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- 2 days ago
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00:00Twenty years ago, my father and his mistress framed my pregnant mother, Grace Hayes.
00:04They used fake pictures to frame the mother.
00:06No, no, I don't know him.
00:08No one believed her denials, desperate to prove her innocence.
00:11She nearly hurt herself with scissors.
00:13They called her insane and locked her away in a mountain psychiatric facility.
00:17She gave birth to me there, then she jumped from the roof.
00:20The patients raised me afterward.
00:22Each taught me something different.
00:23For twenty years, I'd waited for a chance to get revenge.
00:26Today, it finally came.
00:28My family sent someone to collect me.
00:30They wanted me to marry in my younger sister's place.
00:32My half-sister, Chloe, was sobbing.
00:34Mom! Dad! I'm not marrying that psycho, Adrian Moretti!
00:38He's a vicious bastard! Three wives are already dead!
00:41I'm not letting him kill me, too!
00:43Adrian ruled the country's largest mafia family.
00:46My stepmother, Vivian, held Chloe close.
00:48Don't worry, sweetheart. We won't let that happen.
00:51Your father brought her back to take your place.
00:53Let her walk into that nightmare.
00:55So that's why you brought me home?
00:56To die for her?
00:58My father, Richard Bennett, picked up my mother's urn.
01:00If you won't marry him, I'll smash this.
01:03Your mother won't get any peace, even in death.
01:05Something inside me went cold.
01:07Those ashes were all I had left of her.
01:09He wouldn't even leave those alone.
01:10He'd been just as ruthless when he drove her to her death for his mistress.
01:13I'd come back to send them all straight to hell.
01:15Sure. I'll marry him.
01:17The living room went silent.
01:18They stared like they couldn't believe what they'd heard.
01:20You're actually willing to marry him?
01:21If Chloe's too scared, I'll take her place.
01:24But I have one condition.
01:25Give me my mother's asses and everything she inherited from my grandfather.
01:28You stole their money to support your mistress, Dad.
01:31You even had a child with her.
01:32It's time you paid it back.
01:33What the hell are you talking about?
01:34I never touched your mother's money.
01:36Really?
01:37Then why did my grandfather's company change from Hayes to Bennett?
01:40He had no answer.
01:41Watch your mouth.
01:42Your father was only looking after those assets for your mother.
01:45Looking after them?
01:45Don't think I don't know what happened.
01:47You two drove her to her death.
01:49You'll never repay what you owe her.
01:51Dad hesitated for a long moment.
01:53Then he gritted his teeth and handed me the urn.
01:56Fine.
01:56Marry him.
01:57Get Adrian to accept you as his wife.
01:59Then I'll return everything that belonged to your mother and grandfather.
02:03Dad!
02:03She's some feral brat born to a lunatic!
02:05Why should she get anything?
02:08Take her to the children.
02:09The Morettis are sending a car.
02:10It'll be here any minute.
02:11Get your things.
02:12Be ready.
02:12Dad, are you seriously giving her all those shares?
02:14Giving them back?
02:15She has to survive long enough to collect.
02:17None of Adrian's three wives lasted two weeks.
02:19How many days do you think she'll manage?
02:21Oh, I get it.
02:22Guess we'll just wait for her body.
02:24A luxury car waited outside.
02:26I climbed in.
02:27It took me straight to the mansion on the Moretti estate.
02:29That night, I finally met Adrian Moretti,
02:32the man whose three previous wives had all ended up dead.
02:34He sat before the windows.
02:36A massive black panther rested its head against his knee.
02:39Adrian looked down at me like I was merchandise he hadn't decided to buy.
02:43So you're the bride the Bennets sent to settle their debt?
02:46Yes.
02:46Elena Hayes.
02:47The Bennets only have one daughter, and her last name is Bennet.
02:50Chloe was too scared to marry you.
02:52That's when Richard remembered the daughter he'd thrown away.
02:54The one his first wife gave birth to.
02:56You live under my roof.
02:57You follow my rules.
02:59Read it.
03:00Sign if you agree.
03:01It was a prenup.
03:02First, I had to take proper care of his two children.
03:05Second, his private affairs were none of my business.
03:07Third, I had one month to win both children over.
03:09If I failed, the marriage was off.
03:11The Bennets would still owe every last cent.
03:13I almost laughed.
03:15My family thought handing me over would wipe their debt clean.
03:18They had no idea how ruthless Adrian really was.
03:20I picked up the pen and signed, not for them.
03:23I was protecting what my grandfather had left my mother,
03:25and I intended to use the Moretti family's power.
03:27Richard and Vivian would pay for everything they'd done to her, with interest.
03:31Take her to the children.
03:32The butler led me upstairs and stopped outside the children's room.
03:35He hesitated.
03:36Elena, please be careful.
03:38The second I opened the door, a basin of water tipped down from above.
03:41I caught its rim.
03:42One turn of my wrist steadied it.
03:44Then I set it on the floor without spilling a drop.
03:46I'd caught much worse of the facilities.
03:48First, they'd used ink.
03:49Later, it was leftovers and filthy dishwater.
03:52They'd told me to catch it or wear it.
03:54I stepped farther inside.
03:55Something pulled tight against my ankle.
03:57Something shifted overhead.
03:59The white bag dropped straight toward my head.
04:00I twisted aside.
04:02It brushed my ear and slammed into the butler's face.
04:05Oliver, please, can you stop this?
04:08Serves you right.
04:09You brought her up here.
04:10I told you I don't want a new mom.
04:11Footsteps sounded behind us.
04:13Adrian had followed.
04:14Walter, you let him do this again?
04:16Sir, I didn't dare refuse your son's orders.
04:19Be grateful he told you to fill that bag with flour.
04:22It could have been something else.
04:24Next time he asks you to do this, you refuse.
04:27I let your other stunts go, Oliver.
04:29Not this one.
04:29I chose her.
04:30No!
04:31I don't want someone else being my mom!
04:33I'll go after him.
04:34I hurried out.
04:35Oliver was stumbling as he ran.
04:36He'd already reached the stairs.
04:38Then his little foot slipped.
04:40Oliver!
04:41Adrian shouted behind me.
04:42I lunged forward and caught the back of Oliver's collar.
04:45I yanked him back before he could fall.
04:47My forearm scraped hard against the edge of a stair.
04:49Pain shot through me.
04:50Adrian stepped closer, frowning.
04:52You're hurt.
04:53Get the first aid kit.
04:55Oliver peeked out of my arms.
04:57You got hurt saving me.
05:00Does it hurt?
05:01Ow!
05:02It really hurts.
05:03I think something's wrong with the bone.
05:04I can't move my arm.
05:06Isn't that a little much?
05:07I winked at him.
05:09What am I going to do?
05:12What if my arm never works again?
05:14What if I can't do anything?
05:16Don't be scared.
05:17My dad has lots of money.
05:19He can take care of you.
05:20He paused.
05:21I can take care of you, too.
05:23Walter returned with the first aid kit.
05:25Adrian opened it, ready to clean my wound.
05:27Didn't you say you'd take care of me?
05:29You do it.
05:29But I'm only five.
05:30I don't know how.
05:32Your dad can teach you.
05:33Adrian took out antiseptic and gauze.
05:35Still, he patiently showed Oliver what to do.
05:39Oliver carefully dabbed my scrape with a cotton swab.
05:41Ow!
05:42That hurts!
05:43Be gentle!
05:44He leaned closer, puffed out his cheeks, and softly blew on my arm.
05:47There.
05:48I'll blow on it.
05:49It won't hurt anymore.
05:51Adrian and Walter looked stunned.
05:53Apparently, neither had seen this little menace act so gently.
05:56I kept complaining.
05:57Oliver frantically searched his pockets.
05:59He pulled out a piece of candy.
06:01Candy makes it better.
06:02Open your mouth.
06:03I let him feed it to me.
06:04That tastes extra sweet because you gave it to me.
06:07Look!
06:07It doesn't hurt anymore.
06:09Well, if it hurts again, I'll give you another one.
06:12That won't work.
06:13Too much candy will hurt my teeth.
06:14You promised to take care of me.
06:15You have to keep your word.
06:16Okay.
06:18Then let's start now.
06:19That evening, I sat in the bathroom while Oliver helped wash my face and brush my teeth.
06:23Never taken care of anyone before.
06:25By the end, he looked ready to collapse.
06:27At bedtime, I asked him to stay with me and tell me a story.
06:29You're a grown-up!
06:30Why do you need someone to sleep with you?
06:32Aren't you embarrassed?
06:33I'm injured.
06:34You promised to take care of me, remember?
06:36He reluctantly gave in.
06:37After changing into pajamas, he climbed into bed and started telling me a story.
06:42Fell asleep after a few sentences.
06:46The next morning, he fought back yawns while squeezing toothpaste onto my brush.
06:50Then he rung out a washcloth.
06:52He was already getting better at this.
06:54I want eggs, bacon, and toast.
06:56Made by you.
06:58Why do you need so much stuff?
07:00I'm injured.
07:02That shut him up.
07:03He went downstairs and climbed onto a stool in the kitchen.
07:05Then he asked the maids to teach him how to crack eggs and cook bacon.
07:09Adrian came down to find me comfortably seated at the breakfast table.
07:12Oliver was scrambling around in the kitchen.
07:14I waved him over.
07:15Sit down.
07:16Oliver's handling breakfast.
07:17Oliver carried out a plate.
07:19Dad, try what I made.
07:21Elena says it's good.
07:22Then a chubby girl about 12 came downstairs.
07:24She stared at me, her expression sour.
07:26So your dad's new woman?
07:28My brother's five and you've got him cooking for you?
07:32Who the hell do you think you are?
07:34Sophie, watch your mouth.
07:36Adrian's voice turned cold.
07:37Sophie Moretti bristled.
07:39Am I wrong?
07:40She doesn't belong here.
07:41What gives her the right to boss us around?
07:43I wanted to.
07:45She saved me.
07:46I'm taking care of her.
07:48Sophie glanced at my bandaged arm and sneered.
07:50All this drama over a scratch?
07:52Only an idiot like him would fall for that.
07:54I took in her outfit, an absurdly tight top.
07:57Who picked that outfit?
07:58It's hideous.
07:59What did you say?
08:01I said it's completely wrong for school.
08:03And it's ugly.
08:04Whoever told you to wear that wants people laughing at you.
08:07Bullshit!
08:08My friends picked these out.
08:09It's called wearing what I want.
08:10Ever heard of it?
08:12These friends spend your money, don't they?
08:13I kept my voice called.
08:15Of course they agree with you.
08:17Of course they tell you that you look great.
08:19They want you paying.
08:20But do they dress like that?
08:22She had no answer.
08:23If they cared about you, they wouldn't let you walk around looking like this.
08:25Why do they praise your outfits but never wear anything like them?
08:28Why?
08:29Because they're jealous.
08:30They want you looking ridiculous.
08:31Then teachers and other kids won't like you, and you'll have nobody but them.
08:34Let me guess.
08:35You don't have any other friends.
08:36Her face burned.
08:37That's none of your business!
08:38You're not my mom!
08:39I'm your stepmother.
08:39That makes it my business.
08:40Martha, help her change into her school uniform.
08:42You can't do that!
08:43You don't get to control what I wear!
08:44Take that dignity.
08:44You're not going anywhere until you're ready.
08:46Adrian spoke.
08:47Do as she says.
08:48Martha marched to Furious Sophie upstairs.
08:50When they returned, Sophie wore her uniform.
08:53The makeup was gone.
08:54I nodded.
08:55Much better.
08:55You look pretty without all that makeup.
08:58But I can't wear my uniform everywhere.
09:00I'll take you shopping after school.
09:02Also, no allowance this month.
09:04What?
09:04Why?
09:06Money's tight.
09:08Ask your friends for a loan if you need some.
09:11See what they say.
09:12Dad!
09:13You're seriously letting her treat me like this?
09:15Adrian took a slow sip of coffee.
09:18She makes the rules at home.
09:20Sophie grabbed her backpack and stormed down, slamming the door.
09:23That afternoon, she came home looking furious.
09:26She hurled her backpack onto the sofa.
09:28I was stretched out while Oliver fed me grapes.
09:30What happened?
09:31I told them I didn't have money.
09:32They immediately stopped talking to me.
09:34Then I said Dad's business was in trouble and asked to borrow some.
09:37They laughed.
09:38But my teacher and the other kids didn't avoid me.
09:39They actually came over and talked.
09:41One teacher even said I looked nice.
09:43You were right.
09:44I did so much for those girls.
09:45They only wanted my money.
09:46They never cared about me.
09:48At least you know now.
09:49She nodded, swallowing back tears.
09:51Didn't you say you'd take me shopping?
09:54Let's go.
09:55I want the prettiest, most expensive clothes there.
09:58Let them choke on that.
10:00At the mall, Sophie went into a fitting room.
10:02I sat on a sofa to wait.
10:04Well, look who it is.
10:06My big sister.
10:09Looked me over.
10:10Some little stray from a psychiatric facility thinks she can shop here.
10:14Chloe spotted my bandaged arm and smiled.
10:17Mom, look.
10:18Guess she had to take a beating to afford all this.
10:21I've heard Adrian gets off on hurting women.
10:23Careful, Alina.
10:25All that money won't help if you're dead.
10:27His last three wives didn't exactly get happy endings.
10:30Nobody ever saw them again.
10:32Not even their bodies.
10:35I smiled.
10:36Sorry to disappoint you.
10:37I'm alive and doing pretty well.
10:40Instead of hoping I die, maybe think about your debt.
10:43Can you afford to pay it if you piss me off?
10:46You little bitch.
10:47Are you threatening us?
10:49Vivian raised her hand to slap me.
10:51I caught her wrist and slapped her instead.
10:54Chloe screamed.
10:56You bitch!
10:57You hit my mother!
10:58She lunged at me.
10:59I sidestepped her grasping hands.
11:02Vivian came up behind me and clamped her arms around my shoulders.
11:05You like slapping people?
11:07Let's see how you like it.
11:09Chloe lifted her hand.
11:11The fitting room door flew open.
11:14You think you can bully my mom?
11:19I never want to see these two in this mall again.
11:24Understood?
11:26Get them out.
11:27Ban them permanently from every mall the Morelli family owns.
11:30That includes every property they've invested in.
11:32Neither of these women gets through the doors again.
11:34Guards grabbed Vivian and Chloe and dragged them toward the exit.
11:38Chloe struggled uselessly, losing one designer heel.
11:41She twisted around and shrieked at me.
11:43Who the hell do you think you are, Elena Hayes?
11:47You sweet-talked some fat kid into fighting your battles?
11:50You think that makes you part of the family?
11:52Don't get comfortable.
11:54We'll see how smug you look when he tortures you to death.
11:57Vivian's stare was even uglier.
11:59The last woman tried sucking up to his children, too.
12:02They couldn't even recover her body in one piece.
12:05Adrian doesn't fall for that crap.
12:07What makes you think you're any better?
12:09Just wait.
12:10You'll end up exactly like them.
12:15Don't listen to them.
12:17Those other women never really wanted to marry Dad.
12:20You're different.
12:21How?
12:22You've known me two days?
12:23You figured me out already?
12:26You got hurt saving my brother.
12:28You cared about what I wore.
12:29And you showed me what those girls were really like.
12:32I wish Dad had met you sooner.
12:35Maybe I wouldn't have ended up like this.
12:37She looked up at me, her eyes red.
12:40Do you think I'm really fat, too?
12:42My body's changed during puberty.
12:45You might grow taller and slimmed down.
12:47Her shoulders sank further.
12:48You don't have to make me feel better.
12:50I got this big because of Dad's third wife.
12:53She bought me snacks every day, took me out for fast food, and she made the maids cook all this
12:58fattening stuff.
12:59She said girls looked healthier with some meat on their bones.
13:03By the time I realized what was happening, it was too late.
13:07Everyone at school made fun of me.
13:09I couldn't even look in the mirror.
13:11Only those girls said I looked pretty.
13:13They told me to just be myself.
13:15She tried to smile, but tears spilled down her cheeks.
13:18I thought they meant it.
13:19I thought those clothes actually looked good on me.
13:22Today I found out they dressed me like that on purpose.
13:26They were laughing behind my back.
13:30You figured it out.
13:32It's not too late.
13:34Would you like to try getting healthier and losing weight with exercise and balanced meals?
13:41Could I really do that?
13:43Of course.
13:45Starting tomorrow, I'll make you meals to help.
13:48But you'll have to exercise with me every day.
13:51No complaining.
13:53I'll work for it.
13:54I promise.
13:55I'll listen to you.
13:57That evening, we came home carrying several bags of clothes.
14:00Oliver rushed over and threw his arms around me.
14:02You took her shopping without me.
14:04I ruffled his hair.
14:06Someone's jealous.
14:07I bought you clothes too.
14:09Really?
14:10I pulled several adorable animal outfits from a bag.
14:13Really.
14:14Look.
14:15These are so cute.
14:16They'll look great on you.
14:17Excitement flashed across his face.
14:20But his mouth told a different story.
14:22Those are for babies.
14:23Dad never buys me stuff like that.
14:26You don't like them?
14:28I'll return them tomorrow.
14:30He snatched them from my hands and ran upstairs.
14:32I didn't say I didn't want them.
14:34You already bought them.
14:35I guess I'll wear them.
14:37For you.
14:39He's five and already too proud to admit he likes something.
14:43A few minutes later, Oliver came downstairs wearing a little dinosaur outfit.
14:48He was carrying the first aid kit.
14:50Time to change your bandage.
14:53He set the kit on the coffee table.
14:55Then he climbed onto a stool and unwrapped the gauze around my arm.
14:59His movements were steadier than yesterday.
15:02He dipped a cotton swab into antiseptic.
15:04First, he leant close and blew gently.
15:07Then he dabbed my scratch, completely focused.
15:11Does it hurt?
15:12No.
15:13He gave a satisfied little nod.
15:16Good.
15:16He puffed out his cheeks and blew on it twice more.
15:19Then he carefully wrapped fresh gauze around my arm.
15:23All done.
15:24He dusted off his hands and hopped down.
15:26He finished with a crooked bow.
15:29Just then, the front door opened.
15:31Adrian was home.
15:32His tailored dark suit sat perfectly across his shoulders.
15:36The Black Panther rose from beside the sofa and padded toward him.
15:40He brushed one hand over its head.
15:43Oliver hurried over and hugged his father's leg.
15:45Dad, I changed Alina's bandage all by myself.
15:48Pretty good, right?
15:49Adrian glanced at him, then at my arm.
15:52Yeah.
15:53Not bad.
15:54He handed his suit jacket to a mage.
15:56The gun at his waist briefly caught the light.
15:59He noticed Sophie.
16:00She wore a tasteful new dress.
16:03The messy makeup was gone.
16:04She looked calm and well-behaved.
16:07You look nice today.
16:08Her eyes lit up.
16:10Elena took me shopping.
16:11You should pay her back.
16:13Adrian took out a black card and handed it to me.
16:16Both children have accepted you.
16:18You can stay.
16:19There's no spending limit.
16:21Use it however you want.
16:23Thank you, Adrian.
16:23Adrian, I took the card, but staying was only the beginning.
16:28Adrian Morelli, I wanted you to tell everyone yourself.
16:31I was your wife.
16:32Your rightful wife.
16:34Only then could I take back what belonged to me and make them pay for my mother.
16:38At dinner time, I offered to cook.
16:42We finally get to eat together as a family.
16:45Let me show you what I can do.
16:47Oliver and Sophie both volunteered to help.
16:49He stood on a stool, cracking eggs.
16:52She washed and chopped vegetables.
16:54Then Sophie spotted eggshells in his bowl.
16:57She snatched it away.
16:58You're making more work.
16:59Go set the table.
17:01Oliver puffed out his cheeks and tugged my sleeve.
17:04Elena, she's being mean.
17:07I laughed.
17:08Sophie, let him try.
17:10He did fine this morning.
17:11He just needs practice.
17:13Adrian sat at the dining table watching us.
17:15His black panther laid beside his chair, its eyes following every movement.
17:20Walter stood nearby.
17:21Elena really has a way with them.
17:23Those two couldn't be in the same room without fighting.
17:26Now they're actually working together.
17:28Adrian looked at me thoughtfully.
17:30For the first time, he seemed to really study me.
17:35At dinner, both children tasted their food and immediately started piling on the compliments.
17:41This is supposed to help me lose weight?
17:42It's amazing.
17:44I could eat this every day.
17:45I'd happily shrink into nothing.
17:47Oliver raised his spoon, refusing to be outdone.
17:50My ribs are good too.
17:52Elena, can we have these again tomorrow?
17:54I tapped his nose.
17:55Sure, as long as you listen to me.
17:58Adrian tasted his food.
18:00Surprise crossed his face.
18:03I didn't know you could cook like this.
18:05I thought of my old mentor at the facility, Martin Wells.
18:09He'd worked me like a pack mule.
18:11Every day, I practiced tossing pans and cooking.
18:14I'd ended up doing all the cafeteria cook's work.
18:17Learn every kind of cuisine, including nourishing soups for people recovering from illness.
18:21Martin told me.
18:23These skills could save your life.
18:25Now I finally understood.
18:26That night, both children waited outside my bedroom, clutching pillows.
18:31What are you two doing?
18:33Oliver answered first.
18:35You need me to tell you a bedtime story, so I'm sleeping with you.
18:39You had your turn last night.
18:41It's mine.
18:42Elena and I have to get up early to exercise.
18:44You don't.
18:45I'll exercise too.
18:47You're five.
18:47What do you need a workout for?
18:49I don't care.
18:50You're my big sister.
18:51You're supposed to let me have a turn.
18:54Sophie froze.
18:56What did you just call me?
18:58My big sister.
18:59That's what you...
18:59Oliver stopped, his cheeks turning red.
19:02What was that?
19:03I gently pinched his cheek.
19:05He stuck out his lower lip.
19:07She is my big sister, and she's still trying to steal my turn.
19:11Sophie scooped him up, grinning.
19:13You little brat.
19:14You finally admitted I'm your sister.
19:16Fine.
19:16You can have tonight.
19:18Adrian watched from the stairs.
19:20Behind him, Walter sounded almost breathless.
19:23She's incredible.
19:24He's never acknowledged Sophie as his sister before.
19:28Your previous wife spoiled him rotten.
19:31Behind your back, she kept telling him Sophie would take everything from him.
19:34That's why he's always hated her.
19:36Adrian's voice went cold.
19:38That's why I'm choosing their mother myself this time.
19:42Those women weren't fit for it.
19:45Walter seemed to remember something.
19:47He stepped closer and lowered his voice.
19:50There's something else.
19:52Elena ran into the Bennetts while shopping with Sophie today.
19:55They tried to hit her.
19:57Adrian's expression darkened.
19:59Who the hell gave them permission to lay a hand on someone under my protection?
20:04Walter followed him.
20:06Exactly.
20:06They called Elena some feral little stray, and they said,
20:09What else?
20:12Adrian headed toward his study.
20:14His voice had turned dangerously quiet.
20:17They called you a sadist.
20:18They said she'd end up like the other three, dead, without enough left to bury.
20:22Adrian settled behind his desk and gave a cold laugh.
20:27The Black Panther padded inside and lowered itself beside him.
20:32People really believe every rumor they hear.
20:34Even I couldn't make three dead wives disappear without the police asking questions.
20:39Walter nodded.
20:40This is what happens when she keeps interfering.
20:43She insisted on putting those women in your house.
20:47Every one of them had an agenda.
20:49The first tried to get into your bed.
20:52The second kept pinching Oliver and screaming at him whenever nobody was looking.
20:57The third was the best actress.
20:59She played the perfect wife in public.
21:01Behind closed doors, she turned the children against each other.
21:05If you hadn't sent those women abroad, who knows what this family would look like.
21:10Adrian's expression hardened.
21:13That's why I chose my own wife this time.
21:16She can't force another woman on me now.
21:18But she keeps spreading those stories.
21:20That you're brutal.
21:21That women die when they marry you.
21:23Are you really going to let her?
21:25Adrian leaned back.
21:27He opened a silver lighter and lit a cigar.
21:30She wants to ruin my name.
21:32If everyone's too scared to marry me, I'll have to accept whoever she sends.
21:35He exhaled slowly.
21:39But she miscalculated.
21:41I found the right woman myself.
21:43And soon, everyone will see what her rumors are worth.
21:47What are you planning?
21:49The family's business partners are coming to the reception at the end of the month.
21:52I'll introduce my wife there.
21:55Everyone will know Elena is the only mistress of this house.
21:57After Oliver fell asleep, I slipped out of bed and took a shower.
22:02Wrapping my robe with one hand took some effort.
22:05Then I picked up the dryer.
22:06But with my injured arm out of action, drying my hair was almost impossible.
22:11I'd been at it forever, and it was still damp.
22:14Just as frustration got the better of me, someone took the dryer from behind.
22:19Let me.
22:21Adrian.
22:22In the mirror, I saw he'd changed into sleepwear.
22:25His shirt hung partly open, showing his chest.
22:27His hair was still damp.
22:29God.
22:30That face.
22:31And that body.
22:33I'd only ever seen men that handsome on television.
22:37He shifted the dryer and reached around me.
22:40His fingertips grazed my ear.
22:42My knees weakened.
22:43I lost my footing and swayed.
22:46Afterward, he held me close.
22:49Those rumors, don't they scare you?
22:53I curled against his chest.
22:55If they did, I wouldn't have come.
22:58Adrian, I've spent enough time with you.
23:01I don't think you're that kind of man.
23:03I didn't choose any of those three women.
23:05And nothing ever happened between us.
23:08My stepmother forced them on me.
23:10I had them quietly sent away.
23:12So she started spreading stories.
23:14That I kill my wives.
23:16That I enjoy hurting women.
23:18If nobody else would marry me, I'd have to accept her fourth choice.
23:21I wasn't doing that.
23:23So I used the Bennetts' debt to make them send someone.
23:27He lowered his head and kissed me.
23:30I only wanted someone who could ruin my stepmother's plans.
23:34I never expected them to send you.
23:36Since you arrived, I can't stop looking at you.
23:39I can't stop thinking about you.
23:40I love you, Alina.
23:42Thank God he sent you to me.
23:44God didn't send me.
23:45I walked in here myself.
23:47He laughed softly and pulled me closer.
23:50The next morning, Oliver sat at breakfast, chewing his toast.
23:54He looked at me.
23:56Then at Adrian, who was pouring my coffee.
23:59Alina, where did you go last night?
24:01I woke up and looked for you.
24:03You weren't in the room.
24:05I woke up and looked for you.
24:05Adrian's hand paused.
24:06Sophie tapped Oliver's plate with her fork.
24:09Quit asking questions.
24:10Eat your eggs.
24:10Why can't I ask?
24:12Oliver puffed out his cheeks.
24:14Sophie glanced between Adrian and me, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.
24:20I think you can stop calling her Alina.
24:22Try mom.
24:24Maybe you'll even get a new brother or sister soon.
24:27Wouldn't that be fun?
24:29Oliver's eyes lit up.
24:30Really?
24:31Dad, I want a little sister.
24:33I lowered my head and sipped my coffee.
24:36My cheeks burned.
24:38Adrian smoothed my hair back, his expression impossibly tender.
24:42That's up to your mom.
24:43Alina's my mom now.
24:45I've got the best mom in the whole world.
24:49Mom, I'm done eating.
24:50Time for our workout.
24:52I'm coming too.
24:53They each grabbed one of my hands and pulled me outside.
24:57In the back garden, I led them through boxing trills, squat holds, and stretches.
25:02Adrian watched from the covered walkway, smiling as we played on the lawn.
25:06His black panther lunged beside him.
25:09Walter stood behind him, looking close to tears.
25:12Ever since your wife arrived, this house has been full of the children's laughter.
25:17And you, what about me?
25:19You smile more.
25:21You've been coming home earlier, too.
25:23With her here, this place finally feels like a home.
25:29I chose her myself.
25:30Looks like I got it right.
25:32At the Bennett mansion, Chloe stood before her father with a bandaged wrist.
25:38Dad, that little bitch slapped Mom in front of everyone.
25:46And she twisted my wrist.
25:49You have to make her pay.
25:51Vivian still had a handprint on her face.
25:55She rubbed her twisted ankle and winked.
25:57That nasty little thing is nothing like her dead mother.
26:01She actually fought back.
26:03Richard, we planned for everything except this.
26:06That Morelli girl adores her.
26:08What happens to us if Elena really secures her place in that family?
26:13Richard's expression darkened.
26:15Stop panicking.
26:16So she knows how to charm children.
26:18Who cares?
26:20Do you honestly think Adrian would want some feral little stray?
26:25Didn't you say she'd already been hurt there?
26:27Vivian brightened.
26:29Yes.
26:29Her arm was bandaged.
26:31He must have hit her.
26:32She can handle herself.
26:33Who else could have done that except Adrian?
26:35Richard sneered and picked up his coffee.
26:39Exactly.
26:40Have you forgotten what happened to his first three wives?
26:44Just wait.
26:45When she dies in his house, how's he going to demand we repay him?
26:49And the company?
26:50It was just a mess her grandfather left behind.
26:53Once she's dead, it's ours anyway.
26:55Vivian clapped her hands.
26:58Two problems solved.
27:00Two weeks later, Sophie stood before a mirror in a pale lavender evening dress.
27:03She'd chosen it for the upcoming reception.
27:04Mom, is that really me?
27:06It is.
27:07You look beautiful.
27:09I pinned up her hair, leaving her fair neck bare.
27:11Oliver wore a little suit.
27:12Mom, what about me?
27:13Don't I look handsome?
27:14We both laughed.
27:15Very handsome.
27:16Just like your dad.
27:18Walter knocked and came in.
27:19Elena, these are from your husband.
27:21The boxes held an evening gown, jewelry, and a pair of heels.
27:24The gown was deep ocean blue, scattered with tiny diamonds.
27:27I changed into the gown.
27:29Sophie and Oliver gasped together.
27:31Mom, you're so pretty.
27:33You look like a fairy.
27:35No, she's prettier than fairies.
27:37And all those actresses on TV.
27:39Just then, Adrian opened the door.
27:41His black suit fitting perfectly.
27:42He stopped when he saw me.
27:43For a moment, he simply stared.
27:45Then he crossed the room and slipped his hand around my waist.
27:53You're making it hard to think, Mrs. Morelli.
27:55Adrian lifted the necklace from its tray and fastened it around my neck himself.
27:58Tonight, everyone will know.
28:00You're my wife.
28:01The only woman who runs this family beside me.
28:04Downstairs, crystal chandeliers glittered above the crowded ballroom.
28:12Mom, Adrian never brings women to events like this.
28:14That little bitch definitely didn't make the guest list.
28:17She might already be dead.
28:18It's been over a month.
28:20None of his wives has lasted that long.
28:22Even if she's alive, he'd never introduce her publicly.
28:26Some uncivilized little stray at an event like this?
28:31The lights dimmed before he'd finished speaking.
28:33Spotlight swept toward the top of the staircase.
28:36Adrian descended slowly as he spoke black suit.
28:42Walked beside him, my hand resting on his arm.
28:44Sophie and Oliver followed, holding hands.
28:46Chloe's smile froze.
28:50She's still alive?
28:53No, that's impossible.
28:54Thank you for coming tonight.
28:56I'd like to formally introduce my wife, Alina Haynes.
29:01She's the woman I've chosen for the rest of my life.
29:04The only mistress of the Moretti household.
29:07That's the daughter the Bennetts brought back?
29:09Yes.
29:10Apparently, she grew up in a psychiatric facility.
29:12Who knew she was so beautiful?
29:14That old snake never bothered with his first wife's daughter.
29:16He only brought her back because he knew better than to cross the Morettis.
29:19He threw her into this marriage to protect his younger daughter.
29:20And look what happened.
29:21Adrian adores her.
29:22So do his children.
29:23She went from being nothing to the most powerful woman in the room.
29:25Brilliant judgment, Richard.
29:26You couldn't bear to give up your favorite daughter.
29:28So you dragged back the one you'd abandoned.
29:30Bet that decision feels good now.
29:32Richard looked ready to choke.
29:33Chloe stared up at me.
29:34Her eyes burning with jealousy.
29:36Don't get comfortable, Alina Hayes.
29:37The higher you climb, the harder I'll make you.