- 17 hours ago
Divorced, I Married The Godfather New
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The night I signed the divorce paper and walked away with nothing, I wandered the rainy streets
00:05alone with a single duffel bag and only $36.
00:09That was when I spotted a flyer taped to a roadside pole.
00:12Stepmom wanted for child.
00:14Room and board.
00:15That's what got me.
00:16That same night, I showed up at the address.
00:18I walked straight into the mansion of Luca Castellano, the Don of New York's oldest
00:23mafia family.
00:24Later, my ex-husband looked down at me with that same arrogance.
00:27Nora, do you finally realize you were wrong?
00:30Before I could answer, the four-year-old little tyrant exploded.
00:34Wrong about what?
00:35My mom is the best.
00:37The Don slipped an arm around my shoulders, kicking him aside.
00:40My wife could never be wrong, and even if she was, she'd still be right.
00:44I never expected the people posting flyers on polls to be New York's most powerful mafia
00:49family.
00:49Now I stood outside their mansion.
00:51Beside me, the butler carried himself with quiet arrogance.
00:55The Don is looking for a mother for his child.
00:57Not a wife for himself.
00:59I need you to be very clear on that.
01:00Don is a very desirable man.
01:02Do not get any ideas you shouldn't.
01:04I kept my eyes lowered.
01:06Honestly, this job was perfect for me.
01:08To put it simply, they just needed a high-end nanny.
01:11Eight hours ago, I'd signed the divorce papers and been kicked out of my ex's house.
01:15The last thing I wanted was another husband.
01:17But a roof?
01:18Three meals?
01:19A place to disappear?
01:20That was a miracle.
01:22I understand.
01:23I won't get any ideas.
01:24The butler led me down a dim, vaulted corridor.
01:27Then I heard something that sounded like a gunshot.
01:29I stumbled, slammed straight into a hot, hard chest.
01:33The smell hit me first.
01:35Blood.
01:35Gunpowder.
01:36Then the barrel of a pistol tipped my chin up.
01:38A man in a suit with his hair slicked back.
01:40Blood streaked across his jaw.
01:42A snake tattoo coiling out of his collar onto his throat.
01:45My chest rose and fell rapidly with fear.
01:48His gun slid down from my chin and stopped between my soaked breasts.
01:52He studied me for a long beat.
01:54Finally, walked off without a word.
01:56I'd seen that face before.
01:58Page Six.
01:58New York Times.
01:59The Castellano Don.
02:01Sebastian had once spent a month studying his photos.
02:04Trying to get in with the old mafia family behind him.
02:07The butler finally spoke.
02:09The Don is handling some business.
02:11Please don't mind.
02:12I nodded quietly.
02:13Then he took me to change into something dry and led me into the dining room.
02:17A long wooden table sat beneath a crystal chandelier.
02:20And at one end, a father and son were locked in a standoff.
02:23The man with murder in his eyes was gone.
02:25In his place, at the table, sat a man in a white dress shirt holding a spoon.
02:30His face was tired.
02:31The boy pressed his lips shut and glared up at his father like a tiny soldier holding the line.
02:37Neither moved.
02:37Finally, the man exhaled and set the spoon down.
02:40Long fingers pinched the bridge of his nose.
02:43His voice dropped, low and rough.
02:45One bite.
02:46One small bite.
02:47Is that really too much?
02:49The butler stepped forward.
02:50Don, the applicant is here.
02:52The man turned.
02:53His shirt was unbuttoned low.
02:55I could see most of the snake tattoo now.
02:57The lines of his muscles pressed faintly through the white linen.
03:00The most feared man in New York.
03:02Inherited the family glory at 16.
03:05Built it bigger, darker, quieter than his father had.
03:08Money, power, blood on his hands.
03:10So this wasn't some dream.
03:12Or scam.
03:13A man like Luca Castellano had no reason to scam a broke divorcee off the street.
03:18His eyes moved over me, distant and tired.
03:20Name?
03:21I figured he'd come straight from his so-called business.
03:24Handling traitors.
03:25Torturing some enemies.
03:26And now got defeated by a toddler.
03:28Feeding the kid was probably harder than running his empire.
03:31Nora Bennett.
03:32I said.
03:33A barely there nod.
03:34He held out the plate.
03:35Try.
03:36So, this was my interview.
03:37If I didn't pass, I was sleeping on the F train.
03:40I smiled my warmest, gentlest smile and walked toward the boy.
03:44I didn't make it two steps.
03:45Whoosh.
03:46He bolted under the table.
03:47Only his eyes peeked out.
03:49Dark, round, furious.
03:51I don't want her!
03:52Send her away!
03:53She's a bad lady!
03:54They're all bad ladies!
03:56So, before me, this kid had already been through who knows how many stepmoms.
04:00Fine.
04:01I needed to do my best.
04:02I scanned the room and clocked it instantly.
04:05Action figures everywhere.
04:06Batman.
04:07Spider-Man.
04:08A whole shelf of Avengers.
04:10I grabbed two figures off the coffee table and crouched down by the table leg.
04:14I sat Batman and Spider-Man right next to the kid.
04:17Then I picked up the spoon.
04:18Don't worry.
04:18I'm not feeding you.
04:20I'm feeding Batman.
04:21I mimed a spoonful into Batman's face.
04:23Open up, Bats.
04:24Heroes who skip dinner?
04:26Skinny arms, skinny legs.
04:27Can't protect anyone like that.
04:29Oh, Batman wants vegetables?
04:32Good call.
04:33Spinach makes you strong.
04:34The boy watched, half-hidden, lips parting, smacking his mouth a little.
04:38I pretended not to see.
04:40His nose started turning pink, like he was about to cry.
04:43Right on cue, I gasped.
04:45Wait, is that a baby Batman over there?
04:47Bats, can you share with him?
04:49He has to eat too if he's gonna grow up strong.
04:51I tilted Batman.
04:53Bats says yes.
04:55I turned to the boy.
04:56Batman improved, kiddo.
04:57You get a little, but just a little.
04:59We don't want you outgrowing him.
05:01He'd be sad.
05:02The boy nodded furiously.
05:04I didn't even get the spoon to his mouth before he grabbed it with his lips.
05:07A big bite.
05:08Why won't you give me vegetables?
05:10You scared I'll get stronger than Batman?
05:12Bad lady!
05:13I glanced at the couch.
05:15Luca Castellano's mouth curved.
05:17A small, real smile.
05:19Approving.
05:19I moved into the castle that night.
05:21There were three floors.
05:22I got the second floor with Leo.
05:24Luca had the entire third floor to himself.
05:27The butler walked me to my room and gave me one last warning.
05:30You do not go up to the third floor.
05:31Ever.
05:32His voice dropped.
05:33The last woman who snuck up there to climb into the Don's bed got thrown out of his window.
05:37Two story drive.
05:38I thought of the gun from an hour ago.
05:40I nodded so hard I almost gave myself whiplash.
05:43Won't happen.
05:44You have my word.
05:45Castellano men breed serious.
05:47Leo was only four and slept in his own bed without a fuss.
05:50And that made my job easier.
05:52I'd just changed into the silk pajamas from the closet.
05:55The knock made me jump.
05:56Don Luca's voice was low behind the door.
05:58Come down.
05:59Let's talk.
06:00Luca was on the couch in the great room.
06:02Long legs crossed.
06:03Whiskey in his hand.
06:04I sat across from him on the opposite couch.
06:06Hands in my lap.
06:07Knees together.
06:08Like a job interview.
06:09You're good with kids.
06:10You have one of your own?
06:11No.
06:12I helped raise my ex's nephew for two years.
06:14Back the…
06:15The crane said I didn't make enough money and ordered me to quit.
06:18Called it generosity.
06:20Then, after I did, they claimed I was lazy and had nothing to do.
06:23So they fired the nanny and dumped the kid on me.
06:26More free maid than wife.
06:27File says you're divorced.
06:29Yes.
06:29Reason?
06:30Some small town girl cannot stain a noble family name.
06:33I guess.
06:34Only a coward would say that.
06:35You saw the ad.
06:37I'm hiring a mother for Leo.
06:38Not a date for me.
06:38My rival's family terrified him when he was little.
06:41He's always been insecure, hates leaving the house, and has never had a single friend.
06:46I work long hours.
06:47I need someone with patience.
06:49Someone who'll stay.
06:50There will be a prenum.
06:52Everything stays separate.
06:53Especially in bed.
06:54My heart shuddered as I looked deep into his eyes.
06:57Marriage in rich people's world was a contract before it was anything else.
07:01My marriage with Sebastian was for love.
07:03But because the gaps between our family, I'd signed one with him too.
07:07When the love ran out, I'd walked away with nothing.
07:10Not even my wedding ring.
07:12Let alone a powerful mafia family like the Castellanos.
07:15They would only be more careful.
07:17I understand.
07:18Honestly, if you just need someone in the house, we don't have to make it legal.
07:22I'm fine without the paperwork.
07:24Luca shook his head.
07:26He leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table.
07:29Marriage is for Leo.
07:30He needs the most stable mother I can give him.
07:32And marriage is the strongest contract there is.
07:35All right, we'll do it your way.
07:40Don't worry.
07:41You'll get $100,000 a month for expenses.
07:43This was the part I cared about.
07:44I've been burned before.
07:46Mr. Castellano, if we divorce someday, can I keep the money you've given me?
07:50Of course.
07:51It's yours.
07:52All right, then.
07:54As for sex, I don't need anything from you in that area.
07:59You stay on the second floor.
08:00Right, the sex.
08:02That's fine.
08:04Neither do I.
08:05So, three days after I signed divorce papers, I got married again.
08:09No ceremony, no guests.
08:11Same as my first wedding.
08:13The butler added an extra dish to dinner.
08:15I thought that was the celebration.
08:17But suddenly, Luca slid a signet ring across the table.
08:21A Castellano family ring.
08:28Sebastian never even gave me his family ring.
08:31For Leo's sake.
08:32Then I got it.
08:33The child needed a family illusion.
08:35I fell into silence and finally took it.
08:38I'll keep it safe.
08:39That night, I'd just gotten into bed when the door creaked open.
08:42Leo stood in the doorway, bare feet, hair sticking up, fidgeting with his dinosaur pajamas.
08:48What's up, kiddo?
08:58I held the covers open.
09:02He scrambled in like he'd been waiting for that all day.
09:05Halfway through the story, he was out cold against my shoulder.
09:09Next morning at breakfast, Luca's eyes widened when the butler told him Leo had slept in my bed.
09:15Nora, that was above and beyond.
09:18I'll add another $50,000 a month.
09:20Mr. Castellano, that's way too much.
09:23It was, by a lot.
09:25I'd given far more than this in my last marriage and walked away with literally nothing.
09:30During the day, I babysat his nephew.
09:33At night, I cooked for my husband.
09:35After satisfying his needs in bed, I still had to get up at five to clean the house and make
09:40breakfast.
09:40His mother judged.
09:42We could hire someone, but Nora's just sitting around all day wouldn't be fair.
09:47Despite all these, the day of the divorce, his sister told the lawyer I'd been living off them for three
09:52years.
09:53Mr. Castellano, it's really too much.
09:55I like Leo.
09:56He's a sweet kid.
09:57Reading him a book is nothing.
09:59As I said it, Leo came over and grabbed my fingers with his small warm hand.
10:03He was looking up at me with those big, dark grape eyes.
10:07He was actually moved.
10:08You don't know.
10:09The women before you only cared about impressing me.
10:14They ignored him.
10:1650,000.
10:17That's the new number.
10:19Not negotiable.
10:20I gave up and thanked him.
10:22From that day on, Leo was my shadow.
10:25Luca was busy with all the transactions, the guns, and the bloods.
10:28The huge mansion was usually just the two of us.
10:31I tried my best to play with him and made him happy every day.
10:35Until the day I had a hospital appointment for a follow-up.
10:38The butler had warned me.
10:40Leo couldn't leave the house.
10:41Outside triggered panic attacks.
10:43I crouched down.
10:44Hey babe, wait for me at home.
10:47I'll be back in an hour.
10:49He grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go.
10:51Didn't say anything.
10:53Just looked at me with those dark, sad eyes.
10:57He's scared you're not coming back.
11:00His mother left him exactly like that.
11:02I'm coming back.
11:03I'll see the doctor and come right home.
11:05You play here, okay?
11:06I was still mid-sentence when he climbed into the back seat of the car.
11:09The butler tried not to hope.
11:11Master Leo, you're going to the hospital with Miss Bennett?
11:14Leo nodded.
11:16Thank God.
11:17He's finally willing to leave the house.
11:19Your depression's getting better.
11:21Just keep it slow.
11:22Relax.
11:22I took the script and the meds and left.
11:25Leo was waiting in the lobby with his small batman.
11:29Nora, are you sick?
11:33A little, kiddo.
11:35I used to skip meals a lot, so I got sick.
11:37Promise me you'll never let yourself get like that.
11:40Does it hurt?
11:42If it hurts, I can give you candy.
11:45Daddy told me candy makes you forget.
11:47My tears fell without warning.
11:50In the crane house, I'd cry and they'd call it dramatic.
11:53Small town girl.
11:55Can't handle the lifestyle.
11:59I had depression.
12:02Stop faking it to get attention!
12:04The nephew I'd raised for two years stood next to his mother on divorce day and called me ugly.
12:09And here was this four-year-old mafia heir handing me his last piece of candy.
12:13Nora, I'm going to eat every meal so I can grow up and protect you.
12:25You better grow fast, babe.
12:27When we walked out of the hospital, there was a black Maybach idling at the curb.
12:30Luca was leaning against it.
12:32Mr. Castellano, why are you here?
12:34He scooped his son into his arms.
12:36Seeing how calm and composed the boy was, his eyes suddenly reddened.
12:40The butler called, said Leo went out with you.
12:42I had to see it.
12:43Dad, as long as I'm with Nora, you can stop worrying.
12:47I know.
12:49That night, he tried to raise my pay again.
12:52This time, a black card.
12:54I refused so hard, he laughed.
12:58Noia, there must be something you want.
13:00Could you help me find a used car, 5,000 or below,
13:04so I can take Leo out without depending on the driver?
13:09Pick anything from the garage.
13:12The cheapest car in your garage is a quarter million.
13:14I wouldn't dare drive it.
13:17Fine.
13:19Next morning, an old, beat-up sedan was parked next to his black Bentley.
13:24He also flew in a psychiatrist, same diagnosis as the hospital.
13:28But this time, my meds were upgraded to the brand I'd never been able to afford.
13:33Your wife needs company.
13:35Family, don't push her too hard.
13:36I'll remember that.
13:38The next day, I drove Leo out with me.
13:40He'd always been insecure, had barely seen the outside world.
13:44Now, I wanted to show it to him.
13:46First, the amusement park.
13:47He grabbed my hand and dragged me over to take pictures.
13:50Then I took him to the farmer's market.
13:52He'd never been to a farmer's market in his life.
13:54Nora!
13:54I don't want to hold this!
13:56My hands are full, Leo. Just a few steps.
13:59Fine! One time only! And no more lobster! No!
14:04Nora?
14:05It was Sebastian, my ex-husband.
14:08He was in a crisp gray suit, hair perfect, looking like he'd stepped out of a magazine cover.
14:14It had been five weeks since the divorce. My stomach nodded on contact.
14:18Sebastian and I had met in college. He came from one of those Wall Street elite families.
14:22The golden boy of high finance. He'd ignored every objection from his family to put a ring on me.
14:28At our wedding, he'd promised to protect me for life.
14:31Then he took over Crane Capital and he started finding fault with everything.
14:35He wanted me to quit my job, take care of his parents, take care of his sister's kid, cook, laundry,
14:41cleaning.
14:41I did all of it because I loved him. Because I'd never been loved by my own family and didn't
14:47know any better.
14:48Until one day, I caught him in a private club with a girl in his lap. My whole world shattered.
14:53I cried. I screamed. I begged him to swear it would stop. The whole Crane family said I was overreacting.
15:01What successful man doesn't have side action? Sebastian said I'd been spoiled rotten.
15:07He blocked my number, stopped coming home. My depression cratered. I filed for divorce.
15:13He thought it was a bluff. His family told him, don't let her win. He had his lawyer draft papers.
15:18I walked out with nothing. Signed them in seven seconds. Four years of dating. Three years of marriage. Done.
15:25Noah, Ivy League degree. And here you are playing nanny? What were you thinking?
15:32Not your business.
15:34Nora, try to understand. The day you married into the Crane family, you represent the Crane name.
15:41Sebastian, we're divorced. I have nothing to do with your family anymore.
15:47Even divorced, you're my ex-wife. People still bring me up when they talk about you.
15:52Stop embarrassing me. Use your head for once. Stop being emotional all the time.
15:57Nora, few weeks out here. Bet you miss being Mrs. Crane, don't you? Admit you were wrong.
16:02I'll think about taking you back. The girls outside the marriage, those were nothing.
16:05I haven't replaced you. The position's still open. Just swallow your pride. Apologize to my mother and my sister.
16:11Don't bother holding it. Give the seat to someone else, Sebastian. I'm not interested.
16:14On the drive home, a new number called. Connor, the nephew I'd raised for two years.
16:20I'd blocked the rest of the Cranes. Not him. Kids didn't pick their parents.
16:25Hey, Con. Nora, you divorced loser. My mom wants to talk to you.
16:30My throat closed up. Then Cassandra Crane took the phone.
16:33Nora, Sebastian tells me you're working as a nanny. Have you ever thought about anyone but yourself?
16:38You're slapping Sebastian's face. You're slapping the Crane name.
16:41What does that look like to people? Nora, I always said it.
16:45You'll never rise above your roots. Trash dressed in silk.
16:48I hung up, blocked her, pulled over. I crashed onto the steering wheel and bawled.
16:53I cried until I couldn't breathe. I cried until I was so empty I felt nothing.
16:57Then I sat up, wiped my face, felt the exhaustion settle bone deep.
17:01Nora, here, tissue.
17:03I'd forgotten Leo was in the back seat. He was holding a tissue out from his car seat.
17:07Big, sad eyes glued to me. I'm sorry, sweetheart. Did I scare you?
17:11Nora, I'm not scared. You can cry as long as you want. I'll wait.
17:16Adults crying isn't shameful. I won't laugh.
17:19Thanks, my little gentleman. Auntie's done. No more crying from now on. Let's go home.
17:24I went to bed early that night. Didn't feel up to dinner. Then a knock.
17:28Nora, can I come in?
17:29Luca. I was fresh out of the shower. Hair wet, robe tied carefully. I made sure
17:35nothing was showing. Come in.
17:37He was in a tight white tank top, making the snake tattoo stand out even more. Dark
17:42hair falling loose over his forehead. Whiskey in his hand, looser than I'd ever seen him.
17:47He sat in the chair by my bed. His gaze flicked to my wet collarbone,
17:51then immediately to the wall, like he'd been caught.
17:53The clothes in your closet, you never wear any of them.
17:56They're too nice. I'm not used to it.
17:59I'd learned one thing from the Crane marriage. Don't force yourself into a world that isn't yours.
18:04The fall is uglier when they shove you out.
18:06Are they not your style? I'll have the designer come fit you for new ones.
18:10No, no, Mr. Castellano. I'm in the house all day with Leo.
18:13There's nowhere to wear that kind of thing, truly.
18:16I heard you saw your ex today. His name's Crane? The stupid Crane capital?
18:21I froze. Leo had snitched.
18:24Yes. That Crane. Old news.
18:26Nora, since you came, Leo's been a different child. Thank you.
18:31His eyes were dark and serious on mine. I shifted, uncomfortable.
18:35You pay me very well. It's what I'm here for.
18:37Nora, ask me for anything. I can probably make it happen.
18:42Mr. Castellano, I don't need anything.
18:44He was quiet a long moment. His fingers tightened on his knee, then released. He stood up.
18:50I'll say this again. I'm the Don of the Castello family. If you want, I can make sure he never
18:57speaks
18:58again more by tomorrow. I took a step back, still not used to him being this close. Without warning,
19:03he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. Did I scare you?
19:06I said nothing. His hand slid down from my cheek. He gave a faint smile, then walked out.
19:12For the next two weeks, Luca started coming home early. Dinner with Leo and me. Sometimes board games
19:18after. Sometimes a movie. A man who ran half of New York's Underworld didn't change his schedule for
19:24no reason. I was starting to worry. Was the family in trouble? Not that I cared about him.
19:29I just really cared about my 150 grand a month. Mr. Castellano, you don't have to keep coming home
19:34this early. Leo has me. If you've got business, take it. Luca picked up a red Lego brick. Voice
19:40perfectly neutral. The psychiatrist said you need family. Leo and I are your family now. We have
19:45responsibilities. Since when are we family, I wanted to say. I didn't. Honestly, Leo's enough.
19:52The doctor said my improvement is mostly thanks to him. He stroked his chin, avoiding eye contact.
19:58I grabbed Leo's hand and stood. Come on, buddy. Story time. Daddy still has work.
20:03Leo and I walked out. Nora. Luca's voice, stopping me at the doorway. Yes?
20:09His ears were faintly pink. He cleared his throat. Tomorrow night, there's an event.
20:15Plus sun's required. Would you come with me? Me?
20:26You. I don't have time to find someone else. I'll pay you an appearance fee.
20:30A man with his face couldn't find a date in 24 hours? I didn't think too much. There was money
20:35on the table. Sure. I don't know the social rules in your world, though. I don't want to embarrass you.
20:42The Cranes were a moneyed family, too. But Sebastian had never taken me to anything
20:46because his mother said she doesn't know how to act in public. Don't let her embarrass us.
20:52Stand next to me. That's all. Luca's brow eased. If you want, I can make the gossipers
20:57shut up for good. The butler chimed in, beaming. Miss Bennett, you don't need to know the rules.
21:04The dawn is the rules. Hard to argue with that. The next afternoon, a design team showed up at the
21:10mansion. Five people. Most of them flown in from Paris. Hair, makeup, dress, jewelry. They huddled and
21:18debated each detail for 20 minutes at a stretch. By the time Luca came home, I was starting to feel
21:23sick
21:24about how much was on me. He walked in, saw me. His eyes did something. A brief flash,
21:31almost stunned, before he caught himself. Daddy, look how pretty Nora is. Call her mom.
21:38Leo turned his head and harrumphed. Wouldn't say it. I patted his hair. It's okay. I like Nora.
21:46Makes me feel young. The event was a charity gala at the Plaza. Every major name in New York was
21:51there.
21:52Old money. Bigger money. Political faces. A few faces I recognized from the papers,
21:57and a few I knew not to recognize at all. They orbited Luca immediately. Conversations
22:02started landing on me. Mr. Castellino. Who's the beautiful lady? I jumped in to save him.
22:10I'm a friend of Mr. Castellino's. My wife, Nora. The room shifted. A chorus of polite gasps.
22:20Compliments raining down. My face went hot to my collarbone. Luca squeezed my hand. Leaned in.
22:26Nora. Is being my wife really that embarrassing? You couldn't say it?
22:31Bourbon and cedar on his breath. No. No. I just… I didn't want to embarrass you.
22:38His eyes darkened. He looked at me like he was lighting something on fire.
22:42Only a weak man is embarrassed by his wife. I had to look away. I'll grab a drink.
22:46I bolted. I'd been hiding by the champagne tower for about 90 seconds when…
22:52Nora?
22:56There was no date. Just him. Had it Luca said plus ones required? Sebastian's face was pure stunned.
23:03It is you. I almost didn't recognize you.
23:12I've never seen you look like this.
23:15I stepped back. Stay away from me.
23:17Nora. About my sister's call. That wasn't me. I'd never authorize that. Truth is I only agreed to the
23:23divorce to teach you a lesson. Bratty wife. Needed reminding. I never actually planned to let you go.
23:29No. Apologize. To my mom. And my sister. We'll remarry. I'll forget the rest.
23:40Crane. Capital is bleeding right now. I'm slammed. Stop making things hard for me.
23:45He reached for my hand. The Sebastian special. One slap. One kiss. He'd run me on that loop for three
23:52years. I'm not the Nora he married anymore. I yanked back. Sebastian. Divorced means divorced.
23:59I'd rather sleep under the Brooklyn Pleerage than wear your last name again. Find someone else for
24:03that throne. Still stubborn. You haven't suffered enough. Crawl find me when you've actually been
24:08broken. That's when Luca started walking toward us. Sebastian's whole posture changed.
24:17Nora. We'll talk later. There's a heavyweight I need to corner. Don't get in the way.
24:22Plastered on his best smile and intercepted Luca with a business card already out.
24:27My Don. I'm Sebastian Crane. Crane Capital. I'd like to talk about the mandate you pulled.
24:35Five years. Crane of Capital ran the books on every fund Castellino Holdings put on the street.
24:40Then you cut us out overnight. If we fell short, tell me where. Whatever you need, I'll make it right.
24:48Sebastian, half bowed. Luca's eyes went past him, straight to me.
24:53Nora. What do you think? Should I give him a second chance?
24:58Sebastian's smile froze.
25:00Nora? What does she have to do with-
25:02Mr. Castelloni, you should know. Nora is my ex-wife. I don't know how she got in here tonight,
25:08probably trying to ambush me into wrecking elitiation. She's just a housewife. Pay her no mind.
25:13Luca didn't even glance at him.
25:16Nora. Your call. I'll follow your lead.
25:22I kept my voice flat. Mr. Crane just asked me not to interfere in his business conversation.
25:27I'd hate to interfere. Sebastian flared.
25:30A man's business is none of your concern. Of course, small town instincts.
25:35Luca's voice came in cold and final.
25:37Then I'd assume my wife doesn't approve of Crane Capital. Mr. Crane, we'll have to pass.
25:43His arm slid around my shoulders. He turned us toward the bar. Sebastian was still standing there,
25:49brain catching up. Then a man in a tuxedo brushed past him.
25:52Crane, you insulted Don's wife. You stepped on a live mine.
25:58That's the only woman who's ever been on his arm in 20 years.
26:02Castellano's wife? Impossible. The woman's a nanny in the Castellano house.
26:07Sebastian had seen Nora at the farmer's market, driving the cheap car, carrying a lobster for the
26:13brat. He knew what he saw. A fancy dress didn't make a duchess. The man shook his head and walked
26:18off.
26:19Some idiots won't listen. Let them die.
26:23That night, Luca bid on a Picasso study and three pieces of war-era jewelry, 180 million in collectibles,
26:31donated to the children's hospital under my name. After that, the gala turned into a receiving line.
26:37Mrs. Castellano, there's a small tea at my place next week. Would you grace us?
26:42Mrs. Castellano, my husband is bidding on a Castellano project. Just a quiet word to the Don.
26:47I'd never been on this side of a room. I drank three glasses to keep my hands steady.
26:52Luca intercepted on the fourth.
26:54Apologies, everyone. My wife isn't a drinker. I'll take hers.
26:58He drank. Then he drank for me three more times.
27:02By the time we slid into his Rolls Royce, we were both lit. I glanced out the window.
27:07Sebastian was on the curb, watching us. Mouth curled in that ugly little smirk,
27:12like I was the punchline. I closed the curtain, turned to Luca.
27:16Mr. Castellano, thank you. For tonight. For what you did with Sebastian.
27:23His voice came out low, soft around the edges.
27:28Nora, we're husband and wife. Stop thanking me.
27:32We're a paper husband and wife. You didn't have to.
27:36His arm lifted. Long fingers tilted my chin up. His thumb brushed slow against my jaw.
27:42Nora, what if I don't want a paper marriage anymore?
27:46He was too close. His face was carved out of something dangerous. Eyes blown black.
27:52Heat from his breath landed on my throat. He smelled like bourbon and that cedar cologne,
27:57and something underneath that was just him. The most controlled man in New York
28:02was looking at my mouth like he wanted it. Mr. Castellano, you've had too much.
28:13You're right, I'm sorry. I had too much. The rest of the ride was silence. A heavy,
28:18humming silence with my pulse loud in my ears.
28:26Leo saved me. He sprinted at the front door with his picture book.
28:31I scooped him up and ran upstairs before I had to look Luca in the face again.
28:37I tucked Leo in, then opened my laptop and started scrolling job boards. Sebastian was
28:42right about one thing. My Ivy League degree shouldn't be wasted by eating in a mansion
28:47playing house. I'd done that marriage already. Stayed home. Made myself small. The minute he didn't
28:53need me, he tossed me into the street with nothing. I'd be damned if I let that happen twice.
28:58While Leo needed me, I had a place here. The day he didn't, what was I? Though I'm not ready
29:04to go
29:05back to work yet, physically or mentally. But knowing the market, updating a resume,
29:10that couldn't hurt. Then my phone lit up. A text. From Luca.
29:17The butler did the coffee. Always. And the first rule of this house was don't go to the third floor.
29:23I ground a fresh espresso anyway. Then I stood at the bottom of the staircase. Hesitated. Was this a
29:30test? Did the last applicant get launched out a window after being summoned upstairs? Was this
29:35revenge for the car? I called him. Mr. Castellana, coffee's here. Come down for it. Bring it up. I hit
29:45the
29:45record button on my phone. Caught it. If he tried anything sketchy, I had proof. I climbed the stairs.
29:53Knocked. Come in. I pushed the door open and forgot how to breathe.
30:00He'd just gotten out of the shower. Black silk robe, loosely tied at the waist. A drop slid from
30:07his jaw, down his throat, into the open robe. Bathhouse art. Renaissance painting. Holy hell.
30:14He took the coffee. His fingertips dragged across mine on purpose.
30:19That scared of me? Nora, am I a monster? Nora. From now on, you can come into my room whenever
30:32you want.
30:32My face still burned. The rules of this house and the rules of my heart were both breaking.
30:39I woke up the next morning with a sore throat. Sneezing. Of course, wet hair, late night,
30:44fancy dress, too much champagne. I shuffled downstairs in sweats, expecting the empty
30:50great room. Lupa was on the couch. Black turtleneck, wire-framed glasses. The combination should be
30:56illegal. Morning. He set the paper down. You're sick. A little. The back of his hand landed on my
31:04forehead. Calm. Practiced. Like he did it every morning. I went stiff as a board. Not bad. I'll
31:12grab some Therafax. You'll be fine. He guided me to the couch like I was made of glass. Walked to
31:16the
31:17kitchen. A six-foot-something Mafia Don, stirring a packet of cold medicine into a mug. Usually, a Don
31:24would poison the drink instead. I caught myself wondering what kind of woman Leo's mother had been
31:29to deserve a man like this. I drank the Theraflu and slunk back to bed. I didn't want to be
31:43in his
31:43way, so I just dozed off when an unknown number rang. Nora, it's me. Sebastian. I started to hang up.
31:55Don't. I'm parked outside the Castellani gate. Come out or I'll be at the front door. Up to you.
32:00I did not want him at the door. I did not want my past laid out on Luca's marble entryway
32:05like
32:05roadkill. Sebastian intercepted me on the sidewalk. Nora, how long is this stunt going on for?
32:12Mrs. Crane working as a nanny? You don't feel humiliated, but I do. I'm not doing anything to
32:19you, Sebastian. Stop the act. You dressed up last night to make me jealous. Fine. I'll admit it.
32:26After you left, I missed you a little. Here's the deal. Apologize to my mom and my sister.
32:32We remarry. You can stop scrubbing floors for strangers.
32:38Sebastian, I didn't do anything wrong. What am I apologizing for?
32:43You still don't see the problem?
32:47You haven't been beaten down enough. I was about to fire back when a small round cannonball blew
32:52past me. Leo, when he saw a strange man hassling me, he did not hesitate. My mom didn't do anything
32:57wrong. My mom is the best mom in the whole world. He glared up at him like a furious cherub,
33:04protecting me. Something cracked open in my chest. I pulled him in tight.
33:09Kid, what did you just call her? Isn't she your nanny?
33:13You're a nanny. Your whole family is a nanny. Nora is my mom. My best mom.
33:20He pulled back, anxious. I nodded. My eyes were wet again.
33:25Nora, you'll be my mom, right? I'll be so good. I promise.
33:32Leo, I am your mom, sweetheart.
33:35He squeezed me tighter and refused to let go. Sebastian's face twisted into a slow, ugly
33:40smile.
33:41Oh, I see it now. Nora, you're putting a child up to it. You're playing the long game on Castelloni.
33:51He grabbed my arm.
33:52Listen, Castorano isn't a man you scam. He's known for ice in his veins. He finds out you're
34:00using his son to angle for him. He'll bury you in the East River.
34:03A warm hand landed on my waist. I hadn't heard him come outside. Luca. He pulled me into him.
34:10Mr. Crane, the last time we spoke, you insulted my wife. That's why I pulled the mandate.
34:17I was planning to tell the other firms on the street that this was personal.
34:20They could keep doing business with Crane of Capital.
34:23After today, I don't think I need to.
34:26Castellano.
34:27What, you wife? Who's your wife?
34:30Mr. Crane, are you really still confused or are you only capable of believing what you
34:35want to believe? Nora is my wife, the mother of my son. Send him off.
34:44Luca turned to the butler at the door.
34:46If anyone like this bothers Mrs. Castellini again, have my men throw him out.
34:49He took Leo with one arm, wrapped the other around me, walked us inside. The second the
34:56door closed, I peeled out of Luca's arm. Awkward as hell. I took Leo upstairs to my room.
35:03Leo, where were you all morning? I didn't see you all day.
35:08Don't even ask. Dad sent me to preschool.
35:12What? You preschool?
35:14He said he didn't want you working too hard. He said he needed alone time with you.
35:24Why does he need alone time with me?
35:27Dad said he had to make you fall in love with him. Otherwise, you might leave us.
35:32Leo was four sentences into his report when Luca appeared in the doorway.
35:36Leo, downstairs. Dinner. Stop bothering your mother.
35:41My whole face hot.
35:42Mom, I'll be back to keep you company in a bit.
35:47He scampered out. Luca didn't leave. He walked in.
35:51Feeling better?
35:53I looked sideways.
35:54Mr. Castellini, thank you for what you did.
35:58Please don't ruin a business decision for me.
36:02I'm really not worth it.
36:04Not worth what?
36:07What you did out there.
36:10Nora, I told you. You're my wife. Protecting you is my job.
36:16But...
36:17Stop calling this a paper marriage.
36:21Nora, I want a real one.
36:23I had not expected him to swing this hard, this fast. My face went up in flames.
36:29I'll give you time. Take whatever you need.
36:32But right now, I want to collect just a little husband privilege.
36:36Before I could form a coherent thought, he leaned in.
36:39A long, warm hand cradled my cheek.
36:41Can I?
36:42I didn't say a word.
36:44I'll take this as consent.
36:46Then his lips crashed against mine. Hard and ruthless.
36:50His tongue swept into my mouth, stealing the air from my lungs. Right.
36:54This was how a mafia boss kissed. Cold. Merciless. Taking whatever he wanted.
37:00The kiss lasted so long my mind went blank by the time he finally pulled away.
37:05He rubbed his thumb over my swollen lips.
37:07My little princess, that's enough for today.
37:15Next time, I won't let you off so easily.
37:18Leo got hauled to preschool again the next morning, under protest.
37:22My cold was almost gone.
37:24Luca asked if I wanted to see a movie.
37:26After everything that had happened, I thought about it.
37:29We were married on paper.
37:30If something real was going to grow there, that wasn't the worst outcome.
37:34He had a private media room on the third floor.
37:37It was my first time entering other room in third floor.
37:41Before that, he showed me his collection room.
37:43One entire wall was covered in cold weapons.
37:46Daggers, knives, blades of every kind.
37:49Honestly, it was breathtaking.
37:51I was still standing there staring at the wall when he stepped up behind me and fastened a necklace around
37:56my neck.
37:57Another snake.
37:58Exactly like the tattoo on his body.
38:01A little gift.
38:03Just don't reject it.
38:04Then he took my hand and led me into the media room.
38:07He put on a French romance film.
38:09Slow, elegant kisses on the screen.
38:12Mixed with far less elegant sounds in the background.
38:15Luca leaned closer, his voice brushing against my ear.
38:19Nora.
38:21Yes?
38:22I closed my eyes, my fingers tightening around the snake pendant.
38:26Like a girl being offered up as a sacrifice.
38:29LOL
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