- 2 days ago
The Wicked Stepmother
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PeopleTranscript
00:01I've been a fighter since I was a kid.
00:03No man in New York would marry me.
00:05So my family sold me to a widowed mafia boss.
00:10Damien Rizzo.
00:11Word was, he was a vicious loner.
00:13Cold-blooded. Half of New York shook at the sound of his name.
00:17His son was supposed to be just as bad.
00:18So I walked into the Rizzo family ready to make them fear me.
00:22Take care of the father and son. I hear they're both crazy.
00:25Hope you make it three months.
00:30So she thinks I'm dead meat. So that's my terrifying new husband.
00:33Hi, I'm-
00:34I don't care what your name is. Your only job is to take care of my son.
00:38He's leaving for three months. And on our wedding day, he doesn't even ask my name.
00:43Fine. I've got plenty of time to settle up with this family.
00:48Don't touch my mom's closet. There it is. He's testing me.
00:53This dress is so heavy. I've been standing all day. Can you help me, sweetheart?
00:56Don't call me sweetheart. There are clothes in the guest room.
01:00Okay, Luca. Can you show me?
01:01Don't call me Luca.
01:02Then what am I supposed to call you? We're living together. I can't just call you hey.
01:07Use my name. I'm Luca Rizzo.
01:10Oh, okay. It's just, usually kids like that get called by their full name.
01:15What kind of kid?
01:16Nothing. You're not that kind of kid.
01:17Nice try. Bet you'll be thinking about that all night.
01:20What kind of kid?
01:22Next morning, Luca is already seated at the table, sulking. He wants to talk to me, but is too proud
01:27to start.
01:28I sat down and ignored him.
01:30I told you, I don't eat vegetables or peas.
01:34Mr. Rizzo's orders. You must eat a balanced meal and no picky eating.
01:39A seven-year-old kid eating breakfast like he's in prison.
01:43I said I'm not eating it!
01:44He picked up his bowl and smashed it on the floor.
01:47Gray!
01:48He flinched.
01:49Gray came over, slung Luca under his arm, and walked off.
01:53Luca fought like a little lion, but it only made him look smaller.
01:57I froze for a second. Then I got up and blocked him.
02:01What the hell are you doing?
02:02I'm taking Luca to the punishment room. He broke the rules. Mr. Rizzo's orders.
02:06He's only seven!
02:08That's how it works in the Rizzo family. You're new here. You'll get used to it.
02:12Put him down.
02:13Mr. Rizzo made that rule. Wait till he gets back. If he's angry, we'll be the ones paying for it.
02:20Put him down or you're out.
02:22We've served the Rizzo family for over 20 years. Mr. Rizzo was raised the same way.
02:27You've been here one day. You don't get to change the rules.
02:30He walked off with Luca like the crying meant nothing. I went after him. The punishment room had no windows.
02:36No lights. Gray shoved Luca in, and I slipped in with him. Then he snurred and slammed the door shut.
02:47The door slammed shut. The lock clanged loudly. In the dark, Luca had been crying, but the second he saw
02:53me, he swallowed it.
02:54I reached for his hand. He pulled away. I tried again. He pulled away again.
02:58Can I hold your hand? It's really dark in here, and I'm scared. He went quiet. This time he let
03:04me take his hand, but he turned away and wouldn't look at me.
03:08Why'd you come in here? I was worried about you. You're lying. I'm a bad kid. Nobody likes me.
03:14His voice was close to breaking. I softened. Who told you that? I like you. My first day here, nobody
03:21would even talk to me but you.
03:22You showed me around. I've never met a kid as sweet as you. But I'm picky. I threw my bowl.
03:29I say bad words. I hit people. I'm picky too. Who isn't?
03:34Grown-ups make what they like, then blame kids for being picky. And you threw that bowl because you fought
03:39back. I like that about you.
03:41Really? Grown-ups are picky too? Of course. Think about it. Are there foods that never show up on your
03:47table? That's because Grey and Marthy won't eat them.
03:54Kids are easy. I distracted Luca, and he actually started thinking about it. There wasn't any bitter melon. Just endive.
04:02When we get out, we'll make them eat bitter mellow every day. Okay.
04:06He cheered right up and scooted closer. I patted his head, and he froze up a little. Shy.
04:14But yesterday you said I was one of those kids. Am I bad?
04:18Of course not. Kids only get their full name when they've done something wrong.
04:22You didn't, so I want to call you by your nickname.
04:25A smile jumped onto his face, then he awkwardly shoved it back down.
04:31My mum called me Luca.
04:33Okay, Luca. I'm Lena. You can call me Lena.
04:36We sat there for a while. But waiting wasn't going to fix this.
04:40This place was suffocating.
04:42I couldn't imagine how Luca survived being locked in here again and again.
04:46Anyone who does this to a seven-year-old is sick.
04:50I held back my anger and called Damien.
04:53I stared at my phone like I'd seen a ghost. Did Damien block me?
04:57It's no use. Mum couldn't reach him either.
04:59Even when she was sick, he still wouldn't answer.
05:07Luca and I were locked in that dark room for hours.
05:10When Grey finally opened the door, the light hit hard.
05:13I covered Luca's eyes.
05:15Grey was all manners, but his eyes were ice cold.
05:18Kind of you, ma'am. But watch yourself.
05:21I told Mr. Rizzo what happened, and he said if you interfere again, I can lock you in there too.
05:26Great. He'll take the butler's call, but not mine.
05:31I shot him a look and started out with Luca asleep in my arms.
05:35Grey ripped him away from me and set him on the floor.
05:38Luca jerked awake, still groggy. He could barely stand.
05:42He rubbed his eyes and glared at Grey.
05:44Luca, you're seven years old. Learn to stand on your own.
05:48No more being carried, especially not by a woman.
05:50That did it.
05:51I grabbed the vase beside me and smashed it over Grey's head.
05:55Grey stared at me, furious and stoned.
05:58Are you crazy?!
06:00Go cry to Damien, or call the cops.
06:02We'll see who's embarrassed.
06:03Only one person calls the shots in this house.
06:06You answer to me, or you get out.
06:09Grey's face went dark, but he didn't dare move.
06:12I picked Luca up and walked out.
06:17Ma'am, where are you taking Luca?
06:19I just stared at him. Silence can be a threat.
06:23Ma'am, I didn't mean anything by it.
06:25Whatever you're thinking, keep it to yourself.
06:27If I can get Damien to marry me, I can get him to fire you.
06:30Get my phone. Grey didn't move.
06:32What, you don't take orders from me?
06:34You're the butler.
06:36Grey turned to get it.
06:37I took my shot, kicked him in the ass,
06:39shoved him into the punishment room, and slammed the door.
06:42Is... is this okay?
06:45You happy?
06:47I am, but Mom said you can't treat people like that.
06:50He bullied us, locked us up for hours, and looks down on women.
06:54He was wrong, so we punished him.
06:56Fair?
06:57Fair.
06:58Luca bought it.
06:59He calmed down.
07:00He even looked a little satisfied.
07:02I gave the whole staff three days off, and they were thrilled.
07:05Martha was the only one who got suspicious and asked where Grey was.
07:09Miss Rizzo, I haven't seen Grey all day.
07:13Do you take orders from Grey or me?
07:15If I can get Damien to marry me, I can get him to fire you.
07:20Martha walked off with a sour look on her face.
07:23Dad trusts Grey and Martha. They'll tell on us.
07:26If he can find us, then we'll talk.
07:33I packed a few things, sat Luca on the suitcase, and rolled him out the door.
07:38He looked around, wide-eyed. Everything was new to him.
07:41Did your mom ever take you on a trip?
07:43No. She always stayed home waiting for Dad.
07:47If she couldn't reach him, she'd stay home and wait, scared she'd miss him coming back.
07:51It reminded me of my mom.
07:54My heart broke for Luca, and for the little girl I used to be.
07:58Then I'll take you.
08:00Hold on tight.
08:01I took off, pushing the suitcase.
08:03Luca burst into giggles.
08:05I grabbed a cab, pulled some cash, and checked Luca and me into a hotel with someone else's ID.
08:10I just needed to keep Damien from finding us too fast.
08:14Hmm.
08:15If he doesn't want to take my calls, fine.
08:17He can be the one sweating later.
08:19Over the next few days, I took Luca all over the city and out to the nearby attractions.
08:26We rode the carousel, went to the aquarium, tried the local food, soaked in hot springs, had water fights, even
08:32went hiking.
08:33We had a blast.
08:35Then Damien's assistant called me.
08:37I picked up and asked his name.
08:39What's your name?
08:40You can call me Sean.
08:41I saved his contact, told him to let Gray out of the punishment room when he had time, then blocked
08:47him.
08:52Finally, Damien called.
08:54I let him enjoy a few hangoffs and busy signals too.
08:57That cleared the air completely.
08:59Lena, aren't you scared of Dad?
09:02No.
09:02Is he that scary?
09:04Mum was scared of Dad.
09:06He'd come home and not say a word.
09:08He'd just frown at her.
09:09That's emotional abuse.
09:12Then smile at me a lot, okay?
09:13You're the only person I know in this house.
09:16If you're cold to me too, I'll be sad.
09:18I promise I'll smile at you every day.
09:20Pinky swear.
09:23Luca doesn't even know that.
09:25He's already in first grade.
09:27What kind of school life has he had?
09:29What are you two doing?
09:32Damien was back.
09:33The man who said he'd be gone for three months came back in four days.
09:39Back at Ritzo Manor, Gray put on a sincere act, but his eyes were dark.
09:43He reached for Luca and I slapped his hand off.
09:46Last I checked, this is the Risco house, not Gray's.
09:51Miss Risco, I was in the wrong.
09:54He played the gentleman, made me look like the bad guy.
09:56I didn't care.
09:57Funny.
09:58A few days ago, Gray wasn't this polite.
10:00He told me to know my place.
10:02Said he'd been here 20 years, so he made the rules.
10:05Nice to know the butler runs this house.
10:07Damien's face went cold.
10:08He's an expert at icing people out.
10:11Arguing with him never works.
10:13Sir, I never said that.
10:14Then check the security footage.
10:16Panic flashed in Gray's eyes.
10:17Then he caved.
10:18Miss Risco, I was wrong.
10:20I apologize.
10:20No, that makes me look unreasonable.
10:22Damien, your wife gets slandered and you just sit there?
10:25Fine.
10:26Luca and I'll move out.
10:27You never told me the butler runs this house.
10:29Pull the security footage.
10:35They pulled the security footage.
10:37Sean checked my first day here.
10:39It didn't catch Gray saying, I make the rules.
10:42But it did catch him making out with Martha after he got out of the punishment room.
10:47I covered Luca's eyes.
10:49The footage froze on Gray and Martha kissing.
10:51Damien went stone cold.
10:56You're fired.
10:57But I wasn't letting them off that easily.
11:00Wait.
11:00Keep watching.
11:01Then we saw Gray and Martha plotting against me and Luca.
11:04Isabella was a rich iris and we still broke her like a dog.
11:09This gold digger won't keep up the act for long.
11:13Isabella, Luca's mother.
11:14You did this together.
11:16You hurt my mom.
11:17You'll pay for this.
11:18Damien moved to pull Luca off him.
11:20I stopped him.
11:20Let Luca get it out.
11:22They killed his mother.
11:23He has every right to be angry.
11:25If you can't control yourself, don't expect Luca to.
11:34Gray tried to shove Luca off, but security stopped him.
11:38Luca wore himself out hitting him, then just stood there sobbing all alone.
11:43I walked over and held him.
11:45Luca fought it, but I didn't let go.
11:47It's okay, Luca.
11:49Cry if you need to.
11:50You were trying to protect your mom.
11:52Trying to make him pay.
11:53You're a good boy.
11:54She'd be proud of you.
11:56Damien frowned.
11:57He clearly didn't approve, but he kept quiet.
11:59Luca cried himself to sleep, and I carried him back to his room.
12:03The minute we stepped out, Damien said,
12:05You can't spoil Luca like this.
12:07I ignored him and told Sean instead,
12:10Don't let Gray or Martha leave.
12:11Check the security footage.
12:13I want every time Gray locked Luca in the punishment room.
12:16Check if Martha was deliberately making food he hated.
12:20And find out what they did to Isabella.
12:22I took a sip of tea and let out a long breath.
12:26What did you just say?
12:28Comforting a kid is spoiling him?
12:29How miserable was your childhood if you really believed that?
12:32Damien's eyes went cold.
12:34He grabbed my wrist and dragged me into the room.
12:36Damien Rizzo, let go of me!
12:39Lena, you're out of line.
12:42You're a Rickso now, so know your place.
12:44I let this slide, but don't you ever take Luca out again.
12:49So Damien Rizzo really was as dangerous as everyone said.
12:52But did he seriously think I'd be easy to push around?
12:55I hit back.
12:58Damien, what the hell is wrong with you?
13:00I saved your son. He's seven.
13:03You lock him in the punishment room and think that won't mess him up?
13:07He'd never ridden a carousel, never been to an ocean park?
13:11You should be thanking me, not choking me, Ted.
13:14That's how I was raised.
13:15That's how it works in the Rizzo family.
13:18I froze.
13:19So crazy really is inherited.
13:21Evil gets passed down till somebody finally stops it.
13:24I suddenly didn't feel like yelling at him anymore.
13:26I just felt bad for Luca.
13:28So because you grew up in the rain, Luca has to too?
13:32You buy into this crap that much, huh?
13:34Then where were your parents at your wedding?
13:40Damien stormed out.
13:42I pulled up Monica.
13:43She knows everything.
13:45I sent her one $400, then another $7,000.
13:49Only then did Monica text back.
13:51So Damien put his parents in a nursing home.
13:53Bad one.
13:54They wait for him every day and he never even goes.
13:57I get it now.
13:58The sickest one in this house is Damien.
14:02The new house staff made dinner.
14:04There was nothing Luca hated.
14:06He ate well and so did I.
14:10I served Damien myself and slipped mustard into his dinner.
14:13If he says people can't be picky, he can prove it.
14:16Me and Luca?
14:17Our little secret.
14:26Called it.
14:27Damien got through two bites, then he was done.
14:30I was doing it on purpose.
14:31Our Luca's so good.
14:33Never picky.
14:34Unlike Dad, leaving food on his plate like a kid.
14:37Luca used to get locked in the punishment room for that.
14:40Wonder if Dad will too.
14:43Eat.
14:43If you're this picky, what right do you have to lecture a kid?
14:49Finish it and we're good.
14:50Don't and it's the punishment room.
14:55Gray got locked in the punishment room.
14:58Martha was forced to finish and threw up hugging the toilet.
15:01Lena, see?
15:01Grown-ups are picky too.
15:03Exactly.
15:04So it wasn't your fault.
15:05Next time somebody gives you a hard time for being picky, ignore them.
15:09I shot Damien a look.
15:10He didn't react, but then he spoke to Luca.
15:14Why do you call her that?
15:15She's your mom.
15:16Damien, stop.
15:17I like Luca calling me that.
15:19I'm young.
15:20I'm 25, not 35 like you.
15:22Lena!
15:23I'm here.
15:24I wasn't afraid of him.
15:27After dinner, I got Luca washed up and read with him.
15:31What was the best part of the last few days?
15:35The aquarium.
15:37I want to see the dolphins again next time.
15:39Where have the kids in your class gone?
15:41The second I mentioned his class, Luca went quiet.
15:44I got it, so I didn't push.
15:47I just got him to sleep.
15:50In the middle of the night, I bolted awake.
15:53I still had one thing left to do.
15:55I held on with everything I had.
15:57His face turned red.
15:59Then he tore it off, jumped back, and flipped on the light.
16:02Lena, are you insane?
16:04Damien, touch my neck again and don't you dare fall asleep.
16:07The second you do, I hit back.
16:09I've got all day.
16:11You can stay gone.
16:13Just send the monthly support or I'll sell every valuable thing in this house.
16:17I let out a breath.
16:19The psycho was gone.
16:21Now I could finally sleep.
16:25Time flew.
16:26I kept Gray and Martha in time, took Luca out, and had Damien send money when I needed it.
16:32Quiet husband, no complaints, always paid.
16:34I was good with that.
16:36Then early August hit.
16:37Damien came back in a dark mood,
16:39and Sean pulled the last three months of security footage.
16:42First, Gray used house rules as an excuse to lock Luca in the punishment room 45 times.
16:47Second, Martha's cooking depended on her mood.
16:50If she was happy, she'd make what Luca liked.
16:53If not, she'd make food he hated on purpose.
16:57Third, it was Isabella.
17:00She was dead.
17:01They told Isabella the boss was coming home, so she cooked and waited.
17:05At dinner, Gray faked a call and told her he wasn't coming back.
17:09She waited till she lost hope, and they ate the food themselves.
17:13She starved herself into stomach problems, and it turned into stomach cancer.
17:17Early stage stomach cancer can be treated.
17:19She just didn't want to live.
17:23Damien shot to his feet and punched Gray in the face.
17:28Who gave you the right to do that?
17:30Wasn't I doing what you wanted, sir?
17:33You said she trapped her way in with the pregnancies.
17:35We were handling her for you.
17:37Isn't that how you treated her?
17:39We learned it from you.
17:41Damien had no answer.
17:43Shut up!
17:44You've been in the Rizzo house so long you think you own it.
17:47Gray and Martha were locked in the punishment room.
17:50Damien said three days, then send them to the police station.
17:53For three days, the punishment room stayed shut.
17:56Mr. Rizzo, I was wrong. Please spare me.
17:59Mr. Rizzo, just kill me already!
18:01Three days later, they were taken to the police station.
18:03The Rizzo family's legal team charged them with murder and abuse.
18:07They'll spend the rest of their lives in prison.
18:10Luca went to see Isabella.
18:11He brought white roses.
18:14Mom, Gray and Martha lied to you.
18:16Dad wasn't ignoring you.
18:17He never lied to you.
18:18Mom, did you hear me?
18:20I held his shoulder.
18:21Damien stood behind us in a black shirt, saying nothing.
18:25On the way back, Luca cried himself to sleep.
18:29He wasn't awkward with him.
18:31Like he'd rehearsed it a hundred times.
18:33Just never got the chance.
18:36Can we talk?
18:39I sat back down.
18:40Then he just sat there for a long time before he spoke.
18:44My parents were strict.
18:45Their marriage was a war, and they both needed control, so I had to obey.
18:50If I didn't, they punished me.
18:52Locked me up.
18:53Whipped me.
18:56When I was a kid, Gray and Martha were secretly kind to me.
19:00I trusted them.
19:01I used to wish they were my parents.
19:05They weren't.
19:07When I grew up, I hated my parents.
19:09And I hated arranged marriages.
19:11Isabella was a good woman, but my parents arranged that marriage.
19:14Our first night together happened because they drugged me.
19:18I agreed to the marriage.
19:20The day after the wedding, I sent them to a nursing home.
19:23I married Isabella, but I didn't know how to face her.
19:28I never meant to get her killed.
19:31I failed Luca.
19:32You were right.
19:33I was running from my responsibility.
19:35I'm not a good father.
19:37Thank you for taking care of Luca.
19:40He's a lot happier with you.
19:41I didn't say anything for a long time.
19:44Damien, Luca loves you.
19:46He cares about you.
19:47If you want to be a good father, start now.
19:52I left and gave Damien space to figure out how to be a good father.
20:05Next morning, Damien just nodded at me and dug into breakfast.
20:09He scarfed it down.
20:10Kinda wished I'd put mustard in it today.
20:13A gift for you.
20:16Then he took off for work like hell was chasing him.
20:18I snapped a pic and sent it to Monica.
20:20She said it had just sold at auction for seven millions.
20:23I sent her $1,400 and closed the chat.
20:27I put on the necklace so Luca could see it.
20:30Pretty, right?
20:31Lena, if Dad lost all his money someday, would you still be good to me?
20:37Luca, your dad gave me those gems because I helped you.
20:41It was his way of thanking me.
20:42That's all this is.
20:43But if somebody pays me first and then expects something back,
20:46that's buying me.
20:47And that never lasts.
20:49I take care of you because you're you, not because your dad has money.
20:51If he goes broke, I'm still here.
20:54If he goes broke, I'm still here.
20:56We pinky swore, remember?
20:58You protect me, I protect you.
21:00That's not a transaction.
21:02Same goes for friends.
21:03Be real with people.
21:04Don't use money.
21:05And if they're not real with you, walk away.
21:08He got it.
21:08He touched the beaded bracelet on his wrist and smiled to himself.
21:14That afternoon, Sean brought in a new cook.
21:17She asked what everyone liked and promised to make food we'd actually eat.
21:21I realized Luca isn't really picky.
21:23He just hates being forced.
21:25I tried it, still don't like it.
21:28Okay, then don't eat it.
21:30If I just got him to try it, he'd eat it, frown and all.
21:33And if he still didn't like it after that, I let it go.
21:36That's what helped him relax.
21:39End of August, Luca was about to start school.
21:42I packed his backpack and realized he hadn't done any of his summer homework.
21:46First grade gets summer homework?
21:48I was freaking out.
21:50None of it's done.
21:51School starts the day after tomorrow.
21:53What do we do?
21:55We tell the teacher we're not doing it.
21:56Nice try.
21:57You do the journal and reading log.
21:59I'll handle the crafts and drawings.
22:01Luca does the math himself.
22:03Fine.
22:05Luca tried journaling with Damien and almost burst into tears.
22:10If you can't spell it, sound it out.
22:11You can't do that either?
22:14Lucas, what are they teaching you at school?
22:16I don't want you teaching me.
22:18I want Lena.
22:20Too late.
22:22By the end of the day, Damien finally got it.
22:25His son was a total disaster at school.
22:35Homework's finally done.
22:37We sign him up tomorrow.
22:39And neither of you says a word about today.
22:41Dad's handwriting is worse than mine.
22:44Zip it.
22:45This place finally feels like home.
22:50The next day was registration and the parent-teacher meeting.
22:55I could already feel them shutting us out.
22:58After the meeting, I caught up with his teacher.
23:01What she told me was a shock.
23:03The other kids aren't freezing Luca out.
23:06They're scared to play with him.
23:08Why?
23:10One day, another kid accidentally pulled off Luca's rosary.
23:14Luca snapped and got into a fight.
23:16Then your butler threatened the other child's parents.
23:18They came to apologize, but never even got to see Mr. Rizzo.
23:21After that, Luca was shut out.
23:23No one talked to him and he stopped talking too.
23:26He just sat there every day, fingering his rosary.
23:30I told Damien everything.
23:32Lena, what am I supposed to do?
23:34I grew up the same way.
23:37Pay a consulting fee and I'll tell you.
23:41Oh my God.
23:42How rich is Damien Rizzo?
23:47I put my phone away and started talking him through it like a lesson.
23:52First, I went point by point and Damien wrote it all down.
23:58Thank you, Lena.
24:00It was the first time he'd said my name like that.
24:02It threw me off.
24:03I'm gonna go see if Luca's asleep too.
24:06His eyes were intense.
24:08My heart skipped a beat.
24:11Thanks.
24:12Why is my heart racing?
24:14Why am I blushing?
24:18Luca, why won't you let anyone touch that rosary?
24:22Mum left it for me.
24:23Why did she give you a rosary?
24:25She got it from church for my birthday.
24:28One for me, one for Dad.
24:29But Dad never came home.
24:31Mum said it'd keep me safe so I can never take it off.
24:38If Mum had worn this rosary back then, would she not have gotten sick?
24:43I didn't know how to answer something that innocent.
24:46That night, when Damien got home, I handed him the rosary meant for him.
24:51He looked at it for a long time.
24:56I'm sorry.
24:57That apology was for Isabella.
24:59Too bad she couldn't hear it.
25:02Luca, why won't you let anyone touch that rosary?
25:07Mum left it for me.
25:08Why did she give you a rosary?
25:10She got it from church for my birthday.
25:13One for me, one for Dad.
25:15But Dad never came home.
25:17Mum said it'd keep me safe so I can never take it off.
25:23If Mum had worn this rosary back then, would she not have gotten sick?
25:27I didn't know how to answer something that innocent.
25:32That night, when Damien got home, I handed him the rosary meant for him.
25:36He looked at it for a long time.
25:40I'm sorry.
25:41That apology was for Isabella.
25:44Too bad she couldn't hear it.
25:46The next day, Damien put the rosary on his wrist.
25:50Lena, you don't have a rosary?
25:52Of course not. Isabella didn't know me.
25:54We're family. I have one, Dad has one, and Lena needs one too.
25:58I was just about to say no.
26:00It's okay, I...
26:02I'll get you one.
26:03I thought Damien was kidding.
26:07That night, he slid a gift box over to me.
26:11I put it on right away.
26:13If I'm part of this family, then if he gives it, I'll take it.
26:17I snapped a photo and sent it to Monica.
26:20That agarwood and jade beaded bracelet sold for over $280,000 before.
26:26Girl, no consulting fee this time.
26:28Ask your man if he's got any other rich friends.
26:30I closed the chat fast. That was close.
26:34The next day, I packed Luca a few cute erasers to share with his desk mate or give to a
26:40kid he liked.
26:41Friendships start small. That part was true.
26:44But day one, it didn't work.
26:46He was still alone. But I didn't give up.
26:49You can't rush this.
26:53The next day, I picked Luca up from school with a giant bubble machine.
26:58Luca!
26:59I yelled, Luca, loud enough to make every kid turn and look.
27:03One by one, the kids came over, swatting bubbles and chasing them.
27:07Then more and more joined in.
27:09I handed the bubble machine to Luca.
27:18Luca was suddenly the center of attention.
27:21He looked nervous, but excited too.
27:24By the time the bubbles were gone, the other kids were already pulling Luca into play.
27:29He looked back at me for permission.
27:32Go on.
27:34It was the first time I'd ever seen Luca smile that brightly.
27:40We got home late that day.
27:43Can we come back tomorrow?
27:46Of course.
27:48From now on, after school, we play for an hour and a half.
27:52Then go home and do homework.
27:54Okay.
27:56Later, Luca made a friend at school.
27:58A shy little girl named Amy.
28:04One winter day, I walked in and the room was pitch black.
28:07They were both dressed up, hair slicked neat.
28:10My heart skipped.
28:12This was the family of three I'd always dreamed of.
28:16Happy birthday, Mom.
28:18It was the first time he'd called me Mom.
28:23Thank you, baby.
28:27After the party, I took Luca back to his room.
28:32Mom, you don't have to tuck me in tonight.
28:35Why?
28:37Go be with Dad.
28:39He squeezed his eyes shut, pretending to sleep, with this sneaky little smile.
28:44Seven years old, and he's already playing matchmaker.
28:49I walked into Damien's room.
28:51He was on the couch reading a parenting book.
28:54How'd you win Luca over?
28:56I didn't read all those parenting books for nothing.
28:59Lena, I'm getting better at this.
29:01For a second, I thought he was about to pull out a ring.
29:05My black card.
29:06I've wanted to give it to you for a while.
29:09Tonight felt right.
29:10The legendary black card.
29:12So that's what it looks like.
29:14I still didn't take it.
29:15Lena, take it.
29:16I'm changing.
29:17I could see Damien had changed lately, but it still wasn't enough.
29:21Will you give me a chance?
29:25That black card can buy a lot of things.
29:27But Damien, it can't buy you a wife.
29:32Lena, what do you want?
29:33If I can do it, I will.
29:36Respect.
29:37Freedom.
29:37And I want Luca to grow up okay.
29:40Damien, before I can say yes to you, you need to see a therapist.
29:44His childhood wrecked him.
29:46He needs help.
29:47But Damien fights it on instinct.
29:48I'm not sick.
29:50That's not your call.
29:51It's a doctor's.
29:52Your parents locked you up and abused you.
29:54You don't just outgrow that.
29:55Dream on.
29:56Damien's face darkened.
29:58That familiar pressure came back.
29:59You're not afraid of me?
30:00He was trying to scare me off.
30:02Not happening.
30:03Damien, I'm not going anywhere.
30:05I'll stay with you.
30:06His throat tightened as he looked at the black card in his hand.
30:09It could buy anything except a normal family.
30:12Fine.
30:13I'll go.
30:20The next morning, Luca ate his eggs and kept sneaking looks at Damien.
30:24What?
30:26Dad, are you going to the hospital today?
30:29Not a hospital.
30:30A therapy clinic.
30:31Are you scared?
30:32Damien almost said no.
30:34Then he looked at his son's open face and changed his answer.
30:37A little.
30:38Then I'll go with you.
30:40When I'm scared, Mum stays with me.
30:43Dad's got me.
30:45You stay home and wait for us today, okay?
30:47Then come back early, okay?
30:49Well, that's a first.
30:51The therapy clinic was in a quiet, up-skill office building.
30:55Damien sat on the couch, back Rampod straight.
30:58Mr. Rizzo, tell me about your childhood.
31:00Nothing to tell.
31:02I sat beside him and took his hand.
31:04He tried to pull away.
31:06I didn't let go.
31:07Damien, answer him.
31:10A whip.
31:10My father beat me with a belt until my back was covered in welts.
31:14My mother watched.
31:15Then the punishment room.
31:16Basement.
31:17No windows.
31:18No lights.
31:19I counted to a thousand.
31:20Then two.
31:21Then I stopped, because they were never letting me out.
31:26Then I grew up.
31:27They drugged me and locked me in with Isabella.
31:31Enough!
31:37The vase hit the floor and shattered.
31:39The security guards outside heard it, drew their guns, and rushed in.
31:42Don't come in!
31:43Everything's fine in here!
31:49Damien was breathing hard, eyes bloodshot, like a cornered animal.
31:52Stay away from me.
31:53I might hurt you.
31:54It's okay, Damien.
31:55I know you won't.
31:57Then lock me up in a psych ward.
31:59I'm basically there already.
32:01Of course I wasn't going to send him away.
32:03He'd just never really been loved.
32:05Don't be scared, Damien.
32:06I'm here.
32:07You're safe.
32:08I'm not leaving you.
32:10Lena.
32:14It was late when we got home.
32:16Luca was still up, waiting for us in the living room.
32:20Dad! Mom!
32:22Dad, are you okay?
32:25I'm learning.
32:26Then I'll learn with you.
32:33Therapy had been going on for over a month.
32:35Damien could finally talk about his childhood without blowing up.
32:39Mr. Risco, you can face the past now.
32:42But there's still one thing you keep avoiding.
32:46What?
32:47Your parents.
32:48You still hate them.
32:49They don't deserve it.
32:51No.
32:51On the drive home, I drove.
32:53Damien sat beside me, silent the whole way.
32:56Go see them.
32:57No.
32:58I'm not asking you to forgive them.
33:01Let them go.
33:02If you hate them forever, they own you forever.
33:05And now?
33:06You finally have something of your own.
33:08He went quiet.
33:09I pulled over, killed the engine, and looked at him.
33:12I'll go with you.
33:13Luca will too.
33:14They'll never think they were wrong.
33:16Doesn't matter.
33:17What matters is you go, say your piece, and walk away.
33:20He was quiet for a long time.
33:23Okay.
33:26The nursing home was out in the suburbs, a dreary three-story building.
33:30A few old people sat in wheelchairs in the yard, staring into space.
33:34Damien stopped at the door and just stood there.
33:36Dad, I'll go with you.
33:38He looked down at Luca, took a breath, and went inside.
33:42Their room was upstairs, shared.
33:44Two twin beds, an old wardrobe, and a dying Pontius on the window still.
33:48Damien's father sat in a wheelchair, head tilted, drool at the corner of his mouth.
33:52His mother was on the bed, peeling an apple, her hands rough.
33:55When she saw Damien, it fell from her hand.
33:58You came here?
34:00I'm just here to see you.
34:01His father lifted his cloudy eyes, recognized him, and suddenly got agitated.
34:06You ungrateful son!
34:08You've dumped us in this place!
34:10Do you have any idea how we've been living?
34:11Stop! Stop!
34:12I thought Damien might lose control.
34:14Thank God, he stayed calm.
34:16I didn't come for your approval.
34:18I came to tell you, I'm not your creation anymore.
34:23His father glared at him.
34:24You beat me, locked me up, tortured me.
34:27You called that discipline.
34:28It was abuse.
34:29We only wanted what was best for you.
34:32What's best for me?
34:34You drugged me and locked me in a room.
34:36With a girl I didn't even know, with a girl I didn't even know.
34:39That's your idea of helping me?
34:41His mother started crying.
34:42We were wrong. We were so wrong.
34:45I don't forgive you.
34:47But I don't hate you anymore.
34:48I'm too tired for that.
34:54I have a wife and a son.
34:56I'm going to live right.
34:57I won't be like you.
35:00We stepped out of the nursing home into bright sunlight.
35:03Beside me, Damien let out a long breath.
35:06So this is what it feels like to let go.
35:08Lighter.
35:10Damien smiled, crouched down, and lifted Luca into his arms.
35:13Dad, are we going home?
35:15Home.
35:16I walked beside them, watching the two of them, smiling.
35:19Then Damien freed one hand, took mine, and laced our fingers together.
35:23What are you doing?
35:24Making sure you don't run.
35:26Why would I run?
35:27I don't know. I'm holding on anyway.
35:29His hand was warm.
35:33My evil stepmother Valerie showed up with my dad in a cab.
35:39Valerie was in a black dress with a white flower pinned on, putting on this whole grieving act.
35:44My dad trailed behind her with a cheap bag, eyes darting everywhere.
35:49Remember, start crying the second we get in there.
35:52Say Lena was tortured to death by the Risso father and son, and we're here for justice.
35:56How much are you trying to milk them for?
35:59At least this much.
36:00Seven million dollars.
36:03Who are you here to see?
36:05My poor girl.
36:07Lena, my stepdaughter, married into the Risso family.
36:10We hadn't heard from her in so long, and then we found out she... she died.
36:14I was in a red dress, glowing.
36:17I looked years younger than I ever did living with them.
36:20How are you not dead?
36:22Who died?
36:25Valerie went pale, then forced out a few tears.
36:28Lena!
36:29You're alive!
36:31Thank God!
36:32We heard you married into the Risso family.
36:34We were worried sick!
36:35We thought they...
36:36Tortured me to death.
36:37I got up and walked toward her, slow.
36:40Disappointed?
36:41No.
36:43What'd you say before I came here?
36:44The Risso family father and son are both crazy.
36:47Marry into that family and you won't last three months.
36:50Remember that?
36:51I was worried about you.
36:53Worried about me?
36:54You sold the house my mom left me.
36:57Where's the money?
36:58That was our money!
37:01I turned to him.
37:02Dad, get this straight.
37:04What does my mother's inheritance have to do with the woman you married after she died?
37:09He said nothing.
37:10Then Damien came downstairs.
37:12Sean was right behind him with a stack of papers.
37:15The second they saw Damien, both of them shrunk back.
37:19So you married her into this family to get her killed?
37:22Mr. Risso, it's all a misunderstanding.
37:23He's my mom!
37:25Nobody gets to...
37:27Miss Valerie, this is a court summons.
37:29You've stolen Lena's mother's inheritance, fabricated debt records, and seized her property.
37:34The Ricco family's legal team has filed suit.
37:36What?
37:38Your assets are frozen. The mansion is being taken back.
37:41Every illegal gain in your name will be recovered.
37:44What right do you have?
37:46Damien spoke coolly.
37:47Because I'm the head of the Rizzo family.
37:50He stepped forward.
37:51Valerie and my dad both stepped back.
37:54Get out.
37:55One more step towards her, and you'll regret it.
37:57The security guards moved in and dragged Valerie and my dad out.
38:01Lena! You ungrateful little brat! We raised you!
38:03I walked to the door and looked down at her.
38:06Raised me? After my mom died, you worked me like house staffs.
38:10You shoved me in a storage room. I paid my own tuition.
38:14So what exactly did you do for me?
38:16She had nothing to say.
38:18Oh, and now you don't even have a place to live.
38:22My dad went pale. Good luck.
38:24I smiled and shut the door.
38:27Valerie screaming and my dad's cursing faded as the guards dragged them away.
38:34Damien came over, slipped an arm around my waist, and looked downright smug.
38:39Feel better?
38:40A little. Let's make dinner count tonight.
38:42I want steak!
38:44Fine, but did you finish your homework?
38:46Luca took off for his room.
38:47I'm going right now!
38:49Damien looked at me, then spoke.
38:51I'll get your mom's house back.
38:52No, I can get it back myself.
38:54I know you can, but I want to help.
38:57Let your husband prove himself.
38:59He sounded so pitiful, I couldn't say no.
39:02Fine.
39:03He smiled, took my hand, and kissed it.
39:06Thank you, Mrs. Ritzo.
39:08We had dinner on the terrace as a family.
39:10The new cook was great.
39:12Luca ate two steaks and got black pepper sauce all over his mouth.
39:16Slow down.
39:17Luca suddenly smiled.
39:19What are you smiling about?
39:20Mom, I don't have nightmares anymore.
39:23That's good.
39:24After a while, Luca suddenly turned serious and looked at Damien.
39:28Dad, when are you and Mom getting married?
39:30Damien and I both choked.
39:34I cleared my throat twice.
39:36Luca, your dad and I are already married.
39:39Not really. I never gave you a real wedding.
39:42I turned to him.
39:43Damien set down his glass, got up, and came over to me.
39:47Lena, I'm asking you to marry me again.
39:49I watched him pull a ring box from his pocket.
39:51Lena, please.
39:53Be my wife. Be Luca's mom.
39:55Be the heart of this family.
39:56Not because you need me.
39:58Because I need you.
40:01But you always have the right to say no.
40:02Say yes! Say yes!
40:03I looked into his eyes.
40:05The cold, untouchable mafia boss everyone talked about was on his knees in front of me, palms sweaty with nerves.
40:12Okay, I will.
40:14But if you screw this up, I can still dump you.
40:17You won't get the chance, Mrs. Ruzo.
40:19Then the three of us stay together forever!
40:21been very Цy. Can't
40:21get him. Goodbye.
40:21Bye.
40:22aged one,
40:25bye. Follow