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