Divorced, I Married The Godfather New - FULL ✅ #fullmovie #engsub #tvseries #trending2026 #dramaseries #romancemovies #fullhd
Category
🎥
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.
01:48A father and son were locked in a standoff. The man with murder in his eyes was gone.
01:53In his place, at the table, sat a man in a white dress shirt holding a spoon. His face was
01:58tired.
01:58The boy pressed his lips shut and glared up at his father like a tiny soldier holding the line. Neither
02:04moved.
02:04Finally, the man exhaled and set the spoon down. Long fingers pinched the bridge of his nose. His voice dropped,
02:11low and rough.
02:12One bite. One small bite. Is that really too much?
02:16The butler stepped forward.
02:17Don, the applicant is here.
02:19The man turned. His shirt was unbuttoned low. I could see most of the snake tattoo now.
02:24The lines of his muscles pressed faintly through the white linen. The most feared man in New York.
02:30Inherited the family glory at 16. Built it bigger, darker, quieter than his father had. Money, power, blood on his
02:37hands.
02:37So this wasn't some dream. Or scam. A man like Luca Castellano had no reason to scam a broke divorcee
02:44off the street.
02:45His eyes moved over me. Distant and tired.
02:48Name?
02:48I figured he'd come straight from his so-called business. Handling traitors. Torturing some enemies.
02:53And now got defeated by a toddler. Feeding the kid was probably harder than running his empire.
02:59Nora Bennett.
02:59I said. A barely there nod. He held out the plate.
03:02Try.
03:03So, this was my interview. If I didn't pass, I was sleeping on the F train. I smiled my warmest,
03:09gentlest smile and walked toward the boy.
03:11I didn't make it two steps.
03:12Whoosh.
03:13He bolted under the table. Only his eyes peeked out. Dark, round, furious.
03:18I don't want her. Send her away. She's a bad lady. They're all bad ladies.
03:23So before me, this kid had already been through who knows how many stepmoms.
03:27Fine. I needed to do my best.
03:29I scanned the room and clocked it instantly. Action figures everywhere. Batman, Spider-Man, a whole shelf of Avengers.
03:37I grabbed two figures off the coffee table and crouched down by the table leg.
03:41I sat Batman and Spider-Man right next to the kid. Then I picked up the spoon.
03:45Don't worry. I'm not feeding you. I'm feeding Batman.
03:48I mimed a spoonful into Batman's face.
03:50Open up, bats. Heroes who skip dinner? Skinny arms, skinny legs. Can't protect anyone like that.
03:57Oh, Batman wants vegetables? Good call. Spinach makes you strong.
04:01The boy watched, half-hidden, lips parting, smacking his mouth a little.
04:05I pretended not to see. His nose started turning pink, like he was about to cry.
04:10Right on cue, I gasped.
04:12Wait, is that a baby Batman over there?
04:14Bats, can you share with him? He has to eat too if he's gonna grow up strong.
04:19I tilted Batman.
04:20Bats says yes.
04:22I turned to the boy.
04:23Batman improved, kiddo. You get a little, but just a little. We don't want you outgrowing him. He'd be sad.
04:29The boy nodded furiously. I didn't even get the spoon to his mouth before he grabbed it with his lips.
04:34A big bite.
04:35Why won't you give me vegetables? You scared I'll get stronger than Batman?
04:39Batman? Bad lady.
04:41I glanced at the couch. Luca Castellano's mouth curved. A small, real smile. Approving.
04:47I moved into the castle that night. There were three floors. I got the second floor with Leo.
04:51Luca had the entire third floor to himself. The butler walked me to my room and gave me one last
04:56warning. You do not go up to the third floor. Ever.
04:59His voice dropped.
05:00The last woman who snuck up there to climb into the Don's bed got thrown out of his window.
05:04Two-story drive.
05:06I thought of the gun from an hour ago. I nodded so hard I almost gave myself whiplash.
05:10Won't happen. You have my word.
05:12Castellano men breathed serious. Leo was only four and slept in his own bed without a fuss.
05:17And that made my job easier. I'd just changed into the silk pajamas from the closet. The knock
05:22made me jump. Don Luca's voice was low behind the door.
05:25Come down. Let's talk.
05:27Luca was on the couch in the great room. Long legs crossed. Whiskey in his hand.
05:31I sat across from him on the opposite couch. Hands in my lap. Knees together. Like a job
05:36interview.
05:37You're good with kids. You have one of your own?
05:38No. I helped raise my ex's nephew for two years.
05:42Back the... The crane said I didn't make enough money and ordered me to quit. Called it generosity.
05:47Then, after I did, they claimed I was lazy and had nothing to do. So they fired the nanny
05:52and dumped the kid on me. More free maid than wife.
05:54File says you're divorced.
05:56Yes.
05:56Reason?
05:56Some small town girl cannot stain a noble family name. I guess.
06:01Only a coward would say that. You saw the ad. I'm hiring a mother for Leo. Not a date for
06:06me. My rival's family terrified him when he was little. He's always been insecure, hates
06:10leaving the house, and has never had a single friend. I work long hours. I need someone with
06:15patience. Someone who'll stay. There will be a prenum. Everything stays separate. Especially
06:21in bed.
06:21My heart shuddered as I looked deep into his eyes. Marriage in rich people's world was
06:26a contract before it was anything else. My marriage with Sebastian was for love. But
06:31because the gaps between our family, I'd signed one with him too. When the love ran out, I'd
06:36walked away with nothing. Not even my wedding ring. Let alone a powerful mafia family like
06:41the Castellanos. They would only be more careful. I understand. Honestly, if you just need someone
06:47in the house, we don't have to make it legal. I'm fine without the paperwork.
06:51Luca shook his head. He leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table.
06:56Marriage is for Leo. He needs the most stable mother I can give him. And marriage is the strongest
07:00contract there is.
07:02Alright. We'll do it your way.
07:07Don't worry. You'll get $100,000 a month for expenses.
07:10This was the part I cared about. I've been burned before.
07:13Mr. Castellano, if we divorce someday, can I keep the money you've given me?
07:17Of course. It's yours.
07:19Alright then.
07:21As for sex, I don't need anything from you in that area. You stay on the second floor.
07:28Right. The sex.
07:29That's fine. Neither do I.
07:32So, three days after I signed divorce papers, I got married again. No ceremony, no guests.
07:39Same as my first wedding. The butler added an extra dish to dinner. I thought that was
07:43the celebration. But suddenly, Luca slid a signet ring across the table. A Castellano family ring.
07:53That's not necessary.
07:55Sebastian never even gave me his family ring.
07:58For Leo's sake.
07:59Then I got it. The child needed a family illusion. I fell into silence and finally took it.
08:05I'll keep it safe.
08:06That night, I'd just gotten into bed when the door creaked open. Leo stood in the doorway. Bare feet,
08:12hair sticking up, fidgeting with his dinosaur pajamas.
08:16What's up, kiddo?
08:17Nora, can you read me a bedtime story?
08:20What? You want me to read you a bedtime story?
08:23I'll get my dad to pay you extra. If you don't want to, forget it.
08:27Come here.
08:28I held the covers open. He scrambled in like he'd been waiting for that all day. Halfway through the story,
08:34he was out cold against my shoulder.
08:37Next morning at breakfast, Luca's eyes widened when the butler told him Leo had slept in my bed.
08:42Nora, that was above and beyond. I'll add another $50,000 a month.
08:47Mr. Castellano, that's way too much.
08:49It was, by a lot. I'd given far more than this in my last marriage and walked away with literally
08:56nothing.
08:57During the day, I babysat his nephew. At night, I cooked for my husband.
09:02After satisfying his needs in bed, I still had to get up at five to clean the house and make
09:07breakfast.
09:08His mother judged.
09:09We could hire someone, but Nora's just sitting around all day wouldn't be fair.
09:14Despite all these, the day of the divorce, his sister told the lawyer I'd been living off them for three
09:19years.
09:20Mr. Castellano, it's really too much. I like Leo. He's a sweet kid. Reading him a book is nothing.
09:26As I said it, Leo came over and grabbed my fingers with his small, warm hand.
09:31He was looking up at me with those big, dark grape eyes. He was actually moved.
09:35You don't know. The women before you only cared about impressing me. They ignored him.
09:43$50,000. That's the new number. Not negotiable.
09:47I gave up and thanked him. From that day on, Leo was my shadow.
09:52Luca was busy with all the transactions, the guns, and the bloods.
09:56The huge mansion was usually just the two of us.
09:59I tried my best to play with him and made him happy every day.
10:02Until the day I had a hospital appointment for a follow-up, the butler had warned me.
10:07Leo couldn't leave the house. Outside triggered panic attacks.
10:10I crouched down.
10:12Hey, babe. Wait for me at home. I'll be back in an hour.
10:16He grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. Didn't say anything.
10:20Just looked at me with those dark, sad eyes.
10:25He's scared you're not coming back. His mother left him exactly like that.
10:29I'm coming back. I'll see the doctor and come right home. You play here, okay?
10:33I was still mid-sentence when he climbed into the backseat of the car.
10:37The butler tried not to hope.
10:38Master Leo, you're going to the hospital with Miss Bennett?
10:41Leo nodded.
10:43Thank God. He's finally willing to leave the house.
10:46Your depression's getting better. Just keep it slow. Relax.
10:50I took the script and the meds and left.
10:52Leo was waiting in the lobby with his small Batman.
10:56Nora!
10:58Are you sick?
11:00A little, kiddo.
11:02I used to skip meals a lot, so I got sick.
11:05Promise me you'll never let yourself get like that.
11:07Does it hurt?
11:09If it hurts, I can give you candy.
11:12Daddy told me candy makes you forget.
11:15My tears fell without warning.
11:17In the crane house, I'd cry and they'd call it dramatic.
11:20Small town girl.
11:22Can't handle the lifestyle.
11:26I had depression.
11:29Stop faking it to get attention!
11:31The nephew I'd raised for two years stood next to his mother on divorce day and called me ugly.
11:36And here was this four-year-old mafia heir handing me his last piece of candy.
11:40Nora, I'm going to eat every meal so I can grow up and protect you.
11:52You better grow fast, babe.
11:54When we walked out of the hospital, there was a black Maybach idling at the curb.
11:58Luca was leaning against it.
11:59Mr. Castellano, why are you here?
12:01He scooped his son into his arms.
12:03Seeing how calm and composed the boy was, his eyes suddenly reddened.
12:07The butler called, said Leo went out with you.
12:09I had to see it.
12:10Dad, as long as I'm with Nora, you can stop worrying.
12:14I know.
12:17That night, he tried to raise my pay again.
12:19This time, a black card.
12:21I refused so hard, he laughed.
12:26Noia, there must be something you want.
12:28Could you help me find a used car?
12:305,000 or below, so I can take Leo out without depending on the driver.
12:36Pick anything from the garage.
12:39The cheapest car in your garage is a quarter million.
12:42I wouldn't dare drive it.
12:44Fine.
12:46Next morning, an old, beat-up sedan was parked next to his black Bentley.
12:51He also flew in a psychiatrist.
12:53Same diagnosis as the hospital.
12:55But this time, my meds were upgraded to the brand I'd never been able to afford.
13:00Your wife needs company.
13:02Family, don't push her too hard.
13:04I'll remember that.
13:05The next day, I drove Leo out with me.
13:08He'd always been insecure, had barely seen the outside world.
13:11Now, I wanted to show it to him.
13:13First, the amusement park.
13:14He grabbed my hand and dragged me over to take pictures.
13:17Then I took him to the farmer's market.
13:19He'd never been to a farmer's market in his life.
13:21Nora!
13:22I don't want to hold this!
13:23My hands are full, Leo.
13:25Just a few steps.
13:26Fine!
13:27One time only!
13:29And no more lobster!
13:30No!
13:31Nora?
13:32It was Sebastian, my ex-husband.
13:35He was in a crisp gray suit, hair perfect.
13:38Looking like he'd stepped out of a magazine cover.
13:41It had been five weeks since the divorce.
13:43My stomach nodded on contact.
13:45Sebastian and I had met in college.
13:47He came from one of those Wall Street elite families.
13:50The golden boy of high finance.
13:52He'd ignored every objection from his family to put a ring on me.
13:55At our wedding, he'd promised to protect me for life.
13:58Then he took over Crane Capital and he started finding fault with everything.
14:02He wanted me to quit my job, take care of his parents, take care of his sister's kid.
14:07Cook, laundry, cleaning.
14:08I did all of it because I loved him.
14:11Because I'd never been loved by my own family and didn't know any better.
14:15Until one day, I caught him in a private club with a girl in his lap.
14:19My whole world shattered.
14:21I cried.
14:22I screamed.
14:23I begged him to swear it would stop.
14:25The whole Crane family said I was overreacting.
14:28What successful man doesn't have side action?
14:31Sebastian said I'd been spoiled rotten.
14:34He blocked my number.
14:35Stopped coming home.
14:36My depression cratered.
14:38I filed for divorce.
14:40He thought it was a bluff.
14:41His family told him, don't let her win.
14:44He had his lawyer draft papers.
14:46I walked out with nothing.
14:47Signed them in seven seconds.
14:49Four years of dating.
14:50Three years of marriage.
14:51Done.
14:52Noah, Ivy League degree.
14:54And here you are playing nanny?
14:57What were you thinking?
14:59Not your business.
15:01Nora, try to understand.
15:03The day you married into the Crane family,
15:05you represent the Crane name.
15:09Sebastian, we're divorced.
15:10I have nothing to do with your family anymore.
15:14Even divorced, you're my ex-wife.
15:16People still bring me up when they talk about you.
15:19Stop embarrassing me.
15:20Use your head for once.
15:22Stop being emotional all the time.
15:25Nora, a few weeks out here.
15:27Bet you miss being Mrs. Crane, don't you?
15:28Admit you were wrong.
15:29I'll think about taking you back.
15:30The girls outside the marriage, those were nothing.
15:32I haven't replaced you.
15:33The position's still open.
15:35Just swallow your pride.
15:36Apologize to my mother and my sister.
15:38Don't bother holding it.
15:40Give the seat to someone else, Sebastian.
15:41I'm not interested.
15:42On the drive home, a new number called.
15:44Connor, the nephew I'd raised for two years.
15:47I'd block the rest of the Crane's.
15:49Not him.
15:50Kids didn't pick their parents.
15:52Hey, Con.
15:53Nora, you divorced loser.
15:55My mom wants to talk to you.
15:57My throat closed up.
15:58Then Cassandra Crane took the phone.
16:00Nora, Sebastian tells me you're working as a nanny.
16:03Have you ever thought about anyone but yourself?
16:05You're slapping Sebastian's face.
16:07You're slapping the Crane name.
16:09What does that look like to people?
16:10Nora, I always said it.
16:12You'll never rise above your roots.
16:14Trash dressed in silk.
16:15I hung up, blocked her, pulled over.
16:18I crashed onto the steering wheel and bawled.
16:20I cried until I couldn't breathe.
16:22I cried until I was so empty I felt nothing.
16:24Then I sat up, wiped my face, felt the exhaustion settle bone deep.
16:28Nora, here, tissue.
16:30I'd forgotten Leo was in the back seat.
16:32He was holding a tissue out from his car seat.
16:34Big, sad eyes glued to me.
16:36I'm sorry, sweetheart.
16:37Did I scare you?
16:38Nora, I'm not scared.
16:40You can cry as long as you want.
16:42I'll wait.
16:43Adults crying isn't shameful.
16:45I won't laugh.
16:46Thanks, my little gentleman.
16:48Auntie's done.
16:49No more crying from now on.
16:50Let's go home.
16:51I went to bed early that night.
16:52Didn't feel up to dinner.
16:54Then a knock.
16:55Nora, can I come in?
16:57Luca.
16:58I was fresh out of the shower.
16:59Hair wet, robe tied carefully.
17:02I made sure nothing was showing.
17:04Come in.
17:04He was in a tight white tank top, making the snake tattoo stand out even more.
17:09Dark hair falling loose over his forehead.
17:11Whiskey in his hand.
17:12Looser than I'd ever seen him.
17:14He sat in the chair by my bed.
17:15His gaze flicked to my wet collarbone.
17:18Then immediately to the wall, like he'd been caught.
17:20The clothes in your closet, you never wear any of them.
17:24They're too nice.
17:25I'm not used to it.
17:26I'd learned one thing from the Crane marriage.
17:28Don't force yourself into a world that isn't yours.
17:31The fall is uglier when they shove you out.
17:33Are they not your style?
17:34I'll have the designer come fit you for new ones.
17:37No, no, Mr. Castellano.
17:38I'm in the house all day with Leo.
17:40There's nowhere to wear that kind of thing, truly.
17:43I heard you saw your ex today.
17:45His name's Crane.
17:46The stupid Crane capital.
17:48I froze.
17:49Leo had snitched.
17:51Yes, that Crane.
17:52Old news.
17:54Nora, since you came, Leo's been a different child.
17:58His eyes were dark and serious on mine.
18:00I shifted, uncomfortable.
18:02You pay me very well.
18:03It's what I'm here for.
18:04Nora, ask me for anything.
18:07I can probably make it happen.
18:09Mr. Castellano, I don't need anything.
18:12He was quiet a long moment.
18:13His fingers tightened on his knee, then released.
18:16He stood up.
18:17I'll say this again.
18:19I'm the Don of the Castello family.
18:22If you want, I can make sure he never speaks again more by tomorrow.
18:26I took a step back, still not used to him being this close.
18:29Without warning, he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
18:32Did I scare you?
18:33I said nothing.
18:34His hand slid down from my cheek.
18:36He gave a faint smile, then walked out.
18:39For the next two weeks, Luca started coming home early.
18:43Dinner with Leo and me.
18:44Sometimes board games after.
18:46Sometimes a movie.
18:47A man who ran half of New York's underworld didn't change his schedule for no reason.
18:52I was starting to worry.
18:53Was the family in trouble?
18:54Not that I cared about him.
18:56I just really cared about my 150 grand a month.
18:59Mr. Castellano, you don't have to keep coming home this early.
19:02Leo has me.
19:03If you've got business, take it.
19:05Luca picked up a red Lego brick.
19:07Voice perfectly neutral.
19:08The psychiatrist said you need family.
19:11Leo and I are your family now.
19:12We have responsibilities.
19:14Since when are we family, I wanted to say.
19:17I didn't.
19:17Honestly, Leo's enough.
19:19The doctor said my improvement is mostly thanks to him.
19:23He stroked his chin, avoiding eye contact.
19:25I grabbed Leo's hand and stood.
19:27Come on, buddy.
19:28Story time.
19:29Daddy still has work.
19:31Leo and I walked out.
19:32Nora.
19:33Luca's voice, stopping me at the doorway.
19:36Yes?
19:36His ears were faintly pink.
19:38He cleared his throat.
19:40Tomorrow night, there's an event.
19:42Plus sun's required.
19:44Would you come with me?
19:46Me?
19:53You.
19:54I don't have time to find someone else.
19:56I'll pay you an appearance fee.
19:57A man with his face couldn't find a date in 24 hours?
20:00I didn't think too much.
20:02There was money on the table.
20:03Sure.
20:04I don't know the social rules in your world, though.
20:07I don't want to embarrass you.
20:09The Cranes were a moneyed family, too.
20:11But Sebastian had never taken me to anything because his mother said,
20:15She doesn't know how to act in public.
20:17Don't let her embarrass us.
20:19Stand next to me.
20:20That's all.
20:21Luca's brow eased.
20:22If you want, I can make the gossipers shut up for good.
20:26The butler chimed in, beaming.
20:27Miss Bennett, you don't need to know the rules.
20:31The Don is the rules.
20:33Hard to argue with that.
20:34The next afternoon, a design team showed up at the mansion.
20:38Five people.
20:39Most of them flown in from Paris.
20:41Hair, makeup, dress, jewelry.
20:44They huddled and debated each detail for 20 minutes at a stretch.
20:48By the time Luca came home, I was starting to feel sick about how much was on me.
20:52He walked in, saw me.
20:54His eyes did something.
20:56A brief flash, almost stunned, before he caught himself.
21:00Daddy, look how pretty Nora is.
21:04Call her mom.
21:06Leo turned his head and harrumphed.
21:08Wouldn't say it.
21:09I patted his hair.
21:10It's okay.
21:11I like Nora.
21:13Makes me feel young.
21:14The event was a charity gala at the plaza.
21:17Every major name in New York was there.
21:19Old money, bigger money, political faces.
21:22A few faces I recognized from the papers, and a few I knew not to recognize at all.
21:27They orbited Luca immediately.
21:29Conversations started landing on me.
21:31Mr. Castellino.
21:33Who's the beautiful lady?
21:35I jumped in to save him.
21:37I'm a friend of Mr. Castellino's.
21:41My wife, Nora.
21:43The room shifted.
21:44A chorus of polite gasps.
21:47Compliments raining down.
21:48My face went hot to my collarbone.
21:51Luca squeezed my hand.
21:52Leaned in.
21:53Nora.
21:54Is being my wife really that embarrassing?
21:57You couldn't say it?
21:59Bourbon and cedar on his breath.
22:01No.
22:02No.
22:03I just...
22:04I didn't want to embarrass you.
22:05His eyes darkened.
22:07Nora.
22:07He looked at me like he was lighting something on fire.
22:09Only a weak man is embarrassed by his wife.
22:11I had to look away.
22:13I'll grab a drink.
22:13I bolted.
22:15I'd been hiding by the champagne tower for about 90 seconds when...
22:19Nora?
22:23There was no date.
22:24Just him.
22:25Had it Luca said plus ones required?
22:28Sebastian's face was pure stunned.
22:30It is you.
22:32I almost didn't recognize you.
22:39I've never seen you look like this.
22:42I stepped back.
22:43Stay away from me.
22:44Nora.
22:45About my sister's call.
22:47That wasn't me.
22:48I'd never authorized that.
22:49Truth is, I only agreed to the divorce to teach you a lesson.
22:52Bratty wife.
22:53Needed reminding.
22:55I never actually planned to let you go.
22:57Apologize to my mom and my sister.
23:00We'll remarry.
23:02I'll forget the rest.
23:07Crane, Capital is bleeding right now.
23:09I'm slammed.
23:10Stop making things hard for me.
23:12He reached for my hand.
23:13The Sebastian Special.
23:15One slap, one kiss.
23:17He'd run me on that loop for three years.
23:19I'm not the Nora he married anymore.
23:22I yanked back.
23:23Sebastian.
23:24Divorced means divorced.
23:26I'd rather sleep under the Brooklyn Pleerage than wear your last name again.
23:29Find someone else for that throne.
23:31Still stubborn.
23:32You haven't suffered enough.
23:34Crawl find me when you've actually been broken.
23:38That's when Luca started walking toward us.
23:41Sebastian's whole posture changed.
23:44Nora, we'll talk later.
23:46There's a heavyweight I need to corner.
23:48Don't get in the way.
23:49Plastered on his best smile and intercepted Luca with a business card already out.
23:54My Don, I'm Sebastian Crane, Crane Capital.
23:58I'd like to talk about the mandate you pulled.
24:02Five years.
24:03Crane at Capital ran the books on every fund Castellino Holdings put on the street.
24:07Then you cut us out overnight.
24:10If we fell short, tell me where.
24:13Whatever you need, I'll make it right.
24:15Sebastian, half bowed.
24:17Luca's eyes went past him, straight to me.
24:20Nora, what do you think?
24:22Should I give him a second chance?
24:25Sebastian's smile froze.
24:27Nora?
24:28What does she have to do with...
24:30Mr. Castelloni, you should know.
24:33Nora is my ex-wife.
24:34I don't know how she got in here tonight.
24:36Probably trying to ambush me into wrecking elitiation.
24:38She's just a housewife.
24:39Pay her no mind.
24:41Luca didn't even glance at him.
24:43Nora, your call.
24:45I'll follow your lead.
24:49I kept my voice flat.
24:51Mr. Crane just asked me not to interfere in his business conversation.
24:54I'd hate to interfere.
24:56Sebastian flared.
24:58A man's business is none of your concern.
25:00Of course.
25:01Small town instincts.
25:02Luca's voice came in cold and final.
25:04Then I'd assume my wife doesn't approve of Crane Capital.
25:08Mr. Crane, we'll have to pass.
25:10His arms slid around my shoulders.
25:12He turned us toward the bar.
25:14Sebastian was still standing there, brain catching up.
25:17Then a man in a tuxedo brushed past him.
25:20Crane, you insulted Don's wife.
25:23You stepped on a live mine.
25:26That's the only woman who's ever been on his arm in 20 years.
25:29Castellano's wife?
25:31Impossible.
25:32The woman's a nanny in the Castellano house.
25:34Sebastian had seen Nora at the farmer's market, driving the cheap car, carrying a lobster for
25:40the brat.
25:40He knew what he saw.
25:41A fancy dress didn't make a duchess.
25:44The man shook his head and walked off.
25:46Some idiots won't listen.
25:48Let them die.
25:50That night, Luca bid on a Picasso study and three pieces of war era jewelry.
25:56180 million in collectibles.
25:58Donated to the children's hospital under my name.
26:01After that, the gala turned into a receiving line.
26:04Mrs. Castellano, there's a small tea at my place next week.
26:08Would you grace us?
26:09Mrs. Castellano.
26:11My husband is bidding on a Castellano project.
26:13Just a quiet word to the Don.
26:15I'd never been on this side of a room.
26:17I drank three glasses to keep my hands steady.
26:19Luca intercepted on the fourth.
26:21Apologies, everyone.
26:22My wife isn't a drinker.
26:24I'll take hers.
26:25He drank.
26:26Then he drank for me three more times.
26:29By the time we slid into his Rolls Royce, we were both lit.
26:33I glanced out the window.
26:34Sebastian was on the curb, watching us.
26:37Mouth curled in that ugly little smirk, like I was the punchline.
26:41I closed the curtain.
26:42Turned to Luca.
26:43Mr. Castellano, thank you.
26:45For tonight.
26:46For what you did with Sebastian.
26:50His voice came out low, soft around the edges.
26:54Nora.
26:55We're husband and wife.
26:58Stop thanking me.
26:59We're a paper husband and wife.
27:02You didn't have to.
27:03His arm lifted.
27:05Long fingers tilted my chin up.
27:07His thumb brushed slow against my jaw.
27:09Nora.
27:10What if I don't want a paper marriage anymore?
27:13He was too close.
27:15His face was carved out of something dangerous.
27:17Eyes blown black.
27:19Heat from his breath landed on my throat.
27:21He smelled like bourbon and that cedar cologne.
27:24And something underneath that was just him.
27:27The most controlled man in New York was looking at my mouth like he wanted it.
27:33Mr. Castellano, you've had too much.
27:40You're right, I'm sorry.
27:41I had too much.
27:43The rest of the ride was silence.
27:44A heavy, humming silence with my pulse loud in my ears.
27:53Leo saved me.
27:54He sprinted at the front door with his picture book.
27:58I scooped him up and ran upstairs before I had to look Luca in the face again.
28:04I tucked Leo in, then opened my laptop and started scrolling job boards.
28:09Sebastian was right about one thing.
28:11My Ivy League degree shouldn't be wasted by eating in a mansion playing house.
28:15I'd done that marriage already, stayed home, made myself small.
28:19The minute he didn't need me, he tossed me into the street with nothing.
28:23I'd be damned if I let that happen twice.
28:26While Leo needed me, I had a place here.
28:28The day he didn't, what was I?
28:31Though I'm not ready to go back to work yet, physically or mentally.
28:34But knowing the market, updating a resume, that couldn't hurt.
28:38Then my phone lit up.
28:40A text from Luca.
28:44The butler did the coffee.
28:46Always.
28:47And the first rule of this house was don't go to the third floor.
28:50I ground a fresh espresso anyway.
28:53Then I stood at the bottom of the staircase.
28:55Hesitated.
28:56Was this a test?
28:57Did the last applicant get launched out a window after being summoned upstairs?
29:02Was this revenge for the car?
29:03I called him.
29:06Mr. Castellana, coffee's here.
29:08Come down for it.
29:10Bring it up.
29:11I hit the record button on my phone.
29:14Caught it.
29:14If he tried anything sketchy, I had proof.
29:18I climbed the stairs.
29:20Knocked.
29:21Come in.
29:22I pushed the door open and forgot how to breathe.
29:28He'd just gotten out of the shower.
29:30Black silk robe, loosely tied at the waist.
29:33A drop slid from his jaw, down his throat, into the open robe.
29:37Bathhouse art.
29:38Renaissance painting.
29:39Holy hell.
29:42He took the coffee.
29:43His fingertips dragged across mine on purpose.
29:47That scared of me?
29:48Nora, am I a monster?
29:52Nora.
29:56From now on, you can come into my room whenever you want.
30:00My face still burned.
30:02The rules of this house and the rules of my heart were both breaking.
30:05I woke up the next morning with a sore throat, sneezing.
30:09Of course.
30:10Wet hair, late night, fancy dress, too much champagne.
30:14I shuffled downstairs in sweats, expecting the empty great room.
30:18Lupa was on the couch.
30:19Black turtleneck, wireframe glasses.
30:22The combination should be illegal.
30:24Morning.
30:26He set the paper down.
30:27You're sick.
30:29A little.
30:30The back of his hand landed on my forehead.
30:32Calm.
30:33Practiced.
30:34Like he did it every morning.
30:35I went stiff as a board.
30:37Not bad.
30:39I'll grab some Therafex.
30:40You'll be fine.
30:41He guided me to the couch like I was made of glass.
30:43Walked to the kitchen.
30:45A six-foot-something Mafia Don, stirring a packet of cold medicine into a mug.
30:49Usually, a Don would poison the drink instead.
30:53I caught myself wondering what kind of woman Leo's mother had been to deserve a man like this.
31:07I drank the Theraflu and slunk back to bed.
31:09I didn't want to be in his way, so I just dozed off when an unknown number rang.
31:18Nora.
31:19It's me.
31:20Sebastian.
31:21I started to hang up.
31:22Don't.
31:23I'm parked outside the Castellani gate.
31:25Come out or I'll be at the front door.
31:27Up to you.
31:28I did not want him at the door.
31:29I did not want my past laid out on Luca's marble entryway like roadkill.
31:33Sebastian intercepted me on the sidewalk.
31:36Nora.
31:37How long is this stunt going on for?
31:39Mrs. Crane working as a nanny?
31:42You don't feel humiliated, but I do.
31:45I'm not doing anything to you, Sebastian.
31:47Stop the act.
31:48You dressed up last night to make me jealous.
31:52Fine.
31:52I'll admit it.
31:53After you left, I missed you a little.
31:56Here's the deal.
31:57Apologize to my mom and my sister.
31:59We remarry.
32:00You can stop scrubbing floors for strangers.
32:04Sebastian.
32:06I didn't do anything wrong.
32:07What am I apologizing for?
32:10You still don't see the problem?
32:14You haven't been beaten down enough.
32:16I was about to fire back when a small, round cannonball blew past me.
32:19Leo.
32:20When he saw a strange man hassling me, he did not hesitate.
32:23My mom didn't do anything wrong.
32:25My mom is the best mom in the whole world.
32:28He glared up at him like a furious cherub.
32:31Protecting me.
32:32Something cracked open in my chest.
32:34I pulled him in tight.
32:36Kid.
32:37What did you just call her?
32:38Isn't she your nanny?
32:40You're a nanny.
32:42Your whole family is a nanny.
32:44Nora is my mom.
32:45My best mom.
32:47He pulled back, anxious.
32:49I nodded.
32:50My eyes were wet again.
32:52Nora.
32:53You'll be my mom, right?
32:55I'll be so good.
32:56I promise.
32:59Leo.
33:00I am your mom, sweetheart.
33:02He squeezed me tighter and refused to let go.
33:05Sebastian's face twisted into a slow, ugly smile.
33:08Oh.
33:09Oh, I see it now.
33:12Nora.
33:13You're putting a child up to it.
33:15You're playing the long game on Castelloni.
33:18He grabbed my arm.
33:20Listen.
33:21Castorano isn't a man you scam.
33:24He's known for ice in his veins.
33:26He finds out you're using his son to angle for him.
33:28He'll bury you in the East River.
33:30A warm hand landed on my waist.
33:33I hadn't heard him come outside.
33:35Luca.
33:35He pulled me into him.
33:37Mr. Crane.
33:39The last time we spoke, you insulted my wife.
33:42That's why I pulled the mandate.
33:44I was planning to tell the other firms on the street that this was personal.
33:47They could keep doing business with Crane of Papadal.
33:50After today, I don't think I need to.
33:53Castellano.
33:54What, you wife?
33:56Who's your wife?
33:57Mr. Crane.
33:59Are you really still confused?
34:01Or are you only capable of believing what you want to believe?
34:04Nora is my wife.
34:06The mother of my son.
34:09Send him off.
34:11Luca turned to the butler at the door.
34:12If anyone like this bothers Mrs. Castellano again, have my men throw him out.
34:17He took Leo with one arm, wrapped the other around me, walked us inside.
34:22The second the door closed, I peeled out of Luca's arm.
34:25Awkward as hell.
34:27I took Leo upstairs to my room.
34:29Leo.
34:31Where were you all morning?
34:33I didn't see you all day.
34:35Don't even ask.
34:37Dad sent me to preschool.
34:39What?
34:39You pre-score?
34:42He said he didn't want you working too hard.
34:46He said he needed alone time with you.
34:51Why does he need alone time with me?
34:54Dad said he had to make you fall in love with him.
34:57Otherwise, you might leave us.
34:59Leo was four sentences into his report when Luca appeared in the doorway.
35:04Leo.
35:05Downstairs.
35:06Dinner.
35:07Stop bothering your mother.
35:08My whole face hot.
35:10Mom.
35:11I'll be back to keep you company in a bit.
35:14He scampered out.
35:15Luca didn't leave.
35:16He walked in.
35:18Feeling better?
35:20I looked sideways.
35:21Mr. Castellano.
35:23Thank you for what you did.
35:25Please don't ruin a business decision for me.
35:29I'm really not worth it.
35:31Not worth what?
35:34What you did out there.
35:37Nora.
35:38I told you.
35:39You're my wife.
35:41Protecting you is my job.
35:43But-
35:44Stop calling this a paper marriage.
35:47Nora.
35:48I want a real one.
35:50I had not expected him to swing this hard, this fast.
35:53My face went up in flames.
35:56I'll give you time.
35:57Take whatever you need.
35:59But right now I want to collect just a little husband privilege.
36:03Before I could form a coherent thought, he leaned in.
36:06A long, warm hand cradled my cheek.
36:08Can I?
36:09I didn't say a word.
36:12I'll take this as consent.
36:14Then his lips crashed against mine, hard and ruthless.
36:17His tongue swept into my mouth, stealing the air from my lungs.
36:21Right.
36:21This was how a mafia boss kissed.
36:24Cold.
36:25Merciless.
36:26Taking whatever he wanted.
36:27The kiss lasted so long my mind went blank by the time he finally pulled away.
36:32He rubbed his thumb over my swollen lips.
36:35My little princess, that's enough for today.
36:42Next time, I won't let you off so easily.
36:45Leo got hauled to preschool again the next morning, under protest.
36:50My cold was almost gone.
36:51Luca asked if I wanted to see a movie.
36:53After everything that had happened, I thought about it.
36:56We were married on paper.
36:57If something real was going to grow there, that wasn't the worst outcome.
37:02He had a private media room on the third floor.
37:04It was my first time entering other room in third floor.
37:08Before that, he showed me his collection room.
37:10One entire wall was covered in cold weapons.
37:13Dragons, daggers, knives, blades of every kind.
37:17Honestly, it was breathtaking.
37:18I was still standing there staring at the wall when he stepped up behind me and fastened a necklace around
37:23my neck.
37:24Another snake.
37:26Exactly like the tattoo on his body.
37:28A little gift.
37:30Don't reject it.
37:32Then he took my hand and led me into the media room.
37:34He put on a French romance film.
37:37Slow, elegant kisses on the screen.
37:39Mixed with far less elegant sounds in the background.
37:42Luca leaned closer.
37:43His voice brushing against my ear.
37:47Nora.
37:48Yes?
37:49I closed my eyes.
37:51My fingers tightening around the snake pendant.
37:53Like a girl being offered up as a sacrifice.
37:56There we are.
37:56You have to do it oh my gosh, no money.
37:56Thank you, my gosh for inviting me to the family through.
37:57OK I will.
37:57So let through the next time go.
37:57You're listening to me.
Comments