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00:00The night I lost my seven-month-old baby, I signed the divorce papers and walked away with nothing,
00:05wandering alone through the rainy streets, with nothing but a suitcase and a few dollars to my
00:09name. That was when I saw a flyer posted on a wall. Wet nurse wanted, room and board included.
00:15Those seven words drew me in like a lifeline. I went to the address that very night. I never
00:20expected to walk straight into the Rossi estate, home to the cold-blooded dawn of New York's
00:25oldest Mafia family. Later, my ex-husband would look down at me with his usual arrogance.
00:30Finally realized you were wrong? Before I could answer, the little baby girl in my arms exploded.
00:35She glared furiously at my ex-husband, pointing at him, shouting,
00:39No!
00:41The dawn casually wrapped his arm around my shoulder and kicked him aside.
00:45My wife is never wrong. Even if she is wrong, she's still right.
00:48Right now, I stood outside their estate. Beside me, the housekeeper, Alda, had a quiet arrogance
00:54about her. The dawn is looking for a wet nurse for his child, not a wife. I need you to
00:58be clear
00:59on that. The dawn is a very attractive man. Don't get any ideas. I lowered my eyes. Honestly,
01:04this job was too perfect for me. Simply put, they just needed a woman to feed a baby. Ten hours
01:09ago,
01:09I was pushed down a flight of stairs by my ex-husband. I lost the baby in my room and
01:13got a divorce.
01:14The child I had longed for for years. Our very first meeting was a final goodbye. Now, I'm freezing,
01:20starving, and desperately need to breastfeed. The last thing I wanted was another husband.
01:25But a roof over my head, three meals a day, and a baby who could help solve my engargement problem?
01:30It was an absolute miracle. I understand. I won't get any ideas.
01:34The housekeeper led me through the estate gates.
01:39Suddenly, I heard a sound like a gunshot.
01:43I let out a small gasp and immediately covered my mouth.
01:47The dawn is handling business. Please pay it no mind.
01:50I nodded frantically, keeping my head down, too afraid to look around, and quicken my pace.
01:56Then, turning a corner, I crashed headfirst into a burning, rock-solid chest.
02:01It was the shooter. A sharp scent hit my face. Blood and gunpowder.
02:06Then, the warm barrel of a gun lifted my chin.
02:09A flawlessly handsome man in a suit.
02:12There was blood on his suit collar and an old scar on his left eyebrow.
02:15Fear made my chest heave violently.
02:17His gun slid down from my chin and stopped on my rain-soaked chest.
02:21My milk hadn't dried out. It was swollen and full.
02:24He studied my face for a long time.
02:26Then, finally, without a word, he turned and walked away.
02:29I'd seen that face before.
02:30On the cover of Forbes magazine, the dawn of the Rossi family.
02:33My vain ex-husband, Julian, once spent a month studying his habits,
02:37trying to latch onto the ancient mafia family behind him.
02:42Change into this.
02:45Aldo handed me a white slip dress.
02:50After changing in the bathroom, I followed the housekeeper into the living room.
02:54Three other women stood in the spacious room.
03:00Dawn, the wet nurse candidates have arrived.
03:03The dawn was holding a crying baby girl in his arms.
03:12The ruthless killer was gone.
03:14In his place stood a loving but completely defeated father.
03:18I could see the exhaustion deep in his bones.
03:20She wailed.
03:21Her chubby cheeks flushed red, kicking her little feet in protest, tears streaking her face.
03:26She flat-out refused the formula.
03:28Miss Ella hasn't fed in 24 hours.
03:31Whoever gets her to eat, stays.
03:37I'll go first.
03:38Dawn instantly flew into a rage.
03:46Touch me again, and you die.
03:49Next.
03:50Hi, sweetie.
03:51You want some candy?
03:54You want some candy?
03:54Ella frowned, turned away, her mouth clamped shut.
03:56She grabbed Dawn's collar and buried her head inside.
03:59Dawn seemed impatient, so the second woman stepped back.
04:04Let me try.
04:08Ella covered her ears with her tiny hands and cried even louder.
04:12Everyone failed.
04:14Dawn's brows frowned.
04:16He took the girl back and looked at me.
04:18His shirt was buttoned low.
04:20Through the white linen, his muscles were faint and visible.
04:23The most feared man in New York inherited the family's glory at 16, expanding the empire
04:28to be larger, darker, and more hidden than during his father's reign.
04:32Money.
04:33Power.
04:34Hands covered in blood.
04:36Feeding this child was probably harder than managing his empire.
04:39Your turn.
04:40So, this was my interview.
04:42If I failed, I'd be wandering the streets.
04:44I squeezed out the warmest, softest smile and took the crying baby girl.
04:50She was still crying in my arms, those dark, round, furious eyes glaring at me.
04:55The other women rolled their eyes, so sure I'd fail too.
04:59To survive, I had to give it my all.
05:01I wasn't in a hurry to press her to my chest.
05:03I scanned the room and locked onto my target immediately.
05:06I picked up a bunny from the sofa, held up the bunny and had it say hello to her.
05:10Hi, Ella.
05:11I'm your good friend Bonnie.
05:13The crying stopped abruptly.
05:15She stared at the little bunny curiously with her big, widened eyes.
05:18I'm so hungry.
05:20My tummy hurts.
05:21I need to eat.
05:22I pressed the bunny against my chest, pretending to feed it.
05:25So yummy.
05:26Ella stared straight at it.
05:27Her lips parted slightly and smacked her lips a few times.
05:30I pretended not to see it.
05:32She seemed hurt.
05:33Ella's eyes turned red, as if she was about to cry.
05:35Perfect timing.
05:36I gasped softly.
05:37Wait.
05:38Does baby Ella want to try too?
05:40Bonnie?
05:40Her tummy hurts too.
05:42She needs some food.
05:43I made the little bunny nod.
05:44No problem.
05:45Her face instantly became excited.
05:47I untied the ribbon on my dress, pulled it down, and offered my breast to her.
05:51She opened her mouth, lapsed on, and sucked hungrily.
05:56She was eating so devotedly.
05:58Everyone in the room could hear her swallowing.
06:01I glanced at Don.
06:02The corner of his mouth turned up slightly.
06:04A tiny but genuine smile, with approval.
06:07The other three candidates were shocked.
06:09The housekeeper led them away.
06:12After the door closed, only the three of us were left in the living room.
06:17She bit me a little.
06:18It kinda hurt.
06:19So this is what it feels like to be a mother.
06:21If only my baby was still alive.
06:23Only then did I realize how much I needed her.
06:26Don saw me kiss Ella.
06:27He seemed a bit touched.
06:28After meeting my gaze, he turned his back to me, protecting my privacy.
06:32I felt safe to pull my clothes down lower so Ella could eat more easily.
06:37That night, I moved into the estate.
06:40The estate has three floors.
06:42Ella and I live on the second floor.
06:44Don occupies the entire third floor alone.
06:46The housekeeper escorted me to the room and gave me a final warning.
06:50You must never go up to the third floor.
06:52Never!
06:53The last woman who snuck up there, trying to climb into Don's bed,
06:56who threw her out the window, almost died.
06:59I remembered the scene I'd witnessed about an hour ago.
07:03I nodded desperately, almost snapping my own neck.
07:06It won't happen.
07:07I promise.
07:10After Ella was full, she fell asleep quickly.
07:13Ella had always slept alone.
07:14That made my job a lot easier.
07:16I returned to my room, changed into a nightgown.
07:20A knock on the door startled me.
07:22Come down.
07:23We need to talk.
07:25Don sat on the sofa in the grand living room.
07:27His long legs crossed, holding a glass of whiskey.
07:30I sat on the sofa across from him.
07:32Hands on my knees, legs pressed together like I was attending an interview.
07:36You're good with babies.
07:38Where's your own kid?
07:39I lost her this morning.
07:41I was seven months pregnant.
07:43I caught my husband and his lover in our bed this morning.
07:45He pushed me down the stairs during the argument.
07:49When I woke up, my baby was gone.
07:52I'm sorry to hear that.
07:54He paused and said calmly.
07:55But you saw the ad.
07:57I'm hiring a mother for Ella, not a partner for myself.
08:00My rival family scared her a while ago.
08:03She became withdrawn.
08:05Refuses to drink milk or even go outside.
08:08Work keeps me busy.
08:10I need someone patient.
08:12Someone who can stay with her.
08:13We'll sign a prenup.
08:15Everything is separate.
08:16Especially the bed.
08:18When I looked into his eyes, my heart skipped a beat.
08:23For the rich, marriage is a contract.
08:25Everything else is secondary.
08:27I married my ex-husband for love.
08:30But because I came with nothing, I had to sign one too.
08:34When it ended, I left with nothing.
08:36Not even the ring.
08:39A mafia boss with an empire to protect?
08:41He'd be paranoid.
08:43Look, if you just need someone to live here, watch the baby and feed her,
08:46we don't need to make it legal.
08:48I don't need the paper.
08:49Don shook his head.
08:51He leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table.
08:53This is for Ella.
08:55She needs stability.
08:56And a mother.
08:58Marriage is the strongest contract there is.
09:01Okay, whatever you say.
09:02You'll get a hundred grand a month for expenses.
09:05That was all I actually cared about.
09:07I'd learn my lesson.
09:09If we ever divorce, do I get to keep the money?
09:12Of course.
09:13It's yours.
09:14Good.
09:14As for marital duties...
09:17There won't be any.
09:19You take the second floor.
09:21Right.
09:22Marital duties? Good.
09:23I don't need them either.
09:24Just like that.
09:25Three days after signing my divorce papers, I was a wife again.
09:29No ceremony.
09:30No guests.
09:32Felt familiar.
09:33The housekeeper made an extra side dish at dinner.
09:36I thought that was our big celebration.
09:38But then Don slid a signet ring across the table.
09:41The Rossi family crest.
09:44You don't have to do this.
09:49My ex-husband never even gave me his family ring.
09:54For Ella.
09:55Then I understood.
09:56An old mafia family like this had to build the perfect family image for its heir from childhood.
10:00I fell silent and in the end, I accepted it.
10:03I will keep it safe.
10:04That night, I had just lit down when the door creaked open.
10:07It was Ella crawling to the doorway.
10:09What's wrong, little one?
10:10Did you come to find me?
10:12Come here.
10:12She had a pacifier in her mouth, bare feet her big blinking eyes.
10:16She beamed and dived right in.
10:17As if she had been waiting for this moment all day.
10:19She spit out the binky in disgust and rooted for my chest.
10:22I held her close.
10:23Didn't I just feed you, you greedy little salt kitten?
10:25Before long, she fell asleep in my arms.
10:28Sweet little angel.
10:29At breakfast the next morning, the housekeeper talked to Don.
10:32Don, Miss Ella crawled into Aria's bed last night.
10:35Seriously?
10:36Right then, I was on my sofa, feeding Ella.
10:40Drink up, little Ella. Grow up fast.
10:43Aria, where's Ella?
10:47I didn't know it yet, but feeding her had just woken the beast inside him.
10:52I finished up, looked over, and caught Don staring.
10:55Don.
10:58Sorry, I...
10:59It's fine. Did you need something?
11:02This is the first time Ella has grown attached to someone.
11:05You did good.
11:06I'm adding 50 grand a month to your pay.
11:10That's too much.
11:12It really was too much. An absurd amount.
11:15In my last marriage, I gave far more than this.
11:18And in the end, I was framed into a miscarriage
11:21and forced to leave with nothing.
11:23Even in late pregnancy, I was still responsible for all the housework.
11:27Laundry, cooking, cleaning, watering the flowers.
11:31Every night, after enduring what my ex-husband demanded of me,
11:35I still had to get up at 5 in the morning to make breakfast.
11:39We could hire help, but Aria does nothing all day. It's only fair.
11:42And my mother-in-law still judged me.
11:45Even after everything I had done, on the day of the divorce,
11:49my mother-in-law told the lawyer that for three years I had been living off them.
11:57Don, it's really too much. I love Ella.
11:59Hmm.
12:00She's a sweet kid.
12:04Sleeping with her is nothing.
12:06Right then, Ella finished drinking and smiled at me.
12:10Ella looked up at me with total trust and love.
12:13Something inside me melted.
12:15Don looked at me, totally moved.
12:17He was actually touched.
12:21You don't get it.
12:23The women before you just tried to kiss my ass.
12:26They ignored her.
12:27150 grand.
12:29Final offer.
12:30Non-negotiable.
12:32I stopped fighting and thanked him.
12:34From then on, Ella became my little shadow.
12:38Don spent his days busy with shady deals,
12:40guns, and blood money.
12:42It was usually just the two of us in this massive house.
12:45I played with her as much as I could,
12:47kept her happy every day.
12:49Until I had a follow-up at the hospital.
12:52The housekeeper warned me.
12:54Ella couldn't go out.
12:55The outside world triggered her panic attacks.
12:58I crouched down.
12:59Hey, baby girl.
13:01Wait for me here, okay?
13:04I'll be back in an hour.
13:06She grabbed my ankle tight.
13:07Didn't say a word.
13:08Just gave me those big, sad eyes.
13:12The housekeeper spoke up.
13:13She's scared you won't come back.
13:15Miss Ella has never clung to anyone like this.
13:18I'll come back.
13:20I'll see the doctor and come right home.
13:23You be a good girl and play here, okay?
13:26Before I even finished, she crawled right out the door
13:29and into the car seat.
13:30The housekeeper tried not to get his hopes up.
13:34Miss Ella?
13:35Do you want to go to the hospital with Miss Aria?
13:38Ella nodded.
13:41Thank God!
13:43She finally wants to go out!
13:49Your depression is getting better.
13:51Take it slow.
13:52Relax.
13:53I held Ella, grabbed my meds, and left.
13:57Thinking of my baby.
13:59Gone before she even saw this world.
14:02I couldn't hold back the tears.
14:05Before I could wipe them, Ella's tiny hand reached out
14:08and dried my face.
14:11Mama.
14:13It hit me like a truck.
14:15The tears fell harder.
14:17In my last marriage, crying was just me being a drama queen.
14:23Low-class trash just can't handle this life.
14:27It's prenatal depression!
14:29Stop faking it for attention!
14:31My ex would yell at me just like that.
14:35But now, this eight-month-old mafia princess actually cared.
14:40Wiped my tears.
14:41Called me mama.
14:42It felt like my own baby came back to me.
14:46Thank you, my baby.
14:51When we walked out, a black Maybach was parked by the curb.
14:55Don was leaning against it.
14:59Don?
15:00What are you doing here?
15:05Aldo told me you took Ella outside.
15:07Had to see it to believe it.
15:09Don't worry, Don.
15:10I'll treat her like my own.
15:11She's so sweet.
15:12I just want to stay with her every second.
15:14You're doing a hell of a job, Arya.
15:18That night, he tried to bump my pay again.
15:20This time, a black card.
15:22I fought him so hard, he actually laughed.
15:24No, no, no, no.
15:24I can't take this. Please, I can't.
15:27Arya, there's got to be something you want.
15:33Can you find me a used car?
15:34Under five grand is fine.
15:35Just so I don't have to bother your driver.
15:37To take Ella out.
15:38Yeah.
15:39Pick whatever you want from the garage.
15:40Your cheapest car is 250 grand.
15:43I'm not driving that.
15:47Fine.
15:49The next morning, a white Fiat 500X
15:52was parked right next to his black Monbach.
15:55He even brought in a shrink.
15:58Same diagnosis, but my meds got swapped
16:01for name brands I could never afford.
16:04Your wife needs company, family warmth.
16:07Don't push her too hard.
16:08I'll keep that in mind.
16:10The next day, I drove Ella out.
16:13She never felt safe.
16:14Barely saw the outside world.
16:16Now, I wanted to show it to her.
16:19We hit the playground at the park.
16:21I held her on the slide,
16:23pushed her on the swings,
16:24made her giggle.
16:25After a few times,
16:27I could tell she wanted to try it herself.
16:29Come on, sweetie.
16:30You can do it.
16:31I saw Ella go from scared to brave.
16:33She crawled my way,
16:35sat straight,
16:35and slid down.
16:36I caught her, safe and sound.
16:39You did it!
16:40My baby girl's the best!
16:46Aria?
16:49It was Julian,
16:51my ex-husband.
16:54He wore a sharp gray suit,
16:56hair slicked back,
16:57like he walked right out of a magazine.
16:59Five weeks since the divorce.
17:01Seeing him made my stomach twist.
17:04Julian and I met in college.
17:05He was from a top Wall Street family,
17:08the golden boy of finance.
17:09Back then, he flipped off his family to propose to me.
17:12At the wedding,
17:13he swore he'd protect me forever.
17:15Then he took over the family money.
17:16After that,
17:18he started picking me apart.
17:19Made me quit my job
17:21to serve his parents
17:22and play the trophy wife.
17:23Cook,
17:24clean,
17:24do laundry,
17:25babysit his sister's kids.
17:27I did it all without a single complaint.
17:29Because I loved him.
17:30Because I grew up with no family warmth.
17:32I was dumb enough to think that was love.
17:35Until I was seven months pregnant
17:37and caught him in our bed with a woman.
17:41I still remember how hard he pushed me.
17:44The stairs weren't long,
17:45but enough for me to roll to the bottom.
17:47When I woke up,
17:48my baby was gone.
17:49Julian stood at the door,
17:51furious,
17:51screaming that I couldn't even keep a kid alive.
17:54I wiped my tears
17:55and handed him the signed divorce papers.
17:59He thought I was bluffing.
18:00His mom demanded I leave with nothing.
18:02I said fine.
18:04Seven years together,
18:05three years married,
18:06a baby who never saw the sun.
18:08Done.
18:09Just like that.
18:12Aria.
18:13Ivy League grad.
18:15Playing the wet nace now?
18:21Is your mind fucked or something?
18:26That's really none of your concern.
18:28Aria,
18:29get this through your head.
18:30From the day you married a Sterling,
18:32you became the face of the Sterling family.
18:35Julian, we're divorced.
18:37I have nothing to do with your family anymore.
18:40You're my ex-wife.
18:41When people talk about you,
18:43they talk about me.
18:44You're embarrassing me!
18:49Use your brain for once.
18:51Quit being so damn emotional.
18:54Aria,
18:56slumming it these past few weeks.
18:57You must really miss being Mrs. Sterling.
19:01Admit you screwed up,
19:02and I might take you back.
19:06Those girls,
19:07they mean nothing.
19:08I didn't replace you.
19:09Your spot is still open.
19:10Drop the pathetic pride.
19:11Apologize to my mom.
19:13Don't bother saving it for me.
19:15Give it to someone else, Julian.
19:17I don't want it.
19:18I turned and walked away with Ella.
19:20He didn't chase me.
19:22On the way back,
19:23my phone rang.
19:25Unknown number.
19:26I picked up.
19:27Aria.
19:28My ex-mother-in-law.
19:29My fingers gripped the steering wheel hard.
19:31Julian says you're a wet nurse now.
19:33You know, you're slapping the Stirlers in the face.
19:35How do we look to the outside world?
19:36We're divorced.
19:37Divorced or not,
19:39you were a Sterling!
19:40You killed my grandson.
19:42You jinx.
19:43Trash is always trash.
19:45No matter-
19:45I didn't say a word.
19:47Just hung up and blocked the number.
19:50I pulled over and slumped over the wheel.
19:53Tears hitting the back of my hand.
19:55Crying till I couldn't breathe.
19:57Till I was totally numb.
19:59After a long time,
20:01I sat up,
20:02took a deep breath,
20:03and dried my eyes.
20:05Mama?
20:07A soft voice came from the back seat.
20:10I forgot Ella was back there.
20:14I turned around.
20:15Somehow Ella unbuckled her car seat.
20:17She climbed down,
20:19stood behind the armrest,
20:20and held out a tissue for me.
20:23Her big, dark, sad eyes staring right at me.
20:28I'm sorry, baby.
20:29Did I scare you?
20:33She couldn't speak,
20:34just reached out to wipe my tears with the tissue.
20:37Thank you, sweetie.
20:39Mommy's done crying.
20:40Let's go home.
20:47I went to bed early that night,
20:49skipped dinner.
20:52A knock on the door.
20:53Aria, can I come in?
20:55I just got out of the shower,
20:57hair still wet,
20:58robe tied tight.
20:59Come in.
21:03He had a white tank top on.
21:04That old scar on his left brow
21:06looked sharper under the light.
21:08Dark, messy hair on his forehead.
21:09A glass of whiskey in his hand.
21:11He sat on the chair by my bed.
21:14His eyes swept over the water drops on my colloboke,
21:17then looked away at the wall.
21:22Those clothes in your closet,
21:23you never wear them.
21:25They're too expensive.
21:26I'm not used to it.
21:28From my last marriage,
21:29I learned a bloody lesson.
21:30Never force your way into a world,
21:31because when they kick you out,
21:33you fall hard.
21:34You don't like the style?
21:35I'll get a tailor to fit you for a new batch.
21:37No need.
21:39I'm home with Ella all day,
21:40I really got nowhere to wear that stuff.
21:41Heard you ran into your ex today.
21:43A sterling?
21:45I froze.
21:47How did he know?
21:50Nothing in New York gets past me.
21:52Especially when it comes to my wife.
21:54His casual answer caught me off guard.
21:56Made my heart skip.
21:58Yeah, that's sterling.
22:00But it's in the past.
22:01I'm fine, don't worry.
22:03Aria, since you got here,
22:04Ella's a new kid.
22:07You pay me a lot.
22:08It's just my job.
22:10Aria, ask me for anything.
22:11If I can do it, it's yours.
22:12I don't need anything.
22:13He went quiet for a long time.
22:15His fingers tightened on his knee, then let go.
22:18He stood up.
22:19I'll say this once.
22:20I'm the Don of the Rossi family.
22:22You just nod, and I guarantee he never speaks again.
22:24He just disappears.
22:26I took a step back.
22:27Still not used to him being this close.
22:29Did I scare you?
22:30Out of nowhere, he tucked a piece of wet hair behind my ear.
22:34I didn't say a word.
22:35His hand slid off my cheek.
22:36He gave a faint smile, turned, and walked out.
22:41For the next two weeks, Don started coming home early every day.
22:45Ate dinner with me and Ella.
22:50After dinner, we'd sit in the living room, maybe watch some TV.
22:53A guy running half the New York underworld doesn't just change his schedule for nothing.
22:58I started getting worried.
22:59Did something go wrong with his family?
23:01Not that I cared about him that much.
23:02I just really cared about my 150 grand a month.
23:05Don, you really don't have to rush home so early.
23:08I've got Ella.
23:09Go handle your business.
23:10Don didn't answer.
23:12He looked down on Ella sleeping in his arms, patting her back.
23:16The shrink said you need family around.
23:19Ella and I are your family now.
23:21It's our job.
23:23Since when were we a family?
23:25I thought it, but kept my mouth shut.
23:28I took Ella from his arms and stood up.
23:32Seriously, just having Ella is enough.
23:34The doctor said she's the main reason I'm getting better.
23:36He rubbed his jaw, looking away.
23:38Let's go, kiddo.
23:40Bedtime. Daddy's gotta work.
23:41I carried Ella toward the door.
23:43Don's voice stopped me at the door.
23:44Aria.
23:45Yeah?
23:46His ears were a little red.
23:48He cleared his throat.
23:49Got a gala tomorrow night.
23:51Plus one is mandatory.
23:52You wanna come?
23:58Me?
23:59Yeah, you.
24:00I got no time to find anyone else.
24:03I'll pay you an appearance fee.
24:06A guy looking like that can't find a date?
24:10I didn't think too much about it.
24:11Just treated it like a side hustle.
24:14Sure.
24:16But I don't know the rules for your crowd.
24:20I don't want to embarrass you.
24:21My ex's family was loaded too.
24:24But Julian never took me to any social stuff.
24:26She has zero class in public.
24:28Don't let her embarrass us.
24:29You just stand next to me.
24:31It's that simple.
24:33If you want, I can make whoever talks trash shut up forever.
24:42Miss Bellier, you don't need to know the rules.
24:47Dawn is the rule.
24:50Couldn't argue with that.
24:52Next afternoon, a glam squad showed up at the estate.
24:55Five of them, mostly flown in straight from Paris.
24:58Hair, makeup, gown, diamonds.
25:00They huddled up, spending 20 minutes on every tiny detail.
25:03By the time Dawn got home, I felt so weighed down by this outfit, I was kinda sick.
25:09He walked in and saw me.
25:12His eyes completely changed.
25:15Pure shock.
25:16Like he forgot how to breathe.
25:20But he caught himself.
25:24Ella.
25:24He instinctively wanted to show her off, but Ella was already out cold.
25:28Her little face pressed heavily against my collarbone.
25:30She's asleep.
25:32Dawn stepped closer, looking down at Ella's peaceful face.
25:36You're good with her.
25:37I stroked Ella's hair.
25:39She's a good kid.
25:40The plaza.
25:41A charity gala.
25:43Every heavy hit in New York was in this room.
25:46Old money, tech billionaires, politicians.
25:49Some faces I knew from the papers.
25:52Others operated strictly in the shadows.
25:55The second Dawn walked in, they swarmed him like royalty.
25:58Inevitably, the spotlight shifted to me.
26:01Dawn, and who is this gorgeous lady?
26:03I jumped in to save him the headache.
26:05I'm a friend of Dawn's.
26:06This is my wife, Ara.
26:08The temperature in the room flipped instantly.
26:11After a collective, polite gasp came an absolute avalanche.
26:15of ass-kissing.
26:17I could feel the heat rushing to my cheeks.
26:20Is being my wife really that humiliating?
26:24You won't even claim the title?
26:26His breath smelled of whiskey and cedar.
26:30No, it's not that.
26:32I just didn't want to cause a scene for you.
26:35His eyes darkened.
26:37He stared at me.
26:38A gaze intense enough to burn a hole right through me.
26:41I had to look away.
26:43I'm gonna get a drink.
26:48I bolted.
26:49I hid by the champagne tower for barely a minute before I heard it.
26:53Aria?
26:58He was flying solo.
27:00Didn't Dawn say plus sons were mandatory?
27:03Julian looked completely thrown.
27:04It really is you.
27:06I barely recognized you.
27:08I've never seen you clean up like this.
27:09I took a step back.
27:11Back off.
27:12Aria.
27:13About my mother calling you.
27:14That wasn't my call.
27:16I never told her to do that.
27:18Honestly, I only signed those papers to teach you a lesson.
27:21You needed a reality check.
27:23I never meant to actually go through with it.
27:27Just go apologize to my mother.
27:29We remarry.
27:29Clean slate.
27:32Sterling Capital is bleeding right now.
27:34I'm drowning here.
27:34Stop making a mess for me.
27:36He reached out for my hand.
27:41Classic Julian.
27:42A slap in the face followed by a piece of candy.
27:44He played this game with me for three years.
27:46But I wasn't the Aria who married him anymore.
27:48I yanked my hand away.
27:50Julian.
27:51Divorced means divorced.
27:53I'd rather sleep under the Brooklyn Bridge than ever take your last name again.
27:57Still a stubborn bitch.
27:59Guess you haven't suffered enough.
28:00When the real world finally breaks you, you'll come crawling back to me.
28:11Right then.
28:13Dawn walked over to me.
28:16Julian's entire demeanor shifted.
28:23Aria, we'll talk later.
28:25You're someone I need to network with.
28:26Stay out of the way.
28:27He slapped on his signature fake smile, got his business card ready, and stepped directly in Don's path.
28:34Don.
28:35Julian Sterling.
28:36Don.
28:37Sterling Capital.
28:37I wanted to talk to you about the withdrawn funds.
28:40For five years, we managed every public portfolio for the Rosso family.
28:43Then you pulled all the contracts overnight.
28:45If we made a misstep somewhere, tell me straight.
28:49Whatever you need, I will fix it.
28:52Julian gave a slight bow.
28:53Playing the humble servant.
28:55Don's eyes looked right past him.
28:56They landed on me.
28:57Aria.
28:58What do you think?
29:00Should I give him another chance?
29:02Julian's smile froze dead on his face.
29:06Aria?
29:08What does she have to do with this?
29:10Don, you might not realize, Aria is my ex-wife.
29:14I don't know how she snuck in tonight.
29:15Probably trying to hustle her way back into my life.
29:17She's just a clueless housewife.
29:20Ignore her.
29:24Don didn't even glance at him.
29:26Aria, your call.
29:27I follow your lead.
29:32I choked down the anger and kept my voice completely flat.
29:37Mr. Sterling just warned me not to interfere with his business meetings.
29:40I wouldn't dare step out of line.
29:43This is men's business, Aria.
29:45I knew it.
29:46Low-class trash just has no place here.
29:49Then I guess my wife doesn't approve of Sterling Capital.
29:53We're done here, Mr. Sterling.
29:56He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, turned me around and guided me to the bar.
29:59A man in a tux walked past him.
30:01Sterling, you actually insulted the Don's wife?
30:04You just stepped on a landmine.
30:05She's the first woman he's had on his arm in 20 years.
30:08Don's wife? Bullshit.
30:10That bitch is just playing nanny at his house.
30:12Julian had bumped into me at the playground.
30:14He saw me driving a beat-up used car, holding Ella, laughing by the slide.
30:17He believed what his eyes saw.
30:20The man shook his head.
30:22Blind as a bat.
30:24Dig your own grave, man.
30:28Don bought a painting and three vintage diamonds.
30:31Worth of a hundred million.
30:33He put the entire charity donation in my name.
30:38After that, the gala basically turned into my personal welcome party.
30:46Mrs. Rosi, I'm hosting a small tea party next week. Would you do us the honor?
30:53Mrs. Rosa, my husband is bidding on a Rosi project. We were hoping you could put in a good word
30:59with Don.
31:01I had never been on the receiving end of this kind of worship. To take the edge off, I knocked
31:06back three glasses of champagne.
31:10When I reached for a fourth, Don's hand covered mine.
31:16Apologies, folks. My wife's a lightweight. I'll take this one for her.
31:21He downed it in one shot.
31:24Then he took the first drinks for me. Three drinks. All for me.
31:28I didn't know what to say.
31:30By the time we got into his car, we were both a little buzzed.
31:33I looked out the window.
31:36Julian was standing by the curb, glaring daggles at us.
31:39Still wearing that sickening, smug sneer.
31:43I pulled the window shale down.
31:46Turned to Don.
31:48Don.
31:48Don.
31:50For everything tonight.
31:53Thank you for having my back and putting Julian in his place.
31:57His voice was deeper now.
31:59The ice melted away.
32:00It was softer.
32:03Aria.
32:03We are married.
32:05Stop thanking me.
32:08It's just on paper.
32:10You really didn't have to go that far.
32:12He raised his hand.
32:14His long fingers gently tipped my chin up.
32:17His rough thumb brushed against my jawline.
32:21Aria.
32:22What if I don't want it to be just on paper yet?
32:26He was too close.
32:28That sharp, chiseled face screamed danger.
32:31Pitch black eyes.
32:34His hot breath brushed my neck.
32:36Smelling of bourbon and cedar.
32:38And pure, raw testosterone.
32:41The coldest man in New York was staring at my lips.
32:44Starving for a taste.
32:47Don, you're drunk.
32:51He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
32:55You're right.
32:56Sorry.
32:57I had too much.
32:59Dead silence for the rest of the ride.
33:01Except for my heart, pounding out of my chest.
33:05Back home, Ella saved me.
33:07The housekeeper held her by the door.
33:09She scrunched her face and reached out like she'd been waiting a lifetime.
33:12I scooped her up and hurried inside.
33:14I didn't look back, terrified of meeting Don's eyes.
33:22I put Ella to bed.
33:25Then sat on the edge of my mattress, scrolling job sites.
33:30Julian was right about one thing.
33:31I have an Ivy League degree.
33:33I shouldn't be playing nanny in a mansion.
33:35Playing house.
33:37I've already played the full-time housewife once.
33:41Stuck at home, shrinking down to nothing.
33:44And when he kicked me to the curb, I was left with zero.
33:49As long as Ella needs me, I can stay.
33:52But the day she doesn't, what am I?
33:54I wasn't ready to jump back into the grind just yet.
33:57But checking the market and updating my resume couldn't hurt.
34:00Right then, my phone lit up.
34:02Ara, bring a coffee upstairs.
34:05A text from Don.
34:09The housekeeper made the coffee, always.
34:14And the absolute iron rule of this house, never go to the third floor.
34:21But I bit the bullet and pulled an espresso anyway.
34:25I stood at the bottom of the stairs, hesitating.
34:29Was this a test?
34:31Did the last applicants get called up and thrown out a window?
34:35Was this payback for buying that cheap car?
34:37I dialed his number.
34:41Don, coffee's ready, please come down and get it.
34:44Bring it up.
34:47I immediately hit record on my phone.
34:49Evidence.
34:50If he tried anything, this was my hard proof.
35:00I walked up the stairs, heart in my throat.
35:04I knocked.
35:09Come in.
35:13I pushed the door open and forgot how to breathe.
35:16He had just stepped out of the shower.
35:19A black silk robe tied loose around his waist.
35:22A single drop of water slid down his jaw, past his Adam's apple,
35:26disappearing into the dark V of his robe.
35:28Like a statue from a Roman bath or a Renaissance painting.
35:32Oh my God.
35:34He reached out and took the coffee.
35:36His fingertips brushed the back of my hand.
35:39Deliberate.
35:41Scared of me?
35:42Arya, am I a monster?
35:48Arya.
35:49From now on, my room is always open to you.
35:55My face was on fire.
35:58The rules of this estate and my own defenses were crumbling at once.
36:05Woke up the next morning with a killer sore throat.
36:08Sneezing nonstop.
36:10Figures.
36:11Wet hair, staying up late, a thin dress, plus way too much champagne.
36:15I dragged myself downstairs in pajamas, figuring the room would be empty.
36:21Dawn was actually on the couch.
36:23Black turtleneck, gold-rimmed glasses, looking ridiculously handsome.
36:29Morning.
36:31He put down the paper.
36:33You're sick.
36:34Just a little bit.
36:36He reached out and pressed the back of his hand to my forehead.
36:41So natural.
36:42Like he did this every single morning.
36:44I froze like a board.
36:46Not too bad.
36:47I'll get you some cold meds, you'll be fine.
36:49He sat me down on the couch, like I was fragile porcelain.
36:53Then walked to the kitchen.
36:55A ruthless, six-foot-something Mafia Don mixing cold medicine for me.
37:00Normally, a drink from him would be laced with poison.
37:03I couldn't help but wonder what kind of woman Ella's mother was to get a man like this.
37:11I drank the meds, and he forced me back to bed.
37:16Forced me to rest up and recover.
37:18I was touched.
37:20Lying in bed, maybe the medicine kicked in.
37:23I slipped into the deepest, sweetest sleep since my divorce.
37:27My dreams were entirely full of Dawn.
37:51Why would I dream that?
37:53How could I have those thoughts about Dawn?
37:56I grabbed the water on my nightstand and chugged it.
37:59Magically, I didn't feel sick at all.
38:01My cold was gone.
38:02Dawn's medicine worked like a charm.
38:05I heard a knock on the door.
38:07I threw off the covers.
38:08Aria, Miss Ella is looking for you.
38:10I opened the door.
38:11Ella looked miserable in the maid's arms, but gave a massive smile the second she saw me.
38:15I took her into my arms, and the second she was in my arms, she relaxed.
38:19Right then, my phone rang.
38:21Unknown number.
38:23Aria, it's me.
38:25Julian?
38:26I was about to hang up.
38:28Don't hang up.
38:29I'm parked right outside Dawn's gates.
38:32You don't come out, I'm knocking on the door.
38:35Your choice.
38:36I absolutely could not let him knock.
38:43I could not let my messy past spill out onto the Dawn's marble porch.
38:52Julian blocked me on the sidewalk.
38:54Aria, how long are you going to keep up this circus?
38:57The great Mrs. Sterling playing nanny here?
39:00If you're not embarrassed, I'm embarrassed for you.
39:04I wasn't trying to provoke you, Julian.
39:06Drop the act.
39:07You paraded around like a showgirl last night just to get a reaction out of me.
39:11Fine.
39:12I'll admit it.
39:13After you left, I actually missed having you around.
39:16Here's the deal.
39:18You go apologize to my mother, we get remarried, and you can stop playing nanny in this mob house.
39:24Julian, I did nothing wrong.
39:26Why the hell would I apologize to them?
39:30You still don't get it?
39:32Guess the real world hasn't beaten stubbornness out of you yet.
39:34Before I could fire back, a tiny, fierce voice piped up from my arms.
39:39No!
39:40Ella's face flushes red.
39:42She thrusts a chubby finger at Julian,
39:45scalling like a cornered cub.
39:48She squirms hard against my chest, trying to physically throw herself between us.
39:55Protect mommy!
39:57My heart caves in.
39:59I clutch Ella tight, gently stroking her back.
40:02Julian's smug expression shatters.
40:05He stares at me, entirely derailed.
40:08What did she just call you?
40:10I thought you were the help.
40:13Ella refuses to back down.
40:17Here's my mommy!
40:18The longest sentence she has ever strung together.
40:21A true mafia heir.
40:23Sharp, fearless, and fiercely protective.
40:27I am in awe of this tiny hero trying to save me.
40:31Ella locks her little arms tightly around my neck.
40:33Julian's confusion twists into a vicious sneerle.
40:37Oh, I get it now, Arya.
40:40Using a toddler to run your little con.
40:43Working overtime to climb into the Don's bed, huh?
40:47He snatches my arm.
40:49Listen to me.
40:50Rossi isn't some mark you can play.
40:52He's a butcher.
40:53If he finds out you're using his kid to get in his pants,
40:57he'll chub the waters with you.
40:59A heavy, warm hand suddenly settles onto my waist.
41:02I didn't even hear him approach.
41:04Dante, he pulls me flush against his chest.
41:09Julian, the last time we spoke,
41:12you insulted my wife.
41:14That's the real reason I gutted your contracts.
41:17I was willing to chalk it up to a personal dispute.
41:20Let Wall Street keep trading with Sterling Capital.
41:23But today,
41:25I think we're past professional courtesy.
41:28Don, what are you talking about? Wife?
41:30Who's your wife?
41:33You're a fool, Julian.
41:35Choking on your own delusions.
41:37Arya is my wife.
41:39The mother of my daughter.
41:40Dante turns his icy gaze to the housekeeper.
41:43Escort him off my property.
41:45Next time a blind fool harasses my wife,
41:48have the guards throw him to the curb.
41:51Ella goes perfectly still,
41:53resting her head against Dante's broad shoulder.
41:57He holds Ella with one arm,
41:59his free hand guiding the small of my back as he leads us.
42:02The second the heavy oak doors click shut,
42:04I step out of his grip.
42:06I want the marble floor to swallow me whole.
42:10I take Ella from him and practically flee up the stairs.
42:13I carry Ella into my room.
42:15I barely set her on the mattress when the door unlocks.
42:17A maid rushes in, scoops Ella up smoothly.
42:20Ma'am, I'll take Miss Ella.
42:22I can watch her.
42:25I'm sorry ma'am, I can't let you do that.
42:27What is going on lately?
42:30Why do you keep taking Ella away from me?
42:33It's Don's orders.
42:35He says Miss Ella is fully recovered now.
42:37He wants us to lighten your load so you don't overwork yourself.
42:41He also mentioned needing alone time with you.
42:44We can all see it.
42:45He's pulling out all the stops to court you.
42:49What are we whispering about?
42:51Take Ella down for her nap.
42:53Yes, sir.
42:54The maid practically sprints out of the room with Ella,
42:57leaving just the two of us.
42:59My face is burning like a fever.
43:01Are you better now?
43:03Your face is still flushed.
43:06I advert my eyes.
43:07I can't look at him.
43:10Don, thank you for stepping up for me out there.
43:13But please, don't blow up your business deals over me.
43:17I'm really not worth the fallout.
43:19Not worth it?
43:21After the way you shielded Ella out there?
43:24Arya, I meant what I said.
43:27You are my wife.
43:29Protecting you is my right.
43:31But-
43:32Drop the contract talk, Arya.
43:33I want a real marriage.
43:35I never expected him to drop a bomb like that.
43:37Not this fast.
43:40The heat in my cheeks flares so intensely it feels like I'm bleeding.
43:45I'll give you time.
43:48Take all the time you need to process this.
43:52But right now, I'm exercising a little husband privilege.
43:59Before my brain can catch up, he crowds my space.
44:02His large, chelished hand cups my jaw.
44:06May I?
44:07I don't say a word.
44:08I'll take that as a yes.
44:10His lips crash into mine.
44:12Unforgiving.
44:13Dominant.
44:14He parts my lips, stealing the very air from my lungs.
44:18Yeah.
44:19This is exactly how a Mafia Dodd kisses.
44:22Aggressive.
44:23Consuming.
44:24Utterly possessive.
44:26His weight pressed over me.
44:28His lips found mine again.
44:30Soft and careful at first.
44:32His hand slid up my neck, thumb brushing my skin.
44:35Then the kiss deepened.
44:37Rough.
44:38Devouring.
44:39Stripping away whatever sanity I had left.
44:44He tore off his white tank.
44:46I finally saw the jagged scars crossing his chest.
44:49The longest ones slashed across his ribs, like he'd been hacked open.
44:54A man who had survived a rain of bullets.
44:57I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to that scar.
45:01He caught his breath.
45:03I felt it.
45:05Then he forced me back against the mattress.
45:08The heat rolling off him was intoxicating.
45:11Soon, heavy pesting filled the room.
45:14That night, I gave myself completely to a Mafia Dodd.
45:18After the wild, chaotic storm, he locked me in his arms.
45:24He shoved a stack of glossy brochures into my hand.
45:29Pick a planner, Arya.
45:31I owe you a proper wedding.
45:33You really don't have to do all this?
45:34As my wife, you get the crown.
45:37I want this whole city to know Arya Bellamy is mine.
45:41And I am hers.
45:43My only regret is not giving you the world the second you walked through my doors.
45:48I laughed softly against his shoulder.
45:50We were strangers that night, how could you-
45:53He gently bit my earlobe.
45:56Arya, the second you walked through that door, I was already a goner.
46:04Our wedding was the biggest thing to hit New York in a decade.
46:07Old money, titans, politicians, even the mayor showed up.
46:12Our photos pastured the front pages for three days straight.
46:17I told Dante it was over, Kit.
46:19But the housekeeper was grinning ear to ear.
46:23Ma'am, the boss has kept his head down his entire life.
46:27This is the first time he's showing the world what's his.
46:31Let him have this.
46:35So I let him have it.
46:36Late on our wedding night, an unknown number called my phone.
46:42I frowned.
46:45Dante reached over and killed the call.
46:47His grip tightened on my waist.
46:50Mrs. Rossi, eyes only on me.
46:54Later, he twisted a strand of my hair around his finger.
46:58He cleared his throat, looking almost nervous.
47:02Arya, I need to tell you something.
47:04I mumbled, half asleep.
47:07Ella isn't mine.
47:08She's my sister's.
47:10He lowered his voice, spilling a history covered in dust.
47:14He lost his parents at 13.
47:19He and his sister survived the darkest, bloodiest years of the Syndicate.
47:26Until one day, she got married and had Ella.
47:29But three years ago, his sister and her husband were butchered in a hit.
47:33Blinded by rage, Dante wiped their killers off the map, down to the last blood relative.
47:37To keep Ella safe, he claimed her as off the map, down to the last blood relative, though no one
47:42could ever use her against him.
47:45I thought it was just gonna be me and Ella against the world.
47:49Then you crashed in.
47:52Changed everything.
47:53He kissed me deep.
47:55A few months later, I walked out of the hospital.
48:00Fresh air.
48:01Lighter than I'd felt in years.
48:06Not just because the depression was gone, but because a new life was growing inside me.
48:12Ella patted my stomach from her stroller, like she already knew she was a big sister.
48:18I laughed and rubbed her sweet little forehead.
48:22Then a shadow blocked our path.
48:31Matted hair, filthy jacket, hunched over.
48:36I almost reached into my purse to toss him a quarter.
48:42It was Julian.
48:45Aria?
48:46Ella saw him, and immediately scrunched her nose.
48:49I patted her back to calm her down.
48:52Julian.
48:53What the hell happened to you?
49:00Aria, please.
49:02You have to save me.
49:04You're the only one who can.
49:05The whole city knows Dante worships you.
49:08Just say the word, he'll listen.
49:10I'm begging you!
49:14I suddenly remembered something Dante mentioned a few weeks ago.
49:23The Rossi family cut all ties with Sterling Capital.
49:27New York immediately followed suit.
49:39Nobody dared cross the boss to save him.
49:43In a matter of weeks, Sterling Capital went under.
49:47His own mother embezzled client funds and skipped the country before the feds knocked, leaving Julian to take the fall.
49:54His own mother needs to kill them.
49:55Now, I'm able to my own mother.
50:06Aria.
50:09The related células…
50:17Deaths...
50:18Lawsuits...
50:19Lone sharks breathing down his neck.
50:21The high and mighty Julian pushed me down a flight of stairs,
50:24now standing in front of me like a stray dog begging for scraps.
50:27I felt absolutely nothing, not a single drop of pity.
50:31Julian, everyone pays their tab eventually.
50:34You made your bed. Nobody is going to save you.
50:36Arya, please.
50:38You need to leave.
50:39Behind me, the hospital doors slid open.
50:42Dante walked out.
50:44Coat traped over his arm, walking like he owned the world.
50:47He had just finished talking to my OBGA.
50:50He looked thrilled.
50:52He looked past Julian like he was garbage.
50:54Arya, let's go home.
50:56He grabbed the stroller and offered me his arm.
50:59I took it.
51:00We walked right past Julian, laughing, talking, like he didn't even exist.
51:06Because he was history.
51:08And we didn't have room for clowns anymore.
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