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00:00Sicily has a savage tradition known as the claiming, rooted in old honor codes and mafia
00:05control. It demands the groom steal his bride away at midnight, fighting through her family's
00:09guards to prove his power and right to her. I waited three years for Dominic. At last,
00:14he and his men slipped into my courtyard. I was ready to run to him until I heard his hushed
00:18order. Grab Bianca in the chaos. She's fragile. If she's sold off to the don of the Valentino
00:23family to settle the debt, she won't survive the night. As for Elena, she'll fight like hell.
00:27She'll keep herself safe. The men hesitated. Dominic, you and Elena are already married.
00:32If she finds out, she'll burn this place to the ground. Let her. It's dark enough. A case of
00:38mistaken identity during the claiming will be easy to explain. I'll calm her down later.
00:42He paused, his voice turning icy. Besides, the marriage license she signed was a forgery.
00:48I promised Bianca a safe life in Palermo. She's my priority. I heard every word from behind the door.
00:54I didn't scream. I didn't cry. I just slipped back into the room. They'd expected me to fight,
01:00to hurt anyone who tried to take me. Instead, I silently climbed onto the back of the man who'd
01:06broken into my chamber and became his bride. Elena, my contact at the registry checked.
01:13You, you aren't actually Dominic's legal wife. Something inside my chest shattered. I'd lived as
01:19Dominic's wife for five years. All that time, the Russo family never accepted me. His mother never
01:26used my name, only ever referring to me as, that girl. At family galas, I was always seated at the
01:32farthest table. In 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
01:47Donna. Then the Russo family would have no choice but to accept me. I waited. For three years, I'd held
01:54my tongue, longing for this knight. But he'd come for another woman. He'd kept me deceived for years
01:59with a forged marriage license, all to hide the truth. The one he'd truly meant to claim was my
02:05half-sister, Bianca. I stared at my reflection. My face was empty. Shouts exploded in the courtyard.
02:11The ritual had begun. Laughter rang out. Boots thudded against stone, and guards put on a show
02:18of resisting. Ritual torches painted half the sky red. All the excitement was for them. The celebration
02:24was for Bianca. The other group of men had come from the Valentino family. They'd originally come
02:30for Bianca. By the rules of the ritual, if a woman didn't want to be taken, she could hide and
02:34send them
02:35away empty-handed. But Bianca didn't hide. She waited in her room to be taken. And the man she
02:40waited for was my husband. The room I was in wasn't mine. It was Bianca's. That afternoon, my stepmother
02:47pulled me aside. For once, her voice was gentle. Elena, stay in Bianca's room tonight. Yours is too
02:52far back. Too quiet. They'll never find you. The men coming for Bianca are savages. You've always been
02:58tough. You can handle the rough play. Bianca is fragile. If she gets caught in the crossfire, it'll be a
03:04disaster. I said nothing. I knew exactly what she meant. By the rules of the claiming, the groom's
03:09men would storm in. The woman was expected to fight and struggle. It was called the gauntlet. The harder
03:14she fought, the more valuable she was considered. The groom had to prove he could take her by force.
03:20Those punches and shoves were real. My stepmother studied my face, testing me. Besides, Dominic has
03:26never been to the Meretti estate at night. The front room? He'll find you faster. Back then, I'd only wanted
03:31to make things easier for Dominic. I agreed. I even texted him my room location. But they'd
03:37been planning this switch all along. A roar of celebration erupted outside. We got her!
03:42The bride is ours! Laughter and cheering rang out, followed by the sharp crack of celebratory
03:47gunfire. I listened but didn't move. I knew exactly who they'd taken. I could picture Dominic
03:52carrying Bianca through the crowd, his men shielding them as guests hurled objects and blocked their
03:57path. Bianca would hide her face against his back, pretending to struggle. How perfect!
04:02I lowered my gaze. Moments later, my door was kicked in. A group of men flooded into the
04:08dark room, their footsteps heavy and chaotic. Someone seized my arm. Hands began shoving and
04:14striking me. I felt fists slam into my shoulders and back. This was the gauntlet. The harder the
04:19beating, the more the family valued the bride. I didn't flinch or resist. I let them yank me from
04:25my chair and drag me towards the door. At first it felt like a formality, but the violence quickly
04:30turned ugly. Someone slammed my arm against the stone wall. Fists began hammering my ribs with real,
04:41cruel force. This was intentional. The pain was excruciating, but 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. Just when I thought
04:55it would never end, someone stepped in to shield me.
04:59Enough!
05:01It was a stranger's voice, sharp with fury. He blocked the others, shoving the attacker's
05:08back with his arms.
05:09That's the way it works. The harder we hit, the more she's worth. What rule?
05:16His voice dropped to a dangerous growl.
05:18This isn't your wife!
05:20If someone was beating your woman like a dog, would you just stand there and watch?
05:24The room went silent. He glanced back at me. In the shadows, I could only make out the
05:31sharp line of his jaw. Then he bent down and hoisted me onto his back.
05:36Who is he? He's taking this ritual way too serious.
05:39He carried me out in long, steady strides. People chased after us, throwing things and blocking
05:45the way. But his grip on my legs never wavered. When he finally carried me out of my private
05:51courtyard, he paused to catch his breath. In the distance, the faint glow of ritual torches
05:59moved. That was the other group. Through the bushes, I heard their laughter. Dominic was
06:05at the front, sweat-soaked but wearing a triumphant smile. Bianca was on his back, her arms wrapped
06:11tight around his neck. His men were cheering.
06:14Kiss her! Kiss her!
06:16I lay silent on the stranger's back as they drew near.
06:21Torchlight flickered across my face. Dominic's eyes flicked over me and Le Tui the Bermormlemi
06:26for a split second. Then 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, and he leaned in with a soft smile.
06:39I suddenly thought back to three years ago, when I'd returned to the Moretti estate to visit
06:43my father and stayed for a while. The first time Dominic came to find me there, he'd worn that
06:48exact same smile. That day, my father's men put him to the test. They blocked him at the gates and
06:53roughed him up, just to see if a Russo truly cared for a Moretti girl. He'd shown up at my
06:58door with
06:58a split lip and bruised ribs. I asked if it hurt. For my wife, I'd take a lot worse.
07:05He was a spoiled Russo heir who'd never been hurt before, yet he'd taken a beating from my father's men,
07:10just for me. He always acted like it was nothing, but I knew the truth. My father's men didn't go
07:16easy on outsiders. Another time, it poured rain. He showed up soaked to the bone, his shirt torn,
07:24but the pastries tucked inside his jacket were still dry. I called him an idiot for coming out
07:29in weather like that. Didn't want you to wait too long. I held those pastries, staring at the cut on
07:35his cheek and thought, this is the man I'll spend my life with. But now he carried Bianca with that
07:41exact same smile. Come on, Bianca. My vision blurred for a second, then sharpened again.
07:49Not gonna drop me, are you? No, never. Are you sure? Yes. Are you sure? Yes.
07:52When did it all start to change? Probably three years ago, when my father died. I felt completely
07:57hollow inside. I'll handle it. Dominic cancelled everything to stay at the Moretti estate with
08:02me for two weeks. The day he had to leave, he took my hand and spoke softly. Elena, you just
08:08got
08:08through the funeral and you look awful. If my mother sees you like this, she'll start on you
08:12again. I don't want you putting up with that. Just stay here at the estate and rest. You've always
08:15wanted to take over the family business, right? I'll go back and smooth things over at home,
08:19then come get you. I looked at him and nodded. I was truly exhausted from the constant fighting with
08:24his mother. Back then, I believed he was looking out for me that he didn't want me to go back
08:29and
08:29face those cold stares. Only later did I realize distance doesn't create beauty. It just makes it
08:34easier for him to love someone else. Last year, when Mrs. Russo turned 60, Dominic came to bring me
08:40back. The moment I stepped inside, I saw my stepsister, Bianca. She was supposed to be in
08:45Palermo for work, but there she was in the living room, arranging fruit, her movements smooth and
08:50familiar. So, she lived here now. Dominic paused while taking off his shoes and explained,
08:55Bianca's workplace is near our house. She's staying here temporarily. There wasn't a trace
08:59of guilt in his voice, and I didn't push for more. My stepmother had married into the Moretti family
09:04long after Bianca and I were grown. We'd never been close. Over the years, we'd only seen each
09:09other during holidays. I couldn't quite put into words how I felt about her staying there.
09:14Hey, sis. Don't worry. I'm just crashing here for a bit. I'll move out once I find a place.
09:20I nodded, but said nothing. Back then, I never could have imagined. For three years,
09:25I waited alone in the empty Moretti estate, and all that time, my little sister had been
09:29working in the Russo house. Now, watching Bianca on Dominic's back, it all suddenly clicked.
09:35I hadn't been waiting for him to bring me home at all. I'd been waiting for my heart to die.
09:40Bianca's voice drifted closer on the wind.
09:43What about Elena? If she finds out, she'll lose it.
09:46She's all bark and no bite. She'll get over it after throwing a fit.
09:49He paused, his voice lowering. It's pitch black during the claiming.
09:53I just made a mistake. She'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. My knuckles whitened. One of his men spoke up suddenly.
10:06Cappa, what if someone else claimed Elena?
10:08The group fell quiet. Then Dominic laughed.
10:11You think she'd let anyone take her without a fight? With that temper of hers,
10:14she'll tear the place apart tonight. True. No way Elena goes quietly.
10:18Feel sorry for that poor bastard. Wonder what he looks like now.
10:22The laughter swelled. I looked down. Let's go.
10:25He must have heard everything. Heard them laughing about me.
10:29Heard how they thought I'd tear the roof off. But he said nothing. He just kept walking.
10:34At the gate of the Meridi estate, we ran straight into them. Torchlight flickered over us.
10:40Luca, yeah? It really is you. You claiming someone tonight too?
10:46Yeah. Which family?
10:51A neighbor family.
10:54Caso, man. Always figured you'd stay single forever. Congrats.
10:59Dominic took a step forward. I felt his gaze linger on my back.
11:03That look lasted too long. Long enough, I almost thought he'd recognized me.
11:10Let's go. Wait!
11:14Dominic. My ankle hurts.
11:17What's wrong? Did you twist it earlier?
11:20I don't know. It just aches.
11:23Let's go. We need to get to your place before sunrise.
11:26Dominic didn't waste another second.
11:28Gonna run. I'll buy you a drink next time.
11:32Dominic. Their footsteps faded into the distance.
11:38He really didn't recognize you.
11:40I rested my face against his shoulder and said nothing.
11:43My eyes stung.
11:45His pace slowed.
11:47Steps gentle and steady.
11:48The moon was bright.
11:49The road stretched on.
11:51I had no idea where he was taking me.
11:53But in that moment, I thought,
11:54anywhere was better than going back.
11:58Music filled the Russo estate hall.
12:00The whole place buzzed with celebration.
12:03Wine flowed freely and couples danced to old songs.
12:07This was the party after a successful claiming.
12:10By tradition, it would last until sunrise.
12:13Dominic sat at the edge of the crowd, phone in hand.
12:15No messages from Elena.
12:18That wasn't like her.
12:20She never kept things bottled up.
12:23If she found out I claimed the wrong woman,
12:25she would have called screaming by now.
12:27I already had my excuses.
12:29It was pitch black.
12:31Don't overthink it.
12:33You're the only one I want.
12:34I'll wait for her to blow up over the phone,
12:36then talk her down gently.
12:38She'd hurl some threat,
12:40and he'd smooth it over.
12:41Done.
12:42She never stayed mad at me for long.
12:44But this time,
12:45no call,
12:47no text,
12:47no yelling.
12:50Capo,
12:51still waiting Elena?
12:52Don't bother.
12:53Signal's shit out here.
12:54Her area gets fine signal.
12:56Then her phone's probably dead.
12:57Or she didn't see it.
12:59She's probably off beating someone up right now.
13:03Dominic stayed quiet.
13:04Elena had once told him,
13:06I set a special ringtone for your messages.
13:08Don't want to miss them.
13:10I'd sit out in the courtyard till midnight,
13:12just waiting for you to call.
13:15He didn't believe she didn't see it,
13:18but he had no better explanation.
13:20All right,
13:20quit overthinking.
13:21This is your big night.
13:23Your bride's waiting for you.
13:24What are you doing sitting here?
13:26Tradition says once you've claimed her,
13:28you stay with her all night.
13:29Finish the ritual.
13:31I told Beyoncé this was temporary.
13:32I just got her out of there.
13:34I didn't plan on...
13:35Didn't plan on what?
13:36Capo,
13:36this is the claiming.
13:37Not a game.
13:38You took her,
13:39you finish it.
13:40Otherwise,
13:40you insult her whole family.
13:42Besides,
13:43you and Elena have been together for years.
13:44She won't care about formalities.
13:46Just get through tonight.
13:47Dominic opened his mouth to argue.
13:49What are you guys talking about?
13:51Dominic froze.
13:52Dominic,
13:52I know this one's fake,
13:54but can we at least finish the ritual?
13:57Her eyes glistening.
13:58I know you love Elena,
14:01but can you pretend I'm your bride?
14:03Just tonight.
14:04Dominic said nothing.
14:05Bianca bowed her head,
14:07her lashes fluttering.
14:09Most of the brides!
14:11Most of the brides!
14:13Most of the brides!
14:15Dominic picked up his glass,
14:17linking arms with Bianca.
14:18Light danced across both their faces.
14:21Cheers and laughter erupted around them,
14:23loud enough to rattle the walls.
14:26His eyes kept straying to the dark road beyond the estate,
14:29the same road he'd carried Bianca down tonight.
14:32At the gate,
14:33he ran into Luca Santoro.
14:35They met years ago at a family party.
14:39They had a few drinks together.
14:42Acquaintances, at best.
14:44That man had been quiet but steady,
14:46the kind of man you could trust with your life.
14:48Tonight,
14:49Luca had been carrying someone too,
14:50said 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,
14:58the curve of her bowed head.
14:59It had felt strangely familiar,
15:02but Bianca had cried out in pain,
15:03so he hadn't thinked again.
15:06Dominic?
15:06Dominic?
15:07Is that okay?
15:09Yeah.
15:09Then he stepped aside,
15:11pulled out his phone,
15:13and dialed Elena's number.
15:14He needed to explain,
15:15to make sure she didn't misunderstand.
15:22Finally,
15:23someone picked up.
15:25Hello?
15:26Background noise,
15:27sounds of people moving things.
15:31Dominic blinked.
15:33Let me talk to Elena.
15:36Elena?
15:39She's not here.
15:41We're packing up her stuff to send over.
15:44Send over?
15:45Send where?
15:46Elena never lets her phone leave her hand.
15:48Where are you sending her things?
15:50The woman hesitated,
15:51not expecting the question.
15:53I'm Elena's aunt.
15:55We have to pack her things
15:55and send to her husband's house.
15:57Husband's house?
15:59So Elena was preparing
16:00to move back in with me?
16:02That made sense?
16:03He'd always planned to bring her back
16:05after the claiming,
16:06stopped leaving her
16:06at the Marathi estate alone.
16:09Auntie,
16:10about the claiming tonight,
16:11there was a bit of a mix-up.
16:13Did Elena say anything?
16:14No,
16:15several families did claiming tonight.
16:17What would Elena have to say?
16:18Despite the words,
16:19a sense of unease surged in him.
16:21Oh,
16:22I can't talk anymore.
16:22We're busy packing.
16:24Both Elena and Bianca
16:25were taken tonight.
16:26We have to get their things ready.
16:28Dominic froze.
16:30What did she mean,
16:31both were taken?
16:32Didn't I only take Bianca?
16:34As for Elena,
16:35she would never go with someone
16:36she didn't love.
16:37Auntie,
16:39you said Elena was taken?
16:40Yes,
16:41by the Santori family.
16:42Dominic's throat tightened.
16:44He couldn't speak.
16:45He suddenly remembered something
16:47and his mind exploded.
16:49Santori?
16:51Luca.
16:52The man he met at the gate.
16:53The one carrying a girl
16:55saying she was his bride.
16:56That silhouette
16:57that looked so familiar.
17:00Elena.
17:00She didn't fight?
17:02Fight?
17:03Why would she?
17:04A claiming isn't a bad thing.
17:06She was as quiet as she could be.
17:07She just went with him.
17:09We all thought it was strange.
17:10With her temper,
17:11shouldn't she have beaten the man?
17:12But nothing happened.
17:14She just let him carry her away.
17:15Dominic's hand began to shake.
17:17Quiet as she could be?
17:19Just let him carry her away?
17:21No,
17:22that wasn't Elena.
17:24No,
17:25that wasn't Elena.
17:26That wasn't the Elena I knew.
17:28He remembered talking to Elena
17:29about claimings before.
17:31She had sat on his doorstep,
17:33swinging her legs,
17:34speaking excitedly.
17:36The girls in Moretti family,
17:38if they're claimed by someone
17:39they don't like,
17:40they don't just let them.
17:41They kick,
17:42bite,
17:43and scratch.
17:43They fight until the man
17:45gives up himself.
17:46You're so wild.
17:48Who would dare claim you?
17:51Well,
17:51it depends on who's coming.
17:53If it's you,
17:58I'd just put on a show
17:59of struggling a little
18:00for appearances.
18:03Just a little?
18:05Three times at most.
18:06If you came to claim me,
18:08I'd probably be the first
18:09to jump on your back
18:10so you wouldn't have
18:10to take those hits.
18:11This girl is so foolish.
18:13Auntie Elena,
18:15when was she taken?
18:17When?
18:18Tonight,
18:19right after you left.
18:20Dominic opened his mouth,
18:21but not a single word
18:22came out.
18:23Hello?
18:24Dominic?
18:25Are you still there?
18:27I'm here.
18:28Why are you asking so much?
18:30Elena's husband
18:30will take care of her.
18:32You claimed Bianca
18:33tonight, didn't you?
18:33That poor girl's
18:34had it rough.
18:35Take good care of her.
18:36All right.
18:37I have to go.
18:38We're still packing.
18:39Elena left in such a hurry
18:40she forgot so many things.
18:42We have to get them to her.
18:43Bye now.
18:43The line went dead.
18:45The dial tone rang
18:46in his ears,
18:47a steady,
18:48hammering sound
18:48over and over.
18:50He stood at the edge
18:51of the crowd,
18:52white-knuckling his phone.
18:53Around him were songs,
18:55laughter,
18:56music,
18:56all the noise
18:57of celebration.
18:58Someone walked past,
19:00slapping his shoulder
19:01in congratulations.
19:02Someone shoved a drink
19:03into his hand,
19:04tugging him toward the 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,
19:13Elena had been lying
19:14on another man's back.
19:15They had passed each other
19:16in the dark.
19:17He'd thought she would fight,
19:18scream,
19:19resist,
19:20but she did nothing.
19:21For a long time,
19:21thanks for telling me,
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