"Twenty years earlier"
Can you take on the responsibility of raising a little girl on your own?
Would you like me to remind you
of the difficult time I had with Youssef?
I have no other solution
Ever since his death, her father's family never asked about her
They didn't even ask about my sister Sarah...
How she's managing, how she's making ends meet
And now Sarah fell ill and passed away
And we never heard a word from them
That girl has only me in this world
I don't know what to say
- If you need anything... - I know
You're my only support
"Episode 1"
Alya
Alya, what's wrong? Why are you running?
Mrs. Hayat told me to go report...
That the lighting...
Slow down, calm down
Calm down, take a breath take a breath...
Mrs. Hayat told me to go report
that the lighting for the backstage is not right
When we sent the dress to the workers
We realized that the lights are white
and you know Mr. Emile hates white lights
He only works in yellow lights
So no doubt he'll get very very angry now
Go back to the workshop now I'll see to this
For sure?
Thank you, Mr. Amin
Thank you
Alya
Slow down
Slow down, okay
The dresses with tags
are to be left to the end for Mr. Emile to see, okay?
Girls, we need to focus on the finishing
Oh, no, no, no, it's not nice Remove all that glitter
But if I remove them they'll leave marks on the fabric
Mr. Emile, rest assured Everything will be as you want it
See to it! I have to go check on the dresses
Okay
There is no way to remove them without leaving traces
There is no such thing as "no way" Remove them one by one
- But that will take endless time - Then help her
You have one hour
I won't mention the delay that happened today
I know you left at dawn yesterday
I'm going to the accountant's office
Not a word!
I want to hear the noise of the machines only. Got it?
Do you hear me? The noise of the machines only!
You know what? I'm not removing anything
You think they'll even notice? They won't notice a thing
That's a tasteless dress anyway!
Oh, shut up and do as he wants Don't modify his work
Is that even a dress to be worn? Would you wear that?
Forget about you, would your mother or grandmother wear it?
There's a very far away village where they still dress like the 80s
I know if they were to see this they'd think it's the latest fashion
Yes, what about the women of Beirut who just returned from France
after attending the fashion-week there?
I wonder what they'd say about these designs
Let's hope for the best
Here we go
Oh God!
How are you?
- I missed you so much - I miss you more
- You've grown - Yes, I have
- These are for you - Oh my love!
Thank you
You have only one bag?
I didn't have the chance to pack he gave me no time
But that's no problem My things will arrive later
If you're worried about your present No worries, I got it
Give it a couple of days to arrive
- I thought you had forgotten - No, I didn't forget
I bet you're exhausted Will get home now
You'll take a shower and get ready for the evening
I'll take you home drop off my bags and I'll go
- Where to? - An errand
I need some internet
A hotspot?
Here you go
Is it working?
What's the password?
Yara12345
Won't you tell me where you're going?
Aren't you curious!
Okay
It's working
Didn't I tell you it'll leave a trace?
- Here, look - Let it be
It's not your dress
Mirna, did you ask your uncle?
Yes, of course I did he booked you a seat in the first row
But he wanted to ask you
are you going alone or would you rather invite someone?
Are you making fun of me? So you didn't ask him
Of course I didn't ask him
I don't need to be reprimanded like every year because of you
Talk some sense into your sister, please!
For five years now she's been asking and is being told no
And she won't take no for an answer
Darling, employees are not allowed to attend the show
Get it into your head
Except if they are from the PR or the designers
Every year we point that out
And it so happens you're neither this nor that
True, I'm neither this nor that
But one day I'll attend the Dentelle fashion show
I won't be stressing out backstage shortening a dress tail or undergarment
I'll be sitting in the front row, darling!
- What does she mean? - No idea
Darling, why don't you go finish your secretarial work
and ring up Rola?
Because I've been ringing her all morning, but she didn't pick up
If Mrs. Hayat comes and finds she's not here, she'll give us hell
I'll be right back
- Don't be late - No, I won't be late
- I need to help you... - Has the show started yet?
Good morning
No dear, they haven't started yet and you shouldn't be here
- You should be at the backstage - Isn't this the backstage?
Oh how nice!
No, dear
Come, I'll take you What is this?
Come, come
Here, you call Rola I'll come back later for my phone
Why can't you for once do something we ask you to do?
Unlock it before you leave
If he gives you a piece of his mind or takes it out on you
Don't come crying to me
I'll ask him, I ask you for a favor
- and you won't deliver - Her camera is always ready!
Hello
Rola, where are you? We've been calling you all morning
I'm at the hospital
Adam fell very ill last night
I left work and went to see him
I didn't sleep a wink
Mirna, could you please talk to your uncle?
No, no, not Hayat
Or tell you what, tell Hayat but talk to your uncle first please
Hayat is cruel, and she'll directly deduct it from my salary
If your uncle talks to her he may soften her heart a bit
Okay, love
Give me an hour or so and I'll be with you
Okay, bye
If you eat your plate
I promise you a cig
You can have three puffs only
This is the last time you keep the exchange bills
to the day of the fashion show
You're not a new employee
who needs me to keep reminding you of how the work is done
I promise, this is not my fault
The bank had an issue I didn't want checks that bounce back
So has it been solved?
Yes, they're settling the accounts So I've been informed
- Mr. Amin, I've been looking for you - What's up?
I just wanted to see if you needed any help
I know today everyone is stressed out
- I'm available if you need help - Thank you, Nadine
Today or for the fashion show Anything you may need
Thank you, Nadine
- Anything else? - No, no, that's it
- Do you really want to help? - Yes, for sure
Then don't keep distracting Saed with your work
so he can get his work done
Nadine doesn't...
Nadine, seriously
Is there anyone you have not told yet
that you helped me with the budget excel sheet?
By the way, I didn't ask you You offered to help me
By God, I have nothing to do with this
Alya came to check on me and asked if I had finished
Oh, really? And Alya told Mirna and Mirna told her uncle
Even the security at the door knows
Yes, you're right
Next time...
There will be no next time I don't want your help with anything
No, that would upset me
Next time, I won't tell anyone...
Yes, yes, Ghassan, yes
Ghassan, I understand
But you need to take into account
I've been the bank's client for a long time
Our transactions are not limited to one or two millions
It's much more than that
Do you get it?
Okay, okay...
I'll expect a call from you
Thank you
No!
- At long last - No, no, no!
I miss you so much
Oh my dear boy!
I miss you! How have you been?
Is everything okay?
I'm good, I'm fine I'm awesome!
I wanted to meet you at the airport
But you know Today is the fashion show
Or have you forgotten?
No, I didn't forget I could never
Ten years
Ten years before that I was around for every event
and for every single detail I couldn't possibly forget
That means you won't need much time to get a grip of the new things
and join me in running the business again
Let's talk about that later, okay?
All I want is that you come back and help me on your own
- Do you get me? - As you wish
And I would love to work with you
But work with you Not for you
Meaning I don't do what you want me to do
Or be just the boy who stands by his father to run the family business
Let's be clear on that
You don't seem to like that
- I told you let's talk later - On the contrary...
Let's settle this now
I'm at your service
Hayat
What's all the delay about?
- Yes Mr. Emile? - This should've been ready 3 hours ago
Never worry Everything will be ready on time
By the way
Have you heard that the eldest son is back?
He's been abroad for ten years now
Do you think the Bey is ill or something?
Maybe he's back to get married
His likes are already married
I looked at his fingers There was no ring
That doesn't mean a thing
Mirna, is he married?
Didn't you say he's been abroad for ten years?
How would I know if he's married or divorced?
He may be married or divorced
No, no, he may be married and not wear a ring
Many men do that
My dear, those do that to hunt girls
Ask me about those types
Wow!
Have a look at the flower Is it wilting?
You're better at this Take over
Any regrets?
Why?
- Because you insisted I return - Look, son
I built this whole business and dreamt of the day
when you would come here, work with me and stand by me
Not to run off to America and live the wild life there
while I can't bring you back
Is that what you think?
To hear you say that
One would think I spent my time getting drunk and chasing women
Sure, I didn't become a hermit but I was also working
I wasn't that youngster who needed saving
Oh yes!
Maybe I'm the one who needs saving
What? What happened?
Rima has had enough and she's right
I've been at this for years It's full of stress
I can neither take a day off nor travel
It's always work, work, work
You know something, my son? Just like you said...
I have become an old horse
No, I didn't say that
What I meant was I can't just stand by and watch
But I can form an opinion no matter how simple
To be very honest I see the future of Dentelle
totally differently from how you see it
So, if you agree that I join you and make drastic changes...
Look who's here!
Uncle Amin
I was about to forget your face my boy
Your father didn't raise you properly Excuse me, Khawaja Mounir
I just mean he left us and never asked about us
Is that what you have to say?
I thought you'd come in my defense
How you've grown, Youssef and so have we
I miss you
Tell me, how are you? What's up with you?
Thank God All is fine
Welcome home
When did you arrive? And how long do you plan to stay?
Oh no, he's staying
And we'll take away his passport to make sure he stays here
Now you're stuck
The day you become the owner of Dentelle or a designer
you can do as you like
But to take a dress from the collection and do with it as you deem fit?
That won't do
It's true that you grew up here
but now we're all the same there are no privileges for anyone
Yes, I know
It's just that Mirna took the action Mr. Emile would have taken
He would have dressed the model and made the changes
She just took action and saved time
Seriously?
Listen here, love
There are people who are clever and can count on their intelligence
And there are people who are an old hand
and believe they are indispensable
Yet some are mediocre Very mediocre
These are neither smarter, nor older nor do they work harder than the rest
Nor are they reassured nothing can happen to them
But then they are either stupid or impertinent
I hate both the stupid and the impertinent
The clever one would get the hint
So come on now Back to work, both of you
Mr. Emile?
Does she mean you? Or me? Or who? I didn't get it
- Maybe both... - Both of us?
Good, leave the waist like that Let me see the sleeve
What is this at the elbow? Is that possible, Rola?
We can now say that we're ready for the show
- Hello, Mounir Bey, welcome - Hello
- Good job - Thank you
Everything is ready...
- Youssef Bey? Welcome back! - Thank you
Had I met you on the streets I wouldn't have recognized you
I would recognize you amidst a hundred women
And may just ask you for your number, too
- I missed you - Welcome back
- Please, this way - Good job
Thank you
Hi, there
Youssef Bey Mounir Bey's son
Good job
Come on, guys, come on Let's get it going
- Isn't he cute? - Who's that?
- So cute! - Who?
Youssef, Mounir Bey's son He's been away for ten years
and he's just been back today
He's taking over Papa's business
We don't know what he's here to do We'll find out tomorrow
He's neither the oldest the smartest, nor the best
He's just his father's son and comes to master us around
Lady Hayat loves him!
Take it upstairs to my room and get lunch ready
Yes, ma'am
Hey there
I won't eat anything to fit into the dress
As you like
Have you called Youssef?
I did, he won't pick up
Seems dad isn't giving him time to breathe
Imagine he arrived to the doorstep but couldn't come in to greet you
Did you get what they agreed on?
Youssef himself doesn't get it
All I know is that dad told him to come and they'd discuss the details later
That's for the best
Your father is growing old and he needs Youssef by his side
Against his will? Youssef isn't interested
Why do you say that?
What am I saying? I'm telling the truth
Mum, it's been ages since Youssef came to see us
Even when you fell ill and needed surgery
He never came to visit
- He only sent a bouquet of flowers - That's fine
That surgery was nothing serious
Yes, of course
- Of course what? - Of course
Everything Youssef does is justified
Yara on the other hand...
Yara breeds trouble Yara gives you a headache
You know?
Nothing will change
Even if Youssef stays away 50 years not 10
Seems like you'll never change
Will you for ever be jealous of your brother
Like a fifteen-year old teenager?
Grow up, Yara
I hope that attitude does not show around your father and brother
I've had it with trouble
- You think I should talk to her? - No, no, let her be
When she's ready she'll come to you
How many years has it been since I saw him?
But don't worry about Mirna She's strong and can handle herself
It's been years since they were together
Tomorrow, he'll go back where he came from
and she'll forget as if she never saw him
He's not going back
He's here to stay
What?
Hey, Mr. Youssef
- You return so quietly - Abu Joud!
- Welcome home - Thank you
I didn't expect you to come
I shouldn't have come
I won't quarrel with you about your sudden return
But how come you don't tell me? I'm your friend?
I didn't know either it just happened
I'm not here for your sake
But for the sake of all these pretty ladies
At least something remained unchanged
- What do you mean? - Your head
Excuse me a moment I will take this call and be back
Take your time
You should've gotten some sleep You've been flying for a day and a half
The event is coming up too
Don't worry about me I'm very fit and healthy
- Where's dad? - He's around
By the way is Nadia Mahfouz invited?
What reminds you of her?
I don't know, I just thought of her I remember she was nice
She was available then
Now, she's married and has left to Dubai
But if you have the intention
Let me handle it
As of tomorrow I'll find you the loveliest bride
Oh no, please don't
You'll find him one?
You know what the best thing is about your return?
Your mother will get busy with you, not me
And you don't want her to get busy with you?
She's keen on your best interests
Anything she or Dad do is in our best interests
- Even if we don't see it that way - Such wisdom!
Where was all that talk when they begged you to return?
Now I see it Even though a bit late
Excuse me
How about that? Is that what you wanted?
- Hello, madam - Hello
How are you?
- How are you? - How are you, Yara
- How are you? - Fine, thank you
Fine and you?
We haven't seen you in ages
Hi
What would you like to drink?
The bartender stands behind the bar not in front of it
Besides, it's an open bar Why trouble yourself?
Is it madness to invite the prettiest to a drink, even if it's an open bar?
I've seen you before
Just can't remember where
I'm sure I haven't seen you before
Had I seen you I would never forget when and where
And I would have made a point to get to know you
You don't like wasting time
Never
- Jad - Yara
Excuse me
- Let me see - Yes
Yes, marvelous
Hand me a dress Give me the blue one
Which one?
A catastrophe, what a shame!
I don't understand why Mounir Bey insists on this Emile
Did you understand why he insisted on all the other designers lately anyway?
They're all like Emile! Same problems and same faults!
Yes, but we're ruined
Like what happened with the last collection
You know what? Forget it
- What about... - I'm afraid they'll sack us
- You don't seem to get it - Oh God!
Look what we're thinking about and what you're thinking about
What else do you want me to think about?
Do I care if he messes up a few collections?
I care if I lose my job
Okay, no one will get sacked No one
- Can we talk about something else? - Okay
What about Mirna's date today?
I'm so happy she's going out
True, I'm happy for her, too
I hope it works out Let her cheer up a bit
I hope she doesn't send him packing like she did with all the others
Yes, no, I won't be late Give me an hour and I'll be there
Okay, we'll talk later Bye
What's up, Youssef?
What are you doing here? The people are looking for you
What for?
To congratulate me on these lovely styles?
Or on the new work you announced before we agreed on it?
Look here, Youssef
I've no breath to quarrel
I'm exhausted and had a long day Let it be
You have to make everything difficult!
Why do you insist on a designer like Emile?
Why?
He's been causing you losses for years
You can see people's reactions to the designs, they've no appeal
And you can see it's not the first time
Tell me, why do you insist on keeping him?
Why do you insist on hearing only yourself?
Because no one understands this business like me. Got it?
But it isn't a business, Dad
It's fashion, it changes every year it changes every day!
And you insist on sticking to your spot you won't listen to anyone
You won't change though time changes
And on top of it all, you want me to take over
so you can get some rest and I end up with the hard work!
Is it too much for you to work hard?
I've been working hard for years
For you
Telling myself you'd come back one day to do the work you've been avoiding
- Avoiding? - Yes, avoiding
There's no other word for it Avoiding!
You're right
Avoiding
Avoiding this confrontation with you
Avoiding a quarrel in which I tell you I can't stand your way of working
and I refuse to follow the steps you laid for me
Avoiding to tell you how you failed
I'm sorry, but there's no other word for it as you said
I'm willing to make up for the failure
But you have to change the way which you've been following for years
Are you willing?
Tell me, because if you are I'll come to work tomorrow
Now you know what I've been avoiding?
But then what have you been avoiding?
Why?
Is it what you've been keeping from me?
Are you avoiding looking me in the eyes and telling me you've been cheating me?
For years you've been living a lie expecting me to believe it
and you know it's a lie!
You don't only know
You've been plotting and scheming it and carried it out in cold blood
If you really think I've been avoiding you all these years, you're mistaken
But now, I'm really avoiding you
Because I can no longer stand looking in your eyes
I can no longer stand dealing with you
I can no longer accept that my own father has wronged me
and made me live a life of lies all these years!
Lies!
I need to avoid you because we can no longer face each other
after what I've found out
Excuse me
I'm sorry I'm a bit late
I'm years late
Did I suddenly vanish?
Was I the one who blocked you and stopped replying
and changed my phone number
and got engaged only four months later
posting my photos to tease the man who loves me
and to inform him that I no longer want him?
Did I do that?
I kept on saying this till the last moment
I need one year to finish my masters and we'll be together
to the last moment I kept saying that
Yes, you also said that you missed me
and that you won't be with me for New Year's Eve
but you had bought me a gift and you'd give it to me when we meet
I received your gift
What gift?
Your engagement
- My engagement? - Yes, your engagement
What are you talking about?
I never forgot that day when Yara came to Dentelle
and offered chocolate on the occasion of your engagement
"Congratulate Youssef he got engaged"
I saw with my own eyes
the picture of your fiancÃ©e with her hand on your shoulder, posing together
- Belie my eyes now! - None of this has happened
What madness is this?
What engagement? What pictures? What chocolate?
Yes, they came to the States and they visited me, I don't deny that
But what engagement are we talking about?
I felt it in my guts
I always told you that girl is keen on you
and your parents would love to ask for her hand
Especially Rima
You would always say
"Don't be silly! This is nonsense! She's like my sister, no more"
Even now I'll say the same
Yes, yes, I'll still say the same She's like my sister
I don't know what they showed you and what they told you
so you could believe it so firmly
What I do know is that no matter what they said
you should have asked me
At least now
We're facing each other
Let's talk it over and get to the bottom of all this
- You mean, you never got engaged? - No
I swear, I never did
But now, I'm really avoiding you
Because I can no longer stand looking in your eyes
I can no longer stand dealing with you
I can no longer accept that my own father has wronged me
and made me live a life of lies all these years!
Lies!
I need to avoid you
because we can no longer face each other after what I've found out
Excuse me
Yes, Ghassan
What's up?
I understand that things are bad at your end
and there's nothing you can do about it I know that
Mounir Bey, there's something urgent I need to tell you
Just a suggestion for you
If you want to travel for example
You had better leave as soon as possible
Because I've been informed
That starting tomorrow, your name will be listed at the borders
Okay, okay
I'll see what I can do
Thank you
- Won't you tell me where we're going? - You'll find out later
- A surprise? - No, no more surprises for today
Right?
To be honest I felt that we haven't said it all yet
There is a lot I would like to hear and a lot I would like to tell you
Focus on the road now and I'll focus on the music
My dear son, Youssef
Ever since you were born
I have been waiting for you to grow up
and become my backbone
But when you did grow up you left me and went abroad
and I kept waiting
There are so many things I dreamt we'd do together
But fate always stood against me
Torturing me
Or maybe punishing me
And now you've found out why I was being punished