- 3 hours ago
I Helped My Husband's Brother Take The Mafia Throne
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Kassian lay on the brink of death following a hit by a rival syndicate.
00:04On his deathbed, surrounded by the family's kapos, he made his final will, whichever of
00:08his two sons made it to the hospital first, and slipped the black onyx ring onto his finger
00:13would inherit the multi-billion, dollar mafia empire.
00:17As the eldest son Kassian was only a 30-minute drive away, the throne was practically handed
00:21to him.
00:22Instead, he chose to throw a lavish birthday party for his precious sweetheart Julia on
00:27a private yacht.
00:27She told him she wanted no interruptions, so he shut off his phone.
00:31In my previous life, I took a speedboat, stormed the yacht with a crew, and dragged him back
00:36to the hospital by force, securing his seat as the don.
00:39But because he left her midway, Julia stood on the deck crying all night, caught a nasty
00:43fever, and threatened to break up with him when she woke up.
00:46Onsen power, Kassian was driven mad by guilt.
00:49He called me a cold-blooded heartless bitch, had my feet set in concrete, and threw me off
00:53the Brooklyn Bridge.
00:54When I opened my eyes, I was back in that hospital, with the family lawyer desperately urging
00:59me to make the call.
01:00I looked down at my phone.
01:01On Instagram, Kassian had just posted.
01:03I calmly double-tapped the screen to like his post.
01:06Then I sent a text to my exiled brother-in-law, Mateo.
01:31I masked the cold hatred in my eyes, in front of a room full of capos and doctors.
01:35I dialed Kassian's number.
01:37It rang for a long, long time.
01:39Just as the lawyer started sweating, the call finally connected.
01:42Valerie, are you out of your mind?
01:44How many times do I have to tell you?
01:46It is Julia's birthday, and I am staying with her!
01:48Your father was shot.
01:50They are trying to save him in the hospital.
01:52Kassian, are you going to leave me again?
01:54Valerie, it is my birthday.
01:55I just want him for one night.
01:57You really don't need to make up such twisted lies.
02:00Do I have to get on my knees and beg you to let him stay a little longer?
02:03Don't be scared, Julia.
02:05I'm not leaving.
02:06I'm not going anywhere.
02:09Did you hear that?
02:10It is just one night.
02:11Can you drop the jealous wife routine for one-
02:13Hearing this, the lawyer's veins popped on his forehead.
02:16He snatched the phone.
02:17Kassian, it is the family lawyer.
02:19Valerie is not lying.
02:20The Don was actually hit.
02:23He is in the hospital right now.
02:24You need to get here in 30 minutes, because the Don said-
02:32Oh, the family lawyer, huh?
02:34An arrogant male voice suddenly cut in.
02:36It was Jax, Kassian's lackey and Julia's younger brother.
02:40Jax laughed mockingly through the speaker.
02:42Valerie, you really pulled out all the stops today, hiring actors and everything.
02:46Too bad you miscalculated.
02:48I got a buddy on the payroll in that precinct.
02:50He said the streets are dead quiet tonight.
02:52No hits, no nothing.
02:54Valerie is just a jealous bitch, paying actors to put on a show, so you will go crawling back to
02:59her.
02:59Valerie, using my father's life for a cheap stunt, you disgust me.
03:08Is this the eldest son?
03:10How could he be this stupid?
03:12Valerie, you fucking curse!
03:18In my past life, I was too panicked to react and took the hit.
03:21This time, I was ready.
03:23I sneered and took a step back.
03:27Where is he?
03:28Where is Cassian?
03:30If Cassius doesn't make it back, if the family falls into someone else's hands, I will sell you to the
03:37brothels myself!
03:39Useless trash!
03:40You can't even get your own man to come back!
03:42If Cassian loses his inheritance, we will skin you alive!
03:51I knew why they were losing their minds.
03:54Carmela wasn't the Don's legal wife.
03:56She started out as a stripper and used her pregnancy to climb the ladder, giving birth to his firstborn, Cassian.
04:01Years ago, when the Don's actual wife was heavily pregnant, Carmela showed up at the estate with her baby,
04:07spitting such vicious insults that the wife went into premature labor and bled to death on the operating table.
04:12The legitimate son, Matteo, who was born without a mother, was treated like a thorn in their side.
04:17Cassian and Carmela abused him, beat him, and eventually found an excuse to exile him to Sicily, keeping him far
04:23away from the family's core business.
04:25Though the Don let Carmela live in the manor, he always thought she was too low-class to actually marry.
04:30That meant if the Don died and Cassian didn't take the throne, family rules dictated Carmela would be thrown out
04:36on the streets.
04:37If she goes down, her crew goes down with her.
04:39That is why they're all looking sick with worry.
04:42Are you deaf? Call his lackey! Tell him to drag Cassian here right now!
04:46I looked at her coldly, didn't argue, and obediently dialed Jax's number.
04:50Valerie, are you physically incapable of taking a hint?
04:53Can't you give it a rest? Stop clinging to the boss like a desperate loser.
04:56Honestly, if you were my woman, I would tie you up and beat some sense into you first.
05:01Women need to learn to shut up and stay out of family business.
05:04His blatant disrespect left everyone in the room stunned.
05:08Jax, I don't care if you believe me. The Don is fading fast.
05:12He gave his word between Cassian and Matteo.
05:16Whoever puts on the ring first gets the Empire.
05:19A sudden, eerie silence fell over the line.
05:22Jax's tone shifted, sounding hesitant.
05:25Are you serious?
05:30It is true. It is true. I am Cassian's mother.
05:34You need to tell him to come back. There's a back. It's about the inheritance.
05:37Jax said slowly.
05:38Well, if it's true, I'll go tell the boss right now.
05:41Carmela let out a huge breath of relief.
05:44As long as Cassian gets back...
05:45A burst of hysterical laughter erupted from the phone.
05:48Jax sounded like he just heard the funniest joke in the world.
05:51Jesus Christ.
05:52Valerie, you really don't know when to quit, do you?
05:53I already busted your little scam, and you are still bringing the actors back for a second act?
05:57Let me tell you something.
05:58The boss said even if the FBI raids this boat tonight, nobody is ruining his alone time with my sister.
06:03Your little mind games are useless.
06:05If you know what's good for you, get lost.
06:07The boss is filing for divorce tomorrow.
06:09He is only gonna love my sister for the rest of his life.
06:12And I am gonna be the Don's brother-in-law.
06:15As for you, get ready to pack your bags and go beg on the streets.
06:20The call hung up mercilessly, slowly turning into sheer horror.
06:23I made my eyes well up with tears, looking extremely wrong.
06:27I had been married to Cassian for three years to secure his position in the family.
06:31I spent countless sleepless nights cooking, hiding his dirty money, and cleaning up his messes.
06:36And what did he do?
06:37He took the money I made him and bought a $10 million yacht for Julia.
06:42Valerie, you already have the title of the Russo family's wife.
06:46Julia has nothing.
06:47What is wrong with spending some money to make it up to her?
06:50He even had the nerve to tell me.
06:53All men stray.
06:54As long as he comes home to you, why do you care how many girls he keeps on the side?
06:59Yeah, exactly.
07:01So tonight, let Cassian be with the woman he truly loves.
07:04As for the godfather's seat, you can kiss it goodbye.
07:11A mess of heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway.
07:15A group of capos loyal to Cassian burst into the room.
07:18Where is he?
07:19Why isn't he here yet?
07:21It is her fault.
07:23Valerie is useless.
07:24She couldn't even get him on the phone.
07:27The elders were furious.
07:29They grabbed a thick stack of...
07:30What the hell are you good for, Valerie?
07:32We bet everything on Cassian.
07:34If he misses out of the ring tonight, we all go down with him.
07:37You stupid, useless bitch.
07:40Before I could say a word, the heart monitor suddenly started blaring a warning alarm.
07:45The private physician rushed over to check.
07:48A moment later, he gave a slight shake of his head.
07:50Gentlemen, the Don has 40 minutes at most.
07:53You need to figure this out fast.
07:5540 minutes.
07:56Honestly, if Cassian just checked his social media or picked up the phone, a 30-minute drive from the docks
08:02was more than enough time.
08:04Hope reignited in Carmela's eyes.
08:06Her hands shook as she dialed his number.
08:08Cassian, please pick up your mother's call.
08:14The yacht was anchored just off the coast.
08:16Julia straddled Cassian's lap.
08:18She complained about the ringing phone killing the mood.
08:21That ringing is giving me a headache.
08:23Cassian, just turn it off or throw it in the ocean.
08:29Tonight is my birthday.
08:30She lowered her eyelashes.
08:32You can only have me in your world.
08:34You can only look at me.
08:36Can you do that for me?
08:38Cassian hesitated for a second, Valerie's words flashing through his mind.
08:42But looking at Julia's lustful, dependent eyes, any doubt he had vanished.
08:46The old man was tough as nails.
08:48He wouldn't just drop dead.
08:50Alright.
08:51As long as my queen is happy, even if the sky falls, you are the only thing I care about.
08:56Cassian kissed her hard then, without a second thought.
08:59Tossed both phones into the dark sea.
09:05Sorry, the number you have reached is unavailable.
09:09Carmela must have called 20 times.
09:12Her men tried to comfort her.
09:15Donna Carmela, don't panic.
09:16Even if Cassian doesn't make it, it is fine.
09:18That bastard Mateo is still in Sicily, right?
09:20A flight from there takes over 10 hours.
09:22He will never make it.
09:24Hearing this, Carmela let out a breath she was holding.
09:27But then one of their spies rushed into the room.
09:30Ma'am, bosses.
09:32Someone said they saw Mateo's crew a few blocks away.
09:35He is almost here.
09:37Impossible.
09:37He is in Sicily.
09:39How could he be back so fast?
09:40I stood quietly by the edge of the room, feeling a dark sense of satisfaction.
09:44Actually, Mateo had secretly returned to New York days ago to handle some family business.
09:49In my previous life, Carmela blocked all information from reaching him so he wouldn't compete for power.
09:55By the time Mateo found out and rushed over, he was 30 minutes too late.
10:00But this time, the moment I opened my eyes, I sent the news straight to him.
10:11Carmela completely lost it.
10:12I let her drag me into the car, because I knew exactly how obsessed Cassian was with Julia.
10:18He had locked down that yacht for their alone time.
10:20Even if Carmela went herself, it wouldn't change a damn thing.
10:30When we got to the pier, Carmela and her heavily armed thugs rushed the entrance like maniacs.
10:35But a dozen guards armed with assault rifles blocked the gate.
10:38Standing front and center was Jax, looking as smug as ever.
10:42Are you blind?
10:43The boss locked down the pier tonight.
10:44Not even a fly gets in.
10:46I am his mother!
10:47Let me in!
10:48Tell Cass that Mateo's about to steal his throne!
10:51Lost her balance and crashed hard onto the concrete.
10:54Listen here, old lady.
10:55You guys are really addicted to this acting gig, huh?
10:59First Valerie gets someone to fake being a lawyer and a mom over the phone,
11:02and now you show up trying to play the victim?
11:05You people will stoop to anything to ruin his night with my sister.
11:09The boss gave a direct order.
11:11Even if his own mother shows up, she can wait outside.
11:14Carmela was shaking violently, choking on her own fury.
11:17She ordered her men to break through.
11:19But after a brief, bloody scuffle, they were beaten back, heads bleeding.
11:23Utterly desperate, Carmela screamed, cursed, and clawed at the heavy iron gates.
11:28Finally, her knees gave out.
11:30She literally dropped to her knees in front of Jax, bowing her head against the dirt.
11:35I beg you, let me in to see him!
11:40If we are too late, everything is gone!
11:45Leaning against the car door watching this circus, I couldn't stop the corner of my lips from curving up.
11:50At that exact moment, back in the hospital, dozens of eyes were glued to the heart monitor as the jagged
11:56lines grew flatter and flatter.
11:57Then, the hallway fell dead silent.
11:59A tall, imposing figure in a black trench coat stepped over the threshold.
12:04The moment his heavy boots halted, the red line on the monitor flatlined completely.
12:14The family lawyer took a deep breath.
12:17Facing the elders, his voice rang out solemn and clear.
12:20According to the final will and testament, Mr. Mateo arrived at the final moment.
12:24From this second on, Mr. Mateo is the undisputed don of the Russo family.
12:28No matter how furious Cassian's supporters were, no one dared to say a word.
12:33Mateo slipped the black onyx ring onto his finger.
12:36One by one, every capo in the room bowed their heads in submission.
12:41When the voice note from my informant played through my phone, Carmela's eyes rolled back, and she fainted cold on
12:47the damp concrete.
12:48Meanwhile, out on the yacht, the two of them were still tangled in the sheets.
12:52Julia curled up against Cassian's bare chest, her skin still flushed and damp.
12:57Cassian, this is the best day of my life.
13:00Thank you for risking everything for me.
13:03Promise me you'll always be this good to me.
13:04Of course, just wait.
13:06Someday I'm going to get rid of Valera and make you my real wife.
13:10The yacht was nearing the docks.
13:14Cassian glanced up.
13:15Waiting for them on the pier was a sea of dark suits, and the blood instantly drained from his face.
13:21Cassian marched over.
13:22His eyes full of contempt.
13:24Valerie, you are like a ghost that won't go away!
13:27What kind of stun is this?
13:29Bringing in a bunch of crazy bitches here to cry and make a scene?
13:31You think making yourself look pitiful is going to make me look at you?
13:34He noticed the unconscious woman on the ground and the bleeding thugs.
13:38But he was so blinded by annoyance, he didn't even recognize his own mother.
13:42Boss, don't worry.
13:43I kept all these troublemanters out.
13:45Not a single fly got in to ruin your romantic night with my sister.
13:49Valerie, if you keep acting like a psycho, we are filing for divorce tomorrow.
13:52For three years you have paraded around acting like the queen of the Russo family, but in bed you are
13:57as boring as a piece of wood.
13:58I'm sick of you.
13:59Believe me, with one word, I can have you thrown out of this family with nothing.
14:03Valerie, I actually feel sorry for you.
14:05You married Cassian for money and power, but your heart is full of schemes.
14:10You can't offer him anything real.
14:12Cassian doesn't need power.
14:14He needs true love.
14:15Why put yourself through this?
14:17Fine.
14:19You two go love each other forever.
14:26Stop!
14:43Mattay?
14:44What are you doing here?
14:46Hey!
14:46Where are you going?
14:47Get back here right now!
14:48Suddenly, a sharp, echoing slap rang out.
14:51Carmela, who had just woken up from the cold ground, summoned a terrifying amount of strength and backhanded Julia right
14:57across her delicate face.
14:59Julia screamed and collapsed, half of her face instantly swelling up.
15:03Mom?
15:04Mom, what are you doing here?
15:06Why are you acting crazy with Valerie?
15:09Why did you hit Julia?
15:11Hit her?
15:12I will skin the bitch alive!
15:14Open your damn eyes and look!
15:16Look at what your stupidity just cost us for this little slit!
15:20Frowning with extreme irritation, Cassian grabbed the phone.
15:24On the screen was the breaking news alert flashing across every major network.
15:29Russo family Don assassinated.
15:30Second son, Matteo, arrives at last minute to inherit empire.
15:34A new godfather rises.
15:36Right below the headline was a high definition video of the lawyer's announcement.
15:41According to the final will and testament, Mr. Matteo arrived at the final moment.
15:45Mr. Matteo is the undisputed Don of the Russo family.
15:48In the video, Matteo, dressed in a sharp black suit, stood by the Don's bed and slipped the black onyx
15:54ring onto his finger.
15:56Cassian's pupils shrank to pinpricks.
15:58He stared at the screen, his fingers starting to tremble uncontrollably.
16:02No, no, this is impossible.
16:10How could father be assassinated? This is fake!
16:16Valerie, you doctored this video, didn't you?
16:17I stood perfectly still, a mocking smile touching my lips.
16:20Cassian, why don't you call your capos and find out if it's fake or not?
16:25Phone, phone, give me the phone right now!
16:28The second the screen lit up, hundreds of missed calls and thousands of texts flooded in like death warrants.
16:33Moss, where are you? If you don't come back right now, Matteo is taking everything!
16:37Cassian looked like he had been struck by lightning.
16:39No, no, it's impossible.
16:40His knees went weak and he nearly dropped to the ground.
16:43Carmela suddenly lunged at Julia.
16:44You brainless hort. It is all because of you.
16:48A fucking birthday party.
16:50If it wasn't for you, Cassian would have made it to the hospital.
16:53You ruined the rest of my life, you dirty hort!
16:56Julia screamed in agony, her perfect makeup smeared with tears as she struggled.
17:03Cassian! Help me, Cassian!
17:06Sister!
17:07But the family elders behind Carmela, already driven insane by losing their power-tackled Jax to the ground, and beat
17:14the living hell out of him.
17:16You're the one who blocked the gate. I will put a bullet in you myself.
17:20The pier devolved into absolute chaos. Screams from Julia and Jax rang out everywhere.
17:27Cassian finally snapped out of his shock.
17:29Enough! Stop! Get off her! Don't touch Julia!
17:33Carmela was already old. When Cassian yanked her off Julia, she lost her balance and crashed heavily onto the deck.
17:42Dead, dead silence. Everyone stared at Cassian in absolute disbelief.
17:47Are you insane? You hit your own mother for this slut?
17:52How did I give birth to such a stupid son?
17:56Cassian wrapped his arms around a shivering Julia.
17:58If I lost my territory, I will take it back!
18:01As long as I breathe, I will build my way back to the top.
18:04But if any of you touch one hair on Julia's head, I will kill you.
18:08He scooped Julia up, bolted into his sports car like he was running for his life, and sped off.
18:13Watching these rabid dogs tear each other apart, my smile grew wider.
18:17Is that so? Let's see how you rise back to the top.
18:20An hour later, Cassian took Julia to the hospital to get patched up, then drove back to the Russo family
18:26manor.
18:28The moment he walked through the doors, he started barking orders.
18:32Butler, prepare Abilene and Seeducut for dinner.
18:41How dare you!
18:43Out on the front lawn, all his custom suits, luxury watches, and personal belongings were piled up like garbage.
18:50I was sitting elegantly on the sofa, slowly sipping champagne, and sitting right beside me was Mateo.
19:01Valerie, Mateo, you have some nerve!
19:05You bastard, you dare step foot in my house?
19:07The Russo family isn't yours.
19:08I am the eldest son, and this empire belongs to me.
19:11Take this toxic bitch and get out of my house!
19:13He instinctively reached for the gun at his waist, but Mateo's bodyguards moved in a flash,
19:18kicking him hard in the chest and dropping him to the floor.
19:22Who do you think runs the Russo family now?
19:24I sneered, stood up, and threw a divorce agreement and a thick stack of bank statements right in his face.
19:30Sign the divorce papers and look at those statements.
19:33Over the last three years, you immezzled family funds to buy yachts and diamonds for Julia, $30 million in total.
19:37Mateo swirled his whiskey glass, a dangerous smirk on his lips.
19:41Big brother, I run the finances now, and I have audited the books.
19:45You either pay back the money, or I handle this the traditional mafia way, and you pay with a pound
19:51of flesh.
19:56Valerie, you think slapping a $30 million debt on me is gonna make me beg?
19:59You think throwing me out will make me leave Julia and come crawling back to you?
20:03You miscalculated.
20:04Even if you do all this, I'll never choose you.
20:06As long as I have Julia by my side, I will build my own empire from the ground up.
20:10I will wait for the day you come begging me on your knees.
20:12Come on, Julia.
20:13We are leaving.
20:14Watching his dramatic exit, I almost laughed out loud.
20:18Build his own empire from the ground up.
20:20He was nothing without the Russo name.
20:22And soon enough, he'd learn a hard truth.
20:24Empires don't rise from nothing, and gold diggers don't stay for love.
20:31One month later, inside a hot, humid, run-down motel with water dripping from the ceiling.
20:37It was the exact opposite of the luxurious Russo estate.
20:40Cassian, are you entirely useless?
20:44Julia's hair was a mess.
20:46She pointed right at Cassian's nose, screaming.
20:49That sweet, gentle face of hers was now twisted with rage.
20:53You can't even buy me a decent dress!
20:55Some boss you are!
20:57Ever since Cassian was thrown out, all his bank accounts had been frozen to pay off his debt.
21:02All of Julia's limited edition bags and diamonds had been confiscated and liquidated.
21:07Used to a life of extreme luxury, Julia's true colors finally bled through.
21:12Cassian stepped forward humbly, trying to hold her hand.
21:15Julia, please, don't be mad.
21:18I have already reached out to a few guys who used to follow me.
21:24Once I find-
21:25Find what?
21:26What the hell can your pocket change do?
21:32What?
21:33Buy me a purse!
21:34How can you say you love me?
21:37Weren't you the big boss?
21:39Julia.
21:40A flash of genuine hurt crossed Cassian's eyes.
21:42You weren't like this before.
21:45You told me as long as we have love, you wouldn't care even if the sky fell.
21:49Julia looked at him with pure disgust.
21:51Without money, your love is worthless.
21:53Just then, with a loud bang, the motel door was kicked open.
21:57Jack stumbled inside, covered in blood.
22:00Sis!
22:01Save me, sis!
22:04I owe the casino!
22:06They said if I don't pay up today, they are chopping off my hands in-
22:11Are you deaf?
22:13They are going to maim my brother!
22:15Pay them!
22:16Julia screamed in terror, shoving Cassian forward.
22:20I-
22:21Cassian went pale.
22:22I don't have any money left.
22:24Jax's eyes were wild.
22:25He dropped to the floor, hugging Cassian's leg and shaking him violently.
22:30Cassian, go beg Valerie!
22:32She used to love you so much, she did whatever you said!
22:37Get on your knees and beg her for the money!
22:39Cassian flinched like he had been hit with a bat.
22:41He stared at Julia, his lips trembling.
22:45Julia, do you think I should do that too?
22:50Well, you're useless right now anyway.
22:52Julia avoided his eyes, her face filled with revulsion.
22:55If you can scam some money out of her, do it.
22:58You can't just let my brother get crippled.
23:00Cassian completely broke down.
23:02He couldn't accept that his precious first love was really like this.
23:05He held his head in his hands, trying to hypnotize himself.
23:08She is just tired.
23:11She still loves me.
23:13She is just scared.
23:14But reality shattered his last layer of delusion the very next day.
23:18Julia went straight to Mateo, sitting on a massive leather sofa.
23:22Mateo casually spun a pistol in his hand.
23:24Julia was heavily dressed up.
23:26She wore a tight, short dress, deliberately pulling down the collar to expose her collarbones.
23:34Her eyes were red as she spoke in a choked, breathy voice.
23:38Dawn, to be honest, I never liked Cassian's brutality from the start.
23:45Julia took a step closer, leaning her upper body over his mahogany desk, her voice dripping with seduction.
23:50He made me.
23:51He used his status to force me to stay with him.
23:54But in my heart, I have always admired men like you.
23:59Real men.
24:00Men with real power and ambition.
24:03A mocking gleam flashed in Mateo's eyes.
24:05Is that so?
24:06He forced you?
24:08Seeing Mateo hadn't kicked her out, Julia was thrilled.
24:11She even dropped to her knees, pressing herself against his leg.
24:15It is true.
24:17Cassian is nothing.
24:18He is a brainless coward.
24:21I never loved him.
24:24As long as you let me stay by your side, I will do anything you want.
24:31Julia!
24:35A roar of utter disbelief and raw fury echoed from the doorway.
24:40Cassian stared dead, eyed at Julia, who was kneeling on the floor, her dress half off, offering herself to Mateo.
24:47You treacherous whore!
24:49He charged forward like a madman, wrapping his hands around Julia's throat and slamming her hard into the floor.
24:55I threw away my title as godfather for you.
24:58I abandoned my own mother for you.
25:01And you dare betray me?
25:02I will kill you!
25:04Julia screamed in terror, desperately slapping his arms, her eyes rolling into the back of her head.
25:09Cassian probably didn't realize that if Mateo hadn't explicitly ordered the downstairs guards to let him through, he wouldn't have
25:16even made it into the lobby.
25:17How could we throw a play without the lead actor?
25:19I stepped out from behind the concealed door, looking down at them from above.
25:23Traded a billion dollar mafia empire for a woman like this.
25:27Your true love sure didn't come cheap, Cassian.
25:30That broke him.
25:31Hearing my voice, Cassian snapped his head up.
25:33Then, he suddenly started laughing like a complete psychopath.
25:36He was choking Julia, laughing out loud while massive tears rolled down his face.
25:41I was wrong!
25:42I was so fucking wrong!
25:44This circus ended with Mateo's bodyguards dragging them both out.
25:47Cassian's face was twisted with mania.
25:49I recognized that look, it was the exact same one he'd had before he killed me in my past life.
25:54Have your guys keep an eye on him.
25:56He's about to go completely insane.
25:58Don't worry.
25:59This time around, I'm not letting anyone hurt you.
26:05When I received the video from my private investigator, I was standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows holding a
26:12glass of red wine.
26:13The video showed an abandoned, rotting pier on the outskirts of Brooklyn.
26:17Cassian was drenched in rain, his eyes bloodshot.
26:20He had pawned his last pistol to hire a shady van, kidnapping both Julia and Jax.
26:25Fierce winds whipped the freezing ocean water against the rocks.
26:28Julia's hands and feet were bound with thick rope.
26:31Her face was twisted in sheer horror.
26:33Cassian!
26:34Cassian, I'm sorry!
26:36I really am!
26:38Please don't kill me!
26:40Let's start over, okay?
26:42I don't want any jewelry or money anymore!
26:45I only love you!
26:47I am so cold!
26:49My head hurts so much, Cassian!
26:52I have a fever!
26:53You used to care about me!
26:55She was using her usual pathetic act.
26:57In my past life, it was a sentence just like that, which drove Cassian mad with guilt, making him throw
27:03me into the freezing, pitch, black river.
27:05This time, she got to taste the water herself.
27:08Faced with her begging, Cassian showed zero mercy.
27:11His face was locked in a mask of absolute manic hysteria.
27:14A fever?
27:16Perfect!
27:17It is nice and cool at the bottom of the ocean.
27:20Let me send you there right now!
27:22Cassian grabbed Julia by the hair and dragged her toward the edge of the pier.
27:26Didn't you say I was brainless?
27:28Didn't you say I was nothing?
27:29You bitch!
27:31You ruined my life!
27:33And now you are going to fucking die!
27:36Roaring, he tied a heavy cinder block tight to her ankles.
27:39Julia let out a scream of pure despair.
27:42Help!
27:43Help me!
27:44While Cassian was busy tying the knot, Jax, who was tied up nearby, had somehow managed to scrape through his
27:50zip ties.
27:51Pushed to the brink of death, his survival instinct kicked in.
27:54Jax broke free, grabbed a rusted piece of rebar from the ground, and lunged.
27:59He drove it straight into Cassian's back.
28:00Cassian let out a blood-curdling scream.
28:03He convulsed, staring in disbelief at the iron spike protruding from his stomach.
28:08The agonizing pain twisted his face, but he didn't fall, holding his bleeding stomach.
28:13A sickening, eerie grin spread across his face.
28:16If I'm going to hell, you are all coming with me!
28:22You are all coming with me!
28:24Using the very last ounce of his strength, he raised his foot and kicked Julia hard off the edge.
28:30Julia let out one final, piercing scream before plummeting straight into the dark ocean.
28:35The wind howled, and the waves swallowed her whole.
28:38Just like what I experienced in my past life.
28:40Now, it was returned to them exactly as they deserved.
28:44Drained of life, Cassian collapsed into a pool of his own blood.
28:47Coughing up bloody foam, he laughed maniacally at the sky.
28:50On my end of the scream, I calmly pressed pause.
28:53That lingering, suffocating chill.
28:55The trauma that had clung to my soul like a parasite since my rebirth finally dissipated into thin air.
29:00I made a phone call, my voice perfectly level.
29:02You can call the cops now.
29:04Tell them you spotted a wanted mafia fugitive with heavy deaths.
29:11The police quickly arrived at the pier.
29:14By then, Cassian was already half-conscious from blood loss.
29:17Jax, who had tried to hide in a shipping container, was dragged out in handcuffs like a dead dog.
29:22Three months later, the court delivered the final verdicts.
29:25Jax was convicted on multiple charges and sentenced to 20 years in a maximum security prison.
29:31Rumor had it that during his very first month, he was recognized by some thugs he had crossed on the
29:35outside, including the bookies he still owed money to.
29:38In a blind spot away from the security cameras, Jax's spine was accidentally snapped.
29:43For the rest of his miserable life, he would be paralyzed in a prison hospital bed, begging for death.
29:50Cassian, convicted of first-degree murder, was sentenced to death without delay.
29:54In his final days on death row due to a severe infection from his wound, he ran constant high fevers,
30:00leaving him delirious.
30:01In his endless suffering, he started having frequent hallucinations.
30:05In his delusions, he saw Valerie storm the yacht with a crew, dragging him back to the hospital.
30:10He saw himself pushing open the hospital doors, hearing the lawyer announce his name as he slipped on the black
30:16Onyx ring and became the all-powerful Dawn.
30:19In his dream, he was dressed in a sharp suit, sitting in the highest office of the Russo family empire.
30:25It was a glorious, dazzling future that belonged entirely to him.
30:29Cassian laughed out loud in his sleep.
30:30I am the Dawn. I am the Godfather.
30:33The violent slamming of the iron cell door ripped him out of his beautiful, decadent dream and dragged him back
30:39to reality.
30:40Cassian's eyes snapped open. There was no manor. There was no mafia empire.
30:45There was only a dark, damp death row cell that reeked of urine.
30:48He was wearing a rough prison uniform, heavy death row shackles binding his wrists.
30:53With every movement, the chains rattled with a terrifying metallic echo.
30:57A guard walked in deadpan, tossing a death warrant onto his cot.
31:00No, no, this isn't real. I was just signing contracts. I am the Dawn. Let me out!
31:06The psychological whiplash, plummeting from the throne straight into hell, shattered Cassian completely.
31:12That extreme agony of having it all and losing it sliced his soul to ribbons, cut by cut.
31:17But soon, a lethal injection silenced him forever.
31:20Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, a gray-haired woman, reeking of decay, rummaged through a dumpster.
31:27It was Carmela.
31:31The day she found out her son was sentenced to death, the shock caused a massive stroke, leaving her permanently
31:37paralyzed on one side.
31:39Mateo threw her out without a second thought, and her former cronies avoided her like the plague.
31:44Now, dragging her half-dead body around, she survived by begging on the streets of New York.
31:49Above her, the massive screens in Times Square broadcasted the financial news.
31:53On screen, Mateo, wearing an impeccable suit and surrounded by politicians, confidently announced the launch of a new multi-billion
32:01dollar syndicate.
32:02That was supposed to be her son. That was supposed to be her glory.
32:05A freezing gust of wind blew past, scattering her bitter, incoherent curses into the dark corners of the city.
32:37A pleasure doingsness with you, Valerie.
32:39Mateo raised his whiskey glass with a slight, knowing smile.
32:43I stood up and walked to the glass, looking down at the glittering city below.
32:47In the distance, a brilliant firework bloomed across the skyline.
32:51I raised my glass, gently clinking it against his, listening to the crisp sound of ice hitting the crystal.
32:57I looked at the gorgeous night view and replied softly,
32:59Cheers to our new lives.
33:04When I took that bullet for Mateo, I only had one thought.
33:08I wasn't about to let my percentage go up in smoke.
33:11The shooter was one of Cassian's old loyalists.
33:13A desperate ghost who lost everything when Mateo took the throne, looking for payback.
33:18The bullet tore through my shoulder blade.
33:19The pain nearly blacked me out.
33:21Mateo's hands pressed hard against my wound, hot as branding irons.
33:25He growled something in my ear, but I didn't catch a word.
33:28I just felt his pounding heart against my chest.
33:31Three days later, I opened my eyes.
33:33Mateo was sitting right by the bed, wrinkled suit, dark stubble coating his jaw.
33:38Seeing me awake, his dark eyes immediately lit up.
33:41He leaned in close to my side.
33:42You're awake.
33:44Don't get emotional.
33:46I couldn't let my cash cow die.
33:49He grabbed my hand.
33:50His fingers clamped down so hard it almost hurt,
33:53like he was holding onto something he'd nearly lost forever.
33:55Valerie, I have a new proposition.
34:03Marry me.
34:04His voice was low.
34:05I froze.
34:06What?
34:06I couldn't entirely read.
34:07My brother is dead.
34:09And the old Capris won't stay quiet.
34:12You were a Russo wife for three years.
34:14You know their secrets better than anyone.
34:16I need you.
34:17He paused, then continued.
34:19In the real books, family only.
34:22I make you my wife, you get the keys.
34:24It's the only way in.
34:25I stared at him.
34:26My pulse jumped.
34:27He needed me to secure his empire.
34:29Or so he said.
34:30He had plenty of enemies.
34:31Yes.
34:32But this.
34:33This wasn't just about the family anymore.
34:35A two-year contract.
34:37You'll be the real Donna.
34:3950% cut.
34:40When time is up, you walk away free.
34:42Cassian gave me nothing but three years of humiliation and betrayal.
34:46And this man, he was handing me a clean exit and half a mafia empire on a silver platter.
34:52What's the catch?
34:59Be my wife.
35:00A real wife, Valerie.
35:02Not a trophy like you were for Cassian.
35:05Which means?
35:06It means you move into my room.
35:08You sleep in my bed.
35:10You act like a loving wife in front of everyone.
35:12The air suddenly felt scorching.
35:13Mateo pulled a folded document from his inside jacket pocket.
35:17Termination clause is on the last page.
35:19I flipped to the back.
35:20My eyes caught on the words.
35:22Mateo's restrictions were packed into 12 bullet points.
35:25No coercion.
35:26Unrestricted movement.
35:27Absolute privacy.
35:28Separate finances.
35:30But my termination clause, just one line, triggered unilaterally.
35:33Effective immediately.
35:35Why?
35:36Because you're worth it.
35:37Three years.
35:38Nobody had ever said that to me.
35:43I didn't hesitate.
35:45My fingers shook slightly from the painkillers, but I signed my name.
35:48Mateo took the contract.
35:49He looked at my signature for a long second.
35:52Valerie, I promise you one thing.
35:55Nobody hurts you ever again.
35:57The door clicked shut.
35:59Then, my phone buzzed on the bedside tray.
36:01A single text message from Mateo.
36:04Pleasure doing business, Donna.
36:13For three days before the wedding, my room overflowed with luxury boxes.
36:18Mateo's men practically bought out half of Manhattan.
36:21Day one, five tailors showed up with four lookbooks.
36:24They measured around my shoulders like I was made of glass.
36:27Mr. Russo insisted all necklines must avoid your left shoulder.
36:31The gunshot wound was still healing, he remembered.
36:34Day two.
36:35Jewelers brought in trays of diamonds.
36:37I pointed at the cheapest, plainest white gold band.
36:40This one.
36:41The jeweler paled.
36:42He scurried to a corner and whispered into his phone.
36:44The Donna chose an entry-level piece.
36:47By evening, that plain band was gone.
36:50In its place sat a massive emerald-cut diamond ring.
36:53Basim engraved on the inside.
36:55It easily cost a hundred times more than the band I picked.
36:58Day three.
36:59Maids stumbled in carrying the entire spring collection in champagne silk.
37:04What is all this?
37:05Mr. Russo said this is just pocket money.
37:07There are twelve more bags downstairs.
37:09I leaned against the vanity, staring at the sea of velvet boxes.
37:13Unbidden, a memory surfaced.
37:15The night before I married Cassian, I was stuck in a cheap motel room,
37:19ironing my own wrinkled wedding dress.
37:21Cassian had been forty minutes late.
37:23He was busy helping Julia pick out a gift.
37:25A bitter ache twisted in my chest, followed by a cold, hard sense of closure.
37:29I finally saw how pathetic I had been.
37:32How little I had settled for.
37:37The wedding took place at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
37:40I looped my arm through Mateo's as we walked down the aisle.
37:42The pews were packed with capos and rivals.
37:45Their stares sliced at me like blades.
37:47Chin up.
37:48Look straight ahead.
37:49His large, warm hand covered mine.
37:51Just like that, the suffocating hostility in the room vanished.
37:54The pipe organ roared to life.
37:57The priest read the vows, but it was all white noise.
38:00I only felt Mateo sliding that heavy emerald ring down my finger.
38:04You may kiss the bride.
38:05Mateo's hand cupped my jaw.
38:08The kiss was brief, a mere brush of lips.
38:12Late that night, I sat on the edge of our massive bed.
38:15The ring felt heavy, branding my skin.
38:17The shower ran in the master bathroom.
38:19I stared at the green stone, flashing back to my first wedding night.
38:22I had spent it alone, staring at the ceiling until dawn.
38:25Cassian had spent the whole night with Julia.
38:27The water shut off.
38:28Mateo stepped out.
38:29His dark hair was damp, sticking to his forehead.
38:32He wore a loose black robe.
38:33He walked straight to the window, his sharp eyes scanning the street below.
38:36A black SUV idled in the shadows across the street.
38:39Mateo turned back to me.
38:41A lazy, dangerous smirk played on his lips.
38:43Looks like we're sharing a bed tonight, wife.
38:54That night, I lay in his massive bed, completely tense.
38:58The bed was too big.
38:59It smelled just like him, making my heart hammer against my ribs.
39:03I waited for the nightmares.
39:04I waited for the feeling of freezing water under the Brooklyn Bridge.
39:07But at 3am, my eyes snapped open.
39:10I realized I had slept soundly for five straight hours.
39:12The first time since I came back to life.
39:15I cracked the door open.
39:16Mateo was sitting on the living room couch.
39:19He was standing guard.
39:20My heart raced.
39:21A strange heat bloomed in my chest.
39:24At the board dinner three days later, old capo Ricci sneered at me.
39:28Everyone caught it.
39:30Collecting quite the consultation fee, aren't we, Don's wife?
39:33Consultation fee was old school mob slang.
39:35It meant skimmed money.
39:37Mateo sat at the head of the table.
39:38His whiskey glass paused in midair.
39:40He didn't say a single word.
39:41He was giving me the floor.
39:42I put down my silverware and calmly dabbed my mouth.
39:46You're right, Mr. Ricci.
39:47Consultation fees are a beautiful thing.
39:49Take the 170 grand you collected last month, for example.
39:53Wired to your mistress came an island's account in three separate installments.
39:56First wire, 58 grand.
39:58Transferred at 2.03am on the 5th.
40:01Second wire, 62 grand.
40:034.17pm on the 12th.
40:05Want me to recite the exact time and amount for the 3rd?
40:08The room was completely silent.
40:14I picked up my knife and casually sliced my steak.
40:18Relax.
40:19I don't care about your private life.
40:20Just stop testing me with cheap insults, and we can play nice.
40:25The whispers around the table vanished.
40:27Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mateo watching me.
40:30In the car ride back, Mateo suddenly broke the silence.
40:33You looked beautiful back there.
40:35I turned to him.
40:36What?
40:37When you were tearing him apart.
40:39Beautiful.
40:40A genuine laugh escaped me.
40:42The first time since I woke up in this body.
40:44Do that more, Valerie.
40:45You should smile more.
40:47That night, I dreamed of the Brooklyn Bridge again.
40:50Freezing water flooded my lungs.
40:52Julia stood on the bridge, looking smug as I sank into the dark.
40:56Help!
40:57I screamed.
40:58I jolted awake, drenched in cold sweat.
41:00I was gripping something, hard, a large, warm hand.
41:04I turned my head in the dim moonlight.
41:06Mateo was sitting on the edge of the mattress.
41:08His voice was a low, rough rumble.
41:11You're safe.
41:12You're not there anymore.
41:13Who let you in?
41:14I was passing by.
41:16Your room is at the end of the hall.
41:17I said I was passing by.
41:19I slowly loosened my death grip on his hand.
41:22My breath caught.
41:23Four bloody crescent moons scarred the back of his hand.
41:26He hadn't made a single sound.
41:27Mateo lay down on the small sofa.
41:29I'm sleeping here tonight.
41:31Relax.
41:32I'm not interested in my business partner.
41:34Go to sleep.
41:35I glared at his broad back for a long time before finally lying down.
41:39I could hear his steady breathing.
41:40It slowly eased my tense nerves.
41:42A dreamless night.
41:47Seven straight days.
41:48Mateo showed up on my sofa on the dot every night.
41:51Always with the same book.
41:53Always gone before dawn.
41:54I actually started looking forward to the sound of his breathing.
41:57But on the ninth morning, I opened my bedroom door.
42:00The sofa was empty.
42:01No book.
42:02No wrinkled jacket.
42:03Even his cedar scent was gone.
42:05I told myself it was fine.
42:06He had no obligation to babysit a partner's nightmares.
42:09But during the morning board meeting, my mind spun.
42:12I mixed up the gun and drug shipment numbers three times.
42:15The capos across the table exchanged confused looks.
42:18Mateo glanced at me from the head of the table several times, but stayed quiet.
42:22Late that night, I dragged my exhausted body home and pushed my door open.
42:26Mateo was casually stretched out on the sofa again.
42:29He was a few dozen pages further into his book.
42:31He acted like last night hadn't happened.
42:33It's late.
42:34He didn't look up.
42:35You don't have to do this.
42:37Sleeping here every night.
42:38Watching over me.
42:40You have your own bed.
42:41Your own room.
42:44Mateo closed his file and met my gaze.
42:46You're right.
42:47I don't have to.
42:48But I want to, Valerie.
42:50You want to?
42:51He leaned back.
42:52Call it protecting my investment.
42:54I knew it was an excuse.
42:56You stay sharp during the day.
42:58My money is safe.
43:00But for some reason, my heart did a wild flick.
43:07I lay in bed listening to the soft rustle of pages, the faint creak of the leather sofa
43:11when he shifted.
43:12At 4 a.m. something pulled me out of bed.
43:15Without making a sound, I walked over and crouched by the sofa.
43:18Mateo seemed asleep, but his brows were knit tight like he was in pain.
43:21Moonlight spilled through the window, casting soft shadows on his sharp jawline.
43:26With his eyes closed, he looked younger.
43:28Thick brows, long lashes.
43:30I reached out, wanting to smooth the crease between his brows.
43:33The second my fingers almost brushed his skin, his eyes snapped open.
43:37His hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.
43:39Our eyes locked.
43:40We were so close I could see my own reflection in his dark pupils.
43:43His voice was gravelly, laced with a dangerous tease.
43:46Touching costs extra.
43:48My face instantly burned.
43:50You had a smudge on your forehead.
43:52It was the lamest excuse I could come up with.
43:54Mateo stared at me for three agonizing seconds.
43:57Then he slowly released my wrist.
43:59Oh yeah?
44:00His lips twitched up.
44:01Did you wipe it off?
44:02I scrambled to my feet, my heart hammering.
44:05Yeah, it's gone.
44:06I bolted back to bed and cocooned myself in the blanket.
44:08My heartbeat was deafening.
44:10A low, raspy chuckle came from across the room.
44:12Next time you want to touch, just touch.
44:13On the house.
44:14I grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him.
44:20Mateo, is this the legendary bitch who got your brother thrown on death row?
44:25Frankie DeMarco, a heavy-hitting arms broker, clamped a Cuban cigar in his teeth.
44:30Mateo ignored him.
44:31He kept flipping through the contract.
44:33DeMarco stubbed out his cigar.
44:35Fucks the older brother, then moves to the younger one.
44:38She must be a freak in the sheets.
44:40No wonder you married Cassian's leftovers.
44:43Before he could finish his breath, Mateo shot up.
44:46He flipped the heavy table with bare hands, vials, coffee mugs, and contracts smashed into
44:51DeMarco.
44:52Before DeMarco could even process it, Mateo vaulted over the wreckage and grabbed him by
44:56the tie.
44:57The first punch landed square on DeMarco's cheekbone.
45:00A loud crack echoed in the room.
45:02DeMarco screamed and tried to swing back.
45:04But Mateo's second punch shattered his nose.
45:07Blood spurted everywhere.
45:08It splattered across Mateo's crisp white shirt.
45:11Mateo raised his fist for a third strike.
45:13The sound of guns cocking echoed.
45:15Mateo, enough!
45:17I shouted, jumping to my feet.
45:19Mateo's fist froze in midair.
45:21Slowly, he released DeMarco's tie.
45:23But he didn't back down an inch.
45:25Now, sign the contract with the original terms!
45:28DeMarco clutched his ruined nose.
45:30Blood poured through his fingers.
45:31Sign it, or do you want to taste round three?
45:33Mateo held up his bloody fist.
45:35Shaking violently, DeMarco signed.
45:38In the car ride back, I stared at the red stains on Mateo's shirt.
45:42You shouldn't have been so reckless.
45:44It's just words, Mateo.
45:45Pull over!
45:47Mateo snapped at the driver.
45:49The SUV screeched to a halt.
45:51The privacy partition rolled up.
45:52Mateo turned to me.
45:54One large hand gripped the back of my neck.
45:55The other grabbed my chin.
45:57Then, his mouth crashed down on mine.
45:59My mind went completely blank.
46:00All I felt was his heat and his ragged breath.
46:03When he finally pulled away, we were both panting heavily.
46:07Nothing in the contract says I can't kiss you.
46:10His thumb roughly brushed my swollen lips.
46:12Anyone ever talks to you like that again, I'll kill them.
46:14I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.
46:17Right then, Mateo's phone rang, shattering the heavy silence.
46:20Mateo, I'm back.
46:21I heard you got married.
46:27I left the country for an arranged marriage.
46:29I vanished from his world completely.
46:32Three years later, my husband and I flew back stateside for a family memorial.
46:35My husband had a last-minute work emergency, so he told his local branch to send a car for me.
46:40I walked out of the airport and froze.
46:43My driver was Seth, my ex-fiancé.
46:46Yo, Seth, isn't that your obsessed ex?
46:49Isn't that Vanessa?
46:50See, I told you guys.
46:51I knew she'd come crawling back.
46:54Vanessa vanished without a trace.
46:56Now she sees Seth is looking.
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