- 6 hours ago
Divorced, I Married The Godfather-Drama S ✅ FULL [Eng Sub]
Category
📺
TVTranscript
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 long beat. Finally, walked off without a word. I'd seen that face before. Page six. 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. Money,
03:08power, blood on his hands. So this wasn't some dream or scam. A man like Luca Castellano had no
03:15reason 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. Try.
03:36So, this was my interview. If I didn't pass, I was sleeping on the F train. I smiled my warmest,
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
04:05everywhere. Batman, Spider-Man, a whole shelf of Avengers. I grabbed two figures off the coffee table
04:12and crouched down by the table leg. I sat Batman and Spider-Man right next to the kid. Then I
04:17picked
04:17up the spoon. Don't worry. I'm not feeding you. I'm feeding Batman. I mimed a spoonful into Batman's
04:23face. Open up, bats. Heroes who skip dinner? Skinny arms, skinny legs. Can't protect anyone like
04:29that. Oh, 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.
04:53Bat says yes. I turned to the boy. Batman improved, kiddo. You get a little, but just a little. We
05:00don't want you outgrowing him. He'd be sad. The boy nodded furiously. I didn't even get the spoon
05:05to his mouth before he grabbed it with his lips. A big bite. Why won't you give me vegetables? You
05:10scared I'll get stronger than Batman? Bad lady! I glanced at the couch. Luca Castellano's mouth
05:16curved. A small, real smile. Approving. I moved into the castle that night. There were three floors.
05:22I got the second floor with Leo. Luca had the entire third floor to himself. The butler walked
05:27me to my room and gave me one last warning. You do not go up to the third floor. Ever.
05:32His voice
05:32dropped. The last woman who snuck up there to climb into the Don's bed got thrown out of his
05:37window. Two story drive. I thought of the gun from an hour ago. I nodded so hard I almost gave
05:42myself whiplash. Won't happen. You have my word. Castellano men breathed serious. Leo was only four
05:48and slept in his own bed without a fuss. And that made my job easier. I'd just changed
05:53into the silk pajamas from the closet. The knock made me jump. Don Luca's voice was low behind
05:58the door. Come down. Let's talk. Luca was on the couch in the great room. Long legs crossed.
06:03Whiskey in his hand. I sat across from him on the opposite couch. Hands in my lap. Knees
06:08together. Like a job interview. You're good with kids. You have one of your own? No. I helped
06:13raise my ex's nephew for two years. Back the... The crane said I didn't make enough money
06:17and ordered me to quit. Called it generosity. Then, after I did, they claimed I was lazy and
06:22had nothing to do. So they fired the nanny and dumped the kid on me. More free maid than
06:27wife. File says you're divorced. Yes. Reason? Some small town girl cannot stain a noble family
06:33name. I guess. Only a coward would say that. You saw the ad. I'm hiring a mother for Leo,
06:38not a date for me. My rival's family terrified him when he was little. He's always been
06:42insecure, hates leaving the house, and has never had a single friend. I work long hours. I need
06:47someone with patience. Someone who'll stay. There will be a prenum. Everything stays separate,
06:53especially in bed. My heart shuddered as I looked deep into his eyes. Marriage in rich people's world
06:59was a contract before it was anything else. My marriage with Sebastian was for love. But because
07:04the gaps between our family, I'd signed one with him too. When the love ran out, I'd walked away
07:09with nothing. Not even my wedding ring. Let alone a powerful mafia family like the Castellanos.
07:15They would only be more careful. I understand. Honestly, if you just need someone in the house,
07:21we don't have to make it legal. I'm fine without the paperwork. Luca shook his head. He leaned
07:26forward, tapping his fingers on the table. Marriage is for Leo. He needs the most stable mother I can give
07:31him. And marriage is the strongest contract there is. All right. We'll do it your way.
07:40Don't worry. You'll get $100,000 a month for expenses. This was the part I cared about.
07:45I've been burned before. Mr. Castellano, if we divorce someday, can I keep the money you've given
07:49me? Of course. It's yours. All right then. As for sex, I don't need anything from you in that
07:58area. You stay on the second floor. Right. The sex. That's fine. Neither do I. So, three days after
08:07I signed divorce papers, I got married again. No ceremony, no guests. Same as my first wedding.
08:13The butler added an extra dish to dinner. I thought that was the celebration. But suddenly,
08:18Luca slid a signet ring across the table. A Castellano family ring.
08:28Sebastian never even gave me his family ring. For Leo's sake. Then I got it. The child needed a
08:34family illusion. I fell into silence and finally took it. I'll keep it safe. That night, I'd just
08:40gotten into bed when the door creaked open. Leo stood in the doorway, bare feet, hair sticking
08:45up, fidgeting with his dinosaur pajamas. What's up, kiddo? Nora, can you read me a
08:52bedtime story? What? You want me to read you a bedtime story? I'll get my dad to pay you
08:58extra. If you don't want to, forget it. Come here. I held the covers open. He scrambled
09:03in like he'd been waiting for that all day. Halfway through the story, he was out cold against
09:08my shoulder. Next morning at breakfast, Luca's eyes widened when the butler told him Leo had
09:14slept in my bed. Nora, that was above and beyond. I'll add another $50,000 a month.
09:20Mr. Castellano, that's way too much. It was, by a lot. I'd given far more than this in my
09:27last marriage and walked away with literally nothing. During the day, I babysat his nephew.
09:33At night, I cooked for my husband. After satisfying his needs in bed, I still had to get up at
09:39five
09:39to clean the house and make breakfast. His mother judged. We could hire someone, but Nora's just
09:44sitting around all day wouldn't be fair. Despite all these, the day of the divorce,
09:49his sister told the lawyer I'd been living off them for three years. Mr. Castellano,
09:54it'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. He was looking up
10:05at me
10:05with those big, dark grape eyes. He was actually moved. You don't know. The women before you only
10:11cared about impressing me. They ignored him. 50,000. That's the new number. Not negotiable.
10:21I gave up and thanked him. From that day on, Leo was my shadow. Luca was busy with all the
10:26transactions, the guns, and the bloods. The huge mansion was usually just the two of us. I tried my
10:32best to play with him and made him happy every day. Until the day I had a hospital appointment
10:37for a follow-up, the butler had warned me. Leo couldn't leave the house. Outside triggered panic
10:43attacks. I crouched down. Hey babe, wait for me at home. I'll be back in an hour. He grabbed my
10:50hand
10:50and 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. I'm coming back. I'll see
11:04the doctor and come right home. You play here, okay? I was still mid-sentence when he climbed into
11:08the back seat of the car. The butler tried not to hope. Master Leo, you're going to the hospital
11:14with Miss Bennett? Leo nodded. Thank God. He's finally willing to leave the house. Your depression's
11:20getting better. Just keep it slow. Relax. I took the script and the meds and left. Leo was waiting
11:26in the lobby with his small batman. Nora, are you sick? A little, kiddo. I used to skip meals a
11:36lot,
11:36so I got sick. Promise me you'll never let yourself get like that. Does it hurt? If it hurts,
11:43I can give you candy. Daddy told me candy makes you forget. My tears fell without warning. In the
11:50crane house, I'd cry and they'd call it dramatic. Small town girl. Can't handle the lifestyle.
11:59I had depression. Stop faking it to get attention. The nephew I'd raised for two years stood next to
12:07his mother on divorce day and called me ugly. And here was this four-year-old mafia heir handing me
12:12his
12:12last piece of candy. Nora, I'm going to eat every meal so I can grow up and protect you.
12:25You better grow fast, babe. When we walked out of the hospital, there was a black Maybach idling at
12:30the curb. Luca was leaning against it. Mr. Castellano, why are you here? He scooped his son
12:35into his arms. Seeing how calm and composed the boy was, his eyes suddenly reddened. The butler called,
12:41said Leo went out with you. I had to see it. Dad, as long as I'm with Nora, you can
12:46stop worrying.
12:48I know. That night, he tried to raise my pay again. This time, a black card. I refused so hard,
12:55he laughed. Noia, there must be something you want. Could you help me find a used car?
13:035,000 or below, so I can take Leo out without depending on 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. But this time,
13:29my 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. I'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, my ex-husband. He 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. My stomach knotted on contact.
14:18Sebastian and I had met in college. He came from one of those Wall Street elite families.
14:23The golden boy of high finance. He'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.
14:40Cook, laundry, cleaning. I 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. I screamed. I 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. Stopped coming home.
15:10My depression cratered.
15:11I filed for divorce. He thought it was a bluff.
15:14His family told him, don't let her win.
15:17He had his lawyer draft papers.
15:19I walked out with nothing. Signed them in seven seconds.
15:22Four years of dating. Three years of marriage. Done.
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. Use 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. The 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. I'm not interested.
16:15On the drive home, a new number called.
16:17Connor.
16:18The nephew I'd raised for two years.
16:20I'd block the rest of the cranes.
16:22Not him.
16:23Kids didn't pick their parents.
16:25Hey, Con.
16:26Nora!
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.
16:33Nora.
16:34Sebastian 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.
16:44I always said it.
16:46You'll never rise above your roots.
16:47Trash dressed in silk.
16:49I hung up.
16:49Blocked her.
16:50Pulled 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.
17:02Here.
17:03Tissue.
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?
17:11Nora.
17:12I'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.
17:29Can I come in?
17:30Luca.
17:31I was fresh out of the shower.
17:33Hair wet.
17:34Robe 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, then immediately to the wall, like he'd been caught.
17:54The clothes in your closet, you 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, truly.
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.
18:43Mr. Castellano, I 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 suns required.
20:17Would you come with me?
20:20Me?
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,
20:49She doesn't know how to act in public.
20:50Don't let her embarrass us.
20:52Stand next to me.
20:54That's all.
20:54Luca's brow eased.
20:56If you want, I can make the gossipers shut up for good.
20:59The butler chimed in, beaming.
21:01Miss Bennett, you don't need to know the rules.
21:05The don is the rules.
21:06Hard to argue with that.
21:08The next afternoon, a design team showed up at the mansion.
21:11Five people.
21:12Most of them flown in from Paris.
21:14Hair, makeup, dress, jewelry.
21:17They huddled and debated each detail for 20 minutes at a stretch.
21:21By the time Luca came home, I was starting to feel sick about how much was on me.
21:26He walked in, saw me.
21:28His eyes did something.
21:30A brief flash.
21:31Almost stunned.
21:33Before he caught himself.
21:34Daddy.
21:35Look how pretty Nora is.
21:38Call her mom.
21:39Leo turned his head and harrumphed.
21:41Wouldn't say it.
21:42I patted his hair.
21:44It's okay.
21:45I like Nora.
21:46Makes me feel young.
21:48The event was a charity gala at the plaza.
21:51Every major name in New York was there.
21:53Old money.
21:53Bigger money.
21:54Political faces.
21:56A few faces I recognized from the papers, and a few I knew not to recognize at all.
22:01They orbited Luca immediately.
22:03Conversations started landing on me.
22:05Mr. Castellino.
22:07Who's the beautiful lady?
22:08I jumped in to save him.
22:11I'm a friend of Mr. Castellino's.
22:14My wife.
22:16Nora.
22:17The room shifted.
22:18A chorus of polite gasps.
22:20Compliments raining down.
22:22My face went hot to my collarbone.
22:25Luca squeezed my hand.
22:26Leaned in.
22:27Nora.
22:28Is being my wife really that embarrassing?
22:31You couldn't say it?
22:32Bourbon and cedar on his breath.
22:34No.
22:35No.
22:36I just...
22:37I didn't want to embarrass you.
22:39His eyes darkened.
22:40Nora.
22:41He looked at me like he was lighting something on fire.
22:43Only a weak man is embarrassed by his wife.
22:45I had to look away.
22:46I'll grab a drink.
22:47I bolted.
22:48I'd been hiding by the champagne tower for about 90 seconds when...
22:53Nora?
22:56There was no date.
22:58Just him.
22:59Had it Luca said plus ones required?
23:01Sebastian's face was pure stunned.
23:04It is you.
23:06I almost didn't recognize you.
23:13I've never seen you look like this.
23:16I stepped back.
23:17Stay away from me.
23:18Nora.
23:19About my sister's call.
23:21That wasn't me.
23:22I'd never authorized that.
23:23Truth is, I only agreed to the divorce to teach you a lesson.
23:26Bratty wife.
23:27Needed reminding.
23:28I never actually planned to let you go.
23:30Apologize to my mom and my sister.
23:34We'll remarry.
23:35I'll forget the rest.
23:40Crane, Capitol is bleeding right now.
23:43I'm slammed.
23:44Stop making things hard for me.
23:45He reached for my hand.
23:47The Sebastian special.
23:48One slap.
23:50One kiss.
23:50He'd run me on that loop for three years.
23:53I'm not the Nora he married anymore.
23:55I yanked back.
23:57Sebastian.
23:58Divorced means divorced.
23:59I'd rather sleep under the Brooklyn pleerage than wear your last name again.
24:03Find someone else for that throne.
24:04Still stubborn.
24:05You haven't suffered enough.
24:08Crawl find me when you've actually been broken.
24:12That's when Luca started walking toward us.
24:14Sebastian's whole posture changed.
24:17Nora.
24:18We'll talk later.
24:19There's a heavyweight I need to corner.
24:21Don't get in the way.
24:23Plastered on his best smile.
24:25And intercepted Luca with a business card already out.
24:28My Don.
24:29I'm Sebastian Crane.
24:30Crane Capital.
24:32I'd like to talk about the mandate you pulled.
24:36Five years.
24:37Crane at Capitol ran the books on every fund Castellino Holdings put on the street.
24:41Then you cut us out overnight.
24:44If we fell short, tell me where.
24:47Whatever you need, I'll make it right.
24:49Sebastian.
24:50Sebastian, half bowed.
24:51Luca's eyes went past him, straight to me.
24:54Nora.
24:54What do you think?
24:56Should I give him a second chance?
24:58Sebastian's smile froze.
25:01Nora?
25:02What does she have to do with...
25:03Mr. Castelloni.
25:05You should know.
25:06Nora is my ex-wife.
25:08I don't know how she got in here tonight.
25:09Probably trying to ambush me into wrecking elitiation.
25:12She's just a housewife.
25:13Pay her no mind.
25:14Luca didn't even glance at him.
25:17Nora.
25:18Your call.
25:19I'll follow your lead.
25:23I kept my voice flat.
25:24Mr. Crane just asked me not to interfere in his business conversation.
25:28I'd hate to interfere.
25:30Sebastian flared.
25:31A man's business is none of your concern.
25:34Of course.
25:34Small town instincts.
25:36Luca's voice came in cold and final.
25:38Then I'd assume my wife doesn't approve of Crane Capital.
25:41Mr. Crane.
25:43We'll have to pass.
25:44His arms slid around my shoulders.
25:46He turned us toward the bar.
25:48Sebastian was still standing there.
25:50Brain catching up.
25:51Then a man in a tuxedo brushed past him.
25:53Crane.
25:55You insulted Don's wife.
25:57You stepped on a live mine.
25:59That's the only woman who's ever been on his arm in 20 years.
26:03Castellano's wife?
26:05Impossible.
26:06The woman's a nanny in the Castellano house.
26:08Sebastian had seen Nora at the farmer's market.
26:11Driving the cheap car.
26:12Carrying a lobster for the brat.
26:14He knew what he saw.
26:15A fancy dress didn't make a duchess.
26:17The man shook his head and walked off.
26:20Some idiots won't listen.
26:22Let them die.
26:24That night, Luca bid on a Picasso study.
26:27And three pieces of war era jewelry.
26:29180 million in collectibles.
26:32Donated to the children's hospital under my name.
26:35After that, the gala turned into a receiving line.
26:37Mrs. Castellano, there's a small tea at my place next week.
26:42Would you grace us?
26:43Mrs. Castellano, my husband is bidding on a Castellano project.
26:47Just a quiet word to the Don.
26:49I'd never been on this side of a room.
26:50I drank three glasses to keep my hands steady.
26:53Luca intercepted on the fourth.
26:55Apologies, everyone.
26:55My wife isn't a drinker.
26:58I'll take hers.
26:59He drank.
27:00Then he drank for me three more times.
27:03By the time we slid into his Rolls Royce, we were both lit.
27:07I glanced out the window.
27:08Sebastian was on the curb, watching us.
27:11Mouth curled in that ugly little smirk, like I was the punchline.
27:15I closed the curtain.
27:16Turned to Luca.
27:17Mr. Castellano, thank you.
27:19For tonight.
27:20For what you did with Sebastian.
27:24His voice came out low, soft around the edges.
27:28Nora.
27:29We're husband and wife.
27:31Stop thanking me.
27:33We're a paper husband and wife.
27:36You didn't have to.
27:37His arm lifted.
27:39Long fingers tilted my chin up.
27:41His thumb brushed slow against my jaw.
27:43Nora.
27:44What if I don't want a paper marriage anymore?
27:47He was too close.
27:49His face was carved out of something dangerous.
27:51Eyes blown black.
27:52Heat from his breath landed on my throat.
27:55He smelled like bourbon and that cedar cologne.
27:58And something underneath that was just him.
28:01The most controlled man in New York was looking at my mouth like he wanted it.
28:07Mr. Castellano, you've had too much.
28:14You're right, I'm sorry.
28:15I had too much.
28:16The rest of the ride was silence.
28:18A heavy, humming silence with my pulse loud in my ears.
28:27Leo saved me.
28:28He sprinted at the front door with his picture book.
28:32I scooped him up and ran upstairs before I had to look Luca in the face again.
28:38I tucked Leo in, then opened my laptop and started scrolling job boards.
28:42Sebastian was right about one thing.
28:44My Ivy League degree shouldn't be wasted by itting in a mansion playing house.
28:49I'd done that marriage already.
28:51Stayed home.
28:52Made myself small.
28:53The minute he didn't need me, he tossed me into the street with nothing.
28:57I'd be damned if I let that happen twice.
28:59While Leo needed me, I had a place here.
29:02The day he didn't, what was I?
29:05Though I'm not ready to go back to work yet, physically or mentally.
29:08But knowing the market, updating a resume, that couldn't hurt.
29:12Then my phone lit up.
29:13A text, from Luca.
29:18The butler did the coffee, always.
29:21And the first rule of this house was don't go to the third floor.
29:24I ground a fresh espresso anyway.
29:26Then I stood at the bottom of the staircase, hesitated.
29:30Was this a test?
29:31Did the last applicant get launched out a window after being summoned upstairs?
29:36Was this revenge for the car?
29:37I called him.
29:40Mr. Castellana, coffee's here.
29:42Come down for it?
29:44Bring it up.
29:45I hit the record button on my phone.
29:47Caught it.
29:48If he tried anything sketchy, I had proof.
29:52I climbed the stairs.
29:54Knocked.
29:55Come in.
29:56I pushed the door open and forgot how to breathe.
30:02He'd just gotten out of the shower.
30:04Black silk robe, loosely tied at the waist.
30:06A drop slid from his jaw, down his throat, into the open robe.
30:11Bathhouse art.
30:12Renaissance painting.
30:14Holy hell.
30:15He took the coffee.
30:17His fingertips dragged across mine on purpose.
30:21That scared of me?
30:22Nora, am I a monster?
30:26Nora.
30:30From now on, you can come into my room whenever you want.
30:33My face still burned.
30:35The rules of this house and the rules of my heart were both breaking.
30:39I woke up the next morning with a sore throat.
30:42Sneezing.
30:43Of course.
30:44Wet hair.
30:45Late night.
30:45Fancy dress.
30:46Too much champagne.
30:48I shuffled downstairs in sweats, expecting the empty great room.
30:52Lupa was on the couch.
30:53Black turtleneck.
30:54Wire frame glasses.
30:56The combination should be illegal.
30:58Morning.
31:00He set the paper down.
31:01You're sick.
31:03A little.
31:04The back of his hand landed on my forehead, calm, practiced, like he did it every morning.
31:09I went stiff as a board.
31:11Not bad.
31:13I'll grab some Therafex.
31:14You'll be fine.
31:15He guided me to the couch like I was made of glass.
31:17Walked to the kitchen.
31:19A six-foot-something Mafia Don, stirring a packet of cold medicine into a mug.
31:24Usually, a Don would poison the drink instead.
31:27I caught myself wondering what kind of woman Leo's mother had been to deserve a man like
31:31this.
31:41I drank the Theraflu and slunk back to bed.
31:43I didn't want to be in his way, so I just dozed off when an unknown number rang.
31:52Nora.
31:53It's me.
31:54Sebastian.
31:54I started to hang up.
31:56Don't.
31:57I'm parked outside the Castellani Gate.
31:59Come out or I'll be at the front door.
32:01Up to you.
32:02I did not want him at the door.
32:03I did not want my past laid out on Luca's marble entryway like roadkill.
32:08Sebastian intercepted me on the sidewalk.
32:10Nora.
32:11How long is this stunt going on for?
32:13Mrs. Crane working as a nanny?
32:16You don't feel humiliated, but I do.
32:19I'm not doing anything to you, Sebastian.
32:21Stop the act.
32:22You dressed up last night to make me jealous.
32:26Fine.
32:26I'll admit it.
32:27After you left, I missed you a little.
32:30Here's the deal.
32:31Apologize to my mom and my sister.
32:33We remarry.
32:34You can stop scrubbing floors for strangers.
32:38Sebastian.
32:40I didn't do anything wrong.
32:41What am I apologizing for?
32:44You still don't see the problem?
32:48You haven't been beaten down enough.
32:50I was about to fire back when a small, round cannonball blew past me.
32:53Leo.
32:54When he saw a strange man hassling me, he did not hesitate.
32:57My mom didn't do anything wrong.
32:59My mom is the best mom in the whole world.
33:02He glared up at him like a furious cherub, protecting me.
33:06Something cracked open in my chest.
33:08I pulled him in tight.
33:10Kid, what did you just call her?
33:12Isn't she your nanny?
33:14You're a nanny.
33:16Your whole family is a nanny.
33:18Nora is my mom.
33:19My best mom.
33:21He pulled back, anxious.
33:23I nodded.
33:24My eyes were wet again.
33:26Nora.
33:27You'll be my mom, right?
33:29I'll be so good.
33:31I promise.
33:33Leo.
33:34I am your mom's sweetheart.
33:36He squeezed me tighter and refused to let go.
33:39Sebastian's face twisted into a slow, ugly smile.
33:43Oh, I see it now.
33:46Nora.
33:47You're putting a child up to it.
33:49You're playing the long game on Castelloni.
33:52He grabbed my arm.
33:54Listen.
33:55Castorano isn't a man you scam.
33:58He's known for ice in his veins.
34:00He finds out you're using his son to angle for him.
34:03He'll bury you in the East River.
34:04A warm hand landed on my waist.
34:07I hadn't heard him come outside.
34:09Luca.
34:10He pulled me into him.
34:12Mr. Crane.
34:13The last time we spoke, you insulted my wife.
34:16That's why I pulled the mandate.
34:18I was planning to tell the other firms on the street that this was personal.
34:21They could keep doing business with Crane Epapital.
34:24After today, I don't think I need to.
34:27Castellano.
34:28What, you wife?
34:30Who's your wife?
34:31Mr. Crane.
34:33Are you really still confused?
34:35Or are you only capable of believing what you want to believe?
34:38Nora is my wife.
34:40The mother of my son.
34:43Send him off.
34:45Luca turned to the butler at the door.
34:46If anyone like this bothers Mrs. Castellano again, have my men throw him out.
34:51He took Leo with one arm, wrapped the other around me, walked us inside.
34:56The second the door closed, I peeled out of Luca's arm.
34:59Awkward as hell.
35:01I took Leo upstairs to my room.
35:04Leo, where were you all morning?
35:07I didn't see you all day.
35:09Don't even ask.
35:11Dad sent me to preschool.
35:13What?
35:14You preschool?
35:16He said he didn't want you working too hard.
35:20He said he needed alone time with you.
35:25Why does he need alone time with me?
35:28Dad said he had to make you fall in love with him.
35:31Otherwise, you might leave us.
35:33Leo was four sentences into his report when Luca appeared in the doorway.
35:38Leo, downstairs.
35:40Dinner.
35:41Stop bothering your mother.
35:42My whole face hot.
35:44Mom, I'll be back to keep you company in a bit.
35:48He scampered out.
35:49Luca didn't leave.
35:51He walked in.
35:53Feeling better?
35:54I looked sideways.
35:56Mr. Castellano, thank you for what you did.
35:59Please don't ruin a business decision for me.
36:03I'm really not worth it.
36:05Not worth what?
36:08What you did out there.
36:11Nora, I told you.
36:13You're my wife.
36:15Protecting you is my job.
36:18But-
36:18Stop calling this a paper marriage.
36:22Nora, I want a real one.
36:24I had not expected him to swing this hard, this fast.
36:28My face went up in flames.
36:30I'll give you time.
36:31Take whatever you need.
36:33But right now, I want to collect just a little husband privilege.
36:37Before I could form a coherent thought, he leaned in.
36:40A long, warm hand cradled my cheek.
36:42Can I?
36:43I didn't say a word.
36:46I'll take this as consent.
36:48Then his lips crashed against mine, hard and ruthless.
36:51His tongue swept into my mouth, stealing the air from my lungs.
36:55Right.
36:56This was how a mafia boss kissed.
36:58Cold.
36:59Merciless.
37:00Taking whatever he wanted.
37:01The kiss lasted so long, my mind went blank by the time he finally pulled away.
37:06He rubbed his thumb over my swollen lips.
37:09My little princess, that's enough for today.
37:16Next time, I won't let you off so easily.
37:20Leo got hauled to preschool again the next morning, under protest.
37:24My cold was almost gone.
37:26Luca asked if I wanted to see a movie.
37:28After everything that had happened, I thought about it.
37:30We were married on paper.
37:32If something real was going to grow there, that wasn't the worst outcome.
37:36He had a private media room on the third floor.
37:39It was my first time entering other room in third floor.
37:42Before that, he showed me his collection room.
37:45One entire wall was covered in cold weapons.
37:48Daggers, knives, blades of every kind.
37:50Honestly, it was breathtaking.
37:53I was still standing there staring at the wall when he stepped up behind me and fastened a necklace around
37:58my neck.
37:59Another snake.
38:00Exactly like the tattoo on his body.
38:02A little gift.
38:04Don't reject it.
38:06Then he took my hand and led me into the media room.
38:09He put on a French romance film.
38:11Slow, elegant kisses on the screen.
38:13Mixed with far less elegant sounds in the background.
38:16Luca leaned closer, his voice brushing against my ear.
38:23I closed my eyes, my fingers tightening around the snake pendant, like a girl being offered up as a sacrifice.
38:31His body covered mine as his mouth came down on mine.
38:35Soft at first.
38:36Careful.
38:37One hand slid gently around my throat.
38:39Then the kiss deepened.
38:41Rougher.
38:42Heavier.
38:42The kind that stole every thought from my head.
38:45He pulled off the white tank top.
38:47And for the first time, I saw the snake tattoo stretched across his chest.
38:51One of the snake's eyes was a scar.
38:54I leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss against it.
38:57I felt his breathing stop for a second.
39:00Then he pushed me down onto bed.
39:02I could feel the hard heat of him against me.
39:04Soon, the room filled with ragged breathing.
39:07That night, I offered myself to a mafia boss.
39:10After all the hot, chaotic moans, he kept me tucked against my chest.
39:15He slid a glossy stack of brochures into my hand.
39:18Nora.
39:19Pick a wedding planner.
39:21I owe you a real wedding.
39:25You don't have to.
39:27The Dawn's wife should carry that honor forever.
39:29I want every person in this city to know Nora Bennett is my wife.
39:33And I'm her husband.
39:36I only regret I didn't put it all at your feet the night you walked through that door.
39:40I laughed into his shoulder.
39:43The night I walked through that door.
39:46We didn't even know each other.
39:47How were we supposed to?
39:49Nora.
39:50The night I saw you in that doorway.
39:53I already wanted you.
39:55Our wedding was bigger than anything New York had hosted in a decade.
39:59Old families.
40:00New money.
40:01Senators.
40:02A cardinal.
40:03The mayor.
40:03We were on the front page for three days running.
40:06I scolded Luca.
40:07The butler beamed.
40:09Mrs. Castellino.
40:10The Dawn has been quiet his entire life.
40:13This is the first time he's ever been loud.
40:15Indulge him this once.
40:17I let it go.
40:18The night of the wedding, a strange number called me.
40:21My brow furrowed.
40:22Luca's long arm reached over and killed the call.
40:25His fingers tightened on my waist.
40:27Mrs. Castellino.
40:29Eyes on me.
40:30After.
40:31He was winding a strand of my hair around his finger.
40:34He cleared his throat.
40:35A little awkward.
40:36Nora.
40:38I want to tell you a secret.
40:39I made a small sleepy sound.
40:42Leo isn't my son.
40:43He's my sisters.
40:44He spoke quietly.
40:46In pieces.
40:46His parents had died when he was 13.
40:48He and his elder sister went through a dark period in this empire.
40:53Until one day, she married.
40:55Had Leo.
40:56But happiness suddenly ended.
40:57When she and her husband were killed in a shooting three years ago.
41:01Luca wiped out that whole family then.
41:04He put Leo on his own birth certificate.
41:06Quietly.
41:07So nobody could ever take him.
41:09I thought it would be Leo and me forever.
41:11Then you walked in.
41:12And nothing was the same.
41:15He kissed me again.
41:16A few months later, I walked out of the hospital alongside Leo.
41:20Mom.
41:21Dad said you weren't sick anymore.
41:23Why'd we go to the hospital?
41:26Because mom has a baby in her belly.
41:32What if it's a brother?
41:36If it's a brother, we throw him in the trash.
41:39If it's a sister, she plays with me.
41:42Out of the mouths of babes.
41:43I was laughing when a figure stepped in front of me.
41:46A man.
41:47Wild hair.
41:48Filthy coat.
41:50Hunched shoulders.
41:51I almost dug for a few bucks.
41:54Sebastian Crane.
41:56Nora?
41:58Leo planted himself in front of me on instinct.
42:01I pulled him to my side and squeezed his shoulder.
42:04Sebastian.
42:04What happened to you?
42:09Nora.
42:10Help me.
42:11You're the only one who can.
42:12All of New York knows Castelloni loves you.
42:14He'll listen to you.
42:15Please.
42:16Then I remembered what Luca had mentioned weeks back.
42:19First, the Castellano family cut all ties with Crane Capital.
42:23Then the rest of New York followed.
42:25Nobody wanted to risk losing Castellano favor.
42:27Within weeks, Sebastian's company collapsed.
42:30His sister, Cassandra, the person he trusted most, had been stealing client money for years.
42:36The moment everything fell apart, she fled to the south of France with her family.
42:40She left Sebastian alone to take the blame.
42:42Crane Capital went bankrupt overnight.
42:44Now Sebastian stood in front of me, sobbing, begging.
42:48I didn't feel anything for him.
42:50Sebastian, people are equal.
42:53Your fault, your mess, you pay for it.
42:56No one can help you.
42:58Behind me, the lobby doors slid open.
43:00Luca had just finished with my OB.
43:02He walked toward us.
43:03Nora, let's go home.
43:05We walked past Sebastian Crane like he wasn't there.
43:07Because he wasn't.
43:08Not in our life.
43:09Not anymore.
Comments