- 4 hours ago
I Wasted My Best Years On A Lie In TOO LATE TO BED
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Before the wedding, my fiancé's mother invited his first love to spend three nights with him.
00:05It's the Moretti way.
00:06Before the wedding, my son spends three nights with his past love.
00:10A gesture of gratitude, a proper goodbye.
00:13The absurdity hit me like a slap.
00:16I turned to Marco.
00:17He didn't push back.
00:19It's tradition, Bella.
00:21You want the Moretti name?
00:22You play by Moretti rules.
00:24He just leaned back on the couch, lit a cigarette, and smirked.
00:29Besides, you waited eight years for this ring.
00:31It's three nights. You can handle it?
00:32Everyone in that room expected me to lose it.
00:34I just nodded.
00:36Fine. I respect the Moretti tradition.
00:38Because one second earlier, my phone had buzzed.
00:41Luca Castellano, head of the Castellano Empire.
00:44The oldest and most powerful crime family on the East Coast.
00:48Also the man I personally burned eight years ago when I turned down our arranged marriage to be with Marco.
00:53Bella.
00:53Say the word. I'll make this disappear.
00:55Three days later, on what was supposed to be my wedding night, the groomsmen shoved Marco through the bedroom door.
01:01They froze the second they saw the bed.
01:04I wasn't alone.
01:04I was lying there with a powerful, muscular man.
01:07Under everyone's shocked gazes, I lazily wrapped my arm around the man's waist.
01:12Oh, I forgot to mention, my family has a tradition too.
01:15On the wedding night, the bride has a man of her choosing test the bed first, to make sure her
01:20groom actually measures up.
01:22As Marco's mother declared their ridiculous custom before the guests, I said, fine.
01:27Without a word of hesitation, Marco left me and moved in with Vanessa.
01:32Three full days. Not a single call. Not a single text.
01:35The night before the wedding, I tracked him down at the Morelli family's private club in Lower Manhattan.
01:40Vanessa tucked under his arm, the whole bath loud and looped.
01:42I pushed the door open. Every voice in the room cut out at once.
01:45What are you doing here?
01:46Am I interrupting the reunion?
01:48Bella, don't read into it. A lot of the old families do this.
01:51A clean goodbye before the wedding is a sign of respect.
01:54The boss is 100% yours after tonight.
01:56I know. Like I told you. I get it.
01:59Damn, boss really has her trained.
02:01No training involved. She loves me too much to do a damn thing about it.
02:04She's mine. She knows it.
02:07Seeing I still hadn't moved, someone got bold.
02:11Boss, last night before the wedding.
02:17Let's make it interesting.
02:22Go ahead.
02:26Start with a deep French kiss, Vanessa.
02:28Right here, right now.
02:32Marco smiled.
02:34He grabbed Vanessa by the back of the neck and kissed her.
02:39Deep, slow, deliberate, right in front of me.
02:43The whole booth erupted.
02:46I watched for exactly three seconds.
02:48My voice cut through the noise.
02:51The wedding is tomorrow, Marco. Don't be late.
02:53I turned and walked out.
02:54Behind me, Tony's voice carried over the laughter.
02:56Boss, your girl just watched you make out with your ex and didn't even flinch.
02:59You know how rare that is?
03:01Lucky bastard doesn't know what he's got.
03:03I stopped walking.
03:04Of course.
03:05She's been with me eight years.
03:06And she survived three miscarriages.
03:09She can handle a little kiss.
03:10The deepest pain of my life.
03:12And he just used it as a punchline.
03:14The first time, we were still in college.
03:17Marco was just a runner for the family.
03:20A kid right now is a liability, Bella.
03:22So I walked into that clinic alone and made a choice I never recovered from.
03:27The second time, he'd just been promoted to capo.
03:31We were in Brooklyn for a meeting when a rival crew hit us.
03:34I was two months along.
03:36I lost the baby on a hospital hallway floor.
03:39The third time was two years ago.
03:41Ectopic pregnancy.
03:43Internal bleeding.
03:44Emergency surgery.
03:46They took one of my fallopian tubes.
03:50Afterward, Marco knelt at my bedside and slapped himself across the face.
03:55He cried.
03:56He swore he'd spend the rest of his life making it up to me.
04:00Now he's underboss.
04:02He's made it.
04:03And he's decided that means I have nowhere else to go.
04:07He thinks I can't live without him.
04:09He's about to find out how wrong he is.
04:11I got home and went straight to bed.
04:14Then Marco called.
04:15His voice was slow, relaxed.
04:17That particular kind of satisfied that told me everything I needed to know about his night.
04:21Were you upset about earlier?
04:22No.
04:23You've been so agreeable lately, Bella.
04:25It's honestly starting to throw me off.
04:27Look, Vanessa flew all the way back from Palermo just because she heard I was getting married.
04:31Don't read too much into it.
04:32She's the past.
04:33You're the one I'm marrying.
04:34It's a family tradition I have to honor, that's all.
04:36Fair enough.
04:37You respect your legacy, and I'll respect mine.
04:39Tomorrow I hope you're ready to honor the Serrano tradition, too.
04:42Of course.
04:43What kind of tradition is it?
04:44Marco, last night.
04:45Don't get distracted.
04:46Tell me, who feels better?
04:47Me or your little fiance?
04:49Bella, wedding's tomorrow.
04:50Be there.
04:50Be good.
04:50I stared at the screen after the call ended.
04:52Funny thing about reaching your limit, it doesn't feel like pain anymore.
04:55It just feels like nothing.
04:57Something inside me went quiet.
04:59Not broken.
04:59Just done.
05:00I turned my phone off and went to sleep.
05:03The first message on my phone that morning was from Gina.
05:07Grainy video.
05:08Low light.
05:09Two bodies.
05:10The caption read,
05:11Coming back to the States was worth every minute.
05:14Didn't stop all night.
05:15Eight years apart and he's still just as addictive as I remember.
05:18Vanessa made sure I saw her staking her claim.
05:21Vanessa and Marco celebrated too soon.
05:24What they didn't know was,
05:26I'd already set things in motion.
05:28I put my phone away, got in the car, and drove to my own wedding, calm, dry-eyed, like I
05:35was running an errand.
05:36By the time I sat down in the makeup chair, Gina was already shaking.
05:39Madama!
05:41What is wrong with him?
05:42This isn't tradition, this is just cheating with extra steps.
05:46In front of the whole city?
05:47You cut off your entire family for this man, Bella?
05:51You went to war with your father.
05:53And Marco stood before God and swore he'd never hurt you.
05:58Now he's in bed with that Sicilian bitch the night before your wedding?
06:01Does he feel anything at all?
06:03You know the first time it wouldn't make stress to boss if he weren't in a game.
06:08Probably not.
06:09When Marco and I got together, the Morettos were the second in your family at best.
06:14He was nobody.
06:16A street-level runner trying to climb.
06:18My father said,
06:19Bella, you are a Serrano.
06:21You do not throw yourself away on a thug with ambition.
06:25Luca Castellano, that is the man you married.
06:28I told my father no.
06:30I walked away from the arranged marriage.
06:33Walked away from my family.
06:35Walked away from everything they'd built.
06:37And Marco?
06:38He knelt before an icon of the Virgin Mary and swore on his life he would never betray me.
06:45I've thought about when exactly I lost him.
06:47I think it was six months ago.
06:48A call from Palermo.
06:50Vanessa, freshly out of a relationship, coming home.
06:53That was it.
06:53That one phone call.
06:54Eight years, three losses, every sacrifice I made,
06:57and all it took was her voice on a line to pull him back.
07:00Bella, please.
07:01Tell me you're not actually going through with this.
07:04Why are you still marrying him?
07:05I looked at her.
07:06I reached up and wiped the tear from the corner of her eye.
07:08You've known me your whole life, so you already know the answer.
07:12In this family, women don't cry.
07:15We just make smay sure the debt gets paid.
07:18Blood for blood.
07:1920 minutes before the ceremony, that's when Marco finally showed up.
07:23His crew practically applauded.
07:25Boss!
07:26Seven rounds last night?
07:28We weren't sure you'd make it out of bed.
07:30Almost sent someone in your place.
07:31You really don't give me enough credit.
07:33Then his eyes found me.
07:34For just a second, something crossed his face.
07:37Surprise?
07:38Maybe even guilt.
07:40Damn, Bella.
07:42You almost make me feel guilty.
07:44Don't listen to those idiots.
07:45Seven rounds?
07:46They're joking.
07:47Vanessa had a stomach ache this morning.
07:49Things ran a little late, that's all.
07:50I smiled back and said nothing.
07:52Then a face popped out from behind him, grinning like the cat that got the cream.
07:55Happy wedding day, Bella.
07:57So happy for you both.
07:59Vanessa.
08:00She was a mess this morning.
08:01Begged to come.
08:02I didn't see the harm.
08:04Don't worry, the tradition's done.
08:06I'll keep my distance after today.
08:08Beside me, Gina went sturdy.
08:10I put my hand on her arm before she could open her mouth.
08:13She came all this way.
08:14She's a guest.
08:15Vanessa looked me over.
08:17Slowly, head to toe.
08:19Bella, your dress is lovely.
08:23Very understated.
08:24Not every girl can pull off something so simple.
08:27Then she turned to Marco with a playful pout.
08:30Wait, didn't you get her a Vera Wang?
08:32Because I remember when we were 18, you told me our wedding to have a custom, limited edition
08:37Vera Wang.
08:38The plaza.
08:39The Morelli family diamonds.
08:40300 guests minimum.
08:41You said a million-dollar wedding was the only thing good enough.
08:44So, what happened?
08:47The whole room went silent.
08:48Every bridesmaid stopped breathing, eyes moving back and forth between us.
08:52Marco cleared his throat.
08:53Bella and I have been together so long.
08:55We're past needing all the fanfare.
08:57Right.
08:58I'd always known.
08:59In his heart, the scale was never level.
09:01It was always tipped toward her.
09:03The photos.
09:04The tears.
09:05The DJ started warming up the ballroom.
09:07The big screens came alive with photos.
09:09Marco and me.
09:10Eight years of moments on a loop.
09:12Vanessa watched for maybe 30 seconds.
09:14Then she started crying.
09:16Bella, I'm so jealous.
09:18She said it to me.
09:19Her eyes went straight to Marco.
09:21I don't think I'll ever get this.
09:23The doctors found something.
09:25Lupus.
09:25No cure.
09:27I just wanted to know what it felt like to have a wedding of my own.
09:31Just once.
09:33Before the end.
09:34He watched her like she was the only person in the room.
09:37Then he turned to me.
09:38Bella, let Vanessa take your place for the ceremony.
09:42Are you out of your goddamn mind?
09:44You can't just swap out a bride.
09:46Who are you actually marrying, Marco?
09:49Her or Bella?
09:50It's symbolic.
09:51We give her this one moment.
09:53Bella still signs the papers at City Hall tomorrow.
09:56Nothing changes.
09:57He crouched down to my eye level.
09:59His voice went soft.
10:00His usual appeasing tone.
10:02Bella, you made it through three days.
10:05What's one more hour?
10:06I promise you.
10:07Vanessa gets the vows, but the one in my bed tonight is you.
10:10A ceremony is just words.
10:13Tonight is what actually counts.
10:14Isn't it?
10:15Then he raised his hand and made the sign of the cross over his heart.
10:18The same gesture.
10:20The same hand.
10:22The same man who once swore before the Virgin Mari he would never betray me.
10:26From the ballroom, I could hear guests starting to murmur.
10:29Wondering where the bride was.
10:30The bridesmaids were looking at me like I was already pathetic.
10:33I didn't care.
10:35Fine.
10:35Marco exhaled.
10:37He reached over and ruffled my hair.
10:39The way you'd pet a dog that finally sat on command.
10:42That's my girl.
10:43Go up to the honeymoon suite.
10:45I'll be there the second the vows are done.
10:47Honestly, I didn't want to say those vows anyway.
10:49I was more than happy to skip straight to the wedding night.
10:52Because I'd already prepared my wedding night surprise.
10:56Downstairs, the ballroom was loud with music and toasts.
11:00Up here, it was just me.
11:04This penthouse was the first thing Marco bought after he made capo.
11:07I was the one who decorated it.
11:09The bedding, the candles, the white rose petals scattered across the floor.
11:13Every detail.
11:14Chosen by my hands.
11:15I sat there looking at all of it and thought, what a waste.
11:19Gina came through the door like she was trying to knock it off its hinges.
11:21You give a staping on your wedding.
11:23She was shaking.
11:25That son of bitch!
11:27The second you left, they killed the slideshow.
11:30Dawn for the wedding replaced every photo of you with pictures of him and Vanessa.
11:35And the dress?
11:37You're not going to believe this.
11:40He had a million dollar wedding gown ready for her all along.
11:47They even brought in a whole new guest list.
11:52Now, half the room was Vanessa's family and friends.
11:55This was never your wedding, Bella.
11:58He used you to throw one for her.
12:00He did it because your father wasn't there.
12:02He saw no one watching your back, so he took the shot.
12:05And he burned it all down with a smile.
12:07It's fine, Gina.
12:08I'm keeping a very careful tab.
12:10Every single thing gets paid back.
12:13He showed up around eight.
12:15Drunk enough to sway slightly.
12:16Satisfied enough to smile about it.
12:18Bella.
12:20The ceremony's done.
12:22Vanessa's gone.
12:24From here on out, there's nothing between us.
12:26I mean it this time.
12:27He dropped on Ted beside me and pulled me against his shoulder.
12:34You're not mad about today, are you?
12:36No.
12:38He let out a long breath.
12:39God, you are something else.
12:42Starting tonight, it's just you and me.
12:44I'm gonna spend the rest of my life-
12:46His phone rang.
12:48The second he picked up, I could hear Vanessa on the other end.
12:51Muffled, ragged, crying.
12:53Marco.
12:53Hello?
12:54I didn't mean to bother you, but I fell down the stairs.
12:57There's so much blood.
12:58Vanessa?
12:58What happened?
12:59Are you okay?
13:00His face changed completely.
13:02He was already standing up.
13:04Marco loaned to not in Whirl.
13:05Bella.
13:06I have to go.
13:07You just said-
13:08I know.
13:08This is the last time, I swear.
13:10He raised his hand and made the sign of the cross over his heart.
13:13Third time he'd done that.
13:14Same hand, same chest.
13:17Different lie.
13:1830 minutes.
13:18I'll be back.
13:19What a joke.
13:20How much is his promise even worth?
13:22Go.
13:23Once a man's heart wanders, nothing can hold him back.
13:27He grabbed his jacket and walked out without looking back.
13:31The suite fell silent.
13:33A moment later, the door creaked open.
13:35A tall silhouette filled the doorway.
13:38The man I'd been waiting for was finally here.
13:4130 minutes later, the hallway exploded with noise.
13:44The groommen, the groomsmen, hammered into howling.
13:50Boss told us not to stir shit up?
13:52That's rich.
13:53He spends all night with Vanessa.
13:54Seven rounds, no less, and now he's got nothing left for Bella?
13:56Bella's been loyal to him for eight years.
13:58I'm the first one calling bullshit.
13:59Exactly.
13:59We're raising hell tonight.
14:00However it goes, boss owes Bella her seven rounds.
14:05The laughing stopped like someone cut the power, every one of them frozen in the doorframe.
14:10Marco cleaned it up, put a bandage on it, and stood.
14:13You're fine.
14:14Just a scrape on your thigh.
14:17Vanessa, I have to go.
14:19I'm Bella's husband now.
14:21This has to stop.
14:22All of it.
14:23Marco grabbed his jacket off the chair.
14:25You need something you call Tony.
14:27He'll take care of you.
14:28He meant it.
14:29For the first time in a long time, he actually meant it.
14:33Vanessa's eyes filled immediately.
14:35She grabbed his sleeve with both hands.
14:38Marco, please.
14:39One more night.
14:41I don't have anyone here.
14:44I'm alone in this whole country, and I'm scared, and I just...
14:48He pulled his arm free.
14:54I can't.
14:55He checked his watch.
14:57An hour.
14:59He'd promised me 30 minutes.
15:01He'd been gone a full hour.
15:03His phone was going insane.
15:07Brack says he for true minutes.
15:10The crew, back to back, four calls in two minutes.
15:14He figured it was the usual noise.
15:17Guys drunk at the party, wanting him back.
15:20He hit to client.
15:22Marco frowned.
15:23That wasn't party noise.
15:25Then the group chat.
15:27The first one stopped him cold.
15:30Boss, holy shit.
15:31Your wife's in bed with another man.
15:34The second one.
15:35Marco, man, answer your phone and get back here.
15:38Now.
15:38Marco scrolled down.
15:40The image was blurry.
15:42Shot fast.
15:43Bad lighting.
15:44Someone's shaking hand.
15:45But the background was unmistakable.
15:46His penthouse.
15:47His honeymoon suite.
15:49The bed he'd told Bella to wait for him in.
15:51And in the middle of that bed, another man.
15:54Marco ripped his phone to his ear and called back.
15:57The background of the call was pure chaos.
16:00What the hell is going on?
16:02Tony's voice came through, hesitant and shaky.
16:05We don't know, boss.
16:07We came up to pull a wedding night prank like we said before.
16:11And the second we burst in, there's a guy.
16:15He's half naked, lying right there in your bed.
16:18And Bella?
16:19She looks like she's pretty damn comfortable with him.
16:22Boss, you're being played.
16:23Get back here now.
16:24Marco gripped the phone so hard his knuckles turned white.
16:28His eyes were bloodshot.
16:29She'd set her own family on fire just to stay by his side.
16:33How could she cheat?
16:35In his mind, it didn't matter how far he put.
16:37He would never leave him.
16:38They had spent years together.
16:39She was there when he was a nobody.
16:41She'd endured three miscarriages without a single complaint.
16:44She'd even kept her cool when he moved in with his ex right before their wedding.
16:47There had to be a mistake.
16:48She couldn't be cheating.
16:50Right then, Vanessa leaned over his shoulder and peeked at the screen.
16:53She let out a sharp gasp.
16:56Marco!
16:56Your wife is sleeping around?
16:59How could she?
17:00It's your wedding night!
17:02How does she have the nerve to bring some stray man into your honeymoon suite?
17:07Are you really going to let her get away with this?
17:09Marco couldn't breathe.
17:11He couldn't wait another second.
17:14He grabbed his jacket and sprinted out the door.
17:21When he slammed into the suite, the tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.
17:26His crew was standing in a circle around the bed, surrounding the man.
17:30Tony stepped forward, his face twisted with anger.
17:33Boss!
17:34Finally!
17:35Don't worry!
17:36We've been guarding the place.
17:37This bastard hasn't had the chance to touch Bella yet.
17:40You got here just in time.
17:42Give us the word and we'll take him for a ride.
17:44Marco's gaze shifted to the bed.
17:46Luca Castellona was lying there, right where Marco was supposed to be.
17:50He looked completely relaxed, as if he owned the room.
17:55He didn't even bother to look up when Marco walked in.
18:00Marco, you're finally home.
18:03You said 30 minutes.
18:04I've been waiting over an hour.
18:06Waiting?
18:08Waiting for me to catch you in the act?
18:09Bella, you better start explaining who the hell this guy is right now!
18:13Of course.
18:14That's exactly why I waited for you to come back, so I could explain it to your face.
18:19I reached out and pulled back the duvet.
18:21Slowly, right in front of everyone, I let my hand slide over Luca's firm, chiseled abs.
18:27As Marco's face turned a violent shade of purple, I let out a soft laugh.
18:32This is what I told you about Marco, the Serrano family tradition.
18:35On the wedding night, the bride chooses a man to make sure the groom measures up, right in front of
18:39her husband.
18:39Marco froze for two seconds, his jaw twitching in pure rage.
18:44Bella, are you fucking kidding me?
18:46What tradition?
18:49I have never heard of any family having a rule this insane or disgusting!
18:54If a Maradi groom gets three nights with his ex,
18:58a Serrano bride gets a man of her own choosing.
19:04I let out a cold, sharp laugh.
19:06Marco, it doesn't work that way.
19:08You demanded that I stay quiet and accept your bullshit tradition.
19:12The least you can do is respect mine.
19:14The room went deathly silent.
19:19That's when Gina came charging in.
19:23What's the matter, Marco?
19:25You only follow Morelli rules?
19:27The Serrano family name doesn't mean anything to you?
19:30She stared him down with a mocking smur.
19:32You spent three days in bed with your first love?
19:35Seven rounds, right?
19:37Bella doing this once on her wedding night?
19:40That seems pretty fair to me.
19:42Besides, a man's word is his bond.
19:44You gave her your word before the wedding that you'd accept this rule.
19:48You're not a liar, are you?
19:49She started grabbing the groomsmen by their arms and shoving them towards the hallway.
19:54All right, the groom is here.
19:56The show is about to start.
19:58Let's go, boys.
19:59The husband needs some privacy to watch his bride and her ex-lover get down to business.
20:06Clear out!
20:07Enough!
20:09Marco finally snapped.
20:11He let out an animalistic roar that shook the room.
20:13Bella, you're doing this on purpose, just to get back at me.
20:17This is revenge for me staying with Vanessa.
20:20For the last three days, you found some random guy just to fuck with me, didn't you?
20:26Yes.
20:26Since he decided to say it out loud, I wasn't going to pull any punches.
20:31I stared directly into his bloodshot eyes, a mocking smile playing on my lips.
20:35Marco, you were the one who betrayed us first.
20:39You took my dignity and you dragged it through the dirt for everyone to see.
20:43You cheated in broad daylight and expected me to just take it?
20:47Why on earth did you think I would stay silent while you spit in my face?
20:51And honestly, you gave your whole wedding to Vanessa.
20:54As far as the world is concerned, she's your wife.
20:56So who I sleep with really isn't any of your business, is it?
21:00Marco suddenly went quiet.
21:02Fine.
21:02I admit it.
21:03The tradition was a lie.
21:05The wedding was for Vanessa.
21:07I lied to you.
21:08But I had a reason, Bella.
21:10I had a reason for all of it.
21:11Vanessa has lupus.
21:13The doctor said there's no cure.
21:15She just wanted to feel loved one last time before she dies.
21:18She was on her knees, Bella.
21:20She was sobbing, begging me.
21:22I didn't have the heart to say no.
21:24He looked at me, his voice trembling with a mix of desperation and guilt.
21:27I told you I was done with her and I meant it.
21:29I made it clear today.
21:31From this second on, I am yours.
21:32I will be loyal.
21:33I will never speak to Vanessa again.
21:35So stop this game.
21:36Send this man away.
21:37And I'll pretend tonight never happened.
21:39Pretend it never happened?
21:40It was almost funny.
21:42Almost.
21:42He cheated on me.
21:44He spent three days in bed with another woman right under my nose.
21:47And now he was acting like he was doing me a favor by forgiving me?
21:50The audacity was staggering.
21:52Marco's crew started chomping in, trying to smooth things over.
21:56Come on, Bella.
21:57Don't do this to the boss.
21:58He only said yes to Vanessa because he felt sorry for her.
22:01You know you're the only one he loves.
22:02You guys have eight years of history.
22:04You can't just throw that away over a misunderstanding.
22:06Exactly.
22:07It's your wedding night.
22:08Kick this guy out so we can all move on.
22:10Don't let this become a joke.
22:11That's when Luca finally spoke.
22:13You want to kick me out?
22:14His voice was slow and smooth, like he was savoring a fine glass of bourbon.
22:18Then make me.
22:19Luca got out of bed with a deliberate, slow grace.
22:22He walked over and wrapped a heavy, possessive arm around my shoulders.
22:26He looked at Marco with a look of pure, satisfied laziness.
22:29Bella, you promised me tonight was mine.
22:32You're not going to break your word, are you?
22:34Get your hands off her!
22:35Marco lunged forward, ripping Luca's hand away from my shoulder.
22:38His eyes were burning with a manic fury.
22:41Who the fuck are you to touch my wife?
22:43Who the hell do you think you're talking to?
22:45Luca just brushed his sleeve where Marco had touched him and let out a soft, mocking huff.
22:50I'm Bella's ex.
22:51And according to the Serrano family tradition, I'm the one spending the wedding night with her.
22:56Bullshit!
22:56Bella never dated anyone before me.
22:58I'm her first, her only.
23:01She doesn't have an ex.
23:03You're a fake.
23:04You're just some guy she hired to piss me off.
23:06Busted.
23:07Luca's lips curled into a lazy, dangerous smirk.
23:10You're right.
23:11I'm not Bella's ex-boyfriend.
23:12Actually, I'm her fiancé.
23:14What are you talking about?
23:15I'm her fiancé.
23:16I'm the one she's marrying.
23:18Marco.
23:18I cut him off, my voice cold and lethal.
23:21Don't forget, you already got married today.
23:23Your wife is Vanessa.
23:24The two of you stood in front of 300 guests and exchanged vows.
23:28You and I, we're done.
23:29I looked him straight in the eyes as the realization started to sink in.
23:33Luca is the man my parents chose for me years ago.
23:35Cerrone and Castellino families had this plan since we were kids.
23:38So yes, he's my actual fiancé.
23:40And if I want to spend a little time reconnecting with him, what business is it of yours?
23:43Marco froze.
23:45Every bit of color drained from his face until he looked like a ghost.
23:49Luca let his gaze sweep across the room, looking at the crew like they were ants.
23:52All right, I'm going to spend a wonderful night with my bride-to-be.
23:56Unless you guys are planning on staying to watch?
23:58This is my house.
23:59I bought this place.
24:01This is my honeymoon suite.
24:03My bed.
24:04God who are going to treat.
24:05Best down.
24:05You don't get to come into my home and act like you own the place.
24:09Luca looked around the room with fake curiosity.
24:12You know what, you're right.
24:12This place is quaint.
24:15He turned back to me, pulling me close and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
24:19Let's go, Bella.
24:19I'm taking you home.
24:20I promise you'll forget this pathetic little room ever existed before the sun comes up.
24:24He tightened his grip on my waist and started leading me toward the door.
24:28Marco threw himself in front of us, grabbing my wrist with a desperate, crushing grip.
24:32Let her go!
24:34I'm not letting you take Bela anywhere.
24:36She's my wife.
24:38You have no right.
24:39Let go of her.
24:40Luca's eyes finally turned cold.
24:43Marco refused to budge.
24:45The standoff lasted less than three seconds before the door was kicked open.
24:49A group of men in sharp black suits swarmed the room.
24:52The light caught the holsters beneath their jackets.
24:56Before Marco could even blink, two soldiers had him pinned by the arms.
25:00He thrashed against them, his voice rising to a frantic, grief-stricken howl.
25:05Get off me!
25:06Who the hell are you?
25:07You can't do this!
25:09Hurry!
25:10Bella, just take my wife!
25:11You can't just take my wife!
25:13As Luca led me toward the door, Marco's screams started to break.
25:17Ah!
25:18The rage turned into a pathetic, choked-up sob.
25:21Bella, please!
25:22Don't go!
25:23Come back!
25:24I'm sorry!
25:25I'm so sorry!
25:26I shouldn't have lied!
25:27It's you, Bella!
25:28You're the one I really love!
25:30You're the only one I wanted to marry!
25:32Please, don't leave with him!
25:34I felt nothing.
25:35His love was so cheap.
25:37I didn't even look back as I walked out of the room.
25:39Once we were gone, the soldiers tossed Marco onto the floor like a piece of trash.
25:44He stayed there on his knees, his entire body shaking with a mix of fury and heartbreak.
25:51Why?
25:52Why, Bella?
25:54How could you do this to me?
25:56His crew was finally starting to snap out of their shock.
26:00Tony swallowed hard, his face going pale as he looked at the retreating soldiers.
26:04Boss, I thought that guy looked familiar.
26:06Those weren't just hired muscle.
26:08Those were Castelloni soldiers.
26:10That man, that was Luca Castellano, the head of the Castellano Empire.
26:14Finance, real estate, weapons, they own the whole East Coast.
26:18Even the politicians are in their pocket.
26:20Boss, this isn't a fight.
26:23This is an execution.
26:24We can't win this.
26:25After we left Marco's penthouse, Luca drove me straight back to the Serrano Estate.
26:31The moment my parents saw me walk through the door with Luca,
26:34their eyes filled with tears.
26:36There were no lectures.
26:38No, I told you so.
26:40My father just pulled me into a hug, his voice thick with emotion.
26:44You're home.
26:45That's all that matters.
26:46Seeing how much older my parents looked, how the gray had settled into their hair,
26:50I couldn't hold it back anymore.
26:53Mom, Dad, I'm so sorry.
26:55I was wrong.
26:56Eight years ago, I was obsessed with Marco.
26:59He was a nobody back then.
27:01My parents tried everything to stop me, but I wouldn't listen to anyone.
27:05I remember my father told me.
27:08Marco isn't for you, Bella.
27:10One day, you're going to come back here in tears.
27:12It took eight years, but he was right.
27:15I had lost everything.
27:16My mother squeezed my hand, her eyes soft.
27:19It's okay, baby.
27:21We were all young and stubborn once.
27:23You found your way back.
27:25That's enough for me.
27:26My father looked over at Luca, a proud smile touching his lips.
27:30Now that she's home, we should get the wedding back on schedule.
27:34This kid has been in love with you since he was a teenager, Bella.
27:37After all these years, he finally got his wish.
27:40I saw tips of Lucas' ears turn bright red, looking uncharacteristically flustered.
27:45Mr. Serrano, Mrs. Serrano, I should probably head out and let you have some family time.
27:50Bella, go walk Luca to his car.
27:53My mother nudged me.
27:55I walked him out to the porch, and for a long moment, neither of us said a word.
28:00I'd always known Luca liked me.
28:03Our families were close, and we grew up together.
28:06But Luca was a nightmare back then.
28:08He was a troublemaker, and he expressed his feelings by being an absolute jerk.
28:13In high school, he intimidated every guy who tried to get close to me.
28:16On the night of our senior prom, he actually put out a warning that nobody was allowed to ask me
28:20to dance.
28:21I ended up sitting in a corner alone all night, the laughing stout of the school.
28:25I was so furious, I told him I'd never speak to him again.
28:28After that, I hated him.
28:29Then I met Marco, fell head over wills, and stopped looking at anyone else.
28:32Over the years, I wiped Luca out of my life entirely.
28:35But I never imagined that while I was busy building a life with Marco,
28:38the man I hated most was actually waiting for me the whole time.
28:40I thought back to the text he sent me that morning.
28:43He had heard from somewhere that my wedding with Marco was falling apart.
28:46Almost instantly, he sent that message.
28:49Bella, if you need me, I'm ready to settle the score for you.
28:52I didn't take it seriously at first, because of everything that happened in the past.
28:57He was the last person on earth I wanted to call.
29:00But standing here on the porch, looking up at this tall, silent man,
29:04I felt a wave of confusion mixed with guilt.
29:06Were those jerky things he did when we were kids because he hated me?
29:10Or because he just didn't know how to speak the language of love?
29:12What does he want from me now?
29:14A new game to play?
29:16Or is this actually the devotion of a dawn?
29:21After what Marco did to me, I don't think I can ever truly believe in a man's heart again.
29:26But regardless of the future, right now, Castellino backing is the best thing we could have.
29:32Luca, I don't think this is fair to you.
29:37I spent eight years with Marco.
29:39I gave him everything.
29:41I lost three babies for him.
29:43Someone like me, I'm not good enough for you.
29:46You deserve someone better.
29:48Stop.
29:49Luca reached out, his thumb gently pressing against my lips to quiet me.
29:54Bella, that was your past.
29:56It isn't a stain on who you are.
29:58You gave your heart to someone who didn't deserve it.
30:01You were the victim.
30:03That isn't a crime.
30:04Why on earth would that mean you don't deserve to be happy?
30:07You owe that man nothing.
30:09You owe yourself everything.
30:10He looked at me, his gaze burning with a fierce, solemn sincerity.
30:14I've loved you for a long time, Bella, which means I accept every single part of you.
30:18Let the past be the past.
30:19His eyes were full of hope and honesty.
30:20Give yourself a chance and give me one too, okay?
30:23Before my mind caught up, I nodded.
30:26My wedding with Luca was set for next month.
30:30The invitations went out almost immediately.
30:32The night Marco heard the news, he came looking for me.
30:36It had only been a few days, but he looked like a ghost of himself.
30:40He was gaunt, his eyes were suckin' and dark, and his face was covered in a messy, unshaden stubble.
30:44His suit was wrinkled, and his hair, usually perfectly slicked back, was a disaster.
30:49Bella, don't do this.
30:52Don't marry him.
30:53He reached out and grabbed my hand.
30:55I fucked up.
30:56I know I did.
30:57But I'm done with Vanessa.
30:58She's gone.
31:00I swear on my life, I'll never see her again.
31:04Just please, don't marry Luca Castelloni.
31:08We were together for eight years.
31:10You were willing to turn your back on your own parents for me?
31:12Why are you being so cold now?
31:14How can you just walk away without giving me a single chance?
31:17Bella, this is cruel.
31:19I ripped my hand out of his grip.
31:22I was so tired of the drama.
31:24Marco, I gave you eight years of chances.
31:27I waited nearly a decade for you to decide I was worth a ring.
31:30I endured everything.
31:32But you crossed the line when you brought her into our bed before the wedding even started.
31:36Go away.
31:37It's over.
31:38In that moment, I was just grateful we hadn't made it to City Hall to sign those papers.
31:42I turned around and walked away without looking back.
31:45Marco stood there in the street, looking like a man who had lost the entire world.
31:49He had nowhere to go.
31:51No one to turn to.
31:52He ended up stumbling into his private club, ordering the strongest grappa they had,
31:57and knocking back glass after glass like he was trying to drown himself.
32:01His crew couldn't stand to watch it.
32:03They took turns trying to talk sense into him.
32:06Boss, stop it!
32:07You're gonna kill yourself at this rate!
32:09Bella is marrying someone else!
32:11Drinking yourself into a coma won't bring her back!
32:13She's gone!
32:15But no one could get through to him.
32:17Finally, Tony and the guys tracked down Vanessa and brought her to the club.
32:22Find Vanessa.
32:23Hoping she could calm him down.
32:25But it only made things a thousand times worse.
32:28Vanessa snatched the bottle out of his hand, her lips twisted in a pow.
32:32Marco, stop it already!
32:34Look at you.
32:35It's not worth it to ruin yourself over a woman like her.
32:38Honestly, she's not even that great.
32:40If she had the nerve to bring a stray man into your bed on your wedding night,
32:45it means she's been sleeping around for a long time.
32:48She's trash, Marco.
32:50You should be happy you're finally rid of her.
32:53Marco snapped.
32:54He lunged forward, grabbing Vanessa by the collar and shaking her,
32:58his face twisted in a mask of pure agony.
33:01You don't get to talk about Bella like that.
33:03Do you hear me?
33:04She is not trash.
33:06She gave me eight damn years of her life.
33:09I know who she is.
33:10Better than anyone.
33:11Vanessa, how do you even have the balls to show your face?
33:14This is all your fault.
33:16You're the one who manipulated me into that tradition.
33:19You're the reason Bella left.
33:20You destroyed my life.
33:22Why won't you just leave me alone?
33:24Suddenly, his eyes caught something on her skin.
33:27His expression shifted from rage to icy, dawning horror.
33:31He reached out and ripped her collar open.
33:34What the hell is that on your neck?
33:36What are those red spots?
33:37Vanessa panicked.
33:38She tried to pull away, her voice stammering.
33:41Marco, I told you I have lupus.
33:43That's just a symptom.
33:44No, that's not lupus.
33:46A sickening realization began to crawl up Marco's spine.
33:49He didn't care about her protests and screaming.
33:52He grabbed her by the arm and dragged her toward the door,
33:55hellbent on getting her to a hospital.
33:57Vanessa fought back like a cornered animal.
33:59Her long acrylic nails clawed at his face, leaving deep bloody gashes across his cheek.
34:04Marco didn't even flinch.
34:05He just turned around and backhanded her across the face with everything he had.
34:09The two lovers who had been tangled together in bed just days ago now looked like bitter,
34:14sworn enemies.
34:15The secret Vanessa had been fighting so hard to bury was finally coming to light.
34:20Every gift from the gods comes with a hidden price tag,
34:23and some debts are more than one person can afford to pay.
34:26At the hospital, Marco didn't give her a choice.
34:30Under his terrifying threats, Vanessa was forced to undergo a full battery of tests
34:34when the results finally came back.
34:36The truth was worse than anything he could have imagined.
34:38She didn't have lupus.
34:40She was in the late stages of syphilis.
34:43Marco felt like he'd been struck by lightning.
34:45In that second, his whole world came crashing down.
34:48You bitch.
34:50He lunged at her, his hands clamping around Vanessa's throat,
34:53his eyes nearly popping out of his head with rage.
34:56You were sleeping around in Europe and caught a goddamn disease!
35:00You told me it was lupus!
35:02You tricked me into your bed just to rot me from the inside out!
35:06I'll kill you!
35:07I'll fucking kill you!
35:08Because of her, he had lost the woman he loved,
35:11and now, his body was likely tainted, too.
35:14His entire life was in ruins, and it was all because of her.
35:18What are you screaming about?
35:19You were the one who cheated!
35:21You were the one who couldn't stay out of my bed!
35:23You thought Bella was weak!
35:24You thought she was a doormat who would let you do whatever you wanted!
35:28Don't you dare pin this on me, you selfish coward!
35:31You wanted to call me your true love while keeping Bella around to wait on you!
35:35I saw right through you from day one!
35:37The words pushed Marco over the edge.
35:39He lost every ounce of reason, squeezing her throat harder and harder,
35:43determined to watch the life leave her eyes.
35:45It took three hospital security guards to pull him off her.
35:48Vanessa didn't wait around.
35:50She stumbled out of the hospital, bruised and gasping,
35:53and caught the very first flight out of the country.
35:56She vanished back to Europe before the sun even went down.
35:58Marco wandered out of the hospital like a hollow shell of a man.
36:01He drifted through the streets, his mind a chaotic blur.
36:04He saw flashes of Bella's smile from years ago,
36:07the warmth of their life together,
36:08then the memory of his heat with Vanessa,
36:10and finally,
36:11this is exactly what you deserve.
36:12His legs finally gave out.
36:15Marco! Marco!
36:16Exhausted, broken, and terrified of the poison in his blood,
36:21Marco collapsed on the sidewalk as the world...
36:23When Marco opened his eyes again,
36:25he was back in the hospital.
36:27For a moment, he didn't remember how he got there.
36:32Boss, the doctor is here.
36:40Mr. Moretti,
36:42your test came back positive.
36:44We need to begin treatment immediately.
36:47There it was.
36:48The price of Vanessa's lie had finally reached his blood.
36:53The first face that flashed through his mind wasn't Vanessa's.
36:56It was mine.
36:58Bella.
37:00Give me my phone!
37:04I need to call her.
37:08Boss,
37:10today is her wedding.
37:16While Marco was drowning in the wreckage of his choices,
37:20I was standing in front of a mirror,
37:22wearing white for a second time.
37:24You look beautiful, baby.
37:39Are you ready, sweetheart?
37:42I am.
37:48Luca was waiting at the end of the aisle.
37:51For once,
37:52the man who had waited for me his whole life
37:54didn't look smuck at all.
37:56He looked nervous.
38:02My father walked me down the aisle.
38:08This time, I wasn't walking towards humiliation.
38:11I was walking away from it.
38:14I don't want the version of you
38:17the world thinks is easiest to love.
38:20I want all of you, Bella.
38:22The broken parts.
38:25The angry parts.
38:26The parts still learning how to breathe.
38:30I can't promise I'm healed.
38:33But I can promise I'm done living for the man who broke me.
38:38If you'll walk beside me, Luca,
38:40I'll try.
38:47Boss, it already started.
38:48You can't make it in time.
38:51Boss, I have to see her.
38:59He should have stayed in that hospital bed.
39:05But regret has a way of making dying men run.
39:09Please.
39:21You may kiss the bride.
39:25And just like that,
39:27I became Mrs. Castellino.
39:33Marco arrived just in time to see the ending.
39:37No.
39:40Not the ending he wanted.
39:42The ending he deserved.
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