- 2 days ago
The Sin He Could Never Repay. Completed English dubbed
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Short filmTranscript
00:00After Tessa Reed remarried Roman West, she found out she was pregnant.
00:04From the moment the test turned positive, she learned how to move around him.
00:08When he came home late, she stopped asking where he'd been.
00:12When he stumbled and drunk, she just told the housekeeper to heat up some hangover soup and left it on
00:17the table.
00:18When he said work was crazy, she didn't text, didn't call, didn't show up at his office with coffee the
00:24way she used to.
00:25Even when she found a smudge of unfamiliar lipstick on the passenger seat of his car, she quietly wiped it
00:31off with a tissue and tucked the tube back into the cup holder.
00:34As if it had never existed, by the time she went to tour a luxury postpartum recovery center and ran
00:40straight into his affair again, the rage that had once torn her apart didn't even bother to rise.
00:45There was no storm left in her, just a flat, exhausted kind of numbness.
00:50Because this time, she already knew one thing with brutal clarity, she was not going to forgive him again.
00:56This is our most luxurious suite.
00:58The sales rep chirped, heels clicking on the polished floor, as she led Tessa down the hallway of the Manhattan
01:04Recovery Center.
01:0588 grand a month, all inclusive.
01:07A Mrs. West is staying here right now.
01:09She checked in less than four days after having her baby boy.
01:12She lowered her voice, dropping into gleeful gossip.
01:16Her husband's here every single day, all doting and handsome.
01:19Friends in and out, everyone cooing over the baby.
01:23Total fairy tale.
01:24Only thing is, his drive is a little much.
01:27The woman giggled.
01:29She literally just gave birth, and he's already back at it at night.
01:32Not great for recovery?
01:34You'll have to set boundaries with your man, Ms. Reed.
01:37The woman kept chattering by her ear, but Tessa didn't hear a single word.
01:41Through the narrow glass panel in the door, her entire world had shrunk to the man inside the Sudaroman West.
01:47Lounging on the couch, cradling a newborn in his arms, while he laughed with the group of men around him.
01:54Her vision blurred.
01:55Her eyes were burning before she even realized she was about to cry.
01:59Congrats, Roman.
02:00Another son?
02:00One of his friends crowed.
02:02If Tessa's baby turns out to be a boy, too, you'll have two sons.
02:06Man's really winning at life, huh?
02:08Another joked.
02:09Roman's the real MVP.
02:11Someone added, voice low and mocking.
02:13One wife at home, Tessa on the side, three years going strong.
02:16And I'd bet good money Tessa has no idea.
02:19Roman's jaw tightened at that, his expression suddenly cooling.
02:23She doesn't.
02:24He said flatly.
02:25And you're not gonna say a damn word to her.
02:27She's in her third trimester, stress is off the table.
02:29We know, we know.
02:30His friend rushed to say.
02:32We've been covering your eyes for three years.
02:35But seriously, Roman, when are you gonna tell her?
02:38Roman went quiet for a beat, then answered, voice steady, like he'd already rehearsed it.
02:43After she gives birth, he said, once the baby's here, Tessa won't walk away from me.
02:48Will it put you in a tough?
02:49The woman on the bed spoke up then, her voice soft and delicate, like each word might break
02:55in her mouth.
02:57Roman, I was never trying to take anything from her, Elena murmured.
03:01After Ryan died, just being able to give you a child felt like more than I deserved.
03:06I'm not asking for anything else.
03:08Roman shifted, sliding an arm around her shoulders, and pulling her into his chest like she was
03:13made of spin glass.
03:14Elena.
03:15He said quietly.
03:16I promised I'd take care of you and I will.
03:18I hate that you've had to sneak around for three years.
03:21You don't deserve that.
03:22Out in the hallway, watching through the slim gap in the doorway, Tessa stared at the same
03:27face she'd once known as cool, distant, untouchable.
03:30Only now.
03:31That face was soft with tenderness for someone else.
03:34Her lips twisted into a smile that was all teeth and no warmth.
03:38It tasted like rust on her tongue.
03:40Three years ago, she had walked in on Roman and his dead best friend's widow in each other's
03:45arms.
03:46She'd demanded a divorce.
03:47Elena had threatened to kill herself.
03:49Caught between them, Roman chose Elena.
03:52The ink on the divorce papers had barely dried before he regretted it at least.
03:57That was the story he sold her later.
03:59He'd scoured every corner of the city and beyond for Tessa.
04:02When he finally found her, he dropped to his knees right in front of her, tailored suit
04:06and all, and told her the only woman he ever loved was her.
04:10The divorce, he said, had been forced on him.
04:13He was terrified Elena really would throw herself off a roof.
04:17Terrified he'd fail his dead friend one last time.
04:20To ease her mind, he'd send Elena away.
04:24He put her on a plane, arranged a life for her brought out of sight, out of their marriage.
04:30He'd held a press conference, looked straight into the cameras, into the eyes of the world,
04:36and promised he would never betray Tessa again.
04:39Ten years of knowing each other.
04:40Five years in love.
04:41Tessa hadn't been able to amputate the history from her heart.
04:44So she believed him.
04:46She'd agreed to marry him again.
04:48After the second wedding, Roman had gone into overdrive.
04:51Almost obsessive in the way he tried to make it up to her.
04:55She liked fireworks.
04:56So on her birthday, he bought out the entire city's supply and filled the night sky just
05:01for her.
05:01She admired a necklace in a magazine.
05:04And no matter the price, no matter who'd already reserved it, he made sure it ended up
05:09around her neck.
05:10Knowing she was anxious, he started giving her his schedule without her even asking.
05:14No matter where he flew, he called her three, four times a day while he was gone.
05:19Like a husband out of a commercial for love and loyalty.
05:23And still, after all that, she couldn't unsee the image of him cheating on her.
05:28To keep the marriage from splintering under her own terranoia, Tessa made herself loosen
05:33her grip.
05:33She tried to give him freedom.
05:35Tried to be the understanding wife.
05:37Tried to trust the man who'd sworn he'd changed.
05:39She never once imagined that the man who claimed he'd put Elena on a plane and taken care of
05:45everything had, for three straight years, kept her right here in the same city, tangled
05:50up with him in the dark.
05:51She definitely hadn't imagined he'd go as far as to have a baby with her.
05:56It wasn't until this exact moment, standing outside the door with her child heavy in her
06:01belly and her heart trying to claw out of her chest, that Tessa understood just how wrong
06:06she'd been.
06:08She could give him all the trust in the world.
06:10He could shower her with all the jewelry and fireworks and sweet words he wanted.
06:14Some things, once shattered, simply didn't go back together.
06:18Some mirrors really did stay broken.
06:20Everyone inside that room was family.
06:22Eroman's friends, his business partners, people who'd toasted at their wedding and called
06:27her Mrs. West with bright smiles.
06:30If Roman hadn't suddenly mentioned a month-long business trip, if she hadn't been bored enough
06:34to come to her this place alone, she never would've seen this.
06:38She would've gone on living like an idiot, blissfully ignorant, convinced her marriage
06:42was finally back on solid ground.
06:45Roman had laid a beautiful, meticulous trap, and she'd walked right into it with her eyes
06:50closed.
06:51He'd lied to her three years ago, and three years later, he'd lied to her again.
06:55The realization hit so hard that for a second she couldn't breathe.
06:59Maybe the baby felt it too, because her stomach suddenly clenched and something sharp-jobbed
07:04from the inside.
07:05The kick was vicious.
07:06Her muscles seized, pain lanced through her lower abdomen.
07:09Tessa dabbled over, one hand flying to her belly.
07:12Oh god.
07:13She gasped.
07:14That hurts.
07:15Not just her stomach, her heart.
07:17Too like someone had reached in and twisted it with bare hands.
07:20Ms. Reed?
07:21The sales rep.
07:22Finally noticed something was wrong and rushed to grab her arm.
07:26Are you okay?
07:26You're white as a sheet.
07:28Do you need to sit down?
07:29Should I call a doctor?
07:31Who's out there?
07:32The voice came from inside the, pseudo-sharp, wary, conversation cut off mid-laugh.
07:38In the next breath, every head in the room turned toward the door.
07:43Roman frowned see when he saw her.
07:45The color drained from his face.
07:47He hurriedly laid the baby back in the bassinet, hands suddenly clumsy, then strode for the door
07:52like he could somehow shut it on what she'd already seen.
07:55Tessa, what are you doing here?
07:56His voice cracked halfway through her name.
07:59The room full of men went dead silent.
08:01One by one, their gazes flicked from Roman to the woman in the doorway, and every single
08:05face shifted.
08:07Shit, Tessa's here?
08:08Someone muttered.
08:09Another plastered on a weak smile.
08:11Tessa, hey, we can explain.
08:13We just heard Elena had the baby, so we came to visit, that's all.
08:16Ran into Roman on the way and dragged him in with us.
08:19Yeah, yeah, don't take it the wrong way.
08:23We're just here to see the baby.
08:24Even now, they were still lying for him, still calling her like she was part of their circle,
08:29like she wasn't the punchline.
08:31Hearing them toss my name around like that makes me want to throw up.
08:35Tessa thought, bile creeping up her throat.
08:37She lifted her head slowly, forcing her gaze onto Roman.
08:41When she finally spoke, her voice came out level, almost calm.
08:46Roman West, she said.
08:47What about you?
08:48How do you explain this?
08:49Tess, don't get worked up.
08:50He took a step toward her, hands hovering like he wanted to touch her but knew better.
08:55It's like they said.
08:56We just ran into each other and came up together, that's all.
08:59You're still lying.
09:00She said.
09:01Her heart felt like it had been dumped into an ice bath hours.
09:04Aganum.
09:05Heavy.
09:06Past the point of pain.
09:07But for some reason.
09:08That one sentence.
09:09That one extra lie.
09:11Shattered what little was left.
09:15She snapped.
09:16Her hand flew up before she even registered moving.
09:19The crack of palm on cheek shot through the room.
09:22As her slot snapped his head to the side.
09:24An hour ago she hissed chest heaving.
09:27You sent me a voice memo.
09:28You told me you were overseas.
09:30So what happened?
09:31You fly across the ocean in 60 minutes.
09:33Roman.
09:34You grow wings on the way back.
09:36Roman didn't flare up or shout at her.
09:38He just grabbed for her hand.
09:40Fingers tightening around her wrist in a panic.
09:43I'm sorry, okay?
09:44Tess, you can't do this.
09:45You can't get this upset.
09:46You're pregnant.
09:47This is my fault.
09:49A tremulous voice cut in.
09:50Ms. Reed, please don't hit him again.
09:52Elena dropped to her knees in front of Tessa.
09:55Clutching the baby to her chest like a shield.
09:58Tears spilling fast and shiny.
10:00Roman's only been with me because he feels sorry for me.
10:03She sobbed.
10:04After Ryan died, my husband was gone.
10:05My whole life was gone.
10:07I'm a widow.
10:08I just needed someone to help me stand back up.
10:10To give me a child to hold on to.
10:12I swear, Ms. Reed, I don't want anything else.
10:15I'm not trying to steal your husband.
10:16Shut up.
10:17The words came out low and vicious.
10:19You already have a child with my husband, and you're still going to stand there.
10:23And say you're not trying to steal him?
10:25Tessa raised her hand again, aiming straight for Elena's face this time.
10:29But Roman caught her wrist in an iron grip before she could bring it down.
10:32Tessa, you can hit me if you need to, he said hoarsely, positioning himself between them.
10:37But don't touch Elena.
10:38She just gave birth.
10:39She's weak.
10:40Weak?
10:41Tessa let out a short, broken laugh, incredulous.
10:45She's weak, but you're still sleeping with her?
10:48Her voice rose, splintering under the weight of it all.
10:52You said you'd be gone for a month on a business trip.
10:54You said you couldn't come home.
10:56And instead of flying anywhere, you checked your mistress into a luxury.
11:00Mommy and me spa, and moved in with her.
11:02That's what you've been doing, right?
11:04Hiding out here.
11:05Screwing her while I sit at home counting contractions.
11:08She yent her wrist free so hard his fingers slipped.
11:11Fury surged through her so hot, she could feel her pulse pounding behind her eyes.
11:16She swung again.
11:17Desperate to land one more hit, Elena suddenly scrambled up from the floor.
11:21Still holding the baby, and darted in front of Roman like a human shield.
11:26Everything happened in that blur.
11:28Tessa caught the movement too late.
11:30Her hand was already coming down when Elena lurched forward.
11:33Baby first.
11:34The arc of her slap clipped the tiny body instead of Roman's shoulder.
11:38A thin, shocked wail split the air.
11:40The baby tumbled from Elena's arms, hitting the floor with a sickening little thud.
11:45The room exploded.
11:46Oh my god, Jesus, the baby!
11:48Someone shouted.
11:50Get the baby!
11:50My baby!
11:52Elena screamed, stumbling forward and scooping the child up, sobbing so hard she almost dropped
11:57him a second time.
11:58Ms. Reed, why?
11:59Why would you do that?
12:00He's only four days old.
12:02You're a mother too.
12:03How can you be this cruel?
12:04Roman's friends rushed in, pulling Tessa's arm away, crowding around Elena in a tight,
12:10protective circle.
12:11Tessa, what the hell?
12:12He's just a newborn.
12:13No matter how mad you are, you don't take it out on the baby.
12:16God knows what kind of damage that fall just did.
12:18Roman, you need to get him to a hospital, now.
12:22Roman's temper finally snapped.
12:24He turned on Tessa, eyes blazing, veins standing out in his neck.
12:29Tessa, he ground out.
12:30I know today is on me.
12:32I know I'm the one who's wrong.
12:33But that is my son.
12:34My biological son.
12:35Is he?
12:36She stared at him, vision swimming, tears spilling over and streaking hot down her cheeks.
12:41Then what is this?
12:43She whispered, pressing a shaking hand to her own swollen belly.
12:47What exactly do you think I'm carrying?
12:49Elena, why isn't he crying?
12:51Elena's voice pitched higher, wild with panic.
12:54She shook the baby gently, then more frantically.
12:57Why isn't he crying?
12:59Roman, he's not crying.
13:00Our baby is going to die.
13:02Roman went white.
13:03Elena, we're going to the hospital now.
13:05He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, already steering her toward the door.
13:09Eyes blazing.
13:10Jaw locked.
13:11Tessa stepped sideways, blocking the doorway with her body.
13:15Expression wiped clean.
13:16Let them take you, she said quietly.
13:19Let them drive.
13:21Roman West, I'm going to give you one last chance.
13:24He stopped, chest heaving.
13:26The baby's limp wait, and Elena sobs hanging heavy in the air between them.
13:30Me and Elena, Tessa said.
13:32My child and hers.
13:34You only get to keep one.
13:36Choose a.
13:38Roman's brows pulled together, his face twisting like she just asked him to choose which limb to cut off.
13:45Tessa.
13:46Elena tightened her grip on the baby, tears tracking down her cheeks.
13:50Her voice trembling so hard the words almost broke apart.
13:53Roman, I'll disappear.
13:55I'll take him and go somewhere you never have to see us again.
13:57You won't have to be responsible for us, we'll never bother you.
14:01We're not even married.
14:02He'll just be a bastard everyone laughs at.
14:04Maybe it's better if I take him and we both just die.
14:08At least nobody can hurt him then.
14:09She lurched toward the window, arms locked around the baby as if she really meant to throw herself off with
14:15him.
14:15Roman grabbed her around the waist, dragging her back with both arms.
14:20Elena, stop, stop.
14:21I'm not letting you do this.
14:22I promised Ryan I'd take care of you.
14:24I meant it.
14:25He swung his head toward Tessa then, eyes burning.
14:28And you pick now to throw this ultimatum at me?
14:31You're out of your mind.
14:32Elena's baby is my son.
14:33I'm not gonna stand here and watch something happen to him.
14:36You want a divorce?
14:37Fine.
14:37I'm done too.
14:38I've had enough of this for the last three years.
14:41He didn't wait for a reply.
14:43Roman turned, still holding Elena and half-carrying, half-dragging her toward the door.
14:49Barking orders for someone to get the car.
14:51Get a doctor.
14:53Get anything.
14:54In his rush, his shoulder slammed into Tessa's side so hard she rocked back.
14:59She was heavily pregnant.
15:01Her balance was already trash.
15:03The hits sent her stumbling, her shoes skidding on the polished floor.
15:07She tried to catch herself on the wall, but her finger slid uselessly over the paint.
15:12After three clumsy steps backward.
15:15Her body finally gave up and she crashed to the ground.
15:21Paint detonated inside her.
15:23White light exploded behind her eyes.
15:26For a second, the world fussed out.
15:29Sound and color draining away.
15:31She tried to push herself back up, but her limbs felt like they'd been filled with sand.
15:36He was done.
15:37Like she hadn't been choking on done for years.
15:40She wasn't the only one who'd had enough.
15:43No one in the room moved to help her.
15:45If anything, Roman's friends looked at her with a mix of disgust and annoyance.
15:50As if she were the one who ruined a perfectly good afternoon.
15:54Women and their jealousy.
15:56It's always ugly.
15:57Honestly.
15:59Roman never should've begged her to come back three years ago.
16:02We all knew this was gonna blow up sooner.
16:04Or later.
16:06Think he regrets it now.
16:07Too late.
16:08Anyway.
16:10She's what?
16:11Eight months long.
16:12Can't exactly tell her to go get rid of it.
16:15Laughter quiet.
16:17Sharp.
16:18Disbelieving flickered around the edges of the room.
16:20Then faded as they all rushed out after Roman and Elena.
16:24One by one.
16:25They disappeared.
16:26The door swung shut behind them.
16:28In the space of a minute.
16:29The suite that had been so full of people.
16:32So loud with congratulations and gossip.
16:34Emped out completely.
16:36Tessa laid air on the floor.
16:38Alone.
16:38Her belly clenched so tight it felt like her skin might tear.
16:42The pain in her abdomen pulsed.
16:44Deep and insistent.
16:45Radiating down into her thighs and up into her spine.
16:48Her eyes blurred as she sucked in ragged breaths through her teeth.
16:52She'd always thought heartbreak was a metaphor.
16:54Right now it felt like a very literal organ tearing inside her chest.
16:59When she realized no one was coming back.
17:01No footsteps.
17:02No voices.
17:04Nothing but the hum of the air conditioners forced herself to move.
17:07She gritted her teeth.
17:08Rolled to her side.
17:09And somehow pushed up onto her hands and knees.
17:12By the time she made it into the hallway.
17:14She was sweating and shaking.
17:16She grabbed the arm of the first staff member.
17:18She saw from the recovery center.
17:20I need a hospital now.
17:22She said.
17:24Or thought she did.
17:25Her voice sounded like it was coming from down a tunnel.
17:28Now.
17:29At the hospital.
17:30They had her on a bed in the OB triage unit within minutes.
17:33Gel cold against her skin as the doctor ran the probe over her belly.
17:37The room was all monitor beats and harsh fluorescent light.
17:40You're eight months along.
17:42You need to be more careful.
17:43What happened?
17:45How did you end up on the floor?
17:47Tessa stared up at the ceiling tiles.
17:49She blinked once.
17:50Twice.
17:51Never quite managing to focus.
17:53She could have said.
17:55My husband knocked me over and didn't notice.
17:57She didn't.
17:58It was an accident.
18:00She murmured instead.
18:01I fell.
18:03Dr. Grant let out a slow breath.
18:05Is Mr. West here with you?
18:07He's usually by your side for every appointment.
18:10I don't think I've ever seen you come in without him.
18:14He wiped the remaining gel off her stomach with a towel.
18:17His movement's careful.
18:18Do you want me to call him for you?
18:21Tessa didn't nod.
18:22She didn't shake her head either.
18:24She just didn't stop him.
18:27That was enough.
18:28He stepped away, pulled out his phone, and dialed the number in her chart on speaker.
18:33Mr. West, this is Dr. Grant.
18:36Your wife just came into the hospital.
18:39She had a fall, and we're a little concerned about the baby.
18:43Let me guess.
18:44She asked you to call, didn't she?
18:46There was noise in the background hospital sounds.
18:49Someone crying.
18:51Machines beeping.
18:52Elena's baby.
18:53Elena's son is in the middle of an emergency.
18:56He went on.
18:57He's fighting for his life.
18:58And Tessa is using our baby to compete.
19:01Tell her I'm done playing this game.
19:03If something happens to Elena's child, I'll make her pay me back one of hers.
19:07The line went dead.
19:09Dr. Grant just stared at the phone for a second, brow furrowing.
19:13He clearly hadn't expected that.
19:15He turned slowly, like he wasn't sure what he was about to see.
19:19Mrs. West, I...
19:21It's fine, Tessa said, her voice surprised even, herself flat, almost polite.
19:28She swung her legs over the side of the bed, ignoring the way her muscles protested, and
19:32eased herself upright.
19:34Dr. Grant, if I wanted to induce early right now...
19:37He stared at her like she just slapped him.
19:40Mrs. West, I don't know what's happening between you two, but you're at 32 weeks.
19:46The baby is almost here.
19:49Inducing now would be hard on your body.
19:52And on the baby, you'd be ending a life that hasn't even had a chance to start yet.
19:57Tessa stood there, bare feet on the cold linoleum.
20:01One hand braced on the bed rail.
20:03The other wrapped protectively around her belly.
20:07He was right.
20:08The child hadn't done anything wrong.
20:11This tiny heartbeat inside her chest had never lied to her.
20:14Never shouted at her.
20:15Never called her crazy.
20:17Never weighed its loyalty between her and someone else.
20:20It was just there, small and warm and stubbornly alive.
20:23Even when everything else in her life was coming apart at the seams, she nodded slowly.
20:29I understand, she said.
20:31Dr. Grant hesitated like he wanted to say more.
20:34Then just patted her shoulder once and left her alone to change back into her clothes.
20:40Tessa snoozed her palm over the curve of her stomach.
20:42Feeling the faint nudge from inside.
20:45The proof that at least one part of her future was still moving forward.
20:49This baby is mine.
20:50She thought, a strange calm sliding into place where panic had been.
20:55From now on, he has nothing to do with Roman West.
20:58She would divorce him.
20:59That much was settled.
21:01And when she signed those papers, she would walk away with one thing and one thing on life.
21:06Child she would raise on her own.
21:08By the time Tessa walked out of Dr. Grant's office and into the main lobby, the last person she wanted
21:14to see was standing at the payment counter.
21:16Roman.
21:17He was finishing up with the cashier.
21:19Credit card in hand.
21:21Jaw clenched.
21:22When he turned and caught sight of her.
21:24They both frowned.
21:25Tessa, are you actually not feeling well?
21:28He'd marched in here ready to be angry.
21:30Ready to accuse but her face was chalk white.
21:32Her lips almost colorless.
21:34She looked like she might pass out.
21:36Her voice was calm.
21:38Almost eerily so.
21:39Yeah.
21:40You shoved me onto the floor yourself.
21:42Don't you remember?
21:43Something flickered in his eyes.
21:45The memory hit a moment later, his shoulder slamming into her in that suite.
21:49Her body staggering backward.
21:50I'm sorry, I was in a rush.
21:52Did you get there?
21:52How's Elena's baby?
21:54Lucky he's fine.
21:55Otherwise, that would have been a life gone.
21:56You can't listen like that again, okay?
21:58He's just a baby.
21:59How could you even bring yourself, Teresa, in with him in your line of fire?
22:03Tessa lifted her eyes to his face and, for a moment, she felt like she was staring at
22:08a stranger, who happened to be wearing her husband's skin.
22:11In your head, is that really Hoem?
22:13She held his gaze, refusing to look away.
22:18How if I told you Elena deliberately held him out in front of her when Sharon at you?
22:22So I did them instead of you, would you believe me?
22:24Tessa, time enough.
22:25Stop dragging her name through the mud.
22:27It's been three years.
22:28Why are you still like this?
22:29Exactly as expected.
22:31He didn't believe a word.
22:33She'd lost count of how many times she'd watched this exact same play out.
22:37The first time she met Elena, the woman had offered to pour her tea and accidentally
22:42dumped the scalding liquid all over herself, then apologized to Tessa for being so clumsy,
22:47making it look like Tessa had made her nervous.
22:50The second time, Elena had invited her out shopping, then pretended to fall down the
22:55stairs, sobbing that Tessa had pushed her.
22:57The third had been the worst in argument, that ended with Elena grabbing a knife and
23:02driving it into her own chest, shrieking that Tessa was trying to kill her.
23:06And now, this, add today to the list, and Tessa honestly wasn't sure she had the energy
23:11to keep counting.
23:12She was to rattle the way down to the bone.
23:15Roman West, earlier you said you'd agree to a divorce.
23:18Does that still stand?
23:19The word divorce made him stiff and he immediately shifted into coaxing mode, voice warm, hands
23:25half-reaching for her.
23:27Tess, come on.
23:28You're eight months pregnant.
23:29Why are you even talking about divorce right now?
23:31I was angry.
23:32I didn't mean it.
23:32Don't take that seriously.
23:33I'm not divorcing you.
23:35You're not worried your son will be called a love child?
23:38Roman blinked, thrown for a second.
23:40I just don't want to lose you.
23:42You're the only woman I've ever really loved.
23:44What I feel for Elena isn't love.
23:47It's responsibility.
23:49Ryan was my best friend.
23:50He entrusted her to me when he died.
23:51I can't just walk away from that.
23:53You know, she has depression.
23:55Depression, so the prescription is sleeping with you.
23:58Getting pregnant by you?
23:59Roman, is there any line you're not willing to erase for her?
24:02Of course she knew Elena was depressed.
24:05Three years ago, that had been the fuse that blew up their first marriage.
24:09After Ryan died, Roman had brought Elena into their house for a while.
24:14During that while, Elena had quietly taken over everything.
24:17No hand-holding, no hucking, no kissing, certainly no sex.
24:22Any hint of intimacy between husband and wife sent Elena spiraling.
24:26If Roman didn't pick up when she called, if he spent too long in the same room as Tessa,
24:32Elena would spiral into.
24:34Threat self-harm.
24:36Jumping off ledges.
24:37Doing whatever it took to drag his focus back to her.
24:40Step by step, Roman had moved closer and closer into Elena's orbit.
24:45Spending nights in her room to keep her stable.
24:47Tessa had gotten jealous.
24:49Had fought with him.
24:51Had begged him to draw a line.
24:52All she'd gotten in return was a tired, reproachful sigh end.
24:56Ryan was my best friend.
24:57She was everything to him.
24:58I owe it to him to be there for her.
25:00Can't you understand that?
25:01She had swallowed it.
25:03Swallowed it and swallowed it.
25:04Until the day she walked into their bedroom and found the two of them in her bed.
25:08That was when she'd finally snapped and demanded the divorce.
25:12She never imagined that three years later.
25:14He'd still be waving the same excuse around like it was his moral hall pass to cheat in broad daylight.
25:19It was disgusting.
25:21The baby Cher now wants Cher covers.
25:23I won't touch her again.
25:24If it really bothers you, we can have the child race somewhere else.
25:27He didn't get to finish.
25:29From down the hallway, a thin voice broke.
25:31Carrying just enough to reach them.
25:33You mean that Roman you were really going to send mean to your son away?
25:36They both turned.
25:37Elena stood not far off.
25:39In a long white dress that made her look even paler.
25:42One hand resting dramatically on the doorframe like she needed it to stay upright.
25:46She looked fragile.
25:48Tragic.
25:48Like a stiff breeze could knock her down.
25:53You get it.
25:53You understand.
25:54The El Takehi men disappear.
25:56We'll never show up in front of you again.
25:58And she turned and ran.
25:59Shoulders shaking.
26:01Making sure every step looked like it might be her last.
26:04Roman swore under his breath.
26:05Brows meeting.
26:06He'd barely shifted his way to go after her.
26:08When Tessa's hand closed around his forearm.
26:11Her fingers were trembling.
26:13For one.
26:14Last.
26:15Stupid second.
26:16She tested him.
26:18I'm sorry.
26:18I can't risk Elenatoing something to herself.
26:21He hesitated just long enough to make it hurt.
26:23Then pried her fingers off his arm and pulled away.
26:26Striding after Elena without so much as a backward glance.
26:29Tessa stared at her empty hand.
26:32At the shallow crescent marks her nails had left in her own skin.
26:35Something inside her finally.
26:37Stopped.
26:38Not shattered.
26:39Not exploded.
26:40Just died.
26:41You can't let her go.
26:42She thought.
26:43The words cold and clear in her head.
26:46Fine.
26:46Then I'll let you go instead.
26:48You don't deserve to be my husband.
26:50And you sure as hell don't deserve to be my child's father.
26:54Tessa went home alone.
26:55The house felt too big.
26:57Too bright.
26:58Like it was staged for someone else's life.
27:00She moved on autopilot.
27:02Folding clothes into a suitcase.
27:04Pulling her things from drawers.
27:06Stacking documents she might need.
27:08Only when most of what mattered to her was in neat piles.
27:11Did she finally pick up her phone and call her lawyer?
27:14Mrs. West.
27:15Attorney Ward sounded genuinely surprised.
27:17Did something happen?
27:18I thought Mr. West already took the divorce papers.
27:21I'm sorry what?
27:23This morning.
27:24Mr. West called and asked me to draft a divorce agreement as soon as possible.
27:29Ward explained.
27:30He said he wanted to proceed with a divorce from you.
27:33He just left my office not long ago and took the signed copies with him.
27:37I actually thought it was strange.
27:39Given how adamant he was 3 years ago that he would never divorce you again.
27:43Tessa's lips curved without her permission.
27:45At the hospital earlier.
27:47He'd stood in front of her and sworn he wouldn't leave.
27:50That he was never going to divorce her.
27:52Then he'd gone straight to his lawyer to put it in writing.
27:55The irony was almost funny.
27:56After a long silence.
27:58She exhaled.
27:59In that case I'll trouble you to move things along Mr. Ward.
28:02She hung up and opened Instagram.
28:06It didn't take long to find what she was looking for.
28:09Roman's best friend had post a fresh story.
28:11She tapped it.
28:12The photo filled her screen.
28:14Roman.
28:14Half kneeling on the floor.
28:16Sleeves rolled up.
28:17Head bent as he gently washed Elena's feet in a basin of water like some worshipful saint.
28:22While she sat her day on the edge of the bed holding the baby.
28:25The caption read.
28:26You gotta love a woman this much.
28:28If you wanna put a baby in her.
28:30Underneath.
28:31The comments were already rolling in.
28:33Bro did you block Tessa from seeing this.
28:36She's gonna lose it if she does.
28:38Nah.
28:38I'd post it so she'd see.
28:40Roman's cool with it.
28:41What's she gonna do to me?
28:43Tessa stared at the screen.
28:45Six years of marriage.
28:46If you added both times together.
28:49In all that time.
28:50Roman had never once washed her feet.
28:52She'd joked about it once.
28:54Teased him half asleep after a long day that her feet hurt and he should pamper her a little.
28:58He'd wrinkled his nose and brushed her off with.
29:01You know I'm a germaphobe.
29:02Don't start.
29:03Apparently his OCD had a very specific filter.
29:06Only now did she fully understand.
29:08How far he was willing to go for Elena.
29:11Heat surged up her chest.
29:13Fury slamming against her ribs.
29:16Tessa lifted her gaze.
29:18Eyes landing on the framed wedding photo sitting on the nightstand.
29:21Roman smiling that picture confident.
29:24Gentle.
29:24The perfect groom stabbed straight through her like glass.
29:27She grabbed a pair of scissors.
29:29The first cut sliced right through his face.
29:32It felt good.
29:33She kept going.
29:34Hacking and snipping until they're bright.
29:36Blossy forever was nothing but jagged strips of paper.
29:39When she was done.
29:40She ripped the remaining pieces apart with her hands.
29:43And hurled the shredded photo toward the bedroom door.
29:46The frame went spinning through the air.
29:48At that exact moment.
29:49The door swung open.
29:51The frame smacked into Roman's chest with a dull thud and clattered to the floor.
29:55The ruined wedding photo.
29:57Fanned out on the hardwood like confetti from a funeral.
30:00Roman looked down at it.
30:01Jaw tightening.
30:02He crouched.
30:03Silently gathering the torn pieces with careful fingers.
30:07As if he could put them back together if he just tried hard enough.
30:10Tessa.
30:11He said quietly.
30:12He stepped into the room.
30:14And only then did she see the woman standing behind him.
30:17Just like three years ago.
30:19Roman had brought Elena Cole into their home.
30:21She held the baby tight against her chest.
30:24Doe eyes wide.
30:25Voice soft and trembling.
30:27Roman talked to Ms. Reed calmly okay.
30:29Don't argue with her because of me.
30:31Then she slipped past him.
30:33Following the housekeeper down the hall.
30:35To the same guest room she'd stayed in last time.
30:37Like it had been waiting for her all along.
30:42Roman set the broken frame on the dresser.
30:44Propping what was left of the picture against the wall as if it still meant something.
30:48I was gonna have Elena stay at the recovery center longer but now that you know.
30:52I didn't feel right leaving her there alone.
30:54He walked closer.
30:56His voice going soft.
30:57Almost tender.
30:59We're lucky the baby's okay.
31:00Elena knows you didn't mean to hurt him.
31:02She's already forgiven you.
31:04Tess promise me something.
31:05Don't ever do anything that might hurt a child again please.
31:08Tessa looked at him and said nothing.
31:11The silence stretched between them.
31:13After a long moment.
31:14He reached into his jacket and pulled out a thick stack of papers.
31:18Tessa.
31:19He began.
31:20Elena isn't trying to take anything from you.
31:22All she wants is for her child to be formally acknowledged to have his name on.
31:26The West family records like he deserves.
31:28He held the papers out to her.
31:30So I was thinking we could finalize the divorce first.
31:33Once the baby is officially registered as my son we'll get remarried.
31:36A month tops as soon as our child is born.
31:39I'll marry you again I swear it.
31:41Her gaze dropped to the signature line.
31:43His namor on the West was already scrawled there in bold.
31:46Decisive strokes.
31:48For a heartbeat.
31:50She waited for that familiar ache too.
31:52Hither.
31:53Betrayal.
31:54Grief.
31:54Instead.
31:55She felt light.
31:56Like something heady had finally been cut away.
31:59Relief slipped through her.
32:01Smoothed and clean.
32:02Okay.
32:03She said.
32:04She picked up the pen on the nightstand.
32:06Flipped to the last page.
32:07And signed Tessa Reed with a steady hand.
32:10Second set of divorce papers with his name on them.
32:13She promised herself there would never be a third.
32:15Remarry.
32:16He could keep dreaming.
32:17Tessa you're incredible.
32:19Roman said.
32:20Eyes bright with something close to excitement.
32:22As he clutched the signed documents.
32:24He stepped forward like he was about to pull her into his arms.
32:27She moved back.
32:29Just out of reach.
32:30Go show them to Elena.
32:31She said softly.
32:33I'm sure she'll be thrilled.
32:34Roman smiled.
32:35That familiar warm.
32:37Blinding smile that had once been her whole world.
32:40That's my Tessa.
32:41He said.
32:42Always so generous.
32:43So kind.
32:44I'll go tell her right now.
32:46He turned and left at almost a jog.
32:48The papers clutched to his chest like a prize.
32:51Tessa watched his back disappear down the hall.
32:53The echo of his footsteps fading.
32:55Her lips curled into a small.
32:57Bitter smile.
32:59Roman West.
33:00She thought.
33:01Has it really never occurred to you that when a woman stops caring what you do.
33:04It's because she doesn't love you anymore.
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