MSA Stories That Shaped 2024 - MSA Oscars

Name: MSA Stories That Shaped 2024 - MSA Oscars
Uploaded: 2025-05-31T18:52:42+00:00
Duration: 1 h 22 min
Channel: Master Mixer
Description: My story animated is a digital platform that provides teenagers and adults the most interesting and life changing stories with the world.

Master Mixer

5/31/2025

My story animated is a digital platform that provides teenagers and adults the most interesting and life changing stories with the world.

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Fun

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00:00:00Hi, I'm Camilia from Brazil. Before I tell you my story, please like and subscribe.

00:00:04My parents were super, super rich. Just kidding. We were living in the poorest neighborhood in town.

00:00:11Mom stayed at home and Dad mowed lawns and we had little to no money.

00:00:15Hmm, maybe I should have subscribed to this channel and tried to win $10,000.

00:00:19Hey, you should try that. Subscribe to MSA today and you could be the lucky winner of $10,000 in just 7 days.

00:00:26Fingers crossed. But anyways, being poor didn't stop my parents from spoiling my younger brother Pedro rotten.

00:00:33You see, Pedro was a genius. By the time he was 8 months old, he could say his alphabet and count to 100.

00:00:39By the time he was 2, he was doing mathematical equations and solving puzzles.

00:00:44Our baby is a genius. He's going to make us so proud.

00:00:47And what am I? Chop lover?

00:00:49On my 5th birthday, instead of the princess house with the car and pool I wanted, Mom stitched me a doll from old clothes.

00:00:55We just don't have the money, sweetie.

00:00:57But Pedro received a brand new remote control car.

00:01:01Sweetie, we had to get Pedro something as well.

00:01:04That wasn't even the worst of it. Pedro was allowed to go to school and I wasn't.

00:01:08My parents said it was because Pedro had a special gift.

00:01:11So they used all the money they had to send him to a private school for gifted children.

00:01:16And they couldn't even afford books for me to go to a public school.

00:01:19Life was so unfair. I felt so invisible.

00:01:22The only time my parents saw me was when they wanted me to do some chore around the house.

00:01:27Over time, I just got used to it.

00:01:29And since I couldn't read books to myself, or I didn't have a phone to watch videos, I started to sew to pass my time.

00:01:35Camellia, what did you do to my curtains?

00:01:37I fell in love with creating new things from old stuff.

00:01:41And I wanted to become a fashion designer.

00:01:43Because of how differently my parents treated Pedro and me, we never grew up close.

00:01:47And he always saw me as his slave, even though I was older than he was.

00:01:51Clip my toenails. Clean my shoes.

00:01:53When I was 11, I begged my parents to send me to a sewing school.

00:01:57Mom, Dad, I deserve to be able to follow my dreams too.

00:02:00They don't have the money to send you to some stupid sewing school when they're going to send me to the most prestigious college in the country.

00:02:08I'm sorry, Camilla, but we have to support the child who has greater potential and will make the family proud.

00:02:12With that, Mom and Dad just walked away as Pedro stood there with a stupid smirk on his face.

00:02:18Oh, I wanted to smack him hard.

00:02:20It was then that I decided I'd do whatever it took to get myself into a sewing school.

00:02:25I tried to get a job, but nobody wanted to hire an 11-year-old, not even as a clown for a birthday party.

00:02:30When I was 13, things looked as though they were turning around, and I finally landed a babysitting job.

00:02:35But when my parents found out that I'd been neglecting household chores because of it, they were furious.

00:02:40I was grounded for two months, and Dad tore up all my designs that I had stuck on my bedroom walls over the years.

00:02:47I was devastated, but a tiny part of me refused to give up.

00:02:51I had to be smart.

00:02:52This time, when I drew, I hid my drawings under the floorboards of my bed, and when Mom sent me to the supermarket, I'd pass by the wishing fountain and take all the coins.

00:03:00Don't give me that judgmental look, but after three years of saving those coins, it still wasn't enough.

00:03:06Luckily for me, my life took an amazing turn when I turned 16, and that set things in motion for me.

00:03:12One day, while drawing in my room, I was so focused that I didn't see this girl peeking in at me through the window.

00:03:18Wow, that looks amazing!

00:03:20Ah!

00:03:21I toppled out of my chair and fell to the ground.

00:03:23The girl then did a backflip through my bedroom window and came in.

00:03:27Did the circus come to town?

00:03:29What do you want?

00:03:29Did my parents send you to spy on me?

00:03:31No, silly.

00:03:32I'm the new neighbor, and I didn't even let her finish.

00:03:35I just picked her up, threw her out of the window, and closed the curtains.

00:03:38As much as I wanted a friend, I didn't want anyone to know that I couldn't read or write.

00:03:42What would she think of me?

00:03:43But that didn't stop the crazy backflip girl.

00:03:46Over the next few days, she did everything she could to get my attention, even juggling three cats while she balanced a mug of water on her head.

00:03:53What a weirdo.

00:03:54One day, I decided to take a shortcut home because I had seen a lady with the most amazing outfit, and I wanted to get home and sketch it.

00:04:01Just then, I heard a man yell behind me.

00:04:03Watch out!

00:04:05As I turned, I saw a huge crane ball coming my way.

00:04:08I froze in place, but luckily for me, someone pushed me to the ground just in time.

00:04:12Girl, are you crazy?

00:04:14This is a danger zone.

00:04:15Can't you read?

00:04:16I, uh, oh God, I was sweating like a bald man in spring.

00:04:20Can you read?

00:04:21I sighed heavily and shook my head.

00:04:24That's okay.

00:04:24I can't draw amazing fashion designs like you can.

00:04:27Let's go and grab some ice cream.

00:04:28My treat.

00:04:29While eating the ice cream, crazy backflip girl, I mean, Sophia, told me that she had moved next door with her parents and older brother Harrison.

00:04:37Also, that Harrison was a rotten egg and always got himself into trouble.

00:04:41She also told me that her father lost his job after his boss accused him of stealing money from his office and then blacklisted him so no one else would hire him while her mother worked as a maid for some rich lady.

00:04:53I told her that my parents hated me and wouldn't even let me go to school while they treated Pedro like he was a prince.

00:04:59What do they think this is?

00:05:01The 16th century?

00:05:02No girl left behind.

00:05:03Woman power.

00:05:04Over the next few months, Sophia taught me how to read and write.

00:05:08She was a great teacher and I was a quick learner.

00:05:10Sophia's mother even supplied me with her old drapes to practice my designs on.

00:05:14As much as I loved my bestie, there was a downside of being neighbors with Sophia.

00:05:19Harrison and Pedro became best friends and they'd go out of their way to make mine and Sophia's life a living nightmare.

00:05:26So we stayed out of their way as much as possible.

00:05:28But then one evening, when I was coming home after getting groceries, I saw two guys push some guy to the ground and grab his keys.

00:05:35Hey! Stop it!

00:05:36The guys looked around and I was shook.

00:05:38Pedro? Harrison?

00:05:40Let's get out of here!

00:05:41They hopped into the car and sped off.

00:05:43Was Pedro crazy?

00:05:45That night, I cornered Pedro in his room.

00:05:47What the heck was that stunt you pulled today?

00:05:50What I do is none of your business.

00:05:52You're my younger brother.

00:05:53Of course it's my business.

00:05:55If you tell mom and dad anything, I'll tell them that Sophia has been tutoring you.

00:05:59I couldn't afford to lose Sophia's friendship.

00:06:01So, I kept my mouth shut and kept a close eye on Pedro.

00:06:04I found out that he'd been failing his subjects in school and he was missing classes to hang out with Harrison and his goons.

00:06:11I was so frustrated that I thought my head was going to explode.

00:06:14Maybe you should start a podcast to ease some of your frustration.

00:06:19Talk to strangers about my story?

00:06:21That'll be weird.

00:06:22Sometimes, strangers make the best listeners.

00:06:25That night, Sophia helped me set up an anonymous podcast using her phone.

00:06:28I went by the name Raven and it felt so good to get so many things off my chest.

00:06:33But what felt even better was reading the comments encouraging me to follow my dreams despite my parents' unfair treatment.

00:06:39They even encouraged me to open an online store and set up a GoFundMe to get started.

00:06:44And soon, my clothes were being sold faster than I could make them.

00:06:48Yeah, I set up a secret workshop in Sophia's basement where I worked at night.

00:06:51Over the next two years, it was a rollercoaster.

00:06:54First, Harrison was arrested for pickpocketing and his father shipped him off to the Navy.

00:06:59When he left, Pedro got a hundred times worse and he was even kicked out of school.

00:07:04And he continued to hang out with the wrong crowd.

00:07:06My parents always made excuses for him.

00:07:09But my life was super awesome.

00:07:11I saved up enough money to get into the most prestigious fashion school in the country.

00:07:16The only thing left to do was to send in my application, which required me to create any design of my choice.

00:07:22You've got this, bestie.

00:07:23I'm rooting for you.

00:07:25Over the next two months, I worked endlessly to create the most beautiful ball gown known to man.

00:07:30I needed to get into this school.

00:07:32I had something to prove to myself.

00:07:34A few nights before the submission of my dress, while at Sophia's, I saw Pedro enter her parents' bedroom.

00:07:40I snuck up to the door and peeked through the crack.

00:07:42I watched in shock as Pedro was stuffing his pockets with jewelry.

00:07:47Pedro, what on earth are you doing?

00:07:49Pedro gave me one look and jumped through the window like a frog.

00:07:53Sophia and her parents had been too good to me to let Pedro get away with this.

00:07:56I ran home, but when I opened the door, the confrontation did an uno reverse on me.

00:08:01Dad glared at me as he was holding a necklace in his hand.

00:08:04Camilia, why was this in your dresser?

00:08:06As if on cue, Pedro walked into the room to examine the necklace.

00:08:10Wait, isn't that Sophia's mother's?

00:08:13You should know, since you stole it.

00:08:15Pedro told us that he saw you take this.

00:08:17I didn't steal anything.

00:08:19It was Pedro.

00:08:20I just don't understand where we went wrong with you.

00:08:23Me?

00:08:23Pedro's the one who got kicked out of school.

00:08:25Oh, genius, my butt.

00:08:27We also found cash hidden under the floorboards.

00:08:29Where did you steal that from?

00:08:30I froze.

00:08:31How did they...

00:08:32My eyes met Pedro's and an evil glint flashed over his eyes.

00:08:36That's my money.

00:08:37I earned it.

00:08:38Stop lying, Camilia.

00:08:40I think it's time to teach Little Miss Fashionista a lesson that she will never forget.

00:08:45Pedro, bring the dress.

00:08:47Dress?

00:08:47What dress?

00:08:48The words stuck in my throat when I saw Pedro return with my submission dress.

00:08:52I watched in horror as Mom lit the fireplace and took the dress from Pedro.

00:08:57Mom, please, don't.

00:08:59You will learn your place in this family, Camilia.

00:09:02My mother threw my dress in the fireplace and it lit up quicker than a barbecue on Independence

00:09:07Day.

00:09:08I tried to get it out, but Dad and Pedro held me back as I kicked and screamed.

00:09:12After a while, my dress was nothing but ashes.

00:09:16As an avalanche of tears ran down my face, I knew that my time in this family was up.

00:09:21I wanted to attack my parents and Pedro, but I decided to pack my bags and I went to Sofia's.

00:09:26That night, after bawling my eyes out, I did a live podcast and revealed to my listeners

00:09:31what I had just endured under the hands of my parents.

00:09:34This time, I used their real names.

00:09:37Yep, I was done being the nice guy.

00:09:39By the next morning, my parents were chased out of the neighborhood and the rich lady Sofia's

00:09:43mom worked for pulled some strings and she got me another submission date.

00:09:47Bestie, this dress is even better than the last one.

00:09:51I have to admit, I really did outdo myself.

00:09:53About two weeks later, I received a letter in the mail.

00:09:56Beads of sweat ran down my forehead.

00:09:59With trembling fingers, I opened the letter and my jaw dropped.

00:10:03What does it say?

00:10:04I got accepted into the fashion school.

00:10:06Yes!

00:10:07I felt as though I were on cloud nine.

00:10:09Over the next four years, while I was away at school, Sofia went to a community college.

00:10:13I worked hard and came out at the top of my class.

00:10:16I earned a junior position in a fashion company.

00:10:19I even convinced Sofia's dad to apply as a manager there and he got the job.

00:10:23It wasn't long after they were able to move into a nice place.

00:10:26I was finally living my dream.

00:10:29One night, after one of the company's shows, I spotted my parents in the hallway waiting

00:10:33for me.

00:10:34What are you guys doing here?

00:10:35I see you're a fashion designer.

00:10:37I'm so proud of you.

00:10:39I'm so proud of you.

00:10:40Words I always wanted to hear my parents say, but I knew they weren't sincere.

00:10:44Why are you here?

00:10:46Dad shifted uncomfortably.

00:10:48Pedro's in trouble.

00:10:49He and some of his friends got caught breaking into a bank and we need money to bail him

00:10:53out.

00:10:53And after everything you and mom did to me, you think that I would help you?

00:10:57Sweetheart, we're family.

00:10:59And that's what families do.

00:11:00They help each other out.

00:11:02But where was my family growing up?

00:11:05Where were you when I needed you?

00:11:07Are you going to help or not?

00:11:09Not.

00:11:10Had you done your job as parents and parented Pedro instead of letting him wrap you around

00:11:14his finger, he wouldn't be in a jail cell now.

00:11:17As I looked across the room, I saw Sophia and her parents waiting for me.

00:11:21Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to join my real family.

00:11:25I pushed past my parents and walked toward the people who helped me and never turned their

00:11:29backs on me.

00:11:30Family is not just about blood, but those who stood by you through thick and thin.

00:11:34Have I told you guys how amazing you are?

00:11:37Not recently, no.

00:11:38You guys are amazing.

00:11:40So are you, bestie.

00:11:41I love you.

00:11:42And I'm so proud of you.

00:11:44I love you, too.

00:11:45Hi, I'm Cece, and this is my story.

00:11:57Before I begin, don't forget to like and subscribe.

00:11:59And hey, new MSA merch alert.

00:12:01Our latest bottles and notebooks are out now.

00:12:03Grab them via the link in the description and upgrade your gear.

00:12:06I was born in Paris, the city of love.

00:12:09Love was everywhere.

00:12:11In the heart-shaped cakes in the bakeries, in the balloons all the street merchants sold

00:12:15under the Eiffel Tower, and in the random rounds of applause whenever someone proposed

00:12:19publicly, which happens like a hundred times a day.

00:12:22Yeah, love was everywhere, except our house.

00:12:25My earliest memories are of my parents fighting over the tiniest things, and of Lola, my sister

00:12:30who was seven years older, distracting me.

00:12:33I got you new furniture for your dollhouse.

00:12:35Let's rearrange it in my room.

00:12:36Why are mom and dad yelling?

00:12:38Are they going to be okay?

00:12:40Of course they'll be okay.

00:12:42Parents fight.

00:12:42This is normal.

00:12:43Don't worry.

00:12:44It didn't feel normal.

00:12:46It felt like my whole world was going to crumble down.

00:12:49And the only stable thing around me was Lola.

00:12:51When her parents eventually divorced, mom moved to Italy to become an opera singer, and

00:12:56dad soon realized his mistake and spiraled.

00:12:59He locked himself up in their room, and we rarely saw him.

00:13:02From that moment onwards, Lola became my unofficial parent.

00:13:06You cannot eat ice cream before dinner.

00:13:08You're not my real mom!

00:13:10Why did you fail math?

00:13:11I spent my whole week tutoring you!

00:13:13You're not my real mom!

00:13:15It's fair to say, I drove Lola crazy.

00:13:17She was forced to become my mother at a very young age.

00:13:20And I could be a brat.

00:13:22Also, I kind of ruined her plans for the future and her relationship with her very serious boyfriend,

00:13:28Jordan.

00:13:28Jordan and Lola had planned to go away to college together.

00:13:31Seeing that Lola had to work and take care of me since our dad was useless, Jordan left

00:13:36her and went off to college on his own.

00:13:38I'm sorry, Lola.

00:13:39There isn't a place for both me and Cece in your life.

00:13:41This is it for us.

00:13:42I felt guilty that Lola had lost both her boyfriend and her dreams, so I no longer wanted

00:13:48to give her a hard time.

00:13:49I started paying attention in class, helping her around the house, and even preparing

00:13:53her favorite meals and desserts.

00:13:54Ugh, there is no love like sisterly love, Cece.

00:13:58Never forget that.

00:14:00We only have each other in this life.

00:14:01One day, as I was working at my part-time cashier job in a coffee shop, I noticed a very

00:14:06rich-looking guy staring at me.

00:14:08I could feel his gaze without even lifting my head.

00:14:11Naturally, I decided to stare back until he got uncomfortable and broke eye contact.

00:14:15But he was a tough opponent.

00:14:17Give it up, creep.

00:14:18Didn't your mommy teach you it's rude to stare at people?

00:14:21But he still didn't flinch.

00:14:22He insisted on being in the line I was serving, even though the other one was empty.

00:14:27One Americano, please.

00:14:28Will that be all?

00:14:29How about your number on the side?

00:14:31I just stood there with a poker face until he finally gave up and said,

00:14:35Yes, that will be all.

00:14:37One Americano coming up.

00:14:38Name?

00:14:39Ben.

00:14:39That'll be four euros, Ben.

00:14:41He gave me a hundred and told me to keep the change with a wink.

00:14:45Nice try, jerk.

00:14:46If you think you can buy my number, you're sadly mistaken.

00:14:49Take your stupid money.

00:14:50I'm just a generous tipper, girl.

00:14:52Then I will get your number eventually.

00:14:54And by the way, your eyes are gorgeous.

00:14:56And then he left.

00:14:57I wish I had shoved that change in his stupid face.

00:15:00Oh well.

00:15:01I could just use it to buy Lola something nice.

00:15:03This rich jerk kept coming back every day.

00:15:06And I'd always notice he had bodyguards waiting outside the shop for him.

00:15:09One day he came in when the place was empty.

00:15:11I won't leave until you give me your number.

00:15:14Then I hope you brought a change of clothes and a toothbrush.

00:15:16You know, Cece, not to be a self-centered jerk, but I'm a great catch.

00:15:20If you're so great, why are you so desperate to get my number?

00:15:24Determined is a better term.

00:15:26I enjoy a hard challenge and I just can't get you out of my head.

00:15:29Then get a new head.

00:15:30I would, but I have great hair.

00:15:33You're not getting my number, weirdo.

00:15:35We'll see.

00:15:36For the next few weeks, he showed up with extravagant gifts.

00:15:39Like a full mariachi band or roses that filled up the stores and customers couldn't get in.

00:15:45My boss finally snapped and told me to handle the situation or I was out.

00:15:49Of course, I couldn't get fired.

00:15:51I had to help Lola with the household expenses.

00:15:54So I caved and gave him my number.

00:15:56I'd just block him later.

00:15:57When I told my coworkers what happened, they all burst out laughing and started showing me his pictures on the internet.

00:16:03Turns out, he wasn't just a rich kid, but a famous actor as well.

00:16:07Apparently, he had bought the staff's silence because he didn't want me to go out with him simply for being famous.

00:16:12To my surprise, he wasn't that big of a jerk either.

00:16:15He was crazy romantic.

00:16:17Like, crazy romantic.

00:16:19One day, I mentioned that I was craving pizza, so he insisted on going to Napoli for lunch.

00:16:24I thought he managed to get last-minute tickets on a plane to Italy, but turns out, we were going with his private jet.

00:16:31You know, Cece, when I first met you and realized that you didn't know who I was, I felt truly alive.

00:16:36I had a rare opportunity to introduce myself, however I liked, to someone who didn't already have some opinions about me.

00:16:42Well, for future reference, you didn't do a great job at it.

00:16:45You came off as a creep.

00:16:47Yeah, you made that very clear.

00:16:49Don't worry.

00:16:49He was sweet, charming, and attentive, and I found myself falling for him.

00:16:54I was hesitant to bring Ben home to see our poor house and meet my useless dad.

00:16:58Only when I made sure he actually loved me and accepted me no matter what, I invited him to dinner.

00:17:03But Lola wasn't too enthusiastic about him.

00:17:06You're spending too much time with him, Cece.

00:17:09Boys are trouble and a distraction.

00:17:11You should be focusing on your studies to get into a good college instead of dating flamboyant stars.

00:17:16I'm not a kid anymore.

00:17:17Don't worry about me.

00:17:18Also, I can do both.

00:17:20Then, Ben and I went public, and he started taking me to all his premieres and movie sets.

00:17:25Sometimes, I would miss school and travel with him wherever he went.

00:17:28Lola was furious about this.

00:17:31I did not break my back to keep you in school and give up on my dreams so you can live in some stupid fairy tale with a boyfriend.

00:17:38Fairy tales aren't real.

00:17:39I'm grateful for the things that you've done, but you can't keep holding that over my head.

00:17:44You also chose to do this, and I try to pitch in.

00:17:47You're welcome to stop caring for me now and go back to school.

00:17:50You're an ungrateful brat, Cece.

00:17:52You just met this boy.

00:17:54You're not his first love, nor the last.

00:17:56Don't get too used to this lifestyle, because it won't be long before he drops you.

00:18:00Then we'll see what you'll do.

00:18:02Kiddo, you almost sound like you resent me for getting a taste of the good life.

00:18:06Just let me be, Lola.

00:18:08But she didn't let me be.

00:18:10One day, I came home after a trip to Hollywood and found Lola waiting for me in the dark.

00:18:15Have a seat.

00:18:16OMG, you freak.

00:18:17You scared me.

00:18:19I think you should see this.

00:18:20What's this?

00:18:21Your Prince Charming isn't so innocent.

00:18:23I hired a private detective to follow him around.

00:18:26See for yourself.

00:18:27I couldn't believe Lola would go that far.

00:18:29Where did she even get the money to do this?

00:18:31In the folder she gave me, I found pictures of Ben and Saint-Tropez playing volleyball with many models

00:18:37and screenshots of him replying to other girls' stories on Instagram.

00:18:41That didn't really bother me, till I saw a photo of him having dinner with one of his exes.

00:18:46And they were holding hands.

00:18:48I felt utterly disgusted and couldn't believe Lola was right.

00:18:52Ben had already left on another trip for two weeks,

00:18:55so I just blocked his number and blocked him on all the socials, too.

00:18:58And I promised Lola that I'd never speak to him again.

00:19:01But I did find myself missing him.

00:19:03So, instead of caving and unblocking him, I decided to watch one of his movies.

00:19:08So, one evening, there I was, engrossed in his latest spy film

00:19:12and a family-sized pizza topped with pepperoni and my salty tears

00:19:16when I caught a glimpse of something outside my window.

00:19:19It was Ben, swinging from a rope off the roof like a low-budget action hero.

00:19:23I quickly opened the window before he fell down and smashed his most valuable asset,

00:19:28his money-making face.

00:19:29What are you doing?

00:19:30Well, it was impossible to reach you by any normal means,

00:19:33and Lola wouldn't let me in, so I thought I could swing outside your window

00:19:36until you tell me what's wrong.

00:19:38Do you think I'm stupid?

00:19:39Do you think I wouldn't know about your affairs?

00:19:41What the?

00:19:42You heard me.

00:19:43I know all about Saint-Tropez and your DMs with other girls,

00:19:46and the dinner with your ex.

00:19:47I showed him the pictures, and to my surprise,

00:19:49he burst out laughing and tussled my hair.

00:19:52You dummy, you.

00:19:54Well, first, these so-called models are my cousins.

00:19:56Gross.

00:19:57I can't help it if we're all a good-looking bunch.

00:19:59Secondly, these DMs are made by a very famous fake account.

00:20:02Everyone on Earth knows this person is acting like me.

00:20:05How did you even miss this?

00:20:06Okay, fine.

00:20:07But what about the dinner?

00:20:08How are you going to justify that?

00:20:09Well, now that's embarrassing.

00:20:11I got an anonymous call telling me that this big-time director

00:20:14wanted to meet me to discuss his upcoming superhero franchise,

00:20:18for which he wanted to cast me.

00:20:19I smelled something fishy because the call didn't come through my manager,

00:20:22but I was too afraid to miss the opportunity, so I went.

00:20:25There I found my ex, who had received the exact same call.

00:20:29It was obviously some kind of stupid setup,

00:20:31but there wasn't even any paparazzi around that we could see.

00:20:34And here I'm holding her hand because she's telling me her cat died.

00:20:38I didn't bring this meeting up because it wasn't anything important.

00:20:41Do you honestly think I believe that?

00:20:43Yes.

00:20:43Do you know why?

00:20:44I voice-recorded all my calls and meetings, so here you go.

00:20:47Oh, man.

00:20:48He humbled me quickly and left me speechless.

00:20:51I hated being proved wrong.

00:20:53But where did you get these pictures?

00:20:55Did you hire someone to stalk me?

00:20:56Don't flatter yourself.

00:20:58They were thrown my way.

00:20:59Don't think for a minute that I'm obsessed with you.

00:21:01Cece, baby, it's too late.

00:21:03I've seen you eat that pizza with snot and tears crying over me.

00:21:06I hit him with the cushion as he laughed, then he hugged me.

00:21:09The next morning, I told Lola everything, but she wasn't relieved or happy.

00:21:14And you believe him?

00:21:15You're so naive, Cece.

00:21:17Well, I know him more than you or your private detective.

00:21:20He's an honest guy who loves and spoils me.

00:21:23Can't you just be happy for me?

00:21:24You're my sister.

00:21:25Is that too much to expect?

00:21:27Lola looked at me and then sighed.

00:21:29You're right.

00:21:30I suppose I can give him a chance.

00:21:32I was only trying to protect you.

00:21:33He seems too good to be true.

00:21:35I know, but maybe I lucked out and he doesn't have any skeletons in his closet?

00:21:40Yeah, maybe.

00:21:41But just as I thought everything was on track, it all exploded in my face.

00:21:46One morning, as I was watching the news, I saw a picture of Ben's father shaking hands with some thug.

00:21:52In the latest Hollywood drama, the famous businessman, also known as Ben's father,

00:21:55is allegedly smuggling illegal goods and accepting bribes.

00:21:58Does this mark the fall of his empire and possibly Ben's reputation and career too?

00:22:03As I watched in horror, I suddenly noticed Lola standing behind the couch,

00:22:07a huge, evil smirk on her face.

00:22:10And the realization washed over me.

00:22:12Lola was somehow behind this.

00:22:14Lola?

00:22:16My scream shut the house and I turned around to pounce on her.

00:22:20Even Dad, who hadn't come out of his room in ages, came out running as we rolled around on the floor.

00:22:25How dare you humiliate Ben and his family like that?

00:22:28What did you do?

00:22:29Just use some AI-generated images.

00:22:32Ow!

00:22:33Calm down, will you?

00:22:34I'm doing what's best for you.

00:22:36This is what's best for me?

00:22:38Ruining my relationship and someone's life?

00:22:41How could you do that?

00:22:42Ben was nothing but nice to you.

00:22:44I've been nothing but nice to you.

00:22:46What is your problem?

00:22:48And then, Lola's face twisted with rage.

00:22:51My problem is you thinking you deserve to go off and live your fairytale life with your stupid, perfect boyfriend when I gave up everything for you.

00:22:59So what?

00:23:00I should just live here and take care of our useless dad?

00:23:03After giving up on my boyfriend and my dreams?

00:23:05And it was all for you.

00:23:08Finally, the truth comes out.

00:23:10You jealous, horrible dinosaur.

00:23:12I slapped her hard.

00:23:13You selfish, ungrateful pig.

00:23:16Our epic slap showdown kept going until our palms were sore and Dad finally intervened.

00:23:22I stormed off and shut myself up in my room.

00:23:24How could I tell Ben my sister ruined his family's reputation?

00:23:28I tried calling him to see how he was taking it, but I couldn't reach him or anyone from his family or managers.

00:23:34He just disappeared from the face of the earth.

00:23:37I joined my dad in despair and didn't leave my room when Lola was in the house.

00:23:41And I certainly didn't leave the house.

00:23:44One night, as I was watching one of Ben's films, I heard loud knocks on the door and police sirens outside.

00:23:49Dad and I got out of our rooms quickly, only to find the police taking Lola away.

00:23:54You're being detained on suspicion of defamation through made-up evidence.

00:23:57You have the right to remain silent.

00:23:59Lola, I swear, I had nothing to do with this.

00:24:01I know, Cece.

00:24:02I did.

00:24:03Lola turned herself in?

00:24:05But why?

00:24:06I rushed to prison after her and waited until I managed to see her.

00:24:10Why did you do that?

00:24:11I couldn't bear seeing you so miserable.

00:24:13I already lost Mom and Dad, and I can't stand the thought of losing you two.

00:24:18I was afraid you'd go off with your prince one day, and I'd be alone and miserable.

00:24:22And I got really jealous and selfish.

00:24:25Ben made you happy, and you deserved that.

00:24:27Now that it's public, his father was framed, I'm sure he'll turn up again.

00:24:31I was speechless.

00:24:32I believed Lola regretted what she'd done, but she had to pay the price for it now.

00:24:36And Ben would get to hear that it was Cece behind everything,

00:24:39and would make sure he stayed away from me forever.

00:24:41But one day, as I was leaving the police station after visiting Lola,

00:24:45I bumped into Ben. I... I thought I'd never see you again.

00:24:49My family and I were advised to stay low and not to talk to anyone till the matter was cleared up.

00:24:53Now I'm here to pay Lola's bail, and we're dropping all charges against her.

00:24:56What? Why would you do that?

00:24:58Because she turned herself in, so she obviously regrets it.

00:25:01And because I love you, and she's your sister.

00:25:03And because I'm confident that I can win her over too.

00:25:06I wore you down, didn't I?

00:25:08You sure did. And I love you too.

00:25:10Hi, my name is Natalie, and I fell in love with a monster.

00:25:23But before I continue, please like and subscribe to MSA.

00:25:26Please support MSA in style.

00:25:28Our bottles and notebooks are perfect for teens on the go.

00:25:31Check them out in the description.

00:25:32I never really meant to fall in love at all.

00:25:34In fact, I was absolutely against it.

00:25:36I'd just gotten out of a bad relationship with my ex, who dated five girls behind my back.

00:25:41And when I confronted him about it, he had the nerve to blame me.

00:25:44I just needed some attention, and you were never there.

00:25:48I live two houses down from you.

00:25:49If you were lonely, you should have just come over or called.

00:25:53That's too much work.

00:25:54And you know I hate talking on the phone.

00:25:57And hanging out at your house is so boring.

00:26:00My face is too pretty to be stuck inside all day.

00:26:02I was thinking maybe I can be your boyfriend on Fridays, and I can date other people on Saturdays.

00:26:08I dumped that idiot and tried dating other guys, but that didn't work out.

00:26:12It felt like I was kissing a bunch of frogs.

00:26:14They were either too stupid, too vain, or just plain jerks.

00:26:18On my 16th birthday, I decided to stay away from boys and focus on school instead.

00:26:23I had dreams of following in my parents' footsteps and becoming a famous architect.

00:26:27But then I met Sam, and he ruined my life.

00:26:31Sam was a star football player with a cocky attitude, and he walked around school like

00:26:35he owned the place.

00:26:36All the girls were in love with him, and boys acted like he was some kind of superhero.

00:26:41Sam sat next to me in science class, and every day he'd wink at me with this dumb grin on

00:26:45his face, but I ignored him.

00:26:47He wasn't my type.

00:26:48Anyway, one time during a science test, I caught Sam copying my answers.

00:26:52Hey, jerk face, stop cheating.

00:26:54Get over yourself.

00:26:56I'm smarter than you.

00:26:57I dropped my pencil on the floor, and I was picking it up.

00:27:00Three of your answers are wrong anyway.

00:27:02Yeah, right.

00:27:03You think I was born yesterday?

00:27:04Suddenly, the teacher popped up out of nowhere and started screaming like a maniac.

00:27:09She snatched our tests, gave us a big fat F, and sent us both straight to detention.

00:27:14I tried to tell her I was innocent, but she refused to listen.

00:27:17After detention, Sam caught up to me, and I was mad as a wet cat.

00:27:21I'm really sorry.

00:27:22Leave me alone.

00:27:23You've done enough damage.

00:27:25I didn't mean to get us in trouble.

00:27:26I really did drop my pencil.

00:27:28I'll make it up to you.

00:27:29I swear.

00:27:30I stormed off.

00:27:31But the next day, Sam convinced the teacher to let us work on a special project after school

00:27:35so we could get extra credit.

00:27:37Cena, it's all good.

00:27:38I told you I'd make this right.

00:27:40It's the least you could do.

00:27:41You're the one who got us into this mess.

00:27:43I'll take that as a thank you.

00:27:45Besides, you're the lucky one.

00:27:47You get to spend time with me and my biceps.

00:27:49He started flexing his muscles like he was in a bodybuilding competition.

00:27:53Then he pulled out his phone and took a selfie.

00:27:55Could you be any more self-absorbed?

00:27:57Come on.

00:27:59I'm just joking.

00:28:00I'm actually really cool if you get to know me.

00:28:02He gave me his number, winked at me, and then walked away.

00:28:06So annoying.

00:28:07Sam and I met after school to work on our project, and to my surprise, he was actually

00:28:11really smart.

00:28:12And I tried to fight it, but I started to develop a huge crush.

00:28:16Sam had the most beautiful brown eyes, and every time he looked at me, my heart fluttered.

00:28:21One time, his finger brushed against mine, and I swear there was a spark.

00:28:25Before I knew it, we were holding hands, and we went from talking about atoms and electrons

00:28:29to kissing.

00:28:31And man, that kiss was amazing.

00:28:33After that, we were inseparable.

00:28:35We couldn't get enough of each other.

00:28:36We finished each other's sentences.

00:28:38Soon, we were madly in love.

00:28:41An epic love, like you read about in fairy tales.

00:28:43Life was perfect, but then everything changed.

00:28:47Suddenly, Sam stopped meeting me after class.

00:28:49He stopped answering my texts and funny memes.

00:28:51I figured he was busy, so I gave him some space.

00:28:54Then I heard he quit the football team.

00:28:56I got really worried, so I asked him about it.

00:28:58I'm fine.

00:28:59It's nothing.

00:29:00No, it's not.

00:29:01You've been playing football your whole life.

00:29:03You've been obsessed with playing in college and going pro.

00:29:06You can't just quit.

00:29:07You're not the boss of me.

00:29:09I do what I want.

00:29:10He marched off without another word.

00:29:12After that, things got even worse.

00:29:14He started hanging out with a bad crowd, and he totally changed.

00:29:17He didn't smile anymore or crack jokes like before.

00:29:20He was as cold as an iceberg.

00:29:22Every time I tried to talk to him, he was snappy and rude.

00:29:25Then one day, he stopped showing up in school.

00:29:27I went by his house, but it was empty with a for sale sign outside.

00:29:31I asked the neighbors what happened, and they told me that Sam and his parents left in the middle of the night.

00:29:36I tried everything to reach Sam.

00:29:38I was so confused and worried.

00:29:39Then one day, he DM'd me from his Insta.

00:29:42He told me he wanted to break up, suggested that I move on with my life, and then blocked me.

00:29:46I was completely devastated.

00:29:49I couldn't imagine life without Sam, and I couldn't understand why he'd do this to me.

00:29:53I collapsed onto my bed and hid under the covers for days.

00:29:56My best friend, Shelly, came to my rescue.

00:29:58She brought me ice cream, chocolate cake, and we watched dozens of MSA videos.

00:30:03Slowly, I started to feel better.

00:30:05But every time I saw something that reminded me of Sam, I burst into tears.

00:30:08It's been six months.

00:30:10It's time for you to move on.

00:30:12But there's no me without Sam.

00:30:13We're two peas in a pod.

00:30:15Two halves of one heart.

00:30:17I can't live with half a heart, Shelly.

00:30:19I'm only human.

00:30:20Shelly grabbed all my pictures and gifts from Sam and tossed them into a shoebox.

00:30:24What are you doing?

00:30:25I'm giving you your freedom back.

00:30:27Sam's long gone.

00:30:28It's time for you to move on.

00:30:30Shelly was right.

00:30:31They were just things, and they only made me sad.

00:30:34Shelly put all Sam's stuff in the fireplace.

00:30:36We burned them and roasted marshmallows.

00:30:39And slowly, things started getting better.

00:30:41I even graduated from high school at the top of my class.

00:30:43Shelly and I applied to our dream college, and we both got in.

00:30:47During our first week there, Shelly and I went to this cool college party,

00:30:50and this boy named Roger asked me to dance.

00:30:53I'm not much of a dancer.

00:30:54I'm not either.

00:30:55Don't worry about it.

00:30:57Just follow my lead.

00:30:58Roger pulled me to the dance floor, and we danced the night away.

00:31:01Though we both looked like a pair of crazy chickens stomping our feet and shaking her butts.

00:31:06I couldn't remember the last time I'd had so much fun.

00:31:09Roger wasn't the hottest boy around, but he certainly had confidence and charm.

00:31:13One day you're gonna marry me.

00:31:14I hardly know you.

00:31:16Plus, I'm happily single.

00:31:17Not for long.

00:31:19I'm going to chase you, treat you like a princess, and soon you'll be in love with me.

00:31:23After that, Roger went on a mission to capture my heart.

00:31:26He brought me a bouquet of daisies.

00:31:28I saw them and thought of you.

00:31:30But I was allergic, and I broke out in hives.

00:31:32A week later, he tried to cook for me at his place.

00:31:34I think something's burning.

00:31:36It's not burning.

00:31:37Everything's fine.

00:31:38Then the kitchen caught fire.

00:31:40Every day, Roger tried something new to win my heart, and it started to get out of hand.

00:31:45He hung a banner from the roof of my dorm to wish me a happy birthday and almost fell off a ladder.

00:31:50He jumped on a stage at a nightclub to sing me a song and twisted his ankle.

00:31:54As I drove him to the emergency room, he asked me to be his girlfriend.

00:31:58Honestly, even though I didn't feel crazy sparks with him, it felt nice to be loved this way.

00:32:03He was a good guy, so I said yes.

00:32:05A couple years later, I got an internship to work at my family's business, and it was the best.

00:32:10I helped my parents design a state-of-the-art office building and land a huge new client.

00:32:15One morning before work, I stopped at a coffee shop for breakfast.

00:32:18I'd just taken a huge bite of my scone when I looked up and saw Sam walk through the front door.

00:32:24My heart nearly stopped.

00:32:25I felt a surge of emotion I hadn't felt in a while.

00:32:28And then he spotted me.

00:32:29Natalie?

00:32:30I gulped down my scone in a hurry, and suddenly I was choking.

00:32:34I jumped out of my seat and started flapping my arms around like a wild bird,

00:32:38banging into customers and knocking coffee all over the place.

00:32:41Then suddenly, Sam rushed toward me and performed the Heimlich maneuver, and I spat out my scone.

00:32:46As I gasped for air and backed away from him, I slipped on some spilled coffee, hit my head, and everything went black.

00:32:53I woke up in a hospital bed and saw Roger and Shelly staring down at me.

00:32:57I'm so happy you're okay, Gumdrop.

00:32:59I don't know what I would have done without you.

00:33:01Thank goodness your friend Sam was there.

00:33:03The doctor said that he saved your life.

00:33:05You met Sam?

00:33:06He was here at the hospital.

00:33:08He left ten minutes ago.

00:33:09Don't worry, Pumpkin.

00:33:11I invited him out to dinner tomorrow night.

00:33:13It's the least we could do.

00:33:14He saved your life.

00:33:15Roger hugged me tight.

00:33:17I smiled and pretended to be cool, but my stomach started turning backflips.

00:33:21A couple of hours before dinner, I started freaking out.

00:33:24Shelly came over to calm me down.

00:33:25I can't do this.

00:33:27What's the big deal?

00:33:28You're over Sam, right?

00:33:29I don't know.

00:33:30I'm not sure.

00:33:31What do you mean you're not sure?

00:33:33You've been with Roger for two years.

00:33:35I know, but when I saw Sam, all my feelings for him just don't even say it.

00:33:39That jerk broke your heart, remember?

00:33:41He didn't deserve you then, and he doesn't deserve you now.

00:33:44Shelly was right.

00:33:45Sam was a heartless snake, so he might have saved my life.

00:33:49But even monsters are nice at least one day out of the year, right?

00:33:52I didn't need to be nervous about this dinner.

00:33:54I was dating Roger, and he was twenty times better than Sam.

00:33:57So, I put on my fanciest dress and spent an hour on my makeup.

00:34:01I was gonna show Sam what he was missing.

00:34:03When we got to the restaurant, I was surprised that Sam showed up with a girl named Tia, who

00:34:08he introduced as his girlfriend.

00:34:10She looked like a supermodel, but she had the IQ of a rock.

00:34:14When Roger told Sam we were applying to graduate school, she said,

00:34:17You don't need to go to graduate school to learn how to graduate.

00:34:21Uh, that's not...

00:34:22Listen, all you do is tell your dad to pay off a couple of teachers to give you an A.

00:34:27Then, you walk across the stage like this.

00:34:30Tia stood up and strutted up and down the restaurant, bumping into a waiter holding a

00:34:34tray of food, which was spilled all over her dress.

00:34:37The date was over after that, and I thought I was in the clear.

00:34:40But soon, Sam and Tia started showing up everywhere.

00:34:43I saw them at the coffee shop, Sam worked at my gym, and we both walked our dogs at

00:34:48the same park.

00:34:48And the worst thing was that Roger loved going on double dates with Tia and Sam.

00:34:53And I hated it.

00:34:55My blood boiled when I saw them holding hands.

00:34:57I wanted to scream when Sam kissed her.

00:35:00And I wanted to cry when I saw Sam smile and look at Tia the way he used to look at me.

00:35:04Then one day, I lost it.

00:35:06I called Sam and told him to meet me at a park on the other end of town where no one would

00:35:10see us.

00:35:10Okay, what's with all the secrecy, Nat?

00:35:12I feel like we're in a spy movie.

00:35:14I needed privacy.

00:35:16Fine, we're alone.

00:35:17Just me and you.

00:35:19Reminds me of old times.

00:35:20Sam stepped toward me, and my stupid heart fluttered.

00:35:23I hadn't been that close to him in years.

00:35:26I could smell his cologne, and it brought back so many beautiful memories.

00:35:30Then suddenly, blazing hot rage coursed through my veins.

00:35:34I hate you!

00:35:35Look, I was in a bad place.

00:35:37You made me fall in love with you, and then you broke my heart, and now that I finally moved

00:35:41on you weaseled your way back into my life to hurt me again.

00:35:44No, that's not what I'm doing.

00:35:46You're a monster.

00:35:47Leave me alone.

00:35:49I never want to see you again.

00:35:50I broke into tears, ran to my car, and drove off.

00:35:53But when I got home, I saw Roger at my door.

00:35:55What's wrong, Cupcake?

00:35:56I told Roger that I didn't want to go on any double dates with Sam and Tia anymore.

00:36:01I just wanted to focus on us.

00:36:03Of course, Sugar Bear.

00:36:04Whatever you want.

00:36:05Then I kissed Roger, but all I could think about was Sam.

00:36:08When I pulled away, Roger had this strange look on his face.

00:36:12Then he got down on one knee.

00:36:14I think I want to marry you.

00:36:16I don't have a ring, but I can get one right away.

00:36:18Just tell me what you want, and I'll buy it.

00:36:21I want it perfect, just like our love.

00:36:23I was overwhelmed and speechless.

00:36:26I'm sorry, I have to go.

00:36:27I think I left the iron on.

00:36:29Let's talk tomorrow, okay?

00:36:30I rushed inside and shut the door behind me.

00:36:32That night, Roger sent me pictures of dozens of rings and wedding venues.

00:36:36All of them were amazing.

00:36:38And part of me started thinking that sealing the deal with Roger would just make me move on for good.

00:36:43Okay, this is madness.

00:36:44You can't marry Roger if you're still in love with Sam.

00:36:48But you said he didn't deserve me, and you're right.

00:36:50He just came back to hurt me.

00:36:51And what he did the first time, that is unforgivable.

00:36:55Actually, that's not true.

00:36:57Ugh.

00:36:57I thought I wouldn't tell you because you were happy with Roger,

00:37:00but I can see that you're not, and I can't stay quiet anymore.

00:37:04What are you talking about?

00:37:05I've been volunteering at the hospital, and a few days ago,

00:37:08I spotted Sam leaving my uncle's examination room, who's an oncologist.

00:37:12I snuck in later and looked at Sam's file.

00:37:14My uncle caught me, and he was furious.

00:37:16But since I begged, he told me the whole story.

00:37:19Sam got really sick in high school.

00:37:21That's why he quit the football team.

00:37:23He was going through special treatment, but it wasn't working.

00:37:26So he and his parents moved away to enroll in a special treatment program.

00:37:29Now he's cured, but he still has to take medicines.

00:37:32I think Sam broke up with you because he didn't know if he was going to survive it,

00:37:36and he couldn't bear to see you hurt.

00:37:37That's why he was a jerk.

00:37:39He wanted you to forget about him and move on.

00:37:42My heart felt crushed hearing this.

00:37:44But he's moved on.

00:37:45He's dating Tia.

00:37:46They broke up yesterday.

00:37:48Now she's dating a movie star.

00:37:49They're insta-official.

00:37:51I have to talk to Sam.

00:37:52What about Roger?

00:37:54I went straight to Roger's house and told him that I couldn't marry him.

00:37:57But why, Sugar Plum?

00:37:59You deserve someone better than me.

00:38:01I gave away my whole heart to someone else a really long time ago,

00:38:05and I never really got it back.

00:38:07I'm so sorry.

00:38:08Roger burst into tears, but he appreciated that I told him the truth.

00:38:12I hopped in my car and drove to the gym where Sam worked and almost hit a truck as I swerved into the parking lot.

00:38:17I texted Sam and begged him to come outside.

00:38:20I get it.

00:38:20You hate me.

00:38:21What else do you need to say?

00:38:23I know what you did, and you're an idiot.

00:38:25A big, stupid idiot.

00:38:27Sam stared at me.

00:38:28I'm sorry.

00:38:29I just didn't want to hurt you.

00:38:31Well, you did that anyway.

00:38:33I didn't need you to protect me.

00:38:35True love fights and lasts through the good and the bad.

00:38:38So what now?

00:38:39I threw my arms around him and held on tight as he hugged me back.

00:38:43You never let me go.

00:38:47I think I can do that.

00:39:09Life used to be all fun and games with my twin, Nadia.

00:39:12We did everything together.

00:39:13Watched cartoons, played games, and even wore identical clothes.

00:39:16We were so alike, even our parents got mixed up.

00:39:19But as we grew older, things changed.

00:39:21We started liking different things, and by the time we were in fifth grade, everyone saw that Nadia was way smarter than me.

00:39:27Mom was a university teacher, and she was always talking about Nadia's good grades to everyone and giving her extra lessons.

00:39:33She tried with me once, but when I didn't understand quickly, she just sighed.

00:39:37Some kids shine, others don't.

00:39:39It made me feel bad.

00:39:41Nadia's study sessions grew longer, and our playtime disappeared, like our matching outfits.

00:39:45How about a cartoon break?

00:39:47For old time's sake.

00:39:48Can't.

00:39:48Mom thinks they're just a distraction now.

00:39:50And then, Mom started giving me more and more house chores.

00:39:54At first, I didn't mind helping, but then I noticed she was doing it on purpose to keep me away from my sister.

00:39:59Leave your sister alone.

00:40:00She's studying.

00:40:01Go wash the dishes.

00:40:02But I just wanted a little help with my math.

00:40:04Ask your teacher for help.

00:40:06Nadia's busy, and those dishes aren't going to wash themselves.

00:40:09And after that, you can organize your closet.

00:40:12If you can't manage that mess, you're not going to get very far ahead in life.

00:40:15You don't always have to be like that.

00:40:17It's all right, Christina, honey.

00:40:18Let's go do the dishes together.

00:40:19Nadia and I were growing distant.

00:40:21Mom paid me no attention, and she and Dad fought a lot, mostly about the way she treated me.

00:40:26And I couldn't help feeling that I was the reason our family was tearing apart.

00:40:30Eventually, Mom and Dad split up, and I ended up moving out with Dad to a really dingy apartment.

00:40:36Look on the bright side, honey.

00:40:38Adventures await us.

00:40:39Adventures, huh?

00:40:40More like nightly mouse marathons and indoor rain.

00:40:43This place just needs a little love.

00:40:45And you can choose the decor.

00:40:47Pink for your room?

00:40:47Maybe black, just like my future.

00:40:50Surprisingly, I came home to find one wall in my room painted black.

00:40:53Dark moments show us how the little things can shine.

00:40:57He put bright flowers against the black wall.

00:40:59Notice how the colors stand out now?

00:41:01It's pretty, I guess.

00:41:03You'll understand someday.

00:41:04Always look for the bright spots.

00:41:06Positive thinking was tough, especially with school growing weirder by the day.

00:41:10Everyone at school thought of me as the other dumb sister.

00:41:14Even my teachers seemed to feel sorry for me.

00:41:16Christina, maybe put in some extra effort?

00:41:19You might surprise yourself.

00:41:20Sure, I'll ask Mom for help.

00:41:22Oh, wait. She's too busy with her star student.

00:41:25I left the classroom upset when I heard Nadia's voice behind me in the hallway.

00:41:28What's wrong now?

00:41:29Just another day of me growing tired of being compared to you.

00:41:33It's not my fault.

00:41:34I just keep to myself.

00:41:35It must be nice not worrying about anyone else.

00:41:38I was walking off, but Nadia grabbed my arm.

00:41:40Hey, listen.

00:41:41I know you're upset, but there's something I can't tell you right now.

00:41:44It's why I am the way I am now.

00:41:46Please trust me.

00:41:47Or maybe you're just self-absorbed.

00:41:49And that's some stupid, mysterious lie you made up to make yourself sound more interesting.

00:41:54Well, it's not working, because not interested.

00:41:57Later, Nadia went to a fancy school for smart kids, and things got quiet.

00:42:02I missed her a lot, because even though we drifted apart, she was still my twin after all.

00:42:06And after that, I hardly saw her anymore.

00:42:09Even when I visited Mom's place, Mom was always too wrapped up in her own world.

00:42:13And I couldn't help but notice that, among the family photos on the walls, there wasn't a single one of just me.

00:42:19On my 15th birthday, Dad had a big grin and said he had a surprise for me.

00:42:23Guess what?

00:42:24I've got a girlfriend!

00:42:26She's Italian and she owns a pet shop.

00:42:28Let's go see it.

00:42:29Vanessa's super cool.

00:42:30You'll see.

00:42:30We walked into the pet shop, and it was like a jungle.

00:42:33Instead of puppies and kittens, there were snakes and big bugs.

00:42:37Holy moly, what is this?

00:42:39Vanessa had a big snake around her neck and smiled.

00:42:42That's just Ziggy, my whip scorpion.

00:42:44He's nice once you get to know him.

00:42:46Vanessa was full of energy and made the scary animals seem cool.

00:42:50And this majestic creature is Mr. Bean.

00:42:53The python is quite a gentleman.

00:42:55I thought I was the man in your life.

00:42:57Oh, you are.

00:42:58But Mr. Bean here is the silent type, and he never complains about my cooking.

00:43:03The way they were flirting with each other was so cringy.

00:43:07On the drive back, Dad wouldn't stop talking about Vanessa, and it was too much.

00:43:11Dad, I like Vanessa, but I'm not ready for a new mom.

00:43:14He looked sad, but I had to say it.

00:43:16Next time he invited me out with them, I said no.

00:43:19It felt like everyone was moving on except me.

00:43:22Dad had Vanessa.

00:43:23Nadia was busy being smart.

00:43:24And here I was feeling stuck and unnoticed.

00:43:27Vanessa, the snake lady, started hanging out at our place a lot.

00:43:31One afternoon, she was trying to bake a pumpkin pie, and she dumped a whole bag of flour on the floor and then tripped over the cat.

00:43:38I couldn't help laughing, even though I was trying to ignore her.

00:43:42After some time, Vanessa plopped a piece of pie in front of me, raising an eyebrow.

00:43:46Truce?

00:43:46She asked.

00:43:47And honestly, it smelled too good to ignore.

00:43:50Look, I know you don't like having me in your dad's life.

00:43:53And honestly, I never saw myself as a stepmom.

00:43:56I'm more like a free spirit, you know?

00:43:59But hey, your dad's got my heart doing cartwheels.

00:44:02So let's try to be friends, huh?

00:44:03I'm not like your typical stepmom witch type.

00:44:06Does that mean you won't give me a hard time for eating junk food?

00:44:09I'm the one offering pie for lunch, aren't I?

00:44:12Okay, she was quirky, and she had a point.

00:44:16Later on, I found myself helping her cook, and Dad got all teary seeing us getting along.

00:44:21Turns out, Vanessa was kinda cool to have around.

00:44:24But I still felt a bit like I was on the sidelines of everyone else's game.

00:44:27One day in my room, I noticed the flowers next to the black wall looking sad, their petals falling.

00:44:33Time for new flowers.

00:44:34Fresh flowers had become my thing.

00:44:36They cheered up the room.

00:44:37At the flower shop, I met Mrs. Garcia for the first time.

00:44:40She was super cool.

00:44:41Zipping around in her wheelchair, arranging bouquets with the biggest smile.

00:44:45Pick whatever makes you smile, Christina, she said, handing me the brightest bunch.

00:44:49I walked out of the flower shop super happy with my new flowers.

00:44:53I wasn't looking where I was going and didn't see a bite coming.

00:44:56It knocked me over, and I blacked out.

00:44:58I woke up in a hospital bed, and Nadia was there looking super worried.

00:45:02She ran off to find Dad as soon as I opened my eyes.

00:45:04The doctor said I'd hit my head pretty badly and was out for three whole days.

00:45:09But they checked me over and said I could go home.

00:45:11Back in my room, something about my flowers caught my eye.

00:45:14They seemed cooler somehow.

00:45:16I grabbed a pen and paper and started drawing, really getting into all the shapes and patterns I could see.

00:45:21What's up with you?

00:45:22Did you know flowers are kinda like math?

00:45:24They've got these patterns that are all just cool.

00:45:27Nadia looked at my drawings and turned white as a ghost.

00:45:30No way.

00:45:31Here, try these math problems.

00:45:33Stuff that used to look like alien code suddenly just made sense.

00:45:37I even solved the complex equations.

00:45:39Did my brain just level up or what?

00:45:41We gotta tell Mom.

00:45:42Like she'd care to check on me.

00:45:44She's not heartless, okay?

00:45:45She was actually worried.

00:45:47Don't defend her.

00:45:48You don't know everything.

00:45:49Then tell me.

00:45:50I told you, I can't.

00:45:51Ugh, then just go ahead and leave.

00:45:53I don't even want to know your stupid secret.

00:45:55Later, when Mom popped by, she barely glanced at Dad and Vanessa and came straight to me with a stack of papers.

00:46:01Time for a little test, Christina.

00:46:03After I finished, she examined the papers and just said,

00:46:06Pack up.

00:46:06You're staying with me now.

00:46:07Uh, what?

00:46:08Can we talk about this first?

00:46:10No need.

00:46:10She's got a gift.

00:46:11And I'm going to make sure it doesn't go to waste.

00:46:14Wait.

00:46:14You can't just show up and decide to take her.

00:46:16Where were you before and why are you suddenly loving her now?

00:46:20My God.

00:46:20I can't believe I'm even standing here listening to you.

00:46:23A nobody.

00:46:24I'm her mother.

00:46:25But if you must know, Christina might have acquired savant syndrome.

00:46:29And it's not something either of you can deal with.

00:46:31I can help her.

00:46:32She explained that sometimes a head bump can switch on a talent for things like art or math.

00:46:37She thought that's what had happened to me.

00:46:39And I couldn't help feeling excited.

00:46:41Could this be my shot to shine and get Mom's attention?

00:46:44I begged Dad.

00:46:45And finally, he said yes.

00:46:47Better watch out, Christina.

00:46:48My cousin in Rome got that acquired servant syndrome.

00:46:52He became arrogant and a real pain.

00:46:54Then he bumped his head again and went back to being stupid.

00:46:58Not that you're stupid, but you know what I mean.

00:47:01What kind of dumb syndrome is that, Vanessa?

00:47:03Did you come up with it while watching cartoons?

00:47:05I ignored Mom and ran to hug Vanessa before leaving.

00:47:08Mom enrolled me in Nadia's school.

00:47:10And on my first day, I felt nervous.

00:47:12But I noticed Nadia was popular and people were also interested in me.

00:47:16When they wondered why I just started there, Nadia jumped in.

00:47:19She was sick and overseas for treatment.

00:47:21Come on, Christina.

00:47:21Later, I asked her why she lied.

00:47:23Mom's orders.

00:47:24Just play along, okay?

00:47:25That sounded weird.

00:47:26But I brushed it off because I had lots to do.

00:47:29Before long, I caught up with all the schoolwork and even started getting better grades than Nadia.

00:47:34That's when Mom finally said she was proud of me for the first time in my life.

00:47:39And late one night, I overheard Mom screaming at Nadia in the living room.

00:47:42You call this a report card?

00:47:44Pathetic.

00:47:45All the years I spent working so hard with you down the drain.

00:47:48I'm trying my best.

00:47:50Your best?

00:47:51Your best is a joke.

00:47:52You're nothing like your sister.

00:47:53If you don't smarten up, you'll be a nobody just like your father.

00:47:57Hearing this, I felt stunned.

00:47:58Why was Mom being so harsh with Nadia and calling Dad a loser?

00:48:02That was just mean.

00:48:03I snuck into Nadia's room later and told her I heard the argument.

00:48:06Great.

00:48:07Now what?

00:48:07Mom's on my case expecting the best and you're making it harder.

00:48:11You're doing all this for her?

00:48:13Yes.

00:48:14She's always pushing me, being super strict.

00:48:16If I don't do well, she gets really mean and I can't deal with that.

00:48:20I didn't say anything before about how mean she is because I thought I wanted to be the best too

00:48:25and she was helping me.

00:48:26Now, it just feels like she's making me miserable.

00:48:30Mom was even tougher on Nadia than I thought and hearing that shook me.

00:48:34And now, Mom was dragging me to these math contests too that usually Nadia competed in.

00:48:38I didn't want to stress out Nadia more, but I also wanted to shine.

00:48:42Was that so bad?

00:48:43And soon, I was winning the math contest with record-breaking results.

00:48:47People started calling me a genius.

00:48:49Reporters interviewed me, I got my pictures taken, and I even spoke at Mom's university.

00:48:53All that praise and validation should have felt good, but somehow, I still felt empty

00:48:59inside.

00:48:59This isn't what I wanted.

00:49:01Ugh!

00:49:02That weekend, I needed to clear my head, so I visited Dad.

00:49:05On the way, I stopped by the old flower shop.

00:49:07Mrs. Garcia was there.

00:49:09Hey, Christina!

00:49:10What's new?

00:49:11How are you feeling now after the accident?

00:49:13And catching up with her, I spilled out my whole story.

00:49:16She was putting together a bouquet as she listened.

00:49:19Then she looked up and said, You know, Christina, a flower doesn't worry about being the tallest

00:49:23or the brightest in the bunch.

00:49:25It just grows at its own pace.

00:49:27That's kind of like us two.

00:49:29Suddenly, it made sense.

00:49:31Being myself was enough, whether I was winning math contests or not.

00:49:35Dad, Vanessa, and my friends didn't care about any trophies.

00:49:38They just liked me for me.

00:49:39They always had.

00:49:40Mom was the one caught up in who was the tallest, brightest flower.

00:49:44But Mrs. Garcia saw something else.

00:49:46A garden where every flower mattered.

00:49:48Seeing Nadia so unhappy, just trying to please Mom, made me sad.

00:49:52I used to be jealous, but not anymore.

00:49:55And I decided that something had to change.

00:49:57I got Dad and Vanessa on board, and we cooked up a plan.

00:50:00We just needed the perfect time to kick it off.

00:50:02That chance came during a live TV interview with me and Mom.

00:50:05The host asked me what it was like growing up with a ton of books.

00:50:08She loved it.

00:50:10Actually, that was Nadia.

00:50:11She always had her head in a book and never got to have any fun.

00:50:14The crowd was shocked, and Mom got stiff.

00:50:17I wasn't the bookworm.

00:50:18My smarts came after a head bump.

00:50:20You mean the illness you had.

00:50:22That's just Mom's story.

00:50:23She didn't want to acknowledge she had a dumb kid, I guess.

00:50:26Be quiet.

00:50:26I won't.

00:50:27And I don't care about winning math contests.

00:50:29Nadia doesn't either.

00:50:30We're done trying to please you.

00:50:32With that, I walked off and went backstage to find Nadia.

00:50:35Why'd you do that?

00:50:36Mom didn't bat an eye when she separated us, ruined her marriage, and used you to become popular.

00:50:41She ignored me all my life, and now she's using me.

00:50:45Nadia, we deserve better.

00:50:46Aren't you tired of being Mom's puppet?

00:50:48Come with me.

00:50:49We bolted before Mom could stop us.

00:50:51Dad was outside, ready to whisk us away.

00:50:53You can't take my kids.

00:50:55They're old enough to choose.

00:50:56Or do you want to take this up in court?

00:50:58Mom looked furious, but she stayed quiet, and we went home.

00:51:02Vanessa had a lovely dinner waiting, and it felt like a fresh start.

00:51:05And Nadia started helping Vanessa with the snakes, and it seemed to be her calling working with those slimy creatures.

00:51:12As for me, I'm still figuring things out.

00:51:14But for now, I'm just happy with the good stuff around me.

00:51:19I zoomed past other cars, my foot hitting the accelerator at every turn, as my friend Vanessa screamed for her life.

00:51:27Just then, I saw this police car tailing us and pulled to the side.

00:51:31Just do as I say, okay?

00:51:33Like I have a choice.

00:51:34Shut it.

00:51:34Oh, hey, officer.

00:51:36Was I going too fast?

00:51:38May I see your license, please?

00:51:40Oh, sure, officer cutie.

00:51:44It's cutie.

00:51:46Oopsie, my bad.

00:51:47You know, I had this dream last night that I was stopped by a policeman, and we went to this cute place by the ocean and shared a cold latte, since it's so hot these days.

00:51:57I mean, talk about global warming.

00:52:00You think it's getting hot in here?

00:52:01I think it is.

00:52:02What do you think, Vanessa?

00:52:03I think you should shut up.

00:52:06I think so, too.

00:52:07Now, please step out of the car.

00:52:09Really?

00:52:09None of my flirting worked, huh?

00:52:11Then I guess I have no choice but to do this.

00:52:15And I stepped on the gas and sped the car away.

00:52:18Hi, everyone.

00:52:19I'm Sage, and I'm about to tell you how I messed up my life.

00:52:23But before we get into that, please like and subscribe to MSA.

00:52:27I lived with my single mother and my twin sister Zoe in a small apartment in downtown New York.

00:52:33We didn't know anything about dad, except that he was a loser who turned his back on mom and left her totally heartbroken.

00:52:40One day you're going to come back crawling and begging for forgiveness, and I will spit on your face and make you cry.

00:52:47Mark my words!

00:52:49That never happened.

00:52:51And mom never found her true love again.

00:52:54That didn't stop her from trying, though.

00:52:56She worked as a receptionist at this fancy resort outside town, where she met tons of new people.

00:53:02Every month, she would date some new guy who would break her heart, and she'd become a sobbing mess.

00:53:08Like this one time, when Zoe and I were 10, mom started dating this Italian guy who left her because her pasta was too salty.

00:53:16It's garbage!

00:53:18At 13, there was a biker guy who thought it was a cool idea to teach mom how to ride a bike.

00:53:24Needless to say, mom fell, broke her arm, and couldn't work for weeks.

00:53:29And then, a year later, mom met this Indian guy who even moved in with us.

00:53:34Take a deep breath in.

00:53:37Now exhale.

00:53:39Now inhale.

00:53:41Now inhale and exhale at the same time.

00:53:45It's 5 in the morning, dude.

00:53:47Can we speed this up?

00:53:49Yoga is all about patience.

00:53:50The more you practice it, the better you get.

00:53:53Now, let's try again.

00:53:55Ugh, so annoying.

00:53:58But mom thought he was perfect and sold off her jewelry to invest in his stupid yoga retreat.

00:54:04But he just pocketed all the money and disappeared without a trace.

00:54:09How could I be so stupid?

00:54:12We were planning to set up this cute bakery next to the yoga retreat.

00:54:17He'd teach yoga and I'd bake cookies.

00:54:20You know yoga's a form of exercise, right?

00:54:23Cookies are kind of counterproductive.

00:54:26Ugh, why are you like that?

00:54:28Like what?

00:54:29Smart and practical?

00:54:31No, mean and heartless.

00:54:33Can't you see mom's in pain?

00:54:34Maybe I was a bit heartless.

00:54:37Growing up poor makes you accept reality in a harsh way.

00:54:40But with Zoe, it was different.

00:54:43She was Delulu.

00:54:45Thanks to mom and her awful choice in men, she grew up thinking that the only way to have

00:54:49a good life was to get your hooks into someone rich and successful.

00:54:53I was reading this fashion blog and they said if I sleep with a clothespin on my nose, I'll

00:54:58get the perfect upturned nose like most rich people have.

00:55:02That's the stupidest thing I've heard.

00:55:04Your nose is just fine.

00:55:05Can't hurt to make it better.

00:55:08And what do you know about fashion and skin care?

00:55:11She even tried poking her cheeks with pencils so she'd get dimples.

00:55:15When that failed, she turned to stupid home remedies.

00:55:19Uh, it's just getting worse before it gets better, right?

00:55:23What do I know about fashion and skin care?

00:55:26So, yeah.

00:55:27Zoe and I were poles apart and mom was always weird.

00:55:32And things just got worse when we turned 18.

00:55:34Mom met some guy at her resort, fell in love, and a week later they got married and moved

00:55:40to Spain.

00:55:41She promised to stay in touch, but all we got were a few bucks and occasional phone calls.

00:55:47With bills piling up, Zoe and I had to pick up housekeeping jobs at the resort.

00:55:52The pay wasn't great, but it was enough to cover school.

00:55:55We even got a room to stay in, which was a huge downgrade from our apartment.

00:55:59Okay, we need to make this work.

00:56:03Zoe, you take the broom and I'll dust the shelves.

00:56:06Uh, I just got a manicure done, so count me out.

00:56:10Where did you get the money?

00:56:11Wait, have you been using my savings?

00:56:14Yeah, but think of it as an investment in our future.

00:56:18See, what if tomorrow I run into some rich bachelor who asks me out, then falls madly in love with

00:56:24me, and we get married.

00:56:26And when we move to our fancy new house, I'll even set up a place for you in the garage,

00:56:32where you can stay with your girlfriend and cats.

00:56:35What girlfriend?

00:56:36Your girlfriend, silly.

00:56:39You don't need to stay in the closet forever.

00:56:42It's 2024.

00:56:44I'm not gay, Zoe.

00:56:45I just don't have time for stupid boys.

00:56:48Now help me, or I'll make you sleep on the floor.

00:56:51The next few days were tough.

00:56:53I woke up extra early, worked my shift, went to school, came back, worked again, and passed

00:56:58out.

00:56:59But Zoe barely showed up at work and was more busy flirting with some guy or the other.

00:57:04And then, on the night of our graduation party, Zoe and I were getting ready when I spotted

00:57:09this huge diamond ring on her finger.

00:57:12Where did you get this from?

00:57:14Uh, I bought it.

00:57:16By selling your kidneys?

00:57:18Ugh, stop yelling.

00:57:20Okay, fine.

00:57:21I found this lying by the sink in a room I was cleaning today, so I borrowed it for the

00:57:26party tonight.

00:57:27And don't worry, the guest isn't going to be back before tomorrow morning, so I have plenty

00:57:32of time to put it back.

00:57:33And what if they come back early, realize their million dollar rock is missing, and

00:57:38they trace it right to you?

00:57:40Pfft, why would they assume it's me?

00:57:43Because you're a maid, and the maid is always the thief.

00:57:47Who else would go in the room?

00:57:49Oh my god.

00:57:51You're right.

00:57:52How did I not think about that?

00:57:54Oh, they'll catch me and throw me in jail.

00:57:56I'm too pretty to go to jail.

00:57:57Plus, no rich guy will marry an ex-convict.

00:58:00My life will be over before it even begins.

00:58:04Just shut up for two minutes.

00:58:06Zoe told me the room number, and I double-checked at the reception, and thankfully, the guest

00:58:11was still out.

00:58:11This was the perfect chance to put the ring back.

00:58:14So I tiptoed my way across the hall, popped out the master key, and was about to open

00:58:19the door, when suddenly, my eyes fell on the most perfect guy ever.

00:58:24His beautiful black hair matched his perfectly fitting tuxedo, and he radiated elegance and

00:58:31confidence with his walk.

00:58:33I was sure he was an important guest, but then, he stopped right next to me.

00:58:38Almost didn't expect you to be ready on time.

00:58:40Uh, you're talking to me?

00:58:43Do you see anyone else around?

00:58:45Let's leave, shall we?

00:58:47Leave for...

00:58:48Our date?

00:58:50I'm Carter.

00:58:51Our dad set us up.

00:58:52Vanessa, I thought you had seen my picture.

00:58:55I wanted to see yours, but you're not on social media, and your dad said you hate getting

00:59:00photographed.

00:59:01But I have your room number, 709, so it's gotta be you.

00:59:05Unless you lurk around other people's rooms for some reason.

00:59:08No!

00:59:10Why would I do that?

00:59:11Of course it's me.

00:59:13I am she, Vanessa.

00:59:15And, yes, of course, I've seen your picture.

00:59:17But you have one of those faces that isn't very memorable.

00:59:21A complete lie!

00:59:23Okay, we have a reservation at the pier.

00:59:25I don't want to lose the table.

00:59:27So let's go.

00:59:28I smiled weakly as Carter led me to his chauffeur-driven car.

00:59:33Had I just panicked and ended up on someone else's blind date at one of the fanciest French

00:59:39restaurants in town?

00:59:40I quickly texted Zoe to go to the graduation party without me, as we were led to our table.

00:59:46I was overwhelmed by the freaking number of forks on the table, and I couldn't understand

00:59:51anything on the menu.

00:59:53I just let Carter order for me, and we made awkward small talk and then fell silent.

00:59:58Good lord, I'd never imagined a date with a gorgeous guy could be this painful.

01:00:03So, Vanessa's a lovely name?

01:00:07Uh, yeah, I guess.

01:00:09I've never met a Vanessa.

01:00:11Except myself.

01:00:13I'm actually named after Venice.

01:00:15Do you like Venice?

01:00:16It's nice, yes, but I like staying more.

01:00:19I travel a lot, actually.

01:00:21It's my way of taking a break.

01:00:23A break from what?

01:00:24You know, endless meetings, parties, interviews where I get asked a lot of dumb questions like

01:00:30what do I eat in a day, how much do I work out, how many girlfriends do I have, etc, etc.

01:00:36And I have to answer all that to keep up a certain image, of course.

01:00:40But this life can be very exhausting.

01:00:42You know what I mean?

01:00:44Frankly, no.

01:00:45You sound like you don't appreciate how lucky you are.

01:00:48What do you mean?

01:00:49I mean, look at that waiter, for example.

01:00:52He works his butt off every day trying to make just enough for his rent.

01:00:57You think his life is easy, but he still smiles and serves you.

01:01:01Isn't that exhausting?

01:01:02Maybe, but that's what he gets paid for.

01:01:05It's his job.

01:01:06So, he's not allowed to be tired because he works for a wage?

01:01:11But you, riding around in chauffeur-driven cars, living in fancy houses, dining in the best

01:01:16restaurants, you can be tired because you have to attend a few meetings and answer a

01:01:21few questions.

01:01:22Don't you think that's a bit hypocritical?

01:01:24I hadn't really thought about that.

01:01:27Then, maybe you should.

01:01:29Anyway, I gotta go.

01:01:31But you haven't even touched your food.

01:01:33I'm not hungry anymore.

01:01:34And I just left without another word and hailed a cab back to the resort.

01:01:38When I got there, I realized that I still had the ring on me.

01:01:42So, I decided to give my luck a second chance and tiptoed my way to Vanessa's room, carefully

01:01:47avoiding all the cameras.

01:01:49I swiped the key, gently turned the knob, and walked in, when suddenly, someone jumped

01:01:55on me and pinned me to the ground.

01:01:57Who are you?

01:01:58And why did you just sneak into my room?

01:02:00And why are you wearing my ring?

01:02:03Speak up!

01:02:04I will, if you just get off me!

01:02:07Thankfully, Vanessa agreed to listen, and I spilled everything about the ring, Carter,

01:02:12and the blind date.

01:02:13I thought she'd call security immediately, but instead, she burst out laughing.

01:02:19Do you have any idea how much I tried to get out of that date?

01:02:24Phew, you did me a huge favor!

01:02:27Does that mean you won't be pressing charges?

01:02:30That depends.

01:02:31You see, I moved to France with my grandma at five because my dad wanted to marry a kid-hating

01:02:37bimbo.

01:02:38But now, she's left him.

01:02:40So, he wants me to come back home.

01:02:42Problem is, I don't want to.

01:02:44I have my whole life in France, including my boyfriend, Jean-Pierre.

01:02:47And dad hates him.

01:02:49He wants me to date Carter, or he'll cut me off.

01:02:52And since Carter thinks you're Vanessa, you'll just have to date him in my place!

01:02:56Wow, you rich folks are complicated.

01:03:00And I can't do that, because it's stupid, and I'm pretty sure that guy hates me.

01:03:04Really?

01:03:05Then why did he send me a text asking to meet him again?

01:03:09Listen, just make this Carter guy go away.

01:03:13What if I say no?

01:03:14Then your sister will rot in jail, and you will lose this job.

01:03:17But what about my work?

01:03:19I'll pay you!

01:03:20Does half a million sound good?

01:03:22Sounds great!

01:03:23Vanessa and I shook on it, and that night, I couldn't sleep a wink thinking about how this

01:03:28money could change everything for me and Zoe.

01:03:30But I was pretty nervous about fooling some rich, powerful guy.

01:03:35I wanted to share my doubts with Zoe, but I knew she was a tattletale, so I kept quiet.

01:03:41And the next morning, Vanessa woke me up at six and told me that Carter was on his way

01:03:45to take me to a derby match.

01:03:47Is there a reason why I'm dressed like Mary Poppins' cousin?

01:03:51I get that you want him to hate me, but this dress makes me hate me.

01:03:56The idea is to make you look undateable, and this dress is perfect for that.

01:04:01Now remember, make this the worst day of Carter's life.

01:04:05He should be calling my dad and telling him that I'm a monster!

01:04:09Now go make me proud!

01:04:10I left the hotel and greeted Carter at the gate, half expecting him to say something about

01:04:15my dress, but he just smiled and complimented me.

01:04:19Was he blind?

01:04:20Sorry, I think we cut a golf on the wrong foot last night.

01:04:24Can we do this in the car, please?

01:04:25The heat is making me dizzy.

01:04:27Sure.

01:04:28For the rest of the ride, Carter kept trying to talk to me, but I just pretended to be

01:04:32busy on my phone.

01:04:34Soon after, we reached the derby stands and were about to take our seats when I put my

01:04:38plan into motion.

01:04:40Carter!

01:04:41Can you get me something to drink?

01:04:42I'm parched!

01:04:44But the race is about to start.

01:04:46You're right.

01:04:47I'll just go and get it myself.

01:04:49No, wait!

01:04:50I'll get it!

01:04:51Aw, thanks!

01:04:52Carter pushed through the crowd and came back with a massive cup of soda.

01:04:57I took one look at it and screamed.

01:05:00It has no ice!

01:05:02I want ice!

01:05:03Carter rushed through the crowd again and came back sweating with a new cup of soda.

01:05:08Ah, thanks.

01:05:10Oh, no.

01:05:11What now?

01:05:12This isn't diet.

01:05:14I can't drink regular soda.

01:05:15It makes me feel bloated and gassy.

01:05:18Get me a new one.

01:05:19Pretty, please.

01:05:20Carter shot me an irritated look before running back into the crowd, and by the time he got

01:05:25back, the race was over.

01:05:27I did feel a bit guilty, but then I thought about how he must have made his servants run

01:05:32around a million times, so he probably deserved a little payback.

01:05:36What an exciting game.

01:05:37Too bad you missed it.

01:05:39Yeah, too bad.

01:05:40Are you mad at me?

01:05:42You are, aren't you?

01:05:43I made you miss the game.

01:05:45You must really hate me now.

01:05:47It's cool if you don't want to see me again.

01:05:49Nonsense.

01:05:50I'd love to see you again.

01:05:52Why?

01:05:52I mean, wow.

01:05:54I must have really left an impression.

01:05:56Carter inched closer, and I literally stopped breathing.

01:06:00I thought he was going to kiss me, but then he just opened the car door and asked the

01:06:04driver to drop me at the resort.

01:06:06I'll pick you up tomorrow, princess.

01:06:08Don't miss me too much.

01:06:10Uh, you bet.

01:06:12What the heck was that?

01:06:13Over the next few days, I did everything to make Carter go away.

01:06:17But nothing worked.

01:06:19I threw tantrums over the smallest things, and he patiently calmed me down.

01:06:23I made him wait for hours while I got dressed and didn't even apologize when I showed up.

01:06:29And he just smiled and complimented me.

01:06:32On Vanessa's instructions, I even took him to an amusement park and then faked a hurt ankle

01:06:37so he'd have to carry me around.

01:06:39When he sat me down to rest, I screamed in his ear to get me something to eat.

01:06:44He was at the stall when I pulled out my phone and texted Vanessa.

01:06:47Vanessa, the plan's not working.

01:06:49I've tried everything.

01:06:51The fake ankle, making him carry me.

01:06:53I even pulled his hair a little when I was on his back.

01:06:56He's not budging.

01:06:57Just as I hit send, I looked down and froze.

01:07:01I'd accidentally texted Carter instead of Vanessa.

01:07:04My heart raced as I scanned the crowd and spotted him walking towards me.

01:07:09He handed me the food and took out his phone, but I grabbed it before he saw anything.

01:07:13You're not allowed to see your phone till you feed me.

01:07:16It'll only be a minute.

01:07:18I think it's from my dad.

01:07:20They're always on your phone.

01:07:21You never pay any attention to me.

01:07:23I'm hurt and all you care about is reading a stupid text from your dad.

01:07:27And with that, I throw his phone into a nearby fountain.

01:07:30Vanessa?

01:07:31Are you insane?

01:07:33What if he has something important to say?

01:07:35Guess I'll have to wait.

01:07:36Now wipe that frown and feed me.

01:07:38Eat it yourself.

01:07:39You're in Costco and I'm out of here.

01:07:42And he just turned around and left.

01:07:44I thought I'd managed to finally get rid of him when I reached the resort and saw him

01:07:49waiting outside with a bunch of roses.

01:07:52I didn't want any attention from the staff, so I dragged him to the side.

01:07:55What are you doing?

01:07:57I am so sorry, Vanessa.

01:07:59I was way out of line today for yelling at you like that.

01:08:02Please forgive me.

01:08:03Haven't you had enough?

01:08:04I mean, I'll think about it.

01:08:06Can you leave now?

01:08:07I'm not leaving till you forgive me.

01:08:10Fine.

01:08:10I forgive you.

01:08:11You mean it?

01:08:12You want me to get it tattooed?

01:08:15I'll see you tomorrow.

01:08:16Great.

01:08:17And I ran inside before anyone spotted me.

01:08:20I had to do something before this guy drove me insane.

01:08:23So I asked Vanessa for help and we sat down and stalked Carter online everywhere.

01:08:28One of his Instagram posts said that he hated water.

01:08:32So the next day when I met him, I pitched the idea of scuba diving.

01:08:36Scuba diving?

01:08:37Why?

01:08:38Why would you want to do that?

01:08:40Because it's fun.

01:08:42Imagine the two of us, hand in hand, exploring the depths of the ocean.

01:08:47So romantic.

01:08:48How about we escorted the test of my swimming pool instead?

01:08:51We could still hold hands and it's a lot more convenient.

01:08:55It's funny how you're talking, but all I can hear are chicken sounds.

01:08:58Buk-buk-buk-buk!

01:09:00Carter's a chicken!

01:09:01Buk-buk-buk!

01:09:02I'm not a chicken!

01:09:03Then prove it!

01:09:04Carter reluctantly agreed.

01:09:06But the next day when we were out on the water, he said he just couldn't do it.

01:09:10As we stood there with me trying to persuade him, the boat suddenly lurched forward and we both fell into the water.

01:09:18See?

01:09:18It's not so deep and scary, is it?

01:09:21Just then, I noticed that Carter wasn't swimming.

01:09:24He seemed to be struggling to stay afloat.

01:09:26And then he started sinking.

01:09:28I quickly swam to him and helped him back onto the boat, but he'd passed out.

01:09:33I shook him, gave him CPR, and was about to give him mouth to mouth when he opened his eyes and coughed up water.

01:09:39Oh my god, you're okay!

01:09:41Wait, were you about to kiss me?

01:09:44I can lie back down.

01:09:45This isn't funny!

01:09:47Tell me about it.

01:09:48I'm the one who nearly drowned.

01:09:50You didn't tell me you don't know how to swim!

01:09:52I know how to swim.

01:09:53I just panic because we're in the middle of the ocean.

01:09:56I told you I couldn't do it.

01:09:58I'm so sorry, Carter!

01:10:00You should be.

01:10:02Now, where were we?

01:10:04Yeah, I had my eyes closed.

01:10:06You're about to kiss me.

01:10:08Shut up!

01:10:09Once we were back on the main shore, we went to a cute diner and ordered burgers.

01:10:14Carter spotted a jukebox and played some of his favorite songs, but when I played mine, he fell silent.

01:10:20You don't like this song?

01:10:22No, I love it.

01:10:24It reminds me of my mom.

01:10:25She used to hum this to me whenever I was feeling low.

01:10:29I know I never say this, but I really miss her.

01:10:32I miss my mom too.

01:10:34Guess we're not that different, huh?

01:10:35You're way better than I'll ever be.

01:10:38Carter pulled me close, and as we swayed to the music, I realized he'd never looked so perfect.

01:10:44Under that spoiled exterior was a boy who missed his mom, and all he needed was someone to talk to.

01:10:50I wanted to be that person for him, but I also knew it wasn't going to last forever, so I just melted into his arms and decided not to think about it.

01:10:59That was until I reached my room, and reality slapped me in the face.

01:11:04Care to explain why you have such an expensive dress in your closet?

01:11:08It's not mine.

01:11:09I borrowed it from someone at work.

01:11:11Uh-huh.

01:11:12Then why'd you hide it in your secret spot in the closet?

01:11:16You went through my secret spot?

01:11:18That's abominable!

01:11:20Who uses words like that?

01:11:23Also, I don't know what it means.

01:11:25And you've been acting really weird these days.

01:11:28Just last week I saw you sneaking into the room late at night.

01:11:32Where were you?

01:11:32I went out for a walk, mom.

01:11:35Now, if you're done interrogating me, I've had a very long day.

01:11:40Obviously, that didn't stop Zoe from snooping around.

01:11:43And with time, she only got more suspicious.

01:11:45I had to put an end to everything soon, so I thought I'd go and talk to Vanessa.

01:11:50But her boyfriend was visiting, and she was always busy with him.

01:11:54And I decided to wait.

01:11:56But then one day during a date, Carter told me he wanted me to meet his dad.

01:12:01Why?

01:12:01I mean, don't you think we're moving too fast?

01:12:04We barely know each other.

01:12:05I don't know about you, but I think I know you pretty well.

01:12:09Really?

01:12:10Like what?

01:12:11Like I know you're pretty.

01:12:12You have the most gorgeous smile in the world.

01:12:15And that you play with your hair when you're nervous.

01:12:18And when you're thinking too hard, you make a weird face.

01:12:21Something like this?

01:12:22Stop it!

01:12:23Listen.

01:12:24Please, just come.

01:12:26It'll mean the world to me.

01:12:28Oh, and I have something for you.

01:12:30This necklace belonged to my mom.

01:12:33And it'll look beautiful on you.

01:12:35I...

01:12:35I don't think I can take this.

01:12:37I insist.

01:12:39Carter gently put the necklace around my neck.

01:12:41And I felt a million butterflies in my stomach.

01:12:44The entire ride home, I couldn't stop thinking about how I was deceiving him.

01:12:49I gulped down my tears as I kissed him goodnight, and then I barged into Vanessa's room.

01:12:54Carter wants me to meet his dad.

01:12:56And?

01:12:56What do you mean?

01:12:57His dad will spot my lie in a second.

01:13:00No, he won't.

01:13:01I've never met him.

01:13:02And even if I did, rich people have the memory of a goldfish.

01:13:06There's no chance he'd remember me.

01:13:07That's not the point.

01:13:09If Carter wants me to meet his dad, that means he's serious about me.

01:13:13It'll crush his heart when he finds out I lied.

01:13:16And why do you care about his heart?

01:13:18Listen, Carter clearly doesn't want to break up with you.

01:13:21But if his dad doesn't like you, he might convince him to dump you.

01:13:25All you have to do is make a horrible impression on the dad.

01:13:28I'm sure you can handle it.

01:13:30Handle it?

01:13:31I could barely walk in the ridiculous dress Vanessa picked out.

01:13:35I tripped getting out of the car on my way to Carter's mansion.

01:13:39Finally, I saw him waving at the front door and felt a bit relieved.

01:13:43But then his dad joined us, and he stared at me with an icy stare.

01:13:48Dad?

01:13:48This is...

01:13:49Vanessa, I know.

01:13:51You don't look anything like your pictures.

01:13:53Yeah, I'm not very photogenic.

01:13:56By the way, it's so good to meet you, sir.

01:13:58And what a wonderful house you have.

01:14:01These paintings and sculptures are really one of a kind.

01:14:04What an exquisite collection.

01:14:06And then I leaned onto one of the statues, and it started wobbling.

01:14:10The next thing I knew, it toppled over and shattered to pieces.

01:14:14As I backed off in horror, I accidentally bumped into a waiter carrying a tray of shrimp

01:14:19and landed right on my butt.

01:14:22Every eye in the room turned to me, and I quickly got up and bolted to the washroom.

01:14:27As I was cleaning up, a pretty girl walked in.

01:14:30It was Sophie, Carter's ex.

01:14:32I recognized her from my online stalking sessions.

01:14:35That was one heck of an entrance.

01:14:38I'm Sophie, by the way.

01:14:39Carter must have mentioned me.

01:14:41Actually, no, he didn't.

01:14:43Can I help you with something?

01:14:45Just wanted to see Carter's new catch.

01:14:47And also, there's something you should know.

01:14:50As Sophie talked, my heart sank, knowing that I'd probably made the biggest mistake of my life.

01:14:57I could barely process what she'd told me, and I ran off from the party without telling Carter.

01:15:02By the time I got home, I was so exhausted from all the overthinking, I immediately passed out.

01:15:08When I woke up the next morning, my phone was buzzing and Zoe wasn't around.

01:15:12I found out why immediately.

01:15:15The police were calling to tell me Zoe had been arrested for stealing.

01:15:20I took a cab to the police station, and on the way, I called Vanessa to tell her what had happened.

01:15:24But her phone went straight to voicemail.

01:15:27I even tried the phone in her hotel room, but she didn't answer that either.

01:15:31I rushed into the police station, only to find Carter talking to the police, with Zoe standing next to him.

01:15:38Oh, thank God. I was beginning to think you'd never show up.

01:15:41Now, before these people lie to you, let me just tell you that whatever I did, I did it for Mom.

01:15:48Whose Mom?

01:15:49Our Mom, you moron.

01:15:51Mom called me yesterday and told me that she wants to come visit us, but she has no money for the tickets.

01:15:57I thought I'd pawn your stupid necklace off to help her out a bit.

01:16:00But that pawn shop guy informed this rich guy's family that someone was trying to sell an heirloom with their family crest.

01:16:07And they dragged me here for no fault of mine.

01:16:10No fault? That necklace belongs to my mom, and I gave it to Vanessa.

01:16:15Who the heck is Vanessa?

01:16:16She is Vanessa, my girlfriend.

01:16:19No, she's Sage, my sister.

01:16:22What is she talking about, Vanessa?

01:16:24Ugh, it's Sage. S-A-G-E.

01:16:28Dude, you're cute, but you really have your wires messed up.

01:16:32Shut up, Zoe!

01:16:35Carter, I lied to you.

01:16:37My name is Sage, and I am Zoe's sister.

01:16:40Carter looked shocked as I told him everything about the ring and how Vanessa had asked me to take her place.

01:16:46So you lied to me all this while?

01:16:48I wanted to tell you the truth, but I just couldn't.

01:16:51Why not?

01:16:52If you needed money, you could just ask me.

01:16:55Yeah, right.

01:16:56Like you'd even look twice at me if you knew I was poor.

01:16:59And you really have money to hand out?

01:17:01Because I found out you've only been dating Vanessa for her fortune.

01:17:06No wonder you kept putting up with me no matter how much I tested you.

01:17:09Were you-

01:17:10Don't bother, Carter.

01:17:11Sophie told me everything.

01:17:12Carter's only after your money.

01:17:16He screwed up a big business deal, and now his dad's forcing him to marry an heiress to save their business.

01:17:22They need your dad to invest and bail them out.

01:17:25How do you know that?

01:17:27My dad told me.

01:17:28He's business partners with Carter's father.

01:17:31Trust me, I have no interest in Carter.

01:17:34I'm just helping a girl out here.

01:17:36And you're just going to believe her?

01:17:38Without giving me a chance to exclaim myself?

01:17:40Well, is she lying?

01:17:43No, but-

01:17:44Then there's nothing left to say.

01:17:46Look, Carter, we both lied and we're both wrong.

01:17:50The only difference is that I lied for my family, and you lied out of greed.

01:17:54And I agree that there were moments where I got carried away.

01:17:58But now, I'm back to reality.

01:18:00I'm pretty sure you don't care about me much.

01:18:03But if you do, even a little, please drop the charges against my sister.

01:18:08She's the only family I've got.

01:18:10I must have struck a chord with Carter because he took back his complaint, and Zoe was released

01:18:15soon after.

01:18:16But the news of her arrest reached the resort manager, and we were both fired on the spot.

01:18:21Which was fine.

01:18:23I was done with that place anyway.

01:18:25Zoe and I moved to a small apartment and decided to start our life from scratch.

01:18:30We found jobs at cafes, and this time, Zoe stuck to her promise to work hard.

01:18:35She seemed to be actually sorry for all the trouble she'd caused me.

01:18:39And while it was difficult to not think about Carter, I had to push him out of my mind and

01:18:44move on with my life.

01:18:46Then, a week later, I was leaving for work when I found Vanessa standing at my door.

01:18:51What are you doing here?

01:18:53The night you were at Carter's place, my dad showed up and told me he didn't want me

01:18:57to see Carter anymore.

01:18:58He didn't give me a reason, except that he didn't trust Carter's dad, and that he was

01:19:04okay with my relationship with Jean-Pierre, and just wanted me to come home.

01:19:07That's a relief.

01:19:09Congratulations.

01:19:10Anything else?

01:19:11Here's your half a million dollars.

01:19:13I'm a woman of my word.

01:19:15I didn't exactly do the job, and I don't want money for tricking someone.

01:19:20It didn't bother you before.

01:19:22Hmm, I guess you must have fallen in love with Carter.

01:19:25No, that's not it.

01:19:26Well, that's too bad, because Carter's in love with you.

01:19:30He called me to yell at me for making him fall in love with the wrong person, and how he

01:19:34can't get over you.

01:19:36He doesn't love me.

01:19:37He was just after your fortune.

01:19:39That's why he put up with me for so long.

01:19:42Something tells me you haven't seen the news recently.

01:19:45Carter officially resigned from his dad's company.

01:19:47I think his dad forced him to be with me just for money, and he was under a lot of pressure,

01:19:52so he agreed, but it looks like he doesn't care that much about money now.

01:19:55Oh, he also announced he's taking care of the student loans of waiters working in 20

01:20:00restaurants in this town.

01:20:01I don't know what that's about.

01:20:03I don't believe it.

01:20:04Vanessa showed me the news article, and I was shocked.

01:20:07Oh god, Carter really loves me?

01:20:10I have to tell him how I feel, too.

01:20:13But he's moving to his mom's place in London in like three hours.

01:20:16Then we have to be quick.

01:20:18You have a car?

01:20:19Duh.

01:20:20You think I walked here?

01:20:21Of course I have a car.

01:20:23But it's a little slow.

01:20:28Seriously?

01:20:29I can crawl faster than this car?

01:20:31Told you he's slow.

01:20:33I don't care, because I'm mostly on my phone, and you know how rich people are?

01:20:37Always fashionably late.

01:20:38Just sit back and relax.

01:20:40Enjoy the drive.

01:20:41Enjoy my butt!

01:20:43I asked the driver to stop and step aside while I took the wheels and hit the accelerator.

01:20:48I zoomed past the cars, got tailed by the police, but somehow made it to the airport just

01:20:54in time.

01:20:55I jumped out of the car and dashed towards the gates, still hearing the police sirens

01:20:59behind me.

01:21:00Go!

01:21:00I'll take care of this.

01:21:02I rushed through the airport, screaming Carter's name.

01:21:05All I could think of was not being able to talk to him and tell him how much I liked him.

01:21:10And my heart sank when I checked the departure charts and saw that the London flight had already

01:21:15departed.

01:21:23Uh, hi.

01:21:24I met Vanessa.

01:21:26I can't believe you gave up everything and you're poor now.

01:21:29Well, I'm still not poor-poor.

01:21:32Let's just say I have to share my helicopter with other people.

01:21:35And where are we going?

01:21:38Wherever you say.

01:21:59Where are we going?

MSA Stories That Shaped 2024 - MSA Oscars

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