▶ la hija de la reina alfa | Full Short Drama | English Sub 2026 — Full Episode
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Watch the full short drama. New episodes every day — follow binge.box.tv for more.
#shortdrama #fulldrama #fullepisode #microdrama #englishsub #romance #ceo #billionaire #werewolf #revenge #dailymotion #fyp #viral #trending #bingeboxtv
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00:00:00As the future Donna of the Mafia, I survived seven rounds of IVF and hundreds of objections,
00:00:04all to finally carry an heir for my nearly infertile fiancé.
00:00:07But the night before our wedding, a trending video popped up on my feed.
00:00:10He's usually so fierce, but I secretly stepped on his shoe under the meeting table.
00:00:17He actually smiled at me and texted me to stop playing around.
00:00:21I almost scrolled past, but a dark silver tie clip on her collar stopped me dead.
00:00:26That was the engagement gift I handcrafted for Ethan.
00:00:29It still had a heart engraved inside, formed by our fingerprints.
00:00:33In the mirror, my white dress suddenly burned my eyes.
00:00:36I gave Ethan that exact tie-by-clipper last month.
00:00:39He had barely glanced at it before tossing it into a drawer.
00:00:42Stop making these useless trinkets.
00:00:44You're the future Donna of the Crawfords.
00:00:47Focus on the family.
00:00:49His tone was clinical, like dismissing a failed report.
00:00:52I assumed he just didn't like it.
00:00:53But there it was, pinned perfectly to that girl's collar, serving as her ultimate flux.
00:00:57It felt like I'd been slapped hard across the face, my ears ringing.
00:01:01I had spent ten years trying to warm his cold heart, only to realize he'd already given it to her.
00:01:07I changed out of my wedding dress and called Ethan.
00:01:10For ten years, I wiped his shoes, washed his fruit, waited outside his door.
00:01:14Where are you?
00:01:15In a meeting.
00:01:15My knuckles went white against the phone.
00:01:17There's a gala tonight, and Julian Hastings will be there.
00:01:21You know, the boy my mom dragged out of that fire with you.
00:01:23I've long stopped caring about seeing him.
00:01:26He sharply cut me off, but I pushed on.
00:01:29But he's the Don of the Hastings now.
00:01:31He runs the East Coast Financial Empire.
00:01:33We should meet him.
00:01:34He hung up, mid-sentence.
00:01:35But right before the line went dye, a sugary whine slipped through the speaker.
00:01:39Who is that?
00:01:41So annoying.
00:01:42You don't get to do this to me.
00:01:44My stomach chirped.
00:01:46Biles spiked in my throat.
00:01:47Clutching my phone tightly, I tracked his location and headed over.
00:01:51It was an exclusive private club.
00:01:53After slipping the Stark some cash, I went straight to Ethan's private room.
00:01:56But I didn't go in.
00:01:57I just stood outside the door.
00:01:59The man working late at the office was currently drinking and laughing,
00:02:03and sitting right beside him was the girl from the video, Lindsay Moore.
00:02:07Ethan's friends were fanning over her,
00:02:08joking about how a fresh college grod managed to melt the ice-cold Don.
00:02:12In truth, Ethan had never officially taken over as Don,
00:02:15because he had been born with a naturally low sperm count.
00:02:18In the mafia, no one would pledge loyalty to a boss who couldn't produce an heir.
00:02:22It was only after I secretly told the Crawford family,
00:02:25matriarch, about my pregnancy that she secured his inheritance.
00:02:29Ethan had no idea.
00:02:30He thought marrying me was what won his grandmother's favor.
00:02:33That certainly didn't stop him from basking in the title Don Crawford.
00:02:37Only the lawyer frowned deeply.
00:02:39Does your fiancé know?
00:02:40Won't that little maid you've kept around for ten years get jealous?
00:02:44One of Ethan's childhood friends scoffed.
00:02:46Jealous?
00:02:47Over what?
00:02:48She's just a maid's daughter.
00:02:49Her mother ran into a fire to save Madam Crawford back then,
00:02:53so the old lady arranged the engagement to repay the favor.
00:02:55But after all these years of living off the Crawfords,
00:02:58that debt has been paid ten times over.
00:03:00The old lady must be senile to waste Ethan on her.
00:03:03Cruel laughter erupted on the room.
00:03:05My blood ran ice-cold.
00:03:07I stared hard at Ethan,
00:03:08hoping he would say even one word in my defense.
00:03:11But he didn't.
00:03:11Lindsay gave Ethan's arm a cohesious shake.
00:03:14That's right, Don Crawford.
00:03:15Marrying this young will break so many hearts.
00:03:18A childhood friend smirked.
00:03:20You mean yourself, don't you?
00:03:21At that, Lindsay looked hurt.
00:03:23She shook Ethan's arm again,
00:03:25clearly wanting him to step in for her.
00:03:26Ethan set down his glass,
00:03:28his icy gaze sweeping over everyone.
00:03:30The private room instantly fell silent.
00:03:33Even I held my breath,
00:03:34my heart pounding wildly.
00:03:36His friend laughed it off to smooth things over.
00:03:38Just kidding, Ethan.
00:03:40We're just curious.
00:03:41You've known this girl for two weeks,
00:03:42but you've already spoiled her more than Serena.
00:03:44Ten years,
00:03:45and I've never once seen you smile at Serena.
00:03:48My nails dug into the door handle.
00:03:50Conversation inside continued.
00:03:51They were all asking whether Ethan still planned to go through with the wedding.
00:03:55Someone even advised him not to sacrifice his marriage just for the succession as Don.
00:03:59I fixed my eyes on Ethan as well,
00:04:01wanting nothing more than an answer.
00:04:03He didn't look at anyone,
00:04:05just kept twirling the glass in his hand.
00:04:07His thin lips parted.
00:04:08The wedding goes on.
00:04:09He spoke quietly,
00:04:10but the words crushed me like a physical blow.
00:04:13Inside, a chorus of wolf whistles erupted.
00:04:16Come on, Lindsay, don't overthink it.
00:04:18Serena is just there for show.
00:04:20You're the one Don Cranfelder really loves.
00:04:23Ethan's silence spoke volumes.
00:04:24My very existence wasn't worth his breath.
00:04:27In his eyes, I was nothing more than an object,
00:04:29a burden,
00:04:30the unavoidable result of a debt his family owed.
00:04:32Suddenly, the fire from ten years ago flashed before my eyes.
00:04:36The flames roared into the sky as my mother pushed Ethan and Julia out,
00:04:40only to be burned alive herself.
00:04:42That fire earned me a place in the Crawfords,
00:04:44but it took my mother's life.
00:04:45These strawberries look so delicious.
00:04:47Lindsay's syrupy sweet voice rang out again,
00:04:50but I want the Don himself to wash them for me.
00:04:52I was about to leave, but my steps halted instinctively.
00:04:55Growing up, Ethan never lifted a finger.
00:04:58I was always the one peeling and washing his fruit,
00:05:00setting it right by his hand.
00:05:02I stared at him, begging for just a flicker of annoyance.
00:05:05Nothing.
00:05:06I'll go wash them.
00:05:07Ethan set down his glass,
00:05:09picked up the strawberry plate,
00:05:10and rose to his feet.
00:05:11He walked to the door and placed his hand on the handle.
00:05:14The moment our eyes met,
00:05:15the air frozen.
00:05:17The amusement in his eyes vanished instantly.
00:05:19What are you doing here?
00:05:20I stared intently at him.
00:05:21Ethan, why is the tie cup I gave you on another woman?
00:05:24Serena, stop making a scene.
00:05:26Making a scene?
00:05:27I laughed, but my tears fell first.
00:05:29We're getting married tomorrow,
00:05:30yet here you are fooling around with another woman.
00:05:33Who's really the disgrace here?
00:05:34Just then, Lindsay peeked out from behind him.
00:05:36She linked her arm intimately through his
00:05:38and shot me a triumphant look.
00:05:39Don Craffern, who is she?
00:05:41She's so scary.
00:05:42As she spoke, her fingers brushed seemingly by accident
00:05:44over the tie clip at her chest.
00:05:46Ethan's face darkened completely.
00:05:47He glanced at my thinly clothed figure.
00:05:49He took off his suit jacket and moved to drape it over me,
00:05:52as if completing a task.
00:05:53Stop making trouble.
00:05:55Go home now.
00:05:56Don't delay tomorrow's wedding.
00:05:57His tone was commanding, condescending,
00:05:59more like a reprimique than concern.
00:06:01In that moment, everything from the past ten years
00:06:04flashed before my eyes in an instant.
00:06:06It wasn't love.
00:06:07I had mistaken his cold heart for something I could eventually warm
00:06:09when all he had ever given me was charity laced with disfain.
00:06:12Ethan, let's cancel the wedding.
00:06:14I brushed his jacket aside with a casual flick.
00:06:17His hand froze in midair, shock flashing through his eyes
00:06:20before they turned ice cold.
00:06:21Serena, could you even live without me?
00:06:24Dismissing me entirely, he pulled Lindsay close
00:06:26and looked coldly at the security guard nearby.
00:06:28Get her out.
00:06:29Out.
00:06:30Make sure she coo-
00:06:30In an instant, a powerful force yanked me backward.
00:06:33I stumbled, my back slamming painfully against the cold wall.
00:06:36The door to the private room shut firmly.
00:06:37Leaning against the wall, I slowly slid down to the floor.
00:06:40Ten years.
00:06:41It was time to end this one-sided performance.
00:06:44Pulling out my phone, I deleted everything related to Ethan.
00:06:47But in the very next second, someone called.
00:06:49It was Julian.
00:06:51Half an hour later, Julian pushed a cup of hot cocoa towards me.
00:06:54Are you alright?
00:06:55I remember the anniversary of your mother's death is coming up.
00:06:59My eyes welled up as I looked at Julian.
00:07:00He was probably the only person left who still remembered my mother.
00:07:03Before I could speak, metallic bile scorched my throat.
00:07:06I spun away, clamping a hand over my mouth to stifle the dry heaps.
00:07:10Julian got worried.
00:07:11He immediately stood and patted my back gently.
00:07:13What's wrong?
00:07:14I kept my hand clumped over my mouth
00:07:16and swallowed the sour bitterness in my throat.
00:07:19I'm pregnant.
00:07:20Julian's hand folds abruptly in midair.
00:07:22But wasn't Ethan diagnosed as infertile years ago?
00:07:25Meeting Julian's astonished gaze,
00:07:27I uncontationally rested a hand on my flat stomach.
00:07:29Three years ago, when he first got the test results,
00:07:32he smashed everything in his studier.
00:07:34He knew all too well what a fatal blow that was for a mafia ear.
00:07:37So when the pregnancy test showed two lines,
00:07:40I was extalitic.
00:07:41I had wanted to tell him in person at our wedding.
00:07:43But now, setting down my cup,
00:07:45I looked at Julian.
00:07:46Help me leave.
00:07:48Julian's pupils contricted.
00:07:49But your wedding is tomorrow.
00:07:53I lowered my gaze and calmly told him everything about the past ten years.
00:07:56Living under their roof, being completely obedient,
00:07:57only to end up being treated by Ethan as nothing more than a debt to be repaid.
00:08:01Julian fell silent for a long time.
00:08:03I'll make the arrangements for you.
00:08:04After finalizing the plan with Julian,
00:08:06I went straight back to the Crawford family villa.
00:08:08But the moment I pushed open the front door, I froze.
00:08:11Lindsley was hanging off Ethan like a koala.
00:08:13Her face tilted up as she drunkenly tugged at his tie.
00:08:16Ethan didn't push her away.
00:08:17He looked down, one hand firmly supporting her waist.
00:08:20His gaze held a tenderness and indulgence I had never seen before.
00:08:24His gaze caught mine.
00:08:25The tenders vanished instantly, replaced by his familiar coldness.
00:08:28She's drunk.
00:08:29Go clean up the guest room.
00:08:31His tone was so entitled, as if he were ordering a maid.
00:08:33I'm not going.
00:08:34Looking away, I headed upstairs by myself.
00:08:36His expression darkened,
00:08:37his gaze landing on me with overwhelming pressure.
00:08:40After carefully laying Lindsay on the sofa,
00:08:42he stood up and glared down at me.
00:08:43Are you done throwing a tantrum?
00:08:45His tone seemed like a concession, yet it was laced with sheer impatience.
00:08:49Is this because of the tie clip or because I didn't bring you inside tonight?
00:08:52Fine, I apologize.
00:08:53Happy now?
00:08:54He stepped closer, his gaze piercingly cold.
00:08:56Tomorrow is our wedding.
00:08:57Grandma flew all the way back from Sicily just to attend.
00:09:00You'd better drop that bitter, resentful look.
00:09:02Don't upset Grandma.
00:09:03Staring at him, my chest heaved with anger.
00:09:05Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fiercely blinked them back.
00:09:08Are you afraid that if the Donna gets upset, you'll lose your inheritance?
00:09:11At my cold laugh, Ethan's eyes turned completely icy.
00:09:15Serena.
00:09:15He called my name, but his next words froze me to the core.
00:09:17Remember this.
00:09:18Don't disappoint your mother.
00:09:21He let out a snuff.
00:09:22In that moment, his eyes were filled with mockery and deejala,
00:09:25looking at me as if he were merely stating a fact.
00:09:27Your current position as Donna Crawford was paid for with her life.
00:09:30Boom.
00:09:30The last thread of reason in my mind snapped.
00:09:33In his eyes, my mother's life was nothing more than a bargaining chip in an equal exchange.
00:09:36So, shaking virantly,
00:09:38I snatched the heavy glass and launched it at his head.
00:09:40Ethan flinched, instantly spinning to shield Lindsay.
00:09:43The glass struck his shoulder hard, shards scattering across the floor.
00:09:46He let out a muffled groan, then turned his head.
00:09:49His glare was murderous.
00:09:50As the future Donna of the Mothman,
00:09:51I survived seven rounds of IVF and hundreds of objections,
00:09:54all to finally carry an heir for my nearly infertile fiancé.
00:09:57But the night before our wedding, a trending video popped up on my feed.
00:10:00He's usually so fierce, but I secretly stepped on his shoe under the meeting table.
00:10:06He actually smiled at me and texted me to stop playing around.
00:10:11I almost scrolled past, but a dark silver tie clip on her collar stopped me dead.
00:10:16That was the engagement gift I handcrafted for Ethan.
00:10:19It still had a heart engraved inside, formed by our fingerprints.
00:10:23In the mirror, my white dress suddenly burned my eyes.
00:10:26I gave Ethan that exact tie-by-clipper last month.
00:10:29He had barely glanced at it before tossing it into a drawer.
00:10:32Stop making these useless trinkets.
00:10:34You're the future Donna of the Crawfords.
00:10:37Focus on the family.
00:10:39His tone was clinical, like dismissing a failed report.
00:10:42I assumed he just didn't like it.
00:10:43But there it was, pinned perfectly to that girl's collar,
00:10:46serving as her ultimate flux.
00:10:47It felt like I'd been slapped hard across the face, my ears ringing.
00:10:51I had spent ten years trying to warm his cold heart,
00:10:54only to realize he'd already given it to her.
00:10:57I changed out of my wedding dress and called Ethan.
00:11:00For ten years, I wiped his shoes, washed his fruit, waited outside his door.
00:11:04Where are you?
00:11:05In a meeting.
00:11:05My knuckles went white against the phone.
00:11:07There's a gala tonight, and Julian Hastings will be there.
00:11:10You know, the boy my mom dragged out of that fire with you.
00:11:13I've long stopped caring about seeing him.
00:11:16He sharply cut me off, but I pushed on.
00:11:19But he's the Don of the Hastings now.
00:11:21He runs the East Coast Financial Empire.
00:11:23We should meet him.
00:11:24He hung up, mid-sentence.
00:11:25But right before the line went dye, a sugary whine slipped through the speaker.
00:11:29Who is that?
00:11:31So annoying.
00:11:32You don't get to do this to me.
00:11:34My stomach chirped.
00:11:36Bile spiked in my throat.
00:11:37Clutching my phone tightly, I tracked his location and headed over.
00:11:41It was an exclusive private club.
00:11:43After slipping the Stark some cash, I went straight to Ethan's private room.
00:11:46But I didn't go in.
00:11:47I just stood outside the door.
00:11:49The man working late at the office was currently drinking and laughing, and sitting right beside
00:11:54him was the girl from the video, Lindsay Moore.
00:11:57Ethan's friends were fanning over her, joking about how a fresh college grod managed to melt
00:12:01the ice-cold Don.
00:12:02In truth, Ethan had never officially taken over as Don because he had been born with a naturally
00:12:07low sperm count.
00:12:08In the mafia, no one would pledge loyalty to a boss who couldn't produce an heir.
00:12:12It was only after I secretly told the Crawford family, matriarch, about my pregnancy that
00:12:17she secured his inheritance.
00:12:19Ethan had no idea.
00:12:20He thought marrying me was what won his grandmother's favor.
00:12:23That certainly didn't stop him from basking in the title Don Crawford.
00:12:27Only the lawyer frowned deeply.
00:12:29Does your fiancé know?
00:12:30Won't that little maid you've kept around for ten years get jealous?
00:12:34One of Ethan's childhood friends scoffed.
00:12:36Jealous?
00:12:37Over what?
00:12:38She's just a maid's daughter.
00:12:39Her mother ran into a fire to save Madam Crawford back then, so the old lady arranged
00:12:44the engagement to repay the favor.
00:12:45But after all these years of living off the Crawfords, that debt has been paid ten times
00:12:50over.
00:12:50The old lady must be senile to waste Ethan on her.
00:12:53Cruel laughter erupted in the room.
00:12:55My blood ran ice-cold.
00:12:56I stared hard at Ethan, hoping he would say even one word in my defense, but he didn't.
00:13:01Lindsay gave Ethan's arm a cohesious shake.
00:13:04That's right, Don Crawford.
00:13:05Marrying this young will break so many hearts.
00:13:08A childhood friend smirked.
00:13:10You mean yourself, don't you?
00:13:11At that, Lindsay looked hurt.
00:13:13She shook Ethan's arm again, clearly wanting him to step in for her.
00:13:16Ethan set down his glass, his icy gaze sweeping over everyone.
00:13:21The private room instantly fell silent.
00:13:23Even I held my breath, my heart pounding wildly.
00:13:26His friend laughed it off to smooth things over.
00:13:29Just kidding, Ethan.
00:13:30We're just curious.
00:13:31You've known this girl for two weeks, but you've already spoiled her more than Serena.
00:13:34Ten years, and I've never once seen you smile at Serena.
00:13:37My nails dug into the door handle.
00:13:40Conversation inside continued.
00:13:41They were all asking whether Ethan still planned to go through with with the wedding.
00:13:45Someone even advised him not to sacrifice his marriage just for the succession as Don.
00:13:49I fixed my eyes on Ethan as well, wanting nothing more than an answer.
00:13:53He didn't look at anyone, just kept twirling the glass in his hand.
00:13:57His thin lips parted.
00:13:58The wedding goes on.
00:13:59He spoke quietly, but the words crushed me like a physical blow.
00:14:02Inside, a chorus of wolf whistles erupted.
00:14:06Come on, Lindsay.
00:14:07Don't overthink it.
00:14:08Serena is just there for show.
00:14:10You're the one Don Cranfelder really loves.
00:14:13Ethan's silence spoke volumes.
00:14:15My very existence wasn't worth his breath.
00:14:17In his eyes, I was nothing more than an object.
00:14:19A burden.
00:14:20The unavoidable result of a debt his family owed.
00:14:22Suddenly, the fire from ten years ago flashed before my eyes.
00:14:25The flames roared into the sky as my mother pushed Ethan and Julia out, only to be burned alive herself.
00:14:32That fire earned me a place in the Crawfords, but it took my mother's life.
00:14:35These strawberries look so delicious.
00:14:37Lindsay's syrupy sweet voice rang out again.
00:14:40But I want the Don himself to wash them for me.
00:14:42I was about to leave, but my steps halted instinctively.
00:14:45Growing up, Ethan never lifted a finger.
00:14:48I was always the one peeling and washing his fruit, setting it right by his hand.
00:14:52I stared at him, begging for just a flicker of annoyance.
00:14:55Nothing.
00:14:56I'll go wash them.
00:14:57Ethan set down his glass, picked up the strawberry plate, and rose to his feet.
00:15:01He walked to the door and placed his hand on the handle.
00:15:04The moment our eyes met, the air frozen.
00:15:07The amusement in his eyes vanished instantly.
00:15:09What are you doing here?
00:15:10I stared intently at him.
00:15:11Ethan, why is the tie cup I gave you on another woman?
00:15:14Serena, stop making a scene.
00:15:16Making a scene?
00:15:17I laughed, but my tears fell first.
00:15:19We're getting married tomorrow, yet here you are fooling around with another woman.
00:15:23Who's really the disgrace here?
00:15:24Just then, Lindsay peeked out from behind him.
00:15:26She linked her arm intimately through his and shot me a triumphant look.
00:15:29Don Craffern, who is she?
00:15:31She's so scary.
00:15:32As she spoke, her fingers brushed seemingly by accident over the tie clip at her chest.
00:15:36Ethan's face darkened completely.
00:15:37He glanced at my thinly clothed figure.
00:15:39He took off his suit jacket and moved to drape it over me, as if completing a task.
00:15:43Stop making trouble.
00:15:45Go home now.
00:15:46Don't delay tomorrow's wedding.
00:15:47His tone was commanding, condescending, more like a reprimique than concern.
00:15:51In that moment, everything from the past ten years flashed before my eyes in an instant.
00:15:56It wasn't love.
00:15:57I had mistaken his cold heart for something I could eventually warm,
00:15:59when all he had ever given me was charity laced with disfain.
00:16:02Ethan, let's cancel the wedding.
00:16:04I brushed his jacket aside with a casual flick.
00:16:07His hand froze in midair, shock flashing through his eyes before they turned ice cold.
00:16:11Serena, could you even live without me?
00:16:14Dismissing me entirely.
00:16:15He pulled Lindsay, close, and looked coldly at the security guard nearby.
00:16:18Get her out.
00:16:19Out.
00:16:20Make sure she coo-
00:16:20In an instant, a powerful force yanked me backward.
00:16:23I stumbled, my back slamming painfully against the cold wall.
00:16:26The door to the private room shut firmly.
00:16:27Leaning against the wall, I slowly slid down to the floor.
00:16:30Ten years.
00:16:31It was time to end this one-sided performance.
00:16:34Pulling out my phone, I deleted everything related to Ethan.
00:16:37But in the very next second, someone called.
00:16:39It was Julian.
00:16:40Half an hour later, Julian pushed a cup of hot cocoa towards me.
00:16:44Are you alright?
00:16:45I remember the anniversary of your mother's death is coming up.
00:16:48My eyes welled up as I looked at Julian.
00:16:50He was probably the only person left who still remembered my mother.
00:16:53Before I could speak, metallic bile scorched my throat.
00:16:56I spun away, clamping a hand over my mouth to stifle the dry heaps.
00:17:00Julian got worried.
00:17:01He immediately stood and patted my back gently.
00:17:03What's wrong?
00:17:04I kept my hand clumped over my mouth and swallowed the sour bitterness in my throat.
00:17:08I'm pregnant.
00:17:10Julian's hand folds abruptly in mid-air.
00:17:12But wasn't Ethan diagnosed as infertile years ago?
00:17:15Meeting Julian's astonished gaze, I uncontationally rested a hand on my flat stomach.
00:17:19Three years ago, when he first got the test results, he smashed everything in his studier.
00:17:24He knew all too well what a fatal blow that was for a mafia ear.
00:17:27So when the pregnancy test showed two lines, I was extalitic.
00:17:31I had wanted to tell him in person at our wedding.
00:17:33But now, setting down my cup, I looked at Julian.
00:17:36Help me leave.
00:17:38Julian's pupils contricted.
00:17:40But your wedding is tomorrow.
00:17:42I lowered my gaze and calmly told him everything about the past ten years.
00:17:46Living under their roof, being completely obedient,
00:17:47only to end up being treated by Ethan as nothing more than a debt to be repaid.
00:17:51Julian fell silent for a long time.
00:17:53I'll make the arrangements for you.
00:17:54After finalizing the plan with Julian, I went straight back to the Crawford family villa.
00:17:58But the moment I pushed open the front door, I froze.
00:18:01Lindsley was hanging off Ethan like a koala.
00:18:03Her face tilted up as she drunkenly tugged at his tie.
00:18:06Ethan didn't push her away.
00:18:07He looked down, one hand firmly supporting her waist.
00:18:10His gaze held a tenderness and indulgence I had never seen before.
00:18:14His gaze caught mine.
00:18:15The tenders vanished instantly, replaced by his familiar coldness.
00:18:18She's drunk.
00:18:19Go clean up the guest room.
00:18:20His tone was so entitled, as if he were ordering a maid.
00:18:23I'm not going.
00:18:24Looking away, I headed upstairs by myself.
00:18:26His expression darkened, his gaze landing on me with overwhelming pressure.
00:18:30After carefully laying Lindsay on the sofa, he stood up and glared down at me.
00:18:33Are you done throwing a tantrum?
00:18:35His tone seemed like a concession, yet it was laced with sheer impatience.
00:18:39Is this because of the tie clip or because I didn't bring you inside tonight?
00:18:42Fine, I apologize.
00:18:43Happy now?
00:18:44He stepped closer, his gaze piercingly cold.
00:18:46Tomorrow is our wedding.
00:18:47Grandma flew all the way back from Sicily just to attend.
00:18:50You'd better drop that bitter, resentful look.
00:18:52Don't upset Grandma.
00:18:53Staring at him, my chest heaved with anger.
00:18:55Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fiercely blinked them back.
00:18:58Are you afraid that if the Donna gets upset, you'll lose your inheritance?
00:19:02At my cold laugh, Ethan's eyes turned completely icy.
00:19:04Serena.
00:19:05He called my name, but his next words froze me to the core.
00:19:07Remember this.
00:19:08Don't disappoint your mother.
00:19:11He let out a snuff.
00:19:12In that moment, his eyes were filled with mockery and deejala,
00:19:15looking at me as if he were merely stating a fact.
00:19:17Your current position as Donna Crawford was paid for with her life.
00:19:20Boom.
00:19:20The last thread of reason in my mind snapped.
00:19:22In his eyes, my mother's life was nothing more than a bargaining chip in an equal exchange.
00:19:26So, shaking violently, I snatched the heavy glass and launched it at his head.
00:19:30Ethan flinched, instantly spinning to shield Lindsay.
00:19:33The glass struck his shoulder hard, shards scattering across the floor.
00:19:36He let out a muffled groan, then turned his head.
00:19:38His glare was murderous.
00:19:40As the future Donna of the mafia, I survived seven rounds of IVF and hundreds of objections,
00:19:44all to finally carry an heir for my nearly infertile fiancé.
00:19:47But the night before our wedding, a trending video popped up on my feed.
00:19:50He's usually so fierce, but I secretly stepped on his shoe under the meeting table.
00:19:56He actually smiled at me and texted me to stop playing around.
00:20:01I almost scrolled past, but a dark silver tie clip on her collar stopped me dead.
00:20:06That was the engagement gift I handcrafted for Ethan.
00:20:09It still had a heart engraved inside, formed by our fingerprints.
00:20:13In the mirror, my white dress suddenly burned my eyes.
00:20:16I gave Ethan that exact tie-by-clipper last month.
00:20:19He had barely glanced at it before tossing it into a drawer.
00:20:22Stop making these useless trinkets.
00:20:24You're the future Donna of the Crawfords.
00:20:27Focus on the family.
00:20:29His tone was clinical, like dismissing a failed report.
00:20:32I assumed he just didn't like it.
00:20:33But there it was, pinned perfectly to that girl's collar, serving as her ultimate flux.
00:20:37It felt like I'd been slapped hard across the face, my ears ringing.
00:20:41I had spent ten years trying to warm his cold heart, only to realize he'd already given it to her.
00:20:47I changed out of my wedding dress and called Ethan.
00:20:49For ten years, I wiped his shoes, washed his fruit, waited outside his door.
00:20:54Where are you?
00:20:55In a meeting.
00:20:55My knuckles went white against the phone.
00:20:57There's a gala tonight, and Julian Hastings will be there.
00:21:00You know, the boy my mom dragged out of that fire with you.
00:21:03I've long stopped caring about seeing him.
00:21:06He sharply cut me off, but I pushed on.
00:21:09But he's the Don of the Hastings now.
00:21:11He runs the East Coast Financial Empire.
00:21:13We should meet him.
00:21:14He hung up, mid-sentence.
00:21:15But right before the line went dye, a sugary whine slipped through the speaker.
00:21:18Who is that?
00:21:20So annoying.
00:21:22You don't get to do this to me.
00:21:24My stomach chirped.
00:21:26Bile spiked in my throat.
00:21:27Clutching my phone tightly, I tracked his location and headed over.
00:21:31It was an exclusive private club.
00:21:33After slipping the Stark some cash, I went straight to Ethan's private room.
00:21:36But I didn't go in.
00:21:37I just stood outside the door.
00:21:39The man working late at the office was currently drinking and laughing,
00:21:43and sitting right beside him was the girl from the video, Lindsay Moore.
00:21:46Ethan's friends were fanning over her, joking about how a fresh college grod managed to melt the ice-cold Don.
00:21:52In truth, Ethan had never officially taken over as Don, because he had been born with a naturally low sperm
00:21:58count.
00:21:58In the Mafia, no one would pledge loyalty to a boss who couldn't produce an heir.
00:22:02It was only after I secretly told the Crawford family, matriac, about my pregnancy that she secured his inheritance.
00:22:09Ethan had no idea.
00:22:10He thought marrying me was what won his grandmother's favor.
00:22:13That certainly didn't stop him from basking in the title Don Crawford.
00:22:17Only the lawyer frowned deeply.
00:22:19Does your fiancé know won't that little maid you've kept around for ten years get jealous?
00:22:24One of Ethan's childhood friends scoffed.
00:22:26Jealous? Over what?
00:22:28She's just a maid's daughter.
00:22:30Her mother ran into a fire to save Madame Crawford back then,
00:22:33so the old lady arranged the engagement to repay the favor.
00:22:35But after all these years of living off the Crawfords, that debt has been paid ten times over.
00:22:40The old lady must be senile to waste Ethan on her.
00:22:43Cruel laughter erupted in the room.
00:22:45My blood ran ice-cold.
00:22:46I stared hard at Ethan, hoping he would say even one word in my defense, but he didn't.
00:22:51Lindsay gave Ethan's arm a cohesha shake.
00:22:54That's right, Don Crawford.
00:22:55Marrying this young will break so many hearts.
00:22:58A childhood friend smirked.
00:23:00You mean yourself, don't you?
00:23:01At that, Lindsay looked hurt.
00:23:03She shook Ethan's arm again, clearly wanting him to step in for her.
00:23:06Ethan set down his glass, his icy gaze sweeping over everyone.
00:23:10The private room instantly fell silent.
00:23:13Even I held my breath, my heart pounding wildly.
00:23:16His friend laughed it off to smooth things over.
00:23:18Just kidding, Ethan.
00:23:20We're just curious.
00:23:21You've known this girl for two weeks, but you've already spoiled her more than Serena.
00:23:24Ten years, and I've never once seen you smile at Serena.
00:23:28My nails dug into the door handle.
00:23:30Conversation inside continued.
00:23:31They were all asking whether Ethan still planned to go through with with the wedding.
00:23:35Someone even advised him not to sacrifice his marriage just for the succession as Don.
00:23:39I fixed my eyes on Ethan as well, wanting nothing more than an answer.
00:23:43He didn't look at anyone, just kept twirling the glass in his hand.
00:23:47His thin lips parted.
00:23:48The wedding goes on.
00:23:49He spoke quietly, but the words crushed me like a physical blow.
00:23:53Inside, a chorus of wolf whistles erupted.
00:23:55Come on, Lindsay, don't overthink it.
00:23:58Serena is just there for show.
00:24:00You're the one Don Cranfelder really loves.
00:24:03Ethan's silence spoke volumes.
00:24:04My very existence wasn't worth his breath.
00:24:07In his eyes, I was nothing more than an object, a burden, the unavoidable result of a debt his family
00:24:12owed.
00:24:12Suddenly, the fire from ten years ago flashed before my eyes.
00:24:16The flames roared into the sky as my mother pushed Ethan and Julia out, only to be burned alive herself.
00:24:21That fire earned me a place in the Crawfords, but it took my mother's life.
00:24:25These strawberries look so delicious.
00:24:27Lindsay's syrupy sweet voice rang out again, but I want the Don himself to wash them for me.
00:24:32I was about to leave, but my steps halted instinctively.
00:24:35Growing up, Ethan never lifted a finger.
00:24:37I was always the one peeling and washing his fruit, setting it right by his hand.
00:24:42I stared at him, begging for just a flicker of annoyance.
00:24:45Nothing.
00:24:46I'll go wash them.
00:24:47Ethan set down his glass, picked up the strawberry plate, and rose to his feet.
00:24:51He walked to the door and placed his hand on the handle.
00:24:54The moment our eyes met, the air frozen.
00:24:57The amusement in his eyes vanished instantly.
00:24:59What are you doing here?
00:25:00I stared intently at him.
00:25:01Ethan, why is the tie cup I gave you on another woman?
00:25:04Serena, stop making a scene.
00:25:06Making a scene?
00:25:07I laughed, but my tears fell first.
00:25:09We're getting married tomorrow, yet here you are fooling around with another woman.
00:25:12Who's really the disgrace here?
00:25:14Just then, Lindsay peeked out from behind him.
00:25:16She linked her arm intimately through his and shot me a triumphant look.
00:25:19Don Craffern, who is she?
00:25:20She's so scary.
00:25:22As she spoke, her fingers brushed seemingly by accident over the tie clip at her chest.
00:25:26Ethan's face darkened completely.
00:25:27He glanced at my thinly clothed figure.
00:25:29He took off his suit jacket and moved to drape it over me, as if completing a task.
00:25:33Stop making trouble.
00:25:34Go home now.
00:25:36Don't delay tomorrow's wedding.
00:25:37His tone was commanding, condescending, more like a reprimique than concern.
00:25:41In that moment, everything from the past ten years flashed before my eyes in an instant.
00:25:46It wasn't love.
00:25:47I had mistaken his cold heart for something I could eventually warm when all he had ever
00:25:50given me was charity laced with disfain.
00:25:52Ethan, let's cancel the wedding.
00:25:54I brushed his jacket aside with a casual flick.
00:25:57His hand froze in midair, shock flashing through his eyes before they turned ice cold.
00:26:01Serena, could you even live without me?
00:26:03Dismissing me entirely.
00:26:05He pulled Lindsay close and looked coldly at the security guard nearby.
00:26:08Get her out.
00:26:09Out.
00:26:10Make sure she co-
00:26:10In an instant, a powerful force yanked me backward.
00:26:13I stumbled, my back slamming painfully against the cold wall.
00:26:16The door to the private room shut firmly.
00:26:17Leaning against the wall, I slowly slid down to the floor.
00:26:20Ten years.
00:26:21It was time to end this one-sided performance.
00:26:24Pulling out my phone, I deleted everything related to Ethan.
00:26:27But in the very next second, someone called.
00:26:29It was Julian.
00:26:30Half an hour later, Julian pushed a cup of hot cocoa towards me.
00:26:34Are you all right?
00:26:35I remember the anniversary of your mother's death is coming up.
00:26:38My eyes welled up as I looked at Julian.
00:26:40He was probably the only person left who still remembered my mother.
00:26:43Before I could speak, metallic bile scorched my throat.
00:26:46I spun away, clamping a hand over my mouth to stifle the dry heaps.
00:26:50Julian got worried.
00:26:51He immediately stood and patted my back gently.
00:26:53What's wrong?
00:26:54I kept my hand clumped over my mouth and swallowed the sour bitterness in my throat.
00:26:59I'm pregnant.
00:27:00Julian's hand folds abruptly in midair.
00:27:02But wasn't Ethan diagnosed as infertile years ago?
00:27:05Meeting Julian's astonished gaze, I uncontationally rested a hand on my flat stomach.
00:27:09Three years ago, when he first got the test results, he smashed everything in his studier.
00:27:14He knew all too well what a fatal blow that was for a mafia ear.
00:27:17So when the pregnancy test showed two lines, I was extalitic.
00:27:21I had wanted to tell him in person at our wedding.
00:27:23But now, setting down my cup, I looked at Julian.
00:27:26Help me leave.
00:27:28Julian's pupils contricted.
00:27:29But your wedding is tomorrow.
00:27:32I lowered my gaze and calmly told him everything about the past ten years.
00:27:35Living under their roof, being completely obedient.
00:27:37Only to end up being treated by Ethan as nothing more than a debt to be repaid.
00:27:41Julian fell silent for a long time.
00:27:43I'll make the arrangements for you.
00:27:44After finalizing the plan with Julian, I went straight back to the Crawford family villa.
00:27:48But the moment I pushed open the front door, I froze.
00:27:51Lindsley was hanging off Ethan like a koala.
00:27:53Her face tilted up as she drunkenly tugged at his tie.
00:27:56Ethan didn't push her away.
00:27:57He looked down, one hand firmly supporting her waist.
00:28:00His gaze held a tenderness and indulgence I had never seen before.
00:28:04His gaze caught mine.
00:28:05The tenders vanished instantly, replaced by his familiar coldness.
00:28:08She's drunk.
00:28:09Go clean up the guest room.
00:28:10His tone was so entitled, as if he were ordering a maid.
00:28:13I'm not going.
00:28:14Looking away, I headed upstairs by myself.
00:28:16His expression darkened, his gaze landing on me with overwhelming pressure.
00:28:20After carefully laying Lindsay on the sofa, he stood up and glared down at me.
00:28:23Are you done throwing a tantrum?
00:28:25His tone seemed like a concession, yet it was laced with sheer impatience.
00:28:29Is this because of the tie clip or because I didn't bring you inside tonight?
00:28:32Fine, I apologize.
00:28:33Happy now?
00:28:34He stepped closer, his gaze piercingly cold.
00:28:36Tomorrow is our wedding.
00:28:37Grandma flew all the way back from Sicily just to attend.
00:28:40You'd better drop that bitter, resentful look.
00:28:42Don't upset Grandma.
00:28:43Staring at him, my chest heaved with anger.
00:28:45Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fiercely blinked them back.
00:28:48Are you afraid that if the Donna gets upset, you'll lose your inheritance?
00:28:52At my cold laugh, Ethan's eyes turned completely icy.
00:28:54Serena.
00:28:55He called my name, but his next words froze me to the core.
00:28:57Remember this.
00:28:58Don't disappoint your mother.
00:29:01He let out a snuff.
00:29:02In that moment, his eyes were filled with mockery and deejala, looking at me as if he
00:29:05were merely stating a fact.
00:29:07Your current position as Donna Crawford was paid for with her life.
00:29:10Boom.
00:29:10The last thread of reason in my mind snapped.
00:29:12In his eyes, my mother's life was nothing more than a bargaining chip in an equal exchange.
00:29:16So, shaking violently, I snatched the heavy glass and launched it at his head.
00:29:20Ethan flinched, instantly spinning to shield Lindsay.
00:29:23The glass struck his shoulder hard, shards scattering across the floor.
00:29:26He let out a muffled groan, then turned his head.
00:29:28His glare was murderous.
00:29:30As the future Donna of the mafia, I survived seven rounds of IVF and hundreds of objections,
00:29:34all to finally carry an heir for my nearly infertile fiancé.
00:29:37But the night before our wedding, a trending video popped up on my feed.
00:29:40He's usually so fierce, but I secretly stepped on his shoe under the meeting table.
00:29:46He actually smiled at me and texted me to stop playing around.
00:29:51I almost scrolled past, but a dark silver tie clip on her collar stopped me dead.
00:29:56That was the engagement gift I handcrafted for Ethan.
00:29:59It still had a heart engraved inside, formed by our fingerprints.
00:30:03In the mirror, my white dress suddenly burned my eyes.
00:30:06I gave Ethan that exact tie-by-clipper last month.
00:30:09He had barely glanced at it before tossing it into a drawer.
00:30:12Stop making these useless trinkets.
00:30:14You're the future Donna of the Crawfords.
00:30:17Focus on the family.
00:30:19His tone was clinical, like dismissing a failed report.
00:30:22I assumed he just didn't like it.
00:30:23But there it was, pinned perfectly to that girl's collar, serving as her ultimate flux.
00:30:27It felt like I'd been slapped hard across the face, my ears ringing.
00:30:31I had spent ten years trying to warm his cold heart,
00:30:34only to realize he'd already given it to her.
00:30:37I changed out of my wedding dress and called Ethan.
00:30:39For ten years, I wiped his shoes, washed his fruit, waited outside his door.
00:30:43Where are you?
00:30:44In a meeting.
00:30:45My knuckles went white against the phone.
00:30:47There's a gala tonight, and Julian Hastings will be there.
00:30:50You know, the boy my mom dragged out of that fire with you.
00:30:53I've long stopped caring about seeing him.
00:30:56He sharply cut me off, but I pushed on.
00:30:59But he's the Don of the Hastings now.
00:31:00He runs the East Coast Financial Empire.
00:31:03We should meet him.
00:31:04He hung up mid-sentence.
00:31:05But right before the line went dye, a sugary wine slipped through the speaker.
00:31:09Who is that?
00:31:11So annoying.
00:31:12You don't get to do this to me.
00:31:14My stomach chirped.
00:31:16Bile spiked in my throat.
00:31:17Clutching my phone tightly, I tracked his location and headed over.
00:31:21It was an exclusive private club.
00:31:23After slipping the Stark some cash, I went straight to Ethan's private room.
00:31:26But I didn't go in.
00:31:27I just stood outside the door.
00:31:29The man working late at the office was currently drinking and laughing, and sitting right beside
00:31:34him was the girl from the video, Lindsay Moore.
00:31:37Ethan's friends were fanning over her, joking about how a fresh college grod managed to melt
00:31:41the ice-cold Don.
00:31:42In truth, Ethan had never officially taken over as Don because he had been born with a naturally
00:31:47low sperm count.
00:31:48In the Mafia, no one would pledge loyalty to a boss who couldn't produce an heir.
00:31:52It was only after I secretly told the Crawford family, matriac, about my pregnancy that she
00:31:57secured his inheritance.
00:31:59Ethan had no idea.
00:32:00He thought marrying me was what won his grandmother's favor.
00:32:03That certainly didn't stop him from basking in the title Don Crawford.
00:32:07Only the lawyer frowned deeply.
00:32:09Does your fiancé know?
00:32:10Won't that little maid you've kept around for ten years get jealous?
00:32:13One of Ethan's childhood friends scoffed.
00:32:16Jealous?
00:32:17Over what?
00:32:18She's just a maid's daughter.
00:32:19Her mother ran into a fire to save Madam Crawford back then, so the old lady arranged
00:32:23the engagement to repay the favor.
00:32:25But after all these years of living off the Crawfords, that debt has been paid ten times
00:32:30over.
00:32:30The old lady must be senile to waste Ethan on her.
00:32:33Cruel laughter erupted in the room.
00:32:35My blood ran ice-cold.
00:32:36I stared hard at Ethan, hoping he would say even one word in my defense.
00:32:41But he didn't.
00:32:41Lindsay gave Ethan's arm a cohesha shake.
00:32:44That's right, Don Crawford.
00:32:45Marrying this young will break so many hearts.
00:32:48A childhood friend smirked.
00:32:50You mean yourself, don't you?
00:32:51At that, Lindsay looked hurt.
00:32:53She shook Ethan's arm again, clearly wanting him to step in for her.
00:32:56Ethan set down his glass, his icy gaze sweeping over everyone.
00:33:00The private room instantly fell silent.
00:33:03Even I held my breath, my heart pounding wildly.
00:33:06His friend laughed it off to smooth things over.
00:33:09Just kidding, Ethan.
00:33:09We're just curious.
00:33:10You've known this girl for two weeks, but you've already spoiled her more than Serena.
00:33:14Ten years, and I've never once seen you smile at Serena.
00:33:17My nails dug into the door handle.
00:33:20Conversation inside continued.
00:33:21They were all asking whether Ethan still planned to go through with with the wedding.
00:33:25Someone even advised him not to sacrifice his marriage just for the succession as Don.
00:33:29I fixed my eyes on Ethan as well, wanting nothing more than an answer.
00:33:33He didn't look at anyone, just kept twirling the glass in his hand.
00:33:37His thin lips parted.
00:33:38The wedding goes on.
00:33:39He spoke quietly, but the words crushed me like a physical blow.
00:33:43Inside, a chorus of wolf whistles erupted.
00:33:45Come on, Lindsay.
00:33:47Don't overthink it.
00:33:48Serena is just there for show.
00:33:50You're the one Don Cranfelder really loves.
00:33:53Ethan's silence spoke volumes.
00:33:54My very existence wasn't worth his breath.
00:33:57In his eyes, I was nothing more than an object.
00:33:59A burden.
00:33:59The unavoidable result of a debt his family owed.
00:34:02Suddenly, the fire from ten years ago flashed before my eyes.
00:34:06The flames roared into the sky as my mother pushed Ethan and Julia out,
00:34:09only to be burned alive herself.
00:34:11That fire earned me a place in the Crawfords, but it took my mother's life.
00:34:15These strawberries look so delicious.
00:34:17Lindsay's syrupy sweet voice rang out again.
00:34:20But I want the Don himself to wash them for me.
00:34:22I was about to leave, but my steps halted instinctively.
00:34:25Growing up, Ethan never lifted a finger.
00:34:27I was always the one peeling and washing his fruit, setting it right by his hand.
00:34:32I stared at him, begging for just a flicker of annoyance.
00:34:35Nothing.
00:34:36I'll go wash them.
00:34:37Ethan set down his glass, picked up the strawberry plate, and rose to his feet.
00:34:41He walked to the door and placed his hand on the handle.
00:34:44The moment our eyes met, the air frozen.
00:34:47The amusement in his eyes vanished instantly.
00:34:49What are you doing here?
00:34:50I stared intently at him.
00:34:51Ethan, why is the tie cup I gave you on another woman?
00:34:54Serena, stop making a scene.
00:34:56Making a scene?
00:34:57I laughed, but my tears fell first.
00:34:59We're getting married tomorrow, yet here you are fooling around with another woman.
00:35:02Who's really the disgrace here?
00:35:04Just then, Lindsay peeked out from behind him.
00:35:06She linked her arm intimately through his and shot me a triumphant look.
00:35:09Don Craffern, who is she?
00:35:10She's so scary.
00:35:12As she spoke, her fingers brushed seemingly by accident over the tie clip at her chest.
00:35:16Ethan's face darkened completely.
00:35:17He glanced at my thinly clothed figure.
00:35:19He took off his suit jacket and moved to drape it over me, as if completing a task.
00:35:23Stop making trouble.
00:35:24Go home now.
00:35:26Don't delay tomorrow's wedding.
00:35:27His tone was commanding, condescending, more like a reprimique than concern.
00:35:31In that moment, everything from the past ten years flashed before my eyes in an instant.
00:35:36It wasn't love.
00:35:37I had mistaken his cold heart for something I could eventually warm when all he had ever
00:35:40given me was charity laced with disfain.
00:35:42Ethan, let's cancel the wedding.
00:35:44I brushed his jacket aside with a casual flick.
00:35:47His hand froze in midair, shock flashing through his eyes before they turned ice cold.
00:35:51Serena, could you even live without me?
00:35:53Dismissing me entirely.
00:35:55He pulled Lindsay close and looked coldly at the security guard nearby.
00:35:58Get her out.
00:35:59Out.
00:36:00Make sure she cool.
00:36:00In an instant, a powerful force yanked me backward.
00:36:03I stumbled, my back slamming painfully against the cold wall.
00:36:06The door to the private room shut firmly.
00:36:07Leaning against the wall, I slowly slid down to the floor.
00:36:10Ten years.
00:36:11It was time to end this one-sided performance.
00:36:13Pulling out my phone, I deleted everything related to Ethan.
00:36:16But in the very next second, someone called.
00:36:19It was Julian.
00:36:20Half an hour later, Julian pushed a cup of hot cocoa towards me.
00:36:24Are you alright?
00:36:25I remember the anniversary of your mother's death is coming up.
00:36:28My eyes welled up as I looked at Julian.
00:36:30He was probably the only person left who still remembered my mother.
00:36:33Before I could speak, metallic bile scorched my throat.
00:36:36I spun away, clamping a hand over my mouth to stifle the dry heaps.
00:36:40Julian got worried.
00:36:41He immediately stood and patted my back gently.
00:36:43What's wrong?
00:36:44I kept my hand clumped over my mouth and swallowed the sour bitterness in my throat.
00:36:48I'm pregnant.
00:36:50Julian's hand folds abruptly in midair.
00:36:52But wasn't Ethan diagnosed as infertile years ago?
00:36:55Meeting Julian's astonished gaze, I uncontationally rested a hand on my flat stomach.
00:36:59Three years ago, when he first got the test results, he smashed everything in his studier.
00:37:04He knew all too well what a fatal blow that was for a mafia ear.
00:37:07So when the pregnancy test showed two lines, I was extalitic.
00:37:11I had wanted to tell him in person at our wedding.
00:37:13But now, setting down my cup, I looked at Julian.
00:37:16Help me leave.
00:37:18Julian's pupils contricted.
00:37:19But your wedding is tomorrow.
00:37:22I lowered my gaze and calmly told him everything about the past ten years.
00:37:25Living under their roof, being completely obedient.
00:37:27Only to end up being treated by Ethan as nothing more than a debt to be repaid.
00:37:31Julian fell silent for a long time.
00:37:33I'll make the arrangements for you.
00:37:34After finalizing the plan with Julian, I went straight back to the Crawford family villa.
00:37:38But the moment I pushed open the front door, I froze.
00:37:41Lindsley was hanging off Ethan like a koala.
00:37:43Her face tilted up as she drunkenly tugged at his tie.
00:37:46Ethan didn't push her away.
00:37:47He looked down, one hand firmly supporting her waist.
00:37:50His gaze held a tenderness and indulgence I had never seen before.
00:37:54His gaze caught mine.
00:37:55The tenders vanished instantly, replaced by his familiar coldness.
00:37:58She's drunk.
00:37:59Go clean up the guest room.
00:38:00His tone was so entitled, as if he were ordering a maid.
00:38:03I'm not going.
00:38:04Looking away, I headed upstairs by myself.
00:38:06His expression darkened, his gaze landing on me with overwhelming pressure.
00:38:10After carefully laying Lindsay on the sofa, he stood up and glared down at me.
00:38:13Are you done throwing a tantrum?
00:38:15His tone seemed like a concession, yet it was laced with sheer impatience.
00:38:19Is this because of the tie clip or because I didn't bring you inside tonight?
00:38:22Fine, I apologize.
00:38:23Happy now?
00:38:24He stepped closer, his gaze piercingly cold.
00:38:26Tomorrow is our wedding.
00:38:27Grandma flew all the way back from Sicily just to attend.
00:38:30You'd better drop that bitter, resentful look.
00:38:32Don't upset Grandma.
00:38:33Staring at him, my chest heaved with anger.
00:38:35Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fiercely blinked them back.
00:38:38Are you afraid that if the Donna gets upset, you'll lose your inheritance?
00:38:41At my cold laugh, Ethan's eyes turned completely icy.
00:38:44Serena.
00:38:45He called my name, but his next words froze me to the core.
00:38:47Remember this.
00:38:48Don't disappoint your mother.
00:38:51He let out a snuff.
00:38:52In that moment, his eyes were filled with mockery and deejala,
00:38:55looking at me as if he were merely stating a fact.
00:38:57Your current position as Donna Crawford was paid for with her life.
00:39:00Boom.
00:39:00The last thread of reason in my mind snapped.
00:39:02In his eyes, my mother's life was nothing more than a bargaining chip in an equal exchange.
00:39:06So, shaking virantly, I snatched the heavy glass and launched it at his head.
00:39:10Ethan flinched, instantly spinning to shield Lindsay.
00:39:13The glass struck his shoulder hard, shards scattering across the floor.
00:39:16He let out a muffled groan, then turned his head.
00:39:18His glare was murderous.
00:39:20As the future Donna of the Mothman, I survived seven rounds of IVF and hundreds of objections,
00:39:24all to finally carry an heir for my nearly infertile fiancé.
00:39:27But the night before our wedding, a trending video popped up on my feed.
00:39:30He's usually so fierce, but I secretly stepped on his shoe under the meeting table.
00:39:36He actually smiled at me and texted me to stop playing around.
00:39:41I almost scrolled past, but a dark silver tie clip on her collar stopped me dead.
00:39:46That was the engagement gift I handcrafted for Ethan.
00:39:49It still had a heart engraved inside, formed by our fingerprints.
00:39:53In the mirror, my white dress suddenly burned my eyes.
00:39:56I gave Ethan that exact tie-by-clipper last month.
00:39:59He had barely glanced at it before tossing it into a drawer.
00:40:02Stop making these useless trinkets.
00:40:04You're the future Donna of the Crawfords.
00:40:07Focus on the family.
00:40:09His tone was clinical, like dismissing a failed report.
00:40:12I assumed he just didn't like it.
00:40:13But there it was, pinned perfectly to that girl's collar, serving as her ultimate flux.
00:40:17It felt like I'd been slapped hard across the face, my ears ringing.
00:40:21I had spent ten years trying to warm his cold heart, only to realize he'd already given it to her.
00:40:27I changed out of my wedding dress and called Ethan.
00:40:29For ten years, I wiped his shoes, washed his fruit, waited outside his door.
00:40:33Where are you?
00:40:34In a meeting.
00:40:35My knuckles went white against the phone.
00:40:37There's a gala tonight, and Julian Hastings will be there.
00:40:40You know, the boy my mom dragged out of that fire with you.
00:40:43I've long stopped caring about seeing him.
00:40:46He sharply cut me off, but I pushed on.
00:40:49But he's the Don of the Hastings now.
00:40:50He runs the East Coast Financial Empire.
00:40:53We should meet him.
00:40:53He hung up, mid-sentence.
00:40:55But right before the line went die, a sugary whine slipped through the speaker.
00:40:58Who is that?
00:41:00So annoying.
00:41:02You don't get to do this to me.
00:41:04My stomach chirped.
00:41:06Biles spiked in my throat.
00:41:07Clutching my phone tightly, I tracked his location and headed over.
00:41:11It was an exclusive private club.
00:41:12After slipping the Stark some cash, I went straight to Ethan's private room.
00:41:16But I didn't go in.
00:41:17I just stood outside the door.
00:41:19The man working late at the office was currently drinking and laughing,
00:41:23and sitting right beside him was the girl from the video, Lindsay Moore.
00:41:26Ethan's friends were fanning over her, joking about how a fresh college grod managed to melt the ice-cold Don.
00:41:32In truth, Ethan had never officially taken over as Don, because he had been born with a naturally low sperm
00:41:38count.
00:41:38In the Mafia, no one would pledge loyalty to a boss who couldn't produce an heir.
00:41:42It was only after I secretly told the Crawford family, matriac, about my pregnancy that she secured his inheritance.
00:41:49Ethan had no idea.
00:41:50He thought marrying me was what won his grandmother's favor.
00:41:53That certainly didn't stop him from basking in the title Don Crawford.
00:41:57Only the lawyer frowned deeply.
00:41:59Does your fiancé know won't that little maid you've kept around for ten years get jealous?
00:42:03One of Ethan's childhood friends scoffed.
00:42:06Jealous?
00:42:07Over what?
00:42:08She's just a maid's daughter.
00:42:09Her mother ran into a fire to save Madam Crawford back then,
00:42:12so the old lady arranged the engagement to repay the favor.
00:42:15But after all these years of living off the Crawfords,
00:42:17that debt has been paid ten times over.
00:42:20The old lady must be senile to waste Ethan on her.
00:42:23Cruel laughter erupted in the room.
00:42:25My blood ran ice cold.
00:42:26I stared hard at Ethan, hoping he would say even one word in my defense.
00:42:31But he didn't.
00:42:31Lindsay gave Ethan's arm a co-ecious shake.
00:42:34That's right, Don Crawford.
00:42:35Marrying this young will break so many hearts.
00:42:38A childhood friend smirked.
00:42:40You mean yourself, don't you?
00:42:41At that, Lindsay looked hurt.
00:42:43She shook Ethan's arm again, clearly wanting him to step in for her.
00:42:46Ethan set down his glass, his icy gaze sweeping over everyone.
00:42:50The private room instantly fell silent.
00:42:52Even I held my breath, my heart pounding wildly.
00:42:55His friend laughed it off to smooth things over.
00:42:58Just kidding, Ethan.
00:42:59We're just curious.
00:43:00You've known this girl for two weeks,
00:43:02but you've already spoiled her more than Serena.
00:43:04Ten years, and I've never once seen you smile at Serena.
00:43:07My nails dug into the door handle.
00:43:09Conversation inside continued.
00:43:11They were all asking whether Ethan still planned to go through with the wedding.
00:43:15Someone even advised him not to sacrifice his marriage just for the succession as Don.
00:43:19I fixed my eyes on Ethan as well, wanting nothing more than an answer.
00:43:23He didn't look at anyone, just kept twirling the glass in his hand.
00:43:27His thin lips parted.
00:43:28The wedding goes on.
00:43:29He spoke quietly, but the words crushed me like a physical blow.
00:43:33Inside, a chorus of wolf whistles erupted.
00:43:36Come on, Lindsay.
00:43:37Don't overthink it.
00:43:38Serena is just there for show.
00:43:40You're the one Don Cranfelder really loves.
00:43:42Ethan's silence spoke volumes.
00:43:44My very existence wasn't worth his breath.
00:43:47In his eyes, I was nothing more than an object.
00:43:49A burden.
00:43:49The unavoidable result of a debt his family owed.
00:43:52Suddenly, the fire from ten years ago flashed before my eyes.
00:43:56The flames roared into the sky as my mother pushed Ethan and Julia out,
00:43:59only to be burned alive herself.
00:44:01That fire earned me a place in the Crawfords, but it took my mother's life.
00:44:05These strawberries look so delicious.
00:44:07Lindsay's syrupy sweet voice rang out again.
00:44:09But I want the Don himself to wash them for me.
00:44:12I was about to leave, but my steps halted instinctively.
00:44:15Growing up, Ethan never lifted a finger.
00:44:17I was always the one peeling and washing his fruit, setting it right by his hand.
00:44:22I stared at him, begging for just a flicker of annoyance.
00:44:25Nothing.
00:44:26I'll go wash them.
00:44:27Ethan set down his glass, picked up the strawberry plate, and rose to his feet.
00:44:31He walked to the door and placed his hand on the handle.
00:44:34The moment our eyes met, the air frozen.
00:44:37The amusement in his eyes vanished instantly.
00:44:39What are you doing here?
00:44:40I stared intently at him.
00:44:41Ethan, why is the tie cup I gave you on another woman?
00:44:44Serena, stop making a scene.
00:44:46Making a scene?
00:44:47I laughed, but my tears fell first.
00:44:49We're getting married tomorrow, yet here you are fooling around with another woman.
00:44:52Who's really the disgrace here?
00:44:54Just then, Lindsay peeked out from behind him.
00:44:56She linked her arm intimately through his and shot me a triumphant look.
00:44:59Don Craffern, who is she?
00:45:00She's so scary.
00:45:02As she spoke, her fingers brushed seemingly by accident over the tie clip at her chest.
00:45:06Ethan's face darkened completely.
00:45:07He glanced at my thinly clothed figure.
00:45:09He took off his suit jacket and moved to drape it over me, as if completing a task.
00:45:13Stop making trouble.
00:45:14Go home now.
00:45:16Don't delay tomorrow's wedding.
00:45:17His tone was commanding, condescending, more like a reprimique than concern.
00:45:21In that moment, everything from the past ten years flashed before my eyes in an instant.
00:45:26It wasn't love.
00:45:27I had mistaken his cold heart for something I could eventually warm when all he had ever given me was
00:45:31charity laced with disfain.
00:45:32Ethan, let's cancel the wedding.
00:45:34I brushed his jacket aside with a casual flick.
00:45:37His hand froze in midair, shock flashing through his eyes before they turned ice cold.
00:45:41Serena, could you even live without me?
00:45:43Dismissing me entirely.
00:45:45He pulled Lindsay close and looked coldly at the security guard nearby.
00:45:48Get her out.
00:45:49Out.
00:45:50Make sure she coo-
00:45:50In an instant, a powerful force yanked me backward.
00:45:53I stumbled, my back slamming painfully against the cold wall.
00:45:55The door to the private room shut firmly.
00:45:57Leaning against the wall, I slowly slid down to the floor.
00:46:00Ten years.
00:46:01It was time to end this one-sided performance.
00:46:03Pulling out my phone, I deleted everything related to Ethan.
00:46:06But in the very next second, someone called.
00:46:09It was Julian.
00:46:10Half an hour later, Julian pushed a cup of hot cocoa towards me.
00:46:14Are you alright?
00:46:15I remember the anniversary of your mother's death is coming up.
00:46:18My eyes welled up as I looked at Julian.
00:46:20He was probably the only person left who still remembered my mother.
00:46:23Before I could speak, metallic bile scorched my throat.
00:46:26I spun away, clamping a hand over my mouth to stifle the dry heaps.
00:46:30Julian got worried.
00:46:31He immediately stood and patted my back gently.
00:46:33What's wrong?
00:46:34I kept my hand clamped over my mouth and swallowed the sour bitterness in my throat.
00:46:38I'm pregnant.
00:46:40Julian's hand folds abruptly in midair.
00:46:42But wasn't Ethan diagnosed as infertile years ago?
00:46:45Meeting Julian's astonished gaze, I uncontationally rested a hand on my flat stomach.
00:46:49Three years ago, when he first got the test results, he smashed everything in his studier.
00:46:53He knew all too well what a fatal blow that was for a mafia ear.
00:46:57So when the pregnancy test showed two lines, I was extalitic.
00:47:01I had wanted to tell him in person at our wedding.
00:47:03But now, setting down my cup, I looked at Julian.
00:47:06Help me leave.
00:47:08Julian's pupils contricted.
00:47:10But your wedding is tomorrow.
00:47:12I lowered my gaze and calmly told him everything about the past ten years.
00:47:15Living under their roof, being completely obedient.
00:47:17Only to end up being treated by Ethan as nothing more than a debt to be repaid.
00:47:21Julian fell silent for a long time.
00:47:23I'll make the arrangements for you.
00:47:24After finalizing the plan with Julian, I went straight back to the Crawford family villa.
00:47:28But the moment I pushed open the front door, I froze.
00:47:31Lindsley was hanging off Ethan like a koala.
00:47:33Her face tilted up as she drunkenly tugged at his tie.
00:47:36Ethan didn't push her away.
00:47:37He looked down, one hand firmly supporting her waist.
00:47:40His gaze held a tenderness and indulgence I had never seen before.
00:47:44His gaze caught mine.
00:47:45The tenders vanished instantly, replaced by his familiar coldness.
00:47:47She's drunk.
00:47:49Go clean up the guest room.
00:47:50His tone was so entitled, as if he were ordering a maid.
00:47:53I'm not going.
00:47:54Looking away, I headed upstairs by myself.
00:47:56His expression darkened, his gaze landing on me with overwhelming pressure.
00:48:00After carefully laying Lindsay on the sofa, he stood up and glared down at me.
00:48:03Are you done throwing a tantrum?
00:48:05His tone seemed like a concession, yet it was laced with sheer impatience.
00:48:09Is this because of the tie clip or because I didn't bring you inside tonight?
00:48:12Fine, I apologize.
00:48:13Happy now?
00:48:14He stepped closer, his gaze piercingly cold.
00:48:16Tomorrow is our wedding.
00:48:17Grandma flew all the way back from Sicily just to attend.
00:48:20You'd better drop that bitter, resentful look.
00:48:22Don't upset Grandma.
00:48:23Staring at him, my chest heaved with anger.
00:48:25Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fiercely blinked them back.
00:48:28Are you afraid that if the Donna gets upset, you'll lose your inheritance?
00:48:31At my cold laugh, Ethan's eyes turned completely icy.
00:48:34Serena.
00:48:35He called my name, but his next words froze me to the core.
00:48:37Remember this.
00:48:38Don't disappoint your mother.
00:48:41He let out a snuff.
00:48:42In that moment, his eyes were filled with mockery and deejala, looking at me as if he
00:48:45were merely stating a fact.
00:48:47Your current position as Donna Crawford was paid for with her life.
00:48:50Boom.
00:48:50The last thread of reason in my mind snapped.
00:48:52In his eyes, my mother's life was nothing more than a bargaining chip in an equal exchange.
00:48:56So, shaking virantly, I snatched the heavy glass and launched it at his head.
00:49:00Ethan flinched, instantly spinning to shield Lindsay.
00:49:03The glass struck his shoulder hard, shards scattering across the floor.
00:49:06He let out a muffled groan, then turned his head.
00:49:08His glare was murderous.
00:49:09As the future Donna of the mafia, I survived seven rounds of IVF and hundreds of objections,
00:49:14all to finally carry an air for my nearly infertile fiancé.
00:49:17But the night before our wedding, a trending video popped up on my feed.
00:49:20He's usually so fierce, but I secretly stepped on his shoe under the meeting table.
00:49:26He actually smiled at me and texted me to stop playing around.
00:49:31I almost scrolled past, but a dark silver tie clip on her collar stopped me dead.
00:49:36That was the engagement gift I handcrafted for Ethan.
00:49:39It still had a heart engraved inside, formed by our fingerprints.
00:49:43In the mirror, my white dress suddenly burned my eyes.
00:49:46I gave Ethan that exact tie-by-clipper last month.
00:49:49He had barely glanced at it before tossing it into a drawer.
00:49:52Stop making these useless trinkets.
00:49:54You're the future Donna of the Crawfords.
00:49:57Focus on the family.
00:49:59His tone was clinical, like dismissing a failed report.
00:50:02I assumed he just didn't like it.
00:50:03But there it was, pinned perfectly to that girl's collar, serving as her ultimate flux.
00:50:07It felt like I'd been slapped hard across the face, my ears ringing.
00:50:11I had spent ten years trying to warm his cold heart, only to realize he'd already given it to her.
00:50:17I changed out of my wedding dress and called Ethan.
00:50:19For ten years, I wiped his shoes, washed his fruit, waited outside his door.
00:50:24Where are you?
00:50:24In a meeting.
00:50:25My knuckles went white against the phone.
00:50:27There's a gala tonight, and Julian Hastings will be there.
00:50:30You know, the boy my mom dragged out of that fire with you.
00:50:33I've long stopped caring about seeing him.
00:50:36He sharply cut me off, but I pushed on.
00:50:39But he's the Don of the Hastings now.
00:50:40He runs the East Coast Financial Empire.
00:50:43We should meet him.
00:50:43He hung up, mid-sentence.
00:50:45But right before the line went dye, a sugary wine slipped through the speaker.
00:50:49Who is that?
00:50:50So annoying.
00:50:51You don't get to do this to me.
00:50:54My stomach chirped.
00:50:55Bile spiked in my throat.
00:50:57Clutching my phone tightly, I tracked his location and headed over.
00:51:01It was an exclusive private club.
00:51:02After slipping the Stark some cash, I went straight to Ethan's private room.
00:51:06But I didn't go in.
00:51:07I just stood outside the door.
00:51:09The man working late at the office was currently drinking and laughing,
00:51:13and sitting right beside him was the girl from the video, Lindsay Moore.
00:51:17Ethan's friends were fanning over her,
00:51:18joking about how a fresh college grod managed to melt the ice-cold Don.
00:51:22In truth, Ethan had never officially taken over as Don,
00:51:25because he had been born with a naturally low sperm count.
00:51:28In the Mafia, no one would pledge loyalty to a boss who couldn't produce an heir.
00:51:32It was only after I secretly told the Crawford family,
00:51:35matriac, about my pregnancy that she secured his inheritance.
00:51:39Ethan had no idea.
00:51:40He thought marrying me was what won his grandmother's favor.
00:51:43That certainly didn't stop him from basking in the title Don Crawford.
00:51:47Only the lawyer frowned deeply.
00:51:49Does your fiancé know won't that little maid you've kept around for ten years get jealous?
00:51:53One of Ethan's childhood friends scoffed.
00:51:56Jealous?
00:51:57Over what?
00:51:58She's just a maid's daughter.
00:51:59Her mother ran into a fire to save Madame Crawford back then,
00:52:02so the old lady arranged the engagement to repay the favor.
00:52:05But after all these years of living off the Crawfords,
00:52:08that debt has been paid ten times over.
00:52:10The old lady must be senile to waste Ethan on her.
00:52:13Cruel laughter erupted in the room.
00:52:15My blood ran ice cold.
00:52:16I stared hard at Ethan, hoping he would say even one word in my defense.
00:52:21But he didn't.
00:52:21Lindsay gave Ethan's arm a co-yesha shake.
00:52:24That's right, Don Crawford.
00:52:25Marrying this young will break so many hearts.
00:52:28A childhood friend smirked.
00:52:29You mean yourself, don't you?
00:52:31At that, Lindsay looked hurt.
00:52:33She shook Ethan's arm again, clearly wanting him to step in for her.
00:52:36Ethan set down his glass, his icy gaze sweeping over everyone.
00:52:40The private room instantly fell silent.
00:52:42Even I held my breath, my heart pounding wildly.
00:52:45His friend laughed it off to smooth things over.
00:52:48Just kidding, Ethan.
00:52:49We're just curious.
00:52:51You've known this girl for two weeks, but you've already spoiled her more than Serena.
00:52:54Ten years, and I've never once seen you smile at Serena.
00:52:57My nails dug into the door handle.
00:52:59Conversation inside continued.
00:53:01They were all asking whether Ethan still planned to go through with with the wedding.
00:53:05Someone even advised him not to sacrifice his marriage just for the succession as Don.
00:53:09I fixed my eyes on Ethan as well, wanting nothing more than an answer.
00:53:13He didn't look at anyone, just kept twirling the glass in his hand.
00:53:17His thin lips parted.
00:53:18The wedding goes on.
00:53:19He spoke quietly, but the words crushed me like a physical blow.
00:53:23Inside, a chorus of wolf whistles erupted.
00:53:26Come on, Lindsay, don't overthink it.
00:53:28Serena is just there for show.
00:53:30You're the one Don Cranfelder really loves.
00:53:33Ethan's silence spoke volumes.
00:53:34My very existence wasn't worth his breath.
00:53:36In his eyes, I was nothing more than an object, a burden, the unavoidable result of a debt his family
00:53:42owed.
00:53:42Suddenly, the fire from ten years ago flashed before my eyes.
00:53:45The flames roared into the sky as my mother pushed Ethan and Julia out, only to be burned alive herself.
00:53:51That fire earned me a place in the Crawfords, but it took my mother's life.
00:53:55These strawberries look so delicious.
00:53:57Lindsay's syrupy sweet voice rang out again.
00:54:00But I want the Don himself to wash them for me.
00:54:02I was about to leave, but my steps halted instinctively.
00:54:05Growing up, Ethan never lifted a finger.
00:54:07I was always the one peeling and washing his fruit, setting it right by his hand.
00:54:12I stared at him, begging for just a flicker of annoyance.
00:54:15Nothing.
00:54:16I'll go wash them.
00:54:17Ethan set down his glass, picked up the strawberry plate, and rose to his feet.
00:54:21He walked to the door and placed his hand on the handle.
00:54:24The moment our eyes met, the air frozen.
00:54:26The amusement in his eyes vanished instantly.
00:54:29What are you doing here?
00:54:29I stared intently at him.
00:54:31Ethan, why is the tie cup I gave you on another woman?
00:54:34Serena, stop making a scene.
00:54:36Making a scene?
00:54:37I laughed, but my tears fell first.
00:54:39We're getting married tomorrow, yet here you are fooling around with another woman.
00:54:42Who's really the disgrace here?
00:54:44Just then, Lindsay peeked out from behind him.
00:54:46She linked her arm intimately through his and shot me a triumphant look.
00:54:49Don Craffern, who is she?
00:54:50She's so scary.
00:54:52As she spoke, her fingers brushed seemingly by accident over the tie clip at her chest.
00:54:55Ethan's face darkened completely.
00:54:57He glanced at my thinly clothed figure.
00:54:59He took off his suit jacket and moved to drape it over me, as if completing a task.
00:55:03Stop making trouble.
00:55:04Go home now.
00:55:06Don't delay tomorrow's wedding.
00:55:07His tone was commanding, condescending, more like a reprimique than concern.
00:55:11In that moment, everything from the past ten years flashed before my eyes in an instant.
00:55:16It wasn't love.
00:55:17I had mistaken his cold heart for something I could eventually warm when all he had ever
00:55:20given me was charity laced with disfain.
00:55:22Ethan, let's cancel the wedding.
00:55:24I brushed his jacket aside with a casual flick.
00:55:27His hand froze in midair, shock flashing through his eyes before they turned ice cold.
00:55:31Serena, could you even live without me?
00:55:33Dismissing me entirely.
00:55:35He pulled Lindsay close and looked coldly at the security guard nearby.
00:55:38Get her out.
00:55:39Out.
00:55:39Make sure she cool.
00:55:40In an instant, a powerful force yanked me backward.
00:55:43I stumbled, my back slamming painfully against the cold wall.
00:55:45The door to the private room shut firmly.
00:55:47Leaning against the wall, I slowly slid down to the floor.
00:55:50Ten years.
00:55:51It was time to end this one-sided performance.
00:55:53Pulling out my phone, I deleted everything related to Ethan.
00:55:56But in the very next second, someone called.
00:55:59It was Julian.
00:56:00Half an hour later, Julian pushed a cup of hot cocoa towards me.
00:56:04Are you alright?
00:56:05I remember the anniversary of your mother's death is coming up.
00:56:08My eyes welled up as I looked at Julian.
00:56:10He was probably the only person left who still remembered my mother.
00:56:13Before I could speak, metallic bile scorched my throat.
00:56:16I spun away, clamping a hand over my mouth to stifle the dry heaps.
00:56:20Julian got worried.
00:56:21He immediately stood and patted my back gently.
00:56:23What's wrong?
00:56:24I kept my hand clamped over my mouth and swallowed the sour bitterness in my throat.
00:56:28I'm pregnant.
00:56:30Julian's hand folds abruptly in midair.
00:56:32But wasn't Ethan diagnosed as infertile years ago?
00:56:35Meeting Julian's astonished gaze,
00:56:36I uncontationally rested a hand on my flat stomach.
00:56:39Three years ago, when he first got the test results,
00:56:42he smashed everything in his studier.
00:56:43He knew all too well what a fatal blow that was for a mafia ear.
00:56:47So when the pregnancy test showed two lines,
00:56:50I was extalitic.
00:56:51I had wanted to tell him in person at our wedding.
00:56:53But now, setting down my cup,
00:56:55I looked at Julian.
00:56:56Help me leave.
00:56:58Julian's pupils contricted.
00:57:00But your wedding is tomorrow.
00:57:02I lowered my gaze and calmly told him everything about the past ten years.
00:57:05Living under their roof, being completely obedient,
00:57:07only to end up being treated by Ethan as nothing more than a debt to be repaid.
00:57:11Julian fell silent for a long time.
00:57:13I'll make the arrangements for you.
00:57:14After finalizing the plan with Julian,
00:57:16I went straight back to the Crawford family villa.
00:57:18But the moment I pushed open the front door,
00:57:19I froze.
00:57:21Lindsley was hanging off Ethan like a koala.
00:57:23Her face tilted up as she drunkenly tugged at his tie.
00:57:26Ethan didn't push her away.
00:57:27He looked down, one hand firmly supporting her waist.
00:57:30His gaze held a tenderness and indulgence I had never seen before.
00:57:34His gaze caught mine.
00:57:35The tenders vanished instantly, replaced by his familiar coldness.
00:57:37She's drunk.
00:57:39Go clean up the guest room.
00:57:40His tone was so entitled, as if he were ordering a maid.
00:57:43I'm not going.
00:57:44Looking away, I headed upstairs by myself.
00:57:46His expression darkened,
00:57:47his gaze landing on me with overwhelming pressure.
00:57:50After carefully laying Lindsay on the sofa,
00:57:52he stood up and glared down at me.
00:57:53Are you done throwing a tantrum?
00:57:55His tone seemed like a concession,
00:57:56yet it was laced with sheer impatience.
00:57:59Is this because of the tie clip
00:58:00or because I didn't bring you inside tonight?
00:58:02Fine, I apologize.
00:58:03Happy now?
00:58:04He stepped closer,
00:58:04his gaze piercingly cold.
00:58:06Tomorrow is our wedding.
00:58:07Grandma flew all the way back from Sicily just to attend.
00:58:10You'd better drop that bitter, resentful look.
00:58:12Don't upset Grandma.
00:58:13Staring at him,
00:58:14my chest heaved with anger.
00:58:15Tears welled up in my eyes,
00:58:16but I fiercely blinked them back.
00:58:18Are you afraid that if the Donna gets upset,
00:58:20you'll lose your inheritance?
00:58:21At my cold laugh,
00:58:22Ethan's eyes turned completely icy.
00:58:24Serena.
00:58:25He called my name,
00:58:26but his next words froze me to the core.
00:58:27Remember this.
00:58:28Don't disappoint your mother.
00:58:31He let out a snuff.
00:58:32In that moment,
00:58:32his eyes were filled with mockery and deejala,
00:58:34looking at me as if he were merely stating a fact.
00:58:36Your current position as Donna Crawford
00:58:38was paid for with her life.
00:58:40Boom.
00:58:40The last thread of reason in my mind snapped.
00:58:42In his eyes,
00:58:43my mother's life was nothing more than a bargaining chip
00:58:45in an equal exchange.
00:58:46So, shaking violently,
00:58:48I snatched the heavy glass
00:58:49and launched it at his head.
00:58:50Ethan flinched,
00:58:51instantly spinning to shield Lindsay.
00:58:53The glass struck his shoulder hard,
00:58:55shards scattering across the floor.
00:58:56He let out a muffled groan,
00:58:57then turned his head.
00:58:58His glare was murderous.
00:59:00As the future Donna of the Mafia,
00:59:01I survived seven rounds of IVF
00:59:03and hundreds of objections,
00:59:04all to finally carry an heir
00:59:05for my nearly infertile fiance.
00:59:07But the night before our wedding,
00:59:08a trending video popped up on my feed.
00:59:10He's usually so fierce,
00:59:12but I secretly stepped on his shoe
00:59:15under the meeting table.
00:59:16He actually smiled at me
00:59:18and texted me to stop playing around.
00:59:21I almost scrolled past,
00:59:23but a dark silver tie clip on her collar
00:59:25stopped me dead.
00:59:26That was the engagement gift
00:59:27I handcrafted for Ethan.
00:59:29It still had a heart engraved inside,
00:59:31formed by our fingerprints.
00:59:33In the mirror,
00:59:33my white dress suddenly burned my eyes.
00:59:36I gave Ethan that exact tie-by-clipper last month.
00:59:38He had barely glanced at it
00:59:40before tossing it into a drawer.
00:59:42Stop making these useless trinkets.
00:59:44You're the future Donna of the Crawfords.
00:59:47Focus on the family.
00:59:49His tone was clinical,
00:59:50like dismissing a failed report.
00:59:52I assumed he just didn't like it,
00:59:53but there it was,
00:59:54pinned perfectly to that girl's collar,
00:59:56serving as her ultimate flux.
00:59:57It felt like I'd been slapped hard
00:59:59across the face, my ears ringing.
01:00:01I had spent ten years
01:00:02trying to warm his cold heart,
01:00:04only to realize he'd already given it to her.
01:00:07I changed out of my wedding dress,
01:00:08and called Ethan.
01:00:09For ten years,
01:00:10I wiped his shoes,
01:00:11washed his fruit,
01:00:12waited outside his door.
01:00:13Where are you?
01:00:14In a meeting.
01:00:15My knuckles went white against the phone.
01:00:17There's a gala tonight,
01:00:18and Julian Hastings will be there.
01:00:20You know,
01:00:21the boy my mom dragged out of that fire with you.
01:00:23I've long stopped caring about seeing him.
01:00:26He sharply cut me off,
01:00:28but I pushed on.
01:00:28But he's the Don of the Hastings now.
01:00:30He runs the East Coast Financial Empire.
01:00:33We should meet him.
01:00:33He hung up,
01:00:34mid-sentence.
01:00:35But right before the line went dye,
01:00:36a sugary whine slipped through the speaker.
01:00:39Who is that?
01:00:40So annoying.
01:00:42You don't get to do this to me.
01:00:44My stomach chirped.
01:00:45Biles spiked in my throat.
01:00:47Clutching my phone tightly,
01:00:48I tracked his location and headed over.
01:00:51It was an exclusive private club.
01:00:52After slipping the Stark some cash,
01:00:54I went straight to Ethan's private room.
01:00:56But I didn't go in.
01:00:57I just stood outside the door.
01:00:59The man working late at the office
01:01:01was currently drinking and laughing,
01:01:02and sitting right beside him
01:01:04was the girl from the video,
01:01:06Lindsay Moore.
01:01:06Ethan's friends were fanning over her,
01:01:08joking about how a fresh college grod
01:01:10managed to melt the ice-cold Don.
01:01:12In truth,
01:01:13Ethan had never officially taken over as Don
01:01:15because he had been born
01:01:16with a naturally low sperm count.
01:01:18In the Mafia,
01:01:19no one would pledge loyalty to a boss
01:01:21who couldn't produce an heir.
01:01:22It was only after I secretly told
01:01:24the Crawford family,
01:01:25matriarch,
01:01:26about my pregnancy
01:01:27that she secured his inheritance.
01:01:29Ethan had no idea.
01:01:30He thought marrying me
01:01:31was what won his grandmother's favor.
01:01:33That certainly didn't stop him
01:01:35from basking in the title Don Crawford.
01:01:37Only the lawyer frowned deeply.
01:01:39Does your fiancé know
01:01:40won't that little maid
01:01:41you've kept around for ten years
01:01:43get jealous?
01:01:43One of Ethan's childhood friends scoffed.
01:01:46Jealous?
01:01:47Over what?
01:01:47She's just a maid's daughter.
01:01:49Her mother ran into a fire
01:01:51to save Madam Crawford back then,
01:01:52so the old lady arranged the engagement
01:01:54to repay the favor.
01:01:55But after all these years
01:01:56of living off the Crawfords,
01:01:58that debt has been paid ten times over.
01:02:00The old lady must be senile
01:02:02to waste Ethan on her.
01:02:03Cruel laughter erupted in the room.
01:02:05My blood ran ice-cold.
01:02:06I stared hard at Ethan,
01:02:08hoping he would say even one word
01:02:09in my defense.
01:02:10But he didn't.
01:02:11Lindsay gave Ethan's arm
01:02:12McOyesha's shake.
01:02:14That's right, Don Crawford.
01:02:15Marrying this young
01:02:16will break so many hearts.
01:02:18A childhood friend smirked.
01:02:19You mean yourself, don't you?
01:02:21At that, Lindsay looked hurt.
01:02:23She shook Ethan's arm again,
01:02:24clearly wanting him to step in for her.
01:02:26Ethan set down his glass,
01:02:28his icy gaze sweeping over everyone.
01:02:30The private room instantly fell silent.
01:02:32Even I held my breath,
01:02:34my heart pounding wildly.
01:02:35His friend laughed it off
01:02:37to smooth things over.
01:02:38Just kidding, Ethan.
01:02:39We're just curious.
01:02:40You've known this girl for two weeks,
01:02:42but you've already spoiled her
01:02:43more than Serena.
01:02:44Ten years,
01:02:45and I've never once seen you
01:02:46smile at Serena.
01:02:47My nails dug into the door handle.
01:02:49Conversation inside continued.
01:02:51They were all asking
01:02:52whether Ethan still planned
01:02:53to go through with the wedding.
01:02:55Someone even advised him
01:02:56not to sacrifice his marriage
01:02:57just for the succession as Don.
01:02:59I fixed my eyes on Ethan as well,
01:03:01wanting nothing more than an answer.
01:03:03He didn't look at anyone,
01:03:04just kept twirling the glass in his hand.
01:03:06His thin lips parted,
01:03:08The wedding goes on.
01:03:09He spoke quietly,
01:03:10but the words crushed me
01:03:11like a physical blow.
01:03:13Inside,
01:03:13a chorus of wolf whistles erupted.
01:03:16Come on, Lindsay,
01:03:17don't overthink it.
01:03:18Serena is just there for show.
01:03:20You're the one Don Cranfelder
01:03:21really loves.
01:03:23Ethan's silence spoke volumes.
01:03:24My very existence
01:03:25wasn't worth his breath.
01:03:26In his eyes,
01:03:27I was nothing more than an object,
01:03:29a burden,
01:03:29the unavoidable result
01:03:31of a debt his family owed.
01:03:32Suddenly,
01:03:33the fire from ten years ago
01:03:34flashed before my eyes.
01:03:35The flames roared into the sky
01:03:37as my mother pushed Ethan
01:03:38and Julia out,
01:03:39only to be burned alive herself.
01:03:41That fire earned me
01:03:42a place in the Crawfords,
01:03:44but it took my mother's life.
01:03:45These strawberries look so delicious.
01:03:47Lindsay's syrupy sweet voice
01:03:49rang out again,
01:03:50but I want the Don himself
01:03:51to wash them for me.
01:03:52I was about to leave,
01:03:53but my steps halted instinctively.
01:03:55Growing up,
01:03:56Ethan never lifted a finger.
01:03:57I was always the one
01:03:58peeling and washing his fruit,
01:04:00setting it right by his hand.
01:04:02I stared at him,
01:04:03begging for just a flicker
01:04:04of annoyance.
01:04:05Nothing.
01:04:05I'll go wash them.
01:04:07Ethan set down his glass,
01:04:09picked up the strawberry plate,
01:04:10and rose to his feet.
01:04:11He walked to the door
01:04:12and placed his hand
01:04:13on the handle.
01:04:14The moment our eyes met,
01:04:15the air frozen.
01:04:16The amusement in his eyes
01:04:18vanished instantly.
01:04:19What are you doing here?
01:04:20I stared intently at him.
01:04:21Ethan,
01:04:22why is the tie cup
01:04:23I gave you on another woman?
01:04:24Serena,
01:04:25stop making a scene.
01:04:26Making a scene?
01:04:27I laughed,
01:04:27but my tears fell first.
01:04:29We're getting married tomorrow,
01:04:30yet here you are
01:04:31fooling around
01:04:31with another woman.
01:04:32Who's really the disgrace here?
01:04:34Just then,
01:04:34Lindsay peeked out
01:04:35from behind him.
01:04:36She linked her arm
01:04:37intimately through his
01:04:37and shot me a triumphant look.
01:04:39Don Craffern,
01:04:40who is she?
01:04:40She's so scary.
01:04:42As she spoke,
01:04:42her fingers brushed
01:04:43seemingly by accident
01:04:44over the tie clip
01:04:45at her chest.
01:04:45Ethan's face darkened
01:04:47completely.
01:04:47He glanced at my
01:04:48thinly clothed figure.
01:04:49He took off his suit jacket
01:04:50and moved to drape it over me,
01:04:52as if completing a task.
01:04:53Stop making trouble.
01:04:54Go home now.
01:04:56Don't delay tomorrow's wedding.
01:04:57His tone was commanding,
01:04:59condescending,
01:04:59more like a reprimique
01:05:00than concern.
01:05:01In that moment,
01:05:02everything from the past
01:05:03ten years flashed
01:05:04before my eyes
01:05:05in an instant.
01:05:06It wasn't love.
01:05:07I had mistaken his cold heart
01:05:08for something I could
01:05:08eventually warm
01:05:09when all he had ever given me
01:05:10was charity laced
01:05:11with disfain.
01:05:12Ethan,
01:05:13let's cancel the wedding.
01:05:14I brushed his jacket aside
01:05:15with a casual flick.
01:05:17His hand froze in midair,
01:05:18shock flashing through his eyes
01:05:19before they turned ice cold.
01:05:21Serena,
01:05:22could you even live without me?
01:05:23Dismissing me entirely,
01:05:25he pulled Lindsay close
01:05:26and looked coldly
01:05:27at the security guard nearby.
01:05:28Get her out.
01:05:29Out.
01:05:29Make sure she cool.
01:05:30In an instant,
01:05:31a powerful force
01:05:32yanked me backward.
01:05:33I stumbled,
01:05:33my back slamming painfully
01:05:34against the cold wall.
01:05:35The door to the private room
01:05:36shut firmly.
01:05:37Leaning against the wall,
01:05:38I slowly slid down to the floor.
01:05:40Ten years.
01:05:41It was time to end
01:05:42this one-sided performance.
01:05:43Pulling out my phone,
01:05:44I deleted everything
01:05:45related to Ethan.
01:05:46But in the very next second,
01:05:48someone called.
01:05:49It was Julian.
01:05:50Half an hour later,
01:05:52Julian pushed a cup
01:05:52of hot cocoa towards me.
01:05:54Are you alright?
01:05:55I remember the anniversary
01:05:56of your mother's death
01:05:57is coming up.
01:05:58My eyes welled up
01:05:59as I looked at Julian.
01:06:00He was probably the only person left
01:06:02who still remembered my mother.
01:06:03Before I could speak,
01:06:04metallic bile scorched my throat.
01:06:06I spun away,
01:06:07clamping a hand over my mouth
01:06:08to stifle the dry heaps.
01:06:10Julian got worried.
01:06:11He immediately stood
01:06:12and patted my back gently.
01:06:13What's wrong?
01:06:14I kept my hand
01:06:15clamped over my mouth
01:06:16and swallowed the sour bitterness
01:06:17in my throat.
01:06:18I'm pregnant.
01:06:20Julian's hand
01:06:20folds abruptly in midair.
01:06:22But wasn't Ethan diagnosed
01:06:23as infertile years ago?
01:06:25Meeting Julian's astonished gaze,
01:06:26I uncontationally rested a hand
01:06:28on my flat stomach.
01:06:29Three years ago,
01:06:30when he first got the test results,
01:06:32he smashed everything
01:06:33in his studier.
01:06:33He knew all too well
01:06:35what a fatal blow that was
01:06:36for a mafia ear.
01:06:37So when the pregnancy test
01:06:38showed two lines,
01:06:39I was extalitic.
01:06:41I had wanted to tell him
01:06:42in person at our wedding.
01:06:43But now,
01:06:44setting down my cup,
01:06:45I looked at Julian.
01:06:46Help me leave.
01:06:48Julian's pupils
01:06:49contricted.
01:06:50But
01:06:51your wedding is tomorrow.
01:06:52I lowered my gaze
01:06:53and calmly told him
01:06:54everything about
01:06:54the past ten years.
01:06:55Living under their roof,
01:06:56being completely obedient,
01:06:57only to end up being treated
01:06:58by Ethan as nothing more
01:07:00than a debt to be repaid.
01:07:01Julian fell silent
01:07:02for a long time.
01:07:03I'll make the arrangements
01:07:04for you.
01:07:04After finalizing the plan
01:07:05with Julian,
01:07:06I went straight back
01:07:06to the Crawford family villa.
01:07:08But the moment I pushed
01:07:08open the front door,
01:07:09I froze.
01:07:10Lindsley was hanging off
01:07:12Ethan like a koala.
01:07:13Her face tilted up
01:07:14as she drunkenly tugged
01:07:15at his tie.
01:07:16Ethan didn't push her away.
01:07:17He looked down,
01:07:18one hand firmly
01:07:19supporting her waist.
01:07:20His gaze held a tenderness
01:07:21and indulgence
01:07:22I had never seen before.
01:07:23His gaze caught mine.
01:07:24The tenderness vanished instantly,
01:07:26replaced by his familiar coldness.
01:07:27She's drunk.
01:07:29Go clean up the guest room.
01:07:30His tone was so entitled,
01:07:32as if he were ordering a maid.
01:07:33I'm not going.
01:07:34Looking away,
01:07:35I headed upstairs by myself.
01:07:36His expression darkened,
01:07:37his gaze landing on me
01:07:38with overwhelming pressure.
01:07:40After carefully laying
01:07:40Lindsay on the sofa,
01:07:42he stood up
01:07:42and glared down at me.
01:07:43Are you done
01:07:44throwing a tantrum?
01:07:45His tone seemed like
01:07:46a concession,
01:07:46yet it was laced
01:07:47with sheer impatience.
01:07:49Is this because of the tie clip
01:07:50or because I didn't
01:07:51bring you inside tonight?
01:07:52Fine, I apologize.
01:07:53Happy now?
01:07:53He stepped closer,
01:07:54his gaze piercingly cold.
01:07:56Tomorrow is our wedding.
01:07:57Grandma flew all the way back
01:07:58from Sicily just to attend.
01:08:00You'd better drop
01:08:00that bitter resentful look.
01:08:02Don't upset Grandma.
01:08:03Staring at him,
01:08:04my chest heaved with anger.
01:08:05Tears welled up in my eyes,
01:08:06but I fiercely blinked them back.
01:08:08Are you afraid
01:08:08that if the Donna gets upset,
01:08:10you'll lose your inheritance?
01:08:11At my cold laugh,
01:08:12Ethan's eyes turned
01:08:13completely icy.
01:08:14Serena.
01:08:15He called my name,
01:08:16but his next words
01:08:16froze me to the core.
01:08:17Remember this.
01:08:18Don't disappoint your mother.
01:08:20He let out a snuff.
01:08:22In that moment,
01:08:22his eyes were filled
01:08:23with mockery and deejala,
01:08:24looking at me
01:08:25as if he were merely
01:08:26stating a fact.
01:08:26Your current position
01:08:27as Donna Crawford
01:08:28was paid for with her life.
01:08:30Boom.
01:08:30The last thread of reason
01:08:31in my mind snapped.
01:08:32In his eyes,
01:08:33my mother's life
01:08:34was nothing more
01:08:34than a bargaining chip
01:08:35in an equal exchange.
01:08:36So, shaking violently,
01:08:38I snatched the heavy glass
01:08:39and launched it at his head.
01:08:40Ethan flinched,
01:08:41instantly spinning
01:08:42to shield Lindsay.
01:08:43The glass struck
01:08:43his shoulder hard,
01:08:44shards scattering
01:08:45across the floor.
01:08:46He let out a muffled groan,
01:08:47then turned his head.
01:08:48His glare was murderous.
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