- 1 day ago
A Breath Away From The Death
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Short filmTranscript
00:00What's your relationship with my fiance?
00:06That old man must be Amelia's sugar daddy.
00:09Ethan, didn't the boss of the Reesey family help you take over the East District?
00:13You know Mr. Reesey and he values you so much you have to save me!
00:17Ethan froze. The Reese family had many branches and held power across the country.
00:22Ethan used to be the mere leader of a gang of small-time thugs.
00:25But three years ago, he suddenly received help from the dawn of the Reese family
00:29and took control of both the East and West Districts.
00:32The Rolling Stones quickly developed into a small mafia family in the nation.
00:36I was born with a heart condition.
00:38She secretly poured a second high-dose energy drink.
00:41Just to show respect to Charlotte on her big day.
00:44In a panic, I tore open my only emergency medication,
00:47but the water I used to take it had been swapped with more of the same high-caffeine energy drink.
00:51As soon as I swallowed it, a violent wave of nausea hit me.
00:55My vision blurred.
00:56Energy drinks are full of vitamins and caffeine.
00:59They help with hangovers and keep you alert and healthy.
01:02Ethan, your fiance's acting is incredible.
01:05I've been a doctor for years and I've never seen anyone react like this to a little champagne and a
01:09harmless energy drink.
01:11Honey, please, call an ambulance. I can't take it anymore.
01:15For a moment, Ethan's expression wavered.
01:18He looked almost worried and even took half a step forward.
01:21Come on, stop pretending.
01:23Nobody dies from a bit of champagne and an energy drink.
01:25Yeah, you're just jealous Charlotte got promoted and didn't want to toast to her.
01:29Ethan's face turned cold again.
01:30Charlotte's a doctor. You'll be fine with her here, right?
01:43What are you doing? We just called you out a bit and now you're trying to post on Instagram to
01:47get people to attack us?
01:51His face was dark and he looked at me with a cold glare.
01:55Though his brow tritched and his hand instinctively moved toward his pocket again.
01:59The pain made my vision go black at the edges.
02:02I didn't do anything, Ethan. I was born with a heart condition.
02:06I think I'm having an attack.
02:10Please, call an ambulance.
02:12Ethan finally noticed something was wrong.
02:15But before he could decide, Charlotte pulled him away.
02:22Ethan, your fiance is so inconsiderate.
02:25Everyone came here to celebrate my promotion, but she's jealous and trying to ruin the party they threw for me.
02:29I knew Amelia never liked me.
02:31I invited her because I wanted to fix things between us, but she didn't appreciate it.
02:37She's showing everyone how nasty she can be.
02:40Ethan, if I'd known this would happen, I would have solely invited you.
02:46You really know how to act, don't you?
02:48Maybe try using that talent for acting instead of scheming and stirring up trouble.
02:52As a doctor, I can tell when someone's faking it.
02:58But even though it was supposed to be my date with Ethan,
03:01Ethan and Charlotte had grown up together.
03:03They had their own tight circle.
03:06Charlotte was unhappy about it.
03:08She often showed up uninvited whenever Ethan and I went out.
03:13Ethan!
03:16Charlotte's like my sister, don't overthink it.
03:19Amelia, I'm only tagging along to help our friends decide if you're right for Ethan.
03:23He's already spent enough time on you.
03:26You can't be this greedy.
03:27Charlotte's words made me feel like if I loved Ethan, I would have to accept all his friends.
03:31Even Charlotte herself.
03:34But even though it was supposed to be my date with Ethan, we ended up doing the things Charlotte liked.
03:39I pulled myself back to the present.
03:41Memories of those suffocating dates flashing through my mind.
03:48I get it, Amelia.
03:49You're so used to being in the spotlight that you have to steal the show, don't you?
03:54Today, the focus is on me and since no one is cheering for you like your fans would, you're putting
03:59on an act just to get attention.
04:00Remember when we were kids?
04:02You said you'd kill anyone who made me unhappy.
04:06Looks like you've changed.
04:10The guests at the party sneered at me.
04:12They were all Charlotte and Ethan's friends.
04:14They had always thought I was not good enough for Ethan and felt nothing but dislike towards me.
04:24Amelia, I know you don't like Charlotte.
04:26I've already tried to keep you away from her, but her promotion party only lasts one day.
04:31Can't you just bear with it for a few hours?
04:35The sharp taste helped me stay conscious for a few more seconds.
04:38Instead of just begging, a spark of cold anger rose in me.
04:41I started crawling toward the door, my nails scraping the ground with determination.
04:45I hoped someone outside could help me, and part of me refused to die quietly in front of them.
04:51What's wrong?
04:52You got exposed and now that Ethan won't defend you anymore, you're embarrassed and trying to run away?
04:59But a couple exchanged uneasy glance.
05:01My weak body hit the champagne tower.
05:03Glasses fell to the ground, and champagne spilled all over me, soaking my clothes and mixing with my cold sweat.
05:15You call yourself the fiancé of a mafia boss?
05:18There's a limit to playing the victim.
05:19Look at yourself, all miserable and pathetic.
05:21You're making Ethan look bad.
05:23Ethan, your fiancé's been causing trouble even before the wedding.
05:27Imagine what she'll be like later.
05:28Today is the perfect chance to teach her a lesson.
05:38Amelia, I've had enough!
05:39Stop pretending and get up!
05:41The next moment, he froze.
05:43My face was deathly pale, lips turning a faint blue.
05:51Amelia's terrified of pain.
05:54Could it really be?
05:55My mind was already fogging over.
05:58It's so hot.
05:59And this is an outdoor party.
06:01She's suffering from heat-strake.
06:03Yet she lies on the ground and continues to pretend.
06:06A cold drink will fix her right up!
06:11Suddenly, everything went strangely quiet inside me.
06:13My heart no longer raced.
06:15It stuttered in irregular, terrifying beats.
06:19Not because the pain had eased, but because I seemed to have forgotten how to breathe.
06:25She's not actually dying, is she?
06:28Ethan looked at me with worry.
06:30He pushed through the crowd.
06:34Amelia, what's wrong?
06:37Move!
06:38Get out of the way!
06:39Amelia, your next role is a heroine with a heart condition?
06:43It's no wonder your act looks so real.
06:48You really fooled everyone.
06:50Your acting is... impressive.
06:57Ethan glanced at the trailer on Charlotte's phone.
07:00His worry turned to anger.
07:01Amelia, this is Charlotte's celebration party, not your personal show.
07:05Get up, or else...
07:08I was in too much pain to hear the rest.
07:10My face twisted in agony.
07:12Looks like she hasn't changed.
07:14Ethan, teach her a lesson.
07:16You are the mafia boss.
07:18How can you let her ruin my party and make a fool of you?
07:22Listen, Charlotte is the star today.
07:25Whether you like it or not...
07:32Ethan took a glass of strong whiskey from a waiter and held it out to me.
07:37Get up and toast to Charlotte.
07:39I'll overlook the stupid thing you did today.
07:41Tears ran down my face from the pain.
07:44I looked at Ethan's cold, heartless face and forced myself to say...
07:49No!
07:51Amelia, I already finished my drink.
07:53You are really narrow-minded.
07:55Poor Ethan. He always tries to defend you.
07:58If you love acting so much, I'll help you.
08:05I struggled.
08:07I could only watch helplessly as they poured the whiskey into my mouth.
08:10My heart could not take it.
08:12Sharp pain and suffocating pressure spread through me.
08:20Help. Help me. My heart.
08:24Stop pretending, Amelia.
08:25It is just a glass of whiskey.
08:27It can't hurt you.
08:29I've known you for a very long time and never once heard about your heart condition.
08:33I stayed silent because I loved you.
08:36I wanted to give you a chance but you disappointed me.
08:48Three years ago, I ran away to follow my dream of acting.
08:52One day, I was cornered by street bugs and Ethan appeared like a hero.
08:59We fell in love at first sight and quickly grew close.
09:02When I learned that Ethan, who seemed cold and de-packed,
09:05had lost both his parents to sudden illness,
09:07I decided to hide my own condition
09:08so that he would not have to feel that kind of fear and worry again.
09:13Ethan turned away in disgust and refused to look at me again.
09:19After he turned his back, Charlene grew even more smug.
09:25I was forced to open my bloodshot eyes to look at the cruel woman in front of me.
09:37Why? Why are you doing this to me?
09:40You don't deserve him.
09:41Ethan is handsome, rich, and the boss of the entire Rolling Stones.
09:45I spent 11 years trying to win his heart and failed.
09:48How can someone like you, a filthy rat who crawled out of the gutter,
09:52ever deserve him?
09:53A filthy rat, a cold, bitter smile appeared on my lips.
09:57If my father knew I had been humiliated and mistreated like this after leaving home,
10:01how heartbroken would he be?
10:03Sadly, I would never see him again.
10:06My consciousness began to fade.
10:07Through the blur, I saw the pouch of medicine I had dropped near the waiter's feet.
10:11Some emergency medicine was still inside.
10:15Just a few more steps.
10:18Just a few more.
10:22I thought I could reach the pouch.
10:24Even if I could not, I hope this would catch this waiter's attention.
10:32Ha!
10:32Weren't you just pretending you were about to die?
10:34Look how fat.
10:35You can crawl now.
10:37Amelia!
10:38You just couldn't help showing your clumsy trick!
10:41I take back my compliment about your acting!
10:43Oh!
10:45She raised her voice on purpose to draw everyone's attention.
10:48Ethan glanced at me, then turned away with even more impatience.
10:52I did not care about that.
10:53I bit down on the pain and tried to pull the packet away from under Charlotte's feel.
10:57Charlotte gave me a mocking smile and whispered,
10:59Your heart must hurt so much you nearly died, right?
11:02There's worse pain yet to come.
11:05Charlotte's eyes went cold.
11:07She lifted her foot and kicked my outstretched arm.
11:12I felt numb and could not even make a sound.
11:16The waiter who had been pushed aside pointed under the table and screamed,
11:19There's blood!
11:20There's so much blood!
11:23His cry got everyone's attention.
11:25Ethan frowned.
11:26He pushed through the guests and rushed to my side.
11:29When he saw me, he froze.
11:31The small cuts on my arm from the broken glass had been ripped open by Charlotte's heel.
11:35Blood flowed and soaked the grass beneath me.
11:37Amelia!
11:38I'll take you to the hospital now!
11:40He did not hesitate and reached to pick me up.
11:44Charlotte showed a flicker of panic.
11:47This is nothing, Ethan.
11:49It looks worse than it actually is.
11:50It's just a surface wound.
11:53No need for an emergency.
11:54I'm a doctor.
11:55I can treat her faster than going to the hospital.
11:58Charlotte acted concerned and lifted my arm.
12:00Blood ran from the wound and mixed with grass and dirt.
12:04Amelia, you have to stop with the pity party.
12:08You crawled over the glass on purpose to cut yourself, didn't you?
12:11You're taking advantage of Ethan's love for you to make him give in.
12:14I feel sorry for him.
12:20Is that it, Amelia?
12:22You knew I couldn't stand seeing someone close to me hurt, so you used such petty tricks to threaten me?
12:27Can't you even put up with such a small thing as this for me?
12:30Listen, Amelia.
12:31We aren't leaving this place today.
12:33We'll stay until the party ends.
12:35Charlotte, treat her wound.
12:37Whoever helps Amelia will be considered to be against the whole Rolling Stones.
12:41Charlotte grew triumphant.
12:42She lifted my injured arm as if it were a rag doll.
12:45Don't worry, Ethan.
12:47I've treated wounds like these many times before.
12:50First, we need to disinfect them.
12:52She grabbed a glass of liquor and poured it straight onto my wound.
12:58The burning pain made my weak heart stop for a moment.
13:02My mind cleared a little.
13:04I spat up blood and managed to say with difficulty.
13:07My father, Rhys, won't let you get away with this.
13:15Your father?
13:16A junkie from West Street or a drunk from East Street?
13:19My father runs the city hospitals and has close ties with the Rolling Stones.
13:22Don't try to act superior in front of me.
13:26Darkness flickered at the edge of my vision.
13:29I felt numb and could no longer feel the pain.
13:32Rhys?
13:33You mean the Rhys family that controls half the Mafia world?
13:36Don't listen to her lies!
13:37It even told me she's a failed actress!
13:39If Ethan hadn't rescued her, who knows where she'd be now!
13:45The Rhys family?
13:46Please!
13:47This woman will say anything to survive!
13:51After hearing Charlotte's words, they laughed cruelly.
13:54Ethan's face grew even darker.
13:57He turned his back on me and walked away.
13:59He did not care about me, even though I was dying.
14:06My body grew stiff.
14:09Before I blacked out, tears blurred my view.
14:13Papa!
14:14Papa!
14:14Save me!
14:15I called out even though I knew it might just be a hallucination.
14:25Papa?
14:26Do you really think you are a Mafia Principissa?
14:29Who is your Papa?
14:30A mindless fan or another sponsor?
14:32She saw Ethan walk away and grabbed my mud-cocked hair.
14:37She slapped me hard.
14:41My world collapsed into dizzying blackness.
14:52Face the truth!
14:55Even if you die by our hands, no one's coming to save you!
15:04Just as I closed my eyes in despair, a furious voice rang in my ear.
15:09I knew it better than any other voice in the world.
15:15How dare you torment my daughter!
15:17I'll make you pay with your lives!
15:21My father stormed into the party with a group of Mafia men behind him.
15:28I was a maid, but every night I took my lady's place in my Dawn's bed.
15:31On the bed, I begged him to give me a title as one of his mistresses.
15:35But he doesn't even look up.
15:36What are you thinking? You're nothing but a debt slave.
15:38I close my eyes against the despair.
15:40Everyone knows how Dante Moretti worships his wife.
15:42The next morning, I kneel before the matriarch and make my offer.
15:46I'll marry the dying heir, Simus, Dante's elder brother.
15:49The old woman's eyes go wet.
15:51After the ceremony, you'll be a widow forever.
15:53Child, are you certain?
15:55No regrets.
15:57In my peripheral vision, Dante and Bianca go white as corpses.
16:02Dante comes to Bianca's room again tonight.
16:04They curl together by the fireplace.
16:06All whispered promises and silk robes.
16:08Bianca's cheeks flush pink as she slips away to the bathroom.
16:11Before she goes, she kills every light.
16:13The usual routine.
16:14One cigarette's worth of time later.
16:16I push through the door.
16:17Took you long enough.
16:19He pulls me into his laugh, then frowns.
16:21Christ, you're freezing.
16:22I was outside, watching the snow.
16:25I say it quietly.
16:26The truth.
16:27I've been standing in the hallway in my slip dress, waiting for my cue to replace her.
16:30By dawn, I'm wrecked.
16:32I slip out before the sun breaks, muscles screaming.
16:34Bianca waits for me in the adjoining room.
16:36I kneel, ignoring the ache in my spine, and repeat everything Dante said during the night.
16:40Word for word, Bianca's eyes drop to the bruises on my throat.
16:44Her expression goes dark.
16:45She pads silently back to the bed, sliding in beside her husband.
16:49Sneaking off to meet some other man?
16:51Playful.
16:51Teasing.
16:52Bianca hits his chest, mock offended.
16:54I back out of the room before they notice.
16:56Bianca is beautiful, but her body is fragile, breakable.
16:59That's why no one proposed to her when she was younger.
17:01At the spring gala, Dante saw her across the garden and fell like a man shot.
17:05He married her with his family name, full honors, a queen.
17:08They were perfect together, a fairy tale.
17:10I was her insurance policy, the debt slave who came with the dowry.
17:14I was happy for her, really.
17:15But on their wedding night, Bianca collapsed.
17:17Dante's a soldier, a killer, built for violence, not gentleness.
17:21Three nights in a row, they couldn't finish.
17:23Overnight, Bianca became a joke in the Moretti compound.
17:26Everyone whispered that she couldn't satisfy him, that the mistresses would bury her.
17:30And maybe they were right, Dante's in his prime, all testosterone and hunger.
17:34Even if he loves her, how long can a man go without?
17:37Desperate, Bianca found a solution.
17:41Every night, kill the lights, send in a substitute.
17:43In the dark, Dante can't see the face beneath him.
17:46Of all her servants, I'm the only one who matches her build and voice.
17:50She promised me three years, just three years to fix her body, get stronger.
17:54After that, she'd pay me off and let me go.
17:55I'm a debt slave.
17:56My whole family's lives are in her hands.
17:58I never had a choice.
17:59An hour later, Bianca and Dante finally get up.
18:02I rest briefly in my room, then return to set out breakfast.
18:05Dante stares at me.
18:06Why are you dressed like that?
18:07I don't know how to answer.
18:09My lips press together, nervous.
18:10Dante's rough in bed.
18:11He leaves marks, everywhere.
18:13I have to wear high collars to hide them.
18:15Bianca pushes him lightly.
18:17Don't you remember?
18:18Alata's mute.
18:19She can't speak.
18:19I nod quickly.
18:20When I'm serving Bianca, I always cross paths with Dante.
18:23She's terrified of being exposed, so she forbids me from talking.
18:26Everyone in the compound thinks I'm mute.
18:28Your little mute's actually pretty.
18:31Shame.
18:31Bianca's smile turns sharp.
18:33What's that supposed to mean, husband?
18:34You interested in her?
18:35She looks at me with cold, barely concealed violence.
18:38Dante laughs.
18:39Don't blame me.
18:40Blame yourself.
18:41He rolls up his sleeve, showing off his arm.
18:43The bite mark.
18:44My body goes rigid.
18:45Last night, Dante pushed too hard.
18:47I cried myself hoarse, then bit him in desperation and fury.
18:50He's a made man, covered in scars from wars and interrogations.
18:53A bite is nothing to him, but now he's using it as foreplay.
18:57A joke between spouses.
18:58I kneel on the floor, hands ice cold.
19:00I don't know how long I stay there.
19:02Then scalding tea splashes across my skin.
19:04You bitch!
19:04How dare you bite the Don?
19:06Are you trying to humiliate me?
19:09I don't get a chance to explain.
19:11Bianca has me bound and dragged to the storage basement.
19:14No food.
19:14No water.
19:15Dante's gone to inspect the territories outside the city.
19:18He'll be gone three, maybe five days.
19:20However long he's away, that's how long I'm locked up.
19:22When I'm barely conscious, my sister Poppy bribes the guard and brings me soup.
19:26She's my sister.
19:27Came with me as part of Bianca's dowry.
19:29She doesn't know about the substitution arrangement.
19:31Alora, what did you do to make her this angry?
19:33I shake my head.
19:34I just ask when Dante's coming back.
19:36I heard the housekeeper's talking.
19:37The Don's returning tonight.
19:38He's going to Bianca's room.
19:39I exhale in relief.
19:41Then I ask what else is happening outside.
19:43The eldest Maradi, his condition's gotten worse.
19:45The doctors say there's nothing they can do.
19:47They're preparing for the end.
19:48Dante has an older brother.
19:49Silas was born with a terminal genetic condition, the family curse.
19:53He's been dying his whole life, which is why Dante inherited the position.
19:56The eldest has never married.
19:58Poppy sighs softly.
19:59The matriarch doesn't want him going to the Drev alone.
20:01So she's looking for someone to marry his corpse.
20:04A ghost marriage.
20:05The bride follows the groom into death.
20:07Silas has days left, maybe hours.
20:09Marry him and you're a widow for life.
20:11No society woman would agree.
20:12Not even the servants or cleaners are willing.
20:14I'm released.
20:15Ilara, I was impulsive.
20:17Bianca has food brought to me.
20:19I meant to let you out after a few hours, but things got busy and I forgot.
20:23Don't hold it against me.
20:24I murmur that I wouldn't dare.
20:26Bianca nods graciously.
20:27I want to leave.
20:29You want to leave?
20:31Bianca's face changes instantly.
20:32Yes.
20:33My body isn't recovered yet.
20:35Dante still needs you.
20:36I look up shocked.
20:37Bianca laughs lightly.
20:38If you insist on leaving, I'll just have Poppy replace you.
20:41You're sisters.
20:42Same build, same voice.
20:44How old is she?
20:45Thirteen?
20:46Or is it fourteen?
20:49After a long moment, I hear my own teeth chattering.
20:52Then, could you give me a title?
20:53Let Dante acknowledge me?
20:55You want to be mistress?
20:57If I wanted to give Dante a mistress, I have a hundred options.
21:01You wouldn't even make the list.
21:02And don't try going to him directly.
21:04He thinks you're a toy.
21:06Even if you became his bed warper, I could crush you with one finger.
21:09I can barely breathe.
21:11But...
21:11Slaves are supposed to be married off eventually.
21:14Am I supposed to be her body double forever?
21:17The gatekeeper's son is your age.
21:19When you turn sixteen next year, I'll let you marry him.
21:22When Dante returns, I'm still kneeling on the floor, dazed.
21:25Bianca stands, smiling.
21:26You're back.
21:27These past few days must have been exhausting.
21:30This girl brought of the Persian crystal glasses.
21:32I'm having her kneel for fifteen minutes.
21:34Dante didn't even glance at me.
21:35How's the situation with my brother?
21:36Bianca sighs.
21:37I've asked every woman in the compound, but honestly?
21:40A ghost marriage is terrifying.
21:42No young woman will agree.
21:43What's there to disagree about?
21:45Find someone.
21:46Leverage her family.
21:47It's done.
21:47That kind of coercion?
21:49It could anger the matriarch.
21:50Offer enough money, someone will bite.
21:52Apply enough pressure, someone will break.
21:54Mother doesn't like you.
21:55If you handle this cleanly, she'll change her mind.
21:57Bianca murmurs agreement.
21:59Every time Dante returns from patrol, he's insatiable.
22:02Tonight, I give him everything I have.
22:03It makes him lose control more than once.
22:06What's gotten into you?
22:07You miss me or something?
22:08I don't answer.
22:09I just push myself up, trembling, and kiss his cheek.
22:12I'm never this forward.
22:14Dante exhales softly.
22:15Good girl.
22:18As Dawn approaches, I try to leave.
22:20He catches me, pulling me back.
22:22Where do you think you're going?
22:23I freeze.
22:26Dante nuzzles my face, almost affectionate.
22:28I can smell the difference, you know?
22:30I've known about you and Bianca's little game for a while now.
22:33No wonder he's gotten rougher each time.
22:35He knew all along it wasn't his wife beneath him,
22:37so he didn't have to hold back.
22:39I whisper,
22:39When will you give me a title?
22:41Dante laughs.
22:42A title?
22:43You're Bianca's servant.
22:45Only she can grant you that.
22:47If I did it myself, it'd hurt our marriage.
22:50Tell me your name.
22:50I'll have jewelry sent to you.
22:52When Bianca's recovered, I'll make you a bed warmer.
22:54I close my eyes, bitter.
22:57Why bother granting status to someone you can have without commitment?
23:00Bianca was right.
23:01Sex doesn't earn love.
23:03It earns scraps.
23:04When I don't respond, Dante smiles.
23:07What, speechless with joy?
23:09I laugh, tears streaming down my face.
23:11Thank you for your generosity, Don Morelli.
23:15But I don't think I'll live long enough to enjoy it.
23:17He hates greedy women.
23:18Don't get greedy just because I've fucked you a few times.
23:20A bed warmer isn't enough?
23:21You want to be a mistress?
23:22You should consider your mistress dignity.
23:26Dante keeps mistresses in the compound.
23:28Gifts from allied families, all from respectable backgrounds.
23:32Someone like me, a debt slave, doesn't qualify.
23:35Since marrying Bianca, he hasn't touched any of them.
23:38People praise him for his restraint, his devotion.
23:41Dante loves hearing it.
23:42Bianca's father is a powerful senator.
23:44He's helped Dante behind the scenes more than once.
23:46If Dante took the senator's daughter's servant as a mistress,
23:49it would destroy his reputation.
23:50The more I think about it, the clearer it becomes.
23:54Tonight's promises are just post-sex sentimentality.
23:56When he's clear-headed, he'll regret it.
23:59He's planning to be Bianca's devoted husband for life.
24:01I say quietly,
24:03I'm nothing.
24:04I don't deserve a title or your bed.
24:06I just hope you and Bianca live happily ever after.
24:08Poppy hears about Bianca's plan to marry me to the gatekeeper's son.
24:11She sobs.
24:12After everything we've done for her, how can she be so cruel?
24:16The gatekeeper's son is mentally disabled, functions like a toddler, and violently unstable.
24:21He loves hurting people.
24:22Only by marrying me to him can I continue sleeping with Dante without threatening Bianca.
24:27I made my mind now.
24:28The next morning, I went straight to the matriarch.
24:30My lady, I volunteered to be Simas's widow.
24:35The matriarch is shocked and delighted.
24:37She asks my name, birthdate, hometown.
24:39The fortune teller calculates, nodding repeatedly.
24:42This girl's chart matches Silas perfectly.
24:44She was born into hardship.
24:45She carries good karma.
24:47The marriage will help him in the next life.
24:48Dante and Bianca arrive quickly.
24:50As they enter, I'm kneeling beside the matriarch, massaging her legs.
24:53Dante's laugh echoes.
24:54This is the girl willing to marry my brother?
24:56Bianca smiles sweetly.
24:57I wonder which household she's from.
24:59Such a kind heart.
25:00Mother should reward her generously.
25:01I turn and bow to them.
25:02It's me, Don Moretti.
25:04Senora.
25:04Dante stares.
25:05You're not mute.
25:06I shake my head.
25:07I can speak.
25:08Bianca just doesn't like my voice.
25:09She forbade me from talking.
25:11A few words, and Bianca's face drains of color.
25:13The matriarch grips my hand, her weathered face full of warmth.
25:16I had no idea you had such a treasure in your household.
25:18What loyalty.
25:19She wipes her eyes.
25:20But once you marry him, you'll be a widow for life.
25:22Are you sure?
25:23I bow low.
25:24No regrets.
25:24In my periphery, Dante's hand clenches at his side.
25:27He stares at me, disbelief written across his face.
25:30The matriarch pats my hand.
25:31Child, what do you want?
25:32Money?
25:33Jewels?
25:34Anything I can give?
25:34I will.
25:35I turn to Bianca.
25:36My gaze is cold.
25:37She forces a smile, unconsciously stepping back.
25:40After a long pause, I lower my eyes.
25:42I have a sister.
25:43Poppy.
25:43Please let her serve you, matri-
25:45Of course.
25:46Any servant in this house, I can reassign.
25:48With your devotion, I'll protect her for life.
25:50Bianca's smile strains.
25:51Mother, Poppy is my servant.
25:53Part of my dowry.
25:54I don't mean to be selfish, but-
25:55Dante cuts her off.
25:56Voice hard.
25:57She's just a servant.
25:58If mother wants her, give her.
25:59What's there to discuss?
26:00The matriarch's expression sours as she stares at Bianca.
26:03Bianca bites her lip and orders someone to fetch mine and Poppy's contracts.
26:07Poppy becomes the matriarch's personal attendant.
26:10The matriarch tells me that before she dies, she'll arrange a secure future for Poppy.
26:14I only wanted to free Poppy from Bianca's control.
26:17I didn't expect the matriarch to plan her entire life.
26:19Grateful, I promised to care for Silas with everything I had.
26:22At the mention of her cursed eldest son, the matriarch's eyes fill with tears.
26:26She tells me the story.
26:27When she was pregnant with Silas, there was an uprising.
26:29Insurgents and traitors working together.
26:31The old dawn went to war.
26:33The battle was brutal.
26:34He nearly died.
26:34The matriarch, sick with worry, went into early labor.
26:37Silas was born without breath.
26:39By chance, the dawn returned victorious that night, bringing with him a doctor from the remote mountains.
26:43The doctor practiced strange, ancient medicine.
26:46He brought Silas back from death.
26:47It should have been a blessing, but the doctor warned this was against nature.
26:50Silas would only live 30 years.
26:52And it was true.
26:53As a boy, Silas was too weak to train as a soldier.
26:56But his mind was sharp.
26:57He studied, took exams, excelled.
26:59But the older he got, the sicker he became.
27:01Eventually, he stopped leaving the compound.
27:03Now he lives in a cabin by the lake.
27:05Since I've agreed to marry him, I should stay by his side.
27:07He doesn't like being attended to, so only the doctor stays with him.
27:10The same mountain doctor from years ago.
27:12The doctor leads me into the inner room.
27:14Silas is still asleep.
27:15My eyes fall on his trembling lashes.
27:17He's two years older than Dante.
27:1827 now.
27:19The brothers look nothing alike.
27:20Dante's a soldier.
27:21Tan, muscular, hard.
27:23Silas is delicate.
27:24Pale.
27:24Almost beautiful if you ignore the gender.
27:26I ask the doctor about Silas's preferences.
27:28Temperament.
27:29Things to avoid.
27:30By sunset, Silas finally wakes.
27:33It's time for his medicine.
27:35I've spent all afternoon learning to brew it from the doctor.
27:38I kneel in front of him, holding the bowl above my head.
27:41You're the woman who's going to marry my corpse?
27:43Yes.
27:44He glances at me.
27:46Stand up.
27:47I rise obediently.
27:48Please drink your medicine, Signore.
27:50He takes the bowl calmly, then tilts it, pouring the black liquid into a potted plant.
27:55I don't want to.
27:56What are you going to do about it?
27:58I stare at him in silence.
27:59The doctor told me Silas is deeply principled.
28:02Emotional.
28:02I asked what that meant.
28:04The doctor stroked his beard and told me an old story.
28:07At 13, Silas passed the civil exams.
28:09At 15, he ranked third in the nation.
28:11His name was everywhere.
28:13A brilliant political career waited for him.
28:14But the night before his appointment, he went to the lake with Dante.
28:17He fell in.
28:18His condition flared.
28:19He was unconscious for days.
28:21The matriarch, enraged, had every servant near him beaten, crippled, sold off.
28:25After that, the young master refused to let anyone serve him.
28:28I understand what the doctor's really saying.
28:30Silas isn't the type to see servants as objects.
28:32He was raised on philosophy and ethics.
28:34He has principles, boundaries.
28:36He's different from Dante.
28:37The doctors stayed with him all these years without complaint.
28:40That says something about Silas' character.
28:42And Silas knows I'm going to marry him.
28:44But he's still lashing out at me.
28:45A strange, absurd thought forms in my mind.
28:47Seeing me stare, Silas' smile fades for a moment.
28:50Why do you keep looking at me?
28:51I quietly brew another bowl of medicine and return, my tone even.
28:55Signore, I can't force you to do anything.
28:57But since I'm marrying you eventually, I might as well.
29:00I stir the liquid slowly.
29:01I might as well exercise my wifely authority now.
29:05Silas looks genuinely shocked, as if he can't believe I'd say something so audacious.
29:09Either you drink the medicine now, or...
29:11He almost laughs.
29:12Or what?
29:13I press my lips together.
29:14The doctor told me Silas hasn't taken his medicine in six months.
29:17That's why he's so close to death.
29:18If this continues, he really won't last much longer.
29:21I hesitate for only a second.
29:23Then I move quickly.
29:24I gulped a big mouth of the medicine.
29:25I gripped his jaw.
29:26I lean down and feed him the medicine mouth to mouth.
29:29Soft.
29:30Brief.
29:30His skin is cold.
29:32The moment our breath mingles, I shiver.
29:34Silas leans back slightly.
29:35His throat, pale and sharp.
29:37Looking like it might break through his skin.
29:39A few seconds later, when I pull back, his face has flushed deep red.
29:43Like mountain mist, at dawn.
29:44Those lashes flutter with indignation.
29:46Dante once flirted with a nun at a chapel.
29:48The nun's tear-streaked, humiliated face looked disturbingly like Silas' does now.
29:52I feel a flicker of guilt.
29:54But I promised the matriarch I'd take care of him.
29:56I suppress my racing heartbeat and force myself to stay calm.
29:59If you don't drink, I'll...
30:01I'll do it again.
30:04Silas glares at me, furious.
30:06After a long moment, he snatches the bowl from my hands and drains it in one gulp.
30:10The doctor, seeing Silas finally taking his medicine, is overjoyed.
30:14I lean forward to wipe the residue from his lips.
30:16The proximity makes him tense.
30:18In my periphery, that pale skeletal hand grips the blanket tightly.
30:21I speak gently.
30:23Signore, you've improved these past few days.
30:25You're not as cold anymore.
30:26It's because of the medicine.
30:27Silas says coldly.
30:28Medicine is useless.
30:29I coax him patiently.
30:31The doctor works so hard brewing it for you.
30:32If you refuse every time, he'll be heartbroken.
30:35I hold out my hands.
30:36Fingers spread.
30:37Look, brewing medicine requires constant temperature checks to preserve the potency.
30:40I've only been doing this a few days, and my hands already look like this.
30:44He's been doing it for years.
30:45My once smooth fingers are now covered in burns and blisters.
30:48Silas' gaze lingers on them.
30:50He presses his lips together, then irritably drinks the dregs at the bottom of the bowl.
30:54After that, he takes his medicine without argument.
30:56Half a month later, the doctor reports Silas' condition to the matriarch.
31:00He's genuinely improved.
31:01He's not teetering on the edge anymore.
31:02The matriarch asks cautiously, how did he recover so quickly?
31:06Is it a rally before the end?
31:07The doctor smiles, gesturing to me.
31:09Don't worry, matriarch.
31:10The young master is truly better.
31:12It's thanks to this girl.
31:13As I told you before, her life force is strong.
31:16It compliments his perfectly.
31:17In the sitting room, all eyes turn to me.
31:19The matriarch's expression softens.
31:21She beckons me to sit beside her.
31:22She asks Silas, how has Alara been treating you?
31:25Silas is quiet for a second.
31:26She takes good care of me.
31:28The matriarch nods, pleased.
31:30Her gaze growing warmer.
31:31Silas doesn't know.
31:32Alara used to serve my husband quite well, too.
31:36The air goes still.
31:37I try to stay calm, but my hands shake uncontrollably.
31:40Silas looks at her, expression unreadable.
31:43He says evenly, is that how you speak to your future sister-in-law?
31:46The matriarch's warm expression hardens.
31:48She says slowly, your young daughter-in-law, but that's no excuse for disrespect.
31:52Dante snaps his head toward Bianca.
31:54Mother and my brother are here.
31:55Know your place.
31:56Bianca lowered her head.
31:57Hurt, her eyes glistening.
31:59Days pass.
32:00Poppy rushes to find me, bursting with news.
32:02From her, I learn.
32:03Bianca found another replacement.
32:05This time, she didn't choose from the household servants.
32:07She bought a woman from outside, trained and prepared, with a voice and build identical
32:12to hers.
32:12I'm confused.
32:13How do you know about this?
32:14Poppy says.
32:15That night, Dante suddenly lit every lamp in the room.
32:18Then he went insane, beat the woman half to death, and threw her at Bianca's feet.
32:22Bianca fainted.
32:23And then, Dante said since she won't share his bed, he won't go to her rooms anymore.
32:27They're sleeping separately now, I murmur acknowledgement.
32:30Separate bedrooms.
32:31That tells the whole compound their marriage is broken.
32:34No favor from her husband.
32:35No love from her mother-in-law.
32:37No children.
32:38No wonder Bianca looks so haggard.
32:40But Dante tolerated my substitution for years.
32:42He clearly didn't care about her using a replacement.
32:44So why, when she switched to someone else, did he turn on her?
32:47I don't know.
32:48And I don't want to know.
32:49The lake pavilion is surrounded by water, filled with fat coin.
32:52Silas sits with the matriarch, feeding the fish, making her laugh.
32:56His thin frame looks fragile in the night wind.
32:58I go back inside to fetch a shawl.
32:59On my way through the winding corridor, someone slams me against a pillar.
33:03A hand covers my mouth.
33:04I open my eyes wide, helpless.
33:06And in the dark, Dante's face looms close.
33:09His eyes are sharp, almost violent, as he demands,
33:12Is it you or not?
33:15My heart sinks.
33:16I struggle.
33:17Speak.
33:17Or are you going to play mute again?
33:19His hand feels like a snake coiling around my face.
33:22You think staying quiet will save you?
33:23His voice drops.
33:24I don't need your voice to know.
33:26One night in bed, and I'll have my answer.
33:28I stare at him, shocked.
33:29Is he insane?
33:30I'm about to marry his brother.
33:31I'm his brother's woman now.
33:33How dare he?
33:34Dante studies me, voice ice cold.
33:36You've been my bed partner for three years.
33:38And now you're actually going to marry my elder brother.
33:40How dare you play us both?
33:42Especially me.
33:43Wouldn't being my bed warmer be better than being a widow?
33:45You really want to marry a dead man?
33:47I finally shove him off.
33:48I just wanted to survive.
33:49If I didn't do this, Bianca would have married me to an imbecile.
33:52By then, I'd be another man's wife.
33:54Even if Dante wanted to give me a title, he couldn't.
33:57I'd be trapped forever.
33:58An invisible shadow beneath him, satisfying his needs.
34:01Never a threat to Bianca.
34:02That was her plan.
34:03Dante clearly didn't know.
34:05While he's stunned, I stomp on his foot and run.
34:07Stumbling, gasping, I reach the light.
34:09Silas' silhouette appears suddenly at the end of the corridor.
34:12He's frowning.
34:13What took you so long?
34:15My heartbeat slows.
34:17The doctor chuckles.
34:18The young master was worried.
34:20He insisted on coming to find you.
34:22Silas makes a soft, dismissive sound.
34:24I was worried she'd fall in the lake and disturb the fish.
34:26I build Silas a wheelchair.
34:28Pushing him around is better than having him bedridden all day.
34:30There's a small grove along the corridor.
34:32On the left, the lake.
34:34On the right, a spring trickling down from a rock formation.
34:37Silas likes sitting there.
34:38He collects spring water for tea and reads in the shade.
34:40I lean against the rock to rest.
34:42Half asleep, I hear Silas' voice.
34:44Why did you want to marry me?
34:45I jolt awake.
34:46I lean against the rock to rest.
34:48I say, I didn't want to marry an imbecile.
34:50Silas lowers his gaze.
34:52I thought as much.
34:53He stops talking to me after that.
34:54I lean against the rock to rest.
34:56Silas' condition stabilizes.
34:57The doctor needs to gather rare herbs just in case.
35:00To prepare for emergencies,
35:02he gives me a small wooden box
35:03with a thumb-sized insect inside.
35:05It's an old technique from his homeland.
35:07If I crush the box,
35:09it sends a signal across any distance.
35:11Before leaving, the doctor teases.
35:12Should I start calling you senora now?
35:15Please don't joke like that, doctor.
35:16A ghost marriage is not a real marriage.
35:18Even after Silas dies,
35:20the title of the eldest Moretti son's wife
35:22will never belong to a debt slave.
35:24My final destination is a convent
35:26where I'll spend the rest of my life
35:27praying for Silas' soul in the next world.
35:29It's the unspoken deal I made with the matriarch.
35:32With the doctor gone,
35:33my responsibilities increase.
35:35I have to help Silas dress and bathe.
35:38The first time I try to wash him,
35:39his ears turn red and he struggles,
35:42insisting he'll do it himself.
35:44Staring at his flushed earlobes,
35:45I wonder,
35:46has he never let a servant bathe him?
35:50Even after marriage,
35:51Dante has seven or eight attendants during his baths.
35:54He treats us like cats or dogs.
35:55He doesn't care.
35:56Silas grits his teeth.
35:57Have you no shame?
35:58I smile bitterly where he can't see.
36:00If I were an innocent girl,
36:01I'd be too embarrassed.
36:02But I'm not anymore.
36:03There's a term for women like me.
36:05I thought about it for a long time
36:06until I finally saw it in a book.
36:08Damaged goods.
36:09The storybooks say women who've lost their virtue
36:11are damaged goods.
36:12I rest my chin in my hand,
36:14staring blankly.
36:15Someone drapes a coat over my shoulders.
36:16I turn.
36:17Silas' hand presses down on the book's cover.
36:19What are you reading now?
36:20I hide it behind my back, embarrassed.
36:22Silas has an enormous library.
36:24He treasures every book
36:25but lets me read whatever I want.
36:26When he's in a good mood,
36:27he'll even teach me,
36:28pointing out which books are worth studying.
36:30I recite a memorized poem to show off.
36:32Wow!
36:32Our Alara is so talented.
36:33His tone is teasing.
36:35I'm annoyed.
36:35You're talking to me like I'm a child.
36:37How old are you?
36:3718.
36:38I'm almost 10 years older than you.
36:39To me, you are a child.
36:41It makes a strange kind of sense.
36:42I zone out for a moment.
36:43Without realizing it,
36:44I've been with Silas for nearly two years.
36:46In that time,
36:47his body has been weak but stable.
36:49The doctor brews new medicines
36:50and performs strange rituals in the room,
36:52praying for Silas' longevity.
36:54Before the candles one night,
36:55the doctor tells Silas to make a wish.
36:57You make it for me.
36:58I freeze.
36:59A thousand thoughts flash through my mind.
37:01I say sincerely,
37:02I hope you're happy.
37:03What does that look like?
37:04I think for a moment.
37:06Healthy.
37:06Married to a high born woman.
37:08Children.
37:09A successful career.
37:10Something like that.
37:11The candle light flickers.
37:12Do you mean it?
37:13Our eyes meet.
37:13I look away.
37:14Does it matter if I mean it?
37:15What matters is that the doctor's prayers seem to work.
37:18Silas suddenly wants to leave the compound.
37:22I ask excitedly where we're going.
37:23He looks at me for a long time,
37:25then says,
37:25Today is a special day.
37:26I heard there's a lantern festival in the city.
37:28Lantern festivals happen all the time.
37:30Nothing special about that.
37:31But I haven't been to one since I was sold to Bianca's household.
37:34I want to see it.
37:35To avoid alerting anyone,
37:36I push Silas out through the back gate of the lake pavilion.
37:38That day,
37:39a high born lady is also touring the city with her entourage.
37:42In the sea of lanterns and people,
37:44she spots Silas immediately.
37:45The lady is young,
37:46passionate, bold.
37:48She walks right up and challenges him to a riddle contest.
37:50I don't remember who won.
37:51I only remember her eyes shining as she said,
37:53I lost fair and square.
37:54Let me buy you dinner at the best restaurant in the city.
37:57Silas glances at me,
37:58asking if I want to go.
37:59I sigh quietly.
38:00If you go,
38:00I'll wait outside.
38:01In front of outsiders,
38:02I have to remember my place.
38:04The lady doesn't wait for an answer.
38:05She steps past me,
38:06delighted,
38:07and pushes Silas' wheelchair herself.
38:09She doesn't care that he's in a wheelchair.
38:11She doesn't care about his health.
38:12So many high born women rejected Silas because of his condition.
38:15Watching them disappear into the crowd,
38:17I feel inexplicably hollow.
38:19I never had him.
38:19So why does losing him hurt this much?
38:21I stand in the cold wind for a long time.
38:23Then I remember,
38:24today is my birthday.
38:26The lady is the regent's only daughter,
38:29adored beyond measure.
38:30When the regent and his wife come to propose the match,
38:32the matriarch is more shocked than pleased.
38:34That's when I learned the truth.
38:35The lady didn't fall for Silas at first sight at the festival.
38:37Years ago,
38:38when Silas was still a brilliant young man,
38:40she'd already lost her heart to him.
38:41After he fell ill,
38:43she refused every suitor,
38:44waiting for this day.
38:45Silas' marriage becomes the talk of the compound.
38:47Even the news that Dante's mistress is pregnant gets buried.
38:50If this match succeeds,
38:51the matriarch will be overjoyed.
38:53But Silas already agreed to a ghost marriage.
38:55To marry properly now,
38:56that arrangement has to be dissolved.
38:58So I know what I have to do.
38:59Just like when I knelt before the matriarch
39:00and said I'd marry Silas in the first place.
39:02I go to the matriarch and say calmly,
39:04I'm willing to leave.
39:05Let Silas have his happiness.
39:06I had the doctor check Silas and the ladies' charts.
39:09They're a perfect match.
39:10The lady is high-born,
39:11accomplished in every art,
39:12and devoted to Silas.
39:14Even if he dies,
39:15she's willing to be his widow.
39:16There's no reason for me to stay.
39:17The matriarch,
39:18moved by my understanding,
39:19holds my hand and asks what I want.
39:21I hand over all the money I've saved over the years,
39:24then kneel.
39:24Please release me from servitude.
39:26The matriarch sighs.
39:27Child, you could ask me for so much more.
39:29I stay in the bowing position,
39:30unmoving.
39:31Tears roll down my cheeks,
39:32pooling on the stone floor.
39:34Poppy wants to come with me.
39:35I refuse.
39:36Life outside is hard.
39:37Staying here is easier.
39:38I tell her.
39:39As long as she serves the matriarch well,
39:40and stays out of trouble,
39:42she'll have security and happiness.
39:43As her sister,
39:44this is the best future I can give her.
39:46Poppy nods through tears,
39:47shoving money into my bag.
39:48On my last day,
39:49many people come to see me off.
39:51Old friends,
39:52fellow servants.
39:53Unexpectedly,
39:54Dante is among them.
39:56He looks down at me.
39:57If you want,
39:58I'll make you my mistress right now.
39:59Serve me the way you used to,
40:01and I'll favor only you.
40:02I stare at him for a long time,
40:04then laugh bitterly.
40:04Dante's expression hardens.
40:06Don't give me that look.
40:07What?
40:07You think you're too good for me?
40:08You waiting for Silas to come beg you to stay?
40:10He sneers.
40:11You don't know, do you?
40:12The moment you leave,
40:12the lady moves into the lake pavilion.
40:14That's devotion.
40:15You took care of Silas so carefully,
40:17and for what?
40:17The second he's healthy,
40:18he doesn't need you.
40:19You did all that work for someone else's happy ending.
40:21In a few years,
40:22do you think Silas will even remember you?
40:24He's not even here to say goodbye.
40:25That's how little you mean to him.
40:26My heart clenches painfully.
40:28Under his triumphant gaze,
40:29my smile fades.
40:30Silas has been cold to me for a long time now.
40:33Our last real conversation ended on the way back from the festival.
40:37He asked if I was happy.
40:39I wiped my nose.
40:40Yes.
40:40Silas looked at me.
40:41Happy about the festival?
40:42I thought about it, then lied.
40:43No.
40:43I was happy seeing you with that lady.
40:45You looked perfect together.
40:46My wish is coming true.
40:47Silas' smile vanished instantly.
40:49His face went bloodless, expressionless.
40:51As he stared at me.
40:52You're happy seeing me with another woman?
40:54I rubbed my frozen hands, forcing cheer into my voice.
40:57A woman that beautiful might become the family's first lady.
40:59Of course I'm happy.
41:00Silas stared at me for a long time.
41:02He said,
41:02Alara, you really are heartless.
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