- 3 hours ago
I Said 'I Do' to My Fiancé's Mafia Brother
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Marco Moretti shoves me aside and pulls my best friend Sienna into his arms.
00:05Sienna has to marry me. She's carrying my child.
00:08A Moretti heir doesn't come into this world without a name.
00:12You two are best friends, right?
00:14What difference does it make which one I marry?
00:21On paper, you're still Mrs. Moretti.
00:23Once the baby's born or when he's born, it goes on the birth certificate under your name.
00:28You won't even have to go through labor.
00:31I'm doing you a favor, baby.
00:33For both families' sake, I won't embarrass you.
00:36He expects me to crumble, to beg, to cry and cling to his sleeve the way I always have.
00:41Dante, it's our turn.
00:50You said it yourself, Marco. One brother's as good as another, right?
00:55The entire grand ballroom goes silent. Dozens of eyes ping-pong between the three of us.
01:00Have you lost your goddamn mind?
01:05You know who he is, right?
01:07Dante Moretti. The underboss. My brother.
01:12You think he'd marry you?
01:15Bella, honey, I know you're upset.
01:17But throwing yourself at his brother?
01:20Dante is the heir to the Moretti ire.
01:23You're just embarrassing yourself.
01:25Whispers rippled through the crowd.
01:27Couldn't get the younger one, so she's going after the big brother.
01:31The Castellano girl sure knows how to land on her feet.
01:34I ignore all of it.
01:35I turn to Dante.
01:36His eyes are gray.
01:37The flat gray of the winter sea.
01:39Deep. Still. Unreadable.
01:41Three years ago, the first time I visited the Moretti estate,
01:44I rounded a corner in the hallway and crashed straight into his chest.
01:48I looked up, flustered, and the way he looked at me,
01:50it wasn't the way a man looks at his little brother's girlfriend.
01:53That look vanished fast, hidden behind lowered lashes.
01:57After that, things happened in fragments.
01:59I drank myself unconscious at a speakeasy in the meatpacking district one night.
02:03Woke up in his penthouse on the Upper East Side.
02:06When people tried to squeeze me out of business deals,
02:08he stepped in, more than once, but he never mentioned it.
02:13Never asked for anything in return.
02:16Now, standing in the wreckage of Marco's rehearsal dinner,
02:19I open my mouth and bet everything on his brother.
02:22I hold 80% of Castellano holdings.
02:24The alliance between our families, I can protect it.
02:28Marry me, and I'll make it worth your while.
02:32Will you?
02:37The words barely leave my mouth before Marco's voice snaps tight as a wire.
02:41Will you?
02:41Dante, don't listen to her! She's lost it!
02:44But Dante doesn't look at Marco.
02:46He looks at me.
02:47Then, he looks away.
02:50Not like this.
02:54I'm left standing there, alone, stripped bare in front of everyone.
02:59Marco closes the distance in one stride.
03:01That was a rejection, Bella.
03:03You get that, right?
03:04You really think he'd want you?
03:06You've been my doormat for four years.
03:09Everyone in our world knows you can't survive without me.
03:12Something cracks open inside me.
03:14Four years ago, when Marco told his family he wanted to start his own investment firm,
03:18I mortgaged my penthouse in Tribeca.
03:21Eight million dollars, wired straight into his account.
03:24No equity stake.
03:25No promissory note.
03:27Just blind, stupid love.
03:29He turned that money into something real.
03:31Built a name for himself.
03:33When his company hit Series B, the lead investor, David Harrington, wouldn't sign.
03:38The deal was dying.
03:39I arranged a private poker night behind Marco's back,
03:42leveraging the Castellano name to get Harrington in the room.
03:45That night, Harrington got drunk.
03:47His hand landed on my thigh, then higher.
03:51I sat there, swallowed the nausea, smiled through every second.
03:55He signed the next morning.
03:57The night Marco's funding closed, he'd been drinking.
04:00He pimmed me against the wall and kissed me until I couldn't breathe.
04:03His chin dug into the curve of my neck.
04:05Bella, why are you so good to me?
04:08I was just glad I could do something for him.
04:11Everyone in our circle knew these stories.
04:13To my face, they called me devoted.
04:16Behind my back, they called me a liability.
04:19Your father spent his entire life building the Castellano name.
04:22And you're dragging it through the mud.
04:27I'd argued back then, told myself there was nothing shameful about loving someone.
04:32Now, hearing the word doormat fall from his mouth like it's obvious, like it's just a fact,
04:37I realize I've been the punchline all along.
04:39Marco watches the expression bleed across my face.
04:42He lets out a soft laugh, almost tinder, like he can see every memory churning behind my eyes.
04:47Don't cry, baby.
04:49People will think I did something terrible to you.
04:50Those hazel eyes fill with something that looks almost like sincerity.
04:54Bella, you've been chasing me for so long.
04:57I really don't want to hurt you.
05:01So be a good girl.
05:03I don't want to embarrass you and I don't want your parents to lose face.
05:06You understand, don't you?
05:10Marco is like whiskey.
05:11The first sip burns so bad it brings tears to your eyes.
05:15But you keep drinking.
05:16You get addicted.
05:18And by the end, you're so wasted, you don't even know what's killing you.
05:26He pulls a document from his inside pocket and pushes it into my hands.
05:31A wedding announcement.
05:32Beautifully typeset.
05:33My name next to his.
05:34But the woman in the photo isn't me.
05:40The woman in the photo nestles against his chest.
05:43Her face is obscured, but there's a tiny star tattoo on the back of her neck.
05:48Sienna's.
05:49Marco didn't even bother using my picture.
05:51Just grabbed a shot of himself with Sienna and called it done.
05:54Marco didn't want you to lose face in front of your father, so he had this made for you.
06:08Marco, you really think my father won't notice?
06:11Marco's tone.
06:13Certain.
06:14Careless.
06:15You've always been the perfect actress in front of your father.
06:19Twenty-something years of playing the good daughter.
06:21What's one more performance?
06:22My teeth sink into my lower lip.
06:24The words pile up in my throat, choking me.
06:27Every single lie I've told my family has been to cover for him.
06:30But before I can say any of it, Sienna, one hand pressed delicately to her stomach.
06:35I'll come to you tonight.
06:36Marco tosses the words over his shoulder, already scooping Sienna into his arms, already walking away.
06:43I don't know how long I stand there.
06:46My phone buzzes.
06:47An iMessage notification.
06:49A video.
06:50Something makes me tap it open.
06:55Stop it.
06:57Are you trying to drain me?
07:04I slammed the phone, face down on the floor.
07:06The crack of glass against marble.
07:08I think about four years ago.
07:10The day Sienna moved into the Columbia dorms.
07:12She was standing in the doorway, clutching a beat-up duffel bag.
07:15Too nervous to step inside.
07:17I pulled her in with a laugh.
07:19Gave her half of the bed I'd just made.
07:21I taught her how to shuck her first oyster.
07:23I took her shopping on Madison Avenue.
07:25She bought her first piece of clothing, over $100, and spun in circles around our dorm room.
07:31Bella, you are my best friend.
07:33Later, she asked if I had someone I liked.
07:36I told her yes.
07:37Since I was 16, let me see him.
07:40What kind of man could possibly deserve my Bella?
07:42The day I introduced them, I said,
07:44This is my best friend.
07:46Marco looked at her a beat too long.
07:51Your friend's pretty cute.
07:53Sienna dropped her gaze.
07:54The blush crept all the way to her ears.
07:57Something in the air between them shifted.
08:01Back then, I was secretly pleased.
08:03I thought Marco approving of my friend was a good thing.
08:07Now I see it clearly.
08:09I handed them both the knife, and they buried it right between my ribs.
08:13How stupid can one person be?
08:15The tears slide down.
08:17I don't wipe them.
08:18Don't cry.
08:19Dante, standing at the end of the hallway.
08:22I don't know how long he's been there.
08:24My voice comes out scraped raw.
08:26Don't worry.
08:28I won't bother you.
08:30When I said not like this, I meant you deserve better than this.
08:34That's when I notice what he's holding.
08:36Red roses.
08:37And a small bunch of lily of the valley.
08:39My favorite flower.
08:41Marco never knew.
08:44Dante drops to one knee.
08:46I've wanted to marry you for a long, Bella.
08:48But I won't let you throw yourself away in a place like this.
08:51He takes my hand and slides the ring onto my finger.
08:54White gold.
08:55An oval-cut diamond, flanked by two small sapphires.
08:59It's old.
08:59It was his grandmother's.
09:02Wear this for now.
09:03The wedding, I'll give you.
09:05The proposal, I'll do again.
09:07Properly.
09:09I post a photo on Instagram.
09:12Just my hand.
09:13The ring catching the light.
09:14Dante's ring.
09:15Marco likes it almost instantly.
09:17He probably didn't even look closely.
09:19He never pays attention to anything about me.
09:22Sienna's message arrives first.
09:24Instagram.
09:25DM.
09:26Marco told me you posted something.
09:28You actually think he's marrying you in three days?
09:31Delete it, Bella.
09:32Save yourself the embarrassment.
09:34Half an hour later, Marco's iMessage drifts in.
09:37Good.
09:38You finally came to your senses.
09:40I knew you wouldn't leave.
09:42Sienna says she doesn't care about the title.
09:44You two get along.
09:45She won't take anything from you.
09:47Stop being jealous.
09:48For the first time, I don't reply.
09:51I set my phone down and wait.
09:53Wait for the wedding day.
09:54Wait for the look on Marco's face.
09:58The day before the wedding, Dante sends me an address.
10:01A bridal atelier on Madison Avenue.
10:03I push through the door and freeze.
10:05The dress on the mannequin pins me to the floor.
10:08A lined silhouette.
10:09French chantilly laces.
10:11Hand-beaded bodice.
10:12A cathedral train that pours from the skirt like a held breath finally released.
10:16It's the wedding dress I sketched by hand in college.
10:19I'd left that drawing on Marco's desk once.
10:21He was in the middle of a video game.
10:23Yeah, cool.
10:24I never saw the sketch again.
10:27The seamstress tells me Dante started the commission three months ago, back when my wedding
10:31to Marco had just been set.
10:34I step out of the fitting room, and Sienna's voice cuts through like a blade.
10:38Babe!
10:39I want this one!
10:40Marco's eyes land on me.
10:42One second.
10:43Something flickers.
10:44Surprise.
10:45Maybe even a crack in his composure.
10:46But Sienna tugs at his sleeve, pouting, and the moment snaps shut.
10:50Babe, you promised you'd make it up to me.
10:52I want this one.
10:54Bella wouldn't say no.
10:57She's too generous for that.
10:59Right, Belle?
11:01Marco reaches over and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
11:04Bella, Sienna's pregnant.
11:07Don't upset her.
11:08Give her this one.
11:08I'll buy you something better later.
11:10I don't move.
11:11His patience evaporates.
11:12Honestly, this cut doesn't suit you anyway.
11:15It fits Sienna better.
11:16His hands clamp down on my shoulders.
11:19He yanks the buttons open.
11:21The entire gown slides off me.
11:22I'm standing in my slip, arms crossed tight over my chest, backing up a step.
11:27Arco hands his black Amex to the attendant without looking at me.
11:30Triple the price.
11:32Charge it.
11:32Sienna hugs the dress to her chest and beams at me, sweet as poison.
11:36Marco pinches her chin, then turns back to me like he just remembered something.
11:40Oh, and keep tomorrow low-key.
11:42Sienna's hormones can't handle too much excitement.
11:44We'll use that venue in Queens.
11:46A few tables, a few friends, simple dinner.
11:48You've never been the flashy type anyway, right?
11:50He holds up a photo on his phone, a VFW hall, fluorescent lights buzzing over a cracked ceiling,
11:57folding tables draped in cheap plastic tablecloths, plastic flowers, garish, sad.
12:02I swallow the bile rising in my throat and hold myself together.
12:06My wedding is no longer your concern.
12:08Save this venue for you and Sienna.
12:10Sienna spent three days finding this place.
12:13While pregnant, she picked out those tablecloths and flowers on her hands and knees.
12:16She's been thinking about you this whole time, and this is how you repay her?
12:20He steps toward me and starts removing my jewelry, one piece at a time, earrings, bracelet, like he's undressing a
12:28mannequin.
12:32Don't wear these tomorrow.
12:33Sienna's psychic says emeralds carry bad energy during pregnancy.
12:37At the mention of the baby, his voice softens.
12:39Better safe than sorry.
12:41The baby's fragile.
12:46A satisfied nod.
12:48He grabs a garment from the rack and holds it out.
12:53Wear this tomorrow.
12:54I glance at it.
12:56A blush pink slip dress.
12:58Polyester so cheap it scratches.
13:00One size too big.
13:01It wouldn't pass as a bridesmaid dress.
13:03It's just a formality.
13:04You wouldn't want to upstage the mother of my child, would you?
13:07I'm done.
13:08I turn to leave.
13:09Marco's hand locks around my wrist.
13:11Those hazel eyes melt into something warm.
13:13Something tender.
13:13The same look he uses every single time he needs me to give in.
13:16Cut first.
13:17Bandage after.
13:18His signature move.
13:19Are we really doing this again?
13:22You think I won't give you nice things?
13:24Once Sienna has the baby, I'll make it up to you.
13:27The Westchester estate.
13:29You've always wanted the wedding there, right?
13:32I'll let you have whatever you want.
13:34His breath is warm against my skin.
13:36His lips hover just below my ear.
13:38That's when Sienna comes scurrying over, clutching a wad of shredded fabric.
13:41This dress is garbage!
13:43It's falling apart and I haven't even put it on!
13:46She shoves it toward me.
13:47Bella, what kind of cheap place did you pick?
13:50Before I can open my mouth, Marco already has his arm around her.
13:53It's just a dress, babe.
13:55I'll take you to get a custom one.
13:57He steers her toward the door.
13:59Passing me, he reaches out and pinches my chin.
14:02A reflex.
14:03A leash check.
14:04Don't be late tomorrow.
14:06Don't embarrass me.
14:07On the morning of the wedding, Marco wakes to his phone buzzing non-stop.
14:12The iMessage group chat has exploded.
14:14Tusa Dujau, unread.
14:15Every message tagging him.
14:17Tony reaches latest.
14:18Yo, Marco.
14:19Your girl's all set up.
14:20She just posted a carostelle on Instagram.
14:22Nine photos.
14:23Why aren't you picking her up, bro?
14:24She looks fucking incredible.
14:26Marco taps into my Instagram.
14:28Half asleep.
14:28The train of an Ali Saab hood couture gown spills across the entire bed.
14:32I'm wearing the full Castellano emerald set.
14:35Necklace.
14:35Earrings.
14:36Bracelet.
14:36Every piece.
14:37His lips curve without him realizing it.
14:40Sienna pokes her head out from under his arm, glances at the screen, and pouts.
14:45She's doing this on purpose.
14:47Wearing all that just to jinx me.
14:49The baby can't handle this kind of energy.
14:51If you let her get away with this, you're choosing her over me and your child.
14:55Her crying grates on Marco's nerves.
14:57He's about to snap when Tony's call comes through.
15:04Marco, the boys are ready with the convoy.
15:06Just waiting on you.
15:07What convoy?
15:08It doesn't need to be that big a deal.
15:10Go pick her up for me.
15:11Tell her I'm not feeling well.
15:13Actually, tell her to drive herself.
15:16She's been too dramatic lately.
15:18Time to remind her who's in charge.
15:21Tell her to take an Uber.
15:22Can't keep feeding that attitude.
15:26A few minutes later, Tony's message pops up.
15:31Heads up.
15:32Your girl just got picked up in a Rolls Royce Phantom.
15:35Guess who's driving?
15:35Your brother!
15:37Talking tough but going soft, huh?
15:40We were all set to film her getting out of an UB for the group chat.
15:43You switching it up ruined the whole bit.
15:45Marco opens his mouth to argue, then swallows it.
15:48Fine.
15:49As long as she's picked up.
15:51Last thing he needs is Bella throwing another fit.
15:54He tells himself he doesn't care, but he's already in the walk-in closet, reaching for the Tom 4 tuxedo.
15:59Marco pushes open the doors of the VFW hall.
16:02A handful of guys stand around under buzzing fluorescent lights.
16:06Fildoing chairs sit crooked in uneven rows.
16:08The boys whistle and crane their necks.
16:10Where's the bride?
16:12Stop hiding her!
16:15Why are you alone?
16:16Scared we'll make fun of you for marrying a girl who's been throwing herself at you for four years?
16:20You won't find another girl this whipped in our whole world.
16:23She'll act out, but she always crawls back.
16:26Marcos got her on a leash.
16:28Bro, you really got the Castelloni heiress holding her wedding in a VWF hall?
16:32I'm embarrassed for you.
16:33Let's just get this over with.
16:35Marco scans the empty hall.
16:36His brow creases.
16:38He reaches for his phone, but a push notification flashes across the screen first.
16:43Page 6.
16:44Exclusive.
16:45Castellano era sweats today.
16:46The groom is the Moretti heir.
16:48The photo shows a ballroom packed with guests.
16:50The camera pans across a towering flower wall.
16:52Two names in gold lettering.
16:53Mr. and Mrs. Moretti.
17:10Marco dials me, barely keeping his voice in check.
17:14You changed the venue without telling me?
17:16Fine, I'm not mad.
17:18Just get over here, Tony and the guys are waiting.
17:20The line goes dead before he finishes.
17:23The guys suggest heading to the new venue.
17:25Marco shuts them down.
17:27She wants to play games?
17:28Let her.
17:30The groom's not showing up.
17:31Let's see how she handles that alone.
17:34Marco sits in that VFW hall the entire afternoon.
17:38Every 10 minutes, he checks his phone.
17:40No call.
17:41No text.
17:42No begging.
17:43Let her wait.
17:44Let her humiliate herself.
17:46Let her learn she's nothing without me.
17:47That evening, Marco posts an Instagram carousel for the first time.
17:52Every photo.
17:53Him and Sienna.
17:54Beach vacation.
17:55Tangled limbs.
17:56Matching smiles.
17:59He goes all in on Sienna.
18:01Public.
18:01Loud.
18:02Deliberate.
18:03Two weeks pass.
18:04Then Don Salvatore calls.
18:06Sunday dinner tonight.
18:07Your brother's bringing his new wife home.
18:09Don't be late.
18:11Marco finally has a reason to reach out.
18:13Family dinner tonight.
18:15Dante's introducing his wife.
18:16Come.
18:17Don't upset Papa and Mama.
18:18I've got the gift ready.
18:19He sends it.
18:20A red exclamation mark.
18:21Not delivered.
18:22His chest tightens with irritation.
18:24She's probably still sulking.
18:26He'll do what he always does.
18:27Deal with tonight.
18:28Smooth her over later.
18:30Marco drives to the family estate in Westchester alone.
18:33He walks in and covers for me by reflex.
18:36Bella's not feeling well.
18:37She sends her apologies.
18:38She'll come for dinner another time.
18:40The words haven't even settled when a familiar voice drifts in from the foyer.
18:42Papa, Mama, Dante and I picked out a gift for you.
18:44Sorry, we're late.
18:46The moment my voice fills the warm, lamp-lit room.
18:49Two weeks of tension drain from Marco's body.
18:51Papa, Mama.
18:51His mouth hooks into that confident, I-knew-it smile.
18:54Tonight, I'm in a smoke-gray satin gown.
18:57Hair pinned loosely at the nape.
18:59I look better than he's ever seen me.
19:00He knows it.
19:01And the knowledge sits right there on his face.
19:03Marco walks up to me.
19:04There you are.
19:05Don't ever go off the grid on me again.
19:07Do you know how long I've been looking for you?
19:08I tilt my head away.
19:09He doesn't register it.
19:11Same lecturing tone dot.
19:12I hope you've had time to think.
19:14The wedding thing?
19:14I'm letting it go.
19:15You've had your tantrum.
19:16It's over.
19:16Welcome back.
19:17I've already smoothed things over with Sienna.
19:19Just apologize to her later.
19:20She won't hold a grudge.
19:21I'll take you for a proper wedding shoot.
19:22Your pick.
19:23Whatever you want.
19:23Dante's introducing his wife tonight.
19:25You can finally meet the family you've-
19:26All those years, and he never once brought me to Sunday dinner.
19:29Every time.
19:30He said the timing wasn't right.
19:32Anna and Lucia never even knew my face.
19:35You've always complained I never brought you home.
19:37Well, here we are.
19:38We're all family now.
19:39Bella, sit here.
19:40He pats the seat.
19:41I walk past him without a glance, and sit down at Dante's left.
19:50Marco blinks.
19:51Then laughs.
19:52Wrong seat, baby.
19:53Your spot's over here.
19:55First time I get it.
19:56You're sitting in my new sister-in-law's seat.
19:58Dante, did you give her a ride?
20:00Thanks for that.
20:00Saved me a trip.
20:01He peers toward the front door.
20:04Wasn't your wife supposed to be here?
20:06She's stuck in traffic?
20:08Before anyone answers, Lucia sweeps in carrying a platter of osso bucco and sets it down right
20:14in front of me.
20:15Your favorite.
20:17Your papa had Rosa pick out the veal this morning.
20:20It's been braising all afternoon.
20:24Eat, Cara.
20:26Eat.
20:26Mama.
20:27Since when do you two know each other?
20:29I never introduced you.
20:31What's wrong with you?
20:32Your brother's wife is here and you haven't even said hello?
20:35Marco's mind flatlines.
20:37His gaze drops to my left hand.
20:39The ring on my finger catches the light.
20:42Identical in weight and warmth to the band on Dante's hand beside mine.
20:46It burns behind his eyes.
20:48Marco's lips tremble.
20:51Mama, you've got it wrong.
20:52She's my wife.
20:54Lucia sets down the osso bucco
20:59and pats Marco's arm.
21:01What kind of joke is that?
21:03Show some respect.
21:05The moment she walks away, Marco's eyes lock onto me.
21:08Bella, have you lost your mind?
21:09You signed a marriage license with my brother just to get back at me?
21:13Bella, why put yourself through this?
21:15Dante is the Moretti heir.
21:16You think he actually wants you?
21:18He felt sorry for you.
21:20That's all this is.
21:21Give it a few days.
21:22He'll come to his senses and you'll see how ridiculous this is.
21:26I don't look at him.
21:27Try this.
21:28Your favorite Baroli.
21:30He never knew what I like to drink.
21:32Every date, he'd wave down the waiter and order two Americanos without asking.
21:36But his brother doesn't just know.
21:38He remembers.
21:40Dante!
21:41What the hell are you doing?
21:43You knew she was mine!
21:45Yours?
21:46Did you propose?
21:47Sign a license?
21:48Hold a ceremony?
21:50I did hear you signed a license with that woman you've been keeping on the side.
21:54Congratulations.
21:55Bella, I heard you brought the Castelloni holding shares into the marriage.
21:59Cara, you're too generous.
22:00Mama, Dante and I are husband and wife.
22:02What's mine is his.
22:03That single word, Mama, lights up Lucia's entire face
22:07and drives into Marco's chest like a blade.
22:09Bella!
22:10Don't call her that!
22:12The entire table goes still.
22:15Marco.
22:16What the hell is wrong with you?
22:17I'm the crazy one?
22:19Papa!
22:20This woman said she was going to marry me
22:22and then she turned around and married my brother!
22:24What is this?
22:24That's fraud!
22:25She played me!
22:27Marco sinks back into his chair.
22:29The air around the table freezes solid.
22:33Marco hunches forward.
22:34His tears fall, landing on the bone china with soft, pathetic taps.
22:38Lucia's face hardens.
22:40Marco.
22:41Upstairs.
22:42Now.
22:43You're going to explain everything.
22:45He doesn't move.
22:46Bella, talk to me.
22:47Just five minutes.
22:48I set down my spoon.
22:50Talk about what?
22:51About how you gave me a fake wedding announcement with Sienna's photo?
22:54Or about how you made me wear a hundred dollar polyester dress to my own wedding?
22:57Lucia's head snaps toward him.
22:59What do you mean fake?
23:01What polyester dress?
23:02Don Salvatore's expression darkens to something dangerous.
23:06Marco.
23:07What did you do?
23:08Marco opens his mouth.
23:10Closes it.
23:11Nothing.
23:12Dante ladles soup into my bowl.
23:14His tone barely shifts.
23:16Papa.
23:16Mama.
23:17It's in the past.
23:18Bella is my wife now.
23:19What's done is done.
23:21What do you mean it's done?
23:23Dante.
23:24You knew she was mine.
23:25We were together four years.
23:26Four years.
23:27Marco.
23:28You married someone else.
23:30And now you're saying this?
23:32Do you hear yourself?
23:33Lucia can't hold it in anymore.
23:35Marco!
23:36Who did you marry?
23:38Don Salvatore's fist cracks against the table.
23:41Answer.
23:42Now.
23:43Marco forces the name through clenched teeth.
23:45Sienna Ruro.
23:46Every syllable costs him.
23:48Lucia sways.
23:49That girl.
23:49The one you brought around before?
23:51The one who worked at that club?
23:53Mama, she doesn't do that anymore.
23:55She's a good person.
23:56Shut your mouth.
23:58You married some nobody without your father's blessing?
24:01And pushed Bella to your brother?
24:03I didn't push her.
24:05Bella did this on her own.
24:07I threw myself at him?
24:09Marco, do you even hear how ridiculous that sounds?
24:12I look at him.
24:13Really look.
24:14And feel something unexpected.
24:16Nothing.
24:17For years of love.
24:18And in his version of the story.
24:19I'm just a woman who chased him.
24:21I sat down my spoon and turned to Don and Lucia.
24:25Papa, mama.
24:27Marco and Sienna are legally married.
24:29So are Dante and I.
24:30What happened before is in the past.
24:32There's no point in assigning blame.
24:35Lucia shoots Marco one last withering look.
24:37Then sits back down.
24:39But the warmth at this table has bled out completely.
24:42Back at his Soho apartment, Sienna is waiting.
24:45Your parents don't like me, do they?
24:47Why didn't you bring me to dinner?
24:50Carrying your child, Marco.
24:52You can't just leave me out.
24:53Her voice pitches higher.
24:54What are you thinking about?
24:55Marco's jaw tightens.
24:57It's me tonight.
24:58I've been so sick.
24:59I'm scared to be alone.
25:01Marco looks at her face.
25:03He pulls his arm free.
25:06Turns back.
25:07Sienna changes into pajamas and curls up on the couch, scrolling her phone.
25:12Babe, look.
25:12Bella posted.
25:13Sienna holds up the screen.
25:17Caption, forever.
25:18Forever.
25:19I said that word to him once.
25:20Good for her.
25:21Sienna's lip curls.
25:23She married your brother, so what?
25:25She just upgraded to a richer Morelli.
25:28Big deal.
25:29Marco's head whips toward her.
25:30What did you just say?
25:32She married my brother.
25:34She's your best friend.
25:35Can't even show her that much respect?
25:37Sienna's eyes go glassy with hurt.
25:40Marco doesn't want to hear it.
25:42He yanks his arm free of her grip.
25:44Her feet tangle.
25:45She hits the floor.
25:47Blood.
25:47Spreading dark across her pajama pants.
25:50Marco, did you do this on purpose?
25:54You hate me, so you want to kill my baby?
25:57No, I didn't.
25:59You did.
25:59You regret marrying me.
26:01You want to go back to Bella, so you want to get rid of the baby, so you'll have nothing
26:03tying you down.
26:04You're a monster, Marco.
26:06Marco stands there.
26:07Mouth open.
26:08Mute.
26:09Because part of it is true.
26:10He has thought about it.
26:12If there were no baby, he could walk away clean.
26:14File the divorce.
26:16Go back to Bella.
26:17Outside the operating room at NYU Langone, Marco slides down the wall until he's sitting
26:21on the cold floor.
26:22A nurse approaches.
26:23Sir, your wife needs a DNC.
26:25I need you to sign the consent form.
26:27He takes the pen.
26:28His hand shakes so badly the letters come out crooked.
26:31A child's handwriting.
26:32His phone vibrates.
26:36Mama.
26:38Marco, what is wrong with you?
26:40Your father had her looked into, that Sienna Russo used to work as a cocktail waitress at
26:43a gentleman's club.
26:43You married this kind of woman.
26:44Are you trying to destroy this family's ne-?
26:46He opens his mouth to say the baby's gone.
26:48The words won't come.
26:49He swallows them back.
26:54He hangs up and buries his face in his knees.
26:56The surgical report comes back.
26:59Sienna will never conceive again.
27:01Sienna is awake when they will her out.
27:04She sees Marco.
27:06The tears come immediately.
27:12The baby's gone, Marco.
27:15Our baby is gone.
27:19I'm sorry.
27:21Sorry?
27:22That was my child, my flesh and blood.
27:25Do you know how long it took me to get pregnant?
27:27You're happy, aren't you?
27:28The baby's gone.
27:29Now you can go crawling back to Bella.
27:32I'm not.
27:33You are!
27:35Every time you're drunk, it's her name you call.
27:37When you're in bed with me, with your eyes closed, it's her name on your lips.
27:41Marco's face goes white.
27:43He didn't know.
27:45Get out.
27:46I don't want to see you.
27:48Marco stares at the woman in the hospital bed.
27:50Her face nearly the same white as the hospital sheets.
27:52Something massive and ugly rises in his chest.
27:54Guilt and revulsion, braided together.
27:56The guilt is for Sienna.
27:57The revulsion is for himself.
27:58He's destroyed two women.
28:00At the same time.
28:01In the days that follow, Marco shows up at the hospital every morning.
28:04Eventually, they sign the papers.
28:10Good riddance.
28:11She was never right for you.
28:13Bella's your brother's wife now.
28:15Stop making a fool of yourself.
28:17Find someone appropriate.
28:19Stop embarrassing this family.
28:20Marco leans against the hospital corridor wall, watching strangers pass, patients shuffling
28:24buying gowns, families clutching coffee cups, lives carrying on.
28:27He thinks about Bella.
28:28He wonders if this is what her four years felt like.
28:31Carrying everything alone.
28:32Swallowing every hurt in silence.
28:34And nobody noticing.
28:35The day Sienna is discharged.
28:37Her face is the color of ash.
28:38Marco picks her up.
28:40Neither of them speaks the entire drive.
28:42Outside her apartment building, Sienna breaks the silence.
28:45Marco.
28:46Do you know why I went after you in the first place?
28:49Because I had money?
28:52Not just that.
28:54I was jealous of Bella.
28:56When I met her, she was just Bella.
28:59Bright, laughing, teaching me how to eat oysters, dragging me down Madison Avenue, giving me half
29:03her bed.
29:03Then I met you.
29:05You were handsome.
29:06Rich.
29:07And I thought, why?
29:08Why does she get everything?
29:10Why does she get to have this perfect life?
29:11So I took you.
29:13I wanted to take you from her.
29:15I wanted to see her suffer.
29:17And I did.
29:18But I didn't expect to actually fall in love with you.
29:23And I never imagined you'd kill my baby.
29:26Remember this, Marco?
29:28You owe me a life.
29:34She moves out the next day.
29:36No forwarding address.
29:37New phone number.
29:38Marco searches for her.
29:39Four weeks.
29:40Comes up empty.
29:41She's done with him.
29:41We're real this time.
29:42But her disappearance doesn't bring relief.
29:44Because what he owes can't be measured in one person.
29:46The insomnia starts.
29:47Every night he lies in bed.
29:48And the moment his eyes close.
29:50Bella's face is there.
29:51The way she smiled.
29:53The way she cried.
29:54The way she used to look at him like he was the only light in the room.
29:57He scrolls through his camera roll.
30:00They're photos together.
30:01He can count them on one hand.
30:03In four years.
30:04He barely took any.
30:07Marco's Porsche starts appearing outside my office building.
30:10Every evening.
30:11Same spot by the curb.
30:13I walk past.
30:14He doesn't approach.
30:16Just watches from behind the windshield.
30:18One evening.
30:19Dante comes to pick me up.
30:21He spots the Porsche.
30:22His stride breaks for half a second.
30:24I walk over and knock on the driver's side window.
30:27Marco.
30:28Marco.
30:28Stop coming here.
30:29It's pointless.
30:30Stay away from me.
30:32Dante's not the patient type.
30:33I don't want you two at each other's throats because of me.
30:36As the car pulls away.
30:38I catch Marco's Porsche in the rearview mirror.
30:40Still parked.
30:42Still there.
30:43One man.
30:44One car.
30:45Alone.
30:46Sienna finds a new job.
30:48Front desk at a small firm in Midtown.
30:50She deletes every social media account.
30:52Changes her number.
30:54Tries to start over.
30:55But the past doesn't let go that easy.
30:58Her co-workers whisper when they think she can't hear.
31:00She used to waitress at a gentleman's club.
31:02Hooked some rich guy.
31:03Got knocked up.
31:04Then got dumped.
31:05Serves her right.
31:07She hears every word.
31:09She can't argue.
31:10She walks to the bathroom.
31:12Locks the stall.
31:13And cries until her ribs ache.
31:15Then she goes back to her desk.
31:17Puts on a face.
31:18Carries on.
31:19After work.
31:20She walks the streets alone.
31:22Couples pass her on every block.
31:23Hand in hand.
31:24And the hollow in her chest opens wider.
31:26She pulls out her phone.
31:27Opens my Instagram.
31:28She's been blocked on her main account.
31:30But she follows me from a burner.
31:31The latest post.
31:33Me and Dante.
31:33His arm around my waist.
31:35My head tilted against his shoulder.
31:37Sienna stares at the photo.
31:38The tears come again.
31:40She remembers the beginning.
31:41When she first met me.
31:42She genuinely meant it.
31:44Every laugh.
31:44Every late night.
31:45Every whispered secret in the dark of our dorm room.
31:48She really was my best friend.
31:49When did it change?
31:50Maybe when she saw me in designer clothes and a limited edition Birkin while she could only afford fast fashion.
31:55Maybe when she watched Marco pull up in a Porsche to pick me up while she agonized over a $10
31:59Uber.
32:00Jealousy is a snake.
32:01One bite.
32:02And it turns her into someone she doesn't recognize.
32:04She puts the phone away.
32:05Wipes her eyes.
32:06There's no going back.
32:08Six months later.
32:10Marco's company implodes.
32:12Several major investors pull out simultaneously.
32:14The funding chain snaps.
32:16Moretti Ventures valuation craters to rock bottom.
32:19Marco digs for weeks before he traces it back to Dante.
32:22He storms into my office.
32:26Bella, did you put Dante up to this?
32:29I'm reviewing a file.
32:30I look up.
32:31What makes you think this has anything to do with me?
32:34Because you hate me.
32:36I don't hate you, Marco.
32:38I just don't think about you anymore.
32:40The words land harder than any insult.
32:42You've owed Castellano Holsings for two years.
32:45The money I put up, my penthouse, my connections, my name, you owe more than you can count.
32:50So Dante collected.
32:51What's the problem?
32:52Marco stands there.
32:53A long time.
32:55Then turns to leave.
32:56At the door, he stops.
32:58Bella, if there's a next life, I would.
33:00There's no next life.
33:02Not for us.
33:03Sienna's world isn't any kinder.
33:05She starts dating someone new.
33:07An ordinary office worker.
33:09Steady.
33:10Normal.
33:11Two months in, he ends it.
33:13You can't have kids.
33:14My parents won't accept that.
33:17Sienna cries through the night.
33:19At her follow-up appointment.
33:20The doctor is blunt.
33:22The uterine damage is too severe.
33:24The chances of conceiving are almost zero.
33:26She has nothing left.
33:28Marco loses everything.
33:30The company is liquidated.
33:32The Soho apartment goes to auction.
33:34He doesn't even have a place to sleep.
33:36He goes to Dante.
33:38Dante's voice is even.
33:40No warmth.
33:41No cruelty.
33:42You're my brother.
33:43That's the only reason I didn't destroy you completely.
33:46But what you owe Bella, that debt stands.
33:49There's 500,000 on this.
33:51Enough to get you through.
33:52Find a job.
33:53Start over.
33:54Sienna comes to find me once.
33:56She drops to her knees.
33:58Bella, I'm so sorry.
33:59I know what I did.
34:01I look at her for a moment.
34:03Then I walk past her.
34:05Calm.
34:05Silent.
34:06Gone.
34:07Another year turns.
34:09Christmas Eve.
34:10Dante and I drive out to the Westchester Estate for the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
34:14Marco is there.
34:15Dressed simply, no flashy watch.
34:17No designer label.
34:19His hair is cut short.
34:20Something about him is quieter.
34:22Heavier.
34:23Older.
34:24He sees me and smiles.
34:26Small.
34:27Careful.
34:28Bella.
34:30Hey.
34:37What have you been doing with yourself?
34:40Working at a small firm.
34:42The pay's not great, but it's enough.
34:45With watching Ellie dether.
34:47After dinner, Marco finds me.
34:50Bella.
34:52I'll pay back what I owe you.
34:54Are you happy?
35:01I'm good.
35:12What did he say to you?
35:15Nothing.
35:16Just that he's sorry.
35:20He finally grew up.
35:23Yeah.
35:24I look up at the light.
35:26My heart is still.
35:27Some people are always meant to be missed.
35:30Some regrets last a lifetime.
35:32But I don't have to wait anymore.
35:35Okay.
35:35Yeah.
35:35Good to be with you.
35:36She is a poor...
35:39Good to be with her.
35:40Thank you very much.
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