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Transcript

00:00:00The night I signed the divorce paper and walked away with nothing, I wandered the rainy streets alone, with a

00:00:05single duffel bag and only $36.

00:00:08That was when I spotted a flyer taped to a roadside pole. Stepmom wanted for child. Room and board, that's

00:00:15what got me.

00:00:15That same night, I showed up at the address. I walked straight into the mansion of Luca Castellano, the don

00:00:21of New York's oldest mafia family.

00:00:24Later, my ex-husband looked down at me with that same arrogance.

00:00:27Nora, do you finally realize you were wrong?

00:00:30Before I could answer, the four-year-old little tyrant exploded.

00:00:34Wrong about what? My mom is the best!

00:00:36The don slipped an arm around my shoulders, kicking him aside.

00:00:40My wife could never be wrong, and even if she was, she'd still be right.

00:00:43I never expected the people posting flyers on poles to be New York's most powerful mafia family.

00:00:49Now I stood outside their mansion. Beside me, the butler carried himself with quiet arrogance.

00:00:55The don is looking for a mother for his child.

00:00:57Not a wife for himself. I need you to be very clear on that.

00:01:00Don is a very desirable man. Do not get any ideas you shouldn't.

00:01:04I kept my eyes lowered. Honestly, this job was perfect for me.

00:01:08To put it simply, they just needed a high-end nanny.

00:01:10Eight hours ago, I'd signed the divorce papers and been kicked out of my ex's house.

00:01:15The last thing I wanted was another husband. But a roof? Three meals? A place to disappear? That was a

00:01:21miracle.

00:01:21I understand. I won't get any ideas.

00:01:24The butler led me down a dim, vaulted corridor. Then I heard something that sounded like a gunshot.

00:01:29I stumbled, slammed straight into a hot, hard chest. The smell hit me first. Blood. Gunpowder.

00:01:35Then the barrel of a pistol tipped my chin up. A man in a suit with his hair slicked back.

00:01:40Blood streaked across his jaw.

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.

00:01:52He studied me for a long beat. Finally, walked off without a word. I'd seen that face before.

00:01:57Page 6. New York Times. The Castellano Don.

00:02:01Sebastian had once spent a month studying his photos, trying to get in with the old mafia family behind him.

00:02:07The butler finally spoke.

00:02:08The Don is handling some business. Please don't mind.

00:02:11I nodded quietly. Then he took me to change into something dry and led me into the dining room.

00:02:16A long wooden table sat beneath a crystal chandelier. And at one end, a father and son were locked in

00:02:22a standoff.

00:02:23The man with murder in his eyes was gone. In his place, at the table, sat a man in a

00:02:28white dress shirt holding a spoon.

00:02:30His face was tired. The boy pressed his lips shut and glared up at his father like a tiny soldier

00:02:35holding the line.

00:02:36Neither moved.

00:02:37Finally, the man exhaled and set the spoon down. Long fingers pinched the bridge of his nose.

00:02:43His voice dropped, low and rough.

00:02:45One bite. One small bite. Is that really too much?

00:02:48The butler stepped forward.

00:02:50Don, the applicant is here.

00:02:52The man turned. His shirt was unbuttoned low.

00:02:55I could see most of the snake tattoo now.

00:02:57The lines of his muscles pressed faintly through the white linen.

00:03:00The most feared man in New York inherited the family glory at 16.

00:03:05Built it bigger, darker, quieter than his father had.

00:03:08Money, power, blood on his hands.

00:03:10So this wasn't some dream or scam. A man like Luca Castellano had no reason to scam a broke divorcee

00:03:17off the street.

00:03:18His eyes moved over me, distant and tired.

00:03:20Name?

00:03:21I figured he'd come straight from his so-called business.

00:03:24Handling traitors, torturing some enemies, and now got defeated by a toddler.

00:03:28Feeding the kid was probably harder than running his empire.

00:03:31Nora Bennett.

00:03:32I said, a barely there nod.

00:03:34He held out the plate.

00:03:35Try.

00:03:36So, this was my interview.

00:03:37If I didn't pass, I was sleeping on the F train.

00:03:40I smiled my warmest, gentlest smile and walked toward the boy.

00:03:44I didn't make it two steps.

00:03:45Whoosh!

00:03:46He bolted under the table.

00:03:47Only his eyes peeked out.

00:03:49Dark, round, furious.

00:03:51I don't want her!

00:03:52Send her away!

00:03:53She's a bad lady!

00:03:54They're all bad ladies!

00:03:56So, before me, this kid had already been through who knows how many stepmoms.

00:04:00Fine.

00:04:01I needed to do my best.

00:04:02I scanned the room and clocked it instantly.

00:04:04Action figures everywhere.

00:04:06Batman, Spider-Man, a whole shelf of Avengers.

00:04:10I grabbed two figures off the coffee table and crouched down by the table leg.

00:04:14I sat Batman and Spider-Man right next to the kid.

00:04:16Then I picked up the spoon.

00:04:18Don't worry.

00:04:18I'm not feeding you.

00:04:20I'm feeding Batman.

00:04:21I mimed a spoonful into Batman's face.

00:04:23Open up, Bats.

00:04:24Heroes who skip dinner?

00:04:25Skinny arms, skinny legs.

00:04:27Can't protect anyone like that.

00:04:29Oh, Batman wants vegetables?

00:04:31Good call.

00:04:33Spinach makes you strong.

00:04:34The boy watched, half-hidden, lips parting, smacking his mouth a little.

00:04:38I pretended not to see.

00:04:40His nose started turning pink, like he was about to cry.

00:04:43Right on cue, I gasped.

00:04:44Wait, is that a baby Batman over there?

00:04:47Bats, can you share with him?

00:04:49He has to eat too if he's gonna grow up strong.

00:04:52I tilted Batman.

00:04:53Bats says yes.

00:04:54I turned to the boy.

00:04:56Batman improved, kiddo.

00:04:57You get a little, but just a little.

00:04:59We don't want you outgrowing him.

00:05:01He'd be sad.

00:05:02The boy nodded furiously.

00:05:04I didn't even get the spoon to his mouth before he grabbed it with his lips.

00:05:07A big bite.

00:05:08Why won't you give me vegetables?

00:05:10You scared I'll get stronger than Batman?

00:05:12Bad lady!

00:05:13I glanced at the couch.

00:05:15Luca Castellano's mouth curved.

00:05:17A small, real smile.

00:05:19Approving.

00:05:19I moved into the castle that night.

00:05:21There were three floors.

00:05:22I got the second floor with Leo.

00:05:24Luca had the entire third floor to himself.

00:05:26The butler walked me to my room and gave me one last warning.

00:05:30You do not go up to the third floor.

00:05:31Ever.

00:05:32His voice dropped.

00:05:33The last woman who snuck up there to climb into the Don's bed got thrown out of his window.

00:05:37Two-story drive.

00:05:38I thought of the gun from an hour ago.

00:05:40I nodded so hard I almost gave myself whiplash.

00:05:43Won't happen.

00:05:44You have my word.

00:05:45Castellano men breathed serious.

00:05:47Leo was only four and slept in his own bed without a fuss.

00:05:50And that made my job easier.

00:05:52I'd just changed into the silk pajamas from the closet.

00:05:55The knock made me jump.

00:05:56Don Luca's voice was low behind the door.

00:05:58Come down.

00:05:59Let's talk.

00:06:00Luca was on the couch in the great room.

00:06:02Long legs crossed.

00:06:03Whiskey in his hand.

00:06:04I sat across from him on the opposite couch.

00:06:06Hands in my lap, knees together.

00:06:08Like a job interview.

00:06:09You're good with kids.

00:06:10You have one of your own?

00:06:11No.

00:06:12I helped raise my ex's nephew for two years.

00:06:15Back the...

00:06:15The crane said I didn't make enough money and ordered me to quit.

00:06:18Called it generosity.

00:06:20Then, after I did, they claimed I was lazy and had nothing to do.

00:06:23So they fired the nanny and dumped the kid on me.

00:06:26More free maid than wife.

00:06:27File says you're divorced.

00:06:29Yes.

00:06:29Reason?

00:06:30Some small town girl cannot stain a noble family name.

00:06:33I guess.

00:06:34Only a coward would say that.

00:06:35You saw the ad.

00:06:37I'm hiring a mother for Leo, not a date for me.

00:06:39My rival's family terrified him when he was little.

00:06:41He's always been insecure, hates leaving the house, and has never had a single friend.

00:06:46I work long hours.

00:06:47I need someone with patience.

00:06:49Someone who'll stay.

00:06:50There will be a prenum.

00:06:52Everything stays separate.

00:06:53Especially in bed.

00:06:54My heart shuddered as I looked deep into his eyes.

00:06:57Marriage in rich people's world was a contract before it was anything else.

00:07:01My marriage with Sebastian was for love.

00:07:03But because the gaps between our family, I'd signed one with him too.

00:07:07When the love ran out, I'd walked away with nothing.

00:07:10Not even my wedding ring.

00:07:12Let alone a powerful mafia family like the Castellanos.

00:07:15They would only be more careful.

00:07:17I understand.

00:07:19Honestly, if you just need someone in the house, we don't have to make it legal.

00:07:22I'm fine without the paperwork.

00:07:24Luca shook his head.

00:07:26He leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table.

00:07:29Marriage is for Leo.

00:07:30He needs the most stable mother I can give him.

00:07:32And marriage is the strongest contract there is.

00:07:35All right.

00:07:36We'll do it your way.

00:07:40Don't worry.

00:07:41You'll get $100,000 a month for expenses.

00:07:43This was the part I cared about.

00:07:44I've been burned before.

00:07:46Mr. Castellano, if we divorce someday, can I keep the money you've given me?

00:07:50Of course.

00:07:51It's yours.

00:07:52All right, then.

00:07:54As for sex, I don't need anything from you in that area.

00:07:59You stay on the second floor.

00:08:01Right.

00:08:01The sex.

00:08:02That's fine.

00:08:03Neither do I.

00:08:05So, three days after I signed divorce papers, I got married again.

00:08:09No ceremony.

00:08:11No guests.

00:08:11Same as my first wedding.

00:08:13The butler added an extra dish to dinner.

00:08:15I thought that was the celebration.

00:08:17But suddenly, Luca slid a signet ring across the table.

00:08:21A Castellano family ring.

00:08:25That's not necessary.

00:08:28Sebastian never even gave me his family ring.

00:08:31For Leo's sake.

00:08:32Then I got it.

00:08:33The child needed a family illusion.

00:08:35I fell into silence and finally took it.

00:08:38I'll keep it safe.

00:08:39That night, I'd just gotten into bed when the door creaked open.

00:08:42Leo stood in the doorway.

00:08:44Bare feet.

00:08:45Hair sticking up.

00:08:46Fidgeting with his dinosaur pajamas.

00:08:49What's up, kiddo?

00:08:50Nora, can you read me a bedtime story?

00:08:53What?

00:08:54You want me to read you a bedtime story?

00:08:56I'll get my dad to pay you extra.

00:08:58If you don't want to, forget it.

00:09:00Come here.

00:09:01I held the covers open.

00:09:02He scrambled in like he'd been waiting for that all day.

00:09:06Halfway 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.

00:09:18I'll add another $50,000 a month.

00:09:19Mr. Castellano, that's way too much.

00:09:23It was, by a lot.

00:09:25I'd given far more than this in my last marriage and walked away with literally nothing.

00:09:30During the day, I babysat his nephew.

00:09:33At night, I cooked for my husband.

00:09:35After satisfying his needs in bed, I still had to get up at 5 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.

00:09:46Despite 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.

00:09:55I like Leo.

00:09:56He's a sweet kid.

00:09:57Reading 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.

00:10:07He was actually moved.

00:10:08You don't know.

00:10:09The women before you only cared about impressing me.

00:10:14They ignored him.

00:10:16$50,000.

00:10:18That's the new number.

00:10:19Not negotiable.

00:10:20I gave up and thanked him.

00:10:22From that day on, Leo was my shadow.

00:10:25Luca was busy with all the transactions, the guns, and the bloods.

00:10:28The 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.

00:10:38The butler had warned me.

00:10:40Leo couldn't leave the house.

00:10:41Outside triggered panic attacks.

00:10:43I crouched down.

00:10:45Hey babe, wait for me at home.

00:10:48I'll be back in an hour.

00:10:49He grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go.

00:10:52Didn't say anything.

00:10:53Just looked at me with those dark, sad eyes.

00:10:58He's scared you're not coming back.

00:11:00His mother left him exactly like that.

00:11:02I'm coming back.

00:11:03I'll see the doctor and come right home.

00:11:05You 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?

00:11:15Leo nodded.

00:11:16Thank God.

00:11:17He's finally willing to leave the house.

00:11:19Your depression's getting better.

00:11:21Just keep it slow.

00:11:22Relax.

00:11:22I 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.

00:11:41Does it hurt?

00:11:42If it hurts, I can give you candy.

00:11:45Daddy told me candy makes you forget.

00:11:48My tears fell without warning.

00:11:50In the crane house, I'd cry and they'd call it dramatic.

00:11:53Small town girl.

00:11:55Can'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.

00:12:42I had to see it.

00:12:44Dad, as long as I'm with Nora, you can stop worrying.

00:12:48I 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.

00:12:59Noia, there must be something you want.

00:13:01Could you help me find a used car?

00:13:03$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.

00:13:48He 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!

00:13:57My hands are full, Leo.

00:13:58Just a few steps.

00:14:00Fine!

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, hair perfect, looking 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, the 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.

00:14:33He 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.

00:14:59The 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.

00:15:09Stopped coming home.

00:15:10My depression cratered.

00:15:12I 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.

00:15:25Done.

00:15:25Noah, Ivy League degree.

00:15:28And 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.

00:15:42Sebastian, we're divorced.

00:15:44I have nothing to do with your family anymore.

00:15:47Even divorced, you're my ex-wife.

00:15:50People 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.

00:16:04The girls outside the marriage, those were nothing.

00:16:06I haven't replaced you.

00:16:07The 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.

00:16:32Then Cassandra Crane took the phone.

00:16:34Nora, Sebastian tells me you're working as a nanny.

00:16:36Have you ever thought about anyone but yourself?

00:16:39You're slapping Sebastian's face.

00:16:40You're slapping the Crane name.

00:16:42What does that look like to people?

00:16:44Nora, I always said it.

00:16:46You'll never rise above your roots.

00:16:47Trash dressed in silk.

00:16:49I hung up.

00:16:50Blocked her.

00:16:50Pulled 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.

00:17:04I'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.

00:17:20Thanks, my little gentleman.

00:17:22Auntie'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.

00:17:33Hair wet, robe tied carefully.

00:17:35I made sure nothing was showing.

00:17:37Come in.

00:17:38He 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.

00:17:54The 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'd 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?

00:18:08I'll have the designer come fit you for new ones.

00:18:10No, no, Mr. Castellano.

00:18:12I'm in the house all day with Leo.

00:18:13There's nowhere to wear that kind of thing.

00:18:15Truly.

00:18:17I heard you saw your ex today.

00:18:19His name's Crane?

00:18:20The stupid Crane Capital?

00:18:22I froze.

00:18:23Leo had snitched.

00:18:24Yes.

00:18:25That Crane.

00:18:26Old news.

00:18:27Nora, since you came, Leo's been a different child.

00:18:31Thank you.

00:18:31His eyes were dark and serious on mine.

00:18:33I shifted, uncomfortable.

00:18:35You pay me very well.

00:18:37It's what I'm here for.

00:18:38Nora, ask me for anything.

00:18:41I can probably make it happen.

00:18:43Mr. Castellano, I don't need anything.

00:18:45He was quiet a long moment.

00:18:47His fingers tightened on his knee, then released.

00:18:50He stood up.

00:18:51I'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?

00:19:07I said nothing.

00:19:08His hand slid down from my cheek.

00:19:10He gave a faint smile, then walked out.

00:19:13For the next two weeks, Luca started coming home early.

00:19:16Dinner with Leo and me.

00:19:18Sometimes 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.

00:19:27Was the family in trouble?

00:19:28Not 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.

00:19:37If you've got business, take it.

00:19:39Luca picked up a red Lego brick.

00:19:40Voice perfectly neutral.

00:19:42The psychiatrist said you need family.

00:19:44Leo and I are your family now.

00:19:46We have responsibilities.

00:19:47Since when are we family, I wanted to say.

00:19:50I didn't.

00:19:51Honestly, Leo's enough.

00:19:53The 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.

00:20:01Come on, buddy.

00:20:02Story time.

00:20:03Daddy still has work.

00:20:04Leo and I walked out.

00:20:06Nora.

00:20:07Luca's voice, stopping me at the doorway.

00:20:09Yes?

00:20:10His ears were faintly pink.

00:20:12He cleared his throat.

00:20:13Tomorrow night, there's an event.

00:20:16Plus sun's required.

00:20:18Would you come with me?

00:20:20Me?

00:20:26You.

00:20:27I don't have time to find someone else.

00:20:29I'll pay you an appearance fee.

00:20:31A man with his face couldn't find a date in 24 hours?

00:20:34I didn't think too much.

00:20:36There was money on the table.

00:20:37Sure.

00:20:38I don't know the social rules in your world, though.

00:20:41I don't want to embarrass you.

00:20:42The Cranes were a moneyed family, too.

00:20:45But Sebastian had never taken me to anything because his mother said,

00:20:49She doesn't know how to act in public.

00:20:50Don't let her embarrass us.

00:20:52Stand next to me.

00:20:54That's all.

00:20:55Luca's brow eased.

00:20:56If 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.

00:21:05The dawn is the rules.

00:21:07Hard to argue with that.

00:21:08The next afternoon, a design team showed up at the mansion.

00:21:11Five people.

00:21:12Most of them flown in from Paris.

00:21:15Hair, 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.

00:21:26He walked in, saw me.

00:21:28His eyes did something.

00:21:30A brief flash, almost stunned, before he caught himself.

00:21:34Daddy, look how pretty Nora is.

00:21:38Call her mom.

00:21:39Leo turned his head and harumphed.

00:21:41Wouldn't say it.

00:21:42I patted his hair.

00:21:44It's okay.

00:21:45I like Nora.

00:21:47Makes me feel young.

00:21:48The event was a charity gala at the plaza.

00:21:51Every major name in New York was there.

00:21:53Old money, bigger money, political faces.

00:21:56A few faces I recognized from the papers, and a few I knew not to recognize at all.

00:22:01They orbited Luca immediately.

00:22:03Conversations started landing on me.

00:22:05Mr. Castellino.

00:22:07Who's the beautiful lady?

00:22:08I jumped in to save him.

00:22:11I'm a friend of Mr. Castellino's.

00:22:14My wife.

00:22:16Nora.

00:22:17The room shifted.

00:22:18A chorus of polite gasps.

00:22:20Compliments raining down.

00:22:22My face went hot to my collarbone.

00:22:25Luca squeezed my hand.

00:22:26Leaned in.

00:22:27Nora.

00:22:28Is being my wife really that embarrassing?

00:22:31You couldn't say it?

00:22:32Bourbon and cedar on his breath.

00:22:35No.

00:22:36I just, I didn't want to embarrass you.

00:22:39His eyes darkened.

00:22:40Nora.

00:22:41He looked at me like he was lighting something on fire.

00:22:43Only a weak man is embarrassed by his wife.

00:22:45I had to look away.

00:22:46I'll grab a drink.

00:22:47I bolted.

00:22:49I'd been hiding by the champagne tower for about 90 seconds when...

00:22:53Nora?

00:22:57There was no date.

00:22:58Just him.

00:22:59Had it Luca said plus ones required?

00:23:02Sebastian's face was pure stunned.

00:23:04It is you.

00:23:06I almost didn't recognize you.

00:23:13I've never seen you look like this.

00:23:16I stepped back.

00:23:17Stay away from me.

00:23:18Nora.

00:23:19About my sister's call.

00:23:21That wasn't me.

00:23:22I'd never authorized that.

00:23:23Truth is, I only agreed to the divorce to teach you a lesson.

00:23:26Bratty wife.

00:23:27Needed reminding.

00:23:28I never actually planned to let you go.

00:23:31Apologize to my mom and my sister.

00:23:34We'll remarry.

00:23:36I'll forget the rest.

00:23:41Crane, Capital is bleeding right now.

00:23:43I'm slammed.

00:23:44Stop making things hard for me.

00:23:46He reached for my hand.

00:23:47The Sebastian special.

00:23:49One slap.

00:23:50One kiss.

00:23:51He'd run me on that loop for three years.

00:23:54I'm not the Nora he married anymore.

00:23:56I yanked back.

00:23:57Sebastian.

00:23:58Divorced means divorced.

00:24:00I'd rather sleep under the Brooklyn Pleerage than wear your last name again.

00:24:03Find someone else for that throne.

00:24:05Still stubborn.

00:24:06You haven't suffered enough.

00:24:08Crawl fine me when you've actually been broken.

00:24:12That's when Luca started walking toward us.

00:24:14Sebastian's whole posture changed.

00:24:18Nora, we'll talk later.

00:24:20There's a heavyweight I need to corner.

00:24:21Don't get in the way.

00:24:23Plastered on his best smile and intercepted Luca with a business card already out.

00:24:28My Don.

00:24:29I'm Sebastian Crane.

00:24:31Crane, Capital.

00:24:32I'd like to talk about the mandate you pulled.

00:24:36Five years.

00:24:37Crane, Capital ran the books on every fund Castellino Holdings put on the street.

00:24:41Then you cut us out overnight.

00:24:44If we fell short, tell me where.

00:24:47Whatever you need, I'll make it right.

00:24:49Sebastian, half bowed.

00:24:51Luca's eyes went past him, straight to me.

00:24:54Nora, what do you think?

00:24:56Should I give him a second chance?

00:24:59Sebastian's smile froze.

00:25:01Nora?

00:25:02What does she have to do with...

00:25:04Mr. Castelloni, you should know.

00:25:07Nora is my ex-wife.

00:25:08I don't know how she got in here tonight.

00:25:09Probably trying to ambush me into wrecking elitiation.

00:25:12She's just a housewife.

00:25:13Pay her no mind.

00:25:15Luca didn't even glance at him.

00:25:17Nora, your call.

00:25:19I'll follow your lead.

00:25:23I kept my voice flat.

00:25:25Mr. Crane just asked me not to interfere in his business conversation.

00:25:28I'd hate to interfere.

00:25:31Sebastian flared.

00:25:32A man's business is none of your concern.

00:25:34Of course, small town instincts.

00:25:36Luca's voice came in cold and final.

00:25:38Then I'd assume my wife doesn't approve of Crane Capital.

00:25:42Mr. Crane, we'll have to pass.

00:25:44His arm slid around my shoulders.

00:25:46He turned us toward the bar.

00:25:48Sebastian was still standing there, brain catching up.

00:25:51Then a man in a tuxedo brushed past him.

00:25:54Crane, you insulted Don's wife.

00:25:57You stepped on a live mine.

00:26:00That's the only woman who's ever been on his arm in 20 years.

00:26:03Castellano's wife?

00:26:05Impossible.

00:26:06The woman's a nanny in the Castellano house.

00:26:08Sebastian had seen Nora at the farmer's market,

00:26:11driving the cheap car, carrying a lobster for the brat.

00:26:14He knew what he saw.

00:26:16A fancy dress didn't make a duchess.

00:26:18The man shook his head and walked off.

00:26:20Some idiots won't listen.

00:26:22Let them die.

00:26:24That night, Luca bid on a Picasso study

00:26:27and three pieces of war-era jewelry.

00:26:30$180 million in collectibles.

00:26:32Donated to the Children's Hospital under my name.

00:26:35After that, the gala turned into a receiving line.

00:26:38Mrs. Castellano, there's a small tea at my place next week.

00:26:42Would you grace us?

00:26:44Mrs. Castellano, my husband is bidding on a Castellano project.

00:26:47Just a quiet word to the Don.

00:26:49I'd never been on this side of a room.

00:26:51I drank three glasses to keep my hands steady.

00:26:53Luca intercepted on the fourth.

00:26:55Apologies, everyone.

00:26:56My wife isn't a drinker.

00:26:58I'll take hers.

00:26:59He drank.

00:27:01Then he drank for me three more times.

00:27:03By the time we slid into his Rolls Royce, we were both lit.

00:27:07I glanced out the window.

00:27:09Sebastian was on the curb, watching us.

00:27:11Mouth curled in that ugly little smirk, like I was the punchline.

00:27:15I closed the curtain.

00:27:16Turned to Luca.

00:27:17Mr. Castellano, thank you.

00:27:19For tonight.

00:27:22For what you did with Sebastian.

00:27:24His voice came out low, soft around the edges.

00:27:28Nora.

00:27:29We're husband and wife.

00:27:32Stop thanking me.

00:27:33We're a paper husband and wife.

00:27:36You didn't have to.

00:27:38His arm lifted.

00:27:39Long fingers tilted my chin up.

00:27:41His thumb brushed slow against my jaw.

00:27:43Nora.

00:27:44What if I don't want a paper marriage anymore?

00:27:47He was too close.

00:27:49His face was carved out of something dangerous.

00:27:52Eyes blown black.

00:27:53Heat from his breath landed on my throat.

00:27:55He smelled like bourbon and that cedar cologne.

00:27:59And something underneath that was just him.

00:28:01The most controlled man in New York was looking at my mouth like he wanted it.

00:28:08Mr. Castellano, you've had too much.

00:28:14You're right, I'm sorry.

00:28:16I had too much.

00:28:17The rest of the ride was silence.

00:28:19A heavy, humming silence with my pulse loud in my ears.

00:28:27Leo saved me.

00:28:28He sprinted at the front door with his picture book.

00:28:33I scooped him up and ran upstairs before I had to look Luca in the face again.

00:28:38I tucked Leo in, then opened my laptop and started scrolling job boards.

00:28:43Sebastian was right about one thing.

00:28:45My Ivy League degree shouldn't be wasted by eating in a mansion playing house.

00:28:49I'd done that marriage already, stayed home, made myself small.

00:28:53The minute he didn't need me, he tossed me into the street with nothing.

00:28:57I'd be damned if I let that happen twice.

00:29:00While Leo needed me, I had a place here.

00:29:02The day he didn't, what was I?

00:29:05Though I'm not ready to go back to work yet, physically or mentally.

00:29:08But knowing the market, updating a resume, that couldn't hurt.

00:29:13Then my phone lit up.

00:29:14A text from Luca.

00:29:18The butler did the coffee.

00:29:20Always.

00:29:21And the first rule of this house was don't go to the third floor.

00:29:25I ground a fresh espresso anyway.

00:29:27Then I stood at the bottom of the staircase.

00:29:29Hesitated.

00:29:30Was this a test?

00:29:32Did the last applicant get launched out a window after being summoned upstairs?

00:29:36Was this revenge for the car?

00:29:38I called him.

00:29:40Mr. Castellana, coffee's here.

00:29:42Come down for it?

00:29:44Bring it up.

00:29:45I hit the record button on my phone.

00:29:48Caught it.

00:29:48If he tried anything sketchy, I had proof.

00:29:52I climbed the stairs.

00:29:54Knocked.

00:29:55Come in.

00:29:57I pushed the door open and forgot how to breathe.

00:30:02He'd just gotten out of the shower.

00:30:04Black silk robe, loosely tied at the waist.

00:30:07A drop slid from his jaw, down his throat, into the open robe.

00:30:11Bath house art, renaissance painting.

00:30:14Holy hell.

00:30:16He took the coffee.

00:30:17His fingertips dragged across mine on purpose.

00:30:21That scared of me?

00:30:22Nora, am I a monster?

00:30:30Nora, from now on, you can come into my room whenever you want.

00:30:34My face still burned.

00:30:36The rules of this house and the rules of my heart were both breaking.

00:30:40I woke up the next morning with a sore throat, sneezing.

00:30:43Of course, wet hair, late night, fancy dress, too much champagne.

00:30:48I shuffled downstairs in sweats, expecting the empty great room.

00:30:52Lupa was on the couch.

00:30:54Black turtleneck, wireframe glasses.

00:30:56The combination should be illegal.

00:30:58Morning.

00:31:00He set the paper down.

00:31:02You're sick.

00:31:03A little.

00:31:04The back of his hand landed on my forehead.

00:31:07Calm.

00:31:07Practice.

00:31:08Like he did it every morning.

00:31:10I went stiff as a board.

00:31:12Not bad.

00:31:13I'll grab some Therafex, you'll be fine.

00:31:15He guided me to the couch like I was made of glass.

00:31:18Walked to the kitchen.

00:31:19A six-foot-something Mafia Don, stirring a packet of cold medicine into a mug.

00:31:24Usually, a Don would poison the drink instead.

00:31:27I caught myself wondering what kind of woman Leo's mother had been to deserve a man like this.

00:31:41I drank the Theraflu and slunk back to bed.

00:31:44I didn't want to be in his way, so I just dozed off when an unknown number rang.

00:31:53Nora.

00:31:53It's me.

00:31:54Sebastian.

00:31:55I started to hang up.

00:31:56Don't.

00:31:57I'm parked outside the Castellani gate.

00:32:00Come out or I'll be at the front door.

00:32:01Up to you.

00:32:02I did not want him at the door.

00:32:03I did not want my pass laid out on Luca's marble entryway like roadkill.

00:32:08Sebastian intercepted me on the sidewalk.

00:32:10Nora.

00:32:11How long is this stunt going on for?

00:32:14Mrs. Crane working as a nanny?

00:32:16You don't feel humiliated, but I do.

00:32:19I'm not doing anything to you, Sebastian.

00:32:22Stop the act!

00:32:23You dressed up last night to make me jealous.

00:32:26Fine.

00:32:27I'll admit it.

00:32:28After you left, I missed you a little.

00:32:30Here's the deal.

00:32:32Apologize to my mom and my sister.

00:32:33We remarry.

00:32:34You can stop scrubbing floors for strangers.

00:32:39Sebastian.

00:32:40I didn't do anything wrong.

00:32:42What am I apologizing for?

00:32:45You still don't see the problem?

00:32:48You haven't been beaten down enough.

00:32:50I was about to fire back when a small, round cannonball blew past me.

00:32:54Leo.

00:32:54When he saw a strange man hassling me, he did not hesitate.

00:32:57My mom didn't do anything wrong.

00:33:00My mom is the best mom in the whole world.

00:33:03He glared up at him like a furious cherub, protecting me.

00:33:06Something cracked open in my chest.

00:33:08I pulled him in tight.

00:33:10Kid, what did you just call her?

00:33:12Isn't she your nanny?

00:33:15You're a nanny!

00:33:16Your whole family is a nanny!

00:33:18Nora is my mom!

00:33:20My best mom!

00:33:21He pulled back, anxious.

00:33:23I nodded.

00:33:24My eyes were wet again.

00:33:26Nora, you'll be my mom, right?

00:33:29I'll be so good.

00:33:31I promise.

00:33:34Leo, I am your mom, sweetheart.

00:33:37He squeezed me tighter and refused to let go.

00:33:40Sebastian's face twisted into a slow, ugly smile.

00:33:43Oh.

00:33:43Oh, I see it now.

00:33:46Nora, you're putting a child up to it.

00:33:50You're playing the long game on Castelloni.

00:33:53He grabbed my arm.

00:33:54Listen, Castorano isn't a man you scam.

00:33:58He's known for ice in his veins.

00:34:00He finds out you're using his son to angle for him.

00:34:03He'll bury you in the East River.

00:34:04A warm hand landed on my waist.

00:34:07I hadn't heard him come outside.

00:34:09Luca, he pulled me into him.

00:34:12Mr. Crane, the last time we spoke, you insulted my wife.

00:34:16That's why I pulled the mandate.

00:34:18I was planning to tell the other firms on the street that this was personal.

00:34:21They could keep doing business with Crane of Papadal.

00:34:25After today, I don't think I need to.

00:34:28Castellano.

00:34:29What, you wife?

00:34:30Who's your wife?

00:34:32Mr. Crane,

00:34:34are you really still confused?

00:34:35Or are you only capable of believing what you want to believe?

00:34:39Nora is my wife.

00:34:41The mother of my son.

00:34:44Send him off.

00:34:45Luca turned to the butler at the door.

00:34:47If anyone like this bothers Mrs. Castellano again,

00:34:50have my men throw him out.

00:34:51He took Leo with one arm,

00:34:53wrapped the other around me,

00:34:54walked us inside.

00:34:56The second the door closed,

00:34:58I peeled out of Luca's arm.

00:35:00Awkward as hell.

00:35:01I took Leo upstairs to my room.

00:35:04Leo,

00:35:06where were you all morning?

00:35:08I didn't see you all day.

00:35:10Don't even ask.

00:35:11Dad sent me to preschool.

00:35:13What?

00:35:14You preschool?

00:35:16He said he didn't want you working too hard.

00:35:21He said he needed alone time with you.

00:35:26Why does he need alone time with me?

00:35:28Dad said he had to make you fall in love with him.

00:35:32Otherwise, you might leave us.

00:35:34Leo was four sentences into his report

00:35:36when Luca appeared in the doorway.

00:35:38Leo,

00:35:40downstairs,

00:35:41dinner,

00:35:41Stop bothering your mother.

00:35:43My whole face hot.

00:35:44Mom,

00:35:45I'll be back to keep you company in a bit.

00:35:48He scampered out.

00:35:50Luca didn't leave.

00:35:51He walked in.

00:35:53Feeling better?

00:35:54I looked sideways.

00:35:56Mr. Castellano,

00:35:58thank you for what you did.

00:36:00Please don't ruin a business decision for me.

00:36:03I'm really not worth it.

00:36:06Not worth what?

00:36:08Not worth what?

00:36:09What you did out there.

00:36:12Nora,

00:36:13I told you.

00:36:14You're my wife.

00:36:16Protecting you is my job.

00:36:18But-

00:36:19Stop calling this a paper marriage.

00:36:22Nora.

00:36:23I want a real one.

00:36:25I had not expected him to swing this hard, this fast.

00:36:28My face went up in flames.

00:36:31I'll give you time.

00:36:32Take whatever you need.

00:36:34But right now I want to collect just a little husband privilege.

00:36:38Before I could form a coherent thought, he leaned in.

00:36:41A long, warm hand cradled my cheek.

00:36:43Can I?

00:36:44I didn't say a word.

00:36:46I'll take this as consent.

00:36:48Then his lips crashed against mine, hard and ruthless.

00:36:52His tongue swept into my mouth, stealing the air from my lungs.

00:36:55Right.

00:36:56This was how a mafia boss kissed.

00:36:59Cold.

00:36:59Merciless.

00:37:00Taking whatever he wanted.

00:37:02The kiss lasted so long my mind went blank by the time he finally pulled away.

00:37:06He rubbed his thumb over my swollen lips.

00:37:09My little princess, that's enough for today.

00:37:17Next time, I won't let you off so easily.

00:37:20Leo got hauled to preschool again the next morning, under protest.

00:37:24My cold was almost gone.

00:37:26Luca asked if I wanted to see a movie.

00:37:28After everything that had happened, I thought about it.

00:37:31We were married on paper.

00:37:32If something real was going to grow there, that wasn't the worst outcome.

00:37:37He had a private media room on the third floor.

00:37:39It was my first time entering other room in third floor.

00:37:42Before that, he showed me his collection room.

00:37:45One entire wall was covered in cold weapons.

00:37:48Daggers, knives, blades of every kind.

00:37:51Honestly, it was breathtaking.

00:37:53I was still standing there staring at the wall when he stepped up behind me and fastened

00:37:58a necklace around my neck.

00:37:59Another snake.

00:38:00Exactly like the tattoo on his body.

00:38:03A little gift.

00:38:05Don't reject it.

00:38:06Then he took my hand and led me into the media room.

00:38:09He put on a French romance film.

00:38:11Slow, elegant kisses on the screen.

00:38:14Mixed with far less elegant sounds in the background.

00:38:17Luca leaned closer, his voice brushing against my ear.

00:38:21Nora.

00:38:23Yes?

00:38:24I closed my eyes, my fingers tightening around the snake pendant, like a girl being offered

00:38:30up as a sacrifice.

00:38:31His body covered mine as his mouth came down on mine.

00:38:35Soft at first.

00:38:36Careful.

00:38:37One hand slid gently around my throat.

00:38:40Then the kiss deepened.

00:38:41Rougher.

00:38:42Heavier.

00:38:43The kind that stole every thought from my head.

00:38:46He pulled off the white tank top.

00:38:47And for the first time, I saw the snake tattoo stretched across his chest.

00:38:52One of the snake's eyes was a scar.

00:38:54I leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss against it.

00:38:58I felt his breathing stop for a second.

00:39:00Then he pushed me down onto bed.

00:39:02I could feel the hard heat of him against me.

00:39:05Soon, the room filled with ragged breathing.

00:39:07That night, I offered myself to a mafia boss.

00:39:11After all the hot, chaotic moans, he kept me tucked against my chest.

00:39:15He slid a glossy stack of brochures into my hand.

00:39:19Nora.

00:39:20Pick a wedding planner.

00:39:22I owe you a real wedding.

00:39:26You don't have to.

00:39:27The Don's wife should carry that honor forever.

00:39:30I want every person in this city to know Nora Bennett is my wife.

00:39:34And I'm her husband.

00:39:36I only regret I didn't put it all at your feet the night you walked through that door.

00:39:40I laughed into his shoulder.

00:39:44The night I walked through that door, we didn't even know each other.

00:39:48How were we supposed to?

00:39:50Nora.

00:39:51The night I saw you in that doorway, I already wanted you.

00:39:56Our wedding was bigger than anything New York had hosted in a decade.

00:39:59Old families.

00:40:00New money.

00:40:01Senators.

00:40:02A cardinal.

00:40:03The mayor.

00:40:04We were on the front page for three days running.

00:40:06I scolded Luke of the goal.

00:40:08The butler beamed.

00:40:09Mrs. Castellino.

00:40:11The Don has been quiet his entire life.

00:40:13This is the first time he's ever been loud.

00:40:16Indulge him this once.

00:40:17I let it go.

00:40:18The night of the wedding, a strange number called me.

00:40:21My brow furrowed.

00:40:23Luca's long arm reached over and killed the call.

00:40:26His fingers tightened on my waist.

00:40:28Mrs. Castellino.

00:40:29Eyes on me.

00:40:31After, he was winding a strand of my hair around his finger.

00:40:34He cleared his throat.

00:40:35A little awkward.

00:40:37Nora.

00:40:38I want to tell you a secret.

00:40:40I made a small sleepy sound.

00:40:42Leo isn't my son.

00:40:43He's my sisters.

00:40:45He spoke quietly.

00:40:46In pieces.

00:40:47His parents had died when he was 13.

00:40:49He and his elder sister went through a dark period in this empire.

00:40:53Until one day, she married.

00:40:55Had Leo.

00:40:56But happiness suddenly ended when she and her husband were killed in a shooting three years ago.

00:41:02Luca wiped out that whole family then.

00:41:04He put Leo on his own birth certificate.

00:41:07Quietly.

00:41:08So nobody could ever take him.

00:41:10I thought it would be Leo and me forever.

00:41:12Then you walked in.

00:41:13And nothing was the same.

00:41:16He kissed me again.

00:41:17A few months later, I walked out of the hospital alongside Leo.

00:41:21Mom.

00:41:22Dad said you weren't sick anymore.

00:41:24Why'd we go to the hospital?

00:41:27Because mom has a baby in her belly.

00:41:30Yes!

00:41:31I finally get a sister!

00:41:33What if it's a brother?

00:41:37If it's a brother, we throw him in the trash.

00:41:40If it's a sister, she plays with me.

00:41:42Out of the mouths of babes.

00:41:44I was laughing when a figure stepped in front of me.

00:41:47A man.

00:41:48Wild hair.

00:41:49Filthy coat.

00:41:50Hunched shoulders.

00:41:51I almost dug for a few bucks.

00:41:55Sebastian Crane.

00:41:57Nora?

00:41:59Leo planted himself in front of me on instinct.

00:42:01I pulled him to my side and squeezed his shoulder.

00:42:04Sebastian.

00:42:05What happened to you?

00:42:09Nora.

00:42:10Help me.

00:42:11You're the only one who can.

00:42:12All of New York knows Castelloni loves you.

00:42:15He'll listen to you.

00:42:16Please.

00:42:16Then I remembered what Luca had mentioned, weeks back.

00:42:20First, the Castellano family cut all ties with Crane Capital.

00:42:23Then the rest of New York followed.

00:42:25Nobody wanted to risk losing Castellano favor.

00:42:28Within weeks, Sebastian's company collapsed.

00:42:31His sister Cassandra, the person he trusted most, had been stealing client money for years.

00:42:36The moment everything fell apart, she fled to the south of France with her family.

00:42:40She left Sebastian alone to take the blame.

00:42:43Crane Capital went bankrupt overnight.

00:42:45Now Sebastian stood in front of me, sobbing, begging.

00:42:49I didn't feel anything for him.

00:42:51Sebastian.

00:42:52People are equal.

00:42:53Your fault.

00:42:55Your mess.

00:42:55You pay for it.

00:42:57No one can help you.

00:42:58Behind me, the lobby doors slid open.

00:43:00Luca had just finished with my OB.

00:43:02He walked toward us.

00:43:03Nora.

00:43:04Let's go home.

00:43:05We walked past Sebastian Crane like he wasn't there.

00:43:08Because he wasn't.

00:43:09Not in our life.

00:43:10Not anymore.

00:43:11Through my whole pregnancy, Luca was far more anxious than I was.

00:43:15He doubled the security on the entire estate.

00:43:18I never went anywhere without an escort.

00:43:20He had every sharp corner in the house padded.

00:43:23Fit carpet laid across every floor.

00:43:25Sometimes, I'd only shift in bed.

00:43:28And he would ask worriedly,

00:43:29Does something hurt?

00:43:30He'd stroke my belly, pressing his ear against it.

00:43:33I think I just heard the baby calling for me.

00:43:35Leo asked, wide-eyed.

00:43:37Why isn't the baby calling for me?

00:43:39One night, after Leo fell asleep,

00:43:41I found him alone out on the balcony.

00:43:43I walked over and wrapped my arms around him from behind.

00:43:47You don't have to worry.

00:43:48The baby will be born safe.

00:43:50He kissed my forehead.

00:43:52I keep wondering if who I am has put you and the kids in too much danger.

00:43:56My sister died because of the family name,

00:43:58and before you came, Leo wasn't happy.

00:44:00Neither was I before you came.

00:44:02We just complete each other.

00:44:03I pressed closer to his chest.

00:44:05I made my peace with it a long time ago.

00:44:08Being the Don's wife can't be harder than being the Cranes maid.

00:44:11He smiled.

00:44:11My brave girl.

00:44:12At nearly 10 months, my water broke at 2 a.m.

00:44:16A team of doctors and nurses rushed me into delivery.

00:44:19Luca waited outside.

00:44:21The contractions came like waves trying to break me in half.

00:44:24A nurse held my hand.

00:44:25Her grip was wrong.

00:44:27Too strong.

00:44:28Too steady.

00:44:28I looked up at her face, sharp, calm.

00:44:31A small scar through one eyebrow.

00:44:33You're not a nurse.

00:44:34She smiled coldly.

00:44:35No, there's a debt your husband never finished paying.

00:44:39The family he buried three years ago still has a few teeth left.

00:44:43We came to collect tonight.

00:44:45My breathing went ragged.

00:44:46The other nurses in the room started screaming,

00:44:48but I knew he was standing right outside, so I didn't panic.

00:44:52I gripped the sheets.

00:44:53Go ahead and try.

00:44:54Right then, the delivery room door opened.

00:44:56A rat that should have died years ago.

00:44:58I've been waiting for you too long.

00:45:00Luca and his men had the woman pinned in seconds.

00:45:03He held my hand.

00:45:05And the coldest mafia boss in New York let a single tear fall.

00:45:09My baby girl was born at 4.42 a.m.

00:45:137 pounds.

00:45:14Furious lungs.

00:45:15Luca took her like she was made of glass.

00:45:18Sophia, after my sister.

00:45:20Leo barged in at dawn, peered into the blanket, and gasped.

00:45:24It's a girl.

00:45:26I'll be her hero from now on.

00:45:28She'll be the princess.

00:45:29I laughed until I cried.

00:45:31The four of us.

00:45:32Finally.

00:45:33Impossibly.

00:45:34Whole.

00:45:35I learned the rest later.

00:45:37The fake nurse was a remnant of the family that murdered Luca's sister three years ago.

00:45:41Sebastian had fled to Europe.

00:45:43In Sicily, he found what was left of them, clinging to life.

00:45:47Hatred drove him to something insane.

00:45:49They thought the dawn would be too busy with a wife and labor to notice.

00:45:53That night, while the hospital stood locked down, several of the docks were hit at the same time.

00:45:59But Luca built this empire out of blood and bone at 16.

00:46:03Turning back an attack like that was as easy as breathing for him.

00:46:07Blood.

00:46:08Gunfire.

00:46:09I didn't see most of it.

00:46:10My life stayed bright.

00:46:12The house filled with laughter because of Sophia's coming.

00:46:15One night, Luca asked if I wanted to see Sebastian.

00:46:18Just once.

00:46:19He keeps begging to see you.

00:46:21I was busy making faces at Sophia with Leo.

00:46:24No need.

00:46:25Do whatever you want with him.

00:46:26The man now had nothing to do with me.

00:46:28I only cared in my new family.

00:46:30Leo loved his sister, took his new job seriously.

00:46:33By the second week, he had appointed himself Sophia's full-time bodyguard.

00:46:38No bad guys get past me, Dad said.

00:46:42Sophia blinked at him, then sneezed.

00:46:46Mom!

00:46:47She did a magic spell!

00:46:49He decided he was her translator too.

00:46:51Every cry meant something only he could understand.

00:46:55She wants the bloom blanket, not the yellow one.

00:46:58Obviously.

00:46:59He even handed over his most prized possession.

00:47:02The Batman action figure no one had been allowed to touch for two years.

00:47:08It's alone.

00:47:09When she's bigger, she gives it back.

00:47:11The best part came at bedtime.

00:47:13He'd lean over her crib and drop his voice into a tiny, serious growl, copying his father.

00:47:19Good night, little one.

00:47:21Nobody touches my family.

00:47:23Sophia's hand closed around his finger and held on.

00:47:26Leo froze.

00:47:27He looked at me.

00:47:28His whole face wobbled.

00:47:31Mom!

00:47:32She likes me back.

00:47:34The best part?

00:47:35Leo was finally shaking off his past.

00:47:38He was more lively and braver than ever.

00:47:40My life changed in a normal night.

00:47:43An email came in.

00:47:44A strategy firm called Meridian had offered me a position on their securities desk.

00:47:49I threw myself at him.

00:47:51Luca, your wife is going back to work.

00:47:53You could have told me sooner.

00:47:55Half the businesses in this city have my money behind them, including that little Meridian

00:48:00of yours.

00:48:01But I want to prove it myself, as Nora Bennett.

00:48:04A woman who can handle a don can handle anything.

00:48:07Meridian took up three floors of a glass tower downtown.

00:48:10I wore my plainest blazer, drove the old sedan, used my maiden name.

00:48:15I wanted to earn it clean.

00:48:18My first morning, my new manager turned around and my stomach dropped.

00:48:22Vanessa.

00:48:23We've gone to college together.

00:48:25She'd spent four years making sure everyone knew I was the scholarship girl from nowhere.

00:48:30The cheap blazer, plain white heels, no ring since I'd left it home out of habit to be safe.

00:48:37Nora Bennett, wow, you look exactly the same.

00:48:39I heard you married into the Cranes.

00:48:41Looks like things haven't exactly worked out for you, huh?

00:48:43We divorced.

00:48:45Of course you did.

00:48:46The Cranes are bankrupt now.

00:48:47No money for a gold debtor.

00:48:49So it's just you now?

00:48:50And a kid, I heard?

00:48:52Single mom.

00:48:53That is so brave.

00:48:54Welcome aboard.

00:48:55Try to keep up.

00:48:56Three weeks in, I closed the Hartwell account.

00:48:59It was a mess nobody wanted to touch.

00:49:01I worked it for nine days straight.

00:49:04Nora Bennett, a girl from nowhere, brought in the biggest mandate of the quarter.

00:49:09At the Monday partner meeting, Vanessa stood up with my deck.

00:49:13It was a heavy lip, but I pushed the team hard and got it across the line.

00:49:18My name never came up once, not a single time.

00:49:21After, I caught her by the elevators.

00:49:23That was my account, my work, all of it.

00:49:25What's yours is mine.

00:49:27I'm the manager.

00:49:27You report to me.

00:49:29Everything you do here belongs to me.

00:49:31Get used to it.

00:49:32That night, I curled into Luca's chest and let it all out.

00:49:36She took the whole deal I closed.

00:49:38Didn't say my name once.

00:49:39Luca's hand went still on my back.

00:49:41Say the word.

00:49:42She won't be at that company tomorrow.

00:49:46I don't need you to step in.

00:49:47Not yet.

00:49:49I've been watching Vanessa for weeks, the padded vendor invoices,

00:49:52the kickbacks routed through a shell account.

00:49:54I already have my own card to play.

00:49:56What I didn't expect was that my past walked through the company lobby.

00:50:00I hadn't seen them in 11 years.

00:50:03My mother, my brother Trent.

00:50:05Vanessa stood in the middle of the hall, a hand pressed to her mouth in feigned surprise.

00:50:10But she was the only one who knew about my past.

00:50:13Nora, is that any way to greet your own mother?

00:50:16Every head turned.

00:50:18Vanessa's eyes glittered.

00:50:19You married a billionaire and you let your family beg?

00:50:23After everything we gave you?

00:50:26They gave me nothing.

00:50:27They gave Trent everything.

00:50:28And showed me the door even before I was even an adult.

00:50:33Your brother needs 300,000.

00:50:37It's filial duty.

00:50:39Support for your parents.

00:50:40You owe us.

00:50:43I owe you nothing.

00:50:46Trent sneered.

00:50:51Rich now and still trash.

00:50:54Some things never change.

00:50:56Security finally steered them toward the doors.

00:50:59My mother screamed the whole way.

00:51:03We'll be back!

00:51:04We'll tell everyone what you really are!

00:51:07Then I heard Vanessa, behind me, murmur to the room.

00:51:11God.

00:51:12And she pretends to be so classy.

00:51:14After that, Vanessa stopped pretending.

00:51:17She handed me the worst account.

00:51:19Took credit for my work in front of the partners.

00:51:21Scheduled meetings I was never told about.

00:51:23Then wrote me up for missing them.

00:51:25She said in the break room,

00:51:27Honestly, I feel sorry for her.

00:51:30Single mom.

00:51:32Crazy family.

00:51:33That sad little car.

00:51:35Some people are just born to lose.

00:51:38Her click laughed.

00:51:39I kept my head down and kept working.

00:51:41I'd survived the cranes.

00:51:43I could survive a Vanessa.

00:51:44Then she pulled the file.

00:51:45My old medical records.

00:51:47Depression.

00:51:49Medication.

00:51:50Wow.

00:51:51And they let her near clients?

00:51:53The room went very quiet.

00:51:55Maybe.

00:51:55This just isn't the place for someone so fragile.

00:51:59But I wasn't the girl the cranes broke anymore.

00:52:02While Vanessa spent her days humiliating me,

00:52:04I'd spent mine quietly building a file.

00:52:07Padded vendor invoices.

00:52:09Kickbacks routed into a private shell account.

00:52:11Three years of it.

00:52:12That afternoon,

00:52:13I handed every last page of it to her boss.

00:52:16Then I went back to my desk

00:52:17and quietly finished my work.

00:52:19That night,

00:52:20I sat in the old sedan in the parking garage

00:52:22and didn't start the engine for an hour.

00:52:24Then Leo's school called.

00:52:26Mrs. Castellina,

00:52:28there's been an incident.

00:52:29I drove to the preschool with my heart in my throat.

00:52:35Leo sat in the nurse's office.

00:52:36Scraped elbow,

00:52:38I didn't cry.

00:52:42I want you to know I didn't cry.

00:52:44A bigger boy had shoved him off the climbing frame.

00:52:47And standing in the hallway,

00:52:49arms crossed,

00:52:50was the boy's mother,

00:52:51Vanessa.

00:52:52Small world.

00:52:54Your kids started it.

00:52:56Bragging about having a daddy.

00:52:59My Kaylee told him,

00:53:00what daddy?

00:53:01Everyone knows your mom's a single mom

00:53:03who can't even keep a job.

00:53:05Leo's face crumpled.

00:53:07I do have a dad.

00:53:09I have the best dad.

00:53:14Sure you do, sweetie.

00:53:18Does he live in your imagination?

00:53:20I stepped between them so fast,

00:53:22she flinched.

00:53:23Don't you ever speak to my son again.

00:53:26She stood,

00:53:27smoothing her coat,

00:53:28delighted.

00:53:29Or what?

00:53:29You'll cry about it?

00:53:31Take your meds, Nora.

00:53:32Honestly,

00:53:33people like you shouldn't have kids.

00:53:35You can barely take care of yourself.

00:53:36Leo didn't cry.

00:53:37He planted himself in front of me

00:53:39and lifted his chin.

00:53:41My mom is a thousand times better than you.

00:53:44That was the moment

00:53:45something in me went very, very cold.

00:53:48I stepped forward

00:53:49and slapped Vanessa across the face.

00:53:51I already turned in the proof of what you stole.

00:53:54We'll see who's walking out of that company tomorrow.

00:53:57How dare?

00:53:58Before she could speak,

00:53:59her phone rang.

00:54:01Vanessa,

00:54:01you're under investigation

00:54:02for misappropriating company funds.

00:54:04The bank has frozen all of your assets.

00:54:06She crumpled to the floor

00:54:07and that was the moment

00:54:09the hallway doors opened.

00:54:11Luca walked in.

00:54:12I hadn't called him.

00:54:13Leo's school is wired to him too.

00:54:15Of course it is.

00:54:17Charcoal coat,

00:54:18slow steps.

00:54:19Vanessa didn't recognize Luca,

00:54:20but she could feel the aura he carried.

00:54:23Sir,

00:54:23this is a private matter.

00:54:25He didn't look at her.

00:54:26He crouched,

00:54:27lifted Leo,

00:54:28checked the split lip

00:54:29with one careful thumb.

00:54:32Who did this?

00:54:33Her son,

00:54:35my manager,

00:54:36Vanessa.

00:54:38Manager,

00:54:39at Meridian.

00:54:40Yes.

00:54:41And you are?

00:54:43The man who owns Meridian.

00:54:45The color drained out of her face.

00:54:48And every floor you've ever worked.

00:54:51And the building.

00:54:53and the chair you sit in.

00:54:55This is my wife,

00:54:58Nora Castellano.

00:54:59The single mother

00:55:00you've been entertaining

00:55:01the office with?

00:55:02He pulled out his phone.

00:55:04One call.

00:55:05By the time we got home,

00:55:07Vanessa had already been arrested.

00:55:08Maybe prison suits people

00:55:10like her better.

00:55:11In the bedroom,

00:55:12Sophia asleep on my chest,

00:55:14I finally laughed.

00:55:15Tired and cracked open.

00:55:19Maybe I just have bad luck

00:55:21everywhere I go.

00:55:28Or maybe

00:55:29you keep walking into rooms

00:55:31too small for you.

00:55:32I quit Meridian the next morning.

00:55:34Not because of Vanessa.

00:55:36Because Luca owned it.

00:55:37And I had promised myself

00:55:39I'd win as Nora Bennett

00:55:40or not at all.

00:55:42You don't have to prove anything.

00:55:44I'm not proving it to you.

00:55:47I'm proving it to the girl

00:55:48who got thrown out at 18

00:55:50with a duffel bag.

00:55:51So I started over.

00:55:52Again.

00:55:53New resume.

00:55:54Real name.

00:55:55No husband attached.

00:55:57I sent out 40 applications.

00:55:59I drove myself to every meeting

00:56:01in the old sedan.

00:56:03Every morning,

00:56:04Leo cheered me on

00:56:05before I left.

00:56:06Three months later,

00:56:07a venture fund hired me

00:56:08to run strategy.

00:56:10Eight months after that,

00:56:11I walked out

00:56:12and built my own firm.

00:56:13A year after that,

00:56:14I was on the front page again.

00:56:16Not Don Castellano's wife,

00:56:18Nora Bennett,

00:56:19founder.

00:56:20Luca framed it,

00:56:21hung it on the third floor,

00:56:22right beside the wall of blades.

00:56:25My most dangerous acquisition.

00:56:27Two years passed

00:56:29the way good years do.

00:56:30Quietly.

00:56:31All at once.

00:56:33My firm took up

00:56:34its own floor now.

00:56:35But the best part of every day

00:56:37was still the drive home.

00:56:39Sophia had grown

00:56:40into a tiny tyrant

00:56:41with Luca's eyes

00:56:42and Leo's mouth.

00:56:44She ran the house.

00:56:45The most feared man

00:56:46in New York

00:56:47did whatever she said.

00:56:49I once walked in

00:56:50to find the dawn of New York

00:56:51at a plastic tea table,

00:56:52pinky raised,

00:56:53wearing a paper crown.

00:56:55More tea, Daddy?

00:56:57Yes, Your Majesty.

00:56:58He said,

00:56:59dead serious.

00:57:00Leo,

00:57:01now seven,

00:57:02had named himself

00:57:03her official coach.

00:57:04Say it like Dad,

00:57:05low and scary.

00:57:07Sophia scrunched up her face.

00:57:08She growled,

00:57:09Nobody touches my family.

00:57:12Then she ruined it

00:57:13by giggling.

00:57:14At night,

00:57:16Luca still read them both

00:57:17to sleep

00:57:17in that quiet growl.

00:57:18Two small heads

00:57:20on his chest.

00:57:21One enormous,

00:57:22terrifying man

00:57:23pinned to a mattress

00:57:24by two children

00:57:25and refusing to move.

00:57:27I whispered from the door.

00:57:29You're trapped.

00:57:29He looked up at me,

00:57:30the softest I'd ever seen him.

00:57:32Best place I've ever been.

00:57:33People still ask

00:57:35how a nanny

00:57:35ended up married

00:57:36to a man like that.

00:57:38I never know

00:57:39how to answer.

00:57:40The truth is too simple.

00:57:42We were two people

00:57:43with broken pasts

00:57:44who decided

00:57:45to stop being broken,

00:57:47together.

00:57:48He gave a thrown away girl

00:57:50a home.

00:57:51I gave a man

00:57:52made of blood and steel

00:57:53a reason to read

00:57:54bedtime stories.

00:57:56One evening,

00:57:57Sophia fell asleep

00:57:58mid-sentence

00:57:59on his shoulder.

00:57:59Leo had drifted off

00:58:01against my side.

00:58:03He said quietly,

00:58:04Do you remember

00:58:06the day you walked in

00:58:08with a duffel bag?

00:58:10I said,

00:58:11Thirty-six dollars

00:58:13looking for room and board.

00:58:15You asked for a room.

00:58:16Luke took my hand

00:58:17across the couch.

00:58:18You ended up

00:58:19running the whole house.

00:58:20My whole life,

00:58:21I'd been told

00:58:22I was someone

00:58:23nobody wanted.

00:58:24Turns out,

00:58:25I was just waiting

00:58:26for the right people

00:58:27to want me.

00:58:28And I'd found them.

00:58:30All of them.

00:58:31My name is Sophia.

00:58:33Today is my 16th birthday.

00:58:35CEO Nora was my mom

00:58:37and Don Luca was my father.

00:58:39In a family like mine,

00:58:40that should mean

00:58:41a ballroom,

00:58:42300 guests,

00:58:43and a cake

00:58:43the size of a car.

00:58:44My father offered me

00:58:45all of it.

00:58:46He'd hand me the moon

00:58:47if I asked.

00:58:48I love him.

00:58:49I love everything he built

00:58:50so I'd never want

00:58:51for anything.

00:58:52I just wish,

00:58:53sometimes,

00:58:54that I could want

00:58:55for something.

00:58:56Everywhere I go,

00:58:57there are men

00:58:57in dark suits

00:58:58two steps behind me.

00:59:00I top every class

00:59:01at Ashford Academy

00:59:02on my own.

00:59:03And people still whisper

00:59:04it's the name.

00:59:05I don't want to throw

00:59:06any of it away.

00:59:06I just want,

00:59:08once in a while,

00:59:09to be Sophia.

00:59:10Not the Castellano princess.

00:59:12So tonight,

00:59:13on my birthday,

00:59:14I did my favorite thing

00:59:15in the world.

00:59:16I slipped my detail

00:59:17and went out alone.

00:59:18Well,

00:59:19not totally alone.

00:59:20I'd followed Leo.

00:59:21My brother thinks

00:59:22I don't know

00:59:23about his little night job,

00:59:24the bikes,

00:59:25the races.

00:59:26I crouched behind a fence

00:59:27and watched.

00:59:28Engines screaming,

00:59:29headlights tearing the dark.

00:59:31And then one rider

00:59:32came out of nowhere.

00:59:33He was even bigger than Leo

00:59:34and his bike was a sleek beast

00:59:36of silver and black.

00:59:37He cut inside Leo

00:59:38on the last corner,

00:59:40pinned my brother behind him

00:59:41like it was nothing.

00:59:42Then he pulled to a stop,

00:59:43took off his helmet

00:59:44and ran a hand

00:59:45through his hair.

00:59:46I couldn't make out his face

00:59:47from where I stood

00:59:48but somehow,

00:59:49I knew I was looking

00:59:50at the most beautiful thing

00:59:52I'd ever seen.

00:59:53You owe me.

00:59:54cover for me.

00:59:56I'm not lying to dad.

00:59:57You lie to dad

00:59:58every night you ride.

00:59:59He shut up after that.

01:00:01Luca was waiting

01:00:01in the front hall

01:00:02when we walked in.

01:00:04Midnight,

01:00:04still in his shirt,

01:00:05still terrifying.

01:00:06It's late, sweetheart.

01:00:08He said,

01:00:08I went for a walk,

01:00:09that's all.

01:00:10But you ditched your detail.

01:00:12Dad,

01:00:12I'm 16,

01:00:13not six.

01:00:14Hey,

01:00:14I knew you were worried

01:00:15but it was just a small walk.

01:00:17She was with me.

01:00:18She's fine.

01:00:19Mom walked over

01:00:20and pulled me into a hug.

01:00:21Your father's just worried,

01:00:23sweetheart.

01:00:24We can talk about this later.

01:00:25Dad sighed with a helpless smile.

01:00:27You and your mother

01:00:28are both too stubborn.

01:00:29I knew I'd dodge that bullet.

01:00:31I grabbed Leo

01:00:32and hurried off.

01:00:33That night,

01:00:34I went downstairs

01:00:35for some water

01:00:35and heard my parents

01:00:37talking in the living room.

01:00:38Sophia's grown up.

01:00:39You don't have to protect her so much.

01:00:41I knew.

01:00:42But the old Moretti boss

01:00:43from Italy is dying.

01:00:44They'll be choosing

01:00:45a successor soon.

01:00:46And when they do,

01:00:47the piece we built

01:00:48could die with him.

01:00:48I need to ensure her safety.

01:00:50The whole school

01:00:51was buzzing before first bell.

01:00:53A transfer.

01:00:54Mid-year.

01:00:55From Italy.

01:00:56Half Italian.

01:00:57Half who knows.

01:00:58And apparently a literal god.

01:01:01Girls were doing their hair

01:01:02in the hallway.

01:01:03I rolled my eyes

01:01:04so hard it hurt.

01:01:05I'd grown up around

01:01:06dangerous men

01:01:06with pretty faces.

01:01:07I knew exactly

01:01:08what they were worth.

01:01:09Nothing.

01:01:10I found him

01:01:11at the center of the courtyard,

01:01:12leaning against a pillar

01:01:13like he owned it.

01:01:14Lazy smile.

01:01:15Sleeves shoved up.

01:01:16A ring of admirers

01:01:18three deep.

01:01:18He clocked me

01:01:19the second I walked past.

01:01:20The one girl

01:01:21not looking.

01:01:22You're new?

01:01:23You're new.

01:01:24Most girls slow down.

01:01:25Most girls have

01:01:25lower standards.

01:01:27Ouch.

01:01:28Pretty and cruel.

01:01:29My favorite combination.

01:01:31Go get a new favorite.

01:01:32I walked off

01:01:33without another glance.

01:01:34Behind me,

01:01:34I heard him laugh again.

01:01:36Softer this time.

01:01:37Interested.

01:01:37We had three classes together.

01:01:39By Thursday,

01:01:40he'd decided

01:01:41I was a project.

01:01:42Let me guess.

01:01:43He said,

01:01:44Head to toe

01:01:45in designer brands.

01:01:46Daddy's money.

01:01:48Private everything.

01:01:49You've never wanted

01:01:50for a thing in your life.

01:01:51You don't know

01:01:51anything about me.

01:01:53I know the type.

01:01:54Spoiled little princess

01:01:55who thinks the world

01:01:56owes her a cursi.

01:01:57I earn every grade

01:01:59in this room.

01:01:59I don't cheat.

01:02:01I don't coast.

01:02:02And I have never once

01:02:03needed a smug tourist

01:02:04to explain my own life

01:02:06to me.

01:02:06The room went silent.

01:02:07Cute speech.

01:02:08Save it for someone impressed.

01:02:10That's when Leo walked in.

01:02:12He took one look at us

01:02:13sitting side by side

01:02:14glaring.

01:02:15Oh no.

01:02:16I said.

01:02:17You know him?

01:02:18You know her?

01:02:19Leo dragged a hand

01:02:20down his face.

01:02:21Rafe,

01:02:22me and my little sister

01:02:23and this is Rafe Moretti.

01:02:25Two things happened at once.

01:02:27Rafe realized

01:02:27the princess

01:02:28he'd just insulted

01:02:29was a Castellano

01:02:30and I realized

01:02:32he was from Moretti,

01:02:33the family in dad's mouth.

01:02:34Leo cornered me that night.

01:02:36Stay away from Rafe.

01:02:38Gladly.

01:02:38He's insufferable.

01:02:40I mean it,

01:02:40Sophia.

01:02:41His family and ours,

01:02:42it's complicated.

01:02:44Okay.

01:02:44But next time you go out,

01:02:46I'm coming with you.

01:02:47The next morning,

01:02:48I caught him talking to Rafe

01:02:49by the lockers.

01:02:50Keep an eye on her.

01:02:51She sneaks off.

01:02:52You're in her classes.

01:02:53I am not babysitting

01:02:54your sister.

01:02:55You owe me from

01:02:55Saturday's race.

01:02:56Fine.

01:02:57But she's a nightmare.

01:02:59She really is.

01:03:00I wanted to murder

01:03:01them both.

01:03:02So now the playboy

01:03:03I despised

01:03:04was my unofficial shadow.

01:03:06We got paired

01:03:06for the history project too

01:03:08because the universe hates me.

01:03:10We fought about everything.

01:03:12Topic,

01:03:12sources,

01:03:13who held the pen.

01:03:14But once,

01:03:15mid-argument,

01:03:16his phone lit up.

01:03:16A name flashed.

01:03:18Cristiano.

01:03:19For half a second,

01:03:20the lazy smirk

01:03:21dropped clean off his face.

01:03:22What was left underneath

01:03:23was cold,

01:03:24older than 17,

01:03:25and something close to hatred.

01:03:27Then he silenced the call

01:03:28and the mask slid back on

01:03:30like it had never moved.

01:03:32Where were we, princess?

01:03:33Rafe didn't let

01:03:34the princess thing go.

01:03:35Every class,

01:03:36a little dig.

01:03:37Did daddy buy this library?

01:03:38Is that a real cartier

01:03:39or just for show?

01:03:40I stopped answering.

01:03:42He hated that more.

01:03:43So when Mr. Hale

01:03:44announced the school's

01:03:45debate cup

01:03:46with a full scholarship

01:03:47attached,

01:03:48he said,

01:03:49You'll win that

01:03:49on the name alone.

01:03:50Enter it against me

01:03:52if you're so sure.

01:03:54Loser admits

01:03:55the other earned it

01:03:56out loud

01:03:56in front of everyone.

01:03:58The whole class

01:03:59ood.

01:03:59He couldn't say no.

01:04:00Boys like Rafe never can.

01:04:02I prepped for six nights.

01:04:04No tutors,

01:04:05no favors.

01:04:06Just me and a stack of books

01:04:07and the stubbornness

01:04:08I got from my mother.

01:04:09I took him apart

01:04:10on stage in 11 minutes.

01:04:12Not with my last name.

01:04:13With facts.

01:04:14With nerve.

01:04:15With every late night

01:04:16nobody ever saw.

01:04:17The judges didn't even

01:04:18deliberate.

01:04:19She earned it.

01:04:20He said.

01:04:20He stood on the stage

01:04:22and looked at me

01:04:22for a long time.

01:04:24Like he was seeing me

01:04:25for the first time.

01:04:26Then he smiled.

01:04:27Winning made me a target.

01:04:29I was just about

01:04:30to leave the classroom

01:04:31when a blonde girl

01:04:32stopped me.

01:04:33I recognized her.

01:04:34Her name was Camilla Vane.

01:04:36Old money.

01:04:36Sharp heels.

01:04:38And a claim on Rafe

01:04:39she'd staked

01:04:39the day he arrived.

01:04:40She'd watched Rafe admit

01:04:42I earned the debate cup.

01:04:43She did not take it well.

01:04:45Cute.

01:04:45The mafia princess

01:04:46thinks she's special.

01:04:48I don't think I'm anything.

01:04:50Please leave.

01:04:51But later,

01:04:51I knew that Camilla

01:04:52didn't want to fight.

01:04:53She wanted a show.

01:04:55That Friday

01:04:55was the Winter Showcase.

01:04:57Half the city's

01:04:58powerful families

01:04:59in the seat.

01:05:00Cameras everywhere.

01:05:01I stepped up

01:05:02to the podium.

01:05:02The big screen

01:05:03lit up behind me.

01:05:04But it wasn't my slides.

01:05:06It was a leaked

01:05:07wire transfer.

01:05:08Castellano Holdings

01:05:09to the Ashford Endowment.

01:05:11The room started

01:05:11to murmur.

01:05:12Phones came up.

01:05:13The one thing

01:05:14I'd built

01:05:14with my own two hands.

01:05:16The one thing

01:05:16that was mine.

01:05:17She was burning it down

01:05:18in front of everyone.

01:05:20Camilla stood

01:05:20in the wings,

01:05:21smiling.

01:05:22My hands shook.

01:05:23300 people

01:05:24watched me not speak.

01:05:25For one second,

01:05:26I heard Camilla's voice

01:05:27in my head.

01:05:28You don't belong here.

01:05:29Then I heard my mother's.

01:05:30You keep walking

01:05:31into rooms

01:05:32too small for you.

01:05:33I set down my note cards.

01:05:34Cute forgery.

01:05:35Two problems.

01:05:37One,

01:05:37the endowment

01:05:38is public record.

01:05:39Pull it up.

01:05:40There's no Castellano transfer.

01:05:42There never was.

01:05:43Two,

01:05:44Castellano Holdings

01:05:45rebranded four years ago.

01:05:46That logo hasn't existed

01:05:47since I was 12.

01:05:49Whoever made this

01:05:49pulled an old letterhead

01:05:50off the internet.

01:05:52I don't win

01:05:53because of my name.

01:05:54I win because

01:05:54while some people

01:05:55were photoshopping,

01:05:56I was studying.

01:05:57I found Camilla

01:05:58in the wings,

01:05:59frozen,

01:05:59phone still up.

01:06:00You should have

01:06:01checked your sources.

01:06:02She fled.

01:06:02I finished my speech

01:06:03to a standing ovation

01:06:05and at the back

01:06:05of the hall,

01:06:06leaning in the doorway,

01:06:08looking at me

01:06:08like I was something

01:06:09he hadn't expected

01:06:10to find.

01:06:11I told myself

01:06:12I followed Leo

01:06:13for his sake.

01:06:14That's a lie

01:06:14I'm still working on.

01:06:15The races were

01:06:16in an old highway

01:06:17that night.

01:06:18I slipped through the fence

01:06:19and found a place

01:06:20in the dark to watch.

01:06:21And there he was.

01:06:22No smirk,

01:06:23no audience

01:06:24to perform for.

01:06:25Just Rafe

01:06:26and a machine

01:06:26and the edge of control.

01:06:28He rode like he was

01:06:29trying to outrun something.

01:06:31Like the second he stopped,

01:06:32it would catch him.

01:06:33It was the most honest

01:06:34I'd ever seen him.

01:06:36Then it went wrong.

01:06:37A rival motorcycle member.

01:06:39Words,

01:06:39then shoves,

01:06:40then a flick of metal

01:06:41in the firelight.

01:06:42Somebody spotted me.

01:06:43A stranger grabbed my arm.

01:06:45I didn't scream.

01:06:46I drove my heel

01:06:47into his instep

01:06:48and twisted free.

01:06:49But Rafe was already on him.

01:06:51He stepped between me

01:06:52and the whole damn party.

01:06:53Don't touch her.

01:06:55The guy never stood a chance.

01:06:56It was over fast after that.

01:06:58Leo's name carried weight

01:06:59around here.

01:07:00So did Rafe's.

01:07:01He drove me home that night.

01:07:02There was a cut

01:07:03at the corner of his mouth.

01:07:04When the car stopped,

01:07:05I reached out

01:07:06and brushed the blood

01:07:07from his lip.

01:07:08He caught my hand

01:07:09and,

01:07:09like a knight

01:07:10swearing himself

01:07:11to his queen,

01:07:12Always at your service,

01:07:13princess.

01:07:13After the yard,

01:07:14something shifted.

01:07:15We stopped pretending

01:07:16to hate each other

01:07:17quite so hard.

01:07:19Which is how I ended up

01:07:20on the roof

01:07:20of the science building

01:07:21at lunch,

01:07:22where Rafe goes

01:07:23to be alone.

01:07:24He didn't hear me come up.

01:07:25He was on the phone,

01:07:26speaking Italian.

01:07:27I only caught pieces,

01:07:29but I caught the tone.

01:07:30He went quiet,

01:07:31his expression

01:07:32turning cold.

01:07:33And for the first time,

01:07:34I realized

01:07:35he might one day

01:07:36grow into a godfather

01:07:38men feared.

01:07:40Yes,

01:07:41his uncle.

01:07:41I understand that word.

01:07:43I'll be back

01:07:43when the old man dies.

01:07:44not a day before.

01:07:46You can tell Cristiano

01:07:48I said so.

01:07:49Cristiano,

01:07:49Leo seemed,

01:07:50said it was his brother.

01:07:52The most untouchable boy

01:07:53in school

01:07:54looked like he had nothing.

01:07:56I should have left.

01:07:57Instead,

01:07:58I said his name.

01:07:59Rafe.

01:08:00He spun around.

01:08:01For a second,

01:08:01raw shock.

01:08:02Then his usually

01:08:03playboy smile.

01:08:04Spying?

01:08:05Princess?

01:08:07I wasn't.

01:08:08How long were you

01:08:09standing there?

01:08:10Rafe.

01:08:11Did you enjoy it?

01:08:12Poor little rich girl

01:08:13charity come to feel

01:08:14sorry for the bastard?

01:08:15I don't feel sorry for you.

01:08:17You should.

01:08:17Everyone else does.

01:08:19You want to know my life?

01:08:20Fine.

01:08:21My mother is dead.

01:08:22My family wishes I were.

01:08:24I'm a placeholder

01:08:24until they need a body

01:08:25to throw at something.

01:08:27Stop.

01:08:28You wouldn't understand

01:08:29the first thing about it.

01:08:31You.

01:08:32With your perfect father

01:08:34who'd burn the city for you.

01:08:35Your perfect mother.

01:08:36Your perfect untouchable

01:08:37little life.

01:08:38I slapped him.

01:08:39Hard.

01:08:39I waited for the anger.

01:08:41For the urge to fire back.

01:08:42It didn't come

01:08:43because I was looking

01:08:44at his face

01:08:45and under all that venom

01:08:46his eyes were wet.

01:08:48He was trying to leave

01:08:49before I saw his tears.

01:08:50You're not nothing.

01:08:51Boys like Rafe

01:08:52don't apologize.

01:08:54But the next day

01:08:54he brought me breakfast.

01:08:56He was quiet

01:08:57the entire morning.

01:08:58No princess joke.

01:08:59No smirk.

01:09:00Just as class ended

01:09:01he leaned in

01:09:02and asked me quietly.

01:09:04Did you finish the slides?

01:09:05We worked on the history project

01:09:06for two hours

01:09:07and didn't fight once.

01:09:09It was unsettling.

01:09:10After the class

01:09:11the rain started.

01:09:12By the time we reached

01:09:13the school gate

01:09:14he tilted the umbrella

01:09:15toward my side.

01:09:16You're getting soaked.

01:09:17I was staring at his white shirt

01:09:19completely drenched.

01:09:20It clung to him

01:09:21outlining a broad

01:09:22solid chest.

01:09:23I had to admit

01:09:24his build was

01:09:25unfairly good.

01:09:27Happy to serve miss.

01:09:28The words pulled me back

01:09:29to the kiss

01:09:29he had once pressed

01:09:30against my fingers.

01:09:32My face warmed slightly

01:09:33then his phone buzzed

01:09:34an italian number

01:09:35no name.

01:09:36He glanced at it

01:09:37and went still.

01:09:38He killed the screen fast

01:09:39but I'd already seen

01:09:40his jaw tighten.

01:09:41Everything okay?

01:09:42Fine.

01:09:43He lied.

01:09:44Across the road

01:09:45a man in a dark coat

01:09:46was watching us

01:09:47and he did not look away.

01:09:49Leo found us

01:09:50under that umbrella.

01:09:51He pulled me into the car

01:09:52a flash of anger

01:09:53in his grip.

01:09:54He didn't say anything

01:09:55in front of Rafe

01:09:56but that night

01:09:56he knocked on my door

01:09:57and his face

01:09:58wasn't the goofy

01:09:59big brother one.

01:10:00You like him.

01:10:02I tolerate him.

01:10:04I'm not stupid

01:10:05and I'm not blind.

01:10:06I braced for a lecture.

01:10:08Instead he said

01:10:09his family and ours

01:10:10have a thing.

01:10:11Not a war

01:10:12not friends

01:10:14two snakes

01:10:15in one garden

01:10:15both pretending

01:10:16not to watch each other.

01:10:18That sounds exhausting.

01:10:20It's the only reason

01:10:21we've had peace this long.

01:10:23I'm not telling you

01:10:23to stop.

01:10:24I know you.

01:10:25That never works.

01:10:26Just be careful.

01:10:27Some things are bigger than us.

01:10:28It was the most grown up thing

01:10:29my brother had ever said to me.

01:10:31Mom and Dad and I

01:10:32just want you to be safe

01:10:33and happy.

01:10:35Clearly you're the one

01:10:35who causes the most trouble.

01:10:37And later

01:10:38I found out

01:10:39he'd said something

01:10:39to Rafe too.

01:10:40Out in the dark

01:10:41just the two of them.

01:10:43I know you're not really

01:10:43here to party.

01:10:44Clean up your own

01:10:45damn mess at home.

01:10:46And if any of that

01:10:47shit ever touches

01:10:47my sister

01:10:48you and I are done.

01:10:49That night

01:10:50I went to find my mother.

01:10:51I forgot to knock

01:10:52and just push the door open.

01:10:54Oh my god.

01:10:55They were

01:10:55tangled together.

01:10:57I spun around

01:10:58immediately

01:10:58and slammed the door shut

01:10:59covering my eyes.

01:11:01Dad!

01:11:01Mom!

01:11:02Next time

01:11:02please lock your room!

01:11:0420 minutes later

01:11:05my father

01:11:06finally walked out.

01:11:07That just proves

01:11:08your mother and I

01:11:08have a very healthy relationship.

01:11:10I ran straight

01:11:11into my mother's arms.

01:11:12Mom

01:11:13I need to talk to you.

01:11:15Come babe.

01:11:16Mom

01:11:18how did you know

01:11:18you love Dad?

01:11:19Sounds like my girl

01:11:20has some love troubles.

01:11:22I don't.

01:11:23I'm just asking.

01:11:24Alright

01:11:24then I'll just tell you

01:11:25casually.

01:11:26you'll find yourself

01:11:27noticing him

01:11:28without meaning to.

01:11:29Your heart will start

01:11:30racing from the smallest

01:11:31accidental touches

01:11:32and most importantly

01:11:33you'll find yourself

01:11:35hurting because of him.

01:11:36I would never get hurt

01:11:38because of him.

01:11:39You will.

01:11:40I saw Rafe with a girl

01:11:42in the east corridor.

01:11:43Rafe telling some story

01:11:45with his hands.

01:11:46Then he hit the punchline

01:11:47and the girl

01:11:48burst out laughing.

01:11:49She gave him a light

01:11:50playful slap

01:11:51and Rafe caught her hand

01:11:53midair.

01:11:53He tucked a strand

01:11:54of her hair

01:11:55behind her ear.

01:11:56I was clearly a fool.

01:11:57The easy laugh.

01:11:58The gentleness

01:11:59that makes you feel

01:12:00like the only person

01:12:01in the world.

01:12:02I'd let myself

01:12:03think it was mine.

01:12:04I'm not the only one

01:12:05he's happy to charm.

01:12:06I was just the girl

01:12:07he hated.

01:12:08An arrogant

01:12:08delicate princess

01:12:10in his words.

01:12:11And I hated the version

01:12:12of myself

01:12:12that still hurt

01:12:13because of him.

01:12:14Just like my mother

01:12:15had said I would.

01:12:16I skipped fourth period.

01:12:17I went to the bar

01:12:18two blocks off campus.

01:12:20The kind that

01:12:20barely checks IDs

01:12:21and slid my fake one

01:12:23across the counter.

01:12:24By the third drink

01:12:25the room had started

01:12:26to tilt.

01:12:26By the fourth

01:12:27I heard a voice

01:12:28I'd have known anywhere.

01:12:29What the hell

01:12:30are you doing here?

01:12:30Rafe.

01:12:31He took one look

01:12:32at the glass in my hand

01:12:33and the fake ID

01:12:34on the counter

01:12:35and his jaw

01:12:36went tight.

01:12:37He didn't yell.

01:12:37He paid my tab

01:12:38and steered me

01:12:39toward the door

01:12:40with a hand

01:12:40at the small

01:12:41of my back

01:12:42careful.

01:12:42The night air

01:12:43hit me

01:12:44and the world

01:12:44spun harder.

01:12:46He poured me

01:12:47into the seat

01:12:47of his car

01:12:48and crouched

01:12:48in the open door

01:12:49level with my eyes.

01:12:51You could have

01:12:51gotten hurt.

01:12:52What were you thinking?

01:12:53I looked at him

01:12:53and before I could

01:12:54stop it

01:12:55one tear

01:12:56slid down my cheek.

01:12:57Hey

01:12:58why are you crying?

01:12:59I don't want you

01:13:00laughing with all

01:13:01those girls.

01:13:02I don't want to be

01:13:03just one of them.

01:13:04He went very still

01:13:05then he laughed

01:13:06a real smile

01:13:08low in his chest.

01:13:09You are not one of them.

01:13:11You have never once

01:13:12been one of them.

01:13:13I'm sorry

01:13:13for the girl

01:13:15for the show

01:13:16he swallowed

01:13:16and for what I said

01:13:17on that roof.

01:13:18Every word of it

01:13:19was a lie I told

01:13:20because the truth

01:13:21scared me.

01:13:21Then he leaned in

01:13:22and kissed me.

01:13:23The next day

01:13:24something shifted

01:13:25between us again.

01:13:26I'll call it

01:13:27what it was

01:13:28something dangerously

01:13:29close to flirting.

01:13:30I wasn't supposed

01:13:31to be at their

01:13:32motorcycle race

01:13:32that night

01:13:33but just like

01:13:34my mother said

01:13:34I couldn't keep

01:13:35my eyes off Rafe

01:13:37watched him

01:13:37and Rafe

01:13:38trade the lead

01:13:39like it was

01:13:39a conversation.

01:13:40Then the headlights

01:13:41came.

01:13:42Not racers

01:13:42a convoy

01:13:43black SUVs

01:13:45sliding into the yard

01:13:46blocking the exit.

01:13:47A crew nobody

01:13:48recognized

01:13:49out of town muscle

01:13:50the kind that

01:13:51doesn't come to watch.

01:13:52The riders scattered

01:13:53engines screamed.

01:13:55I froze for

01:13:56half a second

01:13:56too long

01:13:57and a hand

01:13:58closed around my arm.

01:14:00Castigliano girl.

01:14:01That was the part

01:14:02that scared me.

01:14:03They knew who I was.

01:14:04They'd come for me.

01:14:05Leo saw it

01:14:06from across the yard.

01:14:07So did Rafe.

01:14:08Both of them

01:14:08turned their bikes

01:14:09at once

01:14:09but it was my brother

01:14:10who didn't panic.

01:14:12While everyone else ran

01:14:13he pulled out his phone

01:14:14and made one call.

01:14:15Three words.

01:14:16It's a setup.

01:14:17Then he looked

01:14:17at the men surrounding us

01:14:19and for the first time

01:14:20in my life

01:14:20my goofy big brother

01:14:22looked exactly

01:14:23like our father.

01:14:24Let her go

01:14:24you have no idea

01:14:25whose night

01:14:26you just walked into.

01:14:27Here's what I didn't know

01:14:28about my brother.

01:14:29The races were

01:14:30never just races.

01:14:31For two years

01:14:32Leo had been building

01:14:33something in the dark corners

01:14:35of this city.

01:14:36A web.

01:14:37Riders.

01:14:37Mechanics.

01:14:38Runners.

01:14:39Eyes.

01:14:40He never told our parents.

01:14:41He never told me.

01:14:42He carried it alone

01:14:43so the family would always

01:14:45see trouble coming

01:14:46before it arrived.

01:14:47My goofy big brother

01:14:48wasn't a kid

01:14:49playing with bikes.

01:14:50He was the one

01:14:51standing watch.

01:14:52When those men

01:14:53grabbed me

01:14:54Leo didn't throw a punch.

01:14:55He didn't have to.

01:14:57Within minutes

01:14:57the yard filled with riders.

01:14:59His riders.

01:15:00You came onto my ground.

01:15:02You touched my sister.

01:15:04There's no version of tonight

01:15:06where you drive out of here.

01:15:07The man let go of my arm.

01:15:09Rafe's fist landed first

01:15:10snapping into the man's face.

01:15:12Blood splattered

01:15:13across his cheek.

01:15:14Cold.

01:15:15Violent.

01:15:16Unforgiving.

01:15:16And just like that

01:15:17it was over.

01:15:18He looked at me.

01:15:19Don't tell mom and dad.

01:15:20And as he turned to walk away

01:15:21he was the spitting image

01:15:23of our father at 17.

01:15:24We ended up on the hood

01:15:26of Rafe's car at 2am

01:15:27parked on a hill

01:15:28above the whole lit up city.

01:15:29Leo had driven

01:15:30the others home.

01:15:31Given us a look.

01:15:32Left.

01:15:33My hands were still

01:15:34shaking from the yard.

01:15:35You okay?

01:15:36I had it handled.

01:15:38I know.

01:15:39A pause.

01:15:39You always do.

01:15:40I turned to look at him.

01:15:41The playboy was gone.

01:15:43So was the cruel mouth

01:15:44looking at me like

01:15:45I was the only safe thing

01:15:46he'd ever found.

01:15:47You scared me tonight.

01:15:48When that man grabbed you

01:15:50I have never been

01:15:50that scared in my life.

01:15:53I'm fine.

01:15:54I know.

01:15:55That's not the point.

01:15:56He reached up

01:15:57and tucked a strand of hair

01:15:59behind my ear.

01:15:59Slow.

01:16:00Like he expected me

01:16:01to stop him.

01:16:02I didn't stop him.

01:16:03I kissed him first.

01:16:04Because I'm a Castellano

01:16:06and we don't wait.

01:16:07He took control.

01:16:08Pulling me in

01:16:09and kissing me

01:16:09until I forgot how to breathe.

01:16:11He tasted unexpectedly soft.

01:16:13Almost sweet.

01:16:14Nothing like the cold man

01:16:15he pretended to be.

01:16:16For a moment

01:16:17I thought I understood

01:16:18how my mother

01:16:19had fallen in love

01:16:20with my father.

01:16:21That night

01:16:21he sent me home.

01:16:22We kissed again

01:16:23before I got out of his car.

01:16:25Then his phone

01:16:25lit up in the corner

01:16:26of my eye.

01:16:27Cristiano.

01:16:28His brother's coming.

01:16:29I should have known

01:16:30nothing stays secret

01:16:32in my family.

01:16:32By Friday

01:16:33my father knew

01:16:34the Moretti boy's name.

01:16:35I came home

01:16:36to find him in his study.

01:16:37A photo of Rafe

01:16:38already on his desk.

01:16:40Stay away from him.

01:16:41He's a classmate dad.

01:16:43He's a Moradi.

01:16:44But that doesn't mean anything.

01:16:46He's only 17.

01:16:47So was I

01:16:48when I buried my parents

01:16:49and took this family.

01:16:51Mafia means danger.

01:16:53Protecting my family

01:16:54is the only duty

01:16:55I have in this life.

01:16:55Dad.

01:16:57I knew that when he spoke

01:16:58like that

01:16:58there was no arguing

01:16:59with him.

01:17:00But then

01:17:01my mother stepped in.

01:17:02Luca

01:17:03you're looking at the name.

01:17:05You should look at

01:17:05the boy himself.

01:17:07The boy is the name.

01:17:08I was the divorced nanny

01:17:10with 36 dollars.

01:17:11Everyone in your world

01:17:12looked at me that way too.

01:17:14You're the one

01:17:14who taught me

01:17:15they were wrong.

01:17:16The room went quiet.

01:17:17Luca's stern expression

01:17:19softened.

01:17:19The cold dawn had faded

01:17:21and my gentle father

01:17:22was back again.

01:17:23I want to meet him.

01:17:24Luca said finally.

01:17:25my stomach dropped.

01:17:26Dad no.

01:17:27It's not a request Sophia.

01:17:29Dad didn't do it at the house.

01:17:30He did it at the restaurant

01:17:31he owns downtown.

01:17:32The one where the back room

01:17:33has no cameras.

01:17:35I wasn't allowed in.

01:17:36I waited in the car with Leo

01:17:37sick to my stomach.

01:17:39It wasn't until much later

01:17:40that Rafe told me

01:17:41what had really happened that day.

01:17:43My father sat across from him

01:17:44and said nothing

01:17:45for a full minute.

01:17:46Just looked.

01:17:47Most men break in that minute.

01:17:49Rafe didn't.

01:17:49You know who I am.

01:17:51Everyone knows who you are.

01:17:53Then you know what I can do

01:17:54to a boy who hurts my daughter.

01:17:56I'm not going to hurt her.

01:17:57Boys like you always do.

01:17:59And then Rafe said the thing

01:18:00that changed everything.

01:18:02I give you my word and my life.

01:18:04Your daughter will never be touched

01:18:06never be threatened.

01:18:07I will die before I allow harm

01:18:09to reach her.

01:18:09I don't want anything from you sir.

01:18:11Not your name.

01:18:12Not your protection.

01:18:14I'll build an empire for her

01:18:15with my own blood

01:18:16and my own gun.

01:18:16I swear it to you.

01:18:17Silence.

01:18:18Then my father

01:18:19leaned back

01:18:20and almost smiled.

01:18:21You're either the most honest boy

01:18:22I've met in 20 years

01:18:23or the most dangerous.

01:18:25I haven't decided which.

01:18:26Which, with my father,

01:18:28means he was impressed.

01:18:29After that day,

01:18:30I kept asking him

01:18:31about Cristiano.

01:18:32In the evening,

01:18:33he drove me back to the place

01:18:34where we had kissed

01:18:35for the first time.

01:18:36We leaned against his car.

01:18:38I was eating gas station sandwiches

01:18:40like they were a feast.

01:18:41I made him laugh.

01:18:42A real one.

01:18:43Not the practiced one

01:18:44he gives girls.

01:18:45You're different

01:18:45when no one's watching.

01:18:47So are you, princess.

01:18:48He told me things

01:18:50he'd never told anyone.

01:18:51He was a bastard.

01:18:52His mother was just

01:18:53an ordinary girl

01:18:54from a normal family.

01:18:56He told me about

01:18:56his mother's laugh,

01:18:57the way she sang

01:18:58in the kitchen,

01:18:59and how his father's wife

01:19:00took her from him.

01:19:01His half-brother

01:19:02was now the first in line,

01:19:04the heir.

01:19:04There was a war between them.

01:19:06He pulled me against his chest

01:19:08and said the thing

01:19:08that undid me.

01:19:09I never thought anyone

01:19:10would stay by my side.

01:19:11And I answered him

01:19:12with a kiss.

01:19:13The next day,

01:19:14just before school ended,

01:19:16Cristiano showed up

01:19:17at the cafe

01:19:17by the campus gates.

01:19:18He looked like Rafe.

01:19:19Same jaw,

01:19:20same dark eyes.

01:19:22Little brother.

01:19:23Mother sends her love

01:19:25and a deadline.

01:19:27Rafe stepped in front

01:19:27of me on instinct.

01:19:29You shouldn't be here.

01:19:30You shouldn't be playing

01:19:31house with a castoroni.

01:19:32Though,

01:19:33I understand the appeal.

01:19:34She's lovely.

01:19:35Don't.

01:19:36Relax.

01:19:37I'm not here for her.

01:19:39Yet.

01:19:39He told Rafe the news

01:19:41in three flat sentences.

01:19:43Their father,

01:19:43the head of the whole family,

01:19:45he was dying.

01:19:46When he went,

01:19:47the family would choose

01:19:48who led next.

01:19:49Mother wants you home for it.

01:19:51To stand in the back.

01:19:52Smile.

01:19:52Remind everyone

01:19:53the bastard knows his play.

01:19:54Rafe's hands were fist.

01:19:55Cristiano got back in his car,

01:19:57rolled down the window.

01:19:58Oh,

01:19:59tell your father

01:20:00the Morettis

01:20:00send their regards.

01:20:01He'll know what it means.

01:20:03Then he drove off,

01:20:04leaving the whole beautiful day

01:20:05in ruins behind him.

01:20:07Beside me,

01:20:08Rafe had gone white.

01:20:09Cristiano didn't go home.

01:20:10He enrolled.

01:20:11A semester abroad,

01:20:12he called it.

01:20:13smiling at a headmaster

01:20:14who couldn't say no

01:20:15to that much money.

01:20:16And he made it his mission

01:20:17to grind his little brother

01:20:19into dust

01:20:19in front of the whole school.

01:20:21This is Raffaello,

01:20:22my father's little mistake.

01:20:23We keep him around

01:20:24the way you keep an old dog.

01:20:25Pity,

01:20:26mostly.

01:20:26People laughed.

01:20:27Rafe didn't move.

01:20:28The boy who'd face down

01:20:29my father without blinking

01:20:31sat there

01:20:31and let his brother

01:20:32carve him up.

01:20:33Because in their world,

01:20:34that was his place.

01:20:35I watched his jaw work,

01:20:37watched him swallow it,

01:20:38and I couldn't.

01:20:39I stood up,

01:20:40crossed the cafeteria,

01:20:41sat down right beside Rafe,

01:20:43in full view of everyone,

01:20:44and took his hand

01:20:45on top of the table.

01:20:46The whole room went silent.

01:20:48It means the support

01:20:49from Castellano.

01:20:50Sofia, don't.

01:20:51Too late.

01:20:53Cristiano's smile

01:20:53finally slipped.

01:20:55He stared at me.

01:20:56Rafe found me after,

01:20:57on the roof

01:20:58where all of this started.

01:20:59He wasn't angry.

01:21:00He was something worse.

01:21:01Why would you do that?

01:21:03Do you know

01:21:03what you just did?

01:21:05You made yourself

01:21:06my weakness.

01:21:07In front of him.

01:21:09In front of everyone.

01:21:10I made myself

01:21:11your ally.

01:21:12Nobody stands up for me.

01:21:13Nobody ever has.

01:21:14He stared at me.

01:21:16Then get used to it.

01:21:17My mother,

01:21:17she was killed

01:21:18by my own family.

01:21:20My father

01:21:21looks at me

01:21:21like I'm nothing.

01:21:23Like I don't even exist.

01:21:24I've been carrying

01:21:25this vendetta

01:21:26since I was a boy.

01:21:27I made a promise

01:21:28over her grave.

01:21:29I'm gonna burn them down.

01:21:30That's the only thing

01:21:31I'm for.

01:21:32Then I'll help you.

01:21:33No.

01:21:34Don't you understand?

01:21:35The second they know

01:21:36you matter to me,

01:21:37you become a way

01:21:38to hurt me.

01:21:38I won't survive

01:21:39losing one more person

01:21:40I love.

01:21:41He froze.

01:21:42The word had slipped out.

01:21:43He loved me.

01:21:44Neither of us moved.

01:21:46When the old man dies,

01:21:47I have to go back.

01:21:49I brought him home.

01:21:50Dad was at work.

01:21:51So it was just Mom.

01:21:52She took one look

01:21:53at Rafe

01:21:54standing stiff

01:21:55in our doorway

01:21:55like he was waiting

01:21:56to be thrown out

01:21:57and something in Mom's face

01:21:59went soft

01:22:00and far away.

01:22:01She didn't ask

01:22:02about the Morettis.

01:22:03You look like someone

01:22:04who spent a long time

01:22:06telling himself

01:22:07he doesn't need anything.

01:22:08I was that once.

01:22:10My mother said.

01:22:11The one nobody wanted.

01:22:13The one everyone

01:22:13looked at like a problem.

01:22:16He asked.

01:22:17What changed?

01:22:18Someone looked at me

01:22:19and saw a person

01:22:20instead of a problem.

01:22:21It's not a small thing

01:22:22being seen.

01:22:24It can save your life.

01:22:25When he left,

01:22:26my mother held my hand

01:22:28at the window.

01:22:28He's worth fighting

01:22:29for that one.

01:22:30But Sophia.

01:22:32She said.

01:22:33and her eyes

01:22:33were serious.

01:22:35Make sure you're ready

01:22:36for the day

01:22:36his war walks

01:22:37through that door.

Divorciada, El Padrino Me Eligió | Full 75 Eps SD Drama 2026 | Full Episode Short Drama 2026

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