- 4 hours ago
- #asm_r
His Stolen Bride, My Mafia King - Short Drama Full HD 720p #ASM_r
Category
đ„
Short filmTranscript
00:05...has a savage tradition known as the claiming, rooted in old honor codes and mafia control.
00:10It demands the groom steal his bride away at midnight, fighting through her family's guards to prove his power and
00:15right to her.
00:16I waited three years for Dominic. At last, he and his men slipped into my courtyard.
00:20I was ready to run to him until I heard his hushed order.
00:23Grab Bianca in the chaos. She's fragile.
00:26If she's sold off to the Don of the Valentino family to settle the debt, she won't survive the night.
00:30As for Elena, she'll fight like hell. She'll keep herself safe.
00:33The men hesitated.
00:34Dominic, you and Elena are already married.
00:37If she finds out, she'll burn this place to the ground.
00:40Let her. It's dark enough. The case of mistaken identity during the claiming will be easy to explain.
00:46I'll calm her down later.
00:47He paused, his voice turning icy.
00:50Besides, the marriage license she signed was a forgery.
00:53I promised Bianca a safe life in Palermo. She's my priority.
00:57I heard every word from behind the door. I didn't scream. I didn't cry. I just slipped back into the
01:03room.
01:04They'd expected me to fight, to hurt anyone who tried to take me.
01:08Instead, I silently climbed onto the back of the man who'd broken into my chamber and became his bride.
01:15Elena, my contact at the registry checked.
01:18But, you... you weren't actually Dominic's legal wife.
01:22Something inside my chest shattered.
01:24I'd lived as Dominic's wife for five years.
01:27All that time, the Russo family never accepted me.
01:30His mother never used my name.
01:32Only ever referring to me as, that girl.
01:34At family galas, I was always seated at the farthest table.
01:38In official portraits, I was placed at the edge so I could be easily cropped out.
01:42Dominic said his mother wouldn't let up until I broke, so he sent me back to the Moretti estate.
01:47He promised he'd follow our traditions and complete the formal claiming ritual to bring me back as his Donna.
01:53Then, the Russo family would have no choice but to accept me.
01:56I waited.
01:57For three years, I'd held my tongue, longing for this night.
02:01But he'd come for another woman.
02:02He'd kept me deceived for years with a forged marriage license.
02:06All to hide the truth.
02:07The one he'd truly meant to claim was my half-sister, Bianca.
02:11I stared at my reflection.
02:13My face was empty.
02:15Shouts exploded in the courtyard.
02:17The ritual had begun.
02:20Laughter rang out.
02:21Boots thudded against stone.
02:23And guards put on a show of resisting.
02:25Ritual torches painted half the sky red.
02:27All the excitement was for them.
02:29The celebration was for Bianca.
02:31The other group of men had come from the Valentino family.
02:34They'd originally come for Bianca.
02:36By the rules of the ritual, if a woman didn't want to be taken, she could hide and send them
02:40away empty-handed.
02:41But Bianca didn't hide.
02:43She waited in her room to be taken.
02:45And the man she waited for was my husband.
02:48The room I was in wasn't mine.
02:49It was Bianca's.
02:51That afternoon, my stepmother pulled me aside.
02:53For once, her voice was gentle.
02:55Elena, stay in Bianca's room tonight.
02:57Yours is too far back.
02:58Too quiet.
02:59They'll never find you.
03:00The men coming for Bianca are savages.
03:02You've always been tough.
03:04You can handle the rough play.
03:05Bianca is fragile.
03:07If she gets caught in the crossfire, it'll be a disaster.
03:10I said nothing.
03:11I knew exactly what she meant.
03:13By the rules of the claiming, the groom's men would storm in.
03:16The woman was expected to fight and struggle.
03:18It was called the gauntlet.
03:20The harder she fought, the more valuable she was considered.
03:22The groom had to prove he could take her by force.
03:25Those punches and shoves were real.
03:27My stepmother studied my face, testing me.
03:30Besides, Dominic has never been to the Moretti estate at night.
03:33The front room, he'll find you faster.
03:35Back then, I'd only wanted to make things easier for Dominic.
03:39I agreed.
03:39I even texted him my room location.
03:42But they'd been planning this switch all along.
03:45A roar of celebration erupted outside.
03:47We got her!
03:48The bride is ours!
03:49Laughter and cheering rang out, followed by the sharp crack of celebratory gunfire.
03:54I listened, but didn't move.
03:55I knew exactly who they'd taken.
03:57I could picture Dominic carrying Bianca through the crowd, his men shielding them as guests hurled objects and blocked their
04:03path.
04:04Bianca would hide her face against his back, pretending to struggle.
04:07How perfect!
04:08I lowered my gaze.
04:10Moments later, my door was kicked in.
04:12A group of men flooded into the dark room, their footsteps heavy and chaotic.
04:17Someone seized my arm.
04:19Hands began shoving and striking me.
04:21I felt fists slam into my shoulders and back.
04:24This was the gauntlet.
04:24The harder the beating, the more the family valued the bride.
04:28I didn't flinch or resist.
04:29I let them yank me from my chair and drag me towards the door.
04:33At first it felt like a formality, but the violence quickly turned ugly.
04:38Someone slammed my arm against the stone wall.
04:45Fists began hammering my ribs with real, cruel force.
04:49This was intentional.
04:51The pain was excruciating, but I didn't make a sound.
04:54I should have known you were tough, Elena.
04:57I finally understood what my stepmother had meant by calling me tough.
05:00Just when I thought it would never end, someone stepped in to shield me.
05:06Enough!
05:07It was a stranger's voice, sharp with fury.
05:11He blocked the others, shoving the attacker's back with his arms.
05:16That's the way it works.
05:18The harder we hit, the more she's worth.
05:20What rule?
05:22His voice dropped to a dangerous growl.
05:25This isn't your wife!
05:26If someone was beating your woman like a dog, would you just stand there and watch?
05:31The room went silent.
05:33He glanced back at me.
05:35In the shadows, I could only make out the sharp line of his jaw.
05:39Then he bent down and hoisted me onto his back.
05:43Who is he?
05:44He's taking this ritual way too seriously.
05:45He carried me out in long, steady strides.
05:48People chased after us, throwing things and blocking the way, but his grip on my legs never wavered.
05:55When he finally carried me out of my private courtyard, he paused to catch his breath.
06:02In the distance, the faint glow of ritual torches moved.
06:06That was the other group.
06:08Through the bushes, I heard their laughter.
06:11Dominic was at the front, sweat-soaked but wearing a triumphant smile.
06:16Bianca was on his back, her arms wrapped tight around his neck.
06:20His men were cheering.
06:21Kiss her!
06:22Kiss her!
06:23I lay silent on the stranger's back as they drew near.
06:28Torchlight flickered across my face.
06:30Dominic's eyes flicked over me and Le Tui the Bermormle me for a split second.
06:34Then his gaze moved on, turning back to his men as he joked and laughed.
06:38He didn't recognize me.
06:41Bianca whispered something in his ear, and he leaned in with a soft smile.
06:46I suddenly thought back to three years ago, when I'd returned to the Moretti estate to
06:50visit my father and stayed for a while.
06:52The first time Dominic came to find me there, he'd worn that exact same smile.
06:56That day, my father's men put him to the test.
06:59They blocked him at the gates and roughed him up, just to see if a Russo truly cared for
07:04a Moretti girl.
07:04He'd shown up at my door with a split lip and bruised ribs.
07:08I asked if it hurt.
07:09For my wife, I'd take a lot worse.
07:12He was a spoiled Russo heir who'd never been hurt before, yet he'd taken a beating from
07:16my father's men, just for me.
07:18He always acted like it was nothing, but I knew the truth.
07:22My father's men didn't go easy on outsiders.
07:25Another time, it poured rain.
07:27He showed up soaked to the bone, his shirt torn, but the pastries tucked inside his jacket
07:33were still dry.
07:34I called him an idiot for coming out in weather like that.
07:38Didn't want you to wait too long.
07:40I held those pastries, staring at the cut on his cheek, and thought, this is the man
07:44I'll spend my life with.
07:46But now, he carried Bianca with that exact same smile.
07:50Come on, Bianca.
07:52My vision blurred for a second, then sharpened again.
07:56You're not going to drop me, are you?
07:57No, never.
07:57Are you sure?
07:58Yes.
07:59When did it all start to change?
08:02Probably three years ago, when my father died, I felt completely hollow inside.
08:06I'll handle it.
08:06Dominic canceled everything to stay at the Moretti estate with me for two weeks.
08:10Non salchare.
08:11The day he had to leave, he took my hand and spoke softly.
08:15Elena, you just got through the funeral and you look awful.
08:18If my mother sees you like this, she'll start on you again.
08:20I don't want you putting up with that.
08:21Just stay here at the estate and rest.
08:22You've always wanted to take over the family business, right?
08:25I'll go back and smooth things over at home, then come get you.
08:28I looked at him and nodded.
08:29I was truly exhausted from the constant fighting with his mother.
08:33Back then, I believed he was looking out for me, that he didn't want me to go back and face
08:37those cold stares.
08:38Only later did I realize, distance doesn't create beauty.
08:41It just makes it easier for him to love someone else.
08:44Last year, when Mrs. Russo turned 60, Dominic came to bring me back.
08:48The moment I stepped inside, I saw my stepsister, Bianca.
08:51She was supposed to be in Palermo for work, but there she was in the living room, arranging
08:56fruit, her movements smooth and familiar.
08:58So, she lived here now.
09:00Dominic paused while taking off his shoes and explained,
09:03Bianca's workplace is near our house.
09:05She's staying here temporarily.
09:06There wasn't a trace of guilt in his voice.
09:09And I didn't push for more.
09:10My stepmother had married into the Moretti family long after Bianca and I were grown.
09:15We'd never been close.
09:16Over the years, we'd only seen each other during holidays.
09:18I couldn't quite put into words how I felt about her staying there.
09:22Hey, sis.
09:24Don't worry.
09:25I'm just crashing here for a bit.
09:26I'll move out once I find a place.
09:28I nodded, but said nothing.
09:30Back then, I never could have imagined.
09:32For three years, I waited alone in the empty Moretti estate.
09:35And all that time, my little sister had been working in the Russo house.
09:39Now, watching Bianca on Dominic's back, it all suddenly clicked.
09:43I hadn't been waiting for him to bring me home at all.
09:45I'd been waiting for my heart to die.
09:48Bianca's voice drifted closer on the wind.
09:51What about Elena?
09:52If she finds out, she'll lose it.
09:54She's all bark and no bite.
09:55She'll get over it after throwing a fit.
09:57He paused, his voice lowering.
10:00It's pitch black during the claiming.
10:01I just made a mistake.
10:03She'll feel sorry for me before she even gets angry.
10:05Once she finds out, I'll just smooth it over.
10:09Bianca laughed softly.
10:11My knuckles whitened.
10:13One of his men spoke up suddenly.
10:14Kappa, what if someone else claimed Elena?
10:16The group fell quiet.
10:18Then Dominic laughed.
10:19You think she'd let anyone take her without a fight?
10:22With that temper of hers, she'll tear the place apart tonight.
10:24True.
10:25No way Elena goes quietly.
10:26Feel sorry for that poor bastard.
10:28Wonder what he looks like now.
10:30The laughter swelled.
10:32I looked down.
10:33Let's go.
10:34He must have heard everything.
10:36Heard them laughing about me.
10:38Heard how they thought I'd tear the roof off.
10:40But he said nothing.
10:41He just kept walking.
10:42At the gate of the Moretti estate, we ran straight into them.
10:47Torchlight flickered over us.
10:49Luca.
10:50Yeah?
10:51It really is you.
10:53You claiming someone tonight too?
10:55Yeah.
10:57Which family?
11:00A neighbor family.
11:03Caso, man.
11:05Always figured you'd stay single forever.
11:07Congrats.
11:08Dominic took a step forward.
11:10I felt his gaze linger on my back.
11:12That look lasted too long.
11:14Long enough, I almost thought he'd recognized me.
11:18Let's go.
11:20Wait!
11:23Dominic.
11:24My ankle hurts.
11:26What's wrong?
11:27Did you twist it earlier?
11:29I don't know.
11:30It just aches.
11:32Let's go.
11:33We need to get to your place before sunrise.
11:35Dominic didn't waste another second.
11:37I'm gonna run.
11:38I'll buy you a drink next time.
11:41Their footsteps faded into the distance.
11:48He really didn't recognize you.
11:50I rested my face against his shoulder and said nothing.
11:52My eyes stung.
11:54His pace slowed.
11:56Steps gentle and steady.
11:57The moon was bright.
11:59The road stretched on.
12:00I had no idea where he was taking me.
12:02But in that moment, I thought,
12:04anywhere was better than going back.
12:07Music filled the Russo Estate Hall.
12:10The whole place buzzed with celebration.
12:12Wine flowed freely and couples danced to old songs.
12:17This was the party after a successful claiming.
12:20By tradition, it would last until sunrise.
12:22Dominic sat at the edge of the crowd, phone in hand.
12:26No messages from Elena.
12:28That wasn't like her.
12:30She never kept things bottled up.
12:32If she found out I claimed the wrong woman,
12:35she would have called screaming by now.
12:37I already had my excuses.
12:39It was pitch black.
12:41Don't overthink it.
12:42You're the only one I want.
12:44I'll wait for her to blow up over the phone
12:46and talk her down gently.
12:48She'd hurl some threat and he'd smooth it over.
12:51Done.
12:52She never stayed mad at me for long.
12:54But this time,
12:55no call,
12:56no text,
12:57no yelling.
13:00Capo.
13:00Capo.
13:01Capo.
13:01Still waiting, Elena?
13:02Elena?
13:02Don't bother.
13:03Signal's shit out here.
13:04Her area gets fine signal.
13:05Then her phone's probably dead.
13:07Or she didn't see it.
13:08She's probably off beating someone up right now.
13:12Dominic stayed quiet.
13:14Elena had once told him,
13:15I set a special ringtone for your messages.
13:18Don't want to miss them.
13:20I'd sit out in the courtyard till midnight,
13:22just waiting for you to call.
13:25He didn't believe she didn't see it,
13:28but he had no better explanation.
13:30All right,
13:30quit overthinking.
13:31This is your big night.
13:33Your bride's waiting for you.
13:34What are you doing sitting here?
13:36Tradition says once you've claimed her,
13:38you stay with her all night.
13:39Finish the ritual.
13:41I told Beyoncé this was temporary.
13:43I just got her out of there.
13:44I didn't plan on,
13:45didn't plan on what?
13:46Capo,
13:46this is the claiming.
13:47Not a game.
13:48You took her,
13:49you finish it.
13:50Otherwise,
13:50you insult her whole family.
13:52Besides,
13:53you and Elena have been together for years.
13:54She won't care about formalities.
13:56Just get through tonight.
13:57Dominic opened his mouth to argue.
13:59What are you guys talking about?
14:01Dominic froze.
14:02Dominic,
14:03I know this one's fake,
14:04but can we at least finish the ritual?
14:07Her eyes glistening.
14:09I know you love Elena,
14:11but can you pretend I'm your bride?
14:13Just tonight.
14:14Dominic said nothing.
14:16Bianca bowed her head,
14:18her lashes fluttering.
14:20Toast the bride!
14:22Toast the bride!
14:24Toast the bride!
14:26Dominic picked up his glass,
14:27linking arms with Bianca.
14:29Light danced across both their faces.
14:31Cheers and laughter erupted around them,
14:34loud enough to rattle the walls.
14:36His eyes kept straying to the dark road
14:38beyond the estate,
14:39the same road he'd carried Bianca down tonight.
14:42At the gate,
14:44he ran into Luca Santoro.
14:45They met years ago at a family party.
14:50They had a few drinks together.
14:53Acquaintances at best.
14:54That man had been quiet but steady,
14:56the kind of man you could trust with your life.
14:59Tonight,
14:59Luca had been carrying someone too,
15:01said she was from another family.
15:02She was thin,
15:04lying quietly on Luca's back.
15:05Only a glimpse of her neck was visible.
15:07The line of that neck,
15:09the curve of her bowed head.
15:10It had felt strangely familiar,
15:12but Bianca had cried out in pain,
15:14so he hadn't thinked again.
15:16Dominic?
15:18Dominic?
15:18Is that okay?
15:20Yeah.
15:20Then he stepped aside,
15:22pulled out his phone,
15:24and dialed Elena's number.
15:25He needed to explain,
15:26to make sure she didn't misunderstand.
15:33Finally,
15:34someone picked up.
15:36Hello?
15:37Background noise,
15:38sounds of people moving things.
15:42Dominic blinked.
15:44Let me talk to Elena.
15:47Elena?
15:50She's not here.
15:52We're packing up her stuff to send over.
15:55Send over?
15:56Send where?
15:58Elena never lets her phone leave her hand.
16:00Where are you sending her things?
16:01The woman hesitated,
16:02not expecting the question.
16:05I'm Elena's aunt.
16:06We have to pack her things
16:07and send to her husband's house.
16:09Husband's house?
16:10So Elena was preparing
16:11to move back in with me?
16:13That made sense?
16:14He'd always planned to bring her back
16:16after the claiming.
16:17Stopped leaving her
16:18at the Merathi estate alone.
16:20Auntie,
16:21about the claiming tonight,
16:23there was a bit of a mix-up.
16:24Did Elena say anything?
16:25No, several families
16:27did claiming tonight.
16:28What would Elena have to say?
16:29Despite the words,
16:31a sense of unease
16:32surged in him.
16:33Oh, I can't talk anymore.
16:34We're busy packing.
16:35Both Elena and Bianca
16:37were taken tonight.
16:38We have to get their things ready.
16:40Dominic froze.
16:41What did she mean?
16:43Both were taken.
16:44Didn't I only take Bianca?
16:46As for Elena,
16:47she would never go with someone
16:48she didn't love.
16:49Auntie,
16:50you said Elena was taken?
16:52Yes,
16:52by the Santori family.
16:54Dominic's throat tightened.
16:56He couldn't speak.
16:57He suddenly remembered something
16:58and his mind exploded.
17:01Santori?
17:03Luca.
17:03The man he met at the gate.
17:05The one carrying a girl
17:06saying she was his bride.
17:08That silhouette
17:09that looked so familiar.
17:11Elena.
17:12She didn't fight?
17:13Fight?
17:14Why would she?
17:16A claiming isn't a bad thing.
17:17She was as quiet as she could be.
17:19She just went with him.
17:20We all thought it was strange.
17:22With her temper,
17:23shouldn't she have beaten the man?
17:24But nothing happened.
17:25She just let him carry her away.
17:27Dominic's hand began to shake.
17:29Quiet as she could be?
17:31Just let him carry her away?
17:33No, that wasn't Elena.
17:36No, that wasn't Elena.
17:38That wasn't the Elena I knew.
17:40He remembered talking to Elena
17:42about claimings before.
17:43She had sat on his doorstep,
17:45swinging her legs,
17:46speaking excitedly.
17:48The girls in Moretti family,
17:50if they're claimed by someone
17:51they don't like,
17:52they don't just let them.
17:53They kick, bite, and scratch.
17:56They fight until the man
17:57gives up himself.
17:58You're so wild.
17:59Who would dare claim you?
18:03Well, it depends on who's coming.
18:06If it's you...
18:10I'd just put on a show
18:12of struggling a little
18:13for appearances.
18:15Just a little?
18:17Three times at most.
18:19If you came to claim me,
18:20I'd probably be the first
18:21to jump on your back
18:22so you wouldn't have
18:23to take those hits.
18:23This girl is so foolish.
18:26Auntie Elena.
18:27When was she taken?
18:29When?
18:30Tonight, right after you left.
18:32Dominic opened his mouth,
18:34but not a single word
18:35came out.
18:36Hello?
18:37Dominic?
18:38Are you still there?
18:39I'm here.
18:40Why are you asking so much?
18:42Elena's husband
18:43will take care of her.
18:44You claimed Bianca tonight,
18:46didn't you?
18:46That poor girl's had it rough.
18:47Take good care of her.
18:49All right, I have to go.
18:50We're still packing.
18:52Elena left in such a hurry
18:53she forgot so many things.
18:54We have to get them to her.
18:56Bye now.
18:56The line went dead.
18:57The dial tone rang in his ears,
18:59a steady, hammering sound
19:01over and over.
19:03He stood at the edge of the crowd,
19:05white-knuckling his phone.
19:06Around him were songs,
19:08laughter, music,
19:09all the noise of celebration.
19:11Someone walked past,
19:12slapping his shoulder
19:13in congratulations.
19:14Someone shoved a drink
19:15into his hand,
19:16tugging him toward the dance floor.
19:18Bianca waved at him
19:19from across the fire,
19:20a soft smile on her face,
19:22but he couldn't hear a thing.
19:23While he'd been carrying
19:24Bianca away,
19:25Elena had been lying
19:26on another man's back.
19:28They had passed each other
19:29in the dark.
19:30He'd thought she would fight,
19:31scream, resist,
19:33but she did nothing.
19:34Capo!
19:35Where the hell are you going?
19:37To get my wife.
19:39What wife?
19:40You claim Bianca tonight.
19:41You walk out now,
19:42you insult the whole Moretti family.
19:44This was temporary.
19:47Getting Bianca out of a bad situation.
19:48That's it.
19:49Temporary?
19:50Capo, you completed the ritual.
19:52The whole Palermo knows
19:53Bianca's yours now.
19:54You leave her tonight,
19:55she's got no standing.
19:56No protection.
19:58Bianca stood by the fire,
20:00watching him,
20:00eyes uncertain.
20:02One night.
20:03Stay tonight.
20:04Keep up appearances.
20:06Tomorrow you can do
20:07whatever you want,
20:08but tonight,
20:10you owe Bianca that much.
20:12Dominic clenched his fists,
20:13then slowly let go.
20:15He walked back to the fire.
20:19Where were you going?
20:22Nowhere.
20:23Bianca lowered her head,
20:25not asking more.
20:26That night,
20:26he sat by the fire,
20:27watching the flames flicker and die.
20:29He watched the people come and go,
20:31watched the moon rise and slowly set.
20:34He called Elena countless times.
20:35It was always off.
20:38At dawn,
20:39he rose and left.
20:40Dominic!
20:41He didn't look back.
20:43He drove back to Corleone.
20:46The sun was just rising,
20:48the hounds were baying,
20:49and the morning mist was lifting
20:50from the vineyards.
20:52He stopped an old groundskeeper
20:53and asked where Luca's villa was.
20:55The man pointed toward a newly built villa
20:58at the foot of the hill.
20:59He ran over.
21:00The iron gates stood open,
21:02but the house was empty.
21:06Looking for Don Luca?
21:07He left at dawn with his new bride,
21:09said there was urgent family business
21:11and had to return.
21:13Dominic stood frozen in place.
21:16When did they come back?
21:17How should I know?
21:19Dominic stood before that empty house
21:21for a long time without moving.
21:23He pulled out his phone
21:25and called Elena again.
21:27Still off.
21:29He scrolled through his contacts
21:30and realized he didn't even have Luca's number.
21:33They were never close.
21:34He didn't know where Luca lived,
21:36what city he was in.
21:37He knew nothing.
21:38He only remembered last night,
21:40the way Elena had lain so quietly
21:42on that man's back.
21:43He rushed back to the Russo estate,
21:45picked up Bianca,
21:46and headed back to Palermo.
21:48The whole way,
21:49Bianca was quiet,
21:50occasionally glancing at him,
21:52wanting to speak.
21:53He didn't want to talk,
21:54so she didn't ask.
21:56But Elena wasn't at their home.
21:58He had failed again.
22:00In the days that followed,
22:01his mind was still trapped in that claiming.
22:06Just a little more.
22:07Just a little more,
22:08and he could have stopped his woman
22:09from being taken.
22:12Dominic.
22:14She no longer called him brother-in-law.
22:17She held a cup of warm milk.
22:19You haven't eaten much these past few days.
22:22Drink some milk.
22:24Bianca didn't leave.
22:25She sat beside him.
22:26I need to talk to you.
22:28Your mother refused to let you
22:30legally marry my sister.
22:31That was her condition
22:32for tolerating the relationship.
22:34So you gave Elena
22:35a fake certificate
22:36to make her believe
22:37you were committed.
22:39Then,
22:40to save me
22:40from the Valentino family,
22:42you registered
22:43a real marriage
22:45with me.
22:46Bianca lowered her head,
22:48her lashes trembling.
22:49You claimed me
22:50in front of the families.
22:52Completed the ritual,
22:53made me your Donna.
22:55Dominic,
22:56since it has come to this,
22:57why don't we simply be together?
22:59Dominic froze.
23:01What did you say?
23:02Do you dare say
23:03you don't truly like me?
23:05You legally married me.
23:08You completed
23:09the claiming ritual.
23:10You made me your Donna.
23:13You say it was to save me
23:15from Valentino,
23:15but you never had to go that far.
23:17Just admit it.
23:19You like me.
23:21As for Elena,
23:23she's just not right for you.
23:24All she cares about
23:25is her dad's business.
23:26She never even thinks
23:27about helping you
23:28with your work
23:28or fitting in with your crowd.
23:30What's she even gonna give you?
23:32But I'm different.
23:34I know what you want
23:35and I know how to make
23:36your mom happy.
23:37I can give you way more
23:38than she ever could.
23:40Dominic looked into those eyes
23:42that were nothing like Elena's.
23:44Elena's eyes were bright,
23:45like stars in the mountains.
23:47No secrets,
23:48no pretense.
23:49Happy was happy.
23:50Sad was sad.
23:51Plain and simple.
23:52But Bianca's eyes were soft,
23:54like a pool of water
23:55that could pull you under
23:56before you even realized it.
23:58He suddenly asked himself,
23:59back when he'd go
24:00to the Meretti estate,
24:01bringing things for Elena,
24:03did he always bring
24:04a little something
24:04for Bianca too?
24:07And later,
24:08when Bianca said her sister
24:09got the family business,
24:11she had to find work.
24:12Was it just because
24:13he felt sorry
24:14for how fragile she seemed
24:15that he let her move
24:16into his home?
24:17He wasn't sure anymore.
24:18Was that casual kindness
24:20he'd shown her
24:21over the past three years
24:22really just a coincidence?
24:23And when he saw Bianca smile,
24:26was that feeling in his chest
24:27really just the affection
24:28of a brother?
24:29He didn't know
24:30when it started.
24:31Or perhaps he always knew,
24:33but refused to admit it.
24:34He only knew one thing
24:35for certain.
24:36Elena was the one
24:37he was supposed to marry.
24:38The wife he chose.
24:39The girl he was willing
24:40to give up everything.
24:43Dominic snapped back,
24:44looking at her,
24:45but thinking of Elena.
24:46Thinking of her lying
24:47on that man's back.
24:48Thinking of how she
24:49hadn't said a word.
24:50Thinking of how she
24:51hadn't even bothered
24:51to struggle.
24:52His heart felt
24:53as if a piece
24:54had been savagely carved out.
24:56So, the mistaken identity
24:57he thought no one knew.
24:59Elena had seen it all.
25:00So, she walked away
25:01in the other direction.
25:05Not long after,
25:06his mother arrived.
25:08Walked in,
25:08already lecturing.
25:09Since you and Bianca
25:10are registered,
25:11just live your lives.
25:13Why are you constantly
25:14thinking about that woman
25:15who ran off with another man
25:17and hasn't even come home?
25:18Dominic knew
25:19she would say this.
25:20In these three years,
25:22Bianca had charmed her well.
25:23She made her almost forget
25:24who it was that used
25:26to be insulted in the kitchen,
25:27who worked until midnight
25:28without a word of thanks.
25:30Bianca knew how to act cute,
25:32how to speak softly,
25:33how to buy expensive gifts
25:34to make her smile.
25:35And Elena?
25:36Elena didn't know these things.
25:38Elena only knew
25:39how to work hard,
25:40how to be good to him,
25:41how to stand there
25:42and wait to be seen.
25:43But she was never seen.
25:45Mother,
25:47Elena didn't run off.
25:49If that isn't running off,
25:51what is?
25:52She was claimed,
25:53claiming our normal out there.
25:55If she had you in her heart,
25:56why hasn't she come back?
25:58Because I have no right
25:59to ask her to.
26:00His mother froze.
26:02Back then,
26:03you said the only condition
26:05for accepting her
26:06was not registering the marriage.
26:08So,
26:09the contract I had with her
26:11was fake.
26:12From beginning to end,
26:13she was never truly my wife.
26:15Since she isn't back,
26:16I have no standing
26:17to look for her.
26:18If she wants to marry
26:19someone else...
26:21His throat tightened.
26:22I don't even have
26:24the right to object.
26:25Then who do you blame?
26:27I did interfere
26:28with the registration,
26:29but the rest was your choice.
26:30If you didn't like Bianca,
26:32why did you claim her?
26:33Why did you register with her?
26:35Dominic's throat choked.
26:36He couldn't explain.
26:38Saying Bianca was
26:39to help her leave,
26:40registering was
26:41for her status.
26:42But saying those things
26:43now felt pathetic,
26:44even to him.
26:45By helping her,
26:46he had lost himself.
26:48I'm telling you,
26:49everyone in the family
26:50knows about you and Bianca.
26:51Bianca, you legally
26:53married that girl.
26:54You claimed her
26:55in front of the families.
26:56You made her your Donna.
26:58And now you want
26:59to discard her?
27:00What does that say
27:01about the Russo family?
27:04We're divorced.
27:06What?
27:07We divorced two months ago.
27:10I couldn't live with her.
27:13Then what do you
27:13want to do now?
27:14What did he want?
27:16He wanted to laugh.
27:17He wanted to find Elena.
27:18But with what?
27:19He didn't even know
27:20if she still hated him.
27:21He didn't even have
27:22the chance to use a divorce
27:23to force her to see him.
27:25Three years later.
27:26You're either locked
27:27in the Moretti estate
27:28or driving across Sicily
27:29chasing a ghost.
27:30Get out for once.
27:31Dominic,
27:32every family sends
27:33someone tonight.
27:34You should show your face.
27:35The hall was crowded
27:36with the elite
27:37of the most powerful syndicates.
27:40Dominic wandered
27:40through it aimlessly,
27:42eyes passing over each face
27:44and moving on.
27:45Three years.
27:46He thought sometimes.
27:47After her father died,
27:49she had nobody left.
27:49Maybe that's why
27:50she never went back
27:51to Moretti estate.
27:52She'd had him once.
27:53But what had he done
27:54with that?
27:55He'd made her wait
27:56three years,
27:56then carried another woman
27:57out right in front of her.
27:59What had he actually
28:00given her?
28:01A fake marriage license?
28:03Empty words.
28:04Three years of his
28:05mother's contempt.
28:06He'd watched
28:07every bit of it
28:08and never once
28:09stepped in front of it.
28:10And in the end,
28:12on what should have been
28:13the best night of her life,
28:14he walked away
28:15from her for good.
28:15Was she somewhere
28:17doing well now?
28:18Had she already
28:19forgotten him?
28:26Dominic,
28:27isn't that Elena?
28:28The man was in a black shirt,
28:30focused,
28:31unhurried,
28:32the woman beside him.
28:35She was speaking to someone,
28:37and her eyes curved
28:38into a smile.
28:39That was the person
28:40he'd been looking for
28:41for three years,
28:42standing right there,
28:43close enough to see.
28:46Elena.
29:00Hello.
29:01What can I help you with?
29:02Elena.
29:04It's me.
29:05She looked at him
29:06the way you look at someone
29:07you half recognize.
29:08I'm sorry.
29:09Do we know each me?
29:10I'm terrible with faces.
29:11She looked at him again
29:12more carefully.
29:13Mr. Russo.
29:15It's been a while.
29:16She genuinely
29:17hadn't recognized him.
29:19Three years.
29:20Dominic was gaunt
29:21and weathered,
29:22no longer the handsome,
29:23dashing man
29:24he had once been.
29:25Luca looked up then
29:26and glanced at him.
29:28He said nothing,
29:29simply stepping closer
29:30to Elena's side.
29:31It was a natural,
29:32protective stance.
29:33You two,
29:34are you truly,
29:36truly together?
29:38Elena turned slightly
29:39to look at Luca.
29:41That look was soft,
29:42certain,
29:43and natural.
29:45Mr. Russo,
29:46let me introduce you.
29:47This is my wife.
29:48During the claiming,
29:49you met her,
29:50remember?
29:51Wife?
29:52That's how,
29:53how can that count?
29:54That was a mistake,
29:55a blunder.
29:56It was dark
29:57and I claimed
29:57the wrong person.
29:58Claimed the wrong person?
29:59Mr. Russo,
30:00in our tradition,
30:01a claiming isn't a kidnapping.
30:03It's a silent agreement
30:04between families.
30:05If the girl doesn't want it,
30:06can she be taken?
30:09If she truly didn't want to go,
30:11she would have beat me
30:13until my own mother
30:13didn't recognize me.
30:17The words were a knife
30:19in Dominic's chest.
30:20He remembered
30:21what Elena had said.
30:22If it's someone I don't like,
30:24I'll fight until
30:25he don't recognize himself.
30:26But the truth was,
30:27she had lain quietly
30:29on Luca's back,
30:30without a single sound.
30:31He stood there,
30:32watching Elena turn her head
30:34to meet the other man's gaze.
30:35If you're here on Russo's business,
30:37I can point you
30:37to the right people.
30:38If not,
30:39you're in the way.
30:42Elena,
30:43listen to me.
30:43Listen to what?
30:44Listen to you say
30:45the marriage was fake?
30:46Listen to you tell me
30:47about your plan
30:47to swap brides
30:48so the fragile Bianca
30:49wouldn't suffer?
30:50You,
30:51you heard all that?
30:54Mr. Russo,
30:56meeting today is fate,
30:57but it doesn't mean
30:58you can harass my wife.
31:00Luca!
31:01She's my wife!
31:03Luca said nothing,
31:04only looked down
31:05at Elena.
31:06He had explained this
31:07to his wife before.
31:09That night,
31:10he had followed the crew
31:11to the Maradi estate,
31:12but not for himself.
31:13His cousin had wanted Bianca
31:15and dragged him along
31:17for support.
31:18He couldn't refuse,
31:19so he went.
31:20But at the edge
31:21of the estate,
31:22the cousin suddenly
31:23clutched clutched
31:24his stomach,
31:25his face pale.
31:28I can't,
31:28I can't.
31:29That wine at lunch
31:30was bad.
31:31I need a place.
31:32He waved him off.
31:33You go ahead,
31:34find Bianca and hide her.
31:35Actually,
31:35she doesn't like me.
31:37I just wanted to try
31:38if she'd accept me.
31:39If she won't,
31:40we'll just leave.
31:41Don't let her suffer.
31:42With that,
31:43he vanished into the trees.
31:45Luca stood in the darkness,
31:47feeling ridiculous.
31:49He came to help
31:50with a claiming,
31:51and the groom had run off.
31:53He stood there,
31:55not knowing whether
31:56to stay or go.
31:58Later,
31:59he went in,
32:01not to claim anyone,
32:03but to find Bianca.
32:10And tell her to hide.
32:13Luca said nothing,
32:15only looked down at Elena.
32:16He had explained this
32:17to his wife before.
32:19That night,
32:20he had followed the crew
32:21to the Moretti estate,
32:22but not for himself.
32:23His cousin had wanted Bianca
32:25and dragged him along
32:26for support.
32:26He couldn't refuse,
32:28so he went.
32:29I can't,
32:29I can't,
32:29that wine at lunch was bad.
32:31I need a place.
32:31He waved him off.
32:32You go ahead,
32:33find Bianca and hide her.
32:34Actually,
32:34she doesn't like me,
32:35I just wanted to try
32:36if she'd accept me.
32:37If she won't,
32:38we'll just leave.
32:38Don't let her suffer.
32:39With that,
32:40he vanished in the darkness,
32:41feeling ridiculous.
32:42He came to help
32:43with a claiming,
32:44and the groom had run off.
32:45He stood there,
32:46not knowing whether
32:47to stay or go.
32:49Later,
32:50he went in,
32:51not to claim anyone,
32:52but to find Bianca
32:54and tell her to hide.
32:55Then another crew
32:56poured through the door
32:57and started throwing
32:58their weight around.
32:59First,
33:00it was the motions.
33:01Then,
33:02it started being rude.
33:02She didn't move,
33:04didn't fight back,
33:05just sat there
33:06and took it.
33:07He couldn't watch it.
33:08He walked over,
33:09crouched down
33:10in front of her.
33:11Do you want to leave?
33:13She looked at him,
33:15and her eyes turned home,
33:16but she didn't crew.
33:18She simply nended
33:19and climbed onto his back.
33:21Perhaps that was fate.
33:24If his cousin
33:25hadn't had a stomach ache,
33:26perhaps in her despair,
33:28she really would have gone with,
33:29or perhaps,
33:29after they found the mistake,
33:31they would have parted ways peacefully,
33:32treated the night as a blunder.
33:34But there are no ifs.
33:35He and Elena decided
33:36to give each other a chance,
33:37so they made the claiming real,
33:39and so,
33:40they found their current happiness.
33:41Elena suddenly called his name,
33:43her voice soft.
33:44Didn't you get your wish
33:45and claim Bianca?
33:48Dominic's throat choked.
33:50I,
33:51Bianca,
33:52he and Bianca
33:53had divorced long ago,
33:54but what point was there
33:56in saying that now?
33:57Elena,
33:58I claimed the wrong one.
33:59That night,
34:00I was supposed to claim you.
34:02I thought you'd fight,
34:03I thought you'd...
34:03I never imagined
34:04Bianca kind.
34:05I'll give Binnum back to you.
34:06I'll give everything back to you.
34:08Give Elena back to me.
34:09Elena smiled,
34:10a light,
34:11faint smile.
34:11Dominic,
34:12a claiming isn't a game.
34:14In our traditions,
34:14a mistake is the will of heaven.
34:16Heaven willed me to go with him,
34:18so I went.
34:18Heaven willed me to go with him,
34:20so I went.
34:21You claimed Bianca,
34:22and I married Luca.
34:24We're even.
34:26Dominic stood there,
34:27shaking.
34:28He saw Luca gently put an arm
34:29around her shoulder.
34:30He wanted to chase them,
34:32but he couldn't move.
34:33In the crowd,
34:34Elena's back grew further
34:36and further away.
34:37The rain came suddenly,
34:38and the crowd began to disperse.
34:41Dominic still stood there,
34:42in the rain.
34:43He suddenly remembered
34:44the summer years ago,
34:46when he went to find Elena.
34:47You fool!
34:48I was afraid you'd be waiting.
34:50Then,
34:51eyes brights like Shanton stars.
34:53Dominic,
34:54I'll wait for you.
34:55Okay.
34:56He'd made her wait for three years.
34:58In the rain,
34:59he suddenly laughed,
34:59and he couldn't tell the rain
35:01when it's going to be...
35:03He's retiring.
35:03He'll first start here.
35:03He's afframed.
35:04His father's existing
35:04He's lighting for one another
35:04and he's accidentally
35:04vaan in heré.
35:04His husband disposes
35:04to get a wild animalife's
35:05You
Comments