- 10 hours ago
Divorced, I married the godfather
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The night I signed the divorce paper and walked away with nothing, I wandered the rainy streets
00:05alone with a single duffel bag and only $36. That was when I spotted a flyer taped to a
00:11roadside pole. Stepmom wanted for child. Room and board, that's what got me. That same night,
00:16I showed up at the address. I walked straight into the mansion of Luca Castellano, the don
00:22of New York's oldest mafia family. Later, my ex-husband looked down at me with that same
00:26arrogance. Nora, do you finally realize you were wrong? Before I could answer, the four-year-old
00:32little tyrant exploded. Wrong about what? My mom is the best. The don slipped an arm around my
00:38shoulders, kicking him aside. My wife could never be wrong, and even if she was, she'd still be right.
00:44I never expected the people posting flyers on poles to be New York's most powerful mafia family. Now I
00:50stood outside their mansion. Beside me, the butler carried himself with quiet arrogance. The don is
00:55looking for a mother for his child, not a wife for himself. I need you to be very clear on
01:00that. Don
01:00is a very desirable man. Do not get any ideas you shouldn't. I kept my eyes lowered. Honestly, this job
01:07was perfect for me. To put it simply, they just needed a high-end nanny. Eight hours ago, I'd signed
01:12the divorce papers and been kicked out of my ex's house. The last thing I wanted was another husband,
01:17but a roof? Three meals? A place to disappear? That was a miracle. I understand. I won't get any ideas.
01:24The butler led me down a dim, vaulted corridor. Then I heard something that sounded like a gunshot.
01:29I stumbled, slammed straight into a hot, hard chest. The smell hit me first. Blood. Gunpowder.
01:36Then the barrel of a pistol tipped my chin up. A man in a suit with his hair slicked back.
01:40Blood
01:41streaked across his jaw. A snake tattoo coiling out of his collar onto his throat. My chest rose and fell
01:47rapidly with fear. His gun slid down from my chin and stopped between my soaked breasts. He studied me for
01:53a
01:53long beat. Finally, walked off without a word. I'd seen that face before. Page 6. New York Times.
01:59The Castellano Don. Sebastian had once spent a month studying his photos, trying to get in with
02:05the old mafia family behind him. The butler finally spoke. The Don is handling some business.
02:11Please don't mind. I nodded quietly. Then he took me to change into something dry and led me into the
02:16dining room. A long wooden table sat beneath a crystal chandelier. And at one end, a father and son
02:22were locked in a standoff. The man with murder in his eyes was gone. In his place, at the table,
02:27sat a man in a white dress shirt holding a spoon. His face was tired. The boy pressed his lips
02:33shut
02:33and glared up at his father like a tiny soldier holding the line. Neither moved. Finally, the man
02:38exhaled and set the spoon down. Long fingers pinched the bridge of his nose. His voice dropped,
02:44low and rough. One bite. One small bite. Is that really too much?
02:49The butler stepped forward. Don, the applicant is here.
02:52The man turned. His shirt was unbuttoned low. I could see most of the snake tattoo now.
02:57The lines of his muscles pressed faintly through the white linen. The most feared man in New York
03:02inherited the family glory at 16. Built it bigger, darker, quieter than his father had.
03:08Money, power, blood on his hands. So this wasn't some dream. Or scam. A man like Luca Castellano
03:14had no reason to scam a broke divorcee off the street. His eyes moved over me, distant and tired.
03:20Name?
03:21I figured he'd come straight from his so-called business. Handling traitors,
03:25torturing some enemies, and now got defeated by a toddler. Feeding the kid was probably harder
03:30than running his empire. Nora Bennett, I said. A barely there nod. He held out the plate.
03:35Try. So, this was my interview. If I didn't pass, I was sleeping on the F train. I smiled my
03:41warmest,
03:42gentlest smile and walked toward the boy. I didn't make it two steps. Whoosh. He bolted under the
03:47table. Only his eyes peeked out. Dark, round, furious. I don't want her. Send her away. She's a bad lady.
03:54They're all bad ladies. So before me, this kid had already been through who knows how many stepmoms.
04:00Fine. I needed to do my best. I scanned the room and clocked it instantly. Action figures everywhere.
04:06Batman, Spider-Man, a whole shelf of Avengers. I grabbed two figures off the coffee table and
04:12crouched down by the table leg. I sat Batman and Spider-Man right next to the kid. Then I picked
04:17up
04:17the spoon. Don't worry. I'm not feeding you. I'm feeding Batman. I mimed a spoonful into Batman's face.
04:23Open up, Bats. Heroes who skip dinner? Skinny arms, skinny legs. Can't protect anyone like that.
04:29Oh, Batman wants vegetables? Good call. Spinach makes you strong. The boy watched,
04:35half-hidden, lips parting, smacking his mouth a little. I pretended not to see. His nose started
04:40turning pink, like he was about to cry. Right on cue, I gasped. Wait, is that a baby Batman over
04:47there? Bats, can you share with him? He has to eat too if he's gonna grow up strong. I tilted
04:52Batman.
04:53Bats says yes. I turned to the boy. Batman improved, kiddo. You get a little,
04:58but just a little. We don't want you outgrowing him. He'd be sad. The boy nodded furiously. I
05:04didn't even get the spoon to his mouth before he grabbed it with his lips. A big bite. Why won't
05:09you give me vegetables? You scared I'll get stronger than Batman? Bad lady! I glanced at
05:14the couch. Luca Castellano's mouth curved. A small, real smile. Approving. I moved into the castle that
05:21night. There were three floors. I got the second floor with Leo. Luca had the entire third floor to
05:26himself. The butler walked me to my room and gave me one last warning. You do not go up to
05:30the third
05:31floor. Ever. His voice dropped. The last woman who snuck up there to climb into the Don's bed got
05:36thrown out of his window. Two story drive. I thought of the gun from an hour ago. I nodded so
05:41hard I
05:42almost gave myself whiplash. Won't happen. You have my word. Castellano men breed serious. Leo was only
05:48four and slept in his own bed without a fuss. And that made my job easier. I'd just changed into
05:53the
05:53silk pajamas from the closet. The knock made me jump. Don Luca's voice was low behind the door.
05:58Come down. Let's talk. Luca was on the couch in the great room. Long legs crossed. Whiskey in his
06:04hand. I sat across from him on the opposite couch. Hands in my lap. Knees together. Like a job
06:09interview. You're good with kids. You have one of your own? No. I helped raise my ex's nephew for two
06:14years. Back the... The crane said I didn't make enough money and ordered me to quit. Called it
06:19generosity. Then, after I did, they claimed I was lazy and had nothing to do. So they fired the
06:24nanny and dumped the kid on me. More free maid than wife. File says you're divorced. Yes. Reason?
06:30Some small town girl cannot stain a noble family name. I guess. Only a coward would say that. You
06:36saw the ad. I'm hiring a mother for Leo. Not a date for me. My rival's family terrified him when
06:41he was
06:41little. He's always been insecure, hates leaving the house, and has never had a single friend.
06:45I work long hours. I need someone with patience. Someone who'll stay. There will be a prenum.
06:52Everything stays separate. Especially in bed. My heart shuddered as I looked deep into his eyes.
06:57Marriage in rich people's world was a contract before it was anything else. My marriage with
07:02Sebastian was for love. But because the gaps between our family, I'd signed one with him too.
07:07When the love ran out, I'd walked away with nothing. Not even my wedding ring. Let alone a powerful
07:13mafia family like the Castellanos. They would only be more careful. I understand. Honestly,
07:19if you just need someone in the house, we don't have to make it legal. I'm fine without the paperwork.
07:24Luca shook his head. He leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table. Marriage is for Leo. He
07:30needs the most stable mother I can give him. And marriage is the strongest contract there is.
07:35All right. We'll do it your way.
07:40Don't worry. You'll get $100,000 a month for expenses.
07:43This was the part I cared about. I've been burned before.
07:46Mr. Castellano, if we divorce someday, can I keep the money you've given me?
07:50Of course. It's yours.
07:52All right, then.
07:54As for sex, I don't need anything from you in that area. You stay on the second floor.
08:01Right. The sex.
08:02That's fine. Neither do I.
08:05So, three days after I signed divorce papers, I got married again. No ceremony. No guests.
08:11Same as my first wedding. The butler added an extra dish to dinner. I thought that was the
08:16celebration. But suddenly, Luca slid a signet ring across the table. A Castellano family ring.
08:25That's not necessary.
08:28Sebastian never even gave me his family ring.
08:31For Leo's sake.
08:32Then I got it. The child needed a family illusion. I fell into silence and finally took it.
08:38I'll keep it safe.
08:39That night, I'd just gotten into bed when the door creaked open. Leo stood in the doorway. Bare feet,
08:45hair sticking up, fidgeting with his dinosaur pajamas.
08:49What's up, kiddo?
08:50Nora, can you read me a bedtime story?
08:54What? You want me to read you a bedtime story?
08:56I'll get my dad to pay you extra. If you don't want to, forget it.
09:00Come here.
09:01I held the covers open. He scrambled in like he'd been waiting for that all day. Halfway through the story,
09:07he was out cold against my shoulder.
09:10Next morning at breakfast, Luca's eyes widened when the butler told him Leo had slept in my bed.
09:15Nora, that was above and beyond. I'll add another $50,000 a month.
09:20Mr. Castellano, that's way too much.
09:22It was, by a lot. I'd given far more than this in my last marriage, and walked away with literally
09:29nothing.
09:30During the day, I babysat his nephew. At night, I cooked for my husband.
09:35After satisfying his needs in bed, I still had to get up at five to clean the house and make
09:40breakfast.
09:41His mother judged.
09:42We could hire someone, but Nora's just sitting around all day wouldn't be fair.
09:47Despite all these, the day of the divorce, his sister told the lawyer I'd been living off them for three
09:52years.
09:53Mr. Castellano, it's really too much. I like Leo. He's a sweet kid. Reading him a book is nothing.
09:59As I said it, Leo came over and grabbed my fingers with his small, warm hand.
10:04He was looking up at me with those big, dark grape eyes. He was actually moved.
10:08You don't know. The women before you only cared about impressing me.
10:14They ignored him.
10:1650,000. That's the new number. Not negotiable.
10:21I gave up and thanked him. From that day on, Leo was my shadow.
10:25Luca was busy with all the transactions, the guns, and the bloods.
10:29The huge mansion was usually just the two of us.
10:32I tried my best to play with him and made him happy every day.
10:35Until the day I had a hospital appointment for a follow-up.
10:38The butler had warned me. Leo couldn't leave the house.
10:41Outside triggered panic attacks. I crouched down.
10:44Hey, babe. Wait for me at home. I'll be back in an hour.
10:49He grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. Didn't say anything. Just looked at me with those dark, sad eyes.
10:58He's scared you're not coming back. His mother left him exactly like that.
11:02I'm coming back. I'll see the doctor and come right home. You play here, okay?
11:06I was still mid-sentence when he climbed into the backseat of the car.
11:10The butler tried not to hope.
11:12Master Leo, you're going to the hospital with Miss Bennett?
11:15Leo nodded.
11:16Thank God. He's finally willing to leave the house.
11:19Your depression's getting better. Just keep it slow. Relax.
11:23I took the script and the meds and left.
11:25Leo was waiting in the lobby with his small Batman.
11:31Noah, are you sick?
11:33A little, kiddo. I used to skip meals a lot, so I got sick.
11:38Promise me you'll never let yourself get like that.
11:41Does it hurt?
11:42If it hurts, I can give you candy.
11:45Daddy told me candy makes you forget.
11:48My tears fell without warning.
11:50In the crane house, I'd cry and they'd call it dramatic.
11:54Small town girl. Can't handle the lifestyle.
11:59I had depression.
12:02Stop faking it to get attention!
12:04The nephew I'd raised for two years stood next to his mother on divorce day and called me ugly.
12:09And here was this four-year-old mafia heir handing me his last piece of candy.
12:14Nora, I'm going to eat every meal so I can grow up and protect you.
12:25You better grow fast, babe.
12:27When we walked out of the hospital, there was a black Maybach idling at the curb.
12:31Luca was leaning against it.
12:32Mr. Castellano, why are you here?
12:34He scooped his son into his arms.
12:36Seeing how calm and composed the boy was, his eyes suddenly reddened.
12:40The butler called, said Leo went out with you. I had to see it.
12:44Dad, as long as I'm with Nora, you can stop worrying.
12:48I know.
12:50That night, he tried to raise my pay again. This time, a black card. I refused so hard, he laughed.
12:59Noia, there must be something you want.
13:01Could you help me find a used car? Five thousand or below, so I can take Leo out without depending
13:06on the driver.
13:09Pick anything from the garage.
13:12The cheapest car in your garage is a quarter million. I wouldn't dare drive it.
13:17Fine.
13:19Next morning, an old, beat-up sedan was parked next to his black Bentley.
13:24He also flew in a psychiatrist. Same diagnosis as the hospital.
13:28But this time, my meds were upgraded to the brand I'd never been able to afford.
13:33Your wife needs company. Family. Don't push her too hard.
13:37I'll remember that.
13:38The next day, I drove Leo out with me. He'd always been insecure, had barely seen the outside world.
13:44Now, I wanted to show it to him.
13:46First, the amusement park. He grabbed my hand and dragged me over to take pictures.
13:50Then, I took him to the farmer's market. He'd never been to a farmer's market in his life.
13:54Nora! I don't want to hold this.
13:57My hands are full, Leo. Just a few steps.
14:00Fine! One time only! And no more lobster! No!
14:04Nora?
14:05It was Sebastian.
14:07My ex-husband.
14:08He was in a crisp gray suit. Hair perfect.
14:12Looking like he'd stepped out of a magazine cover.
14:14It had been five weeks since the divorce.
14:16My stomach nodded on contact.
14:18Sebastian and I had met in college.
14:20He came from one of those Wall Street elite families.
14:23The golden boy of high finance.
14:25He'd ignored every objection from his family to put a ring on me.
14:28At our wedding, he'd promised to protect me for life.
14:31Then, he took over Crane Capital and he started finding fault with everything.
14:35He wanted me to quit my job, take care of his parents, take care of his sister's kid.
14:40I did. Cook, laundry, cleaning.
14:42I did all of it because I loved him.
14:44Because I'd never been loved by my own family and didn't know any better.
14:48Until one day, I caught him in a private club with a girl in his lap.
14:52My whole world shattered.
14:54I cried.
14:55I screamed.
14:56I begged him to swear it would stop.
14:59The whole Crane family said I was overreacting.
15:01What successful man doesn't have side action?
15:04Sebastian said I'd been spoiled rotten.
15:07He blocked my number.
15:09Stopped coming home.
15:10My depression cratered.
15:12I filed for divorce.
15:13He thought it was a bluff.
15:14His family told him,
15:16Don't let her win.
15:17He had his lawyer draft papers.
15:18I walked out with nothing.
15:20Sign them in seven seconds.
15:22Four years of dating.
15:23Three years of marriage.
15:25Done.
15:25Noah, Ivy League degree.
15:28And here you are playing nanny?
15:30What were you thinking?
15:32Not your business.
15:34Nora, try to understand.
15:36The day you married into the Crane family, you represent the Crane name.
15:42Sebastian, we're divorced.
15:44I have nothing to do with your family anymore.
15:47Even divorced, you're my ex-wife.
15:49People still bring me up when they talk about you.
15:52Stop embarrassing me.
15:53Use your head for once.
15:55Stop being emotional all the time.
15:58Nora, a few weeks out here.
16:00Bet you miss being Mrs. Crane, don't you?
16:01Admit you were wrong.
16:02I'll think about taking you back.
16:04The girls outside the marriage, those were nothing.
16:06I haven't replaced you.
16:07The position's still open.
16:08Just swallow your pride.
16:09Apologize to my mother and my sister.
16:11Don't bother holding it.
16:13Give the seat to someone else, Sebastian.
16:14I'm not interested.
16:15On the drive home, a new number called.
16:17Connor, the nephew I'd raised for two years.
16:20I'd block the rest of the Crane's.
16:22Not him.
16:23Kids didn't pick their parents.
16:25Hey, Con.
16:26Nora, you divorced loser.
16:28My mom wants to talk to you.
16:30My throat closed up.
16:32Then Cassandra Crane took the phone.
16:34Nora, Sebastian tells me you're working as a nanny.
16:37Have you ever thought about anyone but yourself?
16:39You're slapping Sebastian's face.
16:40You're slapping the Crane name.
16:42What does that look like to people?
16:44Nora, I always said it.
16:46You'll never rise above your roots.
16:47Trash dressed in silk.
16:49I hung up, blocked her, pulled over.
16:51I crashed onto the steering wheel and bawled.
16:53I cried until I couldn't breathe.
16:55I cried until I was so empty I felt nothing.
16:58Then I sat up, wiped my face, felt the exhaustion settle bone deep.
17:02Nora, here, tissue.
17:03I'd forgotten Leo was in the back seat.
17:05He was holding a tissue out from his car seat.
17:07Big, sad eyes glued to me.
17:09I'm sorry, sweetheart.
17:10Did I scare you?
17:12Nora, I'm not scared.
17:13You can cry as long as you want.
17:15I'll wait.
17:16Adults crying isn't shameful.
17:18I won't laugh.
17:20Thanks, my little gentleman.
17:22Auntie's done.
17:22No more crying from now on.
17:23Let's go home.
17:24I went to bed early that night.
17:26Didn't feel up to dinner.
17:27Then a knock.
17:28Nora, can I come in?
17:30Luca.
17:31I was fresh out of the shower.
17:33Hair wet, robe tied carefully.
17:35I made sure nothing was showing.
17:37Come in.
17:38He was in a tight white tank top, making the snake tattoo stand out even more.
17:42Dark hair falling loose over his forehead.
17:44Whiskey in his hand.
17:45Looser than I'd ever seen him.
17:47He sat in the chair by my bed.
17:49His gaze flicked to my wet collarbone.
17:51Then immediately to the wall, like he'd been caught.
17:54The clothes in your closet.
17:55You never wear any of them.
17:57They're too nice.
17:58I'm not used to it.
17:59I'd learned one thing from the Crane marriage.
18:01Don't force yourself into a world that isn't yours.
18:04The fall is uglier when they shove you out.
18:06Are they not your style?
18:08I'll have the designer come fit you for new ones.
18:10No, no, Mr. Castellano.
18:12I'm in the house all day with Leo.
18:13There's nowhere to wear that kind of thing.
18:15Truly.
18:16I heard you saw your ex today.
18:19His name's Crane?
18:20The stupid Crane capital?
18:21I froze.
18:22Leo had snitched.
18:24Yes.
18:25That Crane.
18:26Old news.
18:27Nora.
18:28Since you came, Leo's been a different child.
18:31His eyes were dark and serious on mine.
18:33I shifted.
18:34Uncomfortable.
18:35You pay me very well.
18:37It's what I'm here for.
18:38Nora.
18:39Ask me for anything.
18:41I can probably make it happen.
18:42Mr. Castellano.
18:43I don't need anything.
18:45He was quiet a long moment.
18:47His fingers tightened on his knee, then released.
18:49He stood up.
18:51I'll say this again.
18:52I'm the Don of the Costetto family.
18:55If you want, I can make sure he never speaks again more by tomorrow.
18:59I took a step back, still not used to him being this close.
19:02Without warning, he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
19:05Did I scare you?
19:06I said nothing.
19:08His hand slid down from my cheek.
19:10He gave a faint smile, then walked out.
19:13For the next two weeks, Luca started coming home early.
19:16Dinner with Leo and me.
19:18Sometimes board games after.
19:19Sometimes a movie.
19:21A man who ran half of New York's underworld didn't change his schedule for no reason.
19:25I was starting to worry.
19:27Was the family in trouble?
19:28Not that I cared about him.
19:29I just really cared about my $150,000 a month.
19:32Mr. Castellano, you don't have to keep coming home this early.
19:36Leo has me.
19:37If you've got business, take it.
19:39Luca picked up a red Lego brick.
19:40Voice perfectly neutral.
19:42The psychiatrist said you need family.
19:44Leo and I are your family now.
19:46We have responsibilities.
19:47Since when are we family, I wanted to say.
19:50I didn't.
19:51Honestly, Leo's enough.
19:53The doctor said my improvement is mostly thanks to him.
19:56He stroked his chin, avoiding eye contact.
19:59I grabbed Leo's hand and stood.
20:01Come on, buddy.
20:02Story time.
20:03Daddy still has work.
20:04Leo and I walked out.
20:06Nora.
20:06Luca's voice stopping me at the doorway.
20:09Yes?
20:10His ears were faintly pink.
20:12He cleared his throat.
20:13Tomorrow night, there's an event.
20:16Plus sun's required.
20:17Would you come with me?
20:19Me?
20:26You.
20:27I don't have time to find someone else.
20:29I'll pay you an appearance fee.
20:31A man with his face couldn't find a date in 24 hours?
20:34I didn't think too much.
20:35There was money on the table.
20:37Sure.
20:38I don't know the social rules in your world, though.
20:41I don't want to embarrass you.
20:43The Cranes were a moneyed family, too.
20:45But Sebastian had never taken me to anything because his mother said.
20:49For good.
20:49The butler chimed in, beaming.
20:51Miss Bennett.
20:52You don't need to know the rules.
20:55The Don is the rules.
20:56Hard to argue with that.
20:58The next afternoon, a design team showed up at the mansion.
21:01Five people.
21:02Most of them flown in from Paris.
21:04Hair, makeup, dress, jewelry.
21:07They huddled and debated each detail for 20 minutes at a stretch.
21:11By the time Luca came home, I was starting to feel sick about how much was on me.
21:16He walked in, saw me.
21:18His eyes did something.
21:20A brief flash.
21:21Almost stunned.
21:22Before he caught himself.
21:24Daddy.
21:25Look how pretty Nora is.
21:28Call her mom.
21:29Leo turned his head and harrumphed.
21:31Wouldn't say it.
21:32I patted his hair.
21:34It's okay.
21:35I like Nora.
21:36Makes me feel young.
21:38The event was a charity gala at the plaza.
21:41Every major name in New York was there.
21:43Old money.
21:43Bigger money.
21:44Political faces.
21:46A few faces I recognized from the papers.
21:48And a few I knew not to recognize at all.
21:51They orbited Luca immediately.
21:53Conversations started landing on me.
21:55Mr. Castellino.
21:57Who's the beautiful lady?
21:58I jumped in to save him.
22:01I'm a friend of Mr. Castellino's.
22:04My wife.
22:06Nora.
22:07The room shifted.
22:08A chorus of polite gasps.
22:10Compliments raining down.
22:12My face went hot to my collarbone.
22:15Luca squeezed my hand.
22:16Leaned in.
22:17Nora.
22:18Is being my wife really that embarrassing?
22:21You couldn't say it?
22:22Bourbon and cedar on his breath.
22:24No.
22:25No.
22:26I just...
22:27I didn't want to embarrass you.
22:29His eyes darkened.
22:30Nora.
22:31He looked at me like he was lighting something on fire.
22:33Only a weak man is embarrassed by his wife.
22:35I had to look away.
22:36I'll grab a drink.
22:37I bolted.
22:38I'd been hiding by the champagne tower for about 90 seconds when...
22:43Nora?
22:46There was no date.
22:48Just him.
22:49Had it Luca said plus ones required?
22:51Sebastian's face was pure stunned.
22:53It is you.
22:56I almost didn't recognize you.
23:03I've never seen you look like this.
23:05I stepped back.
23:07Stay away from me.
23:08Nora.
23:09About my sister's call.
23:11That wasn't me.
23:12I'd never authorized that.
23:13Truth is, I only agreed to the divorce to teach you a lesson.
23:16Bratty wife.
23:17Needed reminding.
23:18I never actually planned to let you go.
23:20Apologize to my mom and my sister.
23:24We'll remarry.
23:26I'll forget the rest.
23:30Crane, capital is bleeding right now.
23:33I'm slammed.
23:34Stop making things hard for me.
23:35He reached for my hand.
23:37The Sebastian special.
23:39One slap, one kiss.
23:41He'd run me on that loop for three years.
23:43I'm not the Nora he married anymore.
23:45I yanked back.
23:47Sebastian.
23:48Divorced means divorced.
23:49I'd rather sleep under the Brooklyn Pleerage than wear your last name again.
23:53Find someone else for that throne.
23:54Still stubborn.
23:55You haven't suffered enough.
23:58Crawl find me when you've actually been broken.
24:02That's when Luca started walking toward us.
24:04Sebastian's whole posture changed.
24:07Nora.
24:08We'll talk later.
24:09There's a heavyweight I need to corner.
24:11Don't get in the way.
24:13Plastered on his best smile and intercepted Luca with a business card already out.
24:18My Don.
24:19I'm Sebastian Crane.
24:20Crane, capital.
24:22I'd like to talk about the mandate you pulled.
24:26Five years.
24:27Crane, a capital ran the books on every fund Castellino Holdings put on the street.
24:31Then you cut us out overnight.
24:34If we fell short, tell me where.
24:37Whatever you need, I'll make it right.
24:39Sebastian, half bowed.
24:41Luca's eyes went past him, straight to me.
24:44Nora.
24:44What do you think?
24:46Should I give him a second chance?
24:48Sebastian's smile froze.
24:51Nora?
24:52What does she have to do with...
24:53Mr. Castelloni.
24:55You should know.
24:56Nora is my ex-wife.
24:58I don't know how she got in here tonight.
24:59Probably trying to ambush me into wrecking elitiation.
25:02She's just a housewife.
25:03Pay her no mind.
25:04Luca didn't even glance at him.
25:07Nora.
25:08Your call.
25:09I'll follow your lead.
25:13I kept my voice flat.
25:15Mr. Crane just asked me not to interfere in his business conversation.
25:18I'd hate to interfere.
25:20Sebastian flared.
25:22A man's business is none of your concern.
25:24Of course, small town instincts.
25:26Luca's voice came in cold and final.
25:28Then I'd assume my wife doesn't approve of Crane Capital.
25:32Mr. Crane, we'll have to pass.
25:34His arm slid around my shoulders.
25:36He turned us toward the bar.
25:37Sebastian was still standing there, brain catching up.
25:41Then a man in a tuxedo brushed past him.
25:43Crane, you insulted Don's wife.
25:47You stepped on a live mine.
25:49That's the only woman who's ever been on his arm in 20 years.
25:53Castellano's wife?
25:55Impossible.
25:56The woman's a nanny in the Castellano house.
25:58Sebastian had seen Nora at the farmer's market,
26:01driving the cheap car, carrying a lobster for the brat.
26:04He knew what he saw.
26:05A fancy dress didn't make a duchess.
26:07The man shook his head and walked off.
26:10Some idiots won't listen.
26:12Let them die.
26:14That night, Luca bid on a Picasso study
26:17and three pieces of war-era jewelry.
26:20$180 million in collectibles.
26:22Donated to the Children's Hospital under my name.
26:25After that, the gala turned into a receiving line.
26:28Mrs. Castellano, there's a small tea at my place next week.
26:31Would you grace us?
26:33Mrs. Castellano.
26:35My husband is bidding on a Castellano project.
26:37Just a quiet word to the Don.
26:39I'd never been on this side of a room.
26:40I drank three glasses to keep my hands steady.
26:43Luca intercepted on the fourth.
26:45Apologies, everyone.
26:45My wife isn't a drinker.
26:48I'll take hers.
26:49He drank.
26:50Then he drank for me three more times.
26:53By the time we slid into his Rolls Royce, we were both lit.
26:57I glanced out the window.
26:58Sebastian was on the curb, watching us.
27:01Mouth curled in that ugly little smirk, like I was the punchline.
27:05I closed the curtain.
27:06Turned to Luca.
27:07Mr. Castellano, thank you.
27:09For tonight.
27:10For what you did with Sebastian.
27:14His voice came out low, soft around the edges.
27:27His arm lifted.
27:29Long fingers tilted my chin up.
27:31His thumb brushed slow against my jaw.
27:33Nora, what if I don't want a paper marriage anymore?
27:37He was too close.
27:39His face was carved out of something dangerous.
27:41Eyes blown black.
27:43Heat from his breath landed on my throat.
27:45He smelled like bourbon and that cedar cologne.
27:48And something underneath that was just him.
27:51The most controlled man in New York was looking at my mouth like he wanted it.
27:57Mr. Castellano, you've had too much.
28:04You're right, I'm sorry.
28:05I had too much.
28:06The rest of the ride was silence.
28:08A heavy, humming silence with my pulse loud in my ears.
28:17Leo saved me.
28:18He sprinted at the front door with his picture book.
28:22I scooped him up and ran upstairs before I had to look Luca in the face again.
28:28I tucked Leo in, then opened my laptop and started scrolling job boards.
28:33Sebastian was right about one thing.
28:34My Ivy League degree shouldn't be wasted by eating in a mansion playing house.
28:39I'd done that marriage already, stayed home, made myself small.
28:43The minute he didn't need me, he tossed me into the street with nothing.
28:47I'd be damned if I let that happen twice.
28:50While Leo needed me, I had a place here.
28:52The day he didn't, what was I?
28:55Though I'm not ready to go back to work yet, physically or mentally.
28:58But knowing the market, updating a resume, that couldn't hurt.
29:02Then my phone lit up.
29:04A text.
29:05From Luca.
29:08The butler did the coffee.
29:10Always.
29:11And the first rule of this house was don't go to the third floor.
29:14I ground a fresh espresso anyway.
29:16Then I stood at the bottom of the staircase.
29:19Hesitated.
29:20Was this a test?
29:21Did the last applicant get launched out a window after being summoned upstairs?
29:25Was this revenge for the car?
29:27I called him.
29:30Mr. Castellana.
29:31Coffee's here.
29:32Come down for it?
29:34Bring it up.
29:35I hit the record button on my phone.
29:37Caught it.
29:38If he tried anything sketchy, I had proof.
29:42I climbed the stairs.
29:44Knocked.
29:45Come in.
29:46I pushed the door open.
29:48And forgot how to breathe.
29:52He'd just gotten out of the shower.
29:54Black silk robe, loosely tied at the waist.
29:56A drop slid from his jaw, down his throat, into the open robe.
30:01Bathhouse art.
30:02Renaissance painting.
30:04Holy hell.
30:06He took the coffee.
30:07His fingertips dragged across mine on purpose.
30:11That scared of me?
30:12Nora, am I a monster?
30:16Nora.
30:20From now on, you can come into my room whenever you want.
30:24My face still burned.
30:26The rules of this house and the rules of my heart were both breaking.
30:30I woke up the next morning with a sore throat.
30:32Sneezing.
30:33Of course.
30:34Wet hair.
30:35Late night.
30:35Fancy dress.
30:36Too much champagne.
30:37I shuffled downstairs in sweats, expecting the empty great room.
30:42Lupa was on the couch.
30:43Black turtleneck.
30:44Wireframe glasses.
30:46The combination should be illegal.
30:48Morning.
30:50He set the paper down.
30:51You're sick.
30:53A little.
30:54The back of his hand landed on my forehead.
30:56Calm.
30:57Practiced.
30:58Like he did it every morning.
30:59I went stiff as a board.
31:01Not bad.
31:03I'll grab some Therafex.
31:04You'll be fine.
31:05He guided me to the couch like I was made of glass.
31:07Walked to the kitchen.
31:09A six-foot-something Mafia Don, stirring a packet of cold medicine into a mug.
31:14Usually, a Don would poison the drink instead.
31:17I caught myself wondering what kind of woman Leo's mother had been to deserve a man like this.
31:31I drank the Theraflu and slunk back to bed.
31:33I didn't want to be in his way, so I just dozed off when an unknown number rang.
31:43Nora, it's me.
31:44Sebastian.
31:45I started to hang up.
31:46Don't.
31:47I'm parked outside the Castellani gate.
31:49Come out or I'll be at the front door.
31:51Up to you.
31:51I did not want him at the door.
31:53I did not want my past laid out on Luca's marble entryway like roadkill.
31:58Sebastian intercepted me on the sidewalk.
32:00Nora, how long is this stunt going on for?
32:03Mrs. Crane working as a nanny?
32:06You don't feel humiliated, but I do.
32:09I'm not doing anything to you, Sebastian.
32:11Stop the act.
32:13You dressed up last night to make me jealous.
32:16Fine.
32:16I'll admit it.
32:17After you left, I missed you a little.
32:20Here's the deal.
32:21Apologize to my mom and my sister.
32:23We remarry.
32:24You can stop scrubbing floors for strangers.
32:28Sebastian.
32:30I didn't do anything wrong.
32:31What am I apologizing for?
32:34You still don't see the problem?
32:38You haven't been beaten down enough.
32:40I was about to fire back when a small, round cannonball blew past me.
32:43Leo.
32:44When he saw a strange man hassling me, he did not hesitate.
32:47My mom didn't do anything wrong.
32:49My mom is the best mom in the whole world.
32:52He glared up at him like a furious cherub, protecting me.
32:56Something cracked open in my chest.
32:58I pulled him in tight.
33:00Kid, what did you just call her?
33:02Isn't she your nanny?
33:04You're a nanny.
33:06Your whole family is a nanny.
33:08Nora is my mom.
33:09My best mom.
33:11He pulled back, anxious.
33:13I nodded.
33:14My eyes were wet again.
33:16Nora.
33:17You'll be my mom, right?
33:18I'll be so good.
33:20I promise.
33:23Leo.
33:24I am your mom's sweetheart.
33:26He squeezed me tighter and refused to let go.
33:29Sebastian's face twisted into a slow, ugly smile.
33:33Oh, I see it now.
33:36Nora.
33:37You're putting a child up to it.
33:39You're playing the long game on Castelloni.
33:42He grabbed my arm.
33:44Listen.
33:45Castorano isn't a man you scam.
33:48He's known for ice in his veins.
33:50He finds out you're using his son to angle for him.
33:52He'll bury you in the East River.
33:54A warm hand landed on my waist.
33:56I hadn't heard him come outside.
33:59Luca.
34:00He pulled me into him.
34:02Mr. Crane.
34:03The last time we spoke, you insulted my wife.
34:06That's why I pulled the mandate.
34:08I was planning to tell the other firms on the street that this was personal.
34:11They could keep doing business with Crane of Papital.
34:14After today, I don't think I need to.
34:17Castellano.
34:18What, you wife?
34:20Who's your wife?
34:21Mr. Crane.
34:23Are you really still confused?
34:25Or are you only capable of believing what you want to believe?
34:28Nora is my wife.
34:30The mother of my son.
34:33Send him off.
34:35Luca turned to the butler at the door.
34:37If anyone like this bothers Mrs. Castellini again, have my men throw him out.
34:41He took Leo with one arm, wrapped the other around me, walked us inside.
34:46The second the door closed, I peeled out of Luca's arm.
34:49Awkward as hell.
34:51I took Leo upstairs to my room.
34:55Leo, where were you all morning?
34:57I didn't see you all day.
34:59Don't even ask.
35:01Dad sent me to preschool.
35:03What?
35:04You preschool?
35:06He said he didn't want you working too hard.
35:10He said he needed alone time with you.
35:15Why does he need alone time with me?
35:18Dad said he had to make you fall in love with him.
35:21Otherwise, you might leave us.
35:23Leo was four sentences into his report when Luca appeared in the doorway.
35:28Leo.
35:29Downstairs.
35:30Dinner.
35:31Stop bothering your mother.
35:32My whole face hot.
35:34Mom.
35:35I'll be back to keep you company in a bit.
35:38He scampered out.
35:39Luca didn't leave.
35:41He walked in.
35:43Feeling better?
35:44I looked sideways.
35:46Mr. Castellano.
35:47Thank you for what you did.
35:50Please don't ruin a business decision for me.
35:53I'm really not worth it.
35:55Not worth what?
35:58What you did out there.
36:01Nora.
36:02I told you.
36:03You're my wife.
36:05Protecting you is my job.
36:08But...
36:08Stop calling this a paper marriage.
36:11Nora.
36:13I want a real one.
36:14I had not expected him to swing this hard, this fast.
36:18My face went up in flames.
36:20I'll give you time.
36:22Take whatever you need.
36:23But right now, I want to collect just a little husband privilege.
36:27Before I could form a coherent thought, he leaned in.
36:30A long, warm hand cradled my cheek.
36:32Can I?
36:33I didn't say a word.
36:36I'll take this as consent.
36:37Then his lips crashed against mine, hard and ruthless.
36:41His tongue swept into my mouth, stealing the air from my lungs.
36:45Right.
36:46This was how a mafia boss kissed.
36:48Cold.
36:49Merciless.
36:50Taking whatever he wanted.
36:51The kiss lasted so long, my mind went blank by the time he finally pulled away.
36:56He rubbed his thumb over my swollen lips.
36:59My little princess, that's enough for today.
37:06Next time, I won't let you off so easily.
37:09Leo got hauled to preschool again the next morning, under protest.
37:14My cold was almost gone.
37:16Luca asked if I wanted to see a movie.
37:18After everything that had happened, I thought about it.
37:20We were married on paper.
37:22If something real was going to grow there, that wasn't the worst outcome.
37:26He had a private media room on the third floor.
37:29It was my first time entering other room in third floor.
37:32Before that, he showed me his collection room.
37:34One entire wall was covered in cold weapons.
37:38Daggers, knives, blades of every kind.
37:41Honestly, it was breathtaking.
37:43I was still standing there staring at the wall when he stepped up behind me and fastened
37:47a necklace around my neck.
37:48Another snake.
37:50Exactly like the tattoo on his body.
37:52A little gift.
37:55Don't reject it.
37:56Then he took my hand and led me into the media room.
37:59He put on a French romance film.
38:01Slow, elegant kisses on the screen.
38:03Mixed with far less elegant sounds in the background, Luca leaned closer, his voice brushing against
38:09my ear.
38:11Nora.
38:13Yes?
38:14I closed my eyes, my fingers tightening around the snake pendant, like a girl being offered
38:19up as a sacrifice.
38:21Nora.
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