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My Boyfriend Left Me Mid Proposal for His First Love—I Flew Home and Agreed to Marry Another Heir — Transcript

by Secret & Reckoning Tales · 12,511 words · 2,340 segments · language en · Watch on YouTube

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0:00Neon light broke into little flashes in
0:02Nathan Brooks's eyes.
0:04When he dropped to one knee, his
0:05expensive suit pants picked up dust
0:08from the sidewalk.
0:10He didn't seem to care.
0:12He only looked up at me, intent on my
0:14answer.
0:15The diamond ring lay in my palm, its
0:18precisely cut facets catching the
0:21light until my eyes stung.
0:23>> Emma, marry me.
0:25>> His voice carried its usual certainty
0:28along with a trace of nerves.
0:30His thumb brushed the back of my hand.
0:32>> I'll never let anyone hurt you again.
0:35>> My throat tightened.
0:37I was just about to answer when the
0:39phone
0:40in his pocket began vibrating wildly.
0:43Its ringtone was sharp and out of place,
0:46like
0:47ice dropped into the warmth between us.
0:50Nathan pulled it out with a frown.
0:52One glance at the screen and his face
0:54changed.
0:56The name on it had been a thorn in my
0:57heart for three years.
1:00Vanessa.
1:01Vanessa Price.
1:03The woman he'd never stopped holding
1:04close in his heart.
1:06The name I had never dared bring up
1:08during our three years together.
1:11>> I have to take this.
1:12>> He got up so quickly he forgot to put
1:14the ring on my finger.
1:16He turned and walked a few steps away,
1:18lowering his voice, but I could
1:21still hear the urgency.
1:24>> What happened? Don't cry.
1:26Where are you? I'm coming right now.
1:29>> When he hung up and hurried back, none
1:31of
1:32the tenderness from his proposal
1:34remained.
1:35There was only worry.
1:37>> Emma, something's happened to Vanessa. I
1:40need to go.
1:41>> He reached for my face. I turned away
1:44without thinking.
1:45His hand froze, then he tried again.
1:49>> Wait here for me. Half an hour tops. I
1:51promise I'll come back.
1:53>> I watched his lips move.
1:55I wanted to ask whether her problems
1:57were really that important.
1:59The never left my mouth.
2:02I'd seen this happened too many times
2:04over the last three years.
2:06One call from Vanessa and Nathan would
2:08drop everything to rush to her.
2:11I used to tell myself it was only
2:12because they'd known each other so long.
2:15Eventually, he'd see how much I loved
2:17him.
2:18But even on the night he proposed, he
2:20chose
2:21to leave me without a second thought.
2:24Okay.
2:25My own voice sounded as still as dead
2:27water.
2:28Relief crossed Nathan's face as if I'd
2:31lifted
2:32a tremendous weight from his shoulders.
2:35He ran to the Bentley parked by the
2:36curb,
2:38pulled open the door and hit the gas.
2:41The black car shot into the night.
2:43Its red tail lights grew smaller until
2:45they vanished.
2:47The wind picked up.
2:49I was wearing a thin sleeveless evening
2:51dress.
2:52It did nothing against the late autumn
2:54cold which sank through my skin
2:57and into my bones.
2:59I stood there clutching the ring he
3:01hadn't managed to put on my finger.
3:03The cold metal dug into my palm.
3:06Half an hour, I counted the minutes.
3:09One, two, 10, 20, 30 minutes passed.
3:14Nathan didn't come back. I called him.
3:17The phone rang and rang.
3:20No answer.
3:21I tried again, then a third time, then
3:24again
3:25until a recorded woman's voice answered.
3:28>> The person you're calling is
3:29unavailable. Please try again later.
3:32>> The night deepened.
3:34Street lights lit up one by one and
3:36stretched my shadow across the sidewalk.
3:39A couple walked past with their arms
3:41around each other.
3:42The young woman's ring looked so much
3:44like the one in my hand.
3:46Her boyfriend whispered something into
3:48her
3:49ear, making her double over laughing.
3:52I watched them, my eyes burning.
3:55Not everyone who waits gets the person
3:57they're waiting for.
3:59The minutes passed from evening to
4:01midnight,
4:02from bright streets to near silence.
4:05Pedestrians thinned out until only the
4:07occasional car sped past.
4:10I called Nathan again.
4:11This time I heard a different recorded
4:13message.
4:15>> The phone you are calling is turned off.
4:18>> Turned off.
4:20I stood there and suddenly laughed.
4:23Then the tears came.
4:25Three years of my youth, three years by
4:28his side, three years of lying to
4:30myself.
4:31All of it broke apart that night.
4:34I looked down at the sparkling diamond
4:36and hurled it into a nearby trash can.
4:39For an instant it caught the light, then
4:41disappeared into the dark,
4:43just like whatever was left between
4:44Nathan and me.
4:46The wind before dawn stung my cheeks.
4:49I pulled my dress around me and started
4:51walking home.
4:53I didn't call a cab.
4:54I walked slowly, slowly enough to
4:57understand one thing.
4:59Nathan, I'm not waiting anymore.
5:02By the time I got home, the sky had
5:04begun to brighten.
5:05The motion activated lights in the
5:07apartment hallway came on as I
5:10approached and went dark behind me.
5:12It was just like the way Nathan's
5:13affection had flickered on and off.
5:16I unlocked the door with my fingerprint.
5:19His slippers were still by the entrance
5:21where he'd left them the morning
5:23before, toes pointed inward the way he
5:26always placed them.
5:28I stared for two seconds, bent down and
5:31threw them in the trash.
5:33The apartment still carried the faint
5:34cedar scent of his cologne.
5:37Now it made me feel as though I couldn't
5:38breathe.
5:40Without turning on a light, I went
5:41straight to the bedroom.
5:43Our clothes hung on separate sides of
5:45the
5:46closet with a narrow space between them.
5:49It looked like a distance neither of us
5:51had ever managed to cross.
5:53I pulled my suitcase onto the floor and
5:55opened it all the way.
5:57Without hesitating, I yanked down my
5:59clothes and stuffed them in.
6:01I didn't even bother folding them.
6:04Dresses, shirts, pants, I'd bought every
6:07piece myself.
6:08None of it had anything to do with him.
6:11The gifts he'd given me, the necklace
6:13that had cost tens of thousands of
6:16dollars, the limited edition skincare
6:18set, all the little things he'd
6:21brought home from business trips I
6:23pushed to the back of a drawer.
6:25I might as well have been clearing away
6:27garbage.
6:28I used to believe they proved he cared.
6:31Now I knew they were only things he'd
6:32bought without much thought.
6:34On the nightstand stood the only framed
6:37photograph of us together.
6:39I was leaning against him with a radiant
6:41smile.
6:42His expression was flat, his eyes
6:44looking somewhere else.
6:46I picked up the frame and traced my own
6:48face in the picture.
6:50Then I snapped the frame.
6:52The glass cracked loudly in the quiet
6:54room.
6:55I tore the photograph in half.
6:57I threw his half away, crumpled mine,
7:00and threw that away too.
7:02It took me three minutes,
7:04three minutes to erase my three years in
7:06that apartment and the last
7:09of my hopes for him.
7:11My suitcase was full.
7:13I zipped it shut, leaving no opening for
7:15Nathan or that home to pull me back.
7:18I went into the living room, opened my
7:20contacts, and found the name.
7:23Pinned at the top, Nate.
7:25My finger paused.
7:27Then I blocked and deleted him.
7:29I blocked him on iMessage, Instagram,
7:32Facebook, and every other account
7:35he could use to reach me.
7:37I didn't hesitate.
7:39When I was done, I let out a long
7:41breath.
7:42It felt as though I'd taken a weight off
7:44my back.
7:45Outside, the sky was fully bright.
7:48The first sunlight slipped through a gap
7:50in the curtains and drew a
7:52narrow line across the floor.
7:54I didn't look back at the place where
7:56I'd lived for three years.
7:58I picked up my suitcase and left.
8:01As the door closed, my heartbeat sounded
8:03steady and sure.
8:05Outside the building, I hailed a cab and
8:07gave the driver the airport address.
8:10He looked at my evening dress in the
8:11rear view mirror.
8:13>> Heading out on business this early?
8:17>> I leaned back and closed my eyes.
8:20>> Going home?
8:21>> He didn't ask anything else.
8:23The cab pulled away and familiar streets
8:26slid past the window.
8:28Nathan and I had walked this block
8:29countless times.
8:31He'd once held my hand while buying me
8:34roasted chestnuts from a street vendor.
8:37Once in the rain, he'd tilted the
8:39umbrella over me until half his own
8:42shoulder was soaked.
8:44Those little moments used to make my
8:45heart race.
8:47Now they only hurt.
8:49When someone doesn't love you, the truth
8:51shows through no matter how
8:53hard they try to hide it.
8:56It was a little after six when I reached
8:57the airport.
8:59People were already lining up at the
9:00check-in counters.
9:02I found a seat and texted Grandpa.
9:05Grandpa, I want to come back to the
9:07house. I'm at the airport.
9:09He replied almost immediately, waiting
9:11for you.
9:13Those three words brought tears to my
9:14eyes again.
9:16I'd thought Nathan was the person I
9:18could depend on in Chicago.
9:20In the end, he'd treated me like
9:22something disposable.
9:24The person who would always be there was
9:26my grandfather, far away,
9:28and the house where I'd grown up.
9:30I booked the earliest flight to
9:32Charleston.
9:33Check-in and security went smoothly.
9:36When the boarding announcement sounded,
9:38I pulled my suitcase toward the gate.
9:40I stopped beside the terminal's glass
9:42wall and looked out at the city
9:45where I'd spent five years.
9:47My youth was there.
9:49So were my laughter, my tears, and
9:52everything that had hurt me.
9:54Now I was leaving without saying goodbye
9:56and without wanting to stay.
9:58As the plane climbed through the clouds,
10:01I
10:02leaned against the seat and closed my
10:04eyes.
10:05Beneath the roar of the engines, it felt
10:07as if something inside me finally
10:10shattered, then went quiet.
10:13Nathan, from now on we owe each other
10:15nothing.
10:16I hope we both do well.
10:18No.
10:19I hope I do well.
10:21You can do whatever you want.
10:23When the plane landed, my grandfather's
10:26driver was waiting outside.
10:28A black sedan carried me away from the
10:30airport through streets I knew
10:32by heart and stopped in front of our old
10:35brick house with its deep porch
10:38and walled garden.
10:40I pushed open the heavy wooden gate.
10:42Tiny golden flowers from the sweet olive
10:45tree were scattered across the
10:47courtyard.
10:48My grandfather, Henry Carter, sat in a
10:51wicker chair under the porch roof,
10:54holding a cup of hot tea.
10:56Steam rose past his white hair.
10:58He looked up without surprise, as if
11:00he'd known exactly when I'd arrive.
11:03>> You're home.
11:05>> He set down his tea.
11:06His voice was as steady as ever.
11:09I sat across from him, my throat too
11:11tight to speak.
11:13All the hurt and exhaustion I'd carried
11:15through the night seemed ready
11:17to spill out now that I was with him.
11:19Grandpa, I
11:21>> My voice shook, my eyes filled.
11:24>> You don't have to tell me.
11:26>> He raised a hand to stop me, then picked
11:29up a
11:30folder from the small table beside his
11:32chair.
11:33>> That Brooks boy let you down after all.
11:36>> I looked at the cover.
11:38It read Carter-Mercer marriage proposal.
11:41The proposed arrangement was between the
11:43Mercer family and me.
11:45He'd already been thinking of a way
11:46forward for me.
11:48>> The Mercers have a grandson named
11:50Elliot. He's the eldest in his branch
11:53of the family. Steady, dependable, very
11:57capable. The Mercers and the
12:00Brooks family are on equal footing. You
12:02wouldn't be making a bad match.
12:04>> He spoke slowly without pressing me.
12:07>> If you don't want this, we'll find
12:09another way.
12:10>> I I up the proposal and ran my fingers
12:12over the paper.
12:14The rough texture was strangely
12:16reassuring.
12:17I'd heard of Elliot Mercer.
12:20Among Charleston's old established
12:21families,
12:23he was known as a rising businessman.
12:26He kept a low profile, avoided the
12:28parties thrown by spoiled heirs,
12:30and had taken over part of the family
12:32business while still young.
12:34He'd done remarkably well.
12:36I'd never imagined our lives might cross
12:38this way.
12:40I remembered Nathan kneeling before me,
12:42then turning his back and leaving.
12:44I remembered the cold recorded message
12:47on the phone in the middle of the night.
12:49Each memory cut into me. What was love?
12:53Three years together, and I couldn't
12:55even get an explanation.
12:57A promise made during a proposal meant
12:59less than one call from the woman
13:01he truly cared about.
13:04I'd been left helpless on a freezing
13:05street.
13:07I was tired,
13:08so tired.
13:10I didn't want to chase a love that would
13:11never be returned.
13:13I didn't want to spend another night
13:15waiting.
13:16All I wanted was a quiet life, one where
13:18I didn't have to be constantly
13:21careful or afraid of losing someone.
13:24Maybe a marriage arranged by our
13:25families was the best choice.
13:28Without love, at least there wouldn't be
13:29that kind of hurt.
13:31I took a deep breath, pushed down my
13:33disappointment, and turned to the
13:36last page of the proposal.
13:38I signed my name beneath the line,
13:40confirming my agreement to the plan.
13:43My handwriting was neat, my hand steady.
13:46Grandpa watched with sadness in his
13:48eyes.
13:49He didn't say anything.
13:51He just took another sip of tea to hide
13:53his expression.
13:55>> I'll have someone take this to the
13:56Mercers. We'll plan the wedding for
13:59three months from now.
14:01>> He set down his cup.
14:04>> Stay here and rest until then.
14:06I'll take
14:08care of everything outside this house.
14:11>> Okay.
14:12I handed the signed paper back.
14:15For the first time in days, I felt the
14:17weight on my chest ease.
14:19The room I'd grown up in looked exactly
14:21the same.
14:22My childhood pictures still sat on the
14:24desk.
14:25A few of my high school clothes still
14:27hung in the closet.
14:29Sunlight came through the windows and
14:31warmed the floorboards.
14:33Everything here felt lived in and
14:35familiar.
14:36Nothing like Nathan's cold apartment.
14:39I finally took off the evening dress,
14:41put on comfortable cotton pajamas,
14:44and lay down on the soft bed.
14:46After being up all night, my body was
14:48exhausted.
14:49My mind was wide awake. I checked my
14:52phone.
14:53Not a single message from Nathan.
14:56He was probably still with Vanessa.
14:58Fine.
14:59That was better.
15:01I deactivated the accounts that tied me
15:03to
15:04him and kept only the contacts I needed.
15:08Then I set myself one goal.
15:10Forget Nathan.
15:12Start over.
15:14That afternoon, the house manager
15:16brought me a profile on Elliot.
15:18In his photograph, he wore a black suit.
15:22His features were sharp, his gaze deep,
15:24and his mouth set in a firm line.
15:27He looked like someone who preferred to
15:28be left alone.
15:30The profile listed his age, education,
15:33career, likes, and dislikes.
15:36I skimmed it and remembered the
15:37essentials.
15:39Elliot Mercer, 28.
15:41Finance degree from the University of
15:43Pennsylvania.
15:45Vice president of Mercer Holdings.
15:47Didn't smoke, drank only occasionally,
15:50disliked noisy gatherings.
15:52No relationship listed. He seemed almost
15:55rigidly self-disciplined.
15:57Surely a man like that wouldn't treat a
15:59relationship
16:01like a game the way Nathan had.
16:03I put the profile on the nightstand and
16:05lay back.
16:06Maybe this loveless marriage would be a
16:08new beginning.
16:10No excitement.
16:11No expectations.
16:14Just respect, courtesy, and room for
16:16each of us to live our own lives.
16:19That would be enough.
16:21As I was drifting off, I thought I felt
16:23my phone vibrate.
16:25My heart tightened, thinking it might be
16:27Nathan.
16:28When I opened my eyes, it was only an
16:30advertisement.
16:32I gave a bitter little smile.
16:34Apparently, I hadn't let go completely.
16:37That was all right.
16:39Time would take care of it.
16:41I turned off the phone and closed my
16:43eyes.
16:44This time, I slept deeply.
16:47I didn't dream about Nathan or Vanessa,
16:49only the fragrance of the sweet olive
16:51tree
16:53in Grandpa's garden and his warm smile.
16:56Three days later, the house manager
16:58knocked on my door.
16:59Elliot Mercer was waiting for me at a
17:01quiet
17:03cafe on the west side of Charleston.
17:05I chose a plain white dress, skipped
17:08makeup,
17:09and twisted my hair into a loose bun.
17:12I was still pale in the mirror, but my
17:14eyes were calm.
17:15The driver dropped me outside the cafe.
17:18Beyond its wooden door was a shaded
17:20garden
17:21and the faint smell of steeping tea.
17:24Elliot sat by the window in a carefully
17:26pressed black shirt,
17:28sleeves rolled to his forearms.
17:31A cup of white tea sat before him, still
17:33steaming and barely touched.
17:35He looked up when I approached.
17:37His expression was as still as a lake in
17:39early spring.
17:41There was no curiosity or scrutiny in
17:43his eyes.
17:44He glanced at me politely and nodded
17:46toward the chair.
17:48I sat across from him.
17:50A server soon brought me a cup of the
17:52same tea.
17:53The cup was warm against my fingers, but
17:56it did nothing for the chill inside me.
17:59>> I've read the proposal.
18:01>> His voice was low and pleasant, with the
18:03same reserve as his expression.
18:06>> Our grandfathers want the wedding in
18:08three months.
18:09We should make sure.
18:11Everything looks proper to the public.
18:13>> I nodded.
18:15>> I don't have any objections.
18:17>> One eyebrow lifted slightly.
18:20He seemed surprised by how easily I
18:22agreed, but he recovered at once.
18:24He took a few pages from his briefcase
18:27and pushed them toward me.
18:29>> These are the additional terms. Take a
18:31look.
18:32>> I picked them up.
18:33The pages were thin and the wording
18:35precise.
18:37The first term said we'd live at the
18:38Mercer family house after marrying,
18:41but have separate bedrooms and respect
18:43each other's private space.
18:45The second required us to act like a
18:47loving couple at necessary family
18:50gatherings and business events while
18:52leaving each other alone in private.
18:54The third said neither would interfere
18:56with the other's work, friendships,
18:59or personal affairs.
19:01The fourth laid out a three-year
19:03understanding.
19:04At the end of those three years, we'd
19:06decide whether to stay married.
19:09If either wanted a divorce, the other
19:11would cooperate with the necessary
19:13arrangements and handle family matters
19:15discreetly without publicly
19:18damaging either family.
19:20The final term went even further.
19:22If one of us fell in love with someone
19:24else, the other would help keep
19:27it private, provided the family's
19:29interests were protected.
19:31I read the pages one by one.
19:33There wasn't a trace of romance, only
19:35careful calculation by two adults.
19:38Was this a marriage agreement or a
19:40business deal?
19:41Still, it gave me relief. No
19:44expectations meant no disappointment.
19:47>> No problem.
19:48>> I picked up a pen and signed the private
19:50understanding.
19:52My handwriting was quick and firm.
19:55Elliot watched me finish, then made sure
19:57we each had a copy.
19:59He slipped his into the briefcase and
20:01pushed mine toward me.
20:03>> Keep that somewhere safe.
20:05>> Thanks.
20:06>> I folded the pages and put them in my
20:08bag.
20:09The cafe was quiet.
20:11Shadows from the trees swayed outside
20:13the window with an occasional
20:15bird calling from the garden.
20:18We had nothing else to say.
20:20The silence grew almost awkward, but
20:22neither of us tried to fill it.
20:25>> My assistant will be in touch about the
20:26wedding, the dress, the guest list,
20:30the schedule. Tell us if you have any
20:32preferences.
20:34>> He raised his cup and took a sip.
20:36Whatever you think is best.
20:39I had no hopes for this wedding.
20:41It was an event to satisfy our elders
20:43and
20:44silence Charleston society gossip.
20:47Elliot seemed to have expected my
20:49answer.
20:50He nodded.
20:52>> All right. I'll have a statement
20:53prepared for the announcement.
20:56We'll say our families have been close
20:57since we were children and that
21:00we've been in love for years. It should
21:02quiet the rumors.
21:04>> My mouth twitched.
21:05Childhood sweethearts?
21:07Today was the first time we'd met
21:10in love.
21:11We didn't even know what the other liked
21:13to eat,
21:14but adults could put on quite a polished
21:16show when they needed to.
21:18>> Fine.
21:19>> He set down his tea and glanced at his
21:21watch.
21:22>> If there's nothing else, I should get
21:24back to work. We'll probably need
21:27to meet a few more times before the
21:29wedding,
21:30learn each other's habits
21:33so no one catches us pretending.
21:35>> Okay.
21:36>> We left the cafe together.
21:38His driver had pulled up outside in a
21:40black Maybach that managed to look
21:43both understated and expensive.
21:46>> Can I give you a ride back to the house?
21:49>> You think he knows?
21:51I'm serious.
21:54When are we done pretending?
21:57>> All right.
21:58>> He didn't push.
22:00He opened the rear door, paused, and
22:02looked back at me.
22:04>> If Nathan Brooks causes you trouble, you
22:06can tell me.
22:08>> I was taken aback.
22:10I hadn't expected him to mention Nathan
22:11on his own.
22:13Charleston's old money circle was small.
22:16He probably knew all about us.
22:18>> Thank you, but there's no need.
22:21>> I shook my head.
22:23>> He and I are over.
22:26>> Elliot
22:26>> studied my face for two seconds,
22:29as though deciding whether I meant it.
22:31Then he said nothing more and got into
22:33the car.
22:34It pulled away and disappeared down the
22:36street.
22:37I stood watching it and let out a quiet
22:39breath.
22:40Elliot Mercer and Nathan Brooks were
22:42completely different men.
22:44Nathan was like a fire, bright and wild.
22:48He could set every feeling inside me
22:49alight,
22:51then leave nothing but ashes when it
22:52went out.
22:54Elliot was like still water.
22:56He might never stir my heart, but at
22:58least he wouldn't leave me broken.
23:01Maybe a marriage built on an agreement
23:03really was the right place for me.
23:05I walked slowly along the street.
23:07Sunlight came through the leaves,
23:09scattering
23:10patches of light over the pavement.
23:13My phone buzzed.
23:15It was a text from Grandpa.
23:17How did it go?
23:19I typed back, Good. Everything went
23:21smoothly.
23:22His reply came quickly.
23:24That's good. Get ready for the wedding.
23:27With the Mercers behind you,
23:29no one will dare push you around again.
23:32My eyes stung as I read it.
23:34The person who truly stood up for me had
23:36never been the man who promised
23:39to protect me for life.
23:41It was my family, the people who had
23:43always been there.
23:45I put away the phone and walked a little
23:47faster toward home.
23:49The wind carried the sweet scent of
23:50olive blossoms.
23:52Maybe this fall wouldn't be so hard
23:54after all.
23:55Later, as I organised the wedding
23:57schedule, the house manager knocked
24:00gently on my bedroom door.
24:02Her voice was cautious.
24:04>> Miss Carter,
24:05people have been saying things about
24:07you.
24:08>> My pen stopped. I didn't look up.
24:11>> I know.
24:12>> Charleston's society circle was small.
24:16I'd broken up with Nathan on the night
24:17he proposed, then almost immediately
24:20agreed to marry Elliot Mercer.
24:23Of course, a story like that would
24:24spread.
24:26The The manager seemed about to say
24:27more, but thought better of it.
24:30He left and quietly shut the door.
24:32I put down my pen, picked up my phone,
24:35and opened a private group chat.
24:37I'd ignored for a long time.
24:40The conversation had exploded.
24:42There were hundreds of messages, more
24:44than I could scroll through.
24:46The first message asked whether everyone
24:48had heard what happened.
24:50Nathan Brooks had left Emma Carter
24:52standing in the street on the night.
24:54He proposed so he could go to Vanessa
24:56Price.
24:57Someone replied that after three years
24:59with Nathan, Emma had ended up
25:02in a miserable position.
25:04Another person asked what was so
25:05miserable about it.
25:07She'd already hooked Elliot Mercer,
25:09apparently,
25:11and must have had a backup lined up.
25:13Someone else suggested she'd used
25:14Nathan's proposal to get herself into
25:17the Mercer family.
25:19After all, the Mercers were more secure
25:21than the Brookses.
25:23Another asked whether Nathan knew his
25:25ex-girlfriend
25:26was about to marry Elliot.
25:28What an embarrassment for him.
25:30And someone pointed out that Vanessa was
25:32impressive, too.
25:34One phone call had been enough to pull
25:36Nathan away from his own proposal.
25:39Clearly, Emma couldn't compete.
25:41Every message pricked like a poisoned
25:43needle.
25:44A few people pitied me.
25:46Most made me out to be desperate,
25:48calculating,
25:50and eager to grab a rich husband.
25:53They hadn't seen me waiting in the
25:54street until midnight.
25:56They hadn't seen me pack up three years
25:58of my life in three minutes.
26:00They knew a few rumors and had already
26:02decided what kind of woman I was.
26:05That was Charleston Society for you.
26:07There was never a shortage of spectators
26:09or cruel guesses.
26:12My fingers went cold as I scrolled.
26:14Then I saw a photograph someone had
26:16posted.
26:17Nathan and Vanessa. It looked recent.
26:21He wore a black coat.
26:23She leaned against him, smiling
26:24brightly.
26:26They stood outside a hospital.
26:28The caption praised the Brooks heir
26:31staying at her side through everything.
26:34So he hadn't forgotten me by accident.
26:37He'd simply saved all his tenderness for
26:39someone else.
26:40My heart felt squeezed in an invisible
26:42fist.
26:44For three years I'd told myself that he
26:46cared
26:47about Vanessa only because of their
26:49past.
26:50That picture destroyed the last of my
26:52excuses.
26:54Then a text appeared from an unknown
26:55number.
26:57The sender wasn't saved in my contacts,
26:59but I knew those digits by heart.
27:02Nathan.
27:03I'd blocked him everywhere and he'd
27:05found another number to reach me.
27:07My fingers shook as I opened it.
27:10Five words.
27:11You really couldn't wait, huh?
27:14No explanation,
27:15no apology,
27:17just mockery and blame.
27:19As though I'd agreed to marry Elliot,
27:21not because Nathan had abandoned
27:24me, but because I was desperate to marry
27:26into another wealthy family.
27:28I stared at the words and started
27:29laughing.
27:31The sound was harsh in my quiet room.
27:34Yes, I was in a hurry.
27:36A hurry to get away from the pain he'd
27:37caused me.
27:39A hurry to stop being the woman who
27:40waited humbly for him.
27:43A hurry to find somewhere safe and hold
27:45on to what little dignity I had left.
27:48And somehow to him that made me the one
27:51at fault.
27:52I deleted the text and blocked that
27:54number too.
27:55Then I leaned back, closed my eyes and
27:58took a deep breath.
28:00The tears came anyway, sliding down my
28:02face and dripping onto my cold hand.
28:05I'd thought I was strong enough.
28:07I thought I'd moved on.
28:09But Nathan could still tear through my
28:11defenses with five careless words.
28:14Some hurts go too deep to disappear just
28:16because you decide to forget them.
28:19My phone buzzed again.
28:21This time it was a message from Elliot's
28:22assistant asking which style
28:25of wedding dress I preferred.
28:27There were several pictures attached.
28:30I wiped away my tears, forced myself to
28:32calm
28:34down and looked through them carefully.
28:36A white mermaid gown, a simple A-line
28:39dress,
28:40a full-skirted formal gown.
28:43Every one of them was lovely.
28:45None made my heart stir.
28:47To me, the wedding was an elaborate
28:49performance.
28:51The dress hardly mattered.
28:53I chose the simplest mermaid gown and
28:55wrote
28:56back, this one please. Thank you.
28:59The assistant replied promptly.
29:02Certainly, Miss Carter. We'll arrange a
29:04fitting. Mr. Mercer also asked
29:07me to let you know there's a family
29:08gathering next weekend. He'd like
29:11you to come and meet the older members
29:13of the family.
29:15I responded that I understood. I put the
29:17phone down.
29:18Outside, the sky was growing dark.
29:21I stood by the window looking at the
29:23sweet olive tree in the courtyard.
29:26The leaves rustled and a few golden
29:28flowers fell.
29:29Grandpa had come onto the porch without
29:31my noticing.
29:33He was holding another cup of hot tea.
29:35When he saw me, he waved.
29:38>> Emma, come sit with your grandpa for a
29:40while.
29:41>> I went outside and sat beside him.
29:44>> You saw the group chat?
29:46>> I nodded.
29:48Yeah.
29:49>> Don't take it to heart.
29:51>> He patted the back of my hand.
29:53>> People can say whatever the hell they
29:55want. You've got me and the Mercers.
29:58Nobody gets to push you around.
30:01>> I know, Grandpa.
30:03I leaned against his shoulder. My voice
30:05was hoarse.
30:07I'm just a little tired.
30:09>> Then rest. You don't have to worry about
30:11the wedding. I've got it arranged.
30:14>> His voice was gentle.
30:16>> And stop thinking about that Brooks boy.
30:18He's not worth it.
30:19>> I'm not thinking about him.
30:22I said it softly.
30:23Only I knew it wasn't true.
30:26It wasn't that I missed Nathan.
30:28I hated him.
30:29I hated his betrayal, his coldness, the
30:32way he'd taken my devotion for
30:35granted and then discarded me.
30:37Grandpa sighed, but didn't call me out.
30:40He just sat with me in the garden.
30:42The moon climbed slowly overhead,
30:44spreading silver light across the
30:46leaves.
30:47Leaning against him, I gradually felt
30:49calmer.
30:51So what if people spread rumors?
30:53So what if they laughed at me?
30:55As long as I stayed on my feet and
30:57didn't turn
30:59back, those wounds would eventually
31:00fade.
31:02Nathan's text was one ugly interruption.
31:05It wouldn't be allowed to run my life.
31:08I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of
31:10Grandpa's shoulder.
31:12From this day on, I was Emma Carter,
31:15soon to be Elliot Mercer's wife.
31:17I wouldn't live as somebody's shadow or
31:19wait for a man who never chose me.
31:22The old pain could stay in the past and
31:24slowly heal.
31:26The engagement party was held at one of
31:28Charleston's
31:29most exclusive private clubs.
31:32Crystal chandeliers scattered light over
31:34the room.
31:35Guests in formal clothes exchanged
31:37greetings and raised their glasses.
31:40I stood with my arm through Elliot's,
31:42wearing the simple mermaid gown
31:44and a practiced smile as people
31:46congratulated us.
31:48His hand rested lightly at my waist.
31:50It was warm, and he held me just closely
31:53enough to look affectionate
31:55without crossing a boundary.
31:57He seemed to know exactly where the line
31:59was.
32:00>> Tired?
32:02>> He leaned closer so only I could hear.
32:05>> I'm okay.
32:06>> I shook my head and kept smiling at the
32:08guests.
32:09This party was a performance for
32:11everyone else.
32:12We were both playing our parts.
32:15After more than half an hour of
32:16mingling,
32:17Elliot took me to a quieter seating
32:19area.
32:20We'd barely sat down when a server
32:22brought two glasses of champagne.
32:24I took one and touched the cold glass to
32:27my lips.
32:28Then I saw a familiar figure walking
32:30straight toward us through the crowd.
32:33Nathan.
32:34He wore a dark blue suit.
32:37His hair was untidy, his eyes red, and
32:39he smelled faintly of alcohol.
32:42He'd obviously had more than a few
32:44drinks.
32:45My heart skipped.
32:47Without thinking, I moved closer to
32:49Elliot.
32:50He noticed and shifted toward me without
32:52making a show of it.
32:54His arm still around my waist, putting
32:56himself between Nathan and me.
32:59Nathan stopped in front of us and stared
33:02as though he could burn holes through
33:03me.
33:04He looked at the arm I had linked with
33:06Elliot's, then at the engagement
33:09necklace resting against my dress.
33:11His eyes grew redder.
33:14>> Emma.
33:15>> His voice was rough, thick with alcohol
33:17and resentment.
33:19>> You really couldn't wait to marry
33:20somebody else?
33:22>> Guests nearby began to watch. I could
33:24hear low voices.
33:26My fingers tightened around my glass and
33:29the champagne trembled.
33:31I looked up at him, keeping my face
33:33composed.
33:34>> Mr. Brooks, watch what you say. This is
33:37Elliot's and my engagement party.
33:40You shouldn't be barging in like this.
33:44>> Mr. Brooks?
33:46>> He laughed sharply as if I'd told a
33:48ridiculous joke.
33:50>> We've barely been apart and now you talk
33:52to me like a stranger, Emma.
33:54Tell me the truth. Are you angry because
33:58I didn't come back for you that night?
34:00>> He stepped forward.
34:02Elliot immediately lifted an arm to
34:04block him.
34:05>> Mr. Brooks, this is my engagement party.
34:08Please behave yourself.
34:10>> His tone was calm, but there was no
34:13mistaking the warning.
34:15Nathan barely looked at him.
34:17He kept his eyes on me.
34:19>> Answer me. Is that why you're angry?
34:21Just say so and I'll explain.
34:23Vanessa had acute appendicitis that
34:26night. She was in so much pain she
34:29nearly passed out. I had to get her to
34:31the
34:33hospital.
34:34I didn't leave you on purpose.
34:36>> Acute appendicitis.
34:38I almost laughed. What a perfect excuse.
34:42So Vanessa was sick, it was an emergency
34:44that stopped the world.
34:46When I was left outside freezing until
34:48morning, it didn't matter.
34:50I set down my champagne glass.
34:53>> Nathan, I don't need your explanation.
34:56We were over the moment you
34:58turned your back and left me on that
35:00street.
35:02>> Over?
35:03>> His eyes were bloodshot, his voice
35:05stubborn.
35:07>> I never agreed to that. Emma, you can't
35:09do this to me. We were together
35:12for three years. You can't just throw
35:14those three years away.
35:17>> Three years?
35:19>> I repeated the words and finally let
35:21some of my contempt show.
35:23>> So you do remember how long we were
35:25together. Then tell me, Nathan,
35:28how many times did you leave me for
35:30Vanessa when I had a fever and asked
35:34you to take me to the hospital? You said
35:36she was upset and you had to
35:39comfort her.
35:40On my birthday, you promised me a
35:42surprise. She called.
35:45And you vanished for the whole night,
35:47even when you were proposing to me.
35:50You chose her. I'm not the one who ended
35:52this.
35:54Nathan,
35:55you pushed me away over and over.
35:59>> I hadn't raised my voice.
36:01Still, every word reached the people
36:03around us.
36:05The whispers grew louder.
36:07The looks that had mocked me before
36:08turned accusingly toward Nathan.
36:11His face drained of color.
36:13His lips parted, but another voice cut
36:15him off.
36:17>> Nate,
36:18what are you doing in here?
36:20>> Vanessa walked over in a pink evening
36:22gown and took his arm.
36:24Her voice was sweet.
36:26When she saw me, satisfaction flickered
36:28through her eyes.
36:30Then she pretended to be surprised.
36:33>> Oh, Miss Carter, what a coincidence. I
36:36didn't expect to see you here.
36:38>> She wrapped both hands tightly around
36:40Nathan's arm and deliberately
36:43stroked it with her fingers, as if
36:45marking her territory.
36:47Nathan stiffened and instinctively tried
36:49to pull away.
36:50Vanessa held on.
36:52>> Nate, you said you weren't feeling well
36:54and wanted to wait in the car.
36:57Why did you come inside?
36:59Are you upset because I took too long?
37:02>> She looked up at him with an injured
37:04expression.
37:05It was the same helpless act she'd put
37:07on when she called him away from me.
37:10Seeing them together felt like being
37:11struck in the chest.
37:13It was hard to breathe, so this was his
37:15explanation.
37:17He'd come to my engagement party with
37:19the woman he'd always put first
37:21and managed to hurt me again.
37:23I closed my eyes.
37:25When I opened them, I was calm.
37:28There was no point staying tangled up
37:30with them.
37:31I tightened my grip on Elliot's arm and
37:34smiled up at him.
37:36>> Let's go.
37:37We still have relatives to greet.
37:40>> Elliot nodded.
37:41His glance held a quiet reassurance.
37:44He turned and led me straight past
37:46Nathan and Vanessa without looking back.
37:49Behind us, Nathan called out in a
37:51desperate shout.
37:52>> Emma, don't go.
37:54Listen to me.
37:55>> Vanessa's tearful voice followed.
37:58>> Nate, don't do this. Miss Carter is
38:01getting married. You're putting her
38:03in an awful position.
38:05>> I didn't slow down.
38:07The explanation had come too late.
38:10Some injuries can't be undone.
38:13Some people leave and there's no going
38:14back.
38:16Elliot brought me over to the older
38:17members of his family.
38:19He greeted them with a relaxed smile.
38:22>> Grandma, Grandpa, this is Emma.
38:24>> I smiled and greeted them too, hiding
38:27what had just happened.
38:29Elliot's grandmother took my hand and
38:30studied me kindly.
38:32>> Emma, you're such a beautiful girl. You
38:35and Elliot make a wonderful pair.
38:37>> Thank you, ma'am.
38:39Elliot stayed beside me, occasionally
38:41stepping in to answer a question
38:43from his relatives.
38:45We worked together so smoothly that we
38:47almost looked like a couple who'd
38:50been together for years.
38:52Watching his composed profile, I felt
38:54something unfamiliar stir.
38:57At my most humiliating moment, the man
38:59I'd made nothing more than a
39:01private agreement with had stood beside
39:03me and shielded me from it.
39:06The man who once promised to protect me
39:07for life had brought his first
39:10love to my engagement party and wounded
39:13me again.
39:14The irony was hard to miss.
39:17The party went on, but I had no desire
39:19to keep entertaining guests.
39:21Elliot noticed how tired I was.
39:24>> Want to head back?
39:25>> I nodded.
39:27Yes.
39:28He let the older relatives know, then
39:30led me out through a side entrance.
39:33Inside the car, the noise of the party
39:35disappeared.
39:37I leaned against the seat, closed my
39:39eyes, and finally let the tears fall.
39:42It wasn't because Nathan had confronted
39:44me or
39:45because Vanessa had tried to humiliate
39:47me.
39:48It was because I could finally see the
39:50truth about the relationship I'd
39:52clung to for three years.
39:55From beginning to end, it had been a
39:56joke.
39:58The next day, instead of staying at the
40:01house, I went to a coffee shop nearby.
40:04I wanted some peace and quiet.
40:07I just ordered a hot latte when my phone
40:09rang.
40:10An unfamiliar number.
40:12I answered and heard Vanessa's sweet
40:14voice.
40:15>> Miss Carter, do you have a minute? I'd
40:18like to talk.
40:19>> I paused.
40:21I wasn't surprised.
40:23If she'd followed Nathan to my
40:24engagement
40:26party, she'd find a way to reach me too.
40:29I didn't refuse.
40:31>> Send me the address.
40:33>> Half an hour later, Vanessa walked into
40:35the coffee shop.
40:36She wore a cream-colored knit dress,
40:39carefully applied makeup,
40:41and carried a limited-edition handbag
40:43that
40:44was obviously another gift from Nathan.
40:47She came straight to my table and sat
40:48across from me.
40:50When the server asked for her order, she
40:52answered in a soft, affected voice.
40:55>> A cappuccino, please.
40:57No sugar.
40:58Nate says I shouldn't have too many
41:01sweets right now.
41:03>> She made a point of saying Nate.
41:05It pricked, but I said nothing.
41:08I took a sip of my latte.
41:10The coffee was warm in my throat, but I
41:12still felt cold inside.
41:14Vanessa spoke first.
41:17>> Miss Carter,
41:18I'm so sorry about what happened at your
41:20engagement party.
41:23Nate can be impulsive. You know how
41:25protective he is of me seeing you.
41:29Marrying someone else upset him.
41:32>> Her apology sounded false.
41:34The triumph in her eyes was real.
41:37I looked at her evenly.
41:39>> Is that why you asked me here?
41:41Of course not.
41:43>> She took out her phone, opened her
41:45photos, and held it toward me.
41:47>> Look, Nate gave me this necklace
41:49yesterday. He said he'd bought it ages
41:53ago and originally meant to give it to
41:55you for your birthday. But when
41:58he saw how much I liked it, he gave it
42:01to me instead.
42:03>> The photograph showed a diamond necklace
42:05similar
42:06to the one Nathan had once given me.
42:09This one was more delicate and had
42:11larger stones.
42:13I barely glanced at it.
42:15>> That's nice.
42:16>> Vanessa looked startled by my calm
42:18response.
42:20Then she swiped more photographs.
42:22They were all pictures of her and Nathan
42:24together.
42:25In one, he served her food.
42:28In another, he kept people from pushing
42:30drinks on her.
42:31In another, he held her in a hospital
42:33room,
42:35looking at her with unmistakable
42:36tenderness.
42:38Vanessa took back her phone.
42:40>> See how good he is to me?
42:42He told me I'm the only woman he's cared
42:45about
42:46for the last three years. He only dated
42:49you because his grandfather kept
42:51pressuring him
42:53and having a girlfriend made things
42:54easier with his family.
42:57He said his grandfather pushed him into
42:59proposing too. He was never
43:01really planning to marry you when I
43:04called that night because I wasn't.
43:07Feeling well, he finally had an excuse
43:09to leave.
43:11>> She smiled as though she were doing me a
43:12favor.
43:14>> Don't you feel ridiculous, Miss Carter?
43:16You knew he loved me and followed
43:19him around for three years anyway. He
43:21dumped you, and now you're rushing
43:25into some arranged marriage just to
43:26cover up how embarrassing it all is.
43:29>> Every word was aimed straight at what
43:31hurt most.
43:33Under the table, I clenched my hand
43:35until my nails dug into my palm.
43:38The pain helped keep me steady.
43:40So the relationship I'd treasured for
43:42three years had only been away
43:45for him to appease his family.
43:47Everything I'd given, every night I'd
43:49waited, everything I'd endured
43:52had been a joke to him.
43:54Strangely, I didn't break down the way
43:56I'd expected.
43:58I was almost unnaturally calm.
44:01Maybe there was nothing left in my heart
44:03for her words to hurt.
44:05I set down my coffee and looked at
44:06Vanessa with a faint smile.
44:09>> Vanessa, you went to all this trouble to
44:11find me and show off these
44:14pictures. Are you trying to prove Nathan
44:16loves you or are you trying
44:19to convince yourself?
44:21>> The satisfaction froze on her face.
44:24>> I
44:25I'm trying to make you face reality.
44:28>> Reality?
44:29>> I gave a small laugh.
44:31>> I faced it the night Nathan left me on
44:33that street. I know he doesn't
44:36love me.
44:37>> But what about you?
44:39>> I leaned forward and looked directly at
44:41her.
44:42>> Do you need to show me all these things
44:44because you know his devotion
44:47to you is mostly guilt and habit
44:50because you're afraid he'll wake up
44:52one day and realize you aren't the
44:54person he wants.
44:55You're afraid of me.
44:57Even after I've left, you're worried
45:00there's still a place for me in his
45:03heart. That's why you came here so
45:05quickly, trying to prove you won.
45:08>> Vanessa went pale. Her eyes darted
45:10around.
45:12>> That's not true. Nate loves me.
45:15>> Why would he still think about you?
45:17>> You know whether it's true.
45:19>> I settled back in my chair.
45:22>> Nathan acts bold, but underneath he's a
45:24coward. He couldn't say no to
45:28his grandfather.
45:29He couldn't let go of the past either,
45:31so he kept hurting
45:33me and wasting your time. You think
45:35you've won, but he used both of us
45:39to avoid making a decision.
45:42He did not.
45:43>> Her voice rose, drawing looks from
45:46nearby tables.
45:47She lowered it quickly, her eyes filling
45:50with tears.
45:51>> Nate isn't like that. He's good to me.
45:54He said he'd marry me.
45:56>> Then good luck.
45:58>> I picked up my bag and stood.
46:00>> I have things to do. Don't contact me
46:03again.
46:04>> I had no interest in Nathan or whatever
46:06was going on between them.
46:08I turned and walked out without looking
46:10at Vanessa again.
46:11The wind hit me outside, and only then
46:14did
46:15I realize my back was damp with cold
46:17sweat.
46:18All that composure had been an act.
46:21Vanessa's words had still hurt.
46:23My three years really had been a joke.
46:26I walked slowly along the sidewalk.
46:29My phone buzzed with a reminder from
46:30Elliot's assistant about next
46:33weekend's family gathering and what I
46:35needed to know.
46:36I replied, okay, and put the phone away.
46:40Above me, the sky was blue and the sun
46:42bright.
46:43Inside, everything felt gray.
46:46I'd thought leaving Nathan would be
46:47enough to start a new life.
46:50Vanessa had dragged me straight back
46:51into those miserable years.
46:54Some injuries couldn't be avoided just
46:56because you tried to stay away.
46:58When I reached the house, the house
47:00manager was waiting at the entrance.
47:02>> Miss Carter, welcome back. Mr. Mercer
47:05called to ask if you were home.
47:07He said he'd like to discuss the family
47:09gathering if you're available.
47:11>> Elliot?
47:13I paused.
47:14>> Where is he now?
47:16>> He said he's nearby. He can come over if
47:19it's convenient.
47:21>> I thought for a moment.
47:22>> Tell him to come.
47:24>> 10 minutes later, Elliot's car stopped
47:26outside the gate.
47:28He was wearing a black shirt again,
47:30looking as composed as ever.
47:33He entered the garden and stopped
47:34briefly when he saw me on the porch.
47:37>> You don't look well.
47:38>> I tried to smile.
47:40>> It's nothing. I'm probably just tired.
47:44>> He didn't press me.
47:45He sat beside me and took a folder from
47:47his briefcase.
47:49>> These are profiles of a few older
47:50relatives. Read through them so they'll
47:54feel familiar when you meet them this
47:55weekend.
47:56>> I opened the folder.
47:58It listed the important members of the
48:00Mercer family, their personalities,
48:03interests, and things best avoided in
48:05conversation.
48:07He'd clearly put thought into it.
48:09>> Thank you.
48:11>> My voice was quiet.
48:13>> You don't have to thank me.
48:15>> He looked at me steadily.
48:18>> I heard about what happened at the
48:19engagement party yesterday.
48:21If Nathan bothers you again, tell me.
48:25>> I met his eyes. He was serious.
48:28There was no empty politeness in his
48:29offer.
48:30A little warmth found its way into my
48:32chest.
48:33While people from my past kept finding
48:35new ways to wound me, this man,
48:39who'd only agreed to a marriage
48:40arrangement, kept offering help and
48:42comfort.
48:43Without overstepping,
48:45I nodded.
48:47>> I will. Thank you.
48:49>> He didn't say anything more.
48:51He simply sat with me and looked toward
48:53the sweet olive tree.
48:55The wind shook loose a few blossoms and
48:58a faint sweetness filled the courtyard.
49:01We had nothing much to talk about,
49:03yet the silence felt easy.
49:06I looked down at the family profiles and
49:08slowly calmed.
49:10Nathan and Vanessa belonged to the past
49:12now.
49:13What mattered was being a good partner
49:15to Elliot in the public role we'd
49:17agreed on, handling the occasions we had
49:20to attend and starting my own life.
49:23The pain could settle in its own time.
49:26Someday I'd truly be free of it.
49:28The family gathering took place that
49:30weekend at the Mercer estate,
49:32an old brick house with a broad
49:34courtyard garden.
49:36The grounds were filled with relatives
49:38and a few familiar faces from
49:40Charleston Society.
49:42I held Elliot's arm, wearing a pale gray
49:45fitted dress and simple makeup.
49:47Using the profiles he'd given me, I
49:50greeted the older relatives one by one.
49:53He stayed beside me, occasionally
49:55murmuring,
49:56a reminder about someone's interests.
49:59His voice was quiet, but he always knew
50:02how to help me avoid an awkward moment.
50:05For example, when we approached his
50:07great uncle who collected historical
50:10prints, Elliot leaned closer.
50:13>> He just acquired an original 18th
50:15century harbor print.
50:17>> I picked up the subject and complimented
50:19his great uncle's eye for art.
50:21The older man beamed.
50:23We worked together more like practiced
50:25partners
50:27than people about to get married.
50:29Halfway through the gathering, I excused
50:31myself for some air and walked
50:34to the sweet olive tree in the corner of
50:36the garden.
50:37I'd barely stopped when I heard two
50:39women
50:40speaking in hushed voices behind me.
50:43They were distant Mercer cousins.
50:46I'd met them at society events before.
50:48They'd always loved gossip.
50:51>> Look at her, acting like she's already
50:53Mrs. Mercer, dressing up like
50:57she belongs here.
50:59>> Exactly.
51:00Nathan Brooks dumped her and she was
51:02desperate to find another
51:04family to marry into. The Mercers just
51:07happened to need the match.
51:10I hear Nathan is still looking for her.
51:12Maybe he still has feelings for her.
51:15But she's already moving on to the
51:17Mercers. She's something else.
51:20Poor Elliot, marrying a woman who got
51:22dumped, all for the family business.
51:26People will be laughing about it for
51:27years.
51:29>> They weren't loud, but I heard every
51:31word.
51:32My fingers tightened cold against my
51:34palm.
51:36No matter how hard I tried to carry
51:37myself with dignity, people would
51:40always see me as the woman Nathan Brooks
51:43had abandoned, the one who'd
51:45hurried into another marriage.
51:48A familiar low voice sounded behind me.
51:51>> What are you doing out here alone?
51:53>> I turned.
51:54Elliot was walking toward me with two
51:56glasses of warm water.
51:58He handed one to me.
52:00>> I didn't see you inside, so I came
52:02looking.
52:03>> The glass felt warm against my fingers.
52:06I managed a small smile.
52:09>> It was getting stuffy. I wanted some
52:11air.
52:12>> He followed my gaze toward the cousins
52:14and frowned almost imperceptibly.
52:17He said nothing. He just stood beside
52:19me.
52:20The two women saw him, fell silent, and
52:23walked away awkwardly.
52:25>> Don't let them get to you. They don't
52:27know much beyond their own little
52:29world, and they don't think before they
52:31talk.
52:33>> I know.
52:34I looked into my glass. My voice sounded
52:37tired.
52:39>> I'm just worn out, worn out from the
52:41rumors, from having to prove I'm
52:44not who people say I am, and from trying
52:47to
52:48leave that awful part of my life behind.
52:52>> Elliot didn't answer.
52:53He stood quietly beside me while the
52:55wind stirred the branches overhead.
52:58Several golden blossoms drifted down.
53:00One caught in my hair.
53:02He reached out and gently lifted it
53:04away, his fingertips brushing my hair.
53:07The touch was light, almost
53:09absent-mindedly tender.
53:11I went still.
53:13It was the first time he'd touched me
53:14without some public reason to.
53:17Pretend we were close.
53:19It crossed the boundary of our
53:20agreement.
53:21I looked up.
53:23His expression was composed as though
53:25he'd done nothing unusual.
53:27He rested the blossom in his palm, blew
53:30on
53:31it lightly, then let it fall into the
53:33grass.
53:35>> Let's go back. Our grandparents will be
53:37looking for us.
53:39>> I nodded, slipped my hand around his arm
53:41again and followed him inside.
53:44This time my heart beat a little faster.
53:47Just started speaking with one of his
53:48elderly relatives when a
53:50familiar figure burst in.
53:53Nathan.
53:54He hadn't been invited.
53:56He pushed past the security guards at
53:58the entrance, his eyes red as he
54:01scanned the crowd.
54:03Then he saw me.
54:05>> Emma.
54:06>> He shouted my name and charged toward
54:08me.
54:09>> Come with me. I need to talk to you.
54:13>> The sudden interruption stunned the
54:14guests.
54:16Conversations stopped.
54:18Everyone turned toward us.
54:20Elliot instinctively pulled me behind
54:22him and blocked Nathan's way.
54:25>> Mr. Brooks, this is a private Mercer
54:27family gathering. You're here
54:30without an invitation and you've already
54:32caused a scene. Leave now.
54:35>> His voice was controlled but cold.
54:38>> Get out of my way.
54:40>> Nathan shoved Elliot's arm hard enough
54:42to make him stumble.
54:44Elliot stayed in front of me.
54:46>> This is between Emma and me.
54:48>> It's none of your business.
54:51>> She's my fiancee. That makes it my
54:53business.
54:54>> He turned toward the entrance.
54:57>> Craig doesn't question anything, baby.
54:59Win the accounts where it needs to be.
55:02Not before.
55:03>> The guards came running and took hold of
55:05Nathan's arms.
55:07>> Let go of me.
55:09>> He struggled, staring straight at me.
55:12Now his voice was close to tears.
55:15>> Emma, I know I was wrong. I shouldn't
55:17have left you. I shouldn't have
55:21hurt you. Please, give me another
55:23chance. Vanessa and I are done.
55:26I've cut things off with her completely.
55:29>> Behind Elliot, I looked at Nathan's
55:31disheveled face.
55:33I felt no sympathy,
55:35only disgust.
55:36Completely cut off?
55:38Why hadn't he done that before leaving
55:40me on the street?
55:41Why hadn't he done it before Vanessa
55:43came?
55:44To show off their intimate pictures?
55:47Now that I was marrying someone else,
55:49what use were his apologies?
55:51I stepped out from behind Elliot and met
55:53his eyes.
55:55>> Nathan,
55:56are you finished making a scene?
55:58We ended a long time ago.
56:01You're only making yourself look more
56:03ridiculous.
56:05>> I know you still love me.
56:07>> He kept struggling to reach me.
56:09>> You're just angry, right? If you come
56:11back, I'll do anything.
56:13I'll apologize. I 'll propose again.
56:16We can start over, please?
56:19>> Start over?
56:21>> I gave a small, bitter laugh.
56:23>> Do you really think that's possible? It
56:25wasn't possible when you left.
56:28Me freezing on a street until dawn. It
56:30wasn't possible every time you
56:33ignored me for Vanessa, and it certainly
56:36wasn't possible when you used
56:38another phone number just to send me
56:40those five mocking words.
56:42>> I moved closer, looking directly at him.
56:46>> Wake up, Nathan. I don't love you
56:48anymore. I've never been more sure
56:51of anything. The way you're acting now
56:54only makes me more grateful I left you.
56:57>> I stepped back to Elliot and took his
56:59arm.
57:00>> Let's go in. I don't want our
57:02grandparents worrying.
57:04>> Elliot nodded.
57:05Without giving Nathan another glance, he
57:08led me back into the house.
57:10Behind us, Nathan's desperate shouting
57:12and the sound of the guards
57:14dragging him away grew fainter.
57:17The Mercer relatives in the living room
57:19looked at us with a mixture of
57:21concern and understanding.
57:24Elliot's grandfather cleared his throat.
57:27>> Everything alright?
57:29>> Everything's fine, grandpa. Just a minor
57:31disturbance. It's been handled.
57:34>> He answered for me calmly.
57:37>> Good.
57:38>> The older man nodded and looked at me
57:40kindly.
57:41>> Emma, don't let it bother you. You're
57:43going to be part of this family.
57:46We won't let anyone mistreat you.
57:48>> Thank you, grandpa.
57:50>> Warmth stirred in me.
57:52The gathering went on, though the mood
57:54had shifted.
57:55Elliot stayed beside me.
57:57He didn't question me about Nathan or
58:00bring up the confrontation.
58:02Whenever someone gave me a curious look,
58:04he quietly took my hand.
58:06The warmth of his fingers steadied me.
58:09His palm was warm, his grip firm.
58:12I looked over at him just as he looked
58:14at me.
58:15His expression was calm, reassuring.
58:18For the first time, I thought this
58:20arranged marriage might not be as
58:23terrible as I'd expected.
58:25At least when I was humiliated or
58:27frightened, someone stood beside me
58:30instead of walking away.
58:32Nathan had never given me that feeling.
58:34After the gathering, Elliot drove me
58:36home.
58:38The car was quiet except for the faint
58:40sound of the engine.
58:41I broke the silence first.
58:44>> Thank you for today.
58:46>> Of course.
58:47>> He kept his eyes on the road.
58:50>> We're partners in this arrangement. It's
58:53only right that we help each other.
58:56>> He put particular emphasis on the
58:58arrangement.
58:59The words were a reminder to me and
59:01perhaps to himself that we were
59:04cooperating and nothing more.
59:07The small warmth I'd felt vanished.
59:09Of course.
59:11An arrangement.
59:12I shouldn't expect anything else.
59:15>> I understand.
59:17>> I lowered my eyes to my hands.
59:19>> If anything like this happens again,
59:21I'll
59:23handle it myself. I won't bother you.
59:26>> Elliot said nothing at first.
59:28Then he gave a quiet response.
59:31>> Hm.
59:32>> The car stopped outside my grandfather's
59:34house.
59:35I unbuckled my seat belt and reached for
59:37the door when he suddenly spoke.
59:40>> If Nathan is too much for you to deal
59:41with on your own, call me the
59:44next time he shows up.
59:47>> I turned back.
59:48His face was calm, impossible to read.
59:52>> Okay.
59:53>> I nodded, opened the door, and got out.
59:56Inside the gate, the sweet olive
59:58blossoms were still falling,
1:00:00filling the courtyard with a faint
1:00:02fragrance.
1:00:03I stood under the porch and looked back
1:00:05at Elliot's car.
1:00:07Only when it disappeared down the road
1:00:08did I go inside.
1:00:10That night I tossed and turned.
1:00:13I kept remembering him standing between
1:00:14Nathan and me, the way his fingers
1:00:17had brushed a blossom from my hair, and
1:00:19the
1:00:20cold emphasis he'd put on our
1:00:22arrangement.
1:00:24I knew I shouldn't develop feelings for
1:00:25him.
1:00:26We were coming together for family
1:00:28interests.
1:00:29This marriage had never been meant to
1:00:31include love.
1:00:33But feelings don't always obey.
1:00:35After Nathan's betrayal, Elliot's small,
1:00:38careful kindness was like a
1:00:40little light in a dark place.
1:00:43I couldn't help wanting to move toward
1:00:44it.
1:00:45I shook my head hard, trying to clear my
1:00:48thoughts.
1:00:49Emma, get a grip.
1:00:51You wanted a safe life, not another
1:00:53relationship that might break your
1:00:55heart.
1:00:56Play your role, stick to the agreement.
1:00:59In three years, you can each go your own
1:01:01way.
1:01:03That was the plan.
1:01:05I closed my eyes and forced myself to
1:01:07sleep.
1:01:08But that night, my dreams didn't hold
1:01:10only the
1:01:11scent of the flowers in Grandpa's
1:01:13garden.
1:01:14There was also a quiet man standing
1:01:16beneath the tree, watching me.
1:01:19Nathan's pursuit grew more relentless
1:01:21than I'd imagined.
1:01:22First came calls at all hours.
1:01:25He used one unfamiliar number after
1:01:27another.
1:01:28Every time I blocked one, another
1:01:30appeared.
1:01:31Eventually I put my phone on silent.
1:01:34Then expensive gifts began piling up at
1:01:37the house.
1:01:38Limited edition handbags, rare jewelry,
1:01:41and even the diamond ring I'd
1:01:43thrown away on the night of his
1:01:45proposal.
1:01:46Somehow he'd recovered it, placed it in
1:01:48a new box, and had it delivered
1:01:51where I couldn't miss it.
1:01:53Each time the house manager came to
1:01:55report the latest delivery
1:01:58looking uncomfortable.
1:02:00>> Miss Carter, Mr. Brooks sent more gifts
1:02:03this time.
1:02:05>> Throw them all away.
1:02:07>> I cut him off coldly.
1:02:09Those things didn't count as making
1:02:11amends.
1:02:12But Nathan seemed determined to keep
1:02:14reopening the wound.
1:02:16He didn't stop at sending gifts.
1:02:18He started waiting outside the art
1:02:20gallery I sometimes visited.
1:02:22I loved painting.
1:02:24When we were together, he'd never made
1:02:25time to come with me.
1:02:27Now he stood outside the gallery in an
1:02:29immaculate suit, waiting as though
1:02:32his whole life depended on seeing me.
1:02:35One day, as I stepped out, he blocked my
1:02:37path.
1:02:39He'd lost weight. Dark circles shadowed
1:02:41his eyes.
1:02:43He looked exhausted, but he watched me
1:02:45as though I were his last hope.
1:02:47>> Emma, I know I was wrong. I really do.
1:02:51>> He reached for my hand. I stepped
1:02:53sharply back.
1:02:55His hand hung in the air and hurt passed
1:02:57across his face.
1:02:59>> I've cut Vanessa off completely. She's a
1:03:01liar. She only came after me
1:03:04because she wanted access to my family's
1:03:06business connections.
1:03:08I was blind to let her fool me, and I
1:03:10kept hurting you because of it.
1:03:13Emma, please give me one more chance. We
1:03:16can start over. I'll make this
1:03:18up to you. I'll spend the rest of my
1:03:20life making it up to you.
1:03:23>> His voice broke.
1:03:24He sounded nothing like the proud,
1:03:26flashy air I'd once known.
1:03:29passing by began to stare.
1:03:31I clenched my hands and looked at him
1:03:33coldly.
1:03:34>> Enough, Nathan. It's been over for a
1:03:36long time. Nothing you're saying
1:03:40now changes anything.
1:03:42>> It does.
1:03:44>> He hurriedly pulled a folder from his
1:03:45pocket and held it out.
1:03:48>> Look.
1:03:49Here's my written statement cutting all
1:03:51personal ties with Vanessa.
1:03:53And the notice that she's been removed
1:03:55from my company. I've gotten rid
1:03:58of everything connected to her. I
1:04:00genuinely want you back.
1:04:03>> I didn't even glance at the papers.
1:04:05>> You think he knows?
1:04:07I'm serious.
1:04:10When are we done pretending?
1:04:13>> How can you say it has nothing to do
1:04:14with you?
1:04:15>> His eyes were red again.
1:04:18>> We spent three years together. You loved
1:04:20me so much. You can't have
1:04:23lost every feeling for me. Did Elliot
1:04:26force you into this? Is his family
1:04:29pressuring you? Tell me, and I'll fix
1:04:31it.
1:04:32>> Nathan, will you please get a grip?
1:04:36>> I raised my voice, holding back my
1:04:38disgust.
1:04:39>> Nobody forced me. I chose Elliot myself.
1:04:43I
1:04:44chose to have nothing more to do with
1:04:46you.
1:04:48>> You weren't like this before.
1:04:50>> He shook his head in disbelief.
1:04:52>> You always waited for me.
1:04:54You forgave me no matter what I did.
1:04:57Why can't you forgive me this time? Just
1:04:59because I left you on the night
1:05:01I proposed? I can explain.
1:05:04I really can.
1:05:06>> Explain?
1:05:08I laughed without humor.
1:05:10Explain that I never had a place in your
1:05:12heart, that our three years
1:05:15together were just an act to satisfy
1:05:17your
1:05:19family.
1:05:20Vanessa already told me all of it.
1:05:23>> He went white and stumbled as though his
1:05:25strength had left him.
1:05:27>> She she told you?
1:05:29>> Yes.
1:05:31>> I held his gaze.
1:05:33>> So stop wasting your time.
1:05:35>> I already knew the truth and I'd seen
1:05:37exactly who he was.
1:05:40>> I don't love you anymore. I never will
1:05:42again.
1:05:43>> I turned to leave.
1:05:45Nathan suddenly rushed up behind me and
1:05:48wrapped both arms around me.
1:05:50He held me so tightly I could barely
1:05:52move.
1:05:53>> I won't let go, Emma. I can't live
1:05:55without you. What's the point of
1:05:58being alive if I lose you?
1:06:00>> His body was hot against mine.
1:06:03He smelled of alcohol and that familiar
1:06:05cedar cologne.
1:06:06Once that scent would have made my heart
1:06:08race.
1:06:10Now it made me sick.
1:06:12>> Let me go.
1:06:13>> I struggled, but his grip was too
1:06:15strong.
1:06:17>> Nathan, if you don't let go, I'm calling
1:06:19the police.
1:06:21>> Call them.
1:06:23>> He buried his face against my neck,
1:06:25choking on his words.
1:06:27>> Even if they arrest me, I won't let go.
1:06:30I can't let you marry Elliot.
1:06:33I can't stand seeing you with another
1:06:34man.
1:06:36>> Just then, a black Maybach pulled up
1:06:38beside us.
1:06:39The window lowered, revealing Elliot's
1:06:42composed profile.
1:06:44His eyes went straight to Nathan arms
1:06:46around me.
1:06:47His expression turned cold.
1:06:50>> Let her go.
1:06:51>> He didn't raise his voice. He didn't
1:06:53need to.
1:06:54Nathan stiffened, but held me even
1:06:56tighter.
1:06:58>> Elliot, this is between Emma and me.
1:07:00Stay out of it.
1:07:02She's my fiancee.
1:07:04>> Elliot opened the car door and came
1:07:05toward us.
1:07:07His expression was icy.
1:07:09>> You're holding my fiancee against her
1:07:11will.
1:07:13And you're telling me to stay out of it?
1:07:15>> He caught Nathan by the arm and twisted
1:07:17it sharply.
1:07:19Nathan gasped in pain, and his grip
1:07:21finally loosened.
1:07:23I pulled free and hurried behind Elliot,
1:07:25my
1:07:27heart racing and my palms damp with
1:07:29sweat.
1:07:30He faced Nathan.
1:07:32>> Nathan, I'm warning you. If you harass
1:07:36her again, there will be consequences.
1:07:39>> Nathan clutched his arm and glared at
1:07:41Elliot, eyes red.
1:07:43>> You stole Emma from me. You did.
1:07:47She's not a possession. Nobody stole
1:07:49anybody.
1:07:51She chose me and left you.
1:07:53If you actually care about her, stop
1:07:56chasing her and let her live in peace.
1:07:59>> His voice was steady and certain.
1:08:02>> Peace?
1:08:04>> Nathan laughed harshly.
1:08:06>> How am I supposed to let her live in
1:08:07peace? You think you can make her
1:08:11happy, Elliot? This is just an arranged
1:08:13marriage between families.
1:08:16There's no love between you. I'm the one
1:08:18she loves, me.
1:08:21Whether we love each other is our
1:08:22business, not yours.
1:08:25>> Elliot took my hand and turned away.
1:08:28>> Don't come near either of us again.
1:08:30>> His palm was warm and his grip firm.
1:08:34As he held my hand, the panic inside me
1:08:36began to settle.
1:08:38We got into the car.
1:08:40Nathan stood where we'd left him,
1:08:41watching
1:08:43us go with red eyes like a trapped
1:08:45animal.
1:08:46Inside, there was only the low sound of
1:08:48the engine.
1:08:50I leaned back and closed my eyes, still
1:08:52trying to calm down.
1:08:54Elliot handed me a cup of warm water.
1:08:57>> Are you all right?
1:08:58>> I'm okay.
1:09:00I took it, my fingers trembling
1:09:02slightly.
1:09:03>> Thank you. I've caused you trouble
1:09:05again.
1:09:06>> I told you, your problems are my
1:09:08problems.
1:09:10>> He looked at me with a concern he almost
1:09:12managed to hide.
1:09:14>> Nathan isn't acting rationally. Try not
1:09:16to go out alone for a while.
1:09:19If you need to go somewhere, call me.
1:09:21I'll come with you.
1:09:22>> I looked up. He meant it.
1:09:25I didn't know what to make of the
1:09:26feelings gathering inside me.
1:09:28He was supposed to be my husband only on
1:09:30paper, yet he kept appearing
1:09:33when I was most helpless, standing
1:09:35between me and the person hurting me.
1:09:38The man who'd once promised to keep me
1:09:40safe was now the man making it.
1:09:43Impossible for me to have any peace.
1:09:46I couldn't help asking.
1:09:48>> Why are you doing all this for me? We
1:09:50only agreed to marry for our families.
1:09:54You don't have to go this far.
1:09:56>> Elliot studied my face.
1:09:58After a few silent seconds, he answered.
1:10:02>> Our agreement says we'll help each other
1:10:04and protect our public reputation.
1:10:07Nathan's behavior affects you, but it
1:10:09also affects the Mercer family.
1:10:11I'm doing what I agreed to do.
1:10:14>> The agreement again. The warmth I'd felt
1:10:16disappeared.
1:10:18Of course.
1:10:19He was protecting his family's
1:10:21reputation, fulfilling his part of the
1:10:23deal.
1:10:24I shouldn't hope for anything more.
1:10:27>> I understand.
1:10:28>> I lowered my gaze to the water.
1:10:30>> I'll be more careful. I won't make
1:10:33things difficult for you.
1:10:35>> He said nothing. The car fell quiet
1:10:37again.
1:10:38When we reached my grandfather's house,
1:10:40I unbuckled my seat belt and
1:10:42reached for the door.
1:10:44Then Elliot spoke.
1:10:46>> Emma.
1:10:47>> I turned.
1:10:49>> Whatever the reason, I'm here. He won't
1:10:51hurt you while I'm around.
1:10:53>> His eyes were calm with a steadiness I
1:10:55wanted to believe.
1:10:57I stared at him.
1:10:59Something inside me rippled as though
1:11:02a small stone had disturbed still water.
1:11:05>> Thank you.
1:11:07>> I got out.
1:11:08By then, most of the golden blossoms in
1:11:10the courtyard had fallen.
1:11:12The flowering stems were nearly bare,
1:11:15and
1:11:16the wind made the garden feel deserted.
1:11:18I watched Elliot's car until it
1:11:20disappeared, then went inside.
1:11:23I couldn't sleep.
1:11:24I kept replaying Nathan grabbing me
1:11:26outside the gallery, his desperate
1:11:28pleas,
1:11:29Elliot stepping in front of me, and
1:11:31those last words.
1:11:33I knew Nathan and I were finally
1:11:35completely over.
1:11:37His regret had come too late and cost
1:11:39him too little.
1:11:40It couldn't undo what I'd been through.
1:11:43Between Elliot and me was a cold
1:11:45agreement.
1:11:46All his help and protection were
1:11:47supposed to be part of it,
1:11:49but I couldn't control my heart.
1:11:52After everything Nathan had done,
1:11:54Elliot's restrained kindness felt like
1:11:57a small light in the dark.
1:11:59I wanted to get closer.
1:12:01I shook my head, trying to drive away
1:12:03the thought.
1:12:04Emma, don't be foolish again.
1:12:06Love had already hurt you once.
1:12:09You couldn't afford to make the same
1:12:10mistake.
1:12:11Keep your promise.
1:12:13In three years, go your separate ways.
1:12:17That was what you were supposed to do.
1:12:19I closed my eyes and forced myself to
1:12:21sleep.
1:12:22That night I dreamed of Elliot beneath
1:12:24the sweet olive tree.
1:12:26He reached up to brush a flower from my
1:12:28hair and looked at me with an
1:12:30unfamiliar tenderness.
1:12:33The day of the wedding was bright and
1:12:34clear.
1:12:35Sunlight came through the stained glass
1:12:37windows of the church,
1:12:39scattering colored light across the
1:12:40aisle.
1:12:42I wore the simple mermaid gown and
1:12:43walked slowly toward Elliot with my
1:12:46arm linked through Grandpa's.
1:12:48Elliot stood at the end of the aisle in
1:12:50a white suit.
1:12:52He held himself straight and watched me
1:12:54with a calm gaze.
1:12:56There wasn't much emotion on his face,
1:12:58but when I reached him,
1:13:00he extended his hand.
1:13:02I placed mine in it.
1:13:04His warmth came through the lace of my
1:13:06sleeve, steady and reassuring.
1:13:09When it was time to exchange rings, he
1:13:11gently slipped a custom-made
1:13:13diamond band onto my finger.
1:13:16His fingertips brushed mine, leaving a
1:13:18faint tingling sensation.
1:13:21>> I do.
1:13:22>> His voice was low and clear in the quiet
1:13:24church.
1:13:26I looked into his eyes.
1:13:28>> I do.
1:13:29>> There were no grand declarations and no
1:13:32overwhelming rush of feeling.
1:13:34Just two adults making a calm decision
1:13:36after
1:13:37everything that had brought them here.
1:13:39When the ceremony ended, guests gathered
1:13:42around us for photographs.
1:13:44Elliot stayed close.
1:13:46He steered away overly enthusiastic
1:13:48offers of champagne and murmured
1:13:51reminders in my ear.
1:13:53>> Take it easy on the drinks.
1:13:55>> He was still careful not to overstep.
1:13:58Then a commotion rose near the entrance.
1:14:01I turned and saw Nathan being stopped by
1:14:03security.
1:14:04He wore a black coat, his hair a mess,
1:14:07his eyes bloodshot.
1:14:09He looked like a man at the end of his
1:14:10strength.
1:14:12This time he didn't shout or fight.
1:14:14He just stood there staring at the
1:14:16diamond ring on my left hand.
1:14:19The light slowly went out of his eyes
1:14:21until they looked empty.
1:14:23I felt nothing.
1:14:24The man who'd once kept me awake night
1:14:26after night, crying until I
1:14:29couldn't breathe, was now only someone
1:14:31passing through my life.
1:14:33Elliot followed my gaze.
1:14:35He took my hand and gave it a small
1:14:37squeeze.
1:14:39He didn't turn to order Nathan away.
1:14:41He simply let me know he was there.
1:14:44I looked back at Elliot and squeezed his
1:14:45hand in return.
1:14:47Security eventually escorted Nathan out.
1:14:50He walked away in defeat, disappearing
1:14:53beyond the church doors.
1:14:55I knew we were truly finished this time.
1:14:58All the old confusion, all the pain had
1:15:01finally reached its end at my wedding.
1:15:04Halfway through the evening reception, I
1:15:06excused myself and stepped onto
1:15:09the hotel's terrace for some air.
1:15:12The cool night breeze eased my
1:15:13exhaustion.
1:15:15Footsteps sounded behind me.
1:15:17I turned to see Elliot approaching with
1:15:19a glass of warm water.
1:15:21>> Tired?
1:15:22>> He handed it to me.
1:15:24>> A little.
1:15:25>> I took a sip.
1:15:27>> Thank you for earlier.
1:15:29>> He knew I meant Nathan.
1:15:31>> You don't need to thank me.
1:15:33>> He stood beside
1:15:34>> me and looked out at the lights of the
1:15:35city.
1:15:36>> He won't bother you anymore.
1:15:39>> I nodded without answering.
1:15:41The wind picked up and blew hair across
1:15:43my face.
1:15:44Elliot lifted his hand and gently
1:15:46brushed
1:15:47a few loose strands away from my
1:15:49forehead.
1:15:50The gesture was natural and unforced.
1:15:53This time I didn't pull away.
1:15:55His fingers were cool from the wind, yet
1:15:58something warm stirred inside me.
1:16:00>> Elliot.
1:16:02>> I broke the silence.
1:16:04>> Do we really have to stick to that
1:16:05three-year arrangement?
1:16:07>> He turned toward me, his eyes
1:16:09thoughtful.
1:16:10>> Do you want to end it early?
1:16:12>> No.
1:16:14>> I shook my head.
1:16:15My voice was a little rough.
1:16:18>> I was just thinking we don't have to be
1:16:20so rigid with each other.
1:16:22>> Surprise crossed his face, then faded.
1:16:26>> What did you have in mind?
1:16:28>> Maybe we could act more like an ordinary
1:16:31married couple,
1:16:32eat together
1:16:34now and then, talk sometimes.
1:16:37>> I looked down into my water.
1:16:39>> Of course, if you don't want to, that's
1:16:41okay. I was only
1:16:44>> All right.
1:16:45>> He cut in, simple and direct.
1:16:48I looked up in surprise.
1:16:51He was still calm, but there was
1:16:52something earnest in his expression.
1:16:55>> An agreement is just paper. We're
1:16:57people. We're married now. There's
1:17:01no reason to keep acting like strangers.
1:17:04>> The wind stirred his hair.
1:17:06The terrace lights softened the outline
1:17:08of his face.
1:17:09For a moment he seemed less distant,
1:17:12more like someone I could share an
1:17:14ordinary life with.
1:17:16My heart beat a little faster.
1:17:19After the reception, we returned
1:17:20together to the Mercer house and the
1:17:23rooms prepared for us.
1:17:25The bedroom was simple and comfortable
1:17:28without
1:17:29much of the usual newlywed decoration.
1:17:32It felt peaceful. Elliot kept his word.
1:17:35He gave me the bedroom and took the
1:17:37guest room next door.
1:17:39Lying in bed, I looked at the diamond
1:17:41ring on my finger and found it.
1:17:44Hard to fall asleep.
1:17:46But I didn't dream about Nathan or the
1:17:48old hurt.
1:17:49I dreamed of the sunlight in the church,
1:17:52the warmth of Elliot's hand,
1:17:54and the way he'd moved the hair from my
1:17:56face.
1:17:57Married life was peaceful and steady.
1:18:00Elliot was busy and often worked late,
1:18:02but he always let me know whether
1:18:05he'd be home for dinner.
1:18:07When he had time, we'd walk through the
1:18:09garden together or sit in the
1:18:11living room and watch a movie.
1:18:14We didn't talk much. Somehow it felt
1:18:16comfortable.
1:18:18He remembered that I hated cilantro and
1:18:20made sure the kitchen knew.
1:18:22When I had my period, he'd quietly leave
1:18:24a mug of warm ginger tea with
1:18:27honey on the coffee table.
1:18:29When I finished a painting, he'd stand
1:18:31beside it for a while looking.
1:18:33Sometimes he'd say only one thing.
1:18:36>> It's beautiful.
1:18:38>> Those small kindnesses came one after
1:18:40another like a gentle stream,
1:18:43reaching ground that had been dry for
1:18:45too long.
1:18:46Little by little, I let go of the old
1:18:48pain
1:18:50and learned to accept this quiet
1:18:51happiness.
1:18:53I stopped pulling away when he touched
1:18:54me.
1:18:55When he was late, I left a light on for
1:18:58him.
1:18:59When he worked overtime, I'd text to
1:19:01remind him to rest.
1:19:03We didn't have a passionate, dramatic
1:19:05romance.
1:19:06We had something gentle that lasted from
1:19:08one ordinary day to the next.
1:19:10Three months later, while sorting
1:19:12through old things, I found another
1:19:15photograph of Nathan and me.
1:19:18In it, I was smiling brightly, leaning
1:19:20close to him.
1:19:22This time I didn't tear it up.
1:19:24I looked at it quietly for a while, then
1:19:27tucked it into the back of a drawer.
1:19:29It wasn't forgiveness, it wasn't
1:19:31nostalgia.
1:19:32I was simply learning to make peace with
1:19:34the past.
1:19:36When Elliot came home, he found me
1:19:38sitting on the couch, lost in thought.
1:19:41He came over and sat down.
1:19:43>> What's wrong?
1:19:45>> Nothing.
1:19:46>> I shook my head and smiled at him.
1:19:49>> I just found an old photo.
1:19:51>> He didn't ask any more questions.
1:19:54He picked up an apple from the table and
1:19:55handed it to me.
1:19:57>> I just washed this.
1:19:59>> I took it and bit into the crisp, sweet
1:20:01fruit.
1:20:02I looked at him seriously.
1:20:05>> Elliot, thank you.
1:20:07Thank you for reaching for me when I was
1:20:09at my lowest.
1:20:11Thank you for giving me a safe place
1:20:13when I felt helpless. And thank you
1:20:16for showing me that love doesn't always
1:20:18have to be dramatic. Sometimes
1:20:21ordinary kindness given day after day
1:20:25heals more.
1:20:26>> He looked at me, tenderness flickering
1:20:28in his eyes.
1:20:30He reached out and gently smoothed my
1:20:31hair.
1:20:33>> You don't have to thank me.
1:20:35>> Sunlight poured through the windows and
1:20:37warmed us.
1:20:38In the courtyard, the sweet olive tree
1:20:40had put out fresh growth.
1:20:43The air smelled faintly of leaves and
1:20:45grass.
1:20:46I leaned against his shoulder, closed my
1:20:48eyes, and let myself enjoy the
1:20:51peace I'd finally found.
1:20:54The pain that had once seemed
1:20:55unbearable, all the years of confusion
1:20:59belonged to the past now.
1:21:01The scars were still there. Sometimes
1:21:03remembering made them ache.
1:21:05But I wasn't afraid anymore.
1:21:07I knew someone would face life's
1:21:09troubles beside me, someone whose
1:21:12tenderness could help those wounds heal.
1:21:15Elliot and I had begun with a cold
1:21:16agreement.
1:21:18In our ordinary days together, something
1:21:20warm had grown.
1:21:22Maybe that was the best ending.
1:21:24No messy reunion with an ex.
1:21:27No endless dramatic struggle.
1:21:29Just the clarity that comes after being
1:21:31hurt
1:21:32and a quiet life that keeps getting
1:21:34better.
1:21:35There was still a long road ahead.
1:21:38We would probably face problems along
1:21:39the way.
1:21:41But I believed that we kept walking
1:21:42together, we could get through them.
1:21:45The sunshine was gentle, the breeze was
1:21:47mild.
1:21:48With him beside me, I was finally at
1:21:51peace.

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