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00:02I lay on the operating table, my pregnant belly sliced open by a scalpel.
00:09Well, for all this, was my husband, Fabio Lopez.
00:14He stood in the audience, gazing at me with hatred in his eyes.
00:19It's all your fault that Lena died. You must suffer a thousand times her pain.
00:25A few months ago, the Godfather was attacked by a madman strapped with explosives.
00:30I pressed the emergency button on my ring immediately,
00:32which allowed Fabio to arrive in time to save the Godfather's life.
00:38He was subsequently promoted to deputy Godfather.
00:41But at that time, he was accompanying his childhood sweetheart, Lena, to a fashion show.
00:49His sudden departure caused Lena to dash across the road despite the danger,
00:53and she was ultimately struck by a car and killed.
00:58Godfather has so many men at his disposal, yet you still forced me to return to save him.
01:04Wasn't it all just for the vanity of being the deputy Godfather's wife?
01:08I'll make sure you have nothing left.
01:10Just as I was about to give birth, he sold me into an underground auction
01:16where I died on the operating table from an infection following an organ harvest.
01:21To my surprise, when I opened my eyes again,
01:26I had returned to the very day Don George was ambushed.
01:29In this life, I chose to throw myself at Don George without a second thought.
01:35Godfather, watch out!
01:37That man's got a bomb on him!
01:39Quick, protect the Godfather!
01:41I flung the emergency alarm ring from my finger and shoved George behind that massive marble pillar.
01:47It had the bomb's power.
01:48Flying shards of marble and debris struck my back in an instant,
01:52the force of the impact knocking me to my knees, under George's stunned gaze.
01:57I grin at my teeth, rose once more, and shielded him from a falling boulder.
02:02Fighting back the blood rising in my throat, I stammered.
02:06Godfather, be careful.
02:09The organization still needs you.
02:12The surprise in George's eyes gradually turned to gratitude.
02:16He gently embraced me and whispered,
02:20You will be rewarded for your bravery.
02:24In that moment, I was overjoyed because I had placed my bet on the right horse.
02:33That man's got a bomb on him!
02:35Quick, protect the Godfather!
02:37I flung the emergency alarm ring from my finger and shoved George behind that massive marble pillar.
02:43It had the bomb's power.
02:45Flying shards of marble and debris struck my back in an instant,
02:48the force of the impact knocking me to my knees, under George's stunned gaze.
02:53I grin at my teeth, rose once more, and shielded him from a falling boulder.
02:59Fighting back the blood rising in my throat, I stammered.
03:03Godfather, be careful.
03:06The organization still needs you.
03:08The surprise in George's eyes gradually turned to gratitude.
03:12He gently embraced me and whispered,
03:17You will be rewarded for your bravery.
03:20In that moment, I was overjoyed because I had placed my bet on the right horse.
03:30George scooped me up and quickly carried me to safety.
03:33His men finally arrived and cordoned off the entire area at gunpoint.
03:38I had barely breathed.
03:40I instantly flooded my mind, and only then did I realize I was eight months pregnant.
03:44Seeing my face go pale, George cried out in distress.
03:47Quick, take her to hospital!
03:49Do whatever it takes to save her!
03:51I tried to speak, but blood kept gushing from my mouth,
03:54yet George showed not the slight sign of revulsion.
03:57He continued to hold me tightly.
03:59I couldn't let all my efforts go to waste,
04:02so I mustered all my strength and said,
04:04My name is Serena Cabretta, Fabio Lopez's wife.
04:08As I lost consciousness, I felt myself falling into a warm embrace.
04:13When I woke again, I was lying on an operating table in hospital.
04:17Dozens of doctors were bustling around me, looking frantic.
04:20George, meanwhile, gazed at me with a grave expression,
04:24his eyes brimming with emotions I could not fathom.
04:27In a stern yet authoritative voice, he said to me,
04:29You saved my life.
04:30I will give you everything you deserve.
04:32Hold on.
04:33Your child will be my only godchild.
04:35His broad, strong hand clasped mine tightly.
04:38I've sent men to find Fabio.
04:40Please, you must hold on.
04:41I gave a wise smile, thinking to myself that Fabio would never return.
04:45As if to confirm my thoughts, the godfather's subordinate returned, looking deject.
04:51Godfather, Fabio has refused to come back.
04:54Fabio also said,
04:55If Serena's going to die, let her die quickly.
04:58She shouldn't keep interrupting my dates with Lena.
05:00Everyone looked at me with sympathy.
05:03But I wasn't the least trusted only Lena,
05:05believing that all my pain and suffering were merely a performance designed to attract his attention.
05:10I turned my head and coughed up more blood.
05:14The doctor's expression grew grave.
05:17The godfather, Mrs. Lopez, is in a very critical condition.
05:20Unless someone can awaken her will to live, medication alone will not be enough to save her life.
05:24George's gaze fell upon my pale face, his eyes filled with pity.
05:28Unable to contain his rage any longer,
05:30he pulled out that encrypted mobile phone, accessible only to a select few.
05:34Use this to call Fabio.
05:35If he doesn't come immediately, treat him as a traitor.
05:38His voice was icy, and the atmosphere around him was so thick with tension
05:43that the subordinates nearby could not help but tremble.
05:46I want to see what could possibly be so urgent that he would neglect his wife's safety!
05:51I was rushed into the hospital's VIP van, kept alive by powerful medications and advanced medical equipment.
05:58But I didn't fall into a coma.
06:00I forced myself to...
06:01Fabio has sent his assistant to visit Mrs. Lopez.
06:04I forced my eyes open and saw Anna Rodriguez, Lena's personal assistant.
06:09She had once been my own assistant, but Lena bribed her to sabotage my car's brakes,
06:14nearly causing me a fatal accident.
06:16I had planned to punish her, but Lena pleaded for her.
06:20Clinging to Fabio's arm, she confronted me with righteous indignation.
06:24Serena, Anna can't even drive.
06:26How could she possibly know how to tamper with your car's brakes,
06:28even if you're trying back Fabio's attention at the cost of your life?
06:32You have no right dragging Anna into this!
06:35Then she turned to Fabio, speaking softly.
06:38Fabio, why don't we make Anna my personal assistant instead?
06:42Without hesitation, Fabio chose to believe her,
06:46seeing me covered in blood on the hospital bed.
06:49Anna had looked frightened, but upon seeing me like this,
06:53she instantly assumed it was just another act.
06:56Enough, Serena.
06:57How long are you going to keep pretending to be injured?
07:01She mocked me brazenly, never treating me as her mistress.
07:05Mr. Fabio is at a fashion show with Lena.
07:08Anna sneered.
07:09He has no time for your little tick for a wife.
07:12Rage clouded George's face.
07:14The moment he heard the words,
07:16still oblivious to who he truly was,
07:19Anna pointed at him,
07:20his clothes stained with fresh blood.
07:22Who's this scruffy man, Serena?
07:24Some beggar you picked up off the street?
07:27To provoke Fabio?
07:28A smug look spread across her face,
07:31convinced she had seen through my ploy.
07:33If you fool around with a tramp,
07:35while carrying his child,
07:37do you think Fabio will spare you?
07:39He'll have you butchered and fed to the dogs.
07:44She broke into wild laughter,
07:46unaware that her doom was imminent.
07:49No one dared to insult the Don and get away with it.
07:53A cold chuckle cut Anna off.
07:56Two bodyguards roughly pinned her to the floor,
07:58pressing a cold gun barrel against her forehead.
08:01Only then did she realize
08:02she had crossed someone forced harshly into her mouth.
08:05George spoke in an icy tone.
08:08She has insulted Miss Serena.
08:10Lock her up and break her legs.
08:11Send a photo to Fabio.
08:13Tell Fabio this will be his fate
08:15if he does not arrive at the hospital within ten minutes.
08:18I instantly noticed the way George addressed me,
08:20overwhelmed with joy.
08:22To Don George,
08:23I was his savior now,
08:24while Fabio was nothing but a traitor awaiting punishment.
08:27My wish finally came true,
08:29and I relaxed as I was wheeled into the operating room.
08:32The surgery was a complete success.
08:34Hardly had I fallen asleep
08:35when hurried footsteps echoed outside the door.
08:37Before I could see who it was,
08:39a sharp slap landed hard on my cheek.
08:41Fabio stared at me with a dark look on his face.
08:45Serena, how could you hurt Anna just to get my attention?
08:49You have no idea how heartbroken Lino...
08:51I truly regret marrying you.
08:54My cheek still burned sharply from the slap.
08:58I looked up at him and said calmly,
09:01Is that so?
09:02Then let's get a divorce.
09:05I sniffled,
09:06fighting back my tears.
09:09I had kept these words locked inside me for far too long.
09:12I'd planned to say them after the Don dealt with him,
09:15but I could endure him no longer.
09:18Fabio was utterly caught off guard.
09:20He gaped at me,
09:22disbelief spreading across his arrogant face.
09:25Serena, what game are you playing now?
09:28I looked at him steadily and repeated my words.
09:31Fabio, let's get a divorce.
09:33An eerie silence fell over the ward.
09:36Just then, Lina walked in.
09:38As long as she was around,
09:40Fabio had eyes for no one else.
09:43He wrapped his arm tenderly around her waist.
09:46The very hand that had just struck me hard.
09:49Fabio asked softly,
09:52What are you doing here?
09:53The hospital is full of germs.
09:55You should wait for me at home.
09:56The house feels cold without you.
09:59I just couldn't wait to see you.
10:03She glanced at me timidly.
10:05Sister,
10:06are you quarreling with Fabio again?
10:09If you dislike me so much,
10:12I'll leave the family.
10:13Moved by her act,
10:15Fabio shot me a fierce, disgusted glare.
10:18Enough, Serena.
10:20Don't think you can drive Lina away with a divorce.
10:23Fabio frowned,
10:25growing increasingly impatient.
10:27That's enough.
10:28You broke Anna's legs,
10:29and now you're cursing your own unborn child?
10:32Serena,
10:33Raise your voice at me
10:34while our child died.
10:37You were out at fashion shows with your mistress.
10:39It was your delinquent of duty
10:41that robbed this baby of its chance to live.
10:44Stunned by my outburst,
10:45Fabio stared at my belly in disbelief,
10:47stammering,
10:48The baby's really gone.
10:50How can that be?
10:52Its due date was only a month or two away.
10:55I let you take all that I had
10:57and threw it all away.
10:59My stomach was flat,
11:01empty.
11:02Fabio let go of Lina intinctively
11:04and stumbled towards me.
11:06Just as he reached out to touch my abdomen,
11:09Lina shrieked,
11:10Fabio, don't listen to this lunatorque!
11:13I didn't want to say this,
11:14but I can't let her fool you any longer.
11:16Lina pointed at me angrily,
11:17her voice trembling.
11:19Stop putting on an act, Serena.
11:21I've long known you've been-
11:22Shock flashed across Fabio's face,
11:24quickly giving way to a menacing dark scowl.
11:26No wonder you kept me away
11:28for eight months of pregnancy.
11:29You'd already turned your heart
11:31to someone else!
11:32Their blatant distortion of the truth
11:34almost made me laugh in exasperation.
11:36When the Don was attacked
11:38at the banquet today,
11:39I risked my life to save him.
11:41Where were you,
11:42as his subordinate?
11:43If you hadn't gone to the fashion show
11:45with Lina,
11:46the glory would have been yours,
11:48and my child would still be alive.
11:54Fabio refused to believe a word.
11:57He pulled out a gun
11:58and aimed it straight at me.
12:01Don't try to lie to me.
12:02Tell me right now
12:03who that man you've been with is!
12:05I didn't want to say this,
12:07but I can't let her fool you any longer.
12:09Lina pointed at me angrily,
12:10her voice trembling.
12:11Stop putting on an act, Serena.
12:13I've long known you've been-
12:15Shock flashed across Fabio's face,
12:17quickly giving way to a menacing dark scowl.
12:19No wonder you kept me away
12:21for eight months of pregnancy.
12:22You'd already turned your heart
12:23to someone else!
12:24Their blatant distortion of the truth
12:26almost made me laugh in exasperation.
12:30When the Don was attacked
12:30at the banquet today,
12:32I risked my life to save him.
12:34Where were you,
12:35as his subordinate?
12:36If you hadn't gone to the fashion show
12:38with Lina,
12:39the glory would have been yours,
12:41and my child would still be alive.
12:46Fabio refused to believe a word.
12:50He pulled out a gun
12:51and aimed it straight at me.
12:53Don't try to lie to me.
12:55Tell me right now
12:56who that man you've been with is!
12:58The moment Fabio recognized
13:00the man at the door,
13:01all the blood seemed to drain
13:02from his body.
13:03His once-arrogant face
13:04turned ashen pale in an instant.
13:07The situation was,
13:09she had never laid eyes
13:10on the legendary figure
13:11who ruled Sicily's underworld.
13:12Clinging to Fabio's arm,
13:13she whined,
13:14Fabio, this man is covered in blood
13:16and looks repulsive.
13:18How could he be the Don?
13:19You must have mistaken him
13:21for someone else.
13:22A sharp slap resounded
13:23through the ward.
13:24Fabio stared at Lina in terror,
13:26his voice trembling uncontrollably.
13:28Shut up!
13:29If you want to die,
13:31don't drag me down with you.
13:32George stepped forward
13:33and stood over Fabio,
13:35looking down at his
13:36former loyal wall butt.
13:37Fabio dropped to his knees
13:38at once, shaking violently.
13:40Don, I had no idea it was you.
13:42I thought Serena was-
13:43George let out a cold laugh
13:44that sent a chill
13:45down everyone's farm.
13:46You thought she was having
13:47an affair with me
13:49behind your back.
13:50The moment Fabio
13:51recognized the man at the door,
13:53all the blood seemed
13:54to drain from his body.
13:55His once arrogant face
13:56turned ashen pale
13:57in an instant.
13:59The situation was,
14:01she had never laid eyes
14:02on the legendary figure
14:03who ruled Sicily's underworld.
14:04Clinging to Fabio's arm,
14:05she whined,
14:06Fabio, this man is covered
14:08in blood and looks repulsive.
14:10How could he be the Don?
14:12You must have mistaken him
14:13for someone else.
14:14A sharp slap
14:15resounded through the ward.
14:17Fabio stared at Lena
14:18in terror,
14:18his voice trembling
14:19uncontrollably.
14:20Shut up!
14:21If you want to die,
14:23don't drag me down with you.
14:24George stepped forward
14:25and stood over Fabio,
14:27looking down at his
14:28former loyal wall butt.
14:29Fabio dropped
14:30to his knees at once,
14:31shaking violently.
14:32Don, I had no idea
14:33it was you.
14:34I thought Serena was-
14:35George let out a cold laugh
14:36that sent a chill
14:37down everyone's farm.
14:38You thought she was
14:39having an affair
14:40with me behind your back.
14:42George looked at Fabio
14:44with disappointment.
14:46I was attacked
14:46at the banquet today.
14:48As a leader,
14:49you vanished
14:50with your personal guards.
14:53I would have been
14:54blown to pieces.
14:56Fabio lifted his head
14:57in horror.
14:58There was really a bomb?
14:59Didn't you say
15:00everything would go
15:01smoothly today?
15:02Startled by his
15:03sudden outburst,
15:05Lena let out a shriek.
15:06I had no idea.
15:08I had no idea
15:10Anna Serena was up
15:11to something
15:11behind the scenes.
15:13I was afraid
15:14she'd hurt you.
15:15So I-
15:18George cut through
15:19their clumsy excuses.
15:20He pressed the gun
15:22against Fabi's temple,
15:23just as Fabio
15:24had done to me
15:25moments earlier.
15:26You abandoned your duty
15:27to keep me
15:28in mortal danger,
15:29all for your mistress.
15:31Fabio, tell me,
15:33what does the family
15:34do with traitors
15:35like you?
15:37Dawn,
15:38I'm no traitor.
15:40I was simply
15:41deceived by this woman.
15:42Desperate to save himself,
15:44he went under the bus.
15:45She seduced me
15:46and spread lies.
15:47Him in shock
15:48and disbelief.
15:49Fabio,
15:50how could you say
15:50such things?
15:51You told me yourself
15:52you'd grown tired
15:53of Serena.
15:54That's why you chose
15:55to be with me.
15:56George looked on
15:57with disgust
15:57as the two shifted
15:58blame back and forth.
16:00He drew his gun
16:01and gestured to his men.
16:03Take them to the
16:04interrogation room.
16:05I will question
16:06them myself.
16:08Miss Serena,
16:09rest and recover.
16:10I'll leave them
16:11in your hands
16:12to deal with.
16:13He headed for the door,
16:15then suddenly paused.
16:17Turning around,
16:18he smiled at me,
16:20his tone gentle,
16:21a stark contrast
16:22to his earlier coldness.
16:24During the following days,
16:26I cooperated fully
16:28with the doctors
16:28for treatment.
16:30George came to visit
16:32me every day,
16:33chatting patiently.
16:34Lena was a spy
16:35planted by our rivals
16:36inside the family.
16:38If it weren't for you,
16:40those two fools
16:41would have gotten me killed.
16:43He kissed the back
16:44of my hand,
16:46his gesture polite
16:47and restrained.
16:48My heart raced
16:49uncontrollably
16:50for a moment,
16:51then steadied again.
16:53I had far more
16:54important things
16:55to attend to.
16:56A week later,
16:58I was finally able
16:59to get out of bed.
17:00George sent men
17:02to escort me down
17:02to the underground
17:03interrogation room.
17:05I pushed open
17:06the heavy iron door
17:07and a stench of blood
17:08and damp mildew
17:09hit me at once.
17:10Fabio hung suspended
17:12in the air,
17:13brutally tortured
17:14beyond recognition.
17:16Beside him,
17:17Lena was locked
17:17inside a metal cage,
17:19her hair disheveled
17:20and her eyes empty.
17:21At the sight of me,
17:23a flicker of hope
17:24lit up
17:25Fabio's sunken eyes.
17:27Serena,
17:28please let me out.
17:30I truly know
17:31I've done wrong.
17:33Serena,
17:34we can still
17:34make things right.
17:36We can have
17:37another child.
17:38Just beg the Don
17:40for mercy
17:40on my behalf
17:41and I'll treat you
17:42well for the...
17:43He forced
17:44a fanning smile.
17:45Fabio,
17:46do you remember
17:47what you said to me
17:48in the ward
17:48the other day?
17:49My calm voice
17:51echoed through the room,
17:52making him flinch.
17:54You said I was
17:55unfit to be a mother
17:56and pressed a gun
17:57to my head.
17:58You never trusted me.
18:01Not even for a moment.
18:04Fabio shook his head
18:05frantically,
18:07tears mixing with blood
18:09and trickling down
18:10his chin.
18:11Ah,
18:11and I was just
18:12fooled by Lena!
18:14Serena,
18:15think of our love
18:16and all those years
18:17of marriage.
18:18I let out
18:19a cold laugh
18:20and cut him off.
18:21Our love died
18:22long ago,
18:23worn away
18:24by your endless
18:25suspicions.
18:27I turned toward Lena,
18:29who huddled
18:29in the corner
18:30of the cage.
18:31And you, Lena.
18:32Your identity
18:33as a spy
18:34has been fully exposed.
18:36Anna has confessed.
18:38Lena snapped
18:39her head up,
18:40her eyes wide
18:41with terror.
18:42I'm innocent!
18:44That bitch,
18:45Anna,
18:45is lying!
18:46...air of the pain.
18:49Serena,
18:50don't believe
18:50that madwoman!
18:51This is so unfair!
18:53I stood outside
18:54the cage,
18:55wrapped in a thick
18:56black cashmere coat
18:57the dawn had sent
18:58to keep me warm
18:59against the chill
19:00of the basement.
19:02Anna is not insane.
19:04The interrogation
19:05records prove it
19:07beyond doubt.
19:08I pulled out
19:09a stack of
19:10blood-stained papers
19:11from my pocket
19:12and tossed them
19:12into the cage.
19:13The documents
19:14detailed every
19:15secret contact
19:16she had made
19:17with the rival gang.
19:18Trembling violently,
19:20Lena bent
19:20to pick up the files.
19:21Her face turned
19:23deathly pale at once.
19:24It's all over.
19:26Everything is ruined.
19:28Fabio watched
19:29the scene
19:29in utter disbelief.
19:31Struggling to pry
19:32open his swollen eyelids,
19:34he roared
19:34in a horn's voice.
19:36Serena,
19:36what are you
19:37talking about?
19:38My eyes filled
19:39with scorn.
19:40The man I once loved
19:41was nothing but a fool,
19:43blinded by infatuation
19:44and desire.
19:46That so-called orphan
19:47was an insider,
19:48revealing groomed
19:49by the rival faction
19:50for three years.
19:51Mocking,
19:51she drew near you
19:52only because you
19:53were gullible,
19:54harsh,
19:54not because she
19:55was drawn to you.
19:56Stunned,
19:56Fabio was completely
19:57stunned.
19:58Struggling,
19:58he twisted his head
19:59with great effort
20:00to look at Lena
20:01in the cage
20:01and asked
20:02in a trembling voice,
20:04Fabio,
20:05so when you insisted
20:06on going to the fashion show,
20:08betrayed and made me
20:09take all my bodyguards
20:10with me,
20:10you were just creating
20:11a chance
20:12for the assassins
20:13to strike.
20:14Lena huddled
20:14in the corner,
20:15too ashamed
20:16to meet his gaze.
20:18Fabio burst
20:19into a furious shout,
20:21his old wounds
20:22split open once more,
20:24blood trickling
20:24down his chest.
20:26All those words
20:27about loving me
20:28and never wanting
20:29to leave me,
20:31they were all lies
20:32to lure me away
20:33from the dawn.
20:35Fabio broke down
20:36into desperate sobs,
20:38a sound utterly
20:39unbecoming
20:39of a towering man
20:40of nearly six feet three.
20:42Please,
20:44just let me...
20:45...face now filled me
20:46with nothing
20:47but revulsion.
20:50Death,
20:50in Sicily,
20:52death is the kindest punishment.
20:54Do you think
20:55you deserve such mercy?
20:58I turned to the two guards
21:00standing by the door,
21:01waiting for my order.
21:03Send Fabio and Lena
21:04to the sulfur mines
21:05in southern Sicily.
21:07At the mention
21:08of the mines,
21:09both of them
21:10gasped in horror.
21:12Only disgraced gangsters
21:14guilty of heinous crimes
21:15were sent there to work.
21:17A living hell on earth.
21:18Fabio roared in despair.
21:21No!
21:22Serena,
21:23you can't do this to me!
21:24I'm your husband!
21:26I corrected him coldly.
21:29You are my ex-husband now.
21:33Fabio broke down
21:35into desperate sobs,
21:36a sound utterly unbecoming
21:38of a towering man
21:39of nearly six feet three.
21:40Please,
21:42just let me...
21:43...face now filled me
21:45with nothing but revulsion.
21:48Death,
21:49in Sicily,
21:50death is the kindest punishment.
21:53Do you think
21:54you deserve such mercy?
21:56I turned to the two guards
21:58standing by the door,
21:59waiting for my order.
22:01Send Fabio and Lena
22:02to the sulfur mines
22:03in southern Sicily.
22:05At the mention of the mines,
22:08both of them gasped
22:09in horror.
22:10Only disgraced gangsters
22:12guilty of heinous crimes
22:14were sent there to work.
22:15A living hell on earth.
22:17Fabio roared in despair.
22:19No!
22:20Serena,
22:21you can't do this to me!
22:22I'm your husband!
22:25I corrected him coldly.
22:28You are my ex-husband now.
22:32I looked at Lena
22:33with a cold smile in my eyes.
22:36You're so fond
22:37of putting on axes,
22:39Miss Lena.
22:41I'm sure you'll
22:42painting them every day.
22:43Lena screamed
22:44at the top of her lungs
22:45and banged frantically
22:47against the metal bars.
22:48You can't do this
22:49to me!
22:50My family will come for me!
22:52I paused at the door
22:53and glanced back coldly.
22:56Sarcastic,
22:57I forgot to tell you.
22:58Absolute last night,
23:00the dawn-ordered
23:01ruthless all strongholds
23:02of the rival gang
23:03final wiped out.
23:05I then pushed open
23:06the heavy metal door
23:07and stepped out.
23:10Desperate shrieks
23:11and Fabio's resentful wows
23:13echoed behind me.
23:15Standing in the corridor,
23:17I took a deep breath
23:18breath of fresh air.
23:19Now, I can finally
23:21start a new life.
23:23I walked to the end
23:25of the corridor
23:25and found the dawn's
23:26right-hand man
23:27waiting quietly.
23:29He nodded respectfully
23:30the moment he saw me.
23:32His manner far more...
23:33rival family has sent a request
23:35for negotiations
23:36and he wishes to hear
23:38your thoughts on the matter.
23:39I too was curious
23:40what terms the enemy
23:42would offer.
23:42To atone for the life
23:44of my child,
23:45I straightened the collar
23:46of my coat
23:47and strode toward the study.
23:50From this day on,
23:51I was no longer
23:52just a wife
23:52hiding behind Fabio.
23:54I was an advisor
23:55to the Romero family,
23:56a Avenger who had
23:58stared death in the face
23:59and risen again.
24:01I pushed open
24:02the study door
24:02and a strong scent
24:04of cigar smoke
24:04filled the air.
24:06George sat behind
24:07the large desk,
24:08twirling an elegant
24:09lictor in his hand.
24:11He looked up at me
24:13at the sound
24:13of my arrival.
24:15His voice,
24:16deep and resonant.
24:18Feeling better.
24:19I sent them
24:20to the sulfur mines.
24:22A faint smile
24:23tugged at the corner
24:24of George's mouth,
24:26clearly pleased
24:27with how I had
24:27dealt with them.
24:28That crazes steakhouse.
24:30To show good faith,
24:32neither side
24:33will bring bodyguards.
24:36Do you have no intention
24:38of negotiating with them?
24:39I asked.
24:40George let out
24:41a soft chuckle.
24:42You know me well.
24:44I only intend
24:45one thing
24:46from this meeting.
24:47To kill him.
24:49I'll send men ahead
24:50to tape a gun
24:50to the top
24:51of one toilet tank.
24:52Midway through the talk,
24:54excuse yourself
24:55to the restroom
24:55and retrieve it.
24:56I froze for a moment,
24:58then caught on
24:59at once.
25:00He was giving me
25:01the chance
25:02to avenge
25:02my unborn child
25:03with my own hands.
25:05It tightened my grip
25:07around the cold weapon,
25:08its metal surface
25:09against my palm,
25:10bringing him
25:11a strange ascent
25:11of peace.
25:13It would be
25:14my greatest honor.
25:17A blackling
25:18pulled up slowly
25:18outside the steakhouse.
25:20Only George and I
25:21stepped out of the car.
25:23The dining room
25:24was empty,
25:24with just one table
25:26standing in the center,
25:27boustering a large,
25:28rare steak.
25:30His subordinate
25:31stepped forward
25:32to block our path.
25:34Please submit
25:34to a full body search.
25:36George spread his arms
25:37and let the man
25:38pat him down.
25:40After confirming
25:41he carried
25:42nothing suspicious,
25:43the subordinate
25:44turned to me.
25:45Raphael wiped
25:46the grease from his mouth
25:47and let out
25:48a lewd laugh.
25:50I'll search
25:51the lady myself.
25:53George's eyes
25:54turned icy
25:55in an instant.
25:56He was about
25:57to intervene,
25:58but I stopped him.
25:59I walked forward
26:00with a blank expression,
26:02letting Raphael
26:03run his thick hands
26:04over my coat.
26:05The lust in his eyes
26:07was revolting.
26:10I looked back at him
26:11as if staring
26:12at a corpse.
26:13I listened
26:14to their endless chatter
26:15listlessly.
26:17Then George
26:18raised his glass
26:19and clinked it
26:20against Raphael's,
26:21the prearranged signal.
26:23Calmly.
26:24Excuse me.
26:25I need to use
26:25the restroom.
26:27Raphael eyed me
26:28warily.
26:29Seeing nothing
26:29out of the ordinary,
26:30he waved his fork
26:31irritably.
26:34Hurry back.
26:35I stepped
26:36into the restroom
26:37and locked
26:37the door at once.
26:39Walking straight
26:40to the old-fashioned
26:40toilet,
26:42I lifted the tank lid
26:44and took out
26:44the gun.
26:46The hallway
26:46was short.
26:47When I returned
26:49to the table,
26:51Raphael had just
26:52drained his glass,
26:53completely off his guard.
26:56I drew the gun,
26:57aimed,
26:58and pulled the trigger.
27:00Bang.
27:01A deathly silence
27:03filled the car,
27:04broken only by
27:05the dull patter
27:06of raindrops
27:07against the
27:07bulletproof windows.
27:09I stared down
27:10at my hands,
27:11still reeking
27:12large palm
27:12covered mine.
27:15George said
27:16not a word.
27:17just held
27:18my cold fingers
27:19and gently
27:20tightened his grip.
27:22His warmth
27:23seeped through
27:23my body,
27:24chasing away
27:25the chill
27:25little by little.
27:30Are you afraid?
27:31I turned
27:32to look at him.
27:35No.
27:37I only regret
27:38not pulling
27:38the trigger sooner.
27:40His thumb
27:41stroked the back
27:42of my hand softly.
27:43You won't have
27:44to get your hands
27:45dirty like this again.
27:48But I wanted
27:49everyone to see
27:51that the Romero
27:52family's advisor
27:53is far more
27:54than just good looks.
27:56I pulled my hands
27:57away and poured
27:58two glasses of whiskey
28:00from a bottle
28:00beside me.
28:02The strong liquor
28:04burned my throat.
28:07Easing the tension
28:08inside me
28:08at last,
28:09his voice dropped,
28:11rich and persuasive.
28:12From this day
28:13forward,
28:14no one in Sicily
28:16will ever dare
28:17to underestimate you.
28:21I lean back
28:22tiredly against
28:23the seat,
28:24finally feeling
28:25at ease,
28:26both body
28:27and soul.
28:29If I grew
28:30strong enough,
28:31the pain
28:31George turned
28:32slightly toward me
28:33and gently
28:34tucked a stray
28:34lock of hair
28:35behind my ear.
28:37Serena Cabela.
28:39It was the first
28:40time he had
28:41spoken my full name
28:42so solemnly
28:43and my breath
28:44caught in my throat.
28:46Now that you
28:47have avenged
28:48yourself,
28:48it is time
28:50to live
28:50for your own sake.
28:52I opened my eyes
28:53and met
28:55his unfathomable gaze.
28:57There was something
28:58in those eyes
28:59more alluring
29:00than power
29:01making my heart
29:02race.
29:05I echoed
29:06softly,
29:07live for myself.
29:09Yes.
29:12He drew closer
29:14until our breaths
29:15mingled.
29:20become my
29:21Donna
29:22and rule
29:23the underworld
29:24by my side.
29:27I lean back
29:28tiredly against
29:29the seat,
29:30finally feeling
29:31at ease,
29:32both body
29:33and soul.
29:34If I grew
29:35strong enough,
29:36the pain
29:37George turned
29:38slightly toward me
29:39and gently
29:39tucked a stray
29:40lock of hair
29:41behind my ear.
29:43Serena Cabela
29:44It was the first
29:46time he had spoken
29:47my full name
29:48so solemnly
29:49and my breath
29:50caught in my throat.
29:52Now that you
29:53have avenged
29:53yourself,
29:54it is time
29:55to live
29:56for your own sake.
29:58I opened my eyes
29:59and met
30:00his unfathomable
30:02gaze.
30:03There was something
30:04in those eyes
30:05more alluring
30:06than power
30:06making my heart
30:08race.
30:10I echoed
30:11softly,
30:13live for myself.
30:15Yes.
30:18He drew closer
30:19until our
30:21breaths mingled.
30:25Become my
30:26Donna
30:27and rule
30:29the underworld
30:30by my side.
30:33George held
30:34out his hand.
30:36Come along.
30:38Everyone is
30:39waiting for us.
30:41I placed my
30:42hand.
30:43The mansion
30:44hall was packed
30:45with guests
30:46when we returned.
30:48The family
30:49elders,
30:50who once
30:51dismissed me
30:52as a mere
30:52figurehead
30:53advisor,
30:54now stood
30:55in solemn
30:56respect as I
30:56walked in.
30:58Over the past
30:59six months,
31:00I had ruled
31:01with a firm
31:01hand,
31:02restructured
31:03the family's
31:03finances,
31:05absorbed
31:05three rival
31:06gangs nearby
31:07and doubled
31:08our profits.
31:10In this
31:11dog-eat-dog
31:11world,
31:12power was
31:13everything.
31:14George led
31:15me up to
31:16the platform,
31:16then turned
31:18to face the
31:18crowd.
31:19From this
31:19day forward,
31:20Serena Cabrera
31:21is more than
31:22just my
31:22betrothed.
31:23His strong
31:24voice echoed
31:24across the
31:25hall.
31:27She holds
31:28equal authority
31:29with me.
31:30Her word
31:31is my word.
31:32A murmur
31:33rippled
31:33through the
31:33crowd,
31:34soon giving
31:35way to
31:36thunderous
31:36applause.
31:38He took
31:39my hand
31:39and slipped
31:40a heavy
31:40ring onto
31:41my ring
31:41frank.
31:43Serena,
31:44will you
31:44share this
31:45glory by
31:45my side?
31:46His gaze
31:47held deep,
31:48unwavering
31:48love.
31:49I laced
31:50my fingers
31:51through his.
31:52The ruby
31:53ring blazed
31:54like fire
31:54under the
31:55lights.
31:57I will.
31:58The sun
31:59set painted
32:00the skies of
32:00Sicily,
32:01a vivid
32:01crimson.
32:03I had
32:04walked over
32:04the ruins
32:05of my
32:05enemies
32:05to claim
32:06the crown
32:06of power
32:07and my
32:07new life
32:08had truly
32:09begun.
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