald, you just won't go away.
23:49Do you know how important his work is?
23:52You're throwing a tantrum in the middle of it.
23:57She expected me to cower, like always.
24:01I didn't, I said calmly.
24:03Mrs. Ashley, your mouth is still filthy.
24:06No wonder with a family like yours.
24:09A mother who's a lunatic and a brother who's a leech.
24:12Where would you have learned manners?
24:15You.
24:16Wren tried to lunge at me, but Julian pulled her back.
24:19Julian looked guilty and mouthed sorry to me,
24:21then dragged Wren away.
24:22I got one last dig in.
24:24Oh, and ask your dear Julian.
24:25Who's been chasing who?
24:27Wren was shaking with rage.
24:28Julian, you're coming back with me today.
24:31Are you really going to throw away everything you've built for this woman?
24:36Wren looked like she wanted to kill me.
24:38I stood there and watched Julian drag her away.
24:41A man walking his dog spoke to me.
24:44Miss, I've seen that guy bothering you for a while.
24:46Want me to call the cops?
24:48He was almost 6'3".
24:49He had a strong brow.
24:51His short sleeves revealed muscular forearms.
24:53His eyes were steady and honest.
24:56He looked familiar, but I couldn't place him.
24:59He pointed at his own face and smiled.
25:02I pulled you out of the water when you went in after your dog.
25:06Remember?
25:07I studied his face.
25:09Then I saw the black lab behind him with a glossy coat, and it came back.
25:13The first time I saw Lucky, he was a stray.
25:16Someone had thrown on the beach and got pulled into the ocean.
25:19The waves tossed him around.
25:23He tried to swim back, but the rip current kept dragging him out.
25:27I went in after him.
25:30That's not quite right.
25:31I can't swim.
25:32This man and his black lab pulled both of us out.
25:36It's fine.
25:37He'll be gone soon.
25:38You saved me last time.
25:40I never thanked you properly.
25:42I'm Nora Whitfield.
25:43And you are?
25:44He held out his hand.
25:46Rowan Hale.
25:46I'm a lawyer.
25:47I live right next door.
25:49I started to leave, but he stopped me.
25:52Rowan looked a little embarrassed and pointed at the dogs.
25:56Your leash.
25:56I looked down and saw that while we were talking, Lucky had started playing with the black lab.
26:02Their leashes were tangled together.
26:04I fumbled with the leashes, but the more I tried, the worse it got.
26:09Rowan called the dog over.
26:10The black lab walked over and sat.
26:13He untangled the leashes and handed mine back.
26:16I apologized.
26:17They seem to get along.
26:19Can I get your number?
26:21We could walk them together sometime.
26:24I looked down.
26:24Lucky was acting different.
26:27He kept chasing the black lab.
26:28I nodded and exchanged numbers with him.
26:31Three days later, I woke up to someone pounding on my door.
26:35Wren had shown up with a pack of reporters.
26:37As soon as I opened the door, camera flashes blinded me.
26:44Miss Whitfield, is it true you used your relationship to Teth?
26:49Keep Mr. Vance from going back east to finish out his work?
26:53Mr. Vance is on the verge of a major breakthrough.
26:55Why are you keeping him here?
26:57We understand your previous Sehal job didn't pay much.
27:00How did you afford a beach house?
27:02Have you received large sums of cash from foreign sources?
27:05Nora Whitfield, don't tell me you're going to be to say that money for the beach house came from your
27:09parents' accident settlement.
27:11Didn't you say you'd never touch that money?
27:13Julian asked to borrow $200,000 for an experiment, and you refused.
27:17So you bought yourself a big beach house instead.
27:20How does it feel spending your parents' settlement?
27:22I slapped her.
27:24Shut up.
27:24What I do with my money is none of your business.
27:27Wren clutched her cheek, stunned.
27:29Several cameras turned on me.
27:31Miss Whitfield, did Miss Ashley hit a nerve?
27:34Is that why you hit her, Miss Whitfield?
27:37Are you, Professor Vance, and Miss Ashley in a three-way relationship?
27:41Miss Whitfield, answer the question!
27:44Lucky was going crazy in front of me, but no one backed off.
27:48Nora!
27:49Julian finally showed up.
27:50He pulled Wren aside, furious.
27:52Wren, what are you doing?
27:57Wren crossed her arms.
27:58I just less wanted the reporters to dig into where her money came from.
28:02She wouldn't fund the experiment, so I'm not going to let her sit pretty.
28:07Julian greeted his teeth.
28:09Wren, Nora's money is from a lottery ticket.
28:12You're being ridiculous.
28:13Get them out of here.
28:14They won't leave without a story.
28:16There's nothing I can do.
28:17The reporters pressed in on me.
28:19Then the door next to mine opened.
28:21Rowan stepped out, frowning, and stepped in front of me.
28:26I'm Miss Whitfield's attorney.
28:27You're gathered here, blocking her, forcing her to give interviews.
28:31This is trespassing, harassment, and defamation.
28:34Leave now.
28:35One reporter recognized him and stuttered.
28:38Rowan Hale?
28:39That's Rowan Hale, name partner at the best law firm in the country.
28:43He's never lost a case.
28:44What are you doing to my client?
28:46The reporter laughed awkwardly.
28:48Mr. Hale, this is a misunderstanding.
28:51Rowan raised an eyebrow.
28:53What misunderstanding?
28:54Did you not surround my client and invade her privacy?
28:58Rowan scanned the reporters, the kind who bullied the weak and feared the strong.
29:02His eyes landed on Rhett, then on Julian, whose expression was dark.
29:07You have ten minutes to disappear.
29:09Otherwise, everyone here, including whoever put you up to this, will face criminal charges.
29:17I closed my eyes as Rowan shielded me.
29:21After they left, Rowan turned to me, concerned.
29:24Are you okay?
29:26Sorry I stepped in without asking.
29:28I just wanted to help.
29:29I bit my lip and looked up.
29:31I want to hire you.
29:33I want to take them all to court, whatever it costs.
29:37He was stunned for a moment, then laughed quietly.
29:40Free of charge.
29:41But I'm a lawyer, not a hired gun.
29:43I didn't have to do a thing.
29:45I just showed up in court on the day of the trial.
29:48Rowan stood at the plaintiff's table and read my statement, word for word.
29:52The judge banged the gavel.
29:54The reporters who showed up that day were convicted of harassment.
29:57They were sentenced to four to six months each, plus a written apology to me.
30:02Rent, as the ringleader, got 18 months, suspended with eight months of probation.
30:08Outside the courthouse, Julian stooped out a cigarette.
30:12Wren, tell me.
30:13What's it going to take for you to leave me alone?
30:15Wren looked hurt.
30:17Julian, you know how I feel about you.
30:19But you never once told me to back off.
30:23You know I ended up like this because of you.
30:25You and Nora are done.
30:27Come back east.
30:29I won't bother her anymore.
30:30Julian didn't say anything.
30:33Fine.
30:34Wren smiled.
30:34That's more like it.
30:36Julian looked at her, jaw clenched.
30:38Wren, you're insane.
30:42Yep.
30:44And this insane woman is going to be more successful than all of you.
30:48Julian saw me walking out of the courthouse with Rowan.
30:52He walked straight toward me.
30:54Rowan stepped in front, front of me.
30:57Mr. Vance, whatever you have to say, say it here.
31:01Nora, I'm going back east first.
31:04Once I finish finish up there, I'm coming back for you.
31:07Then he shot Rowan an impatient look.
31:09I'm warning you.
31:10Stay away from Nora.
31:12Rowan smiled faintly and said nothing.
31:15After Julian left, I felt a little sorry.
31:18He just says whatever he wants.
31:21Rowan looked down at me, serious.
31:25And what if I told you I do have ideas?
31:27I'm not good at picking up on things like this.
31:30It wasn't until I got home that night that I understood what he meant.
31:33After that, I ran into Rowan everywhere.
31:37Mornings, evenings.
31:38I started to wonder if he had a camera at my door.
31:42You're really persistent, Mr. Hale.
31:45It's called determination.
31:46I'm not looking to date anyone for a long time.
31:49Sorry.
31:50No rush.
31:51We can start as friends.
31:52I don't really need friends.
31:54Thanks.
31:54I waved him off and meant it.
31:57But I didn't expect to need him again so soon.
32:01Lucky got sick in the middle of the night, vomiting and diarrhea.
32:04I was panicking, searching symptoms on my phone.
32:08In that whole town, only one person had ever shown me kindness without expecting anything in return.
32:13I called Rowan.
32:18Even at that hour, he picked up on the first ring.
32:22After I told him what was going on with Lucky, he comforted me and called the emergency vet.
32:27I could hear him getting dressed on the other end.
32:30I sniffered.
32:32Mr. Hale, just give me the address.
32:36I can take him myself.
32:38It's fine.
32:39I've had dogs my whole life.
32:41I can help.
32:41Besides, I'm not letting you go out alone in the middle of the night.
32:45It reminded me of that night at dinner with Julian.
32:48He rushed off to chase Wren and told me to grab a cab home by myself.
32:52Now here was someone who didn't want me out alone at night.
32:56The vet came back with the test results.
32:58Paro.
32:59Paro is the worst of the worst.
33:01I put a hand over my mouth.
33:03That can't be right.
33:04He's had his shots.
33:05The vet set down her pen.
33:07It can sit dormant.
33:08Strays like Lucky, who've been on the street, can carry it without showing symptoms.
33:13The vaccine doesn't take if he was already carrying it.
33:15Can you treat it?
33:16Treat him.
33:18Whatever it costs.
33:19I looked at Lucky in the oxygen cage, barely moving.
33:23Guilt weighed on me.
33:24He wasn't himself.
33:26Last night.
33:26I didn't notice.
33:27This is on me.
33:31Rowan rested a hand on my arm.
33:34It's not your fault.
33:35Don't blame yourself.
33:36I wiped my tears.
33:38Since my parents died, I'd been too scared to face reality.
33:41Lucky had been healing me, bit by bit, with his furry little head.
33:45I couldn't handle losing him too.
33:47Thankfully, Lucky pulled through.
33:49The vet came out, greening behind her mask.
33:52Thank Rowan.
33:53He's been here around the clock.
33:55Lucky can go home tomorrow.
33:58I was grateful and a little confused.
34:00You know him?
34:01Of course.
34:02He volunteers here, three years running.
34:04Whenever he has time, he does shelter runs.
34:07She glanced at me.
34:08He's picky.
34:09I was curious.
34:10How does a guy like that not have a girlfriend?
34:13He doesn't date because he's too busy, and he hasn't met anyone he likes.
34:16I bit my lip and thought about that.
34:17A week after Lucky came home, I ran into Rowan on our evening walk.
34:22Used to walk in the morning.
34:24Now it's evenings.
34:25Am I stressing you out with all the run-ins?
34:28No.
34:28No.
34:29I just like the evening light.
34:30And it's not like you're doing anything.
34:32The dogs just play together.
34:38He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.
34:41I fitted with the leash.
34:43I'd been with Julian since high school.
34:46I'd been spoken for my whole adult life.
34:48I had zero experience being pursuit.
34:51Rowan?
34:51He's never dated.
34:53He's clueless.
34:54The vet's words popped into my head.
34:56As the only one with dating experience, I should be the mature one.
35:01Do you want to walk with me?
35:04His face lit up.
35:06He brought Duke up beside me.
35:08The beach at night looked like someone had scattered glitter across the sand.
35:14We walked until my legs ached.
35:16I dropped onto a bench along the path.
35:19He sat down next to me.
35:21I looked up at the stars.
35:23Do you know why stars twinkle?
35:25Rowan frowned and thought thing about it.
35:28After a long moment, he winched.
35:30Sorry.
35:30I don't.
35:31I burst out laughing.
35:33He panicked a little.
35:34Is that a requirement for, you know?
35:37He was already pulling out his phone to look it up.
35:40I pushed it down and swung my legs.
35:44Honestly, I still don't know either.
35:46I just think about it whenever I see stars.
35:49Someone used it once to prove I was stupid.
35:54Rowan frowned.
35:56Then he was small-minded.
35:58Nobody cross-examines someone with their own field.
36:00If I asked him to list the elements of second-degree assault and he couldn't, I wouldn't think less of
36:06him.
36:07Everyone has gaps.
36:08That's not a character flaw.
36:10I said sincerely.
36:13He studied my profile.
36:15Can I ask you something I've been sitting on since day one?
36:18You can't swim.
36:19Why did you go in after a dog nobody else would touch?
36:22Oh.
36:23You mean the day I saved Lucky.
36:26Because I have a superpower.
36:29I figured I'd make it back okay, so I went in.
36:31I smiled at him.
36:33Do you believe me?
36:34I figured he'd do what Julian always did.
36:37Smile tolerantly, then explain the universe to me.
36:40They both seemed so serious.
36:42But he just nodded.
36:44Can you tell me how it works?
36:46It was the first time an adult had believed me.
36:49My superpower is wishes.
36:51It needs a condition and an outcome.
36:53If the condition is a sure thing, the outcome comes true, no matter how ridiculous it sounds.
36:59I showed him the hair tie and took a breath.
37:01If there's a real chance for us, then when I throw this, it comes back to me.
37:06And threw it into the bushes across the path.
37:08The moon was out.
37:09The stars were few.
37:10The spot I threw it into was a dark bush with no streetlight.
37:14On the surface, it looked like a clean no, but he didn't speak.
37:17He just stared at the bushes.
37:22I rubbed my nose, embarrassed.
37:25Sorry.
37:26I guess that means we're not meant to be.
37:29But soon, there was a rustling sound from the bushes.
37:33The next second, Lucky jumped out with the hair tie in his mouth and ran, barked toward me.
37:39He dropped it on the ground in front run of me and barked twice.
37:42I stood there frozen.
37:44Rowan laughed quietly.
37:46He picked up the hair tie and gently slid it back onto my wrist.
37:50If I heard you right, Miss Whitfield said her wishes come true a hundred percent of the time.
37:57So, can I have a shot?
38:00The night was cool, but my face was on fire.
38:04Oh, okay.
38:05I stammered it out.
38:07It was embarrassing.
38:08I was supposed to be the one steering.
38:10Five years later, I saw Julian and Week on the news.
38:14After Week got out of prison, she switched her major to mathematics.
38:18Two years ago, she went to the United States.
38:22She landed a tenured professorship at a top research institute overseas.
38:25Julian stayed in astrophysics.
38:27At a press event, a tabloid reporter asked him.
38:31I heard Professor Ashby pursued you when you two were at the same school.
38:35She spent a year in prison.
38:37Do you know anything about that?
38:38He answered flatly.
38:40Professor Ashby and I only studied the same sky.
38:43We were never close.
38:44My heart has always belonged to someone else.
38:47So romantic.
38:49Rowan said sourly in my ear.
38:50I laughed despite myself and turned off my phone.
38:53It's been years.
38:54You're still jealous?
38:55Yes.
38:59I pinched his cheek.
39:01Are you actually mad?
39:03He smiled and said he wasn't jealous.
39:06But when he set my bowl in front fine of me, he put it down a little harder than usual.
39:11Like he was letting off steam.
39:14I picked up my chopsticks and made a silly little wish.
39:17Chopsticks.
39:18Chopsticks.
39:19If Rowan Hale is jealous, stand up on the table.
39:23I stood them upright on the table.
39:25They didn't fall.
39:26I said,
39:26Oh.
39:28Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rowan sneaking a look.
39:32I smirked.
39:34And if the baby in my belly is a girl, fall down.
39:38The second I said it, the chopsticks fell onto the table with a clatter.
39:44Rowan and I looked at each other in surprise.
39:46He forgot all about being jealous.
39:49He pulled me into his arms and kissed me hard twice.
39:51It's all your fault.
39:54I wanted to keep it a surprise.
39:56He just grinned like an idiot.
39:59Rowan, we're going to have a daughter.
40:02I still couldn't believe how happy I was.
40:05Thank you, wife.
40:08I'm going to take care of my two girls with everything I've got.
40:11I touched my belly and snuggled into his arms.
40:15Lucky and Duke sat on the floor, tilting their heads at each other, confused.
40:20The last of this evening light came through the window.
40:23All the storms of my first half of life had passed.
40:27What was left was peace and warmth.