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00:00At the gala in Palermo, I stood in a row with twelve other heiresses, waiting to be chosen.
00:05One flower, one night, one chance.
00:08As Don Earl's Bastarda, I had no room to fail.
00:11Lorenzo Rossi, heir of the Rossi family, was my childhood friend.
00:15He was the only man who'd agreed to protect me, and he had promised me the white lily.
00:19We'd made the deal just yesterday, three years of cover.
00:22Then he could love whoever he wanted.
00:23Yesterday, he'd said yes.
00:25Tonight, at the last second, he smiled and handed the flower to the girl beside me,
00:29Mia, the scholarship student he'd been sponsoring.
00:32Her hands were shaking as she took it.
00:34Let Mia have the spotlight today, Elena.
00:38The poor thing has never known happiness.
00:40Don't worry.
00:41As long as I'm here, no one will dare arrange your marriage.
00:44I looked at him.
00:45He was already turning away, placing Mia's hand on his arm.
00:49Mia is elegant and noble.
00:52She is worthy of this heart.
00:55Noble.
00:56The word landed like a slap.
00:57Whispers rippled through the crowd.
00:59I stood empty-handed, the Don's bastard daughter, publicly passed over for a stray.
01:04When the crowd dispersed, Lorenzo appeared at my side, wine glass in hand.
01:09These idiots.
01:10I told them to save you at least one flower.
01:15Do you know what tonight means?
01:17The white lily wasn't decoration.
01:19It was a marriage proposal between families.
01:21Without it, I had nothing.
01:23No protection.
01:24No choice.
01:25No way out of the arranged marriage Donna Earl had already planned for me in New York.
01:29Lorenzo was my only option.
01:30No other man here would choose the bastardha.
01:33And he'd just chosen someone else.
01:35Ain't...
01:36He didn't answer.
01:37Behind him, Mia was smiling.
01:39The white lily in her hands, still perfect.
01:43Guilt flickered across Lorenzo's face.
01:45He sent Mia away.
01:47You're used to these events, Elena.
01:49But Mia's poor.
01:50This is her only shot to shine in her whole life.
01:56Just, just do me a favor.
02:01You can have your way any other day.
02:02Why today of all days?
02:04I stayed silent.
02:10Today's her graduation.
02:12After tonight, I can't sponsor her anymore.
02:17I promised her one unforgettable memory.
02:20Unforgettable for me too, but it was too late.
02:23Lorenzo, do you understand what the gala...
02:26Mia returned before I could finish.
02:29Elena, did I ruin everything?
02:34Please don't blame Lorenzo.
02:35I begged him to...
02:38Enough, Elena.
02:39It's just a flower.
02:41I'll buy you another one.
02:42He reached into a nearby vase, pulled out a rose, and shoved it into my hand.
02:49Roses suit you better anyway.
02:51A lily isn't worth making a scene over.
02:54This isn't like you.
02:55The rose was dripping wet.
02:56Its thorns had been cut.
02:58Its stem snapped short, just like me.
03:00But the white lily meant honor.
03:02The wife of a don.
03:03A queen.
03:04The red rose meant mistress, a woman you kept in the shadows.
03:08An illegitimate bootlicker, thinking she could marry the Rossi heir?
03:12Didn't you hear him say noble?
03:14Even a poor student ranks higher.
03:16Lorenzo silenced the woman with one look, but the words had already sunk in.
03:23Elena, I'm sorry.
03:26You've always had everything.
03:28I just wanted one night to feel special.
03:31Everything?
03:32I'm a bastard, Mia.
03:34Do you have any idea how the Marotti family treats me?
03:37The cake slipped from her hands and landed on her shoe, her eyes filled with tears.
03:42Look, it's already done.
03:43Let her enjoy tonight.
03:47Come on, let's get you cleaned up.
03:50You can head home if you want.
03:53Home?
03:53I didn't have one.
03:55As soon as Lorenzo left my side, someone closed in.
03:58Antonio Ricci, a reckless libertine from a rival crew, sidled up to me.
04:03You smell good, Elena Moretti.
04:06Without Lorenzo, I didn't even get basic respect.
04:09Lorenzo told me to give you a flower.
04:11I didn't.
04:12I told you before.
04:13Stop chasing him and try me instead, but you never listened.
04:18How's it feel now?
04:20Humiliating, isn't it?
04:21Lorenzo had given him the task of delivering my flower?
04:23Knowing Antonio had been harassing me for months?
04:26Another betrayal.
04:27I only asked for three years.
04:29Three years to gain enough power to escape the Moretti family's grip.
04:33But Donna wanted me gone.
04:34She wouldn't even give me time to breathe.
04:37If it wasn't for that pretty face, she'd be nothing.
04:42Ritzy.
04:43Did I not warn you?
04:45Don't touch my people.
04:47That's none of your business.
04:49Your people?
04:51You just picked the charity girl.
04:53What do you need Elena for?
04:54She's mine.
04:56That's all you need to know.
04:56Antonio spat and walked away.
04:58Lorenzo spun me around to face him.
05:01He touched you and you didn't fight back?
05:05Wasn't this your idea?
05:06Lorenzo, could I get some champagne?
05:10One's cold and stubborn.
05:11The other's bright and warm.
05:13Lorenzo's choice was easy.
05:14Tonight, you're the star.
05:16Whatever you want.
05:17We'll talk tomorrow.
05:18I'll come by your place.
05:21Tomorrow, I smiled coldly.
05:23Tomorrow, you'll have to come to New York to find me.
05:28Lorenzo left to greet the other Capos.
05:30And Mia walked back to me, holding a glass of wine.
05:33The timid scholarship girl was gone.
05:35In her place, stood someone who'd tasted power.
05:40You have everything, Elena.
05:42Why do you need to take this one moment of glory from me?
05:48I should never have helped Lorenzo choose her for the scholarship.
05:52You grew up in luxury.
05:55I only wanted Lorenzo's protection for one night.
06:01Luxury?
06:03You think I'm better off than you?
06:05My mother died early.
06:06Don Earl brought me back to the estate when I was little.
06:09Donna looked at me like she wanted me dead.
06:11My father had mistresses everywhere and didn't care about one more bastard daughter.
06:15I learned to read faces young.
06:17Without this face, I wouldn't have survived.
06:19I was trapped between two sides.
06:21I turned to Uncle Luca and begged him to train me, to back me up.
06:25Uncle Luca never smiled.
06:29Your father has 23 children.
06:33Why should I invest in a bastard who won't last?
06:36Because I have nothing to lose.
06:38I'll do what they won't.
06:39But the time wasn't right.
06:41Uncle Luca wouldn't help me either.
06:43They say Dante Vitale is ruthless.
06:45Anyone who crosses him gets crushed without mercy.
06:48The Morettis wanted his protection,
06:49but wouldn't sacrifice a legitimate daughter.
06:51So they chose me.
06:55Uncle Luca must know how the gala ended.
07:02Elena, do you think Lorenzo even knows what the gala means?
07:05I wasn't the type to dwell on emotions.
07:07I needed to find a way to stay.
07:11Do you know what tonight actually means?
07:12Sure, it's a matchmaking event, but it's just formality.
07:15Don't worry, I'll talk to the Morettis.
07:16No one's forcing you into marriage.
07:17Then can you get the lily back from Mia?
07:19I'll return it tomorrow.
07:20That's not good.
07:21It's already hers.
07:22That orchid had a rare golden edge.
07:24It couldn't be copied at all.
07:26Lorenzo, you know I won't clink on you.
07:27Why did you humiliate me tonight?
07:29Elena, no one else will take you.
07:31You're a Moretti bastard.
07:33Everyone Palermo knows you're mine.
07:35Elena, please don't fight with Lorenzo.
07:38Enough, Elena.
07:40Tomorrow, Mia goes back to her life.
07:42I left the gala and got into Uncle Luca's car.
07:46Accept your loss.
07:47Tomorrow you leave for New York.
07:51I'll come back.
07:53Back at the estate, Donna glanced at Uncle Luca, then at me.
07:57We've raised you for 18 years.
07:59Time to repay that.
08:00Tomorrow you leave.
08:02Nothing in this house was mine.
08:03Not even the plane ticket.
08:05Uncle Luca said nothing and went to his room.
08:07I went to my small bedroom to pack.
08:09My half-sister Bianca leaned in the doorway, checking her nails.
08:14Mom told me to keep an eye on you.
08:16Don't take anything valuable.
08:18Not even tonight's gown.
08:22Oh, and Mom said Dante Vitale already in love with someone else.
08:26Good luck.
08:28I took off the gown in front of her and removed all the jewelry.
08:31Then I walked to the bathroom in my slip.
08:33Mia had posted a photo in Instagram.
08:35She was glowing.
08:37Lorenzo's arm around her.
08:38He was still wearing the cufflinks I'd given him.
08:40I left everything Lorenzo had ever given me behind.
08:43Before dawn, I was up.
08:45No goodbyes.
08:46I grabbed my backpack and headed to the airport.
08:48Security.
08:49Boarding.
08:50Everything went smoothly.
08:51As the plane taxied, I shut off my phone completely, cutting all ties to Palermo.
08:56Then the announcement came.
08:58Apologies, passengers.
08:59The Rossi family has purchased all available flights out of Placer today.
09:03We are returning back.
09:06I stared out the window as the runway slowed back down.
09:11The plane came to a stop.
09:21My phone reconnected, and messages flooded in.
09:24The announcement came again.
09:26Apologies for the inconvenience.
09:28To compensate, the Rossi family will refund your ticket at ten times the price.
09:33Who do you think the Rossi family is looking for?
09:35Wow.
09:36This is so dramatic.
09:37Like a movie.
09:39I scrolled through my phone, exhausted.
09:43Lorenzo had gone to the Moretti estate early this morning looking for me.
09:46He saw the gown, the jewelry, everything I'd left behind.
09:51But my backpack was gone.
09:53He panicked.
09:54He demanded answers from the Morettis.
09:56Where did Elena go?
09:58Lorenzo lost it.
10:00He almost tore the estate apart.
10:03Then he started calling me.
10:04But by then, I was already on the plane.
10:06When Lorenzo realized I hadn't taken a single thing he'd ever given me, he snapped.
10:11I grabbed my backpack and got off the plane.
10:14It was early.
10:15I was starving.
10:18I found a small cafe and ordered pasta.
10:23Uncle Luca's message came through.
10:25Do you want to come back?
10:27Lorenzo still wants you.
10:30The Moretti family was built on schemes.
10:33Lorenzo might spoil me, but he'd never lose face for me.
10:37Going back meant more humiliation.
10:45Moving forward.
10:47Maybe there was a chance.
10:49I ate slowly, watching black-suited men flood the terminal.
10:54They grabbed every woman who looked like me, asking questions.
10:56Then Lorenzo rushed in, drenched in sweat.
11:01His phone pressed to his ear.
11:03He passed right by my table.
11:04He looked desperate.
11:05Frantic.
11:08Calling my number over and over, my phone kept buzzing in my pocket.
11:13When no one answered, he almost smashed the phone in frustration.
11:18His men returned empty-handed.
11:20I'd never seen Lorenzo like this.
11:23Completely unraveled.
11:25Where is she?
11:26I don't care what it takes.
11:28No plane flies to New York today.
11:30I checked my phone.
11:32There was a flight to Milan in 20 minutes.
11:37I scrolled through the news while I waited.
11:40Palermo's tabloids were having a field day.
11:42The headlines screamed,
11:43Rossi airs new flame, but who's he hunting at the airport?
11:46Two women at the table behind me were gossiping loudly.
11:50God, that's so romantic.
11:53If someone did that for me, I'd say yes immediately.
11:56You don't get it.
11:57Last night at a gala, Lorenzo chose some scholarship girl.
12:02I bet.
12:03Bet he got scammed.
12:05Wait, he didn't pick a rich girl?
12:07He picked a charity chase?
12:09Then why is he freaking out today?
12:11I sipped my coffee, trying not to react.
12:14I'm guessing Lorenzo didn't realize giving the white loafs was a marriage proposal.
12:18The first girl said smugly,
12:20How do you know all this?
12:23Because I was at the gala last night.
12:25I froze.
12:26I glanced back, didn't recognize her.
12:30Lucky.
12:31So what does the rich girl look like?
12:36She's beautiful.
12:38Stunning, actually.
12:41Then why would Lorenzo give the lily to an outsider?
12:45The girl's voice turned sharp.
12:46Who cares?
12:47The other girl's just a bastard anyway.
12:50Not like us real heiresses.
12:52I coughed, and both women turned.
12:54The moment they saw my face, one of them gasped and pointed, unable to speak.
13:03What?
13:04Do you know her?
13:06The other girl stared at me, then whispered.
13:09Wait.
13:11Are you?
13:13I pressed a finger to my lips.
13:14Both women slapped their hands over their mouths.
13:17I stood up and left.
13:18As I walked away, I heard one of them shriek.
13:21You didn't tell me she looked like that!
13:23You have zero chance now!
13:25I am on my way to the boarding gate, and another refund notification hit my phone.
13:30The Rossi family had bought out every route out of Palermo, even flights to other cities.
13:35I stood there, clutching my phone, stuck.
13:37Then it rang.
13:38A New York number.
13:41Hello?
13:41Dante Vitale.
13:42The name of my arranged husband.
13:44His voice was cold, but strangely pleasant.
13:46The kind that made you want to keep listening.
13:48I'm sorry, I-
13:49My men are already at the airport.
13:51They'll bring you to me.
13:52Before I could explain that all the flights were grounded, I saw it.
13:55A private jet on the tarmac.
13:57Several men in black suits stepped off the plane, standing at attention.
14:01Understood.
14:02I hung up and walked toward the jet.
14:07It was drizzling.
14:08An umbrella appeared over my head.
14:10The moment I stepped outside, the man holding it kept his eyes down, respectful.
14:15Mrs. Vitale, we're here to bring you home.
14:17That's when Lorenzo spotted me.
14:19He sprinted toward me, grabbing my wrist.
14:22Elena, come with me.
14:24Vitale's men immediately surrounded me.
14:27Lorenzo's men closed in.
14:28The two groups faced off.
14:30Onlookers pulled out their phones, filming.
14:32The man leading Dante's crew was older, impeccably dressed, with the calm precision of a man who'd
14:37seen everything.
14:38He smiled politely, but his eyes were stone.
14:41Mr. Rossi, I'm here to escort Mrs. Batari home.
14:45Please step aside.
14:46Lorenzo's gaze turned lethal.
14:48She hasn't left Palermo yet.
14:50I'd like to see who has the balls to take my woman.
14:53I felt exhausted.
14:54I'd tried to tell him several times, but his attention was always on Mia.
14:58Lorenzo, you've protected me for years.
15:01I'm grateful.
15:03But this is where it ends.
15:05I don't blame anyone.
15:07Don't blame anyone?
15:09Then come back with me.
15:11I'll marry you.
15:12I'll tell the Morettis myself.
15:14The rain fell harder.
15:16Lorenzo's hair was soaked, his eyes red.
15:19The Vitale butler stepped between us, unmoved.
15:22Apologies, Mr. Rossi, but the agreement with the Moretti family has been finalized.
15:26Mrs. Batari leaves with us today.
15:29Lorenzo ignored him, staring only at me.
15:31I shook my head.
15:32Lorenzo, I told you.
15:34I only wanted three years.
15:35I have someone I truly like.
15:38I never planned to marry you.
15:41This again?
15:43Elena, you've been trapped in Morettis.
15:46Where would you even meet someone to love?
15:47I know calling you my shadow upset you.
15:49Stop being stubborn and come back with me.
15:52We'll talk there, okay?
15:53His tone had shifted, almost pleading now.
15:56I was grateful for his years of protection.
15:58But the moment Lorenzo let go of me and handed that flower to the scholarship girl,
16:02it meant we could no longer walk together.
16:06Lorenzo, Mia is your fiancé.
16:09All of Palermo saw it.
16:10You two should be happy together.
16:12Marry a scholarship girl?
16:14He laughed bitterly.
16:16Are you serious?
16:17I'd marry you before I'd ever marry her.
16:19My expression went cold.
16:21Lorenzo had always liked me, but he'd never respected me.
16:24This time, I didn't hesitate.
16:26I turned and walked toward the jet with the butler.
16:29Lorenzo stood frozen, his fists clenched, fury radiating off him.
16:34Elena!
16:36You leave Palermo, and no one will protect you anymore.
16:40Think carefully.
16:41Once you're gone, don't come back regretting it.
16:45I didn't answer.
16:46I stepped onto the plane.
16:47The butler had thoughtfully prepared a towel for me.
16:50He pointed to the washroom at the back of the plane, keeping his voice low.
16:53You can freshen up there, Mrs. Vitale.
16:55Getting caught in the rain, you'll catch cold.
16:58The jet was luxurious, clearly not a rental.
17:02This had to be the Vitale family's private plane.
17:05The Vitale family's power was on another level.
17:08Even the Morettis didn't own a private jet.
17:10The plane didn't just have a bathroom.
17:12It had a full bed.
17:14Strangely, the bedding was soft pink.
17:16Definitely not something Dante Vitale would choose for himself.
17:19In the bathroom, I changed into the prepared clothes.
17:22Another shock.
17:23The clothes fit me perfectly.
17:25When I came out, the butler had dismissed the guards to the back of the cabin.
17:29Excuse me, I asked.
17:30Does the Don usually use this plane?
17:32The butler saw my confusion.
17:34This plane was purchased specifically for you, Mrs. Vitale.
17:37Everything was customized to your preferences.
17:40The Don personally selected the bedding, the softest material available.
17:44My jaw nearly dropped.
17:46Something this extravagant?
17:47Casually given to a stranger?
17:49Wasn't he supposed to have someone he loved?
17:51The flight to New York is long.
17:53You should rest.
17:54So we've prepared a humidifier for you.
18:02No one had ever cared about my comfort before.
18:05I'd only ever learned to read other people's moods.
18:07This sudden concern made me restless.
18:09Fortunately, the butler noticed my discomfort and quietly withdrew.
18:13I pulled out a pen and started sketching notes.
18:16My mind full of worry about what lay ahead.
18:18The plane landed on a sprawling green estate.
18:21When I looked closer, I realized this was the Vitale compound.
18:24Even coming from a wealthy family, I'd never seen anything this lavish.
18:29Dante Vitale came to meet me personally, wearing a warm smile.
18:33Nothing like the cold, ruthless man from the rumors.
18:36He draped a coat over my shoulders.
18:38His voice was smooth and pleasant.
18:40Are you cold?
18:40I shivered slightly and stepped back, putting some distance between us.
18:44Mr. Vitale, I know you have someone you love.
18:49I know marrying me was forced on you.
18:50Don't worry.
18:51I only need three years.
18:53I won't keep you from the woman you love for long.
18:56His brow furrowed, looking puzzled.
18:58Someone I love?
19:00Three years?
19:01Yes.
19:02For three years, I'll play the role of your wife.
19:06I won't interfere with your private life.
19:08After three years, we separate.
19:10I won't take a cent from you.
19:12I can sign an agreement.
19:13His frown deepened.
19:15He looked sharply toward the butler.
19:17When he got no response, he stepped closer and pulled me gently into his arms.
19:21My face flushed completely red.
19:23Who said we were going to keep things this separate?
19:26My wife?
19:27Seeing me embarrassed seemed to improve his mood.
19:29He lifted my chin, leaning closer.
19:32Everything I have is yours, my wife.
19:33Even after we went inside, I still hadn't recovered from the shock.
19:37Wasn't this man supposed to be cold and ruthless?
19:40Dante's home was all sharp lines and clean edges.
19:43But there were touches of color, soft furnishings that had clearly been added recently.
19:47The aesthetic was good, the pieces carefully chosen.
19:50They didn't clash.
19:51Instead, they made the space feel comfortable.
19:53I sat on the couch.
19:55I handed him a folded paper.
19:57This is my plan.
19:59I'd like to borrow some money.
20:00I'll pay you back in installments.
20:02He pulled the paper from my hand and scanned it.
20:06You need money?
20:08It was humiliating.
20:09Arriving with nothing.
20:11No dowry.
20:12Noth respect.
20:12I'd done my research before landing.
20:14The Vitale family didn't need alliances.
20:16They didn't need anyone's support.
20:18They stood alone at the top.
20:19People lined up from New York to Palermo just to ask them for favors.
20:23I still didn't understand why they'd agreed to this marriage with the Morettis.
20:26Yes.
20:28I don't have money.
20:30But I promise.
20:32I have a way to pay you back.
20:34He didn't question me.
20:35Instead, his hand closed around mine.
20:37Warm against my cold fingers.
20:39And he rubbed gently.
20:40My face flushed again.
20:42His mood seemed to improve.
20:43Why do you need money?
20:44I looked up sharply, suddenly realizing, maybe as Mrs. Vitale, I wasn't supposed to have
20:50financial control.
20:51Maybe I was expected to live off an allowance?
20:54To ask permission for spending money.
20:55I straightened, meeting his eyes.
20:58Mr. Vitale, I don't want to be trapped by the Moretti family.
21:02And I won't be live as a housewife, asking for handouts.
21:05I want my own career.
21:07If possible, I want to take back what belongs to me from the Morettis.
21:11Dante looked surprised that I'd spoken so openly.
21:13He reached up and ruffled my hair affectionately.
21:17Everything the vitals have is yours.
21:19Before I could process that, he gestured to the butler, who brought over a black card.
21:23This is my account.
21:25Spend whatever you want.
21:28The room Dante gave me was the best in the entire compound.
21:31Sunlight flooded through the windows.
21:33The decor was soft, feminine, like something out of a princess's quarters.
21:37For someone who'd been an outsider in the Moretti house my whole life, it was almost
21:41unbelievable.
21:42I slept well for the first time in years.
21:44The next morning, I woke to a message from Uncle Luca.
21:47Lorenzo is furious.
21:49Why didn't you come back with him?
21:51Uncle Luca was the only one in the Moretti family who'd ever protected me.
21:54But his protection always came with strings attached.
21:57Uncle, I'm a person, not a pet.
22:00I thought you'd already turned yourself into a weapon for revenge.
22:04Three years.
22:05I borrowed $100,000 from the Vitales.
22:08I did everything a Don's wife was supposed to do.
22:11I attended galas with Dante.
22:13Smiled for the cameras.
22:14Let people court my favor.
22:15I played the role of the beautiful trophy wife.
22:18Even though Dante spoiled me endlessly, I never forgot my place.
22:22But in those three years, I used that $100,000 to leverage resources in Palermo.
22:26I dismantled Moretti operations piece by piece.
22:30Pulled their best men and capos into my own network.
22:34Don Earl finally saw the truth.
22:36His 23 children were useless.
22:38The second generation of Morettis panicked.
22:41Afraid the family's collapse would hurt their shares of the casinos and territories,
22:44they started selling off their assets.
22:46I bought them all.
22:47One by one, I took control of their gambling operations, their shipping routes.
22:52I flipped operations that were bleeding money into profitable enterprises.
22:56Expanded territories they'd neglected.
22:58By the time Don Earl realized what was happening,
23:00I controlled more of the family's income streams than he did.
23:03The other Moretti heirs couldn't compete with me anymore.
23:06It was 10 at night when I came home.
23:08Dante was sitting in the warm glow of the living room, waiting for me.
23:12My chest tightened.
23:13I walked over and wrapped my arms around his shoulders from behind.
23:16I held him for a long moment.
23:18Then I let go and stepped back, composed again.
23:23Why are you back so late?
23:24He asked quietly.
23:26Are you tired?
23:27I had soup made for you.
23:28The words I'd been planning to say stuck in my throat.
23:31He took my hand and led me to the table, watching as I drank the soup.
23:37When are you going to let yourself depend on me?
23:40You don't have to exhaust yourself like this.
23:42I felt warmth spread through me.
23:44Looking at him in the soft light, I felt a pang of guilt.
23:47The three years are up.
23:49It's time for me to go back to Morettis.
23:51Dante had known all along that I hadn't truly given up on my plans.
23:54His expression showed no surprise.
23:59You don't like this from what I understand, only Luca has been good to you.
24:02And that Lorenz, I heard he's come to New York several times looking for you.
24:05But you never saw him.
24:06I was surprised he knew and had said nothing.
24:12Thank you very much.
24:15.
24:45.
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