Perfect Setting, The (2025)

Romance Movie Collection.
(Valentines Day, Hot, Steamy, Sexual, Erotic, etc.)

Moderators: Maskath3, GabrielAlejo2341, sidolanters

Watch on Amazon   Merchandise   Collectables

Valentine's Day, Hot, Steamy, Sexy, Romantic Movie Collection.
Post Reply

Perfect Setting, The (2025)

Post by bunniefuu »

There's a spot on this glass.

Straighten your tie.

Who's been eating chips?!

People, I need you

at your tip-top shape.

It is not every day we get

a jeweler of this caliber

showcasing in our room.

Oh, she's here.

Stand up straight.

I am honored, thrilled,

and so proud

to introduce you to one of the

most sought-after jewelers in,

well, anywhere, the inimitable

Miss Abby Vandenbrink.

Abby? Abby?

Abby!

- Abby!

- What? What?

I have been calling your name.

My gosh, I fell asleep!

Okay, Nadia needs

that watch like ASAP.

The Duchess is here

to pick it out.

I was up all night,

making these.

Ooh.

Finally saved up

enough for the gems.

You have to show Nadia.

She's in a, uh,

marginally average mood today,

and that's really

the best that we can ask for.

You are going to show her what

you can do beyond repairs.

All right?

- Okay, yeah.

- Yeah.

- I'm going.

- Okay, you're going.

- I'm going. I'm doing this.

- You're doing this.

- I'm going.

- Now, go!

Just exquisite work.

Thank you. May I?

Good as new.

Lovely earrings, darling.

Oh, thank you.

I made them, actually.

Huh.

Thank you.

Your grace.

Abby, when someone

compliments your jewelry,

you say you got it here...

even if it's from the mall.

Right.

Um, actually, I was wondering,

if you have time,

I'd love to show you

some of my other designs.

Fine,

but only because Rosie won't

stop talking about you.

And if I didn't

value her opinion,

she wouldn't be

my assistant anymore.

Hmm.

So...

Nope. Focusing.

Hmm...

I see.

Your designs are lovely,

but I can't put sketches

in a display case.

No, of course.

I was just... I mean,

I was hoping that, maybe,

if you liked something,

that you might

want to commission it

and I could take some time

and and fabricate it.

Oh, Abby, that's not

the way any of this works.

Well, you've done it

for others in the past.

Those designers already had

a body of work to display.

You have one pair of earrings

and a dozen unrealized designs.

Unrealized for now.

You must make a name

for yourself first,

and then we'll

display your designs

and your beautiful jewelry.

Not the other way around.

We are Davidsons.

But good job on

the Duchess' watch.

Keep it up.

How do you make

a name for yourself

if no one will

give you a chance?

Oh, well, I'm glad you asked.

It is a matter of buzz.

Now, you see, nobody wants

you until everybody wants you.

Trust me, I have been working

for Nadia for a very long time

and this is the way

you get her to take notice.

You make it sound so easy.

All you have to do

is jump right in.

You know,

take some of your PTO days

and make some of

those sketches a reality.

Yeah, because

diamonds and emeralds

are so accessible

with my salary.

Right.

You couldn't use, like,

the cheaper stuff?

Okay.

I'd be disowned in my family.

Besides, I want to make jewelry

that makes a statement.

Ah, yes, like,

"Look how rich I am.

"Don't you wish you were me?"

Okay, I was thinking more like

classy, demure, mindful.

Mindful. Mm-hmm, yes.

Oh, hang on.

It's Belgium.

Your grandpa?

Not his number.

Hello?

Abby Vandenbrink?

This is Jules Peeters from

Belfius Bank of Antwerp.

Hi. How can I help you?

We are having an issue

with your grandfather's

shop, and your name

was added to the trust after

your grandmother passed.

It was?

The shop has been

in arrears for several months.

We were hoping you could help

to remedy the situation,

so we wouldn't

have to take any...

drastic action.

Yes, my grandmother

used to handle the finances,

so I'm sure something

just fell through the cracks.

Yes, that is what

we believe, as well.

Okay, well,

thank you for calling,

and I will take care of it,

Mr. Peeters.

He always said he would

leave the shop to me,

but I thought it was just talk.

I mean, he knows

how you feel about it.

He taught me everything I know.

I hope it's okay.

He seems fine when we talk.

He says he's just preparing for

the Antwerp Diamond Festival.

Obviously, there's something

he's not telling me.

Do you think he's struggling

without your grandma?

I mean, it hasn't

even been a year yet.

You know what? I think I am

going to take those PTO days

and go and check on him.

I mean, it's not like

I'm doing anything here

for Valentine's Day.

I told you not to leave Keith

until after Valentine's Day.

I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

I think this

trip is a great idea.

You know, maybe he'll have

some gems hanging around

that he can spare, you know?

Find some inspiration there.

What are we creating?

- Buzz.

- That's right.

- Buzz.

- That's what I'm talking about.

Wow.

Oh, sorry.

You speak English?

Yes.

They're closed.

Um, I can...

I can fix that for you.

Let's see.

Oh, yeah.

The prongs aren't broken;

they're just loose. Let's see.

What are you doing?

The store wasn't open

and she was concerned, so...

Five minutes, we open.

Actually, you know what?

Can you hold this?

By all means.

You know, diamonds

can be heirlooms

and I, you know...

I get why she's concerned

when you lose them.

You're American?

Yeah. Yes, but I, um...

I spent a lot

of time here as a child.

What, in Antwerp

or the diamond district?

Both, my family's from here.

This place has sure changed.

Yeah, well, we just renovated it

with the latest technology

and electronic displays.

And I thought the appeal

of this neighborhood

was the old-world charm.

Well, I guess the thought is

we must attract the interest

of the next generation.

Of course, but I mean,

it's a little much.

You're very good, huh?

Oh, thank you.

- Oh, my...

- It's a passion.

Okay.

There you go. Good as new.

Voila.

Merci.

My pleasure.

It's a beautiful ring.

Where do I find you?

Oh, um, Vandenbrink's,

around the corner.

You've got skills.

Must be the spirit of the

neighborhood, I guess.

So, it is.

Thank you.

Have a good day.

Yeah, you, too.

What was that?

I'm afraid we just lost

Mrs. Reynaert as a customer.

That's unfortunate.

Vandenbrink's strikes again.

Bompa.

Abbytje. Why didn't you

tell me you were coming?

Surprise.

Wonderful surprise for me.

The bank didn't

need to bother you.

You have a job

and a life in the States.

And I... I'm fine.

Bompa, it's not fine.

You can tell me the truth.

You know how much

I love this place.

I'm...

I'm here to help you.

One day she wasn't well...

And the next week,

she was... gone.

She did everything for me.

I know.

She was the best part of me.

Hmm. You were

the best part of each other.

I tried to get your mother

interested in this...

in this life here.

Yeah, she had to marry a Navy

man and move to the States.

At least you have a love for it.

You guys built something

incredible together.

One day, it will be yours.

But it's yours now, so

I want to help you preserve it.

Yeah.

I suppose it's

a bit of a backlog.

Um. Yeah, what happened to Luca?

Is he not working

for you anymore?

He was too much money.

I'm perfectly capable.

Okay,

but you're only one person.

You need some help in the shop.

I don't know how I

let it come to this point.

Okay, so, we're going to finish

the repairs and get you current,

and then you can get back

to doing what you do best,

designing.

Okay,

I have two weeks.

We're gonna get it all done.

And the fact that my visit

coincides with the festival

is just an added bonus.

I don't think I've attended

since I was in middle school.

It hasn't changed much.

Well, the neighborhood sure has.

Remy and Sons did a complete

overhaul of their shop.

It's like

the old world charm, gone.

We don't need gimmicks

like Peter Remy.

And I know that your piece

for the competition

is going to pull out a win,

and with that prize money,

we're going to get

settled up with the bank,

and show Peter Remy what's what.

What?

I'm not entering.

It's too much.

Trying to keep up has

taken all my attention.

This is all repairs.

Designing is what you love.

I could say the same about you.

Are you designing

your custom pieces?

I'm trying.

But you instilled in me

a very expensive aesthetic.

Sometimes,

repair must pay the bills.

I used to love watching

you compete and win,

year after year.

It's one of the greatest

joys of my childhood.

I try again next year,

when there is more time.

After all, my Abbytje

is here to save the day.

- Hmm?

- Yeah.

Oh, I forgot the lobster

clasps for the necklace.

Fine, I'm here to help.

I will go to

the mart and get some.

Are you sure?

The mart is not always so

welcoming to outsiders.

Bompa, come on,

I've been there a dozen times.

How hard can it be?

Oh.

Excuse me?

Welcome.

Okay. Ik ben Abby Vandenbrink.

From Vandenbrink Jewelers?

Jewelry Mart here is a bit

different than in the States.

It's okay.

- Ja.

- Okay.

He says you can come in,

but only with me.

Excellent.

Thank you.

Thank you for this.

So, do you do that often?

What? Do what?

Swoop in on

a damsel in distress,

get to be the hero,

save the day.

Oh, if I was trying to be a

hero, I would go much bigger

than lobster clasp. Clasps.

Fair.

You were quite the hero yourself

earlier on the street corner,

with your skills of an expert.

Mm. All in a day's work.

But thank you for this.

I do appreciate it.

Yeah, you better, after stealing

away one of our customers.

What do you mean?

I guess we weren't

introduced properly earlier.

I'm Alexander Remy.

You're the "and Sons"

part of the name.

I am, and from the moment

you said "Vandenbrink",

I knew you were a force

to be reckoned with.

I wasn't trying to poach anyone.

She needed help and

you weren't open.

That's what superheroes do.

We met once, when I was like 12.

I was here for the competition.

It was between

your dad and my Bompa

and we were cheering them on.

That was you.

You had quite

the spirit back then.

Mm. I still do.

Vandenbrink's take

great pride in our work.

As do we Remys.

And, as I recall...

I believe we took the victory...

that year, and the year before,

and the year before,

and the year before.

This year will be no different.

Don't underestimate us.

Okay, we might

not be cutting-edge,

but our work speaks for itself.

And yet, we'll still emerge

victorious next week.

You seem pretty

sure of yourself.

Well, I understood that

your grandfather is sitting out

of the competition this year.

No.

So, the rumors aren't true?

No.

Well, he's not entered

the competition yet, so...

That's because

he's not competing.

I am.

I'm a Vandenbrink,

I'm a designer,

and so, here I am.

Represent.

Wow.

This contest is

taking an interesting turn.

Yeah, I'd say so.

- You better get going.

- Really?

Because the registration

is closing tonight.

Yeah, that's where I was headed.

Of course, you were.

Good luck to you, mister.

Yeah, good luck to you,

uh, Vandenbrink.

I think it's a wonderful idea.

It's like

my mind had a mouth of its own.

I just...

It just blurted it out

before I could stop it.

It was fate.

No, no, Bompa, it's not.

I've never done anything

like this before.

So, there's that.

Every journey has a first step.

You're more than capable of

not only entering, but winning.

I taught you well.

I know your talent.

And with this,

your boss will know, too.

I wish I had your confidence.

I help as much as I can.

You have eight days

and you will be ready.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I'll be ready.

Rosie.

Hey, I got your text.

Sorry I couldn't call

before my lunch break.

I can't believe you

entered the competition.

Okay, tell me everything,

so I can relay it to Nadia.

She watches it

religiously on the trades.

Okay, so, there's this guy.

Ooh, okay, guy, do tell.

No, it's not that kind of guy.

That's too bad.

I mean, how amazing would it be

if you ran off to Europe

and fell in love?

Okay, slow your roll, Rosie.

He's a jeweler.

It's Remy and Sons.

There's this kind of rivalry

between his Dad

and my grandfather.

They ping-pong back and forth.

One year my Bompa will win,

and then the next year,

Remy and Sons.

Oh, okay, hold up.

"And Sons" is cute.

His name is Alexander and yes,

he's not terrible looking,

but I felt like he

was kind of baiting me

and I couldn't let him

get away with it.

So, now, I am going

to humiliate myself

in front of the entire

Antwerp Diamond District.

Uh-uh, uh-uh, no.

No, you are not.

You are going to do amazing.

Aah! Maddie is going to

flip when she hears this.

This is exactly

what she wants to hear.

I hope so. Thanks, Rosie.

Any time.

Keep me posted on your progress.

I will.

Ooh! Ooh! Wait!

And if "and Sons", you know,

asks you out for, like,

a coffee or something, say yes.

It's almost Valentine's Day.

Okay, yes. Bye.

Hello.

Fritter, please.

Oh, the pronunciation.

Een frituur.

Yeah, I think I found

your greatest skill.

What? I only have one?

I don't know.

But you're real good

at sneaking up on people.

Oh, if the

bad guys don't see you coming,

they can't run.

Wait. Am I the bad guy

in this scenario?

Absolutely not.

So, you're

working on your designs?

I'll never tell.

You're not getting my secrets.

I wouldn't dare ask.

But I thought

you're new to this,

so maybe I could

give you some tips.

Well, why would my

competition want to help me?

I'm not your competition.

My Dad is.

Right, well, maybe you're

fishing for information for him.

Okay, well, maybe it's not

about the contest at all.

Maybe I just find you intriguing

and I want to know

more about you.

Oh.

An American who likes

fries with mayo.

The plot thickens.

The people in the

States don't get it,

but I was trained

right by my grandparents.

It really is

the only way to do it.

So, your parents, aren't they

in the diamond business?

My Dad was a Navy man,

and he met my Mom here

while he was stationed,

and now he's the captain

of a cruise ship,

and she's the

pastry chef on board.

I moved around a lot when

I was a kid, the military way.

But you came here to visit.

It's my favorite

place in the world.

Watching my grandparents

create something exquisite

out of nothing but imagination.

It's a beautiful thought,

but it's a slow process.

Because we live in the instant

gratification generation,

people want things now;

they don't want to wait

months for fabrication,

And I find that so sad.

Prefabricated

can still be beautiful.

Like my dad says, we have to do

whatever it takes to stay alive

in this shrinking marketplace.

But it's missing passion,

the craftsmanship,

the attention to detail.

Also missing the profits.

It's never been

about the money for me.

It's just...

it's about the love of it.

Can we not have both?

Fashion, beauty, everything

a heart could possibly desire.

Well, I guess this competition's

the first step

towards finding out.

Oh, there's a check

on the desk for you to sign.

I'm gonna make the first

payment to the bank today.

Will you come with me

to the festival opening today?

It's the first meeting

of the contestants and...

I feel a bit like

a fish out of water here.

Of course.

You're representing

Vandenbrink's.

I happily make a showing.

Thank you, Bompa.

Um, what do you know

about Alexander Remy?

Nice boy,

nothing like his father.

Not a creative bone in his body.

Ah, but his business

sense is fantastic.

He knows how to create buzz.

But there are other ways,

like this competition.

It's the equivalent of a

Michelin star for jewelers.

Not to mention

the 100,000 euro prize.

Yes, which would get us

squared up with the bank

and some leftover.

Home is where the heart is,

that's the theme for this year.

And what are you thinking?

I don't even know.

Moving around so much,

when Dad was on active duty,

no place ever really

felt like home to me.

Sometimes,

home is like a feeling.

For me, it was your grandmother.

Wherever she was, that was home.

You must dig deep, Abbytje,

and find out...

what home means to you.

This is exactly

like I remember it.

I was so mad when Mom and Dad

wouldn't let me miss

school for this every year.

I always wished it

took place in the summer.

We should do this every year.

My job isn't

so generous with time off.

It took me three years to accrue

enough days for this visit.

After competition,

your boss will be

begging you to design for her.

You always know

just the right thing to say.

I'm so happy

to be here with you.

I'd say we're

all happy you're here.

- Peter.

- Laurent.

I understand you're giving your

slot to the next generation.

It is risky utilizing an

amateur, I'll give you that.

Dad...

The next generation

just might surprise you.

I doubt that very much,

but I can't wait to see.

She makes original pieces,

beautiful ones.

None of these 3D, mass-produced,

and knock-off design you sell.

Bompa...

We may sell those things,

but we do not cheat

with anything mass-produced

for a competition.

An original piece

is being fabricated

in our shop as we speak.

Is that so?

It is, by my son, in fact.

I'm sorry. What?

Like you have done,

Alexander is following

in my very capable footsteps.

He's the future of

Remy and Sons, you know.

But you're the one

who's already been entered

in the competition.

Ah, Remy and Sons is entered,

and Alexander is

a part of that team.

Yeah, we were going

to announce that... today.

It was suppose

d to be a surprise, so...

surprise.

Well, then...

good luck to us all.

Indeed.

Let's go.

What was that?

Remember,

any press is good press and

we need to stay relevant.

And now, the rivalry lives on

with the next generation.

I get all that,

but we don't need to

take such extreme measures.

I'm not my brother, Dad.

Just be careful with that girl.

This is your future,

so don't let her

get in your head.

You remember

what happened the last time.

Welcome.

The competition takes

place in two stages.

The sketch phase accounts

for 25% of the score.

The execution phase

will receive the other 75%.

Please remember that all

entries must be anonymous.

You may pick up your

official envelope

here at the front table.

Please have your sketches

in by Thursday at 9 a.m.

And we hope to see

you all here that night

for the Carats and Cupids dance.

Now, go design,

make our community proud.

- Hello?

- Miss Vandenbrink,

This is Jules Peeters again

from Belfius Bank of Antwerp.

Oh, hi, Mr. Peeters.

I'm actually in Antwerp.

Thank you for sending

the first payment,

but we really do need to

get this account current

as soon as possible.

Yes, we have a couple

more billings coming in

and I should be able to get you

a check in the next few weeks.

Weeks?

Miss Vandenbrink, this account,

it's five months past due.

Oh, um...

I'm sorry.

I haven't had a chance

to go through my

grandfather's paperwork yet.

I didn't... I didn't

know it was that serious.

Okay, I promise to, uh...

I promise get this sorted.

I will, um...

I just... I just need

a little bit more time.

I'll try, but I can

only hold off for so long.

Thank you. Yes, I understand,

and I appreciate the help.

Hey, looks like

we had the same idea.

Look who's doing

the sneaking up.

I figured turnabout

was fair play.

For the competition?

Yeah.

Just seem to be having

a bit of a block.

Happens to the best of us.

Keep going. You'll push through.

My father has been begging me

to takeover

the competition from him.

But design is just not my

strong suit, as they say.

Can I ask you something?

Of course.

It's "Remy and Sons",

but you're only one son.

Why the plural?

There were three of us,

Mathias, my father, and I.

It's always been his dream to

work alongside his sons,

as he did with his father.

I'm... I'm so sorry.

Did Mathias...?

Oh, no. He's alive and well.

He just fell in love with a

woman, moved to Cleveland,

leaving a Matthias-shaped hole

in my father's heart.

Well, I'm glad

he's okay at least.

Okay? Matthias is perfect.

He just didn't go

into the business,

wasting his talent on

selling insurances.

And now, Father is...

trying everything he can

to put me into his shoes,

mold me into a man

that I can never be.

Well, according

to my grandfather,

it's all thanks to you that

the business is thriving,

and that's no small feat,

trust me.

Well, my father doesn't

see it that way.

He says I've got

the mind for business,

but creative skills

of a six-year-old.

Hey, I know some pretty

talented six-year-olds,

so don't sell yourself short.

I just don't operate that way.

I just... can sell

and market a piece, but...

We all have our strengths.

And this is clearly not it.

Here's an unorthodox thought.

Vandenbrink's is struggling.

Bank's on our backs.

It's hard to compete

in online stores.

But I have a proposition.

You help me whip

Vandenbrink's into shape,

and I will help you get in touch

with your creative side,

which I know is there;

it's just lying dormant.

Our families can never know.

Well, I'm sure that my

grandfather would not be pleased

if I was speaking to a Remy.

He's very proud.

Okay. Well, I can keep a secret.

What a coincidence. So can I.

Okay, then, let's do it.

Let's do it.

How is your design going?

Oh, I've been working

on it all day.

I'm just taking a little break.

The creative juices

weren't exactly flowing.

Plus, this backlog

is just staring me down.

Oh, um,

I made another

payment to the bank

because another billing came in.

So much pressure off,

thanks to your help.

I could maybe begin making

original pieces again.

Hmm?

If you could get the word out.

My customers only think of me

for repairs lately.

I'm working on outreach.

I'm coming up with

a marketing plan

to bring more business in here.

I cannot wait to hear it.

We can discuss it

over an early dinner.

Um, I was gonna... um,

I was gonna go out

for dinner, actually,

for, um, inspiration

for the competition.

My sketches are due soon.

But I made made pt gaumais.

My first time cooking

without Bomma.

It was always your favorite.

Still is.

You two used to make it together

while I played with that

uncut diamond over there...

which I used to

think was rock salt.

I can't believe you

still haven't cut it.

It was the first stone

Bomma and I acquired together

when we opened the shop,

and we called it

our good luck charm.

We wanted to keep it intact.

So, you let

a six-year-old play with it?

Not that it could break.

And it made you happy.

It's so complex, isn't it?

The way a diamond is formed,

it's... it's from this rock.

It becomes brilliant.

I like to think we

all experience this,

a similar evolution.

Well, being with you

makes me happy,

and I would love nothing more

than to have

'pate gaumais' with you.

'Pt gaumais'.

Okay.

I'm just going to finish

this up and I'll be right over.

Okay.

Oh. Hi.

Hi.

Hope I didn't keep you waiting.

Uh, no.

I was just taking in

the beauty of this place.

Me too.

This is actually where my

grandparents got engaged.

It's a very popular site

for romance and engagements.

Their love was...

kind of forbidden.

- Is that so?

- Mm-hmm.

I always used to

make them tell me the story.

You can't leave me hanging here.

Okay, so, she came from money

and her parents

did not approve of him.

He was an aspiring jeweler

and an apprentice

for a diamond cutter.

So, for a year,

they would sneak away

and meet here.

Kind of what

we're doing right now,

without all the real romance

and engagements and stuff.

No, without all that... stuff.

So, on the night

that they got engaged,

she was actually running away,

and her parents

followed her here,

and they saw him propose.

And seeing the love

in their eyes,

they had no choice

but to give their blessing.

That's so beautiful.

Mm-hmm.

Must have been hard

for him to lose her.

Yeah. Yeah.

He says, when you find

that person, that's home.

The theme of the contest,

"home is where the heart is",

it's a little vague,

if I'm being honest.

I never had a real home

growing up, you know?

At least no place

I ever felt connected to.

What does home mean to you?

Remy and Sons.

Even though I can never be

what it needs me to be,

it will always be that for me.

I get that.

Vandenbrink's

felt more like home

than any house I ever lived in.

Maybe your grandfather is right,

home is a who, not a where.

So, um...

I have something for you.

Okay.

Great.

Oh, my gosh,

did you do all this in one day?

A couple hours, actually.

A few pictures are placeholders,

and as soon as you give me the

photos of the original pieces,

I can adjust them.

This is incredible.

I've been wanting to

make a website for him,

but he's so old school.

Thank you for this.

Tomorrow,

the flower market, noon...

we are going to find

your hidden talent.

Hmm.

Okay, I give.

What are we doing here

and what does this place have

to do with jewelry design?

What inspires you, Alexander?

Progress,

seeing the fruits of our labor,

positive balance sheets.

All good things. It's not

exactly what I had in mind.

With creativity,

you can't force it.

So, what inspires you?

This! Nature.

Beauty is so unique.

Every petal is different,

like when you hold a magnifying

glass against a snowflake.

Here.

Look beyond the surface.

What do you see?

It's like there's

a whole other universe

that's not visible

to the naked eye.

Now, look at these.

Magnified.

The detail is impeccable,

although not obvious from afar.

That's where I like

to find my creativity,

in looking beyond the obvious.

I'm going to consider

that tonight, dig deeper.

Seeing as our sketches

are due in the morning,

I think you should do the same.

Look beneath the surface

of Vandenbrink's,

just put it under a microscope

and see what it means to you.

Hm.

You know that tomorrow night

is the Carats and Cupids dance.

Yes, it is.

Were you planning on going?

I don't know.

I don't have a dance partner.

I might know someone.

He has quite the moves.

Matthias?

No. Matthias couldn't

quite do this.

May I have this dance, Mevrouw?

I would, but...

But what?

We're not supposed to be seen

together in public, remember?

Right. I think I'm

starting to hate that part.

Be sure

that your sketch is submitted

in an unmarked

official contest envelope.

You finished?

I followed your advice:

look beneath the surface.

And are you happy

with your design?

Not unhappy.

Not sure how

I'm going to execute it,

but I do like

the idea behind it.

I'm sure it'll be great.

Oh, I sent you

some more pictures

of Bompa's designs

for the website.

Yeah, yeah. I'll block them

in later tonight.

Hey,

I have something to show you.

Can you meet me

at Grote Markt in an hour?

Yeah, I think I can

make that happen. Thank you.

You have some nerve, Mr. Remy.

Do you want to make

a wager about this?

Absolutely not.

I couldn't live with myself

taking away your

hard-earned money that way.

Oh, that's what someone says

when they know

they're going to lose.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Do not mistake my confidence

for false bravado,

Miss Vandenbrink.

I'm quite sure

of my chances here.

Unlike some contestants,

we've been here before.

We prove ourselves

with our work,

and it's in the bag,

as they say.

See you on the 14th,

Miss Vandenbrink.

I look forward to it.

If I had known

we were coming here,

I would have skipped breakfast.

In Antwerp,

there's always room for more.

So, why am I here?

How is this going to help me

with my family's shop?

Allow me to explain.

You see those two waffle shops?

Mm-hmm.

They sell

the exact same product.

I imagine the taste is similar,

prices are competitive.

What do you notice?

Um, well,

this one has a long line

and this one is a ghost town.

And why do you think that is?

Soggy waffles,

runny whipped cream,

bad score from

the health inspector.

As you would say...

look closer.

Well, the waffles in that

window look more appealing.

That's because they

clean the glass cases

every 20 minutes,

so no fingerprints.

Well, and the pictures

of the waffles

is making me hungry.

The ivy is nice and the flowers.

Exactly. You gotta make your

customers salivate, you know?

Your product

can't speak for itself

if your customers

don't know it exists.

Okay, so I see what

you're saying,

but isn't it enough to have

existed for half a century?

Reputation is important,

but you still

gotta distinguish yourself

from the competition.

Aren't you the competition?

No, Abby.

No matter how this contest

is going to turn out,

Remy and Sons will never be able

to do what Vandenbrink's does.

Well, I don't know

if I agree with that.

I mean, my grandfather is

exceptional at what he does,

but...

Oh, I wasn't talking

about your grandfather.

Can't you see?

You are the future

of Vandenbrink's.

Bompa?

You okay?

Yeah,

I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine.

I just ran up

the stairs too quickly.

I'm not as spry as I used to be.

Ah, yes, what you did

to the window, it worked.

I just sold the emerald broach.

Bompa, that's wonderful.

And the woman

is here from France

and she asked me to bring

some designs to her hotel

after her lunch meeting,

and she wants to commission

a graduation gift

for her granddaughter.

Yes!

Had I known that

you'd have such an impact,

I'd have called you earlier.

I am here to help.

So, does this mean that you are

not going to the dance tonight?

Perhaps,

if my meeting doesn't go late,

I make an appearance.

But you go.

Yeah.

Um, I, uh...

need to find my old sketches.

Oh, yes.

Ooh, we're cooking now, Bompa,

you and me.

Oh, no.

What?

I volunteered to bake

Bomma's heart-shaped

stroopwafels

for Carats and Cupids,

but I completely forgot

about it just till now.

I don't know where my head is.

Your head is back in

business where it belongs.

Do you know any... pastry chef

who wants to work for free?

No, but I happen to be an expert

at making Bomma's stroopwafels.

Hey, you got my text.

Thanks for coming so quickly.

Any chance you know how

to make stroopwafels?

No.

But I know how to

follow a recipe... sort of.

Great, that makes one of us.

Um, come on up.

Okay, it's official.

We're an unmitigated disaster.

Um, I don't know why I thought

I could tackle a waffle iron.

I can't even make

boxed mac and cheese, so...

I know what we need to do.

We'll stop by Elsen's bakery

on our way to Carats and Cupids.

They sell heart-shaped

stroopwafels this time of year.

No one will ever know.

We are racking up a lot of

secrets here, Mr. Remy.

That's what makes this

so much fun, Miss Vandenbrink.

I'm gonna change

and I will swing back by

to get you.

Sounds... sounds like a plan.

Or is it a date?

It's not a date; it's a plan.

A date is strictly forbidden.

Well, your grandparents,

they found a way

to make the forbidden work.

Yes, they did.

But I think we should wait

until after the competition

before we date

or plan or anything.

After the competition,

you'll be back in the States.

So, time's

not really on my side here.

Hey, how about we just be

in the moment tonight?

Not worry about anything.

Just take it from there.

Okay.

Hi, Ro. I'm getting ready

for Carats and cupids.

Hey, that's fun.

I am in a limousine

on my way to pick up Nadia

to go to the airport.

Where are you going?

Antwerp!

Nadia literally decided,

like, five minutes ago.

Why?

Well, she saw you

and some fellow contestants

on the Jewelry Exchange website.

So, all the trades

are covering it, so now,

she wants to go down to, quote,

"Maximize the publicity

from this for the store."

I'm representing Vandenbrink's

in this competition,

not Davidson's.

Do you think that

would stop her?

One of our very own

at the Antwerp

Diamond Festival contest?

The possibilities are endless.

I mean, I'm excited.

I just... I'm surprised.

Yeah, I know.

I just wanted to warn you.

We'll be there tomorrow night.

So, what's happening

with you and "And Sons"?

Are you seeing him at the dance?

Yes.

We are going together,

but it's complicated. He...

He wants to live

in the moment tonight.

Yes, he's right.

I agree with him.

You like him, Abs.

I do.

But geography

is not on our side.

Okay, so,

it's a fun "vacationship".

Just enjoy it while it lasts.

I mean, this is the first guy

to even pique

your interest since Keith.

But you know what

is on your side?

Talent.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Okay, travel safe.

Bye.

Bye.

You shine like a diamond.

You clean up

pretty well yourself.

Thanks.

- Shall we?

- Mm-hmm.

Since we are on our first, um...

whatever this is...

I have to say, you... in all the

time that we spent together,

you've talked a lot

about your love of family,

but never relationships.

You didn't ask.

I didn't know you cared.

Well, since you asked,

I almost got married last year.

Ah. See, I should have stopped

at the 'almost' part.

You went through with it?

A regret that

will live in infamy.

But I was very young

and stupid at the time.

Why didn't you

go through with it?

Um...

I don't know,

You know when you're with

someone for a long time

and you don't really know how

to live without them? It's...

I can imagine.

It becomes quite comfortable.

No, it was, um...

It was uncomfortable, actually,

and I-I didn't know

why at the time,

but I just...

I realized it wasn't right.

It's a good thing that you

set him free, so that

he could find the person

that was right for him.

Yeah.

I mean, I hated hurting him,

but it wouldn't have been

fair to either of us

if I went through with it, so...

What's your story,

young and stupid?

Well, they say 'diamonds

are a girl's best friend'.

In my ex's case,

they were her first

and only love.

Camille was very good

at telling me

exactly what I wanted to hear.

I fell like only

a 20-year-old can.

It took a while for me to

realize that objects,

especially the one in our shop,

were more important

to her than I was.

Ahh. I'm sorry you

had to deal with that.

We live and we learn.

Sometimes, it makes us wiser.

Yes, and sometimes it helps

you learn what you do want.

Maybe we should have a dance.

My dad's not coming tonight.

I don't think

my Bompa is either,

but I'm sure

they have eyes everywhere.

So, let them talk.

We cannot have our first...

whatever this is

without at least

having one dance.

Right.

Let's live in the moment.

One more.

I don't know.

It's a slippery slope.

First, it's one more,

then two, then... ten.

I hope so.

- Alexander!

- Abby!

What is this?

You like him, don't you?

I just want you to be cautious.

He's a good person, Bompa.

You don't know.

She could be using you.

You want to go down

that road again?

Abby is nothing like Camille.

Alexander is nothing like Peter.

You're here for a short time

and it's your dream.

It's important to keep focused.

I am focused!

Our business

means everything to me!

Just...

What I do know

is that you will win.

I didn't ask for you to

put me in the competition.

You have a real

chance of winning.

I don't know about that.

You're putting way

too much pressure on me.

I don't have the confidence

and skill like Matthias.

Skill can only get you so far.

If you have a dream,

you can't take your eye off

the prize for even one moment.

I know. I know.

The problem is

you're not serious.

I am serious!

How could you say

that I'm not serious?

Allowing the competition

to get close to you

so few days before the finals?

You have to finish strong.

Finish strong, Abbytje, and you

can write your own ticket.

If Alexander

is your future, so be it.

Okay.

This is our future. You can't

let an amateur swoop in

and get into your head and

take the limelight away from us.

You'll need these

for your bracelet.

Bompa,

where did you get those?

They're so expensive.

I have my ways.

You took them out of

another design, didn't you?

Thank you.

They're exactly what I needed.

How is this coming?

Good.

I'm just melting the gold.

And...

pouring it...

into the bracelet mold.

Why don't we take

a walk while it cools?

We haven't lit a candle for

Bompa since you got here.

Okay.

Bomma would love that you

decided to make a bracelet.

I saw the photo in your shop

and I remembered

how her bracelets used

to jingle when she walked.

Most of them made by you.

All of them made by me.

She sees a picture of

something she found beautiful

and put in an order.

More like a demand.

"Bring it home."

When I really think of home

and what it means to me,

it's here, it's her, it's you.

The shop was the only

constant in my life as a kid.

I would come and visit and

everything would be the same,

and I needed that so much.

It will be yours one day.

Okay.

What does that mean exactly?

What do you want it to mean?

I don't know.

I have a job

and a life in Chicago.

My boss is on her way

here right now...

Shh.

To capitalize on the

press and the competition.

Once you win this money,

you can quit your job

and do full-time fabrications

on your own terms.

No. This money is for you,

for the shop,

so you can get settled up with

the bank and find some help.

You don't have to

do this alone anymore,

I promise.

The money's for the winner.

Yes, Vandenbrink's,

who I'm representing.

I'm not here as

an employee of Davidson's.

This is not about me.

Oh, sweet child...

Well, you're up late.

I hope I didn't wake you.

Oh, no, no, no.

Sleep is not

in the cards tonight.

I was burning

the midnight oil, as well,

and it's just about

to burn out on me.

Okay.

What seems to be the problem?

I can't seem to get

these gems fixed properly.

Well, everyone

is gone for the night,

and I just refuse to

give my dad the satisfaction

of knowing that I'm struggling.

So, what? You need me to come

over there and rescue you?

Is that why you're calling?

Isn't that what superheroes do?

Okay, fine,

I'll throw on my magic suit

and I'll be right over.

See you in ten.

Yes, my magic suit is pajamas.

Don't judge me.

After you.

Wow.

Check this out.

We use high-color

rendering LED bulbs

to accurately represent

the colors of the gems.

These glasses

are cleaned every hour

and as needed.

These digital screens

allow the customers

to view detailed

information about the gems,

including craftsmanship

and design origin.

So, you guys left

no stone unturned.

Well, you gotta

spend money to make money.

See, you know, now, that's the

part that I have a problem with.

Okay, show me what you got.

Okay, so, you know that this is

supposed to be anonymous, right?

I won't say anything

if you don't.

Okay, so,

you're making a woman's ring.

What's the significance of home?

Well, it's inspired by

my mother's engagement ring.

She died when I was six.

I don't remember much,

but I do remember the sparkle

that came off of her hand.

It was a big diamond,

six carats,

courtesy of my grandfather.

I always thought

it was interesting

how these jewels

could spark memories.

I think home is not... a place.

I think that home are

the people that really see you.

Yeah, I do, too.

Well, if I could only

get this diamond to sit.

Okay, so,

I see that you've

done a bezel setting,

but it would have been

a little better if you've done

modified tension, but okay,

it's fine, we can work with it.

Let's see here.

Like... that.

And that's how it's done.

You're amazing.

It's really just the basics

of jewelry fabrication.

That's not what I meant.

I should probably

get back to my work.

Yeah.

You should.

Oops.

Now, we're in trouble.

The best kind.

Oh, Abbytje.

Oh...

Gorgeous.

What a design.

Bomma would have loved this.

Thank you.

Are you writing your statement?

Yes, I still have to type it up,

but, um,

I think it's pretty good.

Would you read it for me?

Yes.

"When we think of home,

we think of

four walls and a door;

"we think of a chimney

with smoke billowing out.

"But in reality,

home is a feeling,

"a knowingness that you belong.

"This bracelet is a reflection

"of the unconditional love

that encompassed me

"each time I walked in

this one particular door.

"It encircled me

"and gave me a place

to develop my passion.

"The jewels

represent the unbreakable,

"eternal light of love

"in the eyes of the people

who truly see you."

How proud she would be of you,

as am I.

Thank you, Bompa.

Thank you for

always believing in me.

Always... and forever.

Hmm?

Oh! You're here!

You made it!

- Hello.

- Hi.

It's so, uh,

quaint -

the history, the... smells.

Oh, but impeccable

craftsmanship.

Yeah, that's my grandfather.

He's, uh...

He's won the

competition many times.

Well, let's just

hope it runs in the family.

I guess we're going to

check in at the hotel.

Okay.

But I'll catch you

at the festival.

Yes. I'm so glad you're here.

Lots to tell.

- Oh, okay.

- Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

As we stated,

this is all anonymous.

So, do not

point out your design.

Our judges must

make pure assessments.

Please, everyone else,

come and have a look.

Our judges choose

the grand prize,

but we do have the audience

favorite award, as well.

So, be sure to vote.

Good luck.

You too.

- Dad.

- I'm sorry I'm late.

I had to meet with a vendor.

Did I miss it?

Not much has happened yet.

The judges are

examining the pieces

and tomorrow, we'll know if

it's going to go our way.

It's going to go our way, son.

You can't know that.

I certainly can and I do.

Let's just say

one of the judges

owes me a very large favor

and I've called it in.

What?

Keep your voice down.

That's why you were so willing

to let me join the competition

because it's fixed.

You make it sound so sinister.

It is sinister, Dad.

For a moment I thought you had

let go of the comparisons

to Matthias

and just see me for me, but...

I see that I'm wrong.

This is about our future,

your future.

It's all going to be yours.

But our shop needs to exist

for that to happen.

It's cheating.

We can't do that to...

To her?

To all of them.

It's not right.

Well, it doesn't matter now.

It's done.

And so am I.

Alexander.

Alexander...

Oh, please, Alexander!

So, are you going to

introduce me to "And Sons"?

I don't know.

I saw him go talk to his Dad

and now, he didn't come back.

Girl, he is coming back.

I saw the way he looked

at you on that stage.

We kissed last night.

Shut up.

We're keeping it low-key.

His Dad and my grandfather were

not thrilled to see us together.

Um, how romantic.

It's exactly like Romeo

and Juliet, if he were Belgian.

I'm so glad you're here.

Me too.

I am going to go

take care of Nadia.

An assistant's

work is never done.

- Not with my boss.

- Mm!

Hi. It's Abby.

I was looking for you to

introduce you to my coworkers,

who are here from Chicago,

including my boss.

But maybe you left already?

Uh... call me when you get this.

I think I'm being ghosted.

No. "And Sons"

is going dark on you?

I don't know what happened.

Everything was fine at the

competition this morning,

and he just took off,

and now he's not answering

his calls and texts.

Maybe he just didn't get them.

Well, he has read receipts on.

Eee. Yeah.

Those are the worst.

You know, it is impossible to

ignore to ignore Nadia's texts,

as long as those

are in existence.

I don't know what happened.

I mean, maybe it was the kiss.

Maybe he got scared.

Or maybe there was an emergency?

If there was an emergency,

why doesn't he just tell me?

He's obviously

reading his texts.

Okay, all right.

So, I know this isn't

the way you want it to go,

but hey,

look at the bright side.

Nadia is taking

notice, all right?

You are finally getting

the press you need

to actually do this thing.

You can write your own ticket

once you get home.

Home?

Yes.

Chicago is where you belong.

Girl, you are finally

making your dreams come true.

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

Yeah. You're right.

Ladies and gentlemen,

welcome to the finals

of the jewelry

design competition

here at the 56th annual

Antwerp Diamond Festival.

As you may notice,

there are now only

nine designs in the cases.

As one of our contestants,

Alexander Remy, has withdrawn

from the competition.

Why has he withdrawn?

I-I have no idea.

I haven't heard

from him since yesterday.

And now, without

any further delay,

I am pleased to announce

the results of the competition.

The moment of truth.

Who will emerge victorious?

And the grand prize winner is...

oh, this is a surprise...

Antoine Lemmens

from Jewelry Exchange.

A long-time entrant,

first-time winner.

Just to place

in this competition

is an accomplishment.

I wanted this

so much for us, Bompa.

Yes, I know,

and you did beautiful work,

something to be proud of,

and that's enough.

I love you so much.

Yeah, I love you, too.

Have no regret.

And now, for the

Audience Favorite Award.

- Yeah.

- And the winner is...

Abby Vandenbrink

from Vandenbrink's.

What?

What?!

Come on up, Abby.

You have won the

Audience Favorite Award.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Bravo!

Congratulations

to all our winners.

And we hope to see

you all again here next year.

We figured that Alexander

would want his piece back.

It was...

very beautiful.

Whatever his reasons

for withdrawing,

he truly had

a chance at the prize.

- I'll be right back.

- Okay.

Uh, Mr. Remy,

can you tell me

what happened to Alexander?

Some... mistakes were made

and he's left, Abby.

I don't know where,

but he's gone.

Oh.

- What's that even mean?

- I don't know.

"Mistakes were made."

I don't know if it was about me

or the contest.

What could I possibly have done?

Nothing! Okay?

This is not on you.

I don't even know.

I mean, I didn't

win the competition.

I didn't get the guy.

And now, all I have is

my mundane repair job

at Davidson's.

No, don't say that.

Well, I did it.

I got the winner

to show at our store.

Here's the card.

Follow-up in the morning.

Will do.

Congratulations again, Abby.

Oh, Nadia, I-I didn't win.

Not the grand prize,

but the Audience Award

holds even more weight.

Do you know

who attends this festival?

Um, local jewelers and

residents of Antwerp.

I imagine they attend,

as well, yes.

But only the finest jewelers,

designers, vendors, distributors

from all over the world.

That's who voted on your piece.

And my phone has been

ringing off the hook about you.

Thank you, by the way,

for mentioning your job

at Davidson's on your bio.

Very smart.

I had no idea.

Oh, there's

a strong buzz about you,

my friend, and when we get home,

we're talking about your future.

Also, I would like to buy

that winning piece of yours.

The Duchess is going

to flip for it.

It's all happening, Abbs.

Yeah.

It is.

Father.

Alexander, where have you been?

I needed time to think.

I received your

message about the ring.

Your mother's ring.

It was... unexpected.

It wasn't an original.

It was just

inspired by something

that represented home to me.

I'm...

I'm sorry

I underestimated you, son.

I'm used to it.

I know, and

I want to apologize for that.

I'm not Matthias.

I need someone

who's as passionate

about the work we do here

as I am, and that is you.

What you've done

for the business,

you've accomplished

more than any design

Matthias could ever make.

Things have changed

so much in our industry,

but I trust you to

bring us to the future.

And you did the right thing,

stepping down

from the competition.

And I want to thank you

for helping me to see

that I was wrong.

Look, you're a good man.

You made me that way, Dad,

raising us all on your own.

I am who I am because of you.

But she is home to you.

No.

This all is home to me.

Son...

Thank you and have a good day.

- Bye.

- Bye.

Another day, another sale.

That should

help us with the bank.

But boy, am I wishing

I won that prize money.

Ah, it doesn't matter, Abbytje.

If this is the end of

Vandenbrink's,

we have had a great run,

and I have had the most

wonderful time

having you with me here,

side by side.

But we can't give up.

Oh, Abby...

I'm slowing down.

I'm, uh, too old

and too tired to do this alone,

and you have this

opportunity in Chicago.

So, you have to go

back to your life.

Here.

To always remember

where your place is.

It's your good luck charm now.

You do with it what you want.

Thank you.

What? Thank you.

You'll figure it out, hmm?

Grandma would be proud.

Mm-hmm.

Okay, what was so important

that we had to rush right over?

What would you say that's worth?

Whoa.

Whoa.

Uh...

It's pristine.

Nice quality.

A lot of potential.

It's very impressive, Abby.

How did you come by it?

My grandfather has

held onto it for years,

and he gave it to me

as a going-away gift.

A rock like this is worth...

$2,500 per carat.

Um, euros or dollars?

Does it matter?

It's a gold mine.

Well, it's 30 carats.

Indeed.

Do you want to

buy it from me, Nadia?

Very much.

You're going out

on your own, aren't you?

Yes.

Mr. Peeters?

It's Abby Vandenbrink.

Miss Vandenbrink, please.

How nice to meet you in person.

And thank you so much

for your prior payments.

Well, I have one more.

This should settle up

the mortgage on Vandenbrink.

In fact, it does.

And we do so appreciate

your attention to this matter.

The shop means a lot to me.

Your grandfather

is lucky to have you.

You know, this place

has welcomed me

more than

anywhere else, actually.

It's the Belgian way.

Yeah.

It is.

I'm sorry. I have to go.

Oh, okay.

Excuse me.

Alexander, it's me.

Can you meet me on the bridge?

I have to talk to you.

I guess we don't

need to hide either anymore.

Still sneaking up.

Are you okay?

What happened?

Why the radio silence? What?

And you dropped

out of the competition...

It's a long story. One day,

I'll tell you everything.

I just didn't agree with the

decision that my father made,

and I just needed

some time for myself

to figure out my next steps.

And did you?

I did.

My father and I spoke

and we're okay,

better than ever.

Just him seeing my design

felt like he finally saw me,

and I believe that would never

have happened had I not met you.

I'm glad.

I know how much

Remy and Sons means to you.

And I know how much

Vandenbrink means to you,

which is why I think...

you should stay here in Antwerp.

Okay.

Okay?

Okay.

I had already decided to stay.

I have been

searching for so long

to find out what home means

to me, and it's here,

it's Antwerp,

it's Vandenbrink's,

it's everything, and maybe...

maybe even you.

They say whenever you find

that person, that's home.

Yeah, I think that's true.

I have something for you.

Alexander, we've known each

other for two weeks,

and you're giving me a ring?

Do you maybe want to try

having a second date first?

It's a gift. It's a gift.

So, just wear it, don't wear it.

I just wanted to

give it to the woman

that helped me

find my way back home.

Well, home is

where the heart is.

That's so corny.

That's so corny!

But so true.
Post Reply