- 4 hours ago
Ditched Mafia for Model
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00My lips, my bosom, my thighs, everywhere you used to like.
00:06I said those words while straddling another man's bed,
00:09with my husband standing in the doorway, veins bulging in his neck.
00:13Jeffrey De La Cruz had the escort cut into 18 pieces and fed to the dogs.
00:21Then he asked me where he'd touched him.
00:23I told him all of it.
00:25He didn't know that eight years earlier, I'd dragged him out of a dark alley with a dislocated arm
00:31and seven men swinging machetes at his head.
00:34He didn't know I'd helped him suave every casino in New Jersey,
00:37eliminate every rival, stain my hands with blood so his could stay clean.
00:42He did know one thing, though, that I was dangerous.
00:46So when I discovered the divorce papers he'd hidden,
00:49when I went to confirm it at the courthouse on my birthday while he was busy wiping me out of
00:54his life,
00:54I made a choice.
00:56I terminated our child.
00:57He would never know existed.
00:59Then I disappeared.
01:00For weeks, he tore New Jersey apart looking for me.
01:04But no way.
01:05I wasn't coming back as his wife.
01:07Unless I was coming back as his worst mistake.
01:12After I was reborn,
01:14I spent $13 million to secure the services of Italy's most expensive male escort.
01:21The money was well spent.
01:23Jeffrey was flawless.
01:27He allowed me to experience pleasure in ways I had never imagined.
01:34The following morning, while I rode him, a familiar man suddenly showed up.
01:41It was my husband, Jeffrey de la Cruz, a mafia boss.
01:47He ordered his men to drag the escort out of the room.
01:57Then he asked coldly.
02:01Where did he touch you?
02:03My mind was foggy.
02:05My voice was languid and mocking.
02:08My lips.
02:10My bosom.
02:12My thighs.
02:16Everywhere you used to like.
02:20Rage flickered in his eyes.
02:22Veins bulged in his neck.
02:28He said.
02:30Cut him into 18 pieces.
02:34And feed him to the dogs.
02:37I stripped off my soaked clothes.
02:39I walked into the bathroom.
02:44Do whatever you want.
02:49In my previous life,
02:51I was married to him for seven years.
02:57I was known as the Scarlet Healer.
02:59I struck with deadly precision.
03:01And merciless intent.
03:04I helped him eliminate countless enemies.
03:09I stood by his side as he rose from an illegitimate nobody to the most powerful figure in the underworld.
03:15But after he inherited the family empire,
03:17he became obsessed with Amelia Melendez.
03:20A nurse working in the black market.
03:35She was a gift sent to Jeffrey's bed by a rival.
03:38She was sweet and innocent,
03:39untainted by the world's cruelty.
03:42Jeffrey took her into his private clinic.
03:44He instructed her himself on medicines and syringe handling.
03:50Then one day,
03:51I found a finalized divorce agreement in his private safe.
03:58When I confronted him,
04:00he only sneered.
04:02Amelia's too innocent for this world.
04:04He had said,
04:04Being my wife will keep her safe.
04:06You're already recognized as Mrs. de la Cruz.
04:09So why bother with the paperwork?
04:12I burst into the clinic in a fury.
04:15I slapped the syringes and medicine box out of Amelia's hands.
04:20Right in front of everyone.
04:23That night,
04:24my critically ill mother was dragged out of her hospital bed.
04:30Right in front of them.
04:32They shattered her hands.
04:36They threw her into an abandoned factory to be mauled by stray dogs.
04:44Geraldine?
04:45One of them said,
04:47This is what you get for messing with Amelia.
04:50I fell to my knees.
04:52I begged him to stop.
04:53But he was relentless.
04:55Mom passed out from the pain.
04:57She never woke again.
05:00Suddenly,
05:00I felt a warm rush between my legs.
05:03Pain tore through my abdomen.
05:05Then everything went black.
05:08When I opened my eyes again,
05:10I was back on that day when I found out about my status change.
05:13This time,
05:14I didn't make a scene.
05:16I didn't confront him.
05:18I quietly sold all the rare herbs I had secretly collected.
05:25I booked a plane tickets.
05:27All I wanted was to take mom and escape this twisted world that revolved around Jeffrey.
05:36After finding the divorce papers,
05:39I went to the courthouse with my ID.
05:46Ms. Leonard,
05:47the clerk said,
05:48The system shows you're divorced.
05:51Hearing that,
05:53I was finally sure that my past life was real.
05:59The divorce was finalized on my birthday.
06:01That day,
06:03Jeffrey was swamped with work,
06:04as usual.
06:07So I booked the city's highest revolving restaurant.
06:11I
06:11arranged for a fireworks display.
06:14I waited from sunset until way past midnight.
06:18He never showed up.
06:19It turned out he was busy signing some papers,
06:22completely wiping me out of my life.
06:25I snapped out of my thoughts.
06:27I returned to the casino.
06:35Jeffrey's black Maybach was parked by the entrance.
06:38In my last life,
06:40I had run over in hysterics to confront him.
06:43He had slammed me hard into a corner,
06:45ensuring that Amelia in the passenger seat would not witness us together.
06:51This time,
06:52I quickly stepped aside.
06:54I hid in the shadows behind a column.
07:01The car door opened.
07:03Jeffrey got out first.
07:05Jeffrey walked around to the passenger side.
07:08He opened the door himself,
07:10moving with a kind of patience and care he'd never shown before.
07:15A young woman in a pale blue dress stepped out.
07:20She looked nervous and out of place beside the luxury car.
07:23It was Amelia.
07:25Jeffrey took off his suit jacket.
07:28He draped it over her thin shoulders.
07:30Then he wrapped an arm around her waist.
07:33They headed toward the casino.
07:35Amelia stopped in her tracks.
07:37Jeff.
07:39She looked torn.
07:42You're all I have now.
07:44She said.
07:45I can't afford to take any chances.
07:48Jeffrey held her closer.
07:50His voice was full of confidence and tenderness I'd never heard before.
07:55Don't be scared.
07:57From now on,
07:58you're the mistress of this place.
08:02No one dares to mess with you.
08:08If you don't like it here,
08:10I'll build you a resort somewhere quiet.
08:12Just for you.
08:16The casino staff who had offered me their obsequious devotion were now bowing to Amelia.
08:21Their voices were loud and fawning.
08:23Nice to see you, Mrs. Delacroze!
08:26They surrounded Amelia.
08:27She looked as skittish as a frightened fawn.
08:30They walked into that flashy, evil den together, clutching my belly.
08:34I waited until they were inside.
08:36Then I staggered out from the shadows.
08:40I brushed away my tears.
08:42I was left with nothing but absolute resolve.
08:50I went to the hospital alone.
08:52I scheduled an abortion.
08:53The doctor frowned at the ultrasound screen.
08:56Mrs. Leonard,
08:57he said,
08:57your body is quite delicate.
09:01You've been unable to conceive for seven years.
09:04If you terminate this pregnancy,
09:05you might never be able to get pregnant again.
09:08I gave a faint, bitter smile.
09:10I'm divorced.
09:11I don't want my child to be born without a father.
09:14Cold fluid seeped into my veins.
09:16The anesthesia took hold.
09:18It pulled my consciousness away.
09:20In the haze,
09:21I saw flashes of the past.
09:23Jeffrey pressing his ear to my belly,
09:25smiling as he said our son would grow up to be a master gambler.
09:28He would personally teach him to read cards.
09:31He had said,
09:31our boy could also learn medicine from me.
09:34Take over the title of the scarlet healer one day.
09:37He had called a fortune teller to pick the luckiest name possible.
09:40He had held me close,
09:41promising that once he found a successor,
09:44he would take me and our child away casino,
09:47and our child away from the casino.
09:50We would travel the world as a family.
09:53All those tender memories had turned to dust.
09:56The moment he told Amelia.
09:58Only deserve to be the mistress of the casino.
10:06When I woke up,
10:07I dragged my hollow body to mom's ward.
10:10Thankfully,
10:10this time her injuries were minor.
10:12Mom would recover soon.
10:14In my past life,
10:16she had been torn apart by dogs right in front of me.
10:18This time,
10:19I wouldn't make the same mistake.
10:23I reached out to my black market contacts.
10:25I paid top dollar for two plane tickets to another country,
10:29leaving in three days.
10:31If I tried to leave through legal channels,
10:34Jeffrey would find out immediately.
10:36Then I called the only person I could still trust,
10:39Levi Wallace.
10:40I gave him a stack of cash I told him to arrange.
10:43Mom's discharge in secret.
10:47After all that,
10:48I finally let out a sigh of relief.
10:51I hailed a taxi.
10:53I gave the driver an address a few blocks away from the villa.
10:56It was a habit of mine.
10:58The casino had too many enemies.
11:00Keeping my exact location hidden was a matter of survival.
11:04But just as I stepped out of the car,
11:06a man grabbed me from behind.
11:14The man clamped a hand over my mouth.
11:17He dragged me backward.
11:18I fought with everything I had.
11:20I broke free.
11:22Only to feel a sharp blade slash across my back
11:24before I could take more than two steps.
11:26Pain exploded through me.
11:28Warm blood soaked my clothes.
11:32I didn't need to guess to know it was one of Jeffrey's enemies.
11:35The casino had swallowed up to many.
11:38Territories.
11:39Countless people wanted him and everyone closed to him dead.
11:43I reached for the knife hidden in my bag.
11:46But someone twisted my arm behind me.
11:48My phone was ripped away.
11:50Smashed to pieces.
11:56Stay still, bitch!
11:58The man snarled.
11:59He dragged me toward a waiting van.
12:03Just when despair was about to consume me,
12:05a familiar black Maybach turned the corner.
12:08It was Jeffrey's car.
12:10I summoned every ounce of strength left in me.
12:12I screamed.
12:14I struggled, desperate to make him notice.
12:18The car slowed just slightly.
12:20He saw me.
12:29But in the next instant,
12:31the Maybach accelerated past the intersection without hesitation through the window.
12:36I glimpsed him pulling Amelia into his arms,
12:39shielding her eyes from the scene outside.
12:41It was as if the woman being
12:43dragged away wasn't his wife,
12:45but something filthy and unworthy of her gaze.
12:48All the struggle drained out of me at once.
12:50Pain and cold swallowed me whole.
12:52But before the darkness took me,
12:54one thought burned clear.
12:56Good.
12:57Now I don't owe him anything anymore.
12:59Not my loyalty.
13:00Not my body.
13:02Not our child.
13:03Nothing.
13:04He had made that choice for both of us.
13:06And I had never felt lighter.
13:08Everything went dark.
13:11When I woke up,
13:13I was lying in a private ward.
13:15The door wasn't fully closed.
13:17Voices drifted in from the hallway.
13:24Mr. De La Cruz.
13:25Someone said,
13:27Mrs. De La Cruz's injuries are serious this time.
13:31If she finds out about Ms. Melendez again.
13:34It was Jeffrey's personal physician,
13:37Luciano Nunez,
13:39before he could finish.
13:40Jeffrey's cold,
13:42sharp voice cut through the air.
13:44Watch your mouth.
13:47Your job is to treat her.
13:51Nothing more.
13:52He paused.
13:54His tone was low and detached.
13:57Geraldine has been in this business for years.
13:59She's seen every kind of vicious trick.
14:02She's an expert herself.
14:03Amelia isn't like her.
14:06She's clean,
14:07like a blank slate.
14:10She would never stand a chance against Geraldine.
14:14Then,
14:15his voice dropped even lower.
14:18If she wakes up and starts causing trouble,
14:21bring her mother here.
14:26That's her only weakness left.
14:30She won't sit still if her mother's involved.
14:32I gripped the bedsheet tightly.
14:34I bit my lip until I tasted blood.
14:38That night,
14:40years ago,
14:41when I helped him take down the head of New Jersey's largest casino,
14:45he had told me something.
14:47Gary,
14:48from now on,
14:49no one in New Jersey's underworld will ever lay a hand on you.
14:58He had said the same words,
15:00made the same promise of protection,
15:02but the person he wanted to protect had changed.
15:05Once,
15:06I had been his most precious possession.
15:08Now,
15:09in his eyes,
15:10I was a dangerous,
15:12conniving woman who needed to be controlled.
15:18Footsteps approached.
15:20I shut my eyes.
15:21I pretended to have just woken up.
15:27You're awake?
15:29He said flatly.
15:31We found out that it was that Brazilian gambler
15:34who got his hand broken last time
15:36for cheating at the casino.
15:37He tossed a folder onto the bed.
15:41Sign this settlement agreement,
15:42he said.
15:44They'll give up control of Trenton.
15:49Trenton,
15:50by the sea,
15:51New Jersey's last clean,
15:53clean haven,
15:54untouched by gambling or crime.
15:57And then I remembered what he had said to Amelia.
16:01I'll build you a quiet place.
16:04He had promised her.
16:06A resort where you can relax.
16:12So all my pain and scars had just become the price he paid to build a gilded cage for his
16:16new lover.
16:21My throat burned.
16:24Jeffrey,
16:25I said.
16:28When did you make this deal?
16:30Was it the moment he saw me being dragged away?
16:34Or long before that?
16:36When he had already decided to pave the road for her with my suffering?
16:43He frowned.
16:44Clearly irritated by my question.
16:46I forced a smile.
16:48I said nothing more,
16:49the answer no longer mattered.
16:52Maybe to ease his guilt.
16:54He spent the next two days staying with me under the pretense of handling business.
17:01But his phone never left his hand.
17:03Even during meals,
17:04he would take photos to send to someone on the other end of the chat.
17:12His lips curving into a gentle smile I had never once seen before.
17:16I stared at his side profile for a moment.
17:19My mind drifted back eight years.
17:25The first time I met him wasn't at the casino.
17:29It was in a dark alley.
17:32Jeffrey had been caught cheating.
17:35Surrounded by seven or eight men with machetes.
17:38They dislocated his arm right there on the street.
17:42I stepped in.
17:43I helped him fight his way out.
17:47I dragged him back to my apartment to patch him up.
17:50Later,
17:51Dad fell deep into gambling debt.
17:53He was hunted down by drug traffickers.
17:57They killed him.
17:59They came for me next.
18:02Pressing a needle against my vein as collateral for his debt.
18:06It was Jeffrey who burst in with his men.
18:09Saving me at the last second.
18:12By then,
18:13he had taken over a small casino.
18:15He placed me behind the golden Spiro.
18:19There,
18:19I became his invisible weapon.
18:22The Scarlet Healer.
18:24I helped him swallow one casino after another.
18:27I eliminated one rival after another.
18:31I knew my hands were stained with blood that could never be washed clean.
18:37But even if the whole world thought I was filthy,
18:41he shouldn't have.
18:47After I was discharged,
18:49Jeffrey used business matters as an excuse.
18:52Jeffrey never showed up again.
18:54Tomorrow,
18:55I would be leaving.
18:58While he was away,
19:00I went back to the top floor of the casino.
19:03I retrieved my passport and several crucial identity documents from the safe.
19:09But as I stepped out of the elevator,
19:12my knees suddenly gave out.
19:14I stumbled forward.
19:16Before I could fall,
19:18a pair of slender hands caught me.
19:21Are you okay?
19:24The voice was soft and gentle.
19:27I looked up into Amelia's clear eyes.
19:31She wore a nurse's uniform from the casino's VIP clinic.
19:34But she still looked painfully out of place here.
19:38She didn't recognize me.
19:40She probably thought I was just another gambler who had lost a very thing.
19:50I'm fine, thank you.
19:52I tried to leave.
19:53But she didn't let go.
19:55Instead,
19:56she guided me toward the staff lounge.
20:05You don't look well.
20:07You should rest in the back for a while.
20:09She said.
20:09For reasons I couldn't explain.
20:11I didn't refuse.
20:13She poured me a cup of warm water.
20:16Then she pulled a pack of dried fruit and some bread from her locker.
20:20Here,
20:21eat something.
20:22Losing money's not the end of the world.
20:24Go home early.
20:26Your family's probably waiting for you.
20:29When I didn't respond,
20:31she hesitated.
20:33Then she reached into her pocket.
20:37I took the money she offered.
20:41This should cover your cab pace.
20:43She said softly.
20:47I wish I could help with your plane ticket.
20:49But I can't.
20:51Something lodged in my throat.
20:53I
20:53wanted to tell her to stay away from Jeffrey.
20:57Jeffrey.
20:57Jeffrey had no heart.
20:59His tenderness was poison wrapped in sugar.
21:02But the words died before I could speak them.
21:07If she found out who I really was.
21:10She would turn against him.
21:12And then.
21:13I would be the one responsible for her downfall.
21:17I had only one day left.
21:18I couldn't risk moms in my own lives for a moral victory.
21:22So I took the money she offered.
21:23I thanked her.
21:25I walked quickly out the back door.
21:32The moment I stepped outside.
21:35Something cold pressed hard against my temple.
21:37It was a gun barrel.
21:41I instinctively turned around.
21:43Amelia was already lying motionless on the hallway floor.
21:46I moved to react.
21:47But a sudden blow to the back of my neck sent everything into darkness.
21:51When I came to.
21:53Both Amelia and I were tied up in an abandoned warehouse.
21:56Who are you people?
21:57Why are you doing this to us?
22:00She asked.
22:05She was sobbing softly.
22:07Kieran Doyle stepped forward.
22:09He slapped her hard.
22:10To get back at your fiancee Jeffrey.
22:13He stole my Newark territory.
22:15He cut off my business.
22:19So it was the Newark gang.
22:22That territory was the one Jeffrey had recently acquired using the settlement agreement I had signed fortunately.
22:27They didn't recognize me.
22:29To them, Amelia, the woman always seen at Jeffrey's side, was the target.
22:35I began working my wrists.
22:37I used the micro blade I kept hidden under my nail to saw through the ropes.
22:42Years of living on the edge had taught me to always leave myself a way out.
22:46Kieran thought I was a gambler.
22:47He spat at me.
22:49You're just unlucky, lady.
22:52Wrong place, wrong time.
22:55Call your family.
22:57Get five million here.
22:59And we'll let you go.
23:01Amelia's tears streaked down her pale face.
23:03Mrs. Leonard, I'm so sorry for dragging you into this.
23:07She said.
23:09But don't be scared.
23:11My fiancee is powerful.
23:14He'll come for us.
23:15At the mention of Jeffrey's name, her eyes shone with unsheckable trust.
23:19I didn't say a word.
23:21I quickened the movement of the blade against the ropes.
23:28Kerian cursed at his phone when his call went unanswered.
23:31Then he kicked over a brutal drone of frustration.
23:34Damn it!
23:37Jeffrey's not picking up?
23:39Fine.
23:40Let's send him a little message to wake him up.
23:43Kerian picked up a knife from the floor.
23:45His eyes glinting with a sick grin as they swept over Amelia.
23:49I heard you two went to the hospital.
23:51You're carrying his child, aren't you?
23:57Perfect.
23:58We'll dig that little drap out and send it to him!
24:01My blood ran cold.
24:03So she was pregnant with Jeffrey's child.
24:05Amelia froze in terror.
24:06Her face drained of color.
24:09No.
24:10She whispered.
24:11Please, don't hurt my baby.
24:14The men around her laughed crudely.
24:16They reached for her.
24:20In that split second, I tore through the last of my ropes.
24:23I sprang to my feet like a cornered predator.
24:25I drove my elbow into Keran's jaw.
24:27I snatched the knife from his hand.
24:29I cut through Amelia's bindings.
24:31I shoved her behind me.
24:35I knew how to fight.
24:37But this time, I wasn't fighting for Jeffrey.
24:39I wasn't fighting for the Scarlet Healer's reputation.
24:41I was fighting because the woman behind me was pregnant.
24:45And no matter whose child it was,
24:47nobody deserved to die like this.
24:51Dammit!
24:52Keran bellowed.
24:53He was clutching his bleeding chin.
24:55Kill her!
24:55Five or six thugs rushed forward,
24:58swinging metal rods.
24:59I was quickly overwhelmed.
25:02The blows landed hard.
25:03Searing pain spread through my body.
25:06Still, I grint at my teeth.
25:11I used my body as a shield to protect Amelia in the corner.
25:15Keran lost patience.
25:16With a click, he chambered a bullet.
25:19He aimed the gun straight at me.
25:21Die, bitch!
25:23Just as he was about to pull the trigger,
25:25a deafening explosion blew open the warehouse doors.
25:31Jeffrey burst into the warehouse with his hand.
25:34Gunfire erupted instantly.
25:36Jeffrey moved like a raging lion.
25:38He charged straight toward us.
25:41Without a glance at me,
25:42he swept Amelia into his arms.
25:45It's okay, Amelia.
25:48I'm here.
25:49She gave a faint sigh.
25:50The shock finally overwhelmed her.
25:53She passed out against his chest.
25:56He carried her carefully to the car outside.
25:58He placed her gently inside.
26:00Then he turned back toward me.
26:03Geraldine, why are you here?
26:06His voice was cold as steel.
26:09I forced myself upright through the pain.
26:11I met his glare with a bitter smile.
26:14Before I could finish,
26:15his hand cracked across my face.
26:18You think I planned this?
26:22The blow sent me crashing to the floor.
26:25Blood filled my mouth.
26:28I knew it.
26:29He snarled.
26:29You've been trying to get rid of Amelia all along, haven't you?
26:34I spat blood onto the ground.
26:36I didn't.
26:38Jeffrey grabbed a wounded man nearby.
26:40Who hired you?
26:40Jeffrey pressed a gun to his head.
26:42The thug trembled.
26:44He darted a terrified glance at me,
26:46as if clinging to his last hope.
26:54My entire body went cold.
26:57My veins felt like they had turned to ice.
26:59Jeffrey's lips curled into a cruel smile.
27:02Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger.
27:05The man's body hit the ground with a dull thud.
27:08Jeffrey stepped over him.
27:09He crouched down.
27:10He ground his heel onto my hand.
27:13Pain shot through me.
27:15His tone carried a hint of mockery.
27:17Almost pity.
27:18These hands used to obey me so well.
27:21Why are they hurting the person I love most?
27:24He pulled out a dagger.
27:26Its blade gleamed with a cold, deadly sheen.
27:29I told you to never touch what's mine, Geraldine.
27:32The bullet came down in a flash of silver.
27:35My breath stopped.
27:36The knife drove straight through my palm,
27:39pinning my hand to the concrete floor.
27:40A scream tore from my throat.
27:42Pain whipped through every nerve.
27:44Blinded in its skin.
27:46My body convulsed uncontrollably.
27:48Darkness edged at my vision.
27:50Through the agony, I found my voice again.
27:56Jeffrey!
27:57Eight years ago, I should have left you to die in that alley.
28:01I should have never helped you get where you are!
28:05And with that, he destroyed whatever humanity still lingered between us.
28:09He gave a short, contemptuous snort.
28:12He turned away.
28:14Without another look, he left the warehouse.
28:17His men followed close behind.
28:21When the numbness finally dulled the pain,
28:24I used my left hand to reach into my bra.
28:27I pulled out a small, hidden tracker.
28:30My fingers trembled as I pressed the signal.
28:33Levi arrived quickly.
28:35The moment he saw me, his eyes filled with horror.
28:39He carefully pulled the knife from my hand.
28:42But my right palm was already mangled beyond recognition.
28:47Completely numb.
28:49Levi reached for my hand.
28:51I pulled back.
28:54Don't.
28:55My voice didn't shake.
28:56If he wanted me dead, I'd be dead already.
28:59He chose to leave me here.
29:03That was his mistake.
29:05In my past life, I had begged him not to touch other women.
29:09This time?
29:10He could cut that escort into 18 pieces.
29:13But he couldn't cut away what I'd already chosen to become.
29:16And he never would.
29:25My voice was faint, but steady.
29:28Filled with cold resolve.
29:31Set the place on fire, I told Levi.
29:33Erase every trace of me.
29:36From this day forward, there is no more the scarlet healer of New Jersey.
29:41The flames climbed high into the night sky.
29:46Somewhere across the city.
29:48Jeffrey de la Cruz was probably holding Amelia in his arms.
29:53Telling her she was safe.
29:55He would never know what happened here tonight.
29:57He would spend weeks.
29:58Months.
29:59Tearing this city apart.
30:01Looking for a ghost.
30:02Let him look.
30:04The scarlet healer didn't disappear.
30:07She just stopped being his weapon.
30:20And for the first time in eight years, she was free.
30:28Jeffrey stayed by Amelia's bedside in the VIP ward.
30:32Until she finally woke.
30:34Amelia's voice was faint.
30:36Trembling with the fear of someone who had barely escaped death.
30:41Jeff.
30:42He held her gently.
30:43He brushed the cold sweat from her forehead with his thumb.
30:47He said,
30:49It's my fault.
30:51I should have done a better job protecting you.
30:53I am sorry for what you've been through.
30:58Amelia shook her head weakly.
31:00Then she seemed to remember something.
31:03Where is that lady?
31:05How is she?
31:07Jeffrey's gaze darkened for a moment.
31:09Then he looked away.
31:11You're too kind.
31:12He said.
31:13I won't let anything happen to you again.
31:15He stroked her back soothingly.
31:16Until she drifted off to an uneasy sleep.
31:19Then, his expression hardened.
31:22He gave his next order.
31:27Clean out the villa on the hillside.
31:30Throw out everything that shouldn't be there.
31:33Amelia will be moving in once she's discharged.
31:37One of his men nodded.
31:39He handed Jeffrey a document.
31:41He said.
31:42This is the compensation agreement for Mrs. Leonard.
31:44As you requested.
31:46Two casinos and 20% of the company's shares have been transferred to her name.
31:51It's enough for her to start her own operation.
31:54Jeffrey gave a short nod.
32:00He said.
32:02Send it to her.
32:03Have her sign it.
32:04To him.
32:04This was already a grand gesture.
32:07An act of mercy and closure.
32:14After eight years by his side.
32:16He thought I should have known my place.
32:20But a day passed.
32:23And I won't reply to him.
32:30Jeffrey dialed my number himself.
32:32But there was no answer.
32:34He called the butler at the villa.
32:38Where's Mrs. Delacruz?
32:40Hasn't she come home?
32:42Mrs. Delacruz never returned.
32:47A flicker of unise stirred beneath Jeffrey's growing irritation.
32:51He must be at a loss.
32:53Aside from staying by his side.
32:56Where else in New Jersey could someone like me go?
32:58One of his men cautiously spoke up.
33:02Mr. Delacruz.
33:03Could it be that Mrs. Leonard is still in the hospital?
33:06He said.
33:09She was pretty badly hurt last time.
33:11Jeffrey froze for a moment.
33:13He remembered that he had driven the blade through.
33:16My palm just two days ago.
33:23He pushed down the unise in his chest.
33:26He ordered his men.
33:28Find out which hospital she's in.
33:31Bring her the papers and have her sign them.
33:36The subordinate took the file.
33:39Lacemu.
33:39But he was stopped before leaving.
33:41When you find her.
33:43Leave two men to keep watch.
33:45She's unpredictable.
33:47If she tries anything against Amelia.
33:51Deal with her mother first.
33:54Let her suffer a little if you have to.
33:57Jeffrey said.
33:59She'll get the message.
34:04That night.
34:05Jeffrey returned to the top floor of the casino.
34:09This used to be his and my private haven.
34:16Beyond the vast floor-to-ceiling windows stretched New Jersey's most dazzling nightscape.
34:26Neon lights flickered beneath a sky full of inverted stars.
34:30I used to stand beside him.
34:33Point down at the skyline.
34:34Laugh.
34:35This is our empire, I would say.
34:38But now.
34:39He yanked off his tie.
34:41He tossed it aside.
34:43Irritation burned through him.
34:47Until a faint noise came from the bedroom.
34:51Is Geraldine back already?
34:54That's right.
34:56He thought.
34:57Where else can she go?
35:00In his eyes.
35:01With my temper.
35:03Returning quietly never meant surrender.
35:06It meant I was plotting something.
35:11Either I was here to make a scene.
35:14Or I had a plan.
35:16And Amelia was my target.
35:21His eyes turned cold.
35:23He strode to the door.
35:25He pushed it open.
35:29Neon light spilled in through the windows.
35:31Outlining a slim, graceful silhouette.
35:34But when she turned.
35:36His voice dropped to ice.
35:39Who told you to come here?
35:45Amelia flinched.
35:47A delicate nail charm trembled between her fingers.
35:51Jeff.
35:53Her voice shook.
35:55I just wanted to look around.
35:58The guards said no one lived here anymore.
36:05Please don't blame them.
36:08Jeffrey's gaze fell on the nail piece in her hand.
36:11It was one of mine.
36:14Razor thin.
36:16Deceptively beautiful.
36:18Designed to slice through flesh or even sheet metal.
36:22Every piece I wore.
36:24The earrings.
36:25The hairpins.
36:26Even the lipstick.
36:28Could be.
36:28Could be a hidden weapon.
36:31The scarlet healer had never been just a name for the gambling table.
36:36For a moment, the fury in Jeffrey's chest softened as he looked into Amelia's uneasy eyes.
36:42He stepped forward.
36:44He pulled her gently into his arms.
36:51I'm not angry.
36:52He said.
36:52It's just that these things belong to my late wife.
36:58If you like them, I'll have new ones made for you.
37:03Amelia looked up.
37:05Her eyes shimmered with emotion.
37:12It seemed she hadn't chosen the wrong man after all.
37:15Someone who could be so devoted to his late wife would surely make a good husband and father.
37:21In the early hours of the morning, a shrill phone ring shattered the silence.
37:25It woke Jeffrey.
37:29The voice on the other end was tense panicked.
37:35Mr. Delacruz.
37:36Mrs. Delacruz is gone.
37:39We checked every hospital in New Jersey, but she's nowhere to be found.
37:44You should have a look at her old medical records.
37:47She knew about the divorce.
37:50She found out a while ago.
37:52She even went to the courthouse to confirm it.
37:57Amelia woke to the sharp sting of cigarette smoke.
38:01When she walked into the living room, the floor was littered with cigarette butts.
38:07Did something happen at the casino?
38:09She asked softly.
38:10Jeffrey came to himself.
38:12But unlike usual, he didn't bother to put out the cigarette.
38:15It's nothing.
38:16He rasped.
38:18Just a small issue at work.
38:23It's handled.
38:25He didn't realize how bloodshot his eyes were, or how utterly drained he looked.
38:31His men had told him that I had gone to a hospital for an abortion.
38:36That day was the same day he had brought Amelia to the casino.
38:40Parading her through the empire he and I had built together, as if to announce its new queen.
38:47And while he was doing that, I had been lying alone on an operating table, killing their child.
38:52Outside, dawn crept in, its pale light illuminating Amelia's delicate, spotless face.
38:58It was a stark contrast to the blood-stained woman who had dared to erase his bloodline.
39:05He thought, perhaps it was for the best.
39:08They were divorced anyway.
39:12Jeffrey comforted himself.
39:14If Geraldine wanted to walk away, he would let her.
39:18It would only save him the trouble.
39:20It's fine.
39:22He muttered.
39:23Jeffrey crushed the last of the cigarettes.
39:28I'll take a shower.
39:31He stepped into the bathroom.
39:37He called one of his men.
39:40Clear out those bastards from Trenton.
39:44Not one stays alive.
39:47Do it clean.
39:49Feed what's left to the sharks at the port.
39:52Amelia soon moved into the villa, becoming the new mistress in name.
39:59Jeffrey had tailored gowns and jewelry made for her.
40:05He even arranged a comfortable, respectable position for her at the casino.
40:16But with each passing day, an indescribable exhaustion began to seep into his bones.
40:24Every time he came back from the blood and chaos outside, facing Amelia's innocent, unblemished eyes made him feel as
40:32if he were being split in half.
40:38Half of him was the ruthless king of New Jersey's underworld, cold, commanding, and merciless.
40:50The other half was just a facade, a polished mask of the successful businessman, just the way she imagined him
40:57to be.
41:05Just then, he thought of me only with me could he be himself.
41:16Just I had never feared the darkness in him.
41:20I had aided him in plotting, executing, and wiping out their enemies with ruthless efficiency.
41:32A gold-embossed invitation to the Grand Casino Championship for Jersey sat on his desk, addressed to him and his
41:39wife.
41:41Once upon a time, he wouldn't have even glanced at it.
41:48With me beside him, every gambling table had been just another stage for their joint conquest, another game they always
41:54won.
41:56But now, he couldn't even remember the last time he had sat at a table.
42:04Years spent expanding his territory,
42:09hiding behind power and blood money,
42:12had dulled the edge of his skill.
42:16Even when he humored Amelia with a few rounds, it felt like playing cards with a child.
42:23He had developed a habit of returning alone to the top floor of the casino late at night, there, he
42:28could think of our past.
42:31He had once saved me from drug traffickers.
42:34Given me shelter.
42:36But after that, I had been the one saving him.
42:40Winning key battles, eliminating rivals, staining my hands with blood so his wouldn't have to.
42:46What we had shared had never been charity.
42:49It had been survival, to predators walking side by side through hell.
42:57Without me, there would be no Jeffrey.
43:02So why had I turned on her?
43:04Was it because her hands were stained with blood?
43:08Or was it because of the rare moments when she showed her dependence and temper that started to make me
43:13resent her?
43:14But why did those same traits in Amelia stir tenderness instead of contempt?
43:18It felt as if something had clamped around his heart and twisted hard,
43:23sending a sharp, splintering pain through his chest.
43:30He rose to his feet in a rush.
43:32No.
43:34I had to find Geraldine.
43:36The Golden Sparrow couldn't exist without its true queen.
43:40And he couldn't exist without me.
43:46Turn New Jersey upside down if you have to!
43:50He barked into the phone.
43:51Find Geraldine!
43:54I want her found!
43:56Dead or alive!
43:58Mr. Delacruz, we've searched everywhere.
44:01His man replied.
44:02Even the hospitals, docks, and underground clinics.
44:06But there's no trace of her.
44:08Find her mother then!
44:10Jeffrey roared.
44:12Jeffrey slammed his fist on the desk.
44:15That sickly woman was hurt last time.
44:19She must be in a hospital somewhere.
44:22Grab her!
44:23I don't believe Geraldine will stay hidden if her mother's in danger!
44:28Jeffrey slammed the phone down.
44:31Jeffrey's chest heaved.
44:33The veins at his temple pulsing in barely contained fury.
44:38Jeff?
44:38Amelia's timid voice came from the doorway.
44:43Who are you looking for?
44:46He turned sharply.
44:48The fury in his eyes made her flinch.
44:51Taking a deep breath, he forced his voice low.
44:58It's just business matters.
45:01You don't need to worry.
45:04Amelia stepped closer.
45:05Her hands clasped nervously.
45:09I made you some dessert, she said softly.
45:14It'll help with the stress.
45:16Jeffrey took a bite.
45:18Jeffrey said nothing.
45:20It was sweet.
45:21Cloyingly so.
45:22Just like her.
45:28But that sugary softness couldn't come close to drowning out the restless storm churning inside him.
45:35Half a month passed.
45:37He still didn't find the trace of me or my mother.
45:41Meanwhile, in a quiet foreign city my right hand still wasn't strong enough for heavy things.
45:47But after several surgeries and rounds of rehab, I could at least manage the lighter ones.
45:56Levi sat across from me.
45:59Watching me peel an orange with my left hand.
46:07Progress.
46:08He said.
46:10I didn't answer.
46:12I just placed half of the orange on a plate.
46:17I slid it toward him.
46:20Some things didn't need words.
46:25Jeffrey's temper had grown increasingly volatile.
46:30Everyone at the casino walked on eggshells around him.
46:34Jeffrey couldn't understand how a gravely injured woman and her frail mother vanished right under his nose.
46:42That night, he was on the top floor again.
46:46Drunk out of his mind when Amelia arrived.
46:49One of his men was still giving a report.
46:51Jeffrey cursed.
46:53He grabbed the nearest bottle.
46:55He hurled it across the room.
46:57The man fell silent immediately.
47:01He fled when he saw Amelia at the door she pushed down her unnies.
47:05She stepped closer to help him up.
47:09Jeff.
47:10Why are you drinking so much again?
47:12Let me help you back to bed.
47:14His unfocused eyes lifted.
47:17Suddenly he grabbed her wrist.
47:19His voice cracked.
47:20Hoarse and pleading.
47:21Jerry.
47:22Don't go.
47:24Don't go.
47:24I was wrong.
47:25Come back to me.
47:26Amelia froze.
47:28Jeffrey obviously told her I was dead.
47:31She looked around the room, the vanity, the wardrobe, the knitstand, and realized there wasn't a single photo to be
47:37found.
47:39What kind of man, who claimed to have loved his wife, kept not even a picture of her.
47:48The next day, Jeffrey took her to a prenatal checkup.
47:53On the drive back, Amelia ventured tentatively.
48:01Jeff, when will we have our wedding?
48:05Jeff?
48:05If we wait much longer, I won't be able to hide my pregnancy.
48:09In the past, Jeffrey would have been ecstatic.
48:12But now, irritation prickled beneath his skin.
48:17I'm too busy with casino affairs right now.
48:20He muttered.
48:21We'll talk about it later.
48:24Amelia lowered her head.
48:27If it's too much trouble for you, she said quietly, I can leave.
48:34He was silent for a few seconds, then he sighed.
48:39Don't overthink it.
48:40Once the casino matters are settled at the end of the month, we'll have our wedding.
48:45Back at the casino, while Jeffrey was in a meeting, Amelia slipped into the records room.
48:53The guards didn't dare stop her.
48:56She searched through file after file, but she found no document related to me.
49:06Mrs. De La Cruz?
49:07A young man asked hesitantly.
49:09What exactly are you looking for?
49:13I want to see Geraldine's file.
49:16The guy blurted out.
49:17Her file?
49:19Mr. De La Cruz ordered everything destroyed after she left.
49:23The man next to him elbowed him hard.
49:25But the damage was done, Amelia's face drained of color.
49:29Her heart gripped by an icy, invisible hand.
49:33She stumbled out of the archives in a daze.
49:36And somehow wandered all the way to the basement entrance.
49:40Faint, inhuman screams echoed from deep inside.
49:49Inside, Ciaran was chained to the ground.
49:53Ciaran's body pressed against shards of broken glass.
49:59Mr. De La Cruz, please!
50:01He begged.
50:02I was wrong!
50:04We'll stay out of Trenton!
50:06Just let me go!
50:09Jeffrey's laugh was low and cold.
50:11You think that worthless piece of land compares to my wife.
50:15Ciaran knew there was no way out.
50:17Pain twisted his features.
50:20Mingled with a strange, mocking grin.
50:27Your wife!
50:28Ciaran sneered.
50:29Jeffrey, drop the act!
50:32I saw you clearly, holding your new woman in the car!
50:36And now you're pretending to be some lovesick saint?
50:41You're absolutely disgusting!
50:44Jeffrey's eyes narrowed.
50:46He said calmly,
50:49Cut his tendons.
50:55The moment he finished speaking,
50:57his gaze caught a flash of fabric,
51:00a skirt disappearing by the doorway.
51:03Amelia froze in terror.
51:05She turned to run,
51:07but he caught up in just a few strides.
51:10He seized her wrist.
51:12She trembled violently.
51:14Tears streamed down her face.
51:16Jeffrey pulled her into his arms.
51:18His tone was firm, yet oddly soothing.
51:21Don't be afraid.
51:22I'm just teaching them a lesson.
51:25So no one will ever dare touch you again.
51:29No!
51:30Amelia sobbed.
51:32It's not like that!
51:35Through blurred vision, she stared at him.
51:39That day it was Gary who protected me.
51:41She was badly hurt, but still shielded me with her body.
51:44She was kind and brave.
51:48How could I ever betray her?
51:50A storm of emotion flickered in Jeffrey's eyes.
51:54Amelia knew everything.
51:56He tried to explain.
51:58His voice was low and urgent.
52:00That's all in the past.
52:06Now, there's only you.
52:08Amelia shook her head desperately.
52:11She broke free from his arms.
52:16But Gary never hurt me!
52:18She saved my life!
52:20She was kind and brave.
52:23How could you do this to her?
52:25How could you not treasure a woman like that?
52:28Amelia was left pale and shaking.
52:31Her strength nearly gone.
52:34For the first time,
52:36a crack of something almost desperate appeared on Jeffrey's face.
52:40Why didn't he know how to cherish what he had?
52:47Meanwhile,
52:48in a quiet foreign city,
52:50dusk was settling when I stepped out of the supermarket.
52:54I was planning to have fondue with mom that evening.
52:58My right hand still wasn't strong enough for heavy things.
53:02But after several surgeries and rounds of rehab,
53:05I could at least manage the lighter ones.
53:08The scars on my back had faded to thin white lines.
53:11I barely noticed them anymore.
53:14Levi had found us a small apartment near a medical school.
53:19Mom was taking cooking classes.
53:24I was volunteering at a free clinic three days a week.
53:28Not as the scarlet healer.
53:30Just as Geraldine.
53:32Just as a woman who wanted to help.
53:34My right hand still trembled when I held a scalpel.
53:38But I was learning to use my left.
53:40Some things you don't come back from.
53:43And some things you do.
53:44Just not the same way.
53:46My phone rang.
53:48It was mom calling.
53:50I lifted the phone to answer.
53:56I had just lifted my phone to answer when an arm suddenly clamped around my neck from behind,
54:01dragging me backward into an alley.
54:04Instinct took over.
54:05I dropped my weight.
54:07I slammed my elbow hard into the attacker's ribs.
54:11I stomped down on his foot with all my strength.
54:14He grunted in pain.
54:15His grip loosening just enough for me to twist free.
54:19A flash of cold steel glinted between the fingers of my left hand.
54:24The tiny blade hidden in my.
54:26Knuckles pressed precisely against his throat.
54:31It was Geoffrey.
54:33He stared at me.
54:34Then he gave a low laugh.
54:36Honey.
54:37You still got the same moves, huh?
54:40Even if you kill me, I'd die willingly.
54:42A wave of nausea and fury twisted my stomach.
54:45My voice came out cold and sharp.
54:49Geoffrey, we're divorced.
54:51Get out of my life.
54:52I never want to see you again.
54:54He leaned forward.
54:56Until the blade's edge sliced his skin.
54:59A thin line of blood appeared.
55:03Come back with me, Jerry.
55:05Let's start over.
55:08The casino can't run without its queen.
55:12And I can't live without you.
55:13I lowered the knife, my answer like steel.
55:19Keep dreaming.
55:21I'll hate you until my last breath.
55:24His eyes reddened.
55:26Jerry, I know I was wrong.
55:28Everything that happened was all my fault.
55:31Please, let's try again.
55:33Footsteps sounded behind me.
55:35He hadn't come alone.
55:37I took a step back.
55:38I slipped my right hand into my pocket.
55:41My fingers found a tiny button.
55:42I pressed it.
55:44It was the emergency signal transmitter mom had given me.
55:50Jeffrey shoved me into the car.
55:53Jeffrey sped toward the airport.
55:56Then, his phone rang with a video call.
56:00Amelia was tied to a chair.
56:02A baby clutched in her arms.
56:05Levi held a knife to her throat.
56:08Let her go, Jeffrey!
56:11Or you'll never see your wife and child again.
56:14Jeffrey didn't even flinch.
56:16He let out a short, mirthless laugh.
56:19Do whatever you want.
56:21Those two together aren't worth a single strand of Jerry's hair.
56:25On the screen, Amelia's eyes widened in horror.
56:29All hope drained from her face.
56:31Jeffrey ended the call.
56:35Jeffrey turned back to me.
56:36His gaze was dark and feverish.
56:40Jeffrey was completely insane.
56:42Now no one can come between us.
56:44Just as the car pulled up at the airport entrance,
56:47several vehicles screeched in from different directions.
56:50They surrounded us.
56:51The car door swung open.
56:54My mother burst out.
56:56A group of people right behind her.
57:00Jeffrey!
57:01Let go of my daughter!
57:03Gunfire erupted almost instantly.
57:06No one knew who fired first.
57:08And in the next second, chaos exploded all around.
57:11Jeffrey lunged in front of me,
57:13shielding me from the bullets.
57:15A muffled grunt escaped him.
57:17A red stain spread across his shoulder.
57:19But he didn't stop.
57:22Gripping my wrist,
57:23he tried to pull me toward the terminal.
57:26Gary!
57:26Don't be afraid!
57:28I'll take you home!
57:30I tore myself free,
57:31with all the strength I had left.
57:33Jeffrey!
57:34There's no home left for us!
57:36Not anymore!
57:38His face went white.
57:41Yet he still reached out to me,
57:42desperate.
57:43Gary, come back.
57:45Desperate.
57:47We can make it right again.
57:50Just like before.
57:53I met his eyes steadily.
57:57If I had come back out of spite and gone after Amelia,
58:01I said,
58:01would you have killed mom in front of me
58:03before finishing me off too?
58:05His pupils contracted.
58:07His lips parted as if to protest.
58:10As always,
58:12his hypocrisy never changed.
58:15He lied to me the same way he lied to Amelia.
58:22Mom stepped forward.
58:25Mom aimed her gun straight at him.
58:27Let me end this.
58:32I took the gun from her hands.
58:34I raised it.
58:36I aimed at his right hand.
58:38I fired a shot without hesitation.
58:41Jeffrey jerked,
58:42staring in disbelief at his bleeding,
58:44mangled hand.
58:45His wide eyes lifted to me,
58:48full of shock and heartbreak.
58:51You ruined one of my hand.
58:53I've returned the favor.
58:55From now on,
58:56we're even.
59:01Gary!
59:02Don't go!
59:03His shout was raw,
59:05broken,
59:05almost inhuman.
59:06I didn't look back.
59:08Two years later,
59:09on a warm afternoon in Paris,
59:11I ran into Amelia.
59:12She looked slimmer than before.
59:15In her hand was a little girl,
59:17no more than two or three.
59:19The child gazed up at me with wide,
59:22curious eyes.
59:25I came back to finish my degree.
59:28Amelia said softly.
59:30The fear and fragility were gone from her voice,
59:33replaced by peace.
59:35I smiled back.
59:37I nodded to her and to the child.
59:40The storms of blood,
59:42betrayal,
59:43and love that had once consumed us
59:45finally faded without a trace.
59:49The fear and fragility were gone from her eyes.
59:52The fear and fragility were gone from her eyes.
59:52The fear and fragility were gone from her eyes.
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