- 3 hours ago
Cuando Dejé de Amarte | Full 38 Eps SD Drama 2026
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Sicily has a savage tradition known as the claiming, rooted in old honor codes and mafia control.
00:05It demands the groom steal his bride away at midnight, fighting through her family's guards to prove his power and
00:11right to her.
00:11I waited three years for Dominic. At last, he and his men slipped into my courtyard.
00:16I was ready to run to him until I heard his hushed order.
00:19Grab Bianca in the chaos. She's fragile.
00:21If she's sold off to the Don of the Valentino family to settle the debt, she won't survive the night.
00:25As for Elena, she'll fight like hell. She'll keep herself safe.
00:28The men hesitated.
00:30Dominic, you and Elena are already married.
00:32If she finds out, she'll burn this place to the ground.
00:35Let her. It's dark enough.
00:38A case of mistaken identity during the claiming will be easy to explain.
00:41I'll calm her down later.
00:42He paused, his voice turning icy.
00:45Besides, the marriage license she signed was a forgery.
00:48I promised Bianca a safe life in Palermo. She's my priority.
00:53I heard every word from behind the door. I didn't scream. I didn't cry.
00:56I just slipped back into the room.
00:59They'd expected me to fight. To hurt anyone who tried to take me.
01:03Instead, I silently climbed onto the back of the man who'd broken into my chamber.
01:08And became his bride.
01:10Elena, my contact at the registry checked.
01:13You... you weren't actually Dominic's legal wife.
01:17Something inside my chest shattered.
01:19I'd lived as Dominic's wife for five years.
01:22All that time, the Russo family never accepted me.
01:25His mother never used my name.
01:27Only ever referring to me as...
01:29That girl.
01:30At family galas, I was always seated at the farthest table.
01:33In official portraits, I was placed at the edge so I could be easily cropped out.
01:37Dominic said his mother wouldn't let up until I broke.
01:40So he sent me back to the Moretti estate.
01:42He promised he'd follow our traditions and complete the formal claiming ritual to bring me back as his Donna.
01:48Then, the Russo family would have no choice but to accept me.
01:52I waited.
01:52For three years, I'd held my time.
01:55Longing for this night.
01:56But he'd come for another woman.
01:57He'd kept me deceived for years with a forged marriage license.
02:01All to hide the truth.
02:02The one he'd truly meant to claim was my half-sister, Bianca.
02:06I stared at my reflection.
02:08My face was empty.
02:10Shouts exploded in the courtyard.
02:12The ritual had begun.
02:14Laughter rang out.
02:16Boots thudded against stone.
02:17And guards put on a show of resisting.
02:20Ritual torches painted half the sky red.
02:22All the excitement was for them.
02:24The celebration was for Bianca.
02:26The other group of men had come from the Valentino family.
02:29They'd originally come for Bianca.
02:31By the rules of the ritual, if a woman didn't want to be taken, she could hide and send them
02:35away empty-handed.
02:36But Bianca didn't hide.
02:38She waited in her room to be taken.
02:40And the man she waited for was my husband.
02:42The room I was in wasn't mine.
02:44It was Bianca's.
02:46That afternoon, my stepmother pulled me aside.
02:48For once, her voice was gentle.
02:50Elena, stay in Bianca's room tonight.
02:52Yours is too far back.
02:53Too quiet.
02:54They'll never find you.
02:55The men coming for Bianca are savages.
02:57You've always been tough.
02:59You can handle the rough play.
03:00Bianca is fragile.
03:02If she gets caught in the crossfire, it'll be a disaster.
03:05I said nothing.
03:06I knew exactly what she meant.
03:07By the rules of the claiming, the groom's men would storm in.
03:10The woman was expected to fight and struggle.
03:13It was called the gauntlet.
03:14The harder she fought, the more valuable she was considered.
03:17The groom had to prove he could take her by force.
03:20Those punches and shoves were real.
03:22My stepmother studied my face, testing me.
03:25Besides, Dominic has never been to the Meretti estate at night.
03:28The front room?
03:28He'll find you faster.
03:30Back then, I'd only wanted to make things easier for Dominic.
03:33I agreed.
03:34I even texted him my room location.
03:37But they'd been planning this switch all along.
03:40A roar of celebration erupted outside.
03:42We got her!
03:42The bride is ours!
03:44Laughter and cheering rang out, followed by the sharp crack of celebratory gunfire.
03:48I listened, but didn't move.
03:50I knew exactly who they'd taken.
03:52I could picture Dominic carrying Bianca through the crowd,
03:54his men shielding them as guests hurled objects and blocked their path.
03:58Bianca would hide her face against his back, pretending to struggle.
04:02How perfect.
04:03I lowered my gaze.
04:05Moments later, my door was kicked in.
04:07A group of men flooded into the dark room, their footsteps heavy and chaotic.
04:11Someone seized my arm.
04:13Hands began shoving and striking me.
04:15I felt fists slam into my shoulders and back.
04:18This was the gauntlet.
04:19The harder the beating, the more the family valued the bride.
04:22I didn't flinch or resist.
04:24I let them yank me from my chair and drag me towards the door.
04:27At first it felt like a formality, but the violence quickly turned ugly.
04:33Someone slammed my arm against the stone wall.
04:39Fists began hammering my ribs with real, cruel force.
04:43This was intentional.
04:45The pain was excruciating, but I didn't make a sound.
04:48I should have known you were tough, Elena.
04:50I finally understood what my stepmother had meant by calling me tough.
04:55Just when I thought it would never end, someone stepped in to shield me.
05:00Enough!
05:01It was a stranger's voice, sharp with fury.
05:05He blocked the others, shoving the attacker's back with his arms.
05:10That's the way it works.
05:12The harder we hit, the more she's worth.
05:15What rule?
05:16His voice dropped to a dangerous growl.
05:19This isn't your wife!
05:20If someone was beating your woman like a dog, would you just stand there and watch?
05:25The room went silent.
05:27He glanced back at me.
05:29In the shadows, I could only make out the sharp line of his jaw.
05:33Then he bent down and hoisted me onto his back.
05:37Who is he?
05:38He's taking this ritual way too seriously.
05:40He carried me out in long, steady strides.
05:42People chased after us, throwing things and blocking the way,
05:46but his grip on my legs never wavered.
05:49When he finally carried me out of my private courtyard,
05:52he paused to catch his breath.
05:57In the distance, the faint glow of ritual torches moved.
06:00That was the other group.
06:02Through the bushes, I heard their laughter.
06:05Dominic was at the front.
06:06Sweat soaked but wearing a triumphant smile.
06:09Bianca was on his back.
06:11Her arms wrapped tight around his neck.
06:13His men were cheering.
06:15Kiss her!
06:16Kiss her!
06:17I lay silent on the stranger's back as they drew near.
06:22Torchlight flickered across my face.
06:24Dominic's eyes flicked over me and Lituyi the Bremormlemi for a split second.
06:28Then his gaze moved on, turning back to his men as he joked and laughed.
06:32He didn't recognize me.
06:35Bianca whispered something in his ear, and he leaned in with a soft smile.
06:40I suddenly thought back to three years ago, when I'd returned to the Moretti estate to visit my father and
06:45stayed for a while.
06:46The first time Dominic came to find me there, he'd worn that exact same smile.
06:50That day, my father's men put him to the test.
06:53They blocked him at the gates and roughed him up, just to see if a Russo truly cared for a
06:57Moretti girl.
06:58He'd shown up at my door with a split lip and bruised ribs.
07:01I asked if it hurt.
07:03For my wife, I'd take a lot worse.
07:05He was a spoiled Russo heir who'd never been hurt before.
07:08Yet he'd taken a beating from my father's men, just for me.
07:12He always acted like it was nothing, but I knew the truth.
07:15My father's men didn't go easy on outsiders.
07:18Another time, it poured rain.
07:20He showed up soaked to the bone, his shirt torn, but the pastries tucked inside his jacket were still dry.
07:28I called him an idiot for coming out in weather like that.
07:31Didn't want you to wait too long.
07:33I held those pastries, staring at the cut on his cheek, and thought,
07:37This is the man I'll spend my life with.
07:40But now he carried Bianca with that exact same smile.
07:44Come on, Bianca.
07:45My vision blurred for a second, then sharpened again.
07:49You're not going to drop me, are you?
07:50No, never.
07:51Are you sure?
07:51Yes.
07:51Are you sure?
07:52When did it all start to change?
07:54Probably three years ago, when my father died.
07:57I felt completely hollow inside.
07:59I'll handle it.
08:00Dominic cancelled everything to stay at the Moretti estate with me for two weeks.
08:04Non salchare.
08:04The day he had to leave, he took my hand and spoke softly.
08:08Elena, you just got through the funeral and you look awful.
08:11If my mother sees you like this, she'll start on you again.
08:13I don't want you putting up with that.
08:14Just stay here at the estate and rest.
08:16You've always wanted to take over the family business, right?
08:19I'll go back and smooth things over at home, then come get you.
08:21I looked at him and nodded.
08:22I was truly exhausted from the constant fighting with his mother.
08:26Back then, I believed he was looking out for me that he didn't want me to go back and face
08:30those cold stares.
08:31Only later did I realize distance doesn't create beauty.
08:34It just makes it easier for him to love someone else.
08:37Last year, when Mrs. Russo turned 60, Dominic came to bring me back.
08:41The moment I stepped inside, I saw my stepsister, Bianca.
08:44She was supposed to be in Palermo for work, but there she was in the living room, arranging fruit.
08:50Her movements smooth and familiar.
08:52So, she lived here now.
08:53Dominic paused while taking off his shoes and explained,
08:56Bianca's workplace is near our house.
08:58She's staying here temporarily.
08:59There wasn't a trace of guilt in his voice.
09:02And I didn't push for more.
09:03My stepmother had married into the Moretti family long after Bianca and I were grown.
09:07We'd never been close.
09:09Over the years, we'd only seen each other during holidays.
09:11I couldn't quite put into words how I felt about her staying there.
09:15Hey, sis.
09:17Don't worry.
09:18I'm just crashing here for a bit.
09:19I'll move out once I find a place.
09:21I nodded, but said nothing.
09:23Back then, I never could have imagined.
09:25For three years, I waited alone in the empty Moretti estate.
09:28And all that time, my little sister had been working in the Russo house.
09:32Now, watching Bianca on Dominic's back, it all suddenly clicked.
09:36I hadn't been waiting for him to bring me home at all.
09:39I'd been waiting for my heart to die.
09:41Bianca's voice drifted closer on the wind.
09:44What about Elena?
09:45If she finds out, she'll lose it.
09:46She's all bark and no bite.
09:48She'll get over it after throwing a fit.
09:50He paused, his voice lowering.
09:52It's pitch black during the claiming.
09:54I just made a mistake.
09:55She'll feel sorry for me before she even gets angry.
09:58Once she finds out, I'll just smooth it over.
10:02Bianca laughed softly.
10:04My knuckles whitened.
10:05One of his men spoke up suddenly.
10:07Kappa, what if someone else claimed Elena?
10:09The group fell quiet.
10:11Then Dominic laughed.
10:12You think she'd let anyone take her without a fight?
10:14With that temper of hers, she'll tear the place apart tonight.
10:17True.
10:17No way Elena goes quietly.
10:19Feel sorry for that poor bastard.
10:20Wonder what he looks like now.
10:22The laughter swelled.
10:24I looked down.
10:25Let's go.
10:26He must have heard everything.
10:28Heard them laughing about me.
10:30Heard how they thought I'd tear the roof off.
10:32But he said nothing.
10:34He just kept walking.
10:35At the gate of the Meridi Estate, we ran straight into them.
10:39Torchlight flickered over us.
10:41Luca.
10:42Yeah?
10:43Yeah.
10:44It really is you.
10:45You claiming someone tonight too?
10:47Yeah.
10:49Which family?
10:52A neighbor family.
10:55Caso, man.
10:57Always figured you'd stay single forever.
10:59Congrats.
11:00Dominic took a step forward.
11:02I felt his gaze linger on my back.
11:04That look lasted too long.
11:06Long enough, I almost thought he'd recognized me.
11:11Let's go.
11:12Wait!
11:16Dominic, my ankle hurts.
11:18What's wrong?
11:19Did you twist it earlier?
11:21I don't know.
11:22It just aches.
11:24Let's go.
11:25We need to get to your place before sunrise.
11:27Dominic didn't waste another second.
11:29I'm gonna run.
11:29I'll buy you a drink next time.
11:33Their footsteps faded into the distance.
11:40He really didn't recognize you.
11:41I rested my face against his shoulder and said nothing.
11:44My eyes stung.
11:46His pace slowed.
11:48Steps gentle and steady.
11:49The moon was bright.
11:51The road stretched on.
11:52I had no idea where he was taking me.
11:54But in that moment, I thought,
11:56anywhere was better than going back.
11:59Music filled the Russo estate hall.
12:02The whole place buzzed with celebration.
12:04Wine flowed freely, and couples danced to old songs.
12:08This was the party after a successful claiming.
12:11By tradition, it would last until sunrise.
12:14Dominic sat at the edge of the crowd, phone in hand.
12:17No messages from Elena.
12:19That wasn't like her.
12:21She never kept things bottled up.
12:24If she found out I claimed the wrong woman,
12:26she would have called screaming by now.
12:28I already had my excuses.
12:31It was pitch black.
12:33Don't overthink it.
12:34You're the only one I want.
12:35I'll wait for her to blow up over the phone,
12:37then talk her down gently.
12:39She'd hurl some threat,
12:41and he'd smooth it over.
12:42Done.
12:43She never stayed mad at me for long.
12:46But this time,
12:47no call, no text,
12:48no yelling.
12:51Capo, still waiting Elena?
12:53Don't bother.
12:54Signal's shit out here.
12:55Her area gets fine signal.
12:57Then her phone's probably dead.
12:58Or she didn't see it.
13:00She's probably off beating someone up right now.
13:04Dominic stayed quiet.
13:05Elena had once told him,
13:07I set a special ringtone for your messages.
13:09Don't want to miss them.
13:11I'd sit out in the courtyard till midnight,
13:13just waiting for you to call.
13:17He didn't believe she didn't see it,
13:19but he had no better explanation.
13:21All right, quit overthinking.
13:23This is your big night.
13:24Your bride's waiting for you.
13:26What are you doing sitting here?
13:27Tradition says once you've claimed her,
13:29you stay with her all night.
13:31Finish the ritual.
13:32I told Beyoncé this was temporary.
13:34I just got her out of there.
13:35I didn't plan on...
13:36Didn't plan on what?
13:37Capo, this is the claiming.
13:39Not a game.
13:39You took her, you finish it.
13:41Otherwise, you insult her whole family.
13:43Besides, you and Elena have been together for years.
13:46She won't care about formalities.
13:47Just get through tonight.
13:48Dominic opened his mouth to argue.
13:50What are you guys talking about?
13:52Dominic froze.
13:53Dominic, I know this one's fake,
13:55but can we at least finish the ritual?
13:58Her eyes glistening.
14:00I know you love Elena,
14:02but can you pretend I'm your bride?
14:04Just tonight.
14:05Dominic said nothing.
14:07Bianca bowed her head,
14:09her lashes fluttering.
14:11Toast the bride!
14:13Toast the bride!
14:15Toast the bride!
14:16Dominic picked up his glass,
14:18linking arms with Bianca.
14:20Light danced across both their faces.
14:22Cheers and laughter erupted around them,
14:25loud enough to rattle the walls.
14:27His eyes kept straying to the dark road
14:29beyond the estate,
14:30the same road he'd carried Bianca down tonight.
14:33At the gate, he ran into Luca Santoro.
14:36They met years ago at a family party.
14:41They had a few drinks together.
14:44Acquaintances, at best.
14:45That man had been quiet but steady,
14:47the kind of man you could trust with your life.
14:49Tonight, Luca had been carrying someone too,
14:52said she was from another family.
14:53She was thin, lying quietly on Luca's back.
14:56Only a glimpse of her neck was visible.
14:58The line of that neck,
14:59the curve of her bowed head.
15:01It had felt strangely familiar,
15:03but Bianca had cried out in pain,
15:05so he hadn't thinked again.
15:07Dominic?
15:08Dominic?
15:09Is that okay?
15:10Yeah.
15:11Then he stepped aside,
15:13pulled out his phone,
15:14and dialed Elena's number.
15:15He needed to explain,
15:17to make sure she didn't misunderstand.
15:24Finally, someone picked up.
15:26Hello?
15:28Background noise,
15:29sounds of people moving things.
15:32Dominic blinked.
15:35Let me talk to Elena.
15:37Elena?
15:40She's not here.
15:42We're packing up her stuff to send over.
15:45Send over?
15:47Send where?
15:48Elena never lets her phone leave her hand.
15:50Where are you sending her things?
15:51The woman hesitated,
15:52not expecting the question.
15:55I'm Elena's aunt.
15:56We have to pack her things
15:57and send to her husband's house.
15:59Husband's house?
16:00So Elena was preparing
16:02to move back in with me?
16:03That made sense?
16:05He'd always planned to bring her back
16:06after the claiming.
16:07Stopped leaving her
16:08at the Marathi estate alone.
16:10Auntie,
16:11about the claiming tonight,
16:13there was a bit of a mix-up.
16:14Did Elena say anything?
16:16No, several families
16:17did claiming tonight.
16:18What would Elena have to say?
16:20Despite the words,
16:21a sense of unease
16:22surged in him.
16:23Oh, I can't talk anymore.
16:24We're busy packing.
16:25Both Elena and Bianca
16:27were taken tonight.
16:28We have to get their things ready.
16:30Dominic froze.
16:32What did she mean,
16:33both were taken?
16:34Didn't I only take Bianca?
16:36As for Elena,
16:37she would never go with someone
16:38she didn't love.
16:39Auntie,
16:40you said Elena was taken?
16:42Yes,
16:42by the Suntory family.
16:44Dominic's throat tightened.
16:46He couldn't speak.
16:47He suddenly remembered something
16:48and his mind exploded.
16:51Santori?
16:53Luca?
16:53The man he met at the gate.
16:55The one carrying a girl
16:56saying she was his bride.
16:58That silhouette
16:59that looked so familiar.
17:01Elena,
17:02she didn't fight?
17:03Fight?
17:04Why would she?
17:06A claiming isn't a bad thing.
17:07She was as quiet as she could be.
17:09She just went with him.
17:10We all thought it was strange.
17:11With her temper,
17:13shouldn't she have beaten the man?
17:14But nothing happened.
17:15She just let him carry her away.
17:17Dominic's hand began to shake.
17:19Quiet as she could be?
17:21Just let him carry her away?
17:23No,
17:23that wasn't Elena.
17:26No,
17:27that wasn't Elena.
17:28That wasn't the Elena I knew.
17:30He remembered talking to Elena
17:31about claimings before.
17:33She had sat on his doorstep,
17:35swinging her legs,
17:36speaking excitedly.
17:38The girls in Moretti family,
17:40if they're claimed by someone
17:41they don't like,
17:42they don't just let them.
17:43They kick,
17:44bite,
17:44and scratch.
17:45They fight until the man
17:47gives up himself.
17:48You're so wild.
17:49Who would dare claim you?
17:52Well,
17:53it depends on who's coming.
17:55If it's you,
18:00I'd just put on a show
18:01of struggling a little
18:02for appearances.
18:05Just a little?
18:06Three times at most.
18:08If you came to claim me,
18:10I'd probably be the first
18:11to jump on your back
18:12so you wouldn't have
18:12to take those hits.
18:13This girl is so foolish.
18:15Auntie Elena,
18:17when was she taken?
18:19When?
18:20Tonight,
18:21right after you left.
18:22Dominic opened his mouth,
18:23but not a single word
18:24came out.
18:25Hello?
18:26Dominic?
18:27Are you still there?
18:29I'm here.
18:29Why are you asking so much?
18:31Elena's husband
18:32will take care of her.
18:33You claimed Bianca tonight,
18:35didn't you?
18:36That poor girl's had it rough.
18:37Take good care of her.
18:38All right,
18:39I have to go.
18:40We're still packing.
18:41Elena left in such a hurry
18:42she forgot so many things.
18:43We have to get them to her.
18:45Bye now.
18:45The line went dead.
18:46The dial tone rang in his ears,
18:49a steady,
18:49hammering sound
18:50over and over.
18:52He stood at the edge
18:53of the crowd,
18:54white-knuckling his phone.
18:55Around him were songs,
18:57laughter,
18:58music,
18:58all the noise of celebration.
19:00Someone walked past,
19:02slapping his shoulder
19:02in congratulations.
19:04Someone shoved a drink
19:05into his hand,
19:06tugging him toward the dance floor.
19:07Bianca waved at him
19:08from across the fire,
19:10a soft smile on her face,
19:11but he couldn't hear a thing.
19:13While he'd been carrying
19:14Bianca away,
19:15Elena had been lying
19:16on another man's back.
19:17They had passed each other
19:18in the dark.
19:19He'd thought she would fight,
19:20scream,
19:21resist,
19:22but she did nothing.
19:23Capo,
19:24where the hell are you going?
19:26To get my wife.
19:27What wife?
19:29You claim Bianca tonight.
19:31You walk out now,
19:31you insult the whole
19:32Moretti family.
19:33This was temporary.
19:36Getting Bianca
19:37out of a bad situation.
19:38That's it.
19:38Temporary?
19:39Capo,
19:40you completed the ritual.
19:41The whole Palermo
19:42knows Bianca's yours now.
19:44You leave her tonight,
19:44she's got no standing.
19:45No protection.
19:47Bianca stood by the fire,
19:49watching him,
19:50eyes uncertain.
19:51One night.
19:52Stay tonight.
19:53Keep up appearances.
19:55Tomorrow,
19:56you can do whatever you want.
19:57But tonight,
19:59you owe Bianca that much.
20:01Dominic clenched his fists,
20:02then slowly let go.
20:04He walked back to the fire.
20:08Where were you going?
20:11Nowhere.
20:12Bianca lowered her head,
20:13not asking more.
20:14That night,
20:15he sat by the fire,
20:16watching the flames flicker and die.
20:18He watched the people come and go,
20:20watched the moon rise and slowly set.
20:22He called Elena countless times.
20:24It was always off.
20:26At dawn,
20:27he rose and left.
20:29Dominic!
20:30He didn't look back.
20:32He drove back to Corleone.
20:35The sun was just rising,
20:36the hounds were baying,
20:38and the morning mist was lifting from the vineyards.
20:40He stopped an old groundskeeper
20:42and asked where Luca's villa was.
20:44The man pointed toward a newly built villa
20:46at the foot of the hill.
20:48He ran over.
20:49The iron gates stood open,
20:51but the house was empty.
20:55Looking for Don Luca?
20:56He left at dawn with his new bride,
20:58said there was urgent family business
21:00and had to return.
21:01Dominic stood frozen in place.
21:04When did they come back?
21:05How should I know?
21:07Dominic stood before that empty house
21:09for a long time without moving.
21:12He pulled out his phone
21:13and called Elena again.
21:16Still off.
21:17He scrolled through his contacts
21:19and realized he didn't even have Luca's number.
21:21They were never close.
21:22He didn't know where Luca lived,
21:24what city he was in.
21:25He knew nothing.
21:27He only remembered last night,
21:28the way Elena had lain so quietly
21:31on that man's back.
21:32He rushed back to the Russo estate,
21:34picked up Bianca,
21:35and headed back to Palermo.
21:36The whole way,
21:37Bianca was quiet,
21:38occasionally glancing at him,
21:40wanting to speak.
21:41He didn't want to talk,
21:42so she didn't ask.
21:45But Elena wasn't at their home.
21:47He had failed again.
21:48In the days that followed,
21:49his mind was still trapped in that claiming.
21:54Just a little more.
21:55Just a little more,
21:56and he could have stopped his woman
21:58from being taken.
22:01Dominic.
22:02She no longer called him
22:04brother-in-law.
22:05She held a cup of warm milk.
22:07You haven't eaten much
22:09these past few days.
22:10Drink some milk.
22:12Bianca didn't leave.
22:13She sat beside him.
22:14I need to talk to you.
22:16Your mother refused to let you
22:18legally marry my sister.
22:19That was her condition
22:20for tolerating the relationship.
22:22So you gave Elena
22:23a fake certificate
22:24to make her believe
22:25you were committed.
22:27Then,
22:28to save me
22:29from the Valentino family,
22:30you
22:31a registered,
22:32a real marriage
22:33with me.
22:34Bianca lowered her head,
22:36her lashes trembling.
22:37You claimed me
22:38in front of the families.
22:40Completed the ritual.
22:41Made me your Donna.
22:43Dominic,
22:44since it has come to this,
22:46why don't we simply
22:46be together?
22:47Dominic froze.
22:49What did you say?
22:50Do you dare say
22:51you don't truly like me?
22:53You legally married me.
22:56You completed
22:57the claiming ritual.
22:58You made me your Donna.
23:01You say it was
23:02to save me from Valentino,
23:03but you never had
23:04to go that far.
23:05Just admit it.
23:07You like me.
23:09As for Elena,
23:10she's just not right for you.
23:12All she cares about
23:13is her dad's business.
23:14She never even thinks
23:15about helping you
23:16with your work
23:16or fitting in
23:17with your crowd.
23:18What's she even
23:19going to give you?
23:20But I'm different.
23:21I know what you want,
23:23and I know how to
23:23make your mom happy.
23:24I can give you
23:25way more than
23:26she ever could.
23:28Dominic looked
23:29into those eyes
23:30that were nothing
23:30like Elena's.
23:31Elena's eyes were bright,
23:33like stars in the mountains.
23:34No secrets,
23:35no pretense.
23:36Happy was happy.
23:37Sad was sad.
23:39Plain and simple.
23:40But Bianca's eyes
23:41were soft,
23:42like a pool of water
23:43that could pull you under
23:44before you even realized it.
23:46He suddenly asked himself,
23:47back when he'd go
23:48to the Meretti estate,
23:49bringing things for Elena,
23:51did he always bring
23:51a little something
23:52for Bianca, too?
23:54And later,
23:56when Bianca said
23:56her sister got
23:57about the family business,
23:58she had to find work.
23:59Was it just because
24:00he felt sorry
24:01for how fragile she seemed
24:02that he let her move
24:03into his home?
24:04He wasn't sure anymore.
24:06Was that casual kindness
24:07he'd shown her
24:08over the past three years
24:09really just a coincidence?
24:11And when he saw
24:12Bianca smile,
24:13was that feeling
24:14in his chest
24:14really just the affection
24:16of a brother?
24:17He didn't know
24:17when it started.
24:18Or perhaps he always knew,
24:20but refused to admit it.
24:21He only knew
24:22one thing for certain.
24:23Elena was the one
24:24he was supposed to marry,
24:25the wife he chose,
24:26the girl he was willing
24:27to give up everything.
24:30Dominic snapped back,
24:32looking at her,
24:32but thinking of Elena,
24:33thinking of her lying
24:34on that man's back,
24:36thinking of how
24:36she hadn't said a word,
24:37thinking of how
24:38she hadn't even
24:38bothered to struggle.
24:40His heart felt
24:40as if a piece
24:41had been savagely carved out.
24:43So, the mistaken identity,
24:45he thought no one knew,
24:46Elena had seen it all.
24:47So, she walked away
24:49in the other direction.
24:52Not long after,
24:53his mother arrived.
24:55Walked in,
24:55already lecturing.
24:56Since you and Bianca
24:58are registered,
24:58just live your lives.
25:00Why are you constantly
25:01thinking about that woman
25:02who ran off
25:03with another man
25:04and hasn't even come home?
25:06Dominic knew
25:06she would say this.
25:07In these three years,
25:09Bianca had charmed her well.
25:10She made her almost forget
25:12who it was
25:12that used to be
25:13insulted in the kitchen,
25:14who worked until midnight
25:15without a word of thanks.
25:17Bianca knew how to act cute,
25:19how to speak softly,
25:20how to buy expensive gifts
25:21to make her smile.
25:23And Elena?
25:23Elena didn't know these things.
25:25Elena only knew
25:26how to work hard,
25:27how to be good to him,
25:28how to stand there
25:29and wait to be seen.
25:30But she was never seen.
25:32Mother,
25:34Elena didn't run off.
25:36If that isn't running off,
25:38what is?
25:39She was claimed,
25:40claiming our normal out there.
25:42If she had you in her heart,
25:43why hasn't she come back?
25:45Because I have no right
25:46to ask her to.
25:47His mother froze.
25:49Back then,
25:50you said the only condition
25:52for accepting her
25:53was not registering
25:54the marriage.
25:55So,
25:56the contract I had with her
25:58was fake.
25:59From beginning to end,
26:00she was never truly my wife.
26:02Since she isn't back,
26:03I have no standing
26:04to look for her.
26:05If she wants to marry
26:06someone else...
26:08His throat tightened.
26:09I don't even have the right
26:11to object.
26:12Then who do you blame?
26:14I did interfere
26:14with the registration,
26:15but the rest was your choice.
26:17If you didn't like Bianca,
26:18why did you claim her?
26:20Why did you register with her?
26:21Dominic's throat choked.
26:22He couldn't explain.
26:24Saying Bianca was to help her leave,
26:26registering was for her status.
26:28But saying those things
26:29now felt pathetic,
26:30even to him.
26:32By helping her,
26:33he had lost himself.
26:34I'm telling you,
26:35everyone in the family
26:36knows about you and Bianca.
26:38You legally married that girl.
26:40You claimed her
26:41in front of the families.
26:43You made her your Donna.
26:45And now you want
26:45to discard her?
26:47What does that say
26:48about the Russo family?
26:51We're divorced.
26:53What?
26:54We divorced two months ago.
26:57I couldn't live with her.
26:59Then what do you want
27:00to do now?
27:01What did he want?
27:02He wanted to laugh.
27:03He wanted to find Elena.
27:05But with what?
27:05He didn't even know
27:06if she still hated him.
27:08He didn't even have the chance
27:09to use a divorce
27:10to force her to see him.
27:11Three years later.
27:12You're either locked
27:13in the Moretti estate
27:14or driving across Sicily
27:15chasing a ghost.
27:16Get out for once.
27:17Dominic,
27:18every family sends someone tonight.
27:20You should show your face.
27:22The hall was crowded
27:22with the elite
27:23of the most powerful syndicates.
27:26Dominic wandered through it
27:27aimlessly,
27:29eyes passing over each face
27:30and moving on.
27:32Three years.
27:32He thought sometimes.
27:34After her father died,
27:35she had nobody left.
27:36Maybe that's why
27:37she never went back
27:37to Moretti estate.
27:38She'd had him once.
27:39But what had he done
27:40with that?
27:41He'd made her wait
27:42three years,
27:43then carried another woman
27:44out right in front of her.
27:45What had he actually given her?
27:47A fake marriage license?
27:49Empty words.
27:50Three years of his mother's contempt.
27:52He'd watched every bit of it
27:54and never once
27:55stepped in front of it.
27:56And in the end,
27:57on what should have been
27:59the best night of her life,
28:00he walked away from her for good.
28:02Was she somewhere doing well now?
28:04Had she already forgotten him?
28:12Dominic,
28:13isn't that Elena?
28:14The man was in a black shirt,
28:16focused,
28:17unhurried,
28:17the woman beside him.
28:21She was speaking to someone,
28:23and her eyes curved
28:24into a smile.
28:25That was the person
28:26he'd been looking for
28:27for three years,
28:28standing right there,
28:29close enough to see.
28:32Elena!
28:46Hello.
28:47What can I help you with?
28:48Elena.
28:50It's me.
28:51She looked at him
28:52the way you look at someone
28:53you half recognize.
28:54I'm sorry.
28:55Do we know each me?
28:55I'm terrible with faces.
28:57She looked at him again
28:58more carefully.
28:59Mr. Russo,
29:01it's been a while.
29:02She genuinely
29:03hadn't recognized him.
29:05Three years,
29:06Dominic was gaunt
29:07and weathered,
29:08no longer the handsome,
29:09dashing man
29:09he had once been.
29:11Luca looked up then
29:12and glanced at him.
29:13He said nothing,
29:14simply stepping closer
29:15to Elena's side.
29:16It was a natural,
29:18protective stand.
29:19You two,
29:20are you truly,
29:22truly together?
29:23Elena turned slightly
29:24to look at Luca.
29:26That look was soft,
29:27certain,
29:28and natural.
29:31Mr. Russo,
29:31let me introduce you.
29:32This is my wife.
29:34During the claiming,
29:35you met her,
29:35remember?
29:37Wife?
29:38That's how,
29:38how can that count?
29:40That was a mistake,
29:41a blunder,
29:41it was dark,
29:42and I claimed the wrong person.
29:43Claimed the wrong person?
29:45Mr. Russo,
29:46Mr. Russo,
29:46in our tradition,
29:47a claiming isn't a kidnapping.
29:48It's a silent agreement
29:49between families.
29:50If the girl doesn't want it,
29:51can she be taken?
29:54If she truly didn't want to go,
29:57she would have beat me
29:58until my own mother
29:59didn't recognize me.
30:03The words were a knife
30:04in Dominic's chest.
30:05He remembered what
30:06Elena had said.
30:07If it's someone I don't like,
30:09I'll fight until
30:10he don't recognize himself.
30:11But the truth was,
30:13she had lain quietly
30:14on Luca's back,
30:15without a single sound.
30:16He stood there,
30:18watching Elena turn her head
30:19to meet the other man's gaze.
30:20If you're here on Russo Business,
30:22I can point you
30:22to the right people.
30:23If not,
30:24you're in the way.
30:27Elena!
30:28Listen to me-
30:29Listen to what?
30:30Listen to you say
30:30the marriage was fake?
30:31Listen to you tell me
30:32about your plan to swap brides
30:33so the fragile Bianca
30:34wouldn't suffer?
30:35You-
30:36You heard all that?
30:39Mr. Russo,
30:41meeting today is fate,
30:42but it doesn't mean
30:43you can harass my wife.
30:45Luca!
30:46She's my wife!
30:47Luca said nothing,
30:49only looked down at Elena.
30:51He had explained this
30:52to his wife before.
30:53That night,
30:54he had followed the crew
30:55to the Maradi estate,
30:57but not for himself.
30:58His cousin had wanted Bianca
31:00and dragged him along
31:02for support.
31:03He couldn't refuse,
31:04so he went.
31:05But at the edge of the estate,
31:07the cousin suddenly
31:08clutched clutched his stomach,
31:10his face pale.
31:12I can't, I can't.
31:14That wine at lunch was bad.
31:16I need a place-
31:17He waved him off.
31:18You go ahead.
31:19Find Bianca and hide her.
31:20Actually,
31:20she doesn't like me.
31:21I just wanted to try
31:23if she'd accept me.
31:24If she won't,
31:25we'll just leave.
31:26Don't let her suffer.
31:27With that,
31:28he vanished into the trees.
31:30Luca stood in the darkness,
31:31feeling ridiculous.
31:33He came to help
31:35with a claiming,
31:36and the groom had run off.
31:38He stood there,
31:40not knowing whether
31:41to stay or go.
31:43Later,
31:44he went in,
31:46not to claim anyone,
31:47but to find Bianca.
31:55And tell her to hide.
31:58Then another crew
31:59poured through the door
32:00and started throwing
32:00their weight around.
32:02First it was the motions.
32:03Then it started being rude.
32:05She didn't move.
32:06Didn't fight back.
32:08Just sat there and took it.
32:09He couldn't watch it.
32:10He walked over,
32:12crouched down in front of her.
32:13Do you want to leave?
32:15She looked at him,
32:17and her eyes turned hung.
32:19But she didn't crew.
32:20She simply nended
32:21and climbed onto his back.
32:23Perhaps that was fate.
32:26If his cousin
32:27hadn't had a stomach ache,
32:28perhaps in her despair,
32:30she really would have gone with
32:31Or perhaps,
32:32after they found the mistake,
32:33they would have parted ways peacefully,
32:35treated the night as a blunder.
32:36But there are no ifs.
32:37He and Elena decided
32:38to give each other a chance.
32:39So they made the claiming real.
32:41And so,
32:42they found their current happiness.
32:44Elena suddenly called his name,
32:45her voice soft.
32:46Didn't you get your wish
32:47and claim Bianca?
32:49It's okay.
32:51Dominic's throat choked.
32:53I,
32:54Bianca,
32:55he and Bianca
32:56had divorced long ago.
32:58But what point was there
32:59in saying that now?
33:01Elena,
33:01I claimed the wrong one.
33:02That night,
33:03I was supposed to claim you.
33:05I thought you'd fight.
33:06I thought you'd-
33:06I never imagined
33:07Bianca kind.
33:09I'll give Benham back to you.
33:10I'll give everything back to you.
33:11Give Elena back to me.
33:12Elena smiled,
33:13a light, faint smile.
33:15Dominic,
33:15a claiming isn't a game.
33:16In our traditions,
33:17a mistake is the will of heaven.
33:19Heaven willed me to go with him,
33:21so I went.
33:22Heaven willed me to go with him,
33:23so I went.
33:24You claimed Bianca,
33:26and I married Luca.
33:27We're even.
33:29Dominic stood there,
33:30shaking.
33:30He saw Luca gently put an arm
33:32around her shoulder.
33:33He wanted to chase them,
33:35but he couldn't move.
33:36In the crowd,
33:37Elena's back grew further
33:39and further away.
33:40The rain came suddenly,
33:41and the crowd began to disperse.
33:44Dominic still stood there,
33:45in the rain.
33:46He suddenly remembered
33:47the summer years ago,
33:48when he went to find Elena.
33:50You fool!
33:51I was afraid you'd be waiting.
33:53Then,
33:53eyes brights like Shanton's stars.
33:56Dominic,
33:56I'll wait for you.
33:58Okay.
33:59He'd made her wait for three years.
34:00In the rain,
34:01he suddenly laughed,
34:02and he couldn't tell the rain
34:03from the tears.
34:04I'll wait for you to take over here.
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