A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
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Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
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AmusantTranscription
00:00:07Le troisième anniversaire, j'ai activé mon plan pour fêter mon propre mort.
00:00:16À la fin de la nuit, il a dit les hommes en Italie.
00:00:22Il n'a jamais eu compris. J'ai compris tous les mots.
00:00:25J'ai découvert la mafia Donne's trophy wife, I had long discovered his mistress and the high heel she deliberately
00:00:30left in my home.
00:00:31I refused to endure it any longer.
00:00:33Ten days from now, only the gun he custom, made for me and a pool of blood, will remain on
00:00:39the seaside cliff.
00:00:41Donne, those 99 times you said you loved me, I don't want them anymore.
00:00:47I was standing in the corridor outside the private dining room when I dialed the number.
00:00:51Project Ash, initiate now.
00:00:53The male voice on the other end, was calm and steady.
00:00:56Received. The faked death protocol is ready to go.
00:00:59In ten days you'll vanish from everyone's world.
00:01:01I ended the call, pried out the SIM card, and dropped it into the wastebasket beside the wall.
00:01:05From inside the room came a roar of laughter, familiar enough to turn my stomach.
00:01:09That was Dante Moretti, my husband.
00:01:11The godfather of the most powerful mafia family on the east coast.
00:01:15Surrounded by his loyal and oblivious men.
00:01:17Tonight was our third wedding anniversary.
00:01:19He had rented out the entire restaurant, the most expensive champagne, the most dishonest smiles.
00:01:25A performance called Love, staged entirely for my benefit.
00:01:29I pushed open the door and walked in, wearing the same smile I always wore.
00:01:33Finished your call?
00:01:34Dante sat at the head of the long table, and reached out to me.
00:01:37I crossed the room, and placed my hand in his.
00:01:39He pulled me into his lap in one smooth motion, one arm circling my waist.
00:01:43Tender and practiced, the kind of gesture that now made me want to be sick.
00:01:46All done.
00:01:47The cleaning service confirmed they'll send someone to the apartment tomorrow.
00:01:51Dante nodded, and turned back to his underboss, resuming a conversation in Italian.
00:01:55Fast, clipped, thick with a Sicilian accent.
00:01:57The private language of his bloodline, and the wall they'd always use to keep me out.
00:02:01I smiled along, and took a sip of wine.
00:02:04I had taught myself Italian over the past three years.
00:02:06Dante didn't know that.
00:02:07He thought I only spoke English.
00:02:09His men thought so too.
00:02:13That was Dante's cousin, Luca, second, in command.
00:02:16Another man, Cesare, grinned.
00:02:35CSR turned to me, switching to English.
00:02:37His eyes, testing the water.
00:02:39Vivian, good wine.
00:02:40I smiled and nodded.
00:02:41Very good.
00:02:42My gaze, perfectly clear.
00:02:43They exchanged a look, and cut back to Italian.
00:02:47Non capisce una parola.
00:02:49Rilasciati.
00:02:49Dante, davvero non le lo diresti.
00:02:51E se lo scopri...
00:02:52Dante finally spoke.
00:02:53His tone easy, and indifferent.
00:02:55Cosa è da scoprire?
00:02:56È mia.
00:02:57Sarà sempre mia.
00:02:58Ho bisogno di lei dove deve essere, facendo quello che dovrebbe fare.
00:03:01Il resto non ha nulla a che avere con lei.
00:03:03I felt his hand give my waist a light.
00:03:05Absent-minded pet.
00:03:07The way you'd sue the pet.
00:03:08Besides, he continued in Italian.
00:03:10Lei è così brava, non farà danni.
00:03:12Low laughter rippled around the table.
00:03:14I looked down at the dark red liquid in my glass.
00:03:17Three years of marriage, and they had always looked at me that way.
00:03:20Pity threaded through contempt.
00:03:21I was the godfather's wife, and had no real power.
00:03:23I was his companion, and nothing more than a prop.
00:03:26What they didn't know was that the most dangerous hunter is the one who looks the most harmless.
00:03:30I set my glass down, and stood up from Dante's lap.
00:03:33Tired?
00:03:33He looked up at me.
00:03:35I'll head home.
00:03:36I'll have someone drive you.
00:03:37No need.
00:03:38I'll call a car.
00:03:39I picked up my bag, and walked toward the door.
00:03:42As I pulled it open, I heard someone say one last thing in Italian behind me.
00:03:46Non ti preoccupare.
00:03:47Non sam niente.
00:03:48I let the door close behind me.
00:03:50I knew everything.
00:03:52I knew who Scarlet was.
00:03:53I knew that woman had been living in the apartment.
00:03:56Dante bought her for the past month.
00:03:58I knew the entire family had been laughing behind my back,
00:04:00calling me a fool who couldn't see what was in front of her.
00:04:03But I wouldn't cry.
00:04:04I wouldn't rage.
00:04:05I wouldn't ask him a single question.
00:04:07Ten days from now, they would all believe I was dead.
00:04:10And Dante Moretti would spend the rest of his life remembering every word he said tonight.
00:04:33I walked out of that building, like a ghost.
00:04:36A cab idled at the curb.
00:04:38I pulled open the door and gave the address.
00:04:41Thirty minutes later, I was standing in the living room of our penthouse apartment.
00:04:44Our home.
00:04:45That was what Dante called it when he bought this place.
00:04:48The air inside was thick with his present cigars.
00:04:51Whiskey.
00:04:52The particular aftershave he wore.
00:04:54I used to find that smell comforting.
00:04:58Now it made my skin crawl.
00:05:00I started packing.
00:05:02The bedroom first.
00:05:05On the nightstand sat the only photo of us together.
00:05:08The one taken on the yacht.
00:05:10He had his arm around me.
00:05:12And I was laughing so hard my eyes were nearly shut.
00:05:14That was two years ago.
00:05:16He had just been made godfather.
00:05:18And all of New York's underworld was saying his name.
00:05:21He'd had too much to drink that day.
00:05:23Held me close.
00:05:25And swore to God I was the only woman he would ever love.
00:05:28I picked up the frame, opened the back, and slid the photo out.
00:05:32Then I tore it in her.
00:05:34His half went into the trash bag.
00:05:35My half I held in my fist.
00:05:37Into the walking closet.
00:05:39I opened the jewelry cabinet.
00:05:40Everything he had ever given me was in there.
00:05:42A diamond bracelet.
00:05:44A third anniversary gift.
00:05:46Ruby earrings.
00:05:47Bought last Christmas.
00:05:49A necklace he'd had custom made.
00:05:51The pendant engraved with my initials.
00:05:53One by one, I took them out.
00:05:55One by one, I dropped them in.
00:05:57The clothes, too.
00:05:58He'd always said I looked best in the red dress.
00:06:01Made me wear it to every family gathering.
00:06:03The fur coat he'd draped over my shoulders himself.
00:06:06Claimed he'd brought it back from Milan.
00:06:08And the bags, Herms Chanel, limited editions from boutiques around the world.
00:06:12Ferried back by his men.
00:06:14All of it, into the bag.
00:06:16When the bag was full, I dragged it to the elevator.
00:06:19Rode down.
00:06:20And heaved it into the dumpster.
00:06:24Back in the apartment, I poured a whiskey.
00:06:26The liquor burned down my throat.
00:06:28And made my eyes sting.
00:06:30I moved to the window.
00:06:32And looked out over New York.
00:06:34This city was everywhere his.
00:06:36The casino below.
00:06:38The container terminal at the port.
00:06:40The weapons depot in Brooklyn.
00:06:42He sat at the center of all of it.
00:06:44Controlling everything.
00:06:46Including what I used to be.
00:06:49That night, three years ago, came flooding back.
00:06:52I had been in New York for only three months.
00:06:55Running an errand for a friend at one of the dock warehouses.
00:06:59And gunshots.
00:07:00I didn't even understand what was happening.
00:07:15I just knew someone was yanking me backward by the arm.
00:07:18It was Dante.
00:07:19I didn't know who he was yet.
00:07:21All I knew was that he shoved me into a corner.
00:07:24And put himself between me and the bullets.
00:07:26One of those bullets punched through his shoulder.
00:07:28His blood splattered warm across my face.
00:07:31He kept firing.
00:07:32One arm around me.
00:07:34The other shooting back.
00:07:35Shouting at his men to break through.
00:07:37He pinned me so tightly I couldn't move.
00:07:39And all I could hear was his heartbeat.
00:07:41Fast and hard.
00:07:43Like a drunk.
00:07:44Then he collapsed against me.
00:07:45I was soaked in blood.
00:07:47And I thought he was dead.
00:07:48He looked up at me with what remained of his breath.
00:07:51And his mouth pulled into something that wasn't quite a smile.
00:07:55You're okay.
00:07:56That's what matters.
00:07:58That's what matters.
00:08:01I got him to the hospital.
00:08:18Six hours of surgery.
00:08:21When he came around, the first thing he did was ask if I was hurt.
00:08:25I put flowers on his nightstand.
00:08:27And asked him why he had saved me.
00:08:30He took my hand and pressed his lips to the back of it.
00:08:33Because you're the only person I've ever wanted to protect.
00:08:37After he was discharged, he pursued me for three months.
00:08:40I said no.
00:08:41And he stood outside my building and waited.
00:08:43One day it poured.
00:08:44And he stood there for three hours.
00:08:47Eventually I went downstairs and dragged him inside.
00:08:49He was soaked through.
00:08:50But he grinned like a kid.
00:08:52You finally let me in.
00:08:55He sent flowers every day.
00:08:57Picked me up from work every day.
00:08:59Said he loved me every day.
00:09:01I turned him down ninety-nine times.
00:09:04On the hundredth, he proposed.
00:09:06He went down on one knee.
00:09:08Those hands that could take a life at a thousand yards were shaking as they held the ring.
00:09:12I had never seen him like that.
00:09:14The youngest godfather in New York Mafia history.
00:09:17A man who killed without blinking.
00:09:19Kneeling in front of me.
00:09:21And barely able to form words.
00:09:23Marry me.
00:09:24He said.
00:09:25I'll spend my life shielding you with mine.
00:09:28I said yes.
00:09:30The day he left the hospital, he held me and whispered against my ear.
00:09:35You're my only weakness and my armor.
00:09:38I thought that was an eternal vow.
00:09:40My phone buzzed.
00:09:48I thought that was an eternal vow.
00:09:50My phone buzzed.
00:09:52I picked it up and opened the recording I had copied.
00:09:55Dante's call last night from inside Scarlet's apartment.
00:09:58I pressed play.
00:09:59You like it.
00:10:00His voice, low and graveled.
00:10:02Scarlet's laugh.
00:10:03I love it.
00:10:04Dante, does your wife know you're like this?
00:10:07Don't bring her up.
00:10:09Why not?
00:10:10Isn't she your one and only?
00:10:12Dante laughed.
00:10:13A laugh I had never heard from him.
00:10:15Relaxed.
00:10:19She's the one I keep at home.
00:10:21You're the one who lets me breathe.
00:10:23Different things.
00:10:24How different?
00:10:26She'll always be my wife.
00:10:28But you?
00:10:29His voice dropped.
00:10:31You make me want to let go.
00:10:33You're not afraid she'll find out.
00:10:36Her.
00:10:37She'll never find out.
00:10:39And even if she did, what could she do?
00:10:42She couldn't survive without me.
00:10:45The recording kept going.
00:10:47I didn't want to hear anymore.
00:10:50The man who had taken a bullet for me.
00:10:53The man who had stood in the rain waiting for me to say yes.
00:10:56The man who told me I was his armor.
00:10:58That man was lying.
00:11:00In another woman's bed.
00:11:02I set the phone on the table.
00:11:04My fingers brushed something cold.
00:11:06The engagement ring.
00:11:07Three years on my hand.
00:11:09Taken off only just now.
00:11:10I walked to the window.
00:11:15And threw it out.
00:11:16The man who had shielded me with his body.
00:11:18The man who had called me his only one.
00:11:20The man who had made me believe in love.
00:11:22He had changed.
00:11:23Or maybe he had always been this way.
00:11:25And I was only seeing it clearly now.
00:11:31The man who had called me his only one.
00:13:12Let's see it!
00:13:13Dante ignored him and brought me to the long table in the center of the range.
00:13:18A black metal case sat on the table. Solid craftsmanship, copper banded at the corners.
00:13:24He let go of my hand and entered the code. A click. The lid opened.
00:13:30Inside, lay a gun. Silver, small and elegant. The grip inlaid with dark filigree that caught the light in tiny
00:13:37scattered glints.
00:13:38Dante lifted it out and turned to face me. Come here.
00:13:51I walked over. Every eye in the room was on me. He placed the gun in my hands.
00:13:58The curve of the grip settled perfectly against my palm. The weight was right too. A little lighter than what
00:14:03I trained with before.
00:14:05I tested the trigger. The pull was just right. No need to force it. He had memorized the size of
00:14:11my hands. Remembered the grip I preferred.
00:14:13Knew exactly how heavy I liked a gun to be. He had brought me here many times over the past
00:14:17three years. Every session side by side, shot by shot. Until we had built something like fluency in each other's
00:14:22habits.
00:14:23He kept a record of all of them. Custom made to your specifications.
00:14:26He said, Right-handed grip. Barrel rifled one degree left. The best gunsmith in Italy. Handmade. Three months in the
00:14:34making. There isn't another one like it in the world.
00:14:38I looked down. Along the grip, etched in fine flowing script, were two letters. VR. My initials. The room erupted.
00:14:47The boss never gave a woman a gun before, and it's custom. I've been with him ten years. Never got
00:14:52this treatment.
00:14:55Viviana, do you know what this thing is worth? You could buy a Manhattan apartment with that money.
00:15:00Dante smiled and raised one hand. The room quieted.
00:15:04That gun is yours.
00:15:05He said, not loud, but the whole range could hear him.
00:15:08Nobody touches it without my permission. Are we clear?
00:15:13I looked up at him. There was a smile in his eyes, but something else beneath it.
00:15:17That possessiveness of his. The pride of claiming ownership in front of everyone he commanded.
00:15:21Clear.
00:15:22I said, he nodded, satisfied. Then he stepped behind me, closed his hands over mine, and we held the gun
00:15:29together.
00:15:30His chest was against my back. Warm.
00:15:34Three years ago, this would have made my pulse race.
00:15:37Now all I can think about, is the recording from last night.
00:15:41Does he press himself against her the same way?
00:15:44Speak in that low, gentle voice into her ear?
00:15:47Line up the sights. Aim for center.
00:15:50Ten rings.
00:15:51When the magazine ran dry, I turned to face him.
00:16:01His eyes were full of pride.
00:16:03The kind that says I trained her myself.
00:16:05He pulled me into him, and bent his head to kiss my hair.
00:16:08I breathed in the smell of him, and could only think about how that same smell had clung to another
00:16:12woman last night.
00:16:15The others were already clamoring, to go drinking.
00:16:17Dante walked out with his arm around me, the district captains trailing behind.
00:16:21Still debating my last few shots.
00:16:23We were at the warehouse entrance, when his phone rang.
00:16:27He glanced at the screen, and his expression shifted, just for a moment.
00:16:31But I saw it, that pleased, loosened look, instantly suppressed.
00:16:34Replaced by something carefully arranged, to look like concern.
00:16:38Yeah.
00:16:39He listened for a few seconds.
00:16:41Got it. I'm on my way.
00:16:44He ended the call, and looked at me.
00:16:46His face carried that specific blend of apology, and urgency, he wore so well.
00:16:51Vivian, there's a problem down at the port. I have to go handle it.
00:16:55Cesar will take you home.
00:16:58I didn't tell him I'd heard Scarlet's voice in the background.
00:17:02God, he was good.
00:17:05Come on, I'll drive you.
00:17:07Cesar stepped forward. I followed him to the other car.
00:17:11Before I got in, I glanced back.
00:17:15At the corner, a red sports car was parked with its lights on.
00:17:19A Porsche, new model.
00:17:20I couldn't make out the face inside, but I could see the long blonde hair.
00:17:24Scarlet's car.
00:17:25I had seen it once before, last week on Dante's phone.
00:17:28Scarlet had sent him a photo of herself leaning against the hood, smiling with a caption that read,
00:17:32Come pick me up.
00:17:33He wasn't going to the port.
00:17:35That shipment had arrived three days ago.
00:17:38Luca had reported last night that everything was fine.
00:17:40He was going to her.
00:17:43Three months ago,
00:17:44Scarlet had appeared in his life.
00:17:46He had been commissioning custom gifts for me while texting her.
00:17:49Memorizing my shooting habits while figuring out how to get her into bed.
00:17:52I almost laughed at that.
00:17:53What was I laughing at?
00:17:54At how certain he was, I didn't know.
00:17:56At how convincing his performance had been.
00:17:59Or at myself, knowing everything perfectly,
00:18:01and still feeling it like a punch to the chest when I saw that red car.
00:18:12The elevator doors opened.
00:18:14I walked into the apartment.
00:18:16Everything looked exactly as I'd left it.
00:18:19But something felt off the moment.
00:18:21I stepped through the door.
00:18:22The air had changed.
00:18:24A trace of perfume.
00:18:26Faint, but real.
00:18:28Sweet and cloying.
00:18:30With a floral undertone.
00:18:32Not mine.
00:18:33I had never worn anything like that.
00:18:36I went into the bedroom.
00:18:38I had left in a hurry that morning.
00:18:40The comforter shoved aside.
00:18:42Pillows askew.
00:18:43Now the bedding was smooth.
00:18:45Both pillows set neatly side by side.
00:18:47The corners tucked.
00:18:49Someone had been here.
00:18:50Someone had come into my bedroom.
00:18:52And touched my bed.
00:18:53I checked the wardrobe.
00:18:56All my clothes were hanging where I'd left them.
00:18:59Undisturbed.
00:19:00I exhaled.
00:19:01And was about to turn away when something caught the edge of my vision.
00:19:05On the innermost shelf.
00:19:07A single high heel.
00:19:08Red stiletto.
00:19:10The vamp glittering with rhinestones.
00:19:12Not my size.
00:19:14Not my style.
00:19:15I had never owned anything like it.
00:19:17She had left it here.
00:19:19On purpose.
00:19:20This apartment was Dante's private ground.
00:19:22In three years.
00:19:24I had never seen a single family member set foot inside.
00:19:27Without being invited.
00:19:28Even Luca called ahead and waited at the door.
00:19:31Cicere only ever delivered things to the lobby downstairs.
00:19:35Anyone else didn't even come into the building.
00:19:37And yet someone had been inside.
00:19:39A woman.
00:19:40Wearing perfume I would never wear.
00:19:42Shoes I would never own.
00:19:44And she had made herself at home in my bed.
00:19:54I picked up my phone and almost called Dante.
00:19:57Then I didn't.
00:19:58What would I even say?
00:20:00Did you bring another woman here?
00:20:02He would say no.
00:20:03He'd say I was imagining things.
00:20:05He'd say that must be the cleaning lady's perfume.
00:20:08He would perform it flawlessly.
00:20:09He always did.
00:20:11The nausea rose again.
00:20:13She had been here.
00:20:14Maybe yesterday.
00:20:16Maybe this very afternoon.
00:20:17I went to the guest room and closed the door.
00:20:20It smelled faintly of dust.
00:20:22No one had slept here in a long time.
00:20:24But it was better than the bedroom.
00:20:25No perfume.
00:20:27No sign of anyone.
00:20:28I lay down and stared at the ceiling.
00:20:30My phone buzzed.
00:20:31A message from Dante.
00:20:33Asleep already?
00:20:34I looked at those two words.
00:20:36And tried to picture where he was when he sent them.
00:20:38In his car?
00:20:39In her apartment?
00:20:40Just out of her bed?
00:20:42I typed back.
00:20:43Yes.
00:20:44His call came through immediately.
00:20:46I watched his name on the screen.
00:20:49Hesitated two seconds.
00:20:50Picked up.
00:20:51You're asleep and you still answered?
00:20:53There was a smile in his voice.
00:20:55He woke me up.
00:20:57I miss you.
00:20:58He said.
00:20:58I'll definitely come home early tomorrow to be with you.
00:21:01I closed my eyes.
00:21:02Okay.
00:21:03He would come home.
00:21:04Wearing her perfume.
00:21:06Maybe with a mark on his neck.
00:21:08With that gentle face of his.
00:21:10Telling me he had missed me.
00:21:12And I.
00:21:13Would pretend I had no idea.
00:21:23When I came downstairs the next morning, Dante was already at the table.
00:21:27He stood up when he saw me and crossed the room to hold me.
00:21:35I got back late last night.
00:21:37Hope I didn't disturb you.
00:21:38No.
00:21:39I said.
00:21:40I slept soundly.
00:21:44He walked me to the table and pulled out my chair.
00:21:48The coffee was hot.
00:21:50The toast was golden.
00:21:51He had buttered it himself and set it on my plate.
00:21:54Three years every time he came home late, the next morning looked like this.
00:21:58Attentive solicitous.
00:22:00Walking on eggshells.
00:22:03Only this time it was more than usual.
00:22:05Guilt from cheating maybe.
00:22:06Or the sense that I'd noticed something.
00:22:08I didn't care which.
00:22:14Get the situation sorted out last night.
00:22:16I asked.
00:22:16Yeah.
00:22:17That shipment at the port was a headache but we handled it.
00:22:21I nodded and took a bite of toast.
00:22:24He watched me eat.
00:22:25His fingers tapped lightly on the table.
00:22:28That was his nervous habit.
00:22:29Three years of watching him.
00:22:30I could read it easily.
00:22:32Vivian.
00:22:33He began.
00:22:34I want to make it up to you.
00:22:35I looked up.
00:22:37I've been neglecting you lately.
00:22:39Too much going on.
00:22:41This weekend?
00:22:42Let's go to the island.
00:22:44Just the two of us.
00:22:45He covered my hand with his expression, doing something careful and deliberate.
00:22:50I have a surprise for you.
00:22:59That small island off Long Island, he'd bought it two years ago.
00:23:02We had only been twice and neither time for more than a day.
00:23:06A surprise?
00:23:07I said.
00:23:08You'll love it.
00:23:08He squeezed my hand.
00:23:09I promise.
00:23:12I looked at the expectation in his eyes.
00:23:14He thought I knew nothing.
00:23:15He thought a weekend getaway could patch over every late night he'd clocked lately.
00:23:20All right.
00:23:20I said.
00:23:21He smiled and leaned in to kiss me.
00:23:24I closed my eyes behind them.
00:23:26The red stiletto.
00:23:27The cloying perfume.
00:23:28The particular way he had smelled when he came home last night.
00:23:33I had a great deal to do in the next three days.
00:23:36On the first night, Dante drank.
00:23:38He had always had a good head for liquor.
00:23:40But he drank heavily that evening.
00:23:42Maybe guilt.
00:23:43Maybe shame.
00:23:44I didn't care about his reasons.
00:23:46I only needed him drunk.
00:23:47When he was out sprawled across the bed, I took his phone, lifted his right hand, and pressed
00:23:52his thumb to the screen.
00:23:54Unlocked.
00:23:56I pulled up the documents I needed signed.
00:23:59One by one.
00:24:00Asset transfer paperwork I had spent the last few days preparing.
00:24:03More than enough to live on after I disappeared.
00:24:07I went back to the bedroom.
00:24:08He was half conscious, mumbling something.
00:24:13Dante, I need your signature on a few things.
00:24:16I said softly.
00:24:17Sign what?
00:24:19He murmured.
00:24:21For the company.
00:24:23Luca said it's urgent.
00:24:25He nodded.
00:24:26I eased him upright and put a pen in his hand.
00:24:28Without looking at a single page, he signed wherever I put it.
00:24:34When the last signature was done, he dropped back against the pillow and was fully out.
00:24:38I stood at the edge of the bed looking at him.
00:24:41Three years I had loved that face.
00:24:44That face had smiled at me, cried in front of me,
00:24:46made promises to me.
00:24:48Last night it had been pressed against another woman's neck.
00:24:51No matter.
00:24:52This island trip would be my best opportunity.
00:24:55Two days from now, gone for good.
00:25:12Saturday night, eight o'clock.
00:25:14Two suitcases stood side by side in the entryway.
00:25:17The boat to the island left first thing tomorrow morning.
00:25:20I was packed and ready.
00:25:23Dante was on the sofa taking a call.
00:25:25His voice kept deliberately low.
00:25:27But I was in the kitchen doorway pouring a glass of water.
00:25:29And I caught the last few words anyway.
00:25:32Got it.
00:25:33I'm coming now.
00:25:35He hung up and came to find me.
00:25:38Wearing the expression I knew far too well.
00:25:41Apologetic, urgent.
00:25:42And underneath it, that almost invisible guilt.
00:25:49He laid his hand on my shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
00:25:53Vivian, I have to step out and handle something.
00:25:56I looked at him over the rim of my glass and said nothing.
00:25:59There's an emergency at the port.
00:26:01I have to go myself.
00:26:05We're leaving for the island first thing tomorrow morning.
00:26:08I said.
00:26:09I know.
00:26:10I'll deal with it and come straight to the island.
00:26:13You go ahead with the boat.
00:26:14I'll be there a few hours behind you.
00:26:16Liar.
00:26:17I looked at his eyes.
00:26:18Gray-blue.
00:26:18Beautiful.
00:26:19Right now they carried a flicker of evasion.
00:26:21But mostly that uncompromising certainty.
00:26:24The look of a man who has already made his choice and is merely informing you of it.
00:26:28But I wanted to try one last time.
00:26:30For the sake of my three years.
00:26:32To give him one final chance.
00:26:34Can't someone else go?
00:26:36Luca or Seseza?
00:26:39I heard something in my own voice.
00:26:41A plea I hadn't intended to let through.
00:26:43Something crossed his face.
00:26:44Quick, but I saw it.
00:26:45Luca's in Brooklyn dealing with something else.
00:26:48Cesari can't handle this one.
00:26:50He smiled.
00:26:51That soothing, coaxing smile.
00:26:53His hand came up to touch my face.
00:26:57Business stuff.
00:26:59You wouldn't understand it.
00:27:03It'll only be a few hours.
00:27:05I promise I'll spend all day with you tomorrow.
00:27:20I held his gaze for several seconds.
00:27:22His eyes slid sideways for just a moment.
00:27:24Then came back to me.
00:27:26I mean it.
00:27:27I promise.
00:27:29That's what you said last night, too.
00:27:32Last chance, Dante.
00:27:34He exhaled and reached out to hold me.
00:27:36I stepped back.
00:27:37His arms stayed open in the air between us.
00:27:40This one is a real emergency.
00:27:42That cargo run?
00:27:43Something's gone wrong with the shipment.
00:27:45If I don't deal with it tonight, the losses will be significant.
00:27:48What cargo?
00:27:52Just...
00:27:53The port job.
00:27:54You know, the one.
00:27:55I didn't.
00:27:56He had never told me the details of his business.
00:27:59He always said not to worry.
00:28:00Now he was using it as an excuse.
00:28:02Knowing I had nothing to push back with, I nodded.
00:28:05Go ahead, then.
00:28:07He visibly relaxed.
00:28:09A smile broke across his face.
00:28:10He stepped forward and pulled me in.
00:28:13Thank you for understanding.
00:28:15I swear tomorrow is all yours.
00:28:18Anything you want on the island will do it.
00:28:21His chin rested on top of my head.
00:28:23His hand moved in slow, familiar circles on my back.
00:28:26He had done this thousands of times, over three years.
00:28:28I used to think it was comfort.
00:28:30Now it felt like a courtesy.
00:28:35I love you.
00:28:36Wait for me.
00:28:36He said.
00:28:39He walked past me, picked up his coat from the entryway, and pushed through the door.
00:28:49I went to the window and looked down.
00:28:51His black sedan was at the curb, the driver already holding the rear door open.
00:28:56And at the corner, under the street lamp, the red sports car was parked and waiting.
00:29:00I couldn't tell from here whether someone was inside, but I knew there was.
00:29:03That car was waiting for him.
00:29:05For her.
00:29:05He wasn't going to the port.
00:29:17I could picture it.
00:29:19He would get out of his car.
00:29:20She would come forward to meet him.
00:29:21He would pull her into his arms.
00:29:25I watched his sedan pull away.
00:29:27Then I watched the red car follow it and vanish.
00:29:34Then I went to the bedroom, and took out the gun he had given me.
00:29:40I drove to the cliffs at the shore.
00:29:45The eastern tip of Long Island below.
00:29:47Black rocks and open sea.
00:29:50No one came here at night.
00:29:51Just the wind and the sound of waves beating against the reef, over and over.
00:29:55I parked at the roadside and walked to the edge with the gun.
00:29:58The wind was fierce enough to whip my hair across my face.
00:30:01All I could hear was the water.
00:30:02Far away and close at once, like another world.
00:30:06I crouched down, took out the bag of blood I'd brought, and poured it over the gun and across the
00:30:10rocks around it.
00:30:13I stood, stepped back, studied the scene.
00:30:16Then I drew the gun, and fired once, into the open air.
00:30:19Bang.
00:30:19The casing landed in the blood.
00:30:21I dropped the gun beside it.
00:30:22It struck the stone and left a dent on the barrel.
00:30:24Gun blood.
00:30:25Casing.
00:30:26It looked like someone had come here to end their life and gone over the edge.
00:30:29The ash team would make sure everything else was perfect.
00:30:32By morning someone would find it, the police would be called.
00:30:35He would be notified.
00:30:36I stood there a moment longer, looking at what I'd left behind.
00:30:39Then I turned and walked back to the car.
00:30:40I didn't look back.
00:30:51At three in the morning, I pulled into the airport parking structure, grabbed my bags, and walked into the terminal.
00:30:58I found the check-in counter.
00:30:59Good evening.
00:31:00A one-way ticket to Zurich.
00:31:02The agent glanced at my passport and tapped at her keyboard.
00:31:06Miss Phoenix, your flight departs at six.
00:31:08You can check your luggage now.
00:31:12Yes.
00:31:13Have a pleasant journey.
00:31:17I took the boarding pass and walked toward security.
00:31:20My phone was still in my pocket.
00:31:22I took it out and dropped it into the trash on my way through.
00:31:26Goodbye, Dante.
00:31:27Goodbye to your world of lies and deceit.
00:31:38The plane began to taxi.
00:31:40Then it accelerated and lifted off.
00:31:42New York shrank below the window.
00:31:43The towers.
00:31:44The streets.
00:31:45The places I had lived for three years.
00:31:47The world that belonged to Dante Moretti.
00:31:49In ten hours I would wake up in another country.
00:31:52No Dante.
00:31:52No Scarlet.
00:31:53No lies.
00:31:54No betrayal.
00:31:55He would spend the rest of his life remembering that the night he chose to leave.
00:31:58His wife had walked to the sea and never come back.
00:32:00The next morning at ten, Dante's boat docked.
00:32:03At the pier of the private island.
00:32:04The sun was strong.
00:32:05The water a brilliant blue.
00:32:07Dante jumped off the bow.
00:32:08Bodyguards behind him.
00:32:09A bunch of white roses in his hand.
00:32:11He'd had them flown in from Manhattan.
00:32:13The night before.
00:32:13She here yet?
00:32:14He asked.
00:32:15The steward who came to meet him.
00:32:16The steward's face was wrong.
00:32:17Sir.
00:32:18Miss Vivian hasn't arrived.
00:32:20Dante frowned.
00:32:21Hasn't arrived.
00:32:22The boat left at eight.
00:32:23The pier reports she never boarded.
00:32:25He pulled out.
00:32:25His phone and called her.
00:32:27Switched off.
00:32:27Called again.
00:32:28Still switched off.
00:32:29Send someone to check the apartment.
00:32:30He said it to the bodyguard behind him.
00:32:32And kept walking toward the villa.
00:32:34She'd overslept probably.
00:32:36Missed the boat.
00:32:36Let her phone die.
00:32:37He kept telling himself things.
00:32:39Like that as he walked.
00:32:40The villa was on the eastern bluffs.
00:32:42Of the island three stories white floor to ceiling windows facing the sea.
00:32:47Dante pushed inside.
00:32:48The living room was empty.
00:32:50On the table sat a bottle of wine.
00:32:53And two glasses.
00:32:54He had asked someone to set that up.
00:32:56He'd been planning to sit here.
00:32:57With her tonight.
00:32:58And watch the sun go down.
00:33:00His phone rang.
00:33:05Sir.
00:33:05No one at the apartment.
00:33:07But we found something at the shore.
00:33:10What shore?
00:33:11Be specific.
00:33:12Two seconds of silence on the line.
00:33:14The bluffs on the eastern end of Long Island.
00:33:16You should come see this yourself.
00:33:17Three hours later.
00:33:19Dante stood at the edge of those cliffs.
00:33:21The sun had shifted west.
00:33:22The sea wind tore at his hair.
00:33:24He looked down at what lay on the rocks.
00:33:26A gun, silver.
00:33:27The grip engraved with VR.
00:33:29The one he had given her.
00:33:30The stones around the gun were stained.
00:33:32Dark red brown.
00:33:33Dried now.
00:33:38A white silk scarf soaked through.
00:33:40Had blown into the scrub at the edge.
00:33:42He crouched and reached for the gun.
00:33:44The instant.
00:33:45His fingers touched the metal.
00:33:46His entire body went rigid.
00:33:48Sir.
00:33:49The bodyguard behind him said.
00:33:51We received a report this morning.
00:33:54Someone spotted blood at the base of the cliffs.
00:33:57The coast guard is conducting a search.
00:33:58Dante said nothing.
00:33:59He stared at the gun.
00:34:01At the blood.
00:34:02She had been here last night.
00:34:04With his gun.
00:34:05He saw it in his mind.
00:34:06The moment he'd left the apartment.
00:34:08She had been standing at the window.
00:34:09Looking down at the street.
00:34:10When he'd settled into the car.
00:34:12Had he glanced back.
00:34:13He hadn't.
00:34:14He had told his driver to take.
00:34:16Him straight to Scarlet's.
00:34:18Sir.
00:34:19The bodyguard's voice came.
00:34:20From far away.
00:34:22Dante stood up.
00:34:23Turned and walked toward the car.
00:34:24Moving fast.
00:34:25Sir.
00:34:26Where to?
00:34:27The island.
00:34:30Now.
00:34:31It was nearly six by the time.
00:34:33The boat reached the island again.
00:34:35The sun was sinking.
00:34:36Turning the water red.
00:34:37Dante went through.
00:34:38The villa room by room.
00:34:40Bedroom empty.
00:34:41Her luggage gone.
00:34:42Bathroom.
00:34:43Her skin care things gone.
00:34:45Wardrobe.
00:34:45Her clothes.
00:34:46All gone.
00:34:47He stood in the middle.
00:34:48Of the empty wardrobe.
00:34:49And looked at the bare racks.
00:34:51Three months ago.
00:34:52When he'd commissioned the gun.
00:34:53She had smiled and said thank you.
00:34:55Two weeks ago.
00:34:56He had brought her.
00:34:57To the shooting range.
00:34:58And she had fired ten rings.
00:34:59And he had told everyone in the room.
00:35:01She is mine.
00:35:02Last night when he left.
00:35:03She had been standing at the window.
00:35:05Watching the street below.
00:35:06He had assumed she would be there.
00:35:07When he got back.
00:35:08He went to the living room.
00:35:09And grabbed his cracked phone.
00:35:11Luca.
00:35:11I need you to check everything.
00:35:13Every airline.
00:35:13Every exit record.
00:35:14Her credit cards.
00:35:15Bank accounts.
00:35:16Anyone she's been in contact with recently.
00:35:18Boss.
00:35:19What happened?
00:35:22She's gone.
00:35:28Who?
00:35:31Vivian.
00:35:32He hung up.
00:35:33And hurled the phone at the wall.
00:35:34It bounced off and landed on the floor.
00:35:36Screen shattered.
00:35:37The bodyguard stood in the doorway.
00:35:39And didn't dare come in.
00:35:40Dante moved to the window.
00:35:42And stared out at the sea.
00:35:43The sky was going dark.
00:35:44Waves beat against the rocks below.
00:35:46She had stood at the sea last night.
00:35:48Alone.
00:35:48With that gun.
00:35:49His phone buzzed from the corner.
00:35:51Luca calling back.
00:35:52He walked over and picked it up.
00:35:53The screen was cracked.
00:35:55But still worked.
00:35:56Nothing.
00:35:57No records of anything.
00:35:59Luca.
00:36:00Her credit card went dark after yesterday.
00:36:02Her bank account transferred two million dollars to a anonymous account in Switzerland.
00:36:06No airline has any record of her leaving.
00:36:10What do you mean?
00:36:11No record.
00:36:13Could be a fake ID.
00:36:15If she'd been planning this ahead of time.
00:36:16Luca didn't finish the sentence.
00:36:18Dante ended the call.
00:36:20He went to the bedroom.
00:36:21And lay down on the bed.
00:36:22The sheets still carried the faint smell.
00:36:24Of her laundry soap.
00:36:25He pressed his face into the pillow.
00:36:27The door opened.
00:36:28The click of heels on the floor.
00:36:30Dante.
00:36:30He looked up.
00:36:32Scarlet stood in the doorway in a red dress.
00:36:34Bag on her arm.
00:36:36I heard something happened.
00:36:38Are you alright?
00:36:39Dante looked at her for a few seconds.
00:36:41Then he got up and crossed the room.
00:36:44How did you get in?
00:36:48The door was open.
00:36:49And so I just...
00:36:51He grabbed her arm and pushed her toward the exit.
00:36:53She shrieked and stumbled.
00:36:55One heel twisting and nearly fell.
00:36:57Get out.
00:37:00Dante, I only wanted to...
00:37:02Get out!
00:37:05The words came out loud enough.
00:37:06To startle even him, Scarlet scrambled to her feet and ran.
00:37:09He stood in the middle.
00:37:10Of the living room breathing hard.
00:37:17Then something occurred to him.
00:37:19He turned and went to the guest room.
00:37:21He pushed the door open.
00:37:22Everything in order.
00:37:23Bed made.
00:37:24Curtains drawn.
00:37:25He went to the wardrobe.
00:37:26And opened it.
00:37:27A nightgown hung inside.
00:37:28White silk.
00:37:29She wore it sometime.
00:37:30Just the one.
00:37:31He took it down.
00:37:32Silk cool and smooth.
00:37:33Carrying the faintest trace of her.
00:37:35He sat on the edge of the bed.
00:37:36He held the nightgown.
00:37:37In both hands and stayed there.
00:37:38Head bowed motionless.
00:37:39Outside.
00:37:40The sky went completely dark.
00:37:42Waves came in off the water.
00:37:44Steady and rhythmic.
00:37:45His shoulders began to shake.
00:37:46Then he broke.
00:37:47He bent over.
00:37:47Forehead pressing to his knees.
00:37:49Holding that silk nightgown.
00:37:51Crying until he couldn't breathe.
00:37:52She was gone.
00:37:53She had planned it all well in advance.
00:37:55She had waited until he left.
00:37:57Driven to the shore.
00:37:57Used his gun.
00:37:58When he had walked out the door.
00:37:59She had been standing at the window.
00:38:01Watching him.
00:38:02He had ducked into the car.
00:38:03The car pulled away.
00:38:04She had stood there.
00:38:05Until it disappeared then turned.
00:38:06And picked up her back.
00:38:07What had she been thinking?
00:38:08He kept seeing her face.
00:38:10The way she had looked.
00:38:11At him one last time.
00:38:12The light had been behind her.
00:38:14And he hadn't been able to.
00:38:15Read her expression.
00:38:16He could read it now.
00:38:17It hadn't been anger.
00:38:19It hadn't been disappointment.
00:38:21It had been goodbye.
00:38:22Scarlet appeared.
00:38:23In front of Dante again one week later.
00:38:26He had just come back from the shore.
00:38:27Soaked through.
00:38:28The coast guard had been searching.
00:38:30For three days and found nothing.
00:38:32They told him he should accept the reality.
00:38:34Nobody survived those conditions.
00:38:36He didn't accept it.
00:38:37He sent everyone away.
00:38:38And drove to the shore alone.
00:38:40And stood there for an entire day.
00:38:46He came back to the apartment after dark.
00:38:48When he pushed the door open.
00:38:50Scarlet was sitting on the living room sofa.
00:38:52Black dress.
00:38:53Careful makeup.
00:38:54Hair down.
00:38:55A bottle of wine.
00:38:56And two glasses on the coffee table.
00:38:59How did you get in?
00:39:00Your bodyguard knows me.
00:39:02She stood and took two steps toward him.
00:39:05Dante.
00:39:06I saw the news.
00:39:07I'm so sorry.
00:39:08He looked at her without speaking.
00:39:11I know you're hurting right now.
00:39:12She said softly.
00:39:13But you can't keep doing this to yourself.
00:39:16You need someone with you.
00:39:18He pulled off his soap jacket.
00:39:20And dropped it on the bottle.
00:39:21What do you want?
00:39:22Scarlet moved closer.
00:39:24And raised her hand toward his face.
00:39:26He stepped back.
00:39:27She stopped.
00:39:28Then she smiled a gentle.
00:39:29Slightly wounded smile.
00:39:31I want to be here for you.
00:39:33I've been worried about you all week.
00:39:34Another step forward.
00:39:35Don't bother.
00:39:36Dante.
00:39:37I know losing her is devastating.
00:39:39But life goes on.
00:39:41You still have me.
00:39:42He looked at her.
00:39:43Have what?
00:39:44I can take care of you.
00:39:46We could be together.
00:39:48I know you might not want to hear this now.
00:39:50But time heals everything.
00:39:53After a while.
00:39:54After a while.
00:39:55What?
00:39:57We could start something.
00:39:58Dante held her gaze for a moment.
00:40:00Then he laughed.
00:40:01And the sound of it made Scarlet.
00:40:02Take a step back.
00:40:04Start what?
00:40:07Just us.
00:40:08She gestured vaguely between them.
00:40:10I know this might be too soon.
00:40:11But I just want you to know I'm willing to be there for you.
00:40:14You don't have to carry this alone.
00:40:17You think you can replace her?
00:40:21Scarlet bit her lip.
00:40:23I'm not saying replace her.
00:40:25I just want to...
00:40:26You want to take her place.
00:40:28She went quiet.
00:40:29Dante walked toward her.
00:40:31Slowly.
00:40:32Each step deliberate.
00:40:34Scarlet retreated until the back.
00:40:35Of her knees hit the sofa.
00:40:37And she couldn't go further.
00:40:43Do you know what kind of person she was?
00:40:46His voice was very low.
00:40:47She was with me for three years.
00:40:51Three years and she never complained once.
00:40:55I left in the middle of the night and she never asked where I was going.
00:40:59Whatever I was doing outside, she never wants pride.
00:41:02Scarlet opened her mouth.
00:41:03No sound came out.
00:41:04I gave her that gun.
00:41:06She practiced until she shot ten rings.
00:41:09I said in front of everyone,
00:41:11she's mine.
00:41:13And she smiled.
00:41:14You stood directly in front of her, looking down.
00:41:17What are you?
00:41:19The color drained from Scarlet's face.
00:41:21You were the woman I kept on the outside for amusement.
00:41:25He spoke each word with surgical precision.
00:41:28You're comparing yourself to her?
00:41:29What exactly would you be comparing?
00:41:32Scarlet's eyes went red.
00:41:34Dante, I know you're not in a stable place right now.
00:41:36I'm perfectly stable.
00:41:38He cut her off.
00:41:40More stable than I've ever been in my life.
00:41:43Listen to what I'm saying.
00:41:45He pointed at the door.
00:41:46Don't come back here.
00:41:48Don't call me.
00:41:49Don't let me see your face again.
00:41:50A tear slid down Scarlet's cheek.
00:41:53I love you.
00:41:54He laughed.
00:41:55And something in that laugh rooted her.
00:41:57To the floor.
00:41:58You love me.
00:41:59He leaned down until he was level with her face.
00:42:02You love my money.
00:42:04My position.
00:42:05The apartment and the bags I bought you.
00:42:07You have never loved me.
00:42:09That's not true.
00:42:11Do you know what she loved?
00:42:13She loved me.
00:42:15Three years ago, I was nothing.
00:42:18Just some blood-stained thug.
00:42:20She came with me anyway, and she never once asked what I could give her.
00:42:24He straightened.
00:42:25Leave.
00:42:28Scarlet stood there without moving.
00:42:31He walked to the door and held it open.
00:42:35Don't make me call someone in.
00:42:37She stared at him, lips trembling.
00:42:39Then she picked up her bag and walked out quickly.
00:42:42As she passed him, she stopped.
00:42:45Dante.
00:42:47She's dead.
00:42:49Wake up.
00:42:50He looked at her.
00:42:51That one look sent a cold shock down Scarlet's spine.
00:42:53She had never seen.
00:42:54That kind of emptiness.
00:42:55In another human being's eyes, hollow and utterly still, but somehow terrifying.
00:42:59She turned and ran.
00:43:00The door closed.
00:43:01Dante stood in the entryway, without moving.
00:43:12After a long time, he went back to the living room and sat down.
00:43:16The bottle of wine still stood.
00:43:18On the coffee table, the two glasses side by side.
00:43:21He stared at them for a long time.
00:43:23Then he picked one up and hurled it at the floor.
00:43:25Glass exploded across the room.
00:43:27He got up, went to the guest room, and took the white silk nightgown from the wardrobe.
00:43:32He sat on the edge of the bed and held it.
00:43:34Outside, a siren wailed.
00:43:36Coming closer, then fading.
00:43:38He looked out the window.
00:43:39The sky was fully dark.
00:43:43Six weeks later.
00:43:45St. Catherine, Louisiana.
00:43:48Sunlight filtered through the sycamore leaves and scattered across the dirt road in uneven patches of light and shadow.
00:44:01A pickup truck rattled past.
00:44:03The bed loaded with hay bales.
00:44:04The old man driving it gave a short press of the horn as he went by.
00:44:08I nodded and kept walking.
00:44:10The main street wasn't long.
00:44:11A few shops on either side.
00:44:13A general store.
00:44:14A bakery.
00:44:15A second-hand bookshop.
00:44:17At the far end, a small white church with a bell in its steeple.
00:44:20The orphanage sat right next to the church.
00:44:24I had come here six weeks ago.
00:44:27Nothing but a new passport and some cash.
00:44:29When I walked into the church, the old priest had asked what I needed.
00:44:32I told him I was looking for somewhere to stay.
00:44:35Somewhere I could be of use.
00:44:37He brought me here.
00:44:39The sister who ran this place passed away last month.
00:44:43He said,
00:44:44These children need someone.
00:44:47So I stayed.
00:44:49The children called me Sister Maria.
00:44:52Though I wasn't a real nun.
00:44:54Nobody asked too many questions.
00:44:56Small towns don't pry.
00:44:58With the money I had brought out, I bought drawing paper and crayons and started teaching art.
00:45:03I cleared out the weeds in the yard and planted flowers.
00:45:08Repainted the common room.
00:45:10Hung new curtains.
00:45:13The orphanage, which had been falling apart at the seams, was now the prettiest building on the street.
00:45:19Sister Maria!
00:45:20A small girl held up her drawing.
00:45:22Look!
00:45:22The paper showed a figure with brown hair and a blue dress.
00:45:25Beside it in unsteady letters, Maria.
00:45:31Is that me?
00:45:33She nodded.
00:45:35I picked her up and kissed her cheek.
00:45:40There was a knock at the door.
00:45:41I turned.
00:45:45A man stood in the frame, black shirt and trousers.
00:45:47A paper bag in one hand.
00:45:49Somewhere around 30.
00:45:50Dark hair.
00:45:51Light brown eyes.
00:45:53Hello?
00:45:54He said.
00:46:00I'm Michael.
00:46:01The new priest.
00:46:02It took me a second.
00:46:04The old priest had mentioned someone was coming to take over.
00:46:07Maria.
00:46:07I said.
00:46:08The children call me Sister Maria.
00:46:10He smiled.
00:46:11An easy, unhurried smile.
00:46:13I brought some food.
00:46:15He set the bag on the table.
00:46:17Just out of the oven at the bakery.
00:46:19The children swarmed the bag.
00:46:21Cookies still warm.
00:46:22He turned and looked at me.
00:46:24His gaze was careful, as though he was afraid of disturbing something.
00:46:27After he left, the children went back to their drawings.
00:46:30I stood at the window and watched his figure disappear through the church doors.
00:46:36At three in the afternoon, I walked into town to buy paint.
00:46:39The woman at the general store greeted me and said the new priest was a good man.
00:46:43Had fixed the leaking roof on her house just yesterday.
00:46:47I smiled, paid for the paint, and headed out with the bag.
00:46:53I stopped at the community notice board in the town square.
00:46:56All sorts of things pinned up.
00:46:58Lost and found.
00:47:00Rooms for rent.
00:47:01Announcements from the church council.
00:47:02At the top was a sheet of paper that looked newly posted.
00:47:06Its corners barely beginning to curl.
00:47:07It was large white.
00:47:09And on it was printed a face.
00:47:10A face I knew.
00:47:11Dante Marietti.
00:47:12The man in the photograph looked haggard.
00:47:14Dark circles carved deep under his eyes.
00:47:16Stubble unshaved, like someone who hadn't slept in days.
00:47:19But I knew it was him.
00:47:20I had spent three years looking at that face.
00:47:22I could have picked it out blind.
00:47:23The notice said this individual was a person of interest in multiple cases.
00:47:27Anyone with information was asked to call the number below.
00:47:29My hand went slack.
00:47:30The basket dropped.
00:47:31Tomatoes spilled out and rolled to the edge of the road.
00:47:35I bent to pick them up.
00:47:36My fingers were shaking.
00:47:38One, two, three.
00:47:39The tomatoes felt very soft, almost bruised.
00:47:41When I touched them.
00:47:43He tracked me here.
00:47:44No, that was impossible.
00:47:46This was a wanted notice.
00:47:47They'd be posted statewide.
00:47:57Maybe it was just chance.
00:47:59Maybe this town was so remote they'd only just put them up.
00:48:02I stood, a tomato in my fist.
00:48:05The board held all the usual things.
00:48:07A missing dog.
00:48:09Grooms for rent.
00:48:10Used furniture.
00:48:11Only the wanted notice was new.
00:48:13The paper still white.
00:48:14Corners not yet lifted by the wind.
00:48:16He has come looking for me.
00:48:17Or he is on the run.
00:48:18Either way, whatever the reason he had appeared on this paper in this town.
00:48:22In the place I had finally carefully made my own.
00:48:25The sun was fierce.
00:48:27It made my head spin.
00:48:28I stood there a long time looking at that face.
00:48:31The photo had aged him by five years.
00:48:34The man who had held me at the shooting range and smiled.
00:48:36Who had said in front of everyone, she is mine.
00:48:39Who had held me one last time on that last night.
00:48:41And told me he loved me.
00:48:43Now he was on this paper wanted.
00:48:46I picked up the basket and turned back.
00:48:48A few steps on I stopped.
00:48:50Glanced back.
00:48:52That face was still there.
00:48:54Watching me.
00:48:55I walked quickly.
00:48:57By the time I reached the orphanage gate, I walked straight into someone.
00:49:02Father Michael caught me by the shoulders.
00:49:04Sister Maria.
00:49:05Are you alright?
00:49:06You're pale.
00:49:07I looked up at him.
00:49:09His face was open with concern.
00:49:11Clean, genuine.
00:49:13I'm fine.
00:49:14I said.
00:49:14What is the heat?
00:49:15He held my gaze for a moment without speaking.
00:49:18I stepped past him and went into the yard.
00:49:21The children were napping.
00:49:22The yard was quiet.
00:49:24The flowers on the wall were blooming well red and yellow and pink blazing in the afternoon sun.
00:49:29I crouched down and pressed my face to my knees.
00:49:32Three months.
00:49:34I had thought I'd escaped.
00:49:35That I could start over.
00:49:36That that name would never find its way back into my life.
00:49:39Now he was somewhere in this town.
00:49:41Maybe already through the gate.
00:49:42Maybe already asking around for a woman named Maria.
00:49:46I pressed my nails into my palm.
00:49:55I pressed my nails into my palm.
00:49:57The sun scorched my back.
00:50:00My whole body was cold.
00:50:08The black SUV rolled into St. Catherine while I was standing at the orphanage gate handing out candy to the
00:50:15children.
00:50:15The sun was brutal.
00:50:16I squinted as the vehicle came slowly down the road, moving as if it didn't want to startle anyone.
00:50:22The windows were tinted dark.
00:50:24I couldn't see inside.
00:50:26But I knew.
00:50:27The SUV stopped in front of the gate.
00:50:29Two men in black suits climbed out first.
00:50:32Then the rear door opened and Dante Moretti stepped down.
00:50:36He had lost a great deal of weight.
00:50:38His cheekbones jutted.
00:50:39His eyes had gone hollow.
00:50:41He hadn't shaved in days.
00:50:42His dark suit hung on him as if it belonged to someone slightly larger.
00:50:46He stood beside the car and looked at me.
00:50:49I kept handing out candy.
00:50:51The last piece went to Lily.
00:50:53She grabbed it and ran back inside, peering over her shoulder at the strangers.
00:50:58Inside!
00:50:58I said to the children.
00:51:00They ran.
00:51:06The yard went quiet.
00:51:08Dante walked toward me.
00:51:09He moved as though every step cost him something.
00:51:12He stopped three paces away.
00:51:15Vivian.
00:51:15His voice had gone hoarse.
00:51:17Like someone who hadn't spoken in days.
00:51:20I didn't move.
00:51:21I looked at him.
00:51:22He took another step forward.
00:51:24I've been looking for you a long time.
00:51:26I stepped back.
00:51:27He stopped.
00:51:28Something flickered in his eyes.
00:51:29Brief.
00:51:30But I caught it.
00:51:32Pain.
00:51:32Come home with me.
00:51:33He said.
00:51:34I don't know who you are.
00:51:36His brow creased.
00:51:37Vivian.
00:51:38There's no one here by that name.
00:51:40I turned.
00:51:41And started toward the building.
00:51:42Behind me footsteps.
00:51:44Quick and heavy.
00:51:45Then my wrist was seized.
00:51:47His hand was burning hot.
00:51:48His fingers locked around me like a vice.
00:51:51Listen to me.
00:51:52I wrenched free.
00:51:54The force of it surprised even me.
00:51:56He stood where he was.
00:51:57Hands still extended.
00:51:59in the shape of the grip.
00:52:08Let me go.
00:52:09Vivian.
00:52:09I was wrong.
00:52:11His voice had started to shake.
00:52:13I know I was wrong.
00:52:14Come back with me.
00:52:15We can talk it through.
00:52:17I don't know who you are.
00:52:18I met his eyes.
00:52:19Sir.
00:52:20You have the wrong person.
00:52:21He stared at me.
00:52:22For a long time.
00:52:24Red veins threaded through the whites of his eyes.
00:52:26His lids were slightly swollen.
00:52:28Your name is Vivian Rossi.
00:52:30You're my wife.
00:52:31Three years ago you and I...
00:52:33My name is Maria.
00:52:34I cut him off.
00:52:35Sister Maria.
00:52:36I have been here for three months.
00:52:38My children are inside waiting for me.
00:52:40His bodyguards moved forward two paces.
00:52:42I glanced at them.
00:52:44Then back at him.
00:52:45You brought these men here.
00:52:47What exactly are you trying to do?
00:52:50I want to take you home.
00:52:51I've told you.
00:52:53You have the wrong person.
00:52:55He took a step forward.
00:52:57I took one back.
00:52:58He advanced.
00:52:59I retreated.
00:53:01Until my back was against the Iron Gate.
00:53:14Vivian.
00:53:15He dropped his voice.
00:53:16To almost nothing.
00:53:18Please.
00:53:19I looked at him.
00:53:20Three years.
00:53:22I had memorized that face.
00:53:23Once.
00:53:24I'd thought it was the most dependable face in the world.
00:53:27Now.
00:53:28It just felt strange to me.
00:53:30Sir?
00:53:31I said.
00:53:32Slowly.
00:53:33Each word separate and clear.
00:53:35I don't know who you're looking for.
00:53:37But my name's Maria.
00:53:39I am a nun in this town.
00:53:40I do not know you.
00:53:42His hand rose.
00:53:43Reaching for my face.
00:53:44I turned my head.
00:53:46His hand hung in the air.
00:53:47And stilled.
00:53:48His bodyguard stood behind him.
00:53:51Expressionless.
00:53:52Down the street a few townspeople had stopped to watch from a distance.
00:53:55Too far away to come closer.
00:53:57I looked at them.
00:53:58Then back at him.
00:53:59You came here with these men.
00:54:01Are you threatening me?
00:54:03No.
00:54:03Then what?
00:54:04Frightening my children?
00:54:06The blood left his face.
00:54:08I only wanted to find you.
00:54:09You found me.
00:54:11I said.
00:54:11Now you've seen me.
00:54:12I'm alive.
00:54:14You can go.
00:54:15Vivian.
00:54:16My name is Maria.
00:54:17He opened his mouth.
00:54:18No sound.
00:54:19I pushed the gate open and walked through.
00:54:22Vivian!
00:54:23He called out behind me.
00:54:25I didn't turn.
00:54:37I went inside.
00:54:38The children gathered around.
00:54:40Asking who those men outside were.
00:54:42I said they were travelers.
00:54:44Who had taken a wrong turn.
00:54:46Lily took my hand and looked up at me.
00:54:49Sister Maria.
00:54:51Your hand is so cold.
00:54:53I looked down at her.
00:54:55Small face.
00:54:56Round eyes.
00:54:57Clear and uncomplicated.
00:54:59I'm fine.
00:55:00I said.
00:55:01Just hot outside.
00:55:02Better in here.
00:55:03I crouched.
00:55:04And held her for a moment.
00:55:05From outside came the sound of an engine.
00:55:07Turning over.
00:55:08Then fading.
00:55:10I stood up.
00:55:11Walked to the window.
00:55:12The black SUV was pulling away.
00:55:14A wake of dust rose behind it.
00:55:16And dissolved at the end of the road.
00:55:17He was gone.
00:55:18At least for today.
00:55:20I leaned against the window frame.
00:55:21And looked outside.
00:55:22The sun was still relentless.
00:55:24The flowers on the wall blazed in it.
00:55:26Behind me the children.
00:55:28Ran and laughed.
00:55:29I pressed my nails into my palm.
00:55:31It hurt.
00:55:32Good.
00:55:32Pain.
00:55:33Meant I was still here.
00:55:41The news that Dante had bought the crumbling house next to the orphanage.
00:55:44Reached me through the mayor himself.
00:55:46The following morning.
00:55:48Sister Maria.
00:55:49He said.
00:55:50Standing in the yard.
00:55:51And wringing his hands.
00:55:52You know the old place that's been empty for years right next door?
00:55:56Someone bought it yesterday.
00:55:58Man from New York.
00:56:00The price he paid could have bought half this street.
00:56:03I was crouched by the flower bed with a watering can.
00:56:07I didn't look up.
00:56:08Is that so?
00:56:09He says he plans to stay a while.
00:56:12He also mentioned making a donation to the orphanage.
00:56:16I was wondering if you...
00:56:18I stood.
00:56:19The watering can tilt it in my hand.
00:56:22No.
00:56:23The mayor blinked.
00:56:24No.
00:56:26Tell him we don't need it.
00:56:27He started to say something.
00:56:29Thought better of it.
00:56:30And nodded on his way out.
00:56:33From that point on, Dante came every day.
00:56:36The first day he stood at the gate holding a bag of fruit.
00:56:38I ignored him.
00:56:39He stood there for an hour.
00:56:41When he left, he set the bag by the gate.
00:56:44The second day he brought a box of art supplies.
00:56:46Brand new, expensive brands.
00:56:48I had the gatekeeper send them back.
00:56:51He wouldn't take them.
00:56:52The box sat at the gate.
00:56:54The third day he arrived with two workers and said he wanted to fix the orphanage roof.
00:56:59Mother Superior came out to thank him.
00:57:01I stayed inside.
00:57:02Day four.
00:57:03Day five.
00:57:04Day six.
00:57:05Every day.
00:57:06Each time with something.
00:57:08Each time standing in his usual spot.
00:57:10Watching me.
00:57:11Waiting for me to say something.
00:57:12I said nothing.
00:57:14On the afternoon of the seventh day,
00:57:16Scarlet appeared in town.
00:57:24I was watering the flowers in the yard when a red sports car stopped in front of the gate.
00:57:28I barely recognized her when she got out.
00:57:31She had put on some weight.
00:57:32Her belly curved slightly.
00:57:34Her makeup was still heavy.
00:57:35But the dark circles under her eyes were deep.
00:57:38She stood beside the car looking at me.
00:57:40And the corner of her mouth pulled into a smile.
00:57:43Long time no see, Vivian.
00:57:45I turned off the hose.
00:57:47There's no Vivian here.
00:57:49She made a dismissive sound and walked through the gate.
00:57:51Her heels were unsteady on the gravel.
00:57:53She stopped in front of me and looked me up and down.
00:57:57Dressed like that, I barely knew you.
00:57:59A nun's habit?
00:58:00Is this really how you plan to spend the rest of your life?
00:58:03What do you want?
00:58:05She put a hand on her stomach.
00:58:06I wanted you to see this.
00:58:09I glanced down, then looked back up at her.
00:58:12I see it.
00:58:14She frowned.
00:58:15So that's it?
00:58:16Was Tho'Legens?
00:58:17Is there something you'd like me to say?
00:58:19She leaned forward and lowered her voice.
00:58:22This is Dante's child.
00:58:24I'm carrying his baby.
00:58:26You think by hiding out here, he'll come running back to you?
00:58:30Keep dreaming.
00:58:31I studied her face.
00:58:33There was triumph in it.
00:58:34And provocation.
00:58:35And something else I couldn't quite name.
00:58:37Something like nerves.
00:58:39Something like fear.
00:58:41Congratulations.
00:58:42I said.
00:58:43She blinked.
00:58:44What?
00:58:45I said, congratulations.
00:58:46A baby is a good thing.
00:58:48Take care of yourself.
00:58:49I turned back to the hose.
00:58:51She stood behind me for a long time.
00:58:53Then she surged forward and grabbed my arm.
00:58:55You're not angry!
00:58:56You don't care!
00:58:57Let go of me.
00:58:58Stop pretending!
00:59:00I know you still love him!
00:59:03Looking at me carrying his child must be tearing you apart!
00:59:07I turned my head to look at her.
00:59:09Her grip dug into my arm.
00:59:16You're hurting me.
00:59:17She stared at me, chest heaving.
00:59:19Just then, footsteps sounded at the gate.
00:59:22Let go of her.
00:59:23Dante stood there.
00:59:24He was wearing a plain t-shirt and jeans.
00:59:26His hair was a mess.
00:59:28And there was dust on his face.
00:59:29He looked like he'd come straight from a work site.
00:59:32Scarlet turned.
00:59:33And immediately released her hold.
00:59:36Dante, I just...
00:59:37What are you doing here?
00:59:39His voice was cold.
00:59:41I had never heard him speak like that.
00:59:43Scarlet retreated.
00:59:44A step.
00:59:46I only came to see her.
00:59:48You've seen her.
00:59:50Now go.
00:59:51Scarlet's eyes went red.
00:59:53Dante!
00:59:53I'm carrying your child.
00:59:56He looked at her.
00:59:58Not a ripple moved through his expression.
01:00:00You know exactly how that child happened.
01:00:02Her face changed.
01:00:04What are you saying?
01:00:05You know what I'm saying.
01:00:06I had it looked into.
01:00:08There were a few times I got drunk during that period.
01:00:11You put something in the drinks.
01:00:13Scarlet opened her mouth.
01:00:14Nothing came out.
01:00:16Did you think I didn't know?
01:00:17I knew.
01:00:18I just didn't bother dealing with it then.
01:00:21His voice was very even.
01:00:23But now that you've come here, I don't feel like tolerating it anymore.
01:00:28Scarlet backed up two steps and hit the iron gate.
01:00:32I just...
01:00:34I love you.
01:00:37You don't love me.
01:00:39He said, cutting her off.
01:00:41You love what I can give you.
01:00:43Now get out.
01:00:44Don't let me see you again.
01:00:46Scarlet stood there as tears spilled down her face.
01:00:48Then she turned, shoved through the gate, and ran.
01:00:56The sound of the red sports car faded quickly in the distance.
01:01:00The yard was quiet.
01:01:02Dante looked at me.
01:01:03Are you alright?
01:01:05Fine.
01:01:06He came closer and looked at my arm.
01:01:08Where Scarlet had grabbed me, the skin was flushed red,
01:01:11scored with faint nail marks.
01:01:14I'll get something for that.
01:01:17Don't.
01:01:18He stood where he was.
01:01:20Didn't move.
01:01:21Vivian.
01:01:23My name is Maria.
01:01:25He closed his mouth.
01:01:27That night, I couldn't sleep.
01:01:29I kept turning over Scarlet's words.
01:01:31And Dante's.
01:01:32The baby was something she had engineered.
01:01:34I found that I wasn't surprised.
01:01:36Scarlet was capable of exactly that.
01:01:38And Dante's months of betrayal.
01:01:40Was that her doing too?
01:01:42I didn't know what to believe.
01:01:44The midday quiet was broken by gunshots, two weeks later.
01:01:48I had been in the kitchen helping with lunch.
01:01:51It had been so long since I'd lived anywhere dangerous,
01:01:54that even my instincts had gone soft.
01:01:57The first shot was distant enough that I thought it was a car backfiring.
01:02:02The second was close.
01:02:03Just outside the yard.
01:02:06The third came at the same time as the sound of shattering glass.
01:02:11Children screaming.
01:02:13I ran out.
01:02:19Two men in black were in the yard, moving fast in my direction, guns in their hands.
01:02:28Then someone hit me from the side, and drove me to the ground.
01:02:31Shots exploded overhead.
01:02:33Loud enough to leave my ears ringing.
01:02:35The person on top of me made a low, choked sound.
01:02:38I turned my head.
01:02:40It was Dante.
01:02:41His face was pressed close to mine.
01:02:44White, forehead sheened with sweat.
01:02:55Are you hurt?
01:02:56He didn't answer.
01:02:57I looked down.
01:02:58His hand was pressed against his side, and blood was seeping through his fingers.
01:03:02His bodyguards came running.
01:03:05More gunfire going on for a while.
01:03:08Then silence.
01:03:11I helped roll Dante over.
01:03:13He lay on his back.
01:03:15Eyes half open, looking at me.
01:03:17You were shot.
01:03:19He looked up at me.
01:03:20The corner of his mouth moved slightly.
01:03:22Yeah.
01:03:23What were you thinking?
01:03:25Why did you run over here?
01:03:27Force of habit.
01:03:29It hit me then.
01:03:30He meant three years ago.
01:03:31The dock warehouse.
01:03:33The time he had taken a bullet that was meant for me.
01:03:37The ambulance came.
01:03:39I rode along.
01:03:42He held my hand the entire way, gripping hard.
01:03:45The surgery took three hours.
01:03:47I sat in the corridor with the red light burning above the operating room door.
01:03:54The light went out at dawn.
01:03:57The doctor came out and told me the bullet had stopped two centimeters from his heart.
01:04:01He was very lucky.
01:04:03I went into the room.
01:04:06He was lying in the bed, tubes everywhere.
01:04:08The color of the sheets, but alive.
01:04:12I sat in the chair beside him.
01:04:17He owed me.
01:04:18A great deal.
01:04:19Three years of betrayal.
01:04:20All those lies.
01:04:21That woman that read Stiletto.
01:04:25But there he was.
01:04:26And the bullet he'd taken for me had nearly killed him.
01:04:30I didn't know how to settle that account.
01:04:35He was in the hospital for two weeks.
01:04:38I stayed beside him for two weeks.
01:04:46When he came around, he looked at me the moment he opened his eyes, and went still.
01:05:04You're still here.
01:05:06I said nothing.
01:05:07His eyes slowly reddened.
01:05:09I'm sorry.
01:05:10I stood up and moved to the window.
01:05:19Don't say that.
01:05:22I want to say it.
01:05:24I know you hate me.
01:05:26You should.
01:05:27His voice was quiet and rough.
01:05:29What I did, I can't forgive myself for it.
01:05:34Marco's people are dealt with.
01:05:36Marco's people are dealt with.
01:05:36The ones who ran are gone.
01:05:38The ones who didn't were picked up.
01:05:39I said.
01:05:42Scarlet's gone too.
01:05:46You're men have been by a few times.
01:05:48I told them you were still unconscious.
01:05:51Thank you.
01:05:53I turned.
01:05:56Dante.
01:05:56Dante.
01:05:58There's something you need to understand.
01:06:02He looked at me.
01:06:05I can let you stay here.
01:06:08I can let you do those things.
01:06:10Fix the roof.
01:06:11Bring things over.
01:06:13Stand at that gate.
01:06:16But I can't forgive you.
01:06:17The color shifted in his face.
01:06:20I know.
01:06:21No, you don't.
01:06:23I walked back to the side of the bed and looked down at him.
01:06:28You have no idea what those three years were like for me.
01:06:31No idea what it felt like to find that shoe.
01:06:36No idea what I was thinking when I drove alone to the shore.
01:06:43He said nothing.
01:06:45He just looked.
01:06:47You can be good to me.
01:06:49You can protect me.
01:06:52You can do whatever you want to do.
01:06:57But there's a line inside me I can't cross back over.
01:07:02He closed his eyes.
01:07:13After a long time, he opened them.
01:07:17And looked at the ceiling.
01:07:20I understand.
01:07:24Good.
01:07:25I turned to go.
01:07:28Vivian.
01:07:29His voice from behind me.
01:07:30I stopped.
01:07:32I'm staying.
01:07:33Not to make you forgive me.
01:07:38Because I want to watch you live.
01:07:40Watch you be okay.
01:07:43I didn't turn around.
01:07:45I walked out of the room and the morning sun hit my face.
01:07:49Sharp and bright.
01:07:50I stood in the doorway and let it be for a while.
01:07:54A month later he was discharged.
01:07:56He came back to the little town and moved back into the house next door.
01:08:00Each morning he was up early, patching the roof, painting walls.
01:08:05Replacing windows.
01:08:08He made that ruin livable.
01:08:11He stopped coming to stand at the orphanage gate every day.
01:08:14Occasionally he'd come by with something, set it down, and go.
01:08:21The children started getting used to the neighbor man.
01:08:24And sometimes they'd wander over to watch him work.
01:08:26He didn't shoo them away.
01:08:28He just let them play nearby.
01:08:33One afternoon Lily came running back and pulled my hand and told me the man next door had planted a
01:08:38whole yard of flowers.
01:08:39The same kinds as the ones on our wall.
01:08:42I didn't go to see.
01:08:43But I knew.
01:08:45I looked down at my hands.
01:08:47These hands had held a gun.
01:08:48Had taken lives.
01:08:50Had also painted a wall full of flowers.
01:08:52And now they would build something new.
01:08:54And now they would continue.
01:09:01Bye.
01:09:05Bye.
01:09:09Bye.
01:09:09Bye.
01:09:09Bye.
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