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