- 16 hours ago
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Cicely 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 his family's guards to provide 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 gift 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 claim 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.
01:14You... you weren't actually Dominic's legal wife.
01:17Something inside my chest shattered.
01:19I'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,
01:28That 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.
01:48Then, the Russo family would have no choice but to accept me.
01:51I waited.
01:52For three years I'd held my time.
01:54Looking forward to tonight.
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 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.
02:16Boots thudded against stone.
02:17And guards put on a show of resistance.
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.
02:30By the rules of the ritual, if a woman didn't want to be taken, she could hide and send them
02:35away 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 savage.
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 Meretti estate at night.
03:27The front room?
03:28He'll find you faster.
03:29Back then, I'd only wanted to make things easier for Dominic.
03:33I agreed.
03:34I haven't texted him my room location.
03:37But they'd been planning this switch all along.
03:39A roar of celebration erupted outside.
03:42We got her!
03:42The bride is ours!
03:43Laughter and cheering range 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 hurt objects and blocked their
03:57path.
03:58Bianca would hide her face against his back, pretending to struggle.
04:02How perfect.
04:03I 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.
04:45The 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.
05:00Enough!
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,
05:23would 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.
05:37Who 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,
05:52he 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 flickered over me and Le Tui the Bermormlemy for a split second.
06:28Then 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 her ear,
06:36and I leaned in with a soft smile.
06:39I suddenly thought back to three years ago,
06:42when I'd returned to the Moretti estate to visit my father and stayed for a while.
06:45The first time Dominic came to find me there,
06:48he'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,
06:54just to see if a Russo truly cared for a Moretti 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,
07:22his shirt torn,
07:24but 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.
07:33I held those pastries,
07:34staring at the cut on his cheek, and thought,
07:37this is the man I'll spend my life with.
07:39But now, I have carried Bianca with that exact same smile.
07:43Come on, Bianca.
07:45My vision blurred for a second,
07:47then sharpened again.
07:49Not gonna drop me, are you?
07:50No, never.
07:50Are you sure?
07:51Yes.
07:51Are you sure?
07:52When did it all start to change?
07:54Probably three years ago,
07:55When my father died,
07:56I felt completely hollow inside.
07:58I'll handle it.
07:59Dominic canceled everything
08:00to stay at the Moretti estate with me for two weeks.
08:03Non salciare.
08:04The day he had to leave,
08:05he took my hand and spoke softly.
08:08Elena, you just got through the funeral,
08:09and you look awful.
08:10If my mother sees you like this,
08:12She'll start on you again.
08:12I don't want you putting up with that.
08:14Just 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,
08:20then come get you.
08:20I looked at him and nodded.
08:22He was truly exhausted from the constant fighting with his mother.
08:25Back then, I believed he was looking out for me,
08:28that he didn't want me to go back and face those cold stars.
08:31Only later did I realize,
08:32distance doesn't create beauty.
08:34It just makes it easier for him to love someone else.
08:37Last year, when Mrs. Russo turned 60,
08:39Dominic came to bring me back.
08:41The moment I stepped inside,
08:42I saw my stepsister, Bianca.
08:44She was supposed to be in Palermo for work,
08:46but there she was in the living room,
08:48arranging fruit,
08:49her movement 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
09:05long after Bianca and I were grown.
09:07We'd never been close.
09:08Over the years,
09:09we'd only seen each other during holidays.
09:11I couldn't quite put into words
09:13how I felt about her staying there.
09:14Hey, sis.
09:16Don't worry.
09:17I'm just crashing here for a bit.
09:19I'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,
09:29my little sister had been working in the Russo house.
09:31Now, watching Bianca on Dominic's back,
09:34It 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.
09:57When 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,
10:14she'll tear the place apart tonight.
10:16True.
10:17Elena is not going quietly.
10:18Feel sorry for that poor bastard.
10:20Wonder what he looks like now.
10:22The laughter swelled.
10:23I looked down.
10:25That's good.
10:26He must have heard everything.
10:27I heard them laughing about me.
10:29Heard how they thought I'd tear the roof off.
10:32But he said nothing.
10:33He just kept walking.
10:34At the gate of the Meridi Estate,
10:36We ran straight into them.
10:37Torchlight 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's 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.
11:28I'm gonna run.
11:29I'll buy you a drink next time.
11:32They're 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, steps 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, anywhere was better than going back.
11:58Music filled the Russo estate hall.
12:01The whole place buzzed with celebration.
12:04Wine flowed freely and couples danced to old songs.
12:08This was the party after a successful claim.
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, she 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 and talk to her down gently.
12:39She'd hurt some threat and he'd smooth it over.
12:42Done.
12:42She never stayed mad at me for long.
12:45But this time, no call, no text, no yelling.
12:50Capo, still waiting, Elena?
12:53Don't bother.
12:53Signal's shit out here.
12:55Her area gets a good 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 remained quiet.
13:04Elena had once told him.
13:06I set a special ringtone for your messages.
13:08I don't want to miss them.
13:10I'd sit out in the courtyard until midnight, just waiting for you to call.
13:16He didn't believe she didn't see it, but he had no better explanation.
13:20All right, stop overthinking.
13:22This is your big night.
13:23Your bride's waiting for you.
13:25What are you doing sitting here?
13:27Tradition says once you've claimed her, you 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, this is the claiming.
13:38Not a game.
13:38You took her, you finish it.
13:40Otherwise, you insult her whole family.
13:42Besides, you 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, I know this one's fake, but...
13:55Can we at least finish the ritual?
13:57Her eyes, glistening.
13:59I know you love Elena, but can you pretend I'm your bride?
14:03Just tonight.
14:04Dominic said nothing.
14:06Bianca bowed her head, her lashes fluttering.
14:10Toast the bride!
14:12Toast the bride!
14:14Toast the bride!
14:15Dominic picked up his glass, linking arms with Bianca.
14:19Light danced across both their faces.
14:21Cheers and laughter erupted around them, loud enough to rattle the wall.
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, he 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, so he hadn't thought again.
15:06Dominic?
15:07Dominic?
15:08Is that okay?
15:09Yeah.
15:10Then he stepped aside, pulled out his phone, and dialed Elena's number.
15:14He needed to explain, to 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, not expecting the question.
15:54I'm Elena's aunt.
15:55We have to pack her things and send to her husband's house.
15:58Husband's house?
15:59So Elena was preparing to move back in with me?
16:02That made sense?
16:04He'd always planned to bring her back after the claiming.
16:06Stopped leaving her at the Marathi estate alone.
16:09Auntie, about the claiming tonight, there 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, a sense of unease emerged in him.
16:22Oh, I can't talk anymore.
16:23We're busy packing.
16:24Both Elena and Bianca were 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, she would never go with someone she didn't love.
16:38Auntie, did you say Elena was taken?
16:41Yes, by the Santori family.
16:43Dominic's throat tightened.
16:44He couldn't speak.
16:45He suddenly remembered something and his mind exploded.
16:50Santori?
16:51Luca.
16:52The man he met at the gate.
16:54The one carrying a girl saying she was his bride.
16:56That silhouette, that looked so familiar.
17:00Elena.
17:01She didn't fight?
17:02Fight?
17:03Why would she?
17:05A 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, shouldn't she have beaten the man?
17:13But nothing happened.
17:14She just let him carry her away.
17:16Dominic's hand began to shake.
17:18Quiet as she could be?
17:19Just let him carry her away?
17:21No, that wasn't Elena.
17:25No, that wasn't Elena.
17:27That wasn't the Elena I knew.
17:28I have remembered talking to Elena about claiming before.
17:31She had sat on his doorstep, swinging her legs, speaking excitedly.
17:36The girls in Moretti family, if they're chosen by someone they don't like, they don't just
17:41Let them.
17:42They kick, bite, and scratch.
17:44They fight until the man gives up himself.
17:47You're so wild.
17:48Who would dare claim you?
17:51Well, it depends on who's coming.
17:54If it's you...
17:58I just put on a show of struggling a little for appearances.
18:04Just a little?
18:05Three times at most.
18:07If you came to claim me, I'd probably be the first to jump on your back so you wouldn't
18:11have to take those hits.
18:12This girl is so foolish.
18:14Auntie Elena.
18:15When was she taken?
18:17When?
18:18Tonight, right after you left.
18:20Dominic opened his mouth, but not a single word came out.
18:24Hello?
18:24Hello?
18:25Dominic?
18:26Are you still there?
18:27I'm here.
18:28Why are you asking so much?
18:30Elena's husband will take care of her.
18:32You claimed Bianca tonight, didn't you?
18:34That poor girl's had it rough.
18:35Take good care of her.
18:37All right.
18:38I have to go.
18:38We're still packing.
18:40Elena left in such a hurry, she forgot so many things.
18:42We have to get them to her.
18:43Bye now.
18:44The line went dead.
18:45The dial tone ranges in his ears.
18:47A steady, hammering sound over and over.
18:51He stood at the edge of the crowd, white-knuckling his phone.
18:54Around him were songs, laughter, music, all the noise of celebration.
18:59Someone walked past, slapping his shoulder in congratulations.
19:02Someone shoved a drink into his hand, tugging him toward the dance floor.
19:06Bianca waved at him from across the fire, a soft smile on her face, but he couldn't hear a thing.
19:11While he'd been carrying Bianca away, Elena had been lying on another man's back.
19:16They had passed each other in the dark.
19:17He'd thought she would fight, scream, resist, but she did nothing.
19:21Capo, where the hell are you going?
19:25To get my wife.
19:26Which wife?
19:27You claim Bianca tonight.
19:29You walk out now, you 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, you completed the ritual.
19:40The whole Palermo knows Bianca's yours now.
19:42You leave her tonight, she's got no standing.
19:44No protection.
19:45Bianca stood by the fire, watching him, eyes uncertain.
19:50One night, stay tonight.
19:52Keep up appearances.
19:54Tomorrow you can do whatever you want, but tonight, you owe Bianca that much.
19:59Dominic clenched his fists, then slowly let go.
20:02He walked back to the fire.
20:06Where were you going?
20:10Nowhere.
20:10Bianca lowered her head, not asking more.
20:13That night, he sat by the fire, watching the flames flicker and die.
20:17I watched the people come and go, watched the moon rise and slowly set.
20:21I have called Elena countless times.
20:23It was always off.
20:25At dawn, he rose and left.
20:28Dominic!
20:28He didn't look back.
20:31He drove back to Corleone.
20:33The sun was just rising, the hounds were baying, and the morning mist was rising from the vineyards.
20:39He stopped an old groundskeeper and asked where Luca's villa was.
20:43The man pointed toward a newly built villa at the foot of the hill.
20:46He ran over.
20:47The iron gates stood open, but 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 and 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 for a long time without moving.
21:10He pulled out his phone and called Elena again.
21:14Still off.
21:15He scrolled through his contacts and realized he didn't even have Luca's number.
21:20They were never close.
21:21He didn't know where Luca lived, what city he was in.
21:24He knew nothing.
21:25He only remembered last night, the way Elena had lain so quietly on that man's back.
21:30He rushed back to the Russo estate, picked up Bianca, and headed back to Palermo.
21:35The whole way, Bianca was quiet, occasionally glancing at him, wanting to speak.
21:40He didn't want to talk, so she didn't ask.
21:43But Elena wasn't at their home.
21:45He had failed again.
21:46In the days that followed, his mind was still trapped in that claiming.
21:52Just a little more.
21:54Just a little more, and he could have stopped his woman from being taken.
21:59Dominic.
22:01She no longer called him brother-in-law.
22:03She held a cup of warm milk.
22:06You haven't eaten much these past few days.
22:08Drink some milk.
22:10Thank you.
22:10Bianca didn't leave.
22:12She sat beside him.
22:13I need to talk to you.
22:15Your mother refused to let you legally marry my sister.
22:18That was her condition for tolerating the relationship.
22:21So you gave Elena a fake certificate to make her believe you were committed.
22:25Then, to save me from the Valentino family, you registered a real marriage with me.
22:33Bianca lowered her head, her lashes trembling.
22:36You claimed me in front of the families.
22:38Completed the ritual, made me your Donna.
22:41Dominic, since it has come to this.
22:44Why don't we simply be together?
22:45Dominic Froze.
22:47What did you say?
22:48Do you dare say you don't truly like me?
22:52You legally married me.
22:54You completed the claiming ritual.
22:57You made me your Donna.
22:59You say it was to save me from Valentino, but you never had to go that far.
23:04Just admit it.
23:05You like me.
23:07As for Elena, she's just not right for you.
23:10All she cares about is her dad's business.
23:12She never even thinks about helping you with your work or fitting in with your crowd.
23:16What's she even going to give you?
23:18But I'm different.
23:19I know what you want, and I know how to make your mom happy.
23:23I can give you way more than she ever could.
23:26Dominic looked into those eyes that were nothing like Elena's.
23:30Elena's eyes were bright, like stars in the mountains.
23:32No secrets, no pretense.
23:35Happy was happy.
23:36Sad was sad.
23:37Plain and simple.
23:38But Bianca's eyes were soft, like a pool of water that could pull you under before you
23:43even realized it.
23:44He suddenly asked himself, back when he'd go to the Meretti estate, bringing things for
23:48Elena, did he always bring a little something for Bianca, too?
23:53And later, when Bianca said her sister got the family business, she had to find work.
23:57Was it just because he felt sorry for how fragile she seemed that he let her move into his home?
24:02He wasn't sure anymore.
24:04Was that casual kindness he'd shown her over the past three years really just a coincidence?
24:09And when he saw Bianca smile, it was that feeling in his chest really just the affection of a
24:14brother?
24:15He didn't know when it started.
24:16Or perhaps he always knew, but refused to admit it.
24:19He only knew one thing for certain.
24:21Elena was the one he was supposed to marry.
24:23The wife he chose.
24:25The girl was willing to give up everything.
24:28Dominic snapped back, looking at her, but thinking of Elena.
24:32Thinking of her lying on that man's back.
24:34Thinking of how she hadn't said a word.
24:36Thinking of how she hadn't even bothered to struggle.
24:38His heart felt as if a piece had been savagely carved out.
24:41So, the mistaken identity, he thought no one knew.
24:44Elena had seen it all.
24:46So, she walked away in the other direction.
24:50Not long after, his mother arrived.
24:53Walked in, already reading.
24:54Since you and Bianca are registered, just live your lives.
24:58Why are you constantly thinking about that woman who ran off with another man and hasn't
25:03even come home?
25:04Dominic knew she would say this.
25:06In these three years, Bianca had charmed her well.
25:08She made her almost forget who it was that used to be insulted in the kitchen.
25:12Who worked until midnight without a word of thanks.
25:15Bianca knew how to act cute.
25:17How to speak softly.
25:18How to buy expensive gifts to make her smile.
25:20And Elena?
25:21Elena didn't know these things.
25:23Elena only knew how to work hard.
25:25How to be good to him.
25:26How to stand there and wait to be seen.
25:28But she was never seen.
25:30Mother, Elena didn't run off.
25:34If that isn't running off, what is?
25:37She was claimed.
25:38Claiming our normal out there.
25:40If she had you in her heart, why hasn't she come back?
25:43Because I have no right to ask her to.
25:45His mother froze.
25:47Back then, you said the only condition for accepting her was not registering the marriage.
25:53So, the contract I had with her was fake.
25:57From beginning to end, she was never truly my wife.
26:00Since she isn't back, I have no standing to look for her.
26:03If she wants to marry someone else...
26:06His throat tightened.
26:08I don't even have the right to object.
26:10Then who do you blame?
26:12I did interfere with the registration, but the rest was your choice.
26:15If you didn't like Bianca, why did you claim her?
26:18Why did you register with her?
26:19Dominic's throat choked.
26:20He couldn't explain.
26:22Seeing Bianca was to help her leave, registering was for her status.
26:26But saying those things now felt pathetic, even to him.
26:29By helping her, he had lost himself.
26:32I'm telling you, everyone in the family knows about you and Bianca.
26:36You legally married that girl.
26:38You claimed her in front of the families.
26:41You made her your Donna.
26:42And now you want to discard her?
26:44What does that say about the Russo family?
26:48We're divorced.
26:51What?
26:52We divorced two months ago.
26:55I couldn't live with her.
26:57Then what do you want to 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 if she still hated him.
27:05He didn't even have the chance to use a divorce to force her to see him.
27:09Three years later.
27:10You're either locked in the Moretti estate or driving across Sicily chasing a ghost.
27:14Get out for once.
27:16Dominic, every family sends someone tonight.
27:18You should show your face.
27:20The hall was crowded with the elite of the most powerful syndicates.
27:24Dominic wandered through it aimlessly.
27:26Eyes passing over each face and moving on.
27:30Three years.
27:30He thought sometimes.
27:31After her father died, she had nobody left.
27:34Maybe that's why she never went back to Moretti estate.
27:36She'd had him once.
27:37But what had he done with that?
27:39He'd made her wait three years.
27:40Then carried another woman out 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 contemplation.
27:50He'd watched every bit of it.
27:52And never once stepped in front of it.
27:54And in the end.
27:55On what should have been the best night of her life.
27:58He walked away from her for good.
28:00Was she somewhere doing well now?
28:02Had she already forgotten him?
28:10Dominic, isn't that Elena?
28:12The man was wearing a black shirt.
28:14Focused.
28:14Unhurried.
28:15The woman beside him.
28:18She was speaking to someone.
28:20And her eyes curved into a smile.
28:23That was the person he'd been looking for for three years.
28:25Standing right there.
28:27Close enough to see.
28:30Elena.
28:43Hello.
28:44What can I help you with?
28:46Elena.
28:47It's me.
28:49She looked at him the way you look at someone you half recognize.
28:51I'm sorry.
28:52Do we know each other?
28:53I'm terrible with faces.
28:55She looked at him again more carefully.
28:57Mr. Russo.
28:58It's been a while.
29:00She really hadn't recognized him.
29:02Three years.
29:03Dominic was gaunt and weathered, no longer the handsome, dashing man he had once been.
29:08Luca looked up then and glanced at him.
29:11He said nothing, simply stepping closer to Elena's side.
29:14It was a natural, protective stance.
29:17You two, are you truly, truly together?
29:21Elena turned slightly to look at Luca.
29:23That look was soft, certain, and natural.
29:28Mr. Russo, let me introduce you.
29:30This is my wife.
29:31During the claiming you met her, remember?
29:34Wife?
29:35That's how...
29:36How can that count?
29:37That was a mistake, a blunder.
29:39It was dark, and I claimed the wrong person.
29:41Did you claim the wrong person?
29:42Mr. Russo, in our tradition, a claiming isn't a kidnapping.
29:46It's a silent agreement between families.
29:48If the girl doesn't want it, can she be taken?
29:52If she truly didn't want to go, she would have beat me until my own mother didn't recognize me.
30:00The words were a knife in Dominic's chest.
30:02I have remembered what Elena had said.
30:04If it's someone I don't like, I'll fight until he don't recognize himself.
30:09But the truth was, she had lain quietly on Luca's back, without a single sound.
30:14He stood there, watching Elena turn her head to meet the other man's gaze.
30:18If you're here on Russo business, I can point you to the right people.
30:21If not, you're in the wrong place.
30:24Elena!
30:25Listen to me.
30:26Listen to what?
30:27Listen to you say the marriage was fake?
30:29Listen to you tell me about your plan to swap brides so the fragile Bianca wouldn't suffer?
30:33You-
30:33Did you hear all that?
30:37Mr. Russo, meeting today is fate, but it doesn't mean you can harass my wife.
30:43Luca!
30:44She's my wife!
30:45Luca said nothing, only looked down at Elena.
30:48He had explained this to his wife before.
30:51That night, he had followed the crew to the Maradi estate, but not for himself.
30:56His cousin had wanted Bianca and dragged him along for support.
31:00He couldn't refuse, so he went.
31:03But at the edge of the estate, the cousin suddenly clutched-clutched his stomach, his 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, find Bianca and hide her.
31:17Actually, she doesn't like me.
31:19I just wanted to try if she'd accept me.
31:21If she won't, we'll just leave.
31:23Don't let her suffer.
31:24With that, I have vanished into the trees.
31:27Luca stood in the darkness, feeling ridiculous.
31:31He came to help with a claim, and the groom had run off.
31:36He stood there, not knowing whether to stay or go.
31:40Later, he went in, not to claim anyone, but to find Bianca and tell her to hide.
31:55Then another crew poured through the door and 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, crouched down in front of her.
32:11Do you want to leave?
32:13She looked at him, and her eyes turned home, but she didn't crew.
32:17She simply ended and climbed onto his back.
32:20Perhaps that was fate.
32:23If her cousin hadn't had a stomach ache, perhaps in her despair, she really would have gone with
32:28Or perhaps, after they found the mistake, they would have parted ways peacefully.
32:32Treated the night as a blunder.
32:33But there are no ifs.
32:35He and Elena decided to give each other a chance.
32:37So they made the claiming real.
32:39And so, they found their current happiness.
32:41Elena suddenly called his name, her voice soft.
32:43Didn't you get your wish and claim Bianca?
32:49Dominic's throat choked.
32:50I, Bianca, he and Bianca had divorced long ago.
32:55But what point was there in saying that now?
32:58Elena, I claimed the wrong one.
33:00That night, I was supposed to claim you.
33:02I thought you'd fight.
33:03I thought you'd-
33:04I never imagined Bianca kind.
33:06I'll give Binum back to you.
33:07I'll give everything back to you.
33:08Give Elena back to me.
33:09Elena smiled, a light, faint smile.
33:12Dominic, a claiming isn't a game.
33:14In our traditions, a mistake is the will of heaven.
33:16Heaven willed me to go with him, so I went.
33:19Heaven willed me to go with him, so I went.
33:21You claimed Bianca, and I married Luca.
33:25We're even.
33:26Dominic stood there, shaking.
33:28He saw Luca gently put an arm around her shoulder.
33:30He wanted to chase them, but he couldn't move.
33:33In the crowd, Elena's back grew further and further away.
33:37The rain came suddenly, and the crowd began to disperse.
33:41Dominic still stood there, in the rain.
33:43He suddenly remembered the summer years ago, when he went to find Elena.
33:47You fool!
33:48I was afraid you'd be waiting.
33:50Then, eyes bright like Shanton's stars.
33:53Dominic, I'll wait for you.
33:55Okay.
33:56He'd made her wait for three years.
33:58In the rain, he suddenly laughed, and he couldn't tell the rain from the tears.
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