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Vengeance After the Cradle Fell - FULL EP 2026
Transcript
00:00I was thrashing on the delivery bed, contractions ripping through me one after another.
00:07My husband Damien was gripping my hand, looking at me with this sickeningly sweet, gentle expression.
00:15Just hang in there a little longer Alexia, we're gonna meet our baby so soon.
00:20I was sweating bullets, practically blinded by the pain, but I still managed a weak smile for him.
00:24Then, a nurse walked in holding a syringe. I thought it was just my epidural, but Damien suddenly dropped my
00:31hand and took a massive step back.
00:32The second that needle pierced my skin, I heard Damien mutter,
00:36Get the dosage right, we need to stall her labor, until Vivian gives birth.
00:40My eyes snapped wide open, staring at him in pure horror, but he just casually checked his Rolex.
00:47Vivian's 6 centimeters dilated, they just keep her drugged for another 2 hours.
00:51I wanted to scream, to rip the 4 out, but the drugs were already flooding my veins.
00:56The violent, tearing contractions in my stomach were suddenly choked out by this invisible hand.
01:01Everything just, stopped dead.
01:03They wheeled me down to the hospital's creepy ass basement, dumping me in what looked like a makeshift cell.
01:08Damien's spoiled brat of a sister, Bella, was leaning against the doorframe, casually twirling a surgical scalpel.
01:14Don't be mad at my brother, Alessia.
01:16Vivian is carrying my late brother's baby, the first actual heir, a boy, for our family's new generation.
01:24Who cares if you deliver first?
01:26You're just popping out a girl, it's totally worthless.
01:29I clutched my giant belly as a fresh, rogue wave of contraction started violently fighting off the drugs.
01:34The pain was so blinding my vision literally went black.
01:37Get a doc, the baby's coming, I swear to god.
01:41I gasped out, Bella just let out this wicked, psychotic little laugh.
01:46Give birth?
01:48Who said you're giving birth?
01:52Those meds are gonna keep you locked up tight for another 3 hours.
01:56Vivian's already in the delivery suitie.
01:58Once her son is born safe and sound, you can push all you freaking want.
02:02She stood up, brushing off her designer jeans, and shot a glare at the muscle standing by the door.
02:07Watch her, she screams gag her.
02:09The heavy metal door slammed shut.
02:11I rise on the freezing concrete floor, a pool of blood already soaking right through my hospital gown.
02:16Damien had confiscated my phone the exact second we pulled up to the emergency room.
02:20He fed me some BS about radiation being bad for the baby.
02:24Looking back?
02:25He just didn't want me calling the cops.
02:27I curled into a tight, agonizing ball, desperately trying to breathe through the blinding pain.
02:32But all I could picture was the look in Damien's eyes.
02:36Stone cold.
02:37Calculating.
02:38Like he was looking at a broken piece of furniture.
02:40Not his wife.
02:42Not the woman literally carrying his child.
02:44Three months ago, his older brother Alan died in a horrific car crash.
02:48He left behind Vivian, his widow, who was three months pregnant.
02:52At the funeral, Damien's dad the family patriarch George was bawling, gripping Vivian's hands like a lifeline.
02:58You have to deliver this baby safely.
03:00Our bloodline cannot end here.
03:02Back then, I actually felt bad for Vivian.
03:05I even stepped up and said,
03:07Don't worry dad.
03:08Damien and I will make sure our baby takes care of you too.
03:11The old man George just gave me this dead, blank stare and said nothing.
03:15It suddenly clicked.
03:16From that exact moment, my baby was already marked as collateral damage.
03:21Another contraction ripped through me, a hundred times more brutal than the last.
03:25The delayed drugs were wearing off.
03:27My baby was coming out.
03:29Now, I dragged myself to the door, clawing and pounding on the metal with everything I had.
03:34Somebody help!
03:35The baby is coming!
03:37Please save my baby!
03:39Dead silence from the hallway.
03:40I screamed until my vocal cords literally bled, only to hear one of the guards grumble impatiently.
03:46Shut the hell up!
03:46Blair said to wait so you wait!
03:49But my baby...
03:50If it dies, it dies.
03:52Blame your own crappy luck for not carrying a boy.
03:55I slumped back against the freezing wall.
03:57Ice running through my veins.
03:58This wasn't bad luck.
04:00They actively, intentionally wanted my baby dead.
04:03I have no idea how long I survived in that pitch black basement.
04:06The bleeding wouldn't stop, I was practically swimming in a dark red puddle.
04:10Just as I started blacking out, the door violently swung open.
04:14It wasn't Bella.
04:15It wasn't the goons.
04:17It was the family's private physician, Dr. Vance.
04:20Alexia?
04:21What the hell are you doing down here?
04:23Damien told everyone you were resting up in the penthouse VIP suite.
04:27I tried to scream, but my throat was totally paralyzed.
04:31All I could do was point at my swollen stomach, sobbing uncontrollably.
04:35The second his hands felt my abdomen, he sharply sucked in a breath.
04:39You're 10 centimeters.
04:40Your water's completely broken.
04:42We have to get you to a hospital.
04:43Now!
04:44He tried to scoot me up, but the slightest movement sent a horrifying, hot gush between my legs.
04:49Blood.
04:50So much damn blood.
04:52Dr. Vance's hands were shaking uncontrollably as he screamed out the door.
04:56Help!
04:57Get in here now!
04:58She's hemorrhaging!
04:59The hallway was a ghost town.
05:01Damien's family basically owned this private hospital.
05:04They had cleared out the entire building tonight, just for Vivian's delivery.
05:08Every single doctor and nurse was on standby up on the third floor.
05:11Dr. Vance whipped out his phone, swearing when he saw there was zero cell service down here.
05:16I'm carrying you up.
05:17Just hold on.
05:18Gritting his teeth.
05:19He lifted my dead weight and stumbled frantically toward the exit.
05:23That stairwell felt like an endless nightmare.
05:25Every single jolt was pure, unadulterated torture.
05:28I could feel my baby dropping, pushing down, but unable to actually come out.
05:33Those sick delay drugs were still messing with my system, making my contractions totally erratic.
05:38It was the most lethal scenario possible.
05:40Dr. Vance, save the baby.
05:43Please, just save my baby.
05:45Don't talk like that.
05:46You're both gonna make it.
05:48He finally hit the ground floor, sprinting straight for the primary operating room.
05:53But when we got to the doors, we both just froze.
05:56The or-double doors were propped wide open, and the room was completely, utterly gutted.
06:01The overhead surgical lights?
06:03Gone.
06:04The operating table?
06:05Gone.
06:05Gone.
06:06The fetal monitors, the oxygen tanks, every single piece of life-saving equipment had
06:10straight up vanished.
06:11All that was left was an empty, echoing room and some exposed wall outlets.
06:15Dr. Vance stood there, paralyzed.
06:18He let out this choked, horrified sound, like someone was literally strangling him.
06:22The hell?
06:23How is this possible?
06:24I personally checked all this equipment at 3 p.m.
06:27Suddenly, the sharp click of heels echoed from down the hall.
06:31Bella strolled over with two nurses trailing her like lap dogs.
06:35Dr. Vance, the hell are you doing down here?
06:38Vivian's up on the third floor.
06:39Why did you leave your post?
06:41Where is the equipment?
06:43Where did everything go?
06:44We moved it up to the third floor, obviously.
06:47Vivian needs a C-section, so she gets the absolute premium gear.
06:52What if there's an emergency?
06:53A regular old OR wouldn't cut it for the air.
06:59Oh, is Alessia about to pop?
07:02Well, she's gonna have to hold it in.
07:04Vivian's not done yet.
07:05Just suck it up and tough it out a little longer.
07:08I stared up at her flawlessly contoured face.
07:10A sick memory flashed from six months ago her linking arms with me at Prada,
07:14batting her eyelashes and going,
07:16The best, Alexia.
07:17You're more like a real sister to me than anyone.
07:20Looking back now, what a twisted, pathetic joke.
07:23Dr. Vance sprinted into the nurse's station like a madman,
07:26violently tearing through the supply cabinets.
07:28But they were wiped clean.
07:30Where are the meds?
07:32Give me something!
07:34We sent it all up to the third floor.
07:36Damien ordered that every single resource must be strictly prioritized for Vivian.
07:41Dr. Vance slammed his fist so hard that the cabinet had dented.
07:44I'm so sorry.
07:46God, I'm so sorry, Alessia.
07:49There's nothing I can do.
07:52Bella sauntered over, condescendingly patting his shoulder.
07:55Relax, Doc.
07:56Take a breath.
07:57She hasn't even pushed the kid out yet.
08:00Once Vivian is finished, we'll send the scraps back downstairs for her.
08:03And honestly, even if she pops it out, it's just a worthless girl.
08:07If it dies, good riddance.
08:09Our family doesn't need trash like that.
08:12I stared a hole straight through her skull.
08:14Looking at the girl I had treated like my own flesh and blood for three straight years.
08:18You sick bitch.
08:20Bella's smug little smile instantly vanished.
08:23Keep barking.
08:24Call me whatever you want.
08:26Once you're completely drained from giving birth, I have plenty of ways to shut you up for good.
08:31And then, Vivian is gonna officially take your place as the Lady of the House.
08:35As for you, we might just spare your pathetic life.
08:40You know, as a favor to my brother.
08:42Blair!
08:45You are literally murdering her!
08:47Murder?
08:48Watch your mouth, Doc.
08:50You're on thin ice.
08:53Women die from childbirth complications every day.
08:56It's perfectly natural.
08:58Besides, this is internal family business.
09:01You're just an employee on our payroll.
09:03Back the hell off.
09:04She flicked her wrist at her goons.
09:05Escort Dr. Vance to the break room.
09:08I'll take excellent care of Alessia myself.
09:10Two massive bodyguards immediately grabbed the doctor by the arms and started dragging him away.
09:16Alexia!
09:16Press your acrobacere points.
09:19Your ankles!
09:20The webbing of your hands!
09:22It'll force the contractions!
09:24Don't give up!
09:25You can still save the baby!
09:26His voice echoed down the hall until it faded into nothing.
09:29Bella casually kicked the nurse's station door shut and turned back to face me.
09:33She pulled out her iPhone and started a FaceTime call.
09:35Hey, Damien!
09:38Alessia's about to pop.
09:39Wanna watch?
09:40Damien's face popped up on the screen.
09:42He was pacing outside a luxury delivery suite, a swarm of elite doctors buzzing in the background.
09:48Cut the crap, Alessia.
09:50Things are getting complicated with Vivian.
09:53The baby's heart rate is dropping.
09:55Bella flipped the camera to show my bloody, writhing body on the floor.
09:58Look at all this blood she's losing.
10:01Do you think she's gonna croak too?
10:02Damien frowned at the screen for half a second
10:04before aggressively looking away.
10:07Just make her wait.
10:07Once Vivian's done, I'll send a doctor down.
10:10Blair, just keep an eye on her.
10:12I can't leave this floor right now.
10:14The call disconnected.
10:16Bella shrugged, shoving the phone into her back pocket.
10:19Hear that?
10:20My brother only gives a damn about Vivian.
10:22I slammed my eyes shut, refusing to look at her smug face.
10:25But I slowly, secretly slipped my hand behind my back.
10:29Sewn into the fabric was a tiny, button-sized device.
10:32I dug my fingernail under the device's protective cap and flipped it open.
10:36And I pressed down hard.
10:37No beep.
10:38No flashing red light.
10:40But I knew the distress signal was already bouncing off a satellite.
10:43My dad Robert promised that the second I hit that button,
10:46his people would crash through the doors in under 30 minutes.
10:49But 30 minutes.
10:50Did my baby even have 30 minutes left?
10:53A panic button my dad Robert gave me.
10:55He told me,
10:56Alessia, that family is full of vipers.
10:59If things go south, press this.
11:01Dad, chill.
11:02Damien treats me like a queen.
11:04His whole family adores me.
11:05God, I was so incredibly, fatally stupid.
11:08My grip on reality was slipping.
11:10Bella was just lounging in a chair,
11:12scrolling through her phone,
11:13occasionally glaring down at me like I was roadkill.
11:15I mean, seriously,
11:17what were you thinking marrying into our family, Alexia?
11:20Did you just want Damien for his looks?
11:22His money?
11:23You're literally a nobody from a middle class family.
11:26You never belonged with us.
11:28I didn't say a single word.
11:29I just kept desperately pressing the pressure points Dr. Vance told me about.
11:33My ankles.
11:34The webbing of my hands.
11:36Pushing down with everything I had.
11:38Even if it was a total long shot.
11:40Bella just kept running her mouth.
11:42We figured, hey, if you spit out a sun,
11:44you'd at least have some use.
11:46Then the ultrasound showed it was a girl.
11:48The old man was absolutely furious.
11:51Thank God Vivian is having a boy.
11:53Otherwise, our bloodline would be screwed.
11:55She stood up, walked over, and literally kicked my leg.
11:58So do us all a favor and know your place.
12:01Stop clinging to things that aren't yours.
12:03I forced my eyes open and stared dead at her.
12:06Damien, know you're talking to me like this?
12:09Duh.
12:10My brother literally sent me down here to prep you.
12:13He said you were stubborn and might do something crazy,
12:16so I needed to talk some sense into you.
12:19Another massive wave of agony ripped through my stomach.
12:22Worse than all the others combined.
12:24The meds were completely gone.
12:26The baby was crowning.
12:28I couldn't hold back the scream anymore.
12:31Bella jumped back, looking totally disgusted.
12:34So annoying.
12:35She yanked the door open and yelled down the hall.
12:38Hey!
12:39Somebody get in here and check if she's finally popping.
12:41A terrified nurse scrambled in, took one look between my legs, and went chalk white.
12:47She's fully dilated.
12:49The head is cloning.
12:51But she's losing way too much blood we have to deliver right now.
12:55Then catch it, genius.
12:58The nurse was on the verge of tears.
13:01We have no equipment.
13:03No meds.
13:04Doing it like this.
13:06The mother and the baby could die.
13:08Then let them die.
13:10They're dead weight anyway.
13:12Who gives a crap?
13:13After dropping that sick line, Bella literally just walked out to find Damien, leaving me to bleed out.
13:19The nurse was too terrified to speak.
13:21She just squatted down and tried to help me manually dilate.
13:24But I was totally tapped out.
13:26The extreme blood loss had drained every last ounce of my energy.
13:29Every single passing second.
13:31Was pure, agonizing hell.
13:34Then, out of nowhere, rapid, heavy footsteps echoed down the hall.
13:37A lot of them, the synchronized, thunderous thud of tactical combat boots.
13:45Who is that?
13:47The heavy metal door was violently kicked off its hinges.
13:50A squad of men in full black tactical gear swarmed the room.
13:53Assault rifles raised.
13:57The second his eyes locked onto my bloody body, they went completely red.
14:03Miss Alessia.
14:05Alessia.
14:05I just weakly reached my bloody hand out to him.
14:08The nurse started shrieking hysterically.
14:10Who the hell are you?
14:12How did you get in here?
14:13How did you get here?
14:15Security!
14:16Security!
14:17The leader didn't even glance at her.
14:19He sprinted over and dropped to one knee right beside me.
14:22I should have protected you.
14:25He scooped me up into his arms and barked at his squad.
14:28Clear the perimeter.
14:30Prep the mobile med bay, now.
14:32Yes, sir.
14:39You can't do this!
14:41This hospital belongs to Damien's family!
14:44The leader paused and slowly turned his head.
14:47He gave her a look that could freeze hell itself.
14:49Damien's family?
14:50They're already dead to us.
14:53They rushed me into a heavily modified, armored medical van.
14:57The inside was literally a state-of-the-art mobile operating room.
15:00Elite trauma docs and nurses were already inside, instantly starting resuscitation.
15:05BP dropping.
15:0660 over 40.
15:08Hemorrhagic shock.
15:09Fetal distress is critical.
15:11We need to perform an emergency C-section.
15:13But the mother's vitals are crashing.
15:15The surgery risk is.
15:17Cut her open.
15:18I'll take the bullet if anything goes wrong.
15:20Save.
15:21Save the baby first.
15:22Boss, please don't speak.
15:24Save your energy.
15:25The Don is already on his way.
15:27He'll be here any minute.
15:29You and the baby are going to make it.
15:31You have to.
15:32Before he could even finish, the heart monitor let out a piercing, continuous scream.
15:37She's flatlining.
15:38Grab the paddles.
15:39Clear.
15:40The fetal heartbeat is crashing too.
15:42Scalpel.
15:42We're cutting now.
15:43They strapped my arms down, and a heavy anesthesia mask was clamped over my face.
15:48Right before the darkness swallowed me whole, I heard the surgeon scream.
15:52We're too late.
15:52The baby.
15:53The baby has no pulse.
15:56Darkness.
15:57Pure, suffocating darkness.
15:59I don't know how much time passed.
16:01I slowly peeled my eyes open.
16:04I was staring at an unfamiliar ceiling, the sharp smell of antiseptics burning my nose.
16:09She's awake.
16:09The boss is awake.
16:11Someone shouted in pure relief.
16:13Several faces instantly crowded around my bed.
16:16All faces I grew up with.
16:18My dad Robert's top enforcers, the ruthless uncles who basically raised me.
16:22Where's my baby?
16:23The entire room went dead silent.
16:25A few seconds later, the man standing at the foot of the bed slowly turned around.
16:30It was my dad Robert.
16:31The Don.
16:32A man in his 50s.
16:34Alessia.
16:35He couldn't even get past my name before his voice broke.
16:37Looking into his bloodshot, shattered eyes, I already knew the answer.
16:42The baby's gone isn't it?
16:43Massive hemorrhaging.
16:45Placental abruption.
16:46The oxygen deprivation was just, too long.
16:49The doctors did absolutely everything they could.
16:52I closed my eyes.
16:53I didn't cry.
16:54I didn't scream.
16:56I just felt this massive, gaping black hole open up in my chest.
16:59The tiny life that had been growing inside me for 9 months.
17:02The baby that kicked me every day, the one I whispered secrets to.
17:06Gone.
17:07Where's Damien?
17:08He's with Divya.
17:10She gave birth.
17:11To a boy.
17:12His entire family is popping champagne, celebrating.
17:15Not a single one of them even asked about you.
17:40I let out a laugh.
17:42A sick, full-body tremor of a laugh.
17:45Perfect.
17:46Absolutely perfect.
17:47My dad Robert squeezed my hand tight.
17:50Alessia, we're going home.
17:51That family doesn't deserve you, and that bastard definitely doesn't.
17:55Dad.
17:56I need you to do something for me.
17:58Name it.
17:58I need a body double.
18:00A hyper-realistic fake corpse.
18:02Make it look exactly like me.
18:04Post-delivery, bled to death.
18:06My dad Robert totally froze.
18:08You're planning to.
18:09I want them to think I'm dead.
18:11And then, I am going to sit back and watch exactly how they celebrate.
18:15Watch them throw a party for their new, air, over my dead body.
18:19Then, he firmly nodded.
18:21Done.
18:21I'll make the call.
18:23The body double was terrifyingly realistic.
18:26Medical-grade silicone skin, pumped full of fake blood bags, complete with a core temperature
18:30simulator.
18:31Shoved into a freezer in the morgue.
18:33You literally couldn't tell the difference from an actual corpse.
18:36I was chilling in the hospital security room.
18:38Any regrets?
18:39About what?
18:40Marrying that piece of trash.
18:42Nope.
18:43At least it showed me exactly what kind of monsters they are.
18:46On the screen, Damien finally strutted out of the VIP delivery suite.
18:50He was holding a swaddled newborn, his face absolutely glowing with that I proud new dad
18:54energy.
18:55Vivian was being wheeled out on a hospital bed, looking pale but flashing this massive, the
18:59old patriarch George hobbled over on his cane, bawling his eyes out the second he laid
19:04eyes on the kid.
19:04A grandson.
19:05I finally have a grandson.
19:07Our bloodline is secure.
19:09The whole damn family crowded around the baby, laughing and celebrating.
19:13Not a single person asked about me.
19:15No one remembered the other pregnant woman who was literally fighting for her life downstairs.
19:20Mr. Damien, what about your wife?
19:22Damien frowned, looking like he literally just remembered I existed.
19:26How's she doing?
19:27No updates yet.
19:28Dr. Vance is down there with her.
19:30I'll go check.
19:31I'm coming with you.
19:32He handed his golden boy off to the nanny and headed for the elevator.
19:36Bella scrambled after him.
19:38The two of them hopped into the elevator.
19:40I switched the camera feed to the ground floor.
19:43Dr. Vance was leaning against the wall outside the gutted door, looking like an actual ghost.
19:47Seeing Damien, he shot up straight.
19:50Mr. Damien.
19:51Where's my wife?
19:52He just slowly stepped aside and pointed a shaking finger down the hall.
19:56Toward the morgue.
19:57Damien's face dropped.
19:59What the hell does that mean?
20:20Dr. Vance choked out, staring at the floor.
20:24Massive hemorrhage.
20:25We couldn't resuscitate her.
20:27We lost the baby too.
20:29The air in the hallway completely froze.
20:32Damien just stood there, paralyzed.
20:34Like his brain couldn't process the words.
20:36Bella was the first to snap out of it.
20:39Bullshit, she was completely fine a minute ago.
20:41She lost way too much blood.
20:43We had zero equipment.
20:45Zero meds.
20:46I tried literally everything, but I'm so sorry.
20:49I swear to God I tried.
20:51Damien suddenly snapped, grabbing the doctor by the collar and violently hoisting him up.
20:56What the F-U-C-K did you just say?
20:58My wife is dead.
20:59Dr. Vance just nodded, tears streaming down his face.
21:03Damien dropped him, stumbling backward until his back hit the wall.
21:06No.
21:07That's impossible.
21:08She was perfectly healthy, how could she?
21:11Bella frantically grabbed his arm.
21:12Damien, wait.
21:14Let me go check.
21:15She practically sprinted toward the morgue.
21:17On the cameras, I watched her yank open the freezer drawer and stare down at the corpse.
21:22The silicone face was permanently frozen in a mask of agonizing pain.
21:26The white sheet underneath was entirely soaked in dark red blood.
21:29Bella stared for all of five seconds before clapping a hand over her mouth and bolting out of the room.
21:34Damien, it's real.
21:35Damien stormed into the morgue.
21:37The feet caught him standing over the open freezer, completely paralyzed.
21:41He stood there so long it freaked Bella out.
21:44She tiptoed in and tugged his sleeve.
21:46Damien suddenly snapped his arm back and punched the concrete wall with everything he had.
21:51Why?
21:51Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?
21:53Why didn't you wait for me?
21:55Dr. Vance, standing out in the hall, muttered quietly.
21:58Your phone was off.
21:59You didn't allow calls in the VIP suite.
22:02Then why the hell didn't you run upstairs and get me?
22:04It's two flights of stairs.
22:06How long would that take?
22:07You just stood there and watched her die.
22:10His eyes totally bloodshot with rage.
22:12Dr. Vance went dead silent, dropping his head as his shoulders shook.
22:16Bella tried to run damage control.
22:18I was the one who stopped him from going upstairs.
22:20Vivian was in a critical state.
22:22I didn't want to interrupt.
22:24Smack.
22:24He slapped her across the face.
22:27Hard.
22:27Did you just hit me?
22:29Were you the one who locked her in the basement?
22:31Bella wouldn't meet his eyes.
22:32I just told her to wait.
22:34Wait for what?
22:35That was my wife.
22:36That was two human lives.
22:38I told you to take care of her.
22:39Is this how you take care of people?
22:41Bella burst into tears.
22:43I was doing it for the family.
22:44Vivian was having a boy.
22:46She was having a girl.
22:47Do the math.
22:48Grandpa George said the boy is the only heir that matters.
22:52An heir.
22:52So, her life just didn't matter anymore.
22:55It was like that word literally stabbed Damien in the chest.
22:58He froze.
22:59The rage completely washed out of his face, replaced by this hollow, blank look.
23:04An heir.
23:05The only sound in the morgue was the low hum of the freezer and Bella's muffled sobbing.
23:09Damien dragged my corpse back to the family estate.
23:12They didn't even let me in the main house.
23:14They set up a cheap memorial in the guest wing.
23:16Meanwhile, Vivian and her golden boy moved straight into the master suite.
23:20Swarmed by nannies and night nurses.
23:22The old patriarch George laid down the law.
23:24Keep the funeral quiet and cheap.
23:26We don't want bad energy around the new baby.
23:29Just find a day to cremate her and get it over with.
23:31Pick a decent plot though, she was still married into the family.
23:35Damien didn't say a word.
23:36He just sat in that dark memorial room, guarding the casket.
23:39Three days and three nights.
23:41Didn't eat, didn't drink.
23:43Bella tried to comfort him and got violently kicked out.
23:46Vivian finally waltzed in holding the baby, playing the sweet widow.
23:49Damien, I'm so sorry for your loss.
23:52Alessia wouldn't want to see you like this from heaven.
23:54He stared at her for a long time before asking.
23:57What she was thinking when she died?
23:58I was in labor, I don't.
23:59She was thinking about why her husband wasn't there.
24:02About why everyone was celebrating your baby while leaving her to literally bleed to death.
24:06Damien, what the hell is that supposed to mean?
24:09I almost died giving birth too.
24:11The heart rate dropped so many times.
24:13Yeah, it was rough for you, but she actually died.
24:16Two lives.
24:17Gone.
24:18Did she deserve to die just because she wasn't carrying a boy?
24:22Damien stood up, walking over to the casket.
24:24I keep thinking, if I had just been with her, would things be different?
24:27If I hadn't ordered all the medical equipment for you, would she still be alive?
24:31If only.
24:32His voice cracked, unable to finish the sentence.
24:35Vivian bit her lip, spun on her heel, and stormed out.
24:38Right before she left, she threw one last dagger.
24:41Don't forget Damien.
24:42I'm the one who gave this family a son.
24:44That corpse in there is completely useless to us now.
24:47The door slammed shut.
24:48Damien slumped against the casket, sliding down to the floor, burying his face in his hands.
24:53Through the hidden camera feed, I watched his shoulders shake violently.
24:56I shot a text to my dad Robert, are we clear to go?
24:59My dad Robert replied instantly, green light.
25:02Suddenly, the family business started bleeding out.
25:05First, their oldest suppliers entirely cut off their supply chain.
25:08The excuse?
25:10Quality control issues.
25:11Damien sent his fixers to smooth it out, but they got slammed doors in their faces.
25:16Then, the banks pulled their credit lines.
25:18Guaranteed multi-million dollar loan renewals were suddenly rejected for high risk.
25:21Their cash flow choked instantly.
25:24And then the clients started dropping like flies.
25:26Massive contracts were ripped up overnight, instantly handed over to their biggest rivals.
25:31Within 30 days, their total market value plummeted by 30%.
25:34The old patriarch George stressed himself into a hospital bed.
25:38Damien was running himself ragged, bouncing between the ICU and the crumbling corporate office.
25:43Vivian, sitting comfortably with the baby, constantly whined,
25:46Oh Yuri literally never home.
25:48You don't even care about the baby.
25:50My dad is dying and the company is imploding, what do you want me to do?
25:54So, what if the company crashes?
25:56We're loaded.
25:57We have enough cash for a lifetime.
25:59She rolled her eyes.
26:00Damien looked at her like he was seeing a complete stranger.
26:03Do you have any idea how this family built its empire?
26:05My grandfather George, my dad, my brother Alan three generations bled for this.
26:10It didn't just fall from the sky.
26:13Well, you still can't just abandon me and your nephew.
26:15He's not even a month old and you're MIA every single day.
26:20Damien slammed the door on her and drove straight back to the memorial hall.
26:23My casket was still sitting there.
26:25He refused to bury me because he couldn't find the perfect plot.
26:29He leaned against the polished wood, muttering into the void.
26:32Alessia, if you were here, what would you tell me to do?
26:35You'd probably tell me to just breathe.
26:37Take it one step at a time.
26:39You are always so level-headed.
26:41So damn smart.
26:43His voice dropped to a broken whisper.
26:45But I don't have anyone to talk to anymore.
26:47My dad just screams at me.
26:49Vivian only wants my credit cards.
26:52Bella is entirely self-obsessed.
26:54You were the only one who never asked for a dime.
26:57Who just wanted to help me.
26:58He took a drag and started violently coughing.
27:01Coughing so hard literal tears streamed down his face.
27:04I'm so sorry.
27:05God, I am so sorry.
27:07I didn't know it was gonna end like this.
27:09If I could do it all over again, I swear I would.
27:13Before he could finish his pathetic confession, his phone blew up.
27:16It was his executive assistant, sounding absolutely panicked.
27:20Boss.
27:21We have a massive crisis.
27:23Customs just seized our entire shipping fleet.
27:25They're claiming we're smuggling contraband.
27:28The payload is huge.
27:29The feds are opening a criminal investigation.
27:32Contraband?
27:33What the hell are you talking about?
27:34We run a legitimate import business.
27:36It's real.
27:37The feds are literally raiding the lobby right now asking for you.
27:41Damien slammed the phone down and bolted out of the memorial hall.
27:44He jumped in his car, speeding toward the corporate HQ.
27:47Halfway there, his phone rang again.
27:49Unknown caller ID.
27:51He picked up, and a man's voice ice cold and deadly deep spoke through the speakers.
27:55Did you enjoy my little gift, Damien?
27:58Who the hell is this?
27:59My name isn't important.
28:00All you need to know is that this.
28:02This is just the appetizer.
28:04You owe a massive debt.
28:06And I'm going to rip your entire family apart to collect it.
28:09The line went dead.
28:11Damien scrambled to redial, but the number was already disconnected.
28:14His hands, gripped white-knuckled on the steering wheel, started to violently shake.
28:18The federal investigation dragged on for two brutal weeks.
28:21They eventually dropped the charges due to insufficient evidence, but the entire cargo was seized.
28:27Millions of dollars, instantly gone.
28:29Their family's reputation absolutely tanked.
28:32And business partners started tearing up their contracts left and right.
28:35The company's stock flatlined.
28:37The stress triggered a second massive stroke for the old patriarch George, and this time, he didn't make it.
28:43Right before he kicked the bucket, he gripped Damien's hand, gasping out.
28:49And then he flatlined.
28:51The funeral was pathetic and cheap.
28:53Barely anyone showed up, and the ones who did were only there to watch the train wreck.
28:57Vivian stood by the casket holding the baby, crying her perfectly manicured crocodile tears.
29:02Honestly couldn't tell if she was crying for the old man or crying because her sugar daddy was dead.
29:07Damien just stood there the entire time, completely dead inside.
29:11It wasn't until the funeral ended and the guests cleared out that he finally turned to Vivian.
29:15Pack your stuff, get out.
29:17Vivian, leave me fro.
29:19Excuse me?
29:21Take the kid and get the hell out of my house.
29:23I'll cut you a check.
29:24It'll be enough to keep you comfortable for the rest of your life.
29:27Damien!
29:28What the hell are you talking about?
29:30I'm your brother's widow!
29:32His baby is his own flesh and blood.
29:34Grandpa George literally said he's the heir!
29:38The heir?
29:39Our entire empire is turning to dust.
29:42What exactly is he inheriting?
29:43Our crippling debt?
29:45Vivian took a step back, panicked.
29:48You're just gonna abandon us?
29:49I'm paying you.
29:51Damien deadpanned.
29:53That's me, not abandoning.
29:55Main estate?
29:56I'm keeping it.
29:59It holds all my memories with Alessia.
30:03Memories?
30:04Stop lying to yourself, Damien.
30:06You never loved that woman.
30:07You're just drowning in guilt.
30:09She died a horrific death, and now the guilt is eating you alive.
30:14If she was still breathing, you would have dumped her and married me ages ago!
30:18Damien's face went deadly on your mouth.
30:22I'm gonna say it!
30:23I totally lost it.
30:24Completely unhinged.
30:26You only married her because she was a clean, basic girl you could easily manipulate!
30:30You literally told me that once she pushed the kid out, you'd find an excuse to divorce her!
30:34Now that she's dead, she did you a massive favor!
30:37You should be thanking me!
30:39Thanking my son for getting her out of the picture!
30:42Smack!
30:43Another slap.
30:44Infinitely harder than the one he gave Bella.
30:46Vivian was literally knocked to the floor, the baby instantly bursting into terrified wells.
30:51Damien loomed over her.
30:52His eyes like daggers of ice.
30:54Get out.
30:55Right now, leave.
30:57If I ever see your face again, you won't get a single damn cent.
31:00Vivian scrambled up, clutching the screaming baby, and shot him a lethal glare.
31:05I'm going to regret this!
31:07She stormed out, taking the kid and a massive seven-figure settlement check with her.
31:11Damien stood alone in the empty memorial hall, staring up at his dad George's portrait.
31:15He suddenly looked so incredibly, fundamentally exhausted.
31:19Too exhausted to even stand.
31:21He dropped to his knees.
31:23Dad, I can't hold on anymore.
31:25The empire is collapsing and it's all my fault.
31:28Total silence.
31:30Nobody answered him.
31:31Just the cold draft sweeping through the hall, violently flapping the white morning drapes.
31:35I was chilling in my Italian estate, watching the CCTV feeds on my iPad.
31:40My dad Robert strolled in and tossed a dossier onto the table.
31:44Damien's company.
31:45Valuations barely holding at a fraction of what it was.
31:48And they're drowning in debt twice that same.
31:50Filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy is only a few days away.
31:54I picked up the file and skimmed the pages.
31:56That was way faster than I expected.
31:58My dad Robert sat down and let out a heavy sigh.
32:03Alessia, do you really need to personally watch him burn to the ground?
32:06I looked up at him.
32:08Dad, do you seriously expect me to forgive him?
32:11He shook his head immediately.
32:12No.
32:13The bastard deserves it.
32:15I'm just worried about you.
32:17I don't want you getting stuck in this dark headspace.
32:19I slapped the folder shut and gave him a faint smile.
32:22The exact moment my baby died, I completely detached from him.
32:26Right now, I'm literally just collecting a debt.
32:29My dad Robert looked at me, his eyes full of conflict.
32:39I stood up, walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, and stared out over the vineyards.
32:44Everyone grows eventually.
32:46Some people just take years to do it.
32:48And some of us grow up overnight after one brutal betrayal and a brush with death.
32:53My dad Robert didn't say anything back.
32:55He just stood there with me in comfortable silence for a while, then quietly left the room.
32:59Suddenly, my burner phone buzzed.
33:02It was Damien.
33:03The absolute nerve of this guy to call me.
33:05Well, technically, he was calling my dead alias' number.
33:09I answered it, but kept my mouth completely shut.
33:12His voice, incredibly hoarse and broken, crackled through the speaker.
33:16Alexia, I know you can't hear this, but I just really re-needed to talk to you.
33:21The family is finished.
33:22My dad is dead, Vivian walked out and Bella completely cut cuz with me.
33:25Right now, I have absolutely no one left.
33:27Sometimes I think, if I had just treated you better, maybe everything would be different.
33:31If I wasn't so insanely greedy, wanting the sun, wanting the empire, wanting total control
33:35over everything, maybe, maybe you'd still be alive.
33:40But what ifs are useless.
33:42You're dead, our baby is dead, and it's 100% my fault.
33:47I could spend my entire life trying to pay off this debt, and it wouldn't be enough.
33:53So...
33:54He took a massive, shuddering breath.
33:57I liquidated everything left of the company.
34:00I split the cash three ways.
34:02One-third went to charity.
34:03In your name, one-third went to Vivian and the kid as a final payout for my brother Alan.
34:09And the last third...
34:12I kept it.
34:13To buy myself a burial plot, right next to yours.
34:16In the next life, I'd give you my soul to make it up to you.
34:19The call abruptly ended.
34:21I sat there gripping the phone, completely motionless for a long time.
34:24Until the screen went black, reflecting my stone-cold, expressionless face.
34:29Damien actually kept his word.
34:31He liquidated every single asset real estate, stocks, art collections.
34:35He even listed the main family mansion.
34:38He downsized to a tiny, crappy apartment.
34:40His entire routine was just getting blackout drunk and haunting the cemetery.
34:45Just sitting in front of my headstone, talking to himself like a crazy person.
34:49Sometimes rambling about the bankrupt company.
34:52Sometimes bringing up childhood memories.
34:54Sometimes he didn't say a word.
34:56Just sat there staring into space.
34:58Four hours on end.
35:00Literally all day.
35:01Bella actually tracked him down once, screaming that he'd lost his damn mind.
35:05You blew the entire family fortune for a corpse?
35:08How can you face dad?
35:10How can you face our brother Alan?
35:11Damien just looked at her with totally hollow, dead eyes.
35:15And who's gonna make it right for Lesia?
35:17Who makes it right for the child we killed?
35:19Bella choked on her words, finally running off crying.
35:22She never came back.
35:23By the third month of watching this live stream of misery, I was officially bored.
35:27The adrenaline rush of revenge had completely worn off the second his company went under.
35:32All that was left was this empty void.
35:34And a tiny sliver of pity that I hated to admit I felt.
35:37My dad Robert asked me.
35:40Have you seen enough?
35:41If you're done playing games, snap out of it.
35:43I need you to take over the syndicate's operations.
35:45I nodded.
35:46I'll be back at the office tomorrow.
35:47But tonight, I'm taking a trip to the cemetery.
35:51My dad Robert frowned.
35:53That's way too risky.
35:54He's a desperate man with nothing left to lose.
35:56If he figures out you're alive.
35:58He won't notice.
35:58I assured him I'm literally just gonna watch from the distance.
36:01One last look and I'm closing this chapter permanently.
36:04My dad Robert stayed quiet for a minute, then nodded.
36:07Detail.
36:09Call it in if anything goes south.
36:11The cemetery was dead silent at night.
36:13I stood back in the shadows of the trees, watching Damien slumped in front of my headstone.
36:18He looked practically emaciated.
36:20His hair had gone gray.
36:21The guy wasn't even 40 yet, but he looked like he was pushing 50.
36:25He was clutching a bottle of liquor, taking swigs, and slurring his words.
36:30Alexia, I finally went to see a shrink today.
36:33He diagnosed me with clinical depression.
36:37Tried to shove pills down my throat.
36:39I told him to screw off.
36:41I'm not depressed.
36:42I just...
36:43I just miss you.
36:45I miss your cooking.
36:46I miss you nagging me about drinking too much.
36:49I miss you rubbing your belly and complaining the baby was kicking me.
36:52He took another burning swig and started hacking.
36:55Coughed for a solid minute.
36:56When he finally stopped, his voice was even more wrecked.
37:00But the scariest part?
37:01I'm forgetting.
37:02Your face.
37:03Your voice.
37:04It's all getting so blurry.
37:06I'm absolutely terrified that one day I'm gonna totally forget you.
37:09And when that happens, what the hell am I supposed to do?
37:12He collapsed against the cold stone, his shoulders violently shaking.
37:16He was fully sobbing.
37:17I turned around.
37:18Completely done.
37:20Ready to leave.
37:21But my designer heel accidentally kicked a loose stone.
37:24Damien's head whipped up.
37:25Who's there?
37:26I completely froze.
37:28He stumbled to his feet and started marching toward the shadows.
37:31My security chief tried to pull me back, but I shook my head.
37:35I'd played the ghost long enough.
37:36It was time to face the music.
37:38Damien stopped dead in his tracks right at the edge of the shadows.
37:41The moonlight hit my face perfectly.
37:44He stared at me, his pupils shrinking to pinpricks.
37:47Looking like he literally just saw a gu-
37:49You.
37:50It's me.
37:51I broke the silence.
37:53Not dead.
37:54Surprise.
37:55Damien's jaw was practically on the floor.
37:58He couldn't form a single word.
37:59He just stared at me like a madman.
38:01His eyes flipping from shock, to confusion, to absolute, unhinged joy.
38:06He lunged forward.
38:07My head of security instantly stepped in front of me.
38:11Shoving him back.
38:14Alessia!
38:15You're really alive!
38:18I tried to physically push past my guard.
38:21But the guy didn't even budge.
38:22That's when it finally dawned on him.
38:24I was flanked by four heavily armed men in tailored black.
38:27Who the hell are they?
38:30Damien stammered, confused.
38:31My muscle, I answered coolly.
38:34The psychotic joy on his face slowly melted into dread.
38:36He looked me up and down.
38:39Really looked at me.
38:40The custom tailored designer suit.
38:41The flawless mafia boss glam.
38:43The absolutely stone cold expression.
38:45A total 180 from the sweet, submissive little housewife he thought he married.
38:50Who?
38:51Who exactly are you?
38:54Let's reintroduce ourselves.
38:56Alessia, heiress to the family.
38:58Current head of the Corioni Mafia syndicate.
39:04Bullshit!
39:05You told me you were from a boring middle class family?
39:07I lied to you.
39:08I cut him off.
39:10My dad explicitly told me not to marry you.
39:13He said I couldn't handle your toxic games.
39:15I was stupid and stubborn.
39:18I married you anyway.
39:20Looking back, he was 100% right.
39:24Wait, so my company going completely bankrupt?
39:28That was you?
39:29Yep, I didn't even blink.
39:31My dad Robert pulled the trigger.
39:33He said anyone who touches his daughter pays the ultimate price.
39:37Honestly, I agree with him.
39:40Damien's eyes flushed with furious red tears.
39:43Then why the hell didn't you tell me from the start?
39:49Damien, stop being so pathetic.
39:52From day one, you only loved me because you thought I was a nobody you could easily control.
39:55If you knew I had a mafia hit squad behind me, you wouldn't have even looked my way.
39:59Or worse, you'd have found a way to quietly murder me to absorb my family's empire.
40:05Completely speechless.
40:06He glared at me, his pathetic grief mutating into pure, venomous hatred.
40:12So you played me this whole time.
40:15You just watched me act like an absolute idiot while my entire world fell apart.
40:20All the while, you could have stopped it.
40:22Why?
40:23Not really.
40:25Watching you suffer didn't bring me joy.
40:28I just think it's exactly what you deserve.
40:31Karma?
40:32Alexia, drop the self-righteous act!
40:35If you had just been honest about who you were, none of this would have ever happened.
40:38Yeah, I screwed you over.
40:40But you lied, manipulated me, and destroyed my entire life.
40:43You're a hundred times sicker than I am!
40:45He lunged at me like a rabid dog.
40:47My guards didn't hesitate.
40:49They slammed him face first into the dirt in two seconds flat.
40:53Damien thrashed against the dirt, screaming like a maniac.
40:56Alexia!
40:57Rot in hell!
41:00I'm gonna make you pay for this!
41:02I swear to God, I'll-
41:03Before he could finish his villain monologue, my guard punched his lights out.
41:05What do we do, boss?
41:06My security chief looked up at me.
41:07I stared down at his unconscious body.
41:10Dump him back at his crappy apartment, and make sure I never have to look at his pathetical face again.
41:15I flew back to Italy and officially took the throne of the family empire.
41:19My dad formally retired.
41:20Now he just gardens, feeds the birds, and acts like your average sweet grandpa.
41:24Though occasionally, he still asks me,
41:26Do you still hate him?
41:29No.
41:30Holding on to that much hate is exhausting.
41:33I don't have the energy for it.
41:36Then, do you miss him?
41:39Dad, really?
41:41Do you think I'm that stupid?
41:44I just feel like you've completely shut down your emotions.
41:48It's been three years.
41:50I've barely seen you crack a real smile.
41:52And you haven't let a single man within a ten mile radius of you.
41:56Dad, I'm perfectly fine on my own.
41:59I have my empire, I have insane wealth, and I have my family.
42:02I don't need a man complicating my life.
42:06The itentionary for the U.S. trip next week finalized?
42:09Yes, it's done.
42:10Great.
42:11I'm gonna go prep for it.
42:12I stood up and walked out of his office.
42:14Just as I hit the doorway, I heard him whisper.
42:16If the baby had survived, they would have been three years old.
42:19My footsteps completely halted.
42:21I didn't look back.
42:22Just forced myself to keep walking.
42:24The hallway was endlessly long, lined with oil portraits of past syndicate bosses.
42:29Right at the very end was a portrait of my mother.
42:32She died from childbirth complications, hemorrhaged giving birth to me, and the doctors couldn't
42:37save her.
42:37My dad never remarried, never even dated.
42:39I never understood why.
42:41But now, I finally get it.
42:44Some wounds literally never heal.
42:46Some pain is so deep that not even time can...
42:48My phone buzzed in my pocket.
42:51My assistant's voice came through.
42:54Boss, Damien is in Italy.
42:56He's outside the estate gates.
42:57He's demanding an audience.
42:59I'm not seeing him.
43:00He's literally on his knees.
43:01Says he's not moving until you come out.
43:04I walked over to the nearest window and pulled back the heavy velvet curtains.
43:09Way down at the front gates, Damien was kneeling in the dirt,
43:12holding up a pathetic cardboard sign.
43:14It read,
43:15I'm so sorry.
43:16I was wrong.
43:17Please.
43:18Just see me once.
43:19I stared down at him for a few seconds.
43:22Then, I sharply yanked the...
43:24My assistant hesitated for a second.
43:25Boss, are you sure that won't be too...
43:28Just do it.
43:29I hung up the phone.
43:30I sank onto a leather sofa and closed my eyes.
43:32But my traitorous brain flashed back to a memory from years ago.
43:36The very first time we ever met.
43:37At the university library.
43:39I was carrying a massive stack of books.
43:42Bumped straight into him and dropped them everywhere.
43:44He immediately knelt down to help me pick them up.
43:47Flashing me this bright smile.
43:48You've got a lot of books there, huh?
43:49The afternoon sunlight was streaming through the library windows,
43:53hitting his face perfectly.
43:54He looked so sweet.
43:56So completely pure.
43:57But it was all fake.
43:58A complete sick illusion.
44:01So why the hell does my heart still ache?
44:03I know you're a man.
44:03I'm sorry.
44:03I don't know you're a man.
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