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🔥 Prepare for the ultimate short drama addiction! Packed with breathless romance, shocking betrayals, and massive plot twists that will keep you hooked until the very last second. 💔👑🕶️
🚀 Hit FOLLOW now for daily addictive mini-series! 👇
#shortdrama #miniseries #drama #romance #betrayal #mafia #shortfilm
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Sicily has a savage tradition known as the claiming, rooted in old honor codes and mafia control.
00:06It demands the groom steal his bride away at midnight, fighting through her family's guards to prove his power and
00:11right to her.
00:12I waited three years for Dominic. At last, he and his men slipped into my courtyard.
00:16I was ready to run to him until I heard his hushed order.
00:19Grab Bianca in the chaos. She's fragile.
00:21If she's sold off to the Don of the Valentino family to settle the debt, she won't survive the night.
00:26As for Elena, she'll fight like hell. She'll keep herself safe.
00:29The men hesitated.
00:30Dominic, you and Elena are already married.
00:33If she finds out, she'll burn this place to the ground.
00:35Let her. It's dark enough.
00:38A case of mistaken identity during the claiming will be easy to explain.
00:41I'll calm her down later.
00:43He paused, his voice turning icy.
00:46Besides, the marriage license she signed was a forgery.
00:49I promised Bianca a safe life in Palermo. She's my priority.
00:53I heard every word from behind the door. I didn't scream. I didn't cry.
00:56I just slipped back into the room.
00:59They'd expected me to fight. To hurt anyone who tried to take me.
01:03Instead, I silently climbed onto the back of the man who'd broken into my chamber.
01:09And became his bride.
01:11Elena, my contact at the registry checked.
01:14You... you weren't actually Dominic's legal wife.
01:17Something inside my chest shattered.
01:19I'd lived as Dominic's wife for five years.
01:22All that time, the Russo family never accepted me.
01:25His mother never used my name.
01:27Only ever referring to me as,
01:29That girl.
01:30At family galas, I was always seated at the farthest table.
01:33In official portraits, I was placed at the edge so I could be easily cropped out.
01:38Dominic said his mother wouldn't let up until I broke.
01:40So he sent me back to the Moretti estate.
01:43He promised he'd follow our traditions and complete the formal claiming ritual to bring me back as his Donna.
01:48Then, the Russo family would have no choice but to accept me.
01:52I waited.
01:52For three years, I'd held my tongue.
01:55Longing for this knight.
01:56But he'd come for another woman.
01:58He'd kept me deceived for years with a forged marriage license.
02:02All to hide the truth.
02:03The one he truly meant to claim was my half-sister, Bianca.
02:07I stared at my reflection.
02:08My face was empty.
02:10Shouts exploded in the courtyard.
02:12The ritual had begun.
02:15Laughter rang out.
02:16Boots thudded against stone.
02:18And guards put on a show of resisting.
02:20Ritual torches painted half the sky red.
02:22All the excitement was for them.
02:24The celebration was for Bianca.
02:26The other group of men had come from the Valentino family.
02:29They'd originally come for Bianca.
02:31By the rules of the ritual, if a woman didn't want to be taken, she could hide and send them
02:35away empty-handed.
02:36But Bianca didn't hide.
02:38She waited in her room to be taken.
02:40And the man she waited for was my husband.
02:43The room I was in wasn't mine.
02:44It was Bianca's.
02:46That afternoon, my stepmother pulled me aside.
02:48For once, her voice was gentle.
02:50Elena, stay in Bianca's room tonight.
02:52Yours is too far back.
02:53Too quiet.
02:54They'll never find you.
02:55The men coming for Bianca are savages.
02:57You've always been tough.
02:59You can handle the rough play.
03:00Bianca is fragile.
03:02If she gets caught in the crossfire, it'll be a disaster.
03:05I said nothing.
03:06I knew exactly what she meant.
03:08By the rules of the claiming, the groom's men would storm in.
03:11The woman was expected to fight and struggle.
03:13It was called the gauntlet.
03:15The harder she fought, the more valuable she was considered.
03:17The groom had to prove he could take her by force.
03:20Those punches and shoves were real.
03:22My stepmother studied my face, testing me.
03:25Besides, Dominic has never been to the Meretti estate at night.
03:28The front room?
03:29He'll find you faster.
03:30Back then, I'd only wanted to make things easier for Dominic.
03:34I agreed.
03:34I even texted him my room location.
03:37But they'd been planning this switch all along.
03:40A roar of celebration erupted outside.
03:42We got her!
03:43The bride is ours!
03:44Laughter and cheering rang out, followed by the sharp crack of celebratory gunfire.
03:48I listened, I listened, but didn't move.
03:50I knew exactly who they'd taken.
03:52I could picture Dominic carrying Bianca through the crowd, his men shielding them as guests hurled objects and blocked their
03:58path.
03:59Bianca would hide her face against his back, pretending to struggle.
04:02How perfect!
04:03I lowered my gaze.
04:05Moments later, my door was kicked in.
04:07A group of men flooded into the dark room, their footsteps heavy and chaotic.
04:11Someone seized my arm.
04:13Hands began shoving and striking me.
04:15I felt fists slam into my shoulders and back.
04:18This was the gauntlet.
04:19The harder the beating, the more the family valued the bride.
04:22I didn't flinch or resist.
04:24I let them yank me from my chair and drag me towards the door.
04:27At first it felt like a formality, but the violence quickly turned ugly.
04:33Someone slammed my arm against the stone wall.
04:39Fists began hammering my ribs with real, cruel force.
04:43This was intentional.
04:45The pain was excruciating, but I didn't make a sound.
04:48I should have known you were tough, Elena.
04:50I finally understood what my stepmother had meant by calling me tough.
04:55Just when I thought it would never end, someone stepped in to shield me.
05:00Enough!
05:01It was a stranger's voice, sharp with fury.
05:05He blocked the others, shoving the attacker's back with his arms.
05:10That's the way it works.
05:12The harder we hit, the more she's worth.
05:15What rule?
05:16His voice dropped to a dangerous growl.
05:19This isn't your wife!
05:21If someone was beating your woman like a dog, would you just stand there and watch?
05:25The room went silent.
05:27He glanced back at me.
05:29In the shadows, I could only make out the sharp line of his jaw.
05:34Then he bent down and hoisted me onto his back.
05:37Who is he?
05:38He's taking this ritual way too seriously.
05:40He carried me out in long, steady strides.
05:43People chased after us, throwing things and blocking the way,
05:46but his grip on my legs never wavered.
05:48When he finally carried me out of my private courtyard, he paused to catch his breath.
05:57In the distance, the faint glow of ritual torches moved.
06:00That was the other group.
06:02Through the bushes, I heard their laughter.
06:05Dominic was at the front, sweat-soaked but wearing a triumphant smile.
06:10Bianca was on his back, her arms wrapped tight around his neck.
06:14His men were cheering.
06:17I lay silent on the stranger's back as they drew near.
06:22Torchlight flickered across my face.
06:24Dominic's eyes flicked over me and Le Tui the Bermormlemi for a split second.
06:28Then his gaze moved on, turning back to his men as he joked and laughed.
06:32He didn't recognize me.
06:35Bianca whispered something in his ear, and he leaned in with a soft smile.
06:40I suddenly thought back to three years ago, when I'd returned to the Moretti estate to visit my father and
06:45stayed for a while.
06:46The first time Dominic came to find me there, he'd worn that exact same smile.
06:50That day, my father's men put him to the test.
06:53They blocked him at the gates and roughed him up, just to see if a Russo truly cared for a
06:57Moretti girl.
06:58He'd shown up at my door with a split lip and bruised ribs.
07:01I asked if it hurt.
07:03For my wife, I'd take a lot worse.
07:05He was a spoiled Russo heir who'd never been hurt before, yet he'd taken a beating from my father's men,
07:11just for me.
07:12He always acted like it was nothing, but I knew the truth.
07:15My father's men didn't go easy on outsiders.
07:18Another time, it poured rain.
07:21He showed up soaked to the bone, his shirt torn, but the pastries tucked inside his jacket were still dry.
07:28I called him an idiot for coming out in weather like that.
07:31Didn't want you to wait too long.
07:33I held those pastries, staring at the cut on his cheek and thought, this is the man I'll spend my
07:39life with.
07:40But now, he carried Bianca with that exact same smile.
07:44Come on, Bianca.
07:46My vision blurred for a second, then sharpened again.
07:49Not gonna drop me, are you?
07:50No, never.
07:51Are you sure?
07:51Yes.
07:52Are you sure?
07:52When did it all start to change?
07:55Probably three years ago, when my father died.
07:57I felt completely hollow inside.
07:59I'll handle it.
08:00Dominic canceled everything to stay at the Moretti estate with me for two weeks.
08:04Non salchare.
08:05The day he had to leave, he took my hand and spoke softly.
08:08Elena, you just got through the funeral and you look awful.
08:11If my mother sees you like this, she'll start on you again.
08:13I don't want you putting up with that.
08:14Just stay here at the estate and rest.
08:16You've always wanted to take over the family business, right?
08:19I'll go back and smooth things over at home, then come get you.
08:21I looked at him and nodded.
08:23I was truly exhausted from the constant fighting with his mother.
08:26Back then, I believed he was looking out for me that he didn't want me to go back and face
08:30those cold stares.
08:31Only later did I realize, distance doesn't create beauty.
08:35It just makes it easier for him to love someone else.
08:38Last year, when Mrs. Russo turned 60, Dominic came to bring me back.
08:41The moment I stepped inside, I saw my stepsister, Bianca.
08:45She was supposed to be in Palermo for work, but there she was in the living room, arranging fruit.
08:50Her movement's smooth and familiar.
08:52So, she lived here now.
08:53Dominic paused while taking off his shoes and explained,
08:56Bianca's workplace is near our house.
08:58She's staying here temporarily.
09:00There wasn't a trace of guilt in his voice, and I didn't push for more.
09:04My stepmother had married into the Moretti family long after Bianca and I were grown.
09:08We'd never been close.
09:09Over the years, we'd only seen each other during holidays.
09:12I couldn't quite put into words how I felt about her staying there.
09:15Hey, sis.
09:17Don't worry.
09:18I'm just crashing here for a bit.
09:19I'll move out once I find a place.
09:21I nodded, but said nothing.
09:23Back then, I never could have imagined.
09:25For three years, I waited alone in the empty Moretti estate.
09:28And all that time, my little sister had been working in the Russo house.
09:32Now, watching Bianca on Dominic's back, it all suddenly clicked.
09:36I hadn't been waiting for him to bring me home at all.
09:39I'd been waiting for my heart to die.
09:41Bianca's voice drifted closer on the wind.
09:44What about Elena?
09:45If she finds out, she'll lose it.
09:46She's all bark and no bite.
09:48She'll get over it after throwing a fit.
09:50He paused, his voice lowering.
09:53It's pitch black during the claiming.
09:54I just made a mistake.
09:56She'll feel sorry for me before she even gets angry.
09:58Once she finds out, I'll just smooth it over.
10:02Bianca laughed softly.
10:04My knuckles whitened.
10:05One of his men spoke up suddenly.
10:07Kappa, what if someone else claimed Elena?
10:09The group fell quiet.
10:11Then Dominic laughed.
10:12You think she'd let anyone take her without a fight?
10:14With that temper of hers, she'll tear the place apart tonight.
10:17True.
10:17No way Elena goes quietly.
10:19Feel sorry for that poor bastard.
10:20Wonder what he looks like now.
10:23The laughter swelled.
10:24I looked down.
10:26Let's go.
10:26He must have heard everything.
10:28Heard them laughing about me.
10:30Heard how they thought I'd tear the roof off.
10:32But he said nothing.
10:34He just kept walking.
10:35At the gate of the Moretti estate, we ran straight into them.
10:39Torchlight flickered over us.
10:42Luca.
10:43Yeah?
10:44It really is you.
10:46You claiming someone tonight too?
10:48Yeah.
10:49Which family?
10:53A neighbor family.
10:56Caso, man.
10:57Always figured you'd stay single forever.
10:59Congrats.
11:01Dominic took a step forward.
11:02I felt his gaze linger on my back.
11:04That look lasted too long.
11:06Long enough, I almost thought he'd recognized me.
11:11Let's go.
11:12Wait!
11:15Dominic.
11:16My ankle hurts.
11:18What's wrong?
11:19Did you twist it earlier?
11:21I don't know.
11:22It just aches.
11:24Let's go.
11:25We need to get to your place before sunrise.
11:27Dominic didn't waste another second.
11:29You're gonna run.
11:30I'll buy you a drink next time.
11:33They're footsteps faded into the distance.
11:40He really didn't recognize you.
11:42I rested my face against his shoulder and said nothing.
11:44My eyes stung.
11:46His pace slowed.
11:48Steps gentle and steady.
11:49The moon was bright.
11:51The road stretched on.
11:52I had no idea where he was taking me.
11:54But in that moment, I thought, anywhere was better than going back.
11:59Music filled the Russo estate hall.
12:02The whole place buzzed with celebration.
12:05Wine flowed freely and couples danced to old songs.
12:09This was the party after a successful claiming.
12:12By tradition, it would last until sunrise.
12:14Dominic sat at the edge of the crowd, phone in hand.
12:17No messages from Elena.
12:20That wasn't like her.
12:22She never kept things bottled up.
12:24If she found out I claimed the wrong woman, she would have called screaming by now.
12:28I already had my excuses.
12:31It was pitch black.
12:33Don't overthink it.
12:34You're the only one I want.
12:36I'll wait for her to blow up over the phone, then talk her down gently.
12:40She'd hurl some threat, and he'd smooth it over.
12:43Done.
12:43She never stayed mad at me for long.
12:46But this time, no call, no text, no yelling.
12:51Capo, still waiting, Elena?
12:54Don't bother.
12:55Signal's shit out here.
12:56Her area gets fine signal.
12:57Then her phone's probably dead.
12:59Or she didn't see it.
13:00She's probably off beating someone up right now.
13:04Dominic stayed quiet.
13:05Elena had once told him,
13:07I set a special ringtone for your messages.
13:09Don't want to miss them.
13:11I'd sit out in the courtyard till midnight,
13:14just waiting for you to call.
13:17He didn't believe she didn't see it.
13:19But he had no better explanation.
13:21Alright, quit overthinking.
13:23This is your big night.
13:24Your bride's waiting for you.
13:26What are you doing sitting here?
13:28Tradition says once you've claimed her,
13:29you stay with her all night.
13:31Finish the ritual.
13:32I told Beyoncé this was temporary.
13:34I just got her out of there.
13:35I didn't plan on...
13:36Didn't plan on what?
13:37Capo, this is the claiming.
13:39Not a game.
13:40You took her, you finish it.
13:41Otherwise, you insult her whole family.
13:43Besides, you and Elena have been together for years.
13:46She won't care about formalities.
13:47Just get through tonight.
13:48Dominic opened his mouth to argue.
13:51What are you guys talking about?
13:52Dominic froze.
13:53Dominic, I know this one's fake,
13:56but can we at least finish the ritual?
13:58Her eyes glistening.
14:00I know you love Elena,
14:02but can you pretend I'm your bride?
14:04Just tonight.
14:06Dominic said nothing.
14:07Bianca bowed her head,
14:09her lashes fluttering.
14:11Toast the bride!
14:13Toast the bride!
14:15Toast the bride!
14:16Dominic picked up his glass,
14:18linking arms with Bianca.
14:20Light danced across both their faces.
14:22Cheers and laughter erupted around them,
14:25loud enough to rattle the walls.
14:27His eyes kept straying to the dark road beyond the estate,
14:31the same road he'd carried Bianca down tonight.
14:33At the gate, he ran into Luca Santoro.
14:36They met years ago at a family party.
14:41They had a few drinks together.
14:44Acquaintances, at best.
14:45That man had been quiet but steady,
14:47the kind of man you could trust with your life.
14:50Tonight, Luca had been carrying someone too,
14:52said she was from another family.
14:54She was thin, lying quietly on Luca's back.
14:56Only a glimpse of her neck was visible.
14:58The line of that neck,
15:00the curve of her bowed head.
15:01It had felt strangely familiar,
15:03but Bianca had cried out in pain,
15:05so he hadn't thinked again.
15:07Dominic?
15:08Dominic?
15:09Is that okay?
15:10Yeah.
15:11Then he stepped aside,
15:13pulled out his phone,
15:14and dialed Elena's number.
15:16He needed to explain,
15:17to make sure she didn't misunderstand.
15:24Finally, someone picked up.
15:26Hello?
15:28Background noise,
15:29sounds of people moving things.
15:32Dominic blinked.
15:35Let me talk to Elena.
15:38Elena?
15:41She's not here.
15:43We're packing up her stuff to send over.
15:45Send over?
15:47Send where?
15:48Elena never lets her phone leave her hand.
15:50Where are you sending her things?
15:51The woman hesitated,
15:52not expecting the question.
15:55I'm Elena's aunt.
15:56We have to pack her things
15:57and send to her husband's house.
15:59Husband's house?
16:01So Elena was preparing
16:02to move back in with me?
16:03That made sense?
16:05He'd always planned to bring her back
16:06after the claiming.
16:08Stopped leaving her at the Marathi estate alone.
16:10Auntie,
16:11about the claiming tonight,
16:13there was a bit of a mix-up.
16:15Did Elena say anything?
16:16No, several families did claiming tonight.
16:18What would Elena have to say?
16:20Despite the words,
16:21a sense of unease surged in him.
16:23Oh, I can't talk anymore.
16:24We're busy packing.
16:26Both Elena and Bianca were taken tonight.
16:28We have to get their things ready.
16:30Dominic froze.
16:32What did she mean,
16:33both were taken?
16:34Didn't I only take Bianca?
16:36As for Elena,
16:37she would never go with someone she didn't love.
16:39Auntie,
16:41you said Elena was taken?
16:42Yes,
16:43by the Santori family.
16:44Dominic's throat tightened.
16:46He couldn't speak.
16:47He suddenly remembered something
16:48and his mind exploded.
16:51Santori?
16:53Luca?
16:54The man he met at the gate,
16:55the one carrying a girl,
16:57saying she was his bride.
16:58That silhouette,
16:59that looked so familiar.
17:01Elena,
17:02she didn't fight?
17:04Fight?
17:04Why would she?
17:06A claiming isn't a bad thing.
17:07She was as quiet as she could be.
17:09She just went with him.
17:10We all thought it was strange.
17:12With her temper,
17:13shouldn't she have beaten the man?
17:14But nothing happened.
17:15She just let him carry her away.
17:17Dominic's hand began to shake.
17:19Quiet as she could be?
17:21Just let him carry her away?
17:23No,
17:24that wasn't Elena.
17:26No,
17:27that wasn't Elena.
17:28That wasn't the Elena I knew.
17:30He remembered talking to Elena
17:31about claimings before.
17:33She had sat on his doorstep,
17:35swinging her legs,
17:36speaking excitedly.
17:38The girls in Moretti family,
17:40if they're claimed by someone
17:41they don't like,
17:42they don't just let them.
17:43They kick,
17:44bite,
17:45and scratch.
17:46They fight until the man
17:47gives up himself.
17:48You're so wild.
17:50Who would dare claim you?
17:53Well,
17:53it depends on who's coming.
17:55If it's you,
18:00I'd just put on a show
18:01of struggling a little
18:02for appearances.
18:05Just a little?
18:07Three times at most.
18:09If you came to claim me,
18:10I'd probably be the first
18:11to jump on your back
18:12so you wouldn't have
18:12to take those hits.
18:13This girl is so foolish.
18:15Auntie Elena,
18:17when was she taken?
18:19When?
18:20Tonight,
18:21right after you left.
18:22Dominic opened his mouth,
18:23but not a single word
18:24came out.
18:25Hello?
18:27Dominic?
18:27Are you still there?
18:29I'm here.
18:30Why are you asking so much?
18:32Elena's husband
18:32will take care of her.
18:34You claimed Bianca
18:35tonight, didn't you?
18:36That poor girl's
18:36had it rough.
18:37Take good care of her.
18:38All right,
18:39I have to go.
18:40We're still packing.
18:41Elena left in such a hurry
18:42she forgot so many things.
18:44We have to get them to her.
18:45Bye now.
18:46The line went dead.
18:47The dial tone rang
18:48in his ears,
18:49a steady,
18:50hammering sound
18:51over and over.
18:52He stood at the edge
18:53of the crowd,
18:54white-knuckling his phone.
18:56Around him were songs,
18:57laughter,
18:58music,
18:59all the noise
18:59of celebration.
19:00Someone walked past,
19:02slapping his shoulder
19:03in congratulations.
19:04Someone shoved a drink
19:05into his hand,
19:06tugging him
19:06toward the dance floor.
19:08Bianca waved at him
19:09from across the fire,
19:10a soft smile
19:11on her face,
19:11but he couldn't hear a thing.
19:13While he'd been carrying
19:14Bianca away,
19:15Elena had been lying
19:16on another man's back.
19:17They had passed each other
19:18in the dark.
19:19He'd thought she would fight,
19:20scream,
19:21resist,
19:22but she did nothing.
19:23Capo!
19:24Where the hell are you going?
19:26To get my wife.
19:28What wife?
19:29You claim Bianca tonight.
19:31You walk out now,
19:31you insult the whole Moretti family.
19:34This was temporary.
19:36Getting Bianca out of a bad situation.
19:38That's it.
19:39Temporary?
19:40Capo,
19:40you completed the ritual.
19:42The whole Palermo
19:42knows Bianca's yours now.
19:44You leave her tonight,
19:44she's got no standing.
19:46No protection.
19:47Bianca stood by the fire,
19:49watching him,
19:50eyes uncertain.
19:51One night,
19:52stay tonight,
19:54keep up appearances.
19:56Tomorrow,
19:56you can do whatever you want,
19:57but tonight,
19:59you owe Bianca that much.
20:01Dominic clenched his fists,
20:02then slowly let go.
20:04He walked back to the fire.
20:08Where were you going?
20:11Nowhere.
20:12Bianca lowered her head,
20:13not asking more.
20:15That night,
20:15he sat by the fire,
20:16watching the flames flicker and die.
20:18He watched the people come and go,
20:20watched the moon rise and slowly set.
20:23He called Elena countless times.
20:24It was always off.
20:27At dawn,
20:28he rose and left.
20:29Dominic!
20:30He didn't look back.
20:32He drove back to Corleone.
20:35The sun was just rising,
20:37the hounds were baying,
20:38and the morning mist was lifting from the vineyards.
20:41He stopped an old groundskeeper
20:42and asked where Luca's villa was.
20:44The man pointed toward a newly built villa
20:47at the foot of the hill.
20:48He ran over.
20:49The iron gates stood open,
20:51but the house was empty.
20:55Looking for Don Luca?
20:56He left at dawn with his new bride,
20:58said there was urgent family business
21:00and had to return.
21:02Dominic stood frozen in place.
21:04When did they come back?
21:06How should I know?
21:08Dominic stood before that empty house
21:10for a long time without moving.
21:12He pulled out his phone
21:13and called Elena again.
21:16Still off.
21:17He scrolled through his contacts
21:19and realized he didn't even have Luca's number.
21:21They were never close.
21:23He didn't know where Luca lived,
21:24what city he was in.
21:26He knew nothing.
21:26He only remembered last night,
21:29the way Elena had lain so quietly
21:31on that man's back.
21:32He rushed back to the Russo estate,
21:34picked up Bianca,
21:35and headed back to Palermo.
21:37The whole way,
21:38Bianca was quiet,
21:39occasionally glancing at him,
21:40wanting to speak.
21:41He didn't want to talk,
21:42so she didn't ask.
21:45But Elena wasn't at their home.
21:47He had failed again.
21:48In the days that followed,
21:49his mind was still trapped in that claiming.
21:54Just a little more.
21:56Just a little more,
21:57and he could have stopped his woman
21:58from being taken.
22:01Dominic.
22:02She no longer called him brother-in-law.
22:05She held a cup of warm milk.
22:08You haven't eaten much these past few days.
22:10Drink some milk.
22:12Bianca didn't leave.
22:14She sat beside him.
22:15I wanted to talk to you.
22:17Your mother refused to let you
22:18legally marry my sister.
22:20That was her condition
22:20for tolerating the relationship.
22:23So you gave Elena a fake certificate
22:25to make her believe you were committed.
22:27Then, to save me from the Valentino family,
22:30you registered a real marriage
22:34with me.
22:35Bianca lowered her head,
22:36her lashes trembling.
22:37You claimed me in front of the families.
22:40Completed the ritual,
22:41made me your Donna.
22:43Dominic, since it has come to this,
22:45why don't we simply be together?
22:47Dominic froze.
22:49What did you say?
22:50Do you dare say
22:51you don't truly like me?
22:54You legally married me.
22:56You completed the claiming ritual.
22:59You made me your Donna.
23:01You say it was to save me from Valentino,
23:04but you never had to go that far.
23:05Just admit it.
23:07You like me.
23:09As for Elena,
23:10she's just not right for you.
23:12All she cares about is her dad's business.
23:14She never even thinks about
23:15helping you with your work
23:16or fitting in with your crowd.
23:18What's she even going to give you?
23:20But I'm different.
23:22I know what you want,
23:23and I know how to make your mom happy.
23:25I can give you way more
23:26than she ever could.
23:28Dominic looked into those eyes
23:30that were nothing like Elena's.
23:32Elena's eyes were bright,
23:33like stars in the mountains.
23:35No secrets, no pretense.
23:37Happy was happy.
23:38Sad was sad.
23:39Plain and simple.
23:40But Bianca's eyes were soft,
23:42like a pool of water
23:43that could pull you under
23:44before you even realized it.
23:46He suddenly asked himself,
23:47back when he'd go to the Meretti estate,
23:49bringing things for Elena,
23:51did he always bring a little something
23:52for Bianca, too?
23:55And later,
23:56when Bianca said her sister
23:57got the family business,
23:58she had to find work.
24:00Was it just because he felt sorry
24:01for how fragile she seemed
24:03that he let her move into his home?
24:04He wasn't sure anymore.
24:06Was that casual kindness
24:08he'd shown her over the past three years
24:10really just a coincidence?
24:11And when he saw Bianca smile,
24:13was that feeling in his chest
24:15really just the affection of a brother?
24:17He didn't know when it started.
24:18Or perhaps he always knew,
24:20but refused to admit it.
24:22He only knew one thing for certain.
24:23Elena was the one he was supposed to marry.
24:25The wife he chose.
24:27The girl he was willing to give up everything.
24:30Dominic snapped back,
24:32looking at her,
24:32but thinking of Elena,
24:34thinking of her lying on that man's back,
24:36thinking of how she hadn't said a word,
24:38thinking of how she hadn't even bothered to struggle.
24:40His heart felt as if a piece
24:41had been savagely carved out.
24:43So, the mistaken identity,
24:45he thought no one knew,
24:46Elena had seen it all.
24:48So, she walked away in the other direction.
24:52Not long after, his mother arrived.
24:55Walked in, already lecturing.
24:56Since you and Bianca are registered,
24:59just live your lives.
25:00Why are you constantly thinking about that woman
25:02who ran off with another man
25:04and hasn't even come home?
25:06Dominic knew she would say this.
25:08In these three years,
25:09Bianca had charmed her well.
25:10She made her almost forget
25:12who it was that used to be insulted in the kitchen,
25:14who worked until midnight without a word of thanks.
25:17Bianca knew how to act cute,
25:19how to speak softly,
25:20how to buy expensive gifts to make her smile.
25:23And Elena?
25:23Elena didn't know these things.
25:25Elena only knew how to work hard,
25:27how to be good to him,
25:28how to stand there and wait to be seen.
25:30But she was never seen.
25:33Mother, Elena didn't run off.
25:37If that isn't running off, what is?
25:39She was claimed,
25:40claiming our normal out there.
25:42If she had you in her heart,
25:44why hasn't she come back?
25:45Because I have no right to ask her to.
25:47His mother froze.
25:50Back then, you said the only condition
25:52for accepting her
25:53was not registering the marriage.
25:56So, the contract I had with her was fake.
25:59From beginning to end,
26:00she was never truly my wife.
26:02Since she isn't back,
26:03I have no standing to look for her.
26:05If she wants to marry someone else...
26:08His throat tightened.
26:10I don't even have the right to object.
26:12Then who do you blame?
26:14I did interfere with the registration,
26:16but the rest was your choice.
26:17If you didn't like Bianca,
26:19why did you claim her?
26:20Why did you register with her?
26:21Dominic's throat choked.
26:23He couldn't explain.
26:25Saying Bianca was to help her leave,
26:27registering was for her status,
26:28but saying those things now felt pathetic,
26:31even to him.
26:32By helping her,
26:33he had lost himself.
26:34I'm telling you,
26:36everyone in the family knows about you and Bianca.
26:38You legally married that girl.
26:40You claimed her in front of the families.
26:43You made her your Donna,
26:44and now you want to discard her?
26:47What does that say about the Russo family?
26:51We're divorced.
26:53What?
26:54We divorced two months ago.
26:57I couldn't live with her.
26:59Then what do you want to do now?
27:01What did he want?
27:02He wanted to laugh.
27:03He wanted to find Elena,
27:05but with what?
27:06He didn't even know if she still hated him.
27:08He didn't even have the chance to use a divorce
27:10to force her to see him.
27:11Three years later.
27:12You're either locked in the Moretti estate
27:14or driving across Sicily chasing a ghost.
27:16Get out for once.
27:18Dominic,
27:18every family sends someone tonight.
27:20You should show your face.
27:22The hall was crowded with the elites
27:23of the most powerful syndicates.
27:26Dominic wandered through it aimlessly,
27:29eyes passing over each face and moving on.
27:32Three years.
27:33He thought sometimes.
27:34After her father died,
27:35she had nobody left.
27:36Maybe that's why she never went back to Moretti estate.
27:38She'd had him once.
27:40But what had he done with that?
27:41He'd made her wait three years,
27:43then carried another woman out right in front of her.
27:45What had he actually given her?
27:47A fake marriage license?
27:49Empty words.
27:50Three years of his mother's contempt.
27:53He'd watched every bit of it
27:54and never once stepped in front of it.
27:56And in the end,
27:58on what should have been the best night of her life,
28:00he walked away from her for good.
28:02Was she somewhere doing well now?
28:04Had she already forgotten him?
28:12Dominic, isn't that Elena?
28:14The man was in a black shirt,
28:16focused, unhurried.
28:18The woman beside him.
28:21She was speaking to someone.
28:23And her eyes curved into a smile.
28:25That was the person he'd been looking for for three years.
28:28Standing right there,
28:29close enough to see.
28:32Elena!
28:46Hello.
28:47What can I help you with?
28:48Elena.
28:50It's me.
28:51She looked at him the way you look at someone you half recognize.
28:54I'm sorry.
28:55Do we know each me?
28:56I'm terrible with faces.
28:57She looked at him again more carefully.
28:59Mr. Russo.
29:01It's been a while.
29:02She genuinely hadn't recognized him.
29:05Three years.
29:06Dominic was gaunt and weathered,
29:08no longer the handsome, dashing man he had once been.
29:11Luca looked up then and glanced at him.
29:14He said nothing,
29:15simply stepping closer to Elena's side.
29:17It was a natural, protective stance.
29:19You two,
29:21are you truly, truly together?
29:23Elena turned slightly to look at Luca.
29:26That look was soft,
29:28certain,
29:28and natural.
29:31Mr. Russo,
29:32let me introduce you.
29:33This is my wife.
29:34During the claiming,
29:35you met her, remember?
29:37Wife?
29:38That's,
29:38how can that count?
29:40That was a mistake,
29:41a blunder.
29:42It was dark,
29:42and I claimed the wrong person.
29:43Claimed the wrong person?
29:45Mr. Russo,
29:46in our tradition,
29:47a claiming isn't a kidnapping.
29:48It's a silent agreement between families.
29:50If the girl doesn't want it,
29:52can she be taken?
29:54If she truly didn't want to go,
29:57she would have beat me until my own mother didn't recognize me.
30:03The words were a knife in Dominic's chest.
30:05He remembered what Elena had said.
30:07If it's someone I don't like,
30:09I'll fight until he don't recognize himself.
30:11But the truth was,
30:13she had lain quietly on Luca's back,
30:15without a single sound.
30:17He stood there,
30:18watching Elena turn her head to meet the other man's gaze.
30:21If you're here on Russo business,
30:22I can point you to the right people.
30:24If not,
30:24you're in the way.
30:27Elena!
30:28Listen to me!
30:29Listen to what?
30:30Listen to you say the marriage was fake?
30:32Listen to you tell me about your plan to swap brides
30:33so the fragile Bianca wouldn't suffer?
30:35You...
30:36You heard all that?
30:39Mr. Russo,
30:41meeting today is fate,
30:43but it doesn't mean you can harass my wife.
30:45Luca!
30:46She's my wife!
30:48Luca said nothing,
30:49only looked down at Elena.
30:51He had explained this to his wife before.
30:54That night,
30:54he had followed the crew to the Maradi estate,
30:57but not for himself.
30:58His cousin had wanted Bianca
31:00and dragged him along for support.
31:02He couldn't refuse,
31:04so he went.
31:05But at the edge of the estate,
31:07the cousin suddenly clutched clutched his stomach,
31:10his face pale.
31:12I can't, I can't.
31:14That wine at lunch was bad.
31:16I need a place...
31:17He waved him off.
31:18You go ahead.
31:19Find Bianca and hide her.
31:20Actually, she doesn't like me.
31:22I just wanted to try if she'd accept me.
31:24If she won't,
31:25we'll just leave.
31:26Don't let her suffer.
31:27With that,
31:28he vanished into the trees.
31:30Luca stood in the darkness,
31:32feeling ridiculous.
31:34He came to help with a claiming,
31:36and the groom had run off.
31:38He stood there,
31:40not knowing whether to stay or go.
31:43Later,
31:44he went in,
31:46not to claim anyone,
31:48but to find Bianca,
31:55and tell her to hide.
31:58Then another crew poured through the door
32:00and started throwing their weight around.
32:02First it was the motions.
32:03Then it started being rude.
32:05She didn't move,
32:07didn't fight back,
32:08just sat there and took it.
32:09He couldn't watch it.
32:11He walked over,
32:12crouched down in front of her.
32:13Do you want to leave?
32:16She looked at him,
32:17and her eyes turned home,
32:19but she didn't crew.
32:20She simply nended and climbed onto his back.
32:23Perhaps that was fate.
32:26If his cousin hadn't had a stomach ache,
32:29perhaps in her despair,
32:30she really would have gone with,
32:31or perhaps,
32:32after they found the mistake,
32:33they would have parted ways peacefully,
32:35treated the night as a blunder.
32:36But there are no ifs.
32:37He and Elena decided to give each other a chance.
32:40So they made the claiming real.
32:41And so,
32:42they found their current happiness.
32:44Elena suddenly called his name,
32:45her voice soft.
32:46Didn't you get your wish and claim Bianca?
32:52Dominic's throat choked.
32:54I,
32:55Bianca,
32:55he and Bianca had divorced long ago.
32:58But what point was there in saying that now?
33:01Elena,
33:01I claimed the wrong one.
33:03That night,
33:03I was supposed to claim you.
33:05I thought you'd fight,
33:06I thought you'd-
33:07I never imagined
33:08Bianca kind.
33:09I'll give Bianca back to you.
33:10I'll give everything back to you.
33:11Give Elena back to me.
33:12Elena smiled,
33:13a light,
33:14faint smile.
33:15Dominic,
33:15a claiming isn't a game.
33:17In our traditions,
33:18a mistake is the will of heaven.
33:19Heaven willed me to go with him,
33:21so I went.
33:22Heaven willed me to go with him,
33:23so I went.
33:24You claimed Bianca,
33:26and I married Luca.
33:28We're even.
33:29Dominic stood there,
33:30shaking.
33:31He saw Luca
33:31gently put an arm around her shoulder.
33:33He wanted to chase them,
33:35but he couldn't move.
33:36In the crowd,
33:37Elena's back grew further and further away.
33:40The rain came suddenly,
33:41and the crowd began to disperse.
33:44Dominic still stood there,
33:45in the rain.
33:46He suddenly remembered the summer years ago,
33:49when he went to find Elena.
33:50You fool!
33:51I was afraid you'd be waiting.
33:53Then,
33:54eyes brights like Shanton stars.
33:56Dominic,
33:57I'll wait for you.
33:58Okay.
33:59He'd made her wait for three years.
34:01In the rain,
34:01he suddenly laughed,
34:02and he couldn't tell the rain from the tears.
34:04Who did not pass?
34:04And I can say that's an hour,
34:04and I lost him.
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