A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
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New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
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Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
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AmusantTranscription
00:00:01On notre troisième anniversaire, j'ai activé mon plan pour faire maître maître.
00:00:11À la fin de la soirée, il lui a dit aux hommes en Italie.
00:00:14Il n'y avait pas de problème.
00:00:17Je ne savais jamais. Je ne savais pas tous les mots.
00:00:19Comme le mafia donne une femme de la mafie, j'ai découvert la mafie et la mafie.
00:00:23Et la chaise de haut-hérelée qu'elle a abandonné dans ma maison.
00:00:26Je n'ai pas d'enduré plus tard.
00:00:27Je n'ai pas d'enduré plus tard.
00:00:57Je n'ai pas d'enduré plus tard.
00:00:59Je n'ai pas d'enduré plus tard.
00:01:02Je n'ai pas d'enduré plus tard.
00:01:03C'est Dante Moretti, mon husband.
00:01:06Le godfather de la plus forte mafie famille sur l'East-coast.
00:01:09Surrounded by ses loyal et oblivious men.
00:01:11C'est notre troisième anniversaire.
00:01:14Il a renté tout le restaurant.
00:01:16Le plus expensive champagne.
00:01:18Le plus dishonest smiles.
00:01:19A performance called Love, staged entirely for my benefit.
00:01:23I pushed open the door and walked in wearing the same smile I always wore.
00:01:27Finished your call.
00:01:28Dante sat at the head of the long table and reached out to me.
00:01:31I crossed the room and placed my hand in his.
00:01:33He pulled me into his lap in one smooth motion, one arm circling my waist.
00:01:37Tender and practiced.
00:01:38The kind of gesture that now made me want to be sick.
00:01:40All done.
00:01:42The cleaning service confirmed they'll send someone to the apartment tomorrow.
00:01:45Dante nodded and turned back to his underboss.
00:01:47Resuming a conversation in Italian.
00:01:49Fast, clipped, thick with a Sicilian accent.
00:01:52The private language of his bloodline.
00:01:54And the wall they'd always used to keep me out.
00:01:56I smiled along and took a sip of wine.
00:01:58I had taught myself Italian over the past three years.
00:02:01Dante didn't know that.
00:02:02He thought I only spoke English.
00:02:04His men thought so too.
00:02:05I didn't know anything.
00:02:06So Scarlet will return to New York tomorrow.
00:02:08That was Dante's cousin.
00:02:09Luca, second, in command.
00:02:11Another man, Cesare, grinned.
00:02:13I'm already here.
00:02:14Dante is coming tonight.
00:02:17I can't hurt the head.
00:02:19Keep a respectable one at home.
00:02:20Keep an hesitant one on the side.
00:02:22Keep it down.
00:02:23His wife is right there.
00:02:29C.S.A.R turned to me, switching to English.
00:02:31His eyes testing the water.
00:02:33Vivian, good wine.
00:02:34I smiled and nodded.
00:02:35Very good.
00:02:36My gaze perfectly clear.
00:02:38They exchanged a look.
00:02:39And cut back to Italian.
00:02:41You don't understand a word.
00:02:43Relax.
00:02:43Dante.
00:02:44You really wouldn't say it to her.
00:02:45And if I could...
00:02:46Dante finally spoke.
00:02:47His tone easy.
00:02:49And indifferent.
00:02:49What is to discover?
00:02:50It's mine.
00:02:51It will always be mine.
00:02:52I need her where she must be.
00:02:54Doing what she should do.
00:02:55The rest has nothing to do with her.
00:02:58I felt his hand give my waist a light.
00:03:00Absent-minded pet.
00:03:01The way you'd sue the pet.
00:03:02Besides, he continued in Italian.
00:03:06Low laughter rippled around the table.
00:03:09I looked down at the dark red liquid in my glass.
00:03:11Three years of marriage.
00:03:12And they had always looked at me that way.
00:03:14Pity threaded through contempt.
00:03:15I was the godfather's wife and had no real power.
00:03:18I was his companion and nothing more than a prop.
00:03:20What they didn't know was that the most dangerous hunter is the one who looks the most harmless.
00:03:24I set my glass down and stood up from Dante's lap.
00:03:27Tired?
00:03:28He looked up at me.
00:03:29Mmm.
00:03:29I'll head home.
00:03:30I'll have someone drive you.
00:03:32No need.
00:03:32I'll call a car.
00:03:34I picked up my bag and walked toward the door.
00:03:36As I pulled it open, I heard someone say one last thing in Italian behind me.
00:03:42I let the door close behind me.
00:03:44I knew everything.
00:03:46I knew who Scarlet was.
00:03:48I knew that woman had been living in the apartment.
00:03:50Dante bought her for the past month.
00:03:52I knew the entire family had been laughing behind my back.
00:03:55Calling me a fool who couldn't see what was in front of her.
00:03:57But I wouldn't cry.
00:03:58I wouldn't rage.
00:03:59I wouldn't ask him a single question.
00:04:01Ten days from now, they would all believe I was dead.
00:04:04And Dante Moretti would spend the rest of his life remembering every word he said tonight.
00:04:15I walked out of that building like a ghost.
00:04:18A cab idled at the curb.
00:04:20I pulled open the door and gave the address.
00:04:23Thirty minutes later, I was standing in the living room of our penthouse apartment.
00:04:27Our home.
00:04:28That was what Dante called it when he bought this place.
00:04:30The air inside was thick with his present cigars.
00:04:34Whiskey, the particular aftershave he wore.
00:04:36I used to find that smell comforting.
00:04:41Now it made my skin crawl.
00:04:43I started packing.
00:04:45The bedroom first.
00:04:48On the nightstand sat the only photo of us together.
00:04:51The one taken on the yacht.
00:04:52He had his arm around me.
00:04:54And I was laughing so hard my eyes were nearly shut.
00:04:57That was two years ago.
00:04:59He had just been made godfather.
00:05:00And all of New York's underworld was saying his name.
00:05:03He'd had too much to drink that day.
00:05:05Held me close.
00:05:07And swore to god I was the only woman he would ever love.
00:05:10I picked up the frame.
00:05:11Opened the back.
00:05:12And slid the photo out.
00:05:15Then I tore it in him.
00:05:16His half went into the trash bag.
00:05:18My half I held in my fist.
00:05:19Into the walk-in closet.
00:05:20I opened the jewelry cabinet.
00:05:23Everything he had ever given me was in there.
00:05:25A diamond bracelet.
00:05:26A third anniversary gift.
00:05:28Ruby earrings.
00:05:29Bought last Christmas.
00:05:31A necklace he'd had custom made.
00:05:33The pendant engraved with my initials.
00:05:35One by one, I took them out.
00:05:37One by one, I dropped them in.
00:05:39The clothes too.
00:05:41He'd always said I looked best in the red dress.
00:05:43Made me wear it to every family gathering.
00:05:46The fur coat he'd draped over my shoulders himself.
00:05:48Claimed he'd brought it back from Milan.
00:05:50And the bags Hermes Chanel.
00:05:52Limited editions from boutiques around the world.
00:05:54Ferried back by his men.
00:05:56All of it.
00:05:57Into the bag.
00:05:58When the bag was full, I dragged it to the elevator.
00:06:01Rode down.
00:06:03And heaved it into the dumpster.
00:06:06Back in the apartment, I poured a whiskey.
00:06:09The liquor burned down my throat.
00:06:10And made my eyes sting.
00:06:13I moved to the window.
00:06:14And looked out over New York.
00:06:16This city was everywhere his.
00:06:19The casino below.
00:06:20The container terminal at the port.
00:06:22The weapons depot in Brooklyn.
00:06:25He sat at the center of all of it.
00:06:27Controlling everything.
00:06:28Including what I used to be.
00:06:31That night, three years ago, came flooding back.
00:06:34I had been in New York for only three months.
00:06:37Running an errand for a friend at one of the dock warehouses.
00:06:41And gunshots.
00:06:42I didn't even understand what was happening.
00:06:50I just knew someone was yanking me backward by the arm.
00:06:53It was Dante.
00:06:54I didn't know who he was yet.
00:06:56All I knew was that he shoved me into a corner.
00:06:59And put himself between me and the bullets.
00:07:01One of those bullets punched through his shoulder.
00:07:04His blood splattered warm across my face.
00:07:06He kept firing.
00:07:08One arm around me.
00:07:09The other shooting back.
00:07:10Shouting at his men to break through.
00:07:12He pinned me so tightly I couldn't move.
00:07:14And all I could hear was his heartbeat.
00:07:16Fast and hard.
00:07:18Like a drum.
00:07:19Then he collapsed against me.
00:07:20I was soaked in blood.
00:07:22And I thought he was dead.
00:07:23He looked up at me with what remained of his breath.
00:07:26And his mouth pulled into something that wasn't quite a smile.
00:07:30You're okay.
00:07:31That's what matters.
00:07:35I got him to the hospital.
00:07:47Six hours of surgery.
00:07:51When he came around, the first thing he did was ask if I was hurt.
00:07:55I put flowers on his nightstand.
00:07:57And asked him why he had saved me.
00:08:00He took my hand and pressed his lips to the back of it.
00:08:03Because you're the only person I've ever wanted to protect.
00:08:07After he was discharged, he pursued me for three months.
00:08:10I said no.
00:08:11And he stood outside my building and waited.
00:08:13One day it poured.
00:08:14And he stood there for three hours.
00:08:17Eventually I went downstairs and dragged him inside.
00:08:19He was soaked through.
00:08:20But he grinned like a kid.
00:08:22You finally let me in.
00:08:25He sent flowers every day.
00:08:27Picked me up from work every day.
00:08:29Said he loved me every day.
00:08:31I turned him down 99 times.
00:08:34On the 100th, he proposed.
00:08:36He went down on one knee.
00:08:37Those hands that could take a life at a thousand yards were shaking as they held the ring.
00:08:42I had never seen him like that.
00:08:44The youngest godfather in New York Mafia history.
00:08:47A man who killed without blinking.
00:08:49Kneeling in front of me.
00:08:51And barely able to form words.
00:08:53Marry me.
00:08:54He said.
00:08:55I'll spend my life shielding you with mine.
00:08:58I said yes.
00:09:00The day he left the hospital, he held me and whispered against my ear.
00:09:04You're my only weakness.
00:09:06And my armor.
00:09:08I thought that was an eternal bow.
00:09:10My phone buzzed.
00:09:16I thought that was an eternal bow.
00:09:18My phone buzzed.
00:09:19I picked it up and opened the recording I had copied.
00:09:22Dante's call last night.
00:09:24From inside Scarlet's apartment.
00:09:26I pressed play.
00:09:27You like it.
00:09:28His voice, low and graveled.
00:09:30Scarlet's laugh.
00:09:30I love it.
00:09:32Dante, does your wife know you're like this?
00:09:35Don't bring her up.
00:09:37Why not?
00:09:37Isn't she your one and only?
00:09:40Dante laughed.
00:09:41A laugh I had never heard from him.
00:09:43Relaxed.
00:09:44Unguarded.
00:09:47She's the one I keep at home.
00:09:48You're the one who lets me breathe.
00:09:50Different things.
00:09:52How different?
00:09:54She'll always be my wife.
00:09:56But you...
00:09:57His voice dropped.
00:09:59You make me want to let go.
00:10:01You're not afraid she'll find out.
00:10:04Her.
00:10:04She'll never find out.
00:10:06And even if she did,
00:10:09what could she do?
00:10:10She couldn't survive without me.
00:10:13The recording kept going.
00:10:15I didn't want to hear anymore.
00:10:17The man who had taken a bullet for me.
00:10:20The man who had stood in the rain waiting for me to say yes.
00:10:23The man who told me I was his armor.
00:10:26That man was lying.
00:10:27In another woman's bed.
00:10:30I set the phone on the table.
00:10:32My fingers brushed something cold.
00:10:34The engagement ring.
00:10:35Three years on my hand.
00:10:37Taken off only just now.
00:10:38I walked to the window.
00:10:43And threw it out.
00:10:44The man who had shielded me with his body.
00:10:46The man who had called me his only one.
00:10:48The man who had made me believe in love.
00:10:50He had changed.
00:10:51Or maybe he had always been this way.
00:10:53And I was only seeing it clearly now.
00:10:59The next afternoon at two.
00:11:01Dante's car pulled up in front of the building.
00:11:03When I got in.
00:11:04He leaned over out of habit.
00:11:05And pressed a kiss to my cheek.
00:11:07I pulled back.
00:11:09He went still.
00:11:10I caught the flash of hurt in his eyes.
00:11:12Which struck me as almost funny.
00:11:13He was the one who had betrayed me first.
00:11:16And here he was.
00:11:17Genuinely wounded.
00:11:18Nothing's wrong.
00:11:19I said.
00:11:20Just a bit of a headache.
00:11:22He relaxed.
00:11:23I want to show you something.
00:11:25You'll see when we get there.
00:11:27He said.
00:11:28He held my hand the entire ride.
00:11:30Thumb brushing slow circles across my knuckles.
00:11:32His habitual small gesture.
00:11:34I used to think it was intimacy.
00:11:36Now it just felt like irony.
00:11:38The car turned into a warehouse.
00:11:40Wound between rows of cargo containers.
00:11:42And stopped in front of a steel door.
00:11:44The door opened onto a staircase that led two flights down.
00:11:48And then the space opened up into something unexpected.
00:11:51An underground shooting range.
00:11:53Twenty or so people were already there.
00:11:55The core of the family.
00:11:56Luca.
00:11:57The Cicere.
00:11:58A handful of district captains whose names I had never bothered to learn.
00:12:01They all stopped talking.
00:12:02When we walked in.
00:12:05Dante led me forward by the hand.
00:12:06His grip warm and tight.
00:12:08Cicere called out.
00:12:09Boss.
00:12:10Heard the delivery came in.
00:12:12Let's see it.
00:12:13Dante ignored him.
00:12:14And brought me to the long table in the center of the range.
00:12:17A black metal case sat on the table.
00:12:20Solid craftsmanship.
00:12:21Copper banded at the corners.
00:12:23He let go of my hand.
00:12:24And entered the code.
00:12:25A click.
00:12:26The lid opened.
00:12:29Inside.
00:12:30Lay a gun.
00:12:31Silver.
00:12:32Small and elegant.
00:12:33The grip inlaid with dark filigree that caught the light in tiny scattered glints.
00:12:37Dante lifted it out.
00:12:38And turned to face me.
00:12:40Come here.
00:12:47I walked over.
00:12:49Every eye in the room was on me.
00:12:51He placed the gun in my hands.
00:12:54The curve of the grip settled perfectly against my palm.
00:12:57The weight was right too.
00:12:58A little lighter than what I trained with before.
00:13:01I tested the trigger.
00:13:02The pull was just right.
00:13:04No need to force it.
00:13:05He had memorized the size of my hands.
00:13:07Remembered the grip I preferred.
00:13:09Knew exactly how heavy.
00:13:10I liked a gun to be.
00:13:11He had brought me here many times over the past three years.
00:13:14Every session side by side, shot by shot.
00:13:16Until we had built something like fluency in each other's habits.
00:13:19He kept a record of all of them.
00:13:20Custom made to your specifications.
00:13:22He said.
00:13:23Right handed grip.
00:13:25Barrel rifled one degree left.
00:13:27The best gunsmith in Italy.
00:13:28Handmade.
00:13:29Three months in the making.
00:13:31There isn't another one like it in the world.
00:13:34I looked down.
00:13:35Along the grip.
00:13:36Etched in fine flowing script.
00:13:38Were two letters.
00:13:39VR.
00:13:40My initials.
00:13:41The room.
00:13:42Erupted.
00:13:43The boss never gave a woman a gun before.
00:13:45And it's custom.
00:13:46I've been with him ten years.
00:13:48Never got this treatment.
00:13:51Viviana.
00:13:52Do you know what this thing is worth?
00:13:53You could buy a Manhattan apartment with that money.
00:13:56Dante smiled and raised one hand.
00:13:58The room quieted.
00:13:59That gun is yours.
00:14:01He said.
00:14:02Not loud.
00:14:02But the whole range could hear him.
00:14:04Nobody touches it without my permission.
00:14:07Are we clear?
00:14:09I looked up at him.
00:14:10There was a smile in his eyes.
00:14:11But something else beneath it.
00:14:13That possessiveness of his.
00:14:15The pride of claiming ownership in front of everyone he commanded.
00:14:17Clear.
00:14:18I said.
00:14:20He nodded.
00:14:21Satisfied.
00:14:22Then he stepped behind me.
00:14:23Closed his hands over mine.
00:14:24And we held the gun together.
00:14:26His chest was against my back.
00:14:29Warm.
00:14:30Three years ago.
00:14:31This would have made my pulse race.
00:14:33Now all I can think about.
00:14:34Is the recording from last night.
00:14:37Does he press himself against her the same way?
00:14:40Speak in that low, gentle voice into her ear?
00:14:43Line up the sights.
00:14:44Aim for center.
00:14:46Ten rings.
00:14:47When the magazine ran dry.
00:14:49I turned to face him.
00:14:56His eyes were full of pride.
00:14:58The kind that says I trained her myself.
00:15:00He pulled me into him.
00:15:01And bent his head to kiss my hair.
00:15:03I breathed in the smell of him.
00:15:05And could only think about how that same smell had clung to another woman last night.
00:15:10The others were already clamoring.
00:15:11To go drinking.
00:15:12Dante walked out with his arm around me.
00:15:14The district captains trailing behind.
00:15:16Still debating my last few shots.
00:15:18We were at the warehouse entrance.
00:15:20When his phone rang.
00:15:22He glanced at the screen.
00:15:23And his expression shifted.
00:15:25Just for a moment.
00:15:26But I saw it.
00:15:27That pleased, loosened look.
00:15:28Instantly suppressed.
00:15:29Replaced by something carefully arranged.
00:15:31To look like concern.
00:15:33Yeah.
00:15:34He listened for a few seconds.
00:15:36Got it.
00:15:37I'm on my way.
00:15:39He ended the call.
00:15:40And looked at me.
00:15:41His face carried that specific blend of apology.
00:15:44And urgency.
00:15:45He wore so well.
00:15:46Vivian.
00:15:47There's a problem down at the port.
00:15:49I have to go handle it.
00:15:50Cesar will take you home.
00:15:53I didn't tell him I'd heard Scarlet's voice in the background.
00:15:57God.
00:15:57He was good.
00:16:00Come on.
00:16:01I'll drive you.
00:16:02Cesare stepped forward.
00:16:03I followed him to the other car.
00:16:06Before I got in.
00:16:07I glanced back.
00:16:10At the corner.
00:16:11A red sports car was parked with its lights on.
00:16:14A Porsche.
00:16:15New model.
00:16:15I couldn't make out the face inside.
00:16:17But I could see the long blonde hair.
00:16:19Scarlet's car.
00:16:20I had seen it once before.
00:16:21Last week on Dante's phone.
00:16:23Scarlet had sent him a photo of herself leaning against the hood.
00:16:26Smiling with a caption that read.
00:16:27Come pick me up.
00:16:28He wasn't going to the port.
00:16:30That shipment had arrived three days ago.
00:16:33Luca had reported last night that everything was fine.
00:16:35He was going to her.
00:16:38Three months ago.
00:16:39Scarlet had appeared in his life.
00:16:41He had been commissioning custom gifts for me while texting her.
00:16:44Memorizing my shooting habits while figuring out how to get her into bed.
00:16:47I almost laughed at that.
00:16:48What was I laughing at?
00:16:50At how certain he was I didn't know.
00:16:52At how convincing his performance had been.
00:16:54Or at myself.
00:16:55Knowing everything perfectly.
00:16:56And still feeling it like a punch to the chest.
00:16:58When I saw that red car.
00:17:04The elevator doors opened.
00:17:07I walked into the apartment.
00:17:09Everything looked exactly as I'd left it.
00:17:11But something felt off the moment.
00:17:13I stepped through the door.
00:17:15The air had changed.
00:17:17A trace of perfume.
00:17:19Faint, but real.
00:17:21Sweet and cloying.
00:17:22With a floral undertone.
00:17:25Not mine.
00:17:26I had never worn anything like that.
00:17:28I went into the bedroom.
00:17:31I had left in a hurry that morning.
00:17:33The comforter shoved aside.
00:17:34Pillows askew.
00:17:36Now the bedding was smooth.
00:17:37Both pillows set neatly side by side.
00:17:40The corners tucked.
00:17:41Someone had been here.
00:17:43Someone had come into my bedroom.
00:17:44And touched my bed.
00:17:46I checked the wardrobe.
00:17:49All my clothes were hanging where I'd left them.
00:17:51Undisturbed.
00:17:52I exhaled.
00:17:53And was about to turn away when something caught the edge of my vision.
00:17:58On the innermost shelf.
00:17:59A single high heel.
00:18:01Red stiletto.
00:18:02The vamp glittering with rhinestones.
00:18:05Not my size.
00:18:06Not my style.
00:18:08I had never owned anything like it.
00:18:10She had left it here.
00:18:11On purpose.
00:18:12This apartment was Dante's private ground.
00:18:15In three years, I had never seen a single family member set foot inside without being invited.
00:18:21Even Luca called ahead and waited at the door.
00:18:24Cicere only ever delivered things to the lobby downstairs.
00:18:27Anyone else didn't even come into the building.
00:18:30And yet someone had been inside.
00:18:32A woman.
00:18:33Wearing perfume I would never wear.
00:18:35Shoes I would never own.
00:18:36And she had made herself at home in my bed.
00:18:46I picked up my phone and almost called Dante.
00:18:49Then I didn't.
00:18:50What would I even say?
00:18:52Did you bring another woman here?
00:18:54He would say no.
00:18:55He'd say I was imagining things.
00:18:57He'd say that must be the cleaning lady's perfume.
00:19:00He would perform it flawlessly.
00:19:02He always did.
00:19:03The nausea rose again.
00:19:05She had been here.
00:19:06Maybe yesterday.
00:19:08Maybe this very afternoon.
00:19:09I went to the guest room and closed the door.
00:19:12It smelled faintly of dust.
00:19:14No one had slept here in a long time.
00:19:16But it was better than the bedroom.
00:19:18No perfume.
00:19:19No sign of anyone.
00:19:20I lay down and stared at the ceiling.
00:19:22My phone buzzed.
00:19:23A message from Dante.
00:19:25Asleep already?
00:19:26I looked at those two words.
00:19:28And tried to picture where he was when he sent them.
00:19:31In his car?
00:19:31In her apartment?
00:19:33Just out of her bed?
00:19:34I typed back.
00:19:35Yes.
00:19:36His call came through immediately.
00:19:38I watched his name on the screen.
00:19:41Hesitated two seconds.
00:19:42Picked up.
00:19:43You're asleep and you still answered?
00:19:45There was a smile in his voice.
00:19:47He woke me up.
00:19:49I miss you.
00:19:50I'll definitely come home early tomorrow to be with you.
00:19:53I closed my eyes.
00:19:54Okay.
00:19:55He would come home.
00:19:56Wearing her perfume.
00:19:58Maybe with a mark on his neck.
00:20:00With that gentle face of his, telling me he had missed me.
00:20:04And I would pretend I had no idea.
00:20:12When I came downstairs the next morning, Dante was already at the table.
00:20:16He stood up when he saw me and crossed the room to hold me.
00:20:25I got back late last night.
00:20:27Hope I didn't disturb you.
00:20:28No.
00:20:29I said.
00:20:30I slept soundly.
00:20:34He walked me to the table and pulled out my chair.
00:20:38The coffee was hot.
00:20:39The toast was golden.
00:20:41He had buttered it himself and set it on my plate.
00:20:44Three years every time he came home late, the next morning looked like this.
00:20:48Attentive solicitous.
00:20:50Walking on eggshells.
00:20:53Only this time it was more than usual.
00:20:55Guilt from cheating maybe.
00:20:56Or the sense that I'd noticed something.
00:20:58I didn't care which.
00:21:03Get the situation sorted out last night.
00:21:06I asked.
00:21:06Yeah.
00:21:07That shipment at the port was a headache, but we handled it.
00:21:11I nodded and took a bite of toast.
00:21:14He watched me eat.
00:21:15His fingers tapped lightly on the table.
00:21:17That was his nervous habit.
00:21:19Three years of watching him.
00:21:20I could read it easily.
00:21:22Vivian.
00:21:23He began.
00:21:23I want to make it up to you.
00:21:25I looked up.
00:21:27I've been neglecting you lately.
00:21:29Too much going on.
00:21:30This weekend?
00:21:32Let's go to the island.
00:21:33Just the two of us.
00:21:35He covered my hand with his expression, doing something careful and deliberate.
00:21:40I have a surprise for you.
00:21:48That small island off Long Island, he'd bought it two years ago.
00:21:51We had only been twice, and neither time for more than a day.
00:21:55A surprise?
00:21:56I said.
00:21:57Beloved.
00:21:57He squeezed my hand.
00:21:59I promise.
00:22:01I looked at the expectation in his eyes.
00:22:03He thought I knew nothing.
00:22:05He thought a weekend getaway could patch over every late night he'd clocked lately.
00:22:09Alright.
00:22:10I said.
00:22:10He smiled and leaned in to kiss me.
00:22:13I closed my eyes behind them, the red stiletto.
00:22:16The cloying perfume.
00:22:17The particular way he had smelled when he came home last night.
00:22:22I had a great deal to do in the next three days.
00:22:25I had a great deal to do in the next three days.
00:22:26On the first night, Dante drank.
00:22:27He had always had a good head for liquor.
00:22:29But he drank heavily that evening.
00:22:31Maybe guilt.
00:22:32Maybe shame.
00:22:33I didn't care about his reasons.
00:22:35I only needed him drunk.
00:22:36When he was out sprawled across the bed, I took his phone, lifted his right hand, and pressed his thumb
00:22:41to the screen.
00:22:43Unlocked.
00:22:45I pulled up the documents I needed signed.
00:22:48One by one.
00:22:49Asset transfer paperwork I had spent the last few days preparing.
00:22:53More than enough to live on after I disappeared.
00:22:56I went back to the bedroom.
00:22:57He was half conscious, mumbling something.
00:23:02Dante, I need your signature on a few things.
00:23:05I said softly.
00:23:07Sign what?
00:23:08He murmured.
00:23:10For the company.
00:23:12Luca said it's urgent.
00:23:14He nodded.
00:23:15I eased him upright and put a pen in his hand.
00:23:18Without looking at a single page, he signed wherever I put it.
00:23:23When the last signature was done, he dropped back against the pillow and was fully out.
00:23:27I stood at the edge of the bed looking at him.
00:23:30Three years I had loved that face.
00:23:33That face had smiled at me, cried in front of me, made promises to me.
00:23:36Last night it had been pressed against another woman's neck.
00:23:40No matter.
00:23:41This island trip would be my best opportunity.
00:23:44Two days from now, gone for good.
00:23:48Goodbye, Dante.
00:24:00Saturday night, eight o'clock.
00:24:02Two suitcases stood side by side in the entryway.
00:24:06The boat to the island left first thing tomorrow morning.
00:24:08I was packed and ready.
00:24:11Dante was on the sofa taking a call, his voice kept deliberately low.
00:24:15But I was in the kitchen doorway pouring a glass of water, and I caught the last few words anyway.
00:24:21Got it. I'm coming now.
00:24:23He hung up and came to find me.
00:24:26Wearing the expression I knew far too well.
00:24:30Apologetic, urgent, and underneath it, that almost invisible guilt.
00:24:37He laid his hand on my shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
00:24:42Vivian, I have to step out and handle something.
00:24:45I looked at him over the rim of my glass and said nothing.
00:24:48There's an emergency at the port.
00:24:50I have to go myself.
00:24:54We're leaving for the island first thing tomorrow morning.
00:24:56I said.
00:24:57I know.
00:24:58I'll deal with it and come straight to the island.
00:25:01You go ahead with the boat.
00:25:03I'll be there a few hours behind you.
00:25:04Liar.
00:25:05I looked at his eyes, grey-blue, beautiful.
00:25:07Right now they carried a flicker of evasion, but mostly that uncompromising certainty.
00:25:12The look of a man who has already made his choice and is merely informing you of it.
00:25:17But I wanted to try one last time, for the sake of my three years, to give him one final
00:25:21chance.
00:25:23Can't someone else go, Luca or Ceceza?
00:25:27I heard something in my own voice.
00:25:29A plea I hadn't intended to let through.
00:25:31Something crossed his face.
00:25:32Quick, but I saw it.
00:25:34Luca's in Brooklyn dealing with something else.
00:25:36Cesari can't handle this one.
00:25:38He smiled, that soothing, coaxing smile.
00:25:41His hand came up to touch my face.
00:25:45Business stuff.
00:25:47You wouldn't understand it.
00:25:52It'll only be a few hours.
00:25:54I promise I'll spend all day with you tomorrow.
00:26:06I held his gaze for several seconds.
00:26:08His eyes slid sideways for just a moment, then came back to me.
00:26:12I mean it.
00:26:13I promise.
00:26:15That's what you said last night too.
00:26:18Last chance, Dante.
00:26:20He exhaled and reached out to hold me.
00:26:22I stepped back.
00:26:24His arms stayed open in the air between us.
00:26:27This one is a real emergency.
00:26:29That cargo run, something's gone wrong with the shipment.
00:26:31If I don't deal with it tonight, the losses will be significant.
00:26:34What cargo?
00:26:39Just... the port job.
00:26:41You know the one.
00:26:41I didn't.
00:26:43I didn't.
00:26:43He had never told me the details of his business.
00:26:45He always said not to worry.
00:26:47Now he was using it as an excuse, knowing I had nothing to push back with.
00:26:51I nodded.
00:26:52Go ahead then.
00:26:53He visibly relaxed.
00:26:55A smile broke across his face.
00:26:57He stepped forward and pulled me in.
00:26:59Thank you for understanding.
00:27:01I swear tomorrow is all yours.
00:27:04Anything you want on the island will do it.
00:27:07His chin rested on top of my head.
00:27:09His hand moved in slow, familiar circles on my back.
00:27:12He had done this thousands of times, over three years.
00:27:15I used to think it was comfort.
00:27:16Now it felt like a courtesy.
00:27:21I love you. Wait for me.
00:27:23He said.
00:27:26He walked past me, picked up his coat from the entryway, and pushed through the door.
00:27:35I went to the window and looked down.
00:27:38His black sedan was at the curb, the driver already holding the rear door open.
00:27:42And at the corner, under the street lamp, the red sports car was parked and waiting.
00:27:46I couldn't tell from here whether someone was inside, but I knew there was.
00:27:50That car was waiting for him.
00:27:51For her.
00:27:52He wasn't going to the port.
00:28:01I could picture it.
00:28:02He would get out of his car.
00:28:03She would come forward to meet him.
00:28:05He would pull her into his arms.
00:28:09I watched his sedan pull away.
00:28:11Then I watched the red car follow it and vanish.
00:28:18Then I went to the bedroom and took out the gun he had given me.
00:28:24I drove to the cliffs at the shore.
00:28:29The eastern tip of Long Island below, black rocks and open sea.
00:28:33No one came here at night.
00:28:35Just the wind and the sound of waves beating against the reef over and over.
00:28:38I parked at the roadside and walked to the edge with the gun.
00:28:41The wind was fierce enough to whip my hair across my face.
00:28:44All I could hear was the water.
00:28:46Far away and close at once, like another world.
00:28:49I crouched down, took out the bag of blood I'd brought,
00:28:52and poured it over the gun and across the rocks around it.
00:28:57I stood, stepped back, studied the scene.
00:29:00Then I drew the gun and fired once into the open air.
00:29:02Bang! The casing landed in the blood.
00:29:04I dropped the gun beside it.
00:29:05It struck the stone and left a dent on the barrel.
00:29:08Gun blood.
00:29:09The casing.
00:29:09It looked like someone had come here to end their life and gone over the edge.
00:29:13The ash team would make sure everything else was perfect.
00:29:16By morning someone would find it, the police would be called.
00:29:18He would be notified.
00:29:19I stood there a moment longer, looking at what I'd left behind.
00:29:22Then I turned and walked back to the car.
00:29:24I didn't look back.
00:29:35At three in the morning I pulled into the airport parking structure,
00:29:38grabbed my bags, and walked into the terminal.
00:29:41I found the check-in counter.
00:29:43Good evening.
00:29:44A one-way ticket to Zurich.
00:29:46The agent glanced at my passport and tapped at her keyboard.
00:29:49Miss Phoenix, your flight departs at six.
00:29:52You can check your luggage now.
00:29:55Yes.
00:29:56Have a pleasant journey.
00:30:01I took the boarding pass and walked toward security.
00:30:04My phone was still in my pocket.
00:30:05I took it out and dropped it into the trash on my way through.
00:30:10Goodbye, Dante.
00:30:11Goodbye to your world of lies and deceit.
00:30:19The plane began to taxi.
00:30:21Then it accelerated and lifted off.
00:30:23New York shrank below the window.
00:30:24The towers.
00:30:25The streets.
00:30:26The places I had lived for three years.
00:30:28The world that belonged to Dante Moretti.
00:30:30In ten hours I would wake up in another country.
00:30:33No Dante.
00:30:33No Scarlet.
00:30:34No lies.
00:30:35No betrayal.
00:30:36He would spend the rest of his life remembering that the night he chose to leave,
00:30:39his wife had walked to the sea and never come back.
00:30:41The next morning at ten, Dante's boat docked.
00:30:44At the pier of the private island.
00:30:45The sun was strong, the water a brilliant blue.
00:30:47Dante jumped off the bow.
00:30:49Bodyguards behind him.
00:30:50A bunch of white roses in his hand.
00:30:52He'd had them flown in from Manhattan.
00:30:54The night before.
00:30:54She here yet?
00:30:55He asked.
00:30:56The steward who came to meet him.
00:30:57The steward's face was wrong.
00:30:58Sir.
00:30:59Ms. Vivian hasn't arrived.
00:31:01Dante frowned.
00:31:02Hasn't arrived.
00:31:03The boat left at eight.
00:31:04The pier reports she never boarded.
00:31:06He pulled out.
00:31:06His phone and called her.
00:31:07Switched off.
00:31:08Called again.
00:31:09Still switched off.
00:31:10Send someone to check the apartment.
00:31:11He said it to the bodyguard behind him.
00:31:13And kept walking toward the villa.
00:31:15She'd overslept probably.
00:31:17Missed the boat.
00:31:17Let her phone die.
00:31:18He kept telling himself things.
00:31:20Like that as he walked.
00:31:21The villa was on the eastern bluffs.
00:31:23Of the island three stories white floor to ceiling windows facing the sea.
00:31:28Dante pushed inside.
00:31:29The living room was empty.
00:31:31On the table sat a bottle of wine and two glasses.
00:31:35He had asked someone to set that up.
00:31:37He'd been planning to sit here with her tonight.
00:31:39And watched the sun go down.
00:31:41His phone rang.
00:31:46Sir.
00:31:46No one at the apartment.
00:31:48But we found something at the shore.
00:31:51What shore?
00:31:52Be specific.
00:31:53Two seconds of silence on the line.
00:31:55The bluffs on the eastern end of Long Island.
00:31:57You should come see this yourself.
00:31:59Three hours later.
00:32:00Dante stood at the edge of those cliffs.
00:32:01The sun had shifted west.
00:32:03The sea wind tore at his hair.
00:32:04He looked down at what lay on the rocks.
00:32:07A gun silver.
00:32:08The grip engraved with VR.
00:32:09The one he had given her.
00:32:11The stones around the gun were stained.
00:32:13Dark red brown.
00:32:14Dried now.
00:32:18A white silk scarf soaked through.
00:32:21Had blown into the scrub at the edge.
00:32:22He crouched and reached for the gun.
00:32:24The instant.
00:32:25His fingers touched the metal.
00:32:27His entire body went rigid.
00:32:29Sir.
00:32:29The bodyguard behind him said.
00:32:32We received a report this morning.
00:32:34Someone spotted blood at the base of the cliffs.
00:32:37The coast guard is conducting a search.
00:32:39Dante said nothing.
00:32:40He stared at the gun.
00:32:41At the blood.
00:32:42At the scarf.
00:32:43She had been here last night.
00:32:44With his gun.
00:32:45He saw it in his mind.
00:32:46The moment he'd left the apartment.
00:32:48She had been standing at the window looking down at the street.
00:32:51When he'd settled into the car.
00:32:53Had he glanced back.
00:32:54He hadn't.
00:32:55He had told his driver to take.
00:32:57Him straight to Scarlett's.
00:32:58Sir.
00:32:59The bodyguard's voice came.
00:33:01From far away.
00:33:02Dante stood up.
00:33:03Turned and walked toward the car.
00:33:05Moving fast.
00:33:06Sir.
00:33:06Where to?
00:33:08The island.
00:33:10Now.
00:33:12It was nearly six by the time.
00:33:14The boat reached the island again.
00:33:15The sun was sinking.
00:33:17Turning the water red.
00:33:18Dante went through.
00:33:19The villa room by room.
00:33:20Bedroom empty.
00:33:21Her luggage gone.
00:33:23Bathroom.
00:33:23Her skin care things gone.
00:33:25Wardrobe.
00:33:26Her clothes.
00:33:27All gone.
00:33:27Everyone.
00:33:28He stood in the middle.
00:33:28Of the empty wardrobe.
00:33:30And looked at the bare racks.
00:33:31Three months ago.
00:33:32When he'd commissioned the gun.
00:33:34She had smiled and said thank you.
00:33:36Two weeks ago.
00:33:36He had brought her.
00:33:37To the shooting range.
00:33:38And she had fired ten rings.
00:33:40And he had told everyone in the room.
00:33:41She is mine.
00:33:42Last night when he left.
00:33:43She had been standing at the window.
00:33:45Watching the street below.
00:33:46He had assumed she would be there.
00:33:48When he got back.
00:33:49He went to the living room.
00:33:50And grabbed his cracked phone.
00:33:51Luka.
00:33:52I need you to check everything.
00:33:53Every airline.
00:33:54Every exit record.
00:33:55Her credit cards.
00:33:55Bank accounts.
00:33:56Anyone she's been in contact with recently.
00:33:58Boss.
00:33:59What happened?
00:34:02She's gone.
00:34:08Who?
00:34:11Vivian.
00:34:12He hung up.
00:34:13And hurled the phone at the wall.
00:34:14It bounced off and landed on the floor.
00:34:16Screen shattered.
00:34:17The bodyguard stood in the doorway.
00:34:19And didn't dare come in.
00:34:20Dante moved to the window.
00:34:21And stared out at the sea.
00:34:23The sky was going dark.
00:34:24Waves beat against the rocks below.
00:34:26She had stood at the sea last night.
00:34:27Alone.
00:34:28With that gun.
00:34:29His phone buzzed from the corner.
00:34:31Luka calling back.
00:34:32He walked over and picked it up.
00:34:33The screen was cracked.
00:34:34But still worked.
00:34:35Boss.
00:34:36Nothing.
00:34:37No records of anything.
00:34:39Luka.
00:34:39Her credit card went dark after yesterday.
00:34:41Her bank account transferred 2 million dollars
00:34:44to an anonymous account in Switzerland.
00:34:46No airline has any record of her leaving.
00:34:49What do you mean?
00:34:51No record.
00:34:53No record.
00:34:53Could be a fake ID.
00:34:54If she'd been planning this ahead of time.
00:34:56Luka didn't finish the sentence.
00:34:58Dante ended the call.
00:34:59He went to the bedroom.
00:35:01And lay down on the bed.
00:35:02The sheets still carried the faint smell.
00:35:04Of her laundry soap.
00:35:05He pressed his face into the pillow.
00:35:07The door opened.
00:35:07The click of heels on the floor.
00:35:10Dante.
00:35:10He looked up.
00:35:15I heard something happened.
00:35:18Are you alright?
00:35:19Dante looked at her for a few seconds.
00:35:21Then he got up and crossed the room.
00:35:24How did you get in?
00:35:27The door was open.
00:35:29So I just...
00:35:31He grabbed her arm and pushed her toward the exit.
00:35:33She shrieked and stumbled.
00:35:35One heel twisting.
00:35:36And nearly fell.
00:35:37Get out.
00:35:40Dante!
00:35:40I only wanted to...
00:35:41Get out!
00:35:45The words came out loud enough.
00:35:46To startle even him.
00:35:47Scarlet scrambled to her feet and ran.
00:35:49He stood in the middle.
00:35:50Of the living room breathing hard.
00:35:56Then something occurred to him.
00:35:57He turned and went to the guest room.
00:35:59He pushed the door open.
00:36:00Everything in order.
00:36:01Bed made.
00:36:02Curtains drawn.
00:36:03He went to the wardrobe.
00:36:04And opened it.
00:36:05A nightgown hung inside.
00:36:07White silk.
00:36:07She wore it sometime.
00:36:08Just the one.
00:36:09He took it down.
00:36:10Silk cool and smooth.
00:36:11Carrying the faintest trace of her.
00:36:13He sat on the edge of the bed.
00:36:14He held the nightgown.
00:36:15In both hands and stayed there.
00:36:17Head bowed motionless.
00:36:18Outside.
00:36:19The sky went completely dark.
00:36:21Waves came in off the water.
00:36:22Steady and rhythmic.
00:36:23His shoulders began to shake.
00:36:24Then he broke.
00:36:25He bent over.
00:36:26Forehead pressing to his knees.
00:36:27Holding that silk nightgown.
00:36:29Crying until he couldn't breathe.
00:36:31She was gone.
00:36:32She had planned it all well in advance.
00:36:33She had waited until he left.
00:36:35Driven to the shore.
00:36:36Used his gun.
00:36:36When he had walked out the door.
00:36:37She had been standing at the window.
00:36:39Watching him.
00:36:40He had ducked into the car.
00:36:41The car pulled away.
00:36:42She had stood there.
00:36:43Until it disappeared.
00:36:44Then turned.
00:36:44And picked up her back.
00:36:45What had she been thinking?
00:36:47He kept seeing her face.
00:36:48The way she had looked.
00:36:49At him one last time.
00:36:51The light had been behind her.
00:36:52And he hadn't been able to.
00:36:54Read her expression.
00:36:55He could read it now.
00:36:56It hadn't been anger.
00:36:57It hadn't been disappointment.
00:36:59It had been goodbye.
00:37:01Scarlet appeared.
00:37:02In front of Dante again one week later.
00:37:04He had just come back from the shore.
00:37:06Soaked through.
00:37:07The coast guard had been searching.
00:37:08For three days and found nothing.
00:37:10They told him he should accept the reality.
00:37:13Nobody survived those conditions.
00:37:14He didn't accept it.
00:37:15He sent everyone away.
00:37:17And drove to the shore alone.
00:37:18And stood there for an entire day.
00:37:24He came back to the apartment after dark.
00:37:26When he pushed the door open.
00:37:28Scarlet was sitting on the living room sofa.
00:37:30Black dress.
00:37:31Careful makeup.
00:37:32Hair down.
00:37:32A bottle of wine.
00:37:34And two glasses on the coffee table.
00:37:36How did you get in?
00:37:38Your bodyguard knows me.
00:37:39She stood and took two steps toward him.
00:37:43Dante.
00:37:44I saw the news.
00:37:45I'm so sorry.
00:37:46He looked at her without speaking.
00:37:48I know you're hurting right now.
00:37:50She said softly.
00:37:51But you can't keep doing this to yourself.
00:37:54You need someone with you.
00:37:56He pulled off his soap jacket.
00:37:57And dropped it on the bottle.
00:37:59What do you want?
00:38:00Scarlet moved closer.
00:38:01And raised her hand toward his face.
00:38:03He stepped back.
00:38:05She stopped.
00:38:06Then she smiled a gentle.
00:38:07Slightly wounded smile.
00:38:09I want to be here for you.
00:38:10I've been worried about you all week.
00:38:12Another step forward.
00:38:13Don't bother.
00:38:14Dante.
00:38:15I know losing her is devastating.
00:38:17But life goes on.
00:38:18You still have me.
00:38:20He looked at her.
00:38:21Have what?
00:38:22I can take care of you.
00:38:24We could be together.
00:38:25I know you might not want to hear this now.
00:38:28But time.
00:38:29Heals everything.
00:38:31After a while.
00:38:32After a while.
00:38:33What?
00:38:35We could start something.
00:38:36Dante held her gaze for a moment.
00:38:38Then he laughed.
00:38:39And the sound of it made Scarlet.
00:38:40Take a step back.
00:38:42Start what?
00:38:44Just.
00:38:45Us.
00:38:46She gestured vaguely between them.
00:38:47I know this might be too soon.
00:38:49But I just want you to know I'm willing to be there for you.
00:38:52You don't have to carry this alone.
00:38:55You think you can replace her?
00:38:59Scarlet bit her lip.
00:39:01I'm not saying replace her.
00:39:03I just want to-
00:39:04You want to take her place.
00:39:05She went quiet.
00:39:07Dante walked toward her.
00:39:09Slowly.
00:39:10Each step deliberate.
00:39:12Scarlet retreated until the back.
00:39:13Of her knees hit the sofa.
00:39:15And she couldn't go further.
00:39:21Do you know what kind of person she was?
00:39:23His voice was very low.
00:39:25She was with me for three years.
00:39:28Three years and she never complained once.
00:39:33I left in the middle of the night and she never asked where I was going.
00:39:36Whatever I was doing outside, she never wants pride.
00:39:39Scarlet opened her mouth.
00:39:41No sound came out.
00:39:42I gave her that gun.
00:39:44She practiced until she shot ten rings.
00:39:46I said in front of everyone,
00:39:49she's mine.
00:39:50And she smiled.
00:39:52You stood directly in front of her, looking down.
00:39:55What are you?
00:39:57The color drained from Scarlet's face.
00:39:59You were the woman I kept on the outside for amusement.
00:40:02He spoke each word with surgical precision.
00:40:05You're comparing yourself to her?
00:40:07What exactly would you be comparing?
00:40:10Scarlet's eyes went red.
00:40:11Dante, I know you're not in a stable place right now.
00:40:14I'm perfectly stable.
00:40:15He cut her off.
00:40:17More stable than I've ever been in my life.
00:40:21Listen to what I'm saying.
00:40:22He pointed at the door.
00:40:24Don't come back here.
00:40:25Don't call me.
00:40:26Don't let me see your face again.
00:40:28A tear slid down Scarlet's cheek.
00:40:30I love you.
00:40:31He laughed.
00:40:32And something in that laugh rooted her.
00:40:34To the floor.
00:40:35You love me.
00:40:37He leaned down until he was level with her face.
00:40:40You love my money.
00:40:41My position.
00:40:42The apartment and the bags I bought you.
00:40:45You have never loved me.
00:40:47That's not true.
00:40:49Do you know what she loved?
00:40:50She loved me.
00:40:53Three years ago, I was nothing.
00:40:55Just some blood-stained thug.
00:40:58She came with me anyway.
00:40:59And she never once asked what I could give her.
00:41:02He straightened.
00:41:03Leave.
00:41:05Scarlet stood there without moving.
00:41:08He walked to the door and held it open.
00:41:13Don't make me call someone in.
00:41:15She stared at him.
00:41:16Lips trembling.
00:41:17Then she picked up her bag and walked out quickly.
00:41:20As she passed him, she stopped.
00:41:23Dante.
00:41:25She's dead.
00:41:26Wake up.
00:41:27He looked at her.
00:41:28That one look sent a cold shock down Scarlet's spine.
00:41:31She had never seen.
00:41:32That kind of emptiness.
00:41:33And another human being's eyes hollow and utterly still, but somehow terrifying.
00:41:36She turned and ran.
00:41:37The door closed.
00:41:39Dante stood in the entryway without moving.
00:41:44After a long time, he went back to the living room and sat down.
00:41:48The bottle of wine still stood.
00:41:50On the coffee table.
00:41:51The two glasses side by side.
00:41:53He stared at them for a long time.
00:41:55Then he picked one up and hurled it at the floor.
00:41:57Glass exploded across the room.
00:41:59He got up, went to the guest room, and took the white silk nightgown from the wardrobe.
00:42:04He sat on the edge of the bed and held it.
00:42:06Outside, a siren wailed.
00:42:08Coming closer, then fading.
00:42:10He looked out the window.
00:42:11The sky was fully dark.
00:42:15Six weeks later.
00:42:17St. Catherine, Louisiana.
00:42:20Sunlight filtered through the sycamore leaves and scattered across the dirt road in uneven patches of light and shadow.
00:42:30A pickup truck rattled past.
00:42:32The bed loaded with hay bales.
00:42:34The old man driving it gave a short press of the horn as he went by.
00:42:37I nodded and kept walking.
00:42:39The main street wasn't long.
00:42:41A few shops on either side.
00:42:42A general store.
00:42:43A bakery.
00:42:44A second-hand bookshop.
00:42:46At the far end, a small white church with a bell in its steeple.
00:42:49The orphanage sat right next to the church.
00:42:54I had come here six weeks ago.
00:42:56Nothing but a new passport and some cash.
00:42:59When I walked into the church, the old priest had asked what I needed.
00:43:02I told him I was looking for somewhere to stay.
00:43:04Somewhere I could be of use.
00:43:06He brought me here.
00:43:09The sister who ran this place passed away last month.
00:43:12He said,
00:43:14These children need someone.
00:43:17So I stayed.
00:43:19The children called me Sister Maria.
00:43:21Though I wasn't a real nun.
00:43:23Nobody asked too many questions.
00:43:25Small towns don't pry.
00:43:27With the money I had brought out, I bought drawing paper and crayons and started teaching art.
00:43:33I cleared out the weeds in the yard and planted flowers.
00:43:37Repainted the common room.
00:43:40Hung new curtains.
00:43:42The orphanage, which had been falling apart at the seams, was now the prettiest building on the street.
00:43:48Sister Maria!
00:43:49A small girl held up her drawing.
00:43:51Look!
00:43:52The paper showed a figure with brown hair and a blue dress.
00:43:54Beside it in unsteady letters, Maria.
00:44:00Is that me?
00:44:02She nodded.
00:44:05I picked her up and kissed her cheek.
00:44:09There was a knock at the door.
00:44:11I turned.
00:44:14A man stood in the frame, black shirt and trousers.
00:44:17A paper bag in one hand.
00:44:19Somewhere around 30, dark hair.
00:44:21Light brown eyes.
00:44:22Hello?
00:44:23He said.
00:44:29I'm Michael.
00:44:30The new priest.
00:44:31It took me a second.
00:44:33The old priest had mentioned someone was coming to take over.
00:44:35Maria.
00:44:36I said.
00:44:37The children call me Sister Maria.
00:44:39He smiled.
00:44:40An easy, unhurried smile.
00:44:42I brought some food.
00:44:44He set the bag on the table.
00:44:46Just out of the oven at the bakery.
00:44:48The children swarmed the bag.
00:44:50Cookies still warm.
00:44:51He turned and looked at me.
00:44:53His gaze was careful, as though he was afraid of disturbing something.
00:44:56After he left, the children went back to their drawings.
00:44:59I stood at the window and watched his figure disappear through the church doors.
00:45:04At three in the afternoon, I walked into town to buy paint.
00:45:08The woman at the general store greeted me and said the new priest was a good man.
00:45:12Had fixed the leaking roof on her house just yesterday.
00:45:16I smiled, paid for the paint, and headed out with the bag.
00:45:22I stopped at the community notice board in the town square.
00:45:25All sorts of things pinned up.
00:45:27Lost and found.
00:45:29Rooms for rent.
00:45:30Announcements from the church council.
00:45:31At the top was a sheet of paper that looked newly posted.
00:45:34Its corners barely beginning to curl.
00:45:36It was large white.
00:45:37And on it was printed a face.
00:45:39A face I knew.
00:45:40Dante Moretti.
00:45:41The man in the photograph looked haggard.
00:45:43Dark circles carved deep under his eyes.
00:45:45Stubble unshaved.
00:45:46Like someone who hadn't slept in days.
00:45:48But I knew it was him.
00:45:48I had spent three years looking at that face.
00:45:51I could have picked it out blind.
00:45:52The notice said this individual was a person of interest in multiple cases.
00:45:55Anyone with information was asked to call the number below.
00:45:58My hand went slack.
00:45:59The basket dropped.
00:46:01Tomatoes spilled out and rolled to the edge of the road.
00:46:04I bent to pick them up.
00:46:05My fingers were shaking.
00:46:07One, two, three, the tomatoes felt very soft almost bruised.
00:46:10When I touched them.
00:46:12He tracked me here.
00:46:13No, that was impossible.
00:46:15This was a wanted notice.
00:46:16They'd be posted statewide.
00:46:25Maybe it was just chance.
00:46:27Maybe this town was so remote they'd only just put them up.
00:46:29I stood.
00:46:30A tomato in my fist.
00:46:32The board held all the usual things.
00:46:34A missing dog.
00:46:36Grooms for rent.
00:46:37Used furniture.
00:46:38Only the wanted notice was new.
00:46:40The paper still white.
00:46:41Corners not yet lifted by the wind.
00:46:43He has come looking for me.
00:46:45Or he is on the run.
00:46:46Either way, whatever the reason he had appeared on this paper in this town.
00:46:50In the place I had finally carefully made my own.
00:46:52The sun was fierce.
00:46:54It made my head spin.
00:46:55I stood there a long time looking at that face.
00:46:59The photo had aged him by five years.
00:47:01The man who had held me at the shooting range and smiled.
00:47:04Who had said in front of everyone, she is mine.
00:47:06Who had held me one last time on that last night.
00:47:09And told me he loved me.
00:47:11Now he was on this paper wanted.
00:47:13I picked up the basket and turned back.
00:47:16A few steps on I stopped.
00:47:18Glanced back.
00:47:20That face was still there.
00:47:22Watching me.
00:47:23I walked quickly.
00:47:24By the time I reached the orphanage gate, I walked straight into someone.
00:47:29Father Michael caught me by the shoulders.
00:47:31Sister Maria.
00:47:32Are you alright?
00:47:33You're pale.
00:47:34I looked up at him.
00:47:36His face was open with concern.
00:47:38Clean, genuine.
00:47:40I'm fine.
00:47:41I said.
00:47:42It's the heat.
00:47:43He held my gaze for a moment without speaking.
00:47:46I stepped past him and went into the yard.
00:47:48The children were napping.
00:47:50The yard was quiet.
00:47:52The flowers on the wall were blooming well red and yellow and pink blazing in the afternoon sun.
00:47:56I crouched down and pressed my face to my knees.
00:48:00Three months.
00:48:01I had thought I'd escaped.
00:48:02That I could start over.
00:48:03That that name would never find its way back into my life.
00:48:06Now he was somewhere in this town.
00:48:08Maybe already through the gate.
00:48:10Maybe already asking around for a woman named Maria.
00:48:13I pressed my nails into my palm.
00:48:21I pressed my nails into my palm.
00:48:24The sun scorched my back.
00:48:26My whole body was cold.
00:48:35The black SUV rolled into St. Catherine while I was standing at the orphanage gate handing out candy to the
00:48:41children.
00:48:41The sun was brutal.
00:48:43I squinted as the vehicle came slowly down the road, moving as if it didn't want to startle anyone.
00:48:48The windows were tinted dark.
00:48:50I couldn't see inside.
00:48:52But I knew.
00:48:53The SUV stopped in front of the gate.
00:48:55Two men in black suits climbed out first.
00:48:58Then the rear door opened and Dante Moretti stepped down.
00:49:02He had lost a great deal of weight.
00:49:04His cheekbones jutted.
00:49:06His eyes had gone hollow.
00:49:07He hadn't shaved in days.
00:49:09His dark suit hung on him as if it belonged to someone slightly larger.
00:49:12He stood beside the car and looked at me.
00:49:15I kept handing out candy.
00:49:17The last piece went to Lily.
00:49:19She grabbed it and ran back inside, peering over her shoulder at the stranger's.
00:49:24Inside!
00:49:25I said to the children.
00:49:26They ran.
00:49:31The yard went quiet.
00:49:33Dante walked toward me.
00:49:35He moved as though every step cost him something.
00:49:37He stopped three paces away.
00:49:40Vivian.
00:49:40His voice had gone hoarse.
00:49:42Like someone who hadn't spoken in days.
00:49:45I didn't move.
00:49:46I looked at him.
00:49:47He took another step forward.
00:49:49I've been looking for you a long time.
00:49:51I stepped back.
00:49:52He stopped.
00:49:53Something flickered in his eyes.
00:49:55Brief.
00:49:55But I caught it.
00:49:57Pain.
00:49:57Come home with me.
00:49:58He said.
00:49:59I don't know who you are.
00:50:01His brow creased.
00:50:02Vivian.
00:50:03There's no one here by that name.
00:50:05I turned.
00:50:06And started toward the building.
00:50:07Behind me footsteps.
00:50:09Quick and heavy.
00:50:10Then my wrist was seized.
00:50:12His hand was burning hot.
00:50:13His fingers locked around me like a vice.
00:50:16Listen to me.
00:50:17I wrenched free.
00:50:19The force of it surprised even me.
00:50:21He stood where he was.
00:50:22Hands still extended.
00:50:24In the shape of the grip.
00:50:32Let me go.
00:50:33Vivian.
00:50:34I was wrong.
00:50:35His voice had started to shake.
00:50:37I know I was wrong.
00:50:38Come back with me.
00:50:39We can talk it through.
00:50:41I don't know who you are.
00:50:42I met his eyes.
00:50:43Sir, you have the wrong person.
00:50:45He stared at me.
00:50:47He stared at me.
00:50:47For a long time.
00:50:48Red veins threaded through the whites of his eyes.
00:50:50His lids were slightly swollen.
00:50:52Your name is Vivian Rossi.
00:50:54You're my wife.
00:50:55Three years ago, you and I-
00:50:57My name is Maria.
00:50:58I cut him off.
00:50:59Sister Maria.
00:51:00I have been here for three months.
00:51:02My children are inside waiting for me.
00:51:04His bodyguards moved forward two paces.
00:51:06I glanced at them.
00:51:08Then back at him.
00:51:09You brought these men here.
00:51:11What exactly are you trying to do?
00:51:14I want to take you home.
00:51:16I've told you.
00:51:17You have the wrong person.
00:51:19He took a step forward.
00:51:21I took one back.
00:51:22He advanced.
00:51:24I retreated.
00:51:25Until my back was against the Iron Gate.
00:51:37Vivian.
00:51:38He dropped his voice.
00:51:40To almost nothing.
00:51:41Please.
00:51:42I looked at him.
00:51:44Three years.
00:51:45I had memorized that face.
00:51:47Once.
00:51:48I'd thought it was the most dependable face in the world.
00:51:50Now.
00:51:51It just felt strange to me.
00:51:53Sir?
00:51:54I said.
00:51:55Slowly.
00:51:56Each word separate and clear.
00:51:58I don't know who you're looking for.
00:52:00But my name's Maria.
00:52:02I am a nun in this town.
00:52:04I do not know you.
00:52:05His hand rose.
00:52:06Reaching for my face.
00:52:08I turned my head.
00:52:09His hand hung in the air.
00:52:11And stilled.
00:52:12His bodyguard stood behind him.
00:52:14Expressionless.
00:52:15Down the street a few townspeople had stopped to watch from a distance.
00:52:18Too far away to come closer.
00:52:20I looked at them.
00:52:21Then back at him.
00:52:22You came here with these men.
00:52:24Are you threatening me?
00:52:26No!
00:52:26Then what?
00:52:27Frightening my children?
00:52:29The blood left his face.
00:52:31I only wanted to find you.
00:52:33You found me.
00:52:34I said.
00:52:34Now you've seen me.
00:52:36I'm alive.
00:52:37You can go.
00:52:38Vivian.
00:52:39My name is Maria.
00:52:40He opened his mouth.
00:52:41No sound.
00:52:42I pushed the gate open and walked through.
00:52:45Vivian!
00:52:46He called out behind me.
00:52:48I didn't turn.
00:52:58I went inside.
00:52:59The children gathered around, asking who those men outside were.
00:53:03I said they were travelers, who had taken a wrong turn.
00:53:07Lily took my hand and looked up at me.
00:53:09Sister Maria, your hand is so cold.
00:53:14I looked down at her.
00:53:15Small face.
00:53:16Round eyes.
00:53:18Clear and uncomplicated.
00:53:20I'm fine.
00:53:21I said.
00:53:21Just hot outside.
00:53:23Better in here.
00:53:24I crouched and held her for a moment.
00:53:26From outside came the sound of an engine, turning over, then fading.
00:53:30I stood up, walked to the window.
00:53:33The black SUV was pulling away.
00:53:35A wake of dust rose behind it and dissolved at the end of the road.
00:53:38He was gone, at least for today.
00:53:40I leaned against the window frame and looked outside.
00:53:43The sun was still relentless.
00:53:45The flowers on the wall blazed in it.
00:53:47Behind me the children ran and laughed.
00:53:49I pressed my nails into my palm.
00:53:51It hurt.
00:53:52Good.
00:53:53Pain.
00:53:54Meant I was still here.
00:54:00The news that Dante had bought the crumbling house next to the orphanage
00:54:03reached me through the mayor himself the following morning.
00:54:07Sister Maria.
00:54:09He said, standing in the yard and wringing his hands.
00:54:12You know the old place that's been empty for years right next door?
00:54:16Someone bought it yesterday.
00:54:17Man from New York.
00:54:19The price he paid could have bought half this street.
00:54:23I was crouched by the flower bed with a watering can.
00:54:26I didn't look up.
00:54:28Is that so?
00:54:29He says he plans to stay a while.
00:54:32He also mentioned making a donation to the orphanage.
00:54:36I was wondering if you...
00:54:38I stood.
00:54:38The watering can tilted in my hand.
00:54:41No.
00:54:42The mayor blinked.
00:54:44No.
00:54:45Tell him we don't need it.
00:54:47He started to say something.
00:54:48Thought better of it.
00:54:49And nodded on his way out.
00:54:52From that point on, Dante came every day.
00:54:55The first day he stood at the gate holding a bag of fruit.
00:54:58I ignored him.
00:54:59He stood there for an hour.
00:55:01When he left, he set the bag by the gate.
00:55:03The second day he brought a box of art supplies.
00:55:06Brand new, expensive brands.
00:55:08I had the gatekeeper send them back.
00:55:10He wouldn't take them.
00:55:11The box sat at the gate.
00:55:14The third day he arrived with two workers and said he wanted to fix the orphanage roof.
00:55:18Mother Superior came out to thank him.
00:55:20I stayed inside.
00:55:22Day four.
00:55:23Day five.
00:55:24Day six.
00:55:25Every day.
00:55:26Each time with something.
00:55:27Each time standing in his usual spot.
00:55:29Watching me.
00:55:30Waiting for me to say something.
00:55:32I said nothing.
00:55:42I was watering the flowers in the yard when a red sports car stopped in front of the gate.
00:55:46I barely recognized her when she got out.
00:55:49She had put on some weight.
00:55:50Her belly curved slightly.
00:55:52Her makeup was still heavy.
00:55:54But the dark circles under her eyes were deep.
00:55:56She stood beside the car looking at me.
00:55:58And the corner of her mouth pulled into a smile.
00:56:01Long time no see Vivian.
00:56:03I turned off the hose.
00:56:05There's no Vivian here.
00:56:07She made a dismissive sound and walked through the gate.
00:56:09Her heels were unsteady on the gravel.
00:56:11She stopped in front of me.
00:56:13And looked me up and down.
00:56:15Dressed like that I barely knew you.
00:56:17A nun's habit?
00:56:18Is this really how you plan to spend the rest of your life?
00:56:21What do you want?
00:56:23She put a hand on her stomach.
00:56:25I wanted you to see this.
00:56:27I glanced down.
00:56:28Then looked back up at her.
00:56:30I see it.
00:56:32She frowned.
00:56:33So that's it?
00:56:34The Stoligens?
00:56:35Is there something you'd like me to say?
00:56:37She leaned forward and lowered her voice.
00:56:40This is Dante's child.
00:56:42I'm carrying his baby.
00:56:44You think by hiding out here he'll come running back to you?
00:56:48Keep dreaming.
00:56:49I studied her face.
00:56:51There was triumph in it.
00:56:52And provocation.
00:56:53And something else I couldn't quite name.
00:56:55Something like nerves.
00:56:57Something like fear.
00:56:58Congratulations.
00:57:00I said.
00:57:01She blinked.
00:57:02What?
00:57:03I said congratulations.
00:57:05A baby is a good thing.
00:57:06Take care of yourself.
00:57:07I turned back to the hose.
00:57:09She stood behind me for a long time.
00:57:11Then she surged forward and grabbed my arm.
00:57:13You're not angry!
00:57:14You don't care!
00:57:16Let go of me.
00:57:17Stop pretending!
00:57:18I know you still love him!
00:57:21Looking at me carrying his child must be tearing you apart!
00:57:25I turned my head to look at her.
00:57:27Her grip dug into my arm.
00:57:32You're hurting me.
00:57:34She stared at me, chest heaving.
00:57:36Just then, footsteps sounded at the gate.
00:57:39Let go of her.
00:57:40Dante stood there.
00:57:41He was wearing a plain t-shirt and jeans.
00:57:43His hair was a mess, and there was dust on his face.
00:57:46He looked like he'd come straight from a work site.
00:57:49Scarlet turned, and immediately released her hold.
00:57:53Dante, I just-
00:57:54What are you doing here?
00:57:56His voice was cold.
00:57:58I had never heard him speak like that.
00:58:00Scarlet retreated.
00:58:01A step.
00:58:03I only came to see her.
00:58:05You've seen her.
00:58:06Now go.
00:58:08Scarlet's eyes went red.
00:58:10Dante!
00:58:10I'm carrying your child!
00:58:12He looked at her.
00:58:14Not a ripple moved through his expression.
00:58:17You know exactly how that child happened.
00:58:19Her face changed.
00:58:21What are you saying?
00:58:22You know what I'm saying.
00:58:23I had it looked into.
00:58:24There were a few times I got drunk during that period.
00:58:28You put something in the drinks.
00:58:30Scarlet opened her mouth.
00:58:31Nothing came out.
00:58:33Did you think I didn't know?
00:58:34I knew.
00:58:35I just didn't bother dealing with it then.
00:58:38His voice was very even.
00:58:40But now that you've come here, I don't feel like tolerating it anymore.
00:58:45Scarlet backed up two steps and hit the iron gate.
00:58:48I just-
00:58:51I love you.
00:58:54You don't love me.
00:58:56He said, cutting her off.
00:58:58You love what I can give you.
00:59:00Now get out.
00:59:01Don't let me see you again.
00:59:03Scarlet stood there as tears spilled down her face.
00:59:05Then she turned, shoved through the gate, and ran.
00:59:12The sound of the red sports car faded quickly in the distance.
00:59:16The yard was quiet.
00:59:18Dante looked at me.
00:59:20Are you alright?
00:59:21Fine.
00:59:22He came closer and looked at my arm.
00:59:25Where Scarlet had grabbed me, the skin was flushed red.
00:59:28Scored with faint nail marks.
00:59:31I'll get something for that.
00:59:34Don't.
00:59:34He stood where he was.
00:59:36Didn't move.
00:59:38Vivian.
00:59:39My name is Maria.
00:59:41He closed his mouth.
00:59:44That night, I couldn't sleep.
00:59:45I kept turning over Scarlet's words.
00:59:47And Dante's.
00:59:48The baby was something she had engineered.
00:59:50I found that I wasn't surprised.
00:59:53Scarlet was capable of exactly that.
00:59:55And Dante's months of betrayal.
00:59:57Was that her doing too?
00:59:58I didn't know what to believe.
01:00:01The midday quiet was broken by gunshots, two weeks later.
01:00:05I had been in the kitchen helping with lunch.
01:00:07It had been so long since I'd lived anywhere dangerous, that even my instincts had gone soft.
01:00:13The first shot was distant enough that I thought it was a car backfiring.
01:00:18The second was close, just outside the yard.
01:00:23The third came at the same time as the sound of shattering glass.
01:00:27Children screaming.
01:00:29I ran out.
01:00:35Two men in black were in the yard, moving fast in my direction, guns in their hands.
01:00:44Then someone hit me from the side, and drove me to the ground.
01:00:47Shots exploded overhead.
01:00:49Loud enough to leave my ears ringing.
01:00:51The person on top of me made a low, choked sound.
01:00:54I turned my head.
01:00:56It was Dante.
01:00:58His face was pressed close to mine.
01:01:00White, forehead sheened with sweat.
01:01:10Are you hurt?
01:01:11He didn't answer.
01:01:12I looked down.
01:01:13His hand was pressed against his side, and blood was seeping through his fingers.
01:01:18His bodyguards came running.
01:01:20More gunfire going on for him.
01:01:23Then silence.
01:01:26I helped roll Dante over.
01:01:28He lay on his back.
01:01:30Eyes half open, looking at me.
01:01:33You were shot.
01:01:34He looked up at me.
01:01:35The corner of his mouth moved slightly.
01:01:37Yeah.
01:01:39What were you thinking?
01:01:40Why did you run over here?
01:01:42Force of habit.
01:01:44It hit me then.
01:01:45He meant three years ago.
01:01:47The dock warehouse.
01:01:48The time he had taken a bullet that was meant for me.
01:01:52The ambulance came.
01:01:54I rode along.
01:01:57He held my hand the entire way, gripping hard.
01:02:00The surgery took three hours.
01:02:02I sat in the corridor with the red light burning above the operating room door.
01:02:09The light went out at dawn.
01:02:12The doctor came out and told me the bullet had stopped two centimeters from his heart.
01:02:16He was very lucky.
01:02:19I went into the room.
01:02:21He was lying in the bed, tubes everywhere.
01:02:23The color of the sheets, but alive.
01:02:27I sat in the chair beside him.
01:02:32He owed me.
01:02:33A great deal.
01:02:34Three years of betrayal.
01:02:36All those lies.
01:02:37That woman, that red stiletto.
01:02:40But there he was.
01:02:42And the bullet he'd taken for me had nearly killed him.
01:02:45I didn't know how to settle that account.
01:02:51He was in the hospital for two weeks.
01:02:53I stayed beside him for two weeks.
01:03:01When he came around, he looked at me the moment he opened his eyes, and went still.
01:03:17You're still here.
01:03:19I said nothing.
01:03:20His eyes slowly reddened.
01:03:22I'm sorry.
01:03:23I stood up and moved to the window.
01:03:32Don't say that.
01:03:35I want to say it.
01:03:37I know you hate me.
01:03:39You should.
01:03:40His voice was quiet and rough.
01:03:42What I did...
01:03:43I can't forgive myself for it.
01:03:47Marco's people are dealt with.
01:03:49The ones who ran are gone.
01:03:51The ones who didn't were picked up.
01:03:52I said...
01:03:54Scarlet's gone too.
01:03:59Your men have been by a few times.
01:04:01I told them you were still unconscious.
01:04:04Thank you.
01:04:06I turned.
01:04:10Dante...
01:04:11There's something you need to understand.
01:04:15He looked at me.
01:04:18I can let you stay here.
01:04:21I can let you do those things.
01:04:23Fix the roof.
01:04:24Bring things over.
01:04:26Stand at that gate.
01:04:28But I can't forgive you.
01:04:30The color shifted in his face.
01:04:33I know.
01:04:34No, you don't.
01:04:36I walked back to the side of the bed and looked down at him.
01:04:41You have no idea what those three years were like for me.
01:04:44No idea what it felt like to find that shoe.
01:04:49No idea what I was thinking when I drove alone to the shore.
01:04:56He said nothing.
01:04:58He just looked.
01:05:00You can be good to me.
01:05:02You can protect me.
01:05:05You can do whatever you want to do.
01:05:10But there's a line inside me I can't cross back over.
01:05:15He closed his eyes.
01:05:23After a long time, he opened them.
01:05:27And looked at the ceiling.
01:05:30I understand.
01:05:34Good.
01:05:35I turned to go.
01:05:39His voice from behind me.
01:05:40I stopped.
01:05:42I'm staying.
01:05:44Not to make you forgive me.
01:05:48Because I want to watch you live.
01:05:50Watch you be okay.
01:05:53I didn't turn around.
01:05:55I walked out of the room and the morning sun hit my face.
01:05:59Sharp and bright.
01:06:00I stood in the doorway and let it be for a while.
01:06:04A month later he was discharged.
01:06:06He came back to the little town and moved back into the house next door.
01:06:10Each morning he was up early, patching the roof, painting walls.
01:06:15Replacing windows.
01:06:18He made that ruin livable.
01:06:21He stopped coming to stand at the orphanage gate every day.
01:06:25Occasionally he'd come by with something, set it down, and go.
01:06:31The children started getting used to the neighbor man.
01:06:34And sometimes they'd wander over to watch him work.
01:06:36He didn't shoo them away.
01:06:38He just let them play nearby.
01:06:43One afternoon Lily came running back and pulled my hand and told me the man next door had planted a
01:06:48whole yard of flowers.
01:06:49The same kinds as the ones on our wall.
01:06:52I didn't go to see.
01:06:54But I knew.
01:06:55I looked down at my hands.
01:06:57These hands had held a gun.
01:06:58Had taken lives.
01:07:00Had also painted a wall full of flowers.
01:07:03And now they would build something new.
01:07:10To be continued.
01:07:12To be continued.
01:07:17To be continued.
01:07:18Sous-titrage FR ?