Billionaire  CEO Receives a Hug by Mistake, from a Poor Girl and What He Does Next Will SHOCK You
Inspire Love Tales
[{'start': '0.240', 'end': '5.680', 'text': "Hello everyone, I'm the narrator. Today"}, {'start': '3.040', 'end': '8.160', 'text': 'I bring you a millionaire love story. A'}, {'start': '5.680', 'end': '10.080', 'text': 'love that rises above all challenges'}, {'start': '8.160', 'end': '13.280', 'text': 'where hearts find each other in a world'}, {'start': '10.080', 'end': '15.519', 'text': "of luxury. True wealth isn't just money."}, {'start': '13.280', 'end': '18.800', 'text': "It's love that lasts. Do you believe in"}, {'start': '15.519', 'end': '20.960', 'text': 'destined love? If so, like, share,'}, {'start': '18.800', 'end': '22.880', 'text': 'comment, and subscribe to Millionaire'}, {'start': '20.960', 'end': '25.600', 'text': 'Love Narrator for more heart touching'}, {'start': '22.880', 'end': '28.080', 'text': "stories. Now, let's step into this story"}, {'start': '25.600', 'end': '30.560', 'text': 'together. Millionaire receives a hug by'}, {'start': '28.080', 'end': '32.960', 'text': 'mistake from a poor girl and discovers'}, {'start': '30.560', 'end': '35.920', 'text': 'true love with her. Before we begin the'}, {'start': '32.960', 'end': '37.840', 'text': 'story, please comment below and tell us'}, {'start': '35.920', 'end': '40.320', 'text': "where you're watching and enjoy this"}, {'start': '37.840', 'end': '42.719', 'text': 'millionaire love story. The airport was'}, {'start': '40.320', 'end': '45.680', 'text': 'bustling with travelers, each lost in'}, {'start': '42.719', 'end': '48.160', 'text': 'their own world. Amidst the chaos, Lily'}, {'start': '45.680', 'end': '50.399', 'text': 'stood on her toes, scanning the sea of'}, {'start': '48.160', 'end': '52.399', 'text': 'faces for her older brother. Her heart'}, {'start': '50.399', 'end': '54.879', 'text': 'pounded with excitement. He had been'}, {'start': '52.399', 'end': '57.360', 'text': "away for months and she couldn't wait to"}, {'start': '54.879', 'end': '59.760', 'text': 'see him again. Then she spotted a'}, {'start': '57.360', 'end': '62.800', 'text': 'familiar silhouette. Tall, broad'}, {'start': '59.760', 'end': '64.720', 'text': 'shoulders, dark hair. It had to be him.'}, {'start': '62.800', 'end': '66.799', 'text': 'Without a second thought, she pushed'}, {'start': '64.720', 'end': '69.280', 'text': 'through the crowd, dodging hurried'}, {'start': '66.799', 'end': '71.040', 'text': 'passengers and wheeled suitcases. Tears'}, {'start': '69.280', 'end': '73.040', 'text': 'welled up in her eyes as she launched'}, {'start': '71.040', 'end': '75.520', 'text': 'herself forward, wrapping her arms'}, {'start': '73.040', 'end': '77.600', 'text': 'around him in a tight embrace. "Oh my'}, {'start': '75.520', 'end': '79.600', 'text': 'god, I missed you so much," she'}, {'start': '77.600', 'end': '81.479', 'text': 'whispered against his chest. But'}, {'start': '79.600', 'end': '83.799', 'text': 'something was off. The scent'}, {'start': '81.479', 'end': '86.159', 'text': 'inexpensive. Woody cologne was'}, {'start': '83.799', 'end': '88.880', 'text': 'unfamiliar. The body beneath her touch'}, {'start': '86.159', 'end': '91.560', 'text': 'felt different, firmer, stronger. And'}, {'start': '88.880', 'end': '94.479', 'text': 'then she heard his voice. Well, this is'}, {'start': '91.560', 'end': '96.320', 'text': 'unexpected. Lily froze. A chilling'}, {'start': '94.479', 'end': '99.200', 'text': 'realization coursed through her as she'}, {'start': '96.320', 'end': '101.920', 'text': "slowly lifted her gaze. This wasn't her"}, {'start': '99.200', 'end': '104.240', 'text': 'brother. This was a complete stranger. A'}, {'start': '101.920', 'end': '106.640', 'text': 'strikingly handsome one, dressed in a'}, {'start': '104.240', 'end': '108.640', 'text': 'perfectly tailored suit with piercing'}, {'start': '106.640', 'end': '112.000', 'text': 'gray eyes that now studied her with both'}, {'start': '108.640', 'end': '114.960', 'text': 'amusement and intrigue. Oh my god. Lily'}, {'start': '112.000', 'end': '117.200', 'text': 'stumbled backward, her face flushing. I'}, {'start': '114.960', 'end': '119.920', 'text': "I'm so sorry. I thought you were someone"}, {'start': '117.200', 'end': '122.240', 'text': 'else. He smirked, adjusting the cuff of'}, {'start': '119.920', 'end': '124.240', 'text': 'his suit. I should be offended. But'}, {'start': '122.240', 'end': '126.640', 'text': 'honestly, that was the best greeting'}, {'start': '124.240', 'end': '129.280', 'text': "I've had all year. Before Lily could"}, {'start': '126.640', 'end': '132.319', 'text': 'formulate another apology, a towering'}, {'start': '129.280', 'end': '134.000', 'text': 'security guard approached. Mr. Hayes, is'}, {'start': '132.319', 'end': '136.400', 'text': 'everything all right? Her breath'}, {'start': '134.000', 'end': '139.040', 'text': 'hitched. Hayes. The name sent alarm'}, {'start': '136.400', 'end': '141.360', 'text': 'bells ringing in her head. Ethan Hayes,'}, {'start': '139.040', 'end': '143.599', 'text': 'the reclusive billionaire, the man who'}, {'start': '141.360', 'end': '145.280', 'text': 'practically owned half the city. And she'}, {'start': '143.599', 'end': '148.640', 'text': 'had just thrown herself at him like a'}, {'start': '145.280', 'end': '151.040', 'text': 'crazed fan. "I I had to go," she'}, {'start': '148.640', 'end': '153.040', 'text': 'stammered, turning to flee. But her feet'}, {'start': '151.040', 'end': '154.800', 'text': 'felt like they were stuck in quicksand.'}, {'start': '153.040', 'end': '157.200', 'text': 'The weight of embarrassment pinned her'}, {'start': '154.800', 'end': '159.440', 'text': 'down, making it nearly impossible to'}, {'start': '157.200', 'end': '161.599', 'text': 'move. She forced herself to look at him'}, {'start': '159.440', 'end': '163.360', 'text': 'one last time, hoping to erase the'}, {'start': '161.599', 'end': '165.560', 'text': 'memory of this humiliation from her'}, {'start': '163.360', 'end': '168.480', 'text': 'mind. But the way he was watching her'}, {'start': '165.560', 'end': '171.440', 'text': 'intently curiously made her pulse race'}, {'start': '168.480', 'end': '174.160', 'text': 'even more. "Wait," he said, his voice'}, {'start': '171.440', 'end': '175.760', 'text': 'smooth yet commanding. She hesitated,'}, {'start': '174.160', 'end': '177.840', 'text': 'not sure if she was imagining the'}, {'start': '175.760', 'end': '180.640', 'text': 'intrigue in his tone. "I didn\'t catch'}, {'start': '177.840', 'end': '183.120', 'text': 'your name," he continued, his gray eyes'}, {'start': '180.640', 'end': '185.920', 'text': 'still locked onto hers. His words held'}, {'start': '183.120', 'end': '188.800', 'text': 'something more than idle curiosity. Lily'}, {'start': '185.920', 'end': '191.280', 'text': 'swallowed hard. "It\'s Lily." Ethan'}, {'start': '188.800', 'end': '193.599', 'text': 'tilted his head slightly, as if testing'}, {'start': '191.280', 'end': '195.840', 'text': 'the way her name sounded in his mind.'}, {'start': '193.599', 'end': '197.920', 'text': 'Well, Lily, you certainly know how to'}, {'start': '195.840', 'end': '201.040', 'text': 'make an impression. She felt the heat'}, {'start': '197.920', 'end': '203.760', 'text': 'rise in her cheeks again. I uh I really'}, {'start': '201.040', 'end': '205.280', 'text': 'had to go. This time, she forced herself'}, {'start': '203.760', 'end': '207.599', 'text': 'to turn away and pushed through the'}, {'start': '205.280', 'end': '209.599', 'text': 'crowd. Yet, even as she walked toward'}, {'start': '207.599', 'end': '211.760', 'text': 'the exit, she could feel his gaze'}, {'start': '209.599', 'end': '214.720', 'text': 'lingering on her like a presence that'}, {'start': '211.760', 'end': '216.879', 'text': 'refused to fade. Outside, the crisp air'}, {'start': '214.720', 'end': '218.319', 'text': 'hit her skin, grounding her for the'}, {'start': '216.879', 'end': '221.280', 'text': 'first time since the mortifying'}, {'start': '218.319', 'end': '223.599', 'text': 'encounter. She exhaled sharply, willing'}, {'start': '221.280', 'end': '225.799', 'text': 'her heartbeat to slow. she would never'}, {'start': '223.599', 'end': '228.560', 'text': 'see him again. That was the only'}, {'start': '225.799', 'end': '230.480', 'text': 'consolation, except as she hailed a cab'}, {'start': '228.560', 'end': '231.920', 'text': 'and slid into the back seat. She'}, {'start': '230.480', 'end': '234.799', 'text': "couldn't shake the feeling that this"}, {'start': '231.920', 'end': '236.720', 'text': "wasn't the end of it. That somehow Ethan"}, {'start': '234.799', 'end': '239.840', 'text': 'Hayes would find his way back into her'}, {'start': '236.720', 'end': '242.480', 'text': "life. Sometimes fate doesn't knock, it"}, {'start': '239.840', 'end': '244.879', 'text': 'collides. And for Lily, this collision'}, {'start': '242.480', 'end': '247.439', 'text': 'with Ethan Hayes was only the beginning'}, {'start': '244.879', 'end': '249.840', 'text': 'of a story she never saw coming. A story'}, {'start': '247.439', 'end': '252.000', 'text': 'of love, redemption, and a destiny'}, {'start': '249.840', 'end': '253.680', 'text': 'neither of them could escape. Lily'}, {'start': '252.000', 'end': '255.439', 'text': 'thought that was the end of it. A'}, {'start': '253.680', 'end': '257.680', 'text': 'fleeting moment of embarrassment she'}, {'start': '255.439', 'end': '259.840', 'text': 'could laugh about later. A mistake that'}, {'start': '257.680', 'end': '262.560', 'text': 'would fade with time, like footprints'}, {'start': '259.840', 'end': '265.360', 'text': 'washed away by the tide. But fate, it'}, {'start': '262.560', 'end': '267.600', 'text': 'seemed, was relentless in its pursuit. 2'}, {'start': '265.360', 'end': '270.160', 'text': 'days later, she was back at her usual'}, {'start': '267.600', 'end': '271.919', 'text': "place, Baker's Haven. The cozy little"}, {'start': '270.160', 'end': '274.479', 'text': 'cafe, where she worked tirelessly to'}, {'start': '271.919', 'end': '276.720', 'text': 'make ends meet. The scent of freshly'}, {'start': '274.479', 'end': '279.120', 'text': 'brewed coffee and warm pastries wrapped'}, {'start': '276.720', 'end': '281.280', 'text': 'around her like a comforting embrace.'}, {'start': '279.120', 'end': '283.759', 'text': 'The low hum of conversation, the'}, {'start': '281.280', 'end': '285.840', 'text': 'occasional clink of porcelain cups, the'}, {'start': '283.759', 'end': '288.960', 'text': 'rustling of newspapers. It was all'}, {'start': '285.840', 'end': '290.880', 'text': 'familiar, safe, predictable, until the'}, {'start': '288.960', 'end': '293.600', 'text': "doorbell chimed. She didn't think much"}, {'start': '290.880', 'end': '296.560', 'text': 'of it at first, too focused on balancing'}, {'start': '293.600', 'end': '298.880', 'text': 'a tray of steaming cappuccinos. But then'}, {'start': '296.560', 'end': '300.880', 'text': 'she felt it, the weight of an unwavering'}, {'start': '298.880', 'end': '303.759', 'text': 'gaze pressing against her like a phantom'}, {'start': '300.880', 'end': '307.039', 'text': 'touch. A shiver ran down her spine.'}, {'start': '303.759', 'end': '309.120', 'text': 'Slowly, almost fearfully, she turned.'}, {'start': '307.039', 'end': '312.080', 'text': 'Standing in the entrance, framed by the'}, {'start': '309.120', 'end': '314.400', 'text': 'golden afternoon light, was Ethan Hayes.'}, {'start': '312.080', 'end': '316.880', 'text': "Lily's grip on the tray faltered. Her"}, {'start': '314.400', 'end': '318.639', 'text': 'pulse spiked. Why was he here? Dressed'}, {'start': '316.880', 'end': '321.120', 'text': 'in a navy suit that fit him too'}, {'start': '318.639', 'end': '323.600', 'text': 'perfectly. Ethan exuded effortless'}, {'start': '321.120', 'end': '325.759', 'text': 'power, confidence. But what unsettled'}, {'start': '323.600', 'end': '328.000', 'text': "her most wasn't his presence. It was the"}, {'start': '325.759', 'end': '330.160', 'text': 'way he looked at her. As if he had'}, {'start': '328.000', 'end': '332.160', 'text': 'expected to find her here, as if he had'}, {'start': '330.160', 'end': '334.560', 'text': 'been searching for her. She quickly'}, {'start': '332.160', 'end': '337.600', 'text': 'turned away, figning indifference.'}, {'start': '334.560', 'end': '340.320', 'text': "Focus, Lily. He's just another customer."}, {'start': '337.600', 'end': '342.240', 'text': 'The cafe was small, too small. She'}, {'start': '340.320', 'end': '343.919', 'text': "couldn't pretend he wasn't there. She"}, {'start': '342.240', 'end': '346.560', 'text': 'took a deep breath and approached the'}, {'start': '343.919', 'end': '349.039', 'text': 'counter, pouring coffee, exchanging'}, {'start': '346.560', 'end': '351.039', 'text': 'polite smiles with customers, but she'}, {'start': '349.039', 'end': '353.520', 'text': 'felt his presence in every movement,'}, {'start': '351.039', 'end': '355.680', 'text': 'like a storm lingering on the horizon.'}, {'start': '353.520', 'end': '358.720', 'text': 'Minutes passed. Maybe if she ignored'}, {'start': '355.680', 'end': '361.120', 'text': "him, he would leave. He didn't. Instead,"}, {'start': '358.720', 'end': '362.639', 'text': 'he chose a seat directly at the counter'}, {'start': '361.120', 'end': '364.639', 'text': 'where she had no choice but to'}, {'start': '362.639', 'end': '367.120', 'text': 'acknowledge him. The moment she glanced'}, {'start': '364.639', 'end': '369.199', 'text': 'up, she saw that maddening smirk tugging'}, {'start': '367.120', 'end': '371.840', 'text': 'at his lips. "Are you going to pretend'}, {'start': '369.199', 'end': '374.000', 'text': 'you don\'t recognize me, Lily?" her heart'}, {'start': '371.840', 'end': '377.039', 'text': 'lurched. The way he said her name like'}, {'start': '374.000', 'end': '379.440', 'text': 'he was tasting it, savoring it made her'}, {'start': '377.039', 'end': '382.400', 'text': 'knees feel weak. She sat down the coffee'}, {'start': '379.440', 'end': '385.280', 'text': 'pot with more force than necessary. "Oh,'}, {'start': '382.400', 'end': '388.240', 'text': 'uh, hi." He arched an eyebrow, clearly'}, {'start': '385.280', 'end': '390.479', 'text': 'entertained by her discomfort. Hi." Lily'}, {'start': '388.240', 'end': '392.720', 'text': 'clenched her jaw, determined to maintain'}, {'start': '390.479', 'end': '394.160', 'text': 'some semblance of control. "What are you'}, {'start': '392.720', 'end': '396.720', 'text': 'doing here?" "I was in the'}, {'start': '394.160', 'end': '398.960', 'text': 'neighborhood," he said, voice smooth as'}, {'start': '396.720', 'end': '401.520', 'text': 'silk. But the way he leaned forward,'}, {'start': '398.960', 'end': '403.759', 'text': 'elbows resting on the counter, told a'}, {'start': '401.520', 'end': '405.680', 'text': 'different story. She folded her arms.'}, {'start': '403.759', 'end': '408.319', 'text': '"You don\'t owe me anything." "I'}, {'start': '405.680', 'end': '410.240', 'text': 'disagree." He tilted his head. "You gave'}, {'start': '408.319', 'end': '412.639', 'text': 'me the most memorable airport greeting'}, {'start': '410.240', 'end': '415.600', 'text': 'of my life. The least I can do is return'}, {'start': '412.639', 'end': '417.919', 'text': 'the favor." Lily exhaled sharply,'}, {'start': '415.600', 'end': '420.160', 'text': 'shaking her head. Look, I appreciate'}, {'start': '417.919', 'end': '423.199', 'text': 'your sense of humor. But I have work to'}, {'start': '420.160', 'end': '425.280', 'text': 'do. Then let me make it easy, he said,'}, {'start': '423.199', 'end': '426.960', 'text': 'reaching into his pocket. A sleek'}, {'start': '425.280', 'end': '428.960', 'text': 'business card appeared between his'}, {'start': '426.960', 'end': '431.680', 'text': 'fingers, which he slid across the'}, {'start': '428.960', 'end': '433.599', 'text': 'counter toward her. Dinner, my treat.'}, {'start': '431.680', 'end': '436.479', 'text': 'Call it an apology for making you run'}, {'start': '433.599', 'end': '438.479', 'text': 'away the other day. She hesitated,'}, {'start': '436.479', 'end': '440.560', 'text': 'staring at the card as if it might burst'}, {'start': '438.479', 'end': '442.800', 'text': 'into flames. Everything about him'}, {'start': '440.560', 'end': '445.120', 'text': 'screamed trouble. But beneath the cool'}, {'start': '442.800', 'end': '447.280', 'text': 'confidence, there was something else.'}, {'start': '445.120', 'end': '449.280', 'text': 'Something that made her pulse quicken. A'}, {'start': '447.280', 'end': '451.919', 'text': 'challenge. Was she really considering'}, {'start': '449.280', 'end': '454.479', 'text': 'this? Before she could answer, the cafe'}, {'start': '451.919', 'end': '457.280', 'text': 'door swung open, ushering in a new wave'}, {'start': '454.479', 'end': '459.039', 'text': 'of customers. The moment broke, seizing'}, {'start': '457.280', 'end': '460.639', 'text': 'the distraction, she grabbed the'}, {'start': '459.039', 'end': '463.280', 'text': 'business card and shoved it into her'}, {'start': '460.639', 'end': '466.000', 'text': 'apron pocket. "I\'ll think about it," she'}, {'start': '463.280', 'end': '467.759', 'text': "muttered. Ethan's smirk widened as if he"}, {'start': '466.000', 'end': '469.919', 'text': 'already knew her answer. "I\'ll be'}, {'start': '467.759', 'end': '472.800', 'text': 'waiting." That night, long after the'}, {'start': '469.919', 'end': '475.120', 'text': 'cafe had closed, Lily sat on her tiny'}, {'start': '472.800', 'end': '477.840', 'text': 'apartment floor, staring at the business'}, {'start': '475.120', 'end': '480.639', 'text': 'card on the coffee table. Ethan Hayes,'}, {'start': '477.840', 'end': '483.039', 'text': 'his name alone, carried weight, power,'}, {'start': '480.639', 'end': '485.039', 'text': 'influence. What was she doing? She had'}, {'start': '483.039', 'end': '487.360', 'text': 'spent years avoiding men like him, the'}, {'start': '485.039', 'end': '489.199', 'text': 'ones who had everything handed to them,'}, {'start': '487.360', 'end': '491.440', 'text': 'who moved through life as if the world'}, {'start': '489.199', 'end': '493.759', 'text': 'belonged to them. And yet, something'}, {'start': '491.440', 'end': '496.240', 'text': 'about Ethan felt different. He had'}, {'start': '493.759', 'end': '498.240', 'text': 'chased her down, not out of arrogance,'}, {'start': '496.240', 'end': '500.120', 'text': 'but intrigue. He had looked at her like'}, {'start': '498.240', 'end': '502.960', 'text': 'she was a puzzle he was determined to'}, {'start': '500.120', 'end': '505.280', 'text': 'solve. And worst of all, she wanted to'}, {'start': '502.960', 'end': '508.000', 'text': "let him try. One dinner couldn't change"}, {'start': '505.280', 'end': '510.400', 'text': 'her life. Could it? Lily had spent the'}, {'start': '508.000', 'end': '512.719', 'text': 'entire day convincing herself that she'}, {'start': '510.400', 'end': '514.800', 'text': "wouldn't go accepting Ethan Haye's"}, {'start': '512.719', 'end': '517.680', 'text': 'invitation felt like stepping into'}, {'start': '514.800', 'end': '519.240', 'text': "dangerous unknown territory. She wasn't"}, {'start': '517.680', 'end': '521.440', 'text': 'the kind of woman who dined with'}, {'start': '519.240', 'end': '524.000', 'text': 'billionaires, let alone one who seemed'}, {'start': '521.440', 'end': '526.800', 'text': 'to enjoy throwing her off balance. Yet,'}, {'start': '524.000', 'end': '528.800', 'text': 'as the clock neared 7, she found herself'}, {'start': '526.800', 'end': '531.120', 'text': 'standing in front of her tiny bathroom'}, {'start': '528.800', 'end': '533.680', 'text': 'mirror. Smoothing out the creases in her'}, {'start': '531.120', 'end': '535.760', 'text': 'best dress. "What am I even doing?" she'}, {'start': '533.680', 'end': '537.519', 'text': 'muttered under her breath. Shaking her'}, {'start': '535.760', 'end': '539.760', 'text': "head, she wasn't sure if it was"}, {'start': '537.519', 'end': '541.519', 'text': 'curiosity or sheer recklessness that had'}, {'start': '539.760', 'end': '543.920', 'text': 'made her slip into heels and leave her'}, {'start': '541.519', 'end': '545.920', 'text': 'apartment that evening. The restaurant'}, {'start': '543.920', 'end': '548.640', 'text': 'Ethan had chosen was unlike anything'}, {'start': '545.920', 'end': '551.600', 'text': 'Lily had ever stepped foot in before.'}, {'start': '548.640', 'end': '554.320', 'text': 'Crystal chandeliers cast a warm golden'}, {'start': '551.600', 'end': '556.240', 'text': 'glow over velvet lined boos. The hum of'}, {'start': '554.320', 'end': '557.240', 'text': 'soft music blended with the murmur of'}, {'start': '556.240', 'end': '559.680', 'text': 'hushed'}, {'start': '557.240', 'end': '562.480', 'text': 'conversations, creating an atmosphere of'}, {'start': '559.680', 'end': '564.880', 'text': 'quiet opulence. A suited host led her to'}, {'start': '562.480', 'end': '567.279', 'text': 'a private table near the back where'}, {'start': '564.880', 'end': '569.680', 'text': 'Ethan was already waiting. He stood as'}, {'start': '567.279', 'end': '572.000', 'text': 'she approached, his sharp eyes scanning'}, {'start': '569.680', 'end': '574.720', 'text': 'her in a way that made her stomach flip.'}, {'start': '572.000', 'end': '577.360', 'text': '"You came," he said, a slow smile'}, {'start': '574.720', 'end': '579.760', 'text': 'forming on his lips. Lily hesitated'}, {'start': '577.360', 'end': '582.240', 'text': "before sitting down. I almost didn't,"}, {'start': '579.760', 'end': '584.880', 'text': "but you did. She didn't like how smuggy"}, {'start': '582.240', 'end': '587.040', 'text': "sounded. I figured if I didn't, you just"}, {'start': '584.880', 'end': '590.000', 'text': 'keep showing up at my cafe, making'}, {'start': '587.040', 'end': '592.000', 'text': 'things awkward. Ethan chuckled, a deep,'}, {'start': '590.000', 'end': '593.839', 'text': 'rich sound that sent an unexpected'}, {'start': '592.000', 'end': '596.320', 'text': "warmth through her. You're probably"}, {'start': '593.839', 'end': '598.800', 'text': 'right. A waiter appeared, setting down'}, {'start': '596.320', 'end': '600.959', 'text': 'two glasses of wine. Lily reached for'}, {'start': '598.800', 'end': '603.920', 'text': 'hers, grateful for something to do with'}, {'start': '600.959', 'end': '606.080', 'text': 'her hands. So, tell me, she said,'}, {'start': '603.920', 'end': '607.680', 'text': 'meeting his gaze. Why does a man like'}, {'start': '606.080', 'end': '610.399', 'text': 'you care about a random stranger'}, {'start': '607.680', 'end': '612.800', 'text': 'mistaking him for someone else? Ethan'}, {'start': '610.399', 'end': '614.640', 'text': 'swirled the wine in his glass, his'}, {'start': '612.800', 'end': '616.640', 'text': 'expression thoughtful. Because it'}, {'start': '614.640', 'end': '619.519', 'text': "doesn't happen to me. People don't see"}, {'start': '616.640', 'end': '621.680', 'text': 'me as just another man in a crowd. Lily,'}, {'start': '619.519', 'end': '624.320', 'text': 'they see the name, the fortune, the'}, {'start': '621.680', 'end': '625.760', 'text': "reputation. You didn't, she frowned."}, {'start': '624.320', 'end': '628.079', 'text': "That's it. That's the reason you're"}, {'start': '625.760', 'end': '630.880', 'text': 'here. That and I like watching you'}, {'start': '628.079', 'end': '633.640', 'text': 'squirm. He admitted, smirking. Lily'}, {'start': '630.880', 'end': '636.160', 'text': 'huffed. Unbelievable. But underneath her'}, {'start': '633.640', 'end': '638.320', 'text': 'exasperation, something else stirred. A'}, {'start': '636.160', 'end': '640.560', 'text': 'flicker of intrigue, of excitement she'}, {'start': '638.320', 'end': '642.560', 'text': "didn't want to acknowledge. Dinner"}, {'start': '640.560', 'end': '645.279', 'text': 'passed in a blur of witty banter and'}, {'start': '642.560', 'end': '647.760', 'text': 'guarded revelations. Ethan was sharp,'}, {'start': '645.279', 'end': '650.320', 'text': 'charming, and despite his wealth, oddly'}, {'start': '647.760', 'end': '652.880', 'text': 'down to earth, he asked about her life,'}, {'start': '650.320', 'end': '654.800', 'text': 'her dreams, her struggles. She found'}, {'start': '652.880', 'end': '657.360', 'text': "herself opening up in ways she hadn't"}, {'start': '654.800', 'end': '659.360', 'text': 'expected, telling him about Oliver, her'}, {'start': '657.360', 'end': '661.680', 'text': "brother's health issues, and the endless"}, {'start': '659.360', 'end': '663.839', 'text': 'weight of responsibility she carried.'}, {'start': '661.680', 'end': '666.320', 'text': 'You\'re stronger than you realize," he'}, {'start': '663.839', 'end': '668.399', 'text': 'said when she finished. His voice softer'}, {'start': '666.320', 'end': '670.399', 'text': 'now. "Most people in your position would'}, {'start': '668.399', 'end': '672.959', 'text': "have given up. I don't have the luxury"}, {'start': '670.399', 'end': '675.200', 'text': 'of giving up," she replied. Ethan'}, {'start': '672.959', 'end': '676.560', 'text': 'studied her for a long moment, as if'}, {'start': '675.200', 'end': '679.200', 'text': 'seeing something no one else had'}, {'start': '676.560', 'end': '681.600', 'text': 'bothered to notice before. The intensity'}, {'start': '679.200', 'end': '683.839', 'text': 'of his gaze made her shift in her seat.'}, {'start': '681.600', 'end': '686.000', 'text': '"All right," she said, clearing her'}, {'start': '683.839', 'end': '688.240', 'text': 'throat. "Enough about me. What about'}, {'start': '686.000', 'end': '691.279', 'text': "you? What about me? What's it like being"}, {'start': '688.240', 'end': '693.519', 'text': 'Ethan Hayes?" His jaw tensed slightly,'}, {'start': '691.279', 'end': '696.000', 'text': "exhausting. She hadn't expected that"}, {'start': '693.519', 'end': '698.720', 'text': 'answer. Why? Because everyone wants'}, {'start': '696.000', 'end': '700.880', 'text': 'something. No one just wants me. For the'}, {'start': '698.720', 'end': '702.640', 'text': 'first time that evening, his confidence'}, {'start': '700.880', 'end': '704.519', 'text': 'wavered, revealing a glimpse of'}, {'start': '702.640', 'end': '707.200', 'text': 'vulnerability that took Lily by'}, {'start': '704.519', 'end': '709.440', 'text': 'surprise. Before she could respond, her'}, {'start': '707.200', 'end': '712.000', 'text': 'phone buzzed on the table. She glanced'}, {'start': '709.440', 'end': '714.079', 'text': 'at the screen, her stomach dropping. It'}, {'start': '712.000', 'end': '716.959', 'text': 'was Oliver\'s doctor. "I have to take'}, {'start': '714.079', 'end': '719.279', 'text': 'this," she said quickly, standing up and'}, {'start': '716.959', 'end': '721.360', 'text': 'stepping away. Ethan watched as her'}, {'start': '719.279', 'end': '723.440', 'text': 'expression shifted from curiosity to'}, {'start': '721.360', 'end': '724.959', 'text': 'sheer panic. She nodded along to'}, {'start': '723.440', 'end': '727.519', 'text': 'whatever was being said on the other'}, {'start': '724.959', 'end': '729.760', 'text': 'end, her knuckles turning white as she'}, {'start': '727.519', 'end': '732.079', 'text': 'gripped the phone. When she returned,'}, {'start': '729.760', 'end': '734.639', 'text': 'she looked pale. "I have to go," she'}, {'start': '732.079', 'end': '737.040', 'text': 'murmured. "What happened? It\'s Oliver.'}, {'start': '734.639', 'end': '739.120', 'text': 'Something\'s wrong." Without hesitation,'}, {'start': '737.040', 'end': '741.920', 'text': 'Ethan pulled out his wallet and tossed a'}, {'start': '739.120', 'end': '744.399', 'text': 'few hundred bills onto the table. "Come'}, {'start': '741.920', 'end': '747.040', 'text': 'on, I\'m driving you." Lily wanted to'}, {'start': '744.399', 'end': '748.880', 'text': 'refuse, but there was no time. Minutes'}, {'start': '747.040', 'end': '751.040', 'text': 'later, they were speeding toward the'}, {'start': '748.880', 'end': '753.200', 'text': 'hospital. Ethan, gripping the wheel with'}, {'start': '751.040', 'end': '756.079', 'text': 'quiet determination while Lily clutched'}, {'start': '753.200', 'end': '758.079', 'text': 'her phone, praying for good news. When'}, {'start': '756.079', 'end': '760.399', 'text': 'they arrived, she barely had time to'}, {'start': '758.079', 'end': '762.399', 'text': 'thank him before running inside. Ethan'}, {'start': '760.399', 'end': '764.880', 'text': 'followed, watching as she rushed to the'}, {'start': '762.399', 'end': '767.360', 'text': 'reception desk. After what felt like an'}, {'start': '764.880', 'end': '769.839', 'text': 'eternity, the doctor finally emerged.'}, {'start': '767.360', 'end': '771.519', 'text': '"He\'s stable for now, he assured her,'}, {'start': '769.839', 'end': '774.000', 'text': 'but we need to discuss long-term'}, {'start': '771.519', 'end': '776.560', 'text': 'treatment options." Lily sagged against'}, {'start': '774.000', 'end': '778.720', 'text': 'the wall in relief. Ethan standing'}, {'start': '776.560', 'end': '781.040', 'text': 'beside her asked, "What kind of'}, {'start': '778.720', 'end': '783.000', 'text': 'options?" The doctor hesitated before'}, {'start': '781.040', 'end': '786.079', 'text': "naming a figure that made Lily's heart"}, {'start': '783.000', 'end': '788.079', 'text': 'plummet. It was an impossible sum, one'}, {'start': '786.079', 'end': '790.240', 'text': 'she knew she could never afford. "I'}, {'start': '788.079', 'end': '792.480', 'text': 'can\'t." Her voice cracked. "I don\'t have'}, {'start': '790.240', 'end': '795.120', 'text': 'that kind of money." Ethan didn\'t even'}, {'start': '792.480', 'end': '798.639', 'text': 'blink. "I do." Lily\'s head snapped up.'}, {'start': '795.120', 'end': '800.800', 'text': '"Ethan, no, I can\'t accept." "You can,"'}, {'start': '798.639', 'end': '803.360', 'text': 'he interrupted. "And you will. This'}, {'start': '800.800', 'end': '805.680', 'text': "isn't charity, Lily. Think of it as an"}, {'start': '803.360', 'end': '808.800', 'text': 'investment." Tears burned at the back of'}, {'start': '805.680', 'end': '811.279', 'text': 'her eyes. Investment in what? In you, he'}, {'start': '808.800', 'end': '813.839', 'text': 'said simply. In your future. In the fact'}, {'start': '811.279', 'end': '815.519', 'text': 'that for the first time in a long time.'}, {'start': '813.839', 'end': '818.320', 'text': 'I want to do something that actually'}, {'start': '815.519', 'end': '820.240', 'text': 'matters. Lily was speechless. Everything'}, {'start': '818.320', 'end': '823.040', 'text': 'about Ethan had thrown her off balance'}, {'start': '820.240', 'end': '825.440', 'text': 'from the moment she met him. But now,'}, {'start': '823.040', 'end': '827.200', 'text': 'standing in the sterile hospital hallway'}, {'start': '825.440', 'end': '828.800', 'text': 'with him looking at her like she was the'}, {'start': '827.200', 'end': '831.279', 'text': 'only thing that mattered, she knew'}, {'start': '828.800', 'end': '833.680', 'text': "something had shifted. She wasn't sure"}, {'start': '831.279', 'end': '836.720', 'text': 'what scared her more, accepting his help'}, {'start': '833.680', 'end': '838.560', 'text': 'or the fact that deep down she wanted'}, {'start': '836.720', 'end': '841.199', 'text': 'to. Was this the moment everything'}, {'start': '838.560', 'end': '843.680', 'text': 'changed forever? Lily sat on the stiff'}, {'start': '841.199', 'end': '846.160', 'text': 'hospital chair, her fingers anxiously'}, {'start': '843.680', 'end': '848.760', 'text': 'twisting in her lap. The past few hours'}, {'start': '846.160', 'end': '850.880', 'text': 'had been a blur, rushing Oliver to the'}, {'start': '848.760', 'end': '852.959', 'text': 'hospital, listening to the doctor'}, {'start': '850.880', 'end': '855.839', 'text': 'explain his condition in words that felt'}, {'start': '852.959', 'end': '858.240', 'text': 'like a foreign language. And now, the'}, {'start': '855.839', 'end': '860.560', 'text': 'impossible decision looming over her.'}, {'start': '858.240', 'end': '862.800', 'text': 'Ethan stood beside her, hands in his'}, {'start': '860.560', 'end': '865.199', 'text': 'pockets, his posture relaxed yet'}, {'start': '862.800', 'end': '867.120', 'text': 'attentive. He had barely left her side'}, {'start': '865.199', 'end': '869.279', 'text': 'since they arrived. And despite her'}, {'start': '867.120', 'end': '871.519', 'text': 'attempts to push him away, he remained'}, {'start': '869.279', 'end': '874.320', 'text': 'rooted in place. "You don\'t have to do'}, {'start': '871.519', 'end': '876.959', 'text': 'this," she said quietly, glancing at'}, {'start': '874.320', 'end': '879.760', 'text': 'him. "I know," he replied. "But I want'}, {'start': '876.959', 'end': '882.079', 'text': 'to." Lily swallowed hard. "The idea of'}, {'start': '879.760', 'end': '883.920', 'text': 'accepting help from Ethan Hayes, a'}, {'start': '882.079', 'end': '885.839', 'text': 'billionaire who lived in a world so'}, {'start': '883.920', 'end': '887.920', 'text': 'different from her own felt'}, {'start': '885.839', 'end': '889.920', 'text': 'overwhelming. What would it mean? Would'}, {'start': '887.920', 'end': '892.240', 'text': 'it come with strings attached? "I don\'t'}, {'start': '889.920', 'end': '894.480', 'text': 'want to owe you anything," she murmured,'}, {'start': '892.240', 'end': '896.880', 'text': 'her voice cracking slightly. Ethan'}, {'start': '894.480', 'end': '898.880', 'text': 'turned to her, his gaze steady. "Then'}, {'start': '896.880', 'end': '901.360', 'text': "don't think of it as owing me. Think of"}, {'start': '898.880', 'end': '903.760', 'text': 'it as a choice. One that could save your'}, {'start': '901.360', 'end': '906.399', 'text': 'brother\'s life." Tears welled up in her'}, {'start': '903.760', 'end': '908.560', 'text': 'eyes. Oliver was her everything. He had'}, {'start': '906.399', 'end': '910.079', 'text': 'been since their parents died. She had'}, {'start': '908.560', 'end': '912.000', 'text': 'fought tooth and nail to keep them'}, {'start': '910.079', 'end': '914.720', 'text': 'afloat, to protect him from the'}, {'start': '912.000', 'end': '916.160', 'text': 'harshness of the world. And now faced'}, {'start': '914.720', 'end': '918.959', 'text': "with the one thing she couldn't fight"}, {'start': '916.160', 'end': '921.279', 'text': 'alone, she was trapped in her own pride.'}, {'start': '918.959', 'end': '924.240', 'text': "I can't just take your money, Ethan."}, {'start': '921.279', 'end': '926.880', 'text': "It's not that simple. He exhaled slowly,"}, {'start': '924.240', 'end': '928.560', 'text': 'rubbing the back of his neck. Lily, you'}, {'start': '926.880', 'end': '931.040', 'text': "think I'm offering this because I pity"}, {'start': '928.560', 'end': '933.120', 'text': "you? I don't. I respect you. You don't"}, {'start': '931.040', 'end': '935.760', 'text': 'give up. Even when the odds are against'}, {'start': '933.120', 'end': '937.279', 'text': "you. That's rare. She looked away,"}, {'start': '935.760', 'end': '939.600', 'text': 'ashamed of how much she wanted to'}, {'start': '937.279', 'end': '942.000', 'text': "believe him. You don't even know me. I"}, {'start': '939.600', 'end': '943.680', 'text': 'know enough. he countered enough to see'}, {'start': '942.000', 'end': '946.079', 'text': "that you'd rather let yourself drown"}, {'start': '943.680', 'end': '948.399', 'text': 'than take a hand reaching out to help.'}, {'start': '946.079', 'end': '950.720', 'text': 'His words hid too close to home and'}, {'start': '948.399', 'end': '953.360', 'text': "Lily's breath caught in her throat. She"}, {'start': '950.720', 'end': '955.440', 'text': 'was tired. Tired of fighting. Tired of'}, {'start': '953.360', 'end': '957.600', 'text': 'struggling. Tired of pretending she'}, {'start': '955.440', 'end': '960.160', 'text': "didn't need anyone. A nurse stepped into"}, {'start': '957.600', 'end': '962.480', 'text': 'the waiting area. "Miss Carter?" Lily'}, {'start': '960.160', 'end': '964.480', 'text': 'stood immediately, her heart pounding.'}, {'start': '962.480', 'end': '966.959', 'text': '"Yes, the doctor would like to speak'}, {'start': '964.480', 'end': '969.279', 'text': 'with you." Ethan moved to follow, but'}, {'start': '966.959', 'end': '972.399', 'text': 'Lily held up a hand. I need to do this'}, {'start': '969.279', 'end': '975.120', 'text': 'alone. For the first time, he hesitated.'}, {'start': '972.399', 'end': '977.279', 'text': "Then he nodded. I'll be here. Lily"}, {'start': '975.120', 'end': '979.440', 'text': 'followed the nurse down the hallway. Her'}, {'start': '977.279', 'end': '981.759', 'text': "mind a whirlwind. The doctor's words"}, {'start': '979.440', 'end': '984.240', 'text': 'washed over her like waves, stabilized'}, {'start': '981.759', 'end': '986.720', 'text': 'for now. But long-term care was'}, {'start': '984.240', 'end': '989.759', 'text': 'essential. The cost was staggering, and'}, {'start': '986.720', 'end': '991.839', 'text': 'she had no solution, no backup plan. As'}, {'start': '989.759', 'end': '994.079', 'text': 'she left the office, her feet felt'}, {'start': '991.839', 'end': '995.839', 'text': 'heavier than before. Ethan was right'}, {'start': '994.079', 'end': '998.320', 'text': 'where she had left him, waiting'}, {'start': '995.839', 'end': '1000.000', 'text': 'patiently. She stopped in front of him.'}, {'start': '998.320', 'end': '1002.399', 'text': '"I need to ask you something."'}, {'start': '1000.000', 'end': '1004.959', 'text': '"Anything," he said without hesitation.'}, {'start': '1002.399', 'end': '1007.600', 'text': '"Why do you care?" Ethan tilted his head'}, {'start': '1004.959', 'end': '1009.120', 'text': 'slightly, as if considering his answer.'}, {'start': '1007.600', 'end': '1011.360', 'text': '"Because I know what it\'s like to feel'}, {'start': '1009.120', 'end': '1013.920', 'text': 'powerless. To want to protect someone'}, {'start': '1011.360', 'end': '1015.680', 'text': 'and not have the means to do it. No one'}, {'start': '1013.920', 'end': '1017.279', 'text': 'should have to face that alone."'}, {'start': '1015.680', 'end': '1018.720', 'text': 'Something in his voice told her there'}, {'start': '1017.279', 'end': '1021.360', 'text': 'was more to his story than he was'}, {'start': '1018.720', 'end': '1024.480', 'text': "letting on. But now wasn't the time to"}, {'start': '1021.360', 'end': '1026.880', 'text': "ask. She inhaled deeply. Okay, I'll"}, {'start': '1024.480', 'end': '1029.039', 'text': 'accept your help, but only as a loan.'}, {'start': '1026.880', 'end': '1032.160', 'text': "I'll pay you back every cent. Ethan"}, {'start': '1029.039', 'end': '1034.240', 'text': "didn't argue. He simply nodded. Deal. A"}, {'start': '1032.160', 'end': '1036.720', 'text': 'mixture of relief and fear settled over'}, {'start': '1034.240', 'end': '1038.640', 'text': 'her. She had made her decision. But what'}, {'start': '1036.720', 'end': '1040.559', 'text': 'came next? Could she really let someone'}, {'start': '1038.640', 'end': '1043.039', 'text': 'like Ethan Hayes into her life without'}, {'start': '1040.559', 'end': '1045.480', 'text': 'getting hurt? The following days were a'}, {'start': '1043.039', 'end': '1047.679', 'text': 'blur of hospital visits and financial'}, {'start': '1045.480', 'end': '1049.520', 'text': 'arrangements. Ethan handled everything'}, {'start': '1047.679', 'end': '1052.080', 'text': 'with the kind of effortless efficiency'}, {'start': '1049.520', 'end': '1054.400', 'text': 'that came naturally to someone like him.'}, {'start': '1052.080', 'end': '1056.799', 'text': 'Lily hated feeling like a spectator in'}, {'start': '1054.400', 'end': '1059.520', 'text': 'her own life. But she had to admit it'}, {'start': '1056.799', 'end': '1061.760', 'text': 'was a relief not to carry it all alone.'}, {'start': '1059.520', 'end': '1064.000', 'text': 'One evening after Oliver had fallen'}, {'start': '1061.760', 'end': '1066.240', 'text': 'asleep, she stepped outside to find'}, {'start': '1064.000', 'end': '1068.960', 'text': 'Ethan sitting in the hospital garden,'}, {'start': '1066.240', 'end': '1070.960', 'text': 'gazing up at the stars. She hesitated'}, {'start': '1068.960', 'end': '1074.160', 'text': 'before joining him. "You didn\'t have to'}, {'start': '1070.960', 'end': '1076.080', 'text': 'stay." "I wanted to," he replied simply.'}, {'start': '1074.160', 'end': '1078.080', 'text': 'She studied his profile, the sharp'}, {'start': '1076.080', 'end': '1079.760', 'text': 'jawline, the way his lips pressed'}, {'start': '1078.080', 'end': '1082.080', 'text': 'together and thought, "You really'}, {'start': '1079.760', 'end': '1084.320', 'text': 'confuse me. You know that? He smirked'}, {'start': '1082.080', 'end': '1087.120', 'text': "but didn't look at her. Good. I'd hate"}, {'start': '1084.320', 'end': '1089.440', 'text': 'to be predictable. Lily sighed, rubbing'}, {'start': '1087.120', 'end': '1092.000', 'text': "her arms against the cold. I'm not used"}, {'start': '1089.440', 'end': '1094.880', 'text': 'to people sticking around. Ethan finally'}, {'start': '1092.000', 'end': '1096.960', 'text': "turned to her. His gaze soft. Maybe it's"}, {'start': '1094.880', 'end': '1098.960', 'text': 'time you got used to it. Her breath'}, {'start': '1096.960', 'end': '1101.360', 'text': 'hitched. No one had ever said something'}, {'start': '1098.960', 'end': '1103.600', 'text': 'like that to her before. A comfortable'}, {'start': '1101.360', 'end': '1105.919', 'text': 'silence stretched between them, filled'}, {'start': '1103.600', 'end': '1108.000', 'text': "with inspoken words. Lily didn't know"}, {'start': '1105.919', 'end': '1110.160', 'text': 'what this was between them. But for the'}, {'start': '1108.000', 'end': '1112.640', 'text': "first time in a long time, she wasn't"}, {'start': '1110.160', 'end': '1114.640', 'text': 'afraid to find out. Letting Ethan in was'}, {'start': '1112.640', 'end': '1117.039', 'text': 'the easy part. But could she trust'}, {'start': '1114.640', 'end': '1118.799', 'text': 'herself not to fall for him? Lily never'}, {'start': '1117.039', 'end': '1121.679', 'text': "thought she'd get used to seeing Ethan"}, {'start': '1118.799', 'end': '1123.840', 'text': 'Hayes in a hospital room. Yet, as the'}, {'start': '1121.679', 'end': '1126.799', 'text': 'days passed, he became a fixture in'}, {'start': '1123.840', 'end': '1128.880', 'text': "Oliver's recovery. Always there, always"}, {'start': '1126.799', 'end': '1130.960', 'text': 'watching from the background, offering'}, {'start': '1128.880', 'end': '1133.120', 'text': 'silent support in ways that unsettled'}, {'start': '1130.960', 'end': '1135.360', 'text': "her. She wasn't sure how she felt about"}, {'start': '1133.120', 'end': '1137.760', 'text': 'it. Ethan was a man of power, of'}, {'start': '1135.360', 'end': '1140.320', 'text': 'influence. He could have easily signed a'}, {'start': '1137.760', 'end': '1142.080', 'text': 'check and walked away. Instead, he'}, {'start': '1140.320', 'end': '1144.080', 'text': 'stayed. He asked questions about'}, {'start': '1142.080', 'end': '1146.400', 'text': "Oliver's treatment, made sure the"}, {'start': '1144.080', 'end': '1148.720', 'text': 'doctors gave him the best care, and even'}, {'start': '1146.400', 'end': '1150.880', 'text': 'sat with Oliver, telling him stories'}, {'start': '1148.720', 'end': '1153.360', 'text': 'about places he had traveled, things'}, {'start': '1150.880', 'end': '1156.240', 'text': 'Lily could only dream of seeing. It made'}, {'start': '1153.360', 'end': '1158.480', 'text': 'no sense. And yet, here he was. You'}, {'start': '1156.240', 'end': '1160.640', 'text': "don't have to keep coming. Lily told him"}, {'start': '1158.480', 'end': '1162.720', 'text': 'one evening. Her arms crossed as they'}, {'start': '1160.640', 'end': '1164.799', 'text': "stood outside Oliver<unk>'s room. You've"}, {'start': '1162.720', 'end': '1167.760', 'text': 'done enough. Ethan leaned against the'}, {'start': '1164.799', 'end': '1170.000', 'text': 'wall, shoving his hands in his pockets.'}, {'start': '1167.760', 'end': '1172.480', 'text': "And yet, here I am. That's what I don't"}, {'start': '1170.000', 'end': '1173.919', 'text': 'get. She shook her head. Men like you'}, {'start': '1172.480', 'end': '1176.320', 'text': "don't do things without expecting"}, {'start': '1173.919', 'end': '1178.880', 'text': 'something in return. His eyes darkened'}, {'start': '1176.320', 'end': '1180.799', 'text': 'slightly, but there was no anger there.'}, {'start': '1178.880', 'end': '1183.440', 'text': 'Just something unreadable. And what do'}, {'start': '1180.799', 'end': '1185.679', 'text': "you think I want? Lily faltered. I don't"}, {'start': '1183.440', 'end': '1187.520', 'text': "know. That's what scares me. Ethan"}, {'start': '1185.679', 'end': '1190.080', 'text': 'studied her for a long moment before'}, {'start': '1187.520', 'end': '1192.080', 'text': "sighing. Lily, I'm not here because I"}, {'start': '1190.080', 'end': '1195.039', 'text': "expect anything. I'm here because I want"}, {'start': '1192.080', 'end': '1197.360', 'text': 'to be. She frowned. Why? His lips'}, {'start': '1195.039', 'end': '1199.360', 'text': 'pressed together as if debating how much'}, {'start': '1197.360', 'end': '1202.240', 'text': "to say. Because I know what it's like to"}, {'start': '1199.360', 'end': '1204.000', 'text': 'feel powerless. He admitted quietly. To'}, {'start': '1202.240', 'end': '1206.799', 'text': 'want to fix something, but not knowing'}, {'start': '1204.000', 'end': '1208.320', 'text': 'how. Lily was taken aback. It was the'}, {'start': '1206.799', 'end': '1210.799', 'text': 'second time he had said something like'}, {'start': '1208.320', 'end': '1212.799', 'text': 'that. Who did you want to fix? For the'}, {'start': '1210.799', 'end': '1215.840', 'text': 'first time since she met him, Ethan'}, {'start': '1212.799', 'end': '1218.000', 'text': 'looked away. My sister, he said finally.'}, {'start': '1215.840', 'end': '1220.880', 'text': 'She got sick when we were young. My'}, {'start': '1218.000', 'end': '1223.200', 'text': 'family had money, power, resources, but'}, {'start': '1220.880', 'end': '1225.280', 'text': "none of it could save her. Lily's breath"}, {'start': '1223.200', 'end': '1228.400', 'text': "hitched. She hadn't expected that."}, {'start': '1225.280', 'end': '1230.720', 'text': "Ethan, I'm Don't. He cut her off, his"}, {'start': '1228.400', 'end': '1233.120', 'text': "voice low, but firm. I don't talk about"}, {'start': '1230.720', 'end': '1235.200', 'text': 'her ever, but I told you because I want'}, {'start': '1233.120', 'end': '1237.919', 'text': "you to understand. I'm not trying to buy"}, {'start': '1235.200', 'end': '1239.200', 'text': "my way into your life. I just I don't"}, {'start': '1237.919', 'end': '1241.840', 'text': 'want you to feel like you have to do'}, {'start': '1239.200', 'end': '1244.240', 'text': 'this alone. Something inside Lily'}, {'start': '1241.840', 'end': '1246.000', 'text': 'cracked. For so long, she had carried'}, {'start': '1244.240', 'end': '1248.880', 'text': "the weight of Oliver's sickness on her"}, {'start': '1246.000', 'end': '1250.720', 'text': 'own, afraid to rely on anyone, convinced'}, {'start': '1248.880', 'end': '1253.360', 'text': 'that letting someone in meant losing'}, {'start': '1250.720', 'end': '1255.679', 'text': 'control. But here was Ethan, offering a'}, {'start': '1253.360', 'end': '1258.480', 'text': 'hand without expectation, and she was'}, {'start': '1255.679', 'end': '1260.799', 'text': 'afraid to take it. She exhaled, shaking'}, {'start': '1258.480', 'end': '1264.080', 'text': "her head. I don't know how to do this,"}, {'start': '1260.799', 'end': '1266.320', 'text': 'Ethan. He smiled faintly. Neither do I,'}, {'start': '1264.080', 'end': '1268.640', 'text': 'but maybe we figure it out together.'}, {'start': '1266.320', 'end': '1270.640', 'text': "Lily swallowed hard. I don't trust"}, {'start': '1268.640', 'end': '1274.159', 'text': "easily. Then let's start with something"}, {'start': '1270.640', 'end': '1276.880', 'text': 'small. He said like dinner. No strains,'}, {'start': '1274.159', 'end': '1279.840', 'text': 'no expectations, just two people eating'}, {'start': '1276.880', 'end': '1281.720', 'text': 'food. Lily hesitated. The rational part'}, {'start': '1279.840', 'end': '1284.240', 'text': 'of her screamed that it was a terrible'}, {'start': '1281.720', 'end': '1286.880', 'text': 'idea. That getting close to a man like'}, {'start': '1284.240', 'end': '1288.720', 'text': 'Ethan was dangerous. But deep down'}, {'start': '1286.880', 'end': '1292.400', 'text': 'beneath the fear, there was something'}, {'start': '1288.720', 'end': '1293.840', 'text': 'else. Curiosity. Fine, she relented. But'}, {'start': '1292.400', 'end': '1296.720', 'text': 'if you start talking about stock'}, {'start': '1293.840', 'end': '1299.120', 'text': "markets, I'm leaving. Ethan chuckled."}, {'start': '1296.720', 'end': '1301.679', 'text': 'Fair deal. The restaurant Ethan chose'}, {'start': '1299.120', 'end': '1303.760', 'text': 'was beautiful yet intimate. Unlike their'}, {'start': '1301.679', 'end': '1306.080', 'text': 'first dinner, which had been elegant and'}, {'start': '1303.760', 'end': '1308.880', 'text': 'overwhelming, this place felt different,'}, {'start': '1306.080', 'end': '1310.960', 'text': "quieter, warmer. Lily didn't feel out of"}, {'start': '1308.880', 'end': '1313.200', 'text': 'place here, which she suspected was'}, {'start': '1310.960', 'end': '1315.280', 'text': 'intentional. They sat across from each'}, {'start': '1313.200', 'end': '1317.840', 'text': 'other. The flickering candle light'}, {'start': '1315.280', 'end': '1320.720', 'text': "casting soft shadows on Ethan's face."}, {'start': '1317.840', 'end': '1323.280', 'text': '"For once," he looked at peace. "I have'}, {'start': '1320.720', 'end': '1326.559', 'text': 'to admit, I expected you to cancel." He'}, {'start': '1323.280', 'end': '1328.480', 'text': 'mused, swirling his drink. I almost did,'}, {'start': '1326.559', 'end': '1330.159', 'text': "she admitted. But I'm trying this new"}, {'start': '1328.480', 'end': '1332.720', 'text': "thing where I don't immediately run from"}, {'start': '1330.159', 'end': '1335.520', 'text': "things that scare me. Ethan's gaze"}, {'start': '1332.720', 'end': '1338.480', 'text': 'softened. And I scare you? Terrify me?'}, {'start': '1335.520', 'end': '1340.720', 'text': 'He exhaled a short laugh. Well, at least'}, {'start': '1338.480', 'end': '1343.280', 'text': "you're honest. Lily took a sip of her"}, {'start': '1340.720', 'end': '1345.039', 'text': "drink, studying him. I don't get you,"}, {'start': '1343.280', 'end': '1347.039', 'text': "Ethan. You're this untouchable"}, {'start': '1345.039', 'end': '1349.600', 'text': "billionaire, yet you're sitting here"}, {'start': '1347.039', 'end': '1352.080', 'text': 'having dinner with someone like me. Why?'}, {'start': '1349.600', 'end': '1354.000', 'text': 'He set his glass down, his expression'}, {'start': '1352.080', 'end': '1356.559', 'text': "unreadable. because you don't treat me"}, {'start': '1354.000', 'end': '1358.400', 'text': 'like I\'m untouchable." Lily blinked,'}, {'start': '1356.559', 'end': '1360.960', 'text': 'caught off guard by the simplicity of'}, {'start': '1358.400', 'end': '1362.960', 'text': 'his answer. "You see, everyone in my'}, {'start': '1360.960', 'end': '1365.720', 'text': 'world wants something from me," he'}, {'start': '1362.960', 'end': '1368.080', 'text': 'continued. "A deal, a contract, an'}, {'start': '1365.720', 'end': '1371.039', 'text': 'opportunity. No one ever just talks to'}, {'start': '1368.080', 'end': '1373.039', 'text': 'me. No one ever argues with me except'}, {'start': '1371.039', 'end': '1375.280', 'text': 'you." She frowned. "That\'s what you'}, {'start': '1373.039', 'end': '1377.919', 'text': 'like, that I argue with you." Ethan'}, {'start': '1375.280', 'end': '1379.919', 'text': 'smirked, among other things. Lily rolled'}, {'start': '1377.919', 'end': '1382.240', 'text': "her eyes, but couldn't hide her smile."}, {'start': '1379.919', 'end': '1384.480', 'text': '"You\'re impossible." He leaned forward'}, {'start': '1382.240', 'end': '1387.200', 'text': "slightly. But you're not running. Her"}, {'start': '1384.480', 'end': '1389.760', 'text': 'smile faded and for the first time she'}, {'start': '1387.200', 'end': '1392.400', 'text': 'let herself acknowledge the truth. No,'}, {'start': '1389.760', 'end': '1394.240', 'text': "she whispered. I'm not. After dinner,"}, {'start': '1392.400', 'end': '1396.960', 'text': 'they walked outside into the cool night'}, {'start': '1394.240', 'end': '1399.200', 'text': 'air. The streets were quieter now. The'}, {'start': '1396.960', 'end': '1401.760', 'text': "city's usual roar reduced to a gentle"}, {'start': '1399.200', 'end': '1404.640', 'text': 'hum. Ethan shoved his hands into his'}, {'start': '1401.760', 'end': '1406.799', 'text': 'pockets, looking over at her. So, how'}, {'start': '1404.640', 'end': '1410.000', 'text': 'was the experiment? Facing what scares'}, {'start': '1406.799', 'end': '1412.720', 'text': 'you? Lily smirked. mildly traumatic but'}, {'start': '1410.000', 'end': '1414.960', 'text': 'tolerable. He chuckled. Good to know.'}, {'start': '1412.720', 'end': '1417.200', 'text': 'They stopped at the edge of the sidewalk'}, {'start': '1414.960', 'end': '1419.600', 'text': 'and Lily hesitated. This was the part'}, {'start': '1417.200', 'end': '1421.840', 'text': 'where she was supposed to say goodbye to'}, {'start': '1419.600', 'end': '1424.159', 'text': 'put distance between them, but for some'}, {'start': '1421.840', 'end': '1425.919', 'text': "reason she didn't want to. Ethan must"}, {'start': '1424.159', 'end': '1428.640', 'text': 'have sensed it because he took a step'}, {'start': '1425.919', 'end': '1430.240', 'text': 'closer. Not enough to invade her space,'}, {'start': '1428.640', 'end': '1433.440', 'text': 'but enough that she could feel his'}, {'start': '1430.240', 'end': '1435.520', 'text': 'presence. Lily, he said quietly. She'}, {'start': '1433.440', 'end': '1438.320', 'text': 'swallowed, tilting her head up to meet'}, {'start': '1435.520', 'end': '1440.400', 'text': 'his gaze. Yeah. His hand twitched at his'}, {'start': '1438.320', 'end': '1442.720', 'text': 'side like he was fighting the urge to'}, {'start': '1440.400', 'end': '1445.280', 'text': 'touch her. I want to kiss you. Her'}, {'start': '1442.720', 'end': '1447.840', 'text': "breath caught, but she didn't move away."}, {'start': '1445.280', 'end': '1450.000', 'text': "Didn't push him back. For once, she let"}, {'start': '1447.840', 'end': '1452.240', 'text': 'herself feel. But before either of them'}, {'start': '1450.000', 'end': '1454.880', 'text': 'could close the distance. A car horn'}, {'start': '1452.240', 'end': '1457.279', 'text': 'blared nearby, shattering the moment.'}, {'start': '1454.880', 'end': '1459.840', 'text': 'Lily jumped, laughing nervously as she'}, {'start': '1457.279', 'end': '1462.159', 'text': 'stepped back. "I should go," she said'}, {'start': '1459.840', 'end': '1465.360', 'text': 'quickly, her heart pounding. Ethan'}, {'start': '1462.159', 'end': '1467.360', 'text': 'exhaled, nodding. "Yeah, me too." She'}, {'start': '1465.360', 'end': '1470.480', 'text': 'turned to leave, but his voice stopped'}, {'start': '1467.360', 'end': '1472.640', 'text': 'her. Lily. She looked over her shoulder.'}, {'start': '1470.480', 'end': '1474.960', 'text': "This isn't over. Her lips parted"}, {'start': '1472.640', 'end': '1477.760', 'text': 'slightly, her pulse racing as she took a'}, {'start': '1474.960', 'end': '1480.480', 'text': 'shaky breath. I know she had spent years'}, {'start': '1477.760', 'end': '1482.480', 'text': 'running from emotions, from trust, from'}, {'start': '1480.480', 'end': '1484.880', 'text': "love. But Ethan Hayes wasn't going to"}, {'start': '1482.480', 'end': '1486.480', 'text': 'let her run forever. Lily tried to'}, {'start': '1484.880', 'end': '1488.720', 'text': 'convince herself that nothing had'}, {'start': '1486.480', 'end': '1491.120', 'text': 'changed. That dinner with Ethan had been'}, {'start': '1488.720', 'end': '1493.360', 'text': 'just that, dinner. But the truth settled'}, {'start': '1491.120', 'end': '1495.120', 'text': 'deep inside her chest. In the way her'}, {'start': '1493.360', 'end': '1497.440', 'text': 'thoughts wandered to him more often than'}, {'start': '1495.120', 'end': '1499.200', 'text': 'they should. In the way her heart picked'}, {'start': '1497.440', 'end': '1500.720', 'text': 'up speed every time she imagined what'}, {'start': '1499.200', 'end': '1502.960', 'text': 'would have happened if that car horn'}, {'start': '1500.720', 'end': '1504.720', 'text': "hadn't interrupted them. She was"}, {'start': '1502.960', 'end': '1506.880', 'text': "standing behind the counter at Baker's"}, {'start': '1504.720', 'end': '1508.960', 'text': 'Haven, mindlessly wiping down the'}, {'start': '1506.880', 'end': '1511.120', 'text': 'espresso machine when a familiar'}, {'start': '1508.960', 'end': '1512.559', 'text': 'presence sent a ripple through her. She'}, {'start': '1511.120', 'end': '1515.279', 'text': "didn't have to look up to know who it"}, {'start': '1512.559', 'end': '1518.080', 'text': 'was. Lily. The way he said her name made'}, {'start': '1515.279', 'end': '1520.080', 'text': 'her grip the rag a little tighter. She'}, {'start': '1518.080', 'end': '1522.880', 'text': 'swallowed and forced herself to meet his'}, {'start': '1520.080', 'end': '1524.720', 'text': 'gaze. Ethan. His gray eyes held a'}, {'start': '1522.880', 'end': '1527.440', 'text': "flicker of amusement. You weren't going"}, {'start': '1524.720', 'end': '1529.840', 'text': 'to ignore me, were you? She scoffed,'}, {'start': '1527.440', 'end': '1532.400', 'text': "tossing the rag aside. Don't flatter"}, {'start': '1529.840', 'end': '1535.039', 'text': "yourself. I've just been busy. Too busy"}, {'start': '1532.400', 'end': '1537.200', 'text': "to call. Her stomach twisted. He wasn't"}, {'start': '1535.039', 'end': '1539.520', 'text': 'wrong. She had his number. She could'}, {'start': '1537.200', 'end': '1541.600', 'text': "have texted, but she hadn't because she"}, {'start': '1539.520', 'end': '1543.919', 'text': "didn't know what to say. Or maybe she"}, {'start': '1541.600', 'end': '1546.080', 'text': 'did, and that was the problem. Ethan'}, {'start': '1543.919', 'end': '1549.120', 'text': 'leaned forward on the counter. His'}, {'start': '1546.080', 'end': '1551.200', 'text': 'presence both casual and commanding. So,'}, {'start': '1549.120', 'end': '1553.600', 'text': "do we talk about it? There's nothing to"}, {'start': '1551.200', 'end': '1556.559', 'text': 'talk about, she said quickly. Too'}, {'start': '1553.600', 'end': '1558.559', 'text': 'quickly. His smirk deepened. Lily, you'}, {'start': '1556.559', 'end': '1561.120', 'text': 'ran off so fast that night. I half'}, {'start': '1558.559', 'end': '1563.919', 'text': 'expected you to leave smoke behind you.'}, {'start': '1561.120', 'end': '1566.480', 'text': 'She sighed, rubbing her temples. Ethan,'}, {'start': '1563.919', 'end': '1569.039', 'text': "I don't know how to do this. Do what? He"}, {'start': '1566.480', 'end': '1571.440', 'text': 'asked, his voice softer now. She'}, {'start': '1569.039', 'end': '1574.240', 'text': 'gestured between them. This, whatever'}, {'start': '1571.440', 'end': '1576.159', 'text': "this is, I don't I don't let people in."}, {'start': '1574.240', 'end': '1577.919', 'text': "And you? You're used to getting what you"}, {'start': '1576.159', 'end': '1580.480', 'text': "want. I don't think I fit into that"}, {'start': '1577.919', 'end': '1583.279', 'text': 'world of yours. Ethan was quiet for a'}, {'start': '1580.480', 'end': '1585.600', 'text': 'moment, then tilted his head slightly.'}, {'start': '1583.279', 'end': '1588.080', 'text': 'You assume I always get what I want. She'}, {'start': '1585.600', 'end': '1590.240', 'text': "raised an eyebrow, don't you? His lips"}, {'start': '1588.080', 'end': '1593.039', 'text': 'pressed together, something unreadable'}, {'start': '1590.240', 'end': '1595.200', 'text': 'flickering in his gaze. Not always.'}, {'start': '1593.039', 'end': '1597.679', 'text': 'Before she could push for more, the bell'}, {'start': '1595.200', 'end': '1600.000', 'text': 'above the cafe door chimed, and Lily'}, {'start': '1597.679', 'end': '1602.159', 'text': 'turned to see Oliver rushing inside.'}, {'start': '1600.000', 'end': '1604.080', 'text': 'Relief flooded her at the sight of him,'}, {'start': '1602.159', 'end': '1607.039', 'text': 'but the excitement on his face made her'}, {'start': '1604.080', 'end': '1609.440', 'text': 'wary. Sis, guess what? Oliver'}, {'start': '1607.039', 'end': '1612.000', 'text': 'practically bounced on his feet. Lily'}, {'start': '1609.440', 'end': '1614.480', 'text': 'shot him a look. What? I got accepted'}, {'start': '1612.000', 'end': '1616.960', 'text': 'into that summer science program. Lily'}, {'start': '1614.480', 'end': '1619.120', 'text': 'blinked. The one at the university? He'}, {'start': '1616.960', 'end': '1621.760', 'text': "nodded vigorously. Yeah, they're"}, {'start': '1619.120', 'end': '1624.320', 'text': 'offering a full scholarship, too. I just'}, {'start': '1621.760', 'end': '1626.480', 'text': "need to cover housing and travel. Lily's"}, {'start': '1624.320', 'end': '1628.480', 'text': 'stomach sank. She knew how much Oliver'}, {'start': '1626.480', 'end': '1630.880', 'text': 'had wanted this. But even with the'}, {'start': '1628.480', 'end': '1633.440', 'text': 'medical bills now manageable, extra'}, {'start': '1630.880', 'end': '1635.559', 'text': "expenses were still a challenge. Ethan's"}, {'start': '1633.440', 'end': '1637.840', 'text': 'voice was calm when he spoke.'}, {'start': '1635.559', 'end': '1640.320', 'text': '"Congratulations, Oliver." Oliver'}, {'start': '1637.840', 'end': '1643.279', 'text': 'grinned. "Thanks. Isn\'t it amazing?"'}, {'start': '1640.320', 'end': '1645.440', 'text': 'Lily forced a smile. "It is." But Ethan'}, {'start': '1643.279', 'end': '1647.919', 'text': "wasn't looking at Oliver. He was looking"}, {'start': '1645.440', 'end': '1650.159', 'text': 'at her, reading her, seeing past the'}, {'start': '1647.919', 'end': '1652.159', 'text': 'mask she tried to keep in place. "She'}, {'start': '1650.159', 'end': '1654.400', 'text': 'knew that look. He was already thinking'}, {'start': '1652.159', 'end': '1656.400', 'text': 'of how he could fix this. And she hated'}, {'start': '1654.400', 'end': '1658.640', 'text': 'that part of her wanted to let him. I'}, {'start': '1656.400', 'end': '1660.559', 'text': 'should get back to work," she muttered,'}, {'start': '1658.640', 'end': '1663.200', 'text': 'escaping toward the back of the cafe'}, {'start': '1660.559', 'end': '1665.520', 'text': 'before Ethan could say anything. Ethan'}, {'start': '1663.200', 'end': '1667.760', 'text': 'found her outside a few minutes later,'}, {'start': '1665.520', 'end': '1669.840', 'text': 'sitting on the backst steps, staring at'}, {'start': '1667.760', 'end': '1672.559', 'text': 'the cracks in the pavement. "You\'re not'}, {'start': '1669.840', 'end': '1675.039', 'text': 'going to let him go, are you?" he asked,'}, {'start': '1672.559', 'end': '1677.200', 'text': 'lowering himself beside her. She bit her'}, {'start': '1675.039', 'end': '1679.760', 'text': 'lip. "I can\'t afford it. You could if'}, {'start': '1677.200', 'end': '1682.640', 'text': 'you let me help," Lily groaned, tilting'}, {'start': '1679.760', 'end': '1684.960', 'text': 'her head back. "Ethan, I know," he said.'}, {'start': '1682.640', 'end': '1687.520', 'text': '"You don\'t want to owe me anything." She'}, {'start': '1684.960', 'end': '1690.080', 'text': "exhaled. You can't just swoop in and fix"}, {'start': '1687.520', 'end': '1692.399', 'text': 'everything. He was silent for a beat,'}, {'start': '1690.080', 'end': '1694.720', 'text': 'then said, "You know, I used to think'}, {'start': '1692.399', 'end': '1696.640', 'text': 'money solved problems. That if you threw'}, {'start': '1694.720', 'end': '1699.360', 'text': 'enough of it at something, it would go'}, {'start': '1696.640', 'end': '1701.039', 'text': 'away." Lily turned to him. And now, now'}, {'start': '1699.360', 'end': '1703.520', 'text': "I know that some problems can't be"}, {'start': '1701.039', 'end': '1706.000', 'text': 'fixed. Some things, no matter how much'}, {'start': '1703.520', 'end': '1708.480', 'text': "you want to change them, you just can't."}, {'start': '1706.000', 'end': '1710.960', 'text': 'She frowned. Is this about your sister?'}, {'start': '1708.480', 'end': '1713.679', 'text': "His jaw tightened. He didn't answer, but"}, {'start': '1710.960', 'end': '1715.760', 'text': "he didn't have to. She already knew. A"}, {'start': '1713.679', 'end': '1718.880', 'text': "lump formed in her throat. I don't know"}, {'start': '1715.760', 'end': '1720.880', 'text': 'what to do. Let me do this, Ethan said.'}, {'start': '1718.880', 'end': '1723.679', 'text': 'Not because you owe me. Not because I'}, {'start': '1720.880', 'end': '1726.159', 'text': 'expect anything. Just because I want to.'}, {'start': '1723.679', 'end': '1729.200', 'text': 'Lily swallowed hard, looking down at her'}, {'start': '1726.159', 'end': '1731.440', 'text': 'hands. Why? His voice was quiet. Because'}, {'start': '1729.200', 'end': '1733.840', 'text': 'I care. The words sent a shock through'}, {'start': '1731.440', 'end': '1736.480', 'text': 'her. She had spent so long believing she'}, {'start': '1733.840', 'end': '1738.640', 'text': 'was alone in this world, carrying every'}, {'start': '1736.480', 'end': '1741.520', 'text': 'burden on her own. And here was Ethan'}, {'start': '1738.640', 'end': '1743.600', 'text': 'Hayes tearing down her walls piece by'}, {'start': '1741.520', 'end': '1745.760', 'text': "piece. She wasn't sure what scared her"}, {'start': '1743.600', 'end': '1748.240', 'text': 'more, that he meant it or that she'}, {'start': '1745.760', 'end': '1751.840', 'text': 'wanted to believe him. Finally, she let'}, {'start': '1748.240', 'end': '1754.880', 'text': 'out a shaky breath. Okay. A slow, almost'}, {'start': '1751.840', 'end': '1757.360', 'text': 'relieved smile crossed his lips. Okay.'}, {'start': '1754.880', 'end': '1759.360', 'text': 'For the first time in a long time, Lily'}, {'start': '1757.360', 'end': '1761.360', 'text': "didn't feel like she was standing alone,"}, {'start': '1759.360', 'end': '1764.159', 'text': 'and that terrified her just as much as'}, {'start': '1761.360', 'end': '1766.159', 'text': 'it set her free. Letting Ethan in was'}, {'start': '1764.159', 'end': '1768.720', 'text': 'one thing, but trusting him with her'}, {'start': '1766.159', 'end': '1770.559', 'text': 'heart, that was something else entirely.'}, {'start': '1768.720', 'end': '1772.720', 'text': 'Lily had convinced herself she could'}, {'start': '1770.559', 'end': '1774.960', 'text': "handle it. She could accept Ethan's help"}, {'start': '1772.720', 'end': '1777.120', 'text': 'for Oliver, allow him to be a presence'}, {'start': '1774.960', 'end': '1779.440', 'text': 'in her life, and still keep her heart'}, {'start': '1777.120', 'end': '1781.360', 'text': 'locked away. But the more time she spent'}, {'start': '1779.440', 'end': '1784.399', 'text': 'with him, the more impossible that'}, {'start': '1781.360', 'end': '1786.799', 'text': 'became. Days passed, and Ethan became an'}, {'start': '1784.399', 'end': '1788.880', 'text': "unavoidable part of her world. He didn't"}, {'start': '1786.799', 'end': '1791.360', 'text': "just cover Oliver's tuition, he was"}, {'start': '1788.880', 'end': '1794.000', 'text': 'there celebrating with them, laughing at'}, {'start': '1791.360', 'end': '1796.159', 'text': "Oliver's ridiculous jokes, walking her"}, {'start': '1794.000', 'end': '1798.399', 'text': 'home when her shifts ran late. It was'}, {'start': '1796.159', 'end': '1800.880', 'text': 'infuriating how seamlessly he fit into'}, {'start': '1798.399', 'end': '1803.279', 'text': 'her life, how easily he made himself a'}, {'start': '1800.880', 'end': '1805.760', 'text': 'place in her heart without asking, and'}, {'start': '1803.279', 'end': '1807.520', 'text': 'she hated that she let him. One evening,'}, {'start': '1805.760', 'end': '1810.080', 'text': 'she found herself standing outside'}, {'start': '1807.520', 'end': '1812.480', 'text': "Ethan's penthouse. She had told herself"}, {'start': '1810.080', 'end': '1814.799', 'text': 'it was to thank him properly, but deep'}, {'start': '1812.480', 'end': '1817.279', 'text': 'down she knew better. There were words'}, {'start': '1814.799', 'end': '1819.440', 'text': 'clawing at her throat, feelings she was'}, {'start': '1817.279', 'end': '1822.159', 'text': 'desperate to make sense of. She needed'}, {'start': '1819.440', 'end': '1824.320', 'text': 'clarity, closure, something. Ethan'}, {'start': '1822.159', 'end': '1826.720', 'text': 'opened the door, dressed in casual'}, {'start': '1824.320', 'end': '1828.799', 'text': 'slacks and a fitted shirt, his usual'}, {'start': '1826.720', 'end': '1831.120', 'text': 'effortless confidence faltering just'}, {'start': '1828.799', 'end': '1834.080', 'text': 'slightly when he saw her standing there.'}, {'start': '1831.120', 'end': '1836.320', 'text': '"Lily," he said, his voice softer than'}, {'start': '1834.080', 'end': '1838.960', 'text': 'usual. "Didn\'t expect you," she'}, {'start': '1836.320', 'end': '1841.200', 'text': 'swallowed. "I know. Could I come in?" He'}, {'start': '1838.960', 'end': '1842.720', 'text': 'stepped aside without hesitation. And'}, {'start': '1841.200', 'end': '1844.520', 'text': 'she entered the space that was so'}, {'start': '1842.720', 'end': '1847.120', 'text': 'undeniably his.'}, {'start': '1844.520', 'end': '1849.440', 'text': 'Sophisticated, elegant, yet strangely'}, {'start': '1847.120', 'end': '1851.919', 'text': "welcoming. I don't know how to do this,"}, {'start': '1849.440', 'end': '1853.520', 'text': "she admitted, crossing her arms. I don't"}, {'start': '1851.919', 'end': '1856.320', 'text': 'know how to let you in without losing'}, {'start': '1853.520', 'end': '1858.240', 'text': 'myself. Ethan exhaled, leaning against'}, {'start': '1856.320', 'end': '1860.559', 'text': "the counter. Then don't think of it like"}, {'start': '1858.240', 'end': '1863.360', 'text': 'that, she frowned. How else am I'}, {'start': '1860.559', 'end': '1865.440', 'text': 'supposed to think of it, Lily? He said,'}, {'start': '1863.360', 'end': '1867.840', 'text': "stepping closer. I don't want to change"}, {'start': '1865.440', 'end': '1870.399', 'text': 'you. I just want to know you. The real'}, {'start': '1867.840', 'end': '1872.320', 'text': 'you. Her breath hitched. He always did'}, {'start': '1870.399', 'end': '1874.960', 'text': "this, said the things she wasn't ready"}, {'start': '1872.320', 'end': '1877.120', 'text': "to hear. Ethan, I can't be like the"}, {'start': '1874.960', 'end': '1879.120', 'text': "women you're used to. His expression"}, {'start': '1877.120', 'end': '1882.000', 'text': 'darkened slightly. You think I want'}, {'start': '1879.120', 'end': '1884.159', 'text': "that? She hesitated. Don't you? Ethan"}, {'start': '1882.000', 'end': '1886.720', 'text': 'shook his head. I could have anyone,'}, {'start': '1884.159', 'end': '1888.480', 'text': "Lily. But I don't want just anyone. I"}, {'start': '1886.720', 'end': '1890.799', 'text': 'want you. The weight of his words'}, {'start': '1888.480', 'end': '1893.039', 'text': 'settled between them. And for a moment,'}, {'start': '1890.799', 'end': '1895.600', 'text': 'all she could do was stare at him. He'}, {'start': '1893.039', 'end': '1897.840', 'text': 'was serious, honest, and that terrified'}, {'start': '1895.600', 'end': '1900.080', 'text': 'her more than anything. But before she'}, {'start': '1897.840', 'end': '1902.399', 'text': 'could respond, a vibration cut through'}, {'start': '1900.080', 'end': '1904.720', 'text': 'the air. Ethan pulled his phone from his'}, {'start': '1902.399', 'end': '1907.200', 'text': 'pocket, his face tightening as he read'}, {'start': '1904.720', 'end': '1909.840', 'text': 'the message. Damn it, he muttered,'}, {'start': '1907.200', 'end': '1912.720', 'text': 'shoving the phone away. Lily frowned.'}, {'start': '1909.840', 'end': '1915.200', 'text': "What is it? He hesitated. It's nothing."}, {'start': '1912.720', 'end': '1917.679', 'text': "She wasn't buying it, Ethan. He ran a"}, {'start': '1915.200', 'end': '1919.519', 'text': "hand through his hair. It's my father."}, {'start': '1917.679', 'end': '1921.279', 'text': "Lily had heard enough about Ethan's"}, {'start': '1919.519', 'end': '1923.840', 'text': 'strained relationship with his father to'}, {'start': '1921.279', 'end': '1925.600', 'text': "know that whatever it was. It wasn't"}, {'start': '1923.840', 'end': '1928.159', 'text': "good. He's trying to pull me into"}, {'start': '1925.600', 'end': '1929.919', 'text': 'another business deal. Ethan admitted'}, {'start': '1928.159', 'end': '1932.240', 'text': "something I don't want to be part of."}, {'start': '1929.919', 'end': '1935.039', 'text': "She studied him. Then don't. Ethan let"}, {'start': '1932.240', 'end': '1937.440', 'text': "out a dry laugh. It's not that simple."}, {'start': '1935.039', 'end': '1940.159', 'text': 'Why not? She challenged. You run your'}, {'start': '1937.440', 'end': '1942.320', 'text': "own empire. You don't need him. His jaw"}, {'start': '1940.159', 'end': '1945.120', 'text': "tightened. You don't understand. Then"}, {'start': '1942.320', 'end': '1947.519', 'text': 'make me understand. Ethan met her gaze.'}, {'start': '1945.120', 'end': '1949.200', 'text': 'Something raw flickering in his eyes. I'}, {'start': '1947.519', 'end': '1951.440', 'text': 'spent my whole life trying to prove'}, {'start': '1949.200', 'end': '1954.000', 'text': 'myself to a man who only sees me as an'}, {'start': '1951.440', 'end': '1956.640', 'text': 'extension of his business. And for the'}, {'start': '1954.000', 'end': '1958.559', 'text': "first time, I'm standing on my own. But"}, {'start': '1956.640', 'end': '1961.519', 'text': 'walking away means burning every last'}, {'start': '1958.559', 'end': '1963.760', 'text': 'bridge. Lily stepped closer, then burned'}, {'start': '1961.519', 'end': '1966.000', 'text': "them. His breath caught. You don't owe"}, {'start': '1963.760', 'end': '1968.559', 'text': 'him anything, Ethan. You built your'}, {'start': '1966.000', 'end': '1970.480', 'text': 'success. You get to decide who you are.'}, {'start': '1968.559', 'end': '1973.440', 'text': 'For a long moment, neither of them'}, {'start': '1970.480', 'end': '1975.279', 'text': 'spoke. Then slowly, Ethan reached for'}, {'start': '1973.440', 'end': '1977.760', 'text': 'her hand. And what if I want you to be'}, {'start': '1975.279', 'end': '1980.080', 'text': "part of that decision? Lily's heart"}, {'start': '1977.760', 'end': '1982.159', 'text': "pounded. Then don't make me regret it."}, {'start': '1980.080', 'end': '1984.559', 'text': "Ethan's lips curved into the faintest"}, {'start': '1982.159', 'end': '1987.200', 'text': 'smile. Something like relief flickering'}, {'start': '1984.559', 'end': '1989.679', 'text': "across his face. I won't. She wanted to"}, {'start': '1987.200', 'end': '1992.080', 'text': 'believe him. And for the first time, she'}, {'start': '1989.679', 'end': '1994.000', 'text': 'thought maybe she could. She had taken a'}, {'start': '1992.080', 'end': '1996.480', 'text': 'step toward him, but would he be able to'}, {'start': '1994.000', 'end': '1998.880', 'text': 'take the next step toward her? Lily'}, {'start': '1996.480', 'end': '2001.120', 'text': "stood outside Ethan's penthouse, her"}, {'start': '1998.880', 'end': '2003.279', 'text': 'heart hammering against her ribs. The'}, {'start': '2001.120', 'end': '2004.799', 'text': 'city lights twinkled around her, the'}, {'start': '2003.279', 'end': '2007.200', 'text': 'night air crisp with the weight of'}, {'start': '2004.799', 'end': '2009.919', 'text': 'inspoken words. She had spent years'}, {'start': '2007.200', 'end': '2011.919', 'text': 'running from emotions, from trust, from'}, {'start': '2009.919', 'end': '2014.240', 'text': "love. But Ethan Hayes wasn't going to"}, {'start': '2011.919', 'end': '2016.559', 'text': 'let her run forever. Taking a deep'}, {'start': '2014.240', 'end': '2019.120', 'text': 'breath, she knocked. Ethan opened the'}, {'start': '2016.559', 'end': '2022.159', 'text': 'door almost instantly as if he had been'}, {'start': '2019.120', 'end': '2024.480', 'text': 'waiting. His gray eyes locked onto hers.'}, {'start': '2022.159', 'end': '2026.799', 'text': 'Searching, "Waiting, Lily!" she'}, {'start': '2024.480', 'end': '2029.279', 'text': 'swallowed hard. "Can I come in?" He'}, {'start': '2026.799', 'end': '2031.440', 'text': 'stepped aside and she entered the space'}, {'start': '2029.279', 'end': '2033.519', 'text': 'feeling warmer than she remembered. The'}, {'start': '2031.440', 'end': '2036.159', 'text': 'last time she was here, she had been'}, {'start': '2033.519', 'end': '2038.080', 'text': 'full of doubt. Now she was just full of'}, {'start': '2036.159', 'end': '2040.559', 'text': 'questions. "I thought you might not'}, {'start': '2038.080', 'end': '2042.880', 'text': 'come," Ethan admitted, closing the door'}, {'start': '2040.559', 'end': '2045.600', 'text': "behind her. I almost didn't. She"}, {'start': '2042.880', 'end': '2047.919', 'text': 'exhaled, forcing herself to look at him.'}, {'start': '2045.600', 'end': '2050.720', 'text': 'Ethan, I need to know something. His'}, {'start': '2047.919', 'end': '2052.879', 'text': 'brows furrowed. What is this real? Her'}, {'start': '2050.720', 'end': '2055.119', 'text': 'voice was barely above a whisper.'}, {'start': '2052.879', 'end': '2056.879', 'text': "Because I can't do this if it's not. I"}, {'start': '2055.119', 'end': '2059.599', 'text': "can't be another passing moment in your"}, {'start': '2056.879', 'end': '2062.399', 'text': "life. Ethan's face tightened. He took a"}, {'start': '2059.599', 'end': '2064.800', 'text': 'step closer. Lily, you are not a passing'}, {'start': '2062.399', 'end': '2067.440', 'text': 'moment. She wanted to believe him, but'}, {'start': '2064.800', 'end': '2070.079', 'text': 'she needed more. Then prove it. He ran a'}, {'start': '2067.440', 'end': '2072.079', 'text': 'hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.'}, {'start': '2070.079', 'end': '2074.159', 'text': "I don't know how to say this right, so"}, {'start': '2072.079', 'end': '2077.040', 'text': "I'm just going to say it. I've spent my"}, {'start': '2074.159', 'end': '2080.079', 'text': 'entire life in control of my business,'}, {'start': '2077.040', 'end': '2082.639', 'text': 'my choices, my emotions, but you. He'}, {'start': '2080.079', 'end': '2084.720', 'text': 'shook his head. You wrecked me, Lily,'}, {'start': '2082.639', 'end': '2086.720', 'text': "and I don't want to fight it anymore."}, {'start': '2084.720', 'end': '2088.800', 'text': 'Tears pricricked her eyes, but she'}, {'start': '2086.720', 'end': '2091.119', 'text': "blinked them back. I don't need grand"}, {'start': '2088.800', 'end': '2093.040', 'text': 'gestures. Ethan, I just need to know'}, {'start': '2091.119', 'end': '2095.520', 'text': "you're in this with me. He stepped"}, {'start': '2093.040', 'end': '2098.000', 'text': 'forward, closing the space between them.'}, {'start': '2095.520', 'end': '2100.160', 'text': 'I am. Her breath hitched. Then what'}, {'start': '2098.000', 'end': '2102.560', 'text': 'happens now? Ethan cupped her face'}, {'start': '2100.160', 'end': '2105.359', 'text': 'gently, his thumb brushing against her'}, {'start': '2102.560', 'end': '2107.520', 'text': "cheek. Now we stop pretending this isn't"}, {'start': '2105.359', 'end': '2109.920', 'text': 'everything. Lily felt the last of her'}, {'start': '2107.520', 'end': '2111.599', 'text': 'walls crumble. She had spent so long'}, {'start': '2109.920', 'end': '2114.160', 'text': 'convincing herself that she had to be'}, {'start': '2111.599', 'end': '2116.160', 'text': "strong alone. But strength didn't mean"}, {'start': '2114.160', 'end': '2118.720', 'text': 'shutting people out. It meant letting'}, {'start': '2116.160', 'end': '2122.079', 'text': 'them in. She leaned in, pressing her'}, {'start': '2118.720', 'end': '2124.640', 'text': 'forehead to his. Okay. Ethan smiled,'}, {'start': '2122.079', 'end': '2127.520', 'text': 'something soft and rare. Okay. And when'}, {'start': '2124.640', 'end': '2129.520', 'text': "he kissed her, it wasn't just a kiss. It"}, {'start': '2127.520', 'end': '2132.160', 'text': 'was a promise. The weeks that followed'}, {'start': '2129.520', 'end': '2134.280', 'text': 'were a whirlwind. Ethan kept his word,'}, {'start': '2132.160', 'end': '2137.359', 'text': "he cut ties with his father's business"}, {'start': '2134.280', 'end': '2139.839', 'text': 'dealings. Choosing his own path, Lily,'}, {'start': '2137.359', 'end': '2141.520', 'text': 'for the first time in years, let herself'}, {'start': '2139.839', 'end': '2143.760', 'text': "dream of a future that wasn't just"}, {'start': '2141.520', 'end': '2145.760', 'text': 'survival. They were building something,'}, {'start': '2143.760', 'end': '2147.839', 'text': "something real. Oliver's health"}, {'start': '2145.760', 'end': '2149.839', 'text': 'continued to improve. And every time,'}, {'start': '2147.839', 'end': '2151.800', 'text': 'Ethan showed up at the hospital with his'}, {'start': '2149.839', 'end': '2154.160', 'text': 'ridiculous stories and unwavering'}, {'start': '2151.800', 'end': '2156.720', 'text': 'support. Lily knew she had made the'}, {'start': '2154.160', 'end': '2159.200', 'text': 'right choice. One evening, as they sat'}, {'start': '2156.720', 'end': '2161.520', 'text': 'together on her tiny apartment balcony,'}, {'start': '2159.200', 'end': '2164.160', 'text': 'watching the city hum below, Ethan'}, {'start': '2161.520', 'end': '2166.800', 'text': 'turned to her. Marry me. Lily choked on'}, {'start': '2164.160', 'end': '2169.280', 'text': 'her drink. What? He laughed, but there'}, {'start': '2166.800', 'end': '2171.200', 'text': "was no hesitation in his gaze. I'm"}, {'start': '2169.280', 'end': '2173.760', 'text': "serious. I've never been more serious"}, {'start': '2171.200', 'end': '2176.560', 'text': 'about anything. She stared at him, her'}, {'start': '2173.760', 'end': '2179.280', 'text': 'heart racing. Ethan, this is insane.'}, {'start': '2176.560', 'end': '2181.760', 'text': "Maybe, he admitted, but I don't care. He"}, {'start': '2179.280', 'end': '2183.599', 'text': 'took her hands, his voice steady. I'}, {'start': '2181.760', 'end': '2186.480', 'text': "don't need time to know what I want. I"}, {'start': '2183.599', 'end': '2188.800', 'text': 'want you. I want us forever. Tears'}, {'start': '2186.480', 'end': '2191.119', 'text': 'slipped down her cheeks. She had never'}, {'start': '2188.800', 'end': '2193.280', 'text': 'imagined this kind of love for herself.'}, {'start': '2191.119', 'end': '2195.200', 'text': 'But here it was, staring at her with'}, {'start': '2193.280', 'end': '2198.240', 'text': 'storm gray eyes and a heart that had'}, {'start': '2195.200', 'end': '2200.400', 'text': 'fought just as hard as hers had. "Yes,"'}, {'start': '2198.240', 'end': '2202.320', 'text': 'she whispered, the word barely out'}, {'start': '2200.400', 'end': '2204.480', 'text': 'before he kissed her, sealing the'}, {'start': '2202.320', 'end': '2207.200', 'text': 'promise between them. Their wedding was'}, {'start': '2204.480', 'end': '2209.200', 'text': 'small, intimate, just close friends.'}, {'start': '2207.200', 'end': '2211.440', 'text': 'Oliver beaming beside her as she walked'}, {'start': '2209.200', 'end': '2214.400', 'text': 'down the aisle. And as Ethan took her'}, {'start': '2211.440', 'end': '2216.400', 'text': 'hands in his promising her forever, Lily'}, {'start': '2214.400', 'end': '2219.200', 'text': 'knew she had finally found the place she'}, {'start': '2216.400', 'end': '2221.680', 'text': 'belonged. Not in wealth, not in power,'}, {'start': '2219.200', 'end': '2224.079', 'text': 'but in love. Sometimes the most'}, {'start': '2221.680', 'end': '2226.640', 'text': 'unexpected mistakes lead us to exactly'}, {'start': '2224.079', 'end': '2229.040', 'text': 'where we are meant to be. And for Lily'}, {'start': '2226.640', 'end': '2231.200', 'text': 'and Ethan, love was always meant to find'}, {'start': '2229.040', 'end': '2233.760', 'text': 'them. If this story has touched your'}, {'start': '2231.200', 'end': '2235.920', 'text': "heart, don't forget to like, share,"}, {'start': '2233.760', 'end': '2238.480', 'text': 'comment, and subscribe to Millionaire'}, {'start': '2235.920', 'end': '2240.640', 'text': 'Love Narrator. Have love and resilience'}, {'start': '2238.480', 'end': '2242.640', 'text': 'ever changed your life? Let us know in'}, {'start': '2240.640', 'end': '2245.119', 'text': "the comments. We'd love to hear your"}, {'start': '2242.640', 'end': '2247.680', 'text': 'story. Subscribe for more stories of'}, {'start': '2245.119', 'end': '2250.000', 'text': 'love, transformation, and the power of'}, {'start': '2247.680', 'end': '2252.720', 'text': "connection. Together, let's believe in"}, {'start': '2250.000', 'end': '2252.720', 'text': 'the magic of'}]