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Enjoy addictive short dramas packed with romance, betrayal, revenge, emotional moments, and shocking plot twists.
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🎥
Court Métrage
Enjoy addictive short dramas packed with romance, betrayal, revenge, emotional moments, and shocking plot twists.
From billionaire love stories to hidden identities and dramatic relationships, Drama Royale delivers nonstop entertainment with fast-paced storytelling and unforgettable characters.
🔥 Viral Shorts Drama
💔 Romance & Heartbreak
⚡ Unexpected Plot Twists
🎭 Emotional Drama Series
New episodes uploaded regularly. Subscribe and enjoy the world of short drama entertainment with Drama Royale
#ShortDrama #DramaSeries
Catégorie
🎥
Court Métrage
Catégorie
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TVTranscription
00:01The party. The night before the wedding.
00:04My best friend Bianca suddenly wants to make a big bet with my fiancé.
00:07A bet. Very simple.
00:09I guess how many cards you have in your hand.
00:12If I'm right, you honor my bet whatever it is.
00:14If I'm wrong, I'll down all the remaining drinks.
00:17I'm guessing two.
00:19Dominic opens his right hand, an ace of spades.
00:22Bianca tilts her head back, ready to chug.
00:24You win.
00:26Dominic pulls another card from inside his suit jacket.
00:28One more. Right here.
00:31Bianca smiles at him.
00:34Well, sorry. Didn't think I'd guess right on a whim-em.
00:38Your wedding? Postponed three years.
00:41Shock sweeps the room. Dominic keeps smiling.
00:45We've been betting since college. When have we ever weashed? A bet's a bet.
00:48It's not the first time Dominic's used me as a stake.
00:51I glance up at the clock past midnight. My phone buzzes.
00:55Happy birthday. If you're not married by 27, you marry me. Still on?
00:59A bet's a bet.
01:00After a brief dead silence, the living room erupts.
01:02Going this hard? A wedding isn't a game!
01:06Serena hand-prepared 300 gold foil invitations. Do you know how exhausting that was?
01:10You're just canceling? What about both families' reputations?
01:14You're Serena's best friend. Say something. That was just a joke, not a real bet.
01:19I wasn't joking. You all know I never joke about bets.
01:23Malocho.
01:24Everyone realizes it. This wedding is truly over.
01:27No other reason. I'm just the gallery curator.
01:29Dominic's family runs underground casinos.
01:31Their first money, all from underground poker games in college.
01:35A poker promise weighs more than a blood oath. Iron rule.
01:37Dominic, what do you say?
01:38Serena, the wedding can still happen in three years.
01:41We've got plenty of time, but bringing bad luck on everyone just for a wedding date?
01:44Not worth it. You understand?
01:45I don't understand. But I agree.
01:48Looks like you're doing okay.
01:51Just then, the living room door swings open.
01:55Elias wheels in a three-tier cake.
01:58Happy birthday.
01:59Dominic looks startled then, as if waking from a dream starts the first applause.
02:04The bachelorette party absurdly becomes my birthday party.
02:07Music and noise fill the room.
02:09I stand up and walk over to Dominic.
02:10I reach into his suit's inner pocket and pull out that extra card.
02:14Why?
02:16I knew I couldn't hide it from you.
02:18If Bianca lost, she'd have to drink everything.
02:21Her liver's bad.
02:22You'd have done the same.
02:23I want to ask, did he already know the bet beforehand?
02:26So he was prepared all along, but the words reach my lips and feel utterly pointless.
02:30Why?
02:33Because I love Dominic, but I won't apologize.
02:36For you, I've held back for seven years.
02:39The answer I expected. The attitude I didn't.
02:41This is my best friend since college.
02:43I throw back a huge gulp of wine.
02:45Suddenly, everything in front of me feels so absurd.
02:47I put down my glass, ready to pour another.
02:49A pair of hands presses steadily on the back of my hand.
02:52Elias has appeared behind me without me noticing.
03:02I said a bet's a bet, but my birthday just started.
03:06You sure I've already lost?
03:08No worries. I've waited seven years.
03:11One more day's nothing.
03:12I stand up and call out to Bianca.
03:15Bianca, I want to make a bet with you too.
03:18Everyone freezes.
03:18The two friends closest to me react first and immediately start egging me on.
03:22Yeah! Dominic, you gambled away the wedding.
03:24Serena can win it back!
03:25Totally! My groomsman's suit looked great.
03:27Canceling such a waste. Come on, bet again!
03:29The Dominic's expression instantly darkens.
03:33Serena, don't mess around.
03:36I already said a bet's a bet.
03:38The wedding's in three years.
03:40Bianca timely covers her mouth and makes a retching sound.
03:43She's had too much to drink. Don't bet with her.
03:44If you really want to bet, pick someone else.
03:48Fine.
03:49Watching Dominic shield Bianca, that last shred of hope in her heart seems to shrivel.
03:53I grab a dice cup and shake it hard.
03:55Then I'll bet with you.
03:57Big or small?
03:58I lock eyes with Dominic.
04:00A feeling like going all in, welling up inside.
04:02Truth is, there aren't any dice in the cup.
04:04I'm asking just to test his attitude.
04:05If he's willing to bet with me, willing to give me a fair shot,
04:08I'd use every ounce of luck I have left in this life and break Elias' bet to wait three years
04:12for him.
04:12But Dominic's face turns even darker, his eyes full of disappointment and disgust.
04:16Lose and you just keep betting till you win?
04:19Serena, have you thrown out all table rules?
04:24You won't even bet with me anymore?
04:26You think I'd force you to marry me, is that it?
04:28That last ember of warmth in my heart cools, bit by bit.
04:34Right in front of him, I slowly lift the dice cup.
04:36Empty.
04:38An empty bet.
04:39That's basically conceding.
04:41I never planned to win against you.
04:44Why treat me like a mortal enemy?
04:46Dominic chokes out.
04:46He reaches out to Grammy.
04:47I just didn't want you to lose.
04:49But you've already made me lose.
04:50Completely.
04:51I avoid his hand.
04:52I know you've always wanted to get married.
04:54It's just three years, don't you have faith in us?
04:56You're not saying you'll change your mind in three years, are you?
04:59I won't change in ten.
05:00In just a few words, I've become the one who isn't committed.
05:03Alright, alright.
05:03It's past 3am, let's call it a night.
05:06A few people start getting up.
05:11I'll drop her off first, then you.
05:13It's on the way anyway.
05:14I smile.
05:16No need.
05:17I'll ride with Elias.
05:21Serena, let's go.
05:22I walk quickly into the elevator.
05:26Hungover.
05:27I'm woken by phone call after phone call.
05:32Serena, what's the deal with the hotel?
05:33Hell, your Uncle Luigi's asking if the wedding's happening or not.
05:35Are you crazy?
05:36Canceling the wedding out of nowhere?
05:37Get back here now!
05:38My head is pounding.
05:39I sit frozen in bed for a long moment before it sinks in.
05:42Last night wasn't a dream.
05:43The wedding I'd hoped for, for seven years, really is gone because of a poker bet.
05:48I rub my temples and open eye message.
05:5099 plus unread messages.
05:52I tap Bianca's voice message.
05:53What I said last night, I'm not taking it back.
05:55Brace yourself.
05:56Scrolling further, a message from Elias.
05:59There's cut fruit and an aspirin on your night, Tad.
06:01Take it for the hangover.
06:03And Dominic's chat window, completely blank.
06:05Don't forget what you said.
06:06A bet's a bet.
06:08On Instagram, someone posted a group photo last night.
06:10I'm standing in front of the cake, candlelight on my face, looking genuinely happy.
06:14The poster replied, ha ha, no spoilers.
06:16I take a deep breath and dial Dominic's number.
06:21Serena?
06:21Dominic, my head hurts so bad.
06:24In the background, I hear Bianca's voice.
06:25Talk to the families and handle the hotel cancellation while you're at it.
06:28I'll cover the penalty.
06:29I can't get away right now.
06:30Bianca's thrown up a few times.
06:31Her stomach's still unset.
06:33I'm taking her to her private doctor.
06:34Not a single apology.
06:35He takes it for granted that I'll be like every other time over the past seven years.
06:39Support and go along with every decision he makes, no questions asked.
06:42Okay.
06:43I say it quietly and hang up.
06:46I grab an empty cardboard box and start packing up everything related to Dominic.
06:50The leather journal he stayed up handwriting for me in college.
06:53Inside, still pressed, the dried rose petals he gave me junior year.
06:56One touch and they crumble into red dust.
06:58The first pair of matching whiskey glasses we made together.
07:01Still etched crookedly on the bottom.
07:03D and S.
07:04And a special emerald bracelet.
07:06At an underground poker game senior year, I gave him all my savings to go all in on a terrible
07:09hand.
07:10He lifted me up and kissed me the instant he won.
07:12Serena, I'm going to use this money to buy you the finest emerald bracelet.
07:16Your win at the table is fleeting, but you're my forever jackpot.
07:20Seven years, over 2,500 days and nights.
07:23I thought we'd already won.
07:25I never thought he'd bet our future.
07:27I toss everything into the box, one by one.
07:29Then I drag it downstairs.
07:32A stranger passing by the apartment exclaims,
07:38You sure you don't want these?
07:39These, they look expensive.
07:41Not a mistake.
07:45I don't want any of this.
07:46Take it all if you want.
07:47Thanks, thanks.
07:48He takes the box, thanking me repeatedly.
07:51I slip off the diamond engagement ring and drop it in the box.
07:54Oh, and this.
07:56It's yours too.
07:58I arrive at the hotel.
08:01The manager sees me walk in alone and asks,
08:03Miss Serena, are you here alone?
08:05Oh, my fiancé is busy informing both families about the date change.
08:09So it's a postponement.
08:10I thought it was cancelled.
08:12Which date?
08:12I'll process it right away.
08:13The day after tomorrow.
08:14Thanks.
08:15When I walk out of the hotel, the sunlight is a bit harsh.
08:18I lift my head and look at the deep blue sky.
08:20I feel something that's been hanging in my heart has finally, completely settled.
08:25When I get home that evening, Dominic is sitting on the sofa waiting for me.
08:29I freeze for a second.
08:32Why are you here?
08:34Dominic's brow is furrowed, barely contained anger in his voice.
08:37The hotel told me you didn't cancel the wedding.
08:38You just postponed it to the day after tomorrow.
08:41So that's what this is about.
08:42I lower my head and set down my bag.
08:45Yeah, but I've already transferred the hotel money to your account.
08:48He wears an expression of strained patience.
08:51You can't wait three years?
08:53Serena, is marrying me the only thing in your life?
08:55Are you that desperate?
08:57We've been in this business a long time.
08:59Kai and the others really believe in luck.
09:01Things are smooth now, but if business hits a rough patch,
09:03everyone will blame us for breaking the bet.
09:05I've protected you too well.
09:06You think building this business was easy?
09:07Why can't you be more understanding?
09:09Why can't you be more understanding?
09:11With that, he strides toward the door.
09:13I won't take any more calls from the hotel.
09:14Cancel the wedding.
09:16Unless you want to be humiliated when there's no groom.
09:19Tomorrow, I'm flying to Vegas with Bianca and the guys for the tournament.
09:23Back in about a week.
09:25Use the time to cool off.
09:27The door slams shut.
09:28I stand there, listening to the footsteps fading down the hallway.
09:31I walk to the door lock and change the code from the day we got together to my own birthday.
09:37Early the next morning, Dominic calls.
09:40Serena, I'm at the airport.
09:41Still an hour till boarding.
09:42Do you want to come see me off?
09:44Not going.
09:45I've got stuff today.
09:46Pause, then his voice softens.
09:47I was a bit emotional yesterday.
09:48Don't take anything I said to heart.
09:50I promise, when you're 30, I'll give you the best wedding.
09:53And what if that day, Bianca wants to make another bet with you?
09:57A noticeable choke.
09:58Then his voice sharpens with annoyance.
09:59Serena, you're still hung up on this.
10:02I'm not hung up.
10:03I'm just saying.
10:04If bets matter more to you than promises, then don't make promises so easily.
10:08Another long silence.
10:09I say his name softly.
10:12Dom?
10:13Yeah?
10:14Just then.
10:14Airplane engines roar over the line.
10:16I smile and say quietly, for these seven years, thank you.
10:19What did you say?
10:20Nothing.
10:21I say into the phone.
10:23Damn.
10:24Damn safe right to all of you.
10:25Okay.
10:27Serena, don't worry.
10:28I won't...
10:29Dominic, come check in already.
10:31Before he can finish, Bianca's coy voice comes through.
10:33I press the hang-up button.
10:36Then I open my phone, go into Dominic's family group chat, and tap leave group.
10:43Elias calls.
10:45His voice is low and gentle.
10:47I'm downstairs.
10:48The wedding's tomorrow.
10:49I'm picking you up to get your dress.
10:52Okay.
10:53I grab my bag and walk out, light on my feet.
10:59Evening.
10:59A hotel in Las Vegas.
11:00Kai is sprawled on the lobby sofa, scrolling his phone, when he suddenly bolts upright.
11:07Holy shit!
11:08Dominic!
11:08Serena posted on Instagram!
11:10She's getting married tomorrow!
11:11Let her get married.
11:14If I don't go back, let's see how she pulls it off.
11:17Kai stammers.
11:17Cold sweat breaking out.
11:20The groom is...
11:21The groom is...
11:21He shoves the phone at Dominic.
11:23Dominic's gaze sweeps over it casually, then stops to...
11:25His feet were constricted.
11:27He shoots to his feet.
11:29Dominic!
11:30Where are you going?
11:31Ignoring Bianca's stunned cry behind him, and bolts out of the lobby like a magnet.
11:38Dominic sprinted out of the hotel lobby.
11:40Running, he dialed Serena.
11:41But all he got was a busy signal.
11:44He flagged down a taxi with its light on.
11:46But the next second, a strong force pushed against the door.
11:49Bianca shoved half her body in, hair disheveled, chest heaving.
11:52Dominic!
11:53Where are you going?
11:54To the airport!
11:55Let go!
11:56Dominic's eyes were bloodshot.
11:58He shoved her hand away.
11:59Are you crazy?
12:00The tournament is tomorrow.
12:02Everyone's bet their entire stake.
12:04If you leave now, what are we supposed to do?
12:06Dominic, get out of the car first.
12:08Let's talk this through.
12:09I don't care about any of that anymore.
12:12She's getting married.
12:14That bastard Elias.
12:16Son of a bitch!
12:17He was trembling with rage, and slammed a fist against the back of the front seat.
12:20Are you getting in or not?
12:22Don't waste my time!
12:23The driver jumped at the punch and turned around, cursing.
12:27Bianca grabbed him by the collar.
12:28Staring hard into his eyes, she said sharply,
12:31Get a grip!
12:33You think getting married is that easy?
12:34The venue, the invits, both families, friends, you think any of that happens overnight?
12:38All this time, has Serena ever liked anyone but you?
12:42What if she's just doing this to force you to come back and marry her?
12:46His chest heaved.
12:47His gaze went from bloodshot to unfocused.
12:51Serena, right, Serena.
12:52Why would she suddenly marry Elias?
12:55Just the night before last, she was still leaning so tenderly in his arms, so happily
12:58looking forward to marrying him.
12:59Yeah, that has to be it.
13:01She just wants to marry him so badly.
13:02She's so scared he'll actually wait three years that she's using this to force him back.
13:07Hey, are we going or not?
13:08I'll take someone else!
13:09Bianca sneered, pulled a hundred dollar bill from her purse,
13:12Wait, and tossed it onto the passenger seat.
13:16She turned her head and right in front of Dominic, made a call.
13:21Elias.
13:22Okay, okay, I got it.
13:24I figured as much.
13:25Her steady voice sounded so convincing to Dominic right then.
13:29She hung up cleanly and showed Dominic the screen.
13:31The call log clearly read, Elias Vittori.
13:36You lost your head the second you got upset.
13:38I checked with Elias for you.
13:41Serena's Instagram post was for you.
13:43To force you back to marry her, do you get it now?
13:47He pushed the door open and stepped out.
13:49The night wind hit his face, and instead, he felt his whole body relax.
13:55Everything made sense now.
13:56Serena had been with me for seven years.
13:58I'd never seen her cross any line with Elias.
14:00How could she suddenly get married?
14:01He turned and saw Kai and the others gathered in a circle,
14:04looking at him with worried faces.
14:05Thinking about how badly I'd just lost my composure over a fake post,
14:08a mix of embarrassment, guilt, and irritation surged up inside me.
14:12He forced the corners of his mouth up.
14:14Sorry for making you guys worry.
14:15I'm just exhausted.
14:17Lost all judgment.
14:18His voice was back to its initial steady calm,
14:20even carrying a hint of self-mockery.
14:21Come on, let's head back.
14:23Everyone finally exhaled and clapped him on the shoulder.
14:27Back in his room, Dominic washed his face.
14:33He sat on the edge of the bed, restless.
14:36He picked up his phone and dialed the number he knew by heart.
14:39Still busy.
14:39I messaged texts, every way to reach her, all blocked.
14:42He stared at the gray not delivered on the screen,
14:44and instead felt even more certain.
14:45I remembered senior year.
14:47Serena ignored me for three days after I forgot our anniversary
14:50and wouldn't take my calls either.
14:52I bought tiramisu from her favorite Italian bakery in Greenwich Village
14:55and waited under her NYU dorm window.
14:57She poked her head out.
14:59No.
14:59Eyes red-rimmed.
15:00She said no, but still ran down to get it.
15:02So this was her waiting for me to come back and make it right.
15:06He took a deep breath and called Elias.
15:08The line picked up fast.
15:09Dominic suddenly didn't know what to ask.
15:11Tomorrow, you and Serena?
15:14Elias cut him off.
15:15As a friend of so many years, a word of warning.
15:18Tomorrow's wedding is your last chance to win Serena back.
15:21Then the line went dead.
15:22Dominic stood there, phone in hand, frozen.
15:24He was right.
15:24This wedding was fake.
15:25Just a ploy to force him back.
15:26He actually felt relieved.
15:27She couldn't leave him.
15:29Seven years.
15:29How could she?
15:30Of course he loved her,
15:31but he absolutely didn't love this aggressive,
15:32manipulating version of her.
15:33If she wanted to play games,
15:34she could deal with the consequences herself.
15:37Just then, the doorbell rang.
15:41He opened it.
15:42Bianca stood there in a silk slip dress,
15:44holding a bottle of Barolo.
15:44She walked in, set the wine on the table,
15:46and looked at him.
15:49So what's the call for tomorrow?
15:51Are we in the tournament or not?
15:55Dominic sat on the sofa,
15:56picked up the corkscrew,
15:57and slowly opened the wine.
15:59Of course we're in.
16:00This is a once-in-a-decade
16:02underground high-stakes tournament.
16:04The biggest players are all here.
16:05We've waited too long.
16:06How can we throw it away now?
16:07Bianca finally smiled.
16:09Then it's settled.
16:12Kai put the family's entire stake
16:14in three million dollars.
16:15Don't let emotions get in the way.
16:20Don't worry.
16:22They started drinking.
16:23A charged atmosphere
16:24slowly brewed in the quiet room.
16:28As they drank,
16:29Bianca unconsciously leaned in,
16:31nestling into his arms.
16:32Dominic frowned and nudged her away.
16:35You should go back to your room.
16:39Dominic, stop pretending.
16:41What's the difference
16:42between once and twice?
16:43Last time you've clearly
16:44missed me too, haven't you?
16:45Dominic didn't speak.
16:46Only his breathing grew heavier.
16:48If not,
16:48why did you throw the bet
16:49to me on purpose?
16:50Even gave up the wedding?
16:52I won't tell Serena.
16:53I just want now.
16:55Dominic, you know,
16:57I've liked you for so long.
17:00Even before Serena.
17:02The woman's beautiful face
17:03was inches away,
17:04her eyes full of
17:04undisguised desire.
17:05The alcohol mixed with
17:06that knot of certainty
17:07and agitation in his chest.
17:09The taut string in Dominic's mind
17:10suddenly snapped.
17:12He sighed softly.
17:13Then he lifted the woman
17:14in his arms
17:15and carried her
17:15toward the wide bed.
17:19The night before the wedding,
17:20I went back to my parents' house.
17:23Mom looked at me,
17:24eyes slightly red,
17:25but her smile
17:25was more relaxed than ever.
17:31Actually,
17:32the first time I met Elias,
17:33I felt he was good to you.
17:36The first time
17:37you brought him home
17:38for dinner,
17:38he brought me a box
17:39of French handmade chocolates
17:40and a single malt whiskey
17:41for your dad.
17:42Your dad had a cough then,
17:43and the next day,
17:43Elias had someone send over
17:44honey, lemon, and cough syrup.
17:46And I once mentioned offhand
17:47that you have a weak stomach.
17:48After that,
17:48every time he came over
17:49for dinner,
17:50he'd quietly remind me
17:51to go easy on the spices.
17:53Dominic knew too,
17:54but he was never
17:54this thoughtful.
17:56Mom, you saw it all along?
18:00You were the only one in it
18:02who couldn't see clearly.
18:07Exactly.
18:08Elias is clear-headed.
18:09Dominic and the others
18:10bet their entire net worth
18:11on the tables,
18:12but Elias,
18:12he holds casino shares
18:14but never sits down to play.
18:16He got his pilot's license
18:17and secured operating rights
18:19for a private air route.
18:21In our circle,
18:22plenty of people
18:22know how to gamble,
18:23but someone who can
18:23control the route in the sky,
18:25that's rare.
18:26Mom,
18:27you're practically more
18:28pleased with him than I am.
18:29After washing up that night,
18:31I leaned against the headboard.
18:32My phone buzzed.
18:33I picked it up.
18:34A message from Bianca.
18:35No text,
18:35just a photo.
18:36The photo was of a hotel room
18:37on the nightstand,
18:38an opened box of condoms,
18:40a half-naked man.
18:41The silhouette was Dominic.
18:42I looked at it quietly
18:43and realized I felt
18:44nothing at all.
18:46Like a deep winter pond,
18:47frozen to the core,
18:49no ripples left to freeze.
18:55You asleep?
18:57Not yet.
18:59Wedding's tomorrow.
19:00Nervous?
19:01A little.
19:03Don't be nervous.
19:04As long as you don't
19:05change your mind last minute,
19:06everything else is handled.
19:07The arrow's already loosed.
19:08I won't back out now.
19:10And what if he shows up?
19:11No one can stop it.
19:13Not even the Pope.
19:14Can't stop the wedding
19:14or can't stop you
19:15from marrying me?
19:16If Dominic were willing
19:17to be the groom tomorrow,
19:18would you still want that?
19:20Elias, what kind of person
19:21do you take me for?
19:22Are you having second thoughts?
19:23Serena,
19:25as long as you don't regret it,
19:26I will never regret it.
19:27My heart skipped a beat.
19:31Get some sleep.
19:32Tomorrow, everything's arranged.
19:34Okay.
19:35I hung up,
19:36closed my eyes,
19:37and felt an unfamiliar joy
19:38I hadn't known in a long time.
19:40Not the fever of a gambler
19:42going all in,
19:43but the quiet peace
19:44after the dust settles.
19:46Early the next morning,
19:47a black-stretched Lincoln
19:48pulled up outside.
19:49Dad took my arm
19:49and walked me to the car.
19:53Elias was waiting at the church.
19:54The moment I stepped
19:55onto the red carpet,
19:56I finally saw him.
19:57Elias stood before the altar
19:58in a sharp black suit.
19:59The moment he saw me,
20:00the light in his eyes
20:01was breathtakingly bright.
20:02Serena,
20:02I'm not dreaming, am I?
20:04He said softly,
20:05his voice trembling
20:05just slightly.
20:06The tears I couldn't hold back
20:07welled up in my eyes.
20:09Las Vegas,
20:10an underground
20:11high-stakes tournament venue.
20:12By the time Dominic
20:13and his crew arrived,
20:14the place was already packed.
20:15The main table seats,
20:16eyed by every major family,
20:17had seen their buy-in skyrocket.
20:19Every hand dealt
20:19meant either instant wealth
20:21or total ruin.
20:21This table's got potential.
20:23The old guy dealing
20:23has shaky hands,
20:24weak nerves,
20:25over 50% edge.
20:26Buy-in?
20:26600,000.
20:28Dominic just stared down
20:29at his phone.
20:31My college classmate, Linda,
20:32had been invited by Serena
20:34to today's wedding,
20:35but I wasn't there.
20:36How could the wedding go on?
20:38Dominic, come take a look.
20:40I think this table's
20:41better than Kai's.
20:41All new faces,
20:42not a single veteran.
20:43Look at the play pattern.
20:44You guys decide.
20:45Dominic answered absently,
20:47his eyes back on his phone.
20:48Kai walked over, frowning.
20:50When has it ever
20:50not been you calling the shots?
20:52This table's buy-in
20:52is over 800,000.
20:53We all pooled our money.
20:55Just say something.
20:56Dominic snapped back
20:56and scanned the room.
20:57He casually pointed
20:58to a small,
20:59nearly empty table
21:00in the farthest corner.
21:01That table?
21:02Everyone fell silent instantly.
21:04Dominic,
21:04those three tables we picked,
21:05everyone agrees
21:05they've got potential.
21:06Why don't you pick
21:07from one of those?
21:07Several of them
21:08took turns trying
21:08to persuade him.
21:09Their voices tinged
21:10with anxiety and confusion.
21:12Dominic was about to explain
21:13when his phone suddenly buzzed violently.
21:15Linda sent a video
21:16and a voice message.
21:17Dominic,
21:17didn't you say
21:18the wedding was fake?
21:19The wedding is really happening.
21:20Both families are there.
21:21So many people showed up.
21:22I don't even dare ask.
21:23What the hell is going on?
21:26The blood in Dominic's veins
21:27turned to ice.
21:28Dominic,
21:28come on over there.
21:29He stood in the middle of the venue,
21:31surrounded by a roaring crowd.
21:32Only he,
21:33as if something had hollowed him out
21:34from the inside,
21:35his mind completely blank.
21:36He fought to steady
21:36his pounding heart,
21:37but when he spoke,
21:38he couldn't stop his voice
21:39from shaking.
21:39Listen,
21:41go with that corner table.
21:42I have to go back
21:43to New York right now.
21:45With that,
21:45he spun around
21:46and bolted for the exit.
21:48Are you insane?
21:49The tournament's about to start.
21:51If you leave now,
21:52what about our
21:52three million in capital?
21:55Bianca chased after him, too.
21:57Get out!
21:58Away from me!
22:00Serena's really getting married!
22:02If I don't go back now,
22:03it'll be too late!
22:05Dominic frantically
22:05started calling the airline.
22:07No flights?
22:08Then charter a plane!
22:08I don't care how back to New York
22:09right now!
22:10I don't want to bring
22:11a great time you're here.
22:14The church in Manhattan, New York.
22:15At the end of the red carpet,
22:17Elias stood tall and straight
22:18in his suit.
22:19Serena,
22:19in a white wedding gown,
22:20walked slowly toward him.
22:26Serena,
22:26for richer or poor
22:27in sickness and in health,
22:28do you take Elias
22:29to be your husband,
22:30to love and be faithful to him,
22:32forsaking all others
22:33for as long as you both shall live?
22:35I object!
22:36Dominic stood at the door,
22:37gasping for breath.
22:38His eyes were bloodshot,
22:39fixed on the two people
22:40on the red carpet.
22:41Ignoring everyone,
22:42Dominic strode up
22:42the red carpet
22:43straight to Elias.
22:44Elias,
22:45I want to bet with you.
22:47One round.
22:50Elias smiled,
22:51gently but firmly
22:52sliding the ring
22:52onto Serena's ring finger.
22:53And then he looked up,
22:54his eyes calm
22:55as they met Dominic's.
22:57Brother,
22:57today is my wedding day
22:58to my beloved Serena.
23:00Let's skip the bet.
23:01If you mean well,
23:03stay and have a drink later.
23:07Don't play dumb with me!
23:10Serena was supposed
23:10to marry me!
23:12Since when is she your wife?
23:13You betrayed a brother's oath!
23:14You still call yourself family?
23:16That's right.
23:17Serena was your girlfriend.
23:19But if I recall correctly,
23:21you're the one
23:21who bet the wedding and lost.
23:22You cancelled it yourself.
23:25What, now you blame me?
23:26You're that jealous of me?
23:28You want what I don't want?
23:31You don't want her?
23:32Then you're blind.
23:34If you don't want her,
23:35what are you doing here
23:35making a steam?
23:36At that moment,
23:37security finally snapped
23:38into action
23:38and rushed forward
23:39to drag him away.
23:41Dominic chest-heaving,
23:42panting heavily
23:42as he glared at Elias.
23:45Elias,
23:45if you still call me brother,
23:47then bet with me!
23:50Serena's too important to me.
23:52Elias sighed
23:53and looked at him with pity.
23:55You still don't know
23:56where you lost.
23:58Serena isn't some object,
23:59let alone your property.
24:01She shouldn't be bet
24:02back and forth like this.
24:06I'll admit it.
24:07I've liked Serena
24:08for a very long time.
24:09Even though we've come this far,
24:10I'm still willing
24:11to honor her wishes.
24:13Serena,
24:15if you say you still choose him,
24:17I'm willing to let go.
24:18The entire room went silent.
24:20Every gaze fell on Serena.
24:22This
24:23is my choice.
24:25Elias gripped her hand tightly.
24:28I know you're still mad.
24:29I'm sorry.
24:30I was wrong.
24:30We can get married today.
24:32I came back to marry you.
24:33That's impossible now.
24:36I can't go back.
24:38Dominic,
24:38not everything can be gambled.
24:40Please respect my choice.
24:43Security stepped forward again.
24:45This time,
24:45Dominic didn't fight.
24:46He was dragged,
24:47stumbling toward the door.
24:48The heavy door slammed shut behind him,
24:50cutting off the warm light
24:51and the soaring music inside.
24:52The melody of Cannon and Dee
24:53rose again,
24:54joyful and sweet.
24:55Dominic slumped against the cold wall,
24:57covered his face,
24:57and sobbed his heart out.
25:03Outside,
25:04the sun blazed harshly down.
25:05Dominic instinctively looked up
25:06and was blinded by the glare.
25:08His body swayed,
25:09and he collapsed unconscious
25:10to the ground.
25:12When he woke,
25:12he was in a hospital room.
25:13Bianca, Kai,
25:14and the others
25:14were gathered around his bed.
25:16Every one of them
25:16had red-rimmed eyes.
25:19Bianna?
25:20Kai?
25:23Dominic!
25:24Our money!
25:25It's all gone!
25:29After you left that day,
25:30no one dared make the call.
25:32In the end,
25:32Bianca made the decision
25:33to sit down at those two tables
25:34everyone had agreed
25:34looked promising.
25:35One table had a buy-in
25:36over $800,000,
25:37the other over $700,000,
25:38together nearly $1.6 million.
25:39They lost every penny.
25:41One table was a setup
25:42by a team of card ships,
25:43the other one barely a fraction,
25:43not even enough
25:44to cover the house fees.
25:45Meanwhile,
25:45that quiet little corner table
25:46you had chosen?
25:46A solo player from Miami
25:47bought in for $50,000
25:48and walked away
25:49with over $2,000,000.
25:50I'm sorry.
25:50I was the one who decided
25:52to go with those two tables.
25:53We should have listened to you.
25:54I told you to pick that table.
25:56Why did you override me?
25:58You can't blame Bianca for this.
25:59Those two tables
26:00were incredibly deceptive.
26:01Anyone there
26:02would have been tempted.
26:03Besides,
26:03you've always been the one
26:04to pick the table.
26:04That day you looked
26:05completely distracted,
26:06picked a table at random,
26:07and didn't tell us why.
26:08How are we supposed to know
26:08if you lost your mind
26:09over Serena Elias?
26:11Dominic shot upright in bed.
26:13What did you say?
26:14Say that again!
26:15I dare you!
26:17Don't!
26:18Don't move!
26:19Kai was just talking out of anger!
26:20Kai stood in the corner,
26:21rubbed his face.
26:23So what now?
26:24The tournament still has two days left.
26:26Do we pool some money and go back?
26:27Everyone looked at Dominic.
26:29Dominic slowly lay back down.
26:30Before his eyes,
26:31all he could see
26:31was Serena's calm,
26:32resolute gaze at the wedding
26:33and her words.
26:34Not everything can be gambled.
26:35I remembered the first time
26:36I played an underground tournament.
26:38Everyone doubted me then, too.
26:39Only Serena gave me all her stavings
26:41and handed it over
26:41without hesitation.
26:42I once thought what I loved
26:44was that thrill at the table,
26:45the razor-sharp judgment,
26:46the rush of luck.
26:47But in this moment,
26:48he finally understood.
26:49None of it meant anything
26:50compared to Serena.
26:51All of you, go.
26:52I'll handle this.
26:55That evening,
26:56Dominic liquidated all his assets.
26:58He packaged up his remaining
26:59casino shares and chips
27:00and transferred them
27:01to an associate
27:02at a fraction of their worth.
27:04Then he transferred the money,
27:05every last cent,
27:06to Bianca and Kai,
27:07covering their losses in full.
27:11After all that,
27:12he put a heavy lock
27:13on the company's front door.
27:14He stumbled out into the street.
27:18Without realizing it,
27:20he found himself
27:20outside Serena's gallery again.
27:23It was already late.
27:24The gallery was closed,
27:25completely dark inside.
27:26He just sat there,
27:27on the steps outside the gallery,
27:28for the entire night.
27:30At first light,
27:30Serena arrived.
27:31Dominic stood up from the steps,
27:33his legs numb from sitting so long,
27:34and stumbled before he found his footing.
27:38Why are you here?
27:39I just want to get some things straight.
27:41We said we'd be together forever.
27:42Why did you turn around and marry Elishas?
27:44Tell me the truth.
27:45When did you two start?
27:46Elishas and I only got together
27:47after you gambled away our wedding.
27:48Dominic,
27:48don't measure us by your own action.
27:50As for you and Geron,
27:50in a relationship,
27:51I shouldn't need to spell it out.
27:55She knew all along.
27:57He nodded,
27:58forcing down the sob that threatened to rise in his throat.
28:02I'm sorry.
28:05I wish you happiness.
28:07Only then did Serena smile.
28:10And thank you, too.
28:12Thank you for letting me go,
28:14for giving me another choice.
28:17She paused and looked at him,
28:18her tone sincere.
28:20And I wish you and Bianca happiness, too.
28:24With that,
28:25she turned and walked into the gallery
28:26without a single backward glance.
28:30Dominic shivered
28:31and wrapped his arms tightly around himself.