- 2 days ago
Three Ex Husbands, One Scam |New Movie| 2026
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Short filmTranscript
00:00On April Fool's Day, my husband, Blaio, handed me divorce papers.
00:04Your two exes called me yesterday, talking shit.
00:07They said you're too uptight, can't take an April Fool's joke.
00:11Said you'd never have the guts to sign divorce papers.
00:16Honey, you wouldn't make me look bad in front of them, would you?
00:19I have two ex-husbands, my childhood friends, Marco and Leo.
00:23But those first two marriages were just business to help their families out of a jam.
00:27Only my marriage to Blair was for love.
00:30I felt I'd finally found my home, until I overheard the three of them talking.
00:36Lucy is sick.
00:37Her dying wish is for the three of us to spend one whole month with her.
00:41Just the three of us.
00:43Blair, you can handle that, can't you?
00:45Of course.
00:46I'll get Eliana to sign the divorce papers.
00:48I'll just tell her it's an April Fool's joke.
00:51And we'll get remarried after the month is up.
00:53I heard everything.
00:54I didn't let on.
00:55I just calmly signed the papers.
00:57Then, I texted my father, the godfather of the Moretti family.
01:01Father, I'm divorced.
01:03That arranged marriage you mentioned, is the offer still on the table?
01:06I was standing outside our front door, holding a gift from Chicago handmade candies from that century-old chocolate shop
01:13Blair loves.
01:14The conversation inside continued.
01:16Will Eliana go for it?
01:18Of course she will.
01:20She's a Maradi.
01:21She knows the rules.
01:23Besides, Ellie's a pup over.
01:24Never makes waves.
01:26Exactly.
01:27She's gotten us out of so much trouble.
01:29This time will be no different.
01:30Ever since we got married, Blair had always acted like he hated Marco and Leo.
01:35I thought he was jealous.
01:37I was even a little smug about it.
01:39Now I knew the truth.
01:40The three of them were clues.
01:42So close, they could plot against me together.
01:45I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
01:47So that's all I was to them.
01:49My feelings.
01:50My dignity.
01:51My marriage.
01:52Just tools for them to use.
01:54I sat in the car for an entire afternoon, letting the chill seep through my whole body.
01:59My phone buzzed.
02:00A text from Blair.
02:02Babe, how was the trip?
02:03Got home soon.
02:04I miss you.
02:05I stated the words, I miss you, and almost laughed.
02:08I got out of the car, tossed the box of chocolates in the trash, and pushed open the front door.
02:13Blair shot up from the sofa, a perfect smile on his face.
02:17Ellie!
02:19You're back!
02:20How was the road?
02:21He walked over, smoothly taking my coat and handbag, and gave me a light kiss on the cheek.
02:27He'd done it for a year.
02:28It always made me feel warm.
02:30Now, it just made me sick.
02:32I suddenly wiped my cheek.
02:35Blair sat down next to me, his expression suddenly serious.
02:40Ellie, I need to talk to you about something.
02:42Here we go.
02:44I fought with a cold smile, but I kept my face, a mask of confusion.
02:50The commission is auditing the family's assets.
02:52The lawyers are suggesting a temporary divorce, just on paper.
02:57It's to protect you, keep you from getting dragged into this.
03:01A temporary divorce?
03:03A temporary divorce?
03:03He explained eagerly.
03:04Then his face fell into a wounded look.
03:07It's just a formality.
03:09As soon as I clean up the family business, we'll get remarried.
03:12And, yesterday those bastards Marco and Leo called me.
03:15They said since you've been married twice, you'd never dare to divorce again.
03:18That you can't take an April Fool's joke.
03:20He was a damn good actor.
03:22If this were the Oscars, he'd take home best actor.
03:25How could they say that?
03:27I know.
03:27And I wasn't going to take that.
03:30I know my wife is the bravest woman there is.
03:32You're not afraid of anything.
03:34He pulled the papers out from under the coffee table and handed them to me.
03:39I took the file and skimmed it.
03:41It detailed the division of assets.
03:43Most of his property, his stocks, his real estate.
03:47It was all going to me.
03:49Tomorrow, we'll give them the shock of their lives.
03:53I almost laughed out loud.
03:55He was so damn sure of himself.
03:57So certain we'd be remarried soon.
03:59That this was all just for show.
04:01I picked up the pen on the table and signed my name at the bottom of the agreement with
04:06a clean, sharp stroke.
04:07Done.
04:08You should call them now.
04:10I want to hear it when their jaws hit the ground.
04:12Blair froze for a second, clearly not expecting me to sign so quickly, so decisively.
04:17I pushed the papers back to him with a sweet smile.
04:19He looked a bit dazed as he collected the agreement, then planted a soft kiss on my forehead.
04:24I knew you'd understand.
04:26You're the best wife in the world.
04:28Then he took his phone and walked into the study.
04:31I sat in the living room.
04:33Through the half-open study door, I clearly heard his hushed voice.
04:37She signed.
04:39Yeah, didn't even hesitate.
04:41We'll file tomorrow.
04:43In a month, we can...
04:45I told you, Ellie was easy!
04:47She's still so gullible!
04:49After you're done with Lucia, make it up to Alana.
04:51Don't let her get too bent out of shape.
04:53Of course.
04:54She's my wife, after all.
04:56A moment later, my own phone laid up with two messages.
05:01The first, from Marco.
05:02Long time no see, wanna get together?
05:05The second, from Leo.
05:06Ellie, heard you were getting divorced again?
05:09Don't be sad.
05:10I always said that guy wasn't good enough for you.
05:12How about I buy you a drink?
05:14I used to think our friendship was the most important thing in the world.
05:18Marco asked me to marry him to secure his position as heir to the Falcone family.
05:23I did it.
05:24Leo asked me to marry him to get out of and arrange marriage.
05:27I did that too.
05:28And what did I get for it?
05:30I didn't reply.
05:31I just flipped my phone face down on the table.
05:33Back in the bedroom, I silently pulled the suitcase from the closet.
05:37After a year of marriage, I didn't have much.
05:40The clothes and jewelry Blair had given me, I left them all behind.
05:44Just as I was zipping up the suitcase, the doorbell rang.
05:47It was Lucia.
05:48I sat at the door and watched as she stumbled in, drunk, and threw herself into Blair's arms.
05:56Blair, I missed you so I came over.
05:59Blair instinctively glanced back at me, a flash of panic in his eyes.
06:04Lucia's drunk.
06:05She insisted on coming to see an old friend.
06:07We couldn't stop her.
06:08Alicia's still here.
06:09Have some respect.
06:10You think it's okay for a drunk woman to be hanging all over you?
06:13Blair immediately pushed Lucia away.
06:15You knew that?
06:16And you still brought her to my house?
06:18Who's the one with no respect?
06:22We're protecting Lucia's reputation.
06:24That's better than some guy who's getting cozy with another woman in front of his wife.
06:28Alright, alright.
06:30Let's not fight over something so small.
06:32Lucia's just had too much to drink.
06:34She doesn't mean any harm.
06:35Then he looked at me, his eyes searching my face.
06:39You don't mind do you Ileana?
06:42Of course not.
06:43I watched their perfectly rehearsed little play unfold.
06:47Leo, the righteous accuser.
06:49Marco, the peacemaker.
06:51Blair, the wronged husband defending his honor.
06:54If I hadn't heard them celebrating on the phone earlier, I might have actually believed they couldn't stand each other.
07:00I thought about our old friendship.
07:02Marco, Leo and I, we grew up together.
07:06We were the three musketeers, closer than blood.
07:09My father was always busy with family business.
07:12And everyone else kept their distance because of the Moretti name.
07:17Only Marco was willing to teach me how to shoot, taking me to the range every weekend.
07:22Leo even took a bullet for me from a rival family.
07:25He still has the scar on his left shoulder.
07:27Back then, we were the only people in the world we could trust.
07:31But that all changed when Lucia showed up.
07:34She came to Chicago from Italy, all bold and fiery.
07:38She became the center of everyone's world, including Marco's and Leo's.
07:42They started revolving around her, forming a new circle.
07:45I was slowly pushed to the sidelines, only remembered when they needed the Moretti family to solve the problem.
07:52The cracks were always there.
07:53I just chose to ignore them.
07:55Only today was I willing to face the ugly truth.
07:58Lucia finally seemed to notice me, the lady of the house.
08:02Ileana?
08:03Long time no see.
08:05I've always felt so bad.
08:08I know you think I stole Marco and Leo from you, but I really didn't mean to.
08:13Marco's heart instantly melted.
08:15He gently steadied her, and the look he gave me was sharp with annoyance.
08:20What are you talking about?
08:21Nobody stole anybody.
08:22That's right, Lucia.
08:24Anything that can be stolen wasn't really mine to begin with.
08:27You all came at the perfect time tonight.
08:30There's something I want you all to see.
08:31I walked to the coffee table and picked up the signed divorce papers.
08:35I want to make this clear in front of everyone.
08:38These are my divorce papers with Blair.
08:40I've already signed.
08:41Blair looked panicked for a second.
08:43Clearly not expecting me to announce it like this, but he recovered quickly.
08:47He took a step forward, his voice dripping with fake concern.
08:53Ileana, you don't have to do this.
08:55Well, if you're divorced, then I guess you'll be giving me my ring back.
08:58Aphros, my eyes dropping to the diamond on my ring finger.
09:02What do you mean?
09:03My voice was dry.
09:04Lucia smiled smugly.
09:05Take the ring off and look at the inner bang.
09:08My name is still engraved on it.
09:10Slowly, I twisted off the ring that had once made my heart leap and turned it over.
09:15Among the delicate filigree, I saw our names, Blair and Eliana.
09:19But, in a tiny, almost hidden spot, was a line in Italian.
09:24Per Sempre, Mia Lucia.
09:26In that moment, the world started to spin.
09:29I looked at Blair, desperate for him to explain, to deny it, to tell me it was all a mistake.
09:35But he wouldn't meet my eyes.
09:36He just stood there, silent.
09:38I remembered the day he proposed.
09:41He was on one knee, looking at me with so much love.
09:45I had this ring custom made just for you.
09:47It's one of a kind in the world, just like you are in my heart.
09:49I cried, thinking I was the luckiest woman alive.
09:52It turned out, the ring was never meant for me.
09:55It belonged to Lucia.
09:56It had her name on it.
09:58It was a promise of his love for her.
10:00And me, I was just the placeholder.
10:02I looked down at the divorce papers, and suddenly, I smiled.
10:06Right then, I was so glad I had signed them.
10:09I said, placing the ring on the coffee table.
10:12If it has your name on it, then it's yours.
10:18Lucia's eyes lit up.
10:20She snatched the ring, slid it onto her own finger, and admired it.
10:24Thank you, Eliana.
10:26It really does suit me.
10:27Eliana, let me explain.
10:29Pleia finally said, stepping forward to grab my hand.
10:33But, I had already turned and was walking toward the stairs.
10:37Don't bother.
10:39Since we're divorced, I shouldn't be living here anymore.
10:41My office, 9am tomorrow, will finish the paperwork.
10:45I dragged my suitcase out the door, with Blair calling my name behind me.
10:49Full of panic, I didn't stop.
10:51From behind me, I heard Marco's low chuckle.
10:55Nice one, Blair.
10:56She folded even caster than when Leo and I got her to sign our marriage contracts.
11:00Lucia can't wait much longer.
11:01Let's head out tomorrow.
11:03Once the car was moving, my phone buzzed.
11:06A text from Blair.
11:07Eliana, I will explain about the ring.
11:09Find a place to stay for now.
11:11And I'll come get you in a few days.
11:13Be good.
11:13Don't overthink things.
11:15I looked at the message.
11:16A sneer playing on my lips.
11:18He still thinks I'm coming back.
11:19I gave my dad a call.
11:21Father, I'm divorced.
11:23That arranged marriage you mentioned, is the offer still on the table?
11:26Of course, my dear daughter.
11:28I'm glad you finally made a wise decision.
11:31A year ago, after my second divorce, my father had suggested an arranged marriage
11:36to a man from a powerful, allied family.
11:39But I was lost in my fantasy of falling in love with Blair and refused.
11:44How stupid I had been.
11:46Half an hour later, I got a new friend request on my phone.
11:49The message read,
11:50Time to meet your fiance.
11:52The next morning, at nine, I arrived at my downtown office with the Moretti family's
11:58private lawyer.
11:58Blair was already there, looking exhausted and anxious.
12:02He clearly hadn't slept.
12:03Eliana, about the ring, I have to explain.
12:06The jeweler messed up the engraving.
12:07I was going to get it replaced, but there wasn't time.
12:10And I didn't want to upset you over something so small.
12:12I figured I'd quietly get you a new one after the wedding.
12:14Eliana, I know this hurt you, but you have to believe me.
12:18What I feel for you is real.
12:20After this month, after I handle things with Lucia, we'll get remarried.
12:23I promise I'll make it up to you with the most beautiful wedding ring in the world.
12:27One month, he meant that after he finished his romantic getaway with Lucia,
12:32he expected him to remarry me like nothing happened.
12:35I understand.
12:35I was done listening to his shameless excuses.
12:38I turned to my lawyer.
12:40Let's just get this done.
12:41Blair looked stunned, probably not expecting me to be so cooperative.
12:45The whole process was quicker than I thought.
12:48Signatures, witnesses, a legally binding contract.
12:52In less than half an hour, our marriage was officially over.
12:55The moment we stepped out of the office, Blair's phone rang.
13:00He glanced at the caller ID, and his whole face softened.
13:03He answered, his voice gentle.
13:06Lucia, okay, I'm on my way.
13:11Don't worry, I'll take care of you.
13:14Wait for me, I'll be right there.
13:15He hung up and turned to me, the tenderness from the call still lingering in his eyes.
13:21He tried to look conflicted.
13:23Ileana, Lucia isn't feeling well.
13:25I have to go check on her.
13:27Wait here for me, and I'll be back to take you wherever you're staying.
13:30Then he rushed off without a second glance.
13:33I stood in the lobby, watching his hurry retreat, a wave of sadness and relief washing over me.
13:39That was the man I once loved so deeply.
13:41Not one minute after our divorce was final, he was already running to another woman.
13:48I turned and walked toward a conference room at the other end of the hall.
13:52My new fiancé was waiting.
13:54Meanwhile, after waiting by the building's entrance for nearly 10 minutes and seeing no sign of Ileana,
14:00Blair decided to go back up to remind her about the plan.
14:03Just as he reached the entrance, he slammed right into a man walking out.
14:08Papers scattered across the mobile floor.
14:11Blair's divorce decree mixed with the other man's documents.
14:14A gust of wind from the revolving door flipped open the cover of one file.
14:20It was a marriage contract.
14:21As Blair bent down to grab his papers, he caught a glimpse of the photo on that contract.
14:26He froze.
14:27He only saw a small part of it, but that profile, the side of that face.
14:31The man sat politely, quickly gathering his files.
14:35Excuse me.
14:36Blair looked up, trying to get a clear look at the man's face.
14:39But he had already put on a pair of sunglasses, revealing only a sharp jawline and thin lips.
14:44There was an aristocratic air about him that felt strangely familiar to Blair.
14:50It's fine.
14:51Blair replied that his eyes were glued to the marriage contract in the man's hands.
14:55The man finished collecting his things and headed for the exit.
14:59Blair stood there, a ridiculous thought growing stronger in his mind.
15:03Who signs a marriage contract on April Fru's Day and a photo on that contract?
15:08Even though he only saw a corner of it, why did it look so familiar?
15:12He felt like he'd seen this man somewhere before.
15:16That calm, commanding presence.
15:18That natural air of old wild power.
15:20Hey, wait!
15:22Just as Blair called out to the man, his phone rang.
15:25It was Leo.
15:26He hesitated, then picked up.
15:27Blair, where the hell are you?
15:29We're all waiting.
15:29When Blair looked up again, the man was gone.
15:32A black rose rose peeled around the corner.
15:34Shit.
15:35A second later, a text from Mako came through with correspondence.
15:39Get a move on.
15:40We need to be on the private island in the Bahamas before sunset.
15:44Lucia's waiting.
15:45Blair stared at the screen and a memory hit him.
15:48A promise he'd buried for years.
15:50It was Lucia's dream back when they graduated high school.
15:53She wanted to take everyone to that secret private island and party for three days straight,
15:58watch the most beautiful sunset, and drink the strongest shit they could find.
16:02Security on the island was tight.
16:04He was the only one with an invite.
16:06This was something only he could do for her.
16:09He glanced back at the building, wondering if he should go up and give Ileana a heads up.
16:14But time was short.
16:16It was just for a month.
16:17When he got back, everything would go back to normal.
16:20Blair shook his head, pushing the thought of the mysterious man out of his mind, and drove to the private
16:27airfield.
16:28When he got there, everyone was already waiting.
16:30Lucia was in a red dress.
16:33The sea breeze blowing through her long hair.
16:35The diamond necklace around her neck glittered in the setting sun.
16:39He had bought her that necklace for her 17th birthday.
16:42With six months of his allowance, she was still wearing it.
16:46Blair stood at the bottom of the jet stairs, looking at her.
16:49And it was like they were kids again, 10 years ago.
16:52Back then, Lucia had just moved to Chicago from Italy.
16:56Wearing the same kind of red dress, looking at them with a shy but hopeful expression.
17:01As he was lost in the memory, a pang of gout hit him.
17:04He hadn't given Ileana many gifts.
17:07The Moratti family had everything.
17:08She didn't need luxury.
17:10He'd only given her a simple diamond bracelet for her birthday.
17:13But she'd worn it every single day, like a treasure.
17:16He suddenly remembered signing the divorce papers today.
17:19Ileana's wrist had been bare.
17:21The bracelet was gone.
17:23The realization made his stomach drop.
17:25Why wasn't she wearing it?
17:27Was she angry?
17:28Or Lucia ran over and hooked her arm through his.
17:32Blair!
17:33What are you thinking about?
17:35We've been waiting forever.
17:36You're late, so you have to take three shots as punishment.
17:40The warmth of her arm and the sparkle in her eyes as she looked up at him,
17:44threw him back to their teenage years.
17:46Alright, I'll take my punishment.
17:49The guy saw the vibe and started whooping and hollering.
17:53And no one glinted in their eyes.
17:54Blair still got it bad for Lucia!
17:57What, you jealous?
17:59By the time they reached the island villa, the sky was dark.
18:02On the terrace, a party was in full swing.
18:05A gentle sea breeze blew as stars glittered overhead and glasses clinked.
18:10Just as Blair was about to hand Lucia a glass of champagne, Marco intercepted, swapping the flute in her hand
18:17for a glass of juice.
18:18Marco said, his eyes full of concern.
18:22You're sick.
18:24No booze.
18:25Lucia took the juice, blinked her wide, innocent eyes, and asked.
18:29The air froze.
18:30Everyone stared.
18:31Sick.
18:33What are you talking about?
18:35Blair's champagne glass hung in mid-air, his eyes locked on Lucia.
18:39In the stunnedness silence, Lucia suddenly bursts out laughing, covering her mouth, her eyes dancing with mischief.
18:46April Fools!
18:49Raising her juice glass, almost doubled over with laughter.
18:53I'm not dying!
18:54I just needed an excuse to get everyone together for a wild party!
19:01Blair froze solid.
19:02The sound of waves crashing against the rocks seemed suddenly louder.
19:07The distant cries of seabirds mocking his stupidity.
19:11Lucia wasn't sick.
19:12This was all a joke.
19:13He thought about how he divorced Eliana for this joke.
19:17He thought about Eliana's unnervingly calm expression as she signed the papers, about the missing diamond bracelet on her wrist.
19:25A hot flash of anger shot through him.
19:28His voice was rough.
19:30What did you say?
19:32Seeing his face, Lucia's smile faltered, but she was still defiant.
19:37Oh, don't be so serious. It's not like you lost anything.
19:40You get to hang out with me on this beautiful island.
19:43Lucia, even for an April Fools joke, that was a little much.
19:49Yeah, we were all really worried.
19:53Blair just stood there, the champagne foot trembling in his hand.
19:58Seeing his dark expression, Lucia immediately put on her best innocent, hurt look.
20:05She walked out to him, tugging lightly on his sleeve, her eyes welling up.
20:10Blair, are you mad at me? I just, I just missed the days when we were all together.
20:16Her eyes were red, as if she was about to cry.
20:19I know you have your own life now, you have a wife, but our friendship, all the good times we
20:27had, that was all real, wasn't it?
20:30That fragile, helpless look hit Blair right in his weak spot.
20:35He remembered the 17-year-old Lucia, the first time she'd cried and asked him for help, and the fierce,
20:43protective urge he'd felt.
20:45That feeling had never completely disappeared.
20:49The others started chiming in.
20:52Some cousin from a pissing family snickered.
20:55Someone we know, could never stay mad at her.
21:00Damn right!
21:01Back in school, anyone who messed with Lucia, had to answer to Blair.
21:05He would have put a guy in the ground for her!
21:10Everyone laughed, and the tension started to fade.
21:13Blair looked at Lucia at the verge of tears, and finally caved.
21:18I'm not angry, just surprised.
21:22Lucia's face broke into a smile.
21:24She pushed a drink into his hand.
21:27Her cheeks flushed, as she looked up at him.
21:29Thank you for coming out with me.
21:32For remembering my dream.
21:34Her voice was soft, calming his frayed nerves.
21:37Blair raised a glass, looking at the radiant woman in front of him,
21:41and the anger and suspicion began to melt away.
21:45Screw it, he thought.
21:46Let's just call it a perfect send-off to their younger days.
21:52The party ignited again.
21:54Laughter and clinging glasses filling the air.
21:57As the night hit its peak...
22:00Hey, Blair's divorced, and Lucia's single!
22:03It's perfect!
22:09Everyone knew you two were crazy about each other back in the day!
22:13Now's your chance!
22:15Get together! Get together! Get together! Get together!
22:20Yeah!
22:21Blair even divorced the Moretti princess for Lucia!
22:23It's on you now, Lucia!
22:25The crowd went wild, jeering and whistling, the sound echoing across the island.
22:31Lucia's face turned beet red, and she shyly looked down, but the slight curve of her lips showed she didn't
22:37mind one bit.
22:39Blair stood frozen, the deafening chance ringing in his ears.
22:43But his mind flashed back to Eliana's eyes, in the office that day, so calm, so final.
22:51He'd thought she was calm, because she knew the divorce was fake.
22:55Now, he wasn't so sure.
22:57The look in her eyes?
22:59It was like she was looking at a stranger, not the husband she loved.
23:04Lucia whined, a hint of complaint in her tone.
23:07Blair?
23:08You're not gonna join in there teasing, are you?
23:12Blair snapped back to reality.
23:15He looked at the girl, who had been his first love,
23:18opened his mouth to say something, but the words got stuck.
23:23He couldn't figure it out.
23:25Wasn't this exactly what he wanted?
23:28This escape.
23:29This freedom.
23:31So, why did he feel so damn empty?
23:33The party ended in a blur.
23:35Blair was blackout drunk.
23:36He vaguely remembered someone helping him upstairs, unbuttoning his shirt.
23:40Soft fingers traced his neck.
23:42He tried to push them away, but he had no strength.
23:44He mumbled in the haze between sleep and waking.
23:47Ilyana.
23:50Blair, I'm here.
23:52I've always been here.
23:54He woke up the next morning to sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
23:59His head was pounding.
24:01The hangover made his thoughts feel like sludge.
24:04He slowly opened his eyes and saw a spill of black hair on the pillow next to him.
24:09Not Ilyana's wavy chestnut hair.
24:11This was straight and jet black.
24:13He shot up, suddenly half sober.
24:16It was Lucia.
24:17The sheet had stepped down to her waist.
24:19Her shoulders were bare.
24:20Fragments of the night before flashed in his mind.
24:23Lucia crying, saying she was scared of being alone.
24:26That she'd always loved him.
24:27She kissed him.
24:28And then...
24:29God...
24:30Blair cursed, rubbing his temples hard.
24:33He instinctively grabbed his phone.
24:35No messages from Eliana.
24:37That wasn't right.
24:39Usually, if he was gone for half a day on business, she'd text him, asking what he was doing,
24:44what he'd eaten, if he missed her.
24:46Sometimes a dozen messages a day, just all that little stuff.
24:50He used to find it a little annoying.
24:52Now, the silence was unnerving.
24:54Why hadn't she sent a single text this time?
24:57Did she really not care about the divorce?
24:59To a stand, Lucia stood beside him.
25:02She slowly opened her eyes, and a satisfied smile spread across her face when she saw him sitting there.
25:08Good morning, Blair.
25:11Lucia, I'm sorry.
25:12I was drunk last night.
25:13We shouldn't have...
25:14What the hell is that supposed to mean?
25:16I mean...
25:18Last night was a mistake.
25:20We were both drunk.
25:21A mistake?
25:22You're trying to brush me off with that?
25:23She tried to get out of bed, but her legs gave out, and she nearly fell.
25:27Blair instinctively caught her, then immediately let go as if he had been burned.
25:31That small action was the final straw.
25:34Blair Russo, how long are you going to keep up this act?
25:37The devoted husband act?
25:39Did you forget?
25:40It was Alana's old man who put a gun to your family's head to make you marry her.
25:44No, that's not how it was.
25:46I was the one who went after Alana.
25:47You don't even love her!
25:49She didn't believe in love.
25:50Was only willing to do a contract marriage for a friend's sake.
25:53I was the one who pursued her.
25:55Who convinced her to give me her heart.
25:57You're lying!
25:59You told me I was the one you loved!
26:02You wrote me a love letter, didn't you?
26:04His words stabbed Lucia like a knife.
26:06Her face went pale, her eyes filling with tears.
26:09Blair stood rooted to the spot, his palms slick with cold sweat.
26:13A love letter.
26:14He had never written her a love letter.
26:16The only one he had ever written was for Alana, but he never gave it to her.
26:20He had no idea how it ended up in Lucia's hands.
26:23But he couldn't say that.
26:24Not now.
26:26Lucia, listen to me.
26:27I don't want to hear your excuses!
26:29You're divorced now, why can't you be with me?
26:33Do all those years mean nothing?
26:35She started sobbing, hysterically, her whole body shaking.
26:39Suddenly, she runs for the vanity and grabbed a fruit knife.
26:43Lucia, what are you doing?
26:46She didn't answer.
26:47She pressed the blade to her own throat.
26:49The sharp edge left a thin red line on her pale skin.
26:53If you don't do what I say, I'll kill myself!
26:55Alright, alright, just calm down, okay?
26:57If you leave me, I'll die right here!
26:59Okay, okay, I won't leave.
27:00I'll stay, I'll stay with you.
27:02Just put the knife down.
27:03Hearing that, the crazed look in her eyes slowly faded.
27:07She lowered the knife, then collapsed into his arms, crying like a child.
27:12I know I'm terrible, I'm selfish, but I really do love you.
27:15Just stay with me for a while.
27:17Just until you figure out what you really want.
27:19Please?
27:20Okay, I'll stay.
27:22Lucia's tears tend to a smile.
27:24She immediately grabbed his phone.
27:26Before Blair could react, she had his contacts open and was deleting a name.
27:30What are you doing?
27:31Deleting everything, Eliana.
27:33This way you can be with me in peace.
27:35No distractions.
27:37Blair watched as Aileen's phone number, her private messages, her email address, all of
27:41it disappeared one by one.
27:43A strange panic seized him that he'd already given his word.
27:47He could only watch as her name was erased from his life.
27:50After a week of partying on the island, Marco and Leo headed back to New York.
27:55Lucia was stuck to Blair like glue, and they were sick of watching the happy couple.
27:59Besides, tonight was the Moretti family's annual dinner.
28:02In past years, Eliana would have been excited to invite them.
28:07Even though their own families weren't major players in the New York underworld,
28:11they assumed this year would be the same until they were stopped at the gate by security.
28:17Sir, your invitation.
28:19Invitation?
28:20We come every year.
28:21We've never needed an invitation.
28:23Sorry, sir.
28:23All guests require an invitation tonight.
28:26If you don't have one, you need to leave.
28:27Do you know who we are?
28:28I'm Leo Gallo.
28:30This is Marco Falcano.
28:31We're friends of Eliana.
28:32The guard checked the list on his clipboard and shook his head.
28:37Sorry, your names aren't on the guest list.
28:39The words hung in the air.
28:41Other guests arriving at the estate slowed down.
28:44Their curiosity peaked.
28:45Soon, they were recognized.
28:47Isn't that the Gallo kid?
28:49Why is he getting held up at the gate?
28:51And the Falcone playboy.
28:54What a scene.
28:56Both ex-husbands, right?
28:58Showing up at the ex-wife's family party.
29:00Trying to get back together?
29:03Get back together?
29:04You haven't heard.
29:06Don Moretti is supposed to be announcing some good news tonight.
29:10The whispers reached Marco's ears and his face turned to stone.
29:15He hated being called a playboy.
29:17Since becoming friends with Eliana, he had never been humiliated like this.
29:21Just then, the Moretti family's old majodomo, the head of the household staff, appeared.
29:27He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo.
29:30A polite, professional smile on his face.
29:33Mr. Gallo.
29:34Mr. Falcone.
29:35I'm very sorry, but you are not on the guest list tonight.
29:38Please, leave.
29:39That's impossible.
29:40We've come to this dinner every year.
29:42We've never been turned away.
29:43That was then.
29:44And you will not be welcome here in the future.
29:47The words hit them like a physical blow.
29:50Marco and Leo were speechless.
29:52The murmuring from the crowd grew louder.
29:55They were the butt of the joke.
29:57Finally, they had no choice but to leave in disgrace.
30:00Back in the car, they sat in silence for a long time.
30:04What the hell just happened?
30:05You think, you think Eliana knows?
30:07Knew what?
30:08That they had pitched Blair to divorce her?
30:10That they had dished her for some stupid party?
30:12Marco's knuckles were white on the steering wheel.
30:14Three days after being rejected from the dinner, Marco was at his family's company offices
30:19when his father called, screaming.
30:21You useless piece of shit!
30:23What the hell did you do?
30:25Dad, what's wrong?
30:26The port authority just informed us our shipping lane at the south port was shut down.
30:31Some bullshit about security concerns.
30:34That route has been running for ten years without a single problem.
30:38How does it suddenly have security concerns?
30:40Marco understood instantly.
30:41He had secured that shipping route when he got engaged to Eliana.
30:45Though Moretti had greased the wheels, the influence of the Moretti family was the only reason it had gone through.
30:51The massive profits from that single route had solidified Marco's position in his own family, making him the one to
30:59take over.
31:00Now, with the road cut, it wasn't just a financial loss.
31:03It was an attack on the foundation of his power.
31:06I'll handle it.
31:08But, sitting in his office chair, he knew there was only one way to handle it.
31:13Ask Eliana for help.
31:15For the first time, a cold hard truth landed on him like a ton of bricks.
31:20Without Eliana, he was a nobody.
31:23Everything he had, his status, his wealth, his respect, was built on his connection to the Moretti family.
31:29And now, his old man had to clean up his mess.
31:32After a long hesitation, Marco finally dialed Eliana's number.
31:37He had to explain, to apologize, to fix this.
31:40But all he heard was a robotic female voice.
31:43The number you have dialed is no longer in service.
31:46Marco stared at the phone.
31:47He'd been blocked.
31:48A hollow feeling opened up in his chest.
31:51He remembered when the fight for his family's inheritance was at its most vicious.
31:56He had asked Eliana for help.
31:57She had taken his hand and agreed without a second thought.
32:01Just like she said she would, she would always support him.
32:05Back then, he thought Eliana was the most important person in his life.
32:09He thought the whole world could change.
32:12But Eliana never would.
32:13He would always be there.
32:15Always protect him.
32:16Always have his back.
32:17Now, he couldn't even get her on the phone.
32:19Marco had no idea what to do.
32:21Leo sat in his office, staring at three contract termination notices on his desk.
32:26His fingers trembled.
32:28Three companies, the backbone of his family's business, had pulled out on the same day, citing risk assessment.
32:34They said the news that you were turned away from the Moretti dinner has spread through the five families.
32:39Everyone's worried we've crossed on Moretti.
32:41They're afraid to keep doing business with us.
32:43The words struck Leo like lightning.
32:46He never imagined that that night's humiliation was more than just losing face.
32:50It was a direct hit to his family's bottom line.
32:53In the New York Underworld, the Moretti family's word was law.
32:57Leo kicked over the coffee table in a fit of rage and hurled his phone against the wall.
33:02The screen spiderwebbed but remained lit.
33:04He stared at Eliana's picture on the screen, a storm of anger and self-pity brewing inside him.
33:11He couldn't understand how she could be so ruthless, giving him no warning at all.
33:16She used to be so good to him.
33:17Years ago, his father had tried to arrange a marriage for him with the daughter of an Italian mob boss
33:23to secure an arms deal.
33:25Leo wanted nothing to do with the notoriously spoiled brat and was desperate for a way out.
33:30Just for show, we'll divorce in a year. You'll be free, I'll be free.
33:34But in his heart, it was never just for show.
33:37From the first time he saw her as a kid, he was captivated.
33:41He remembered waking up in the hospital once, and she was sitting by his bed, her eyes red and swollen.
33:47Leo, thank you. You'll always be my best friend.
33:51Friend, that's all she ever saw him as.
33:53When he'd tried to delay the divorce, all she said was there wasn't a trace of affection in her voice.
33:59So, he grew to despise Blair.
34:01He was eaten up with jealousy that Blair was the one who had won Eliana's love.
34:07If he couldn't have her, why should Blair?
34:09Leo had been the first one to plant the fake divorce idea.
34:14He knew it was cruel to Eliana, but he thought it would show her who really loved her.
34:19Once she was single, he'd have his shot. He'd make her see him.
34:23He never imagined that. Once she was divorced, she wouldn't even look back in his direction.
34:28She just cut them all off.
34:30It was late when Leo got home. The butler told him Don Gallo was waiting in the study.
34:35He pushed open the door and saw his father sitting on the sofa, his face a sundercloud.
34:40Dad, I know what you want to talk about.
34:42You know? Do you know how much money the company lost today?
34:47Do you have any idea how much damage you've done to this family's reputation?
34:51Years ago, you said you wanted to marry the Morelli girl.
34:54I supported you because it was good for the family.
34:58Now you've divorced her, pissed her off, and run this family into the ground.
35:02What's your plan?
35:05I'll figure something out.
35:06Figure something out? What can you figure out?
35:10Don Maramoretti has made his position clear.
35:13We're being shut out by the five families.
35:15He put a file from a drawer and threw it on the desk in front of Leo.
35:21This is the file on the eldest daughter of the Benedetti family.
35:2423 years old, Stanford business degree. Easy on the eyes too.
35:29Dad, what are you saying?
35:30The engagement is next month. You're married in six.
35:33This alliance will get our family through this crisis.
35:37And this time there's no one left to save you.
35:39Leo wanted to argue, but the words died in his throat.
35:42It was true. There was no one left to save him.
35:44Eliana was gone.
35:46After his father left, Leo sat alone in his study, feeling completely hollowed out.
35:51He went to the safe, entered the combination.
35:53And from the very back, he pulled out a photograph.
35:56It was a candid photo he'd secretly taken over a decade ago.
36:00Eliana, at 15, laughing in a garden.
36:03She was wearing a white dress, sunlight filtering through the leaves onto her face.
36:07She was looking down, smiling at a small kitten.
36:09Leo stared at the photo, his heart twisting in his chest.
36:13He finally understood a brutal, simple fact.
36:17For him and Eliana, it was over.
36:19There was nothing left.
36:20Take me around the world, will you?
36:23It's been my dream since I was a little girl, to see the whole world with the person I love.
36:28Leo looked at her hopeful smile, and a wave of disgust washed over him.
36:32But the memory of her suicide attempt was still fresh.
36:35He forced a nod.
36:37Okay.
36:38And so their long journey began.
36:39From the islands of Southeast Asia, to the ancient cities of Europe, from the savannahs of Africa, to the rainforests
36:46of South America.
36:47Lucia was as excited as a child, insisting they do all the things couples do.
36:52But Blair's mind was a million miles away.
36:55Every sunset, every sunrise, every beautiful landscape, only made him think of Eliana.
37:00Would she have liked to hear?
37:01Would she be taking pictures excitedly like Lucia?
37:03The thoughts were a constant torment.
37:06Hida told himself he needed space from Eliana.
37:09Time to think.
37:10It's human nature, he guessed.
37:12You get used to what you have, and you start thinking about what you lost.
37:15For him, that was Lucia.
37:17The one that got away.
37:18The ghost he could never shake.
37:19They had been close.
37:20Real close.
37:21This was all before Eliana.
37:23Then Marco and Leo introduced him to her, and he found out she was the Eliana Moretti.
37:28The princess every guy in their world wanted.
37:30Back then, with his family being small time, she was completely out of his league.
37:35He was jealous as hell of Marco and Leo.
37:37They got to be close to her.
37:39Treated her like one of the guys.
37:40So he fought his way into their circle.
37:43The chase was everything.
37:45And when he finally got her, his family's power started to grow too.
37:49For the first time, he felt like he was on her level.
37:51But comfort turns into boredom.
37:54Even the best story gets old if you read it enough times.
37:59So this whole April Fool's thing, it was his out.
38:02A way to finally keep his promise to Lucia, and maybe just a way for him to breathe.
38:07But now that it was done, it didn't feel like the easy escape he'd imagined.
38:12The thrill of betrayal was real, but it left a strange taste in his mouth, an emptiness he couldn't explain.
38:18He tried to break it off with Lucia several times to tell her how he really felt.
38:23But every time he was about to speak, she would conveniently get sick, allergies, high fevers.
38:29Each time, she would look at him with those big pitiful eyes.
38:33Blair, I'm so glad you're here.
38:36What would I do without you?
38:38Defeated, Blair would put out the breakup and take care of her.
38:41The trip dragged on like this for three months, until Blair overheard Lucia on a video call with a friend.
38:47You have no idea, Blair is completely wrapped around my finger.
38:52I have the doctor write fake medical notes.
38:55Every time he tries to break up with me, I get sick, and he turns into a puddle.
38:59I've already sent all our pictures together to Alana.
39:02I told her Blair chose me, and that she should stop bothering him.
39:06She should have given up for good by now.
39:09Lucia, you're amazing!
39:10You even stole a man from a Moradi?
39:13What good is being born into a powerful family?
39:16She still couldn't keep her man.
39:18I just wanted her to know that Blair dumped her for me.
39:21Next step is to get pregnant.
39:24I'll drug him again, just like that first night.
39:27Then he'll have to marry me.
39:29Listening to this vicious scheming, Blair's mind went blank.
39:32The sicknesses were fake.
39:33Her innocence was fake.
39:35And she had contacted Alana, torturing her with those photos.
39:38A blind rage took over.
39:39He threw the door open and stormed in.
39:42What did you just say?
39:44Blair, you're back?
39:46I was just joking around.
39:48Joking?
39:49You drugged me?
39:51Used fake doctor's notes to lie to me?
39:53You sent pictures to Alana to torture her?
39:55Was that all a joke too?
39:57Blair, let me explain.
39:58I only did it because I love you so much.
40:01I was afraid of losing you.
40:02Enough!
40:02Blair, where are you going?
40:04He sped to the airport.
40:06Only one thought in his mind.
40:08Get back to New York.
40:09Find Liana.
40:10And explain everything.
40:11During the long flight,
40:12Blair replayed the last three months in his head.
40:15Every time Lucha was sick,
40:16every pitiful look now seemed disgusting.
40:19And because of those lies,
40:20he had wasted three months.
40:21The next evening,
40:22after landing,
40:23Blair's first stop was a jeweler.
40:25He bought a diamond ring.
40:27He hadn't forgotten his promise to Eliana,
40:30that he would give her a ring that was hers alone.
40:33Then,
40:34he drove to the moderate family estate.
40:36He knew she would be there.
40:38The whole way,
40:39he rehearsed what he would say,
40:41how he would beg for her forgiveness.
40:43Finally,
40:44he pulled up to the familiar gates.
40:47He practically beat on the massive door.
40:48Open up!
40:51Eliana!
40:52I know you're in there!
40:53He pandered for what felt like an eternity
40:56before the door finally opened.
40:58Eliana stood there in a loose silk robe,
41:00her hair pinned up carelessly.
41:02She looked relaxed,
41:03happy.
41:04But what made Blair freeze?
41:05What turned his blood to ice
41:06was the sight of her slightly rounded belly,
41:08barely hidden by the flowing fabric.
41:10She looked to be about four months along.
41:12Seeing Eliana pregnant,
41:14Blair was first shocked,
41:15then filled with a wave of joy and crushing guilt.
41:19He did a math.
41:19Four months.
41:20The timing was perfect.
41:22The baby had to be his.
41:24His heart hammered against his ribs,
41:26and his eyes burned.
41:27My God!
41:28She's pregnant with my child,
41:30and I've been traveling the world with Lucia.
41:33Ellie,
41:34I'm here to take you home.
41:35We'll get married again.
41:37I know I was wrong.
41:38I-
41:38Before he could finish,
41:39a man's hand reached out from inside the doorway.
41:42Clanging itself firmly on his chest,
41:44stopping him,
41:45Eliana took a step back,
41:47and the man beside her
41:48wrapped a protective arm around her waist.
41:51The movement was so natural,
41:52so practiced,
41:53as if they had done it a thousand times.
41:56Blair's words died in his throat.
41:58He stared in shock at the man
42:00who had appeared from the shadows.
42:01He was handsome,
42:02maybe in his early thirties.
42:04Dressed in a tailored navy blue robe,
42:06he stood with the easy confidence
42:08of a man born to power.
42:10But what Joe Blair insane with jealousy
42:12was the look in Eliana's eyes
42:14when she looked at the man.
42:15It was a tenderness he had never seen before.
42:17Elena leaned into the man's embrace,
42:19a look of pure bliss
42:21he'd never seen on her before.
42:22She looked at Blair,
42:24her tone light.
42:25Get married again?
42:27Why don't you ask my husband
42:29if that's okay with him?
42:31Blair was completely stunned.
42:33His eyes dotted between Eliana,
42:35the man beside her,
42:36and her pregnant belly.
42:37His brain couldn't process the information.
42:39Husband,
42:40he looked closely at the man,
42:42and the memory sparked.
42:43This was the man in the dark grey suit
42:45he had bumped into outside the lawyer's office
42:48on the day of the divorce.
42:50He also remembered who he was,
42:53Lorenzo De Luca.
42:54The De Luccas were one of the few families
42:57on the same level as the Morettis in New York.
43:00The baby.
43:02Is it mine?
43:04What do you think?
43:05Lorenzo didn't speak,
43:07but the look he gave Eliana's stomach
43:09was filled with the soft joy
43:10and protectiveness of a father-to-be.
43:13His hand gently rubbed her back.
43:15Blair's face went ashen.
43:16He understood.
43:18The baby wasn't his.
43:19It couldn't be.
43:20In the three months
43:21he was traveling the world with Lucia,
43:23Eliana hadn't just remarried.
43:25She was pregnant with another man's child,
43:27and she looked happy.
43:29No.
43:30That's impossible.
43:31Ellie, we had a deal.
43:32It was a fake divorce.
43:34It was an April Fool's joke.
43:35Sorry, Blair.
43:36In our world there are no jokes.
43:38Only contracts.
43:40And ours has been terminated.
43:41But, since you seem to enjoy holidays,
43:44allow me to wish you one.
43:46Happy April Fool's, Blair.
43:48The heavy door swung shut in his face.
43:51Blair stood before the closed door,
43:53his entire world collapsing.
43:54He finally understood the look in Eliana's eyes
43:58when she signed the papers.
43:59It wasn't calm.
44:00It was finality.
44:01It was acceptance.
44:02It was the look of someone
44:04who had completely given up.
44:06She never had any intention
44:07of getting back together with him.
44:10From the moment she signed that paper,
44:12she had deleted him from her life.
44:14Blair stood outside the gate all night
44:16until security forced him to leave at dawn.
44:19The months that followed
44:20were a downward spiral for all three men.
44:22Shanned by the Moretti family,
44:24Marco and Leo quickly lost their standing
44:26in their own families.
44:28Without the Moretti connection,
44:29the networks they had built vanished.
44:31But the blow to Blair's Russo family was fatal.
44:34The scandal of forcing his wife
44:37into a fake divorce for his mistress was leaked
44:39and it spread like wildfire through the upper crust.
44:42This story was so absurd, so pathetic,
44:45that the Russo family became a laughing stock.
44:48Their influence evaporated overnight.
44:50Blair didn't care.
44:52He was living in a fantasy,
44:54convinced that Eliana's baby was his,
44:57that she was just angry
44:59and would come back to him eventually.
45:01Then, Lucia delivered the final blow.
45:04She secretly drained the lust of Marcos,
45:07Leo's and Blair's savings and disappeared.
45:10Blair was forced to move out of his family's estate
45:12and into a small apartment on the other side of the city.
45:16He printed out every picture he had of him and Eliana
45:19and covered an entire wall with them.
45:22He spent his days looking at the few things
45:25he had left of their life together,
45:27including the ring he never got to give her.
45:29At night, he would stare at the photos
45:31and mutter to himself,
45:32She still loves me.
45:35I know she still loves me.
45:36A few months later,
45:38he heard a news report on the TV at the convenience store.
45:42Mr. Lorenzo DeLuca and his wife,
45:45Mrs. Eliana Moretti, attended a charity gala this evening.
45:49Blair lunged toward the TV.
45:51His eyes glued to the screen.
45:53There she was.
45:54Lorenzo was gently helping a radiant Eliana,
45:57dressed in an elegant evening gown,
46:00walked the red carpet.
46:01She was dazzling,
46:02her smile so bright it was hard to look away.
46:05Lorenzo would lean down to whisper in her ear,
46:07and she would laugh.
46:08They looked so perfect together,
46:10so in love.
46:11The camera zoomed in,
46:12and Blair saw the brilliant diamond ring on Eliana's hand
46:16and the priceless necklace around her throat.
46:18They were from Lorenzo.
46:19Blair stumbled back to his apartment in a daze,
46:22collapsed to the floor,
46:24and stared at the empty room.
46:25He started to laugh,
46:26a wild unhinged sound.
46:28Then the laughter turned to tears.
46:30He carried up on the floor,
46:32his back against the wall of photos,
46:34and sobbed, loud and broken, like a little boy.
46:37He had lost everything,
46:38his family,
46:39his status,
46:40his money,
46:41and most importantly,
46:42his Eliana.
46:43And it was all his own damn thought.
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