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00:00five families had been drugged by a rival family.
00:07In the chaos that followed, I spent the night with him.
00:10That one night was all it took for me to get pregnant.
00:13I had barely made it home with a test report when Luca appeared at my door with his men.
00:17My best friend, Madison Clark, recognized him immediately.
00:24Elena, you can't have this child.
00:27The Moretti family will only see you as a broodmare.
00:30You can't sell your body to them for money.
00:33Just as I was about to take her advice, I suddenly heard the voice of the baby inside me.
00:38Not this again.
00:39Is Mommy really going to make the same stupid mistake twice?
00:42What?
00:44Last time, Mommy listened to her friend and turned down $50 million.
00:49After I was born, we barely had enough food or clothes.
00:52In the end, Daddy's first love had me killed.
00:55Wait.
00:57Luca was going to give me $50 million?
00:59Then I was having this baby.
01:01I was absolutely keeping her.
01:03If you take their money and have a baby for the Morettis,
01:07then how are you any different from a brood hair they paid for?
01:10The moment Madison finished speaking, the baby's voice returned.
01:13Seriously?
01:14Only Mommy would listen to something that stupid.
01:17Last time, Mommy didn't even give Daddy a chance to pull out the check.
01:20You threw him out right away.
01:24I pushed Madison aside and caught Luca just as he was about to leave.
01:29Luca, what exactly were the terms you mentioned before?
01:32He studied me for several seconds.
01:34Then he took a cashier's check from the family lawyer and held it out to me.
01:39$50 million up front for this pregnancy.
01:42The Moretti family will cover all medical, living, and security expenses.
01:46If you safely deliver a healthy baby, you'll receive another $50 million.
01:51Madison stared at the cashier's check with open envy, her voice turning urgent.
01:55Elena, tell him to leave.
01:57Don't let him think he can humiliate you with money.
02:00I looked at the amount printed on the check and swallowed.
02:03My parents were ordinary farmers in upstate New York.
02:05To put me through college, they had mortgaged the farm and taken out substantial bank loans.
02:10Even now, they were losing sleep over the monthly payments.
02:14If $50 million was what humiliation looked like, I would happily be humiliated every day of the week.
02:21I had no idea why the baby said I had turned down the check the last time around.
02:25This time, however, I reached out and took it without hesitation.
02:30Luca, you don't have to worry.
02:31I'll keep the pregnancy confidential and cooperate with any doctors the Moretti family arranges.
02:36Once the baby is born, I'll hand her over to the Moretti family, exactly as agreed.
02:40How did Mommy suddenly start making the right decisions?
02:46The Moretti men all have hereditary fertility issues.
02:49Their viability is incredibly low.
02:51The fact that Daddy managed to have a baby at all is basically a miracle.
02:55Besides, Grandpa's always wanted a granddaughter.
02:57If Mommy handles this right, the Morettis will definitely treat her well.
03:01Elena, you have no self-respect at all!
03:04You're actually selling yourself for money!
03:09I immediately ducked behind Luca.
03:11This is my child.
03:13Of course I'm keeping her.
03:15And I want her to have the best possible life from the moment she's born.
03:19Madison tried to rush at me again.
03:21The two soldiers, stationed outside the door, stepped into the room at once.
03:25They seized Madison by the arms and dragged her out.
03:28Luca watched them take her away, his eyes utterly cold.
03:31People like that aren't real friends.
03:34Stay away from her from now on.
03:36Way to go, Daddy!
03:37Too bad Mommy used to have fewer than two functioning brain cells.
03:41I silently answered her in my head.
03:43Baby, that's enough trash talk.
03:44I'll move out tomorrow.
03:46I won't contact Madison again, and I won't let anyone dangerous near the baby.
03:50Luca nodded in satisfaction.
03:52I looked up at him and cautiously pushed my luck.
03:54If you don't mind, could I rent a place closer to you?
03:58That way, the Moretti family can check on the baby whenever they want.
04:01Luca frowned.
04:02His gaze swept over my cramped, shabby rental before settling on my stomach.
04:08Pack your things.
04:10You'll move into the get house beside the Moretti estate.
04:13That will make it easier for my mother to visit you.
04:15Instead of leaving after he finished speaking, he lingered against the doorframe.
04:20He was tall, and his black shirt hugged his torso, hinting at the hard lines of muscle underneath.
04:25My heart skipped a beat.
04:27I lowered my gaze and rested a hand on my stomach.
04:30Don't worry, my baby.
04:31I won't just make sure you have enough to eat.
04:33I'll make sure you grow up safe.
04:35I'll make you the happiest little girl in the world.
04:39That same afternoon, I moved into the guest house beside the Moretti estate with two battered suitcases.
04:45Luca stood in the doorway and calmly laid out the ground rules.
04:48You'll go to the private medical center once a week.
04:51The obstetricist, nutritionist, and nursing team are already in place.
04:55You are not to leave the estate alone without clearance from the security team.
05:00I nodded in agreement.
05:01As soon as Luca left, I threw myself onto the $80,000 handmade mattress.
05:06My body sank into its softness.
05:08Then the baby's voice returned.
05:10And here I thought Mommy had finally gotten smarter.
05:13The moment she gets the money, all she can think about is eating and sleeping.
05:17She hasn't prepared for anything.
05:19She'll eat whatever she wants until her weight gets completely out of control.
05:23Then the Morelli family will decide she can't even take care of herself, much less a baby.
05:29She'll regret it then.
05:30By the time Daddy's first love, Sloane, shows up, Mommy will be laughed right out of the room.
05:35I bolted up right.
05:37If the baby was working this hard to warn me, I couldn't let her down.
05:41I took out my phone and booked the most reputable prenatal yoga program in the city.
05:45Then I hired a maternity nutrition team to plan my daily meals according to the doctor's reports.
05:51Exercise had to remain part of my routine.
05:54My weight had to stay within the range recommended by the doctor.
05:57My clothes and appearance couldn't be neglected either.
06:00I hired a makeup artist who worked with film actresses as well as a personal stylist.
06:06I even asked the family to arrange an etiquette instructor familiar with the customs of the old line families.
06:11The baby cooperated too.
06:13I experienced almost none of the usual discomforts of pregnancy.
06:18Every morning I woke naturally and well rested and my complexion improved by the day.
06:23Two weeks later, Luca returned to the guest house.
06:25I had just finished my etiquette lesson for the day.
06:28I was wearing a pale maternity dress selected by my stylist and the makeup artist had done my hair and
06:33makeup.
06:34When Luca entered, I stood the way I had been taught and greeted him with quiet composure.
06:39His eyes visibly brightened when he saw me, but he quickly concealed his reaction.
06:45What happened between us was an accident.
06:48All you need to do is take care of yourself and deliver the baby safely.
06:52Don't read more into this than there is.
06:54Not with me or with the Moretti family.
06:57Hmm.
06:57Daddy is such a liar.
06:59Mommy is the first woman Daddy has ever been with.
07:02His heart is already starting to often towards her.
07:05I smiled without moving any closer to him, keeping my voice calm.
07:10You're the one reading too much into it.
07:12I don't expect anything from you.
07:15I simply want to look presentable enough that no one will mock the baby because of me.
07:20Luca studied me for a long moment.
07:22The suspicion in his eyes hadn't disappeared completely.
07:25But there was now a hint of appreciation alongside it.
07:28Just as he was about to speak, laughter drifted in from behind him.
07:38Luca's mother, Aviana Moretti, entered the room.
07:41I just spoke to the medical center.
07:44The doctor says the baby is developing beautifully and all of Elena's results are stable.
07:49Smiling warmly, Aviana approached me and took an antique emerald bracelet from the jewelry box.
07:55She slipped it onto my wrist herself.
07:56The Moretti men have always struggled with fertility.
08:00Both my husband and Luca were conceived only after years of treatment.
08:05If you can give the Moretti family, a healthy child concedes naturally, we will not treat you unfairly.
08:12Grandma is here.
08:14Daddy is always understanding mommy, but grandma has always treated her well.
08:20Mommy didn't understand that last time.
08:22She was so determined to prove she didn't care about money that she actually threw the bracelet at grandma.
08:27Grandma never warmed up to her after that.
08:31I had no idea where to look, baby.
08:34I don't know why the other version of me would have done something like that.
08:37But I would never do it now.
08:38I gave Aviana a gentle smile and lightly took her hand.
08:44Mrs. Moretti, as a mother, I would take responsibility for my child even without any of these gifts.
08:50Luca has already arranged the best possible home, doctors, and security team for me.
08:55This bracelet is far too valuable.
08:57I can't accept it.
08:58She pressed her hand over mine, preventing me from removing the bracelet.
09:03I assumed that any woman willing to accept this arrangement would only be interested in the money.
09:08But you're far more sensible than I expected.
09:11Emotion tightened my throat.
09:13Gathering my courage, I pulled Aviana into a hug.
09:17This baby is fortunate to have a grandmother like you.
09:21After she's born, I'll hand her over to the Moretti family just as we agreed.
09:26Even if I can't see her very often afterward, knowing that you'll protect her will be enough for me.
09:31By the time I finished, my head had fallen and tears were rolling down my cheeks.
09:36Then she raised her arms and gently hugged me back.
09:39You will always be her mother.
09:41No one in the Moretti family will prevent you from seeing her.
09:46I told you not to entertain any expectations that don't belong here.
09:51I never said you wouldn't be allowed to see the baby after she was born.
09:55You may come and go from the Moretti estate whenever you wish.
09:58The security team will not stop you.
10:00Apparently, the way I had handled things had won Mrs. Moretti over.
10:04It had also earned me unrestricted access to the Moretti estate.
10:15After learning about all the foolish mistakes I had made in my previous life, I became determined not to repeat
10:22them.
10:22Over the next few months, I made every effort to show the Moretti family that I would take proper care
10:27of the baby and cause them no trouble.
10:30Aviana and I got along wonderfully and she accompanied me to the private medical center for my examination every week.
10:36With guidance from Aviana and my stylist, I gradually learned the family's dress codes and social customs.
10:43My private tailor prepared outfits for every kind of occasion.
10:47Before each dinner, my etiquette instructor told me who would be attending and which subjects I should avoid.
10:53When my parents came down from upstate New York to visit me, they barely recognized me.
10:58We had originally agreed to keep the pregnancy confidential.
11:02Aviana, however, was preparing for the baby so openly that word soon spread.
11:06Before long, the New York underworld and several of the old line families had heard that Luca was about to
11:12have a child.
11:13Some people were even whispering that he intended to marry the baby's mother.
11:17Everyone who had once mocked Luca for being unable to father a child fell silent.
11:22After that, Luca began visiting the guest house more often.
11:25The baby, while doing her best not to grow too quickly, began imagining our future.
11:30At this rate, as long as Sloan doesn't come back, Daddy will admit he has feelings for Mommy sooner or
11:36later.
11:37But that very afternoon, just as I was about to leave the guest house, a black sedan pulled up outside.
11:43A young woman in a custom-tailored suit stepped out.
11:46Diamond earrings glittered at her ears, and several soldiers from the Bellini family followed behind her.
11:52She walked straight toward me and blocked my path.
11:55Her gaze traveled over me from head to toe without a trace of warmth.
12:00So you're the gold-digging shit who slept with Luca while he was drugged, and now thinks she can trap
12:05him with a baby?
12:07We're finished.
12:08Sloan came back after all.
12:10She's Daddy's childhood sweetheart and first love, as well as the Bellini family's only daughter.
12:15No one is better at playing the helpless victim than she is.
12:19How is Mommy supposed to compete with her now?
12:23After hearing the baby's warning, I smiled to myself.
12:27So Sloan liked playing the helpless victim?
12:29Fine.
12:31Two could play that game.
12:32I curled one hand protectively over my stomach and stumbled back several steps.
12:37Whatever problem you have with me, take it out on me.
12:40Please don't hurt Luca's baby.
12:42My words only made Sloan angrier.
12:43She stepped forward and struck me sharply across the face.
12:47Then she threw a stack of photographs at my feet.
12:50Stop pretending!
12:52I've uncovered every dirty scheme you've ever pulled!
12:55Wait, what?
12:57Sloan never did this to Mommy in front of witnesses last time.
13:00She only threatened and alliliated Mommy when they were alone.
13:04Is she afraid because Mommy is smarter this time?
13:07Listening to the baby, I understood what I needed to do.
13:11I don't know what I've done wrong.
13:14If hitting me will make you feel better, then go ahead.
13:17Just don't hurt the baby.
13:19Ah!
13:20Daddy is right behind her!
13:21Daddy, hurry and save Mommy!
13:23Seeing Sloan's face redden with rage, I decided to take the gamble.
13:27Sloan raised her hand again.
13:28I bit my lip and let my body tremble.
13:30The second slap never came.
13:32Sloanie, what are you doing?
13:34He strode toward us.
13:36Shoving Sloan aside, he crouched beside me and gathered me protectively into his arms.
13:42Sloan stared at him in disbelief.
13:45You put your hands on me for this piece of trailer, Rudge?
13:48Luca didn't even look at her.
13:50He raised one hand and gently touched the red mark on my cheek.
13:54Where else did she hurt you?
13:55When Sloan realized that Luca was no longer going to take her side unconditionally, she completely lost her composure.
14:03Luca, I came back because I was worried someone had set you up.
14:07The circumstances surrounding your drug aiding were far too suspicious.
14:11I spent a fortune hiring a private investigator to find out what happened that night.
14:15I believe Elena orchestrated the entire thing.
14:20She hired someone to drug you and then approached you while your judgment was compromised.
14:26Once she was pregnant, she could trap you with a baby and force her way into the Marotti family.
14:31Mommy did no such thing.
14:33Those are all lies.
14:35Sloan, you witch.
14:37Daddy will never believe you.
14:39Luca narrowed his eyes.
14:41He brought his foot down hard on the photographs lying on the ground.
14:45I've already investigated what happened.
14:47The person who drugged me was hired by a rival family.
14:50They wanted my judgment compromised before a negotiation.
14:53Everyone involved has already been thrown into the ocean as shark bait.
14:58Don't tell me you came all the way back just to smear Elena with this garbage.
15:02Sloan clearly hadn't expected Luca to have already uncovered the truth.
15:06I was just beginning to relax when she pulled another stack of photographs from her handbag.
15:13None of that proves she can be trusted.
15:15Look at the kind of woman she used to be.
15:18She was constantly going to nightclubs and behaving intimately with different men.
15:23That baby cannot possibly be yours.
15:27Luca lowered his gaze.
15:29The photograph showed me embracing and kissing several men I didn't recognize.
15:33His expression darkened instantly.
15:36That's impossible.
15:37I'm Daddy and Mommy's baby.
15:39Sloan is lying.
15:40Mommy, explain.
15:40Don't let Daddy believe that awful woman.
15:43I don't know any of those men.
15:45These photographs are fake.
15:46I've never even dated anyone.
15:48Sloan immediately slipped her arm through Luca's.
15:50She pressed herself close to him, as though deliberately reminding me that they had known each other for years.
15:57Getting pregnant after one night together is awfully convenient, don't you think?
16:02Sloan turned her gaze on me.
16:03If you insist the baby is Luca's, then take a prenatal paternity test.
16:08Inside me, the baby stirred angrily.
16:10Do it.
16:11Don't be afraid, Mommy.
16:12I'll be fine.
16:14We'll prove it to her.
16:16Fine.
16:20I'm six months pregnant.
16:22We can do an amnioceptius.
16:24I'll take the Pernity test and prove that the baby is Luca's.
16:28But once the results come back, no matter what they say, I'll move out of the Moretti estate.
16:32Even if the baby is Luca's, I still won't come between you and Sloan.
16:36You can relax.
16:38I have never wanted to take a place that didn't belong to me.
16:41My voice remained steady, but the tears continued rolling down my cheeks.
16:46Luca watched me.
16:47Unmistakable pain and concern filling his eyes, Sloan wanted nothing more than to erase me from existence.
16:53But she could no longer stop the test.
16:55All she could do was watch as Luca lifted me into his arms and personally carried me to the private
17:01medical center.
17:02News of the paternity test spread quickly through the Moretti family.
17:06Even Don Octavian Moretti immediately flew back from another city.
17:09He entered the medical center leaning on his cane.
17:12The moment he saw Luca, he struck the floor with it in fury.
17:16Luca, have you lost all judgment?
17:19You're making a woman who is six months pregnant undergo an amniotexmas because of a few obviously doctored photographs?
17:26I immediately stepped in front of Luca.
17:29Don Moretti, this isn't Luca's fault.
17:32Taking the test was my decision.
17:34Once the results are available, the rumors surrounding Luca and the baby will stop.
17:38Luca looked at me, unable to conceal his reluctance.
17:42Since when does the Moretti family owe anyone an explanation for idle gossip?
17:46Undergoing an amnioprexstria at six months puts both you and the baby at risk.
17:50I'm not afraid. Just get on with it.
17:53Once the results are out, Sloan's innocent princess mask will finally come off.
17:57Under Sloan's smug gaze, I lay down on the examination table.
18:01When the needle pierced my abdomen, my entire body trembled with pain after the procedure.
18:06The doctor instructed me to remain at the medical center for observation.
18:10Supporting my lower back with one hand, I walked slowly out of the examination room.
18:15But the moment I entered the hallway, I saw Sloan leading Luca away.
18:19Luca didn't look back.
18:20The baby cried out in outrage.
18:23How could Daddy do that?
18:25Mommy is still bleeding, but he didn't even look at her.
18:28He just left with slowing.
18:30When those results come back, he's going to regret this.
18:32He had better get down on his knees and beg Mommy to forgive him.
18:36I managed a weak smile, but the unease inside me continued to grow.
18:40Could I really change Sloan's place in Luca's heart on my own?
18:43The following day, Aviana was so upset on my behalf that she personally brought me into the Moretti estate.
18:50She ordered her private chef to prepare an enormous meal and insisted that I recover in the main house.
18:55Elena, once the results come back, I'll make this right and...
18:59The results are in!
19:01The baby Elena is carrying isn't Luca's.
19:14I felt the blood in my veins turn to ice.
19:17The baby and I cried out at the same time.
19:20That's impossible!
19:21My body locked in place, every trace of color draining from my face.
19:25Sloan strode toward me.
19:29You really thought a cheap trick like this would get you into the Moretti family?
19:33Trash will always be trash.
19:34No matter how expensive your clothes are, you will never be one of us!
19:38I knew from the beginning that this was all some elaborate con.
19:42Thank God I came back in time to expose you for Luca.
19:46Otherwise, the Moretti family might actually have been deceived into accepting a child of unknown parentage!
19:53My knees suddenly gave way.
19:54Just as I was about to collapse, Aviana caught me.
19:57All her usual warmth had disappeared.
19:59She fixed Sloan with an icy stare.
20:02Where did this report come from?
20:04The DNA laboratory, obviously.
20:07Sloan opened the report.
20:08I paid a rush fee to have the test expedited.
20:12Take a good look.
20:13Luke, the baby Elena is carrying, has no biological relation to Luca whatsoever.
20:18The test result was printed plainly on the report.
20:21A chill seemed to roll off Luca in an instant.
20:25Don Octavian Moretti frowned, his expression turning grave.
20:30The household staff gathered around the room began murmuring among themselves.
20:35She's nothing but a gold-digging slut.
20:37Who tried to use a pregnancy to force her way into the family.
20:40She doesn't even know who fathered her child.
20:42How could she possibly compare to Sloan?
20:45Luca hates being deceived more than anything.
20:48This woman is not going to meet a pleasant end.
20:51Elena, I'd love to hear how you plan to explain this.
20:54Then she turned to Luca.
20:55Throw her out of the Moretti estate!
20:57Right now!
20:58And make her repay every dollar Luca has spent on her.
21:03Every last cent.
21:05If she comes up even one dollar short, have the soldiers take her down to the basement.
21:10The Moretti family has plenty of ways to make her pay.
21:13But Luca didn't move.
21:14He continued, staring at the report.
21:17My scalp prickled with fear.
21:19Luca couldn't actually believe it.
21:20Then Aviana slammed her palm against the table.
21:23I commissioned this test.
21:25I paid for it in full.
21:26The DNA laboratory was authorized to release the result.
21:30Only to me and the family lawyer.
21:33Aviana's eyes bored into Sloan.
21:36So why haven't I heard a single word from them?
21:38While you're standing here waving the report around?
21:42Sloan clearly hadn't thought that far ahead.
21:44Her expression froze.
21:46I...
21:46Someone left the report at my front door.
21:49I assumed my private investigator had managed to obtain the result ahead of time.
21:53I didn't examine it closely.
21:54I brought it here as soon as I received it.
21:57Sloan quickly rearranged her expression into one of wounded innocence.
22:01I did all of this to protect you.
22:03Luca, you know I would never hurt you.
22:06Elena is the one who has been using you this entire time.
22:10Luca first looked at me, taking in the complete lack of color in my face.
22:14Then he lowered his gaze and carefully examined the report.
22:17Didn't take him long to find what he was looking for.
22:19The laboratory seal is in the wrong position.
22:21The report uses two different fonts.
22:23There's no case ID and no chain of custody code.
22:26This report is a fergery.
22:28The corner of Sloan's mouth twitched unnaturally.
22:30Luca exchanged a grave look with Aviana before handing the report to the family lawyer.
22:34The lawyer immediately called the DNA laboratory.
22:37A few minutes later, he returned to the living room.
22:40The DNA laboratory has confirmed that they are still processing the samples.
22:43The official result will not be ready until noon the day after tomorrow.
22:46To prevent anyone else from presenting another forged report,
22:50we will go to the DNA laboratory in person the day after tomorrow.
22:54Once the result is ready, we'll open the sealed envelope in front of everyone.
22:58That way, no one will be able to frame Alina again.
23:02Sloan's face rapidly turned red.
23:03She stood there, unable to say another word.
23:07The baby squirmed happily inside me.
23:11No wonder Grandpa and Daddy didn't say anything.
23:14They had already noticed something was wrong with the report.
23:17Sloan thought she was so clever, but she ended up exposing herself instead.
23:23The baby was thrilled.
23:25I, however, couldn't relax.
23:27Sloan wasn't going to let this go so easily.
23:30Even though the Moretti family had caught her presenting a forged report,
23:34she was still the only daughter of the Bellini family.
23:37She and Luca had grown up together.
23:39She had the Bellini name, wealth, and connections.
23:42I was nothing more than an ordinary woman from a small farm
23:46with no standing among any of the families.
23:48Even when I was being falsely accused,
23:50all I could do was hold back my tears and stand quietly to one side.
23:53I lowered my head, not daring to look at anyone in the room.
23:58Aviana took my hand.
24:00A perfectly good dinner. Ruined.
24:02Elena, you're staying in my suite tonight.
24:05I'll have two of my private chefs prepare another dinner for you.
24:09She shot Sloan an impatient look,
24:11Afraid that I might turn Aviana against her in private,
24:14Sloan hurried after us.
24:16Aviana! I did this for Luca.
24:18When I saw the report, I didn't have time to think.
24:21I came straight here.
24:22I never meant to deceive any of you with a forged report.
24:25Who's to say Elena didn't arrange this entire thing?
24:28Maybe she was the one who had the forged report delivered to my door.
24:31She knew I would bring it here.
24:33Then, once all of you discovered it was fake,
24:36she could continue playing the victim and win everyone's sympathy.
24:40You can't let her fool you.
24:44Aviana's eyes turned glacial.
24:46It was the first time I had seen such sharp anger on her face.
24:49Before she could say a word, Luca stepped in front of me.
24:52Sloan, have you finished?
24:55His voice rang through the room.
24:56Startled, Sloan froze in place.
24:59Aviana regarded her with open disappointment.
25:01Sloan, I always believed you were a kind woman who knew how to respect other people.
25:09Now I can see that it was all an act.
25:12I was wrong about you.
25:15Aviana took my hand and turned toward the household staff gathered around the room.
25:20Elena is the mother of my future granddaughter.
25:22Everyone who helped Sloan humiliant her today is to leave the Miradia state immediately.
25:27If your loyalties lie with the Bologna family, then you may go and work for them.
25:31The staff members, who had been sneering at me only moments before went pale,
25:35they began apologizing at once, begging Aviana not to dismiss them.
25:39Aviana refused to change her mind.
25:41She turned to Don Octavian.
25:43If Luca's father weren't occupied with matters overseas,
25:47he never would have allowed outsiders to humiliate Elena inside the Miradia state.
25:51Don Octavian nodded.
25:52From the moment Sloan produced the forged report, I hadn't argued or tried to attack anyone.
25:57When Don Octavian looked at me again, there was something new in his eyes.
26:01A trace of approval.
26:04Don Octavian turned his attention to Sloan.
26:06I have tolerated you all these years because your grandfather and I have known each other for a very long
26:11time.
26:12But you would do well to remember one thing.
26:15An old friendship does not give you permission to harm my family.
26:19If you hurt Elena or the child again, the Bellini family will not be able to protect you.
26:24No one ignored a warning from a Don Sloan bit her lip, unwilling to accept the situation,
26:29but she had no choice except to remain silent.
26:32Having Aviana protect me so openly already meant more than I could express.
26:36The baby, however, was still fixated on making Luca get down on his knees and apologize to me.
26:41Suddenly, she kicked hard.
26:42Mommy, I'm sorry.
26:44I'm only trying to help.
26:45That single kick seemed to use up all her strength.
26:48A wave of sharp pain tore through my abdomen.
26:50I couldn't stop the cry that escaped me.
26:52My vision rapidly went black.
26:54All the strength left my body, and I felt myself falling backward.
26:58I normally wasn't this weak, but I had undergone the amniocentesis only the day before.
27:03I hadn't slept at all during the night.
27:06Then Sloan's forged report had subjected me to one emotional shock after another.
27:10When the baby suddenly began moving so violently, my body finally reached its limit.
27:15As my consciousness faded, I felt myself fall into a pair of warm arms.
27:19Through my darkening vision, I saw panic on Luca's face.
27:22He held me tightly, the veins standing out along his forearms.
27:25Get the medical team!
27:26Bring the car around!
27:28Now!
27:28Luca turned towards Sloan.
27:30If anything happens to Elena or the baby, there will be nowhere for you to hide.
27:36Avianna had lost her composure as well.
27:39She wept as she wiped helplessly at her tears.
27:42I said from the beginning that an amniocrasomy would put Elena and the baby at risk.
27:47This test never should have happened.
27:50Why didn't you stop her?
27:52Why didn't you tell her directly that you believed her?
27:55If you hadn't kept indulging Sloan, Elena never would have had to endure any of this.
28:00Every word Avianna spoke deepened the guilt on Luca's face.
28:03Just before I lost consciousness completely, I heard the baby give a secret little laugh.
28:08Now, if Daddy wants Mommy back, he'll have to get down on his knees and beg her to forgive him.
28:15When I opened my eyes again, the first thing I saw was Luca's guilt-stricken face.
28:20The moment he realized I was awake, he took my hand.
28:25How are you feeling?
28:27Are you in pain anywhere?
28:30I'll get the doctor right now.
28:32Still dazed, I shook my head.
28:33Then I immediately lowered my gaze to my stomach.
28:36Thank God.
28:37The baby was still there.
28:38Sensing that I was awake, she stirred gently.
28:41Mommy, I'm so sorry.
28:43That kick was too hard.
28:44You've been unconscious for two whole days.
28:46You didn't get to see it, but Daddy stayed beside your bed the entire time.
28:51Daddy even got down on his knees beside your bed.
28:54Oh, a lot of other things have happened over the past two days, too.
28:58Luca began explaining as well.
28:59The official paternity test result came back this morning.
29:02Every immediate member of the Moretti family went to the DNA laboratory.
29:06The sealed report was opened in front of all of us.
29:08My heart plummeted.
29:10I was so nervous that I didn't know what to ask first.
29:13At that moment, the door to the hospital room opened.
29:17Aviana walked in.
29:18I said from the begin that there was no reason to doubt Elaiza.
29:21She and the baby endured so much unnecessary pain because of a test that never should have happened.
29:26Aviana came to my bedside.
29:28She looked at me, a smile finally returning to her face.
29:31The paternity test has confirmed that the baby is a Moretti.
29:34The results also indicate that the baby is almost certainly a girl.
29:39Pleased, Aviana gently stroked my forehead.
29:42Luca was in the wrong this time.
29:44To welcome his great-granddaughter and to apologize to you,
29:49Don Octavian has already purchased an apartment building.
29:52Once the baby is born, that building will be her welcome gift.
29:55I blinked slowly.
29:57Had I heard her correctly?
29:58An entire apartment building?
30:00That meant the baby would never have to lift a finger.
30:03The rental income alone would allow her to live in extraordinary comfort.
30:07And as her mother, I would probably benefit from it too.
30:10The unexpected gift sent my blood pressure soaring.
30:13For a moment, I thought I might pass out all over again.
30:17At that critical moment, the baby remained calmer than I did.
30:20She stirred gently, reminding me,
30:22Mommy is far too easy to impress.
30:25It's only one apartment building, and she's already about to faint.
30:30What is she going to do if Grandpa and Grandpa give me a satellite someday?
30:36I swallowed hard and forced out a smile.
30:38Mrs. Moretti, I don't know what to say.
30:43Thank you for wanting to give this baby such a wonderful life.
30:48I don't know how I could ever repay you.
30:50I tried to push myself upright so that I could thank Aviana properly.
30:54Watching me, Luca couldn't help smiling.
30:56When I awkwardly attempted to pull my hand out of his, his gaze darkened.
31:00The next moment, his fingers tightened around mine.
31:03This time, he didn't let go.
31:04Aviana looked at our joined hands and gave us a knowing smile.
31:10We're all family.
31:11There's no need to be so formal.
31:13I froze.
31:14Family?
31:14Was the Moretti family no longer planning to give me the agreed hundred million dollars
31:19and send me away after the baby was born?
31:22Aviana continued.
31:23The fact that you were able to conceive Luca's child at all proves that the connection between
31:27the two of you is deeper than anyone imagined.
31:30Perhaps you were always meant to be together.
31:32The atmosphere in the hospital room abruptly became charged with tension.
31:36My ears began to burn.
31:38Aviana glanced at Luca, clearly preparing to leave the two of us alone.
31:42Then the door to the room was kicked open.
31:45A gray-haired old man entered, flanked by several Bellini soldiers.
31:50Sloane followed beside him, her face filled with anger.
31:53The man was none other than the head of the Bellini family.
31:56Don Matthew Bellini.
31:57Don Bellini pointed his cane at me.
31:59Avelia!
32:00Have you lost your judgment?
32:05Did any of you investigate this woman's background?
32:09Do you have any idea how worthless she is?
32:12Her parents run a tiny dairy farm in the countryside.
32:15She has no family connections and no distinguished bloodline.
32:18A woman like her has no right to bear the Moretti name.
32:22Sloane is the only woman suited to become Luca's wife.
32:25If you agree to a marriage alliance between the Moretti and Bellini families,
32:28Sloane is willing to accept the child.
32:30She will raise the girl as her own daughter.
32:32And our Sloane will give the Morettis a son, an heir.
32:35Don Bellini swept his gaze around the room.
32:38When his sharp eyes landed on me, they narrowed into a vicious glare.
32:42But if the Moretti family insists on choosing this woman,
32:45every business arrangement and territorial agreement
32:48between the Bellonis and the Morettis ends today.
32:52The baby gave a dismissive scoff.
32:55Sloane always kept Daddy at a distance.
32:57She never wanted to be with him.
32:59She simply enjoyed having him chase after her.
33:02Now that she realizes Daddy might be in love with Mommy,
33:05she first uses a forged report to frame Mommy,
33:08and then she brings her own grandfather here
33:10to force Daddy into marrying her.
33:12Does she really believe this will make Daddy surrender?
33:14The more stunts she pulls,
33:16the more clearly Daddy sees what she's really like.
33:19Besides, Grandma and Grandpa aren't going to be frightened
33:21by the Bellini family.
33:22The Moretti family isn't going to collapse
33:25just because the Bellomas walk away.
33:26Threatening the Morettis by cutting ties with them?
33:29Please.
33:30As I listened to the baby,
33:32the tension in my chest gradually eased.
33:34She was right.
33:35During my time with the Morettis,
33:37I had learned that Aviana was not a woman
33:39who could be easily threatened.
33:41Luca had managed the family
33:43alongside his father and grandfather for years.
33:45He would never allow someone else
33:47to make his decisions for him.
33:49By having Don Bellini intervene and force the marriage,
33:52Sloane would only destroy whatever feelings
33:54Luca still had for her.
33:56Besides, I wasn't yet in a position
33:58to speak in a confrontation like this.
34:00I deliberately made myself look frightened
34:02and drew the blanket higher around me.
34:05With only my eyes visible,
34:06I silently watched them.
34:09Luca, however, believed I was genuinely afraid.
34:11His expression darkened immediately.
34:14Who allowed you into this room?
34:16You're frightening Elena and the baby.
34:18Where is the security team assigned to this floor?
34:21If you can't even stop unauthorized visitors,
34:23then you don't need to report for work tomorrow.
34:24Several of the soldiers stationed outside the room
34:27immediately entered.
34:30Don, forgive us.
34:32Slane said she was your fiancé.
34:34And Don Bellini is an important ally of the Moretti family.
34:38We didn't dare stop them.
34:40Luca regarded them coldly.
34:42I'll say this one last time.
34:44Elena is now the highest priority under Moretti's security protocol.
34:47Every decision must place her safety and the baby's safety first.
34:51Other than immediate members of the Moretti family,
34:53anyone who attempts to harass Elena is to be detained on the spot.
34:57Luca never directly responded to the terms Don Bellini had proposed,
35:01but his orders made his position perfectly clear.
35:04He intended to keep me under the protection of the Moretti family.
35:08Neither Slane nor the Bellinis could threaten him into changing his decision.
35:13Aviana looked deeply satisfied with the way Luca had handled the situation.
35:16Don Bellini and Slane, on the other hand, went white with rage.
35:20Slane stared at Luca in disbelief.
35:22We've known each other for 15 years.
35:25Are you really going to throw away everything between us for a Derry Harmer's daughter?
35:29Do you have any idea how filthy her family is?
35:33I frowned.
35:34This time, I refused to remain silent.
35:37My parents built that farm with their own hands.
35:40They care for their land and their animals, and they repay every loan on time.
35:44They haven't stolen from anyone.
35:45They haven't deceived anyone.
35:47They haven't hurt anyone.
35:49There is no shame in running a farm.
35:51There is no shame in not having money.
35:53What is truly shameful is using a family name and family wealth
35:57to humiliate people who earn an honest living.
35:59It was the first time I had openly fought back against Sloane in front of everyone.
36:03Luca's expression had been ice cold.
36:05But when he heard me speak, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
36:09Sloane saw the way Luca was looking at me and lost the last shred of her composure.
36:13Luca, you're a liar.
36:14You told me you would wait for me.
36:16You said you would.
36:19Slain in all these years, have you ever truly respected me?
36:21No.
36:22You liked being pursued.
36:23You liked watching me wait for you.
36:24I grew tired of that game a long time ago.
36:26And now I finally understand that you were never the kind woman I imagined you to be.
36:31There was no warmth in Luca's voice.
36:33All I feel for you now is exhaustion.
36:37You should leave quietly before that exhaustion turns into hatred.
36:40Apparently, an unattainable first love wasn't as special as I had once imagined.
36:45Aviana stepped forward and brought the argument to an end.
36:47Sloane, I have yet to hold you accountable for using a forged paternity report to frame Elena.
36:53Now you've brought your people barging into her hospital room to threaten her.
36:57Your actions have already proven that you are unfit to become Luca's wife.
37:02The Moretti family will not accept this marriage.
37:05Aviana turned to Don Bellini.
37:07If the Bellini family wants to cut ties with us, then do it.
37:10There are more families and companies waiting to take your place than I can count.
37:14She looked toward the soldiers standing at the door.
37:17Escort them out.
37:18I don't want anyone else disturbing Luca or my future daughter-in-law.
37:22I sat frozen in the hospital bed, my face burning.
37:25Future daughter-in-law?
37:26Had Aviana already accepted me?
37:30The baby was so happy, she was almost in tears.
37:33Mommy didn't get to see Daddy kneel and beg her to forgive him.
37:36But Grandma has already accepted Mommy, and she said it out loud.
37:40This is wonderful.
37:41Mommy and I are finally going to have a good life.
37:43That kick I gave earlier wasn't for nothing after all.
37:46At first, I believed all I needed was the child.
37:48I didn't think I needed you too.
37:51But during all this time,
37:52taking you to your exercise sessions,
37:55accompanying you to your appointments,
37:56cooking with you and eating with you,
37:59you showed me a kind of life I had never experienced before.
38:02That day when I saw the photographs and agreed to the paternity test,
38:06it wasn't because I truly believed the baby wasn't mine.
38:09It was because I was jealous.
38:13I thought you had been with other men.
38:16It was my fault that you were hurt.
38:19I want you to give me a chance.
38:21I want you to give me the right to protect you and the baby as your husband.
38:26Elena, will you marry me?
38:27So even the heir to a powerful family understood that a woman should be given a choice.
38:31I had thought I would be the one fighting for a place at Luca's side.
38:34But he hadn't made me ask.
38:35All the effort I had put in during these past months hadn't been wasted.
38:38My face burning, I nodded.
38:42The next instant, Luca slipped the ring onto my finger.
38:45He moved as though he were afraid I might change my mind.
38:47Before I had fully accepted that I was about to become Luca's wife,
38:50Aviana had already made the announcement publicly.
38:53Luca Moretti was going to have a grand wedding.
38:55The Moretti family would also soon welcome its first naturally conceived girl in generations.
38:59Luca's father put all his overseas business on hold.
39:01He planned to return and preside over the wedding himself,
39:04then remain in New York until the baby was born.
39:06As for Don Octavian, all his attention was now focused on the baby.
39:09Every day, he and Luca discussed what gift they should prepare for the little girl on the way.
39:13Yet the piece lasted only two days.
39:15Several gossip sites suddenly published details about my family background.
39:18Countless media accounts reposted photographs of my parents working on their farm.
39:22Some reporters even traveled to the small town where my parents lived
39:25and secretly photographed them tending to the dairy cows and cleaning the property.
39:28The articles called me a trailer-trosh bride.
39:30Others claimed I had resorted to underhanded methods to make Luca agree to marry me.
39:34By then, I was eight months pregnant.
39:35When I saw the photographs, I was desperate to return home and see my parents.
39:39But Luca had already sent someone to bring them to New York.
39:41I burst into tears and threw myself into their arms.
39:44I'm so sorry those people harassed you because of me.
39:47But my parents didn't blame me.
39:48We run our farm honestly.
39:50There's nothing for us to be ashamed of.
39:52Don't cry.
39:53When you get married, we're going to prepare the greatest wedding gift for you.
39:57You're going to be the most beautiful bride.
39:59My parents' kindness and optimism earned them the respect of everyone in the Moretti household.
40:03Luca's father immediately instructed the family lawyer to take action.
40:07Every media account that had violated my parents' privacy received a legal notice.
40:11Several gossip sites that had led the smear campaign were forced to shut down.
40:14The family also traced the leaked information back to the person pulling the strings.
40:19Sure enough, Sloane was behind it again.
40:21This time, she had pushed the Moretti family beyond its limit.
40:24Luca formally terminated every partnership between the Moretti and Bellini families.
40:28He also delivered a personal warning to the Bellinis.
40:32If Sloane goes anywhere near Elena or the baby again, I will take every route, every contract,
40:37and every dollar the Moretti family controls.
40:39By the time I'm finished, there will be no Moretti family left in New York.
40:42After that public rupture, I became the subject of conversations throughout the city.
40:46A farmer's daughter is actually going to become the lady of the Moretti household?
40:51How did she manage to win over the entire Moretti family?
40:55She's eight months pregnant, but she still looks incredible.
40:59You rarely see anyone that far along in such remarkable condition.
41:03Well, of course.
41:04Even at eight months, I continued every exercise my doctor approved.
41:08I followed every meal plan prepared by the nutrition team.
41:12At the same time, I began studying finance and business management.
41:15I even registered for a professional finance certification exam.
41:18When the baby eventually became involved with the Moretti family's assets and legitimate businesses,
41:23I wanted to have the knowledge necessary to help her.
41:26When Aviana discovered that I had been studying, her approval of me only deepened.
41:30Once Elena has completed her postpartum recovery,
41:32she will join one of the Moretti family's legitimate companies.
41:35She'll begin at the general manager level and learn the business from there.
41:39The harder I worked, the more secure my position within the Moretti family became.
41:42After the baby was born, Luca and I obtained our marriage license.
41:46On the day I finally put on my wedding dress, I clutched Luca's hand nervously.
41:49What if someone catches us off guard and switches the baby at the medical center?
41:53What if someone carries our daughter away and leaves a different baby in her place?
41:56Luca was always amused by my worries.
41:59Then I'll station 50 soldiers outside the nursery.
42:04No one except the doctors and us will be allowed near her.
42:07I promise no one will have an opportunity to switch her.
42:09The baby and I breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.
42:12Later, those 50 soldiers really did catch a nanny attempting to switch the baby.
42:16Dealing with that threat would not be the last challenge we faced.
42:20Marrying into the Moretti family didn't mean I could ever let down my guard
42:23to protect the baby and everything I now had.
42:25I would have to keep moving forward.
42:52You