- 25 minutes ago
You Want My Ring! Get on Your Knees
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I'm Issa Borgia, the daughter of the most powerful Don in Corvina.
00:03My father worries I'll marry the wrong man on a whim,
00:06so he arranges for me to be engaged to Luca, the rising heir of the Marino family.
00:11It's an arranged marriage, but that doesn't mean I've lost all my say.
00:15The very least I can do is choose a ring I genuinely like.
00:18So, I go to the mafia auction.
00:20When the diamond ring appears as the final jewel of the night,
00:24I lift my paddle.
00:25Just before the gavel falls, an arrogant voice comes from behind me.
00:30A country bumplin' like you thinks you can compete with me?
00:33Do yourself a favor and leave.
00:36The auction hall goes quiet for a few seconds.
00:39The only sound comes from the camera shutters clicking around the hall.
00:42I turn and see a woman in a gold couture gown.
00:45Her mouth curves in a casual smile as if she owns the place.
00:49Before I can say a word, the auctioneer rushes to close the bid.
00:52Sold!
00:53Congratulations to Miss Sofia Lopez for winning the final lot, the Eternal Star.
00:58My brows pull tight, and a hot spike of anger rises in my chest.
01:03You ended the bidding early.
01:05Do you even follow the rules here?
01:07Sofia turns around and gives me a once-over, her gaze sharp as a blade.
01:11Rules?
01:12She lets out a cold laugh.
01:14Come on.
01:15I'm Luca Marino's favorite godsister.
01:18Around here, I make the rules.
01:20I can't help but laugh.
01:22What a coincidence.
01:23So, she's my fiancé's godsister.
01:26I pull out my phone and call him.
01:28Luca.
01:29Your godsister just snatched the engagement ring I picked out.
01:32How are you gonna handle this?
01:37It seemed like Sofia Lopez wasn't just a godsister to Luca Marino.
01:41If Luca couldn't give me a good explanation, this engagement was off the table.
01:46I called the number I'd saved but never once dialed.
01:49Once the call connected, I went straight to the point.
01:53Your godsister is trying to snatch the engagement ring I chose.
01:56What do you have to say about that?
01:58Silence hung for a moment.
02:00Then, a cold, unfamiliar voice came through the line.
02:03Who is this?
02:05Whatever's going on between Sofia and me isn't something an outsider gets to question.
02:09Before I could say my name, he had already hung up.
02:12I stared at the dark screen for a second and let out an incredulous laugh.
02:16Obviously, he hadn't even saved my number.
02:19Sofia's laughter cut through the crowd, sharp with smug delight.
02:23Pathetic.
02:24You somehow got Luca's number and actually think that means he knows you?
02:29God, you're cracking me up.
02:31She tilted her chin and twisted a lock of hair around her fingers while looking me over again.
02:36Seriously, look at what you're wearing.
02:39Even the nannies in the Merino family dress better than you.
02:42The lackeys around her couldn't hold back and burst into mocking laughter.
02:48I had always believed comfort mattered more than designer labels.
02:52But in a hall drowning in diamonds and custom gowns, no one here cared about that belief.
02:57I pressed my lips together, heat rising up my chest.
03:01So, you're still judging people by logos?
03:04You're unbelievably shallow.
03:05Lucas sure had special taste when picking his god sister.
03:10Thanks to her stunt, I wasn't in the mood for the auction anymore.
03:13I turned to the auctioneer and pointed straight at the eternal star ring in the display case.
03:17I want to activate the automatic bidding system.
03:20Whatever she offers, I'll pay double.
03:24Miss, our automatic bidding service is reserved for clients with VIP cards.
03:29Sofia gave a sharp little snort.
03:31She reached into her clutch, pulled out a gold VIP card, and slapped it onto the podium.
03:36I spend seven figures a year here.
03:38And you?
03:40How exactly do you compare to me?
03:42I drew in a slow breath, took out a plain black card with no logo, and placed it beside hers.
03:48Unlimited credit black card.
03:51Is that sufficient?
03:52Open the VIP account and restart the bid.
03:57A wave of startled whispers rolled through the hall.
04:00Sofia's smile faded, and her tone turned colder.
04:04This is Marino territory.
04:06If anyone sides with her, I'll make sure they never work in this city again.
04:10The auctioneer's face went chalk white.
04:13His voice shook as he said,
04:14Miss, I'm just a staff member.
04:17I really can't afford to offend the Marino family.
04:20Several guests who'd seen the whole thing started trying to persuade me.
04:24Just let it go.
04:25I've run into Miss Lopez before.
04:27Mr. Martino indulges her in everything.
04:30Someone crossed her last month, and his entire business was gone the very next day.
04:35Miss, even if you've got money,
04:38don't fight the Marino family.
04:39Their reach isn't something people like us can survive.
04:42Just apologize and ask Miss Lopez to forgive you before this gets worse.
04:47Under all those cautious glances and hushed warnings,
04:50Sofia only grew more pleased with herself.
04:53She crossed her arms and came closer, wearing a smug smile.
04:57The amusement in her eyes practically sparkled.
05:00You heard them.
05:01Get on your knees and shout,
05:02I'm broke, and I know I was wrong.
05:06Do that,
05:07and maybe I'll let you walk out of here.
05:13In all 26 years of my life,
05:15no one had ever dared to talk to me like that.
05:17Say that again?
05:19What exactly do you want me to shout?
05:22Are you deaf?
05:23I said, I'm broke,
05:25and I know I was wrong.
05:27Got it now?
05:28Loud and clear.
05:29Since you admit you're broke,
05:31hurry up and get out of here.
05:33Before you drag down the Marino name.
05:35Sofia's face flushed as she finally realized what I'd done.
05:39You!
05:39You twisted my words!
05:40How dare you make fun of me!
05:42She screeched and hurled herself at me,
05:44arms flailing like a furious chicken.
05:46It would have been funny if she weren't so noisy.
05:49I had trained with my family's bodyguards in Corvina for 10 years.
05:53I wasn't about to be intimidated by a woman whose punches were nothing but a performance.
05:57I drove a clean sidekick into her ribs.
06:00Sofia went down hard,
06:02holding onto the carpet with a pained groan.
06:04Regret.
06:05Next time you open your mouth,
06:07remember whose territory you're standing on.
06:10Gasps rickled through the hall.
06:14Oh my god!
06:15She actually hit Mrs. Lopez!
06:17When Mr. Marino hears about this,
06:19he'll have her chopped up and thrown into the bay.
06:23She's done.
06:24Not even God can save her now.
06:26I tuned their chatter out.
06:28The Marino family only stood where they did today,
06:31because my father had pulled them up when they were nothing.
06:34In this city,
06:35there wasn't a single person I needed to be afraid of.
06:38I slapped my black card on the podium again.
06:41Like I said,
06:42whatever she bids,
06:44I'll pay double.
06:45Wrapped the ring and handed over.
06:47The auctioneer's knees visibly buckled.
06:49Hands shaking,
06:50he hit the authorization button and personally presented the velvet box to me.
06:54I put it into a bag and turned to leave.
06:56Only for Sophia to drag herself upright and stumble back into my path.
07:00Don't you dare leave!
07:03I tapped the toe of my heel against the floor and glanced down.
07:06What is it?
07:08You want another practical demonstration?
07:11She instinctively took a step back.
07:13I let out a soft dismissive laugh and pivoted toward the exit.
07:18But I didn't get far.
07:20A wall of men in black suits suddenly filled the doorway,
07:23blocking every way out.
07:24Before the guests could even process what was happening,
07:27the line of bodyguards split cleanly down the middle.
07:30A man walked through the gap they made.
07:32I looked up,
07:33and for a second,
07:33my heart actually skipped.
07:35The overhead lights fell across him,
07:37outlining every inch of his frame.
07:39He had the kind of build tailors dreamed about.
07:41Broad shoulders,
07:42narrow waist,
07:43long legs.
07:44His face was all sharp planes and clean edges.
07:47So perfect it looked like someone had carved it out of stone.
07:50Sophia immediately switched on the waterworks and ran to him,
07:53tears glistening.
07:55Luca,
07:55she stole my ring
07:58and hit me.
08:00So,
08:00this was my fiancé.
08:01No wonder my father had sworn up and down that I'd like him.
08:04He knew me too well.
08:05I was hopelessly shallow when it came to looks,
08:08and Luca fit my taste a little too perfectly.
08:11Seeing that face alone,
08:12I almost felt like forgiving his earlier attitude on the phone.
08:15I straightened,
08:17gave him my most confident smile,
08:18and introduced myself.
08:20Hi,
08:21I'm Isa Borgia,
08:23your fiancé.
08:26A ripple of shock moved through the crowd.
08:29What did she say?
08:30She's Mr. Marino's fiancé!
08:32Well, obviously,
08:34the fiancé matters more than a god sister.
08:36Not really.
08:38It depends on who Mr. Marino actually favors.
08:41Luca's cold gaze settled on me.
08:43Don't flatter yourself.
08:44That engagement was my father's decision.
08:47I never agreed to it.
08:48Sophia leaned into Luca with her head on his shoulder,
08:51her eyes sparkling with a challenge she wasn't bothering to hide.
08:54Look at you in those cheap clothes.
08:57You really think you deserve to marry him?
08:59You're not even qualified to shine my shoes.
09:02Someone in the crowd eagerly piled on.
09:04Exactly.
09:05If Mr. Marino ever gets married,
09:08it'll be to a real heiress.
09:09Why would he choose a nobody from the countryside?
09:12She looks dirty.
09:14I feel like the air smells worse already.
09:16She's nowhere near Miss Lopez's level.
09:18I'd worn something simple.
09:20There was nothing dirty about it.
09:22But in their mouths,
09:23I'd somehow turned into a walking trash heap.
09:25People always did love kicking whoever they thought was at the bottom.
09:32I lifted my eyes slowly and let my gaze sweep the entire auction hall
09:36before bringing it back to Luca's face.
09:38In that case,
09:40go home and tell your father to call off the wedding.
09:43And the reason?
09:44I don't want you.
09:46My father told me that Luca's father, Antonio Marino,
09:49had pulled every string he could to make this engagement happen.
09:52If he ever learned it all blew up because of Luca,
09:55I'd pay to see the look on his face.
09:56That thought eased my irritation.
09:59I couldn't be bothered arguing with this pack of idiots anymore,
10:02so I turned to leave.
10:03But Sophia wasn't done.
10:05She came stomping toward me in her stilettos like a hyena
10:07that had caught the scent of blood,
10:09with two bodyguards following closely behind her.
10:12The black pistols peeking from their holsters
10:14were enough to freeze the room.
10:16You bitch!
10:17You think you can just walk away?
10:19You snatched my ring and laid hands on me?
10:22We're not done!
10:23I gave her a cold look.
10:24So what exactly do you want to do?
10:27She mistook my patience for fear.
10:29Her hand snapped up toward my face.
10:31I'll hit you until I feel better!
10:37Before her palm could land,
10:39I caught her wrist,
10:40twisted,
10:40and slapped her across the face with my other hand.
10:43Sophia clutched her cheek,
10:44staring at me in disbelief.
10:45You lowlife!
10:47How dare you!
10:49Why wouldn't I?
10:50I cut her off,
10:51slapping her other cheek just as hard.
10:53Is this enough for you?
10:55The two slaps knocked the arrogance right off her face.
10:57Tears sprang to her eyes as she stumbled back
10:59and threw herself behind Luca,
11:01using him like a shield.
11:02Luca!
11:04She hit me!
11:05You have to stand up for me!
11:07Luca pulled her behind him
11:09and looked at me with a gaze so dark
11:10it could have dripped ink.
11:12How dare you slap her?
11:13You must really have a death wish.
11:16He gave his bodyguards a subtle hand signal.
11:18Several of the bodyguards lunged at me at the same time.
11:21I took down the first one who charged at me,
11:23but the rest came too fast.
11:25Hits rained on me from all directions.
11:27Pain tore through my ribs and back
11:29until my legs gave out.
11:31Two bodyguards grabbed me under the arms
11:33and hauled me over to Luca and Sophia.
11:38Luca stroked Sophia's swollen cheek and said softly,
11:41Do whatever you want with her.
11:42If anything happens, I'll take care of it.
11:44His words sent a spark through Sophia.
11:47She spat at me,
11:48her face contorting with cruel satisfaction.
11:51Bitch!
11:52Weren't you so bold just now?
11:54Come on, keep acting tough.
11:56You wanna fight me over a ring?
11:59Fine.
12:00I'll break your fingers.
12:02Let's see what you'll wear on them after that.
12:04At her nod,
12:05the two bodyguards pinned my shoulders
12:07before forcing my arm out in front of me,
12:09stretching my fingers over the polished floor.
12:11I lifted my head
12:12and stared straight at Luca and Sophia.
12:14If you go through with this,
12:16I swear I'll make you both pay for it.
12:19Sophia let out a sharp laugh.
12:21The Marino family is one of the five ruling houses in Norham City.
12:24And you?
12:25You're a nameless little stray from nowhere.
12:27You think you get to threaten us today?
12:29I'll make sure you never forget what happens when you cross me.
12:35Her stiletto drove down on my fingers
12:37and pain ripped through my hand.
12:38I bit down so hard I tasted blood.
12:41I was pretty sure I heard something crap.
12:43Everyone around us looked away from the violence,
12:46but no one had the courage to step in.
12:48She shouldn't have picked a fight with a Marino.
12:50Her hands are done for.
12:52She'll be lucky if she can even feed herself after this.
12:54We're just civilians.
12:55People like us swallow our pride or end up dead.
12:59I had loved the piano since I was a child.
13:01I would be performing on stages all around the world.
13:03I couldn't lose my hands.
13:05The thought of losing them sent a cold, strangling fear through me.
13:08When Sophia lifted her heel again, my resolve collapsed.
13:12I was wrong!
13:14You can have the ring!
13:15Take it!
13:16Just don't hurt my hands!
13:18Revenge could wait, but fingers didn't grow back.
13:21However, Sophia didn't pause.
13:23Her heel pressed down again, harder this time.
13:25A metallic smell rose from my bleeding hand.
13:31Sophia finished grinding her heel into my fingers,
13:34then squatted down, pinched my chin tightly,
13:36and brought her face right up to mine.
13:38Her mascara was a little smudged,
13:40and fine lines were visible at the corners of her eyes.
13:43I noticed these details only because my face was pressed so close to hers.
13:47Do you actually think you're special?
13:49She whispered softly, as if sharing a secret.
13:52Let me tell you, Luca has already gone through three fiancées.
13:56I drove every single one of them away.
13:59You're the fourth, and by far the stupidest one.
14:02Blood seeped from the corner of my mouth, but I didn't talk back.
14:05It wasn't because I didn't dare it, it was because I had no strength left.
14:09My right hand had already gone completely numb.
14:12I didn't dare look at it.
14:13That's right.
14:14Sophia laughed, her voice full of malice.
14:17The first one was dumped by him.
14:18The second left on her own.
14:20And the third?
14:21I personally made her disappear.
14:24Her eyes changed, turning dark and sinister.
14:26How long do you think you can hold on?
14:29She stood up and coldly ordered the bodyguard.
14:32Pin her other hand down too?
14:33Today I'm going to crush both of her hands.
14:36Let's see how she seduces after this!
14:40You bitch!
14:43Oh, now you're scared.
14:45Too late for that.
14:47You're not leaving this place until I say so.
14:51A scream tore out of my throat.
14:53I turned my head to Luca.
14:55Luca, aren't you afraid of who I am?
14:58If you let her do this, you'll regret it.
15:03Who are you?
15:04You're nothing.
15:06Just a woman who tricked my father.
15:08Sophia saw his reaction, and her smile grew even more vicious.
15:12You're still trying to seduce Luca while I'm right here.
15:16If I don't break your hands, you'll never learn.
15:20No!
15:21Ah!
15:21Don't!
15:22Just then, my phone rang from inside my bag.
15:25I struggled against the men holding me trying to reach for it, but Sophia moved faster.
15:30She grabbed the phone, glanced at the screen, and answered it with a cold laugh.
15:34My father's voice came through at once, tight with worry.
15:38Iza, why aren't you home yet?
15:41Is the auction still going?
15:43I dragged in a breath, and shouted as loudly as I could.
15:46Papa, help me!
15:48They're going to destroy my hands!
15:55My father's voice went cold in an instant.
15:58What?
15:58Who is this?
15:59Sophia shouted into the phone.
16:01I'm Sophia Lopez.
16:03Your daughter's been acting like a slut with men, so I'm teaching her a lesson!
16:08I don't care who you are.
16:09Let my daughter go.
16:11Touch her again, and you'll wish you'd never been born.
16:14If you've got the guts, come over here.
16:16Her heel slammed into my hand once more, and I couldn't hold back a cry.
16:20I'm right here waiting.
16:22I'll break her hands first and let you hear it, and when you get here, I'll break yours too.
16:27She hung up and slammed my phone to the floor.
16:30It shattered into pieces.
16:31Then, she ordered the men around us to beat me.
16:35Five minutes passed.
16:36It wasn't long on a clock, but it felt like half a lifetime.
16:39At last, a familiar armored black sedan rolled to a stop outside the auction hall.
16:44The air itself seemed to tighten.
16:45My father stepped out of the car, his black coat still carrying the faint scent of gunpowder and blood.
16:54His eyes were cold with fury as he pushed the main doors open.
16:57His voice cut through the hall like a blade.
17:00Who dares to threaten to break my hands and my daughters?
17:05When my father stepped into the doorway, the air in the auction halls seemed to freeze.
17:10His sharp gaze swept the room once, then stopped on me.
17:13I was still being held down.
17:14Sophia still had no idea danger had just walked in.
17:17She even let out a dismissive laugh and stepped forward in her stilettos.
17:21So, you're this slut's father.
17:23Perfect.
17:24Your daughter snatched my ring and slapped me.
17:27You two had better apologize right now, or the Marino family won't let either of you walk out of here.
17:32The crowd rippled with whispers.
17:34A few guests edged toward my father, their voices low and nervous.
17:38Sir, you should back down.
17:40Miss Lopez is Mr. Marino's favorite god sister.
17:44In Norham City, no one dares cross the Marino family.
17:48For you RS safety and your daughters, just admit fault.
17:52There's no shaming.
17:55My father didn't spare any of them a glance.
17:58He simply lifted his hand.
18:00The two men behind him moved at once, striding over to me.
18:03They kicked aside the bodyguards holding my shoulders and pulled me gently to my feet.
18:07I staggered into my father's arms.
18:09He caught me, pulling me close as he soothed me with a gentle hand on my back.
18:14Does it hurt my little princess?
18:16His voice sounded calm, but anyone who knew him could hear the storm gathering beneath it.
18:20I nodded, and tears slipped down my cheeks.
18:23They wanted to rip out my nails too, Papa.
18:26His eyes grew even colder.
18:27He turned to Sophia and Luca, his voice edged with undeniable authority.
18:31In my whole life, almost nothing has ever made me apologize.
18:36Sophia flinched under his stare, then quickly latched onto Luca's arm and tried to look composed.
18:41Luca, look at them.
18:43They really don't know their place.
18:45Luca finally spoke, his tone icy.
18:47Sir, you'd better do as Sophia says.
18:50In Norum City, going against my family is unwise.
18:55My father let out a mocking laugh.
18:57Your family?
18:59Which one would that be?
19:01The Madrine family?
19:03The Marniff family?
19:05He waved a hand dismissively.
19:07I don't bother remembering small families.
19:10Even if your father, Antonio, were standing in front of me, he wouldn't dare to speak to me like that.
19:17Luca's expression shifted in an instant.
19:19He said in a low voice, anger seeping through.
19:22Sir, even if you know my father, isn't that a bit too arrogant?
19:27My father didn't even look at Luca.
19:29He took out his phone, dialed a number, and raised it to his ear.
19:33The call connected almost immediately.
19:36Antonio, your son just asked me if I was being too arrogant.
19:41There was a few seconds of silence on the other end.
19:44Then Antonio's voice came through, trembling noticeably.
19:48Don Borgia, Luca, he doesn't know what you're talking about.
19:54He doesn't know.
19:55Father repeated, a cold smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth.
19:59There are so many things he doesn't know.
20:01For example, who dragged the Marino family out of the ruins of Corvola 20 years ago.
20:07Or how his father knelt in front of me back then, with snot and tears all over his face, begging
20:13me to take him in.
20:14Luca's face turned deathly pale in an instant.
20:17Father hadn't put the call on speaker, but the hall was deathly quiet.
20:20So Antonio's voice still came through intermittently.
20:23Don Borgia, I beg you, Luca is still a child.
20:26He doesn't understand.
20:28A child.
20:29Father cut him off.
20:30When your son ordered his men to gang up and beat my daughter, he wasn't acting like a child.
20:36Another heavy silence.
20:37Then Antonio's voice became even lower, almost a whisper.
20:41I will come and apologize in person tomorrow.
20:44Whatever conditions you want, I'll agree to all of them.
20:47Father didn't answer.
20:49He hung up the phone directly.
20:50He put the phone back in his pocket, then finally looked at Luca again.
20:54Did you hear that?
20:56Your father didn't even dare to ask what happened.
20:58He only knows one thing.
21:00He has offended someone he shouldn't have.
21:02Luca's lips were trembling, but he still gritted his teeth and said,
21:06You... you're bluffing me.
21:08You faked that call!
21:09Before he could finish, Luca's phone rang.
21:12He looked down at the screen, and his pupils shrank violently.
21:16Caller ID.
21:17Father.
21:18Luca's finger hovered over the answer button, refusing to press it for a long time.
21:22My father glanced at him and said indifferently.
21:25Answer it.
21:26Listen to what your father has to say.
21:29Gritting his teeth, Luca finally pressed the answer button.
21:32Antonio's voice exploded from the receiver, loud enough for everyone within three meters to hear.
21:37You animal!
21:37Do you even know what you've done?
21:39If Miss Morgia loses even a single hair, I'll pretend I never gave birth to a son like you!
21:44Luca's face went from white to ashen gray.
21:47He opened his mouth, but not a single word came out.
21:53My father set the tip of his cane against the marble floor.
21:57The tap rang clear in the hush of the hall as he stepped forward.
22:00His eyes fixed on Luca, like a hawk sighting prey.
22:04Arrogant.
22:04He scoffed coldly.
22:06One of my daughter's fingers is worth more than the head on your shoulders.
22:11And you dared to touch her!
22:13He paused, then spoke each word as if he were nailing it into the floor.
22:17My daughter has never accepted a rose that still had its thorns.
22:21Anyone who dares hurt her, I'll make them pay for that a hundred times over.
22:26Almost on the last word, the main doors of the auction hall slammed open.
22:32A line of men in black suits filed in, their movements clean and coordinated.
22:37In just a few minutes, every bodyguard Luca had brought was disarmed and pinned to the floor,
22:42their arms locked behind their backs.
22:44Everything turned around in an instant.
22:45Two men stepped up behind Luca and Sophia, grabbed their shoulders,
22:49and forced them down to their knees in front of my father.
22:52Sophia tried to twist away, panic wiping the arrogance from her face.
22:56Her makeup had streaked down her cheeks, and she turned to Luca in desperation.
23:00Luca, help me!
23:02Luca tried to wrench free, veins throbbing at his temples.
23:05Let me go!
23:07I swear, you don't know the price you're about to pay.
23:11My father looked down at Luca and Sophia like they were nothing more than insects crawling on the floor.
23:17Pay the price.
23:18His voice stayed eerily calm, making the hall feel even colder.
23:22When you ordered my daughter beaten, did you ever stop to think about the price you'd pay?
23:28Then he turned to me, and that killing frost in his eyes softened.
23:32Issa, how do you want to deal with you?
23:35I walked towards Sophia.
23:36The ache in my fingers turned every step heavy, but the anger burning in my chest kept me moving.
23:42I fisted a hand in her perfectly styled hair and yanked her head up so that she had to look
23:47at me.
23:47Whatever you did to me, I will return to you!
23:51I kept slapping her until her cheeks puffed up and flushed an angry red.
23:55Sophia glared up at me, eyes burning with hate and lips smeared with blood.
23:59Even then, she kept spitting curses.
24:01You bitch! Just wait!
24:04Luca will make you wish you were dead!
24:07Luca lunged, trying to get up.
24:09Stop!
24:10I turned and drove my heel into his chest, sending him right back down.
24:14I had put everything into that kick, and the impact shot a fierce pain up my injured fingers.
24:19Clutching his ribs, Luca sucked in a breath, but he still tried to threaten us.
24:26The iron door slammed shut behind them with a deafening bang.
24:30Luca and Sophia were shoved into a pitch black basement.
24:33Sophia's footsteps came to an abrupt halt.
24:35Her voice shot up, sharp enough to shatter glass.
24:38What's that sound?
24:40What the hell is that?
24:42Three wolf dogs.
24:43Not very large, but their ribs were clearly visible.
24:46They hadn't been fed for three days.
24:48The sound of iron chains dragging across the floor was like the grim reaper's scythe.
24:53Luca whispered urgently.
24:55Don't move.
24:56Sophia let out a piercing scream and staggered backward.
24:59Don't move.
25:00Don't run.
25:02Don't!
25:03Her high heel stepped on something wet and slippery, and she fell hard to the ground.
25:07All three wolf dogs lunged forward at once.
25:10Luca.
25:11Her voice became tiny, almost like she was talking to herself.
25:14Are we going to die here?
25:16Luca didn't answer.
25:18His hand fumbled in his pocket for his phone.
25:21The screen lit up for a second, no signal.
25:23It won't happen.
25:24He said, but his voice lacked any conviction.
25:27My father will come save us.
25:29Another hour passed.
25:31Footsteps sounded outside the iron door.
25:34Sophia jerked her head up, hope flashing in her eyes.
25:36A small window on the iron door opened, and a bowl of water along with a few pieces of dry
25:42bread were pushed inside.
25:44Sophia scrambled over, her voice hoarse.
25:46Let us out!
25:48Do you know who I am?
25:50I'm the eldest daughter of the Lopez family, if you dare!
25:55The small window slammed shut.
25:57The footsteps faded away.
25:59Sophia stood frozen in place, clutching the bowl of water.
26:02Tears fell pathetically into it.
26:04Drop after drop.
26:07Luca had barely slept all night.
26:10He kept staring at those three pairs of green eyes until his own eyes were dry and burning.
26:15Sophia curled up beside him, burying her face in his chest.
26:18Her expensive custom dress was torn in several places, and her nails were caked with dirt.
26:24She suddenly spoke, her voice raspy.
26:26Luca, is your phone still working?
26:28No signal.
26:29I don't want to make a call.
26:31Sophia lifted her head.
26:32There was a strange gleam in her eyes that he had never seen before.
26:36Let's take a selfie.
26:37When we get out, I'm going to post it everywhere and let everyone know what that Borgia bitch did to
26:43us.
26:43Luca was stunned for a second, then laughed.
26:45It wasn't a happy laugh, it was a laugh of utter absurdity.
26:49You're thinking about taking photos at a time like this?
26:51I'm not willing to accept this.
26:53Sophia's voice suddenly rose.
26:55I've never suffered like this in my entire life!
26:57Who does she think she is?
26:59Just some wild bastard who appeared out of nowhere!
27:02A low growl suddenly came from the wolf dogs.
27:05Sophia's voice cut off abruptly.
27:07Three pairs of green eyes locked onto her at the same time.
27:10She slowly shrank back into Luca's arms and stopped talking.
27:15The bread was gone.
27:17The water was gone.
27:19The wolf dogs began pacing restlessly, their chains scraping loudly against the floor.
27:24Sophia leaned against the wall, her lips cracked, her hair a complete mess.
27:28Her eyes were unfocused, like a phone that had run out of battery.
27:31Her voice was as light as a wisp of smoke.
27:34Luca, do you think your father will really come to save us?
27:39Luca remained silent for a long time.
27:42He will.
27:43He's my father.
27:44He didn't say it out loud, but he was starting to feel afraid.
27:48Not of the wolf dogs, but of a deeper fear.
27:51What if his father had already given up on him?
27:53Finally, footsteps sounded outside the iron door again.
27:57This time there was more than one person.
27:59The iron door was opened.
28:01Blinding light flooded in.
28:02Both Sophia and Luca instinctively raised their hands to shield their eyes.
28:06The wolf dogs were led away.
28:08Several men in black suits walked in expressionlessly and dragged them up.
28:13Sophia's legs had gone completely limp.
28:15She was supported by two men as they dragged her out.
28:18Luca staggered, barely able to stand, his legs also trembling.
28:22The moment they stepped out of the basement, fresh air rushed toward them.
28:26Sophia gasped greedily, like a drowning person finally pulled ashore.
28:30I won't let this go.
28:31She whispered hoarsely.
28:33Borgia.
28:34Just you wait.
28:36Luca didn't speak.
28:37He stared straight ahead, his face ashen.
28:40What he was thinking was something else in these three days.
28:43His father hadn't made even a single phone call.
28:47I woke to the sting of antiseptic.
28:49The first thing I saw was my father's face above me, drawn tight with worry.
28:54My right hand was wrapped in thick bandages.
28:56A dull pain throbbed through each finger.
28:59Your fingers are saved.
29:00My father said, brushing the hair away from my forehead.
29:03But they'll need time to heal.
29:04Just then, the door eased open.
29:06Antonio stood at the threshold.
29:08The man who usually dominated headlines as an untouchable mafia, he said hoarsely.
29:13Don Borgia.
29:14My son was reckless.
29:16He offended Mrs. Borgia.
29:18My father looked at him coldly and said nothing.
29:21Antonio turned to me instead and bowed deeply.
29:23Mrs. Borgia.
29:24Luca was ignorant.
29:25He had no idea who you were.
29:27Everything our family has today came from Don Borgia's support years ago.
29:30This engagement was us reaching far of our station.
29:32We won't mention it again.
29:34I only beg you to spare his life.
29:35I looked at Antonio, who seemed to have aged overnight and felt nothing at all.
29:40Fine.
29:41I said my voice weak but clear.
29:43I'll give you a choice.
29:45You can keep your son or you can keep your entire family.
29:51His body visibly swayed.
29:53His lips trembled and pain flickered across his eyes as he fought with himself.
29:57After a long silence, he lowered his head.
30:00I'll accept whatever you decide.
30:01This was how our world worked.
30:04In the mafia world, family interests always sat higher than a single individual.
30:09I'm not asking for his life.
30:10I said, turning my gaze toward the window.
30:13But I have one condition.
30:14At the five families gathering, he has to apologize to me in front of everyone.
30:19Antonio let out a long sigh of relief.
30:22Of course.
30:23I'll make sure Luca apologizes sincerely, Mrs. Borgia.
30:26He left with shaky steps, his back slumped in defeat.
30:30The day of the five families gathering finally arrived.
30:33It was held at the same auction house.
30:36The moment my father and I walked into the hall, every gaze in the room swung toward us.
30:43I wore a deep red gown that brushed the floor with every step.
30:47A matching velvet glove covered my injured right hand, an elegant mask for the damage that still hadn't fully healed.
30:54Antonio hurried over to greet us, his face pale and strained with nerves.
30:58Don Borgia, Ms. Borgia, thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight.
31:05I gave him a small, polite nod and slowly scanned the crowded hall.
31:08All eyes were already on us.
31:10Father's voice was low and commanding.
31:12Bring them up.
31:14Several bodyguards wheeled a heavy iron cage into the center of the room, right under the bright spotlight.
31:20The moment the cage came into view, a wave of shocked murmurs swept through the crowd.
31:25Inside, Luca and Sophia were huddled together like trapped animals.
31:29Their clothes were torn and filthy.
31:32Sophia's once glorious gold gown hung in ragged strips, while Luca's expensive suit was covered in dirt and dried blood.
31:40Bruises and cuts marred their faces and arms.
31:43Whatever they had endured these past few days, it had clearly been hell.
31:47The bodyguards unlocked the cage and dragged them out roughly, showing no mercy.
31:52Sophia's legs gave out instantly.
31:53She collapsed to her knees, staring at me with wide, terrified eyes.
31:58Isa!
32:00Please!
32:03We were wrong!
32:04I was wrong!
32:06Just let us go!
32:08Luca lifted his head.
32:10Ms. Borgia, I beg you, have mercy.
32:14My family will compensate you however you want.
32:17Just don't do this in public.
32:19I looked down at them coldly, my injured hand resting lightly on my father's arm.
32:24Public?
32:25You humiliated me in public first.
32:28Did you show me any mercy then?
32:30I took one slow step forward, my voice clear enough for the entire hall to hear.
32:35You wanted to break me.
32:36Now the whole of Norum gets to watch.
32:40As I break you.
32:44Luca staggered, swaying on his feet.
32:46His eyes darted wildly over the crowd until they locked on Antonio.
32:50Dad!
32:51He shouted hoarsely, his voice cracking with despair.
32:55You have to help me.
32:57They don't respect the Marino family at all.
33:00He jabbed a shaking finger at my father and me, his eyes burning with hatred.
33:05Antonia's face went white.
33:06He strode forward and in front of everyone slapped Luca so hard that the sound cracked across the hall.
33:13You ungrateful brat.
33:15Get on your knees and apologize to Mrs. Borgia.
33:20Now.
33:20Sophia jerked her head up, her voice sharp with outrage.
33:24Don Marino, you must be joking.
33:27You want Luca to apologize to those two noblies?
33:30Shut your mouth!
33:32Antonio snapped, turning on her with a glare sharp enough to scorch.
33:36This all started because of you.
33:38If not for you, Luca would never have offended Don Borgia.
33:43And Miss Borgia!
33:44Luca stared at Antonio as if he didn't recognize him.
33:50Antonio, you still haven't told them the truth.
33:53Don of the Corfioni family.
33:55Mr. Rossif Borgia is the most powerful Don in Corvina.
33:59Years ago, when the five families rebuild our power here in Norham City, it was only possible because he backed
34:04us and shielded us.
34:06Vito said slowly, his voice carrying clearly through the silent hall.
34:10If he so much as lifts a finger, he can erase an entire family from Norham City overnight.
34:16Luca snapped his head toward Antonio.
34:17His eyes filled with frantic desperation for an answer.
34:20Antonio pressed his lips into a tight line and gave a stiff, reluctant nod.
34:26That can't be true.
34:28Luca said, stumbling back a step.
34:30If it is, why have I never heard about it before?
34:33Vito let out a humorless laugh.
34:35That secret is known only to the heads of the families.
34:38You haven't even officially taken over yet.
34:41What makes you think you had the right to hear it before this incident?
34:46As soon as Vito finished speaking, the entire hall fell into silence.
34:50I was about to speak when my phone vibrated inside my bag.
34:53It was an encrypted message.
34:55The sender field showed an internal code from the Corleone family.
34:59Ms. Borgia, tomorrow night at the Norham Chamber of Commerce annual gala,
35:03the Lopez family's collateral branch and Elena Lopez will both be attending.
35:07If you wish, you may collect some interest there first.
35:11I turned the phone screen toward my father.
35:13He glanced at it and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
35:17Elena Lopez.
35:18Father murmured the name.
35:19Sophia's mother.
35:21She's been pulling strings behind the scenes quite a bit.
35:24I know.
35:25I said, putting the phone away, the golden custom gown Sophia wore at the auction
35:29was ordered by Elena from Milan a month in advance.
35:33Mother and daughter.
35:34One plays the good cop, one plays the bad.
35:36They've been running rampants in Norham for years.
35:40Father looked at me without saying a word, but his eyes were clear.
35:42It's your decision.
35:44I'll go.
35:46But only after we settle matters here first.
35:50The evening after the five great families meeting ended at the Imperial Banquet Hall,
35:55the crystal chandeliers lit up the entire hall as brightly as daylight.
35:59Not only were the collateral representatives of the five great families present,
36:03but also dozens of heads of mid-tier families.
36:06They usually couldn't even get close to the core meetings of the five families.
36:10But tonight, everyone wanted to fish for benefits amid the toasts and deals.
36:14I wore a dark wine red velvet gown.
36:17The long sleeves concealed the bandages on my right hand.
36:20On my left ear, I wore a single pigeon blood ruby earring gifted by my father, only one.
36:25This was an old Borgia family tradition.
36:28When a daughter has been provoked, but has not yet fully avenged herself, she wears only a single earring.
36:35The moment I stepped into the hall, I felt countless gazes stabbing into me like needles.
36:40Is that the Borgia family's eldest daughter?
36:42I heard the Mourinho family heir was expelled because of her.
36:47Shh!
36:49Lower your voice.
36:51The Lopez family people are here tonight too.
36:54I walked straight ahead without looking sideways and headed directly for the main table.
36:58Seven people were already seated at the main table.
37:01The center seat was empty.
37:03Beside it sat a middle-aged woman in a deep purple gown, Elena Lopez.
37:07She looked 70% like Sophia, but more cunning and gloomier.
37:11She was twirling a glass of red wine in her hand.
37:14When she saw me approaching, she didn't even bother to stand up.
37:17She drawled, looking me up and down.
37:20So you're the little bitch who got my daughter kicked out of Northam.
37:26The entire table fell silent.
37:28I didn't sit down.
37:30Instead, I looked down at her from above.
37:32Your daughter brought it upon herself.
37:34I simply didn't stop her.
37:36Elena's face instantly flushed red.
37:38She shot to her feet and slammed her wine glass onto the table, splashing wine everywhere.
37:43Don't get cocky!
37:45Borgia!
37:46I don't care who you are!
37:47In Norak, the Lopez family has the Marino family behind us.
37:53Well, not anymore.
37:55But mark my words, whatever my daughter lost, I will take back tenfold for her.
38:00She deliberately raised her voice so that the surrounding tables could hear.
38:03Several merchants who did business with the Lopez family immediately chimed in.
38:08Exactly.
38:09Some outsider family.
38:11What right do they have to sit at the main table?
38:14Even if the Marinos aren't pursuing this, it doesn't mean Mrs. Lopez is easy to bully.
38:18Little girl, apologize while things haven't blown up yet.
38:22I smiled slowly.
38:24Apologize.
38:25I repeated, then glanced at the two bodyguards standing behind Elena.
38:29When your daughter crushed my fingers under her heel, did she ever apologize?
38:35Elena's lips twitched, but she quickly regained her vicious expression.
38:38You deserved it.
38:40Seduxing someone else's fiancé, crushing your fingers was going easy on you.
38:45I didn't argue with her.
38:46I simply took out my phone from my handbag, played a recording, and turned the volume to maximum.
38:53Antonio's voice rang out clearly in the quiet howl.
38:56My son was too reckless.
38:58This marriage was us reaching above our station.
39:02I only beg you to spare his life.
39:05The recording ended.
39:06The hall was deathly silent.
39:08Elena's hands began to tremble.
39:10Merchants beside her quietly shifted their chairs half a step back.
39:14It's fake!
39:16You forged it!
39:17I put away my phone and looked down at her, my voice calm but loud enough for the first three
39:22rows to hear clearly.
39:23Mrs. Lopez, your daughter once said something at the auction.
39:26In here, I make the rules.
39:28I raised my bandaged right hand and gently tapped above the wrappings.
39:32Now, I'd like to return the favor with a message of my own.
39:36Your daughter and the Merino family, in front of me, they don't even qualify as rules.
39:42Elena's face went from red to white, then to a sickly green.
39:45She suddenly grabbed the wine glass in front of her and rolled its contents at me.
39:49Red wine flew straight toward my face.
39:51I didn't dodge.
39:52The wine slashed across my face, hair in wine red gown almost blending in.
39:56Only a few drops slid down my chin and fell onto the marble floor.
40:00The entire hall gasped.
40:03Elena stood holding the empty glass, chest heaving violently, her eyes filled with mad triumph.
40:09You whore!
40:11That's what you get for being arrogant!
40:14I slowly raised my hand and wiped the wine from my face.
40:18Then I smiled.
40:20Mrs. Lopez, do you know what you just did?
40:23I took one step forward.
40:24My voice wasn't loud, but it pierced every ear like a nail.
40:27You just attacked the sole heir of the Borga family, in front of more than 30 family representatives.
40:33Everything that happened tonight, I will report it to my father in full detail.
40:39Elena's wine glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.
40:43You...
40:44You're laughing.
40:45I didn't answer her.
40:47I turned around to face the entire banquet hall, my voice clear and calm.
40:51From tonight onward, any family that does business with the Lopez family will automatically be considered unfriendly to the Borga
40:58family.
40:59Gasps rippled across the hall.
41:01Elena's face turned completely white.
41:05You wouldn't dare!
41:07She screamed, but her voice had already lost all confidence.
41:11I gave her one last look, then turned and walked toward the exit.
41:15Behind me came Elena's hysterical shriek.
41:18Stop that bitch!
41:20But no one moved.
41:21The allies, she thought she had all lowered their heads like frostbitten eggplants.
41:25As I walked out the main door, Vito Corleone was already standing by the entrance.
41:30He held a glass of whiskey and gave me a slight nod.
41:33Miss Borgia, you're even more ruthless than your father was at your age.
41:38Vito paused, his lips curving into a soft, genuine smile as he looked at her.
41:43And I'm liking you more and more, my lovely lady.
41:46I glanced sideways at him.
41:48Don Corleone, did you already know this would happen tonight?
41:52He smiled without answering, simply raising his glass.
41:56Welcome to the real Norton.
41:57I didn't clink glasses with him.
41:59I walked straight to the elevator.
42:02The moment the elevator doors closed, I let out a soft breath.
42:06My right hand hurt badly, but my heart felt incredibly satisfied.
42:11I walked forward slowly, the fingers beneath my velvet glove still throbbing with a dull ache.
42:16I've changed my mind.
42:17After what I just heard from Luca, I'm very disappointed.
42:22He doesn't look guilty at all.
42:24Antonio, is this the apology the Marino family is giving me?
42:27Every pair of eyes turned to Antonio, the man who usually ruled the room now looked pale.
42:33He drew in a deep breath, and at that moment, he seemed to age a decade.
42:37From this moment on, Luca is no longer my son.
42:41He is no longer heir to the Marino family.
42:43He is officially stripped of his name and cut off from all family assets.
42:49Dad, you can't do this to me.
42:51I'm your son.
42:53Luca shouted, his eyes full of despair and disbelief.
42:55No! That's impossible!
42:58How could she have that kind of power?
43:00Why didn't anyone tell us earlier?
43:02This has to be fake!
43:04You're all being fooled!
43:06Sophia's shriek cut through the hall like broken glass.
43:10One of Vito's men stepped out of the crowd and slapped her across the face several times until she finally
43:15shut up.
43:16That's enough!
43:17Luca suddenly snarled.
43:18He wrenched himself free from the men restraining him and threw himself in front of Sophia.
43:23This has nothing to do with Sophia.
43:25I was a blind fool.
43:27I'm the one who offended Ms. Borjan.
43:30This is my fault.
43:32If you want revenge, take it out on me.
43:36And let Sophia go.
43:38Sophia leaned against his chest, her eyes glistening with tears.
43:42Luca, I knew you were the only one who really cared about me.
43:46The scene was almost touching in a tragic, ridiculous way.
43:49I couldn't help but lift my hands and give them a soft, slow clap.
43:53How touching.
43:54Since you're so devoted to each other, I'll let you go.
43:58Under everyone's stunned gaze, I went on.
44:00You can leave with her now.
44:02In the name of the Borgia family, I give you my word.
44:06No one will stop you.
44:09Luca stared at me in disbelief, while a spark of hope lit Sophia's eyes.
44:13From this moment on, you have no connection to the Marino family.
44:17You walk away with nothing.
44:19Luca clenched his jaw, then bent to help Sophia steady herself.
44:23We're leaving.
44:24Everyone watched them limp out of the hall while leaning on each other.
44:27My father asked in a low voice.
44:29Are you really gonna let them walk away like that?
44:31I smiled.
44:32You'll see soon enough.
44:34Three months later, a headline shook the entire upper circle of Norham City.
44:38Former Marino heir, Luca Marino, killed his girlfriend, Sophia Lopez, in a run-down motel,
44:43then tried to take his own life.
44:44He was now in police custody.
44:46Word had it that after losing his status, Luca was penniless, and took Sophia to live
44:52with him in a shabby motel on the edge of the slums.
44:56Having grown up pampered and overindulged, neither of them could tolerate the hardships
45:01of an ordinary life.
45:02Sophia complained every day.
45:04She called Luca useless and blamed him for dragging her from the clouds into the mud.
45:09She could no longer afford designer clothes or fancy goods.
45:12Even a proper dinner had become a luxury.
45:15Three days before the murder, someone had spotted Sophia in an upscale restaurant, linking arms
45:20with a middle-aged businessman.
45:22After that, she stopped going back to the motel at night.
45:25When she did show up, her attitude toward Luca was cold.
45:29On the night of the incident, neighbors heard them shouting through the thin walls.
45:33You think you're still the heir of the Marino family?
45:36You can't even buy me a new lipstick!
45:38I gave up everything for you!
45:40Luca roared back.
45:41If I'd known you were so useless, I never would have left with you!
45:46Then came the sound of things being smashed.
45:48After that was an eerie, heavy silence.
45:51The next morning, the cleaning staff opened the door and almost fainted.
45:55Sophia was lying in a pool of blood, having been stabbed over and over.
46:00Luca was on the floor beside her with his wrists slashed, barely alive.
46:04I heard the news while I was at home, sitting at my piano.
46:07Although my fingers hadn't fully healed, I could already play a few simple pieces.
46:12Just then, my father walked in and placed a folded newspaper on the piano.
46:17You saw this coming, didn't you?
46:20I took my hands off the piano and glanced at the newspaper's front page.
46:24It showed Luca being shoved into a police car.
46:27Sophia never loved Luca.
46:29What she loved was his status and his money.
46:32Once he lost those, her betrayal was just a matter of time.
46:36As for Luca, I went on, letting my fingers drift lightly over the keys.
46:41He was born into wealth.
46:44He was never going to survive losing everything.
46:47Especially after the woman he loved cheated on him.
46:51My father studied me for a long moment.
46:54You gave them the cruelest punishment.
46:56I shook my head.
46:58No, they chose their punishment.
47:00I just handed them the knife.
47:02Sunlight poured through the windows, warm and bright.
47:05Their tragedy had no effect on me.
47:07In our world, the strong preyed on the weak.
47:10Mercy toward an enemy only ever led to destruction.
47:13Luca and Sophia's ending only proved that truth once again.
47:16They were nothing more than stepping stones on my way to the top seat in Corvina's mafia world.
47:23The sunlight was beautiful, but my hand still throbbed with dull pain.
47:27The doctor said the nerves had been damaged.
47:29Even after recovery, it would never be as flexible as before.
47:33I might never be able to play those difficult pieces again.
47:37I sat in front of the piano, placed my right hand on the keys, and gently pressed a single note.
47:42A clean, lonely sound rang out.
47:44The door was pushed open.
47:46Father walked in.
47:47He was wearing a deep gray suit.
47:48His tie knotted perfectly.
47:50Sophia's funeral is at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
47:53Are you going?
47:54I thought for a long time so long that Father thought I wouldn't answer.
47:58Yes.
47:59Father nodded, turned to leave, then stopped.
48:02Isa, this isn't your fault.
48:04I didn't speak.
48:05Only after he walked out did I whisper to the empty room.
48:09I know.
48:09But what I knew wasn't just that.
48:11I knew Sophia would die.
48:13From the moment she crushed my fingers under her heel, from the moment she answered my father's call, she was
48:18already dead.
48:19I simply didn't stop it.
48:21I didn't stop it, because I didn't want to.
48:24This thought was like a thorn lodged in a corner of my heart.
48:27It didn't hurt, but it was always there.
48:31The church was small, so small that even from the last row you could clearly see the white flowers on
48:36the coffin.
48:37Not many people came.
48:39Sophia's parents sat in the front row.
48:41Her mother was crying so hard she couldn't sit straight, while her father sat rigidly like a stone statue.
48:47Luca didn't come.
48:48He was in the hospital with more than a dozen stitches on his wrist, under police guard.
48:52They said he wasn't in danger of dying, but his mental state was very poor.
48:56I stood at the very back, leaning against the wall.
49:00Father didn't come inside.
49:02He waited for me in the car.
49:03While the priest was reading the eulogy, Sophia's mother suddenly stood up and staggered toward me.
49:09Everyone was watching.
49:10She stopped in front of me.
49:12Her tears had ruined her makeup, leaving streaks down her face.
49:16Are you satisfied now?
49:18Her voice was hoarse, like sandpaper scraping glass.
49:21I said nothing.
49:23My daughter is dead, and you still come to her funeral.
49:27She grabbed the sleeve of my coat, nails digging into the fabric.
49:30Are you here to watch the show?
49:33Her husband rushed over and pulled her away from me.
49:36He glanced at me.
49:37That look contained hatred, fear, and deep exhaustion.
49:41I'm sorry.
49:42She didn't mean it.
49:43I nodded, then turned and walked out of the church.
49:46The sunlight was blinding.
49:47I stood at the entrance for a while, taking a deep breath.
49:51My father got out of the car and stood beside me.
49:53Let's go.
49:54I got into the car, leaned back in the seat, and closed my eyes.
49:57Outside the window, the church bells rang twice.
50:00Two o'clock and one minute.
50:02Sophia Lopez, 22 years old.
50:04A short life, an ugly death.
50:06I silently recited these words in my heart, then opened my eyes.
50:10There was still a long road ahead.
50:13Three months later, Luca's case went to trial.
50:16I didn't go.
50:18The father sent a lawyer to observe, who came back and reported the result.
50:23Luca Marino was sentenced to 12 years in prison for manslaughter.
50:26The wound on his wrist left a permanent scar.
50:29The psychological evaluation stated he had severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
50:36The lawyer said Luca didn't speak a single word throughout the entire trial.
50:41When the judge asked if he pleaded guilty, he simply nodded.
50:44The lawyer also said that Antonio Marino sat in the gallery, his hair completely white.
50:51When the sentence was announced, he didn't cry.
50:54He just closed his eyes and didn't open them for a long time.
51:00Later, at a gathering, Vito Corleone told me,
51:03Antonio is finished.
51:06He saved his son's life, but the Marino family is done for.
51:10I held my wine glass and said nothing.
51:12You know, in Luca's first week in prison, someone asked if he wanted to see a lawyer.
51:17He said no.
51:19Someone asked if he wanted to see his father.
51:21He stayed silent.
51:23Finally, the person asked, who do you want to see?
51:27He said he wanted to see you.
51:29My hand froze.
51:31He found out you stay at the manor every day and wanted to ask if you could visit him.
51:36Vito looked at me.
51:37You won't go, right?
51:39I put down the wine glass and stood up.
51:42No.
51:44Some people once missed are missed forever.
51:50Half a year later, my fingers had recovered most of their function.
51:54The doctor called it a miracle, saying my recovery speed far exceeded his expectations.
51:59I knew it wasn't a miracle.
52:01For the past six months, I had done three hours of rehabilitation training every day.
52:07Even when the pain made me sweat, I didn't stop.
52:10Father would sit beside me saying nothing, only handing me a towel.
52:15Can you play the piano yet?
52:16I tried.
52:20I placed my right hand on the keys and ran through a scale.
52:24It was slow and clumsy, but every note came out.
52:27Soon.
52:28Father didn't smile, but his eyes brightened.
52:30That night I sat alone in the piano room and played a very simple piece, Debussy's Claire
52:35de Lune.
52:36My left hand carried the main melody, while my right hand only added a few occasional notes.
52:41I closed my eyes and imagined myself standing on stage, spotlights shining on my face, the
52:48audience packed below.
52:49That feeling was still there.
52:51The desire to stand at the very top was still there.
52:54Sophia was dead.
52:56Luca was in prison.
52:58The Marino family had fallen.
53:00But they were not my destination.
53:02They were just stones on the road.
53:04I stepped over them, got a little mud on my shoes, and wiped it off.
53:11One year later, the power structure in Norum had completely changed.
53:15The Marino family had been squeezed out of the five great families.
53:20The Corleone family had taken the top seat.
53:23And I, Issa Borgia, was no longer just Don Borgia's daughter.
53:28I began taking over the family's businesses.
53:31Not all at once, but gradually father handed them to me piece by piece.
53:36First a few small casinos.
53:39Then a port.
53:41Then control of the entire northern district of Corvina.
53:45Every time he transferred power, father stood behind me without speaking but always present.
53:51Once, when Vito was drunk, he put his arm around my shoulder and said to the whole table,
53:57This little girl is even more ruthless than her father.
54:02I smiled and removed his hand from my shoulder.
54:05It wasn't because I was ruthless.
54:08It was because I had no way back.
54:11I was the only daughter of the Borgia family.
54:14This entire empire would eventually be mine.
54:18The power structure in Norum had finally settled.
54:21And life seemed to have returned to a certain calm.
54:24Every week, I would spend three afternoons in the piano room.
54:28Sunlight poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows,
54:31illuminating the black and white keys and my right hand, the hand that had nearly been destroyed.
54:36Footsteps stopped at the doorway.
54:38I didn't turn around, but my fingers paused on the keys for a moment.
54:42Your piano skills are much better than your acting.
54:45His voice came from the doorway, slightly hoarse, carrying a lazy smile.
54:50I turned my head.
54:52Vito stood leaning against the doorframe.
54:54Instead of his usual signature dark suit, he wore a charcoal gray thin sweater with the sleeves rolled up to
55:00his forearms.
55:01He was holding a long slender black box in his hands.
55:04Don Corione, has no one ever taught you to knock before entering?
55:08Has no one ever taught you not to be so cold toward a guest who came from afar?
55:14He walked in.
55:15His leather shoes stepped lightly, yet heavily on the wooden floor with every step.
55:21Isis, for the past year, I've been looking for the right moment.
55:25He paused, the corner of his mouth lifting in a self-mocking smile.
55:29But I realize that with you, there will never be a right moment.
55:33He opened the black box.
55:35Inside was a necklace.
55:36It was an exact match to my single earring.
55:39Your father told me about this Borga family tradition.
55:42His voice grew lower.
55:44When a daughter has been provoked, but has not yet fully taken revenge, she wears only one earring.
55:50Once revenge is complete, she wears the other.
55:53I stared at the gemstone, but didn't reach out.
55:56So?
55:57Vito took a deep breath.
55:58In this moment, one of the most powerful men in Norum looked like someone standing on the edge of a
56:04cliff.
56:04So I wanted to ask, if one day you decide to wear the other earring, could that spot be left
56:12for me?
56:13Silence.
56:14The only sound in the piano room was the occasional chirping of birds outside the window.
56:19My heartbeat was slow and steady.
56:22Do you know what you're saying?
56:24I know very clearly.
56:26Isa, I don't need a woman who stands behind me.
56:29And you're not that kind of woman anyway.
56:31The Corzioni family and the Borja family don't need to swallow each other.
56:34But I'm willing, for a lifetime, to stand in the place closest to you.
56:40The sunlight outside the window grew brighter, falling on his face and illuminating details I had never noticed before.
56:47There was a tiny mole at the corner of his eye.
56:50A faint scar on his left eyebrow.
56:52The fingers holding the necklace were long and strong, yet they were trembling slightly right now.
56:58This man, who didn't even blink during the five great family summit, was trembling.
57:05Suddenly, I felt the urge to smile.
57:08It's okay. I told you. I can wait.
57:13I didn't say I wouldn't accept it.
57:15My fingers still rested on the edge of the box.
57:17But I need to think about it.
57:19How long?
57:21Maybe a year. Maybe two.
57:24Maybe after I finish thinking, I'll return this box to you completely untouched.
57:29Then I'll wait.
57:30He turned and walked toward the door.
57:32At the doorway, he stopped without turning back.
57:35By the way, what piece were you playing just now?
57:38Debossi's Claire DeLune.
57:40Next time, if I hear you stop playing this piece again,
57:47consider that your answer.
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