▶ I Helped My Husband's Brother Take The Mafia Throne - FULL HD — Full Episode
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Watch the full short drama. New episodes every day — follow drama.astra for more.
#shortdrama #fulldrama #fullepisode #microdrama #englishsub #romance #ceo #billionaire #werewolf #revenge #dailymotion #fyp #viral #trending #dramaastra
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02:32Oh, the family lawyer, huh?
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05:30Vì vậy, I am Cassian's mother, you need to tell him to come back, there's a back, it's about the
05:36inheritance
05:37Oh, well if it's true, I'll go tell the boss right now
05:41Carmela let out a huge breath of relief
05:43A burst of hysterical laughter erupted from the phone
05:47Jack sounded like he just heard the funniest joke in the world
05:50Jesus Christ, Valerie, 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, the boss said even if the FBI raids this boat tonight, nobody is ruining his
06:01alone time with my sister
06:02Your little mind games are useless, if you know what's good for you, get lost
06:06The boss is filing for divorce tomorrow, he 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
06:19The call hung up mercilessly, slowly turning into sheer horror
06:23I made my eyes well up with tears, looking extremely wrong
06:26I had been married to Cassian for three years, to secure his position in the family
06:30I spent countless sleepless nights cooking, hiding his dirty money, and cleaning up his messes
06:35And what did he do?
06:37He took the money I made him and bought a $10 million yacht for Julia
06:41Valerie, you already have the title of the Russo family as wife
06:45Julia 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
06:52All men stray
06:53As long as he comes home to you, why do you care how many girls he keeps on the side?
06:59Yeah, exactly
07:00So 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
07:14A group of capos loyal to Cassian burst into the room
07:18Where is he? Why isn't he here yet?
07:20It is her fault! Valerie is useless! She couldn't even get him on the phone!
07:27The elders were furious. They grabbed a thick stack of...
07:30What the hell are you good for, Valerie? We bet everything on Cassian!
07:34If he misses out of the ring tonight, we all go down with him!
07:37You stupid, useless bitch!
07:39Before I could say a word, the heart monitor suddenly started blaring a warning alarm
07:44The private physician rushed over to check
07:47A moment later, he gave a slight shake of his head
07:50Gentlemen, the dawn has 40 minutes at most
07:52You need to figure this out fast
07:5540 minutes, honestly
07:56If Cassian just checked his social media or picked up the phone
08:00A 30-minute drive from the docks was more than enough time
08:03Hope reignited in Carmela's eyes
08:05Her hands shook as she dialed his number
08:08Cassian, please pick up your mother's call
08:13The 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
08:31You can only have me in your world
08:33You can only look at me
08:35Can you do that for me?
08:38Cassian hesitated for a second
08:39Valerie's words flashing through his mind
08:42But looking at Julia's lustful, dependent eyes
08:44Any doubt he had vanished
08:46The old man was tough as nails
08:48He wouldn't just drop dead
08:50Alright, as long as my queen is happy
08:52Even if the sky falls
08:53You are the only thing I care about
08:56Cassian kissed her hard then
08:57Without a second thought
08:59Tossed both phones into the dark sea
09:05Sorry, the number you have reached is unavailable
09:08Carmela must have called 20 times
09:12Her men tried to comfort her
09:14Donna Carmela, don't panic
09:15Even if Cassian doesn't make it, it is fine
09:17That 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
09:31Someone said they saw Mateo's crew a few blocks away
09:34He is almost here
09:36Impossible
09:37He is in Sicily
09:38How could he be back so fast?
09:40I stood quietly by the edge of the room
09:42Feeling a dark sense of satisfaction
09:44Actually, Mateo had secretly returned to New York days ago
09:47To handle some family business
09:48In my previous life
09:50Carmela blocked all information from reaching him
09:52So he wouldn't compete for power
09:54Never let Mateus know
09:55By the time Mateo found out and rushed over
09:57He was 30 minutes too late
09:59But this time
10:00The moment I opened my eyes
10:01I sent the news straight to him
10:03The docks
10:04Go to the docks
10:06You useless trash
10:08Come with me
10:09We are bringing him back
10:10Carmela completely lost it
10:12I let her drag me into the car
10:13Because I knew exactly how obsessed Cassian was with Julia
10:17He had locked down that yacht for their alone time
10:20Even if Carmela went herself
10:21It wouldn't change a damn thing
10:29When we got to the pier
10:31Carmela 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
10:40Looking as smug as ever
10:41Are you blind?
10:42The boss locked down the pier tonight
10:44Not even a fly gets in
10:45I 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?
10:58First 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
11:08The boss gave a direct order
11:10Even if his own mother shows up
11:12She can wait outside
11:13Carmela was shaking violently
11:15Choking on her own fury
11:17She ordered her men to break through
11:18But after a brief, bloody scuffle
11:21They were beaten back
11:22Heads bleeding
11:23Utterly desperate
11:24Carmela screamed
11:25Cursed
11:25And clawed at the heavy iron gates
11:27Finally her knees gave out
11:29She literally dropped to her knees in front of Jax
11:32Bowing her head against the dirt
11:35I beg you
11:36Let me in to see him
11:40If we are too late
11:42Everything is gone
11:44Leaning against the car door watching this circus
11:47I couldn't stop the corner of my lips from curving up
11:50At that exact moment back in the hospital
11:52Dozens of eyes were glued to the heart monitor
11:55As the jagged lines grew flatter and flatter
11:57Then the hallway fell dead silent
11:59A tall imposing figure in a black trench coat
12:02Stepped over the threshold
12:03The moment his heavy boots halted
12:05The red line on the monitor flatlined completely
12:14The family lawyer took a deep breath
12:16Facing the elders
12:17His voice rang out solemn and clear
12:19According to the final will and testament
12:21Mr. Mateo arrived at the final moment
12:23From this second on Mr. Mateo
12:25Is the undisputed dawn of the Russo family
12:28No matter how furious Cassian's supporters were
12:31No one dared to say a word
12:32Mateo slipped the black onyx ring onto his finger
12:35One by one
12:36Every capo in the room bowed their heads in submission
12:41When the voice note from my informant played through my phone
12:44Carmela's eyes rolled back
12:45And she fainted cold on the damp concrete
12:48Meanwhile, out on the yacht
12:49The two of them were still tangled in the sheets
12:52Julia curled up against Cassian's bare chest
12:54Her skin still flushed and damp
12:58Cassian, this is the best day of my life
13:00Thank you for risking everything for me
13:02Promise me you'll always be this good to me
13:04Of course, just wait
13:06Someday I'm gonna get rid of Valera and make you my real wife
13:09The yacht was nearing the docks
13:13Cassian glanced up
13:14Waiting for them on the pier was a sea of dark suits
13:17And the blood instantly drained from his face
13:20Cassian marched over
13:22His eyes full of contempt
13:23Valerie, you are like a ghost that won't go away
13:26What kind of stunt is this?
13:28Bringing in a bunch of crazy bitches here to cry and make a scene?
13:31You think making yourself look pitiful is gonna make me look at you?
13:33He noticed the unconscious woman on the ground and the bleeding thugs
13:37But he was so blinded by annoyance
13:39He didn't even recognize his own mother
13:41Boss, don't worry
13:42I kept all these troublemanters out
13:44Not a single fly got in to ruin your romantic night with my sister
13:48Valerie, 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
13:55But in bed, you are as boring as a piece of wood
13:57I'm sick of you
13:59Believe me, with one word, I can have you thrown out of this family with nothing
14:02Valerie, I actually feel sorry for you
14:05You married Cassian for money and power
14:07But your heart is full of schemes
14:09You can't offer him anything real
14:11Cassian doesn't need power
14:13He needs true love
14:15Why put yourself through this?
14:17Fine
14:19You two go love each other forever
14:26Stop!
14:42Matei?
14:44What are you doing here?
14:45Hey!
14:46Where are you going?
14:47Get back here right now!
14:48Suddenly, a sharp echoing slap rang out
14:50Carmela, who had just woken up from the cold ground
14:54Summoned a terrifying amount of strength
14:56And backhanded Julia right across her delicate face
14:58Julia screamed and collapsed
15:00Half of her face instantly swelling up
15:03Mom?
15:04What are you doing here?
15:06Why are you acting crazy with Valerie?
15:09Why did you hit Julia?
15:10Hit her?
15:11I 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!
15:19Frowning with extreme irritation
15:21Cassian grabbed the phone
15:23On the screen was the breaking news alert
15:26Flashing across every major network
15:28Russo family Don assassinated
15:30Second son Mateo arrives at last minute to inherit empire
15:34A new godfather rises
15:36Right below the headline was a high
15:38Definition video of the lawyer's announcement
15:40According to the final will and testament
15:42Mr. Mateo arrived at the final moment
15:44Mr. Mateo is the undisputed Don of the Russo family
15:48In the video, Mateo, dressed in a sharp black suit
15:51Stood by the Don's bed
15:52And slipped the black onyx ring onto his finger
15:55Cassian's pupils shrank to pinpricks
15:57He stared at the screen
15:59His fingers starting to tremble uncontrollably
16:02No, no, this is impossible
16:09How could father be assassinated?
16:11This is fake!
16:15Valerie, you doctored this video, didn't you?
16:17I stood perfectly still
16:18A mocking smile touching my lips
16:20Cassian
16:21Why don't you call your capos
16:23And find out if it's fake or not?
16:25Phone, phone, give me the phone right now!
16:28The second the screen lit up
16:29Hundreds of missed calls
16:30And thousands of texts flooded in like death warrants
16:33Boss, where are you?
16:34If you don't come back right now
16:35Mateo is taking everything!
16:37Cassian looked like he had been struck by lightning
16:39No, no, it's impossible
16:39His knees went weak
16:40And he nearly dropped to the ground
16:42Carmela suddenly lunged at Julia
16:44You brainless hort
16:46It is all because of you
16:47A fucking birthday party
16:50If it wasn't for you
16:51Cassian would have made it to the hospital
16:52You ruined the rest of my life
16:54You dirty hort!
16:56Julia screamed in agony
16:57Her perfect makeup smeared with tears
16:59As she struggled
17:02Cassian!
17:03Help me, Cassian!
17:05Sister!
17:07But the family elders behind Carmela
17:09Already driven insane by losing their power-tackled Jax to the ground
17:13And beat the living hell out of him
17:15You're the one who blocked the gate
17:17I will put a bullet in you myself
17:19The pier devolved into absolute chaos
17:22Screams from Julia and Jax rang out everywhere
17:26Cassian finally snapped out of his shock
17:29Enough! Stop! Get off her!
17:31Don't touch Julia!
17:32Carmela was already old
17:34When Cassian yanked her off Julia
17:35She lost her balance and crashed heavily onto the deck
17:41Dead, dead silence
17:43Everyone stared at Cassian in absolute disbelief
17:47Are you insane?
17:50You hit your own mother for this slut?
17:52How did I give birth to such a stupid son?
17:55Cassian wrapped his arms around a shivering Julia
17:58If I lost my territory, I will take it back
18:00As long as I breathe, I will build my way back to the top
18:03But if any of you touch one hair on Julia's head
18:06I will kill you
18:07He scooped Julia up
18:08Bolted into his sports car like he was running for his life
18:12And sped off
18:13Watching these rabid dogs tear each other apart
18:15My smile grew wider
18:17Is that so?
18:18Let's see how you rise back to the top
18:20An hour later, Cassian took Julia to the hospital to get patched up
18:24Then drove back to the Russo family manor
18:28The moment he walked through the doors
18:30He started barking orders
18:31Butler
18:33Prepare Abilene and Seeducud for dinner
18:41How dare you?
18:43Out on the front lawn, all his custom suits
18:46Luxury watches and personal belongings were piled up like garbage
18:50I was sitting elegantly on the sofa
18:52Slowly sipping champagne
18:54And sitting right beside me was Mateo
19:01Valerie, Mateo, you have some nerve
19:04You bastard, you dare step foot in my house
19:06The Russo family isn't yours
19:08I am the eldest son
19:09And 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
19:15But Mateo's bodyguards moved in a flash
19:18Kicking him hard in the chest and dropping him to the floor
19:21Who do you think runs the Russo family now?
19:24I sneered, stood up, and threw a divorce agreement
19:26And a thick stack of bank statements right in his face
19:29Sign the divorce papers and look at those statements
19:32Over the last three years, you immezzled family funds
19:34To buy yachts and diamonds for Julia
19:36Thirty million dollars in total
19:37Mateo swirled his whiskey glass
19:39A dangerous smirk on his lips
19:40Big brother, I run the finances now
19:43And I have audited the books
19:45You either pay back the money
19:46Or I handle this the traditional mafia way
19:49And you pay with a pound of flesh
19:55Valor, you think slapping a 30 million dollar debt on me
19:58Is going to make me beg?
19:59You think throwing me out will make me leave Julia
20:01And come crawling back to you?
20:02You miscalculated
20:04Even if you do all this, I'll never choose you
20:06As long as I have Julia by my side
20:08I 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, we are leaving
20:14Watching his dramatic exit
20:16I almost laughed out loud
20:17Build his own empire from the ground up
20:19He was nothing without the Russo name
20:21And soon enough, he'd learn a hard truth
20:23Empires don't rise from nothing
20:25And gold diggers don't stay for love
20:31One month later
20:32Inside a hot, humid, run-down motel
20:35With water dripping from the ceiling
20:36It was the exact opposite of the luxurious Russo estate
20:39Cassian, are you entirely useless?
20:44Julia's hair was a mess
20:46She pointed right at Cassian's nose
20:48Screaming
20:49That sweet, gentle face of hers was now twisted with rage
20:52You can't even buy me a decent dress!
20:55Some boss you are!
20:57Ever since Cassian was thrown out
20:59All his bank accounts had been frozen to pay off his debt
21:02All of Julia's limited edition bags and diamonds
21:04Had been confiscated and liquidated
21:06Used to a life of extreme luxury
21:08Julia's true colors finally bled through
21:10Cassian stepped forward humbly
21:13Trying to hold her hand
21:14Julia, please, don't be mad
21:18I have already reached out to a few guys
21:21Who used to follow me
21:23Once I find-
21:24Find what?
21:25What the hell can your pocket change do?
21:31You can't even buy me a purse
21:34How can you say you love me?
21:37Weren't you the big boss?
21:39Julia
21:39A flash of genuine hurt crossed Cassian's eyes
21:42You weren't like this before
21:44You told me as long as we have love
21:46You wouldn't care even if the sky fell
21:48Julia looked at him with pure disgust
21:50Without money, your love is worthless
21:53Just then, with a loud bang
21:55The motel door was kicked open
21:57Jack stumbled inside, covered in blood
21:59Sis!
22:00Save me, sis!
22:04I owe the casino
22:06They said if I don't pay up today
22:08They are chopping off my hands
22:10Are you deaf?
22:12They are going to maim my brother!
22:14Pay them!
22:16Julius screamed in terror
22:18Shoving Cassian forward
22:19I-
22:21Cassian went pale
22:22I don't have any money left
22:23Jax's eyes were wild
22:25He dropped to the floor
22:26Hugging Cassian's leg
22:27And shaking him violently
22:29Cassian, go beg Valerie
22:31She used to love you so much
22:34She did whatever you said
22:36Get on your knees and beg her for the money
22:38Cassian flinched like he had been hit with a bat
22:41He stared at Julia
22:42His lips trembling
22:44Julia
22:45Do you think I should do that too?
22:50Well, you're useless right now anyway
22:52Julia avoided his eyes
22:53Her 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
23:01He couldn't accept that his precious first love was really like this
23:05He held his head in his hands
23:06Trying to hypnotize himself
23:08She is just tired
23:10She still loves me
23:13She is just scared
23:14But reality shattered his last layer of delusion the very next day
23:17Julia went straight to Mateo
23:19Sitting on a massive leather sofa
23:21Mateo casually spun a pistol in his hand
23:24Julia was heavily dressed up
23:25She wore a tight, short dress
23:27Deliberately pulling down the collar to expose her collarbones
23:34Her eyes were red as she spoke in a choked, breathy voice
23:37Dawn
23:38To be honest
23:40I never liked
23:42Cassian's brutality from the start
23:44Julia took a step closer
23:45Leaning her upper body over his mahogany desk
23:48Her voice dripping with seduction
23:49He made me
23:50He used his status to force me to stay with him
23:53But in my heart
23:55I have always admired men like you
23:58Real 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
24:10Julia was thrilled
24:11She even dropped to her knees
24:12Pressing herself against his leg
24:14It is true
24:17Cassian is nothing
24:18He is a brainless coward
24:21I never loved him
24:23As long as you let me stay by your side
24:26I will do anything you want
24:35A roar of utter disbelief and raw fury echoed from the doorway
24:40Cassian stared dead eyed at Julia
24:42Who was kneeling on the floor
24:43Her dress half off
24:45Offering herself to Mateo
24:46You treacherous whore
24:48He charged forward like a madman
24:50Wrapping his hands around Julia's throat
24:52And slamming her hard into the floor
24:54I threw away my title
24:56As godfather for you
24:58I abandoned my own mother for you
25:00And you dare betray me
25:02I will kill you
25:03Julia screamed in terror
25:05Desperately slapping his arms
25:07Her eyes rolling into the back of her head
25:09Cassian probably didn't realize
25:10That if Mateo hadn't explicitly ordered
25:13The downstairs guards to let him through
25:14He wouldn't have even 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
25:21Looking down at them from above
25:23Traded a billion dollar mafia empire
25:25For a woman like this
25:26Your true love sure didn't come cheap Cassian
25:29That broke him
25:30Hearing my voice
25:31Cassian snapped his head up
25:33Then he suddenly started laughing
25:34Like a complete psychopath
25:36He was choking Julia
25:37Laughing out loud
25:38While massive tears rolled down his face
25:40I was wrong
25:42I was so fucking wrong
25:43This circus ended with Mateo's bodyguards dragging them both out
25:47Cassian's face was twisted with mania
25:49I recognized that look
25:50It was the exact same one he'd had
25:52Before he killed me in my past life
25:54Have your guys keep an eye on him
25:55He's about to go completely insane
25:57Don't worry
25:59This time around
26:00I'm not letting anyone hurt you
26:05When I received the video from my private investigator
26:08I was standing by the floor to ceiling windows holding a glass of red wine
26:13The video showed an abandoned rotting pier on the outskirts of Brooklyn
26:16Cassian was drenched in rain
26:18His eyes bloodshot
26:19He had pawned his last pistol to hire a shady van
26:22Kidnapping both Julia and Jax
26:24Fierce winds whipped the freezing ocean water against the rocks
26:28Julia's hands and feet were bound with thick rope
26:30Her face was twisted in sheer horror
26:32Cassian
26:33Cassian, I'm sorry
26:35I really am
26:37Please don't kill me
26:39Let's start over, okay?
26:42I don't want any jewelry or money anymore
26:45I only love you
26:47I am so cold
26:48My head hurts so much, Cassian
26:51I have a fever
26:53You used to care about me
26:54She was using her usual pathetic act
26:57In my past life, it was a sentence just like that
27:00Which drove Cassian mad with guilt
27:02Making him throw me into the freezing, pitch, black river
27:05This time she got to taste the water herself
27:08Faced with her begging
27:09Cassian showed zero mercy
27:10His 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
27:19Let me send you there right now!
27:22Cassian grabbed Julia by the hair
27:24And dragged her toward the edge of the pier
27:25Didn't you say I was brainless?
27:27Didn't you say I was nothing?
27:29You bitch!
27:31You ruined my life!
27:32And now you are going to fucking die!
27:35Roaring, he tied a heavy cinder block tight to her ankles
27:38Julia let out a scream of pure despair
27:41Help!
27:43Help me!
27:44While Cassian was busy tying the knot, Jax
27:47Who was tied up nearby
27:48Had somehow managed to scrape through his zip ties
27:50Pushed to the brink of death, his survival instinct kicked in
27:54Jax broke free
27:55Grabbed a rusted piece of rebar from the ground and lunged
27:58He drove it straight into Cassian's back
28:00Cassian let out a blood-curdling scream
28:02He convulsed, staring in disbelief at the iron spike protruding from his stomach
28:07The agonizing pain twisted his face
28:10But he didn't fall
28:11Holding his bleeding stomach
28:12A sickening, eerie grin spread across his face
28:16If I'm going to hell
28:18You are all coming with me
28:22You are all coming with me
28:24Using the very last ounce of his strength
28:26He raised his foot and kicked Julia hard off the edge
28:29Julia let out one final, piercing scream
28:32Before plummeting straight into the dark ocean
28:35The wind howled and the waves swallowed her whole
28:37Just like what I experienced in my past life
28:40Now, it was returned to them exactly as they deserved
28:43Drained of life
28:44Cassian collapsed into a pool of his own blood
28:47Coughing up bloody foam
28:48He laughed maniacally at the sky
28:50On my end of the screen
28:51I calmly pressed pause
28:53That lingering, suffocating chill
28:54The trauma that had clung to my soul like a parasite
28:57Since my rebirth finally dissipated into thin air
29:00I made a phone call, my voice perfectly level
29:02You can call the cops now
29:03Tell them you spotted a wanted mafia fugitive with heavy deaths
29:11The police quickly arrived at the pier
29:13By then, Cassian was already half conscious from blood loss
29:17Jax, who had tried to hide in a shipping container
29:19Was dragged out in handcuffs like a dead dog
29:21Three months later, the court delivered the final verdicts
29:25Jax was convicted on multiple charges
29:27And sentenced to 20 years in a maximum security prison
29:30Rumor had it that during his very first month
29:32He was recognized by some thugs he had crossed on the outside
29:35Including the bookies he still owed money to
29:38In a blind spot away from the security cameras
29:41Jax's spine was accidentally snapped
29:43For the rest of his miserable life
29:45He would be paralyzed in a prison hospital bed
29:47Begging for death
29:50Cassian, convicted of first degree murder
29:52Was sentenced to death without delay
29:54In his final days on death row
29:56Due to a severe infection from his wound
29:58He ran constant high fevers
29:59Leaving him delirious
30:01In his endless suffering
30:02He started having frequent hallucinations
30:04In his delusions
30:06He saw Valerie storm the yacht with a crew
30:08Dragging him back to the hospital
30:10He saw himself pushing open the hospital doors
30:13Hearing the lawyer announce his name
30:15As he slipped on the black Onyx ring
30:17And became the all-powerful Dawn
30:18In his dream
30:19He was dressed in a sharp suit
30:21Sitting in the highest office of the Russo family empire
30:24It was a glorious, dazzling future
30:27That belonged entirely to him
30:28Cassian laughed out loud in his sleep
30:30I am the Dawn
30:31I am the Godfather
30:33The violent slamming of the iron cell door
30:36Ripped him out of his beautiful, decadent dream
30:38And dragged him back to reality
30:40Cassian's eyes snapped open
30:42There was no manor
30:43There was no mafia empire
30:45There was only a dark, damp death row cell
30:47That reeked of urine
30:48He was wearing a rough prison uniform
30:50Heavy death row shackles binding his wrists
30:53With every movement
30:54The chains rattled with a terrifying metallic echo
30:56A guard walked in deadpan
30:58Tossing a death warrant onto his cot
31:00No
31:01No, this isn't real
31:02I was just signing contracts
31:04I am the Dawn
31:05Let me out
31:06A psychological whiplash
31:07Plummeting from the throne
31:09Straight into hell
31:10Shattered Cassian completely
31:11That extreme agony of having it all
31:13And losing it
31:14Sliced his soul to ribbons
31:16Cut by cut
31:17But soon
31:17A lethal injection silenced him forever
31:20Meanwhile
31:20On the other side of the city
31:22A grey-haired woman
31:23Reeking of decay
31:24Rummaged through a dumpster
31:26It was Carmela
31:30The day she found out her son was sentenced to death
31:34The shock caused a massive stroke
31:36Leaving her permanently paralyzed on one side
31:38Mateo threw her out without a second thought
31:41And her former cronies avoided her like the plague
31:43Now dragging her half-dead body around
31:46She survived by begging on the streets of New York
31:48Above her, the massive screens in Times Square broadcasted the financial news
31:53On screen Mateo, wearing an impeccable suit and surrounded by politicians
31:57Confidently announced the launch of a new multi-billion dollar syndicate
32:01That was supposed to be her son
32:03That was supposed to be her glory
32:04A freezing gust of wind blew past
32:07Scattering her bitter, incoherent curses into the dark corners of the city
32:11Inside a luxurious penthouse in Manhattan
32:14Mateo and I sat across from each other by the floor-to-ceiling windows
32:18On the table rested two neatly stacked documents
32:20One was my finalized divorce decree
32:22The other was a contract granting me a 20% dividend in the new syndicate
32:26This was the deal Mateo and I made in the hospital that day
32:30I fed him the intel and stalled Cassian
32:32In return, he gave me immense wealth and cleared every hurdle for my divorce
32:37A pleasure doingsness with you, Valerie
32:39Mateo raised his whiskey glass with a slight knowing smile
32:42I stood up and walked to the glass
32:44Looking down at the glittering city below
32:46In the distance, a brilliant firework bloomed across the skyline
32:50I raised my glass, gently clinking it against his
32:53Listening to the crisp sound of ice hitting the crystal
32:56I 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
33:07I wasn't about to let my percentage go up in smoke
33:10The shooter was one of Cassian's old loyalists
33:13A desperate ghost who lost everything when Mateo took the throne
33:16Looking for payback
33:17The 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
33:27I just felt his pounding heart against my chest
33:30Three days later, I opened my eyes
33:32Mateo was sitting right by the bed
33:34Wrinkled suit, dark stubble coating his jaw
33:37Seeing me awake
33:38His dark eyes immediately lit up
33:40He leaned in close to my side
33:42You're awake
33:43Don't get emotional
33:46I couldn't let my cash cow die
33:48He grabbed my hand
33:49His fingers clamped down so hard it almost hurt
33:52Like he was holding onto something he'd nearly lost forever
33:55Valerie, I have a new proposition
34:02Marry me
34:03His voice was low
34:04I froze
34:05What?
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
34:19And the real books?
34:20Family only
34:21I make you my wife, you get the keys
34:23It's the only way in
34:24I stared at him
34:26My pulse jumped
34:27He needed me to secure his empire
34:28Or so he said
34:30He had plenty of enemies
34:31Yes, but this
34:32This wasn't just about the family anymore
34:35A two-year contract
34:36You'll be the real Donna
34:38Fifty percent cut
34:39When time is up
34:40You walk away free
34:42Cassian gave me nothing
34:43But three years of humiliation
34:45And betrayal
34:46And this man
34:47He was handing me a clean exit
34:48And half a mafia empire
34:50On a silver platter
34:52What's the catch?
34:58Be my wife
34:59A real wife, Valerie
35:01Not a trophy like you were for Cassian
35:04Which means?
35:06It means you move into my room
35:07You sleep in my bed
35:09You act like a loving wife in front of everyone
35:11The air suddenly felt scorching
35:13Mateo pulled a folded document
35:15From his inside jacket pocket
35:16Termination clause is on the last page
35:19I flipped to the back
35:20My eyes caught on the words
35:21Mateo's restrictions were packed into 12 bullet points
35:24No coercion
35:25Unrestricted movement
35:26Absolute privacy
35:28Separate finances
35:29But my termination clause
35:30Just one line
35:31Triggered unilaterally
35:32Effective immediately
35:35Why?
35:35Because you're worth it
35:36Three years
35:38Nobody had ever said that to me
35:43I didn't hesitate
35:44My fingers shook slightly from the painkillers
35:46But I signed my name
35:47Mateo took the contract
35:48He looked at my signature for a long second
35:52Valerie
35:52I promise you one thing
35:54Nobody hurts you
35:55Ever again
35:56The door clicked shut
35:58Then my phone buzzed on the bedside tray
36:00A single text message from Mateo
36:04Pleasure doing business
36:05Donna
36:13For three days before the wedding
36:15My room overflowed with luxury boxes
36:17Mateo's men practically bought out half of Manhattan
36:20Day one
36:21Five tailors
36:22Showed up with four lookbooks
36:23They measured around my shoulders
36:25Like I was made of glass
36:26Mr. Russo insisted
36:28All necklines must avoid your left shoulder
36:31The gunshot wound was still healing
36:33He remembered
36:33Day two
36:34Jewelers brought in trays of diamonds
36:36I pointed at the cheapest
36:38Plainest white gold band
36:39This one
36:40The jeweler paled
36:41He scurried to a corner
36:43And whispered into his phone
36:44The Donna chose an entry-level piece
36:46By evening
36:47That plain band was gone
36:49In its place sat a massive
36:51Emerald cut diamond ring
36:52Vasim engraved on the inside
36:54It easily cost a hundred times more
36:57Than the band I picked
36:58Day three
36:59Maids stumbled
37:00In carrying the entire spring collection
37:02In champagne silk
37:03What 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
37:10Staring at the sea of velvet boxes
37:13Unbidden
37:13A memory surfaced
37:15The night before I married Cassian
37:16I was stuck in a cheap motel room
37:18Ironing my own wrinkled wedding dress
37:21Cassian had been forty minutes late
37:22He was busy helping Julia pick out a gift
37:25A bitter ache twisted in my chest
37:27Followed by a cold hard sense of closure
37:29I finally saw how pathetic I had been
37:31How little I had settled for
37:36The wedding took place at St. Patrick's Cathedral
37:39I looped my arm through Mateo's
37:41As we walked down the aisle
37:42The pews were packed with capos and rivals
37:44Their stares sliced at me like blades
37:46Chin up
37:47Look straight ahead
37:48His large, warm hand covered mine
37:51Just like that
37:52The suffocating hostility in the room
37:54Vanished
37:54The pipe organ roared to life
37:56The priest read the vows
37:58But it was all white noise
37:59I only felt Mateo sliding that heavy emerald ring down my finger
38:03You may kiss the bride
38:05Mateo's hand cupped my jaw
38:08The kiss was brief
38:09A mere brush of lips
38:11Late that night
38:12I sat on the edge of our massive bed
38:14The ring felt heavy
38:15Branding my skin
38:16The shower ran in the master bathroom
38:18I stared at the green stone
38:20Flashing back to my first wedding night
38:22I had spent it alone
38:23Staring 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
38:30Sticking to his forehead
38:31He wore a loose black robe
38:33He walked straight to the window
38:34His sharp eyes scanning the street below
38:36A black SUV idled in the shadows across the street
38:39Mateo turned back to me
38:40A 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
38:56Completely tense
38:57The bed was too big
38:59It smelled just like him
39:00Making my heart hammer against my ribs
39:02I waited for the nightmares
39:03I waited for the feeling of freezing water
39:05Under the Brooklyn Bridge
39:07But at 3am, my eyes snapped open
39:09I realized I had slept soundly for five straight hours
39:12The first time since I came back to life
39:14I cracked the door open
39:16Mateo was sitting on the living room couch
39:18He was standing guard
39:19My heart raced
39:20A strange heat bloomed in my chest
39:23At the board dinner three days later
39:25Old capo Ricci sneered at me
39:27Everyone caught it
39:29Collecting quite the consultation fee, aren't we, Don's wife?
39:33Consultation fee was old school mob slang
39:35It meant skimmed money
39:36Mateo 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
39:43And calmly dabbed my mouth
39:45You're right, Mr. Ricci
39:46Consultation fees are a beautiful thing
39:49Take the 170 grand you collected last month, for example
39:52Wired to your mistress
39:53Cayman Islands account in three separate installments
39:56First wire, 58 grand
39:58Transferred at 2.03am on the 5th
40:00Second wire, 62 grand
40:024.17pm on the 12th
40:04Want me to recite the exact time and amount for the 3rd?
40:08The room was completely silent
40:13I picked up my knife and casually sliced my steak
40:17Relax, I don't care about your private life
40:20Just stop testing me with cheap insults
40:22And we can play nice
40:24The whispers around the table vanished
40:26Out 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
40:38Beautiful
40:39A genuine laugh escaped me
40:41The first time since I woke up in this body
40:43Do that more, Valerie
40:45You should smile more
40:47That night, I dreamed of the Brooklyn Bridge again
40:49Freezing water flooded my lungs
40:51Julia stood on the bridge, looking smug as I sank into the dark
40:55Help!
40:56I screamed
40:57I jolted awake, drenched in cold sweat
40:59I was gripping something
41:01Hard, a large, warm hand
41:03I 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
41:11You're not there anymore
41:13Who let you in?
41:14I was passing by
41:15Your room is at the end of the hall
41:17I said I was passing by
41:18I slowly loosened my death grip on his hand
41:22My breath caught
41:22Four bloody crescent moons scarred the back of his hand
41:25He hadn't made a single sound
41:27Mateo lay down on the small sofa
41:29I'm sleeping here tonight
41:31Relax, I'm not interested in my business partner
41:33Go to sleep
41:35I glared at his broad back for a long time before finally lying down
41:38I could hear his steady breathing
41:40It slowly eased my tense nerves
41:42A dreamless night
41:46Seven straight days
41:48Mateo showed up on my sofa on the dot every night
41:51Always with the same book
41:52Always gone before dawn
41:54I actually started looking forward to the sound of his breathing
41:57But on the ninth morning
41:58I opened my bedroom door
41:59The sofa was empty
42:01No book
42:01No wrinkled jacket
42:03Even his cedar scent was gone
42:04I told myself it was fine
42:06He had no obligation to babysit a partner's nightmares
42:09But during the morning board meeting
42:10My mind spun
42:11I mixed up the gun and drug shipment numbers three times
42:14The capos across the table exchanged confused looks
42:17Mateo glanced at me from the head of the table several times
42:20But stayed quiet
42:21Late that night
42:22I dragged my exhausted body home and pushed my door open
42:25Mateo was casually stretched out on the sofa again
42:28He 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
42:36Sleeping here every night
42:38Watching over me
42:39You have your own bed
42:41Your own room
42:43Mateo closed his file and met my gaze
42:45You're right
42:47I don't have to
42:47But I want to, Valerie
42:49You want to?
42:50He leaned back
42:52Call it protecting my investment
42:53I knew it was an excuse
42:56You stay sharp during the day
42:58My money is safe
42:59But for some reason
43:01My heart did a wild flick
43:06I lay in bed
43:08Listening to the soft rustle of pages
43:09The faint creak of the leather sofa when he shifted
43:12At 4am something pulled me out of bed
43:14Without making a sound I walked over and crouched by the sofa
43:17Mateo seemed asleep
43:19But his brows were knit tight like he was in pain
43:21Moonlight spilled through the window
43:23Casting soft shadows on his sharp jawline
43:25With his eyes closed he looked younger
43:27Thick brows, long lashes
43:29I reached out, wanting to smooth the crease between his brows
43:32The second my fingers almost brushed his skin
43:35His eyes snapped open
43:36His hand shot out and grabbed my wrist
43:38Our eyes locked
43:39We 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
43:47My face instantly burned
43:49You had a smudge on your forehead
43:51It was the lamest excuse I could come up with
43:53Mateo stared at me for three agonizing seconds
43:56Then he slowly released my wrist
43:58Oh yeah?
43:59His lips twitched up
44:01Did you wipe it off?
44:02I scrambled to my feet, my heart hammering
44:04Yeah, it's gone
44:05I bolted back to bed and cocooned myself in the blanket
44:08My heartbeat was deafening
44:09A 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
44:29Mateo ignored him
44:30He kept flipping through the contract
44:32DeMarco stubbed out his cigar
44:34Fucks the older brother, then moves to the younger one
44:37She must be a freak in the sheets
44:39No wonder you married Casian's leftovers
44:43Before he could finish his breath, Mateo shot up
44:46He flipped the heavy table with bare hands, vials, coffee mugs
44:49And contracts smashed into DeMarco
44:51Before DeMarco could even process it
44:53Mateo vaulted over the wreckage and grabbed him by the tie
44:56The first punch landed square on DeMarco's cheekbone
44:59A loud crack echoed in the room
45:01DeMarco screamed and tried to swing back
45:04But Mateo's second punch shattered his nose
45:06Blood spurted everywhere
45:07It splattered across Mateo's crisp white shirt
45:10Mateo raised his fist for a third strike
45:13The sound of guns cocking echoed
45:15Mateo, ENOUGH!
45:16I shouted, jumping to my feet
45:18Mateo's fist froze in midair
45:20Slowly, he released DeMarco's tie
45:22But he didn't back down an inch
45:24Now, sign the contract with the original terms
45:27DeMarco clutched his ruined nose
45:29Blood 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
45:37In the car ride back
45:39I stared at the red stains on Mateo's shirt
45:41You shouldn't have been so reckless
45:43It's just words, Mateo
45:45Pull over!
45:47Mateo snapped at the driver
45:48The SUV screeched to a halt
45:50The privacy partition rolled up
45:52Mateo turned to me
45:53One large hand gripped the back of my neck
45:55The other grabbed my chin
45:56Then, his mouth crashed down on mine
45:58My mind went completely blank
46:00All I felt was his heat and his ragged breath
46:02When he finally pulled away
46:04We were both panting heavily
46:07Nothing in the contract says I can't kiss you
46:09His thumb roughly brushed my swollen lips
46:11Anyone ever talks to you like that again, I'll kill them
46:13I opened my mouth to speak
46:15But no words came out
46:16Right then, Mateo's phone rang
46:18Shattering the heavy silence
46:20Mateo, I'm back
46:21I heard you got married
46:26I left the country for an arranged marriage
46:29I vanished from his world completely
46:31Three years later, my husband and I flew back stateside for a family memorial
46:35My husband had a last-minute work emergency
46:37So he told his local branch to send a car for me
46:40I walked out of the airport
46:41And froze
46:42My driver was Seth
46:44My ex-fiance
46:45Yo Seth, isn't that your obsessed ex?
46:48Isn't that Vanessa?
46:49See, I told you guys
46:51I knew she'd come crawling back
46:54Vanessa vanished without a trace
46:55Now she sees Seth is lo-
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