- 2 days ago
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MotorTranscript
00:00Every Thanksgiving, the unmarried women in my family went to church to draw lots.
00:04A red slip meant you could board your man's boat and get married.
00:08A white one meant waiting another year.
00:10I'd drawn for ten years.
00:12Every single slip...
00:16...was white.
00:18The other women always laughed at me.
00:24Marry her? Please!
00:27Who'd want an old, ugly, fat girl like her?
00:31The night before my 11th Thanksgiving drawing, I decided to cheat.
00:36I grabbed a fistful of red slips and snuck over to my fiancé Vito Marino's house.
00:43Then I heard him whispering to his brother Tony in the courtyard.
00:47Make sure Adele pulls a white slip tomorrow. Swap it out.
00:51Bella's not well. I'm not leaving her side yet.
00:56Tony sounded confused.
00:59What if she snaps and jumps on some other guy's boat?
01:02Vito laughed softly, completely sure of himself.
01:05Let's be real. Look at her.
01:07An old, ugly, fat ass.
01:11Nobody's stepping up for that but me.
01:15Relax, Tony. The girl buys whatever I sell.
01:19Once I get Bella on deck, just tell Adele her grandma had a heart attack.
01:23She'll run right back home.
01:27I'll play it straight next year. Let her have the red slip.
01:31Then I'm buying drinks for all the boys in the family.
01:34Leaving the red slip scattered on the ground, I quietly went home.
01:39I never told Vito my grandmother only had three days left.
01:42Her final wish was to see me married.
01:44If he refused to marry me again this year, I'd have no choice.
01:47I would board another man's boat.
01:48At the harbor, my father Don Salvadori was ordering his men to inspect every vessel.
01:52All the women arrived in brand new custom gowns.
01:54I was the only one wearing a dress from ten years ago.
01:57The same red dress I'd worn to every drawing.
02:00After ten wears and ten washes, the color had faded.
02:06Ten straight years of white slips.
02:09Keep your distance before you catch her curse.
02:13Look at the size of her!
02:15Even if she pulls red, no way Vito's claiming that.
02:21I pretended not to hear them.
02:24Adele, remember the vow you made of your grandma's deathbed.
02:26I know, Papa. I'm boarding a boat this year. One way or another.
02:30Suddenly, a wave of shouting cut our conversation short.
02:34Vito had arrived with his brothers.
02:36Together, they stepped onto the raised platform above the harbor.
02:41His brothers surrounded a pale, slender woman as if she were a precious treasure.
02:45It was Bella.
02:47And she was wearing a brand new gown.
02:50I'd seen Vito's mother sewing that exact dress.
02:54I had this made for you.
02:55Vito had hinted.
02:57I'd been secretly thrilled.
03:00I'll drop the weight.
03:02I swear I'll make it fit.
03:04No, no. It's custom tailored for you.
03:06You don't need to lose a single pound.
03:07If I had an over-slash-gen, I gave up on losing weight entirely.
03:10At his suggestion, I would have shown up at the harbor in casual clothes today.
03:14Asking for my gown in front of everyone, only to find it several sizes too small.
03:18The Don's daughter would have been publicly humiliated.
03:21And my father would have lost all respect.
03:23By then, the other women had surrounded Bella.
03:28Why is Bella even in the draw?
03:29She gets on Vito's boat every single year and never commits!
03:32She's stealing a spot! Disqualify her!
03:34Bella coughed softly before she could respond.
03:37Vito draped his coat around her shoulders.
03:39It's chilly by the water. Don't catch a cold.
03:42Bella's just lucky. Pulls red every single year.
03:45Besides, there's no law in this family that says boarding equals a wedding ring.
03:48Not happy with it? Try your own luck.
03:50Just don't go crying if you get a white one.
03:52Everyone immediately turned toward me.
03:54After all, I was the only woman unlucky enough to draw white ten years in a row.
03:57And I was Vito's fiancé.
04:00Every year, I'd watched another woman board his boat.
04:05In the past, I would have confronted him, thrown a fit to get Bella disqualified,
04:09and loudly listed every time he played favorites.
04:12Last year was the worst.
04:13I grabbed Bella and shoved her into the river.
04:18Vito took her to a private clinic.
04:21Then he and his men kicked down my front door.
04:23My father wasn't home, so they tied me up and dragged me outside.
04:33You stay in that water, Adele.
04:35You don't come up until Bella's fever breaks.
04:38If you want the Merino name, you play by my rules.
04:40And you treat Bella with the respect you'd give an elder.
04:44By the time my father arrived, I'd passed out in the water.
04:48But now...
04:51I don't need it anymore.
04:56I stayed out of their argument.
04:58Instead, I calmly stepped up to the drawing box.
05:02No one's drawing?
05:03Then I'll be first.
05:05Panic flashed across Vito's face.
05:09The excuse he'd prepared died on his lips.
05:12My composure had caught him off guard, without an outburst from me to seize on.
05:16He couldn't do what he'd done in years past.
05:18Accuse me, then demand that the Don punish me by making me draw last.
05:22If I went first, how could he rig the box?
05:25What if I actually drew red?
05:29Vito walked over and grabbed my hand.
05:32Adele, you know Bella can't handle the cold.
05:36Why don't we let her go first?
05:40Besides, I'd like a little more time with you.
05:45I pulled my numb hand away.
05:47Then I looked at the thick coat around Bella's shoulders.
05:50I'd made it for Vito's birthday last year.
05:52I'd stayed up all night sewing it.
05:54Back then, I was so in love that I shaped every cuttin' like a rose.
05:58Now, just looking at it made my eyes burn.
06:00I get cold, too. I'd rather draw first.
06:04Vito seemed to miss the last part.
06:06He took my hands in his, trying to warm them.
06:08Then why didn't you bundle up in weather like this?
06:11Come on, Adele.
06:13Don't make this difficult.
06:15I know you still haven't forgiven Bella.
06:19The doctor says Bella only needs one more year to recover.
06:23Give me one more year.
06:25Then I swear I'll marry you.
06:26Just wait for me.
06:27Vito, do you really think you're my only choice?
06:30He chucked under his breath.
06:32Then he tied a colorful braided bracelet around my wrist.
06:35You've spent ten years waiting for me.
06:37What man in all of Sicily would dare take you aboard his boat?
06:40His hand closed around my thick wrist.
06:42Be honest, Adele.
06:44At your size, who else would ever choose you?
06:48He spoke like he was throwing scraps to a stray dog.
06:51So he knew I'd been waiting all along.
06:53He just used my love against me because he knew he could.
06:56Worse, he truly believed no one else would want me.
06:58Keep the bracelet.
07:00Be a good girl, Adele.
07:05All around us, young couples were exchanging colorful braided bracelets.
07:09Every year I'd made one for Vito myself.
07:12But he never wore them.
07:14He just kept the same faded red string tied to his wrist.
07:17I thought mine just weren't good enough, so I paid a professional jeweler to teach me.
07:22Until the day I spotted Vito and Bella in a jewelry store.
07:25As Vito browsed the displays, unslately reds lies.
07:28You're still wearing that?
07:29I made it for you when we're little.
07:32Bella playfully tugged at that very same red string.
07:34You're still wearing that. I made it for you when we were little.
07:37Vito smiled but said nothing.
07:40He tucked the string beneath his sleeve.
07:44That was when I understood.
07:46No matter how hard I tried, I could never compete with her.
07:51I'd stood in the back of the shop, watching them choose those matching bracelets.
07:55The exact same one he gave me.
07:59With that thought, I yanked it off and threw it at him.
08:05I don't want some cheap, mass-produced bracelet, Vito.
08:09I'm not waiting another year.
08:10My grandma's one wish is to see me married this year.
08:13If Bella boards your boat this year, we're done!
08:16Vito didn't take me seriously.
08:19He just gave me a knowing smile.
08:21So that's what this is really about.
08:22You're jealous of Bella.
08:24Bella is like my older sister. I've already explained that.
08:27She practically raised me.
08:30You've drawn white for ten years! What's one more?
08:35Just wait.
08:39I'll explain it to your grandmother.
08:42Then he made a call.
08:43Her fury breaks.
08:45I knew the number on the screen by heart.
08:47Her brows jump high.
08:48It belonged to Grandpa Margaret's caregiver.
08:52I panicked and lose control and reached for his phone.
08:58Talk to me, not her!
09:00She's too sick for this!
09:02I'd visited her in the hospital just last week.
09:04Her body was covered in tubes, but she was still worried about me.
09:09I couldn't stop myself from crying.
09:11I was the one thing she couldn't let go of.
09:13Struggling for every breath, she forced out words.
09:17Ella married.
09:18My mother stood beside her, wiping away tears.
09:21Your grandmother can't bear the thought that after ten years you still haven't gotten on a boat.
09:24She says she'll make the Marinos answer for it.
09:27If it happens again this year, stay away for a while.
09:29Seeing you like that, her heart can't take it.
09:33I knew exactly what Vito would tell her.
09:35I clamped my hand over his phone.
09:40You win. Bella goes first. Just hang up.
09:49Vito scoffed and ended the call.
09:52Now you're lying about Margaret too?
09:54Lie?
09:55Actually, he had every reason to think that.
09:58Last month, I stood in the cold wind all night until I landed Mayo Eni in the hospital.
10:04All to stop him from taking Bella to the country estate.
10:09To pick strawberries.
10:13Last week, when he went to the Rose Fields to take pictures with Bella, I called him, crying, and claimed
10:20I was sick.
10:24Just three days ago, I showed up at his door with an apple pie and told him my father needed
10:30to see him.
10:32And there had been countless other excuses.
10:34I cut my hand. I hurt my leg. My stomach ached.
10:38Anything to make him spend a little more time with me.
10:40Over the past ten years, I'd done far too many foolish things.
10:45So I didn't argue.
10:47I simply let go of his phone and stepped away from the drawing box.
10:51Vito waved his hand. Bella walked over and stopped in front of me.
10:56I'll go ahead, Adele. Who knows? I might be your lucky charm.
11:03Easy, Bella. If she pulls white again, she'll say you jinxed her.
11:08Hey, the draw decides. Can't blame me for that.
11:11Bella's gaze swept over me. She was waiting for me to lose my temper.
11:15But I didn't. I stood quietly to the side and waited for her to draw.
11:23Apparently bored by my lack of reaction, she reached into the box and turned to Vito.
11:28So what was all that about?
11:31Margaret's ill. I'll take Adele to see her once we're off the boat.
11:38Oops, I got red.
11:43Bella couldn't hide the smugness on her face.
11:47Oh, sorry Adele. Guess I'm sailing with Vito again.
11:52Before I could respond, Vito stepped between us, shielding her.
11:57Those are Cicely's rules. Don't make a scene because you lost.
12:02It was luck, Adele. Don't be a sore loser.
12:09Who's been picking on the girl I raised? Not even the Dawn's daughter gets a pass.
12:16Vito's mother, Rosa, shouted as she hurried toward us.
12:19She pulled Bella into her arms.
12:22Come here, sweetheart. You're getting on that boat. Just like I promised.
12:29No one lays a finger on you. Not while I'm here.
12:35My heart ached as I watched Vito and Rosa shield Bella behind them.
12:40For ten years, I'd done everything I could to please the Marino family.
12:44I memorized every birthday and prepared gifts.
12:47Whenever I visited, I rushed to cook and clean, desperate to win Rosa's approval.
12:53I even memorized all of Bella's likes and dislikes.
12:58But what had I gotten in return?
13:00They always assumed I was throwing a tantrum.
13:02They believed I should be grateful that Vito was willing to marry an old, ugly, fat girl like me.
13:07But I was only fighting for the respect and commitment I deserved as his fiancé.
13:11My father stood behind me and let out a heavy sigh.
13:14These are the people you've spent ten years trying to win over.
13:17We just want you happy, sweetheart.
13:19And that man doesn't deserve you.
13:21I'm drawing, Dad.
13:22My answer was so different from the ones I'd given in previous years that he looked surprised.
13:26That's my girl.
13:28Red or white?
13:29I'll be right here.
13:32I looked up at Atpicture 2 and his mother.
13:34Right.
13:35The rules are the rules.
13:37Let's do this the Sicilian way.
13:39Now step aside.
13:40It's my turn.
13:43As I walked past Atpicture 3, she froze.
13:47Then she grabbed my sleeve.
13:50What do you think you're doing, Adele?
13:52Bella already has Vito's boat.
13:56You sail with another man, you'll never marry Vito.
14:01No son of mine is marrying some filthy fat girl.
14:05Mom, don't make this worse.
14:07Vito panicked.
14:08One was his mother, the other was his fiancé.
14:10He had never imagined marrying anyone but me.
14:13He reached out to block my path, but the coldness in my eyes made him pull his hand back.
14:18I stepped around all three of them.
14:24My grandmother can't wait.
14:26And I won't anymore.
14:30I gave you ten years, Vito.
14:34You're not getting one more.
14:37For some reason, panic seized him.
14:39He planted himself in front of the drawing box.
14:42Why now?
14:43You've always let it go before.
14:47Look around this dock, Adele.
14:50Who's going to risk putting you on his boat?
14:53Who here wants a fat bride?
14:57Will anyone want her on his boat?
14:59Speak up! I dare you!
15:03Vito swept a cold gaze across the dock.
15:06Every man lowered his head.
15:08Who would dare marry me?
15:10All of Cicely knew I'd spent ten years chasing after Vito.
15:13Worse, I was fat.
15:14Any man who married a woman like me would become a laughing stock.
15:16No one dared let me board his boat.
15:18But I didn't care.
15:19I had never intended to marry any of them.
15:23Vito turned back to me, a pleading look in his eyes.
15:27Bella was already on his boat, making herself comfortable.
15:29There's always next year, Adele.
15:32Vito doesn't want some man taking me away.
15:35Can you blame him?
15:35We're family.
15:36And when you marry him, that'll make us sisters.
15:40We're family.
15:42Wouldn't want to pull red and find out no one will take you.
15:45She covered her mouth and laughed.
15:47The families who had always been at odds with my father laughed along with her.
15:51I looked at my father's furious face, overwhelmed with guilt.
15:54For ten years, I'd bent over backward to marry Vito.
15:57I hadn't just humiliated myself.
15:59I'd brought shame on my own family.
16:01I'd backed down far too many times.
16:03I refused to spend the rest of my life doing it.
16:05I shoved Vito aside and reached into the drawing box.
16:09Countless paper slips swirled inside, like darting fish.
16:13Before I could catch one, Vito pinned my hand down.
16:16Think this through, Adele.
16:18I already have a Bella aboard.
16:21Even if you get red, you're not getting on my boat.
16:25I nodded, I'm sure.
16:26I'm sailing today, with or without you.
16:30Adele, do this, and I'm not going with you to see Margaret.
16:36Is this really how you want to let her down?
16:42I let out a soft laugh and looked Vito straight in the eye.
16:45Why do you think my grandmother liked you, Vito?
16:47She only liked you because I did.
16:50And now that I'm done with you, so is she.
16:53Now get out of my way, I have a slip to draw.
16:56My father signaled his men to drag Vito away.
17:00Vito glared at me, his eyes burning with resentment.
17:02Ten years, Adele!
17:04You've built your whole life around me.
17:06I'm the only person you belong with, and you know it!
17:09Ten years, ten white slips.
17:12Today will be no different.
17:13I ignored him and focused on the slips inside the box.
17:16The white slips were smooth.
17:17The red slips were rough.
17:20So the drawing had never been anything more than a game for everyone's amusement.
17:23Only a fool like me had been given an entire box of white slips every year.
17:26All this time I thought I was just unlucky.
17:28God, ten years, ten white slips.
17:30They turned my entire life into a cruel joke.
17:33My fingers finally brushed against a rough surface I had never felt before.
17:36I pulled out the slip.
17:41The entire dock erupted.
17:43It's red!
17:44Adele drew red!
17:49No! That's impossible!
17:51Vito broke free and knocked over the drawing box.
17:56Red and white slips scattered across the ground.
17:59He stared frantically at his younger brother, Tony.
18:02No!
18:04There wasn't supposed to be any red!
18:06Tony shrunk behind the crowd, refusing to meet his eyes.
18:09There had been too many people around the platform.
18:12He had never had a chance to tamper with the box.
18:17My daughter drew red.
18:20The families will honor it.
18:24Adele, go.
18:28The water before me was empty.
18:30Every other boat had retreated to the side.
18:33Vito brightened again.
18:34Vito stood in front of his own boat.
18:37Ask me nicely, Adele.
18:38And I'll put Bella ashore.
18:41I lowered my gaze to the ripples in the canal and ignored him.
18:44A pitch black boat was slowly grinding towards me.
18:47Panic flashed across Vito's face.
18:49He climbed aboard and grabbed Bella.
18:51It was too late.
18:52Bella, hurry, get off the boat.
18:53While they tugged at each other and argued, the boat came to a stop.
18:56Bella, I'm taking Adele.
18:59A large hand marked by an old scar reached out to me, steadying me.
19:03As I stepped aboard.
19:07A brand new red coat settled over my shoulders, wrapping me in warmth.
19:11My old classmate Luca's deep voice sounded above me.
19:14Sorry I kept you waiting, Adele.
19:15I'm still getting the hang of rowing.
19:17It's cold out.
19:18This should keep you warm for now.
19:20I haven't been home in years, so I'm a little rusty on the traditions.
19:24My mother said, this is what women are supposed to wear today.
19:27It's brand new.
19:29She made it herself.
19:34Then Luca raised his voice so everyone on Char could hear.
19:37Who says no one would choose Adele?
19:42I would.
19:44I like the big girls.
19:47With that, he sat at the bow and started rowing.
19:51Before I could even thank him, the boat rocked and sent me tumbling into my seat.
19:54Sit tight. We're off.
19:58I pulled on the coat and stayed perfectly still.
20:00It was my first time on a boat.
20:02The feeling was completely new.
20:04The boat sped away as swiftly as it had arrived.
20:07Before the crowd on the platform could even react, we were already gone.
20:11Vito looked up, but I was nowhere in sight.
20:19In a panic, he jumped into his boat and rowed it after us.
20:24Bella was left alone on shore, her eyes red with rage.
20:29She grabbed Rosa's arm and complained.
20:33Rosa, look at Vito.
20:35I drew red.
20:37He can't just leave me here. I'm not letting him get away with this.
20:39Rosa was panicking too. She looked up at my father.
20:45Don, Adela is Vito's fiancé.
20:47We'll start preparing their wedding immediately.
20:50She desperately needed an answer.
20:52Rosa had only wanted to break my stubborn streak.
20:56She never expected things to turn out like this.
21:01Remembering how devastated Vito had looked, she felt regret for the first time.
21:06This shouldn't have happened.
21:09I never should have listened to Bella.
21:11Adela is the girl I chose.
21:14My father let out a cold laugh.
21:17Where was that concern before?
21:20You said it yourself.
21:21The family follows the rules.
21:23Adela did exactly what she was supposed to do.
21:27The man whose boat she boarded is now her future husband.
21:31You knew Adela was Vito's fiancé.
21:34So why didn't you prepare their wedding at any point during the past ten years?
21:37Each question struck Rosa where it hurt.
21:39She didn't dare answer.
21:41Ten years engaged, and you still rigged Adela's drawing box.
21:45You don't deserve to say her name!
21:56You wanted Bella by your side while stringing Adela along.
22:01You stole ten years of her life!
22:08And believe me, I'll make you answer for every single one.
22:15Remember this, Adela is not some piece of merchandise for the Marinos to take or leave.
22:20She is the princess of the Moretti family!
22:23As of today, Adela and Vito's engagement is over!
22:28Rosa shook so hard she could barely stand.
22:32Bella stepped forward to support her, but Rosa shoved her away.
22:38Go. Just go.
22:40When Vito gets back, he'll blame you for this.
22:44Leave now while you still can.
22:46Rosa let out a long sass.
22:48She knew Vito's temper.
22:49If he failed to catch up to me, he would come back ready to tear everything apart.
22:52The parade route passed beneath nine stone bridges.
22:57Married women waited on each bridge, tossing scented sachets onto the boats below.
23:02The first bridge was already in sight.
23:05From a distance, I could see two figures waiting on top.
23:09Luca looked back at me.
23:10Adela, those are my mother and grandmother. Don't be nervous.
23:17They both adore you.
23:21When we were in school, they used to sneak over.
23:25Just to catch a glimpse of you.
23:29When they heard you agreed to board my boat, they were thrilled.
23:33The tension inside me slowly faded.
23:37When I called Luca yesterday, I'd been a nervous grec.
23:40All my male friends already had someone they wanted to choose.
23:44I didn't know who else I could ask for help.
23:50Then I happened to see that Luca had posted his location.
23:53He was back in Sicily.
23:55I'd heard he'd finished his studies in New York and planned to settle here.
24:01So I took a chance and called him.
24:05To my surprise, he agreed immediately.
24:07He even started asking me about all the Sicilian traditions.
24:11Adele, this is a big deal. I'm honored you chose me.
24:15We used to be best friends in school.
24:19Why did you suddenly pull away from me?
24:24I couldn't bring myself to tell him.
24:27Back then, I'd started having feelings I didn't understand.
24:32He was at the top of our class. My grades were terrible.
24:37I was afraid that if I said anything, I might lose him as a friend, too.
24:44But by the time I finally sorted out my feelings, we were already living in different places.
24:49He was in New York, and I was in Sicily.
24:53So I buried those half-formed feelings and built a life for myself here.
24:57Luca was wearing traditional clothing today, too.
24:59His black jacket hugged his muscular frame as he drove the oar through the water.
25:03It didn't take long for us to reach the first bridge.
25:06A red sachet landed inside the boat, carrying the smell of lavender.
25:10I looked up. The sunlight filtered through in shifting patches, hiding their faces.
25:16But their bright laughter filled me with warmth.
25:18I waved to them.
25:21And for some reason, I found myself looking forward to the rest of the journey.
25:26I had no idea Vito was rowing desperately behind us.
25:30His expression darkened as he pulled at the oar with all his strength.
25:34His eyes stayed locked on the tiny black spuck ahead.
25:37That black boat had appeared out of nowhere.
25:41Then, just as suddenly, it had carried me away.
25:45He hadn't gotten a good look at the man aboard.
25:48But something about him felt strangely familiar.
25:52Vito's hands trembled around the oar.
25:54The same route he'd traveled for ten years suddenly felt unfamiliar.
25:59Was this how I'd felt every time I watched him sail away with Bella?
26:02The bitterness, the pain, the hopelessness.
26:05All of it crashed over him at once.
26:07He asked himself the same question again and again.
26:10Why hadn't Adele boarded his boat?
26:12Why?
26:14Because someone else was already on it.
26:16Because he had never intended to let me aboard in the first place.
26:19And yet I was his fiance.
26:22He had been so sure I would never leave.
26:24That he'd worn down my love for him, little by little.
26:27He'd been so smug.
26:29So proud of himself.
26:31Every year, he took another woman aboard.
26:34And every year, I still chased after him willingly.
26:37The men in the family used to pull him aside and ask for advice.
26:41Come on, tell us.
26:44Damn, Vito.
26:45How do you do it?
26:47How do you keep Adele and Bella from fighting over you?
26:52Vito always brushed them off.
26:56What's there to teach?
26:59When I say jump, Adele asks how high.
27:03Besides, she's fat and ugly.
27:06Who else would marry her?
27:07She'd never risk losing me over Bella.
27:09Even when I lost control and shoved Bella into the river, Vito's satisfaction overweighed his anger.
27:14To him, my jealousy proved how deeply I loved him, enough to fight for him.
27:20He liked that fire in me.
27:22But Rosa didn't.
27:24She was always telling him to use Bella to put me in my place.
27:28And she was his mother.
27:29He couldn't ignore her.
27:31Besides, once I became his wife, I'd have to obey Rosa too.
27:34So Vito did as his mother asked, and taught me a brutal lesson.
27:40But when he saw me unconscious in bed, burning with fever, he made himself a promise.
27:48Next year, we get married.
27:50Then Bella told him some old creep from a rival family had set his sights on her.
27:55The man had even threatened to take her by force next Thanksgiving.
28:00Vito hesitated again.
28:02Just one more year.
28:03I'd already waited ten.
28:05What was one more?
28:08Next year, he would definitely let me board his boat.
28:11But he never expected me to stop waiting.
28:14And he certainly never expected another man to take me.
28:21Vito had already warned every eligible man in the family to stay away from me.
28:32So where the hell had that black boat come from?
28:37Rage surged through him.
28:38When I catch Adele, I'm going to teach her a lesson.
28:43She needs to learn she can't just board another man's boat.
28:47The ninth and final bridge stood right outside my family home.
28:51My mother waited anxiously at the front, watching every boat pass.
28:55My father had sent word that morning.
28:57I had finally boarded a boat.
28:58Then she spotted the black vessel.
29:01It looked nothing like the others.
29:03She recognized it instantly.
29:07Adele!
29:11Tears of joy filled her eyes.
29:13It was the first time she had ever seen me on a boat.
29:17Luca rode towards the bank.
29:25Watch your step.
29:29He carefully helped me ashore.
29:33My mother stared at him in delighted surprise.
29:36Luca, you're back!
29:39I still remember how you used to wait for Adele every morning,
29:42so you could walk to school together.
29:47Your mother said you completed your training in New York.
29:52Which family are you planning to join?
29:55Luca didn't answer right time.
29:57He lifted the hem of my long dress to keep it off the ground,
30:00then studied my expression.
30:04If Don Salvadore will have me,
30:06I'd like to serve the Moretti family.
30:13And I'm 30 now.
30:14It's time I settled down.
30:16When I didn't object, he continued.
30:21I've been away a long time.
30:24So let me make sure I understand the custom.
30:28Now that Adele has boarded my boat,
30:32does that mean she's agreed to marry me?
30:38My family has everything ready for the wedding.
30:42All we need is Adele's yes.
30:44But that's not what you said last night,
30:46when we spoke last night.
30:49I stared at Luca, stunned.
30:53He'd said he was just helping an old friend.
30:56We would go through the motions,
30:57then visit my grandmother.
31:01When had this turned into a real marriage?
31:04Vito's voice rang out in the distance.
31:07His boat was catching up.
31:10As Vito tried to come ashore,
31:12Luca took my hand and held it tight.
31:14What? You boarded my boat and now you're backing out?
31:21No, I...
31:22Then tell me.
31:25What does he have that I don't?
31:28Or is he still the only man you want to marry?
31:31My mind was spinning.
31:34I shook my head again and again.
31:37There was no way I would ever marry Vito.
31:40As he drew closer, I tightened my hand over Luca's.
31:43Don't regret this.
31:45I won't.
31:49My mother stepped beside me with a smile.
31:52Adele's wedding dress has been ready for years.
31:56The wedding is happening today.
31:59Then she scoffed at Vito as he climbed ashore, gasping for breath.
32:03Don't forget to come to Adele and Luca's wedding tonight.
32:08She waited ten years, but she finally boarded a boat.
32:13What?
32:15Vito froze.
32:16His eyes dropped to our tightly clasped hands.
32:22Then he roared.
32:24I won't allow it!
32:28Adele is my fiancé.
32:29Who the hell are you? Let go of her!
32:33Vito's eyes were bloodshot.
32:35But for the first time, seeing him like that didn't hurt me.
32:39He tried to grab my hand.
32:41Luca stepped between us.
32:43I leaned around him.
32:45And glanced at Vito's empty boat.
32:51Why isn't Bella with you this year?
32:52Because you were leaving.
32:54With someone else.
32:56I was scared.
32:58You didn't want me anymore.
33:01So you only treated me that way because you thought I'd never...
33:05Leave.
33:07I couldn't stand to look at him any longer.
33:10I took Luca's hand and walked away.
33:13Vito shouted after us.
33:14Adele, don't go!
33:16I'll take you to see Margaret.
33:19We can file for a marriage license right now.
33:22Mentioning my grandmother only made me angry.
33:24I spun around and glared at him.
33:27I gave you chance after chance, Vito.
33:30Last week, I asked you to visit my grandmother with me.
33:33You said you had work.
33:35Turns out, work meant taking Bella shopping for matching bracelets.
33:42Three identical bracelets.
33:45One for each of us.
33:48What the hell were you thinking?
33:51And you actually had the nerve to give me mine?
33:53Yes.
33:56What am I to you?
34:00Some free bonus that came with Bella?
34:04Vito opened his mouth, but no excuse came out.
34:08All he could do was watch Luca and me walk away.
34:17Does it hurt?
34:20Luca helped me into the car.
34:22I shook my head.
34:25I'd cried all the tears I had left the night before.
34:29I wasn't wasting any more emotion on someone who no longer mattered.
34:33Let's go see my grandmother.
34:37She had waited far too long for me.
34:39I hated that I'd given her so much to worry about.
34:45Through the glass, I saw her lying in bed.
34:51The moment Luca and I walked in together, her eyes lit up.
34:54Luca carefully helped me sit beside her.
34:56Then he sat with me and took her hand.
34:58Grandma opened her mouth.
34:59I understood what she was trying to say.
35:02Great.
35:03She thought Luca was a great man.
35:05She liked him.
35:07Whoever I chose, she would choose too.
35:13I held back my tears and quietly told her everything that had happened that day.
35:19Don't worry, Grandpa.
35:21I promise I'll take good care of Adela.
35:23Luca spoke loudly ear.
35:25A satisfied smile spread across her face.
35:27My parents arrived and sat on the other side of the bed.
35:29Don't worry, Mom.
35:31Adela's getting married today.
35:33She's going to be happy.
35:38After the visit, my parents hurried home.
35:41They needed the whole family's help preparing the wedding feast.
35:45Luca stopped me before we left.
35:47I have a wedding gift for you.
35:50When the rings were brought in,
35:52I was genuinely stunned.
35:54How did you get this design?
35:56I've been keeping up with your work for a long time.
35:57I saw all the ring designs I'd been creating.
36:00I figured you'd want to wear one of your own designs at your wedding.
36:02So before I left New York, I had a jeweler make them for us.
36:12Luca carefully slipped the ring onto my finger.
36:21Then I placed his on his hand.
36:24For the first time, the wedding felt real.
36:28Smiling, he took my hand and led me home.
36:33Our courtyard was already covered in pink and white balloons.
36:37A red carpet stretched from my front door all the way to Luca's house.
36:41Luckily, he lived close by.
36:44His mother, Elena, stood at the entrance with my mother welcoming guests.
36:47Servants rushed back and forth with final preparations.
36:50The parking area was packed with luxury cars.
36:56Luca brushed his finger across my palm.
37:02We lost so many years.
37:04But at least you finally came back to me.
37:08I couldn't say this before I left for training in New York.
37:11Now I finally can.
37:12He looked deep into my eyes.
37:14Adele, I love you.
37:16Can we spend the rest of our lives together?
37:18I smiled back at him.
37:20I love you too.
37:22And thank you for showing up for me today.
37:31A sudden sob shattered the moment.
37:34It was Bella.
37:35Her red gown was gone and she looked disshettled.
37:37She was carrying a huge suitcase.
37:39The moment she saw me, tears streamed down her face.
37:42Then she dropped to her knees.
37:43Adele, please.
37:44Have mercy on me.
37:46Go back and marry Vito.
37:48I'm begging you.
37:49The Marinos are throwing me out.
37:50I can't fend for myself.
37:51I'll starve out there.
37:53Please, Adele.
37:53The guests passing by stopped in their tracks.
37:55All eyes turned to Bella as whispers spread through the crowd.
38:00A smug look flashed across Bella's face before she started wailing again.
38:04My parents are gone.
38:05I don't even have a home.
38:07You've always had everything.
38:08You're a princess.
38:09Your father's the dawn and you have a fiance who loves you.
38:11I'm just an orphan.
38:12I can't survive on my own.
38:14Please, Adele.
38:15Vito and I were never together.
38:17He was only trying to help me.
38:22The women watching finally had enough.
38:27Oh, spare us.
38:29You ditched your arranged marriage and ran off with a rich man.
38:33That's why your parents got into that car accident.
38:36And now you're destroying Vito's family.
38:39Weren't you fooling around with that old creep from the rival family last year?
38:43Why didn't you board his boat?
38:45Why keep ruining Adele's life?
38:47Don't listen to her, Adela.
38:49Go inside and put on your wedding dress!
38:55The rest of the Marino family rushed over.
38:59They dragged Bella away, apologizing over and over.
39:04Vito trailed behind them, looking broken.
39:06The accusations had hit him hard.
39:08I really, I really went.
39:11Finally, he snapped.
39:13Shut up!
39:15One more word, and I'll throw you in the river.
39:19Bella kept begging.
39:21Bella fell silent and cowered to the side.
39:28Vito stared at the rings on Luca's hand and mine.
39:31His eyes turned red.
39:33But he said nothing.
39:35He turned and followed his family.
39:37I didn't even look at him.
39:40I took Luca's hand.
39:43And went inside.
39:47The wedding reception was in full swing.
39:50After 10 years of waiting,
39:52I finally wore the dress my mother had prepared for me.
39:58Once Luca and I had shared a drink.
40:06With the family members attending the wedding,
40:09it was time for the newlyweds' river procession.
40:15Colorful lights lined both banks of the canal.
40:18Holding my parents' hands, I stepped outside.
40:22Wow! The bride's so pretty!
40:26Children gathered around me, tossing flower petals into the air.
40:29Flowers covered the ground, and a red carpet led to the water.
40:33Luca stood at the canal beside a boat,
40:35covered in roses and twinkling lights.
40:37He watched me approach with a tender smile.
40:43Careful, Adele.
40:45Watch your step.
40:48I took his hand and slowly boarded the boat.
40:51It rocked gently before joining the procession.
40:53The newlyweds' boats painted the canal in brilliant colors.
40:56Luca held my hand as we scattered rose petals into the water,
40:59each one carrying a blessing.
41:00Lights flickered in the distance.
41:02Beneath one of the bridges,
41:03I could just make out a figure hiding in the shadows.
41:06Luca covered my eyes.
41:07The wind's picking up, don't catch a chill.
41:08I nestled against his chest.
41:09His strong, steady heartbeat made me feel completely safe.
41:12Under the bridge,
41:13Vito watched the couples on the boats curled up together.
41:22A chill slowly settled over him.
41:24It's okay.
41:25They haven't filed the marriage license yet.
41:30He told himself he still had a chance.
41:37Vito waited until the procession disappeared,
41:39then emerged from beneath the bridge and went home.
41:44The house was cold and silent.
41:46Rosa sat alone in the courtyard without a word.
41:50She regretted what she'd done,
41:52but she refused to admit it.
41:56Bella was gone too.
42:03Before leaving, she'd screamed at Vito.
42:07You deserve this.
42:09You're the idiot who fell for a few sweet words
42:11and let me on your boat.
42:13Don't pin this all on me.
42:14It's on you.
42:17Adela is never coming back to you.
42:20Vito slapped her across the face.
42:22Bella froze in shock.
42:23Don't ever say Adela's name or you're not worthy.
42:28One look at Vito's expression
42:30sent her running with her suitcase.
42:36Now, no one was left.
42:38Laughter filled every corner of Sicily.
42:40It only made the Merino home feel emptier.
42:44Vito didn't join Rosa in the courtyard.
42:49He sat alone in his room all night.
43:01At six the next morning, he went to my house.
43:05He wanted one last chance to talk
43:07before I filed for a marriage license.
43:09But the gates were locked.
43:13A neighbor leaned out her window.
43:17Adelia left last night.
43:20Luca's taking her to New York.
43:30That was when real panic set in.
43:32New York?
43:34Vito had never even been there.
43:35He pulled out his phone
43:37and searched for the next flight.
43:41Gritting his teeth,
43:43he was about to buy a ticket
43:44when a message appeared.
43:56Three years later, Vito finally made it to New York.
44:00That Thanksgiving,
44:01after Bella left the Merino home,
44:03the old creep from the rival family
44:05took her to Africa.
44:07Rosa fell ill from the shock.
44:10Not long after,
44:11she died of a heart attack.
44:13Vito's father blamed him for all the trouble.
44:16He remarried.
44:18Then cast Vito out of the family.
44:25Vito spent three years drifting from place to place,
44:28working whatever jobs he could find.
44:43At last, he saved enough for a plane ticket to New York.
44:51The moment he left the airport,
44:53a wave of heat made him squint.
44:55Well-dressed people streamed past,
44:57speaking languages he couldn't understand.
45:01He'd done his research.
45:03Luca had expanded the Moretti family's influence
45:05across the East Coast.
45:07I had moved there with him,
45:08and become a jewelry designer.
45:11Vito had memorized the address of my store.
45:19He looked up, searching for a subway sign.
45:23Then an advertisement caught his eye.
45:25It featured an interview with Adele Moretta,
45:26founder of Adele Jewelry,
45:27but she no longer hid from it.
45:29I smiled with confidence,
45:30holding my child as Luca stood beside me.
45:32My latest collection was inspired
45:34by my hometown in Sicily.
45:35Every year, unmarried women draw lots.
45:37Only a red slip allows a woman
45:39to board her fiancé's boat.
45:40I drew white for ten years.
45:42Then, in my eleventh year,
45:43I found the love of my life, Luca.
45:45He showed me what real love looks like.
45:49Vito couldn't hear the rest.
45:51Exhaustion made his ears ring.
45:54He stared at the happy family on the screen.
46:00Then he slowly sank to the ground.
46:04Pedestrians float around him,
46:06leaving an empty circle in the crowd.
46:10At its center,
46:11a dust-covered man
46:12welts with his head bound,
46:14sobbing.
46:14Then you get a new one.
46:14The way to save it.
46:14Or, how to say that you are not always doing it,
46:15the way to be a family.
46:15Then we can use you to make sure you can change that up.
46:15And with the way to give,
46:15It's all the way to the side of the family.
46:15And with theandaan,