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