After a painful divorce and public humiliation, Nora is forced to rebuild her life from nothing. Just when she thinks her future is ruined, fate brings her into the orbit of Luca Castellano, New York's most feared and respected Godfather. What begins as an unexpected arrangement soon turns into a life-changing romance.
As old enemies return and secrets from the past threaten their future, Nora discovers that strength, love, and power often come from the most unexpected places. Caught between her painful past and a dangerous new world, she must decide whether to trust the man who is willing to protect her at any cost.
Watch Divorced, I Married the Godfather Full Episode (ENGSUB) and enjoy an addictive short drama filled with mafia romance, second chances, billionaire power, family conflict, revenge, emotional twists, and unforgettable love.
#DivorcedIMarriedTheGodfather #MafiaRomance #GodfatherLoveStory #ShortDrama #DramaSeries #FullEpisode #ENGSUB #MafiaKing #SecondChanceRomance #BillionaireRomance #Drama #ShortFilm #FullEP #IDR
As old enemies return and secrets from the past threaten their future, Nora discovers that strength, love, and power often come from the most unexpected places. Caught between her painful past and a dangerous new world, she must decide whether to trust the man who is willing to protect her at any cost.
Watch Divorced, I Married the Godfather Full Episode (ENGSUB) and enjoy an addictive short drama filled with mafia romance, second chances, billionaire power, family conflict, revenge, emotional twists, and unforgettable love.
#DivorcedIMarriedTheGodfather #MafiaRomance #GodfatherLoveStory #ShortDrama #DramaSeries #FullEpisode #ENGSUB #MafiaKing #SecondChanceRomance #BillionaireRomance #Drama #ShortFilm #FullEP #IDR
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Short filmTranscript
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. Stepmom wanted for child. Room and board, that's
00:15what got me.
00:16That same night, I showed up at the address. I walked straight into the mansion of Luca Castellano, the don
00:22of 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.
00:50Now 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.
01:11Eight hours ago, I'd signed the divorce papers and been kicked out of my ex's house.
01:15The last thing I wanted was another husband. 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.
01:30I stumbled, slammed straight into a hot, hard chest. The smell hit me first. Blood. Gunpowder.
01:36Then the barrel of a pistol tipped my chin up. A man in a suit with his hair slicked back.
01:41Blood streaked across his jaw.
01:42A snake 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.
01:52He studied me for a long beat. Finally, walked off without a word.
01:56I'd seen that face before. Page six. New York Times. The Castellano Don.
02:01Sebastian had once spent a month studying his photos. Trying to get in with the old mafia family behind him.
02:07The butler finally spoke. The Don is handling some business. Please don't mind.
02:12I nodded quietly. Then he took me to change into something dry and led me into the dining room.
02:17A long wooden table sat beneath a crystal chandelier. And at one end, a father and son were locked in
02:23a standoff.
02:23The man with murder in his eyes was gone. In his place, at the table, sat a man in a
02:28white dress shirt holding a spoon.
02:30His face was tired. The boy pressed his lips shut and glared up at his father like a tiny soldier
02:36holding the line.
02:37Neither moved. Finally, the man exhaled and set the spoon down. Long fingers pinched the bridge of his nose.
02:43His voice dropped, low 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. I could see most of the snake tattoo now.
02:57The lines of his muscles pressed faintly through the white linen.
03:00The most feared man in New York inherited the family glory at 16.
03:05Built it bigger, darker, quieter than his father had. Money, power, blood on his hands.
03:10So this wasn't some dream or scam.
03:13A man like Luca Castellano had no reason to scam a broke divorcee off the street.
03:18His eyes moved over me, distant and tired.
03:20Name?
03:21I figured he'd come straight from his so-called business.
03:24Handling traitors, torturing some enemies, and now got defeated by a toddler.
03:29Feeding the kid was probably harder than running his empire.
03:32Nora Bennett.
03:32I said.
03:33A barely there nod.
03:34He held out the plate.
03:35Try.
03:35So, this was my interview.
03:37If I didn't pass, I was sleeping on the F train.
03:40I smiled my warmest, gentlest smile and walked toward the boy.
03:44I didn't make it two steps.
03:45Whoosh.
03:46He bolted under the table.
03:48Only his eyes peeked out.
03:49Dark, round, furious.
03:51I don't want her!
03:52Send her away!
03:53She's a bad lady!
03:55They're all bad ladies!
03:56So, before me, this kid had already been through who knows how many stepmoms.
04:00Fine.
04:01I needed to do my best.
04:02I scanned the room and clocked it instantly.
04:05Action figures everywhere.
04:06Batman, Spider-Man, a whole shelf of Avengers.
04:10I grabbed two figures off the coffee table and crouched down by the table leg.
04:14I sat Batman and Spider-Man right next to the kid.
04:17Then I picked up the spoon.
04:18Don't worry.
04:19I'm not feeding you.
04:20I'm feeding Batman.
04:21I mimed a spoonful into Batman's face.
04:23Open up, Bats.
04:24Heroes who skip dinner?
04:26Skinny arms, skinny legs.
04:27Can't protect anyone like that.
04:30Oh, Batman wants vegetables?
04:32Good call.
04:33Spinach makes you strong.
04:34The boy watched, half-hidden, lips parting, smacking his mouth a little.
04:38I pretended not to see.
04:40His nose started turning pink, like he was about to cry.
04:43Right on cue, I gasped.
04:45Wait, is that a baby Batman over there?
04:47Bats, can you share with him?
04:49He has to eat, too, if he's going to grow up strong.
04:52I tilted Batman.
04:53Bats says yes.
04:55I turned to the boy.
04:56Batman improved, kiddo.
04:57You get a little, but just a little.
05:00We don't want you outgrowing him.
05:01He'd be sad.
05:02The boy nodded furiously.
05:04I didn't even get the spoon to his mouth before he grabbed it with his lips.
05:07A big bite.
05:08Why won't you give me vegetables?
05:10You scared I'll get stronger than Batman?
05:13Bad lady!
05:14I glanced at the couch.
05:15Luca Castellano's mouth curved.
05:17A small, real smile.
05:19Approving.
05:20I moved into the castle that night.
05:21There were three floors.
05:23I got the second floor with Leo.
05:24Luca had the entire third floor to himself.
05:27The butler walked me to my room and gave me one last warning.
05:30You do not go up to the third floor.
05:31Ever.
05:32His voice dropped.
05:33The last woman who snuck up there to climb into the Don's bed got thrown out of his window.
05:37Two story drive.
05:39I thought of the gun from an hour ago.
05:40I nodded so hard I almost gave myself whiplash.
05:43Won't happen.
05:44You have my word.
05:45Castellano men breed serious.
05:47Leo was only four and slept in his own bed without a fuss.
05:51And that made my job easier.
05:52I'd just changed into the silk pajamas from the closet.
05:55The knock made me jump.
05:56Don Luca's voice was low behind the door.
05:58Come down.
05:59Let's talk.
06:00Luca was on the couch in the great room.
06:02Long legs crossed.
06:03Whiskey in his hand.
06:04I sat across from him on the opposite couch.
06:07Hands in my lap.
06:08Knees together.
06:08Like a job interview.
06:09You're good with kids.
06:11You have one of your own?
06:12No.
06:12I helped raise my ex's nephew for two years.
06:15Back the...
06:16The crane said I didn't make enough money and ordered me to quit.
06:19Called it generosity.
06:20Then, after I did, they claimed I was lazy and had nothing to do.
06:23So they fired the nanny and dumped the kid on me.
06:26More free maid than wife.
06:28File says you're divorced.
06:29Yes.
06:29Reason?
06:30Some small town girl cannot stain a noble family name.
06:33I guess.
06:34Only a coward would say that.
06:36You saw the ad.
06:37I'm hiring a mother for Leo, not a date for me.
06:39My rival's family terrified him when he was little.
06:42He's always been insecure, hates leaving the house, and has never had a single friend.
06:46I work long hours.
06:47I need someone with patience.
06:49Someone who'll stay.
06:50There will be a prenum.
06:52Everything stays separate.
06:53Especially in bed.
06:54My heart shuddered as I looked deep into his eyes.
06:57Marriage in rich people's world was a contract before it was anything else.
07:01My marriage with Sebastian was for love.
07:03But because the gaps between our family, I'd signed one with him too.
07:07When the love ran out, I'd walked away with nothing.
07:10Not even my wedding ring.
07:12Let alone a powerful mafia family like the Castellanos.
07:16They would only be more careful.
07:17I understand.
07:19Honestly, if you just need someone in the house, we don't have to make it legal.
07:22I'm fine without the paperwork.
07:24Luca shook his head.
07:26He leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table.
07:29Marriage is for Leo.
07:30He needs the most stable mother I can give him.
07:32And marriage is the strongest contract there is.
07:36All right.
07:36We'll do it your way.
07:40Don't worry.
07:41You'll get $100,000 a month for expenses.
07:43This was the part I cared about.
07:45I've been burned before.
07:46Mr. Castellano, if we divorce someday, can I keep the money you've given me?
07:50Of course.
07:51It's yours.
07:52All right then.
07:54As for sex, I don't need anything from you in that area.
07:59You stay on the second floor.
08:01Right.
08:01The sex.
08:03That's fine.
08:04Neither do I.
08:05So, three days after I signed divorce papers, I got married again.
08:10No ceremony.
08:11No guests.
08:12Same as my first wedding.
08:13The butler added an extra dish to dinner.
08:15I thought that was the celebration.
08:17But suddenly, Luca slid a signet ring across the table.
08:21A Castellano family ring.
08:26That's not necessary.
08:28Sebastian never even gave me his family ring.
08:31For Leo's sake.
08:32Then I got it.
08:33The child needed a family illusion.
08:36I fell into silence and finally took it.
08:38I'll keep it safe.
08:39That night, I'd just gotten into bed when the door creaked open.
08:43Leo stood in the doorway.
08:44Bare feet.
08:45Hair sticking up.
08:46Fidgeting with his dinosaur pajamas.
08:49What's up, kiddo?
08:50Nora, can you read me a bedtime story?
08:54What?
08:54You want me to read you a bedtime story?
08:56I'll get my dad to pay you extra.
08:59If you don't want to, forget it.
09:00Come here.
09:01I held the covers open.
09:03He 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.
09:18I'll add another $50,000 a month.
09:20Mr. Castellano, that's way too much.
09:23It was.
09:24By a lot.
09:25I'd given far more than this in my last marriage and walked away with literally nothing.
09:30During the day, I babysat his nephew.
09:33At night, I cooked for my husband.
09:35After satisfying his needs in bed, I still had to get up at five to clean the house and make
09:40breakfast.
09:41His 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
09:53years.
09:53Mr. Castellano, it's really too much.
09:55I like Leo.
09:56He's a sweet kid.
09:58Reading 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.
10:07He was actually moved.
10:09You don't know.
10:09The women before you only cared about impressing me.
10:14They ignored him.
10:1650,000.
10:18That's the new number.
10:20Not negotiable.
10:21I 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.
10:42Outside triggered panic attacks.
10:44I crouched down.
10:45Hey, babe.
10:46Wait for me at home.
10:48I'll be back in an hour.
10:49He grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go.
10:52Didn't say anything.
10:53Just looked at me with those dark, sad eyes.
10:58He's scared you're not coming back.
11:00His mother left him exactly like that.
11:02I'm coming back.
11:04I'll see the doctor and come right home.
11:05You play here, okay?
11:06I was still mid-sentence when he climbed into the back seat of the car.
11:10The butler tried not to hope.
11:12Master Leo, you're going to the hospital with Miss Bennett?
11:15Leo nodded.
11:16Thank God.
11:17He's finally willing to leave the house.
11:19Your depression's getting better.
11:21Just keep it slow.
11:22Relax.
11:23I took the script and the meds and left.
11:25Leo was waiting in the lobby with his small batman.
11:29Nora.
11:32Are you sick?
11:34A little, kiddo.
11:35I used to skip meals a lot, so I got sick.
11:38Promise me you'll never let yourself get like that.
11:41Does it hurt?
11:42If it hurts, I can give you candy.
11:45Daddy 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.
11:54Small town girl.
11:55Can't handle the lifestyle.
11:59I had depression.
12:02Stop faking it to get attention!
12:04The nephew I'd raised for two years
12:06stood next to his mother on divorce day
12:08and called me ugly.
12:09And here was this four-year-old mafia heir
12:12handing me his last piece of candy.
12:14Nora.
12:15I'm going to eat every meal
12:17so I can grow up and protect you.
12:25You better grow fast, babe.
12:27When we walked out of the hospital,
12:29there was a black Maybach idling at the curb.
12:31Luca was leaning against it.
12:32Mr. Castellano.
12:34Why are you here?
12:35He scooped his son into his arms.
12:37Seeing how calm and composed the boy was,
12:39his eyes suddenly reddened.
12:41The butler called, said Leo went out with you.
12:43I had to see it.
12:44Dad, as long as I'm with Nora,
12:46you 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,
13:05so I can take Leo out without depending on the driver.
13:10Pick 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.
13:27Same diagnosis as the hospital.
13:29But 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.
13:59Just a few steps.
14:00Fine!
14:01One time only!
14:02And no more lobster!
14:04No!
14:04Nora?
14:05It was Sebastian, my ex-husband.
14:09He was in a crisp gray suit.
14:11Hair 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.
14:45Because 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.
15:02What 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.
15:12I filed for divorce.
15:13He thought it was a bluff.
15:15His 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.
15:26Ivy League degree.
15:28And here you are playing nanny?
15:31What were you thinking?
15:32Not your business.
15:34Nora.
15:35Try to understand.
15:37The day you married into the Crane family,
15:39you represent the Crane name.
15:41Sebastian.
15:42We're divorced.
15:44I have nothing to do with your family anymore.
15:48Even divorced, you're my ex-wife.
15:50People still bring me up when they talk about you.
15:52Stop embarrassing me.
15:54Use your head for once.
15:55Stop being emotional all the time.
15:58Nora.
15:59A few weeks out here.
16:00Bet you miss being Mrs. Crane, don't you?
16:02Admit 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.
16:10Apologize 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.
16:18Connor, 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.
16:37Have you ever thought about anyone but yourself?
16:39You're slapping Sebastian's face.
16:41You'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.
16:48Trash dressed in silk.
16:49I hung up.
16:50Blocked her.
16:50Pulled over.
16:51I crashed onto the steering wheel and bawled.
16:54I cried until I couldn't breathe.
16:55I cried until I was so empty I felt nothing.
16:58Then I sat up.
16:59Wiped my face.
17:00Felt the exhaustion settle bone deep.
17:02Nora, here.
17:03Tissue.
17:03I'd forgotten Leo was in the back seat.
17:06He was holding a tissue out from his car seat.
17:07Big, sad eyes glued to me.
17:09I'm sorry, sweetheart.
17:11Did I scare you?
17:12Nora, I'm not scared.
17:14You can cry as long as you want.
17:15I'll wait.
17:17Adults 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.
17:46Looser 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, you never wear any of them.
17:57They're too nice.
17:58I'm not used to it.
18:00I'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, truly.
18:17I heard you saw your ex today.
18:19His name's Crane?
18:20The stupid Crane Capital?
18:22I froze.
18:23Leo had snitched.
18:24Yes, that Crane.
18:26Old news.
18:27Nora, since you came, Leo's been a different child.
18:31His eyes were dark and serious on mine.
18:33I shifted, uncomfortable.
18:35You pay me very well.
18:37It's what I'm here for.
18:38Nora, ask 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.
18:50He stood up.
18:51I'll say this again.
18:52I'm the Don of the Castellano 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.
19:03Without warning, he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
19:05Did I scare you?
19:07I 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.
19:42The psychiatrist said you need family.
19:44Leo and I are your family now.
19:46We have responsibilities.
19:48Since 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.
20:07Luca's voice.
20:08Stopping me at the doorway.
20:09Yes?
20:10His ears were faintly pink.
20:12He cleared his throat.
20:13Tomorrow night.
20:14There's an event.
20:16Plus sun's required.
20:18Would you come with me?
20:20Me?
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.
20:36There 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.
20:55Luca'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 dawn is the rules.
21:07Hard 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.
21:15Hair, makeup, dress, jewelry.
21:18They 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, look 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.
21:47Makes me feel young.
21:48The event was a charity gala at the plaza.
21:51Every major name in New York was there.
21:53Old 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.
22:25Luca squeezed my hand.
22:26Leaned in.
22:27Nora.
22:28Is being my wife really that embarrassing?
22:31You couldn't say it?
22:33Bourbon and cedar on his breath.
22:34No.
22:35No.
22:36I just...
22:37I didn't want to embarrass you.
22:39His eyes darkened.
22:40Nora.
22:41He 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.
22:49I'd been hiding by the champagne tower for about 90 seconds when...
22:53Nora?
22:57There was no date.
22:58Just him.
22:59Had it Luca said plus ones required?
23:02Sebastian'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.
23:30Apologize to my mom and my sister.
23:34We'll remarry.
23:36I'll forget the rest.
23:41Crane, capital is bleeding right now.
23:43I'm slammed.
23:44Stop making things hard for me.
23:46He reached for my hand.
23:47The Sebastian special.
23:49One slap, one kiss.
23:50He'd run me on that loop for three years.
23:53I'm not the Nora he married anymore.
23:56I yanked back.
23:57Sebastian.
23:58Divorced means divorced.
24:00I'd rather sleep under the Brooklyn Pleerage than wear your last name again.
24:03Find someone else for that throne.
24:05Still stubborn.
24:06You haven't suffered enough.
24:08Crawl find me when you've actually been broken.
24:12That's when Luca started walking toward us.
24:14Sebastian's whole posture changed.
24:18Nora, we'll talk later.
24:20There'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 at 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?
24:59Sebastian's smile froze.
25:01Nora?
25:02What does she have to do with...
25:04Mr. Castelloni, you should know.
25:07Nora is my ex-wife.
25:08I don't know how she got in here tonight.
25:09Probably trying to ambush me into wrecking eliciation.
25:12She's just a housewife.
25:13Pay her no mind.
25:15Luca didn't even glance at him.
25:17Nora, your call.
25:19I'll follow your lead.
25:23I kept my voice flat.
25:25Mr. 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.
25:35Small town instincts.
25:36Luca's voice came in cold and final.
25:38Then I'd assume my wife doesn't approve of Crane Capital.
25:42Mr. 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.
25:54Crane, you insulted Don's wife.
25:57You stepped on a live mine.
26:00That'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
26:14the brat.
26:14He knew what he saw.
26:15A fancy dress didn't make a duchess.
26:18The 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.
26:30180 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.
26:42Would 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.
26:51I drank three glasses to keep my hands steady.
26:53Luca intercepted on the fourth.
26:55Apologies, everyone.
26:56My wife isn't a drinker.
26:58I'll take hers.
26:59He drank.
27:01Then 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.
27:11Mouth 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.
27:32Stop 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.
27:41His 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.
27:52Eyes 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.
28:08Mr. Castellano, you've had too much.
28:14You're right.
28:15I'm sorry.
28:16I had too much.
28:17The 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.
28:45My Ivy League degree shouldn't be wasted by eating in a mansion playing house.
28:49I'd done that marriage already.
28:51Stayed home.
28:52Made 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.
29:25I 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?
29:36Was this revenge for the car?
29:37I called him.
29:40Mr. Castellana.
29:41Coffee's here.
29:42Come down for it.
29:44Bring it up.
29:45I hit the record button on my phone.
29:48Caught 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.
30:02He'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.
30:13Renaissance painting.
30:14Holy 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.
30:34My 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.
30:42Sneezing.
30:43Of course.
30:44Wet hair.
30:45Late night.
30:46Fancy dress.
30:47Too much champagne.
30:48I shuffled downstairs in sweats, expecting the empty great room.
30:52Lupa was on the couch.
30:53Black turtleneck.
30:54Wireframe glasses.
30:56The combination should be illegal.
30:58Morning.
30:59Morning.
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.
31:07Practice.
31:08Like he did it every morning.
31:09I went stiff as a board.
31:12Not 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.
31:24Usually, 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.
31:44I didn't want to be in his way, so I just dozed off when an unknown number rang.
31:53Nora, it'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.
32:02I did not want him at the door.
32:03I did not want my pass laid out on Luca's marble entryway like roadkill.
32:08Sebastian intercepted me on the sidewalk.
32:11Nora, how long is this stunt going on for?
32:14Mrs. Crane working as a nanny?
32:16You don't feel humiliated, but I do.
32:19I'm not doing anything to you.
32:21I'm not doing anything to you, Sebastian.
32:22Stop the act.
32:23You dressed up last night to make me jealous.
32:26Fine.
32:26I'll admit it.
32:28After you left, I missed you a little.
32:30Here's the deal.
32:32Apologize to my mom and my sister.
32:33We remarry.
32:34You can stop scrubbing floors for strangers.
32:39Sebastian.
32:40I didn't do anything wrong.
32:42What 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.
32:54Leo, when 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.
33:03He glared up at him like a furious cherub.
33:05Protecting me, something cracked open in my chest.
33:08I pulled him in tight.
33:10Kid, what 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.
33:20My best mom.
33:21He pulled back, anxious.
33:23I nodded.
33:24My eyes were wet again.
33:26Nora, you'll be my mom, right?
33:29I'll be so good.
33:31I promise.
33:34Leo, I am your mom, sweetheart.
33:36He squeezed me tighter and refused to let go.
33:39Sebastian's face twisted into a slow, ugly smile.
33:43Oh, I see it now.
33:46Nora, you're putting a child up to it.
33:49You're playing the long game on Castelloni.
33:52He grabbed my arm.
33:53Listen, Castorano 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.
34:03He'll bury you in the East River.
34:04A warm hand landed on my waist.
34:07I hadn't heard him come outside.
34:09Luca, he pulled me into him.
34:12Mr. Crane, the 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.
34:22They could keep doing business with Crane of Papadal.
34:25After today, I don't think I need to.
34:27Castellano.
34:29What, 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?
34:39Nora is my wife.
34:40The mother of my son.
34:43Send him off.
34:45Luca turned to the butler at the door.
34:47If anyone like this bothers Mrs. Castellano again,
34:50have my men throw him out.
34:51He took Leo with one arm,
34:53wrapped the other around me,
34:54walked us inside.
34:56The second the door closed,
34:58I peeled out of Luca's arm.
35:00Awkward as hell.
35:01I took Leo upstairs to my room.
35:04Leo,
35:05where were you all morning?
35:08I didn't see you all day.
35:10Don't even ask.
35:11Dad sent me to preschool.
35:13What?
35:14You preschool?
35:16He said he didn't want you working too hard.
35:21He said he needed alone time with you.
35:26Why 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.
35:34Leo was four sentences into his report
35:36when Luca appeared in the doorway.
35:38Leo,
35:39downstairs,
35:40dinner,
35:41stop bothering your mother.
35:42My whole face hot.
35:44Mom,
35:45I'll be back to keep you company in a bit.
35:48He scampered out.
35:50Luca didn't leave.
35:51He walked in.
35:53Feeling better?
35:54I looked sideways.
35:56Mr. Castellano,
35:58thank you for what you did.
36:00Please don't ruin a business decision for me.
36:03I'm really not worth it.
36:06Not worth what?
36:09What you did out there.
36:11Nora,
36:12I told you.
36:14You're my wife.
36:15Protecting you is my job.
36:18But-
36:19Stop calling this a paper marriage.
36:21Nora,
36:23I want a real one.
36:24I had not expected him to swing this hard,
36:27this fast.
36:28My face went up in flames.
36:30I'll give you time.
36:32Take whatever you need.
36:34But right now,
36:35I want to collect just a little husband privilege.
36:37Before I could form a coherent thought,
36:39he leaned in.
36:40A long, warm hand cradled my cheek.
36:43Can I?
36:43I didn't say a word.
36:46I'll take this as consent.
36:48Then his lips crashed against mine,
36:50hard and ruthless.
36:51His tongue swept into my mouth,
36:53stealing the air from my lungs.
36:55Right.
36:56This was how a mafia boss kissed.
36:58Cold.
36:59Merciless.
37:00Taking whatever he wanted.
37:02The kiss lasted so long,
37:03my mind went blank by the time he finally pulled away.
37:06He rubbed his thumb over my swollen lips.
37:09My little princess,
37:11that's enough for today.
37:16Next time,
37:17I won't let you off so easily.
37:19Leo got hauled to preschool again the next morning,
37:23under protest.
37:24My cold was almost gone.
37:26Luca asked if I wanted to see a movie.
37:28After everything that had happened,
37:29I thought about it.
37:30We were married on paper.
37:32If something real was going to grow there,
37:34that 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,
37:43he showed me his collection room.
37:45One entire wall was covered in cold weapons.
37:48Daggers, knives,
37:49blades of every kind.
37:51Honestly,
37:52it was breathtaking.
37:53I was still standing there staring at the wall
37:55when he stepped up behind me
37:57and fastened a necklace around my neck.
37:59Another snake.
38:00Exactly like the tattoo on his body.
38:02A little gift.
38:05Don't reject it.
38:06Then he took my hand
38:07and 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,
38:18his voice brushing against my ear.
38:21Nora.
38:23Yes?
38:24I closed my eyes,
38:26my fingers tightening around the snake pendant,
38:28like a girl being offered up as a sacrifice.
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