- 6 hours ago
You Want My Ring？Get on Your Knees AGS
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00daughter of the most powerful don in corvina my father worries i'll marry the wrong man on a whim
00:05so he arranges for me to be engaged to luca the rising heir of the merino family it's an arranged
00:10marriage but that doesn't mean i've lost all my say the very least i can do is choose a ring
00:15i
00:16genuinely like so i go to the mafia auction when the diamond ring appears as the final jewel of
00:22the night i lift my paddle just before the gavel falls an arrogant voice comes from behind me
00:28a country bumplin like you thinks you can compete with me do yourself a favor and leave the auction
00:35hall goes quiet for a few seconds the only sound comes from the camera shutters clicking around the
00:41hall i turn and see a woman in a gold couture gown her mouth curves in a casual smile as
00:46if she owns
00:47the place before i can say a word the auctioneer rushes to close the bid sold congratulations to
00:53miss sofia lopez for winning the final lot the eternal star my brows pull tight and a hot spike
01:00of anger rises in my chest you ended the bidding early do you even follow the rules here sofia turns
01:07around and gives me a once-over her gaze sharp as a blade rules she lets out a cold laugh
01:13come on
01:13i'm luca marino's favorite god sister around here i make the rules i can't help but laugh what a
01:21coincidence so she's my fiance's god sister i pull out my phone and call him luca your god sister just
01:29snatched the engagement ring i picked out how are you gonna handle this
01:36it seemed like sofia lopez wasn't just a god sister to luca marino
01:40if luca couldn't give me a good explanation this engagement was off the table i called the number
01:46i'd saved but never once dialed once the call connected i went straight to the point your god
01:52sister is trying to snatch the engagement ring i chose what do you have to say about that silence
01:57hung for a moment then a cold unfamiliar voice came through the line who is this whatever's going on
02:04between sofia and me isn't something an outsider gets to question before i could say my name he had
02:10already hung up i stared at the dark screen for a second and let out an incredulous laugh
02:15obviously he hadn't even saved my number sofia's laughter cut through the crowd sharp with smug delight
02:21pathetic you somehow got luca's number and actually think that means he knows you
02:28god you're cracking me up she tilted her chin and twisted a lock of hair around her fingers
02:34while looking me over again seriously look at what you're wearing even the nannies in the marino
02:39family dressed better than you the lackeys around her couldn't hold back and burst into mocking laughter
02:47i had always believed comfort mattered more than designer labels but in a hall drowning in diamonds
02:53and custom gowns no one here cared about that belief i pressed my lips together heat rising up my chest
02:59so you're still judging people by logos you're unbelievably shallow lucas sure had special taste
03:06when picking his god sister thanks to her stunt i wasn't in the mood for the auction anymore
03:11i turned to the auctioneer and pointed straight at the eternal star ring in the display case
03:16i want to activate the automatic bidding system whatever she offers i'll pay double
03:22miss our automatic bidding service is reserved for clients with vip cards
03:27sophia gave a sharp little snort she reached into her clutch pulled out a gold vip card and slapped it
03:33onto the podium i spend seven figures a year here and you how exactly do you compare to me i
03:41drew in a
03:42slow breath took out a plain black card with no logo and placed it beside hers unlimited credit black
03:48card is that sufficient open the vip account and restart the bid
03:55a wave of startled whispers rolled through the hall
03:58sophia's smile faded and her tone turned colder
04:02this is merino territory if anyone sides with her i'll make sure they never work in this city again
04:09the auctioneer's face went chalk white his voice shook as he said
04:13miss i'm just a staff member
04:15i really can't afford to offend the merino family several guests who'd seen the whole thing started
04:21trying to persuade me just let it go i've run into miss lopez before mr martino indulges her in
04:28everything someone crossed her last month and his entire business was gone the very next day
04:34miss even if you've got money don't fight the merino family their reach isn't something people like us
04:40can survive just apologize and ask miss lopez to forgive you before this gets worse
04:45under all those cautious glances and hushed warnings
04:49sophia only grew more pleased with herself
04:52she crossed her arms and came closer wearing a smug smile
04:55the amusement in her eyes practically sparkled
04:58you heard them
04:59get on your knees and shout i'm broke and i know i was wrong
05:05do that and maybe i'll let you walk out of here
05:11in all 26 years of my life no one had ever dared to talk to me like that
05:15say that again
05:18what exactly do you want me to shout
05:20are you deaf
05:21i said i'm broke and i know i was wrong
05:25got it now loud and clear
05:27since you admit you're broke
05:29hurry up and get out of here
05:31before you dragged down the merino name
05:34sophia's face flushed as she finally realized what i'd done
05:37you you twisted my words
05:39how dare you make fun of me
05:41she screeched and hurled herself at me
05:43arms flailing like a furious chicken
05:45it would have been funny if she weren't so noisy
05:47i had trained with my family's bodyguards in corvina for 10 years
05:51i wasn't about to be intimidated by a woman whose punches were nothing but a performance
05:56i drove a clean sidekick into her ribs
05:58sophia went down hard holding onto the carpet with a pained groan
06:03regret
06:03next time you open your mouth
06:05remember whose territory you're standing on
06:08gasps rickled through the hall
06:12oh my god
06:13she actually hit mrs lopez
06:15when mr merino hears about this
06:17he'll have her chopped up and thrown into the bay
06:21she's done
06:23not even god can save her now
06:25i tuned their chatter out the merino family only stood where they did today
06:29because my father had pulled them up when they were nothing
06:32in this city
06:33there wasn't a single person i needed to be afraid of
06:36i slapped my black card on the podium again
06:39like i said
06:40whatever she bids
06:41i'll pay double
06:43wrap the ring and hand it over
06:45the auctioneer's knees visibly buckled
06:47hands shaking
06:48he hit the authorization button and personally presented the velvet box to me
06:52i put it into a bag and turned to leave
06:55only for sophia to drag herself upright and stumble back into my path
06:58don't you dare leave
07:01i tapped the toe of my heel against the floor and glanced down
07:04what is it
07:06you want another practical demonstration
07:09she instinctively took a step back
07:11i let out a soft dismissive laugh and pivoted toward the exit
07:16but i didn't get far
07:18a wall of men in black suits suddenly filled the doorway
07:21blocking every way out
07:22before the guests could even process what was happening
07:25the line of bodyguards split cleanly down the middle
07:28a man walked through the gap they made
07:30i looked up and for a second my heart actually skipped
07:33the overhead lights fell across him
07:35outlining every inch of his frame
07:37he had the kind of build tailors dreamed about broad shoulders
07:40narrow waist
07:41long leg
07:42his face was all sharp planes and clean edges
07:45so perfect it looked like someone had carved it out of stone
07:49sophia immediately switched on the waterworks and ran to him
07:52tears glistening
07:53luca
07:54she stole my ring
07:57and hit me
07:58so
07:58this was my fiance
07:59no wonder my father had sworn up and down that i'd like him
08:02he knew me too well
08:04i was hopelessly shallow when it came to looks
08:06and luca fit my taste a little too perfectly
08:09seeing that face alone i almost felt like forgiving his earlier attitude on the phone
08:13i straightened gave him my most confident smile
08:17and introduced myself
08:18hi i'm isa borgia
08:21your fiance
08:24a ripple of shock moved through the crowd
08:27what did she say
08:28she's mr marino's fiance
08:31well obviously
08:32the fiance matters more than a god sister
08:34not really
08:36it depends on who mr marino actually favors
08:39luca's cold gaze settled on me
08:41don't flatter yourself
08:42that engagement was my father's decision
08:45i never agreed to it
08:46sophia leaned into luca with her head on his shoulder
08:49her eyes sparkling with a challenge she wasn't bothering to hide
08:52look at you in those cheap clothes
08:55you really think you deserve to marry him
08:57you're not even qualified to shine my shoes
09:00someone in the crowd eagerly piled on
09:02exactly
09:03if mr marino ever gets married it'll be to a real heiress
09:07why would he choose a nobody from the countryside
09:10she looks dirty
09:12i feel like the air smells worse already
09:14she's nowhere near miss lopez's level
09:16i'd worn something simple
09:18there was nothing dirty about it
09:20but in their mouths
09:21i'd somehow turned into a walking trash heap
09:23people always did love kicking whoever they thought was at the bottom
09:30i lifted my eyes slowly
09:31and let my gaze sweep the entire auction hall
09:34before bringing it back to luca's face
09:36in that case
09:37go home and tell your father to call off the wedding
09:40and the reason
09:42i don't want you
09:44my father told me that luca's father antonio marino
09:47had pulled every string he could to make this engagement happen
09:50if he ever learned it all blew up because of luca
09:52i'd pay to see the look on his face
09:54that thought eased my irritation
09:57i couldn't be bothered arguing with this pack of idiots anymore
10:00so i turned to leave
10:01but sophia wasn't done
10:03she came stomping toward me in her stilettos
10:05like a hyena that had caught the scent of blood
10:07with two bodyguards following closely behind her
10:10the black pistols peeking from their holsters
10:12were enough to freeze the room
10:14you bitch
10:15you think you can just walk away
10:17you snatched my ring and laid hands on me
10:20we're not done
10:21i gave her a cold look
10:23so what exactly do you want to do
10:25she mistook my patience for fear
10:27her hand snapped up toward my face
10:30i'll hit you until
10:31i feel better
10:35before her palm could land
10:37i caught her wrist
10:38twisted and slapped her across the face with my other hand
10:40sophia clutched her cheek
10:42staring at me in disbelief
10:43you lowlife
10:45how dare you
10:46why wouldn't i
10:48i cut her off
10:49slapping her other cheek just as hard
10:51is this enough for you
10:52the two slaps knocked the arrogance right off her face
10:55tears sprang to her eyes as she stumbled back and threw herself behind luka
10:59using him like a shield
11:00luka
11:02she hit me
11:03you have to stand up for me
11:05luka pulled her behind him and looked at me with a gaze so dark it could have dripped ink
11:09how dare you slap her
11:11you must really have a death wish
11:13he gave his bodyguards a subtle hand signal
11:16several of the bodyguards lunged at me at the same time
11:19i took down the first one who charged at me but the rest came too fast
11:23hits rained on me from all directions
11:25pain tore through my ribs and back until my legs gave out
11:29two bodyguards grabbed me under the arms and hauled me over to luka and sophia
11:35luka stroked sophia's swollen cheek and said softly
11:38do whatever you want with her
11:40if anything happens i'll take care of it
11:42his words sent a spark through sophia
11:45she spat at me
11:46her face contorting with cruel satisfaction
11:48bitch
11:49weren't you so bold just now
11:51come on
11:53keep acting tough
11:54you wanna fight me over a ring
11:57fine
11:58i'll break your fingers
12:00let's see what you'll wear on them after that
12:02at her nod the two bodyguards pinned my shoulders
12:05before forcing my arm out in front of me
12:07stretching my fingers over the polished floor
12:09i lifted my head and stared straight at luka and sophia
12:12if you go through with this
12:14i swear i'll make you both pay for it
12:17sophia let out a sharp laugh
12:18the merino family is one of the five ruling houses in norham city
12:22and you
12:22you're a nameless little stray from nowhere
12:25you think you get to threaten us today
12:27i'll make sure you never forget what happens when you cross me
12:33her stiletto drove down on my fingers and pain ripped through my hand
12:36i bit down so hard i tasted blood
12:39i was pretty sure i heard something crap
12:41everyone around us looked away from the violence
12:44but no one had the courage to step in
12:46she shouldn't have picked a fight with a merino
12:48her hands are done for
12:49she'll be lucky if she can even feed herself after this
12:52we're just civilians
12:53people like us swallow our pride or end up dead
12:56i had loved the piano since i was a child
12:58i would be performing on stages all around the world
13:01i couldn't lose my hands
13:03the thought of losing them sent a cold strangling fear through me
13:06when sophia lifted her heel again my resolve collapsed
13:10i was wrong
13:11you can have the ring
13:13take it
13:14just don't hurt my hands
13:16revenge could wait but fingers didn't grow back
13:18however sophia didn't pause
13:20her heel pressed down again
13:22harder this time
13:23a metallic smell rose from my bleeding hand
13:29sophia finished grinding her heel into my fingers
13:31then squatted down
13:32pinched my chin tightly
13:34and brought her face right up to mine
13:36her mascara was a little smudged
13:38and fine lines were visible at the corners of her eyes
13:41i noticed these details only because my face was pressed so close to hers
13:45do you actually think you're special?
13:47she whispered softly
13:48as if sharing a secret
13:50let me tell you
13:51luca has already gone through three fiances
13:54i drove every single one of them away
13:56you're the fourth
13:58and by far the stupidest one
14:00blood seeped from the corner of my mouth
14:02but i didn't talk back
14:03it wasn't because i didn't dare it
14:05was because i had no strength left
14:07my right hand had already gone completely numb
14:10i didn't dare look at it
14:11that's right
14:12sophia laughed
14:13her voice full of malice
14:14the first one was dumped by him
14:16the second left on her own
14:18and the third
14:18i personally made her disappear
14:21her eyes changed
14:23turning dark and sinister
14:24how long do you think you can hold on?
14:27she stood up and coldly ordered the bodyguard
14:29pin her other hand down too
14:31today i'm going to crush both of her hands
14:34let's see how she seduces
14:36after this
14:38you bitch
14:40oh
14:41now you're scared
14:43too late for that
14:45you're not leaving this place
14:47until i say so
14:49a scream tore out of my throat
14:50i turned my head to luca
14:53luca
14:53aren't you afraid of who i am?
14:56if you let her do this
14:58you'll regret it
15:00who are you?
15:02you're nothing
15:03just a woman who tricked my father
15:05sophia saw his reaction
15:07and her smile grew even more vicious
15:10you're still trying to seduce luca
15:12while i'm right here
15:14if i don't break your hands
15:16you'll never learn
15:18no
15:19don't
15:20just then
15:21my phone rang from inside my bag
15:23i struggled against the men holding me
15:25trying to reach for it
15:26but sophia moved faster
15:27she grabbed the phone
15:29glanced at the screen
15:30and answered it with a cold laugh
15:32my father's voice came through at once
15:34tight with worry
15:36isa
15:36why aren't you home yet?
15:39is the auction still going?
15:41i dragged in a breath
15:42and shouted as loudly as i could
15:44papa
15:45help me
15:46they're going to destroy my hands
15:53my father's voice went cold in an instant
15:55what?
15:56who is this?
15:57sophia shouted into the phone
15:58i'm sophia lopez
16:00your daughter's been acting like a slut with men
16:03so i'm teaching her a lesson
16:06i don't care who you are
16:07let my daughter go
16:08touch her again
16:09and you'll wish you'd never been born
16:11if you've got the guts
16:12come over here
16:13her heel slammed into my hand once more
16:16and i couldn't hold back a cry
16:17i'm right here waiting
16:19i'll break her hands first and let you hear it
16:22and when you get here
16:23i'll break yours too
16:25she hung up and slammed my phone to the floor
16:27it shattered into pieces
16:29then
16:30she ordered the men around us to beat me
16:32five minutes passed
16:33it wasn't long on a clock
16:35but it felt like half a lifetime
16:36at last
16:37a familiar armored black sedan
16:39rolled to a stop outside the auction hall
16:41the air itself seemed to tighten
16:43my father stepped out of the car
16:45his black coat still carrying the faint scent of gunpowder and blood
16:52his eyes were cold with fury as he pushed the main doors open
16:55his voice cut through the hall like a blade
16:57who dares to threaten
16:58to break my hands
17:00and my daughters
17:03when my father stepped into the doorway
17:05the air in the auction hall seemed to freeze
17:07his sharp gaze swept the room once
17:09then stopped on me
17:10i was still being held down
17:11sophia still had no idea danger had just walked in
17:15she even let out a dismissive laugh
17:17and stepped forward in her stilettos
17:18so
17:19you're the slut's father
17:21perfect
17:21your daughter snatched my ring and slapped me
17:24you two had better apologize right now
17:27or the marino family won't let either of you walk out of here
17:30the crowd rippled with whispers
17:31a few guests edged toward my father
17:34their voices low and nervous
17:36sir
17:37you should back down
17:38miss lopez is mr marino's favorite god sister
17:41in norham city
17:42no one dares cross the marino family
17:45for you rs safety and your daughters
17:48just admit fault
17:49there's no shame in
17:53my father didn't spare any of them a glance
17:55he simply lifted his hand
17:57the two men behind him moved at once
17:59striding over to me
18:01they kicked aside the bodyguards holding my shoulders
18:03and pulled me gently to my feet
18:05i staggered into my father's arms
18:07he caught me
18:08pulling me close as he soothed me
18:09with a gentle hand on my back
18:11does it hurt my little princess
18:13his voice sounded calm
18:15but anyone who knew him
18:16could hear the storm gathering beneath it
18:18i nodded
18:18and tears slipped down my cheeks
18:20they wanted to rip out my nails too papa
18:23his eyes grew even colder
18:24he turned to sophia and luca
18:26his voice edged with undeniable authority
18:29in my whole life
18:30almost nothing has ever made me apologize
18:33sophia flinched under his stare
18:35then quickly latched onto luca's arm
18:37and tried to look composed
18:38luca look at them
18:40they really don't know their place
18:42luca finally spoke
18:43his tone icy
18:44sir
18:45you'd better do as sophia says
18:47in norham city
18:49going against my family is unwise
18:52my father let out a mocking laugh
18:55your family
18:56which one would that be
18:58the madrine family
19:00the marneff family
19:02he waved a hand dismissively
19:04i don't bother remembering
19:06small families
19:07even if your father
19:10antonio
19:10were standing in front of me
19:12he wouldn't dare to speak to me like that
19:14luca's expression shifted in an instant
19:16he said in a low voice
19:18anger seeping through
19:19sir
19:20even if you know my father
19:22isn't that a bit too arrogant
19:24my father didn't even look at luca
19:26he took out his phone
19:28dialed a number
19:29and raised it to his ear
19:31the call connected almost immediately
19:33antonio
19:34your son just asked me
19:36if i was being too arrogant
19:38there was a few seconds of silence
19:40on the other end
19:41then antonio's voice came through
19:43trembling noticeably
19:45don borja
19:46luca
19:47he doesn't know what you're talking about
19:51he doesn't know
19:52father repeated
19:53a cold smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth
19:56there are so many things he doesn't know
19:58for example
19:59who dragged the marino family out of the ruins of corvola 20 years ago
20:04or how his father knelt in front of me back then
20:07with snot and tears all over his face
20:10begging me to take him in
20:11luca's face turned deathly pale in an instant
20:14father hadn't put the call on speaker
20:15but the hall was deathly quiet
20:17so antonio's voice still came through intermittently
20:20don borja i beg you
20:22luca is still a child
20:23he doesn't understand
20:25a child
20:26father cut him off
20:27when your son ordered his men to gang up and beat my daughter
20:30he wasn't acting like a child
20:33another heavy silence
20:34then antonio's voice became even lower
20:37almost a whisper
20:38i i will come and apologize in person tomorrow
20:41whatever conditions you want
20:43i'll agree to all of them
20:44father didn't answer
20:46he hung up the phone directly
20:47he put the phone back in his pocket
20:49then finally looked at luca again
20:51did you hear that
20:53your father didn't even dare to ask what happened
20:55he only knows one thing
20:57he has offended someone he shouldn't have
20:59luca's lips were trembling
21:01but he still gritted his teeth and said
21:03you you're bluffing me
21:05you faked that call
21:06before he could finish
21:08luca's phone rang
21:09he looked down at the screen
21:11and his pupils shrank violently
21:13caller id
21:14father
21:15luca's finger hovered over the answer button
21:17refusing to press it for a long time
21:19my father glanced at him and said indifferently
21:22answer it
21:23listen to what your father has to say
21:26gritting his teeth
21:27luca finally pressed the answer button
21:29antonio's voice exploded from the receiver
21:31loud enough for everyone within three meters to hear
21:34you animal
21:34do you even know what you've done
21:36if miss morgia loses even a single hair
21:38i'll pretend i never gave birth to a son like you
21:41luca's face went from white to ashen gray
21:44he opened his mouth but not a single word came out
21:50my father set the tip of his cane against the marble floor
21:54the tap rang clear in the hush of the hall as he stepped forward
21:57his eyes fixed on luca like a hawk sighting prey
22:00arrogant
22:01he scoffed coldly
22:03one of my daughter's fingers is worth more
22:06than the head on your shoulders
22:07and you dared to touch her
22:10he paused
22:11then spoke each word as if he were nailing it into the floor
22:14my daughter has never accepted a rose
22:17that still had its thorns
22:18anyone who dares hurt her
22:20i'll make them pay for that a hundred times over
22:23almost on the last word
22:25the main doors of the auction hall slammed open
22:30a line of men in black suits filed in
22:32their movements clean and coordinated
22:34in just a few minutes
22:35every bodyguard luca had brought was disarmed
22:38and pinned to the floor
22:39their arms locked behind their backs
22:41everything turned around in an instant
22:43two men stepped up behind luca and sophia
22:45grabbed their shoulders
22:46and forced them down to their knees in front of my father
22:49sophia tried to twist away
22:51panic wiping the arrogance from her face
22:53her makeup had streaked down her cheeks
22:55and she turned to luca in desperation
22:57luca help me
22:59luca tried to wrench free
23:00veins throbbing at his temples
23:02let me go
23:04i swear
23:06you don't know the price you're about to pay
23:08my father looked down at luca and sophia
23:10like they were nothing more than insects
23:12crawling on the floor
23:13pay the price
23:15his voice stayed eerily calm
23:17making the hall feel even colder
23:19when you ordered my daughter beaten
23:21did you ever stop to think about the price you'd pay
23:25then he turned to me and that killing frost in his eyes softened
23:29isa how do you want to deal with you
23:31i walked towards sophia
23:33the ache in my fingers turned every step heavy
23:36but the anger burning in my chest kept me moving
23:39i fisted a hand in her perfectly styled hair
23:41and yanked her head up so that she had to look at me
23:44whatever you did to me
23:46i will return to you
23:48i kept slapping her until her cheeks puffed up and flushed an angry red
23:52sophia glared up at me
23:53eyes burning with hate and lips smeared with blood
23:56even then she kept spitting curses
23:58you bitch
23:59just wait
24:01luca will make you wish you were dead
24:03luca lunged
24:04trying to get up
24:05stop
24:07i turned and drove my heel into his chest
24:09sending him right back down
24:11i had put everything into that kick
24:13and the impact shot a fierce pain up my injured fingers
24:16clutching his ribs
24:18luca sucked in a breath
24:19but he still tried to threaten us
24:23the iron door slammed shut behind them with a deafening bang
24:27luca and sophia were shoved into a pitch black basement
24:30sophia's footsteps came to an abrupt halt
24:32her voice shot up sharp enough to shatter glass
24:35what's that sound
24:37what the hell is that
24:39three wolf dogs
24:40not very large but their ribs were clearly visible
24:43they hadn't been fed for three days
24:45the sound of iron chains dragging across the floor
24:48was like the grim reaper's scythe
24:50luca whispered urgently
24:51don't move
24:52sophia let out a piercing scream and staggered backward
24:55don't move
24:57don't run
24:59don't
24:59her high heel stepped on something wet and slippery
25:02and she fell hard to the ground
25:04all three wolf dogs lunged forward at once
25:07luca her voice became tiny almost like she was talking to herself
25:11are we going to die here
25:13luca didn't answer
25:14his hand fumbled in his pocket for his phone
25:17the screen lit up for a second no signal
25:20it won't happen
25:21he said but his voice lacked any conviction
25:24my father will come save us
25:26another hour passed
25:27footsteps sounded outside the iron door
25:30sophia jerked her head up hope flashing in her eyes
25:33a small window on the iron door opened
25:36and a bowl of water along with a few pieces of dry bread were pushed inside
25:40sophia scrambled over her voice hoarse
25:43let us out
25:45do you know who i am
25:47i'm the eldest daughter of the lopez family
25:50if you dare
25:51the small window slammed shut
25:53the footsteps faded away
25:55sophia stood frozen in place clutching the bowl of water
25:58tears fell pathetically into it
26:01drop after drop
26:04luca had barely slept all night
26:07he kept staring at those three pairs of green eyes
26:09until his own eyes were dry and burning
26:11sophia curled up beside him
26:13burying her face in his chest
26:15her expensive custom dress was torn in several places
26:18and her nails were caked with dirt
26:20she suddenly spoke
26:22her voice raspy
26:23luca is your phone still working
26:24no signal
26:26i don't want to make a call
26:27sophia lifted her head
26:29there was a strange gleam in her eyes that he had never seen before
26:33let's take a selfie
26:34when we get out
26:35i'm gonna post it everywhere
26:37and let everyone know what that borgia bitch did to us
26:40luca was stunned for a second then laughed
26:42it wasn't a happy laugh
26:44it was a laugh of utter absurdity
26:45you're thinking about taking photos at a time like this
26:48i'm not willing to accept this
26:50sophia's voice suddenly rose
26:52i've never suffered like this in my entire life
26:54who does she think she is
26:56just some wild bastard who appeared out of nowhere
26:59a low growl suddenly came from the wolf dogs
27:02sophia's voice cut off abruptly
27:04three pairs of green eyes locked onto her at the same time
27:07she slowly shrank back into luca's arms and stopped talking
27:12the bread was gone
27:14the water was gone
27:15the wolf dogs began pacing restlessly
27:18their chains scraping loudly against the floor
27:20sophia leaned against the wall
27:22her lips cracked
27:23her hair a complete mess
27:24her eyes were unfocused
27:26like a phone that had run out of battery
27:28her voice was as light as a whisk of smoke
27:31luca
27:31do you think
27:33your father will really come to save us
27:35luca remained silent for a long time
27:38he will
27:39he's my father
27:41he didn't say it out loud
27:42but he was starting to feel afraid
27:45not of the wolf dogs
27:46but of a deeper fear
27:47what if his father had already given up on him
27:50finally footsteps sounded outside the iron door again
27:53this time there was more than one person
27:55the iron door was opened
27:57blinding light flooded in
27:59both sophia and luca instinctively raised their hands to shield their eyes
28:03the wolf dogs were led away
28:05several men in black suits walked in expressionlessly
28:08and dragged them up
28:09sophia's legs had gone completely limp
28:12she was supported by two men as they dragged her out
28:14luca staggered barely able to stand
28:17his legs also trembling
28:18the moment they stepped out of the basement
28:20fresh air rushed toward them
28:22sophia gasped greedily
28:24like a drowning person finally pulled ashore
28:27i won't let this go
28:28she whispered hoarsely
28:29borgia
28:30just you wait
28:32luca didn't speak
28:34he stared straight ahead
28:35his face ashen
28:36what he was thinking was something else in these three days
28:39his father hadn't made even a single phone call
28:43i woke to the sting of antiseptic
28:46the first thing i saw was my father's face above me
28:49drawn tight with worry
28:50my right hand was wrapped in thick bandages
28:53a dull pain throbbed through each finger
28:55your fingers are saved
28:57my father said brushing the hair away from my forehead
28:59but they'll need time to heal
29:01just then the door eased open
29:03antonio stood at the threshold
29:05the man who usually dominated headlines as an untouchable mafia
29:08he said hoarsely
29:10don borgia
29:11my son was reckless
29:12he offended mrs borgia
29:14my father looked at him coldly and said nothing
29:17antonio turned to me instead and bowed deeply
29:20mrs borgia
29:21luca was ignorant
29:21he had no idea who you were
29:23everything our family has today
29:25came from don borgia's support years ago
29:27this engagement was us reaching far of our station
29:29we won't mention it again
29:30i only beg you to spare his life
29:32i looked at antonio who seemed to have aged overnight
29:35and felt nothing at all
29:36fine
29:37i said my voice weak but clear
29:39i'll give you a choice
29:41you can keep your son
29:43or you can keep your entire family
29:47his body visibly swayed
29:49his lips trembled
29:51and pain flickered across his eyes as he fought with himself
29:54after a long silence he lowered his head
29:56i'll accept whatever you decide
29:58this was how our world worked
30:00in the mafia world
30:02family interests always sat higher than a single individual
30:05i'm not asking for his life
30:07i said turning my gaze toward the window
30:09but i have one condition
30:11at the five families gathering
30:13he has to apologize to me in front of everyone
30:16antonio let out a long sigh of relief
30:18of course
30:19i'll make sure luca apologizes sincerely
30:22mrs borgia
30:23he left with shaky steps
30:25his back slumped in defeat
30:26the day of the five families gathering finally arrived
30:30it was held at the same auction house
30:32the moment my father and i walked into the hall
30:35every gaze in the room swung toward us
30:40i wore a deep red gown that brushed the floor with every step
30:43a matching velvet glove covered my injured right hand
30:47an elegant mask for the damage that still hadn't fully healed
30:50antonio hurried over to greet us
30:53his face pale and strained with nerves
30:55don borgia
30:57mrs borgia
30:58thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight
31:01i gave him a small polite nod
31:03and slowly scanned the crowded hall
31:04all eyes were already on us
31:06father's voice was low and commanding
31:09bring them up
31:10several bodyguards wheeled a heavy iron cage
31:13into the center of the room
31:14right under the bright spotlight
31:16the moment the cage came into view
31:18a wave of shocked murmurs swept through the crowd
31:21inside luca and sophia were huddled together
31:24like trapped animals
31:25their clothes were torn and filthy
31:28sophia's once glorious gold gown
31:31hung in ragged strips
31:32while luca's expensive suit
31:34was covered in dirt and dried blood
31:36bruises and cuts marred their faces and arms
31:39whatever they had endured these past few days
31:42it had clearly been hell
31:43the bodyguards unlocked the cage and dragged them out roughly
31:47showing no mercy
31:48sophia's legs gave out instantly
31:50she collapsed to her knees
31:52staring at me with wide terrified eyes
31:54isa
31:56please
31:59we were wrong
32:01i was wrong
32:02just let us go
32:04luca lifted his head
32:06yes poor god
32:07i beg you
32:09have mercy
32:10my family will compensate you however you want
32:13just
32:14don't do this in public
32:16i looked down at them coldly
32:18my injured hand resting lightly on my father's arm
32:21public
32:21you humiliated me in public first
32:24did you show me any mercy then
32:26i took one slow step forward
32:28my voice clear enough for the entire hall to hear
32:31you wanted to break me
32:33now the whole of norum gets to watch
32:36as i break you
32:40luca staggered swaying on his feet
32:42his eyes darted wildly over the crowd
32:45until they locked on antonio
32:46dad
32:47he shouted hoarsely
32:49his voice cracking with despair
32:51you have to help me
32:53they don't respect the marino family at all
32:56he jabbed a shaking finger at my father and me
32:59his eyes burning with hatred
33:01antonio's face went white
33:02he strode forward
33:04and in front of everyone
33:05slapped luca so hard
33:07that the sound cracked across the hall
33:09you ungrateful brat
33:11get on your knees
33:13and apologize to mrs borja
33:16now
33:17sophia jerked her head up
33:18her voice sharp with outrage
33:20don marino
33:21you must be joking
33:23you want luca to apologize to those two noblies
33:27shut your mouth
33:28antonio snapped
33:30turning on her with a glare sharp enough to scourge
33:32this all started because of you
33:35if not for you
33:36luca would never have offended don borja
33:39and miss borja
33:40luca stared at antonio as if he didn't recognize him
33:47antonio
33:48you still haven't told them the truth
33:50don of the corfioni family
33:51mr rossif borgia is the most powerful don in corvina
33:55years ago when the five families rebuild our power here in norham city
33:59it was only possible because he backed us and shielded us
34:02vito said slowly his voice carrying clearly through the silent hall
34:06if he so much as lifts a finger
34:08he can erase an entire family from norham city overnight
34:12luca snapped his head toward antonio
34:14his eyes filled with frantic desperation for an answer
34:17antonio pressed his lips into a tight line
34:19and gave a stiff reluctant nod
34:22that can't be true
34:24luca said stumbling back a step
34:26if it is
34:27why have i never heard about it before
34:29vito let out a humorless laugh
34:31that secret is known only to the heads of the families
34:34you haven't even officially taken over yet
34:37what makes you think you had the right to hear it before this incident
34:42as soon as vito finished speaking
34:44the entire hall fell into silence
34:46i was about to speak when my phone vibrated inside my bag
34:50it was an encrypted message
34:51the sender field showed an internal code from the corleone family
34:55miss borgia
34:56tomorrow night at the norham chamber of commerce annual gala
34:59the lopez family's collateral branch
35:02and elena lopez will both be attending
35:04if you wish
35:05you may collect some interest there first
35:07i turned the phone screen toward my father
35:09he glanced at it
35:10and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly
35:13elena lopez
35:14father murmured the name
35:15sophia's mother
35:17she's been pulling strings behind the scenes quite a bit
35:20i know
35:21i said putting the phone away
35:23the golden custom gown sophia wore at the auction
35:26was ordered by elena from milan a month in advance
35:29mother and daughter
35:30one plays the good cop one plays the bad
35:33they've been running rampants in norham for years
35:36father looked at me without saying a word
35:38but his eyes were clear
35:39it's your decision
35:40i'll go
35:42but only after we settle matters here first
35:46the evening after the five great families meeting ended
35:49at the imperial banquet hall
35:51the crystal chandeliers lit up the entire hall as brightly as daylight
35:55not only were the collateral representatives of the five great families present
35:59but also dozens of heads of mid-tier families
36:02they usually couldn't even get close to the core meetings of the five families
36:06but tonight everyone wanted to fish for benefits amid the toasts and deals
36:10i wore a dark wine red velvet gown the long sleeves concealed the bandages on my right hand
36:16on my left ear i wore a single pigeon blood ruby earring gifted by my father only one
36:21this was an old borgia family tradition
36:24when a daughter has been provoked but has not yet fully avenged herself she wears only a single
36:30earring the moment i stepped into the hall i felt countless gazes stabbing into me like needles
36:36is that the borgia family's eldest daughter
36:39i heard the marino family heir was expelled because of her
36:43shh
36:45lower your voice
36:47the lopez family people are here tonight too
36:50i walked straight ahead without looking sideways and headed directly for the main table
36:54seven people were already seated at the main table
36:57the center seat was empty
36:59beside it sat a middle-aged woman in a deep purple gown elena lopez
37:03she looked 70 percent like sofia but more cunning and gloomier
37:07she was twirling a glass of red wine in her hand
37:10when she saw me approaching she didn't even bother to stand up
37:13she drawled looking me up and down
37:17so you're the little bitch who got my daughter kicked out of northam
37:22the entire table fell silent i didn't sit down instead i looked down at her from above
37:28your daughter brought it upon herself i simply didn't stop her
37:32elena's face instantly flushed red
37:34she shot to her feet and slammed her wine glass onto the table
37:38splashing wine everywhere
37:39don't get cocky
37:41borgia i don't care who you are
37:44in norak the lopez family has the merino family behind us
37:49well not anymore
37:51but mark my words
37:52whatever my daughter lost
37:54i will take back tenfold for her
37:56she deliberately raised her voice
37:57so that the surrounding tables could hear
37:59several merchants who did business with the lopez family immediately chimed in
38:04exactly
38:05some outsider family
38:07what right do they have to sit at the main table
38:10even if the merinos aren't pursuing this
38:12it doesn't mean mrs lopez is easy to bully
38:14little girl
38:15apologize while things haven't blown up yet
38:18i smiled slowly
38:19apologize
38:21i repeated
38:22then glanced at the two bodyguards standing behind elena
38:25when your daughter crushed my fingers under her heel
38:29did she ever apologize
38:31elena's lips twitched
38:32but she quickly regained her vicious expression
38:35you deserved it
38:36seducting someone else's fiancee
38:39crushing your fingers was going easy on you
38:41i didn't argue with her
38:42i simply took out my phone from my handbag
38:45played a recording and turned the volume to maximum
39:15antonio's voice rang out
39:17loud enough for the first three rows to hear clearly
39:19mrs lopez
39:20your daughter once said something at the auction
39:22in here
39:23i make the rules
39:24i raised my bandaged right hand and gently tapped above the wrappings
39:28now i'd like to return the favor with a message of my own
39:32your daughter
39:33and the merino family
39:34in front of me
39:35they don't even qualify as rules
39:38elena's face went from red to white
39:40then to a sickly green
39:41she suddenly grabbed the wine glass in front of her and hurled its contents at me
39:45red wine flew straight toward my face
39:47i didn't dodge
39:48the wine splashed across my face
39:50hair and wine red gown almost blending in
39:52only a few drops slid down my chin and fell onto the marble floor
39:57the entire hall gasped
39:58elena stood holding the empty glass
40:01chest heaving violently
40:02her eyes filled with mad triumph
40:06you whore
40:07that's what you get for being arrogant
40:10i slowly raised my hand and wiped the wine from my face
40:14then i smiled
40:16mrs lopez
40:17do you know what you just did
40:19i took one step forward
40:20my voice wasn't loud
40:22but it pierced every ear like a nail
40:23you just attacked the sole heir of the borga family
40:26in front of more than 30 family representatives
40:29everything that happened tonight
40:31i will report it to my father in full detail
40:35elena's wine glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor
40:41i didn't answer her
40:43i turned around to face the entire banquet hall
40:45my voice clear and calm
40:47from tonight onward
40:48any family that does business with the lopez family
40:51will automatically be considered unfriendly to the borga family
40:55gasps rippled across the hall
40:57elena's face turned completely white
41:01you wouldn't dare
41:03she screamed
41:04but her voice had already lost all confidence
41:07i gave her one last look
41:09then turned and walked toward the exit
41:11behind me came elena's hysterical shriek
41:14stop that bitch
41:16but no one moved
41:17the allies she thought she had all lowered their heads like frostbitten eggplants
41:21as i walked out the main door vito corleone was already standing by the entrance
41:26he held a glass of whiskey and gave me a slight nod
41:29miss borgia
41:31you're even more ruthless than your father was at your age
41:34vito paused
41:35his lips curving into a soft genuine smile as he looked at her
41:39and i'm liking you more and more
41:41my lovely lady
41:42i glanced sideways at him
41:44don coreano
41:45did you already know this would happen tonight
41:48he smiled without answering
41:51simply raising his glass
41:52welcome to the real norton
41:53i didn't clink glasses with him
41:56i walked straight to the elevator
41:58the moment the elevator doors closed
42:00i let out a soft breath
42:02my right hand hurt badly
42:03but my heart felt incredibly satisfied
42:07i walked forward slowly
42:08the fingers beneath my velvet glove still throbbing with a dull ache
42:12i've changed my mind
42:13after what i just heard from luca
42:15i'm very disappointed
42:17he doesn't look guilty at all
42:19antonio
42:21is this the apology the marino family is giving me
42:23every pair of eyes turned to antonio
42:26the man who usually ruled the room now looked pale
42:29he drew in a deep breath
42:30and at that moment he seemed to age a decade
42:33from this moment on
42:34luca is no longer my son
42:37he is no longer heir to the marino family
42:39he is officially stripped of his name
42:42and cut off from all family assets
42:45dad you can't do this to me
42:47i'm your son
42:49luca shouted his eyes full of despair and disbelief
42:51no that's impossible
42:54how could she have that kind of power
42:56why didn't anyone tell us earlier
42:58this has to be fake
43:00you're all being fooled
43:03sophia's shriek cut through the hall like broken glass
43:06one of veto's men stepped out of the crowd
43:08and slapped her across the face several times
43:10until she finally shut up
43:12that's enough
43:13luca suddenly snarled
43:14he wrenched himself free from the men restraining him
43:17and threw himself in front of sophia
43:19this has nothing to do with sophia
43:22i was a blind fool
43:23i'm the one who offended miss borjan
43:26this is my fault
43:28if you want revenge
43:30take it out on me
43:32and let sophia go
43:34sophia leaned against his chest
43:36her eyes glistening with tears
43:38luca
43:39i knew you were the only one
43:41who really cared about me
43:42the scene was almost touching
43:44in a tragic ridiculous way
43:45i couldn't help but lift my hands
43:47and give them a soft slow clap
43:49how touching
43:51since you're so devoted to each other
43:53i'll let you go
43:54under everyone's stunned gaze
43:55i went on
43:56you can leave with her now
43:58in the name of the borgia family
44:00i give you my word
44:02no one will stop you
44:05luca stared at me in disbelief
44:07while a spark of hope lit sophia's eyes
44:09from this moment on
44:11you have no connection to the merino family
44:13you walk away with nothing
44:15luca clenched his jaw
44:16then bent to help sophia steady herself
44:18we're leaving
44:19everyone watched them limp out of the hall
44:22while leaning on each other
44:23my father asked in a low voice
44:25are you really gonna let them walk away like that
44:27i smiled
44:28you'll see soon enough
44:30three months later
44:31a headline shook the entire upper circle of norham city
44:34former merino heir luca merino
44:36killed his girlfriend sofia lopez
44:38in a run-down motel
44:39then tried to take his own life
44:40he was now in police custody
44:42word had it that after losing his status
44:45luca was penniless
44:46and took sofia to live with him
44:48in a shabby motel
44:49on the edge of the slums
44:52having grown up pampered and overindulged
44:55neither of them could tolerate the hardships of an ordinary life
44:59sophia complained every day
45:00she called luca useless
45:02and blamed him for dragging her from the clouds into the mud
45:05she could no longer afford designer clothes or fancy goods
45:08even a proper dinner had become a luxury
45:11three days before the murder
45:13someone had spotted sophia in an upscale restaurant
45:16linking arms with a middle-aged businessman
45:18after that
45:19she stopped going back to the motel at night
45:21when she did show up
45:23her attitude toward luca was cold
45:25on the night of the incident
45:26neighbors heard them shouting through the thin walls
45:29you think you're still the heir of the merino family
45:32you can't even buy me a new lipstick
45:35i gave up everything for you
45:36luca roared back
45:37if i'd known you were so useless
45:39i never would have left with you
45:42then came the sound of things being smashed
45:44after that was an eerie heavy silence
45:47the next morning the cleaning staff opened the door
45:50and almost fainted sophia was lying in a pool of blood
45:53having been stabbed over and over
45:55luca was on the floor beside her with his wrist slashed
45:58barely alive
45:59i heard the news while i was at home
46:01sitting at my piano
46:02although my fingers hadn't fully healed
46:05i could already play a few simple pieces
46:07just then my father walked in
46:10and placed a folded newspaper on the piano
46:13you saw this coming
46:15didn't you
46:16i took my hands off the piano
46:18and glanced at the newspaper's front page
46:20it showed luca being shoved into a police car
46:23sophia never loved luca
46:24what she loved was his status and his money
46:28once he lost those
46:29her betrayal was just a matter of time
46:32as for luca
46:33i went on
46:35letting my fingers drift lightly over the keys
46:37he was born into wealth
46:39he was never going to survive losing everything
46:43especially after the woman he loved cheated on him
46:48my father studied me for a long moment
46:50you gave them the cruelest punishment
46:52i shook my head
46:54no
46:54they chose their punishment
46:56i just handed them the knife
46:58sunlight poured through the windows warm and bright
47:01their tragedy had no effect on me
47:03in our world the strong preyed on the weak
47:06mercy toward an enemy only ever led to destruction
47:09luca and sophia's ending only proved that truth once again
47:12they were nothing more than stepping stones
47:14on my way to the top seat in corvina's mafia world
47:19the sunlight was beautiful
47:20but my hand still throbbed with dull pain
47:23the doctor said the nerves had been damaged
47:25even after recovery
47:27it would never be as flexible as before
47:29i might never be able to play those difficult pieces again
47:33i sat in front of the piano
47:34placed my right hand on the keys
47:36and gently pressed a single note
47:38a clean lonely sound rang out
47:40the door was pushed open
47:42father walked in
47:43he was wearing a deep gray suit
47:45his tie knotted perfectly
47:46sophia's funeral is at two o'clock this afternoon
47:49are you going?
47:51i thought for a long time so long
47:53that father thought i wouldn't answer
47:54yes
47:55father nodded
47:56turned to leave
47:57then stopped
47:58isa
47:59this isn't your fault
48:00i didn't speak
48:01only after he walked out
48:03did i whisper to the empty room
48:05i know
48:05but what i knew wasn't just that
48:07i knew sophia would die
48:09from the moment she crushed my fingers under her heel
48:12from the moment she answered my father's call
48:14she was already dead
48:15i simply didn't stop it
48:17i didn't stop it
48:18because i didn't want to
48:20this thought was like a thorn lodged in a corner of my heart
48:23it didn't hurt
48:24but it was always there
48:27the church was small
48:28so small that even from the last row
48:30you could clearly see the white flowers on the coffin
48:33not many people came
48:35sophia's parents sat in the front row
48:37her mother was crying so hard
48:39she couldn't sit straight
48:40while her father sat rigidly like a stone statue
48:43luca didn't come
48:44he was in the hospital
48:45with more than a dozen stitches on his wrist
48:47under police guard
48:48they said he wasn't in danger of dying
48:50but his mental state was very poor
48:53i stood at the very back
48:55leaning against the wall
48:56father didn't come inside
48:57he waited for me in the car
48:59while the priest was reading the eulogy
49:01sophia's mother suddenly stood up
49:04and staggered toward me
49:05everyone was watching
49:06she stopped in front of me
49:08her tears had ruined her makeup
49:10leaving streaks down her face
49:12are you satisfied now
49:14her voice was hoarse
49:15like sandpaper scraping glass
49:17i said nothing
49:18my daughter is dead
49:21and you still come to her funeral
49:23she grabbed the sleeve of my coat
49:25nails digging into the fabric
49:26are you here to watch the show
49:28her husband rushed over
49:30and pulled her away from me
49:31he glanced at me
49:33that look contained hatred
49:34fear
49:35and deep exhaustion
49:37i'm sorry
49:38she didn't mean it
49:39i nodded then turned
49:40and walked out of the church
49:42the sunlight was blinding
49:43i stood at the entrance for a while
49:45taking a deep breath
49:47father got out of the car
49:48and stood beside me
49:49let's go
49:50i got into the car
49:51leaned back in the seat
49:52and closed my eyes
49:53outside the window
49:55the church bells rang twice
49:56two o'clock and one minute
49:58sophia lopez
49:5922 years old
50:00a short life
50:01an ugly death
50:02i silently recited these words
50:04in my heart
50:05then opened my eyes
50:06there was still a long road ahead
50:09three months later
50:10luca's case went to trial
50:12i didn't go
50:15father sent a lawyer to observe
50:17who came back and reported the result
50:18luca marino was sentenced to 12 years in prison for manslaughter
50:22the wound on his wrist left a permanent scar
50:25the psychological evaluation stated he had severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
50:32the lawyer said luca didn't speak a single word throughout the entire trial
50:37when the judge asked if he pleaded guilty
50:39he simply nodded
50:40the lawyer also said that antonio marino sat in the gallery
50:44his hair completely white
50:48when the sentence was announced
50:49he didn't cry
50:50he just closed his eyes and didn't open them for a long time
50:56later at a gathering vito corleone told me
51:00antonio is finished
51:02he saved his son's life
51:04but the marino family is done for
51:06i held my wine glass and said nothing
51:08you know
51:09in luca's first week in prison
51:11someone asked if he wanted to see a lawyer
51:14he said no
51:15someone asked if he wanted to see his father
51:17he stayed silent
51:19finally
51:20the person asked
51:21who do you want to see
51:24he said he wanted to see you
51:25my hand froze
51:27he found out you stay at the manor every day
51:29and wanted to ask if you could visit him
51:32vito looked at me
51:33you won't go
51:34right
51:35i put down the wine glass and stood up
51:38no
51:41some people once missed are missed forever
51:46half a year later my fingers had recovered most of their function
51:50the doctor called it a miracle
51:52saying my recovery speed far exceeded his expectations
51:55i knew it wasn't a miracle
51:57for the past six months i had done three hours of rehabilitation training every day
52:03even when the pain made me sweat i didn't stop
52:06father would sit beside me saying nothing
52:09only handing me a towel
52:11can you play the piano yet
52:12i tried
52:17i placed my right hand on the keys and ran through a scale
52:20it was slow and clumsy but every note came out
52:23soon
52:24father didn't smile but his eyes brightened
52:26that night i sat alone in the piano room and played a very simple piece debussy's claire de lune
52:32my left hand carried the main melody while my right hand only added a few occasional notes
52:37i closed my eyes and imagined myself standing on stage spotlights shining on my face
52:43the audience packed below
52:45that feeling was still there
52:47the desire to stand at the very top was still there
52:50sophia was dead
52:52luca was in prison
52:54the marino family had fallen
52:56but they were not my destination
52:58they were just stones on the road
53:00i stepped over them
53:02got a little mud on my shoes and wiped it off
53:07one year later the power structure in norham had completely changed
53:12the marino family had been squeezed out of the five great families
53:15the corleone family had taken the top seat
53:20and i isa borgia was no longer just don borgia's daughter
53:24i began taking over the family's businesses
53:28not all at once but gradually father handed them to me piece by piece
53:33first a few small casinos
53:36then a port
53:37then control of the entire northern district of corvina
53:41every time he transferred power
53:43father stood behind me without speaking but always present
53:47once when vito was drunk
53:49he put his arm around my shoulder and said to the whole table
53:53this little girl is even more ruthless than her father
53:58i smiled and removed his hand from my shoulder
54:02it wasn't because i was ruthless
54:05it was because i had no way back
54:07i was the only daughter of the borgia family
54:10this entire empire would eventually be mine
54:14the power structure in norham had finally settled
54:17and life seemed to have returned to a certain calm
54:20every week i would spend three afternoons in the piano room
54:24sunlight poured in through the floor to ceiling windows
54:27illuminating the black and white keys
54:29and my right hand the hand that had nearly been destroyed
54:32footsteps stopped at the doorway
54:34i didn't turn around but my fingers paused on the keys for a moment
54:38your piano skills are much better than your acting
54:41his voice came from the doorway
54:43slightly hoarse carrying a lazy smile
54:46i turned my head
54:47vito stood leaning against the doorframe
54:50instead of his usual signature dark suit
54:53he wore a charcoal gray thin sweater with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms
54:57he was holding a long slender black box in his hands
55:00don corione
55:01has no one ever taught you to knock before entering
55:04has no one ever taught you
55:06not to be so cold toward a guest who came from afar
55:10he walked in
55:11his leather shoes stepped lightly
55:13yet heavily on the wooden floor with every step
55:17isis
55:18for the past year
55:19i've been looking for the right moment
55:21he paused
55:23the corner of his mouth lifting in a self-mocking smile
55:25but i realized that with you
55:27there will never be a right moment
55:29he opened the black box
55:31inside was a necklace
55:33it was an exact match to my single earring
55:36your father told me about this borga family tradition
55:39his voice grew lower
55:40when a daughter has been provoked
55:42but has not yet fully taken revenge
55:44she wears only one earring
55:46once revenge is complete
55:48she wears the other
55:49i stared at the gemstone but didn't reach out
55:52so
55:53vito took a deep breath
55:54in this moment
55:56one of the most powerful men in norham
55:58looked like someone standing on the edge of a cliff
56:01so i wanted to ask
56:02if one day you decide to wear the other earring
56:05could that spot
56:08be left for me
56:10silence
56:10the only sound in the piano room
56:13was the occasional chirping of birds outside the window
56:15my heartbeat was slow and steady
56:19do you know what you're saying
56:20i know very clearly
56:22isa
56:23i don't need a woman who stands behind me
56:25and you're not that kind of woman anyway
56:27the corcioni family and the borga family
56:30don't need to swallow each other
56:31but i'm willing
56:33for a lifetime
56:35to stand in the place closest to you
56:37the sunlight outside the window grew brighter
56:39falling on his face
56:41and illuminating details
56:42i had never noticed before
56:43there was a tiny mole
56:45at the corner of his eye
56:46a faint scar on his left eyebrow
56:48the fingers holding the necklace
56:50were long and strong
56:51yet they were trembling slightly right now
56:55this man who didn't even blink
56:57during the five great family summit
56:58was trembling
57:01suddenly i felt the urge to smile
57:05it's okay
57:07i told you
57:08i can wait
57:09i didn't say i wouldn't accept it
57:11my fingers still rested on the edge of the box
57:14but i need to think about it
57:16how long
57:17maybe a year
57:19maybe two
57:20maybe after i finish thinking
57:22i'll return this box to you completely untouched
57:25then i'll wait
57:26he turned and walked toward the door
57:28at the doorway
57:29he stopped without turning back
57:31by the way
57:32what piece were you playing just now
57:34debossi's claire de lune
57:36next time
57:37if i hear you stop playing this piece again
57:44consider that your answer
57:45you
Comments