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#fullmovie #engsub #tvseries #freestreaming #watchonline #trending2026 #dramaseries #romancemovies #realitytv #fullhd #His Stolen Bride, My Mafia King Ep
Transcript
00:00Sicily has a savage tradition known as the claiming, rooted in old honor codes and mafia control.
00:06It demands the groom steal his bride away at midnight, fighting through her family's guards to prove his power and
00:11right to her.
00:12I waited three years for Dominic. At last, he and his men slipped into my courtyard.
00:16I was ready to run to him until I heard his hushed order.
00:19Grab Bianca in the chaos. She's fragile.
00:21If she's sold off to the don of the Valentino family to settle the debt, she won't survive the night.
00:26As for Elena, she'll fight like hell. She'll keep herself safe.
00:29The men hesitated.
00:30Dominic, you and Elena are already married.
00:33If she finds out, she'll burn this place to the ground.
00:35Let her. It's dark enough.
00:38The case of mistaken identity during the claiming will be easy to explain.
00:41I'll calm her down later.
00:43He paused, his voice turning icy.
00:45Besides, the marriage license she signed was a forgery.
00:48I promised Bianca a safe life in Palermo. She's my priority.
00:53I heard every word from behind the door. I didn't scream. I didn't cry.
00:56I just slipped back into the room.
00:59They'd expected me to fight, to hurt anyone who tried to take me.
01:03Instead, I silently climbed onto the back of the man who'd broken into my chamber and became his bride.
01:10Elena, my contact at the registry checked.
01:13You, you weren't actually Dominic's legal wife.
01:17Something inside my chest shattered.
01:19I'd lived as Dominic's wife for five years.
01:22All that time, the Russo family never accepted me.
01:25His mother never used my name.
01:27Only ever referring to me as,
01:29That girl.
01:30At family galas, I was always seated at the farthest table.
01:33In official portraits, I was placed at the edge so I could be easily cropped out.
01:37Dominic said his mother wouldn't let up until I broke, so he sent me back to the Moretti estate.
01:42He promised he'd follow our traditions and complete the formal claiming ritual to bring me back as his Donna.
01:48Then, the Russo family would have no choice but to accept me.
01:51I waited.
01:52For three years I'd held my time, longing for this night.
01:56But he'd come for another woman.
01:58He'd kept me deceived for years with a forged marriage license.
02:01All to hide the truth.
02:02The one he'd truly meant to claim was my half-sister, Bianca.
02:07I stared at my reflection.
02:08My face was empty.
02:10Shouts exploded in the courtyard.
02:12The ritual had begun.
02:14Laughter rang out.
02:16Boots thudded against stone.
02:17And guards put on a show of resisting.
02:19Ritual torches painted half the sky red.
02:22All the excitement was for them.
02:24The celebration was for Bianca.
02:26The other group of men had come from the Valentino family.
02:29They'd originally come for Bianca.
02:31By the rules of the ritual, if a woman didn't want to be taken, she could hide and send them
02:35away empty-handed.
02:36But Bianca didn't hide.
02:38She waited in her room to be taken.
02:40And the man she waited for was my husband.
02:43The room I was in wasn't mine.
02:44It was Bianca's.
02:45That afternoon, my stepmother pulled me aside.
02:48For once, her voice was gentle.
02:50Elena, stay in Bianca's room tonight.
02:52Yours is too far back.
02:53Too quiet.
02:54They'll never find you.
02:55The men coming for Bianca are savages.
02:57You've always been tough.
02:59You can handle the rough play.
03:00Bianca is fragile.
03:02If she gets caught in the crossfire, it'll be a disaster.
03:05I said nothing.
03:06I knew exactly what she meant.
03:08By the rules of the claiming, the groom's men would storm in.
03:10The woman was expected to fight and struggle.
03:13It was called the gauntlet.
03:14The harder she fought, the more valuable she was considered.
03:17The groom had to prove he could take her by force.
03:20Those punches and shoves were real.
03:22My stepmother studied my face, testing me.
03:25Besides, Dominic has never been to the Meretti estate at night.
03:28The front room?
03:28He'll find you faster.
03:30Back then, I'd only wanted to make things easier for Dominic.
03:33I agreed.
03:34I even texted him my room location.
03:37But they'd been planning this switch all along.
03:39A roar of celebration erupted outside.
03:42We got her!
03:42The bride is ours!
03:43Laughter and cheering rang out, followed by the sharp crack of celebratory gunfire.
03:48I listened, but didn't move.
03:50I knew exactly who they'd taken.
03:52I could picture Dominic carrying Bianca through the crowd, his men shielding them as guests
03:56hurled objects and blocked their path.
03:58Bianca would hide her face against his back, pretending to struggle.
04:02How perfect!
04:03I lowered my gaze.
04:04Moments later, my door was kicked in.
04:07A group of men flooded into the dark room, their footsteps heavy and chaotic.
04:11Someone seized my arm.
04:13Hands began shoving and striking me.
04:15I felt fists slam into my shoulders and back.
04:18This was the gauntlet.
04:19The harder the beating, the more the family valued the bride.
04:22I didn't flinch or resist.
04:24I let them yank me from my chair and drag me towards the door.
04:27At first, it felt like a formality.
04:29But the violence quickly turned ugly.
04:33Someone slammed my arm against the stone wall.
04:39Fists began hammering my ribs with real, cruel force.
04:43This was intentional.
04:45The pain was excruciating.
04:47But I didn't make a sound.
04:48I should have known you were tough, Elena.
04:50I finally understood what my stepmother had meant by calling me tough.
04:54Just when I thought it would never end,
04:56someone stepped in to shield me.
05:00Enough!
05:01It was a stranger's voice, sharp with fury.
05:05He blocked the others, shoving the attacker's back with his arms.
05:10That's the way it works.
05:11The harder we hit, the more she's worth.
05:14What rule?
05:16His voice dropped to a dangerous growl.
05:19This isn't your wife!
05:20If someone was beating your woman like a dog,
05:23would you just stand there and watch?
05:24The room went silent.
05:27He glanced back at me.
05:29In the shadows, I could only make out the sharp line of his jaw.
05:33Then he bent down and hoisted me onto his back.
05:37Who is he?
05:38He's taking this ritual way too seriously.
05:39He carried me out in long, steady strides.
05:42People chased after us,
05:44throwing things and blocking the way,
05:46but his grip on my legs never wavered.
05:49When he finally carried me out of my private courtyard,
05:52he paused to catch his breath.
05:56In the distance, the faint glow of ritual torches moved.
06:00That was the other group.
06:02Through the bushes, I heard their laughter.
06:04Dominic was at the front, sweat soaked but wearing a triumphant smile.
06:09Bianca was on his back, her arms wrapped tight around his neck.
06:13His men were cheering.
06:15Kiss her!
06:16Kiss her!
06:16I lay silent on the stranger's back as they drew near.
06:21Torchlight flickered across my face.
06:24Dominic's eyes flicked over me and Le Tui the Bormormie for a split second.
06:28Then his gaze moved on, turning back to his men as he joked and laughed.
06:32He didn't recognize me.
06:34Bianca whispered something in his ear,
06:36and he leaned in with a soft smile.
06:40I suddenly thought back to three years ago,
06:42when I'd returned to the Moretti estate to visit my father and stayed for a while.
06:46The first time Dominic came to find me there,
06:48he'd worn that exact same smile.
06:50That day, my father's men put him to the test.
06:52They blocked him at the gates and roughed him up,
06:55just to see if a Russo truly cared for a Moretti girl.
06:57He'd shown up at my door with a split lip and bruised ribs.
07:01I asked if it hurt.
07:02For my wife?
07:04I'd take a lot worse.
07:05He was a spoiled Russo heir who'd never been hurt before,
07:08yet he'd taken a beating from my father's men, just for me.
07:12He always acted like it was nothing, but I knew the truth.
07:15My father's men didn't go easy on outsiders.
07:18Another time, it poured rain.
07:20He showed up soaked to the bone, his shirt torn,
07:24but the pastries tucked inside his jacket were still dry.
07:28I called him an idiot for coming out in weather like that.
07:31Didn't want you to wait too long.
07:32I held those pastries, staring at the cut on his cheek, and thought,
07:37this is the man I'll spend my life with.
07:39But now he carried Bianca with that exact same smile.
07:43Come on, Bianca.
07:45My vision blurred for a second, then sharpened again.
07:49You're not going to drop me, are you?
07:50No, never.
07:50Are you sure?
07:51Yes.
07:51Are you sure?
07:52Yes.
07:52When did it all start to change?
07:54Probably three years ago, when my father died.
07:56I felt completely hollow inside.
07:58I'll handle it.
07:59Dominic canceled everything to stay at the Moretti estate with me for two weeks.
08:03Non salchare.
08:04The day he had to leave, he took my hand and spoke softly.
08:08Elena, you just got through the funeral and you look awful.
08:10If my mother sees you like this, she'll start on you again.
08:12I don't want you putting up with that.
08:14Just stay here at the estate and rest.
08:15You've always wanted to take over the family business, right?
08:18I'll go back and smooth things over at home, then come get you.
08:21I looked at him and nodded.
08:22I was truly exhausted from the constant fighting with his mother.
08:26Back then, I believed he was looking out for me, that he didn't want me to go back and face
08:29those cold stares.
08:31Only later did I realize, distance doesn't create beauty.
08:34It just makes it easier for him to love someone else.
08:37Last year, when Mrs. Russo turned 60, Dominic came to bring me back.
08:41The moment I stepped inside, I saw my stepsister, Bianca.
08:44She was supposed to be in Palermo for work, but there she was in the living room, arranging fruit.
08:49Her movements smooth and familiar.
08:51So, she lived here now.
08:53Dominic paused while taking off his shoes and explained,
08:56Bianca's workplace is near our house.
08:57She's staying here temporarily.
08:59There wasn't a trace of guilt in his voice.
09:01And I didn't push for more.
09:03My stepmother had married into the Moretti family long after Bianca and I were grown.
09:07We'd never been close.
09:08Over the years, we'd only seen each other during holidays.
09:11I couldn't quite put into words how I felt about her staying there.
09:14Hey, sis.
09:16Don't worry.
09:17I'm just crashing here for a bit.
09:19I'll move out once I find a place.
09:20I nodded, but said nothing.
09:22Back then, I never could have imagined.
09:24For three years, I waited alone in the empty Moretti estate.
09:28And all that time, my little sister had been working in the Russo house.
09:31Now, watching Bianca on Dominic's back, it all suddenly clicked.
09:35I hadn't been waiting for him to bring me home at all.
09:38I'd been waiting for my heart to die.
09:40Bianca's voice drifted closer on the wind.
09:43What about Elena?
09:44If she finds out, she'll lose it.
09:46She's all bark and no bite.
09:48She'll get over it after throwing a fit.
09:50He paused, his voice lowering.
09:52It's pitch black during the claiming.
09:53I just made a mistake.
09:55She'll feel sorry for me before she even gets angry.
09:57Once she finds out, I'll just smooth it over.
10:01Bianca laughed softly.
10:03My knuckles whitened.
10:05One of his men spoke up suddenly.
10:06Kappa, what if someone else claimed Elena?
10:08The group fell quiet.
10:10Then Dominic laughed.
10:11You think she'd let anyone take her without a fight?
10:14With that temper of hers, she'll tear the place apart tonight.
10:16True.
10:17No way Elena goes quietly.
10:18Feel sorry for that poor bastard.
10:20Wonder what he looks like now.
10:22The laughter swelled.
10:24I looked down.
10:25Let's go.
10:26He must have heard everything.
10:28Heard them laughing about me.
10:30Heard how they thought I'd tear the roof off.
10:32But he said nothing.
10:33He just kept walking.
10:35At the gate of the Meridi estate, we ran straight into them.
10:38Torchlight flickered over us.
10:41Luca.
10:42Yeah?
10:43It really is you.
10:45You claiming someone tonight too?
10:47Yeah.
10:48Which family?
10:52A neighbor family.
10:55Caso, man.
10:56Always figured you'd stay single forever.
10:58Congrats.
11:00Dominic took a step forward.
11:02I felt his gaze linger on my back.
11:04That look lasted too long.
11:05Long enough, I almost thought he'd recognized me.
11:10Let's go.
11:11Wait!
11:14Dominic.
11:15My ankle hurts.
11:17What's wrong?
11:18Did you twist it earlier?
11:20I don't know.
11:21It just aches.
11:23Let's go.
11:24We need to get to your place before sunrise.
11:26Dominic didn't waste another second.
11:28I'm gonna run.
11:29I'll buy you a drink next time.
11:33Their footsteps faded into the distance.
11:39He really didn't recognize you.
11:41I rested my face against his shoulder and said nothing.
11:43My eyes stung.
11:45His pace slowed.
11:47Steps gentle and steady.
11:49The moon was bright.
11:50The road stretched on.
11:51I had no idea where he was taking me.
11:53But in that moment, I thought,
11:55anywhere was better than going back.
11:58Music filled the Russo estate hall.
12:01The whole place buzzed with celebration.
12:04Wine flowed freely and couples danced to old songs.
12:08This was the party after a successful claiming.
12:11By tradition, it would last until sunrise.
12:13Dominic sat at the edge of the crowd, phone in hand.
12:16No messages from Elena.
12:19That wasn't like her.
12:21She never kept things bottled up.
12:23If she found out I claimed the wrong woman,
12:26she would have called screaming by now.
12:27I already had my excuses.
12:30It was pitch black.
12:32Don't overthink it.
12:33You're the only one I want.
12:35I'll wait for her to blow up over the phone
12:36and talk her down gently.
12:39She'd hurl some threat and he'd smooth it over.
12:42Done.
12:43She never stayed mad at me for long.
12:45But this time,
12:46no call,
12:47no text,
12:48no yelling.
12:50Capo,
12:51still waiting Elena?
12:53Don't bother.
12:54Signal's shit out here.
12:55Her area gets fine signal.
12:56Then her phone's probably dead.
12:58Or she didn't see it.
12:59She's probably off beating someone up right now.
13:03Dominic stayed quiet.
13:05Elena had once told him,
13:06I set a special ringtone for your messages.
13:09Don't want to miss them.
13:11I'd sit out in the courtyard till midnight,
13:13just waiting for you to call.
13:16He didn't believe.
13:17She didn't see it.
13:18But he had no better explanation.
13:20Alright,
13:21quit overthinking.
13:22This is your big night.
13:23Your bride's waiting for you.
13:25What are you doing sitting here?
13:27Tradition says once you've claimed her,
13:28you stay with her all night.
13:30Finish the ritual.
13:31I told Beyoncé this was temporary.
13:33I just got her out of there.
13:34I didn't plan on...
13:35Didn't plan on what?
13:36Kapo, this is the claiming.
13:38Not a game.
13:39You took her,
13:39you finish it.
13:40Otherwise you insult her whole family.
13:42Besides,
13:43you and Elena have been together for years.
13:45She won't care about formalities.
13:46Just get through tonight.
13:47Dominic opened his mouth to argue.
13:50What are you guys talking about?
13:51Dominic froze.
13:52Dominic,
13:53I know this one's fake,
13:55but can we at least finish the ritual?
13:57Her eyes glistening.
13:59I know you love Elena,
14:01but can you pretend I'm your bride?
14:03Just tonight.
14:04Dominic said nothing.
14:06Bianca bowed her head,
14:08her lashes fluttering.
14:10Toast the bride!
14:12Toast the bride!
14:14Toast the bride!
14:15Dominic picked up his glass,
14:17linking arms with Bianca.
14:19Light danced across both their faces.
14:22Cheers and laughter erupted around them,
14:24loud enough to rattle the walls.
14:26His eyes kept straying to the dark road
14:28beyond the estate,
14:29the same road he'd carried Bianca down tonight.
14:32At the gate,
14:34he ran into Luca Santoro.
14:35They met years ago at a family party.
14:40They had a few drinks together.
14:43Acquaintances, at best.
14:44That man had been quiet, but steady.
14:46The kind of man you could trust with your life.
14:49Tonight, Luca had been carrying someone, too.
14:51Said she was from another family.
14:52She was thin,
14:53lying quietly on Luca's back.
14:55Only a glimpse of her neck was visible.
14:57The line of that neck,
14:59the curve of her bowed head.
15:00It had felt strangely familiar,
15:02but Bianca had cried out in pain,
15:04so he hadn't thinked again.
15:06Dominic?
15:07Dominic?
15:08Is that okay?
15:09Yeah.
15:10Then he stepped aside,
15:12pulled out his phone,
15:13and dialed Elena's number.
15:14He needed to explain,
15:16to make sure she didn't misunderstand.
15:23Finally, someone picked up.
15:25Hello?
15:27Background noise,
15:28sounds of people moving things.
15:31Dominic blinked.
15:34Let me talk to Elena.
15:36Elena?
15:39She's not here.
15:41We're packing up her stuff to send over.
15:44Send over?
15:46Send where?
15:47Elena never lets her phone leave her hand.
15:49Where are you sending her things?
15:50The woman hesitated,
15:51not expecting the question.
15:54I'm Elena's aunt.
15:55We have to pack her things
15:56and send to her husband's house.
15:58Husband's house?
15:59So Elena was preparing
16:01to move back in with me?
16:02That made sense?
16:04He'd always planned to bring her back
16:05after the claiming.
16:06Stopped leaving her
16:07at the Marathi estate alone.
16:09Auntie,
16:10about the claiming tonight,
16:12there was a bit of a mix-up.
16:13Did Elena say anything?
16:15No, several families
16:16did claiming tonight.
16:17What would Elena have to say?
16:19Despite the words,
16:20a sense of unease surged in him.
16:22Oh, I can't talk anymore.
16:23We're busy packing.
16:24Both Elena and Bianca
16:26were taken tonight.
16:27We have to get their things ready.
16:28Dominic froze.
16:31What did she mean?
16:32Both were taken.
16:33Didn't I only take Bianca?
16:35As for Elena,
16:36she would never go with someone
16:37she didn't love.
16:38Auntie,
16:39you said Elena was taken?
16:40Yes,
16:41by the Santori family.
16:43Dominic's throat tightened.
16:44He couldn't speak.
16:46He suddenly remembered something
16:47and his mind exploded.
16:50Santori?
16:51Luca.
16:52The man he met at the gate,
16:54the one carrying a girl,
16:55saying she was his bride.
16:57That silhouette
16:58that looked so familiar.
17:00Elena,
17:01she didn't fight?
17:02Fight?
17:03Why would she?
17:05A claiming isn't a bad thing.
17:06She was as quiet as she could be.
17:08She just went with him.
17:09We all thought it was strange.
17:11With her temper,
17:12shouldn't she have beaten the man?
17:13But nothing happened.
17:14She just let him carry her away.
17:16Dominic's hand began to shake.
17:18Quiet as she could be?
17:19Just let him carry her away?
17:22No, that wasn't Elena.
17:25No, that wasn't Elena.
17:27That wasn't the Elena I knew.
17:29He remembered talking to Elena
17:30about claimings before.
17:31She had sat on his doorstep,
17:33swinging her legs,
17:34speaking excitedly.
17:37The girls in Moretti family,
17:38if they're claimed by someone
17:39they don't like,
17:40they don't just let them.
17:42They kick,
17:43bite,
17:43and scratch.
17:44They fight until the man
17:46gives up himself.
17:47You're so wild.
17:48Who would dare claim you?
17:51Well, it depends on who's coming.
17:54If it's you...
17:59I'd just put on a show
18:00of struggling a little
18:01for appearances.
18:04Just a little?
18:05Three times at most.
18:07If you came to claim me,
18:09I'd probably be the first
18:10to jump on your back
18:10so you wouldn't have
18:11to take those hits.
18:12This girl is so foolish.
18:14Auntie Elena,
18:15when was she taken?
18:17When?
18:18Tonight,
18:19right after you left.
18:21Dominic opened his mouth,
18:22but not a single word
18:23came out.
18:24Hello?
18:25Dominic?
18:26Are you still there?
18:27I'm here.
18:28Why are you asking so much?
18:30Elena's husband
18:31will take care of her.
18:32You claimed Bianca tonight,
18:34didn't you?
18:34That poor girl's
18:35had it rough.
18:35Take good care of her.
18:37All right,
18:38I have to go.
18:38We're still packing.
18:40Elena left in such a hurry
18:41she forgot so many things.
18:42We have to get them to her.
18:43Bye now.
18:44The line went dead.
18:45The dial tone rang
18:46in his ears,
18:47a steady,
18:48hammering sound
18:49over and over.
18:51He stood at the edge
18:52of the crowd,
18:53white-knuckling his phone.
18:54Around him were songs,
18:56laughter,
18:56music,
18:57all the noise
18:58of celebration.
18:59Someone walked past,
19:00slapping his shoulder
19:01in congratulations.
19:03Someone shoved a drink
19:04into his hand,
19:04tugging him toward
19:05the dance floor.
19:06Bianca waved at him
19:07from across the fire,
19:08a soft smile on her face,
19:10but he couldn't hear a thing.
19:11While he'd been carrying
19:12Bianca away,
19:14Elena had been lying
19:14on another man's back.
19:16They had passed each other
19:17in the dark.
19:18He'd thought she would fight,
19:19scream,
19:20resist,
19:21but she did nothing.
19:46Bianca stood by the fire,
19:47watching him,
19:48eyes uncertain.
19:50One night,
19:51stay tonight,
19:52keep up appearances.
19:54Tomorrow you can do
19:55whatever you want,
19:56but tonight,
19:57you owe Bianca that much.
19:59Dominic clenched his fists,
20:01then slowly let go.
20:02He walked back to the fire.
20:06Where were you going?
20:10Nowhere.
20:10Bianca lowered her head,
20:12not asking more.
20:13That night,
20:14he sat by the fire,
20:15watching the flames
20:16flicker and die.
20:17He watched the people
20:18come and go,
20:19watched the moon rise
20:20and slowly set.
20:21He called Elena
20:22countless times.
20:22It was always off.
20:25At dawn,
20:26he rose and left.
20:28Dominic!
20:29He didn't look back.
20:31He drove back to Corleone.
20:33The sun was just rising,
20:35the hounds were baying,
20:36and the morning mist
20:37was lifting from the vineyards.
20:39He stopped an old groundskeeper
20:40and asked where Luca's villa was.
20:42The man pointed toward
20:44a newly built villa
20:45at the foot of the hill.
20:46He ran over.
20:48The iron gates stood open,
20:50but the house was empty.
20:53Looking for Don Luca?
20:55He left at dawn
20:56with his new bride.
20:57Said there was urgent
20:58family business
20:59and had to return.
21:00Dominic stood frozen in place.
21:03When did they come back?
21:04How should I know?
21:06Dominic stood before
21:07that empty house
21:08for a long time
21:09without moving.
21:10He pulled out his phone
21:11and called Elena again.
21:14Still off.
21:16He scrolled through his contacts
21:17and realized he didn't even
21:18have Luca's number.
21:20They were never close.
21:21He didn't know where Luca lived,
21:23what city he was in.
21:24He knew nothing.
21:25He only remembered last night,
21:27the way Elena had lain
21:28so quietly on that man's back.
21:30He rushed back to the Russo estate,
21:32picked up Bianca,
21:33and headed back to Palermo.
21:35The whole way,
21:36Bianca was quiet,
21:37occasionally glancing at him,
21:39wanting to speak.
21:40He didn't want to talk,
21:41so she didn't ask.
21:43But Elena wasn't at their home.
21:45He had failed again.
21:46In the days that followed,
21:48his mind was still trapped
21:49in that claiming.
21:52Just a little more.
21:54Just a little more,
21:55and he could have stopped
21:56his woman from being taken.
21:59Dominic.
22:01She no longer called him
22:02brother-in-law.
22:03She held a cup of warm milk.
22:06You haven't eaten much
22:07these past few days.
22:08Drink some milk.
22:11Bianca didn't leave.
22:12She sat beside him.
22:13I need to talk to you.
22:15Your mother refused
22:16to let you legally marry my sister.
22:18That was her condition
22:19for tolerating the relationship.
22:21So you gave Elena
22:22a fake certificate
22:23to make her believe
22:24you were committed.
22:26Then, to save me
22:27from the Valentino family,
22:29you registered a real marriage
22:32with me.
22:33Bianca lowered her head,
22:34her lashes trembling.
22:36You claimed me
22:36in front of the families.
22:38Completed the ritual,
22:39made me your Donna.
22:42Dominic,
22:42since it has come to this,
22:44why don't we simply
22:45be together?
22:45Dominic froze.
22:47What did you say?
22:48Do you dare say
22:50you don't truly like me?
22:52you legally married me?
22:54You completed the claiming ritual.
22:57You made me your Donna.
23:00You say it was to save me
23:01from Valentino,
23:02but you never had to go that far.
23:04Just admit it.
23:05You like me.
23:07As for Elena,
23:09she's just not right for you.
23:10All she cares about
23:11is her dad's business.
23:12She never even thinks
23:13about helping you
23:14with your work
23:15or fitting in with your crowd.
23:16What's she even
23:17gonna give you?
23:18But I'm different.
23:20I know what you want
23:21and I know how to
23:22make your mom happy.
23:23I can give you
23:24way more than she ever could.
23:26Dominic looked into those eyes
23:28that were nothing
23:29like Elena's.
23:30Elena's eyes were bright,
23:31like stars in the mountains.
23:33No secrets,
23:34no pretense.
23:35Happy was happy.
23:36Sad was sad.
23:37Plain and simple.
23:38But Bianca's eyes were soft,
23:40like a pool of water
23:41that could pull you under
23:42before you even realized it.
23:44He suddenly asked himself,
23:45back when he'd go
23:46to the Meretti estate,
23:47bringing things for Elena,
23:49did he always bring
23:50a little something
23:50for Bianca too?
23:53And later,
23:54when Bianca said her sister
23:55got the family business,
23:56she had to find work.
23:58Was it just because
23:58he felt sorry
23:59for how fragile she seemed
24:01that he let her move
24:02into his home?
24:03He wasn't sure anymore.
24:04Was that casual kindness
24:06he'd shown her
24:06over the past three years
24:08really just a coincidence?
24:09And when he saw
24:10Bianca smile,
24:11was that feeling
24:12in his chest
24:13really just the affection
24:14of a brother?
24:15He didn't know
24:15when it started.
24:16Or perhaps he always knew,
24:18but refused to admit it.
24:20He only knew
24:20one thing for certain.
24:21Elena was the one
24:22he was supposed to marry.
24:23The wife he chose.
24:25The girl he was willing
24:26to give up everything.
24:28Dominic snapped back,
24:30looking at her,
24:30but thinking of Elena.
24:32Thinking of her lying
24:33on that man's back.
24:34Thinking of how
24:34she hadn't said a word.
24:36Thinking of how
24:36she hadn't even bothered
24:37to struggle.
24:38His heart felt as if
24:39a piece had been
24:40savagely carved out.
24:41So, the mistaken identity
24:43he thought no one knew.
24:44Elena had seen it all.
24:46So, she walked away
24:47in the other direction.
24:50Not long after,
24:51his mother arrived.
24:53Walked in,
24:53already lecturing.
24:55Since you and Bianca
24:56are registered,
24:57just live your lives.
24:58Why are you constantly
24:59thinking about that woman
25:00who ran off
25:01with another man
25:02and hasn't even come home?
25:04Dominic knew
25:04she would say this.
25:06In these three years,
25:07Bianca had charmed her well.
25:08She made her almost forget
25:10who it was
25:10that used to be
25:11insulted in the kitchen.
25:13Who worked until midnight
25:14without a word of thanks.
25:15Bianca knew how to act cute.
25:17How to speak softly.
25:18How to buy expensive gifts
25:19to make her smile.
25:21And Elena?
25:21Elena didn't know
25:22these things.
25:23Elena only knew
25:24how to work hard.
25:25How to be good to him.
25:26How to stand there
25:27and wait to be seen.
25:28But she was never seen.
25:30Mother,
25:32Elena didn't run off.
25:35If that isn't running off,
25:36what is?
25:37She was claimed.
25:39Claiming our normal out there.
25:40If she had you in her heart,
25:42why hasn't she come back?
25:43Because I have no right
25:44to ask her to.
25:45His mother froze.
25:47Back then,
25:48you said the only condition
25:50for accepting her
25:51was not registering the marriage.
25:53So,
25:54the contract I had with her
25:56was fake.
25:57From beginning to end,
25:58she was never truly my wife.
26:00Since she isn't back,
26:01I have no standing
26:02to look for her.
26:03If she wants to marry
26:04someone else...
26:06His throat tightened.
26:08I don't even have
26:09the right to object.
26:10Then who do you blame?
26:12I did interfere
26:12with the registration,
26:13but the rest was your choice.
26:15If you didn't like Bianca,
26:16why did you claim her?
26:18Why did you register with her?
26:19Dominic's throat choked.
26:20He couldn't explain.
26:22Saying Bianca was
26:23to help her leave,
26:24registering was
26:25for her status.
26:26But saying those things
26:27now felt pathetic,
26:28even to him.
26:29By helping her,
26:30he had lost himself.
26:32I'm telling you,
26:33everyone in the family
26:34knows about you
26:35and Bianca.
26:36You legally married
26:37that girl.
26:38You claimed her
26:39in front of the families.
26:41You made her your Donna.
26:43And now you want
26:43to discard her?
26:45What does that say
26:46about the Russo family?
26:48We're divorced.
26:51What?
26:52We divorced two months ago.
26:55I couldn't live with her.
26:57Then what do you want
26:58to do now?
26:59What did he want?
27:00He wanted to laugh.
27:01He wanted to find Elena.
27:03But with what?
27:03He didn't even know
27:04if she still hated him.
27:06He didn't even have the chance
27:07to use a divorce
27:08to force her to see him.
27:09Three years later,
27:10You're either locked
27:11in the Moretti estate
27:12or driving across Sicily
27:13chasing a ghost.
27:14Get out for once.
27:15Dominic,
27:16every family sends
27:17someone tonight.
27:18You should show your face.
27:19The hall was crowded
27:20with the elite
27:21of the most powerful syndicates.
27:24Dominic wandered
27:25through it aimlessly,
27:27eyes passing over
27:28each face
27:28and moving on.
27:30Three years,
27:30he thought sometimes.
27:32After her father died,
27:33she had nobody left.
27:34Maybe that's why
27:34she never went back
27:35to Moretti estate.
27:36She'd had him once.
27:37But what had he done
27:38with that?
27:39He'd made her wait
27:40three years,
27:41then carried another woman
27:42out right in front of her.
27:43What had he actually
27:44given her?
27:45A fake marriage license?
27:47Empty words.
27:48Three years
27:48of his mother's contempt.
27:50He'd watched
27:51every bit of it
27:52and never once
27:53stepped in front of it
27:53and, in the end,
27:55on what should have been
27:56the best night of her life,
27:58he walked away
27:58from her for good.
28:00Was she somewhere
28:01doing well now?
28:02Had she already
28:03forgotten him?
28:10Dominic,
28:10isn't that Elena?
28:12The man was in a black shirt,
28:14focused,
28:14unhurried,
28:15the woman beside him.
28:18She was speaking
28:19to someone
28:20and her eyes
28:21curved into a smile.
28:23That was the person
28:24he'd been looking for
28:24for three years,
28:26standing right there,
28:27close enough to see.
28:30Elena!
28:43Hello.
28:44What can I help you with?
28:46Elena.
28:47It's me.
28:48She looked at him
28:49the way you look
28:50at someone
28:50you half recognize.
28:52I'm sorry,
28:52do we know each me?
28:53I'm terrible with faces.
28:55She looked at him
28:55again more carefully.
28:57Mr. Russo,
28:58it's been a while.
29:00She genuinely
29:01hadn't recognized him.
29:02Three years,
29:04Dominic was gaunt
29:05and weathered,
29:05no longer the handsome,
29:06dashing man
29:07he had once been.
29:08Luca looked up then
29:09and glanced at him.
29:11He said nothing,
29:12simply stepping closer
29:13to Elena's side.
29:14It was a natural,
29:15protective stance.
29:17You too.
29:17Are you truly,
29:19truly together?
29:21Elena turned slightly
29:22to look at Luca.
29:23That look was soft,
29:25certain,
29:26and natural.
29:28Mr. Russo,
29:29let me introduce you.
29:30This is my wife.
29:31During the claiming,
29:32you met her, remember?
29:34Wife?
29:35That's how,
29:36how can that count?
29:37That was a mistake,
29:38a blunder,
29:39it was dark,
29:40and I claimed the wrong person.
29:41Claimed the wrong person?
29:42Mr. Russo,
29:43in our tradition,
29:44a claiming isn't a kidnapping.
29:46It's a silent agreement
29:47between families.
29:48If the girl doesn't want it,
29:49can she be taken?
29:52If she truly didn't want to go,
29:54she would have beat me
29:55until my own mother
29:56didn't recognize me.
30:00The words were a knife
30:01in Dominic's chest.
30:02He remembered
30:03what Elena had said.
30:04If it's someone
30:05I don't like,
30:06I'll fight until
30:07he don't recognize himself.
30:09But the truth was,
30:10she had lain quietly
30:11on Luca's back,
30:12without a single sound.
30:14He stood there,
30:15watching Elena turn her head
30:16to meet the other man's gaze.
30:18If you're here on Russo business,
30:19I can point you
30:20to the right people.
30:21If not,
30:22you're in the way.
30:24Elena!
30:25Listen to me-
30:26Listen to what?
30:27Listen to you say
30:28the marriage was fake?
30:29Listen to you tell me
30:30about your plan
30:30to swap brides
30:31so the fragile Bianca
30:32wouldn't suffer?
30:33You-
30:33You heard all that?
30:37Mr. Russo,
30:38meeting today is fate,
30:40but it doesn't mean
30:41you can harass my wife.
30:43Luca!
30:44She's my wife!
30:45Luca said nothing,
30:46only looked down at Elena.
30:48He had explained this
30:49to his wife before.
30:51That night,
30:52he had followed the crew
30:53to the Maradi estate,
30:54but not for himself.
30:56His cousin had wanted Bianca
30:58and dragged him along
30:59for support.
31:00He couldn't refuse,
31:01so he went.
31:03But at the edge of the estate,
31:04the cousin suddenly
31:06clutched-clutched his stomach,
31:08his face pale.
31:10I can't, I can't.
31:11That wine at lunch was bad.
31:13I need a place-
31:14He waved him off.
31:15You go ahead.
31:16Find Bianca and hide her.
31:17Actually, she doesn't like me.
31:18I just wanted to try
31:20if she'd accept me.
31:21If she won't,
31:22we'll just leave.
31:23Don't let her suffer.
31:24With that,
31:25he vanished into the trees.
31:27Luca stood in the darkness,
31:29feeling ridiculous.
31:31He came to help
31:32with a claiming,
31:33and the groom had run off.
31:36He stood there,
31:37not knowing whether
31:38to stay or go.
31:40Later,
31:41he went in,
31:43not to claim anyone,
31:45but to find Bianca.
31:52and tell her to hide.
31:55Luca said nothing,
31:56only looked down at Elena.
31:58He had explained this
31:59to his wife before.
32:01That night,
32:01he had followed the crew
32:02to the Moretti estate,
32:04but not for himself.
32:05His cousin had wanted Bianca
32:06and dragged him along
32:07for support.
32:08He couldn't refuse,
32:10so he went.
32:10I can't, I can't.
32:11That wine at lunch was bad.
32:12I need a place-
32:13He waved him off.
32:14You go ahead,
32:14find Bianca and hide her.
32:16Actually,
32:16she doesn't like me,
32:17I just wanted to try
32:18if she'd accept me.
32:19If she won't,
32:19we'll just leave.
32:20Don't let her suffer.
32:21With that,
32:22he vanished in the darkness,
32:23feeling ridiculous.
32:24He came to help
32:25with a claiming,
32:26and the groom had run off.
32:27He stood there,
32:28not knowing whether
32:29to stay or go.
32:31Later,
32:32he went in,
32:33not to claim anyone,
32:34but to find Bianca
32:36and tell her to hide.
32:37Then another crew
32:38poured through the door
32:39and started throwing
32:40their weight around.
32:41First,
32:41it was the motions.
32:42Then it started being rude.
32:44She didn't move,
32:46didn't fight back,
32:47just sat there
32:48and took it.
32:48He couldn't watch it.
32:50He walked over,
32:51crouched down
32:51in front of her.
32:53Do you want to leave?
32:55She looked at him,
32:56and her eyes turned hung,
32:58but she didn't crew.
32:59She simply nended
33:00and climbed onto his back.
33:02Perhaps that was fate.
33:05If his cousin
33:06hadn't had a stomach ache,
33:08perhaps in her despair,
33:09she really would have
33:10gone with her.
33:10Or perhaps,
33:11after they found the mistake,
33:12they would have parted
33:13ways peacefully,
33:14treated the night
33:14as a blunder.
33:15But there are no ifs.
33:17He and Elena decided
33:18to give each other a chance,
33:19so they made the claiming real.
33:20And so,
33:21they found their current happiness.
33:23Elena suddenly called his name,
33:24her voice soft.
33:25Didn't you get your wish
33:26and claim Bianca?
33:29Dominic's throat choked.
33:31I,
33:32Bianca,
33:33he and Bianca
33:34had divorced long ago,
33:36but what point was there
33:37in saying that now?
33:39Elena,
33:39I claimed the wrong one.
33:40That night,
33:41I was supposed to claim you.
33:43I thought you'd fight,
33:44I thought you'd...
33:44I never imagined
33:45Bianca kind.
33:47I'll give Benham back to you.
33:48I'll give everything back to you.
33:49Give Elena back to me.
33:50Elena smiled,
33:51a light,
33:52faint smile.
33:53Dominic,
33:53a claiming isn't a game.
33:55In our traditions,
33:55a mistake is the will of heaven.
33:57Heaven willed me to go with him,
33:59so I went.
33:59Heaven willed me to go with him,
34:01so I went.
34:01You claimed Bianca,
34:04and I married Luca.
34:05We're even.
34:07Dominic stood there,
34:08shaking.
34:08He saw Luca gently put an arm around her shoulder.
34:11He wanted to chase them,
34:13but he couldn't move.
34:14In the crowd,
34:15Elena's back grew further and further away.
34:18The rain came suddenly,
34:19and the crowd began to disperse.
34:22Dominic still stood there,
34:23in the rain.
34:24He suddenly remembered the summer years ago,
34:26when he went to find Elena.
34:28You fool!
34:29I was afraid you'd be waiting.
34:31Then,
34:31eyes brights like Shantan's stars.
34:34Dominic,
34:34I'll wait for you.
34:36Okay.
34:36He'd made her wait for three years.
34:38In the rain,
34:39he suddenly laughed,
34:40and he couldn't tell the rain from the tears.
34:42I do say sorry for you when I was to go lose.
34:42but I would say he's always done this wrongly.
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