- 2 hours ago
A Love Beyond the Contract
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00For 500,000, I impersonated my brother to take care of his blind fiancée.
00:04The day her sight was restored, I left without a word.
00:07We met again at a group press conference.
00:09I had become a junior reporter.
00:11She had regained her title, heiress of the Valenti family.
00:16We heard that during your illness, your fiancée Mr. Moretta stayed by your side.
00:21Word is you'll soon announce some happy news?
00:23Her lips curved.
00:24She raised her hand to show the ring.
00:26Yes.
00:27He and I are about to get engaged.
00:30But her gaze drifted, almost carelessly, to me in the corner.
00:33Before the press conference started, the room buzzed with gossip.
00:37Have you heard?
00:37Today we're interviewing the Valenti heiress.
00:40She controls the entire Valenti family.
00:42Five years ago, she went blind.
00:44Her family threw her out.
00:46If her fiancée hadn't stayed, she might have died in a ditch.
00:49Shh, keep it down.
00:50I sat to the side, barely able to keep smiling.
00:53My nails dug half-moons into my palms.
00:55Suddenly, my mentor Vince turned to me.
00:57Hey kid, get me a bottle of water.
01:00Yes, Mr. Vince.
01:01I'd just reached the water cooler by the door when it slammed open.
01:04Someone walked in.
01:05My mind went blank.
01:07Three years had changed to Leah Valenti beyond recognition.
01:10Make way.
01:11Her voice was cold.
01:12She strode past lightly, flanked by black-suited bodyguards, heading for the stage.
01:17I froze as she passed.
01:18It took me a long moment to remember how to breathe.
01:20The two years I'd spent by her side were the lowest point of her life.
01:24Cast out by the Valenti family.
01:25Blinded by an accident.
01:27Of course she wouldn't recognize my face.
01:29Maybe that was for the best.
01:30By the time I got back with the water, the interview had already started.
01:34Aaliyah sat upright, scanning the room.
01:36Then the side door opened.
01:37Damien walked in.
01:38All smiles and apologies.
01:39Sorry I'm late Aaliyah.
01:41Shooting ran long.
01:42I rushed over as fast as I could.
01:43He straightened his Brioni suit and sat down next to her.
01:46The room held its breath, then erupted in whispers.
01:48Vince leaned in with his water bottle, like he'd discovered a new continent.
01:52Hey kid, no offense, but you and Damien Maraudi?
01:55I forced a smile.
01:57He's a huge star.
01:59Thanks for the compliment.
02:00Of course we looked alike.
02:01He was my brother.
02:02We heard that during your illness, your fiancé Mr. Moretta stayed by your side.
02:06My throat closed up.
02:07Her lips curved.
02:08Yes, we're about to get engaged.
02:10On her ring finger was a simple silver band.
02:12The one I'd bought working two jobs back then, just to make her happy.
02:16An heir to the Valenti fortune, wearing cheap silver.
02:18It didn't add up.
02:19She rubbed the ring with her fingertip.
02:21Her gaze swept the crowd.
02:22Landed on me.
02:23Intentional.
02:24Brief.
02:25Mr. Moretti, you're filming with director Romano.
02:27He rarely casts newcomers.
02:29Did Ms. Valenti put in a good word for you?
02:30His smile was seamless.
02:32Of course.
02:33I've always been confident in my acting.
02:35But, Aaliyah has done a lot for me.
02:37I've never hidden that.
02:38And I deserve every bit of help I get.
02:40A polished answer.
02:42Everyone bought it.
02:42Can you tell us how you supported each other through her hardest years?
02:46Damien's smile froze.
02:47Silence stretched.
02:48Time seemed to slow.
02:49Finally, Aaliyah laughed softly and took the mic.
02:52Nothing much to say.
02:54The memories between us belong to us alone.
02:57That's enough.
02:58My eyes stung.
02:59I gripped my pen and lowered my head.
03:01Closed my eyes, and I'm back in the past.
03:03Teenaged Aaliyah, sharp-tongued and fierce, had made countless enemies on her way up.
03:07When she fell, they came calling.
03:08To fend them off, I fell down a flight of stairs.
03:11Got up covered in blood.
03:12The thugs panicked and scattered.
03:14I forced myself up, pretended nothing happened, and walked back to her.
03:17Let's go home.
03:18But she grabbed my hand.
03:20You're hurt.
03:20We're going to the hospital.
03:22I'm fine.
03:22I smell blood!
03:24Tears slipped from those clouded eyes.
03:26Damien.
03:27But the name she cried wasn't mine.
03:29When I'm better, I'll give you the most lavish wedding in the world.
03:33After the press conference, the sky turned gunmetal gray.
03:36Rain poured down.
03:37Vince patted his pockets.
03:38Kid, I left my memory card upstairs.
03:40Go run and get it.
03:42I mechanically ran into the rain, slipping on the wet ground.
03:45The elevator reached the first floor.
03:47The doors opened.
03:48I came face to face with two people.
03:49Damien leaned close to Aaliyah, murmuring about something on set.
03:53Her face showed polite indifference.
03:54But she listened.
03:55Closed, almost intimate.
03:57Damien saw me.
03:58His face darkened.
03:59Sorry.
04:00I muttered, turning toward the stairs.
04:02Stop.
04:03But Aaliyah's voice stopped me.
04:04I froze.
04:05Weren't you taking the elevator?
04:06Get in.
04:07I slowly turned around.
04:09Kept my voice low.
04:10Thank you, Ms. Volante.
04:11She let me use the elevator, but she didn't move.
04:13You came with the media today?
04:15I didn't hear you ask anything.
04:16I just got back from abroad, Ms. Volante.
04:18Um, I'm an intern.
04:19I can't ask questions yet.
04:21She didn't say more.
04:22Seemed to be thinking.
04:23Damien shot me a look that said he wanted me dead.
04:25Let's go, Aaliyah.
04:26We have dinner with Director Romano tonight.
04:29She finally looked away.
04:30Let's go.
04:30I rode the elevator up alone, staring at the wall.
04:33After our parents divorced, my father took Damien and married into the Moretti family.
04:38I never saw my brother again.
04:39Until five years ago, he suddenly appeared.
04:41I'll give you $500,000.
04:43Take my place.
04:44Take care of someone for me.
04:45That year, my mother died.
04:47We were drowning in debt just to bury her.
04:49I had no choice.
04:50I said yes.
04:51After we met, I found out the person I had to care for was Aaliyah Volante.
04:54His fiancée.
04:55Heiress to the Volante family.
04:57Not long ago, she was kicked out of home.
04:59Just because she went blind.
05:00A blind girl.
05:01Abandoned by her family.
05:03Who the hell would want to take care of her?
05:05If it weren't for my reputation, I'd break off the engagement myself.
05:09He'd just started in the industry.
05:10Starred in a hit movie.
05:12His career was on the rise.
05:13He couldn't afford to look heartless.
05:15So he dumped the dirty work on me.
05:16Aaliyah had lived in splendor for 18 years, then fell into darkness.
05:20Her temper was unbearable.
05:21For weeks, she hurled every insult imaginable at me.
05:24I was paid to do a job.
05:25I didn't talk back.
05:27Until one night, I came back late after visiting my mother's grave.
05:30She started in on me again.
05:32Damien, don't pretend.
05:34You're just afraid of the backlash.
05:36She didn't finish.
05:37Because I cupped her face and kissed her hard.
05:39That was my first kiss.
05:40No technique.
05:41All anger.
05:42More bite than kiss.
05:43She went completely stiff.
05:44Her ears turned crimson.
05:46You.
05:46I bit her lower lip, actually bit it, then pulled back.
05:49Feel that?
05:50Still think I can't stand you?
05:52I got the memory card and came back.
05:53Vince was thrilled.
05:54You learn fast.
05:56Listen, there's a dinner tonight.
05:58I'm taking you.
05:58Need to introduce you to some people.
06:00A reporter needs connections.
06:02When we got there, I saw the car.
06:04A black Rolls Royce I knew by heart was parked outside.
06:07Mr. Vince, is Valenti going to be there?
06:10Of course.
06:11That's whose table I'm getting you to.
06:12Don't underestimate me, Enzo.
06:13Too late to back out.
06:15I gritted my teeth and followed him inside.
06:17Luckily, the banquet hall was huge.
06:19Small fry reporters like us couldn't get anywhere near Aaliyah's table.
06:22Vince dragged me around the room, making introductions.
06:25This is our new employee.
06:26Very sharp kid.
06:27Name's Enzo Russo.
06:28Enzo, say hello.
06:29As the newbie, I had to toast everyone.
06:32By the time I'd made the rounds, I was dizzy.
06:34I mumbled an apology, covered my mouth, and bolted for the bathroom.
06:37Threw up, rinsed my mouth, splashed cold water on my face, and walked back into the hallway.
06:42The lighting was dim, amber, hostile.
06:44A familiar figure stood by the window, half in shadow.
06:47My heart jumped.
06:48Thought about pretending not to see her.
06:49Enzo, Russo.
06:51My feet rooted to the floor.
06:52I swallowed hard.
06:53Closed my eyes.
06:54The footsteps stopped in front of me.
06:56Her perfume.
06:57I opened my eyes.
06:58Her gaze was like deep, dark water.
07:00Mrs. Valti.
07:00My throat was dry.
07:01How do you know my name?
07:03She didn't answer.
07:04Just looked at me.
07:05Then stepped back, straightening her posture.
07:07Your mentor took you around to every table.
07:09The whole room knows your name now.
07:10Vince had a loud voice.
07:11My face burned.
07:12I'm sorry.
07:13He's enthusiastic.
07:14He's like that with all newcomers.
07:16If I bothered you, I apologize.
07:18She was quiet for a moment.
07:19Mr. Russo, do I look that petty to you?
07:22I lowered my head.
07:24That's not what I meant.
07:25A guilt-edged business card was handed to me.
07:27You're still on probation, aren't you?
07:30Here's an opportunity.
07:32Do you want it?
07:33By the time I got back, the alcohol was still hitting me.
07:36You okay, kid?
07:37I rubbed my stomach.
07:39Sorry, Vince.
07:40I had stomach surgery a while back.
07:41Can't drink much.
07:42He was about to say something when his eyes landed on my hand.
07:46That's Valelti's private card?
07:48I nodded.
07:49I knew what it meant.
07:50That card was something men would kill for.
07:52A direct line to her.
07:53I lowered my voice.
07:54Why did you give me a business card?
07:56An intern reporter like me?
07:57She'd shrugged.
07:59Maybe I just like your face.
08:00Very Aaliyah.
08:01During those years I took care of her.
08:02She'd show me another side.
08:04Especially at certain moments.
08:06I'd clench my jaw.
08:07Swallow the sounds.
08:08Grab her hair.
08:08I can't see.
08:09Don't move.
08:10In the darkness.
08:11She'd tilt her head back.
08:12Everything else on me still works fine.
08:15So get louder.
08:16Let me hear you.
08:17I shook the thought away.
08:19Made up some excuse for Vince.
08:20Back at the office the next day, the editor called me in.
08:23Russo.
08:24That hot new reality dating show?
08:26Go prep for it.
08:27You'll join as a guest observer.
08:29When I got the assignment, the next guests were Damien and Aaliyah.
08:32After the press conference, their engagement news had exploded across all the trending lists.
08:37The show's pre-launch buzz was enormous.
08:39The comments section was insane.
08:40They walked through hell together and now they're at the top together.
08:43This is real love.
08:44Heard the Moretti business was on life support until the Valenti family bailed them out.
08:48Power couple.
08:49No question.
08:50Two empires unite.
08:51Fans are losing their minds.
08:52I scrolled a bit, then closed the page.
08:54The host, Yara, was prepping the script.
08:56If we can dig up details from those two missing years, this episode will be a monster hit.
09:01I gripped my pen and nodded.
09:02Every moment of those two years, I knew them better than anyone alive.
09:06But I couldn't say a word.
09:08Damien rode Valenti's fame straight to A-list status.
09:11By the time the show aired, there were already a million live viewers.
09:14Under the lights, I heard Yara's opening.
09:16We hear you're already talking marriage.
09:19Tell us, how did you two come together?
09:21Damien tilted his head toward Aaliyah.
09:23Smiled tenderly.
09:24I never believed a single one of those rumors trying to smear her.
09:28To me, Aaliyah has always been the one.
09:32Liar.
09:35Right after I went blind, you couldn't stand me.
09:38Don't pretend you forgot.
09:39Damien froze, but the cameras were rolling, so he kept smiling.
09:43I don't remember it that way.
09:45I think love just deepens over time.
09:47I only remember the sweet parts.
09:49I glanced at the live comments.
09:51So sweet.
09:51Scrolling by and wave.
09:52Sounds like you two have very different memories of those years.
09:55Could you tell us how you overcame those differences?
09:58When I first went blind, I fell apart.
10:00I hated the world.
10:04And, and I hated him.
10:06He'd leave before dawn and come back after midnight.
10:08But he still made time for me.
10:10One night, he was so exhausted.
10:11He forgot to turn off the stove.
10:13Went out to buy salt.
10:14When he got back, the kitchen was on fire.
10:17Something clogged my throat.
10:18Then I was back in that moment.
10:19I could still feel the heat of that night.
10:21I dragged Aaliyah out of the room.
10:23Grabbed her collar.
10:24Furious.
10:24My body.
10:25My voice.
10:26Both trembling.
10:28Do you want to die?
10:29This time she didn't fight back.
10:31She was just silent.
10:32For a long, long time.
10:33Then she rasped.
10:34Wouldn't dying be a relief for you?
10:36That was when I realized.
10:37The once arrogant princess of Valenti was now just a wounded kitten.
10:41All teeth and no claws.
10:42I was breathing hard.
10:43I pushed her into the bedroom.
10:45The walls were black from the fire.
10:46I started unbuttoning her shirt, one by one.
10:49My voice low.
10:51You burned my dinner.
10:52So you're going to compensate me.
10:54What are you doing?
10:55The rest of her words disappeared into my mouth.
10:57You are not a burden.
10:59That night, everything turned upside down.
11:01It was just the two of us in the world.
11:03And now she was telling our story.
11:04Using my brother's name.
11:06The whole world thought those memories belonged to them.
11:08A suffocating ache cracked open in my chest.
11:10She was close.
11:11Her perfume drifted over.
11:13Familiar.
11:13And strange.
11:14At the same time, it wrapped around me.
11:16But that scent no longer belonged to me.
11:18The crowd applauded.
11:19She finished.
11:19I will always remember how bright the moon was that night.
11:24I couldn't see.
11:25But he described it to me all night long.
11:27I quickly lowered my head.
11:29Gripping my pen tightly.
11:30My eyes burned.
11:31Because I'd gone off script to ask those questions.
11:33We'd unearth details no one had ever heard.
11:36The episode was a massive success.
11:38You're a fucking killer man.
11:40Those questions were brutal.
11:42I turned.
11:43Aaliyah and Damien were walking toward us.
11:45Yara fell silent.
11:46Aaliyah's expression was flat.
11:48Were you the one who asked those questions?
11:50I nodded.
11:50Mr. Russo, you really know how to hit where it hurts.
11:53But let me give you some advice.
11:55Know your place.
11:57Don't covet what you can't reach.
11:59Mr. Russo did well.
12:01Starting today, he can serve as our media liaison.
12:03Damien's head snapped toward me.
12:05He cornered me in the empty hallway.
12:07His voice shaking with disgust.
12:08Enzio.
12:09You greedy parasite.
12:10You took my money.
12:11What the hell are you doing back?
12:12I graduated.
12:14I came back to work.
12:15Work?
12:15You think I'm stupid?
12:16Get out.
12:17Tell her you refuse the media liaison job or I'll make your life hell.
12:20He meant what he said.
12:21I started hitting walls everywhere.
12:23Stories that should have been mine went to others overnight.
12:25That evening, the editor called me in.
12:27There's a big annual product launch next month.
12:30I want you to host it.
12:31I stared.
12:32Ms. Valenti asked for you by name.
12:34After work, a familiar Rolls Royce was parked across the street from our office building.
12:38The window rolled down.
12:39Aaliyah's face.
12:40Unreadable.
12:40If Mr. Russo is so curious about my past, why not just ask me directly?
12:44I dropped my eyes.
12:46I have no interest in your private life.
12:47It's just work.
12:48Even if it's work.
12:49I gave you my card.
12:51You could have called.
12:51No need.
12:52Because in that moment, I realized.
12:53It had been three years.
12:55No longer the willful kitten who'd bury her face in my chest after a fight and beg me to
12:59forgive her.
12:59The Morettis would be done without Valenti's support.
13:01Damien wouldn't dare come after me so blatantly without her permission.
13:04Maybe.
13:05Maybe those two years were a humiliation to her.
13:07A past she didn't want unearthed.
13:08I turned to leave.
13:10Stop.
13:10She pushed open the door, got out, and blocked my way.
13:15Mr. Russo.
13:17Talk to me.
13:18About what?
13:19Work.
13:20That's all.
13:21Over the next two weeks, Aaliyah came to see me twice more.
13:24To go over key announcements for the launch.
13:27At the end of the second meeting, she handed me a folder.
13:29Casually.
13:30A major tourism project.
13:32Not announced yet.
13:33Direct provincial cooperation.
13:35You can break it exclusively at the launch.
13:37Consider it your scoop.
13:39I didn't speak for a long moment.
13:43I took it.
13:44See?
13:45Valenti likes you.
13:46Why don't you mention what Moretti did to you?
13:48When Vince heard, he kept pushing me.
13:49I was editing the hosting script.
13:51I just smiled.
13:53No.
13:53Do you think she'd go against her own Fiamet for a reporter she doesn't know?
13:58The day of the launch arrived.
13:59The hall was packed.
14:01Aaliyah's seat, center, was empty.
14:02Under all the lights, I began announcing the Valenti Group's partnership project.
14:06Good morning, everyone.
14:07Thank you for joining us today.
14:09Where did you steal those confidential materials?
14:11A reporter I didn't recognize suddenly stood up and shouted at me.
14:14My access to Valenti Group information is completely legal.
14:19Legal?
14:19A man who sleeps his way to the top dares to talk about legal?
14:23I have proof!
14:25Someone walked onto the stage.
14:26Damien.
14:27He looked at me.
14:28Enzo.
14:30For a little reporter like you to fall for Aaliyah, it's only human.
14:35I wanted to leave you a way out, but you wouldn't take it.
14:38The screen behind us switched from slides to a set of compromising photos.
14:42The person in the photos, was me.
14:44You sent him these photos.
14:45You showed up at his hotel room in just a towel.
14:48We have the surveillance footage.
14:51Behind him, the screen changed again.
14:53Blurry hotel hallway.
14:55Me and my editor walking in together.
14:56A repeat offender like you?
14:58The hall erupted.
15:00The front doors slammed open.
15:01Aaliyah walked in.
15:02Her gaze cut through the crowd like a blade.
15:04It passed over my face without stopping.
15:06My heart sank to the floor.
15:07The spotlight on me felt like an execution.
15:10The crowd was boiling.
15:11Disgusting.
15:12A disgrace to journalism.
15:14How can anyone be so shameless?
15:15He should be blacklisted from the industry.
15:18I didn't look at any of them.
15:19I just stared at Aaliyah.
15:20She turned to Damien, her voice soft.
15:22What did you just say?
15:23Damien answered,
15:24Aaliyah, he's been playing you.
15:27He's been using his media access to steal Volante Group's secrets
15:32and sabotage the company.
15:34Even this hosting gig, he got it the same way.
15:38Aaliyah waited, looked at me.
15:39Do you have anything to say?
15:40Anything to say?
15:41I could see the hatred in Damien's eyes.
15:43And the smugness.
15:44It was absurd.
15:45He was only two years older than me.
15:47We had the same mother, the same father.
15:49After our mother died, we should have been the only two people in the world who shared
15:52the same blood.
15:53I let out a low, mocking laugh.
15:55I picked up the microphone.
15:56What I have to say is this.
16:00Miss Velati, your fiancé is lying through his teeth.
16:05If you choose to stand with him and let him present forged evidence in front of millions
16:09of people, I will put every word of tonight into tomorrow's story.
16:14The public has eyes.
16:16A decision maimer this dishonest has no right to manage public projects.
16:20The once arrogant Valenti princess, the now ruthless Valenti Donna, either version of
16:24her would be furious at being threatened in public.
16:27But, she just walked, step by step, onto the stage.
16:30Stopped at the same level as me on the platform.
16:32Said my name softly.
16:34Enzo Rosso.
16:35A sharp pain flooded my chest.
16:37I didn't want to hear her defend Damien.
16:39I turned my head.
16:40Every charge against me is fabricated.
16:44My relationship with Mr. Morella's fiancé is purely professional.
16:51We've had no private contact.
16:53No private contact?
16:56You gave me a ring.
17:00Are you going to deny that?
17:02My head shot up.
17:03She raised her left hand.
17:05That simple silver band.
17:06Cheap metal.
17:07Crude workmanship.
17:08But she'd polished it until it gleamed, shining like a star under the spotlight.
17:11That ring pulled me back for years.
17:13It was her 19th birthday.
17:15The first 18 years of her life had been banquets and fireworks.
17:18This time, it was two people crammed into a run-down apartment.
17:21To cheer her up, I'd worked two extra jobs between editing my thesis.
17:25$200.
17:26A pair of silver rings.
17:27I came home and slipped one onto her finger.
17:29She couldn't see, but she could feel it.
17:31What is this?
17:32A couple was fighting in the street and threw something away.
17:34I waited a bit and picked it up.
17:36Don't be picky, princess.
17:37Don't call me princess.
17:38I like it.
17:39Even if you found it in the street, I like it.
17:41Because you gave it to me.
17:42She meant it.
17:42She never took off that ring.
17:44I snapped back to the present.
17:45Talk, Enzo.
17:47There's nothing to say.
17:48My voice was low.
17:49You've mistaken me for someone else, Miss Volante.
17:52That ring was from your fiancé, wasn't it?
17:54I never said who the ring was from.
17:56How would you know?
17:57She stopped right in front of me, a hair's breadth away.
17:59Is she saying the man who stayed with her through those hard years is that reporter?
18:03Then what about Damien?
18:05Wait.
18:06They do look alike.
18:08Damien stared at me, full of malice.
18:10Aaliyah, he's lying.
18:11He has a record.
18:12I closed my eyes, pushed back everything that was threatening to spill out.
18:16When I opened them, my voice was calm.
18:18Yes.
18:20I gave her the ring.
18:21For 500,000, I pretended to be Damien.
18:24I couldn't go on.
18:25I deceived you for two years.
18:27I took the money.
18:28Let's pretend it never happened.
18:30You've already decided the man back then was Damien.
18:32You're engaged to him.
18:34What's the point of correcting it now?
18:36Took a breath.
18:36Put down the microphone.
18:37Prepared to leave.
18:38The moment I turned, her hand closed around my wrist.
18:41Skin to skin.
18:42A familiar warmth in her palm.
18:44Of course it matters.
18:45Her voice was very low.
18:46As long as I'm wearing your ring, no matter where you are.
18:48The moment I see you, I'll recognize you.
18:51Does that still count?
18:52My lashes fluttered.
18:53I lowered my head.
18:54Buried all my emotions in my throat.
18:56I pried her fingers open.
18:58Pulled my hand free.
18:59Looked up.
18:59Cold.
19:00I forgot.
19:01I was lying.
19:02Those years abroad, I thought about Aaliyah every day.
19:04The winter she was 19, just before the Valenti family took her back.
19:08That was our best time.
19:09The winter air was dry.
19:10Every time we kissed, there was static electricity.
19:13A hundred times I thought about telling her the truth.
19:15In the quietest, most intimate moments.
19:17She would whisper in my ear, horse.
19:19Damien don't leave me.
19:21Like a bucket of ice water over my head.
19:22I'd remember again that I was a fake ear, wearing someone else's name.
19:26She once told me.
19:27When I was little, my cousin locked me in a closet.
19:29I almost died in there.
19:31What I hate most is being lied to.
19:34If she ever found out the truth, would she hate me?
19:36The night before her 20th birthday, the old patriarch fell ill.
19:40In his sickness, he investigated everything.
19:42Aaliyah had been set up from the start.
19:43The car accident wasn't an accident.
19:45He sent people to bring her home.
19:47He contacted Damien.
19:48Damien showed up at my apartment.
19:49By then, he was already famous.
19:51The Valentists are taking her back.
19:54You didn't really delude yourself into thinking you could reach that high, did you?
19:57Don't kid yourself.
19:59Whether it's the Valentis or Aaliyah, the only name they know is mine.
20:03Damien.
20:04You were just a stand-in.
20:06You always were.
20:07He took a check out of his bag and threw it at my chest.
20:10Another 500,000.
20:11Don't get any more stupid ideas.
20:13Damien.
20:14Our mother.
20:16She was your mother, too.
20:18Vivian Moretti is my mother.
20:20Sofia is nothing.
20:22Just a whore.
20:23Something snapped in my head.
20:25I grabbed his collar and punched him twice in the face.
20:27His men rushed in and pinned me to the ground.
20:30That star stood over me, looking down.
20:32Did I say anything wrong?
20:33Take the money, disappear, and don't come back.
20:37Or I'll engrave those two years on her tombstone.
20:40He left.
20:41I stared at the check on the floor.
20:42I thought back two years.
20:43When mom was sick, we'd racked up huge debts.
20:46After she died, I couldn't even afford a decent grave.
20:49You need money?
20:50That was when Damien first came to me.
20:52He hadn't even let me finish before he laughed.
20:54She raised me for what, a few years?
20:57She's dead.
20:58Why should I pay?
21:00She wanted custody of you.
21:02You were the one who chose to go with dad.
21:03Of course I chose dad.
21:05The Morettis.
21:06His face turned cold.
21:07You think I'm as stupid as you?
21:09What, you wanted me to stay and live with you two?
21:11Be poor forever?
21:13Die without even a grave?
21:14I stared at him.
21:15A thousand words caught in my throat.
21:17That face, seven-tenths like mine, was twisted with disgust.
21:20His $3,000 suit.
21:22His diamond cufflinks.
21:23Any one of those things could have bought our mother's grave.
21:25He took a slow sip of his espresso.
21:27Then got to the point.
21:28I can give you money.
21:29Five hundred thousand.
21:30Take my place.
21:31Take care of someone for me.
21:32The press conference turned into chaos.
21:34People in the room started looking at Damien differently.
21:36Cameras swung around.
21:38Reporters mobbed him.
21:39Mr. Morelia, is what Ms. Valanci said true?
21:40The man who stayed by her side through her hardest years.
21:43That wasn't you?
21:44Were your accusations fabricated?
21:45He couldn't answer.
21:46Aaliyah, you know me.
21:47I've been with you all these years.
21:49This can't be—
21:50She smiled.
21:51Don't be scared.
21:52You have evidence, don't you?
21:53My lawyers are already here.
21:56Everything today will be recorded.
21:58The press conference ended.
21:59I packed up my notes and walked off the stage.
22:01Aaliyah silently followed behind me.
22:03It's pouring out there.
22:05I'll drive you.
22:05The rain was falling like someone was dumping water from the sky.
22:09I considered it for three seconds and decided there was no point in pretending to be noble.
22:13As I slid into the Rolls Royce, she glanced at me.
22:16There was a hint of joy in her eyes.
22:17Then I pulled out my phone.
22:19The whole thing had been live-streamed.
22:20Already trending.
22:21The comments were warring.
22:23So Damien took credit for what some junior reporter did?
22:25How shameless can he be?
22:26Took credit?
22:27More like he was the one playing games.
22:29That reporter is the real fraud.
22:30Forensics already said the photos were photoshopped.
22:33Even if they're real, Enzo took money.
22:35He got paid.
22:35He did the job.
22:36What's he crying about now?
22:37Am I the only one who feels bad for Aaliyah?
22:40Both men lied to her.
22:41My chest tightened.
22:42I locked my phone and looked out the window.
22:44Rain streaked down the glass like fine silver threads.
22:47The glow of streetlights blurred into a wash of color.
22:49Three years, and the skyline hadn't changed.
22:52But me.
22:52And Aaliyah.
22:53Everything had changed.
22:54Back then, the Valenti family had brought in the best doctors in the world.
22:57Two surgeries later, Aaliyah's sight was restored.
23:00Damien had men watching me 24-7.
23:02He was afraid I'd find her and tell the truth.
23:05But the day they took off her bandages, his men personally escorted me to the hospital.
23:09Through the door, I couldn't see anything.
23:10But I could hear her panicked voice.
23:12Damien!
23:13I'm here baby.
23:14You promised you'd be the first person I saw when I opened my eyes.
23:18You promised me.
23:20I couldn't listen anymore.
23:21A wave of immense pain hit me, nearly dropping me to my knees.
23:24From the very beginning.
23:25The man who'd stayed by her side for those two years, in her memory, that was Damien.
23:30Not me.
23:30Not Enzo.
23:31His men dragged me into a side room.
23:33A few minutes later, Damien Moretti walked in.
23:36The same haughty face.
23:37Aaliyah did that.
23:38She really loves me.
23:39She can't live without me.
23:42You did well these two years.
23:44But in her eyes, that person was me.
23:47Trash like you doesn't deserve to appear in her story.
23:51Not ever.
23:52Where do you want to go?
23:53Home?
23:54Can you drop me at the office?
23:56I still have work.
23:57She didn't start the car.
24:00Enzo, do you have to talk to me like that?
24:02She was right there.
24:03The same scent.
24:04Mixed with the cool, clean smell of rain.
24:06Almost drowning me.
24:08What should I call you then?
24:09Princess?
24:10Aaliyah?
24:11Should I take another beating for you?
24:13And then listen to you cry Damien's name again like last time?
24:17She was quiet.
24:18Those two years are over.
24:20The person you're engaged to is Damien.
24:23It's always been Damien.
24:24Your life is back on track.
24:26Her eyes were red.
24:28Don't drag me back into it.
24:30I never saw Damus before.
24:32The person I knew, from beginning to end, was only you.
24:35Pain washed over me.
24:37I closed my eyes.
24:38When I spoke again, my voice shook.
24:40You're still lying.
24:42Aaliyah, the day you got your sight back, I was in the hallway.
24:45I heard you call my name.
24:49I saw you hug him, kiss him.
24:51I did not.
24:52The second I opened my eyes, I knew he wasn't you.
24:55I stopped.
24:56Her voice was calm.
24:57The Valti family is a snake put.
24:59More than one person in that room wanted me dead.
25:03The moment I realized he wasn't you, I made a decision.
25:06Damien was the perfect target.
25:09The perfect decoy.
25:12He likes pretending to be someone else, doesn't he?
25:16Then let him pretend.
25:18A series of news clips flashed through my mind.
25:20Reports I'd seen abroad.
25:22Damien nearly killed by a real explosion on set.
25:24Damien and Aaliyah hit by a falling billboard while out.
25:27I didn't ignore you on purpose.
25:29A lot happened in those three years.
25:33After grandfather died, one Volani after another came after me.
25:36Now they're either in prison or in the ground.
25:39Including my own mother.
25:41I'm not afraid to die.
25:42When my cousin lost his shares, he stabbed me near the heart and I barely felt it.
25:47I just missed you so much.
25:49I missed you so much.
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