- 2 days ago
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00:00I went blind, saving my boyfriend's life.
00:03Instead, he pushed me straight into another man's arms.
00:09Leela's too clingy.
00:10Ever since she went blind, she wouldn't leave me alone for a second.
00:13I couldn't breathe.
00:14So I got Hubert to pose as me and look after her for a few days.
00:17She didn't even notice.
00:19Hubert was Dominic's older brother, Don of the Russo family.
00:22One of the four ruling mafia families on the East Coast.
00:25I pretended I'd heard nothing and walked away.
00:27When I returned to the estate, a pair of arms slipped around my waist and behind.
00:31Baby, where have you been?
00:33I missed you.
00:34A few hours ago, I heard Dominic in the hall.
00:36Thought my ears were playing tricks on me.
00:38He was with his crew when someone brought up my name.
00:41Dominic, Leela can't see.
00:42You're really okay leaving her home alone?
00:44She's been insanely clingy since she went blind.
00:46She hangs on me all day.
00:48If I leave for even a minute, she starts crying.
00:50She's just dependent on you.
00:51Can't live without you.
00:52I can't baby her forever, so I got Hubert to pose as me and babysit her for a bit.
00:56She didn't suspect a thing.
00:57Finally, I can actually breathe.
01:00Hubert?
01:01Your brother, the cleaner?
01:02He actually agreed to do this?
01:04Only Hubert has my build and voice.
01:05It took me forever to convince him.
01:07Now I owe him a favor.
01:09What favor?
01:11He didn't say.
01:12Only that he'd collect when the time came.
01:14With his rank, we usually beg him for favors.
01:17So, no need to worry.
01:18He'll ask for anything outrageous.
01:20Besides, he's my brother.
01:23What if Leela finds out?
01:25With Hubert handling it, she never will.
01:28She was stupid to begin with.
01:29Now she's blind, too.
01:31How could she possibly figure it out?
01:32Even if she did, a few sweet words would bring her right back.
01:35She loves me too much.
01:37She could never leave me.
01:38Please, can we stop talking about boring people and their stuff?
01:42You promised tonight was supposed to be about celebrating me.
01:44Don't ruin it.
01:45I knew that voice, Beatrice.
01:47Dominic's childhood sweetheart.
01:51She was the only woman in their circle.
01:54Okay, princess.
01:54This jeweler just got a new high jewelry collection.
01:57Pick whatever you want tonight.
01:58It's on me.
02:00That's more like it.
02:02Come on, Beatrice.
02:03Give Dominic a break.
02:04You went off sheets out of nowhere and came back just as fast.
02:07He rushed to see you and wrecked his car.
02:10Now he's even ditched his girlfriend to be here.
02:12Stop giving him such a hard time.
02:13I stood outside the door, my limbs turning cold.
02:16I'd sensed Beatrice's hostility ever since Dominic and I started dating.
02:20So I always kept my distance from his circle.
02:23Two months ago, my high fever wouldn't break.
02:25Dominic skipped the birthday party Beatrice had planned so carefully.
02:28She threw a fit and flew overseas without telling anyone.
02:31Dominic had been worried ever since.
02:33The day of the crash, he was driving me out.
02:35He took a call mid-drive, lost control, and slammed into the guardrail.
02:39My head struck the window.
02:40The impact took my sight.
02:41So that call was from Beatrice?
02:45Serves him right.
02:46Ditching his friends for some girl.
02:48How dare he skip my birthday party?
02:50Dominic didn't mean to miss it.
02:52His girlfriend was sick.
02:53Who knows if she was really sick or just faking it.
02:56Your girlfriend hates me.
02:57She knows she can't beat our history together.
02:59If there were anything between us, Lila wouldn't even stand a chance.
03:03Dominic, I put up with her long enough for you.
03:05You better make it up to me or forget my forgiveness.
03:07Whatever you want.
03:08My time is all yours from now on.
03:09Name it and I'm there.
03:10Much better.
03:12I lingered by the door until the sales clerk approached, slipping a velvet box into my palm.
03:16Miss Lila, your custom promise rings are ready.
03:18Anything else I can get you?
03:20No, thank you.
03:21I walked away without a word.
03:24My palm.
03:25Miss Lila, your custom promise rings are ready.
03:28Anything else I can get you?
03:29No, thank you.
03:30I walked away without a word.
03:35Back home, I fumbled open the shoe cabinet to change my shoes.
03:38An arm suddenly slipped around my waist from behind.
03:41Warm breath skimmed my neck.
03:42His deep, magnetic voice brushed my ear.
03:44Baby, where have you been?
03:45I missed you.
03:47I had a follow-up at the hospital.
03:49Why didn't you tell me?
03:50I said I'd go with you.
03:51What if you tripped or got hurt?
03:52I'm fine.
03:53The driver took me.
03:54Besides, I need to practice going out on my own.
03:56What did the doctor say?
03:58My recovery is slow.
03:59His broad hands cradled my face.
04:01A tender kiss landed over my lashes.
04:04Don't worry, I'm here.
04:06You'll get better.
04:07I had lied.
04:07My sight hadn't fully returned.
04:09But I could already make out blurred shapes.
04:11Through the haze, I saw Hubert bend down, grab a pair of slippers, cup my ankle, and help
04:15me put on the shoes.
04:16As his thumbs caressed my ankle bone, I felt his hands tremble slightly.
04:20A tenderness so deep it bordered on worship.
04:25Barely knew Hubert.
04:26I only knew he was Dominic's older brother, the family's chosen Don.
04:30Even Dominic watched every word around him, afraid of making one wrong move.
04:33Hubert and I had no real overlap before.
04:35We had only crossed paths at a few gatherings.
04:38He always sat alone in dark corners.
04:40A cold, untouchable presence, shutting down anyone who approached.
04:44Yet whenever I looked back, I caught him watching me.
04:46His eyes were dark and unreadable, hiding something I could never name.
04:50I used to think he looked down on me.
04:52Now, I realized I might have been wrong.
04:54Once he finished changing my shoes, he swept me into his arms.
04:57His build was close to Dominic's.
04:59But held this close, I could feel the difference.
05:01He was taller, with a firmer, stronger grip.
05:04Hungry?
05:05What would you like?
05:06Pineapple chicken wings.
05:08Okay.
05:09He carried me inside, then headed to the kitchen.
05:12The estate had plenty of staff.
05:14Still, whenever Hubert was home, he cooked for me himself.
05:17I should have known sooner.
05:22Will you stay by my side tonight?
05:25I'm tired.
05:26Maybe next time.
05:27When his voice first sounded different, he claimed,
05:29I never questioned it.
05:30But Dominic had never been thoughtful.
05:32He never set foot in the kitchen.
05:34When I was hospitalized after the crash, he was barely around.
05:37Yet after I came home, this man never left my side.
05:40Blindness left me anxious and afraid.
05:42Every night, he held me until I fell asleep.
05:44Whenever nightmares jolted me awake,
05:46he wiped away my tears again and again.
05:48He kissed me while calling me baby.
05:50I thought he was trying to make up for the crash.
05:52The truth was, the man beside me had already been replaced.
05:57After dinner, I got ready to shower.
06:00Hubert laid out my clean clothes,
06:01drew the bath, and hold my hand into the bathroom.
06:03As he turned to leave, I reached out and caught his fingertips.
06:08My zipper.
06:09I can't reach it.
06:10Help me?
06:13Of course.
06:17Is that enough?
06:18I turned, sliding my hands up his arms to find his face.
06:21Then I pressed a soft kiss to his Adam's apple.
06:24A muffled groan rumbled in his throat.
06:25Satisfied, I stepped back.
06:27Thank you, baby.
06:28His arm tightened around my waist.
06:30He followed, catching my lower lip between his teeth.
06:33I could feel the sudden tension in his body.
06:35Breathless, I gently pressed against his chest.
06:40I need to shower now.
06:42Be careful.
06:44Don't lock the door.
06:45Call me if you need anything.
06:47I sank into the bath and let myself relax.
06:49As I reached for the bathroom door, I heard him taking a call outside.
06:52His voice was low, but Dominic's broken words still reached me.
06:56Hubert, Leela hasn't noticed, right?
06:59No.
07:00Good.
07:00She can't see, so she gets insecure and throws tantrums.
07:03Just be patient with her.
07:05Hmm.
07:06Thanks.
07:07I'm almost done on my end.
07:08Give me two more days and we can switch back.
07:10No rush.
07:11I reached out and deliberately swiped a glass diffuser off the shelf.
07:14It shattered beneath my feet.
07:16The bathroom door flew open a second later.
07:18What happened?
07:19Are you hurt?
07:22Baby, I'm scared.
07:23Hubert lifted me onto the vanity and kicked the shards aside,
07:26his solid arms locked around my waist.
07:28He lowered his head, kissing the damp corners of my eyes.
07:31You're okay, baby.
07:33I'm here.
07:34Don't be afraid.
07:36What the hell are you two doing?
07:38Who was that?
07:41Nobody important.
07:42The next day, shortly after Hubert left the house,
07:44Beatrice showed up at the front door.
07:47Dominic felt awful about missing my birthday to take care of you.
07:50So he insisted on throwing me another party himself.
07:53I told him it wasn't necessary, but you know Dominic.
07:55When it comes to me, he always goes all out.
07:59Sorry, I can't see right now.
08:01Oh, right.
08:02I forgot you were blind.
08:04Honestly, I'm partly to blame.
08:06Without my sudden call that day, he wouldn't have crashed.
08:09Don't worry.
08:09I already yelled at him for you.
08:12Leela, Dominic and I have been friends forever.
08:14Before you came along, I was always the person he cared about most.
08:17Aren't you thirsty?
08:19Leela, I know you don't like me, but for Dominic's sake, I hope you'll come.
08:23I don't want him caught between us.
08:27Okay.
08:31Fine, she agreed.
08:33It hasn't even been that long.
08:35Why are you already so desperate to switch back?
08:37Are you trying to upset me?
08:39She talked down to me the whole time.
08:41Do you know how wronged I feel?
08:43Fine.
08:44Let's see how you make this up to me.
08:46Three days later, Beatrice's birthday party was held at a private club.
08:51The moment Hubert followed me inside, the entire room fell silent.
08:54Everyone stiffened.
08:55Hubert ignored them and led me to the couch.
08:57He sat beside me, feeding me fruit straight from a small fork.
09:01Soon, the room went dead silent.
09:03Only my chewing echoed.
09:05Jaws dropped everywhere.
09:06I thought he only agreed to look after Leela because Dominic begged him.
09:10Why does he look like he's enjoying it?
09:11This PDA is crazy.
09:13I wish I were the blind one right now.
09:14Go tell Dominic.
09:15Baby, I left my medication in your car.
09:18Could you get it for me?
09:20Don't worry.
09:21I'll stay right here.
09:22Everyone will look after me.
09:24Hubert's cold gaze swept across the room.
09:26They rushed to reassure him.
09:27Of course.
09:28Uh, Dominic.
09:29Leela will be perfectly safe with us.
09:33I'll be right back.
09:35The moment he disappeared, everyone gathered around me.
09:38Someone waved a hand in front of my eyes.
09:40Only then did they seem to understand that I was blind.
09:43Leela, can you tell who I am by my voice?
09:47Um, Chloe?
09:48Oh my God, how did you get that?
09:51What about me?
09:52Hank?
09:55The door suddenly swung open.
09:57Hubert and Dominic stood on opposite sides of the entrance.
09:59What happened?
10:00Leela?
10:01Your boyfriend is back.
10:03Dominic.
10:07Leela, you recognized everyone just by hearing their voices.
10:10That was impressive.
10:11Why don't we play a game?
10:12What game?
10:13Guess which of the two men by the door is your boyfriend?
10:16Eager for the show, everyone guided me toward them.
10:19Leela?
10:20I'm right here.
10:21I followed his voice.
10:22His smug grin widened with every step.
10:25Leela, what's wrong?
10:27Dominic, why aren't you saying anything?
10:29Hubert's clenched fist instantly loosened.
10:31He looked up, almost unable to believe I was speaking to him.
10:36Leela, who are you talking to?
10:38I'm right here.
10:39Come over here.
10:40I tuned him out, my hands searching the air.
10:42Dominic, I'm scared.
10:44Hubert gently drew me into his arms, his voice soft.
10:47Don't be afraid.
10:49I'm here.
10:50The room fell dead silent.
10:52It's over.
10:53Even Beatrice hadn't expected this.
10:54Glancing at Dominic's dark face, she forced a tight smile.
10:57Leela, do you know what you're doing?
10:58I ignored her and tugged Hubert's arm.
11:01Dominic, I'm tired.
11:02Can we go home?
11:05Of course.
11:06Right at the door, a hard grip clamped around my wrist.
11:09Leela, you've got the wrong man.
11:10I'm your boyfriend, Dominic.
11:12Hubert, my girlfriend is blind.
11:14She mixed us up.
11:14Stop playing along.
11:16Come on, Lila.
11:17I'm taking you home.
11:19I tore free and stepped back in disgust, pressing myself into Hubert's chest.
11:23Dominic, your friend has a strange sense of humor.
11:25How could I possibly mistake someone else for my own boyfriend?
11:28Dominic's confidence finally shattered.
11:31Lila, don't scare me.
11:32You recognized everyone else?
11:34How could you not recognize my voice?
11:36Stop this.
11:36Please come home with me.
11:37He reached for me again.
11:39Hubert blocked him.
11:41You're making my girlfriend uncomfortable.
11:45Your girlfriend?
11:47What the hell does that mean?
11:49Explain yourself, Hubert.
11:50We're brothers, yet you're claiming my girlfriend as yours?
11:52You've been waiting for this all along, haven't you?
11:57What gave you the impression you could speak to me like that?
12:00Remembering Hubert's status, Dominic fell silent.
12:05If I remember correctly, you promised me one favor when you begged for my help.
12:09I'm collecting now.
12:11Stay away from us.
12:13Bother my girlfriend again, and I'll run you off the East Coast.
12:20We hadn't gone far when Dominic's furious roar erupted behind us.
12:24The glass shattered inside the room.
12:25Security rushed past, saying someone had snapped and was destroying the place.
12:30Back home, I sat on the couch without a trace of emotion.
12:33Hubert stood before me.
12:34At six foot two, he usually towered over everyone.
12:37Why aren't you saying anything?
12:40Can you see again?
12:41I nodded.
12:42He fell silent.
12:43I scoffed.
12:46If you have nothing to say, leave.
12:48Hubert immediately crouched in front of me, his long fingers carefully hooked around mine.
12:52I'm sorry, baby.
12:53I was wrong.
12:54Please don't be angry.
12:55When I didn't pull away, he edged closer.
12:57His cautious touch became a firm hold.
13:00When they asked you to choose back there, why didn't you call for me?
13:03I knew your sight was back.
13:04I thought you would choose him.
13:05If I had, would you have done nothing?
13:08He didn't answer.
13:09Just when I took his silence as confirmation, he spoke.
13:12No.
13:12His eyes darkened, even imagining it seemed unbearable to him.
13:15I would have taken you.
13:16I would have stolen you right back.
13:18I was just afraid you'd hate me.
13:20Really?
13:21You weren't scared when you kissed and held me blind?
13:24Instead of panicking, Hubert looked relieved.
13:26He tilted his face toward me, naked possession burning in his eyes.
13:29Dump him, baby.
13:30Choose me.
13:31Hubert, you're pushing your luck.
13:33I am.
13:33I'm greedy, insatiable, I'm despicable, and I'm guilty.
13:37But baby, you didn't choose him.
13:39I've never been happier.
13:40He slowly rose.
13:41His knee brushed mine through the fabric.
13:42He leaned over me, bracing his hands against the couch, caging me in.
13:45His heated breath moved closer.
13:47A feather-like kiss landed on my cheek.
13:49Be with me, baby.
13:51Please.
13:52For once, I heard something almost pleading in his voice.
13:54I'm begging you, baby.
13:57I hadn't even said yes, but that baby rolled right off his tongue.
14:00Baby.
14:01We'll see.
14:02We'll see.
14:02I'm still angry.
14:03Then punish me.
14:06Whatever it takes to make you forgive me.
14:09Could answer.
14:10Violent pounding erupted at the door.
14:12Leela!
14:13Open up!
14:14It's Dominic!
14:15He banged both fists against the door.
14:16Leela?
14:17Leela!
14:18I'm sorry.
14:19I lied to you.
14:20The man taking care of you this past month wasn't me.
14:22It was Hubert.
14:23I only asked him for help.
14:24I never knew he had an agenda.
14:26He crossed every line with you.
14:27He wanted you all along.
14:29He was waiting for a chance to steal you from me!
14:31Leela, don't let him fool you!
14:32I shifted slightly, thinking I meant to answer the door.
14:35Hubert locked his arms around me.
14:37Don't go.
14:38I won't let you.
14:42I won't let you.
14:44He's disturbing the neighbors.
14:46Then they can call the police and have him arrested.
14:48Leela, please let me in!
14:50I know I was wrong!
14:51I'm sorry, this is between us.
14:53We can fix it ourselves.
14:54Don't fall for Hubert's act.
14:56He's not a good man!
14:58Hubert scoffed.
14:59He lowered his head, cupping my ears to muffle the noise.
15:01Then he leaned closer, peppering my cheek and the corner of my mouth with soft kisses.
15:05Look at me, baby.
15:06Don't listen to him.
15:07His body ran hot, surrounding me in warmth.
15:09The heat wherever our skin touched left my thoughts spinning.
15:12Dominic was still yelling outside.
15:13Hubert swept me into his arms and carried me into the bedroom.
15:17He covered me in heated kisses.
15:19His touch stayed gentle, but the command behind it left no room to retreat.
15:23I could barely breathe.
15:24My mind emptied.
15:25All I felt was his warmth, his scent, and the heavy palm cradling the back of my neck.
15:29I instinctively pushed against him.
15:30Hubert drew back, giving me space to breathe.
15:33But his lips never fully left my skin.
15:34He trailed kisses down my jawline, settling against my earlobe, gently biting down.
15:38Baby, you still haven't told me how you're going to punish me.
15:40I was too dazed to think.
15:42He smiled and began undoing his shirt.
15:44If you can't decide, I'll do it my way.
15:45I expected something far more reckless.
15:47Instead, he pulled a ring from his pocket.
15:49It was exactly my size.
15:50With a perfectly cut pink diamond at its center, he slid it onto my ring finger.
15:54A matching plain band already circled his own.
15:56He threaded his fingers through mine and lifted our joined hands into the light.
15:59He turned them from side to side, admiring the rings.
16:01Beautiful.
16:02Then, he leaned in again.
16:03This time, his lips settled against my neck.
16:08I couldn't stop myself from grabbing his hair.
16:10Under the moonlight, the diamond threw a faint pink glow through his strands.
16:14Hubert lifted his head, moisture glistening on his lips.
16:17Only then did it hit me.
16:18This wasn't punishment.
16:19It was a reward.
16:21The next day, I slept until noon.
16:23When I woke, a dull ache stretched from my waist to my calves.
16:26Hubert sat beside the bed, his head propped on one hand.
16:29The moment my eyes opened, he handed me a glass of water.
16:32Once I finished, he pulled me into his arms, nuzzling and kissing me with shameless delight.
16:38Hungry?
16:38I made lunch.
16:39All your favorites.
16:40I was ready to yell at him.
16:42My stomach growled first.
16:43Fine.
16:44Good before revenge.
16:45After lunch, he took me to the hospital for a follow-up.
16:48The second we opened the door, Dominic startled me.
16:53He was hunched against the wall, his shirt a crumpled mess.
16:57His eyes were sunken and bloodshot.
16:59He had pounded on our door until the neighbors threatened to call the police.
17:03After it went quiet, I assumed he had given up and left.
17:06Apparently, he had spent the entire night in the hallway.
17:09Hearing the door, Dominic shot up and lunged at me.
17:11Before he could touch me, a powerful arm shot past my shoulder and shoved him back.
17:15Hubert held a trash bag in one hand and pulled me behind him with the other.
17:19Watch it, baby.
17:20There's a bum out here.
17:23Get away from her, Hubert.
17:25I never knew you were this twisted.
17:29What did you do to her last night?
17:33What do you think couples do?
17:35More importantly, you ignored my warning.
17:38You that eager to get kicked out of the East Coast?
17:42You know the family cab's answer to me now.
17:45Dominic clenched his fists and looked at me.
17:51Leela, I was wrong.
17:52I was a complete bastard.
17:54I'm sorry.
17:57Please forgive me.
17:59I swear I'll treat you a hundred times better from now on.
18:02Don't believe, Hubert.
18:03Don't stay with him.
18:04He's my brother.
18:05I know how filthy his tricks are.
18:06He's always wanted to steal everything I have.
18:08Give me one more chance to make this right.
18:10Please.
18:11There is no second chance.
18:13Who I choose has nothing to do with you.
18:16Stay out of my life.
18:19You disgust me.
18:22Leela?
18:23Get this straight.
18:24I dumped you.
18:25Then I walked straight toward the elevator without looking back.
18:28Over the next few days, Dominic camped outside my building, rain or shine.
18:31During the day, Hubert made a point of stepping out onto the balcony to hang my laundry.
18:35At night, he pulled me against the window, kissing me deep.
18:38The light cast our tangled silhouettes across the curtains.
18:42I didn't know whether to laugh or sigh.
18:44You're so childish.
18:48Dominic went completely off the rails.
18:50He bombarded my phone with calls and texts.
18:53Leela!
18:54Open the door!
18:55Just hear me out!
18:56I covered my ears on the couch, blocking it out.
18:59But the pounding was relentless.
19:01Leela, I know I was wrong.
19:02I really mean it.
19:03But what we had was real.
19:04You can't erase our past.
19:05You can't!
19:05I shot to my feet.
19:07Hubert glanced out from the kitchen.
19:08I waved him off and strode to the door.
19:10The lock clicked.
19:11Dominic nearly pitched forward into the apartment.
19:14Leela!
19:15You finally agreed to see me!
19:18Do you know how scared I was when I went blind?
19:21Where were you then?
19:22You disappeared from my hospital room and let Beatrice come torment me.
19:26All you could think about was getting rid of me.
19:28And you actually did it.
19:32You found someone to replace you and take care of me.
19:35You thought I was blind and stupid and would never figure it out, right?
19:39Leela, I...
19:40Back then I actually...
19:44You were buying Beatrice the latest jewelry collection.
19:47You promised to spend every second by her side.
19:51You knew I went blind because of you.
19:53But you couldn't spare me even half your patience.
19:56Still, thank you.
19:58The replacement you chose was amazing.
20:00I like him very much.
20:01I turned away.
20:02Hubert stood with his arms crossed, looking down at his broken younger brother.
20:06Enough, Dominic.
20:07Don't come back.
20:08A month later, a friend called me.
20:11Leela, did you hear?
20:12Something happened to Dominic.
20:14What happened?
20:15Hubert sent him to a family compound up north to recover.
20:18Some people say he was exiled to a remote farm down south.
20:22Either way, he won't be coming back anytime soon.
20:24And Beatrice's family went bankrupt.
20:26Every deal her father had was blocked.
20:29Once their cash flow dried up, the whole business collapsed overnight.
20:32Beatrice disappeared too.
20:33Some say she fled, but no one knows where she went.
20:38With Dominic exiled and Beatrice ruined, I thought I'd finally have some peace.
20:42The quiet didn't even last a week.
20:46Beatrice has lost it.
20:50She resurfaced after the bankruptcy.
20:52She's driving around the city looking for you, out for blood.
20:55Then he took my hand.
20:56Do you trust me?
20:57We can end this together.
20:59Yes.
21:01After everything, I'm not that helpless girl crying in the dark anymore.
21:06He released my hand and made a call.
21:08Someone answered immediately.
21:10Leak the word.
21:13Leela has a routine checkup at St. Mary's in 30 minutes.
21:16Drop the route she usually takes.
21:18Make sure Beatrice knows where to find her.
21:2030 minutes later, we were in the underground garage at St. Mary's.
21:24Hubert's car waited in a dark corner.
21:26He and his men had disappeared into the shadows.
21:28I stood alone beside the car.
21:30A shrill squeal of burning rubber ripped through the silence.
21:33A red sports car tore into the garage.
21:35It fishtailed to a stop a short distance away.
21:37The door flew open.
21:39Beatrice climbed out.
21:40A knife flashed in her hand.
21:43Lila!
21:46You...
21:47This is all your fault.
21:48Dominic was exiled because of you.
21:50My family lost everything because of you.
21:52I'll kill you!
21:54Fear seized me.
21:55Still, I forced myself to hold my ground.
21:57Kill me?
21:58Beatrice?
21:59You still don't get it.
22:00I poured every ounce of contempt into my voice.
22:03Even without me, Dominic would never love you.
22:06Shut up!
22:07She shrieked, lunging forward with terrifying speed.
22:09Just before the blade reached me,
22:11several dark figures burst from behind the pillars.
22:14One struck her wrist with perfect precision.
22:16The knife clattered across the floor.
22:18Hubert stepped slowly forward.
22:19He lifted his bespoke leather shoe and stomped down hard.
22:23No!
22:25Hubert didn't even flinch.
22:26He turned to the guard beside him.
22:29Clean this up.
22:30Make her and her family disappear from the city.
22:32For the first time, I saw the dawn's true face.
22:37Back home, strong arms wrapped around me from behind.
22:39He buried his chin into the crook of my neck.
22:42Baby, did I scare you?
22:44I didn't answer.
22:45He mistook my silence for fear and held me tighter.
22:48That's what my world looks like.
22:49I only want to give you everything pure and beautiful.
22:52But Beatrice, she wanted to hurt you.
22:54I couldn't let her touch you.
22:56Not a single scratch.
22:57He buried his face against my neck,
22:59hot breath spilling over my skin.
23:01I can keep all that darkness where you'll never have to see it.
23:03I can build you the safest, cleanest castle in the world.
23:05But Leela, now you've seen me.
23:08He fell silent.
23:09His heart hammered against my back through two layers of clothing,
23:12fast and heavy.
23:13He was afraid.
23:13Afraid I'd pull away.
23:14Afraid I'd fear him.
23:15Afraid I'd reject him.
23:16I said nothing.
23:17Turned around.
23:18Rose onto my toes.
23:19And kissed him with everything I had.
23:20Moonlight slipped through the curtains,
23:22painting a thin silver line across the floor.
23:24We stood there holding each other.
23:25Neither of us let go.
23:28The phone rang.
23:29It was Hubert's mother.
23:30Dominic has been crying here all day.
23:32He says you sent him north and stole his fiancée.
23:35Hubert, bring that woman home.
23:36Now.
23:37The Russo family estate sat on a hill overlooking the city.
23:40Only a handful of people waited in the living room.
23:43Hubert, you've disappointed me.
23:45Dominic is your brother.
23:46You sent him north over a woman?
23:48Is that how an older brother behaves?
23:52Dominic loved you.
23:53He gave you everything.
23:54You repaid him by seducing his brother?
23:56Right on cue.
23:57Dominic looked utterly heartbroken.
23:59Before I could answer, Hubert stepped forward and shielded me.
24:01Mother.
24:02Watch your words.
24:03Leela is my insulting her means insulting me.
24:05I already explained why Dominic was sent north.
24:08He drinks too much and keeps starting trouble.
24:10If he stayed on the east coast, he would eventually get himself killed.
24:13I was protecting him.
24:15Protecting him?
24:15You dumped him in that frozen hell spot and call it protection?
24:19Have you seen him lying awake every night?
24:20I've seen how much trouble he causes when he's here.
24:22Hubert's voice never wavered.
24:25Mother, I know what you want.
24:27You want me to step aside, forgive Dominic, and send Leela away?
24:31That will never happen.
24:33The room fell so silent I could hear logs snapping in the fireplace.
24:37Can't you let me have this one thing?
24:38Just once?
24:39Hubert looked down at him, something complicated passing through his eyes.
24:43Love isn't something I can hand over, Dominic.
24:45If Leela loved you, I'd let her go.
24:47But she loves me.
24:48Turn took my hand and led me through the heavy front doors.
24:51Cold night air swept over us.
24:53Only then did I realize my eyes were wet.
24:55Hubert lowered his head and kissed away the tear.
24:57It's over.
24:59No one will come between us again.
25:00Each word of promise.
25:01Then he paused.
25:02Hope and nerves flickered in his dark eyes.
25:04Let's talk about the wedding, okay?
25:07Okay.
25:08Months later, in the dead of night, my phone buzzed with an unknown call.
25:11I whispered twice into the receiver.
25:13Only silence breathed back.
25:15Cut off mid-motion, Hubert leaned over, frustrated hunger burning in his eyes as he clocked the area code.
25:20A heavy palm pinned my wrists above my head, his mouth crashing down to smother mine.
25:24Focus, baby.
25:25Then he cut the line and took me again, rougher than before.
25:30The unknown number called again the next morning.
25:32This time I answered without waking Hubert.
25:35Dominic?
25:37You knew it was me.
25:39I recognize the area code.
25:41Of course.
25:43You can see everything now.
25:45What do you want?
25:48You.
25:49Come back to me, Leela.
25:51Hubert manipulated you while you were vulnerable.
25:52Whatever you think you feel for him isn't real.
25:54My feelings are the first real thing I've had in a long time.
25:57He won't marry you.
25:59The line went dead.
26:00A moment later, Hubert's arm tightened around my waist.
26:03I turned and found him watching me.
26:05There was no sleep left in his eyes.
26:07You should have woken me.
26:09I can handle Dominic.
26:11I know.
26:12But you shouldn't have to handle him alone.
26:14He brushed his thumb across my cheek.
26:16Before I could answer, someone rang the doorbell.
26:19A black box waited outside.
26:21Inside were the promise rings I had ordered before I discovered Dominic's betrayal.
26:25Beneath them lay a handwritten note.
26:27Asterisk, you promised yourself to me first.
26:29Hubert read it without expression, but his jaw tightened.
26:32Our wedding is in three days.
26:33We can postpone it.
26:34No.
26:35Leela.
26:35I spent months letting Dominic's choices control my life.
26:37I won't give him another day.
26:39You sure?
26:40I chose you when I thought I was blind.
26:42Now I can see you clearly and I'm choosing you again.
26:46Three days.
26:47Outside, a dark car slowly pulled away from the curb.
26:50Dominic had been watching us.
26:53The day before the wedding, Hubert doubled the security around the estate.
26:57Every entrance was guarded.
26:59Every delivery was inspected.
27:00Even the florist had to show identification three times.
27:03Still, Dominic found a way in.
27:05Hubert's mother arrived in the evening, carrying a garment bag.
27:09I brought the Russo family veil.
27:11It belongs to the Don's bride.
27:12It wasn't an apology, but it was the closest she had come.
27:16Dominic called me.
27:17He said he only wanted to say goodbye.
27:19And you believed him?
27:21He's my son.
27:22So is Hubert!
27:23Pain crossed her face.
27:25Before she could respond, the lights went out.
27:26A hand covered my mouth.
27:27When I woke, I was lying in the back seat of a moving car.
27:30Dominic sat beside me, gripping my wrist.
27:36Don't scream.
27:37You're kidnapping me, and you expect me to stay calm?
27:40I'm saving you.
27:41We're going to the chapel where we plan to marry.
27:44Once Hubert understands your mind, this nightmare will end.
27:46You ended us when you replaced yourself.
27:48I made one mistake!
27:49No.
27:50You made a choice every day.
27:53His grip loosened.
27:54That was all I needed.
27:55I slipped my hand into the hidden pocket inside my dress
27:58and pressed the emergency transmitter Hubert had given me.
28:00Dominic didn't notice.
28:02You'll forgive me.
28:03You always do.
28:11No, Dominic.
28:12In the distance, black vehicles turned onto the same deserted road.
28:15This time, you're the one who didn't notice.
28:20I stood at the edge of a frozen lake.
28:22Dominic dragged me inside and locked the doors.
28:26Dust covered the pews, and dead flowers lay scattered across the altar.
28:30This was supposed to be ours.
28:32No.
28:33It was only ever your fantasy.
28:35You loved me.
28:37I loved the person I thought you were.
28:39Headlights swept across the stained glass windows.
28:42Tell Hubert to leave!
28:44The chapel doors burst open.
28:46Hubert entered alone.
28:47Let her go.
28:49You took everything from me.
28:51You handed her to me.
28:53I trusted you.
28:55You abandoned her.
28:56For one terrible second, Dominic's finger tightened on the trigger.
29:00Dominic, stop!
29:02I protected you because I thought Hubert had been cruel.
29:06But this isn't love.
29:08You're frightening her.
29:10Dominic's arm began to shake.
29:12I gently placed my hand over the gun.
29:15If you ever loved me, let me go.
29:19His eyes met mine.
29:20Whatever he saw there finally broke him.
29:22Hubert crossed the distance in seconds,
29:24pulling me behind him as his men restrained Dominic.
29:27Outside, snow had begun to fall.
29:29I failed you.
29:32No.
29:32You found me.
29:35We can cancel tomorrow.
29:39Absolutely not.
29:42I already have a dress.
29:49Next morning, sunlight poured across the Russo estate,
29:52turning the entire hill silver and white.
29:54Inside, every room overflowed with flowers.
29:56Hubert waited beneath an arch of winter roses.
29:58For a man feared throughout the East Coast,
30:00he looked remarkably nervous.
30:01The moment I appeared, his eyes locked on mine.
30:04I walked toward him without anyone guiding me.
30:05Months ago, darkness had swallowed my world.
30:08I loved you before you ever truly saw me.
30:11I loved you when I had no right to ask for anything.
30:15I promise I will never hide behind another man's name again.
30:18I had believed losing my sight meant losing myself.
30:21Instead, it revealed everything I had refused to see.
30:23You came into my life pretending to be someone else,
30:26but you cared for me more honestly than anyone ever had.
30:30I don't love you because you saved me.
30:32I love you because you taught me I could save myself.
30:35He slid the ring onto my finger.
30:36When we kissed, the room erupted in applause.
30:39Dominic never returned to the East Coast.
30:46Dominic never returned to the East Coast.
30:46I was suddenly bowing through my soul.
30:46I
30:46I don't know.
31:02I don't know.
31:14And this time, neither of us ever let go.