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Short filmTranscript
00:00On our seventh wedding anniversary, I was straddling my mafia husband, Lucian, kissing him deeply.
00:05My fingers fumbled clumsily in my pocket, searching for the pregnancy test I had hidden there.
00:09I wanted to save the news of my unexpected pregnancy for the end of the evening.
00:12Lucian's right-hand man, Marco, asked with a suggestive smile in Italian.
00:16Don, your new little canary, Sophia, how does she taste?
00:18Lucian's mocking laughter vibrated through my chest, sending a chill down my spine.
00:21He replied, also in Italian. His hand was still caressing my waist, but his gaze was distant.
00:25Like an unripe peach, fresh and tender. Just keep this between us.
00:28If my Donna finds out, I'm a dead man.
00:30His men chuckled mowingly, raising their glasses and swearing their silence.
00:34The warmth in my blood turned to ice, inch by inch.
00:37The one thing they didn't know was that my grandmother was from Sicily, so I understood every word.
00:42I forced myself to remain calm, keeping the perfect smile of a Donna fixed in my place.
00:47But the hand holding my champagne flazer trembled.
00:49Instead of making a scene, I opened my phone, found the invitation I had received a few days ago
00:54for a private international medical research project, and tapped accept.
00:58In three days, I would disappear from Lucian's world completely.
01:02Noticing I hadn't touched the blood orange he'd peeled for me,
01:05Lucian gently wiped a smudge of wine from the corner of my mouth with his thumb.
01:08Baby, what's wrong? Are you not feeling well?
01:11Looking at the deep affection in his eyes, all I felt was disgust.
01:14One moment, he was discussing my sister's body with his men,
01:17and the next, he was the perfect husband, deeply in love with his wife.
01:20I wondered how long he could keep up this masterful performance.
01:22It's nothing, I was just wondering, what were you all talking about just now?
01:25Lucian casually pinched my cheek, letting out a dotting chuckle.
01:28We were discussing an arms deal.
01:29I know you don't like hearing about that side of the business, so we used Italian.
01:32He must have been so lost in his debauchions lately that he'd forgotten my grandmother was Sicilian,
01:36and that I've understood Italian since I was a child.
01:38The smoke and liquor in the air suddenly felt suffocating.
01:41I pushed him away.
01:42Please, carry on.
01:43I'm going to get some fresh air.
01:45Without waiting for Lucian's reply, I walked straight to the estate's terrace,
01:47as I passed Cast Envy as my wife.
01:49Look at Truly Blessed.
01:50The Donthro is such a grand party for her every year.
01:52Yes, the queen of the Merino family.
01:53What an enviable position.
01:54Hearing such praise used to make me feel proud and happy.
01:56I believed I had found the best husband in the world.
01:59But now, I only felt the irony.
02:00My heart a frozen lake.
02:02No one knew the filthy games Lucian, the man who supposedly loved me to death, played behind my back.
02:06Yesterday, I had snuck into his study to leave the anniversary gift I'd prepared for him.
02:10It was a restricted area.
02:11A place that held many of the Merino family's secrets.
02:14A place even I rarely had the chance to enter.
02:16But this time, I smelled my sister Sophia's unique perfume there.
02:18That cheap clinky scent of the leather sofa, clung to his suit jacket, and lingered in the air.
02:22The moment I walked out of that study, I knew my marriage to Lucian was over.
02:25A sudden vibration from my phone broke my train of thought.
02:27Elinata, I saw in the system that you accepted the project offer.
02:30You gave up your career for Merino all those years ago.
02:32I'm so happy to see you're coming back.
02:33I'll send someone to pick you up in three days.
02:35You can spend these next few days saying goodbye to your family.
02:37At the word family, my knuckles whitened as I gripped my phone.
02:41Ever since my parents were killed in a blood feed five years ago, Lucian was the only family I had
02:46left.
02:48But now that he had betrayed me, he was no longer my family.
02:51Professor, that won't be necessary.
02:53Please apply for the highest level of security clearance on my behalf and erase all public records of me.
02:58My mentor's voice, full of surprise, came through the phone.
03:01Why?
03:01Once those records are erased, Elinata Vitardi will have completely vanished from the face of the earth.
03:05Lucian will go insane when he can't find you.
03:08I laughed bitterly.
03:09He won't.
03:10He betrayed me.
03:13My eyes began to sting.
03:14After leaving medical school, the only medical practice I got was patching Lucian up after his gunfights.
03:19As I thought of those nights, an unwanted memory surged up, hot and vivid.
03:22Back then, after every dangerous night, Lucian would come back to me, covered in blood and bruises.
03:25I would carefully tend to his wounds on our bed.
03:27But he's had always darkened with hunger.
03:29He'd growl my name like a prayer in a threat, pulling me on top of him despite his injuries.
03:33He pulled me close, his hands resting lightly on my back, our foreheads touching as we kissed softly.
03:37He moved beneath me with powerful, possessive rolls of his hips.
03:41Each motion slow yet intense, drawing desperate moans from my throat.
03:44I clung to his shoulders, nails digging into his skin, as waves of overwhelming pleasure
03:48crashed through me again and again.
03:49His mouth never left my neck, sucking and biting, marking me as his, while I trembled
03:53violently in his arms, gasping his name like I was drowning.
03:56He would take me for hours, tireless and insatiable, until I was limp and sobbing with ecstasy,
04:00my body marked by his passion.
04:02In those moments, I truly believed he loved me more than anything.
04:07The memory now only filled me with nausea.
04:13I had lost myself and gained nothing in return.
04:17My mentor fell silent.
04:19After a long moment, he sighed.
04:21I thought it was strange when you suddenly accepted the offer yesterday.
04:25I never imagined...
04:26Alright, I'll arrange the highest level of security clearance for you.
04:29Just get your affairs in order these next three days.
04:32Hearing my mentor agree, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.
04:35The security protocol meant I no longer had to rack my brain for a way to leave Lucian.
04:39Thank you, Professor.
04:41Just as the words left my mouth, a familiar deep voice sounded from behind me, making me jump.
04:45Darling, who did you say was betrayed?
04:47I turned to meet Lucian's dark green eyes, which had sharpened with suspicion, and put
04:51on my usual gentle smile.
04:53Oh, I was just chatting with a friend about one of the West Coast families.
04:56The Don betrayed his wife, and now she's filing for divorce and a share of the assets.
05:00If he loved acting so much, I would play along.
05:02Lucian's gaze was sharp as he scanned my face, searching for any telltale micro-expression.
05:06Only after confirming there was nothing amiss did his tense shoulders slowly relax.
05:10His large, scarred hand slid down my waist as he placed a light kiss on my temple.
05:14What an idiot.
05:15To betray your woman is to betray your own throne.
05:17My queen, that kind of thing will never happen in our family.
05:22I stared into his eyes, as deep as an abyss, and smiled softly.
05:28But what if it did happen, for example, in...
05:30Elemona, there is no what if.
05:34Lucian cut me off immediately.
05:36I, Lucian Marino, swear on the honor and bloodline of the Marino family.
05:40I will never betray you.
05:41Of course.
05:42I was just speaking hypothetically.
05:44Lucian fell silent for a moment, then gently rubbed his slightly rough jaw against my cheek.
05:48It was strange.
05:49While carrying on an affair with my sister, he also displayed an intense, suffocating possessiveness
05:54towards me.
05:54As his body pressed close, a heated memory suddenly flooded my mind.
05:58That night years ago, Lucian Martin had fined me the silk sheets, his breath scorching hot
06:02against my neck.
06:03His large hands roamed greedily over my body, stroking every curve as if he wanted to memorize
06:06me.
06:07Nora.
06:07He growled low and hungry, his lips devouring my skin, sucking and biting until I trembled
06:11uncontrollably.
06:12Our bodies moved together in a fierce, passionate rhythm.
06:14Deep, powerful, and relentless.
06:16Skin slid against sweat-flicked skin, my soft moans mixing with his deep groans as waves
06:20of overwhelming pleasure crashed through me again and again.
06:22I clung to him desperately, nails digging into his back, while my body arched and shook violently
06:26in ecstasy.
06:26He held me tart until he too shivered powerfully against me, earning a loot.
06:29The memory now tasted like poison.
06:34Then let my punishment be that I can never find you again.
06:37You know, Elenic, at you with Oded, you are my life.
06:40I didn't respond, only gently wriggled free from his embrace.
06:44In three days, I would leave this embrace I once craved.
06:47Lucian, the punishment you just promised is about to come true.
06:51He was about to say something more when a voice interrupted.
06:53Don, everything is ready.
06:54Lucian nodded, a mysterious smile playing on his lips as he took my hand and led me toward
06:59the edge of the terrace.
07:01He suddenly covered my eyes and whispered in my ear,
07:04My baby, I have a special gift for you.
07:07Five, four, three.
07:10The moment the countdown finished, he removed his hands from my eyes.
07:14The sight before me was breathtaking.
07:16He had booked the entire private part, where hundreds of drones danced in the night sky.
07:23The twinkling drones eventually formed my name.
07:26Eleonora.
07:28Lucian embraced me from behind, his voice as gentle as ever.
07:33My sweetheart, we've been married for seven years.
07:36But every day with you feels as wonderful as the day we first met.
07:42I looked at the sparkling letters in the night sky, feeling as if I were in a different lifetime.
07:47Yes, seven years.
07:48From the innocent princess of the Vetteri family to the Donna of the Marino family.
07:53These seven years had changed me so much.
07:55Enough to turn deep love into betrayal and vows into lies.
07:59Lucian turned me to face him.
08:00His dark green eyes so focused, they seemed to melt me.
08:03Seven years, and every year I've wanted to give you the best.
08:07He slowly leaned in to kiss me.
08:09If I hadn't heard him and Sophia moaning in his office yesterday,
08:12I might have been fooled by this Oscar-weary performance until the day I die.
08:15Just as his lips were about to touch my, his phone vibrated.
08:18A flicker of annoyance at being interrupted crossed his face.
08:21An expression I knew all too well.
08:23Good, I wouldn't have to think of a way to dodge him.
08:27Dammit, I gave explicit orders that no one was to disturb us tonight.
08:30I want to know which idiot dared to ignore them.
08:32But when he saw the caller ID, his expression changed instantly.
08:36I glanced at the screen and saw my little Kenori.
08:39I knew it was Sophia.
08:41Lucian cleared his throat, subtly turning the phone away,
08:44as his long fingers quickly swiped across the screen.
08:47I clearly saw a flash of panic and raw desire in his eyes.
08:54Sure enough, the next second he turned to me,
08:56a perfectly feigned look of guilty on his face.
08:59What is it?
09:00I asked casually, my nails dig deep into my palms.
09:05The truth was obvious, but I still hoped that this time, he would choose me.
09:10There's some urgent family business I need to handle.
09:13Darling, I might have to leave for a bit.
09:15Now?
09:15I'm sorry.
09:16I know tonight is important, but this really can't wait.
09:18He kissed my forehead.
09:20You go back to the room and rest.
09:21I'll be back to join you as soon as I'm done.
09:23I understand.
09:24Family business always comes first.
09:26I nodded, acting like an obedient wife.
09:29Hearing my response, Lucian was visibly relieved.
09:31He gave me a quick hug before turning and leaving in a hurry.
09:34I stood on the terrace, watching his convoy of cars drive out of the estate gates.
09:38Once their taillights had completely disappeared,
09:41I turned and walked toward the parking garage.
09:44Since he had urgent business to attend to,
09:46I decided I should go see for myself just how urgent it was.
09:51I started the engine and quietly followed his convoy.
09:55I tracked Lucian's convoy to a private club on the east side of the city.
09:59It was open only to members of the Marino family.
10:01Thankfully, the guards at the entrance recognized my car and gave me a respectful nod.
10:05I parked across the street, observing from my car window.
10:09As soon as the car door opened,
10:10I saw Sophia in a tight red dress and 10 centimeter heels,
10:13pouncing into Lucian's arms like a cat in heat.
10:15Darling, that drone show made me so jealous.
10:19Lucian patted her back, his tone doting.
10:21Wasn't the fireworks show for your birthday a few days ago enough?
10:23Such a greedy little canary.
10:25Silly girl, you'll have everything you want, but now is not the time.
10:28I promised you, as long as you're a good girl and don't let Nera find out about our little game,
10:31all her power and status will be yours sooner or later.
10:33Hearing this, a sharp pain shat through my heart,
10:35as if a thousand daggers were piercing my chest.
10:37I remembered the spectacular fireworks display on the west side of town a few days ago.
10:41That night, Lucian had said he was going to deal with a traitor to the family
10:43and didn't come home all night.
10:45I had been so worried something had happened to him that I couldn't sleep a wink.
10:49As it turned out, the real threat was my husband sleeping in my sister's bed,
10:53and I, his wife, was the real fool kept in the dark.
10:59Can't I be jealous, my Don?
11:01Well, what can I do?
11:03After all, you are my baby.
11:05I have something special for you tonight.
11:06Sophia whispered in his ear, then gave his tie a sharp pull.
11:10Lucian's desire deepens instantly.
11:12So what are you waiting for?
11:13Tell me what it is.
11:14You'll know when you get upstairs.
11:15You have to unwrap your present yourself.
11:18In full view of everyone, Lucian picks her up and carries her towards the club.
11:22Sophia let out a seductive cry, the rest of her words swallowed by Lucian's deep kiss.
11:26The elevator doors closed, taking them straight to the presidential suite on the top floor.
11:30I sat in my car, watching their figures disappear into the elevator.
11:34Seven years of marriage, and it all meant nothing to him.
11:36Even though I already knew everything, seeing it for myself was still as painful as a knife
11:41to the heart.
11:42The tears I'd been holding back finally fell, streaming down my cheeks.
11:46I remembered how, when we first got married, Lucian had sworn on the honor of the Marino
11:50family that he would spend our entire anniversary day with me every year.
11:54But now, a single text from Sophia was enough to make him abandon that sacred vow I had lost
12:00completely.
12:01As the pain tore through me, an unwanted memory flooded my mind, vivid and cruel.
12:06Back then, Lucian would come back to me after long nights and pull me into his arms with
12:10burning hunger.
12:11He would kiss me deeply, his hand sliding under my clothes to caress my body possessively.
12:16You're mine, Nora.
12:16He'd growl against my skin as he pressed me into the mattress.
12:19Our bodies moved together in passionate rhythm, deep, intense, and desperate.
12:23Every powerful thrust made me gasp and moan, pleasure building like a storm until it crashed
12:27over me again and again, leaving me trembling and crying out his name.
12:30He would hold me tight, his body shivering against mine as he reached his peak, whispering
12:34how much he loved me.
12:36That same man was now upstairs with my sister.
12:38I took a deep breath, suppressing the storm of emotions inside me.
12:41Just three more days.
12:43In three days, I would escape all of this.
12:44It was two in the morning when I returned to the estate.
12:47I went straight to a guest room and locked the door.
12:49At 3.30, I heard Lucian return.
12:51He was shouting my name in the master bedroom, his voice growing more frantic.
12:55Damn it!
12:55Where did she go?
12:57Useless bastards!
12:58You lost the Donna?
12:59Don, the Donna's car isn't in the garage.
13:02She may have gone out.
13:03Find her.
13:04Tear this city apart if you have to, but find her!
13:07The footsteps grew closer as he began searching room by room.
13:11When he pushed open the guest room door,
13:13I pretended to have just woken up.
13:16The moment he saw me, his anger vanished,
13:19replaced by the raw panic of a man who thought he'd just lost everything.
13:30My God, Nora, you scared the hell out of me.
13:32Why didn't you let me know you were back?
13:36Do you have any idea I almost had the whole place shot up when I couldn't find you?
13:39He rushed over and pulled me into a tight embrace, his body trembling slightly.
13:43I couldn't sleep, so I moved to another room.
13:46I gently patted his back.
13:48What's wrong?
13:50Nothing.
13:51I was just terrified when I couldn't find you.
13:54He kissed my hair, his voice filled with lingering fear.
13:58If you really cared about me, you wouldn't have touched another woman.
14:01And you certainly wouldn't have touched my sister.
14:04I wasn't feeling well, so I came back early to rest.
14:07I forgot to tell you.
14:08After being steeped in lies for so long, I could now lie flawlessly myself.
14:13Lucian, his face etched with relief, lay down beside me and locked me in his arms,
14:17as if I were a priceless treasure.
14:19Don't you ever do that again.
14:21I'll go crazy if I can't find you.
14:23You know I'd do anything for you.
14:28I closed my eyes, a cold smile on my lips.
14:34The next morning, I prepared an exquisite gift box.
14:37Inside, I placed the family signet ring that symbolized my status as Donna,
14:41along with the divorce papers I had drafted and signed overnight.
14:44Lucian, this is my anniversary gift for you.
14:47He took the box, his eyes filled with surprise.
14:50Should I open it now?
14:52No.
14:53Wait two days.
14:55It will have more impact then.
14:57He nodded obediently and carefully placed the box in his safe.
15:00You are going to love my gift.
15:03In two days, I would have vanished from his world completely.
15:06By then, this gift would tell him the whole truth.
15:08Just as I finished speaking, the doorbell rang.
15:11The door opened to reveal Sophia's face, tear-streaked and pitiful.
15:17Lucian's face darkened instantly.
15:21He grabbed Sophia by the wrist and dragged her into the back garden.
15:27Are you trying to get yourself killed?
15:29I warned you to never show your face here.
15:31If your sister finds out about anything, you know the consequences.
15:36I walked to the second floor window, which gave me a perfect view of everything in the garden.
15:41Lucian was like an enraged beast, shoving Sophia away forcefully.
15:46Are you insane?
15:48Do you want to bring the entire family down?
15:51Terrified by his rage, Sophia trembled, pulling a hospital report from her bag with a shaking hand.
15:56Even from that distance, I faintly make out her words.
16:00I know I shouldn't have come, but I'm pregnant.
16:03The doctor said last night was too rough.
16:05I'm nine weeks along, and it's a high-risk pregnancy now.
16:09Lucian, I know I shouldn't cause you trouble, but I'm scared.
16:11Will the baby be okay?
16:13This is your first heir, the future of your bloodline.
16:15Those words struck me like a bolt of lightning, shattering me completely.
16:19My chest felt as if a hole had been gouged out of it, raw and bleeding.
16:22I remembered how, when we first got married, we had discussed the issue of continuing the bloodline.
16:27Lucian said having a child too soon would ruin our relationship.
16:31He wanted our union to be about pure love.
16:34I was fooled by his so-called deep love and believed his lies.
16:38I've been taking the pill ever since.
16:40It's only now that I truly understand.
16:42He could so casually father a child with another woman.
16:46From the very beginning, he never wanted to have a child with me.
16:51As the pain pierced my heart, an unwanted, scorching memory flooded my mind.
16:58Back then, Lucian would pull me into bed after every long day, his eyes dark with hunger.
17:07He would kiss me deeply, hands roaming possessively over my body.
17:13He'd growl against my skin as our bodies together, moving in a slow, then fierce rhythm.
17:23Every touch sent waves of pleasure crashing through me.
17:28I would moan and gasp, my nails digging into his shoulders while my body arched desperately beneath him.
17:37He never stopped until I shattered again and again in ecstasy.
17:43Only then would he groan deeply, holding me tight as his release tore through him, marking me completely as his.
17:58That same man, who once made me feel like the center of his universe, was now promising another woman the
18:05air I never got.
18:08Hearing the word pregnant, Lucian froze.
18:11He stared intently at Sophia's stomach, a flash of confusion in his eyes.
18:17Nine weeks?
18:19We need to be extra careful at this stage.
18:21Nothing can happen to the air of this family.
18:24You wait in the car first.
18:25I'll immediately for the family's best private doctor to give you a full checkup.
18:39Sophia's tears turned to smiles as she stood on her toes to offer him a kiss.
18:44Lucian's eyes instantly darkened, but he gently sidestepped her kiss.
18:47We're at the Merino estate, be more careful.
18:50Besides, you need to prioritize the child in your womb now.
18:53Don't provoke me.
18:54A roguish smile touched his lips as he walked back toward the villa.
18:58I quickly retreated to my room and sat back down at the dining table.
19:02Nine weeks.
19:05That must have been the night I first discovered he hadn't come home.
19:08I touched my own stomach, feeling nothing but sorry for this little life.
19:13It's mommy's fault.
19:15I couldn't give give you a happy family.
19:18Soon, Lucian pushed the door open.
19:21Nora, I need to go out and handle something.
19:23The Romano family has been making some moves lately, possibly targeting our business.
19:26I have to go deal with it myself.
19:28You be good and wait for me here at the estate for the next couple of days.
19:31I gave a faint nod of understanding.
19:35Seeing my placid expression, he was relieved and kissed my oarhead before leaving.
19:40That afternoon, my phone vibrated without warning.
19:44On the screen was a picture of an ultrasound report.
19:48It was followed by another picture.
19:50Lucian gently cradling Sophia's slightly swollen belly, bowing his head to kiss it reverently.
19:56The tenderness on his face was a gentleness I had never seen before.
20:00Even though the sender was an unknown number, the identity of the sender was obvious.
20:05Perhaps carrying the Marino Thaird had given my sister the audacity to provoke me, the Donna.
20:11But what she didn't know was that none of this had any effect on me anymore.
20:15My heart was already a still, dead sea.
20:18My heart was ash.
20:19I was determined to disappear.
20:21For the next two days, as expected, there was no word from Lucian.
20:24I took advantage of this time to erase every trace of myself from the estate.
20:29I donated what jewels and antiques I could and burned the rest of my personal belongings.
20:33I only kept the bare necessities to take with me.
20:36On the day I left, I woke before dawn and packed everything into a suitcase.
20:42I waited quietly for the car from the lab to pick me up.
20:46Just as I was about to contact my mentor to confirm the pickup time,
20:49my phone received another text from that number.
20:54Sophia's text.
20:56Sister, the doctor said it's a boy.
20:59I'm carrying the Marino heir.
21:01Lucian said he's going to make things official for me and our child.
21:04You useless woman who can't even produce an heir.
21:06If you know what's good for you, get out of the Marino estate on your own.
21:09This time, I replied,
21:12Elenena, congratulations.
21:14Your wish is about to come true.
21:18Just after I sent the message, the car arrived.
21:21I dragged my suitcase and got into the back seat.
21:24As we passed St. Mary's Cathedral, a sudden downpour began.
21:28Raindrops hammered against the car window, blurring the world outside.
21:31It was then that I saw a familiar line of black cars parked in front of the cathedral through the
21:36rain-swept glass.
21:37That was where we held our wedding seven years ago.
21:39In the rain, Lucian emerged from the church, holding a black umbrella, his other hand holding Sophia's tightly.
21:46She wore a white maternity dress, which stood out starkly in the rain.
21:50They had just come out of the church, as if they had just finished a prayer.
21:54Just as Lucian was helping Sophia into the car, a gust of wind parted the curtain of rain.
22:00He looked up and happened to look in my direction.
22:03Through two layers of rain-blurred glass, our gazes met again at the very place that had witnessed our vows.
22:10When he saw it was me, his eyes filled with shock, confusion, and fear.
22:14His lips moved silently, as if calling my name.
22:18I looked away, severing our final, silent connection.
22:25The next second, my phone began to vibrate wildly.
22:28The screen displayed the name Lucian.
22:30I turned the phone off completely.
22:31Since I had accepted the highest security protocol, I had to completely cut ties with my past.
22:36The car drove through familiar streets.
22:38Every inch of this city was Merino territory, and it held all my memories with Lucian.
22:43But now, none of it had anything to do with me.
22:45I removed the SIM card from my phone and tossed it out the window without a second thought.
22:50At the same moment, Lucian shoved through the crowd, ignoring Sophia's cry of alarm,
22:54and linched toward the spot where the car had just been.
22:57But it had already vanished into the traffic, leaving only the smell of exhaust in its wake.
23:04Lucian, what's wrong?
23:05Sophia grabbed his sleeve.
23:06Did something happen?
23:10It's nothing. Let's go.
23:12He forced himself to calm down and got back into the car.
23:16But the nod of unease in his gut tightened.
23:19What was Nora doing there?
23:21Was wasn't she at the estate?
23:23And the look in her eyes he'd just seen at the intersection.
23:27It terrified him.
23:31After the car reached the safe house, Lucian had Sophia rest upstairs.
23:36My little canary, you stay here tonight. Tomorrow we'll go for a more detailed checkup.
23:40Okay, but you have to stay with me.
23:42I have some things to deal with. I'll be back soon.
23:45Just then, his private phone rang. It was the estate's butler.
23:49Don, something terrible has happened.
23:52The Donna, she's gone.
23:54The color drained from Lucian's face.
23:57What do you mean gone? Explain yourself!
23:59The Donna's room is empty. Her personal belongings are gone.
24:02Not only that, but the jewelry from her safe, her important papers, even the Bentley family heirlooms, it's all gone.
24:07The phone slipped from Lucian's hand, clattering to the floor.
24:10A wave of cold, raw fear washed over him.
24:12Hearing the noise, Sophia came downstairs.
24:15Lucian, you look terrible. What happened?
24:17He turned his head to look at her, his movements mechanical.
24:20The butler said Nora is gone. I have to find her.
24:22Without another word, Lucian bolted out into the rain.
24:25At that moment, a surge of triumph shot through Sophia.
24:29It seemed the taunting text she'd sent this morning had worked.
24:32The high and mighty Donna had finally been knocked off her throne.
24:37Watching Lucian rush off, she suppressed a smile, forcing a look of concern.
24:43Let's go back and wait for news.
24:44She said to the men around her, but in her heart, she hoped more than anyone that Lucian would never
24:50find me.
24:51Lucian was dialing the number that had been burned into his soul, over and over again.
24:55But all he heard was the cold, mechanical voice on the other end.
24:58The number you have dialed is not in service.
25:00The downpour soaked his suit, but he didn't care.
25:03After dozens of failed calls, he finally gave up.
25:06He floored the accelerator, and the armored Maybach tore through the streets, like a bullet.
25:10Don, why are you back?
25:12The butler asked, trembling as he approached.
25:14Lucian took the stairs two at a time and threw open the door to the master bedroom.
25:21Don.
25:21The butler followed cautiously.
25:23We've searched the entire villa.
25:25We can confirm that all of the Donna's belongings are gone, including the Vettori family signet ring.
25:31Lucian froze, a flicker of disbelief in his eyes.
25:34That was the symbol of her status as a Vettori.
25:37She would never abandon it, unless all his men stood before him, trembling.
25:42An older capo dared to speak up.
25:44Don.
25:45Could there have been a misunderstanding with the Donna?
25:47Perhaps she left in a fit of anger?
25:50Bullshit!
25:52Lucian roared.
25:53Get everyone moving!
25:55Find her!
25:55Now!
25:56Just two days ago, when he'd left, my expression had been completely normal.
26:00The thought reminded him of Sophia's visit to the estate.
26:03Could something have happened then that he didn't know about?
26:06No!
26:07Impossible!
26:08He had always been cautious when dealing with Sophia.
26:11Their entire conversation that day had been in the back garden.
26:14Nora had been resting upstairs.
26:17He was certain she couldn't possibly have heard anything.
26:20Lucian mobilized the entire Marino family network across North America.
26:24Ports, airports, train stations.
26:26There was no news of me anywhere.
26:27He couldn't even find any activity on my bank accounts or credit cards.
26:31An entire night passed, and they had nothing.
26:34He couldn't understand how I could have vanished into thin air without a single warning.
26:39Unless a more powerful force was helping Elowena cover her tracks.
26:43Suddenly, a thought struck him.
26:46Could Sophia have...
26:48Before he could finish, his consilia, Javimi, strode in from outside.
26:53Don, we found this on Fifth Avenue.
26:56He held up a clear plastic bag containing a shattered phone.
26:59It's the Donna's phone.
27:00The tech department says they might be able to recover the data.
27:03Lucian took the bag, his hand shaking.
27:07Elowena would never damage her own things without a reason.
27:10Fix this damn thing!
27:11Now!
27:12I want answers!
27:13Twenty minutes later, a technician handed the repaired phone to Lucian.
27:17The screen lit up, displaying the last few text messages.
27:20The first was the picture of the ultrasound report Sophia had sent me.
27:23The second was the photo of him gently cradling Sophia's slightly swollen belly,
27:27his head bound to kiss it re-regently.
27:29And then there was Doctor's arrogant taunt.
27:34Sister, the doctor said it's boy.
27:36I'm carrying the Merino air.
27:42That arrogant text, I later learned, was all it took.
27:45In an instant, Lucian understood everything.
27:48He knew.
27:49It was Sophia's taunts that had driven me away.
27:52A volcanic rage erupted from his chest.
27:54My only regret was that I wasn't there to witness what happened next.
27:58Later, through various channels, I pieced together the full picture of that bloody night.
28:02They said Lucian drove like a madman to the secret estate where Sophia was staying.
28:06When Sophia opened the door and saw him, her face lit up with joy.
28:10Assuming he had finally cast me aside for good,
28:13she was lost in a beautiful dream of becoming the next Donna of the Merino family.
28:18Lucian, are you here to take me home?
28:20I'll pack my things and go with you right now.
28:23I knew you couldn't bear to be without me and our baby.
28:25The words had barely left her mouth when a sharp slap cracked across her face,
28:29and Lucian grabbed her.
28:30His face was as dark as the depths of hell, and he radiated pure, murderous rage.
28:37Sophia, who the fuck gave you the nerve to tell Nora about us?
28:43Sophia clutched her face, staring at him in disbelief.
28:46She stumbled back a few steps, nearly falling, a cold sweat breaking out on her skin.
28:51She knew how deep Lucian's feelings from Iran.
28:53She had always been content to be the mistress who stayed in the shadows.
28:56But since becoming pregnant, her ambition had swollen.
29:00After all, who wouldn't want to be the official Donna of the family?
29:03She had been far too arrogant,
29:05and that's why she had taken the risk of sending me those taunting texts.
29:09But her plan was already unraveling.
29:11She knew me well enough to know that once I learned the truth,
29:14I would leave without a second thought.
29:15And then, she thought, everything would be hers.
29:18But she never imagined Lucian would see the messages she'd sent.
29:22Of course, she wasn't stupid enough to admit it now.
29:25She just shook her head, feigning composure.
29:28Lucian, what are you talking about?
29:29I don't understand.
29:30I just want to be with you.
29:32I never dreamed of competing with my sister for her position,
29:34and I would never send her a message like that.
29:37There has to be a misunderstanding.
29:41Misunderstood what, exactly?
29:44That you sent her the photos?
29:48Or that you arrogantly told her you were carrying the air?
29:53If he hadn't seen those texts, Lucian might have believed her.
29:57But now, those glaring words replayed in his mind,
30:00and the murderless glint in his eyes intensified it at her excuses.
30:04The screen showed the very messages Sofia had sent.
30:07Seeing the evidence before her, Sofia could no longer deny it.
30:11She choked back a sob,
30:13and grabbed Lucian's arm, trying to explain.
30:16I know I shouldn't have done it,
30:17but I couldn't bear the thought of our child growing up with the stigma of being illegitimous.
30:21Could you really stand by while your own blood is pointed at and whispered about?
30:25Lucian let out a cold laugh,
30:26prying her fingers from his arm, one by one.
30:29Illegitimate?
30:29He's not just illegitimate, he's a bastard.
30:32I warned you,
30:33the position of Donna belongs to Nora and Nora alone.
30:35You will never be worthy.
30:36I only kept you around as a distraction.
30:38How could you ever compare to Nora's place in my heart?
30:40If you had just behaved and stayed my little canary,
30:43I would have given you and the child enough money to live out your lives after he was born.
30:48But since you broke my rules, don't blame me for what happens next.
30:53Lucian pulled a document from his pocket.
30:55It was a DNA test report.
30:58Probability of Ternity, 0%.
31:01The moment Sofia saw the report, her face went ashen.
31:05How is that possible?
31:07Lucian, I can explain.
31:09Explain how you tried to pass off some mutts bastard as the heir to the Marino family.
31:13You didn't just betray me, you tried to betray my family.
31:18It's not true!
31:19The baby is yours!
31:21Sofia cried out in despair.
31:23The test must be wrong!
31:26Wrong?
31:28Lucian sneered.
31:29I had three different labs run the test, the results were all identical.
31:32You know what the sickest joke of all is?
31:34Crouched down and tilted her chin up with his fingers.
31:36I lost the only woman who ever mattered in my life over a bastard that wasn't even mine.
31:41Sofia knew there was no arguing.
31:44Her eyes filled with utter despair.
31:48Then, she snapped.
31:51Lucian, you're a fool!
31:54That's right.
31:55This child has nothing to do with you, but it was enough to make my sister believe it, wasn't it?
31:59The one who drove her away was never me!
32:01It was you!
32:02You'll never get her back and she will never forgive you!
32:07Hearing the word leave, Lucian's eyes went bloodshut.
32:10You're lying!
32:11Nora will come back!
32:13All I have to do is apologize and she'll forgive me!
32:16He turned and yelled toward the door.
32:19Vicenzo!
32:20Get in here!
32:26Done.
32:28Handle the situation.
32:30No traces, no mistakes.
32:32I want this resolved immediately.
32:36Sofia never imagined he could be so utterly merciless.
32:41Her pleas grew more frantic and strill.
32:46But Lucian didn't spare her a single glance.
32:50Inside, a single ring lay on the velvet.
32:53It was the signet ring that symbolized the alliance of our two families, the very symbol of my status as
33:00Donna.
33:01Beside it lay a set of divorce papers.
33:03My signature was on the dotted line.
33:06Impossible!
33:08Lucian slammed his fist on the table, shattering a teacup.
33:15How can a living person just vanish into thin air?
33:21It was then that Lucian remembered the question I had asked him on our anniversary night.
33:29Now, his words had come back to haunt him.
33:32A cruel, self-fulfilling prophecy.
33:35And every time he attended a gathering of the families, he saw the other Dons with their various canaries.
33:41And in a moment of weakness, he had gotten entangled with that little tramp.
33:45But he had never thought of abandoning me.
33:47In his heart, I was his only queen.
33:50His only Donna.
33:51Maybe the box held a clue to my whereabouts.
33:54Maybe I just wanted to teach him a lesson and was waiting somewhere for him to repent.
33:59He carefully retrieved the velvet box.
34:02His hands trembling as he slowly opened it.
34:06Inside, a single ring lay on the velvet.
34:09It was the signet ring that symbolized the alliance of our two families.
34:13The very symbol of my status as Donna.
34:15Donna, beside it lay a set of divorce papers.
34:18My signature was on the dotted line.
34:21In that moment, the last shred of his delusion shattered completely.
34:27He finally understood.
34:30This time I was determined to leave for good.
34:36A tide of regret washed over him, threatening to drown him.
34:41Why had he ever touched that damned little whore, Sophia?
34:45He had simply felt that after seven years with only me, his life as a Don had grown stale.
34:51And every time he attended a gathering of the families, he saw the other Dons with their various canaries,
34:56and in a moment of weakness, he had gotten entangled with that little tramp.
35:00But he had never thought of abandoning me.
35:02In his heart, I was his only queen, his only Donna.
35:07He never imagined that a simple craving for a forbidden thrill would destroy seven years of marriage and cost him
35:13the most precious woman in his life.
35:16Don, we found a lead.
35:18Antonio, the head of tech, walked in to report.
35:22The Donna's professional credentials were transferred to an international medical research institute.
35:26What institute?
35:29A top-T global medical research lab.
35:32They have numerous classified projects and are protected by several international foundations.
35:37Their security is on par with the Pentagon.
35:40Lucian took the report, his expression growing darker the more he read.
35:47For Nora, he would go to the moon if he had to, no matter the cost.
35:52Meanwhile, in the lab, I was swamped.
35:55After marrying Lucian, I hadn't touched any lab equipment for years, and my skills had grown rusty.
36:01Unwilling to disappoint my mentor, who had such high hopes for me, I spent more than 12 hours a day
36:06in the lab.
36:07The high-intensity research work consumed all my time, leaving me no spare energy to think about that bloody, sinful
36:12world of the Mafia.
36:13My colleagues were dedicated, all of us striving towards the noble goal of conquering terminal diseases.
36:18There was only academic cooperation between us, no betrayal or deceit.
36:22Without my noticing, six months flew by.
36:25The first phase of our experiment finally had a breakthrough, and everyone was ecstatic.
36:30Just as we were preparing to celebrate, the voice of the director came over the intercom,
36:35summoning all core researchers to the conference room, to introduce an important new donor.
36:40I walked into the conference room.
36:42I never expected that the face appearing on the large video screen would be the one I never wanted to
36:47see again.
36:48Lucian Marino, the Mafia Don I once loved deeply, but now wish to erase completely from my memory.
36:55The lab's director seated Lucian at the head of the table, introducing the philanthropic investor to everyone.
37:01Only then did I learn that this Mafia Dome had laundered nearly half of his family's illegal assets and poured
37:08it all into our medical research project.
37:10All for the price of admission into this top-secret program.
37:13I forced myself to remain calm, staring at the screen with a blank expression.
37:17Mr. Marino has brought our research project the largest single donation in its history.
37:22Warm applause filled the room.
37:25My colleagues were thrilled by the massive influx of capital.
37:28His funding will help us accelerate breakthroughs in cancer treatment technology.
37:32I hope everyone can attend the welcome dinner tonight.
37:35At 8 o'clock that evening, I had no choice but to attend the dinner.
37:40I wore a simple white shirt and black trousers, my hair tied back in a casual ponytail.
37:46I was a stark contrast to the other women and their evening gowns.
37:49Lucian stood in the center of the dining hall, dressed in a custom-tailored, deep blue suit.
37:55He was thinner, his eyes souring, but those dark green eyes were as sharp as ever.
38:01Throughout the meal, I ignored his existence completely, focusing on discussing research progress with my colleagues.
38:07But I could feel his intense gaze on me, as persistent and heavy as a shadow.
38:11After dinner, I walked quickly toward the dormitory area, only to be stopped at a corner in the hallway.
38:16Lucian stood before me, escorted by two men in black suits.
38:20I had known this moment would come.
38:22I turned to face the eyes I had once loved, and now loathed.
38:25My voice as cold as ice.
38:29What are you doing here?
38:30Lucian's eyes looked like they wanted to devour me, as if he was terrified I would vanish from his sight
38:36again.
38:36Nora, I finally found you.
38:39Do you have any idea what it took to find you?
38:41Six months.
38:42I laundered half of the family's assets and donated billions, all just for a chance to get through the door.
38:47Why didn't you tell me when you left?
38:49I was going insane looking for you.
38:51I used my entire North American network.
38:53I cut him off.
38:54I am no longer Elanetta Marino, and I am not your Donna.
38:58You have no reason to look for me.
39:00You have a family to run.
39:03You should find yourself a new Donna.
39:06Seeing my indifferent expression, Lucian's own expression twisted with an emotion he couldn't control.
39:12His voice was harny.
39:13I know I was wrong.
39:15I never should have touched that bitch who betrayed our family.
39:18Seeing my indifferent expression, Lucian's own expression twisted with an emotion he couldn't control.
39:22I know I was wrong.
39:23I never should have touched that bitch who betrayed our family.
39:25I took care of Sophia and the bass.
39:27They're gone.
39:27Come home with me, Nora.
39:28Come back to where you belong.
39:30Hearing him describe the disposal of my sister so casually, a chill shot through me.
39:34This man's cold-bloodedness was beyond my imagination.
39:38Now, I even wondered if I had ever truly known him during our seven years of marriage.
39:42Lucian, the moment you betrayed me, we were over.
39:45I don't know how you found me, but didn't erasing my identity and disappearing off the face of the earth
39:49make it clear enough?
39:50I want nothing more to do with your world.
39:52I replied coolly and turned to leave.
39:54Lucian paused, his voice taking on a humility I had never heard before.
39:58But I know I was wrong.
39:59It was the only time, I swear.
40:01Forgive me.
40:02I swear.
40:03Besides you, there will never be another woman by my side.
40:06I let out a cold laugh and took a few steps back.
40:09Infidelity isn't a mistake, it's a choice.
40:11And with me, it only happens once.
40:12In my eyes, you're already dead.
40:14And now, there's blood between us.
40:15Sophia was my sister, whatever else she was.
40:17You killed her and I will never forgive her killer.
40:19Lucian's face went white as a sheet, as if my words had struck him in the heart.
40:23That child.
40:25I don't want to hear it.
40:26Just then, a security guard stepped forward.
40:28Sir, this is a core research area.
40:30You must leave now.
40:31I breathed a sigh of relief and turned toward my room.
40:34Just as I was about to close the door, a cry, thick with anguish, came from behind me.
40:38Noah, if I hadn't touched her, if I had stopped everything in time, would you have stayed?
40:42My steps faltered.
40:43I didn't turn back.
40:44I didn't answer.
40:45I shut the door, ceilings myself off from that world of sin.
40:48After all, in this world, there are no what-ifs.
40:50And I had already found my own path.
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