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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.

Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.

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Transcript
00:00The night I signed the divorce paper and walked away with nothing, I wandered the rainy streets alone with a
00:06single duffel bag and only $36.
00:08That was when I spotted a flyer taped to a roadside pole.
00:12Stepmom wanted for child. Room and board, that'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 mafia 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? My 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 poles to be New York's most powerful mafia family.
00:49Now I stood outside their mansion. Beside 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. I need you to be very clear on that.
01:00Don is a very desirable man. Do not get any ideas you shouldn't.
01:04I kept my eyes lowered. Honestly, this job was perfect for me.
01:08To put it simply, they just needed a high-end nanny.
01:10Eight 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. But a roof? Three meals? A place to disappear? That was a
01:21miracle.
01:21I understand. I won't get any ideas.
01:24The butler led me down a dim, vaulted corridor. Then I heard something that sounded like a gunshot. I stumbled,
01:30slammed straight into a hot, hard chest. The smell hit me first. Blood. Gunpowder. Then the barrel of a pistol
01:37tipped my chin up. A man in a suit with his hair slicked back. Blood streaked across his jaw. A
01:42snake tattoo coiling out of his collar onto his throat. My chest rose and fell rapidly with fear.
01:48His gun slid down from my chin and stopped between my soaked breasts. He studied me for a long beat.
01:54Finally, walked off without a word. I'd seen that face before. Page 6. New York Times. The Castellano Don. Sebastian
02:01had once spent a month studying his photos, trying to get in with the old mafia family behind him. The
02:07butler finally spoke.
02:09The Don is handling some business. Please don't mind.
02:11I nodded quietly. Then he took me to change into something dry and led me into the dining room. A
02:17long wooden table sat beneath a crystal chandelier, and at one end, a father and son were locked in a
02:22standoff. The man with murder in his eyes was gone. In his place, at the table, sat a man in
02:28a white dress shirt holding a spoon. His face was tired. The boy pressed his lips shut and glared up
02:34at his father like a tiny soldier holding the line. Neither moved.
02:37Finally, the man exhaled and set the spoon down. Long fingers pinched the bridge of his nose. His voice dropped,
02:44low and rough.
02:45One bite. One small bite. Is that really too much?
02:49The butler stepped forward.
02:50Don, the applicant is here.
02:52The man turned. His shirt was unbuttoned low.
02:55I could see most of the snake tattoo now. The lines of his muscles pressed faintly through the white linen.
03:00The most feared man in New York inherited the family glory at 16. Built it bigger, darker, quieter than his
03:07father had. Money, power, blood on his hands.
03:10So this wasn't some dream or scam. A man like Luca Castellano had no reason to scam a broke divorcee
03:17off the street. His eyes moved over me, distant and tired.
03:20Name?
03:21I figured he'd come straight from his so-called business. Handling traitors, torturing some enemies, and now got defeated by
03:28a toddler. Feeding the kid was probably harder than running his empire.
03:32Nora Bennett, I said, a barely there nod. He held out the plate.
03:35Try.
03:36So, this was my interview. If I didn't pass, I was sleeping on the F train. I smiled my warmest,
03:41gentlest smile and walked toward the boy. I didn't make it two steps.
03:45Whoosh! He bolted under the table. Only his eyes peeked out. Dark, round, furious.
03:51I don't want her! Send her away! She's a bad lady! They're all bad ladies!
03:56So before me, this kid had already been through who knows how many stepmoms. Fine, I needed to do my
04:01best.
04:02I scanned the room and clocked it instantly. Action figures everywhere. Batman, Spider-Man, a whole shelf of Avengers.
04:09I grabbed two figures off the coffee table and crouched down by the table leg. I sat Batman and Spider
04:15-Man right next to the kid. Then I picked up the spoon.
04:18Don't worry. I'm not feeding you. I'm feeding Batman.
04:21I mimed a spoonful into Batman's face.
04:23Open up, bats. Heroes who skip dinner? Skinny arms, skinny legs. Can't protect anyone like that.
04:29Oh, Batman wants vegetables? Good call. Spinach makes you strong.
04:34The boy watched, half-hidden, lips parting, smacking his mouth a little. I pretended not to see. His nose started
04:40turning pink, like he was about to cry.
04:43Right on cue, I gasped.
04:45Wait, is that a baby Batman over there?
04:47Bats, can you share with him? He has to eat too if he's gonna grow up strong.
04:52I tilted Batman.
04:53Bats says yes.
04:55I turned to the boy.
04:56Batman improved, kiddo. You get a little, but just a little. We don't want you outgrowing him. He'd be sad.
05:02The boy nodded furiously. I 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? You scared I'll get stronger than Batman? Bad lady!
05:13I glanced at the couch. Luca Castellano's mouth curved. A small, real smile. Approving.
05:19I moved into the castle that night. There were three floors. I got the second floor with Leo. Luca had
05:25the entire third floor to himself.
05:27The butler walked me to my room and gave me one last warning.
05:29You do not go up to the third floor. Ever.
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. Two
05:37-story drop.
05:38I thought of the gun from an hour ago. I nodded so hard I almost gave myself whiplash.
05:43Won't happen. You have my word.
05:45Castellano men breathed serious. Leo was only four and slept in his own bed without a fuss.
05:50And that made my job easier. I'd just changed into the silk pajamas from the closet.
05:54The knock made me jump. Don Luca's voice was low behind the door.
05:58Come down. Let's talk.
06:00Luca was on the couch in the great room. Long legs crossed. Whiskey in his hand.
06:04I sat across from him on the opposite couch. Hands in my lap. Knees together. Like a job interview.
06:09You're good with kids. You have one of your own?
06:11No. I helped raise my ex's nephew for two years.
06:15Back the...
06:15The crane said I didn't make enough money and ordered me to quit. Called it generosity.
06:19Then, after I did, they claimed I was lazy and had nothing to do. So they fired the nanny
06:24and dumped the kid on me. More 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. I guess.
06:34Only a coward would say that. You saw the ad. I'm hiring a mother for Leo, not a date for
06:38me.
06:39My rival's family terrified him when he was little. He's always been insecure, hates leaving
06:43the house, and has never had a single friend. I work long hours. I need someone with patience.
06:48Someone who'll stay. There will be a prenum. Everything stays separate, especially in bed.
06:54My heart shuddered as I looked deep into his eyes. Marriage in rich people's world was a
06:59contract before it was anything else. My marriage with Sebastian was for love. But because the
07:04gaps between our family, I'd signed one with him too. When the love ran out, I'd walked away
07:09with nothing. Not even my wedding ring. Let alone a powerful mafia family like the Castellanos.
07:15They would only be more careful.
07:17I understand. Honestly, if you just need someone in the house, we don't have to make
07:21it legal. I'm fine without the paperwork.
07:24Luca shook his head. He leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table.
07:29Marriage is for Leo. He needs the most stable mother I can give him. And marriage is the
07:33strongest contract there is.
07:35All right. We'll do it your way.
07:40Don't worry. You'll get $100,000 a month for expenses.
07:43This was the part I cared about. I've been burned before.
07:46Mr. Castellano, if we divorce someday, can I keep the money you've given me?
07:50Of course. It's yours.
07:52All right, then.
07:54As for sex, I don't need anything from you in that area. You stay on the second floor.
08:00Right. The sex.
08:02That's fine. Neither do I.
08:05So, three days after I signed divorce papers, I got married again. No ceremony, no guests.
08:11Same as my first wedding. The butler added an extra dish to dinner. I thought that was
08:16the celebration. But suddenly, Luca slid a signet ring across the table. A Castellano
08:22family ring. That's not necessary. Sebastian never even gave me his family ring.
08:31For Leo's sake.
08:32Then I got it. The child needed a family illusion. I 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. Leo stood in the doorway,
08:44bare feet, hair sticking up, fidgeting with his dinosaur pajamas.
08:49What's up, kiddo?
08:50Nora, can you read me a bedtime story?
08:53What? You want me to read you a bedtime story?
08:56I'll get my dad to pay you extra. If you don't want to, forget it.
09:00Come here.
09:01I held the covers open. He scrambled in like he'd been waiting for that all day.
09:06Halfway through the story, he was out cold against my shoulder.
09:10Next 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. I'll add another $50,000 a month.
09:20Mr. Castiano, that's way too much.
09:23It was, by a lot. I'd given far more than this in my last marriage and walked away with literally
09:29nothing.
09:30During the day, I babysat his nephew. At 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.
09:41His 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. Castiano, it's really too much. I like Leo. He's a sweet kid. Reading him a book is nothing.
09:59As I said it, Leo came over and grabbed my fingers with his small, warm hand.
10:04He was looking up at me with those big, dark grape eyes. He was actually moved.
10:08You don't know. The women before you only cared about impressing me.
10:14They ignored him.
10:16$50,000. That's the new number. Not 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.
10:29The huge mansion was usually just the two of us.
10:32I 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.
10:45Hey babe, wait for me at home. I'll be back in an hour.
10:49He grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. Didn't say anything. Just looked at me with those dark, sad eyes.
10:58He's scared you're not coming back. His mother left him exactly like that.
11:02I'm coming back. I'll see the doctor and come right home. You play here, okay?
11:06I was still mid-sentence when he climbed into the backseat of the car.
11:10The butler tried not to hope.
11:11Master Leo, you're going to the hospital with Miss Bennett?
11:14Leo nodded.
11:16Thank God. He's finally willing to leave the house.
11:19Your depression's getting better. Just keep it slow. Relax.
11:23I took the script and the meds and left.
11:25Leo was waiting in the lobby with his small batman.
11:29Nora.
11:31Are 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.
11:44Daddy told me candy makes you forget.
11:48My tears fell without warning.
11:50In the crane house, I'd cry and they'd call it dramatic.
11:53Small town girl. Can'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.
12:31Luca 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. I had to see it.
12:44Dad, as long as I'm with Nora, you can stop worrying.
12:48I know.
12:50That night, he tried to raise my pay again.
12:52This time, a black card.
12:54I refused so hard, he laughed.
12:59Noia, there must be something you want.
13:01Could you help me find a used car?
13:035,000 or below, so I can take Leo out without depending on the driver.
13:09Pick anything from the garage.
13:12The cheapest car in your garage is a quarter million.
13:15I 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.
13:26Same 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.
13:36Don't push her too hard.
13:37I'll remember that.
13:38The next day, I drove Leo out with me.
13:41He'd always been insecure, had barely seen the outside world.
13:44Now, I wanted to show it to him.
13:46First, the amusement park.
13:48He 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!
13:55I don't want to hold this!
13:57My hands are full, Leo.
13:58Just a few steps.
14:00Fine!
14:00One time only!
14:02And no more lobster!
14:03No!
14:04Nora?
14:05It was Sebastian, my ex-husband.
14:08He was in a crisp gray suit, hair perfect.
14:12Looking like he'd stepped out of a magazine cover.
14:14It had been five weeks since the divorce.
14:16My stomach knotted on contact.
14:18Sebastian and I had met in college.
14:20He came from one of those Wall Street elite families.
14:23The golden boy of high finance.
14:25He'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.
14:33He started finding fault with everything.
14:35He wanted me to quit my job, take care of his parents, take care of his sister's kid.
14:40Cook, laundry, cleaning.
14:42I did all of it because I loved him.
14:44Because I'd never been loved by my own family and didn't know any better.
14:48Until one day, I caught him in a private club with a girl in his lap.
14:52My whole world shattered.
14:54I cried.
14:55I screamed.
14:56I begged him to swear it would stop.
14:59The whole Crane family said I was overreacting.
15:01What successful man doesn't have side action?
15:04Sebastian said I'd been spoiled rotten.
15:07He blocked my number.
15:09Stopped coming home.
15:10My depression cratered.
15:11I filed for divorce.
15:13He thought it was a bluff.
15:14His family told him,
15:16Don't let her win.
15:17He had his lawyer draft papers.
15:19I walked out with nothing.
15:20Signed them in seven seconds.
15:22Four years of dating.
15:23Three years of marriage.
15:25Done.
15:25Noah, Ivy League degree.
15:28And here you are playing nanny?
15:30What were you thinking?
15:32Not your business.
15:34Nora, try to understand.
15:36The day you married into the Crane family, you represent the Crane name.
15:42Sebastian, we're divorced.
15:44I have nothing to do with your family anymore.
15:47Even divorced, you're my ex-wife.
15:49People still bring me up when they talk about you.
15:52Stop embarrassing me.
15:53Use your head for once.
15:55Stop being emotional all the time.
15:58Nora, a few weeks out here.
16:00Bet you miss being Mrs. Crane, don't you?
16:01Admit you were wrong.
16:02I'll think about taking you back.
16:04The girls outside the marriage, those were nothing.
16:06I haven't replaced you.
16:07The position's still open.
16:08Just swallow your pride.
16:09Apologize to my mother and my sister.
16:11Don't bother holding it.
16:13Give the seat to someone else, Sebastian.
16:14I'm not interested.
16:15On the drive home, a new number called.
16:17Connor, the nephew I'd raised for two years.
16:20I'd block the rest of the cranes.
16:22Not him.
16:23Kids didn't pick their parents.
16:25Hey, Con.
16:26Nora, you divorced loser.
16:28My mom wants to talk to you.
16:30My throat closed up.
16:32Then Cassandra Crane took the phone.
16:34Nora, Sebastian tells me you're working as a nanny.
16:36Have you ever thought about anyone but yourself?
16:39You're slapping Sebastian's face.
16:40You're slapping the Crane name.
16:42What does that look like to people?
16:44Nora, I always said it.
16:46You'll never rise above your roots.
16:47Trash dressed in silk.
16:49I hung up, blocked her, pulled over.
16:51I crashed onto the steering wheel and bawled.
16:53I cried until I couldn't breathe.
16:55I cried until I was so empty I felt nothing.
16:58Then I sat up, wiped my face, felt the exhaustion settle bone deep.
17:02Nora, here, tissue.
17:03I'd forgotten Leo was in the back seat.
17:05He was holding a tissue out from his car seat.
17:07Big, sad eyes glued to me.
17:09I'm sorry, sweetheart.
17:10Did I scare you?
17:11Nora, I'm not scared.
17:13You can cry as long as you want.
17:15I'll wait.
17:16Adults crying isn't shameful.
17:18I won't laugh.
17:20Thanks, my little gentleman.
17:22Auntie's done.
17:22No more crying from now on.
17:23Let's go home.
17:24I went to bed early that night.
17:26Didn't feel up to dinner.
17:27Then a knock.
17:28Nora, can I come in?
17:30Luca.
17:31I was fresh out of the shower.
17:33Hair wet, robe tied carefully.
17:35I made sure nothing was showing.
17:37Come in.
17:38He was in a tight white tank top, making the snake tattoo stand out even more.
17:42Dark hair falling loose over his forehead.
17:44Whiskey in his hand.
17:45Looser than I'd ever seen him.
17:47He sat in the chair by my bed.
17:49His gaze flicked to my wet collarbone.
17:51Then immediately to the wall, like he'd been caught.
17:54The clothes in your closet.
17:55You never wear any of them.
17:57They're too nice.
17:58I'm not used to it.
17:59I'd learned one thing from the Crane marriage.
18:01Don't force yourself into a world that isn't yours.
18:04The fall is uglier when they shove you out.
18:06Are they not your style?
18:08I'll have the designer come fit you for new ones.
18:10No, no, Mr. Castellano.
18:12I'm in the house all day with Leo.
18:13There's nowhere to wear that kind of thing.
18:15Truly.
18:16I heard you saw your ex today.
18:19His name's Crane?
18:20The stupid Crane capital?
18:21I froze.
18:22Leo had snitched.
18:24Yes.
18:25That Crane.
18:26Old news.
18:27Nora.
18:28Since you came, Leo's been a different child.
18:31His eyes were dark and serious on mine.
18:33I shifted.
18:34Uncomfortable.
18:35You pay me very well.
18:37It's what I'm here for.
18:38Nora.
18:39Ask me for anything.
18:41I can probably make it happen.
18:43Mr. Castellano, I don't need anything.
18:45He was quiet a long moment.
18:47His fingers tightened on his knee, then released.
18:49He stood up.
18:50I'll say this again.
18:52I'm the Don of the Costetto family.
18:55If you want, I can make sure he never speaks again more by tomorrow.
18:59I took a step back, still not used to him being this close.
19:02Without warning, he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
19:05Did I scare you?
19:06I said nothing.
19:08His hand slid down from my cheek.
19:10He gave a faint smile, then walked out.
19:13For the next two weeks, Luca started coming home early.
19:16Dinner with Leo and me.
19:18Sometimes board games after.
19:19Sometimes a movie.
19:21A man who ran half of New York's underworld didn't change his schedule for no reason.
19:25I was starting to worry.
19:27Was the family in trouble?
19:28Not that I cared about him.
19:29I just really cared about my $150,000 a month.
19:32Mr. Castellano, you don't have to keep coming home this early.
19:36Leo has me.
19:37If you've got business, take it.
19:39Luca picked up a red Lego brick.
19:40Voice perfectly neutral.
19:41The psychiatrist said you need family.
19:44Leo and I are your family now.
19:46We have responsibilities.
19:47Since when are we family, I wanted to say.
19:50I didn't.
19:51Honestly, Leo's enough.
19:53The doctor said my improvement is mostly thanks to him.
19:56He stroked his chin, avoiding eye contact.
19:59I grabbed Leo's hand and stood.
20:01Come on, buddy.
20:02Story time.
20:03Daddy still has work.
20:04Leo and I walked out.
20:06Nora.
20:06Luca's voice, stopping me at the doorway.
20:09Yes?
20:10His ears were faintly pink.
20:12He cleared his throat.
20:13Tomorrow night, there's an event.
20:15Plus sun's required.
20:17Would you come with me?
20:19Me?
20:26You.
20:27I don't have time to find someone else.
20:29I'll pay you an appearance fee.
20:31A man with his face couldn't find a date in 24 hours?
20:34I didn't think too much.
20:35There was money on the table.
20:37Sure.
20:38I don't know the social rules in your world, though.
20:41I don't want to embarrass you.
20:43The Cranes were a moneyed family, too.
20:45But Sebastian had never taken me to anything because his mother said,
20:49She doesn't know how to act in public.
20:50Don't let her embarrass us.
20:52Stand next to me.
20:54That's all.
20:54Luca's brow eased.
20:56If you want, I can make the gossipers shut up for good.
20:59The butler chimed in, beaming.
21:01Miss Bennett, you don't need to know the rules.
21:05The Don is the rules.
21:06Hard to argue with that.
21:08The next afternoon, a design team showed up at the mansion.
21:11Five people.
21:12Most of them flown in from Paris.
21:14Hair, makeup, dress, jewelry.
21:17They huddled and debated each detail for 20 minutes at a stretch.
21:21By the time Luca came home, I was starting to feel sick about how much was on me.
21:26He walked in, saw me.
21:28His eyes did something.
21:30A brief flash, almost stunned, before he caught himself.
21:34Daddy!
21:34Look how pretty Nora is!
21:38Call her mom.
21:39Leo turned his head and harrumphed.
21:41Wouldn't say it.
21:42I patted his hair.
21:44It's okay.
21:45I like Nora.
21:46Makes me feel young.
21:48The event was a charity gala at the plaza.
21:50Every major name in New York was there.
21:52Old money, bigger money, political faces.
21:56A few faces I recognized from the papers, and a few I knew not to recognize at all.
22:01They orbited Luca immediately.
22:03Conversations started landing on me.
22:05Mr. Castellino, who's the beautiful lady?
22:08I jumped in to save him.
22:11I'm a friend of Mr. Castellino's.
22:14My wife.
22:16Nora.
22:17The room shifted.
22:18A chorus of polite gasps.
22:20Compliments raining down.
22:22My face went hot to my collarbone.
22:24Luca squeezed my hand.
22:26Leaned in.
22:27Nora.
22:28Is being my wife really that embarrassing?
22:31You couldn't say it?
22:32Bourbon and cedar on his breath.
22:35No.
22:35No.
22:36I just...
22:37I didn't want to embarrass you.
22:39His eyes darkened.
22:40Nora.
22:40He looked at me like he was lighting something on fire.
22:43Only a weak man is embarrassed by his wife.
22:45I had to look away.
22:46I'll grab a drink.
22:47I bolted.
22:48I'd been hiding by the champagne tower for about 90 seconds when...
22:53Nora?
22:56There was no date.
22:58Just him.
22:59Had it Luca said plus one's required?
23:01Sebastian's face was pure stunned.
23:04It is you.
23:06I almost didn't recognize you.
23:13I've never seen you look like this.
23:16I stepped back.
23:17Stay away from me.
23:18Nora.
23:19About my sister's call.
23:21That wasn't me.
23:22I'd never authorized that.
23:23Truth is, I only agreed to the divorce to teach you a lesson.
23:26Bratty wife.
23:27Needed reminding.
23:28I never actually planned to let you go.
23:30I'll apologize to my mom and my sister.
23:34We'll remarry.
23:35I'll forget the rest.
23:40Crane, capital is bleeding right now.
23:43I'm slammed.
23:44Stop making things hard for me.
23:45He reached for my hand.
23:47The Sebastian special.
23:48One slap, one kiss.
23:50He'd run me on that loop for three years.
23:53I'm not the Nora he married anymore.
23:55I yanked back.
23:57Sebastian.
23:58Divorced means divorced.
23:59I'd rather sleep under the Brooklyn Pleerage than wear your last name again.
24:03Find someone else for that throne.
24:04Still stubborn.
24:05You haven't suffered enough.
24:08Crawl find me when you've actually been broken.
24:11That's when Luca started walking toward us.
24:14Sebastian's whole posture changed.
24:17Nora, we'll talk later.
24:19There's a heavyweight I need to corner.
24:21Don't get in the way.
24:23Plastered on his best smile and intercepted Luca with a business card already out.
24:28My Don, I'm Sebastian Crane, Crane Capital.
24:32I'd like to talk about the mandate you pulled.
24:36Five years.
24:37Crane, a capital ran the books on every fund Castellino Holdings put on the street.
24:41Then you cut us out overnight.
24:44If we fell short, tell me where.
24:47Whatever you need, I'll make it right.
24:49Sebastian, half bowed.
24:51Luca's eyes went past him, straight to me.
24:54Nora, what do you think?
24:56Should I give him a second chance?
24:58Sebastian's smile froze.
25:01Nora?
25:02What does she have to do with...
25:03Mr. Castelloni, you should know.
25:06Nora is my ex-wife.
25:08I don't know how she got in here tonight.
25:09Probably trying to ambush me into wrecking elitiation.
25:12She's just a housewife.
25:13Pay her no mind.
25:14Luca didn't even glance at him.
25:17Nora, your call.
25:19I'll follow your lead.
25:23I kept my voice flat.
25:24Mr. Crane just asked me not to interfere in his business conversation.
25:28I'd hate to interfere.
25:30Sebastian flared.
25:32A man's business is none of your concern.
25:34Of course.
25:34Small town instincts.
25:36Luca's voice came in cold and final.
25:38Then I'd assume my wife doesn't approve of Crane Capital.
25:41Mr. Crane, we'll have to pass.
25:44His arm slid around my shoulders.
25:46He turned us toward the bar.
25:48Sebastian was still standing there, brain catching up.
25:51Then a man in a tuxedo brushed past him.
25:53Crane, you insulted Don's wife.
25:57You stepped on a live mine.
25:59That's the only woman who's ever been on his arm in 20 years.
26:03Castellano's wife?
26:05Impossible.
26:06The woman's a nanny in the Castellano house.
26:08Sebastian had seen Nora at the farmer's market, driving the cheap car, carrying a lobster for
26:13the brat.
26:14He knew what he saw.
26:15A fancy dress didn't make a duchess.
26:17The man shook his head and walked off.
26:20Some idiots won't listen.
26:22Let them die.
26:24That night, Luca bid on a Picasso study and three pieces of war era jewelry.
26:29180 million in collectibles.
26:32Donated to the children's hospital under my name.
26:35After that, the gala turned into a receiving line.
26:38Mrs. Castellano, there's a small tea at my place next week.
26:41Would you grace us?
26:43Mrs. Castellano.
26:45My husband is bidding on a Castellano project.
26:47Just a quiet word to the Don.
26:49I'd never been on this side of a room.
26:50I drank three glasses to keep my hands steady.
26:53Luca intercepted on the fourth.
26:55Apologies, everyone.
26:55My wife isn't a drinker.
26:58I'll take hers.
26:59He drank.
27:00Then he drank for me three more times.
27:03By the time we slid into his Rolls Royce, we were both lit.
27:07I glanced out the window.
27:08Sebastian was on the curb, watching us.
27:10Mouth curled in that ugly little smirk, like I was the punchline.
27:15I closed the curtain.
27:16Turned to Luca.
27:17Mr. Castellano, thank you.
27:19For tonight.
27:20For what you did with Sebastian.
27:24His voice came out low, soft around the edges.
27:28Nora.
27:29We're husband and wife.
27:31Stop thanking me.
27:33We're a paper husband and wife.
27:36You didn't have to.
27:37His arm lifted.
27:38Long fingers tilted my chin up.
27:40His thumb brushed slow against my jaw.
27:43Nora.
27:44What if I don't want a paper marriage anymore?
27:47He was too close.
27:49His face was carved out of something dangerous.
27:51Eyes blown black.
27:53Heat from his breath landed on my throat.
27:55He smelled like bourbon and that cedar cologne.
27:58And something underneath that was just him.
28:01The most controlled man in New York was looking at my mouth like he wanted it.
28:07Mr. Castellano, you've had too much.
28:14You're right.
28:15I'm sorry.
28:15I had too much.
28:16The rest of the ride was silence.
28:18A heavy, humming silence with my pulse loud in my ears.
28:27Leo saved me.
28:28He sprinted at the front door with his picture book.
28:32I scooped him up and ran upstairs before I had to look Luca in the face again.
28:38I tucked Leo in, then opened my laptop and started scrolling job boards.
28:43Sebastian was right about one thing.
28:44My Ivy League degree shouldn't be wasted by eating in a mansion playing house.
28:49I'd done that marriage already, stayed home, made myself small.
28:53The minute he didn't need me, he tossed me into the street with nothing.
28:57I'd be damned if I let that happen twice.
28:59While Leo needed me, I had a place here.
29:02The day he didn't, what was I?
29:05Though I'm not ready to go back to work yet, physically or mentally.
29:08But knowing the market, updating a resume, that couldn't hurt.
29:12Then my phone lit up.
29:14A text from Luca.
29:18The butler did the coffee.
29:20Always.
29:21And the first rule of this house was don't go to the third floor.
29:24I ground a fresh espresso anyway.
29:26Then I stood at the bottom of the staircase.
29:29Hesitated.
29:30Was this a test?
29:31Did the last applicant get launched out a window after being summoned upstairs?
29:35Was this revenge for the car?
29:37I called him.
29:40Mr. Castellana, coffee's here.
29:42Come down for it.
29:44Bring it up.
29:45I hit the record button on my phone.
29:47Caught it.
29:48If he tried anything sketchy, I had proof.
29:52I climbed the stairs.
29:54Knocked.
29:55Come in.
29:56I pushed the door open and forgot how to breathe.
30:01He'd just gotten out of the shower.
30:04Black silk robe, loosely tied at the waist.
30:07A drop slid from his jaw, down his throat, into the open robe.
30:11Bathhouse art.
30:12Renaissance painting.
30:13Holy hell.
30:15He took the coffee.
30:17His fingertips dragged across mine on purpose.
30:21That scared of me?
30:22Nora, am I a monster?
30:26Nora.
30:30From now on, you can come into my room whenever you want.
30:33My face still burned.
30:36The 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.
30:43Of course.
30:44Wet hair, late night, fancy dress, too much champagne.
30:48I shuffled downstairs in sweats, expecting the empty great room.
30:52Lupa was on the couch.
30:53Black turtleneck, wireframe glasses.
30:56The combination should be illegal.
30:58Morning.
31:00He set the paper down.
31:01You're sick.
31:03A little.
31:04The back of his hand landed on my forehead.
31:06Calm.
31:07Practiced.
31:07Like he did it every morning.
31:09I went stiff as a board.
31:11Not bad.
31:13I'll grab some Therafex.
31:14You'll be fine.
31:15He guided me to the couch like I was made of glass.
31:17Walked to the kitchen.
31:19A six-foot-something Mafia Don, stirring a packet of cold medicine into a mug.
31:23Usually, a Don would poison the drink instead.
31:27I caught myself wondering what kind of woman Leo's mother had been to deserve a man like this.
31:41I drank the Theraflu and slunk back to bed.
31:43I didn't want to be in his way, so I just dozed off when an unknown number rang.
31:52Nora.
31:53It's me.
31:54Sebastian.
31:55I started to hang up.
31:56Don't.
31:57I'm parked outside the Castellani gate.
31:59Come out or I'll be at the front door.
32:01Up to you.
32:01I did not want him at the door.
32:03I did not want my past laid out on Luca's marble entryway like roadkill.
32:07Sebastian intercepted me on the sidewalk.
32:10Nora.
32:11How long is this stunt going on for?
32:13Mrs. Crane working as a nanny?
32:16You don't feel humiliated, but I do.
32:19I'm not doing anything to you, Sebastian.
32:21Stop the act.
32:22You dressed up last night to make me jealous.
32:25Fine.
32:26I'll admit it.
32:27After you left, I missed you a little.
32:30Here's the deal.
32:31Apologize to my mom and my sister.
32:33We remarry.
32:34You can stop scrubbing floors for strangers.
32:38Sebastian.
32:40I didn't do anything wrong.
32:41What am I apologizing for?
32:44You still don't see the problem?
32:48You haven't been beaten down enough.
32:50I was about to fire back when a small, round cannonball blew past me.
32:53Leo.
32:54When he saw a strange man hassling me, he did not hesitate.
32:57My mom didn't do anything wrong.
32:59My mom is the best mom in the whole world.
33:02He glared up at him like a furious cherub.
33:05Protecting me.
33:06Something cracked open in my chest.
33:08I pulled him in tight.
33:10Kid.
33:11What did you just call her?
33:12Isn't she your nanny?
33:14You're a nanny.
33:16Your whole family is a nanny.
33:18Nora is my mom.
33:19My best mom.
33:21He pulled back, anxious.
33:23I nodded.
33:24My eyes were wet again.
33:26Nora.
33:27You'll be my mom, right?
33:29I'll be so good.
33:30I promise.
33:33Leo.
33:34I am your mom's sweetheart.
33:36He squeezed me tighter and refused to let go.
33:39Sebastian's face twisted into a slow, ugly smile.
33:42Oh.
33:43Oh, I see it now.
33:46Nora.
33:47You're putting a child up to it.
33:49You're playing the long game on Castelloni.
33:52He grabbed my arm.
33:54Listen.
33:55Castorano isn't a man you scam.
33:58He's known for ice in his veins.
34:00He finds out you're using his son to angle for him.
34:02He'll bury you in the East River.
34:04A warm hand landed on my waist.
34:06I hadn't heard him come outside.
34:09Luca.
34:10He pulled me into him.
34:12Mr. Crane.
34:13The last time we spoke, you insulted my wife.
34:16That's why I pulled the mandate.
34:18I was planning to tell the other firms on the street that this was personal.
34:21They could keep doing business with Crane of Papadal.
34:24After today, I don't think I need to.
34:27Castellano.
34:28What, you wife?
34:30Who's your wife?
34:31Mr. Crane.
34:33Are you really still confused?
34:35Or are you only capable of believing what you want to believe?
34:38Nora is my wife.
34:40The mother of my son.
34:43Send him off.
34:45Luca turned to the butler at the door.
34:46If anyone like this bothers Mrs. Castellano again, have my men throw him out.
34:51He took Leo with one arm, wrapped the other around me, walked us inside.
34:56The second the door closed, I peeled out of Luca's arm.
34:59Awkward as hell.
35:01I took Leo upstairs to my room.
35:04Leo.
35:05Where were you all morning?
35:07I didn't see you all day.
35:09Don't even ask.
35:11Dad sent me to preschool.
35:13What?
35:14You pre-score?
35:16He said he didn't want you working too hard.
35:20He said he needed alone time with you.
35:25Why does he need alone time with me?
35:28Dad said he had to make you fall in love with him.
35:31Otherwise, you might leave us.
35:33Leo was four sentences into his report when Luca appeared in the doorway.
35:38Leo.
35:39Downstairs.
35:40Dinner.
35:41Stop bothering your mother.
35:42My whole face hot.
35:44Mom, I'll be back to keep you company in a bit.
35:48He scampered out.
35:49Luca didn't leave.
35:50He walked in.
35:53Feeling better?
35:54I looked sideways.
35:56Mr. Castellano, thank you for what you did.
35:59Please don't ruin a business decision for me.
36:03I'm really not worth it.
36:05Not worth what?
36:08What you did out there.
36:11Nora, I told you.
36:13You're my wife.
36:15Protecting you is my job.
36:18But...
36:18Stop calling this a paper marriage.
36:21Nora.
36:22I want a real one.
36:24I had not expected him to swing this hard, this fast.
36:28My face went up in flames.
36:30I'll give you time.
36:31I'll give you time.
36:32Take whatever you need.
36:33But right now, I want to collect just a little husband privilege.
36:37Before I could form a coherent thought, he leaned in.
36:40A long, warm hand cradled my cheek.
36:42Can I?
36:43I didn't say a word.
36:46I'll take this as consent.
36:48Then his lips crashed against mine, hard and ruthless.
36:51His tongue swept into my mouth, stealing the air from my lungs.
36:55Right.
36:55This was how a mafia boss kissed.
36:58Cold.
36:59Merciless.
37:00Taking whatever he wanted.
37:01The kiss lasted so long my mind went blank by the time he finally pulled away.
37:06He rubbed his thumb over my swollen lips.
37:09My little princess, that's enough for today.
37:16Next time, I won't let you off so easily.
37:20Leo got hauled to preschool again the next morning, under protest.
37:23My cold was almost gone.
37:25Luca asked if I wanted to see a movie.
37:28After everything that had happened, I thought about it.
37:30We were married on paper.
37:32If something real was going to grow there, that wasn't the worst outcome.
37:36He had a private media room on the third floor.
37:39It was my first time entering other room in third floor.
37:42Before that, he showed me his collection room.
37:45One entire wall was covered in cold weapons.
37:48Daggers, knives, blades of every kind.
37:51Honestly, it was breathtaking.
37:52I was still standing there staring at the wall when he stepped up behind me and fastened
37:57a necklace around my neck.
37:58Another snake.
38:00Exactly like the tattoo on his body.
38:02A little gift.
38:04Don't reject it.
38:06Then he took my hand and led me into the media room.
38:09He put on a French romance film.
38:11Slow, elegant kisses on the screen.
38:13Mixed with far less elegant sounds in the background.
38:16Luca leaned closer, his voice brushing against my ear.
38:23I closed my eyes, my fingers tightening around the snake pendant, like a girl being offered
38:29up as a sacrifice.
38:31His body covered mine as his mouth came down on mine.
38:35Soft at first.
38:36Careful.
38:36One hand slid gently around my throat.
38:39Then the kiss deepened.
38:41Rougher.
38:42Heavier.
38:42The kind that stole every thought from my head.
38:45He pulled off the white tank top, and for the first time, I saw the snake tattoo stretched
38:50across his chest.
38:51One of the snake's eyes was a scar.
38:53I leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss against it.
38:57I felt his breathing stop for a second.
38:59Then he pushed me down onto bed.
39:02I could feel the hard heat of him against me.
39:04Soon, the room filled with ragged breathing.
39:07That night, I offered myself to a mafia boss.
39:10After all the hot, chaotic moans, he kept me tucked against my chest.
39:14He slid a glossy stack of brochures into my hand.
39:18Nora, pick a wedding planner.
39:21I owe you a real wedding.
39:25You don't have to.
39:27The Dawn's wife should carry that honor forever.
39:29I want every person in this city to know Nora Bennett is my wife, and I'm her husband.
39:36I only regret I didn't put it all at your feet the night you walked through that door.
39:40I laughed into his shoulder.
39:43The night I walked through that door, we didn't even know each other.
39:47How were we supposed to?
39:49Nora, the night I saw you in that doorway, I already wanted you.
39:55Our wedding was bigger than anything New York had hosted in a decade.
39:59Old families, new money, senators, a cardinal, the mayor.
40:03We were on the front page for three days running.
40:06I scolded Luke of the goal.
40:08The butler beamed.
40:09Mrs. Castellino, the Dawn has been quiet his entire life.
40:13This is the first time he's ever been loud.
40:15Indulge him this once.
40:16I let it go.
40:18The night of the wedding, a strange number called me.
40:21My brow furrowed.
40:22Luca's long arm reached over and killed the call.
40:25His fingers tightened on my waist.
40:27Mrs. Castellino, eyes on me.
40:30After, he was winding a strand of my hair around his finger.
40:34He cleared his throat, a little awkward.
40:36Nora, I want to tell you a secret.
40:39I made a small sleepy sound.
40:41Leo isn't my son.
40:43He's my sister's.
40:44He spoke quietly, in pieces.
40:46His parents had died when he was 13.
40:49He and his elder sister went through a dark period in this empire.
40:53Until one day, she married.
40:55Had Leo.
40:55But happiness suddenly ended, when she and her husband were killed in a shooting three years ago.
41:01Luca wiped out that whole family then.
41:04He put Leo on his own birth certificate, quietly, so nobody could ever take him.
41:09I thought it would be Leo and me forever.
41:11Then you walked in, and nothing was the same.
41:15He kissed me again.
41:16A few months later, I walked out of the hospital alongside Leo.
41:20Mom, Dad said you weren't sick anymore.
41:23Why'd we go to the hospital?
41:26Because Mom has a baby in her belly.
41:30Yes!
41:30I finally get a sister!
41:32What if it's a brother?
41:36If it's a brother, we throw him in the trash.
41:39If it's a sister, she plays with me.
41:42Out of the mouths of babes.
41:43I was laughing when a figure stepped in front of me.
41:46A man.
41:47Wild hair.
41:48Filthy coat.
41:50Hunched shoulders.
41:51I almost dug for a few bucks.
41:54Sebastian Crane.
41:56Nora?
41:58Leo planted himself in front of me on instinct.
42:00I pulled him to my side and squeezed his shoulder.
42:03Sebastian.
42:04What happened to you?
42:09Nora.
42:10Help me.
42:11You're the only one who can.
42:12All of New York knows Castelloni loves you.
42:14He'll listen to you.
42:15Please.
42:16Then I remembered what Luca had mentioned weeks back.
42:19First, the Castellano family cut all ties with Crane Capital.
42:23Then the rest of New York followed.
42:25Nobody wanted to risk losing Castellano favor.
42:28Within weeks, Sebastian's company collapsed.
42:30His sister, Cassandra, the person he trusted most, had been stealing client money for years.
42:36The moment everything fell apart, she fled to the south of France with her family.
42:40She left Sebastian alone to take the blame.
42:42Crane Capital went bankrupt overnight.
42:45Now Sebastian stood in front of me, sobbing, begging.
42:48I didn't feel anything for him.
42:50Sebastian, people are equal.
42:53Your fault, your mess, you pay for it.
42:56No one can help you.
42:57Behind me, the lobby doors slid open.
43:00Luca had just finished with my OB.
43:02He walked toward us.
43:03Nora, let's go home.
43:05We walked past Sebastian Crane like he wasn't there.
43:07Because he wasn't.
43:08Not in our life.
43:09Not anymore.
43:10More.
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