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00:00I accidentally grabbed Mafia heir Adrian's crotch the first time we met.
00:04My parents were terrified on the spot. The Mafia boss laughed.
00:08Maybe they would fall in love when they grew up.
00:10We grew up together, so naturally I fell hard for him.
00:14But I never saw it coming.
00:16After I turned 16, I got sick and my weight blew up.
00:20Soon, I was the plus-size girl everyone laughed at.
00:23Adrian despised me even more.
00:26When I was 20, the Mafia boss wanted to arrange a marriage for me.
00:30Tell me, who do you like?
00:33Your family has served my family for generations.
00:35Your father and brothers all sacrificed their lives.
00:38Now you are the only daughter left in the family.
00:41No matter who you want to marry, I will grant it.
00:43Dad, why are you even asking?
00:45Everyone knows Serena is crazy about Adrian.
00:47I'd rather die than marry her!
00:49Do not tell me you actually want me waking up to her every day.
00:51People snickered. My face burned.
00:53But back then, I was totally crazy about Adrian.
00:57When we were kids, he used to hold my hand and promise he would marry me.
01:01So seeing him act like he wanted to stay a million miles away from me just pissed me off.
01:08Then I'll marry Adrian.
01:10Suit yourself!
01:11But remember, Serena, you forced this marriage. Don't regret it later!
01:14I thought he was just mad.
01:16Until our wedding night, when Adrian would not even let me touch the bed.
01:20He threw a blanket onto the freezing floor.
01:23Didn't you want to be Mrs. Romano?
01:25Wish granted.
01:26Then he walked out.
01:27Sleep.
01:28Little did I know, the real nightmare of this marriage was just beginning.
01:34After the wedding, Adrian never treated me like a wife.
01:37He would not touch me.
01:38And he banned me from going to any official galas with him.
01:41I do not want the whole of New York laughing at me because of my wife.
01:44The estate staff quickly caught on to his attitude.
01:47They started cutting my meals, hiding my dresses, and even trashing my weight right to my face.
01:53During one family dinner, a maid stared at my chair and smirked.
01:57Ma'am, you better be careful before you sit.
01:59The whole dining room burst into laughter.
02:01I instinctively looked at Adrian.
02:03He definitely heard it, but he just took a sip of his wine like nothing happened.
02:06Adrian, are you just going to let them humiliate me like this?
02:09If you care so much about people calling you fat, then lose some weight.
02:13That one line made everyone laugh even harder.
02:16Then one day, I accidentally overheard Adrian talking to his best friend.
02:20Serena is just a little chubby.
02:21She is crazy about you.
02:23Do you really feel nothing for her?
02:24She is the one who forced this marriage.
02:26She brought this all on herself.
02:28But you guys were so close when you were kids.
02:31That was then.
02:33Now, looking at her just makes me sick.
02:35Outside the door, I froze.
02:38At that moment, I finally realized he truly despised me.
02:41But I did not know his hatred for me went way deeper.
02:45Days later, his mistress humiliated me publicly, sparking our first explosive fight.
02:51That night, he had his men drag me to an underground club.
02:55He locked me in the back warehouse.
02:57Stay here and learn some manners.
02:59Adrian, let me out!
03:01I'll let you out when you learn your lesson.
03:03His footsteps faded.
03:05Suddenly, I smelled strong gasoline.
03:07A second later, flames burst under the door.
03:12Adrian!
03:14Open the door!
03:16The fire grew wilder, and thick smoke quickly swallowed the whole warehouse.
03:21I covered my nose and mouth with my clothes, but I still coughed violently.
03:27It was at this moment I completely gave up hope.
03:30As I was blacking out, gunshots suddenly rang out outside.
03:34Then, a loud crash.
03:37The iron door was kicked wide open.
03:39A tall figure charged into the flames.
03:42It was Lucien.
03:44The godfather's younger brother, and Adrian's uncle.
03:48Lucien once swept through New York's criminal world, and was a hero of the family.
03:53He took off his jacket, wrapped it around me, and scooped me off the floor.
03:58Serena, look at me.
04:00Lucien.
04:02Stay awake.
04:06I am getting you out of here.
04:07That was the last thing I heard before I passed out.
04:10When I woke up again, I was lying in a private hospital owned by Lucien.
04:20My arm and back had serious burns.
04:33But the other news the doctor told me shocked me even more.
04:37Serena, we found a tumor inside you during the checkup.
04:40My crazy weight gain, the bloating, the useless diets all these years.
04:44It was not really my fault.
04:47The tumor had been messing with my hormones and metabolism big time.
04:53The doctor told me I needed surgery right away.
05:03It was a risky operation.
05:05Plus, I needed a bunch of plastic surgeries for the fire burns.
05:12I stayed silent for a long time.
05:15Lucien was sitting right beside me.
05:17Just stay alive first.
05:19I looked at him.
05:21We will deal with the rest when you get better.
05:23And my eyes suddenly filled with tears.
05:25I had loved Adrian for so many years.
05:27But the one who ran into the fire to save me was a man I never expected.
05:32The surgery was a total success.
05:36Months later, when I finally stood in front of a mirror, even I was stunned.
05:42But it was not just my face that changed.
05:45The old Serena, who used to panic and think she messed up the second Adrian frowned, was dead.
05:52That fire burned away my last bit of hope for him.
06:04Soon after, Lucien took me to an elite charity gala in New York.
06:13Before Lucien and I even stepped into the ballroom, I could already hear my name.
06:18Adrian is here tonight.
06:20Do you think Serena will actually show up?
06:22Please, she's been hiding for months.
06:24Probably crying over her weight somewhere.
06:25Or maybe she'll waddle in and beg Adrian to take her back.
06:28We all know how desperate she is.
06:33The laughter inside was sharp and familiar.
06:40Ready?
06:42More than ever.
06:46When I walked into the ballroom holding Lucien's arm, all the chatting and laughing abruptly died.
06:52Almost everyone was staring at me.
06:56Oh my god, is that Serena?
06:58That's impossible!
06:59Did she not vanish for months?
07:00Look at her!
07:01How does she look like a totally different person?
07:03That night, my photos went viral all over New York high society.
07:08The same people who used to joke about my body were now dying to know who designed my dress.
07:14The press even called me New York's most stunning socialite.
07:18I just found it ironic.
07:21Right then, I felt a burning gaze on me.
07:25Halfway across the room, I saw Adrian.
07:28His wine glass froze in mid-air.
07:31Before I could enjoy his reaction, Lucien kissed me in front of everyone.
07:36Adrian smashed his glass and clenched his fists.
07:42Adrian was furious.
07:43Then, as if he suddenly figured something out, a wicked smile crept across his lips.
07:48Sure enough, not long after I stepped away from Lucien, Adrian blocked my path.
07:56Serena, I barely recognized you.
07:58Suddenly, Adrian grabbed my hand and pushed me against the wall.
08:02His strong body pressed close to me, his hot breath hitting my face.
08:08Adrian, are you crazy?
08:10Then, Adrian lowered his head, his lips almost touching mine.
08:15Disappeared for so long, got surgery, lost weight, changed your whole look.
08:20I squeezed my eyes shut, not daring to move a muscle.
08:25Serena, did you think I was going to kiss you?
08:27You begged my father to let you marry me.
08:29How ridiculous, do you think you're worthy?
08:32Tell me, why are you so cheap, huh?
08:34Stung by Adrian's words, I lost my temper and pushed him away hard.
08:38Adrian stumbled back from my push.
08:40His eyes were filled with disbelief and anger.
08:43How dare you fight back?
08:45Do you really think playing hard to get is going to make me like you?
08:49You think getting pretty and showing up with my uncle on purpose is going to make me jealous?
08:55Adrian, do you really think my whole life revolves around you?
08:59Does it not?
09:01You suddenly change yourself like this just because I used to call you fat, right?
09:07I admit, you definitely look way hotter than before.
09:11So what?
09:12In my eyes, you will always be a bitch.
09:15I didn't get angry. Instead, I smiled and took a step closer.
09:20Is that so?
09:21Not that it matters.
09:24Because I'm marrying your uncle in three days.
09:27His smirk froze instantly.
09:29So next time you see me, remember your manners, Adrian.
09:34Call me Aunt Serena.
09:37I finished speaking and walked away without looking back.
09:40Adrian stood there, staring after me, his face dark enough to kill.
09:46Aren't you worried she'll actually run off with your uncle?
09:49Just some cheap tricks. She's bluffing.
09:52You better not regret it later.
09:54From what I know, you were losing your mind while she was gone, weren't you?
09:59The next second, Adrian and Lucien locked eyes.
10:02Lucien smirked, raised his glass in a silent toast, then led me away.
10:08Adrian's face darkened as he watched me disappear into the crowd.
10:11His best friend gave him a long look.
10:13You really think she's marrying Lucien just to get your attention?
10:19Of course.
10:20She spent years chasing me.
10:22Three months away doesn't change that.
10:24Then why do you look like you're about to kill someone?
10:27Adrian scoffed.
10:29Adrian's jaw tightened.
10:31Before he could answer, Isabella walked over and handed him a cream-colored envelope.
10:35It was a formal wedding invitation.
10:38Lucien Romano and Serena Hart, three days from now.
10:41Adrian stared at the names for several seconds.
10:44Then he laughed coldly.
10:45She actually went this far.
10:48Meanwhile, I had already left the gala with Lucien.
10:51During the months I was recovering, Lucien's lawyers had handled my divorce from Adrian.
10:55The papers had been finalized weeks ago.
10:57Now there was nothing tying me to him anymore.
11:00Back at the Hart Estate, Lucien placed several wedding plans in front of me.
11:04If three days feels too soon, we can wait.
11:07I shook my head.
11:08No. Three days is fine.
11:11Lucien studied my face.
11:12You're sure?
11:14For the first time in years, I am.
11:18He smiled and slid a ring box toward me.
11:20I opened it and froze.
11:22Inside was a simple diamond ring, elegant and understated.
11:27Serena, I don't want you to marry me because I saved you.
11:31Marry me only if you truly want me.
11:34I looked at him for a long moment.
11:35Then I picked up the ring.
11:37I do.
11:40Across town, Adrian was still staring at our wedding invitation.
11:45That night, Adrian couldn't sleep.
11:47For some reason, he kept thinking about when we were kids.
11:52One year, a car lost control and came straight at us.
11:55I pushed Adrian away without thinking.
11:57He was safe, but I was knocked to the ground.
12:00My knee was bleeding badly.
12:01Adrian had been terrified.
12:03Serena, don't cry.
12:04He held my hand so tightly, his fingers shook.
12:07When we grow up, I'll marry you.
12:09I promise.
12:10Back then, I was still the girl he followed everywhere.
12:13We talked about everything.
12:14Slipped away from our bodyguards and spent entire afternoons
12:18wandering around New York.
12:19Then I turned 16.
12:21I got sick.
12:22My body started changing faster than anyone understood.
12:25I gained weight no matter what I ate, and my face became badly swollen.
12:29That was when Adrian slowly began pulling away.
12:32The boy who once held my hand started pretending he didn't know me at parties.
12:36By the time we were adults, affection had turned into disgust.
12:39For years, I kept wondering what I had done wrong.
12:42Now, I finally knew it had never been my fault.
12:45The next morning, the Romano estate was being decorated for Lucien's wedding.
12:49White flowers, crystal lights, and silk ribbons filled the halls.
12:53Everywhere Adrian looked, he saw reminders that I was about to become his aunt.
12:58And for some reason, it made him furious.
13:01Adrian had already learned that the wedding was real.
13:04Still, he refused to believe I truly wanted Lucien.
13:07The day before the ceremony, I went to the Romano estate to discuss the final arrangements with the Godfather.
13:13When I came out, Adrian was waiting near the stairs.
13:16He looked at me and sneered.
13:18You really are going through with it.
13:20I kept walking.
13:21That's usually how weddings work.
13:24He stepped in front of me.
13:26Lucien saved you from a fire.
13:28That's gratitude, Serena.
13:30Don't confuse it with love.
13:32I looked up at him.
13:33Funny.
13:35You never worried about what I confused with love when I spent years loving you.
13:39His face darkened.
13:41I continued calmly.
13:43Lucien was the one who ran into that fire.
13:45He stayed beside me through surgery.
13:48He never once made me feel ashamed of how I looked.
13:51So even if I were marrying him only because I trust him, that would still be more than enough.
13:56Adrian's jaw tightened.
14:00You're trying too hard.
14:01Before I could answer, Lucien walked over and naturally placed a hand at my waist.
14:07Is there a problem?
14:08Adrian's eyes immediately dropped to his hand.
14:11No.
14:12Lucien looked at me.
14:13Ready to go?
14:13I nodded.
14:15As we walked away, Adrian stayed where he was, staring after us.
14:19A few minutes later, his cousin Gideon arrived.
14:22Adrian looked at him.
14:24What are you doing here?
14:25Gideon smiled.
14:26Wedding business.
14:27Lucien asked me to help at tomorrow's ceremony.
14:29A thought flashed through Adrian's mind.
14:31Maybe Serena still wanted him involved after all.
14:35Adrian leaned back against the desk.
14:37So she sent you to talk to me?
14:39Gideon blinked.
14:41What?
14:42Tell Serena I'm not interested in helping with her little performance.
14:45Gideon stared at him for several seconds before finally understanding.
14:49Then he laughed.
14:50Adrian, nobody sent me to persuade you.
14:52Adrian's expression changed.
14:54Actually, Serena specifically asked Lucien not to give you any role in the wedding.
14:58Gideon continued.
15:00She said you've already been involved in enough of her life.
15:03Adrian froze.
15:04He clearly hated the idea of attending the wedding.
15:07She said that?
15:08Word for word.
15:09But hearing that I didn't want him there gave him no relief at all.
15:13Instead, something sharp twisted in his chest.
15:16Gideon watched him carefully.
15:17I thought you'd be happy.
15:19I am.
15:21Really?
15:22Adrian picked up his drink.
15:24She's just trying to get a reaction.
15:26Gideon sighed.
15:28You know, there's a point where confidence becomes delusion.
15:31Adrian shot him a cold look.
15:33Gideon raised both hands.
15:35Fine.
15:36Believe whatever you want.
15:37He started toward the door.
15:39Then paused.
15:43But Serena nearly died because of what happened at that club.
15:47Lucien was the one who carried her out.
15:48And now she's marrying him.
15:51Maybe.
15:52Just maybe.
15:53This isn't about you.
15:55After he left, Adrian stayed alone in the study.
15:58His eyes fell on the wedding invitation again.
16:00For the first time, the thought crossed his mind that tomorrow I might actually become Lucien's wife.
16:07The next morning was my wedding day.
16:08The heart estate was packed with flowers, cameras, security, and members of New York's most powerful families.
16:15Lucien came to pick me up himself.
16:17When I walked down the stairs in my wedding dress, he simply stared at me.
16:20For a moment, he forgot to speak.
16:23Is something wrong?
16:24I smiled.
16:25No.
16:26No.
16:26You look perfect.
16:28Outside, the wedding motor curds stretched down the entire block.
16:32Gideon helped open the car door for me.
16:34Before I got in, he lowered his voice.
16:37Adrian isn't coming.
16:38I looked at him.
16:39He says he's sick.
16:40I smiled faintly.
16:42Gideon, I don't care.
16:44He went quiet.
16:46Next time we meet, remember to call me Aunt Serena.
16:52He burst out laughing.
16:53The car door closed.
16:56As the motorcade pulled away, I looked back at the heart estate one last time.
17:01I had once thought marrying Adrian would be the happiest day of my life.
17:06I had been wrong.
17:08This time, I wasn't chasing anyone.
17:11I was choosing my own future.
17:17That evening, the wedding finally ended.
17:20For the first time, I understood that a wedding didn't have to feel like a punishment.
17:25No one mocked my body.
17:27No one looked at me like I was embarrassing the man beside me.
17:31Lucien never let go of my hand.
17:33When we reached the wedding suite, he stopped at the door.
17:36I had another room prepared for you.
17:39Why?
17:41You've been through surgery, months of recovery, and a divorce.
17:45He gave me a small smile.
17:47I don't expect you to become a real wife to me overnight.
17:50For a moment, I didn't know what to say.
17:53Adrian had always acted as if marrying me gave him the right to punish me.
17:57Lucien was doing the opposite.
18:02You don't need another room.
18:04Serena.
18:06We're married.
18:06And I trust you.
18:09Something softened in his eyes.
18:12Later, as I removed my jewelry, the sleeve of my dress slipped down and exposed part of the burn scar
18:18on my shoulder.
18:19I instinctively covered it.
18:24Lucia gently stopped my hand.
18:27You don't have to hide that from me.
18:30I looked at him.
18:31He didn't stare at the scar.
18:33He looked only at my face.
18:39Across New York, Adrian sat alone in his study.
18:43On his phone was a photo of Lucien kissing my forehead after the ceremony.
18:47He stared at it until the screen went dark.
18:54That night, Adrian finally fell asleep.
18:57He dreamed that he was the groom.
18:59In the dream, rain poured over the city.
19:01His suit was soaked.
19:03His shoes were ruined.
19:05And he was furious until he pushed open the wedding suite door.
19:09I was sitting beside the bed.
19:12For a second, he saw the Serena from years ago.
19:16The girl with round cheeks who used to smile every time she saw him.
19:20Then the image shifted.
19:21I became the woman he had seen at the charity gala.
19:24Wearing a white wedding dress.
19:26And looking at him with the same warmth I once had.
19:30Adrian couldn't take his eyes off me.
19:32The rain no longer mattered.
19:35All he could hear was his own heartbeat.
19:39Then he woke up.
19:41A maid was standing beside the bed.
19:44Mr. Adrian, are you awake?
19:46What time is it?
19:47His throat felt dry.
19:49After eight.
19:50Adrian sat up abundantly.
19:52What day is it?
19:53The maid looked confused.
19:55Saturday.
19:56Mr. Lucien and Miss Serena got married today.
19:58Adrian went completely still.
20:00For several seconds, he said nothing.
20:03Then he reached for his phone.
20:05Photos from the wedding were everywhere.
20:09Lucien holding my hand.
20:11Lucien putting the ring on my finger.
20:14Me smiling at him.
20:16Not at Adrian.
20:18At Luskin.
20:19He couldn't remember when that had changed.
20:22Something in Adrian's chest tightened painfully.
20:24Only then did it finally feel real.
20:27I had actually married someone else.
20:32The next morning, Isabella found Adrian still sitting in his study.
20:36He looked exhausted.
20:37Did you sleep at all?
20:40I'm fine.
20:42Isabella placed a cup of coffee in front of him.
20:46Lucien's wedding is over.
20:48Good.
20:49Adrian looked up sharply.
20:51She continued as if she hadn't noticed.
20:53Now we can focus on your future.
20:55You are still the Romano heir.
20:57Your father and the council expect you to settle down soon.
21:01There are plenty of daughters from powerful New York families.
21:04Adrian said nothing.
21:06Isabella smiled.
21:07Beautiful, educated, well-connected women.
21:10Surely one of them suits you better than Serena ever did.
21:15At the sound of my name, Adrian's fingers tightened around his glass.
21:20Isabella noticed.
21:21What's wrong?
21:23Nothing.
21:24Then stop looking like someone died.
21:27Adrian's expression turned cold.
21:30She married Uncle Lucien.
21:32To get a reaction from me.
21:36Adrian, she's married.
21:38Isabella stared at him.
21:40He didn't answer.
21:41For the first time, even his mother seemed to realize he wasn't angry because I had embarrassed him.
21:47He was angry because I had left.
21:55The day after the wedding, Lucien and I went to the Romano estate.
21:59It was a family tradition for newlyweds to visit the elders.
22:03Lucien's parents had died years ago, so the godfather and Isabella were the only senior members we needed to see.
22:09The moment we entered the main hall, I saw Adrian.
22:12He looked like he hadn't slept.
22:14His eyes landed on me first, then on Lucien's hand resting lightly against my back.
22:19Finally, his gaze dropped to the diamond ring on my finger.
22:23His expression changed.
22:24I stopped in front of him out of basic courtesy.
22:28Mr. Adrian.
22:29He looked stunned.
22:31Before, I used to say his name as if it meant everything to me.
22:36Adrian!
22:38Now my voice held nothing but distance.
22:41For a second, his eyes moved over my face.
22:44The woman standing in front of him looked nothing like the Serena he used to humiliate.
22:49But that wasn't what bothered him most.
22:52It was the way I looked at him.
22:54There was no love, no anger, not even resentment.
22:59Serena?
23:00I'm fine.
23:01I took his arm.
23:03Adrian's jaw tightened immediately.
23:05He suddenly spoke.
23:09Serena.
23:10I stopped.
23:11Something strangely hopeful flashed through his eyes when I turned back.
23:15But what I said next wiped it away completely.
23:23No, that's wrong.
23:26Adrian frowned.
23:27What?
23:28I looked at him seriously.
23:30You should call me Aunt Serena.
23:32He froze.
23:33Luchin's mouth twitched as if he was trying not to smile.
23:36Adrian finally understood what I meant.
23:38His face darkened.
23:39You think this is funny?
23:41Not at all.
23:42I kept my expression perfectly calm.
23:44You just called your uncle's wife by her first name.
23:47That's disrespectful.
23:48Are you proud of yourself?
23:49I shook my head.
23:51No.
23:52You're wrong again.
23:53A flicker of emotion crossed his face.
23:56I asked for this marriage myself.
23:59I married a man who respects me, protected me, and never treated me like something shameful.
24:06So yes, I'm happy.
24:08Adrian's breathing grew heavier.
24:09Do you expect me to believe you're happy after everything that happened?
24:13I don't care what you believe.
24:15That answer hit him harder than an insult.
24:17He started to speak, but Lucien stepped beside me.
24:20We're here to see my brother.
24:22I nodded.
24:23Then I looked back at Adrian.
24:26You look terrible.
24:27For one second, his expression softened.
24:30His eyes ipened, as if he had mistaken basic concern for affection.
24:35Then I finished.
24:36You should get some sleep.
24:38I'd hate for the Romano Eid to collapse in front of everyone.
24:42Whatever hope he had vanished.
24:44I walked away with Lucien without looking back.
24:52After that day, Adrian started asking about me more and more.
24:56He always pretended the questions were casual.
25:00How was the heart business doing?
25:02Was Lucien spending much time at my estate?
25:05Was I attending the next family dinner?
25:10Everyone noticed.
25:13A few weeks later, the Romano family hosted a formal banquet.
25:18As Lucien's wife, I attended beside him.
25:22I wore a fitted black gown, my hair pinned back,
25:26and spent most of the evening discussing business with members of the council.
25:30I wasn't the insecure girl Adrian remembered.
25:33When he finally walked over, his expression was complicated.
25:38Serena.
25:38I looked at him.
25:40Adrian, he hesitated.
25:42Are you really doing well?
25:44Very.
25:45With Lucien?
25:47Especially with Lucien.
25:50He gave a cold laugh.
25:53So that's it?
25:55He saves you once and suddenly he's perfect?
25:59My expression cooled.
26:01No.
26:04He respected me before I was beautiful enough for people to stare.
26:09He stayed when I was burned, swollen, and terrified.
26:15And most importantly, he never needed me to become someone else before he could treat me like a human being.
26:21Adrian's face went stiff.
26:23For the first time, he had no answer.
26:31I turned to leave, but Adrian caught my wrist.
26:35I pulled free immediately.
26:38Don't touch me.
26:41Several people nearby looked over.
26:44The Godfather noticed the tension and walked toward us.
26:50What's going on?
26:52Nothing.
26:52I answered calmly.
26:54Adrian said nothing.
26:55The Godfather looked at me instead.
26:58Serena.
27:00I heard you've taken full control of the Hart family's business again.
27:04And profits are already up.
27:07Very good.
27:09Thank you, Godfather.
27:12Lucian joined us and handed me a glass of water.
27:16The gesture was simple, but Adrian watched it with a dark expression.
27:21Later that night, when we returned home, Lucian didn't go upstairs.
27:26He led me into his study.
27:29There is something you need to see.
27:35He placed a tablet in front of me.
27:38On the screen was security footage from the underground club.
27:42My stomach tightened.
27:45My hands went ice cold.
27:46The video showed Adrian's men dragging me toward the warehouse.
27:51Then another camera showed one of them carrying two gasoline cans.
27:56I looked at Lucian.
27:58I thought all the footage was destroyed.
28:00He slid a folder across the desk.
28:03But someone kept a backup.
28:06Inside were payment records, deleted messages, and statements from former club employees.
28:12Lucian's voice turned cold.
28:14Adrian didn't just lock you in that room.
28:17Someone ordered the evidence cleaned up afterward.
28:20I looked down at one name repeated across the records.
28:23Isabella Romano.
28:28The next morning, Lucian called an emergency family council meeting.
28:32The Godfather, Isabella, Adrian, and the senior Romano members were all there.
28:37Lucian put the recovered footage on the main screen.
28:41Nobody spoke as they watched Adrian's men drag me into the warehouse.
28:45Then came the gasoline.
28:47Adrian's face went pale.
28:50I only told them to scare her.
28:52Lucian looked at him.
28:55You locked her in a room and had gasoline poured outside the door.
28:59What exactly did you think would happen?
29:00Adrian slammed his hand on the table.
29:02I didn't tell anyone to let the fire spread.
29:05I stared at him.
29:07You left.
29:08His eyes shifted toward me.
29:11For once, he had nothing cruel to say.
29:14Lucian threw the payment records onto the table.
29:19And after Serena almost burned alive, Isabella paid club employees to erase the footage and disappear.
29:25The Godfather turned toward his wife.
29:27Is that true?
29:29Isabella's expression finally cracked.
29:32I was protecting my son.
29:33The room erupted.
29:35I barely heard them.
29:37I was looking at Adrian.
29:39Even now, he looked horrified by the consequences.
29:42Not by what he had chosen to do.
29:45Lucian reached for my hand.
29:47I held on tightly.
29:48That was when I understood something clearly.
29:51Surviving Adrian had changed my body.
29:54Leaving him had saved my life.
29:58That night, Lucian and I returned home.
30:00I thought the worst part was over.
30:03But before we went upstairs, Lucian stopped me.
30:06There's something I've never told you.
30:09I looked at him.
30:10He took a breath.
30:11I didn't fall in love with you after the surgery.
30:14I froze.
30:17Lucian smiled faintly.
30:19I loved you long before that.
30:21He reminded me of a Romano family dinner when I was 15.
30:26A group of girls had mocked my dress.
30:29I had gone outside alone, furious and embarrassed.
30:33Lucian had found me sitting on the garden wall.
30:36I barely remembered it.
30:38He did.
30:38You were trying so hard not to cry.
30:41Then you looked at me and said,
30:44One day, none of them will matter.
30:47He laughed softly.
30:49I believed you.
30:51My throat tightened.
30:53Even after I gained all that weight?
30:54Serena.
30:55His expression became serious.
30:57I never needed you to lose a pound.
30:59At the same time, Adrian paused at the doorway of the living room.
31:04He had come to speak to Lucian about the council decision.
31:08Instead, he heard every word.
31:10The man he had accused me of using had loved me before the surgery.
31:14Before the headlines.
31:16Before the entire city called me beautiful.
31:19And suddenly, Adrian's favorite explanation disappeared.
31:23I had never changed for him.
31:25The council made its decision the next morning.
31:28Adrian was removed as Romano heir.
31:31Isabella lost her seat on the family council and control of all family businesses while the fire cover-up was
31:36investigated.
31:37That afternoon, Adrian came to the Lucian estate.
31:44He pushed past the guards and found me in the main hall.
31:47Serena.
31:48His eyes were red.
31:50I know I was wrong.
31:52I said nothing.
31:57I thought you would always come back.
31:59I thought no matter what I did, you would still love me.
32:01His voice broke.
32:04I was an idiot.
32:06Give me one more chance.
32:08Adrian, Serena's my wife.
32:10Lucian stepped between up.
32:12I don't care what you used to look like.
32:14Adrian ignored him and looked only at me.
32:16I don't care about any of it anymore.
32:19I almost laughed.
32:22That's exactly the problem.
32:24He froze.
32:26You only decided I had value after I became beautiful enough for everyone else to want me.
32:30You didn't love me when I was fat.
32:31You didn't even treat me like a person.
32:33You almost burned me alive.
32:35His face went white.
32:38I took Lucian's hand.
32:40I will never forgive you.
32:42And from now on, show my wife some respect.
32:46Lucian looked at Adrian coldly.
32:48He's right.
32:49I smiled faintly.
32:51Next time, remember to call me Aunt Serena.
32:53Then I walked away with Lucian.
32:55My new life had only just begun.
33:00A week after the council's decision, Lucian and I were having dinner in Manhattan.
33:04It was our first quiet evening since the wedding.
33:07The restaurant was exclusive.
33:08The kind of place where privacy was guaranteed.
33:11You seem lighter today.
33:12I am.
33:14For the first time in years, I don't feel like I'm carrying a boulder on my chest.
33:18Lucian poured me a glass of wine, his eyes never leaving my face.
33:21I smiled, taking a sip.
33:23He reached across the table and lightly touched my hand.
33:26I'm glad.
33:28Suddenly, there was a commotion near the entrance.
33:30I looked up and saw a familiar, disheveled figure arguing with the maitreda.
33:34It was Adrian.
33:35He looked nothing like the polished Romano heir he used to was.
33:38Let him speak.
33:39His suit was wrinkled and he looked entirely unhinged.
33:41He shoved past the staff and headed straight for our table.
33:44Serena, I need to talk to you.
33:46Adrian stopped a few feet away, passing heavily.
33:49We have nothing to say to each other, Adrian.
33:51My mother is being indicted.
33:53The family has completely cut me off.
33:55Are you happy now? You destroyed my entire life!
33:58Put my wine glass down very slowly.
33:59I didn't destroy your life, Adrian.
34:01Your own cruelty did.
34:02You locked me in a burning room.
34:04Your mother covered it up.
34:05This is simply the consequence of your own actions.
34:10Adrian's face twisted in desperate anger.
34:13You planned this!
34:14You married him just to humiliate me and steal everything I had!
34:17Lucian finally stood up.
34:19He didn't yell.
34:21He didn't raise his voice.
34:23But the sheer, terrifying aura of the Mafia Godfather filled the room.
34:28Adrian.
34:30You are speaking to my wife.
34:33If you raise your voice at her again, losing your inheritance will be the least of your problems.
34:38Adrian froze, visibly shrinking back.
34:42He realized, perhaps for the first time, that Lucian was no longer just his uncle.
34:47He was the man who could end his life with a single phone call.
34:50You think he really loves you?
34:52He's just playing the hero.
34:53I stood up and stood right beside Lucian.
34:55And what were you playing, Adrian?
34:57The villain?
34:57You are pathetic.
34:58You can't even take responsibility for your own failures.
35:01I signaled to the guards.
35:03Remove him.
35:04He's ruining our dinner.
35:05The guards immediately grabbed Adrian by the arms.
35:07Serena!
35:08You'll regret this!
35:09You hear me?
35:10They dragged him out of the restaurant as he continued to shout.
35:13The other patrons stared in shocked silence.
35:16I sat back down, completely unfazed.
35:18You handled that beautifully.
35:20I picked up my fork, feeling perfectly fine.
35:23I'm just taking out the trash.
35:28A few months later, the legal and family proceedings concluded.
35:31Isabella was officially sentenced for evidence tampering and conspiracy.
35:34The godfather formally announced his retirement, handing the absolute control of the Romano family over to Lucian.
35:41I was sitting in Lucian's study, reviewing some charity foundation documents.
35:45Since marrying Lucian, I had taken over the family's legitimate philanthropic operations.
35:51Lucian walked in and placed a thick file on the desk.
35:54The final asset transfers.
35:56The Hart family properties and your personal trust have been fully separated from the main Romano holdings.
36:02They are entirely yours, legally protected.
36:04Even if something happens to me, no one can touch them.
36:07I looked up at him in surprise.
36:09You didn't have to do that.
36:12I wanted to.
36:13I want you to stay with me because you choose to.
36:16Not because you are financially bound to me.
36:19My heart warmed.
36:21This was the exact opposite of the suffocating, controlling dynamic I had with Adrian.
36:25Lucian gave me absolute freedom and ultimate respect.
36:30I'm not going anywhere.
36:31He pulled me close, resting his chin on the top of my head.
36:35Good.
36:36Because I'm never letting you go.
36:39Winter arrived in New York.
36:41I was leaving a foundation meeting, wrapped in a warm, elegant cashmere coat.
36:45As I walked toward my waiting car, I noticed a man huddled near a subway grate, begging for change.
36:52He looked sickly, deeply impoverished, and completely broken.
36:56It was Adrian.
36:57Without his family's money, his lack of real skills and his toxic arrogance had made him unemployable.
37:04He had spiraled into complete poverty.
37:07He looked up, and our eyes met.
37:10For a second, the bustling city noise seemed to fade.
37:14He saw me, radiant, powerful, and surrounded by loyal guards.
37:19He saw the life he could have had, the woman he threw away, and the absolute ruin he had brought
37:25upon himself.
37:26He quickly lowered his head, trying to hide his face in his dirty collar.
37:31He was too ashamed to even speak.
37:33I stopped for a brief moment.
37:35I didn't mock him.
37:37I didn't yell.
37:38I just looked at him with total indifference.
37:41Then I turned around and got into my car.
37:44He wasn't worth my anger anymore.
37:46He was simply a stranger.
37:49That evening, a light snow began to fall over the estate.
37:52I saw the top floor terrace, watching the city lights glitter through the snowflakes.
37:56Lucien stepped out, draping a heavy, warm blanket over my shoulders.
38:01Thinking about the past?
38:02I took a sip of the warm wine and smiled.
38:06No.
38:07I'm thinking about future.
38:08I leaned back against his strong chest.
38:11From a desperate, humiliated girl, who almost burned to death, to the most respected and powerful woman in the city.
38:18I had reclaimed my body, my dignity, and my fortune.
38:23And I had found a man who truly understood how to love.
38:27He kissed me deeply, and I kissed him back with everything I had.
38:31The toxic trash of my past had burned away completely.
38:34What remained was pure, unshakable power, and an incredibly beautiful life.
38:42I am Serena Hart Romano, and my glorious reign has only just begun.