- 8 hours ago
Welcome to Raw.Review . This is a Dailymotion channel dedicated to sharing Boy Love drama episodes and romantic short films. We focus on emotional storytelling, meaningful relationships, and beautifully crafted moments that explore love, connection, and youth. Whether you are a fan of BL series or romance stories, Raw.Review aims to be a place where heartfelt stories come into focus.
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00The night I signed the divorce paper and walked away with nothing, I wandered the rainy streets
00:00:05alone with a single duffel bag and only $36. That was when I spotted a flyer taped to a
00:00:11roadside pole. Stepmom wanted for child, room and board. That's what got me. That same night,
00:00:17I showed up at the address. I walked straight into the mansion of Luca Castellano, the don
00:00:22of New York's oldest mafia family. Later, my ex-husband looked down at me with that same
00:00:27arrogance. Nora, do you finally realize you were wrong? Before I could answer, the four-year-old
00:00:32little tyrant exploded. Wrong about what? My mom is the best. The don slipped an arm around my
00:00:38shoulders, kicking him aside. My wife could never be wrong, and even if she was, she'd still be right.
00:00:44I never expected the people posting flyers on poles to be New York's most powerful mafia family. Now I
00:00:50stood outside their mansion. Beside me, the butler carried himself with quiet arrogance. The don is
00:00:55looking for a mother for his child, not a wife for himself. I need you to be very clear on
00:01:00that. Don is
00:01:01a very desirable man. Do not get any ideas you shouldn't. I kept my eyes lowered. Honestly, this job was
00:01:07perfect for me. To put it simply, they just needed a high-end nanny. Eight hours ago, I'd signed the
00:01:12divorce papers and been kicked out of my ex's house. The last thing I wanted was another husband, but a
00:01:18roof? Three meals? A place to disappear? That was a miracle. I understand. I won't get any ideas. The butler
00:01:25led me down a dim, vaulted corridor. Then I heard something that sounded like a gunshot. I stumbled,
00:01:31slammed straight into a hot, hard chest. The smell hit me first. Blood. Gunpowder. Then the barrel of
00:01:37a pistol tipped my chin up. A man in a suit with his hair slicked back. Blood streaked across his
00:01:42jaw.
00:01:42A snake tattoo coiling out of his collar onto his throat. My chest rose and fell rapidly with fear.
00:01:48His gun slid down from my chin and stopped between my soaked breasts. He studied me for a long beat.
00:01:54Finally, walked off without a word. I'd seen that face before. Page 6. New York Times. The
00:02:00Castellano Don. Sebastian had once spent a month studying his photos, trying to get in with the
00:02:05old mafia family behind him. The butler finally spoke. The Don is handling some business.
00:02:11Please don't mind. I nodded quietly. Then he took me to change into something dry and led me into the
00:02:16dining room. A long wooden table sat beneath a crystal chandelier. And at one end, a father and son
00:02:22were locked in a standoff. The man with murder in his eyes was gone. In his place, at the table,
00:02:27sat a man in a white dress shirt holding a spoon. His face was tired. The boy pressed his lips
00:02:33shut
00:02:33and glared up at his father like a tiny soldier holding the line. Neither moved. Finally, the man
00:02:38exhaled and set the spoon down. Long fingers pinched the bridge of his nose. His voice dropped, low and
00:02:44rough. One bite. One small bite. Is that really too much? The butler stepped forward. Don. The
00:02:51applicant is here. The man turned. His shirt was unbuttoned low. I could see most of the snake
00:02:56tattoo now. The lines of his muscles pressed faintly through the white linen. The most feared
00:03:01man in New York inherited the family glory at 16. Built it bigger, darker, quieter than his father had.
00:03:08Money, power, blood on his hands. So this wasn't some dream or scam. A man like Luca Castellano,
00:03:14had no reason to scam a broke divorcee off the street. His eyes moved over me, distant and tired.
00:03:21Name? I figured he'd come straight from his so-called business. Handling traitors,
00:03:25torturing some enemies, and now got defeated by a toddler. Feeding the kid was probably harder
00:03:30than running his empire. Nora Bennett, I said. A barely there nod. He held out the plate. Try.
00:03:36So, this was my interview. If I didn't pass, I was sleeping on the F train. I smiled my warmest,
00:03:41gentlest smile, and walked toward the boy. I didn't make it two steps. Whoosh. He bolted under the
00:03:47table. Only his eyes peeked out. Dark, round, furious. I don't want her. Send her away. She's a bad lady.
00:03:55They're all bad ladies. So before me, this kid had already been through who knows how many stepmoms.
00:04:00Fine. I needed to do my best. I scanned the room and clocked it instantly. Action figures everywhere.
00:04:06Batman. Spider-Man. A whole shelf of Avengers. I grabbed two figures off the coffee table and
00:04:12crouched down by the table leg. I sat Batman and Spider-Man right next to the kid. Then I picked
00:04:17up the spoon. Don't worry. I'm not feeding you. I'm feeding Batman. I mimed a spoonful into Batman's
00:04:23face. Open up, bats. Heroes who skip dinner? Skinny arms, skinny legs. Can't protect anyone like that.
00:04:30Oh, Batman wants vegetables? Good call. Spinach makes you strong. The boy watched, half-hidden.
00:04:36Lips parting, smacking his mouth a little. I pretended not to see. His nose started turning
00:04:41pink, like he was about to cry. Right on cue, I gasped. Wait, is that a baby Batman over there?
00:04:47Bats, can you share with him? He has to eat too if he's gonna grow up strong. I tilted Batman.
00:04:53Bats says yes. I turned to the boy. Batman improved, kiddo. You get a little, but just a little.
00:05:00We don't want you outgrowing him. He'd be sad. The boy nodded furiously. I didn't even get the
00:05:05spoon to his mouth before he grabbed it with his lips. A big bite. Why won't you give me vegetables?
00:05:10You scared I'll get stronger than Batman? Bad lady. I glanced at the couch. Luca Castellano's
00:05:16mouth curved. A small, real smile. Approving. I moved into the castle that night. There were three
00:05:22floors. I got the second floor with Leo. Luca had the entire third floor to himself. The butler
00:05:27walked me to my room and gave me one last warning. You do not go up to the third floor,
00:05:31ever. His voice dropped. The last woman who snuck up there to climb into the Don's bed got thrown out
00:05:37of his window. Two story drive. I thought of the gun from an hour ago. I nodded so hard I
00:05:42almost gave
00:05:42myself whiplash. Won't happen. You have my word. Castellano men breed serious. Leo was only four
00:05:48and slept in his own bed without a fuss. And that made my job easier. I'd just changed into the
00:05:53silk
00:05:53pajamas from the closet. The knock made me jump. Don Luca's voice was low behind the door. Come down.
00:05:59Let's talk. Luca was on the couch in the great room. Long legs crossed. Whiskey in his hand. I sat
00:06:05across from him on the opposite couch. Hands in my lap. Knees together. Like a job interview. You're
00:06:10good with kids. You have one of your own? No. I helped raise my ex's nephew for two years. Back
00:06:15the...
00:06:15The crane said I didn't make enough money and ordered me to quit. Called it generosity. Then,
00:06:20after I did, they claimed I was lazy and had nothing to do. So they fired the nanny and dumped
00:06:25the
00:06:25kid on me. More free maid than wife. File says you're divorced. Yes. Reason? Some small town girl
00:06:31cannot stain a noble family name. I guess. Only a coward would say that. You saw the ad. I'm hiring
00:06:37a mother for Leo. Not a date for me. My rival's family terrified him when he was little. He's always
00:06:42been insecure, hates leaving the house, and has never had a single friend. I work long hours. I need
00:06:48someone with patience. Someone who'll stay. There will be a prenum. Everything stays separate.
00:06:53Especially in bed. My heart shuddered as I looked deep into his eyes. Marriage in rich people's world
00:06:59was a contract before it was anything else. My marriage with Sebastian was for love. But because
00:07:04the gaps between our family, I'd signed one with him too. When the love ran out, I'd walked away with
00:07:10nothing. Not even my wedding ring. Let alone a powerful mafia family like the Castellanos. They
00:07:16would only be more careful. I understand. Honestly, if you just need someone in the house, we don't have
00:07:21to make it legal. I'm fine without the paperwork. Luca shook his head. He leaned forward, tapping his
00:07:28fingers on the table. Marriage is for Leo. He needs the most stable mother I can give him.
00:07:32And marriage is the strongest contract there is. All right. We'll do it your way.
00:07:40Don't worry. You'll get a hundred thousand a month for expensive. This was the part I cared about.
00:07:44I've been burned before. Mr. Castellano, if we divorce someday, can I keep the money you've given
00:07:49me? Of course. It's yours. All right then. As for sex, I don't need anything from you in that area.
00:07:59You stay on the second floor. Right. The sex. That's fine. Neither do I.
00:08:05So, three days after I signed divorce papers, I got married again. No ceremony, no guests. Same as my
00:08:12first wedding. The butler added an extra dish to dinner. I thought that was the celebration.
00:08:17But suddenly, Luca slid a signet ring across the table. A Castellano family ring.
00:08:26That's not necessary. Sebastian never even gave me his family ring. For Leo's sake. Then I got it.
00:08:33The child needed a family illusion. I fell into silence and finally took it. I'll keep it safe. That night,
00:08:40I'd just gotten into bed when the door creaked open. Leo stood in the doorway. Bare feet,
00:08:45hair sticking up, fidgeting with his dinosaur pajamas. What's up, kiddo?
00:08:50Nora, can you read me a bedtime story?
00:08:53What? You want me to read you a bedtime story?
00:08:56I'll get my dad to pay you extra. If you don't want to, forget it.
00:09:00Come here.
00:09:01I held the covers open. He scrambled in like he'd been waiting for that all day.
00:09:05Halfway through the story, he was out cold against my shoulder.
00:09:10Next morning at breakfast, Luca's eyes widened when the butler told him Leo had slept in my bed.
00:09:15Nora, that was above and beyond. I'll add another $50,000 a month.
00:09:20Mr. Castellano, that's way too much.
00:09:23It was. By a lot. I'd given far more than this in my last marriage and walked away with literally
00:09:29nothing.
00:09:30During the day, I babysat his nephew. At night, I cooked for my husband.
00:09:35After satisfying his needs in bed, I still had to get up at five to clean the house and make
00:09:40breakfast.
00:09:41His mother judged.
00:09:42We could hire someone, but Nora's just sitting around all day wouldn't be fair.
00:09:47Despite all these, the day of the divorce, his sister told the lawyer I'd been living off them for three
00:09:52years.
00:09:53Mr. Castellano, it's really too much. I like Leo. He's a sweet kid. Reading him a book is nothing.
00:09:59As I said it, Leo came over and grabbed my fingers with his small, warm hand.
00:10:04He was looking up at me with those big, dark grape eyes. He was actually moved.
00:10:08You don't know. The women before you only cared about impressing me.
00:10:14They ignored him.
00:10:16$50,000. That's the new number. Not negotiable.
00:10:20I gave up and thanked him. From that day on, Leo was my shadow.
00:10:25Luca was busy with all the transactions, the guns, and the bloods.
00:10:29The huge mansion was usually just the two of us.
00:10:32I tried my best to play with him and made him happy every day.
00:10:35Until the day I had a hospital appointment for a follow-up, the butler had warned me.
00:10:40Leo couldn't leave the house. Outside triggered panic attacks.
00:10:43I crouched down.
00:10:45Hey, babe. Wait for me at home. I'll be back in an hour.
00:10:49He grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go.
00:10:52Didn't say anything. Just looked at me with those dark, sad eyes.
00:10:58He's scared you're not coming back. His mother left him exactly like that.
00:11:02I'm coming back. I'll see the doctor and come right home. You play here, okay?
00:11:06I was still mid-sentence when he climbed into the back seat of the car.
00:11:10The butler tried not to hope.
00:11:11Master Leo, you're going to the hospital with Miss Bennett?
00:11:14Leo nodded.
00:11:16Thank God. He's finally willing to leave the house.
00:11:19Your depression's getting better. Just keep it slow. Relax.
00:11:23I took the script and the meds and left.
00:11:25Leo was waiting in the lobby with his small batman.
00:11:29Nora.
00:11:31Are you sick?
00:11:33A little, kiddo.
00:11:35I used to skip meals a lot, so I got sick.
00:11:37Promise me you'll never let yourself get like that.
00:11:40Does it hurt?
00:11:42If it hurts, I can give you candy.
00:11:45Daddy told me candy makes you forget.
00:11:47My tears fell without warning.
00:11:50In the crane house, I'd cry and they'd call it dramatic.
00:11:53Small town girl. Can't handle the lifestyle.
00:11:59I had depression.
00:12:02Stop faking it to get attention!
00:12:04The nephew I'd raised for two years stood next to his mother on divorce day and called me ugly.
00:12:09And here was this four-year-old mafia heir handing me his last piece of candy.
00:12:14Nora, I'm going to eat every meal so I can grow up and protect you.
00:12:25You better grow fast, babe.
00:12:27When we walked out of the hospital, there was a black Maybach idling at the curb.
00:12:31Luca was leaning against it.
00:12:32Mr. Castellano, why are you here?
00:12:34He scooped his son into his arm.
00:12:36Seeing how calm and composed the boy was, his eyes suddenly reddened.
00:12:40The butler called, said Leo went out with you. I had to see it.
00:12:44Dad, as long as I'm with Nora, you can stop worrying.
00:12:47I know.
00:12:50That night, he tried to raise my pay again.
00:12:52This time, a black card.
00:12:54I refused so hard, he laughed.
00:12:59Noya, there must be something you want.
00:13:01Could you help me find a used car?
00:13:03Or, 5,000 or below, so I can take Leo out without depending on the driver.
00:13:09Pick anything from the garage.
00:13:12The cheapest car in your garage is a quarter million.
00:13:15I wouldn't dare drive it.
00:13:17Fine.
00:13:19Next morning, an old, beat-up sedan was parked next to his black Bentley.
00:13:24He also flew in a psychiatrist.
00:13:26Same diagnosis as the hospital.
00:13:28But this time, my meds were upgraded to the brand I'd never been able to afford.
00:13:33Your wife needs company.
00:13:35Family, don't push her too hard.
00:13:37I'll remember that.
00:13:38The next day, I drove Leo out with me.
00:13:41He'd always been insecure, had barely seen the outside world.
00:13:44Now, I wanted to show it to him.
00:13:46First, the amusement park.
00:13:47He grabbed my hand and dragged me over to take pictures.
00:13:50Then I took him to the farmer's market.
00:13:52He'd never been to a farmer's market in his life.
00:13:54Nora!
00:13:55I don't want to hold this.
00:13:56My hands are full, Leo.
00:13:58Just a few steps.
00:13:59Fine!
00:14:00One time only!
00:14:02And no more lobster!
00:14:03No!
00:14:04Nora?
00:14:05It was Sebastian, my ex-husband.
00:14:08He was in a crisp gray suit.
00:14:10Hair perfect.
00:14:11Looking like he'd stepped out of a magazine cover.
00:14:14It had been five weeks since the divorce.
00:14:16My stomach nodded on contact.
00:14:18Sebastian and I had met in college.
00:14:20He came from one of those Wall Street elite families.
00:14:23The golden boy of high finance.
00:14:25He'd ignored every objection from his family to put a ring on me.
00:14:28At our wedding, he'd promised to protect me for life.
00:14:31Then he took over Crane Capital and he started finding fault with everything.
00:14:35He wanted me to quit my job, take care of his parents, take care of his sister's kid.
00:14:40Cook, laundry, cleaning.
00:14:42I did all of it because I loved him.
00:14:44Because I'd never been loved by my own family and didn't know any better.
00:14:48Until one day, I caught him in a private club with a girl in his lap.
00:14:52My whole world shattered.
00:14:54I cried.
00:14:55I screamed.
00:14:56I begged him to swear it would stop.
00:14:58The whole Crane family said I was overreacting.
00:15:01What successful man doesn't have side action?
00:15:04Sebastian said I'd been spoiled rotten.
00:15:07He blocked my number.
00:15:08Stopped coming home.
00:15:09My depression cratered.
00:15:11I filed for divorce.
00:15:13He thought it was a bluff.
00:15:14His family told him, don't let her win.
00:15:17He had his lawyer draft papers.
00:15:19I walked out with nothing.
00:15:20Signed them in seven seconds.
00:15:22Four years of dating.
00:15:23Three years of marriage.
00:15:24Done.
00:15:25Noah, Ivy League degree.
00:15:27And here you are playing nanny?
00:15:30What were you thinking?
00:15:32Not your business.
00:15:34Nora, try to understand.
00:15:36The day you married into the Crane family, you represent the Crane name.
00:15:41Sebastian, we're divorced.
00:15:43I have nothing to do with your family anymore.
00:15:47Even divorced, you're my ex-wife.
00:15:49People still bring me up when they talk about you.
00:15:52Stop embarrassing me.
00:15:53Use your head for once.
00:15:55Stop being emotional all the time.
00:15:58Nora, a few weeks out here.
00:16:00Bet you miss being Mrs. Crane, don't you?
00:16:01Admit you were wrong.
00:16:02I'll think about taking you back.
00:16:03The girls outside the marriage, those were nothing.
00:16:05I haven't replaced you.
00:16:06The position's still open.
00:16:08Just swallow your pride.
00:16:09Apologize to my mother and my sister.
00:16:11Don't bother holding it.
00:16:13Give the seat to someone else, Sebastian.
00:16:14I'm not interested.
00:16:15On the drive home, a new number called.
00:16:17Connor, the nephew I'd raised for two years.
00:16:20I'd block the rest of the Cranes.
00:16:22Not him.
00:16:23Kids didn't pick their parents.
00:16:25Hey, Con.
00:16:26Nora, you divorced loser.
00:16:28My mom wants to talk to you.
00:16:30My throat closed up.
00:16:31Then Cassandra Crane took the phone.
00:16:33Nora, Sebastian tells me you're working as a nanny.
00:16:36Have you ever thought about anyone but yourself?
00:16:38You're slapping Sebastian's face.
00:16:40You're slapping the Crane name.
00:16:41What does that look like to people?
00:16:43Nora, I always said it.
00:16:45You'll never rise above your roots.
00:16:47Trash dressed in silk.
00:16:48I hung up, blocked her, pulled over.
00:16:51I crashed onto the steering wheel and bawled.
00:16:53I cried until I couldn't breathe.
00:16:55I cried until I was so empty I felt nothing.
00:16:58Then I sat up, wiped my face, felt the exhaustion settle bone deep.
00:17:02Nora, here, tissue.
00:17:03I'd forgotten Leo was in the back seat.
00:17:05He was holding a tissue out from his car seat.
00:17:07Big, sad eyes glued to me.
00:17:09I'm sorry, sweetheart.
00:17:10Did I scare you?
00:17:11Nora, I'm not scared.
00:17:13You can cry as long as you want.
00:17:15I'll wait.
00:17:16Adults crying isn't shameful.
00:17:18I won't laugh.
00:17:19Thanks, my little gentleman.
00:17:21Auntie's done.
00:17:22No more crying from now on.
00:17:23Let's go home.
00:17:24I went to bed early that night.
00:17:26Didn't feel up to dinner.
00:17:27Then a knock.
00:17:28Nora, can I come in?
00:17:30Luca.
00:17:31I was fresh out of the shower.
00:17:32Hair wet, robe tied carefully.
00:17:35I made sure nothing was showing.
00:17:37Come in.
00:17:37He was in a tight white tank top, making the snake tattoo stand out even more.
00:17:42Dark hair falling loose over his forehead.
00:17:44Whiskey in his hand.
00:17:45Looser than I'd ever seen him.
00:17:47He sat in the chair by my bed.
00:17:49His gaze flicked to my wet collarbone.
00:17:51Then immediately to the wall, like he'd been caught.
00:17:53The clothes in your closet, you never wear any of them.
00:17:57They're too nice.
00:17:58I'm not used to it.
00:17:59I've learned one thing from the Crane marriage.
00:18:01Don't force yourself into a world that isn't yours.
00:18:04The fall is uglier when they shove you out.
00:18:06Are they not your style?
00:18:07I'll have the designer come fit you for new ones.
00:18:10No, no, Mr. Castellano.
00:18:11I'm in the house all day with Leo.
00:18:13There's nowhere to wear that kind of thing, truly.
00:18:16I heard you saw your ex today.
00:18:18His name's Crane?
00:18:20The stupid Crane capital?
00:18:21I froze.
00:18:22Leo had snitched.
00:18:24Yes.
00:18:24That Crane.
00:18:25Old news.
00:18:27Nora, since you came, Leo's been a different child.
00:18:31His eyes were dark and serious on mine.
00:18:33I shifted, uncomfortable.
00:18:35You pay me very well.
00:18:36It's what I'm here for.
00:18:38Nora, ask me for anything.
00:18:40I can probably make it happen.
00:18:42Mr. Castellano, I don't need anything.
00:18:45He was quiet a long moment.
00:18:47His fingers tightened on his knee, then released.
00:18:49He stood up.
00:18:50I'll say this again.
00:18:52I'm the Don of the Costetto family.
00:18:55If you want, I can make sure he never speaks again more by tomorrow.
00:18:59I took a step back, still not used to him being this close.
00:19:02Without warning, he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
00:19:05Did I scare you?
00:19:06I said nothing.
00:19:07His hand slid down from my cheek.
00:19:09He gave a faint smile, then walked out.
00:19:12For the next two weeks, Luca started coming home early.
00:19:16Dinner with Leo and me.
00:19:17Sometimes board games after.
00:19:19Sometimes a movie.
00:19:20A man who ran half of New York's underworld didn't change his schedule for no reason.
00:19:25I was starting to worry.
00:19:26Was the family in trouble?
00:19:27Not that I cared about him.
00:19:29I just really cared about my $150,000 a month.
00:19:32Mr. Castellano, you don't have to keep coming home this early.
00:19:36Leo has me.
00:19:36If you've got business, take it.
00:19:38Luca picked up a red Lego brick.
00:19:40Voice perfectly neutral.
00:19:41The psychiatrist said you need family.
00:19:44Leo and I are your family now.
00:19:45We have responsibilities.
00:19:46Since when are we family, I wanted to say.
00:19:50I didn't.
00:19:50Honestly, Leo's enough.
00:19:52The doctor said my improvement is mostly thanks to him.
00:19:56He stroked his chin, avoiding eye contact.
00:19:59I grabbed Leo's hand and stood.
00:20:00Come on, buddy.
00:20:01Story time.
00:20:02Daddy still has work.
00:20:04Leo and I walked out.
00:20:05Nora.
00:20:06Luca's voice, stopping me at the doorway.
00:20:09Yes?
00:20:09His ears were faintly pink.
00:20:11He cleared his throat.
00:20:13Tomorrow night, there's an event.
00:20:15Plus sun's required.
00:20:17Would you come with me?
00:20:19Me?
00:20:26You.
00:20:27I don't have time to find someone else.
00:20:29I'll pay you an appearance fee.
00:20:30A man with his face couldn't find a date in 24 hours?
00:20:33I didn't think too much.
00:20:35There was money on the table.
00:20:36Sure.
00:20:37I don't know the social rules in your world, though.
00:20:40I don't want to embarrass you.
00:20:42The Cranes were a moneyed family, too.
00:20:44But Sebastian had never taken me to anything because his mother said,
00:20:48She doesn't know how to act in public.
00:20:50Don't let her embarrass us.
00:20:52Stand next to me.
00:20:53That's all.
00:20:54Luca's brow eased.
00:20:55If you want, I can make the gossipers shut up for good.
00:20:59The butler chimed in, beaming.
00:21:01Miss Bennett, you don't need to know the rules.
00:21:04The Don is the rules.
00:21:06Hard to argue with that.
00:21:07The next afternoon, a design team showed up at the mansion.
00:21:11Five people.
00:21:12Most of them flown in from Paris.
00:21:14Hair, makeup, dress, jewelry.
00:21:17They huddled and debated each detail for 20 minutes at a stretch.
00:21:21By the time Luca came home, I was starting to feel sick about how much was on me.
00:21:25He walked in, saw me.
00:21:27His eyes did something.
00:21:29A brief flash, almost stunned, before he caught himself.
00:21:33Daddy, look how pretty Nora is.
00:21:37Call her mom.
00:21:39Leo turned his head and harrumphed.
00:21:41Wouldn't say it.
00:21:42I patted his hair.
00:21:43It's okay.
00:21:44I like Nora.
00:21:46Makes me feel young.
00:21:48The event was a charity gala at the plaza.
00:21:50Every major name in New York was there.
00:21:52Old money, bigger money, political faces.
00:21:55A few faces I recognized from the papers, and a few I knew not to recognize at all.
00:22:00They orbited Luca immediately.
00:22:02Conversations started landing on me.
00:22:04Mr. Castellino.
00:22:06Who's the beautiful lady?
00:22:08I jumped in to save him.
00:22:10I'm a friend of Mr. Castellino's.
00:22:14My wife.
00:22:15Nora.
00:22:16The room shifted.
00:22:17A chorus of polite gasps.
00:22:20Compliments raining down.
00:22:21My face went hot to my collarbone.
00:22:24Luca squeezed my hand.
00:22:26Leaned in.
00:22:26Nora.
00:22:27Is being my wife really that embarrassing?
00:22:30You couldn't say it?
00:22:32Bourbon and cedar on his breath.
00:22:34No.
00:22:35No.
00:22:36I just...
00:22:37I didn't want to embarrass you.
00:22:38His eyes darkened.
00:22:40Nora.
00:22:40He looked at me like he was lighting something on fire.
00:22:42Only a weak man is embarrassed by his wife.
00:22:45I had to look away.
00:22:46I'll grab a drink.
00:22:46I bolted.
00:22:48I'd been hiding by the champagne tower for about 90 seconds when...
00:22:52Nora?
00:22:56There was no date.
00:22:57Just him.
00:22:58Had it Luca said plus ones required?
00:23:01Sebastian's face was pure stunned.
00:23:03It is you.
00:23:05I almost didn't recognize you.
00:23:13I've never seen you look like this.
00:23:15I stepped back.
00:23:16Stay away from me.
00:23:18Nora.
00:23:19About my sister's call.
00:23:20That wasn't me.
00:23:21I'd never authorize that.
00:23:23Truth is, I only agreed to the divorce to teach you a lesson.
00:23:25Bratty wife.
00:23:26Needed reminding.
00:23:28I never actually planned to let you go.
00:23:30Apologize to my mom and my sister.
00:23:34We'll remarry.
00:23:35I'll forget the rest.
00:23:40Crane?
00:23:41Capital is bleeding right now.
00:23:43I'm slammed.
00:23:44Stop making things hard for me.
00:23:45He reached for my hand.
00:23:46The Sebastian special.
00:23:48One slap.
00:23:49One kiss.
00:23:50He'd run me on that loop for three years.
00:23:53I'm not the Nora he married anymore.
00:23:55I yanked back.
00:23:56Sebastian.
00:23:57Divorced means divorced.
00:23:59I'd rather sleep under the Brooklyn Pleerage than wear your last name again.
00:24:02Find someone else for that throne.
00:24:04Still stubborn.
00:24:05You haven't suffered enough.
00:24:07Crawl find me when you've actually been broken.
00:24:11That's when Luca started walking toward us.
00:24:14Sebastian's whole posture changed.
00:24:17Nora.
00:24:18We'll talk later.
00:24:19There's a heavyweight I need to corner.
00:24:21Don't get in the way.
00:24:22Plastered on his best smile and intercepted Luca with a business card already out.
00:24:28My Don.
00:24:28I'm Sebastian Crane.
00:24:30Crane Capital.
00:24:31I'd like to talk about the mandate you pulled.
00:24:35Five years.
00:24:37Crane at Capital ran the books on every fund Castellino Holdings put on the street.
00:24:40Then you cut us out overnight.
00:24:43If we fell short, tell me where.
00:24:46Whatever you need, I'll make it right.
00:24:48Sebastian, half bowed.
00:24:50Luca's eyes went past him, straight to me.
00:24:53Nora.
00:24:54What do you think?
00:24:55Should I give him a second chance?
00:24:58Sebastian's smile froze.
00:25:00Nora?
00:25:01What does she have to do with...
00:25:03Mr. Castelloni.
00:25:05You should know.
00:25:06Nora is my ex-wife.
00:25:07I don't know how she got in here tonight.
00:25:09Probably trying to ambush me into wrecking elitiation.
00:25:11She's just a housewife.
00:25:13Pay her no mind.
00:25:14Luca didn't even glance at him.
00:25:16Nora.
00:25:17Your call.
00:25:18I'll follow your lead.
00:25:22I kept my voice flat.
00:25:24Mr. Crane just asked me not to interfere in his business conversation.
00:25:27I'd hate to interfere.
00:25:30Sebastian Flare.
00:25:31A man's business is none of your concern.
00:25:33Of course.
00:25:34Small town instincts.
00:25:35Luca's voice came in cold and final.
00:25:38Then I'd assume my wife doesn't approve of Crane Capital.
00:25:41Mr. Crane.
00:25:42We'll have to pass.
00:25:44His arm slid around my shoulders.
00:25:45He turned us toward the bar.
00:25:47Sebastian was still standing there, brain catching up.
00:25:50Then a man in a tuxedo brushed past him.
00:25:53Crane.
00:25:54You insulted Don's wife.
00:25:56You stepped on a live mine.
00:25:59That's the only woman who's ever been on his arm in 20 years.
00:26:03Castellano's wife?
00:26:04Impossible.
00:26:05The woman's a nanny in the Castellano house.
00:26:08Sebastian had seen Nora at the farmer's market.
00:26:10Driving the cheap car.
00:26:12Carrying a lobster for the brat.
00:26:13He knew what he saw.
00:26:15A fancy dress didn't make a duchess.
00:26:17The man shook his head and walked off.
00:26:19Some idiots won't listen.
00:26:21Let them die.
00:26:23That night, Luca bid on a Picasso study.
00:26:26And three pieces of war era jewelry.
00:26:29180 million in collectibles.
00:26:31Donated to the children's hospital under my name.
00:26:34After that, the gala turned into a receiving line.
00:26:37Mrs. Castellano, there's a small tea at my place next week.
00:26:41Would you grace us?
00:26:43Mrs. Castellano, my husband is bidding on a Castellano project.
00:26:46Just a quiet word to the Don.
00:26:48I'd never been on this side of a room.
00:26:50I drank three glasses to keep my hands steady.
00:26:52Luca intercepted on the fourth.
00:26:54Apologies, everyone.
00:26:55My wife isn't a drinker.
00:26:57I'll take hers.
00:26:59He drank.
00:27:00Then he drank for me three more times.
00:27:02By the time we slid into his Rolls Royce, we were both lit.
00:27:06I glanced out the window.
00:27:08Sebastian was on the curb, watching us.
00:27:10Mouth curled in that ugly little smirk, like I was the punchline.
00:27:14I closed the curtain.
00:27:15Turned to Luca.
00:27:16Mr. Castellano, thank you.
00:27:18For tonight.
00:27:20For what you did with Sebastian.
00:27:23His voice came out low, soft around the edges.
00:27:27Nora.
00:27:29We're husband and wife.
00:27:31Stop thanking me.
00:27:32We're a paper husband and wife.
00:27:35You didn't have to.
00:27:37His arm lifted.
00:27:38Long fingers tilted my chin up.
00:27:40His thumb brushed slow against my jaw.
00:27:42Nora.
00:27:43What if I don't want a paper marriage anymore?
00:27:46He was too close.
00:27:48His face was carved out of something dangerous.
00:27:51Eyes blown black.
00:27:52Heat from his breath landed on my throat.
00:27:54He smelled like bourbon and that cedar cologne.
00:27:57And something underneath that was just him.
00:28:00The most controlled man in New York was looking at my mouth like he wanted it.
00:28:07Mr. Castellano, you've had too much.
00:28:13You're right.
00:28:14I'm sorry.
00:28:15I had too much.
00:28:16The rest of the ride was silence.
00:28:17A heavy, humming silence with my pulse loud in my ears.
00:28:26Leo saved me.
00:28:27He sprinted at the front door with his picture book.
00:28:32I scooped him up and ran upstairs before I had to look Luca in the face again.
00:28:37I tucked Leo in, then opened my laptop and started scrolling job boards.
00:28:42Sebastian was right about one thing.
00:28:44My Ivy League degree shouldn't be wasted by eating in a mansion playing house.
00:28:48I'd done that marriage already.
00:28:50Stayed home.
00:28:51Made myself small.
00:28:53The minute he didn't need me, he tossed me into the street with nothing.
00:28:56I'd be damned if I let that happen twice.
00:28:59While Leo needed me, I had a place here.
00:29:02The day he didn't, what was I?
00:29:04Though I'm not ready to go back to work yet, physically or mentally.
00:29:07But knowing the market, updating a resume, that couldn't hurt.
00:29:12Then my phone lit up.
00:29:13A text from Luca.
00:29:17The butler did the coffee.
00:29:19Always.
00:29:20And the first rule of this house was don't go to the third floor.
00:29:24I ground a fresh espresso anyway.
00:29:26Then I stood at the bottom of the staircase.
00:29:28Hesitated.
00:29:29Was this a test?
00:29:31Did the last applicant get launched out a window after being summoned upstairs?
00:29:34Was this revenge for the car?
00:29:37I called him.
00:29:40Mr. Castellana.
00:29:41Coffee's here.
00:29:41Come down for it.
00:29:43Bring it up.
00:29:44I hit the record button on my phone.
00:29:47Caught it.
00:29:47If he tried anything sketchy, I had proof.
00:29:51I climbed the stairs.
00:29:53Knocked.
00:29:54Come in.
00:29:55I pushed the door open.
00:29:58And forgot how to breathe.
00:30:01He'd just gotten out of the shower.
00:30:03Black silk robe loosely tied at the waist.
00:30:06A drop slid from his jaw, down his throat, into the open robe.
00:30:10Bathhouse art.
00:30:12Renaissance painting.
00:30:13Holy hell.
00:30:15He took the coffee.
00:30:16His fingertips dragged across mine on purpose.
00:30:20That scared of me?
00:30:21Nora, am I a monster?
00:30:25Nora.
00:30:29From now on, you can come into my room whenever you want.
00:30:33My face still burned.
00:30:35The rules of this house and the rules of my heart were both breaking.
00:30:39I woke up the next morning with a sore throat.
00:30:41Kneezing.
00:30:42Of course, wet hair, late night, fancy dress, too much champagne.
00:30:47I shuffled downstairs in sweats, expecting the empty great room.
00:30:51Lupa was on the couch.
00:30:52Black turtleneck, wireframe glasses.
00:30:55The combination should be illegal.
00:30:57Morning.
00:30:59He set the paper down.
00:31:01You're sick.
00:31:02A little.
00:31:03The back of his hand landed on my forehead.
00:31:06Calm.
00:31:06Practiced.
00:31:07Like he did it every morning.
00:31:08I went stiff as a board.
00:31:11Not bad.
00:31:12I'll grab some Therafix.
00:31:13You'll be fine.
00:31:14He guided me to the couch like I was made of glass.
00:31:17Walked to the kitchen.
00:31:17A six-foot-something mafia don, stirring a packet of cold medicine into a mug.
00:31:23Usually, a don would poison the drink instead.
00:31:26I caught myself wondering what kind of woman Leo's mother had been to deserve a man like
00:31:31this.
00:31:40I drank the Theraflu and slunk back to bed.
00:31:43I didn't want to be in his way, so I just dozed off when an unknown number rang.
00:31:52Nora, it's me.
00:31:53Sebastian.
00:31:54I started to hang up.
00:31:55Don't.
00:31:56I'm parked outside the Castellani gate.
00:31:58Come out or I'll be at the front door.
00:32:00Up to you.
00:32:01I did not want him at the door.
00:32:02I did not want my past laid out on Luca's marble entryway like roadkill.
00:32:07Sebastian intercepted me on the sidewalk.
00:32:10Nora, how long is this stunt going on for?
00:32:13Mrs. Crane working as a nanny?
00:32:15You don't feel humiliated, but I do.
00:32:18I'm not doing anything to you, Sebastian.
00:32:21Stop the act.
00:32:22You dressed up last night to make me jealous.
00:32:25Fine.
00:32:26I'll admit it.
00:32:27After you left, I missed you a little.
00:32:29Here's the deal.
00:32:31Apologize to my mom and my sister.
00:32:32We remarry.
00:32:33You can stop scrubbing floors for strangers.
00:32:38Sebastian.
00:32:39I didn't do anything wrong.
00:32:41What am I apologizing for?
00:32:44You still don't see the problem?
00:32:47You haven't been beaten down enough.
00:32:49I was about to fire back when a small, round cannonball blew past me.
00:32:53Leo, when he saw a strange man hassling me, he did not hesitate.
00:32:56My mom didn't do anything wrong.
00:32:58My mom is the best mom in the whole world.
00:33:02He glared up at him like a furious cherub, protecting me.
00:33:05Something cracked open in my chest.
00:33:07I pulled him in tight.
00:33:09Kid, what did you just call her?
00:33:11Isn't she your nanny?
00:33:13You're a nanny.
00:33:15Your whole family is a nanny.
00:33:17Nora is my mom.
00:33:19My best mom.
00:33:20He pulled back, anxious.
00:33:22I nodded.
00:33:23My eyes were wet again.
00:33:25Nora, you'll be my mom, right?
00:33:28I'll be so good.
00:33:30I promise.
00:33:32Leo, I am your mom's sweetheart.
00:33:35He squeezed me tighter and refused to let go.
00:33:38Sebastian's face twisted into a slow, ugly smile.
00:33:43Oh, I see it now.
00:33:46Nora, you're putting a child up to it.
00:33:49You're playing the long game on Castelloni.
00:33:51He grabbed my arm.
00:33:53Listen, Castorano isn't a man you scam.
00:33:57He's known for ice in his veins.
00:33:59He finds out you're using his son to angle for him.
00:34:02He'll bury you in the East River.
00:34:03A warm hand landed on my waist.
00:34:06I hadn't heard him come outside.
00:34:08Luca, he pulled me into him.
00:34:11Mr. Crane, the last time we spoke you insulted my wife.
00:34:15That's why I pulled the mandate.
00:34:17I was planning to tell the other firms on the street that this was personal.
00:34:20They could keep doing business with Crane of Papadal.
00:34:24After today, I don't think I need to.
00:34:26Castellano.
00:34:28What, you wife?
00:34:29Who's your wife?
00:34:30Mr. Crane, are you really still confused?
00:34:34Or are you only capable of believing what you want to believe?
00:34:38Nora is my wife.
00:34:39The mother of my son.
00:34:42Send him off.
00:34:44Luca turned to the butler at the door.
00:34:46If anyone like this bothers Mrs. Castellini again,
00:34:48have my men throw him out.
00:34:50He took Leo with one arm,
00:34:52wrapped the other around me,
00:34:53walked us inside.
00:34:55The second the door closed,
00:34:57I peeled out of Luca's arm.
00:34:59Awkward as hell.
00:35:00I took Leo upstairs to my room.
00:35:03Leo,
00:35:04where were you all morning?
00:35:07I didn't see you all day.
00:35:09Don't even ask.
00:35:10Dad sent me to preschool.
00:35:12What?
00:35:13You preschool?
00:35:15He said he didn't want you working too hard.
00:35:20He said he needed alone time with you.
00:35:24Why does he need alone time with me?
00:35:27Dad said he had to make you fall in love with him.
00:35:30Otherwise, you might leave us.
00:35:32Leo was four sentences into his report
00:35:35when Luca appeared in the doorway.
00:35:37Leo,
00:35:38downstairs,
00:35:39dinner,
00:35:40stop bothering your mother.
00:35:41My whole face hot.
00:35:43Mom,
00:35:44I'll be back to keep you company in a bit.
00:35:47He scampered out.
00:35:48Luca didn't leave.
00:35:50He walked in.
00:35:52Feeling better?
00:35:53I looked sideways.
00:35:55Mr. Castellano,
00:35:57thank you for what you did.
00:35:59Please don't ruin a business decision for me.
00:36:02I'm really not worth it.
00:36:04Not worth what?
00:36:07What you did out there.
00:36:10Nora,
00:36:11I told you.
00:36:12You're my wife.
00:36:14Protecting you is my job.
00:36:17But-
00:36:17Stop calling this a paper marriage.
00:36:20Nora,
00:36:22I want a real one.
00:36:23I had not expected him to swing this hard,
00:36:26this fast.
00:36:27My face went up in flames.
00:36:29I'll give you time.
00:36:30Take whatever you need.
00:36:32But right now,
00:36:33I want to collect just a little husband privilege.
00:36:36Before I could form a coherent thought,
00:36:38he leaned in.
00:36:39A long, warm hand cradled my cheek.
00:36:42Can I?
00:36:42I didn't say a word.
00:36:45I'll take this as consent.
00:36:47Then his lips crashed against mine,
00:36:49hard and ruthless.
00:36:50His tongue swept into my mouth,
00:36:52stealing the air from my lungs.
00:36:54Right.
00:36:55This was how a mafia boss kissed.
00:36:57Cold.
00:36:58Merciless.
00:36:59Taking whatever he wanted.
00:37:00The kiss lasted so long,
00:37:02my mind went blank by the time he finally pulled away.
00:37:05He rubbed his thumb over my swollen lips.
00:37:08My little princess,
00:37:09that's enough for today.
00:37:15Next time,
00:37:16I won't let you off so easily.
00:37:19Leo got hauled to preschool again the next morning.
00:37:21Under protest.
00:37:23My cold was almost gone.
00:37:24Luca asked if I wanted to see a movie.
00:37:27After everything that had happened,
00:37:28I thought about it.
00:37:29We were married on paper.
00:37:31If something real was going to grow there,
00:37:33that wasn't the worst outcome.
00:37:35He had a private media room on the third floor.
00:37:38It was my first time entering other room in third floor.
00:37:41Before that,
00:37:42he showed me his collection room.
00:37:44One entire wall was covered in cold weapons.
00:37:47Daggers,
00:37:47knives,
00:37:48blades of every kind.
00:37:49Honestly,
00:37:51it was breathtaking.
00:37:52I was still standing there staring at the wall
00:37:54when he stepped up behind me
00:37:55and fastened a necklace around my neck.
00:37:58Another snake.
00:37:59Exactly like the tattoo on his body.
00:38:01A little gift.
00:38:03Don't reject it.
00:38:05Then he took my hand
00:38:06and led me into the media room.
00:38:08He put on a French romance film.
00:38:10Slow, elegant kisses on the screen.
00:38:12Mixed with far less elegant sounds in the background.
00:38:15Luca leaned closer,
00:38:16his voice brushing against my ear.
00:38:20Nora.
00:38:22Yes?
00:38:23I closed my eyes,
00:38:24my fingers tightening around the snake pendant,
00:38:27like a girl being offered up as a sacrifice.
00:38:30His body covered mine
00:38:32as his mouth came down on mine.
00:38:34Soft at first.
00:38:35Careful.
00:38:36One hand slid gently around my throat.
00:38:38Then the kiss deepened.
00:38:40Rougher.
00:38:41Heavier.
00:38:41The kind that stole every thought from my head.
00:38:44He pulled off the white tank top
00:38:46and for the first time,
00:38:47I saw the snake tattoo stretched across his chest.
00:38:50One of the snake's eyes was a scar.
00:38:53I leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss against it.
00:38:56I felt his breathing stop for a second.
00:38:58Then he pushed me down onto bed.
00:39:01I could feel the hard heat of him against me.
00:39:03Soon, the room filled with ragged breathing.
00:39:06That night, I offered myself to a mafia boss.
00:39:09After all the hot chaotic moans,
00:39:11he kept me tucked against my chest.
00:39:13He slid a glossy stack of brochures into my hand.
00:39:17Nora.
00:39:18Pick a wedding planner.
00:39:20I owe you a real wedding.
00:39:24You don't have to.
00:39:26The Don's wife should carry that honor forever.
00:39:28I want every person in this city to know
00:39:30Nora Bennett is my wife.
00:39:32And I'm her husband.
00:39:35I only regret I didn't put it all at your feet
00:39:37the night you walked through that door.
00:39:38I laughed into his shoulder.
00:39:42The night I walked through that door,
00:39:44we didn't even know each other.
00:39:46How were we supposed to?
00:39:48Nora.
00:39:49The night I saw you in that doorway,
00:39:52I already wanted you.
00:39:54Our wedding was bigger than anything New York had hosted in a decade.
00:39:58Old families.
00:39:59New money.
00:40:00Senators.
00:40:01A cardinal.
00:40:02The mayor.
00:40:02We were on the front page for three days running.
00:40:05I scolded Luca.
00:40:06The butler beamed.
00:40:08Mrs. Castellino.
00:40:09The Don has been quiet his entire life.
00:40:12This is the first time he's ever been loud.
00:40:14Indulge him this once.
00:40:15I let it go.
00:40:17The night of the wedding,
00:40:18a strange number called me.
00:40:20My brow furrowed.
00:40:21Luca's long arm reached over
00:40:23and killed the call.
00:40:24His fingers tightened on my waist.
00:40:26Mrs. Castellino.
00:40:27Eyes on me.
00:40:29After,
00:40:30he was winding a strand of my hair around his finger.
00:40:33He cleared his throat.
00:40:34A little awkward.
00:40:35Nora.
00:40:36I want to tell you a secret.
00:40:38I made a small sleepy sound.
00:40:40Leo isn't my son.
00:40:42He's my sisters.
00:40:43He spoke quietly,
00:40:45in pieces.
00:40:45His parents had died when he was 13.
00:40:48He and his elder sister went through a dark period in this empire.
00:40:51Until one day,
00:40:53she married.
00:40:54Had Leo.
00:40:55But happiness suddenly ended.
00:40:56When she and her husband were killed in a shooting three years ago.
00:41:00Luca wiped out that whole family then.
00:41:03He put Leo on his own birth certificate.
00:41:05Quietly.
00:41:06So nobody could ever take him.
00:41:08I thought it would be Leo and me forever.
00:41:10Then you walked in.
00:41:11And nothing was the same.
00:41:14He kissed me again.
00:41:15A few months later,
00:41:17I walked out of the hospital alongside Leo.
00:41:19Mom.
00:41:20Dad said you weren't sick anymore.
00:41:22Why'd we go to the hospital?
00:41:25Because mom has a baby in her belly.
00:41:28Yes!
00:41:29I finally get a sister!
00:41:31What if it's a brother?
00:41:35If it's a brother,
00:41:37we throw him in the trash.
00:41:38If it's a sister,
00:41:40she plays with me.
00:41:41Out of the mouths of babes.
00:41:42I was laughing when a figure stepped in front of me.
00:41:45A man.
00:41:46Wild hair.
00:41:47Filthy coat.
00:41:48Hunched shoulders.
00:41:49I almost dug for a few bucks.
00:41:53Sebastian Crane.
00:41:55Nora?
00:41:57Leo planted himself in front of me on instinct.
00:41:59I pulled him to my side and squeezed his shoulder.
00:42:02Sebastian.
00:42:03What happened to you?
00:42:08Nora.
00:42:09Help me.
00:42:09You're the only one who can.
00:42:11All of New York knows Castelloni loves you.
00:42:13He'll listen to you.
00:42:14Please.
00:42:15Then I remembered what Luca had mentioned.
00:42:17Weeks back.
00:42:18First, the Castellano family cut all ties with Crane Capital.
00:42:22Then the rest of New York followed.
00:42:24Nobody wanted to risk losing Castellano favor.
00:42:27Within weeks, Sebastian's company collapsed.
00:42:29His sister Cassandra, the person he trusted most,
00:42:32had been stealing client money for years.
00:42:35The moment everything fell apart,
00:42:36she fled to the south of France with her family.
00:42:39She left Sebastian alone to take the blame.
00:42:41Crane Capital went bankrupt overnight.
00:42:43Now Sebastian stood in front of me,
00:42:46sobbing, begging.
00:42:47I didn't feel anything for him.
00:42:49Sebastian, people are equal.
00:42:52Your fault, your mess, you pay for it.
00:42:55No one can help you.
00:42:56Behind me, the lobby doors slid open.
00:42:59Luca had just finished with my OB.
00:43:00He walked toward us.
00:43:02Nara, let's go home.
00:43:03We walked past Sebastian Crane like he wasn't there.
00:43:06Because he wasn't.
00:43:07Not in our life.
00:43:08Not anymore.
00:43:09Through my whole pregnancy,
00:43:11Luca was far more anxious than I was.
00:43:13He doubled the security on the entire estate.
00:43:16I never went anywhere without an escort.
00:43:18He had every sharp corner in the house padded.
00:43:21Fit carpet laid across every floor.
00:43:24Sometimes, I'd only shift in bed.
00:43:26And he would ask worriedly,
00:43:27Does something hurt?
00:43:29He'd stroke my belly,
00:43:30pressing his ear against it.
00:43:32I think I just heard the baby calling for me.
00:43:34Leo asked, wide-eyed.
00:43:35Why isn't the baby calling for me?
00:43:37One night, after Leo fell asleep,
00:43:39I found him alone out on the balcony.
00:43:41I walked over and wrapped my arms around him from behind.
00:43:45You don't have to worry.
00:43:46The baby will be born safe.
00:43:48He kissed my forehead.
00:43:50I keep wondering if who I am has put you and the kids in too much danger.
00:43:54My sister died because of the family name,
00:43:56and before you came, Leo wasn't happy.
00:43:58Neither was I before you came.
00:44:00We just complete each other.
00:44:01I pressed closer to his chest.
00:44:03I made my peace with it a long time ago.
00:44:06Being the Don's wife can't be harder than being the Crane's maid.
00:44:09He smiled.
00:44:09My brave girl.
00:44:11At nearly 10 months, my water broke at 2 a.m.
00:44:14A team of doctors and nurses rushed me into delivery.
00:44:18Luca waited outside.
00:44:19The contractions came like waves trying to break me in half.
00:44:22A nurse held my hand.
00:44:24Her grip was wrong.
00:44:25Too strong.
00:44:26Too steady.
00:44:27I looked up at her face.
00:44:28Sharp.
00:44:28Calm.
00:44:29A small scar through one eyebrow.
00:44:31You're not a nurse.
00:44:32She smiled coldly.
00:44:33No, there's a debt your husband never finished paying.
00:44:37The family he buried three years ago still has a few teeth left.
00:44:41We came to collect tonight.
00:44:43My breathing went ragged.
00:44:44The other nurses in the room started screaming,
00:44:46but I knew he was standing right outside, so I didn't panic.
00:44:50I gripped the sheets.
00:44:51Go ahead and try.
00:44:52Right then, the delivery room door opened.
00:44:54A rat that should have died years ago.
00:44:56I've been waiting for you too long.
00:44:58Luca and his men had the woman pinned in seconds.
00:45:01He held my hand, and the coldest mafia boss in New York let a single tear fall.
00:45:08My baby girl was born at 4.42 a.m.
00:45:11Seven pounds.
00:45:12Furious lungs.
00:45:13Luca took her like she was made of glass.
00:45:16Sophia, after my sister.
00:45:18Leo barged in at dawn, peered into the blanket, and gasped.
00:45:22It's a girl.
00:45:24I'll be her hero from now on.
00:45:26She'll be the princess.
00:45:27I laughed until I cried.
00:45:29The four of us, finally, impossibly, whole.
00:45:33I learned the rest later.
00:45:35The fake nurse was a remnant of the family that murdered Luca's sister three years ago.
00:45:40Sebastian had fled to Europe.
00:45:41In Sicily, he found what was left of them, clinging to life.
00:45:45Hatred drove him to something insane.
00:45:48They thought the dawn would be too busy with a wife in labor to notice.
00:45:51That night, while the hospital stood locked down,
00:45:54several of the docks were hit at the same time.
00:45:56But Luca built this empire out of blood and bone at 16.
00:46:01Turning back an attack like that was as easy as breathing for him.
00:46:05Blood.
00:46:06Gunfire.
00:46:07I didn't see most of it.
00:46:08My life stayed bright.
00:46:10The house filled with laughter because of Sophia's coming.
00:46:13One night, Luca asked if I wanted to see Sebastian.
00:46:16Just once.
00:46:17He keeps begging to see you.
00:46:18I was busy making faces at Sophia with Leo.
00:46:22No need.
00:46:23Do whatever you want with him.
00:46:24The man now had nothing to do with me.
00:46:26I only cared in my new family.
00:46:28Leo loved his sister, took his new job seriously.
00:46:31By the second week, he had appointed himself Sophia's full-time bodyguard.
00:46:36No bad guys get past me.
00:46:38Dad said.
00:46:40Sophia blinked at him.
00:46:42Then sneezed.
00:46:44Mom!
00:46:45She did a magic spell!
00:46:46He decided he was her translator too.
00:46:49Every cry meant something only he could understand.
00:46:53She wants the blue blanket, not the yellow one.
00:46:56Obviously.
00:46:57He even handed over his most prized possession.
00:47:00The Batman action figure no one had been allowed to touch for two years.
00:47:06It's alone.
00:47:07When she's bigger, she gives it back.
00:47:09The best part came at bedtime.
00:47:11He'd lean over her crib and drop his voice into a tiny, serious growl, copying his father.
00:47:17Good night, little one.
00:47:19Nobody touches my family.
00:47:21Sophia's hand closed around his finger and held on.
00:47:24Leo froze.
00:47:25He looked at me.
00:47:26His whole face wobbled.
00:47:29Mom.
00:47:30She likes me back.
00:47:32The best part?
00:47:33Leo was finally shaking off his past.
00:47:35He was more lively and braver than ever.
00:47:38My life changed in a normal night.
00:47:41An email came in.
00:47:42A strategy firm called Meridian had offered me a position on their securities desk.
00:47:47I threw myself at him.
00:47:49Luca, your wife is going back to work.
00:47:51You could have told me sooner.
00:47:54Half the businesses in the city have my money behind them.
00:47:56Including that little Meridian of yours.
00:47:58But I want to prove it myself, as Nora Bennett.
00:48:02A woman who can handle a don can handle anything.
00:48:05Meridian took up three floors of a glass tower downtown.
00:48:08I wore my plainest blazer, drove the old sedan, used my maiden name.
00:48:13I wanted to earn it clean.
00:48:16My first morning, my new manager turned around and my stomach dropped.
00:48:20Vanessa.
00:48:21We've gone to college together.
00:48:23She'd spent four years making sure everyone knew I was the scholarship girl from nowhere.
00:48:28The cheap blazer, plain white heels, no ring since I'd left it home out of habit to be safe.
00:48:35Nora Bennett, wow, you look exactly the same.
00:48:37I heard you married into the cranes.
00:48:39Looks like things haven't exactly worked out for you, huh?
00:48:41We divorced.
00:48:42Of course you did.
00:48:44The cranes are bankrupt now.
00:48:45No money for a gold debtor.
00:48:47So it's just you now?
00:48:48And a kid, I heard?
00:48:49Single mom.
00:48:50That is so brave.
00:48:52Welcome aboard.
00:48:53Try to keep up.
00:48:53Three weeks in, I closed the Hartwell account.
00:48:57It was a mess nobody wanted to touch.
00:48:59I worked it for nine days straight.
00:49:01Nora Bennett, a girl from nowhere, brought in the biggest mandate of the quarter.
00:49:06At the Monday partner meeting, Vanessa stood up with my deck.
00:49:10It was a heavy lip, but I pushed the team hard and got it across the line.
00:49:16My name never came up once.
00:49:18Not a single time.
00:49:19After, I caught her by the elevators.
00:49:21That was my account, my work, all of it.
00:49:23What's yours is mine.
00:49:24I'm the manager.
00:49:25You report to me.
00:49:27Everything you do here belongs to me.
00:49:28Get used to it.
00:49:30That night, I curled into Luca's chest and let it all out.
00:49:34She took the whole deal I closed.
00:49:36Didn't say my name once.
00:49:37Luca's hand went still on my back.
00:49:39Say the word.
00:49:40She won't be at that company tomorrow.
00:49:43I don't need you to step in.
00:49:45Not yet.
00:49:46I've been watching Vanessa for weeks, the padded vendor invoices,
00:49:50the kickbacks routed through a shell account.
00:49:52I already have my own card to play.
00:49:54What I didn't expect was that my past walked through the company lobby.
00:49:58I hadn't seen them in 11 years.
00:50:00My mother, my brother Trent.
00:50:02Vanessa stood in the middle of the hall,
00:50:04a hand pressed to her mouth in feigned surprise.
00:50:07But she was the only one who knew about my past.
00:50:10Nora!
00:50:11Is that any way to greet your own mother?
00:50:14Every head turned.
00:50:15Vanessa's eyes glittered.
00:50:17You married a billionaire and you let your family beg?
00:50:21After everything we gave you?
00:50:23They gave me nothing.
00:50:25They gave Trent everything.
00:50:26And showed me the door even before I was even an adult.
00:50:30Your brother needs 300,000.
00:50:34It's filial duty.
00:50:36Support for your parents.
00:50:38You owe us.
00:50:40I owe you nothing.
00:50:44Trent sneered.
00:50:49Rich now and still trash.
00:50:52Some things never change.
00:50:54Security finally steered them toward the doors.
00:50:56My mother screamed the whole way.
00:51:01We'll be back!
00:51:02We'll tell everyone what you really are!
00:51:05Then I heard Vanessa, behind me, murmur to the room.
00:51:09God.
00:51:10And she pretends to be so classy.
00:51:12After that, Vanessa stopped pretending.
00:51:15She handed me the worst account, took credit for my work in front of the partners, scheduled
00:51:19meetings I was never told about, then wrote me up for missing them.
00:51:22She said in the break room.
00:51:24Honestly, I feel sorry for her.
00:51:28Single mom.
00:51:29Crazy family.
00:51:30That sad little car.
00:51:33Some people are just born to lose.
00:51:35Her click laughed.
00:51:36I kept my head down and kept working.
00:51:39I'd survived the cranes.
00:51:40I could survive a Vanessa.
00:51:42Then she pulled the file.
00:51:43My old medical records.
00:51:45Depression.
00:51:46Medication.
00:51:47Wow.
00:51:48And they let her near clients?
00:51:50The room went very quiet.
00:51:52Maybe this just isn't the place for someone so fragile.
00:51:57But I wasn't the girl the cranes broke anymore.
00:52:00While Vanessa spent her days humiliating me, I'd spent mine quietly building a file.
00:52:05Padded vendor invoices.
00:52:06Kickbacks routed into a private shell account.
00:52:09Three years of it.
00:52:10That afternoon, I handed every last page of it to her boss.
00:52:13Then I went back to my desk and quietly finished my work.
00:52:17That night, I sat in the old sedan in the parking garage and didn't start the engine for an hour.
00:52:21Then Leo's school called.
00:52:24Mrs. Castellina, there's been an incident.
00:52:27I drove to the preschool with my heart in my throat.
00:52:32Leo sat in the nurse's office.
00:52:34Scraped elbow.
00:52:35Split lip.
00:52:36Jaw set exactly like his father's.
00:52:39I didn't cry.
00:52:40I want you to know I didn't cry.
00:52:42A bigger boy had shoved him off the climbing frame.
00:52:44And standing in the hallway, arms crossed, was the boy's mother, Vanessa.
00:52:50Small world.
00:52:52Your kids started it.
00:52:54Bragging about having a daddy.
00:52:57My Kaylee told him,
00:52:58What daddy?
00:52:59Everyone knows your mom's a single mom who can't even keep a job.
00:53:03Leo's face crumpled.
00:53:04I do have a dad.
00:53:06I have the best dad.
00:53:11Sure you do, sweetie.
00:53:15Does he live in your imagination?
00:53:18I stepped between them so fast, she flinched.
00:53:21Don't you ever speak to my son again.
00:53:23She stood, smoothing her coat, delighted.
00:53:26Or what?
00:53:27You'll cry about it?
00:53:28Take your meds, Nora.
00:53:30Honestly, people like you shouldn't have kids.
00:53:32You can barely take care of yourself.
00:53:34Leo didn't cry.
00:53:35He planted himself in front of me and lifted his chin.
00:53:38My mom is a thousand times better than you.
00:53:41That was the moment something in me went very, very cold.
00:53:45I stepped forward and slapped Vanessa across the face.
00:53:49I already turned in the proof of what you stole.
00:53:51We'll see who's walking out of that company tomorrow.
00:53:54How dare!
00:53:55Before she could speak, her phone rang.
00:53:58Vanessa, you're under investigation for misappropriating company funds.
00:54:02The bank has frozen all of your assets.
00:54:03She crumpled to the floor.
00:54:05And that was the moment the hallway doors opened.
00:54:08Luca walked in.
00:54:09I hadn't called him.
00:54:11Leo's school is wired to him too.
00:54:13Of course it is.
00:54:14Charcoal coat, slow steps.
00:54:16Vanessa didn't recognize Luca, but she could feel the aura he carried.
00:54:20Sir, this is a private matter.
00:54:22He didn't look at her.
00:54:23He crouched, lifted Leo, checked the split lip with one careful thumb.
00:54:29Who did this?
00:54:31Her son, my manager, Vanessa.
00:54:36Manager at Meridian.
00:54:38Yes.
00:54:39And you are?
00:54:40The man who owns Meridian.
00:54:42The color drained out of her face.
00:54:45And every floor you've ever worked.
00:54:48And the building.
00:54:50And the chair you sit in.
00:54:53This is my wife, Nora Castellano.
00:54:57The single mother you've been entertaining the office with?
00:54:59He pulled out his phone.
00:55:01One call.
00:55:02By the time we got home, Vanessa had already been arrested.
00:55:06Maybe prison suits people like her better.
00:55:08In the bedroom, Sophia asleep on my chest, I finally laughed.
00:55:13Tired and cracked open.
00:55:16Maybe I just have bad luck everywhere I go.
00:55:25Or maybe you keep walking into rooms too small for you.
00:55:30I quit Meridian the next morning.
00:55:32Not because of Vanessa.
00:55:33Because Luca owned it.
00:55:34And I had promised myself I'd win as Nora Bennett or not at all.
00:55:39You don't have to prove anything.
00:55:42I'm not proving it to you.
00:55:45I'm proving it to the girl who got thrown out at 18 with a duffel bag.
00:55:48So I started over.
00:55:50Again.
00:55:50New resume.
00:55:52Real name.
00:55:53No husband attached.
00:55:54I sent out 40 applications.
00:55:57I drove myself to every meeting in the old sedan.
00:56:00Every morning, Leo cheered me on before I left.
00:56:03Three months later, a venture fund hired me to run strategy.
00:56:07Eight months after that, I walked out and built my own firm.
00:56:10A year after that, I was on the front page again.
00:56:13Not Don Castellano's wife, Nora Bennett, founder.
00:56:16Later, Luca framed it, hung it on the third floor, right beside the wall of blades.
00:56:22My most dangerous acquisition.
00:56:25Two years passed the way good years do.
00:56:28Quietly.
00:56:29All at once.
00:56:30My firm took up its own floor now.
00:56:33But the best part of every day was still the drive home.
00:56:36Sophia had grown into a tiny tyrant with Luca's eyes and Leo's mouth.
00:56:41She ran the house.
00:56:42The most feared man in New York did whatever she said.
00:56:45I once walked in to find the dawn of New York at a plastic tea table.
00:56:50Pinky raised, wearing a paper crown.
00:56:52More tea, daddy.
00:56:54Yes, your majesty.
00:56:55He said, dead serious.
00:56:58Leo, now seven, had named himself her official coach.
00:57:01Say it like dad.
00:57:03Low and scary.
00:57:04Sophia scrunched up her face.
00:57:06She growled.
00:57:07Nobody touches my family.
00:57:09Then she ruined it by giggling.
00:57:12At night, Luca still read them both to sleep in that quiet growl.
00:57:16Two small heads on his chest.
00:57:18One enormous, terrifying man pinned to a mattress by two children and refusing to move.
00:57:24I whispered from the door.
00:57:26You're trapped.
00:57:26He looked up at me, the softest I'd ever seen him.
00:57:29Best place I've ever been.
00:57:30People still ask how a nanny ended up married to a man like that.
00:57:35I never know how to answer.
00:57:37The truth is too simple.
00:57:39We were two people with broken pasts who decided to stop being broken, together.
00:57:45He gave a thrown away girl a home.
00:57:48I gave a man made of blood and steel a reason to read bedtime stories.
00:57:53One evening, Sophia fell asleep mid-sentence on his shoulder.
00:57:57Leo had drifted off against my side.
00:57:59He said quietly,
00:58:02Do you remember the day you walked in with a duffel bag?
00:58:07I said,
00:58:08Thirty-six dollars, looking for room and board.
00:58:12You asked for a room.
00:58:13Luke took my hand across the couch.
00:58:15You ended up running the whole house.
00:58:17My whole life, I'd been told I was someone nobody wanted.
00:58:21Turns out, I was just waiting for the right people to want me.
00:58:25And I'd found them.
00:58:27All of them.
00:58:28My name is Sophia.
00:58:30Today is my 16th birthday.
00:58:32CEO Nora was my mom, and Don Luca was my father.
00:58:36In a family like mine, that should mean a ballroom, 300 guests, and a cake the size of a car.
00:58:41My father offered me all of it.
00:58:43He'd hand me the moon if I asked.
00:58:45I love him.
00:58:46I love everything he built so I'd never want for anything.
00:58:49I just wish, sometimes, that I could want for something.
00:58:53Everywhere I go, there are men in dark suits two steps behind me.
00:58:57I top every class at Ashford Academy on my own.
00:59:00And people still whisper it's the name.
00:59:02I don't want to throw any of it away.
00:59:03I just want, once in a while, to be Sophia.
00:59:07Not the Castellano princess.
00:59:09So tonight, on my birthday, I did my favorite thing in the world.
00:59:13I slipped my detail and went out alone.
00:59:15Well, not totally alone.
00:59:17I'd followed Leo.
00:59:18My brother thinks I don't know about his little night job.
00:59:21The bikes.
00:59:22The races.
00:59:22I crouched behind a fence and watched.
00:59:25Engines screaming.
00:59:26Headlights tearing the dark.
00:59:28And then one rider came out of nowhere.
00:59:30He was even bigger than Leo.
00:59:32And his bike was a sleek beast of silver and black.
00:59:34He cut inside Leo on the last corner.
00:59:37Pinned my brother behind him like it was nothing.
00:59:39Then he pulled to a stop, took off his helmet, and ran a hand through his hair.
00:59:43I couldn't make out his face from where I stood.
00:59:45But, somehow, I knew I was looking at the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.
00:59:50You owe me.
00:59:51Cover for me.
00:59:53I'm not lying to Dad.
00:59:54You lie to Dad every night you ride.
00:59:56He shut up after that.
00:59:58Luca was waiting in the front hall when we walked in.
01:00:01Midnight.
01:00:01Still in his shirt.
01:00:02Still terrifying.
01:00:03It's late, sweetheart.
01:00:05He said.
01:00:05I went for a walk.
01:00:06That's all.
01:00:07But you ditched your detail.
01:00:09Dad, I'm 16, not 6.
01:00:11Hey, I knew you were worried, but it was just a small walk.
01:00:14She was with me.
01:00:15She's fine.
01:00:16Mom walked over and pulled me into a hug.
01:00:18Your father's just worried, sweetheart.
01:00:21We can talk about this later.
01:00:22Dad sighed with a helpless smile.
01:00:24You and your mother are both too stubborn.
01:00:27I knew I'd dodge that bullet.
01:00:28I grabbed Leo and hurried off.
01:00:30That night, I went downstairs for some water and heard my parents talking in the living room.
01:00:35Sophia's grown up.
01:00:36You don't have to protect her so much.
01:00:38I knew.
01:00:38But the old Moretti boss from Italy is dying.
01:00:41They'll be choosing a successor soon.
01:00:43And when they do, the piece we built could die with him.
01:00:46I need to ensure her safety.
01:00:47The whole school was buzzing before first bell.
01:00:50A transfer.
01:00:51Mid-year.
01:00:52From Italy.
01:00:53Half Italian.
01:00:54Half who knows.
01:00:55And apparently a literal god.
01:00:58Girls were doing their hair in the hallway.
01:01:00I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt.
01:01:02I'd grown up around dangerous men with pretty faces.
01:01:04I knew exactly what they were worth.
01:01:06Nothing.
01:01:07I found him at the center of the courtyard.
01:01:09Leaning against a pillar like he owned it.
01:01:11Lazy smile.
01:01:12Sleeves shoved up.
01:01:13A ring of admirers three deep.
01:01:15He clocked me the second I walked past.
01:01:17The one girl not looking.
01:01:19You're new?
01:01:20You're new.
01:01:20Most girls slow down.
01:01:22Most girls have lower standards.
01:01:24Ouch.
01:01:25Pretty and cruel.
01:01:26My favorite combination.
01:01:28Go get a new favorite.
01:01:29I walked off without another glance.
01:01:31Behind me, I heard him laugh again.
01:01:33Softer this time.
01:01:33Interested.
01:01:34We had three classes together.
01:01:36By Thursday, he'd decided I was a project.
01:01:39Let me guess.
01:01:40He said.
01:01:41Head to toe in designer brands.
01:01:43Daddy's money.
01:01:45Private everything.
01:01:46You've never wanted for a thing in your life.
01:01:48You don't know anything about me.
01:01:49I know the type.
01:01:51Spoiled little princess who thinks the world owes her a cursi.
01:01:54I earn every grade in this room.
01:01:56I don't cheat.
01:01:58I don't coast.
01:01:59And I have never once needed a smug tourist to explain my own life to me.
01:02:03The room went silent.
01:02:04Cute speech.
01:02:05Save it for someone impressed.
01:02:07That's when Leo walked in.
01:02:09He took one look at us, sitting side by side, glaring.
01:02:12Oh no.
01:02:13I said.
01:02:14You know him?
01:02:15You know her?
01:02:16Leo dragged a hand down his face.
01:02:18Rafe.
01:02:19Meet my little sister.
01:02:20And this is Rafe Moretti.
01:02:22Two things happened at once.
01:02:23Rafe realized the princess he'd just insulted was a Castellano.
01:02:27And I realized he was from Moretti, the family in dad's mouth.
01:02:32Leo cornered me that night.
01:02:33Stay away from Rafe.
01:02:35Gladly.
01:02:35He's insufferable.
01:02:36I mean it, Sophia.
01:02:38His family and ours, it's complicated.
01:02:40Okay.
01:02:41But next time you go out, I'm coming with you.
01:02:44The next morning, I caught him talking to Rafe by the lockers.
01:02:47Keep an eye on her.
01:02:47She sneaks off.
01:02:49You're in her classes.
01:02:50I am not babysitting your sister.
01:02:52You owe me from Saturday's race.
01:02:53Fine.
01:02:54But she's a nightmare.
01:02:56She really is.
01:02:57I wanted to murder them both.
01:02:59So now the playboy I despised was my unofficial shadow.
01:03:03We got paired for the history project too.
01:03:05Because the universe hates me.
01:03:06We fought about everything.
01:03:08Topic.
01:03:09Sources.
01:03:10Who held the pen?
01:03:11But once, mid-argument, his phone lit up.
01:03:13A name flashed.
01:03:15Cristiano.
01:03:15For half a second, the lazy smirk dropped clean off his face.
01:03:19What was left underneath was cold.
01:03:21Older than 17.
01:03:22And something close to hatred.
01:03:24Then he silenced the call, and the mask slid back on like it had never moved.
01:03:28Where were we, princess?
01:03:30Rafe didn't let the princess thing go.
01:03:32Every class, a little dig.
01:03:34Did daddy buy this library?
01:03:35Is that a real Cartier or just for show?
01:03:37I stopped answering.
01:03:38He hated that more.
01:03:40So when Mr. Hale announced the school's debate cup, with a full scholarship attached,
01:03:45he said,
01:03:46You'll win that on the name alone.
01:03:47Enter it against me, if you're so sure.
01:03:51Loser admits the other earned it.
01:03:53Out loud.
01:03:53In front of everyone.
01:03:55The whole class oohed.
01:03:56He couldn't say no.
01:03:57Boys like Rafe never can.
01:03:59I prepped for six nights.
01:04:01No tutors.
01:04:01No favors.
01:04:02Just me and a stack of books and the stubbornness I got from my mother.
01:04:06I took him apart on stage in 11 minutes.
01:04:09Not with my last name.
01:04:10With facts.
01:04:11With nerve.
01:04:12With every late night nobody ever saw.
01:04:14The judges didn't even deliberate.
01:04:16She earned it.
01:04:17He said.
01:04:17He stood on the stage and looked at me for a long time.
01:04:20Like he was seeing me for the first time.
01:04:23Then he smiled.
01:04:24Winning made me a target.
01:04:26I was just about to leave the classroom when a blonde girl stopped me.
01:04:29I recognized her.
01:04:30Her name was Camilla Vane.
01:04:32Old money.
01:04:33Sharp heels.
01:04:34And a claim on Rafe she'd stake the day he arrived.
01:04:37She'd watched Rafe admit I earned the debate cup.
01:04:40She did not take it well.
01:04:41Cute.
01:04:42The mafia princess thinks she's special.
01:04:45I don't think I'm anything.
01:04:47Please leave.
01:04:47But later, I knew that Camilla didn't want to fight.
01:04:50She wanted a show.
01:04:51That Friday was the Winter Showcase.
01:04:54Half the city's powerful families in the seat.
01:04:56Cameras everywhere.
01:04:57I stepped up to the podium.
01:04:59The big screen lit up behind me.
01:05:01But it wasn't my slides.
01:05:03It was a leaked wire transfer.
01:05:05Castellano Holdings to the Ashford Endowment.
01:05:07The room started to murmur.
01:05:09Phones came up.
01:05:10The one thing I'd built with my own two hands.
01:05:12The one thing that was mine.
01:05:14She was burning it down in front of everyone.
01:05:16Camilla stood in the wings, smiling.
01:05:19My hands shook.
01:05:20300 people watched me not speak.
01:05:22For one second, I heard Camilla's voice in my head.
01:05:24You don't belong here.
01:05:26Then I heard my mother's.
01:05:27You keep walking into rooms too small for you.
01:05:29I set down my note cards.
01:05:31Cute forgery.
01:05:32Two problems.
01:05:33One.
01:05:34The endowment is public record.
01:05:35Pull it up.
01:05:37There's no Castellano transfer.
01:05:38There never was.
01:05:40Two.
01:05:41Castellano Holdings rebranded four years ago.
01:05:43That logo hasn't existed since I was 12.
01:05:45Whoever made this pulled an old letterhead off the internet.
01:05:48I don't win because of my name.
01:05:50I win because while some people were photoshopping, I was studying.
01:05:53I found Camilla in the wings, frozen, phone still up.
01:05:57You should have checked your sources.
01:05:58She fled.
01:05:59I finished my speech to a standing ovation.
01:06:01And at the back of the hall, leaning in the doorway, looking at me like I was something
01:06:06he hadn't expected to find.
01:06:07I told myself I followed Leo for his sake.
01:06:10That's a lie I'm still working on.
01:06:12The races were in an old highway that night.
01:06:14I slipped through the fence and found a place in the dark to watch.
01:06:17And there he was.
01:06:19No smirk.
01:06:20No audience to perform for.
01:06:21Just Rafe and a machine at the edge of control.
01:06:25He rode like he was trying to outrun something.
01:06:27Like the second he stopped, it would catch him.
01:06:29It was the most honest I'd ever seen him.
01:06:32Then it went wrong.
01:06:33A rival motorcycle member.
01:06:35Words, then shoves, then a flick of metal in the firelight.
01:06:39Somebody spotted me.
01:06:40A stranger grabbed my arm.
01:06:41I didn't scream.
01:06:42I drove my heel into his instep and twisted free.
01:06:45But Rafe was already on him.
01:06:47He stepped between me and the whole damn party.
01:06:50Don't touch her.
01:06:51The guy never stood a chance.
01:06:53It was over fast after that.
01:06:54Leo's name carried weight around here.
01:06:56So did Rafe's.
01:06:57He drove me home that night.
01:06:59There was a cut at the corner of his mouth.
01:07:01When the car stopped, I reached out and brushed the blood from his lip.
01:07:04He caught my hand and, like a knight swearing himself to his queen.
01:07:08Always at your service, princess.
01:07:10After the yard, something shifted.
01:07:12We stopped pretending to hate each other quite so hard.
01:07:15Which is how I ended up on the roof of the science building at lunch.
01:07:19Where Rafe goes to be alone.
01:07:20He didn't hear me come up.
01:07:22He was on the phone, speaking Italian.
01:07:24I only caught pieces, but I caught the tone.
01:07:26He went quiet, his expression turning cold.
01:07:29And for the first time, I realized he might one day grow into a godfather men feared.
01:07:35Sizzio, capisco?
01:07:37Yes, his uncle.
01:07:38I understand that word.
01:07:39I'll be back when the old man dies.
01:07:41Not a day before.
01:07:43You can tell Cristiano I said so.
01:07:45Cristiano, Leo seemed, said it was his brother.
01:07:48The most untouchable boy in school looked like he had nothing.
01:07:52I should have left.
01:07:53Instead, I said his name.
01:07:55Rafe.
01:07:56He spun around.
01:07:57For a second, raw shock.
01:07:59Then his usually playboy smile.
01:08:01Spying?
01:08:02Princess?
01:08:03I wasn't.
01:08:05How long were you standing there?
01:08:07Rafe.
01:08:08Did you enjoy it?
01:08:09Poor little rich girl Charity come to feel sorry for the bastard?
01:08:12I don't feel sorry for you.
01:08:13You should.
01:08:14Everyone else does.
01:08:15You want to know my life?
01:08:16Fine.
01:08:17My mother is dead.
01:08:18My family wishes I were.
01:08:20I'm a placeholder until they need a body to throw at something.
01:08:23Stop.
01:08:25You wouldn't understand the first thing about it.
01:08:27You.
01:08:29With your perfect father who'd burn the city for you.
01:08:32Your perfect mother.
01:08:32Your perfect untouchable little life.
01:08:34I slapped him.
01:08:35Hard.
01:08:36I waited for the anger.
01:08:37For the urge to fire back.
01:08:39It didn't come.
01:08:40Because I was looking at his face.
01:08:42And under all that venom, his eyes were wet.
01:08:44He was trying to leave before I saw his tears.
01:08:47You're not nothing.
01:08:47Boys like Rafe don't apologize.
01:08:50But the next day, he brought me breakfast.
01:08:52He was quiet the entire morning.
01:08:54No princess joke.
01:08:56No smirk.
01:08:57Just as class ended, he leaned in and asked me quietly.
01:09:00Did you finish the slides?
01:09:01We worked on the history project for two hours and didn't fight once.
01:09:05It was unsettling.
01:09:07After the class, the rain started.
01:09:08By the time we reached the school gate, he tilted the umbrella toward my side.
01:09:12You're getting soaked.
01:09:13I was staring at his white shirt, completely drenched.
01:09:16It clung to him, outlining a broad, solid chest.
01:09:20I had to admit, his build was unfairly good.
01:09:23Happy to serve, miss.
01:09:24The words pulled me back to the kiss he had once pressed against my fingers.
01:09:28My face warmed slightly.
01:09:29Then his phone buzzed.
01:09:31An Italian number.
01:09:32No name.
01:09:32He glanced at it and went still.
01:09:34He killed the screen fast, but I'd already seen his jaw tighten.
01:09:37Everything okay?
01:09:39Fine.
01:09:39He lied.
01:09:40Across the road, a man in a dark coat was watching us.
01:09:43And he did not look away.
01:09:45Leo found us under that umbrella.
01:09:47He pulled me into the car, a flash of anger in his grip.
01:09:50He didn't say anything in front of Rafe.
01:09:52But that night, he knocked on my door, and his face wasn't the goofy big brother one.
01:09:57You like him?
01:09:58I tolerate him.
01:10:00I'm not stupid, and I'm not blind.
01:10:03I braced for a lecture.
01:10:04Instead, he said...
01:10:05His family and ours have a thing.
01:10:07Not a war.
01:10:08Not friends.
01:10:10Two snakes in one garden, both pretending not to watch each other.
01:10:14That sounds exhausting.
01:10:17It's the only reason we've had peace this long.
01:10:19I'm not telling you to stop.
01:10:20I know you.
01:10:21That never works.
01:10:22Just be careful.
01:10:23Some things are bigger than us.
01:10:24It was the most grown-up thing my brother had ever said to me.
01:10:27Mom and Dad and I just want you to be safe and happy.
01:10:31Clearly, you're the one who causes the most trouble.
01:10:33And later, I found out he'd said something to Rafe, too.
01:10:37Out in the dark, just the two of them.
01:10:39I know you're not really here to party.
01:10:40Clean up your own damn mess at home.
01:10:42And if any of that shit ever touches my sister, you and I are done.
01:10:46That night, I went to find my mother.
01:10:47I forgot to knock and just push the door open.
01:10:50Oh my God.
01:10:51They were tangled together.
01:10:53I spun around immediately and slammed the door shut, covering my eyes.
01:10:57Dad, Mom, next time, please lock your room.
01:11:0020 minutes later, my father finally walked out.
01:11:03That just proves your mother and I have a very healthy relationship.
01:11:06I ran straight into my mother's arms.
01:11:08Mom, I need to talk to you.
01:11:11Come, babe.
01:11:13Mom, how did you know you love Dad?
01:11:15Sounds like my girl has some love troubles.
01:11:18I don't.
01:11:19I'm just asking.
01:11:20All right.
01:11:21Then I'll just tell you casually.
01:11:22You'll find yourself noticing him without meaning to.
01:11:25Your heart will start racing from the smallest accidental touches.
01:11:28And most importantly, you'll find yourself hurting because of him.
01:11:33I would never get hurt because of him.
01:11:35You will.
01:11:36I saw Rafe with a girl in the East Corridor.
01:11:39Rafe telling some story with his hands.
01:11:42Then he hit the punchline and the girl burst out laughing.
01:11:45She gave him a light, playful slap and Rafe caught her hand midair.
01:11:49He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
01:11:52I was clearly a fool.
01:11:53The easy laugh.
01:11:55The gentleness that makes you feel like the only person in the world.
01:11:58I'd let myself think it was mine.
01:12:00I'm not the only one he's happy to charm.
01:12:02I was just the girl he hated.
01:12:04An arrogant, delicate princess, in his words.
01:12:07And I hated the version of myself that still hurt because of him.
01:12:10Just like my mother had said I would.
01:12:12I skipped fourth period.
01:12:13I went to the bar two blocks off campus.
01:12:15The kind that barely checks IDs and slid my fake one across the counter.
01:12:20By the third drink, the room had started to tilt.
01:12:22By the fourth, I heard a voice I'd have known anywhere.
01:12:25What the hell are you doing here?
01:12:27Rafe.
01:12:27He took one look at the glass in my hand and the fake ID on the counter.
01:12:31And his jaw went tight.
01:12:33He didn't yell.
01:12:33He paid my tab and steered me toward the door with a hand at the small of my back, careful.
01:12:39The night air hit me and the world spun harder.
01:12:42He poured me into the seat of his car and crouched in the open door, level with my eyes.
01:12:47You could have gotten hurt.
01:12:48What were you thinking?
01:12:49I looked at him and before I could stop it, one tear slid down my cheek.
01:12:53Hey, why are you crying?
01:12:56I don't want you laughing with all those girls.
01:12:58I don't want to be just one of them.
01:13:00He went very still.
01:13:02Then he laughed.
01:13:03A real smile, low in his chest.
01:13:05You are not one of them.
01:13:07You have never once been one of them.
01:13:09I'm sorry.
01:13:10For the girl.
01:13:11For the show.
01:13:12He swallowed.
01:13:13And for what I said on that roof.
01:13:14Every word of it was a lie I told because the truth scared me.
01:13:17Then he leaned in.
01:13:19And kissed me.
01:13:20The next day, something shifted between us again.
01:13:22I'll call it what it was.
01:13:24Something dangerously close to flirting.
01:13:26I wasn't supposed to be at their motorcycle race that night.
01:13:29But just like my mother said, I couldn't keep my eyes off Rafe.
01:13:33Watched him and Rafe trade the lead like it was a conversation.
01:13:36Then the headlights came.
01:13:38Not racers.
01:13:39A convoy.
01:13:40Black SUVs sliding into the yard, blocking the exit.
01:13:43A crew nobody recognized.
01:13:45Out of town muscle.
01:13:46The kind that doesn't come to watch.
01:13:48The riders scattered.
01:13:50Engines screamed.
01:13:51I froze for half a second too long.
01:13:53And a hand closed around my arm.
01:13:56Castigliano girl.
01:13:57That was the part that scared me.
01:13:59They knew who I was.
01:14:00They'd come for me.
01:14:01Leo saw it from across the yard.
01:14:03So did Rafe.
01:14:04Both of them turned their bikes at once.
01:14:06But it was my brother who didn't panic.
01:14:08While everyone else ran, he pulled out his phone and made one call.
01:14:11Three words.
01:14:12It's a setup.
01:14:13Then he looked at the men surrounding us.
01:14:15And for the first time in my life, my goofy big brother looked exactly like our father.
01:14:19Let her go.
01:14:21You have no idea who's night you just walked into.
01:14:23Here's what I didn't know about my brother.
01:14:25The races were never just races.
01:14:27For two years, Leo had been building something in the dark corners of this city.
01:14:32A web.
01:14:32Riders.
01:14:33Mechanics.
01:14:34Runners.
01:14:35Eyes.
01:14:36He never told our parents.
01:14:37He never told me.
01:14:38He carried it alone.
01:14:39So the family would always see trouble coming before it arrived.
01:14:43My goofy big brother wasn't a kid playing with bikes.
01:14:46He was the one standing watch.
01:14:48When those men grabbed me, Leo didn't throw a punch.
01:14:51He didn't have to.
01:14:53Within minutes, the yard filled with riders.
01:14:55His riders.
01:14:56You came onto my ground.
01:14:58You touched my sister.
01:15:00There's no version of tonight where you drive out of here.
01:15:03The man let go of my arm.
01:15:05Rafe's fist landed first, snapping into the man's face.
01:15:08Blood splattered across his cheek.
01:15:10Cold.
01:15:11Violent.
01:15:12Unforgiving.
01:15:12And just like that, it was over.
01:15:14He looked at me.
01:15:15Don't tell mom and dad.
01:15:16And as he turned to walk away, he was the spitting image of our father at 17.
01:15:20We ended up on the hood of Rafe's car at 2am, parked on a hill above the whole lit up
01:15:25city.
01:15:26Leo had driven the others home, given us a look, left.
01:15:29My hands were still shaking from the yard.
01:15:31You okay?
01:15:32I had it handled.
01:15:34I know.
01:15:35A pause.
01:15:35You always do.
01:15:36I turned to look at him.
01:15:37The playboy was gone.
01:15:39So was the cruel mouth, looking at me like I was the only safe thing he'd ever found.
01:15:43You scared me tonight.
01:15:44When that man grabbed you, I have never been that scared in my life.
01:15:49I'm fine.
01:15:50I know.
01:15:51That's not the point.
01:15:52He reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
01:15:55Slow.
01:15:56Like he expected me to stop him.
01:15:58I didn't stop him.
01:15:59I kissed him first.
01:16:00Because I'm a Castellano and we don't wait.
01:16:03He took control.
01:16:04Pulling me in and kissing me until I forgot how to breathe.
01:16:07He tasted unexpectedly soft.
01:16:09Almost sweet.
01:16:10Nothing like the cold man he pretended to be.
01:16:12For a moment, I thought I understood how my mother had fallen in love with my father.
01:16:17That night, he sent me home.
01:16:18We kissed again before I got out of his car.
01:16:20Then his phone lit up in the corner of my eye.
01:16:23Cristiano.
01:16:24His brother's coming.
01:16:25I should have known.
01:16:26Nothing stays secret in my family.
01:16:28By Friday, my father knew the Moretti boy's name.
01:16:31I came home to find him in his study.
01:16:33A photo of Rafe already on his desk.
01:16:36Stay away from him.
01:16:37He's a classmate, dad.
01:16:39He's a Morati.
01:16:40But that doesn't mean anything.
01:16:42He's only 17.
01:16:43So was I when I buried my parents and took this family.
01:16:46Mafia means danger.
01:16:49Protecting my family is the only duty I have in this life.
01:16:52Dad.
01:16:52I knew that when he spoke like that, there was no arguing with him.
01:16:56But then my mother stepped in.
01:16:58Luca, you're looking at the name.
01:17:00You should look at the boy himself.
01:17:02The boy is the name.
01:17:04I was the divorced nanny with $36.
01:17:06Everyone in your world looked at me that way too.
01:17:10You're the one who taught me they were wrong.
01:17:12The room went quiet.
01:17:13Luca's stern expression softened.
01:17:15The cold dawn had faded and my gentle father was back again.
01:17:19I want to meet him.
01:17:20Luca said finally.
01:17:21My stomach dropped.
01:17:22Dad, no.
01:17:23It's not a request, Sophia.
01:17:25Dad didn't do it at the house.
01:17:26He did it at the restaurant he owns downtown.
01:17:28The one where the back room has no cameras.
01:17:30I wasn't allowed in.
01:17:31I waited in the car with Leo, sick to my stomach.
01:17:34It wasn't until much later that Rafe told me what had really happened that day.
01:17:38My father sat across from him and said nothing for a full minute.
01:17:42Just looked.
01:17:43Most men break in that minute.
01:17:44Rafe didn't.
01:17:45You know who I am.
01:17:47Everyone knows who you are.
01:17:49Then you know what I can do to a boy who hurts my daughter.
01:17:52I'm not going to hurt her.
01:17:53Boys like you always do.
01:17:55And then Rafe said the thing that changed everything.
01:17:58I give you my word and my life.
01:18:00Your daughter will never be touched, never be threatened.
01:18:03I will die before I allow harm to reach her.
01:18:05I don't want anything from you, sir.
01:18:07Not your name.
01:18:08Not your protection.
01:18:09I'll build an empire for her with my own blood and my own gun.
01:18:12I swear it to you.
01:18:13Silence.
01:18:14Then my father leaned back and almost smiled.
01:18:17You're either the most honest boy I've met in 20 years or the most dangerous.
01:18:20I haven't decided which.
01:18:22Which, with my father, means he was impressed.
01:18:24After that day, I kept asking him about Cristiano.
01:18:28In the evening, he drove me back to the place where we had kissed for the first time.
01:18:32We leaned against his car.
01:18:34I was eating gas station sandwiches like they were a feast.
01:18:37I made him laugh.
01:18:38A real one.
01:18:38Not the practiced one he gives girls.
01:18:41You're different when no one's watching.
01:18:43So are you, princess.
01:18:44He told me things he'd never told anyone.
01:18:47He was a bastard.
01:18:48His mother was just an ordinary girl from a normal family.
01:18:51He told me about his mother's laugh.
01:18:53The way she sang in the kitchen.
01:18:55And how his father's wife took her from him.
01:18:57His half-brother was now the first in line.
01:18:59The heir.
01:19:00There was a war between them.
01:19:02He pulled me against his chest and said the thing that undid me.
01:19:05I never thought anyone would stay by my side.
01:19:07And I answered him with a kiss.
01:19:09The next day, just before school ended, Cristiano showed up at the cafe by the campus gates.
01:19:14He looked like Rafe.
01:19:15Same jaw.
01:19:16Same dark eyes.
01:19:17Little brother.
01:19:19Mother sends her love.
01:19:21And a deadline.
01:19:22Rafe stepped in front of me on instinct.
01:19:25You shouldn't be here.
01:19:26You shouldn't be playing house with a castoroni.
01:19:28Though, I understand the appeal.
01:19:30She's lovely.
01:19:31Don't.
01:19:32Relax.
01:19:33I'm not here for her.
01:19:34Yet.
01:19:35He told Rafe the news in three flat sentences.
01:19:38Their father.
01:19:39The head of the whole family.
01:19:41He was dying.
01:19:42When he went, the family would choose who led next.
01:19:45Mother wants you home for it.
01:19:46To stand in the back.
01:19:47Smile.
01:19:48Remind everyone the bastard knows his place.
01:19:49Rafe's hands were fist.
01:19:51Cristiano got back in his car.
01:19:53Rolled down the window.
01:19:54Oh.
01:19:54Tell your father the Moretti send their regards.
01:19:57He'll know what it means.
01:19:58Then he drove off.
01:19:59Leaving the whole beautiful day in ruins behind him.
01:20:02Beside me.
01:20:03Rafe had gone white.
01:20:04Cristiano didn't go home.
01:20:06He enrolled.
01:20:07A semester abroad.
01:20:08He called it.
01:20:09Smiling at a headmaster who couldn't say no to that much money.
01:20:12And he made it his mission to grind his little brother into dust.
01:20:15In front of the whole school.
01:20:16This is Raffaello.
01:20:17My father's little mistake.
01:20:19We keep him around the way you keep an old dog.
01:20:21Pity.
01:20:21Mostly.
01:20:22People laughed.
01:20:23Rafe didn't move.
01:20:24The boy who'd face down my father without blinking.
01:20:26Sat there.
01:20:27And let his brother carve him up.
01:20:29Because in their world.
01:20:30That was his place.
01:20:31I watched his jaw work.
01:20:32Watched him swallow it.
01:20:34And I couldn't.
01:20:35I stood up.
01:20:35Crossed the cafeteria.
01:20:37Sat down right beside Rafe.
01:20:38In full view of everyone.
01:20:40And took his hand on top of the table.
01:20:42The whole room went silent.
01:20:43It means the support from Castellano.
01:20:46Sofia, don't.
01:20:47Too late.
01:20:48Cristiano's smile finally slipped.
01:20:50He stared at me.
Comments