- 7 hours ago
HOT DRAMA 2026
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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
00:11write to her
00:11I waited three years for Dominic at last he and his men slipped into my courtyard
00:15I was ready to run to him until I heard his hushed order
00:19Grab Bianca in the chaos she's fragile if she's sold off to the don of the Valentino family to settle
00:24the debt
00:24She won't survive the night as for Elena she'll fight like hell she'll keep herself safe
00:28The men hesitated
00:30Dominic you and Elena are already married if she finds out she'll burn this place to the ground
00:34Let her it's dark enough a 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
00:52I heard every word from behind the door I didn't scream I didn't cry
00:56I just slipped back into the room
00:58They'd expected me to fight to hurt anyone who tried to take me
01:02Instead 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
01:21All 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
01:54Longing 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 truly meant to claim was my half-sister Bianca
02:06I stared at my reflection
02:08My face was empty
02:09Shouts exploded in the courtyard
02:11The 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
02:23The 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
02:32If a woman didn't want to be taken
02:33She could hide and send them away empty-handed
02:36But Bianca didn't hide
02:37She 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
02:51Yours 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
02:58You can handle the rough play
03:00Bianca is fragile
03:01If she gets caught in the crossfire
03:03It'll be a disaster
03:05I said nothing
03:06I knew exactly what she meant
03:07By the rules of the claiming
03:08The 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
03:15The 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 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
03:45Followed 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
03:54His men shielding them as guests hurled objects and blocked their path
03:58Bianca would hide her face against his back
04:00Pretending to struggle
04:01How perfect
04:02I lowered my gaze
04:04Moments later, my door was kicked in
04:06A group of men flooded into the dark room
04:09Their footsteps, heavy and chaotic
04:11Someone seized my arm
04:12Hands 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
04:23I let them yank me from my chair and drag me towards the door
04:27At first it felt like a formality
04:29But the violence quickly turned ugly
04:33Someone slammed my arm against the stone wall
04:39Fists began hammering my ribs with real, cruel force
04:42This was intentional
04:44The pain was excruciating
04:46But 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
04:56Someone stepped in to shield me
04:59Enough!
05:01It was a stranger's voice
05:03Sharp with fury
05:05He blocked the others
05:06Shoving 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
05:44Throwing 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
05:51He 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
06:06Sweat soaked but wearing a triumphant smile
06:09Bianca was on his back
06:10Her arms wrapped tight around his neck
06:13His men were cheering
06:16I lay silent on the stranger's back
06:18As they drew near
06:21Torchlight flickered across my face
06:23Dominic's eyes flicked over me
06:25And Le Tui the Bormormie for a split second
06:27Then his gaze moved on
06:29Turning back to his men as he joked and laughed
06:32He didn't recognize me
06:34Bianca whispered something in his ear
06:36And he 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
06:44And stayed for a while
06:45The first time Dominic came to find me there
06:48He'd worn that exact same smile
06:49That 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
07:10Just for me
07:11He always acted like it was nothing
07:13But I knew the truth
07:14My father's men didn't go easy on outsiders
07:17Another time, it poured rain
07:20He showed up soaked to the bone
07:22His 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
07:34Staring 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
07:47Then sharpened again
07:49You're not gonna drop me, are you?
07:50No, never
07:50Are you sure?
07:51Yes, yes
07:51When 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 cancelled 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
08:08Elena, 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
08:28That he didn't want me to go back and face those 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
08:39Dominic 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
08:52Dominic 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, 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, I'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
09:27And 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
09:52It's pitch black during the claiming
09:53I just made a mistake
09:54She'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, she'll tear the place apart tonight
10:16True, no way Elena goes quietly
10:18Feel sorry for that poor bastard
10:19Wonder what he looks like now
10:22The laughter swelled
10:23I looked down
10:24That's good
10:25He must have heard everything
10:27Heard them laughing about me
10:29Heard how they thought I'd tear the roof off
10:31But he said nothing
10:33He just kept walking
10:34At the gate of the Meridi estate, we ran straight into them
10:38Torchlight flickered over us
10:41Luca, yeah?
10:43It really is you
10:44You 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
11:28I'm gonna run
11:28I'll buy you a drink next time
11:32Their footsteps faded into the distance
11:39He really didn't recognize you
11:40I 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
11:49The 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
12:00The whole place buzzed with celebration
12:03Wine flowed freely
12:05And couples danced to old songs
12:08This was the party after a successful claiming
12:10By tradition, it would last until sunrise
12:13Dominic sat at the edge of the crowd
12:15Phone 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
12:41Done
12:42She never stayed mad at me for long
12:45But this time
12:46No call, no text
12:47No yelling
12:50Capo
12:51Still waiting Elena
12:52Don't bother
12:53Signal's shit out here
12:54Her area gets fine signal
12:56Then her phone's probably dead
12:57Or she didn't see it
12:59She's probably off beating someone up right now
13:03Dominic stayed quiet
13:04Elena 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
13:17She didn't see it
13:18But he had no better explanation
13:20Alright, quit overthinking
13:21This is your big night
13:23Your bride's waiting for you
13:24What 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, this is the claiming
13:37Not a game
13:38You took her
13:39You finish it
13:40Otherwise you 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
13:55Can we at least finish the ritual?
13:57Her eyes glistening
13:59I know you love Elena
14:00But can you pretend I'm your bride?
14:03Just tonight
14:04Dominic said nothing
14:05Bianca 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 them
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, 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
14:50Said 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? Dominic?
15:08Is that okay?
15:09Yeah
15:09Then he stepped aside
15:12Pulled out his phone and 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
15:36Elena?
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
15:57Husband's house?
15:59So Elena was preparing
16:01To move back in with me?
16:02That made sense?
16:04He'd always planned to bring her back
16:05After the claiming
16:06Stopped 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
16:19A sense of unease surged 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
16:35She would never go with someone she didn't love
16:38Auntie
16:38You said Elena was taken?
16:41Yes
16:41By the Santori family
16:43Dominic's throat tightened
16:44He couldn't speak
16:45He 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
16:56That silhouette that looked so familiar
17:00Elena
17:00She 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
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
17:17Quiet 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
17:28He 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 they don't like
17:40They don't just let them
17:41They kick
17:42Bite
17:43And 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
17:59I'd just put on a show of 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 to jump on your back
18:10So you wouldn't have to 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 came out
18:23Hello?
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, I 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, hammering sound
18:49Over and over
18:50He 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 in congratulations
19:02Someone shoved a drink into his hand
19:04Tugging him toward the dance floor
19:06Bianca waved at him from across the fire
19:08A soft smile on her face
19:10But he couldn't hear a thing
19:11While he'd been carrying Bianca away
19:13Elena had been lying on another man's back
19:15They had passed each other in the dark
19:17He'd thought she would fight
19:19Scream
19:19Resist
19:20But she did nothing
19:21Capo!
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, you completed the ritual
19:40The whole Palermo knows 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
19:49One night
19:50Stay tonight
19:52Keep up appearances
19:54Tomorrow you can do whatever you want
19:55But 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
20:07Were you going?
20:10Nowhere
20:10Bianca lowered her head
20:12Not asking more
20:13That night he sat by the fire
20:14Watching the flames flicker and die
20:16He 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 he rose and left
20:28Dominic!
20:29He didn't look back
20:30He drove back to Corleone
20:33The sun was just rising
20:35The hounds were baying
20:36And the morning mist was lifting from the vineyards
20:39He stopped an old groundskeeper and asked where Luca's villa was
20:42The man pointed toward a newly built villa at 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 and had to return
20:59Dominic 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
21:09He 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
21:19They 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 on that man's back
21:30He rushed back to the Russo estate
21:32Picked up Bianca
21:33And headed back to Palermo
21:34The whole way, Bianca was quiet
21:37Occasionally glancing at him
21:38Wanting 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
21:47His 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 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
22:09Thank 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
22:17That was her condition for tolerating the relationship
22:21So you gave Elena a fake certificate
22:23To make her believe you were committed
22:25Then, to save me from the Valentino family
22:28You are registered a real marriage
22:32With me
22:33Bianca lowered her head
22:34Her lashes trembling
22:35You claimed me in front of the families
22:38Completed the ritual
22:39Made me your Donna
22:41Dominic, since it has come to this
22:43Why don't we simply be together?
22:45Dominic froze
22:47What did you say?
22:49Do 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
23:02But you never had to go that far
23:04Just admit it
23:05You like me
23:07As for Elena
23:08She'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
23:14Or 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
23:21And I know how to make your mom happy
23:22I can give you way more than she ever could
23:26Dominic looked into those eyes
23:28That were nothing like Elena's
23:30Elena's eyes were bright
23:31Like stars in the mountains
23:32No secrets
23:33No pretense
23:34Happy was happy
23:35Sad was sad
23:37Plain and simple
23:38But Bianca's eyes were soft
23:40Like a pool of water that could pull you under
23:42Before you even realized it
23:44He suddenly asked himself
23:45Back when he'd go to the Meretti estate
23:47Bringing things for Elena
23:48Did he always bring a little something for Bianca too?
23:53And later
23:53When Bianca said her sister got the family business
23:56She had to find work
23:57Was it just because he felt sorry
23:59For how fragile she seemed
24:01That he let her move into his home?
24:02He wasn't sure anymore
24:04Was that casual kindness
24:05He'd shown her over the past three years
24:08Really just a coincidence?
24:09And when he saw Bianca smile
24:11Was that feeling in his chest
24:13Really just the affection of a brother?
24:15He didn't know when it started
24:16Or perhaps he always knew
24:18But 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
24:24The girl he was willing to give up everything
24:28Dominic snapped back
24:29Looking at her
24:30But thinking of Elena
24:31Thinking of her lying on that man's back
24:33Thinking of how she hadn't said a word
24:35Thinking 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
24:43He 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
24:52Walked in already lecturing
24:54Since you and Bianca are registered
24:56Just live your lives
24:57Why are you constantly thinking about that woman
25:00Who ran off with another man
25:02And hasn't even come home
25:04Dominic knew she would say this
25:05In these three years
25:07Bianca had charmed her well
25:08She made her almost forget
25:10Who 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
25:32Elena 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
25:41Why 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
25:51Was not registering the marriage
25:53So, the contract I had with her was fake
25:56From beginning to end
25:58She was never truly my wife
26:00Since she isn't back
26:01I have no standing to look for her
26:03If she wants to marry someone else
26:06His throat tightened
26:07I don't even have the right to object
26:10Then who do you blame?
26:12I did interfere with 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 to help her leave
26:24Registering was for her status
26:26But saying those things now felt pathetic
26:28Even to him
26:29By helping her, he had lost himself
26:32I'm telling you
26:33Everyone in the family knows about you and Bianca
26:36You legally married that girl
26:38You claimed her in front of the families
26:40You made her your Donna
26:42And now you want to discard her?
26:45What does that say about 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 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
27:08To force her to see him
27:09Three years later
27:10You're either locked in the Moretti estate
27:12Or driving across Sicily chasing a ghost
27:13Get out for once
27:15Dominic
27:16Every family sends someone tonight
27:18You should show your face
27:19The hall was crowded with the elite
27:21Of the most powerful syndicates
27:24Dominic wandered through it aimlessly
27:26Eyes passing over each face
27:28And moving on
27:29Three years
27:30He thought sometimes
27:31After her father died
27:32She had nobody left
27:33Maybe 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
27:42Right in front of her
27:42What had he actually given her?
27:44A fake marriage license?
27:47Empty words
27:47Three years of his mother's contempt
27:50He'd watched every bit of it
27:51And never once stepped in front of it
27:53And in the end
27:55On what should have been
27:56The best night of her life
27:57He walked away from her for good
28:00Was she somewhere doing well now?
28:02Had she already forgotten him?
28:10Dominic
28:10Isn't that Elena?
28:12The man was in a black shirt
28:13Focused
28:14Unhurried
28:15The woman beside him
28:18She was speaking to someone
28:20And her eyes curved into a smile
28:22That was the person he'd been looking for
28:24For 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
28:48She 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
28:54She looked at him again
28:55More carefully
28:57Mr. Russo
28:58It's been a while
28:59She genuinely hadn't recognized him
29:02Three years
29:03Dominic was gaunt and weathered
29:05No longer the handsome
29:06Dashing man he had once been
29:08Luca looked up then
29:09And glanced at him
29:11He said nothing
29:12Simply stepping closer to Elena's side
29:14It was a natural
29:15Protective stance
29:16You two
29:17Are you truly
29:19Truly together?
29:21Elena turned slightly
29:22To look at Luca
29:23That look was soft
29:25Certain
29:25And natural
29:28Mr. Russo
29:29Let me introduce you
29:30This is my wife
29:31During the claiming
29:32You met her remember?
29:34Wife
29:35That's
29:35How 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
29:45It'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 what
30:03Elena had said
30:04If it's someone I don't like
30:06I'll fight until
30:07He don't recognize himself
30:08But 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
30:16Turn her head
30:16To meet the other man's gaze
30:18If you're here on Russo business
30:19I can point you to 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 the marriage was fake?
30:29Listen to you tell me about your plan
30:30To swap brides
30:31So the fragile Bianca wouldn't suffer?
30:33You
30:34You heard all that?
30:37Mr. Russo
30:39Meeting today is fate
30:40But it doesn't mean you can harass my wife
30:43Luca!
30:44She's my wife!
30:45Luca said nothing
30:46Only looked down at Elena
30:48He had explained this to his wife before
30:50That night he had followed the crew
30:53To the Maradi estate
30:54But not for himself
30:55His cousin had wanted Bianca
30:58And dragged him along for support
31:00He couldn't refuse
31:01So he went
31:02But at the edge of the estate
31:04The cousin suddenly clutched
31:06Clutched his stomach
31:07His face pale
31:09I 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
31:18I just wanted to try if she'd accept me
31:21If she won't
31:22We'll just leave
31:23Don't let her suffer
31:24With that he vanished into the trees
31:27Luca stood in the darkness
31:28Feeling 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
31:45But to find Bianca
31:52And tell her to hide
31:55Then another crew
31:56Then another crew poured through the door
31:57And started throwing their weight around
31:58First it was the motions
32:00Then it started being rude
32:02She didn't move
32:04Didn't fight back
32:05Just sat there and took it
32:06He 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 home
32:16But she didn't crew
32:17She simply nended
32:19And climbed onto his back
32:20Perhaps that was fate
32:23If his cousin
32:24Hadn't had a stomach ache
32:26Perhaps in her despair
32:27She really would have gone with
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
32:42Her voice soft
32:43Didn't you get your wish
32:44And claim Bianca?
32:49Dominic's throat choked
32:50I
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 Bina back to you
33:07I'll give everything back to you
33:08Give Elena back to me
33:09Elena smiled
33:10A light, faint 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
33:24We're even
33:25Dominic stood there
33:27Shaking
33:27He 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
33:35Grew further and further away
33:37The rain came suddenly
33:38And the crowd
33:39Began to disperse
33:41Dominic still stood there
33:42In the rain
33:43He suddenly remembered
33:44The summer years ago
33:45When he went to find Elena
33:47You fool!
33:48I was afraid you'd be waiting
33:50Then
33:50Eyes bright like Shanton stars
33:52Dominic
33:53I'll wait for you
33:55Okay
33:55He'd made her wait
33:56For three years
33:57In the rain
33:58He suddenly laughed
33:59And he couldn't tell the rain
34:00From the tears
34:01There's three years
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