I Caught My Best Friend’s Dad Doing This, and I Froze in Shock | A true infidelity story
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[{'start': '0.080', 'end': '5.359', 'text': 'Greetings and salutations to our YouTube'}, {'start': '2.320', 'end': '7.520', 'text': 'channel, Weaver of Tales. In this space,'}, {'start': '5.359', 'end': '9.679', 'text': 'we unveil authentic narratives. There'}, {'start': '7.520', 'end': '12.160', 'text': 'are certain sites that once witnessed'}, {'start': '9.679', 'end': '13.759', 'text': 'remain forever etched in the mind. What'}, {'start': '12.160', 'end': '16.400', 'text': 'I witnessed that night altered the'}, {'start': '13.759', 'end': '18.560', 'text': 'course of my existence irrevocably. The'}, {'start': '16.400', 'end': '20.800', 'text': 'memory of the air lingers, heavy and'}, {'start': '18.560', 'end': '22.880', 'text': 'nearly stifling. The rhythm of my heart'}, {'start': '20.800', 'end': '25.519', 'text': 'thutdded so fiercely that it echoed in'}, {'start': '22.880', 'end': '27.160', 'text': 'my ears. In that instant, when my gaze'}, {'start': '25.519', 'end': '29.679', 'text': 'fell upon something beyond my'}, {'start': '27.160', 'end': '31.760', 'text': 'comprehension, I was paralyzed as if'}, {'start': '29.679', 'end': '34.559', 'text': 'time had come to a standstill, the'}, {'start': '31.760', 'end': '37.000', 'text': 'cosmos itself pausing, anticipating my'}, {'start': '34.559', 'end': '39.520', 'text': 'next move. What could possibly be more'}, {'start': '37.000', 'end': '41.920', 'text': 'disheartening? I found myself utterly'}, {'start': '39.520', 'end': '44.960', 'text': 'captivated. I ought to have retraced my'}, {'start': '41.920', 'end': '46.559', 'text': 'steps. One ought to have departed. I'}, {'start': '44.960', 'end': '48.559', 'text': 'ought to have banished that image from'}, {'start': '46.559', 'end': '50.480', 'text': 'my thoughts before it seared itself into'}, {'start': '48.559', 'end': '53.360', 'text': 'my being like an indelible mark.'}, {'start': '50.480', 'end': '56.000', 'text': 'However, I did not. A part of me buried'}, {'start': '53.360', 'end': '58.719', 'text': 'beneath layers of uncertainty yearn to'}, {'start': '56.000', 'end': '60.800', 'text': 'uncover the truth even if it obliterated'}, {'start': '58.719', 'end': '63.199', 'text': 'all that existed. Do you sense that'}, {'start': '60.800', 'end': '65.519', 'text': 'emotion? When your intuition shouts at'}, {'start': '63.199', 'end': '66.960', 'text': 'you to halt, to retreat, to act as if'}, {'start': '65.519', 'end': '69.200', 'text': "you didn't perceive what you just"}, {'start': '66.960', 'end': '72.000', 'text': 'witnessed or hear what just echoed in'}, {'start': '69.200', 'end': '74.479', 'text': 'your mind, yet your feet remain still.'}, {'start': '72.000', 'end': '76.479', 'text': 'There I was poised in the soft, muted'}, {'start': '74.479', 'end': '78.000', 'text': 'light of the hallway, my fingers'}, {'start': '76.479', 'end': '79.600', 'text': 'clutching the door frame with such'}, {'start': '78.000', 'end': '82.240', 'text': 'intensity that I feared they might'}, {'start': '79.600', 'end': '84.400', 'text': 'break. Is it my breath? utterly taken'}, {'start': '82.240', 'end': '86.720', 'text': 'from my very breath. What of my'}, {'start': '84.400', 'end': '89.119', 'text': 'thoughts? As I raced through the chaos,'}, {'start': '86.720', 'end': '91.600', 'text': 'my mind spiraled, struggling to grasp'}, {'start': '89.119', 'end': '93.759', 'text': 'the unfolding events before my eyes.'}, {'start': '91.600', 'end': '95.840', 'text': 'What was meant to be an ordinary night,'}, {'start': '93.759', 'end': '98.320', 'text': 'I found myself at the residence of my'}, {'start': '95.840', 'end': '100.159', 'text': 'dear friend Liam, a location that had'}, {'start': '98.320', 'end': '102.640', 'text': 'consistently resonated with the warmth'}, {'start': '100.159', 'end': '105.119', 'text': 'of a second home for me, a sanctuary'}, {'start': '102.640', 'end': '107.360', 'text': 'where I experienced safety and comfort,'}, {'start': '105.119', 'end': '109.759', 'text': 'a space where I could truly be myself.'}, {'start': '107.360', 'end': '111.200', 'text': 'Yet on that particular night, the'}, {'start': '109.759', 'end': '114.240', 'text': 'atmosphere of that house was'}, {'start': '111.200', 'end': '116.560', 'text': 'unmistakably unique, chillier, more'}, {'start': '114.240', 'end': '118.240', 'text': 'shadowy, as if an invisible presence was'}, {'start': '116.560', 'end': '120.560', 'text': 'slinking through the walls, murmuring'}, {'start': '118.240', 'end': '123.040', 'text': 'secrets I was never meant to uncover.'}, {'start': '120.560', 'end': '125.119', 'text': 'Liam had yet to return home. She had'}, {'start': '123.040', 'end': '126.880', 'text': 'sent me a last minute message, informing'}, {'start': '125.119', 'end': '129.520', 'text': 'me that she was delayed, and to simply'}, {'start': '126.880', 'end': '131.599', 'text': 'let myself in. Thus, I proceeded. I'}, {'start': '129.520', 'end': '133.200', 'text': 'stepped inside, letting my bag fall to'}, {'start': '131.599', 'end': '135.200', 'text': 'the floor by the door, as I had done'}, {'start': '133.200', 'end': '137.080', 'text': 'countless times before, and made my way'}, {'start': '135.200', 'end': '140.080', 'text': 'to the kitchen to fetch a drink.'}, {'start': '137.080', 'end': '142.720', 'text': 'uncomplicated habitual practice. Nothing'}, {'start': '140.080', 'end': '144.800', 'text': 'particularly remarkable. At least that'}, {'start': '142.720', 'end': '146.920', 'text': 'was my belief. As soon as I entered the'}, {'start': '144.800', 'end': '150.239', 'text': 'hallway, the sound reached my ears.'}, {'start': '146.920', 'end': '153.280', 'text': 'Whispers, subdued, muted, excessively'}, {'start': '150.239', 'end': '154.879', 'text': 'near. Excessively personal. Initially, I'}, {'start': '153.280', 'end': '156.480', 'text': 'believed it was merely the voices of'}, {'start': '154.879', 'end': '158.879', 'text': "Liam's parents echoing in the"}, {'start': '156.480', 'end': '161.280', 'text': 'background. Surely married individuals'}, {'start': '158.879', 'end': '162.840', 'text': "engage in conversations, don't they?"}, {'start': '161.280', 'end': '164.879', 'text': 'Perhaps it was merely'}, {'start': '162.840', 'end': '167.519', 'text': 'inconsequential. Perhaps I was merely'}, {'start': '164.879', 'end': '169.680', 'text': 'lost in my thoughts. Yet a noise emerged'}, {'start': '167.519', 'end': '172.400', 'text': 'that sent chills courarssing through me.'}, {'start': '169.680', 'end': '174.319', 'text': 'A gentle chuckle, a playful teasing sort'}, {'start': '172.400', 'end': '176.800', 'text': 'of chuckle, the sort that knots your'}, {'start': '174.319', 'end': '179.920', 'text': 'stomach, a whisper not intended for your'}, {'start': '176.800', 'end': '181.680', 'text': 'ears. My feet acted their own accord,'}, {'start': '179.920', 'end': '184.560', 'text': 'moving before I had a chance to'}, {'start': '181.680', 'end': '186.239', 'text': 'intervene. With deliberate caution, I'}, {'start': '184.560', 'end': '188.480', 'text': 'traced the sound through the shadowy'}, {'start': '186.239', 'end': '190.959', 'text': 'corridor. With each step, a weight seems'}, {'start': '188.480', 'end': '193.120', 'text': 'to settle deeper. A heavy dread nestled'}, {'start': '190.959', 'end': '194.959', 'text': 'within my chest. As I approached the'}, {'start': '193.120', 'end': '197.920', 'text': 'threshold of the living room, my gaze'}, {'start': '194.959', 'end': '200.000', 'text': "fell upon it. Him, Liam's father,"}, {'start': '197.920', 'end': '202.239', 'text': 'William. Yet he found himself in the'}, {'start': '200.000', 'end': '204.319', 'text': 'company of others, and he certainly was'}, {'start': '202.239', 'end': '206.640', 'text': "not with Liam's mother. A profound"}, {'start': '204.319', 'end': '209.360', 'text': 'numbness enveloped my entire body. There'}, {'start': '206.640', 'end': '211.680', 'text': 'he stood uncomfortably close, murmuring'}, {'start': '209.360', 'end': '213.680', 'text': 'something soft and intentional, his'}, {'start': '211.680', 'end': '216.159', 'text': 'fingers gliding down her arm in a manner'}, {'start': '213.680', 'end': '218.560', 'text': 'that twisted my stomach into knots. And'}, {'start': '216.159', 'end': '221.040', 'text': 'she, oh my goodness, I was acquainted'}, {'start': '218.560', 'end': '223.040', 'text': 'with her in that moment of clarity. That'}, {'start': '221.040', 'end': '225.280', 'text': 'instant, the earth seemed to dissolve'}, {'start': '223.040', 'end': '227.680', 'text': 'away from under me. For the woman in his'}, {'start': '225.280', 'end': '229.840', 'text': 'embrace was no mere stranger. It was the'}, {'start': '227.680', 'end': '232.440', 'text': "closest companion of Liam's mother. A"}, {'start': '229.840', 'end': '234.959', 'text': 'wave of nausea washed over me. My chest'}, {'start': '232.440', 'end': '236.480', 'text': 'constricted. My heart raced, each beat'}, {'start': '234.959', 'end': '238.400', 'text': 'echoing in my ears as my thoughts'}, {'start': '236.480', 'end': '240.319', 'text': 'scrambled to keep pace. This simply'}, {'start': '238.400', 'end': '242.879', 'text': 'could not be occurring. It simply'}, {'start': '240.319', 'end': '245.280', 'text': "couldn't be happening. Yet, it was. What"}, {'start': '242.879', 'end': '247.840', 'text': 'could possibly be worse? The precise'}, {'start': '245.280', 'end': '250.080', 'text': 'instant I understood I was immobilized'}, {'start': '247.840', 'end': '252.400', 'text': 'in snared in this haunting dream.'}, {'start': '250.080', 'end': '255.519', 'text': 'Incapable of movement incapable of'}, {'start': '252.400', 'end': '257.880', 'text': 'breath. He raised his gaze. Our gazes'}, {'start': '255.519', 'end': '260.160', 'text': 'intertwined. In an instant the world'}, {'start': '257.880', 'end': '262.240', 'text': 'transformed, pray tell. What course of'}, {'start': '260.160', 'end': '264.240', 'text': 'action would you have chosen? Would you'}, {'start': '262.240', 'end': '266.479', 'text': 'have looked the other way? Did you act'}, {'start': '264.240', 'end': '268.639', 'text': 'as if you never laid eyes on it? Or'}, {'start': '266.479', 'end': '271.040', 'text': 'would you have found your voice aware'}, {'start': '268.639', 'end': '272.639', 'text': 'that it might break hearts? I invite you'}, {'start': '271.040', 'end': '274.880', 'text': 'to share your reflections in the'}, {'start': '272.639', 'end': '277.120', 'text': 'comments as I am eager to understand'}, {'start': '274.880', 'end': '278.880', 'text': 'what actions you would have taken. Be'}, {'start': '277.120', 'end': '280.800', 'text': 'sure to click that subscribe button for'}, {'start': '278.880', 'end': '283.440', 'text': 'more astonishing true tales that will'}, {'start': '280.800', 'end': '285.680', 'text': 'leave you utterly amazed. Rest assured,'}, {'start': '283.440', 'end': '288.720', 'text': 'this tale is just beginning. His gaze'}, {'start': '285.680', 'end': '290.960', 'text': 'captured my own. A fleeting moment, an'}, {'start': '288.720', 'end': '294.560', 'text': 'eternity, a connection flickered between'}, {'start': '290.960', 'end': '296.759', 'text': 'us. Comprehension, a cautionary note, a'}, {'start': '294.560', 'end': '299.199', 'text': 'formidable challenge. My throat'}, {'start': '296.759', 'end': '301.440', 'text': 'constricted. My hands are frigid to the'}, {'start': '299.199', 'end': '303.840', 'text': 'touch. My stomach nodded so fiercely'}, {'start': '301.440', 'end': '305.520', 'text': 'that I feared I might lose my lunch. I'}, {'start': '303.840', 'end': '307.600', 'text': 'ought to have fled. I ought to have'}, {'start': '305.520', 'end': '309.280', 'text': 'conjured up some excuse. I feigned'}, {'start': '307.600', 'end': '312.320', 'text': 'ignorance, choosing to see nothing at'}, {'start': '309.280', 'end': '314.240', 'text': 'all. Yet I remained rooted in place.'}, {'start': '312.320', 'end': '316.479', 'text': 'Enchanted by the stillness of winter, a'}, {'start': '314.240', 'end': '319.240', 'text': 'world encased in ice. His hand lingered'}, {'start': '316.479', 'end': '321.520', 'text': 'on her waist. Her lips gently parted in'}, {'start': '319.240', 'end': '323.360', 'text': 'astonishment. The soft illumination of'}, {'start': '321.520', 'end': '325.120', 'text': 'the room created silhouettes over an'}, {'start': '323.360', 'end': '327.919', 'text': 'object that was never intended for'}, {'start': '325.120', 'end': '330.479', 'text': 'discovery. Next, the shift in motion. He'}, {'start': '327.919', 'end': '333.199', 'text': 'maintained his gaze unwaveringly, showed'}, {'start': '330.479', 'end': '335.039', 'text': 'no sign of hesitation. He simply exhaled'}, {'start': '333.199', 'end': '337.840', 'text': 'slow and controlled as if this were'}, {'start': '335.039', 'end': '340.160', 'text': 'nothing at all, as if I were invisible.'}, {'start': '337.840', 'end': '343.520', 'text': 'This secret is bound to ruin lives. I'}, {'start': '340.160', 'end': '346.000', 'text': 'pivoted and stroed away. Not swift, not'}, {'start': '343.520', 'end': '347.680', 'text': 'sluggish, simply strolled. His gaze'}, {'start': '346.000', 'end': '350.400', 'text': 'lingered on me throughout the entire'}, {'start': '347.680', 'end': '352.400', 'text': 'duration. Since our childhood, Liam and'}, {'start': '350.400', 'end': '354.320', 'text': 'I have shared a bond of friendship. In'}, {'start': '352.400', 'end': '356.160', 'text': 'those days, sleepovers were all about'}, {'start': '354.320', 'end': '358.160', 'text': 'constructing pillow forts and sharing'}, {'start': '356.160', 'end': '360.320', 'text': 'secrets in hush tones beneath cozy'}, {'start': '358.160', 'end': '362.479', 'text': 'blankets. In those days, her house'}, {'start': '360.320', 'end': '365.120', 'text': 'enveloped me like a second home,'}, {'start': '362.479', 'end': '366.639', 'text': 'radiating warmth and safety, alive with'}, {'start': '365.120', 'end': '368.560', 'text': 'laughter and the comforting scent of'}, {'start': '366.639', 'end': '370.800', 'text': 'vanilla candles that her mother always'}, {'start': '368.560', 'end': '373.440', 'text': 'had flickering in the background. Yet,'}, {'start': '370.800', 'end': '375.280', 'text': 'circumstances evolve. At some point, the'}, {'start': '373.440', 'end': '377.360', 'text': 'essence of home began to fade from my'}, {'start': '375.280', 'end': '379.039', 'text': 'own dwelling. There was a time when I'}, {'start': '377.360', 'end': '381.520', 'text': 'shared my life with a boyfriend named'}, {'start': '379.039', 'end': '383.360', 'text': 'Levi. Our time together spanned many'}, {'start': '381.520', 'end': '385.520', 'text': 'years, extended just enough for the'}, {'start': '383.360', 'end': '387.919', 'text': 'thrill to diminish, for the joy to be'}, {'start': '385.520', 'end': '389.680', 'text': 'supplanted by monotony, to transform'}, {'start': '387.919', 'end': '391.680', 'text': 'love into something that resembles an'}, {'start': '389.680', 'end': '394.080', 'text': 'obligation. Our conversations had'}, {'start': '391.680', 'end': '395.880', 'text': 'dwindled to almost nothing. And when we'}, {'start': '394.080', 'end': '398.560', 'text': 'finally did, it remained merely'}, {'start': '395.880', 'end': '400.960', 'text': 'superficial. Uncomplicated, he toiled'}, {'start': '398.560', 'end': '403.440', 'text': 'into the night, returned home weary,'}, {'start': '400.960', 'end': '405.759', 'text': 'shared a meal in quietude. I made an'}, {'start': '403.440', 'end': '407.800', 'text': 'effort. I endeavored to rekindle the'}, {'start': '405.759', 'end': '410.479', 'text': 'essence of what we once shared, the'}, {'start': '407.800', 'end': '412.560', 'text': 'intimacy, the bond. Yet, he was'}, {'start': '410.479', 'end': '415.360', 'text': 'perpetually sidetracked, perpetually'}, {'start': '412.560', 'end': '417.840', 'text': 'distant, even in his physical presence.'}, {'start': '415.360', 'end': '420.000', 'text': "I ceased my efforts. Liam's house"}, {'start': '417.840', 'end': '422.000', 'text': 'transformed into my sanctuary. I'}, {'start': '420.000', 'end': '424.639', 'text': 'convinced myself it was due to the void'}, {'start': '422.000', 'end': '427.199', 'text': 'she left behind. For she truly grasped'}, {'start': '424.639', 'end': '429.599', 'text': 'the essence of my being. Yet perhaps,'}, {'start': '427.199', 'end': '431.919', 'text': 'perhaps it transcended mere simplicity.'}, {'start': '429.599', 'end': '435.160', 'text': 'Perhaps it was due to his influence.'}, {'start': '431.919', 'end': '437.440', 'text': 'William. He was adored by all. Charming,'}, {'start': '435.160', 'end': '439.360', 'text': 'enchanting, a man who possessed the rare'}, {'start': '437.440', 'end': '442.160', 'text': 'ability to articulate words that made'}, {'start': '439.360', 'end': '444.639', 'text': 'you feel truly cherished, significant.'}, {'start': '442.160', 'end': '446.319', 'text': 'To Liam, he was merely her father, a'}, {'start': '444.639', 'end': '448.720', 'text': 'source of support, a person who'}, {'start': '446.319', 'end': '450.720', 'text': 'accompanied her on shopping trips, sent'}, {'start': '448.720', 'end': '453.199', 'text': 'her cheerful morning messages, and'}, {'start': '450.720', 'end': '455.240', 'text': 'shared corny jokes during dinner. To the'}, {'start': '453.199', 'end': '458.440', 'text': 'world, he appeared as a prosperous'}, {'start': '455.240', 'end': '460.880', 'text': 'entrepreneur, assured, esteemed. from my'}, {'start': '458.440', 'end': '463.039', 'text': 'perspective. In my eyes, he was a being'}, {'start': '460.880', 'end': '465.360', 'text': 'of a different essence altogether. It'}, {'start': '463.039', 'end': '467.759', 'text': 'began with a whisper, a fleeting gaze'}, {'start': '465.360', 'end': '469.440', 'text': 'that lingers in the air. A hand lingered'}, {'start': '467.759', 'end': '471.360', 'text': 'on my shoulder, stretching the moment'}, {'start': '469.440', 'end': '474.400', 'text': 'just a heartbeat too long. A subtle'}, {'start': '471.360', 'end': '476.160', 'text': 'remark just between you and me. Jaden,'}, {'start': '474.400', 'end': '478.680', 'text': 'you are blossoming into a remarkable'}, {'start': '476.160', 'end': '481.120', 'text': 'woman. I reassured myself that it was'}, {'start': '478.680', 'end': '483.599', 'text': 'insignificant. I was merely conjuring it'}, {'start': '481.120', 'end': '485.840', 'text': 'in my mind, that he was merely showing'}, {'start': '483.599', 'end': '488.240', 'text': 'kindness. Yet, there were instances that'}, {'start': '485.840', 'end': '490.400', 'text': 'seemed to stand apart. The way his eyes'}, {'start': '488.240', 'end': '492.720', 'text': 'would track my movements as I navigated'}, {'start': '490.400', 'end': '495.199', 'text': 'through the house was captivating. His'}, {'start': '492.720', 'end': '497.360', 'text': 'voice would lower. A soft murmur just'}, {'start': '495.199', 'end': '499.759', 'text': 'from my ears when we were alone. How he'}, {'start': '497.360', 'end': '502.319', 'text': 'brought me into focus. It had been ages'}, {'start': '499.759', 'end': '505.039', 'text': 'since I experienced that sensation. Not'}, {'start': '502.319', 'end': '506.879', 'text': 'from Levi. No one is responsible.'}, {'start': '505.039', 'end': '509.440', 'text': 'Perhaps that was the reason I never'}, {'start': '506.879', 'end': '511.520', 'text': 'distanced myself. Perhaps that was the'}, {'start': '509.440', 'end': '513.760', 'text': 'reason I allowed it to persist until'}, {'start': '511.520', 'end': '516.159', 'text': "that fateful night. It wasn't until I"}, {'start': '513.760', 'end': '518.000', 'text': 'laid eyes on him alongside her. And in'}, {'start': '516.159', 'end': '520.719', 'text': 'an instant, every one of those moments'}, {'start': '518.000', 'end': '523.200', 'text': 'came rushing back. The fleeting glances,'}, {'start': '520.719', 'end': '526.000', 'text': 'the delicate caresses, those words'}, {'start': '523.200', 'end': '528.640', 'text': 'resonate, signified something different.'}, {'start': '526.000', 'end': '530.800', 'text': 'For I was not alone in this experience.'}, {'start': '528.640', 'end': '532.880', 'text': 'This was the essence of his being. At'}, {'start': '530.800', 'end': '535.120', 'text': 'that moment, I found myself woven into'}, {'start': '532.880', 'end': '537.680', 'text': 'the fabric of his hidden truth. Liam'}, {'start': '535.120', 'end': '539.519', 'text': 'extended an invitation for a sleepover.'}, {'start': '537.680', 'end': '541.680', 'text': 'It had been some time since we last'}, {'start': '539.519', 'end': '544.800', 'text': 'experienced one. Life had become quite'}, {'start': '541.680', 'end': '546.640', 'text': 'hectic. We had outgrown our childhood.'}, {'start': '544.800', 'end': '549.200', 'text': 'Yet there were moments when we would'}, {'start': '546.640', 'end': '551.360', 'text': 'nestle together, lost in the embrace of'}, {'start': '549.200', 'end': '553.600', 'text': 'classic films, sharing our thoughts'}, {'start': '551.360', 'end': '556.240', 'text': 'until slumber gently claimed us. The'}, {'start': '553.600', 'end': '558.320', 'text': 'distraction was essential for me. Levi'}, {'start': '556.240', 'end': '560.399', 'text': 'scarcely cast a glance in my direction'}, {'start': '558.320', 'end': '562.640', 'text': 'that morning. During our breakfast'}, {'start': '560.399', 'end': '564.640', 'text': 'conversation, I had the opportunity to'}, {'start': '562.640', 'end': '566.720', 'text': 'speak with him. I posed a question to'}, {'start': '564.640', 'end': '568.399', 'text': 'him, something straightforward. He'}, {'start': '566.720', 'end': '570.880', 'text': 'nodded, his attention drifting'}, {'start': '568.399', 'end': '573.600', 'text': 'elsewhere, his gaze remained fixed on'}, {'start': '570.880', 'end': '575.680', 'text': 'his phone. In the next instant, he rose,'}, {'start': '573.600', 'end': '578.640', 'text': 'pressed a familiar kiss to the crown of'}, {'start': '575.680', 'end': '581.519', 'text': 'my head, and departed, as if I had never'}, {'start': '578.640', 'end': '584.240', 'text': "existed at all. Liam's house exuded a"}, {'start': '581.519', 'end': '586.399', 'text': 'sense of refuge. It always has. As I'}, {'start': '584.240', 'end': '588.320', 'text': 'eased my car into the driveway, I'}, {'start': '586.399', 'end': '591.040', 'text': 'reached for my bag and quickly fired off'}, {'start': '588.320', 'end': '594.080', 'text': 'a text to her. Presenting this, no'}, {'start': '591.040', 'end': '596.399', 'text': 'reply. I pressed the doorbell. Footsteps'}, {'start': '594.080', 'end': '599.519', 'text': 'echoed and then the door creaked open.'}, {'start': '596.399', 'end': '601.519', 'text': 'William. His smile radiated warmth, a'}, {'start': '599.519', 'end': '604.480', 'text': 'sense of familiarity enveloping those'}, {'start': '601.519', 'end': '608.000', 'text': 'around him. "Jaden," he said, stepping'}, {'start': '604.480', 'end': '610.080', 'text': 'aside. "Step inside," I strolled by him.'}, {'start': '608.000', 'end': '612.080', 'text': 'Entering the house that resonated with a'}, {'start': '610.080', 'end': '614.880', 'text': 'sense of belonging far greater than my'}, {'start': '612.080', 'end': '616.880', 'text': 'own. "Is Liam absent?" I inquired,'}, {'start': '614.880', 'end': '618.560', 'text': 'placing my bag on the ground. "She'}, {'start': '616.880', 'end': '620.720', 'text': 'needed to dash out for something," he'}, {'start': '618.560', 'end': '622.959', 'text': 'remarked, shutting the door behind him.'}, {'start': '620.720', 'end': '624.959', 'text': '"She will not be delayed for long." I'}, {'start': '622.959', 'end': '627.600', 'text': 'inclined my head in acknowledgement. The'}, {'start': '624.959', 'end': '629.839', 'text': 'silence lingered in expanse between us.'}, {'start': '627.600', 'end': '633.200', 'text': 'A certain shift lingered in the air.'}, {'start': '629.839', 'end': '635.839', 'text': 'Quite satisfactory, simply distinct.'}, {'start': '633.200', 'end': '638.279', 'text': 'Care for a beverage? He inquired. For a'}, {'start': '635.839', 'end': '641.200', 'text': 'moment, I paused. The water is quite'}, {'start': '638.279', 'end': '643.360', 'text': 'pleasant. His smile curled at the edges.'}, {'start': '641.200', 'end': '645.839', 'text': "Let's go, Jaden. You have reached a"}, {'start': '643.360', 'end': '647.920', 'text': 'stage of maturity. He pivoted in the'}, {'start': '645.839', 'end': '650.320', 'text': 'direction of the kitchen, and I trailed'}, {'start': '647.920', 'end': '652.079', 'text': 'behind. The sharp, exhilarating sound of'}, {'start': '650.320', 'end': '654.079', 'text': 'a cork bursting free resonated'}, {'start': '652.079', 'end': '656.320', 'text': 'throughout the room. A rich crimson'}, {'start': '654.079', 'end': '658.000', 'text': 'liquid cascaded into the glass. He'}, {'start': '656.320', 'end': '660.800', 'text': 'pushed it across the counter in my'}, {'start': '658.000', 'end': '663.440', 'text': 'direction. I gazed at it intently, then'}, {'start': '660.800', 'end': '665.680', 'text': "gazed upon him. A single drink wouldn't"}, {'start': '663.440', 'end': '668.959', 'text': 'be detrimental. I lifted it from the'}, {'start': '665.680', 'end': '671.440', 'text': 'surface. He took a sip. He rested'}, {'start': '668.959', 'end': '674.079', 'text': 'against the counter, his gaze fixed on'}, {'start': '671.440', 'end': '676.640', 'text': "me. You've transformed, he remarked. I"}, {'start': '674.079', 'end': '678.720', 'text': 'gulped. Could you clarify your meaning?'}, {'start': '676.640', 'end': '681.360', 'text': 'You have blossomed into your true self.'}, {'start': '678.720', 'end': '683.200', 'text': 'He inclined his head ever so slightly.'}, {'start': '681.360', 'end': '685.680', 'text': 'Once you were that timid little girl'}, {'start': '683.200', 'end': '687.440', 'text': 'trailing behind Liam. His gaze lingered'}, {'start': '685.680', 'end': '689.519', 'text': 'on me, moving with a measured'}, {'start': '687.440', 'end': '691.600', 'text': 'intentional grace. Now you present'}, {'start': '689.519', 'end': '694.160', 'text': 'yourself in a new light. Warmth inched'}, {'start': '691.600', 'end': '696.240', 'text': 'its way up my neck. I chuckled softly,'}, {'start': '694.160', 'end': '698.720', 'text': 'placing the glass on the table. Indeed,'}, {'start': '696.240', 'end': '701.040', 'text': 'I have outgrown my childhood. No, he'}, {'start': '698.720', 'end': '703.600', 'text': 'said, his voice dropping to a whisper.'}, {'start': '701.040', 'end': '706.640', 'text': 'You are not. Time lingered briefly.'}, {'start': '703.600', 'end': '708.880', 'text': 'Waity, electrified, I averted my gaze,'}, {'start': '706.640', 'end': '711.079', 'text': 'my hand instinctively seeking the glass'}, {'start': '708.880', 'end': '713.920', 'text': 'once more. His voice shattered the'}, {'start': '711.079', 'end': '716.720', 'text': 'stillness. Is all well? My eyelids'}, {'start': '713.920', 'end': '719.200', 'text': 'fluttered momentarily. Indeed. What is'}, {'start': '716.720', 'end': '722.399', 'text': 'the reason behind this? It appears that'}, {'start': '719.200', 'end': '723.920', 'text': 'you remote. He savored a leisurely sip'}, {'start': '722.399', 'end': '726.079', 'text': 'of his drink. Is there something'}, {'start': '723.920', 'end': '728.240', 'text': 'weighing on your thoughts? There was a'}, {'start': '726.079', 'end': '730.639', 'text': 'moment of uncertainty. I might have'}, {'start': '728.240', 'end': '733.040', 'text': 'chosen to deceive. I might have chosen'}, {'start': '730.639', 'end': '736.160', 'text': 'to decline. In that moment, I let out a'}, {'start': '733.040', 'end': '740.079', 'text': 'breath. Simply items. His gaze captured'}, {'start': '736.160', 'end': '741.959', 'text': 'my own. Levi. I paused. He let out a'}, {'start': '740.079', 'end': '744.399', 'text': 'soft laugh, shaking his head in'}, {'start': '741.959', 'end': '746.480', 'text': 'disbelief. Your demeanor shifts when you'}, {'start': '744.399', 'end': '749.279', 'text': 'speak of him. Your expression rarely'}, {'start': '746.480', 'end': '751.519', 'text': 'conveys joy. I summoned a smile.'}, {'start': '749.279', 'end': '753.320', 'text': '"Relationships can become intricate and'}, {'start': '751.519', 'end': '755.680', 'text': 'multifaceted." "That\'s an'}, {'start': '753.320', 'end': '758.079', 'text': 'understatement," he murmured, lifting'}, {'start': '755.680', 'end': '760.320', 'text': 'his glass for another sip. "I ought not'}, {'start': '758.079', 'end': '762.880', 'text': 'to have inquired. I ought not to have'}, {'start': '760.320', 'end': '765.200', 'text': 'cared. Yet the words escaped my lips'}, {'start': '762.880', 'end': '767.680', 'text': 'before I had a chance to restrain them.'}, {'start': '765.200', 'end': '768.959', 'text': 'Is yours intricate?" His lips sealed'}, {'start': '767.680', 'end': '771.279', 'text': 'tightly.'}, {'start': '768.959', 'end': '773.760', 'text': 'He regarded me intently for a prolonged'}, {'start': '771.279', 'end': '776.639', 'text': 'moment before uttering a word. Marriages'}, {'start': '773.760', 'end': '779.519', 'text': 'work, he said at last. Individuals'}, {'start': '776.639', 'end': '781.920', 'text': 'evolve. Shifts in priorities occur. I'}, {'start': '779.519', 'end': '784.560', 'text': 'inclined my head, my gaze fixed on the'}, {'start': '781.920', 'end': '787.440', 'text': "contents of my glass. I don't mean to"}, {'start': '784.560', 'end': '789.680', 'text': 'intrude, he remarked. I have recently'}, {'start': '787.440', 'end': '792.560', 'text': 'become aware of certain details. Our'}, {'start': '789.680', 'end': '794.959', 'text': 'eyes locked. What do you mean? His eyes'}, {'start': '792.560', 'end': '796.720', 'text': 'danced with a hint of amusement. I'}, {'start': '794.959', 'end': '798.639', 'text': 'appreciate the way you paused before'}, {'start': '796.720', 'end': '800.560', 'text': 'responding to certain inquiries. I'}, {'start': '798.639', 'end': '802.240', 'text': "gulped. It seems you're not quite"}, {'start': '800.560', 'end': '804.800', 'text': 'accustomed to drawing attention, are'}, {'start': '802.240', 'end': '807.600', 'text': 'you? I released a soft chuckle. What'}, {'start': '804.800', 'end': '810.240', 'text': 'does that imply, his lips curled into a'}, {'start': '807.600', 'end': '812.160', 'text': 'subtle smile, yet he remained silent,'}, {'start': '810.240', 'end': '814.480', 'text': 'the atmosphere in the room exuded a'}, {'start': '812.160', 'end': '816.720', 'text': 'comforting warmth, the wine, the gentle'}, {'start': '814.480', 'end': '818.399', 'text': 'hum of the refrigerator, the subtle'}, {'start': '816.720', 'end': '821.040', 'text': 'softening of his voice that thickened'}, {'start': '818.399', 'end': '823.760', 'text': 'the air around us. I moved. I ought to'}, {'start': '821.040', 'end': '826.480', 'text': 'see if Liam has replied to my message. I'}, {'start': '823.760', 'end': '829.120', 'text': 'reached into my pocket for my phone only'}, {'start': '826.480', 'end': '831.200', 'text': 'to find it absent. Once more, silence'}, {'start': '829.120', 'end': '832.839', 'text': 'envelopes the space. In that case,'}, {'start': '831.200', 'end': '835.040', 'text': 'Jaden, you truly deserve to be'}, {'start': '832.839', 'end': '837.519', 'text': 'acknowledged. My breath caught in my'}, {'start': '835.040', 'end': '841.040', 'text': 'throat. I raised my gaze. A change'}, {'start': '837.519', 'end': '843.199', 'text': 'occurred. His gaze locked onto mine. His'}, {'start': '841.040', 'end': '845.360', 'text': 'fingers poised delicately on the edge of'}, {'start': '843.199', 'end': '847.680', 'text': 'the counter. The distance that separated'}, {'start': '845.360', 'end': '850.720', 'text': 'us now diminished from what it was just'}, {'start': '847.680', 'end': '852.639', 'text': 'moments before. My heart raced. I let'}, {'start': '850.720', 'end': '855.279', 'text': 'out a strange chuckle, shaking my head'}, {'start': '852.639', 'end': '858.000', 'text': 'in disbelief. Ah, it seems the wine has'}, {'start': '855.279', 'end': '860.959', 'text': 'begun to weave its influence. He'}, {'start': '858.000', 'end': '863.279', 'text': 'maintained his gaze. Perhaps. I raised'}, {'start': '860.959', 'end': '865.680', 'text': 'my glass to my lips and savored a sip of'}, {'start': '863.279', 'end': '868.320', 'text': 'my drink. My hands lacked the steadiness'}, {'start': '865.680', 'end': '870.480', 'text': 'I desired. The clock on the wall emitted'}, {'start': '868.320', 'end': '872.720', 'text': 'a steady tick tock. Liam had yet to'}, {'start': '870.480', 'end': '874.959', 'text': 'arrive home. I perched on the edge of'}, {'start': '872.720', 'end': '877.760', 'text': 'the guest bed, my fingers wrapped around'}, {'start': '874.959', 'end': '880.160', 'text': 'my phone, its screen casting a soft glow'}, {'start': '877.760', 'end': '882.240', 'text': 'in the shadowy room. Liam had yet to'}, {'start': '880.160', 'end': '884.480', 'text': 'respond to the message. A message was'}, {'start': '882.240', 'end': '886.959', 'text': 'meticulously crafted by my fingers on'}, {'start': '884.480', 'end': '889.600', 'text': 'the keyboard. Where might you be?'}, {'start': '886.959', 'end': '892.639', 'text': 'Subsequently, I removed it. I sought to'}, {'start': '889.600', 'end': '895.199', 'text': 'avoid appearing unsettled or restless or'}, {'start': '892.639', 'end': '897.360', 'text': 'whatever else may come to mind. I opted'}, {'start': '895.199', 'end': '899.839', 'text': 'for a more laid-back approach. Time is'}, {'start': '897.360', 'end': '902.560', 'text': 'slipping away, and I find myself growing'}, {'start': '899.839', 'end': '905.519', 'text': 'weary in anticipation of your arrival.'}, {'start': '902.560', 'end': '908.160', 'text': 'Adjust. Typical piece of writing. As if'}, {'start': '905.519', 'end': '910.399', 'text': "nothing had transpired. As if I hadn't"}, {'start': '908.160', 'end': '912.959', 'text': 'just experienced the most peculiar,'}, {'start': '910.399', 'end': '915.760', 'text': 'disquing, and exhilarating conversation'}, {'start': '912.959', 'end': '917.760', 'text': 'of my existence, I flung my phone aside'}, {'start': '915.760', 'end': '919.760', 'text': 'and reclined against the pillows,'}, {'start': '917.760', 'end': '922.240', 'text': 'letting out a deep breath. The silence'}, {'start': '919.760', 'end': '924.639', 'text': 'in the room was palpable. The sound of'}, {'start': '922.240', 'end': '927.839', 'text': 'my own thoughts echoed in my mind,'}, {'start': '924.639', 'end': '930.320', 'text': 'excessively loud, excessively swift. The'}, {'start': '927.839', 'end': '932.800', 'text': 'manner in which he had gazed at me. The'}, {'start': '930.320', 'end': '935.279', 'text': 'gravity of his expressions. Jaden, you'}, {'start': '932.800', 'end': '937.440', 'text': 'are worthy of recognition. My stomach'}, {'start': '935.279', 'end': '939.680', 'text': 'churned. I ought to have taken it less'}, {'start': '937.440', 'end': '942.959', 'text': 'seriously and found humor in the moment,'}, {'start': '939.680', 'end': '945.360', 'text': 'swatted it aside. Yet I refrained due to'}, {'start': '942.959', 'end': '948.079', 'text': 'the circumstances. For just a fleeting'}, {'start': '945.360', 'end': '950.480', 'text': 'moment, I found myself enjoying it. The'}, {'start': '948.079', 'end': '952.880', 'text': 'manner in which he perceived me, not in'}, {'start': '950.480', 'end': '955.040', 'text': "the role of Liam's closest confidant,"}, {'start': '952.880', 'end': '957.199', 'text': 'not merely as a girl who had devoted her'}, {'start': '955.040', 'end': '960.399', 'text': 'entire existence to living in the shadow'}, {'start': '957.199', 'end': '963.120', 'text': 'of another. As I am, I tightly closed my'}, {'start': '960.399', 'end': '966.560', 'text': "eyes. Negative. It wasn't quite as it"}, {'start': '963.120', 'end': '969.360', 'text': 'seemed. It was merely a dialogue, simply'}, {'start': '966.560', 'end': '972.079', 'text': 'speak. I found myself lost in a maze of'}, {'start': '969.360', 'end': '974.480', 'text': 'thoughts. I rolled onto my side, gazing'}, {'start': '972.079', 'end': '977.440', 'text': 'at the gentle illumination of the lamp,'}, {'start': '974.480', 'end': '979.839', 'text': 'my heart continuing to race. Levi never'}, {'start': '977.440', 'end': '982.079', 'text': 'expressed sentiments of that nature.'}, {'start': '979.839', 'end': '984.560', 'text': 'Never gazed upon me in such a manner.'}, {'start': '982.079', 'end': '986.480', 'text': 'When was the last time he truly saw me?'}, {'start': '984.560', 'end': '988.240', 'text': 'When was the last time I experienced'}, {'start': '986.480', 'end': '990.560', 'text': 'anything resembling the emotions that'}, {'start': '988.240', 'end': '992.800', 'text': 'surged within me in that kitchen? That'}, {'start': '990.560', 'end': '995.440', 'text': 'was the most difficult moment. It was'}, {'start': '992.800', 'end': '998.000', 'text': 'not what he had articulated. Not the way'}, {'start': '995.440', 'end': '1000.560', 'text': 'he had gazed at me. Yet the emotions I'}, {'start': '998.000', 'end': '1002.800', 'text': 'experienced were profound. A profound'}, {'start': '1000.560', 'end': '1004.519', 'text': 'urge stirred within me. An unnamed'}, {'start': '1002.800', 'end': '1007.120', 'text': 'longing that beckoned me to return'}, {'start': '1004.519', 'end': '1009.199', 'text': 'downstairs. I rolled onto my back once'}, {'start': '1007.120', 'end': '1010.959', 'text': 'more. Gazing up at the ceiling, the'}, {'start': '1009.199', 'end': '1013.920', 'text': 'harder I endeavored to cast the thought'}, {'start': '1010.959', 'end': '1015.839', 'text': 'aside, the more burdensome it grew. I'}, {'start': '1013.920', 'end': '1017.839', 'text': 'extended my hand toward my phone once'}, {'start': '1015.839', 'end': '1020.560', 'text': 'more. There are currently no new'}, {'start': '1017.839', 'end': '1023.040', 'text': 'messages. I turned on my camera instead.'}, {'start': '1020.560', 'end': '1025.280', 'text': 'My reflection gazed back at me. I'}, {'start': '1023.040', 'end': '1027.600', 'text': 'examined myself as I envisioned he might'}, {'start': '1025.280', 'end': '1029.199', 'text': 'have done. The contour of my jawline.'}, {'start': '1027.600', 'end': '1031.360', 'text': 'The manner in which my lips came'}, {'start': '1029.199', 'end': '1033.439', 'text': 'together as thoughts swirled in my mind.'}, {'start': '1031.360', 'end': '1035.360', 'text': 'The dark circles beneath my eyes a'}, {'start': '1033.439', 'end': '1037.799', 'text': 'testament to countless sleepless nights.'}, {'start': '1035.360', 'end': '1040.000', 'text': 'Was I truly distinct? Had I truly'}, {'start': '1037.799', 'end': '1041.919', 'text': 'transformed? Had he been observing me'}, {'start': '1040.000', 'end': '1043.839', 'text': 'all along, biting his time for me to'}, {'start': '1041.919', 'end': '1046.000', 'text': 'become aware? A language shiver'}, {'start': '1043.839', 'end': '1048.000', 'text': 'slithered down my spine. The phone'}, {'start': '1046.000', 'end': '1050.480', 'text': 'slipped from my grasp and landed softly'}, {'start': '1048.000', 'end': '1052.400', 'text': 'on the bed. It was of no consequence.'}, {'start': '1050.480', 'end': '1055.200', 'text': 'Water was a necessity I found myself'}, {'start': '1052.400', 'end': '1057.600', 'text': 'yearning for. That was everything. Only'}, {'start': '1055.200', 'end': '1059.520', 'text': 'water. I gathered my strength, running'}, {'start': '1057.600', 'end': '1061.840', 'text': 'my fingers through my hair to restore'}, {'start': '1059.520', 'end': '1064.480', 'text': 'some semblance of order. As I approached'}, {'start': '1061.840', 'end': '1066.320', 'text': 'the door, my legs wavered beneath me. A'}, {'start': '1064.480', 'end': '1068.559', 'text': 'sense of unsteadiness creeping in with'}, {'start': '1066.320', 'end': '1070.799', 'text': 'each step. I placed the blame on the'}, {'start': '1068.559', 'end': '1073.600', 'text': 'wine. I held everything and everyone'}, {'start': '1070.799', 'end': '1075.679', 'text': 'accountable, save for my own reflection.'}, {'start': '1073.600', 'end': '1078.240', 'text': 'The hallway lay in silence, the house'}, {'start': '1075.679', 'end': '1080.559', 'text': 'shrouded in dimness, save for the soft'}, {'start': '1078.240', 'end': '1082.400', 'text': 'illumination emanating from the kitchen.'}, {'start': '1080.559', 'end': '1084.799', 'text': 'At the summit of the stairs, I found'}, {'start': '1082.400', 'end': '1087.200', 'text': 'myself pausing. Caught in a moment of'}, {'start': '1084.799', 'end': '1089.440', 'text': 'uncertainty, I reassured myself that it'}, {'start': '1087.200', 'end': '1091.039', 'text': 'was merely thirst, I felt. This was'}, {'start': '1089.440', 'end': '1093.440', 'text': 'nothing more than what it appeared to'}, {'start': '1091.039', 'end': '1095.679', 'text': 'be. How wonderful it would be to stroll'}, {'start': '1093.440', 'end': '1098.320', 'text': 'into that kitchen, fill a glass with'}, {'start': '1095.679', 'end': '1100.640', 'text': 'water, and retreat to bed free of any'}, {'start': '1098.320', 'end': '1102.960', 'text': 'lingering thoughts. I reminded myself of'}, {'start': '1100.640', 'end': '1105.520', 'text': 'all of that. Descending the stairs, I'}, {'start': '1102.960', 'end': '1108.000', 'text': 'made my way downwards. Silence enveloped'}, {'start': '1105.520', 'end': '1109.679', 'text': 'the house, excessively silent. A'}, {'start': '1108.000', 'end': '1111.919', 'text': 'stillness that draws the walls in,'}, {'start': '1109.679', 'end': '1113.520', 'text': 'wrapping around like a shroud, the sort'}, {'start': '1111.919', 'end': '1115.440', 'text': 'that transforms each creek of the'}, {'start': '1113.520', 'end': '1118.000', 'text': 'floorboards into a weighty for boating'}, {'start': '1115.440', 'end': '1119.919', 'text': 'presence. I glided quietly, my bare feet'}, {'start': '1118.000', 'end': '1122.480', 'text': 'scarcely whispering against the hardwood'}, {'start': '1119.919', 'end': '1125.840', 'text': 'floor. The atmosphere carried a distinct'}, {'start': '1122.480', 'end': '1127.919', 'text': 'quality, more substantial, weightier. I'}, {'start': '1125.840', 'end': '1130.320', 'text': 'convinced myself it was merely a figment'}, {'start': '1127.919', 'end': '1132.320', 'text': 'of my imagination. It was merely the'}, {'start': '1130.320', 'end': '1134.480', 'text': "wine. It's merely my restless mind"}, {'start': '1132.320', 'end': '1138.000', 'text': 'rendering the home a stranger. Yet'}, {'start': '1134.480', 'end': '1140.480', 'text': 'suddenly a sound emerged, gentle, muted,'}, {'start': '1138.000', 'end': '1142.799', 'text': 'not originating from the kitchen, from'}, {'start': '1140.480', 'end': '1145.200', 'text': 'the heart of the home. I stood still, my'}, {'start': '1142.799', 'end': '1147.840', 'text': 'breath momentarily halted. It was not'}, {'start': '1145.200', 'end': '1151.120', 'text': 'the television. It was not Liam. It was'}, {'start': '1147.840', 'end': '1153.080', 'text': 'the sound of voices, minimal, personal,'}, {'start': '1151.120', 'end': '1155.280', 'text': 'a gentle laugh laced with a hint of'}, {'start': '1153.080', 'end': '1157.600', 'text': 'playfulness, a laugh that feels out of'}, {'start': '1155.280', 'end': '1159.440', 'text': 'place in the shadows. It envelopes you'}, {'start': '1157.600', 'end': '1161.360', 'text': 'in a whisper of intimacy. Such'}, {'start': '1159.440', 'end': '1164.320', 'text': 'occurrences are simply out of place in'}, {'start': '1161.360', 'end': '1165.840', 'text': 'this context. I took a deep breath. A'}, {'start': '1164.320', 'end': '1167.520', 'text': 'part of me sensed that I ought to stop'}, {'start': '1165.840', 'end': '1170.080', 'text': 'right there. I knew I should have turned'}, {'start': '1167.520', 'end': '1172.720', 'text': 'around. Yet, my feet continued to carry'}, {'start': '1170.080', 'end': '1174.880', 'text': 'me forward. Gradually, the voices became'}, {'start': '1172.720', 'end': '1177.280', 'text': 'more distinct, my pulse thudded in my'}, {'start': '1174.880', 'end': '1179.600', 'text': 'throat. I arrived at the terminus of the'}, {'start': '1177.280', 'end': '1181.520', 'text': 'hallway, my fingertips gliding over the'}, {'start': '1179.600', 'end': '1184.000', 'text': 'chilled texture of the wall as I leaned'}, {'start': '1181.520', 'end': '1186.559', 'text': 'in slightly, and then I beheld them.'}, {'start': '1184.000', 'end': '1189.440', 'text': 'William, yet he found himself in the'}, {'start': '1186.559', 'end': '1191.679', 'text': 'company of others. He was not in the'}, {'start': '1189.440', 'end': '1193.600', 'text': "company of Liam's mother, a knot formed"}, {'start': '1191.679', 'end': '1196.000', 'text': 'in my stomach, churning with an'}, {'start': '1193.600', 'end': '1198.799', 'text': 'intensity that left me feeling queasy,'}, {'start': '1196.000', 'end': '1200.799', 'text': 'for I was familiar with her essence. I'}, {'start': '1198.799', 'end': '1204.000', 'text': 'was acquainted with her, the closest'}, {'start': '1200.799', 'end': '1206.240', 'text': "companion of Liam's mother, Amelia. She"}, {'start': '1204.000', 'end': '1208.799', 'text': 'occupied a space that felt uncomfortably'}, {'start': '1206.240', 'end': '1211.679', 'text': 'near. Her hand rested gently upon his'}, {'start': '1208.799', 'end': '1214.160', 'text': 'chest. His fingers glided gently,'}, {'start': '1211.679', 'end': '1216.640', 'text': 'tracing slow circles upon her wrist.'}, {'start': '1214.160', 'end': '1218.960', 'text': 'Their gazes intertwined. a silent'}, {'start': '1216.640', 'end': '1222.080', 'text': 'conversation unfolding between them. It'}, {'start': '1218.960', 'end': '1224.080', 'text': 'was clear. This was not unfamiliar. This'}, {'start': '1222.080', 'end': '1226.480', 'text': 'was not an error. This was truly'}, {'start': '1224.080', 'end': '1229.039', 'text': 'something tangible. I drew in a breath,'}, {'start': '1226.480', 'end': '1231.080', 'text': 'feeling my chest constrict. My thoughts'}, {'start': '1229.039', 'end': '1233.760', 'text': 'clamorred for action, to dash back'}, {'start': '1231.080', 'end': '1236.240', 'text': 'upstairs, to feain ignorance of what I'}, {'start': '1233.760', 'end': '1239.039', 'text': 'witnessed. Yet a floorboard let out a'}, {'start': '1236.240', 'end': '1241.280', 'text': 'soft creek beneath my feet, resounding'}, {'start': '1239.039', 'end': '1243.919', 'text': 'excessively loud. He jerked his head'}, {'start': '1241.280', 'end': '1246.240', 'text': 'upward. Our gazes intertwined, a silent'}, {'start': '1243.919', 'end': '1248.640', 'text': 'connection forming between us. In an'}, {'start': '1246.240', 'end': '1251.440', 'text': 'instant, the world transformed. Time'}, {'start': '1248.640', 'end': '1254.080', 'text': 'came to a standstill. Motion eluded me.'}, {'start': '1251.440', 'end': '1256.480', 'text': 'Breath eluded me. His gaze locked onto'}, {'start': '1254.080', 'end': '1258.400', 'text': 'mine, piercing and enigmatic. A fleeting'}, {'start': '1256.480', 'end': '1260.960', 'text': 'look of surprise crossed his face, but'}, {'start': '1258.400', 'end': '1263.120', 'text': 'it lasted merely a moment. Then another'}, {'start': '1260.960', 'end': '1265.840', 'text': 'presence emerged to fill the void. An'}, {'start': '1263.120', 'end': '1269.200', 'text': 'elusive notion beyond my grasp. Do not'}, {'start': '1265.840', 'end': '1271.679', 'text': 'panic. Absence of guilt. Entertainment.'}, {'start': '1269.200', 'end': '1273.919', 'text': "Test of resolve. Amelia's hand paused on"}, {'start': '1271.679', 'end': '1276.000', 'text': 'his chest. She shifted her stance, her'}, {'start': '1273.919', 'end': '1277.919', 'text': 'eyes tracing the direction of his stare,'}, {'start': '1276.000', 'end': '1280.320', 'text': 'a frown of bewilderment forming on her'}, {'start': '1277.919', 'end': '1283.039', 'text': 'forehead. At that moment, her gaze fell'}, {'start': '1280.320', 'end': '1285.360', 'text': 'upon me. Her complexion faded, leaving'}, {'start': '1283.039', 'end': '1287.760', 'text': 'her expression stark and pale. In that'}, {'start': '1285.360', 'end': '1290.240', 'text': 'moment, I sensed it deeply. The pounding'}, {'start': '1287.760', 'end': '1292.400', 'text': 'thrum of blood coursing through my ears,'}, {'start': '1290.240', 'end': '1294.720', 'text': 'the rhythmic thumping of my heart, the'}, {'start': '1292.400', 'end': '1296.640', 'text': 'searing warmth slithering along my neck.'}, {'start': '1294.720', 'end': '1299.360', 'text': 'I found myself in a position where'}, {'start': '1296.640', 'end': '1301.679', 'text': 'relocation became necessary. I pivoted'}, {'start': '1299.360', 'end': '1304.320', 'text': 'and fled, ascending the staircase two'}, {'start': '1301.679', 'end': '1306.240', 'text': 'steps at a time. My heart raced, each'}, {'start': '1304.320', 'end': '1308.640', 'text': 'breath a jagged intake. Yet, I pressed'}, {'start': '1306.240', 'end': '1310.480', 'text': 'on undeterred. I entered the guest room,'}, {'start': '1308.640', 'end': '1312.640', 'text': 'forcefully closed the door behind me,'}, {'start': '1310.480', 'end': '1314.720', 'text': 'and secured the lock. My hands trembled'}, {'start': '1312.640', 'end': '1317.039', 'text': 'with uncertainty. What had I just'}, {'start': '1314.720', 'end': '1319.840', 'text': 'witnessed? What was I meant to do?'}, {'start': '1317.039', 'end': '1322.080', 'text': 'Inform Liam? Should I inform her mother?'}, {'start': '1319.840', 'end': '1324.400', 'text': 'Act as if it never occurred. My thoughts'}, {'start': '1322.080', 'end': '1326.400', 'text': 'whirled in a myriad of directions. I'}, {'start': '1324.400', 'end': '1328.400', 'text': 'fell onto the bed, clutching the sheets'}, {'start': '1326.400', 'end': '1329.760', 'text': 'as if they were my only lifeline. as if'}, {'start': '1328.400', 'end': '1332.159', 'text': 'they could prevent me from descending'}, {'start': '1329.760', 'end': '1334.559', 'text': 'into chaos. Their image, so close and'}, {'start': '1332.159', 'end': '1337.039', 'text': 'achingly familiar, was seared into my'}, {'start': '1334.559', 'end': '1339.760', 'text': 'mind. I pressed my eyelids together'}, {'start': '1337.039', 'end': '1342.559', 'text': 'tightly, yet it offered no relief.'}, {'start': '1339.760', 'end': '1345.360', 'text': "Liam's father, William. From the very"}, {'start': '1342.559', 'end': '1347.840', 'text': 'beginning, I was aware of his undeniable'}, {'start': '1345.360', 'end': '1349.919', 'text': 'charm. There was an undeniable quality'}, {'start': '1347.840', 'end': '1352.320', 'text': 'to the way his presence enveloped the'}, {'start': '1349.919', 'end': '1354.080', 'text': 'space. His words hung in the air,'}, {'start': '1352.320', 'end': '1357.080', 'text': 'stretching out beyond their intended'}, {'start': '1354.080', 'end': '1359.679', 'text': 'moment. However, this this was truly'}, {'start': '1357.080', 'end': '1362.559', 'text': 'extraordinary. A hidden truth, a heavy'}, {'start': '1359.679', 'end': '1364.640', 'text': 'secret brimming with unspoken truths. At'}, {'start': '1362.559', 'end': '1366.960', 'text': 'that moment, I found myself woven into'}, {'start': '1364.640', 'end': '1369.360', 'text': 'the very fabric of it all. A soft'}, {'start': '1366.960', 'end': '1372.000', 'text': 'vibration emanated from my phone,'}, {'start': '1369.360', 'end': '1374.559', 'text': 'resting beside me. I seized it, my hands'}, {'start': '1372.000', 'end': '1377.280', 'text': 'remaining immersed in my studies. A note'}, {'start': '1374.559', 'end': '1380.400', 'text': 'from Liam, nearly there. I will arrive'}, {'start': '1377.280', 'end': '1382.880', 'text': 'shortly. I gazed intently at the words'}, {'start': '1380.400', 'end': '1384.919', 'text': 'as if everything was perfectly fine, as'}, {'start': '1382.880', 'end': '1387.120', 'text': 'if her entire reality had just been'}, {'start': '1384.919', 'end': '1389.520', 'text': 'appended. She remained blissfully'}, {'start': '1387.120', 'end': '1391.520', 'text': 'unaware of it for the time being. My'}, {'start': '1389.520', 'end': '1393.919', 'text': 'thumb lingered above the keyboard. I'}, {'start': '1391.520', 'end': '1396.080', 'text': 'might reveal it to her. With just one'}, {'start': '1393.919', 'end': '1398.400', 'text': 'text, I could unleash chaos upon'}, {'start': '1396.080', 'end': '1401.280', 'text': 'everything. Yet, just as I was about to'}, {'start': '1398.400', 'end': '1403.360', 'text': 'begin typing, an unexpected sound surged'}, {'start': '1401.280', 'end': '1406.960', 'text': 'through me, igniting a new wave of'}, {'start': '1403.360', 'end': '1410.000', 'text': 'panic. A gentle rap at the door. gentle,'}, {'start': '1406.960', 'end': '1412.640', 'text': 'regulated, calm and composed, not in a'}, {'start': '1410.000', 'end': '1414.799', 'text': 'state of desperation. The individual on'}, {'start': '1412.640', 'end': '1416.559', 'text': 'the other side seemed unafraid. It was'}, {'start': '1414.799', 'end': '1419.360', 'text': 'as if they possessed an uncanny'}, {'start': '1416.559', 'end': '1421.679', 'text': 'foresight into the unfolding events. I'}, {'start': '1419.360', 'end': '1425.120', 'text': 'scarcely drew a breath. Is that you,'}, {'start': '1421.679', 'end': '1427.679', 'text': 'Jaden? His voice resonated, subdued,'}, {'start': '1425.120', 'end': '1429.760', 'text': 'serene. It was as if he were inquiring'}, {'start': '1427.679', 'end': '1432.240', 'text': 'whether I had stirred from my slumber.'}, {'start': '1429.760', 'end': '1434.640', 'text': 'This felt entirely routine. The door'}, {'start': '1432.240', 'end': '1436.880', 'text': 'held my gaze, an unyielding barrier'}, {'start': '1434.640', 'end': '1439.440', 'text': 'between the known and the unknown. My'}, {'start': '1436.880', 'end': '1442.240', 'text': 'body urged me to remain quiet, to feain'}, {'start': '1439.440', 'end': '1444.640', 'text': 'my absence, to feain ignorance of what I'}, {'start': '1442.240', 'end': '1447.039', 'text': 'had witnessed. Yet my fingers danced'}, {'start': '1444.640', 'end': '1449.679', 'text': 'with anticipation. Before I could re in'}, {'start': '1447.039', 'end': '1452.480', 'text': 'my impulses, my hand instinctively moved'}, {'start': '1449.679', 'end': '1455.520', 'text': 'toward the lock. Gradually, with great'}, {'start': '1452.480', 'end': '1458.000', 'text': 'care, I rotated it. With a gentle push,'}, {'start': '1455.520', 'end': '1460.240', 'text': 'I turned the handle and opened the door.'}, {'start': '1458.000', 'end': '1462.640', 'text': 'William rested against the door frame,'}, {'start': '1460.240', 'end': '1464.720', 'text': 'arms folded, regarding me as if this'}, {'start': '1462.640', 'end': '1467.039', 'text': 'were merely an everyday occurrence, as'}, {'start': '1464.720', 'end': '1470.159', 'text': "if I were invisible. You weren't meant"}, {'start': '1467.039', 'end': '1472.880', 'text': 'to catch a glimpse of that, he remarked.'}, {'start': '1470.159', 'end': '1474.960', 'text': 'His voice was soft and unwavering, as if'}, {'start': '1472.880', 'end': '1477.039', 'text': 'he were elucidating a concept rather'}, {'start': '1474.960', 'end': '1478.720', 'text': 'than expressing regret. My fingers'}, {'start': '1477.039', 'end': '1481.840', 'text': 'clutched the door, knuckles pale as'}, {'start': '1478.720', 'end': '1483.760', 'text': 'bone. Every inch of me felt paralyzed,'}, {'start': '1481.840', 'end': '1485.679', 'text': 'my heart pounding against my ribs with'}, {'start': '1483.760', 'end': '1488.240', 'text': 'such ferocity that I feared he might'}, {'start': '1485.679', 'end': '1491.200', 'text': 'hear it. I swallowed hard. My throat'}, {'start': '1488.240', 'end': '1493.440', 'text': 'felt parched. Is Liam aware? The words'}, {'start': '1491.200', 'end': '1495.679', 'text': 'struggled to escape. His demeanor'}, {'start': '1493.440', 'end': '1497.600', 'text': 'remained unchanged. No. I drew in a'}, {'start': '1495.679', 'end': '1500.159', 'text': 'breath with effort. Is your wife'}, {'start': '1497.600', 'end': '1503.039', 'text': 'inclined to do so? A fleeting shadow'}, {'start': '1500.159', 'end': '1504.880', 'text': 'danced across his features. He let out a'}, {'start': '1503.039', 'end': '1507.360', 'text': 'breath through his nostrils, his hand'}, {'start': '1504.880', 'end': '1510.720', 'text': 'moving to massage his jaw. The situation'}, {'start': '1507.360', 'end': '1513.600', 'text': 'is intricate. Intricate. That term that'}, {'start': '1510.720', 'end': '1515.760', 'text': 'is secure. simple terms that individuals'}, {'start': '1513.600', 'end': '1518.320', 'text': 'employ to diminish the significance of'}, {'start': '1515.760', 'end': '1520.559', 'text': 'things. Intricate, as if a phone were'}, {'start': '1518.320', 'end': '1523.200', 'text': 'shattered, a work schedule that failed'}, {'start': '1520.559', 'end': '1525.840', 'text': 'to align. A debate about the destination'}, {'start': '1523.200', 'end': '1527.679', 'text': 'for our evening meal. This is not it.'}, {'start': '1525.840', 'end': '1530.400', 'text': 'The burden of what I had just witnessed'}, {'start': '1527.679', 'end': '1532.880', 'text': 'was overwhelming. The secret now lingers'}, {'start': '1530.400', 'end': '1535.279', 'text': 'between us, heavy and perilous. He'}, {'start': '1532.880', 'end': '1537.919', 'text': 'moved, advancing nearer. I retreated'}, {'start': '1535.279', 'end': '1539.840', 'text': 'before I could re in my impulses. My'}, {'start': '1537.919', 'end': '1541.760', 'text': 'hands balled into tight fists at my'}, {'start': '1539.840', 'end': '1544.799', 'text': "sides. I hope you won't judge me too"}, {'start': '1541.760', 'end': '1546.799', 'text': 'harshly, he said. My stomach churned. I'}, {'start': '1544.799', 'end': '1549.279', 'text': 'ought to have spoken up, confronted him'}, {'start': '1546.799', 'end': '1551.840', 'text': 'directly. I expressed to him the depth'}, {'start': '1549.279', 'end': '1553.679', 'text': 'of the error in this situation. Yet I'}, {'start': '1551.840', 'end': '1555.520', 'text': 'remained rooted in place, trembling'}, {'start': '1553.679', 'end': '1557.279', 'text': 'voiceless. For all the fury and'}, {'start': '1555.520', 'end': '1559.520', 'text': 'disbelief that coursed through me, there'}, {'start': '1557.279', 'end': '1561.600', 'text': 'lingered another emotion quietly nestled'}, {'start': '1559.520', 'end': '1564.320', 'text': 'beneath the surface. A matter I'}, {'start': '1561.600', 'end': '1567.120', 'text': 'preferred to leave unnamed. Strength not'}, {'start': '1564.320', 'end': '1570.159', 'text': 'belonging to me. His. He was putting me'}, {'start': '1567.120', 'end': '1572.159', 'text': 'to the test, observing my response.'}, {'start': '1570.159', 'end': '1574.559', 'text': 'He observed me with the same intensity'}, {'start': '1572.159', 'end': '1576.880', 'text': 'as he had in the kitchen, but this time'}, {'start': '1574.559', 'end': '1578.799', 'text': 'felt different. In that moment, I was'}, {'start': '1576.880', 'end': '1581.279', 'text': 'acutely aware of the type of man he'}, {'start': '1578.799', 'end': '1582.840', 'text': 'truly was. Yet, beneath his gaze, I'}, {'start': '1581.279', 'end': '1584.799', 'text': "couldn't shake the feeling of"}, {'start': '1582.840', 'end': '1587.039', 'text': 'insignificance. It was as if he'}, {'start': '1584.799', 'end': '1589.600', 'text': 'possessed an uncanny foresight into my'}, {'start': '1587.039', 'end': '1591.520', 'text': 'thoughts. As if it held no significance'}, {'start': '1589.600', 'end': '1594.480', 'text': 'at all, I compelled my voice to'}, {'start': '1591.520', 'end': '1596.480', 'text': 'function. I shall not. I shall remain'}, {'start': '1594.480', 'end': '1598.559', 'text': 'silent. The words lingered. A bitter'}, {'start': '1596.480', 'end': '1601.120', 'text': 'flavor on my tongue. A subtle change'}, {'start': '1598.559', 'end': '1603.760', 'text': 'flickered across his face. A whisper of'}, {'start': '1601.120', 'end': '1606.320', 'text': 'contentment, a quiet triumph. He gave a'}, {'start': '1603.760', 'end': '1608.720', 'text': 'single nod. Excellent. Then, as if'}, {'start': '1606.320', 'end': '1610.559', 'text': "nothing had transpired, as if he hadn't"}, {'start': '1608.720', 'end': '1613.360', 'text': 'just shattered everything I believed to'}, {'start': '1610.559', 'end': '1616.080', 'text': 'be true, he turned and walked away. The'}, {'start': '1613.360', 'end': '1617.919', 'text': 'door clicked shut behind me, secured it.'}, {'start': '1616.080', 'end': '1620.320', 'text': 'Then I settled onto the bed, drawing my'}, {'start': '1617.919', 'end': '1622.880', 'text': 'knees close to my chest, my heart still'}, {'start': '1620.320', 'end': '1625.679', 'text': 'pounding, my skin chilled. Sleep eluded'}, {'start': '1622.880', 'end': '1628.480', 'text': 'me. Whenever I shut my eyes, their faces'}, {'start': '1625.679', 'end': '1630.960', 'text': 'danced before me. his hands upon her,'}, {'start': '1628.480', 'end': '1633.440', 'text': 'the manner in which he had gazed at me.'}, {'start': '1630.960', 'end': '1635.600', 'text': 'For a fleeting instant, I found myself'}, {'start': '1633.440', 'end': '1638.320', 'text': 'uncertain about my desire to flee from'}, {'start': '1635.600', 'end': '1640.400', 'text': 'him or in his direction. I departed'}, {'start': '1638.320', 'end': '1643.120', 'text': 'before the first light of dawn broke the'}, {'start': '1640.400', 'end': '1644.880', 'text': "horizon. Prior to Liam's awakening,"}, {'start': '1643.120', 'end': '1646.880', 'text': 'before I was compelled to meet her gaze'}, {'start': '1644.880', 'end': '1648.799', 'text': 'and fain that nothing had changed'}, {'start': '1646.880', 'end': '1650.640', 'text': 'before, I found myself compelled to'}, {'start': '1648.799', 'end': '1652.720', 'text': 'smile, to laugh, to weave tales that'}, {'start': '1650.640', 'end': '1654.559', 'text': 'masked the truth. All while carrying a'}, {'start': '1652.720', 'end': '1657.200', 'text': 'secret that felt foreign yet clung to me'}, {'start': '1654.559', 'end': '1659.120', 'text': 'as if it were my own. As I quietly eased'}, {'start': '1657.200', 'end': '1662.159', 'text': 'the front door open, the house remained'}, {'start': '1659.120', 'end': '1664.320', 'text': 'still answering, excessively silent. I'}, {'start': '1662.159', 'end': '1667.039', 'text': 'found myself an outsider in a space that'}, {'start': '1664.320', 'end': '1668.880', 'text': 'had previously embraced me as its own. I'}, {'start': '1667.039', 'end': '1670.960', 'text': 'felt as though I no longer had a place'}, {'start': '1668.880', 'end': '1672.400', 'text': 'there. I lingered in my car, fingers'}, {'start': '1670.960', 'end': '1674.159', 'text': 'tightly wrapped around the steering'}, {'start': '1672.400', 'end': '1676.240', 'text': 'wheel, my gaze fixed on the Harris'}, {'start': '1674.159', 'end': '1678.720', 'text': 'residence beyond the windshield. It'}, {'start': '1676.240', 'end': '1680.880', 'text': 'appeared unchanged, as if nothing had'}, {'start': '1678.720', 'end': '1682.880', 'text': 'transpired, as if I had never witnessed'}, {'start': '1680.880', 'end': '1685.360', 'text': 'what lay before me, as if the world'}, {'start': '1682.880', 'end': '1687.840', 'text': 'within had remained unchanged. Yet I'}, {'start': '1685.360', 'end': '1689.679', 'text': 'did. It filled me with disdain. As I'}, {'start': '1687.840', 'end': '1691.520', 'text': 'navigated the road back home, an'}, {'start': '1689.679', 'end': '1693.200', 'text': 'oppressive silence enveloped me. The'}, {'start': '1691.520', 'end': '1695.120', 'text': 'burdens of the night settling heavily'}, {'start': '1693.200', 'end': '1697.760', 'text': 'within, constricting my chest and'}, {'start': '1695.120', 'end': '1699.840', 'text': 'thickening my throat. Upon my return, I'}, {'start': '1697.760', 'end': '1701.760', 'text': 'found Levi, still lost in slumber,'}, {'start': '1699.840', 'end': '1703.600', 'text': 'nestled on his side of the bed, his'}, {'start': '1701.760', 'end': '1705.760', 'text': 'breath slow and steady, utterly'}, {'start': '1703.600', 'end': '1708.000', 'text': 'undisturbed. I lingered for a moment,'}, {'start': '1705.760', 'end': '1710.320', 'text': 'observing him intently. He remained'}, {'start': '1708.000', 'end': '1712.399', 'text': 'still, oblivious to my absence. I'}, {'start': '1710.320', 'end': '1714.640', 'text': 'nestled into bed beside him, yet slumber'}, {'start': '1712.399', 'end': '1716.880', 'text': 'eluded me. I lay there gazing at the'}, {'start': '1714.640', 'end': '1719.679', 'text': 'ceiling, endlessly replaying every'}, {'start': '1716.880', 'end': '1722.000', 'text': 'moment in my mind. After that, I steered'}, {'start': '1719.679', 'end': '1724.320', 'text': "clear of Liam's house. I chose to"}, {'start': '1722.000', 'end': '1726.559', 'text': 'overlook her calls, allow her messages'}, {'start': '1724.320', 'end': '1729.360', 'text': 'to accumulate. Where have you wandered'}, {'start': '1726.559', 'end': '1731.679', 'text': 'off to? Are you upset with me? Has'}, {'start': '1729.360', 'end': '1734.399', 'text': 'something occurred? I felt compelled to'}, {'start': '1731.679', 'end': '1736.960', 'text': 'refuse her. Everything is just fine. How'}, {'start': '1734.399', 'end': '1739.120', 'text': 'about we grab a coffee together? Let us'}, {'start': '1736.960', 'end': '1741.200', 'text': 'engage in a discourse on the concept of'}, {'start': '1739.120', 'end': '1743.600', 'text': 'nothingness. Let us assume that'}, {'start': '1741.200', 'end': '1746.240', 'text': 'everything remains the same. Yet I found'}, {'start': '1743.600', 'end': '1748.640', 'text': 'myself unable to do so for the reason'}, {'start': '1746.240', 'end': '1750.799', 'text': 'that everything had transformed. What'}, {'start': '1748.640', 'end': '1753.279', 'text': 'could possibly be more disheartening?'}, {'start': '1750.799', 'end': '1755.520', 'text': 'Uncertainty enveloped me, leaving me'}, {'start': '1753.279', 'end': '1758.080', 'text': 'puzzled about the source of my feelings.'}, {'start': '1755.520', 'end': '1760.399', 'text': 'I was not the one who was unfaithful. I'}, {'start': '1758.080', 'end': '1762.240', 'text': 'was not the one being dishonest. What'}, {'start': '1760.399', 'end': '1764.320', 'text': 'was it that stirred such guilt within'}, {'start': '1762.240', 'end': '1767.120', 'text': 'me? What was it about this thought that'}, {'start': '1764.320', 'end': '1768.799', 'text': 'sent my stomach into a spiral of unease?'}, {'start': '1767.120', 'end': '1770.679', 'text': 'What was it about the buzzing of my'}, {'start': '1768.799', 'end': '1772.720', 'text': 'phone that made my hands tremble with'}, {'start': '1770.679', 'end': '1775.679', 'text': 'uncertainty? What was it that made me'}, {'start': '1772.720', 'end': '1777.440', 'text': 'feel so engaged? I reassured myself that'}, {'start': '1775.679', 'end': '1779.840', 'text': 'it was merely the aftermath of the'}, {'start': '1777.440', 'end': '1781.440', 'text': 'shock, the treachery, the burden of'}, {'start': '1779.840', 'end': '1784.000', 'text': 'possessing knowledge that was never'}, {'start': '1781.440', 'end': '1785.840', 'text': 'meant for my eyes. Yet beneath the'}, {'start': '1784.000', 'end': '1787.760', 'text': 'surface, I understood that this was not'}, {'start': '1785.840', 'end': '1790.240', 'text': 'the entire truth. It was more than'}, {'start': '1787.760', 'end': '1792.880', 'text': 'merely what met my eyes. It was in the'}, {'start': '1790.240', 'end': '1794.799', 'text': 'way his gaze met mine. His voice'}, {'start': '1792.880', 'end': '1796.880', 'text': 'enveloped me in the hallway, low,'}, {'start': '1794.799', 'end': '1799.360', 'text': 'smooth, and deliberate. In that fleeting'}, {'start': '1796.880', 'end': '1801.760', 'text': 'moment, I experienced a sensation.'}, {'start': '1799.360', 'end': '1804.480', 'text': 'Something I preferred to leave unnamed.'}, {'start': '1801.760', 'end': '1806.960', 'text': 'Time slipped away. Then a week passed.'}, {'start': '1804.480', 'end': '1809.440', 'text': 'Subsequently, a message appeared from'}, {'start': '1806.960', 'end': '1811.919', 'text': "him. I trust you are doing well. It's"}, {'start': '1809.440', 'end': '1814.159', 'text': 'time for us to have a conversation. My'}, {'start': '1811.919', 'end': '1817.039', 'text': 'stomach churned. My gaze lingered on the'}, {'start': '1814.159', 'end': '1819.600', 'text': 'screen. My heart races. It would be best'}, {'start': '1817.039', 'end': '1821.760', 'text': 'to remove it. I would remove it. There'}, {'start': '1819.600', 'end': '1824.240', 'text': 'was no necessity for me to engage in'}, {'start': '1821.760', 'end': '1826.399', 'text': 'conversation with him. I had no need for'}, {'start': '1824.240', 'end': '1828.720', 'text': 'anything he could offer. I lingered over'}, {'start': '1826.399', 'end': '1831.200', 'text': 'the message for just a moment more. With'}, {'start': '1828.720', 'end': '1833.720', 'text': 'a decisive motion, I swiped left.'}, {'start': '1831.200', 'end': '1836.159', 'text': 'Removed, the task was completed,'}, {'start': '1833.720', 'end': '1838.399', 'text': 'vanished. Later that night, as I lay'}, {'start': '1836.159', 'end': '1840.559', 'text': 'alone in bed with Levi peacefully asleep'}, {'start': '1838.399', 'end': '1842.080', 'text': 'beside me, the house enveloped in'}, {'start': '1840.559', 'end': '1844.399', 'text': 'darkness and the silence almost'}, {'start': '1842.080', 'end': '1846.880', 'text': 'deafening, I found myself opening my'}, {'start': '1844.399', 'end': '1848.720', 'text': 'messages, moved the cursor downward,'}, {'start': '1846.880', 'end': '1851.200', 'text': 'looked to see if he had messaged once'}, {'start': '1848.720', 'end': '1853.760', 'text': 'more. He had not. I ought to have'}, {'start': '1851.200', 'end': '1856.559', 'text': 'experienced a sense of relief. I was'}, {'start': '1853.760', 'end': '1858.320', 'text': 'not. Instead, I remained there, my'}, {'start': '1856.559', 'end': '1860.399', 'text': 'thoughts whirling with inquiries I was'}, {'start': '1858.320', 'end': '1862.880', 'text': 'reluctant to voice. Is it wise to'}, {'start': '1860.399', 'end': '1865.760', 'text': 'confide in Liam? Should I inform his'}, {'start': '1862.880', 'end': '1868.240', 'text': 'wife? O I to take some action, or should'}, {'start': '1865.760', 'end': '1869.960', 'text': 'I simply feain ignorance as he wished'}, {'start': '1868.240', 'end': '1872.320', 'text': 'and act as if none of it ever'}, {'start': '1869.960', 'end': '1875.039', 'text': 'transpired? If you found yourself in my'}, {'start': '1872.320', 'end': '1877.279', 'text': 'situation, how would you respond? Would'}, {'start': '1875.039', 'end': '1879.760', 'text': 'you share the truth with Liam? Would you'}, {'start': '1877.279', 'end': '1882.000', 'text': 'take a moment to sit her down, gaze into'}, {'start': '1879.760', 'end': '1884.080', 'text': 'her eyes, and shatter the idealized'}, {'start': '1882.000', 'end': '1885.760', 'text': 'vision she holds of her father? Would'}, {'start': '1884.080', 'end': '1887.679', 'text': 'you reveal to her that the man she'}, {'start': '1885.760', 'end': '1889.679', 'text': 'loves, the man she trusts, the man she'}, {'start': '1887.679', 'end': '1891.919', 'text': 'believes in, is not the person she'}, {'start': '1889.679', 'end': '1894.399', 'text': 'imagines him to be? Or would you choose'}, {'start': '1891.919', 'end': '1896.720', 'text': 'to remain silent? Could you act as if'}, {'start': '1894.399', 'end': '1898.720', 'text': 'you never witnessed anything? Persuade'}, {'start': '1896.720', 'end': '1900.880', 'text': "yourself that it doesn't concern you?"}, {'start': '1898.720', 'end': '1902.799', 'text': 'Could you bear the burden of the secret,'}, {'start': '1900.880', 'end': '1905.200', 'text': 'feeling its weight crush your chest each'}, {'start': '1902.799', 'end': '1907.039', 'text': 'time her smile graced your sight, all'}, {'start': '1905.200', 'end': '1909.279', 'text': 'the while aware that her entire world'}, {'start': '1907.039', 'end': '1911.120', 'text': 'teetered on a foundation of deception?'}, {'start': '1909.279', 'end': '1913.200', 'text': 'Pray tell. What course of action would'}, {'start': '1911.120', 'end': '1915.519', 'text': 'you choose? For regardless of the'}, {'start': '1913.200', 'end': '1917.919', 'text': 'direction I choose, there seems to be no'}, {'start': '1915.519', 'end': '1920.240', 'text': 'correct solution. To reveal the truth'}, {'start': '1917.919', 'end': '1922.559', 'text': 'would shatter her heart. I shatter the'}, {'start': '1920.240', 'end': '1925.039', 'text': 'bonds of her family. I hurl a grenade'}, {'start': '1922.559', 'end': '1927.679', 'text': 'into a life that does not belong to me,'}, {'start': '1925.039', 'end': '1930.240', 'text': 'seeking to obliterate it. In silence, I'}, {'start': '1927.679', 'end': '1932.880', 'text': 'allow a falsehood to thrive. I shield a'}, {'start': '1930.240', 'end': '1934.960', 'text': 'man unworthy of such defense. I bear the'}, {'start': '1932.880', 'end': '1937.360', 'text': 'burden of awareness. And the most'}, {'start': '1934.960', 'end': '1939.440', 'text': 'troubling aspect, I find myself'}, {'start': '1937.360', 'end': '1942.080', 'text': 'questioning whom I am truly safeguarding'}, {'start': '1939.440', 'end': '1944.640', 'text': 'her from, or I myself. Share your'}, {'start': '1942.080', 'end': '1947.200', 'text': 'reflections in the comments below. Is it'}, {'start': '1944.640', 'end': '1949.360', 'text': 'wrong for me to keep this to myself? Be'}, {'start': '1947.200', 'end': '1951.360', 'text': 'sure to subscribe to shocking infidelity'}, {'start': '1949.360', 'end': '1953.000', 'text': 'saga for more astonishing real life'}, {'start': '1951.360', 'end': '1955.360', 'text': 'tales that will leave you utterly'}, {'start': '1953.000', 'end': '1958.080', 'text': 'speechless. Because believe me, secrets'}, {'start': '1955.360', 'end': '1959.600', 'text': 'of this nature, they always resurface.'}, {'start': '1958.080', 'end': '1962.080', 'text': 'There are certain mysteries that are'}, {'start': '1959.600', 'end': '1964.159', 'text': 'best left undisturbed. Yet upon'}, {'start': '1962.080', 'end': '1966.880', 'text': 'discovering the truth, one finds'}, {'start': '1964.159', 'end': '1968.640', 'text': 'themselves irrevocably transformed. It'}, {'start': '1966.880', 'end': '1970.559', 'text': 'becomes an indelible part of your'}, {'start': '1968.640', 'end': '1972.559', 'text': "perception, it's an experience that"}, {'start': '1970.559', 'end': '1974.720', 'text': 'lingers impossible to erase from the'}, {'start': '1972.559', 'end': '1976.720', 'text': 'depths of your being. The moment before'}, {'start': '1974.720', 'end': '1979.200', 'text': 'everything shifted is forever lost to'}, {'start': '1976.720', 'end': '1982.159', 'text': 'you. Trust is delicate on a single'}, {'start': '1979.200', 'end': '1984.320', 'text': 'night. A single look, a single error,'}, {'start': '1982.159', 'end': '1986.279', 'text': 'and it breaks apart. And when it'}, {'start': '1984.320', 'end': '1988.720', 'text': "happens, there's no way to piece it back"}, {'start': '1986.279', 'end': '1990.720', 'text': 'together. Exercise caution in choosing'}, {'start': '1988.720', 'end': '1993.039', 'text': 'your idols. For there are moments when'}, {'start': '1990.720', 'end': '1996.159', 'text': 'those we admire, they harbor the most'}, {'start': '1993.039', 'end': '1996.159', 'text': 'profound secrets of'}]