- 2 hours ago
🔖 Vengeance After the Cradle Fell New Release
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I was thrashing on the delivery bed, contractions ripping through me one after another.
00:07My husband Damien was gripping my hand, looking at me with this sickeningly sweet, gentle expression.
00:14Just hang in there a little longer, Alexia. We're gonna meet our baby so soon.
00:19I was sweating bullets, practically blinded by the pain, but I still managed a weak smile for him.
00:24Then, a nurse walked in holding a syringe.
00:26I thought it was just my epidural, but Damien suddenly dropped my hand and took a massive step back.
00:31The second that needle pierced my skin, I heard Damien mutter,
00:34Get the dosage right, we need to stall her labor, until Vivian gives birth.
00:38My eyes snapped wide open, staring at him in pure horror, but he just casually checked his Rolex.
00:45Vivian's 6 centimeters dilated, I'd just keep her drugged for another 2 hours.
00:49I wanted to scream, to rip the 4 out, but the drugs were already flooding my veins.
00:53The violent, tearing contractions in my stomach were suddenly choked out by this invisible hand.
00:59Everything just, stopped dead.
01:00They wheeled me down to the hospital's creepy ass basement, dumping me in what looked like a makeshift cell.
01:05Damien's spoiled brat of a sister, Bella, was leaning against the doorframe, casually twirling a surgical scalpel.
01:11Don't be mad at my brother, Alessia.
01:13Vivian is carrying my late brother's baby.
01:15The first actual heir, a boy, for our family's new generation.
01:20Who cares if you deliver first? You're just popping out a girl, it's totally worthless.
01:25I clutched my giant belly as a fresh, rogue wave of contraction started violently fighting off the drugs.
01:30The pain was so blinding my vision literally went black.
01:33Get a doc, the baby's coming, I swear to god.
01:36I gasped out, Bella just let out this wicked, psychotic little laugh.
01:41Give birth?
01:43Who said you're giving birth?
01:47Those meds are gonna keep you locked up tight for another three hours.
01:50Vivian's already in the delivery suitie.
01:52Once her son is born safe and sound, you can push all you freaking want.
01:56She stood up, brushing off her designer jeans, and shot a glare at the muscle standing by the door.
02:01Watch her, she screams gag her.
02:03The heavy metal door slammed shut.
02:05I arrived on the freezing concrete floor, a pool of blood already soaking right through my hospital gown.
02:10Damien had confiscated my phone the exact second we pulled up to the emergency room.
02:14He fed me some BS about radiation being bad for the baby.
02:17Looking back, he just didn't want me calling the cops.
02:21I curled into a tight, agonizing ball, desperately trying to breathe through the blinding pain.
02:25But all I could picture was the look in Damien's eyes.
02:28Stone cold.
02:30Calculating.
02:31Like he was looking at a broken piece of furniture.
02:33Not his wife.
02:34Not the woman literally carrying his child.
02:37Three months ago, his older brother Alan died in a horrific car crash.
02:40He left behind Vivian, his widow, who was three months pregnant.
02:44At the funeral, Damien's dad the family patriarch George was bawling,
02:48gripping Vivian's hands like a lifeline.
02:50You have to deliver this baby safely.
02:52Our bloodline cannot end here.
02:54Back then, I actually felt bad for Vivian.
02:56I even stepped up and said,
02:58Don't worry dad.
02:59Damien and I will make sure our baby takes care of you too.
03:02The old man George just gave me this dead, blank stare and said nothing.
03:06It suddenly clicked.
03:07From that exact moment, my baby was already marked as collateral damage.
03:11Another contraction ripped through me, a hundred times more brutal than the last.
03:16The delayed drugs were wearing off.
03:18My baby was coming out.
03:19Now.
03:20I dragged myself to the door, clawing and pounding on the metal with everything I had.
03:24Somebody help!
03:25The baby is coming!
03:27Please save my baby!
03:28Dead silence from the hallway.
03:30I screamed until my vocal cords literally bled, only to hear one of the guards grumble impatiently.
03:35Shut the hell up!
03:36Blair said to wait so you wait!
03:38But my baby...
03:40If it dies, it dies.
03:41Blame your own crappy luck for not carrying a boy.
03:43I slumped back against the freezing wall, ice running through my veins.
03:47This wasn't bad luck.
03:49They actively, intentionally wanted my baby dead.
03:52I have no idea how long I survived in that pitch black basement.
03:55The bleeding wouldn't stop, I was practically swimming in a dark red puddle.
03:59Just as I started blacking out, the door violently swung open.
04:02It wasn't Bella.
04:03It wasn't the goons.
04:05It was the family's private physician, Dr. Vance.
04:08Alexia?
04:09What the hell are you doing down here?
04:10Damien told everyone you were resting up in the penthouse VIP suite.
04:14I tried to scream, but my throat was totally paralyzed.
04:18All I could do was point at my swollen stomach, sobbing uncontrollably.
04:22The second his hands felt my abdomen, he sharply sucked in a breath.
04:26You're 10 centimeters.
04:27Your water's completely broken.
04:28We have to get you to a hospital.
04:30Now!
04:30He tried to scoot me up, but the slightest movement sent a horrifying, hot gush between my legs.
04:36Blood.
04:36So much damn blood.
04:38Dr. Vance's hands were shaking uncontrollably as he screamed out the door.
04:42Help!
04:43Get in here now!
04:44She's hemorrhaging!
04:45The hallway was a ghost town.
04:47Damien's family basically owned this private hospital.
04:50They had cleared out the entire building tonight just for Vivian's delivery.
04:53Every single doctor and nurse was on standby up on the third floor.
04:57Dr. Vance whipped out his phone, swearing when he saw there was zero cell service down here.
05:01I'm carrying you up.
05:02Just hold on.
05:03Gritting his teeth.
05:04He lifted my dead weight and stumbled frantically toward the exit.
05:07That stairwell felt like an endless nightmare.
05:10Every single jolt was pure, unadulterated torture.
05:13I could feel my baby dropping, pushing down, but unable to actually come out.
05:17Those sick delay drugs were still messing with my system, making my contractions totally erratic.
05:22It was the most lethal scenario possible.
05:24Dr. Vance.
05:25Save the baby.
05:27Please.
05:27Just save my baby.
05:28Don't talk like that.
05:29You're both gonna make it.
05:32He finally hit the ground floor, sprinting straight for the primary operating room.
05:36But when we got to the doors, we both just froze.
05:39The or double doors were propped wide open.
05:41And the room was completely, utterly gutted.
05:44The overhead surgical lights?
05:46Gone.
05:46The operating table?
05:48Gone.
05:48Gone.
05:48The fetal monitors, the oxygen tanks, every single piece of life-saving equipment had
05:53straight up vanished.
05:54All that was left was an empty, echoing room and some exposed wall outlets.
05:58Dr. Vance stood there, paralyzed.
06:00He let out this choked, horrified sound, like someone was literally strangling him.
06:04Well, how is this possible?
06:06I personally checked all this equipment at 3 p.m.
06:09Suddenly, the sharp click of heels echoed from down the hall.
06:13Bella strolled over with two nurses trailing her like lapdogs.
06:17Dr. Vance?
06:18The hell are you doing down here?
06:19Vivian's up on the third floor.
06:20Why did you leave your post?
06:22Where is the equipment?
06:24Where did everything go?
06:25We moved it up to the third floor, obviously.
06:28Vivian needs a C-section, so she gets the absolute premium gear.
06:32What if there's an emergency?
06:34A regular old O.R. wouldn't cut it for the air.
06:40Oh, is Alessia about to pop?
06:42Well, she's gonna have to hold it in.
06:44Vivian's not done yet.
06:45Just suck it up and tough it out a little longer.
06:47I stared up at her flawlessly contoured face.
06:50A sick memory flashed from six months ago, her linking arms with me at Prada,
06:54batting her eyelashes and going...
06:55The best, Alexia.
06:56You're more like a real sister to me than anyone.
06:59Looking back now, what a twisted,
07:01pathetic joke.
07:02Dr. Vance sprinted into the nurse's station like a madman,
07:05violently tearing through the supply cabinets.
07:07But they were wiped clean.
07:09Where are the meds?
07:11Give me something!
07:12We sent it all up to the third floor.
07:14Damien ordered that every single resource must be strictly prioritized for Vivian.
07:19Dr. Vance slammed his fist so hard that the cabinet had dented.
07:22I'm so sorry.
07:24God, I'm so sorry.
07:25Alessia.
07:27There's nothing I can do.
07:29Bella sauntered over, condescendingly patting his shoulder.
07:32Relax, Doc.
07:33Take a breath.
07:35She hasn't even pushed the kid out yet.
07:37Once Vivian is finished, we'll send the scraps back downstairs for her.
07:40And honestly, even if she pops it out, it's just a worthless girl.
07:44If it dies, good riddance.
07:46Our family doesn't need trash like that.
07:48I stared a hole straight through her skull, looking at the girl I had treated like my own flesh and
07:53blood for three straight years.
07:54You sick bitch.
07:56Bella's smug little smile instantly vanished.
07:59Keep barking.
08:00Call me whatever you want.
08:02Once you're completely drained from giving birth, I have plenty of ways to shut you up for good.
08:07And then, Vivian is gonna officially take your place as the Lady of the House.
08:11As for you, we might just spare your pathetic life.
08:15You know, as a favor to my brother.
08:18Blair!
08:20You are literally murdering her!
08:22Murder?
08:23Watch your mouth, Doc.
08:25You're on thin ice.
08:28Women die from childbirth complications every day.
08:30It's perfectly natural.
08:32Besides, this is internal family business.
08:35You're just an employee on our payroll.
08:37Back the hell off.
08:38She flicked her wrist at her goons.
08:40Escort Dr. Vance to the break room.
08:42I'll take excellent care of Alessia myself.
08:44Two massive bodyguards immediately grabbed the doctor by the arms and started dragging him away.
08:49Alexia!
08:50Press your acrobacere points.
08:52Your ankles.
08:53The webbing of your hands.
08:55It'll force the contractions.
08:57Don't give up!
08:58You can still save the baby!
08:59His voice echoed down the hall until it faded into nothing.
09:02Bella casually kicked the nurse's station door shut and turned back to face me.
09:05She pulled out her iPhone and started a FaceTime call.
09:09Hey Damien!
09:10Alessia's about to pop.
09:12Wanna watch?
09:13Damien's face popped up on the screen.
09:15He was pacing outside a luxury delivery suite, a swarm of elite doctors buzzing in the background.
09:20Cut the crap, Alessia.
09:22Things are getting complicated with Vivian.
09:25The baby's heart rate is dropping.
09:27Bella flipped the camera to show my bloody, writhing body on the floor.
09:30Look at all this blood she's losing!
09:32Do you think she's gonna croak too?
09:33Damien frowned at the screen for half a second before aggressively looking away.
09:38Just make her wait.
09:39Once Vivian's done I'll send a doctor down.
09:41Blair, just keep an eye on her.
09:43I can't leave this floor right now.
09:45The call disconnected.
09:46Bella shrugged, shoving the phone into her back pocket.
09:49Hear that?
09:50My brother only gives a damn about Vivian.
09:53I slammed my eyes shut, refusing to look at her smug face.
09:56But I slowly, secretly slipped my hand behind my back.
09:59Sewn into the fabric was a tiny, button-sized device.
10:02I dug my fingernail under the device's protective cap and flipped it open.
10:06And I pressed down hard.
10:07No beep.
10:08No flashing red light.
10:10But I knew the distress signal was already bouncing off a satellite.
10:13My dad Robert promised that the second I hit that button,
10:15his people would crash through the doors in under 30 minutes.
10:18But 30 minutes.
10:19Did my baby even have 30 minutes left?
10:21A panic button my dad Robert gave me.
10:24He told me.
10:25Alessia, that family is full of vipers.
10:28If things go south, press this.
10:30Dad, chill.
10:31Damien treats me like a queen.
10:32His whole family adores me.
10:33God, I was so incredibly, fatally stupid.
10:36My grip on reality was slipping.
10:38Bella was just lounging in a chair, scrolling through her phone,
10:41occasionally glaring down at me like I was roadkill.
10:43I mean, seriously, what were you thinking marrying into our family, Alexia?
10:47Did you just want Damien for his looks?
10:49His money?
10:51You're literally a nobody from a middle class family.
10:54You never belonged with us.
10:55I didn't say a single word.
10:57I just kept desperately pressing the pressure points Dr. Vance told me about.
11:00My ankles.
11:02The webbing of my hands.
11:03Pushing down with everything I had.
11:05Even if it was a total long shot.
11:07Bella just kept running her mouth.
11:09We figured, hey, if you spit out a sun, you'd at least have some use.
11:13Then the ultrasound showed it was a girl.
11:15The old man was absolutely furious.
11:18Thank God Vivian is having a boy.
11:19Otherwise, our bloodline would be screwed.
11:21She stood up, walked over, and literally kicked my leg.
11:24So do us all a favor and know your place.
11:27Stop clinging to things that aren't yours.
11:29I forced my eyes open and stared dead at her.
11:31Damien, know you're talking to me like this?
11:35Duh.
11:36My brother literally sent me down here to prep you.
11:39He said you were stubborn and might do something crazy,
11:41so I needed to talk some sense into you.
11:44Another massive wave of agony ripped through my stomach.
11:46Worse than all the others combined.
11:48The meds were completely gone.
11:50The baby was crowning.
11:53I couldn't hold back the scream anymore.
11:55Bella jumped back, looking totally disgusted.
11:58So annoying.
11:59She yanked the door open and yelled down the hall.
12:02Hey!
12:03Somebody get in here and check if she's finally popping.
12:05A terrified nurse scrambled in, took one look between my legs, and went chalk white.
12:11She's fully dilated.
12:13The head is cloning.
12:15But she's losing way too much blood we have to deliver right now.
12:19Then catch it, genius.
12:21The nurse was on the verge of tears.
12:24We have no equipment.
12:26No meds.
12:27Doing it like this.
12:29The mother and the baby could die.
12:31Then let them die.
12:33They're dead weight anyway.
12:34Who gives a crap?
12:36After dropping that sick line,
12:38Bella literally just walked out to find Damien,
12:40leaving me to bleed out.
12:41The nurse was too terrified to speak.
12:43She just squatted down and tried to help me manually dilate.
12:46But I was totally tapped out.
12:48The extreme blood loss had drained every last ounce of my energy.
12:51Every single passing second.
12:53Was pure, agonizing hell.
12:55Then, out of nowhere, rapid, heavy footsteps echoed down the hall.
12:59A lot of them.
13:00The synchronized, thunderous thud of tactical combat boots.
13:06Who is that?
13:07The heavy metal door was violently kicked off its hinges.
13:10A squad of men in full-class tactical gear swarmed the room,
13:14assault rifles raised.
13:18The second his eyes locked onto my bloody body,
13:20they went completely red.
13:23Miss Alessia.
13:25Alessia.
13:25I just weakly reached my bloody hand out to him.
13:27The nurse started shrieking hysterically.
13:29Who the hell are you?
13:31How did you get in here?
13:33How did you get here?
13:34Security!
13:35Security!
13:36The leader didn't even glance at her.
13:38He sprinted over and dropped to one knee right beside me.
13:41I should have protected you.
13:44He scooped me up into his arms and barked at his squad.
13:47Clear the perimeter.
13:48Prep the mobile med bay, now.
13:50Yes, sir.
13:57You can't do this!
13:59This hospital belongs to Damien's family!
14:02The leader paused and slowly turned his head.
14:05He gave her a look that could freeze hell itself.
14:07Damien's family?
14:08They're already dead to us.
14:11They rushed me into a heavily modified, armored medical van.
14:14The inside was literally a state-of-the-art mobile operating room.
14:18Elite trauma docs and nurses were already inside, instantly starting resuscitation.
14:22BP dropping.
14:2360 over 40.
14:25Hemorrhagic shock.
14:26Fetal distress is critical.
14:27We need to perform an emergency C-section.
14:30But the mother's vitals are crashing.
14:32The surgery risk is.
14:34Cut her open.
14:34I'll take the bullet if anything goes wrong.
14:37Save.
14:37Save the baby first.
14:39Boss, please don't speak.
14:40Save your energy.
14:42The Don is already on his way.
14:43He'll be here any minute.
14:45You and the baby are going to make it.
14:47You have to.
14:48Before he could even finish, the heart monitor let out a piercing, continuous scream.
14:52She's flatlining.
14:53Grab the paddles.
14:54Clear.
14:55The fetal heartbeat is crashing too.
14:57Scalpel.
14:58We're cutting now.
14:58They strapped my arms down, and a heavy anesthesia mask was clamped over my face.
15:03Right before the darkness swallowed me whole, I heard the surgeon scream.
15:06We're too late.
15:07The baby.
15:08The baby has no pulse.
15:11Darkness.
15:12Pure, suffocating darkness.
15:14I don't know how much time passed.
15:16I slowly peeled my eyes open.
15:18I was staring at an unfamiliar ceiling, the sharp smell of antiseptics burning my nose.
15:23She's awake?
15:24The boss is awake.
15:25Someone shouted in pure relief.
15:26Several faces instantly crowded around my bed.
15:29All faces I grew up with.
15:31My dad Robert's top enforcers, the ruthless uncles who basically raised me.
15:35Where's my baby?
15:36The entire room went dead silent.
15:39A few seconds later, the man standing at the foot of the bed slowly turned around.
15:43It was my dad Robert.
15:44The Don.
15:45A man in his fifties.
15:47Alessia.
15:47He couldn't even get past my name before his voice broke.
15:50Looking into his bloodshot, shattered eyes, I already knew the answer.
15:54The baby's gone isn't it?
15:56Massive hemorrhaging.
15:57Placental abruption.
15:58The oxygen deprivation was just, too long.
16:01The doctors did absolutely everything they could.
16:04I closed my eyes.
16:05I didn't cry.
16:06I didn't scream.
16:07I just felt this massive, gaping black hole open up in my chest.
16:11The tiny life that had been growing inside me for nine months.
16:14The baby that kicked me every day, the one I whispered secrets to.
16:18Gone.
16:19Where's Damien?
16:19He's with Vivian.
16:21She gave birth.
16:22To a boy.
16:23His entire family is popping champagne, celebrating.
16:26Not a single one of them even asked about you.
16:50I let out a laugh.
16:51A sick, full-body tremor of a laugh.
16:54Perfect.
16:55Absolutely perfect.
16:57My dad Robert squeezed my hand tight.
16:59Alessia, we're going home.
17:01That family doesn't deserve you, and that bastard definitely doesn't.
17:04Dad.
17:05I need you to do something for me.
17:07Name it.
17:07I need a body double.
17:09A hyper-realistic fake corpse.
17:11Make it look exactly like me.
17:13Post-delivery, bled to death.
17:15My dad Robert totally froze.
17:17You're planning to.
17:18I want them to think I'm dead.
17:19And then, I am going to sit back and watch exactly how they celebrate.
17:23Watch them throw a party for their new, air, over my dead body.
17:27Then, he firmly nodded.
17:29Done.
17:29I'll make the call.
17:30The body double was terrifyingly realistic.
17:33Medical-grade silicone skin, pumped full of fake blood bags, complete with a core temperature
17:38simulator.
17:38Shoved into a freezer in the morgue.
17:40You literally couldn't tell the difference from an actual corpse.
17:43I was chilling in the hospital security room.
17:45Any regrets?
17:46About what?
17:47Marrying that piece of trash.
17:49Nope.
17:50At least it showed me exactly what kind of monsters they are.
17:53On the screen, Damien finally strutted out of the VIP delivery suite.
17:56He was holding a swaddled newborn, his face absolutely glowing with that a proud new dad energy.
18:01Vivian was being wheeled out on a hospital bed, looking pale, but flashing this massive,
18:05the old patriarch George hobbled over on his cane, bawling his eyes out the second he
18:09laid eyes on the kid.
18:10A grandson.
18:11I finally have a grandson.
18:13Our bloodline is secure.
18:14The whole damn family crowded around the baby, laughing and celebrating.
18:18Not a single person asked about me.
18:21No one remembered the other pregnant woman who was literally fighting for her life downstairs.
18:25Mr. Damien, what about your wife?
18:27Damien frowned, looking like he literally just remembered I existed.
18:30How's she doing?
18:31No updates yet.
18:33Dr. Vance is down there with her.
18:34I'll go check.
18:35I'm coming with you.
18:37He handed his golden boy off to the nanny and headed for the elevator.
18:40Bella scrambled after him.
18:42The two of them hopped into the elevator.
18:44I switched the camera feed to the ground floor.
18:46Dr. Vance was leaning against the wall outside the gutted door, looking like an actual ghost.
18:51Seeing Damien, he shot up straight.
18:53Mr. Damien, where's my wife?
18:55He just slowly stepped aside and pointed a shaking finger down the hall.
18:59Toward the morgue, Damien's face dropped.
19:02What the hell does that mean?
19:22Dr. Vance choked out, staring at the floor.
19:26Massive hemorrhage.
19:27We couldn't resuscitate her.
19:29We lost the baby too.
19:30The air in the hallway completely froze.
19:33Damien just stood there, paralyzed.
19:35Like his brain couldn't process the words.
19:38Bella was the first to snap out of it.
19:40Bullshit, she was completely fine a minute ago.
19:42She lost way too much blood.
19:44We had zero equipment.
19:46Zero meds.
19:47I tried literally everything, but I'm so sorry.
19:50I swear to God I tried.
19:52Damien suddenly snapped, grabbing the doctor by the collar and violently hoisting him up.
19:56What the F-U-C-K did you just say?
19:58My wife is dead.
19:59Dr. Vance just nodded, tears streaming down his face.
20:03Damien dropped him, stumbling backward until his back hit the wall.
20:06No.
20:07That's impossible.
20:08She was perfectly healthy, how could she?
20:10Bella frantically grabbed his arm.
20:12Damien, wait.
20:13Let me go check.
20:14She practically sprinted toward the morgue.
20:16On the cameras, I watched her yank open the freezer drawer and stare down at the corpse.
20:21The silicone face was permanently frozen in a mask of agonizing pain.
20:24The white sheet underneath was entirely soaked in dark red blood.
20:28Bella stared for all of five seconds before clapping a hand over her mouth and bolting
20:31out of the room.
20:32Damien, it's real.
20:34Damien stormed into the morgue.
20:36The feet caught him standing over the open freezer, completely paralyzed.
20:39He stood there so long it freaked Bella out.
20:42She tiptoed in and tugged his sleeve.
20:44Damien suddenly snapped his arm back and punched the concrete wall with everything he had.
20:49Why?
20:49Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?
20:51Why didn't you wait for me?
20:52Dr. Vance, standing out in the hall, muttered quietly.
20:55Your phone was off.
20:57You didn't allow calls in the VIP suite.
20:59Then why the hell didn't you run upstairs and get me?
21:01It's two flights of stairs.
21:03How long would that take?
21:04You just stood there and watched her die.
21:06His eyes totally bloodshot with rage.
21:09Dr. Vance went dead silent, dropping his head as his shoulders shook.
21:12Bella tried to run damage control.
21:14I was the one who stopped him from going upstairs.
21:17Vivian was in a critical state.
21:18I didn't want to interrupt.
21:20Smack.
21:21He slapped her across the face.
21:23Hard.
21:23Did you just hit me?
21:25Were you the one who locked her in the basement?
21:26Bella wouldn't meet his eyes.
21:28I just told her to wait.
21:29Wait for what?
21:30That was my wife.
21:31That was two human lives.
21:33I told you to take care of her.
21:35Is this how you take care of people?
21:36Bella burst into tears.
21:38I was doing it for the family.
21:40Vivian was having a boy.
21:41She was having a girl.
21:42Do the math.
21:44Grandpa George said the boy is the only heir that matters.
21:46An heir.
21:47So, her life just didn't matter anymore.
21:50It was like that word literally stabbed Damien in the chest.
21:53He froze.
21:54The rage completely washed out of his face, replaced by this hollow, blank look.
21:58An heir.
21:59The only sound in the morgue was the low hum of the freezer and Bella's muffled sobbing.
22:03Damien dragged my corpse back to the family estate.
22:05They didn't even let me in the main house.
22:08They set up a cheap memorial in the guest wing.
22:10Meanwhile, Vivian and her golden boy moved straight into the master suite.
22:13Swarmed by nannies and night nurses.
22:15The old patriarch George laid down the law.
22:18Keep the funeral quiet and cheap.
22:20We don't want bad energy around the new baby.
22:22Just find a day to cremate her and get it over with.
22:24Pick a decent plot though.
22:26She was still married into the family.
22:27Damien didn't say a word.
22:29He just sat in that dark memorial room, guarding the casket.
22:32Three days and three nights.
22:34Didn't eat.
22:35Didn't drink.
22:36Bella tried to comfort him and got violently kicked out.
22:38Vivian finally waltzed in holding the baby, playing the sweet widow.
22:41Damien, I'm so sorry for your loss.
22:44Alessia wouldn't want to see you like this from heaven.
22:46He stared at her for a long time before asking.
22:48What she was thinking when she died?
22:50I was in labor.
22:51She was thinking about why her husband wasn't there.
22:53About why everyone was celebrating your baby while leaving her to literally bleed to death.
22:58Damien, what the hell is that supposed to me?
23:00I almost died giving birth too.
23:02The heart rate dropped so many times.
23:04Yeah, it was rough for you, but she actually died.
23:07Two lives?
23:08Gone.
23:09Did she deserve to die just because she wasn't carrying a boy?
23:12Damien stood up, walking over to the casket.
23:15I keep thinking, if I had just been with her, would things be different?
23:18If I hadn't hoarded all the medical equipment for you, would she still be alive?
23:21If only?
23:22His voice cracked, unable to finish the sentence.
23:25Vivian bit her lip, spun on her heel, and stormed out.
23:28Right before she left, she threw one last dagger.
23:31Don't forget Damien.
23:32I'm the one who gave this family a son.
23:34That corpse in there is completely useless to us now.
23:36The door slammed shut.
23:38Damien slumped against the casket, sliding down to the floor, burying his face in his hands.
23:42Through the hidden camera feed, I watched his shoulders shake violently.
23:45I shot a text to my dad Robert, are we cleared to go?
23:48My dad Robert replied instantly, green light.
23:50Suddenly, the family business started bleeding out.
23:53First, their oldest suppliers entirely cut off their supply chain.
23:57The excuse?
23:58Quality control issues.
24:00Damien sent his fixers to smooth it out, but they got slammed doors in their faces.
24:04Then, the banks pulled their credit lines.
24:06Guaranteed multi-million dollar loan renewals were suddenly rejected for high risk.
24:09Their cash flow choked instantly.
24:11And then the clients started dropping like flies.
24:14Massive contracts were ripped up overnight, instantly handed over to their biggest rivals.
24:18Within 30 days, their total market value plummeted by 30%.
24:22The old patriarch George stressed himself into a hospital bed.
24:25Damien was running himself ragged, bouncing between the ICU and the crumbling corporate office.
24:30Vivian, sitting comfortably with the baby, constantly whined.
24:33Oh Yuri, literally never home.
24:35You don't even care about the baby.
24:36My dad is dying and the company is imploding.
24:39What do you want me to do?
24:40So, what if the company crashes?
24:42We're loaded.
24:43We have enough cash for a lifetime.
24:45She rolled her eyes.
24:46Damien looked at her like he was seeing a complete stranger.
24:48Do you have any idea how this family built its empire?
24:51My grandfather George, my dad, my brother Alan three generations bled for this.
24:56It didn't just fall from the sky.
24:58Well, you still can't just abandon me and your nephew.
25:01He's not even a month old and you're MIA every single day.
25:04Damien slammed the door on her and drove straight back to the memorial hall.
25:08My casket was still sitting there.
25:10He refused to bury me because he couldn't find the perfect plot.
25:13He leaned against the polished wood, muttering into the void.
25:16Alessia, if you were here, what would you tell me to do?
25:19You'd probably tell me to just breathe.
25:21Take it one step at a time.
25:23You were always so level-headed.
25:25So damn smart.
25:26His voice dropped to a broken whisper.
25:29But I don't have anyone to talk to anymore.
25:31My dad just screams at me.
25:33Vivian only wants my credit cards.
25:35Bella is entirely self-obsessed.
25:37You were the only one who never asked for a dime.
25:40Who just wanted to help me.
25:41He took a drag and started violently coughing.
25:44Coughing so hard literal tears streamed down his face.
25:47I'm so sorry.
25:48God, I am so sorry.
25:50I didn't know it was gonna end like this.
25:52If I could do it all over again, I swear I would.
25:55Before he could finish his pathetic confession, his phone blew up.
25:58It was his executive assistant, sounding absolutely panicked.
26:02Boss, we have a massive crisis.
26:05Customs just seized our entire shipping fleet.
26:07They're claiming we're smuggling contraband.
26:09The payload is huge.
26:11The feds are opening a criminal investigation.
26:13Contraband?
26:14What the hell are you talking about?
26:16We run a legitimate import business.
26:18It's real.
26:18The feds are literally raiding the lobby right now asking for you.
26:22Damien slammed the phone down and bolted out of the memorial hall.
26:25He jumped in his car, speeding toward the corporate HQ.
26:28Halfway there, his phone rang again.
26:30Unknown caller ID.
26:31He picked up, and a man's voice ice cold and deadly deep spoke through the speakers.
26:36Did you enjoy my little gift, Damien?
26:38Who the hell is this?
26:39My name isn't important.
26:40All you need to know is that this.
26:42This is just the appetizer.
26:44You owe a massive debt.
26:46And I'm going to rip your entire family apart to collect it.
26:49The line went dead.
26:50Damien scrambled to redial, but the number was already disconnected.
26:53His hands, gripped white-knuckled on the steering wheel, started to violently shake.
26:58The federal investigation dragged on for two brutal weeks.
27:01They eventually dropped the charges due to insufficient evidence, but the entire cargo was seized.
27:06Millions of dollars, instantly gone.
27:08Their family's reputation absolutely tanked.
27:11And business partners started tearing up their contracts left and right.
27:14The company's stock flatlined.
27:16The stress triggered a second massive stroke for the old patriarch George, and this time, he didn't make it.
27:20Right before he kicked the bucket, he gripped Damien's hand, gasping out.
27:25Family.
27:26The air.
27:27And then he flatlined.
27:28The funeral was pathetic and cheap.
27:30Barely anyone showed up, and the ones who did were only there to watch the train wreck.
27:34Vivian stood by the casket holding the baby, crying her perfectly manicured crocodile tears.
27:39Honestly couldn't tell if she was crying for the old man or crying because her sugar daddy was dead.
27:44Damien just stood there the entire time, completely dead inside.
27:47It wasn't until the funeral ended and the guests cleared out that he finally turned to Vivian.
27:51Pack your stuff and get out.
27:53Vivian completely froze.
27:56Excuse me?
27:57Take the kid and get the hell out of my house.
27:59I'll cut you a check.
28:01It'll be enough to keep you comfortable for the rest of your life.
28:03Damien!
28:04What the hell are you talking about?
28:06I'm your brother's widow!
28:07His baby is his own flesh and blood!
28:10Grandpa George literally said he's the heir!
28:13The heir?
28:14Our entire empire is turning to dust.
28:17What exactly is he inheriting?
28:19Our crippling debt?
28:21Vivian took a step back, panicked.
28:23You're just gonna abandon us?
28:24I'm paying you.
28:26Damien deadpanned.
28:28That's me, not abandoning.
28:29Main estate?
28:31I'm keeping it.
28:33It holds all my memories with Alessia.
28:37Memories?
28:38Stop lying to yourself, Damien.
28:40You never loved that woman.
28:42You're just drowning in guilt.
28:43She died a horrific death, and now the guilt is eating you alive.
28:47If she was still breathing, you would have dumped her and married me ages ago!
28:52Damien's face went deadly dark.
28:53Your mouth.
28:55I'm gonna say it!
28:57You totally lost it.
28:58Completely unhinged.
28:59You only married her because she was a clean, basic girl you could easily manipulate.
29:03You literally told me that once she pushed the kid out, you'd find an excuse to divorce her.
29:07Now that she's dead, she did you a massive favor!
29:10You should be thanking me!
29:12Thanking my son for getting her out of the picture!
29:14Smack!
29:15Another slap.
29:16Infinitely harder than the one he gave Bella.
29:18Vivian was literally knocked to the floor, the baby instantly bursting into terrified wells.
29:23Damien loomed over her.
29:24His eyes like daggers of ice.
29:26Get out.
29:27Right now, leave.
29:29If I ever see your face again, you won't get a single damn cent.
29:32Vivian scrambled up, clutching the screaming baby, and shot him a lethal glare.
29:36Going to regret this!
29:38She stormed out, taking the kid and a massive seven-figure settlement check with her.
29:42Damien stood alone in the empty memorial hall, staring up at his dad George's portrait.
29:46He suddenly looked so incredibly, fundamentally exhausted.
29:50Too exhausted to even stand.
29:52He dropped to his knees.
29:53Dad, I can't hold on anymore.
29:55The empire is collapsing and it's all my fault.
29:58Total silence.
30:00Nobody answered him.
30:01Just the cold draft sweeping through the hall, violently flapping the white morning drapes.
30:05I was chilling in my Italian estate, watching the CCTV feeds on my iPad.
30:09My dad Robert strolled in and tossed a dossier onto the table.
30:13Damien's company.
30:15Valuation's barely holding at a fraction of what it was.
30:17And they're drowning in debt twice that same.
30:19Filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy is only a few days away.
30:23I picked up the file and skimmed the pages.
30:25That was way faster than I expected.
30:27My dad Robert sat down and let out a heavy sigh.
30:32Alessia, do you really need to personally watch him burn to the ground?
30:35I looked up at him.
30:36Dad, do you seriously expect me to forgive him?
30:39He shook his head immediately.
30:40No.
30:41The bastard deserves it.
30:43I'm just worried about you.
30:45I don't want you getting stuck in this dark headspace.
30:47I slapped the folder shut and gave him a faint smile.
30:50The exact moment my baby died I completely detached from him.
30:54Right now I'm literally just collecting a debt.
30:57My dad Robert looked at me, his eyes full of conflict.
31:00You've changed.
31:01You used to smile so much.
31:03Now even your smiles look completely hollow.
31:05I stood up, walked over to the floor to ceiling windows, and stared out over the vineyards.
31:11Everyone grows eventually.
31:13Some people just take years to do it.
31:15And some of us grow up overnight after one brutal betrayal and a brush with death.
31:19My dad Robert didn't say anything back.
31:21He just stood there with me in comfortable silence for a while, then quietly left the room.
31:25Suddenly, my burner phone buzzed.
31:27It was Damien.
31:28The absolute nerve of this guy to call me.
31:31Well, technically, he was calling my dead alias's number.
31:34I answered it, but kept my mouth completely shut.
31:37His voice, incredibly hoarse and broken, crackled through the speaker.
31:41Alexia, I know you can't hear this, but I just really re-needed to talk to you.
31:45The family is finished.
31:47My dad is dead, Vivian walked out, and Bella completely cut cuz with me.
31:50Right now I have absolutely no one left.
31:52Sometimes I think, if I had just treated you better, maybe everything would be different.
31:55If I wasn't so insanely greedy.
31:57Wanting the sun, wanting the empire, wanting total control over everything.
32:01Maybe, maybe you'd still be alive.
32:04But what ifs are useless.
32:06You're dead.
32:06Our baby is dead.
32:08And it's 100% my fault.
32:11I could spend my entire life trying to pay off this debt, and it wouldn't be enough.
32:16So...
32:18He took a massive, shuddering breath.
32:20I liquidated everything left of the company.
32:23I split the cash three ways.
32:25One third went to charity.
32:26In your name, one third went to Vivian and the kid as a final payout for my brother Alan.
32:31And the last third...
32:34I kept it.
32:35To buy myself a burial plot, right next to yours.
32:38In the next life, I'd give you my soul to make it up to you.
32:41The call abruptly ended.
32:43I sat there gripping the phone, completely motionless for a long time.
32:46Until the screen went black, reflecting my stone-cold, expressionless face.
32:51Damien actually kept his word.
32:52He liquidated every single asset real estate, stocks, art collections.
32:57He even listed the main family mansion.
32:59He downsized to a tiny, crappy apartment.
33:01His entire routine was just getting blackout drunk and haunting the cemetery.
33:06Just sitting in front of my headstone, talking to himself like a crazy person.
33:10Sometimes rambling about the bankrupt company.
33:12Sometimes bringing up childhood memories.
33:14Sometimes he didn't say a word.
33:16Just sat there staring into space.
33:18Four hours on end.
33:20Literally all day.
33:21Bella actually tracked him down once, screaming that he'd lost his damn mind.
33:25You blew the entire family fortune for a corpse?
33:28How can you face dad?
33:29How can you face our brother Alan?
33:31Damien just looked at her with totally hollow, dead eyes.
33:34And who's gonna make it right for Lesia?
33:36Who makes it right for the child we killed?
33:38Bella choked on her words, finally running off crying.
33:41She never came back.
33:43By the third month of watching this live stream of misery, I was officially bored.
33:46The adrenaline rush of revenge had completely worn off the second his company went under.
33:50All that was left was this empty void.
33:52And a tiny sliver of pity that I hated to admit I felt.
33:56My dad Robert asked me.
33:58Have you seen enough?
33:59If you're done playing games, snap out of it.
34:01I need you to take over the syndicate's operations.
34:03I nodded.
34:04I'll be back at the office tomorrow.
34:05But tonight, I'm taking a trip to the cemetery.
34:08My dad Robert frowned.
34:10That's way too risky.
34:12He's a desperate man with nothing left to lose if he figures out you're alive.
34:15He won't notice.
34:16I assured him I'm literally just gonna watch from the distance.
34:18One last look and I'm closing this chapter permanently.
34:21My dad Robert stayed quiet for a minute, then nodded.
34:24Detail.
34:25Call it in if anything goes south.
34:27The cemetery was dead silent at night.
34:30I stood back in the shadows of the trees, watching Damien slumped in front of my headstone.
34:34He looked practically emaciated.
34:36His hair had gone gray.
34:37The guy wasn't even 40 yet, but he looked like he was pushing 50.
34:41He was clutching a bottle of liquor, taking swigs, and slurring his words.
34:46Alexia, I finally went to see a shrink today.
34:49He diagnosed me with clinical depression.
34:52Tried to shove pills down my throat.
34:55I told him to screw off.
34:56I'm not depressed.
34:57I just...
34:58I just miss you.
35:00I miss your cooking.
35:01I miss you nagging me about drinking too much.
35:04I miss you rubbing your belly and complaining the baby was kicking me.
35:07He took another burning swig and started hacking.
35:10Coughed for a solid minute.
35:11When he finally stopped, his voice was even more wrecked.
35:14The scariest part?
35:16I'm forgetting.
35:17Your face.
35:18Your voice.
35:18It's all getting so blurry.
35:20I'm absolutely terrified that one day I'm gonna totally forget you.
35:23And when that happens, what the hell am I supposed to do?
35:26He collapsed against the cold stone, his shoulders violently shaking.
35:29He was fully sobbing.
35:31I turned around.
35:32Completely done.
35:33Ready to leave.
35:34But my designer heel accidentally kicked a loose stone.
35:37Damien's head whipped up.
35:39Who's there?
35:39I completely froze.
35:41He stumbled to his feet and started marching toward the shadows.
35:44My security chief tried to pull me back, but I shook my head.
35:47I'd played the ghost long enough.
35:49It was time to face the music.
35:51Damien stopped dead in his tracks right at the edge of the shadows.
35:54The moonlight hit my face perfectly.
35:56He stared at me, his pupils shrinking to pinpricks.
35:59Looking like he literally just saw a gu-
36:01You.
36:02It's me.
36:03I broke the silence.
36:05Not dead?
36:06Surprise.
36:07Damien's jaw was practically on the floor.
36:09He couldn't form a single word.
36:11He just stared at me like a madman.
36:13His eyes flipping from shock, to confusion, to absolute, unhinged joy.
36:18He lunged forward, trying to crack me.
36:20My head of security instantly stepped in front of me, shoving him back.
36:28I tried to physically push past my guard, but the guy didn't even budge.
36:33That's when it finally dawned on him.
36:35I was flanked by four heavily armed men in tailored black-
36:38Who the hell are they?
36:40Damien stammered, confused.
36:42My muscle, I answered coolly.
36:43The psychotic joy on his face slowly melted into dread.
36:47He looked me up and down.
36:48Really looked at me.
36:49The custom-tailored designer suit, the flawless mafia boss glam, the absolutely stone-cold expression.
36:55A total 180 from the sweet, submissive little housewife he thought he married.
36:59Who?
37:00Who exactly are you?
37:03Let's reintroduce ourselves.
37:05Alessia, heiress to the family.
37:07Current head of the Corioni mafia syndicate.
37:12Bullshit!
37:13You told me you were from a boring middle-class family?
37:16I lied to you.
37:17I cut him off.
37:18My dad explicitly told me not to marry you.
37:22Said I couldn't handle your toxic games.
37:23I was stupid and stubborn.
37:26I married you anyway.
37:28Looking back, he was 100% right.
37:31Wait.
37:32So my company going completely bankrupt?
37:35That was you?
37:36Yep.
37:37I didn't even blink.
37:39My dad Robert pulled the trigger.
37:40He said anyone who touches his daughter pays the ultimate price.
37:44Honestly, I agree with him.
37:47Damien's eyes flushed with furious red tears.
37:50Then why the hell didn't you tell me from the start?
37:56Damien, stop being so pathetic.
37:58From day one, you only loved me because you thought I was a nobody you could easily control.
38:01If you knew I had a mafia hit squad behind me, you wouldn't have even looked my way.
38:05Or worse, you'd have found a way to quietly murder me to absorb my family's empire.
38:10Completely speechless.
38:11He glared at me, his pathetic grief mutating into pure, venomous hatred.
38:17So you played me this whole time.
38:20You just watched me act like an absolute idiot while my entire world fell apart.
38:25All the while, you could have stopped it.
38:27Why?
38:28Not really.
38:29Watching you suffer didn't bring me joy.
38:33I just think it's exactly what you deserve.
38:36Karma?
38:37Alexia, drop the self-righteous act!
38:39If you had just been honest about who you were, none of this would have ever happened!
38:42Yeah, I screwed you over!
38:44But you lied, manipulated me, and destroyed my entire life!
38:47You're a hundred times sicker than I am!
38:49He lunged at me like a rabid dog.
38:51My guards didn't hesitate.
38:53They slammed him face first into the dirt in two seconds flat.
38:56Damien thrashed against the dirt, screaming like a maniac.
38:59Alexia!
39:00Run in hell!
39:03I'm gonna make you pay for this!
39:04I swear to God I'll-
39:06Before he could finish his villain monologue, my guard punched his lights out.
39:08What do we do, boss?
39:09My security chief looked up at me.
39:10I stared down at his unconscious body.
39:13Dump him back at his crappy apartment, and make sure I never have to look at his pathetical face again.
39:18I flew back to Italy and officially took the throne of the family empire.
39:21My dad formally retired.
39:22Now he just gardens, feeds the birds, and acts like your average sweet grandpa.
39:26Though occasionally, he still asks me,
39:28Do you still hate him?
39:30No.
39:32Holding on to that much hate is exhausting.
39:34I don't have the energy for it.
39:38Then, do you miss him?
39:40Dad, really?
39:42Do you think I'm that stupid?
39:45I just feel like you've completely shut down your emotions.
39:49It's been three years.
39:50I've barely seen you crack a real smile.
39:53And you haven't let a single man within a ten mile radius of you.
39:57Dad, I'm perfectly fine on my own.
39:59I have my empire, I have insane wealth, and I have my family.
40:02I don't need a man complicating my life.
40:06The itentionary for the U.S. trip next week finalized?
40:09Yes, it's done.
40:10Great. I'm going to go prep for it.
40:11I stood up and walked out of his office.
40:13Just as I hit the doorway, I heard him whisper,
40:16If the baby had survived, they would have been three years old.
40:18My footsteps completely halted.
40:20I didn't look back.
40:21Just forced myself to keep walking.
40:23The hallway was endlessly long, lined with oil portraits of past syndicate bosses.
40:28Right at the very end was a portrait of my mother.
40:30She died from childbirth complications, hemorrhaged giving birth to me,
40:34and the doctors couldn't save her.
40:35My dad never remarried, never even dated.
40:38I never understood why.
40:39But now, I finally get it.
40:42Some wounds literally never heal.
40:44Some pain is so deep that not even time can...
40:46My phone buzzed in my pocket.
40:49My assistant's voice came through.
40:51Boss, Damien is in Italy.
40:53He's outside the estate gates.
40:55He's demanding an audience.
40:56I'm not seeing him.
40:57He's literally on his knees.
40:59Says he's not moving until you come out.
41:01I walked over to the nearest window and pulled back the heavy velvet curtains.
41:06Way down at the front gates, Damien was kneeling in the dirt,
41:09holding up a pathetic cardboard sign.
41:11It read,
41:12I'm so sorry, I was wrong.
41:14Please, just see me once.
41:15I stared down at him for a few seconds.
41:18Then, I sharply yanked the...
41:20My assistant hesitated for a second.
41:21Boss, are you sure that won't be too...
41:24Just do it.
41:25I hung up the phone.
41:26I sank onto a leather sofa and closed my eyes.
41:28But my traitorous brain flashed back to a memory from years ago.
41:31The very first time we ever met.
41:33At the university library.
41:35I was carrying a massive stack of books,
41:37bumped straight into him and dropped them everywhere.
41:39He immediately knelt down to help me pick them up,
41:42flashing me this bright smile.
41:43You've got a lot of books there, huh?
41:44The afternoon sunlight was streaming through the library windows,
41:47hitting his face perfectly.
41:49He looked so sweet,
41:50so completely pure.
41:52But it was all fake.
41:53A complete, sick illusion.
41:55So why the hell does my heart still ache?
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