- 4 hours ago
عروسُه المسروقة وملك المافيا
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Short filmTranscript
00:06Cicely has a savage tradition known as the claiming, rooted in old honor codes and mafia control.
00:11It demands the groom steal his bride away at midnight, fighting through her family's guards to prove his power and
00:17right to her.
00:18I waited three years for Dominic. At last, he and his men slipped into my courtyard.
00:22I was ready to run to him until I heard his hushed order.
00:25Grab Bianca in the chaos. She's fragile.
00:27If she's sold off to the Don of the Valentino family to settle the debt, she won't survive the night.
00:32As for Elena, she'll fight like hell. She'll keep herself safe.
00:35The men hesitated.
00:36Dominic, you and Elena are already married.
00:39If she finds out, she'll burn this place to the ground.
00:42Let her. It's dark enough. A case of mistaken identity during the claiming will be easy to explain.
00:48I'll calm her down later.
00:49He paused, his voice turning icy.
00:52Besides, the marriage license she signed was a forgery.
00:55I promised Bianca a safe life in Palermo. She's my priority.
01:00I heard every word from behind the door. I didn't scream. I didn't cry. I just slipped back into the
01:05room.
01:06They'd expected me to fight, to hurt anyone who tried to take me.
01:10Instead, I silently climbed onto the back of the man who'd broken into my chamber and became his bride.
01:17Elena, my contact at the registry checked.
01:20You, you weren't actually Dominic's legal wife.
01:24Something inside my chest shattered.
01:26I'd lived as Dominic's wife for five years.
01:29All that time, the Russo family never accepted me.
01:32His mother never used my name.
01:34Only ever referring to me as,
01:36That girl.
01:37At family galas, I was always seated at the farthest table.
01:40In official portraits, I was placed at the edge so I could be easily cropped out.
01:45Dominic said his mother wouldn't let up until I broke.
01:48So he sent me back to the Moretti estate.
01:50He promised he'd follow our traditions and complete the formal claiming ritual to bring me back as his Donna.
01:55Then, the Russo family would have no choice but to accept me.
01:59I waited.
02:00For three years I'd held my time, longing for this night.
02:03But he'd come for another woman.
02:05He'd kept me deceived for years with a forged marriage license.
02:09All to hide the truth.
02:10The one he'd truly meant to claim was my half-sister, Bianca.
02:14I stared at my reflection.
02:16My face was empty.
02:18Shouts exploded in the courtyard.
02:20The ritual had begun.
02:22Laughter rang out.
02:23Boots thudded against stone.
02:25And guards put on a show of resisting.
02:27Ritual torches painted half the sky red.
02:30All the excitement was for them.
02:32The celebration was for Bianca.
02:34The other group of men had come from the Valentino family.
02:37They'd originally come for Bianca.
02:39By the rules of the ritual, if a woman didn't want to be taken, she could hide and send them
02:43away empty-handed.
02:44But Bianca didn't hide.
02:46She waited in her room to be taken.
02:48And the man she waited for was my husband.
02:51The room I was in wasn't mine.
02:52It was Bianca.
02:53That afternoon, my stepmother pulled me aside.
02:56For once, her voice was gentle.
02:58Elena, stay in Bianca's room tonight.
03:00Yours is too far back.
03:02Too quiet.
03:02They'll never find you.
03:04The men coming for Bianca are savages.
03:06You've always been tough.
03:07You can handle the rough play.
03:09Bianca is fragile.
03:10If she gets caught in the crossfire, it'll be a disaster.
03:14I said nothing.
03:14I knew exactly what she meant.
03:16By the rules of the claiming, the groom's men would storm in.
03:19The woman was expected to fight and struggle.
03:21It was called, the gauntlet.
03:23The harder she fought, the more valuable she was considered.
03:26The groom had to prove he could take her by force.
03:29Those punches and shoves were real.
03:31My stepmother studied my face, testing me.
03:33Besides, Dominic has never been to the Meretti estate at night.
03:36The front room, he'll find you faster.
03:39Back then, I'd only wanted to make things easier for Dominic.
03:42I agreed.
03:43I even texted him my room location.
03:46But they'd been planning this switch all along.
03:49A roar of celebration erupted outside.
03:51We got her!
03:52The bride is ours!
03:53Laughter and cheering rang out, followed by the sharp crack of celebratory gunfire.
03:57I listened, but didn't move.
03:59I knew exactly who they'd taken.
04:01I could picture Dominic carrying Bianca through the crowd, his men shielding them as guests
04:05hurled objects and blocked their path.
04:08Bianca would hide her face against his back, pretending to struggle.
04:11How perfect!
04:12I lowered my gaze.
04:14Moments later, my door was kicked in.
04:16A group of men flooded into the dark room, their footsteps heavy and chaotic.
04:21Someone seized my arm.
04:23Hands began shoving and striking me.
04:24I felt fists slam into my shoulders and back.
04:28This was the gauntlet.
04:29The harder the beating, the more the family valued the bride.
04:32I didn't flinch or resist.
04:33I let them yank me from my chair and drag me towards the door.
04:37At first, it felt like a formality, but the violence quickly turned ugly.
04:43Someone slammed my arm against the stone wall.
04:49Fists began hammering my ribs with real, cruel force.
04:53This was intentional.
04:54The pain was excruciating, but I didn't make a sound.
04:58I should have known you were tough, Elena.
05:01I finally understood what my stepmother had meant by calling me tough.
05:04Just when I thought it would never end, someone stepped in to shield me.
05:10Enough!
05:11It was a stranger's voice, sharp with fury.
05:15He blocked the others, shoving the attacker's back with his arms.
05:20That's the way it works.
05:22The harder we hit, the more she's worth.
05:25What rule?
05:27His voice dropped to a dangerous growl.
05:29This isn't your wife!
05:31If someone was beating your woman like a dog, would you just stand there and watch?
05:35The room went silent.
05:37He glanced back at me.
05:40In the shadows, I could only make out the sharp line of his jaw.
05:44Then he bent down and hoisted me onto his back.
05:47Who is he?
05:48He's taking this ritual way too seriously.
05:50He carried me out in long, steady strides.
05:53People chased after us, throwing things and blocking the way, but his grip on my legs never wavered.
05:59When he finally carried me out of my private courtyard, he paused to catch his breath.
06:07In the distance, the faint glow of ritual torches moved.
06:11That was the other group.
06:13Through the bushes, I heard their laughter.
06:16Dominic was at the front, sweat-soaked but wearing a triumphant smile.
06:20Bianca was on his back, her arms wrapped tight around his neck.
06:25His men were cheering.
06:28I lay silent on the stranger's back as they drew near.
06:33Torchlight flickered across my face.
06:35Dominic's eyes flicked over me and Leetui the Bermormlemy for a split second.
06:39Then his gaze moved on, turning back to his men as he joked and laughed.
06:43He didn't recognize me.
06:46Bianca whispered something in his ear,
06:48and he leaned in with a soft smile.
06:51I suddenly thought back to three years ago,
06:53when I'd returned to the Moretti estate to visit my father and stayed for a while.
06:57The first time Dominic came to find me there, he'd worn that exact same smile.
07:02That day, my father's men put him to the test.
07:04They blocked him at the gates and roughed him up,
07:06just to see if a Russo truly cared for a Moretti girl.
07:09He'd shown up at my door with a split lip and bruised ribs.
07:13I asked if it hurt.
07:14For my wife, I'd take a lot worse.
07:17He was a spoiled Russo heir who'd never been hurt before.
07:20Yet he'd taken a beating from my father's men, just for me.
07:24He always acted like it was nothing.
07:26But I knew the truth.
07:27My father's men didn't go easy on outsiders.
07:30Another time, it poured rain.
07:32He showed up soaked to the bone,
07:35his shirt torn,
07:36but the pastries tucked inside his jacket were still dry.
07:40I called him an idiot for coming out in weather like that.
07:43Didn't want you to wait too long.
07:45I held those pastries,
07:47staring at the cut on his cheek,
07:48and thought,
07:49this is the man I'll spend my life with.
07:52But now he carried Bianca with that exact same smile.
07:56Come on, Bianca.
07:58My vision blurred for a second,
08:00then sharpened again.
08:02You're not going to drop me, are you?
08:03No, never.
08:03Are you sure?
08:04Yes.
08:04Are you sure?
08:04Yes.
08:05When did it all start to change?
08:07Probably three years ago,
08:08when my father died,
08:09I felt completely hollow inside.
08:11I'll handle it.
08:12Dominic canceled everything
08:13to stay at the Moretti estate with me for two weeks.
08:16Non salciare.
08:17The day he had to leave,
08:18he took my hand and spoke softly.
08:20Elena,
08:21you just got through the funeral and you look awful.
08:23If my mother sees you like this,
08:25she'll start on you again.
08:25I don't want you putting up with that.
08:27Just stay here at the estate and rest.
08:28You've always wanted to take over the family business, right?
08:31I'll go back and smooth things over at home,
08:33then come get you.
08:33I looked at him and nodded.
08:35I was truly exhausted from the constant fighting with his mother.
08:39Back then,
08:39I believed he was looking out for me,
08:41that he didn't want me to go back and face those cold stares.
08:44Only later did I realize,
08:46distance doesn't create beauty.
08:47It just makes it easier for him to love someone else.
08:50Last year,
08:51when Mrs. Russo turned 60,
08:53Dominic came to bring me back.
08:54The moment I stepped inside,
08:56I saw my stepsister Bianca.
08:58She was supposed to be in Palermo for work,
09:00but there she was in the living room,
09:02arranging fruit,
09:03her movement smooth and familiar.
09:04So,
09:05she lived here now.
09:06Dominic paused while taking off his shoes and explained,
09:09Bianca's workplace is near our house.
09:11She's staying here temporarily.
09:13There wasn't a trace of guilt in his voice,
09:15and I didn't push for more.
09:17My stepmother had married into the Moretti family long after Bianca and I were grown.
09:21We'd never been close.
09:22Over the years,
09:23we'd only seen each other during holidays.
09:25I couldn't quite put into words how I felt about her staying there.
09:28Hey,
09:29sis.
09:30Don't worry.
09:31I'm just crashing here for a bit.
09:32I'll move out once I find a place.
09:34I nodded,
09:35but said nothing.
09:36Back then,
09:37I never could have imagined.
09:38For three years,
09:39I waited alone in the empty Moretti estate.
09:42And all that time,
09:43my little sister had been working in the Russo house.
09:45Now,
09:46watching Bianca on Dominic's back,
09:48it all suddenly clicked.
09:50I hadn't been waiting for him to bring me home at all.
09:52I'd been waiting for my heart to die.
09:55Bianca's voice drifted closer on the wind.
09:57What about Elena?
09:59If she finds out,
10:00she'll lose it.
10:00She's all bark and no bite.
10:02She'll get over it after throwing a fit.
10:04He paused,
10:05his voice lowering.
10:06It's pitch black during the claiming.
10:08I just made a mistake.
10:09She'll feel sorry for me before she even gets angry.
10:12Once she finds out,
10:13I'll just smooth it over.
10:16Bianca laughed softly.
10:18My knuckles whitened.
10:19One of his men spoke up suddenly.
10:21Kappa,
10:21what if someone else claimed Elena?
10:23The group fell quiet.
10:25Then Dominic laughed.
10:26You think she'd let anyone take her without a fight?
10:28With that temper of hers,
10:29she'll tear the place apart tonight.
10:31True.
10:31No way Elena goes quietly.
10:33Feel sorry for that poor bastard.
10:34Wonder what he looks like now.
10:37The laughter swelled.
10:38I looked down.
10:40That's good.
10:41He must have heard everything.
10:43Heard them laughing about me.
10:44Heard how they thought I'd tear the roof off.
10:47But he said nothing.
10:48He just kept walking.
10:50At the gate of the Meridi Estate,
10:51we ran straight into them.
10:53Torchlight flickered over us.
10:56Luca, yeah?
10:58It really is you.
11:00You claiming someone tonight too?
11:02Yeah.
11:04Which family?
11:07A neighbor family.
11:10Picasso, man.
11:12Always figured you'd stay single forever.
11:14Congrats.
11:15Dominic took a step forward.
11:17I felt his gaze linger on my back.
11:19That look lasted too long.
11:21Long enough,
11:21I almost thought he'd recognized me.
11:26Let's go.
11:27Wait!
11:30Dominic.
11:31My ankle hurts.
11:33What's wrong?
11:34Did you twist it earlier?
11:36I don't know.
11:37It just aches.
11:39Let's go.
11:40We need to get to your place before sunrise.
11:42Dominic didn't waste another second.
11:44I'm gonna run.
11:45I'll buy you a drink next time.
11:48Their footsteps faded into the distance.
11:55He really didn't recognize you.
11:56I rested my face against his shoulder and said nothing.
11:59My eyes stung.
12:01His pace slowed,
12:03steps gentle and steady.
12:05The moon was bright.
12:06The road stretched on.
12:07I had no idea where he was taking me.
12:09But in that moment,
12:11I thought anywhere was better than going back.
12:14Music filled the Russo estate hall.
12:17The whole place buzzed with celebration.
12:20Wine flowed freely and couples danced to old songs.
12:24This was the party after a successful claiming.
12:27By tradition,
12:28it would last until sunrise.
12:30Dominic sat at the edge of the crowd,
12:31phone in hand.
12:32No messages from Elena.
12:35That wasn't like her.
12:37She never kept things bottled up.
12:40If she found out I claimed the wrong woman,
12:42she would have called screaming by now.
12:44I already had my excuses.
12:46It was pitch black.
12:48Don't overthink it.
12:50You're the only one I want.
12:51I'll wait for her to blow up over the phone,
12:53then talk her down gently.
12:56She'd hurl some threat,
12:57and he'd smooth it over.
12:59Done.
12:59She never stayed mad at me for long.
13:02But this time,
13:03no call,
13:04no text,
13:05no yelling.
13:07Capo,
13:08still waiting Elena?
13:09Don't bother.
13:11Signal's shit out here.
13:12Her area gets fine signal.
13:13Then her phone's probably dead.
13:15Or she didn't see it.
13:16She's probably off beating someone up right now.
13:20Dominic stayed quiet.
13:22Elena had once told him,
13:23I set a special ringtone for your messages.
13:26Don't want to miss them.
13:28I'd sit out in the courtyard till midnight,
13:30just waiting for you to call.
13:33He didn't believe she didn't see it,
13:36but he had no better explanation.
13:38All right,
13:38quit overthinking.
13:39This is your big night.
13:40Your bride's waiting for you.
13:42What are you doing sitting here?
13:44Tradition says once you've claimed her,
13:46you stay with her all night.
13:47Finish the ritual.
13:49I told Beyoncé this was temporary.
13:50I just got her out of there.
13:52I didn't plan on...
13:53Didn't plan on what?
13:54Capo,
13:54this is the claiming.
13:55Not a game.
13:56You took her,
13:57you finish it.
13:58Otherwise,
13:58you insult her whole family.
14:00Besides,
14:01you and Elena have been together for years.
14:02She won't care about formalities.
14:04Just get through tonight.
14:05Dominic opened his mouth to argue.
14:08What are you guys talking about?
14:09Dominic froze.
14:10Dominic,
14:11I know this one's fake,
14:12but
14:13can we at least finish the ritual?
14:15Her eyes glistening.
14:17I know you love Elena,
14:19but can you pretend I'm your bride?
14:21Just tonight.
14:22Dominic said nothing.
14:24Bianca bowed her head,
14:26her lashes fluttering.
14:28Toast the bride!
14:30Toast the bride!
14:32Toast the bride!
14:33Dominic picked up his glass,
14:35linking arms with Bianca.
14:37Light danced across both their faces.
14:39Cheers and laughter erupted around them,
14:42loud enough to rattle the walls.
14:44His eyes kept straying to the dark road
14:47beyond the estate,
14:48the same road he'd carried Bianca down tonight.
14:50At the gate,
14:52he ran into Lucas and Toro.
14:53They met years ago at a family party.
14:58They had a few drinks together.
15:01Acquaintances, at best.
15:02That man had been quiet but steady,
15:05the kind of man you could trust with your life.
15:07Tonight,
15:08Luca had been carrying someone too,
15:09said she was from another family.
15:11She was thin,
15:12lying quietly on Luca's back.
15:14Only a glimpse of her neck was visible.
15:16The line of that neck,
15:17the curve of her bowed head.
15:19It had felt strangely familiar,
15:20but Bianca had cried out in pain,
15:23so he hadn't thinked again.
15:25Dominic?
15:26Dominic?
15:27Is that okay?
15:28Yeah.
15:28Then he stepped aside,
15:31pulled out his phone,
15:32and dialed Elena's number.
15:33He needed to explain,
15:34to make sure she didn't misunderstand.
15:42Finally,
15:43someone picked up.
15:44Hello?
15:45Background noise,
15:47sounds of people moving things.
15:51Dominic blinked.
15:53Let me talk to Elena.
15:56Elena?
15:59She's not here.
16:01We're packing up her stuff to send over.
16:03Send over?
16:05Send where?
16:06Elena never lets her phone leave her hand.
16:08Where are you sending her things?
16:10The woman hesitated,
16:11not expecting the question.
16:13I'm Elena's aunt.
16:15We have to pack her things
16:16and send to her husband's house.
16:17Husband's house?
16:19So Elena was preparing
16:20to move back in with me?
16:22That made sense?
16:23He'd always planned to bring her back
16:25after the claiming.
16:26Stopped leaving her
16:27at the Marathi estate alone.
16:29Auntie,
16:30about the claiming tonight,
16:32there was a bit of a mix-up.
16:33Did Elena say anything?
16:34No,
16:35several families did claiming tonight.
16:37What would Elena have to say?
16:39Despite the words,
16:40a sense of unease surged in him.
16:42Oh,
16:42I can't talk anymore.
16:43We're busy packing.
16:44Both Elena and Bianca
16:46were taken tonight.
16:47We have to get their things ready.
16:49Dominic froze.
16:51What did she mean?
16:52Both were taken.
16:53Didn't I only take Bianca?
16:55As for Elena,
16:56she would never go with someone
16:57she didn't love.
16:58Auntie,
16:59you said Elena was taken?
17:01Yes,
17:02by the Santori family.
17:03Dominic's throat tightened.
17:05He couldn't speak.
17:06He suddenly remembered something
17:07and his mind exploded.
17:10Santori?
17:12Luca.
17:13The man he met at the gate.
17:14The one carrying a girl
17:16saying she was his bride.
17:17That silhouette
17:18that looked so familiar.
17:21Elena.
17:22She didn't fight?
17:23Fight?
17:24Why would she?
17:25A claiming isn't a bad thing.
17:27She was as quiet as she could be.
17:29She just went with him.
17:30We all thought it was strange.
17:31With her temper,
17:32shouldn't she have beaten the man?
17:34But nothing happened.
17:35She just let him carry her away.
17:36Dominic's hand began to shake.
17:39Quiet as she could be?
17:40Just let him carry her away?
17:42No,
17:43that wasn't Elena.
17:46No,
17:47that wasn't Elena.
17:48That wasn't the Elena I knew.
17:50He remembered talking to Elena
17:51about claimings before.
17:52She had sat on his doorstep,
17:54swinging her legs,
17:56speaking excitedly.
17:58The girls in Moretti family,
18:00if they're claimed by someone
18:01they don't like,
18:02they don't just let them.
18:03They kick,
18:04bite,
18:04and scratch.
18:05They fight until the man
18:07gives up himself.
18:08You're so wild.
18:09Who would dare claim you?
18:13Well,
18:13it depends on who's coming.
18:15If it's you...
18:20I just put on a show
18:22of struggling a little
18:23for appearances.
18:25Just a little?
18:27Three times at most.
18:29If you came to claim me,
18:30I'd probably be the first
18:31to jump on your back
18:32so you wouldn't have
18:33to take those hits.
18:34This girl is so foolish.
18:35Auntie Elena,
18:37when was she taken?
18:39When?
18:40Tonight,
18:41right after you left.
18:42Dominic opened his mouth,
18:43but not a single word came out.
18:46Hello?
18:47Dominic?
18:48Are you still there?
18:49I'm here.
18:50Why are you asking so much?
18:52Elena's husband
18:53will take care of her.
18:54You claimed Bianca tonight,
18:56didn't you?
18:56That poor girl's
18:57had it rough.
18:57Take good care of her.
18:59All right,
19:00I have to go.
19:00We're still packing.
19:02Elena left in such a hurry
19:03she forgot so many things.
19:04We have to get them to her.
19:06Bye now.
19:06The line went dead.
19:07The dial tone rang in his ears,
19:10a steady,
19:10hammering sound
19:11over and over.
19:13He stood at the edge of the crowd,
19:15white-knuckling his phone.
19:16Around him were songs,
19:18laughter,
19:19music,
19:19all the noise of celebration.
19:21Someone walked past,
19:23slapping his shoulder
19:23in congratulations.
19:25Someone shoved a drink
19:26into his hand,
19:27tugging him toward the dance floor.
19:29Bianca waved at him
19:30from across the fire,
19:31a soft smile on her face,
19:33but he couldn't hear a thing.
19:34While he'd been carrying Bianca away,
19:36Elena had been lying
19:37on another man's back.
19:38They had passed each other
19:39in the dark.
19:40He'd thought she would fight,
19:42scream,
19:42resist,
19:43but she did nothing.
19:45Capo!
19:45Where the hell are you going?
19:47To get my wife.
19:49What wife?
19:50You claim Bianca tonight.
19:52You walk out now,
19:53you insult the whole Moretti family.
19:55This was temporary.
19:57Getting Bianca out of a bad situation.
19:59That's it.
20:00Temporary?
20:01Capo,
20:02you completed the ritual.
20:03The whole Palermo knows
20:04Bianca's yours now.
20:05You leave her tonight,
20:06she's got no standing.
20:07No protection.
20:08Bianca stood by the fire,
20:10watching him,
20:11eyes uncertain.
20:13One night,
20:14stay tonight.
20:15Keep up appearances.
20:17Tomorrow you can do
20:18whatever you want,
20:19but tonight,
20:21you owe Bianca that much.
20:22Dominic clenched his fist,
20:24then slowly let go.
20:25He walked back to the fire.
20:30Where were you going?
20:33Nowhere.
20:34Bianca lowered her head,
20:35not asking more.
20:36That night,
20:37he sat by the fire,
20:38watching the flames flicker and die.
20:40He watched the people come and go,
20:42watched the moon rise and slowly set.
20:44He called Elena countless times.
20:46It was always off.
20:48At dawn,
20:49he rose and left.
20:51Dominic!
20:52He didn't look back.
20:54He drove back to Corleone.
20:57The sun was just rising,
20:59the hounds were baying,
21:00and the morning mist was lifting
21:01from the vineyards.
21:03He stopped an old groundskeeper
21:04and asked where Luca's villa was.
21:06The man pointed toward a newly built villa
21:09at the foot of the hill.
21:10He ran over.
21:11The iron gates stood open,
21:13but the house was empty.
21:17Looking for Don Luca?
21:19He left at dawn with his new bride.
21:21He said there was urgent family business
21:23and had to return.
21:24Dominic stood frozen in place.
21:27When did they come back?
21:28How should I know?
21:30Dominic stood before that empty house
21:32for a long time without moving.
21:34He pulled out his phone
21:36and called Elena again.
21:39Still off.
21:40He scrolled through his contacts
21:41and realized he didn't even have Luca's number.
21:44They were never close.
21:45He didn't know where Luca lived,
21:47what city he was in.
21:48He knew nothing.
21:50He only remembered last night,
21:52the way Elena had lain so quietly
21:53on that man's back.
21:55He rushed back to the Russo estate,
21:57picked up Bianca,
21:58and headed back to Palermo.
21:59The whole way,
22:00Bianca was quiet,
22:02occasionally glancing at him,
22:03wanting to speak.
22:04He didn't want to talk,
22:05so she didn't ask.
22:08But Elena wasn't at their home.
22:10He had failed again.
22:11In the days that followed,
22:12his mind was still trapped in that claiming.
22:17Just a little more,
22:19just a little more,
22:20and he could have stopped his woman
22:21from being taken.
22:24Dominic.
22:26She no longer called him
22:27brother-in-law.
22:28She held a cup of warm milk.
22:31You haven't eaten much
22:32these past few days.
22:33Drink some milk.
22:36Bianca didn't leave.
22:37She sat beside him.
22:40Your mother refused to let you
22:41legally marry my sister.
22:43That was her condition
22:44for tolerating the relationship.
22:46So you gave Elena
22:47a fake certificate
22:48to make her believe
22:49you were committed.
22:51Then,
22:52to save me
22:52from the Valentino family,
22:54you registered
22:55a real marriage
22:57with me.
22:58Bianca lowered her head,
23:00her lashes trembling.
23:01You claimed me
23:02in front of the families.
23:04Completed the ritual,
23:05made me your Donna.
23:07Dominic,
23:08since it has come to this,
23:09why don't we simply
23:10be together?
23:11Dominic froze.
23:13What did you say?
23:14Do you dare say
23:15you don't truly like me?
23:17You legally married me.
23:20You completed
23:21the claiming ritual.
23:23You made me your Donna.
23:25You say it was to save me
23:27from Valentino,
23:28but you never had to go that far.
23:30Just admit it.
23:31You like me.
23:33As for Elena,
23:34she's just not right for you.
23:36All she cares about
23:37is her dad's business.
23:38She never even thinks
23:39about helping you
23:40with your work
23:41or fitting in
23:42with your crowd.
23:42What's she even
23:43going to give you?
23:45But I'm different.
23:46I know what you want
23:47and I know how
23:48to make your mom happy.
23:49I can give you
23:50way more
23:50than she ever could.
23:53Dominic looked
23:53into those eyes
23:54that were nothing
23:55like Elena's.
23:56Elena's eyes were bright,
23:58like stars in the mountains.
23:59No secrets,
24:00no pretense.
24:01Happy was happy.
24:02Sad was sad.
24:03Plain and simple.
24:04But Bianca's eyes
24:05were soft,
24:06like a pool of water
24:08that could pull you under
24:09before you even realized it.
24:10He suddenly asked himself,
24:12back when he'd go
24:13to the Meretti estate
24:14bringing things for Elena,
24:16did he always bring
24:16a little something
24:17for Bianca too?
24:19And later,
24:21when Bianca said
24:21her sister got
24:22the family business,
24:23she had to find work.
24:24Was it just because
24:25he felt sorry
24:26for how fragile she seemed
24:27that he let her
24:28move into his home?
24:29He wasn't sure anymore.
24:31Was that casual kindness
24:32he'd shown her
24:33over the past three years
24:35really just a coincidence?
24:36And when he saw
24:37Bianca smile,
24:38was that feeling
24:39in his chest
24:40really just the affection
24:41of a brother?
24:42He didn't know
24:42when it started.
24:43Or perhaps he always knew,
24:45but refused to admit it.
24:47He only knew
24:47one thing for certain.
24:48Elena was the one
24:49he was supposed to marry,
24:51the wife he chose,
24:52the girl he was willing
24:53to give up everything.
24:56Dominic snapped back,
24:57looking at her,
24:57but thinking of Elena,
24:59thinking of her lying
25:00on that man's back,
25:01thinking of how
25:02she hadn't said a word,
25:03thinking of how
25:03she hadn't even
25:04bothered to struggle.
25:05His heart felt as if
25:06a piece had been
25:07savagely carved out.
25:08So,
25:09the mistaken identity,
25:10he thought no one knew,
25:12Elena had seen it all.
25:13So,
25:14she walked away
25:14in the other direction.
25:16Not long after,
25:17his mother arrived.
25:18Walked in,
25:19already lecturing.
25:20Since you and Bianca
25:21are registered,
25:22just live your lives.
25:23Why are you constantly
25:24thinking about that woman
25:26who ran off with another man
25:28and hasn't even come home?
25:29Dominic knew she would say this.
25:31In these three years,
25:32Bianca had charmed her well.
25:34She made her almost forget
25:35who it was
25:36that used to be
25:37insulted in the kitchen,
25:38who worked until midnight
25:39without a word of thanks.
25:41Bianca knew how to act cute,
25:43how to speak softly,
25:44how to buy expensive gifts
25:45to make her smile.
25:46And Elena?
25:47Elena didn't know these things.
25:49Elena only knew
25:50how to work hard,
25:51how to be good to him,
25:52how to stand there
25:53and wait to be seen.
25:54But she was never seen.
25:56Mother,
25:58Elena didn't run off.
26:00If that isn't running off,
26:02what is?
26:03She was claimed,
26:04claiming our normal out there.
26:06If she had you in her heart,
26:08why hasn't she come back?
26:09Because I have no right
26:10to ask her to.
26:11His mother froze.
26:14Back then,
26:14you said the only condition
26:16for accepting her
26:17was not registering the marriage.
26:20So,
26:20the contract I had with her
26:22was fake.
26:23From beginning to end,
26:24she was never truly my wife.
26:27Since she isn't back,
26:28I have no standing
26:28to look for her.
26:30If she wants to marry someone else,
26:33his throat tightened.
26:34I don't even have the right
26:35to object.
26:37Then who do you blame?
26:38I did interfere with the registration,
26:40but the rest was your choice.
26:42If you didn't like Bianca,
26:43why did you claim her?
26:44Why did you register with her?
26:46Dominic's throat choked.
26:47He couldn't explain.
26:49Saying Bianca was to help her leave,
26:51registering was for her status,
26:53but saying those things
26:54now felt pathetic,
26:55even to him.
26:56By helping her,
26:57he had lost himself.
26:59I'm telling you,
27:00everyone in the family
27:01knows about you and Bianca.
27:03You legally married that girl.
27:05You claimed her
27:06in front of the families.
27:08You made her your Donna,
27:09and now you want to discard her?
27:12What does that say
27:13about the Russo family?
27:16We're divorced.
27:18What?
27:19We divorced two months ago.
27:22I couldn't live with her.
27:24Then what do you want to do now?
27:26What did he want?
27:27He wanted to laugh.
27:28He wanted to find Elena,
27:30but with what?
27:31He didn't even know
27:31if she still hated him.
27:33He didn't even have the chance
27:34to use a divorce
27:35to force her to see him.
27:36Three years later.
27:38You're either locked
27:38in the Moretti estate
27:39or driving across Sicily
27:40chasing a ghost.
27:41Get out for once.
27:43Dominic.
27:44Every family
27:44sends someone tonight.
27:46You should show your face.
27:47The hall was crowded
27:48with the elite
27:49of the most powerful syndicates.
27:51Dominic wandered through it
27:53aimlessly,
27:54eyes passing over each face
27:56and moving on.
27:57Three years.
27:58He thought sometimes.
27:59After her father died,
28:00she had nobody left.
28:01Maybe that's why
28:02she never went back
28:03to Moretti estate.
28:04She'd had him once.
28:05But what had he done with that?
28:07He'd made her wait three years,
28:08then carried another woman
28:09out right in front of her.
28:11What had he actually given her?
28:12A fake marriage license?
28:15Empty words.
28:16Three years of his mother's contempt.
28:18He'd watched every bit of it
28:19and never once
28:21stepped in front of it.
28:22And in the end,
28:23on what should have been
28:25the best night of her life,
28:26he walked away from her for good.
28:28Was she somewhere
28:29doing well now?
28:30Had she already
28:31forgotten him?
28:38Dominic,
28:39isn't that Elena?
28:40The man was in a black shirt,
28:42focused,
28:43unhurried,
28:44the woman beside him.
28:47She was speaking to someone,
28:49and her eyes curved
28:50into a smile.
28:51That was the person
28:52he'd been looking for
28:53for three years,
28:54standing right there,
28:56close enough to see.
28:58Elena!
28:59Elena!
29:17She looked at him
29:18the way you look
29:19at someone
29:19you half recognize.
29:20I'm sorry,
29:21do we know each me?
29:22I'm terrible with faces.
29:24She looked at him
29:24again more carefully.
29:26Mr. Russo,
29:27it's been a while.
29:28She genuinely
29:30hadn't recognized him.
29:31Three years,
29:33Dominic was gaunt
29:34and weathered,
29:34no longer the handsome,
29:36dashing man
29:36he had once been.
29:38Luca looked up then
29:39and glanced at him.
29:40He said nothing,
29:41simply stepping closer
29:42to Elena's side.
29:43It was a natural,
29:45protective stance.
29:46You two,
29:47are you truly,
29:49truly together?
29:50Elena turned slightly
29:51to look at Luca.
29:53That look was soft,
29:54certain,
29:55and natural.
29:57Mr. Russo,
29:58let me introduce you.
29:59This is my wife.
30:01During the claiming,
30:02you met her,
30:02remember?
30:04Wife?
30:05That's,
30:05how can that count?
30:07That was a mistake,
30:08a blunder,
30:08it was dark,
30:09and I claimed
30:09the wrong person.
30:10Claimed the wrong person?
30:12Mr. Russo,
30:13in our tradition,
30:14a claiming isn't a kidnapping.
30:15It's a silent agreement
30:16between families.
30:17If the girl doesn't want it,
30:19can she be taken?
30:22If she truly didn't want to go,
30:24she would have beat me
30:25until my own mother
30:26didn't recognize me.
30:30The words were a knife
30:31in Dominic's chest.
30:32He remembered what
30:33Elena had said.
30:34If it's someone I don't like,
30:36I'll fight until
30:37he don't recognize himself.
30:39But,
30:39the truth was,
30:40she had lain quietly
30:41on Luca's back,
30:42without a single sound.
30:44He stood there,
30:45watching Elena turn her head
30:46to meet the other man's gaze.
30:48If you're here on Russo business,
30:49I can point you
30:50to the right people.
30:51If not,
30:52you're in the way.
30:54Elena,
30:55listen to me.
30:56Listen to what?
30:57Listen to you say
30:58the marriage was fake?
30:59Listen to you tell me
31:00about your plan
31:00to swap brides
31:01so the fragile Bianca
31:02wouldn't suffer?
31:03You,
31:04you heard all that?
31:07Mr. Russo,
31:09meeting today is fate,
31:10but it doesn't mean
31:11you can harass my wife.
31:13Luca!
31:14She's my wife!
31:15Luca said nothing,
31:16only looked down
31:18at Elena.
31:19He had explained this
31:20to his wife before.
31:21That night,
31:22he had followed the crew
31:23to the Maradi estate,
31:25but not for himself.
31:26His cousin had wanted Bianca
31:28and dragged him along
31:30for support.
31:31He couldn't refuse,
31:32so he went.
31:33But at the edge
31:34of the estate,
31:35the cousin suddenly
31:36clutched clutched
31:37his stomach,
31:38his face pale.
31:40I can't,
31:41I can't.
31:42That wine at lunch
31:43was bad.
31:44I need a place.
31:45He waved him off.
31:46You go ahead,
31:47find Bianca and hide her.
31:48Actually,
31:48she doesn't like me.
31:50I just wanted to try
31:51if she'd accept me.
31:52If she won't,
31:53we'll just leave.
31:54Don't let her suffer.
31:55With that,
31:56he vanished into the trees.
31:58Luca stood in the darkness,
32:00feeling ridiculous.
32:02He came to help
32:03with a claiming,
32:04and the groom
32:05had run off.
32:07He stood there,
32:08not knowing whether
32:09to stay or go.
32:11Later,
32:12he went in,
32:14not to claim anyone,
32:16but to find Bianca,
32:24and tell her to hide.
32:27Then another crew
32:28poured through the door
32:29and started throwing
32:29their weight around.
32:30First it was the motions.
32:32Then it started being rude.
32:34She didn't move,
32:35didn't fight back,
32:37just sat there
32:38and took it.
32:38He couldn't watch it.
32:39He walked over,
32:41crouched down in front of her.
32:42Do you want to leave?
32:45She looked at him,
32:46and her eyes turned home,
32:48but she didn't crew.
32:49She simply nended
32:50and climbed onto his back.
32:52Perhaps that was fate.
32:55If his cousin
32:56hadn't had a stomach ache,
32:58perhaps in her despair,
32:59she really would have gone with him.
33:00Or perhaps,
33:01after they found the mistake,
33:02they would have parted ways peacefully,
33:04treated the night as a blunder.
33:05But there are no ifs.
33:07He and Elena decided
33:08to give each other a chance.
33:09So they made the claiming real.
33:11And so,
33:12they found their current happiness.
33:13Elena suddenly called his name,
33:15her voice soft.
33:16Didn't you get your wish
33:17and claim Bianca?
33:20Dominic's throat choked.
33:22I,
33:23Bianca,
33:24he and Bianca
33:25had divorced long ago.
33:26But what point was there
33:27in saying that now?
33:29Elena,
33:30I claimed the wrong one.
33:31That night,
33:32I was supposed to claim you.
33:33I thought you'd fight,
33:35I thought you'd...
33:35I never imagined
33:36Bianca kind.
33:37I'll give Binum back to you.
33:38I'll give everything back to you.
33:40Give Elena back to me.
33:41Elena smiled,
33:42a light,
33:43faint smile.
33:43Dominic,
33:44a claiming isn't a game.
33:45In our traditions,
33:46a mistake is the will of heaven.
33:48Heaven willed me to go with him,
33:50so I went.
33:50Heaven willed me to go with him,
33:52so I went.
33:53You claimed Bianca,
33:55and I married Luca.
33:56We're even.
33:58Dominic stood there,
33:59shaking.
33:59He saw Luca gently put an arm
34:01around her shoulder.
34:02He wanted to chase them,
34:03but he couldn't move.
34:05In the crowd,
34:06Elena's back grew further
34:08and further away.
34:09The rain came suddenly,
34:10and the crowd began to disperse.
34:13Dominic still stood there,
34:14in the rain.
34:15He suddenly remembered
34:16the summer years ago,
34:18when he went to find Elena.
34:19You fool!
34:20I was afraid you'd be waiting.
34:22Then,
34:23eyes bright like Shanton stars.
34:25Dominic,
34:26I'll wait for you.
34:27Okay.
34:28He'd made her wait for three years.
34:30In the rain,
34:31he suddenly laughed,
34:32and he couldn't tell the rain
34:33from the tears.
34:34Heian lives.
34:36He turnedering.
34:36And she was like,
34:36what's up like Sh録?
34:37He turned around the rain,
34:37He Gwen hands and she's been dancing right.
34:38Hewanna is like,
34:38what's up like Shisierung?
34:38What's upie if he wanted to dance
34:38I was like,
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