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.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Catégorie
🦄
Art et designTranscription
00:00At the Marino family party, children ran around Mrs. Marino, giggling up at her.
00:04Granny Marino! Granny Marino!
00:07She smiled and touched their little heads one by one, then held the wine glass tightly.
00:12Because not one of them was hers, her only son was Lorenzo Marino, the city's most brutal mafia heir.
00:18He had money, power, blood in his hands.
00:21But not one woman in his bed.
00:23Mrs. Marino had sent him heiresses, models, women born to be mafia wives.
00:28None of them lasted three days.
00:30By midnight, Mrs. Marino stopped looking for a suitable woman.
00:33This time, she wanted a weapon.
00:35Someone beautiful enough to ruin his self-control.
00:38Someone desperate enough to sign anything.
00:41Me.
00:43I was born beautiful enough to make men stop and stare.
00:47But beauty didn't save my family from debt.
00:50I sold myself to settle my family's debts.
00:53My buyer was the city's most brutal mafia family.
00:56The Marinos.
00:57And my task?
00:59Win over their woman-averse heir, whom everyone thinks is gay.
01:03I still remember the day Mrs. Marino came to me.
01:06She sat right down and got straight to the offer.
01:16Lorenzo Marino was cold and ruthless.
01:18No one could get close to him.
01:20No one knew his taste.
01:21Lorenzo is all we have left of this name.
01:24He has never wanted any woman.
01:26Not ever.
01:27Word gets around, and I even think my son's into men.
01:32If you can change that, if you can secure our family's legacy, you will want for nothing.
01:36Money, protection, status.
01:39All of it.
01:40You want me to make your son fall for me.
01:42I want you to give him a reason to try.
01:45To get him interested in women.
01:47But if he chooses you in the end, the entire Marino empire will back you.
01:54I agreed.
01:55But what I never saw coming, this rumored woman repeller, left me begging for mercy night after night.
02:03Six months.
02:04If nothing changes between you two, you can leave Scut free.
02:09I'll pay you the full amount.
02:11No strings attached.
02:12Your reputation stays unruined.
02:14She then warned me.
02:16Lorenzo will know why you're here.
02:17I've never been able to hide anything from him.
02:22But he just doesn't have to know about the contract.
02:25He hates shady deals.
02:29Three days later, I moved into the Marino estate.
02:33The advance money was already in my bank account.
02:36Elena Lorenzo, the Don's mother.
02:38A face like that.
02:41If that man still can't see what's right in front of him, I don't know what I'll do with him.
02:45Don't worry, madam.
02:47I try my best.
02:48She then introduced me to all the household staff and left.
02:52They all stared at me with obvious curiosity.
02:55They've tried just about every type of woman by now, haven't they?
02:58Mrs. Marino won't quit.
02:59Not until our master has an heir.
03:01The last one lasted three days.
03:03The two before her didn't even stay one full day.
03:06How could they possibly have a kid?
03:07But I'm so curious.
03:09All those girls before were big socialists you see on TV and magazines?
03:12Who even is she?
03:13Just some nobody?
03:14The housekeeper approached.
03:16All the gossiping servants scattered at once.
03:19Miss, Mrs. Marino says you have no assigned room here.
03:23You'll have to figure it out on your own.
03:28That first night, I was passing the kitchen.
03:31Then I noticed his study light was still on.
03:33One of the staff whispered,
03:35He hadn't eaten since noon.
03:37You might want to bring him some food.
03:39I grabbed a bowl of whatever was on the stove.
03:42I walked down the hall, pushed the door open.
03:44He was at his desk, reading.
03:45He hadn't heard me come in.
03:47Sharp jaw, dark eyes.
03:49His face was carved like a museum statue.
03:51Cold, flawless.
03:52The room was minimal.
03:53Clean lines, no clutter.
03:55Just like him.
03:56One framed black and white photo.
03:57Hung on the wall.
03:58A lone wolf, striding through the snow.
04:00I'd only planned to stay six months.
04:03Collect the money, sieve the restaurant, then disappear.
04:06I never thought he'd catch my eye like this.
04:08Quiet, still.
04:10Totally different from the hymn in the magazine.
04:12I didn't know why he was drawn to this wolf.
04:14But in that moment, he wasn't the intimidating mafia heir anymore.
04:18He looked so lonely, just like the wolf in the painting.
04:22I stepped closer.
04:23He finally looked up.
04:25I told you not to.
04:28Everything in the room went still, even his breath.
04:33You've been working all day.
04:35At least eat something.
04:36I could see wariness flash across his face.
04:39He must have grown tired of dealing with all kinds of women.
04:42But I wouldn't back down.
04:43I stepped forward closer.
04:45He stood and stepped back.
04:47Fast.
04:48A little bit.
04:49Like I was something that needed distance.
04:52I told you to leave.
04:54I know.
04:56Then leave.
04:59After you eat.
05:03I leaned back in the chair.
05:04I took off the robe.
05:06The sleep set I had on was thin.
05:08Lace trim.
05:09Barely enough fabric to qualify as clothing.
05:11Yeah.
05:11I did it on purpose.
05:13I crossed my legs slowly.
05:17I'm not going anywhere.
05:20So we can do this all night if you want.
05:24His jaw tightened.
05:26He was looking very deliberately at the wall behind me.
05:28Or you could just drink the soup.
05:33He leaned back.
05:35Arms crossed.
05:36Waiting for me to fold.
05:37I didn't move.
05:38A minute passed.
05:39Maybe two.
05:41This is my house.
05:45It is.
05:54The soup's getting cold.
05:56He exhaled through his nose.
05:58That sound alone would made everyone else flee.
06:01I picked up the spoon and held it out.
06:03He glanced at the spoon.
06:04Then me.
06:05Then quickly looked back at the wall.
06:07He took the bowl.
06:08Downed it in one stern gulp.
06:13Then set it down heavily.
06:18Happy?
06:20Extremely.
06:21Before I walked out.
06:23I thought of one thing.
06:25Oh.
06:25One more thing.
06:26He looked at me.
06:27A beat.
06:27I wasn't assigned a room.
06:29I gestured vaguely at myself.
06:31The lace.
06:32The legs.
06:33All of it.
06:33So unless you're okay with me wandering around your room like this all night?
06:36His ears went red so fast it was almost impressive.
06:39Take the room.
06:43The study is fine for me.
06:46Good.
06:46I screamed in my mind.
06:49I reached for the robe on the back of the chair and pulled it on.
06:52Tied it.
06:53Tight.
06:54All the way up.
06:55Then I walked out.
06:57I heard the study door close.
06:59Then silence.
07:00I didn't sleep much that night.
07:02Neither did he.
07:03When I saw him the next morning, dark circles lingered under his eyes, deep as fresh bruises.
07:08Mrs. Marino stared at him.
07:10She looked ready to hurl him out at any second.
07:12She is perfect and you slept in your office?
07:14What is wrong with you?
07:19I just don't want anyone, Mom.
07:21It's not about her.
07:23Mrs. Marino's voice cracked slightly.
07:25Do you prefer men?
07:27Tell me the truth.
07:29Lorenzo blinked.
07:30Not my thing either.
07:33Mrs. Marino lowered her voice.
07:35Something wrong with you there?
07:38How can you turn down a stunning beauty like her?
07:41If so, we can get you a doctor.
07:44Nothing at all.
07:45I want to be alone.
07:46That's it.
07:47End of conversation.
07:48Kara, Sophia, Cora, whoever else is on your list.
07:53Drop it, Mom.
07:54Lorenzo turned and actually looked at me.
07:57He'd barely put an eye on me last night.
07:59He only registered I was there, then fled.
08:01Now he looked carefully, for the first time.
08:04His gaze moved once, quickly, and then his ears went red.
08:07I stood slightly to the side and said nothing.
08:10I'd grown up in Queens.
08:11I knew mother and son needed to hash things out.
08:14No audience should linger.
08:16He looked away.
08:17Fine.
08:18What?
08:19She hadn't caught it.
08:22Fine.
08:23Last time.
08:24One month.
08:25I won't sleep in the office.
08:27But after that, I'm going back to my own schedule.
08:31Lorenzo valued his routine above everything.
08:34That first night, he came to bed wrapped in a blanket.
08:37He held it tight, as if building a fortress around himself.
08:41I was in a thin cotton sleep set.
08:43I looked at him, almost laughed, then turned off the lamp.
08:46This is the first month.
08:48We do have six.
08:49Slow down.
08:50In the dark.
08:51The room was very quiet.
08:53I fell asleep fast.
08:54My body, however, had other plans.
08:57I've always been a grabby sleeper.
08:59Whatever's next to me.
09:00I hold on to it.
09:01Lorenzo was next to me.
09:02He'd wrapped himself so tight he couldn't move fast enough.
09:06I shifted in my sleep and drew nearer.
09:08His body went completely rigid at once.
09:11I pressed closer all the same, still fast asleep.
09:15Warm and soft.
09:16I nestled right against him, through the thin fabric.
09:19Every small touch between us felt overwhelming.
09:22His pulse spiked so hard he could feel it in his teeth.
09:25Then.
09:26Warm drops.
09:27From his nose.
09:30Lorenzo shot out of bed.
09:31And made it to the bathroom in four seconds flat.
09:37This became the routine.
09:38During the day, he was polite and distant.
09:40He existed in the room the same as quiet furniture.
09:43Every night, like clockwork.
09:46He disappeared to take a cold shower.
09:48Every droplet hitting the floor seems to silently whisper of his inner turmoil.
09:54Then one evening, Mrs. Marino left something on his nightstand.
09:58A small book, with no title on its cover.
10:01He read three pages.
10:03Then set it face down, panic flickering across his eyes as never before.
10:08He lay stiff as a plank in the dark until midnight.
10:11After that, he headed for another shower.
10:16At midnight, I was woke up because of the heat.
10:20I asked a maid to run me a bath.
10:23I undressed and stepped into the water.
10:26Let the cool waster wrap gently around me.
10:29The cool pool water soothed every inch of my heated and taut skin.
10:33As if cleansing all weariness and unease.
10:35The water reflected my relaxed.
10:38A shadow fell across the light.
10:40The lamp glowed bright behind him.
10:43His hair was still damp from his shower.
10:45Dark strands fell across his forehead.
10:48I had just poured water over my shoulders when I turned and met his eyes.
10:53Lorenzo stood frozen.
10:55The man who ruled a criminal empire with effortless ease.
10:57Yet he could not utter a single word.
11:00Heat flooded my cheeks.
11:01I snatched up a towel.
11:03Pulled my knees tight to my chest.
11:05My skin flushing bright pink.
11:06I didn't know you're here either.
11:08I...
11:09Even as his companion for a period of time.
11:11I barely knew him.
11:13This was unbearable.
11:15Then I saw it.
11:16Two drops bright red.
11:18Falling from beneath his nose.
11:20Mr. Marino!
11:21I scrambled up without thinking.
11:23He ran to me.
11:24Reached out.
11:25And stepped right in with me.
11:26Splash!
11:27Water everywhere.
11:28The framed photograph of another wolf on the wall caught the splash.
11:31His pajamas were soaked through.
11:34I had nothing on.
11:35We were pressed together in a bathtub.
11:37I could feel his heartbeat against my chest.
11:40His skin burned like he had a fever.
11:42He was still burning.
11:43I turned my face away.
11:45Bit my lip.
11:46And reached for a hand towel to press under his nose.
11:48His fingers closed around my wrist.
11:50Don't move.
11:51I had never been this close to a man.
11:53Are you okay?
11:55Why did you...
11:59You didn't see anything.
12:00His voice lower than usual, rougher.
12:02Before I could push back, he sneezed.
12:05I made a decision.
12:06I stood.
12:07Grabbed the robe from the hook.
12:08Wrapped it around myself.
12:10If Lorenzo got sick because of me, my family paid for it.
12:13The Marino family could erase us without blinking.
12:16I was about to open my mouth and scream for help.
12:19Two hands covered my face from behind.
12:23You need to swear to God this never leaves this room.
12:27Please.
12:29Kara.
12:31Stay silent.
12:34All worn out from last night's mess, Lorenzo spiked a fever at dawn.
12:39Mrs. Marino was shocked, spotting the soaked clothes on the couch.
12:44But he told Mrs. Marino it had nothing to do with me.
12:48She forgave me anyway.
12:51But she gave the family doctor a strange look after the exam.
12:56He's always been tough.
12:58Didn't even get a fever after being shot.
13:03Lorenzo, I heard you've been taking cold showers at night lately.
13:07Mrs. Marino, the kitchen has prepared your favorite tea.
13:11It will get cold if you don't go now.
13:12Lorenzo exhaled close.
13:15Then he realized I was still in the room.
13:17You don't have to stay.
13:18You'll catch it.
13:19I wrung out a cloth in cool water.
13:21If something happens to you, my father loses everything.
13:24So let's not be dramatic about this.
13:26Sit still.
13:26He blinked.
13:28Like no one had ever spoken to him that way.
13:30Like he wasn't sure if he was offended or not.
13:33He sat still.
13:34I leaned over him to reach the bedside table to get the tissue.
13:37He stared at the ceiling with great focus.
13:40His jaw tightened.
13:41And his ears flushed red once more.
13:45Then, Lorenzo, a voice, young and sharp from the hallway.
13:49Lorenzo fell back against the pillow.
13:51He looked just like someone caught in the wrong act.
13:54I turned.
13:55A young girl stood there.
13:57No older than 15.
13:58She had dark curly hair and wore a green sundress.
14:01Move.
14:02I need to see him.
14:03He's resting.
14:05You shouldn't...
14:08Who are you?
14:10I can't tell her the truth about the contract.
14:12It would cause a mess.
14:15I'm Kara.
14:16I'm Mr. Marino's assistant.
14:19I lied to her.
14:22I'm his cousin, Julia.
14:23You're just an assistant.
14:25Don't tell me what to do.
14:26From the bed, weekly.
14:28Julia.
14:29Don't be rude.
14:30I'm worried about you.
14:32That's allowed.
14:33She pushed forward.
14:34I stepped aside.
14:36She hit a wet patch on the tile near the door and went down hard.
14:39I lunged forward without hesitation.
14:41Threw myself between her and the cold floor.
14:44Took the full impact for her.
14:46One thought came to my mind.
14:47She's Lorenzo's family.
14:49I cannot let her get hurt.
14:50What are you two doing?
14:51He arrived just in time to witness everything.
14:54The calm, untouchable Marino air looked utterly furious for one full second.
14:58His chest was heaving.
14:59His face was red.
15:00Julia lifted her head slowly.
15:02Looked at my face.
15:03Her face turned red.
15:04She forgot Lorenzo entirely.
15:06I sat up carefully.
15:07Ignored the dull ache in my back.
15:09Are you hurt?
15:10Here.
15:11I blew gently across her palms where the carpet had caught her skin.
15:15Julia went very still.
15:16Then quietly.
15:18Almost dreamily.
15:19Kara.
15:20You smell really good.
15:23Something shifted in Lorenzo that night.
15:25He'd spent years pushing everyone away.
15:27Women wanted his name.
15:28His money.
15:29His power.
15:29They looked at him like a prize.
15:31A title.
15:31A weapon.
15:31But she didn't.
15:32She saw he hadn't eaten.
15:33She didn't flinch when he snapped.
15:35She looked at him like he was just Lorenzo.
15:38It wasn't her beauty that broke him.
15:39It was something he couldn't name.
15:41Lorenzo crossed the room in four sharp steps.
15:44He grabbed Julia by the back of her collar.
15:46Julia.
15:47Stop.
15:49Did you come to see me or not?
15:51Obviously I came to see you.
15:53Julia straightened her dress with dignity.
15:56Obviously I came to see you.
15:58You don't look that sick, honestly.
16:00I feel better.
16:03Since he's fine, can you come hang out with me?
16:09You're so pretty.
16:10I just want to look at you.
16:12Elle?
16:13I smiled and reached out my hand.
16:15Lorenzo got there first.
16:17His hand was large and warm and closed completely around mine.
16:20I'm still sick.
16:22A cough.
16:23And weak.
16:23Perfectly timed.
16:23She has to stay with me.
16:24I panicked at the cough pulled free automatically.
16:27I put my hand on his back to guide him inside.
16:30Inside, Lorenzo glanced back over his shoulder.
16:32He looked at her with pure, unmasked satisfaction.
16:36Julia stared at him.
16:37You have changed, Lorenzo Marino.
16:39He didn't answer.
16:40He just settled back against the headboard, admitted he felt terrible.
16:44He needed me to stay close by his side.
16:46The fever lasted almost a week.
16:48By the end of it, something between us had quietly shifted.
16:54Stop calling me Mr. Marino.
16:57Tried the name out, low and a little uncertain.
17:02Lorenzo.
17:03I'd never said a man's name like that before.
17:06Like it meant something.
17:07He gave a single nod.
17:08Face neutral.
17:10But his ears betrayed him completely.
17:12I noticed his skin felt hot.
17:14I pressed the back of my cool fingers to his cheek.
17:16Then to his ear.
17:18The cooler I tried to make him feel better, the worse it seemed to get.
17:21His breathing shifted.
17:29Kara.
17:29He said, very quietly.
17:31I didn't catch it, because outside, heels on marble, not Julia this time.
17:36Nico stepped into the room.
17:37He carried an easy, unrestrained aura.
17:40Bold and outgoing.
17:41He never hid his emotions.
17:43Where Lorenzo was cold, quiet and reserved, Nico was warm, talkative and effortlessly sociable.
17:49He spent money like keeping it was a burden.
17:51No one understood how the two could be friends.
17:54He came to the bed directly.
17:56Snapped his sunglasses shut.
17:57Grinning, he looked at Lorenzo in bed.
18:01A cold kept the great Lorenzo Marine down for a month.
18:05Incredible.
18:06Lorenzo said nothing.
18:07Nico's gaze drifted to me.
18:11Kara Ricci.
18:13Even better in person.
18:15It's a crime, honestly.
18:18A woman like you, wasted on a man who won't even look a woman twice.
18:25Get out, Nico.
18:27I'm just being honest.
18:29Nico ignored him.
18:30His eyes didn't leave me.
18:31Out.
18:33You deserve someone who actually shows up, sweetheart.
18:39If you ever feel like renegotiating with-
18:41Lorenzo stood up.
18:42He put himself between me and Nico without seeming to think about it.
18:46You have enough women around, Nico.
18:48I always have room for one more.
18:50If she wanted to leave-
18:51She doesn't.
18:53But she would understand ever.
18:55You'd understand you, Rissi.
18:57How would you know?
18:58You barely look at her.
19:01She's nothing like the other woman around you.
19:04You couldn't have her if you tried.
19:07You'd love to want to stand your enemy?
19:09You could just court a chance.
19:11If you'd love to offer me a chance, I'd like to try.
19:14Then let's make it interesting.
19:17Name it.
19:22The best of three.
19:24Whatever you pick.
19:26Deal.
19:31For what it's worth, he's never competed for anything in his life.
19:35Think about that.
19:42Finally, Lorenzo recovered.
19:44I had time to went out with Julia.
19:45I should have noticed the car that had been following us for two blocks.
19:48But I didn't.
19:50Neither did Julia.
19:50We were talking about Lorenzo's childhood.
19:52I was quite intrigued.
19:56Suddenly, they stepped out of the side street.
19:58Four men.
19:59Organized.
20:00Fast.
20:01One of them grabbed Julia by the arm.
20:03She screamed.
20:04I stepped between her and the man holding her.
20:07Who are you?
20:08Leave us alone.
20:10Another hit on me.
20:11I went down on one knee.
20:12My cheek was already swelling.
20:13I could taste blood.
20:15Julia was crying.
20:16Screaming my name.
20:18Run, Julia.
20:20Run now.
20:21Don't look back.
20:22She didn't.
20:23They took us both.
20:24The warehouse smelled like salt water and rust.
20:26They kept asking about Lorenzo.
20:28His schedule.
20:29His meetings.
20:30Who he trusted.
20:30Where he was vulnerable.
20:32I told them nothing.
20:33Every time I didn't answer, they made sure I knew there were consequences.
20:37I soon passed out.
20:38I woke up to find Julia ziptied safely in the corner.
20:42They hadn't touched her.
20:43That was the only thing that mattered.
20:45She's okay.
20:46She's okay.
20:46She's okay.
20:47I had no idea how long we'd stay here.
20:49All I cared about was Lorenzo hoping he'd notice we were gone soon.
20:53By nightfall, the thugs grew impatient.
20:55They walked over to Julia and spoke to me.
20:58Heard she's Lorenzo's cousin.
21:00We'll find another way to make you talk.
21:02Before I could speak, he roughly tore Julia's clothes apart.
21:06She screamed and cried in terror.
21:07No, stop it!
21:08Leave her!
21:09You bastard!
21:10But if you still won't spit out what we want, I don't mind changing my interest.
21:14Stop touching her!
21:17I'll talk!
21:17Then noises came from outside.
21:19A bulldozer smashed the door open.
21:21Lorenzo and his men walked in.
21:22He didn't run.
21:23He didn't shout.
21:24He walked in like he owned the building.
21:26Which, I later found out he did.
21:27His eyes found me first.
21:29I was still on my knees.
21:31One eye nearly swollen shut.
21:32My wrists raw from the zip ties.
21:34My lips split at the corner.
21:36I saw his control slip completely for a split second.
21:38Something close to panic crossed his face.
21:41Then it all locked back down into nothing.
21:42He crossed the room, crouched in front of me.
21:45His hands rose slowly, like he was approaching something he feared breaking.
21:49He cupped my face, took in every bruise, every cut, every detail.
21:54He didn't say anything for a long moment.
21:58I'm fine.
22:00You're not.
22:01I'm standing.
22:03You're on your knees.
22:04Same thing.
22:06Wait for me some seconds.
22:08He exhaled through his nose.
22:09Then he stood and turned.
22:10The men who'd taken us lined up against the far wall.
22:13His men held them in place.
22:14Lorenzo stared at them with cold indifference.
22:16The girl is my cousin.
22:18The woman is mine.
22:20Now's your time to pay.
22:21He straightened his jacket.
22:23Make sure they understand what that means.
22:25He didn't stay to watch.
22:26He came back to me.
22:27Pulled me up carefully.
22:28And walked me out.
22:29Suddenly, the gang's men rushed in through the door.
22:32Chaos broke out.
22:33Someone charged over with a baseball bat.
22:35As the bat swung down, Lorenzen stepped in to shield me.
22:37He pulled me tight into his arms.
22:39A low, painful grunt escaped him.
22:41The bat slammed straight into his back.
22:43His men moved in at once.
22:44Watching this, I couldn't hold back my tears.
22:46Julia was excused.
22:47Lorenzo kept one hand on my back the whole time.
22:50Like if he let go, something would happen.
22:52Outside, in the cold air, I finally stopped holding myself together.
22:55My knees went.
22:56He swept me up bridal style before I hit the ground.
22:59I was bedridden for a week.
23:00But I was finally better.
23:01Today, Lorenzo and Nico were going to compete.
23:04Just like they promised.
23:05They went to the estate's private court out back.
23:07Racing first.
23:09Then shooting.
23:10Nico bet his vintage Alfa Romeo.
23:12While Lorenzo wagered a chance to court me.
23:15Nico was good.
23:16His women treed around.
23:17I have no clue how Nico gets all those girls to get along so well.
23:21He's definitely smooth with women.
23:23Yet the mere thought of Lorenzo being swarmed by them.
23:25Makes me oddly upset.
23:26I turned to see Lorenzo.
23:28He shot me a reassuring look.
23:29Making my heart skip a beat.
23:31He was really handsome when he shoot.
23:32Finally, Lorenzo won the competition.
23:34It wasn't even close by the end.
23:36I watched from the side and felt something strange move through me.
23:40Three years ago, Lorenzo Marino took over the family empire at 24.
23:44The youngest heir in three generations.
23:46There had been a piece about it in the paper.
23:48A photograph.
23:49Him stepping out of the courthouse.
23:50Sharp, dark suit.
23:51No smile.
23:52Completely unbothered by the swarming cameras.
23:55I'd been sitting in the back of my father's restaurant when I saw it.
23:58Couldn't explain why I'd kept looking.
24:00That's Lorenzo Marino.
24:02Every family in the city watches what he does.
24:05I'd kept the paper.
24:06I don't know why.
24:07Now he was fighting for me.
24:09Nico lost his vintage Alfa Romeo.
24:11Shipped all the way from Milan.
24:13One of a kind.
24:13The only one in the entire state.
24:15He stared at Lorenzo with open disbelief.
24:18You set me up.
24:19They told me you were hurt, but you looked totally fine.
24:22Lorenzo said nothing.
24:23He walked toward me, unhurried, and held out his hand.
24:26Come on.
24:27I'd never ridden in something that fast.
24:29I hesitated.
24:30He easily lifted me up in a bridle carry.
24:32Settled me into the passenger seat like it was nothing.
24:34The engine turned over.
24:35Nico was still standing in the driveway when we left him behind.
24:39Mr. Marino?
24:40You're back?
24:41Is it actually fine?
24:42The car hit a rough patch in the road.
24:44I lurched sideways, directly into his arm.
24:46Somewhere I couldn't see, the corner of his mouth moved.
24:50Say my name.
24:52Lorenzo?
24:53Are you actually better?
24:55Yes.
24:55The city opened up around us.
24:57Gold in the late afternoon light.
24:59I remembered something.
25:01The month Mrs. Marine asked for.
25:03It's over.
25:04A pause.
25:05If you want to go back to your own room, I understand.
25:08I'm not going to-
25:08He braked hard.
25:09He slammed on the brakes.
25:10The car screeched to a halt in the middle of the road.
25:12I jolted forward sharply from the sudden stop.
25:14He turned around at once to check if I was alright.
25:17Close enough to feel his every breath.
25:19His voice dropped.
25:20Are you trying to leave?
25:21My throat tightened.
25:22I'd been his companion for months.
25:24He had never once touched me on purpose.
25:27I'd assumed that meant he didn't want me here.
25:30Why are you asking me that now?
25:32I turned to look at him.
25:33My eyes were embarrassingly wet.
25:35He stared at me, jaw working, caught completely off guard by the tears.
25:40Kara, I-
25:42I took his hand, held it flat against my chest, over my heart.
25:45If he pulled away, I had my answer.
25:47When the six months ended, I'd go.
25:51I got bounced around pretty hard in this car.
25:54Could you just help me with that?
25:59His face went red, ears, cheeks, the back of his neck, all of it.
26:04He pulled his hand back like I'd burned him.
26:06The most controlled man in New York City, trapped in his own car, unable to form a single complete sentence.
26:11Then he got out of the car and walked.
26:13That night, he didn't come back to the room.
26:15The next morning, I started quietly packing a bag.
26:18He came through the door at dawn, still in yesterday's clothes.
26:21What are you doing?
26:22I stepped back so he couldn't reach me.
26:24I won't keep bothering you.
26:25When the six months are up, I'll go.
26:28At the word go, something shifted in his face.
26:31What six months?
26:33What are you talking about?
26:34I pressed my lips together and moved to step past him.
26:37He caught my arm, pulled me in.
26:39My things scattered across the floor.
26:41He held on, and his voice, when it came, was stripped of everything carefully.
26:45Are you angry with me?
26:49You can yell at me.
26:52You can hit me.
26:55Just don't leave.
26:59Please.
27:04I looked up at him.
27:06He lifted his hand and pressed it to my face, wiped the corner of my eye with his thumb.
27:11I explained the contract's terms, the six-month clause, the hidden agreement no one had ever told him about.
27:17Lorenzo went very still.
27:19My heart sank.
27:19I knew he hated this deal.
27:21Maybe he was disappointed in me too, never thinking I'd team up with his mother to lie to him, just
27:26for money.
27:28Kara.
27:29I hate this.
27:30I ruined everything.
27:31I should leave like I planned, but I already liked him.
27:35I picked up my clothes on the floor and ready to pack and leave.
27:38He blocked my way.
27:39But if it's you, I don't want to be apart from you.
27:47I know you have feelings for me.
27:51But yesterday...
27:54I didn't know if you actually...
27:56I didn't want to overstep.
27:59If I had another chance, I would do it differently.
28:08Before I could answer, he kissed me.
28:11It was nothing like I expected.
28:13Deep and sure, and like he'd been making up his mind about it for months.
28:18When he finally stopped, his arm was still around my waist.
28:22He pressed his lips to my ear.
28:23You're not leaving, Kara.
28:27Two weeks later, I found him at his desk at midnight.
28:29I brought coffee, set it down next to him.
28:32What was he like?
28:34Your father.
28:36Lorenzo was quiet for a long moment.
28:39Careful.
28:40Never wrong about people.
28:42He turned the coffee cup in his hands.
28:45Before he married my mother, he loved someone else.
28:50She took away his fortune and his trust.
28:56She left him with endless trouble and a broken heart.
29:00He paused.
29:02After that, he had one rule for me.
29:06Stay away from beautiful women.
29:09Beautiful women are how you lose everything.
29:14Stay sharp.
29:16Stay alone.
29:18He said it like it was law.
29:20Like it had been law his entire life.
29:23I understand him.
29:25He was trying to protect you.
29:28But it was also a prison.
29:30Lorenzo went very still.
29:32And you moved right in.
29:35Are you afraid?
29:37He didn't answer.
29:40Or are you still hiding?
29:44He just hugged me tight.
29:47I thought he should try to figure something out by himself.
29:52I finished my coffee and went to bed.
29:54He was still sitting there when I left.
30:06The rumors spread fast within the family's circle.
30:09The sharp, deliberate kind of whisper meant to travel.
30:11I first heard it from a housekeeper.
30:13She'd gotten it from a driver.
30:14Who had heard the gossip at Nico's table.
30:17I didn't say anything to Lorenzo.
30:19I didn't have to.
30:20He came home that Friday night from a meeting and stopped in the kitchen doorway.
30:24I was on the phone, not crying, not waiting.
30:26I was on the phone with my father's supplier.
30:29Negotiating a new payment plan for the restaurant.
30:31It was the same tedious task I'd chipped away at for two months.
30:35Done in every quiet corner I could find on this estate.
30:39I held up a single finger to Lorenzo.
30:41A silent ask.
30:42Give me a minute.
30:43Then I finished the call.
30:44Looked at him.
30:45You heard.
30:46It wasn't a question.
30:48I heard.
30:52You want coffee?
30:53Something shifted in his face.
30:57That's it?
30:58What do you want me to do, Lorenzo?
31:00Fall apart?
31:02Rumors are rumors.
31:03They won't be truth.
31:04You know me.
31:09I turned back to the counter.
31:14He was quiet for a long moment.
31:16I grew up in Queens.
31:17People talk.
31:18It passes.
31:21Nico is handling a shipment for us next quarter.
31:23I need you to understand something.
31:25Whatever you came here as.
31:27Contract.
31:28Companion.
31:29Arrangement.
31:29That's not what this is.
31:31He said it simply.
31:32No performance.
31:33You don't need to worry about it.
31:34I'll handle it.
31:35I looked at him for a second.
31:37Telling the truth.
31:38I touched.
31:39Then I handed him a cup of coffee and went back to my notes.
31:42He stood there another moment.
31:43Like he'd expected more of a reaction.
31:45Then he sat down across from me and didn't leave.
31:48Three days later.
31:50Nico showed up at the estate.
31:52Quieter than usual.
31:54He found me in the garden.
31:56He sat down across from me without being invited.
32:01He's never done that for anyone.
32:04I've known him 15 years.
32:07He doesn't defend people.
32:09He doesn't explain himself.
32:12But he stood for you.
32:14I had wanted to see what you were made of.
32:18I was wrong about the answer.
32:23For what it's worth.
32:26I'm sorry.
32:28He left before I could respond.
32:32Lorenzo told me once he'd been supposed to take the seat four years ago.
32:36His father died before the transfer was complete.
32:39He stepped back.
32:40Handled the grief quietly.
32:42Honored it in private.
32:43And waited.
32:44This year, he was ready.
32:46Whatever you did.
32:47Thank you.
32:49She had stopped caring about where I came from approximately three months ago.
32:55My parents came to the estate for dinner the following Sunday.
32:58My father shook Lorenzo's hand for a long time without letting go.
33:02My mother cried in the bathroom and pretended she hadn't.
33:06They had no idea I'd known about the debt.
33:08Lorenzo was in meetings most nights that month.
33:11Working through every alliance and loose end before the transfer.
33:15I stayed.
33:16Made coffee.
33:17Sat nearby.
33:18Didn't talk unless he wanted to.
33:21He told me the whole story about his father one of those nights.
33:25The loss.
33:26The years of silence after.
33:28The wolf photograph had been his father's.
33:31Lorenzo had taken it down.
33:32Into its place.
33:33He'd had someone paint me.
33:34I stood in front of it for a long time.
33:36Not sure what to say.
33:38You can still get out of this.
33:41If you've changed your mind.
33:43He picked up a pen and wrote two words on a notepad and turned it to face me.
33:46No regret.
33:48Then he looked at me with the expression of a man waiting to be told.
33:52The moment broke when we heard a crash from the kitchen.
33:55Julia had found the dessert I'd made for him and eaten most of it.
33:58That was for me.
33:59Oh, she's had a really hard day.
34:02She hid behind me.
34:03You always smell like something good.
34:05It's not fair.
34:07Julia.
34:08I covered my mouth so neither of them would see me laughing.
34:11The morning of, Julia found me alone in the dressing room.
34:16She sat in the chair across from me and was, for once, completely quiet.
34:20We sat there for a while.
34:22Then she said,
34:23You're his now.
34:26She picked at a thread on her sleeve.
34:28You won't just be mine anymore.
34:30I reached over and took her hand.
34:33I'll always be yours too.
34:36Door opened.
34:37Lorenzo stepped in.
34:38Saw our hands linked.
34:39Walked over without a word.
34:41And lifted my hand out of Julia's.
34:43Julia rolled her eyes so hard it was almost audible.
34:47You are so dramatic.
34:48She announced.
34:49She picked up her bouquet and walked out.
34:51Lorenzo watched her go.
34:53Then he looked down at me.
34:54The same look I'd seen that first night.
34:56In the study.
34:57When everything in the room went still.
34:59Only now, he didn't look away.
35:02The ceremony was held on the estate grounds.
35:05Afterward, he wanted to get back fast.
35:07His impatience was quiet, unmistakably him.
35:10No fidgeting.
35:11No sharp remarks.
35:13Only a stubborn, total inability to slow down.
35:17When he lifted my veil.
35:20Lorenzo.
35:21His mouth curved.
35:23Try again.
35:24He exhaled like that.
35:25Was exactly right.
35:27The candles burned low.
35:28The man I'd watched from the outside.
35:30Controlled, untouchable.
35:31Alone by architecture.
35:32Was gone.
35:33What was left was warm.
35:35And present.
35:35And absolutely not interested in stopping.
35:38I asked for mercy.
35:39He laughed.
35:40And pressed his lips to my temple.
35:43You're too beautiful.
35:46I want everything with you, Kara.
35:49And put them in
35:52Has Judah.
35:55To be right.
35:56How is that?
35:56I want everything.
35:56I want everything.
35:56And I want everything.
Commentaires